Global Church Network and Assemblies of God Theological Seminary Partner to Address Growing Shortfall of Pastors Formal Relationship Makes Accredited Online Courses Available to Thousands of Emerging Ministry Leaders around the World NEWS PROVIDED BY Global Church Network Sept. 10, 2024 ORLANDO, Sept. 10, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Global Church Divinity School (GCDS), an online pastor training resource launched in 2001 by the Global Church Network (GCN), is excited to announce a formal partnership with Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, to provide GCDS students accredited graduate credit hours toward a Master's degree from AGTS. "The greatest need in the Global Church today is not more models, money or methods, but God-called, Christ-centered, Kingdom-minded, Spirit-empowered, Bible-based preachers, who can communicate to the Now Generation and lead the Church toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission," said Dr. James O. Davis, founder of GCN and GCDS, and himself an AGTS graduate. "We are honored to synergize together with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary to address the shortfall of trained ministers and make accredited, world-class training more accessible to busy professionals and those living far from traditional seminaries." Part of the Global Church Network, the largest pastors' network in the world, GCDS comprises more than 260 courses in 8 languages, with more than 1000 lecture hours and over 200 faculty. GCDS currently interfaces with GCN's Global Hubs of Christianity, providing the finest training possible even in the hardest places in the world. Now, with this new partnership, GCDS students can earn AGTS Specialized Certificates in Preaching, Teaching, Pastoral Life, Bible, Christ Formation, Arts & Imagination, and Contextual Semiotics. AGTS Vice President Dr. Wade Mumm, who also serves as Lead Pastor of Greeneway Church in Orlando, was raised by missionary parents in Thailand and so uniquely understands the challenges of educating and equipping ministry leaders in remote locations. "I look forward to creatively, strategically and synergistically developing incredible educational onramps onto the highway of ministry with the Global Church Divinity School," he said. The Global Church Network launched GCDS 22 years ago, anticipating fewer leaders entering ministry careers in the future something that has become a challenge here in the U.S. as well as around the world. According to Dr. Davis, himself an Assemblies of God ordained minister, "Whether the Church is growing at supersonic speed or experiencing slower growth, there are not enough pastors to fill the existing pulpits, much less the starting of new churches." Dr. David Sobrepena, Global Church Network Cochair for East Asia and Founder of Word of Hope Church in Manila, shared that he is thrilled with the academic relationship between the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and the Global Church Divinity School. "We must forge new dynamic paths and faster means to equipping and educating future pastors and ministers," he said. As an early pioneer in online divinity studies and ministry preparation, GCDS has equipped tens of thousands of ministers from every nation across the globe over the last 22 years. The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary was founded in 1973 under the leadership of the late Dr. Thomas F. Zimmerman, Assemblies of God General Superintendent. Over the years, thousands of students from around the world have graduated from AGTS, carrying with them its vision statement, "Truth on Fire." "The Global Church Divinity School partnership with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary is the next step to raising up high quality leaders to finish the Great Commission," added Rev. Brian Ashworth, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Harvest Church in Belfast. "We have witnessed firsthand as we have taught in the Global Church Network Hubs, both in Moldova and Egypt, hundreds of pastors and leaders have been equipped with the finest training possible to help them plant churches and preach the Gospel." Rev. Terry Bailey, Superintendent of the Tennessee Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, agrees. "We began making the online training of the Global Church Divinity School available to our pastors and ministers about ten years ago," he said. "We could not be more pleased with the academic relationship formed between the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and GCDS." About Global Church Network Established in 2001, Global Church Network is a growing coalition of more than 2,750 Christian ministries and 700,000 churches synergizing their efforts together to build the premier community of pastors worldwide and has helped plant five million new churches for a billion-soul harvest. To learn more, visit https://gcnw.tv. The Global Church Divinity School currently interfaces with GCN's Global Hubs of Christianity, providing the finest training possible even in the hardest places in the world, and has helped train tens of thousands of Christian leaders since 2002. For more information, visit gcnw.tv. SOURCE Global Church Network CONTACT: Roy Kamau, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, roy@alarryross.com Share Tweet China to host friendly, united, fruitful SCO summit next year: vice foreign minister Xinhua) 08:31, September 10, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will host a friendly, united and fruitful Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit next year, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said Monday. Sun said China has taken the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025, and will host the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO next year. As the first international organization with China as a founding member state and named after a Chinese city, Sun said the SCO, guided by the Shanghai Spirit since its establishment in 2001, has successfully embarked on a path of peaceful development and set an example for building a new type of international relations. He stated that China will work with SCO member states to uphold unity and cooperation, implement the series of global initiatives put forward by China, and make positive contributions to the lasting peace and common prosperity of the world. Outlining China's vision during its presidency, Sun said China's work will revolve around a central theme, namely the "SCO Year of Sustainable Development," including cooperation in sectors such as poverty alleviation, food security, public health, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity. Sun noted that China will formulate the SCO summit declaration and the SCO development strategy for the next stage, adding that the country will host over 100 meetings and activities within the SCO framework to further deepen practical cooperation in various fields. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Thank you frank Omg after 3 days we were finally apple to approve this post that was stuck in the queue dsafjklfdjs.Thank you Reply Thread Link Happy to be of help ;) Reply Parent Thread Link apple? I'm going back to bed. Reply Parent Thread Link someone watched the apple showcase yesterday! Reply Parent Thread Link OMG it is! Reply Parent Thread Link Thank you!! Reply Parent Thread Link Team Paris! Reply Thread Link Came to say this Reply Parent Thread Link Always Team Logan. I hate Jess and it makes it hard for me to rewatch his seasons. I will never get over how he tried to rape/sexually assault Rory at a party and everyone just gives him a pass for it. Were supposed to like him because he grew off screen? Bye. He never even apologizes to Rory for sexually traumatizing her Reply Thread Link Every year, we have this conversation, and i'm always amazed at how Jess always comes out on top despite the incident Reply Parent Thread Link its not that jess is perfect, its that the other options are dean and logan. dean is somehow both boring and insane and I don't remember Logan. he had that one "im so rich but so conflicted" expression and went to London once I think Reply Parent Thread Link Obviously it happened so its canon so I dont disagree but the writers tended to write Rorys boyfriends shitty/change their character almost when they wanted it to end. Dean was initially written kind of like Jess initially and then they had to make him seem like a dumb oaf towards the end. They clearly needed to write Jess off and wanted everyone to hate him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This. I hated him the first time I watched the show and I hate him even more now. The fact that he's the favourite is baffling Reply Parent Thread Link what?? you mean the scene in kyles bedroom? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is the post that has the queue collapsing? Reply Thread Link you just wait til we fight it out, this question has a way of making basic white girlsgo ham. Reply Parent Thread Link My dudette; this post gave an error whenever we wanted to open it. Asking us to check LiveJournal status. So hey yes, aim high Reply Parent Thread Link Sorry about it, IDK what happened Reply Parent Thread Expand Link TEAM LOGAN ALWAYS Reply Thread Link also her book comes out on my 30th bday and gilmore girls is such a big part of my life, I'm excited! Reply Thread Link I had this discussion with my niece way too many times (GG is her favorite tv show in her 14 years of life so far) and we came to the conclusion that it'd be Dean from S1, followed by Logan being the least worst. Reply Thread Link I'm rewatching GG at the moment and I can't get over how the whole town was just so terrible to Jess from the very beginning. I especially cringed at how Lorelai went off on Luke after Jess & Rory were in their car accident and was like "everyone HATES him" and expected Luke to hate his own nephew?? Luke was right to be mad at her after that. And Rory never trusted him, she was so concerned about Dean. Reply Thread Link I dont think you understand, he stole gnomes and wore a leather jacket once. Reply Parent Thread Link The things that Pierpong saw cannot be unseen. Reply Parent Thread Link The way the town coddled Rory in general was ridiculous but the reaction to that accident was crazy. Reply Parent Thread Link It's honestly wild how much Lorelai just instantly hates him from the beginning and is an asshole to him. Like, he's a 17 year old kid who has been uprooted and sent off to stay with his uncle in an unknown place, have some fucking empathy. And then her reactions from that just got even worse, especially with the accident. I wish Lorelai would have known that Jess was the one to confront Rory about Yale, tbh. (Then again, one of my main takeaways from rewatches as an adult is that Lorelai is exhausting and pretty self-centered at times.) Reply Parent Thread Link I disagree but at least she didn't choose Dean. Reply Thread Link The Queen has spoken the truth: Logan all the way! Reply Thread Link That poll doesn't include the only correct answer: Paris. I've already put this book on hold at the library. I love Kelly Bishop so much. Reply Thread Link Thank you queen. I'm finally vindicated. Reply Thread Link If we're judging these boyfriends strictly as boyfriends, then Logan was the "best" one as a result of being the "least worst" one. Again, as a boyfriend. If we're judging them by character arcs, then it goes to Jess, who was the worst of her boyfriends as a boyfriend, but grew as a character to mature more than the other two. Reply Thread Link I would choose none, but if I had to pick one, I'd pick Logan too. I think he was the less shitty boyfriend. I still don't get people who like Jess, he was a piece of shit, and the fact that he "changed" later doesn't count. They were no longer together and he even yelled at her when they saw each other again Reply Thread Link 2024 NSC Congress and Expo Is Heading to Orlando The National Safety Councils annual event will feature an exciting mix of networking, activities and educational opportunities. The 2024 edition of the National Safety Councils (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo is heading to Orlando, Florida. This years eventwhich offers a glimpse at the latest safety trends and innovationstakes place at the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees will have access to over 100 educational and technical sessions, 20 Professional Development Seminars and an expansive expo floor. According to the NSC website, specialized seminars will run from Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 18-19, while the main congress and expo takes place from September 16-18. As always, attendees at this year's event can expect to leave with all the tools they need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of occupational health and safety. NSC Safety Congress & Expo will feature a wide range of opportunities for participants to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and update their safety certifications. This includes training and educational sessions focused on mental health, Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into safety protocols. With new additions, NSC Safety Congress & Expo is perhaps more relevant than ever. The event aims to reflect the latest developments within the safety industry while prioritizing the practical needs of safety professionals. As always, the NSC promises an event that empowers attendees to make impactful changes within their organizations. NSC 2024 Safety Congress & Expo Lines Up Dynamic Keynotes on Safety, Innovation, and Human-Robot Interaction Three days of Keynote speakers will cover safety models, innovation, and human-robot interaction The National Safety Council (NSC) is preparing for its 2024 Safety Congress & Expo, taking place from Sept. 13-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. With keynote sessions scheduled across three days, the event promises to inspire and challenge safety professionals with engaging presentations from compelling leaders and experts. The opening session on Monday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will feature Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer known for his feats in the outdoors, such as summiting Mt. Everest and kayaking the Grand Canyon. Weihenmayer will present The No Barriers Life, sharing his insights on overcoming obstacles and developing what he calls the No Barriers Mindset. His presentation will challenge attendees to turn challenges into opportunities and push beyond their perceived limits. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the day will begin with A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., featuring Tim Page-Bottorff and Corrie Pitzer. They will explore two distinct safety models, Safety I and Safety II, and how integrating both approaches can lead to better safety outcomes. Following this, at 10 a.m., Scott Hoesman and Nakia Green from InQUEST Consulting will present What Can We Agree On? Psychologically Safe Workplaces, addressing strategies to create psychologically safe environments that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. Later that afternoon, at 2 p.m., Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, will discuss Safety as a Core Value, focusing on current safety challenges and opportunities to improve workplace safety in the United States. The event will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 18, with a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Kate Darling, a leading expert in social robotics and a research scientist at MIT. In her presentation, The Future of Human-Robot Interaction, Dr. Darling will explore how robots are entering shared human spaces, raising ethical, legal, and social questions. She will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by human-robot interaction and the broader implications for society as these machines become more advanced. In addition to the keynote sessions, attendees will have access to over 100 educational and technical sessions, 20 Professional Development Seminars, and an expansive expo floor showcasing the latest in safety technology and solutions. 2024 NSC Congress & Expo Is Heading to Orlando The National Safety Councils annual event will feature an exciting mix of networking, activities and educational opportunities. The 2024 edition of the National Safety Councils (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo is heading to Orlando, Florida. This years eventwhich offers a glimpse at the latest safety trends and innovationstakes place at the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees will have access to over 100 educational and technical sessions, 20 Professional Development Seminars and an expansive expo floor. According to the NSC website, specialized seminars will run from Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 18-19, while the main congress and expo takes place from September 16-18. As always, attendees at this years event can expect to leave with all the tools they need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of occupational health and safety. NSC Safety Congress & Expo will feature a wide range of opportunities for participants to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and update their safety certifications. This includes training and educational sessions focused on mental health, Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into safety protocols. With new additions, NSC Safety Congress & Expo is perhaps more relevant than ever. The event aims to reflect the latest developments within the safety industry while prioritizing the practical needs of safety professionals. As always, the NSC promises an event that empowers attendees to make impactful changes within their organizations. Lets take a closer look at what attendees can expect to experience this year: Keynote Speakers With keynote sessions scheduled across three days, the event promises to inspire and challenge safety professionals with engaging presentations from compelling leaders and experts. The opening session on Monday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will feature Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer known for his feats in the outdoors, such as summiting Mt. Everest and kayaking the Grand Canyon. Weihenmayer will present The No Barriers Life, sharing his insights on overcoming obstacles and developing what he calls the No Barriers Mindset. His presentation will challenge attendees to turn challenges into opportunities and push beyond their perceived limits. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the day will begin with A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., featuring Tim Page-Bottorff and Corrie Pitzer. They will explore two distinct safety models, Safety I and Safety II, and how integrating both approaches can lead to better safety outcomes. This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Central Asian countries are considering nuclear power but have concerns about safety due to the region's seismic activity. Hoping to drum up some much-needed cash to help fuel the Kremlins war effort in Ukraine, Rosatom, Russias state-controlled nuclear entity, is hyping atomic energy as a green solution to Central Asias power problems. But Rosatoms efforts to assuage Central Asian citizens on the safety and greenness of Russian nuclear solutions are undermined by reports of haphazard operational practices. The rickety electricity grid across Central Asia is struggling to meet rising demand, with even Kazakhstan, the regions most economically advanced state, grappling with power outages. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are all considering nuclear energy as a potential solution to electricity-supply challenges. The main concern about building nuclear plants in Central Asia involves safety in a seismic zone: the region is prone to powerful earthquakes. Rosatom is hard at work trying to reassure Central Asian leaders and citizens alike that it has the answers to meet the regions nuclear needs. In an interview with Kyrgyzstan-based Kaktus Media, Dmitry Konstantinov, Rosatoms chief representative in the Central Asian state, attempted to dispel concerns about the safety standards of Russian-designed reactors. Such concerns are not just connected to the legacy of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, but also such tragedies as the sinking of the nuclear submarine Kursk in 2000. The increased seismic activity of the region [Central Asia] requires increased attention to ensuring the safety of a nuclear power plant, Konstantinov said. Modern Russian reactors fully comply with them [safety standards]. The reactors that Rosatom is seeking to build in Central Asia are small, low-power models, dubbed RITM-200N. So far, these reactors have been deployed mainly at sea, powering three Russian icebreakers plying Arctic waters, as well as on the floating nuclear reactor Akademik Lomonosov. Konstantinov asserted that active and passive safety systems allow RITM-200N reactors to operate safely under high shock loads, thereby protecting against accidents caused by earthquakes registering 8 on the Richter Scale. To sharpen his sales pitch, Konstantinov noted nuclear power generation does not emit greenhouse gases and is compatible with other green energy sources, including wind and solar power. He said nuclear power can act as a base, working in tandem with renewable energy sources to "smooth out peak loads. Only Russia has experience in the construction of low-power stations, Konstantinov claimed. In the interview, he made it sound like Rosatom was close to finalizing a deal with Kyrgyzstan to build a nuclear plant with six RITM-200N reactors with a total capacity of 330 Megawatts annually, and an operational lifespan of up to 60 years. Kyrgyz officials have not made any public announcements concerning a decision to build a plant, although the countrys parliament earlier in 2024 approved the resumption of uranium mining. Uzbekistan in June signed an agreement with Russia to install up to six low-power reactors, each with a generating capacity of 55 MW, similar to those planned in Kyrgyzstan. Kazakhstan will be holding a nationwide referendum in October on whether to proceed with plans to build a nuclear plant there. Kazakh officials have not disclosed which entity would get the contract to build the plant, if the referendum is approved. While the designs of modern Russian nuclear reactors may meet international safety standards, Russia has a history of haphazard practices in the operation of plants, as well as in the handling of nuclear waste. In late 2023, for example, Rosatom used a cargo vessel with a history of safety violations to deliver a fresh supply of nuclear fuel to the Akademik Lomonosov. Last April, a state of emergency was declared in the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk due to a radiation leak. Russia likewise has a spotty legacy of disposing of spent nuclear fuel. With Russian resources focused on supporting its war effort in Ukraine, the states ability to pursue cleanup efforts of nuclear pollution in the Arctic are on hold. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Germanys power market is in the midst of a significant transition. Demand continues to fall despite normalizing prices, and retired coal and nuclear capacity mean the European giant is now heavily reliant on imports from its neighbors. But its not all bad news for the sector. Rystad Energy projections show Germany will surpass its policy goal of 80% renewable energy generation by 2030, largely thanks to the rapid capacity build-up of solar and wind. While the countrys quick adoption of renewable energy systems has helped to offset the loss of traditional power capacity to a degree, the speed of the transition has not been sufficient to keep up with demand. Renewable energy capacity in Germany has grown significantly in recent years. With 143 gigawatts of alternating current (GWac) installed by the end of 2023, the nation is the stand-out leader in Europe. New solar and wind installations hit a record last year, but that record is set to be broken again in 2024. Renewable energy auctions have been the primary driver of utility-scale additions, and much more capacity is planned to be auctioned in the coming years. Between 2024 and 2028, more than 120 GWac will be auctioned off, spread across solar photovoltaic (PV) and offshore and onshore wind. Onshore wind will see the most significant capacity increase, with 50 GWac planned for auction in the next five years. Of course, these auctions are not set in stone, and achieving 100% of these targets is unlikely, but recent progress is a promising start. Rystad Energy research and analysis forecasts that by 2030, Germany will boast nearly 300 GWac of renewable energy capacity, more than doubling the total at the start of 2024. The German power sector is a fascinating case study in the global decarbonization and electrification of the grid. Although there has been some short-term pain, the long-term gains appear all but secured. If policymakers stick to their current goals and strategies, Germany will likely continue dominating the European renewables landscape and shed its reliance on imports in the imminent future, says Fabian Ronningen, Vice President of Renewables & Power Research at Rystad Energy. Rystad Energy is excited to announce the opening of its first German market office in Frankfurt. To commemorate the occasion, we are hosting a grand opening event on Thursday, 12 September, at the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. For more details and to register, visit our event page. Learn more with Rystad Energys Renewables & Power Solution. At the beginning of 2024, many market observers expected an eventual upswing in German and continental European power demand after two years of significant decline. With close to two-thirds of the year now completed, it is unlikely there will be a considerable demand recovery for Germany this year. Net on-grid power demand in Germany has declined by about 0.7% this year and is now a massive 8.1% behind the level from 2021. Unless there is an unprecedented pick-up in demand for the remaining months of the year, Germany will end 2024 with another year of declining or, in the best case, flattish power demand. The considerable reduction in power demand has been one of the main factors for a similar movement on the supply side. The decline in supply has, however, been even more substantial than the decline in demand in the last two years, where the difference naturally is made up by higher power imports. After a massive decline in power generation of more than 10% last year, supply has continued to decline this year. Coal and nuclear energy have seen the most significant decline, with 2024 being the first full year with nuclear energy entirely phased out of the power mix and coal still having relatively low-cost competitiveness compared to gas. The mismatch between supply and demand can be explained by much higher power imports, and with eight months of the year completed at the time of writing, Germany has already imported more power so far in 2024 than the entire year in 2023, with a net import balance of 15.3 terawatt-hours (TWh). Germany has slowly transformed from one of Europes largest power exporters to one of its largest importers. We estimate that gross coal power generation in Germany will total 107 TWh this year, a reduction of 163 TWh since 2015. From an environmental perspective, this is the desired outcome. Still, one result has been a greater reliance on power imports, directly contributing to Germany's higher power prices than its neighbors. Although renewable energy has seen impressive growth over the last decade, it is evident in hindsight that it has been far from enough to replace the role of nuclear and coal used in Germanys power mix. German power prices are still low compared to similar large European consumers such as Italy, which relies heavily on imports and has low renewable penetration. Even so, prices remain elevated due to supply issues compared to France. In 2021 and 2022, the situation was reversed, with Germany benefiting from ample domestic supply to keep prices below its French neighbors. But that is no longer the case, as France continues utilizing its nuclear power generation capacity to keep supply stable and prices low. By Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Natural gas and coal remain the sources of over half of U.S. electricity generation despite a massive government-sponsored push to build out wind and solar as replacements for hydrocarbons. These have indeed grown as a percentage of generation capacity and as a portion of output. And yet, coal and gas remain dominant, supplying 58% of the electricity generated in the U.S. over the first eight months of this year, according to data from LSEG. This, Reuters Gavin Maguire reported, is down from 60.4% during the first eight months of 2021, which might give transition advocates some hope a zero-carbon grid may be possible at some point in the distant future. However, in absolute terms, output from coal and gas-powered plants has gone up, Maguire noted, meaning they actually supplied more electricity to the grid than they did when they accounted for a bigger percentage of total output back in 2021. The reason, of course, is rising demand and the inflexibility of wind and solar. As weather-dependent energy sources, these cannot provide on-demand electricity unless they are paired with massive batteries that have yet to be built economically. So, the grid relies on the baseload, round-the-clock, on-demand generation from coal and gas power plants. Population growth is one of the biggest reasons for this increase in electricity demand. Another, more prominently featured in the media, is the rise of artificial intelligence in the IT industry. In June, The Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. electricity demand had rebounded after the pandemic lockdowns, with the strongest growth recorded in a handful of states experiencing rapid development of large-scale computing facilities such as data centers. Related: Gunvor Expands Its Crude Oil Trading With U.S. Volumes Indeed, data centers and the growth in artificial intelligence applications are becoming potentially significant challenges for the energy transition because of the electricity demand they will add to the current total. There are also problems with raw materials for constructing all the data centers necessary to enable even greater utilization of artificial intelligence, which in turn would add more electricity demand that would need to be met by reliable round-the-clock sources. In this context, it is hardly a surprise that natural gas specifically is enjoying growing demand. The International Energy Agency acknowledged this in a report from December last year. In it, the IEA said that a significant drop in the price of natural gas, coal plant retirements, low output from wind and hydropower, and high cooling demand in some regions caused the share of gas to increase, reaching 45% of total generation in the summer months of 2023. Gas demand is set to increase further as demand for electricity grows, and no amount of new solar and wind capacity additions can really affect this negatively. This might turn into a problem because building new gas-fired power plants is not even remotely as trendy as building solar installations. Indeed, earlier this year, Upstream reported data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revealing that only 67 MW of new natural gas generation capacity was added in the first four months of the year. This compared with a much more impressive 5.1 GW in the same period of 2023. Solar additions over the same period stood at 7.9 GW, up from 3.8 GW last year. In the meantime, it has become harder to build a new natural gas plant because of updated EPA emissions rules that place weighty and expensive requirements on developers, making them think twice about building any new plants. Yet this might yet change because of artificial intelligence. Gas is the only cost-efficient energy generation capable of providing the type of 24/7 reliable power required by the big technology companies to power the AI boom, Doug Kimmelman, founder and senior partner at Energy Capital Partners, the private equity investors, told the Financial Times earlier this year. It will not be done without gas, EQTs chief executive Toby Rice said as the issue of electricity demand from data centers came into the media spotlightalong with the issue of electrification, which is being promoted as an essential part of the energy transition. Essential as it may be, the electrification of transport, heating, and cooking will add new demand, tooand strain the grid further. This, in turn, would strengthen the growth of hydrocarbon energy as nuclear energy remains out of favor due to its high construction costs. The situation is something of a vicious circle. There is a push to electrify as many things as possible to reduce emissions. Yet this electrification push adds to electricity demand, which can only partially be satisfied by the preferred sources of the transition campwind and solar. Since this demand must be satisfied, ultimately, the electrification push increases demand for natural gas and, to a lesser extent, coal. Ironically, it seems that there cannot be a transition without electrification, but there cannot be electrification without hydrocarbons. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com For more than a year, oil producers in Colombia worked with little worry that a pipeline explosion or another act of sabotage would interfere with their activities. Now, the quiet time is over. Colombias guerillas are on the warpath once again. Two weeks ago, Colombias state oil and gas operator, Ecopetrol, reported five attacks on two major pipelines. The Cano Limon-Covenas pipeline was attacked three times, Ecopetrols subsidiary Cenit reported, and the Bicentenario pipeline suffered two attacks. The company added that the Colombian army had been deployed to the area of the attacks on the Cano Limon-Covenas pipeline to protect staff who were repairing the infrastructure. According to Bloomberg, there have been at least 14 attacks on oil pipelines in Colombia since late August after talks between the guerilla group ELN and the Colombian government broke down. Said talks had been going on for about a year with several interruptions whenever the ELN disagreed with what the Gustavo Petro government offered. The group, inspired by the Cuban revolution, is the oldest guerilla organization in the world, dating back to 1964 and numbering more than 5,800 members as of 2022, according to AFP. Infrastructure sabotage is a favored tactic for the group to get concessions from the government. The oil pipelines are a natural target in a situation not dissimilar to that in Libya. Oil exports account for about a third of Colombias export revenues, meaning any impact on oil production would be an impact on oil exports and, consequently, state revenues. Indeed, when Ecopetrol issued an update on operations earlier this month, it said the attacks on the pipelines had hurt its output. Related: Is Copper A Winning or Losing Bet Right Now? The lacking availability of the aforementioned pipelines, due to the attacks, added to difficulty in moving tankers with hydrocarbons and liquefied petroleum gas, may impact crude oil and gas production in the coming days, as well as supplies for the Barrancabermeja and Cartagena refineries and fuels in different parts of the country, the company said in a statement last week. This is rather unfortunate for an industry that has been struggling for yearsnot least because of attacks on pipelinesand that now faces a fresh challenge from the Petro government, which wants to reduce the share of hydrocarbons in Colombias revenue mix. Indeed, last year, the Colombian government halted the issuance of new oil and gas exploration permits as one way of combating climate change. The move shook the industry and observers, with some warning it would compromise its economic future by making it more exposed to international oil prices as domestic production dwindles due to natural depletion. Yet Gustavo Petros commitment to a transition away from oil and gas has one thing to be said about it: it would reduce the leverage the ELN has with pipelines as targets for sabotage acts. Unfortunately, the transition would provide ample new targets in the form of wind and solar installationsthe transition goals of Colombias first-ever leftist president, whose ban on new oil and gas permits should have been welcomed by the ELN The ELN believes that the oil companies have been able to get contracts that are very advantageous for themselves, but bad for the country, Carlos Velandia, a former senior commander in the ELN, told Bloomberg. The publication explained in a recent story that the guerilla group believes Colombia should have full control over its natural resources, perhaps in a Venezuelan style. Apparently, until such time as this happens, the means of extracting these resources and transporting them to markets will continue to be targeted as lasting peace with the Colombian government remains elusive. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russian liquefied natural gas continues to be shipped to Europe even though we have a readily available source from our ally across the Atlantic. For Europes energy security and to ensure the survival of Ukraine, its time to divest from Russian LNG, says Daniel Dalton Keir Starmer has promised an improved and ambitious relationship with European partners. As Britains elections saw a swing to the left while the European Union elections saw a swing to the right, there is one common priority we should all focus on: energy. Cooperation on energy security will advance UK-EU interests in three of our most important challenges: how to combat the continued threat of Putins Russia; how to increase global support for Ukraine; and how to keep energy affordable, clean and reliable for British families and consumers. First, on Russia. Both the UK and the EU have worked hard to remove Russian gas from our energy supply. This has been mostly achieved for pipeline gas, but Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to be shipped to Europe. The recent EU effort to ban trans-shipment of LNG (while still allowing EU countries to import and use the Russian gas themselves) is a cop-out. Billions of Euros will still be paid for this LNG, funding Putins war machine. A full ban, enforced by law and sanctions in both London and Brussels, is needed. Second, energy security is essential both to the short-term survival of Ukraine and its eventual rebuilding. Putins forces are targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure: new long-term sources will be needed to avoid the country repeating its past reliance on Russian gas. However, a full divestment from Russian gas brings up an uncomfortable topic: how will we make up for this lost supply and continue to support Ukrainian recovery? Energy demand isnt slowing and our expanding renewable energy technologies arent ready to support our power grid on their own. Removing such a massive supplier means that even small supply-chain disruptions will now potentially lead to price spikes in the UK market. Those price spikes are made all the more likely by domestic policy that prioritises net zero deadlines, when neither the technology nor the market are currently able to deliver at that pace. Household energy bills face being squeezed from all sides. Fortunately, we have a long-term solution readily available from our ally across the Atlantic. Within the last few years the United States has become the worlds largest exporter of LNG, overtaking Russia. Two-thirds of Americas gas exports are now being diverted to our markets, to replace the Russian gas that has been cut off. This has created price stability for both the UK and continental Europe. Energy security for Europe and Ukraine The same US LNG is also critical for Ukraines recovery efforts. One of the largest exporters, Venture Global, signed an agreement with Ukrainian energy firm DTEK to supply short-term cargoes ahead of this upcoming winter, and long-term supply to Ukraine and Eastern Europe for the next twenty years. This is an extraordinary commitment by the American private sector, and one that underscores the importance of American LNG to the future security of Europe. The opportunity now exists for a long-term stable energy supply, for decades to come, from our closest NATO ally. Across Europe, this has prompted action. New and expanded LNG terminals are rapidly being built in France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Here in the UK, Grain LNG, a division of National Grid, has signed a long-term contract with a Venture Global the same firm that will supply Ukraine with the goal to meet 33 per cent of all UK gas demand. It is this expanded US supply that provides the foundation both to ban Russian LNG for good, and support Ukraines future energy independence all while keeping UK and EU energy affordable. The cost of energy has slipped out of the headlines in recent months, but if our future energy supply from the US would be cut off the consequences could be devastating. This worrying situation is a real possibility, because of new development across the pond. The current US administration has placed a moratorium on issuing new LNG export permits, which has introduced real uncertainty in the market and, potentially, uncertainty for Europes energy supply over the next several years. Our demand for LNG will only grow as energy demands increase. The current administrations moratorium if it is not overturned will mean US LNG exports cannot rise to meet that demand. This undermines our energy security, and also our long-term climate goals because it will force reversion to dirtier fuels. The LNG moratorium simultaneously harms American jobs, undermines European energy security, and weakens Ukraine. The only obvious beneficiary is Vladimir Putin. A positive first start for new UK-EU cooperation would be to jointly push for President Biden and Vice President Harris to end the moratorium and approve LNG export projects that are critical to our national security. If not, the resulting drop in US energy exports will leave both Britain and Europe badly exposed. By City AM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Norways Equinor has made a natural gas and condensate discovery in the Norwegian Sea, close to a field currently under development, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate said on Tuesday. Equinor and its partners in a production license in the Haltenbanken Vest Unit in the Norwegian Sea proved gas and condensate, a type of very light oil, in a development well drilled as part of the previously discovered Lavrans field. Preliminary estimates place the size of the discovery in the range of 2-4 million standard cubic meters of recoverable oil equivalent, the Norwegian authority said. Equinor and its partners in the license will now consider if the discovery could be tied back to infrastructure being developed for Lavrans, which is a part of the Kristin field. Equinor is looking to boost gas production offshore Norway to export more of the commodity to Europe after Russian flows to the continent have significantly dropped following Russias invasion of Ukraine. In early July, the Norwegian energy major started gas production from the first Lavrans well in the Kristin South area. The gas will be exported through the pipeline system to the European market, while the oil will be transported to the market by ship via the Asgard C storage vessel, Equinor said. As part of the first phase of the Kristin South project, four additional wells are planned to be drilled, three at the Lavrans field and one in the Q-segment at the Kristin field. Equinor was one of the 21 companies that have submitted bids in Norways latest license round for new acreage in the best-explored areas on the shelf. The applications confirm considerable interest in exploration near existing fields and infrastructure, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate said last week. Further exploration efforts and new discoveries would be crucial to slowing the expected decline in Norways oil and gas production in the 2030s, Norways Energy Minister Terje Aasland said, adding that additional resources from Norway would be an important contributor to Europes energy security. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Italys power utility Enel has become the latest international energy investor to scrap plans for participating in the energy transition of Vietnam. According to unnamed sources who spoke to Reuters, Enel has decided to exit Vietnams wind and solar markets, with one source attributing the move to a broader company reorganization. Earlier this year, Norways Equinor scrapped plans to invest in offshore wind in Vietnam. Wind turbine major Orsted also revised its plans for Vietnam, pausing a large-scale offshore development amid regulatory challenges. Enel two years ago announced plans to invest in the construction of up to 6 GW of wind and solar capacity in Vietnam. The company, through its arm Enel Green Power, is one of the biggest wind and solar operators in the world with 64 GW of capacity. At the time it highlighted Vietnams considerable potential in wind and solar generation. Indeed, Vietnam enjoys strong winds and shallow waters but at the same time, it appears to have a complicated grid connection mechanism, which has meant that a lot of completed wind and solar projects are yet to start generating because they need to be connected to the grid first. This is rather unfortunate because Vietnam is suffering from tight energy supplies that earlier this year swung into a shortage, causing rolling blackouts. At the same time, the country has considerable ambitions in transition energy, planning to double its installed generation capacity by 2030. That capacity currently stands at some 80 GW. About a fifth of the doubled capacity should be wind turbines, per plans. Yet it is wind power that is one of the biggest problems in Vietnam. According to Reuters, the government has yet to draft regulations for the development of offshore wind power projects and it also has to finalize negotiations on the price that it would undertake to pay to wind power project operators. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japan should prioritize economic growth to renewables and will continue to need coal-fired electricity, a candidate to lead the ruling party and become the next prime minister said on Tuesday. Japan will need coal-fired power plants, Takayuki Kobayashi, who is one of the candidates to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said, as carried by Bloomberg. The remarks from Kobayashi, a former economic security minister, showed the strongest support for fossil fuels among the ruling partys candidates for PM. Japan needs energy security, Kobayashi said, adding that he would revisit the countrys current energy strategy if he becomes prime minister. The current energy plan is too biased toward renewable energy and needs to be overhauled, Bloomberg quoted Kobayashi as saying. We cant be a developed nation asking people to conserve electricity during summer and winter seasons, he added. Over the past two years, Japan has repeatedly called on residents and businesses to conserve energy to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the hottest summer months and save on the energy import bill in the winter when LNG prices hit record highs in 2022. Earlier this year, a government projection showed that Japan would need to increase its electricity output by between 35% and 50% by 2050 to meet a proportionate surge in demand. At present, fossil fuels account for about 70% of Japans electricity, which would clash with its net-zero goal. Japan is estimated to be the country with the worlds fifth-largest carbon footprint, preceded only by China, the United States, India, and Russia. Currently, Japan is bringing back nuclear power as a key energy source, looking to protect its energy security in the wake of the energy crisis that led to surging fossil fuel prices. The resource-poor country which needs to import about 90% of its energy requirements, made a U-turn in its nuclear energy policy at the end of 2022, as its energy import bill soared amid the energy crisis and surging costs to import LNG at record-high prices. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Omaha City Council will consider several amendments as it votes Tuesday on Mayor Jean Stotherts spending plan for 2025, including trimming the citys property tax rate slightly more than she proposed. Stotherts general fund budget would increase spending by 4.8% next year, to $531 million. She had recommended a 3.3% reduction in the property tax rate. City Council President Pete Festersen proposed a slightly larger trim of about 3.8%, after the citys total property tax valuation came in higher than the Douglas County Assessors Office had projected. Stothert is backing Festersens proposal, which would return the unexpected additional revenue to taxpayers. She sent a letter to council members asking them to support the amendment. Because of rising property values, the tax rate cut under consideration would not mean lower taxes for most homeowners. The cut, as amended, would result in a nominal trim for homeowners whose valuations for tax purposes did not go up this year. The owner of a $200,000 home whose valuation did not increase would save about $35 on their city property tax bill. Stothert has proposed property tax rate reductions five times in her 11 years as mayor. Festersen also proposed slightly increasing her 2024 reduction, and the council and mayor approved that amendment. In another amendment, Festersen is proposing to transfer about $1.2 million from the citys cash reserve to pay for a recruit class of 18 new firefighters. Such an expense is already in Stotherts recommended budget, but is to be paid for by a federal grant the city has not yet been awarded, Festersen said. In a similar situation last year, the city did not win the grant, he said. Festersen also is proposing two amendments related to the citys climate action and resiliency plan. Neither would commit additional city funding. One calls for using any money remaining from a federal pollution reduction grant to establish initial priorities for implementing the citys climate action plan. The other calls for pursuing more federal and state grants and community partnerships. Were completing that plan for the city by the end of this year, and a lot of what we heard at the public hearing on the budget was concern that they didnt see implementation funding beginning in 2025, Festersen said. Amendments from several council members also would shift small amounts from the citys contingency funds to specific projects, as is tradition. Council Vice President Aimee Melton proposes $50,000 for the City Parks and Recreation Department for work in the Autumn Heights subdivision in northwest Omaha. Council member Ron Hug is seeking $50,000 to contribute to the Douglas County Sheriffs Youth and Family Engagement Program for gang intervention and other services. Council members Brinker Harding and Don Rowe propose moving $50,000 to the Public Works Department for temporary speed feedback signs to be deployed in areas where speeding is a concern. Council member Danny Begley is seeking $40,000 for the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development, and $10,000 for the Omaha Irish Cultural Center for education and cultural events. And Festersen is proposing $50,000 to go to Public Works for the North Saddle Creek Business Improvement District streetscape project. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2024 The Ogun Police Command on Tuesday warned students sitting for the forthcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to desist from any form of malpractice and avoid getting into trouble. DSP Bimbola Oyeyemi, the Ogun Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Ota, Ogun. It was reported that no fewer than 1.8 million Candidates will be sitting for the UTME Examinations organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), starting across the country on April 11. Oyeyemi reminded the students that examination malpractice is an offence and that anyone caught violating the law would be arrested. The police has the power under the laws to prosecute anybody caught in any form of malpractice during the JAMB examination, he said. The PPRO said that the police would be in various centres in the state to monitor and ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order. Post Views: 64 The National Assembly management has given outgoing members of the eighth Senate three days to hand over their office keys. The announcement was made by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, at the beginning of the valedictory session of the eighth assembly at the National Assembly, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the announcement was the fourth agenda on the Order Paper of the day. The eighth Senate, which was inaugurated on June 9, 2015, would come to an end on June 6. Reading the letter by the Committee on Recovery and Preparation of the eighth Assembly Offices Furniture and Equipment for Ninth Senate titled: Handing Over of Office Keys, Furniture Equipment, Saraki urged the lawmakers to hand them over between Thursday and Saturday. Please inform all the distinguished senators that the handing over of office keys, furniture and office equipment will commence today, Thursday, June 6 through to Saturday, June 8. Distinguished senators are, accordingly, enjoined to contact the committee in charge of the exercise in the Senate Committee Room 107 which is in the new Senate Building between the hours of 9:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m., for the handing over, he said. On Sunday this week, I boarded the Air Peace airline to Owerri, the Imo state capital for a singular reason of personally witnessing the beginning of the remaking of history in the Eastern heartland which has only recently come out of a whooping eight years of desolation and crass bad governance by the immediate past governor Mr. Rochas Okorocha. This remaking of history in my state of birth was the official flag off of the World Banks assisted rural roads infrastructure which took place incidentally from Umuduru market which will cover my home town of Arondizuogu located in Onu-Imo local government area council. While on board, I sat few places away from and infact next to the newly sworn in governor of Imo state Mr. Emeka Ihedioha who was also travelling back to Owerri apparently from an official four in the nations capital or somewhere near by. The governor came in to the aircraft with about half a dozen personal staff and his beautiful daughter just as one of his top private officials sat just next to me. This proximity afforded yours faithfully the opportunity of exchanging few words regarding the planned flag off of this rural road infrastructure. I also had about five minutes conversations with the governor whereupon I applauded him for remembering my hometown which has faced horrendous ordeals of infrastructural deficit over the past decades from virtually all the previous governors of the state. Arondizuogu suffers from multiple deficiencies of social infrastructures and the worst case scenario of marginalization of unfathomable scale even as the few signs of civilization such as electricity and graded rural roads were done as a result of communal and/or individual efforts. For instance, the only source of intermmittent electricity power to most parts of Arondizuogu in Onu-Imo local government was donated by a single individual who is also reputed to have singlehandedly constructed some culverts and rural roads beginning from his immediate community in a part of Arondizuogu located within Onu-Imo LGA. In effect, our people are amongst those who feel the pains of a failed administration under Rochas Okorocha whose long stay in office was characterized by predatory diversion of public fund to God knows where and who appeared to have spent more time in the media spreading falsehood and outright cheap propaganda about some fantastic feats he achieved as governor which are not in existence anywhere in Imo state which today appears like the ruined segments of the war torn Syria. My readers can now understand my overwhelming enthusiasm to read that the Imo state governor has remembered a long forgotten part of the state and has indeed scheduled the flag off of the World Banks partly funded rural roads which incidentally has only happened because the now governor paid the counterpart fund which Rochas Okorocha failed to do. My trip to my state was therefore a labour of love for my hometown and to witness the beginning of history and to be able to pen down my thoughts independently and to charge governor Emeka Ihedioha to ensure that the flag off ceremony does not become the end of the dream of the long suffering people for imminent liberation from an absolute denial of social amenities by the state government. This is exactly what this article is set out to do- set agenda and to remind Emeka Ihedioha that we are monitoring his administration closely to see whether he will rebuild the devastated state from the debris of ruins left over by Rich as Okorocha who miraculously manouvered his way to the Senate to represent Orlu which is one of the places he destroyed by way of incompetence in office as governor for two terms. So on Tuesday this week, the governor arrived my hometown to begin the construction of this all important road infrastructure which if actualized, is capable of opening up many communities and helping rural farmers and dwellers to be able to connect with modernity and civilization and to enhance their economic activities. As stated, i witnessed first hand using my own resources to fly all the way to and fro to see as Governor Emeka Ihedioha flagged off the construction of rural road projects in Imo state which he estimated is worth N13.5billion It include 380.7 kilometers of rural road across the 27 local government areas of the state. I stood amongst The enthusiastic crowds in Umuduru near Arondizuogu, as the governor said he approved the swift payment of the counterpart fund to activate the project upon assumption of office. Incidentally, upon departing my hometown the entourage reportedly stopped over at Mbaitoli LGA for the same solemn occasion in which he read identical speech. Speaking at the flag off at Onuimo, Isu and Mbaitoli local government areas of the state, Governor Ihedioha assured the readiness of his administration to partner development agencies for the betterment of the state. The governor said he approved the swift payment of the counterpart fund to activate the project upon assumption of office. He also decried the poor states of roads in the state said the project will boost agriculture and socio-economic development in the state and reduce rural urban migration. His words: As soon we assumed office, the RAMP project attracted our attention, and so came under review. Our task teams and committees analyzed the program and its processes, and being satisfied with its objectives, immediately ratified it, then provided the necessary approvals and directives therein including updating payments of counterpart funds. As a state, and indeed as a person, we are particularly grateful to the two (2) institutions that have made today possible The World Bank and the AFD (the French Development Bank). He continued: As a policy of state, we will continue, as a matter of fact to intensify our engagements with the development partners and multi-lateral institutions, in order to leverage on their pedigree. The governor revealed his administrations intention to revive the Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA), to ensure that no part of Imo state rural areas remained inaccessible due to bad roads. Hear him: In order to ensure that beyond the construction of these projects, their continuous use is guaranteed, we will revive the State Road Maintenance Agency. This will ensure that our roads remain in satisfactory conditions even years after construction, Governor Ihedioha said. He then assured that construction on the states urban and major link roads will commerce in earnest. Let me use this platform to say that in the next few days, massive constructions will commerce on Imo urban and major link roads. You will agree that we met a road network in a deplorable state of disrepair. We have painstakingly gone through the path of due process from the design to the procurement. We have involved the ministry of works, as never before, in the process. We want to deliver durable roads that will stand the test of time. Be assured, development will get to all parts of Imo state, no discrimination or exclusions, he concluded. On his part, the senior special assistant to the governor on rural development, Richmond Osuji, said the state government approved the payment of 15% initial mobilization fund for the project. He disclosed that the state government has mapped out fund to compensate owners of properties that will be affected in the course of the project. Osuji also promised that the Bureau for Rural Development will ensure the compliance of the contractors with the technical specification, budget and timeline for the completion of the projects. Another bad development left behind by Rochas Okorocha is the lack of good sanitation. The Imo state governor has disclosed that he will attend to the urgent need to make Imo clean and green again. Governor Ihedioha had said his administration is determined to make Imo, the cleanest state in the federation. The governor, who spoke at the Government House, Owerri, on Wednesday, July 17 during the inauguration of the panning, sensitization and implementation committee for the July, 2019 clean-up exercise, said the health of the states citizens was threatened by unhealthy environment. He said that between 2008 and 2011, the state was adjudged the cleanest in the country by the federal ministry of environment, lamenting that in the past 8 years, the state had become one of the dirtiest. The journey to and fro my state took me four days and within this period, the traditional rulers drawn from all parts of the state met and endorsed the decision of both the Imo state government and the states legislature to investigate why the entire state has become such a destroyed habitation even as infrastructures require emergency to fix. The Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers said they are in full support of Gov. Emeka Ihediohas plan to probe the administration of former Gov. Rochas Okorocha. Available information i got states that the Chairman of the council, Eze Samuel Ohiri, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday, at the end of an emergency meeting of the council where the resolution was taken. He said that after a critical examination of the situation of Imo, the council deemed it imperative that Okorocha must be probed. Ohiri said the latest discovery that Okorocha allegedly spent N10 billion to build police headquarters called for serious probe. He said, After the emergency meeting of all the traditional rulers, we resolved to encourage Ihedioha to ensure that all the government properties illegally acquired by the former governor and his cronies were recovered to Imo. We also want to use this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police to return the money used in building the police headquarters, he said. He said that Imo does not have money to spend on Federal Governments project, adding that FG is supposed to show its presence in Imo, not Imo building projects for FG. The royal father also admonished Okorocha, representing Imo West Senatorial District, to stop inciting his supporters to cause trouble in the state. Okorocha has finished his tenure as governor and we are calling on him to allow Ihedioha to govern the state without distractions, he added. This visit I must state is revealing. The current Imo state governor must note that So much is expected from him so he has to spend quality times inside the state and reduce the tendency to embark on frivolous foreign trips which is one way most governors lavish the resources of their states in the guise of chasing for foreign direct investments. Imo state needs an ever present competent administrator to turn around the devastated State. *Emmanuel Onwubiko heads HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) and blogs @www.emmanuelonwubiko.com,www.huriwa.blogspot.com,www.thenigerianinsidermews.com. Nigerias President, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday vowed to defeat rampaging bandits who massacred 50 villagers in Kaduna State on Sunday. Some gunmen on Sunday killed about 50 villagers, including infants, in three Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. The LGAs Giwa, Birnin Gwari, and Igabi are all in the northern axis of the state. The bandits attacked six villages of Kerawa, Rago, Marina, Zariyawa, Hashimawa, Gidan Musa Saidu, and Unguwar Barau within the three LGAs. Reacting to the gruesome murder, Buhari expressed deep sadness and regret over the latest bandits attack in Kaduna State. From reports received, it is obvious that these bandits are unleashing their fury and frustration on innocent people because of the ongoing military and police offensive against them in the Birnin Gwari and Kaduru forests. This administration would not be blackmailed by criminals to abandon the current military operations against them, Buhari said, in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity). Buhari assured the people of Kaduna State and other parts of the country that this government would continue to deploy all available resources to fight these cold-hearted bandits with a view to bringing them to their knees. These criminals should make no mistake that they can establish a reign of terror on the people without feeling the full might of the government which was elected to protect the citizens, he warned. The President, while expressing profound commiserations to the victims of this heinous attack in Kaduna State, sent a strong warning to the killers: The criminals cannot be lucky always; we are determined to frustrate and defeat them, and no matter how long they run or where they hide, they would be smoked out and brought to justice. Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), confirmed the first case of the coronavirus in Delta State. Reacting to the development, the Delta State Government, while calling for calm amongst its citizens, said the patient is already receiving the necessary treatment at an isolation center. Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on New Media, Miss Victoria Abang in a tweet via her Twitter handle, @abangdove, said the state is prepared and the case will be handled with utmost care. She tweeted: This evening, an index case of #COVID19 was reported in Delta State and the patient is already receiving the necessary treatment at an isolation center. Tomorrow, Governor @IAOkowa will be addressing citizens on developments surrounding this case in an early morning broadcast. All citizens and residents are advised to remain calm at this time, while we all continue to adhere to the precautionary measures and isolation directives that have been put in place. The state is prepared and this case will be handled with utmost care. All citizens and residents are advised to remain calm at this time, while we all continue to adhere to the precautionary measures and isolation directives that have been put in place. The state is prepared and this case will be handled with utmost care. The Abang! (@abangdove) April 7, 2020 A delegation from ace African conglomerate, Jospong Group of companies has participated in the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, China. The Jospong delegation was led by the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong. The summit brought together top African and Chinese leaders and provided an exceptional platform for the Jospong Group to deepen its collaborative efforts with Chinese companies, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and technological advancements. The Jospong Delegation was alongside the Ghana Governments delegation led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. They engaged in bilateral discussions with the Government of China and several Chinese private-sector players. According to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, the discussions aimed to explore new opportunities and strengthen existing relationships, with a focus on projects that will contribute significantly to Ghanas economic development and promote a shared future in the new era. As a Group we have been trading with China for over two decades and we deemed it necessary to use this platform to build new relationships and deepen existing ones, Dr. Agyepong said, adding, "Our participation in the FOCAC Summit underscores our commitment to leveraging international partnerships to drive sustainable development in Ghana," Key areas of interest discussed during the summit included the development of infrastructure projects, the enhancement of agricultural value chains, and the introduction of innovative technologies to improve efficiency in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy. The Jospong Groups commitment to these sectors aligns with Ghanas broader economic goals, he explained further. Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong who also spoke during the plenary session of the summit highlighted the long-standing relationship the Group has with Chinese partners and companies and invited potential companies and investors to partner with the Jospong Group. He also threw light on the critical role of private-sector partnerships in achieving long-term economic stability and growth in Africa. The FOCAC Summit takes place every three years and serves as a critical forum for strengthening Sino-African relations, with a focus on enhancing mutual development through economic, political, and cultural cooperation. The 2024 summit in Beijing attracted high-level delegations from across Africa and China, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving shared prosperity. As part of engagements of the Jospong Group at FOCAC, the Group also hosted an exhibition on the sidelines of the Ghana-China Investment Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel in Futian-Shenzhen. The Jospong Group of Companies is the most diversified conglomerate in Ghana. It has over 60 subsidiaries and operates in 16 sectors of the economy. These include operations in Waste management and processing, oil and Gas, Information Communication Technology, Manufacturing and Logistics, Vehicles, earthmoving equipment, Banking and Insurance among others. "China has been a key partner in our growth journey for over 20 years, and we are excited about the new avenues of cooperation that this summit has opened," Dr. Agyepong added. 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 Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, has revealed that there are about 850 individuals currently facing trials for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities popularly known as galamseys. Godfred Yeboah Dame gave this revelation at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association. According to him, 140 cases of illegal mining are under investigation across five regions namely the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East. Ghanas once upon a time purest water resources and enviable forest reserves now face imminent danger as the activities of illegal miners have escalated in at such an alarming rate leading to the Ghana Water Company announcing that due to the destruction of the Pra River, the water company cannot supply the needed volumes to Cape Coast and surrounding areas. Mr. Godfred Yeboah dame stated that, the prosecution process has faced a myriad of challenges however, the government is not relenting on cracking the whip on individuals involved in the illicit act adding that 76 convictions have been done since August 2021 with one notable convict being the famous Aisha Huang. He continued to assure Ghanaians and all stakeholders that the government remains resolved in combating the galamsey canker, with stringent measures imposed on those convicted. These include minimum sentences of 15 years and substantial fines for non-Ghanaians involved in illegal mining activities. Mr. Dame also noted that some cases are at the conclusion state, expressing optimism about the judiciarys continued role in fighting illegal mining. Addressing the attendees at the Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Godfred Yeboah Dame said, Illegal mining, galamsey, continues to cause damage to our forest reserves and water bodies. Despite the difficulties prosecutors encounter in the courts in the prosecution of illegal mining offences, the criminal division has enjoyed some success, even though there is still room for more to be done. He further added, From August 2021 till date, at least 76 persons, including 18 foreigners, have been convicted. These include the notorious Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who was convicted on December 4, 2023, for offences committed between 2014 and 2016 under the previous government. Godfred Yeboah Dame re-echoed that most of the convicts were sentenced under the new law, that is, Act 995, which imposes a minimum of 15 years plus a hefty fine for non-Ghanaians and a minimum of 20 years plus a fine for non-Ghanaians in some cases. Currently, over 140 cases of illegal mining involving over 850 accused persons are being prosecuted in courts across the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East regions of Ghana. Some are near conclusion, he added. 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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has addressed calls for changes to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, suggesting that families who can afford private education should opt for fee-paying schools. His comments follow concerns about the financial burden the policy places on the national budget. Speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Kumasi last Monday, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to maintaining the Free SHS policy, which he said ensures equal access to education for all, particularly those who would otherwise be unable to afford secondary schooling. "People who can afford to pay fees for the education of their wards should send them to fee-paying private schools," the President affirmed. "Public schools that are funded by the taxpayer should be free to all who will otherwise be unable to pay for their education". The Presidents remarks come after the Ghana Bar Associations President, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, suggested that wealthier families should contribute to the cost of education to ease pressure on the state budget and allow more resources to be directed towards less privileged students. President Akufo-Addo defended the success of the Free SHS programme, noting that the number of students accessing secondary education has doubled since its introduction, with over 5.7 million students benefitting to date. He expressed confidence that the long-term impact of the policy would far outweigh concerns about a small group of affluent parents who could afford to pay fees. That is why the number of pupils who have access to secondary education has doubled since the introduction of the free senior high school policy. Aquinas wins AI debate Over 5.7 million persons have benefitted from the policy since its inception. The following impact of this dramatic development will be felt in due course and will far outweigh the small number of privileged parents who can afford to pay for the education of their wards, President Akufo-Addo stated. Source: graphiconline.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 His Royal Majesty the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) as well as other professionals not to relent on their advocacy against the menace of illegal mining that has brought devastating impact on the living conditions of some Ghanaians and the environment at large. Asantehenes call follows recent statements released by UTAG, GMA, and GBA condemning illegal mining and advocating for a ban on both small-scale and illegal mining practices. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II posited that, the bold step by the President of the Ghana Bar Association to rally his members into fighting the illegal mining should be greatly commended thereby calling on other leaders to influence their members to join in the fight against illegal mining. He maintained that illegal mining activities is a major environmental threat and questioned the legal systems response to individuals who pollute water bodies. Otumfuo said, Galamsey is an environmental enemy for the nation. What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk? So, I think as lawyers you should find space during this conference to set up a panel to undertake a quick tour of the communities where this call is most prevalent to see the extent of the crisis we face and hopefully deliberate on how the laws should respond." As I see it, if an individual poisoned the water supply of a community, he will be liable for severe consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply knowing fully well it can kill? This issue now requires the collective effort of all sections of society. To do nothing is no longer an option. The Bar Association, the medical association and the university should get together to deal with this emergency. As part of his visit to Cape Coast to celebrate the Fetu Afahye with the Chiefs and people of Cape Coast, Otumfuo revealed the shock he received when he visited the Pra River which has been heavily polluted with Galamsey activities, describing the situation as very embarrassing. While I was going to Cape Coast, I stopped over the River Pra and what I saw was so embarrassing and then if as a nation we live for this to happen to us, we have to fight this no matter what. The Asantehene has widely been commended for cracking the whip on some of his chiefs who were engaged in illegal mining by stripping off the Chieftaincy titles from them. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was a guest at the Annual Conference of the Ghana Bar Association at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has rallied the collective efforts of all stakeholders and professional groups to take action against the destruction caused by the menace. 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 The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has called on the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and all members of organised labour to stage a massive demonstration across the country to trumpet home their call for the need to protect our rivers, water bodies and environment for today and generations unborn. According to the Association, they are gravely concerned about the ongoing devastation caused by small-scale and illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey and its severe impact on the environment, particularly on our water bodies. The National President of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh in an interview with Peace FM News said these activities continue to deplete our natural resources, with terrible consequences for the health and well-being of our citizens. Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh highlighted the dire consequences of ongoing galamsey activities, stressing that the contamination and destruction of water bodies are not just environmental concerns but also public health emergencies. He said a unified voice from various sectors of society can drive meaningful change and ensure that sustainable practices are adopted to protect Ghanas natural resources and aims to put pressure on policymakers and government authorities to enforce stricter regulations and take decisive action against illegal mining operations. The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has called for a nationwide demonstration to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and protect water bodies. TUTAG is urging the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Organized Labor to join forces for a large-scale protest aimed at raising awareness about the environmental and health crises posed by galamsey. Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh, TUTAGs National President, emphasized the severe damage caused by these activities, particularly the contamination of water bodies, which he described as both an environmental disaster and a public health emergency. He believes that a unified stand from various sectors can push policymakers to implement stricter regulations and take action against illegal mining. Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Scholarly Society (GSS) expresses its profound concern over the escalating degradation of our nations water bodies due to the rampant activities of illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey. This environmental crisis threatens the very survival of our natural resources and the health of millions of Ghanaians. Recent reports, including from the BBC, have highlighted the severity of the situation, warning that if immediate and decisive action is not taken, Ghana could face the unthinkable scenario of importing water within the next few years (BBC, 2024). This potential outcome underscores the urgent need for a coordinated approach to mitigate the impact of galamsey on our environment and future generations. We list 4 key approaches to address this challenge: Fastrack Prosecutions and Enforce Environmental Laws The Ghanaian government must take immediate and robust action to enforce environmental laws that have, thus far, been inadequately applied. The laxity in enforcement has emboldened illegal miners, leading to widespread environmental devastation. The Ghana Water Company Limited has already reported alarming levels of pollution in our rivers, which serve as crucial sources of drinkable water for millions of Ghanaians. Research presented at the Ghana Scholarly Societys recent conference emphasised the importance of sound governance in tackling such issues. Swift prosecution of offenders must be prioritised, with severe penalties imposed to deter future violations. The government should consider setting up fast-track courts in all regions to expedite the prosecution of illegal miners and those responsible for the destruction of water bodies. Similar to measures seen in other nations, such penalties would ensure accountability at the highest levels of leadership in industries that affect the environment." Use a Multidisciplinary Approach to Protect and Restore Water Bodies The preservation of our water bodies is not merely an environmental concern; it is a matter of national survival. The devastating impact of galamsey has already rendered many of our rivers and streams unusable, threatening both human health and agricultural productivity. Immediate action is required to halt all mining activities near these vital water sources and to embark on comprehensive restoration projects. These efforts must be guided by the latest environmental research and involve collaboration with local and international partners. The BBC report vividly describes the extent of the damage, with rivers such as the Pra and Ankobra choked with silt and chemicals from mining activities (BBC, 2024). The GSS conference underscored the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address these complex challenges, requiring cooperation between government bodies, academia, and the private sector (GSS Policy Brief, 2024). Use Local Chiefs and Para-Military Forces Local chiefs and traditional authorities are key to the fight against galamsey. As custodians of the land, they are uniquely positioned to influence and enforce community norms regarding the use of natural resources. The GSS advocates for the active involvement of chiefs in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities within their jurisdictions. Chiefs should be empowered to collaborate with government agencies, security forces, and local communities to protect land and water bodies. Chiefs who are found to be complicit in such matters must also face the full rigours of the law. Given the seriousness of the galamsey menace, deploying para-military forces to supervise the protection of lands and water bodies should be considered. These forces, trained specifically for environmental protection, can work alongside existing security agencies to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities. Their presence would deter potential offenders and ensure that illegal activities are swiftly addressed. This approach aligns with the need for immediate and decisive action to safeguard our natural resources and supports the broader goal of sustainable development (GSS Policy Brief, 2024). Immediately Provide Sustainable Economic Alternatives A key factor driving individuals into illegal mining is the lack of viable economic alternatives. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, must invest in sustainable livelihood programmes that offer real opportunities for economic advancement. The GSS conference highlighted the need for innovation and technological adaptation across various sectors to create such opportunities. By investing in agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, and other emerging industries, we can provide meaningful employment while preserving our environment (GSS Policy Brief, 2024). These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), which advocate for sustainable economic practices and the preservation of our natural ecosystems (UN, 2015). A Call to Action Get Everyone Involve The Ghana Scholarly Society urgently calls upon all stakeholders to recognise that the fight against galamsey is not just an environmental issue but a matter of national survival. Our water bodies, which sustain our agriculture, provide drinking water, and support biodiversity, are under imminent threat. If we do not act now, the consequences will be catastrophic for current and future generations. We urge the government to prioritise this issue, implement the solutions outlined above with urgency and determination, and work collaboratively with all sectors of society to protect our precious natural resources. The GSS stands ready to contribute its expertise and resources to this cause. We are eager to engage with all stakeholders, nationally and internationally, to develop and implement strategies that will safeguard Ghanas water bodies for future generations. About the Ghana Scholarly Society The Ghana Scholarly Society (GSS) was established to unite Ghanaian academics, researchers, and professionals worldwide, pooling their collective expertise to advance knowledge and drive national development through informed policymaking. The GSS is committed to promoting research-driven solutions to the challenges facing Ghana and the African continent, with a particular focus on sustainable development. We actively engage with governmental and non-governmental organisations, both locally and internationally, to influence policies that align with global best practices and the specific needs of Ghana. For further information or to collaborate with the GSS, please contact us: Ghana Scholarly Society Global Headquarters United Kingdom Website: www.ghscholars.com Email: [email protected] Signed, Dr Kweku Adams, Associate ProfessorInternational Business & Management, Bradford University, UK President, Ghana Scholarly Society References BBC (2024). "Galamsey dey destroy rivers for Ghana, if we no stop we go import water." BBC Pidgin. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/ce9z5z5nxrgo Ghana Scholarly Society (2024). "Policy Brief & Executive Review." Ghana Scholarly Society Conference. www.ghscholars.com United Nations (2015). "Sustainable Development Goals." Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Gatten, E. (2024, September 4). Water bosses to face two years' jail over sewage. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/04/water-bosses-rivers-law-sewage-dump-sea-fines-prison-jail/ Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called for an immediate and complete ban on all forms of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and general mining in forest reserves, farms, and rivers. In a strongly worded statement issued on September 9, 2024, UTAG warned that if the government does not impose a total ban on mining in these areas by the end of the month, it will embark on a nationwide strike in collaboration with other labour unions. The association condemned the governments previous efforts to combat galamsey, labelling initiatives like Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout as "monumental failures." According to UTAG, these state-led measures have not only failed to curb the practice but have been marred by corruption and political interference. Citing alarming statistics, UTAG stated that illegal mining activities have devastated Ghanas environment and economy. The statement noted that if galamsey continues at its current rate, the country could be forced to import potable water within six years. Cocoa production, a key pillar of Ghanas economy, has also dropped by 45% this year, with illegal mining costing the economy an estimated $2.3 billion annually. UTAGs statement further highlighted the public health crisis in mining areas, where respiratory diseases have risen by 35percent, and dangerous levels of toxins like mercury, arsenic, and lead have contaminated water bodies, soils, and food supplies. "The time for action is now," UTAG declared, urging the government to impose a total and permanent ban on all forms of small-scale mining. The group expressed frustration that the practice has become a tool for economic gain for political leaders, traditional authorities, and elites, while local communities bear the brunt of the environmental and health impacts. UTAG also pointed to the deforestation crisis, with over 2.5 million hectares of forest cover already destroyed, and warned that Ghanas natural resources are being rapidly depleted. The association praised the efforts of certain traditional leaders, such as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei-Tutu II, who have publicly opposed galamsey, but stated that stronger, nationwide action is necessary to halt the destruction. The associations stance is clear: "We shall not waive our demand for the complete and total ban of galamsey." UTAG urged all Ghanaians to join the fight to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future for the country. If the government fails to act by the end of September, UTAG has vowed to lead a coordinated industrial action to push for the ban. "Its time to #BANgalamsey and ban it for good," the statement concluded. Source: graphiconline.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 largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced its intent to embark on a nationwide protest should the Electoral Commission (EC) fail to address concerns raised regarding irregularities captured in the Provisional Voters Register. National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asideu Nketia, who disclosed this, said the nationwide protest will come off on 17th of September. We hope the Commission will listen and listen to us very well, he said. "On the 17th of this month [September], the NDC is embarking on a massive nationwide demonstration in all 16 regional capitals, descend on the Electoral Commission officers and we in Accra will descend to the headquarters and present further petitions as to why we think that they should conduct themselves in a manner that will guarantee peaceful, free and fair election. Forensic Audit The NDC has on several occasions argued that the voters register is not fit for purpose citing certain irregularities that has been found in the register during the Voters exhibition exercise which ended on August 27, 2024. Thus, it has requested for a forensic audit by an independent body before the register can be considered for the December general elections. Mahama Files John Dramani Mahama officially filed his presidential nomination at the Headquarters of the Electoral Commission in Accra on Monday, September 9, 2024. The submission of the forms was done on his behalf by Asiedu Nketia in the company of the General Secretary of the party, Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey as well as other leading members of the party. Assessment Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Jeane Adukwei Mensa has formed a team of experts who will assess the nominations presented by the various presidential candidates according to the standards of the EC. 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 Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and member of parliament for the Damongo constituency Samuel Abu Jinapor has officially filed his nomination forms for reelection in the 2024 general election as the governing New Patriotic Partys parliamentary candidate for the Damongo constituency in the Savanna Region. The Damongo MP in an address shortly after the presentation of his nomination forms at the Electoral Commissions office in Damongo indicated that a united front in the rank and file of the party will surely propel the party to victory come December. He said the last 3 months of the election are going to witness a massive road transformation in the Constituency with the coming into the constituency of the District Roads Improvement Project (DRIP) equipments. He said the party has done a lot in terms of development in the areas of agriculture, job creation, and infrastructure among others and very of the Damongo constituency fully prepared to retain him and contributing to the victory of Dr Mahmoud Bawumia as the next president of the republic of Ghana. Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor for the second time running went unopposed as the parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Damongo constituency. The Damongo constituency is one of the seven constituencies in the Savannah Region, which has traditionally been held by the opposition National Democratic Congress since 1993. Hon.Jinapor in 2020 contested for the first time against the then-incumbent MP Adam Mutawakilu, who had been the MP since 2013 and will be contesting against him again in the December polls. 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 Nana Ohene Ntow has backed the call for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency over galamsey. Galamsey (illegal mining) has become the bane of the nation with activities of the illegal miners destroying the water bodies and environment. Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show, Nana Ohene Ntow feared the danger that this illegal mining menace is breeding in the country. He also expressed fears that the galamseyers are empowered to carry on their activities as they are said to wield guns and other offensive weapons. To him, galamsey is a an "emergency" that must not be treated with kid gloves. "This is worse than civil war...We are in state of emergency," he said. Watch video below Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), numbering hundreds, at the Adwengo Adwosuo have defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region. The staunch NDC members openly declared their intention to vote for the ruling party during a grass roots campaign visit by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. According to them, their intention to vote for the NPP presidential candidate, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is stemmed from the fact that he has good and superior policies for the country. They however stressed his religious background has no bearing on their decision to vote for him. We are NDC members but were voting for Dr. Bawumia in the coming general elections. His policies are good and we are therefore voting for him, they said. They further explained they have benefited immensely from the Free SHS and find it right to vote for the NPP to receive more of such progressive policies. Let us confess, weve benefited from the Free SHS. Through that we were able to enroll our kids at St. Louis and Yaa Asantewaa without committing resources. Ghanaians have really benefited from the Free SHS policy, thats why weve resolved to vote for the NPP for more of such initiatives to be implemented. Subsequently, the NDC members were given T-shirts with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia embossed on them. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP is currently touring the Region on a grassroots campaign for the partys presidential candidate. Several defections from the opposition NDC to the NPP have been reported in the course of the tour. Chairman Wontumi has vowed to record an unprecedented huge margin in the December 7 elections and widen the gap in the partys stronghold. 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 He advised music stakeholders to create special platforms to celebrate legendary highlife artistes and preserve the Ghanaian highlife music. Every country has its own music, so why do we have to leave highlife and chase other genres which do not promote our culture. It is quite sad that we are supporting the promotion of other genres, which is a total deviation, he said. He claims that highlife music is a beautiful genre that, when pushed, will earn international recognition to support the music business in the country. The former president of MUSIGA from 1999 to 2007, stated in an interview with BEATWAVES at the Erata Hotel in Accra that one of the reasons highlifes appeal is dwindling is the lack of a concerted effort by Ghanaian music industry leaders to promote the genre. I think this is the time we have to work as a team to bring back highlife music and inspire the next generation of musicians to perform more highlife, he stressed. According to him, highlife music could be used as a developmental tool to transform the mindset of people due to its good lyrics, even though he thinks highlife music is uniquely Ghanaian and better captures the spirit of the country than other genres. Alhaji Sidiku, who is also former Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), said it was important for the youth and up-and-coming artistes to follow the good steps of veteran musicians to project highlife globally. The veteran filmmaker, musician, sportsman and businessman has won over 62 awards in sports, music and film. He has over 16 films which include Jealousy, Meba, Who Is To Blame, Man Woman, among others to his credit. A former national athlete, he won silver and gold medals during the All African Games held in Senegal and West African Games, all in 1963. In 1965, he won bronze medal in the 4400 metres relay in All African Games held in Congo Brazzaville. 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 From the heart of West Africas bustling music scene emerges a sound that defies borders and unites cultures. Kinjunia, the fast-rising artiste from Accra, is making waves with his unique genre Afrohall, a vibrant fusion of African rhythms and Jamaican Dancehall. Known for his soulful voice, infectious charisma and unwavering commitment to positive messaging, Kinjunia is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest single Steeze. Born and raised in the culturally rich city of Accra, Kinjunia has always been immersed in a melting pot of sounds. His musical journey began with the release of his debut single "Dream" in 2017, a track inspired by his desire to uplift and motivate his friends. Despite its initial reception, the artistes relentless spirit and belief in his vision kept him moving forward, refining his craft and staying true to his roots. Kinjunia's innovative style, which he dubs 'Afrohall' or 'Afro-Dancehall', effortlessly blends the pulsating beats of African heritage with the energy and cadence of Jamaican Dancehall, complete with patois elements. Remarkably, he has mastered this style despite never having set foot on the island of Jamaica, showcasing the universal power of music to transcend geographical boundaries. Following the initial setbacks in his career, Kinjunia refused to let go of his dreams. His perseverance paid off with the success of his singles Honey and Okay which showcased his versatility and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed artistes like Popcaan, Kinjunias music is infused with authenticity, passion and an unshakeable commitment to spreading positivity. Now, Kinjunia is ready to elevate his artistry even further with the release of Steeze. This new single is not just a song; it is a celebration of Kinjunia's journey and a testament to his dedication to pushing musical boundaries. Steeze combines the rhythmic essence of Afrobeat with the bold flair of dancehall, creating a sound that is both refreshing and distinctly Kinjunia. In Steeze, Kinjunias smooth vocals glide effortlessly over an infectious beat, making it impossible for listeners to stay still. The tracks vibrant energy is a call to embrace individuality and confidence qualities that Kinjunia embodies both on and off the stage. With catchy hooks and a beat that demands to be danced to, Steeze is poised to become an anthem for those who dare to stand out. Kinjunias rise in the music industry is a result of his dedication to authenticity and his unyielding pursuit of artistic integrity. As he continues to carve out his niche in the Afro-Dancehall landscape, he remains focused on his mission to deliver music that uplifts, inspires and connects people across the globe. With Steeze, Kinjunia is not only showcasing his talent but also his commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the dancehall music scene. With Steeze, Kinjunia is taking bold strides towards his goal of making Afrohall a globally recognized genre. As he gears up for more releases and performances, his fans can expect a wave of music that stays true to his roots while breaking new ground. Kinjunias journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, creativity and a clear vision can turn dreams into reality. Steeze is now available on all major streaming platforms. Fans are encouraged to connect with Kinjunia on social media to stay updated on his latest releases and upcoming performances. As Kinjunia continues to rise, he invites the world to dance to his beat and to celebrate the power of music that transcends borders. Link: https://www.boomplay.com/albums/96942048?srModel=COPYLINK&srList=WEB 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: People carry drinking water along a sandbank of Madeira River in Paraizinho Community, in Humaita, Amazonas state, northern Brazil, on September 7, 2024. Only the youngest and strongest villagers now brave the crossing of a vast, blistering stretch of sand where, in normal times, the waters of the mighty Madeira River flow in the Brazilian Amazon. Residents of the village of Paraizinhoor "Little Paradise"usually cross the river by canoe to reach the larger city of Humaita, a vital link to buy food and water, get health care and send their children to school. In drier times, this typically involves a short walk along a beach that appears as water levels drop. But as Brazil grapples with its worst drought in 70 years, the waters have continued to shrink, leaving a stretch of almost a kilometer (about 0.6 miles) of sand baking under temperatures of about 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). "Every year it is worse. Last year more than half (of the river) dried up. This year it has dried up almost to the other side," Reis Santos Vieira, a 69-year-old farmer, told AFP. "And it is expected to get worse," he added. The Madeira River, a major tributary of the Amazon River that stretches for 3,300 km (2,050 miles) over Brazil and Bolivia, reached its lowest level since monitoring began in 1967 this week, according to the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB). 'A very difficult time' People carry drinking water along a sandbank of Madeira River in the village of Paraizinho, in Amazonas state, northern Brazil, on September 7, 2024. Experts link Brazil's historic drought to climate change. The parched conditions have fueled wildfires in the Amazon and elsewhere in the country that have clouded major cities in smoke pollution. For much of the day, the dry riverbed becomes an inferno underfoot. The roughly one hundred residents of Paraizinho "are tackling that beach on foot to transport the food and water we need here. It's a very difficult time," complained Sandra Gomes Vieira. Last year, which also saw drought conditions, one of her daughters burned her foot crossing the riverbed. She has refused to go to school since the sand appeared this year. "My sister is undergoing treatment for cancer and can't go to the city. Health personnel go to her house. I'm not very healthy either, but I still manage to get there," said Gomes. Five community volunteers recently carried containers of drinking water barefoot from Humaita to Paraizinho that used to be easily transported on canoes across the river. "Here, we only have the help of these people. Only them and God," said Francisca de Chaga da Silva, one of the water recipients. Drinking water is transported by boat on the Madeira River in Amazonas state. Community leader Joao Ferreira explained the water goes to "the most vulnerable families, who have patients with high blood pressure and diabetes." Faced with the water shortage, residents treat river water with chlorine to bathe and wash dishes or clothes. 'More smoke' The prolonged drought is also impacting economic activities in Paraizinho, mainly fishing and the sale of agricultural products. "The beach has grown a lot. Before, it was only two or three months" of drought, "now we are going for four, five months," said Ferreira. Communities all along the banks of the Madeira Riveran important route for the trade of soybeans, fish and fuelare struggling. Some areas which also rely on Humaita have it worse than Paraizinho, residents of the village say, as they are even further away. Intense fires elsewhere in the Amazon have also brought a haze of smoke to the village and surrounding locale. Communities all along the banks of the Madeira River, an important route for the trade of soybeans, fish, and fuel, are struggling. Authorities blame human activity for most of the recent fires in the country, which are often linked to clearing land for agriculture. The weather "is hotter this year. There is also more smoke," said Sandra Gomes. One of her daughters "has been feeling chest pains from the smoke. Before, she didn't suffer from this problem." President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to announce measures to tackle the effects of the drought in the Amazon during a visit to the city of Manaus on Tuesday. 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: Macrophyte mass developments occur worldwide and are often perceived as a nuisance. We studied six sites across different climate zones, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers with different trophic levels and uses. Macrophytes included submerged, emergent, and free-floating plants, which were either native or non-native species. Photos [from (i) to (vi)]: S. Schneider, J. Kohler, A. Padial, S. Hilt, B. Misteli, A. Petruzzella. Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172960 Aquatic plants in lakes and rivers are important refuges for animals, bring oxygen into the water and remove nutrients. However, they are not universally popular: some people find them a nuisance when swimming or doing water sports, and they also change the hydrology of aquatic systems. When aquatic plants grow in large numbers, they are often removed. Researchers involving the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) have conducted field experiments in six freshwater ecosystems in five countries to investigate why such mass developments occur and what the consequences of removing them are. The evaluation of different management approaches showed that the "do nothing" option can also be considered when dealing with aquatic plants. According to the study, mass developments of aquatic plants primarily impair the recreational value of a water body, while they are often beneficial for other ecosystem services. The study is published in the journal Science of The Total Environment. Aquatic plants, also called macrophytes, can grow in a variety of ways: some float freely on the surface without roots, others take root at the bottom and form floating leaves that rise above the water, while others remain completely submerged. Under optimal conditions, they can spread en masse. This is the case when growth-promoting factors such as high levels of nutrients, light and carbon, and warm temperatures are present. And when disturbances that inhibit plant growthsuch as strong currents, flooding, drought, and herbivorybecome less frequent or absent. River Spree and Lake Kemnader: Regulated flow favors aquatic plant growth Such natural disturbances are absent in straightened and flow-regulated watercoursesfor example, regulation has turned the German River Spree into a slow-flowing river whose nutrient content favors the growth of various native submerged aquatic plants. In the case of Lake Kemnader, a reservoir near Bochum in Germany, the regulation of the River Ruhr has created a nutrient-rich lake with large shallow water zones whose dynamics are little changed by floods or dry periods, thus promoting the mass development of the non-native narrow-leaved waterweed. "Mass development of macrophytes in nutrient-rich, summer-warm, regulated rivers is a well-known phenomenon. However, the risk of mass development of aquatic plants should also be considered when regulating nutrient-poor, cold rivers. Regulation makes the system less dynamic because the water flow is more uniform. This alone can promote mass development, even if the nutrient content is low," said IGB researcher Dr. Sabine Hilt, co-author of the study. More than half of residents and users find aquatic plants bothersome But how do local people perceive aquatic plants? Not surprisingly, the surveys of local residents and water users conducted as part of the study revealed that the denser the aquatic plants, the more often they are perceived as a nuisancein terms of vegetation area and growth height. The point at which a nuisance is perceived depends on the type of water body and the user group surveyed. In the River Spree study area, 80% of local residents, but only 63% of temporary water users, perceived the mass development of native aquatic plants as disturbing. Both groups were concerned about biodiversity. However, local residents were more concerned about the impact of mass development on biodiversity than recreational users. "This is surprising because native aquatic plants promote biodiversity. But people don't seem to realize that," said Hilt. At the Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa, where the researchers also conducted surveys, more than 90% of visitors and residents found the massive spread of non-native water hyacinth disturbing. People were primarily concerned about biodiversity, and only secondarily about boating and the beauty of the landscape. "The high perception of disturbance could be related to the fact that people there have been aware of water hyacinth control for decades, combined with the great importance of this freshwater ecosystem for the whole country," said Hilt, interpreting the different results. Effects of aquatic plant removal on the water body A common measure for controlling aquatic plants is the mowing or mechanical removal with mowing boats. In before-and-after field experiments on the six lakes, reservoirs and rivers, the research team investigated the effects of plant mowing on ecology, water quality and the water balance. "As aquatic plants also provide important ecosystem services for us humans, it is important to know the possible negative consequences of removal and to weigh these up conscientiously in water management according to good professional practice," said IGB researcher Dr. Jan Kohler, also co-author of the study. Water balance: Water levels can dropthis can be good or bad In rivers and streams, dense stands of aquatic plants narrow the cross-sectional area of flow and induce turbulence around stems and leaves, slowing river flow. As a result, dense stands of plants increase the water level upstream. The researchers analyzed long-term data on discharge, water level and aquatic plant biomass in order to calculate the impounding effect. In the studied section of the River Spree, rooted aquatic plants elevated the mean water level by 60 to 90 centimeters (averages June and July 20112021) and slowed the mean flow velocity by 35%. Depending on the type of watercourse, this effect can be beneficial or detrimental. "When river discharge is high, this impounding effect may locally increase flood risk. In rivers and streams with low to moderate discharge, however, the impounding effect of aquatic plants may be beneficial. The high water level in the river also raises the groundwater level in the adjacent floodplain. In the Spree, changes in the river water level are reflected in the groundwater within a few hours. This can mitigate periods of drought. The greater heterogeneity also provides additional habitats and can promote biodiversity," explains Jan Kohler. The exact effect of plant removal on water level depends on the spatial extent and intensity of removal. Complete prevention of any impounding effect would require the total removal of all macrophytes in a sufficiently long river section. In the River Spree, for example, macrophytes have been mowed every summer since 2002, in some years along the whole 34 km river stretch, in others in sections of 38 km length. River water levels dropped by 2030 cm in the mowed sections, but only for some weeks, until regrowth. Carbon and nutrient cycle: Fewer plants, more nutrients The removal of aquatic plants can increase the nutrient load. In the field experiments, the water chemistry in control and affected areas was measured before, one week after and six weeks after the removal of aquatic plants. These before-and-after measurements showed an increase in nutrient concentrations at several locations, including the Spree and Lake Kemnade. This is because aquatic plants absorb nutrients. They also filter particles out of the water and promote the sedimentation of floating matter. However, the nutrient load can also increase if nutrients are released from the sediment during removal. Control of non-native species: Other species fill the gap "Non-native aquatic plant species can threaten local aquatic biodiversity through resource competition or habitat alteration. This is actually a good argument for their removal. However, studies such as ours have shown that the targeted removal of non-native aquatic plants is no guarantee that the perceived nuisance problem will be solved. Other native or non-native species can then colonize the habitat and cause similar problems for the ecosystem users," said Hilt. One example: In the field experiment at the Hartbeespoort Reservoir in South Africa, the mass development of the non-native, free-floating water hyacinth was controlled biologically by releasing insects that specifically target on the water hyacinth while leaving other plant species untouched. The researchers found the first signs of another invasive free-floating plant species, the common salvinia, taking over when water hyacinth cover was reduced. Biodiversity: Structurally rich habitats can be lost Aquatic plants generally provide a high level of structural complexity which provides habitat and/or refuge. Further, they are an important food source for other aquatic organisms. Despite a high variability of results, various studies show that macrophyte-dominated shallow lakes generally have a higher diversity of zooplankton, invertebrates, fish and birds. In the current study, the results were not so clear; at some sites, biodiversity was even lower or there was no discernible difference when aquatic vegetation was abundant. "This might be explained by the occurrence of dense monospecific macrophyte mats, which can repress more diverse native macrophyte vegetation. This leads to a homogenization of aquatic communities and in some cases to anoxic conditions with a subsequent negative impact on aquatic biodiversity," explained Hilt. Management of aquatic plants primarily benefits the recreational value of a water body As the causes of the mass development of aquatic plants are often difficult to combat, considerable resources are spent each year on their removal, although this only has a short-term effect. The aim of removal may be to prevent flooding of adjacent properties or clogging of hydroelectric power stations and water pipes, or to facilitate recreational activities such as boating, swimming and fishing. "When deciding whether or not to mow aquatic plants, the concept of ecosystem services provides a suitable framework. In this study, we identified twelve ecosystem services of water bodies that are affected by mass developments of aquatic plantseither positively or negatively. By expressing the ecosystem services in monetary units per unit of area and time, we were able to sum them up and estimate their total economic value," said Hilt. The research team calculated the respective value for three scenarios: do nothing, current management practice with partial removal of plants, and maximum removal. Overall, it was found that ecosystem services for recreationsuch as fishing, swimming, boatingdominate the overall social value of aquatic plant management. However, few recreationists were willing to pay for more intensive aquatic plant removal. This is consistent with other studies, which often only look at individual forms of recreation such as angling and use non-monetary approaches. Clear conflict of objectives in the River Spree: Agricultural benefits vs. biodiversity In the case of the River Spree, the researchers identified a clear trade-off between different ecosystem services: Scenario 3 with maximum plant removal led to a higher value of fodder production from the agricultural floodplain meadows (+40%), because the lower groundwater level increased the production capacity of the floodplain. At the same time, however, the lowering of the water table also led to a decline in biodiversity (-50%), probably particularly in red-listed wetland plant species in the floodplain reserves. "Our research shows that management decisions have often been based on the needs of a particular user group. However, the overall societal benefit of removing aquatic plants is no greater than allowing them to grow. The option of 'doing nothing' when dealing with aquatic plants that are perceived as a nuisance should therefore not be discarded too quickly," Hilt said. More information: Susanne C. Schneider et al, Causes of macrophyte mass development and management recommendations, Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172960 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment 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: Suspicious matter reports linked to individuals on the NCTL, by reason for suspicion (%). Credit: (2024). DOI: 10.52922/sp77628 Research by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) provides clear evidence of the close connection between organized crime and money laundering, and the significant harm this is causing to the Australian community. The work is published by the Australian government. Money laundering is the life blood of organized crimeexploiting Australia's financial system and property market and costing the economy billions of dollars every year. The research, undertaken as part of a collaborative project between the AIC and AUSTRAC, reinforces the need for the Albanese Government's commitment to extend Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime to cover the "tranche two" entities being exploited by criminal groups. The report analyzes the link between money laundering and organized crime, using data on organized crime groups known to law enforcement from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and suspicious transactions reported to AUSTRAC. The research finds that larger amounts of money are being laundered through the real estate and gambling sectors, relative to other sectors. It also finds that when organized crime groups include professional facilitators among their membershiptranche two entities such as lawyers, accountants and real estate agentsthey are more likely to be involved in money laundering and with larger sums involved. The report shows that criminal groups involved in money laundering are responsible for more than twice as much crime-related harm as groups not involved in money laundering. Every year a criminal group is able to launder money increases the crime-related harm it causes to the community by nearly 50%. It confirms that reducing the amount of money laundered by organized crime groups would significantly limit their ability to reinvest illicit funds in future criminal enterprises. Australia must remain vigilant and harden our businesses against exploitation. The Australian Government is committed to strengthening our anti-money laundering regime through these reforms which are critical in protecting Australians and our economy from the impact of transnational, serious and organized crime. We intend to expand the regime to certain services, provided by "tranche two" entities, including lawyers, accountants, trust and company service providers, real estate agents and dealers in precious metals and stones. We also intend to modernize the AML/CTF Act to ensure it keeps pace with the increasingly digital, instant nature of our global financial systemclosing those gaps that we know increasingly sophisticated, professional criminal organizations can exploit. And we demonstrated our commitment to this action in this year's Budget, committing $166.4 million to implement these overdue proposed reforms. This investment will enable AUSTRAC to implement the new simplified and expanded regime, including delivering comprehensive education and guidance to support tranche two businesses. More information: Anthony Morgan, Money laundering and the harm from organised crime: Results from a data linkage study, (2024). DOI: 10.52922/sp77628 Provided by Australian Institute of Criminology 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: Topography (NASA DEM) and Storm Daniels rainfall accumulation (911 September 2023) within the region of interest (red square). Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49699-8 A new study from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering researchers, along with researchers from the Institute de Physique du Globe de Paris at the University of Paris Cite, has found that the increase in soil erosion in coastal areas due to desertification is worsening flood impacts on Middle Eastern and North African port cities. The researchers focused their observations on the devastating 2023 floods in the city of Derna, Libya, which took the lives of more than 11,300 people and showed how the increase in soil erosion significantly contributed to the catastrophic toll of these unusual desert floods. The research, published in Nature Communications, was published almost a year after the deadly flood happened on September 10, 2023. The co-authors believe that their work sheds light on the alarming vulnerability that arid areas face given the rising frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change and the urgent need for advanced earth observation programs to monitor and characterize these areas. Over the past decade, the North African Sahara, an area larger than the continental United States, has faced a dangerous combination of conditions; increasingly arid conditions which are interrupted by intense, coastal rainstorms. The source of such changes are as follows: increasing desertification has led to intensified droughts, and rainstorms in the region have increased in frequency due to the rising seawater temperature in the Eastern Mediterranean because of global warming. The paper's corresponding author, Essam Heggy, who is a research scientist in the Microwave Systems, Sensors, and Imaging Lab (MiXIL) within the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a co-principal investigator at the USC Viterbi Center for Arid and Water Research Exploration (AWARE), says that together, these two extreme conditions are increasing soil erosion and generating deadly mud flows that are hard to control with the aging dams that exist in the area. While some scholars believe that droughts are the Sahara's deadliest threat, Heggy warns this is not the case. His collaborating paper, "Assessing flash flood erosion following Storm Daniel in Libya," he says, provides the evidence. A year ago, in the Fall of 2023, Storm Daniel also known as "Medicane Daniel" struck the eastern coast of Libya, causing unprecedented flash floods with a death toll of more than 11,300 people and large-scale infrastructure damage. (It has been suggested by the Yale Climate Connections that flash floods of this nature have not been observed on the continent in over 100 years.) The authors explain that Africa's deadliest flood in a century, which occurred in the desert, happened due to a combination of factors: unusually high precipitation, collapses in two flood control dams, and the failure of the city's "blue" or water infrastructure to regulate this extreme event. They suggest that sediment loading, resulting from surface erosion, increased the density of flowing water and exacerbated the catastrophic impact of the flash floods in the coastal cities of Derna and Susah, where 66% of Derna's, and 48% of Susah's urban surfaces experienced moderate-to-high damages. Using a series of Sentinel-1A C-band orbital Synthetic Aperture Radar images, the researchers measured the changes in the returned signal coherence, which informed the changes in surface textural properties before and after the storm's occurrence. (These differences serve as a proxy for mapping flood erosion and assessing infrastructure damages.) The researchers demonstrated that the flow within the streams was heavily loaded and thickened with eroded soils which increased the flow's destructive nature. This, in turn, contributed to the failure of two dams that were supposed to protect the city and residents of Derna. Existing runoff flow models are valuable for estimating flood extents, says Heggy. However, he says they fall short of assessing surface erosion in deserts, which can have a devastating impact, as seen in Derna. Radar satellites, Heggy says, overcome this limitation. "Improving the monitoring of arid watersheds using advanced radar satellites will be crucial for mitigating these devastating risks across several parts of the Sahara, Arabian Peninsula, and other deserts." Jonathan Normand, a visiting graduate student at the USC AWARE Center and the first author of the paper says, "Today, you can post on social media from the middle of a desert thanks to the hundreds of communication satellites now orbiting Earth. Yet, researchers are still left with a limited number of satellites to grasp the complexities of Earth's dynamics and surface processes in deserts." "The sequence of events that happened in Libya is one that can happen in many populous areas across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula," warns Heggy and colleagues in a parallel study carried out with researchers from Morocco and Spain. There are also added risk factors, notes Heggy: Storms are getting stronger, and cities are getting more populous and less organized in terms of policies to reduce development and increase disaster preparedness. "The deadly floods of Derna's shows that regional policymakers in the Middle East and North Africa are not yet sufficiently listening to science, although the last two climate change conferences were hosted in the region. The deadliest enemy ahead is our own belief that these extremes are punctual events that will not repeat. Climate models tell us that they will hit back even stronger." More information: Jonathan C. L. Normand et al, Assessing flash flood erosion following storm Daniel in Libya, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49699-8 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: Magnified images show the increase in blood stem cell production that occurred when a second wave of inflammatory signaling was delayed in zebrafish embryos. The blood stem cells are colored green. Credit: Clyde Campbell A decade ago, Raquel Espin Palazon discovered that inflammatory signaling pathways must switch on for embryos to produce blood stem cells. The latest work from her lab shows the potential value of keeping those same signals switched off after their initial activation. The new research from a team led by Espin Palazon and Clyde Campbell, assistant professors of genetics, development and cell biology at Iowa State University, will benefit efforts to develop lab-grown, patient-derived blood stem cells. The promising but work-in-progress advancement in regenerative medicine could eliminate the need for bone marrow transplants to treat blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma and anemia with stem cell injections. Timing is the key to the findings, published Sept. 6 in Nature Communications. Espin Palazon's earlier work established that NF-kBa well-studied network of proteins that helps trigger inflammation, the host of reactions our bodies use to fight infections, injuries and other perceived dangerswas essential as blood stem cells form. Understanding when and why inflammatory signals appear will help replicate the process. "This was really a huge step forward for the lab-based production of blood stem cells. Those protocols are going to be more precise and efficient," Espin Palazon said. Signals come in waves Stem cells are how organisms grow, repair and renew, the source of every new cell. Some stem cells can create any type of cell, while others are specialized. The hundreds of billions of new blood cells a human makes every day come from specialized hematopoietic stem cells in our bone marrow. A lifetime supply of hematopoietic stem cells is created before birth inside an embryo. Espin Palazon and Campbell's research group works on zebrafish, a common subject in medical research because they are genetically similar to humans and lay fast-developing eggs outside their bodies. By inserting fluorescence-producing reporter genes, scientists can make selected types of protein and gene expression visibly glow. Tracking real-time NF-kB expression in zebrafish embryos with a reporter line that only lights up briefly, the Iowa State-led team found that inflammatory signaling activates in two waves. Switching on and off twice acts as a biological clock, coordinating a progression that converts some of an embryo's vascular cells into blood stem cells. If the first wave doesn't arrive, cells aren't primed for the transition. If the second wave doesn't arrive, newly created stem cells don't detach from blood vessels and rush off into service. In between the waves, blood stem cells are born and proliferate modestly. But if the second wave is delayed, they keep proliferating, researchers found. "By manipulating that signaling, we can create a massive amount of blood stem cells," Espin Palazon said. 'I nearly fell out of my chair' Researchers had no inclination that inhibiting the reactivation phase could rev up blood stem cell production, Campbell said. "I was the first person to see it through the microscope, and I nearly fell out of my chair. I yelled at Raquel, 'What is this?' It's one of those moments you love to have in science. There are just a few times when you see something that blows you away. I expected to see maybe eight stem cells, and instead I saw hundreds," Campbell said. Finding a way to potentially amplify the yield is intriguing because the existing methods for culturing blood stem cells produce few functional cells, Espin Palazon said. The process involves genetically reprogramming mature cells to behave like the make-anything stem cells abundant in embryos, then using those induced pluripotent stem cells to generate blood stem cells. Further study is needed to figure out how deeper insight into inflammatory signal timing can be used to improve the protocols for creating blood stem cells in a lab. "Now, it's all about optimization and integration of these signals," Campbell said. What's next For years, Espin Palazon and Campbell have collaborated with researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which does extensive work on induced pluripotent stem cells. Researchers there confirmed the NF-kB signaling has similar timing patterns and effects in lab efforts to produce human blood stem cells. While they will continue to collaborate with the hospital, the ISU researchers will soon be able to study the process in-house, in a new cell culture lab on Iowa State's campus capable of generating induced pluripotent stem cells. Campbell, who spent a month learning the protocols at the Philadelphia hospital, said the lab should be up and running by the end of the year. Espin Palazon and Campbell said they expect the methods and findings from their latest work will translate to the study of other types of stem cells, the aging process and patient-derived immunotherapy to treat cancer. Scientists continue to learn more about the varying functions of inflammation signaling throughout life. "Inflammatory networks are required to start life, they keep us alive by fighting infections and viruses and, in the end, can cause our demise," Campbell said. More information: Clyde A. Campbell et al, p65 signaling dynamics drive the developmental progression of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells through cell cycle regulation, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51922-5 Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This image displays two atmospheric phenomena: the white curved lines are gravity wave clouds, while the brown areas are dust lifted from the ground by wind. The color shift visible in the dust lifting event might be indicative of very fast winds, a phenomenon currently under investigation by other members of the team. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin. Cloud enthusiasts have a new tool to investigate striking formations in the skies above the red planet. A browsable database of 20-years-worth of images of clouds and storms, created by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Berlin, is helping scientists better understand how and where features arise in the Martian atmosphere and what they can tell us about the climate of Mars and other planets. The Mars 'Cloud Atlas', which is available to the public, has been presented this week at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 2024 in Berlin by Daniela Tirsch of DLR. The images in the Cloud Atlas have been captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) instrument, which has been in orbit on board the European Space Agency (ESA) Mars Express spacecraft since 2005. Although Mars has a very thin atmosphere, numerous cloud formations and dust storm phenomena can develop from water and carbon dioxide ice crystals as well as dust particles. "Clouds on Mars are just as diverse and fascinating as those we see in our skies on Earth, with some features unique to the red planet. One of my favorite phenomena are the beautiful 'cloud streets'linear rows of fleecy clouds that develop around the huge volcanic Tharsis rise and the northern lowlands in northern spring and summer. While they resemble cumulus clouds on Earth, they are formed under different atmospheric conditions," said Dr. Tirsch. "We also see impressive dust clouds that can spread hundreds of kilometersa phenomenon we luckily don't experience on Earth." This elongated cloud has formed as a result of wind encountering the Arsia Mons mountains. It forms almost every day during a specific season, from early morning until noon. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/A. Cowart. Dust plays a major role in the atmosphere and climate of Mars. Rare upwelling events can leave beige, dust-laden blobs hanging in the atmosphere. Large differences in temperature and air pressure at certain seasons can result in stronger-than-usual winds that lift large amounts of dust from the Martian surface. Dust clouds spreading from the tops of giant volcanoes take on the appearance of eruption clouds, although they are no longer active. Large spiral dust storms and cyclone systems can also be observed each year near the Martian north pole. Studying these phenomena is crucial to scientists in understanding the atmosphere and air mass circulation on Mars. Rippling 'gravity clouds' are one of the most common formations on both Mars and the Earth. They are seen at mid-latitudes in winter for both hemispheres, as well as over the Tharsis volcanic plateau in southern winter. Lee waves, a special type of gravity clouds, can build up on the downwind side of ridges, mountains and other obstacles to create repeating ridge formations. An example of cloud streets over Vastitas Borealis, a large area near the North Pole mostly devoid of craters. . Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/A. Cowart Lee waves are a special type of cloud created by the wind encountering obstacles and build up on the 'leeward' or downwind side. The geometries of the lee waves depend on the shape of the obstacles. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin. Lee waves are a special type of cloud created by the wind encountering obstacles and build up on the 'leeward' or downwind side. The geometries of the lee waves depend on the shape of the obstacles. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin. Some types of clouds studied are specific to locations and seasons; others like 'twilight clouds' can appear in the early morning at any place or time of year. The HRSC Cloud Atlas will provide valuable insights into the physical nature and appearance of clouds and storms, the time of their occurrence and their location. This knowledge will help better understand the atmospheric dynamics and the climate cycles on Mars, as well as provide input for studies of the climate on other planets such as Earth and Venus. The DLR team has already used the database to create global maps showing the occurrence of various types of cloud as a function of season and location. "As Mars Express has been extended by ESA until at least 2026, this will enable us keep filling this database and refine even further our understand of Mars atmosphere," said Dr. Tirsch. Papers on the database and scientific applications are currently in preparation. Provided by Europlanet 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: "Even if I am going to die, I must go." Omar Cham aims to understand the influence of predestination thinking on migration decision-making in the Gambia. Credit: Omar Cham Since the 1990s, the European Union has worked intensively with non-EU countries to discourage irregular migration and promote the return of irregular migrants. Despite years of efforts, recent research shows that migrant deterrent campaigns have little effect, and that deportations of irregular migrants are not as easy to drive up as politicians may suggest. Free University of Brussels (VUB) researcher Omar Cham has examined the reactions of Gambian actors to EU migration policies and revealed the inefficiencies of these policies. The Gambia, a priority partner for the EU, is often the target of migration deterrent communications and pressure to cooperate in deportations of irregular migrants. Cham investigated the reactions of both politicians and ordinary citizens in the Gambia. The work is published in the journal International Migration. "From my survey, it is clear that cooperation in deportations is very unpopular in non-European countries. Indeed, many families depend on financial transfers and have often tied their hopes and financial investments to migration," says Cham. "Policymakers in the EU and its member states often promise to deport more undocumented migrants, but in doing so they ignore the sovereignty of non-EU countries." Deportation cannot take place without the cooperation of sovereign non-EU countries, which must grant landing rights and identify their citizens. Return rates have been around 30% for years, so promising to significantly increase these numbers is unrealistic. "It is also notable that the EU's deterrent campaigns, which focus on informing potential migrants about, among other things, the dangers of the migration route, are not having the desired effect," says Cham. "Gambians recognize the dangers of the migration route, but this information barely influences their decisions. Factors such as the benefits of migration, desire for a better quality of life and family pressure play a bigger role." The findings contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of decisions about migration, the very limited influence of deterrent campaigns and the unjustified assumption that non-EU countries will willingly cooperate with a deportation policy of the EU or its member states. "This research highlights that the EU as well as policymakers in member states such as Belgium should rethink their approach and it would be better to focus on the causes of migration rather than just deterrence and deportation," says Cham. More information: Omar N. Cham, "Even if I am going to die, I must go": Understanding the influence of predestination thinking on migration decisionmaking in the Gambia, International Migration (2024). DOI: 10.1111/imig.13317 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 minivan traverses a flooded roadway in Norfolk, Virginia. Credit: Old Dominion University Photography Getting around on a rainy day often involves dodging puddlesor sloshing through them. But during downpours, shallow pools can quickly become roadway ponds that cripple transportation, threaten safety and undermine emergency response. This is especially true in Virginia's Hampton Roads area. Named after one of the many bodies of water that link its cities and counties, the coastal Virginia region is no stranger to flooding from rivers, seas or skies. For decades, local officials have explored data-driven ways to combat extreme weather, getting help from researchers along the way. Now, the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is adding its own advanced computing expertise to benefit the larger community. Scientists from Jefferson Lab, Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia recently conducted a study comparing deep learning models of street-scale flooding in the City of Norfolk with previous machine learning and physics-based simulations. Their work, published in the journal Machine Learning with Applications, uses data from roughly 17,000 street segments covering 400-plus miles of roadway to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of surrogate models. One of those strengths is speed. While physics-based simulations can take several hours to run, machine learning models can perform similar calculations in a matter of seconds. The research could help forecasters more swiftly predict which sections of Norfolk's transportation grid will be underwater. "Flooding is a transportation, health, and emergency management problem," said Jefferson Lab Data Scientist Diana McSpadden. "If a rainfall event is expected, you need to know where the high water will be. For urban decision-makers, it is particularly important to figure these things out quickly." The study was carried out as part of the Joint Institute on Advanced Computing for Environmental Studies (ACES), a unique partnership launched by Jefferson Lab and ODU this past November. An area of Norfolk, Virginia, is flooded during a rainfall event. Credit: Old Dominion University Photography The 'Mermaid City' Hampton Roads is a magnet for maritime activity and a playground for boaters, beachgoers and anglers alike. In fact, the region's namesake is its deep and bustling harbora roadstead in nautical terms. Here, hundreds of miles of shoreline provide easy access to rivers, creeks, lakes, the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. But all that water can pose a threat. Hampton Roads has seen its share of coastal flooding caused by tidal events, river swells, storm surges, sea level rise, or any combination of those. A generally flat landscape and low elevation also make the region particularly vulnerable to flooding from heavy rainfall. "The definition of nuisance flooding is something I became fairly obsessed with," McSpadden said. "It sometimes seems to refer to sunny-day, tidal flooding, but it can also be caused by rainfall and storm surge, or a combination of events." Flooding in Hampton Roads is pronounced in Norfolk, home to ODU and just across the roadstead from Jefferson Lab. Norfolk is Virginia's second-most populous city with about 230,000 residents. It features the Port of Virginia international shipping gateway, the world's largest navy base, a vibrant downtown waterfront, and a popular beach along the Chesapeake Bay. Nicknamed the "Mermaid City," Norfolk's history of resilience results from the countless storms weathered since the city's incorporation in 1705when Virginia was an English colony. Today, Norfolk is among the U.S. cities most vulnerable to coastal flooding, and researchers say it could get worse. According to an ODU-led paper published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, nuisance flooding in Norfolk has increased 325% since 1960. The study says it will become even more frequent, "with a potential for well over 200 flood events in the year 2049." "Nuisance flooding is in contrast to extreme events, and most importantly is becoming more common due to sea-level rise," McSpadden said. "And the term 'nuisance' will be less and less applicable as these events become more frequent, because there will be less recovery time between flooding events." This figure illustrates the predicted water depth obtained using ACES research using a Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) model which is able to predict over the continuous spatial domain at a 2.5m x 2.5m spatial resolution in the Norfolk, Virginia study area. The minimum predicted water depth is 0m (purple), indicating areas where flooding is not predicted to occur given the environmental conditions. In contrast, the maximum predicted water depth reaches approximately 5m (yellow), as seen in the Elizabeth River. Credit: Jefferson Lab Unnavigable waters Travel through Norfolk on a rainy day, and there's a good chance you'll encounter a submerged road. This can call for crisscrossing through side streets, much like navigating a "Pac-Man" maze. Just ask ODU Research Associate Professor Heather Richter. "You can definitely get into spaces where you are stuck because some intersections are impassable," said Richter, who co-directs the ACES institute alongside Jefferson Lab Data Science Department Head Malachi Schram. "It's a seriously tricky deal." Then, there are the so-called "blue-sky" or "sunny-day" floods, when roads or intersections are underwater without muchif anyrain at all. The issue is pervasive in areas near Norfolk's waterfront. An oft-cited example is the corner of Norfolk's Boush Street and Olney Road, just two blocks from an inlet of the Elizabeth River known as "The Hague," where tidal flooding can quickly inundate surrounding streets. "In other neighborhoods, flooding is an even bigger problem," Richter said. "In Berkeley and Campostella, for example, they're very worried about this. Their fire station is in this super flood-prone area. Sometimes, their emergency vehicles can't even get out, much less get where they need to go." The roadway flooding study examines nearly 17,000 street segments, which are superimposed on this satellite image of Norfolk, Virginia. Credit: Jefferson Lab Data drivers Norfolk joined the Waze for Cities program in 2017 to crowdsource flood data from users of the popular cellphone navigation app. Norfolk later expanded it with a pilot project that fed a real-time model, called Floodmapp, into the Waze app to give travelers a heads-up of hazards and closures without other users needing to place their "pins." To further study flooding in the Mermaid City, researchers at UVA built a high-fidelity, physics-based simulation using software called Two-dimensional Unsteady Flow (TUFLOW). Jonathan Goodall, a UVA professor of civil and environmental engineering, has worked with the TUFLOW model for several years. "Using TUFLOW, we can do computer simulations to model how rainfall becomes runoff, how runoff accumulates and flows through stormwater pipes and infrastructure, and how tidal conditions interact and influence stormwater runoff," Goodall said. The Australian-built software is dynamic and highly accurate, but it requires extensive calibration and can take hours to run. Goodall said that is where machine learning comes in. "Because the TUFLOW simulations are physics-based and highly detailed, they take hours to complete," he said. "What we have done is run a lot of different past storm events using TUFLOW, then used the output to train a machine learning model. Once trained, the machine learning model can act as surrogates that run in seconds rather than hours." 'Random forests' and neural networks Goodall was part of a UVA collaboration that explored some of the first surrogate models of the TUFLOW simulation, using a machine learning method known as the "random forest" algorithm. "The random forest method creates a collection of decision trees," Goodall said, "with each capturing the relationship between rainfall, tide, other environmental and geographic properties, and how they relate to flood levels." But the random forest algorithm doesn't have a straightforward way to accept what data scientists call multimodal input. "What we're really talking about is data representation," McSpadden said. "Say we build a retaining wall, change the elevation here and asphalt conditions there, or plant some trees. Altering the conditions in these areas creates a dynamic system." The ACES team compared the random forest method with two deep learning models. Both are based on recurrent neural networks (RNNs)layered neural architectures that learn through a "look back" approach. Findings and future work The ACES study examined 16,923 street segments, each 50 meters long and 7.2 meters widebased on the average lane width in the U.S. The described characteristics are elevation, wetness and depth-to-water. The elevation data was gathered from the U.S. Geological Survey's digital elevation model, which measures height above sea level to a resolution of about 1 meter. The wetness index measures the accumulation of water runoff from surrounding areas. In general, areas with lower elevations and slopes retain more water than those with steeper slopes and higher elevations. The depth-to-water index estimates how deep the water table (groundwater) is for each segment. Other data sets fed into the RNNs include hourly rainfall, the maximum rainfall in a 15-minute span, tide levels, and cumulative rainfall over the previous two-hour and 72-hour periods. The team used layers of data from 16 rainfall events, lasting anywhere from 11 to 60 hours, to test and train the models. They also used the six most flood-prone street segments in Norfolkall downtown near the Elizabeth Riverto directly compare their measurements to the other models. The ACES study found the deep learning models' performance can accurately predict street-scale nuisance flooding with a run time of 11 seconds, compared to the 4-6 hours that TUFLOW takes. This could help urban planners issue warnings and make quick decisions while the physics-based models are sorting through their data. The RNNs' predictions and error margins are within centimeters of the TUFLOW model. In terms of precision and recall (sensitivity), the RNNs produced high scores at depths of less than 10 centimeters. But for middle- and high-water depths, the precision degraded. "One potential reason for degradation is that there are fewer such events in the training dataset," Goodall said. "Machine learning models need a lot of examples to be well-trained and, fortunately for Norfolk (but not the model), there are fewer of these middle- and high-water depth events." The paper points out ways to strengthen the models overall. One is making them uncertainty-aware. "If you're going to have a data-driven model that is trying to predict something involving extreme weather, you want to have some sort of uncertainty estimate," McSpadden said. "The model doesn't necessarily know physics. It's a function that it has learned. So, you want some kind of uncertainty on your prediction." ACES update The ACES team has been busy since its November launch. The institute has added collaborators and is embarking on several studies of health and environmental challenges in Hampton Roads. Comprised of more than a dozen scientists, educators and health professionals from various disciplines, ACES has two primary research arcs. One is the exploration of relationships between the natural and built environments, which this study addresses. "We've been growing our capability of understanding what's going on in the whole environment, whether air, water or built environment," Richter said. "What's going on around the people is what matters to us." The other is clinical informatics, i.e. health. One project in this vein is the use of generative models in medical applications. For these studies, the institute is working with pediatricians, including the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk. "If we want to disrupt the health disparity problem in Hampton Roads and create a more equitable environment, we need to see kids thriving from pregnancy through early childhood," Richter said. "That's a really important window in terms of creating well-being for kids." ACES has more flooding papers in the works, and McSpadden said the team's special blend of talents makes these positive impacts on the community possible. "We have the data scientists and nuclear physicists from Jefferson Lab," she said. "We have our public health specialists, our hydrologists and environmental scientists that come to us through ODU and UVA. I don't know of another group in Hampton Roads that could bring all of those different viewpoints together." More information: Diana McSpadden et al, A comparison of machine learning surrogate models of street-scale flooding in Norfolk, Virginia, Machine Learning with Applications (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.mlwa.2023.100518 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters 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: Phil Reid BoM data: NSIDC For the second winter in a row, the extent of Antarctic sea ice has been exceptionally below averageand it has just set a new record low for this time of year. Throughout 2024, scientists in Hobart have been anxiously monitoring sea-ice extent, after last year's sea-ice coverage was at the lowest levels since satellite records began. Sea-ice researcher Dr. Will Hobbs, of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) at the University of Tasmania, said the record seasonal low is further indication that the sea-ice system around Antarctica is shifting to a new state. "In 2023, the winter extreme was outside everybody's expectationsnot just due to its sheer magnitude, but because it's the wrong time of year. In winter the ocean should be freezing." "While the summer sea ice of 2024 was largely within the 'normal' variability, this winter we've again seen chaotic fluctuations similar to last year, now producing the lowest winter extreme on record," he said. "At short time-scalesmonths to yearsthe atmosphere is the main driver of regional variability in Antarctic sea ice. What's different now is that warmer Southern Ocean temperatures are really having an impact on the sea ice." "The big question is whether that ocean warming is just a blip or is it related to climate change. Getting two such extreme events back-to-back is like throwing two double-sixes in a rowhow many double-sixes do you need before you start thinking the dice are loaded?" "We know that the past two years have been the warmest on record for the planet, with global temperatures more than 1.5C above pre-industrial for extended periods. This global warmth is now reflected in the oceans around the Antarctic, and is likely a major factor in continuing record low sea ice," said Dr. Hobbs. Every day Dr. Phil Reid of the Bureau of Meteorology (an AAPP partner agency) plots satellite data from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado. "While it's still too early to say whether winter sea ice has reached its maximum this year, it's startling that the extent has dropped so low againalmost like the sea ice is being dissuaded from growing," Dr. Reid said. On 7 September, sea-ice extent reached only 17.0 million square kilometers, compared to the previous low winter-time extent on the same day in 2023 of 17.1 million square kilometers. The long-term normal for this date is 18.4 million square kilometers. "We are really only just beginning to understand the effects on our weather and climate from regionally low sea-ice coverage, combined with much warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures. "For example, recent studies suggest that reduced sea-ice extent may lead to an increase in occurrence and duration of summer-time wet extremes over Australia, and, conversely, longer periods of dry days during winter. "Ocean and atmosphere interactions, induced by Antarctic sea-ice loss, are thought to drive these changes. "There are also key characteristics of sea ice that we can't measure particularly welllike its thickness. It is possible that some of the sea ice being observed this year is quite thin, thinner than average, and vulnerable to atmospheric perturbations. "It is a gap in the knowledge of our sea-ice environment that we need to fill, because our polar environments are changing rapidly," said Dr. Reid. Provided by Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) 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 Recent research by Andrew Nalani, a faculty member at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development, examines the viewpoints of youth care workers in juvenile residential facilities and their desires for fostering more just and equitable systems through youth-adult partnerships. Youth-adult partnerships (Y-APs) are a model for promoting social justice development for system-impacted youth. Y-APs have typically been employed in community-based settings and schools, giving youth opportunities to collaborate and make democratic decisions with adults overseeing their care. Nalani's studypublished by the American Journal of Community Psychologyis the first to examine whether Y-APs exist within juvenile justice facilities and child welfare congregate care group homes and the systematic conditions that enable or constrain the emergence and sustainability of Y-APs in these settings. "While reform efforts in these settings aim to promote positive youth development, they do not adequately include and consider the perspectives of those most impacted the youth themselves and the frontline care workers," said Nalani, assistant professor of human and organizational development. Through a series of interviews with 21 frontline staff in juvenile justice and congregate care facilities, Nalani finds that the success of Y-APs, while elusive, is heavily influenced by frontline workers' recognition of and commitment to resisting systematic anti-Black racism. Nalani names three prevailing organizational processes that hinder Y-APs: Selective racial cognizance in hiring: valuing frontline workers' racial/ethnic identities and experiences to support program compliance among youth but devaluing these traits as assets for fostering positive youth development and promoting frontline workers into more senior roles. Color-evasive and elitist training: training that avoids issues of race and values academic perspectives over frontline workers' experiences. The avoidance of race fails to adequately set up frontline workers for success by ignoring how societal racism shapes dynamics in facilities, which can perpetuate anti-Blackness. Racialized blame-shifting: shifting blame onto frontline workers, predominantly those of color, for systemic failures, rather than seeking to improve systems. According to Nalani, these organizational dynamics perpetuate a system of social control and stymy positive youth development. Based on their experiences with youth, the study participants shared guidance on alternative practices and policies to support a system that recognizes the humanity of workers and Black youth, including the need for administrators to periodically work in facilities to understand the realities of youth and workers. More information: Andrew Nalani, Freedom dreaming in carceral spaces: Youth care workers' imagined alternatives to antiBlack racism in residential facilities, American Journal of Community Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12762 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 Research from the University of Liverpool, conducted in partnership with the Revenge Porn Helpline, has revealed that a significant number of websites analyzed containing non-consensual intimate images (NCIIscolloquially known as "revenge porn") may not be required to remove the images by law. The research found that many websites being used to host NCIIs are unlikely to be regulated by Ofcom under the Online Safety Act (OSA). The non-consensual sharing of private sexual material was criminalized in 2015 under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act. The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, included areas not previously covered in the 2015 legislation. The OSA also creates different categories so that larger companies are subject to higher levels of regulation. Ofcom is currently in the process of drawing up a register of the levels of regulation different companies will need to adhere to. It is currently unclear how Ofcom will determine which companies fall under the legislation, other than the Act suggesting that those user-generating services with a "significant" number of U.K. users, or services where the U.K. is a target market, will be more highly regulated (for example, it's anticipated that Facebook and Twitter will fall within scope of the regulation). This means that the OSA's powers could be limited in ensuring that NCII is removed from smaller platforms and platforms with a limited number of U.K. users. Therefore, the OSA may not prevent the non-consensual sharing of intimate images on a large proportion of platforms being used to host the content. Research from the University of Liverpool's Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, examined how reports made to the Revenge Porn Helpline were distributed across the internet, including public URLs. A random sample of 200 cases was generated by research from more than 2,600 cases of NCII distribution between 2015 (when the Helpline opened) and early 2022. Analysis was conducted by Zara Ward, formerly a Senior Helpline Practitioner at RPH. Analysis of these reports, recently published in the European Journal of Criminology, showed that many URLs responsible for hosting NCII would be unlikely to be covered by the legislation if regulation was focused on larger platforms. The research found that while the largest social media platforms were being used to host the largest proportion of images, many other platforms were also being used to host content, including pornography platforms, message boards, file-sharing sites, escort sites, and dedicated "revenge porn" platforms. This means that victim-survivors who have images shared on smaller platforms and platforms with a limited number of U.K. users could continue to struggle to have their images removed, if the highest level of regulation in the OSA is mostly targeted at the biggest social media platforms, search engines, and pornography websites. Dr. Antoinette Huber, who led the research, said, "Our research is the first of its kind in this complex area where we have worked with reporting data from a key victim-survivor support service to further understand the nature of NCII image distribution and removal. "We have found that, while the Online Safety Act is an extremely important legislative step, it may not quite stretch far enough in helping to effectively prevent the distribution of NCIIs, depending on how Ofcom compiles the levels of regulation. "Although it appears that the Act will be effective in targeting the bigger platforms with a large number of UK users, there are significant gaps in the legislation. This means that images removed from larger sites could still be circulating on smaller sites and sites without a large U.K. user base, continuing to cause considerable distress to victim-survivors. "The internet is a borderless space, and victim-survivors are unlikely to be concerned with the country users are based in, if it means that their images can still be circulated. "We know that, unfortunately, the longer NCII remains online, the greater the likelihood of further circulation, and increased susceptibility to further forms of abuse. That's why it's really important for Ofcom to ensure that the scope of the OSA is broad enough to tackle NCII distribution in a way that is meaningful for all victim-survivors." Sophie Mortimer, Helpline Manager at the Revenge Porn Helpline said, "A large part of the work of the Revenge Porn Helpline is on the reporting for removal of intimate images that have been shared of our clients without their consent. "As the research shows, this happens across all types of sites, in a landscape that is largely unregulated. The removal of images is the first thing our clients ask for when they get in touch, and the thing we will talk to them about for the longest. "The nature of the internet means that a single outstanding image can cause huge distress and anxiety for someone who knows it is only a matter of time before it starts to recirculate widely all over again. The impact can be devastating, affecting personal and professional relationships, emotional and physical health and mental well-being. "It is vital that Ofcom works to build a landscape through international, cross-industry co-operation, that gives swift remedies for the harms of intimate image abuse." More information: Antoinette Raffaela Huber et al, Non-consensual intimate image distribution: Nature, removal, and implications for the Online Safety Act, European Journal of Criminology (2024). DOI: 10.1177/14773708241255821 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 Records of koala admissions to veterinary hospitals in South East Queensland show euthanasia was the most common outcome, according to University of Queensland research. The research was published in Society and Animals. Ph.D. candidate Renae Charalambous and colleagues at UQ's Faculty of Science analyzed the records of more than 50,000 koala sightings and hospital admissions between 1997 and 2019. "Diseases like chlamydia make up almost 30 percent of vet hospital admissions, followed by a multitude of threats stemming from habitat loss, including dog attack and motor vehicle strike," Ms. Charalambous said. "Only 25 percent of koalas rescued and admitted to hospital went on to be released into suitable habitat. "Many of the animals died before arriving at a vet hospital and those that did make it were often euthanized on the grounds of welfare, despite vets and carers doing their best to save them." Koalas who'd been hit by cars made up nearly 20 percent of overall admissions but were four times more likely to be found dead than treated by a vet and released. "Those that made it to an animal hospital after car strike were almost three times more likely to be euthanized than released," Ms. Charalambous said. "Seven percent of the koalas admitted to hospital had been attacked by dogs but were twice as likely to be found dead, and if they were taken into care alive, they were twice as likely to be euthanized than released. "These are pretty grim statistics, so the future for koalas looks bleak." The study also found adults, females, and those with chlamydia were at higher risk of being euthanized than released. In February 2022, the conservation status of the iconic marsupial was changed from vulnerable to endangered in Queensland, after estimates that their numbers had halved over the last decade. Ms. Charalambous said understanding these distinctive challenges was important to informing future conservation plans for east coast koalas. "It's not too late to restore the region's healthy koala populations and this is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimize the threats they face," she said. "I hope this research sheds light on policy gaps so decision makers can target intervention strategies to save the koalas we have left." Ms. Charalambous acknowledges the valuable contributions of UQ's Dr. Kris Descovich and Dr. Edward Narayan to the research. More information: Renae Charalambous et al, Identifying Trends in Admission and Release of Wild Koalas in Veterinary Clinics Throughout Queensland, Australia, Society & Animals (2024). DOI: 10.1163/15685306-bja10220 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Myanmar town of Tachileik, which borders northern Thailand's Chiang Rai province, is flooded after days of rain. Days of rain have lashed the Myanmar town of Tachileik and triggered flooding that has knocked out power and telephone lines, a resident and local media said on Tuesday, with more rain forecast. AFP images from the town which sits on the border with Thailand showed people riding motorcycles through streets under red-brown waters and residents trying to bail out flooded shops and houses. "Many people are stuck and my friends are stuck at their offices and cannot leave," Tachileik resident Phoo Phoo, 26, told AFP by phone. Telephone and electricity lines in the town, home to at least 60,000 people were down, she said. "Some houses are already under water. Ground floors and and motorcycles are submerged too." Images shared on social media showed people sitting on their roof as the waters ran by below them. Just over the border in the northern Thai district of Mae Sai, floodwaters were running through the streets, according to images published by local Thai media. Thailand's weather office said more heavy to very heavy rains were likely in the north on Wednesday. Last week at least 20 people went missing when the boat they were traveling in along the Mekong river, around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tachileik, met with a mishap, local officials said. The rainy season typically brings months of heavy downpours to the Southeast Asian country, but scientists say man-made climate change is making weather patterns more intense. 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: First Stage Illustration for Seriously Accused: All States. Credit: When Criminality Begets Crime: The Role of Elected Politicians in India (2024) Pappu Yadav has served in India's Lok Sabha, the lower house of the country's Parliament for close to 25 years. He's faced serious criminal accusations for almost as long. Yadav, who represents a constituency in the state of Bihar, has 41 pending cases against him. He was convicted of murder in 2008 and received a life sentence, only to be acquitted in 2013. And in 2021, he was arrested in connection with a 32-year-old kidnapping case. Yadav is not alone. Nishith Prakash, a professor of public policy and economics at Northeastern University, says the long-serving politician is one of many politicians in India who have managed to bend or break the law for their own gain. Another politician, Anant Singh, a four-time elected member of the legislative assembly from Bihar, faces upwards of 38 criminal cases, including seven murders, 11 attempts to murder and four kidnappings. "They are getting elected, and over time the number has only been going up," Prakash says. "In some states, it could be as high as almost 40% of people who are representing the state have some kind of a criminal accusation." This is not unique to India, Prakash notes, but in a 2022 paper published in the Journal of Law Economics and Organization, Prakash and his co-authors found that states with more politicians accused of crimes also had higher crime rates. Criminality breeds crime, Prakash says. "When you look at states that have weaker institutions, that's where you get the full picture," Prakash says. "In states with weaker institutions, these politicians have actually increased crime, and if you classify these cases as serious accusations, those who face kidnapping and murder accusations, then there's a larger effect on crime." This trend happens more frequently in states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, that are historically considered to have weaker institutions, Prakash adds. An increase in the number of criminal politicians in those states was associated with a 4.3% increase in total crime per year. That number jumps to 5.8% when considering an increase in politicians who have been accused of serious crimes, like murder or kidnapping. Based on a concept known as weak rule of law, Prakash says criminally accused politicians can either directly or indirectly benefit from, contribute to and exacerbate deteriorating law and order in states that already have weakened institutions. Lalu Prasad Yadav, president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal political party, is one of the most notorious examples of this trend. Yadav's regime in Bihar frequently made headlines for their involvement in high-profile kidnapping cases, earning the name "jungle raj" in the 1980s and 1990s as kidnapping for ransom became big business. "These kidnappers were indirectly, or in some cases directly, supported by the state or the person who was in power," Prakash says. "In the late 1990s, the situation became extremely grim, with several doctors migrating due to extortion. The crisis further deteriorated when even school children began to be targeted for kidnappings." Prakash notes that India has made it easier to track criminally accused politicians because of a landmark 2003 ruling by the Supreme Court. The court established that anyone who runs for political office must disclose any and all criminal cases they have been involved in. This includes accusations and indictments but not convictions. Anyone convicted of a crime is unable to run for office in India. The researchers also looked at a more specific way that criminally accused politicians affect crime: They found that an increase in criminal politicians also resulted in a 12.6% increase in crimes against women. There was also a corresponding effect on how many women participated in the labor force. "Exactly in places where you see increases in crime you find lower female labor force participation," Prakash says. "It should mirror because if you have high crime, women would not feel safe and they would not go out to work." Prakash says that India historically has lower female labor participation, especially in urban areas. But in areas with more criminally accused politicians, the number of women taking part in the labor force dropped by 10% to 11%. Previously, Prakash had found that the quality of elected politicians also had another economic impact: Areas of India with more criminally accused politicians had between 2.3% and 6.5% less economic growth per year. Change is slow, if it comes at all, Prakash says, but there has been a push to reform the Indian political system in recent years, thanks in part to this research, which has caught the interest of the courts and Election Commission in India. "The quality of politicians matters," Prakash says. "Who you elect has implications on outcomes that we care about. It could be economic growth, it could be crime against women, it could be labor force participation. These are very important outcomes for society and the economy." This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. 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 Travel is on the rise again. According to the UN's tourism agency, international travel for all purposes reached 97% of its pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2024. In some regions such as Africa and Europe, arrivals are already surpassing these levels. Indian travelers, in particular, are adding to this growing trendno nation's outbound tourism market is growing faster. In response to this rapidly expanding travel boom, Indian airlines ordered record numbers of new planes in 2024. The Indian travel market is gigantic, with its middle class now representing 31% of the country's population. This figure is expected to increase to 60% by 2047, meaning there will be more than 1 billion middle-class Indians by the middle of the century. For budding Indian tourists, the future of travel looks exciting. But for the many destinations already besieged by overtourism, this new market may be viewed through a more skeptical lense. Nonetheless, Indian tourists spent US$33.3 billion (25.3 billion) in 2023, and many destinations are recognizing their potential. In April, for example, Japan introduced a new e-visa system for Indian tourists in the hopes of increasing arrivals. Two months earlier, Dubai created a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa tailored to Indian visitors. South Africa's simplified visa scheme will also start in 2025, while other nations including Malaysia, Kenya, Thailand and Iran have scrapped visa requirements for Indian tourists entirely. The evidence suggests these schemes work. Tour operator Thomas Cook reported in May that Indian demand for holidays in Georgia has surged by a staggering 600% year-on-year since the country launched its e-visa system for Indian tourists in 2015. Other European markets have been slower to adjust. Europe's border-free Schengen zone has introduced a new "cascade" system, which will allow Indian visitors who have used a short-stay visa twice in the last three years to now apply for a two-year, multiple-entry tourist visa. But, while this is a positive step towards easier travel for some Indian tourists, it will have no effect on new travelers. The Schengen visa process can also still take months, requires significant paperwork, and appointments are notoriously difficult to find. The story is similar for British visas. Many people in India, as well as other applicants, feel the process is too harsh and can be humiliating. Endless amounts of paperwork are required, including bank statements and invitation letters, and rejections are often not explained. In a study of travel trends in India, online travel platform Booking.com also found that Indian tourists typically book their trip at the last minute. They spend just 30 days planning a holiday on average, compared with 63 days for Americans and 90 days for Brits. Many simply cannot be bothered with time-consuming visa requirements, and are opting for easier and more welcoming destinations instead. So, where are they going? Budget airlines flying to relatively nearby destinations have contributed to India's tourism rush, with south-east Asia increasingly popular. According to Google Trends, Vietnam was the most-researched destination by Indians in 2023. That year, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported a 231% increase in visitors from India compared with 2019. Other south-east Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are seeing similarly huge jumps in arrivals. Indian travelers are hugely influenced by television and movies, often opting to visit the places they have seen in Bollywood. Despite visa restrictions, the number of Indian tourists visiting Spain jumped by 40% in 2011 after the La Tomatina festivalwhere participants throw tomatoes at each otherwas featured in the popular Hindi movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. It has been a similar story for Switzerland. Several Bollywood movies filmed there over the past 50 years have resulted in an Indian tourism love affair with the country. The Swiss tourist board even offers Bollywood tours to the various sites featured in Indian cinema. While only 9% of Indian travelers focus on long-haul destinations in western Europe, Switzerland has been a top-20 destination for Indian tourists for over a decade. Other destinations have started using Bollywood actors in their promotional campaigns. Dubai, for example, is promoted by the Indian acting superstar and film producer Shah Rukh Khan. And the heartthrob actor Siddharth Malhotra has been New Zealand's brand ambassador since 2015. By 2040, the number of international tourist departures from India could hit 90 million, not far from the 104 million Chinese tourists who traveled in 2019. However, research suggests that Chinese holidaymakers are increasingly deciding to travel at home, meaning Indian tourists may soon overtake them. As more people in India flock to airport departure lounges, tourist destinations around the world are jostling for position in the race to take their share. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Imagine a bee crawling into a bright yellow flower. This simple interaction is something you may have witnessed many times. It is also a crucial sign of the health of our environmentand one I've devoted hundreds of hours of field work observing. Interactions between plants and pollinators help plants reproduce, support pollinator species like bees, butterflies and flies, and benefit both agricultural and natural ecosystems. These one-on-one interactions occur within complex networks of plants and pollinators. In my lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, we're interested in how these networks change over time and how they respond to stressors like climate change. My team emphasizes long-term data collection in hopes of revealing trends that would otherwise be unnoticed. Working at Elk Meadow Ten years ago, I began working in Elk Meadow, which is located at 9,500 feet (or 2,900 meters) elevation at the University of Colorado's Mountain Research Station. I wanted a local field site that allowed for frequent observations to study the dynamics of plant-pollinator networks. This beautiful subalpine meadow, bursting with wildflowers and just 40 minutes from campus, fit the bill perfectly. Since 2015, often joined by members of my lab, I have made weekly hikes to Elk Meadow. We visit from the first flower in May to the last in October. We observe pollinators visiting flowers at plots scattered throughout the meadow, walking the periphery to minimize trampling. The morning is the best time to visit because pollinator activity is high and thunderstorms often roll in at midday during the summer in the Rocky Mountains. Observing the network Elk Meadow is rich in biodiversity. Over the years, we have observed 7,612 interactions among over 1,038 unique pairs of species. These pairings were made by 310 species of pollinators and 45 species of plants. Pollinators include not only a wide variety of bees, but also flies, butterflies, beetles and the occasional hummingbird. Expert entomologists help us identify some of the insects. Plants include species that are widespread, like the common dandelion, and some that are only found in the Rocky Mountains, like the Colorado columbine. Common but vital Collecting data in Elk Meadow is fun, but it is also serious science. Our data is useful for understanding the dynamics of plant and pollinator interactions within and across seasons. For example, we learned which interactions between plants and pollinators are stable and which change over time and space. We consistently observed interactions between generalist species and their many partners over time and in different plots across the meadow. Generalist species can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, meaning they are more frequently available to interact. In other words, generalist species are more likely to be alive, active and foraging in the case of pollinatorsor flowering in the case of plantscompared with species that can only survive if environmental conditions like temperature, sunlight and rainfall are just right to support them. Generalist species are vital in networks, but they often don't receive the same conservation attention as rare species. Even these common species can decline due to environmental changes destabilizing entire ecosystems. Protecting these species is important for maintaining biodiversity. In it for the long term As we gather more years of data, our study is becoming increasingly useful for understanding how networks and pollinator populations are changingespecially with signs of climate change increasingly emerging. Most ecological studies are only designed or funded for one or a few years, making our 10-year dataset one of only a few for plant-pollinator networks. It is only with long-term ecological data that we can detect trends in responses to climate change, particularly because of high year-to-year variability in weather and populations. The National Science Foundation supports a network of long-term ecological research stations across the U.S., including the Niwot Ridge Long-term Ecological Research Program near Elk Meadow, which is dedicated to the study of high-mountain species and ecosystems. Colorado's climate, like much of the world, is experiencing significant changes, such as rising temperatures, earlier snow melt and more late-winter and spring rain instead of snow. These changes lead to earlier water runoff from mountains, drier soils and more severe droughts. These shifts can have important consequences for plants and pollinators, including changes in where species are found, how many there are, and when they flower or forage. High-elevation plant and pollinator communities may be especially vulnerable to climate change impacts since these areas are experiencing greater temperature increases compared with lower elevations. We have seen warmer and drier conditions at Elk Meadow. Overlaid in this trend, we have observed annual variation in temperature and drought conditions that can help us understand and predict how different species will fare in a hotter and drier future. Climate change is a driver of pollinator declines and is predicted to become increasingly important in the coming decades. Immediate threats also include pesticide use, light pollution and the destruction of wild habitats for farming and development. The state of Colorado recently commissioned a study to gauge the health of Colorado's native pollinators and make recommendations on how to protect them. Appreciating the current pollinator landscape Working at Elk Meadow has provided opportunities for my students to conduct independent research and receive valuable training and mentoring. Seeing the beauty of the living things in the meadow and observing their cycles inspires my students and me. Elk Meadow is a place to clear my mind and come up with new research ideas. It is also a place to observe and record how one tiny patch of our planet is changing in reaction to bigger changes happening around it. 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: General view of scyphomedusa hosts Rhizostoma pulmo (a) and Rhopilema nomadica (b) and early stages of the Edwardsiella carnea parasitic planulae (c-g) that were found in them. c. planula (black arrowhead) on the oral arm of R. nomadica. d. planulae (pl) with developing mesenteries (se) and vacuolated spheres that resembled lipid droplets (v). e. spherical planula with mouth (mo). Box contents are detailed in panel g. f. vermiform planula with distinguishable mouth (mo) and aboral end (ab). Box contents are detailed in panel h. g. extensively ciliated (ci) epidermis of spherical planulae. h. extensively ciliated (ci) epidermis of vermiform planula. um umbrella (bell), oa oral arms, tn tentacles. Scale bar: 1 mm (c), 300 m (d, e, f), 25 m (g, h). Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72168-7 Many marine organisms, like sea anemones, struggle to spread across the ocean, especially if they lack long, mobile larval stages. Unlike their jellyfish relatives, sea anemones do not have a medusa stage, making their dispersal challenging. Their only mobile stage is a tiny larva called a planula. In many species of sea anemones, the planula persists for only a short period before it settles on the seafloor and transforms into a polypa soft, tube-like animal with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles. This brief window reduces the ability of sea anemones to settle in new areas far from where they originated. Some sea anemones, like the burrowing anemone Edwardsiella carnea, have developed a unique way to overcome the challenges of ocean dispersal. These anemones parasitize jelly-like marine animals called comb jellies (or ctenophores) to spread more easily through the ocean. The polyps of this species release eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization happens. The fertilized eggs develop into planulae, which can infect comb jellies by either burrowing into their tissues or being swallowed. Inside the comb jelly, the planula grows into a worm-like form, which can then be released and settle on the seafloor to develop into a polyp. Comb jellies can host one or many of these parasitic anemones at the same time, and carry the parasitic planulae for long distances, across the ocean. A study led by Prof. Tamar Guy-Haim from the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR) and Ben-Gurion University, and the doctoral student Anastasiia Iakovleva, along with Dr. Arseniy R. Morov from the Guy-Haim Lab in IOLR and Prof. Dror Angel from the University of Haifa, has uncovered the first documented cases of parasitic burrowing anemone planulae in scyphozoan medusae ("true jellyfish"). The study, published in Scientific Reports, identified Edwardsiella carnea planulae in the Mediterranean barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) and the invasive nomad jellyfish (Rhopilema nomadica), using both morphological and molecular-genetic analyses. These findings indicate a "parasitic spillover"an ecological phenomenon that occurs when a parasite, typically associated with one host species, begins to infect a new host. Life cycle of a burrowing sea anemone Edwardsiella carnea. a. adult female and male polyps release gametes to the water column. b. a free-swimming pre-parasitic planula is formed following fertilization. c. the planula infects the ctenophore host Mnemiopsis leidyi and develops into vermiform parasitic stage. d. a post-parasitic planula leaves the ctenophore host into the water column (e) where it can either settle in the seabed (f) and develop into a polyp (a) or reinfect another ctenophore or infect schyphozoan host Rhopilema nomadica or Rhizostoma pulmo (hypothetical spillover) (g-h). a post-parasitic planula may leave the schyphozoan host, traveling in the water column (i) where it can settle on the seabed (f) and develop into a polyp. The dashed line represents an alternate pathway. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72168-7 This finding is particularly astonishing because parasite-host relationships are usually evolutionarily conserved, meaning parasites typically infect species they have co-evolved with over long periods, often developing very specific ways to survive and thrive within those hosts. It is rare for a parasite to switch to a different species in an evolutionarily separate group. To explain their findings, the researchers proposed that the sea anemone's host choice is driven by the availability of gelatinous zooplankton during seasonal jellyfish blooms rather than due to evolutionary ties. This research highlights how parasites can adapt to new hosts in rapidly changing marine ecosystems, especially under an exacerbating climate change that is evident in the Mediterranean Sea. The implications of this host switch could be significant, especially as jellyfish blooms have become more frequent and intense in this region in recent decades. Further research is planned to investigate the broader impact of this parasitism on jellyfish populations, particularly regarding their reproduction, growth, and survival. More information: Anastasiia Iakovleva et al, From ctenophores to scyphozoans: parasitic spillover of a burrowing sea anemone, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72168-7 Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Greek-flagged Sounion was struck on August 21, 2024 by Yemen's Huthi rebels. An abandoned tanker carrying more than one million barrels of crude oil could contaminate vast areas of the Red Sea in a severe, long-term environmental disaster if it breaks up or explodes, experts warn. The Greek-flagged Sounion, struck on August 21 by Yemen's Huthi rebels, was still on fire as recently as Saturday, maritime monitors said. Threatening an oil spill four times the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska, a leak or on-board blast could cause almost irreparable damage, said Julien Jreissati, Middle East and North Africa program director at Greenpeace. "Once released, an oil spill of this magnitude could be nearly impossible to contain, spreading contamination across vast areas of seawater and coastlines," Jreissati told AFP. "The long-term impacts on marine biodiversity could be devastating, with oil residues potentially persisting in the environment for years or even decades." The Huthis have been firing drones and missiles at ships in the vital commercial route since November, saying they are targeting vessels linked to Israel, the US and Britain in a show of solidarity with Palestinians over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, lost engine power and caught fire after the initial strike, forcing the evacuation of its 25 crew members by a French frigate serving with the European Union's Aspides force, which is patrolling the area. The Huthis then returned and detonated charges on the ship's deck, setting off new fires. It is anchored west of the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, midway between Yemen and Eritrea. Following the initial attack, the Huthis returned and detonated charges on the ship's deck, setting off new fires. 'Extremely hazardous' An attempt by private companies to tow away the burning ship was abandoned because it was "not safe" to proceed, Aspides, which was guarding the tug boats involved, said last week. "Given that the vessel is a large, heavily laden oil tanker, now immobilized and on fire, the situation is extremely hazardous and unpredictable," Jreissati said. "The potential for a major environmental disaster is significant as the vessel could break apart or explode at any time." The 10-month Huthi campaign against shipping has killed at least four sailors and sunk two ships, including the Rubymar, which went down in March carrying thousands of tonnes of fertilizer. The Sounion, however, poses the gravest danger yet. "This situation is an environmental catastrophe slowly unfolding in front of our eyes," said Wim Zwijnenburg of Dutch peace-building group PAX. The Huthis have been firing drones and missiles at ships in the vital commercial route since November, 2023. The Joint Maritime Information Center, run by an international naval coalition, on Saturday said daily surveillance flights had reported "several" fires on deck but no visible cargo oil slick. A salvage and firefighting operation was expected to start this week. "Minor oil slicks were detected in some satellite images, likely linked with burned oil after the explosions or from the engine," added Zwijnenburg. But "there has been no indication of a crude oil spill from the cargo that the ship is carrying". 'Challenging' operation The Sounion recalls the danger posed by the FSO Safer supertanker, a 48-year-old ship with a corroding hull that lay abandoned for years off Yemen's Red Sea coast. The ship had gone unserviced due to Yemen's war between the Huthis and a Saudi-led coalition, which started in March 2015 and has caused a major humanitarian crisis in the impoverished country. The Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, risks a massive oil spill that could have lasting environmental implications, experts say. In August 2023, the United Nations successfully completed the transfer of its cargo of more than a million barrels of oil in a costly operation that took years to organize. Noam Raydan, an expert tracking maritime attacks for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank, said the Sounion operation carried heavy risks. "Conducting salvage operations during the Huthis' months-long attack campaign in the Red Sea has been challenging, and the Sounion incident will be no different," Raydan said. "Finding suitable tugboats that are located near the region and willing to operate in such a risky environment can be difficult," the expert added. Adding to the problems, naval forces "will need to remain near the tanker to prevent the Huthis from interrupting the (salvage) process", Raydan said. 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: Potential impacts of bisphenol A (BPA) on Oikopleura dioica morphology, population fitness, and transcriptomics. Credit: IOCAS Bisphenol compounds (BPs), crucial ingredients in the production of various polymers, are ubiquitous in our daily lives and industrial processes. Bisphenol A (BPA), a prevalent BP in the environment, has been extensively studied for its impacts on diverse species, yet its specific mechanisms of action in marine appendicularians remain largely unknown. Recently, the research team led by Prof. Zhang Guangtao of the Jiaozhou Bay Station at the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS), examined the comprehensive impacts of BPA on the survival rates, growth patterns, and reproductive capabilities of the globally ubiquitous marine appendicularian, Oikopleura dioica, at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials on Aug. 16. Acute toxicity testing revealed a remarkable sensitivity of Oikopleura dioica to BPA exposure, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of merely 0.14 mg/L, 12 orders of magnitude lower than that of common aquatic models such as Daphnia magna and zebrafish. Appendicularians are considered the second most abundant marine mesozooplankton and serve as an important shortcut that allows rapid energy transfer from producers to consumers in the marine microbial food web. "Our work underscores the potential of the appendicularian Oikopleura dioica as a valuable sentinel for monitoring bisphenol stress in marine environments," said Li Shuai, first author of the study from IOCAS. Further morphological and transcriptomic analyses illuminated the specific toxic effects of BPA on Oikopleura dioica. At environmentally relevant concentrations of 125 g/L, BPA significantly disrupted the growth and reproduction processes of the appendicularian, affecting the normal secretion of digestive enzymes and phospholipase A2, thereby impairing digestive system function and arachidonic acid metabolism. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression levels of enzymes associated with carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Notably, even at concentrations generally considered safe for the environment (2.5 g/L), BPA adversely impacted female fecundity and altered male gene expression patterns. "Our findings not only deepen the understanding of the adverse effects of bisphenol pollutants in aquatic invertebrates with specific reproductive strategies, but also address the need to reassess environmental safety thresholds of bisphenols," said Prof. Zhang, corresponding author of the paper. More information: Shuai Li et al, Growth and reproductive toxicity of bisphenol A in Oikopleura dioica at environmentally relevant concentrations, Journal of Hazardous Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135552 Journal information: Journal of Hazardous Materials This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Camera trap photos on the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in Madagascar captured images of, clockwise from upper-left: a dog and cat, a troop of ring-tailed lemurs and two Verreaux's sifakas. Credit: Michelle Sauther/Frank Cuozzo In 2003, a team of primatologists led by the University of Colorado Boulder trapped, tagged and released a male ring-tailed lemur in the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in Madagascar. The researchers captured him one more time in 2004, but after that, the lemur disappeared, never to be seen again. That is, until 2008 when his internally placed electronic tag, similar to a dog's microchip, showed up in a pile of scat from a forest cat. This predator is related to domestic cats and was likely introduced to the island off the coast of Africa hundreds of years ago. Now, that case of cat predation is part of a new study exploring how such attacks could endanger the conservation of lemurs. Over the course of 14 months, researchers from the United States and Madagascar became lemur crime scene investigators. They gathered a wide range of data, including camera trap photos, scat samples and eye-witness reports to unravel the mystery of who is eating these primates at Beza Mahafaly. Their findings suggest that predators not native to Madagascar, such as forest cats and dogs, may kill more lemurs than scientists once believed. Lemurs live only in Madagascar, and several species are already in danger of going extinct. "It's not that people didn't know that predation was happening," said Michelle Sauther, lead author of the new study and a professor of anthropology at CU Boulder. "But they've mostly been looking at other conservation priorities like the effects of deforestation." She and her colleagues published their findings in the journal Folia Primatologica. The study focused on Beza Mahafaly, a roughly 242-acre protected area at the southwestern tip of Madagascar. Here, tamarind trees grow along river drainages, turning a lush green during the rainy season from October to March. The reserve is home to four species of lemurs: the ring-railed lemur (Lemur catta) and Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), which are out during the day; the white-footed sportive lemur (Lepilemur leucopus) and the gray-brown mouse lemur (Microcebus griseorufus) are awake at night. Of those, all but the mouse lemur are considered endangered or critically endangered. Sauther, who has been studying lemurs in Beza Mahafaly since the late 1980s, sees the research as an example of what scientists can discover when they really get to know a natural area. "When you're doing a long-term study and you come back year after year, you find out things are not always the way you think they are," she said. Scat detectives Lemurs have several natural predators. They include the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), a strange mammal that is related to the mongoose but is much bigger and looks a bit like a puma. Before this study, researchers thought that the fosa had been extirpated from the area. In 2008, Sauther and her colleagues noticed that something seemed to be amiss in the reserve. One day, they heard a troop of ring-tailed lemurs screaming and found a recently killed lemur on the forest floor. "That year, we were walking through the forest looking for lemurs, and we kept finding dead guys," she said. "We thought: "Something's going on.'" Her team, including Frank Cuozzo, who earned his doctorate in biological anthropology from CU Boulder in 2000, decided to investigate. The study was a massive operation: From June 2008 to July 2009, the group set up cameras at nine locations throughout the reserve. Researchers walked for miles along trails every week to search for scat and lemur predation. They then sifted through those droppings to look for bones or other evidence of predation. In all, the team collected 13 examples of predator attacks on lemurs, including the case of the ring-tailed lemur whose electronic tag showed up in cat scat. At least six of those primates were probably killed by dogs or cats. Another five may have been the victims of either cats or fosa, which leave behind similar tooth marks. The team concluded that a combination of fosa, forest cat and dog predation can lead to potentially dangerous spikes in lemur deaths. "That's when we really started thinking: Wow, there's a lot of predation here from endemic animals like the fosa, but also the introduced animals like dogs and forest cats," said Cuozzo, now affiliated with the Lajuma Research Center and the Mammal Research Institute at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Predator spectrum Sauther noted that cats and dogs may be so effective at preying on lemurs because the primates haven't had much time to evolve defenses against these new arrivals. In a previous study, she and her colleagues used DNA evidence to show that Madagascar's forest cats are descended from domestic cats from the Arabian Sea regionand likely came to the island aboard merchant ships. She and Cuozzo can't be sure how much of a dent these predators are making in lemur numbers. But they suspect that it's more than scientists have previously accounted for. Across Madagascar, populations of most lemur species are continuing to decline today. The researchers urge scientific funding groups to support more long-term research projects that can unravel the full spectrum of threats facing endangered species. "Predation is a dynamic process," Sauther said. "You can't just say, 'Cats are doing this, and dogs are doing that.' You really have to look at what the whole predator group is doing." More information: Michelle L. Sauther et al, Seasons of death: patterns of predation on wild lemurs and other fauna by endemic and introduced predators, Folia Primatologica (2024). DOI: 10.1163/14219980-bja10033 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: Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering (2024). DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024558 As global climate warming becomes increasingly severe, scientists are delving deeper into greenhouse gas emissions across various industries. Recently, a study from Duke Kunshan University and Yangzhou University on the changes in China's agricultural carbon emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered widespread attention. A study published in the journal Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering systematically calculated the greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities in China from 2019 to 2021, including crop and livestock production, as well as agricultural inputs and energy consumption. The research found that China's net greenhouse gas emissions (NGHGE) from agriculture showed an increasing trend over these three years, with methane (CH 4 ) emissions accounting for the highest proportion, exceeding 65%, primarily due to livestock enteric fermentation and rice cultivation. Methane emissions as the dominant factor According to the study, CH 4 emissions played a leading role in the increase in net greenhouse gas emissions during the pandemic. Livestock enteric fermentation and rice cultivation were the main sources of emissions, with CH 4 emissions accounting for more than 65% of the total. The study revealed that in 2019, the net greenhouse gas emissions from China's agriculture were 729 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -eq), increasing to 740 million tons by 2021. Although the annual growth rate fluctuated slightly, the overall trend was upward, with a growth rate of 1.34% in 2021. Changes in the livestock industry during the pandemic were a major factor in the variation of net greenhouse gas emissions. The disruption of the supply chain and reduced demand due to COVID-19 significantly impacted the pig farming industry, leading to a substantial increase in CH 4 emissions from manure management. The study found that from 2019 to 2021, CH 4 emissions from pig manure management increased by 26.3%, further rising to 69.2 million tons in 2021. The contribution of pig manure management to CH 4 emissions increased from 75.3% to 81.0%. Nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions In the structure of greenhouse gas emissions, nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) accounted for 22% and 18% of the total emissions, respectively. N 2 O emissions mainly originated from fertilizer application and manure management, with emissions decreasing during the study period. The study highlighted that optimizing fertilizer use and manure management practices is crucial for reducing N 2 O emissions. CO 2 emissions primarily came from diesel use and agricultural electricity consumption, accounting for more than 60% of CO 2 emissions. The study showed that CO 2 emissions varied across regions due to differences in agricultural inputs and energy usage, underscoring the need for region-specific mitigation measures. For instance, in modern agricultural areas like Jiangsu and Guangdong, CO 2 emissions from agricultural electricity usage require special attention. Improving diesel engine efficiency, adopting clean energy, and controlling electricity consumption are effective strategies for reducing CO 2 emissions. Significant regional emission differences The study results also indicated significant regional differences in China's agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, leading to varying regional characteristics of net greenhouse gas emissions. Heilongjiang, Hunan, Guangdong, and Sichuan were the regions with the highest NGHGE, concentrated in key agricultural areas in the northeast, central, southern, and southwestern regions. In contrast, the net emissions in less developed agricultural areas in the west and central regions were relatively low. Hunan province, with its extensive rice cultivation, had the highest CH 4 emissions. The significant contribution of pig manure management to CH 4 emissions also reflected the impact of the pig farming industry scale on regional carbon emissions. The potential of soil carbon sequestration In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, the study explored the potential of soil carbon sequestration. The results showed that from 2019 to 2021, over 6% of agricultural carbon emissions were offset through soil carbon sequestration. Soil carbon sequestration is an important carbon sink in agricultural ecosystems. By increasing soil organic carbon content, it can not only reduce atmospheric CO 2 concentrations but also enhance soil fertility and crop yields. The study suggested that practices such as no-till farming, fallowing, and utilizing crop residues and manure resources could further enhance the effectiveness of soil carbon sequestration. Recommendations for future emission reduction strategies The study's conclusions provide a scientific basis for future low-carbon agricultural policies. It emphasized that reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions requires energy conservation, reduced fertilizer use, and the establishment of comprehensive agricultural databases. For CH 4 emissions, optimizing livestock management and rice cultivation methods are key strategies; for N 2 O emissions, innovative fertilizer use and manure management practices are essential; CO 2 emissions should focus on energy use in modern agricultural areas, achieving reductions through increased energy efficiency and the promotion of clean energy. The study highlighted the close link between agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and regional structures in Hunan province, underscoring the urgency of targeted measures. Understanding and addressing these changes is crucial for achieving a low-carbon transition in agriculture, especially in the context of the significant impact of the pandemic on agricultural production, particularly the livestock industry. In conclusion, this study reveals the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on China's agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, providing scientific guidance for a greener and more resilient agricultural future. It is hoped that through scientific policies and innovative technologies, China's agriculture can take more solid steps towards greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation. More information: Greenhouse gas emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic from agriculture in China, Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering (2024). DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024558 Provided by Higher Education Press This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Research in the International Journal of Global Energy Issues has looked at the volatility of rare earth metals traded on the London Stock Exchange. The work used an advanced statistical model known as gjrGARCH(1,1) to follow and predict market turbulence. It was found to be the best fit for predicting rare earth price volatility and offers important insights into the stability of these crucial resources. Auguste Mpacko Priso of Paris-Saclay University, France and the Open Knowledge Higher Institute (OKHI), Cameroon, with OKHI colleagues, explain that the rare earths are a group of 17 metals with unique and useful chemical properties. They are essential to high-tech products and industry, particularly electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure. They are also used in other electronic components, lasers, glass, magnetic materials, and as components of catalysts for a range of industrial processes. As the global transition to reduced-carbon and even zero-carbon technologies moves forward, there is an urgent need to understand the pricing of rare earth metals, as they are an important part of the technology we need for an environmentally-friendly future. The team compared the volatility of rare earth prices with that of other metals and stocks. Volatility, or the degree of price fluctuation, was found to be persistent in rare earths, meaning that prices tend to fluctuate continually over time rather than reaching a stable point quickly. For investors and manufacturers dependent on these metals, such constant volatility poses a substantial economic risk. As such, forecasting the price changes might be used to mitigate that. It might lead to greater stability and allow investors to work in this area secure in the returns they hope to see. Other models used in stock price prediction failed to model the volatility of the rare earth metals well, suggesting that this market has distinctive characteristics that affect prices differently from other more familiar commodities. Given that the demand and use of rare earth metals is set to surge, there is a need to understand their price volatility and to take this into account in green investments and development. It is worth noting that there is a major political component to this volatility given that China and other nations, with vast reserves of rare earth metal ores, do not necessarily share the political views or purpose of the nations demanding these resources. More information: Auguste Mpacko Priso et al, Price and volatility of rare earths, International Journal of Global Energy Issues (2024). DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2024.140736 Provided by Inderscience This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The 'VIP' experimental setup used to study the foundations of quantum mechanics and rival theories at the Gran Sasso LNGS-INFN underground laboratory. Credit: Catalina Curceanu (2024). The apparent weirdness of the quantum world is often exemplified by the paradox of Schrodinger's imaginary cat that exists in a limbo state of being both alive and dead until looked upon by an observer. But in the real world we never encounter such zombie felines. Quantum effects do not seem to extend to very large objectslike cats, people or housesand physicists do not agree on exactly why not. Now, an international team of scientists has proposed a new and refined way to test the validity of some proposed alternative models to standard quantum theory, which offer a possible explanation. Their work was published in the journal Physical Review Letters in June 2024. According to standard quantum theory, before an object is observed it can exist in a superposition state with multiple contradictory properties. A simplified way of understanding this is to say that particles can be in two places at once, or a radioactive atom can have decayed and not decayed, at the same time, says Catalina Curceanu, a member of FQxI and an experimental nuclear and quantum physicist at the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), in Frascati, Italy. "So, if you imagine locking a cat in a box with a vial of poison that will be released when a radioactive atom decays, there is a scenario in which the radioactive source is in a decayed and not decayed superposition of states, and so the vial is both open and closed, the poison is both released and contained, and the cat is in a superposition of life and death," she says. In experiments, such superpositions have been observed in objects as large as a sapphire crystal weighing in at 16 micrograms, for example. According to standard quantum theory, superpositions could, in principle, persist in even bigger objects. But we do not see these superpositions in everyday life. Physicists describe quantum systems mathematically using a "wavefunction" that can track its evolution. "For some reason, these wavefunctions when observed are prone to 'collapse'at which point, quantum systems behave like everyday 'classical' systems, losing their genuine quantum attributes," says Curceanu. "But standard quantum theory cannot tell us how or why this happens. This is the essence of the so-called 'measurement problem' in quantum mechanics." The measurement problem led independent teams of scientists to develop a suite of different explanations, among which are "quantum collapse models"rival alternatives to standard quantum theory "that propose a physical process triggers the collapse of the wavefunction in such a way that the bigger the system is, the faster the collapse goes," says Curceanu. These models are exciting because they predict effects which are not present in standard quantum mechanics, in the form of spontaneous radiation, Curceanu explains. "This means that experiments could one day find evidence that these models are correct," she says. Evidence of collapse There are two main types of quantum collapse models: The first are called Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL) models, in which the collapse is caused by an intrinsic, random process, which may or may not be related to gravity or something else. This process happens spontaneously and continuously. In the second set of models, the collapse is related explicitly to gravityfor instance, in the so-called Diosi-Penrose models, developed independently by FQxI members Lajos Diosi at the Eotvos Lorand University, in Budapest, Hungary and Nobel Laureate physicist Roger Penrose, of Oxford University, in the U.K. Curceanu and her colleaguesand other independent groupshave spent many years searching for signs of such spontaneous radiation, in the form of high-energy "gamma" radiation. But, as yet, they have found no evidence for them. This has enabled physicists to constrain and rule out various versions of the collapse modelsin particular the simplest version of the gravity-related collapse modelsand also to constrain the CSL models' parameters. In their most recent work in Physical Review Letters, Curceanu, Diosi, Kristian Piscicchia and Simone Manti, also at INFN, Sandro Donadi, at Queen's University, in Belfast, Ireland, Angelo Bassi, at the University of Trieste, in Italy, and Maaneli Derakhshani, an FQxI member at Rutgers University in New Jersey, calculated the features of the spontaneous electromagnetic radiation that should be emitted from atomic systems at lower energies, in the X-ray domain. The team found big differences with previous expectations for the simplest models. "Quite surprisingly, in this low-energy regime the spontaneous radiation rate was found to strongly depend on the atomic species under investigation," says Piscicchia. "For the first time, the emission was also found to depend on the specific collapse model," says Manti. Curceanu and her colleagues are updating their own experiment performed at the LNGS-INFN underground laboratory in Italy, to search for these X-rays. They plan to explore the predicted relationship between the spontaneous radiation and the atomic structure in dedicated experiments using several targets. "This would allow us to better constrain the collapse models and, if a signal is found, to pin down what causes it, which, of course, would have enormous implications in all science," Curceanu says. More information: Kristian Piscicchia et al, X-Ray Emission from Atomic Systems Can Distinguish between Prevailing Dynamical Wave-Function Collapse Models, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.250203 Journal information: Physical Review Letters Provided by Foundational Questions Institute, FQXi 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: Ph.D. candidate Abigail Sisti works in the Seawater Research Lab at VIMS. Credit: Brittany Jellison According to a study by researchers at William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, the American lobster may be more resilient to the effects of climate change than expected. For the first time, experiments performed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) have documented how female American lobsters groom their offspring, providing evidence that these behaviors are not significantly impacted by temperature and acidity levels forecasted for Maine's coastal waters by the end of the century. The findings are published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. Despite being one of the largest commercial fisheries in the U.S. with an annual economic impact of more than $460 million in Maine alone, few studies have documented the reproductive behavior of female American lobsters. With the Gulf of Maine warming faster than nearly any other ocean surface on the planet, it's important to understand how the effects of climate change will impact the sustainability of the species and the fishery it supports. "Brood grooming by female lobsters has been anecdotally observed, but it had not been quantitatively recorded before," said Abigail Sisti, who is completing her Ph.D. in Marine Science at the Batten School and is lead author on the study. "In other crustaceans, these behaviors can have a significant impact on the survival of their offspring. Because the environment supporting the lobster fishery is rapidly changing, we wanted to understand how it might impact the way they care for their offspring." Female American lobsters can produce thousands of eggs that they hold under their tails for long periods of time, between five to 12 months, as the embryos develop. In other crustaceans, grooming behaviors help clear out parasites, remove dead eggs and facilitate the flow of water carrying oxygen and nutrients through the densely packed egg masses. The study was part of a larger effort to determine how multiple stressors affect the reproductive success of the species. In this study, the researchers were testing whether increases in water temperatures and acidity had an impact on grooming behaviors and embryo survival. "The long-term nature of this experiment required somewhat of a moonshot approach," said Rivest, whose seawater aquarium laboratory at VIMS has been specifically designed to control multiple environmental variables over long periods of time. "The conditions of our control group were set to match current conditions in the Gulf of Maine, while our experimental groups corresponded to temperature and pH predictions for the end of the century." In addition to their research outcomes, Sisti and others produced an educational curriculum to involve students and teachers in the research. The research as well as the lesson plans are documented through a story map produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant and Ocean Acidification Program. Documenting grooming behavior The researchers partnered with officials from Maine's Department of Marine Resources to secure lobsters from commercial operations for use in the study. They obtained female lobsters at a marketable size with intact legs, which are frequently lost in the wild or when they are caught. In total, they observed the behavior of 24 lobsters for five months, or until the embryos matured. Sisti and other students had the daunting task of reviewing dozens of hours of recordings from underwater cameras and documenting the frequency and type of grooming behaviors as well as the overall survival of the embryos. Lobsters in experimental groups experienced temperature increases of 4 degrees Celsius and acidification levels of -0.5 pH from present conditions. Oxygen levels remained constant for all animals to isolate the effects of temperature and acidity. Rivest, Sisti and others expected to observe several different grooming behaviors, and they hypothesized that grooming would increase in response to environmental stressors. "We did observe a number of grooming behaviors that increased in frequency during embryo development," said Sisti. "However, neither water temperature nor acidification at the levels in our experiments caused significant behavioral changes or impacted embryo survival. This is encouraging because it shows lobsters may be reproductively resilient to forecasted environmental changes." Three distinct grooming behaviors were observed by the researchers: Tail fanning, where the lobsters elongate and retract their tails. This promotes water movement throughout the eggs. Pleopod fanning, where the lobsters use small fins called pleopods on their tails to circulate water around and through the egg mass. Pereopod probing, where lobsters use one of their five pereopods, or walking legs, to poke and probe the eggs. This is thought to help remove parasites and dead eggs while jostling the embryos, although excessive probing can damage embryos or completely strip the egg mass. Despite the optimistic outcomes, questions remain The researchers are optimistic about the results of the study for the future of the fishery. However, they caution there are still many other variables to consider. "While this study focused primarily on maternal behavior, future studies will explore other factors like how the embryos themselves are affected over time by different stressors," said Rivest. "We also want to explore how these factors are impacting the overall well-being of egg-bearing female lobsters as well as conditions that exist in microenvironments frequented by lobsters." The variables in the study were determined using forecasts for open ocean conditions. However, wild lobsters often prefer specific habitats like rock crevices and sand mounds that provide cover from predators. There, the conditions may differ dramatically from those in open water. "In our experiments, control temperatures were akin to spring and summertime conditions in the Gulf of Maine, which may have accelerated embryo development. We recommend future experiments explore behavioral changes during winter-time conditions," said Sisti. While questions remain, these are positive findings for the American lobster. However, they stand in contrast to findings in other crustacean species. "Our results highlight the need for species-specific investigations of behavior and reproduction under climate change conditions," said Rivest. "Further understanding of how co-occurring environmental factors influence all aspects of reproduction will be essential for predicting and managing the long-term success of the American lobster fishery." More information: AR Sisti et al, Brood-grooming behavior of American lobsters Homarus americanus in conditions of ocean warming and acidification, Marine Ecology Progress Series (2024). DOI: 10.3354/meps14667 Journal information: Marine Ecology Progress Series 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: Domain-wall geometry of the non-Hermitian quantum walk dynamics. Credit: Prof. Peng Xue. In a new Physical Review Letters study, scientists have demonstrated the first experimental observation of non-Hermitian edge burst in quantum dynamics using a carefully designed photonic quantum walk setup. The increasing interest in non-Hermitian systems reflects their role in understanding real-world systems that are characterized by dissipation, interactions with the environment, or gain-and-loss mechanisms. They reveal new physics not seen in Hermitian systems, like boundary localization, which can have interesting applications in photonics and condensed matter physics. The researchers in the PRL study focused on a non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE), where a system exhibits unique behavior at the edges or boundaries. Phys.org spoke to co-authors of the study, Prof. Wei Yi from the University of Science and Technology of China, Prof. Zhong Wang from Tsinghua University, and Prof. Peng Xue from Beijing Computational Science Research Center. Speaking of their motivation for studying non-Hermitian systems, Prof. Xue said, "One of the key incentives for its flourishing progress was the discovery of the NHSE." The term NHSE was coined by Prof. Wang and his colleague in an earlier PRL study, and the team has been actively working on it since its discovery. Prof. Yi added, "While the NHSE has revealed intriguing static properties (such as energy spectrum) of non-Hermitian systems, we became very curious about the possible existence of novel dynamic phenomena with extreme sensitivity to boundaries." Real-time dynamics In non-Hermitian systems, operators are not equal to their Hermitian conjugates. As a result, the eigenvalues are complex, which gives rise to distinctive phenomena like the NHSE. In NHSE, the eigenstates of a non-Hermitian system accumulate at the edges or boundaries. This is different from bulk properties seen in Hermitian systems. NHSE is typically seen in open systems with gain or loss in energy, i.e., Hamiltonian. Previous studies have studied this effect in static conditions, meaning that the properties of the system, like the Hamiltonian, do not change with time. However, Wang and his team concentrated on examining how the edge dynamics change over time. "While previous studies focused on more static aspects (such as the energy spectrum) of non-Hermitian systems, our work unveils an intriguing dynamic phenomenon," said Prof. Wang. Studying real-time dynamics can offer insight into real-world systems where the Hamiltonian evolves over time, reflecting changes in the system's energy and behavior. One-dimensional quantum walk For investigating the real-time edge dynamics in non-Hermitian systems, the researchers used a setup featuring a one-dimensional quantum walk with photons. Each step or movement is determined by a quantum coin flip, which introduces probabilistic movement. Experimental setup for non-Hermitian edge burst in quantum-walk dynamics. Credit: Peng Xue. A boundary or wall was part of the experimental setup, segmenting the system into two regions, where each region followed different rules for the quantum walk. The quantum walk of the photon was managed with the help of different optical tools, including beam splitters, wave plates, and beam displacers. Their goal was to study how the loss mechanism works at the boundary, for which they use partially polarizing beam splitters. This introduces photon loss, which they can then measure when the photons exit the system. Through this measurement, they are able to determine the occurrence of loss at various positions and times, which sheds light on the dynamics of the edge. Additionally, the researchers explored how different initial conditions (where the photons start) affect the edge dynamics of the non-Hermitian system. Edge dynamics The researchers detected an increase in the probability of photon loss at the boundary, confirming the existence of the non-Hermitian edge burst. However, they found this only occurs when two conditions are simultaneously met. The first condition is the non-Hermitian skin effectwhere the eigenstates accumulate near the edgesmust be present. Secondly, the imaginary gap in the energy spectrum must be closed. This means the difference between the real and imaginary parts of the energy spectrum decreases. The necessity for the two conditions to be simultaneously met highlights the interplay between static localization (NHSE) and dynamic evolution (imaginary gap). Prof. Yi explained, "These phenomena provide a complete view over the correspondence between the non-Hermitian topology of the bulk and sharp features, both static and dynamic, at boundaries." They also concluded that the initial position of the photos plays a role in the edge burst becoming pronounced. The probability of losing a photon at the boundary wall is reduced when the photon begins further from the boundary, compared to when it starts near it. Successfully mapping the edge burst's full time evolution, the researchers showed that it occurs precisely when the particle reaches the boundary. Further, they showed that the phenomena are consistent even when the initial position of the particle varies. Future work The experimental observation of real-time edge bursts in non-Hermitian systems reveals a novel interplay between topological physics and dynamical phenomena. According to Prof. Wang, this could open new avenues for research in this field. He said, "The spatial and spectral sensitivity of the edge burst opens the avenue of exploring localized light harvesting or quantum sensing using the phenomenon. Prof. Xue added, "Our work paves the way for studying the rich real-time dynamics in non-Hermitian topological systems, hinting at the possible existence of other universal scaling relations in non-Hermitian systems." According to the team, the edge burst effect could be practically utilized for harvesting light or particles at precise locations, with implications for photonics and other wave-based fields. 2024 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Representation of the main genome assembly results. Credit: PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303408 Like many threatened land turtle species, the spur-thighed tortoise had no complete genome. Now for the first time, researchers from the Ecology departments at Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH) and the University of Alicante (UA) have successfully sequenced the genome of the spur-thighed tortoise, using the genome of another closely related native American tortoise as a reference. The results, published in PLOS ONE, will enable the scientific community to support the conservation of these endangered animals. The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is one of the most iconic land tortoise species in the Mediterranean basin. In the Iberian Peninsula, spur-thighed tortoises have two main populations: one in the southeast, from northern Almeria to southern Murcia, and another within the Donana National Park. The species is endangered in Andalusia and is listed in the Catalog of Threatened Species by the Regional Ministry of Murcia and the Ministry of the Environment. "Understanding the genetic diversity of animals can be very useful for conserving species like the spur-thighed tortoise because the more we know, the better we can understand how these animals have adapted to their environment or what capacity they have to face climate change," explains Andrea Mira Jover, a researcher at UMH and the study's lead author. In recent years, Mira-Jover adds, conservation biology has employed a promising tool: genome sequencing. A genome is the complete set of DNA instructions found in a cell. Sequencing a genome involves reading all the genetic information representative of a species, identifying specific genes, for instance, and organizing them into chromosomes. The description of this species' genome is a critical scientific milestone, as very few tortoises have been described at this level. "These results will be a starting point to better understand the evolutionary history of the species and solve questions related to its life history, such as the secret to its longevity," notes UA researcher Roberto Rodriguez-Caro. Moreover, he adds, the publication of this reference genome will provide key tools for its global conservation, as the species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and requires concrete measures to preserve its populations in the future. Rodriguez-Caro, from the UA's Department of Ecology, has been studying this species for 15 years, gathering information on its ecology, conservation, and genetics in collaboration with various national and international research centers. Different techniques exist to obtain complete genomes, depending on whether the genetic information is read in long or short fragments. "If all the DNA were a novel, some techniques would read long sentences, while others would identify individual words," explains Mira-Jover. Long-read techniques are more effective for assembling de novo genomesorganizing DNA sequences without using a previous referencebut they are still too expensive. However, other methods can obtain complete genomes using short-read techniques by referencing the genomes of closely related species. "In this case, the novel is written using individual words instead of long sentences," the UMH researcher clarifies. This method, known as "reference assembly," is particularly useful in species with slow evolution, meaning their rate of genetic change is low. They retain the same gene order, called "highly syntenic groups." Using the novel metaphor, if only individual words are available to write a species' genetics, sentences from a similar book can be consulted to complete the genome. "An example of slowly evolving organisms is turtles, scientifically known as chelonians or testudines," explains UMH researcher Eva Gracia, study leader and president of the Spanish Herpetological Association. "Chelonians are an ancient and diverse taxonomic group, including freshwater, marine, and land turtles, but their genomic organization is very similar," she points out, adding that "turtles have evolved very slowly throughout history, and their genes are similar and located in the same position on chromosomes." Land tortoises (Testudinidae) form the most threatened family. Yet, only five reference genomes are available compared to 33 for marine and freshwater turtles. Faced with this situation, the scientific community needs more resources to help conserve land tortoise populations. For this reason, researchers from the UMH's Ecology department have generated the first chromosome-level reference genome for the spur-thighed tortoise using short-read sequencing techniques. They utilized the known genome of Gopherus evgoodei, the Sinaloan thorn scrub tortoise, native to the United States and Mexico deserts. If the DNA double helix is imagined as a spiral staircase, each step of the staircase would be formed by the so-called "base pairs" containing smaller molecules. The size of a complete genome is measured by the number of base pairs. For example, the human genome has 3.2 billion base pairs containing about 25,000 genes. Using various bioinformatic techniques, the researchers analyzed a 2.2-billion base pair genome of the spur-thighed tortoise containing nearly 26,000 genes. They also performed a demographic reconstruction to understand the evolutionary history of the species. "This analysis suggests a very similar evolutionary pattern to what we have already observed with other techniques in previous studies," points out UMH Professor of Ecology Andres Gimenez, author of the publication. This reference genome will help answer questions about the evolutionary history of the spur-thighed tortoise and for investigating genes of interest in future studies. It will also be a valuable tool for making better conservation decisions. Additionally, the rest of the scientific community will have access to the spur-thighed tortoise genome, contributing significantly to a field with limited resources. More information: Andrea Mira-Jover et al, Taking advantage of reference-guided assembly in a slowly-evolving lineage: Application to Testudo graeca, PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303408 Journal information: PLoS ONE 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 Social media is negatively impacting the life satisfaction of Australian high school students, according to the latest findings from Australia's largest survey of young people. The study found that non-binary students who regularly use social media reported the lowest levels of life satisfaction. Meantime, TikTok, Reddit and Twitch users who identified as male or female all had lower life satisfaction than those who did not use these platforms. The latest round of data from the 10-year GENERATION study, which is led by The Australian National University (ANU), looked at the impact of regular use of certain social media platforms on life satisfaction levels for Year 10 and 11 students across the country. Participants were asked to rate their life satisfaction on a scale from zero to 10, from "completely dissatisfied" to "completely satisfied." "The mean life satisfaction score was 6.21 out of 10, with males having the highest levels of life satisfaction with a score of 6.5, while young people who identified as non-binary reported the lowest levels of life satisfaction, with a score of 5.2 out of 10," lead researcher ANU Professor Ben Edwards said. "While we know that young people face many challenges that could impact their life satisfaction, we found that the use of many of the mainstream social media platforms was associated with poorer life satisfaction. Interestingly, however, young people who identify as non-binary who regularly use Twitter/X reported higher levels of life satisfaction. Meantime, Facebook users had higher life satisfaction compared to non-users for all genders. Discord use was associated with the poorest life satisfaction for males, compared to TikTok for females." The study found that 98% of participants reported regularly using at least one social media platform, while nearly one in five (18%) of young people actively post or share social media content at least once a day. The GENERATON study also asked young Aussies about their life plans post-school, including whether they plan to go to university or have any intention of joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The recently released Universities Accord report recommends that 80% of the Australian workforce should have a tertiary qualification by 2050. "Our study shows that almost one in ten young people have raised their university aspirations and are now aiming to go to university now [that] they are in Year 11 compared to when they were in Year 10," said Research Fellow Jessica Arnup, from ANU. "However, 12 percent of respondents report no longer wanting to go to university in Year 11 compared to when they were in Year 10. Students who have a disability, come from disadvantaged backgrounds or regional or remote areas, or have parents who didn't go to university were more likely to lower their aspirations to get a tertiary qualification as they move from Year 10 to Year 11. We should all be concerned that these factors still present barriers to young people fulfilling their potential." The study also found that about 20,000 fifteen-year-old students across Australia are interested in joining the ADF after high school. More than half, 57%, of those students are male, while only 2% of non-binary students said they were interested in joining the ADF. According to the 2024 National Defence Strategy, there is a current shortfall of around 4,400 ADF personnel. The GENERATION study began in 2022 and will run for a decade. It aims to reflect the collective experience of young Australians as they transition to life beyond school by following the journey of more than 3,500 high school students from about 300 different schools across the country. More information: Insights from the latest round of data are available online at generationsurvey.org.au/ This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This image provided by SpaceX on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, shows a view of Earth and the Dragon capsule's Skywalker spacewalk platform shortly after the Polaris Dawn crew launched into an orbit. Credit: SpaceX via AP A daredevil billionaire rocketed back into orbit Tuesday, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk and venture farther than anyone since NASA's Apollo moonshots. Unlike his previous chartered flight, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman shared the cost with SpaceX this time around, which included developing and testing brand new spacesuits to see how they'll hold up in the harsh vacuum. If all goes as planned, it will be the first time private citizens conduct a spacewalk, but they won't venture away from the capsule. Considered one of the riskiest parts of spaceflight, spacewalks have been the sole realm of professional astronauts since the former Soviet Union popped open the hatch in 1965, closely followed by the U.S. Today, they are routinely done at the International Space Station. Isaacman, along with a pair of SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, launched before dawn aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. The spacewalk is scheduled for Thursday, midway through the five-day flight. But first the passengers are shooting for way beyond the International Space Stationan altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), which would surpass the Earth-lapping record set during NASA's Project Gemini in 1966. Only the 24 Apollo astronauts who flew to the moon have ventured farther. A time exposure shows photographers as they document the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four as it launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux The plan is to spend 10 hours at that heightfilled with extreme radiation and riddled with debrisbefore reducing the oval-shaped orbit by half. Even at this lower 435 miles (700 kilometers), the orbit would eclipse the space station and even the Hubble Space Telescope, the highest shuttle astronauts flew. All four wore SpaceX's spacewalking suits because the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurized for the two-hour spacewalk, exposing everyone to the dangerous environment. Isaacman and SpaceX's Sarah Gillis will take turns briefly popping out of the hatch. They'll test their white and black-trimmed custom suits by twisting their bodies. Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a pool ladder. There will be no dangling at the end of their 12-foot (3.6-meter) tethers and no jetpack showboating. Only NASA's suits at the space station come equipped with jetpacks, for emergency use only. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux Pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet and SpaceX's Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk from inside. Like SpaceX's previous astronaut flights, this one will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast. "We're sending you hugs from the ground," Launch Director Frank Messina radioed after the crew reached orbit. "May you make history and come home safely." Isaacman replied: "We wouldn't be on this journey without all 14,000 of you back at SpaceX and everyone else cheering us on." At a preflight news conference, IsaacmanCEO and founder of the credit card processing company Shift4refused to say how much he invested in the flight. "Not a chance," he said. SpaceX teamed up with Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs, said William Gerstenmaier, a SpaceX vice president who once headed space mission operations for NASA. Astronauts, from left, mission specialist Anna Menon, pilot Scott Poteet, commander Jared Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis arrive at the Kennedy Space Center for an upcoming private human spaceflight mission in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux "We're really starting to push the frontiers with the private sector," Gerstenmaier said. It's the first of three trips that Isaacman bought from Elon Musk 2 1/2 years ago, soon after returning from his first private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021. Isaacman bankrolled that tourist ride for an undisclosed sum, taking along contest winners and a childhood cancer survivor. The trip raised hundreds of millions for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Spacesuit development took longer than anticipated, delaying this first so-called Polaris Dawn flight until now. Training was extensive; Poteet said it rivaled anything he experienced during his Air Force flying career. As SpaceX astronaut trainers, Gillis and Menon helped Isaacman and his previous teamas well as NASA's professional crewsprepare for their rides. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux "I wasn't alive when humans walked on the moon. I'd certainly like my kids to see humans walking on the moon and Mars, and venturing out and exploring our solar system," the 41-year-old Isaacman said before liftoff. Poor weather caused a two-week delay. The crew needed favorable forecasts not only for launch, but for splashdown days later. With limited supplies and no ability to reach the space station, they had no choice but to wait for conditions to improve. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In 1966, Steve Biko began studying medicine at the University of Natal in South Africa, the same year that the general assembly of the United Nations declared apartheid a crime against humanity. As a young man, and a leading thinker, philosopher and activist, Biko made an indelible mark on the resistance against white minority rule and the racist system of apartheid. At a young age, Biko understood colonial thinking, racism and white supremacy and he knew how destructive they were to society and to individuals. In his book I Write What I Like, which has served as a guide for future generations of activists, he wrote, "The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." His contributions to the Black Consciousness Movement in the 1960s and 1970s pushed back against the overwhelming influence of colonial and racist thinking. Biko also became a powerful symbol of resistance as a result of his death in detention at the hands of the apartheid security police, on 12 September 1977. Two days earlier, healthy and 30 years old, he had been arrested in a city on South Africa's south-east coast, Port Elizabeth, now called Gqeberha. Biko died following savage beatings by the security police. The cause of deathand the circumstanceswere repressed by the South African government. However, as more evidence began to emerge about the circumstances of his death it became clear that the medical profession was heavily implicated. Two doctors had been asked to examine him after his beatings, and neither acted to have his wounds treated. The security police drove Biko over 700km across the country to Pretoria where the security police had its headquarters. Biko made the trip, naked in the back of a van, where he was injured further. He died the next night, alone, in a hospital. It was the South African Medical and Dental Council's role to protect patients from improper medical conduct. But the council did not hold the doctors accountable. Instead, it did everything it could to try to cover up the negligence and complicity of the two doctors. This single death in detention, among many under apartheid, led to an outcry and prompted many efforts by activists and anti-apartheid organizations related to human rights, medicine and health. The relationship between the medical field, ethics and human rights has a much deeper history that goes back long before Biko. In the late 1800s and the first half of the 20th century, the concepts of comparative anatomy, race typology and a hierarchy of race flourished among scientists, physical anthropologists, anatomists and doctors in Europe, Britain, the US and South Africa. As a result, scientists promoted disturbing anthropological practices including the unethical collection of human skeletons and measuring physical characteristics without consent. These collections, originally gathered to prove the inequality of races, continue to be held locally and internationally. I explored these issues in my book Darwin's Hunch, in the 2023 Steve Biko Bioethics lecture, and in a paper. On the anniversary of Biko's death, there is still a need to acknowledge and revisit this painful history of scientific racism to build a greater understanding of history, transparency and ethics for the future. The events As a result of domestic and international pressure after Biko's death, the South African government agreed to hold a public inquest later that year. Yet details of Biko's death remained unclear and the presiding magistrate refused to prosecute. Professor Yosuf (Joe) Veriava, who is now professor emeritus at the University of the Witwatersrand, was one of the people to demand that the doctors and the South African Medical and Dental Council be held accountable. Submissions to the council were ignored but Veriava, a medical doctor, persisted. He was joined by other doctors including Tim Wilson and Dumisani Mzamane. Phillip Tobias, who was dean of medicine at the university at the time, joined along with professors Frances Ames and Trefor Jenkins. The group took their case to the Pretoria Supreme CourtVeriava and others v. the South African Medical and Dental Council. After years of effort, to their surprise, on 30 January 1985, the court ordered the council to hold a formal disciplinary hearing for the two doctors involved and to pay the costs for the case. The two doctorsIvor Lang and Benjamin Tuckerwere found guilty. Lang received only a caution and continued to practice for five more years until he retired. Tucker was struck off the roll, but he issued a public apology and successfully applied to be reinstated. Addressing the issue of ethics In the late 1970s and early 1990s doctors at the University of Cape Town and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) saw the need to establish local medical ethics committees that would have status in the faculty and offer advice to doctors. Jenkins was involved in creating course material about medical ethics at Wits. Veriava again played a role in 1997 when the University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences was asked to make a submission to special hearings on the health sector held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission was established to expose the truth about the human rights violations that had taken place under apartheid, from 1960 to 1994. Max Price, who was the dean, Jenkins and Veriava put together the material. In his submission, Price said, "We look specifically at the failure of the faculty to address human rights and ethics as a substantive and formal component of the curriculum prior to 1984. " Price shared that in preparation for the submission, many white staff members believed that the university had offered a liberal environment and an "oasis of freedom" to black staff and students during apartheid. However he said, in interviews, this proved untrue. Many Black staff and students felt angry and bitter because they experienced exclusion, humiliation and hurt by discriminatory practices. As a result, the university decided to conduct an Internal Reconciliation Commission. But the process was flawed. For example, it did not review the history of the collection of ancestral human skeletons, masks and casts that were built from the 1920s through to the 1980s, some of which was collected unethically. There was no review of the disturbing anthropological practices used at Wits Medical School and the Department of Anatomy as faculty and students conducted research trips across the continent in the same period. What still needs to be done The internal reconciliation commission was nevertheless an important process. As a result of its work the university's Faculty of Health Sciences now carries a plaque at its entrance stating that it "reaffirms its rejection of racism and other violations of human rights." In 2007, Professor Ames Dhai became the founder director of the Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics at Wits. Among other changes, over the past several years, new internal policies and ethics committees have been put in place to oversee the collections at the university. Yet there is still more to be done. We need to continue to talk about the history of scientific racism, not only to understand the present, but also to make changes to do better in the future. We owe that to future generations, and to our ancestors, including Steve Biko. 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: The kakapo individual Hoki as an example of the green feather color polymorphism. Credit: Lydia Uddstrom, New Zealand Department of Conservation (CC-BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Aotearoa New Zealand's flightless parrot, the kakapo, evolved two different color types to potentially help them avoid detection by a now-extinct apex predator, Lara Urban at Helmholtz AI, Germany and colleagues from the Aotearoa New Zealand Department of Conservation and the Maori iwi Ngai Tahu, report in the open-access journal PLOS Biology. The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is a nocturnal, flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand. It experienced severe population declines after European settlers introduced new predators. By 1995 there were just 51 individuals left, but intense conservation efforts have helped the species rebound to around 250 birds. Kakapo come in one of two colorsgreen or olivewhich occur in roughly equal proportions. To understand how this color variation evolved and why it was maintained despite population declines, researchers analyzed genome sequence data for 168 individuals, representing nearly all living kakapo at the time of sequencing. They identified two genetic variants that together explain color variation across all the kakapo they studied. Scanning electron microscopy showed that green and olive feathers reflect slightly different wavelengths of light because of differences in their microscopic structure. The researchers estimate that olive coloration first appeared around 1.93 million years ago, coinciding with the evolution of two predatory birds: Haast's eagle and Eyles' harrier. Computer simulations suggest that whichever color was rarer would have been less likely to be detected by predators, explaining why both colors persisted in the kakapo population over time. The results suggest that kakapo coloration evolved due to pressure from apex predators that hunted by sight. This variation has remained even after the predators went extinct, around 600 years ago. The authors argue that understanding the origins of kakapo coloration might have relevance to the conservation of this critically endangered species. They show that without intervention, kakapo color variation could be lost within just 30 generations, but it would be unlikely to negatively impact the species today. Co-author and conservationist Andrew Digby adds, "By using a comprehensive genomic library for the species, we have explained how the current color morphs of kakapo might be a result of pressure from extinct predators. "Using genomics to understand the current significance of such characteristics is important as we seek to restore the mauri (life force) of kakapo by reducing intensive management and returning them to their former habitats." More information: Urban L, Santure AW, Uddstrom L, Digby A, Vercoe D, Eason D, et al. (2024) The genetic basis of the kakapo structural color polymorphism suggests balancing selection by an extinct apex predator. PLoS Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002755 Journal information: PLoS Biology WASHINGTON New Jersey has a new U.S. senator after the August resignation of Democrat Bob Menendez. Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat and former chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, was sworn in Monday and will serve in office for about two months until the November election. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Cape May hotelier Curtis Bashaw are vying for the seat in November, and the winner will immediately replace Helmy. Menendez resigned in August after he was convicted on charges that he used his influence to meddle in three different state and federal criminal investigations. Prosecutors said he helped one bribe-paying friend get a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund and another keep a contract to provide religious certification for meat bound for Egypt. Murphy appointed Helmy to the temporary role after Menendez announced his intention to resign. Murphy said he picked Helmy because he understands the role after serving as an aide to New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and the late New Jersey U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg. Booker, now the states senior senator, stood with Helmy as he was given the oath of office by Washington Sen. Patty Murray, who is the senior-most Democrat and serves as Senate president pro tempore. Helmy, 44, served as Murphys chief of staff from 2019 until 2023 and then served as an executive at one of the states largest health care providers, RWJBarnabas Health. He previously served as Bookers state director in the Senate. He is the son of Egyptian parents who immigrated to New Jersey After he was sworn in, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed Helmy to the chamber and said that he was making history as the first member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to become a senator. Dozens of Helmy's friends and family watched from the gallery above. We wish him nothing but success and are ready to assist him however necessary in the weeks and months to come, Schumer said. When Murphy announced his appointment, Helmy said he had never sought and would never seek elected office. He said he would focus on serving the public during his short stint in the Senate. New Jersey deserves its full voice and representation in the whole of the United States Senate, he said. Menendez was also convicted of taking actions that benefited Egypts government in exchange for bribes, including providing details on personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators regarding lifting a hold on military aid to Egypt. FBI agents also said they found stacks of gold bars and $480,000 hidden in Menendezs house. Menendez has denied all of the allegations against him and has said hes planning to appeal the convictions. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has introduced legislation that would provide a tax credit of up to $30,000 to individuals and couples pursuing in vitro fertilization, her office announced in a news release Monday. IVF is a multi-step fertility treatment in which a fertilized egg is implanted into the patient's uterus. The process can take more than a month and cost tens of thousands of dollars. According to Forbes Health, which reviewed fertility clinics' costs in 2021 for the treatment, IVF can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 depending on the patient's needs and the center they seek treatment at. "Every life is precious, and we have a moral imperative to support those who wish to become parents," Miller-Meeks said. "By providing financial assistance through this refundable tax credit, we are not only making IVF more accessible but also empowering individuals and families to realize their dreams of parenthood. This bill is a commitment to supporting life and the choices of families across our nation." Miller-Meeks represents Iowa's 1st Congressional District, which covers the southeastern part of the state, including Iowa City, the Quad-Cities and Muscatine. The IRS does allow a limited medical expenses deduction relating to IVF treatments, but the proposed bill would provide a credit for a range of IVF-related costs, such as transportation to and from services, egg retrievals and transfers, counseling, lab fees and ultrasounds. A review by Mercer of large companies' employee health insurance plans found that the share of employers with 500 or more employees that covered in vitro fertilization grew from 23% in 2015 to 28% in 2020 and the share for companies with 20,000 or more workers grew from 34% to 38% in that time period. Also sponsoring the bill are Reps. Lori-Chavez DeRemer, R-Ore., and Mike Lawler, R-NY. Democrats have sought to connect access to IVF to Republicans' broader anti-abortion position after a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that frozen embryos could be considered children temporarily halted access to IVF. But that court's decision came with backlash from the left and some on the right. Republican leaders in Alabama quickly passed a law shielding fertility clinics from liability for discarding embryos. In a May Gallup poll, 82% of Americans surveyed said IVF is morally acceptable and Donald Trump told NBC News in an interview he wants to make IVF paid for by the government or insurance companies if elected. Miller-Meeks faces a second challenge from Democrat and Iowa City law professor Christina Bohannan for the 1st District seat in November. Bohannan has sought to center abortion access in her race against Miller-Meeks, running an ad that claims Miller-Meeks is "pushing to ban all abortions nationwide with no exceptions for rape or incest." In Congress, Miller-Meeks co-sponsored the 2021-22 Life At Conception Act that states life begins at fertilization, banning all abortions. It has no exceptions for rape, incest or the womans life, and does not specify protections for fertility treatments. Miller-Meeks did not sign on as a sponsor of the resolution in the current Congress. She has said she supports a national 15-week ban on abortion with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Miller-Meeks also has not signed on to a bipartisan bill that aims to put into law federal protections for IVF. In an emailed statement, Bohannan said Miller-Meeks "has a long pattern of attacking women's reproductive freedom, including IVF fertility treatments. Her record is as clear as it gets she doesnt believe women should be able to decide if, how, and when they should start a family." Bohannan said she went through IVF to try to have a second child. "Now, when its politically convenient, shes trying to rewrite history. As someone who went through IVF to try and have a second child, Im disgusted that politicians like Mariannette Miller-Meeks are playing politics with womens rights, freedoms, and health care. Which congressional campaigns are drawing the most donations from wealthy donors this election? Balance of power in Congress Deep pockets fuel campaigns across all states These key races attract millions in funding from the wealthy The Building Services Division of Rapid City issued 263 building permits in August, totaling over $48.9 million in valuation. The figure marks the second-highest permit valuation for the month of August in the city's history. The only August to surpass this total was 2017, when Monument Health received a permit as part of its multi-phase expansion project, bringing the total valuation to $54.8 million. As of the end of August, the city has issued 1,741 building permits for the year, with a cumulative valuation exceeding $234.1 million. The August valuation ranks fifth-highest for any month in the last 40 months, dating back to May 2021. August was a strong month in terms of permit valuation, said city Community Development director Vicki Fisher. The combined total helped stem the tide of a developing trend of slow activity. Well be interested in the permit activity of the next few months. The largest permits issued in August were for two projects at the Fifth Park Apartments, both constructed by Gustafson Builders. One permit, valued at over $19.7 million, is for a 78-unit apartment building at 4916 Fifth Street. The other, valued at $12.7 million, is for a 54-unit building at 4908 Fifth Street. Other significant permits include six mini-storage unit buildings totaling $1.28 million, issued to Kansas City Holdings LLC with Dean Kurtz Construction as the contractor. These buildings, located on Concourse Drive, will house 156 storage units. A $1.1 million permit was issued to Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan to alter the apartments at 1851 City Springs Road and convert them into assisted living facilities. C Eagle Construction is the contractor for this project. Additional permits include a footing foundation permit for WR Hospitality LLC with Scull Construction as the contractor for a restaurant at 2181 Promise Road and a $905,000 permit for a Fire Department training tower facility at 2420 Creek Drive, contracted by RCS Construction. The lightning-caused Johnson fire burning 3 miles south of the Springer Memorial Community in the East Fork was estimated at 6,301 acres on Monday morning. The blaze is 25% contained. Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5, led by Incident Commander Joe Sampson, assumed command of the Johnson fire at 6 a.m. Monday morning from Nevada Type 3-Incident Management Team #1. Crews will continue patrolling the fires western edge, searching for any areas of remaining heat along the fires perimeter. To the south, crews will search for areas of remaining heat along the containment line firefighters used for strategic burning operations over the last few days. Along the fires northern edge, firefighters will improve existing containment lines, monitor the fires movement and cool areas of residual heat. Thunderstorms passed through the fire area Sunday night, bringing wind gusts up to about 30 mph. However, the fire area did not receive measurable precipitation. The majority of the fires movement will be in the upper slopes where dry, subalpine fir has the potential to torch and cause short-range spotting up to a half-mile. In the coming days, precipitation is expected with up to an inch of rain possible. Rain will likely hinder the fires ability to move substantially for a week or so or until fuels along the fires perimeter dry out. The Ravalli County Sheriffs Office has issued an evacuation warning for Frog Pond Basin and Little East Fork Road. Sign up for evacuation alerts at http://hyper-reach.com/mtravallisignup.html. Area closures are in effect for both sides of the East Fork Road, the East Fork Guard Station, Martin Creek Campground, and a multitude of trailheads. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices. The lightning-caused Sharrott Creek fire burning 3 miles west of Stevensville in the Bitterroot Mountains was estimated at 3,018 acres on Monday morning by fire officials. The blaze is currently 36% contained. Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5, led by Incident Commander Joe Sampson, also took command of the Sharrott Creek fire at 6 a.m. Monday morning, according to a statement released by fire officials. At the fires northernmost point, near the head of the Larson Creek drainage, crews are working to improve constructed fire line and are using natural barriers (such as areas with limited fuel sources for the fire) to hold the fire within its current footprint. Engines will continue to patrol the fire's eastern edge to check for any areas of residual heat. To the south, crews are using water to cool hot spots from the most southern point of the fire west toward the St. Marys Trailhead. Fire managers are optimistic about limiting the fire spread south. A rappel module remains near the St. Marys Trail, digging handline to tie together natural control features like rocky areas void of available fuel. Structure protection crews will take on initial attack responsibilities if new fire starts crop up with incoming thunderstorms in the area. Helicopters will be available to assist ground crews with water drops as necessary and as long as it is safe to do so. The fire will no longer be staffed by night crews due to a substantial decrease in nighttime fire activity. The Ravalli County Sheriffs Office has issued an evacuation warning for neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Sharrott Creek fire. Sign up for evacuation alerts at http://hyper-reach.com/mtravallisignup.html. Area closures are in effect from North Fork Sweeney Creek to Sweathouse Creek. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices. A Temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place west of Highway 93 from Bass Creek to Big Creek. The Daly and Railroad fires were estimated at 2,170 acres and 490 acres respectively. The fires are currently 4% contained. The cause of the fires is unknown. The Daly fire is currently advancing to the northeast toward Skalkaho Pass, with significant movement overnight due to gusty outflow winds (acreages will update with the next mapping flight). The fire has crossed north of Highway 38 on its northwest flank east of Gird Point. The fire will also advance into the previous years fire footprint as it progresses northward. Both fires have reached the fire footprint from last years Bowles Creek fire. Crews will continue to remove hazardous trees along the south side of Highway 38 to mitigate safety concerns for firefighters and members of the public when the highway reopens. Crews will also utilize previously constructed control lines in the Skalkaho Creek drainage. Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) is closed from Black Bear Campground to the top of Skalkaho Pass. Gird Point Lookout is also closed. The Bitterroot National Forest is currently in Stage I fire restrictions. Nava Thakuria Guwahati: With a huge expectation from the people of Bangladesh, the interim government under the leadership of Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus was formed on 8 August 2024 in Dhaka, but on the ground the caretaker government is yet to make any formal reform in the system even though it has achieved diplomatic success in different fronts along with a sustained public trust. The widely acclaimed banker turned social-enterprise motivator Prof Yunus has however continued his mission to understand the ground situation while discussing with various political parties along with other important personalities to finalise his roadmap for a free, fair and participatory national elections in due course of time. The octogenarian preacher for three zeros (no poverty, no net carbon emission and no wealth concentration) Prof Yunus has already received encouraging messages from various global leaders and institutions. Needless to mention that, nearly hundred Nobel laureates from different parts of the world recently sent a letter of appreciation and good will to Prof Yunus. The signatories including former US President Barack Obama, human rights activist Shirin Ebadi and a number of elected public personalities, business leaders, civil society representatives etc argued that Prof Yunus was rightly put in his opposition by the agitating students of Bangladesh. Most of the development partners of Bangladesh including different western countries were happy and expressed their desire to support the south Asian nation with nearly 170 million people in its development process. Prof Yunus, who was in Paris during the first week of August, arrived in Dhaka to receive a hero's welcome. By then the country's longest serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and the Awami League chief was forced to leave the country following an unprecedented mass movement against her government with dictatorial attitude. The daughter Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Bangladesh freedom movement hero, Hasina left Dhaka on 5 August to arrive in India. New Delhi has yet to make an official declaration about her status as an asylum seeker and the only version, stated by India's foreign minister, reveals that the fifth time Bangla premier was given shelter following a short notice request. No official announcement is available if Hasina was allowed to stay in India as long as she wants or if the iron lady was looking for a third country for long term shelter. Meanwhile, hundreds of police complaints were lodged against Hasina and the interim government is looking for her return to face trial in the country. It's assumed that Prof Yunus will soon ask for her extradition from New Delhi and till then he expected Hasina to keep quiet as long as she is taking shelter in a different country. Initially Hasina and her son from the USA made a number of contradictory statements over her departure and probable return to Bangladesh. Various Indian media outlets used their versions in headlines and even tried to project that in absence of Hasina, the Hindus and other religious minorities were facing Islamists backlash, as if there was no event of Hindu harassment in Bangladesh during Hasina's regime. Prof Yunus, during a recent media interview, even urged New Delhi to avoid judging everyone except Hasina as anti-Indians. Amidst the 'not so good' bilateral relationship with New Delhi because of Hasina's presence in India, Prof Yunus is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York during the UN General Assembly session on 22, 23 September next. Earlier on 16 August, Prof Yunus dialled PM Modi and had a fruitful discussion to take forward bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries. PM Modi emphasised on protection of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, where Prof Yunus assured that his government is committed to ensure security to all minorities in his Muslim majority nation. He also invited PM Modi to visit Bangladesh at his convenience and arranged to send a delegation of Indian journalists to witness the ground situation there. Prof Yunus believes that good ties with New Delhi are essential but that 'should be based on equity and fairness'. Nearly 1,000 people were killed and thousand others were injured in the turmoil that engulfed Bangladesh in July and August. At least five journalists also lost their lives during the unrest as they were reporting from the ground. The Geneva-based global media rights body Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) called the Prof Yunus-led interim government to initiate a fast probe into the murder of journalists namely Hasan Mehedi, Shakil Hossain, Abu Taher Md Turab, Tahir Zaman Priyo and Pradip Kumar Bhowmik to punish the perpetrators under the law. PEC president Blaise Lempen also asked the authorities to pay compensations to the bereaved journo-families. Meanwhile, in a message to the nation, Prof Yunus remembered the sacrifice of hundreds of students and civilians from all walks of life to end the 15-year dictatorship of fascist Hasina, 'who led a brutal genocide right up until her downfall'. He also remembered the journalists who were killed during the movement and paid deepest respects to all the martyrs in the revolution. Speaking about the thousands of others, who were injured, crippled for life and many lost their eyesight as Hasina's enforcers targeted their eyes when firing rubber bullets. The soft spoken gentleman with strong determination stated that his government will ensure treatment to all those who sustained critical injuries during the agitation. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vowed Monday to remain in Venezuela, a day after her colleague and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia took up asylum in Spain claiming post-election repression. "I have decided to stay in Venezuela and take part in the struggle from here while he (Gonzalez Urrutia) does it from abroad," Machado, who is in hiding, told reporters via videoconference. Gonzalez Urrutia, 75, arrived in Madrid late Sunday after weeks in hiding following a July 28 presidential election that the opposition insists he won, but which was claimed by incumbent Nicolas Maduro. "We all know that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the elected president of Venezuela... whether he is in Venezuela or anywhere else in the world," said Machado. The fact that he is now abroad "does not change anything: legitimacy is maintained, the strategy is the same," she insisted. After his arrival in Spain, Gonzalez Urrutia said he had decided to leave "so that things can change and so we can build a new stage for Venezuela." Machado had said he left the country because "his life was in danger." "Only the policy of dialogue will enable us to reunite as compatriots," Gonzalez Urrutia wrote in a letter addressed to Venezuelans and posted on social media network X. "I have taken this decision thinking of Venezuela and that our destiny as a country cannot, must not, be that of a conflict of pain and suffering." Maduro, who had previously called for his opponent and Machado to be jailed after the election, expressed "respect" in a televised message Monday for Gonzalez Urrutia's decision and wished him well "in his new life." Maduro said he had headed the process that had led to Gonzalez Urrutia's departure "in the pursuit of consolidating peace." Gonzalez Urrutia had replaced Machado on the ballot at the last minute after she was prevented from running by institutions loyal to Maduro, which are accused by observers of human rights violations. Venezuela's regime-loyal National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the election winner, but the opposition cried foul and much of the international community has refused to accept the result. - At risk of prison - Machado remains mostly in hiding, but has led a handful of anti-Maduro protests since the disputed vote. Prosecutors had opened an investigation against Gonzalez Urrutia for crimes related to his insistence that he was the rightful election victor. Charges include usurpation of public functions, forgery of a public document, incitement to disobedience, sabotage, and association with organized crime. He risks a prison sentence of 30 years. The charges stem from the opposition publishing its own tally of polling station-level ballots cast, which it says showed Gonzalez Urrutia winning about two-thirds of votes. Venezuela's electoral authority has said it cannot provide a breakdown of the election results, blaming a cyber attack on its systems. Observers have said there is no evidence of such hacking. Post-election violence in Venezuela has claimed 27 lives and left 192 people wounded, while the government says it has arrested about 2,400 people. The office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague said Monday it was monitoring "current developments" in Venezuela. Human rights NGOs on Monday urged the United Nations to alter the mandate of an international fact-finding mission on Venezuela to include the post-election violence. "Venezuelans are facing a violent crackdown on voters and protesters, political leaders, journalists, human rights defenders and other actual or perceived alleged opponents of the Maduro administration," the groups said in a joint appeal. Maduro's government has led a crackdown on dissent since the election, with parliament debating a new set of laws to take on "fascism," a term the regime has often used to denote the opposition. "Venezuela has to make severe, hard anti-fascist laws, because here hate, violence, division, persecution of people for their ideas, for their way of thinking and being cannot proliferate," Maduro said on Monday. After Venezuela's last election, in 2018, Maduro also claimed victory amid widespread accusations of fraud. With the support of the military and other institutions, he managed to cling to power despite international sanctions. Richmond City Council members took a recess and exited chambers Monday night as pro-Palestine protesters began chanting for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. City Council pick a side, justice or apartheid, the protesters shouted as they were ushered from the room by security. Council members stood up and walked out through a rear exit. Dozens were gathered in the second-floor chambers at City Hall to call on council to pass a resolution for a cease-fire in the Gaza war, holding signs reading no votes for genocide and shame on you. Richmonds City Council meeting is in recess as pro-Palestine protesters are ushered out of the chambers following the public comment period, during which city residents debated whether council should pass a ceasefire resolution. pic.twitter.com/xrKoDISJan Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) September 9, 2024 Others came to object to such a resolution and to express support for Israel, arguing that the act of pressing for a cease-fire denies the right of Israel to defend itself. Council members had assembled to declare the first week of September Richmond Welcoming Week and the entire month as Richmond Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, but the public comment period of the monthly meeting overshadowed administrative action, as speakers made emotional appeals and, on one occasion, exchanged words. Ephraim Seidman addressed council first, arguing that it is Hamas, and not Israel, who is to blame for the high death toll in Gaza. Seidman lamented the recent killing of former Hamas hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who spent his early years in Richmond. Seidman wore a patch with the number 339, which is the numbers of days since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. There was a cease-fire in place on the morning of October 7 that Hamas broke to start this war, he said. Hamas has rejected every cease-fire that has been proposed in this war How many innocent lives would have been saved if Hamas could just abide by a cease-fire? Jasmine Cuellar disagreed. She told council members that, during their recess, Palestinians had continued to suffer unimaginably. Where is the outrage over Israels mass murder? she asked. More than 40,000 people have died in Israeli attacks since Oct. 7, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Weapons used to murder Palestinians are being manufactured on Virginia soil, Cuellar said and, because the city has suspended publication of its required payment database, theres no proof the city isnt funding such manufacturing. The database has not been updated since 2019, she said, so how (do we) know where our taxes and funds meant to improve our city and the lives of people who live here are going? Cuellar also accused Seidman of exploiting Goldberg-Polins death and pointed to his mother, Rachel Goldberg, who Cuellar said had advocated on behalf of both her son and civilians in Gaza. Cuellar stood at the podium a few seconds past her allocated public comment time to yell free Palestine! In response, an audience member shouted rulebreakers, prompting an exchange of words that led 4th District representative and City Council President Kristen Nye to bang her gavel and admonish the crowd. If you have an outburst, you will be taken out of chambers, she said. Several attendees, wearing keffiyehs, were then escorted out by security. Next to speak was Alex Keisch, of Richmond, who said he is the last Holocaust survivor in his family. After the disgusting slaughter of Oct. 7, I say never again is now, he said. Keisch also responded to the common pro-Palestine refrain not in my name; yes, in my name he said, citing the numerous German and Japanese civilians killed by U.S. forces during World War II. Jenna Gabriel, who is Jewish, also referenced the Holocaust. She said that Israels operations in Gaza have eerie parallels to the genocide of Jews and others. I think of what the Holocaust did to Jewish life, she said. She acknowledged that, while a ceasefire resolution might not accomplish measurable change, it would indicate that the city is taking a moral stand to put pressure on state and federal politicians. Consideration of a cease-fire resolution was not on City Councils agenda for Monday night. It is not clear whether such a measure is being deliberated. Meet the candidates for Richmond City Council 1st District: Zac Walker 1st District: Andrew "Gumby" Breton 1st District: Paul Goldman 2nd District: Katherine Jordan 3rd District: Ann-Frances Lambert 3rd District: Kenya Gibson 3rd District: Maria Carra Rose 4th District: Sarah Abubaker 5th District: Stephanie Lynch 6th District: Ellen Robertson 6th District: Tavares Floyd 6th District: Willie Hilliard Jr. 7th District: Cynthia Newbille 7th District: Eric Sundberg 8th District: Reva Trammell 8th District: Frank Henry Wilson Jr. 9th District: Nicole Jones 9th District: Stephanie Starling 2 dead one injured in Pemex Salina Cruz fire Salina Cruz, Oaxaca Two people were killed and one severely burned in a fire at the Antonio Dovali Jaime refinery in Salina Cruz. The fatal fire happened late Saturday. The victims have been identified as 21-year-old Mariana Sanchez Bailon and 26-year-old Erick Martinez Rodriguez. Both Pemex workers were killed when the Primary II plant of the refinery suddenly went up in flames. Initial investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a hydrocarbon spill that leaked through the drainage system and storm drains during a heavy rain, causing the flames to spread rapidly and uncontrollably. In a press conference, Pemex reported that on Saturday, a storm caused the citys storm drains and the Pemex oil drains to overflow, allowing hydrocarbons to escape into the street. According to preliminary reports, the fire started due to an accumulation of oil and gasoline residue in the drainage system. Pemex has said that it will be the authorities who will carry out the investigation and determine the ignition point that activated the internal emergency plan at the Pemex refinery. Photo: September 7, 2024. The two deceased were subcontracted workers on the wastewater treatment plant project. The injured person is 25-year-old Julian Melendez Martinez, who is being treated at an IMSS hospital in Mexico City. Cancun police capture four in shooting death of woman Cancun, Q.R. Four suspects wanted in the shooting death of a Cancun woman have been arrested. On Monday night, the three hitmen and their taxi driver were taken into police custody after a shooting in SM 107. Area residents reported hearing gunfire in their neighborhood. Elements of the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security arrived to find a woman laying on Las Playas Street near Jose Lopez Portillo Avenue. She had been shot and was pronounced dead by paramedics. A witness to the shooting was able to provide police with the details they needed to locate those believed responsible. A search operation lead to the successful location of the group of men. With help of city surveillance cameras, the white Nissan taxi with green strips carrying three men, as detailed by the witness, was found. Police intercepted the vehicle in SM 100 near Chac Mool Avenue. During an inspection, authorities seized a loaded firearm and a magazine with 11 9mm cartridges. In police custody are Asuncion N, Juan N, Diego N and Pablo N. Chetumal taxi driver arrested after accusations of passenger sexual abuse Chetumal, Q.R. A Chetumal taxi driver accused of sexually abusing a passenger has been arrested. Miguel Angel T was taken into legal custody Monday after a warrant for his arrest was issued. On Friday, the Chetumal taxi driver was accused of touching a passengers bare legs before inviting her to touch his genitals. The incident was reported after the passenger, a 15-year-old female student, was picked up by the cab driver from school for a ride to her home. The teen said once inside the car, the driver touched her legs then showed her his genitals, inviting her to touch him. After arriving home, her family escorted her to the State Attorney Generals office where a formal complaint was filed. A group of nearby mototaxi drivers claimed to have witnessed some of what happened. Photo: September 6, 2024. Part of the incident was allegedly witnessed by a group of motorcycle taxi drivers. That same group also played a key role in identifying the taxi driver alleged responsible. The 50-something-year-old taxi driver was transferred to the Social Reinsertion Center (Cereso) in Chetumal where he will remain in custody until his hearing Friday. Danish student visiting Cancun dies by drowning off Playa Gaviotas Azul Cancun, Q.R. A 27-year-old woman was found deceased Monday morning off Playa Gaviotas Azul in the Cancun Hotel Zone. The woman, who was a tourist to the area, was found after beachgoer reports of a floating body. Emergency services arrived in response to the 7:00 a.m. report of the body but, despite search efforts, were unable to immediately locate her. Strong winds played a factor in their search efforts as well as the strong currents that carried her out to sea. The deceased woman has been identified as Sofie E from Denmark. She was a student at the Tecnologico de Monterrey and was on vacation in Cancun from Monterrey with a friend at the time of the accident. On Monday morning, she was swimming with another person when she was swept away by the strong currents at Playa Gaviotas Azul. That was the last time she was seen until others at the beach reported seeing a floating body. Strong winds hampered initial search efforts early Monday morning. Photo: September 9, 2024. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, responded to the report of the body in the sea. She was eventually pulled ashore where she was pronounced dead by likely drowning. Winds have been strong in the area for days due to the clashing of weather systems that has also brought rain to the region. Elderly man killed in central Cancun pedestrian accident Cancun, Q.R. An elderly pedestrian was killed Monday morning after being hit by a vehicle on Tulum Avenue. Paramedics from the Red Cross were at the scene shortly after motorists reported the 10:45 a.m. accident. The man was crossing the Avenue near City Hall when he was struck by a vehicle. According to witnesses, the man was dragged for several meters before the vehicle came to a stop. Municipal Traffic authorities cordoned off the area for the arrival of emergency vehicles. Red Cross paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle alleged responsible was arrested. China to strengthen mine clearance cooperation with African countries Xinhua) 08:32, September 10, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen mine clearance cooperation with African countries and help Africa eliminate the threat of mines as soon as possible, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday. During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China announced an "action for a mine-free Africa," which is among a number of practical measures the country has made to implement the Global Security Initiative in Africa, Mao said. She noted that peace and security cooperation is an important area in the formation of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. She said China is committed to humanitarian mine clearance assistance and cooperation, and has taken concrete actions to support Ethiopia, Angola, Eritrea, Chad and other countries in improving their capacity for mine clearance, contributing to the safety of local civilians and promoting local economic and social development. China stands ready to work with African countries to strengthen humanitarian mine clearance cooperation through material assistance, personnel training, on-site guidance and other means, Mao added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) HARTSVILLE, S.C. - In todays world of instant gratification, we often miss opportunities to improve ourselves because we are too focused on the finish line instead of the step in front of us. Let me gently remind you that life is not a race. Finding your pathway to wellness is not a competition where you must constantly look at how you measure up compared to someone else. Every journey starts with step number one. And guess what follows that? Step number two. If you get to step number five and you find yourself living like step number three, that is okay too. You see when we are making changes in our lives, when we are trying to find the right mix of ingredients to live healthier, there is no one size fits all. And even when we find what we think is the right path, we may get a day like Motuweday (I just made that word up), but the truth is that we have all had those days, those weeks. You have been there. It is midway through the week, yet every day has felt like a Monday. You get that glimmer of hope that the weekend is on its merry way and boom you are back at that Monday feeling again. The craziness of these days makes us question not only our sanity, but our ability to stick with the changes that we are trying so hard to make. This is when that self-doubt kicks in again. This is when we begin to question if we will ever reach our goals. Friend, I am here to tell you that we all ride the struggle bus from time to time. We just cannot unpack and live on it. So, then the question becomes how do we do it, can we get to that goal by just taking baby steps? And the answer is whole-heartedly, yes! In fact, if you look back on any big achievement that you have made, you will quickly realize it has all been a series of baby steps. A link in the chain that got you from point A to point B. Are there people out there that seem to move further along faster? Absolutely! Does it mean you are doomed for failure if you are not moving as fast? Absolutely NOT! Here is the thing we are all different. Every single one of us is a unique individual. And I will say it one more time for the people in the back row THIS. IS. NOT. A. RACE. When you start thinking about those baby steps you are going to take, you begin to realize that these are smaller goals that will lead up to the one big goal. For example, if my bigger goal is wellness and I define that by being at a certain weight and exercising a specific amount of time, then I must start by breaking these down into smaller steps to get there. We like to use the acronym S.M.A.R.T. when it comes to goal setting. The S stands for specific. This is the part you really need to put some thought into. It is easy to say, I am going to eat more vegetables. Unfortunately, it is not very specific. A more specific goal would be to eat three servings of vegetables, three days each week. This is assuming that you and vegetables really are not friends, more like acquaintances. Do we want you to each more vegetables than this? You are darn skippy, but if your relationship with veggies is more like your relationship with your best friend from vacation bible school in 1982 then you must start somewhere. Moving on to M we learn that we must be able to measure this sucker too. If we go back to our original goal, Eat More Vegetables it becomes too easy to give it a shrug and count potato chips as vegetables. On the other hand, I can easily determine if in fact I ate three servings of vegetables on three different days of the week. Now that we have conquered being specific and measurable we give our goal the A test is it achievable? Who chooses something that they are going to fail at? We are winners! We like to win! When we make grandiose plans to go big or go home, we often set ourselves up for failure. Remember, we are talking baby steps. Set up an achievable goal and then stretch it. We next need to question the relevance this goal has to our bigger goal. If you already are a big veggie eater, then this goal does nothing to improve your life. Quick story- years ago, my mama had a heart attack. While in the hospital, she received a certain brand of margarine on her tray and was encouraged to use the same type at home. Being a good patient, she bought it. The problem was, she hated it! It did not do a thing to satisfy her did not melt right, would not spread easily, whatever you can imagine, that was her complaint. The problem with making this change was that she seldom used margarine anyway and its impact on her health was negligible. My solution? Go back to whatever you were using. BUT, instead of buying the fatty milk try the lower fat one. She drank it every day. Its impact on her health was deeper than the margarine that she seldom used. My point here is make sure it is relevant. Even the hard stuff. You do not have to be perfect; you just have to be trying. The last part of our goal is T. Your goal should be timely or time bound. Set a deadline. It will help you stay focused on your target. This goal may look like this, I will eat three servings of vegetables, three times a week for one month. What happens next? You do your thing. Go live it. And if you find yourself moving three steps forward and two steps back? Start over. There is no limit to how many times you can restart until you hardwire a new behavior. Be brave enough to be a beginner and give yourself a little bit of grace. Take the baby steps they add up. Until next timelive healthy. Members of the UNL Army ROTC's Big Red Battalion climb the steps of Memorial Stadium during a silent stair climb in remembrance of those lost in the 9/11 attacks on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in Lincoln. Staring at 6:00 AM, various members of the branches of UNL ROTC, first responders in the surrounding Lancaster areas, and former military members began a silent stair climb workout that involves climbing 2,071 steps, or about 110 flights of stairs. This was the number of stairs that were present at the World Trade Center, which first responders climbed in an effort to rescue people from the towers. The cadets only count the stairs going up, not down. Representing those first responders who never got a chance to descend safely. SIOUX CITY After two straight years of losses, metro Sioux City's population estimate grew by 0.0046% last year to push past the 144,000 mark. The metro area added 665 residents from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, as the total population moved from 143,737 to 144,402, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Sioux City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Iowa's Woodbury County, Nebraska's Dakota and Dixon counties and South Dakota's Union County, now ranks as the 298th most populous metro area. The five largest cities in the tri-state metro all experienced growth last year, according to the Census Bureau. Sioux City accounted for most of the gains, adding 325 residents, or 0.0038%, growing from 85,402 to 85,727. Twenty-seven more residents were added to Sergeant Bluff's population, which went from 5,247 to 5,274. South Sioux City added 99 residents, an increase of 0.0071%, with the total going from 13,757 to 13,856. North Sioux City's population grew by 0.0072%, from 3,026 to 3,048, while Dakota City rose by 0.0073%, from 2,032 to 2,047. Sioux City economic development director Marty Dougherty attributed most of the city's growth to robust efforts to create jobs and add affordable housing. "We have a lot of interest from developers who are interested in expanding more, plus it's just a great place to live," Dougherty said in an interview earlier this summer. Oscar Gomez, South Sioux City's economic development director, also cited a larger supply of housing as contributing to the increased population. "[Housing] has always been the issue for many communities around the area," Gomez said. "That was one of the things that the (South Sioux City) council members focused on the last couple of years." Last year's increases raised the total metro population back above 144,000 for the first time in three years, according to Census Bureau estimates. Between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021, the population fell from 144,326 to 143,907. And, between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022, the count further dipped to 143,737. Based on the 2020 Census counts, the cities of Sioux City and South Sioux City both lost residents in 2021 and 2022, according to the Census estimates. Local officials have questioned the accuracy of the 2020 Census, which came in the midst of the COVID pandemic. They believe census counters missed too many residents. That's led to growth since then also being underrepresented. "They go off [the 2020 numbers], so we think it continues to be undercounted," Dougherty said. "Based on things like the housing demand we see, we think Sioux City is growing. These estimates are hard to interpret, but generally we think we've been undercounted." Gomez agreed the census estimates may not accurately portray the amount of growth South Sioux City has seen. "You see that, in a lot of diverse communities, you dont always get 100% return on the surveys," Gomez said. "If were basing it up average, the numbers that the census gave you are a pretty good average of what the community is doing. But we believe were growing higher than what theyre showing." Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott also disputed past estimates that showed a decrease in the city's population the two previous years. "We added a lot of jobs in the area in the last four years, and housing is up," Scott said. "The last census was disappointing to a lot of us, because we thought that wed added quite a few people to the community. I think the count was terrible. But, maybe its finally reflecting what weve been thinking the past five to eight years or so." The Journal's Dave Dreeszen contributed to this story. SIOUX CITY Although action on a rezoning request from Knife River to relocate operations to a 30-acre tract of land at 3700 Jefferson St., was deferred until next week, the Sioux City Council got an earful from Leeds residents at Monday's meeting. Barry Bohlke, a 21-year resident of Leeds, said he and other residents collected more than 500 signatures, voicing opposition to rezoning residential land for industrial purpose. "Many of the people had no idea about Knife River's request," he told council members. Bohlke mentioned such longstanding events as the annual Leeds Day Parade, street dances and car shows as adding to the feeling of community in the neighborhood. He added that sense of community would be disrupted due to noise and air pollution that may come with Knife River's proposed relocation. Other Leeds residents discussed quality of life issues and potential impacts on property values. Voting on the ordinance -- which was under its third and final consideration -- was not possible Monday because it required a supermajority. With Councilman Alex Watters out of town, the item was postponed until the council's meeting next Monday, Sept. 16. While Mayor Bob Scott said he has a strong record on economic development, he has reservations about Knife River's plans. "Knife River is a corporation," he said. "They can find another location that wouldn't encroach in a residential area." Warming Shelter Several members of Sioux City's homeless community were also in attendance at the council meeting to voice objections over the scheduled closure of the Warming Shelter. Warming Shelter officials say they couldn't commit to staying open beyond Oct. 1 unless they raised a minimum of $200,000. Council member Matthew O'Kane suggested citizens go to the Warming Shelter's GoFundMe page if they wanted to help the nonprofit out. NEW YORK Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will debate for the first and perhaps last time on Tuesday night as the presidential candidates fight to sway voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics. The meeting comes 75 days after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance triggered a political earthquake that led to his withdrawal from the race. Few expect such a transformative result this time, but Trump is on a mission to end Harris' honeymoon." Harris, a former courtroom prosecutor, will enter the night with relatively high expectations against a Republican opponent with 34 felony convictions and a penchant for false statements. The question is whether Harris, who did not particularly stand out during primary debates in her 2020 presidential campaign, can prosecute Trump's glaring liabilities in a face-to-face meeting on live television. Some things to watch for: Can Harris do what Biden could not? Biden set an incredibly low bar for Harris in the June 27 debate. The president struggled to offer coherent arguments or even finish sentences. But the anti-Trump coalition was most disappointed that he failed to take advantage of Trump's obvious political liabilities whether on abortion, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, character issues or his legal trouble. Harris is expected to do much better. Polls suggest the Democratic vice president is now even with the Republican former president in some swing states. But even with such fertile terrain, scoring points against Trump on the debate stage is easier said than done. As a former reality television star, he knows how to dominate television coverage. And he clearly likes to fight. Harris recently suggested that she may be looking forward to a political brawl. Donald, she told a cheering audience last month in Atlanta, if you've got something to say, say it to my face. Can Trump focus? Trump is not known for his discipline or preparation. His debate performances, like his governing style, are typically fueled more by instinct than thoughtful analysis. Therefore, few expect Trump to offer a clear and concise line of attack against Harris. Still, he needs to do better than the kitchen-sink approach he's been testing on the campaign trail for much of the past month. Trump has questioned Harris' racial identity. He falsely called her a communist. He questioned her strength. He called her a San Francisco liberal. And he reminded voters that she has served in the Biden White House for nearly four years and would presumably continue the president's policies for another four years if she wins. It is the Biden connection that many Republicans, inside and outside of Trump's campaign, believe is most effective. They want him to evoke Ronald Reagan's 1980 debate-stage jab Are you better off? early and often. The question is whether Trump can deliver that message in a way that isn't immediately overshadowed by a much more controversial statement. Recent history offers reasons to be skeptical. Body language matters There will, of course, be an obvious gender dynamic on the stage. Fair or not, body language and tone are viewed differently in a debate between a man and a woman. Just ask Hillary Clinton. She said Trump made her skin crawl when he stood behind her as she was speaking during a town hall-style debate in 2016. The candidates who have never met in person will be expected to stay behind their podiums on Tuesday night. But Republicans are hopeful that Trump will avoid other provocations like pointing, yelling or otherwise approaching Harris in a way that might be off-putting to suburban women or other swing voters. Harris, too, will face unique challenges related to her race and gender as voters consider whether to make her the nation's first female president. Some voters still say they're not comfortable with the idea. If she comes across as angry, she risks playing into racist tropes about Black women. While the gender dynamic looms, do not underestimate the significance of their age difference, either. Harris is almost two decades younger than the 78-year-old Trump. Age was viewed as a political advantage for Trump when he was facing the 81-year-old Biden, but the situation is now reversed against the 59-year-old Harris. If he wins, Trump would be the oldest U.S. president ever elected. Debate details Time: The debate will start at 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday and is expected to last 90 minutes. It will be moderated by World News Tonight anchor David Muir and Prime anchor Linsey Davis. Television: ABC News will carry the debate live on its broadcast network as well as its streaming platform ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. Several networks have also agreed to carry the event live. Location: The second general election debate of this cycle is taking place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Up next: CBS News will host a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 between Walz and Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. That event is planned to be held in New York City. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) State police are showing up at Florida voters homes to question them about signing a petition to get an abortion rights amendment on the ballot in November, and a state health care agency has launched a website targeting the ballot initiative with politically charged language. Critics say they're the latest efforts by Florida's Republican elected officials to leverage state resources to try to block the abortion rights measure, moves which some Democratic officials argue could violate state laws against voter intimidation. Ron (DeSantis) has repeatedly used state power to interfere with a citizen-led process to get reproductive freedom on the ballot," Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told reporters on Monday. This is their latest desperate attempt before Election Day. The ballot initiative known as Amendment 4 would enshrine abortion rights in Florida law. If approved by 60% of voters, the procedure would remain legal until the fetus is viable, as determined by the patients health care provider. Isaac Menasche, one of nearly a million people who signed the petition to get the measure on the ballot, said a law enforcement officer knocked on his door last week in Lee County in southwest Florida to ask him about signing it. The officer said the questioning was part of an investigation into alleged petition fraud, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Im not a person who is going out there protesting for abortion, Menasche told the newspaper. I just felt strongly, and I took the opportunity when the person asked me to say, Yeah, Ill sign that petition. Critics say the investigation is a brazen attempt to intimidate voters in the countrys third-largest state from protecting access to abortion and the latest in a series of efforts by the governor's administration to target Amendment 4. Amendment 4 was placed on the ballot by nearly one million Floridians around the state and across party lines who believe that people, not politicians, deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions," Lauren Brenzel, the director of the Yes on 4 campaign, said in an email. "But the State will stop at nothing to keep in place their near-total abortion ban." Florida law currently bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. Speaking at a press event Monday in South Florida, DeSantis defended police visiting the homes of petition signers, and a separate move by a state health care agency to create a website targeting the ballot amendment, saying both are aimed at making sure Novembers vote is fair. DeSantis signed a law in 2022 creating a state police force dedicated to investigating voter fraud and elections crimes. Voter fraud is rare, typically occurs in isolated instances and is generally detected. He said elections police are going to the homes of people who signed the petitions that got Amendment 4 on the ballot not to intimidate them, but because questions have been raised about the legitimacy of the signatures. He said the police have found evidence that some of the supposed signatures were from dead people. Anyone who submitted a petition that is a valid voter, that is totally within their rights to do it," DeSantis said. We are not investigating that. What they are investigating is fraudulent petitions. We know that this group did submit on behalf of dead people. A deadline in state law to challenge the validity of the signatures has long passed, but county-level election administrators across Florida say they have been receiving requests from state officials to turn over verified petition signatures as part of a state probe. Mary Jane Arrington, a Democrat who has served as the Supervisor of Elections in Osceola County in central Florida for 16 years, told The Associated Press she had never received a request like this one before. Arrington said she didnt know what to make of the states request to review signatures her office had already verified. These are ones that we deemed the petition valid, both in completeness and in their signature matching what we had on file for the voter, Arrington said. They said they were investigating signature petition fraud. The states elections crime unit has opened more than 40 investigations into paid petition gathers working for the Amendment 4 campaign, according to a letter from Deputy Secretary of State Brad McVay outlining allegedly fraudulent petitions in Palm Beach County that was shared with the AP. Judges have tossed out previous criminal cases brought by the controversial Office of Election Crimes and Security. Meanwhile, a state health care agency launched a new website last week targeting Amendment 4, with a landing page proclaiming that Florida is Protecting Life and warning Dont let the fearmongers lie to you." DeSantis said the page created by Floridas Agency for Health Care Administration is being paid through a budget the department has to do public service announcements. He said the page is not political but is giving Floridians factual information about the amendment. Everything that is put out is factual. It is not electioneering," DeSantis said at the news conference, adding, I am glad they are doing it. Florida is one of nine states where measures to protect abortion access have qualified to go before voters in 2024. Florida Republicans have been using various other strategies to thwart the state abortion ballot measure. Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody attempted to use the state Supreme Court to keep abortion off the ballot. Later, abortion rights advocates criticized a financial impact statement meant to be placed on the ballot beside the proposed amendment as an attempt to mislead voters. The state Supreme Court ruled in August to allow the language to remain on the ballot. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups and GOP allies across the country are using an array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives aiming to protect reproductive rights. These tactics have included legislative pushes for competing ballot measures that could confuse voters and monthslong delays caused by lawsuits over ballot initiative language. Nebraskans, for example, are awaiting rulings from the state Supreme Court on three lawsuits aimed at keeping abortion off the ballot. And the Missouri Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday in an appeal of a lower court ruling that an abortion rights campaign did not meet legal requirements to qualify for the November ballot. ___ This story was first published on Sep. 9, 2024. It was updated on Sep. 10, 2024 to correct that the letter outlining allegedly fraudulent petitions was about Palm Beach County, not to Palm Beach County. Associated Press writers Christine Fernando in Chicago, Geoff Mulvihill in Philadelphia, and Terry Spencer in Fort Lauderdale contributed to this report. ___ Kate Payne 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. An advocate for the d/Deaf community challenges churches to reevaluate their approaches to fellowship and evangelism to better serve the distinctive needs of this sizeable people group, which has its own cultures and languages. Emily Owen knows what it is to be broken and what it is to meet God there. Owen was diagnosed with a neurological condition called NF2-Schwannomatosis (NF2) as a teenager and suffered many medical surgeries to combat the health issue. NF2 led to brain surgery causing her to lose hearing traumatically overnight in Nov. 2001 at the age of 21. She also has to walk using crutches because of her condition. However, Owen pushed on with her career in writing and public speaking on faith and disability topics. She writes her own blog and has authored several books, including devotionals and children's books, winning the Association of Christian Writers Award for Outstanding Contribution to Christian Publishing in 2018. Owen also serves as a team member and email compiler for Open Ears, a UK charitable organization facilitating fellowship for impaired hearing Christians. Her mother Anthea is chair of the charity. Speaking to Christian Daily International in a personal capacity, Owen explained how people with hearing issues broadly fall within three categories. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Deaf (capital letter D) people are born Deaf and usually use sign language as a first language. Deaf is their culture, Owen explained. Secondly are those termed deaf (lowercase letter d), namely people who, like me, lose their hearing in later life, usually who have acquired spoken language. Thirdly, Hard of Hearing people whose hearing needs to be amplified with a hearing aid. It is easy for any of the above categories to feel isolated in church, as communication is difficult, said Owen, while outlining methods for churches to better engage with this people group. Churches who have a lot of visual information are helpful, though often the Deaf community do not read well, as English is their second language after sign language. Good lighting is important, as many people with any degree of hearing loss will lipread to an extent. Speech-to-Text apps can be useful for those who are able to read, she said. Owen also said a good Loop System helps those with hearing aids, adding that background noise can make listening very challenging for those wearing such devices. The issue of churches engaging with hearing loss people is international, not just in the U.K. Owen has just returned from the 21st International Conference for Pastoral Care among Hard of Hearing in Oslo, Norway, at the end of August. The theme was Participation is possible and talked about inclusion, with 42 people from nine countries attending. The Joshua Project (TJT) estimates the world Deaf population between 30 and 70 million. Although often labeled as a disability, TJT has said a more accurate perspective is to see these people as a distinct cultural group with their own languages and history. Asked if she had a particular message for evangelical churches on how to better engage with the Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing communities, Owen responded that it was rare for the needs of these communities to be prioritized by churches. Learn from Jesus, she said. In the healing of the deaf man story, Jesus took the man aside before He 'opened his ears'. That was such a kind and compassionate thing to do noise/people/crowds can be overwhelming. It is unlikely that you will get to know a D/deaf/HoH person very well in a crowd. She encouraged churchgoers to ask a D/deaf person themselves what their specific needs were in order to access church life. People are different and may prefer different things. You can't be expected to know, but you can ask. Perhaps consider offering deaf awareness training to your congregation, Owen added. There are charities and professional bodies that would come and give this. In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to recommend a D/deaf person attends another church with better facilities to meet their needs. Sometimes signposting to another church, which would be better equipped to meet needs, is the best welcome, said Owen. Remember that hearing loss/lack of hearing is very isolating, particularly when surrounded by hearing people. It is hard to follow what is happening. Allow time and space in your service for D/deaf people to keep up. Have visual indicators where possible. The importance of providing every possible means for a D/deaf person to feel fully included cannot be overstated. Hearing loss steals confidence and the church has a role in rebuilding self-esteem, helping them to feel properly incorporated into the church community. Hard of Hearing people especially will often feel very embarrassed even ashamed about their hearing loss, and try to disguise it meaning they often miss out so be aware of that. A further challenge remains with sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with D/deaf communities. Owen said communication was the main obstacle. However, nothing is impossible with God, she says. She recalled a Deaf man becoming a Christian at a faith event recently where there had been a sign language interpreter. There is currently a project going [BSL Bible] which aims to make the Bible available in British Sign Language, said Owen, but it takes time. Owen asked believers to pray for the gospel to be presented and available in an accessible way that [hearing loss] people can understand. She referenced Romans 10:14: And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Sadie Smith arrives in a French village with an impeccable referral for the anarcho-primitive commune based there. An American, shes ostensibly on hand to translate into English the communes collectively authored handbook on how to secede from and oppose capitalism. What shes actually there for is to cause trouble. Sadie Smith is not a joiner. Shes also not really named Sadie Smith. In Rachel Kushners scintillating novel of espionage and ideas, Creation Lake, Sadie works for people she hasnt met, infiltrating and destroying activist groups who interfere with the interests of wealthy corporations. In the Guyenne valley, where her current job takes her, those corporate interests include a plan to siphon off all of the water in the ground table into artificial megabasins to be used to irrigate massive corn plantations, thereby decimating the local farming industry and causing God knows what other ecological havoc. Yet someone has sabotaged the incredibly expensive equipment needed to execute this project. Sadies employers suspect Le Moulin, an intentional farming community led by a man named Pascal Balmy. Sadies job is to manipulate the communards into doing something stupid, an act of public violence that authorities can use to arrest the groups leaders and disband the Moulinards. From this thrillerlike premise, Kushner spins a brisk plot thats equal parts tradecraft and penetrating inquiry into the possibility of radical social change. Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support. In her four novels, Kushner has long been preoccupied with the tension between community and self-definition, particularly for women. Her main characters tend to be tough girls navigating scenesthe art world, American expats in Cuba, strip clubs, radical groupsthat stand outside mainstream society while also replicating its inequities. The Moulinards are no exception. Sadie listens to Pascal lecture her about the communes day care center while observing a handful of dispirited women gossiping as their neglected kids run amok. No one is alone in parenting, Pascal expounds, oblivious. Children can look to any adult, they are not stuck with the destiny of two people. That only mothers volunteer at the day care center seems to be lost on him until Sadie points it out. We are not the first group of people to discover that a division of labor between the genders reasserts itself when you try to live in a communal structure, he admits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this surprises Sadie, who has a low opinion of human nature and an instrumental view of sex. She describes herself as pretty, even if my face is bland, a quality she prizes, since it makes her unmemorable. Like Renothe narrator of Kushners acclaimed second novel, The Flamethrowers, whos relegated in the art world to the role of blond girlfriend/appendage of a famous manSadie has long legs, an asset to which she has added some expensive and convincing breast implants. Unlike Reno, who regards her attractiveness with some ambivalence, Sadie considers all of this to be tools of her trade. To get her referral for Le Moulin, she had to seduce a filmmaker she loathes and holds in contempt because she feels badgered by his need for intimacy and acceptance. (Sadie much prefers her trysts with one of the communes few working-class members, a man who doesnt pretend to care about her.) Its the same, whether youre in a relationship with a man or pretending to be in one, she sighs. They want you to listen when they tell you about their precious youth. Advertisement That caustic wit would win Sadie a following on social media, though she has, of course, no interest in such things. Still, however appealingly astringent Sadies voice can be, she is a very bad person. As a federal agent, she persuaded a naive young animal-rights activist to plan a bombing by promising to become his girlfriend afterward. Although Sadie tells us she liked the kid, she had no compunction about setting him up for a 20-year sentence. To her surprise, he got off. His attorneys arguedcorrectlythat Sadie had entrapped him. Fired by the government for this embarrassing failure, she went into the private sector, where there are fewer rules and a lot more money. Advertisement Advertisement At first, Sadies hard-boiled pragmatism is bracingshe judges people based on their daily behavior, not the ideologies they espousebut she soon becomes a disturbing guide through the complicated world of the Guyenne valley, with its crusty, suspicious farmers, wild teenagers, and self-righteous communards. Coldly self-interested and ruthless as a shark, Sadie seems capable of anything, from leaving a disgusting mess in the cottage shes borrowed to setting up another gormless radical to commit a horrific act. The astute reader nevertheless will glimpse some chinks in her armor, a few truths (her drinking, her smothered desire for a baby, her suspicion that her work is a form of prostitution) that Sadie prefers to skate over. She is human, after all. Advertisement Related From Slate His Previous Novel Sold 10 Million Copies. His New Book Should Give His Readers Pause. Read More To Creation Lakes basic standoffa woman who believes in nothing versus people who will believe anythingKushner adds a mystical counterpoint. Bruno Lacombe, the guru who inspires Pascal and the Moulinards, has lived for 12 years in a limestone cave deep underground, communicating with the collective solely via long email missives. There, he contemplates the extinction of the Neanderthalin his eyes, the turning point where humanity went wrong. As Bruno sees it (and based on not much evidence, as so little survives), Neanderthals were more intelligent, braver, better at math, and more artistically sophisticated than Homo sapiens, the species (ours) that eventually supplanted them. In the cave, Bruno communes with the spirits of these beautiful losers and contemplates the visual hallucinations brought on by total darkness. What the Moulinards make of his messages isnt clear, but Sadie is surprised to find herself increasingly moved by them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As superfluous as Brunos musings might at first appear to the novels central plot, they go to the heart of the anti-civilization philosophy on which the commune is based. Is the world they want to create, one without private property or exploitation, compatible with human nature? To know that, you have to have some sense of what human nature is, a question that preoccupies Bruno, Sadie, and clearly Kushner herself. As far as Sadie is concerned, each person contains a hard nugget of core beliefs, hers being that the world is lawless and chaotic and random. Politics she considers merely a trapping, the winds of some opinion, whose real function is to underscore a persons social position in a group, and thus a belief without depth. Advertisement Advertisement She finds plenty of corroboration for this at Moulin. In the library where shes supposedly translating, shes joined by Pascal and four youngish men, all with stylish short haircuts and from affluent Parisian families, who spend all day doing what European activists spend hours and hours doing: simply talking. Meanwhile, the communes women and working-class members do the entirety of the physical labor and cooking. When a pair of seasoned middle-aged activists arrive in town looking to join with the Moulinards, Pascal imperiously dismisses them; another leftist at odds with the commune tells Sadie that Pascal is interested only in young acolytesparticularly young women. Does it have to be this way? Perhaps the systemic forces that rule civilization have so shaped us that we cant escape its exploitative framework? Or perhaps this is just how Homo sapiens have always been, since back in the days when we extinguished the noble Neanderthal. Thats what Bruno believes. He retreated into his cave when he despaired of any movement toppling capitalism. The only solution, he feels, is to leave the world while remaining in it. This, supposedly, is what the Moulinards have done, but not, as Sadie observes, very successfully. Advertisement Creation Lake features many allusions to French intellectual history that can be recondite and, frankly, a bit ridiculous, but the ideas the novel explores are universal, at least among those whod like to think that the world could be a better place. Sadie doesntyet as her schemes move toward their denouement, and her employers demands become more explicit, Kushner pushes her narrator toward a crisis of the conscience Sadie didnt know she had. Sadie finds herself drawn deeper into Brunos way of seeing history, humanity, and the universe, hurtling her toward a fate she never anticipated. Does she become a good person? Not quite, but she is no longer a bad one, and in this fallen world, that may be the best we can hope for. Do you know how sexy Brad Pitt is? Hes so sexy that People named him Sexiest Man Alive twice. Only he, George Clooney, Richard Gere, and Johnny Depp have been bestowed the honor more than once, and Pitts were just a few years apart, first in 1995 and then again in 2000. Such was the power of Pitt at his apex: so hot that a magazine had to scream it twice, nationally, on the glossy cover, in just a little more time than it takes to pick an American president. It was a combination of 1994s Legends of the Fall and Interview with the Vampire, and his new relationship with future Goop tastemaker Gwyneth Paltrow, that made Pittwith his shoulder-length blond hair and precise stubbleso attractive. In his 1995 People cover story, hes described as good-looking, intelligent, and sensitive, the trifecta for a man appealing to a modern woman of the 90s. He wasnt just a hot guyhe was the perfect guy. To dream of the perfect man is to dream of the impossible, and an actor like Pitt suggests he could be just that: good-looking, intelligent, and sensitive, indeed. For most of his career, Brad Pitt has been the name you come up with when someone asks you to imagine the male movie star. Not an action guy like Tom Cruise, not a moody art-flick weirdo like Joaquin Phoenix. Pitts movies were critical and commercial successes, from Seven to the Oceans trilogy to Fight Club, a film from which a generation of young men took the wrong message (and weve all been paying for it ever since). His reputation was pristine, both personally and professionally. He was charming, likable, and bankable; in later years, his roles as husband to Angelina Jolie and father to their six children seemed to only bolster his profile. Advertisement It was only when Pitt and Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, and in the eight-plus-year legal proceedings that followed, that cracks in his image began to show as alleged details of their marriage filtered down to the public. A court filing by Jolie, submitted as a cross-complaint against Pitt in 2022, made public the ugly details of their split. The filing says that during a private flight from France to California in September 2016, days before Jolie filed for divorce, Pitt accused her of being too deferential to their kids. According to her account, he yelled at her in the bathroom, grabbed her by the head and shook her, pushed her into the wall, punched the planes ceiling, and poured alcohol on Jolie and the kids. When their children tried to defend their mother, the filing continues, Pitt choked one and struck another in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitt has disputed that account of events, and the FBI, along with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, closed the investigation of the incident without filing charges. Jolie has said very little publicly about the specifics of what happened on that plane, but has brought a lawsuit against the FBI. Her complaint includes the claim that the agent investigating the 2016 incident laid out a statement of probable cause for charging Pitt. Meanwhile, the press has reported that most of Pitts childrenwho have been the subject of a prolonged custody battle between their parentsno longer speak to him. A few have dropped his last name in public. (A representative for Pitt declined to comment for this story.) Advertisement Despite all that has come out about Pitts alleged behavior toward his second wife and kidsand what came even before that, if you care to look more closelyhis reputation has remained largely intact. The allegations made against him have been brushed over or studiously ignored by Hollywood tastemakers, the press, and vast swaths of the public. He continues to get the glossy-magazine-cover treatment at GQ. Hes still the babyface hawking coffee beans and Chanels fall/winter ready-to-wear line. Hes remained dutifully employed, with his latest movie, Wolfsa collaboration between Pitt, old friend George Clooney, and Apple, which is reportedly paying them $35 million each to star in the filmout in theaters on Sept. 20. Advertisement Thats the thing about Brad Pitt: Hes Brad Pitt. Unlike many of his contemporaries who have struggled to regain a foothold in Hollywood after getting into trouble, Pitt has managed to thoroughly launder his reputation with limited blowback. In this retelling, he is a man wounded by the women to whom he gave his heart; a humanitarian and a feminist ally who has used his production work to bring to life women-focused films; a recovering addict on a journey of self-healing and growth. To challenge Pitts narrative is to confront our own complicity as an audience, one thats always been eager to hearand believehis version of the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Pitt, born in Oklahoma and raised in Missouri, moved to Los Angeles in the late 80s to kickstart his acting career in CBS procedurals and forgettable comedies. In 1991, he got the first of a few big breaksincluding as a Levis model in an ad where he is freed from a Mexican jail possessing nothing but a film camera, only to be picked up by a hot brunette who gives him a new pair of jeans that fit him like a glove. That year, Pitt was also featured as J.D., Geena Davis love interest in Thelma & Louise, an armed robber on the run who eventually steals all of her money and bails on her. J.D. appears as the perfect antidote to all the toxic masculinities that Thelma and Louise encounter on their journey, Manuela Lazic wrote in the Ringer in 2020. J.D. listens and talks only when his opinion is requested, the piece goes on. J.D. enjoys all the preliminaries and doesnt need to force himself on her to get her into bed. Advertisement Thelma & Louiseand even the Levis admarked the beginning of what would be Brad Pitts zenith: his ability to playact as the man of your dreams, even when he was kind of the bad guy. Charming, with just a soupcon of rot and abs like a pack of Kings Hawaiian rolls, he was a guy you could safely fantasize about. His personal life suggested he was worthy of adoration, too: In 1994, he started dating rising star and Hollywood royalty Gwyneth Paltrow, speaking adoringly about her in the press. Why do people get married? For the bad times, he told Rolling Stone after they got engaged in 1996. Marriage is an amazing thing, he added. Im only going to do it once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitt, in fact, did not only do it once. He and Paltrow never married, and were broken up a year later, ushering in Pitts next relationship with another likable daughter of Hollywood cosplaying as girl-next-door. When he was set up on a date with Jennifer Aniston by their agents in 1998, it was kismet. Americas Sweetheart and Americas Sharpest Male Jaw, together at last. They were a bona fide supercouple, the ideal relationship of any star-worshippers dream. Its hard to explain how big the Pitt/Aniston wedding was to someone steeped in todays celebrity bridal culture. These days, 200 guests in Malibu with 50,000 flowers and a Melissa Etheridge performance seems almost quaint; 24 years ago, a $1 million wedding was considered ludicrous and yet utterly watchable, so much so that airspace above the wedding was restricted to keep paparazzi in helicopters away. Advertisement Five years after they tied the knot, they announced their split in People magazine. The divorce became legend, and front-page news, like when the homecoming king and queen break up the summer after graduation. Despite the niceties of their coordinated PR statement, lurking under the surface were rumors about the real reason for their divorce: Pitt wanted kids, while Aniston didnt. She was a ruthless careerist preventing her husband from fulfilling his destiny of having childrenit was fourth-wave feminism that broke them up! You could tell the emotion and see it in [Pitts] heart, this is what he wanted more than anything, People magazine executive editor Peter Castro told ABC News. But she wasnt there with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there, tabloids spent the next decade and a half painting Aniston as either a cold workaholic who ran her marriage into the ground or a pitiful, aging crone who was desperate for a baby. OK!, Star, In Touch, and Us Weekly wrote headline after headline about Anistons nonexistent pregnancies; variations of Ill Raise This Baby Alone! or Pregnant & Alone were splashed on covers lining every grocery checkout counter for most of the mid-2000s. In reality, Aniston was struggling with IVF. The narrative was that I was selfish. I just cared about my career, she told Allure in 2022. It was absolute lies. A friend close to Aniston told Vanity Fair at the time that, actually, it was Pitt who didnt want children. Did he think, I need to get out of this marriage, but I want to come out smelling like a rose, the friend said, so Im going to let Jen be cast as the ultra-feminist and Im going to get cast as the poor husband who couldnt get a baby and so had to move on? Advertisement Two months after Pitt and Aniston announced their split, the Mr. & Mrs. Smith star was seen vacationing with his co-star Jolie and her then 3-year-old son, Maddox, in Kenya. After they officially stepped out together as a couple in 2006, there was breathless tabloid coverage about Pitt adopting Jolies children, and then of their eventually having three more together, all sharing the Jolie-Pitt surname. While Aniston was getting alternately attacked and patronized in the press, Pitt let the public mutate the fight into one not between him and his ex-wife, but instead between his ex-wife and his new girlfriend. While blogs, tabloids, and regular folks were deciding if they were Team Jolie or Team Aniston, Pitt seemed to be a virtual nonentity in this love triangle that triangulated largely around him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Granted, it was never entirely a fair fight. Why would anyone take Anistons side when Jolie was right there? Jolie was a steward of the world, having become a very public activist at that point, flying around as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, adopting children around the world. Jolieall tits and hips and lipsgave Pitt those kids he had been yearning for. On her worst day, Jolie was seen as a homewrecking slut; on Anistons worst day, she was a barren hag. But Jolie scored the greatest point in her inadvertent battle against Aniston: She got the guy. Brad Pitt, golden boy and dutiful second husband, remained the ultimate prize. If Pitts star power amplified Jolies celebrity and reaffirmed her likability, then her reformed image as a tattooed, brother-kissing weirdo-turned-mommy helped Pitt eradicate his own culpability from the record. It was never his fault that his first marriage ended, or that he had (allegedly) been enticed by another woman while simply doing his job. The rumors of the onset of their relationship didnt make a better story than the inevitable conclusion of them ending up together, a coupling so powerful that we called them by one name: Brangelina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitts irreproachability was further burnished by Jolies humanitarian shine, which rubbed off on him. He leaned into a new version of himself, one that was more charitable and more foundationally patriarchal, right down to the infamous W Magazine photoshoot in which Pitt, opposite Jolie, cosplayed some version of Father Knows Best. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Pitt started the Make It Right Foundation to help rebuild houses in New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward. People ran photos of Jolie and Maddox at press conferences for Make It Rights many projects. (Make It Right would eventually promise to give these homeowners millions of dollars because the homes themselves were unlivable.) Through Jolie, Pitt was inhabiting a new role that would further protect him from scrutiny over his personal choices: fatherhood. And while he and Jolie were building their lives together, the tabloids were in lockstep, always describing Pitt as a devoted husband and deeply involved parent. Even now, at 60, the tabloids are still writing headlines about how he wants more kids. After only two years of marriage, the star couple announced their 2016 separation to People, with Jolie filing for divorce soon thereafter. Media coverage of the end of Brangelina was breathless, but less sure where to place the blame. People reported that Pitt was wrecked over Jolies decision to leave, and that he begged her to stay with him. USA Today reported that Jolie, diverging from her husband, was more focused on her work with the U.N. and less interested in acting. It was only TMZ that initially reported that Jolie was tired of Pitts alleged weed and alcohol abuse, and that she was worried about his anger problem. The tabloid also noted how significant it was that Jolie was asking that Pitt not have joint physical custody of their kids, and instead that he be granted visitation. But, by and large, Pitt was being portrayed as an abandoned husband who wanted to save the marriage. It didnt help that Jolie had hired Laura Wasser, perhaps the countrys most famous divorce attorney. Jolie went from being the other woman, to the wife, to the bitter ex trying to ruin a good mans name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitt, thoughhe was a good guy, right? In 2017, in the same story in which Jolie told the New York Times that sheamong countless other women in and out of the movie businesshad been sexually harassed by movie producer Harvey Weinstein in the late 1990s, Paltrow shared an account of how, in 1995, her then-boyfriend Pitt had confronted Weinstein after the film producer had harassed her. I think the interesting thing is that we, Hollywood specifically, but the workplace, men and womens dynamics is being recalibrated, recalibrated in a very good way that is long overdue. And I do think thats an important story to tell, Pitt told CNN in 2019, sharing his side of the story. He has been applauded for standing up to Weinstein, but even after that alleged confrontation, Pitt went on to work with the producer twice more: first in 2009 with Inglourious Basterds, which Weinstein produced and distributed, and then in 2012 with Killing Them Softly, which was distributed by the Weinstein Company. (The Daily Beast reported that a source close to Pitt said Weinsteins involvement, and their interactions, were limited.) What did Jolie, his partner at the time, think of Pitts involvement with Weinstein? I never associated or worked with him again, she said in 2021. It was hard for me when Brad did. We fought about it. Of course it hurt. That same year, Jolie sold her stake in Chateau Miraval, the French vineyard she and Pitt co-owned, and the place where they had wed in 2014. Pitt sued her for it in 2022, saying she was intentionally trying to inflict harm on him by selling her half in secret. Steadily, a more fulsome story of their divorce began unfurling. Acting as a Jane Doe, Jolie filed a Freedom of Information Act suit requesting that FBI documentation about the 2016 plane incident be released. The redacted documents included allegations that, while on a private jet, Pitt grabbed Jolie, shook her, pushed her into a wall, punched the ceiling, and poured a beer on her before pouring wine on his kids, hitting one in the face and choking another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the details of this incident going public, Jolie was treated similarly to Amber Heard, who has repeatedly accused her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, of physically and verbally abusing her. (Depp won a defamation case against Heard in the United States over her allegations, but lost a similar case against the Sun newspaper in the U.K.) An NBC News investigation found that online content creators were suggesting Jolie was using Amber Heard tactics, that their divorce would be the next Depp v. Heard. The questions werent around what happened on the plane or how Pitt might respond; it was all about whether Jolie was lying in order to tear down a powerful man she was once married to. Even the response to her maintaining custody and contact with her kids has led a vocal faction of people online to suggest that Jolie is poisoning their children against Pitt. Such accusations show no signs of slowing down as the pairs divorce proceedings continue. In August, People reported that Pitt was trying to get his ex-wife to sign an $8.5 million nondisclosure agreement. Jolies lawyers said it was specifically designed to force her silence about his abuse and cover-up. As Jolie has continued to withdraw from Hollywood amid their legal battleshes said that shes only sticking around Los Angeles because of their custody agreement over their teenage twinsPitt kept working. He starred in films like 2022s Bullet Train, which came out right after details of the jet incident did, and made $240 million worldwide. But far more interesting than Pitts movie parts has been his producing work, which has played a significant role in how he has reframed his reputation. In 2001, he started Plan B productions with Aniston and his then-manager; when they divorced, he became the sole owner of the company. In 2006, Pitt started producing movies himself, first with films that fit well within his own wheelhouse, like The Departed, but as he became more ensconced in his evolving brand as Adoring Wife Guy, these projects changed, too. In 2009, while appearing in Inglourious Basterds, he also executive produced The Time Travelers Wife and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee. In 2010, he produced Eat, Pray, Love. He also started producing more movies featuring and written by people of color, like critical darlings If Beale Street Could Talk, 12 Years a Slave, and Minari. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it has been hard not to notice that since the FBI report detailing the plane incident was made public, Pitts production company has taken a special interest in movies about women. In 2022, he produced Women Talking, a woman-led and woman-directed movie inspired by a series of rapes that happened within a Mennonite community. He also produced She Said, an adaptation of the Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey book about the journalistic investigation into Weinstein. The strangeness of someone like Pitt being involved in She Saidafter being accused of abusing his wife, and having worked with Weinstein even after he learned about Weinsteins harassment of Paltrow and Joliewasnt lost on anyone when the movie was released. His involvement in the project now smells like light reputational laundering. She Said wasnt a huge box-office hit, but it was nominated for awards by the Women Film Critics Circle and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists. (It won Best Ensemble at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards.) Women Talking was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and writer-director Sarah Polley won for Best Adapted Screenplay. (Conversely, Women Talking was merely nominated for Best Ensemble at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards.) As Pitt became an even more dominant power player in Hollywood, he simultaneously embarked on a personal transformation. In the time between his divorce from Jolie and her allegations that he abused her, Pitt publicly acknowledged his alcohol addiction issues, sitting down for a lengthy 2017 interview with GQ about his yearlong sobriety. He appeared on three different covers, all shot in national parks, all with Pitt looking a little like a chastened Tyler Durden: graying goatee, torso covered with a tornado tattoo, same bright blue eyes tearing up in one particular photo. His alleged assault of his ex-wife is, in the GQ story, referred to as a reported altercation. Pitt is framed as a pitiable figure: Here he is, alone, a 53-year-old human father/former husband smack in the middle of an unraveled life, figuring out how to mend it back together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting soberand talking about itis a path that has been taken by countless famous men caught in a fire of their own making. For instance, Rob Lowe, whose career took a brief nosedive after he made a sex tape, at the age of 24, with a 22-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl, recently celebrated 34 years of sobriety. A sobriety journey can be both a legitimate path for someones individual well-being and a clever way to rebrand oneself after being found guilty in, at minimum, the court of public opinion. It can be a triumph, while also serving as a distraction. Pitts sobriety journey went hand in hand with a renewed interest in speaking about his parenting ethos. In the 2017 GQ interview, Pitt dances around the specifics of his sobriety while framing most of his concerns around his children and how theyll manage with divorced parents. Im personally very retarded when it comes to taking inventory of my emotions, he said. And its hit me smack in the face with our divorce: I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I havent been great at it. What the glossy magazines are still hesitant to bring up is that Pitt appears to be largely estranged from his children. In 2020, Jolie and Pitts son Pax allegedly wrote an Instagram story on Fathers Day calling Pitt a world class asshole, a despicable person, and a fucking awful human being. Several of the kids have dropped their dads last name. In November 2023, their daughter Zahara was announced by her sorority as Zahara Marley Jolie. Last May, it was reported that Vivienne had started using just Jolie as a last name. Shiloh dropped Pitt from her last name in August, right after turning 18. In August, Pax ended up in the ICU after an e-bike accident. He hasnt had any contact with Pax in years, an anonymous source told People, but he still very much cares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He may only be 60, but Pitt still represents a last vestige of Hollywood glamour. Pitt existed in the time of monoculture, where one movielike Fight Club or Seven or Legends of the Fallcould dominate every conversation for weeks. Coupled with his universally good looks, his penchant for dating it girls of every ilk (the elegant Paltrow, the winning Aniston, the sexy Jolie), and his eventual fatherhood, he made for a celebrity you could cheer on. Even his sobriety plot offers us, his dutiful audience, a nice bow to tie together his redemption narrative. It feels good to root for someone who we think already deserves our affection. The crux of the matter is mortifyingly simple: Its painful for an audience to let go of a beloved cultural icon. Could someone this hot, this talented, and this charming be responsible for real harm? Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Jerry Seinfeld, and Johnny Depp have been accused of some form of abuse of power against women or girls, and yet all of them remain pretty bankable stars, not canceled so much as transformed into folk heroes to a very particular audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitts upcoming film Wolfs is classic Pitt/Clooney fare: Two fixers who normally operate alone are forced to work together on one complicated job. The publicity machine has been hot: In August, In Touch wrote about how supportive Clooney has been through his friends divorce. A few days after that, the outlet published another story about how much the two pals check in on each other despite growing apart during Pitts second marriage. People wrote about it, too. GQ put Pitt and Clooney on the cover again, with a PR-friendly interview about their three-decade-long friendship; Us Weekly aggregated the details. There was no mention of Pitts ongoing divorce, or the alleged estrangement between him and his children. Pitt may be able to launder his reputation a thousand times through ex-wives disinterested in public squabbles, or summer blockbusters that everyone wants to see, or production work in support of female voices. But, as he gets older, and as the routine becomes more familiar, its an image of him thats harder to buy. Nothing speaks louder than your own children united in their displeasure, disapproval, and disappointment. Meanwhile, Pitt and his second ex-wife passed like ships in the night at this years Venice Film Festival, where they both had movies premiere earlier this month. Pitt went public with his thirtysomething girlfriend; Jolie gave interviews about despair. It wasnt so much what she said. It was how she said it. Israel has a right to go after the terrorists that are Hamas, Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Aug. 10. It was a standard line, used many, many times by officials seeking to defend Israels ongoing war in Gaza. But watch the video of the moment: Her discomfort is obvious. She raises her hands, palms outward, as if to say, Look. I mean, Israel has a right and she pauses. to her hands circle in the air, as if shes searching for adequate words for the situation. go after the terrorists that are Hamas, she finishes at last. She sounds deeply exasperated. But, she addsand now her hands are clasped, her words fluentas I have said many, many times: They also have, I believe, an important responsibility to avoid civilian casualties. These are the same words President Joe Biden himself has used many times to condemn civilian deaths, even as his administration has shoveled money to the Israeli war machine and provided diplomatic cover for its leaders. The difference is largely in Harris tone. Sometimes, its the music and not the words, says Jeremy Ben-Ami, director of the advocacy group J Street, which supports Palestinian self-determination. I think theres a real sense that this is not just lip service, but she really means it, and I think that comes across. Advertisement But not everyone in the Palestinian-advocacy world is picking up the melody that Ben-Ami is hearing. For them, Harris statements on Israel are frustratingly vague or infuriatingly routine. Its just words, says Natalia Latif, spokesperson for the pro-Palestinian Uncommitted movement, which formed during this years Democratic primaries to advocate for a cease-fire and an arms embargo on Israel. Latif notes a change in tone and emphasis from Biden to Harris, but if youre saying that youre working to end this war, if youre saying that far too many Palestinians have been killed, yet youre still giving the Israeli government the weapons they need to kill far too many Palestinians, that just doesnt mean anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There remain several unknowns in terms of Harris beliefs about and plans for policy in the region if shes elected. Is it possible that Harris, who has built her campaign on a distaste for bullies, feels a true moral outrage about Israels brutal and asymmetrical war? Does she view anti-Zionists as a voter bloc worth listening to? Would her administration depart from her predecessors unwavering support for the Israel Defense Forces? Americans who care about the slaughter in Gaza are waiting for an unambiguous answer. We need more than words, says Latif. We need action, which means an arms embargo. But Harris cant personally take that action, as the vice presidentat least not now, not without great political cost. Nor does she have much room for explicit statements of support. There is reason to believe Harris is trying to signal that she is sympathetic with the cause of Uncommitted or open to their goals. But a small yet significant number of voters, on all sides of the issue, are waiting on a more definitive answer to decide whether to cast a ballot for her. And in an election as close as this, what those voters decide she believes and plans to do in Israel-Palestine could help determine whether she wins the White House. For Latif and others, subtle signs might not be enough. Advertisement Harris may be singing their tune, but they might not hear her. If youre trying to determine Harris position on Israel from the mainstream news media coverage of it, youre likely confused. Headlines point in all directions, from Harris Support for Israel Ironclad After Attack on Golan Heights to Harris Team Expressed Openness to a New Direction on Israel Policy. One article claims there are Democrats Working Inside the Party to Persuade Kamala Harris to Stop Weapons for Israel, while another dishes: Harris Steps Out on Israel. But many explainers wind up throwing their hands in the air, like the Forward did: Kamala Harris Wants to Support Israel, and Palestinians. It Will Be Even Harder Than It Seems. Indeed. Advertisement Advertisement But taken together, Harris statements and movements around Israeli policythroughout her career but especially in recent months, after the candidacy was bestowed on herdo add up to something. An underappreciated signpost in Harris Israel record came in May of last year, when she and her Jewish husband, Doug Emhoff, released a new federal protocol for combating domestic antisemitism. The announcement and the protocol are both remarkable for insisting on a distinction between the interests of Jews and the interests of Israel, between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Advertisement Advertisement Typically, the U.S. government tends to define any opposition to Israel as antisemitic in and of itselffor example, in a bill that passed the House earlier this year by a margin of 31091. But the Harris-Emhoff protocol defines antisemitism in a way that deliberately makes space for Israel to be criticized: When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism (italics ours). Advertisement Its one of conspicuously few references to Israel in the protocol itself. (For example, the much-vilified Palestinian-led BDS movement to boycott Israel goes unmentioned.) And in fact, when Emhoff gave a speech to introduce this major government document on antisemitism, he didnt use the words Israel or Zionism at all. Harris and Emhoff recognize how to distinguish between real antisemitism and those who are showing up because they rightfully want to speak out for Palestinian lives and humanity, says Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, who worked with Harris and Emhoff on the protocol, and walked away impressed by the finished product. It fundamentally recognizes at its core that Jewish safety is inextricably linked with the safety and rights of all communities and with inclusive democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vice president has been in dialogue with other Jews who break the typical script. Harris has repeatedly sought out advisers and allies with more moderate stances than those of the U.S. governmentsuch as J Street, a pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy group that pushes for Palestinian statehood. J Street director Ben-Ami says his organization has had a line to Harris since her 2016 campaign for Senate, more recently meeting with both her chief of staff and her national security adviser. Similarly, when Harris chose a liaison to the Jewish community last month, she tapped Ilan Goldenbergan Israel-born former peace negotiator who has been described as an acerbic critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And of course, when choosing a running mate, she passed over the ardently Zionist Josh Shapiro for the moderately critical Tim Walz. Advertisement And if Harris is philosophically uninvested in the mainstream pro-Israel lobby, theyve declined to financially invest much in her, either. Virtually all American elected officials receive campaign donations from a constellation of right-wing Zionist organizations, donations that can add up to more than $5 million per cycle. But Harris has received relatively little support from the lobby: As a senator, she received $253,256 from pro-Israel groups. By contrast, her Democratic contemporary Tammy Duckworthanother nonwhite woman from a solidly blue state elected in 2016received more than three times that amount. Advertisement Advertisement This is not to say Harris has no ties to the conservative wing of the pro-Israel lobby. One of her first speeches in 2016 after being installed as a senator was to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and opposed a United Nations security resolution condemning Israel around that time. But she seems to have come a long way since then: According to a former Biden staffer who quit over the administrations indifference to Palestinian lives, Harris was the first person in the administration to use the word cease-fire. Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps Harris loudest statement, however, was prefaced by her absence. Shortly after getting the nod from Biden in July, Harris snubbed Netanyahu, skipping his speech to Congress. (She spoke to a Black sorority, instead.) The next day, she met privately with himlater describing their talk as frank and productive, words that your boss might use after a performance review goes poorly. The reaction to her remarks was underwhelming at the time, but the remarks themselves were extraordinary. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, and I will not be silent, she told reporters and cameras. Israel has a right to defend itselfbut how it does so matters. It was as close as a sitting vice president could possibly come to reading Netanyahu for filth without creating a diplomatic crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Despiteor possibly because ofthese signs of openness, it wasnt long before pro-Palestine hecklers arrived at Harris rallies. The first time it happened, she attempted to silence them with a steely retort: If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking. It wasnt received well by her leftist critics. But just a few days later, when Palestine activists again interrupted her, she took a far more conciliatory tack: We are all in here together. Were here to fight for our democracy, which includes respecting the voices that I think that we are hearing from. Harris keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention was the pinnacle of her subtle, often confusing strategy. When the time came to speak of Gaza, she began with what sounded like a full-throated endorsement of Israeli interests and concerns. Advertisement I will always stand up for Israels right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself, the nominee said. Because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that the terrorist organization Hamas caused on Oct. 7. The lines got a hefty amount of applause. Advertisement But she continued: At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking. She and Biden, she said, were working to ensure that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, andhere her voice rose a crescendothe Palestinian people can realize their right to dignitysecurityfreedomand self-determination! The crowd exploded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, the words themselves were not so novel. The two-state solution (another way of saying Palestinian self-determination) has been the official policy of the United States for three decades. But the tone in which she spoke, the rising pitch of her voice leading the audience to a summit applause line about Palestinian freedomthat felt new. Ben-Ami of J Street heard exactly what he was hoping to hear in Harris DNC speech: an even-handed play down the middle. The two or three paragraphs that were devoted to the issue were almost verbatim the kind of words and framing that J Street uses, he says. Latif of Uncommitted is less sanguine. She had been hopeful early on in Harris campaign: We definitely think that her language is different than Bidens and its more empathetic towards both Palestinians and to pro-Palestinian allies than President Bidens has ever been, Latif told Slate in early July. Theres a willingness to engage with our campaign that is not present for President Biden. Advertisement But Latif was deeply disappointed after the convention. Uncommitted spent months negotiating for Palestinian representation there, and the DNC did allow an unprecedented panel on Palestinian justicebut they denied Uncommitteds request for a speaking slot for Ruwa Romman, a Democrat and the first Palestinian American ever elected to the Georgia Legislature. Meanwhile, an array of Republicans were allowed to speak from the podium. Advertisement I think the Democratic Party has been doing this thing where they just try to do everything, Latif says. They try to be all the things. The Democrats were claiming to be the party that cares more about Palestinian rights while also being what she calls the party of censoring Palestinian Americans, of sending deadly weapons that are being used to kill Palestinian men, women, and children every other week. Advertisement What does this all add up to? It may be easier to say what its not. These are not the cumulative words and actions of someone with Bidens unshakeable faith in the Zionist project. Harris doesnt subscribe to the kind of unwavering refusal to criticize Israel that many other U.S. lawmakers have displayed. Nor does she reduce domestic Jewish issues to Israeli policy, the way Trump and many Zionist organizations on the right have done. But its harder to say whats going on in Harris head. Its possible that she retains some genuine moral principles that make her more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and more critical of the IDFs actions than some of her peers; certainly shes better than most at sounding believably concerned by the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also possible that Harris has calculated a political value in reaching out to pro-Palestinian voters, if only so much. While this constituency has been too small in the past to hold much leverage in elections, that may be changing: If polls are to be believed, the carnage in Gaza has shifted public opinion significantly, especially among the younga voter demographic that Harris is investing in significantly. Related From Slate The Big Thing Kamala Harris Is Doing Differently Than Hillary Clinton Read More Harris has very little room to maneuver, however, without losing a huge part of her base and the party machinery that are still deeply attached to Israel. There is only so much a candidate and sitting vice president can do or say to break with the position held by her staunchly Zionist president, a Democratic establishment beholden to the pro-Israel lobby and AIPAC, and a broad swath of her liberal base that strongly supports Israel and its war. If shes serious about getting elected, she has to withhold the kind of unambiguous statementor actionthat pro-Palestine activists demand. So shes reduced to tone of voice, oblique gestures, a message hidden between the lines. Advertisement Advertisement In some ways, Harris is by necessity taking a page from her opponents playbook. Trump has long perfected the art of saying the opposite of what he means, relying on his fanbase to understand these statementssuch as his claims of support for LGBTQ+ people and reproductive rights, or his disavowal of Project 2025as kayfabe. His advantage is that his voters have developed a kind of political pareidolia; like people who read messages in license plates, they are happy to parse anything he says to mean what they would like it to mean. Advertisement Unfortunately this tendency toward willing suspension of disbelief on the right is mirrored by a tendency toward cynicism on the left. The further right you go, the more likely you are to find people who will support Trump no matter what he says. The further left, the more likely youll find people ready to abandon any candidate who doesnt precisely align with a 20-point ideological agenda. Politics is an act of faith; it often requires watching for signs and portents, however faint. For Latif and others who are acutely aware that every day without U.S. action means real deaths and suffering in Gaza, the patience to sift for such signs might be hard to find. In the fourth season of the HBO comedy Veep, Selina Meyer, the titular character played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, runs for reelection after having been elevated to the top office following the presidents resignation. She and her running mate, Tom James (Hugh Laurie), choose to campaign under the hilarious slogan Continuity With Change, precisely the sort of empty and nonsensical branding that 21st-century Democrats just cant quit. And its hard to watch Vice President Kamala Harris suddenly flailing campaign for president without thinking of the fictional Meyer and (spoiler alert) her losing quest to hold on to the Oval Office. Although the real-life race remains a toss-up, Harris needs to shake up her deeply small-c conservative campaign, which nowadays often feels designed more to defend a clear lead against a two-minute drill than to urgently appeal to a dyspeptic electorate that clearly wants change. For roughly a month following President Joe Bidens departure from the race, Harris was able to consolidate the Democratic base and even opened up a small lead on Trump in national and swing-state polling. But she did so while steadfastly refusing interviews with major news organizations and avoiding as much policy substance as possible. Even after she selected as her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzwho delighted Democratic base voters with his expansive record of progressive wins like paid family leaveher policy vision remained frustratingly out of reach. In the early weeks of the campaign, as she was getting her footing and preparing for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, this was understandable and perhaps even defensible. But the convention has come and gone, and very little has changed. And its really starting to hurt her, with Sundays gold-standard New York Times/Siena College poll showing Trump with a 1-point lead nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To its credit, the HarrisWalz campaign finally put up a policy page over the weekend. But when you actually click on the various links, they dont offer much detail that you couldnt glean from one of their stump speeches. The campaigns health care plan, for example, is 256 words long and consists largely of a recap of the Biden administrations very limited accomplishments. Apart from a vague promise to cancel medical debt, it seems to rest on the laurels of past reforms and communicates no interest in or commitment to further improving Americas nightmare health care system. The child care plan promises only that a President Harris would work on ensuring hardworking families can afford high-quality child care, all while ensuring that care workers are paid a living wage and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Thats a lot of ensuring without very much planning. Advertisement After 2020, popularist analysts like Matthew Yglesias and David Shor convinced many Democrats that policy ideas associated with the progressive left, like reallocating some money from police departments to other social-service agencies, should be avoided because they make it harder for the party to win elections. The basis for this belief remains something of a mystery, a combination of retroactive contempt for Hillary Clintons comparatively wonky 2016 campaign; regret about seeing leading 2020 contenders, including Harris, race too far to the left during the early primary debates in 2019; and a sense that the excesses of the summer of 2020 kept Biden from winning in a blowout. All this because Sen. Elizabeth Warren was running a couple of points behind Biden against Trump in a handful of polls a year from the 2020 election? Its hard to escape the conclusion that some bad polling around lightning-rod slogans like Defund the Police is being used by certain Democrats to execute a wholesale retreat from the hopeful, idea-driven agenda that the party coalesced around during the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just extremely depressing but also strategically unwise. By refusing to define herself in policy terms, Harris has allowed the Trump campaign to do it for her, and hes painting her as a loopy San Francisco Marxist. According to Sundays New York Times/Siena College poll, whose 1-point national lead for Trump instantly precipitated a mental-health crisis for Democrats, 47 percent of voters believe shes too liberala particularly disappointing outcome given that the Chicago convention ostentatiously centered a gaggle of former Republicans, with the hosts embracing law enforcement and adopting hard-line positions on issues like crime and immigration. Since then, the campaign has made a conscious effort to appeal to Nikki Haley voters by collecting endorsements from people like Liz and Dick Cheney. This, of course, has been Bidens strategy since he announced his candidacy in 2019 with appeals to bipartisanship and a roster of endorsements from Republicans like Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who recorded a video for the virtual 2020 DNC. None of it stopped high-profile MAGA Republicans from depicting Biden, and now Harris, as a radical leftist bent on destroying America. Harris is playing a track that has been in such heavy rotation throughout the Trump era that hardly anyone is even listening anymore. The outcome, then, seems inevitable: By a margin of nearly 30 points, likely voters say Trump would bring more change than Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that Harris should be out there talking about police abolition, but there is a middle ground that has been abandoned. There is considerable risk that Democrats might ultimately feel resentful that they united to push Biden out of the race only to see him replaced by someone running to the right of John Kerry. As Perry Bacon Jr. wrote recently, Everyone on the left is unlikely to sit quietly while the Democratic presidential candidate moves right. The decision to exclude a Palestinian speaker from the DNC, for example, only reinforced the perception that the Harris campaign has decided to treat the partys left flank as an adversary rather than an ally. Unsurprisingly, Harris numbers among young voters have slipped over the past month without any offsetting gains with 2020 Trump voters or independents. Advertisement Advertisement Another problem is that Harris turn to the right has left her incapable of defending her own administrations record or offering a counterpoint to relentless Republican propaganda on top issues. Immigration is a particularly acute example of this problem. The Biden administration increased refugee caps and dramatically expanded temporary protected status for countries like Venezuela, leading to hundreds of thousands of migrants who are here legally but whose very visible presence on Americas streets is contributing to the perception that the border is out of control. The average voter could be forgiven for not understanding why they are being asked to help care for migrants when the people who are responsible for their presence refuse to defend or even explain it, let alone competently implement their own policy. Advertisement Related From Slate How Kamala Harris Can Beat Donald Trump in the Debate Read More The Harris campaigns searing rhetoric about immigration also leaves the U.S. with two major parties that seem to want to do the same thing: close the border and deport as many people as possible who have immigrated illegally. Judging from campaign talking points, the parties differ only in how humanely they plan to achieve these goals. The new HarrisWalz issue page gestures at comprehensive immigration reform, but it reads like an afterthought. The section consists mostly of a promise to sign the scuttled 2024 bipartisan border-security bill, which itself was a near-total capitulation for Democrats. This strategy also leaves Harris and down-ballot Democrats bereft of a positive policy agenda about the issue or the ability to explain immigrations many benefitsthat it is crucial to the economy, gives the U.S. a huge advantage over competitors, and is vital to maintaining the kind of age balance in the population that our peer countries are struggling with. Advertisement All of these decisions are motivated by a fear-driven misreading of public opinion and a strategic choice to use persuasion exclusively to convince wavering Republicans that Democrats arent too radical for them. The policy ambiguity also contributes, unfortunately, to the perception that Harris is a chameleon with no underlying principles. Its OK for her to walk back or fine-tune some positions she adopted in 2019. Thats politics. But her ballyhooed CNN interview with Dana Bash showcased a candidate who wasnt willing to even narrate the shift in her thinking on issues like fracking. She could have said, I remain committed to moving away from dependence on fossil fuels, but after listening to Pennsylvanians as vice president, I became convinced that fracking has to remain part of our energy portfolio for the foreseeable future. That would be much more convincing than saying, repeatedly, My values havent changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is particularly maddening is that even if you concede that winning in politics is a simple game of doing whatever the public wants, fracking isnt actually that popular! (Nor, incidentally, is Israels war in Gaza.) It wasnt that long ago that a majority of Pennsylvanians wanted to end fracking, and even today the issue is basically a toss-up in the Keystone State. In this weekends Times/Siena poll, 43 percent of respondents opposed a fracking ban, and 39 percent supported it. This is a fluid issue with millions of people persuadable in either direction, not some public-opinion albatross that Harris must figure out how to shed at all costs. And yet her campaign is conducting itselfas it is on so many issues in which public opinion is not nearly as monolithic as some strategists believeas if Democrats hold the losing hand and need to either keep it hidden for as long as possible or draw new cards from the dealer. Advertisement Four years ago, Joe Biden was planning an FDR-size presidency, and today Kamala Harris sounds as if shes envisioning something more like Bill Clintons aimless second term. Our nation may not be a basket case on the verge of state failurethe impression you would get from listening to the apocalyptic rhetoric at a Trump rallybut it is still a country with many serious problems that demand innovative policy solutions. And Harris would be wise to embrace and campaign behind a small number of bold ideas to address intractable problems like soaring health care costs and to articulate and defend those ideas in as many public forums as possible, including interviews with the press. These ideas dont necessarily have to sound as if they were concocted by Bernie Sanders. They just need to exist. Instead, the Harris campaign seems to think that the Biden policy record speaks for itself and, simultaneously and paradoxically, that all Democrats needed was a new nominee who says as little as possible about any of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A candidate kept under wraps offering little more than tax credits and vague promises not only says continuity rather than change, but is enervating the Democratic base at the very moment it needs to be mobilized. One source of change is freely available: Harris could jettison some of the overcautious, out-of-touch campaign staffers that she inherited from the abysmal Biden reelection campaign and replace them with outside-the-box thinkers committed to a bolder vision. After all, Tuesday nights debate might be one of Harris last opportunities to regain her momentum by tapping into Americans desire for a new direction. If not, the context of all in which you live and what came before you will forever include another four years of Donald Trump. Need advice on living through this historic and nerve-racking presidential election? Slate wants to help. Submit your questions to Wedge Issues here. Its anonymous! No question is too dumbor too existential. Slovakia will have its first gender equality law for large companies. According to data from the European Commission, just 13.7 percent of top positions in Europes largest publicly traded companies are currently held by women. (Source: Freepik/senivpetro) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Despite the progress made in gender equality, seeing a woman at the executive level of major companies remains uncommon, particularly in technical sectors and the private sphere. According to data from the European Commission, just 13.7 percent of top positions in Europes largest publicly traded companies are currently held by women. To address this, new legislation has been proposed to improve gender equality within the leadership of companies operating in the European market, writes the Euractiv.sk website. Publicly listed companies should aim for a more balanced representation in their boards, especially for the underrepresented gender, which is currently women, stated the Slovak Justice Ministry in its proposal. The bill, approved by the government, has already been delivered to parliament, and the parliament is expected to hold a first reading in September, followed by further discussions in October. The bill, expected to take effect by December 28, 2024 at the latest, is based on the EU directive aimed at improving gender balance in the boards of publicly traded companies. Companies will be required to report annually to the Labour Ministry on the gender composition of their executive boards. By 2026, at least 40 percent of non-executive directors, or 33 percent if executive roles are included, must be women. The ministry will publish a list of companies meeting the directives targets, while those failing to comply will need to provide action plans. Penalties for failing to submit information could follow. Small and medium-sized enterprises are exempt from this requirement. Though the precise number of affected companies is yet to be determined, the Labour Ministry is in discussions with the stock exchange to identify specific firms. Employer groups have mixed reactions. Some see the initiative as beneficial, with women bringing fresh perspectives to leadership, while others worry about increased bureaucracy. However, according to Andrej Lasz of the Association of Industrial Unions and Transport, the directives administrative requirements are limited to the year 2038 and many companies already have internal policies aligning with these goals. After 10 years of talks, the European Parliament passed the directive in November 2022. Member states are currently incorporating it into national law. The current leadership of the Culture Ministry is waging war on contemporary culture to save Slovak culture, it claims. The posters are emblazoned with the message "We support Minister M. Simkovicova and L. Machala" on August 20, 2024. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share This story was produced in partnership with Reporting Democracy, a cross-border journalism platform run by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. Two days after a second petition demanding the dismissal of Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova garnered 125,000 signatures in just 48 hours in August, an unexpected show of support a song. Posted by a disinformation site and shared on Simkovicovas own disinformation Facebook page, the tune opens with the phrase, Martina is a minister, still protecting culture. The page is co-managed with her close ally, Peter Kotlar, a nationalist MP and vocal anti-vaccine advocate who chairs the commission tasked with investigating the previous administrations alleged mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic. For the past 11 months, resistance to the minister has steadily mounted after she dismissed several directors of cultural institutions under her ministry, as well as ministry employees, without any clear justification. The ministry has also taken control of independent cultural funds, and criticised and threatened artists, all in an effort to implement a vision outlined by the minister last November. Slovak culture must be Slovak and nothing else. We tolerate other cultures, but ours is not a mixture of others, Simkovicova said, overlooking the fact that Slovak culture has been shaped by other influences for centuries. The song on Facebook was not the only sign of support Simkovicova appeared to garner. On August 20, a week after mass public protests erupted in mid-August against the minister and her pro-Putin chief of staff, Lukas Machala who is also a chemtrails conspiracy theorist and is open to the idea that the Earth may be flat cardboard posters appeared in the windows of the Culture Ministry in central Bratislava. The posters, emblazoned with the message We support Minister M. Simkovicova and L. Machala, were purportedly signed by ministry employees. However, according to the Dennik N daily, the posters were actually placed there by Machala himself, along with Peter Grutka, a senior official within the ministry, without employees knowledge. Grutka also serves on the board of the Slovak Arts Council, a public body that was once independent but is now under the control of the ministry. It is responsible for distributing funding for cultural projects. The posters coincided with a then ongoing relay protest against the minister and Machala by artists outside the Culture Ministry, dubbed the Slovak Culture Uprising a nod to the 1944 anti-Nazi Slovak National Uprising (SNP), commemorated annually on August 29. When those posters appeared in the window, my colleagues and I had already been fired, an unnamed former ministry employee told Dennik N. The same day the posters appeared in the window, the ministry reportedly dismissed several employees. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova and her right-hand man Lukas Machala during a press conference in late August 2024. (Source: SME - Marko Erd) Purges at the Culture Ministry Nearly half of the staff at Slovakias Culture Ministry are estimated to have been dismissed or replaced by Machalas relatives and acquaintances in recent months. About 240 people work at the ministry. On August 20, for instance, the Otvorena Kultura (Open Culture) initiative reported that 30 experts had been fired in the course of just two days. More recently, on September 1, the ministry dissolved its creativity and education department, laying off the staff without providing any explanation an action it currently has the authority to take. On the same day, it also shuttered the Cultural Policy Institute, its analytical centre with seven employees, mirroring similar cost-cutting moves by other ministries. Yet, according to Marcel Cas, the former head of the now-abolished institute, the closure wasnt solely about saving money or managerial decisions. He told the Sme daily that Machala has plans to conduct analyses differently. The Culture Ministry is entering a state of crisis, warned Marek Madaric, a former culture minister for the Smer party who served under Prime Minister Robert Fico, during a recent debate. Trade union members within the ministry have expressed outrage at the dismissals, accusing the leadership of ousting experts and analysts for personal reasons, as noted in an August letter to Machala. You are proposing to terminate the contracts of professionals who reported issues of harassment or inefficient management to their superiors, they wrote. They also criticised the ministry for poor communication. Machala had threatened to fire anyone who would go against him or the minister. According to Cas and other former employees, the fear of dismissal still looms large, paralysing standard processes within the ministry. No one makes autonomous decisions anymore because everyone is afraid of how one person [i.e. Machala Ed.] will wake up feeling, he told Dennik N, describing Machala as a mistrustful and revengeful person who has the final say in everything at the ministry. Simkovicova is just a puppet in the hands of politicians, Cas has recently told the Sme daily. Minister Simkovicova, a notorious homophobe with anti-migrant views, appears unfazed. As her ministry was dismantling departments, she was focused on realising her central vision: the promotion and protection of traditional Slovak culture. She marked the Slovak Day of Kroj, an event celebrating traditional folk costumes, on the first day of September. I am immensely proud of our traditions and culture, which are the pillars of our national identity, she said. A poster depicting Martina Simkovicova as "minister of unculture" outside the Ministry of Culture building in Bratislava in January 2024. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco) Demolition, yet again Minister Simkovicova and her right-hand man, Machala, often appear as an inseparable duo at occasional press conferences where no questions are allowed, a pattern echoed in the disinformation media. After dismissing the directors of the national library and the Bibian gallery for childrens art the latter is now headed by Simkovicovas friend, Petra Flach, following a non-public selection process they turned their sights over the summer upon two of Slovakias flagship cultural institutions: the Slovak National Theatre (SND) and the Slovak National Gallery (SNG). Simkovicova removed her critics Matej Drlicka, the theatres director, and Alexandra Kusa, the gallerys head. This is not about personnel changes, Machala said in August, framing the conflict in broader terms. The essence of this battle, which weve been fighting since the start of our mission, is about the future of Slovak culture. He criticised liberalism and progressivism, which he views as threats. We see ourselves as Slovaks, but also as Europeans. However, we will protect our traditional values and steer back towards normalcy. We will not support anything that strays from that norm. Simkovicova, who over the summer accused the LGBT+ community of contributing to Europes decline, and Machala defended their decisions to dismiss the two directors, citing alleged managerial failures. Drlicka, who had compared the pair to two runaway train cars, was blamed for the collapse of a chandelier onto the national theatre stage and the dismissal of the national ballet director, Nina Polakova, whom employees had accused of bullying. In Kusas case, the pair cited her alleged neglect of Slovak artists, the absence of a Slovak flag on the gallery building, and a supposed conflict of interest in the gallerys renovation, which had involved her fathers architectural firm. Previous culture ministers had found no conflict of interest, as the renovation contract had been signed by Kusas predecessor. The reasons given by the ministry for my dismissal insult not only me but all those who have worked to advance the gallery, Kusa said. Despite seizing control of independent cultural funds, purging cultural institutions, accusing artists of political activism, and attacking an NGO promoting democracy and multiculturalism targeted for its activities and because it carries the name of opposition leader Michal Simeckas grandfather Simkovicova and Machala weathered summer protests and two parliamentary attempts to remove them. Prime Minister Robert Fico is standing by Simkovicova, defending her support for Slovak national culture, not the culture of transsexuals, perversions and vulgarity, as he described it. He referred to the latest dismissals as routine managerial decisions. What unfolded over the summer is not unprecedented. In summer 1996, the then culture minister Ivan Hudec, a former communist, similarly dismissed the director of the national theatre, among other things. Artists protested and thousands rallied, yet Hudec remained in office. Today, the cultural sector also remains resolute. On September 5, the Open Culture initiative declared a cultural strike in response to actions by the ministry in recent months. Participating organisations have entered a state of alert and have not ruled out the possibility of a full-scale strike. A protest against the culture minister in Bratislava on August 12, 2024. (Source: TASR - Dano Veselsky) Former Slovak president Zuzana Caputova recently likened the current situation in the cultural sector to demolition. Rumours persist that more directors of cultural institutions will be ousted for holding views at odds with those of Machala and Simkovicova. Others fear censorship in the national gallery or the national theatres drama department. Former culture minister Madaric warns that Simkovicova and Machala wont back down until theyve won. Its their desire to win a battle theyve declared against contemporary culture, which they see as the enemy, Madaric said. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Edward Monovich grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He received his MFA from the University of Texas at Austin and his BA in biology from Kalamazoo College. Edward is an interdisciplinary artist who lives and works in Boston. His works combine performance art, drawing, ecology and folklore. His interactive projects have exhibited in Europe, Central America and throughout the US. Ancient cultural rituals and Slovak heritage provide key inspiration. Edward currently teaches Illustration at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. Edward Monovich's story is part of a Global Slovakia Project- Slovak Settlers, authored by Zuzana Palovic and Gabriela Bereghazyova. The book is available for purchase via info.globalslovakia@gmail.com. On a hillside near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, deep in coal-mining country, the view stuns me: my Slovak sanctuary burned to the ground. This is the former site of my paternal grandparents home, which is now in ruins. Eduard and Elena havent lived in this space since the 1990s, but the scene still shocks me. After a series of neglectful tenants and mysterious circumstances, only the charred foundation remains. As I descend the hill, I instinctively count the irregular concrete steps that connect the street to the front door. They make a familiar, syncopated rhythm. When I arrive at what used to be my grandparents kitchen, my feet stand on their surprisingly well-maintained checkerboard floor. I have a sudden flashback; the alternating cream and rose-colored squares recall the rich smells of holubky (stuffed cabbage rolls) and kolace (cakes) that met me upon arrival during previous visits. Though the floor looks the same, everything else is gone. Without the walls and accoutrements, I can absorb the actual dimensions of the kitchen. It measures only 4 by 3 meters. Somehow, meticulously polished cabinets, a crystal light fixture, religious icons and impeccably organized rolling pins, pans, and utensils, had convinced me that the space was much bigger. From an emotional point of view, the space is enormous. It comprises the beating heart of my identity; a savory blend of religious mysticism, Slovak tradition, and familial closeness. As a boy I was stunned to hear my father, while standing in that kitchen, spontaneously argue in an unfamiliar language. I had no idea that my dad even spoke Slovak! This was my first clue to a much bigger story lurking behind this unassuming space. Sadly, I didnt learn to speak Slovak. During my grandparents lives, conversing in their native tongue was severely frowned upon by most Americans. Ones status was influenced by their command of the English language. In my experience, this prejudicial point of view constitutes a profound weakness in Americas melting pot ideology. By forcibly stripping immigrants of their language, innumerable good ideas were lost. Furthermore, learning another ethnicitys language nurtures empathy. It offers an antidote to the cultural warfare that currently plagues the United States. It remains a goal of mine to learn Slovak and to gain access to the subconscious river of poetry, songs, and oral histories of my ancestors. An illustration by E. M. Nevertheless, I did manage to pick up a few useful phrases over the years spent in my grandparents kitchen. On one occasion, I put this knowledge to good use for a secret mission. I recruited my best friends to play a joke on our least favorite elementary school teacher. Each day, we ran by her classroom during lunch and sent a special messageSlovak-style. Hustling by our nemesiss door, we yelled in unison, Ist do pekla! (Go to hell!). After the third episode, while sitting in our homeroom, we heard an authoritative knock on the door. It was our school principal. We were busted! He escorted our group to his office and punished us with one week of after-school detention. As the ringleader, I received extra days. Thankfully, he didnt understand that we were actually cursing the teacher; otherwise, the penalty would have been stiffer. I never told my parents the real story behind the punishment. More importantly, my grandparents kitchen provided spiritual nourishment. Around the holidays, and especially Easter, my grandmother cooked traditional Slovak food. My favorite of these recipes is a type of nut roll called kolac (orechovnik). During the holidays, my grandmother would reserve several days to assemble a mountain of kolace. It was important to my family to have plenty of this dish on-hand, so that they could share it with visitors throughout the holiday season. The nut roll was an excuse for connecting, for sitting together, and for sharing stories. With the importance of this ritual, it is not surprising that our family has guarded and carefully passed down the original recipe. Making and sharing kolace still centers our family today. Now, when we deliver nut rolls to our best friends, we call it sharing Slovak magic. We (jokingly) characterize our relationships, as they grow closer, as becoming kolac-worthy. We work to find the perfect ratio of nuts to dough for nutrition, flavor, and aesthetic impact. Over the years, our family has pondered the nuances of this beloved dessert. We actively seek to distill the purist form from the scribbled notes in our ancestors cookbooks. Our recipe has more raisins than most, which I highly recommend. The perfect fresh yeast is essential. A kolac with too few nuts is deemed stingy and will not make the cut. When we finish with rolling and rising, it is critical to apply the correct amount of egg wash to each kolac before baking, so they achieve an attractive, burnt-sienna shine. Like a fine baroque painting, we make sure that each nut roll attains a balanced composition. My grandparents kitchen was also a chapel, a direct link to their faith. Making kolace was not a secular tradition. At the heart of this whirl of walnuts and sweet dough lived prayers. After baking, my grandfather neatly arranged cirak (Slovak Easter cheese), klobasa (sausage), and kolace in a basket. He invited me to sculpt the butter into Easter-themed shapes before adding it to the mix. Grandpa carried this basket directly to the local cathedral for a blessing. Eating was not allowed until after sprinkling the food with holy water. For my grandfather, this constituted a festive occasion where he remembered the sacrifices of his ancestors and his current privileges. As much as I love nut rolls, Grandpas gift of gratitude nourishes me even more. I still feel a tangible link between food and faith which stretches all the way from our ancestral basilica in Bardejov. In this way, our Slovak traditions connect my modern-day kitchen in Boston to my grandparents kitchen in Pennsylvania, and all the way to my great-grandparents kitchen in Slovakia. Making kolac is simultaneously time-travel and teleportation. Thanks to my grandpa, these are no abstract connections to me. He brought me along for his rituals. When we went to the cathedral, in addition to blessing the basket of food, Grandpa introduced me to his community which seemed enormous. Grandpa was a popular guy. At the same church, he sang in the choir for 50 years and wove crosses from palm fronds that decorated the walls of his kitchen. I attribute my passion for art, to the rituals and aesthetics that were first experienced there. These cultural seeds grew inside of me. Now, I create paintings and performance art that welcome sacred elements into everyday life. I even incorporate ashes from my grandfathers palm weavings into my paint. Though I didnt realize it at the time, space was extremely tight in the kitchen. This forced my grandparents to be creative. Even the surface for rolling kolace was retractable. When finished with the cooking, grandma would stow away her tools with the efficiency of a Murphy bed. My grandfather hand-washed, dried, and polished all the dishware, cabinets, and countertops. Each element was placed carefully on a tray and organized in the cabinets. Each utensil felt valued. Even though their efforts were disciplined, an easy-going vibe pervaded. Their process introduced me to mindfulness at an early age. Every step was equally appreciated. For Grandpa, washing dishes was part of the pleasure. After cleanup, the stainless-steel surfaces and glass cabinets shined. An illustration by E. M. The kitchen glowed, even though it was built into a hillside with little natural light. For me, the space was a magic grotto festooned with shimmering gemstones. Though meticulously organized, it never felt inaccessible. Nothing was off limits to me. This well-maintained little kitchen perfectly represented my grandparents worldview. They were grateful for their gifts and were eager to share them. I was readily welcomed to delight in all their wares, even though they were earned at a steep price, with blood and coal. I learned later that the bright light of my Slovak sanctuary existed in stark contrast to Grandpas dark and dangerous day job in the coal mines. I am named after my grandfather, who was named after his father. Desperate poverty drove him to bring his young family to western Pennsylvania, in pursuit of new opportunities. They settled in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in 1913, when my grandfather was just one year old. This decision is difficult to comprehend from my present-day vantage point of relative wealth and privilege. Soon after his emigration, my great-grandfather paid for his audacity with his life, deep in the coal mine. With a reputation for nimbleness, he volunteered to be a brakeman, an extremely dangerous task. In the process of coupling or uncoupling, brakemen would stand between the sharp-edged, metal, coal cars while traveling at high speed. One slip, or error in timing meant death. Though the circumstances are unclear, an error during coupling led to my great-grandfathers decapitation. In addition to their incomprehensible loss, my grandfathers family also faced the painful stigma and superstition associated with such a terrible event. Grandpa never forgot chasing gawking children away from his fathers open casket, which revealed the nature of the incident. At that time, the family lived in overpriced company housing, where the miners were essentially indentured servants. Their meager salaries were calculated to keep them slaves to their house payment and to the inflated prices of the company store. Amidst stifling poverty and fresh catastrophe, my great-grandmother, rifle in hand, defended the family from thieves who wished to profit from their misfortune. Sadly, the coal mine stole even more from my family. While still a young man, my grandfather lost an eye during a mine collapse. This inspired him to get involved in union activism. When promoted to a leadership position, Grandpa received a commemorative clock from the president of the United Mine Workers Association. For all the years that I knew him, this clock was placed prominently on Grandpas dresser. It currently resides in my art studio. My passion for social justice finds its roots in Grandpas struggle to provide safe working conditions and fair compensation for his immigrant community. Understandably, my grandpa never spoke much about the loss of his father, which was clearly a deep wound. The lasting stigma from this loss seemed to haunt and quiet my otherwise talkative grandpa. For such an open person, his silence on the matter made a salient contradiction. Though part of me wants to join in the generational silence, it is also important to share the miracle of my great-grandfathers indelible love for his family. His love was formidable. It transcended death and fueled my grandpa to persevere, with overflowing love in his heart. As a result, my dad grew up a generous and happy man. I hope to pass on this family tradition to my children, to honor my great-grandfathers sacrifice. At a time when many struggle with generational trauma, I am blessed with an easy sense of appreciation that stems from the grounded, loving approach of my progenitors. Though blessed with my grandpas friendship well into my adulthood, I regret not pressing him for more details about his father. I would have liked to have understood the idiosyncrasies of the man that brought our family to America. Related article Related article What makes my roots so alive? Read more My Slovak heritage, embodied by the family kitchen in Brownsville, compels me to this day. Even though their sacred space was destroyed, I still see life through my ancestors lens. I share their appreciation for small moments, like the shine of a stainless-steel countertop or the spiral in a fresh walnut kolac. Their aesthetic commitments to culinary traditions and music inspired me to study art. My artwork draws from my family history and digs deeply into my personal psyche. It searches for ancient vestiges of wisdom that were erased by contemporary society and intercontinental migration. A current project seeks to recreate long-lost Slovak rituals with collaborators in the U.S. and Slovakia. In this way, the passions of my grandparents will manifest in new art that reunites me with my homeland. Tips for dealing with uncooperative neighbours, a challenging summer for Slovak culture, American Edward Monovichs appreciation of lifes small moments. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, September 10 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Charges against interim parliament speaker dropped Interim Speaker of Parliament Peter Ziga. (Source: TASR - Martin Baumann) A prosecutor has halted criminal proceedings against interim Speaker of Parliament Peter Ziga, a member of the Hlas party, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations. This decision follows amendments to criminal law introduced by the current government of Robert Fico, of which Hlas is a coalition partner. The amendments significantly shortened the statute of limitations for corruption and economic crimes. The prosecutor issued a resolution to stop the criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations, the General Prosecutors Office confirmed to the news website Aktuality.sk. Former economy minister Ziga had faced charges of bribing a Supreme Court judge. Had he been convicted, he could have faced a prison sentence of two to five years. Ziga, however, has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that there was neither evidence nor witnesses to support the case. He accused the previous administration, led by the OLaNO movement, of attempting to silence political opponents. The prolonged prosecution without evidence or witnesses had one aim to harm an opposition politician, preventing him from fully participating in public life, Ziga commented, The accusation that a government official bribed judges so the state could acquire the Gabcikovo hydropower plant was absurd from the start. MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE Advice: How to handle uncooperative neighbours in your apartment building. How to handle uncooperative neighbours in your apartment building. Politics: A tumultuous summer for Slovak culture owing to the culture minister and her right-hand man. A tumultuous summer for Slovak culture owing to the culture minister and her right-hand man. Slovak ancestry: The art of appreciating lifes little momentsa lesson from my Slovak ancestors (written by Edward Monovich). The art of appreciating lifes little momentsa lesson from my Slovak ancestors (written by Edward Monovich). Trip: In the Moravian village of Modra, near Slovakia, you can discover Europes largest freshwater tunnel in a natural setting. In the Moravian village of Modra, near Slovakia, you can discover Europes largest freshwater tunnel in a natural setting. Business: New legislation has been proposed to improve gender equality within the leadership of companies operating in the European market. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY From Alaska to Hobart: Slovak filmmaker explores Italian astrologers birthday trips therapy The main character of the documentary film "Wishing on a Star" is Italian astrologer Luciana de Leoni. (Source: FILMTOPIA) The documentary Wishing on a Star, which explores the pursuit of happiness, is set to debut in Slovak cinemas in late September. Directed by Slovak filmmaker Peter Kerekes, the film follows the story of Italian astrologer Luciana de Leoni, who provides guidance on how to achieve fulfilment in life. EVENT For public transport fans only - POSTPONED BY A WEEK DUE TO EXPECTED RAIN OVER THE WEEKEND On Saturday, Bratislavas public transport company (DPB) will host a day of cultural and transport activities. (Source: TASR) On Saturday, Bratislavas public transport company (DPB) will host a day of cultural and transport activities, including a farewell ride for the 25 Tr trolleybuses on their final journey. From 10:00 to 17:00, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of public transport operations behind the scenes, with opportunities to see a tram from various angles and try reconnecting trolleybus poles to the overhead wires. The event will also showcase historical and modern vehicles, including the iconic Cabrio bus, and offer a trip through the bus wash. To reach Depo Jurajov Dvor, tram line 4 will run every 15 minutes from Dubravka to the depot, and pedestrians can enter from Vajnorska and Pri dvore streets. IN OTHER NEWS As part of consolidation efforts, financial resources could potentially be gained by no longer designating certain public holidays as non-working days , said PM Robert Fico. Ukraine has expressed disappointment over the statements made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday, which echoed claims used by Russian propaganda. Slovakia, along with other European Union countries, will not face a shortage of natural gas this winter. In an interview with the SITA newswire, Oleksiy Chernyshov, head of the Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz, assured that no one in Europe will be left out in the cold. Some media outlets are trying to convince certain Eastern European countries that they will freeze. No, no one will freeze. There is enough gas, storage facilities across Europe are full, and nothing dramatic will happen, he said. Ukraine does not plan to renew its gas transit agreement with Russia across its territory from the new year. In an interview with the SITA newswire, Oleksiy Chernyshov, head of the Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz, assured that no one in Europe will be left out in the cold. Some media outlets are trying to convince certain Eastern European countries that they will freeze. No, no one will freeze. There is enough gas, storage facilities across Europe are full, and nothing dramatic will happen, he said. Ukraine does not plan to renew its gas transit agreement with Russia across its territory from the new year. Judge Juraj Kapinaj is unable to preside over the case involving former National Crime Agency investigators connected to Jan Curilla, as he has been recused. The Bratislava Regional Court made the decision to exclude the judge following a complaint from the investigators. Kapinaj had initially detained these officers in 2021, but they were released after two weeks due to insufficient grounds for criminal prosecution. (Aktuality) The Bratislava Regional Court made the decision to exclude the judge following a complaint from the investigators. Kapinaj had initially detained these officers in 2021, but they were released after two weeks due to insufficient grounds for criminal prosecution. (Aktuality) The Supreme Court has dismissed a complaint from the Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia, Peter Kazimir, who is facing corruption charges. The former finance minister for Smer had lodged an appeal against the judges decision, asserting that the indictment met legal requirements. According to the prosecution, Kazimir, while serving as finance minister, repeatedly requested the former head of the central tax office, Frantisek Imrecze, to ensure that several selected firms received VAT refunds worth 3 million ahead of others. In return, he gave Imrecze a bribe of 48,000. (TASR) The former finance minister for Smer had lodged an appeal against the judges decision, asserting that the indictment met legal requirements. According to the prosecution, Kazimir, while serving as finance minister, repeatedly requested the former head of the central tax office, Frantisek Imrecze, to ensure that several selected firms received VAT refunds worth 3 million ahead of others. In return, he gave Imrecze a bribe of 48,000. (TASR) Former general director of the state enterprise Lesy SR (Forests of the Slovak Republic), Jozef Mindas, has been found guilty in a case involving disadvantageous contracts for the leasing of hunting grounds (2007-2009). The court has sentenced him to a two-year suspended prison term with a three-year probation period, along with a 5,000 fine. The severity of the sentence was influenced by a recent amendment to the Penal Code, which came into effect this year. The courts decision is final. (TASR) MPs returned to parliament on Tuesday after the summer recess. (Source: TASR - Dano Veselsky) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Expect a mostly cloudy day with morning fog. There may be occasional light showers, but these will be rare. Daytime temperatures will range from 19C to 25C. (SHMU) SEPTEMBER 11 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Bystrik. Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram (@slovakspectator). Theres a special place in every Elder Millennials heart for Futurama. We all grew up watching Matt Groenings other show, The Simpsons, and when it really started to go downhill, Futurama was there to provide that hit of semi-dark satirical humor our bodies had grown to crave. It was The Simpsons in space (and the future) and it was great. Then it got cancelled and picked up years later by Comedy Central, then canceled again and picked up again, this time by Hulu, where new episodes from season 12 are currently being released every week. And the episode released yesterday offers an alternative history of coffee. Futurama is not new coffee-based humor. An episode from all the way back in 2003the original runtitled Three Hundred Big Boys finds Fry with an extra $300 in his pocket thanks to a tax rebate from Earths president, the head of Richard Nixon (sometimes on Spiro Agnews body), which he proceeds to spend on 100 cups of $3 coffee. It culminates with Fry reaching a state of superhuman-like enlightenment upon consuming the 100th cup. (Having consumed what I assume to be at least 100 cups of coffee at Expo, let me just say that this depiction is wholly inaccurate to what your body goes through.) The latest episode, titled Planet Espresso and written by Bob Odenkirk, finds Hermes Conrad inheriting a coffee farm in Jamaica after the passing of his father, and after a coffee-induced hallucination he learns that the history of the worlds favorite beverage is much older than once thought. Its actually 5 million years old and brought to Earth by a two-tailed mermaid-like alien race from Planet Thermos, a world of steaming brown beauty. Coffee, it turns out, is responsible for pretty much all mankinds greatest achievements (that much is probably true actually). Hermes et al decide to change their delivery business to a coffee business, changing the name from Planet Express to Planet Espresso. But things arent as they seem, hilarity ensues. Pretty standard stuff from Futurama. The episode is loaded with coffee references, some more overt than others. Kyle Maclachlins disembodied head makes a cameo to riff on his damn fine coffee line from Twin Peaks, theres a Chemex in the background of a few scenes, the coffee shop workers go on strike, and theres even a Chock Full OBugs cannister. And while they play a little fast and loose with the known history of coffee, the premise honestly makes a lot of sense. There is something otherworldly about coffee. It can tell the future, its been used in religious rituals for centuries, and the more we learn about it, the more we discover how beneficial it is to our health. It certainly feels like a gift from someone, God or aliens or whomever. So while Im not saying that Futurama got is 100% right in their otherworldly reimagining of coffees ancestry, Im just saying it makes about as much sense as a bunch of goats getting all jazzed up. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/elon-musk-may-be-summoned-to-uk-parliament-for-questioning-on-x-activities---reports-1120090491.html Elon Musk May Be Summoned to UK Parliament for Questioning on X Activities - Reports Elon Musk May Be Summoned to UK Parliament for Questioning on X Activities - Reports Sputnik International Billionaire Tech mogul Elon Musk may be called to the British parliament to be questioned about activities on his social media platform X. 2024-09-09T23:50+0000 2024-09-09T23:50+0000 2024-09-09T23:50+0000 world united kingdom (uk) elon musk britain london labour party newsfeed sputnik x (formerly twitter) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1d/1113799816_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_6e6a93ef13a58bd0222fdf8193678063.jpg Ruling Labour Party parliamentarian Dawn Butler told the newspaper that the American entrepreneur would be invited as a witness. Butler is running to head the parliamentary science and technology committee, the publication said. Such committees examine the activities of ministers, civil servants and leading figures in a particular field within the framework of a certain issue. The British lawmakers can summon someone to answer questions from the committee, but they cannot force them to attend. If an official summons is ignored, MPs may consider it a lack of respect for parliament, but this sanction is only symbolic, the publication says. In August, British officials complained that X did not cooperate with the authorities in removing posts that posed a threat to national security during the wave of unrest. Musk himself, against the backdrop of mass protests in Britain, predicted a civil war in the country, a statement that caused discontent in London. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240830/mario-nawfal-elon-musk-now-has-target-on-his-back-after-telegram-ceo-durovs-arrest-1119961728.html united kingdom (uk) britain london 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 x in europe, elon musk called to parliament Lewisham Council in London, England, removed a Progress Pride transgender-affirming flag after a Christian political candidate threatened the authority with court action on the alleged basis of political bias during the recent U.K. General Election. Attorneys for Maureen Martin, a candidate for the Christian Political Alliance (CPA) in the constituency of Lewisham East, warned the council to remove the flags for the town hall roof or face a High Court injunction. The legal basis for the warning heeded a complaint from Martin that the council flying the flag breached the Local Government Act 1986: A local authority shall not publish, or arrange for the publication of, any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party. The Progress Pride flag, seen at the roof of the council offices in Catford, South London, had also been installed without planning permission, according to the Christian Legal Centre (CLC) supporting Martins complaint. You will appreciate that the area of transgender rights is a highly contentious political issue in the United Kingdom, said CLC lawyers in a letter to the council. You will also be aware that the Equality Act 2010 does not protect gender as a protected characteristic. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up The letter added that U.K. courts had previously ruled that non-binary identities - which are promoted by the Progress Pride Flag - are neither recognised nor protected in UK law. The attorneys told the council that flying the flag showed the council giving support to political parties who seek expanded rights for transexuals and associated identities rather than remaining impartial, as required by legal precedent. Council support for the flag thus breached the precedent of council authorities showing impartiality under election law, according to CLC, and conflicted with a political policy by the Christian Peoples Alliance to stop the socially divisive and wasteful promotion of LGBT ideology. Lewisham Council was requested to take action: that Progress Pride Flags are immediately taken down from LLBCs [Lewisham London Borough Council] premises and assurances are given that during the pre-election period such flags will not be flown again and further that LLBC will not publicly support the ideological causes embodied by the flag including by taking part in public parades, demonstrations or providing financial support to any ideological campaigns contrary to the positions of the CPA. In a statement, the Christian Legal Centre quoted the council agreeing to take action, saying: to avoid any concern the flag is being taken down. Martin said that councils and businesses across the U.K. had displayed the Progress Pride flag unlawfully, and often without planning permission or a proper consultation. The transgender ideology behind this flag has been proven to be harmful to hundreds of vulnerable children, Martin said. It is unacceptable that Lewisham Council and other councils across the country have and are making such an extreme public and ideological statement on such contested issues, even during elections. Greater awareness must be urgently raised about what these flags stand for, and public authorities flying them must be brought to account. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said the flags were dominating town centers and neighborhoods. They are intimidating and exclusionary towards Christians and others who dont believe in Pride, Williams said. Martin previously won a pay-out from her former employer L&Q after she campaigned that marriage is between a man and a woman. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/new-york-police-commissioner-expected-to-resign-amid-corruption-probe---report-1120088990.html New York Police Commissioner Expected to Resign Amid Corruption Probe - Report New York Police Commissioner Expected to Resign Amid Corruption Probe - Report Sputnik International The police commissioner of New York is expected to resign amid a corruption probe that comes in the wake of a raid on his home last week, the US media reported Monday. 2024-09-09T21:28+0000 2024-09-09T21:28+0000 2024-09-09T21:26+0000 americas us eric adams new york new york city federal bureau of investigation (fbi) fbi raid police raid https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105034/36/1050343647_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_1b3b4341dd4eb2d756f9e70e395f128f.jpg Edward Caban, who joined the New York Police Department in 1991 before rising to the rank of commissioner in July last year, is expected to resign in the coming days, four people familiar with the matter have revealed. Officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided the homes of Caban and other senior city officials in Mayor Eric Adams administration on Wednesday, it was reported the following Thursday. The reason for the action against the top New York City officials was not immediately known and the FBI did not comment. Cellphones of the implicated officials were seized as well to aid in investigations, the reports said. As of Monday afternoon, Caban had not resigned yet, reports quoting both Mayor Eric Adams and a spokesperson for City Hall, who spoke in the defense of the police chief, detailed. City Hall spokesperson Fabien Levy, whose office oversees all official matters of the city, said the Adams administration has prioritized the safety of New Yorkers with its hires. "Were not going to speculate on rumors at this point. The resignation of Caban, who turned 57 on Sunday, would mark the first staff shakeup in the upper ranks of Adams administration. The 64-year-old mayor came to office in January 2022. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240905/fbi-raids-homes-of-new-york-mayors-allies-police-chief-1120049479.html americas new york 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 what happened to new york police commissioner, who is eric adams, who was raided by fbi in new york, who is edward caban https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/who-is-to-blame-for-the-us-afghanistan-withdrawal-failure-1120090266.html Who is to Blame for the US Afghanistan Withdrawal Failure? Who is to Blame for the US Afghanistan Withdrawal Failure? Sputnik International On Sunday, House Republicans issued a report largely blaming US President Joe Biden for the debacle that was the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Democrats in turn blamed former US President Donald Trump. 2024-09-09T23:45+0000 2024-09-09T23:45+0000 2024-09-10T10:52+0000 analysis joe biden donald trump michael maloof afghanistan kabul the united nations (un) taliban us republicans https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/1b/1119158075_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ae4228f46709ed69c75d615a0a9465d3.jpg While it is impossible to know how the Afghanistan withdrawal would have gone during a Trump administration, there is no doubt that Biden made decisions out of arrogance and with a focus on optics over substance, leading to a humiliating defeat for America and its allies. It is fair to question if the Trump plan was feasible, but to throw it away and then blame it for your failures, as the Biden administration is doing, does not hold water. It defies logic to blame a plan you didnt use.Trumps deal with the Taliban had conditions. It required that the Taliban stop attacking US forces. They did. It required that it start negotiations with the US-baked Afghan government, and they did engage in on-and-off talks. It also, crucially, required that they do not allow terrorist groups inside of Afghanistan, specifically mentioning Al-Qaeda and ISIS.In exchange, the United States would remove all of its forces by May 2021, would review and potentially lift US sanctions on members of the Taliban and recommend that the UNs sanctions of the Taliban be reviewed and potentially removed.Trumps claim that he would have left troops in Bagram base is likely false, that is not in the text of the agreement. However, it would have allowed 8,600 troops to stay in the country until talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban started.While the document stressed that the US still does not recognize the Taliban as a state, it notes that following the US withdrawal, the US would seek economic cooperation for reconstruction with the new-post settlement Afghan Islamic government that was to be birthed through the talks with the Afghan government.The plan would never come to fruition. As early as January, weeks after taking office, Biden was already signaling that he may keep troops past the May 1 deadline. Days later, the Taliban responded, moving its commanders and soldiers back into combat positions.Senior commanders and governors have been directed to return to their positions and attend special sessions and discussions to chalk out a future strategy, a Taliban regional commander told US media at the time.Media reports framed it as a decision Biden was making on his own, consulting with his advisers but not the government of Afghanistan and certainly not the Taliban. In April, Biden announced his decision: US Troops would instead begin their final withdrawal from Afghanistan, with the final troops leaving on the symbolically significant date of September 11.The Taliban said publicly that the plan was unacceptable to them, and gave the US two weeks from the May 1 deadline to pull out completely. There are no reports of the Biden administration engaging in direct talks with the Taliban about extending the deal, by all appearances, it seems to have been a unilateral decision by the Biden administration. The first reports of direct negotiations between Biden officials and the Taliban came on August 10, just five days before the group took over the Presidential Palace in Kabul. The Taliban would end up kicking the US out on August 30, as refugees hung to the wings of the final plane leaving Kabul.Biden also imposed new restrictions on the Afghan government, requiring that any deal they made with the Taliban protect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. A noble cause to be sure, but not one that the Afghan government, which was already losing its fight against the Taliban, was in a position to demand.At every turn, Biden could have argued that the Taliban violated the Trump agreement and sent more troops in, even if they were just there to secure the area as allies and equipment were moved out and not to prop up the failing Afghan government. The Taliban no longer saw itself constrained by the Trump deal by May they had resumed their attacks on US soldiers. Biden clearly didnt see himself constrained by it because hes the one who broke it, yet it is Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris who are pointing to the deal as the reason for their failure.Today, the Taliban is in complete control of Afghanistan. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that the repressive conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are unparalleled in today's world. The US has no leverage over who the Taliban does or doesnt allow in its country, and they are better armed than they have ever been, having seized valuable equipment left behind, estimated to be worth more than $7 billion. Last month the Taliban held a parade showing off abandoned US and Soviet-era equipment, including US helicopters, surface-to-air missiles, and armored personnel carriers.We're living off a principle that while they don't adhere to our democratic notion, we're not going to have anything to do with them. Well, that doesn't allow us to at least have some influence over time. And, when we at least have a presence, we can affect some change, explained Maloof. The Chinese and Russians have somehow figured out how to deal with them and still want to adhere to certain principles, and I think that over time, theyll prevail with some of their views on policy. But were not there because we dont want to be players. We just picked up our marbles and went home.Trump and Harris will have the opportunity to lay out their arguments on who screwed up Afghanistan on Tuesday, when the two will hold their first debate ahead of November's presidential elections. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240818/idealism-and-ideology-sealed-us-failure-in-afghanistan--analyst-1119814637.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/talibans-policy-toward-women-in-afghanistan-unprecedented---un-human-rights-chief-1120089550.html afghanistan kabul Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino withdrawal from afghanistan, who messed up afghanistan, trump's taliban deal https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/at-least-40-killed-60-injured-in-israeli-air-strike-on-al-mawasi-in-gaza-strip---reports-1120091066.html At Least 40 Killed, 60 Injured in Israeli Air Strike on Al Mawasi in Gaza Strip - Reports At Least 40 Killed, 60 Injured in Israeli Air Strike on Al Mawasi in Gaza Strip - Reports Sputnik International MOSCOW (Sputnik) - At least 40 people were killed and 60 were injured as a result of an Israeli strike on the Al Mawasi area of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza... 10.09.2024, Sputnik International 2024-09-10T00:36+0000 2024-09-10T00:36+0000 2024-09-10T00:36+0000 world palestinians middle east newsfeed gaza strip israel palestine israel defense forces (idf) hamas israel-gaza conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/14/1119839964_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6f2f53f37be0b2d3f1260488cddaedae.jpg According to the Gaza Civil Defense official, 20 tents with refugees were demolished as a result of the strike. According to the broadcaster, search and rescue operations at the site of the strike are continuing "in difficult conditions." In turn, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that Israeli aircraft had struck a "command and control center" of Palestinian Hamas movement. "A short while ago, with the direction of IDF and ISA intelligence, the IAF struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control center embedded inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis," the IDF said on Telegram. "Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional means." Al-Quds news network noted that the craters left by the Israeli airstrike were nine meters deep.On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, fighters from Palestinian movement Hamas 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 Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. In June, the medical journal The Lancet issued what they described as a "conservative" estimate that more than 186,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Operation Iron Swords. gaza strip israel palestine 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 palestinians, middle east, newsfeed, gaza strip, israel, palestine, israel defense forces (idf), hamas, israel-gaza conflict, palestine-israel conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/former-us-ambassador-to-ussr-says-dangerous-for-us-to-attempt-undeclared-war-with-russia-1120090750.html Ex-US Ambassador to USSR: Dangerous for US to Attempt Undeclared War With Russia Ex-US Ambassador to USSR: Dangerous for US to Attempt Undeclared War With Russia Sputnik International Former US Ambassador to the Soviet Union Jack Matlock said it is dangerous for the US to wage an undeclared war against Russia and said sanctions are not working. 2024-09-10T00:12+0000 2024-09-10T00:12+0000 2024-09-10T11:03+0000 analysis jack matlock us russia nato schiller institute soviet union ukraine sputnik https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104132/33/1041323313_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_9d65b021975e772f2b957d4e115ee0f1.jpg "It seems to me that it is extremely dangerous to attempt what is, in effect, an undeclared war against a nuclear armed power, which perceives, rightly or wrongly, that its sovereignty and even its political existence are being threatened," Matlock said in the interview, conducted on September 3 and released on Monday. Such a situation could result in a nuclear exchange between the United States and Russia because of mistakes, Matlock said. US efforts to conduct diplomacy with Russia have disappeared and turned into feeding the conflict in Ukraine, Matlock said. Ukraine is on a "suicide course" by continuing hostilities with Russia, Matlock said. Russia would not have launched its special military operation in Ukraine if the United States and NATO had given assurances that Ukraine would not join the alliance, Matlock said. However, the United States has "grossly overcommitted" internationally by fueling de facto economic and military war against Russia, supporting Israels actions in the Middle East and preparing the US military for a war with China, Matlock said. The situation is sustainable neither economically nor militarily, Matlock also said. The American people are not going to support getting the US directly involved in a conflict that could be brought to the home front, Matlock added.The United States decision to push for NATO expansion instead of developing peaceful ties with Russia was a mistake, Matlock also stated.At first, we proposed a Partnership for Peace with the countries in Eastern Europe, including with Russia and the successor states of the Soviet Union. If we had continued to follow that course that would have permitted the creation of a more comprehensive European security structure. That didnt happen. And it didnt happen because instead of the Partnership for Peace, ultimately the United States opted for the expansion of NATO. I think that was a huge mistake," Matlock said.Attempts to harm Russia without a direct confrontation have also failed, Matlock added.The consequences of the sanctions will turn out to be disadvantageous for the United States and Western Europe in the long run, Matlock concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240904/russias-move-to-update-its-nuclear-doctrine-provoked-by-natos-increasingly-brazen-aggression-1120014661.html russia soviet union 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 war on russia, sanctions on russia, nato proxy war against russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/harris-trump-need-to-overcome-old-weaknesses-to-win-debate---experts-1120091826.html Harris, Trump Need to Overcome Old Weaknesses to Win Debate - Experts Harris, Trump Need to Overcome Old Weaknesses to Win Debate - Experts Sputnik International Both Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump will have to focus on limiting their natural tendencies if they want to win Tuesday's presidential debate. 2024-09-10T01:50+0000 2024-09-10T01:50+0000 2024-09-10T01:50+0000 americas kamala harris donald trump us charles ortel 2024 us presidential election https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/0a/1082036109_0:0:3075:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_e91ae0dec152c661fbe6212e5040e940.jpg A poor performance in a debate against Trump in June was a major catalyst that led to President Joe Biden stepping down and endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee. And the stakes are high for Tuesday night's debate as well, with poll margins tight in every major battleground state. George Mason University Professor of Law Francis Buckley emphasized that while both candidates have instinctively played to their loyal bases, their real challenge was winning over the narrow swath of unsure voters who would decide the election outcome. Economic analyst and former merchant banker Martin Hutchinson said if Harris delivers a clear message and moderate tone she could win the debate, which will boost her election chances. "Kamala needs to set out a coherent, moderate set of positions with no word-salads and no nonsense like her tax on unrealized gains" Hutchinson said. Political commentator and former hedge fund manager Charles Ortel underscored the need for Harris to restrain her natural inclination for uplifting but empty rhetoric. "Kamala has to demonstrate substance and do much more than spewing cliches about progress, opportunity and equity," Ortel said. TRUMP TEMPERAMENT CHALLENGE Trump, for his part, also had to resist his own natural inclinations to prevail in the debate, Hutchinson pointed out, while reaching out to the middle class in the suburbs. Trump's aim is purely defensive and he must maintain a sober demeanor to counter the nonsense that he is "unfit" to be president, Hutchinson said. "He should avoid being overbearing - as in his first Biden debate of 2020 - and let Kamala mess up on her own time," Hutchinson added. "He did this with Biden in June. He needs to do it with Kamala and hope she messes up." Ortel agreed that Trump would be best served to show restraint and let the opponent fail on her own, while "simply and quietly" explaining three to five concrete proposals. Buckley said Trump's task is to show that Harris is superficial and a continuation of the Obama-Biden team. However, Trump needs to do this "without coming across as a bully," Buckley warned. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240702/bidens-progressing-mental-decline-no-longer-secret-anymore-after-failed-debate-1119227214.html americas 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 harris trump debate preview https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/hezbollahs-calibrated-response-the-russiagate-story-will-not-die-1120090113.html Hezbollah's Calibrated Response; The Russiagate Story Will Not Die Hezbollah's Calibrated Response; The Russiagate Story Will Not Die Sputnik International Hezbollah has factored domestic and regional conditions into its response to Israel's genocidal war; Investigative journalist says the latest Russiagate story interfering with US elections is a phony one. 2024-09-10T04:14+0000 2024-09-10T04:14+0000 2024-09-25T10:43+0000 the critical hour radio hezbollah armenia pacific islands emmanuel macron ukraine nato donald trump https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/09/1120089956_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_ad6689695254cb7983f1981092671da4.png Hezbollah's Calibrated Response; The Russiagate Story Will Not Die Sputnik International Hezbollah has factored domestic and regional conditions into its response to Israel's genocidal war; Investigative journalist says the latest Russiagate story interfering with US elections is a phony one. Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of America's Undeclared War, joins us to discuss Hezbollah's domestic and regional conditions in its response to Israel's genocidal war. He also talks about sustained pushback against campus repression as being crucial to uphold the right to protest guaranteed by the First Amendment and the growing list of Republicans who have endorsed Kamala Harris.Mark Sleboda, an international relations and security analyst, discusses Armenia and Azerbaijan preparing to sign a peace treaty soon. He also discussed CIA Director William Burns and Richard Moore speaking at a joint press conference this past weekend, praising Ukraine's invasion of Russia's Kursk Oblast.Rachel Blevins, journalist and host of The BackStory on Radio Sputnik, joins us to discuss Former President George Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney not backing former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. She also talks about an investigative TV reporter's comments that the latest Russiagate story accusing Russia of interfering with the 2024 Presidential elections is false.Esther Iverem, artist, author, independent journalist, and host of On the Ground on WPFW Pacifica Radio, joins us to discuss the hundreds and thousands of Israelis taking to the streets to protest the Netanyahu government's handling of the captives in Gaza. She also talks about former President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney not backing former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.George Koo, journalist, social activist, and international business consultant, discusses the US maintaining a military grip over "sovereign" Pacific island states and how the Ukraine war is a racket.James Carey, host of The Left is Dead podcast, discusses how Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier as France's prime minister after securing Marine Le Pen's agreement. He also reports on the mass protests erupting in France after Macron picked Barnier as Prime Minister and an interview with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who says, "pithy sayings are not part of my approach to politics."Michael Maloof, Senior Security Policy Analyst Specialist, joins us to discuss Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pushing back on Ukraine's request to use US and other NATO-provided weapons to launch long-range strikes against Russia.Niko House, political activist, independent journalist, and podcaster, joins us to discuss the narrative of Washington and the Venezuelan far-right opposition demanding the release of the voting records as "nothing but an excuse to continue its continued coup attempt against Chavismo." He also reports on Venezuela's far-right former Presidential candidate fleeing to Spain and granted asylum.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM armenia ukraine israel russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg 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 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg the critical hour, russiagate, was kursk incursion successful, macron's prime minister, venezuela president candidate flee the country https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/holding-a-gun-to-armenias-head-eus-visa-free-regime-is-nothing-but-tool-of-manipulation---expert-1120099697.html Holding a Gun to Armenia's Head: EU's Visa-Free Regime is Nothing But Tool of Manipulation Holding a Gun to Armenia's Head: EU's Visa-Free Regime is Nothing But Tool of Manipulation Sputnik International Armenia and the EU have announced negotiations on visa liberalization. Brussels clarified that Yerevan would have to implement "substantial reforms", adding that the visa liberalization dialogue would be "a multi-year process" under the EU's close watch. 2024-09-10T17:06+0000 2024-09-10T17:06+0000 2024-09-10T17:39+0000 stanislav tarasov mikheil saakashvili georgia armenia ukraine european union (eu) visa-free visa-free regime visa-free travel analysis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107067/70/1070677021_0:256:2731:1792_1920x0_80_0_0_7d73a95c07428117ce5d4403feb272bd.jpg "The [EU's] geopolitical game with the Armenians is a struggle to deprive Russia of its influence [in the Caucasus]," political scientist Stanislav Tarasov tells Sputnik. At the same time, the new visa-free regime is a kind of weapon for the EU to influence a certain part of Armenian society, as per Tarasov. "It's like holding a gun to their head," he said.The EU-Armenian visa liberalization program is similar to Brussels' efforts to bring Ukraine and Georgia into its fold, according to Tarasov. Ukraine Georgia The EU's attempt to 'Westernize' Armenia is doomed, as the bloc is not ready to seriously invest in the nation's economy, Tarasov concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240724/plot-to-kill-georgias-ruling-partys-founder-linked-to-ukraine---state-security-service-1119484931.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240709/us-seeking-to-change-of-power-in-georgia-following-fall-elections---russias-intelligence-1119306334.html georgia armenia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova armenia, color revolution, visa-regime, visa-free access to eu for armenians, georgia's visa-free regime, revolution of roses, ukraine visa-free regime, euromaidan, 2014 coup d'etat in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/house-gop-releases-new-detailed-report-detailing-chaotic-afghan-withdrawal-1120087840.html House GOP Releases New Detailed Report Detailing Chaotic Afghan Withdrawal House GOP Releases New Detailed Report Detailing Chaotic Afghan Withdrawal Sputnik International On this edition of The Final Countdown, hosts Ted and Steve Gill discussed several global topics, including the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. 2024-09-10T04:12+0000 2024-09-10T04:12+0000 2024-09-25T10:43+0000 the final countdown radio afghanistan gop donald trump kamala harris new york city us defense department https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/09/1120087681_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_89b7e58b5a51fda4046971f5dcb1c1a7.jpg House GOP Releases New Detailed Report Detailing Chaotic Afghan Withdrawal Sputnik International On this edition of The Final Countdown, hosts Ted and Steve Gill discussed several global topics, including the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. In the opening segment, The Final Countdown is joined by Scott Stantis, a cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune, a contributor to Center Clip, creator of the comic strip Prickly City, and co-host of the DMZ America podcast. They discuss the end of the "Harris honeymoon."The Final Countdown team then speaks to Autry Pruitt, chairman of the New Journey Political Action Committee and author of the book Planes, Steak, and Water: Defending Donald J. Trump. They talk about the troubled legal waters surrounding the former president.In the final hour, The Final Countdown speaks to Michael Maloof, a retired Department of Defense security analyst, author, and veteran. They discuss why US withdrawal from Afghanistan was so disastrous.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM afghanistan new york city Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg 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 Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg the final countdown, harris honeymoon, trump-harris debate, trump legal trials, us withdrawal from afghanistan https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/how-the-rothschilds-sashed-in-on-ukraine-since-neo-nazi-coup-in-2014-1120100282.html How the Rothschilds ashed In on Ukraine Since Neo-Nazi Coup in 2014 How the Rothschilds ashed In on Ukraine Since Neo-Nazi Coup in 2014 Sputnik International The famous Jewish banking family has been deeply involved in Ukraine's affairs since the 2014 coup d'etat, despite Ukraine embracing neo-Nazi collaborators as its national heroes. 2024-09-10T17:40+0000 2024-09-10T17:40+0000 2024-09-10T17:40+0000 world business lord jacob rothschild volodymyr groysman imf ukraine russia london naftogaz volodymyr zelensky https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102365/26/1023652695_0:166:3053:1883_1920x0_80_0_0_e45976eebef83d28e22e1e8fbb4ffa98.jpg Multinational asset firm Rothschild & Co was instrumental in the restructuring of Ukraine's $20+ billion debt in July 2024, according to Western press. It had reportedly been involved in arranging face-to-face meetings between Ukrainians and asset management firms, including Black Rock and Amundi, less than two months before the two-year payment moratorium expired on August 1. The Rothschilds reportedly engaged IMF's experts in the talks while the plan of grabbing Russia's frozen sovereign assets was also on the table.The clan is believed to be cashing in on the Eastern European state through various schemes, including the future "restoration of Ukraine." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240227/everything-you-need-to-know-about-late-baron-jacob-rothschilds-colossal-wealth--shady-deals--1117007182.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/rothschilds-have-had-fantastic-relationship-with-ukrainian-govt-members-prank-call-reveals-1112033868.html ukraine russia london Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova rothschild family, the rothschilds helped restructure ukraine debt, rothschild & co, rothschild & cie, euromaidan, 2014 coup d'etat in ukraine, neo-nazis in ukraine, petro poroshenko, alexandre de rothschild, volodymyr zelensky, blackrock, the rothschilds' involvement in ukraine affairs https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/hyping-up-the-china-threat-they-may-really-be-running-out-of-material-global-times-editorial-1120098342.html Hyping Up the China Threat, They May Really Be Running Out of Material: Global Times Editorial Hyping Up the China Threat, They May Really Be Running Out of Material: Global Times Editorial Sputnik International A new absurd "China threat" drama has unfolded on Capitol Hill once again. Recently, a dozen US lawmakers sent a letter to the Biden administration urging it to address "the use of Chinese-manufactured agriculture drones." 2024-09-10T14:30+0000 2024-09-10T14:30+0000 2024-09-10T14:30+0000 world us-china relations us us hegemony joe biden china global times https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/12/1119419748_0:280:2687:1791_1920x0_80_0_0_13ab00d115a3239d475fae277df3e3f4.jpg Their so-called issues include the assumption that these aerosol-dispensing drones might collect and interpret crop data that is "impossible for the human eye to see," potentially gaining access to "technology critical to the success of US agricultural production." The ridiculous ignorance displayed by these lawmakers, who may not have even seen agricultural drones in reality, has once again refreshed the anti-intellectual bottom line of some US politicians. Such accusations are not worth refuting. In reality, there is significant foundational cooperation between China and the US in agricultural technology. The signing of the US-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement was rooted in agricultural technology exchanges. According to Karen Mancl, professor emerita at Ohio State University, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, over 2,100 US agricultural scientists have visited China, and a near equal number of Chinese scientists have toured US farms and laboratories. "This exchange of expertise has helped both countries rise to global food superpowers." During the 2024 US-China Agricultural Roundtable held in June, experts and representatives from both sides also recognized the enormous potential for further cooperation in developing and utilizing advanced agricultural technologies between China and the US.Agriculture is typically one of the areas least associated with "great power competition." Yet, in recent years, some US lawmakers have been digging "security risks" in this field, claiming that China is buying up US agricultural land, stealing genetically modified seeds from American farms. Now they have even targeted aerosol-dispensing drones. This reflects a lack of substantial material for the "China threat" narrative, leading to a series of farces about Chinese magnets on US fighter jets, cranes at US ports, and drones over US farmland, all exaggerated as "threats."The underlying truth of these antics is not hard to verify. However, the real danger lies in that the proposed "solutions" by these lawmakers or anti-China advocates invariably involve increasing trade barriers and even extreme "decoupling." People have seen that any field touched by the "China threat" narrative often sees its ordinary practitioners suffering the consequences. A recent article in the US Newsweek, entitled "American Agriculture Can't Afford Another Trade War with China," pointed out that "From 2018 to 2020, American farmers faced devastating losses due to the trade conflict with China," and that "the notion of imposing new tariffs on Chinese goods is perilously misguided."Previously, the US planned to impose a 25 percent tariff on Chinese-made ship-to-shore cranes, but it encountered strong opposition within the industry. Professional opinions believe that if the US insists on imposing these tariffs, US ports will either have to purchase cranes from China at a higher cost, or resort to buying lower-quality alternatives. It is not difficult to imagine that if agricultural drones are also regarded as a "threat" and exclusionary measures are enacted, the result will be similar: a choice between more expensive and inferior options. American farmers are gradually and steadily increasing their use of spray drones. In 2023 alone, agricultural spray drones covered an astonishing 3.7 million acres across 41 states and over 50 crops, with most of the drones manufactured in China. If sanctions are imposed on Chinese drones, it is obviously not what American farmers want.Some people in the US have been "targeting" Chinese drones for some time, yet the demand for Chinese-produced drones in many industries in the US is still strong. Not only that, representatives from over 6,000 public safety agencies - the majority police and fire departments with drone programs - wrote to the Senate Armed Services Committee, urging them not to include the Countering CCP Drones Act in the National Defense Authorization Act. As a result, the relevant restrictions were cancelled. Now some lawmakers are hyping up the "threat" of Chinese-produced agricultural drones, which is nothing more than "old wine in a new bottle." Even if they change the track, the resistance they will encounter will not be small.China and the US are both major agricultural countries in the world. The global community looks forward to further cooperation between the two countries in addressing climate change, food security, and animal and plant diseases. There are also strong calls for such cooperation within the US. As Professor Mancl said, even today, US and Chinese agricultural scientists are eager to collaborate, and have much to share. "Fifty years of success demonstrates the need for continued agricultural collaboration," she emphasized. Drones have the potential to become a win-win project for China-US agricultural cooperation and should not fall victim to outdated Cold War mentality.This article war originally published by Global Times. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/pepe-escobar-russia-china-asean-weave-their-eastern-magic-1120084476.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240905/the-future-is-in-asia-russias-grand-strategy-for-expanded-ties-with-asian-economic-colossus-1120045282.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240827/us-containment-strategy-against-russia-failing-amid-emergence-of-multipolar-world-1119921060.html china 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 us-china relations,. us hegemony, us china rivalry, chinese threat, us psychological warfare, us psy ops In the final act of the biblical drama two themes combine to form a vision of the future: the urban and the intercultural. The future Gods future is a multicultural one. John has a four-fold way of describing the nations of the world: peoples, tribes, languages, and nations. It varies each time it is used but the phrase is always four-fold, and we find it seven times in Revelation: 5:9, 7:9; 10:11; 11:9; 13:7; 14:6; 17:15. Numbers are significant in Revelation: 7 signifies completeness and 4 is the number of the world (with its four corners: Revelation 7:1; 20:8). The gospel creates a multicultural community. Its full expression will be seen in all its beautiful diversity in the new creation. This future vision motivates us to make the gospel of the kingdom seen, heard, and translated into the thought forms and life forms of all "peoples, tribes, languages, and nations". Gods future is also an urban one. The final two chapters of Revelation describe the city of God, the New Jerusalem. First century Christians hearing Johns message would have had their own experience of urban life in the Roman empire. Sociologist Rodney Stark describes Antioch, a typical Roman city, as: "A city where the average family lived a squalid life in filthy and cramped quarters, where at least half of the children died at birth or during infancy, and where most of the children who lived lost at least one parent before reaching maturity. A city filled with hatred and fear rooted in intense ethnic antagonisms and exacerbated by a constant stream of strangers." Stark goes on to point out that as Christianity began to grow in cities, "its superior capacity for meeting these chronic problems soon became evident and played a major role in its ultimate triumph." Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Cities and Gods mission today By 2050 some 70 per cent of the worlds population, about 6.3 billion people, will be living in cities. Today, 1 in 7 people on the planet currently lives in a slum, and 1 in every 4 will live in a slum by 2030, according to current estimates. We need to do more in developing our theology and practice of urban mission. Revelation challenges us to embody and proclaim the gospel in all its fullness, and to anticipate in our missions work today, that vision of Gods urban future in the new creation. David Smith, in his book, "Liberating The Gospel", notes that "The hope inspired by Johns visions is not focused entirely on the future, but provides both a radically alternative model of human, urban community and society, and the inspiration and dynamic enabling resistance to evil and the creation of counter-cultural communities in the present." It is often the intercultural character of these counter-cultural communities in todays cities that marks them out as signposts of hope and healing. As theologian Rene Padilla said: "the church is called to be, both locally and globally, the community of reconciliation fully committed to unity and mutual acceptance in the midst of diversity, fragmentation, discrimination, exclusion, and social apartheid." Imaginative witness today Finally, the nature of the book of Revelation itself is instructive for how we think of our witness everywhere in todays world, but particularly in urban contexts. The circumstances into which the message of Revelation first came required fresh vision and a different kind of theological vocabulary. "The visions", David Smith continues, "demonstrate the crucial importance of the faculty of the imagination in the Christian response to the world." Our fruitful anticipation in this present life of the counter-cultural vision that combines the urban and intercultural themes of Revelation will require our imagination. For example, Alister McGrath describes how C.S. Lewis was able to engage secular culture through his novels, creating an imaginary world that set the scene for commending the faith. Lewis has been seen "as a catalyst, who opens up a deeper vision of the Christian faith, engaging the mind, the feelings, and the imagination". Few of us will have an impact like Lewis, yet isnt this what mission requires in all the contexts in which we minister and for whom we pray? That through our kingdom witness we become catalysts, opening up a deeper vision, engaging the mind, the feelings, and the imagination, so that we translate Christ, in all his fullness, into the thought forms and life forms of the peoples, places, societies and cultures, in which we find ourselves. Following the inspiration compiled by Warren Beattie and Anne Soh, and the example of artist Makoto Fujiura, I am convinced that one of the most effective spheres to employ the faculty of the imagination in the Christian response to the world is the arts. Wouldnt it be great to see intercultural churches engaging their urban context by creating an environment where imaginations are opened up to consider the transforming power and beauty of the gospel and what it means to anticipate a new world coming? Originally published in OMF (UK)'s Billions magazine. Republished with permission. Dr. Peter Rowan has served with OMF International for over twenty-five years. He was most recently Co-National Director of OMF (UK) and previously served on the faculty of Malaysia Bible Seminary. He is the author of Proclaiming the Peacemaker: The Malaysian Church as an Agent for Reconciliation in a Multicultural Society (Regnum, 2012) and Seeking Reconciliation: The Peacemaking Witness of the Church in Malaysia (Regnum, 2019). https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/israel-wants-us-congress-to-put-pressure-on-south-africa-to-scrap-icj-genocide-case--report-1120094084.html Israel Wants US to Put Pressure on South Africa to Scrap ICJ Genocide Case Report Israel Wants US to Put Pressure on South Africa to Scrap ICJ Genocide Case Report Sputnik International South Africa brought the claim of Israel's genocidal intent in Gaza before the ICJ on December 29, 2023 in response to the surging civilian death toll in the besieged Palestinian enclave. 2024-09-10T06:38+0000 2024-09-10T06:38+0000 2024-09-10T10:59+0000 world south africa israel palestinians gaza strip international court of justice case genocide https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0a/1120093596_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_50f1fd822415adbfc7ec43a81c7515c8.jpg The Israeli Foreign Ministry has urged members of the US ongress to make South Africa drop its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which accuses the Jewish state of violating its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention over its months-long operation in the Gaza Strip, Axios reports.The Israeli diplomats were instructed to let South African diplomats currently working in the US know that "continuing their current actions like supporting [the Palestinian militant movement] Hamas and pushing anti-Israeli moves in international courts will come with a heavy price" and could lead to a suspension of Washington-Pretoria trade relations.However, the US is unlikely to follow through with such a drastic measure since Washington seeks to "maintain its relationship with South Africa in order to counter the influence of Russia and China."South Africa brought its genocide legal proceedings against Israel in December 2023, and a total of 13 countries, including Spain, Belgium, Egypt and Turkiye, have joined the case since then. Israel has rejected the accusations. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240628/spain-joins-south-africas-genocide-lawsuit-against-israel---icj-1119170276.html south africa israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg claim of israel's genocidal intent in gaza, the israeli foreign ministry, south africa's case at the international court of justice, members of us congress, gaza war, washington-pretoria trade relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/kremlin-explains-why-putin-will-not-attend-un-general-assembly-in-new-york-1120091221.html Kremlin Explains Why Putin Will Not Attend UN General Assembly in New York Kremlin Explains Why Putin Will Not Attend UN General Assembly in New York Sputnik International Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik that Russian President Vladimir Putin won't travel to New York for the UN General Assembly meeting because New York is not "the best destination" for Putin. 2024-09-10T00:50+0000 2024-09-10T00:50+0000 2024-09-10T00:50+0000 world vladimir putin dmitry peskov sergey lavrov russia new york un general assembly kremlin https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/17/1118603622_0:17:3582:2032_1920x0_80_0_0_278cb6e2b65438995f44827000fd8edb.jpg "He has not traveled in recent years. After all, the United States is now, by the way, a country that does not fulfill its obligations as the UN headquarters in the best way. Therefore, now, this is probably not the best destination for travel," Peskov told Sputnik, answering why Putin again decided not to speak at the UN General Assembly. Earlier, Putin approved the composition of the 10-member Russian delegation to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, which will be held in September in New York; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will lead the delegation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240909/west-does-not-want-to-make-fair-agreements-on-ukrainian-conflict-with-russia----lavrov-1120086960.html russia new york 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 putin arrest warrant, un general assembly, russian delegation to un in new york https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/russia-requests-unsc-meeting-for-friday-on-deliveries-of-western-weapons-to-kiev---mission-1120092221.html Russia Requests UNSC Meeting on Deliveries of Western Weapons to Ukraine Russia Requests UNSC Meeting on Deliveries of Western Weapons to Ukraine Sputnik International Russia requested a meeting of the UN Security Council for Friday focusing on Western weapon deliveries to Ukraine, the Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations said. 2024-09-10T02:45+0000 2024-09-10T02:45+0000 2024-09-10T10:54+0000 russia russia ukraine un security council (unsc) dmitry polyanskiy https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/1d/1117647382_0:316:3077:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_4af47fead49380e99865cd4dc9754866.jpg On Wednesday, the diplomat recalled, the UN Security Council will discuss the humanitarian aspects of the crisis in Ukraine at the request of Ecuador and France. "In addition, the 'high week' of the UN General Assembly is coming up from September 24 to 27, and it is difficult to imagine that the 'expired' Ukrainian leader will not 'spin' Western officials to some event with his participation we keep him in mind," he added. Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia. According to Lavrov, the United States and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy, and other countries. The Kremlin stated that pumping Ukraine with weapons by the West did not contribute to negotiations and would have a negative effect. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/kiev-uses-israeli-turkish-cluster-munitions-against-russia--cluster-munition-coalition-1120091331.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 military aid to ukraine, united nation security council meeting, western weapons in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/russias-and-iraqs-mutual-history-of-partnership-1120098863.html Russia's and Iraq's Mutual History of Partnership Russia's and Iraq's Mutual History of Partnership Sputnik International Eighty years ago, on September 9, 1944, USSR and Iraq formally established diplomatic relations with one another. 2024-09-10T15:39+0000 2024-09-10T15:39+0000 2024-09-10T15:39+0000 multimedia iraq russia ussr relations infographic https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0a/1120098936_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_80e4a93a56dc35b6cb26989e49c59381.png The economic cooperation between the two countries grew over the years, with Iraq eventually emerging as one of Russias most prominent partners in the Middle East. This harmonious development was disrupted in 2003 when the United States invaded Iraq on false pretenses, but Moscow and Baghdad have been working tirelessly since to mitigate this setback and to further deepen the ties between the two nations. 1 iraq russia ussr 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 iraq relations, russia iraq business cooperation, russia iraq economy https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/russias-lavrov-oic-secretary-general-discuss-palestinian-issue---organization-1120091585.html Russia's Lavrov, OIC Secretary General Discuss Palestinian Issue - Organization Russia's Lavrov, OIC Secretary General Discuss Palestinian Issue - Organization Sputnik International Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Palestinian issue with the secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Monday. 2024-09-10T01:36+0000 2024-09-10T01:36+0000 2024-09-10T01:37+0000 russia sergey lavrov palestine organization of islamic cooperation (oic) riyadh saudi arabia russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/1b/1119529135_0:0:2936:1653_1920x0_80_0_0_71dcc4994dbd0a729503a59c3b549c71.jpg "The meeting discussed issues of common interest, including joint efforts to address regional and international challenges, in particular the Palestinian issue and the conditions of Muslim communities in the World," the statement says. The OIC indicated that both sides had stressed the importance of coordination and consultation to support international efforts to ensure peace and stability throughout the world, especially in OIC countries. On Monday, the 7th Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue was held in the capital of Saudi Arabia, in which the foreign ministers of Russia and the six Arabian monarchies took part. palestine saudi arabia 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 on palestine, russia on israel, gaza, russia-gulf cooperation council https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/typhon-missile-deployment-is-part-of-us-plans-to-maintain-primacy-over-the-planet-1120100606.html Typhon Missile Deployment is Part of US Plans to Maintain 'Primacy Over the Planet' Typhon Missile Deployment is Part of US Plans to Maintain 'Primacy Over the Planet' Sputnik International Having previously deployed the medium-range Typhon missile systems a weapon banned under the now-obsolete INF Treaty in the Philippines, the United States now moves to station them in Japan in relatively close proximity to China and North Korea. 2024-09-10T18:35+0000 2024-09-10T18:35+0000 2024-09-10T18:35+0000 analysis us china philippines japan intermediate-range nuclear forces treaty (inf) missiles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105344/04/1053440443_0:0:3001:1688_1920x0_80_0_0_f53625099b78258d448f076afd258b4b.jpg Washingtons plans to deploy these weapons in Asia are part of a much wider long-running US strategy to encircle and contain China, with this move itself being part of a global post-Cold War strategy to eliminate any peer or near-peer competitor and maintain US primacy over the planet, geopolitical analyst and former US Marine Brian Berletic tells Sputnik.The US plans to deploy Typhon missile systems in Europe are also part of a wider strategy to encircle and contain Russia, Berletic adds.According to him, the deployment of these weapons reveals several important factors regarding US foreign, policy including continuity of agenda.For one, Berletic notes, the US pulled out from the INF Treaty during Donald Trumps presidency, but the deployment of the Typhon missiles in various corners of the globe takes place with Joe Biden at the helm.The Typhons deployment also reveals the true nature of US foreign policy and its disruptive nature for supposed US allies, Berletic remarks.Though both the Philippines and Japan count China as their largest trade partner, they both end up hosting US missiles aimed squarely at Beijing, which does little to improve their relations.This is just the latest in a long line of provocations complicating what would otherwise be increasingly constructive relations with China, Berletic explains, arguing that the Philippines and Japans willingness to enable such US provocations reveals the absence of agency in terms of either nations foreign policy.Berletic also deemed ironic the fact that the United States claims that its deployment of weapon systems around the world is necessary to ensure global peace and stability, even as the US consistently demonstrates that it itself is the greatest threat to both. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240606/potential-us-tactical-nuke-deployment-in-asia-pacific-could-bring-catastrophic-fallout---expert-1118807951.html china philippines 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 typhon missile systems, us medium range missiles, us missiles deployment https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/us-house-rules-committee-advances-temporary-government-funding-bill-1120092340.html US House Rules Committee Advances Temporary Government Funding Bill US House Rules Committee Advances Temporary Government Funding Bill Sputnik International The US House Rules Committee advanced a bill to temporarily fund the government in a 9-4 vote. 2024-09-10T03:01+0000 2024-09-10T03:01+0000 2024-09-10T03:01+0000 americas joe biden house rules committee us congress us newsfeed https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0a/0b/1101736891_0:131:3177:1918_1920x0_80_0_0_6632b966a65a4b34437d48bfa7b76e78.jpg The House panel advanced the bill on Monday night in a 9-4 vote. The US Congress must pass appropriations bills or a stopgap funding measure before the end of the month. Legislation backed by House Republicans would fund the government until March 28. The bill also includes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires proof of US citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) said on Monday that US President Joe Biden would veto the legislation if it passed the Congress. The continuing resolution places funding for agencies at "insufficiently low levels" instead of providing a short-term stopgap to provide lawmakers with more time to work on full-year funding bills, OMB said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240301/biden-signs-stopgap-spending-bill-to-avert-partial-government-shutdown-1117081519.html americas 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 government funding, will the government shut down https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/watch-russias-uragan-mlrs-incinerate-ukrainian-positions-1120093960.html Watch Russias Uragan MLRS Incinerate Ukrainian Positions Watch Russias Uragan MLRS Incinerate Ukrainian Positions Sputnik International Russian troops are steadily moving through the special military operation zone, securing better positions and liberating settlement after settlement. Advanced and impactful weaponry is what currently aids Russia's success. 2024-09-10T07:40+0000 2024-09-10T07:40+0000 2024-09-10T07:40+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian army russian armed forces uragan ukrainian crisis russia russian ministry of defense russian troops https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0a/1120093794_132:0:1718:892_1920x0_80_0_0_039848a828bbe0970ccace99d85c84d1.png The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has released footage showing Battlegroup Zapad destroying Ukraine's stronghold and its military personnel, using the Uragan MLRS. Uragan (lit. Hurricane) is capable of targeting enemy positions by hitting them hard and fast with barrages of high-explosive munitions. It creates a whirlwind of fire around the target. Uragan has a range of 34 km (21 miles) and is capable of using almost any type of munition, including thermobaric shells. 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 Watch Russian Uragan MLRS hammer Ukrainian positions Sputnik International Watch Russian Uragan MLRS hammer Ukrainian positions 2024-09-10T07:40+0000 true PT0M30S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russias special military op in ukraine, special military operation, special military operational zone, special op zone, russian troops in special op zone, ukraine casualties in conflict, total ukrainian losses, how many people did ukraine loose, how many people did kiev loose, new russian weapons in ukraine, advanced russian weapons, russian defense ministry statements, latest russian military statements, what did shoigu say about ukraine, donetsk peoples republic, nato in ukraine, is nato in ukraine, russian drones, drone warfare, new military drones, uavs in ukraine, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, battlegroup sever, battlegroup yug, battlegroup zapad, battlegroup vostok, battlegroup tsentr, battlegroup dnepr, russia ukraine peace talks, russia ukraine peace settlement, russia ukraine negotiations, russian air defenses, mercenaries in ukraine, foreign merc in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/worldfood-istanbul-export-potential-of-russian-producers-hits-whopping-30-million-1120095293.html WorldFood Istanbul: Export Potential of Russian Producers Hits Whopping $30 Million WorldFood Istanbul: Export Potential of Russian Producers Hits Whopping $30 Million Sputnik International Agrobusinesses grouped under the brand "Made in Russia" held almost 500 meetings with potential trading partners within this year's WorldFood Istanbul: International Food Products & Processing Technologies Exhibition, with the support of the Russian Export Center (REC, part of VEB.RF). 2024-09-10T11:24+0000 2024-09-10T11:24+0000 2024-09-10T11:24+0000 economy turkiye russian export center jsc (rec) russia russian ministry of agriculture food istanbul made in russia made in russia brand https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1e/1116496393_0:126:3194:1923_1920x0_80_0_0_cd2551d5dde7e83d2c458fbe02971b32.jpg The export potential of Russian agrobusinesses' negotiations at the WorldFood Istanbul forum amounted to nearly $30 million, REC noted.Over four days from September 3 to 6, the companies held negotiations with Turkish retail chains, major importers of agricultural and industrial products, distributors of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as specialized associations and unions. On the first day of the exhibition, the "Made in Russia" exposition was visited by the onsul general and staff of the Russian Trade Mission to Turkiye."Despite the fact that Russian agricultural producers have long been represented on the Turkish market and the existence of established ties, domestic products continue to attract significant interest from Turkish partners. In addition to grain, legume, and oil and fat products, which are traditionally in demand in Turkiye, there has been a recent increase in the supply of Russian alcohol, confectionery, and snack products," REC representative in Turkiye Timur Safin said."Participation in the exhibition also allowed Russian exporters to establish contacts with leading potential buyers from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia," he added.For the participants of the "Made in Russia" exposition, the REC also held a multilateral meeting with the operator of a permanent demonstration and tasting pavilion for agricultural and industrial products in Istanbul. The pavilion programs are jointly implemented by the REC and the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.The companies received recommendations on entering retail chains and marketplaces in Turkiye, as well as guidance on the specifics of customs procedures and certification to be exported to the country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240518/russias-trade-with-oic-members-up-30-in-2023---deputy-pm-1118509096.html turkiye russia istanbul Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian economy under sanctions, rec, made in russia, russian exports, russian food, russian export center, export from russia Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts has announced the date is set for the annual Legislative Pace. New York State Senators and Assembly Members have circled Friday, Sept. 20 on their busy calendars for what is typically dubbed The Hottest Political Race of the Year. The Legislative Pace will give legislators the reins as they compete for bragging rights in what has become an ultra-competitive, yet friendly, must-see harness racing event at Yonkers Raceway hosted by Empire City and the Standardbred Owners Association of New York (SOANY). The event has been held annually, with the exception of 2020, allowing New York State legislators to participate in before-the-card non-wagering harness races, holding the reins in double-seated jog carts alongside professional harness drivers. Each race consists of two turns around Yonkers Raceways historic half-mile oval. The legislative line-up for the 2024 Legislative Pace includes State Senators Jamaal Bailey (D-Bronx) and Nathalia Fernandez (D-Bronx/Westchester), State Assembly Members George Alvarez (D-Bronx), Jacob Blumencranz (R-Nassau/Suffolk), Karl Brabanec (R-Orange/Rockland), Brian Cunningham (D-Brooklyn), Landon Dais (D-Bronx), Joe DeStefano (R-Suffolk), Eddie Gibbs (D-Bronx), Dana Levenberg (D-Westchester/Putnam), Nader Sayegh (D-Westchester), Amanda Septimo (D-Bronx), Michaelle Solages (D-Nassau), Clyde Vanel (D-Queens), Latrice Walker (D-Brooklyn), Jaime Williams (D-Brooklyn) and Stefani Zinerman (D-Brooklyn). The annual Legislative Pace event presents legislators with the opportunity for lighthearted, friendly competition along with the thrill of close interactions with the horses, said New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. As the Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I appreciate having the opportunity to bring attention to the harness racing industry as part of our steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of the horses, riders, trainers and owners. Legislative Pace participants will experience the more than $1 million investment MGM Resorts has made in the historic 125-year-old track to enhance the racing experience. The upgrades are the first in more than 15 years and include a resurfaced and regraded track that raised the turns as much as a foot, upgraded track lighting to an LED system, a resurfaced paddock and a new state-of-the-art toteboard with video capabilities. Not only has the Legislative Pace become a highly-anticipated and fun evening for legislators, but more importantly this event allows members of the State Assembly and State Senate to experience racing firsthand and learn more about its importance to agriculture and the states economy, said Joseph Faraldo, President of the SOANY, which represents horsemen at Yonkers Raceway. Our industry creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars each year, and we are thrilled that so many legislators want to be involved in harness racing and learn more. Key highlights of past Legislative Pace events include a near Bronx sweep in 2019 with wins by Senator Jamaal T. Bailey (D-Bronx), who is competing again this year, former Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo (D-Bronx) and Assembly Member Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx). Spoiling the Bronx sweep was now seven-time winner, Assembly Racing and Gaming Chair J. Gary Pretlow (D-Westchester), who is not racing this year but will cheer on his colleagues trackside. In 2022, Senator Bailey won his second race to avenge a nail-biting loss the prior year. Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Queens), Chair of the Senate Racing and Gaming Committee, also emerged victorious in his 2022 heat. In 2023, Assembly Member Joe DeStefano (R-Suffolk) became a two-time winner and this year, Assembly Member Karl Brabanec (R-Orange/Rockland) hopes to repeat his big win in 2023. I look forward to being present at Empire City Casinos annual Legislative Pace event alongside my colleagues, said New York State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee Chair J. Gary Pretlow. It will be another memorable year with so much fun and a competitive spirit from all the participants. Live racing continues at Yonkers Raceway Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a first race post time of 6:55 p.m. Races are simulcast and available for viewing and wagering online at empirecitybets.com where racing fans can create a free account and view live racing at Yonkers Raceway and tracks across the country. (Yonkers Raceway) As scandal after scandal rocks churches and ministries across the world, a newly launched program aims to address the root of the issue: the unspoken secrets of abuse and trauma. Virtually everyone has experienced some form of it. And as they are buried in silence, the inner brokenness continues from generation to generation, even within the church. But, says the creator of REAL TALK, the solution is simple, it is biblical, and it is not scary. It is even fun! I don't want your ministry to end up in the headlines, says Elizabeth Good, Founder and CEO of The Foundation United and the woman behind REAL TALK. We always say we want to bulletproof your ministry, your legacy and your family, and safeguard you to never have Satan dismantle and take it all away. I was talking to one of my friends the other day, we grew up at Willow Creek Community Church, and to go back there now to see that they've removed Bill Hybels name. That's a legacy that had tremendous impact for 40-some years, but even all the books he wrote are gone. In Dubai, I was at this place where they host different events and they had Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, Brian Houston. They're all gone, and I hate to think about who's next. If we don't start speaking, who is going be the next one that's going to be no longer? A background of a decade in corporate business, a decade in church leadership and a decade in anti-human trafficking work has been Gods preparation for her ministry today, says Good. Her passion? Witnessing men, women and children experience how Jesus Christ truly sets them free from the bondage of secrets that kept them in brokenness. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up In an exclusive interview with Christian Daily International, Good shares about her personal journey, how she discovered that everyone has secrets, and the simple program she developed that is now used in churches and ministries across the world to bring healing through a culture of open conversation and prayer. Whether rich or poor: different symptoms but the same root I feel like the Lord has done a progressive thing with my resume. Each of my decades has built the credibility for this platform today to be able to speak to it, Good says, as she reflects on her professional life. Looking back, she sees strong contrasts how people talk about their personal lives in the secular world versus in the church. I worked a decade in corporate America in advertising and media, and everybody was just out with everything there. There were no secrets. It was all debauchery all the time. They seemed very comfortable talking about things. As she moved into pastoral leadership, however, she noticed that the church culture was very different. My next decade in my thirties, I was in leadership at Willow Creek Community Church, a mega church in Chicago. And that was a little different because if something was out of order, you couldn't speak about it publicly, Good says. In hindsight, she laments about what happened with Willow Creek founder Bill Hybels who was forced to resign due to a sexual misconduct scandal in 2018. I wish Bill Hybels didn't get removed like that, she says, and ponders that it could have been different if they had the REAL TALK program in place at that time. Good went on to get a masters in clinical psychology while she was serving among a lot of minority populations on the south side of Chicago and encountered some very psychotic situations. What I found at that time was that everybody's root level issues started with a secret, and it was usually a secret of abuse. If it was not sexual abuse, then it was physical abuse or some other form. And then it turned into different things, she recalls. But then when I was in the north shore of Chicago, which is one of the wealthiest suburbs, the women and the men that I would meet with that were leaders, CEOs, and heads of organizations, they were presenting with different addictions, different secrets. But literally behind all these beautiful and opulent doors were tons of secrets, and it all started with the same root level abuse. She realized that most often, the secrets people carried were going back to when they were three, four or five years old, and growing up, the symptoms then manifested themselves differently. And then the Lord moved me to Florida where I ended up creating safe housing for anti-sex trafficking and working with over 5,000 survivors. And of those women who were in the streets, all of them had the very same stories as my wealthy housewives. For them, it perhaps didn't lead to domestic violence or an addiction, but theirs led to trafficking. But it was the same pattern, the same route, Good says. Broken generational pattern and orphan spirit, also in the church What she found is that the experiences of abuse and trauma in early childhood are kept hidden due to fear and shame. And we keep that a secret and then it manifests in a way that steals our identity. It steals our destiny at a very young age, Good says. She emphasizes the spiritual reality that the enemy is very clear in his tactic and he's very focused in his dismantling of our purpose. I always say he has one purpose, which is to make sure you don't achieve your purpose. However, even in the Christian households, this reality is not talked about. What is called generational patterns in the secular world speaks to the same issue that the Bible describes as the sins of the father impacting the third and fourth generation, Good suggests. Describing it as a broken generational pattern, she points to the issue of two generations ahead of you that have been abused verbally, physically, sexually, emotionally, and we don't know how to end it. A key issue is that these experiences are suppressed into silence. Good points to a Columbia University study that found that the average person has 13 secrets at any given time, five of which they have never spoken out loud, because the shame is so big. But they're typically the same root level, something of perversion or something sexual that happened, she says. Earlier this year, Good spoke about the orphan spirit at the World Without Orphans global forum in Thailand, highlighting that the issue of orphanhood not only affects those who lost their physical parents but also those who suffer abuse. We say that we have 5 million social orphans, which means they're living in care or some sort of housing community. And we have 150 million that have one parent that has passed away. But the statistics today say that there are 1 billion children with an orphan spirit, and that means that they've experienced sexual, emotional, physical or verbal abuse, she says. That's one out of two children that grow up to be one out of two adults. What Good finds heartbreaking in all this is that the statistics inside the church are the same as the statistics outside the church. I always say just because you sit in a garage, it doesn't make you a car. And sitting in a church, doesnt make you a Christian, Good says, and laments, I've heard too many stories, and I've heard too many secrets. Getting to the roots: creating a culture of speaking After fighting the symptoms of abuse and trafficking for many years, witnessing the awful effects on peoples lives, seeing the same repetitive patterns and despite all efforts achieving no meaningful change, Good says she finally could not bear it any longer. We're throwing our money and our energy at symptoms, and everybody cares about abortion, they care about trafficking, they care about domestic violence. But quite honestly, I'm sick of it. I'm sick of talking about it in the symptomatic way. I want to get to the root level, she says. Why are we as believers matching [the statistics] of the world? But I feel like what the Lord is saying now is: the only system [that can solve this issue] is my Church, and if my Church doesn't start talking about these things that matter, nothing will change. Therefore, the REAL TALK program is aimed at churches, ministries and almost any kind of organization that is willing to take the first step in changing the culture of silence to a culture of speaking. Good explains that for a successful program, the leadership is most important. We start with leadership, and we look at everything systemically from top down. The leadership must understand the principle and say, we don't want even one person in our system to have secrets that they're afraid to speak about. Because with one hundred percent certainty, what is going to cause an organization or a church to run into a scandal or have something come out that ruins the reputation of a leader is an unaddressed secret. So, starting with the leadership, the program focuses on training the trainers and then creating a new culture by providing a language for people to speak about issues. Good says that one pastor said about the program, It's like you're giving handles. We knew all this stuff was there, but we didn't know how to grab it, we didn't know how to address it, and how to speak to it. But the program gave us language and handles. Other churches similarly testified saying, you've changed everything. We don't talk the way we used to talk, and we have language we never had before. Confession? But I am not Catholic Once the leadership is on board, Good says that the program needs facilitators and intercessors who want to be trained to pray. One of the programs key Bible verses is James 5:16, which says: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. The Bible is so clear when it says to confess your sins one to another and the prayer of a righteous man has authority to heal, Good says, but there is a lot of hesitation among evangelicals. She admits her own initial response was similar. I had my own secrets, and I remember when someone asked me, have you ever confessed it? I'm like, Confession? I'm not Catholic! We don't do confession. Good laments that this important aspect of the Christian life has gone missing in many churches. We don't do that a lot in church where we actually speak our deepest secrets to one another and then have the knowledge of how that person then prays with you for that to go away. We would rather just take anxiety medication and keep our secrets and just medicate or numb ourselves. And that's why we're seeing the numbers of pornography and addiction and all the things because we're not using the power of Holy Spirit and God to just get rid of stuff, she says, and emphasizes that conversation and prayer works. It does go away! At the outset, the greatest obstacle is the atmosphere of shame, and that people are afraid what happens when they start talking about it. So, the first step is to normalize it quickly. As the small group meets, the facilitator starts out by asking questions. The first question is as simple as we're going to name every type of abuse that you've either endured or witnessed or know that generationally exists in your family. And it's just a tick list of physical, emotional, spiritual, verbal, Good explains. Then, as people start naming them, they realize that all ten people in the group have at least one, but most have three. And then you do realize, okay, we've all been sexually abused, or we've all been physically abused, or we've all witnessed something. We grew up in a house of verbal abuse and a lot of people still have it because it's just normal, that's what they've got used to. But you go and do church on Sunday. And as they continue on, the atmosphere becomes light, and they wonder why it was never talked about. And then we go on to, what was your first memory of grief or loss? And it just brings some things that we haven't talked about that Satan might have ownership of. And we say, we're excavating and looking for the gold, because something that might be hidden could be locking something that you don't even know. You need a key, and there's a whole other part of your legacy and your purpose unlocked. And it changes everything, Good says. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed A second Bible verse that the program refers to is in John 8:36: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Good compares it to ownership papers that people may still be hiding in their lives. If there are parts of you that are in secret, it means you have someone holding your papers and you're not free, she says. Any piece that is held back that you're like, oh, I wouldn't talk about that. That's not a part of my story I speak to. That is where you don't have the [ownership] deed fully yours. [The program] is a freedom all the way tool. We call it a catalytic Holy Spirit can opener that unlocks things you might not have known were locked and gives you freedom. Good emphasizes that it is not the same as therapy as it is not about analyzing life stories and going through weekly sessions over years and years. Rather, it is about creating understanding and identifying patterns. And it's not scary. It is actually fun. Because you quickly realize, Oh my gosh, you understand? she says, and adds, It helps identify patterns and mindsets because people are always like, Oh, but it's my father. But no, no, no. It's never about a person. Satan, the spirit of whatever it may be whether it's accusation or fear or whatever it comes through a person who is just unfortunately used. But you got to realize that person is not it. It's going to be a tactic. REAL TALK is about revealing those tactics and patterns, so that people can walk with new mindsets and keep them, Good says. It is the biblical route of becoming free indeed by confessing sins and experiencing healing through the Holy Spirit. And the result they see is dramatic breakthroughs in a few short weeks where generational patterns are changed. Starting with the adults, then the kids The program always starts with five weeks for the adults and only afterwards moves on to the six-weeks program for children, Good shares. What we've found with research is that if you haven't healed or dealt with what your own secrets are, you can't hear a child. And that's why children will say, well, I told my mom But the mom didn't have ears to hear because she never dealt with her own trauma. And unless the Church is comfortable to allow the language to come out and to speak about the issues, we can't guard our children, and our children are desperate for someone to speak to. The childrens program is from kindergarten to fifth grade, from sixth to eighth, and then from ninth to twelfth grade, in the U.S. system. Good says that she heard testimonies from kids who finished their six weeks program in their church and immediately asked when it would be run again. They say things like, I want to bring my friend because no one's parents talk to them. Statistically, it is said that average children spend around six to eight hours daily on social media but only one minute face-to-face with a parent. Theyre losing intimacy and the ability to connect, Good says. She is also concerned that research shows our children are getting their innocence stolen by age seven, eight, nine on social media. They're seeing images that are changing their neuro pathways. They are literally having addiction from age ten, eleven, twelve, but parents are not comfortable talking about things. That is why it is so important that there are some adults who are unprogrammed of the fear of speaking, so they can then help the children talk as well. The same situation around the world While the program has started in the United States, it is already being rolled out in other nations as well. Asked if she notices a difference between what are commonly known as guilt cultures versus shame cultures, Good says that the situation is the same everywhere. When she held a workshop at the global forum in Thailand, there were 65 different nations, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Everybody was like, We don't do this where I come from, but we're starving for it. Every single person that spoke to me said, I want to tell you my story. We're done with this, we're done. Good finds it interesting that there seems to be a misconception about Americans. They all think, Well, you Americans are so open. But I dont think so. We just have a bigger stage of pretending we're open, but we're not. I haven't seen any difference. Since the forum, she has had requests from different countries urging her to start the program because it is so urgent. They say, we cant wait. There are churches in India, in Dubai. We have underground churches in China saying, we desperately need this. We can't have this situation continue. I have pastors in Africa saying, this isn't church, we have to start talking. Good says that quite possibly, the countries where Christianity is younger may have it easier to create a culture of openness because they dont have such a long history of silence in the Church. We have a lot of church baggage in Western culture, and we play church well. We know how it works, how it's supposed to be outwardly. So I think the rest of the world is actually almost in a better position. Good is hopeful that change is coming. She says, the Church has been getting a bad reputation because the secular world is watching and saying, Christians are fake: Were saying stuff but were not living it. But I feel this is a movement now. I think it's time for the Church to say: We're done. We all are addicted. Everybody's addicted to porn. It's women and men, and we are seeing the next generation of men and women that have all these addictions and secrets. But the minute you speak about it, it loses its power. It's almost like shackles are falling and mouths are flying open. There was no catching Gaines Hanover who was on a successful front-end speed mission en route to a dominant victory in Monday's $36,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Leaving as the even-money favourite from post seven, driver Sylvain Filion landed Gaines Hanover in third early as Franks Angel (Travis Cullen) posted the first quarter in :27.4. HP Mama B (Tyler Borth) popped the pocket and took over only briefly before Gaines Hanover brushed to the top to assume command at the half in :55.3. Gaines Hanover went unchallenged to three-quarters in 1:24 while second choice Osceola (Doug McNair) tried to muster a challenge from first-over into fourth on the far turn. Turning for home, Gaines Hanover laid down the law, opening up by four lengths midway through the stretch. Trotting home stoutly in :27.2, Gaines Hanover and a motionless Filion cruised to victory four lengths clear to stop the clock in 1:51.2. Osceola got up for the second spot and Pemberton (Bob McClure) rallied for third. Trained by Claude Cadieux, the four-year-old gelded son of Cantab Hall-Gatka Hanover notched his fourth victory in 13 seasonal outings. Owned by Gestion Blais, Gaines Hanover went over $800,000 in career earnings with the win, sporting a lifetime bankroll of $816,056. The win was one of three on the evening for Filion, who led all drivers. In addition to the Preferred Trot, the Monday card featured a pair of $12,000 Pop-Up Series divisions for non-winners of $18,000 in 2024. In the first split, All Gas No Brakes (Chris Chistoforou) proved to be just that, romping by 7-3/4 lengths in 1:55.1 as the 1-9 favourite. Meanwhile, Bulldog (Jody Jamieson) pulled off a 29-1 shocker in the second division following a first-over brush on the far turn, grabbing the 1:54.4 score while paying $60 to win. To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) The Culpeper chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People announced Charles Jameson has been selected as its honoree during the 2024 Freedom Fund Banquet, being held Oct. 5 at Peppers Grill. Jameson can trace his family line in Culpeper to the 18th-century, and in Virginia from the 1500s. According to the chapters representative Joan McBride, he said he has ancestors who were Culpeper Minutemen and follows in those very footsteps today as a current member of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR. A graduate of George Washington Carver Regional High School in 1965, Jameson attended Virginia Union University and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1970 with the dream of being a teacher. He said his greatest disappointment was not being able to march across the stage at graduation because he had been drafted into the military two weeks earlier. Jameson received advanced training and earned a certificate in figuring accurate fire for artillery. The Vietnam War veteran was honored with three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and two Army Commendation medals. After his military service, Jameson returned home ready to begin a teaching career, but the school year had already started so he went to work in construction with his father, Saint Jameson. After his father retired, Jameson took over his position as project superintendent for highway construction and site development. He held that role for almost 40 years before retiring in 2010 as construction manager. He said he has found time during his retirement to pursue his fascination with his own ancestry, the heritage of African Americans and their participation in Culpeper and the wider regions military efforts. Jameson has also taken advantage of his free time to get involved with the community, working the scholarship program with Carver alumni and devoting time to the Carver 4-County Museum. He has served on the Museum of Culpeper History Board, the Carver Agriculture Research Board and as president of the Culpeper Minutemen for two years. He is also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and of the Armys 11th Armored Cavalry. Jameson has been a member of the NAACP Culpeper for many years and received the 2022 Activism Award. Other awards include the Culpeper Board of Supervisors Culpeper Colonel Award in 2016, the 2020 Scrabble School Foundation MLK Dreamkeeper Award, Aging Togethers 5 Over 50 Award in 2022 and the Culpeper Police Departments Neighborhood Watch 2023 Amazing Citizen Award. The honoree said he is living his dream now teaching about his research on African American participation in the Revolutionary Wars. He said he loves visiting area schools to speak to students, and enjoys participating in Museum of Culpeper History events. The organizations 43rd annual banquet serves as its largest fundraising event of the year and helps support scholarships, educational events for all ages, outreach programs, collaborations with other organizations and community festivals. Speakers at the banquet, titled Moving ForwardNo Turning Back, will include Registered Nurse Mesha Jones; multidisciplinary artist Kori Price; Lt. Ashley Banks, an almost 20-year veteran of the Culpeper Police Department overseeing all town community events for law enforcement; Sherica Jones-Lewis, Director of Community Research at the University of Virginias Equity Center; and Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools. The speakers will share their personal and professional journeys highlighting how they overcame challenges and barriers to achieve their dreams. Saltville welcomed a new town manager at the beginning of August with the arrival of Cecile Rosenbaum, former town manager in Glade Spring. I had been in Glade for five years and just decided that I was ready for a new challenge and thought it was the right time, Rosenbaum said of her desire to work in Saltville. Id always wanted to come back to Smyth County because Ive worked in Washington County all of my career so far. I saw the opportunity for the Saltville position and applied and ended up being offered the job. Rosenbaum grew up on a farm in Marion. Her parents still live there so she visits frequently. Her parents were in the educational system; her mother was a teacher and her father in buildings and grounds. She has a son and daughter-in-law in Chilhowie. Rosenbaum has more than 20 years of experience in local government management, including positions as town manager, assistant town manager, town clerk, treasurer, and I-lutnan Resources Director. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech and is a Master Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and a Certified Municipal Clerk through the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association. She is a certified planning commissioner through the Virginia Land Use Education Program and a member of the Virginia Local Government Managers Association. She will graduate in October from the Virginia Municipal Womens Leadership program through Virginia Tech. Rosenbaum holds a 2010 Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech and a 1991 Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Virginia Intermont College. Of her new position in Saltville, Rosenbaum said, Ive loved it so far. Ive been really encouraged by the folks that Ive met who really truly care about the town of Saltville and that is so refreshing. Thats what fuels my fire in this job knowing that the people around me truly care about the community. Thats been a very nice thing to see. She said she didnt spend much time in Saltville when growing up but has heard so much about the community with the excavations, bird watching, and history, and she enjoys walking her dogs on the trails in Saltville. Rosenbaum said she would love to see the extension of the Salt Trail between Smyth and Washington counties. I was honored to write, and Glade Spring was awarded, a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to advance the Salt Trail into downtown Glade, she said. I think with COVID it brought so much awareness to the need for being able to get outside and outdoor recreation. I think we all know outdoor recreation has been around for a long time, but I think weve seen a real increase, a resurgence just since COVID because when everybody got trapped in their houses being out on the trails was the answer to that. Rosenbaum is looking forward to learning more about the plans in Saltville to boost tourism, especially with the museum and the planned destination campground at the former town shop site near the well fields. Cleanup of that site is not completely finished, she said, and that will be one of her priorities to get that done. The museum is an amazing asset to the town, she said, and is known by those who have been to or heard of Saltville. Its just a fantastic facility, she said. And the campground would be perfect for travelers who like to bring their pets with them. Other issues she will be working on are the water and sewer systems and economic development with the use of available buildings in the town to attract business. With the planned departure of the towns treasurer/town clerk, Rosenbaum is looking to hire a new treasurer while she takes on the duties of town clerk. And she will be working with a new mayor and council members following the November election. Rehabilitation staff at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center have voiced concerns over a future stand-alone, inpatient rehabilitation facility to be built in Vancouver. PeaceHealth announced July 14 it will partner with Lifepoint Rehabilitation to build the new facility, slated to open in 2027, which will triple its current patient capacity. However, staff members within PeaceHealths rehabilitation unit have expressed concerns about the partnership, according to a July 24 letter addressed to hospital leadership. We, a group of PeaceHealth employees, wish to voice our disappointment over the announcement of the partnership between PeaceHealth and Lifepoint Health in creation of a new rehabilitation hospital, staff said in the letter. We believe the proposals exceed the needs of our community, may jeopardize the patient care and risks compromising the professional standards of staff. The 50-bed planned facility will provide inpatient rehabilitation services for adults who have experienced loss of function or disability due to stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and neurological disorders, according to a news release from PeaceHealth. Staff members wrote the proposal for a 50-bed unit does not realistically match the communitys need, as the current 14-bed unit is rarely at capacity. The emphasis to fill the beds increases the likelihood that patients would be admitted inappropriately, and organizational pressure to keep a high census could increase the likelihood of unethical or fraudulent behaviors, staff members wrote in the letter. PeaceHealth spokeswoman Debra Carnes said the demand for inpatient rehabilitation beds in our region currently exceeds availability. With Lifepoints ability to invest capital, we will be able to open a 50-bed facility that addresses market demand and more than triples the current number of rehabilitation inpatients that can be cared for in our community, ensuring those that need this level of care have the ability to receive it locally, Carnes said in an email Thursday. Rehabilitation staff also wrote in the letter they are worried Lifepoint Health, as a for-profit business, does not align with the nonprofit values of PeaceHealth. This is the second partnership between PeaceHealth and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a division of Lifepoint Health, which is based in Brentwood, Tenn. Lifepoint Health is a health care delivery network consisting of community hospitals, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and additional care sites, according to its website. In 2011, Lifepoint Health agreed to pay a settlement of around $1 million to resolve allegations of false Medicare billing at Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Ky., according to an article from Beckers Hospital Review. The alleged overbilling, which occurred between 2004-2010, was revealed after the U.S. Attorneys office said a beneficiary reported to Medicare that she had been billed for inpatient treatment rather than outpatient care, which is what she received. Like PeaceHealth, Lifepoint Rehabilitation is a mission-driven company focused on delivering quality care, Carnes said. Our missions align as we are both focused on making communities healthier and ensuring that all people have access to great care close to home. Rehabilitation staff members said they want to remain employed with PeaceHealth, but are urging the nonprofit to reconsider the partnership, according to the letter. Carnes said decisions around staffing, compensation, benefits and severance at the future facility have not been determined as it is very early in the process. As the majority owner, PeaceHealth will ensure that the facility provides access and patient care services at this new facility based on medical necessity, regardless of ability to pay, Carnes said. We will prioritize the well-being of our caregivers in the decision making, keeping them at the center of our focus. 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: Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) hold a sign thanking X social media platform owner Elon Musk, during an Independence day rally in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 7, 2024. Is Brazil's shutdown of Elon Musk's X a drastic but necessary move in the global fight against disinformation, or pure censorship? Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes's decision to block the social media platform formerly known as Twitter has reignited a debate about where to draw the line between upholding free expression and combating hate speech. The shutdown affected 22 million X users in Brazil, many of whom have begun migrating to smaller platforms such as Bluesky and Threads to avoid hefty fines for using Musk's network. Moraes blocked X in its biggest Latin American market after Musk refused to comply with orders to remove dozens of right-wing accounts and then failing to name a legal representative, as required under Brazilian law. The showdown between the Brazilian and the US billionaire, who has been accused of turning X into a megaphone for right-wing conspiracy theories, comes amid growing scrutiny in the West of X and other social media titans. In France, the Russian-born founder of the controversial Telegram app, Pavel Durov, was arrested last month and charged with failing to curb extremist and illegal content on his network, which has 900 million users. TikTok, meanwhile, is in the crosshairs of the US Federal Trade Commission, which accuses it of violating child privacy laws. But it is arguably Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist" who has been using his platform to whip up support for right-wingers from Brazil to Britain, who is drawing the most fire. The European Union is considering imposing a hefty fine on X and even a shutdown for possible violations of tough new social media regulations. "Brazil has clearly joined the global debate on social media and free speech," Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond in the United States, told AFP. The shutdown of X in Brazil "reflects similar concerns about how best to regulate social media... in the US, many other democracies, and the EU," he said. 'Global problem' Afonso de Albuquerque, professor of communications at Rio's Federal Fluminense University, cast the Moraes-Musk dust-up as part of a wider battle for "the sovereignty of nations" against "powerful multi-millionaires." "Elon Musk is a global problem", he told AFP. The world's richest man, according to Forbes magazine, "bought Twitter and turned it into a political project, which has to do with to his involvement in far-right networks," Albuquerque asserted. Musk has been a vociferous campaigner for the return of former US president Donald Trump to the White House. He has also been vocal in his support for far-right Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters staged a failed US-style attack on government buildings in 2023 following his unsuccessful re-election bid. Brazil's 'democracy killer' Moraes's action against X has been applauded by the Brazilian left, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "Who does (Musk) think he is?" Lula asked, arguing that democracy was "not the right to lie, spread hate or violate the will of the people." Elvino Bohn Gass, an MP from Lula's Workers' Party, accused Musk of trying to "digitally colonize" Brazil. But for Bolsonaro's supporters, the shutdown has become a cause celebre. Thousands demonstrated in Sao Paulo on Saturday in defense of "democracy" and "liberty" against what they called Moraes's "censorship." Some have disregarded the X ban, including Bolsonaro's son Eduardo, an MP, who accuses Moraes of "assassinating democracy." 'Political' move? Polls show Brazilians divided on the justification for the shutdown of X, with an AtlasIntel poll of over 1,600 people showing that 56.5 see it as a "political" move by Moraes. Just over 54 percent declared it "weakens democracy," despite nearly half -- 49.7 percent -- expressing support for Moraes. Beyond Brazil, the standoff is closely watched by both sides in what Britain's The Economist magazine called a "culture war battleground." The Economist criticized the blocking of X as part of a growing trend to try to "censor and punish speech that should be within the law." "Only with the freedom to be wrong can societies advance slowly towards what is right," the magazine argued. 2024 AFP Hundreds of Evangelical leaders have signed a statement outlining their shared beliefs about the relationship between faith and politics, encouraging Christians to consider each candidates' "character and not merely their promises or political success" ahead of the 2024 election. More than 300 pastors, faith leaders and Christian public figures have backed the "Confession of Evangelical Conviction," as the 2024 presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, and former President Donald Trump, a Republican, is less than two months away. One signatory, Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition and pastor of The Gathering Place Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando, Florida, told The Christian Post he is "encouraged" by the support of the statement from a broad swath of Pentecostal and Evangelical leaders from across the country. "[They] may be different in terms of ... the way they vote, see the centrality of the Gospel," he said. "I think that it's a good reminder, and I'm hopeful that ... people who give a close read to it don't see it as anything more than a pastoral call to 'let's engage this in the spirit of Christ and let's not hurt the credibility of our Christian and Evangelical witness by speaking ill of other people who may disagree with us.'" 'Not aimed at anyone' Notable signatories include Russell Moore, former head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; Revs. Galen Carey and Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals; Justin Giboney of the And Campaign; progressive Christian author Shane Claiborne of the advocacy group Red Letter Christians, Christian rapper Lecrae and megachurch Pastor Joel C. Hunter. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Several signatories, including Moore, Claiborne and Ekemini Uwan of the advocacy group Evangelicals for Harris, have expressed outspoken opposition to former President Donald Trump and the support he has received within the Evangelical community. Salguero said the declaration's support from progressive Christians and Trump critics doesn't mean it is directed at Trump-supporting Evangelicals. "This document is not aimed at anyone," he told CP. "This document is a call to put Christ first in all our public engagement. I think that I, as a pastor, don't use the language of ... aimed at this or aimed at that; I think that's political language, not pastoral language. And I'm not a politician; I'm a pastor. And so I try to eschew phrases like 'this is aimed at.'" Salguero called the statement a "Gospel-centered, biblical call to ... engage in the public sphere with respect, with the spirit of Christ, with the tone of Christ and with the truth of Scripture" that is "balancing grace and truth without being uncivil, without name-calling, without being [harsh] to people who may disagree with us or who we may disagree with." "It's not aimed at anyone," he reiterated. "It's a call to the Church to remember that we engage in the public sphere in the spirit of Christ and with the teachings of Jesus." "We call people from every part of the political spectrum to respect and love each other," he added. Salguero said he has both Democrats and Republicans in his congregation and family. "There are Republicans and Democrats who I think if they read the confession closely would be fine in saying, 'Hey, this is about having the Gospel as a primary allegiance,'" he said. The 'authority that belongs to Christ' The declaration begins by acknowledging the "moment of social conflict and political division" the United States is in and contains several references to Scripture. The first conviction proclaims, "We give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone." "We affirm that Jesus Christ is God's son and the only head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)," the confession states. "No political ideology or earthly authority can claim the authority that belongs to Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). We reaffirm our dedication to his Gospel which stands apart from any partisan agenda. God is clear that he will not share his glory with any other (Isaiah 42:8)." "Our worship belongs to him alone (Exodus 20:3-4), because our true hope is not in any party, leader, movement, or nation, but in the promise of Christ's return when he will renew the world and reign over all things (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)," the confession continues. "We reject the false teaching that anyone other than Jesus Christ has been anointed by God as our Savior, or that a Christian's loyalty should belong to any political party." "We reject any message that promotes devotion to a human leader or that wraps divine worship around partisanship," they wrote. Vowing to "lead with love, not fear," the second conviction asserts that "Unlike the false security promised by political idolatry and its messengers, the perfect love of God drives away all fear (1 John 4:18)." The signatories "reject the stoking of fears and the use of threats as an illegitimate form of godly motivation" and repudiate "the use of violence to achieve political goals as incongruent with the way of Christ." "We submit to the truth of Scripture," the third conviction states. "To lie about others, including political opponents, is a sin (Exodus 20:16)." The statement also opposes the "misuse of holy Scripture to sanction a single political agenda, provoke hatred, or sow social divisions, and we believe that using God's name to promote misinformation or lies for personal or political gain is bearing his name in vain (Exodus 20:7)." The confession expresses confidence that "the Gospel heals every worldly division." The leaders condemned "any attempt to divide the Church, which is the body of Christ, along partisan, ethnic, or national boundaries" and characterized "any message that says it is God's desire for the human family to be perpetually segregated by race, culture, or ethnicity" as "a rejection of the Gospel." The declaration includes a commitment to "the prophetic mission of the Church," which affirms that "Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), therefore the Church necessarily stands apart from earthly political powers so that it may speak prophetically to all people, the society, and governing authorities." The Church's role in public engagement The confession also highlights the Church's obligation to engage in "public life with humility, integrity, and a commitment to the common good as defined by our faith in Christ (Romans 12:18)." "We reject both the call for the Church to withdraw from societal issues out of fear of political contamination, as well as any attempt to distort the Church into a mere vehicle of political or social power," the statement adds. The sixth conviction indirectly signals support for the pro-life cause: "We value every person as created in God's image." The signatories agreed that "Our faith in Christ, therefore, compels us to act with love and mercy toward all from the very beginning of life to the very end, and honor everyone as an image-bearer of God regardless of age, ability, identity, political beliefs, or affiliations (John 13:34-35)." Salguero shared his belief that Christians should speak into policy and politics, "but we should stay clear of hyperpartisanship or political idolatry." He doesn't believe that pastors should say to parishioners, "This is God's candidate." "So I think from issues of pro-life to religious liberty to ... how we treat the poor, how we treat children, to how we look at education ... the list is long. I think Scripture has something to say about that, and I think it should be Gospel-informed. So the Gospel informs how we see policy and how we see platforms from all the candidates, but I think the Gospel is clear that God ... does not endorse candidates." Recognized 'by their character' The final pillar included in the confession maintains that "godly leaders" will be recognized "by their character." Affirming that "the character of both our political and spiritual leaders matter," the signatories said that the faithful had an obligation to "evaluate leaders based on their actions and the fruit of their character and not merely their promises or political success (Matthew 7:15-20)." "When any leader claims to have God's approval, whether in the Church or in politics, we will not confuse effectiveness for faithfulness, but carefully discern who is truly from God (1 John 4:1). We reject the lie that a leader's power, popularity, or political effectiveness is confirmation of God's power, or that Christians are permitted to ignore the teachings of Christ to protect themselves with worldly power." Salguero asserted, "You can vote for someone who's flawed; everyone is flawed." At the same time, he believes, "We can't defend things that are wrong in the name of hyperpartisanship." "Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, if the candidate does something contrary to Scripture, we need to hold that candidate accountable. We cannot have blind allegiance to political candidates. ... We vote, we are scripturally informed, but not blind allegiance." The leaders' declaration comes as some faith leaders have voiced their support or opposition to a political candidate or party. For example, in a video shared on social media last week, Pastor Jack Hibbs of the California-based Calvary Chapel Chino Hills urged Christians not to support Democrats in the 2024 presidential election, referring to the party as a "death cult" because of its support for legal abortion. In 2022, Pastor Jamal Bryant of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta criticized Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker from the pulpit and encouraged his congregation to vote for Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. Bryant claimed "white men" have been telling Walker what to do and that Georgia needs a "runner," not a "walker." Bryant chastised rapper Kanye West in 2019 from the pulpit for endorsing Trump. Originally published by the Christian Post. 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: EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager hailed the rulings as a 'big win for European citizens' The EU's top court on Tuesday delivered two major victories in the bloc's battle to rein in tech giants by ruling against Apple and Google in separate legal sagas with billions of euros at stake. The decisions give a boost to the bloc's outgoing competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, who had suffered a series of setbacks in EU courts against her decisions. Putting an end to a long-running legal battle, the European Court of Justice ruled that the iPhone maker must pay 13 billion euros ($14.3 billion) in back-taxes to Ireland. "Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover," the court said in a statement. Minutes later, the court also upheld a 2.4-billion-euro fine against Google, one of a string of high-profile EU competition cases targeting the tech giant. The court dismissed an appeal by Google against the 2017 fine, slapped on the search engine for abusing its dominant position by favoring its own comparison shopping service. Apple said later on Tuesday in a US securities filing that it would take up to a $10 billion earnings hit. The figure will not make much of a dent in a company that saw global sales of $383 billion and net profit of $97 billion in the year to September 2023. 'Disappointed' Vestager hailed the rulings as a "big win for European citizens and for tax justice" and warned the EU would "continue to push" and "go after" abuses of dominance. "I was ready to face the loss. It was the win that made me cry," an emotional Vestager told reporters in Brussels. Apple and Google said they were "disappointed" by the decisions. Ireland, which is home to Apple's EU headquarters and had challenged Brussels' position, said it would "respect" the court's findings. One of the most bitter legal battles between the European Commission and big tech, the Apple case dates back to 2016 when the EU's executive arm claimed Ireland allowed the iPhone maker to avoid billions of euros in taxes. By the commission's calculations, Dublin allowed Apple to pay a tax rate of one percent of its European profits in 2003 which then dropped to 0.005 percent by 2014. Sweetheart tax arrangements It was one of several investigations over the previous decade into sweetheart tax arrangements between major companies and several EU countries. But Apple on Tuesday said there was no "special deal". "We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate," the company said in a statement. The ruling is a blow for Apple as the iPhone maker had gained the upper hand in the Ireland case in 2020, when the EU's General Court annulled the order for it to pay the taxes owed. Following an appeal by Brussels, the legal adviser of the higher European Court of Justice in November recommended scrapping the 2020 decision, saying it was peppered with legal errors. The top court, which could have sent the case back to the lower court, decided to rule that Apple should pay the back-taxes. The conclusion to the case spelled relief for Brussels, which has faced difficulties defending its tax enforcement moves in recent years, with previous cases lost against Amazon and Starbucks. Vestager admitted she was "positively surprised" by the decision but warned "there is still an occurrence of massive profit shifting into low tax territories". She will be replaced later this year when the new European Commission takes office, and advised her successor to "make this one of many necessary priorities". Google's vice tightening The EU fine against Google was one of several record penalties imposed for violating EU competition rules, totalling around eight billion euros between 2017 and 2019. "We are disappointed," Google said. "We made changes back in 2017 to comply with the European Commission's decision." Google faces yet another test next week when the top EU court will decide on the smallest of those fines, worth around 1.49 billion euros. Legal headaches for Google are also mounting across the Atlantic. A trial began on Monday in the United States where the government accuses Google of dominating online advertising and stifling competition. It comes after a US judge ruled last month that Google maintained a monopoly with its search engine. Google's so-called ad techthe system that decides which online adverts people see and how much they costis an area of particular concern for regulators worldwide. Brussels last year accused Google of abusing its dominance of the online ad market and recommended the US company sell part of its ad services to ensure fair competition. 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: Graphical abstract. Credit: Matter (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2024.07.018 Phase separation, when molecules part like oil and water, works alongside oxygen diffusion to help memristorselectrical components that store information using electrical resistanceretain information even after the power is shut off, according to a University of Michigan led study recently published in Matter. Up to this point, explanations have not fully grasped how memristors retain information without a power source, known as nonvolatile memory, because models and experiments do not match up. "While experiments have shown devices can retain information for over 10 years, the models used in the community show that information can only be retained for a few hours," said Jingxian Li, U-M doctoral graduate of materials science and engineering and first author of the study. To better understand the underlying phenomenon driving nonvolatile memristor memory, the researchers focused on a device known as resistive random access memory or RRAM, an alternative to the volatile RAM used in classical computing, and the findings are particularly promising for energy-efficient artificial intelligence applications. The specific RRAM studied, a filament-type valence change memory (VCM), sandwiches an insulating tantalum oxide layer between two platinum electrodes. When a certain voltage is applied to the platinum electrodes, a conductive filament forms a tantalum ion bridge passing through the insulator to the electrodes, which allows electricity to flow, putting the cell in a low resistance state representing a "1" in binary code. If a different voltage is applied, the filament is dissolved as returning oxygen atoms react with the tantalum ions, "rusting" the conductive bridge and returning to a high resistance state, representing a binary code of "0." It was once thought that RRAM retains information over time because oxygen is too slow to diffuse back. However, a series of experiments revealed that previous models had neglected the role of phase separation. "In these devices, oxygen ions prefer to be away from the filament and will never diffuse back, even after an indefinite period of time. This process is analogous to how a mixture of water and oil will not mix, no matter how much time we wait, because they have lower energy in a de-mixed state," said Yiyang Li, U-M assistant professor of materials science and engineering and senior author of the study. To test retention time, the researchers sped up experiments by increasing the temperature. One hour at 250C is equivalent to about 100 years at 85Cthe typical temperature of a computer chip. Using the extremely high-resolution imaging of atomic force microscopy, the researchers imaged filaments, which measure only about five nanometers or 20 atoms wide, forming within the one micron wide RRAM device. "We were surprised that we could find the filament in the device. It's like finding a needle in a haystack," Li said. The research team found that different sized filaments yielded different retention behavior. Filaments smaller than about 5 nanometers dissolved over time, whereas filaments larger than 5 nanometers strengthened over time. The size-based difference cannot be explained by diffusion alone. Together, experimental results and models incorporating thermodynamic principles showed the formation and stability of conductive filaments depend on phase separation. The research team leveraged phase separation to extend memory retention from one day to well over 10 years in a rad-hard memory chipa memory device built to withstand radiation exposure for use in space exploration. Other applications include in-memory computing for more energy efficient AI applications or memory devices for electronic skina stretchable electronic interface designed to mimic the sensory capabilities of human skin. Also known as e-skin, this material could be used to provide sensory feedback to prosthetic limbs, create new wearable fitness trackers or help robots develop tactile sensing for delicate tasks. "We hope that our findings can inspire new ways to use phase separation to create information storage devices," Li said. Researchers at Ford Research, Dearborn; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; University at Albany; NY CREATES; Sandia National Laboratories; and Arizona State University, Tempe contributed to this study. The device was built at the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility and studied at the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization. More information: Jingxian Li et al, Thermodynamic origin of nonvolatility in resistive memory, Matter (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2024.07.018 Journal information: Matter Colruyt Group (OTCMKTS:CUYTY Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $13.15 and last traded at $13.15, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.15. Colruyt Group Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The firms fifty day moving average is $12.37 and its 200-day moving average is $11.95. About Colruyt Group (Get Free Report) Colruyt Group N.V., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail, wholesale, food service, and other activities in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail, Wholesale and Foodservice, and Other Activities. The company provides groceries, fresh products, dry products, and frozen and non-food products; and operates CNG, hydrogen filling, and charging stations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Colruyt Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colruyt Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Greencore Group plc (OTCMKTS:GNCGY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $8.70 and last traded at $8.70, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $8.70. Greencore Group Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.79. The firms 50 day moving average is $8.67 and its 200 day moving average is $7.11. About Greencore Group (Get Free Report) Greencore Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells convenience food products in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company offers sandwiches, salads, sushi, chilled snacking, chilled ready meals, chilled soups and sauces, chilled quiche, ambient sauces and pickles, and frozen Yorkshire Puddings. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Greencore Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greencore Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The enterprise software provider reported $1.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.33 by $0.06, Briefing.com reports. Oracle had a net margin of 19.76% and a return on equity of 223.01%. The business had revenue of $13.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.23 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.95 EPS. Oracles quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Oracle updated its Q2 guidance to $1.45-1.49 EPS. Oracle Stock Performance Oracle stock opened at $139.91 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.25, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.71. The company has a market capitalization of $385.57 billion, a PE ratio of 37.71, a P/E/G ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $138.65 and a 200-day moving average price of $128.82. Oracle has a fifty-two week low of $99.26 and a fifty-two week high of $146.59. Get Oracle alerts: Oracle Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 24th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.14%. Oracles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.13%. Analyst Ratings Changes ORCL has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. KeyCorp increased their target price on Oracle from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $125.00 price target on shares of Oracle in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Oracle from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $150.00 target price on shares of Oracle in a report on Friday, July 12th. Finally, Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $175.00 price target on shares of Oracle in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Oracle presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $146.30. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Oracle Insider Buying and Selling at Oracle In related news, Director Jeffrey Berg sold 22,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.12, for a total transaction of $3,220,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 210,712 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,157,101.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Oracle news, insider Edward Screven sold 37,221 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $140.19, for a total transaction of $5,218,011.99. Following the sale, the insider now owns 2,626,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $368,246,045.16. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Jeffrey Berg sold 22,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $143.12, for a total transaction of $3,220,200.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 210,712 shares in the company, valued at $30,157,101.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 1,862,500 shares of company stock valued at $266,776,624 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 42.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Oracle Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ORCL. Werlinich Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Oracle by 3.1% during the second quarter. Werlinich Asset Management LLC now owns 2,325 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $326,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Oracle by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC now owns 2,869 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $405,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Invst LLC grew its holdings in Oracle by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Invst LLC now owns 3,372 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $482,000 after buying an additional 79 shares during the period. ERn Financial LLC grew its holdings in Oracle by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. ERn Financial LLC now owns 12,911 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,823,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the period. Finally, Key Financial Inc increased its stake in shares of Oracle by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 6,600 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $932,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. 42.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Oracle Company Profile (Get Free Report) Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. purchased a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 444 shares of the investment management companys stock, valued at approximately $201,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of GS. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,903,374,000. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,120,119,000. AMF Tjanstepension AB boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,102.4% during the 2nd quarter. AMF Tjanstepension AB now owns 810,836 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $366,780,000 after acquiring an additional 743,402 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 27.0% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,184,196 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $842,597,000 after acquiring an additional 464,954 shares during the period. Finally, Verity & Verity LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 26,378.2% during the 1st quarter. Verity & Verity LLC now owns 407,764 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $170,000 after acquiring an additional 406,224 shares during the period. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total value of $5,050,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 12,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,287,748. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 4,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 12,981,022 shares of the companys stock, valued at $82,299,679.48. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total value of $5,050,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,287,748. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 4,013,500 shares of company stock valued at $32,181,365. 0.54% of the stock is owned by company insiders. The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 3.6 % Shares of NYSE:GS traded down $17.81 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $470.76. The companys stock had a trading volume of 317,858 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,252,299. The firm has a market capitalization of $151.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.08, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.36. 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 firm has a 50 day moving average price of $489.83 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $449.31. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $289.36 and a fifty-two week high of $517.26. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 15th. The investment management company reported $8.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.52 by $0.10. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 10.56% and a net margin of 9.36%. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.60 billion. As a group, analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 35.49 earnings per share for the current 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. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.55%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is 46.86%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently weighed in on GS. Citigroup lifted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $460.00 to $485.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $559.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Seaport Res Ptn cut The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $500.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $496.44. Get Our Latest Research Report on GS The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) had its price objective increased by CIBC from C$116.00 to C$120.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on shares of 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. Canaccord Genuity Group cut their target price on Bank of Montreal from C$135.00 to C$130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Desjardins lowered their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$125.00 to C$120.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. TD Securities downgraded Bank of Montreal from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from C$130.00 to C$114.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, Scotiabank cut shares of Bank of Montreal from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lowered their target price for the company from C$123.00 to C$112.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$121.29. Get Bank of Montreal alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on BMO Bank of Montreal Stock Up 0.8 % Bank of Montreal Announces Dividend BMO stock opened at C$112.60 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of C$115.66 and a 200 day moving average of C$121.79. Bank of Montreal has a twelve month low of C$102.67 and a twelve month high of C$133.95. The firm has a market cap of C$82.13 billion, a PE ratio of 12.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.15. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 30th will be issued a $1.55 dividend. This represents a $6.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.51%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 30th. Bank of Montreals dividend payout ratio is 71.35%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Senior Officer Steven Lloyd Tennyson sold 7,908 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$112.16, for a total value of C$886,977.10. 0.03% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Bank of Montreal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The company's personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products. Featured Stories 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. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) had its target price upped by CIBC from C$68.00 to C$78.00 in a research report report published on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. BNS has been the subject of several other reports. Cormark dropped their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$68.00 to C$65.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$65.00 to C$69.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. UBS Group set a C$67.00 target price on Bank of Nova Scotia and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. National Bankshares reduced their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$67.00 to C$66.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$69.00 to C$71.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$67.92. Get Bank of Nova Scotia alerts: View Our Latest Report on Bank of Nova Scotia Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Performance Bank of Nova Scotia Announces Dividend The businesss fifty day moving average is C$64.30 and its 200-day moving average is C$65.08. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 1-year low of C$55.20 and a 1-year high of C$70.40. The stock has a market cap of C$86.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.96. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 29th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 2nd will be paid a $1.06 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 2nd. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of . Bank of Nova Scotias payout ratio is currently 74.26%. About Bank of Nova Scotia (Get Free Report) The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beam Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 12,396 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,203,000. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vawter Financial Ltd. raised its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Bank Hapoalim BM increased its stake in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 106 shares during the period. CGN Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 0.4% during the first quarter. CGN Advisors LLC now owns 25,898 shares of the companys stock worth $2,536,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the period. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 44.8% during the 1st quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 346 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Advisors Inc. now owns 6,458 shares of the companys stock valued at $627,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. 83.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1 % AGG stock opened at $101.34 on Tuesday. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $91.58 and a fifty-two week high of $101.60. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $99.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $97.69. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Profile IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Recommended Stories 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. B&M European Value Retail S.A. (OTCMKTS:BMRRY Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $21.64 and last traded at $21.72, with a volume of 8522 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $22.16. B&M European Value Retail Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $23.21 and a 200 day simple moving average of $25.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 1.32. About B&M European Value Retail (Get Free Report) B&M European Value Retail SA operates general merchandise and grocery stores. The company operates a chain of stores under the B&M, Heron Foods, and B&M Express in the United Kingdom; and stores under the B&M brand in France. It also provides property management services. The company was founded in 1978 and is based in Munsbach, Luxembourg. Read More Receive News & Ratings for B&M European Value Retail Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B&M European Value Retail and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC. boosted its holdings in Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG Free Report) by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 6,665 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the quarter. Everest Group makes up approximately 1.1% of Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC.s holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC.s holdings in Everest Group were worth $2,427,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Truist Financial Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Everest Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $450,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Everest Group in the 4th quarter worth $35,000. National Bank of Canada FI bought a new stake in shares of Everest Group in the 4th quarter worth about $3,080,000. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Everest Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $488,000. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas bought a new position in shares of Everest Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $7,982,000. Institutional investors own 92.64% of the companys stock. Get Everest Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Bank of America upped their price objective on Everest Group from $470.00 to $493.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their target price 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. Barclays initiated coverage on Everest Group in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an overweight rating and a $527.00 price target for the company. TD Cowen cut their price objective on Everest Group from $419.00 to $405.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and set a $403.00 target price on shares of Everest Group in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Everest Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $438.09. Everest Group Price Performance EG opened at $387.02 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $16.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.75, a PEG ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a current ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Everest Group, Ltd. has a 12-month low of $343.76 and a 12-month high of $417.92. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $379.43 and its 200-day simple moving average is $379.05. Everest Group (NYSE:EG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $16.85 earnings per share 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 business had revenue of $4.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.32 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $15.21 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 15.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Everest Group, Ltd. will post 61.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Everest Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $2.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $8.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.07%. Everest Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 11.89%. Everest Group Company 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG Free Report). 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. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC. lowered its position in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report) by 20.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,645 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 419 shares during the quarter. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC.s holdings in Visa were worth $439,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Visa during the 4th quarter worth about $3,895,015,000. National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in shares of Visa by 787.1% during the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,619,881 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $1,296,820,000 after acquiring an additional 4,099,122 shares during the last quarter. Swedbank AB purchased a new stake in shares of Visa in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $511,321,000. GQG Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Visa by 40.1% in the 1st quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 5,990,634 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $1,671,866,000 after acquiring an additional 1,715,686 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado boosted its position in shares of Visa by 14,306.3% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,500,270 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $390,595,000 after purchasing an additional 1,489,856 shares during the period. 82.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Visa alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Visa In related news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 8,620 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $276.37, for a total value of $2,382,309.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 538 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $148,687.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In V has been the topic of a number of research reports. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and set a $297.00 price target (down from $305.00) on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. TD Cowen decreased their target price on Visa from $320.00 to $318.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Citigroup dropped their target price on Visa from $321.00 to $319.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Visa from $335.00 to $330.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised shares of Visa from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $325.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $309.54. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on V Visa Trading Up 2.2 % V opened at $285.61 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 1.37. Visa Inc. has a one year low of $227.78 and a one year high of $290.96. The company has a market cap of $520.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.91, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.96. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $266.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is $273.12. Visa (NYSE:V Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The credit-card processor reported $2.42 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $2.42. The company had revenue of $8.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.92 billion. Visa had a net margin of 54.72% and a return on equity of 51.94%. The firms revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.16 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Visa Inc. will post 9.92 EPS for the current fiscal year. Visa Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, August 9th were given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.73%. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 23.24%. Visa Company Profile (Free Report) Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding V? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. British Land Company PLC (LON:BLND Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the seven research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is GBX 404 ($5.28). Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on BLND shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of British Land in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of British Land in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of British Land in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Berenberg Bank boosted their price target on British Land from GBX 469 ($6.13) to GBX 500 ($6.54) and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 7th. Get British Land alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BLND British Land Stock Performance Insider Transactions at British Land The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 407.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 398.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 45.09, a current ratio of 0.59 and a quick ratio of 0.25. The stock has a market cap of 4.04 billion, a PE ratio of -335.97, a P/E/G ratio of 6.76 and a beta of 1.55. In related news, insider Irvinder Goodhew purchased 3,504 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 10th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 412 ($5.39) per share, for a total transaction of 14,436.48 ($18,878.62). In the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 3,613 shares of company stock worth $1,488,767. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About British Land (Get Free Report Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Campuses and Retail & London Urban Logistics assets throughout the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.0bn (British Land share: 8.9bn) as at 31 March 2023 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for British Land Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British Land and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Hold from the nine brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $7.25. Several analysts recently issued reports on RIG shares. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and set a $8.00 price target on shares of Transocean in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded Transocean to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Finally, DNB Markets upgraded Transocean from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Get Transocean alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on RIG Insider Buying and Selling Hedge Funds Weigh In On Transocean In other news, Director (Cyprus) Ltd Perestroika purchased 2,000,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $5.23 per share, with a total value of $10,460,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 89,574,894 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $468,476,695.62. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . 13.16% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC raised its position in Transocean by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC now owns 96,150 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock worth $604,000 after purchasing an additional 1,600 shares during the last quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Transocean by 5.2% during the first quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. now owns 33,257 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock worth $209,000 after acquiring an additional 1,650 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Transocean by 8.6% in the first quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 22,237 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock worth $140,000 after acquiring an additional 1,767 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in Transocean by 138.8% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 4,633 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 2,693 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its position in Transocean by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 27,714 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock valued at $176,000 after purchasing an additional 2,743 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.73% of the companys stock. Transocean Price Performance Transocean stock opened at $4.16 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $3.64 billion, a PE ratio of -8.00 and a beta of 2.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $5.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.49. Transocean has a one year low of $4.07 and a one year high of $8.88. Transocean (NYSE:RIG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The offshore drilling services provider reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $861.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $862.25 million. Transocean had a negative return on equity of 4.76% and a negative net margin of 11.34%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.15) EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Transocean will post -0.19 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Transocean (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc. lowered its position in shares of Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN Free Report) by 4.7% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 711,874 shares of the companys stock after selling 34,967 shares during the quarter. Brookfield makes up about 4.3% of Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 3rd largest holding. Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Brookfield were worth $29,571,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. increased its position in Brookfield by 105.0% in the 2nd quarter. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. now owns 228,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,502,000 after acquiring an additional 116,993 shares during the period. Choreo LLC increased its position in Brookfield by 80.7% during the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 33,931 shares of the companys stock worth $1,395,000 after purchasing an additional 15,153 shares during the period. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. increased its position in Brookfield by 35.4% during the 2nd quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. now owns 1,199,250 shares of the companys stock worth $49,856,000 after purchasing an additional 313,436 shares during the period. Caprock Group LLC acquired a new position in Brookfield during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $500,000. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC acquired a new position in Brookfield during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $56,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.60% of the companys stock. Get Brookfield alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. TD Securities boosted their price target on Brookfield from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on Brookfield from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Scotiabank upped their target price on Brookfield from $50.50 to $51.25 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Brookfield from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Brookfield from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.84. Brookfield Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of Brookfield stock opened at $47.42 on Tuesday. Brookfield Co. has a fifty-two week low of $28.84 and a fifty-two week high of $50.46. The firm has a market cap of $77.97 billion, a PE ratio of 77.33 and a beta of 1.53. The businesss fifty day moving average is $46.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $43.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. Brookfield (NYSE:BN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $1.35 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.57. The business had revenue of $23.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. Brookfield had a return on equity of 3.67% and a net margin of 1.13%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.75 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Brookfield Co. will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. Brookfield Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.67%. Brookfields payout ratio is 52.46%. Brookfield Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Choreo LLC raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 397.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 11,694 shares of the investment management companys stock after acquiring an additional 9,342 shares during the quarter. Choreo LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $5,411,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. First Personal Financial Services acquired a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. First United Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. POM Investment Strategies LLC acquired a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 106.3% in the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 66 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. raised its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 103.3% during the second quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 61 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.21% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance NYSE GS opened at $488.57 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. The firms fifty day moving average price is $489.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $449.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $157.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.36. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $289.36 and a 1 year high of $517.26. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 15th. The investment management company reported $8.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.52 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.60 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 10.56% and a net margin of 9.36%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 35.49 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared 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 a boost from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 46.86%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the companys 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 transaction, the insider now owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,119,949.05. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 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 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 sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total transaction of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 4,013,500 shares of company stock worth $32,181,365 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes GS has been the subject of several research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $464.00 to $472.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $493.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. 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 report on Thursday, June 27th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on 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. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $475.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $496.44. Read Our Latest Report on The Goldman Sachs Group The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in 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. Choreo LLC grew its stake in MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report) by 321.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 58,222 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 44,402 shares during the period. Choreo LLCs holdings in MetLife were worth $4,069,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in MET. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of MetLife in the 4th quarter valued at $558,460,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in MetLife by 3.4% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 59,622,348 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,418,612,000 after purchasing an additional 1,974,268 shares in the last quarter. Swedbank AB acquired a new position in shares of MetLife during the first quarter valued at about $131,456,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of MetLife by 7,837.0% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,129,353 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $79,250,000 after purchasing an additional 1,115,124 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of MetLife by 20.9% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,053,851 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $268,090,000 after buying an additional 700,788 shares during the period. 89.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get MetLife alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have commented on MET shares. Argus raised their price objective on MetLife from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of MetLife from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of MetLife from $99.00 to $96.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on MetLife from $86.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of MetLife from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $84.54. MetLife Stock Up 1.9 % MET opened at $75.48 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $73.44 and its 200 day simple moving average is $72.15. MetLife, Inc. has a 52 week low of $57.91 and a 52 week high of $79.34. The stock has a market cap of $53.68 billion, a PE ratio of 25.94, a P/E/G ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.04. MetLife (NYSE:MET Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $2.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.13 by $0.15. MetLife had a return on equity of 21.41% and a net margin of 4.23%. The company had revenue of $17.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.57 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.94 EPS. MetLifes quarterly revenue was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that MetLife, Inc. will post 8.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. MetLife Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 6th will be given a $0.545 dividend. This represents a $2.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 6th. MetLifes payout ratio is presently 74.91%. MetLife Profile (Free Report) MetLife, Inc, a financial services company, provides insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management services worldwide. It operates through six segments: Retirement and Income Solutions; Group Benefits; Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and MetLife Holdings. The company offers life, dental, group short-and long-term disability, individual disability, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, vision, and accident and health coverages, as well as prepaid legal plans; administrative services-only arrangements to employers; and general and separate account, and synthetic guaranteed interest contracts, as well as private floating rate funding agreements. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The J.K. Spruce plant, left, is seen from the entrance to the CPS Energy's Calaveras Power Station in early 2018. Bob Owen/Staff file photo CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza speaks on a panel about energy hosted by the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce at the Witte Museum on Aug. 29. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News CPS Energy is ready to nail down the principles that will guide it for the next 25 years. The city-owned utilitys board began discussions Monday on what it calls its Horizon 2050 plan. Already, CPS has pledged to reach net neutral carbon emissions by that year. Now, the utilitys leaders are mapping out how theyll get there. Weve got a 2050 decarbonization goal as a community, CPS President and CEO Rudy Garza said. I think you have to create a long term strategy that at least allows you a chance to, every now and then, come back to it to make sure that youre on track. Any utility that is trying to think about the future is working on the long-range right now. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plan CPS is operating under now took a shorter view. It adopted its Vision 2027 plan in 2023 as a five-year strategy that set objectives for reducing carbon emissions. Adopted in the wake of deadly blackouts in early 2021, it prioritized a more diverse generation mix including solar and battery storage. It also began a process to shutter aging gas-powered units at the Braunig Power Station next year and two J.K. Spruce coal plants by 2028. But as they work to keep up with a fast-changing landscape amid the transition from fossil fuels to more renewable sources, CPS said Monday, longer-term plans are needed. Chief Strategy Officer Elaina Ball said utilities across the globe already have the kind of multidecade plans CPS now is looking to adopt but those plans come with an understood flexibility. If you were to look back 24 months ago, large-load AI machine learning wasnt fully on very many, if anyones, radar, she said, referring to how utilitys responses to handling demand have changed. So the intent with this framework is that it will be living and that risks and changes that do come up in the future will be incorporated and reviewed in light of the objectives we ultimately decide on. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Mondays special session, CPS gathered trustees input on the 2050 plan as a step toward launching a months-long effort to collect feedback from residential customers, businesses and city leaders. Arguing over coal Trustee John Steen began his remarks by discussing Vision 2027. His was the lone no vote against its plan to shutter coal plants. One of those, Spruce 1, was built in 1992, with the expectation it would run more than 55 years. Steen has voiced his concerns about the financial losses CPS could face by closing the plant long before originally planned. Fundamentally, what were contending with here is the financial shock, more specifically a utility bill shock to our retail customers from climate related transition costs, he said, referring to the likelihood of more rate increases to pay for the shift to cleaner energy. CPS energy is planning to put a lot of hardship on itself and its customers in order to meet climate goals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Steen pushed the board to reconsider its generation planning but none of the members present showed signs of support. CPS has said the costs to keep the Spruce plant in operation could top $200 million to meet federal emission standards costs that werent in the plan when it was built. Steen requested an analysis showing those costs weighed against the loss of cutting the plants original life expectancy by 20 years. It is a risk mitigation issue from a regulatory standpoint on why it makes sense, regardless of whether youre for coal or against coal, that has absolutely nothing to do with where were going, Garza said. I have plants on the ground today that next year we may not be able to run. He also reminded trustees that San Antonio and Bexar County might soon have tougher ozone-related emission standards to uphold if the federal government moves the regions pollution levels to serious when theyre measured later this month. That could limit when CPS is allowed to run its coal and gas plants, which produce emissions that can be harmful to human health and cause climate change. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The states grid operator hasnt incentivized batteries or solar farms but those sources are still leading generation growth in San Antonio and across the state. Thats because they can be built more quickly and at less expense than traditional power plants. Definitions The market is going to continue to see increased adoption of lower-cost technologies, Ball said in response to the back-and-forth over the coal plants. As were diversifying our resources, were looking at them not only in how theyre being rewarded today but how we expect them to be rewarded tomorrow. As solar generation continues to grow, it is likely to suppress wholesale market prices. Thats likely to reduce the profitability of base-load units such as coal plants. This is as much an economic discussion as it is a political discussion, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trustee Francine Romero said CPS leaders should be mindful of phrasing they use while crafting a mission statement and goals for Vision 2050. As an example, she discussed the use of the term cleaner energy. While some see natural gas as cleaner than some other sources, she pointed out that not all share that view. Whether you love it or dont love it, we have to make sure we all agree on the description of these goals, Romero said. Choreo LLC grew its stake in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 70.6% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 18,597 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,695 shares during the period. Choreo LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $4,344,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ITW. PEAK6 Investments LLC raised its position in Illinois Tool Works by 17.5% in the first quarter. PEAK6 Investments LLC now owns 942 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $253,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the period. GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the first quarter valued at $1,147,000. Norden Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 1,889.1% in the 1st quarter. Norden Group LLC now owns 26,475 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,103,000 after buying an additional 25,144 shares during the period. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 6.0% during the 4th quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 213,106 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $55,821,000 after acquiring an additional 12,065 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. grew its position in Illinois Tool Works by 78.3% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 36,921 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $9,907,000 after acquiring an additional 16,216 shares in the last quarter. 79.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Insider Transactions at Illinois Tool Works In other news, Director David Byron Smith, Jr. bought 775 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $238.82 per share, with a total value of $185,085.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 121,506 shares in the company, valued at $29,018,062.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ITW has been the subject of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $267.00 to $270.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $268.00 to $260.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $251.00 to $246.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 19th. StockNews.com lowered Illinois Tool Works from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $275.00 to $240.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $250.22. Get Our Latest Report on ITW Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 1.3 % NYSE:ITW opened at $246.77 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.30. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $217.50 and a 1 year high of $271.15. The stock has a market cap of $73.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.34, a P/E/G ratio of 3.88 and a beta of 1.10. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $243.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of $248.66. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.15% and a return on equity of 99.74%. The company had revenue of $4.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.08 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.41 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This is an increase from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is currently 55.23%. Illinois Tool Works Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW Get Free Report) insider Chris Carney acquired 94 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 159 ($2.08) per share, with a total value of 149.46 ($195.45). Chris Carney also recently made the following trade(s): Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: On Thursday, August 8th, Chris Carney bought 98 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 154 ($2.01) per share, for a total transaction of 150.92 ($197.36). On Monday, July 8th, Chris Carney purchased 97 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 154 ($2.01) per share, with a total value of 149.38 ($195.34). Taylor Wimpey Price Performance LON TW traded up GBX 0.50 ($0.01) on Tuesday, reaching GBX 159.20 ($2.08). The company had a trading volume of 8,033,065 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,409,451. The stock has a market capitalization of 5.64 billion, a PE ratio of 2,274.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.81. Taylor Wimpey plc has a 12 month low of GBX 102.25 ($1.34) and a 12 month high of GBX 166.40 ($2.18). The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 5.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79. The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 157.37 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 146.62. Taylor Wimpey Increases Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 10th will be given a GBX 4.80 ($0.06) dividend. This is an increase from Taylor Wimpeys previous dividend of $4.79. This represents a dividend yield of 3.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 10th. Taylor Wimpeys payout ratio is currently 14,285.71%. Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 175 ($2.29) price objective on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an overweight rating and issued a GBX 150 ($1.96) price objective on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Taylor Wimpey Taylor Wimpey Company Profile (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DIFTY Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $32.54 and last traded at $31.34, with a volume of 1461 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $30.54. Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. Stock Up 2.6 % The companys 50 day simple moving average is $28.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $27.65. About Daito Trust Construction Co.,Ltd. (Get Free Report) Daito Trust Construction Co,Ltd. designs, constructs, and rents apartments and condominiums in Japan. It operates through three segments: Construction, Real Estate, and Finance. The company design and construct rental housing and other structure construction; ironwork and construction; building management and renovation, and whole building leasing; rental housing tenant guarantor services; advertising; and LP gas supply businesses. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Daito Trust Construction Co.Ltd. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Daito Trust Construction Co.Ltd. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. (NYSE:REXR Free Report) by 52.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,210,795 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 417,037 shares during the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. owned approximately 0.55% of Rexford Industrial Realty worth $53,990,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 2.3% during the first quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 9,165 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $461,000 after buying an additional 210 shares during the period. Securian Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 17,815 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $999,000 after purchasing an additional 330 shares during the last quarter. Inspire Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 4.9% in the 1st quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 7,126 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $358,000 after purchasing an additional 331 shares in the last quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 14,641 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $653,000 after purchasing an additional 337 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 46,066 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,054,000 after purchasing an additional 345 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.52% of the companys stock. Get Rexford Industrial Realty alerts: Insider Activity at Rexford Industrial Realty In other Rexford Industrial Realty news, CEO Howard Schwimmer sold 30,358 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.86, for a total transaction of $1,483,291.88. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 50,673 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,475,882.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. Rexford Industrial Realty Stock Up 1.1 % Rexford Industrial Realty stock opened at $49.89 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.77, a PEG ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a current ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $49.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $47.71. Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. has a twelve month low of $41.56 and a twelve month high of $58.02. Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:REXR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by ($0.21). The firm had revenue of $237.60 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $227.70 million. Rexford Industrial Realty had a net margin of 30.71% and a return on equity of 3.31%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 21.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.54 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current year. Rexford Industrial Realty Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.4175 per share. This is a boost from Rexford Industrial Realtys previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.67 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. Rexford Industrial Realtys dividend payout ratio is currently 153.21%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have issued reports on REXR shares. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Rexford Industrial Realty from $66.00 to $61.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Rexford Industrial Realty from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Rexford Industrial Realty from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Rexford Industrial Realty from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Scotiabank increased their target price on shares of Rexford Industrial Realty from $51.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $54.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Rexford Industrial Realty Rexford Industrial Realty Profile (Free Report) Rexford Industrial creates value by investing in, operating and redeveloping industrial properties throughout infill Southern California, the world's fourth largest industrial market and consistently the highest-demand with lowest-supply major market in the nation. The Company's highly differentiated strategy enables internal and external growth opportunities through its proprietary value creation and asset management capabilities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Rexford Industrial Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rexford Industrial Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Susquehanna began coverage on shares of Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat reports. The firm set a neutral rating and a $120.00 price target on the technology companys stock. Susquehannas target price indicates a potential upside of 13.30% from the stocks previous close. A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on DELL. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $142.00 to $136.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Dell Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Fox Advisors upgraded Dell Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen 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 price target of $135.75. Get Dell Technologies alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Dell Technologies Dell Technologies Price Performance Dell Technologies stock opened at $105.91 on Tuesday. Dell Technologies has a fifty-two week low of $63.90 and a fifty-two week high of $179.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $75.12 billion, a PE ratio of 21.61, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.90. The companys 50-day moving average is $116.50 and its 200-day moving average is $123.78. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 29th. The technology company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.40. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 182.71% and a net margin of 4.32%. The firm had revenue of $25.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.14 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.44 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Dell Technologies will post 6.9 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Dell Technologies In other news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 389,189 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.79, for a total transaction of $61,799,321.31. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 731,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $116,172,669.48. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Dell Technologies news, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 1,205,052 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $131.96, for a total transaction of $159,018,661.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 26,725,566 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,526,705,689.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 389,189 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.79, for a total transaction of $61,799,321.31. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 731,612 shares in the company, valued at $116,172,669.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 5,561,455 shares of company stock valued at $762,858,509 in the last ninety days. 46.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Dell Technologies A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 1.4% in the second quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 5,959 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $822,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its holdings in Dell Technologies by 58.2% in the first quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 223 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the period. J.P. Marvel Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Dell Technologies by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. J.P. Marvel Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,887 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,242,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the period. Kathmere Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 2.2% in the second quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 4,607 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $635,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Front Row Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 35.8% during the second quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 391 shares of the technology companys stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 38.10% of the companys stock. About Dell Technologies (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bronte Capital Management Pty Ltd. grew its holdings in Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) by 31.7% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 326,594 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 78,535 shares during the period. Discover Financial Services comprises approximately 3.5% of Bronte Capital Management Pty Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Bronte Capital Management Pty Ltd.s holdings in Discover Financial Services were worth $42,722,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Partnership Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Discover Financial Services in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Discover Financial Services during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its holdings in Discover Financial Services by 72.5% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 226 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its position in Discover Financial Services by 348.2% during the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 251 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 195 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Riverview Trust Co purchased a new stake in Discover Financial Services during the 1st quarter worth $34,000. 86.94% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Discover Financial Services alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently weighed in on DFS. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Discover Financial Services from $115.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Discover Financial Services from $140.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Discover Financial Services from $132.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on Discover Financial Services from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on Discover Financial Services from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $132.94. Discover Financial Services Stock Performance Shares of DFS stock opened at $133.33 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.12. The company has a market capitalization of $33.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.20, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.42. Discover Financial Services has a 52 week low of $79.04 and a 52 week high of $147.61. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $134.06 and a 200 day simple moving average of $127.83. Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $6.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.06 by $3.00. The company had revenue of $4.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.18 billion. Discover Financial Services had a return on equity of 20.92% and a net margin of 12.88%. Discover Financial Servicess revenue was up 17.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.54 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Discover Financial Services will post 12.87 earnings per share for the current year. Discover Financial Services Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 22nd were paid a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 22nd. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.10%. Discover Financial Servicess payout ratio is 31.93%. About Discover Financial Services (Free Report) Discover Financial Services, through its subsidiaries, provides digital banking products and services, and payment services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Digital Banking and Payment Services. The Digital Banking segment offers Discover-branded credit cards to individuals; private student loans, personal loans, home loans, and other consumer lending; and direct-to-consumer deposit products comprising savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA certificates of deposit, IRA savings accounts and checking accounts, and sweep accounts. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DFS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Discover Financial Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Discover Financial Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE:FMS Free Report) in a report issued on Friday morning. The brokerage issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Separately, Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Fresenius Medical Care from $24.00 to $22.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Fresenius Medical Care has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $22.00. Get Fresenius Medical Care alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FMS Fresenius Medical Care Price Performance NYSE:FMS opened at $19.88 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $19.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $19.85. Fresenius Medical Care has a 52-week low of $16.37 and a 52-week high of $23.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.46. The company has a market cap of $11.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.90. Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.38. Fresenius Medical Care had a return on equity of 5.48% and a net margin of 2.72%. The company had revenue of $5.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.28 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Fresenius Medical Care will post 1.51 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fresenius Medical Care A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FMS. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV increased its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 4.5% in the second quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 14,581 shares of the companys stock valued at $278,000 after purchasing an additional 624 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Fresenius Medical Care by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 8,713 shares of the companys stock worth $166,000 after buying an additional 672 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Fresenius Medical Care by 21.8% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 4,230 shares of the companys stock valued at $82,000 after buying an additional 758 shares during the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management raised its holdings in Fresenius Medical Care by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 36,901 shares of the companys stock valued at $704,000 after acquiring an additional 895 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in Fresenius Medical Care by 6.7% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 18,067 shares of the companys stock worth $345,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.25% of the companys stock. Fresenius Medical Care Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fresenius Medical Care AG provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fresenius Medical Care Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresenius Medical Care and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A Get Free Report) shares dropped 17.4% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $7.21 and last traded at $7.21. Approximately 3,117 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 43% from the average daily volume of 2,185 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.73. Gray Television Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $714.78 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -72.75 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a current ratio of 1.63. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $8.05. Get Gray Television alerts: Gray Television (NYSE:GTN.A Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $826.00 million during the quarter. Gray Television had a net margin of 1.84% and a return on equity of 3.02%. Gray Television Announces Dividend Gray Television Company Profile The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.44%. Gray Televisions dividend payout ratio is presently -266.67%. (Get Free Report) Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gray Television Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gray Television and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SIR Capital Management L.P. lessened its stake in Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX Free Report) by 44.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 500,930 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 397,650 shares during the period. SIR Capital Management L.P.s holdings in Helix Energy Solutions Group were worth $5,981,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HLX. CWM LLC grew its stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 10.4% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 9,043 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $108,000 after acquiring an additional 850 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 3.0% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 40,535 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $484,000 after acquiring an additional 1,187 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 24.0% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 6,379 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $76,000 after acquiring an additional 1,236 shares in the last quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 10.2% in the first quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 15,039 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $163,000 after acquiring an additional 1,391 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Texas Permanent School Fund Corp grew its stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 1.3% in the first quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 123,987 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,344,000 after acquiring an additional 1,606 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.33% of the companys stock. Get Helix Energy Solutions Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Diana Glassman sold 2,864 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.49, for a total value of $30,043.36. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 42,133 shares of the companys stock, valued at $441,975.17. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 6.37% of the companys stock. Helix Energy Solutions Group Stock Performance Shares of HLX stock opened at $9.61 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 2.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $11.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.99. The company has a market cap of $1.46 billion, a P/E ratio of -45.76 and a beta of 2.42. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $8.82 and a 12 month high of $13.05. Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The oil and gas company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $364.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $353.19 million. Helix Energy Solutions Group had a negative net margin of 0.49% and a positive return on equity of 4.35%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.11 earnings per share. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Check Out Our Latest Report on HLX Helix Energy Solutions Group Company Profile (Free Report) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, the East Coast of the United States, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through four segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, Production Facilities, and Shallow Water Abandonment segments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HLX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Free Report) in a research note released on Friday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage issued an equal weight rating and a $407.00 target price on the industrial products companys stock. Several other research analysts also recently weighed in on HUBB. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Hubbell from $383.00 to $385.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Hubbell from $384.00 to $368.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Hubbell from $397.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Hubbell from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $431.00 to $441.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, Stephens restated an overweight rating and set a $450.00 price objective on shares of Hubbell in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hubbell presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $404.88. Get Hubbell alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Hubbell Hubbell Trading Up 1.9 % NYSE:HUBB opened at $378.12 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $375.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $386.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.30 billion, a PE ratio of 28.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.90. Hubbell has a 12 month low of $248.37 and a 12 month high of $429.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.81 and a quick ratio of 1.13. Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The industrial products company reported $4.37 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Hubbell had a return on equity of 28.98% and a net margin of 13.14%. The companys revenue was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $4.07 EPS. Research analysts predict that Hubbell will post 16.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hubbell Announces 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 $1.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.29%. Hubbells dividend payout ratio is currently 36.39%. Insider Activity at Hubbell In other Hubbell news, CEO Gerben Bakker sold 15,677 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $374.34, for a total value of $5,868,528.18. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 66,415 shares in the company, valued at $24,861,791.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Hubbell news, Director Carlos M. Cardoso sold 450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $364.54, for a total value of $164,043.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,670 shares in the company, valued at $608,781.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Gerben Bakker sold 15,677 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $374.34, for a total value of $5,868,528.18. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 66,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $24,861,791.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.66% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hubbell A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HUBB. Nvwm LLC bought a new stake in shares of Hubbell during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Hubbell by 1,850.0% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 78 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. Principal Securities Inc. bought a new stake in Hubbell in the 4th quarter valued at $40,000. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of Hubbell in the second quarter valued at about $49,000. Finally, Riverview Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Hubbell in the 1st quarter worth approximately $52,000. 88.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Hubbell (Get Free Report) Hubbell Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells electrical and utility solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Electrical Solutions and Utility Solutions. The Electrical Solution segment offers standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, utilities, and telecommunications companies, as well as components and assemblies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ministerial meeting on China-Caribbean economic, trade cooperation to be held in Hainan Xinhua) 08:39, September 10, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A ministerial meeting of the fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum will be held in south China's island province of Hainan, China's commerce ministry announced on Monday. The meeting, scheduled to take place from Sept. 12 to 14, will focus on emerging sectors and discuss the new opportunities and patterns that green, low-carbon development and digital technologies have brought to China-Caribbean cooperation, according to ministry official Lin Feng. To facilitate economic and trade cooperation, the ministry has worked to ascertain the cooperation needs of enterprises on both sides ahead of time, and organized a special dialogue event for Caribbean ministers and Chinese enterprises, Lin told a press conference. By hosting the ministerial meeting in Hainan, a frontier region of China's opening-up, China also hopes to help Caribbean countries gain a better understanding of its opening-up policies, propelling deeper and high-quality cooperation between the two sides, Lin said. Delegations from 11 Caribbean countries will attend the meeting, as will the secretariat of the Caribbean Community, and a delegation from the government of Haiti will participate as an observer, according to the ministry. Established in 2004, the China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum has served as the highest-level economic and trade dialogue mechanism between the governments of China and Caribbean countries. Over the past 20 years, the forum has facilitated fruitful cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, human resources and health care. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The sun sets over SpaceXs Starbase facilities on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, near Brownsville, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Courtesy Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, second from right, applauds as Sebastian Garzon, Alamo Angels executive director, signs paperwork in May to establish the groups new chapter in the Rio Grande Valley. Courtesy Daniela Loera, BCIC Houston liquefied natural gas company NextDecade Corp. is working to build its Rio Grande LNG export terminal at the Port of Brownsville. The plant depicted in this rendering will produce up to 27 million metric tons of LNG for export per year. NextDecade Corp. A sign at SpaceXs Starbase site near Boca Chica Beach in Cameron County. Development there and in the region is boosting Brownsville, the citys mayor says. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News One of the first things Brownsville Mayor John Cowen did after his election in May 2023 was sign on to the South Texas Alliance of Cities that San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg helped launch last year. The alliance aims to align communities in advocacy for infrastructure investments and economic development projects, address shared problems and prepare for the growth that economists are predicting for the region. Cowen said he thinks the organization, which his predecessor Trey Mendez also had a hand in creating, will help Brownsville learn from other cities growing pains as the Rio Grande Valley region is expected to double in population over the next 25 years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last month, research published in the Economist magazine pegged Brownsville as leading the United States in upward economic mobility. And with SpaceX moving its headquarters to the area, development for export of liquefied natural gas, a busy seaport, more companies looking to nearshore work to Mexico and a growing community of entrepreneurs, Cowen said his role is to share those stories while doing what he can to accelerate the regions growth. And hes got a model in mind for the future of his region: San Antonio. That is eventually what the Valley is going to look like in terms of growth and development (the city) has experienced over the last 40 or 50 years, Cowen said in a recent interview. I think thats where were going. The Valley is growing into a metro area. New neighbor Growth in the Valley has come in stages. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The upper Valley has always benefited from people in the Monterrey (Mexico) region coming across the border for shopping and tourism, he said. Northern Mexico has been a driving factor in our economy. Recent investments in the Port of Brownsville and various multibillion-dollar projects including SpaceX, the commercial space company thats invested more than $3 billion in its Starbase operation near Boca Chica Beach, are steadily elevating the regions economic stature. The progress of such projects shows that the region has the workforce and resources to support big business, Cowen said. SpaceX is the areas highest-profile new neighbor. He called the company great partners with whom he shares open lines of communication and a productive and open relationship. While he hasnt met Elon Musk, SpaceXs CEO, he and the city manager meet regularly with Kathy Lueders, the longtime NASA engineer whos now general manager at Starbase, and Marisela Cortez, the facilitys external affairs representative. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company reached out after he was elected to meet for coffee monthly. They want to talk about whats going on with them but also their pain points, Cowen said. How Brownsville can help, but also how SpaceX can help Brownsville I really appreciate that relationship because it is a symbiotic relationship. As an example, he pointed to the Musk foundations infusion of $10 million to redevelop downtown Brownsville in March 2021 after a Starship prototype exploded over Starbase. It ignited development in the city, Cowen said. If you go downtown now, youll see a variety of historic buildings that have been activated or reactivated, and just innovative, vibrant new restaurants and coffee shops, and we have a bookstore, he said. Its really great to see the life thats being brought into downtown. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Talks are ongoing about future projects SpaceX may be able to help the city with. Concerns Cowen described community sentiment toward SpaceX and its desire to launch more Starships each year as very positive. Residents also are pleased with development of the areas LNG industry. With regard to both projects, I do recognize and appreciate the environmental concern and the disruption of the day-to-day life we used to have down here, he said. When you have a changing city, a growing city, you know its not staying the same. The companies are committed to mitigating their impact on residents and the environment, but concerns remain. It is a delicate balance to ensure that things are being done the right way, Cowen said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Environmental concerns have led to several lawsuits against SpaceX over its operations effects at Boca Chica Beach. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently fined the company $3,750 for illegally discharging wastewater into surrounding wetlands without a permit. Some observers see it as a continuation of local and state officials history of permissiveness with the company. Cowen disagrees. SpaceX has to comply with all federal and state laws, and I think their intention is to, obviously, comply as well, he said. They have to work through those issues with those agencies, and my hope is that theyre able to come to a resolution on finding a path forward that complies with all environmental regulations. Growth trajectory Cowen planned to visit San Antonio last month with a delegation of Valley businesspeople who attended an Alamo Angels pitch event. The San Antonio-based investor network opened a chapter in Brownsville in May, and the visit was a step toward its development. A short-notice roundtable with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn about the regions water issues scuttled Cowen's travel plans, but he sees the new relationship with San Antonio-area investors as a big win. I think the No. 1 barrier for entrepreneurs down here is access to capital, and having a well-seasoned firm like Alamo Angels is going to be a huge asset for us moving forward, he said. Our traditional banking system is not set up to support the entrepreneurship community. As business grows in the Valley, so too are investments in hospitality and recreation. Cowen said Brownsville now has six hotels in development. Among them is an Embassy Suites that will have a Starship launch viewing area on its roof. We are expanding our zoo as well, and thats a big project, he said. Theres just a lot of great things happening. With economists calling San Antonio and South Texas the future of America, Nirenberg said he thinks the region, and especially the Valley, is starting to garner its proper weight in the political landscape. The South Texas Alliance of Cities as an important venue to continue advocacy for the region, he said, and federal and state officials past inattentiveness to the region is giving way to a new interest in it. Hutchinson Capital Management CA lifted its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 0.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 175,974 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 384 shares during the period. Novo Nordisk A/S comprises approximately 5.1% of Hutchinson Capital Management CAs investment portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest holding. Hutchinson Capital Management CAs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $25,119,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC. raised its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 2.3% in the second quarter. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC. now owns 15,642 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,233,000 after buying an additional 355 shares during the period. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. bought a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter worth about $2,036,000. Choreo LLC boosted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 1,133.5% in the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 44,738 shares of the companys stock worth $6,495,000 after buying an additional 41,111 shares during the period. Wedbush Securities Inc. grew its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 100,827 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,392,000 after buying an additional 1,481 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fox Hill Wealth Management raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Fox Hill Wealth Management now owns 28,438 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,059,000 after acquiring an additional 118 shares during the period. 11.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently commented on NVO. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $160.00 price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Monday. Argus raised their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $156.00 price target on the stock. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $145.17. Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of NVO opened at $131.93 on Tuesday. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1-year low of $86.96 and a 1-year high of $148.15. The company has a market capitalization of $592.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.42. 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 firms 50 day simple moving average is $134.52 and its 200 day simple moving average is $132.68. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate 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 for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.91 billion. Sell-side analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were given a dividend of $0.5126 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.83%. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (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. Featured 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. Independence Realty Trust (NYSE:IRT Get Free Report) had its target price hoisted by equities researchers at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $18.00 to $22.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts target price would suggest a potential upside of 9.51% from the companys previous close. A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on IRT. BTIG Research lifted their price target on shares of Independence Realty Trust from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. JMP Securities boosted their target price on Independence Realty Trust from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, KeyCorp raised their price objective on shares of Independence Realty Trust from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $19.57. Get Independence Realty Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Independence Realty Trust Independence Realty Trust Trading Up 1.6 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On Independence Realty Trust Independence Realty Trust stock traded up $0.31 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $20.09. 1,367,588 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,314,022. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $19.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.48. Independence Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $11.61 and a fifty-two week high of $20.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -670.11, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 1.17. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IRT. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Independence Realty Trust in the second quarter valued at $25,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Independence Realty Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Independence Realty Trust during the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Independence Realty Trust by 146.6% during the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,833 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 1,684 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Independence Realty Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $64,000. 88.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Independence Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Independence Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: IRT) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily communities, across non-gateway U.S. markets including Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Oklahoma City, OK, Nashville, TN, Houston, TX, and Tampa, FL. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Independence Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Independence Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Los Andes Copper Ltd. (CVE:LA Get Free Report) insider Resource Capital Fund VI L.P. sold 2,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$8.66, for a total transaction of C$22,510.02. Los Andes Copper Price Performance Shares of CVE:LA traded down C$0.04 during trading on Tuesday, reaching C$8.51. The company had a trading volume of 5,490 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,818. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$8.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$9.95. The stock has a market capitalization of C$251.22 million, a P/E ratio of 40.71 and a beta of 0.83. Los Andes Copper Ltd. has a 12 month low of C$7.78 and a 12 month high of C$13.00. The company has a current ratio of 33.13, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.14. Get Los Andes Copper alerts: Los Andes Copper (CVE:LA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 27th. The company reported C$0.04 EPS for the quarter. Equities research analysts forecast that Los Andes Copper Ltd. will post 0.02975 earnings per share for the current year. About Los Andes Copper Los Andes Copper Ltd. acquires, explores, and develops copper deposits in Latin America. It operates through Mineral Exploration and Hydroelectric Project segments. The company holds a 100% interest in the Vizcachitas copper, molybdenum, and silver porphyry project located north of Santiago, Region V, Chile. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Los Andes Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Los Andes Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSEARCA:EWW Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $50.84 and last traded at $50.99, with a volume of 203605 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $51.74. iShares MSCI Mexico ETF Stock Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $55.99 and a 200-day moving average price of $61.69. The stock has a market cap of $1.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.53 and a beta of 0.87. Get iShares MSCI Mexico ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Mexico ETF Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF during the second quarter valued at $387,000. Creekside Partners purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Mexico ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $399,000. Truist Financial Corp boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 9,416 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $533,000 after buying an additional 179 shares during the period. Point72 Asset Management L.P. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $566,000. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Mexico ETF by 4,737.1% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,693 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $96,000 after acquiring an additional 1,658 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Mexico ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Mexico Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Mexico Capped Investable Market Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Mexico ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Mexico ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lane & Associates LLC lifted its holdings in shares of General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:GD Free Report) by 9.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 1,655 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 137 shares during the period. Lane & Associates LLCs holdings in General Dynamics were worth $480,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in General Dynamics during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of General Dynamics during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. American Capital Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of General Dynamics during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of General Dynamics in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, New Covenant Trust Company N.A. bought a new position in shares of General Dynamics in the first quarter valued at $29,000. Institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Get General Dynamics alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have issued reports on GD. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $320.00 price target on shares of General Dynamics in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $310.00 to $325.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. BTIG Research assumed coverage on General Dynamics in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. They set a buy rating and a $345.00 price target on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of General Dynamics in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on General Dynamics from $290.00 to $302.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 23rd. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, General Dynamics currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $315.06. General Dynamics Price Performance Shares of General Dynamics stock opened at $301.56 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $82.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.61. General Dynamics Co. has a twelve month low of $214.53 and a twelve month high of $303.10. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $291.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $289.30. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The aerospace company reported $3.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.30 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $11.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.46 billion. General Dynamics had a net margin of 7.89% and a return on equity of 16.74%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.70 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that General Dynamics Co. will post 14.52 EPS for the current year. General Dynamics Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 11th will be given a dividend of $1.42 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 11th. This represents a $5.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.88%. General Dynamicss payout ratio is 46.33%. About General Dynamics (Free Report) General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:GD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LGT Group Foundation decreased its holdings in Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SHG Free Report) by 2.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 31,968 shares of the banks stock after selling 893 shares during the quarter. LGT Group Foundations holdings in Shinhan Financial Group were worth $1,113,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Caprock Group LLC lifted its stake in Shinhan Financial Group by 2.1% during the second quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 13,785 shares of the banks stock worth $480,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Shinhan Financial Group by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 19,063 shares of the banks stock valued at $587,000 after buying an additional 527 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC grew its position in Shinhan Financial Group by 1.5% in the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 36,655 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,301,000 after acquiring an additional 545 shares during the period. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Shinhan Financial Group by 25.2% during the first quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,886 shares of the banks stock worth $103,000 after acquiring an additional 581 shares in the last quarter. Finally, QRG Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 4.3% during the second quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 15,173 shares of the banks stock valued at $528,000 after acquiring an additional 629 shares during the period. 7.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Shinhan Financial Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Shinhan Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Shinhan Financial Group Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:SHG opened at $42.29 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. The firm has a market cap of $21.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.92. Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. has a 12 month low of $25.09 and a 12 month high of $46.05. The companys 50-day moving average price is $40.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.36. Shinhan Financial Group (NYSE:SHG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The bank reported $1.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.78 by $0.19. Shinhan Financial Group had a net margin of 12.23% and a return on equity of 7.16%. The business had revenue of $3.25 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. will post 6.22 EPS for the current fiscal year. Shinhan Financial Group Profile (Free Report) Shinhan Financial Group Co, Ltd. provides financial products and services in South Korea and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Banking, Credit Card, Securities, Insurance, Credit, and Others. It offers retail banking services, including demand, savings, and fixed deposit-taking; checking accounts; mortgage and home equity, and retail lending; electronic banking and automatic teller machines (ATM); and bill paying, payroll and check-cashing, currency exchange, and wire fund transfer services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Shinhan Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shinhan Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. lowered its stake in shares of Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RYAN Free Report) by 1.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 656,939 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,430 shares during the period. Mawer Investment Management Ltd.s holdings in Ryan Specialty were worth $38,043,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Ryan Specialty by 96.4% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 605 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 297 shares in the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ryan Specialty during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Intelligent Financial Strategies acquired a new position in shares of Ryan Specialty during the 1st quarter worth approximately $44,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Ryan Specialty during the 1st quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, Rothschild Investment LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ryan Specialty during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $87,000. Institutional investors own 84.82% of the companys stock. Get Ryan Specialty alerts: Ryan Specialty Stock Performance Shares of NYSE RYAN opened at $63.87 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $61.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.48. Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. has a one year low of $41.49 and a one year high of $69.03. The firm has a market cap of $16.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 120.51, a P/E/G ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.62. Ryan Specialty Dividend Announcement Ryan Specialty ( NYSE:RYAN Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $0.58 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $695.40 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $695.56 million. Ryan Specialty had a return on equity of 48.08% and a net margin of 10.21%. The companys revenue was up 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.45 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. will post 1.81 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 13th were given a dividend of $0.11 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $0.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.69%. Ryan Specialtys payout ratio is 83.02%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently weighed in on RYAN. Barclays began coverage on Ryan Specialty in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an overweight rating and a $76.00 target price on the stock. Bank of America began coverage on Ryan Specialty in a report on Wednesday, May 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $67.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Ryan Specialty from $54.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Ryan Specialty from $58.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued an outperform rating and set a $62.00 target price on shares of Ryan Specialty in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $63.40. Get Our Latest Report on Ryan Specialty Insider Activity In related news, Director Nicholas Dominic Cortezi sold 5,375 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.73, for a total transaction of $347,923.75. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 2,685 shares in the company, valued at approximately $173,800.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Ryan Specialty news, Director Nicholas Dominic Cortezi sold 5,375 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.73, for a total value of $347,923.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,685 shares in the company, valued at $173,800.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, President Timothy William Turner sold 2,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.45, for a total value of $124,900,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now owns 8,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at $505,532.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 2,107,136 shares of company stock worth $131,860,032. 11.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Ryan Specialty (Free Report) Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc operates as a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents, and carriers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Singapore. It offers distribution, underwriting, product development, administration, and risk management services by acting as a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RYAN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RYAN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ryan Specialty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ryan Specialty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. (NYSE:MCB Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $49.70, but opened at $48.69. Metropolitan Bank shares last traded at $48.40, with a volume of 9,691 shares changing hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on MCB shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated an outperform rating and set a $67.50 target price (up previously from $55.00) on shares of Metropolitan Bank in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Metropolitan Bank from $55.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Get Metropolitan Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Metropolitan Bank Metropolitan Bank Trading Down 2.9 % The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $48.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $42.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $540.25 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.19 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Metropolitan Bank (NYSE:MCB Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The company reported $1.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $121.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $68.02 million. Metropolitan Bank had a return on equity of 10.47% and a net margin of 15.22%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.37 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. will post 6.03 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at Metropolitan Bank In other Metropolitan Bank news, CEO Mark R. Defazio sold 34,986 shares of Metropolitan Bank stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.34, for a total value of $1,936,125.24. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 181,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,028,050.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Metropolitan Bank news, CEO Mark R. Defazio sold 34,986 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.34, for a total transaction of $1,936,125.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 181,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,028,050.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Scott Lublin sold 1,005 shares of Metropolitan Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.11, for a total transaction of $55,385.55. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 57,077 shares in the company, valued at $3,145,513.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 6.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Metropolitan Bank Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Metropolitan Bank by 70.1% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 784 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 323 shares during the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Metropolitan Bank by 2.0% in the second quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 18,270 shares of the companys stock valued at $769,000 after acquiring an additional 367 shares during the last quarter. Point72 DIFC Ltd bought a new position in shares of Metropolitan Bank in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Salzhauer Michael increased its stake in shares of Metropolitan Bank by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Salzhauer Michael now owns 38,100 shares of the companys stock worth $1,604,000 after purchasing an additional 842 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cox Capital Mgt LLC raised its holdings in shares of Metropolitan Bank by 11.9% in the 1st quarter. Cox Capital Mgt LLC now owns 11,395 shares of the companys stock valued at $439,000 after purchasing an additional 1,214 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 79.83% of the companys stock. Metropolitan Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Metropolitan Commercial Bank that provides a range of business, commercial, and retail banking products and services to small businesses, middle-market enterprises, public entities, and individuals in the New York metropolitan area. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Metropolitan Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Metropolitan Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) rose 3.2% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $334.72 and last traded at $333.99. Approximately 170,070 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average daily volume of 493,083 shares. The stock had previously closed at $323.72. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MOH has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on Molina Healthcare in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They issued an outperform rating and a $405.00 price target on the stock. Baird R W raised Molina Healthcare to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. TD Cowen cut their price target on Molina Healthcare from $412.00 to $351.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Truist Financial cut their price target on Molina Healthcare from $440.00 to $400.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Stephens reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $320.00 price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $378.00. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Molina Healthcare Molina Healthcare Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $324.98 and a 200-day simple moving average of $345.60. The stock has a market cap of $19.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.04, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a current ratio of 1.57. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $5.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.73 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $9.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.75 billion. Molina Healthcare had a return on equity of 28.09% and a net margin of 2.84%. Molina Healthcares revenue for the quarter was up 18.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $5.65 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 23.5 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 393 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $346.52, for a total value of $136,182.36. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 9,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,282,583.96. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Molina Healthcare news, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 393 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $346.52, for a total transaction of $136,182.36. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 9,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,282,583.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $339.21, for a total transaction of $339,210.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 18,025 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,114,260.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Molina Healthcare Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MOH. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 516.4% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 10,238 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,206,000 after buying an additional 8,577 shares during the period. BlackBarn Capital Partners LP bought a new position in shares of Molina Healthcare during the 4th quarter worth about $15,139,000. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S boosted its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 69.5% during the 1st quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 11,809 shares of the companys stock worth $4,851,000 after purchasing an additional 4,840 shares in the last quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 76.4% during the 4th quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 27,301 shares of the companys stock worth $9,864,000 after purchasing an additional 11,820 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,208 shares of the companys stock worth $1,159,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.50% of the companys stock. Molina Healthcare Company Profile (Get Free Report) Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Free Report) in a report issued on Friday morning, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage issued an overweight rating and a $425.00 price objective on the stock. A number of other brokerages have also commented on TT. Stephens reissued an equal weight rating and set a $350.00 price target on shares of Trane Technologies in a report on Monday, August 5th. Robert W. Baird increased their target price 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. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $330.00 to $375.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $310.00 to $315.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Barclays boosted 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. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $337.29. Get Trane Technologies alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Trane Technologies Trane Technologies Stock Performance Shares of Trane Technologies stock opened at $345.30 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 1 year low of $184.02 and a 1 year high of $363.15. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $338.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $320.77. The firm has a market cap of $77.92 billion, a PE ratio of 36.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.01. Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.08 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $5.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.13 billion. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 33.97% and a net margin of 12.33%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.68 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Trane Technologies will post 10.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $328.65, for a total transaction of $593,213.25. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 83,517 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,447,862.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 29,450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were 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 $42,708,902.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of the businesss 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. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Trane Technologies Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in TT. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Trane Technologies by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,887,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,670,032,000 after buying an additional 174,251 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 0.5% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 17,393,733 shares of the companys stock worth $5,221,599,000 after purchasing an additional 80,536 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Trane Technologies during the 4th quarter worth about $655,804,000. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,176,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $530,870,000 after purchasing an additional 11,930 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in Trane Technologies by 17.3% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,655,459 shares of the companys stock valued at $403,766,000 after buying an additional 243,996 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock. 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. Read More 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. Visionworks is moving its headquarters from downtown San Antonio to the citys North Side. Rye Druzin The ailing downtown office market, which has struggled to rebound in the wake of the pandemic, is taking another blow: More than a decade after moving its headquarters to the city center, Visionworks of America Inc. is heading back to the North Side. Its not alone. Accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers is also leaving downtown for the North Side. Visionworks, a national eyewear retailer, is vacating more than 150,000 square feet in the IBC Centre complex at 175 E. Houston St. and downsizing to 30,000 square feet in an office building at 19100 Ridgewood Parkway near Stone Oak. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like many companies who transitioned part of their workforce to a remote model, we no longer need as much office space as we have today, a Visionworks spokesperson said. Given that, the Visionworks headquarters will move to a smaller space in San Antonio at the end of this year, optimized for onsite and hybrid employees. It originally leased space at the IBC Centre in 2011 and received subsidies to expand there from its former location in Castle Hills. Another former IBC Centre tenant, specialty insurer Argo Group International Holdings Ltd., moved out of 85,000 square feet in 2022 and took slightly more than 25,000 square feet in the Soto building at 711 Broadway. PricewaterhouseCoopers, known as PwC, is moving out of 12,000 square feet at the Burns building at the corner of East Houston and Jefferson Streets, where its had an office since 2018. The company is relocating to Concord Plaza at 7850 Jones Maltsberger Road at the end of the year. Through discussions with staff, it became clear that our team desired a centrally located office that is closer to our clients, a spokesperson said. We also wanted a new space that helps us attract and retain top talent while showcasing the unique culture and strong sense of community that defines PwC San Antonio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Downtowns place Downtown makes up a nearly 6 million-square-foot sliver of the roughly 46 million square feet of offices in the metropolitan area. The vacancy rate in the city center is 24.3%, higher than the 16.6% rate across the suburbs, where large tenants have also moved out or reduced their footprints since the pandemic, according to commercial real estate firm Partners. Visionworks is a somewhat of an outlier in that the company is a large tenant that is moving out rather than staying put and downsizing, said Steve Triolet, senior vice president of research and market forecasting at Partners. Its a floor here, its a floor there, Triolet said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another large tenant, USAA, vacated about 565,000 square feet between One Riverwalk Place and 300 Convent St. at the end of 2022 as it adjusted to post-pandemic needs. Both buildings have remained about two-thirds empty. The University of Texas at San Antonio is buying the nearly 265,000-square-foot One Riverwalk Place building and fill it with academic departments and support services, and Amegy Bank plans to lease around 40,000 square feet of the 538,000-square-foot 300 Convent building. Coworking operators are filling some of downtowns empty space. A Venture X franchise is slated to take 15,804 square feet at 500 Navarro St., with construction beginning in September and concluding in December, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Venture X as well as Office Evolution and Intelligent Office are among the brands owned by West Palm Beach, Fla.-based Vast Coworking Group, which is owned by United Franchise Group. Neither Venture X nor the Odom Organization, which owns a majority interest in the building, responded to inquiries. About two blocks north, Common Desk, a coworking company owned by New York-based WeWork, opened a nearly 20,000-square-foot location in the Travis Park Plaza office building this past spring. Geekdom, a locally-owned coworking outfit, expanded its space at 110 E. Houston St. from 50,000 square feet to 62,000 square feet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad International Workforce Group, or IWG, owns the Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature coworking brands and has two locations downtown, including one at One Riverwalk Place. Farther north near Pearl, the Swiss company plans to open another location totaling nearly 10,000 square feet in a building at 2018 Avenue B. Theres about 50,000 square feet of coworking space downtown, which is seeing a lot of the growth among such operators, Triolet said. Still, that inventory pales in comparison to the North and Northeast sides, where theres about 250,000 square feet of coworking space across various suburban neighborhoods. Some of the interest in flexible options may be coming from tenants who delayed leasing decisions because of uncertainty about the future of hybrid work after the pandemic. If their lease is coming due and they have to make a choice quickly, they usually want the space to be ready to move into, which has benefited coworking operators as well as companies seeking to sublease space, Triolet said. Other cities Despite the move-outs, he said vacancy in San Antonio isnt as pronounced as in Dallas, Houston and Austin, where rates are above 20%. Those cities have more office space particularly new, upscale options and rents are higher. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By comparison, few office buildings have been constructed in San Antonio in recent years. In the wake of the pandemic, some companies have flocked to the newest, fanciest offices near amenities such as restaurants and coffee shops as they try to convince employees to return to their desks. Its a pattern dubbed flight to quality. Murray Income Trust PLC (LON:MUT Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 658.10 ($8.61) and last traded at GBX 857 ($11.21), with a volume of 169933 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 860 ($11.25). Murray Income Trust Stock Down 0.1 % The company has a market cap of 919.56 million, a PE ratio of 1,193.06 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.60, a current ratio of 2.92 and a quick ratio of 3.64. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 872.91 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 858.03. Get Murray Income Trust alerts: Murray Income Trust Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a GBX 10 ($0.13) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a yield of 1.12%. This is a positive change from Murray Income Trusts previous dividend of $9.50. Murray Income Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 5,694.44%. Murray Income Trust Company Profile Murray Income Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited. It is co-managed by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Murray Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murray Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bankshares set a C$19.00 target price on Perpetua Resources (TSE:PPTA Free Report) in a report released on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Perpetua Resources Stock Performance Shares of PPTA stock opened at C$11.67 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$9.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$8.06. The company has a market capitalization of C$753.88 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -41.68, a P/E/G ratio of -0.66 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 3.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Perpetua Resources has a 1-year low of C$3.65 and a 1-year high of C$13.10. Get Perpetua Resources alerts: About Perpetua Resources (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Perpetua Resources Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, and antimony deposits. Its principal asset is the 100% owned Stibnite Gold project, which includes 1,672 unpatented lode claims, mill sites, and patented land holdings covering an area of approximately 11,548 hectares located in Valley County, Idaho. Receive News & Ratings for Perpetua Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Perpetua Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the fifteen analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, five have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $71.50. OXY has been the topic of several research reports. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $69.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 24th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $68.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Susquehanna reduced their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $81.00 to $78.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. UBS Group increased their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $67.00 to $65.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 12th. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Occidental Petroleum Occidental Petroleum Stock Up 0.3 % Occidental Petroleum stock opened at $52.19 on Thursday. Occidental Petroleum has a fifty-two week low of $51.79 and a fifty-two week high of $71.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.26 billion, a PE ratio of 14.26 and a beta of 1.58. The companys 50-day moving average is $58.75 and its 200-day moving average is $61.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.75. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $6.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.93 billion. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 17.91% and a net margin of 16.62%. The businesss revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.68 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Occidental Petroleum will post 3.66 earnings per share for the current year. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.69%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio is presently 24.04%. Insider Transactions at Occidental Petroleum In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Petroleum Corp /De/ Occidental sold 19,500,000 shares of Occidental Petroleum stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.75, for a total value of $697,125,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 165,681,578 shares in the company, valued at $5,923,116,413.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 334,461 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 17th. The shares were bought at an average price of $59.75 per share, with a total value of $19,984,044.75. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 255,281,524 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,253,071,059. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Petroleum Corp /De/ Occidental sold 19,500,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.75, for a total value of $697,125,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 165,681,578 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,923,116,413.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders acquired 2,161,013 shares of company stock valued at $129,356,749. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in OXY. Berkshire Hathaway Inc grew its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 8.7% during the 4th quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 243,715,804 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $14,552,271,000 after acquiring an additional 19,586,612 shares during the last quarter. Himalaya Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Occidental Petroleum in the second quarter valued at $92,433,000. Clean Energy Transition LLP bought a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the 1st quarter worth $67,601,000. Sarasin & Partners LLP acquired a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the 2nd quarter worth about $63,880,000. Finally, Scharf Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,744,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.70% of the companys stock. About Occidental Petroleum (Get Free Report Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rubrik (NYSE:RBRK Get Free Report) had its price objective decreased by equities researchers at Wells Fargo & Company from $42.00 to $40.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential upside of 33.65% from the stocks previous close. RBRK has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Baird R W raised shares of Rubrik to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Robert W. Baird assumed coverage on Rubrik in a report on Monday, July 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $42.00 price objective for the company. Cibc World Mkts upgraded Rubrik to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st. Mizuho assumed coverage on Rubrik in a research report on Monday, May 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $46.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Rubrik from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $44.50. Get Rubrik alerts: View Our Latest Report on Rubrik Rubrik Stock Performance NYSE:RBRK traded down $2.13 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $29.93. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,347,243 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,093,927. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $33.46. Rubrik has a 12-month low of $28.34 and a 12-month high of $40.00. Rubrik (NYSE:RBRK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, June 11th. The company reported ($11.47) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($10.88) by ($0.59). The firm had revenue of $187.32 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $171.60 million. As a group, research analysts predict that Rubrik will post -7.7 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Rubrik Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Register Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Rubrik in the second quarter worth about $227,000. Zweig DiMenna Associates LLC purchased a new position in Rubrik in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $6,730,000. EFG Asset Management North America Corp. purchased a new position in Rubrik in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $925,000. ARK Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Rubrik in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $6,043,000. Finally, Cisco Systems Inc. purchased a new stake in Rubrik during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $5,613,000. Rubrik Company Profile (Get Free Report) Rubrik, Inc provides data security solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. The company offers enterprise data protection, unstructured data protection, cloud data protection, and SaaS data protection solutions; data threat analytics; data security posture; and cyber recovery solutions. It serves financial, retail, trade, transportation, energy, industrial, healthcare and life science, education, technology, media, communications, and public sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Rubrik Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rubrik and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SIR Capital Management L.P. grew its holdings in NOV Inc. (NYSE:NOV Free Report) by 29.9% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 654,000 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 150,400 shares during the quarter. SIR Capital Management L.P.s holdings in NOV were worth $12,433,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Pzena Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of NOV by 0.3% during the second quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 35,175,886 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $668,694,000 after acquiring an additional 103,238 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in NOV by 67.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 9,928,911 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $188,749,000 after buying an additional 3,989,095 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. boosted its stake in NOV by 769.1% in the 4th quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 6,166,061 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $125,048,000 after purchasing an additional 5,456,581 shares during the period. Boston Partners acquired a new position in shares of NOV during the first quarter worth about $119,686,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its stake in shares of NOV by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,883,885 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $75,813,000 after acquiring an additional 42,717 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.27% of the companys stock. Get NOV alerts: NOV Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:NOV opened at $16.23 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $18.21 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $18.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.52, a PEG ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 1.67. NOV Inc. has a 12-month low of $16.20 and a 12-month high of $21.71. The company has a current ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. NOV Announces Dividend NOV ( NYSE:NOV Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.57 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $2.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. NOV had a net margin of 11.88% and a return on equity of 10.97%. The firms revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.39 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that NOV Inc. will post 1.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.075 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.85%. NOVs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 12.05%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on NOV shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $24.00 price objective on shares of NOV in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of NOV to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Benchmark reissued a hold rating on shares of NOV in a report on Friday, July 26th. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on shares of NOV from $22.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of NOV from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, eight have issued 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 target price of $24.58. Get Our Latest Analysis on NOV NOV Company Profile (Free Report) NOV Inc designs, constructs, manufactures, and sells systems, components, and products for oil and gas drilling and production, and industrial and renewable energy sectors in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Energy Equipment, and Energy Products and Services. The company provides solids control and waste management equipment and services, managed pressure drilling, drilling fluids, premium drillpipe, wired pipe, drilling optimization services, tubular inspection and coating services, instrumentation, downhole tools, and drill bits. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NOV Inc. (NYSE:NOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NOV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NOV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skeena Resources (TSE:SKE Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$15.00 to C$17.00 in a research report issued on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective points to a potential upside of 60.53% from the companys current price. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on SKE. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on Skeena Resources from C$17.00 to C$17.25 in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Scotiabank raised their target price on Skeena Resources from C$12.00 to C$13.50 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Desjardins raised their target price on Skeena Resources from C$19.75 to C$20.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Skeena Resources from C$18.00 to C$20.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$16.96. Get Skeena Resources alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Skeena Resources Skeena Resources Stock Performance SKE stock traded up C$0.28 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching C$10.59. The stock had a trading volume of 84,188 shares, compared to its average volume of 328,887. The stock has a market cap of C$1.13 billion, a PE ratio of -6.90 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.23, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a current ratio of 2.88. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$9.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$7.29. Skeena Resources has a 52-week low of C$4.20 and a 52-week high of C$11.52. Skeena Resources (TSE:SKE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported C($0.38) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C($0.08) by C($0.30). As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Skeena Resources will post -0.4862973 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Senior Officer Justin Reed Himmelright sold 8,000 shares of Skeena Resources stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$8.52, for a total value of C$68,136.00. 1.51% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Skeena Resources (Get Free Report) Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Levin Capital Strategies L.P. decreased its stake in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 0.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 230,066 shares of the companys stock after selling 653 shares during the quarter. Coca-Cola makes up 1.5% of Levin Capital Strategies L.P.s holdings, making the stock its 24th largest position. Levin Capital Strategies L.P.s holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $14,644,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 1,842,883 shares of the companys stock valued at $117,300,000 after purchasing an additional 13,681 shares during the period. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. raised its stake in Coca-Cola by 449.8% in the 2nd quarter. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. now owns 207,157 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,186,000 after purchasing an additional 169,477 shares during the last quarter. LGT Group Foundation grew its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 103.5% during the second quarter. LGT Group Foundation now owns 1,197,081 shares of the companys stock worth $76,194,000 after buying an additional 608,889 shares in the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association lifted its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 39.3% in the second quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 468,712 shares of the companys stock worth $29,834,000 after buying an additional 132,219 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Liberty Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Coca-Cola by 446.0% in the 2nd quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC now owns 48,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,059,000 after acquiring an additional 39,259 shares during the last quarter. 70.26% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Coca-Cola news, EVP Nancy Quan sold 18,484 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.50, for a total value of $1,321,606.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 223,330 shares in the company, valued at $15,968,095. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 102,533 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.02, for a total value of $7,179,360.66. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 442,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,987,070.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Nancy Quan sold 18,484 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.50, for a total value of $1,321,606.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 223,330 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,968,095. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 1,055,606 shares of company stock worth $584,747,672 over the last 90 days. 0.97% of the stock is owned by insiders. Coca-Cola Price Performance KO stock opened at $71.87 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $67.65 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The Coca-Cola Company has a 1 year low of $51.55 and a 1 year high of $73.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $309.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.75, a P/E/G ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 0.60. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $12.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.78 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.92% and a return on equity of 43.62%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.78 EPS. Analysts anticipate that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Coca-Cola Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.485 per share. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.70%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 77.60%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on KO. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. Argus boosted their price objective on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 22nd. Citigroup raised their target price on Coca-Cola from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Cfra restated a hold rating on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Coca-Cola currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $70.73. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Coca-Cola Coca-Cola Company Profile (Free Report) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Interstate Bank reduced its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Free Report) by 26.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,477 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,280 shares during the quarter. First Interstate Banks holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF were worth $543,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF during the second quarter valued at $26,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. Triad Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Fortis Group Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Fortis Group Advisors LLC now owns 334 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. Finally, Addison Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 6,350.0% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 387 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 381 shares during the period. Get Vanguard Real Estate ETF alerts: Vanguard Real Estate ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA VNQ opened at $95.97 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $37.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.09 and a beta of 1.03. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $90.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $85.92. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a 52 week low of $70.61 and a 52 week high of $96.23. About Vanguard Real Estate ETF Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) had its target price cut by Evercore ISI from $67.00 to $65.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday, MarketBeat reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley increased 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 report on Tuesday, July 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $65.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $62.00 to $61.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Wells Fargo & Company to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the company from $62.00 to $59.00 in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $60.29. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Wells Fargo & Company Wells Fargo & Company Stock Up 1.1 % Shares of WFC opened at $54.60 on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company has a fifty-two week low of $38.38 and a fifty-two week high of $62.55. The companys fifty day moving average is $57.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.97. The firm has a market cap of $185.85 billion, a PE ratio of 11.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $20.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.29 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.30% and a net margin of 15.17%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.25 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current year. Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. This is a positive change from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.93%. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is presently 32.85%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. John W. Brooker & Co. CPAs boosted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. John W. Brooker & Co. CPAs now owns 7,075 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $420,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. McAdam LLC boosted its holdings 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 valued at $333,000 after acquiring an additional 178 shares during the period. Prentice Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of 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 worth $560,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC lifted its position 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 purchasing an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 5,897 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $350,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. 75.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (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. Shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Co. (NYSE:WAB Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $163.90. Several research firms recently issued reports on WAB. Bank of America upped their price objective on Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies from $183.00 to $184.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies from $160.00 to $181.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Get Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Trading Up 1.2 % NYSE WAB opened at $162.73 on Thursday. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies has a 12 month low of $98.70 and a 12 month high of $170.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $160.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $156.96. The stock has a market cap of $28.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.27. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (NYSE:WAB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The transportation company reported $1.96 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.88 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $2.64 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.64 billion. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies had a net margin of 9.94% and a return on equity of 12.05%. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.41 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies will post 7.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 28th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 14th were paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 14th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.49%. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 15.63%. Insider Transactions at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies In other Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies news, CTO Eric Gebhardt sold 7,422 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.32, for a total transaction of $1,160,207.04. Following the completion of the sale, the chief technology officer now directly owns 22,411 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,503,287.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, Director Brian Hehir sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.62, for a total value of $161,620.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 23,230 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,754,432.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CTO Eric Gebhardt sold 7,422 shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.32, for a total transaction of $1,160,207.04. Following the transaction, the chief technology officer now directly owns 22,411 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,503,287.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 17,392 shares of company stock worth $2,754,390 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of WAB. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its stake in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 7.7% in the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 81,916 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $10,395,000 after buying an additional 5,859 shares in the last quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 9.8% during the 4th quarter. Applied Finance Capital Management LLC now owns 159,384 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $20,226,000 after purchasing an additional 14,285 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Bank lifted its holdings in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 3,699 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $539,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC boosted its stake in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 36.8% in the 1st quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 2,624 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $382,000 after purchasing an additional 706 shares during the period. Finally, Greenleaf Trust grew its holdings in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 3,201 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $466,000 after buying an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. 91.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides technology-based locomotives, equipment, systems, and services for the freight rail and passenger transit industries worldwide. It offers diesel-electric, battery, and liquid natural gas-powered locomotives; engines, electric motors, and propulsion systems; and marine and mining products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 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. First Global Treaty to Regulate AI Signed The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and several other countries have signed the world's first legally binding treaty aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI). "The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law" was developed by the Council of Europe and opened for signatures on September 5, 2024. The primary goal of the treaty is to ensure that AI systems are designed, developed, deployed, and decommissioned in ways that respect human rights, support democratic institutions, and uphold the rule of law. "This first-of-a-kind treaty will ensure that the rise of Artificial Intelligence upholds Council of Europe legal standards in human rights, democracy and the rule of law," said Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, in a statement. "Its finalization by our Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) is an extraordinary achievement and should be celebrated as such." The treaty was created to mitigate risks while promoting responsible innovation by establishing regulations for AI systems and set a global standard for transparency, safety, and accountability in AI use. It was adopted by the Council of Europe on May 17, 2024. The treaty sets out a number of conditions, including: Human-centric AI : AI systems must align with human rights principles and uphold democratic values. : AI systems must align with human rights principles and uphold democratic values. Transparency and accountability : The treaty requires transparency in how AI systems operate, especially in cases where AI interacts with humans. Governments must also provide legal remedies if AI systems violate human rights. : The treaty requires transparency in how AI systems operate, especially in cases where AI interacts with humans. Governments must also provide legal remedies if AI systems violate human rights. Risk management and oversight : It establishes frameworks for managing risks posed by AI and sets up oversight mechanisms to ensure that AI systems comply with safety and ethical standards. : It establishes frameworks for managing risks posed by AI and sets up oversight mechanisms to ensure that AI systems comply with safety and ethical standards. Protection against misuse: It includes safeguards to prevent AI from undermining democratic processes, like judicial independence and public access to justice. The treaty applies to all AI systems except those used in national security or defense, though it still requires that these activities respect international laws and democratic principles. The treaty must be ratified by five signatory nations, and it builds on prior AI regulatory efforts, such as the EU AI Act. The treaty has been signed by other nations, including Israel, Norway, and Iceland. Although the treaty emphasizes preventing AI from undermining democratic institutions, some critics argue that its broad principles may lack enforceability, particularly in areas such as national security, which are exempt from full scrutiny. Nonetheless, this treaty marks a significant step toward global AI governance. How exactly would the treaty be enforced? It outlines several key enforcement mechanisms: Legal Accountability : Countries that sign and ratify the treaty are required to adopt legislative and administrative measures to ensure AI systems comply with the treaty's principles. This includes protecting human rights and promoting transparency and accountability in AI deployment : Countries that sign and ratify the treaty are required to adopt legislative and administrative measures to ensure AI systems comply with the treaty's principles. This includes protecting human rights and promoting transparency and accountability in AI deployment Monitoring and Oversight : The treaty introduces oversight mechanisms that monitor the adherence of AI systems to the established standards. However, critics have pointed out that the enforcement mechanism may largely rely on national governments monitoring their AI sectors, which may not always be consistent or effective. : The treaty introduces oversight mechanisms that monitor the adherence of AI systems to the established standards. However, critics have pointed out that the enforcement mechanism may largely rely on national governments monitoring their AI sectors, which may not always be consistent or effective. Remedies for Violations : The treaty mandates that signatories provide legal remedies for individuals harmed by AI-related human rights violations. This could involve procedures for individuals to challenge AI decisions or seek compensation when AI systems cause harm. : The treaty mandates that signatories provide legal remedies for individuals harmed by AI-related human rights violations. This could involve procedures for individuals to challenge AI decisions or seek compensation when AI systems cause harm. International Cooperation : The treaty encourages collaboration between signatories to harmonize AI standards, share best practices, and address cross-border AI issues. This is crucial as AI technologies often transcend national borders. : The treaty encourages collaboration between signatories to harmonize AI standards, share best practices, and address cross-border AI issues. This is crucial as AI technologies often transcend national borders. Adaptability: The framework is designed to be technology-neutral, allowing it to evolve as AI systems develop over time. This adaptability is key to maintaining relevant and enforceable standards as AI technologies rapidly change. Although these mechanisms create a structure for enforcement, their effectiveness remains to be seen, especially when considering the exceptions the treaty provides in areas such as national security. The treaty was made available for signature at a conference of justice ministers from the Council of Europe, held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, following final approval of the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act by the bloc's ministers just a few months ago, which aimed to regulate the use of AI in "high-risk" sectors. Read the full text of the treaty here. DENMARK -- Denmark Technical College and Voorhees University united for the third annual Operation Olive Branch ceremony, marking the start of the 2024-2025 academic year last week. The institutions welcomed over 300 new and transfer students, continuing the tradition of unity and collaboration that has defined this initiative since its inception in 2022. Olive Branch Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr. and Dr. Ronnie Hopkins pose with the Student Government Association Presidents from DTC and Voorhees. Operation Olive Branch, a unity enterprise championed by the presidents of both institutions, aims to enhance the college experience for new and transfer students through a shared commitment to integrity, inclusion, respect and a sense of family. The day-long event began with a symbolic procession from Voorhees University to Denmark Technical College, followed by a formal program and a series of special sessions designed to engage and inspire the students. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Operation Olive Branch is a testament to the deep, shared history between our two campuses. As HBCUs in rural South Carolina, we have a profound responsibility to not only educate our students academically but to empower them socially. This program encapsulates that mission in a unique, meaningful, and impactful way while allowing opportunities for the two neighboring HBCUs to support one another, said Willie L. Todd Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College. Devine to keynote Voorhees convocation Voorhees University announces Senator Tameika Isaac Devine as keynote speaker for 128th Opening Convocation, highlighting her career, leadership, and commitment to public service. Denmark Technical College and Voorhees University are uniquely positioned to collaborate, and Operation Olive Branch is an exemplary way to demonstrate the power of unity to our students, added Ronnie Hopkins, Ph.D., president and CEO of Voorhees University. Our partnership allows us to combine resources and campus cultures to elevate our students to new heights of academic and personal excellence," Voorhees provost named to panel Dr. Angela Peters rejoins SC EPSCoR State Committee, advancing research and collaboration in South Carolina's science and technology sectors, supported by Voorhees University. During the ceremony, students took the unity oath, a pledge symbolizing their commitment to the values of integrity, inclusion and respect. The program also included sessions that addressed poignant topics from both male and female perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their social and emotional development. The event culminated with a celebratory procession to the Voorhees Pecan Grove, where students enjoyed a cookout featuring food, games, music and activities designed to foster a sense of community and belonging. Denmark Technical College celebrates 2024 nursing graduates DENMARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE celebrates 2024 nursing graduates with a pinning ceremony, honoring dedication, compassion, and excellence in preparation for professional nursing careers. Our students are embarking on a new chapter in their lives, often away from home for the first time. Operation Olive Branch provides them with a sense of family and belonging that extends beyond the classroom, offering support for their academic and personal growth in a nurturing environment, noted Hopkins. Denmark Tech's Todd: Were here for everybody The president of Denmark Technical College says the school is emphasizing student success, continued growth and innovation. Todd added, This program not only unites our campuses but also prepares our students to become leaders and agents of social change within their communities. We are excited to see the continued impact of Operation Olive Branch in Denmark and beyond. A mother was reunited with her 5-year-old daughter Monday at Trinity Towing, 11523 Jones Maltsberger Road. The girl was separated from her mother when her mother's car was towed from a North Side apartment. Jacob Beltran A tow truck driver could face a charge of endangering a child after he towed a vehicle with a 5-year-old girl who had fallen asleep inside. According to San Antonio police, the girls mother told investigators that the incident began when she parked her car and left it running with her emergency lights flashing at an apartment complex in the 7200 block of Blanco Road. Before 11 a.m. on Monday, the mother said she was within eyesight of her daughter and the car as she spoke with a neighbor at the apartment, according to a San Antonio police report. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As the mother stood at the apartment door, she saw the tow truck quickly drive up and pick up her car without properly setting it onto the tow truck with chains and break lights. The tow truck then took off, police said. Trinity Towing, the company that employs the tow truck driver, disputed the mothers account of the incident in a statement released Monday afternoon and said their driver followed all necessary protocols. The driver was dispatched at 11:30 a.m. for a car that was parked in a fire lane, according to Trinity Towing. The car was locked, with the ignition off, and there were no signs of anyone inside or around the car, the company said. We later learned a little girl was asleep on the floorboard when we first towed the vehicle and was not visible to the driver, the statement reads. As the tow truck arrived at our storage yard just a few minutes later, we were informed that a child had been left in the car. Our driver managed to get the little girl to unlock the door, Trinity Towing said in the statement. While our driver followed all necessary protocols, the situation could have been much more serious. We are relieved that the little girl is safe and unharmed this evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mother, who is nine months pregnant, said a witness gave her a ride and they followed the tow truck, however, the mother began experiencing a medical emergency, police said. The witness pulled over in the 11500 block of Blanco Road where the mother called 911. After a short time, police said the towing company was called. The mother and her daughter were reunited at Trinity Towing, located off the 11500 block of Jones Maltsberger Road. San Antonio police said Monday afternoon that an investigation is underway to decide whether the tow truck driver, identified as a 37-year-old man, would face a charge of endangering a child. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Dubai Sothebys International Realty has expanded its all-star real estate consultancy team with the addition of luxury real estate experts, including Jason Barrowclough, Regan Faulkner, Ioana Armeanu and Conor McKay. Throughout the summer, the company welcomed four of the GCCs most esteemed real estate consultants, representing a 6% increase in the size of its brokerage team. These top-performing additions further strengthen the firms ability to capture and dominate the prime and super-prime property markets. As part of the worlds largest real estate network, Dubai Sothebys International Realty has set several benchmarks including the recent record-breaking sale of a custom-built villa in Jumeirah Bay Island for AED240.5 million ($65.5 million), an 8-bedroom mansion in Emirates Hills for AED148 million and over 10 sales above AED100 million each during the first six months of this year. The agency is now strengthening its focus on emerging prime areas such as District One, Dubai Hills Estate and Tilal Al Ghaf mansions with the expertise of its growing team. Innate talents Chris Whitehead, Managing Partner at Dubai Sothebys International Realty, commented: Our expansion is not just about numbers, its about quality. Our team, both new and existing, are innate talents who bring relentless energy and expert knowledge to their domains, aligning perfectly with the values and ambitions we have cultivated at Dubai Sothebys International Realty. Among the new recruits, Barrowclough is a senior consultant renowned for his stellar performance in MBR City and Meydan, where his highest transaction reached an impressive AED45 million. With over AED670 million in sales within District One over the past two years, Barrowclough's track record speaks for itself. Joining him, Faulkner and Armeanu are a dynamic duo who specialise exclusively in properties valued above AED50 million. Together, they have sold over AED373 million worth of homes over the past year, solidifying their reputation as leading experts in Dubai's luxury real estate market. Disruptive recruit One of the most disruptive new recruits is McKay, a senior real estate consultant synonymous with breaking records across the super-prime sector. A sought-after head in the industry, McKays milestones include the landmark AED280 million villa sale on Palm Jumeirah and the sale of the largest plot ever in Emirates Hills. He brings a wealth of experience to Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Hills mansions. Whitehead added: We are proud to have built the most robust and experienced network of agents in Dubai. This team expansion brings together some of the brightest minds in the industry, creating a synergy that will undoubtedly lead to even greater achievements for our team as a whole. Together, we are poised to raise the bar even higher and redefine the standards of luxury real estate in UAE.--TradeArabia News Service Big 5 Global, the largest and most-influential construction industry event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) returns for its 45th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 26 29, alongside new events: LiveableCitiesX, Future FM and GeoWorld. They will host a global gathering of industry professionals across urban development, construction, geospatial and facilities management. The events will together host 100,000+ attendees from more than 165 countries, 2,700+ exhibitors and more than 300 speakers for four days of business networking, partnerships and knowledge exchange. World Banks projections indicate that by 2080, 80% of the world's population will reside in cities, with a substantial portion of this growth occurring in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. As the need for construction and infrastructure increases with rapid urbanisation, the events provide a platform for industry professionals to discuss challenges, opportunities and advancements and facilitate collaboration among key stakeholders, said show organisers. Emphasising the importance of this gathering, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President - Construction at dmg events, stated: "This ultimate urban development and construction meetup is where the future of our cities takes shape. With stakeholders from vision to commissioning all in one place, the events offer industry professionals a unique chance to gain insights, network with industry leaders and discover new solutions and innovations. If you're serious about staying ahead in the industry, this is the place to be." The total value of MEA projects is $9 trillion, with the value of pre-construction stage projects being $6.75 trillion, as the pipeline keeps a strong momentum of growth fuelled by substantial investments in urban development projects, including major developments in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As a result, Big 5 Global not only highlights the region's expanding opportunities but also strengthens its role as the ultimate meeting point for the industry, a statement said. Mega gathering For the third year in a row, Big 5 Global is supported by the UAEs Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, highlighting the importance of industry collaboration and advancement and reinforcing the UAE's role as a global leader in urban development and construction. This year the event is accompanied by five specialised events covering the entire construction value chain. These include Heavy which will be a showcase of the worlds most advanced plant, machinery and vehicles; Totally Concrete which will transform the concrete industry by bringing in new technologies, sustainable methods and products. Additionally, HVAC R Expo brings state-of-the-art technologies transforming the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry, while Marble & Stone World presents innovations in stone, stone design and machinery and quarrying. Finally, Urban Design & Landscape will present innovations in design, urban planning and landscape architecture. Running alongside Big 5 Global, LiveableCitiesX is an event tackling city-making challenges by uniting global and regional experts to shape sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities for the future. GeoWorld, the only event of its kind in the MEASA region, will highlight the important role of geospatial technologies and intelligence and how this growing sector is transforming industries around the globe. Redefining facilities management, Future FM will address the transformative shift within the FM industry and serve as a hub for FM professionals. Together with Big 5 Global, LiveableCitiesX, Future FM and GeoWorld bring the entire urban development and construction value chain together and address the intertwined challenges and opportunities in these sectors and create a cross-disciplinary collaboration, added Heijmans. In their inaugural editions, LiveableCitiesX, Future FM and GeoWorld are supported by Dubai Municipality, Dubai Land Department (DLD), UAE Federal Geographic Information Centre (FDIC) and the World Geospatial Industry Council, further reinforcing the events alignment with key industry standards and objectives. People interested to attend can register for the event and avail free visitor ticket till September 30 at www.big5global.com | www.liveablecitiesx.com. After September 30, tickets will be available for purchase at AED150 each, the statement said. -TradeArabia News Service Khaleeji Bank, one of the leading Islamic banks in Bahrain, has signed an MoU with realtor Al Areen Holding Company to provide financing for Al Areens Tilal Residential Project buyers. The bank will provide innovative financial solutions to meet the needs of clients interested in owning residential units in Tilal. The bank will offer loans that include competitive profit rates and financing amounts of up to 100% of the property value, along with a flexible grace period. The signing ceremony took place at Khaleejis headquarters in the GFH Tower, in the presence of Ameera Ahmed Al Abbasi, Head of Retail Banking, Dr Ahlam Zainal, CEO of Al Areen Holding Company, and Ahmed Khalfan, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer of Al Areen Holding and CEO of Tilal Residential Project, along with several managers and officials from both parties. Competitive rates Al Abbasi said: This partnership with Al Areen Holding Company embodies our firm commitment to supporting the growth of the real estate sector in Bahrain. At Khaleeji, we always strive to provide innovative financing offers that meet our clients needs and ambitions, thereby enhancing their experience in the real estate market. Through this partnership, we will ensure the provision of a comprehensive range of financing solutions, including competitive profit rates and a flexible grace period, to facilitate the ownership process for our clients. She added: The Tilal Residential Project exemplifies quality and modern design, providing an ideal living and investment environment. We are also committed to providing a satisfying and personalised banking experience for every client. We hope that our clients will take advantage of these outstanding opportunities made through this initiative, which reflects our values of innovation and sustainable support for economic growth. We are pleased to invite clients interested in owning units in this leading housing project to visit the promotional stand between September 19 and 29 at City Centre Bahrain, to learn about the financing solutions available under this agreement." Dr Zainal stated: Our cooperation with Khaleeji Bank will provide a range of financing options that enable our customers to own a home in the Tilal project, the third residential development within the Al Areen masterplan. This project will serve as an exceptional tourist and residential destination, thanks to its distinguished components and services setting new standards in urban living. Personalised experience She added: Al Areen Holding Company is committed to offering our customers the best services and experiences. Our partnership with Khaleeji Bank reflects our keenness to meet our customers aspirations and exceeding their expectations. We pride ourselves on delivering a seamless and personalised experience, from home selection and ownership to building long-term relationships. Khalfan commented: This partnership allows us to provide added value to our customers by simplifying the steps required to obtain their desired residential units, making it a more seamless process. The Tilal Residential Project is a pioneering initiative that underscores our commitment to high standards of quality and innovation in the real estate sector. We believe this agreement will enhance our ability to meet market demands and attract customers seeking their dream homes, especially within the Tilal Residential Project, which presents a unique array of options, including luxury villas and townhouses designed according to the highest international standards, with sizes ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms, each featuring modern designs aligned with contemporary trends. Tilal Residential Project offers a unique living experience amidst sustainable surroundings, featuring vast green spaces and picturesque views of the Al Areen Wildlife Park. Covering an area of 93,600 sq m, the project includes luxury villas and townhouses designed to meet the needs of Bahraini and GCC families, allowing for customisation options. Units are available with the option of 3, 4, and 5 bedrooms, each incorporating modern designs in line with contemporary trends.--TradeArabia News Service Drydocks World has signed a contract with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC) to acquire a new generation 5,000 tonne Floating Sheerleg Crane, which will help meet the growing demand for large-scale offshore projects. The design, construction, testing, and commissioning phase is expected to take approximately 24 months, with completion scheduled in the second quarter of 2026. The signing ceremony took place in Dubai, attended by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, You Ruikai, the Chairman of ZPMC, and senior management from both companies. Heavy-lifting capabilities Once operational, the crane will boost Drydocks World's heavy-lifting capabilities, allowing it to meet the growing demands of large-scale projects, such as high-voltage offshore converter platforms and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel topsides. The companys latest investment will leverage its existing expertise, exemplified by the successful execution of significant projects such as the conversion of Tango FLNG and Excalibur FSU vessels, the refurbishment and conversion of Firenze FPSO and the ongoing EPC project on UK Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Platforms. The crane features a 160-metre-long A-frame, allowing heavy loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to be lifted 120 metres above the water, and a 600-tonne fly jib that can extend its reach to 180 metres. This capability enables the installation of larger vessel modules constructed in the yard and lifted onto the vessel for assembly, both nearshore and offshore. The crane can accommodate up to 50 personnel offshore, thereby reducing the need for support vessels. Its versatility also makes it well-suited for the construction of offshore platforms, bridges, and marine developments. Key milestone Bin Sulayem said: "Our investment in a such a significant piece of equipment marks a strategic milestone for Drydocks World, and demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our offerings to customers and achieving operational excellence worldwide. Once operational, this giant crane will strengthen our leadership in the maritime industry and boost our ability to support projects that drive regional economic growth." Captain Antolovic said: "Acquiring the Middle East and Africa's largest crane of this type is a transformative step for Drydocks World. As offshore vessels continue to grow in size, the need for advanced lifting solutions with features like angled booms has become increasingly important. This new sheerleg crane, with its ability to handle heavier modules and expedite project timelines, enables us to manage more extensive and complex projects, further solidifying our status as a global leader in the maritime and offshore energy industries. ZPMC's proven expertise in high-capacity crane manufacturing makes them the ideal partner to significantly enhance our lifting capabilities and ensure our success in mega-projects both regionally and internationally." Ruikai said: "Our partnership with Drydocks World builds on a history of successful projects with DP World and opens doors for future projects together. We are proud to collaborate on this project, delivering a state-of-the-art crane that combines power with cutting-edge technology for maximum efficiency and safety." Constructed from high-strength steel, the crane boasts advanced safety technologies and a sophisticated integrated control system for enhanced operational efficiency. The automatic ballasting system guarantees stability, and the integration of a high-capacity ballast water treatment plant also highlights Drydocks World's dedication to environmental sustainability.--TradeArabia News Service Intellias is poised to showcase its expertise in eMobility, fleet management, transport operations and connected mobility by presenting the Smart Charging Portable Kit at ITS World Congress 2024 in Dubai from September 16 to 20. Through its exhibit, the company seeks to offer visitors a first-hand experience of its comprehensive solution accelerator designed to address the most pressing challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, showcasing its expertise in software engineering and integration at any level of complexity. The UAE EV charging infrastructure market size is valued at around $360.37 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14.28% between 2024 and 2030. Charging infrastructure This substantial market growth can be attributed to the increased investments by the UAE government to deploy charging infrastructure across the nation and foster EV adoption to accelerate the transition towards sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions. Intellias effort to showcase its innovative charging solution in the UAE comes in alignment with the countrys vision. The Smart Charging Portable Kit is an all-in-one solution accelerator designed to address key challenges such as interoperability, standardization, and scalability in the rapidly evolving EV charging landscape. Built on open-source platforms such as LF Energy Everest, and leveraging open protocols such as the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI). Intellias demo enables seamless integration and communication across diverse EV charging networks. Through the kit, the company aims to bridge gaps in the rapidly evolving ecosystem by enhancing interoperability and standardization, crucial for a scalable and sustainable EV infrastructure. Furthermore, the kit addresses critical pain points for EV drivers, including fragmented payment systems and a lack of reliable information on station availability, wait times and pricing. By simplifying payment integration and providing comprehensive data, our services enhance the overall charging experience for clients, further boosting the reliability of EV charging infrastructure and encouraging broader adoption among drivers, fleets and mobility service providers. Innovating the eMobility sector Michaela Paul, Head of Transportation at Intellias, said: Through our participation and product showcase at the ITS World Congress 2024, we seek to highlight our potential in innovating the eMobility sector with robust solutions and provide a hands-on experience with our accelerators. Our Smart Charging Portable Kit is designed to expedite the development process and enable the rapid deployment of next-generation EV charging solutions. We look forward to sharing our vision and expertise with attendees from the Middle East and across the globe. The Smart Charging Portable Kit is the result of Intellias extensive experience and collaboration with global clients. It provides charging point operators, eMobility solution providers and EV fleet owners with precise management tools for charging sessions, seamless integration with charging stations and optimised route planning for fleets. The cutting-edge kit is a testament to Intellias commitment to driving innovation in the mobility ecosystem and supporting global players in navigating the challenges of a connected and sustainable future. ITS World Congress 2024, organised by ERTICO and hosted by RTA, is expected to convene professionals from mobility, technology and policy sectors to explore trends in smart mobility. During the event, attendees can visit Intellias at booth H6-H6 for a firsthand experience of the Smart Charging Portable Kit and discuss the future of mobility and evolving transportation landscape with industry experts.--TradeArabia News Service Several key agreements and major initiatives were launched at the India-UAE Business Forum in Mumbai attended by HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. During the forum, G42 presented its Hindi large language model (LLM), Nanda, developed to benefit local communities and drive the adoption of advanced technologies and support the growth of Indias AI ecosystem, said a Wam news agency report. Among other agreements: * Lulu Group, the hypermarket and supermarket retail chain headquartered in Abu Dhabi, will partner with the Government of Indias Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority to source and import Indian organic produce in the UAE. * AD Ports Group and the Government of Indias Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will collaborate on the development of a virtual trade corridor between the UAE and India. * International Resources Holding, a natural resources extractive company based in the UAE, and Oil India Limited signed a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate on opportunities in the mining sector. * UAE-based aircraft maintenance organisation Global Jet Technic signed agreements with Indian airline companies InterGlobe Aviation Services, Air India and Akasa Air, to provide aircraft line maintenance services for their fleets at international airports inside the UAE, including Zayed International Airport. * Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry entered a collaboration to enhance investment opportunities for the private sector in both the UAE and India, facilitating exchange of pertinent information on economic development to foster increased commercial cooperation and broaden avenues for economic and industrial growth. The agreement also covers expansion of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Business Connect Platform. * Rorix Holdings, a global trading and trade facilitation company, signed a cooperation agreement with Indian logistics company Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited to integrate advanced technologies into Indias infrastructure. Rorix Holdings also partnered with the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association to facilitate the trading of precious metals. The forum was organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the UAE Embassy in India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India. Held under the theme Beyond CEPA: Innovation and Future Ready Economies, the forum focused on healthcare, biotechnology, renewable energy, sustainability, AI, logistics and supply chains, and agricultural technology. During the forum, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed reaffirmed the significance of the UAE-India CEPA in stimulating bilateral economic growth, as well as the UAEs commitment to further developing economic ties with India, enhancing cross-border trade and easing access to key markets through a seamless, business-friendly ecosystem. He highlighted that the CEPA established between the UAE and India aligns with the leaderships vision to further strengthen sustainable economic collaboration and development. The forum took place as part of a diverse and comprehensive agenda during HH Sheikh Khaled's official visit to India. The UAE delegation at the India-UAE Business Forum was led by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and comprised senior members of UAE-based entities representing key public and private sectors. Dr Al Zeyoudi said: The India-UAE Business Forum is another important opportunity to bring our business leaders together to discuss areas of mutual benefit, and develop the networks that will support our respective economic growth and diversification objectives. The forum will build on the consistent rise in bilateral non-oil trade, which reached $28.2 billion in the first six months of 2024 a 9.8 percent increase on the same period in 2023 and set against a marked decline in trade growth around the world in H1 2024. The figures underline the benefits of the UAE-India CEPA, which has proved to be a major driver of industrial output, employment and global competitiveness, and provide the platform for greater collaboration in the months and years ahead. The UAE-India CEPA, inaugurated in May 2022 as the UAEs first bilateral trade deal, facilitates greater access for UAE exports entering the Indian market, reduction and removal of tariffs, growth of cross-border trade and increased market access for UAE service providers, as well as enhanced access for UAE businesses to Indian government procurement opportunities. The India-UAE Business Forum serves as a platform to directly connect UAE businesses and service providers with their India-based counterparts, facilitating exploration of areas of cooperation between the private and public sectors in both nations. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has launched the DMCC AI Centre as Dubais latest innovation to advance pragmatic artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and develop real-life use cases to scale throughout the Mena region. Occupying two floors of DMCCs headquarters in Uptown Tower, the AI Centre will be part of a newly integrated hub alongside DMCCs established technology ecosystems the DMCC Crypto Centre and DMCC Gaming Centre. It will offer a modern and state-of-the-art space, providing members with world-class facilities including advanced co-working spaces, high-tech meeting rooms and an exclusive AI solution showroom. During the launch event, DMCC spokespersons briefed over 60 select guests, including Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dr Marwan Alzarouni, Chief AI Officer, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), ambassadors, government ministers, AI companies and other industry stakeholders, on the new centres range of services and unique benefits. World leader Belhoul emphasised Dubai and the UAE's commitment to becoming a world leader in AI by 2031 through the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. He said the opening of the DMCC AI Centre is a significant milestone in achieving this goal, fostering an environment that attracts new companies, encourages innovation, and solidifies Dubai's status as a global hub for AI and emerging technologies. DMCC is already home to over 50 AI and robotics companies from all over the world, including AMD, Autel Robotics, HIKVISION, Laipic, and QX Lab AI. As part of DMCC AI Centres wider value offering, DMCC has onboarded a range of leading AI players as official partners. Global custom software and app developer Builder.ai will support DMCC members build apps using AI technology, while UAE-based AGCC will run accelerator and market entry programmes to attract and scale up the best AI technology from around the world. One such event is already set to take place at Expand North Star in Dubai this October, with DMCC and AGCC organising a competition with a prize pool of $100,000 for start-ups to scale up practical, sustainability-focused AI solutions in the GCC region. World-class ecosystem Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: With AI projected to add over $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, its transformative potential on global trade, supply chains and business is clear. Capitalising on this momentum, the DMCC AI Centre will provide companies, investors and partners with another world-class ecosystem from which to access the best AI services and solutions from Dubai. As we scale up these technologies and attract new service providers, these benefits will be extended to both AI and non-AI companies, creating a multiplier effect for DMCCs business district and our community as a whole. Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder & Chief Wizard, Builder.ai, said: Were really excited to partner with DMCC AI Centre to bring practical, impactful AI solutions to DMCCs business community, Dubai, and the Mena region. At Builder.ai, we believe in AIs power to transform industries and enable every business and entrepreneur to become digitally empowered. Through this collaboration, we can help businesses across sectors tap into advanced technology that drives real and scalable growth. We'd like to thank Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, for his visionary leadership and continuous innovation, which have positioned DMCC as a global hub for trade and technology, and made this collaboration possible. Together with DMCC, were committed to making AI more accessible and empowering companies to innovate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.--TradeArabia News Service Juanita "Janie" Najera, 75, testifies about the pit bull attack that killed her husband, Ramon Najera Jr., 81, and injured her. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder, left, and husband Christian Alexander Moreno are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to dangerous dog attack causing death, a felony. Two of the couple's pit bulls attacked and killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, while he was visiting a friend in their neighborhood last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Juanita "Janie" Najera, 75, testifies about the pit bull attack that killed her husband, Ramon Najera Jr., 81, and injured her. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder, left, and husband Christian Alexander Moreno listen to Juanita "Janie" Najera, 75, testify about the pit bull attack that killed her husband, Ramon Najera Jr., 81, last year. The dogs belonged to Schnieder and Moreno. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorneys Manuel Manny Rodriguez Jr., center, and Meredith Chacon confer while cross-examining a witness during a sentencing hearing for Christian Alexander Moreno and wife Abilene Schnieder. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News An evidence photo shows injuries sustained by Juanita Janie Najera during a pit bull attack on San Antonio's West Side last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Juanita "Janie" Najera, 75, widow of Ramon Najera Jr., 81, smiles as she looks at photos of her late husband. He was attacked and killed by pit bulls in an unprovoked attack on San Antonio's West Side last year. Janie Najera was injured. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Paramedic Jonathan Ulrich testifies about a fatal pit bull attack on Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News State District Judge Velia Meza confers with defense attorneys and prosecutors during a sentencing hearing for Christian Alexander Moreno and wife Abilene Schnieder. The couple pleaded guilty to dangerous dog attack causing death after their pit bulls killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio Police Officer Jesse Mendez was among the first officers on the scene of a fatal pit bull attack on Ramon Najera Jr., an 81-year-old Air Force veteran. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder, left, and husband Christian Alexander Moreno are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to dangerous dog attack causing death, a felony. Two of the couple's pit bulls attacked and killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, while he was visiting a friend in their neighborhood last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Prosecutor Willem VanZeben points to a photo showing blood on the pavement near where Ramon Najera Jr., 81, and his wife were besieged by pit bulls on San Antonio's West Side. Najera, an Air Force veteran, was killed in the attack. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News On a live view of a broadcast stream, Abilene Schnieder wipes away tears while listening to the testimony of Juanita "Janie" Najera, 75. Her husband, Ramon Najera Jr., 81, was attacked and killed by pit bulls owned by Schnieder and her husband, Christian Alexander Moreno. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A photo displayed in court shows Ramon Najera Jr., center, with grandchildren and his wife Juanita Janie Najera. Ramon Najera, 81, was fatally mauled by pit bulls on San Antonio's West Side last year. His wife was injured. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A photo displayed in court shows Ramon Najera Jr. dancing with his mother, Genevieve Najera. Ramon Najera, an Air Force veteran, was attacked and killed by pit bulls on San Antonio's West Side last year. He was 81. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The widow of an elderly Air Force veteran trembled and sobbed as she described in court how a couples pit bulls killed her husband and one of the dogs seriously injured her in an unprovoked attack on San Antonios West Side last year. Tuesdays testimony marked the first time Juanita Janie Najera, 75, had spoken publicly about the fatal mauling of Ramon Najera Jr., 81, on Feb. 24, 2023. Janie Najera said she has survivors guilt and still wonders if she could have done more to save her spouse of 45 years, even though she herself was seriously wounded in the attack. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I cry in the mornings, and I grab my pillow, and I say to myself, 'How could this happen to us?' she said, gasping and sobbing. How could this horrible thing happen to somebody that was such a good person? As she testified, the owners of the dogs Christian Alexander Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, both 32 wept quietly and avoided looking at her. Schnieder bowed her head and covered her eyes with one hand, clutching tissues. Moreno stared somberly down at a courtroom table and occasionally wiped away tears. The widows testimony came during a sentencing hearing for Moreno and Schnieder, who have pleaded guilty to one count each of dangerous dog attack causing death. A separate charge of recklessly causing bodily injury to an elderly person was dismissed as part of a plea agreement with the Bexar County District Attorneys Office. State District Judge Velia Meza will decide on punishment for the couple. Sentencing is set for Sept. 20. Advertisement Article continues below this ad RELATED: Residents vent outrage over string of dog attacks Testimony in the sentencing hearing is expected to continue all week. Prosecutors have said they will seek the maximum 20-year sentence for both defendants. As an alternative to incarceration, the judge could sentence Moreno and Schnieder to up to 10 years of probation. They also could be fined up to $10,000 each. On the morning of the attack, the Najeras had breakfast together at their Leon Valley home. They decided to drive to the West Side to visit a friend who works as a seamstress. They wanted her to hem uniforms for a part-time job Ramon Najera was about to start as a security guard. They parked in front of the friends house in the 2800 block of Depla Street, and Janie Najera knocked on the door. A family member answered and told her the seamstress wasnt home but the Najeras could drop off the uniforms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Janie Najera said she was walking back to her car when she heard very vicious barking from dogs that lived next door. When she turned to look at the animals, a black dog a pit bull later determined to belong to Moreno and Schnieder climbed a chain-link fence surrounding its yard, scaled the top and rushed toward her. Ramon Najera Jr., 81, of Leon Valley, an Air Force veteran, was attacked and killed by pit bulls while visiting a friend on San Antonio's West Side last year. Courtesy photo/Raymond Najera She said she hurried to her car, where her husband was waiting, but the dog grabbed her and bit her knee repeatedly. She cried out to her husband, who bolted from the car to help her. She said Ramon Najera grabbed the dog and struck the animal with his right hand, yelling, Leave her alone! Leave her alone! At that point, the dog released Janie Najera, grabbed her husbands wrist and knocked him to the ground. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Janie Najera said she fell, landing on her back between her car and the curb, while the dog dragged her husband away by the wrist. Ramon was screaming and screaming, she testified. And he kept on saying, 'Janie, I cant take the dog off of me.' And the dog kept on pulling on his wrist. I was screaming, 'Somebody please help us! ' Nobody would come out, she said. Eventually, the seamstress' grandson emerged with a rake and struck the dog in an attempt to end the attack. Instead, the dog bit the young man. The dog eventually dragged Ramon Najera out of his wifes sight. She was still helpless, unable to get up, when she saw another of Morenos and Schnieders dogs, a white pit bull, leave its fenced yard and walk up to her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I was like, 'This dog is going to finish me up,' Janie Najera said, sobbing. I started praying. I was like, 'Jesus, cover me with your holy blood.' And the dog just kept on looking at me. And it was just like a miracle. She walked away. The dog walked away. Both dogs attacked Ramon Najera. A 53-second video filmed by a witness who tried to stop the mauling showed the black dog biting him repeatedly and yanking a dialysis shunt out of his arm as he screamed for help before collapsing unconscious, face-down, in the grass. Janie Najera said she eventually felt hands on her shoulders and heard someone say, Were here to help you. Were from the fire department. I said 'You need to help my husband my husband needs help!' Paramedics cut off her clothes to reveal multiple dog bites to her right knee, right leg and both hands. The dog also ripped tissue from her stomach. A defense attorney asked her about a federal civil lawsuit that she and three of Najeras children filed Friday against the city of San Antonio and City Attorney Andy Segovia, seeking monetary damages for the fatal attack. San Antonio Animal Care Services had impounded the pit bulls just six weeks before Ramon Najeras death after the animals attacked a man in an alleyway, biting his leg and shoulder. The lawsuit faults the city for releasing the dogs to their owners after that incident, despite clear evidence the animals were dangerous. The dogs should have never been returned, Janie Najera said in court Tuesday. Never. She said she filed the suit because I dont want anybody to have to go through what Ive gone through. Ten members of the Najera family, including Ramon Najeras 100-year-old mother, silently watched the harrowing testimony. Morenos and Schnieders emotional reactions in court Tuesday differed starkly from their demeanor on the day of the attack. That day, the couple returned to their home to find firefighters desperately trying to save Ramon Najera, but they never asked about his condition, several witnesses testified. A San Antonio Fire Department captain, who was also bitten, told Moreno and Schnieder their dogs had possibly killed someone. Am I getting in trouble for this? Schnieder asked a police officer, according to body camera footage shown in court. I wasnt here, Schnieder told the officer. I got home and said 'What the (expletive) happened?' The video showed Moreno standing near his wife and displaying little emotion. Belinda Rodriguez, a neighbor who drove to the site of the mauling while it was happening, testified that she never heard Moreno or Schnieder inquire about the victim. RELATED: Grisly new details emerge in deadly dog attack on Air Force veteran Another neighbor, Silvia Avila, said she never saw Schnieder walk over to check on Najera, who collapsed a short distance from the dog owners' driveway. Earlier Tuesday, one of the first police officers to arrive at the scene said he saw a blood trail leading to the dog owners' house, apparently created when the animals were taken inside after attacking Najera. The first thing I remember seeing was a lot of blood, Officer Jesse Mendez testified. There was so much blood, you could taste it. A taste of iron in the air. Paramedics applied a tourniquet to Ramon Najeras wounds to stanch the bleeding. They began giving him whole blood and then intubated him to help him breathe. Despite those efforts, his pulse stopped as an ambulance crew rushed him to University Hospital. Janie Najera was hospitalized for several days recovering from her wounds. Both dogs that attacked the couple and a third that ran loose in the street during the incident were later euthanized by Animal Care Services. The mauling part of which was captured on video sparked outrage over San Antonios long-standing problem with aggressive dogs. It led to stepped-up enforcement by ACS, along with a bigger budget and increased staffing for the agency. The attack was one in a series of such incidents in San Antonio last year. In August 2023, a neighbors dogs attacked an elderly man on the West Side, causing injuries so severe that doctors amputated both the mans legs. Max De Los Santos, then 76, was on his own property when the canines besieged him. He had gone to his driveway to look for his keys. The dogs shredded De Los Santos right leg, exposing tendons, muscles and bone from the knee to the foot. They ravaged the back of his left leg, tore gaping holes in his right arm and ripped off part of his right ear. In September 2023, Paul Anthony Striegl Jr., 47, was attacked by a dog that escaped from his next-door neighbors yard in a trailer park on the Northeast Side. Striegl was rushed to Brooke Army Medical Center, where he died weeks later of complications from the attack. Aramco has unveiled new initiatives that aim to drive the development and deployment of advanced digital solutions across its operations. Details of these initiatives were disclosed during the Global AI Summit (GAIN), which commenced at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP of Technology & Innovation, said: New digital technologies such as Generative AI and the Industrial Internet of Things are expected to transform not only how we work, but also our commercial environment. Aramco is pioneering the use of these technologies at an industrial scale to add significant value across our operations. Our history of innovation inspires us to continue harnessing emerging technologies and help realize the Kingdoms ambitions to become a global AI leader. ADVANCED AI COMPUTING During the Global AI Summit, Aramco signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Cerebras Systems and FuriosaAI to explore collaboration in the supercomputing and AI domains. Another MoU signed with Rebellions focuses on potential deployment of the latters Neural Processing Unit chips in Aramcos data centers, with a view to enhancing digital infrastructure and driving advanced AI innovations. Aramco also signed an MoU with SambaNova Systems to explore ways to accelerate AI capabilities, innovation, and Kingdom-wide adoption. Aramco also announced the deployment of an AI supercomputer, one of the first systems of its kind in the region. Powered by some of the most powerful NVIDIA Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), it is designed to accelerate complex computing tasks like analyzing drilling plans and geological data to recommend low carbon intensity options for well placement. AI ON THE EDGE In addition, Aramco has collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies on initial deployment of industrial generative AI solutions on the edge, which aim to enhance Aramcos facility monitoring, predictive maintenance, and use of autonomous drones. DIGITAL INNOVATION The new initiatives announced during GAIN are part of Aramcos broader strategy to adopt cutting-edge digital solutions across its business, building on its launch of the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL) a national engine to transform cutting-edge ideas into fully functional products and its Global AI Corridor ecosystem. The approach has so far resulted in the creation of Aramcos first large language model (LLM) serving industrial AI applications. It has also launched the Eye on AI Program intended to establish robust AI cybersecurity governance and systems, as well as equip users with necessary cybersecurity skills in a rapidly evolving landscape. -TradeArabia News Service UAE consumers spent in the second quarter (Q2) a substantial $3.8 billion on Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Technology, and Durable Goods, a 3.4% change from last year. According to the new insights from the NIQ Retail Spend Barometer, which has been powered by GfK intelligence, UAE shoppers spent $2.3 billion on FMCG and $1.5 billion on Tech & Durable products in Q2 2024, a 4% and 2.6% rise respectively compared to the same period last year. The rise in FMCG purchases underscores the ongoing demand for essential household items and personal care products. Simultaneously, the increased investment in technology and durable goods reflects the UAE's thriving digital economy and the rising disposable income of its residents. Factors leading to the slow growth Key events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, Pre-Ramadan and Ramadan Sales, and the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 in January 2024 significantly impacted consumer spending in the first quarter. The subsequent slump in Q2 is a typical trend observed following the Ramadan period. Additionally, the summer months and holiday season affected tourism, impacting retail sales compared to Q1. The markets flat growth in Q2 2024 can be attributed to the exceptionally strong performance in Q1 2024. After a period of intense demand, particularly for items like Consumer Electronics, Information Technology & Gaming, the market has reached a more stable phase. The demand for the consumer electronics sector has stabilized and is expected to recover more significantly by 2026-2027. The expected recovery by 2026-2027 indicates that the industry is adjusting to a new normal, where growth rates might be more modest compared to the pandemic-induced spikes. Roshni Sheth, NIQ Retail Lead, Middle East, explains: The Retail Spend Barometer focuses on the slowdown in certain categories and the overall stability of consumer spending in the UAE. This positive spending trend is indicative of the UAE's resilient economy and the confidence of its consumers. As the country continues to attract foreign investment and foster innovation, the retail sector is poised for further growth and expansion. Category-specific trends FMCG In Q1, the growth rate dropped significantly from 9.4% in 2023 to 3.5% in 2024. This decline could be attributed to several factors such as changes in consumer behaviour, economic conditions. However, in Q2, the growth rate improved, rising from 2.3% in 2023 to 4% in 2024. This rebound might suggest a recovery or a positive shift in market dynamics, such as successful marketing campaigns, new product launches, or seasonal effects. Tech and Durables Q1 experienced a growth increase, with the growth rate rising from 9.4% in 2023 to 11% in 2024. This suggests a strong start to 2024 for the sector, possibly due to high consumer demand, successful product innovations, or other positive market factors. Q2, however, saw a significant decline in growth, dropping from 10.6% in 2023 to just 2.6% in 2024. This sharp decrease could be due to various reasons, such as market saturation, supply chain issues, declining consumer confidence. Sheth further adds: Despite these factors, the overall spending trend remains positive, reflecting the UAE's resilient economy and growing consumer confidence.--TradeArabia News Service Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), celebrated 20 years of Etihad Airways operations in the kingdom, by holding a special ceremony at BIA, which was attended by key representatives from both organisations. Since commencing operations at BIA in 2003, Etihad Airways has become a cornerstone partner, playing a vital role in connecting the Kingdom to a vast network of destinations across the globe, a statement said. The airline's three daily flights utilising modern aircrafts of its Airbus A320 family have transported millions of passengers, significantly boosting Bahrain's tourism and business sectors. Bahrain International Airport (BIA) connects Etihad passengers from Bahrain to over 75 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America via its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport. BAC Chief Commercial Officer Ayman Zainal, said: "We are proud to celebrate two decades of partnership with Etihad Airways. Their commitment to service excellence and connecting Bahrain to the world has significantly contributed to BIA's growth and success. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration for many years to come, further enhancing connectivity and passenger experience." Ibrahim Al Haddad, General Manager Bahrain, Etihad Airways, said: As we celebrate 20 years of Etihads flights between Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, we are immensely proud of the special connection between these two charming countries. We are proud to connect our guests to and from Bahrain, but also onwards across the Etihad network which continues to grow rapidly and is now more than 75 destinations in five continents. Over the past 20 years, we are grateful for the strong collaboration and support we have enjoyed with entities across Bahrain as well as our commercial and trade partners and suppliers. Most importantly, we thank our loyal guests who enjoy the exceptional hospitality of Etihad as they connect between Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and beyond. TradeArabia News Service The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) recently welcomed a group of tour guides from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), as part of its initiative to enhance awareness of its heritage in pearl extraction and trade, a cornerstone of the kingdom's tourism attractions. The tour guides were imbued with the rich history and cultural significance of pearls in Bahrain. They gained valuable insights from a detailed presentation by Danats experts, who elucidated various dimensions of the pearl industry from traditional extraction methods to its economic and commercial relevance. The guides were also introduced to Danats pioneering laboratory, the first of its kind globally, along with its state-of-the-art testing and evaluation equipment. This experience enhanced their comprehension of Bahrain's natural wealth and provided insights into the accredited certificates offered in jewellery and gemstone inspection, as well as the educational courses available for those aspiring to specialize in gemstone valuation. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Danat, said: This visit reflects our commitment to equipping national professionals with the knowledge needed to emphasise the significance of the pearl sector in Bahrain, a vital aspect of our heritage. We anticipate that our collaboration with BACA will further bolster cultural tourism in the kingdom. Jamsheer added: Bahrains pearl industry has a storied legacy and has significantly shaped the nations economy for centuries. We are committed to bolstering its global competitiveness and are eager to continue playing a central role in advancing the sector at local, regional, and international levels. TradeArabia News Service Wizz Air, Europes fastest-growing and most environmentally sustainable airline, has launched a new direct route between London Gatwick and Jeddah, starting on March 31, 2025, that offers travellers more options and affordable fares. Wizz Airs new London Gatwick to Jeddah route will operate daily all year round, connecting the two vibrant cities. This strategic addition to Wizz Airs network highlights the airlines commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options while strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, Wizz Air has significantly increased its capacity in Saudi Arabia, introducing numerous new routes and enhancing travel options, while contributing to the countrys connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and following a partnership agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority to increase connectivity to Europe and boost inbound visitors. This route is one of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLRs extended range and efficiency, revolutionising intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents, said Andras Rado Head of Communications and Government affairs during a press conference in Jeddah. Were excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London, while offering the most sustainable option for flying. We are already flying several 5-6 hour long ultra-low-cost routes with great satisfaction to our customers, and the XLR will extend our outstanding value proposition to 78-hour long flights. We are excited about the Wizz Air announcement on launching a direct route from London Gatwick to Jeddah Airport utilising the new Airbus A321 XLR (extra-long range) aircraft. This new aircraft type marks a new era of ultra-low fare travel on long-haul routes. Kimmo Ruotsalainen Jedcos General Manager of Aviation Business Development, said: We as an airport are delighted to offer affordable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London Gatwick while providing the Wizz Airs new route as an option traveling to UK. Wizz Airs investment in Saudi Arabia includes the use of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, contributing to more sustainable travel. The airlines carbon intensity is estimated to be at least 30% lower than that of other carriers on the same routes, aligning with Wizz Airs commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Since entering the Saudi market, Wizz Air has created over 1,500 job opportunities in the associated industries. The airlines operational excellence is evident in its impressive on-time performance and high completion rates, ensuring a reliable travel experience for passengers. TradeArabia News Service David Avila was attacked in 2022 by one of the pit bulls that killed 81-year-old Air Force veteran Ramon Najera on February 24, 2023. A new lawsuit, filed by Najera's family, alleges that the City of San Antonio and Animal Care Services didn't do enough to prevent the attack. Carlos Javier Sanchez / pixelref In a photo shown during criminal proceedings this week, trash and an open gate is seen in front of Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieders home. The couples dogs killed elderly Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr. in an unprovoked attack on San Antonio's West Side last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Juanita "Janie" Najera, widow of Ramon Najera, turns around to ask a question of her son Raymond Najera during criminal proceedings on Aug. 27. Najera and her three children filed a federal lawsuit this month against the City of San Antonio, claiming Animal Care Services did not do enough to prevent the attack. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Ramon Najera Jr., 81, of Leon Valley, was killed by two pit bulls that escaped from their yard in the 2800 block of Depla Street on San Antonio's West Side on Feb. 24, 2023. Courtesy photo/Raymond Najera The widow of the 81-year-old Air Force veteran who was mauled and killed by pit bulls in February last year filed a federal lawsuit this month against the city of San Antonio, calling the attack grievous and preventable. Juanita Najeras lawsuit, which is also on behalf of his three adult children, alleges that Animal Care Services failed to act on known threats involving the dogs and that the city has an unwritten policy not to invest resources in certain low-income, minority communities such as the one where the killing took place. Despite repeated warnings, prior incidents of aggression, and clear evidence of the dogs' dangerous propensities, the City of San Antonio made the calamitous decision to release the animals back into the community, the lawsuit states. These dogs, known threats to public safety, had been inadequately addressed by city authorities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit also alleges that City Attorney Andy Segovia helped create and interpret policies for the Animal Care Services, and as such, bears responsibility for Ramon Najeras death. The city of San Antonio denied any wrongdoing, according to a statement. The responsibility for the actions of pets lies with the pets owners, and in this case the owners have been found criminally liable, the city said. The City has not yet been served with the suit. The City will investigate the claims and address them in the litigation if needed. The lawsuit comes a year and a half after Ramon Najera and his wife were visiting a friend on the West Side, near U.S. 90 and Cupples Road, when two 65-pound pitbulls climbed the fence of a neighboring yard and attacked Juanita Najera. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ramon Najera, who was sitting in their vehicle, exited and tried to help save his wife. The dogs turned their attention to him, brutally attacking him. Neighbors tried desperately to stop the attack, honking a car horn, spraying water from a hose and using a rake to try pushing the dogs away. The dogs' owners, Christian Alexander Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, pleaded guilty last month to dangerous dog attack causing death, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Testimony regarding their punishment began Monday and is expected to last all week. Both dogs that attacked the Najeras and a third that ran loose on the street during the incident were later euthanized by Animal Care Services. 'Dangerous animals' Animal Care Services was notified of the dogs' behavior at least three times prior to the Feb. 24, 2023, attack that killed Najera, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In August 2020, the city of San Antonio received affidavits from concerned citizens alleging that the dogs were dangerous and that they engaged in threatening physical behavior to humans, the lawsuit states. Some time after that, neighbor David Avila had gone into the street to collect his compost bin when the couples dogs barked at him aggressively and then followed him onto his fenced property. His 5-year-old daughter was outside at the time, and he yelled at her to go in the house, he said. One of the dogs bit him near his knee. Then, in January 2023, the dogs attacked Reynaldo Vega, biting him in the shoulder and the leg, the lawsuit states. Animal Care Services seized the dogs but allowed Moreno and Schnieder to pick up the dogs in exchange for $200, the lawsuit states. The City released the dogs back into the community without adequate precautions or restrictions, thus failing in its duty to protect the public from these dangerous animals, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit alleges that the city has inadequate policies of training and supervising Animal Control officers and officials regarding the handling of dangerous animals. During criminal proceedings, Animal Control Officer Bethany Snowden testified that there were flaws within the system of ACS, the lawsuit states. Juanita Najera, who filed the lawsuit with the couples three children, is seeking an unspecified amount of money to cover medical expenses, mental anguish, physical impairment, lost earnings and more. Najera has filed a lawsuit against Moreno, Schnieder and Morenos father, Carlos Moreno, who owned the home where the couple lived at the time of the dog attack. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In court papers, all three have denied any wrongdoing. The secret to avoiding red lights during rush hour in Utahs largest city might be as simple as following a bus. Transportation officials spent the past few years refining a system in which radio transmitters inside commuter buses talk directly to the traffic signals in the Salt Lake City area, requesting a few extra seconds of green when they approach. Congestion on these so-called smart streets is already noticeably smoother, but its just a small preview of the high-tech upgrades that could be coming soon to roads across Utah and ultimately across the U.S. Buoyed by a $20 million federal grant and an ambitious calling to Connect the West, the goal is to ensure every vehicle in Utah, as well as neighboring Colorado and Wyoming, can eventually communicate with one another and the roadside infrastructure about congestion, accidents, road hazards and weather conditions. With that knowledge, drivers can instantly know they should take another route, bypassing the need for a human to manually send an alert to an electronic street sign or the mapping apps found on cellphones. A vehicle can tell us a lot about whats going on in the roadway, said Blaine Leonard, a transportation technology engineer at the Utah Department of Transportation. Maybe it braked really hard, or the windshield wipers are on, or the wheels are slipping. The car anonymously broadcasts to us that blip of data 10 times a second, giving us a constant stream of information. When cars transmit information in real time to other cars and the various sensors posted along and above the road, the technology is known broadly as vehicle-to-everything, or V2X. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a national blueprint for how state and local governments and private companies should deploy the various V2X projects already in the works to make sure everyone is on the same page. The overarching objective is universal: dramatically curb roadway deaths and serious injuries, which recently spiked to historic levels. A 2016 analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded V2X could help. Implementing just two of the earliest vehicle-to-everything applications nationwide would prevent 439,000 to 615,000 crashes and save 987 to 1,366 lives, its research found. Dan Langenkamp has lobbied for road safety improvements since his wife Sarah Langenkamp, a U.S. diplomat, was killed by a truck while biking in Maryland in 2022. Joining officials at the news conference announcing the vehicle-to-everything blueprint, Langenkamp urged governments across the U.S. to roll out the technology as widely and quickly as possible. How can we as government officials, as manufacturers, and just as Americans not push this technology forward as fast as we possibly can, knowing that we have the power to rescue ourselves from this disaster, this crisis on our roads, he said. Most of the public resistance has been about privacy. Though the V2X rollout plan commits to safeguarding personal information, some privacy advocates remain skeptical. Critics say that while the system may not track specific vehicles, it can compile enough identifying characteristics even something as seemingly innocuous as tire pressure levels that it wouldnt take too much work to figure out who is behind the wheel and where they are going. Once you get enough unique information, you can reasonably say the car that drives down this street at this time that has this particular weight class probably belongs to the mayor, said Cliff Braun, associate director of technology, policy and research for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which advocates for digital privacy. The federal blueprint says the nations top 75 metropolitan areas should aspire to have at least 25% of their signalized intersections equipped with the technology by 2028, along with higher milestones in subsequent years. With its fast start, the Salt Lake City area already surpassed 20%. Of course, upgrading the signals is the relatively easy part. The most important data comes from the cars themselves. While most new ones have connected features, they dont all work the same way. Before embarking on the Connect the West plan, Utah officials tested what they call the nations first radio-based, connected vehicle technology, using only the data supplied by fleet vehicles such as buses and snow plows. One early pilot program upgraded the bus route on a busy stretch of Redwood Road, and it isnt just the bus riders who noticed a difference. Whatever theyre doing is working, said Jenny Duenas, assistant director of nearby Panda Child Care, where 80 children between 6 weeks and 12 years old are enrolled. We havent seen traffic for a while. We have to transport our kiddos out of here, so when its a lot freer, its a lot easier to get out of the day care. Casey Brock, bus communications supervisor for the Utah Transit Authority, said most of the changes might not be noticeable to drivers. However, even shaving a few seconds off a bus route can dramatically reduce congestion while improving safety, he said. From a commuter standpoint it may be, Oh, I had a good traffic day, Brock said. They dont have to know all the mechanisms going on behind the scenes. This summer, Michigan opened a 3-mile stretch of a connected and automated vehicle corridor planned for Interstate 94 between Ann Arbor and Detroit. The pilot project features digital infrastructure, including sensors and cameras installed on posts along the highway, that will help drivers prepare for traffic slowdowns by sending notifications about such things as debris and stalled vehicles. Similar technology is being employed for a smart freight corridor around Austin, Texas, that aims to inform truck drivers of road conditions and eventually cater to self-driving trucks. Darran Anderson, director of strategy and innovation at the Texas Department of Transportation, said officials hope the technology not only boosts the states massive freight industry but also helps reverse a troubling trend that has spanned more than two decades. The last day without a road fatality in Texas was Nov. 7, 2000. Cavnue, a Washington, D.C.-based subsidiary of Alphabets Sidewalk Infrastructure partners, funded the Michigan project and was awarded a contract to develop the one in Texas. The company has set a goal of becoming an industry leader in smart roads technology. Chris Armstrong, Cavnues vice president of product, calls V2X a digital seatbelt for the car but says it only works if cars and roadside infrastructure can communicate seamlessly with one another. Instead of speaking 50 different languages, he said, overnight wed like to all speak the same language. More coverage:(tncms-asset)946b2260-fe8c-5b6e-89f5-63d482cc4159[3](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)3c0ee5ce-ffff-5643-b420-c23d91f2c33d[4](/tncms-asset) The most common types of car crashes in America The most common types of car crashes in America The most common collisions A vast majority of fatal crashes involve a single driver Teryn Thress made the move to Los Angeles when she was 17, trading the Sonoran Desert where she grew up for the sandy beaches of the coastal state. I went to the beach and thought, Why arent there vending machines on the beach selling beach balls and sunscreen? she says. It was a fleeting thought nothing the 17-year-old was prepared to do anything about. But now years later, shes building an entire business around the idea. Thress and co-owner Marcy Ellis are bringing Bun Bun Vending to Tucson, a creative take on the timeless vending machine. The name was inspired by the pairs four bunnies: Lupita, Chiquita, Peanut and Mayo. The goal is to have multiple vending machines around town, each tailored to each business. For example, Tucson Hop Shop is dog-friendly and positioned near The Loop, so Thress and Ellis included pet treats and bike repair kits inside the machine. There are also fun additions that you definitely wont find in your standard vending machine: a disposable camera, a candle that looks like a tin of fish, Bob Ross bandages. There are also 10 golden envelopes hidden in the machine, holding Tucson Hop Shop gift cards. For a lack of a better word, we really hopped into the fun and playfulness of it, Thress says. We definitely were thinking of pulling on nostalgia and those sweet memories of going to the beach and wanting a vending machine. To me, my vending machine, Im always thinking of my art school 2 a.m. Hot Cheetos date, Ellis says. We took those ideas and thought this would be a sweet twist. Beyond Bun Bun Vending, Thress owns Remedes + Richewels, handcrafting soap bars and bath bombs. Ellis is known for her feminine and earthy designs on prints, cards and notebooks. The two met in the bathroom during Tucsons beloved Cultivate artisan market several years ago and eventually shared a studio. During the pandemic, Thress stumbled upon The Venderia, headed by Taylor Valdes in Portland, Oregon. Shes known for starting whats now called the creative vending revolution and offers classes on how to bring the concept to your own community. That was during COVID and I had a baby and it laid to rest, Thress says. Then Marcy and I moved back into a studio together and I was like, Marcy, lets do this. And I couldnt have asked for a better partner. We were looking for a way to connect with the community in a different way, Ellis says. Weve done all the markets and we love that, but theres something about this opportunity to offer the community. Its a different taste of a market. The two revisited the concept in January eventually developing an entire five-year plan for Bun Bun Vending and purchased a secondhand vending machine on Facebook Marketplace in May. The machine is decorated with Ellis signature florals, but the inside is a lot more technical. The process to get the machine up and running was filled with lots of measuring and repackaging, countless checking to be sure nothing became stuck on the coils and had an easy drop down to the pickup door. Both Thress and Ellis will be in charge of the entire process theyll install the machines and keep them stocked, hoping that youll never see an empty coil. Along with refurbishing secondhand machines, they're also incorporating eco-friendly packaging. We, as people and in our businesses, want to think of the Earth as much as possible. Were super eco-conscious in what we do, Thress says. It was big for us with the packaging in there to use compostable sleeves because this type of business can get wasteful. Tucson Hop Shop is a natural fit for Bun Buns debut machine. They both agree: the midtown bar and bottle shop was a no-brainer. We love how Jessie, the owner, designed this whole space, Ellis says. Her whole thing is every time you turn a corner, you see something new. We were like, we can help you with that. While Thress and Ellis arent sure where the next machine will go, they hope to eventually install one at the airport. But what they are certain of is that the next vending machine will be different from this one, and the next one after that wont be the same either. What we learned a lot through the class with Taylor was to really go to the businesses and hang out there and support them and see the type of customers that go in, finding your demographic and your customer or people you dont know yet, Ellis says. Theres so much potential and so many people we can collaborate with. We have a shared notes app and its like 3 a.m. and were thinking of ideas. A lot of credit goes to Taylor she teaches you how to do it but there was still a lot of trial and error, Thress says. I hadnt even used a vending machine since this came, but we knew we wanted it to be local (and curated). The local aspect of it is the most important to us because we want to highlight whats unique to Tucson. A Pima County Superior Court Judge has rejected a bid by a man convicted of killing a Tucson police officer to have his plea altered, officials say. David Nick Delich, 29, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the fatal shooting of Officer Erik Hite during a chase in 2008 across Tucson. Delich also pleaded guilty except insane to two counts of discharging a firearm at a residential structure, and seven counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Delich filed a petition asking the court to modify his sentence for the last two counts from guilty pleas to guilty except insane pleas. Under the terms of the plea, Delich will spend the next 91.5 years in the state hospital. If, during that time, the doctors find he is no longer seriously mentally ill he will be transferred to the state prison to start serving a life term, with the possibility of release after 25 years. Delich was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia years before he shot Hite, according the court records. The San Antonio Water System will launch an online inventory showing where lead pipes have been found, including both public water lines owned by the utility and private lines owned by customers. Charlie Blalock/ Contributor The San Antonio Water System will spend almost $13 million to identify water service lines that are made of lead or at risk of exposure to lead to comply with federal requirements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In October, SAWS will make public a list of lead service lines, but it expects to list hundreds of thousands of lines as unknown, as the city-owned utility doesnt yet know what materials were used for those pipes. Customers will also start receiving letters in October with that information, said Anne Hayden, SAWS' communications director. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAWS has more than 600,000 service lines in its system, carrying water from SAWS mains to customers. About 230,000 of those have been determined to be non-lead materials, according to Kirstin Eller, the utility's potable water quality supervisor The service lines, known as laterals, run from mains to meters; that section of pipe is owned by SAWS. But the pipes between the meters and homes and businesses are private and belong to the property owners. There are 150,000 lines that are unknown on both sides of the meter, Eller said, and another 235,000 lines that are known on the SAWS side, but unknown on the customers' sides. The utility must physically inspect the line or use documents to verify the materials. Residents will also be asked to provide any information they have about the materials of their own pipes. SAWS trustees voted Tuesday to approve $9.7 million for the effort, on top of $2.7 million approved for the work in 2022. That money doesnt include costs for replacing those pipes. That expenditure is expected to come back before the board for approval in 2026, water quality manager Monty McGuffin said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAWS must remove all of its at-risk pipe by 2037, McGuffin said. Lead is most commonly found in pipes installed before 1986, when Congress banned future use of the material in public water systems. Texas homes built after 1989 aren't likely to have lead pipes, SAWS said. Exposure to lead can damage the central and peripheral nervous systems, according to the EPA, and can cause behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, anemia and lower IQ and hyperactivity. Young children, infants and fetuses are most vulnerable, but adults can also experience cardiovascular issues, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems due to lead exposure. A predictive model currently projects about 30,000 service laterals will have to be replaced, but that number is expected to decline as more information is gathered about unknown lines. The lines that need to be replaced include both lead pipes and certain galvanized pipes, which are metal pipes with an internal coating. When there are lead pipes upstream of a galvanized pipe, water can carry lead into the galvanized pipe, where the coating then acts like a magnet. The lead becomes attached to that pipe, and can be released over time in the water flowing to customers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Galvanized lines that have never been downstream of a lead pipe wont need to be replaced, SAWS said. So far, the utility has identified one lead pipe and 56 galvanized pipes that require replacement. The lead pipe belonged to SAWS and has been replaced, McGuffin said. Eller said the utility has documents showing about 800 lead pipes have been removed from the system. But SAWS believes there were likely more that were replaced in the 1980s and 1990s that havent been confirmed yet, she said. The line identification work would move faster with the use of metal detecting technology, McGuffin said, which SAWS has been testing. But the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality would need to approve SAWS' use of that method, which hasnt happened yet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under current state and federal rules, customers with lead in their private lines wont be required to replace them, McGuffin said. They just have to sign off on it, he said, and SAWS will continue sending annual notifications to those properties. Ultimately, if there is lead, the customer will be responsible for determining what they want to do with that, said Donovan Burton, the utilitys vice president of water resources and governmental relations. SAWS doesnt have programs in place to help residents pay for those replacements. That could be considered once the utility completes its inventory and knows how many pipes need replacing, but there isnt federal funding available for that currently, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More than 1,000 men from Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas formed a posse in a driving cold winter rain to search for six notorious outlaws believed hiding in the rugged, sparsely populated Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma. The posse arrested 21 people, including three women, but the searchers were disappointed because they didn't find any of the "big guns" they were seeking, such as Charles A. "Pretty Boy" Floyd. Most of those arrested were released after questioning. Word of the planned search of the hills that had become known as a bandits' haven leaked out before the posse began its search, forcing it to move up its action by several hours on Feb. 18, 1934. Still, O.P. Ray, leader of the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, was elated at the success of the drive, which he said had shown the state's peace officers what results can be obtained from a concentrated drive on criminals. "The natives of these hills will think twice in the future before they board and room criminals in their homes or afford them protection of any kind," he said. Authorities had long believed that criminals took refuge there because they would be fed and housed by residents. Ray said future notices of such raids would be sent in code to prevent the public from knowing of a drive in advance. "In several instances, raiding parties searched known bandit hide-outs, only to find the persons being sought had left just a few hours earlier," he said. The posse was made up of Oklahoma National Guardsmen; state officers from Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri; sheriffs and deputies from counties in Oklahoma as far away as Comanche; federal agents; and city police officers from Tulsa and Oklahoma City. It was called the largest manhunt in the country's history. It may still rank as the largest manhunt in Oklahoma. More officers may have been involved in the 2003 Creek County search for killer Scott Eizember, but they were not in a concentrated search at the same time. The Creek County search lasted much longer. Posse members stopped all cars as they traveled on the few highways through the area that generally was bounded by Tahlequah, Fort Gibson, Muskogee, Gore, Vian, Sallisaw, Marble and Stilwell. Some of the posse members walked through the hills to search remote houses. The National Guard set up roadblocks (that was years before the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was organized) that were manned with machine guns. About 40 of the other officers had submachine guns. Maj. Wint Smith, commander of the Kansas Highway Patrol, who brought 25 of his men to join the search, said Kansas officers had an interest in the raid because "every time there is a break at Lansing (the state penitentiary), most of the escapees head for the Cookson Hills." The Cookson Hills crime offensive was a topic at a state convention of the Oklahoma Peace Officers Association in Tulsa six weeks earlier, and officers later gathered information from informants that Floyd and the other five men were hiding out there. The time for the raid was moved up after Police Chief Tom Brumley, officer C.P. Lloyd and three robbers were killed in a Sapulpa shootout Feb. 4, and a sheriff's deputy and robber were killed in a shootout at Chelsea the next night. One of the bandits killed at Sapulpa was from Sallisaw and was thought to be an accomplice of Floyd. The gunman killed at Chelsea was thought to have been a member of a Cookson Hills gang. The Sapulpa shootings occurred in raids at the farm home of a man thought to be providing refuge for Aussie Elliott of Sallisaw, who was killed in the shootings, and other bandits. After word of the police chief's killing spread, a crowd of about 500 gathered at the courthouse where the farmer was held in jail. A Tulsa National Guard unit was activated to help maintain order. Rogers County Deputy Al Powell was killed after he and a night watchman questioned two men they saw standing near a hardware store at 1:45 a.m. The body of outlaw Eddie Clanton was found two hours later in an alley. He had been killed by fellow robber Ford Bradshaw, who kidnapped a Chelsea boy and forced him to drive him to Fort Smith. Bradshaw warned the boy not to tell police about the trip, "for I killed a law at Chelsea last night and then I murdered my pal who was going to help me loot that hardware store." He added: "I know where you live." Among those arrested by the big posse was Luther Joliff, who had been sought since September 1932 as a suspect in the killing of a woman who was shot by bandits when the car driven by her son refused to stop as they tried to commandeer the car. The bandits shot into the car, killing Susie Sharp and wounding her daughter and granddaughter. Searches of the hills for her killers resulted in the deaths of six men, including three officers, over several weeks that month. Only one injury resulted from the huge 1934 Cookson Hills raid. Police Chief William Jones of Coalgate was shot in the leg when a shotgun held by a Coal County deputy accidentally discharged. While the 1,000 posse members went about their business seeking robbers and killers, Tahlequah Mayor James Thompson had another worry -- the livelihood and comfort of his town's residents. "Don't let the boys tear down any of our stills," he urged Ray. "These stills have been the means of refreshment and have furnished bread and butter to the operators all during the Depression." Inspector Ray assured the mayor the stills would be spared "because of the quality of their product." Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive. Just a few weeks since taking over, the man charged with helping fix Tulsa Countys beleaguered Family Center for Juvenile Justice believes that some initial improvements and a new commitment to transparency are already paying off. David Parker, a retired Oklahoma Department of Corrections division director, was hired in late July to manage the center on a temporary basis and bring it into compliance with state regulators. Parker on Monday led a media tour at the center, which includes the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Home, to discuss his role and progress thats been made. The center has been beset with problems that include allegations that staff sexually assaulted some juveniles who were held there. A court filing in a federal civil rights lawsuit included the accusation that staff at the Tulsa County juvenile detention center encouraged detained youths to fight each other and bet on the results. Staff incentivized juvenile residents with illegal drugs, snacks and cellphone privileges to encourage the fights, the filing alleges. The Tulsa county commissioners took over management of the facility last month. Im very confident that we will get there. Im absolutely confident enough to know that were not going to get shut down, said Parker, who added that the center could regain accreditation within the next few days, pending the outcome of an audit from the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. Will we get full accreditation at this audit? I think weve got a really good shot at it, Parker said. I cant guarantee it because there were a lot of deficiencies. But Im confident we will have it shortly. OJA placed the center on probation earlier this year and at the end of July extended it for 60 days. Its the second time in two years the center has been on probation. Parker, who was joined by new detention home manager Penny Lewis, said his focus so far has been on updating center policies and procedures while improving the quality of life for the residents. Not everything was broke, Parker said. There are some very dedicated staff here. Theres a few people here that have really carried this thing on their shoulders for a long time. What we needed to do was put those systems in place and work smarter than we do harder and have a plan to continue to move forward and develop. You cant fix everything overnight. Parker said an emphasis for him out of the gate has been to build better relationships with other offices and agencies, starting with the Tulsa County Public Defenders Office. Weve moved our public defender into an office right next to mine. I cant get much more transparent than that, Parker said. A lot of things we do, we want to include the public defender, because theyre who defends 99% of these kids. Parker said hes also working on the centers relationship with OJA. Thats a relationship that I believe was broke, he said. Were rebuilding it. We try to get them to come in constantly to look at our things. The centers staffing still short Parker said staffing challenges also have been a priority. Already chronically understaffed, the center soon will be implementing a master roster system that should help, he said. But before that, some cutting needed to happen, he added. Parker said all temporary staffing was eliminated, along with a few permanent staff members and positions. Most of the problems that arose seemed to come from employees from a temp agency, he said. Staffing shortages are not a new problem. Parker said the center is currently operating at about 60% of the desired level. In fact, Parker has e ven stepped in and given kids rides to school, he said. Well continue to manage, he said. The staffing shortage is not unique. You look at this profession the national average is 50% turnover. This jobs hard work, and a lot of people dont realize it when they take it. Parker said one big help with staffing has been the ability to rely on Tulsa County Sheriffs Office staff. Sheriff (Vic) Regalado stepped up, he said. He allows his employees to come work on their days off. So well get them a couple of days at a time, and they fill a lot of gaps. Were so very grateful for that. Training on them is very minimal. The steps to improve quality of life Other changes so far, Parker said, are geared toward improving quality of life for the youths. One is an update of the centers grievance policy so that it matches other OJA facilities. One thing we did is we took the grievance process out of everybodys hands, Parker said. It goes into Miss Lewis now, my second in command. She is addressing those daily. Other changes were small, but with potentially big impact, he said. For one, in the dining room, Parker noticed that the tables were set up in a way that seemed to encourage isolation. So we combined them all and now its one long family-type table, he said. I believe that social interaction is a big part of development, especially when youre a juvenile. Thats just something small. But we needed to start with some little things. Parker said hes thankful for the support of the county commissioners. I cant tell you how great it is to have people behind you that want you to succeed, he said. They give you the reins until you fix it, or they figure out how to pay for it if we need it. The Tulsa World is where your story lives Some juvenile detention center staff accused of promoting, betting on 'fight clubs' The fight club allegations are included in a new filing on behalf of former detainees who are suing the Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice. Tulsa County juvenile detention center's probation extended 60 days Officials were told the facility's license could be revoked, but "due to the improved conditions, OJA chose to not shut down the facility today," County Commission Chairman Stan Sallee said Wednesday. Tulsa County reluctantly takes control at juvenile detention center during OJA probation Tulsa County Commission Chair Stan Sallee said the Office of Juvenile Affairs approved of the leadership change. "Otherwise, they were going to shut this facility down. Tulsa County juvenile detention facility could lose its license, OJA warns The Tulsa County district judge charged with overseeing operations at the Family Center for Juvenile Justice is asking county commissioners to consider having another entity run the facility. Tulsa County juvenile detention facility back on probation The district judge charged with overseeing the facility has asked to be relieved of his supervisory duties there, county commissioners announced in a statement Thursday. Another Tulsa County juvenile detention center staffer accused in criminal case Dquan Doyle, 35, is also named in a federal civil rights lawsuit that alleges he sexually assaulted and abused minors at the Family Center for Juvenile Justice. Fired juvenile justice center staffer faces new charges Jonathan Michael Hines, 26, has been jailed since April 26 with bond set at $200,000 for a human trafficking charge. He now is accused of soliciting a minor at another county facility. Civil rights lawsuit claims residents at Tulsa juvenile justice center were sexually assaulted The lawsuit comes after an advocacy group posted on social media a critique of conditions at the Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice and called for an independent investigation. Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will debate for the first time on Tuesday night with similar rules as the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden. The debate will start at 8 p.m. Tuesday and is expected to last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. It will be moderated by ABC News World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis. ABC News will carry the debate live on its broadcast network as well as its streaming platform ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. Several networks have also agreed to carry the event live. The debate is taking place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Tuesdays debate might be the only one before the Nov. 5 election, as no others are scheduled. The candidates have never met in person. They have agreed to the following debate rules, according to ABC News: No audience will be in the room. Microphones will be live only for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. The mics will be muted when the other candidate is speaking. Only the moderators will be permitted to ask questions. The candidates will not be allowed to ask each other questions. A coin flip was held virtually to determine the order of closing statements. Trump won the coin toss and will go last. Closing statements will be two minutes per candidate. There are no opening statements. Each candidate will be allotted two minutes to answer each question with a two-minute rebuttal. An additional minute is allowed for a follow-up, clarification or response. Candidates will stand behind podiums for the duration of the debate. No props or prewritten notes will be allowed on stage. Campaign staff may not interact with candidates during commercial breaks. No topics or specific questions are being shared in advance. Up next: CBS News will host a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 between Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Trumps running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance. That event is to be held in New York City. The Associated Press contributed to this story. The Tulsa World is where your story lives The recount in Tulsas mayoral election is set to continue for a fourth day on Tuesday, as the third day of ballot examination ground on without any significant shift in results. Third-place finisher Brent VanNorman challenged the unofficial results in hopes of making the ballot for Nov. 5s final round of voting, despite a 436-vote difference between him and second-place finisher Karen Keith and a margin of more than 700 between him and top vote-getter Monroe Nichols. Inside a former manufacturing plant in east Tulsa, off 11th Street and Skelly Drive, 11 tables of paid poll workers sat sorting and tallying Tulsa County ballots by hand from 9 a.m. until about 6:30 p.m. on Monday, recounting for a third or fourth time when necessary. Roughly 90% or 51,375, of the 55,000 or so votes have been recounted so far. Election officials said Monday evening that about 30 had been ruled overvotes ballots with marks next to more than one candidates name. The resulting losses were spread more or less evenly among the top three candidates. A second, much smaller recount was scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska. It involved 1,200 mayoral votes tabulated in four Osage County precincts within the Tulsa city limits. Certified results received from Kelly Chouteau, secretary of the Osage County Election Board, were identical from election night VanNorman received only 66 votes, well behind Keiths 291 and Nichols 794. The vast majority of volunteer observers of the Tulsa County recount have been from the VanNorman and Nichols campaigns. But Keith herself stopped by about 1:15 p.m. Monday and chatted with Election Board commissioners and stayed for about 30 minutes. Its really not a concern for me because I have the utmost confidence in the integrity of our election, she said when asked why her campaign had only a few people watching the recount. As the recount heads into its fourth day, Keith said she questions the fact that taxpayers, by and large, will foot the bill for such a costly, time-consuming endeavor. Unless there is some dramatic change (in the outcome), I think the one challenging it ought to pay for it, and I think the state Legislature needs to look at how to make the county whole for this, Keith said. Tulsa County GOP Chairwoman Ronda Vuillemont-Smith stopped by around 4 p.m. Monday to check on the progress of the recount. Its not going to change anything and thats OK. It helps confirm the integrity of our elections, which we already knew from our past audits, she said. We have very good elections here. Anyone who has questions should volunteer to work the polls and see for themselves. Under new, stricter guidelines, election boards have been instructed by the state to reject ballots with any trace of markings for more than one candidate. Almost all such ballots are flagged on the spot on election day by Oklahomas voting machines, which then ask whether the voter wishes to submit a substitute ballot. Most of those being flagged during the recount by paid poll workers or watchers volunteers representing specific candidates and disallowed by the three-member Tulsa County Election Board are less obvious. Even a smudge or the dot of a pen could move a ballot to the overvote category. While the new guidelines eliminate just about all subjective judgment calls, some complain that they also deprive citizens of otherwise valid votes. San Antonio police continue to look for Adiah Damir Roberson in connection with the shooting death of Daniel Shrewsbury, a Sonic Drive-In manager, on July 7. San Antonio Police Department The teen accused in the slaying of a Sonic Drive-In manager in July could be hiding in Austin. Adiah Namir Roberson, 17, is facing murder and forgery charges in connection with the death of Daniel Shrewsbury, 33, San Antonio police said. They have asked the Austin Police Department to help find Roberson, who they believe is hiding in Austin following the July 7 shooting. Roberson is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: San Antonio Crime Stoppers offer reward in Sonic manager shooting death On July 7, Roberson, Joshua Joseph, 27, and another woman stopped at a Sonic Drive-In in the 5500 block of Babcock Road to order food. The manager, Shrewsbury, denied their transaction because they were attempting to pay with counterfeit money, according to police. A heated dispute ensued between Roberson and Shrewsbury inside the restaurants kitchen. Police said Roberson then allegedly stole money from the tip jar and ran back to the vehicle. As Shrewsbury tried to get a picture of the vehicles license plate, Joseph told him that he was going to get shot. Shortly after, Roberson exited the vehicle and opened fire on the 33-year-old. The three individuals drove away from the Sonic Drive-In parking lot while Shrewsbury returned to the inside of the restaurant where he collapsed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. On Aug. 17, U.S. marshals arrested Joseph at his home. He faces a murder charge because police said he threatened Shrewsbury during the dispute. Joshua Albert Joseph, 27, faces a murder charge in connection with the death of Sonic Drive-In manager Daniel Shrewsbury, 33. Raul Trey Lopez APD said anyone in the Austin area with information on Robersons whereabouts can submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation is assisting local police after a man was taken into custody following a fatal shooting in Pawnee County. Cleveland Police Department officers responded around 7:30 p.m. Monday to a residence near Broadway Street and Miami Avenue regarding a domestic dispute, according to the OSBI. Officers provided first aid at the scene after finding a gunshot victim, who died after being taken to a local hospital. That persons name had not been released. Steven Tyler Eddy, 25, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Pawnee County jail in connection with the homicide. The investigation remains ongoing, the OSBI said in a news release. The Tulsa World is where your story lives Vietnam and the United States are considering opening wider doors for new types of fruits, including Vietnamese passion fruits and U.S. lemons. A business delegation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered Vietnam on Monday to implement a series of farm produce promotion activities. According to the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the delegation, led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor, will be in Vietnam until Friday. The U.S. is a key export market of Vietnam, while the Southeast Asian nation is the formers second-largest market of farm produce and food exports, Taylor said. Agricultural products of the two nations can complement each other, especially fruits, she said, adding that the two sides will consider exporting Vietnams yellow passion fruits to the U.S. and shipping U.S. lemons to Vietnam. The delegation includes representatives from 58 U.S. agricultural firms and organizations, plus nine U.S. states. All delegates will join various activities at supermarkets and stores, as well as carry out on-site surveys at production facilities that are already using materials imported from the U.S. such as grains, cereals, and wheat flour. The delegation started its working trip by attending the opening ceremony of the United Tastes event, an annual celebration that has become a cornerstone in Vietnam-U.S. relations, at the MM Mega Market in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City on Monday. For the week of the event, Vietnamese consumers receive discounts of up to 30 percent while buying fresh U.S. products at MM Mega Markets. Consumers select U.S. apples at an MM Mega Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nhu Binh / Tuoi Tre These products include fresh foods like Tyson chicken, beef, and potatoes, as well as Envy, Jazz, and Fuji apples, grapes, cherries, and oranges. Additionally, dry goods such as sauces, chocolates, wheat, and nuts are available, along with beverages like wine and juices. The event will also feature special promotions, food sampling, and cooking demonstrations. The visit is meant to provide insights into the Vietnamese retail industry and consumer preferences, and to strengthen global business connections and understanding of Vietnams market dynamics, according to Taylor. Though the delegation is working in Vietnam, its trip will give U.S. agricultural enterprises a chance to tap the Southeast Asian market due to the participation in the event by potential customers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand. Bruno Jousselin, managing director of MM Mega Market Vietnam excitedly remarks, The event marks the third year of our partnership with the USDA, bringing directly imported premium U.S. food and beverages closer to our household B2C and professional B2B customers. Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations are seen as potential markets for U.S. exporters thanks to the increasing incomes of consumers, the higher number of middle-class people, and a positive understanding of U.S. food. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Editor's note: This article was originally written in Vietnamese by Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association, in tribute to the late Indian film critic Aruna Vasudev. It has been translated and edited by Tuoi Tre News. Renowned film critic Aruna Vasudev is a name beloved and respected by filmmakers and film advocates across the globe. I received the news of her passing in the early hours of September 6, instantly drowned under a wave of shock, sorrow, and emptiness. Vasudev is truly gone, a sentiment still hard to believe, even though she was frail with age and had been suffering from Alzheimers for years. With her departure, Asian cinema has lost an irreplaceable figure one who may not find a successor for a long time. Aruna: The soul of NETPAC Aruna Vasudev was known as a critic, editor, author, documentary filmmaker, and 'an eminent scholar of Asian cinema' as some newspapers put it. She began studying photography in New York in the early 1960s, later producing several documentaries before moving to France to pursue film studies, and eventually earning her PhD in 1979 from Sorbonne University in Paris. In 1988, she launched Cinemaya, a rare magazine dedicated to reviewing new films, profiling renowned and emerging filmmakers, and covering Asian film festivals and cinema events. In 1991, Vasudev founded the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC), a non-profit professional organization of Asian and international film advocates under the auspices of UNESCO. It aims to discover and honor Asian films and filmmakers while fostering the exchange of academic issues of Asian cinema. She visited the Hanoi International Film Festival twice as a jury president for NETPAC and as a keynote speaker on Vietnamese cinema's reform. Indeed, she was the heart and soul of the NETPAC awards since their inception, and she became the centerpiece of many cinematic events. I was fortunate to meet her early in my career, at the second Fukuoka Film Festival in 1992, where, as a young critic, I had been invited to speak at a panel on Vietnamese cinema. That year, Vietnamese films were chosen to be the Fukuoka Film Festivals focus. I was so focused on my speech that I became unaware of the presence of top Asian and international filmmakers in the audience, in that auditorium of over 100 people. After I finished my presentation, many came up to congratulate me. Among them was Vasudev, a strikingly elegant middle-aged Indian woman with a warm voice, who looked at me attentively with a kind smile. She asked me for my thoughts on the new wave of Vietnamese cinema, about directors like Dang Nhat Minh, and other emerging Vietnamese filmmakers. She walked away from me that event leaving assurances that she would commission me to write for Cinemaya. A while later, I received her letter requesting an article. If it were not for Vasudev and Cinemaya, my name would not appear on the pages of magazines and books on Asian cinema. More importantly, my career as a film critic might have remained confined to Vietnams borders, or perhaps I would have settled as a diligent civil servant at the Department of Cinema. I wrote for Cinemaya about Vietnamese documentaries as 'historical witnesses,' the wave of reformed films by second-generation Vietnamese directors, specifically directors Dang Nhat Minh (Thuong Nho Dong Que) or Le Hoang (Ai Xuoi Van Ly), and Ho Quang Minh (Thoi Xa Vang). Each article I submitted was welcomed and encouraged by Vasudev. Indian film critic Aruna Vasudev and Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan (R) are seen in a supplied file photo. She who loved Vietnam wholeheartedly Vietnam was undoubtedly one of the countries that Vasudev held dear, and Vietnamese cinema always had a special place in her heart. In early 2000, she invited me to contribute a chapter on Vietnamese cinema to her book 'Being & Becoming the Cinema of Asia' (Macmillan, 2002). After I submitted my work, I was puzzled when my chapter was titled A Time to Die, A Time to Live. Upon reflection, it made perfect sense. No other country had endured such prolonged war and destruction before emerging into a peaceful life. Seeing my chapter on Vietnamese cinema in a monumental 600-page book filled me with emotion and happiness. Vasudev, as NETPAC's president, also encouraged me to complete the manuscript of a book that would later be published by NETPAC. As a result, my book entitled 'Tinh Hien Dai Va Tinh Dan Toc Trong Dien Anh Viet Nam' or 'Modernity and National Identity in Vietnamese Cinema' in English was meticulously edited by Vasudev and fellow critic Philip Cheah, director of the Singapore International Film Festival for two decades, before being published internationally in 2007. The book on Asian cinema Being & Becoming - the Cinema of Asia (left), edited by Aruna Vasudev, and the book Modernity and National Identity in Vietnamese Cinema by Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, published and distributed by NETPAC. Memories of love, tireless dedication I became a member of NETPAC quite early, and it has been almost thirty years now. Being a member granted me precious time with Vasudev and I have cherished every moment, especially when I was a jury member at film festivals or attended international conferences. One memory stands out vividly. I had been invited to New Delhi as a jury member for the Osians Cinefan Film Festival, founded and chaired by Vasudev. After the closing ceremony, I rushed to the airport but became so absorbed in reading screenplays that I missed my flight. With no other option, I headed back to my hotel. The next morning, Vasudev came to pick me up and spent the entire day with me. After losing her husband early in life, she lived with her older sister, a well-known journalist and writer, and her only daughter, Inca. Inca recently got married. Her husband is the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. They were classmates, Vasudev proudly shared with me during one of her trips to Hanoi. Another memory of Vasudev is the feasts she would host after each film event. She would invite all her friends and NETPAC members to her home, and we would be there late into the night. Stories of career, as well as passion and ambition for cinema, were ignited by Vasudev for Asian filmmakers and her unwavering efforts helped shape the growth and spread of Asian cinema over the past decades. She truly was the Mother of Asian Cinema, not just the title of a film about her, but a fitting description in every sense. I am fortunate and honored to be one of her 'children.' NETPAC currently presents its NETPAC Award at nearly 50 international film festivals, including prestigious ones like Berlin, Venice, Rotterdam, Singapore, Toronto, Busan, and more. In Vietnam, the NETPAC Award is given at the Hanoi International Film Festival (HANIFF) and the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF). Aruna Vasudev has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Korean Cinema Award at the Busan International Film Festival in 1997; the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cinemanila International Film Festival in 2006; the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Colombo in 2015; the Vision in Film Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 2015, to name a few. In 2019, she received the French honor of Officier de lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) for her outstanding contribution to cinema and the arts. The Tripoli Film Festival has even named its Best Screenplay award after her, the 'Aruna Vasudev Award.' Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Apple on Monday unveiled its long-awaited, artificial intelligence-boosted iPhone 16 and promised improvements in its Siri personal assistant as it rolled out new software, beginning in test mode next month. "The next generation of iPhone has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. It marks the beginning of an exciting new era," Chief Executive Tim Cook said at a product launch. Shares of Apple closed barely changed for the day at $220.91. Apple's event came hours before China's Huawei launches a tri-fold phone, underscoring the competitive challenge the iPhone maker faces. Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China to power the 16s. An attendee photographs the new iPhone 16 as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters Apple and technology companies around the world are racing to add AI to products, and phones are expected to be among the most important battlegrounds. The Cupertino, California-based company also is betting the AI feature will drive consumers to upgrade amid a slowdown in iPhone sales. Apple Intelligence, the company's AI software, will be used to improve Siri as well as enhancing features such as understanding and identifying objects captured by the phone camera, executives said. A test version of Apple Intelligence will be available in the U.S. version of the English language next month. It will be available for other localized versions of English in December, with versions in languages including Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish next year. Features including improvements to Siri will be rolled out over time, Apple said. It did not say, however, when it would move beyond test. An attendee holds two iPhones 16 as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will cost the same as models they replace and use a new chip and an aluminum case. A customizable button that can control the camera was one of the most touted hardware features in a format that looks similar to previous models. The higher-end 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are made from titanium and have more AI capability, such as offering suggestions on how to set up a photo shoot more effectively and audio-editing capabilities aimed at professional-level video production. Apple's new iPhone chips use the latest version of Arm's architecture that includes specific features to speed AI applications. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is showcased as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters "Existing iPhone users who have had their device for 3-4 years will definitely be enticed to upgrade, even if some things are rolling out later, as this will future-proof their device for AI," said International Data Corp analyst Nabila Popal. Still, several analysts described the delays in features as keeping many potential buyers on the sidelines initially. "You might see people wait a little bit to see how these things work out, how well they function, and then they'll start to investigate it. But I don't think we'll see the mad rush that we've seen in years past," said TECHnalysis Research founder Bob O'Donnell. By comparison, Huawei's website showed on Monday that it had garnered more than 3 million pre-orders for its Z-shaped tri-fold phone ahead of its official unveiling. This underscores Huawei's ability to navigate U.S. sanctions and solidifies its position against Apple in China, where consumers are hankering for more AI features and are willing to pay for them. The fourth generation of AirPods is showcased as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters Watches and airpods Apple also unveiled new Watches and AirPods with health-focused capabilities, as well as hardware-design improvements. Apple highlighted the Watch's ability to discover longer-term health conditions such as sleep apnea as well as detecting and responding to emergencies such as a fall. As it updated AirPods, Apple rolled out hearing-aid features that it has submitted for U.S. regulatory review. Apple fans globally have been waiting to see the new phones with AI. IPhones accounted for more than half of Apple's $383 billion sales last year. An attendee tries the new AirPods Max as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters "While Android phones may have some of these features, Apple has packaged them well and will be able to market them far more broadly," said D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria. China offers particular challenges to Apple. "Apple fell out of the list of top five smartphone vendors in China in Q2," said eMarketer senior technology analyst Gadjo Sevilla. "It was the first time that China's domestic smartphone firms held all five spots. Since Apple Intelligence still needs to be approved by Beijing for a rollout in China, it will likely not initially be a key driver for adoption in the region." In China, Apple aggressively slashed prices earlier this year, prompted by government restrictions and increased domestic competition. The iPhone 16 lineup is the first Apple smartphones designed around these AI features though those are expected also to be available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the top-end versions of the previous-generation devices. Rivals including Alphabet's Google are also showcasing AI features to try to upend Apple's dominance in the high-end smartphone market. CEO of Apple Tim Cook gives a presentation as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters Google, developer of the Android operating system which competes with Apple's iOS, focused its Pixel smartphone rollout event in August on AI features including Gemini Live, which allows users to hold live voice conversations with a digital assistant. Many of the AI features Google announced were also rolled out to the Android-based devices made by manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola. In June, one week after its developer conference, Apple said it would delay the release of AI-powered features in Europe due to European Union tech rules. Huawei has scheduled an official announcement of its Mate XT Z-fold phone on Tuesday in China. Mozambique wishes to receive Vietnams support for its agricultural development while boosting other cooperative areas between the two countries, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi said during his talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on Monday. The two leader held talks after they had a private meeting on the heels of the official welcome ceremony hosed by Lam for the Mozambican president and his spouse, who had arrived in Hanoi on Sunday for a three-day visit, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the private session, the two leaders pledged to boost the traditional ties between the Communism Party of Vietnam and the Mozambique Liberation Front through theoretical studies, experience exchange, and personnel training, thereby creating a foundation for developing the two nations relations, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (R, 1st), along with other Vietnamese officials, is seen at his talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi in Hanoi, September 9, 2024. Photo: Danh Khang In their following talks, Lam highly appreciated the Mozambican leaders visit, considering it a new momentum for further promoting the traditional solidarity, cooperation, and friendship between the two countries and peoples. Lauding Vietnam's achievements in the agricultural sector, President Nyusi suggested that Vietnam support Mozambique in agricultural development through the implementation of trilateral agricultural cooperation projects like those that the Southeast Asian country has successfully implemented with other African countries. According to Mozambican Ambassador to Vietnam Ilundi Dos Santos, one of the main goals of President Nyusi's visit is to promote economic relations between the two nations, which have many similarities, from climate to plants. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi (L), along with other Mozambican officials, is seen at his talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi, September 9, 2024. Photo: Danh Khang This trip is also intended to improve the quality of agricultural products and ensure food security for the Mozambican people, as both sides have executed several successful projects, which continue to be highly appreciated by Mozambiques leaders. In terms of trade, the Vietnamese and Mozambican leaders concurred in bolstered trade in commodities of the two countries strength such as farm produce, apparel, aquatic products, and coal. The two leaders also agreed to promote negotiations for and signing of cooperation documents in economics, digital transformation, education, training, and other disciplines. In respect of cooperation between businesses, both sides highlighted the success of Mozambique-based Movitel, a telecom joint venture between Vietnams telecom group Viettel and Mozambiques SPI company, which was set up in 2012 with a total investment of over US$600 million. President Nyusi expressed his hope that Vietnamese and Mozambican enterprises will engage in effective cooperation models like Movitel in the coming time. Joint ventures may be set up in Mozambique in other fields such as cashew processing or seafood, he added. He and Lam agreed to continue helping the two countries key products penetrate each others market. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi (L, 2nd) and Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (L, 3rd) witness the signing of one of the two memoranda of understanding between the two countries in Hanoi, September 9, 2024. Photo: Danh Khang The Mozambican leader praise Vietnam's medical experts, not only for their expertise in medical examination and treatment but also for helping to train Mozambiques medical staff. The two leaders agreed to increase exchanges of high-level delegations at all levels through all channels, and to keep closely coordinating and supporting each other at international and regional forums. With regard to the East Vietnam Sea issue, the leaders shared the importance of maintaining security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waterway, underscoring their support for peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Following the talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding, including one on energy and mineral cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Mozambican Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, along with another between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Mozambican Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters, and Fisheries. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi (L) and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shake hands at their meeting in Hanoi, September 9, 2024. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal After his talks with Lam, Nyusi had a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the afternoon of the same day, focusing on measures to boost bilateral ties in multifaceted fields. PM Chinh called for efforts to boost the exportation Vietnams staples, including farm produce, fertilizers, machinery, garments, and footwear, to Mozambique, while strengthening the importation of commodities of Mozambiques strengths such as coal, cashew nuts and wood. Agreed with Chinhs suggestions for promoting cooperation in various areas, Nyusi said he would direct Mozambican agencies to effectively coordinate with their Vietnamese counterparts to expand collaborations in trade, investment, education, health, digital transformation, manufacturing, and processing. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Top officials from Laos and Cuba have extended their condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Vietnam following the devastation caused by super typhoon Yagi, which battered the northern regions of the country over the weekend. General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Monday sent condolence messages to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh over significant human and property losses of the Vietnamese people due to the typhoon from Friday through Saturday last week. In their messages, the top Lao leaders extended their heartfelt condolences to their Vietnamese counterparts, as well as to the Party, government, and people of Vietnam, especially the local authorities and families impacted by this natural disaster, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They expressed their belief that under the leadership of the Vietnamese Party and government from the central to grassroots levels, the Vietnamese people would overcome this hardship and those in the affected areas would soon return to normal life. On Tuesday morning, General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse arrived in Hanoi, commencing his four-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Vietnams Party leader and State President To Lam. The Lao president was accompanied by PM Sonexay Siphandone and other senior officials from the Lao Party and government. Aside from the Lao leaders, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also extended his deepest condolences to the Party, government, and people of Vietnam over the human and property losses induced by Yagi. Through his X account, the Cuban president conveyed all the solidarity of the Caribbean nation to Vietnam during this challenging time. Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, also sent his condolences to the families of typhoon-hit victims in Vietnam. While holding talks with General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi on Monday, Mozambiques President Filipe Nyusi expressed his solidarity and condolences to the people of Vietnam over the damage caused by the typhoon. Several foreign embassies in Hanoi also conveyed their sympathy to the Vietnamese people for the losses caused by the storm. On social media, some foreign diplomats shared images of themselves joining hands with Vietnamese authorities to carry out clean-up operations after the storm. The arrival of typhoon Yagi in Vietnam has grabbed global media attention as it was a powerful storm before making landfall in the northern region on Saturday. Typhoon Yagi was considered the most powerful storm to have battered the East Vietnam Sea over the past three decades. The number of people dead and missing in Vietnam because of this typhoon had amounted to 146 as of 1:00 pm on Tuesday, according to a report from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The typhoon, the third storm to strike Vietnam this year, killed 82 and left 64 others missing. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The top legislators of Vietnam and Russia have agreed to expand cooperation in all fields, effectively bringing their comprehensive strategic partnership to life during recent talks in Moscow. Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and Speaker of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin reached the agreement during their meeting on Monday, as part of a three-day visit. Welcoming Mans first official visit to Russia after he took office in May this year, Volodin expressed his belief that this trip will create momentum to foster cooperation between the two parliaments, forming a firm foundation for boosting the development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. Volodin affirmed that Russia always attaches importance to relations with Vietnam, considering the Southeast Asian country a close partner. He emphasized that all members of the State Duma's five political parties highly agree on strengthening the friendship and all-round cooperation with Vietnam. Chairman Man highlighted Volodins contributions to strengthening the bilateral relations, including parliamentary cooperation, between the two nations. He also affirmed that Vietnam attributes importance to promoting a cooperative relationship with Russia in all spheres. Vietnams top legislator lauded the achievements gained over the last 30 years since the signing of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and Russia, and during 12 years of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Man and Volodin will also discuss how to promote and expand cooperation commensurate with their already successful partnership. Man stated that specific measures to bolster cooperation in each field will be on the agenda of the Vietnam-Russia Intergovernmental Committee, which will be conducted post-Volodin visit. Volodin agreed that the two legislative bodies will keep creating favorable legal conditions for the two nations executive agencies to implement cooperation activities, sharing the need to continue to support each other at regional and international multilateral parliamentary forums. Man extended his thanks to the Russian government for creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese communities to live, work, and study in Russia, and for enabling them to integrate into local society and serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples and nations. The Vietnamese parliament leader highlighted that 20 partnerships have been set up between Vietnamese and Russian localities, while calling for more effective promotion. He urged both countries to sign pending agreements for Vietnamese citizens to work in Russia and facilitate travel by citizens between both countries. The two top legislators also agreed to jointly organize diverse activities toward celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! The number of people dead and missing due to typhoon Yagi, which hammered northern Vietnam on Saturday last week, had climbed to 146 as of 1:00 pm on Tuesday, according to a report from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Typhoon Yagi was considered the most powerful storm to have battered the East Vietnam Sea over the past three decades. Eighty-two people were dead and 64 others remain missing in the wake of Yagi, the third storm to hit Vietnam this year. Cao Bang Province reported 19 deaths and 36 others missing, while 30 people were confirmed dead or missing in Lao Cai Province. Landslides in Yen Bai Province killed 22 people and left six others missing in the aftermath of the super storm. Quang Ninh Province announced eight deaths, while rescuers are searching for one swept away by floods. A steel bridge in Phu Tho Province collapsed on Monday, leaving at least eight people missing, according to a provincial update, in comparison to the initial 10 announced by a senior police office. Meanwhile, the remaining deaths and missing persons were reported across various northern localities, including Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Lang Son, Bac Giang, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, and Lai Chau. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 34-year-old motorcyclist is in critical condition after colliding with a FedEx truck on early Tuesday on Interstate Loop 410. Ken Branca A motorcyclist is fighting for his life after being ejected from his motorcycle on the highway following a crash early Tuesday. The 34-year-old man was riding his 2019 Suzuki motorcycle shortly after 1 a.m. in the 2400 block of Northwest Loop 410 at a "high rate of speed" when he approached a FedEx tractor-trailer, San Antonio police said. As the roadway began to curve, police said the motorcyclist collided with the back tires of the tractor-trailer, causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The unidentified man sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Check out the latest news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin on Monday held talks with Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, who is paying an official visit to Russia through Tuesday, affirming that Russia always attaches importance to the relationship with Vietnam and considers the Southeast Asian country a close partner. -- Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, along with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, sent messages of sympathy on Monday to Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh over the heavy losses caused by typhoon Yagi on September 6-7. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also expressed sympathy to Vietnam via a post on social media platform X. Society -- The water level in the Red River in northern Vietnam rose, flooding many residential areas in Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Hoan Kiem Districts in Hanoi, forcing residents there to flee the rising floodwaters from midnight on Monday until early Tuesday. -- Typhoon Yagi and the resulting downpours, floods, landslides, and bridge collapse have claimed 58 lives and left 40 others missing in Vietnam as of 10:00 pm on Monday, according to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority. -- Authorities in Hanoi required reviewing bridges in the city, identifying and reinforcing weak ones to ensure safety, at a meeting on Monday. -- Rescuers in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam on Monday saved a 14-year-old girl who was stuck in a landslide for three hours. -- Bai Chay Hospital in northern Quang Ninh Province on Monday admitted six people suffering carbon monoxide poisoning as they used electric generators given a power outage in the wake of typhoon Yagi. Lifestyle -- Vietnams chao tom (grilled shrimp wrapped around sugarcane sticks) and cha gio (fried spring rolls) have been named among the top 100 appetizers in the world by TasteAtlas, an online travel guide based in Croatia. World News -- Apple on Monday unveiled its long-awaited, artificial intelligence-boosted iPhone 16 and promised improvements in its Siri personal assistant as it rolled out new software, beginning in test mode next month, according to Reuters. -- Australia said on Tuesday it planned to introduce legislation this year to ban children from using social media platforms, citing the risks it could pose to physical and mental health, Reuters reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The water level in the Red River in northern Vietnam rose, flooding many residential areas in Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Hoan Kiem Districts in Hanoi, forcing residents to flee from midnight on Monday until early Tuesday. As the water level spiked swiftly, local authorities had to block several ways to ban residents from approaching dangerous areas. One resident said that the floodwaters began to run high at 9:00 pm, so they called on each other to move their vehicles and assets to safety. Households hurriedly packed their belongings and sought shelter in relatives houses. A view of a section of the Red River in Hanoi. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre Bich Phuong, a resident of Tay Ho District, recalled that she found her house submerged under knee-high water when she woke up at midnight. She immediately put some electric utensils in the attic and ran outside, fleeing for her life. Phuongs neighbors experienced the same panic trying to relocate belongings and escape the area. Another family was able to hire a truck, quickly load their assets, and drive to safety. Bich Phuong, a resident of Tay Ho District, Hanoi, hurriedly puts her belongings away to higher places as her house floods. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre The water level in the Red River was 7.56 meters at 7:00 pm on Monday, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The water level in the Red River was forecast to continue to rise with a high flow velocity due to the rising water levels in nearby rivers and water discharges from upstream hydropower reservoirs. On Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development asked Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant in the namesake northern province to open the last two floodgates of Tuyen Quang reservoir, ensuring all eight floodgates remain open. People in Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Hoan Kiem Districts, Hanoi urge each other to move to safety at midnight on September 9, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre On the same day, the ministry also required Thac Ba Hydropower Plant in Yen Bai Province to open a spillway gate. Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir also has its two spillway gates opened. These three reservoirs have exerted an impact on the water level in the Red River. As a result, the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tasked the governments of districts and towns with staying ready to evacuate residents in Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, and Long Bien Districts. Vehicles and machines are moved to other places. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre A family hires a truck and loads assets onto it. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre A person wades through a road that is submerged in 50-60 centimeters of water in Hanoi. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre People bring mainly essentials serving their lives. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre Residents use stones to check the floodwater level, saying that it rose eight centimeters per hour. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre Workers leave their workshop in Hanoi. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre A man stands in front of his flooded house in Hanoi after putting his assets in higher places. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre Residents living along the Red River move their assets out of the flooded areas until early September 10, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Endemol Shine Australia and Screen Australia have today announced the Early Career Writers Program, supported by the Australian Writers Guild. The initiative will provide high-level training to four early to mid-career Australian writers who have the potential for a strong career trajectory in scripted episodic storytelling. Based in the Endemol Shine Australia headquarters in Sydney, over eight weeks the successful applicants will be paired with experienced mentors. They will be immersed in all facets of script development and rotate through all the roles that make up a ssuccessful script department. Endemol Shine Australia Head of Scripted Sara Richardson said: This initiative is very close to our hearts. Evident with the success of the first emerging writers program, we are strong believers in both nurturing and encouraging the next generation, as that is who the future of our industry will be founded on. Screen Australia Head of Development Bobby Romia said: We are excited to announce the Early Career Writers Program, a unique opportunity for Australian screenwriters to gain hands-on experience within a global production company. This initiative highlights our commitment to nurturing local talent by providing them with high-calibre training and exposure in an internationally renowned script department. Collaborating with Endemol Shine Australia and the Australian Writers Guild, we are proud to support the next generation of storytellers as they develop their craft and pursue success from right here in Australia. For eligibility requirements and how to apply see Guidelines here Applications close at 5.00 pm AEST on Thursday 3 October 2024 www.screenaustralia.gov.au Nines fortunes with returnable dramas has a somewhat chequered history of late. Doctor Doctor and Love Child enjoyed strong runs of 5 and 4 seasons, with House Husbands also at 5. But there have been short-lived seasons of SeaChange, Amazing Grace, After the Verdict, and Halifax: Retribution which was unfortunate given its strength. New drama series Human Error, from Roadshow Rough Diamond, has its legacy in the long-running Underbelly brand which, to be fair seemed to be tacked onto any crime series (Melissa Caddick was not exactly a gangster). The new six part drama, co-created by Underbelly stalwarts Greg Haddrick & John Silvester, together with Samantha Winston and Gregor Jordan, was originally due to screen in 2023. Despite such concerning signs, the results are really rather good. Plenty of this can be attributed to its lead performer Leeanna Walsman -kudos to whoever cast her as opposed to a shortlist of leading ladies frequenting this genre. She plays Det. Snr. Sgt. Holly ORourke, young mother to Alice (Rosie Mitchell), wife to DPP solicitor Luke (Matt Day) and daughter to former detective Bear (Steve Bisley). She is assigned to the brutal murder of a suburban mother by a hitman in her front yard, in sight of her stepson. The drama inspired by real events takes on its own narrative life through Hollys eyes and which constantly intersect between crime, policing and parenting. Holly faces much of it with measured caution and a pursuit of justice. Assisting her is Det. Sgt. Jarred Pines (Rahel Romahn), Det. Snr. Const. Maia Kirsner (Emily Joy) and Det. Const. Gabe Kihn (Ethan Lwin). Also featuring in State Police HQ (shot in the former Age building) are Det. Insp. Dylan McKenzie (Stephen Peacocke), Sgt. Gavin Butterfield (Rob Collins), Police Chief Kirsten Leigh (Daniela Farinacci) and forensics expert Rose (Katrina Milosevic). Supporting roles also go to Anthony J Sharpe, Sachin Joab, Jane Allsop, Gyton Grantley, Jasper Bagg and a cameo from Debra Lawrance. The crime is so brazen it shocks the force, the city, the media and Holly as a detective and mother. But digging into the crime she will learn it may have been a case of mistaken identity, and there are clues close to the force which ramp up the level of suspicion and imminent threat. Meanwhile her home life is also challenged, whether in conflict with husband Luke, or pressure from doting dad Bear, and having to push back against his expectations. Even daughter Alice has an inquisitive mind beyond her years asking questions Holly would prefer not answer. Not today. Walsman delivers at every turn, remaining understated through a veritable shitstorm of demands pulling her in all directions. Her performance never shoots for the hero cop so prevalent in the genre, but strives for a righteous path, and getting back on it when the day goes awry. The diverse ensemble cast complement her tremendously, including Rahel Romahn, Matt Day, Steve Bisley and Anthony J Sharpe. The writers navigate a range of twists and turns that help make this a satisfying Free to Air local crime series -its been a while. While crime writer John Silvester has doubtless drawn upon his knowledge of Melbournes criminal past, it comes with a female lens. Director Fiona Banks and Mat King also capture Melbourne in a contemporary frame, not unlike the shine of Halifax: Retribution, but without the sensationalism of Underbellys strip clubs and Carlton bars. I would also encourage Nine to release further episodes on 9Now in advance of broadcast. Sure it may impact overnight ratings, but it would only build word of mouth. Not everybody is likely to be comfortable with the narrative Human Error makes around its real event inspiration, but it does work as a springboard for an involving crime drama, and opens the door to a potential sequel around the talents of Leeanna Walsman. Surely long overdue. Human Error screens 8:40pm Wednesday on Nine. TV Tonight hears whispers of a third season for The Twelve. The Foxtel / Binge drama from Easy Tiger recently finished its second season on air, filmed in Western Australia. The second season, which unlike S1 had a storyline not based on the original Belgian drama, tapped into the circuit court system which sees judges and lawyers travelling to remote communities. That opens up the possibility of new stories and new backdrops, although star Sam Neill is considered crucial to the brand. Executive Producer and Script Producer Sarah Walker recently told TV Reload podcast a third season was in discussion. Im going to say from a personal place, what is anything without Sam Neil? I mean, I love this man. I could honestly sit and listen to him reading anything and just be fascinated because hes so charming and such a wonderful screen presence, she said. When we first started the plans for Season 2, we didnt think Sam would come back. we just didnt have that on the radar. We were questioning, are there any characters that we want to have back from Season 1 or could you just start fresh? I think we all agreed that you could have started fresh in the second season. I think now that weve had Sam back, and thankfully he did come back because he adds so much to it, I would hate to go forward without him. I mean, technically its possible because you could obviously, since it is an anthology in a sense, you could find yourself in another season with another group of lawyers or even perhaps a prosecutor instead. But I would hope that it doesnt come to that because I think he would be a loss. Foxtels other upcoming drama projects include Strife, How to Make Gravy and Mix Tape. Foxtel / Binge and Easy Tiger have been contacted for comment. Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known for Star Wars, The Lion, King Field of Dreams, and CNN, has died aged 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning US time at home in New Yorks Hudson Valley region. The cause of his death is not yet known. Over his career Jones received three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards and a Grammy. He was one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama for his role in As the World Turns. He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (No, I am your father, commonly misremembered as Luke, I am your father), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in Disneys animated The Lion King. He also lent his voice to CNN, voicing their iconic this is CNN introduction. Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, Darth Vaders son, tweeted RIP Dad in response to the news. Some of his other films include Dr. Strangelove, Field of Dreams, The Greatest (with Muhammad Ali), Conan the Barbarian, Three Fugitives and playing an admiral in three Tom Clancy blockbuster adaptations The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. Jones worked well into his 80s, most recently reprising his role as King Jaffe Joffer in the Coming to America sequel released in 2021. He appeared in sitcom The Big Bang Theory as himself in 2014. His other TV credits include 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Simpsons, Touched by An Angel, Frasier, Will & Grace, House, Sesame Street, Merlin, Mad About You and more. As a child he stuttered. He became virtually mute for years and communicated with teachers and friends through handwritten notes. After learning that he wrote poetry, his teacher Donald Crouch demanded that he read some aloud to the class. He did so without stuttering and ended up working with Mr Crouch to restore his normal speech. He overcame that stutter and racial prejudice to become a celebrated icon of the stage and screen. Jones attended the University of Michigan where he failed a pre-med exam and then switched to drama. He served in the US army from 1953 to 1955 then moved to New York and lived with his father while attending the American Theater Wing program for young actors. His breakout role came suddenly in 1970 with The Great White Hope. Amongst his many stage credits, Jones toured to Australia with Angela Lansbury in Driving Miss Daisy in 2013. Source: ABC Iqra Farrukh, TwoCircles.net Rahim Ali, who lived his entire life in Kashimpur village, Assam, with the label of an illegal citizen, was buried under that same label. It wasnt until July 11, 2024, twelve years after his death, that the Supreme Court declared him an Indian citizen. Support TwoCircles This story extends beyond Rahim Ali. Thousands of individuals in Assam, including Arun, Mamta, and Shankribala Das, are engaged in legal battles to establish their Indian citizenship. Recently, the Foreigners Tribunal (FT) declared 28 people from Barpeta district as illegal immigrants, sending them to transit camps because they could not prove their Indian identity. According to data from the Assam government in February 2024, there are approximately 97,000 D-voters (doubtful voters) in the voter lists, including both Hindus and Muslims. These individuals have been struggling for years to assert their rights, unable to vote or benefit from government schemes. Many of these individuals are now seeking citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). However, some believe that, as Indian citizens, they should not have to apply for citizenship under the CAA. One such individual is Anjali Roy from Cachar, who has been fighting for nine years to prove her Indian citizenship. In 2012, a FT in Silchar questioned her citizenship. That same year, she received a notice, and her name was removed from the voter list. The notice stated, You did not present any valid documents before the police during the stipulated time for inquiries or verification of your citizenship. There is suspicion that you are an illegal immigrant. Sixty-year-old Anjali began her legal battle in 2015. She explains, I was the first member of my family to receive a notice. In 2012, my brother Arjun Namsudra received one, and in 2022, my mother Akalrani Namsudra also received a notice. At the age of 83, my mother had to appear before the FT. My mother and I fought the case and proved that we are Indian citizens. My brother could not bear the humiliation and committed suicide. At one point, I also felt that my brothers decision to end his life was justified. We felt the government system was not ready to recognize us as Indian citizens. Except for her husband, all other members of Anjalis family were denied Aadhaar cards. She says, It took me about 10 years to prove that I am not an illegal immigrant. After that, I was granted the right to vote. Her name was finally added to the voter list in 2024. Anjali hails from the Katigorah area of Cachar, near the India-Bangladesh International Border. Her home is in Barak Valley, which has a significant population of Bengali Hindus and Muslims. Her lawyer, Anil Day, explained her legal struggle. We submitted Anjalis birth certificate to prove that her father was born in India. Neighbors also testified in her favor. Then Anjali met the Election Offices booth-level officer and requested the inclusion of her name in the voter list. Due to the absence of her name in the voter list, she was unable to access all government facilities. He adds, Exhausted, Anjali expressed her desire to apply for citizenship under the CAA. She was informed that the list for the 2024 general elections had already been prepared, and her name could not be included in the electoral roll. The Election Commission recently announced a by-election, which includes Dholai in Cachar. Consequently, the portal was reopened. We took advantage of this opportunity and applied for Anjalis name to be included. Her name has been added to the list, and she has finally downloaded her voter ID card. Anjalis mother and other family members live in Haritikur village in the Katigorah constituency of Cachar. The government had allocated land to 173 families here. These families had migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and had lived in refugee camps near the border. However, members of Anjalis family have received D-voter notices in recent years. Some have not even been able to register their names in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). In Assam, there are several cases of Bengali Hindus like Shankribala who are seeking citizenship under the CAA. Some of them live in Bongaigaon and have been fighting their cases in the FT for years. A few have even spent one or two years in detention camps. Seventy-two-year-old Shankribala from Bongaigaon claims she has spent Rs 80,000 in court battles to prove her Indian identity. She received a notice in 2019. Her parents and siblings have already passed away. Shankribala was born in Baghopur village, which is now submerged under the Beki River due to flooding. Her old home was lost in the flood. Her son, Nitai Das, says that despite the substantial expenditure on the legal battle, they will continue fighting. Although Nitai wants to keep fighting the legal battle, he is not opposed to obtaining citizenship under the CAA. Shankribala asserts that she has all necessary documents from her marriage and other records but continues to fight her legal battle to prove her Indian citizenship. She is not alone; many others who have been through the FTs and detention centers are now ready to seek citizenship under the CAA. They have spent years trying to prove their Indian identity. Their cases are ongoing in the FTs. However, obtaining citizenship under the CAA is not straightforward. D-voters who previously had to prove their Indian citizenship in court must now also demonstrate that they were not citizens of India before 2014 to qualify for citizenship under the new legislation. Fifty-eight-year-old Arun Sutradhar from Dautola Bazaar village in Bongaigaon district has an Aadhaar card and a voter ID. Despite this, the government labels him as a doubtful voter. In 2019, when the NRC was being prepared in Assam, Aruns application was rejected. The police suddenly took him away and detained him in a detention center. He returned home after two years. Although the government denies him the right to vote, Arun cast his vote in the Lok Sabha elections. He possesses all the documents required of an Indian citizen. Arun is a Bengali Hindu and has all documents from his birth in Alipurduar, West Bengal, to the present. He explains, After being taken to the police station, I was labeled as a doubtful voter. I was detained with prison inmates in the detention center. After a year, I was moved to a barrack. I was released on bail, but the case is still ongoing in court. Arun must report to the local police station weekly and cannot relocate until the case is resolved. His neighbor Mamta faces a similar predicament. She is also a doubtful voter but continues to vote. Born in 1977, she has all the documents from 1966 but is still fighting to prove her citizenship. In 2020, she received her first notice to prove her Indian identity. Humble Family Backgrounds Activists working with these individuals point out that most of those labeled as doubtful voters come from impoverished families and lack a deep understanding of the law. One such activist, Amrit from Bongaigaon, says, The government is keeping people in confusion. All cases have already been sent to court by the government. Currently, there are no new cases, nor are any expected. Regarding the CAA, Amrit states, The government should grant citizenship under this law without any questions. There should be no restriction on people arriving in India before 2014. Even after 2014, people might face persecution. Additionally, people of any religion should be granted citizenship under the CAA. On July 5, Assams Home and Political Department announced that cases involving Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian individuals who came to India before 2014 should not be sent directly to FTs. Instead, they should be encouraged to apply for citizenship under the CAA. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also stated that Bengali Hindus not included in the NRC will not apply for citizenship under the CAA. He added that many people he met are confident about their Indian citizenship and wish to prove it. TCN News Communal violence erupted in Surats Syedpura area on September 8 after minors allegedly threw stones at a Ganesh Chaturthi pandal. The unrest led to violent clashes, causing significant destruction to property, including shops, vehicles, and a mosque, primarily affecting Muslims. Support TwoCircles The violence began when stones were allegedly thrown at a Ganesh pandal. In response, a large Hindu crowd gathered at the Saiyedpura police station, demanding action against the minors. Tensions escalated when the crowd moved into Muslim areas, leading to stone-pelting between the communities. Police intervened with lathi charges and tear gas, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including police personnel. By Monday morning, police had arrested approximately 28 individuals, including six minors aged 12 to 13, and filed several FIRs related to the riots. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional suspects. Police Commissioner of Surat, Anupam Gehlo, stated that all those found involved in the unrest would be prosecuted. Heavy police forces have been deployed in the sensitive area to prevent further disturbances. Approximately 1,000 officers have been stationed to maintain peace. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi also visited the site, assuring the public that strict action would be taken against all perpetrators. He highlighted the use of surveillance equipment, such as CCTV, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence. The situation has since been brought under control. Meanwhile, Congress leader Aslam Cyclewal urged Sanghvi to ensure that innocent people are not wrongfully arrested. On Monday night, bulldozers were brought into the Muslim-dominated areas and demolished suspected Muslim homes. TCN News On Monday, September 9, tensions erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Hindutva groups protested the recent purchase of a house by Muslim advocate Nadeem in a predominantly Hindu area. Support TwoCircles Nadeem acquired the property in Bhartiya Colony, Muzaffarnagar, through an open bank auction. The purchase sparked strong reactions from local Hindutva groups, who organized a protest against Nadeems new home. Protesters voiced concerns that Nadeems presence would lead to increased Muslim migration and the practice of Namaz (prayer) in the neighborhood, which they feared could alter the areas demographic balance. We will not tolerate anyone from the Muslim community in this area, one resident told the media. Others from the Muslim community are also planning to move here. If they become the majority, they will eventually evict us. Another resident alleged that during a recent visit to Nadeems property, they observed a group of 10 to 20 individuals in the house, claiming they were there under the guise of cleaning but were actually performing Namaz. The situation continues to develop as local authorities address the tensions surrounding Nadeems purchase. In UP's Muzaffarnagar, Hindutva groups created ruckus after a Muslim man advocate Nadeem bought a house in the Hindu-dominated area during the open auction by the bank. They said they won't allow any Muslim to live in the area as they offer namaz and Muslims come to his house. pic.twitter.com/MZIOFPZJUN Waquar Hasan (@WaqarHasan1231) September 9, 2024 Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Teva, the world's largest generic drugmaker, will be hit with an EU antitrust fine in the coming weeks for disparaging a rival product to its blockbuster multiple sclerosis medicine Copaxone, people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday. The European Commission in 2022 charged the Israeli company with breaching EU antitrust rules, saying its anti-competitive practices included misusing the patent system to artificially extend Copaxone's patent and shield it from competition. The EU competition enforcer's tough line underscores its concerns that such practices could stifle innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, with countries constrained by tight healthcare budgets. The Commission declined to comment. Teva did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The long-running case against Teva started with EU dawn raids in 2019 that led to the opening of an investigation in 2021. Companies found guilty of EU antitrust violations risk fines of as much as 10% of their global annual turnover, although this is rare. Teva and its subsidiary Cephalon were fined 60.5 million euros ($66.7 million) in 2020 for agreeing to delay a cheaper generic version of Cephalon's sleep disorder medicine, part of the EU's crackdown on so-called pay-for-delay deals between brand name drugmakers and their generic rivals. ($1 = 0.9073 euros) (Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Mark Potter) Asteroid 99942 Apophis nicknamed God of Chaos dashes towards Earth Asteroid 99942 Apophis, nicknamed God of Chaos and billed as one the most dangerous near Earth objects, is fast hurtling towards our planet, and space agencies are keeping a close watch Tuesday September 10, 2024 2:34 PM , ummid.com Science Desk [NASA image] Asteroid 99942 Apophis, nicknamed God of Chaos and billed as one the most dangerous near Earth objects, is fast hurtling towards our planet, and space agencies are keeping a close watch. Asteroid 99942 sized 1,100 feet or 335 meters was first discovered in 2004 by astronomers at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The asteroid - classified as an S-type asteroid, which is composed of silicate materials mixed with nickel and iron and resembles a "peanut, is predicted to have its closest encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029. It however hit the headlines once again after its discovery in 2004 after American space agency NASA Sunday broadcasted a live feed of Apophis, offering a rare glimpse at an asteroid of this magnitude and potential changes in its trajectory as it hurls through space. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also said it is monitoring the movement of asteroid 99942 Apophis. It said it has added new portfolio called Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) for the purpose. About 99942 Apophis According to NASA, asteroid 99942 Apophis is a near-Earth object (NEO) estimated to be about 1,100 feet (335 meters) across. When it was discovered in 2004, Apophis was identified as one of the most hazardous asteroids that could impact Earth. But that impact assessment changed after astronomers tracked Apophis, and its orbit became better determined. Apophis made a distant flyby of Earth around March 5, 2021. Apophis made a recent close approach with Earth but it was still nearly 10.6 million miles away, Marina Brozovic, a scientist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), said. 99942 Apophis flyby Earth The asteroid, which is predicted to have its closest encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029, sparked fears of a potential collision. This forecast, however, has been revised as astronomers tracked Apophis with increasing precision. When Apophis made flyby of Earth in March 2021, astronomers took the opportunity to use powerful radar observations to refine the estimate of its orbit around the Sun with extreme precision, enabling them to confidently rule out any impact risk in 2068 and long after. 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, said Davide Farnocchia of NASAs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which is managed by NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. With the support of recent optical observations and additional radar observations, the uncertainty in Apophis orbit has collapsed from hundreds of kilometres to just a handful of kilometres when projected to 2029. This greatly improved knowledge of its position in 2029 provides more certainty of its future motion, so we can now remove Apophis from the risk list, Farnocchia said. Marina Brozovic also ruled out any collision or impact risk when Apophis approaches Earth in 2029. "Apophis was nearly 10.6 million miles (17 million kilometers) away when it made a close approach with Earth in March 2021. Even so, we were able to acquire incredibly precise information about its distance to an accuracy of about 150 meters (490 feet), Marina Brozovic, who led the radar campaign, said. This campaign not only helped us rule out any impact risk, it set us up for a wonderful science opportunity", she added. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Dubai Ruler's daughter launches perfume 'Divorce' after dumping husband Dubai Ruler's daughter, Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, had dumped her husband in an Instagram post July this year Tuesday September 10, 2024 6:05 PM , ummid.com Social Media Desk The daughter of Dubai Ruler, Princess Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, who hit the headlines for her public divorce announcement earlier this year, has now launched her latest venture a new fragrance named "Divorce". Princess Sheikha Mahra had dumped her husband in an Instagram post July this year. In a recent post on the popular social media platform, the Dubai Princess shared a teaser of her new perfume which has taken social media by storm. The promotional video featured the visuals of shattered glass, dark petals, and a black panther. Teaser Video Later, the Princess shared another post in which she revealed a sleek black bottle featuring the perfume's name "Divorce". The "Divorce" perfume has been launched under her brand Mahra M1. 'Triple Talaq' on Insta Sheikha Mahra married industrialist Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in May 2023 and they welcomed their daughter a year later. In July, the 30-year-old daughter of Dubai Ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a post on her Instagram in which she announced the "instant divorce". "Dear husband, as you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. "I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. "Take care", she wrote on social media site Instagram. The post quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the unique way the princess chose to announce about the end of her marriage. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Germany's support to Gaza genocide complicity, not atonement for holocaust Germany should urgently reconsider its support for Israels genocidal actions, and should firmly oppose such actions and stop weapons supply to Israel Tuesday September 10, 2024 11:00 PM , Bharat Dogra Germany is a country from where several supporters of peace, human rights, democracy and environment protection have high hopes. However, these hopes have been hurt in recent times, and remedial actions are urgently needed. The greatest concerns relate to the stand that the government of Germany has taken in the context of Israels genocidal actions in Gaza during the last 11 months or so. Several top experts have described Israels highly disproportionate response to the completely wrong October 7 2023 Hamas attack as war crimes while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has said that Israels excessive aggression can plausibly be described as genocide. The fact that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed directly in the violence (including those buried under the rubble), nearly double this number have been injured and disabled, the overwhelming majority of those living in Gaza have been displaced more than once speaks for itself. If the assumption of at least three times this number dying indirectly due to denial of basic needs including food and medical care as well as due to conflict related spread of disease (compared to the number dying directly in violence) is accepted (this is an assumption made in several credible estimates of costs of wars) then over 200,000 persons in Gaza have died as a result of Israels assault (50,000 plus 150,000), about 10% of the total population, in a period of just 11 months. This in addition to a huge majority in Gaza who have suffered in many other ways, including extreme distress at the death of near and dear ones in very painful conditions. In addition, the Palestinians in the West Bank region have also faced several cruel assaults and there are fears of these worsening further. Against this backdrop, it is very difficult for several well-wishers of Germany to accept Germanys support for all this. Germany has been a leading and number two supplier of the highly destructive weapons to Israel with which this genocide has been carried out. The supply of weapons by Germany to Israel was already at the highest level in 2022 but this was increased ten-fold in 2023, according to published reports, with much of the increase taking place after October 7. This has also raised troubling questions like how such a high increase could take place within such a short time, and whether there was some earlier understanding regarding this, and if so, on what basis. Apart from being a major supplier of weapons and ammunition for the genocide, Germany has also provided strong diplomatic support to Israel at a time when most international experts and organizations known for their commitment to peace and justice have been extremely critical of Israels genocidal actions. What is no less shocking for many well-wishers of Germany is that there have been efforts within Germany to clamp down on the supporters of the Palestinian cause, while those forces that try to spread disinformation regarding Muslims have been becoming stronger. The strong support for Israel is sought to be justified on the basis that Germany, accepting responsibility for the holocaust, has a moral obligation to protect and support the Jewish state. However the correct way for atoning for the holocaust would be to oppose wherever innocent people are killed, particularly on the basis of their identity based on faith, race, color etc. Whenever certain people are wrongly categorized as inherently evil or are even dehumanized by comparing them to various aggressive animals and pests, and then targeted and killed relentlessly on the basis of such wrong identification (as happened during the holocaust and while preparing for this), then this must be opposed very strongly. However, what the Israeli regime and powerful persons linked closely to it have done in recent times is very similar to the policies of the Nazi regime towards Jews - dehumanizing the identity of the Palestinian people, comparing them to animals and pests, on this basis preparing soldiers and other aggressive elements to attack and kill them on a large scale, adopting policy based on ethnic cleansing towards them. Germany has been supporting all this, diplomatically and with weapons supply. So instead of atoning for the holocaust in a proper way by coming to the rescue of innocent endangered people all over the world, Germany has become complicit in a genocide. Clearly, Germany should urgently reconsider its support for Israels genocidal actions. Germany should firmly oppose such actions and stop weapons supply to Israel. In fact, no country should supply any weapons to Israel as long as its genocidal actions against Palestinians continue. Germany can also contribute by strengthening the forces of peace within Israel as much as it can within the various constraints. In some other contexts also policy change should be considered by Germany. After the coup in Ukraine in 2014 planned and assisted by the USA in particular, from day one anti-Russia policy for Ukraine was emphasized but this coup and this policy did not have the support of most people of Ukraine. Hence to impose this policy on Ukraine the most aggressive anti-Russian forces had to be identified, supported, armed and prepared for a stronger military role. These forces happened to be the extreme right and neo-Nazi forces. Hence the entire US-inspired policy for Ukraine based on opposing Russia has been necessarily based on strengthening and further militarizing of neo-Nazi forces. This may be OK for the USA neo-cons but would Germany like to be complicit in strengthening and militarizing neo-Nazi forces in any part of Europe, or anywhere else? Then there is the question of economic and energy interests of Germany being harmed by the sabotaging of Nord-Stream. Germany has not been able to even name the most likely culprits behind this sabotage of its very important energy infra-structure, not to speak of taking any suitable action. This raises questions regarding the exercise of its sovereignty by Germany for protecting its own economic interests, particularly in the context of such important matters as securing energy imports from most cost-effective sources and managing trade relations with important countries like China and Russia. With the unfortunate history of a central role in two world wars and all the massive distress caused by this, Germany has every reason to seek a very different present and a very different future as a strong voice for peace. Unfortunately increasingly it appears that it is willing to be a junior partner of the most powerful country (USA) which is set firmly on a quest for world dominance. If it persists in such a role then Germany will again be used in large-scale violence against others, and in addition its people will also be exposed as targets of large-scale attacks by others (nuclear weapon attacks cannot be ruled out, the way things are escalating in some ongoing wars). Hence at this critical juncture of its history, there should be a lot of re-thinking in Germany regarding how it can move to a different and safer path where it can better protect its economic and security interests, and at the same time, can become a sincere voice for peace, justice and environment protection at world level. [The writer, Bharat Dogra, is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Planet in Peril, Protecting Earth for Children, Earth without Borders, Man over Machine and A Day in 2071.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Trips to Africa gain increasing popularity among Chinese tourists People's Daily Online) 09:12, September 10, 2024 By virtue of its unique natural landscapes, cultural charm, and diverse tourism experiences, Africa has become a hot tourist destination for Chinese tourists. In recent years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the continent. Chinese tourists pose for a photo with ancient pyramids in Egypt. (Photo courtesy of China CYTS Tours Holding Co., Ltd.) Surging bookings for African trips Data from Chinese online travel service platform Ctrip show that from February to August this year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Africa has increased by about 1.2 times compared to the same period last year. Statistics from Fliggy, another major online travel service platform in China, indicate that the booking volume for flights to Africa this year has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, with flights to Egypt and Kenya experiencing the fastest growth rates of 236 percent and 167 percent, respectively. An executive from Chinese online travel agency LY.com said that the average number of tourists traveling to Egypt per month between January and August this year increased by 200 percent compared to the same period last year. Chinese tourists pose for a photo in Chobe National Park, northern Botswana. (Photo courtesy of China CYTS Tours Holding Co., Ltd.) In the past decade, the African tourism market has gradually become familiar to Chinese tourists, said Li Peng, an executive in charge of outbound long-haul business at Tuniu.com, also an online travel service provider in China. The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday as well as winter and summer vacations are peak seasons for outbound travel, with a significant increase in demand for small-group and customized tours, according to Li Peng. Li Mengran, the media and public relations manager of Beijing-based travel agency U-tour, said that the company's services for tours of African destinations have seen a year-on-year increase of 30 percent to 35 percent in reservations. The summer vacation and September-October period have specifically seen increases, as they are the best times to witness the great animal migration in Africa. The most visited African countries by Chinese tourists currently include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana, according to statistics from Ctrip. Unique, diverse tourism experiences "The allure of African tourism lies mainly in the experiences of returning to nature and seeking adventure," said Li Peng. According to Li Peng, the main attractions in the Northern African region are cultural and historical sites and desert landscapes. Eastern Africa is characterized by its wild natural environment and natural wonders. The highlight of Southern Africa tourism experiences is high-quality leisure travel. Chinese tourists pose for a photo with members of a tribe in Maasai village in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. (Photo courtesy of U-tour) Tourists can explore ancient sites or enjoy their vacations at beach resorts in Egypt, immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Morocco, visit the Sahara Desert, and feast their eyes on the South African's rich and varied natural beauty, Li Peng said. Watching the awe-inspiring animal migration in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most popular activities among Chinese tourists, Li Peng noted. Chinese tourists' tourism experiences in Africa have become more diverse and immersive, said Li Mengran, pointing out in addition to the traditional destinations of South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, tourists are traveling to more countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius. The average duration of Chinese tourists' visits to Africa has extended from 8-10 days to 14-18 days, allowing them to not only explore deep into national parks but also try activities like wild camping, yacht trips, and dune bashing, Li Mengran said. During this summer, China Tourism Group (CTG), a large travel company in the country, organized a trip to Tanzania for Chinese tourists, who witnessed the great migration of animals in the Serengeti Plain, admired the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, visited the clove flower sea of Zanzibar Island, and also learned about the culture of local tribes. Promising prospects Although the cost of African tourism is relatively high, Africa is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for more Chinese tourists, said Yang Jingsong, director of the international research institute of the China Tourism Academy. Chinese tourists visit Tanzania's Zanzibar Island. (Photo courtesy of Ourtour) Travel agencies are introducing a variety of themed travel products and convenient services, which are gaining favor among Chinese tourists, Yang said. It is believed that tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will yield more fruitful results, he added. The deepening tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will foster the development of diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism products and services catering to travelers eager to explore Africa, said Li Peng. With the steady development of China-Africa cooperation, Africa will attract the attention of more Chinese tourists, said Han Jie, president of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Co., Ltd. Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, said that China and Africa are highly complementary in tourism, with Africa holding strong appeal for Chinese tourists. She believes that tourism cooperation between China and Africa will reach new heights, contributing to economic and trade exchanges, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and development for both sides. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) People fill up the seats at the Harris County Commissioners Court meeting at the new chamber on the first floor Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Harris County Administration Building in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Harris County officials are in the final stages of planning the budget for the upcoming year, which includes proposed tax increases, pay raises and higher costs of managing the jail population. Commissioners Court is expected to vote on the proposal later this month. Commissioners gave the budget preliminary approval at their Tuesday meeting. Here are a few highlights from the proposed budget. Tax increases Under state law, counties must seek voter approval to raise property tax rates by more than 3.5%. This year is an exception to the rule: given that the Houston area has sustained multiple recent disasters, Harris County can increase its property tax rate by 8%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For a taxpayer with a $400,000 home, the difference between a 3.5% and an 8% increase amounts to an additional $160 on this year's tax bill. Commissioners Court sets the tax rate for county government, as well as the tax rates for three other entities Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris Health public hospital system and the Port of Houston. This year, officials are asking voters in November to approve a substantial tax increase for flood control, which would cost an extra $60 per year for the average taxpayer. If approved, the measure would generate an additional $113 million in revenue for maintaining the county's extensive flood mitigation infrastructure. Rising jail costs The budget allocates an additional $10 million to cover medical costs at the Harris County Jail. It also includes a plan to fund those medical services using the Harris Health tax rate, rather than the county general fund, which would free up more than $20 million for the county to use on other operating costs. Tarrant, Dallas and Bexar counties use a similar model, according to Harris County budget officials. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harris County continues to spend millions of dollars each year on outsourcing inmates to out-of-town facilities due to lack of space at the jail in downtown Houston. "The single most expensive thing that we do as a county is outsource inmates," Harris County Budget Director Daniel Ramos told members of Commissioners Court at a meeting last month. The proposed 2025 budget sets aside $52.9 million for jail outsourcing. Pay increases The proposed budget calls for elected officials to receive a 9.2% raise, their first pay increase since 2016. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, Harris County's eight elected constables will get an even higher increase this year after they filed complaints. When elected officials do not agree with their salary approved by Commissioners Court, they are able to take their grievances to a committee of randomly selected citizens, much like a jury. Last month, a committee approved 17.5% increases for the constables. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has asked Commissioners Court to boost pay for law enforcement officers this year, as well. At a recent budget hearing, Gonzalez pitched a three-year plan that starts with a minimum 7% pay increase for deputies and a 9% boost for sergeants, lieutenants and captains. "Adopting this approach would result in pay raises ranging from 14% to 21% for our peace officers by 2027," Gonzalez said. "It's the right thing to do for these men and women who risk their own safety to protect our families." Gonzalez said a 12% raise for detention officers last year has helped to retain staff, but further increases are necessary after a 2023 county-funded salary study recommended a 25% pay increase. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hiring more detention officers would be unlikely to help reduce the jail population, he said. Instead, Gonzalez said the best strategy to address overcrowding would be shortening the average length of stay for people in pretrial detention, and he pushed for courts to expedite processes. Gonzalez added that he fully supports collective bargaining efforts among personnel in his department. Five-year plan Harris County is working on implementing a five-year strategic plan released in June that includes recommendations for cutting costs and adding revenue. The proposed budget incorporates some of those ideas, such as increasing engineering permit fees and constable fees related to evictions. If approved, the changes would bring in around $25 million in revenue and cut around $1 million in expenses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Emergency funds The county maintains a $10 million public improvement contingency fund or PIC fund for emergencies. When the county is hit by a disaster such a Hurricane Beryl, the PIC fund is available for county officials to provide services like cooling centers and debris collection. Most of those costs are later reimbursed by the federal government. Ramos recommended that Commissioners Court set aside more PIC funding this year to help the county better respond to disasters. HCM CITY E-commerce company Shopee has launched a corporate social responsibility initiative called "Shopee Enables SMEs" to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Viet Nam. The programme, carried out in collaboration with the Viet Nam E-commerce Association (VECOM), aims to engage 100,000 MSMEs by enhancing their e-commerce capabilities and implementing e-commerce applications. It seeks to improve livelihoods through targeted e-commerce skills training and leveraging technology. The company said "Shopee Enables SMEs" is not a one-time effort but a long-term commitment to advancing Viet Nams digital economy and helping businesses grow and contribute to the economy. It foresees the programme as a significant step towards achieving Viet Nams digital economy objectives and fostering digital cooperation between Viet Nam and Singapore. Jason Bay, the SEA Limited country head, said: "Instead of charging high fees for third-party training, Shopee and its partners are offering these training sessions for free as we are devoted to serving the underserved and utilising technology to enhance everyone's lives." The first "Shopee Enables SMEs" training course has commenced with the assistance of the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade and involved over 200 businesses and 100 students in the city. Shopee also collaborates with the Government to provide e-commerce training to SMEs, having assisted nearly 10,000 sellers last year through national and provincial workshops. Over 90 per cent of products sold on Shopee in Viet Nam originate locally. More than 350,000 Vietnamese SMEs and 1,000 local brands have received support from the company for expanding into ASEAN markets leveraging its international platform. In recent years e-commerce has witnessed rapid growth, attracting numerous small enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. Shopee's market studies reveal that individual entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Viet Nam encounter various hurdles in navigating and understanding e-commerce, and so training and assistance play a pivotal role in supporting them. With "Shopee Enables SMEs," 100,000 businesses across all 63 provinces and cities will acquire fundamental skills and insights to comprehend consumer shopping patterns to help expand. VNS HCM CITY There was a 20 per cent increase in co-working space in HCM City driven primarily by some large new premium centres in the downtown area, according to property consultancy Knight Frank Vietnam. Its third annual study found that the city now has 120 co-working places and five more are slated to open by year-end. Notable additions include one each in The Nexus with 1,908 square meters and in the Bitexco Financial Tower with 1,063sq.m. The rush of premium supply saw a decline in absorption this year, with occupancy falling from 81 per cent in last years study to 73 per cent now, but Knight Frank expects that to decrease soon as new tenants fill highly sought-after space. Leo Nguyen, director of occupier strategy and solutions at the company, said: Even with this influx of central supply, central locations reported occupancy of around 85 per cent, while non-CBD locations hovered around 70 per cent, highlighting just how robust demand is for these locations. We expect this space to be relatively quickly filled, with central locations likely to return to full capacity, driving up the city-wide average. The study also found that rents rose by 4.5 per cent year-on-year to an average of US$219 per person per month. Premium/grade A centres, which are particularly sought by multinational tenants, saw even higher growth, with average rents reaching $344. Non-CBD locations tend to be dominated by small and medium enterprises and start-ups, with the emergence of new players offering a more diverse working environment than traditional serviced offices and co-working offices and hot desks. Technology and innovative startups have always been our focus, Greg Ohan, CEO and co-pioneer of The Sentry, a grade A co-working office provider, said. We've seen significant growth in the IT outsourcing sector, with game developers and AI startups being particularly prominent. To accommodate this demand, we have established a partnership with RMIT that works as an incubator and accelerator for startups led by young entrepreneurs. We will also be developing a 10-floor facility in District 12, within the QTSC (Quang Trung Software City) development with three floors dedicated to co-working space, with these technology businesses in mind. Knight Frank said this dovetails with wider trends it has observed within the market, with newer businesses looking further afield for affordable spaces with access to emerging nearby tech parks. Nguyen said: We have seen rapid growth from some brands with non-central locations offering average pricing of $96 per person per month, notably in Thu uc City and District 12, where operators are seeking to diversify their offerings to startups beyond simple workspaces to services including training, development and team building. VNS HA NOI Import and export activities at the Kim Thanh border gate have been temporarily halted due to rising floodwaters on the Red River affecting both Vietnamese and Chinese border management forces, said Vuong Trinh Quoc, Head of the Management Board of Lao Cai. In the early afternoon of September 9, delegates from the Ha Khau Border Post in China engaged in discussions at the Kim Thanh border gate in Lao Cai. Due to the escalating rain and flooding, along with the river levels rising, both parties were urged to temporarily cease import and export activities via the Kim Thanh bridge. By 1.15pm, China had halted all import and export operations. According to data compiled by the Lao Cai Provincial Economic Zone Management Board, between the morning of September 9 and the suspension at the Kim Thanh border gate, Vietnamese businesses successfully exported 143 trucks, while over 40 trucks from Viet Nam remained queued at the border. On the same day, the Lao Cai Provincial Department of Foreign Affairs communicated with the Provincial Economic Zone Management Board regarding a notification from the Foreign Affairs Office in Hekou, China. The message indicated a temporary halt in import and export activities through the Lao Cai international road border gate (Hekou) due to a power outage on the Chinese side. Operations will resume once flood conditions subside and power issues resolved. VNS HA NOI Passion fruits have become the fifth kind of Vietnamese fruits to be officially exported to Australia, following mango, longan, lychee, and dragon fruit. The Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam held a ceremony to announce the export of Vietnamese passion fruits to Australia and the import of Australian plums into Viet Nam on Monday. Huynh Tan at, Director of the Plant Protection Department, said that Viet Nam has great potential and advantages in tropical fruits. Currently, Vietnamese fruits are available in over 60 countries and territories. Specifically, passion fruits have been exported to 20 countries in various forms such as fresh, frozen, and juice. The area of passion fruit in Viet Nam is currently over 12,000 hectares and is expanding, mostly in the northern mountainous region. Many provinces in the Central Highlands are also expanding the cultivation area of this fruit. In recent years, Viet Nam has concentrated on improving passion fruit quality by promoting chain production and ensuring traceability for the product, focusing on two varieties of yellow passion fruit and purple passion fruit. In the coming time, the Plant Protection Department will guide farmers and localities to promote production following the requirements of importing countries and further enhance the advantages of passion fruit products. Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski said that Viet Nam and Australia have enjoyed fruitful partnership in trading agricultural products, including fruits. Many high-quality fruits from one country have appeared in the market of the other, the diplomat said, attributing the results to mutual trust and joint efforts. Highly evaluating Vietnamese passion fruit, Goledzinowski described it as a very delicious fruit. In the near future, both countries will continue to finalise the last steps to bring Vietnamese grapefruits and Australian blueberries to each other's markets, he added. VNS BAC GIANG The Institute of World Economics and Politics, in collaboration with the Bac Giang Union of Science and Technology Associations, held a seminar in Bac Giang City titled "The Semiconductor Industry Ecosystem and the Role of Localities and Vietnamese Enterprises". Dr Ngo Chi Vinh, Chairman of the Bac Giang Union of Science and Technology Associations, said in his opening remarks that according to the US-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), nearly US$1 trillion is expected to be invested in the semiconductor sector by 2030. This makes the semiconductor industry one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. Recently, many developed countries have extensively collaborated with Viet Nam in the semiconductor industry. According to Vinh, Bac Giang is becoming an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors. The province currently has nine industrial zones covering nearly 2,400 hectares. It has attracted several semiconductor companies such as Hana Micron Vina, Si Flex Vietnam (South Korea), and Synergie Cad Vietnam (France). However, embracing the semiconductor ecosystem poses significant challenges for the country and localities, Vinh said. He pointed out demands for advanced infrastructure, including a stable power supply, modern industrial waste treatment systems, and upgraded transportation and logistics. Additionally, a shortage of skilled labour, inadequate industry management practices and limited technology transfer capabilities are among biggest obstacles. During the seminar, participants discussed the implementation of investment attraction policies, the demand and capacity for training the workforce for the semiconductor industry, and international and local experiences in fostering the semiconductor ecosystem. They also analysed Viet Nam's and local businesses' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in joining the semiconductor industry ecosystem. Vu Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the Bac Giang Department of Planning and Investment, said that Bac Giang has recognised the importance of the semiconductor industry early on, especially given the power of semiconductor chips and AI technology. The province has focused on creating optimal conditions to attract semiconductor investors. Infrastructure has been upgraded across industrial zones and local industrial clusters, including transportation, utilities, and support services. Currently, there are three semiconductor production companies in Bac Giang, which not only boost the local economy but also create over 8,000 jobs and attract many high-skilled professionals. Despite these gains, the semiconductor industry remains relatively new in the province, Cuong said. He urged Bac Giang needs to continue its efforts to maintain its position, develop existing potential, and enhance investment attraction in the semiconductor sector. Nguyen Manh Chien, Human Resources Manager at Hana Micron Vina, said that a significant challenge for companies starting operations there is the scarcity of semiconductor talent. Besides developing core talent, there needs to be an industrial ecosystem for component and material suppliers. He suggested that localities should offer specific incentives to attract semiconductor investments. According to ang uc Anh from the Central Institute for Economic Management, though Bac Giang has opportunities and strengths, it also faces weaknesses such as a weak support ecosystem, particularly in soft infrastructure, limited high-quality human resources, and high land rental costs. To further boost semiconductor industry investment, the delegates recommended that Bac Giang continue to implement strategic investment attraction policies, particularly for foreign investment, enhance research and development activities, and build a cohesive industrial ecosystem with high-quality human resources. The focus should on developing specialised industrial zones with strong international competitiveness and foster partnerships with training institutions and international semiconductor giants such as the US, Japan, and Korea to attract FDI and collaborate on training. VNS HA NOI Several insurance companies have proactively assessed the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi and offered compensation to clients where applicable. PVI Insurance on Monday sent a working group to the two coastal provinces of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh reported losses and damage on 210 insured properties, with an estimated a compensation amount of VN320 billion (US$12.99 million). "Upon receiving the storm warning, PVI Insurance quickly alerted customers, offering advice to protect their assets. Despite these efforts, the super typhoon caused significant damage to many clients, PVI Insurance said in a statement. On the same day, AIA Vietnam announced it would pay VN6.5 billion (US$263,000) in compensation for five clients who were killed by the super typhoon. The Military Insurance Corporation (MIC) said they have instructed their offices in areas most affected by the typhoon to increase the number of working staff and keep their hotline number available 24 hours a day to provide timely assistance to their clients. A representative from Saigon-Hanoi Insurance Corporation (BSH) said the company has also sent staff to affected areas to provide assistance and assess the damage. By Monday they have recorded one dead and six missing clients, as well as losses on 100 insured properties and 250 insured motor vehicles. Baoviet Insurance Corporation said they have advanced compensation to clients affected by the typhoon, and increased staff in affected areas to conduct damage assessment. The company encourages clients to actively get in touch and report damage so the compensation process can be carried out effectively. The Department of Insurance Management and Supervision (under the Ministry of Finance) has sent an official document, requesting insurance companies to collaborate with the authorities to support the people and quickly provide compensation to insurance buyers and beneficiaries. The authority body has also asked the companies to report the recorded damage and settle insurance benefits no later than September 12. VNS MOSCOW National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man met representatives of the Vietnamese Business Association in Russia in Moscow on Monday afternoon (local time), as part of his official visit to Russia. Reporting to the top legislator, representatives of businesses shared their advantages and challenges they have faced in the process of investing and doing business in Russia. NA Chairman Man emphasised that Viet Nam and Russia have a very good traditional friendship, as they are not only special traditional friends but also comprehensive strategic partners. Vietnamese businesses have invested approximately US$3 billion in Russia, while Russian investors have poured $1 billion into the Southeast Asian nation, he said, noting that these figures should increase to match the relationship between the two countries. He asked the business community to continue to work together, adhere to the law of the host country, contribute to the development of the two countries, and further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. The NA Chairman also requested the Vietnamese Embassy to continue promoting relations between local authorities, ministries, and sectors of both countries, and promptly find solutions to address legal issues to ensure that children of the Vietnamese community can attend school in Russia. He urged Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to listen to businesses proposals and continue to advocate with the Russian side during the 25th meeting of the Viet Nam-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic-Trade and Scientific-Technological Cooperation, scheduled for September 11-12. VNS MOSCOW Vietnamese Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi held a working session with Russian Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin in Moscow on September 10, as part of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Mans ongoing official visit to Russia. Faizullin highlighted the growth of Russia's construction sector and its expanding needs for foreign experts, saying he is ready to discuss in detail with Viet Nam in this matter. Nghi said he is impressed by Moscow's modern, well-structured and well-planned infrastructure. Reflecting on the successful cooperation between the two ministries since the signing of a memorandum of understanding five years ago, the official said the potential for further collaboration remains vast and untapped. He presented several proposals to deepen this partnership, including strengthening joint work in construction management and housing policy; Russia's support in developing and refining Viet Nam's construction standards, regulations and norms; research on new construction materials; scientific research and application in fire safety for buildings; training, scientific research, production, and testing of energy-efficient materials; construction workforce; and encouraging joint investments by construction enterprises in both countries. Regarding labour supply, Nghi suggested detailed discussions and the renewal of the five-year cooperation document between the two ministries to better align with current demands. Nghi extended an invitation to Faizullin and his delegation to visit Viet Nam in the near future. Faizullin fully agreed with Nghi's proposals and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has sent a diplomatic note asking China to strictly regulate the flow of water from the upper reaches of the Red River downstream, as the country addresses the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. In an initial response, China confirmed that two of its hydropower plants upstream will not release water. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today that in response to widespread flooding and landslides in northern regions in the wake of powerful typhoon Yagi, it engaged in discussions with the Chinese Embassy's Charge d'affaires in Ha Noi in order to work together on flood prevention and recovery efforts, especially to mitigate the effects of Typhoon Yagi. Officials from the Vietnamese Embassy in China and the Consulate General in Kunming held urgent meetings with representatives from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yunnan Province's Foreign Affairs Department. They requested support in implementing measures to reduce the risk of flooding in the Red River basin. Viet Nams diplomatic missions in China also issued formal notes, urging China to strictly regulate water flow from the upstream of the Red River (known as Yuan River in China) and coordinate with relevant agencies to close or reduce discharge from upstream dams. Additionally, Viet Nam asked for timely updates on flood discharge schedules, including specific times and volumes. As of Tuesday, according to updates from Vietnamese missions in China, the country confirmed that the two upstream hydropower plants on the Red River will not release water and have no plans to do so for the time being. These plants have also halted operations to prevent flooding and store water. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that Vietnamese representatives in China will continue working closely with local authorities to provide regular and timely updates on the flood situation in China, which may impact Viet Nam. They will also maintain ongoing communication to encourage actions that limit water discharge from Chinas upstream regions, thereby mitigating flood damage in northern river basins in Viet Nam. Yagi, the strongest typhoon in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) in 30 years, hit Viet Nam on Saturday, but the heavy downpours following the storm continues to ravage the northern region. As of Tuesday noon, 157 people have been killed or gone missing due to the typhoon, landslides, and flooding, while people were injured. Nearly 150,000 hectares of rice and crops have been flooded. VNS HCM CITY A series of ten books on the Souths history and culture by late historian and cultural researcher Vuong Hong Sen has been released by HCM City-based Tre (Youth) Publishing House. The publications feature the history of the Souths beginning and development in different periods. Highlighted books are Sai Gon Nam Xua (Sai Gon in the Past), Sai Gon Ta Pi Lu (The Stories of Saigonese) and Tu Vi Tieng Noi Mien Nam (The Southern Dialect Dictionary). These works highlight Sai Gon, now Ho Chi Minh City, its people, culture and lifestyle. Sens family and the Tre Publishing House have signed a contract to reprint and release his works. According to cultural researcher Nguyen Hien Le, Sens books are like films capturing the South which help readers discover the lands development in different periods. He also released many books and documentaries on the Souths culture, traditional theatre and music. Sen was born in 1902 in Soc Trang Province, and died in 1996 in HCM City. He was also an antique collector, and donated his collection of 840 antiques to local public museums. His house, located in Binh Thanh Districts Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, has become a tourist destination. The old building is still well maintained with big pillars and carved patterns. It displays many ancient objects, paintings and photos. It was recognised as an architectural monument of the city by the HCM City administration in 2003. Two of his books, entitled Truyen Cuoi Co Nhan (Folk Jokes) and Hoi Ky 50 Nam Me Hat (Memories of 50 Years Singing), were recently reprinted, attracting many young readers, including university students in literature, cinema and theatre. Truyen Cuoi Co Nhan was first released in 1972 and focuses on the habits and funny phenomena reflected in southern culture and lifestyle. Folk literature is also included. Hoi Ky 50 Nam Me Hat features the history and development of cai luong (reformed opera), a traditional genre of southern theatre which began in the early 1920s in the Mekong River Delta region. The book includes pictures and paintings collected and captured by writer Sen. It provides readers with a better knowledge of traditional songs, tunes and dances used in theatre in South Viet Nam. VNS Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri. Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here. You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com. MOSCOW Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko presided over an official welcome ceremony for visiting Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man in Moscow on September 9 afternoon (local time). Matvienko warmly welcomed Man and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese NA on an official visit to Russia. She said Russia attached great importance to this visit, and expressed her belief that it would not only help expand interparliamentary cooperation but also further promote the Russia-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic partnership. The Speaker said the Russia-Viet Nam relationship had 75-year history and been tested by time. In recent years, based on efforts of high-ranking leaders of both countries, the bilateral cooperative ties had been upgraded to a new level: comprehensive strategic partnership. Most recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to Viet Nam in June 2024. During the trip, at the meeting between President Putin and NA Chairman Man, the two sides acknowledged that the two parliaments played an important role in developing the Russia-Viet Nam cooperative relations. Matvienko stressed that Man's visit to Russia following Putins trip to Viet Nam held a symbolic significance, enabling the two sides to exchange views at the level of parliament to contribute to the implementation of agreements and documents signed between the two countries. Man conveyed the regards and best wishes from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to senior leaders of Russia, including Matvienko. He thanked Russia for congratulating Lam on his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and affirmed that Viet Nam attached great importance to its relations with Russia via all channels, including the Party, State, parliament channels and people-to-people exchanges. The NA Chairman congratulated Russia on its comprehensive achievements and results in recent times. He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam treasured the friendship and faithful relations with Russia as well as the valuable support and assistance for Viet Nam provided by the people of the former Soviet Union and Russia today. Viet Nam is keen on boosting cooperation with Russia in the fields of economy, trade, investment, including oil and gas, and energy, defence-security, science, education-training, culture, sports, tourism, health and locality-to-locality partnerships, according to the NA Chairman. These cooperation areas have been the solid pillars in the bilateral relationship in recent times and need to be upheld and further promoted in the coming time. At the talks, the two leaders agreed that both sides should promote and expand cooperation on par with the tradition and comprehensive strategic partnership; uphold the achievements based on trust and existing cooperation frameworks; and coordinate to organise practical activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. The two sides would continue to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels to continuously consolidate and promote practical and effective cooperation through the Party, National Assembly, Government and people-to-people exchange channels. Regarding inter-parliamentary cooperation, Man affirmed that Viet Nam attached importance to the role of the Federation Council as well as highly valued the role and important contributions of Matvienko to fostering bilateral relations, including cooperation between the two countries' legislatures. The leaders agreed that the two sides should continue to increase the exchange of high-level delegations of parliamentary leaders, cooperation activities between the agencies of the parliaments, the Friendship Parliamentarians' Groups, the Young Parliamentarians' Groups, the Women Parliamentarians' Groups, and deputies of the two countries, in both in-person and online forms. In addition, they should continue to coordinate in monitoring and hastening the implementation of the cooperation agreements signed by the two Governments and strategic cooperation projects; build and perfect a favourable legal corridor that enables the Governments, localities, businesses and people of the two countries to increase exchanges and collaboration on the basis of mutual benefit. Appreciating the role and effectiveness of cooperation between the parliamentary groups of the two countries, Matvienko pointed out that the two sides had established friendship parliamentarians groups, including the Viet Nam-Russia Friendship Parliamentarians Group chaired by NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh and the group for cooperation with the Vietnamese National Assembly led by First Vice Chairman of the Federation Council A.V. Yatskin. Immediately after Mans visit, on September 11, the 25th session of the Viet Nam - Russia Intergovernmental Committee on cooperation in economy - trade and science - technology will take place in Moscow. Both host and guest agreed that this would be an opportunity for the two sides to discuss the agreements reached as well as the possibility of expanding bilateral cooperation mechanisms. The Federation Council always paid attention to boosting locality-to-locality ties, Matvienko affirmed, noting that Russian localities were promoting cooperation with Vietnamese ones. She called on Man to continue supporting the development of relations between localities of the two countries. Mentioning educational cooperation, she said during his state visit to Viet Nam in June 2024, President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Vietnamese alumni. That many who used to study in Russia are holding important positions in Viet Nam proved the high quality of Russias education. Russia supplied about 1,000 scholarships for Viet Nam each year, she said. Matvienko went on to say that the growth in tourism collaboration also clearly reflected the good friendship between the two countries, adding Russian people love spending their holidays in Viet Nam. To maintain this trend, she perceived that it would be necessary to increase direct air routes between the countries. Mentioning cultural cooperation, the host said the Viet Nam Culture Days were organised successfully in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in July this year, and that the two sides should keep stepping up cultural ties strongly. On this occasion, Man invited Matvienko to pay a visit to Viet Nam in the near future. The host leader accepted the invitation with pleasure. Following the talks, Man and Matvienko signed a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia. They also witnessed the signing of a cooperation deal between Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and Rostov Oblast. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on September 9 sent message of sympathy to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President of Viet Nam To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh over heavy losses in human and property of the Vietnamese people caused by typhoon Yagi on September 6 and 7. In their messages, the Lao leaders sent their sincere sympathy and condolences to their Vietnamese counterparts as well as to the Party, Government and fraternal people of Viet Nam, especially the authorities and families of the victims affected by this natural disaster. They also expressed their belief that under the leadership and close attention of the Party and Government of Viet Nam from the central to local levels, the fraternal Vietnamese people will overcome all difficulties, and the lives of people and localities affected by the natural disaster will soon stabilise and return to normal. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has also cabled his deepest condolences to the Party, Government and people of Vietnam for human and property losses caused by super typhoon Yagi. Through his X account, the President conveyed all the solidarity of the Caribbean nation to the Southeast Asian country in these difficult times. President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez also expressed his condolences to the families of victims. According to initial statistics, Yagi, which made landfall in Viet Nam on September 7, and subsequent floods have left at least 98 dead or missing (as of September 9 night), injured hundreds of others and caused great damage to crops, trees and infrastructure in many localities. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, his spouse and a Lao high-ranking delegation arrived in Ha Noi on Tuesday morning, beginning a four-day State visit to Viet Nam. The trip is made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and President of Viet Nam To Lam and his spouse. Officials welcoming the delegation at Noi Bai International Airport included Politburo member and Permanent member of the CPV Central Committee's Secretariat Luong Cuong; Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committees Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung; and member of the CPV Central Committee and Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan. The visit is the second to Viet Nam by General Secretary and President Sisoulith since the 11th National LPRP Congress in January 2021, and follows a state visit to Laos by To Lam as President of Viet Nam in July 2024. It is a vivid demonstration of the great friendship, special solidarity, and faithful and pure relations between the two Parties, States, and people of Viet Nam and Laos. It takes place at a time when the two Parties and countries are strongly implementing the resolution of each Party and actively preparing for all-level congresses in the lead up to the national congresses of the CPV and the LPRP. Besides, the Viet Nam - Laos relations are flourishing and have obtained numerous important achievements. The trip is considered one of the significant milestones in the history of the bilateral ties, helping develop the two countries great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation to a new height in an increasingly effective and practical manner to secure prosperity for people in each country. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary, State President To Lam on Tuesday hosted the official welcome ceremony for Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee (LPRP) and President of Laos. The Lao leader is on a state visit to Viet Nam from September 10-13. The visit takes place following To Lam's election as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee. It is the second official trip to Viet Nam by General Secretary and President Sisoulith since the 11th National LPRP Congress in January 2021, and follows a state visit to Laos by To Lam as President of Viet Nam in July 2024. The trip is considered a highlight in Viet Nam-Laos relations as well as an important diplomatic event between their Parties and governments. It is expected to promote their traditional friendship, unity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. VNS WASHINGTON General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, held talks with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following an official welcome ceremony for him in Washington, DC on Monday. Expressing his joy in welcoming Giang on his first official visit to the US as the Defence Minister of Viet Nam, Austin said he highly valued the achievements in cooperation between Viet Nam and the US since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Upgrading the two countries' bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership had provided a strong foundation for the future of Viet NamUS ties, particularly in defence, Austin added. He emphasised the importance of working together on war legacy remediation, confirming that the US Department of Defense would continue to cooperate and support Viet Nam in this area. Austin expressed his thanks to the Vietnamese Government for fulfilling its commitment to help search for US servicemen listed as missing in action (MIA) during the war in Viet Nam decades ago. Giang said that Viet Nam wished to develop cooperation with the US based on the two sides' legitimate interests, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and globally. During the talks, the two ministers said that bilateral defence cooperation was ongoing and active and that tangible results had already been recorded in areas such as delegation exchanges, dialogue and consultation, war legacy remediation, the search for MIAs from the war in Viet Nam, training, military medicine, UN peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief. Viet Nam highly valued the support and commitment of the US government and people in addressing post-war consequences, notably through increased funding for dioxin (Agent Orange) remediation at Bien Hoa Airport, support for Vietnamese people affected by dioxin and providing evidence or records of Vietnamese soldiers who laid down their lives or went missing in the war. Viet Nam had also closely cooperated with the US to effectively carry out joint MIA search operations. Regarding future cooperation, the two sides agreed to promote high-level exchanges and maintain existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, as well as to identify areas of cooperation that align with each sides needs and capabilities. The leaders highlighted the continued priority on war legacy remediation, focusing on accelerating the dioxin contamination cleanup at Bien Hoa Airport, addressing unexploded ordnance and providing information, documentation and DNA testing technology to assist in locating and collecting Vietnamese soldiers' remains. The two sides agreed to further expand and deepen cooperation in areas such as UN peacekeeping, training, military medicine, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief and mutual consultation and support in regional and international multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+) on the basis of respecting ASEAN's centrality and principles of consensus. They expressed their belief that in the near future, cooperation between the two defence ministries would continue to develop for the benefit of each country as well as for peace, stability and development in the region and the world, contributing to the Viet Nam-US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development. Giang also invited Austin and other leaders of the defence department along with defence industry enterprises to Viet Nam to attend the second Viet Nam International Defence Expo scheduled for this December in Ha Noi. At the end of the talks, the two leaders signed an updated Viet Nam-US Joint Vision Statement on defence cooperation, marking a new milestone in bilateral defence ties between the two countries. They also exchanged mementoes and information related to Vietnamese soldiers and US servicemen who went missing during the war. That afternoon, during a meeting with US Senator Chris Van Hollen, Minister Giang expressed his pleasure in meeting the Senator again after he and the US congressional delegation visited Viet Nam in April 2023. The minister said that the Government, the Ministry of National Defence and the people of Viet Nam valued the contributions of generations of US Senators in promoting the relationship between the two countries, as well as supporting Viet Nam in overcoming post-war impacts, especially the late Senator John McCain and Senator Patrick Leahy. Giang expressed his hope that the US Congress would continue to increase resources to handle all dioxin-contaminated soil at Bien Hoa airbase as well as help with the thorough cleanup of dioxin-contaminated soil at Phu Cat Airport. He also said he hoped the US would support Viet Nam in overcoming the consequences of bombs and mines left over from the war as well as the consequences of dioxin in Viet Nam. He proposed the two sides implement a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021 on searching for, collecting and identifying the remains of Vietnamese martyrs who laid down their lives or went missing during the war, adding that his ministry was committed to working closely with the US to search for those listed as MIA. For his part, Senator Van Hollen emphasised that he would continue to promote cooperation with Viet Nam, particularly paying special attention to dealing with the consequences of the war. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary, State President To Lam on Tuesday held talks with his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, highlighting that the latters visit has an exceptional significance in terms of the cooperation between the two parties and governments. The two countries will continue their work to further promote the relations and unity between Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, said the Vietnamese leader. Sisoulith, who is serving as the General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee (LPRP) and President of Laos, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and underlined that Viet Nam and Laos relations are a unique camaraderie and brotherhood. He congratulated Lam on his election as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and also sent his condolences on the passing of the late Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong and the impacts of Typhoon Yagi on the Vietnamese people. Under the leadership of the Party and the state, he believed that Viet Nam would continue its great achievements in the nearly 40 years of oi Moi (Renewal) with socio-economic stability, progressive economic growth and improved quality of life. Viet Nams success was a source of motivation and a role model for Laos on its own path of development, said Sisoulith. Party General Secretary and President To Lam also sent his congratulations on Laos significant development progress in all aspects, particularly in its diplomatic activities as the current Chair of ASEAN. He underlined that Viet Nam maintained its support for Laos Party, State and people to continue their achievements and to fulfil its role as the 2024 ASEAN Chair. The two country leaders also gave high regard to the mutual assistance between their parties, governments and people throughout their respective fight for national liberation and unity in the past, as well as national development today. Continuing on the legacy of their late leaders Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane, the Viet Nam-Laos ties hold strategic significance to growth and stability in each country and will be elevated to be more practical and effective in all aspects for the benefit of their people as well as the region and the world. The Vietnamese and Lao top leaders also expressed satisfaction at the progress in the relations between the two parties, governments and their comprehensive cooperation in recent years. The two countries will continue to promote their political relations through increasing mutual understanding and trust, maintaining high-level exchanges between Party and state officials and enhancing information exchange on strategic and emerging issues, while also promoting education on the traditional relations between them. Viet Nam and Laos also agreed to strengthen the cooperation in national defence and security, ensuring mutual support for effective response in the face of complicated security challenges. On this matter, they also plan to effectively execute cooperation plans and protocols to ensure political stability in each country. Lam and Sisoulith share the same perspective on increasing effectiveness and breakthroughs in economic, cultural and science-technology cooperation by leveraging Viet Nams and Laos respective strengths and potential. Other areas of focus include fostering practical connections between the two economies in terms of institutions, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications and tourism, with a long-term vision for cooperation and development and promoting connections between the Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian economies according to the agreement between their governments. The two top leaders also agreed to maintain effective information exchange and assessment of the global situation, while protecting each others legitimate interests in line with international laws. These include the issues in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), sustainable use of the Mekong Rivers water resources and the mutual support, coordination and consultation on regional and international issues and activities at multilateral forums. VNS MOSCOW A cooperation agreement between the offices of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) and Russian Federal Assemblys State Duma (lower house) was signed by their chairpersons at their meeting in Moscow on September 10 (local time), as part of the ongoing official visit to Russia by NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man. At the meeting, NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong said the relationship between Viet Nam and Russia, particularly their legislative ties, has developed positively over the years. He stressed that the freshly-signed pact is crucial to enhancing capacity and mutual understanding and trust between their personnel. It is the first cooperation agreement between the offices and is a concrete step towards effectively materialising the agreements between the NA and the State Duma. For his part, Diveikin, head of the State Duma office, underscored the nations long-standing inter-parliamentary collaboration. He noted that the NA first signed a cooperation agreement with the State Duma in April 2009, renewed it in March 2013, and inked another with the Federal Assemblys Federation Council in November 2012. In 2018, Viet Nam and Russia signed an agreement on the establishment of an Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. Diveikin assessed that these agreements have been successfully implemented and expressed a wish for the two sides to enhance exchanges through new formats and promote activities that match the dynamic development of the inter-parliamentary cooperation. Cuong proposed that the two offices advise ways to effectively implement outcomes of the September 9 talks between the chairmen of the NA and the State Duma, as well as the 2013 document. He suggested they work together on advisory tasks, supporting the countries legislative activities, both bilateral and multilateral, particularly within the IPU, AIPA, and APPF frameworks. It is also necessary to exchange information and experience in building, training, and developing their staff; the information work; and digital library and museum development and management, Cuong noted. He also recommended the establishment of a regular delegation exchange mechanism between the offices, focusing on professional and cultural activities. VNS WELLINGTON National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh held talks with Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament Gerry Brownlee and Deputy Speaker Barbara Kuriger following a welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese legislator in Wellington on September 10 (local time). The hosts extended their deep sympathy over the losses caused by Typhoon Yagi to Viet Nam, saying they wish that the Vietnamese State and people will soon overcome flood consequences and stabilise their lives. They expressed a strong desire to enhance relations between the two countries and their respective parliaments. They were pleased to see the growing bilateral relationship and parliamentary ties, especially as both nations approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025. Speaker Brownlee commended Viet Nams achievements, noting that Viet Nam now plays a significant role in the region and Asia, becoming an important partner of NZ and other regional countries. Both sides were delighted at remarkable progress in nearly 50 years of diplomatic ties, including the upgrade of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2020. They have effectively and consistently maintained bilateral cooperation mechanisms in key areas, resulting in positive outcomes, stronger political trust and mutual understanding and respect. Economic ties have been growing, with two-way trade hitting US$1.3 billion in 2023 and targets set for $2 billion in 2024 and $3 billion in 2026. The two sides agreed on several major directions for future cooperation between their legislatures. These include studying and accelerating the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement, and another between the Vietnamese NA Office and the NZ Parliamentary Counsel Office. Key areas of focus include facilitating high-level and committee-level interactions, sharing professional experience, and promoting a favourable legal framework to encourage the effective implementation of signed agreements. Additionally, both sides committed to fostering cooperation in staff training between the NA Parliamentary Counsel Office and the Vietnamese NA Office. Thanh, who is on a visit to NZ from September 8-11, praised NZs support for ASEAN's central role and urged continued dialogue and cooperation to address common regional challenges. As a coordinator of the ASEAN-NZ relations for 2024-2027, Viet Nam pledges to advance substantive cooperation programmes between the two sides, she said. Thanh suggested that both sides uphold coordination mechanisms at multilateral forums and Mekong sub-region mechanisms, particularly in disaster and risk mitigation, and renewable energy. She advocated for increased consultation, information exchange, and coordinated stance on regional issues of mutual interest, as well as mutual support at global and regional parliamentary forums. Brownlee endorsed Thanh's proposals and expressed his commitment to deepening cooperation at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, to build a world based on international law and ensure the national interests of all countries. During a working session with NZ Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Ethnic Communities Melissa Lee the same day, Thanh commended New Zealand's ethnic policies and suggested leveraging economic cooperation mechanisms. She urged facilitating market access, using electronic certification for agricultural product imports, and supporting Vietnamese investments in processing, manufacturing, wholesale and retail, automotive repair, and hospitality. Additionally, she sought NZ's more technical assistance projects to Viet Nam in agriculture, climate change adaptation, innovation, and health care. Viet Nam is ready to offer all possible to NZ investments in Viet Nam, particularly in areas where NZ has strengths, such as clean agriculture, risk management, disaster response, and renewable energy, she said. Lee, for her part, hailed Viet Nam as one of NZ's foreign policy priorities. As the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, she wished they would soon upgrade their relationship to the highest level in order to fully leverage their respective strengths. During a meeting with Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds, Thanh lauded the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on education cooperation for the 2023-26 period. Simmonds described education cooperation as a bright spot in bilateral ties, with ample potential for further collaboration. A day earlier, Thanh met with Pham Thi Ngoc Lan, a Vietnamese-origin lawmaker in the 54th NZ Parliament. She wished that Lan would continue to excel in the NZ Parliament and effectively promote the positive image and values of Viet Nam, contributing to supporting initiatives related to environmental protection. In another meeting, Thanh and President of the NZ-Viet Nam Friendship Association and former Governor-General of NZ discussed ideas to reinforce education and people-to-people exchanges, toward the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the fifth anniversary of strategic partnership next year. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF), and Sergey Mironov, Chairman of A Just Russia - Patriots - For Truth (SR) party, in Moscow on September 10. At these meetings, the NA leader expressed gratitude for the invaluable and sincere support provided by the Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation, during Viet Nam's past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in its current development efforts. He stressed that the bilateral relationship continues to strengthen through high-level exchanges, including the recent state visit to Viet Nam by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Talking to Zyuganov, Man proposed enhancing the cooperation via the party channel between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the KPRF, and other major Russian political parties. The top legislator said he believes that the Vietnamese community in Russia and the Russian community in Viet Nam play a crucial role in fostering people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and significantly contribute to the countries comprehensive strategic partnership. Zyuganov praised Viet Nam's development achievements as a successful model for other countries and affirmed his commitment to maintaining the traditional friendship with Viet Nam. He pledged to continue working closely with the CPV and the Vietnamese people. At his meeting with Mironov, Man stated the Vietnamese NA supports the enhancement of the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive cooperation, and has been coordinating with the government to address issues that hinder joint work and to seriously consider Russia's proposals to deepen and make the bilateral collaboration more effective and substantial. The NA leader also suggested the CPV and SR continue to support each other at regional and international forums. He called for the Russian partys support for the principled stance of Viet Nam and ASEAN on the East Sea issue, as well as for the peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also sought the party's continued assistance for the Vietnamese community in Russia via facilitating their legal residence and integration, saying that the community will serve as a bridge for bilateral people-to-people exchanges and the comprehensive strategic partnership of the two countries. For his part, Mironov said Viet Nam stands out as the only Southeast Asian nation that has welcomed President Vladimir Putin on six separate occasions. He also expressed condolences over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and highlighted the lasting memories of the late leader as a great friend of the Russian people. Sharing their satisfaction with the positive development of the Viet Nam-Russia parliamentary cooperation, both leaders agreed that the two countries need to overcome challenges and work towards the goal of US$10 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting in Ha Noi on September 10 with visiting Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith who is leading a high-ranking delegation of the Lao Party and State on a State-level visit to Viet Nam. The Vietnamese PM underlined the significance of the Lao leaders visit, calling it a milestone in bilateral ties which will help further deepen the Viet Nam-Laos great solidarity, thus bringing prosperity to both countries and benefiting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. The two leaders expressed joy at the unceasing development of bilateral ties and reached high consensus on the orientation for bilateral cooperation in the time ahead. They stressed the need to continue working closely to implement high-level agreements and the outcomes of the 46th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos inter-governmental committee as well as the State visit to Laos by President To Lam, along with cooperative programmes of ministries, sectors and localities of the two countries. They agreed to increase the exchange of all-level delegations, promote defence-security cooperation as important pillars of the bilateral relationship, enhance the effectiveness of economic-trade ties and further facilitate investment and business of each others enterprises. The leaders vowed that two countries will continue to support each other in building an independent and self-reliant economy while advancing international integration and further strengthening connectivity between the Vietnamese and Lao economies as well as among the three economies of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, particularly connectivity in institutions, finance, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and tourism. They also concurred to focus efforts on removing obstacles in the implementation of key joint projects, and encourage educational, cultural, tourism, banking, labour cooperation and people to people exchange. In the context of complicated developments in the international and regional situation, the two sides agreed to regularly exchange experience and information, coordinate closely and support each other at international and regional forums, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the UN and sub-regional mechanisms. PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam will continue to coordinate with and do its utmost to assist Laos in fulfilling its heavy international missions in 2024, including the Chair of the ASEAN. The Lao leader took the occasion to extend sincere sympathies to people in localities affected by the devastating Super Typhoon Yagi, noting his belief that under the leadership of the Vietnamese Party and Government, the Vietnamese people will rise over the difficulties and return to normal life. VNS A Lebanese judge Monday issued an arrest warrant for ex-central bank chief Riad Salameh, a judicial official said, after the embattled former governor was questioned in an embezzlement case. Salameh, 74, who led the central bank for three decades, faces numerous charges including embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion in separate probes in crisis-hit Lebanon and abroad. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The investigating judge questioned Salameh for two and a half hours and "issued an arrest warrant against him", the official told AFP, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to brief the media. The judge scheduled another hearing Thursday to continue questioning Salameh, the official said. The warrant ends his provisional detention and places him under formal arrest, the official added, with the measure indicating that the investigating judge's suspicions against Salameh have "strengthened". On Tuesday last week, Lebanese authorities for the first time provisionally arrested the embattled former official after he was questioned over the alleged embezzlement of more than $40 million, another judicial had told AFP. The official said at the time that the case was "completely separate" from others being investigated. The following day, Lebanon's financial prosecutor initiated legal proceedings against Salameh over allegations of "embezzling" public funds, as well as "illicit enrichment and money laundering", and the case was referred to the investigating judge, the same official told AFP. In a statement Friday carried by Lebanon's official National News Agency, Salameh's office said he had cooperated with the Lebanese judiciary "before and after finishing his official duties" and "has continued with this cooperation since his detention". Salameh, who also has French nationality, is widely viewed as a key culprit in Lebanon's economic crash which began in late 2019 and which the World Bank has called one of the worst in recent history. A handful of protesters gathered outside Beirut's justice palace on Monday, some trying to attack a convoy of vehicles transporting Salameh as he arrived, hitting the windows and yelling "Riad Salameh is a thief," an AFP correspondent said. "No to your corruption, conspiracy, indifference, yes to justice," one of the protest signs read. After Monday's questioning, Salameh was returned to the jail where he has been detained in recent days, the first source said. In May last year, Germany and France issued arrest warrants for Salameh over accusations including money laundering and fraud, though German prosecutors later cancelled their warrant, saying Salameh could no longer use his post to suppress evidence. In August last year, the United States announced coordinated sanctions with Canada and Britain against Salameh. , He has defended his legacy, saying he is a "scapegoat" for Lebanon's economic collapse. HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 9 for Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Sang Gil. Son lauded the significance of the visit as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, suggesting that the two foreign ministries maintain close coordination, facilitate all-level delegation exchanges to strengthen the friendship, and mutual understanding and trust, and effectively implement existing cooperation agreements. He also called for continued collaboration at global and regional forums to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development both regionally and globally. Pak praised Viet Nam's recent socio-economic achievements, particularly its post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. He acknowledged Viet Nam's efforts in enhancing and expanding its diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide, which has elevated its international stature. On September 10 morning, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Thanh Binh held talks with his DPRK counterpart Pak. Both sides agreed to jointly prepare for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. The focus will be on increasing the exchange of delegations and exploring potential cooperation in mutually beneficial areas that align with international regulations. The discussions also covered global situations and issues of mutual interest. Binh affirmed Viet Nam's consistent stance on valuing the traditional friendship between the two countries, a bond personally established and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il Sung, and continually preserved, inherited and promoted by successive generations of leaders and people of both nations. He noted Viet Nam's desire to work closely with the DPRK to further develop the bilateral ties across various fields, in line with the aspirations of their people, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond. Pak stressed that relationship between the two countries has entered a new phase of development since the official Viet Nam visit by General Secretary of the Workers' Party of the DPRK and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un in March 2019. He affirmed the DPRKs consistent stance on maintaining and further strengthening bilateral ties in a robust and substantive manner. During his stay, the guest paid respect to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi and toured several localities. VNS HA NOI A ceremony was held in the central city of a Nang on Tuesday to hand over to the US side remains believed to be of US servicemen missing in action (MIAs) during the war in Viet Nam. The event, the 167th of its kind, was attended by US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper, Indo-Pacific Director at the US Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Christopher Phelps, and officials from the US MIA office in Ha Noi (DET2). Representing Viet Nam were leaders of the Viet Nam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Public Security. At the ceremony, the VNOSMP handed over a casket containing the remains, which experts from both countries assessed may be related to US servicemen missing in Viet Nam. This handover was the result of the 156th joint field activity, which took place between July and September this year. The event coincided with the one-year anniversary of Viet Nam and the US elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership (September 10, 2023-24), underscoring the commitment of both nations to cooperate on addressing war legacy issues, which is considered a priority of their bilateral relations. The cooperation to search for and return the remains of US MIAs began shortly after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on January 27, 1973. After more than five decades of collaborative efforts, Viet Nam has handed over to the US over 1,000 sets of remains and helped the US identify 735 cases. This humanitarian endeavour has played a crucial role in healing the wounds of war, building trust, and advancing the Viet Nam-US relationship to its current level. VNS MOSCOW National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on September 10 as part of his official visit to Russia. The meeting took place in a friendly and straightforward atmosphere. NA Chairman Man conveyed regards from Party General Secretary an President To Lam, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to President Putin. He informed the President about the outcomes of his visit and discussed the content of the cooperation between the two countries and two parliaments in the time ahead. President Putin asked NA Chairman Man to convey his invitations to Party General Secretary and President Lam and PM Chinh to visit Russia at an appropriate time. He appreciated the significance and outcomes of the Vietnamese legislative leaders visit, and suggested the two countries legislative bodies continue enhancing their cooperation, contributing to promoting the Russia-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic partnership in a pragmatic and effective manner. He also pledged support for the legislatures to materialise their signed cooperation agreements. VNS HA NOI The once-thriving salt industry in Viet Nam is declining as harsh working conditions and low incomes have driven many salt farmers to quit and find other jobs. The decline is prominent in Hoa Loc Commune, which was a salt-making hub in Hau Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province. Its salt farms have dwindled by two-thirds in area over the last 10 years, with hardly any young men remaining in the industry. "About 300 families in the commune continue to make salt today," said Le Van Kien, Deputy Director of Tam Hoa Salt Cooperative. "The workforce is comprised predominately of the elderly and women, as young men have left the industry to find jobs elsewhere." He cites low income and the physically demanding nature of the work as the main factors driving farmers away from salt making. Kien takes the monthly average income of salt farmers in Hoa Loc in 2023 as an example, which stood at around VN3 million (US$122) per family, barely enough to make ends meet. "Salt making is backbreaking but never pays well. That's why it is losing appeal to farmers," he said. Kien also describes a vicious cycle where low income prevents investment in better equipment, leading to poor-quality salt, lower prices and even lower income, ultimately forcing farmers to quit. Due to a lack of market power, farmers often find themselves at the mercy of traders, who force down prices to exploit the situation. Cooperatives have attempted to offer higher prices for salt to help farmers but they do not have the funds to keep the support going. "Tam Hoa Salt Cooperative has limited capacity to do anything beyond acting as a liaison and providing irrigation services," said Kien. The situation is not any better in Cat Minh Commune, Phu Cat District, Binh inh Province, where about 600 families produce salt for a living. A farmer in Cat Minh describes the job as a labour-intensive process. Farmers must spend months preparing their fields by leveling the land, drying the mud and compacting the soil. Under the scorching sun, they work tirelessly in the fields to harvest the salt. The intense heat and humidity often take a toll, leaving them with sunburnt skin and weary bodies. Despite the hardship, their lives are a constant gamble, as their income is subject to the whims of nature and the market, which hardly act in their favour. He highlights the stark contrast between the high costs of salt making and the low returns, noting that even without factoring in the costs of pumping seawater and leveling the land, farmers still have to spend about VN60 million ($2,438) for every 1,000sq.m of plastic sheet-covered fields, only to earn around VN1,000 (4 cents) per kilo of salt. "Considering we earn merely VN1,000 for every kilo of salt, it's no wonder we are struggling to make a profit," said the farmer. oan Thi Huong, a salt farmer in Bach Long Commune, Giao Thuy District, Nam inh Province, says the situation was tough this year as a lack of sunshine has led to fewer workdays in the fields, reducing salt yield. Recent salt price drops worsened the situation, leaving her with insufficient income to cover the upkeep costs. Some of her salt-making facilities have begun to fall into disrepair. "On a sunny day, working at our maximum capacity, we can produce about 80kg of salt. But this year's excessive rainfall, notably heavy rains in July, has reduced our yield," said Huong. She attributes salt farmers' low income to their limited access to advanced technology, which could be improved by launching capability-building and training programmes. Provincial governments have responded to salt farmers' call for help, with Nam inh being at the forefront. Its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has stepped in to bring businesses and salt farmers together, facilitating capability-building and training programmes. A notable example of business-farmer cooperation is the Project to Build Clean Salt Farms for Export, launched in 2022 by Nam inh Trading and Salt JSC and a group of salt farmers in Bach Long. Under the project, the farmers have received extensive training on clean salt production and funding to upgrade their equipment and facilities. After two years, they have been able to produce higher quality salt, fetching a premium of approximately VN600 (2 cents) per kilo compared to regular sand. The 86 tonnes of high-quality salt produced in 2023 have provided substantial economic relief to the community. The Department has also organised trade fairs and meetings to help salt producers expand their market reach. It has also engaged farmers in salt value chains and assisted them in joining the national One Commune One Product (OCOP) Programme. Scores of salt producers in the province have been certified as OCOP products thanks to the assistance. While it takes time for supportive policies to make a visible difference, these initial results offer a glimmer of hope for the industry's resurgence in the short term. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday signed an official dispatch demanding food and essential supplies be quickly delivered to the people hit by super Typhon Yagi. The dispatch was sent to the ministers of national defence, public security, and finance along with the chairpersons of the Peoples Committees of the northern provinces of Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, ien Bien, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, and Lang Son. It notes that Typhoon Yagi and post-storm circulation triggered widespread downpour across the northern region, especially in mountainous and midland provinces, resulting in heavy life and property losses and seriously impacting economic activities and peoples life. To quickly stabilise economic activities and peoples life, ensure no one is left hungry, cold, homeless, or without clean water or health care, and enable students to soon go back to school, the PM requested the ministers of national defence and public security order related units to actively coordinate with the affected localities to quickly deliver food, essential supplies, and clean water to residents in isolated areas and those in need as soon as possible. The Minister of Finance was told to provide 100 tonnes of rice to the ministries of national defence and public security each to transport to needy localities. Meanwhile, the secretaries of the Party Committees and the chairpersons of the Peoples Committees of those localities were demanded to direct local authorities to work with the ministries of national defence and public security to grasp peoples needs, distribute food and essential goods to storm-hit people in the fastest and efficient manner, while preventing losses and wastefulness during the process. The Government leader also asked them to promptly review, repair, and rehabilitate the health establishments damaged by the typhoon and following downpour and floods to give timely health care for the injured and the public. They also need to quickly restore the damaged schools and classrooms so that students can resume learning early, according to the dispatch. Deputy Prime Minister Ho uc Phoc was assigned to give direct instructions to the abovementioned ministries, sectors, and localities to carry out the dispatch. VNS HA NOI The LOreal UNESCO Science Award For the Development of Women in Science on Monday afternoon celebrated 15 years in Viet Nam with a mission of honouring and promoting Vietnamese women in science. The celebration recognised 38 outstanding female Vietnamese scientists who received the L'Oreal - UNESCO Science Award For the Development of Women in Science from 2009 to 2023. In the context of cooperation between UNESCO and the L'Oreal Foundation, the award was established to honour outstanding female scientists and promote gender equality in scientific research. This is also a way to boost the sciences and human resources in scientific fields in order to address major challenges in this new era. The annual award brings together outstanding female Vietnamese scientists, whose pioneering research contributes to changing the world through new scientific applications and studies in areas such as health, food security and the environment, among many others. Since its launch in Viet Nam in 2009, the programme has awarded scholarships to 38 talented young female scientists, including three who were awarded the International Young Talent Award in 2015, 2018 and 2022 for their outstanding contributions in the fields of life sciences and materials sciences. The programme has supported them to continue pursuing their passion for science and further their research, narrowing the gender gap in science. These awards recognise the tireless efforts of outstanding female scientists and honour the new achievements they have made, promoting sustainable development in Viet Nam and globally. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Viet Nam, said: We respect the remarkable achievements of 38 female scientists in Viet Nam, some of whom have made an impact beyond their national borders. I hope that through this programme, together with female scientists, we will further narrow the gender gap in science in the country. Benjamin Rachow, General Director of LOreal Viet Nam, said: LOreal Viet Nam has always been strongly committed to the mission of supporting women in the field of science. The research work of these outstanding female scientists not only plays an important role in solving the challenges of the time, but also inspires the next generation of young female scientists to continue scientific research. During the event, representatives attended an exhibition about the research of previous award winners since they received their scholarships and listened to presentations on six new areas of study. VNS BAC GIANG Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Bac Giang Province's government to strengthen disaster recovery efforts while maintaining economic activity, especially in industrial zones, as the province is a key industrial hub in northern Viet Nam. He visited the northern locality on Tuesday to oversee rescue and relief efforts after Typhoon Yagi. In Van Ha Commune in Viet Yen Township, which has been severely impacted by rising waters that have left approximately 9,000 people isolated, PM Chinh met with local authorities and rescue forces, urging them to continue evacuation of residents to safe places and ensure the distribution of essential supplies. He also urged them to take proactive measures to ensure road safety, especially in areas prone to floods and landslides. In response to the severe flooding along the Cau River, PM Chinh called for immediate action from Bac Giang's administration, including mobilising all available resources for evacuation efforts. He emphasised that student safety is paramount and requested schools be reopened only in safe places. He also called for uninterrupted electricity and telecommunications to facilitate the emergency response and the ongoing needs of residents. The Prime Minister also urged Bac Giang's government to crack down on those who spread rumours and fake news to prevent public anxiety. As the Cau, Thuong and Luc Nam Rivers are expected to continue flooding above warning Level 3, over 4,600 military personnel and numerous vehicles have been deployed for disaster relief efforts. The storm has caused approximately VN300 billion (US$12 million) in damages and claimed one life in the province to date. VNS Thu Van INCHEON President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea yesterday called for unity to overcome the threats and conflicts arising from rapidly evolving technologies and to enhance freedom and well-being for humanity through coexistence at the 25th World Knowledge Forum. The forum, which runs from September 9-11, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year under the theme Journey towards Coexistence. We are currently living in an era of complex crises where geopolitical conflicts and competition are unfolding simultaneously. Authoritarian and totalitarian forces are continuously challenging the rules-based international order, and wars and conflicts persist across the globe, President Yoon said. He continued by addressing the dual nature of modern technologies. Innovative digital technologies, including AI, offer many benefits to our daily lives and industries, but they also pose side effects that harm human rights and democracy through fake news and deepfakes. It is now time to think about solidarity for coexistence, he emphasised. The President called for a collective approach to freedom and solidarity to address both technological and geopolitical threats: The free world must stand firmly united to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable groups struggling under the fierce competition for technological supremacy and supply chains, and to protect freedom and democracy from fake news and false propaganda. President Yoon also traced the development of the World Knowledge Forum since its inception in 2000, underlining its role in fostering global dialogue on critical contemporary issues. "This year, under the theme 'Journey towards Coexistence,' global leaders and scholars will come together to discuss and explore solutions to the challenges and crises humanity faces," he stated. He argued that the forum provides an essential space for proposing "wise alternatives" to today's multifaceted global issues. Towards a future of coexistence Following President Yoons keynote address, Dr Chang Dae-Whan, the founder of the World Knowledge Forum, took the stage to reflect on the forums 25-year history. In a twist of innovation, Dr Chang used artificial intelligence to recreate a version of himself from 24 years ago, when the forum was first established. "For the record, this is not a deepfake, it's me. No problem!" Dr Chang quipped, introducing "AI Chang Dae-Whan" to the audience. The AI Chang provided a historical overview of the forums beginnings, recalling its foundation in 1997 amidst the Asian financial crisis. "The World Knowledge Forum was conceived in 1997, during a period of significant turmoil in Korea," AI Chang noted. The founding vision of the forum, he explained, was to make South Korea a "knowledge powerhouse" and create a platform for global knowledge exchange. "The theme of the first forum in 2000 was 'Shaping the New Millennium with Knowledge.'" Reflecting on todays world, AI Chang acknowledged that the challenges are even more turbulent than those of the past. "The global landscape is dominated by the US-China hegemonic rivalry, Brexit, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the Israel-Hamas war," he said, noting that these conflicts have escalated beyond those of the Cold War era. He stressed the importance of coexistence, the theme of this years forum, as a crucial principle for navigating these crises. Dr Changs live remarks shifted focus to the future of human-AI relations. He posited that humanity must strive to become "Homo Technicus", a species that coexists with advanced technology, particularly AI. Drawing on Richard Dawkins' concept of the "extended phenotype," Dr Chang explained that technological advancements have always been about transcending human limitations, be it through tools like glasses, telescopes, or AI. "As the first generation to face a future transformed by AI, we must create a new order: Homo Technicus, humans coexisting with technology," he said. Beyond coexistence with technology, Dr Chang proposed a more profound transformation: "Homo Symbious", a society where humans coexist not only with technology but with each other. "This is the key to the survival of ecosystems over millions of years," he said, emphasising that peaceful coexistence is essential to overcoming the conflicts and divisions that threaten global stability. ASEAN's role in promoting coexistence and prosperity Also speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen offered his perspective on ASEAN's efforts towards prosperity and development, particularly at a time when trends towards sustainable development and multilateralism are becoming increasingly prominent. President Hun Sen elaborated on the methods ASEAN has used to maintain and promote peaceful coexistence. The peaceful coexistence among ASEAN's internal and external partners is possible because ASEAN consistently adheres to its core principles, many of which are also reflected in the UN Charter. The principles of unanimity and non-interference are the keys to ASEAN's internal cohesion, he said. He added, The principle of non-interference allows member states to set their own paths for national development. ASEANs neutrality, peaceful resolution, dialogue, and cooperation are focused on building friendship and partnerships among all parties, highlighting ASEANs strategy of avoiding alignment with major powers while maintaining its neutrality in global conflicts. Founded in October 2000 in response to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the World Knowledge Forum aims to transform South Korea into a knowledge-driven nation. It brings together participants from across the globe, including government officials, politicians, academics, and private sector leaders, to share knowledge and promote balanced economic growth and global prosperity. The forum, now in its 25th year, continues to serve as a vital platform for addressing global challenges and fostering dialogue on coexistence, innovation, and development. VNS HA NOI Areas hardest hit by the impact of the devastating typhoon Yagi and its aftermath are being offered financial and practical assistance from other cities across Viet Nam. The capital city of Ha Noi, itself impacted by the storm, has allocated VN51 billion (over US$2 million) to assist 11 northern provinces and cities suffering in the aftermath of the storm. The support includes VN5 billion each for Hai Phong City, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces, while Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc provinces will receive VN3 billion each. The announcement was made on September 9 by Ha Nois Fatherland Front Committee, with help focused on the worst-hit areas for them to restore livelihoods and infrastructure after the extreme storm. In addition, the chairwoman of the Ha Noi Fatherland Front Committee, Nguyen Lan Huong, has asked for donations from the capital's residents to support the northern provinces. Typhoon Yagi has caused severe damage in many northern regions, resulting in loss of life, destruction of homes and crops and damage to roads and other infrastructure. Many areas remain isolated and people in these affected regions are in urgent need of aid. The Fatherland Front is encouraging donations until 30 October through the citys Relief Fund. On Tuesday, a Nang City offered financial assistance to Hai Phong City, VN10 billion ($405,000) to help address the aftermath of the typhoon and floods. It is part of four tranches of aid from a Nang City to support northern localities worth a total of approximately VN 25 billion ($1 million). The a Nang Party Committee, government and people expressed their condolences and deep sympathy for the significant losses, both in terms of lives lost and homes destroyed by the typhoon in the northern provinces and cities, especially the families who have lost loved ones. In addition to the VN25 billion in financial support, a Nang has also dispatched two teams to assist with the clearing trees at the request of Ha Noi and Hai Phong. On the same day, the a Nang Fatherland Front Committee also issued a letter calling for donations to help residents recover from the disaster. According to the appeal, every civil servant, public employee, armed force member and worker in the city is encouraged to contribute a day's salary to the aid effort. Additionally, citizens, religious organisations, agencies, units and businesses are encouraged to donate voluntarily, according to their capacity and goodwill. Donations will be accepted until 10 October. Quang Ninh, Hai Phong pass aid money to other provinces Despite being among the hardest-hit localities when the typhoon made landfall last Saturday, the leadership of Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City, two of the most developed in the country, has decided to give aid money from the government package of VN100 billion ($4 million) to more disadvantaged northern provinces, especially in the mountainous areas. Permanent deputy secretary of Quang Ninhs Provincial Party Committee, Trinh Thi Minh Thanh, said: It is also the responsibility of our province to share the central budgets support with other provinces facing greater difficulties, as they too are enduring the impacts of Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath. Meanwhile, Hai Phong City's Party Secretary, Le Tien Chau, also announced that the city had decided to forgo the aid money in the Governments aid package to allow other localities to recover from the devastation caused by the typhoon. Chau said: It is not only Hai Phong that has been affected by the typhoon, many other provinces have also been heavily impacted. For this reason, we have decided not to accept the money in central budget support to allow other provinces to use these funds for post-typhoon recovery efforts." HCM City supports northern provinces The People's Committee of HCM City has approved sending specialised public service forces to assist northern localities in dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. Technical forces from city-owned enterprises and units with expertise in building public infrastructure will go to support northern localities. These forces will operate under the principle of providing timely, practical assistance, ensuring self-sufficiency in logistics and equipment, without causing inconvenience to the localities they assist and ensuring the safety of both people and equipment. Specifically, the HCM City Power Corporation, the Saigon Water Corporation, the HCM City Green Park Company Limited and the HCM City Public Lighting Company Limited are sending skilled and technical personnel to the northern provinces and cities to provide help. The HCM Citys People's Committee emphasised that during the process of monitoring the situation and assisting northern localities in overcoming the aftermath of the typhoon, the city's agencies and units, upon receiving support requests from the localities, should promptly report the information to the Department of Industry and Trade for compilation and immediate reporting to the Committees chairman for timely direction and support. On Monday, the HCM City Green Park Company dispatched a team of 48 workers with equipment and tools to assist northern provinces in clearing fallen trees and cleaning streets in Ha Noi and Hai Phong City. VNS HA NOI Four higher education institutions from three different regions of Viet Nam are scheduled to launch a world-class hospitality training programme from the fourth quarter this year. The schools involved are the National Economics University in Ha Noi, IBH Academy in a Nang City, and Van Lang University and Sai Gon Tourism College in HCM City. The 'Swiss Executive Hospitality Training' programme is part of the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Viet Nam project, which is funded by the Swiss government. It aims to enhance the quality of the local workforce and contribute to the sustainable development of Viet Nams tourism sector. The news was released at an event held in Ha Noi on Tuesday morning by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and the Centre for Rural Economy Development. The programme, which introduces world-class standards to Viet Nams tourism industry, is tailored for mid- and senior-level managers and experienced professionals aiming for managerial positions, addressing Viet Nams shortage of high-quality leaders and managers. It also offers exceptional content and teaching methods, drawing on Swiss expertise and values from EHL Hospitality Business School, the worlds top-ranked university for hospitality management. The project will run through 2027 with funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and is co-implemented by Helvetas Viet Nam and the Centre for Rural Economy Development. A major goal of the project is to develop Viet Nams tourism industry to be more sustainable and inclusive. Speaking at the conference, Swiss Ambassador to Viet Nam Thomas Gass said: Our aim is to share Switzerlands deep-rooted experience and expertise in hospitality training, supporting the tourism sector in Viet Nam to continue thriving in a sustainable and high-quality manner. The programme would provide Viet Nam's future hospitality leaders and managers with the tools to deliver exceptional service while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. By focusing on sustainability and high standards, we are not only investing in the future of Viet Nams tourism but also contributing to global efforts to make tourism more responsible and inclusive, Gass said. Jean-Baptiste Berguerand, EHLs Senior Consultant, said human-centric philosophy underpins the programme, laying a solid foundation for building a robust talent pipeline for Viet Nam's thriving hospitality and tourism industry. VNS U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Senator Ted Cruz speaks as he hosted a law enforcement and public safety rally with law enforcement leaders at King's Bierhaus on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, walks on stage to speak during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press Kim Ogg greets Senator Ted Cruz as he took the stage during a law enforcement and public safety rally with law enforcement leaders at King's Bierhaus on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer U.S. Rep Colin Allred, D-Dallas, visits with oil workers and METRO union members on his stance on energy and workforce issues at IBEW Union Hall, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Houston. Allred is challenging incumbent Senator Ted Cruz for his position in the U.S. Senate. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, center, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. State Rep. Charles Cunningham, right, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, and Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel, left, also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A new University of Texas poll is giving Democrats a reality check, showing Senate candidate Colin Allred trailing Ted Cruz by 8 points, which, if true, would make him less popular among Texas voters than Kamala Harris. This snapshot of the voters mood will fuel criticisms that Allreds low-key approach and distancing from Harris is the wrong way for a Democrat to win in Texas. The UT/Texas Politics Project Poll of 1,200 Texas registered voters between Aug. 23-31 has a 2.83% margin error. Even with that margin, the result is a far cry from other surveys that found Allred only 2.1 points behind Cruz. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Those previous polls gave Democrats hope and a sense of momentum after Beto ORourke lost to Cruz in 2018 by only 3 points. The University of Houston/Texas Southern University poll last month also showed Harris trailing Donald Trump by 5 points. This months UT poll also shows Harris behind by 5 points but showed Cruz with support from 44% of those polled to Allreds 36%, with 20% undecided or preferring someone else. Cruz had 47% support in the UH poll to Allreds 45%. The methodology makes all the difference in polls like this, so we should take all polls with a grain of salt. Who and how you ask what questions can produce massive variations in results. However, if you are running a campaign or deciding whether to give to one, polling is critical. No one thinks Harris can overcome a 5-point deficit to win in Texas. But as I pointed out in a column last month, a charismatic Democrat could ride a higher-than-normal turnout to close a 2-point gap to defeat an unpopular incumbent. The UT poll throws cold water all over Allred. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ive listened to Democratic donors grouse about Allreds campaign style all summer. Why isnt he taking bolder positions? Why is he ignoring progressive issues that matter to the Democratic base? Democrats have the same debate every election year: should a candidate run as a liberal or a moderate? Should they model ORourkes boldly progressive approach or take what I call the Kay Bailey-Hutchison, Republican-light strategy to win over moderates fed up with the culture wars? The UT poll, if more accurate than the others showing a tighter race, suggests the ORourke strategy is wiser. Instead of trying to win over Republicans, ORourke used his campaign to mobilize non-voters who Democrats have long ignored, partly by visiting all 254 Texas counties. If Harris is polling better as a true Democrat running against Trump, then maybe Allred should be talking about her on the stump, not only at the Democratic National Convention. When asked on the Bulwark Podcast what advice hed give the Dallas Democrat, ORourke said he supports Allred and believes he can win if he gets out more. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The clock is ticking, and I hope that we see a lot more of Colin Allred, see him in more of these unscripted moments and see him connecting to people who really need to hear this message and see that contrast, ORourke said. I am confident we will; I just want to see it as soon as we possibly can. The UH poll, though, suggested the campaign strategy of taking moderate positions and making the election a referendum on Cruz is working. Campaign manager Paige Hutchinson told the Texas Tribune that Allred is building a winning campaign that will beat Cruz and give Texans the leadership they deserve in the Senate. Allred defended his bipartisan approach and focused on Cruz as a poor leader. 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 told the Texas Tribune Festival. They're welcome here. They're welcome in our coalition." As a longtime observer of Texas politics, Ive seen this strategy fail so many times I find it hard to take seriously. Moderate Republicans may find Cruzs escape to Cancun during the 2021 ice storm deplorable, and they probably hate his gamesmanship in the Senate without passing any significant legislation. But in the end, if they identify as a Republican, they will not vote for a Democrat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dong Tam Group and CS Wind Corporation will build a $200 million wind power equipment factory Dong Tam and its subsidiaries will lease 50 hectares of industrial and service land to CS Wind Vietnam. The land will be used to build a factory and storage yard for onshore and offshore wind towers, as well as wind energy products such as monopiles, transition pieces, and other materials, which will be supplied to the global market. This project is considered one of the largest wind power equipment production factories in the world, with a total first-phase investment of up to $200 million. The expected capacity is up to tens of thousands of units per year, supplying equipment ranging from 500-4,000 tonnes per item. The equipment and materials will be initially imported and exported through Long An International Port, estimated to be between 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes annually. According to Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Long An People's Council, the signing ceremony affirmed the commitment of all parties involved in investing in this project. Long An province places high importance on this project and its partners, committing to continuous support to the enterprises, investors, and Can Giuoc district for the projects successful implementation. Well-developed industrial parks (IPs) not only attract investments, but also significantly contribute to provincial revenues, creating more local jobs, and producing highly competitive domestic and export-quality consumer goods. In Long An, revenues from IPs account for nearly half of the total local state budget revenue. We always strive to build a trustworthy, transparent, and favourable investment environment in the province," Duoc said. Vo Quoc Thang, chairman of the Board of Directors of Dong Tam Group, said he was excited to welcome a prestigious corporation such as CS Wind to invest in Long An Southeast Asia IP. Once the factory is operational, the equipment produced here will be exported to countries around the world through Long An International Port. This further reinforces the appeal of Long An's investment environment for international investors. We are also committed to creating the most favourable conditions for investors throughout the project implementation process, Thang said. According to the analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), with governments around the world actively promoting the development of green energy, wind and solar energy are expected to meet 56 per cent of global electricity demand by 2050. The United States, China, and the European Union have set goals for developing carbon-free and carbon-neutral power grids, reflecting the global trend towards sustainable development. The project will contribute to ongoing efforts to localise Vietnam's wind power supply chain, as well as develop competitiveness in the international market. CS Wind was founded in 1984 in South Korea, and is a leading corporation in the industry of manufacturing wind towers for the world's largest wind generators. In 2003, CS Wind established the first wind tower manufacturing company in Vietnam. It is the foemost factory in Southeast Asia, reaching out to markets in Asia, the South Pacific, and the US, and quickly becoming the worlds top corporation in wind tower manufacturing. CS Wind currently operates manufacturing facilities in eight countries, including Vietnam, the US, and Denmark. The Dong Tam brand was founded in 1969 in Vietnam, with core competencies in the manufacturing and trade of construction materials, as well as interior-exterior decoration. Over its 55 years in the market and 20 years in the development and leasing of IP infrastructure, Dong Tam has continuously diversified its business, expanded its factories and warehouses, ventured into port operations, provided a full range of logistics services, and invested in many other fields. Long An ranked second on Vietnams Provincial Competitiveness Index in 2023, thanks to significant advantages in industrial and service development, foreign investment attraction, and favourable inter-regional connectivity. Announced by the EU Delegation on September 9, the awards are committed to the proliferation of sustainable design practices in Vietnam, and the development of communities around these practices.In doing so, the aim is to ultimately contribute to Vietnams sustainable inclusive development, which is one of the priorities in the EUs engagement with the country. Implemented in partnership with ELLE Decoration Vietnam magazine, the first phase of the EVSDA project will consist of a series of events and activities between September 2024 and spring 2025, culminating in the inauguration of the awards in mid-2025. Thereafter, the second phase of the project will be the long-run organisation of the EVSDA on an annual basis. The EVSDA project consists of architecture, product design, communication design, and innovation. Through the cultural and creative dimensions brought about by these pillars, the project aims to highlight how sustainable and innovative design practices can engender concrete and positive experiences in our daily life. EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said, The project reflects our ambition to develop an innovative framework to support and facilitate the transformation of our lives in a creative way. With this project, I very much look forward to connecting with Vietnamese architects, designers, artists, engineers, cultural practitioners and innovators who will create a bridge between the world of the arts and culture on one side and that of science and technology on the other, to bring in many inspiring ideas combining sustainability, practicality and aesthetics, for the benefit of our daily life. We need all creative minds to make this project a success. I am also delighted to see a bold blend of sustainability, innovation, and deep respect for nature as a growing trend among the Vietnamese design community nowadays. The project is expected to attract the participation of many Vietnamese practitioners in contributing to tangible changes that will improve our daily life, something that people can touch and feel, in living spaces, daily consumption or public spaces, added Guerrier. Four workshops will be held from October 2024 and January 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Led by European and Vietnamese design experts, the workshops aim to create opportunities for professional and in-depth exchanges and collaboration in sustainable creative design. The first workshop will focus on sustainable architecture, and take place on October 18 in Ho Chi Minh City. Hosting prestigious European and Vietnamese architects, the workshop will provide an opportunity for participants, primarily architects but also an interdisciplinary group of designers, to exchange on sustainable and eco-friendly architectural designs that prioritise environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. In addition, a series of videos linked to the four thematic pillars and sharing professional insights and discussing current design trends towards sustainability, will be produced and made available online. The EVSDA project is also in the process of creating a digital platform where artists, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, architects, students, and other interested groups can share good practices and ideas, converse on addressing sustainability challenges, and expand networks of like-minded professionals. EU Ambassador: EU supports Vietnams sustainable development goals The European Union (EU) member states all desire to be friends of Vietnam and wholeheartedly support the country's sustainable development goals, said Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Julien Guerrier during his first meeting with the press since he took office in Hanoi on September 27. EU provides $128 million for sustainable energy development programme The European Union will provide a non-refundable aid of VND2,918 billion ($128 million) to support energy development and sustainable energy access for rural, mountainous, and island areas in Vietnam. Northern provinces like Vinh Phuc continue to be a strong destination for electronics investors, Photo: Le Toan In the first eight months, the northern province of Bac Ninh attracted over $3.47 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), placing it at the forefront of capital attraction in the country. This influx of capital represents a 294 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in FDI can be attributed to the interest of major global corporations, including Goertek, Amkor, Foxconn, Suntory PepsiCo, and Victory Giant Technology, all of which are looking to expand operations in Bac Ninh. Amkor Technology Singapore is one such group, which in July injected an additional $1 billion into its semiconductor plant at Yen Phong II-C Industrial Park (IP). This brings Amkors total backing to $1.6 billion, exceeding the companys initial decade-long plan. Looking ahead, the province has outlined ambitious goals. A project list, approved in August, includes 167 developments covering over 11,600 hectares, focusing on agriculture, commerce, services, residential and urban development, social housing, IP infrastructure, and social amenities. Meanwhile, Dong Nai Industrial Zones Management Authority reported a sharp rise in FDI in the southern province of Dong Nai during the same period. From January to August, the provinces IPs attracted $1.31 billion in total capital, exceeding the annual target by 62.5 per cent. These projects primarily focus on semiconductors, chips, electronics, and mechanical processing. Other provinces also saw significant increases in FDI, in particular Quang Ninh (230 per cent), Ba Ria-Vung Tau (526 per cent), Thai Nguyen (288 per cent), and Thai Binh (216 per cent). In Ba Ria-Vung Tau, representatives of Phu My 3 IP highlighted that in the first half of the year alone, the park attracted six foreign investors, with a total of over $500 million. Two of these have already been licensed, with four more in the process of completing licensing procedures. Haiphong and Vinh Phuc have also become focal points for FDI. Haiphong ranked sixth in such attraction over the year so far, securing $1.46 billion, bringing the city closer to its target of attracting $2 billion for the entire year. Le Trung Kien, head of Haiphong Economic Zones Management Authority, said, The city prioritises large investors with strong capacity, environmentally friendly technologies, and commitments to technology transfer. We are focusing on funding in seaports, logistics, high-tech industries, and processing and manufacturing. In northern Vietnam, Vinh Phuc province continues to be a preferred destination for electronics manufacturers. In the first half of the year, foreign investors registered $436 million in new projects, exceeding the annual target by 9 per cent. Of this, around $210 million went into electronics manufacturing. The province views the electronic components sector as a key driver of local economic growth, with production in this industry rising 15.3 per cent on-year in the first seven months of 2024. Vinh Phuc Peoples Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong emphasised the provinces strategic location and better conditions for investors. Situated in the Red River Delta and close to Hanoi, Vinh Phuc acts as a bridge between northwestern provinces and the capital, making it pivotal in both regional and national economic development. Our investment strategy prioritises industrial projects, particularly in high-tech ones such as mechanical engineering, electrical equipment, electronics, semiconductors, and automotive manufacturing, Dong stated at a meeting with the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam in August. The province is committed to supporting foreign investors through four key measures, Dong added. Firstly, provincial departments and agencies will create optimal conditions for businesses. Secondly, Vinh Phuc will collaborate with Vietnam Electricity to ensure a stable electricity supply for production. Thirdly, the province is investing in high-quality human resources to meet business needs. Finally, Vinh Phuc is dedicated to attracting new investors and supporting those already operating within the province. We believe that alongside attracting new funding, its crucial to nurture existing investors. A favourable business environment encourages them to promote Vinh Phuc to others, Dong added. Vietnam reports $20.5 billion in FDI in first eight months More than $20.52 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) has been reported in Vietnam up to the end of August, an on-year increase of 7 per cent, according to the Foreign Investment Agency. Vietnam sustaining growth amidst shifting FDI trends Trade ties between the US and emerging market economies in the Asia-Pacific region are shifting from efforts to diversify supply chains out of China through friendshoring or nearshoring. Against this backdrop, Vietnam is among the Asia-Pacific markets relatively well-placed to gain from such shifts. Thi Vai Terminal, an LNG storage facility in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. (Photo: VNA) The Cai Mep liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal is currently seeking cargo to begin commissioning tests, setting it on track to become the countrys second terminal to import the fuel, according to a Reuters report in late August. Having just received the import licence, we are now working to accelerate the commissioning process, targeting completion within the next three months, said Karthik Sathyamoorthy, CEO of AG&P LNG. We plan to secure the commissioning cargo in October for delivery between late October and mid-November. In June, US-based LNG company Excelerate Energy signed a term sheet with Vietnams ITECO JSC to co-develop a greenfield LNG import terminal in the northern port city of Haiphong. As one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, Vietnam remains a highly attractive emerging market for foreign investment, said Ramon Wangdi, vice president of Excelerate in Asia-Pacific. This growth is driven by a rapid increase in energy demand, where LNG will play a pivotal role over the coming decades. As Vietnam transitions from carbon-intensive fuels such as coal and oil while incorporating intermittent renewables like solar and hydro, LNG will be crucial on the path to achieving net-zero by 2050. Excelerate, a US company with a global footprint, is exploring opportunities to fund related infrastructure across Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific, aligning with this shift in energy strategy. Vietnam has ambitious plans to expand its LNG-based power programme from virtually zero to over 20GW by 2045, requiring more than 20 million tonnes of the gas per annum, Wangdi said. Given the countrys unique geography, with a long coastline and onshore terrain that complicates the development of a nationwide gas pipeline system, infrastructure for receiving, processing, and distributing LNG will need to be built nationwide. This will connect import terminals to a range of end users, from power generation to industrial and commercial sectors. Such investments must be reliable, cost-effective, and quickly deployable. Wangdi added that, like Excelerate, other top-tier companies will have opportunities to invest in this emerging industry, spanning the entire gas and LNG value chain. Meanwhile, Son My Terminal, a joint venture between AES and PetroVietnam Gas (PV Gas), was approved by Binh Thuan Peoples Committee in July 2023. The terminal is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027. Adam Sitkoff, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam in Hanoi, said American companies are global leaders in the energy sector, and they are excited about opportunities in projects here, especially in LNG infrastructure. However, to translate this interest into real investments, Vietnam must demonstrate to international financiers that large-scale infrastructure can be executed in a way that meets international banking standards. Its crucial that LNG terminals and all off-takers progress along the same development timeline to unlock international funding, he said. The Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) and bilateral agreements reflect the close partnership between the governments of Vietnam and the US in promoting energy cooperation. This partnership provides a foundation of trust for the US business community to invest in multi-billion-dollar LNG projects in Vietnam, Sitkoff added. Significant infrastructure investments will soon be required to enable LNG imports, including import and storage facilities. American companies can leverage their advanced technology and expertise to build and operate these facilities, ensuring efficient and reliable supply chains. We look forward to several major infrastructure projects, including the Son My terminal and Son My 2 CCGT, along with PV Gass newly commissioned Thi Vai terminal, he said. According to FiinGroup, Vietnams first step into related infrastructure development began with PV Gass inauguration of the countrys first commercial LNG terminal in late 2023. Among the 13 LNG power plants with a combined capacity of 24GW approved under the PDP8, only two the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 and Hiep Phuoc are currently under construction. The remaining 11 are in the planning phase, with three still seeking potential investors. Additionally, several commercial terminals, including PV Gass Thi Vai and AG&Ps Hai Linh, are either operational or under construction. These terminals are intended for both thermal power plants and local industrial customers. Anh Nguyen, manager of Market Research and Consulting at FiinGroup, said, LNG is set to become a promising sector in Vietnam in the coming years. The PDP8 is focused on transitioning away from traditional energy sources like coal and hydro by reducing their share in the countrys power generation. The plan targets a 14.9 per cent contribution from LNG to Vietnams power supply. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade introduced new power purchase agreement guidelines in 2024, removing key barriers for the development of LNG and natural gas infrastructure, such as the O Mon power plant. These guidelines offer investors and Vietnam Electricity a clearer path to reaching agreements efficiently. There is strong interest from experienced foreign investors. Prominent international players like ExxonMobil, Siemens Energy, General Electric, and Millennium Energy are eager to carry out activities in this sector. Their proven track records in LNG development and robust financial capabilities position them well to make significant contributions to power plants in the country, Nguyen said. Despite its bright outlook, Vietnams LNG industry faces considerable short-term challenges. As such development is a conditional business, requiring multiple permits and licences, the lengthy approval process often delays project timelines and complicates investment. Due to the lack of clear guidelines on output guarantees, many domestic investors face difficulties securing funding and developing financial schemes. As a result, 11 related projects remain in the planning stage, Nguyen said. Consortiums invited to get involved in Nghi Son LNG venture Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Authority has invited five consortiums of contractors to participate in bidding to implement the Nghi Son liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired thermal power plant. Excelerate Energy to build LNG import terminal in Haiphong US firm Excelerate Energy will team up with a Vietnamese company to co-develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Haiphong, marking its entry into Vietnam's market. Green-digital mission holds cost-saving potential, photo Le Toan Samsung, the biggest foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in Vietnam, is expanding its procurement of renewable energy in the country. It is seeking the Vietnamese governments support to increase the use of more renewable power for local production. Choi Joo Ho, general director of Samsung Vietnam, made the proposal at a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha last month. Samsung Vietnam hopes that the government will create better conditions so that it could boost renewable energy use in its production under the direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) at rational costs, in line with Vietnams net-zero emissions goal, Ho said. Truong Bui, partner and general manager of Roland Bergers Vietnam office, said the government is advancing renewable energy through the DPPA, a key step towards a competitive electricity market. This allows manufacturers to choose green energy suppliers and meet growing global sustainability demands. Simultaneously, foreign companies are embracing digitalisation, integrating advanced technologies like AI and automation to enhance efficiency, Bui said. Leading FIEs like Samsung exemplify this dual transition, combining renewable energy procurement with digital transformation. The efforts align with Vietnams economic goals, positioning the country as a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) focused on both sustainability and innovation. Vietnams dual transition strategy will be a new driver for sustained socioeconomic growth, Bui said. The green transition will mitigate the environmental impact of industrialisation, ensuring long-term sustainability and compliance with global environmental standards. Concurrently, digital transformation will accelerate innovation, enhance operational efficiencies, and unlock new market opportunities. This strategic approach will also enable Vietnam to ascend the global value chain, further reinforcing its competitive advantage in international markets, Bui added. Another example of dual transition is led by Swedish packaging company Tetra Pak, which announced an additional 97 million ($104.2 million) investment to expand its packaging material production facility in the southern province of Binh Duong in May. The factory applies the latest, most-demanding environmental standards and is the first packaging production factory in Vietnam to achieve the globally recognised LEED Version 4 Gold Certification, helping the factory to save two million litres of water and decrease 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The company also installed nearly 6,000sq.m of solar panels on the roof of the Binh Duong factory to generate approximately 1,900MWh of renewable energy each year, and helping to reduce over 700 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Eliseo Barcas, managing director and president of Tetra Pak Vietnam, said that with the latest expansion, the facility will have the capability to produce new and innovative packaging formats. The upcoming changes will be implemented in accordance with its dedication to environmental responsibility and corporate stewardship, ensuring sustainability standards are upheld throughout the process. We aim to build on this foundation, with the expansion continuing to integrate the latest technologies and best-in-class production standards focusing on food safety, quality and sustainability, Barcas said. Our innovation pathway is driven by renewability and recyclability, ensuring the decarbonisation and circularity of materials and addressing the need for sustainable food packaging. Stephen Olson, a visiting fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, told VIR that companies like Samsung and Tetra Pak are demonstrating that they recognise both the practical and larger societal imperative to address the dual transition. Both prongs of the dual transition green and digital hold the potential to deliver cost savings to FDI providers while at the same time demonstrating a willingness to positively partner with the government to achieve shared goals. I expect to see this trend continue and additional examples of business and government supporting each other in the dual transition, Olson said. Moving Vietnam more firmly into the digital economy will also bring big benefits to the countrys small- and medium-sized enterprises. Global markets will become increasingly open and the move to greater sustainability will serve Vietnam well, both from an economic and social perspective, he added. Under the DPPA, the Vietnamese government is allowing renewable energy developers to sell directly to consumers and bypass the state electricity provider. This is a good example of a government that is putting its money where its mouth is, Olson said. It is probably also an indication that the government recognises that there could otherwise be some challenges in ensuring that FDI providers have sufficient access to the required utilities and infrastructure in order to justify establishing or expanding facilities in Vietnam, Olson noted. To the extent the dual transition can be successfully executed, it will improve Vietnams attractiveness as a destination for FDI. DPPA approval a win for clean energy The US Department of States Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) applauded the Vietnamese government's approval of a direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) on July 3, a significant milestone towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Feasibility is a must for successful DPPA mechanism A July government decree permits many kind of renewable energy projects to engage in direct power purchase agreements without using Vietnam Electricity transmission line. Tran Dang Khoi, general director of Hero Future Energies Vietnam LLC under Hero Group, told VIRs Oanh Nguyen about the impact of the policy on renewable energy firms and offered some proposals. On September 9, a press conference to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the NIC and launch Innovate Vietnam 2024 took place at the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc The 5th anniversary of the National Innovation Centre and Innovate Vietnam 2024 will take place on October, 1-2 at the NIC Campus in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, and is expected to welcome 20,000 visitors, including leaders of the government, central and local ministries, agencies, international organisations, domestic and IT enterprises. Moreover, there will be an exhibition and experience of innovative technology displaying breakthrough products, services, and technologies related to AI, semiconductors, and green energy. Several conferences and forums will also be held with the participation of prestigious speakers, sharing the latest technology trends, and lessons learnt, especially AI and semiconductor technologies, as well as opening up opportunities for startups, businesses, and investors to cooperate, and connect. In particular, a workshop on businesses and young generations amid the AI semiconductor wave on October 1 is expected to have the participation and contributions of the chairman of Global Relations of Meta Group Nick Clegg and leaders of Qualcomm, NVIDIA. The chairman of Meta Group will attend the event and announce the long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market. There will be a ceremony to honour individuals and organisations with outstanding contributions to the innovation ecosystem's development, including the Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2024 award ceremony. Press conference on celebrating the 5th anniversary of the NIC and launching Innovate Vietnam 2024 Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc has emphasised that innovation is based on science and technology. During five years of establishment, the NIC has built innovation policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises, completed the infrastructure of operating facilities; built preferential policies for innovation; supported businesses in accessing resources; and developed high-quality human resources. "The establishment of NIC demonstrates the government's strong determination to enable innovation to be the growth driver of the country in the new era," said Ngoc. Vu Quoc Huy, director of the NIC, said that this platform helped Vietnamese talents worldwide interact, create new ideas and turn them into high-value products and services. "During the 5th anniversary of NIC, Innovate Vietnam 2024 is a place to connect, meet, and look back on the five-year journey of formation and development, highlighting the aspiration - pioneer - breakthrough of the NIC," Huy said and added that the award categories have changed a lot to become more diverse and match consumer needs this year. Also at the press conference, the NIC launched the Vietnam Innovation Network Platform, connecting leading experts with startups and businesses. This is the playground for all Vietnamese talents around the world to discuss cooperation and new ideas, and realise them to become high-value products and services. The NIC was established on October 2, 2019, under Decision No.1269/QD-TTg with the function of supporting and developing the Vietnamese innovation ecosystem, contributing to innovation and growth based on sci-tech development. NIC to venture into startup investments The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) on July 24 has proposed the establishment of a National Innovation Support and Investment Fund to manage and utilise its capital based on market principles, accepting potential risks and ensuring transparency. NIC partners with Japanese and US schools to train semiconductor workforce On August 2, the National Innovation Centre (NIC) had discussions with Hiroshima University (Japan) and the University of Idaho (US) to establish collaborative training programmes in semiconductor studies and related fields. Google's chief scientist to attend Generative AI summit in Vietnam Jeff Dean, recognised globally as "The God of engineering" at Google, will visit Vietnam in a landmark event this month. By September 9, PVI Insurance had recorded 210 property insurance claims, with estimated compensation amounting to VND320 billion (approximately $12.8 million), excluding losses related to motor vehicles and personal insurance. PVI Insurance is working closely with relevant stakeholders to expedite the claims process, streamlining procedures to ensure prompt support for affected customers. In the life insurance sector, AIA Vietnam had reported five fatalities as of September 9, with four in Hai Duong province and one in Quang Ninh province. The total insurance payout for these customers is expected to be approximately VND6.5 billion (around $260,000). AIA Vietnam has confirmed its commitment to fully compensating the families. "We are actively reaching out to the beneficiaries to assist them in completing the claims process as efficiently as possible," said a representative from AIA. Meanwhile, the Insurance Supervisory Authority has also issued a directive urging insurance companies to coordinate with authorities and relevant parties to assess both human and material losses for insured individuals and organisations. Insurers have been instructed to advance compensation where necessary and ensure full and timely payouts in line with contractual agreements and legal requirements. The Vietnam Insurance Association has also been encouraged to work with insurers to facilitate humanitarian support in accordance with internal policies and applicable laws. All insurers are required to report on damage assessments and the resolution of claims no later than September 12. The UK-based forwarder, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, aims to develop its multimodal offering in the region, capitalising on Vietnams proximity to major shipping routes. This announcement follows the opening of an office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in February of this year, with 10 ICL offices now established across the globe. Our new office will be integral in driving operations in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on supporting our clients in the e-commerce sector, said Yoav Izhari, CEO of ICL. Vietnams position facilitates easy access to the South China Sea Route, a shipping route that is integral to our operations between Asia and Europe. The Vietnam office will allow ICL comprehensive oversight of its operations in the region, strategically situated near the Saigon Port network. This new office presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our working relationships with existing clients, and to build new connections with players in the region, added Izhari. ICL operates in over 180 countries and has over 50,000m of logistics and storage facilities after doubling the size of cold storage facility at Heathrow in July of this year. Big firms seeing potential in logistics Many foreign companies are bolstering investments in Vietnams logistics market to tap into the burgeoning cross-border trade transportation. 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. Italian energy conglomerate Enel is planning to withdraw from Vietnam, following in the footsteps of other international energy firms like Norways Equinor and Denmarks rsted, both of which have cancelled renewable energy projects in the country. In 2022, Enel announced its intention to invest in projects capable of generating up to 6GW of renewable energy in Vietnam, pointing to the countrys potential in wind and solar power. However, the company did not provide details of how it would execute these investments. Sources suggest this decision is part of Enels broader global restructuring efforts. The exact timeline for its departure from Vietnam remains unknown, and both Enel and the Ministry of Industry and Trade have declined to comment. Enel, one of the worlds largest investors in renewable energy, has shifted its focus under new CEO Flavio Cattaneo, prioritising grid infrastructure and committing a larger portion of its budget to domestic projects while scaling down on international investments. According to Enels website, its renewable energy arm, Enel Green Power, operates over 1,300 plants with around 64GW of installed renewable capacity globally. Vietnam, with a current installed power capacity of about 80GW, aims to nearly double this by 2030, with wind power expected to contribute nearly 20 per cent of total capacity, a significant increase from its negligible share in 2020. The country, a key hub for large-scale manufacturing by multinational companies, has made significant strides in renewable energy development in recent years, attracting substantial foreign investment. However, integration challenges persist, as many onshore wind and solar projects remain unconnected to the national grid. JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoys global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveiled its first property in Ho Chi Minh City on September 10, with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. Located at the junction of Hai Ba Trung street and Le Duan boulevard, with a direct connection to the popular mPlaza Saigon, this 565-key, dual-tower property, is nestled within District 1, the citys commercial and cultural hub. According to Mark Van Der Wielen, multi-property vice president Vietnam and general manager, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon sets the stage for an unforgettable travel experience in the heart of the city. With its unparalleled location and facilities, underpinned by JW Marriotts distinguished approach to service and mindfulness, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon empowers every guest to achieve holistic wellbeing. JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon elevates the standard of hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City with luxurious amenities and inspiring spaces to help guests relax and recharge. The hotel has two separate towers, with the 21-storey hotel tower featuring 305 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, while the 31-storey residential tower houses 260 exceptional one- to three-bedroom residential suites, all of which offer panoramic views of the citys skyline and the Saigon River. This diverse accommodation collection makes the hotel the perfect choice for couples, families, corporate executives, and meeting delegates, whether it be on short or extended breaks in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnams commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most dynamic destinations in Southeast Asia for corporate events. Meeting delegates can enjoy 1,200 sq.m of premier conference and banquet space, including a grand ballroom, an expansive pre-function area, and six stylish meeting rooms. Professional planning and imaginative catering services elevate each bespoke event. Meanwhile, the cultural treasures of District 1, such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace, offer an immersive journey into the citys storied history and heritage. While guests are not exploring the wonders of Ho Chi Minh City, they can indulge in holistic wellbeing through a selection of refined recreational facilities. Guests can immerse themselves in the elevated outdoor pool and soak up panoramic skyline views, exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness centre, or experience profound relaxation at Spa by JW - a sanctuary of serenity with seven treatment rooms, whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. Each tower is fitted with a rooftop pool and gym, ensuring all guests can unwind in privacy and experience ultimate tranquillity. In addition, guests can experience exceptional culinary delights with five distinct and vibrant dining destinations designed for every occasion. The property boasts an all-day dining restaurant that features open kitchens and live stations for guests to enjoy breakfast, healthy bites, or evening meals. An elegant Chinese dining destination and an authentic Italian ristorante welcomes guests for memorable lunches and dinners. In the sophisticated lobby lounge, guests are invited to socialise and enjoy sunset drinks. As part of the hotels commitment to providing an exceptional hospitality experience, while a multiphase upgrade of guest facilities is planned. From refreshed public spaces, restaurants, and bars, and enhanced accommodation options, guests can expect an elevated stay experience. Marriott International expand high-ranking official role Marriott International has announced the expansion of Duke Nams role as area vice president for South Korea and Philippines to now include Vietnam. This expanded role marks another chapter in the 38-year hospitality career of this industry veteran. Marriott Bonvoy offering benefits for partners Marriott Bonvoy is inviting planners to unlock an array of exclusive benefits when they book their next event, meeting, or group in Vietnam through Marriott Bonvoy Events. A lineman tends to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in July in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer CenterPoint Energy said it would have almost 3,500 distribution line workers positioned near Houston and ready to restore power should outages occur following Tropical Storm Francine, which could bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall to Southeast Texas Tuesday night and Wednesday. The Houston-area electric utility has identified 5,000 additional workers who could come to assist if the storms path or strength changes, Darin Carroll, CenterPoint's senior vice president of electric business, said at a late Monday press briefing. Francine's projected track had shifted east late Monday and was forecast to affect Louisiana more than Southeast Texas. Still, the storm's path could change as it approaches, National Weather Service meteorologists said. We're still preparing as if it's going to hit Houston, Carroll said. We experienced some things with Beryl that we didnt expect, where the storm maybe adjusted course just a little bit, and a lot of people have discussed that. We dont want that to happen again Advertisement Article continues below this ad Of those 3,500 line workers, 1,850 are Houston-area contractors and CenterPoint employees. The other 1,625 workers are on the way from other utilities across the state and country, Carroll said. CenterPoint said it would also have 1,300 vegetation workers standing by this week, 600 from the Houston area and 700 from other utilities. Most of those released by other utilities to assist CenterPoint, referred to as mutual aid workers, will be on CenterPoints property by the end of Monday, Carroll said. Francine will be CenterPoints first big test since Hurricane Beryl, which left a record 2.26 million of the utilitys customers without power after it made landfall in Southeast Texas in July. Following an intense public outcry, CenterPoint became the target of two state investigations as lawmakers and regulators weigh various options including one proposed by the company itself to potentially reduce the utilitys anticipated profits. CenterPoint had 4,900 frontline workers in its service territory as Beryl passed through Houston, CEO Jason Wells told lawmakers in July. Ultimately, more than 15,000 frontline workers helped with restoration after Beryl, including 2,600 vegetation workers, he said. CenterPoints primary failures during Beryl included poor communication and a nonfunctional outage tracker. For Francine, CenterPoint plans to give customers an estimate of how long it will take to restore any storm-related outages 24 hours after the storm has left the Houston area, according to Tony Gardner, the companys chief customer officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition, CenterPoint said it would provide estimated restoration times at the regional level within 48 hours of the storms passage and at the localized level within 72 hours, Gardner said. He encouraged customers to enroll for the companys alert service via text, email or phone As for the outage tracker, Gardner said CenterPoints move from a server-based system to a cloud-based system should allow it to handle high usage without crashing, as it did amid the May derecho. We tested the thing to the same amount of traffic that you would have seen during a Hurricane Beryl event, and we have seen no erosion of the performance of the tools since then, Gardner said. Based on the storms trajectory late Monday, CenterPoint plans to set up four staging sites from which it could deploy workers to restore power, Carroll said. The utility could set up more if conditions worsen, he said. Staging sites include one on Reed Road near Sunnyside and one by the Sam Houston Race Park in North Houston, according to Ed Allen, business manager of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union. Advertisement Article continues below this ad CenterPoint representatives also highlighted the companys campaign to immediately strengthen the system under Gov. Greg Abbotts directive, which they have named the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative. Those efforts include trimming vegetation along 2,000 miles of power lines and replacing more than 1,000 wooden poles with poles made of stronger materials. The company made the announcement at a meeting to launch several products, including a pasta sauce, rice sauce, and premix sauce in Ho Chi Minh City on September 6. Takahiko Iwahashi, director and president of Nisshin Seifun Welna at the launch In Japan, Nisshin Seifun Welna sells processed foods such as wheat flour, and premix including karaage deep-fry mix, Tempura mix, and okonomiyaki flour, as well as dry pasta, pasta sauces, and frozen foods, holding a large market share in many categories. Additionally, it has two facilities in Vietnam. In 2013, Vietnam Nisshin Seifun was established as a pasta sauce production facility, primarily exporting pasta sauce products to Japan. In 2018, Vietnam Nisshin Technomic was established as a production facility of premix sauces sold in the domestic Vietnamese market, with some products exported to Japan. We have developed products based on the preferences of customers in Vietnam, making full use of the two production facilities in Vietnam and the technology and flavouring knowledge we have cultivated in Japan," a company official said. "To meet the tastes of Vietnamese customers, we will offer a different quality and line-up of products than those for the Japanese market, and aim to become a food manufacturer that is loved by everyone in Vietnam. People enjoyed rice cooking sauce at the event With production technology not only at the production facilities in Vietnam but also at groups facilities in Japan, Thailand, and Turkey, the company will enhance household products in Vietnam, including dry pasta and frozen foods. The company is the top manufacturer in the Japanese household-use pasta sauce market. By utilising its flavouring knowledge, it launched a product line consisting of three products that suit the tastes of the Vietnamese people. The portions of its products are for two people, and the packaging is in convenient ready-to-eat pouches, and easy to cook through simple heating. Focusing on the rice-eating culture of the Vietnamese and leveraging knowledge of ready-to-eat pouch products, the company has developed a flavoured sauce that you can easily enjoy by simply adding it to rice, pouring in water, and cooking. The portion size is 240g, suitable for two to four people. Leveraging the knowledge gained from its premix flour business in Vietnam, it will launch four unique premix flour products, noted for their finished product quality. This product line is popular throughout the Vietnamese business-to-business market. It also plans to launch two additional products-Banh Xeo Flour and Sponge Cake Mix-in the future. Nisshin Seifun Welna, a member of the Nisshin Seifun Group, operates the groups companies: Vietnam Nisshin Seifun and Vietnam Nisshin Technomic. Acecook Vietnam: 30 years of conquering tastebuds From the early days of operation, Acecook recognised that the companys high-quality food safety management foundation, technology, and extensive experience in instant noodle production in Japan is not enough it is also necessary to create products with flavours suitable for local people. Acecook Vietnams approach to sustainable development With the business philosophy of pursuing a culinary path to contribute to Vietnamese society, Acecook Vietnam is building a brand associated with corporate social responsibility, and continuing its sustainable development efforts. Acecook displays sustainable nous Through its efforts and action to promote sustainable development, Acecook Vietnam has been named one of the most sustainable enterprises in the country Acecook Vietnam bringing market value Making great strikes thanks to the core value and the combination of Japanese technology and Vietnamese flavours, Acecook Vietnam is making innovations and creating added values in the local market. Kaneda Hiroki, general director of the company, discussed with VIRs Minh Anh the sustainable development journey ahead. Pham Anh Khoi, former director Dat Xanh Services Accelerating M&A activity in real estate projects has been a key move since the new real estate laws took effect on August 1. These laws require investors to negotiate land use rights at prices closer to market rates, which will inevitably increase input costs. Moreover, stricter regulations on land subdivision mean only financially strong investors will survive. Those heavily reliant on loans face significant challenges and risk being acquired. Real estate businesses are now racing to clear bottlenecks with state authorities. Developers are also regaining confidence in selling properties, aiming to restore trust among investors and buyers. Su Ngoc Khuong, senior director Savills Vietnam Land is a major issue for real estate businesses. Domestic and foreign investors are eager to find clean land in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but the availability of such land is currently limited. Even when they successfully acquire land, it often takes considerable time to complete legal procedures before projects can proceed. As a result, developers have shifted strategies, participating in land auctions where the land is legally clear. While this means paying higher prices, it allows for immediate implementation. With Ho Chi Minh City running out of clean land, investors are now turning to urban areas surrounding the city, which are benefiting from infrastructure, transportation, and utilities development. In the future, satellite cities will become key areas for development, offering significant opportunities. Ho Anh Tuan, CEO, Ho Chi Minh City Foreign Trade and Investment Development In addition to residential real estate businesses, those operating in the office and resort leasing sector such as ours are also targeting land that is suitable for our core business areas. The upcoming orientation is to continue to seek office projects in the central area to develop ourselves or provide operational services. We estimate that revenue from office leasing in the 2024-2025 period will stabilise at around $2.5 million per year, especially after completing the office building on Phung Khac Khoan street in Ho Chi Minh City and restructuring tenants at the Mac Dinh Chi building. We are also waiting for legal procedures to be solved for the Binh Trung Dong and Can Gio projects by competent bodies, and then we can start the construction. Pham Thu, chairman, Saigonres Group Our business strategy this year is to expand mergers and acquisitions, seeking clean land and increasing capital to implement large ventures. The company is applying for licences for 26 projects from parent and member companies, stretching from Mong Cai in Quang Ninh province to Phu Quoc in Kien Giang province, with land covering more than one million sq.m. According to the plan, in 2024, we aim for total revenue and pre-tax profit to reach VND628 billion ($25.4 million) and VND190 billion ($7.7 million), respectively, increasing by 240 and 48 per cent compared to 2023. As of 2023, the parent company and member companies have managed and implemented 13 initiatives. In addition, the company is continuing to promote the development of new projects in Moc Bai in Tay Ninh province, Cu Chi district in Ho Chi Minh City, and several other provinces and cities across the country. Trang Bui, country head Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam The 2024 market is witnessing the return of more potential domestic enterprises to continue the race to acquire clean land, while foreign investors are hunting for projects facing financial difficulties after two years of restructuring. The investment appetite of enterprises at this time is for projects with clean land, good quality, real value, legal ownership, complete compensation and clearance, and development potential. It is obvious to developers that the larger the available land they have, the more advantages they hold. However, a large amount is not the decisive factor for the success or failure of a developer. The reason is that, in the context of the real estate market that has just recovered from the bottom, difficulties still surround. If the recovery speed is not as expected and the inventory of enterprises continues to increase, the developers who are using loans to develop land will face a huge debt burden. The recent period is the time for purification, transfer, modification and preparation for the next steps of the market, especially the housing market. New regulations will facilitate businesses to expand the market and further their cooperation. There will be a large amount of capital from foreign investors pouring into the Vietnamese real estate market in the period of 2024-2026. Many transactions have been in the negotiation process and have quite positive signals. Dang has dedicated nearly eight years to Searefico Corporations continuous development. His remarkable accomplishments include the successful restructuring of Searee, following its 2021 merger with Searefico Engineering & Construction (Searefico E&C). Newly assigned CEO of Searefico, Nguyen Khoa Dang This merger revitalised Searee, which recovered from the pandemics impact, expanded its business into commercial sectors, and strategically moved into industrial warehouse leasing. Notably, the Searee Logistic Centre in Danang was inaugurated in March this year and reached full leasing capacity in August. This success generated consistent revenue and profits for Searee and Searefico E&C, where Dang serves as CEO, and contributed significantly to Searefico Corps overall growth. In 2023, under Dangs leadership, Searefico E&C surpassed the VND1 trillion ($41 million) revenue milestone for the first time in its four-year history, positioning the company among Vietnam's top contractors. Despite a challenging real estate market, Searefico E&C achieved substantial profits, enabling a 5 per cent cash dividend distribution, according to a company statement. By early 2024, Searefico E&C maintained stability with major M&E contracts, and the board of directors approved a 2 per cent interim cash dividend, reflecting the companys resilience and value creation for Searefico Corp. Recognising these achievements, the Board of Directors of Searefico Corp has entrusted Dang with key leadership positions across the groups system, including CEO of Searefico E&C, and a board member of Searee and Arico, two of its subsidiaries. As Searefico Corporation approaches its fifth decade, the company is pursuing industrial refrigeration and mechanical and electrical construction,while pursuing its ambition to become a diversified engineering and technology group. By embracing the holding model, Searefico Corporation is focused on high-tech industries with significant market potential, aspiring to lead in key sectors and foster growth across its subsidiaries. Searefico focuses on investing in production and technology On March 21, Searefico successfully divested from Thua Thien Hue Construction JSC, receiving billions of VND, focusing on its core businesses and readying itself for steadfast acceleration. CME Solar and Searefico ink cooperative partnership With a shared commitment to reaching net-zero by 2050, Vietnamese renewable energy company CME Solar JSC has announced a new partnership with Searefico JSC, a leading national brand in engineering and technology, to promote rooftop solar across Vietnam. Organising Committee and honoured guests at the seminar At the seminar, Santanu Dutta Gupta, deputy director of the US Green Building Council, delivered a presentation on "Development trends and evaluation standards for industrial parks and green urban areas." He shared insights into global trends and standards for evaluating green industrial parks and urban areas, stressing the importance of applying green standards in Vietnams development process. In another presentation titled "Economic energy design of buildings, industrial parks and urban areas: The missing link in the implementation process of net-zero," Tran Thanh Vu, director of Edeec and deputy director of the IRAT, emphasised the importance of energy-efficient design, which must be coupled with economic efficiency assessments. He described this as key to achieving net-zero targets. Energy optimisation is not just a goal for sustainable development, but also a crucial factor in minimising environmental impacts while balancing development with resource conservation, Vu said. As businesses increasingly aim for net-zero, the energy-efficient design solutions proposed by Vu open up new directions that contribute to sustainable development without adding excessive costs to initial investments, while offering long-term benefits. Le Phuong Anh, director of Sustainable Building Vietnam (SBVN), discussed the challenges and opportunities related net-zero and reducing CO 2 emissions, highlighting that these are new goals not just for Vietnam, but for the world. SBVN is a non-profit programme focused on promoting the development of energy-efficient buildings and moving towards net-zero in Vietnam. The programme supports capacity building, technical assistance, and raising awareness within the community, Phuong Anh said. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, founder of Sen Vang Group, shared strategies for sustainable development in industrial park and urban area projects. If investors and developers want to be highly regarded by the public, focusing on a comprehensive green strategy is crucial. From project development to operational management, Sen Vang Group is committed to innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental respect in every aspect of its real estate development strategy, Ngoc said. Financial solutions and green loans were a key focus of the seminar, drawing interest from investors and project developers. Ly Minh Quang, director of VietinBanks FDI Customer and International Capital Department, introduced the banks strategy for supporting sustainable development and its financial commitments. VietinBank has made significant strides with its Sustainable Finance Framework, which has been rated by independent evaluator Morningstar Sustainalytics as reliable and impactful for sustainable development, Quang said. As of Q2, VietinBanks green credit balance had reached VND42.3 trillion ($1.76 billion), benefiting over 1,000 customers across six key sectors. The bank is also supporting the governments COP28 commitments, having signed a cooperation agreement with MUFG to mobilise up to $1 billion for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainable development initiatives in Vietnam. Currently, VietinBank is offering a Green Up package worth up to $208 million and a Green Deposit product to support environmentally beneficial projects, such as green energy, green exports, and green construction. Experts discussed on sustainable building development Andy Han, CEO of Filmore Development, a company aiming to be a leader in sustainable real estate development, explained how the company is applying international standards in green construction, energy efficiency, and resource management to ensure harmony with the natural environment and local communities. Sustainable development is both a trend and a goal for many real estate developers, including Filmore Development. Its a long-term journey that comes with costs, and the price of sustainable projects may be higher than non-sustainable ones. However, if customers are willing to support sustainability, the process will be faster and more efficient, Han said. Industrial parks strive to level up Industrial, service, and urban zones with smart technology application in operation and management of technical infrastructure will become hot development trends in the Vietnamese market, especially when it comes to some of the nations biggest foreign investors. Addressing the barriers to building eco-industrial parks Vietnam, a nation experiencing rapid industrialisation and economic growth, stands at a pivotal point in its developmental trajectory. Rizwan Khan, managing partner, at Acclime Vietnam, looks at the importance of sustainable development and the progress of implementing greener industrial areas. Lifting legal barriers for eco-industrial parks to thrive The set of standards to measure factors related to sustainable development and social impact of businesses is a global trend and has become a well-known concept among the businesses, especially when sustainable development continues to receive heightened attention. Specifics out of reach for energy initiatives, Photo Le Toan According to the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), only the 660MW O Mon I thermal power plant is currently operational, while the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants, with a total capacity of around 1,625MW, has reached just 85 per cent progress. Eighteen other gas-fired power projects remain in the investment or construction phase, including nine using domestic gas and three still in the investor selection process, with a combined capacity of 4,500MW. Regarding offshore wind power, only one project has received approval for pre-feasibility studies, involving a collaboration between Singapores Sembcorp Utilities Pte., Ltd. and Vietnams state-run PetroVietnam. Under the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) approved last year, the plan is to add over 30,400MW of gas-fired power and 6,000MW of offshore wind power capacity by 2030. These projects are expected to contribute about half of the additional capacity required and are critical to supporting nations power system. The MoIT has held meetings with relevant ministries, localities, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), PetroVietnam, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) developers, though not with those implementing specific LNG projects. The ministry has had many discussions with provinces and investors to resolve ongoing issues. However, progress remains slow for most projects. If this continues, it will significantly impact energy security and risk derailing the PDP8 targets, said Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien in a meeting at the end of August. Nguyen Quoc Thap, chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association (VPA), pointed out that the legal framework necessary for completing, negotiating, and signing legal, economic, and commercial agreements for LNG-related projects remains incomplete. There is no clear mechanism or criteria for selecting investors to develop related import infrastructure, and there are no specific guidelines for currency conversion and international guarantees for such imports in gas-fired power projects, he said. He added that Vietnam lacks regulations for electricity buyers regarding the consumption of electricity generated by these plants. There is also no clear mechanism for transferring gas prices to electricity prices at such power plants. The current Law on Pricing fails to include fees for LNG import, storage, and re-conversion in the list of state-regulated goods, leaving fees to be negotiated between parties. Offshore wind power projects in Vietnam are also hampered by legal uncertainties, despite the countrys significant potential in this sector. During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on August 23, the MoIT proposed that two state-owned energy corporations or military-run units be selected to develop offshore wind power projects. The ministry is currently finalising policies to encourage domestic and foreign investment in this field. VPA chairman Thap noted that the approval process for investment policies and the selection of investors in wind faces inconsistencies in current legal frameworks. The laws on bidding, investment, and land do not clearly define the authority for approving investment policies for offshore wind projects, he said. In late August, Norways state-controlled energy giant Equinor ASA decided to exit the Vietnamese market, closing its Hanoi office just two years after establishing it, citing the countrys regulatory challenges. Equinor, one of Norways largest energy companies, invests in oil, gas, LNG, hydrogen, and renewable energy, with significant offshore wind projects in Europe and the US. Last year, Danish offshore wind giant rsted A/S also paused its plans for multi-GW offshore wind projects in Vietnam due to regulatory hurdles. The Global Wind Energy Council released a report in June stating that Vietnams target of installing 6GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 faced considerable challenges. It highlighted that an offshore wind project typically takes 6-8 years from greenfield to commercial operation. To achieve the 2030 target, the immediate establishment of policy and regulatory frameworks is essential. The MoIT estimates that the first pilot offshore wind project may not be completed until 2032, underscoring the need for a clear route to expedite installation, the report said. Consortiums invited to get involved in Nghi Son LNG venture Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Authority has invited five consortiums of contractors to participate in bidding to implement the Nghi Son liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired thermal power plant. Excelerate Energy to build LNG import terminal in Haiphong US firm Excelerate Energy will team up with a Vietnamese company to co-develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Haiphong, marking its entry into Vietnam's market. Diverse factors have laid the bedrock for Tra Vinh to sit atop the delta region in economic development in the first half of this year, with regional GDP expanding 10.25 per cent, according to the Tra Vinh Steering Committee for External Information Services. Tra Vinh has improved in many areas in the past year in terms of competitiveness and green aspects Based on the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) rankings report announced by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in May, Tra Vinh scored 67.46 points for 2023, up 1.4 points and two ranks compared to 2022, placing seventh among localities in the delta region and 24th out of 63 localities throughout the country. The province remains in the top 30 localities nationwide with the best governance, reaching its set targets. VCCI survey results indicate that businesses highly appreciate the ease of market entry in the province. With a score of 8.02, the province ranked third nationwide in terms of market entry facilitation. A small improvement in scoring also reflects the provinces efforts in reforming administrative procedures for business registration. The provinces business registration and amendment processes were convenient, and the time to process documents was also rated well, leaving positive impressions on businesses when working with regulatory agencies. Another highlight in the quality of governance in the province was reduced land-related obstacles. In 2023, the provinces Land Access index reached 7.36 points compared to 7.17 points in 2022, moving up 19 ranks, placing Tra Vinh second nationwide with this index. This demonstrates Tra Vinhs concerted efforts in simplifying administrative procedures for land, reducing waiting times, speeding up land clearance, and creating more available land. These efforts effectively reduced costs and time for businesses in Tra Vinh, creating a high level of consensus within the business community. Additionally, the provincial social order and security have been highly appreciated, ensuring fair and efficient business operations and dispute settlement. The Legal Framework and Security index is the most improved component, as the province ranked first nationwide with a score of 8.31, an increase of 1.15 points and moving up 46 ranks compared to 2022. To constantly improve the local investment environment and enhance the satisfaction of individuals and businesses, this year Tra Vinh set forth concrete targets. For the PCI ranking, Tra Vinh aims to be among the top 20 localities with a score above 67 points. In terms of the Provincial Green Index (PGI), the province aims to be named among top 10 localities. Towards this goal, Tra Vinh will focus on implementing wide-ranging solutions in order to raise environmental awareness, reduce the use of plastic products, and replace them with eco-friendly and sustainable materials. The province will further strengthen the role of the Tra Vinh Business Association in connecting businesses with government agencies to implement provincial policies and regulations, aiming to improve the PGI index. Not complacent with the results, Tra Vinh has outlined numerous tasks and specific solutions to improve each index component. At the same time, the province has defined responsibilities and assigned specific tasks to local authorised agencies, and management units at grassroots level to focus on maintaining high scores with well-performing indexes, while improving and elevating those with lower scores in both rankings. When it comes to other administrative reform indices, Tra Vinh will strictly enforce regulations on administrative discipline and order, intensify inspections, enhance the responsibility and effectiveness of civil servants and officials, and improve the quality of public service delivery through the provinces online public service portal. Le Van Han, Chairman of Tra Vinh Peoples Committee, has directed departments and local authorities to make every effort to improve governance quality and constantly enhance business support. The top goal is for Tra Vinhs PCI to rank among the Top 20 localities nationwide with the best governance quality in 2024, Han stressed. Tra Vinh approves 576 billion VND petroleum storage terminal project The southern province of Tra Vinh has approved an investment worth 576 billion VND (23.26 million USD) to develop a petroleum storage terminal project by the Tra Vinh Petrochemical and Energy Joint Stock Company. Support rises for businesses in Tra Vinh Part of the Mekong Delta, Tra Vinh province is ramping up efforts for investment promotion and investor support to bring breakthroughs to development. Tra Vinh aims to become renewables exporter hub The Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh is making concerted efforts to grow into one of the major marine economy and renewable energy centres nationwide. Tra Vinh potential highlighted with local festivities The Tra Vinh 100-year Wax Coconut Tree Festival and Vu Lan Thang Hoi Week 2024 is slated to begin in late August, encompassing distinct promotion events for Cau Ke district in Tra Vinh province. At the beginning of July 2024, Vietnam made its first high-level visit to S Korea since the relationship was elevated. During the visit, Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo stated that Vietnam is a key partner in implementing foreign policies in the region, including the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative. Vaibhav Saxena, foreign counsel at VILAF (left), and Quang Anh Nguyen, associate at VILAF The future also looks bright, with commitments and foundations laid for strategic economic collaboration between Vietnam and South Korea. The Vietnamese government has encouraged South Korean companies to invest further, particularly in advanced technology, electronics, semiconductors, AI, renewable energy, and human resource development. Notable South Korean investments include those from Samsung, Hyundai Motor, Lotte Group, and Hyosung Corporation. These investments reflect the growing economic integration and collaborative opportunities between Vietnam and South Korea. Samsung: An investment of $22.4 billion and employing around 90,000 people in Vietnam. Additionally, 310 Vietnamese firms are part of Samsungs supply chain, and its R&D centre in Hanoi employs about 2,500 staff. Hyundai Motor: An investment of over $410 million in green transportation and local supplier integration, aiming to support Vietnams domestic industries and technological progress. Lotte Group participate in Vietnams smart city and sustainable tourism initiatives, emphasising opportunities in urban sustainability and tourism sector growth. Hyosung Corporation plans to expand its presence with a new data centre in Ho Chi Minh City. Looking back, on December 22, 1992, South Korea and Vietnam established diplomatic relations with a joint statement. For Hanoi, its economic interests and foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation were pivotal in fostering closer ties with Seoul. In 2002, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive partnership for the 21st century, which was further elevated to a strategic cooperative partnership in 2009. Most recently, in December 2022, they announced the formation of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The current bond between Vietnam and S Korea is built on a foundation of mutual trust, growing people-to-people connections, and strong economic collaboration. Major Korean conglomerates such as Samsung, SK, LG, Lotte, and Hyundai have significantly expanded their operations in Vietnam, deepening economic ties. As of March 2024, Samsung's investment in Vietnam totalled $22.4 billion. The trend of South Korean companies moving their manufacturing to Vietnam has accelerated recently, driven by the need to diversify supply chains amid global disruptions. Vietnams stable economic environment and favourable foreign direct investment policies make it an attractive destination for S Korean investors, while supporting Industrial Revolution 4.0. This growing economic relationship is also supported by South Koreas New Southern Policy (NSP), which aims to enhance ties with ASEAN member states and India to match the level of relationships South Korea maintains with the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. In ASEAN, Vietnam is considered a central focus of the NSP. South Korea is Vietnams third-largest trade partner and second-largest import market, underscoring the importance of their economic ties. One prime example of this is the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), that took effect on December 20, 2015, with the aim to promote trade, services, and investment without replacing the ASEAN-Korea FTA (AKFTA). The VKFTA establishes precise rules for origin of goods, including regulations for special goods and certificate of origin exemptions for lower-value imports. Additionally, the VKFTA commitments include National Treatment (NT) and Most Favored Nation (MFN) treatment in trade services, with additional sector openings compared to WTO and AKFTA commitments. Investment protections under the VKFTA also include NT and MFN treatments, along with mechanisms for dispute resolution through administrative courts and arbitration. Besides that, the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA) between the nations, which came into force on September 11, 1994, has also contributed to facilitating economic cooperation with the primary objective of providing clear guidance on tax and preventing double taxation. The DTA helps shape a safer and better tax environment between the countries, promoting cross-border trade and investment, and enhancing economic ties. In recent decades, the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and South Korea has made remarkable progress, with total trade between the two countries growing from $2 billion in 2010 to an impressive $86.5 billion in 2022. Both nations are also committed to further enhancing bilateral trade, aiming for a target of $150 billion by 2030. Comparatively, in May 2024, South Koreas exports to Vietnam surged significantly in contrast to May 2023. According to data from The Observatory of Economic Complexity, exports increased by $846 million (19.8 per cent), rising from $4.28 billion to $5.12 billion, while imports from Vietnam also grew by an additional $118 million (6.13 per cent), reaching $2.04 billion. This upward trend reflects the forward-looking ties between the two nations. Furthermore, in the fifth month of this year, South Koreas exports to Vietnam saw a significant boost, driven by increased shipments of mineral fuels, mineral oils, and related products, as well as perfumery, cosmetics, and fertilisers. Meanwhile, South Koreas imports from Vietnam grew due to higher imports of non-knitted clothing accessories, machinery, mechanical appliances, and footwear. In the first half of 2024, trade turnover between Vietnam and South Korea reached $38.4 billion, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. Over the past decade, South Korean investments in Vietnam have played a crucial role in the development of the countrys economy, ranking among Vietnams top foreign investors. In 2023, there were approximately 500 projects from South Korean investors with a total value of over $5 billion. In addition, over the last six months of 2024, Vietnam received $1.4 billion from South Korean investors. This marks an increase of 16 per cent compared to 2023, making South Korea the fourth largest foreign investor in Vietnam. Processing and the manufacturing industry account for more than 70 per cent of South Korea's total investments in Vietnam. Besides that, the real estate sector is also receiving attention from South Korea, with investment accounting for over 12 per cent. The remaining sectors of interest for South Korea are construction, energy, accommodation, and food services, accounting for about 3 per cent. Vietnam-South Korea forum takes peek at upcoming trade prospects Based on the 30-year journey of companionship between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Vietnam-South Korea Economic Cooperation Forum opened up opportunities for leaders and businesses of the two sides to discuss cooperation in the coming years. Vietnam-South Korea investment and cooperation strengthened ODA cooperation and investing in energy and infrastructure in Vietnam are set to be boosted, based on the second deputy prime minister's dialogue on economic cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea. South Korean giants to pour billions of dollars into Vietnam More than 100 MoUs were signed by South Korean and Vietnamese businesses at the Vietnam-South Korea Business Forum on June 23. Vietnam-South Korea Digital Forum discusses new cooperation opportunities Policymakers, organisations, and businesses from Vietnam and South Korea gathered at the third Vietnam-South Korea Digital Forum in Hanoi on November 6-7 to discuss cooperation opportunities regarding the digital transformation, digital technology, and human resource training. The Data for Life 2024 contest has attracted 100 AI-driven initiatives across various sectors, including transportation, education, security, and the economy, within just two months of its launch. Co-organized by Hanoi University of Science and Technology and VnExpress, the contest is open for submissions until Sept. 21. Since its announcement on July 10, the competition has garnered interest from both domestic and international contestants, who have submitted a range of innovative ideas and products. The organizers noted that the number of submissions is steadily increasing, with many proposals focused on advancing digital government, digital society, and the digital economy. Among the standout submissions is "Application of AI for Career Guidance," presented by RandomTeam. The team addresses the issue of students facing unemployment or working in fields unrelated to their studies by developing an AI application that offers career guidance tailored to individual aspirations. The application will provide real-time advice by integrating data from educational institutions, leveraging AI and big data processing technologies. In addition to domestic participants, the contest has also started receiving entries from international teams. One notable submission, titled "AI from TikTok Account," comes from an international team and is considered a strong contender. The team plans to utilize public datasets from legal and accessible sources for their project. Technologies are expected to be used in the NextGen Transit team's "Smart Journey" solution. Photo courtesy of Data for Life Security and traffic solutions have also been submitted to the contest, including initiatives such as the "Digital Police Handbook," "Population Data Dashboard," "Smart Route Finding Application for Priority Vehicles," "Chatbot for Legal Advice and Inquiries," and the "Traffic Safety Violation Prediction Model." Most of these ideas utilize datasets provided by the organizers, such as simulated population data, traffic accident statistics, traffic camera footage, and datasets from various organizations and businesses. Additionally, some teams are leveraging open data from legal and free sources available on the internet. According to the organizers, Data for Life 2024 will continue to welcome entries from both domestic and international young talents eager to develop practical information technology solutions that contribute to the digital transformation process. The contest places particular emphasis on solutions that support the three pillars of Digital Government, Digital Society, and Digital Economy. The competition offers a prize pool of VND390 million (US$15,380), divided across three rounds: the preliminary round (30 teams), the final round (10 teams), and the awarding phase, where prizes will be granted to the top five teams. The first prize is valued at US$11,800, the second prize at US$2,000, the third prize at US$1,185, and the consolation prize at US$395. Teams are required to submit their entries online, including a detailed description of their ideas and products, explaining the rationale behind their creation, their functionality, key features, and the outcomes achieved when applied in practice. The final round is scheduled to take place on Nov. 26. Winners of the first, second, and third prizes will receive support for deployment from the Innovation Center at the School of Information and Communications Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Submit ideas to the contest here. Moc Tra ATLANTA (AP) A lawsuit arguing that county election board members in Georgia have the discretion to refuse to certify election results has been dismissed on a technicality, but the judge noted it could be refiled. Fulton County election board member Julie Adams filed a lawsuit in May asking a judge to declare that the county election board members' duties are discretionary, not ministerial, in nature. At issue is a Georgia law that says the county officials shall certify results after engaging in a process to make sure they are accurate. Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney on Monday dismissed Adams' lawsuit, saying that she had failed to name the correct party as a defendant. The Associated Press has reached out to Adams' lawyers seeking comment on the ruling and asking if they intend to file a new complaint. Under Georgia law, the principle of sovereign immunity protects state and local governments from being sued unless they agree to it. But voters in 2020 approved an amendment to the state Constitution to provide a limited waiver for claims where a party is asking a judge to make a declaration on the meaning of a law. That is what Adams was trying to do when she filed her suit against the board she sits on and the county elections director. But Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney noted in his ruling that the requirements very plainly state that any such complaint must be brought against the state or local government. McBurney noted that Adams had amended her complaint and tried to recast her claims as being brought against Fulton County alone. But, he concluded, That was too little, too late; the fatal pleading flaw cannot be undone. However, McBurney noted, that does not mean this fight is necessarily over. This action is done, but there can be another, he wrote. Adams "can refile, name the correct party, and we will pick up where we left off, likely with all the same lawyers and certainly with the same substantive arguments. Austin Sim photographs the personal collectibles of artist Do Ho Suh during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Figurines and collectibles belonging to artist Do Ho Suh during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Kyle Mundy, studio manager for artist Do Ho Suh, explains the process of Suhs 2022 piece Inverted Monument during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring artist Do Ho Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor A woman glances up at Blueprint, a 2010 translucent nylon rendering of a New York brownstone during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring artist Do Ho Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Alison Weaver displays the art book Portal during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring artist Do Ho Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor A glimpse into the research and design of artist Do Ho Suh during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Attendees discuss artist Do Ho Suhs 2004 piece Reflection during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring artist Do Ho Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor A detail of Artland, personal sculptures created by artist Do Ho Suh and his children from 2016-present during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Figurines and collectibles belonging to artist Do Ho Suh during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Artist Do Ho Suhs handmade paper on stainless steel pins piece Gate during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring the artist at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor A diner animation set on display as part of artist Do Ho Suhs 2024 Bridge Project during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring the artist at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Animation sets on display as part of artist Do Ho Suhs 2024 Bridge Project during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring the artist at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Last month, when Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University announced the arrival of "Do Ho Suh: In Process" via Instagram, the post quickly became the most liked and commented upon content in the account's history. Excitement and inquiries poured in; followers committed to saving the exhibition's opening date, Sept. 6, to their calendars or asked if Suh would appear in person so far, no. Blaffer Art Museum, at the University of Houston, wrote, "Your favorite artist's favorite artist." Alison Weaver, the Suzanne Deal Booth Executive Director and the show's curator, describes Suh as perhaps the most well-known Korean artist of our time. He primarily works in sculpture, installation and drawing. His re-creation of architectural buildings and objects using nylon fabric are instantly recognizable, with "Seoul Home" (1999) being the most famous. The 1:1 replica of his childhood home is fashioned entirely from polyester and silk, down to the toilets, radiator and kitchen appliances. He came up with the idea while homesick and living in New York during the 1990s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Suh's recurring theme, the unknowability of home, no doubt resonated with Houston's diverse and diasporic communities. "So many Houstonians are from someplace else," Weaver said. "How do you define home? How do you bring it with you?" "In Process" sort of answers that question. The artist essentially packed up his studio and transported its contents to the Moody Center for the Arts. He's peeled back the curtain, and seeing how the sausage is made may surprise some folks. Artist Do Ho Suhs 2022 piece Inverted Monument during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring the artist at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor "There's an unexpected style to how he thinks," Weaver said. She gestures to "Blueprint" (2010) a blue translucent nylon affixed to the wall and ceiling. "This nylon shows how he thinks about his work in miniature before he commits to large-scale." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The show is light, colorful and irreverent. Suh has a sense of humor. Visitors will immediately feel the fun in his practice. "Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and Children" (2016-ongoing) are two towers of toys. And maybe Play-Doh, too. It's difficult to identify all the materials used. What basically began as a kitchen table family project intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The piece traveled from London to Seoul to Brooklyn before arriving at the Moody Center for the Arts. "In Process" marks the first time many of the works have been outside of Suh's studio. Weaver might classify his public-facing aesthetic as pristine in its presentation. Behind the scenes, he's more of a collector. Unpacking his process is kit-like. Figurines and collectibles belonging to artist Do Ho Suh during a preview tour of Moody Arts Centers Fall show featuring Suh at Rice University on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor There are hundreds if not thousands of toys and figurines in "Assorted figures and models from the artist's studio." Various colors and fabrics are grouped together classroom-style in "Research and design objects from the artist's studio." One Moody staffer said they had a field day writing all the wall text. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'Do Ho Suh: In Process' When: Through Dec. 21 Where: Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University Details: Free; moody.rice.edu Some of the art is more cerebral, such as "Inverted Monument" (2022). Here, Suh subverted three figures by turning them upside down to acknowledge a complicated history. "This is timely, as our own founder's statue will be relocated soon in a different way," Weaver noted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For a straightforward view of Suh's work, visit "Portal" in the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Or earmark summer 2025 for a full survey exhibition at the Tate Modern. WASHINGTON (AP) House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday presented Congress' highest honor the Congressional Gold Medal to 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, even as the politics of a presidential election swirled around the event. Both Democrats and Republicans supported the legislation to posthumously honor the 13 U.S. troops, who were killed along with more than 170 Afghans in a suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate at Kabul's Airport in August 2021. President Joe Biden signed the legislation in December 2021. On Tuesday, the top Republican and Democratic leaders for both the House and Senate spoke at a somber ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, hailing the lives and sacrifices of the service members. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the lawmakers gathered to ensure the sacrifices of all our servicemembers were not in vain. We must care for them and their families and defend the values of freedom and democracy they so nobly fought for, Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. But rather than a unifying moment, the event took place against the backdrop of a bitter back-and-forth over who is to blame for the rushed and deadly evacuation from Kabul. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and ally of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, scheduled the ceremony just hours before the first debate between Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. They lost their lives because of this administration's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Johnson said at a news conference minutes before the ceremony. Then as the speaker opened the ceremony, he took another jab at how the Biden administration has defended its handling of the final months of America's longest war. To the families who are here, I know many of you have yet to hear these words, so I will say them: we are sorry, Johnson said. The United States government should have done everything to protect our troops, those fallen and wounded at Abbey Gate deserved our best efforts, and the families who have been left to pick up the pieces continue to deserve transparency, appreciation and recognition. Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee also released a scathing investigation on Sunday into the withdrawal that cast blame on Bidens administration and minimized the role of Trump, who had signed the withdrawal deal with the Taliban. White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday criticized the House report as partisan and one-sided and said it revealed little new information as well as contained several inaccuracies. He noted that evacuation plans had started well before the pullout and the fall of Kabul moved a lot faster than anyone could have anticipated. He also acknowledged that during the evacuation not everything went according to plan. Nothing ever does. We hold ourselves all accountable for that, he said of the deaths. Top military and White House officials attended the ceremony Tuesday, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pentagon reviews have concluded that the suicide bombing was not preventable, and that suggestions troops may have seen the would-be bomber were not true. Regardless, Trump has thrust the withdrawal, with the backing from some of the families of the Americans killed, into the center of his campaign. Last month, his political team distributed video of him attending a wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen service members at Arlington National Cemetery on the third anniversary of the bombing, despite the cemeterys prohibition on partisan activity on the grounds as well as an altercation with a cemetery employee who was trying to make sure the campaign followed those rules. The Gold Star military families who invited him to the Arlington ceremony have defended Trump's actions. At a fiery news conference outside the Capitol Monday, they implored for the House report to be taken seriously and demanded accountability for those in leadership during evacuation from Kabul. President Trump is certainly not perfect. But hes a far better choice, in my opinion, than the mess that Biden and Harris have created since Kabul, said Paula Knauss Selph, whose son Ryan Knauss died in the Abbey Gate attack. At the ceremony Tuesday, Coral Doolittle, whose son Humberto A. Sanchez was killed, spoke on behalf of the Gold Star families and asked the American public to "always remember the 13. Say their names, speak their names, and tell their stories. While Trump and Republicans have sought to link Harris to the withdrawal as a campaign issue, and Harris has said she was the last person in the room when Biden made his decision, neither watchdog reviews nor the 18-month investigation by House Republicans have identified any instance where the vice president had a significant impact on decision-making. Still, House Republicans argued that Harris, as well as Biden's national security team, needed to face accountability for the consequences of the deadly withdrawal. Kamala Harris wants to be the president of the United States. She wants to be commander in chief. She needs to answer for this report immediately, said Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. McCaul, the committee chairman, also defended the timing of the report by saying that the committee's investigation had to overcome resistance from the Biden administration. He cast the investigation as a truth-seeking mission rather than a partisan endeavor, but also bragged that out of all the investigations that House Republicans have launched into the Biden administration in the last two years this investigation is the one they fear the most because they know ... they were wrong." Most assessments have concluded Trump and Biden share blame for the disastrous end to the 20-year war, which saw enemy Taliban take over Afghanistan again before the last American troops even flew out of the Kabul airport. Over 2,000 U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan. The main U.S. government watchdog for the war points to Trumps 2020 deal with the Taliban to withdraw all U.S. forces and military contractors as the single most important factor in the collapse of U.S.-allied Afghan security forces and Taliban takeover. Bidens April 2021 announcement that he would proceed with the withdrawal set in motion by Trump was the second-biggest factor, the watchdog said. Both Trump and Biden kept up the staged withdrawal of U.S. forces, and in Trumps case sharply cut back important U.S. airstrikes in the Taliban, even though the Taliban failed to enter into substantive negotiations with the U.S.-backed civilian government as required by Trumps withdrawal deal. The top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, also issued a memorandum in response to the GOP report, saying he was concerned by the attempts to politicize the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Republicans partisan attempts to garner headlines rather than acknowledge the full facts and substance of their investigation have only increased with the heat of an election season, Meeks said. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Lolita Baldor contributed to this report. WATERLOO First Interstate Bank branches in Waterloo and Gladbrook will be closed starting at noon Wednesday because employees will be involved in service projects. The Waterloo branch employees will work with Habitat for Humanity the Gladbrook branch will work with the Northwest Tama County Food Pantry. Bank branches in 14 states will be involved in 350 separate service projects to mark Sept. 11. Although branch offices will be closed in the afternoon, the bank's client contact center will be fully staffed and available to assist clients from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain Time. The bank's ATMs as well as online banking and the mobile banking app will remain available. Regular branch and service hours will resume on Thursday. The bank branches are located at 2936 University Ave., Waterloo, and 401 Second St., Gladbrook. Photos: Iowa State vs. Iowa football Cy-Hawk game at Kinnick Stadium, Sept. 7 Houston Zoo's new director, Lee Ehmke, sits near the flamingo exhibit at the zoo in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle Sue Chin and Lee Ehmke at the Houston Zoo Conservation Gala. Gary Fountain/Contributor Zoo CEO Lee Ehmke discusses the process of building the new Houston Zoo Galapagos Island exhibit on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. The exhibit hopes to open to the public Fall 2022. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Lee Ehmke, president and CEO, Houston Zoo, left, checks out the sea lion tunnel with Bill Heimann, Trisha Crowe and Nick Espinoza, far right, as construction continues on the Houston Zoos Galapagos Islands on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 in Houston. The zoos latest exhibit, that is scheduled to open April 7, 2023, will immerse guests in an environment evoking the archipelagos unique landscapes and oceanic habitats. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Bill Heimann, project supervisor, left, talks to Lee Ehmke, president and CEO, Houston Zoo, near the sea lion exhibit as construction continues on the Houston Zoos Galapagos Islands on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 in Houston. The zoos latest exhibit, that is scheduled to open April 7, 2023, will immerse guests in an environment evoking the archipelagos unique landscapes and oceanic habitats. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer When Lee Ehmke was appointed CEO of Houston Zoo back in 2015, he set an ambitious goal: to elevate the Hermann Park destination from very good to world class by its 100th anniversary in 2022. His predecessor advanced the institution from OK to very good once it became privately operated in 2002. So Ehmke went to work. The first thing on his to-do list? Create and execute a comprehensive master plan. The COVID-19 pandemic may have slowed him down a bit, though during his nine-year tenure, Ehmke managed to complete and in some cases, exceed what he initially set out to accomplish. Now he's ready to pass the torch. Houston Zoo announced Ehmke's retirement as president and CEO on Tuesday. He plans to remain in his current role until a successor is identified, a process zoo leadership estimates will take between six to eight months. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I'm sad that Lee's retiring, but I'm happy for him," Board chairman Joe Cleary told the Chronicle. "He's put almost his entire career into the zoo and aquarium world. And he's the platinum standard. He's worked hard, and he deserves this break." Cleary was part of the search committee to replace the previous CEO, Deborah Cannon. Fellow board members sent criteria to search firms, and were told the candidate they were looking for didn't exist. Undeterred, the whittled a short-list down to eight people, with Ehmke being one of the last to interview. "He started telling us some of the things he dreaming of doing, as then (director and) CEO of Minnesota Zoo, and we were just drawn to him," Cleary said. "We convinced he and (his wife) Sue to move to Houston, which was a lot of fun to do, and what a success its been." Ehmke brought more than three decades of experience to the role. In addition to 15 years spent with Minnesota Zoo, his other career highlights already included 12 years at Bronx Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Society, where his graduate degree as a landscape architect was put to good use. Ehmke began with Bronx Zoo as an exhibit designer; his work on the Congo Gorilla Forest garnered nationwide attention. That experience, coupled with an undergraduate law degree, came in handy for Houston Zoo's $150 million "Keeping Our World Wild Centennial" campaign. In total, more than $156 million was raised. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston Zoo CEO Lee Ehmke shows off the zoo's construction site for its Galapagos Islands exhibit with COO Sheryl Kolasinski on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The exhibit is scheduled to open in fall 2022. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer "One of the first things Lee did was convince us to put the exclamation point on our master plan. We only have 55 acres, one of the smallest zoos in the country, but we had potential to be one of best zoos in the country," Cleary said. "We just needed to reorganize a little bit. We adopted the vision of 'see them, save them.' So now, when you come Houston Zoo, not only do you see animals in the wild, but most of the animals have been rescued and nurtured to flourish." Phase one of that master plan included 'Texas Wetlands,' 'South America's Pantanal,' 'Galapagos Islands,' and 'Birds of the World'. Those exhibits have since opened; the latter two cost $70 million and $13.5 million respectively. "When I got here the zoo had been doing really well, but it didn't have an overarching or strategic plan. I worked with the board and staff to see what would accomplish, and the big idea was that everything we do here would connect to conservation work in the wild," Ehmke said. "The really big one was 'Galapagos Islands' both for featuring animals from a place, but also creating an amazing first impression for people when they come into the zoo. 'Birds of the World' we just opened last week. One of the reasons I love it is not only because it's beautiful, but it also completes a donut hole we had in-between other exhibits." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zoo leadership credits Ehmke for its perfect inspection and re-accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In April, it became the eighth organization in history to receive a 100-percent clean inspection. Ehmke is OK with retiring on a high note. "Given the completion of the centennial campaign, and finishing the projects we started nine years ago, it was a good time to close this chapter and get the zoo ready for the next one," he said. Cleary finds himself facing a familiar challenge once again: filling big CEO shoes. He says that Ehmke's attention to detail will be the most difficult to replace. His footprint is embedded throughout Galapagos Islands. Lee Ehmke, president and CEO, interacts with a sea lion in the the Houston Zoos Galapagos Islands exhibit on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Houston. The zoos latest exhibit, that is scheduled to open April 7, 2023, will immerse guests in an environment evoking the archipelagos unique landscapes and oceanic habitats. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer "He and Sue would go to regions of the world and make sure that we were going to build as authentically as possible. Photos from his iPhone camera were used in the penguin exhibit background. That's how personally Lee took the entire endeavor," Cleary says. "It was so authentic, the Ecuadorian consulate who lives in Houston walked through Galapagos Islands and cried." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ehmke has a little unfinished business before he hangs his hat for good. The final projects on his docket will be the completion of Jack's Cafe and the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Reflections Event Hall and Terrace, named for the eponymous donors and long-time supporters. After that, who knows? Ehmke's only foreseeable plans are to continue building zoos and the pursuit of global wildlife conservation, though in a less official capacity. Governor Tim Walz's campaign rally for Monday is now postponed due to the ongoing Davis Fire. The Harris-Walz campaign tells 2 News that Walz will still come to Reno but his campaign rally is postponed. "We will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to monitor the situation, and we urge the impacted communities to heed the evacuation and safety guidance from local authorities." ORIGINAL STORY: Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to be in Reno on Monday as part of the Harris-Walz campaign's 'Sun Belt State Tour.' Governor Walz is planning to be flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport on Monday afternoon, where he'll be met by the press. At 5:30 p.m. the governor will deliver remarks at a Harris-Walz campaign rally in Reno. The Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate will be visiting Texas, Nevada and Arizona during the tour, which marks his first solo travel to the Sun Belt since becoming Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate. After leaving Reno, Governor Walz will be heading to Las Vegas before continuing to Arizona. Twin sisters and First Christ Church congregation members Elizabeth Ryall and Rachel Ryall pose in costume during the inaugural Katy Pride Fest held at the church. The second annual Katy Pride Celebration is set for October as Katy ISD continues to issue policy mandates regarding transgender students and gender fluidity. Michael Wyke/Contributor Rev. Heather Tolleson, Lead pastor at First Christ Church, speaks during the inaugural Katy Pride Fest. The second annual Katy Pride Celebration is set for October as Katy ISD continues to issue policy mandates regarding transgender students and gender fluidity. Michael Wyke/Contributor Amanda Rose, president of Katy Pride, speaks during the inaugural Katy Pride Fest held at First Christ Church. The second annual Katy Pride Celebration is set for October as Katy ISD continues to issue policy mandates regarding transgender students and gender fluidity. Michael Wyke/Contributor The second annual Katy Pride Celebration is set for October as Katy ISD continues to issue policy mandates regarding transgender students and gender fluidity. Katy Pride Celebration is hosted by Katy Pride LGBTQ Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where all LGBTQ-plus individuals can live authentically and safely. The Oct. 19 event is sponsored by First Christian Church Katy, an LGBTQ-plus affirming church which has drawn criticism, protests, theft and vandalism for its stance on the LGBTQ community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pride Celebration is a family-friendly festival celebrating the theme "Life is More Fun When You Stand Out!" according to vice president of events and outreach Kristina Shackelford, and the event features live music, vendors, a dedicated Kids Zone, several food trucks and an on-site bar. Pride Celebration will also offer photo opportunities and pumpkins for sale at its pumpkin patch. The festivities are about bringing people together, both in the LGBTQ community and beyond it, said organizer and Katy Pride founder Amanda Rose. A lot of people think Pride is something they can only find inside the loop, Rose said. (The LGBTQ community and non-LGBTQ community) are working alongside each other to bridge the gap and to really show the LGBTQ-plus community that there are groups out there in their home community where you can find love and support. First Christian Church Katy, the title sponsor, was largely responsible for the founding of Katy Pride, Rose noted, because its affirming stance on the LGBTQ community created a place for Christians in the LGBTQ community to worship and feel safe. There's a lot of religious trauma when it comes to the LGBTQ-plus community because they've not been welcome, Rose said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The church has received vitriol for embracing the LGBTQ community. Its drag queen bingo event was met with armed protests by neo-Nazis. The ire doesnt deter the church, said head pastor Heather Tolleson. Rather, it strengthens the churchs resolve in offering a loving environment to the community. Were growing and flourishing and doing some great work to bring awareness and education to the needs of the queer community here in Katy, Tolleson said. Membership in the church has nearly tripled since the first Pride festival, she added. KATY INSIDER NEWSLETTER: Stay updated on important stories and news to know around Katy Pride Celebration is especially relevant in Katy, Tolleson said, due to the policies enacted by the school board. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Katy ISD in August passed a policy that added gender fluidity to the list of banned book topics in the district. The board of trustees in August 2023 passed the FFJ-Student Welfare: Parental Authority and Gender Fluidity Matters policy, which prohibits instruction on gender fluidity. The policy also mandates that parents of students in the Katy ISD school system must be notified if their child asks to be identified as transgender. The school board, in my opinion, is actually the largest governing body that we have in Katy, Tolleson said. The district is not overseeing the city of Katy. It's overseeing nearly 100,000 students, so the decisions they make have a huge impact on all of the community, queer community, straight community, allied community: they impact and drive the culture of Katy. Katy Pride is often present at Katy ISD school board meetings, speaking out against transgender policies and book bans during public comments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It really stamps Katy Prides existence and need to be in the Katy community because there are some horrible things that are happening at the school board level, Rose said. Trying to devalue those students that are part of the LGBTQ community, or even people who just want to have the option for free-thinking, from a greater perspective, (the school board is) really cramping down on people's ability to have free-thinking and to explore different ideas and information. WASHINGTON (AP) Two people who prosecutors say were motivated by white supremacist ideology have been arrested on charges that they used the social media messaging app Telegram to encourage hate crimes and acts of violence against minorities, government officials and critical infrastructure in the United States, the Justice Department said Monday. The defendants, identified as Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison, face 15 federal counts in the Eastern District of California, including charges that accuse them of soliciting hate crimes and the murder of federal officials, distributing bombmaking instructions and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, and Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho were arrested Friday. Humber pleaded not guilty in a Sacramento courtroom Monday to the charges. Her attorney Noa Oren declined to comment on the case Monday afternoon after the arraignment. It was not immediately clear if Allison had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The indictment accuses the two of leading Terrorgram, a network of channels and group chats on Telegram, and of soliciting followers to attack perceived enemies of white people, government buildings, energy facilities and high-value targets such as politicians. Todays action makes clear that the department will hold perpetrators accountable, including those who hide behind computer screens, in seeking to carry out bias-motivated violence, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, the Justice Department's top civil rights official, said at a news conference. The pair's exhortations to commit violence included statements such as Take Action Now and Do your part, and users who carried out acts to further white supremacism were told they could become known as Saints, prosecutors said. Justice Department officials say Humber and Allison used the app to transmit bomb-making instructions and to distribute a list of potential targets for assassination including a federal judge, a senator and a former U.S. attorney and to celebrate acts or plots from active Terrorgram users. Those include the stabbing last month of five people outside a mosque in Turkey and the July arrest of an 18-year-old accused of planning to attack an electrical substation to advance white supremacist views. In the Turkey attack, for instance, prosecutors say the culprit on the morning of the stabbing posted in a group chat: Come see how much humans I can cleanse. A 24-minute documentary that the two had produced, White Terror," documented and praised some 105 acts of white supremacist violence between 1968 and 2021, according to the indictment. The risk and danger they present is extremely serious," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Departments top national security official, said of Terrorgram users. He added, Their reach is as far as the internet because of the platform theyve created. Telegram spokesman Remi Vaughn said: Calls to violence have no place on Telegrams platform. Moderators removed several channels that used variations of the Terrorgram name when they were discovered years ago. Similar content is banned whenever it appears. Telegram is a messaging app that allows for one-on-one conversations, group chats and large channels that let people broadcast messages to subscribers. Though broadly used as a messaging tool around the world, Telegram has also drawn scrutiny, including a finding from French investigators that the app has been used by Islamic extremists and drug traffickers. Telegram's founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was detained by French authorities last month on charges of allowing the platforms use for criminal activity. Durov responded to the charges with a post last week saying he shouldnt have been targeted personally and by promising to step up efforts to fight criminality on the app. He wrote that while Telegram is not some sort of anarchic paradise, surging numbers of users have caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform. Associated Press reporter Tran Nguyen contributed from Sacramento, California. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Leaders of worldwide religions commonly stay at the helm well past retirement age, but its not often you find centenarians overseeing major faiths. Thats what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has as of Monday when church president Russell M. Nelson turned 100. He had already become the oldest president ever of the Utah-based faith three years ago and now becomes its first to hit the century mark. Age, wisdom and spiritual authority go together, said Angie Hong, a program director for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School. Pope Francis is 87. The Dalai Lama is 89. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who leads Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide, is 84. Ali al-Sistani, the grand ayatollah who is the senior religious figure for the worlds 200 million Shia Muslims, is 94. On Nelsons 100th birthday, the church commemorated the occasion with a special broadcast in his honor. Also, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican and church member, declared Monday to be President Russell M. Nelson Day in the state. President Nelson is a leader not only in Utah, but across the world. He has worked tirelessly to build bridges of understanding and kindness and has led a life full of family, faith and selfless service, Cox said in a statement. The president of the denomination, known widely as the Mormon church, oversees everything from the its multibillion-dollar financial holdings to church doctrine and policy. He also is believed to be a prophet of God and serves until death. By tradition, the new president is chosen from among the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles, one of the faiths top governing bodies specifically its longest tenured member. Selected to join the Quorum in 1984, Nelson has spent four decades in the upper echelons of church leadership. In 2018, he became the churchs 17th president at 93, making him the second oldest at the time to ever assume the role. Scholars and those who have known him for decades say he wasted no time in reshaping the church, including overhauling worship services and constructing new temples. Nelsons advanced age has not been a great concern mainly because of his dynamic leadership, said Patrick Mason, a religion and history professor at Utah State University. He depicted the churchs meaningful service opportunities for its older members as one of its strengths. There is a general sensibility that there is wisdom and steadiness that comes with age, Mason said. Though the church continues to expand, Nelsons 100th birthday reflects the broader composition of its aging white male leadership. Nelsons top two counselors one of whom is his presumed successor form what the church calls the first presidency and are both in their 90s. In total, six of the 15 men in the churchs top leadership panels are 80 or older. Over the years, some have argued the church would benefit from younger leadership in a changing world. Others have defended the status quo and celebrated the wisdom and spiritual maturity the churchs aging leaders bring to their roles. Hong, the leadership expert from Duke, said good spiritual leaders are those who always look to mentor and raise up younger leaders. This happens across faith traditions. In Hinduism, for example, aging leaders from various sects choose and guide their successors, while still remaining active and involved in day-to-day operations. In a ceremony at church headquarters in Salt Lake City, close relatives, church leaders and clergy of other faiths paid tribute to Nelson. Nelson has been both the Lords mouthpiece and unfailingly kind and composed, gentle and forgiving, said Jeffrey Holland, acting president of the churchs Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We celebrate the sweet, robust, history-making 100 years of your life. We have come to say we love you and we say it in the name of Jesus Christ, Holland said. Nelson in the months leading up to his 100th birthday called on church members to reach out to someone in need in honor of the biblical parable of a shepherd who left the 99 sheep he was tending to in order to find the one that was lost. Hes a very loving leader. He is easy to love, Dallin H. Oaks, a high-ranking church leader who is next in line to become church president, said in a pre-recorded video interview aired during the broadcast. Nelson said in his own video that he wasnt sure why God had allowed him to live 100 years. The length of your life is not as important as the kind of life you live. For each of us, even for a 100-year-old man, life passes quickly. My prayer is that you will let God prevail in your life, Nelson said. Rank-and-file church members said they were impressed by Nelson's ability to lead at 100 and are blessed to still see him and hear him speak. Church member Mark Chavez praised Nelsons administration for building a slate of new temples across the globe and for appointing people from different countries to leadership positions, ushering in a more internationally focused era for the U.S.-based faith. Nelson became known for leading the church during the COVID-19 pandemic and cutting its century-long ties with the Boy Scouts of America when the organization decided to allow openly gay youth members and adult volunteers as well as transgender boys and girls. The church, under Nelson, said it welcomes LGBTQ+ members but maintains that same-sex marriage is a sin. Last month, the church issued new policies for transgender members, barring them from serving as priests or teachers, working with children or staying at youth camps overnight. Previously banned from being baptized, they may now only use single-occupancy restrooms at church meetinghouses. One of Nelson's first commands as president was a call to members of the faith to stop using the shorthand names Mormon and LDS as substitutes for the full name of the religion. Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, Nelson joined the religion as a young adult. As a doctor at age 22, he served a two-year Army medical tour of duty during the Korean War after which he resumed a career that included being director of thoracic surgery residency at the University of Utah. He walks a very gentle line between underscoring what the doctrine states while expressing love for all involved, said Sheri Dew, Nelsons biographer and executive vice president of the Deseret Management Corporation, which is owned by the faith. You may not agree with everything he believes," she said. "But any fair assessment of his life would conclude that he has truly tried to make life better for millions of people. Bharath reported from Southern California. Mead Gruver contributed to this report from Cheyenne, Wyoming. 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. LONDON (AP) The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on Moscow and Tehran before a joint visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict. He told reporters that dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers). Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians, Blinken said. The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line. At the Pentagon, the press secretary said these were unlikely to be the only shipments. One has to assume that if Iran is providing Russia with these types of missiles, that its very likely it would not be a one-time deal, that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future, said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The West's allegations about the missile transfers come as the Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraines surprise offensive, which has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in Russias Kursk region. The accusations could embolden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to further ramp up pressure on the U.S. and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks. Iran's foreign ministry denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the U.S. and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip," it quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. The U.S., U.K. and other Western allies are pressing for a cease-fire to end the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and avoid attacks from Iranian proxies in the region escalating into a broader war. Britain, France and Germany announced new sanctions Tuesday against Iran and Russia, calling the missile transfers a direct threat to European security. The penalties include the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Airs ability to fly to the U.K. and Europe. Britain also said it and the United States were sanctioning those involved in sending Iranian drones and missiles to Russia. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on two senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior defense ministry official, as well as several businesses and five Russian cargo ships alleged to have transported supplies from Iran to Russia. Three Russian military units involved with aviation and aerospace also were sanctioned. The U.S. Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkey and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Irans drone program. The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russias invasion, dating to November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders denials that the country had sent them. Sanctions, among other things, bar people and businesses from accessing property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them. The announcement precedes a Blinken and Lammy visit Wednesday to Kyiv, where they will meet Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss bolstering the country's defenses. The rare joint visit was unusually announced in advance a public signal of U.S-.U.K. support for Ukraine ahead of whats likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks. Asked whether the U.S. would allow weapons it supplied to be used to strike targets deeper inside Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy. He said one goal of the visit this week is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs. President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. Blinken met Tuesday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will sit down with Biden at the White House on Friday. We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days, and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday, Blinken said. In the meantime, Ukraine is using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year war to target multiple regions including Moscow. Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend. Lammy called them part of a troubling pattern that were seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation. The U.S. and its allies have been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia. 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, which 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 also 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. Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed. The United States formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine and will take measures to punish those involved. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said that sanctions would be announced later Tuesday. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians, Blinken said. His comments came as he and Lammy prepare to make a joint visit to Ukraine on Wednesday. Word of the alleged transfers began to emerge over the weekend with reports that intelligence indicated they were underway, according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Blinken said Tuesday that the transfers appear to have been completed. Iran, as it has with previous U.S. intelligence findings, has denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) For such an iconic building, the Transamerica Pyramid has historically been oddly isolated from the city it represents. For half a century, the buildings redwood-planted pocket park was the only part of the behemoth open to the publicand even then, it was really only those who worked nearby that actually knew the space existed. That all changes this week, when the Pyramid and its Redwood Park debut as a reimagined center for arts, culture, and community gathering. On its 50th birthday, the Pyramid is finally embracing the city that adores it. The Transamericas new lease on life comes courtesy of a billion-dollar investment by luxury real estate developer SHVO and global architecture firm Foster + Partners, who reawakened its original design by William Pereira. A big part of the renovation was modernizing it, stripping it out, and giving it back to the public, says Mason Harrison, spokesperson for the Pyramid. Its the ultimate realization of Pereiras dream. Whereas once the Pyramids lobby was a no-nonsense thoroughfare for tenants of its 48 stories of office space, the buildings ground floor is now open and light-filled, flanked by a coffee bar on one side, a flower and gift shop on the other, and seating in rounded shapes that soften the Pyramids precise geometry. Just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping the lobby, cafe tables invite the public to take a seat and soak up the view. The flower and gift shop in the Transamerica Pyramid's revamped, public-welcoming lobby. (David Lipman) Under the trees in the adjacent Transamerica Redwood Park, stags, rhinoceri, sheep and almost two dozen other fantastical fauna by French artists Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne (Les Lalanne) prowl. Their exhibition is the first public installation of Pyramid Arts, a program that will rotate twice a year in the park and on the second floor of Transamerica Building 2. That space launches with The Vertical City, an exhibition of Pritzker Prize Laureate Lord Norman Fosters architectural achievements, on September 15th. Our vision for Pyramid Arts is to celebrate luminaries and iconoclasts who, like the Pyramid, are ahead of their time, says SHVO chairman and CEO Michael Shvo. I cant imagine a better pair of artists to inaugurate the next chapter of this remastered city block, or a more celebrated builder of worlds to help bring their vision to life." In addition to its public art, the Redwood Park is being activated as a space for dining, drinking, and events. Celebrated chef and James Beard finalist Bradley Kilgore is at the helm of all of the Transamerica Pyramid Centers dining concepts coming soon, including Cafe Sebastian, an all-day indoor-outdoor affair on the pedestrian-only Mark Twain Alley. The restaurant will serve lighter fare, grab-and-go eats, and half bottles of wine for the discerning lunchtime tippler, while a scoop shop next door will dole out ices and gelatos. A bar at the edge of the parks new lawn will lend Euro-style biergarten vibes, while a higher-end, umami-forward restaurant and HiFi lounge (based on Kilgores successful Italian-Japanese pop-up Ama). A rendering of the Pyramid Lawn at night. (David Lipman) Beginning with the Pyramid of Light and Sound, an opening night party with performances by Kronos Quartet, Michael Marshall, and Thievery Corporation on September 12th, a range of events will pop up regularly inside the park. Opening night will also bring the lighting of the spirewhich will become an ongoing, color-changing feature of the buildings summitand a laser show on the Pyramids park-facing facade. The next big to-do, TEDs global AI conference in October, will gather 60 speakers for TED Talks, panels, workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits around the nucleus of the park. If youre privileged enough to work in the building or know someone who does (the Pyramid is one of the few office buildings downtown thats actually maintained majority occupancy post-Covid), there are a slew of other new amenities: the slick 26th floor gym and spa; the 27th floor Sky Lounge, a designer working space with a perfectly framed view of Coit Tower; and an exclusive Kilgore-led bar on the 48th floor. The 27th floor Sky Lounge perfectly frames Coit Tower in its picture windows. (David Lipman) But unlike its first 50 years, when the only way to experience the Transamerica Pyramid was through an inside connection, the revamped Center and Redwood Park is now an inclusive space to welcome both locals and visitors to one of the citys most recognizable symbols. Pereira was supposed to build the Pyramid in New York but it was deemed too avant garde, says Harrison. Ironically, the building they constructed instead is now being torn down while, in San Francisco, the Pyramid is celebrating its next 50 years. Heres to the half century to come. Houston Police responded to a shooting at Tai Loi, a Vietnamese restaurant in west Houston. On Scene TV Nearly two years after gunmen walked into a west Houston Vietnamese restaurant and killed a pair of diners, two of the men have pleaded guilty to murder while a third suspect, their getaway driver, remains at large, authorities said. Last month, Hieu Trong Nguyen, 51, pleaded guilty to murder over the deaths of Hanh Nguyen, 63, and Long Nguyen, 51. On Aug. 29, he was sentenced to spend 45 years in prison. Trong Nguyen's guilty plea came three weeks after the other man arrested in connection with the shooting, Bich Xuan Dang, pleaded guilty and also received a 45-year sentence. Trong Nguyen and Dang will have to serve at least half their sentences before they are eligible for parole. The men had been charged with capital murder, which carries a possible life sentence or death penalty if they were convicted by a jury. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston Nepali community, family and friends mourn Muna Pandey at funeral for slain HCC student Police and prosecutors have never revealed a motive in the shooting, but charging documents presented a series of events caught on camera in the minutes before the killing. Shortly before the shooting at the Tai Loi restaurant, at 12320 Bellaire Blvd, Dang was caught on camera at another restaurant, the Cafe Window, about two miles away. Police said he threatened the manager at the Cafe Window with a pistol and threatened to "cause problems" unless the business paid him $1,000. The man left Cafe Window after being approached by a security guard, and then drove to Tai Loi. When the men arrived at the second restaurant, Dang and Trong Nguyen "almost immediately started shooting," according to the DA's office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trong Nguyen was identified using the security footage, which allowed police to identify him thanks to a distinctive face tattoo. After he was taken into custody, Nguyen admitted to being inside the restaurant when the shooting occurred, but said he didn't remember what happened because he had been drinking and using pills, according to charging documents. Hanh Nguyen and Long Nguyen were sitting in a booth when they were shot, police said. The shooting was caught on camera, which prosecutors credited as the reason for the two guilty pleas. What these guys did was just horrific, and the evidence against them was overwhelming, which is probably why they chose to plead guilty instead of taking their chance with a jury, said Chris Condon, one of the lead prosecutors on the case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a release announcing Trong Nguyen's sentencing, the district attorney's office said investigators were looking for "fresh leads" on the getaway driver who participated in the shooting. Two of the three men responsible for this violent double murder have been brought to justice, said District Attorney Kim Ogg. Now we need the publics help to find the third suspect and hold him accountable. Restructuring for Growth Brisbane, Sep 10, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Following the recent successful re-capitalisation, State Gas Limited ( ASX:GAS ) ( STGSF:OTCMKTS ) is in the enviable position to be able to plan for the reserve certification necessary to underwrite a pipeline connection of its gas exploration and development projects to the gas-short domestic market. The Company is also well placed to further develop the market for its innovative high density natural gas (HDNG) technology. The Company aims to position the sale of HDNG to replace diesel in coal trucks in Queensland with the near-term goal of enabling the Company to become cash positive. Given this milestone, the Board has decided to structure the Company's management to optimise the exciting opportunities ahead. Doug McAlpine, who has been the Chief Executive Officer for the last two years, will now join the board as Managing Director. The Board believes that Mr McAlpine's appointment to the role of Managing Director will allow more coordinated and rapid execution of the Company's Strategy and more effectively leverage the broader capability of the Company's Directors and Management Team. Mr McAlpine joined State Gas as Chief Executive Officer in November 2022 and since that time has worked closely with the Board to reposition the Company. He has played an important role in progressing exploration and appraisal activity (including securing a government grant of $5.5M for two new exploration wells) at Rolleston West (ATP 2062) and has laid the foundations for an Alternative Fuels Business through leading the delivery and commissioning of the Company's HDNG production facility at Rolleston West. To further support the rapid execution of the Company's Alternative Fuels strategy, State Gas is also pleased to appoint Mr Daniel Marcus to the role of Executive General Manager - Alternative Fuels. Mr Marcus is an experienced mining industry executive having held a variety of senior commercial and operational roles over his thirty-year career. He is a mechanical engineer by training and has deep experience in the day-to-day aspects of running efficient mining operations, in particular, the effective management of mining truck fleets. Mr Marcus' mining industry experience will be invaluable in developing and growing the Company's alternative fuels business that centres on the efficacy of HDNG as an alternative fuel source to replace diesel in the mining sector. As a further demonstration of confidence in the expanded management team, Mr Richard Cottee is stepping down from his position as role as Executive Chairman but will remain as Non-Executive Chairman of the Company. Richard Cottee said: "Having guided the company through difficult capital markets to being on the cusp of being cash positive, now is the right time for the Company to revert to the more traditional structure with an independent Chairman. This decision underlines my confidence in the Company's Executive Team led by Doug McAlpine and my optimism for State Gas' future". Managing Director, Mr Doug McAlpine, said: "It has been my privilege to work with the Directors and Management Team over the last two years, having now established solid foundations for progressing the Rolleston West Project toward development, but also creating first mover advantage as an Alternative Fuelsprovider using HDNG. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with the Company's expanded leadership team as we deliver on the Company's vision and demonstrate increasing value for shareholders." The key terms of Mr Doug McAlpine's services contract are included in Appendix 1*. Mr McAlpine's compensation package is structured to align his total reward with share price growth and the delivery of key operational and commercial milestones which will create long term value of the Company and its stakeholders. *To view Appendix 1, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/JZ4W0R4V About State Gas Limited State Gas Limited (ASX:GAS) is a Queensland-based developer of the Reid's Dome gas field, originally discovered during drilling in 1955, located in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland. State Gas is 100%-owner of the Reid's Dome Gas Project (PL-231) a CSG and conventional gas play, which is well-located 30 kilometres southwest of Rolleston, approximately 50 kilometres from the Queensland Gas Pipeline and interconnected east coast gas network. Permian coal measures within the Reid's Dome Beds are extensive across the entire permit but the area had not been explored for coal seam gas prior to State Gas' ownership. In late 2018 State Gas drilled the first coal seam gas well in the region (Nyanda-4) into the Reid's Dome Beds and established the potential for a significant coal seam gas project in PL 231. The extension of the coal measures into the northern and central areas of the permit was confirmed in late 2019 by the Company's drilling of Aldinga East-1A (12 km north) and Serocold-1 (6 km to the north of Nyanda-4). State Gas is also the 100% holder Authority to Prospect 2062 ("Rolleston-West"), a 1,414 km2 permit (eight times larger than PL 231) that is contiguous with the Reid's Dome Gas Project. Rolleston-West contains highly prospective targets for both coal seam gas (CSG) and known conventional gas within the permit area. It is not restricted by domestic gas reservation requirements. The contiguous areas (Reid's Dome and Rolleston-West), under sole ownership by State Gas, enable integration of activities and a unified super-gasfield development, providing economies of scale, efficient operations, and optionality in marketing. State Gas is implementing its strategic plan to bring gas to market from Reid's Dome and Rolleston-West to meet near term forecast shortfalls in the east coast domestic gas market. The strategy involves progressing a phased appraisal program in parallel with permitting for an export pipeline and development facilities to facilitate the fastest possible delivery of gas to market. State Gas' current focus has been to confirm the producibility of the gas through production testing of the wells. Related Companies Binding Agreement signed for Acquisition of Mineral Rights Toronto, Sep 10, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce that on September 6, 2024 (September 7, 2024 Australian time) its subsidiary, Tiros Minerais Estrategicos Mineracao Ltda ("TMEL" or the "Buyer"), entered into a Binding Agreement with Marcelo Augusto Martins Neto ("Seller") to acquire 100% ownership and title over three (3) mineral rights contiguous with the Sao Gotardo block of Resouro's Tiros Rare Earths and Titanium Project in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil ("Tiros Project" or the "Project"). Highlights - Three (3) minerals rights ("Mineral Rights") totaling 4,744 hectares located south of, and contiguous with, the Sao Gotardo block of the Tiros Project. - The Capacete Formation, associated with the Tiros Project, covers most of the Mineral Rights associated with this Binding Agreement. Commenting on the Binding Agreement, President, CEO, Director and Founder, Chris Eager said: "We are pleased to announce that we have successfully acquired key assets within the Capacete Formation, enhancing our strategic position in this promising region. This acquisition is strategically located adjacent to Resouro's Sao Gotardo block of the Tiros Project. The integration of these assets into our portfolio is anticipated to offer significant advantages, particularly in the context of potential future discoveries." Acquisition Terms Material Terms of the Binding Agreement include: - Initial Payment: Within 5 days from the date of confirmed acceptance of this transaction by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), or up to 30 days from the purchase confirmation, payment of (1) CAD 50,000 in cash and (2) CAD 50,000 in Resouro shares based on the 20-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of Resouro shares which occurred immediately prior to the date of acceptance of the transaction. - Milestone 1: After the purchase confirmation, the Buyer shall drill at least six (6) holes within the mineral rights perimeter. The drilling campaign should report at least three (3) holes showing a minimum of 20 continuous meters of intercepts with over 2,000 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") within two years of the purchase confirmation date. o The payment for Milestone 1 will consist of (1) CAD 50,000 in cash and (2) CAD 50,000 in Resouro shares based on the same 20-day VWAP as that used for the Initial Payment. o If the drill holes are not completed in the two (2) years from the purchase confirmation date, the Buyer must pay in full the amount stipulated under this Milestone. - Milestone 2: After the Buyer completes sufficient exploration work to issue a JORC Compliant report with an inferred resource of 100 million tonnes of at least 2,000 ppm TREO within three (3) years from the purchase confirmation date, the Buyer will make the following payment: o The payment for Milestone 2 will consist of (1) CAD 50,000 in cash and (2) CAD 50,000 in Resouro shares based on the 20-day VWAP of Resouro shares which occurred immediately prior to the date of the milestone 2 deadline. o If Milestone 2 is not met within the three (3) years from the purchase confirmation date, the Buyer must pay, in full, the amount stipulated under this Milestone. - Milestone 3: After the Buyer has completed a JORC Mineable Compliant Report, or up to one year after the payment related to Milestone 2 is made, the final payment to complete the acquisition of the mineral rights will be made by the Buyer, as follows: o The payment for Milestone 3 will consist of (1) CAD 100,000 in cash plus (2) CAD 100,000 in Resouro shares based on the 20-day VWAP of Resouro shares which occurred immediately prior to the date of the milestone 3 deadline. - Conditions precedent: o Completion of legal due diligence by the Buyer within 45 days of signature of the Binding Agreement; and o Presentation by the Seller of: - The mineral rights acquisition contract; and - Completion by the Agencia Nacional de Mineracao ("ANM") of the mineral rights transfer to the Seller; and o Execution by the Buyer and Seller of all customary agreements and contracts associated with transactions of this kind in Brazil. - Guarantee from the Seller: o The Seller warrants and guarantees that in the event that any of the mineral rights related to this transaction are impacted by judicial or administrative procedures and/ endorsements, the transaction will be terminated, in full, and the Seller will reimburse the Buyer the full amount of all cash paid and all shares issued by the Buyer. Resouro will fund the acquisition price from its existing cash reserves. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/19E1389E About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects. The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor. The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary. Related Companies 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 Bob Casey United States Court House is photographed on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A Montgomery County man was arrested last week and accused of smuggling drone parts from the United States to Iran, according to the FBI. Gholam Reza Goodarzi, 76, was arrested Sept. 3 and charged with smuggling goods from the United States. Goodarzi lives in Porter, an unincorporated community on Interstate 69 just north of the Harris County line. Goodarzi is accused of exporting aircraft-related parts and oil and drilling components to Iran without a license, during a four-year period from December 2020 to July 2024. Goodarzi carried some of the items in luggage. Other items he had the items sent to proxy destinations including Dubai, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Defense tells jury Gerald Goines lied but felony murder charges not merited in Harding Street case The parts were found in Goodarzis luggage on multiple occasions, prosecutors said. Authorities also found emails between Goodarzi, suppliers and customers, acknowledging that parts could not be shipped to Iran because of sanctions. In the complaint filed in a Houston federal court, prosecutors said Goodarzi violated sanctions that had been in place since 1995. The sanction prohibited the exportation of any goods, technology, or services from the United States to Iran. Goodzari is accused of smuggling spark plugs, used Russian aircraft tires, toggle switches, carburetors, ball bearings, power transistors, springs, batteries and light bulbs, and other items. The items were found wrapped in clothing, stuffed into socks and shoes and zipped into other bags, according to the complaint. Many of the items found in searches of Goodzaris luggage are used in producing unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the complaint. In June, Goodarzi was stopped in George Bush Intercontinental Airport and questioned about the items in his luggage, according to the complaint. Initially, he said he was traveling to Iran to visit a sick family member, and then said authorities could take the seized items, because they had no personal value to him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Goodarzi then told the Border Patrol agents he was a teacher at Iranian university, and that he was traveling back to the country for business purposes, according to the complaint. When he returned to the U.S. in July, Goodarzi changed his story again, saying he had gone to Tehran to handle a family dispute, according to the complaint. Goodarzi also identified himself as a retired executive with the Baker Hughes Oil Company, and said that he would obtain the industrial parts for friends in Iran. Goodarzi said his friends would then send the parts to Iranian oil companies. In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Alamdar S. Hamdani said Goodarzi was potentially enhancing Irans military capabilities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Goodarzi is being represented by a federal public defender. Ipsos IndiaBus Happiness Monitor reveals citizens' resilience in August 2024, with family ties and personal wellbeing at the forefront of joy.Despite facing tumultuous times marked by extreme weather events and economic strains, 2 in 3 Indians (65%) reported being happy in August 2024, according to the Ipsos IndiaBus Happiness Monitor. However, this period also saw a significant consecutive drop in happiness levels over the past two months, with a 5% decline in both July and August. The report, which gauges the happiness quotient across demographics and regions in India, found that certain areas remained bastions of joy. Citizens in the West Zone (88%) and Tier 1 cities (85%) were notably the happiest, with happiness also remaining high among those in metros (74%) and the North Zone (73%). The report indicates that individuals from affluent social groups (SEC A at 72%), higher education backgrounds (68%), and full-time employees (68%) also displayed elevated levels of happiness. However, regions like the East Zone and South Zone experienced significant downturns. The East Zone, in particular, saw a dramatic drop of 21% in happiness levels, largely attributed to the tragic incidents in Kolkata, including the rape and murder of a young doctor, as well as ongoing unrest in Manipur. The volatile weather conditions and monsoonal devastation in parts of the country further weighed down the happiness quotient in these regions, particularly among Tier 3 city residents, where happiness plummeted to 43%. Parijat Chakraborty, Group Service Line Leader at Ipsos India, emphasized the complexity of happiness, noting: While there is a significant dip from previous months, the majority of Indians are still in a happy state of mind. However, we cant ignore the toll that recent incidents, both natural and societal, have taken on the psyche of citizens, especially in the East Zone. Key Contributors to Happiness Family remains the cornerstone of happiness for most Indians, with 73% citing it as their primary source of contentment. Health (65%), friendships (65%), and work or business relationships (64%) were also major contributors to overall happiness. However, economic and global conditions played a more negative role, with happiness related to financial circumstances and the state of the country seeing declines of 6% and 4%, respectively. Chakraborty further commented: Happiness is not just a fleeting feeling. It is deeply tied to various aspects of our personal and collective lives. The Ipsos IndiaBus Monitor reflects how family, personal wellbeing, and economic stability impact our happiness. As the world around us shifts, so do our levels of contentment. A Closer Look at the Survey The Ipsos IndiaBus Happiness Monitor is a monthly survey conducted across urban India, polling over 2,200 respondents from SEC A, B, and C households. It provides a comprehensive snapshot of the happiness quotient in metros, Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. The survey tracks happiness trends, identifying the underlying factors that influence the emotional well-being of Indians. While the data reveals a dip in national happiness, the enduring optimism and resilience of the Indian population remain evident. As the country navigates through societal unrest and economic challenges, the focus on family and community continues to serve as a buffer, fostering a sense of happiness amidst adversity. ABP LIVE, one of Indias leading digital news platforms, is set to organise the ABP LIVE Health Conclave on September 10, 2024, in Mohali, bringing together healthcare professionals and industry specialists to address pressing health issues affecting Punjab. This event promises to be an interactive platform where experts will discuss critical topics concerning the regions healthcare landscape and addressing the most pressing challenges through innovative solutions. It will be streamed LIVE on abplive.com, as well as on ABP LIVEs and Health LIVEs YouTube and Facebook pages, starting at 11 AM on September 10th. The conclave will feature an esteemed guest of honour, Balbir Singh, Health Minister of Punjab. A diverse line-up of speakers including pediatricians, mental health experts, obstetricians, gynecologists, and yoga practitioners will be engaged in meaningful discussions. The conversation will focus on areas such as holistic development in early childhood, enhancing women's health, yoga, mental health and sex education. Adding to this, renowned Punjabi actor Kartar Cheema and actress Himanshi Khurana will also contribute their insights through fireside chats. Through such initiatives, ABP LIVE aims to educate, empower, and inspire action on critical health issues, contributing to the overall enhancement of the health ecosystem in the country. ABP Network encourages everyone to tune in and be a part of this significant conversation. Also Read: ABP LIVE to host India Infrastructure Conclave 2024 China's tropical island province Hainan recovering from super typhoon strike Xinhua) 10:00, September 10, 2024 Residents and community staff remove fallen branches in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) HAIKOU, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's southernmost province of Hainan is recovering from the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yagi, with workers fixing damaged facilities and draining streets of floodwaters as airports in Sanya and Haikou have reopened. Yagi, the strongest autumn typhoon to land in China since 1949, hit Hainan on Friday, leaving at least four dead and 95 injured. In recent days, government officials, firefighters, police officers and citizens have been working tirelessly to restore normalcy across the province. "More than 300 Party member volunteers were mobilized this morning to clear uprooted trees and address waterlogged streets," said Chen Hong, a cadre from Xiuying Subdistrict in Haikou, the provincial capital, on Saturday. On Saturday evening, markets, taxis, ride-hailing services and buses began to resume operations in Haikou, with businesses, factories and construction sites given clearance to reopen on Sunday. "We want to help everyone in need, and we haven't raised prices a single cent," said Zhou Chongsheng, a local shop owner. Despite these efforts, 769,000 households in Hainan remained without power by Sunday night, and more than 10,000 repair workers from Guangdong, Guizhou, and Guangxi have been dispatched to assist. Water shortages continued to affect 63,000 residents in Haikou, with telecommunications services across the province expected to normalize by Tuesday. Schools have also been severely affected, with 2,085 schools left without water or electricity across the province. Authorities aim to reopen over 80 percent of schools by Monday, while those sustaining heavier damage will delay reopening, said Chen Zhenhua, deputy head of the provincial education department. Efforts to clear debris and restore infrastructure are ongoing. In a Haikou kindergarten, principal Ding Ying rallied teachers and local volunteers to clean up fallen trees and prepare the playground for the children's return. "We plan to craft tree stumps into small benches for the children," Ding said. Amid the devastation, some uplifting news emerged: 247 healthy "typhoon babies" were born in Haikou over the past week. Since Sept. 3, Hainan has opened special maternity care facilities to ensure safe deliveries, with nearly 900 pregnant women given access to free hospital stays in Haikou alone. "The local government made thorough preparations," said Ye Baoquan, Party secretary of Pulong Village in Wenchang City. "Shelters were stocked with emergency supplies like foldable beds, food, generators and life jackets. Rescue teams were on standby, which helped everyone feel more secure." The Hainan provincial government dispatched 18 senior officials to supervise local emergency response efforts, evacuating over 460,000 residents and returning more than 34,000 fishing boats to port. In China, members of the Communist Party of China are often on the front lines of recovery efforts, leading by example with their active involvement, particularly during crises like natural disasters. In 2014, Super Typhoon Rammasun caused widespread damage in Hainan, but Yagi has surpassed it in both intensity and duration of impact, experts said. The agricultural, livestock and fisheries industries suffered an estimated 11.95 billion yuan (about 1.68 billion U.S. dollars) in losses following Super Typhoon Yagi. Seven recovery teams have been sent to the hardest-hit areas to provide post-disaster guidance in Hainan. Cao Shuyu, deputy director of the Department of Finance of Hainan Province, said that around 1.19 billion yuan has been earmarked for disaster relief and reconstruction. Fishermen have begun cleaning their boats, and evacuated residents are returning home. "We made the necessary preparations, which minimized our losses," said Wang Youchun, a fisherman from Haikou. "Now, we're all working together to prepare for the next trip out to sea." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) More than 100 people gathered Monday in southwest Houston to mourn the death of Muna Pandey, a Nepali college student who was brutally slain last month in her Houston apartment. They were joined by Pandeys mother, who flew in from Nepal for the services thanks to a nearly $40,000 fundraising effort. Members of Houstons tightly knit Nepali community spilled into the hallways of Winford Funerals as Mondays service began. Pandeys mother, Anita Adhikari, could scarcely stand as a priest led her around her daughters pink, flower-lined casket, chanting Hindu mantras. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the sound of Adhikaris sobs. A photo of Nepali student Muna Pandey on display during her funeral service on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor I was so happy when she came to America and moved to Houston for me, said Pandeys childhood friend, Jyoti, during the service. We had very good times together and I was hoping that for the rest of my life we would be inseparable. Pandey, 21, was killed Aug. 26 after a gunman forced her into her southwest Houston apartment, shot her execution style and robbed her, authorities said. The man charged with Pandeys death, 51-year-old Bobby Shah, was ordered held without bail last week by a Harris County judge. He is due back in court in December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pandey moved to Houston from Nepal three years ago to study nursing at Houston Community College, where she instantly endeared herself to fellow classmates. Mourners spill out into an overflow area for the funeral service for Nepali student Muna Pandey on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Muna Pandey, 21 Courtesy/Drona Gautam Tears stream down the face of Anita Adhikari during funeral services for her daughter, Muna Pandey, on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Mourners watch the final moments before Muna Pandey is cremated on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Anita Adhikari walks alongside the body of her daughter, Muna Pandey, during her funeral on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Anita Adhikari, mother of Muna Pandey, cries out during her funeral service on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Friends comfort Anita Adhikari during funeral services for her daughter, Muna Pandey, on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Anita Adhikari reacts as the body of her daughter, Muna Pandey, enters a cremator during her funeral service on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Anita Adhikari, center, is comforted by friends and family as she says goodbye to her daughter, Muna Pandey, on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Friends comfort Anita Adhikari during funeral services for her daughter, Muna Pandey, on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor She was full of life, outgoing, friendly and she made a lot of friends, and those are the things I admired in her that I want in myself. I want her confidence, her independence I learned so much from her, said her friend Tori Breda, 21. Pandey loved sharing her culture with her new friends, taking them to Kathmandu Curry, the Nepali restaurant where she worked. Bryan Evans, 21, fondly recalled one of his first hangouts with Pandey, when she took some friends to the restaurant before going skating at a roller rink. But Pandeys vivacity was matched only by her work ethic, friends said. They admired how she learned to drive, rented her own apartment and paid her way through school without help after moving from Nepal by herself. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mourners cry and comfort each other during funeral services for Nepali student Muna Pandey on Monday, Sept. 09, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor When I say she worked for everything, if she wanted something she was able to get it, Evans said. It was inspirational watching her from (when she was) 19 to now, how she made a life for herself coming straight from a foreign land. While the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the Houston area is home to about 3,600 Nepali residents, Drona Gautam, vice president of the Nepalese Association of Houston, believes that number could be closer to 20,000 people, based on the organizations programming. Gautam, 42, said Pandey was popular within the Nepali community and a fixture at events such as the Holi festival that the organization regularly hosts at the Shree Pashupatinath Mandir Nepali temple in Richmond. Community members came out in droves Monday to mourn together and support Pandeys mother, helping to guide Adhikari as she led her daughters casket out of the memorial room and into the crematorium to say a final goodbye. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alap Ghosh, has stepped down as the Head of Data & Technology Partnerships at Google. He announced the same through a Linkedin update which read : Goodbye Google. While I was with you, you gave me: - The best team a manager could ask for. - Experiences with the best clients and agencies in the country. - One of the two best managers in my career. - The most intelligent colleagues in the world. - A path-breaking body of data and technology work. - An office with the kindest and most caring staff. - A magnificent set of friends across the globe. - All those amazing soups and salads. - The inspiration to be the best version of me (notwithstanding the surly photo on the new badge). He served in Google for a period of 3 years 4 months and prior to that, he was associated with organisations such as Jellyfish, IIM Bengaluru, Syntropic Systems, eofficeplanet, ActiveMedia Technology and others. Alap Ghosh has around 25 years of hands-on experience in building and scaling high-growth products and businesses in an international business environment. He has provided service to customers and partners across the world and has a demonstrated management record in fast paced business growth and transformation of technology organizations. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Tuesday upheld a 2.4 billion fine imposed on Google for abusing its dominant position in the online shopping market. The fine, levied by the European Commission in 2017, stemmed from accusations that Google had favoured its own shopping comparison service over those of its competitors. Google had appealed the decision twice, but both appeals were unsuccessful. The ECJs ruling is a significant blow to Google, which has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world. In response to the original fine, Google made changes to its business practices in 2017 to comply with the EUs decision. However, these changes have not been sufficient to satisfy regulators. In addition to the fine, Google is facing ongoing antitrust investigations in both the EU and the US. In the EU, the company is being investigated under the Digital Markets Act, a new law designed to curb the power of large tech companies. In the US, Google is facing an antitrust lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice. The ECJs decision is a clear signal that regulators are determined to hold large tech companies accountable for their anti-competitive practices. It also highlights the challenges that these companies face in navigating the complex regulatory landscape. Over the next one month or so the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia will witness arguments and counter-arguments in a keenly watched anti-trust case filed against Google by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of states over the formers alleged monopoly in the digital advertising industry. Trial for the high-profile anti-trust case began yesterday (September 9). A gaggle of witnesses is going to testify. For instance, Tim Wolfe, SVP of revenue operations at Gannett, is one of them. Gannett, the largest publisher in the US, including USA TODAY and over 200 local publications, has a pending federal lawsuit against Google for monopolization of advertising technology markets and deceptive commercial practices. Its worth noting that Google has filed a motion to exclude certain testimony from witnesses like Tim Wolfe, who are not economists or antitrust experts. However, the court has denied this motion, allowing Wolfe and other witnesses to testify. It was last year that the Department of Justice, along with the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia, filed a civil anti-trust lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of monopolizing several ad-tech products in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. The DoJ has a long history of enforcing the Sherman Act to promote open markets, and in this case, is seeking both equitable remedies and triple damages due to Googles anti-competitive practices. Notably, this is the first time in nearly five decades that the DoJ has pursued damages for a civil antitrust violation related to monopolization. According to the DoJ complaint, Google has engaged in a 15-year pattern of anti-competitive and exclusionary conduct, including: Acquiring rival companies in the ad tech industry Leveraging its market dominance to coerce publishers and advertisers into using its products Blocking the use of competing solutions These alleged actions have reportedly enabled Google to consolidate its control over: Tools used by website publishers and online advertisers The digital advertising exchange that facilitates ad auctions This consolidation of power has allegedly harmed competition and innovation in the ad tech industry. The DoJ contends that Google has achieved unparalleled dominance in the ad-tech industry through a deliberate series of strategic acquisitions. A pivotal moment came in 2007 when Google acquired DoubleClick for $3.1 billion, thereby gaining control of a vital online marketplace, where publishers sell ad space. According to the DoJ, DoubleClick now commands over 50% of the market share for open-web display transactions. Furthermore, Googles subsequent acquisitions of Invite Media and AdMeld enabled the company to exert control over both the supply and demand sides of online advertising, as well as the crucial exchange where buyers and sellers interact. The DOJ believes that Googles anti-competitive behaviour has stifled alternative technologies, preventing their adoption by publishers, advertisers, and competitors. While this antitrust case affects the US, as it is based on violations of the Sherman Act, the implications could extend globally. As a major player in the ad-tech market, any legal action against Google could potentially impact its operations, business practices, and partnerships worldwide. The outcome of the case may also encourage other countries to scrutinize Googles practices more closely or pursue similar antitrust actions, influencing global regulatory landscapes and digital markets. Tightening the noose? Last month, in a separate case, the US District Court of Columbia Judge Amit P Mehta accused Google of dominating the search engine market. Just three days before to the start of the US trial, on September 6, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK provisionally found that Google is using anti-competitive practices in open-display ad tech, which it believes could be harming thousands of UK publishers and advertisers. The CMA provisionally found that, when placing digital ads on websites, the vast majority of publishers and advertisers use Googles ad tech services in order to bid for and sell advertising space. The authority is concerned that Google is actively using its dominance in this sector to preference its own services. Google disadvantages competitors and prevents them from competing on a level playing field to provide publishers and advertisers with a better, more competitive service that supports growth in their business. Yelp, a platform for online reviews, also filed a separate antitrust lawsuit against Google in the US, alleging that it maintains a monopoly in local search services, harming its business. Googles arguments Google has already given a fair idea as to how it is going to defend its case in this case. In a blog post, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Google, argues that their ad tech tools are chosen by buyers and sellers because they are simple, affordable, and effective. Mulholland argues that the ad tech market is highly competitive, with numerous players like Comcast, Disney, Walmart, Target, Criteo, and others, not just Google. Google points out that their products work alongside competitors tools, giving businesses flexibility in choosing different ad platforms. The tech giant further claims that their fees are lower than industry averages, benefiting publishers and advertisers. Mulholland warns that the DOJs case could harm small businesses by raising costs and reducing the quality of ads. Google aims to prove that the current ad tech landscape is functioning well and that the DOJs actions could lead to higher costs and inefficiencies, negatively impacting the economy and small businesses. The DOJs narrow view of the ad tech market doesnt reflect reality. We are one of hundreds of companies who actively compete to enable the placement of ads across the internet. Media companies like Comcast and Disney, retailers like Walmart and Target, and specialized ad tech companies like Criteo, Index Exchange and the Trade Desk all invest in building their online ads services. In the last few months alone, Paypal, Costco and United Airlines introduced new ad tech services, Mulholland writes. Google counters DoJs core criticism in the complaint about its monopoly. We arent the only option... After its recent acquisition of Xandr, Microsoft also offers customers a vertically integrated suite of ad tech products, and Amazon and Meta have similar offerings. It is a fiercely competitive industry and new technologies are making it more dynamic each day, Mulholland says. Possible outcomes of the trial include: Havas Worldwide India, the creative arm of Havas India, has further strengthened its strategy team with three key appointments. Dhananjoy Ray, Aniruddh Subramanian and Jahan Nargolwala have joined the agency as Associate Vice President - Planning & Strategy. All three will report to John Thangaraj, Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Creative Network India, and will be based out of Gurgaon. Commenting on the appointments, John Thangaraj said, I am thrilled to welcome Dhananjoy, Aniruddh and Jahan to the Havas family. The world is changing and so are we. Strategy needs to be more business forward, digital first and data driven than ever before and our journey towards creating a more converged, multi-disciplinary team begins now. Each of them brings a deep and divergent level of expertise and experience to the table. Dhananjoy brings a deep passion and excitement for all things tech and auto. Aniruddhs understanding and experience on the CPG category is second to none. And Jahans digital-first expertise across multiple categories nicely rounds out the team. Their hires underscore Havas deep commitment to delivering insight & data backed strategic solutions that focus on keeping our clients ahead of the curve. That said, weve only just begun - watch this space! With over a decade of experience, Dhananjoy has worked with agencies including FCB India and Publicis India where he has worked on an impressive roster of brands including Horlicks, Uber, Pernod Ricard, Vivo, BMW, Google, Maggi and Nokia, to name a few. He specialises in communication and brand strategy. Jahan who joins Havas Worldwide India from Creativeland Asia comes with nearly 13 years of experience. Having worked at agencies like Yaap Digital, Law & Kenneth, and Contract Advertising, Jahan has worked on brands including Pizza Hut, Uniqlo, Godrej, Park Avenue, ColorPlus, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, NITI Aayog, Coca-Cola, UPI and RuPay, to name a few. His expertise lies in creative strategy, brand planning & management, and cross-functional project management from development to delivery. Aniruddh Subramanian, who joins the agency from FCB India, has also worked with L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Famous Innovations. He brings over 10 years of experience, a Masters in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati, and experience in diverse background in sectors ranging from FMCG (Horlicks Plus, Real Activ, All Out, Baygon, Mr. Muscle, Bata, Power, Hush Puppies) to FMCD (LivGuard, Evara Platinum, Elegant Steel), Services (Dominos, Bluehost), Health & Pharma (Birla IVF & Fertility, Digene, Cremaffin), Automobile (Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India), and Tech (Google Pixel). Also Read: Swiggy Instamart, Havas Media Tribes Partner for 10-Minute Hamleys Toy Delivery Just in time for India's vibrant festive season, global marketing transformation company, VML, and Tirupati Edible Oils launch a heartwarming new campaign celebrating the joy of healthy living. Conceptualized by VML, the latest Healthy Wali Happiness campaign stars Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan, who embodies the brand's message of wholesome goodness. After winning the creative mandate for Tirupati Edible Oils in [April 2024], VML has been integral in building Tirupati Oils Healthy Wali Happiness platform. In this vibrant festive campaign Kareena Kapoor Khan brings to life the essence of festive joy, emphasizing that true happiness stems from prioritizing health and well-being through a series of engaging visuals and storytelling. The campaign, a testament to Tirupati Edible Oils' three decades of commitment to healthy living, highlights the importance of choosing the right edible oil for a well-rounded lifestyle. Shaileen Patel, General Manager, Business Development & Marcom at N K Proteins Pvt. Ltd. said Through Healthy Wali Happiness, Tirupati Edible Oils aspires to motivate families to make thoughtful decisions regarding their health and well-being, ensuring every festive occasion is truly special. We aim to highlight the intrinsic link between health and happiness, showcasing that a healthy family is indeed a happy family. Our continued association with Kareena Kapoor Khan as the brand ambassador only helps us to organically build our new proposition even stronger. Sameet Soni - ECD VML India, said We look forward to festivals, meeting friends, family and celebrations. However, if youre a foodie, you look forward to all the good food thats served during these festivals. We wanted to celebrate the foodie in each of us with Kareena as brand ambassador. Abhay Godbole, Vice President - VML India, said Tirupati Edible Oils has been a trusted name in the region, and with this campaign, were ready to elevate the brand to new heights in the competitive edible oil market. This campaign is more than just a celebration of colors, food, and festivals; its a celebration of the health and happiness that Tirupati Edible Oils brings to every meal. This festive season, Tirupati Edible Oils is not just part of the kitchenits the heart of Healthy Wali Happiness in every home. Also Read: Tirupati Edible Oils launches new festive campaign ft Kareena Kapoor Khan Logicloop, an ROI-focused digital marketing agency, has recently won the mandate for The Party Cafe(TPC), a brand division of Leo Ace Events Pvt. Ltd. envisaged by the founder of Party Cruisers Pvt. Ltd. which is one of the holding partners in Leo Ace Events Pvt. Ltd. Securing the position as the brands digital arm, further to a challenging multi-agency pitch, the brand has onboarded Logicloop to contribute and lead in its various marketing activities including performance marketing, social media management and SEO efforts. Commenting on the partnership, Mayank Vora, Co-Founder, Logicloop, shared, As we commence to work together with The Party Cafe team, we reflect on the leadership and learnings gained by the parent brand Party Cruisers Ltd. in over 3 decades and look forward to taking charge and building something in unison with their new team heading the new project. The parent company has been the pivotal reason behind innumerable celebrations and events across the length and breadth of the country and our team at Logicloop considers this collaboration with The Party Cafe to be a game changer in the events space, considering their all-in-one one-stop-solution for all event requirements from celebration rentals to diverse packages, and a plethora of services. Vora added, Logicloop is committed to the vision shared by the brand which is to help people dream big, about a grand celebration and execute it with no fuss, no stress and no running here and there. The solution to your every event need - be it for personal gatherings or corporate parties, whether on a small scale or large extent - is now going to be digital, and easy, just a few clicks away and you can rent out all event essentials from the comfort of your homes. Logicloop is excited for the journey envisioned by the brand. Our proven track record of scaling businesses over the years allows us to aim bigger for The Party Cafe and seamlessly align their digital initiatives with winning strategies and creative excellence, one step at a time! On the other hand, Ms. Mamta Minocha, CEO & Co-Founder of The Party Cafe shared, A new beginning for us indeed; we believe that this new chapter will empower the events and weddings business through technology and is here to make history in the events realm. For a revolution like this, we were keen on having a digital team that understands our purpose and motto behind bringing this vision into reality. We are glad to have found the right energy in the Logicloop team to match our ambitions for this project and accelerate the brands entry into its growth story thats to unfold in the years to come! Logicloop is focused on taking the brands proposition up a notch in the upcoming festive season. With its appointment as The Party Cafe(TPC)s digital partners, Logicloop has already begun its pre-launch efforts while the brand is yet to launch its website soon. Demonstrating a remarkable experience of measurable outcomes for its clients, Logicloops partnership with The Party Cafe(TPC) is focused on helping the brand navigate through the dynamic requirements and diverse paraphernalia of the events ecosystem with a first-mover advantage of being the go-to digital cafe for all event requirements. The agency's reputation has been nurtured based on its passion and commitment to make marketing on digital platforms a lot more predictable and less stressful for its clients, thus driving mutual success. At the heart of this association lies an amalgamation of core expertise: That of Party Cruisers Ltd. in the events domain and that of Logicloop in digital marketing. The team at Logicloop is poised to set a new benchmark in events marketing, leveraging various channels such as social media platforms, search engines and more, to connect with a wider audience, generating high engagement and conversions, ensuring maximum return on investment for the brand. The Party Cafe is the much-needed events marketplace - a newly launched business from the founder of the renowned Wedding and Event management company Party Cruisers Ltd., which is a 35-year-old NSE-listed legacy brand, crafting unforgettable memories and experiences with over 1,500+ projects to their credit so far. Events industry is undergoing enormous changes and significant transformations due to the ever-evolving perceptions and expectations of the customers. The Party Cafe meets the urgent need for streamlined event planning in urban India. As lifestyles accelerate, we offer a one-stop e-commerce platform providing comprehensive rental solutions for all event types. This platform is opening doors to ease and aims to convene the wedding and event planning process by making it more accessible and affordable for customers. It focuses on the need for a holistic solution to the complexities of planning celebrations. We are delighted to have Logicloop onboarded in this venture and have complete faith in their creative marketing approach to take our brand to new heights, shared Mr. Zuzer Lucknowala, Co-Founder, Party Cruisers Ltd. and Founder of The Party Cafe. Spearheading their launch phase on different platforms is indeed exhilarating for us. We are here to redefine their brand narrative with our experience, emotional resonance and expertise. Innovative storytelling is going to be at the core of our plan while blending functionality and aspiration in our communication and robust full-funnel marketing approach. We aspire to generate growing interest and high recall with our target audience, in turn solidifying The Party Cafes positioning of simplifying the event planning process for individuals and corporates alike, in todays landscape, through more and more meaningful ways, concluded Mr Vora, while acknowledging the huge potential in this fruitful partnership. Also Read: JSW appoints Shaurya Tyagi to lead Digital Marketing Navneet Education Limited successfully concluded its "Gyan ke Ganesha" campaign in honour of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, capturing the essence of knowledge, creativity, and community involvement. The campaign, which was conducted across 90 schools in Maharashtra, encouraged students to donate old books, which were then used to create a unique Ganesha idol. The initiative spanned Ten cities: Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Akola, Nanded, Dhule, Sangli, Solapur, Jalgaon, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Each city saw enthusiastic participation from schools, with students contributing their old books to this innovative and meaningful project. The school in each city that collected the most books was honoured with the Ganesha idol created from donated materials, symbolizing the fusion of knowledge and devotion. Navneets "Gyan ke Ganesha" campaign promoted environmental sustainability by repurposing old books and fostered a spirit of giving and community among students. The initiative was designed to instil the values of learning and sharing, resonating deeply with the festivals ethos. Devish Gala, Head of Branding at Navneet Education Limited, shared his thoughts on the initiative, "The 'Gyan ke Ganesha' campaign has been a testament to the power of collective effort and the significance of knowledge. By turning old books into a sacred idol, we wanted to convey the message that wisdom is eternal and can take many forms. The enthusiasm shown by the students and schools in embracing this concept has been truly inspiring. We are proud to have fostered a sense of responsibility and creativity in the young minds of Maharashtra, and we hope this initiative leaves a lasting impact on them." Suyash Lahoti, Partner LMN Communications shared, "As Navneets creative partner, we at LMN Communications were inspired to craft a campaign that truly embodies their commitment to knowledge. The 'Gyan ke Ganesha' initiative, where we transformed old Navneet books into Ganpati idols, perfectly depicts the shared value of knowledge between Lord Ganesha and Navneet, creating a deep emotional resonance with the audience." To further commemorate this unique celebration, Navneet Education Limited documented the entire idol-making process and the joyous moments of the festival. Omnicom Media Group's PHD has appointed Eileen Ooi as CEO for the Asia Pacific region. Ooi brings over 19 years of industry experience to her new role, having most recently served as CEO of OMG Malaysia. Before that, she spent four years as Managing Director of PHD Malaysia. This appointment highlights OMGs dedication to promoting talent from within its ranks, reflecting Oois exceptional ability to build businesses driven by strong client relationships and a commitment to fostering growth and innovation. During her tenure at OMG Malaysia, Ooi successfully transformed the agency, securing clients like CelcomDigi, Tyson Foods, and Vinda, while retaining key accounts such as HSBC, Beiersdorf, and Wipro Unza. The network also achieved its highest employee engagement scores. In her new role, Ooi will oversee PHD's operations across APAC, collaborating with many of the worlds leading brands, including Volkswagen Group, CHANEL, Diageo, and Singapore Airlines. She will report to Tony Harradine, CEO of Omnicom Media Group APAC, and Guy Marks, CEO of PHD Worldwide. As Oois successor is expected to be named in Q4, she will continue to serve as CEO of OMG Malaysia in the interim, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing progress. Tony Harradine, CEO of OMG Asia Pacific, praised Oois unique ability to identify strategic opportunities and effectively convert them into tangible results. He acknowledged her visionary leadership, which has significantly transformed OMG Malaysia, boosting both client and employee confidence to unprecedented levels. With her extensive experience and understanding of the business needs at both PHD and the group level, she is well-positioned to guide PHD Asia Pacific into a new era of growth, Harradine added. Guy Marks, CEO of PHD Worldwide, remarked, PHD promises our clients that we will help them outthink, outpace, and outgrow the market. He emphasized that Oois track record in driving growth for clients and the agency made her the ideal choice to ensure PHD APAC fulfills that promise. Shes a practitioner with an eye for detail, she moves at pace, and is a fierce collaboratorall qualities that make her an excellent partner to our clients in Asia Pacific. I am excited to work with her to bring PHDs new proposition, Intelligence. Connected. to life in the region, delivering a competitive advantage for our people and our clients, Marks stated. Also Read: PHDCCI announces change in leadership Suchismita Ganguli joins back McCann Mumbai as Executive Vice President Account Management. Suchi an MBA in Advertising & PR from the University of Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow, UK. She has over 20 years of experience in advertising, client side marketing and communication. She has worked with agencies like McCann, Publicis India, JWT, Enterprise Nexus.. She was till recently was Director of Marketing and Communication with Good Glam Group. At Good Glam she developed extensive experience in the D2C marketing ecosystem. Prasoon Joshi Chairman McCann Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO McCann Worldgroup India said Suchi comes with a range of experience, a keen eye for innovation and insights in the transformative digital space . Her joining the McCann fold will add a new dimension to our valued client relationships in our Mumbai operation. Suchi said McCann is not just an agency to me, it's an institution that builds iconic brands by making them relevant through time and winning hearts through effective creativity. Looking forward to home-coming and bringing in some bounce in offering hyper-bundled and effective business solutions for our key client relationships. Having gathered some rich learnings in brand building in D2C space and digital first marketing over my last stint as Director, Marketing and Communication at The Good Glamm Group; my aim will be to drive a culture of outcome-driven work that makes a tangible impact on the brands we partner with while also realizing the agencys creative aspirations. Also Read: FCB Ulka appoints Suchitra Gahlot as National Creative Director Tata Tea Gold, the largest selling packaged tea brand in West Bengal has launched its latest campaign, affectionately glorifying the nuances of Bengali culture. The campaign continues to celebrate the Bengali way of living and their no compromise attitude, especially when it comes to food and tea choices. The meticulous selection process and eye for detail, regarding their food choices, is a matter of great pride for the Bengalis and through this campaign, Tata Tea Gold continues to celebrate this uniquely Bengali cultural code, the khutkhute-ness, that is evident in everyday situations. The TVC, conceptualized by Mullen Lintas & created by veteran Bengali filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, is set in a quintessential Bengali environment, and portrays in an authentic yet humorous manner how discerning Bengalis are about their food, ensuring that everythingfrom the tiniest ingredient to the overall flavouris perfect (khutkhute-ness). This sentiment extends to their love for tea too making Tata Tea Gold the most preferred tea brand in West Bengal. The film opens in a train compartment, where a young man offers traditional Bengali kachoris with cholar dal to his fellow passengers, only for them to reject it due to the absence of shredded coconut in the dal. This attention to detail for food is echoed through various everyday scenarios. From selecting the perfect Gandhoraaj Lebu (lemon) to preparing the ideal aloo tarkari with luchis, and waiting for mustard sauce before enjoying a bite of fish fry, the film depicts that Bengalis take their food very seriously. The film then pans out to a woman asking for the aroma enriched tea leaves that would lend the taste buds a relishing flavour. Scanning through the loose tea to get the right flavour, the shopkeeper hands over the shiny gold pack of TATA Tea Gold, assuring her of a flavourful tea. It concludes with the characters enjoying a perfect cup of Tata Tea Gold, underlining the brand's promise of delivering a quality blend that satisfies even the most discerning palates. Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products, said, "Tata Tea Gold is the leading branded tea in West Bengal and we wanted to continue celebrating the West Bengal way of life by refreshing this core idea of a perfectionist mindset of Bengalis especially when it comes to their everyday food & beverage choices. This is very well expressed through this colloquial term of Khutt-khuteness and we have tried to capture this through situations that will be relatable to most Bengalis. Kishore Subramanian, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Mullen Lintas, added, In this latest campaign, Tata Tea Gold celebrates the deep cultural insight and pays homage to this perfectionist nature of every Bengali. Sharply crafted with quintessential Bengali wit and sarcasm, and beautifully brought alive by the inimitable Shoojit Sircar, this film is a true testament to the brand's stance of always being culture-first. From left, former Spring Branch ISD superintendent Duncan Klussmann, lead plaintiff's counsel Barry Abrams and U.S. Judge Sim Lake Ken Ellis illustration/Staff A lawsuit against Spring Branch ISD got its day in court Monday, after three years floating in the legal ether waiting for rulings from similar cases to play out. The suit, filed by parent and former two-time school board candidate Virginia Elizondo, alleged that the 33,000-student district is violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with its all at-large system of electing trustees. Elizondos attorney, Barry Abrams, argued that the at-large elections, meaning a voter in the district can vote for all seven trustee positions instead of one trustee who represents their neighborhood, systemically dilute the will of a large group of Spring Branchs Hispanic residents, most of whom live north of Interstate 10, which acts as a dividing line in the district. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Superintendent Jennifer Blaine was seated at the defense table Monday, represented by attorneys Charles Crawford and Lucas Henry. Crawford argued that there were holes in Abrams argument, namely that while many of the facts he cited may have been accurate, they were not a result of the at-large trustee system. Former Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Duncan Klussmann, whose critical editorial in the Houston Chronicle almost got his name removed from a district building earlier this year, testified Monday opposing the district. Looking back on his 19 years there, he said Spring Branch ISD should have eliminated the all at-large system. My view has always been that a hybrid system would work best, Klussmann said on the stand. Unless you do a single-member district, youre not going to get that level of representation because there are such differences across the district. About 56% of students in Spring Branch ISD come from families that are considered economically disadvantaged, according to the most recent state data. Still, the district is considered one of the most property wealthy in Texas, meaning it must return millions of dollars in property tax revenue to the state each year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Divided starkly by I-10, elementary schools on the north side have as high as 99% of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches, according to evidence presented Monday, while the south side hosts students from Memorial Villages and Piney Point, some of the wealthiest areas in Houston. Klussmann called it a tale of two cities. The Memorial Villages are not incorporated in the city of Houston, although they do share some services with the city. Abrams argued that there has always been a history of segregation and racism dating back to when slave owners settled the Memorial neighborhood in the early 1800s. He also argued that the amount of campuses with a large majority of Hispanic students is reminiscent of Mexican schools that were once the status quo in the state until about 1960. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The districts counsel, however, argued that much of the history referenced by the plaintiff should be considered the long past, and therefore not history that would be relevant to the districts current system of elections. The results of this case, which could still take weeks to receive after the trials closing arguments are heard, could set a precedent for Voting Rights Act cases between private citizens and school districts during a time when similar cases are cropping up left and right. Earlier this year, Dallas-based law firm Brewer Storefront started an initiative to influence more Texas school districts to consider geographic representation systems, and in the process has already brought litigation. The firm is representing a plaintiff who sued Angleton ISD, a small district south of the Houston area, in June for violating the Voting Rights Act, and a former teacher who sued Humble ISD, on the northeast side of Houston, alleging the same violations in May. Proceedings on Day 1 Inequality was the word of the day Monday. Inequality between north and south. Inequality of resources. Inequality of Parent Teacher Association fundraising, of bond fund dispersal, of auditorium construction, of lived experiences at home, access to college and graduation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plaintiff painted a picture of the district that on some level cant be argued. The district looks different on the north side than it does on the south. But the defense argued that the issues this presents in the school district would not necessarily be solved by changing the election system. As it stands, district leadership does not believe that they have to use a single-member district system if voter suppression is not occurring, and they do not believe that it is. The plaintiff, however, feels differently. Abrams pointed to the districts recent budget cuts as an example of why not having a Hispanic-voter preferred candidate on the board could disproportionately affect the Hispanic community. There is currently a Hispanic trustee on the board, John Perez, but he was preferred by white and not Hispanic voters during his election, according to the plaintiffs analysis. Abrams said that the districts decision to close two campuses on the north side and end the SKY program, an in-district charter school partnership also affecting north side campuses that had gotten increasingly costly to maintain, showed a lack of concern for the Hispanic residents there. Abrams also presented evidence detailing that in the more affluent areas north of I-10, where concentrations of white residents live, many students were zoned to schools south of I-10 instead of those above the freeway. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The defense countered that more spending had occurred in recent years per-student at economically disadvantaged campuses than others in the district, and that the economically disadvantaged campuses have been improving, even if they still fall below the performance standard set by other campuses. Throughout Klussmanns 19 years in the district, the majority of trustees elected lived in the areas south of I-10, and all were white, he said. He and Abrams pointed out that the location of the voting precincts had changed. Between 2012 and 2022, there have only been seven voting precincts in the district, and none were located in proximity to the highest concentration of minority voters. Only one witness was able to take the stand Monday; U.S. District Judge Sim Lake, who is presiding over the case, adjourned while Klussmann was being cross-examined by the defense team, saying he needed time to digest the information presented before hearing more. Hesitation from the judge Lake didnt give much sign as to which way he might be leaning, but he did say in a docket call with the two attorneys last year that the plaintiff had a very strong case. In that call transcription, Lake asked Abrams and Crawford why they had not settled the case, and said he was surprised that they had not, given that there could clearly be at least one Hispanic majority voting district drawn, consisting of a 52% majority. Crawfords response was that the district did not want to settle because its an all-or-nothing proposition. You either have the at-large system or you dont my client prefers an at-large system, according to the calls transcription. Lake responded with a challenge. But look at their statistics, he said. If you followed roughly by voting district, youd still have six districts that Anglos could easily win in you would lose one district. The judge said he felt that based on the documents presented, it would make a lot of sense, instead of running up huge amounts of attorneys fees and ultimately having the court decide a remedy if you all could sit down and agree. In the 11 months since that call, the defense has had time to prepare for the trial that was called this September due to a critical illness of one of the plaintiffs expert witnesses, according to Spring Branch ISDs website, and to argue against the strong case. Crawfords main points in his opening argument was that with the low voter turnout among the Hispanic population in the district, a single-member district election would not necessarily guarantee the plaintiffs aims, and that with cross-candidate voting among white populations, meaning that some white residents voted with the Hispanic-voter preferred candidate, he argued it could not be considered a voting bloc of white constituents that was systemically diluting the Hispanic vote. Crawford and his team have four more days to make that point, along with arguing that Elizondo could have tried to get a petition in place signed by 15% of the voters that would have forced the district to consider placing the item on the ballot as a referendum. Its a line of defense that has not yet been argued in a trial on this subject in a school district, Crawford admitted upon questioning from the judge. Abrams said that would mean utilizing the very system Elizondo believes is suppressing the Hispanic vote to change it. For Elizondo it was a moot point, he said. The BrandEdge 3.0 event, presented by the Public Relations Society of India, Kolkata chapter, held on August 17, 2024, took place in ITC Sonar, in Kolkata. It was a splendid event focussing on the message "Brand growth leveraging technology" and the Bengal To Nation Awards, which came out to be a huge success as creative agencies, marketing professionals, business leaders, industry analysts, and consultants across the country were gathered. Teamology PR, being one of the leading marketing agencies, not only led this event through a dynamic campaign of strategic social media engagement and captivating visuals but also sponsored the event, further demonstrating its commitment to the industry. The firm used data-driven insights to create targeted campaigns that resonated with diverse audiences and achieved desired results. Teamology's social media campaign for the BrandEdge 3.0 event was a groundbreaking success, achieving 980k views, a 98.6% increase in page traffic, and a 233.3% growth in new followers. The team's relentless effort to shoot engaging reels and capture the essence of the event started a fire in terms of engagement on social media, reaching 366,000 users, thereby expanding BrandEdge 3.0's online community and attracting new sponsors. By using creative storytelling and strategic precision, Teamology succeeded in amplifying the event's impact and positioned BrandEdge 3.0 as one of the most important events in the industry, reaching an audience of over 6.4 million. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India; Alokananda Roy, renowned actor and social reformer; and Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, the legendary Santoor legend, at the award show, which aimed to acknowledge the achievements of individuals who have made a significant impact on the nation. The presence of these distinguished guests multiplied the pride of the event, and their encouraging and appreciative talk inspired both awardees and the audience. The BrandEdge 3.0 event has once again proved itself as a premier platform for empowering success and excellence. The Teamology marketing campaign for the BrandEdge 3.0 event was a demonstration of talent in digital engagement that tremendously elevated the platform's status in the industry. It implements advanced social media strategies by analyzing data and distributing focused content, resulting in a dynamic and engaging digital footprint. This strategic execution raised the platform status, made BrandEdge 3.0 an avant-garde event for the industry, and facilitated an online community. Campaign success is an indication of the skills of Teamology in implementing intense marketing concepts that deliver large-scale results. These innovative methods and strategic presentations put BrandEdge 3.0 in the mainstream; it became one of the sources for the exchange of novelty, professional practice, and networking. The BrandEdge 3.0 2024, comprising the Bengal To Nation Awards and Big Brand Conference, was made possible through the support and sponsorship of leading organisations, including prominent brands and industry leaders. The event's resounding success can be directly attributed to the innovative and targeted marketing campaigns crafted by Teamology. This had effectively spread the online presence of the event, thus driving further traffic and visibility. The mix of such efforts made possible the creation of a dynamic platform where leading professionals from the industry, leaders, and trailblazing innovators would come to contribute, connect, and celebrate extraordinary achievements in branding and marketing. Teamology has been one of the major driving forces for the success of the BrandEdge 3.0 event, again proving itself to be among the best result-orientated marketing agencies. The team carved out a dynamic campaign that would leverage social media platforms in a manner that brought much-needed visibility and engagement to it. With the ever-changing landscape of event marketing, brands are now seeking agencies that offer more than just visibility; they demand partners that drive engagement, boost conversions, and leave a lasting impact. Teamology has responded to these demands by harnessing the power of data-driven insights and creative strategies, aiming to deliver a tailored and results-orientated approach that takes brands to the next level. TVS Capital Funds (TCF), a leading growth private equity firm with a history of empowering India's next- generation entrepreneurs, has announced the appointment of Chandrasekar V (Chandra) as Partner, Research. Chandra brings with him over two decades of rich experience from McKinsey & Company, where he specialised in building, transforming, and leading at-scale high-performance research teams. In his new role at TCF, Chandra will focus on enhancing the firms research capabilities, driving data-driven insights, and supporting the strategic decision-making process across the firms investing activities. Chandra has spearheaded one of McKinseys largest research teams, guiding comprehensive research initiatives across various sectors and geographies. His leadership extended to talent management, client engagement, and operational excellence, ensuring the teams alignment with McKinseys global objectives. Additionally, as a knowledge specialist in the TMT sector, Chandra brought deep technical expertise, advising McKinsey teams worldwide. At McKinsey, Chandra led the establishment and growth of the Client Capabilities Hubs in Chennai and Bangalore, which now comprise close to 300 professionals, including analysts, data scientists, and solution builders. In this role, he set the long-term strategic direction, encouraged cross-team innovation, and ensured the hubs relevance and impact in serving global clients. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of TVS Capital Funds, commented on the appointment: Chandras extensive background in building and leading high-performance team leadership and innovation aligns perfectly with our strategic goals. His insights and experience will be instrumental as we continue to back entrepreneurs building Indias future. Also Read: TVS Apache invents customer engagement with anamorphic display Federal Mint Swissmint Bern, 10.09.2024 - On 12 September 2024, the Federal Mint Swissmint will launch the 20-franc silver coin entitled "Switzerland" in honour of the country becoming a federal state in 1848. The limited-edition special coin will go on sale on Switzerland's unofficial birthday. Swissmint produces exclusive limited-edition collector coins under the name "Swiss special coins". The Switzerland special coin commemorates the proclamation of Switzerland as a federal state on 12 September 1848 and celebrates Switzerland's unofficial birthday. The coin highlights the history of Switzerland and recalls the modern Swiss Federal Constitution, which came into force in 1848. The coin issue honours this event and is intended to show the importance of the federal structure, which is crucial for Switzerland's innovative strength, dialogue and national cohesion. The special coins bring our country's history and memories to life The 20g "Switzerland" silver special coin features typically Swiss motifs on the obverse and reflects the history and culture of our country. "With this coin, we want to offer every Swiss citizen and all visitors a souvenir of Switzerland," explains Jan Niklas Betz, Deputy General Manager and Head of Marketing/Sales at Swissmint. The reverse bears all the cantonal coats of arms, with Switzerland in the centre. This special coin has a face value of CHF 20 and will be available for purchase from 12 September. 7,500 coins in uncirculated quality, 4,800 coins in proof quality and an additional 200 coins with an artist's certificate will be issued. Each special coin is a miniature work of art The Federal Mint Swissmint produces Swiss franc coins on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. These have been created in the heart of Switzerland since 1855, and in the popular Kirchenfeld district of Bern since 1906. Since 1936, Swissmint has also minted special coins to commemorate important historical and cultural events and to honour prominent figures. Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art in a unique tradition of artistry and craftsmanship. The Federal Constitution of 1848 The Federal Constitution of 1848 laid the foundations for the modern Swiss federal state. It replaced the confederation of cantons and marked the unofficial birth of the Swiss state on 12 September 1848. The Federal Assembly was designated as the supreme power for the first time and established the basis of today's state structure. Federal Mint Swissmint The Federal Mint Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment transactions. It also regularly issues circulation and special coins of particular quality for the numismatic market. Special coins in bimetal, silver or gold bear an official, state-guaranteed, face value and are available in various minting qualities. Address for enquiries media@swissmint.ch Publisher Federal Mint Swissmint https://www.swissmint.ch/swissmint/en/home.html Bengal Governor Asks CM to Communicate All Cabinet Decisions Under Article 167 2 West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to comply with Article 167(c) of the Indian Constitution by informing Raj Bhavan of all decisions made by the state cabinet. This request comes in the wake of the public outcry following the gruesome rape and murder of a woman doctor at Kolkatas R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital. A statement from the Governors office, issued Monday night, emphasized that under Article 167, it is the Chief Ministers duty to provide the Governor with details of all cabinet decisions relating to the states administration and any proposed legislation. The statement also reminded the Chief Minister that updates should be provided on matters discussed by the cabinet, especially when a ministers decision was not taken into consideration by the cabinet. The Governors office criticised the state administration and law enforcement, stating that public perception had condemned their actions in this case. The statement outlined several concerns, including misinformation given to the victims parents, alleged tampering of the crime scene, delays in filing the FIR, and the hasty disposal of the body despite the parents request for more time. Furthermore, it noted that the transfer and reappointment of the Principal of the hospital raised suspicions about the states intentions, as did the Kolkata Polices alleged attempts to cover up the crime scene tampering. The statement added that civil society and the courts had strongly reprimanded the law enforcement agencies for their handling of the case, particularly regarding the events following the discovery of the victims body. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara Denies Lobbying for CM Post Amid Rumors 2 Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed the rumors of senior Congress leaders lobbying in New Delhi for the position of Chief Minister. Speaking on Tuesday, Parameshwara clarified that he was not involved in any efforts to claim the top post. Responding to media reports, Parameshwara mentioned that Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, was in New Delhi for department-related work, and he himself would only visit the capital for matters concerning the Home Department. I am not lobbying for the CMs post, Parameshwara asserted, calling discussions around the position unnecessary. He refuted claims that his visit to New Delhi was part of any campaign for the Chief Ministership. Regarding reports that senior Congress leaders had written to the party high command, asking for a gag order on discussions about a change of leadership, Parameshwara stated that he had repeatedly emphasized the pointlessness of such talks. Interestingly, Parameshwara had previously remarked that he would not refuse the offer of chief ministership, but he reiterated that he was not actively seeking the position. Comments on NIA Charge Sheet When asked about the NIA charge sheet in the Rameshwaram cafe bomb blast case, which indicated plans to target the BJP office in Bengaluru, Parameshwara confirmed that the investigation was being conducted by the NIA. He acknowledged the mention of such plans in the charge sheet but said he was not familiar with all its details. Regarding information disclosed in the charge sheet about the Renukaswamy murder case, which involved jailed Kannada superstar Darshan, Parameshwara noted that charge sheets are public documents, and it is natural for information to be revealed once they are submitted to the court. He added that the court would base its decisions on the evidence, not on public statements. Maha BJP Chief Bawankule Son's Car Involved in Multiple-Vehicle Collision in Nagpur 2 In a troubling incident that unfolded in Nagpurs Ramdaspeth area on Monday, a luxury car registered to Sanket Bawankule, son of Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, was involved in a series of collisions with multiple vehicles. According to the Sitabuldi police, the accident involved two cars and a two-wheeler, leading to minor injuries for the passengers. The police promptly registered a case of rash driving against the cars driver, Arjun Haware, and a passenger, Ronit Chintanwar. Both individuals are now under investigation. The vehicle, a white Audi, was reportedly speeding when it hit several vehicles, causing widespread alarm in the area. Investigation Begins Amid Political Tension Following the accident, Chandrashekhar Bawankule addressed the media, acknowledging that the car was indeed registered in his sons name. He assured the public that an impartial investigation would take place and stressed that political connections should not influence the outcome of the probe. Bawankule emphasized that justice must be served fairly for all citizens, irrespective of their social or political standing. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress has added fuel to the controversy by releasing a video accusing the government of attempting a cover-up. They have raised concerns about whether law enforcement applies the same rules to all or only targets common citizens. The political undercurrents surrounding the case have heightened public interest in the ongoing investigation. Police Pursue Leads, Driver Arrested and Released on Bail Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rahul Madane revealed that the collision took place at around 12:30 am on September 9. The luxury vehicle was traveling through Nagpurs Ramdaspeth area when it hit several vehicles in quick succession. Medical samples from the cars occupants, including Sanket Bawankule, have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further analysis, and the results are awaited. Arjun Haware, the cars driver, was arrested shortly after the incident but was later released on bail. His passenger, Ronit Chintanwar, was also questioned by police. Initial reports suggest that the Audi first collided with a car driven by Jitendra Sonkamble and then struck a moped, injuring two riders. The vehicle continued its erratic course, hitting other cars before being brought to a stop near Mankapur bridge. Political Fallout and Public Scrutiny As the investigation progresses, the involvement of the Bawankule family has drawn considerable attention from both the media and the public. The Maharashtra Congress is demanding answers and has been vocal in accusing the BJP of using its influence to suppress the case. The Congress video questioning the impartiality of the investigation has gone viral, further fueling speculation and debate. On the other hand, the BJP leadership has refrained from commenting further, stating that they will allow the investigation to take its course. Despite political pressure and public scrutiny, the police have assured that they will continue to investigate the case thoroughly and hold all parties accountable. With the forensic results still pending, the case remains a point of contention in Maharashtras political landscape. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant ramifications for the individuals involved and the political parties vying for public trust. Rahul Gandhi in US: Fight in India Is About Religious Freedom and Regional Identities 2 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a strong statement during his visit to the United States, claiming that the real struggle in India is not about politics but about protecting religious freedom and preserving regional identities. Speaking to members of the Indian community in Virginia, he emphasized the importance of diversity in India, specifically mentioning the rights of religious and linguistic minorities. Gandhi questioned whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or visit a Gurdwara in India, or if a Tamilian would be allowed to speak in his native language. His remarks were directed at highlighting the ongoing battle for preserving the cultural and religious rights of various communities across India. The fight is about whether a Sikh is allowed to wear his turban, or a Tamilian can speak his language. Its not just a political issueits about religious freedom and cultural identity, Gandhi said, addressing the crowd. He went on to argue that the struggle is about defending Indias diversity, which includes its rich history, languages, and traditions. Gandhi also took a direct swipe at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing the organization of promoting an ideology that certain states, languages, and religions are inferior to others. He expressed his belief that Indias strength lies in its diversity and urged people to recognize the importance of preserving it. What the RSS is saying is that some states, languages, and religions are inferior to others. This is what the fight is about. Whether you are from Punjab, Tamil Nadu, or Haryana, your history, language, and tradition are crucial. We must protect this diversity, he added. Gandhi continued his attack by stating that the RSS and its affiliates misunderstand Indias history and fail to appreciate the significance of regional and religious diversity. He stressed that Indias future should be one where people are free to believe, speak, and listen to what they choose, rather than one where a select few dictate the rules. The Congress leaders remarks come at a time when debates over cultural and religious freedoms are intensifying in India, with accusations against various political groups for stifling diversity. Arrested | Image : Representative Three men have been arrested in Nalasopara, Palghar district, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 30-year-old woman, police officials have confirmed. The accused, identified as Narendra Morya (31), Prakash Singh (26), and Panchraj Singh (35), were taken into custody following a police investigation. The suspects were produced in court, where the judge ordered their police custody for five days. The Achole Police registered the case based on the womans complaint, invoking sections 64, 70(1), and 351(2) of the BNS. An official from Achole Police Station stated, A case of gang rape has emerged in the Nalasopara area. Based on the victims complaint, a case was registered against three men, and they have been arrested. Further investigation is ongoing. Francine strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds on Tuesday night in the Gulf of Mexico on its way to an anticipated Wednesday landfall in Louisiana, where hurricane warnings are in effect. Tropical storm warnings have also been extended eastward on Tuesday and now include the Alabama coast. Francine could bring 5 to 10 feet of storm surge and 4 to 8 inches of rain to parts of Louisiana as well as damaging winds, according to the hurricane center. Areas inland could also get copious amounts of rain. Alabamas coastal areas are expecting to see gusty winds, rough seas and a high risk of rip currents as the storm moves closer. Forecasters were also growing more concerned about the potential for tornadoes. Areas farther north in Alabama could get several inches of rain and gusty winds, and forecasters will also be on the lookout for tornadoes as rain bands move onshore and the storm moves inland on Wednesday and Thursday. The windows of a raised historic house are boarded up as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Francine along the Louisiana coast on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Lafitte, La. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP)AP As of 10 p.m. CDT Tuesday, Hurricane Francine was located about 295 miles southwest of Morgan City, La., and was moving to the northeast at 10 mph. Francine had winds of 75 mph late Tuesday, making it a low-end Category 1 hurricane. The hurricane centers updated intensity forecast now shows Francine peaking with 90 mph winds before making landfall. Francine is expected to quickly weaken once inland. The hurricane center said a faster northeastward motion is expected tonight and Wednesday. Francine is anticipated to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday afternoon or evening. Here are the watches and warnings as of late Tuesday for Francine: * A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from Cameron, La., to the Mississippi/Alabama Border; Vermilion Bay; Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain. * A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from the Vermilion/Cameron Line eastward to Grand Isle. * A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from the Mississippi/Alabama Border to the Alabama/Florida Border and Mobile Bay. * A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. * A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast east of Sabine Pass to Vermilion/Cameron Line; from east of Grand Isle, La., to the Alabama/Florida border; Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. The hurricane center said 5 to 10 feet of storm surge will be possible in the warning area along the coast. The forecast for surge has increased for the Alabama coast; now 2 to 4 feet will be possible in that area as well as Mobile Bay. Five to 10 feet of storm surge will be possible in parts of Louisiana, and 2 to 4 feet along the Alabama coast including Mobile Bay.NHC In addition to that there could be 4 to 8 inches of rain and damaging winds. Tornadoes will also be possible in Louisiana where Francines rain bands move onshore. Francine is the fourth hurricane of 2024 in the Atlantic. The others were Beryl (Category 5), Debby (Category 1) and Ernesto (Category 2). Sept. 10 marks the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which will end on Nov. 30. A Mobile man won a family trip to Hawaii and other prizes after eating at Chipotle for 1,000 consecutive days, a quest he documented on social media for hundreds of thousands of followers. Dillon Wareham shared his 1,000th day of Chipotle on Instagram and TikTok on Monday. He went with his standard order: A burrito bowl with double chicken, white rice, easy on the salsa, lots of cheese, a little lettuce and a side of guacamole. Not much else about the meal was routine, however. According to Chipotle, the company held a celebration at the Mobile store at Airport Boulevard and Schillinger Road, covering meals for his friends and family. According to the company he also received an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii for him and his family as well as several branded gifts. My family and I will be headed to Hawaii first thing tomorrow morning, Wareham told his viewers. About a month ago, Wareham also received something hed been coveting for more than three years: One of the chains famed VIP cards, also known as a celebrity card or a burrito card. According to the terms of a recent giveaway contest, cardholders can use the card to claim one free meal per day for a year. Speaking to AL.com around his 500th consecutive day, Wareham said that hed had to overcome a few challenges along the way. The biggest was when his family went on a cruise and he had to sneak a few days worth of Chipotle bowls on board in his luggage. Im a very determined person, said Wareham. RELATED: This Alabama man has eaten Chipotle nearly 500 days in a row and hes nowhere near done U.S. Border Patrol agents interact with Haitian immigrants on the bank of the Rio Grande in Del Rio, Texas, on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, as seen from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. John Moore, HO / TNS First, it was the childless cat ladies that were an issue for Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Now, he says its immigrants in Ohio who are draining social services and eating cats. Its not only beyond weird, its a lie. And now even down-ballot Republicans in Houston are starting to repeat it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad City officials in Springfield, Ohio, have debunked stories about immigrants, particularly Haitians, abducting and eating pets. According to the Washington Post, Vances baseless assertion that immigrants are hurting animals in Springfield is linked to a viral Facebook post claiming that someones neighbors daughters friend found her lost cat hanging from a branch at a Haitians home. Police in Springfield have told the media that there are no reports of pets being stolen or eaten in the city. But the rumor has been echoed by Elon Musk on X, who cited unnamed reports claiming that people in the town west of Columbus have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz tweeted a graphic with kittens that said, Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. Houston Republican U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt tweeted: We cannot allow our pets to become a hot lunch for Kamalas newcomers. On X, the Trump War Room said Donald Trump, if elected will deport migrants who eat pets. Kamala Harris will send them to your town next. Make your choice, America. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters in the spin room after a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Matt Rourke/Associated Press As weve seen in politics, immigrants are often easy targets for such ridiculousness. If you say the lie enough times, some people think its true. Unfortunately, theres a contingent of folks who believe immigrants are taking jobs from Americans, committing a majority of the crimes, and now killing and eating pets. In 2024, were still dealing with this type of ignorance, said Harry Jean-Baptiste, vice president of Houston Haitians United, a community organization focused on promoting education, advocacy, and cultural pride within the Haitian community. Jean-Baptiste, moved to Houston from Boston in 2022. There are so many ignorant viewpoints about immigrants, and its disrespectful. In Houston, there are about 30,000 people of Haitian descent, but the only full-service Haitian restaurant closed in 2023. Jean-Baptiste said there are about seven Haitian churches and a small offering of food-hall businesses. Were still trying to organize ourselves in Houston, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In June, the Biden administration announced it would protect from deportation more than 300,000 Haitians and allow them to work in the country. According to the New York Times, the Biden administration has used temporary protected status over the past few years to protect hundreds of thousands of migrants, including from countries run by oppressive regimes such as Venezuela, Afghanistan and Haiti. Haitians, in particular, are granted asylum at the lowest rate of any nationality, according to an analysis of data by the Associated Press. Between 2018 and 2021, only 4.62% of Haitian asylum seekers were granted asylum by the U.S. the lowest rate among 84 groups for whom data is available. Asylum seekers from the Dominican Republic have a similarly low rate of 5.11%. Both countries are majority Black, and among the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. By comparison, four of the five top U.S. asylum applicants are from Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. Their acceptance rates range from 6.21% to 14.12%. I do think when it comes to immigrants who are Black there is a disproportionate negative treatment treatment compared with Latinx immigrants, Jean-Baptiste said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2021, images of a Border Patrol officer on horseback appearing to whip Haitian immigrants who were trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico went viral and enraged advocacy groups. By September 2021, around 15,000 Haitian migrants had crossed the Rio Grande and were concentrated in an encampment underneath the international bridge. The Houston Chronicle covered their migration through the treacherous Darien Gap. According to the laws of gravity, what goes up must come down. Karma laws say what goes around comes around. The solar position to Saturn indicates that in both cases, its the timeframe that provides the variable that keeps things interesting. This week sees you sending more fascinating, unique, warm and loving energy into the world. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Enlightenment by definition cant be heavy. Chances are whats good for your spirits wont involve serious lectures, convoluted language, precious hierarchy or a mess of rules. It might be as natural as a laugh. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It is futile to rage against human nature. For all its imperfect (or nonexistent) logic, and rules inconstant as they are inane, perhaps its most peculiar quality is that it tends to prevail. For this reason, it will be better to work with yours than fight it. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You might be right, but youll benefit from doubt anyway. Try and debunk your own theories just to see how sound they are. Youll avoid arrogance, and therefore the fall that usually comes to those who forget to wonder if theyre wrong. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Not every debt should be immediately paid back. When people give because they need to contribute, it can cheapen the experience to reciprocate directly with anything other than gratitude. Consider paying it forward instead. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Even as the master of your fate and the captain of your soul, none can change the facts of certain circumstances. You recognize the complexity of your standing and try not to judge what others do with the lot they were given. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are sensitive to the energy of the unseen world. Youll experience a psychic tug from someone with a need so intangible that neither of you will figure out what it is until its actually fulfilled. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Fantasies are like a gym for your creative mind, giving it a way to move freely, stretch out and lift exciting ideas to the light of conception. When you let yourself be limitless in that realm, you give yourself more to work with in this one. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You really want to understand someones choices. Knowing why they did what they did might not change how you feel, but it will help you process your emotions so you can move on and grow from here. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Since the person you want to be is actually who you are now with a few different skills and habits, theres no need for self-rejection, only care and guidance toward the most effective way to tackle your aims. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Youll be touched with the gift of cosmic clarity. Youll focus on the one area of life that, when cleaned up, will favorably affect every other area. Furthermore, youll understand just what you need to do about it. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Maybe your circumstance isnt exactly optimal, but whose is? You wont waste time comparing because you cant possibly know the inside of anyone elses situation. You will instead brainstorm improvements to your own scene. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Youve committed to one thing, but for whatever reason, your mind is now protesting with the most interesting excuses. Dont give it too much room to protest. Fulfill your obligation. Right makes might. TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Sept. 10). This year, your relationships get increasingly aligned with the person you want to be. Your personal life will resonate with more support, galvanizing you to do your best work in the world. More highlights: Family brings a lively whirl of plot twists, milestones and celebrations. It will be easier than ever to fulfill your health and fitness goals. Gemini and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 2, 22, 18 and 1. CELEBRITY PROFILES: Colin Firth suggests, I dont think you can ever be a perfectionist in a world thats imperfect. But Virgos usually give it the good college try, as evidenced in Firths case by Oscar-winning performances, spot-on accents and fluency in several languages. Firth is a Virgo with natal Venus in Libra, suggesting that he is, like so many of the characters he plays, charming, loyal and driven by principles of love and justice. Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. Less than a week after a Sylacauga City Council meeting ended early following questions from residents about Haitian immigration, the council met again Monday to give residents another chance to ask them. Council President Tiffany Nix said the council was meeting in a regular budget work session, but they wanted to answer questions as a courtesy because of the number of questions, as the council was not scheduled to meet in regular session for another two weeks. Nix brought the previous meeting to a close after only 20 minutes when several residents asked questions about how the city knew workers coming there were legal immigrants, who had determined this, and what effect they were having on crime and housing and city services. Nix explained she stopped the meeting because she felt it was becoming a little aggressive. So its my job not only to protect myself but everybody else, she said. See also: Haitian immigrants fleeing unrest and facing exploitation find Alabama is the best place to live Questions were submitted in writing to the council. However, council members said they have very limited information from state and federal officials about the number of Haitians who have come to the area. I know there are a lot of things that have been going around social media, and its really just hearsay, Nix said. Sylacauga, like Athens and Albertville, has seen controversy on social media related to Haitian immigration, which some residents are blaming for crime, scarce housing, and overcrowded schools. The rhetoric is similar to issues in Ohio, which Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance referenced yesterday, using a discredited story dealing with Haitians eating pets. One Sylacauga resident wanted to know if money had been set aside for interpreters in next years budget, for law enforcement, first responders, hospitals or schools. With these newfound friends of ours, we need to find a way that we can at least interpret their needs, the resident asked. And undoubtedly, we dont have the money to, so I suggest that we reach out to our government officials - at the higher end - who keep shipping these people here to us, not only to fund them to be here, but to fund us fiscally to be able to interpret what their needs may be. Interim Police Chief Rondell Muse said police have tried unsuccessfully to use Google Translate to communicate with some people in Creole. Instead, the department contacted the Haitian consulate in Atlanta and got the situation taken care of. Another officer is using an online language learning app, he said. A school official said at the meeting that they have encountered one additional student who needs English language interpretation this year out of three new arrivals. Two others speak a language the system can accommodate. The meeting also dealt with routine community issues, such as neighborhood safety during Halloween trick-or-treating. One unexpected moment came late in the session when Nix read the question, Who is John Galt? I dont know, Nix said, looking around, perplexed. Does anybody know who John Galt is? The resident who submitted the question spoke up. Its great literature. I recommend anybody read Atlas Shrugged. A 1,168-page 1957 novel by Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged begins with the question, Who is John Galt? The phrase deals with a character in the book, but also symbolizes despair or indifference at the bureaucratic power of government institutions, according to some interpretations. A capital murder defendant accused last year of killing Dustin Grimes and kidnapping Grimes wife in a Lawrence County home invasion claims he suffered from a mental defect at the time and last week asked a judge for a mental evaluation, a request that was granted Friday. Jordan Cesar Hernandez, 36, was apprehended Nov. 5, the day after the alleged home invasion, after leading multiple law enforcement agencies in a chase before crashing his vehicle east of Calvary Assembly of God, off Alabama 20, according to the Decatur Police Department. Police said Hernandez shot a firearm at pursuing vehicles. Grimes wife was allegedly kidnapped during the home invasion before later escaping while being forced to withdraw money from an ATM, according to testimony from a Lawrence County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) investigator at a preliminary hearing last year for Auburn Renee Moore of New Hope. Moore, 36, and Asia Schontelle Hubbard, 27, of Decatur, are charged with murder, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree robbery for their alleged roles in the home invasion. Moore shared an open-marriage relationship with Grimes and his wife, according to testimony. On Wednesday, Hernandez moved the court for a mental and/or psychiatric evaluation through his attorney, Tony Hughes. At the time of the incident and/or days leading up to the alleged incident, the Defendant ... labored under a mental disease and/or defect, the motion reads. Thus, the Defendant ... did not understand and/or appreciate the consequences of the alleged criminal conduct against him. Circuit Judge Callie Waldrep granted the motion Friday and ordered Hernandez to be examined by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Once complete, the examining psychiatrist or psychologist will submit a written report to the court. Our team is working to explore every avenue in our defense to these allegations made against Mr. Hernandez, said Hughes in an email. This motion is part of our determination to explore each and every aspect of this case. In August, Hernandez moved the court to compel prosecutors to disclose any deals, promises or inducements made with any witnesses or informants. Alabama law specifically requires the State to provide the defense any evidence of a promise of leniency toward or a benefit to a witness or someone known to the witness (such as a spouse), the motion reads. Waldrep granted the request. Also in August, Hernandez moved the court to compel prosecutors to disclose records related to the grand jury who indicted him. Hernandez expects to challenge his indictment on a number of grounds relating to the propriety of the grand jury proceedings, including the racial and gender composition of the grand jury and race and gender discrimination in the selection of the grand jury foreperson, the motion reads. In a response motion, District Attorney Errek Jett said no transcript or recording of the grand jury proceedings was created but provided the names of grand jury members to the defense. Undersigned notes for the record that contacting these grand jury members and inquiring about the presentation of the evidence may be in conflict with the laws of the State of Alabama and the Rules of Professional Responsibility, Jett wrote. Hernandez remained in the Colbert County Jail on Monday without bond. He was transferred there from the Lawrence County Jail in July after he was allegedly assaulted by two inmates. Grimes father, Mickey Grimes, was also an inmate at the Lawrence County Jail at the time of Hernandezs alleged assault. Moore and Hubbard Moore livestreamed her arrest by the Morgan County Sheriffs Office SWAT team from a house in Decatur the evening of Nov. 4. She remained in the Lawrence County Jail on Monday with no bond. Moores case was bound over to a grand jury in December, according to court records. On Friday, no indictment appeared for Moore in the court system; however, her attorney on Aug. 21 filed a motion to set bond wherein he indicated Moore was indicted by a June grand jury session. Waldrep denied the motion on Aug. 26, indicating bonds for all charges were set in Moores indictment. Moore is also facing criminal charges in Madison County. She was indicted by a Madison County grand jury in July on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree theft stemming from an alleged incident in October 2022. She is accused of stealing thousands of dollars, several firearms, prescription medication and other items from a man. For her alleged role in Grimes death, Hubbard was not arrested until June 18 following a grand jury indictment. Her bond was set at $130,000, according to court records, and she was released from jail on June 21. She has pleaded not guilty. In June, the father one of Hubbards children was granted sole custody of the child, according to a custody decree issued by Waldrep. According to the decree, Hubbard refused to cooperate with the Department of Human Resources to visit the child, had numerous no-shows for drug screens, tested positive for drugs on more than one occasion, and behaved erratically. It is clear that the child is not safe in her care, and the paternal families are not safe to supervise visits between her and her children, Waldrep wrote. Hubbard was permitted to have two hours per week of supervised visits at a secure visitation center. On Aug. 29, Hubbard petitioned the court to find the father in contempt, claiming he has refused to cooperate with her to set up child visitation. Waldrep set the matter for a Dec. 9 hearing. david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438. ___ (c)2024 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. An inmate in Tallapoosa County Detention Center died of a fentanyl overdose due to negligence, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court, and the employees at the jail then covered it up. A preventable death occurred because of the failures and shortcomings of a jail staff to do even the bare minimum, the lawsuit states. Alex Gray, an inmate at the county jail in Dadeville, with a known drug addiction, died of an overdose on May 28 of 2022 after being placed in a cell with another inmate who gave him fentanyl. Grays cellmate was not thoroughly searched before being put in Grays cell, the lawsuit alleges. Jail staff then left Gray unconscious, failing to administer Narcan, call 911 and or give CPR for over four hours after his overdose, the suit states, at which point intervention was too late. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in July by Grays mother, Connie Michelle Gray, alleges that Tallapoosa Sheriff Jimmy Abbett and his staff concocted a story after Grays death, notifying medical staff at a hospital that he had had a heart attack and had slumped over. The Sheriff eventually came clean when he realized video would clearly show that inmate was given and ingested fentanyl. An attorney for the sheriff and for the county did not respond to a request for comment. Sheriff Abbett declined to comment for this article. Sheriff Abbett is entitled to Qualified Immunity as to federal claims asserted against him in his individual capacity, states the defendants motion to dismiss, filed in July. The lawsuit lists the sheriff, the county, jail administrator Al Wilson, jail nurse Geni Abernathy and three other correctional officers who are not named because the plaintiff has not been able to obtain their names, according to the suit. They want justice for him because this is something that could have easily been prevented, said the attorney for Gray, Martin Weinberg, about Grays family. Gray was arrested on April 18, 2022, for breaking and entering a vehicle, assault, burglary and resisting arrest, according to court records. The suit alleges jail staff knew Gray well and were familiar with his medical history, including serious head trauma from a car accident. On May 28, Myles Carter Mitchell Kellum was brought into the jail and put in Grays cell. According to the suit, Kellum had fentanyl with him that had not been taken because he was not searched or strip searched. Within a short time of being in the cell, Kellum provided a substance to Alex Joseph Gray which Gray ingested becoming unresponsive and ultimately hours later transported to the local hospital for medical attention, the suit states. Kellum, who was indicted for felony murder and other charges related to Grays death, in June of 2024 pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance in relation to Grays death. He was sentenced to 12 months for the homicide charge and 96 months for the distribution charge. Both sentences will run concurrent to the other. Alex Gray headstoneGray family That evening, on May 28 of 2022, Gray was taken to Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville. According to the suit, medical records from the hospital show Sheriff Abbett told medical workers that video footage showed Gray had sat down and collapsed and that when officers arrived, he had no pulse. The suit says the sheriff also told medical workers that the officers gave CPR immediately. The suit alleges the sheriff knowingly concealed Grays overdose, preventing timely treatment. In order to treat a drug overdose properly, medical personnel must have knowledge that something was ingested, when it was ingested and early signs of distress once ingested, the suit states. Gray was then transported by helicopter from Dadeville to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. According to the suit, when Gray arrived at the medical center in Opelika, the sheriff or one of his staff said the video showed Gray ingesting something, later determined to be fentanyl. Gray died in Opelika several days later on June 2. The lawsuit claims Gray should have been isolated in a medical cell and checked on every 15 to 30 minutes due to his mental health issues. The suit alleges that if Gray had been checked on, jail staff could have saved his life with Narcan. According to the suit, another inmate recently died at the Tallapoosa jail. In 2019, an elderly female inmate died while she was being booked into the jail. The Freedom From Religion Foundation says an Etowah County school teacher is misusing her position by displaying Bible verses in class. The Wisconsin-based organization sent a letter to Etowah County Superintendent Alan Cosby on Friday, saying the teacher at Glencoe High School, whose name was redacted, writes a Bible verse on her whiteboard each day. She recently posted a video to TikTok showing this, according to the group. The foundation said it learned of the practice from a concerned District community member. The FFRF last year accused the same school system of soliciting religious organizations to proselytize and attempt(ing) to convert its students in exchange for donations. Attempts to reach Etowah County Schools for comment were not immediately successful. The foundation contends that publicly posting a Bible verse displays favoritism toward religion, and particularly toward Christianity. The practice also alienates students who are religiously unaffiliated, the foundation stated. The district violates the Constitution when it allows its schools to display religious messages, including bible verses, FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line stated in a letter to Cosby. The foundation is calling on the district to end the practice, as well as train teachers to understand their constitutional obligation not to promote their personal religious beliefs in the classroom. Foundation Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said religious decisions should be made by individual families. By proselytizing students, this teacher is showing that shes willing to put her personal beliefs which public school students may not share before the rights of students and her constitutional obligations, Gaylor said. It is not a public school teachers decision as to what, if any, gods their students worship. The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday voted to pull all business licenses for The Quest Club, an LGBTQ bar that has been open since 1982, after a heated hearing discussing safety measures since a double homicide at the bar in May. Attorneys for The Quest said after the hearing that they would ask for a temporary restraining order to keep the bar open. Don Sparks, owner of The Quest for more than five years, got in a heated confrontation with City Council member J.T. Moore during the hearing. Sparks said lax gun laws were to blame. You can buy a gun and carry it, but you cant buy a pack of cigarettes, he said. I believe that you all are very unserious about this situation, Moore said. Your establishment is a serious hazard. People take a risk every time they step inside it that they will possibly be killed. Richard Mauk, attorney for the Quest, said it generates more than $83,000 in sales tax revenue annually for the city. What is the cost of a life? Moore said. Yall do not deserve to be open. Birmingham Police Sgt. Kenneth Knight told the council that Birmingham police had been called to The Quest 109 times in the past year, and 44 times in the past six months, including the double homicide in May. On Tuesday morning, two police officers stopped by the club to check security and there was no one screening for guns at the door as the club had agreed to as a safety measure, he said. The safety of patrons is not being taken seriously, Knight said. There was a breakdown this morning, Mauk said. Moore said he visited the club on Aug. 16 and there was no security screening taking place. Mauk noted the historical role of the bar as a gathering place for the LGBTQ community and for supporting LGBTQ events including Pride month. The club is an integral part of the LGBTQ community, Mauk said. I know how important The Quest has been in the past, said council member Valerie Abbott. Its not going to be important in the future if it becomes so dangerous that people dont go. Moore said the club served as an important gathering place for the LGBTQ community in Birmingham, but that it was no longer safe. You should be a good steward in making sure you protect that legacy, Moore said. It is a shame that a place like this is going to have to go away because you all were negligent in being able to create the safety that people need. The grandfather of the 14-year-old Georgia school shooting suspect blamed the teens home life and father for creating an environment that led to last weeks violence that left two teachers and two students dead. Charles Polhamus, speaking to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday, said he largely blamed his grandsons father, Colin Gray, following Wednesdays deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. His grandson, Colt Gray, has been charged with four counts of felony murder. Prosecutors say more charges are forthcoming. Me personally, I totally blame the father, said Polhamus, whose daughter is Colt Grays mother. He just as well shot these people as far as Im concerned. Because I dont particularly think my grandson would have been the way he was except the environment that he lived in. Colin Gray, 54, was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children on Sept. 5, a day after four people were shot to death and nine injured. These charges stem from Mr. Gray knowingly allowing his son, Colt, to possess a weapon, GBI Director Chris Hosey said during a news conference announcing the charges. Warrants obtained Monday indicate Colin Gray was charged with two counts of second-degree murder relating to the death of students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14. He faces the involuntary manslaughter counts stemming from the deaths of teachers Ricky Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie, and the two students. The warrants allege Colin Gray provided his son a gun with knowledge that he was a threat to himself and others. Polhamus said he is not trying to absolve his grandson. Im damn sure not sugarcoating anything, Polhamus said They both need to pay a full price. Polhamus and his family have lived in Fitzgerald in Ben Hill County for at least four decades. Its where Marcee Gray, Colts mother, grew up. She has a criminal history dating back 17 years. Marcee Gray, 43, has faced prosecution in Barrow, Fulton and Forsyth counties, accused of domestic violence, drug possession, property damage and traffic violations. She has also faced civil fraud claims related to a vehicle purchase and was in jail in Ben Hill County as recently as April, according to publicly available court filings. Marcee Gray was granted a $5,700 bond on April 12 in Ben Hill County, where she was charged with aggravated battery of a 73-year-old woman, theft, false imprisonment, criminal trespass and failure to appear. A warrant reviewed by the AJC on Monday said the woman she allegedly harmed last November at the familys home in Fitzgerald was Deborah Polhamus, her mother. The warrant alleges that Gray taped her mothers hands and feet to a chair and prevented her from leaving the home. Charles Polhamus spoke to the AJC from the steps of his familys South Georgia home, which sits in a pine-shaded neighborhood. The end of the family driveway bears a novelty street sign: God-It-Made Blvd. Charles Polhamus is known in the community as an accomplished pole-vaulter who competed nationally. At age 40, he tried to make the 1984 U.S. Olympic team that competed in Los Angeles, but he did not make the team. Hes known for having taught local students and young people the sport for years. His family has been thrust into the national media spotlight since Wednesdays shooting. Its certainly been hard on the whole family, he said, adding that My faith is the only thing that keeps me from going off the deep end. And (my faith) doesnt make me any better than anybody else. But it will let me and my family survive. Polhamus said he believes the environment his grandson grew up in is what caused him to lash out. (Home) environment affects everybody, he said. And it affects children and it affects families. We live in a society now that doesnt teach respect and responsibility. We just dont. I hate it. He told the AJC hes been bombarded by reporters seeking interviews and hes done talking to the press about the shooting. I really cant do this now, he said. Ive done 20 of these (interviews) and really dont want to do any more. Its bad enough what Im going through. Its bad for everybody. Its not just bad for my daughter. ________ 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A former state corrections officer has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to take illegal drugs into a prison. Henry Guice Jr., 46, was sentenced to more than six years in prison, according to a Tuesday announcement by Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson. Guice served as a correctional officer at Staton Correctional Facility and resigned from the ADOC in 2023 after being charged with trafficking a controlled substance, second-degree promoting prison contraband, and use of position for personal gain. His arrest yielded approximately 145.8 gross grams of a crystal like substance which was later identified at methamphetamine. According to court records and court testimony, an ADOC officer and his canine conducted a sniff search of all vehicles in the parking lot of Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County. The dog alerted on Guices vehicle, who was working inside the facility at the time. ADOC officials summoned Guice from his post and conducted a search of the vehicle. Investigators found three bags of suspected methamphetamine inside Guices car and two additional bags in his pockets. Drug laboratory analysis confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine. During his plea hearing in May of this year, Guice admitted that he possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the illegal drug and that he conspired with another individual for that purpose. A federal grand jury also indicted 48-year-old Brad Elliot Gordon, who was an inmate at Staton in June 2023, for his alleged role in the conspiracy. Gordons trial is scheduled for February 3, 2025. The DEA and the ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark E. Andreu prosecuted. First Lady Jill Biden is scheduled to visit Alabama Friday to spotlight a new childrens program. Biden, along with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, will visit Montgomerys Maxwell Air Force Base. The focus of the event is a new universal pre-kindergarten program being implemented at Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. The program is component of Joining Forces, a White House initiative supporting military families, veterans, caregivers and survivors. Biden and Austin are expected to deliver remarks on the program, which the Biden-Harris Administration hopes will lead to universal pre-K education in non-military schools. Jill Biden visited Birmingham in 2021. Austin, a native of Mobile, is an Auburn University graduate as well as a former trustee of the school. News of Austins visit comes after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is blocking the nomination of Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark that would promote him to four-star commander of the U.S. Army Pacific force, based on Tubervilles concerns about the secrecy surrounding Austins hospitalization last year following cancer surgery, according to the Washington Post. The culture wars over libraries and the debates over appropriate content on the bookshelves came to the Mobile City Council for the first time on Tuesday and were met with a rebuttal from one council member who questioned whether the Bible should be among those banned. Councilman William Carroll, after listening to concerns from a representative of the conservative Eagle Forum about some of the books on the shelves at public libraries, said critics need to be careful about what youre asking for, and then referred to content within the Bible that might warrant censorship. In the Bible, you can find prostitution, adultery, fornication, wars, said Carroll. Men with lower extremities removed. When we talk about information in books, lets be careful about what youre asking for. It sounds like some of us would want the Bible taken out of the library. That would be extremely suggestive, but it could happen if we start (censoring and/or banning books). Book queries Carrolls comments were in response to comments by Melissa Gates of the Eagle Forum. Gates, during the public comment section of the councils weekly meeting, questioned the groups role in restricting the titles displayed at Mobiles libraries. Council members do not have authority to pull book titles from libraries, but they are charged with appointing library board members. The council is also set to approve its fiscal year 2025 budget next week, which contains an $8.2 million appropriation to the citys library system. I know you have no control over choosing the books, Gates said. But the buck stops with you all because you are funding (the libraries). Those library books are funded by our taxpayer money. She was joined in her concerns with Toni Keener, who submitted a list of books that she found within Mobiles libraries that she believes contains objectionable content for children and the public. Keener also said a magazine displayed within the libraries is filled with political, racial and social divisions on every page. The City Council approves the funding, and you write a check with no oversight, she said. I assume there is no auditing. These books are still hitting the libraries. Censorships Carroll said he was concerned about the overall approach. (The effort to censor or ban book) takes us back to a time when we are burning books and burning information and what did we call that period of time? Carroll said. Book banning and censorship has long occurred in the world, notably in the 17th century when community leaders banned books challenging Puritan beliefs. Many historians point to Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin as the first book in the U.S. to experience a national ban after the Confederacy barred the book from stores for its pro-abolitionist agenda and because it raised debates about slavery. It makes me think we are at a point in time in life and the world in how we are living that we have gotten so subjective on what we think we want people to see, learn and understand, Carroll said. Its gotten to the point where so many people are so far to the right and left in how we are thinking as opposed to what were truly out to do. Carroll then pointed to his cell phone, adding, Information is information. You can pick up a cell phone, hit the Internet and get more information than we would ever get out of a library. I get sometimes confused by this. We are in an information age. The information you are talking about ... can easily be gotten from a simple tap on the Internet on the phone. Bible bans People gather during a rally Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. Bible-toting parents and Republican lawmakers convened on Utah's Capitol to protest a suburban school district that announced it had removed the Bible from some schools last week. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)AP The arrival of the culture war over libraries to Mobile comes at a time in which there continues to be a conservative pushback against LGBTQ titles and those that focus on themes of race and racism within libraries. According to PEN America, a nonprofit that examines free expression and the advancement of literature, 37% of banned books in other states had characters of colors or themes of race and racism, while 36% had LGBTQ+ themes. But few debates in Alabama have involved the Bible, even though the book has been an unlikely subject caught up in the crosshairs of the library battles in other states. The Bibles scrutiny has been at the forefront of the recent disputes in Florida, including in nearby Escambia County where the school system reconsidered removing The Bible from its school shelves. Over 1,600 of book bans took place in Escambia County Public Schools, the Pensacola-based district with the most bans nationwide, according to PEN America. According to a complaint form, the Bible was challenged because it promotes sexism, sex, violence, genocide, slavery, rape, and bestiality. Includes examples of eating children. Causes Religious Trauma Syndrome. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law more than two years ago that allowed parents to object to educational materials. The new law prompted South Florida activist Chaz Stevens to begin circulating petitions to public school superintendents across the state asking for the immediately removal of the Bible from the classroom, library and any instructional material. The efforts by Stevens paid off. He was cited by DeSantis as one of the culprits for a tweak in the 2022 law that was approved earlier this year in which people complaining about books within a school district but who do not have students attending that district were limited one challenge per month. Other states have taken up Bible challenges: Whats next? Mobile City Councilman Ben Reynolds speaks during the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala. Seated next to him is Mobile City Councilman Cory Penn. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). A controversy about the Bible aside, the issue of restricting library content in Mobile is a new issue brought to the council and it was unclear to some members what was being asked of them. Councilman Ben Reynolds said the list of questionable books he was presented with on Tuesday included some of the book titles that have been pushed back against in cities across Alabama, but he was unsure what Gates was asking the Mobile elected officials to do with it. I have more questions than answers, he said after the council meeting. What are you asking for? I dont care for the grandstanding that goes with the issue. We are policy makers. What policy are you asking us to implement? Reynolds said he is not interested in defunding the library system, adding that he and his family are frequent attendees of the Mobile Public Library System. He also noted that it would take a supermajority of five of seven council members to remove funding from the library system, something that seems unlikely ahead of an expected vote on the budget next week that includes the annual spending plan for the citys libraries. Reynolds said the solutions to the concerns seem reasonably simple to address, which could include relocating certain book titles to other places within the library. The Mobile Library System, in a lengthy statement after the meeting, said the group follows an established and transparent process for reviewing any material challenges. The process also allows for thoughtful evaluation while respecting the diverse perspectives and values of our community, the statement reads. The library also encouraged the public to engage with the library system through appropriate channels, including attending Library Board meetings and submitting formal requests and reconsideration materials. We are aware of the concerns raised at the recent Mobile City Council meeting regarding certain books in our collection, the statement reads. The library acknowledges the right of all community members to express their views on library materials, and we take these concerns seriously. As a public institution, we uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and ensure that all materials in our collection meet established selection criteria, including literary merit, educational value, and alignment with community interests. The statement also says, Our commitment remains to serve the community with fairness, inclusivity, and respect for all viewpoints. The Mobile Public Library will continue to provide a broad range of books and resources, allowing individuals and families to make informed decisions that align with their personal values. Audience members attend an Ozark - Dale County Library board meeting Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Ozark, Ala. (Alabama Reflector Photo by Stew Milne)Alabama Reflector Photo by Stew Milne In Alabama, the controversy over libraries have mostly played out before packed council and library board meetings in smaller and more conservative cities and counties where critics have been able to push out library directors and library board members. The controversies have also resonated with Republican leaders in the state, including Gov. Kay Ivey, who warned earlier this year that funding could be rolled back from libraries whose bookshelves might be contain inappropriate material that draws the critics. State lawmakers continue to roll out legislation that increases regulations on libraries and librarians. Few of the battles have occurred in the larger, and more diverse cities in Alabama like Birmingham and Montgomery. Mobile is a majority Black city that, until recently, had two LGBTQ liaisons. When controveries have occurred, embarrassment ensued. The most notable incident occurred when the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, while using Clean Up Alabamas list as a basis for a mandatory review to get ahead of potential book challenges, had its branch managers include keywords like lesbian and gay to search for questionable titles. The effort came up with 233 potentially inappropriate books. Read Me a Story, Stella, a childrens book by Canadian author Marie-Louise Gay, found its way onto that list because of the authors last name, and that sparked national headlines and jokes on late-night talk shows. Months later, LeVar Burton, the longtime Reading Rainbow host, mentioned the snafu in Banned Book Rainbow, a parody sketch on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Don Pettit from NASA is pictured in his Sokol launch and entry suit during crew qualification exams at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Credit: GCTC/Roscosmos Don Pettit misses outer space. He's spent over a year of his life in space, having completed three trips to the International Space Station. But that most recent trip ended over a decade ago in 2013. Now Pettit, despite being NASA's oldest active astronaut at 69 years old, is set to return to his old galactic home: the International Space Station. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I feel like the equivalent of a cowboy that should be out on the range riding a horse," Pettit said in August. "It's nice to be getting back on the horse and going out in the range again." Pettit is flying on Soyuz MS-26 to the space station with Roscosmos cosmonauts Aleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner with a launch scheduled for Wednesday out of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The crew is currently scheduled to lift off at 11:13 a.m. and dock on the space station at 2:33 p.m. It is an experienced crew. Ovchinin, the mission's commander, will be on the space station for the third time. Vagner is on his second spaceflight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Then there is Pettit, who first flew to the International Space Station in November 2002. "I'm really excited about returning to station," Pettit said. "I plan to tackle the mission work as scheduled, and then in off-duty time, we can look out the window and I could work on some of my photography. I'm really looking forward to getting back to station and doing this mission with the cadre of crew that I'm going to be on station with." The trio are expected to spend about six months on the station. Pettit enters the mission having spent more than 370 days in space, according to NASA. His first mission in space was extended by about three months after the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster. His second mission was a short 16-day jaunt to the space station that included expanding the living quarters on the station. The third mission lasted a little over six months before Pettit returned to Earth on July 1, 2013. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That's about 4,090 straight days of living on Earth without returning to the open range of outer space. He said he talked to some crew members who told him the space station is cleaner and has better tools than it did a decade ago. Pettit highlighted an experiment on Janus particles, which he described as particles that act like synthetic stem cells, as one he is looking forward to working on. Pettit is also excited to shoot photographs while on the space station. He is an avid and well-regarded astrophotographer due to photos he's taken on previous trips. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is an opinion cartoon. Sign up for JD Crowes newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to JDs weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam. Why is America the only nation that is persistently ravaged by rampant mass shootings? Because of the oh-so easy access to guns. Its easier to buy guns than it is to buy sinus medicine in this country. AR-15 style weapons, the gun of choice for mass shooters like the Georgia kid, should be banned - as they were for 10 years. During the Federal Assault Weapons Ban from 1994-2004, gun violence remained an issue, but mass shootings went down significantly. After the ban timed out in 2004, mass shootings escalated with a vengeance. And here we are. There are a number of things to blame for out-of-control gun violence. We should work to find solutions for all contributors. But the root problem in America is easy access to guns. The answer from the NRA/GOP is always more guns. The tragedy in Georgia is especially maddening. The 14-year-old kid begged for help for his mental issues. Instead, his dad gave him an AR-15 for Christmas. The majority of Americans favor better gun laws, including universal background checks and a federal ban on semiautomatic assault weapons and bump stocks. From Mike Casons AL.com story: Every year, Democrats in the Alabama Legislature propose bills they say will help reduce gun violence, and 2025 will be no exception, with four already in the pipeline and a fifth being pushed by a sheriff. Related: These proposed gun control measures face strong opposition in the 2025 Alabama legislative session - al.com See also: Montgomery requires photo IDs for carrying concealed guns on person or in vehicles See also: Are Alabama schools safe? How to find safety rules, talk to students after Apalachee shooting - al.com This young man, little boy in Georgia, was equipped by his father, said Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham. He equipped this young man to go out and be a killer. Givan has pre-filed a bill, HB13, that would make it a felony to sell or give an assault-style weapon to a person under 18. It would also be a felony for a person under 18 to possess an assault-style weapon. Other bills pre-filed for next year would ban devices that help semi-automatic firearms fire more like automatic guns - bump stocks and Glock switches. Givans bill carries a definition of assault weapon that covers many semi-automatic rifles and handguns. HB23 by Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, D-Montgomery, would require a person to have a permit to carry an assault-style weapon on their person or in their vehicle. Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said she is working with Republican lawmakers for a bill intended to help keep guns off school campuses. Although no bill has been pre-filed, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch has said he is gathering information to see if there can be an effort to change the permitless carry law to require youths under age 21 to purchase a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Shout out to my friend Ferrell Anders for inspiring this Fact of death toon. Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is blocking the nomination of Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark that would promote him to four-star commander of the U.S. Army Pacific force, based on Tubervilles concerns about the secrecy surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins hospitalization, according to the Washington Post. Clark is a senior military assistant to Austin, who was hospitalized in January for complications from prostate surgery. Some lawmakers called for Austin -- a native of Mobile -- to resign for not initially sharing information about his medical condition. Austin said a wider circle of people, including President Joe Biden, should have been notified. Sen. Tuberville has concerns about Lt. Gen. Clarks actions during Secretary Austins hospitalization, a spokesperson for Tuberville confirmed in an email to AL.com. Lt. Gen. Clark knew that Sec. Austin was incapacitated and did not tell the Commander in Chief. As a senior commissioned officer, Lt. Gen. Clarks oath requires him to notify POTUS when the chain of command is compromised. Sen. Tuberville is waiting to see the forthcoming IG (inspector general) report. Clark, 58, was Austins senior military assistant on Dec. 22, when the defense secretary underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Austin was then admitted a week later to intensive care after he developed severe complications from the procedure. Austin, 71, was hospitalized for about two weeks and diagnosed with infections in his urinary tract and bladder. Clark and other senior members of Austins staff did not know about his cancer diagnosis and surgery until he was in intensive care on Jan. 2, and then withheld that information from Biden and senior White House officials for two more days once they were made aware, the Post said. The Pentagon disclosed Austins hospitalization to Congress and the American public on Jan. 5, three days after his top aides learned about it. The secrecy angered lawmakers from both political parties, who said the defense secretarys decision showed a lack of judgment. Tuberville in 2023 blocked the promotions of more than 400 senior military officers over a Pentagon policy granting leave and travel cost reimbursement to troops who need to travel to obtain reproductive health care, including abortions. He eventually dropped his hold under immense pressure from members of both parties. This is an opinion column. People sometimes ask me to name the best political leaders from Alabama, and I respond with some joke: The bar is low. But its not really a joke. Youre pretty much automatically top tier in these parts if you dont get indicted like three of our last five governors, a string of sheriffs, numerous legislators , a House speaker, mayors, a prosecutor, and enough Jefferson County Commissioners to make an ex-con quorum . If you look at the incarceration rate of politicians in this state it makes you wonder why they dont do more to prevent extortion, sexual assault and murder in Alabama prisons. Usually they do better at looking after their own self interest. Then again, most prosecutions of corrupt public officials came when Alabama had an attorney general more interested in doing that than traipsing about the country in search of hot-button issues to prove his party loyalty . So its hard to answer the question of who Alabamas best political leaders are or have been. Perhaps the real question is What makes a good political leader? In Alabama these days, and in most of America, it is less about leadership qualities than it is about party loyalty, about proving street cred to people who look and sound and think like you. Voters will accept dishonesty, waste, oafishness, inanity and insanity, bad manners, even high crimes and misdemeanors, from those who will stick it to the other side. So all the qualities Id use to grade a political leader have somehow become negatives. Voters dont seem to reward reasonableness, honesty, effectiveness, decorum, conscientiousness, individuality, ability to compromise, having a moral compass, self awareness, or an understanding of history Subscribe to John's free, weekly newsletter: In your inbox every Tuesday morning. By signing up, you agree to our user agreement and privacy policy I guess the bar really is low. Because these qualities make the best leaders, but they dont get people elected anymore: Representation: The best leaders dont just work for their party or their base. They understand representation means standing for all constituents. Of course representation also means they dont do dumb things to embarrass themselves, or us. Reasonableness: They have beliefs and stand by them, but know this is freaking America. Others are free to believe different things and still claim title to the human race. Openness: They understand government is of the people, and not to be kept from people. They explain their positions, their decisions, their aims and reasoning in public. They understand answering questions is a prerequisite, and transparency is a duty of government. Leadership: They listen to others but understand the buck stops with them. They do not let business interests, political cronies or operatives run the show. Trust: You dont have to tell us everything, but dont lie. Tight-fisted: They are careful with our money, our property and our people. Integrity and ethics: Its not just about not getting caught. Duty: They understand it is not just a job, but an obligation. Elected leaders in America are not kings. They are public servants. Effectiveness: Pave the streets, bring home the bacon, pass effective laws and perhaps most importantly dont pass laws that hurt people, that limit their rights, put them at a disadvantage or separate them from the American dream. So who in Alabama has stood for all those things? Probably nobody. But some tried. I believe Ryan deGraffenried Sr. would have succeeded if he had not died in a plane crash on the campaign trail in 1966. He might have been the moderating force we needed in a turbulent time. I disagreed with Sen. Richard Shelby on a lot of things, but he represented us with dignity, broke with the pack at times and darn sure brought home the bacon. Sen. Doug Jones didnt get enough time to really make his mark, but he was reasonable and ethical and certainly did not embarrass us like his successor has done. Ill throw former Mayor Richard Arrington in there, too. He was under intense scrutiny as Birminghams first black mayor. But he was reasonable, open to any question, and I never caught him in a lie. Im sure there are more good politicians at the local, state and national level. Carl Elliott comes to mind. Too often, though, they fall victim to the mobs, and the money, and the power, and forget who they wanted to be. So the bar may be low. But there is still a bar. John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner. The wingtip of a Delta Air Lines aircraft struck the tail of another Delta plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Tuesday morning. There were passengers on board both planes, but no injuries are reported at this time, according to Hartsfield-Jackson and Delta. A Delta Airbus A350 was taxiing for departure at the Atlanta airport when its wingtip struck the tail of a Delta Connection regional jet, according to preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration. A post on social media from the incident appeared to show the tail of one plane was badly damaged. The FAA said it will investigate the incident, which occurred at about 10:07 a.m. The A350 was Delta Flight 295, a flight to Tokyo, according to FAA. The Delta Connection aircraft was a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air as Flight 5526 to Lafayette, Louisiana. The CRJ-900 was on an adjacent taxiway when it was hit by the A350. The collision damaged the wing of the A350 and the tail of the regional jet, according to Delta. Passengers on one aircraft are being taken by bus to Concourse B, while the other aircraft taxied to a gate. The airport said there is minimal impact to its operations. There were 221 passengers on the A350 and 56 passengers on the CRJ-900. Delta said the passengers will be placed on other flights. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the incident. Delta is cooperating with the NTSB and other authorities on this incident, the airline said. Meteorologist Jason Adams at WFTS in Tampa posted on X that while taxiing out for a flight, another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bags, he wrote. Were fine. No fire or smoke. This is a developing story. More details to come. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A DeKalb County man pleaded guilty today to two counts of attempted murder for stabbing his elderly parents. District Attorney Summer McWhorter Summerford said Ballard B.B. Eugene Pennington, Jr., was sentenced to life in prison by Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor. We are thankful that justice was served in this case, Summerford said. Individuals deserve to be safe in their own homes and from their own family members. We are so thankful that both victims survived this attack. We hope, with this resolution, they never have to face this type of violence again. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. Pennington was arrested Jan. 7 when deputies were called to a home in the Rainsville area. A deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office encountered Pennington walking down the road close to the residence with blood on his hands. According to Summerford, Pennington told the deputy, I think I killed my mom and dad. Penningtons parents had been stabbed multiple times each and had life-threatening injuries. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stanna Guice. Huntsville police say a 15-year-old male has been charged with capital murder in connection with a Sept. 3 fatal shooting. Police said the teen will be charged with capital murder and two counts of first-degree assault. The male, whose name was not released, was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Cocoa Beach, Fla., on Monday, Sept. 9 after disembarking from a cruise ship, police said. Information on extradition is not available at this time. Last week, Torres Juelz McCray, 16, was charged with capital murder for the killing of Phillip Wayne Fletcher. Police said at the time that other arrests were expected. According to court documents, McCray used a semi-automatic AR styled assault pistol in the shooting that left one person dead and two others wounded. The shooting happened on Max Luther Drive at 4:40 p.m. last Tuesday, according to police. An officer reportedly responded to Huntsville Hospital after three gunshot victims arrived for treatment. One of the victims, Fletcher, died at the hospital. Another was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the shooting involved juveniles in two vehicles on Max Luther Drive, just west of Washington Street. Investigators believe a dispute between the juveniles that began before Tuesday led to the incident. Just prior to the shooting, the victims were followed from the area of Blue Spring Road and Sparkman Drive to Max Luther Drive, when the incident happened. Officers dispatched to the scene recovered ballistic evidence. Less than two hours later, police found the vehicle suspected in the incident. The two juvenile occupants were detained and interviewed. McCray was charged with capital murder and the other was released, police said. It cant actually be said that either the Butler assassination attempt or Joes bugout upended the 2024 campaign. That had already largely occurred by the second week of July. Every last effort against Donald Trump by the progressive establishment and their Deep State and bureaucratic allies had collapsed by that point. The lawfare campaign miscarried completely, generating sympathy for Trump and anger against his tormentors. The Supreme Courts decision in Trump V. United States put an end to that chapter and cleared the way for Donald Trumps next move. Judge Aileen Cannons dismissal of Jack Smiths demented records case is simply icing on the cake. (Even though Jack, fulfilling Santayanas second great quote, refused to accept it.) Bidens debate performance if thats the word Im groping for -- brought the situation into focus in a manner not often seen in politics. What most of us have known for some time that SloJoe cant be relied on to safely use a crosswalk, much less run a country landed before the public with reverberations echoing across the country. The fate of the Basement President was already clear. The historical wrong of 2020 was going to be righted by the most definitive means the voters. Then came the Butler shooting. What the shooting did was put the seal on the most stunning political comeback in the historical record. With that attack, and in particular his undaunted response, Trump stepped from history into legend. The image of Trump with his fist held high while the flag flaps above him is a vision for the ages. This event will be recounted as long as there is a United States, and nothing can diminish it. Trump is no longer an outcast. He is a mythic figure. He is the Little Tailor beating all comers, no matter how overwhelming or terrible. He is Aeneas, Yojimbo, the Man with No Name, returned from exile scarred and battered but even more implacable on reaching his goal. This performance by Trump is absolutely astonishing. No other visible political figure could have pulled off anything to match it. Targeted by virtually the entire American establishment, Trump has outlasted them all. Others subjected to much less severe ordeals have collapsed and been swept off the public stage. (Who has heard from Scott Walker lately?) But Trump stands, if anything, more popular and acclaimed than ever before. It is an achievement out of ancient myth. Trump will have earned his place in the historical record for this effort alone. The ascension of Kamala as combination messiah and girlygirl BFF has pushed the needle of this dynamic not one iota. A single obstacle stands between Trump and victory. Thats electoral cheating. By now, there is little question that massive cheating occurred in 2020. To deny it is an admission that youre either a Democrat or a writer for NRO. Even Brad Raffensperger, the Worlds Most Flexible Republican, admitted at last that there was something funny going on, by gosh and by golly long after it was too late to do anything about it. Nobody debates this fact. Trumps worst enemies simply change the subject or insist that investigations have disproven it. (They havent -- there were never any official investigations. These claims are based on recounts of already tainted ballots.) Unofficial inquiries such as those carried out by True the Vote and recounted in 2000 Mules tell a much different story. We hear claims that a stolen election is inevitable -- that the fix is in, that nothing can stop it, that nothing has changed, the GOP made no effort to prevent it. This is merely an expression of standard conservative defeatism. It would have been nice if this hadnt transferred itself to populist conservatism, but that may have been too much to hope for. In truth, plenty has been done. Nearly 500* laws reforming electoral procedures have been passed nationwide. The threat these pose to the Dems can be gauged by the fact that the deeply corrupt, Democrat-dominated Supreme Courts of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have set aside two such laws passed by state legislatures, dealing respectively with drop boxes and absentee ballots. As for the GOP, since Lara Trump has taken over the RNC, she has concentrated much of her efforts on programs intended to stop and expose electoral cheating at all levels. To this, we can add America PAC, Elon Musks tech-centered superPAC, which has pledged to earmark large amounts to combat electoral fraud. Over the past two weeks, Texas AG Ken Paxton has begun several initiatives into assuring an honest vote (no wonder they tried to railroad him). The Supreme Court restored an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship for voters. In Pennsylvania, the courts have banned the practice of curing ballots fixing up ineligible ballots after the have arrived. (Its true that California has banned all forms of voter ID, but hey, thats Cali. Were lucky they didnt appoint Charley Manson election commissioner.) One thing we know about 2020 is that mail-in ballots played the major role. Its often forgotten that Donald Trump had won the election by the time the polls closed. It wasnt until late in the evening when GOP poll workers were sent home, the windows were blocked, and the cops called in to finger their pistols and glare at poll watchers that the absentee ballots started appearing from the 8th dimension, where SloJoe Biden is the most popular man in the historical record, and threw the election to the Dems. Before the election, with COVID acting as an excuse, a mammoth effort occurred in a number of swing states to liberalize the rules governing absentee and mail-in ballots - actually, abolish is probably the more accurate term. The window for mail-ins was expanded, checks of signatures, addresses, and so on were set aside, disqualifying errors were to be ignored, and in some cases mail-ins postmarked after the election were counted. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf spearheaded this effort, expanding mail-in ballots while illegally ignoring the fact that election laws were the legislatures responsibility. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Phil Murphy of New Jersey did much the same. In all, 28 states changed their laws to assure a larger role for mail-in ballots. So what about 2024? One thing we can be sure of is that the Dems and their various allies and financiers will not hesitate to use the same methods. They may well have done so in 2022. Will the new laws and GOP efforts be enough to forestall his? We cant be certain. (One thing for sure -- nobody is going to swing in with a magic algorithm to save the day at the last minute. It just doesnt exist.) Movement conservatism always counseled us to wait until the wise and experienced political operatives appear to fix things. Too much of this attitude has leaked into populist conservatism. This has to cease. The grassroots need to take things into their own hands. What, after all, does populism mean? We might want to steal some methods from police auditors. For those who havent kept up, auditors are activists who use the power of the internet to keep tabs on corrupt police officers, showing up at scenes of police activity to record events and confront cops who are abusing individuals or ignoring constitutional rights. They have been extremely successful at exposing corruption and changing policy in a number of departments. So whats to stop us from using their methods to confront election fraud? Consider drop boxes. 2000 mules clearly exposed how these were abused in 2020. So heres what we do: we station people in view of the drop boxes. Then, when at three or four in the morning (the witching hour, when nothing good happens), a little college girl with purple hair appears with a bushel basket full of ballots, you approach her. Dont accost her, dont threaten her. Just shine a bright light on her, and standing ten or more feet away, filming every second, ask who she is. What she is doing. Where did she get all those ballots? What outfit does she work for? Names? Are they in the office now? Has anybody gone over election law with her? Does she know the penalties? You can read the pertinent law to her, just to make certain that she understands. You might want to hand her a copy (maybe have a girl close to her age do it, so she wont be afraid). Now, does she want to deposit those votes? Is she sure about that? Maybe she should discuss it with her bosses back at the Peoples Gaian AntiFascist Committee for Social Justice. After all, shes the one who will be arrested for voter fraud not them. After that, the script writes itself. You send those videos straight to the local election board, your department of state, the FEC, local media not to neglect the Trump campaign, both state and national. You put it on Rumble, on Vimeo, and on YouTube. You inform local authorities. And above all, you inform the responsible NGO itself. As they say, when the bright light flicks on, the cockroaches scatter. Then you take the next step confront the organizations themselves. Walk in there with a posse demand to talk to the heads of staff. Have the video available and show it to them. Ask them to explain it. Ask where and how theyre getting those votes. You video this also, needless to say. Take plenty of footage of everybody present. If possible, coordinate with local media, unlikely though it may be that theyd show up. Rinse and repeat as many times as necessary. But theyll call the cops, you say? Of course they will. What of it? They cant arrest you. The worst that can happen is that youll be trespassed. If the cops show up, fine. Explain the situation to them and see what they do about suspicious electoral activity. As for yourself, tell them they need to treat you as a political activist protected by the First Amendment. As an aside, I should mention that few, if any, of these outfits are honest. I once spoke with a staffer at a local Green outfit to get a picture of what they did and how they did it. As he wrapped his explanation up, he added, Of course, this is an election year, so later on well drop everything else to support Obama. (For those of you who dont know, 501(c)(3) nonprofits are forbidden from engaging in any direct political activity, such as electioneering.) If a reasonably energetic conservative activist contingent is available though that may be too much to ask it might be worthwhile to actually picket their offices. Have a good-sized group show up featuring signs, chants, etc. Address passersby and ask their opinions. Once again, video everything. If the cops show up, the more, the merrier. The same treatment can be given to election offices, county clerk offices, Democrat headquarters, candidate campaign offices, rallies, etc. Similar efforts can be aimed at local electoral and Democrat officials. Track them down, confront them, and demand to know what theyre doing about voter fraud in their jurisdictions. Youre likely to get some interesting answers to put online. Such efforts have gained importance now that VP Roundheels is running. There has been no end of hysteria since the Basement President quit, all of it from the usual suspects on our side (defeatism has been the Achilles Heel of conservatism since the early days). But a clear-headed examination of the status quo tells us otherwise. We have a giddy, not-too-bright female with zero charisma and personality, a shady personal history, and an inability to string common English words into sentences alongside a valor-stealing, drunk-driving, pedo-enabling refugee from Fargo. Against this we have Trump, with a new gravitas and a much higher stature. No longer the loud and brazen Queens developer but something else, something more, something we havent seen in a long time. Under these circumstances, the Dems will have to cheat. They have no alternative. They are, yet again, trying to put another moron into office, something that cant be achieved by standard, accepted practice. That means a return to the proven methods of 2020. But its no longer 2020. Things have changed, and its no longer going to be easy. Its our duty to make it as difficult as we can. So pull on your comfortable boots, slip a new Sandisk chip into the recorder, and go out amongst them. We have nothing to lose but overpriced spices. We have a world to win. Image: AT via Magic Studio Israels enemies have falsely accused it of genocide and ethnic cleansing, so it is necessary to discuss exactly what these mean. Both are simply large-scale hate crimes, in which the motive consists of a dislike of the subjects race, religion, or ethnicity. Genocide is an internationally recognized crime where acts are committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. A behavior or ideology is not, however, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Displacement of an entire population may in fact be a reasonable and necessary act of self-preservation. The Sullivan Expedition is a prominent example. When Are Large-Scale Actions Reasonable and Necessary Self-Defense? There is no such thing as a justifiable murder, because murder is, by definition, without justification. There is, however, such a thing as justifiable homicide, in which you kill somebody to prevent him from killing you or other innocent people. When church shooter Dylann Roof gunned down black people in a church, he committed a hate crime because his motive was a dislike of black people. Had one of Roofs intended victims put a bullet through Roofs head, the motive would have been self-preservation rather than hatred of white people, and thus justifiable. You may even justifiably kill innocent bystanders, as our Air Force was ordered to do on 9/11, to stop hijackers from using airplanes as weapons. Science fiction stories, which are models for human behavior, are full of examples in which the heroes destroy or seek to destroy entire societies for similar reasons. In the movie version of Robert A. Heinleins Starship Troopers, a man who is about to have his brain sucked out by an arachnid space alien tells it with profanity that, some day, somebody like him will come along and kill you and your whole race. Wiping out a race would indeed be genocide by definition if the motive were a dislike of bugs, as humans call the arachnids. A dislike of creatures that suck out peoples brains and drop asteroids on cities, on the other hand, is reasonable and allows for necessary self-preservation. Heinleins The Puppet Masters ends with the line, Puppet masters! The free men are coming to kill you! Heinleins human protagonists get along quite well with plenty of extraterrestrials, but not with parasites that enslave humans by taking over their nervous systems. In the Andromeda TV series starring Kevin Sorbo, the good guys use a nova bomb to exterminate an alien species known as the Magog. The problem with the latter is their habit of laying eggs in people, with fatal results similar to those in the Alien movies. In no case did readers or audiences take offense at the prospect of killing off entire races that were threats to humans or peaceful extraterrestrials. If we return to the real world, the United States deters Russia from using nuclear weapons on our cities by threatening to wipe out Russias population. Maybe the folks in the Middle East who keep talking about annihilating the Jews need to remember that the Jews in question now probably have nuclear weapons, and if another Holocaust does occur, it wont be the Jews who go up the chimneys or, in this case, the mushroom clouds. This is a horrible way to talk, but it is the only language Hamas, Hezballah, and Irans ayatollahs understand. Justifiable Population Displacement Ethnic cleansing is, like genocide, a large-scale hate crime whose motive involves the subjects race, religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristic. The Trail of Tears was ethnic cleansing of Native Americans from their lands so the latter could be taken over by white settlers. On the other hand, the Sullivan Expedition, whose express purpose was to drive certain Native Americans off their lands, was reasonable and necessary self-defense. The American destruction of the Six Nations homelands came as a result of the destructive raids carried out by the Indians and American loyalists [Tories, loyal to Britain] on the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania in 1778. The raids crippled the American Continental Army by depriving it of food and manpower, and spread terror by destroying frontier settlements and taking prisoners. The Natives in question had done to American settlements pretty much what Hamas did to Israel on October 7, 2023, although perhaps not to the extent of Hamass atrocities. George Washington decided accordingly that the Natives in question had to go. The goal of the expedition would be to completely destroy the principal villages and food supplies of the Cayuga and Seneca Indian Nations. The Sullivan Expedition was highly successful, and nobody apologizes for it, in contrast to the Trail of Tears. Pennsylvania Route 115 includes a historical marker for Sullivans Trail, whose path it follows. Pennsylvania Route 92, which runs from Tunkhannock to Pittston along the Susquehanna River, is also known as Sullivans Trail. Sullivan County, N.Y. is named for General John Sullivan, and nobody seems to be trying to cancel him. His biographical entry in Wikipedia adds that he probably killed off half the Iroquois population, mainly through privation, and this might have been an even higher percentage than the Trail of Tears. The motive was nonetheless them or us rather than animosity toward anybodys race. Relocation of Palestinians Is Reasonable and Necessary Gazas genocidal attack on October 7, 2023 was preceded by a long litany of mindless terroristic violence against Israel, including rocket attacks on Israeli cities and treaties and truces broken almost before the ink was dry on them. The Charter of Hamas calls openly for the annihilation of Jews and speaks of a time when rocks will speak and say, There is a Jew behind me, come and kill him. Hamas has said it will repeat October 7 over and over. Israel is under no obligation to tolerate a neighboring society of this nature. Emigration of the Gazans might be achieved peacefully and voluntarily. Israel could, for example, offer Gazans one-way plane tickets to European countries that sympathize with their cause, along with bilingual information about how to obtain welfare benefits from the countries in question. Spain (al-Andalus to the terrorists), Norway, and Ireland, all of which have recognized a Palestinian state, come to mind immediately, along with Turkey, Qatar, and Iran. It might cost Israel several billion dollars for the plane tickets, but it would fix the problem and reduce spending on costly Iron Dome interceptors. The same comes to mind for the inhabitants of Judea and Samaria, where the Palestinian Authority gives stipends to terrorists who murder Jews. Let them go somewhere that is nowhere near Israel or, for that matter, the United States. Then they wont have to live next to infidels and peaceful Muslims who do not share their depraved ideology, and the infidels and peaceful Muslims wont need to live next to them. The bottom line is that the Sullivan Expedition was a reasonable and necessary reaction to terroristic violence. The same standards can and should apply to populations whose majorities support murder, rape, and violent discrimination against Jews, Christians, peaceful Muslims, women, and LGBT people and teach this depraved Dark Age culture to their children, as the Hamas-run and UNRWA-run schools in Gaza have done. Civis Americanus is the pen name of an American Thinker contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. Image via Pixabay. Samuel Perry, a sociologist at the University of Oklahoma, in a New Yorker cover article by Eliza Griswold, said, "The greatest ethnic dog whistle the right has ever come up with is 'Christian' because it means 'people like us,' it means white." The quote appeared in a paragraph that began with: "The election of Donald Trump intensified certain strains of Christian nationalism." However, the Reverend Franklin Graham, son of the late Reverend Billy Graham, maintains; "'Christian nationalism' -- that's a coin that the media has come up with. It is to divide our country; it's to polarize people. Christian nationalism doesn't exist, it's just another name to throw at Christians. The left is very good at calling people names." The Moral Majority led the Christian Right into the political arena. The organization was credited with an important part in Ronald Reagan's election. Reagan's combination of Evangelicalism and vision of American exceptionalism helped further cement the union between Evangelicals and the Republican Party. The Left and MSM recognized that Christians entering politics posed a threat, they required a 'scare' phrase so they coined one: ' Christian nationalism' Christian nationalism (as a cultural condition defined by the Left) reached new heights when Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. He became an overt champion of Christian nationalism. Trumpism is, the MSM maintains, the latest version of Christian Nationalism. Trump says he will 'take back the country' from the outsiders and invaders who have taken control (whom the MSM says are immigrants, secularists, Muslims, and Mexicans). The Left views Christian Nationalism as a cultural threat because "Christian nationalists believe, in general, that America is Christian, that the government should keep it that way, and that Trump was -- and is -- their best hope to accomplish that." Trump's election forced the MSM into action. For example, NPR published this: "Christian nationalism has effectively spread so much disinformation that three in five white evangelicals say Biden was not legitimately elected." CNN presented this: "It's been called an 'imposter Christianity,' a heretical faith that 'sanctifies lies,' and 'the most serious threat' to democracy in America... White Christian nationalism is spreading a racist myth: that Whiteness is the default setting for evangelical Christianity." Newsweek magazine attacked the Republican party with this: "A new study released Wednesday offers unprecedented insight into the breadth of Christian nationalism in today's politics, helping bring clarity to a burgeoning -- but growing -- movement that has shaped the contemporary Republican Party and raised new questions about religion's role in today's politics." "The term 'white Christian nationalism' has exploded in the social sciences and the MSM as a way of describing a view that has burst onto the public stage with Trumpism and the 'Make America Great Again' movement." The term is now used by the Left as a way to denigrate social conservatives who believe in inserting religion into everyday American life, and to paint a caricature of a dogmatic Republican voter focused on stripping rights from Americans. Liberal commentators equate Christian nationalism with white supremacy, argue that Christian nationalism means 'shooting migrants at the border, full immunity for police to kill at-will... terminating the Constitution, bombing Mexico,' and 'stripping women of all of their personal rights.'" Here's a little of what the Left and the MSM have done with the term: "The rising influence of Christian nationalism in some segments of American politics poses a major threat to the health of our democracy." That quote comes from a post by the Public Religion Research Institute (PPRI) based upon a PPRI/Brookings Institute survey of more than 6,000 Americans. Yep, that's the left-leaning Brookings Institute (Snopes calls it 'nonpartisan') that the New York Times calls 'a pillar of Washington's liberal establishment.' The MSM, in this specific case the Washington Post, says in an article, "Christian nationalists also make up the base of the Republican Party." and that "They also are much more likely to hold authoritarian and racist views." The article also summarizes the PPRI survey. A view of Christian Nationalism was offered by Politico' national investigative correspondent Heidi Przybyla who said, "The thing that unites them as Christian nationalists -- not Christians, by the way, because Christian nationalist is very different -- is that they believe that our rights as Americans, as all human beings, don't come from any earthly authority. They don't come from Congress, they don't come from the Supreme Court. They come from God." I guess Przybyla completely dismisses our U.S. Declaration of Independence. Przybyla, after sticking her foot firmly in her mouth, apologized for her remarks. My favorite has to be this Time magazine article "3 Threats Christian Nationalism Poses to the United States." It begins with, "It [Christian nationalism] believes the founders of the U.S. were conservative, white Christian men intent on founding a country where they and others like them could lead and flourish." It rushes downhill from there. Included are three talking points: 1. Christian nationalism is anti-democratic Christian nationalism is about power. Power in the 'right' hands to ensure the U.S. fulfills its covenant with God. However, democracy demands we share power. Christian nationalism want to ensure the country does not turn its back on God. 2. Christian nationalism perpetuates racism White Christian nationalism serves as the ideological mortar that allows the walls of racial division and inequality to be built, brick by brick. 3. Christian nationalism approves of political violence Embracing Christian nationalism is a leading predictor of which Americans believe the riots at the Capitol on January 6th were justified and that violence is acceptable in advancing political goals. This preposterous article is what passes for journalism today. There are literally hundreds of articles similar to those cited. Most conclude that Christian Nationalist members want to do away with the part of 1st Amendment which prohibits Congress making any law establishing any religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. It's the second part of the phrase that's pertinent to Christian Nationals: 'the free exercise thereof...' That's exactly what Christian Nationals are doing. The Left and MSM don't like what Christian Nationalists are doing, want to stop it. The 1st Amendment doesn't prohibit freedom from religion. The Left and MSM doesn't (or won't) get it, thinks we on the right (and center) can be scared over to their way of thinking with the phrase they coined. This is about as close to overriding part of the 1st Amendment as we'll ever get. As John Adams, one of this country's Founders and our second president, said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Adams was saying that any constitution, no matter how well-crafted, cannot secure national stability without active participation by virtuous citizens. His emphasis upon religion implies that spiritual beliefs cause a sense of accountability, integrity, and respect for the law. Warren Beatty has created a web page that facilitates quick responses and/or comments to anything you consider outrageous: quick-rant.atwebpages.com Image: AT via Magic Studio Peter Warren is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at peter.warren@houstonchronicle.com. Peter previously lived in Dallas, where he covered the sports as a freelancer for the Dallas Morning News and other outlets. He has been published in Texas Highways Magazine, DMagazine.com, the Star Tribune and Bowlers Journal International. Peter graduated from Northwestern University in 2021. Anybody seen Joe Biden lately? He's not on vacation today, which is unusual, having spent 40% of his entire presidency plopped out on a lawnchair on a Delaware beach. Conservative Daily News describes his busy scheduled for this day this way: President Joe Biden will get start his day at crack of noon by arriving at work and then he will deliver a speech. President Joe Bidens Itinerary for 9/9/24 ALL TIMES EDT 11:35 AM Depart Wilmington, Delaware en route to the White House 12:45 PM Arrive at the White House 1:15 PM Receive daily briefing 5:00 PM Deliver remarks to mark Disability Pride Month [Live Stream] Oh, and there was a briefing today added at 1:30 p.m. The Quiet-Quitter's schedule a couple weeks ago looked like this: Biden's schedule is absolutely blank. Meanwhile, Emily Goodin reports Biden was "visibly shaking" as he exited AF1 in CA on Tuesday morning, and needed a boost from Secret Service agents just to get into his SUV. Who is running the country? https://t.co/bZb8ZjfmpM pic.twitter.com/BrRVme9xCC Tom Bevan (@TomBevanRCP) August 26, 2024 Glenn Greenwald summed it up like this: The US has no functional president and has not had one for months, and it's barely noticeable and barely matters because there's a permanent unelected machine that runs the government. Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 9, 2024 That's a nameless, faceless, oligarchy, composed of big Democrat campaign donors, old dinosaurs in Congress, and former Obama operatives burrowed deep in the permanent government that's running the country as Joe Biden lays out like a beached whale. Kamala Harris is nowhere to be found. Victor Davis Hanson notes that this is unprecedented in the history of this country: Is it Biden again at the beach or closing up shop at noon for his nap and early bedtime? Or is it Vice President Harris, far from the White House, out campaigning and confused over who she really is or wants to be, what, if anything, she plans on doing if elected president, and how to avoid any unscripted moment? Or are our real rulers the stealth cabal of Democratic grandees and billionaire donors who arranged the Biden presidency by forcing out his 2020 primary rivals, staged the conspiratorial silence about his real disabilities for well over three years, ambushed him, and forced him off the Democratic ticket, and are now frantically reinventing Kamala Harris as capable and centrist when just a few months ago they had written her off as incompetent and a hopeless wannabe California radical? As a result, a confused but also encouraged world of enemies watches the listless United States and wonders whether to try something stupid. Harris, who ought to be stepping in to support the disabled and absent Joe, is out campaigning for president as an 'outsider,' which is comical stuff, given that her job is to be the insider in the wake of Joe's senility and show some kind of leadership in his absence. She actually has a golden opportunity to do it -- except that she knows she might lose votes if voters see her in action. That's why she hides. She's still on the outside, though, but not for reasons she'd like to discuss -- which is that, as Hanson notes, she's generally been kept away from the levers of power based on perceptions about her general level of irresponsibility. Vice President Kamala Harris, until Bidens forced abdication, was judged by these same backroom fixers as too incompetent to ever be commander-in-chief and thus for three years a good reason why Biden apparently was not forced out earlier. Now nominal Vice President Harris is on the campaign trail nonstop, while Biden has taken the most vacation time off and worked the shortest workweek in presidential memory. Instead, she's been relegated to first lady tasks throughout the first three years of her vice-presidency, and she is now visiting spice shops that hate Republicans as her trusted campaign stopovers for gladhanding and drawing fawning media coverage: But never fear: Her aide says she's as busy as heck and can't answer questions. Biden-Harris Cabinet Secretary Claims Punishing Schedule Makes It Impossible For Kamala To Answer Questions https://t.co/JsEyqJEeHU IJR (@TheIJR) September 9, 2024 It's sad stuff, and must make many Americans wonder when we might get a president again. There is no president now, with Joe Biden essentially abdicated and taking a permanent vacay. He's out there like a beached whale now, which is a terrible metaphor for U.S. leadership in these troubling and terrible times. Image: Joyce cory, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed Mind you, this is a story from CNBC, not The Babylon Bee, but Bill Gates has reportedly conceded theres one major problem he cant solve, instead punting it to the younger generation to remediate, and that is misinformation. While I would certainly agree that misinformation, or even disinformation, is in fact a problemBill Gates is worried about the danger of false narratives? Thats rich. Its like Yahya Sinwar expressing concern for antisemitism, Joseph Stalin feeling consternation over forced labor, Che Guevara fretting about injustice, Hugo Chavez commiserating over extrajudicial executions, members of the Taliban voicing opposition to sex-based violence against women and girls, or African warlords being offended by slavery; Gates is one of the worst offenders for propagating false narratives! What a deflectionis this pitiful delusion or sheer dishonesty? Well, Im not sure, so for Gatess awareness, below are four times the globalist geek spread major falsehoods, impacting millions of people worldwide for the worse. Lie #1: Masks are effective against viruses. I dont remember talking about masks at all. Bill Gates: "I can't remember talking about masks at all..." This video not only proves that Bill Gates is a liar, but also a total psychopath. pic.twitter.com/SCkgv1JTFo Died Suddenly (@DiedSuddenly_) December 6, 2023 Except, all the times he did push masks. In 2020, Gates argued that we underestimated the value of masks and lamented the political leaders who did not help (obviously a jab at freedom-lovers who fought for everyones right to breathe fresh air). Gates also said, We need to get people to understand that things like wearing masks not only help yourself, but help other people. Then, in 2022, also from a CNBC report, comes this: Bill Gates says when Covid runs rampant, masks are like pants: You have to wear them Whats the downside of wearing a mask? Gates asked rhetorically, and with a chuckle, at the annual Munich Security Conference earlier this month. You have to wear pants These societies are so cruel why do they make you wear pants? Im trying to figure it out. Covering your genitals in public is on the same plane as forcing people to subject themselves to the same torturous experiences of Abu Ghraib prisoners? Give me a break. Masks are laden with forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, which are extremely hazardous to the wearer, as well as the environment when these masks are discarded; as they deteriorate, these toxins leach into our soil and water systems. In 2020 alone, 1.6 billion masks entered our oceans, which is equivalent to about 5,500 tons of plastic pollution, or around 7% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, floating like a disgusting mass in what should be beautiful blue waterand that was just one year! People are still wearing masks. (For reference, these masks take about 450 years to biodegrade.) Save our oceans and ban masks! Lie #2: Lab-grown meat is healthy. In a 2019 essay for MIT Technology Review, Gates stated that synthetic meat was about improving life, and didnt kill any animals: Next-generation protein [synthetic meat] isnt about creating moreits about making meat better. It lets us provide for a growing and wealthier world without contributing to deforestation or emitting methane. It also allows us to enjoy hamburgers without killing any animals. Put another way, the plow improves our quantity of life, and lab-grown meat improves our quality of life. Lab-grown meats are laced with unknown chemicals, protected from public scrutiny as proprietary information, and its entirely experimental as its a new productwe dont know what this will do to our bodies. Secondly, the synthetic meat industry almost entirely relies on whats called fetal bovine serum, which is sourced from slaughtering pregnant cows and extracting the substance from the now-aborted baby cow. This is also coming from someone with obvious man boobs, a giant gut, and string bean armshes not exactly the epitome of health with his body signaling hormone imbalances, inflammation, and atrophy. As one online commentator quipped, Gates looks like he snacks on estrogen sandwiches. Lie #3: The Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective. In November of 2020, Gates emphasized his confidence that any Covid-19 vaccine would be safe. As Gates said, the people in the government and Big Pharma were doing their job[s] well. This one hardly needs any attention, as Im sure were all painfully aware of the damage caused by these jabs. This was $cience, not science: Bill Gates is a $cientist, NOT a scientist pic.twitter.com/RSgcdTJzWC Olivia Murray (@americaliv1) September 10, 2024 Lie #4: Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, caused by humans. Gates flies around the world in one of his four private planes, of course using jet fuel. Is climate change really a big deal and youre just exempt, or is it just a ploy to usher in eco-communism? Gee, I wonder. As Jack Hellner constantly reminds AT readers, the planet experienced a cooling period between the 1940s and the 1970s, while mans use of natural resources like coal, petroleum, and gas, all increased exponentially, while every(?) dire prediction from climate $cientists and experts has been wrong. Warmer temperatures and more carbon in the atmosphere means more lifewhich is probably why a eugenicist like Bill Gates is so keen to sequester carbon away, buried in cavernous storage tanks underground. Gates says the problem of misinformation cant be solved, but heres a start; maybe the people spreading false narrativeslike himstop spreading false narratives? Too much to ask? Image: Ivor Brands, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered. So much for the schtick that progressive tax policies wont impact anyone struggling to survive in this economy! According to a piece out at Crains Chicago Business, Cook County Democrats recently hiked property taxes across the board, with increases larger than any other in nearly three decades. Of course, on the southside of Chicago, the hardest hit were the low-income blacks. Heres what the report said: In late June and early July, property owners in Chicagos southern suburbs found shocking news in their mailboxes. Cook County had mailed residential property tax bills bearing increases larger than any in at least 29 years, with a median rise of 19.9%. Hit hardest were majority-Black municipalities with populations whose median household incomes range from $24,500 to $69,700. The skyrocketing increases in those towns of over 30% could force many of the region's low-income residents to choose between taking on unsustainable debt and losing their homes. Property tax inequity is another example of how systems impose extra costs on Black homeowners and renters, putting low-income families and entire communities in precariously unstable financial situations. (As a reminder, property tax is the fee you pay to rent property you own from the government; as another reminder, Illinois has the second highest property tax rate in the nation, with around 8,000 different taxing authorities, only beaten out by New Jersey.) In Cook County, the average median sale price of a home was $351,000so to get a rough idea, lets use this as the market value. Property tax rates are based on an assessed value though, which in Cook County is 10%, and in the rest of Illinois, is around 34% of the market value. After speaking with a local tax expert, he confirmed that property taxes for a property valued like this, yearly taxes could easily range in between five and six thousand dollars; he also stated that the south suburbs of Cook County are so disproportionately affected by property taxation because of low property values combined with high pension costs; Illinois Policy published a report detailing the link between painful property taxes and cost of pensions: Pensions Make Illinois Property Taxes Among Nations Most Painful Since 1996, total property tax extensions in Illinois have increased 52 percent after adjusting for inflation. This increase took Illinoisans property tax burden from around the national average to among the highest of any state. Best case scenario, a taxpayer is on the high end of the median household income range (household income refers to gross income) and bringing in around $70k; this means that property taxes suck up a whopping 9% of the familys budget, before income taxes are also seized. Worst case scenario? Twenty-five percent of the yearly income if this taxpayer is only making $24,500, again, before other taxesdont forget that someone making $24,500 is still eligible for federal income tax (10%), and Illinois state income tax (4.95%). A person making $24,500 per year, living in an inherited home, could easily be taxed into poverty, and forced to sell a property they own outright, because they cant afford the tax bills; progressive politicians are taxing people out of their own homes, and as always, the hardest hit are those on the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder. In some capacity or another, progressive Democrats constantly market their taxation policies as a way to improve the financial positions of the poor and middle classes, pretending as though sanctioning more theft from certain citizens actually makes for a fairer, and more just society for alland its all a lie. Tax the rich read Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs Met Gala dress, where tickets go for an average of $75,000, or more than the average down payment on a house. If you make under $400,000 a year, you wont pay a penny more in taxes under our administration said a social media post from Kamala Harris. We hear about the ultra wealthy, corporate greed, and millionaires and billionaires who need to pay their fair share. Theyre doing nothing more than fomenting a class war, feigning care for the little guy struggling to survive, and getting extravagantly wealthy in the processits utterly disgusting. Image generated by AI. Correction: An earlier version stated the state government of Illinois was a property tax recipient, but all property taxes are paid to local taxing authorities. As the story unfolds, it seems as though Haitian migrants cant be trusted around house cats, in the public parks, or apparently, behind the wheel of a car. Watch the video below, from Tyler Oliveria, as he interviews residents of Springfield, Ohio, and pokes around the DMV: BREAKING: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO UPDATE Locals say the 20,000+ Haitians cannot drive and believe they pose a threat to public safety. No one knows how they are getting driver's licenses and cars so quickly despite them seemingly having no understanding of traffic laws. With pic.twitter.com/jGMmbkgSxz Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) September 10, 2024 On a scale of 110, this Springfielder gives the Haitians a -10, saying the Haitian migrants are horrible driversbut somehow, theyre getting licenses I wonder if that has anything to do with the Democrats wanting people to have licenses so they can vote? Ohio offers online voter registration, which requires only five simple things: Ohio drivers license or Ohio identification card number Name Date of Birth Address Last four digits of your Social Security number Now, as you might recall, Kamala Harris explained that she and Joe Biden had granted Temporary Protected Status to over 100,000 Haitian migrants during their administration, which is still ongoing; according to the Social Security Administration, noncitizens with TPS are generally issued an EAD, or an Employment Authorization Document. With an EAD, the SSA also acknowledges that a noncitizen can get a SSNand boom, a noncitizen suddenly has the ability to register to vote. Also worth noting is the DMV workers hesitation when asked if the Haitians are taking the same tests as American citizens, before stating that shes not allowed to answer the question; its pretty condemning. But while in Springfield, Oliveira discovered theres much more to the story, like an American veteran whos been denied government benefits while Haitians take his place, and a local law enforcement officer who, when asked to make an observation on the split between Haitians and Springfielders showing up for licenses, suggests a nine-to-one figure favoring the former: BREAKING: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO UPDATE American veteran DENIED Medicaid and forced to pay out of his own pocket while long lines of Haitian immigrants get in line to receive Child Care, Cash, SNAP, Medicaid, and other FREE benefits paid for you by you: the American taxpayer. pic.twitter.com/EFOn9qDx4E Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) September 10, 2024 This cop says the split is nine-to-one until later in the afternoon, when more Springfielders show upany speculation as to why that might be? Ive got a guess because the Springfielders are working, earning those dollars that are supplying the translators, and the driving manuals in French, and staffing the DMV, and every other government office to which these Haitians are flocking. Heres what else Oliveria found: BREAKING: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO UPDATE Homeless woman OUTRAGED over not receiving any help from local government while the 20,000+ Haitians get EVERYTHING for free and are their #1 priority She claims the Haitians call their EBT card the magic money card because it never pic.twitter.com/I89v9yKXWU Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) September 10, 2024 And this: BREAKING: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO UPDATE Elderly woman who has lived here her entire life says: Everybody wants to make this a race issue. Its NOT a race issue. Its culture. Accountability. And its respect. If you cant speak the language or read the language: why are pic.twitter.com/uLfdYZcdb3 Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) September 10, 2024 I guarantee few people would have a problem with Haitian migrants if Haitian migrants took great pains to learn the language, get off welfare, stop using a magic money card, and adopted American values, and assimilated to the American way of life. As a commenter queried, What kind of government puts illegals ahead of its own citizens? Put the whole Dem party on trial. I unequivocally agree. Image generated by AI. The State of Israel enjoyed bipartisan consensus for decades. The Democrat party, under Presidents Johnson, Clinton, and Biden (until recently), along with U.S. Democrat senators, was among the staunchest supporters of Israel during the 1970s and 1980s. It would suffice to mention just a few notable names: Henry Scoop Jackson (D-Wash.), Frank Church (D-Idaho), and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). In recent decades, however, it was the Republican party that stood solidly behind Israel. Israel shares with the U.S. a democratic tradition and humanitarian values. It was and remains a strategic and trustworthy ally, which has proved its loyalty to the U.S. at the U.N. and in the battlefields of the Middle East. Israel stood on the front line against the anti-American forces of communism during the Cold War and currently stands as a bulwark against radical Islamist terrorism. Since President Barack Hussein Obama took control of the Democrat party in 2009, the strength of the consensus over Israel has been breaking down. The Democrat party became increasingly even-handed about Israel, and now, with Kamala Harris as the partys candidate for president, it appears the party is ready to move away from Israel because a large segment of her base is anti-Israel, particularly among the so-called progressive wing of the party. Obama demonstrated his appeasement of the Islamic Republic of Iran with relaxation of sanctions, a $1.6-billion shipment of cash (in the dead of night), and his fostering of the JCPOA (the Iran deal) enabling Iran to become a threshold nuclear power and an existential threat to Israel. But Iran is not just another state; it is the worlds state sponsor of global terrorism. Iran threatens to wipe Israel off the map. Obama sought to create a balance of power in the Middle East by countering Israel and Saudi Arabia with a rising Iran. And when the people of Iran, oppressed by their fanatical regime, asked Obama, as they bravely took to the streets during the 2009 Iranian Green Movement, Are you with us or with them? (meaning the ayatollahs), he ignored them. So much for Obamas quest for democracy. In June 2009, just a few months after his inauguration, he made one of his first trips abroad to Cairo, Egypt, with another show of unabashed appeasement of the Muslim world. He showered praise on Islam as a religion of tolerance and racial equality. It is laughable that the very institution he spoke at, Al-Azhar, the foremost Sunni Muslim institution, encourages the persecution of Coptic Christians, an ancient community made up of the most authentic Egyptians. So much for tolerance. (See Quran 5:51: Take not Jews or Christians as your friends or protectors.) And of course, there is the issue of slavery in the Arab Muslim world, which officially ended in 1962 but, in all practicality, is ongoing, with the exploitation of foreign workers treated as slaves in the Gulf states. Long before Islam existed, Jewish sages taught that he who murders the innocent, it is as if he has murdered all humanity. Yet Obama, when speaking to an audience of Muslims, pandered to them by crediting the Quran with this teaching. Finally, just before leaving office in December 2016, he ordered the U.S. delegation to the U.N. to abstain from a vote on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlements, allowing the resolution to pass. According to U.S. representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who appeared on NBCs Meet the Press on September 1, Kamala Harris is charting a new direction on Israel. Khanna noted that the Democrat presidential nominee will reportedly back conditions on U.S. aid to Israel if she wins in November. Khanna added that he had been pushing Harris to attach conditions on aid for Israel, saying, I have been pushing her to support enforcement of U.S. law. That is what the enforcement of the Leahy Law and our security laws require, referring to a situation where a country deliberately caused a humanitarian crisis. Khannas assessment of the situation in Gaza is misconstrued. It is Hamas, and only Hamas, that is responsible for the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, he does not mention that shipments of food are commandeered by Hamas and not distributed freely to the Gazans. Hamas deliberately provoked the war by invading Israel, murdering innocent civilians, and taking Israeli hostages into Gaza. Israel has the moral right and responsibility to destroy Hamass ability to attack the Jewish state once again, and at the same time free the hostages. The crisis is of Hamass own making. Although we cannot judge Kamala Harris yet on how she would act toward Israel, clearly, she will be compelled to listen to the pro-Hamas progressive wing of her party. Kamalas choice of Phil Gordon to be her national security adviser, a former Obama administration official who identifies himself as a progressive Democrat, does not bode well for a strong relationship with Israel. In 2016, Gordon co-authored a report for the Council on Foreign Relations that began with The U.S. relationship with Israel is in trouble. There are indications that Harris would appoint Maher Bitar as director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence should she win the presidency. At Georgetown University, Bitar was a leader of the antisemitic, pro-Hamas Students for Justice in Palestine organization, and he has hosted conferences praising Islamic terrorism. Regardless of which direction the Israel policies of Kamala Harris would take, ultimately, she is part of a party that has turned from the bipartisan consensus on Israel. At the 2012 Democratic Party Convention, which renominated Obama, the platform committee attempted to drop the reference to Jerusalem as Israels eternal capital and to remove any references to God. When the DNC chair sought to reverse it, chaos erupted, with at least half the delegates booing the chair for altering the platform on a voice motion. Jon Phoenix, 35, a Jewish delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, representing Kentucky, best summarized the state of mind of the Democrat party toward Israel. Phoenix, in his interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), identified himself as a leftist and progressive, and had this to say: Both sides are supposed to support Israel, and what I see on the convention floor, what worries me, is support for Israel disappearing gradually out of the Democratic Party unless we fight for it. Because I dont want support for Israel to be Republican-only. Image: hendricjabs via Pixabay, Pixabay License. Even in this debased age, many people still know who King Arthur and his trusty advisor, Merlin, were. Arthur was the legendary King of Camelot, that misty ancient British kingdom, with his honorable knights of the Round Table, and the wife who cheated on him with one of those same honorable knights. Meanwhile, Merlin was the magician who was Arthurs wise counselor and the man who created many of the symbolic icons of the Arthurian legends (the Round Table, the sword in the stone, the search for the Holy Grail, etc.). Ironically, it emerged this week that, even as England is denying much of its history, archeology may have found Merlins grave. The woke rot has been affecting British education for a long time. Almost 20 years ago, the governments updated school curriculum excised Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler. Given Churchills huge importance to England in the middle of the 20th century, not to mention the damage Hitler caused, you might think that these are grave omissions, but British history must yield to wokism. Image by AI. Of course, wokeness never stops. So, in addition to doing without Churchill, the University of Nottingham (land of Robin Hoods sheriff) recently has announced that its removing the word Anglo-Saxon from its academic lexicon, claiming that doing so decolonizes the curriculum so that the UKs history isnt just a sea of white faces. This allows them to ignore things such as the 9th-century written history of the Anglo-Saxons in Great Britain, a collection that has long been denominated as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Indeed, in the pursuit of decolonization, scholars are also claiming that the indigenous British population was blackwhich is true if you accept possibly dark-skinned prehistoric people about 12,000 years ago. Of course, these vanished people had nothing to do with British historya white phenomenonand no relationship to anyone from Africa today. The fact that 99.9% of British history was by, for, and about white people is evil and unacceptable. Another piece of British history thats been picked at for a long time is the Legend of King Arthur. Beginning in the early Middle Ages, different chroniclers began to tell the tale of the legendary King Arthur, stories that became tightly woven into the British psyche. For hundreds of years, people looked to Geoffrey of Monmouths 12th-century Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain) as a reliable source proving Arthurs existence. In that same century, Chretien de Troyes had added the romantic elements that kept the tale firmly fixed in the Anglo-Saxon consciousness. Wikipedia has an entire page dedicated to stories and films based upon the Arthurian legends, with many of these made in our own lifetimesand, indeed, quite recently. Arthur and his court were a seminal part of British identity for centuries. Now, though, the theory is that there was never a 6th- or 7th-century British king named Arthur. Certainly, its true that that era truly is a dark age. By the 6th century, the Romans were gone, tribal lords were fighting for regional control, and Northern European raidersAngles, Saxons, Jutes, Danes, Vikings, etc.viewed the British Isles as rich hunting grounds. Aside from a few outskirt lands where monks worked (see, e.g., Lindisfarne), Britain no longer kept written records and had no kingdom stable enough to leave behind a coherent history. The current theory now is that there was never a King Arthur with a court. Instead, the early medieval stories represented the amalgam of a few tribal leaders with Welsh mythology. However, it now turns out that there may have been an Arthur or, at least, a Merlin: On Tuesday, archeologists in Scotland revealed evidence of the legendary wizards death in Drumelzier between the 6th and 7th centuries and the findings could change the way we tell Merlins tale. Merlin was said to have been a loyal advisor to King Arthur amid the Dark Ages before being imprisoned, killed and buried along the river Tweed, according to Vita Merlini Sylvestris (the Life of Merlin of the Forest), a medieval manuscript of his life which is currently held at the British Library. The possible evidence of a grave that could be that of the historical Merlin is that the grave site is in the middle of nowhere, very prominent (something unexpected in the middle of nowhere), and dates to the time period that most historians believe a King Arthur, if he had existed, would have existedthat is, the 6th to 7th centuries. So, maybe Arthur and Merlin arent just dim memories of multiple tribal lords. Maybe they were real memories of very specific tribal lords from that misty era. And maybe there really is a British history that shouldnt be erased because a people without a history isnt a people at all. The only things at the end of the day that bind people together are the belief that they share a past (regardless of skin color) and have common values. A recent story brought to mind a neighbor from the small Wisconsin village where I grew up. Because of our age difference, I did not know him well. I wish I had, for he had a lot of valuable things to say. Richard B. was nearly a decade older than me and, therefore, not in my circle of friends. I remember that after college, he worked somewhere out of town but also ran a gun shop next door to his home. He was obviously a Second Amendment advocate. He drove a foreign car, something rarely seen in our little town. It was, in fact, the first Mercedes Benz I ever laid eyes on. It notably sported a bumper sticker calling for the U.S. to get out of the United Nations. That was a sentiment that few subscribed to at the time and certainly did not represent the feelings of a high-school student who had been taught that the UN was an organization that would prevent more wars like WWII. My father and the dads of many friends had survived that conflict, but they had lost friends and brothers. The prospect of another world war was daunting. How could anyone be opposed to an organization dedicated to preventing just such a conflagration? In the decades since, the UN has shown itself to be no friend to the United States, and it most certainly is no friend of our greatest Mid-east ally, Israel. Jealousy of the U.S. accomplishments and riches on the part of many nations has caused an organization that once seemed a source of hope for world peace to become a den of anti-U.S. and anti-democratic nations. Religious fanaticism on the part of many Muslim nations has made the UN into an anti-Semitic body with little or no regard for history or truth. It is an organization that now intends to devote itself to more globalism plus the stupidity of climate crisis and gender identity and equality. Thats in addition to its already established anti-U.S. and anti-Israel programs. Promoting the so-called climate crisis is a socialist method of wealth distribution, nothing more and nothing less. Promising rising tides that will destroy cities is a scare tactic designed to frighten populations into succumbing to the stupidity of adopting alternative energy sources that are nowhere near capable of powering our world. It would place draconian restrictions on the U.S. but would allow other countries to continue high usage of fossil fuels in the interest of their catching up to us. Of course, we would be the ones to foot the bill rather than the majority of nations in the UN that are demanding this nonsense. Arguments regarding gender identity and equality are no more than the result of a pendulum swing too far in the direction of idiocy and away from common sense. It has allowed the LGBTQ+ groups a relevancy not in keeping with logic and right-headed thinking. LGBTQ+ individuals deserve the right to live their lives as they choose, provided it does not harm others. However, mutilating children in the interest of gender identity selection is barbaric and should be labeled as such. If an adult wants to sever their sexual body parts, its their choice. They can suffer the costs and the likely surgical remorse to come. By adopting these wrongheaded measures during the upcoming UN summit of September 22-23, the organization would render itself even less aligned with our national interests. Richard B. had it right over sixty years ago. Remaining in this organization while providing the majority of its funding is foolhardy. If they proceed with their proposed changes, losing the U.S. as a member would be their just desserts. Its time for the U.S. to flex its muscles and demand that common sense rule. Of course, with the morons now running our country, this seems unlikely. It is one more reason to vote for Donald Trump and restore sanity to our country and the world. We should have paid more attention to Richards bumper sticker. Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Georgia. Image: UN Apple Intelligence wont ship with the latest iPhone 16 series. However, Apple has confirmed the release roadmap for Apple Intelligence and its features. Apple Intelligence roadmap confirms features and regional release Apple has been hyping its Apple Intelligence, which is the companys take on Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). The company announced the Apple Intelligence suite of AI features back in June. Apple has promised to offer AI-generated summarization, AI writing tools, and a lot more. However, the company couldnt embed Apple Intelligence into the latest iPhone 16 series of iOS smartphones at the time of their launch. Apple's AI is finally here Here are 12 ways you can use Apple Intelligence: pic.twitter.com/gaz5kKLeB0 Zain Kahn (@heykahn) June 10, 2024 Apple has, however, released a rough roadmap for Apple Intelligence, its features, and staggered regional deployment. The first of Apple Intelligence AI suite features will start arriving next month. Apple plans to start rolling out iOS 18.1 update next month, and Apple Intelligence will be the highlight of this update. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max would be the first to receive the Gen AI platform. Besides iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 will include Apple Intelligence. Apple just announced its new Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16. It looks insane pic.twitter.com/JijqilD84S Alvaro Cintas (@dr_cintas) September 9, 2024 Apple will reportedly limit the first rollout of Apple Intelligence to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK in December. Moreover, the company will offer the Gen AI suite in US English only. Support for other languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish will arrive next year. Several key Gen AI features wont arrive this year During the initial phase of deployment, the Apple Intelligence AI suite will have a limited number of apps, features, and functions. Apple has indicated it will offer writing tools, which include rewriting, summarizing, and proofreading text, natural language search capabilities for photos, the ability to create movies from your memories based on a prompt, and an object eraser option dubbed Clean Up. The company will also offer call summaries and smart reply functionality next month. Welcome to the new era of iPhone! Built for Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 lineup delivers a powerful, personal, and private experience right at your fingertips. And with the new Camera Control, youll never miss a moment. pic.twitter.com/zBsx9xOBl1 Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 9, 2024 Most of the eagerly awaited features will be available next year. In other words, iPhone users will have to wait for the Image Playground tool, Image Wand, Genmoji, the upgraded Siri, and ChatGPT integration. Moreover, previous reports have indicated Apple may charge for these features. Google and Apple have been slapped with astronomical fines in the EU. Well, truth be said, Apples is way higher than Googles both both are billions of euros, so theyre astronomical either way. Both Google & Apple have received astronomical fines in the EU, but Apples is much higher With that being said, lets first check out whats going on with Apple, as that company received a much higher fine. The EU has fined Apple with 13 billion ($14.3 billion), yes, you read that right. The company has been fined because of unpaid taxes to Ireland. The company has been fined by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This all started 8 years ago, actually. Thats when the European Commission accused Ireland of giving Apple illegal tax advantages. Today, the European Court of Justice said that the matter was final. It said that Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover. Apple said that its disappointed with the ruling and also accused the EC of trying to retroactively change the rules. Google has been fined with 2.4 billion Apple was not the only tech giant that received a massive fine in the EU today. In a separate case, Google has been fined 2.4 billion ($2.6 billion) for abusing the market dominance of its shopping comparison service. Much like Apple, Google said it was disappointed with the ruling. This case was in the making for a long, long time. It was first kicked off back in 2009 by British firm Foundem. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), who made the ruling, said that the European Commission was right to find Googles conduct discriminatory, and that Googles appeal must be dismissed in its entirety. Whats interesting is that this fine was originally levied by the European Commission back in 2017. Google did say that it made changes back in 2017 in order to comply with the European Commissions decision. Today is not a good day for Apple or Google, as these are truly massive fines. Google Search is the core service around which many other ones from the company are built. All Android users can set up a Search widget powered by the Google app. Recent reports suggest that the company is working on adding customizable shortcuts to the current Google Search widget to make it even more functional. Currently, the Google Search widget has a couple of fixed shortcuts. People can tap on them to trigger Voice Search and Google Lens. Tapping on any other section of the widget will open the Google app. That said, theres a lot of unused space in the widget and it seems that Google has taken notice. As spotted by Android Authority, the company is testing a customizable third shortcut. Google would add a customizable third shortcut to the Search widget According to the report, Google is conducting the test among some users of the latest Google app beta. The attached screenshots show that the customizable shortcut on the Google Search widget appears in the form of a plus (+) icon. Once you tap it, you can directly access the Customize page of the widget. There you will see the color and transparency options that have been available recently. However, youll also see a new Choose a shortcut section. From there, you can set up a third shortcut that will appear alongside the classic Voice Search and Google Lens ones. There are five shortcuts you can choose from: Translate (text), Song Search, Weather, Translate (camera), and Finance. You can also select None if you dont want to have an additional shortcut. You cannot remove or change the Voice Search and Google Lens ones, as Google views them as essential components of the Search experience. That said, it looks like theres still some work to be done before the change is implemented. As it stands, the widget doesnt save your selection for the additional shortcut. Hopefully, shortcut customization for the Google Search Widget will arrive before the end of the year. Specialist Oscar Luna and Sgt. Joe Navarro salute during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Houston National Cemetery Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 in Houston. The effort, organized by a group called JustServe, is being carried out in observance of 9/11 Day - a federally recognized day created to encourage acts of community service to "rekindle the spirit of unity that arose in America in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks." Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Wednesday is the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. Terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001, changed the course of the U.S. more than two decades ago. The attacks started the War on Terror, led to numerous changes in daily life for Americans and much more. Every year, people across the country come together on the days anniversary to remember those who died and give back to their community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here are some events in Houston, and more information on 9/11. A pair of lights in tribute to the September 11 attacks flank a flag that honors first responders at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer What happened during 9/11? Terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four planes on Sept. 11, 2001, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York and one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pa., after passengers on board fought the terrorists after they learned of what had happened in New York. The plane was destined for Washington,D.C. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Planes hit the World Trade Center first with each of its twin towers being struck. Both towers later collapsed. Official reports state that 2,977 people died from the attacks that day. It is the deadliest terrorist attack in history. Conroe firefighter Justin Hammond joins fellow firefighters from around Texas in a 9/11 memorial climb at the Conroe Fire Training Facility, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Conroe. Participants climbed 60 flights of stairs to honor the 343 firefighters who died and thousand of emergency workers still affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers in 2001. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer When did 9/11 happen? Sept. 11, 2001, was when 9/11 happened. Terrorists hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time followed by the second tower at 9:03 a.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The third plane hit the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. The final plane crashed at 10:03 a.m. U.S. flags are placed to honor the 343 first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, during First Responders Day at Town Green Park, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in The Woodlands. The Woodlands Township organized and led the event to honor first responders and commemorate the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Gustavo Huerta/Staff photographer Events in Houston City of Houston: Houston will host an event outside City Hall at 11:30 a.m. University of Houston: UH will hold a 30-minute remembrance starting at 9 a.m. at Twin Towers Artifact near the student center. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston Community College: HCC has a three-hour event scheduled for 11 a.m. at its Eastside Campus on Rustic Street. Pearland Fire Department: Pearland Fire Department is hosting an event starting at 8:30 a.m. at 8325 Freedom Drive in Pearland to remember the day. An embroidered cap in honor of 9-11 is seen during First Responders Day at Town Green Park, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in The Woodlands. The Woodlands Township organized and led the event to honor first responders and commemorate the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Gustavo Huerta/Staff photographer Tomball: Tomball will have an 8:30 a.m. event take place at the Tomball Depot Plaza. Montgomery County: An 8:30 a.m. remembrance is scheduled at Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park in Conroe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Woodlands: The Woodlands is hosting a 7:30 a.m. remembrance at its fire departments Central Fire Station. At the Its Glowtime event Apple indicated that it will release the iOS 18.1 update to eligible iPhone devices in October 2024. This would be the first update to contain the first-ever stable version of Apple Intelligence. iPhone 16 series to get Apple Intelligence via iOS 18.1 release in October 2024 At this years Its Glowtime event today, Apple launched the latest iPhone 16 series iOS smartphones. The company showed off its Artificial Intelligence-boosted iPhone 16, and claimed the next generation of iPhone has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. Apple Inc.s Chief Executive Tim Cook proclaimed the launch of the iPhone 16, marks the beginning of an exciting new era. However, the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max do not have Apple Intelligence running on them. Apple introduced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max during its 'It's Glowtime' event, featuring a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and A18 Pro chip. These flagship smartphones promise top-tier performance and impressive specifications. pic.twitter.com/5AgMjxsyFc Tech In 60 Mins (@TechIn60Mins) September 9, 2024 Although these devices dont have Apples Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) at the time of launch, they will soon get the iOS 18.1 update. This update should reportedly have Apple Intelligence. Apple has indicated the Apple Intelligence features would launch in a software update to the iPhone and iPad operating system in October. In other words, iPhone 16 early adopters can expect Apple Intelligence to land on their devices as early as next month. iPhone 16 pro is made for Apple Intelligence but will not have Apple Intelligence right out of the box. You will need to update the OS to get the latest features.#Apple #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/eLNH7jV7SB Praver Dhillon (@PraverDhillon_) September 9, 2024 Will all iPhone devices getting the iOS 18.1 update get Apple Intelligence? The iPhone 16 series devices pack the new A18 chip. It is a powerhouse, and users can expect blazing fast as well as smooth performance from their smartphones. However, this chip supports on-device Gen AI, and consequentially, can easily run all the new features with ease. The iPhone 16 lineup is undoubtedly the first Apple smartphone series designed around Apple Intelligence. However, the top-end or flagship versions of the previous-generation iOS smartphones should get Apples Gen AI too. In the latest Apple Live Event that lasted 1 hour 41 minutes 15 seconds. Apple Intelligence being mentioned every 178.7 seconds or every 2 minutes 59 seconds on average. pic.twitter.com/Tq3zXfaMQb Prathamesh Shanbhag (@Prathamesh_117) September 9, 2024 Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can expect Apple Intelligence to land on their device with the iOS 18.1 update. Some reports suggest even the iPhone 14 Pro Max could support some Apple Intelligence features if not all. But, apart from the hardware, it would, also depend on Apples marketing strategy which might not unlock AI in older-generation devices. Apple has launched the iPhone 16 series devices and Android manufacturers are also gearing up to release their latest and best, many of which will equip the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. OnePlus has already confirmed that it will release its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4-powered flagship, OnePlus 13 in October. The Xiaomi 15 series could also launch in the same month with the same chipset. vivo X200 series to launch in early October to compete with the iPhone 16 series In the latest news, market research firm World Street China speculates that Vivo will launch its vivo X200 series sometime in early October this year. It means the vivo X200 series will also serve as an alternative to the iPhone 16 series devices. According to a report, Vivo will launch at least two smartphones as part of the vivo X200 series the vivo X200 and the vivo X200 Pro. The standard model is said to feature a 6.3 flat AMOLED display that comes with 1.5K resolution and offers a 120Hz refresh rate. In comparison, the Pro model will pack a curved AMOLED panel that will have the same resolution and refresh rate as that of the standard model. The vivo X200 will reportedly come with an impressive 50-megapixel 22nm Sony main sensor, a periscope lens with 3x optical zoom, as well as an ultra-wide lens. It will also boast a large 5,500 mAh battery that will feature both wired and wireless charging. A device with model number V2415A has already appeared on Chinas 3C certification platform. It reportedly represents the vivo X200. According to the listing, the device supports 90W fast charging. The Pro model packs a massive battery and a 200MP periscope telephoto Moving on to the Pro model, it will boast a 50-megapixel main camera with a large aperture, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and a 50 MP ultra-wide lens. It will also pack a larger 6000 mAh battery. Both the flagships are expected to come with an improved X-axis moto for better haptic feedback and an IP68 or IP69 dust and water resistant rating for better protection. In terms of software, users may get to experience OriginOS custom skin (in China) based on Android 15. Theres no word on the pricing and availability of the lineup yet. After acquiring Twitter (now X), new owner Elon Musk began a massive process of staff reduction. The layoffs impacted practically all departments of the company. However, now X is hiring employees for security, cybersecurity, and content moderation. In just six months, the staff reduction at X slashed about 6,000 workers. Elon Musk believed that the platform could work with far fewer people. A reduction from 4,062 to 2,849 employees significantly impacted the trust and safety team. Meanwhile, the full-time moderation teams and contracted moderators experienced a reduction from 107 to 51 employees and from 2,613 to 2,305 employees, respectively. X is hiring staff for security and content moderation departments Musks vision regarding content moderation was more lax than that of the previous management. He has repeated several times that his main goal was to give people back free speech. Musk felt that the previous moderation was stricter on some points of view than others, especially regarding politics. That said, X was already aware that it would likely need to hire content moderation staff again. The round of layoffs did not come after a specialized analysis that determined exactly the ideal number of employees for each section. In fact, it began very shortly after Elon Musks acquisition. In line with that, the company made a major related announcement in January of this year. A new trust and safety team X confirmed that it would create a new Trust and Safety center in Austin, Texas. This office would add 100 new full-time content moderators. This new department is likely to receive a significant number of new hires. The new available jobs go beyond content moderation. The company is also looking for a director of strategic response on Xs safety team and even government affairs managers. The latter could be especially useful in improving Xs relations with certain governments. Recently, Brazilian authorities banned X in the country for allegedly spreading disinformation. In recent times, the EU has also shown a challenging tone towards X. Regarding cybersecurity, there are positions available for engineers and a threat intelligence specialist. Amy Palmer, left, found a lump while breastfeeding just like former Hollyoaks actor Ali Bastian. (Amy Palmer/SWNS/Getty Images) ((Amy Palmer/SWNS)) A mum has revealed how her cancer was discovered while she was breastfeeding, just like Hollyoaks star, Ali Bastian. Bastian revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after discovering a lump while nursing her daughter Isabella. The actor, 42, is now in the midst of weekly chemotherapy treatments for five months, before a mastectomy and radiotherapy treatment. Like the former soap star, Amy Palmer, 35, a presenter, from Paignton, Devon, was also surprised to notice a small lump on her right breast when she was feeding her son, Lenny, now six. While doctors initially believed she had a blocked milk duct, Palmer says she just knew it was something more serious. Just six weeks later a biopsy and ultrasound confirmed she had stage two, grade three breast cancer. She had to undergo a lumpectomy, six rounds of chemotherapy and 18 rounds of radiotherapy, before initially going into remission. Palmer with Frankie, Lenny and partner Colin. (Amy Palmer/SWNS) ((Amy Palmer/SWNS)) In March, 2019, Amy found a 25mm lump, while breastfeeding Lenny, who was five months old at the time. A few weeks later she visited her GP who told her it could be due to a blockage in her milk duct. He reassured me it probably wasnt as bad as I thought - and prescribed a course of antibiotics," Palmer explains. I took the antibiotics for 14 days - but I know my own body, and just knew something else was at play. After a two-week wait for her next appointment, Palmer noticed the lump was still there, though it hadnt changed. The breast care unit said it was likely a cyst, but sent her for a biopsy and ultrasound, just to be sure. When the results came back Palmer was asked back to the hospital that afternoon. I immediately knew what they were going to say, she says. But that didn't stop Palmer and her partner Colin, 40, bursting into tears when it was confirmed. Amy Palmer found a lump while breastfeeding her then five-month-old son, pictured with her family. (Amy Palmer/SWNS) ((Amy Palmer/SWNS)) Six weeks after her diagnosis Palmer's treatment began with a lumpectomy, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and 18 rounds of radiotherapy, two weeks after the surgery. She was in remission for three years, and went for yearly mammograms up until May 2022, when doctors spotted a mass on the same breast. A chest x-ray and blood tests revealed nodules on her lungs - after being referred back to the breast care unit, doctors confirmed the cancer had returned. I immediately thought to myself: This is it, this is my last fight. I really thought it would be stage four, this time." Amy Palmer during chemotherapy treatment in 2022. (Amy Palmer/SWNS) ((Amy Palmer/SWNS)) But in fact it had returned at stage two, grade three once again with Palmer undergoing a double mastectomy and six further rounds of chemotherapy. To be honest, I was very, very lucky. The nodules have now gone from her chest, but doctors havent yet confirmed her to be in remission. Two years on, Im doing alright so far, she says. Now, the mum is offering words of support to Ali Bastian, and hopes that the sharing of her story will encourage other women to look out for changes in their breasts. "Alis diagnosis is proof that we should all be doing our monthly breast checks as often as we can. I didnt check my breasts monthly - until my diagnosis in 2019. From left: Palmer with Frankie, Lenny and partner Colin. (Amy Palmer/SWNS) ((Amy Palmer/SWNS)) How to be breast aware Whilst most women will worry about how and when to check their breasts the easiest way to think about it is to be breast aware. "When you are washing and showering, putting on your moisturiser you will be checking without thinking.," explains Rachel Rawson, lead cancer nurse specialist at Perci Health, the UK's first virtual cancer care clinic. She recommends getting used to looking at yourself in the mirror, so you can then see under the breast. "Remember your breast tissue goes up to your collarbone and under your arms. If you notice something different or new, always have it checked by a doctor," she adds. Rawson says when you are checking your breasts you are not just checking for lumps you are checking for anything that is different and new from your normal. "Womens breasts change throughout life - as we reach puberty, have periods, use hormone based contraception, pregnancy and during the menopause," she explains. "Its always important to think about where you are at through these changes as your hormones will influence how your breasts feel. "Before a period you may get lumpiness in one or both breasts and this will settle down for most people after a period. Sometimes breasts are generally lumpy all the time. "So its about getting to know your breasts and if you are concerned you should see your doctor. Remember most breast changes will be nothing to worry about." Checking your breasts while breastfeeding Rawson advises trying to be aware of any unusual changes to your breasts when youre breastfeeding. "Its normal to find lumps in your breasts at this time," she says. "It can sometimes be caused by a milk gland in your breast becoming blocked. "However, if you notice any unusual changes, get them checked by your doctor." Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include: A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit A change to the skin , such as puckering or dimpling A change in the colour of the breast the breast may look darker, red or inflamed A nipple change , for example it has become pulled in (inverted) Rash or crusting around the nipple Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple Changes in size or shape of the breast On its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer. But look out for pain in your breast or armpit thats there all or almost all the time. As well as lumps, there are some less common breast changes that people might not notice. However if you are breast aware and regularly check your breasts you will know whether it is something different and new or something that is normal for you. Remember most breast changes are not cancer. So how often should you be checking your breasts? "Some people have a regular time when they like to check their breasts; this might be after a period," Rawson says. "This only works though if you are having periods and if they are regular. Its much better just to be breast aware so that you know whats normal for you." Breast Cancer Now and Coppafeel have good guides. If you do find something suspicious, contact your GP, they may want to see you in person. They also may suggest waiting a few weeks to see if things settle down or they might refer you to a breast clinic. Additional reporting SWNS. Cancer: read more The CEO of a prisoner charity fears inmates could slip through the net and risk re-offending if they are not given sufficient support after their release from jail. Andy Keen-Downs, CEO of Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) which offers support for prisoners at all stages of the justice system, said prisoners being freed early to cut overcrowding will need guidance and support in the first three to six months after their release. I think the challenge will be that people dont just need a bed. They need mentoring. They need guidance, they need support to navigate the system, especially during the first few months after release, Mr Keen-Downs, 62, told the PA news agency. The vast majority of those people who re-offend do so within the first three to six months after release. If they can survive the first three to six months without offending, the chances are that they are going to live a good life. People seen outside HM Prison Brixton in London (Jeff Moore/PA) But my guess is that some of them may slip through the net. We have seen people being given tents because theyve got nowhere. Weve supported people who are rough sleeping after prison. He said the charity visited 30 prisons on Tuesday to offer care packages containing underwear, toiletries and a few basic essentials for early-release prisoners. Weve been sitting down with people in our centres, which are just outside prisons, giving them some guidance, information, encouragement, he added. Weve given out 50 emergency grants to people who just need a bit of extra help, whether thats for food or travel or absolute basics to help them through the first few weeks after release. It comes after the Government announced it will be releasing 5,500 offenders which does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences in September and October in a bid to cut overcrowding. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood suggested prisoners freed early could be placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels, which Mr Keen-Downs said is useful as a transitional measure. I dont think its necessarily a terrible idea. I think it will be important to match the accommodation with the right support as a transitional measure, he explained. Its not right the taxpayers should be asked to pay for that. But as a transition into independent living or a longer-term solution, I think when its matched with a mentoring type scheme, I think thats worth looking at. People seen outside HM Prison Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) He added: If its a choice between somebody being on the streets and with all of the harms that can cause, and them being in a budget hotel, then Id support that suggestion. He praised Labour for its two months planning ahead of prisoners being freed and said the situation has been handled much better than what was happening under the Conservative government. He said: Under the previous round of early releases, we saw a vast number of those people being recalled to prison within a matter of days or weeks, some of them deliberately re-offending in order to come back to jail because at least they had a bed in a prison. Under the new scheme, more thought has been given and more planning has been given. However, Mr Keen-Downs has called for Labour to rebuild the probation system. Our probation service is on its knees, along with the prison service, he said. The Governments committed to recruiting 1,000 new probation trainees, but theyre not been recruited, and theyve not been trained, so theyre not going to be any use at the moment because theyre not in place. People seen outside HM Prison Durham (Owen Humphreys/PA) We absolutely need to rebuild the probation service. The probation service used to be an arm of social work. It was a highly-skilled, professional service. He describes the current prison system as being in crisis and supports the Governments decision to release prisoners early to help ease pressures on prison staff and ensure inmates are safe. It was one of the first announcements we heard from the new Labour government. (Ms Mahmood) very quickly grasped that the prison system in England and Wales was in crisis, he said. Weve been using that language for quite some time. Weve been pointing out that the prison population is growing beyond the capacity of the system to hold prisoners safely. Pact is a charity offering support for prisoners at all stages of the justice system, including after their release from jail, and works in nearly 70 prisons across England and Wales. It also runs the National Prisoners Families helpline, which is free and open seven days a week to help people whose family members are in prison. For more information about the phone line, you can visit https://www.prisonersfamilies.org and for more details about PACT you can visit https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/ Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry pauses during a standing ovation as he addresses members of the House and Senate on opening day of a legislative special session focusing on crime, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. Landry is calling for a statewide emergency declaration as the state prepares for Tropical Storm Francine to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along the Louisiana cost Tuesday evening. Hilary Scheinuk/AP The windows of a raised historic house are boarded up as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Francine along the Louisiana coast on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Lafitte, La. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) Chris Granger/Associated Press Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is calling for a statewide emergency declaration as the state prepares for Tropical Storm Francine to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along the Louisiana cost Tuesday evening. Norman Bouisse, 76, right, tosses a rope to Jeremy Adam, one of the captains for the 100-foot trawler Master Brandon, as the two men add lines to batten down their boat in anticipation of Hurricane Francine along the Louisiana coast in Lafitte on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Lafitte, La. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) Chris Granger/Associated Press Tropical Storm Francine started developing in earnest in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico late Sunday. The storm caused both Texas and Louisiana officials to make preparations, with Gov. Greg Abbott directing Texas Division of Emergency Management to prepare for additional state emergency response resources. TRACK THE STORM: Follow the path of the sixth named storm of the 2024 hurricane season Advertisement Article continues below this ad Evacuations are underway Evacuations have already been called in Cameron Parish, southeast of Beaumont. Issued by the Cameron Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, officials warned residents in the communities of Hackberry, Johnson Bayou, Holly Beach, Cameron, Creole, Grand Chenier and Big Lake to vacate the area. And as of 4:30 p.m. Monday, Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness director Jacques Thibodeaux said officials anticipate the storm will turn into a Category 1 hurricane by Tuesday evening. "We want everyone in the state to be cautious and vigilant," Landry said during the conference. "We don't want you to downplay this event, but we also do not want people to panic." On Monday, Landry said officials issued a statewide declaration of emergency to allow for resources to "begin to flow." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Anticipating landfall as a hurricane During the conference, Thibodeaux said there are chances the storm could upgrade from a Category 1 to a Category 2, and bring roughly 7 to 9 inches of heavy rain over a 12-hour period to the region. Officials anticipate that the storm would make landfall by mid-afternoon to late night Tuesday, he said. "We would ask everyone to stay off the roads and remain vigilant as you are home (and) pay attention to what's going on," Thibodeaux said. Power outages are expected, Thibodeaux said, while urging residents to practice safe usage of generators. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Entergy New Orleans announced on Sunday that it was also making preparations for the storm. "Rest assured, our crews and contractors will be ready to respond if needed, working tirelessly to restore power and provide support in the aftermath of any storm," said Steven Benyard, vice president of reliability for Entergy in Louisiana, in a release. Louisiana officials are expected to hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Landry said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Residents were urged by the governor's office to prepare for the storm by visiting getagameplan.org. The King will fly to Australia and Samoa for the first long-haul overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis and join world leaders at a major Commonwealth summit. Charles and Camilla will pass a number of milestone in their roles as monarch and consort during their southern hemisphere visit over nine days from October 18-26. The health of the monarch will be a factor during the visit as the King has been receiving treatment as an out-patient for an undisclosed form of cancer since February. Charles and Camilla at a previous meeting of Commonwealth heads of state (Matt Cardy/PA) The programme is likely to be designed to afford him time to rest and recover from the many hours he will spend flying during his trip. The King is head of the Commonwealth and for the first time will preside over the gathering of presidents and prime ministers as head of state, during the event hosted by Samoa which will also be attended by Sir Keir Starmer. Charles deputised for Queen Elizabeth II during the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) staged by Rwanda in 2022, but will now welcome the representatives as head of state. His trip to Samoa has the status of a state visit and the royal couple will be joined by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while the Australian tour is also significant as Charles is the nations head of state. Charles receives Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during an audience at Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA) Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese has a long-held aim of holding a referendum on breaking ties with the British monarchy and his country becoming a republic. But the plans were put on hold after Australians overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give greater political rights to Indigenous people in a referendum held last year. Charles will meet colleagues Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer, named as Australians of the year 2024 in recognition of their pivotal work on melanoma, one of Australias most common cancers. Their pioneering research in using the bodys immune system to attack cancer cells has been applied to treat Prof Scolyer, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour but a scan earlier this year showed no recurrence of the cancer, according to reports. Other highlights of the Australian leg will see the royal couple spending time in the capital Canberra meeting leading figures and paying their respects to the countrys fallen, while in western Sydney they will attend a community barbecue a staple of Australian culture. Royal travel for the Australian leg of the trip will be funded by its government as it is a realm, a country where Charles is head of state, while the state visit to Samoa will be paid for by the UK in the normal way. In Samoa, the programme will follow a similar theme to Australia with the King attending events around sustainability and biodiversity, while the Queen will focus on her interests of literacy and domestic violence and sexual abuse. A Buckingham palace spokesman said: Weve had to, as you would with any visit, think about how you can ensure their Majestys energies are preserved to be at their best. He added: There had been some hope earlier in the year for their Majesties to be able to visit New Zealand. On doctors advice, and in close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand governments, that wasnt able to take place. Weve had to make some difficult decisions about the programme with the Australian government, about where their Majesties can get to. A move to cut the winter fuel allowance for many pensioners was totally unexpected, a Stormont minister has said. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons told MLAs that Northern Ireland would follow Westminsters lead because it could not afford to break parity with the rest of the UK. However, Mr Lyons warned the cut will have serious consequences for the wellbeing of older people across Northern Ireland. Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons said the cut to the winter fuel allowance would have serious consequences in Northern Ireland (Oliver McVeigh/PA) MPs voted 348 to 228 on Tuesday afternoon to axe the payment for all but the poorest pensioners, rejecting a Tory bid for the controversial policy to be blocked. Stormont MLAs at Stormont had earlier debated the change, which it is estimated will impact about 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland. Mr Lyons said: This was a totally unexpected announcement from the new Government in Westminster. It was not mooted by the government before now, it was not part of their manifesto and indeed, only a few months ago when the Prime Minister was leader of the opposition, he said that the winter fuel payment should be maintained. Therefore, it came as a surprise to us all, that the Government would announce the removal of this important benefit and I can confirm that my department was given no prior notice of the planned change. The Communities Minister said the principle of parity means that social security benefits in Northern Ireland are paid at the same rates and with the same conditions of entitlement across the UK. He added: The estimated additional cost to the block grant of maintaining universal entitlement to a winter fuel payment in Northern Ireland for winter 2024/25 is 44.3 million and this does not even include any additional delivery or staffing costs. In addition, it is estimated that an appropriate IT system to deliver universal winter fuel payments in Northern Ireland could cost between 5 million to 8 million for development and a further 20% of the development spend per annum for support and maintenance. Therefore, for the Executive to even consider breaking parity on this decision by the Labour Government would require significant cuts to Northern Irelands already struggling public services. He added: To those who glibly say the Executive could have made a different decision, I would ask them what they would cut or what services would they postpone? It was simply not credible to claim that the Government have left the Executive with any other choice. Let me repeat what I have already said a number of times since the Chancellors announcement, I strongly disagree with and am totally opposed to this decision. I believe this decision is wrong. It is wrong because it will have serious consequences for the comfort, wellbeing, and health of older people across Northern Ireland. It is wrong because it will put additional pressure on public services, which will face increased burdens due to the health implications it will cause for people. And it is wrong, because in order to remove benefits from those who do not need them, those who are just above the threshold become collateral damage. Mr Lyons asked the Government to reconsider its cut to the allowance. Love Is Blind: UK hosts Emma and Matt Willis will front a new TV show which will see them along with pupils give up their smartphones completely for a total of 21 days. The Channel 4 documentary series, titled Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, will work with the Year 8 students from The Stanway School in Colchester. Researchers at the University of York will monitor changes in behaviour among the pupils and presenting team over the three weeks, as well as what effects giving up your phone can have on your brain, including sleep and attention, by testing things like reaction times and memory. Matt and Emma Willis will join forces with The Stanway School in Colchester and challenge a group of Year 8 pupils and themselves to give up their smartphones completely for 21 days (Channel 4 / Boldprint Studios / PA) The Willises said: Our lives these days revolve around our smartphones, and the thought of three weeks without them is quite honestly daunting, yet fascinating. The statistics on childrens smartphone use are beyond worrying so the time feels absolutely right for the issue to be addressed. Were intrigued by the results of the experiment and hope it can spark change and have a lasting and positive impact on everyone. The House of Commons Education Committee said there had been a 52% increase in childrens screen time between 2020 and 2022, with a quarter said to be using their devices in an addictive manner. Presenter and broadcaster Dr Rangan Chatterjee will meet experts, scientists, campaigners and politicians to uncover the deep-rooted effects of smartphone use along with the married presenting pair. Dr Chatterjee said that the increasing use of technology has insidiously crept into every part of our childrens lives, including their school life without proper thought. He added: I think this is likely to have major negative consequences for children and society at large. For me, this is one of the most urgent societal issues of our time. And this experiment is critically important to kick-start a national conversation about what is actually appropriate and helpful for our children. Dr Rangan Chatterjee. (John Walton/PA) Louisa Compton, head of news and current affairs and specialist factual and sport at Channel 4, said: The decision on when to give a child a smartphone is something every parent agonises over, and this bold and timely exploration will blow that debate wide open and potentially lead to more parents waiting for their kids to reach a greater level of maturity before handing over a smartphone. With so many children and teenagers increasingly tethered to their screens, its crucial we understand the impact that digital noise, constant connectivity, and peer pressure on social media platforms is having on young minds. We hope this experiment will spark a broader debate about the role of technology in our childrens lives and potentially inspire new approaches to digital wellbeing in schools across the country. Channel 4 suggested that the findings of the two-part show could be the catalyst for the Government to enact a select committee suggested nationwide ban on smartphones for children under 14 or 16. MPs had urged the Government to consult on raising the age of digital consent from 13 to 16, and said it should consider a total ban on smartphones for under-16s, as well as a full statutory ban on mobile phones in schools. The Department for Education has issued guidance, which is non-statutory, instructing headteachers on how to ban the use of phones not only during lessons but during break and lunch periods as well. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in July that he does not support simply banning phones for children under 16, and instead there needs to be a look again at what content children are accessing online. The Australian government has promised legislation to enforce a minimum age for children to access social media, which could be set at for around the ages of 14 and 16. Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones will air on Channel 4 later this year. The Governments expansion of funded childcare for working families could help address the large gap in enrolment between rich and poor families, the Education Secretary has said. Bridget Phillipson said the plan for children as young as nine months in England to be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare a week by September 2025 may help to spread opportunity more widely. But the Education Secretary acknowledged that the full rollout of the childcare expansion pledge which was made by the Conservative government wont be easy. Her comments come as a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggested that the UK has one of the lowest expenditures per child in pre-primary education among the worlds leading economies. The study, which looks at the state of education systems in 38 nations with developed economies, plus 11 other countries, also found a consistent income disparity in childcare participation and it said the enrolment gap is more pronounced in the UK where the cost of childcare is high. Speaking at the launch event of the OECD report in London, Ms Phillipson said: We need to get early education and childcare right so that all children get the very best start in life and all parents get the power to pursue their careers. But as your report shows the gap in enrolment in childcare between rich families and poor families in the UK is one of the biggest in the OECD. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was determined the Government would not let parents down (Jordan Pettitt/PA) So how can we spread opportunity more widely? Part of the answer does lie in childcare rollout. In the UK, 32% of children under the age of three from lower-income households attend childcare, compared with 59% of those from higher-income households, according to the OECD study. The difference of 27 percentage points in participation between children from families in the top and bottom tertile is larger than the OECD average of 19 percentage points, the report said. The study which provides the latest indicators on the state of education around the world also found that in early childhood education, expenditure per child in the UK is around 6,893 dollars (5,272), compared with around 11,735 dollars (8,976) per child on average across OECD countries with data. Speaking to education sector leaders on Tuesday about the Governments rollout of funded childcare support, Ms Phillipson added: Im determined that this Labour Government will not let parents down. That of course means being open about the scale of the challenge to roll out this commitment in full. It wont be simple, it wont be easy, but I will work with our parents and workforce to see it through. All of early years education is vital for our mission, not just childcare. Those first steps into education are so important for a childs life chances and the sad truth is that a significant part of the attainment gap is already baked-in by the age of five. The Education at a Glance study suggested educational attainment varies more between regions in the UK than in many other OECD countries. While 71% of 25-64 year olds in London have obtained a tertiary qualification, such as university degrees, the corresponding proportion in North East England is only 42%, it found. In her speech at the event, which was hosted by the Sutton Trust charity, the Education Secretary said child poverty was a stain on our society but the Governments work to fix the foundations of opportunity had begun. She added that teachers were vital in their mission and the Government was restoring teaching as the profession of choice for the very best graduates. Ms Phillipson said high and rising standards must be for each and every child. When they slip its not middle-class parents who miss out. They can pay for tutors to pick up the slack. Its the children without support at home who fall further behind, she added. The report also suggested that the UK has one of the largest average primary school class sizes amongst the OECD countries. There are fewer than 25 pupils per class in all the countries with available data, with the exception of Chile (31), Japan (27), the UK (26) and Israel (26). At primary level, the average class in OECD countries has 21 pupils, according to the study. It also found that there are 19 pupils per teacher in primary education in the UK, compared to 14 pupils per teacher on average across the OECD countries with available data in 2022. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said: Our ratio of pupils to teachers is the fifth highest behind only India, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil. This is consequential to every child and it is galling that students are losing time with teachers. Packed classes mean less contact time with individual pupils and directly makes it harder to support each student. Sir Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust, said: While it is welcome that spending on early years is increasing, the way that this funding is used prioritises the sectors role as childcare over its crucial role of supporting the early learning of young children. Only children whose parents work a certain number of hours or earn over a required threshold are entitled to expanded provision. This is excluding the very children who stand to benefit most and contributing to the widening attainment gap between disadvantaged youngsters and their peers. Addressing this needs to be the highest education priority for Government. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders union NAHT, said: The fact that the UK is among the lowest of all OECD countries when it comes to per pupil expenditure in early childhood education should be a source of deep concern. He added: High-quality early education remains one of the closest things we have to a silver bullet when it comes to addressing the attainment gap and should be a high national priority. Disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein is in a stable condition following emergency heart surgery, his representatives have said. The 72-year-old, who is awaiting trial in New York on rape and sexual assault charges, was moved from the citys Rikers Island jail complex to Bellevue Hospital on Sunday night, his lawyers said. The former film mogul underwent emergency surgery on Monday after experiencing chest pains. Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Weinstein, told the PA news agency: His condition is stable. He is resting now. Harvey Weinstein is serving a prison sentence following a rape and sexual misconduct conviction in Los Angeles (Anthony Devlin/PA) He added that he was hopefully out of danger for the moment. Weinstein is serving a prison sentence following a rape and sexual misconduct conviction in Los Angeles related to an incident in 2013 where he appeared uninvited in a womans hotel room during a Los Angeles film festival. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in February 2023. The former film producer is currently in custody at Rikers Island jail while awaiting a retrial in Manhattan after a 2020 conviction for rape was overturned earlier this year in a majority decision from the Court of Appeal in New York. Weinstein has had serious health problems and been admitted to hospital multiple times in recent years. In July, he was treated in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and Covid-19. The other conditions he was to be treated for included diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, and fluid on his heart and lungs, according to a statement from Mr Engelmayer given to the Associated Press at the time. His latest spell in hospital comes after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the UK said it had discontinued its indecent assault case against Weinstein following a review of the evidence, saying there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. The former Hollywood film producer was facing two criminal charges of alleged indecent assault against a woman, who is now aged in her 50s, in London in 1996. Mr Engelmayer previously said: We are grateful for the decision and to know that in some parts of western society, justice is indeed still blind. Harvey Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone (David Mirzoeff/PA) Mr Weinstein is appreciative towards those who worked hard to come to this conclusion and is deeply saddened that any of his actions may have caused anyone difficulty. He hopes that other jurisdictions can find their way clear to distinguish the difference between disappointment, sadness, regret and illegal, criminal behaviour. Harvey believes in his heart that he never crossed those lines. Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone. He became one of the most prominent focuses of the #MeToo movement, which took root in 2017 when women began to go public with accounts of his alleged behaviour. In 2020, the producer of hit movies including Pulp Fiction, The English Patient, Good Will Hunting, Gangs Of New York and Shakespeare In Love was stripped of his honorary CBE awarded for his contribution to the British film industry. James Earl Jones, the American actor known for being the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, has died at the age of 93. The Hollywood stars voice was also lent to the likes of Mufasa in Disneys 1994 film The Lion King, various audiobooks and to CNN for its This is CNN tagline. During his career, he won a host of awards including Emmys, Tony Awards, a Grammy and was given an honorary Oscar. On Monday, his long-time agent Barry McPherson confirmed the veteran actor had died. Born in 1931, Jones overcame a stutter in his childhood, with one of his high school teachers helping him master it by having him recite poetry before class. It later became one of the most instantly recognisable voices in the world. The actor was arguably best known for giving the Star Wars supervillain Darth Vader his classic husky voice, but he was already an award-winning star of stage and screen when the original movie was being developed by George Lucas in the 1970s. He later reprised the voice in 2005 for Revenge Of The Sith and he returned to the role nine years later in the first episode of Star Wars Rebels, in 2016s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and most recently the Disney+ original series Obi-Wan Kenobi. Before his Star Wars role, he wowed critics with his Tony Award-winning performance as a boxer in 1968 play The Great White Hope, later taking on the lead in the 1970 movie adaptation, for which he picked up a Golden Globe. He later secured the best actor Tony award for a second time for Fences and in 2017 he was presented with the Tony for lifetime achievement in the theatre. The actor demonstrated versatility in everything from Shakespearean epics to television dramas and comedies. Thank you for everything, James. A statement from George Lucas and Lucasfilm: https://t.co/ieEdG0k5zY pic.twitter.com/8L99EeNwuU Star Wars (@starwars) September 10, 2024 He played memorable film roles including reclusive writer Terence Mann in 1989s Field Of Dreams and a South African minister in Cry, The Beloved Country. His notable films included the 1988 romcom Coming To America starring Eddie Murphy and 1982 epic Conan The Barbarian, where he played opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jones garnered two Primetime Emmys for his roles in the 1990 thriller Heat Wave and the 1990 crime drama Gabriels Fire, and he won the Grammy in 1977 for best spoken word recording for Great American Documents. His stage credits include a host of Broadway productions and several plays in London, one of the latest being a production of Much Ado About Nothing at The Old Vic in 2013. In 2022, the Shubert Organisations Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed after Jones to recognise his lifetime of immense contributions to Broadway and the entire artistic community, according to a statement by the Shuberts at the time. Among his numerous awards, Jones received the National Medal of Arts, a Kennedy Centre Honour and an honorary Oscar in 2011. The UK and USs top diplomats will visit Ukraine in a show of solidarity later this week after secretary of state Antony Blinken formally accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Moscow. Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the trip as the first of its kind in a decade, at a press conference in London alongside his American counterpart on Tuesday. Speaking to media in the Foreign Offices Locarno Suite, Mr Lammy said the visit would be critical in order to allow both men to listen to Ukrainian concerns and report back to their leaders. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, welcomed US secretary of state Antony Blinken as he arrived for a meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London (Alberto Pezzali/PA) Its hugely important that were travelling together to hear from our Ukrainian counterparts and President Zelensky, their assessment of the situation on the ground and their needs on the ground, Mr Lammy told journalists. Meanwhile, Mr Blinken announced that Washington will deepen sanctions on Iran as he publicly accused Tehran of providing ballistic missiles to Russia. The United States will be announcing further sanctions on Iran later today, including additional measures on Iran Air, Mr Blinken said. We expect allies and partners will be announcing their own new measures on Iran as well. Its a pleasure to welcome @SecBlinken to London. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth. pic.twitter.com/Z2793GyfGs David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 10, 2024 The US has warned Iran that sending the weaponry to Russia to use in Ukraine would constitute a dramatic escalation. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians, he said. The Iranian ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles, allows Russia to target its arsenal further from the front line, he added. Iran, as it has with previous US intelligence findings, has denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine. Mr Lammy said the joint trip to Kyiv was the first of its kind for a decade, with both the Foreign Secretary and US secretary of state visiting their counterparts in Kyiv. Mr Lammy announced the trip at a press conference alongside his American counterpart on Tuesday (Alberto Pezzali/PA) But he would not be drawn on whether Ukraine would be given permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on Russian soil, which Mr Zelensky has long called for. It would, however, be quite wrong to comment on the detail of operational issues in a forum such as this, because the only person who could benefit is (Russian president Vladimir) Putin, and we will do nothing to give him any advantage in his illegal invasion, Mr Lammy said. Mr Blinkens UK trip comes ahead of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers second visit to the White House on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen diplomacy through what they describe as a new UK-US bilateral strategic dialogue. The secretary of state said the relationship between the two allies went beyond special, as it has been described in the past, adding: I like to call it essential. Essential to our nations, our people, and people well beyond our shores. Labour has no choice but to cut the winter fuel payment, a Cabinet minister insisted as he appealed to dissenting backbenchers to support the Government in a Commons vote on the policy. Jonathan Reynolds urged MPs to be the team that fixes this country and not rely on your colleagues to make the difficult decisions as Sir Keir Starmers administration braces for internal unrest over the plans. Speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday, the Business Secretary rejected suggestions that the Governments decision to strip all but the countrys poorest pensioners of the allowance could see some die of cold this winter. Asked whether ministers accepted this was a possibility, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: No. We are making sure that we can reassure people by saying the state pension is higher than last winter and energy bills are lower than last winter. Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged the decision was difficult (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Pressed on why the Government was pursuing the policy amid a mounting backlash, he told Sky News: We have no choice. The full state pension is to rise by 460 from next April, according to official wage figures released on Tuesday. But critics, including from within party ranks, have questioned why Labour is not targeting the wealthy instead of pensioners as it insists the cut is necessary to fill what it calls a 22 billion black hole in the public finances. We have a Budget coming up but weve made clear that taxes which weve inherited are already high on working people, Mr Reynolds insisted on Tuesday. Number 10 is holding firm against pressure to soften the policy, saying on Tuesday morning that there were no plans to widen eligibility for the payment. Meanwhile, the Government has launched a campaign to urge all those entitled to pension credit to sign up and get access to the allowance. Asked if mass take-up could wipe out the savings from restricting the payment, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: It is right that anyone eligible for income-related benefits or pension credit is receiving it, and thats why were making efforts to ensure that those who are eligible are converted on to it. The Prime Minister appeared at the TUC Congress on Tuesday, where he was warned by unions fiercely opposed to the plans not to offer more austerity. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has accused Labour of picking the pocket of pensioners, calling instead for a wealth tax, while RMT boss Mick Lynch likened Chancellor Rachel Reeves to the Grinch over the policy. Ms Reeves sought to quell backbench unease at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party in Westminster on Monday evening, where she told MPs she was not immune to concerns about the cut. Rachel Reeves told MPs she was not immune to concerns about the cut (PA) A spokesperson for the Chancellor said that backbenchers showed strong support at the closed-doors gathering. Some have said they feel unable to back the cut on Tuesday, but there will likely be more backbench abstentions than votes against it after the suspension of seven MPs who opposed the Government over the two-child benefit cap. Under the plans, the winter fuel allowance for pensioners will be limited to only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits. It is expected to cut the number of people receiving the payment of up to 300 by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, which the Government hopes will save about 1.4 billion this year. Money saving expert Martin Lewis said he had spoken to some MPs on Monday night and they had their buttocks clenched about supporting the policy and had asked him to try to change the Chancellors mind. He told Times Radio that many new Labour MPs are totally torn about the policy. The Tories accused Labour of having failed to properly examine the implications of the policy. This has been completely rushed. Theres no need to do this as quickly as the Government has done, other than for purely political reasons, shadow work and pensions secretary and Conservative leadership candidate Mel Stride told Times Radio. And it means that the implications of this, of course, have not been properly examined in the normal way that they would be, and which is why even trade unions such as Unite has described this as picking the pockets of pensioners. Iran has been hit with sanctions by the UK and US after the two countries formally accused Tehran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. The announcement came after Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US counterpart Antony Blinken said they would make a joint visit to Ukraine later this week to show support for Kyiv. On their joint mission they will listen to Kyivs calls for permission to use Western long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, with US President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer set to discuss the issue in Washington on Friday. Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the Kyiv trip as the first of its kind in a decade, at a press conference alongside his US counterpart on Tuesday. Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putins Russia. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, welcomed US secretary of state Antony Blinken as he arrived for a meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London (Alberto Pezzali/PA) At a joint press conference with Mr Lammy, Mr Blinken said: One of the purposes of the trip we will be taking together is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership including President Zelensky about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives and what we can do to support those needs. All I can tell you is we will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the Prime Minister, to President Biden in the coming days and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday. Asked whether Ukraine would be given permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, Mr Lammy said: Its hugely important that were travelling together to hear from our Ukrainian counterparts and President Zelensky their assessment of the situation on the ground and their needs on the ground. It would, however, be quite wrong to comment on the detail of operational issues in a forum such as this, because the only person who could benefit is Putin, and we will do nothing to give him any advantage in his illegal invasion. Its a pleasure to welcome @SecBlinken to London. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth. pic.twitter.com/Z2793GyfGs David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 10, 2024 Mr Blinken subsequently met the Prime Minister at Lancaster House, with Sir Keir saying he was looking forward to discussing Ukraine and the Middle East ahead of a crucial period. Meanwhile, Mr Blinken set out details of Irans supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, which triggered the sanctions announced on Tuesday. The US has warned Iran that sending the weaponry to Russia to use in Ukraine would constitute a dramatic escalation. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians, he said. Mr Lammy announced the trip at a press conference alongside his US counterpart on Tuesday (Alberto Pezzali/PA) The Iranian ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles, allows Russia to target its arsenal further from the front line, he added. Iran, as it has with previous US intelligence findings, has denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine. As part of the response the UK, along with France, Germany and Italy, is cancelling its bilateral air services arrangement with Iran, which will restrict Iran Airs ability to fly in the UK and Europe. Implementing the ban on Iran Air flights will take 12 months. The UK and Washington also announced coordinated sanctions against Iranian and Russian individuals and organisations. Irans export and Russias procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles is a further escalation in support of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. With our international partners we have taken significant steps to respond to this direct threat to European security. David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 10, 2024 The UK has also sanctioned five Russian cargo ships thought to have been involved in ferrying arms. Mr Lammy said: Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles to fuel its illegal invasion of Ukraine is a significant and dangerous escalation. We have been clear in that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response. Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security. Iran must stop supporting Putins unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Londons fire chief has called for myths to be busted around the economic effects of strict regulations on building safety as he made an emotional promise to Grenfell bereaved and survivors to learn from the disaster. London Fire Brigade (LFB) Commissioner Andy Roe said the United States, as one of the most competitive commercial environments in the world, has managed to maintain a profitable construction industry while keeping to strict safety requirements, and asked why cant we do it here?. Speaking in front of the London Assembly Fire Committee on Tuesday, the head of the capitals fire service posed the question to the construction industry and the Government. He said: It (the US) is a huge functioning democracy built on a capitalist model, and yet they have probably some of the strictest building regulations for high-rises in the world. It is so prescriptive in terms of their construction methodology, the levels of mitigation they place into their buildings, whether it be sprinklers or alarms or evacuation lifts or staircases, the method of construction. So my question to the sector, and I guess to Government, because were at the other end of it, is, if the largest functioning democracy in the world with a really competitive working capitalist economy, where clearly huge developers are in play, can construct buildings to profit in that environment against those regulations I think we do have to state the obvious which is why cant we do it here? He said he was not trying to make a political point and acknowledged the positive economic impact when big companies are successful, but questioned why other countries appear better able to ensure buildings are safe. He added: I do think we need to bust some of these myths because there are other examples around the world with well-functioning models of economy and commerce that seem to be able to do this in a safer way. Mr Roe insisted many lessons had been learned by LFB since the Grenfell fire in 2017 and changes made, pointing to the response of crews to recent fires including in Dagenham. But he repeated the statement made in the wake of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry last week that the brigade is not complacent. London Fire Brigades commissioner Andy Roe asked to be judged on what you see in our response (Belinda Jiao/PA) Asked what assurances he could give bereaved and survivors, as well as people living in buildings yet to have unsafe cladding removed, he said: I dont expect to convince you with my words. I have to demonstrate it in our actions as a service. So I think I would ask to be judged on what you see in our response, in our interactions with you. He referred to the most terrible education that Grenfell provided, and noted that many of those in senior positions in the service, including himself, were there on the night. His voice appeared to break with emotion when speaking about his commitment to learning and change, he added: It is borne out of the most terrible personal experience, to be frank, and the loss of life we witnessed that night. I think I will probably leave it there because its something we all hold very, very personally because we bore witness to it. We are not a distant department. We are not seated in an office somewhere. We were on the ground. The Grenfell Tower inquiry found that each of the 72 deaths that occurred at Grenfell were avoidable (James Manning/PA) Committee chairwoman Hina Bokhari said: The emotion is there, and we appreciate that. Asked when LFB is likely to publish its action plan following recommendations laid out in the phase two inquiry report, he said the service will discuss them with their community forum, and indicated the timeline is likely to be weeks, not months. The final report said there had been a chronic lack of effective leadership at LFB, combined with undue emphasis on process and a culture of complacency. But while LFB failings were highlighted, the overall conclusion was that victims, bereaved and survivors were badly failed through incompetence, dishonesty and greed in various organisations. Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said each of the 72 deaths was avoidable and had been preceded by decades of failure by the government and the building industry to act on the dangers of flammable materials on high-rise buildings. Justin Ballard is the Houston Chronicle's first ever newsroom meteorologist. He can be reached at justin.ballard@houstonchronicle.com. He brings five years of experience forecasting tropical systems, severe weather outbreaks, and blizzards to the Houston Chronicle. His unique experience in forecasting will serve him well in his role at the Chronicle, as Houston has experienced a number of impactful weather events in recent years. Justin looks forward to his work with the Houston Chronicle, where he'll be responsible for posting daily weather forecasts. On top of daily forecasts, he is excited to tackle more in-depth weather and climate stories that impact the residents of Southeast Texas. A North Carolina native, Justin joined the Chronicle in July 2023. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in December 2017. A man has appeared in court accused of murder in connection with a fatal house fire in Wolverhampton. Dale Francis, 36, attended a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday via video-link from HMP Birmingham charged with murder, four counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life. The charges are in connection with a fire at a house in Plascom Road in East Park, Wolverhampton, in the early hours of June 25, which was caught on CCTV. Akashdeep Singh, 26, died in hospital after the fire (Jacob King/PA) Akashdeep Singh, 26, who the court heard was trapped upstairs in the house with his mother and one of his brothers when the fire started, was rushed to hospital, where he later died. Prosecution counsel Sarah Slater told the court Mr Singhs brother suffered a fractured back when he fell out of an upstairs window, while their mother is still in intensive care in hospital. Two others were also injured. The house was severely damaged by the blaze (Jacob King/PA) Francis, of Clarke Street in Stoke-on-Trent, answered yes sir when asked by Judge Michael Chambers KC, if he could hear him over the link. Judge Chambers told him: Your case is adjourned until the next hearing on October 11 when you should be produced at court. At this hearing, you will be asked whether you plead guilty or not guilty to the charges you face. In the meantime, you should remain in custody. Two other people were seriously injured as a result of the fire (Jacob King/PA) In a statement issued through West Midlands Police after Mr Singhs death, his relatives described him as a true hero. They said: Our family is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Akashdeep Singhs passing. He was a kind, helpful, and deeply religious person whose loss brings us immense pain that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. A true hero, our precious son, whose boundless kindness, infectious laughter, and unwavering love filled our lives with immeasurable joy, his memory will forever be cherished, and the depth of his absence is profoundly felt every single day. Victoria police patrol the area near the upcoming Land Forces 2024 expo. Protesters plan to form a large picket line around the event. Photograph: Joel Carrett/EPA Thousands of anti-war activists are expected to descend on Melbourne this week, vowing to disrupt an international military and defence expo. Heres everything you need to know about the event and the planned protests. What is the event? The biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition will run from 11 to 13 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Previously held in Brisbane, it attracts hundreds of defence personnel from around the world to the showcase of weapons and technology. More than 800 domestic and international companies and leading organisations will take part. Military tanks, heavy-duty trucks and semi-automatic guns will be on display during the three-day event. Why are people protesting? An alliance of up to 50 activist groups are planning a series of week-long protests to target the event. Activists say they are protesting against Israels war in Gaza and to highlight how the defence sector supplies weapons that are used against civilians. Protesters plan to form a large-scale picket line around the event from about 6am on Wednesday to disrupt the opening ceremony. Related: A Gaza ceasefire pilgrimage walks 45km through central Victoria in pictures Nathalie Farah, representative of Disrupt Land Forces a coalition of activist groups said protesters wanted to have conversations with attenders and provide them with leaflets about the activists aims. We want to make our voices heard and let them know we dont want this to be happening in the city, she said. Jasmine Duff, an organiser of the blockade and co-convener for Students for Palestine, said protesters felt compelled to take action over the war in Gaza. Its obvious that we have to take a stand, she said. We have to say, Not in our names. And thats why so many students are gathering around this event and wanting to protest it. Brad Homewood, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, said the aim of the protests were to make Land Forces feel so unwelcome they never come back to Melbourne. We want to end war and repression, he said. Other protest activity will include theatrical stunts outside the expo venue, speeches by pro-Palestine activists at rallies, a march from defence company Hanwhas office to the convention centre and a zombie rave. Protest activity kicked off at the weekend, with activists vandalising hotels with red paint and blocking traffic. Greens MP Gabrielle Di Vietri said she would attend Wednesdays protest while parliament is sitting, insisting the government should have cancelled it. The Labor government sponsoring a deadly weapons expo, that might be worth skiving off an hour or two of parliament, Di Vietri told reporters on Tuesday. Labor minister Ingrid Stitt said she believed Di Vietris constituents would expect her to be at parliament while it was sitting. What are police planning? Victoria police said on Sunday they would have a significant presence during and in the lead-up to what will be their biggest operation in decades. Police have been granted special powers under anti-terror legislation, giving officers bolstered powers to request identification and search people and vehicles in the area surrounding the event. They will also have the power to order masked protesters away from the event if they suspect they are trying to conceal their identity or the use of capsicum spray. Related: I fled Gaza to Australia not by choice but as a matter of survival. How can I be a security risk? | Plestia Alaqad Police have said there is no intelligence suggesting Land Forces was under specific threat but that the national terrorism threat level was at probable. Interstate and regional police have been deployed to Melbourne to assist the response. Numerous officers are already stationed in and around the building, including at exit and entry points. The fence at the site has also been covered by tarps, making it difficult to see what is happening inside. The Victorian treasurer, Tim Pallas, said police had asked for additional funds to cover the event, estimated to be between $10m and $15m. He urged anyone not protesting to stay away from the area around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and asked demonstrators to act with a modicum of respect including towards police. Why are there concerns about the protest? The event could be the states biggest protest since the World Economic Forum in 2000. More than 100 people were arrested in that rally in scenes unusual in Melbourne at the time. Organisers claim up to 25,000 activists could rally against the weapons expo on Wednesday, after days of smaller protests around the CBD. Tensions have begun to rise in lead-up to Land Forces 2024. An anti-war protester was arrested on Saturday after she attached herself to a car and blocked traffic on the West Gate Freeway for hours. There were two arrests at the weekly pro-Palestine protest in Melbourne on Sunday. Police said a 20-year-old Craigieburn man and a 49-year-old Broadmeadows man had been arrested at the scene. Both were released from custody and are expected to be charged on summons with assault and resist police offences, police said. with reporting by Australian Associated Press Mourners carry the coffin of 14-year-old Colombian environmental activist Breiner David Cucuname, who was shot dead - STR/AFP via Getty Images Nearly 200 activists were murdered globally last year while trying to protect the environment, according to a new report released today by Global Witness. Last years high death toll brings the total number of killings to 2,106 since the environmental watchdog began investigating the targeting of activists protesting land grabs, as well as mining and logging operations or agribusinesses that cause the destruction of ecosystems. It reports that more than 1,500 have been murdered trying to protect the planet since the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change in December 2015, when 193 countries plus the EU negotiated a pathway to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. While researchers could not identify the perpetrator in every killing, they attempt to establish that activists were killed while campaigning for climate justice, linking their deaths to organised crime or economic and political elites emboldened by authoritarian regimes. The group believes their tally of fatalities is likely an underestimate. As the climate crisis accelerates, those who use their voice to courageously defend our planet are met with violence, intimidation, and murder, said Laura Furones, lead author of the report and senior advisor at the watchdog. Our data shows that the number of killings remains alarmingly high, a situation that is simply unacceptable. A boat rests on a dry section of the Guavio reservoir that feeds the Guavio Hydroelectric Power Plant in Gachala, Colombia - JHOJAN HILARION/AFP via Getty Images Latin America is identified as the deadliest region on earth for activists, accounting for 85 per cent of reported murders last year. Some 40 per cent of all deaths 79 environmental defenders were in Colombia, where many indigenous communities have been disproportionately impacted by land disputes and human rights violations exacerbated by over half a century of armed conflict. Among the documented Colombian victims were five cases related to mining, three to fishing, one to logging and one to hydropower. Organised crime groups are suspected of being responsible for half of the activist murders in Colombia. The findings come ahead of the country hosting the United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference later this year and contrast with the governments promises to pursue environmental justice for communities. Peace processes with armed groups which have been implicated in environmentalists killings have faltered. In a statement late on Monday, the government said it was dishonourable to top the Global Witness list. The national government recognises the serious situation that is derived from socio-ecological conflicts associated with drug trafficking, extractavist practices connected to illicit economies and the reconfiguration of the armed conflict, it said. Greenpeace activists protest at the site of an area of jungle earmarked for destruction in Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Paola Chiomante/REUTERS In Mexico, where 18 activists were reportedly murdered last year, Global Witness documents the disappearance of people defending indigenous rights over the expansion of lucrative mining operations, in areas rife with criminal gangs. Mining features strongly in the report as an industry linked to alleged human rights abuses across the world. More than 40 per cent of all mining-related killings between 2012 and 2023 occurred in Asia - home to significant natural reserves of key critical minerals vital for clean energy technologies, it says, warning that pressure will likely increase as demand for these minerals rises. The report reveals wider trends of not only murders but wider retaliations against defenders who are being targeted by government, business and other non-state actors with violence, intimidation, smear campaigns and criminalisation in every region of the world and in almost every sector. It points to Mexico and the Philippines as particularly vulnerable to the tactics of enforced disappearances and abductions. Global Witness ranks the Philippines as the deadliest place in Asia for land and environmental defenders, reporting that of 468 murdered in Asia between 2012 and 2023, 64 per cent, or 298, of these cases occurred in the Philippines. Its an accusation that the Philippine authorities refute as preposterous and one-sided. Your birthdays will be your death days In one of the most high-profile cases of the last year, Jonila Castro, 23, and Jhed Tamano, 22, were abducted and detained for 17 days last September while investigating the economic and ecological impact of reclamation activities in Manila Bay on coastal communities. Ms Castro told the Telegraph that they were grabbed off the street by a group of men who suddenly pulled up in a car and dragged them inside. They put packing tape on our mouths and tied our hands and blindfolded us and brought us to two secret detention facilities, she said, describing psychological torture in the days that followed. During their interrogation, the women were allegedly pressured to expose links between their campaign activities and the Communist Party of the Philippines. Because we were not cooperating with them or answering their questions, they were threatening us and our lives, said Ms Castro. Your birthdays will be your death days and we will just put you in one grave. Thats what they told us on the first night when we were still blindfolded, she said. They even threatened the lives of my family. Edita Burgos, whose activist son Jonas Burgos went missing in the Philippines 12 years ago - TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images Ms Castro claimed their captors, although dressed in civilian clothes, identified themselves as members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and forced the two women to sign a fake confession that they had surrendered to the authorities. Human rights groups allege government critics are often labelled as communist sympathisers without evidence or falsely branded as rebels affiliated with the New Peoples Army (NPA), which has been fighting the government for decades. Ms Castro said the women were pushed into a press conference to reinforce their confession. Before they did so, they made a pact to deviate from the script to tell the truth even if it led to imprisonment or death. She was elated when, to her surprise, they were released. I felt I was on clouds because that day I just accepted my death. I was so calm. I thought at least the truth will be told, she said. The National Security Council and military have consistently denounced the womens version of events as fake news and an elaborate hoax, maintaining the narrative that they were leftists who surrendered and sought assistance to rejoin society. The department of justice filed charges of oral defamation against them for defamation for embarrassing and putting [the Armed Forces of the Philippines] in bad light. Activists from the Extinction Rebellion global movement stage a protest in Rotterdam - ROBIN UTRECHT/ANP/AFP via Getty Images Based on these charges, on 2 February 2024 a municipal trial court issued a warrant for their arrest and, if found guilty, they may face up to six months in prison. In a response to the Telegraph, the details of which were marked as strictly confidential, the assistant attorney-general to NTF-ELCAC flatly denied the womens allegations as false and misleading, and pointed to a Court of Appeals ruling in August that dismissed their claims. The court cited a lack of evidence that their abduction had been carried out by or with the acquiescence of any organs of the state, or that the military had subjected them to psychological torture or any form of abuse. It also ruled that there was no proof of an existing or continuing threat against the women. If you are an activist here in the Philippines you must know that there is a risk, said Ms Castro. In the Global Witness report, Rachel Cox, senior campaigner for the watchdog, said criminalisation was increasingly used as a central method of repression in Asia, alongside abductions, illegal land grabs and murder. These brutal methods are designed to terrorise communities and stifle opposition to climate-destructive projects, she said. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Members of the Jewish community gather outside BBC Broadcasting House last year to demonstrate against the broadcasters reporting of the Israel-Hamas war - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe The BBC should consider reviewing its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war amid allegations of bias, its chairman has said. Samir Shah told the House of Lords communications and digital committee on Tuesday that a systematic analysis of the broadcasters reporting of the Middle East conflict should be held. He added that the BBC should consider making the war the subject for the next thematic review, which usually take up to two years to complete and have been previously commissioned by the corporation to look into its coverage of tax and migration. The remarks came after a damning report found that the BBC had displayed a deeply worrying pattern of bias against Israel, and had breached its own editorial guidelines more than 1,500 times during its coverage of the conflict in Gaza. Speaking alongside Tim Davie, the BBCs director-general, Mr Shah told peers: I definitely think Middle East conflict is one area I think we should consider very seriously to be subject to a deep, systematic analysis of how we cover it. In my time [at the BBC], and Ive been in it for 40 years, this is one thing that has really resulted in lots and lots of concern on all sides and I think its the duty of the board, because we play such a role in reporting Middle East conflict to the world, that we do take time out and do an analysis review of that coverage. Serious questions about reports methodology The Sunday Telegraph first revealed that a report had found that the BBC repeatedly downplayed Hamas terrorism while presenting Israel as a militaristic and aggressive nation. The analysis, led by lawyer Trevor Asserson, assessed four months of the BBCs output across television, radio, online news, podcasts and social media beginning on Oct 7. It prompted calls for an independent review by Danny Cohen, a former BBC executive, and two leading Jewish groups, the Campaign Against Antisemitism and the National Jewish Assembly. The BBC said it would carefully consider the Asserson report, with a spokesman adding that it had serious questions about the reports methodology. Mr Davie told the committee that he wanted to reassure people that journalists are doing an outstanding job under the most ferocious pressure, the personal pressure, the lobbying, with reports from both sides. Addressing the Asserson report, he said: Every complaint that comes in, and this is where I do dispute whats written, is taken seriously. He added that not everyone agrees with the outcome of complaints about the BBC Arabic service, and the overall public response is good, but that does not mean were perfect. Huw Edwards has not yet returned 200k The committee was also told that Huw Edwards is yet to return the 200,000 he was paid by the BBC following his arrest for making indecent images of children. Mr Davie said the disgraced former news presenter had not complied with a request to return the sum. Edwards, who pleaded guilty to eight charges in July, earned more than 200,000 between being arrested in November last year and resigning in April. The BBCs board announced last month that it would try to recover the money after Edwards pleaded guilty at Westminster magistrates court. Mr Davie said: Weve made the formal request, and I cant go into too much detail, but discussions are under way. But Ive got no further news, apart from that the BBCs position is clear the money should be returned, and we made the request. I dont believe we set a deadline but we do expect to make progress and get an answer. Baroness Stowell, who chairs the committee, asked: And if Mr Edwards is not forthcoming in repaying that money, you have already resolved that you will endeavour to pursue recovery of that money through a legal process? We will explore that, Mr Davie replied. But as Ive said, I think Ive said on record, that is challenging. I think at the moment the position is very clear. Weve made that request to Mr Edwards, and thats where we sit. Our management position is and supported by the board is very clear. Edwardss charge was a shock Mr Shah added: What Huw Edwards did damaged the reputation and the trust for the BBC enormously, so we take that very seriously indeed. I should say it was a shock to discover when it was announced that he was charged that he had led this double life. On the face of it, a trusted news presenter, but hidden secretly he was this figure who did the most appalling things. Lets not forget the victims of this, the children in those pictures. Edwards, 62, is due to be sentenced on Sept 16. He was suspended by the BBC in July last year following allegations in The Sun newspaper that a senior figure at the corporation had paid a young person for sexually explicit images. At the time, the Metropolitan Police concluded that no crime had been committed, and told the BBC it could continue its own investigation. Separately, South Wales Police seized a phone belonging to 25-year-old Alex Williams, from Merthyr Tydfil, who had shared indecent images with Edwards. Edwards was subsequently arrested on Nov 8. Williams received a suspended prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to seven offences. The following month, Edwards resigned from the BBC, citing medical advice. He was charged in late June, but the Crown Prosecution Service took the unusual step of not informing the media, as is common practice in high-profile cases. Scott and Diana Anderson have spent seven years trying to regain entry to the theme parks Club 33 A Disney-obsessed couple have vowed to keep fighting after losing a $400,000 (306,000) legal battle to have their membership reinstated to the theme parks exclusive Club 33. Scott and Diana Anderson, both 60, spent 30 years trying to get into the elite 33,000-a-year club, which allowed them to rub shoulders with VIP guests in wood-panelled lounges. Since gaining access in 2012, the pair had forked out around $124,000 a year to visit the Disney theme parks in Anaheim, California, up to 80 times annually. But the couples fairytale lifestyle was brought to an abrupt end after they were banned from the members club in 2017 amid claims Mr Anderson had been drunk in public. They have spent seven years and hundreds of thousands of pounds trying to regain entry to the club, only for a jury last week to reject their claims that Disney had improperly evicted them. My wife and I are both dead-set that this is an absolute wrong, and we will fight this to the death, Mr Anderson told the Los Angeles Times. My retirement is set back five years, he added. Im paying through the nose. Every day, Im seeing another bill, and Im about to keel over. Determined to appeal against the decision, Mrs Anderson said: Ill sell a kidney. Tables at Disneylands exclusive and private Club 33 - Tim Rue/Corbis Entertainment Mr And Mrs Anderson gained access to Club 33 in 2012, where they mingled with Hollywood stars including Dick Van Dyke and Kurt Russell and enjoyed fine dining, VIP tours and special events. Sean Macias, the couples lawyer, told the civil court when they came off the 10-year waiting list, they finally became part of this special place. That was their spot. That was their happy place, their home, he added. But security guards found Mr Anderson near the entrance of California Adventure at around 9.50pm on Sept 3 2017. They claim he had slurred speech and had trouble standing and his breath smelled like alcohol. He was promptly evicted from Club 33. Mr Macias said Mr Anderson had only consumed two or three drinks and, in the absence of a breathalyser or blood tests, it was not established he was intoxicated. Mr Macias argued that Mr Andersons symptoms were the consequence of a vestibular migraine which can be triggered by red wine. Some salty language The previous year, Mrs Anderson had briefly been suspended from the club for using some salty language... a couple F-words, Mr Macias said. Mr Macias said the couple were trying to clear his name as Mr Anderson doesnt want to be known as a drunk. The Andersons had asked to be reinstated in Club 33, with a $10,500 reimbursement for four months of unused membership in 2017. They also wanted $231,000. Jonathan E Phillips, a lawyer representing Disney, said Club 33 membership guidelines forbade public intoxication. They did not want to pay the consequences of failing to follow the rules, Mr Phillips told jurors, the LA Times reported. He added that Mr Andersons conduct cost his wife of 40 years her lifetime dream of having access to Club 33. Lucy Letby pictured in a police mug shot - Cheshire Constabulary Doctors who pointed the finger at Lucy Letby were accused of plotting and lying by senior staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital, a public inquiry has heard. The Thirlwall Inquiry investigating the wider circumstances of deaths in the neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016, and whether they could have been prevented, opened on Tuesday. Letby was convicted of the murders of seven newborns and the attempted murder of seven other infants, and is serving 15 whole-life sentences. In opening statements, the inquiry heard that many staff at the hospital did not believe the nurse was responsible for the deaths, and had been reluctant to remove her from the unit. After she was consigned to desk duties, Letby filed a grievance in the autumn of 2016, and Dr Christopher Green, director of pharmacy at the Countess, was appointed to investigate her complaint. Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies - Cheshire Constabulary/Handout via Reuters The inquiry heard how Dr Green was disgusted by the behaviour of consultants and warned it is likely that they lied. Beginning his investigation in October that year, he found that the drive to remove Letby from the unit came from Dr Stephen Breary and to a lesser extent Dr Ravi Jayaram. Allegations based on gut feel Dr Green said although staff should be free to raise concerns about colleagues, he was concerned the allegations were based on gut feel and may fall under bullying and harassment. He concluded there was insufficient evidence for a formal internal or police investigation, the inquiry heard. The consultants were ordered to apologise to Letby, and it was recommended that the nurse be given written confirmation that she had no case to answer in relation to the deaths and collapses of babies on the unit. Hospital executives had hoped to draw a line under the Lucy issue, but in 2017, seven doctors emailed calling for a forensic investigation into deaths in the neonatal unit. At a meeting of the trusts executive directors, the inquiry heard how Tony Chambers, the chief executive, observed that things seem to have gone backwards. Consultants who raised concerns about Lucy Letby were ordered to apologise to her Speaking of the consultants, Ian Harvey, the trusts medical director, was recorded as replying: Wonder what they are plotting. Rachel Langdale KC, the counsel for the inquiry, said: The inquiry will be investigating whether by this stage a relationship of trust between the consultants and executive directors had truly broken down. Karen Rees, who was head of nursing at the Countess of Chester, told the inquiry in a statement that it came as a complete shock to be told that two consultants thought Letby was intentionally harming babies. The inquiry also heard how Eirian Powell, the neonatal unit ward manager at the Countess of Chester, believed in 2015 and 2016 that there was no evidence whatsoever that Letby was to blame for deaths and collapses on the wards. Responding to concerns in October 2015, Ms Powell said it was unfortunate that Letby was present at the deaths and collapses. Each cause of death was different Each cause of death was different, some were poorly prior to their arrival on the unit and others were suffering necrotising enterocolitis, gastric bleeding, and congenital abnormalities, she wrote at the time. At a meeting in May 2016, Powell reportedly said: Lucy Letby works full time and has the qualification for speciality. She is therefore more likely to be looking after the sickest infants on the unit. The inquiry heard by the spring of 2017, the hospital had instructed a barrister to look into whether the police should be informed about the accusations, but he told executives there was no evidence of crime. The legal expert warned that the police were strapped for resources and could only sensibly investigate cases where there were reasonable grounds for suspecting a criminal offence had been committed. Despite the advice, Mr Chambers wrote to the chief constable of Cheshire Police, calling for a forensic investigation and Operation Hummingbird was launched soon after. Ms Langdale said: Could Letby have been stopped sooner than she was? Were opportunities for detection missed? Should concerns have resulted in an action? These questions go to the very heart of whether lives could have been saved and injury prevented. Her planned return to the ward only appears to have been stopped because of the tenacious lobbying of the consultants. But for their determined approach, it appears likely that she would have been permitted to deal with babies. Lady Justice Thirlwall, who is chairing the inquiry, has said it is likely to end early next year with the report being published next autumn. Demonstrations take place outside the High Court during Lucy Letby's appeal hearing in April. Lady Justice Thirlwall has said it is not her intention to retry the case - ZUMAPRESS.com / Avalon The judge warned there had been an outpouring of comment on the validity of Letbys convictions since the trial, but said it was not her intention to retry the case. The convictions stand, she said. The parents of the babies have waited years for answers to their questions and its time to get on with this inquiry. 04:36 PM BST Thats all for today Here is a summary of what the inquiry heard today: Justice Thirlwall confirmed Lucy Letbys convictions would stand. The counsel said the inquiry would help keep babies safe in future. Baby K was attacked during a CQC hospital inspection. Consultants who made allegations were ordered to apologise to Letby in September 2017. Ms Langdale, the counsel, compared Letby to Harold Shipman after hiding in plain sight. A hospital meeting conducted in July 2015 following the deaths of three babies found that no further investigation was warranted. A Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood meeting was only held for Child C. Nurses wanted Letby to continue working on the ward despite consultants concerns. A hospital report found neonatal was dealing with babies who were more gravely ill than in previous years. Hospital bosses were said to have been keen to draw a line under the Lucy issue. Consultants who called for an external investigation were accused of plotting by hospital bosses. 04:08 PM BST Hospital bosses were advised there was no evidence of crime, inquiry hears A barrister hired by the Countess of Chester in April 2017 to look at the evidence of a serial killer told hospital bosses that there was no evidence of crime. The expert warned that the police were strapped for resources and could only sensibly investigate causes where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting a criminal offence had been committed. He warned that it was very different from mere suspicion. However Tony Chambers, the chief executive, wrote to the chief constable of Chester Police calling for a forensic investigation. Ms Langdale, the counsel for the inquiry, said: Could Letby have been stopped sooner than she was? Were opportunities for detection missed? Should concerns have resulted in an action? These questions go to the very heart of whether lives could have been saved and injury prevented. As I have said, the police were not contacted until April 17. In that time Letby worked without formal restriction. Her planned return to the ward only appears to have been stopped because of the tenacious lobbying of the consultants. But for their determined approach, it appears likely that she would have been permitted to deal with babies. 03:41 PM BST Consultants who called for external investigation were accused of plotting, inquiry hears Consultants at the Countess of Chester were accused of plotting by hospital bosses after they called for an external investigation into deaths at the neonatal unit. Seven consultants sent an email to executives after two external doctors concluded that many of the deaths were unexplained and called for a broader forensic investigation into the deaths. Four days after the email was sent, an executive directors meeting was convened. At the meeting Tony Chambers, the chief executive, observed that following the consultants letter things seem to have gone backwards. Ian Havey, the trusts medical director, was recorded in the minutes as replying: Wonder what they are plotting. Ms Langdale, the counsel for the inquiry, said: The inquiry will be investigating whether by this stage a relationship of trust between the consultants and executive directors had truly broken down. 03:21 PM BST Hospital bosses were keen to draw a line under the Lucy issue, inquiry hears Minutes of meetings in January 2017 showed that hospital bosses were keen to draw a line under the Lucy issue. Tony Chambers, the chief executive of Countess of Chester Hospital, told a meeting on January 10 that it was not the case that one individual was to blame for the spike in deaths, and instead pointed to problems with leadership and clinical interventions. At the meeting, Alison Kelly, who was Director of Nursing and Quality at the trust, said that they were now trying to protect Letby. She said: If we really believed that the individual was the causal factor for the change of survival rates on the unit we would have called the police. However we didnt feel this was the case. In meetings in January, hospital bosses repeated that Letby had been exonerated. Ms Langdale, counsel for the inquiry, said: This inquiry will consider how it was that the executive directors were apparently proceeding on the basis that Letby was exonerated. The police interview with neonatal nurse Lucy Letby - Cheshire Police 03:07 PM BST Consultants who made allegations were ordered to apologise to Letby, inquiry hears In September 2017, consultants who made allegations against Lucy Letby were ordered to apologise after she brought a grievance against the trust, the inquiry heard. A grievance hearing was chaired by a deputy chief nurse from a nearby trust who proposed that consultant Dr Stephen Breary and Dr Ravi Jayaram engage in mediation with Letby. Doctors were warned they would face disciplinary action if they did not apologise to the nurse. It was also recommended that Letby be given written confirmation that she had no case to answer in relation to the deaths and collapses of babies on the unit. Ms Langdale, counsel for the inquiry, said there is evidence that the outcome of the grievance hearing came to dominate the thinking of hospital bosses. The grievance process was viewed as having exonerated Letby when in fact it contained no investigation of her actions whatsoever, the barrister said. 02:52 PM BST Hospital report found neonatal was dealing with babies who were more gravely ill than in previous years, inquiry hears The Countess of Chester Hospital carried out reviews into unexpected deaths during 2015 and 2016 at the neonatal unit. Nurse Martin, the most senior childrens nurse in the trust, was asked to look at 17 incidents and identified six cases, of which Letby had been present at the period of collapse at three and involved in prior care of one further baby. A second position paper compiled by the trust also found that the neonatal was dealing with babies who were more gravely ill than in previous years which could be a contributory factor to increased deaths. Overall the conclusions of the report that there had been an increase in workload intensity and acuity in the neonatal unit and those factors may have partly explained the increase in mortality. Ian Harvey, the medical director, told the inquiry in a statement: It was not a satisfactory explanation for the increase and that it was clear those factors were not the whole answer but were potential contributing factors. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) was also invited to review the rise in deaths and called for a detailed forensic case review for each suspicious death. Ms Langdale, counsel for the inquiry said it was unclear how many of the recommendations had been followed. 02:20 PM BST Nurses wanted Lucy Letby to continue working on ward despite consultants concerns, inquiry hears Nurses wanted Lucy Letby to continue working on the neonatal ward while consultants believed she should be removed, following the deaths of several babies, the inquiry has heard. Karen Rees, who was head of nursing in Countess of Chester, told the inquiry in a statement that she was very upset, and that it came as a complete shock to be told that two consultants thought Letby was intentionally harming babies. Executives at the hospital decided that by the summer of 2016 there was insufficient evidence to remove Letby from the neonatal unit. In a statement Ian Harvey, the hospital medical director, told the inquiry that it was a difficult balance to strike. My general recollection of the days that followed is that the clinicians became more vociferous about her being removed while the nurses wanted her to remain on her unit, he said. Mr Harvey told consultants to stop emailing about their concerns regarding Letby. It was not intended to stop the discourse but to dampen down some of the theories which seemed to me to be appearing out of nowhere, he wrote in his statement. However on reflection I do accept this email could have been worded better, I regret the language used and accept that this could have affected the appetite of the consultants to come forward. That was not my intention. Neonatal unit at the hospital 01:23 PM BST Lucy Letby compared to Harold Shipman after hiding in plain sight Lucy Letby has been compared to Britains most prolific serial killer Harold Shipman after hiding in plain sight. Rachel Langdale KC, the counsel to the public inquiry into the Letby killings, compared the neonatal nurse to Shipman, who was responsible for more than 200 deaths. Ms Langdale said: History tells us that medical serial killers are deceptive, manipulative and skilled at hiding in plain sight. She added: None of his victims realised that Shipman brought death which was disguised as the caring attention of a good doctor. For ordinary decent right thinking people the actions of Letby will remain unfathomable. We will not be inviting speculation about her motive or mindset. We will ask why detailed rigorous medical analysis of sudden unexpected deaths and collapses did not take place earlier and why attacks were allowed to continue for a year. A public inquiry into the Shipman killings was launched in 2001. Prof Peter Furness, the former president of the Royal College of Pathologists, previously claimed that many of Lucy Letbys victims might have been saved if ministers had not delayed key recommendations from the Harold Shipman inquiry. 01:01 PM BST Inquiry breaks for lunch The inquiry has risen for lunch and will resume at 1.45pm. 01:00 PM BST No evidence whatsoever Letby was to blame for deaths, inquiry hears Eirian Powell, the neonatal unit ward manager at the Countess of Chester believed there was no evidence whatsoever that Letby was to blame for deaths and collapses on the wards. In May 2016, a meeting was held at the hospital to discuss Letbys shift patterns after she was moved off night shifts following a disproportionate number of deaths during the night. Consultant Stephen Breary, said that Ms Powell became very defensive of Letby at the meeting and countered his concerns "forcibly and with great emotion." Theres no evidence whatsoever against Lucy Letby other than coincidence, she is reported to have said. Lucy Letby works full time and has the qualification for speciality. She is therefore more likely to be looking after the sickest infants on the unit. In a statement to the inquiry Ian Harvey, the medical director of the hospital, said that the tone of the meeting was calm. I dont recall anyone being aggravated or forthright about a concern about Letby, he said. Former nursing manager Alison Kelly also said there was nothing to justify the suspension of Letby. Letby brought a grievance process against the hospital in which it was claimed that during the meeting Dr Breary made reference to a "murderess on the neonatal unit". However Ms Landgdale said there was a dispute about "what was said by whom" which will be explored during evidence in the hearing. 12:39 PM BST Baby K attacked during CQC hospital inspection, inquiry hears Baby K was attacked while the Care Quality Commission (CQC) was carrying out an inspection of the Countess of Chester, the inquiry has heard. The CQC was visiting the hospital between February 16 and 19 in 2016. Ms Langdale, the counsel inquiry said: On the February 17 2016, at the very time the CQC inspection was taking place, Child K suddenly and unexpectedly deteriorated. Consultant Dr Ravi Jayaram said that he had become uneasy about the presence of Letby at unexpected deaths and collapses. The doctor said he had found Letby standing by the incubator of Baby K when the child was collapsing and found the breathing tube had been dislodged. Letby was convicted of the attempted murder of Baby K at retrial in July. Letby is currently seeking to appeal the conviction. Legal counsel Rachel Langdale speaking at the Thirwall Inquiry - Crown Copyright 12:21 PM BST Letbys presence during death of Child I called unfortunate After the death of Child I in October 2015, consultant Stephen Breary first raised his concerns about Letby in writing, the inquiry heard. However Eirian Powell, who was the neonatal unit ward manager, responded to his concerns saying it was unfortunate that Letby was present. But she said: Each cause of death was different, some were poorly prior to their arrival on the unit and others were suffering necrotizing enterocolitis, gastric bleeding, and congenital abnormalities. Ms Langdale, counsel for the inquiry, said that the email from Powell "sets the tone" for what was to follow in subsequent months. Concerns despite being raised by the consultant of the neonatal unit were not see as urgent, she said. 12:15 PM BST Doctors assumed tests were wrong for insulin poisoning case The death of Child F from insulin poisoning was missed by doctors because they assumed tests were inaccurate, the inquiry heard. In a statement, Doctor ZA, who has been granted anonymity, said she did consider whether insulin could have been delivered deliberately but this seemed absurd and ridiculous unlikely. She said: I felt the most likely explanation for the results was some sort of inaccuracy with the test, and I would have liked to repeat them but Child F had no further issues and was transferred back to the local unit. The test being wrong seemed the only possible explanation. Ian Harvey, the medical director at the Countess of Chester, said he was never informed of the insulin results and if he had known it would have significantly altered my perception of the events on the neonatal unit. Ms Langdale, counsel for the inquiry, said that Lady Justice Thirlwall may wish to consider whether high artificial insulin results in babies should become a never event which would automatically flag concerns. Lady Justice Thirwall speaking to lead counsel Rachel Langdale at the Thirwall inquiry - Crown Copyright 11:54 AM BST No further investigation warranted following deaths of three babies, inquiry hears The inquiry has heard that a meeting at the Countess of Chester on July 2 2015, following the deaths of three babies, found that no further investigation was warranted. Ms Langdale said that the hearing would examine whether there was a significant opportunity missed to save the lives of babies who died after the meeting. As well as failing to recommend further investigation due to the number of unexpected deaths, the meeting on July 2 also failed to consider and document which staff were present at each resuscitation and whether, in addition to the deaths there had been any unexpected collapses over the same period. Had they done so the collapse of Child B would have been included in the index of concerns. Had factors being considered it seems likely that at this stage in July 2015 as a minimum, Letbys presence at each sudden and unexpected death and her presence at the collapse of Child B. The inquiry heard how it would take the sudden and unexpected deaths of another two babies in August and October before the commonality of staffing was revisited and further investigation was considered necessary. 11:48 AM BST Third part of the inquiry will consider wider NHS Ms Langdale said the third part of the inquiry would consider the wider NHS, including the current culture, governance and management structures. She said: History tells us that serial killers are deceptive, manipulative and skilled at hiding in plain sight. She said an inquiry into Harold Shipman, a GP thought to have murdered hundreds of his patients, shed little light on why he carried out his crimes and found he was able to kill undetected over many years, enjoying a high reputation. She added: For ordinary, decent right-thinking people the actions of Letby will remain unfathomable. We will not be inviting speculation from witnesses about her motive or mindset. She said the inquiry would examine why detailed medical analysis of the deaths and collapses of babies did not take place earlier and whether bias in favour of Letby influenced the hospitals response. She said: It was not until April 2017, almost two years after the first murder, that the hospital made a referral to the police and detailed multi-disciplinary medical scrutiny and analysis was finally conducted. 11:47 AM BST Second part of inquiry will consider whether deaths were preventable Rachel Langdale KC said the second part of the inquiry into Letby's crimes would consider whether they could have been prevented and whether she should have been removed from the neo-natal unit earlier. She said: "The inquiry's unwavering process will not be examining the convictions but rather what the response of those at the time was and should have been to what they knew or should have known at the time. "Our inquiry will serve the vital purpose of keeping babies safe in the future for those rare cases when a healthcare professional intends them harm." She said witnesses would be expected to tell the truth "however difficult that may be". 11:46 AM BST Babies murdered and injured by someone trusted to care for them, inquiry hears Rachel Langdale KC said: "At the Countess of Chester between June 2015 and June 2016 the neonatal unit was a place where babies were murdered and injured by someone trusted to care for them, a nurse on the ward." She said the first part of the inquiry would include "heartbreaking" evidence about the experiences of the parents whose babies were attacked by Letby. She added: "The provision of written or oral evidence to you is a testament to the enormous courage of the parents. "In the midst of their pain they have demonstrated a selfless commitment in the principle that others in the future should not suffer as they do." She said medical and scientific evidence in each case should be considered in the context of all other evidence and should never be compartmentalised. She added: "Those who do this will be less likely to see the picture as a whole. They may reach conclusions that are not only wrong but are speculative and damaging." 11:37 AM BST Consultant paediatrician observed that one nurse was present during early deaths Inquiry heard that at a meeting on June 27 2015 regarding the early deaths, consultant paediatrician Dr Stephen Brearey said that it was observed that one nurse was present at all the episodes - Letby. Rachel Langdale KC said: Dr Breary recalls that while the association remained in his mind following the meeting he was not at that stage overly concerned and recalled commenting Not nice Lucy. Legal counsel Rachel Langdale speaking at the Thirwall Inquiry - Crown Copyright 11:32 AM BST Consultant not suspicious of deliberate patient harm, inquiry hears The inquiry heard how staff at the Countess of Chester had started to notice that Letby was present at all the deaths and collapses. However consultant Dr John Gibbs pointed out that Letby had worked more shifts than other neonatal nurses and believed it was merely unfortunately she had been present. I was not suspicious of deliberate patient harm, he later told police. 11:27 AM BST Inquiry will hear from pathologist who carried out Baby D post-mortem The inquiry will hear from Dr Jo McPartland, the pathologist who carried out a post-mortem into the death of Baby D. Dr McPartland gave the cause of death of Baby D as pneumonia and acute lung injury. Ms Langdale, the counsel for the inquiry, said that Dr McPartland had not seen an X Ray report for Child D which would have been needed for a diagnosis of death by air embolism. Dr McPartland, in a statement, also said that she had not been informed that the same member of staff had been involved in the series of deaths. 11:04 AM BST Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood meeting only held for Child C, inquiry hears The inquiry has heard how a Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood meeting was only held for one baby, Child C. The doctors admitted that the process for reviewing child deaths was disparate and inconsistent. Rachel Langdale KC, said that Lady Justice Thirlwall may want to consider whether the failure to carry out adequate reviews of the early deaths may have allowed further deaths and attacks to take place. After the death of Child C, the Countess of Chester Hospital was starting to get a reputation. (One doctor) explains in her statement to the police that some staff were beginning to ask questions. It was something that was on the grapevine when working at other locations, like have you heard about Chester? said Ms Langdale. 10:41 AM BST Circumstances of Baby A death outlined Rachel Langdale KC is now outlining the circumstances surrounding the death of Baby A. She tells the inquiry that Baby As death was "not just unusual, but also unexpected" with nurses and doctors in the neonatal unit being shocked by the sudden collapse. Doctors had commented on the stable condition of Child A and within half an hour he had collapsed and died. An unusual rash was found on the baby that would "flit and then disappear". Doctor Ravi Jayaram did not realise the significance until a similar rash appeared on another baby which collapsed. Nobody considered the death of child A was considered to be anything malicious, said the KC. 10:33 AM BST Inquiry will keep babies safe in future, says counsel to the inquiry Rachel Langdale KC says the inquiry "will serve the purpose of keeping babies safe in future from a healthcare professional who seeks to do them harm. She added: Those who give evidence do so with the benefit of hindsight I know that you - my Lady - expect witnesses to tell the truth, no matter how difficult that might be. "For ordinary, decent, right thinking people the actions of Letby will remain unfathomable. We will not be inviting speculation from witnesses about her motivation or mindset." 10:31 AM BST Recap: Delays to post-Shipman reforms stopped scrutiny of Letby cases, says leading pathologist Many of Lucy Letbys victims might have been saved if ministers had not delayed key recommendations from the Harold Shipman inquiry, a leading pathologist has said. Twenty years ago, a public inquiry into more than 200 deaths by Britains most prolific serial killer called for a new system of medical examiners to scrutinise any death that did not involve a coroner. Legislation was passed in 2009 - but hospitals did not start introducing the roles until 2019, and a statutory system will not be introduced until next year. Read the full story here. 10:28 AM BST Counsel to the inquiry outlines what hearings will look at Rachel Langdale KC, the counsel to the inquiry, is outlining what the hearings will look at. We will consider whether Letbys crimes could have been presented and whether she should have been removed or suspended earlier. We will ask if professional bodies should have been informed about Letby. The inquiry will not be examining the convictions but rather what the responses were at the time, what they knew or should have known. History tells us that medical serial killers are deceptive, manipulative and skilled at hiding in plain sight. Speaking about Harold Shipman: None of his victims realised that Shipman brought death which was disguised as the caring attention of a good doctor. For ordinary decent right thinking people the actions of Letby will remain unfathomable. We will not be inviting speculation about her motive or mindset We will ask why detailed rigorous medical analysis of sudden unexpected deaths and collapses did not take place earlier and why attacks were allowed to continue for a year. 10:19 AM BST Convictions stand, says Justice Thirlwall Lady Justice Thirlwall warned there had been an outpouring of comment on the validity of the convictions since the trial, but said it was not her intention to retry the convictions. The convictions stand, she said Its my duty to focus the inquiry on the terms of reference. The parents of the babies have waited years for answers to their questions and its time to get on with this inquiry. 10:17 AM BST At the heart of this inquiry are the babies who died, says Justice Thirlwall Lady Justice Thirlwall has opened the inquiry and has said it is likely to end early next year with the report being published next autumn. In her opening statement she said: At the heart of this inquiry are the babies who died who were injured and their parents. I do nor presume to describe the feelings and emotions that those parents have already experienced. Death and injuries occurred in 2015 and 2016. The parents were told that natural causes were the reason for deaths of life long difficulties and so each parent grieved the loss of a new life and all that it promised. Lady Justice Thirlwall 10:14 AM BST The inquiry begins The inquiry has begun with opening remarks from Lady Justice Thirlwall. The investigation at Liverpool Town Hall is to examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess of Chester Hospitals neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016, and how its bosses handled concerns. Opening the inquiry, Lady Justice Thirlwall said that appeal judgment was a "watershed" as the parents of the nurse's victim could now turn their minds to the inquiry. 10:08 AM BST Justice Thirlwall to take guidance from previous inquiries into hospital deaths In Lady Justice Thirlwall's opening statement in November, the senior Court of Appeal judge said she would also probe what recommendations had been made from previous inquiries into events in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and what difference they made. She referred to the case of another child killer nurse, Beverley Allitt, who murdered four infants and caused grievous bodily harm or attempted to murder a total of nine other children in Lincolnshire in 1991. She said: "Everyone was determined that it would not happen again. It has happened again. This is utterly unacceptable." 10:04 AM BST Inquiry will focus on three main areas The inquiry will cover three broad areas: Firstly, the experiences of the parents of the babies who featured on the criminal indictment that Letby faced. Secondly, the conduct of those working at the Countess of Chester and how Letby was able repeatedly to kill and harm babies. Despite mounting concerns raised to bosses by some consultants, she was not removed from the unit until after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another baby boy on three successive days in June 2016 and police were not called in until the following year. Thirdly, a focus on the wider NHS in examining relationships between the various groups of professionals, the culture within hospitals and how these affect the safety of newborns in neonatal units. 09:53 AM BST The Daily T: Is it crass to question Lucy Letbys guilt? David Davis has told The Daily T he thinks the balance of probabilities is that killer nurse Lucy Letby is innocent, as the health secretary has says the public campaign to free her is crass and insensitive. Wes Streeting said that the public should continue to view the former nurse, who is currently serving 15 life sentences, as a murderer amid growing demands for her release. Watch episodes of the Daily T here. 09:49 AM BST Letbys conviction is unsafe, says Boris Johnsons former science adviser The Lucy Letby conviction is unsafe and raises questions about whether juries should be allowed to try complex scientific evidence, a former science adviser to Boris Johnson has warned. James Phillips, who worked as a special adviser to the former prime minister and to the secretary of state for science during the Covid pandemic, said he believed evidence presented to the jury in Letbys trial was flawed. He said that the case bore similarities to how Covid was dealt with by the Government, with too much group think, poor science literacy, and experts not thinking mathematically or statistically. Read full story here. 09:47 AM BST Public inquiry into Lucy Letby to begin at 10am The public inquiry into the events surrounding the crimes of child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby will begin at 10am today. Letby was convicted of murdering seven newborn babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. The Thirlwall Inquiry, chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall, was set up to examine how the neonatal nurse was able to harm babies in her care. The probe will also examine the broader conditions in the neonatal unit where Letby worked. Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders, making her the fourth woman in UK history to be told she will never be released from prison. Since her conviction last year, many scientists, doctors and statisticians have come forward to question the way that evidence was presented to the jury. The first week of the inquiry will hear opening statements from the counsel to the inquiry, along with legal representatives from core participants including the families of Letbys victims. Evidence is scheduled to begin the following week and will continue until at least December. Spains El Confidencial newspaper found that the 86-year-old had created the trust in the countrys capital, Abu Dhabi - Carlos Alvarez/WireImage Juan Carlos, the former king of Spain, has created a personal trust in the United Arab Emirates, shedding light on the extent of his mysterious wealth. Citing sources close to the former king, an investigation by Spains El Confidencial newspaper found that the 86-year-old had created the trust in the countrys capital, Abu Dhabi, where he currently lives. It is thought he has done so with a view to centralising his wealth and organising the eventual inheritance of his two daughters, princesses Elena and Cristina. The structure is to be presided over by Juan Carlos himself, with his daughters as members of the trusts board. He left Spain for Abu Dhabi in August 2020, shortly after his son, King Felipe VI, had announced that he was removing his fathers 200,000 (168,000) annual stipend from the royal budget. It followed the revelation by The Telegraph that the former monarch had named his son as the heir to a 76.4 million Panamanian fund. King Felipe VI of Spain (centre), flanked by Queen Letizia and former King Juan Carlos - ABACA/Almargo His personal wealth has since remained a mystery to the Spanish public, although judicial investigations in Switzerland and Spain revealed that he had had access to large offshore funds that he had not declared. When Juan Carlos paid more than 4.2 million in back taxes to avoid being prosecuted in Spain for tax evasion in 2020 and 2021, it was reported that around a dozen businessman friends had loaned him the money to cover the bill. But sources close to the former king told El Confidencial that he still has funds available and he wants to leave everything ready so that they can be managed by his daughters in the future. According to Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Juan Carloss former lover, who was investigated but not charged in Switzerland over a 54.8 million gift from the then-Spanish king, he used his secret fortune to support his children. Elena and Cristina, who were removed from the official royal family by King Felipe after he took up the throne in 2014, have remained close to Juan Carlos. From what he said to me, any family member who needed cash helped themselves to it, Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein said. The Telegraph asked Juan Carloss public relations representative about the reported trust, but did not receive any response. Ethel and Julius Rosenberg at the time of their conviction on 29 March 1951. Photograph: AP The family of Ethel Rosenberg, who was sent to the electric chair along with her husband, Julius, in 1953 after being convicted of spying for the Soviets at the height of the Red Scare, have called on Joe Biden to formally exonerate her after a newly released document appeared to show that the US government knew she was not a spy. The couple maintained their innocence until the end and the case of the Rosenbergs has long been seen as a possible miscarriage of justice. Though most historians see Julius Rosenberg as a real Soviet spy, questions about Ethel Rosenbergs role have lingered and their sons, Robert and Michael Meeropol, have long campaigned in their familys cause. Now, according to a National Security Agency document, a top US codebreaker who decrypted secret Soviet communications during the cold war concluded that Ethel Rosenberg knew about husband Juliuss activities in atomic espionage but did not engage in the work herself. The Meeropol brothers, who were just seven and three years old when their parents were arrested, have worked for decades to establish that their mother was falsely implicated in spying. They now want Biden to exonerate Ethel Rosenberg by issuing a presidential proclamation stating that she was wrongfully convicted and executed. My brother and I are both relieved and angered to learn that the US government concluded that our mother, Ethel Rosenberg, was not a spy, seven months before her trial in 1951 and nearly three years before her execution in 1953, Michael Meeropol, 81, said in a statement on Tuesday. We are relieved to know the truth, but we are angered that the US government committed this unspeakable injustice and then took 74 years to finally tell the truth by declassifying and releasing this key exculpatory memo, he added. Robert Meeropol, 77, said he was deeply gratified to have it finally confirmed that our mother was not engaged in espionage and to right the wrong this injustice committed against her and our family the US government must officially correct the record and that Biden must issue a presidential proclamation stating that our mother, Ethel Rosenberg, was wrongfully convicted and executed. The previously unreported assessment released last month was written days after Rosenbergs arrest. While few investigators doubt that Julius Rosenberg was a Soviet spy, questions about his wifes involvement have been disputed. The released NSA memo, written by the linguist and codebreaker Meredith Gardner from decrypted Soviet communications concludes that Ethel Rosenberg knew about her husbands [sic] work, but that due to ill health she did not engage in the work herself. According to the Associated Press, the memo refers to Julius Rosenberg, who worked as a civil engineer, by his Soviet code names first Antenna and later Liberal and characterizes him as a recruiting agent for Soviet intelligence. In a separate paragraph titled Mrs Julius Rosenberg, Gardner describes a decoded message as saying Ethel Rosenberg was a party member and devoted wife but not herself a spy and had no code name. The Rosenbergs were put on trial months after the memo was written despite Gardners assessment. The Meeropols said the memo would have been available to the FBI director, J Edgar Hoover, but he chose not to share it with those with the power to alter her conviction, including Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight D Eisenhower. The Meeropol brothers maintain that the memo serves as the capstone to the body of evidence that shows their mother did not participate in spying for the Soviets. I was 10 and my brother was six when we were orphaned by the execution of our parents, Michael Meeropol said. Related: The Rosenbergs were executed for spying in 1953. Can their sons reveal the truth? That unjust act by the US government shaped our lives. Despite our good fortune to have been raised by loving adoptive parents, whose last name we live out our lives with pride, we have relentlessly pursued the truth about our parents throughout our adult lives. We are deeply gratified that we finally know the truth about our mother. The brothers thanked the national director of intelligence, Avril Haines, for supporting a more open approach by the NSA. We hope this release is not a one-time exception to a history of secrecy but signals a broader shift by the national security community to greater openness, said Robert Meeropol. A statement by the Rosenbergs granddaughter Jenn Meeropol said Biden had the power to right this historic injustice, redress the harm done to my family, and bring peace to my father and uncle in their lifetimes and called on members of the public to support their demand. But the Rosenberg case is likely to remain controversial. The Emory University historian Harvey Klehr has said Ethel Rosenberg conspired to commit espionage because she was an active participant in her husbands spy network, not just someone who happened to agree with her husband about politics. Another historian, Mark Kramer of Harvard University, said this week that the interpretation of the Russian communication was debatable and other documents contained damning evidence against her. Vice-President Kamala Harris and the former president Donald Trump debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters Good morning. At 9pm EST tonight, on a debate stage in Philadelphia, weeks of rigorous preparation and breathless analysis will be road-tested with reality, as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump go head-to-head in their first presidential debate. The event will mark the first time Harris and Trump have met face to face, and it comes less than two months after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race. The change at the top of the Democratic ticket appears to have unnerved Trump, who has struggled to land attacks against Harris. For Harris, the debate could allow her to deliver on her oft-repeated promise to voters: that she will prosecute the case against Trump. She goes into the event having been prepared by aides who have mimicked Trumps often vicious and insulting debating technique, especially towards women. What do the polls say? One recent national New York Times/Siena College poll found that Trump was up one percentage point over Harris a difference within the surveys three-percentage point margin of error. What are the debates rules? Tuesdays event, hosted by ABC, will take place under the same rules that governed the Trump-Biden debate, with candidates microphones being muted when it is their opponents turn to speak. Khan Younis safe zone strike: 40 killed in Israeli attack on al-Mawasi, Gaza officials say At least 40 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on a tent encampment designated as a humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, Gaza officials said on Tuesday, in what the Israeli military said was an attack on a Hamas command centre. Gaza civil defence officials told Agence France-Presse and the BBC that a further 60 people from the al-Mawasi site were injured and transferred to local hospitals. Residents and medics said the tent encampment had been struck by at least four missiles. The camp is crowded with displaced Palestinians who have fled from elsewhere in the enclave. Our teams are still moving out martyrs and wounded from the targeted area. It looks like a new Israeli massacre, a Gaza civil emergency official said. What do we know about the Israeli strikes? The Gaza civil emergency service said at least 20 tents caught fire, and missiles caused craters 30ft deep. The Israel Defense Forces said it struck significant Hamas terrorists, who were operating within a command and control centre embedded inside the humanitarian area in Khan Younis. What is the humanitarian cost of the war? Since the 7 October attack, when Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took 250 hostage, the Israeli assault on Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people, decimated infrastructure and housing, displaced at least 90% of the population, and brought widespread malnutrition and famine to the coastal strip. James Earl Jones, revered actor and voice of Star Wars Darth Vader, dies at 93 James Earl Jones, the actor known for his beautifully sonorous voice, has died at the age of 93. He was a massively accomplished and distinguished African American star of the stage and screen, an Egot titan and a great interpreter of classical and modern roles from Shakespeare to Eugene ONeill and August Wilson, writes Peter Bradshaw in his Guardian obituary. It was how he sounded which made him a legend. That great rumbling basso profundo was like a thunderstorm surmounting the horizon, an almost supernatural voice of wisdom and power, which made generations of moviegoers from the 70s to the 90s tremble in the presence of a father figure, good and bad, Bradshaw writes. In other news The White Stripes duo Jack White and Meg White have filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump , alleging flagrant misappropriation of the song Seven Nation Army in a campaign video. The Princess of Wales has said she has completed chemotherapy treatment and is planning to return to limited public engagements in the coming months. The disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was taken from prison to a New York City hospital to receive emergency heart surgery after he experienced chest pains, his representatives said. Ukraines population is trapped in cycles of terror through Russian attacks on civilian facilities such as hospitals, schools, supermarkets and energy infrastructure, according to Volker Turk, the UN human rights commissioner. Stat of the day: Operation begins to remove radioactive debris from Fukushima nuclear plant An operation to remove a small amount of radioactive debris from the Daiichi nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japan, has begun. About 880 tons of extremely hazardous material remain onsite 13 years after a tsunami caused by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered one of the worlds worst nuclear accidents. Dont miss this: Inside the global illegal organ trade Yonas, from Sudan, agreed to give up his kidney for $10,000 in Cairo, Egypt, to pay for travel to Europe. This is the last thing you want to do But for me there was no other way, he said. For the long read, the Guardian spoke to dozens of people from donors to brokers to find out how the exploitative organ trade trade thrives on chaos and desperation. Climate check: Gulf coast braces for storm impact as hurricane season intensifies A storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to become a hurricane when it reaches the US coast on Wednesday. Tropical Storm Francine was spotted about 300 miles south of the mouth of the Rio Grande and is expected to move north, hitting the gulf coastline of Louisiana, as a category one or two hurricane. Such storms have wind speeds of at least 74mph or 110mph, depending on the category. Last Thing: Does the Minecraft movie really look that bad? We asked a 10-year-old Viewers of the Minecraft movie trailer have labeled it horrifying, devastating, expensively naff and the worst thing to happen in cinema in 2024. But what, Rich Pelley asks, does a 10-year-old think? Bad, says Arlo. They should have made it like The Lego Movie or Super Mario Bros. That was good because it didnt have live action people. Sign up First Thing is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday. If youre not already signed up, subscribe now. Get in touch If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com The German government has announced that it will impose additional checks at all land borders for six months - Ayhan Uyanik/Reuters Germany is leaderless and incapable, the countrys opposition leader claimed on Tuesday night as he walked out of a key meeting with the government to discuss steps to tighten up border security. Friedrich Merz, the head of the centre-Right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the talks had failed to come up with concrete steps to control Germanys borders. He said: The federal government is clearly hopelessly divided internally and cannot agree on effective measures. The federal government is incapable of action and leaderless. It came as neighbouring Poland strongly criticised Berlins earlier announcement that it would impose nationwide border checks from next Monday, with Donald Tusk, the countrys prime minister, calling it unacceptable and a de facto suspension of the Schengen agreement on a large scale. However, in the Netherlands, Right-wing coalition partner Geert Wilders welcomed the restrictions and called for the same steps to be taken in his nation. The sooner the better, he said on Tuesday afternoon in the Dutch parliament. If Germany can do it, why cant we? The German discussions on tougher border controls come following the Solingen knife attack on Aug 23, in which a Syrian migrant was arrested as a suspect. At a press conference after the meeting, Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, said attendees discussed a proposal to send asylum seekers trying to enter the country back to the first EU member state they entered. If we want to establish this as a good system now, we need more staff so that the federal police can manage it in the long term, she said of the plan, which the CDU said did not go far enough. Mr Merz has heaped pressure on Mr Scholzs coalition to impose far stricter border controls and migration laws. Ahead of Tuesdays meeting, he had called for the rejection of people at the German external borders on a comprehensive scale if they did not have the correct paperwork. His comments were echoed by the Christian Social Union, the CDUs sister party in Bavaria, which demanded new border rules that would fundamentally be about rejection at the border. Friedrich Merz accused Germany's government of being 'incapable of action and leaderless' - TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP Earlier on Monday, in an apparent bid to reassure voters and appease Mr Merz, Germanys government announced it would impose additional checks at all land borders for six months, starting next Monday. Germany is already carrying out extra border checks on its eastern frontiers with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, while additional checks with Austria have been in place since 2015. However, it was announced on Monday that the checks would be extended to Germanys Western-facing borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and also Denmark. Germany is part of the EUs open-border Schengen zone, where additional border checks are only permitted as a last resort for member states on national security grounds. As well as Germany, there are seven other EU member states that have reintroduced temporary border controls: France, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden. A German police officer escorts a group of migrants near Forst, close to the border with Poland - Jens Schlueter/AFP It came as a senior member of Germanys Greens faction, which is in coalition with Chancellor Scholz, accused Mr Merz of using migration as a tool to blackmail the government. Friedrich Merz is behaving like a stubborn child, said Irene Mihalic, the manager of the Greens parliamentary faction, as she referred to earlier rumours that suggested he might not attend Tuesdays summit. These blackmail attempts are just ridiculous, she added. Germanys border announcement on Monday was welcomed by Bild, the countrys leading tabloid newspaper, which described it as a victory for the majority of German citizens who have long been demanding stricter asylum rules. It added that the decision was a political boost for Mr Merz, who is seeking victory in next years national elections, because he had forced the government into the asylum confrontation two weeks ago. A European Commission spokesman said reintroducing border controls should remain strictly exceptional and necessary and proportionate to counter threats to public policy or internal security. The commission is in touch with the German authorities, they added, after saying Berlin had notified the commission of the move. Asked if Brussels was worried about a domino effect spreading to other member states, the spokesman said they would not speculate until after the commission had assessed Berlins justification. Roberto Villalpando is the Texas weather science editor for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at roberto.villalpando@houstonchronicle.com. He supervises a weather coverage team that includes three newsroom meteorologists who provide expert forecasts for the states two largest cities. Working out of Austin, Roberto joined the Chronicle in 2023 and has more than 25 years of experience covering Texas as a breaking news editor, multimedia producer, graphic artist, copy editor and reporter. An estimated 600,000 people almost half of East Timors population gathered in a seaside park on Tuesday for Mass led by the Pope. The service was held on the same field where Pope John Paul II prayed 35 years ago during the nations fight for independence from Indonesia. Pope Francis, 87, delighted worshippers on Tuesday, staying at Tasitolu Park in Dili, the capital, until well after nightfall. He toured the field in his open-topped popemobile as the screens of the crowds mobile phones lit up the evening. Pope Francis tours a field in East Timor in his open-topped popemobile - Alessandro Di Meo/Pool/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock I wish for you peace, that you keep having many children, and that your smile continues to be your children, said Pope Francis in his native Spanish. The huge turnout was a testament to the overwhelmingly Catholic population of the Southeast Asian country and the high regard its people have for the church. East Timor formally broke away from Indonesia in 2002 following a brutal, decades-long occupation. The Vatican is credited for standing by the Timorese in their battle for independence and helping to draw international attention to their plight. An estimated 600,000 people turned out to welcome Pope Francis - Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Members of the crowd attempt to take pictures of Pope Francis on their mobile phones - Alessandro Di Meo//Pool via AP One of the worlds poorest countries, East Timor, whose population is 1.3 million, lies north of Australia. Pope Francis will remain in the country until Wednesday as part of a 12-day visit to east Asia that has included stops in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, before he travels to Singapore and then returns to Rome on Sept 13. A prisoner leaves Wandsworth prison as part of the early release scheme - EDDIE MULHOLLAND/FOR THE TELEGRAPH Hotels could be used to house some prisoners who are released early to tackle jail overcrowding, the Justice Secretary has said. Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that inmates who were homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there was not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders. Ministers aim for all prisoners freed under the early release scheme to have accommodation for 12 weeks. If an offender is at risk of homelessness upon release, they will be housed in community accommodation. We expect to provide housing for the majority of offenders using existing provision, said Ms Mahmood. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has said that homeless inmates will be placed in temporary accomodation - Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock But should there not be enough provision, I have authorised probation directors to make use of alternative arrangements, including budget hotels as a temporary measure for the cases that we will see in the next few weeks. At least one prisoner, however, appeared to have slipped through the net. Jack Creighton, 54, said he would be sleeping on a park bench tonight after he was released early without sorting any accommodation. Creighton, who admitted he had been in and out of prison constantly for petty offences, was released from HMP Wandsworth on Tuesday morning. Speaking to The Telegraph outside the prison gates, he said: Im going to be sleeping on a park bench tonight and then Ill no doubt start drinking and then Ill come back. Prisoners celebrate their early release with champagne as they leave jail - Eddie Mulholland/Wandsworth Prison Freed prisoners who are homeless are more than 30 per cent more likely to reoffend than those who have accommodation. Martin Jones, the Chief Inspector of probation, warned that prisoners released early on Tuesday would be back in jail within days after breaching their probation, and said a third were likely to reoffend within a year. I fear there will be pinch points in the coming days and weeks, particularly for example, around accommodation and ensuring that the probation officers have the information they need to manage those cases, Mr Jones said. Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, called for changes to ensure all offenders with a known history of domestic abuse were barred from the early release scheme and that victims should not be left in the dark about their offenders being freed ahead of their scheduled date. She said the scheme should be amended to exclude offenders jailed for assaulting a partner even if it was not flagged as domestic abuse. They are currently included. An offender gestures as he leaves HMP Leeds - NB Press Ltd There is no justice in allowing perpetrators of domestic abuse to be released early, she said. She said the victim contact scheme which ensures victims are told of offenders release date should be expanded to be more comprehensive. An inmate gives a thumbs-up as he departs HMP Durham - Owen Humphreys/PA Wire At present, only victims of sexual or violent offenders jailed for more than a year are eligible. It follows complaints by official watchdogs that hundreds of victims are not being told their attackers are being released early from jail and risk bumping into them on the street. Ms Jacobs also urged the Ministry of Justice to investigate whether courts are sparing domestic abusers from jail because the prisons are so overcrowded. Judges were told last year to take account of prison overcrowding when sentencing offenders. Prisoners are driven away by friends in a Lamborghini upon release - Thomas Bowles Photography Alarmingly, some domestic abuse services report that a shortage of prison places may be leading to more lenient, or fewer custodial sentences. Thats why I am calling on the Ministry of Justice to closely monitor sentencing and take swift action if it is needed, she said. We must not forget that this early release scheme is only a temporary fix. The prison crisis is far from over, and the Government must deliver a permanent solution that keeps victims safety and justice at the front and centre. With paintings of Mickey Mouse and Snow White next to the word Love scrawled on a white wall, it has all the hallmarks of an ordinary childs bedroom. Yet beneath the Disney characters lies a chamber of horrors where six Israeli hostages were imprisoned, tortured and ultimately executed by Hamas gunmen, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). On Tuesday, the Israeli army released footage of the tunnel in Gaza where it claims the group captured on Oct 7 were killed two weeks ago. Video footage released by the IDF shows a massive tunnel shaft located inside what appeared to be a childrens bedroom in a home in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Click here to view this content. The entrance appeared to have been covered by a removable floor. It led to a shaft running 20 metres deep, with four separate ladders to climb down to the main part of the tunnel. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, estimated the narrow tunnel to be 120 metres long, 1.7 metres high and one metre wide. It had no rooms, just a single corridor. A thick iron door separated the last part of the tunnel in which the hostages were kept for weeks, according to Israeli estimates. Click here to view this content. In the video, the first items seen behind the iron door are bottles of urine, some kept in a bag. A hole has been dug in the ground where a bucket was used as a toilet. A battery charger hangs from the ceiling. On the floor lies a Koran, womens clothes, mattresses, AK-47 magazines and a hairbrush. Click here to view this content. Finally, a pool of blood is seen on the floor, showing where, according to the IDF, the hostages were executed. Click here to view this content. The IDF also said tuna cans, energy bars and a chessboard were found inside the tunnel. Throughout the war in Gaza, Israeli troops have been uncovering Hamass vast network of tunnels. As well as homes, they have been embedded under schools, hospitals, apartments, mosques and UN facilities. Many of the remaining 101 hostages are believed to be kept in tunnels similar to the one exposed on Tuesday. Between two and six terrorists were guarding the hostages, according to Mr Hagari. Why murder them in a tunnel after they survived 11 months? Mr Hagari asks in the video where he conducts a tour of the inside of the tunnel. A graphic created by the IDF showing the Hamas tunnel network - IDF The IDF believes two terrorists executed the six hostages on Aug 29 before making their escape from the tunnel. The bodies of Carmel Gat, 40, Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, Alex Lobanov, 32, Almog Sarusi, 27, and Ori Danino, 25, were discovered by Israeli forces the following day. Mr Hagari said they were held in horrific conditions. Mrs Yerushalmi weighed just 36kg (five-and-a-half stone), indicating that she was starved, a form of torture other hostages have testified to after their release or rescue from captivity in Gaza. Other hostages who made it out alive have revealed they were sexually abused, beaten and psychologically tortured. The six hostages killed by Hamas in southern Gaza: (Top row from left) Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, and (Bottom row from left) Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov and Carmel Gat - Reuters After the IDF released the footage from the tunnel, the Hostages Families Forum issued a statement saying the dry blood stains leave no doubt as for the cruelty of their last moments. The six hostages suffered until their last breath and fought for their lives until their death, the Israel-based campaign group said. Hungry, exhausted, tortured, they cling to a single hope: that we will continue fighting for their freedom, the forum added, before calling on the Israeli government to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas. They trust us to bring them home. Every day in captivity is eternity. Every day that passes is a danger to their lives, hanging by a thread, at the mercy of terrorists capable of the worst crimes against humanity... A deal must be signed NOW! Avigdor Lieberman, the former defence minister, and Yisrael Beiteinu, the leader of the opposition party, also reacted strongly to the video, calling for an immediate halt to humanitarian aid into Gaza. No food, no water, no cigarettes, no fuel and no goods, Mr Lieberman said, accusing Hamas of using the same methods to kill Jews as the Nazis. Click here to view this content. The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has made a pro-Russian decision seemingly at odds with his reformist agenda. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Irans decision to sell Russia short-range missiles supplementing Moscows existing supplies appears, on the surface, to be a political reversal for Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans new reformist president. He was elected on a promise to lift sanctions and develop more balanced relations with the east and west, especially Europe. The bulk of his diplomatic appointments, including the retention of the former foreign minister Javad Zarif as an adviser, underscored that intention, and already a lively debate had started in Tehran about the extent to which Iran and Russias interests truly aligned. Tehrans Russia sceptics were making some headway pointing to positions taken by Moscow on the future of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict that undermined Irans territorial integrity. There was also anger at Russias stance over Irans claim to three islands in the strait of Hormuz. In the reformist press, it also became commonplace to allege that Russia was trying to put a stone in the road of better Iranian-European communications. Related: Irans new president rekindles faint hopes of rapprochement with west It is not right to break relations with Russia or create a conflict, but it is necessary to reach a balance as soon as possible, said Salal Sadatian, a former Iranian charge daffaires in the UK in the 80s. It is the balance that helps us achieve our goals, if we are looking for 8% growth and attracting foreign capital, we must create a balance. Yet in the first big strategic decision since Pezeshkians election, the Iranian military has, according to the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, provided as many as 200 short-range missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, a country of great strategic importance to Europe. It is a mysterious way to start a new chapter in relations with the west. There are many possible explanations. The first is that Iran, as it claims, has not supplied the weapons. Ultimately, the intelligence that the US says it has been sharing with partners in recent days will be tested on the basis of the missiles expected to slam into Ukraines energy infrastructure later this winter. Iran also claims it has not supplied Shahed drones to Moscow, but their distinctive debris is littered around the country they invaded in 2022. The second explanation is that, in return for the missiles, Russia is supplying something that Iran finds irresistible either in the form of nuclear technology or nuclear materials. Blinken spoke in these terms at his joint press conference with the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, in London. Iran may have calculated Russia will emerge well from the struggle in Ukraine and wanted to be close to the victor. Russias former defence minister Sergei Shoigu was in Tehran recently discussing the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The third is that Pezeshkian is a well-intentioned figure distracted by a multitude of domestic crises. The contract to supply these missiles was, according to the US treasury, signed in late 2023 before his election and the death of the previous president, Ebrahim Raisi, in May. Pezeshkian could have intervened when, in the summer, Russian military personnel were trained on the use of Irans Project 360 CRBMs (close-range ballistic missiles) , but he did not do so. He has already made a series of strategic concessions to the conservatives based on the belief that reformers will make no progress if it goes for a showdown with the unelected state. Moreover, big decisions about relations with the west including a revised nuclear agreement await the election of a new US president. Donald Trump this week said he did not think Iran was trying to undermine US democracy and he could come to an agreement with Tehran, part of his pitch to reduce the cost of US foreign policy entanglements. The fourth explanation, a variation of the third, is that Pezeshkian is, as is commonly alleged, not in charge of Irans foreign and defence policy even if this renders him powerless to implement his new economic policy that is so dependent on Iran breaking out of the sanctions cage. The true foreign policy power brokers in Iran are the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Either way, less than 42 days after Pezeshkians confirmation by parliament, Iran and the west are back on the familiar treadmill of sanctions and counter-sanctions. Resisting Hezbollah: The former Home Secretary visits Israel's northern border - JULIAN SIMMONDS My sweet boy, we tried so desperately to save you. These were the heartbreaking words of the mother of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, reverberated through the crowd of mourners in Jerusalem. Last week, Hersh was one of the six hostages murdered by Hamas. His mother spoke on behalf of her family, but also for the millions of people around the world praying for the hostages to be released. As we approach the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, pain and tragedy have become the norm. The Israelis have fought to defend themselves against the death cult of Hamas and have significantly degraded the terrorists. But while the military strategy is paying off, Israel is battling against militant misinformation and anti-Semitism. Israel is literally in a fight for its survival, and yet is depicted as the oppressor thanks to institutional capture and the moral cowardice of some of our leaders. Yes, Im talking about our government. This Labour Government has prevaricated at best and been hostile at worst towards Israel in the past 11 months. Too weak and scared to stand up to the extremists and militants in his party, Keir Starmer has taken the easy way out: appeasement. This can be the only conclusion after the pattern of abandonment since Labour came to power. First, it wasted no time in restoring funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). In doing so, David Lammy ignored the evidence of UNRWA-run schools spreading anti-Semitism and violence, its workers being complicit in the October 7 attacks, and its facilities being used by Hamas. Of course we should support more aid in Gaza, but not if UK taxpayer cash is fuelling terrorism. Second, Labour dropped the Conservatives plan to challenge the International Criminal Courts application for arrest warrants for Israeli ministers. International fora are being politicised against Israel and this government is facilitating this perversion of the rule of law. This latest example of lawfare against Israel is vexatious and unfounded. But Starmer has turned a blind eye to the facts. All for an easy life with his sectarian supporters. Lastly, Lammy abandoned Israel at a crucial juncture by suspending certain arms export licences. Spun as a legal obligation but in truth a political choice, this Labour government has seriously harmed our relationship with an ally on which we depend for crucial intelligence and support. Of course we hear the sentiments of regret from the Labour frontbench. But actions speak louder than words. We should prepare ourselves for the next step in Labours anti-Israel policy: recognition of Palestine. This is a manifesto commitment and far-Left Labour MPs have called for it urgently. Just like the useful idiots in the Irish, Norwegian and Spanish governments, I fear that our pathetic leaders here will follow suit. Doing so any time before hostages are released and Israels security can be guaranteed would be a victory for terrorism. Yes, a two-state solution is the ideal but several preconditions must be met first: the elimination of the Islamist militia groups intent on destroying Israel; neutralisation of Iranian aggression; and a viable plan for a legitimate and democratic administration of Palestine. We are years away from any of this and yet, to placate Islamists and hardliners, I fear Starmer will further abandon Israel. On my recent visit to Israels border with Lebanon, I went to Kiryat Shemona, once a thriving city and now an eerie ghost town in the shadow of Hezbollah rockets. I met displaced families in Kibbutz Sde Nehemia and spoke with soldiers stationed near the Blue Line. Israel is in a fight for survival along its southern border, but is facing attack across its northern border, too. This Labour government must stand with our ally, not abandon it for an easy life. Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC is Conservative MP for Fareham and Waterlooville and served as Home Secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak Mel Stride Mel Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary, described himself as the dark horse of the leadership contest. He survived the first round of voting despite being the bookies favourite candidate to be eliminated with odds as long as 40-1. Mr Stride has previously said he is definitely underestimated, and believes that, given the chance, he would come into his own at the Tory conference. But on Sept 10, he failed to gain enough votes to secure a place in the next round and was eliminated, with 16 votes. One of the more low-key members of Rishi Sunaks Cabinet, Mr Stride became known as the go-to minister for the morning round during the election campaign, earning himself significantly more exposure than some of his rivals. As a former Commons leader and Treasury committee chairman, he is widely seen in Tory circles as a safe pair of hands. He said that he could be the candidate with the most appeal to the wider electorate, bringing together the Conservative Partys splintering factions to present a united front. What does he stand for? Mr Stride has said his two biggest heroes are John F Kennedy, whose space race mantra of doing things not because they are easy, but because they are hard provided his inspiration as an entrepreneur, and Field Marshal William Slim, who led the Fourteenth Army, sometimes called the Forgotten Army, in the Burma campaign in the Second World War. Widely seen as a moderate, he pitched himself as a unity candidate who has earned respect right across the parliamentary party. Having narrowly clung onto his Central Devon seat ahead of Labour amid a swell in support for Reform UK, he has warned against getting into bed with Nigel Farage and taking the populist route. Instead, he said that the Tories must totally respect Reform voters and their concerns, coming up with answers on tax, net migration and small boats. Widely seen as a moderate, Mel Stride has pitched himself as a unity candidate - Stefan Rousseau/PA A former businessman and Treasury minister, Mr Stride has said that he would be able to hold Sir Keir Starmer to account on the economy forensically. In policy terms, he suggested the Conservatives could win over younger voters by exempting people starting their first job from their first 5,000 of National Insurance payments, instead diverting the money into an ISA that could help them towards a deposit on their first home. What is his political background? Mr Stride has been the MP for Central Devon since 2010, but held on to his seat at the most recent election by a wafer-thin margin of 61 votes. He was the oldest candidate in the leadership race and did not enter the Commons until he was 48. After four years on the backbenches, he took his first government job as an assistant whip in 2014. He went on to become financial secretary to the Treasury three years later, a post he held until May 2019. Mr Stride, second right, seen in 2018 as financial secretary to the Treasury, returned to the frontbench after the premiership of Liz Truss, second left - SOPA Images/LightRocket He was briefly made Commons leader, before he was sacked by Boris Johnson in a brutal reshuffle when he took over from Theresa May two months later. Outside of government, he chaired the prominent Treasury committee. Mr Stride returned to the Tory frontbench as work and pensions secretary when Mr Sunak took the reins from Liz Truss in October 2022. During his time in the department, he led the governments efforts to end the worklessness crisis and return as many Britons to employment as possible, with a particular focus on the over-50s and ending workfare. Rishi Sunak appointed Mr Stride the work and pensions secretary in October 2022 - Yui Mok/PA What is his family background? Mr Stride was born in 1961. He has said his parents underwent a journey of social mobility, having both left school early, with his father setting up his own business. He is married to Michelle, with whom he has three daughters. How does he feel about Brexit? Mr Stride voted to remain in the European Union in 2016 and said last year that the decision to leave and the ensuing political turmoil had created frictions with major trading partners. But he said that the benefits from new business opportunities were starting to come through, telling Sky News: Weve moved on now, and I accept that, and I cannot argue now that there are not major opportunities, what we need to do now is get out there and capitalise on them, and thats what were determined to do. Mr Stride, seen on the 2024 election campaign trail with Mr Sunak in a pub in Exeter, narrowly clung on to his Central Devon seat - Aaron Chown/PA What scandals has he been involved in? As financial secretary to the Treasury, Mr Stride was the governments main spokesman on the controversial loan charge policy, a campaign that targets those who used so-called disguised remuneration schemes dating back 20 years. His role was subject to scrutiny when, in 2019, The Telegraph revealed that his father, also called Melvyn Stride, owned a company that sold tax investigation insurance to businesses subject to HMRC inquiries. At the time, Mr Stride said: In no way have I ever been influenced in my role as a Treasury minister by any aspect of my fathers business, a business in which I have absolutely no financial interest. Any suggestion to the contrary is entirely false. Missouri supreme court justices take the bench to hear a case questioning whether an amendment to overturn the state's abortion ban will remain on the November ballot in Jefferson City on 10 September 2024. Photograph: Robert Cohen/St Louis Post-Dispatch via AP Missouri residents will vote in November on a proposed amendment to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution, after the state supreme court ruled Tuesday the measure could be put to voters. The decision marked the culmination of a heated weeks-long battle over the ballot measure, which proposes to protect peoples fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the right to birth control and to an abortion up until fetal viability, or about 24 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion opponents had challenged the measure as invalid, arguing that it violated Missouri law because it did not list the existing laws that it would repeal. The measure, they wrote in court documents, is a proposal to repeal Missouris ban on abortion that does not disclose to voters that it will repeal Missouris ban on abortion. It illegally induces Missouri voters to do more than they wish to. Related: Judge rules Missouri ballot measure to protect abortion rights is invalid Missouri currently bans abortion except in medical emergencies. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the group behind the measure, collected more than 380,000 signatures in support of the proposed amendment. The group argued that abortion opponents are using a novel legal theory to kick the measure off the ballot and that a new amendment would not repeal Missouris old abortion laws but create a new one. No recorded decision has ever accepted such a theory and used it to decertify a proposed constitutional amendment that was supported by the requisite number of voters signatures, the groups lawyers wrote in court records, adding: Hundreds of thousands have exercised their power as citizens, and want their fellow Missourians to vote on whether to change the Constitution with regard to abortion rights. Last week, a lower-court judge ruled to remove the measure but asked for a final ruling from the state supreme court. Still, on Monday, Missouris secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft, decertified the measure. In front of the supreme court on Tuesday, lawyer Charles Hatfield, who represented Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, told the judges that the decertification, although largely symbolic, represented open contempt for your authority. Its open contempt for the rule of law, Hatfield continuing, punctuating his point by slamming his finger down on his podium. Its open contempt for the proper administration of justice. Hours after the hearing, before an evening deadline to finalize the ballot, the Missouri supreme court ruled to let voters see the measure. The one-page order did not immediately include a majority opinion to explain the courts reasoning. Opinions to follow, read the order, which was signed by Chief Justice Mary Russell. In the years since the US supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, voters in multiple states including Michigan, Ohio and Kansas have moved to protect abortion rights. Come November, nearly a dozen states are set to vote on abortion-related ballot measures, including Nevada and Arizona, two key battleground states in the presidential election. Related: Tracking abortion laws across the United States But as abortion rights supporters have latched onto ballot measures as a way to protect abortion rights, anti-abortion activists have launched new efforts to take them down. Nebraska, which bans abortion past 12 weeks of pregnancy, is set to let its residents vote on two competing measures: one that would add the 12-week ban into the state constitution, and another that would restore the right to an abortion up until fetal viability. However, on Monday, the state supreme court heard arguments in lawsuits that aim to stop one or both of the measures from reaching voters, in part based on the argument that they violate state law by dealing with too many subjects. The court is expected to rule by Friday, the deadline for the Nebraska ballot to be certified. In South Dakota, a trial is set to begin on 23 September over a ballot measure that also seeks to protect abortion rights up until viability. That trial, which will begin after early voting is already underway, will deal with whether the signatures collected in support of the measure are valid. James Leach, a lawyer for Dakotans for Health, the organization behind the ballot measure, warned that the trial could be perceived by voters as a form of election interference, according to the South Dakota Searchlight. Theyre asking for something I hope makes a little shudder run through you, which is to declare that the ballot measure is invalid, and that no ones vote should count, he said. Jessica Leeds at a press conference outside Trump Tower in Manhattan on Monday. Photograph: Julia Nikhinson/AP Donald Trump sexual abuse accuser Jessica Leeds says she ruefully laughed out loud when the former president recently disputed her sworn testimony that he grabbed her, tried to kiss her and ran his hand up her skirt on a plane in the 1970s by insisting she would not have been the chosen one. He assaulted me 50 years ago and continues to attack me today, Leeds said alongside her attorneys during a press conference in New York on Monday. It was like he had 47 arms like an octopus, but not a sound was spoken. Her remarks came after Trump appeared at an appeal hearing on the sexual abuse case brought by E Jean Carroll, which resulted in a jury finding Trump liable of sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Related: Advisers worry whether happy Trump or angry Trump will show up to debate Leeds, 82, came forward in 2016 and later testified in the Carroll trial, which centered on Carrolls testimony that the Republican nominee in Novembers election had assaulted her at a department store in the 1990s. That set the stage for Trump to go into a lengthy rebuttal of both Carroll and Leeds. With respect to Leeds, Trump said it was a totally made-up story that never happened, and he insinuated that she supported Democrats. And frankly I know youre going to say its a terrible thing to say but it couldnt have happened. It didnt happen. And she would not have been the chosen one. Leeds has accused Trump of groping her in the first-class section of an airplane. She said she fought him off and moved to the back of the plane. At her press conference, she said she later ran into him, prompting him to exclaim, I remember you, before calling her a derogatory word. Trump in turn said: Think of the impracticality of this. Im famous Im in a plane. People are coming into the plane, and Im looking at a woman, and I grab her and I start kissing her and making out with her. What are the chances of that happening? Leedss claim first surfaced soon after Trump debated former secretary of state Hillary Clinton before he won the 2016 presidential election. During that campaign, hot-mic footage from Access Hollywood captured Trump saying in reference to women: I just start kissing them, its like a magnet, just kiss, I dont even wait. When youre a star, they just let you do it. You can do anything. Grab em by the pussy. You can do anything. Leeds told the New York Times then that she believed his behavior is deep-seated in his character. To those who would vote for him, I would wish for them to reflect on this, Leeds said. Leeds on Monday said she and her lawyers were considering a number of options following Trumps remarks on Friday, which she described as bizarre. She added that Trump has no respect for women and he should not be re-elected president. The bottom line is that he does not understand that he is a sexual predator, she said. Trump is grappling with a number of other legal cases in addition to Carrolls as he faces Kamala Harris in the 5 November election for the White House. Those include three pending indictments in connection with efforts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election to Joe Biden as well as his retention of classified documents after his presidency. Meanwhile, in May, he was convicted of criminally falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments to an adult film actor who alleged an extramarital sexual encounter with him about a decade before he won the presidency. Eighth graders take notes during a geography class at the Nueva Asuncion public school in Chaco-i, Paraguay, last month. Photograph: Jorge Saenz/AP Paraguay, which has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy in South America, is about to approve its first national sex education curriculum. But activists, students and parents have expressed concern about the new guidelines, which warn that condoms cannot be trusted, masturbation leads to loneliness and make no mention of LGBTQ+ people. Health workers have long argued that comprehensive sex education was urgently needed in a country where rates of child pregnancy remain stubbornly high and abortion is banned even in cases of rape. Government figures show that last year, 10,697 adolescents aged 1519, and 405 girls aged 1014 gave birth in the country, which has a population of just 6.9 million. In South America, the countrys teenage birth rate is only surpassed by Venezuela. Equally alarming are the figures on sexual abuse, with 4,084 girls and adolescents falling victim in 2023. Paraguay forbids terminations unless a risk to the mothers health can be proved, and the country has seen a string of grim cases in which rape victims as young as 10 have been forced to carry pregnancies to term. In 2018, a 14-year-old girl died during an emergency caesarean section, after she was raped by a 37-year-old man. The long-awaited sex education curriculum was seen as a way to help tackle the crisis when it was announced by the government in June 2023. More than a year later, critics argue that project, which will be rolled out nationally next year, is driven not by scientific evidence but religious fundamentalism. The new curriculum says only refer to sex between a man and a woman and warn that we know condoms are not an adequate protection and that masturbation leads to problems of frustration and isolation. Students are also to be taught that sexual relations are not for children or teenagers, nor for boyfriends or girlfriends; they are for adults committed to each other for life. The National Union of Student Centres has called for a curriculum which is not to be influenced by any ideological agenda or religious bias. Simon Cazal, founder of the LGBTQ+ rights NGO SomosGay, said the governments plan was charged with Christian precepts and is very repressive. It disregards human rights and ignores science, he said, adding that it makes no mention whatsoever of LGBTQ+ people. Related: Average of two girls aged 10 to 14 give birth daily in Paraguay, Amnesty finds We have terrible phenomena of sexual violence against girls and adolescents and one of the highest rate of teenage pregnancies on the continent and the only response the government is proposing is to promote abstinence, said Cazal, adding that only conservative organisations were invited to discuss the new program. One of the programmes most prominent supporters is Miguel Ortigoza, an evangelical pastor from Capitol Ministries, a Washington-based non-profit that held Bible studies sessions in the White House during Donald Trumps presidency. Ortigoza told the Associated Press that Paraguay, which is predominantly Catholic, has a very strong Judeo-Christian culture that still prevails, and theres fierce resistance to anything that goes against our principles. Both Catholic and evangelical churches have expressed support for the new curriculum. We dont understand why churches should impose any type of education in Paraguay, said Adriana Closs, president of Families for Holistic Education, one of the leading voices against the proposal. This material takes us back at least 50 years, she said. As Paraguay has never had a national sexual education policy, each school decides if and how to address the topic. According to Closs, many already use material similar to what the government is now proposing, including some by the same author. Nevertheless, the activist argues that, between having no policy and implementing the one about to be approved, it would be better for the ministry not to do anything. You cant fix material based on incorrect principles, she said, adding: They need to start it from scratch, this time having the participation of other ministries and genuine citizen involvement. Donald Trump has claimed he does not know who is behind the document - Joe Raedle/Getty Click here to view this content. Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has described the ultra-conservative instruction manual known as Project 2025 as an assault on democracy. Trump has eschewed the 922-page document, which called for the appointment of vetted Trump loyalists as civil servants, enabling them to enact sweeping tax cuts and other proposals. Below, the Telegraph takes a closer look at what was included, and why the Trump campaign disavowed it. What is Project 2025? Produced by a conservative think tank, the document sets out a potential blueprint for a Trump administration, should he win the election in November. Democrats are hoping that it contains enough ammunition to take down Trump. What is included in the document? The Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind the project, says that it paves the way for an effective conservative administration and can be used to prize the country from the hands of the radical Left. In several key areas, the document echoes positions that Trump has set out in the past and outlines how he could implement them as president. It proposes mass deportations of more than 11 million illegal immigrants; Trump has pledged to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. It proposes giving the executive power to sack thousands of civil servants in favour of political appointees a move Trump ordered but did not have time to usher in before leaving office. Kamala Harris told a rally on Tuesday that, among other things, Project 2025 abolish the department of education - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America And it proposes bringing the justice department and FBI under the presidents control. Trump has called for both to be defunded following his criminal indictments, and said he would weaponise them against political rivals. Ms Harris told a rally on Tuesday that Project 2025 will cut social security, remove the price cap on insulin and abolish the department of education. But most worryingly, Ms Harris told supporters: If implemented this plan will be the latest attack in Donald Trumps full-on assault on reproductive freedom. Abortion access would be further restricted and limits on birth control introduced, she added. Does Trump support Project 2025? Trump has reportedly eschewed the document, with reports saying the project was killed off following the intervention of a senior Trump campaign official, Chris LaCivita. President Trumps campaign has been very clear for over a year that Project 2025 had nothing to do with the campaign, did not speak for the campaign, and should not be associated with the campaign or the president in any way, the Trump campaign said in a statement. Reports of Project 2025s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign - it will not end well for you. In a bid to appear more moderate on issues such as abortion access, Trump had already sought to distance himself from the project in recent months, even though many of the groups and individuals that support it are closely linked to him. Those behind Project 2025 have floated in and out of Trump orbit over the last eight years. In some areas the sprawling policy document goes well beyond Trumps publicly stated views. As Ms Harris said, it endorses limiting access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Trump was forced to furiously backpedal earlier this year when he appeared to be considering cuts to Medicare - Brian Snyder/REUTERS The official Republican platform, released this week, omitted a national abortion ban as an ambition for the first time in 40 years. Project 2025 also calls for limits to be placed on Medicare claims, to disincentivise permanent dependence on the health insurance programme among over-65s. Trump was forced to furiously backpedal earlier this year when he appeared to be considering cuts to Medicare. The newly released Republican platform vowed to maintain current levels of spending softening another longstanding position. Who is behind Project 2025? Kevin Roberts, the foundations president, had said he believed the document would help transform US politics. We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the Left allows it to be, he said. In total, 31 authors and editors of Project 2025 were Trump administration officials, according to the Biden campaign. The director is Paul Dans, who served in the Office of Personnel Management during Trumps term in the White House. The document was co-edited by Steven Groves, who spent three years in the administration, while Spencer Chretien, the former special assistant to the president, is the projects associate director. One chapter was written by Russ Vought, Trumps director of the office of management and budget. Earlier this year, Trump named Mr Vought as policy director to craft the Republican party platform ahead of its national convention. Ed Martin, the platforms deputy policy director, leads a conservative pressure group listed on the Project 2025 advisory board. Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump adviser, is the president of America First Legal, which also advises the project, and appears on a video promoting its presidential transition academy. Ben Carson, Trumps former housing secretary; Peter Navarro, the former White House trade adviser; and Mark Meadows, Trumps final chief of staff, are all involved in the project. Click here to view this content. Annette Ramirez is a candidate for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector. Courtesy Former Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack is running for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector. Godofredo A Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Probably none of us is as excited about the race for Harris County tax assessor-collector as Annette Ramirez is. And that includes her Republican opponent. I always call it the sexiest race on the ballot, says Ramirez, 52, a Democrat and licensed tax attorney who worked more than 23 years for Aldine ISD. Shes joking partly, but she also really loves the behind-the-scenes work of setting up fair and efficient systems. Certainly, though, the position has a real impact on the everyday lives of residents. Besides sending out the often gigantic tax bill that home and business owners get every year, this officeholder oversees voter registration, vehicle titles, boat licenses, alcoholic beverage taxes and a host of other roles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ramirez actually wants to sweat the small stuff. Shes got a long list of ideas to make our interactions with government less painful. That includes working with the county attorneys office as it transitions away from using an outside law firm, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, to collect delinquent property taxes. A similar move on toll road collections saved drivers money by dropping violation fees by 45% and, because more people paid up, increased revenue for county government. Apparently, only the private lawyers lost out. The Republican candidate on the ballot, former Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack, rightfully claims credit for the victory on toll road collections because he led the charge to ditch Linebarger back in 2018. In his 32 years as a commissioner the editorial board endorsed him term after term Radack also massively expanded public parks and recreational bike trails in unincorporated Harris County. During the recent endorsement screening, he recounted an impressive number of details and backstories on a broad range of issues going back to the 1980s. He managed to be both outspoken and cordial. At 74, he has served as a Houston police officer, Harris County constable and has built he also has strong relationships with Republican state leaders that could benefit Harris County. In the end, though, Radack seems to be auditioning for the wrong job. Hes more interested in haranguing Democrats who have a 4-1 majority on Commissioners Court than he is in the nitty-gritty of this position. The Democrats may indeed need some haranguing from time to time, but thats not the responsibility of the tax assessor. Thats currently up to Radacks successor and the lone Republican on Commissioners Court, Tom Ramsey, who also gets assists from the likes of state Sen. Paul Bettencourt and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Being tax assessor-collector, you have an office to run, Radack acknowledged in the screening with Ramirez. But he focused on the opportunity this office would give him to point out waste. He lambasted the countys attempt to launch a universal basic income program, which if it surmounts a legal challenge from Paxton would use $20.5 million in federal pandemic relief funds to give about 1,900 recipients $500 per month with the goal of allowing people to make their own choices to lift themselves out of poverty. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Unlike the Houston controller, who must sign off on the citys budget, the tax assessor-collector doesnt have power to block Commissioners Court. Radack noted the most he could do is temporarily hold back funds. Radack is welcome to call out Democrats with op-eds in the Houston Chronicle or voice his opinions elsewhere, but voters should elect a tax assessor-collector focused on the decidedly unsexy aspects of the role. That would be Ramirez. She wants to lead a countywide effort to update and standardize online payment platforms so users only have to create a single profile whenever giving up hard-earned dollars, whether for tolls, taxes or vehicle registrations. She also wants to set up a payment plan option for property taxes, not just for people who are delinquent but for those who dont have an escrow through a mortgage and would like to send a little bit of money every month in advance rather than get one heart-stopping bill at years end. Some Democrats fear that Radacks real motivation for running might be to conspire with statewide Republicans to purge legitimate voters from the rolls. He told us that wasnt the case. Our concern is more that Radack didnt have fresh ideas to increase voter participation. Ramirez said shed abide by the law and carefully follow instructions from the secretary of state while pushing hard for more staff to ramp up voter registration. She says that counties with smaller populations have bigger teams. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ultimately, the tax assessor-collectors job is about customer service and administrative work. Other officeholders such as state legislators and county commissioners shape tax rates. Property appraisals are handled by a different office as well. Radack would, no doubt, be a more colorful, vocal option. He says what he thinks and, as journalists, we can see the appeal. But some public positions are meant to be boring and mercifully devoid of partisan politics. Voters should go with Ramirez, who will merely focus on the job at hand. Correction: This editorial has been updated with the correct employer of Annette Ramirez. She works for Aldine ISD. Want to stay up to date on our most recent thought-provoking editorials, columns and Letters to the Editor? Our Opinion-focused 'SaysHou' newsletter delivers our weekly highlights, directly to your inbox. Sign up now. No decision has been taken about the future of Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium, the club has insisted - Shutterstock/Tolga Akmen Chelseas prospects of relocating the club to Earls Court have been dismissed by the company in charge of the development of the site. And Telegraph Sport understands that Chelseas chief operating officer, Jason Gannon, has assured the clubs pitch owners association that no decisions have been taken over the future of Stamford Bridge in a series of meetings. The Guardian has reported that Gannon held talks about the possibility of the club moving to Earls Court, which is under the management of the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC). Chelsea held talks with the sites developers, Delancey, two years ago and Gannon, who was appointed by the club in October, is reported to have continued those discussions. Gannon is also said to have discussed the matter with Transport for London, but ECDC has released a statement dismissing the possibility of such a move. The statement said: There is no plan within our plans for Chelsea FC to relocate to the Earls Court site. We have a fully detailed design, shortly to be registered with both local authorities, which prioritises the delivery of thousands of homes and jobs, culture and open space through a well-designed and considered masterplan, which has evolved over four years of engagement. This will see development commence in 2026 with the first residents and occupiers moving in from 2030. This is, and will remain, our primary focus. Delancey directed Telegraph Sport to ECDC, described as their platform business, for a comment. The ECDCs stance does not rule out Chelsea making a bid to buy Earls Court before development is due to begin in 2026, but there has been no indication that the club will table an offer. To move away from Stamford Bridge, the would need to hammer out an agreement with Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), which holds the freehold of Stamford Bridge stadium and could block any attempted move. While former chief executive Chris Jurasek never met the CPO, Gannon is said to have met the organisation four or five times since his appointment. Gannon has reiterated Chelseas position that all options, including remaining at Stamford Bridge, remain open and that no firm proposals have been drawn up or made. Chelseas lack of progress over the future of their stadium has been listed as one of the reasons for the breakdown in the relationship between co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capitals Behdad Eghbali and Jose E Feliciano, with both sides wanting to buy the other out. Robert Jenrick Robert Jenrick is best known as Rishi Sunaks immigration minister, a role he held for just over a year before dramatically quitting in protest over the fatally flawed Rwanda plan. In that time, the former lawyer underwent something of a political transformation. Having entered the Home Office widely regarded as a centrist, he left as a champion of the Right, demanding tougher measures to tackle the small boats migration crisis. It led to questions over his authenticity, including from Anna Soubry, the former Tory MP and veteran of his first election campaign, who told The Guardian that Jenrick trims his sails to suit whichever political wind is blowing within the Conservative Party. Mr Jenrick was immigration minister under Rishi Sunak - David Rose for The Telegraph Mr Jenrick would argue he takes a solution-based approach, refusing to shy away from tough decisions. He will appeal to the Tory Right because of his tough stance on immigration, including supporting the UKs withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). But he also has support on the centre-Left, having served under Lord Cameron and Theresa May during their premierships, and having been a close ally of Mr Sunak before he became party leader. Mr Jenrick came out on top in the first round of voting, receiving 28 votes, and did the same in the second round, with 33. What does he stand for? One of Mr Jenricks biggest challenges will be to convince colleagues on the Left and the Right that his beliefs are sincerely held, so they can trust his position is rock solid. He has put a crackdown on illegal migration at the centre of his pitch to the party, pledging to leave the ECHR, which he has said is necessary to deliver a legally-binding cap on migration and to resurrect the Rwanda scheme. He has also said he would be open to reducing legal net migration to below the tens of thousands. Mr Jenrick and his wife Michal (back, right) took in a family of Ukrainian refugees - Andrew Fox While his arguments on immigration are seen by some as very Right-wing, he is adamant that they are mainstream views held by millions of people across the country. Mr Jenrick has also said the Tories must become obsessed with improving the NHS, claiming that a failure by the previous government to make progress was partly to blame for the wipeout at the general election. What is his political background? When Sir Tony Blair won his landslide in 1997, Mr Jenrick, then aged 15, responded by joining the Conservative Party. He first entered the Commons as the MP for Newark in 2014, having seen off a challenge from Ukip at the by-election to replace Patrick Mercer, the former Tory shadow minister caught in a lobbying scandal. Mr Jenrick had trebled his relatively comfortable majority of 7,000 to more than 21,000 by the time Boris Johnson won his landslide in 2019. But it collapsed down to around 3,500 under the new constituency boundaries on July 4, as the Tories suffered their worst election defeat in modern history. Mr Jenricks ministerial career began with a job in the Treasury in 2018, where he served until Mr Johnson took over as premier the following year. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming housing secretary at the age of just 37, but was sacked in a reshuffle two years later after being embroiled in rows over planning and Covid rules. He returned to the front bench as a health minister during Liz Trusss short stint in No 10, before taking on the immigration brief under Mr Sunak. What is his family background? Mr Jenrick was born in Wolverhampton in 1982 to Bill, a gas fitter, and Jenny, a secretary. He has recalled growing up in a classic small-C conservative household, with both parents believing in family, hard work and self-reliance. Robert Jenrick as a small child (centre) with his family on holiday - Jeff Gilbert He is married to Michal, a partner in a London law firm and the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. The couple have three daughters, Marina, 12, Sophia, 10, and Lila, eight, who are being brought up in the Jewish faith. The children attend both synagogue and church at various times, and celebrate both Christian and Jewish holidays. How does he feel about Brexit? Mr Jenrick voted to remain in the European Union in 2016, but said in the wake of the referendum that Britain needed to get on with Brexit, as that was now the only sensible course. He has hailed Britains exit from the EU as the standout achievement of the last government, arguing the Tories lost the general election because they got that done and nothing else. But he has described some of his partys post-Brexit policies as naive, telling a fringe event at last years Tory conference: Where I think we have gone wrong, immediately after leaving the EU we established a legal migration system that was, if anything, even more liberal than the system we had when we were in the EU. What scandals has he been involved in? Mr Jenrick had a turbulent time as Mr Johnsons housing secretary. Within a year he became embroiled in a cronyism scandal, having overruled a planning decision in a way that benefited newspaper magnate Richard Desmond, who then donated 12,000 to the Tories. Last month, the controversial development won approval from Labour-led council officials, on Mr Desmonds third attempt to gain planning consent. It also emerged during the Covid crisis that Mr Jenrick had seemingly broken lockdown rules by visiting his parents home in Shropshire, and that he had travelled between London and his home in Herefordshire. Most damagingly for his future prospects, he was blamed by many Tory MPs in the south for a perceived zeal to concrete-over their constituencies. He was replaced after two years as housing secretary by Michael Gove, who rewrote Mr Jenricks planning reforms. At the Home Office, Mr Jenrick became increasingly convinced that major reforms to human rights legislation were needed to stop the small boats, and set hares running when he quit over the Rwanda Bill. The resignation was in sharp contrast to his reputation as a safe pair of hands, which had earned him the nickname Robert Generic. Sir Keir Starmer faced a rebellion from his MPs over the cut - Gareth Fuller/PA More than 50 Labour MPs defied Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday and refused to vote for his plan to strip pensioners of the winter fuel allowance. About 10 million pensioners will lose the payment of up to 300. Although the vote passed by 348 votes to 228, 52 of the Prime Ministers MPs abstained and one voted against the policy. Richard Fuller, the Conservative Party chairman, warned that the policy was just the start of Labours war on pensioners. He said: Labour just voted to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners in order to pay for inflation-busting pay rises for their trade union paymasters. The country should not forget that Labour made a political choice to make this callous decision that will hurt pensioners just as their energy bills are set to increase this winter. Be of no doubt this is the start of Labours war on pensioners. People who have worked their whole lives and done the right thing deserve dignity and security in retirement instead of being hung out to dry by this Labour Government. One Labour MP, Jon Trickett, a former ally of Jeremy Corbyn, voted against the move. It came as it was revealed that Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, who announced the policy in July, has claimed 4,400 of taxpayers money towards her energy bills. Labour rebels had been warned over the weekend that they could lose the whip if they voted against the policy. Downing Street said that only a dozen had stayed away without gaining express permission from party chiefs, but it is understood that many who did not support the policy were encouraged to find urgent constituency business to attend to. Among those who supported the cuts in the voting lobbies, a number were said to be in tears. Five MPs who were suspended from Labour in July for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap also voted to reverse the winter fuel payment cuts. Apsana Begum, Ian Byrne, John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Zarah Sultana all lost the whip for six months but may now do so permanently after once again opposing Sir Keir. Rebecca Long-Bailey and Imran Hussain, who were also stripped of the whip in July, abstained on Tuesday. MPs vote to approve the government plan to cut the fuel allowance - BBC/UNPIXS Charities and campaigners expressed their disappointment after the vote, with Age UK describing Sir Keir and Ms Reevess means-testing plans as brutal. The charity warned that the move would make millions of poor pensioners even poorer ahead of a deeply challenging winter for retirees unable to top up their income. During the debate, Rachael Maskell, the Labour MP for York Central, called on the Government to delay and rethink the measure. She abstained from voting. Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, accused the Conservatives of faux outrage over the cuts, saying that the Government had no choice because the Tories had been spending like there was no tomorrow. She said: I would say to the faux outrage of members opposite, who left 880,000 pensioners, the very poorest, not getting the pension credit theyre entitled to. Ms Kendall insisted that the policy was not a decision we wanted or expected to make, adding: When we promised we would be responsible with taxpayers money, we meant it. Mel Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said: Can I make an impassioned plea to those sitting opposite? Look to your conscience. You know in your heart that these measures are wrong. You know in your heart that the party opposite has broken their promises and that these measures are going to lead to untold hardship for millions of elderly and vulnerable people right up and down this country. Conservative MPs Esther McVey and Robert Jenrick at a protest against cuts to the winter fuel allowance - Thomas Krych / Story Picture Agency Mr Trickett, the only Labour MP to vote against, said that he would sleep well tonight knowing that I voted to defend my constituents. He said: I fear that removing the payment from pensioners will mean that many more will fall into poverty this winter. We know that the consequences of pensioner poverty are devastating. It can even be a matter of life and death I could not, in good conscience, vote to make my constituents poorer. Winter fuel payments had previously been universal, but this winter only retirees who already receive pension credit will be eligible for the benefit. It is estimated that 1.5 million people will now receive the payment of up to 300, down from the current level of 11.4 million. The Government hopes this will save about 1.4 billion a year. Sir Keir and Ms Reeves have admitted that the move is unpopular, but claim it is necessary to fill what they say is a 22 billion black hole in the public finances. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (centre) joins MPs and supporters at a protest outside Parliament ahead of a vote on the winter fuel allowance - Thomas Krych / Story Picture Agency Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, accused Labour of picking the pocket of pensioners, urging Sir Keir and Ms Reeves to reconsider. Martin Lewis, the money-saving expert and the founder of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, warned that the cuts to winter fuel allowance were unnecessarily punitive to the poorest pensioners. He told Times Radio: If you ask me, do I support ending universality of the winter fuel payment where were in tough economic stretches, yes, I support ending universality. But do I support a very tight means testing that is also ineffective even for the poorest pensioners? No, I dont support it. The system thats being put in place is not fair, is not just, and it is unnecessarily punitive to the poorest pensioners, and it needs tweaking. Berlin, Germany. By being a home to immigrants and melding histories, cultures and stories, there is the opportunity for Germany to create a new and richer narrative for the future. Photograph: Getty I am infuriated by the tone taken by Fatma Aydemir in her portrayal of the area surrounding the German capital (Berlin feels like an island in a swamp of neofascism but the flood waters are rising, 5 September). I am a UK-German citizen who has lived in a small village near Kyritz in Brandenburg for the last eight years, after spending many years living in Berlin. We are about 90km or so from the capital. Yes, there are Alternative fur Deutschland voters here of many different types and for many different reasons. But the picture is so much more nuanced than that painted by Fatma, and branding our region as polluted does nothing to further understanding or rapprochement on either side. This is a narrow, Berlin-eye view of life outside the city, and it is insulting to the many of us who live here who are appalled by the AfD including many people who were born and grew up in the region to be tarred by that brush. There have been so many projects here in my local area to welcome refugees, be it from Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan or Ukraine, and so many people who have taken to the streets in the small towns around us to protest against the AfD and fascism in general. I would welcome an article from Fatma written after spending more than just half a day on a swimming trip away from her island, talking to the real people who live here, rather than picking up on tired old stereotypes and referring to my beautiful, diverse and vibrant home as a swamp of neofascism. Anna Guttel Brunn, Brandenburg, Germany Katja Hoyers article rightly suggests that to defeat Alternative fur Deutschland, Germany must address the ongoing inequalities between east and west (Theres only one way to keep Germanys far-right AfD at bay. Address the concerns it exploits, 3 September). But it must also tackle the AfDs attempt to appeal to shame exhaustion about nazism by re-versioning history. To do this, it must build a narrative where Germans can take responsibility and acknowledge the history of the Holocaust, while at the same time learning to find a new pride in their country. Immigrants are part of this narrative. They have come to the country since the war and live free of the guilt that comes from having direct links with the German past. By being a home to immigrants and melding histories, cultures and stories, there is the opportunity for Germany to create a new and richer narrative for the future. Richard Grange Newcastle In Britain, unlike Germany, liberalism has never really received a bad name. The Free Democratic party has managed to poison the term by playing to its better-off, middle-class core voters and espousing a neoliberal interpretation. As a former UK Liberal Democrat candidate, I find it is important to offer a social liberal alternative to voters to counter the rise of populists on both the right and left. Since joining and helping to rebuild a small German party, die Liberale Demokraten, I am amazed at how people welcome a sensible alternative to the established parties. I feel for voters who are frustrated with the sad offerings and petty point-scoring of the larger parties, and can understand why they seek a way to send a message to the establishment. However, as with Brexit, voting for extremists does not solve anything; it just increases the problems by not addressing the root causes. Perhaps what the British take for granted in the Lib Dems could be a way forward for Germans, away from the extremes and back to the healthy centre ground? Steve Bourne Vice-chair, die Liberale Demokraten Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. Electronic travel authorisations are digitally linked to a travellers passport - PETER POWELL/PA Visitors to the UK from the US and EU who do not have a visa will need a 10 travel permit to enter Britain from next year. The previous government introduced the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system in November last year for people entering or transiting through the UK without legal residence rights or a visa. They are currently required for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announced on Tuesday that the scheme will open up in November for all other nationals, except Europeans, and be required for entry from Jan 8 2025. The programme will be extended to European nationals in March 2025, and be a travel requirement for them from April 2 2025. In a written statement laid before the House of Commons, Ms Cooper wrote: Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those travelling to the UK. ETAs are digitally linked to a travellers passport. The Home Office said they ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, which helps prevent abuse of our immigration system. Yvette Cooper has also announced a visa requirement for visitors from Jordan - BENJAMIN CREMEL/AP Each ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holders passport expires if that is sooner. Heathrow airport blamed the ETA scheme for a 90,000 fall in transfer passenger numbers on routes included in the system since it was launched. It described the programme as devastating for our hub competitiveness and urged the Government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers. Ms Cooper also announced the introduction of a visa requirement for all visitors from Jordan from 3pm on Tuesday due to breaches of visitor rules. Jordanian nationals will no longer be able to travel to the UK with an ETA. A four-week transition period will be in place for travellers who already hold an ETA and have confirmed travel bookings. Ms Cooper wrote: We are taking this action due to an increase in the number of Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes other than what is permitted under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024. This has included a significant and sustained increase in asylum claims, and high rates of refusals at the border due to people travelling without the intention of visiting for a permitted purpose. This had added significantly to operational pressures at the border, Ms Cooper wrote. She added that the decision to introduce a visa requirement was taken solely for migration and border security reasons, and the UKs relationship with Jordan remains a strong and friendly one. Lea Thompson and Artem Chigvintsev took part in the 2014 edition of Dancing with the Stars - Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content The US version of Strictly Come Dancing is facing allegations of behind-the-scenes bullying after a competitor said she was belittled and yelled at in rehearsals. Lea Thompson, the Back to the Future actress, said that she was driven crazy by the behaviour of Artem Chigvintsev, her professional dance partner, when she took part in the 2014 edition of Dancing with the Stars. Chigvintsev, who was part of the Strictly line-up before joining the US version of the show, was arrested last month over an allegation of domestic violence. The BBC is preparing to publish a review into claims of bullying on Strictly and has brought in extra duty-of-care measures for contestants on this years series, which begins on Saturday. Speaking on the Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast, Thompson said: He was so intense. It was so much more important than to me, honestly. And so that made me really nervous. It made me crazy after a while. She added: Some of the things he would say to me I was never allowed to say: Can I try this? He would get so mad at me. Chigvintsev was arrested last month over an allegation of domestic violence She claimed that Chigvintsev had yelled at her for counting her steps out loud. Thompson said: He was so implacable and it was really, really hard. And that was hard because youre supposed to kind of love them. She added: I remember him telling me that men are much better than women theyre stronger. That was the one really weird thing I remember being like: Oh my God, I cant believe youre saying that. Thompson said that she was driven 'crazy' by the behaviour of Chigvintsev - Rick Rowell/Disney General Entertainment Content Thompson said that she had lived in constant fear of being injured because of the gruelling nature of the rehearsals. She also suggested that the show was particularly hard for female contestants. Youre trying to be wholesome and sexy and funny and strong and stand up for yourself, but not be too mean. All of that while youre exhausted. You dont have a day off, and your body hurts. And youre literally afraid youre going to kill yourself. All the time, youre literally afraid. Thompson said of Chigvintsev: I was never allowed to say: "Can I try this?" He would get so mad at me' - Ida Mae Astute/Disney General Entertainment Content Chigvintsev, who is Russian, appeared in Strictly Come Dancing from 2010 to 2013, partnering Kara Tointon, Holly Valance, Fern Britton and Natalie Gumede. Britton has also made claims about dancing with Chigvintsev, previously saying: He would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me. He was like: Shut your face. Go home before I kill you. I would say: Oh, please just kill me, it would be easier. We did love each other for a moment or two, but he wasnt charm personified I did kind of enjoy it, but it was grim at the same time. Thompson claimed that Chigvintsev had yelled at her for counting her steps out loud during rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars - Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content Chigvintsev responded to her comments at the time, saying: I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care, and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am. Chigvintsevs representatives were contacted for comment. Meanwhile, Giovanni Pernice has been signed up to appear in the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle. Im excited because finally Im back on the dancefloor, and hopefully I will create some new magic on the dancefloor, so Im very, very happy about it, he said. His fellow professionals on the show include Giada Lini, whose husband, Graziano Di Prima, also left Strictly this summer. Di Prima admitted kicking his dance partner Zara McDermott. The BBC has spent months conducting a review into allegations made by Amanda Abbington, who claims that she was subjected to cruel and abusive behaviour by Pernice, her partner in last years show. Pernice strongly denies the claims and has told friends that he is confident the review will clear his name. Will Warrs new video marks a new chapter for the Royal family The video released by the Princess of Wales to announce she has completed chemotherapy treatment might only be three minutes long, but it is packed with meaning. Shot in Norfolk, the film offers a rare up close and personal view of Kate and Williams life with their young family. It shows the couple, usually so careful with public displays of affection, giggling on a picnic blanket on the beach, cuddling and kissing. Compared to the usual content put out by the Royal family, the clip is informal and unexpectedly intimate. Honest, moving and with the feel of a personal home video, it marks a new chapter for the Prince and Princess of Wales, and is some indication of what they want to communicate to the world. But the video also says a lot about the man behind the camera. Will Warr, 34, is a London-based filmmaker who has, for the last few years, been trusted with documenting the Prince and Princess behind-the-scenes. He has previously worked on footage of the Coronation and the couples 10 year wedding anniversary in 2021. Warr was recommended to the Wales via a friend, Matt Porteous, the photographer who has shot Kate and Williams Christmas card pictures. He has also collaborated with them on projects including the Earthshot Prize and the Princess visit to a baby bank in north London. Its always an honour to produce films for the Prince and Princess of Wales, but this one was particularly poignant, he wrote on Instagram after Mondays film was released. Thank you to the Princess of Wales for trusting me to create this. But despite his brush with the Royals, Warr is perhaps best known as one half of the runaway social media sensation Topjaw. Filmed by Warr and presented by his friend Jesse Burgess, a 33-year-old former model, Topjaw is a food channel that posts videos on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. It has found remarkable success with its series of snappy Q&A interviews where foodie guests usually chefs share their top recommendations for bars and restaurants. Initially a hobby, it has now become a full-time enterprise with a team of at least five employees. Each video follows the same quickfire format, where guests are asked for their best bar or pub, best burger, best breakfast and this one can be controversial most overrated spot in London. Michel Roux Jr., Jamie Oliver, Stanley Tucci and Ed Sheeran have all featured. Rishi Sunak allegedly appeared in a Topjaw interview late last year, but it was mysteriously and swiftly deleted, never to be seen again. Warr and Burgess made national headlines when celebrity chef Marcus Wareing unexpectedly revealed a penchant for Pizza Express on Topjaw. Topjaws clout is such that they can fill up a restaurants reservation book for months with one recommendation. There are now countless copycat accounts attempting to rip off this format, but Warr and Burgesss offering stands out from the crowd by featuring not only big names but true industry insiders. If theyre in chefs whites, the film does significantly better, Warr said in 2023. While Jesse Burgess, left, is in front of the camera for Topjaw, Will Warr is running the show behind-the-scenes - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Explaining their success, PR expert Gemma Bell said, As a duo they have charisma, theyre likeable, and ultimately the public want to hear where chefs like to go, and dont. Theyve managed to tap into something that others werent doing or not successfully. Burgess is the charming, mischievous frontman, but Warr, who has also produced content for Tesco, Puma and Uber Eats, is described as an equally charming presence behind the camera. Both have a polished, public school confidence. Warr studied industrial design at Loughborough University and attended Bloxham School, a co-ed boarding school near Banbury in Oxfordshire. They met in a co-working space in London, when Burgess was a marketing manager and Warr was an aspiring filmmaker. They are such nice people, says Farokh Talati, head chef at St John Bread and Wine in Spitalfields, who was interviewed by the pair in 2023. They made me feel really comfortable. I bumped into them a year or two later and they remembered me just like that thats professionalism. It is short, viral videos that have won Warr internet fame, but he prefers longer projects. I love long-form, shooting landscape, cinematic and epic, the filmmaker said in an interview earlier this year. The dream is one day to have our own Netflix show. For couples looking for Prince and Princess of Wales treatment, Warr also runs a wedding videography company and a production company, Detail Films. On his website, he describes himself as a freelance filmmaker with a unique perspective that sets me apart from the conventional, allowing me to see beyond the normal and create the extraordinary. When previously asked if the Prince and Princess were foodies, Warr was coy. Unfortunately I dont know, he replied. Warr would, however, love them to appear on Topjaw: Coming on the show would be a dream when two universes collide. Around 16,000 people could not vote in the general election because of the photo ID requirements, while others were put off from going to the ballot box entirely, a watchdog has found. The Electoral Commission said the vast majority of voters were able to cast their ballots in Julys contest despite the need to show ID. But 0.08% of people who tried to vote in Great Britain were unable to do so, the watchdog said. The commissions analysis, compiling polling station data and public opinion research, found 0.25% of people were initially turned away, but two-thirds returned later with the necessary documentation. Polling for the commission also suggested that around 4% of people who did not vote in the election said their decision was related to the voter ID requirement. The evidence suggests that people from poorer backgrounds who did not vote were more likely to say it was because they did not have any accepted ID, the commission said. Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said: This was the first time all voters across the UK were required to show photographic ID at a general election, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully. However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting and we dont want to see any voters lose their say. Public awareness of the need for voter ID is high across the UK, but there are still groups of voters that are less likely to be aware of the need to show ID or that do not have an accepted form. Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process. The commission will review how our public campaigns and other work can continue to support the effective implementation of voter ID and minimise the barriers to voting. Labours election manifesto committed to address the inconsistencies in voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from voting. The commission called for the Government to review the list of accepted ID to identify any additional documents that could be added, such as the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card and the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, in addition to the Veteran Card. Photo ID is now required for: Local council by-elections (England) UK Parliamentary by-elections (England, Scotland and Wales) You can find out more here: https://t.co/qA6SvNWOye Electoral Commission (@ElectoralCommUK) August 29, 2024 The watchdog called for a review of the voter authority certificate and consideration of whether it could be issued digitally to encourage greater take-up. And the commission also suggested registered voters with ID should be able to make an attestation to vouch for someone at a polling station without a suitable document. Electoral Commission data shows that in the constituency of Hendon in north London, 34 voters were recorded as not returning to vote after being turned away for having incorrect ID more than the eventual margin of victory for Labours David Pinto-Duschinsky, who won the seat by just 15 votes. Hendon is the only seat where the number of potential voters who failed to return to a polling station is greater than the winning candidates majority, though in other constituencies the figures were close. In Poole, which Labours Neil Duncan-Jordan won by only 18 votes, 14 people were recorded as not returning to vote after being turned away for not having the correct ID. Some 14 potential voters did not return to polling stations in Basildon & Billericay, where Conservative Richard Holden won by 20 votes. In Cambridgeshire North West, where Labours Sam Carling won by 39 votes, six potential voters did not return after being turned away, while in Devon Central won by Mel Stride for the Conservatives by 61 votes 16 did not come back. Some of the data recorded at polling stations is likely to be incomplete or inaccurate, meaning the reported figures underestimate the impact of the photo ID rules, the Electoral Commission said. As such, it is possible the outcome in Poole and other narrowly won seats may have been different had the requirements not been in place. Photo ID rules were brought in by Boris Johnsons government as part of the Elections Act 2022, as the then-government said they were necessary to combat the risk of in-person voter fraud. Mr Johnson was himself turned away from a polling station at the May 2024 local elections after forgetting to take a photo ID. The commissions analysis of the impact on Julys general election was based on data collected by polling station staff and a YouGov poll of 5,863 adults between July 4 and 26. Though dogs usually love outings, they are far more particular about the destination. Dog lovers all have stories of the time their dog eagerly hopped in the car to go somewhere, only to balk when they realized the destination was the groomersor worse, the vet. This Saint Bernard has had a similar realization, and because hes so big, his opinion is one that is hard not to take into account. In this video, a two-hundred-pound Saint Bernard named Midas flatly refuses to set foot inside the vets office. The scene unfolds on the sidewalk outside the veterinarians office, where the dog lay down on the pavement, paws splayed, absolutely deadweight and unwilling to budge an inch. Related: St. Bernard Puppy's Growth Over 4 Months Has People Impressed and Teary-Eyed When all the tugging in the world on his leash did not result in the Saint Bernard relenting, the vet decided to get involved. Youve heard of house callscall this a sidewalk call. Coming out of her office, the vet proceeded to examine the dog right there on the sidewalk, checking out his ears and listening to his breathing with a stethoscope. The dog seems far more at ease than he might have been inside the officethough he still gave a big, slimy shake of his headin possible revenge. Saint Bernards in the Popular Imagination Saint Bernards are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world in large part due to their extremely popular depictions in mass media. Disneys Peter Pan animated movie features a Saint Bernard in the role of Nana (though the character was a Newfoundland dog in the books.) The Beethoven series of family comedies were also about an irrepressible Saint Bernard (and his family). Andthough this depiction wasnt winning fans to the breed you have the violent title character of Stephen Kings Cujo. Saint Bernards are named after an Alpine monastery where they were bred and developed as Mountain rescue dogs. Indeed, the most recognizable image of the breed is carrying a small barrel of brandy around their neck which was supposedly used to revive stranded mountaineers. Im sure their warmth, strength, and scenting capabilities were more appreciated. The Reality of a Saint Bernard St. Bernards are a popular breed, but they certainly arent for everyone. Though intelligent and gentle, as befits a large, mastiff, they also need a fair amount of exercise and careful training to both understand their size and to be obedient. Becauseas Midas provesthey are more than capable of making their own rules. The dog in this video weighs two hundred pounds, which is why he doesnt have to move if he doesnt want to. And they have appetites to match their size, so consider your budget for both space and the amount of dog food they will eat. Additionally, dogs of that size may be more prone to bone and joint disorders like hip dysplasia. But the upside of the breed far outweighs any of these drawbacks for Saint Bernard fans, who sing the praises of the dogs gentleness, loyalty, and winning personalities. Even if they pull hilarious temper tantrums outside the vets office. 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 scheme requiring people visiting the UK without a visa to pay 10 will be expanded to include travellers from most countries from November, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced. The Conservative government introduced the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system in November last year for people entering or transiting through the UK without legal residence rights or a visa. ETAs, which cost 10, are currently required for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Ms Cooper announced on Tuesday that the scheme will open up in November for all other nationals, except Europeans, and be required for entry from January 8 2025. The programme will by extended to European nationals in March 2025, and be a travel requirement for them from April 2 2025. In a written statement laid before the House of Commons, Ms Cooper wrote: Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those travelling to the UK. ETAs are digitally linked to a travellers passport. The Home Office said they ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, which helps prevent abuse of our immigration system. Each ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holders passport expires if that is sooner. Heathrow airport blamed the ETA scheme for a 90,000 drop in transfer passenger numbers on routes included in the system since it was launched. It described the programme as devastating for our hub competitiveness and urged the Government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers. Ms Cooper also announced the introduction of a visa requirement for all visitors from Jordan from 3pm on Tuesday due to breaches of visitor rules. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper arrives at Downing Street in central London (James Manning/PA) Jordanian nationals will no longer be able to travel to the UK with an ETA. A four-week transition period will be in place for travellers who already hold an ETA and have confirmed travel bookings. Ms Cooper wrote: We are taking this action due to an increase in the number of Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes other than what is permitted under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024. This has included a significant and sustained increase in asylum claims, and high rates of refusals at the border due to people travelling without the intention of visiting for a permitted purpose. This has added significantly to operational pressures at the border, Ms Cooper wrote. She added that the decision to introduce a visa requirement was taken solely for migration and border security reasons, and the UKs relationship with Jordan remains a strong and friendly one. China releases security governance framework concerning AI Xinhua) 10:47, September 10, 2024 GUANGZHOU, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A framework concerning the security governance of artificial intelligence (AI) was released on Monday at the main forum of this year's China Cybersecurity Week held in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province. Issued by China's National Technical Committee 260 on Cybersecurity, which was formed by the Standardization Administration, the framework features principles in managing the security of AI, such as staying accommodative and prudent to ensure safety, managing risks for swift governance, and opening up to cooperation for joint governance. In light of the technical properties of AI, the framework analyzes the sources and forms of risks concerning AI, and lays out measures of technical response and comprehensive prevention and control targeting security risks in the application of AI, along with guidelines on the safe development and application of AI. The framework will facilitate social participation and progress in the security governance of AI, and will help create a safe, reliable, fair and transparent environment for the development and application of AI, said an official with the technical committee. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The 2024 presidential debate will be held in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Associated Press DirecTV customers experienced channels going dark amid the dispute between Disney and DirecTV which could affect those who want to watch the ABC News-hosted presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The debate is the first time Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will face off on the issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here's what DirecTV customers should know about where to watch the 2024 presidential debate. What happened to DirecTV and ABC? DirecTV and Disney are in a contract dispute after failing to reach an agreement about distribution before Sept. 1. Failure to reach a deal resulted in EPSN, ABC, FX, SEC Network, ACC Network, Disney Channel, NatGeo Freeform and the other Disney owned networks to go off of DirecTV, The Associated Press reported. DirecTV filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission Saturday, saying Disney was negotiating in "bad faith" by requesting to waive any legal claims on any anticompetitive actions, according to the AP. This includes ongoing packaging and minimum penetration demands. CEO Ray Carpenter said during a conference call that DirecTV will not agree to a new carriage deal with Disney without bundling changes. Disney said it will continue to negotiate with DirecTV to restore access to its content soon and called for DirecTV to "stop creating diversions" and finalize a deal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of Monday, ABC-owned stations in Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay, Fresno, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Raleigh were off DirecTV. Other ways DirecTV customers can watch the Harris vs. Trump debate For any DirecTV customers looking to watch the debate on ABC News, the network will have a simulcast on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. The ABC Network is available without cable or satellite as well. Other outlets will simulcast the debate including CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS. Cable networks, including CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, MSNBC and NewsNation, will air the debate live. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When is the Harris vs. Trump debate? The debate between Harris and Trump will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday at 8 p.m. The vice presidential debate will be hosted by CBS News on Oct. 1 in New York City between Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance. The Associated Press contributed to this article You have to love cats. They're absolute agents of chaos. Leave it to a cat to cause a huge power outage and then walk away like it's no big deal. That's exactly what happened with a Siamese cat named Blue who probably didn't even realize the mess he'd made. Sigh of course he did. If anything, it seems like Blue was annoyed that he had less nap time. Not that he ruined the power for everyone else. You know things are bad when your cat somehow ends up at the top of a utility pole. Not even the fire department could get the Siamese cat down. Instead, the poor cat's owner Heather French had to reach out to the electric company so they could use their cherry picker to get the cat down. Related: Siamese Cat Has Most Adorable Way of Holding Moms Phone for Her It wasn't just French's house that was impacted, it was the whole dang neighborhood. Man, when a cat wants to make a mess they really go for it, right? Of course, when the electric company finally got the cat down he was totally unaware that he'd done anything wrong. His mom joked that he "missed his shift at the biscuit factory," but something tells us he can make it up later. No one was surprised that a cat did this. Commenters were cracking up over Blue's nonchalant attitude. "Blue at the end of the video 'and Ill do it again tomorrow,'" joked one person. "The amount of remorse pouring out of him none. Zero. Zip," kidded someone else. "So proud of himself for causing chaos AND a power outage," added one commenter. While another person thought the electric company should "turn this into a commercial because now I love them for doing this," they wrote. Are Cats Bad? Cats have a particular reputation for being well...evil. Now we'd never say that, but cats do have a penchant for getting into trouble. It's important to understand that cats were never really meant to be companions like dogs were. Or it's probably more fair to say that while dogs have taken to domestication, it took cats a long time to get used to living with humans. Cats, in their hearts, are mousers. They were always meant to keep rodents at bay. Cats also exhibit less friendly body language than dogs, which sort of contributes to the whole evil thing. But cats aren't evil, that's just their way of telling humans to back off. It's probably better to try and understand your cat and their behavior than to try and change them. But that doesn't mean they aren't going to really test your patience. 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. Hedge fund tycoon Sir Paul Marshall has snapped up The Spectator political magazine business. The GB News backer has paid 100 million to buy the influential publication. The takeover, which has been completed through the multi-millionaires Old Queen Street Ventures company, comes after a lengthy auction process to find a new owner. Sir Paul Marshall is an investor in GB News and Unherd (Alamy/PA) The Spectator and fellow media business Telegraph Media Group (TMG) were both owned by the billionaire Barclay family until last year. The businesses were put up for sale to help pay off debts from the family to lenders at banking firm Lloyds. They were sold to media consortium RedBird IMI, a group backed by the United Arab Emirates and US investment firm RedBird, through a call option worth 600 million. However, in March, the UK Government forced RedBird IMI to put the media businesses back on the market after launching legislation blocking foreign states from owning UK newspaper assets. The Telegraph group is still for sale and has gained strong interest from bidders both in the UK and internationally, the group said. The Spectator is one of the worlds oldest politics and current affairs magazines, established in 1828 in Londons Old Queen Street. Sir Paul said he was a long-term Spectator reader and delighted with the acquisition through his Old Queen Street (OQS) media group. The plan is for OQS to make good previous underinvestment in one of the worlds great titles, he said. Sir Paul rose to prominence as the co-founder of Marshall Wace, a global alternative investment manager of more than 65 billion US dollars in assets. OQS also owns online magazine UnHerd, as well the Old Queen Street Cafe and a publishing technology startup the UnHerd Club and CoEditor Limited. It is also acquiring international art magazine Apollo, which was founded in 1925. Freddie Sayers, the chief executive of OQS and the editor-in-chief of UnHerd will also become publisher of The Spectator. Mr Sayers said: Our ownership will not only add energy, global ambition, and digital innovation, it will invest in journalism and be committed to the highest standards, with a dedication to the core principles which underpin a free press: accurate presentation of news and free expression of opinion. I look forward to working alongside The Spectators world-class team to make sure it continues to flourish and reach new audiences. The Spectator has been bought by GB News-backer Sir Paul Marshall, as its chairman and broadcaster Andrew Neil said it was his greatest regret not to have been able to choose a new owner for the magazine as he announced his resignation. Hedge fund boss Sir Paul has paid 100 million to buy the influential political publication. The takeover, which has been completed through the multi-millionaires Old Queen Street Ventures company, comes after a lengthy auction process to find a new owner. My Farewell to The Spectator 1/2 It is with great sadness that I write to tell you I am resigning as Chairman of The Spectator, with immediate effect. I made it clear many months ago that I would step down when a new owner took over. That time has now come. It has been my Andrew Neil (@afneil) September 10, 2024 The Spectator, along with Telegraph Media Group, had been up for sale after a proposed takeover by an Abu Dhabi-backed fund was blocked by the government earlier this year. The Telegraph newspapers are still seeking a buyer, and it is understood that Sir Paul remains in the running for a bid. Andrew Neil took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce his resignation as the chairman of the Spectator and criticise the acquisition of the nearly 200-year-old magazine. The British broadcaster, who previously presented The Andrew Neil Show, said: It is with great sadness that I write to tell you I am resigning as chairman of The Spectator, with immediate effect. I made it clear many months ago that I would step down when a new owner took over. That time has now come. He went on to criticise the sale of the publication, describing the process as purgatory for the team which did not have the power to choose our new owner or even influence who it was to be. Broadcaster Andrew Neil said he had resigned as the chairman of the Spectator following its acquisition (Jonathan Brady/PA) It is sad, even unfair, that nobody responsible for this success that is, everybody at 22 Old Queen Street will share in the upside, he wrote. The Spectators offices are based on Londons Old Queen Street. The two media businesses were put up for sale to help pay off debts from the family to lenders at banking firm Lloyds. They were sold to media consortium RedBird IMI, a group backed by the United Arab Emirates and US investment firm RedBird, through a call option worth 600 million. However, in March, the UK government forced RedBird IMI to put the media businesses back on the market after launching legislation blocking foreign states from owning UK newspaper assets. The Telegraph group has gained strong interest from bidders both in the UK and internationally, the group said. The Spectator is one of the worlds oldest politics and current affairs magazines, established in 1828 in Londons Old Queen Street. Sir Paul said he was a long-term Spectator reader and delighted with the acquisition through his Old Queen Street (OQS) media group. The plan is for OQS to make good previous underinvestment in one of the worlds great titles, he said. Sir Paul rose to prominence as the co-founder of Marshall Wace, a global alternative investment manager of more than 65 billion US dollars in assets. OQS also owns online magazine UnHerd, as well the Old Queen Street Cafe and a publishing technology start-up the UnHerd Club and CoEditor Limited. It is also acquiring international art magazine Apollo, which was founded in 1925. The Government said it would not be examining the takeover because the Spectator is a weekly magazine, rather than a newspaper, so it does not have any powers to intervene on the basis of any public interest in the merger. A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport said: More broadly, it is essential that the availability of a wide range of accurate and high-quality news and perspectives can be protected, and that the regime we have in place is equipped to keep up with changes and development in our media landscape. The Culture Secretary is now considering recommendations previously put forward by the independent regulator Ofcom on the function of the current regime. It seems the UK is facing an unprecedented surge in 'bedtime procrastination', messing with our nightly routines and taking its toll on our energy the next day, according to new research. Sound familiar? More than a quarter of Brits (28%) admit they're delaying bedtime to try and avoid the looming stress and anxiety of tomorrow's to-do list, the survey from sleep tech brand Simba reveals. And the younger ones are feeling it the most, with nearly half (47%) of 16-24-year-olds confessing they're hitting the snooze button on sleep itself. But while nearly two-thirds of those over 55 (63%) claim they're in bed at a reasonable hour, this doesn't necessarily mean they're sleeping entirely soundly. With 62% of respondents struggling to drift off quickly and 54% surviving on less than the NHS-recommended seven hours a night (at least), our collective sleep debt is mounting. And despite their less-than-ideal sleep habits, nearly half of Gen Z (42%) still manage seven-eight hours of shut-eye each night, while 44% of baby boomers are getting around five-six hours. Generally, while we're our own worst enemies, the culprits leading us to sleep procrastinate are our screens, whether that's mindless scrolling or 'just one more episode (39%) and busy schedules full of family life and work (21%). As a nation we have too much collective sleep debt. (Getty Images) (insta_photos via Getty Images) "Regularly putting off sleep messes with your body clock, leading to less focus, more stress, and a weakened immune system," says Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of Simbas charity partner, The Sleep Charity. "Its not about a quick fix, but creating doable micro habits that put well-being first." Here Artis shares her top tips for prioritising your wellbeing by conquering sleep procrastination and reclaiming personal time during the day. The small, manageable changes can be as simple as carving out 'me time' during the day. How to stop bedtime procrastination 1. Challenge yourself to micro breaks (15 mins) "Start by allocating just 15 minutes for personal time around midday. Tailor this to fit your current schedule. It could be a quick outdoor stroll, listening to a podcast, or scrolling through social media," says Artis. "Begin with a frequency that works for you, even if it's weekly to start, gradually build up to a more regular daily practice." If it has to be social media scrolling, it's better to get your urge out during selected times of the day. 2. Book in a chapter (15 mins) Replace the scrolling with a few pages. (Getty Images) (South_agency via Getty Images) Of course, however much you read in the time is still beneficial. "Carve out a quarter of an hour to dive into a book offering a brief escape from work. This mindful reading break not only adds a touch of leisure to your day but also sets a positive tone for the afternoon, making it easier to resist delaying bedtime," Artis explains. "Begin with a frequency that aligns with your schedule, perhaps monthly or biweekly, and work your way up to a more frequent daily habit." 3. Get 3000 steps in in 30 (30 mins) Make sure some of your time not spent staring at a screen is spent venturing outdoors. "10,000 steps is roughly five miles and at a brisk pace for 30 minutes, you'll clock up about 1.5 miles, accumulating around 3000 steps," says Artis. "Make your walk even better by listening to a podcast rather than music. It's like getting a double bonus you're staying active and learning something new at the same time. Start at a pace that suits you, even if it's a weekly commitment initially, and gradually build up from there." 4. Schedule 'social snacking' (15 mins) Social interactions during the day can help you feel more fulfilled. (Getty Images) (eclipse_images via Getty Images) "Prioritise social interactions with a dedicated 15-minute catch-up during lunch," Artis recommends. "Schedule it in advance to make it a regular part of your routine. Adjust the frequency to align with your comfort level, whether it's biweekly, weekly, or daily." 5. Try personal development power hours (1 hour max) This one of course depends on whether you have the time to do so, but it can be adapted to shorter chunks of time. And if you just want to enjoy eating your lunch some days, that's okay (just try not to eat at your desk!). "Dedicate an hour to personal development during lunch. Tailor the frequency (monthly or biweekly) based on your workload and gradually increase it as you build momentum," says Artis. "Engage in activities like learning a new skill, attending a webinar, or reading a chapter to continuously enhance your knowledge." 6. Take fitness and fuel breaks (1 hour max) Even just 10 mins of exercise can also help to lift your mood. (Getty Images) (Jutta Klee via Getty Images) "Taking an hour for a workout, run or yoga session might seem tough, especially with the idea of changing and showering afterward," says Artis. The sleep expert's tip if you're working from is: start your day in your gym gear. That way, it's easier to head out for a workout at lunchtime. "Plus, being at home means you can skip the post-workout shower worry-free [though of course, don't leave it too long.... ]. Follow it up with a nutritious meal. Mark it in your calendar, starting with a commitment that fits your schedule, and gradually amp it up as you get into the groove." This will all hopefully help with building up sleep drive and make you feel more content with going to bed not at an ungodly hour. And remember, it's okay if you need to adapt some of the tips to suit your schedule, time and ability. Watch:Michael Mosley: late TV doctors best diet, health and sleep tips Ministers have held talks with bosses of water industry investment firms in a bid to attract fresh capital to the scandal-hit sector. Environment Secretary Steve Reed held a roundtable with roughly 30 people representing investors in the sector such as pension funds on Tuesday in the City of London. Mr Reed said he wants the water industry to become one of growth and opportunity, while also saying he hopes to attract billions in private-sector investment. Minister for water and flooding Emma Hardy, left to right, Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Financial Secretary to the Treasury Lord Livermore attended the roundtable (Defra/PA) Few further details were given on how they might attract more investment, but ministers also expressed hopes that firms can reduce spills and upgrade England and Wales water infrastructure. It comes amid mounting public and political fury around firms polluting of waterways with sewage spills as they continue to hand dividends to shareholders, and bonuses to executives something which Labour has pledged to clamp down on. The Government has said it wants the sector to reduce spills and even proposed sweeping new laws which could see bosses face up to two years in jail if they obstruct regulators. The Water (Special Measures) Bill, introduced to Parliament on September 4, will hand new powers to Ofwat and the Environment Agency to take action on companies damaging the environment and failing customers. Meanwhile, Ofwat recently published plans to limit proposed hikes to consumer water bills put forward by firms for the next five years while also punishing them for excessive pollution. Sewage spills into Englands rivers and seas more than doubled in 2023. According to the Environment Agency, there were 3.6 million hours of spills last year equal to about 400 years compared with 1.75 million hours in 2022. Also at the roundtable was the Global Infrastructure Investor Association (GIIA), a group representing investment firms. The GIIA recently warned Ofwats draft caps would penalise water companies for missing targets without equipping them with means to provide the solution. GIIA chief executive Jon Phillips said on Tuesday: The roundtable was an important opportunity for the government to hear directly from private investors in the UK water industry. By working together we can attract the investment that is necessary. We fully support the governments ambition to put the sector on a stronger footing. Thames Water said that it only has enough cash to continue operating until the end of May next year (Andrew Matthews/PA) The meeting comes weeks after Ofwat revealed 168 million of proposed fines for three of Englands biggest water companies for failing to manage sewage spills, including a 104 million penalty for troubled Thames Water. The fine for Thames came alongside a planned 47 million penalty for Yorkshire Water and 17 million for Northumbrian Water after a catalogue of failure by the firms, according to Ofwat. Thames hunt for fresh funding is particularly urgent after it said over the summer that it only has enough cash to continue operating until the end of May next year. The Prince of Wales has described the end of the Princess of Waless chemotherapy treatment as good news, but added his wife still has a long way to go. William appeared in public on Tuesday for the first time since Kate shared a deeply personal video and heartfelt message about her health and future. The prince travelled to Llanelli in South Wales for a solo visit the day after the princess said she was looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more official engagements in the coming months. He told wellwisher Pauline Thomas, 74: Its good news but there is still a long way to go, The Sun reported. Royal fans gathered outside Swiss Valley Community Primary School and offered the prince their best wishes to Kate, with some handing cards for the princess as he thanked everyone for their thoughts. The Prince of Wales meets a young girl on a visit to Llanelli (Ben Birchall/PA) Kate revealed she has completed her chemotherapy course and is focusing on doing what she can to stay cancer-free, with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. A video montage shot in Norfolk over the summer showed William and Kate cuddling as they held hands, and the couple enjoying precious time together outdoors with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they walked through woods and played on the beach. The princess described in a voiceover how the past nine months had been incredibly tough for us as a family. William chatting to well-wishers outside the school (Ben Birchall/PA) Heir to the throne Williams first stop of the day was to meet pupils at the school to hear how they took part in the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod, the annual festival celebrating Welsh language and culture. Among them was 10-year-old Ruby Davies, a second language Welsh learner, who went viral earlier in the year for her enthusiastic Eisteddfod win in the individual recital category. Ruby gave the prince a book of postcards written by the students and friendship bracelets for George, Charlotte and Louis. A delighted Ruby Davies meets William (Phil Noble/PA) William remarked: Thats so sweet. Did you make them together? Did you build them at home and put them all together yourself? Thank you so much Ruby. Theyre going to love those, youll see them out and about. Ill keep them away from Louis because hell try and steal all his sisters bits. William is welcomed to the school by cheering pupils (Phil Noble/PA) The prince told Ruby: Ive watched your video a few times Ruby. You did brilliantly, you dont seem nervous about performing on stage at all. Ruby told him she was a little bit but also said she was really excited. He added: It was very impressive, youre going to have to teach me how to speak Welsh. William with his fuller-looking beard (Ben Birchall/PA) The prince, with his new beard looking fuller, was met with loud cheers from school children waving Welsh flags as he stepped into the main hall. One boy informed William he had a bug on him, with the prince asking the youngster, who was a sea cadet, if he wanted to keep it, and then handing it to him. Good spot, it must have followed me here, William said. The prince later visited the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters in Llanelli to mark Air Ambulance Week. William, patron of Wales Air Ambulance, with chief executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity Sue Barnes (Geoff Caddick/PA) William, who worked as a helicopter pilot with both East Anglian Air Ambulance in Norfolk and RAF Search and Rescue on Anglesey, North Wales, spoke about how much he missed the role, and suggested he would come back and join the Wales Air Ambulance for a weekend. I cant stop talking about helicopters and medical kits and all sorts, the prince said. Im sorry I take ages waffling about it. I miss it all. Im quite keen to stay a bit longer. William meeting Wales Air Ambulance staff and crew members (Geoff Caddick/PA) Im thinking I might come back for a weekend at some point. I saw the Cardiff team a while ago and said to them Ill come back and join them. He was told there were bigger wheels on the trolleys now, with the prince recounting the challenge of the old trolleys rattling around and the problems they faced getting them back into the helicopters. Youve got better trolleys now bigger wheels, off-road tyres, crucial, William said. The royals final stop was Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets Rugby Union team. William on a visit to Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets rugby union team (Chris Jackson/PA) The prince, who is a patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, met with current and former female players, presenting caps and brooches as part of the Missing Caps campaign, which recognises women who were not acknowledged when they played for Wales. Liza Burgess, the first woman to captain Wales in 1987, said it was phenomenal to have William there. That just shows the interest in this story, he took a real interest, and it was great to have him here to support us in finding those players that dont have their caps. William presents a brooch to a former player from the WRUs Missing Caps campaign, which aims to recognise players who were historically missed when they played for Wales (Chris Jackson/PA) He was very very interested in the story of the caps but also in the future of the game and womens health, the advances that have been made in sports science to support women. Lowri Morgan, a Welsh television presenter and former player, added that she had asked the prince to give Kate their best wishes. It was wonderful to hear today that her treatment has come to an end and I passed my best wishes to the family. William has a selfie taken on the pitch at the home of the Scarlets rugby union team (Chris Jackson/PA) As someone who has been in that position, it is nice to have support, even from strangers like myself. Shopping sprees are the best! The only way they could be even better is if your furry friends could join you on your retail therapy adventure. Alas, finding dog-friendly stores is easier said than done, and most non-pet stores tend to have pretty strict "no dogs" policies (save for service dogs, of course). Guess your pooch will just have to sit this shopping trip out... right? Well, maybe not. Believe it or not, there are a surprising number of big retailers that welcome their customers' well-behaved pets with open arms. They're perfect if you're looking for a few shops you can visit with your four-legged friend (or if you want some place you can walk that's out of the summer heat). So what stores are dog-friendly? Let's get into it: Dog-Friendly Stores With the exception of the first two companies on this list (which are pretty universally pet-friendly), there's always some nuance with even the most welcoming retailers. Even the most openly dog-loving companies are still beholden to local and state laws regarding pets that their stores have to abide by, and local store managers who've had prior bad experiences with customers' pets generally have the authority to enforce their own pet policies at will. If you have any doubts about whether or not your canine companion can tag along at your local stores, calling ahead is always your safest bet. You can check if your local store welcomes pets on BringFido.com, which has a database of thousands of dog-friendly stores worldwide! What Stores Are Dog Friendly? All 25 dog-friendly stores on our list fall under the following categories: Always: The retailer has an official storewide policy allowing for pets across all locations. Unless local or state regulations say otherwise, you're pretty much always in the clear. Mostly: These retailers technically have pet-friendly policies, but are frequently found in shopping centers which may or may not have their own superceding pet restrictions. Or, they might not have an explicit storewide pet policy but still have a predominantly pet-friendly reputation at most locations. Sometimes: The retailer has no official pet policy, and it's completely up to local stores on a case-by-case basis. All PetCo stores welcome well-behaved pets of all shapes and sizes JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock 1. PetCo - Always Let's get the most obvious ones - pet stores - out of the way first, starting with PetCo. Dogs, cats, and pretty much any well-behaved animal that can be kept on a leash or put in a pet carrier are warmly welcomed at all PetCo locations - and I do mean "any" animal. Back in 2019, one PetCo store even welcomed "Oliver," a long-horned African Watusi! Between the friendly staff and aisles of toys and treats galore, PetCo is practically a pet paradise. Besides, many PetCo locations have in-house veterinarians, dog groomers, and obedience training classes. As long as your four-legged friend has good manners and stays on their leash, they're good to go! PetSmart loves their customers' furry, feathered, and scaly friends ablokhin via Getty Images 2. PetSmart - Always Like PetCo, PetSmart gladly welcomes their canine customers with open paws. PetSmart's in-store pet policy allows customers to bring their dogs and cats, along with a number of other traditional pet animals, including birds, certain non-venomous reptiles, rabbits, and pot-bellied pigs! Just like PetCo, many PetSmart locations also offer dog training, veterinary care, pet grooming, and more! Lassie can tag along to just about any Lowe's location refrina via Shutterstock 3. Lowes - Always According to Dogster, Lowes' official policy currently allows both authorized service animals and leashed, well-behaved pets in all store locations. With big, wide-open aisles to walk down and a few pet supplies in stock, this hardware giant welcomes all customers, whether they walk on two legs or four! Some Home Depot stores may be more welcoming to pet parents than others Chris Allan via Shutterstock 4. Home Depot - Sometimes Technically speaking, Home Depot's policy only permits pets if they're authorized service animals, making them a bit less lenient than Lowes on paper. That being said, a lot of dog parents will attest that they haven't had any issues bringing their non-service animals into Home Depot locations, so long as they're well-behaved. Definitely call ahead and ask first, but there's a good chance your local franchise will let it slide if Fido wants to tag along! Harbor Freight Tools proudly welcomes four-legged shoppers QualityHD via Shutterstock 5. Harbor Freight Tools - Always Another popular hardware chain with more than 1,300 across the country, Harbor Freight Tools is very welcoming of well-behaved doggy guests, with a company representative confirming their open-doors pet policy to Rover.com via social media. They also have a modest selection of pet supplies in stock, in case you wanna buy your buddy a little surprise on the way out the door! So many smells, so little time - most LUSH stores love pups! TY Lim via Shutterstock 6. LUSH Cosmetics - Mostly According to the Bark Post, LUSH customer service confirmed that while store policies differ from location to location, most LUSH stores are more than happy to have customers bring their pets along! Just keep in mind that a lot of LUSH stores are located inside of shopping malls, which may have their own overarching rules regarding pets. Sephora lets individual store locations dictate their pet policies Sorbis via Shutterstock 7. Sephora - Sometimes Sephora doesn't have an official pet policy, allowing store managers to make their own calls. Additionally, like LUSH, many Sephora stores are located inside malls and are beholden to the building's pet policies. Despite this, many pet parents say they've had success bringing their well-behaved, leashed dogs into Sephora stores. Just be sure to call ahead and ask before you pull up with your pooch! Canine craft lovers can shop at Michaels, too oasisamuel via Shutterstock 8. Michaels - Always Craft lovers rejoice! Your pet pooch can join you on your next arts and crafts supply run, thanks to Michaels' lenient policy on welcoming four-legged shoppers. According to USServiceAnimals.org, Michaels' pet policy only stipulates that customers keep their pets on a leash and keep them out of any areas with food. Jo-Ann's pet policies are particularly Fido-friendly Felix Mizioznikov via Shutterstock 9. Jo-Ann Fabrics - Always Let's stick with the craft store theme just a little longer. Jo-Ann's official pet policy warmly welcomes pet visitors as long as they have good manners, are vaccinated, and are kept on a leash or in a container. They also ask pet parents to clean up any messes (clean-up supplies are available at in-store Cut Counters), and to be considerate of guests who may have allergies or are uncomfortable around animals. Hobby Lobby keeps it pretty pet-friendly JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock 10. Hobby Lobby - Mostly How about one last arts and crafts store for good measure? Last year, Pet Friendly Verdict confirmed that Hobby Lobby is very pro-pet after checking in with their customer service reps. As always, individual store policies may vary, but you can generally rely on most Hobby Lobbies to welcome well-behaved pets wherever local regulations permit! Tractor Supply Co. welcomes all kinds of animal visitors, not just dogs Alexanderstock23 via Shutterstock 11. Tractor Supply Co. - Always Though Tractor Supply Co.'s pet policy is tough to sniff out online, Dogster confirmed that the farm supply retailer welcomes all well-behaved pets at any of their locations - by the way, that also includes other animals like cats, horses, goats, and pigs. Be advised that some locations may only allow pets to visit certain designated areas of the store. Safe to say, they probably don't want overeager pups digging into their pet food supply! Warby Parker celebrates their patrons' pups ADXco via Shutterstock 12. Warby Parker - Mostly Warby Parker doesn't just tolerate their customers' canines - they love 'em! They even launched a limited-edition "Canine Collection" under the name "Warby Barker," with five pup-sized versions of their vintage-inspired frames made from "chew-resistant acetate" - plus a complimentary gluten-free dog treat with every purchase! Unsurprisingly, then, Warby Parker stores tend to be very pet-friendly overall. As always, though, local regulations apply, and Warby Parker locations inside shopping centers have to abide by mall rules first and foremost. When in doubt, call ahead! Barnes & Noble leaves pet policy up to their store managers Robert V Schwemmer via Shutterstock 13. Barnes & Noble - Sometimes Barnes & Noble allows stores to dictate their own pet policies regarding non-service animals by location, noting that each location has to abide by local health codes. While a lot of pet parents have had no problem visiting their local Barnes & Noble stores with their dogs, the only way to know if your local store allows pets is to call them and ask. Dogster also warns that the in-store cafe is off-limits to non-service dogs, even at pet-friendly locations! Apple Stores are generally pooch-positive, but local restrictions may come into play Wongsakorn Napaeng via Shutterstock 14. The Apple Store - Mostly Need some new tech? The Apple Store is widely regarded as a pretty pet-friendly retailer. Most locations are more than happy to welcome well-behaved pets on leashes, provided that local laws or shopping center rules don't dictate otherwise. That being said, DailyPaws recommends visiting during low-traffic times, as smaller stores can get very congested and stressful to navigate when busy. Pottery Barn is for the pooches, too Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock 15. Pottery Barn - Mostly According to multiple sources, the luxury home furniture chain warmly invites polite pooches to visit with their special humans! By now you know the drill, though: if your mall has a strict "no dogs" policy, the Pottery Barn inside won't be an exception! Also, if your pet is currently shedding a lot, do try to keep them off the furniture - your fellow shoppers will thank you. Treat your lap dog to a little luxury at Nordstrom Just dance via Shutterstock 16. Nordstrom/ Nordstrom Rack - Mostly Luxury fashion retailer Nordstrom and their discount outlet Nordstrom Rack are overall welcoming of well-behaved, leashed pets in their stores, though as always, individual locations may have their own policies. Additionally, Dogster warns that local laws may restrict certain breeds from entry, such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Before planning a Nordstrom visit, it may be worth checking with your local store to see if any potential breed restrictions apply! Macy's pet policies vary from store to store, so check in advance JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock 17. Macy's - Sometimes Like Sephora and Barnes & Noble, Macy's doesn't have a storewide policy regarding dogs, allowing local stores to set their own rules where applicable. Macy's wide-open walkways can be great for strolling with your dog on slow days, but call ahead first! The Austin, TX Everlane store, one of their 11 dog-friendly brick-and-mortar locations Everlane 18. Everlane - Always Everlane is already popular for their chic, stylish threads and their commitment to sustainable and ethical production. Here's one more reason to feel good about shopping at Everlane: they love their customers' dogs! USServiceAnimals.org confirmed with customer service that dogs are allowed at all Everlane locations, as long as they are friendly, leashed, and well-behaved. The Gap has a pretty good reputation with dog parents overall Robert Way via Shutterstock 19. The Gap - Mostly The Gap is another retailer with no set storewide pet policy. However, pet parents generally report that most Gap locations are down with well-behaved dogs where permitted by local rules. Your chances are good with a visit to The Gap - just do your due diligence and check ahead! Old Navy has a fairly pet-positive rep, but store policies may vary. JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock 20. Old Navy - Mostly Fun fact: Old Navy is owned by Gap Inc.! Unsurprisingly, Old Navy holds the same general attitude towards animals as their parent company: no storewide pet policies per se, but most locations tend to be fairly lenient where local restrictions don't dictate otherwise. Ross Dress For Less has opened their doors to canine customers as well Brett Hondow via Shutterstock 21. Ross Dress for Less - Mostly According to Hepper.com, Ross's official policy as of August 2024 permits dogs in store locations, though they do specify that dogs must be leashed or carried by their owners, vaccinated, and well-behaved, and guests are responsible for cleaning after their pet's messes. Pretty standard stuff, and a small price to pay for the privilege of letting your pet pup join in on the fun! TJ Maxx is a fairly dog-friendly company, but always double-check with your local stores MDV Edwards via Shutterstock 22. TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homesense - Mostly Though TJ Maxx (along with their sister companies Marshalls and Homesense) don't have an explicit pet policy detailed online, they have a broadly pet-friendly reputation overall, with most stores seeming to allow polite pets. However, local store managers get to make the final call, so give 'em a ring first! The real "Victoria's Secret" is the retailer's low-key lenient pet policy. damann via Shutterstock 23. Victoria's Secret - Mostly Didn't expect to see that name pop up on this list, did you? According to Dogster, Victoria's Secret officially welcomes dogs at all store locations except where prohibited by mall rules or local laws. Guess Lassie can come lingerie shopping - who knew? Bass Pro Shops welcomes doggy visitors to all locations except where prohibited by local/state laws Chad Robertson Media via Shutterstock 24. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's - Always The next time you're shopping for a big outdoor adventure, let your pup come along to help you pick out some supplies! Bass Pro Shops' official website states that dogs are allowed at all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations except where prohibited by state or local laws (service dogs, of course, are always exempt). Some stores even have kennels available for customers to use while they shop! With the exception of their flagship location, L.L. Bean stores are proudly pup-friendly Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock 25. L.L. Bean - (Almost) Always Much like Bass Pro Shops, legacy camping retailer L.L. Bean is a very open pet-friendly retailer that celebrates their patron's pups and welcomes them at all store locations - with one notable exception. Ironically, non-service animals are not allowed inside L.L. Bean's flagship location in Freeport, Maine, as that location has a cafe inside. Everywhere else, though, you and Fido are good to go! Apple's AI technology will make it easier to write emails and catch up with texts, the company has said. Apple Apple unveiled its push into AI, Apple Intelligence, in June and announced new iPhones Monday. We still don't know when exactly the iPhone will have the much-anticipated AI features, though. Apple promised a beta test in October but it's not clear what that will include. Apple fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the new iPhone and its new AI-supporting features. But it's still not clear exactly when the handset will include the customized emojis, text summaries, and other AI-powered features that Apple has developed. Apple touted many of said features at Monday's Glowtime event, which also featured hardware announcements ranging from an Apple Watch that can go scuba diving to a new button on the iPhone 16 that will make it easier to take good photos. Apple users have been waiting for more details on the AI features in particular since the company unveiled Apple Intelligence in June at its WWDC event. But Monday's update actually provided little new information about when Apple would release which AI perks. "The first set of features will be available in beta next month, with more features rolling out in the months to come," Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, said during Glowtime on Monday. Still, he didn't say exactly which features Apple is including in that first group. And that might be a bit offputting to someone tempted to pay a punchy amount for a new phone. Apple has been betting on those AI-powered options to boost iPhone sales. The iPhone 16 starts at $799, and the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899. Meantime, the 16 Pro starts at $999, with $1199 for the Pro Max model. The timeline is also even longer and less certain depending on which language you speak. Federighi said next month's beta test applies to US users only. English speakers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK will have access to the AI features in December. Users who speak Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish can expect them sometime in 2025, he added. Still, while the timeline for when Apple's AI features will hit your devices is still fuzzy, Apple left no doubt that they are making way for them. Executives highlighted many of the Apple Intelligence features that they first teased in June, such as the AI's ability to summarize action items from emails in your inbox and generate emojis in text conversations based on users' prompts. Apple's iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro were among Apple's other announcements during Glowtime. The two handsets include chips specifically designed for AI. The phones are built "from the ground up" for AI and Apple Intelligence, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in opening comments at Glowtime. Read the original article on Business Insider Yoga breathing helps the nervous system to relax. If youve ever been stressed or anxious (let's be honest, that's all of us at some point), youve probably been told to take a deep breath. In the moment, it can be hard to do. Especially if youre not sure how. Breathing for relaxation is more than the simple inhale and exhale you do multiple times per minute without thinking too hard about it. Intentional deep breathing exercises which involves a specific techniques are an effective way to calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety. Whether youre feeling anxious about an upcoming event or youve just had a stressful day, breathing exercises are an easily accessible tool you can lean on to cope. A few minutes focused on your breathing not only helps in the moment but can have cumulative effects over time. One kind in particular: Yoga breathing has been known to improve quality of sleep and mindfulness, both of which can help to improve mental health. In fact, I became interested in getting my certification in yoga because of the positive benefits yoga had on my sleep and anxiety levels. I no longer needed my anxiety or sleeping medication once I started practicing yoga regularly. I attribute that mostly to the breathwork that I learned in my yoga classes and practiced daily. Relaxation techniques, including deep breathing exercises, are an effective way to slow your heart rate, improve quality of sleep, lessen fatigue and ease tension, per the Mayo Clinic. Ahead, discover six ways to ease your mind and soothe your body with yoga breathing. What is yoga breathing? Yoga breathing is more deliberate and controlled than your normal daily breathing. You will breathe in through the nose for a few seconds and then out through the nose for a few seconds, keeping the mouth closed. This is supposed to gather your prana, or energy, and make it more focused. Its also calming and allows the nervous system to relax. Ive prepared a list of my favorite yoga breathing exercises for you to try. Whether you perform them in the morning, before bed or throughout the day (like when you're stuck in that traffic jam), youll feel a release of unneeded stress and a sense of calm. Deep belly breathing Deep belly breathing utilizes the diaphragm to maximize lung expansion. The movement of the diaphragm naturally controls the airflow through your body, forcing the air to move deeply into your belly. Start in a comfortable position either lying on the floor or sitting in a chair. Place one hand on your chest while placing the other just below the rib cage so that you can feel the movement of your diaphragm. Slowly breathe in through your nose for a count of five. Feel the air move in your body as your stomach rises. Then exhale the air through your mouth for a count of five, feeling your stomach relax inward. Box breathing Create a box with your counts during your breathing. This is great for slowing down the mind and quieting racing thoughts by practicing being present in the moment, which helps reduce anxiety. Breathe in as you count to four in your head. Then, hold your breath for four counts. Next, exhale for four counts. I like to use the mental picture of drawing the four sides of a box with each count of my breath. Finally, hold at the bottom for four counts. Repeat this four times and feel your body relax and the tension release from your muscles. Alternate nostril breathing Alternate nostril breathing is a little less common than deep belly breathing, but it can be a great way to practice controlled breathing. Plus, this exercise is the perfect addition to any sort of meditation practice. Sit in a comfortable position with your legs crossed. Once you finish exhaling, place your right thumb over your right nostril. Inhale for a count of five through your left nostril. Then, cover your left nostril and uncover your right nostril before exhaling for a count of five. Now, inhale through the right nostril, keeping your thumb on the left nostril. Then, cover your right nostril and exhale through the left. Continue alternating between the nostrils for a few minutes. Breath retention Breath retention involves holding your breath without inhaling or exhaling for a period of time. Retaining your breath for a short period of time can help with relaxation and stress reduction. I recommend holding the air in for 10 seconds before exhaling, and then taking a few regular breaths before repeating the exercise. Begin sitting with your legs crossed on the floor. Keeping your back straight, breath in through your nose for five seconds. Hold the air inside your lungs for 10 seconds. Once youve reached 10 seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth. Take a few normal breaths before repeating the process. Lion's breath Release stress with this fun and invigorating breathing technique. Breathe in for one deep breath and open your eyes wide. Then, open your mouth and stick out your tongue as you blow all the air out of your mouth, making a "haaaa" sound. As you breathe out, you can even contract the muscles around your throat to really feel like a lion! Breath of fire The breath of fire involves gently inhaling and forcefully exhaling. This exercise helps relieve stress, improve concentration and increase mindfulness. Sit with your legs crossed on the floor, keeping your back straight. Inhale through your nose for a count of five while placing your hand on your stomach so you can feel it rise. As soon as you finish inhaling, exhale forcefully through your nose, engaging your abdominals. Make sure that your inhale and exhale are the same length, even though they are done with different amounts of force. Repeat this 10 times quickly. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A local elections meeting in an Atlanta suburb came to an abrupt end Monday night after an unidentified attendee shouted Heil Hitler during the public comment period. The Cobb County Board of Elections met to consider a resolution requesting the State Election Board postpone further rule-making until after the November presidential election. The Peach State has come under national scrutiny after three Republican members endorsed new election rules, prompting warnings from elected officials and experts across major political parties about the potential for heightened election misinformation and turmoil during the general election. With less than 50 days until the election, the board is scheduled to meet again on Sept. 20 and will consider even more rule changes, prompting outcry from election officials and lawsuits from Democratic officials. More: Trump-approved Georgia election officials' new rules could spur 'doubt and suspicion' At the Cobb County meeting, the antisemitic outburst came moments after a member of the public called on one of the board members to resign, accusing her of being a closeted Communist or Marxist because she remained seated during the Pledge of Allegiance. A voting booth is prepared at the Gladys S. Dennard Library in Fulton County, on the final day of early voting ahead of Election Day 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia on October 30, 2020. As the speaker got up from the stand and returned to his seat, the crowd could be heard clapping and booing, and then the phrase Heil Hitler was shouted twice, prompting an outcry from members of the board. More: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro refuses to be Donald Trump's talking point on antisemitism That is extremely unacceptable, Chair Tori Silas responded, halting the meeting and asking the person who made the outburst to leave the room. Antisemitic rhetoric [is] not acceptable. I wont continue to sit in my seat if that person remains in the room, added Vice Chair Jennifer Mosbacher, who said she is Jewish. If youre proud enough to say it out loud, stand behind whatever you said and remove yourself from the room now, please, Silas said. However, no one stood up to leave, and the board members could not identify the speaker. After a few minutes of deliberation, the board adjourned early. Its not lost on me that just up the street was the only Jewish man lynched in this county, Mosbacher said to the crowd, referencing Leo Max Frank, who was lynched in Marrietta, Georgia in 1915. There will be no Heil Hitler in this room. . . Antisemitism in whatever form, whoever says it, is inappropriate in todays world. Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY who focuses on Georgia politics. She is @MayaHoman on X, formerly Twitter. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Antisemitic comments halt elections meeting in Cobb County, Georgia Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the fifth Texas Values Faith Freedom Forum held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin in TX, on Sept. 23, 2022. Josie Norris/Staff photographer Several Houston-area civil rights organizations criticized the raids on Latino political figures and volunteers led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office last month, casting the searches as government overreaches and voter intimidation. Members of the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice which includes local chapters of the League of United Latin American Citizens and the NAACP, among others also urged voters not to be discouraged by the raids at the ballot box this November during a news conference Tuesday morning at a popular East End restaurant. The Nov. 5 general election is just eight weeks away. The search warrants executed by Paxtons office in late August focused on the homes of Cecilia Castellano, a South Texas Democratic House candidate whose opponent Paxton endorsed; Manuel Medina, a campaign staffer and chair of the State Tejano Democrats; Lidia Martinez, an 87-year-old who spent decades helping register seniors and veterans to vote; and others in Frio, Atascosa and Bexar counties as part of an investigation into alleged voter fraud. Paxtons office seized cellphones, documents and other property during the raids. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They use terms like voter fraud and ballot harvesting to create a false narrative, said national LULAC President Roman Palomares on Tuesday. They want the world to believe that when Mexicans vote, there must be corruption. When Hispanics organize, there must be some hidden agenda. When we claim our rights, they want to paint us as criminals. The attorney generals office said it had sufficient evidence to obtain the search warrants after receiving a tip from a South Texas district attorney about alleged election fraud and vote harvesting during the 2022 midterm elections. Paxtons election integrity unit can only prosecute election fraud if invited by a local district attorney, per a 2021 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruling. Those whose homes were raided maintained they did nothing wrong, and Latino activists and Democratic lawmakers have called for a federal investigation into Paxtons raids. Paxtons office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations that the raids were politically motivated or meant to intimidate Latino voters. Bishop James Dixon, president of Houstons NAACP chapter, said the precedent being set by the raids endangers not just the rights of Latinos but of all Texans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is an attack on democracy, and were calling on all citizens who believe in democracy whether youre Black, white, brown, Asian, Democrat, Republican, he said. This is your fight. Castellano, the Democrat running to represent state House District 80 in South Texas, cried during Tuesdays news conference as she recalled her home being searched by Paxtons officers on Aug. 20. Let me just paint the picture for everyone: waking up by a knock on the door at 6 a.m. with 30 assault rifles and tactical gear pointed at a father, your children, wife, she said. She described the search against her and other Latino figures and volunteers as politically motivated to, in part, hinder her election efforts. Her GOP opponent, former Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, was endorsed by Paxton. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Longtime labor organizer Linda Morales of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation sharply rebuked the attorney generals raids not just as a voter intimidation tactic but as government overreach. Paxtons aggressive actions ... is not only cruel but reflective of a gross misuse of governmental power, she said. These actions have directly impacted women who are senior citizens who have spent their lives contributing to the economic and social fabric of Texas. State Rep. Christina Morales, a Democrat from Houston, pointed toward demographic shifts in Texas as the reason why Paxton targeted Latino political figures and volunteers in his probe. Latino Texans, an increasingly powerful voting bloc, have made up the largest share of the states population since last summer, about 40.2%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A newly identified biomarker may eventually help doctors diagnose Alzheimers disease sooner. Image credit: Yoss Sabalet/Getty Images. This article originally appeared on Medical News Today There is currently no cure for Alzheimers disease. Researchers are focused on finding new ways to diagnose this type of dementia early. Scientists from the University of Melbourne have identified a new blood biomarker for the early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease. Researchers are currently very focused on finding new ways to diagnose early Alzheimers disease a type of dementia for which there is currently no cure. We still have no cure for Alzheimers disease and rely on early detection and treatment, Brandon Mahan, PhD, senior lecturer in isotope geochemistry and head of Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Melbourne in Australia explained to Medical News Today. This is because if detected and treated early, the later terminal stages of the disease can be protracted out, ideally past the normal life expectancy of the individual. This releases emotional and financial burden on the Alzheimers disease-afflicted and their families, as well as on national/global economies, he explained. With the above in mind, we should be aggressively exploring any and all possibilities as regards early detection of Alzheimers, focusing our efforts and resources to alleviate this global challenge, Mahan added. Mahan is the lead author of a new study recently published in the journal Metallomics that has identified a new blood biomarker for the early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease using geochemistry techniques. What is geochemistry, and how can it help find Alzheimers biomarkers? For this study, Mahan and his team of analytical geochemists collaborated with a group of neuroscientists from the brain research center The Florey to develop a new blood test for the early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease. To do this, scientists applied and adapted inorganic analytical geochemistry techniques which is typically used to analyze geological compositions such as rocks and soils to look for early Alzheimers disease biomarkers in the blood. Inorganic analytical geochemistry is a general term for research that has its roots in the geosciences, and that is centered around developing, harnessing and applying complex instrumentation (and lab practices) to be able to accurately and robustly determine the chemical composition of materials, whether they are minerals and rocks, water, plant matter etc., and then interpreting these analytical results within a given context, Mahan explained. In most cases, these analyses are done through what is called mass spectrometry, where we completely break down materials into a bunch of ions (charged particles) that we can then manipulate and separate using electric and magnetic fields, and in doing so separate those charged particles from one another based on their mass, he continued From there, using an instrument like that deployed in this study, we can measure the relative amounts of all those different charged particles, all at the same time this is called multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or MC-ICP-MS. As a fun fact, the way we break down the materials in the instrument is through using a plasma torch that obliterates the chemical bonds (called atomization) and strips electrons off the atoms (ionization) this plasma torch burns hotter than the surface of the Sun! Brandon Mahan, PhD What potassium isotopes could say about Alzheimers risk Using 20 blood samples 10 from people with Alzheimers disease and 10 without Mahan and his team compared levels of potassium isotopes between both groups. Basically, the Alzheimers disease-afflicted brain seems to flush out potassium that is enriched in the lighter isotope of potassium relative to the normal brain, Mahan detailed. The working hypothesis is that these lighter isotopes of potassium are getting flushed into the bloodstream, in the serum fraction, where we are able to measurably resolve this change in blood serum potassium isotope ratio (caused by Alzheimers disease in the brain), again in part thanks to modern state-of-the-art technology that makes this much more possible, he explained. An added benefit to all this is that since this test is based on inorganic mass spectrometry, [that is,] were not looking at levels of proteins or other organic matter in the blood, then we dont have to worry about all the quality-control issues that can arise from the possible breakdown of organic materials during sample storage and transport, he continued. Even though this is a small pilot study, the statistical results already suggest performance in detecting Alzheimers disease that is on par with much more mature blood-based biomarkers that are based on organic analyses, said the researcher. Mahan told MNT that, for the next steps in their research, the team plans to grow and expand this initial work into a much more comprehensive study with larger populations and to extend this beyond potassium to also look at other metals, such as copper and zinc. We now have one of these specialized CRC-MC-ICP-MS instruments here in Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry, putting us on the same campus as The Florey, and doubling our capacity to measure samples now two instruments including the one at IPGP, he added. So, were all systems go for this expanded work, and are now seeking partners and financial support to enable and accelerate this important and innovative research. Potential new noninvasive test for Alzheimers disease After reviewing this study, Verna Porter, MD, a board-certified neurologist and director of the Dementia, Alzheimers Disease and Neurocognitive Disorders at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA, told MNT she that thought it was exciting as it introduces the potential of potassium isotope compositions as a novel and noninvasive biomarker for Alzheimers disease. As a doctor treating patients at high risk for Alzheimers, any advancement in early detection is very encouraging, Porter told us. The possibility of detecting Alzheimers earlier through such innovative means could significantly change how we approach treatment and patient care. Early diagnosis is essential because it allows for timely intervention, which can help slow disease progression, improve the patients quality of life, and provide families time to prepare, she explained. It also opens the door to utilizing emerging treatments more effectively in the earlier stages of the disease, when they may have the greatest impact. Diagnosing Alzheimers early can lead to better care coordination and a more proactive approach to managing symptoms, Porter added. For next steps in this research, she also said she would like to see it expanded with larger, more diverse patient populations to confirm the reliability of this novel biomarker. Additionally, combining this approach with other established biomarkers, such as beta-amyloid levels and tau protein, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of Alzheimers pathology, she added. Longitudinal studies to track potassium dysregulation over time would also be valuable in determining its correlation with disease progression. View the original article on Medical News Today Marbella Martinez was killed less than six months after she was sworn in as a corrections officer with the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook; Courtesy Tooele City Police Department Marbella Martinez and Hector Martinez-Ayala The Utah father who's accused by police of killing his sheriff's deputy daughter allegedly texted his brother that he "made a big mistake, an unforgivable sin," according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, 54, allegedly sent the text message to his sibling around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, the day before police discovered the body of his daughter, 25-year-old Marbella Martinez, around 8 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, in the Tooele home the pair shared, according to the probable cause affidavit. After the text about the "unforgivable sin," Martinez-Ayala allegedly texted, "now Im too scared and I dont know what to do. I think I will never come back," per the affidavit. Officers found Martinezs body lying on top of the bed, covered with a blanket up to her neck, per the affidavit. She had been strangled. Martinez was killed less than six months after she was sworn in as a corrections officer with the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office. Martinez-Ayala, who authorities say fled the country after his daughter's death, was charged on Friday, Sept. 6 with 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. Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Marbella Martinez Related: Father of Utah Police Officer Accused of Stalking and Killing Her Before Allegedly Fleeing the Country We as a department are working with numerous agencies around the clock to bring Hector into custody for what he did," Tooele City Police Department Corporal Colbey Bentley tells PEOPLE. "We have confiscated numerous items of interest to Hector, including his vehicle. As we strive to give Deputy Marbella Martinez the justice she is owed, we plead with anyone who may have helpful information or who may be actively helping hide Hector to do the right thing and help us bring Hector into custody for what he did. According to the affidavit, authorities allege Martinez-Ayala's behavior towards his daughter had become "increasingly troublesome" and that he had engaged in stalking behavior for months. Text records show that the defendant was becoming increasingly obsessed and controlling with the victim, the affidavit alleges. The text message records show text messages from the defendant to the victim are more of the nature of a jealous lover than a father. 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. Prosecutors allege that Martinez found a bag of her underwear in his room and Martinez-Ayala had placed a tracking device on her vehicle to find her. Authorities said he used the tracking device on July 29 to find her and her romantic interest at a hiking area called Bates Canyon. After the incident, Martinez allegedly stayed at a hotel but returned home on July 31. She was last seen on video footage inside her home at 12:23 p.m. that day. Authorities said Martinez-Ayala arrived home at 2:17 p.m. The last camera notification on the victims phone occurred at 2:17 p.m., which means that the cameras were disabled or disconnected from the internet at this time," states the affidavit. "Any video after the defendants arrival at 2:17 p.m. July 21, 2024, was deleted or never existed because of the disabling of the camera after his arrival. Per the affidavit, Martinez-Ayala texted his brother just over two hours later. 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, he allegedly texted. Authorities alleged Martinez-Ayala disposed of his daughter's cell phone before driving to the Salt Lake City airport. He flew to San Francisco and Houston and then used his brothers identification when he landed in another country and is seen on surveillance video, the affidavit alleges. "The defendant's whereabouts are unknown, but his last known location was outside of the United States." Anyone with information is asked to call the Tooele County Dispatch Center at 435-882-5600, option 1. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Democrats are voicing frustrations at polling that shows more voters see former President Trump as the moderate candidate in the presidential race against Vice President Harris. Democrats for years have cast Trump as an extremist who is a threat to democracy. But a poll released by The New York Times and Siena College found more voters see Harris as too liberal than see Trump as too conservative. Democrats in Congress were stunned by the notion that Trump could be viewed as the more moderate figure. This may be the first question posed to me during my six years for which I dont have an immediate response, because it seems so incongruent with what I think to be reality, said Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.). Its a mind-blowing contention that hes the more moderate candidate. Im literally speechless, other than recognizing that the perception must be especially amongst right-wing media that shes just an uber-leftist, he said. And I dont think thats who she is. Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.), the Democratic whip, delivered a similar message of disbelief. The poll that matters is on Election Day, and I dont think that Donald Trump is getting elected for his moderate views, she said. And if were now calling a national abortion ban, taking away veterans benefits, closing our public schools, moderate god help us all. The survey suggests GOP attacks on Harris have been effective in painting her as farther to the left and that Democratic attacks on Trump as an extremist have not landed as solidly. And it left some Democrats complaining about the voters polled by the surveys. Donald Trump has no core values, so therefore he has been on either side of so many issues throughout his political career, said Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau. Hell go to one crowd and say hes going to do this and go to another crowd and say hes going to do that. So it should not be surprising that there are some voters who see him in that light. Mollineau argued that Trump has aligned himself with the most conservative members of the Republican Party and that Democrats need to do a better job of messaging to win over voters who see Trump as the more moderate candidate. The New York Times/Siena poll out earlier this week revealed that only 32 percent of likely voters say Trump is too conservative. When asked if Trump was too conservative, not conservative enough, or not too far either way, 49 percent say he is not too far either way Asked about Harris, 47 percent of likely voters said they viewed her as too liberal or progressive, 9 percent said not liberal or progressive enough and 41 percent said not too far either way. The poll unnerved Democrats who have lauded the Harris campaigns efforts in taking a more centrist tack since becoming the nominee. Harris has moved toward the center on taxes from President Biden, for example, and she has dropped her call for a ban on fracking, a critical issue in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Phillips acknowledged that Harris is vulnerable to attacks from the right after shifting to the left during the Democrats 2020 presidential primary. Harris ran for president in the 2020 cycle and adopted a number of liberal positions as she battled candidates such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the Democratic primary. Vice President Harris, because of her pivot to the left during the 2020 election, clearly has baggage at least amongst Independents and moderate Republicans that shes going to have to address, he said. But he also argued that Harris is the much more moderate figure and was incredulous that the contest would be framed otherwise. Democratic strategist Nayyera Haq said voters have forgotten what Trump was like in office. This is the challenge of Trump having been around for so long, some people are forgetting how dangerous and erratic he was in the White House, she said. His own chief of staff and military generals consider him a national security risk, and Trump suggested putting bleach in your veins to cure COVID. The entire Trump presidency induced mass anxiety on the public, no policy statement can change that. The vice president said in an interview late last month that being vice president has offered her a new perspective on issues including immigration and fracking. She suggested that if she has shifted her policies on those issues, she has not changed her values. I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed, Harris told CNNs Dana Bash. In recent weeks, the Harris campaign has sought to court independents and moderate Republicans, not only through proposals such as offering a more modest capital gains tax hike on the wealthy, but also in unveiling a string of Republican endorsements, including from former Rep. Liz Cheney (Wyo.). The speakers on the final night of the Democratic National Convention from former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) were also intended to send a message to moderate voters. It was also intended to counterattack efforts by Trump and the GOP to present Harris, an attorney general and former U.S. senator from California, as a San Francisco liberal. One Democratic strategist conceded, Being a Black female politician from San Francisco is going to invoke visions of wild-eyed liberal even when youre not. Another strategist said the worry among some Democrats is that Trump will be successful in distancing himself from conservative positions. Trump has run against cutting Social Security and Medicare, and hes moved to the center in GOP debates on abortion. Hes also responsible for overturning the Roe v. Wade decision, given his three Supreme Court appointments, and has sought to build a wall on the southern border. How can voters see that candidate as the moderate choice, some Democrats say. Yet this isnt new for Trump. A Pew Research survey in 2016 showed that 32 percent of voters viewed then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as liberal on almost all issues, while 26 percent said she was liberal on most issues and 28 percent said she was a mix of liberal and conservative issues. At the same time, 16 percent of those surveyed saw Trump as conservative on almost all issues, 28 percent said he was conservative on most issues and 40 percent said he was a mix of liberal and conservative. Republican strategist Kevin Madden, who served as a senior aide to Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) during his 2012 presidential campaign, said presidential contests are all about comparison. A perfect example would be Biden, who looked and sounded like a centrist compared with the rest of his party, Madden said. Trump when compared to Harris and her previously stated positions as an authentic progressive, has worked to present himself as more mainstream and in line with working-class concerns. Look, its not a simple or easy path for either of these candidates to credibly claim the centrist mantle in this race, but Trump is gaining an edge there, he said. This story was updated at 7:01 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Scott and Diana Anderson have spent seven years trying to regain entry to the theme parks Club 33 A Disney-obsessed couple have vowed to keep fighting after losing a $400,000 (306,000) legal battle to have their membership reinstated to the theme parks exclusive Club 33. Scott and Diana Anderson, both 60, spent 30 years trying to get into the elite 33,000-a-year club, which allowed them to rub shoulders with VIP guests in wood-panelled lounges. Since gaining access in 2012, the pair had forked out around $124,000 a year to visit the Disney theme parks in Anaheim, California, up to 80 times annually. But the couples fairytale lifestyle was brought to an abrupt end after they were banned from the members club in 2017 amid claims Mr Anderson had been drunk in public. They have spent seven years and hundreds of thousands of pounds trying to regain entry to the club, only for a jury last week to reject their claims that Disney had improperly evicted them. My wife and I are both dead-set that this is an absolute wrong, and we will fight this to the death, Mr Anderson told the Los Angeles Times. My retirement is set back five years, he added. Im paying through the nose. Every day, Im seeing another bill, and Im about to keel over. Determined to appeal against the decision, Mrs Anderson said: Ill sell a kidney. Tables at Disneylands exclusive and private Club 33 - Tim Rue/Corbis Entertainment Mr And Mrs Anderson gained access to Club 33 in 2012, where they mingled with Hollywood stars including Dick Van Dyke and Kurt Russell and enjoyed fine dining, VIP tours and special events. Sean Macias, the couples lawyer, told the civil court when they came off the 10-year waiting list, they finally became part of this special place. That was their spot. That was their happy place, their home, he added. But security guards found Mr Anderson near the entrance of California Adventure at around 9.50pm on Sept 3 2017. They claim he had slurred speech and had trouble standing and his breath smelled like alcohol. He was promptly evicted from Club 33. Mr Macias said Mr Anderson had only consumed two or three drinks and, in the absence of a breathalyser or blood tests, it was not established he was intoxicated. Mr Macias argued that Mr Andersons symptoms were the consequence of a vestibular migraine which can be triggered by red wine. Some salty language The previous year, Mrs Anderson had briefly been suspended from the club for using some salty language... a couple F-words, Mr Macias said. Mr Macias said the couple were trying to clear his name as Mr Anderson doesnt want to be known as a drunk. The Andersons had asked to be reinstated in Club 33, with a $10,500 reimbursement for four months of unused membership in 2017. They also wanted $231,000. Jonathan E Phillips, a lawyer representing Disney, said Club 33 membership guidelines forbade public intoxication. They did not want to pay the consequences of failing to follow the rules, Mr Phillips told jurors, the LA Times reported. He added that Mr Andersons conduct cost his wife of 40 years her lifetime dream of having access to Club 33. 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. Tuesday night will present a rare opportunity to potentially shake up the 2024 race, which appears to be a toss-up at the moment. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet face-to-face Tuesday night for their first and likely only debate of the 2024 election campaign. The showdown in Philadelphia is seen by many as the last real chance to persuade undecided voters in what some pundits are calling the closest election in decades. Harris, 59, was crowned the Democratic nominee last month after President Biden bowed out of the race following his disastrous performance against Trump, 78, at the June 27 debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta. Tuesday night will present a rare opportunity to potentially shake up the 2024 race, which appears to be a toss-up at the moment. AP Photo/Morry Gash Heres what you need to know about Tuesday nights festivities. Where and when is the debate? The debate will begin at 9 p.m. ET and is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes. The verbal bout will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, mere steps from Independence Hall where the Founding Fathers crafted both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Apart from the City of Brotherly Loves historical significance, Pennsylvania and its 19 Electoral College votes are widely seen as holding the keys to the White House in 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at a rally in New Hampshire on Sept. 4, 2024. AP Photo/Steven Senne How can I watch the debate? While ABC News is hosting the debate, a simulcast will be available on several outlets, including CBS, Fox, NBC, CNN, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, MSNBC, NewsNation, and C-Span. It can also be streamed on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. Who is moderating the debate? The proceedings will be overseen by ABC World News Tonight weeknight anchor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday edition anchor Linsey Davis. The debate will be moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis. AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File Will there be another debate? Unclear. Right now the only other scheduled debate is between GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance and Democratic VP hopeful Tim Walz, who are set to square off on Oct. 1 in New York City. That verbal rumble will be moderated by CBS Evening News host Norah ODonnell and Face The Nation host Margaret Brennan. Trump had pitched two additional debates with Harris, but the Democratic camp did not accept. Donald Trump has taken a comparatively relaxed approach to debate preparations. AP One of the debates was to be held Sept. 4 and hosted by Fox News. In lieu of going head-to-head with Harris, the 45th president sat down with Fox host Sean Hannity for a town hall in Harrisburg, Pa. The second debate pitched by Trump would be hosted by NBC News and take place Sept. 25. However, that debate has yet to be confirmed. What are the debate rules? Despite the best efforts of the Harris campaign, the ABC News debate rules will be the same as those for the Trump-Biden CNN debate. Those include: No questions asked Only the moderates will be permitted to put forward questions during the debate. Candidates are barred from pressing their rival on a given issue. Kamala Harris campaign had fought unsuccessfully to keep the mics hot in the debate. David Sokol/Wicked Local / USA TODAY NETWORK Muted microphones Each candidates microphones will be automatically muted when they are not speaking. This was a rule that Bidens team pushed for ahead of the first debate and Trumps campaign insisted be kept in place this time around. Harris team fought unsuccessfully to keep the mics hot and chided that Trumps handlers didnt trust him to act professionally for a full 90 minutes. Trumps team countered that it was merely sticking to previously agreed terms with Bidens people. No openers Moderators will introduce the candidates, but there wont be opening statements. There will also be no notes or props allowed on stage. Trump and Harris will each get a chance to deliver a two-minute closing statement. By virtue of a coin toss, the Republican nominee will get the last word. Trump speaking at a Fox News Town Hall with host Sean Hannity in Harrisburg on Sept. 4, 2024. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images No studio audience There will be no cheers, boos or other reactions to the candidates remarks, since there will be no crowd. How did Trump and Harris prepare for the debate? True to their distinct styles and personas, Trump and Harris have geared up for the debate very differently. Harris has hunkered down in the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh to engage in heavy preparations for the big night. A former prosecutor, Harris is expected to sharpen her canned two-minute answers. Meanwhile, Trump appears to have been comparatively low-key approach, embarking on campaign-related events, while putting faith in his instincts. You can go in with all the strategy you want but you have to sort of feel it out as the debates taking place, Trump reflected during the Hannity town hall. Trump has reportedly conducted more relaxed policy discussions with far-right Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and ex-Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who famously went after Harris over her stance on marijuana policy during the 2020 Democratic primary. Kamala Harris seemingly caught then-candidate Joe Biden off-guard in their first primary debate. AP Who is winning the election between Trump and Harris? Harris enjoys a 1.9 percentage point advantage over Trump in the RealClearPolitics aggregate of multi-candidate polling. However, the Republican candidate enjoys a standing advantage in the Electoral College, which suggests that a two-to-three point disadvantage in the popular vote could still be close enough to hand the presidency to Trump. Donald Trump during his verbal bout against Hillary Clinton in 2016. AP In 2016, for example, Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.1%, but swept into office with 304 electoral votes. This is the closest presidential campaign [in] 60+ years, CNN election analyst Harry Enten tweeted Friday. The race has been consistently close in a way Ive never seen. If the polling is off by a single point in the key swing states, the winner would flip. The bottom line is this election is up for grabs with 2 months to go. Kamala Harris debated former Vice President Mike Pence in 2020. AP What to look out for in the debate Neither Trump nor Harris have ever interacted with one another in person. During Trumps debate against Biden in June, the two opted to forgo certain niceties such as a handshake, illustrating the bitterness between them. Its unclear if Harris and Trump will follow suit Tuesday. Leading up to the debate, Harris has largely shied away from unscripted settings since becoming the Democratic nominee. Trump debating Biden in Atlanta on June 27, 2024. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File Shes only conducted one major televised sit-down interview since becoming the nominee which was done Aug. 29 with CNN. Tuesday night will be a test of how quick she can be on her feet when pitted against Trump, an unpredictable and unflinching rhetorical brawler. For Trump, Tuesday is expected to be a tougher battle than the one he faced against Biden, who was a noticeably diminished figure from four years ago. At the same time, the former presidents allies are hoping he refrains from becoming his own worst enemy and being too belligerent onstage. Harris allies have also indicated that she will seek to clarify more of her policy stances for voters. More than one-quarter (28%) of voters said they need to know more about Harris, compared to just 9% who said the same about Trump in a recent New York Times/Siena College poll. The vice president has ostensibly moderated her stances on an array of policy issues, such as Medicare for All, a ban on fracking, a ban on plastic straws, a federal jobs guarantee, the Green New Deal, and more though she has not gone on the record to confirm her policy evolution. Trump will likely try to pin blame on Harris for the state of the economy and the migration crisis at the Us-Mexico border, two issues on which he has long enjoyed an advantage in polling. Federal prosecutors unveiled charges Monday against two alleged leaders of a white supremacist group, claiming the pair used Telegram to solicit attacks on Black, Jewish, LGBTQ people and immigrants aiming to incite a race war. The group, dubbed "The Terrorgram Collective", used the social media site to celebrate white supremacist attacks around the world and solicit racially motivated violence, prosecutors said in a federal indictment. Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, were charged with a total of 15 counts, including one count of conspiracy, four counts of soliciting hate crimes, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, one count of threatening communications, two counts of distributing bombmaking instructions, and one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. If convicted, the two could each face a maximum of 220 years in prison. It was not immediately clear if they had lawyers. The Terrorgram Collective used Telegram to promote a view of white supremacy that says the white race is superior, society's corruption is beyond saving by politics, and that violence and terrorism are needed to incite a race war so that government collapses in favor of a white ethnostate, the Justice Department said. The UK government designated Terrorgram Collective as a terrorist group in April, according to a release on the UK's interior ministry website. Todays indictment charges the defendants with leading a transnational terrorist group dedicated to attacking Americas critical infrastructure, targeting a hit list of our countrys public officials, and carrying out deadly hate crimes - all in the name of violent white supremacist ideology, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a released statement Monday. Humber and Allison joined Terrorgram in 2019 and became leaders in 2022, according to the indictment. Humber and Allison helped create and promote a document that sought to justify the group's ideology and included detailed instructions on carrying out terror attacks, including how to build bombs. Feds: Men urged followers to achieve 'Sainthood,' kill people Prosecutors claim the pair also collaborated on a list of "high-value" targets for assassination that included a sitting U.S. senator and a federal judge who were viewed as enemies of the white supremacist cause. "The defendants solicited murders and hate crimes based on the race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity of others," said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. "They also doxed and solicited the murder of federal officials, conspired to provide material support to terrorists, and distributed information about explosives that they intended to be used in committing crimes of violence." In the indictment, federal prosecutors said Humber and Allison often encouraged their followers to carry out the attacks while staying hush about their actions to help further the spread of unrest. The two also celebrated many national and international news events such as the 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand massacre, Both men shared documents in the group about how each member can gain "Sainthood" and be praised as "Saints," which are white supremacist mass murders, federal prosecutors said. The how-to told members they must be white, commit planned attacks for furthering the racist ideology, share their white nationalist views, and kill at least one person. Humber and Allison became leaders of the group in 2022, helping oversee a network of Telegram channels and group chats that offered support for users to commit white supremacist violence, according to the indictment. Using the Telegram platform, they advanced their heinous white supremacist ideology, solicited hate crimes, and provided guidance and instructions for terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure and assassinations of government officials," said Lisa Monaco, deputy attorney general. Feds targeting groups, individuals soliciting civil unrest through violence The charges against Humber and Allison are the latest from the Justice Department targeting people or groups who are soliciting civil unrest through violence. In July, federal authorities charged a man nicknamed "Commander Butcher" with soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence after uncovering an alleged plot to have an individual wearing a Santa Claus costume hand out poisoned candies to Jewish kids in New York. According to court documents, Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national, came up with a Santa Claus scheme to poison New York City children on New Year's Eve and a separate plot to poison Jewish kids in Brooklyn. Chkhikvishvili, 20, was arrested under an Interpol order on July 6 in Moldova. Contributing: Michael Loria, USA TODAY; Reuters. Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter,@KrystalRNurse. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Terrorgram' leaders encouraged racist attacks and global murders: DOJ Iva Walsh with her daughter Maeve and her son Daniel, who is the chef, in the kitchen of Maeves Place, a coffee shop in Phoenicia, New York. Photograph: Tobias Everke/The Guardian The menu at Maeves Place, a cozy coffee shop nestled in the Catskill mountains, is far more extensive than that of your traditional java joint. On offer are eggs any style you wish, a range of pastries and eight types of mac and cheese. The kitchen isnt the main point, though. Iva Walsh, a single mother of four who immigrated to the US from the Czech Republic in the late 1980s, opened the upstate New York establishment in 2018 to provide work opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her roster of nine employees includes her 26-year-old daughter, after whom the business is named. Walshs son, Daniel Hellmayer, a 41-year-old Culinary Institute of America graduate, works at the cafe as a full-time chef. When Walshs family relocated from New York City to Ulster county in 2003, Maeve was the only person with Downs syndrome in her school district. She was the first one ever, but she went and many followed, says Walsh. After Maeve graduated high school, she enrolled in continuing education courses that the county offered to prepare those with intellectual disabilities for employment. Walsh, who always valued the extent to which a job can create meaning and belonging, began dreaming up a plan for her daughter. Maeve has an incredible attention to detail. I know that she wouldnt have it any other way Iva Walsh Related: They went from rehab and jail to owning a real estate portfolio: You own the hell out of this house! A hospitality veteran who had worked in restaurants and catering businesses, Walsh determined that the best solution would be to open a coffee shop where she could create an opportunity for Maeve, and others. As it happened, Maeves father and brother were opening a small hotel in Pine Hill, New York. There was a space in the facility that provided Walsh with the chance to test-run a business. When a significantly more spacious spot in Phoenicia, a 15-minute car ride away, became available, Walsh decided that taking out a loan to finance her business expansion would be worth the risk. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of those with intellectual disabilities reached a record high in 2023: 22.5%, a 1.5% increase from the year prior. The same study found that people with a disability were more likely to work in service occupations than those with no disability 19.4% compared with 16.1%. Which explains why restaurants and cafes, which often struggle to retain employees, are on the vanguard of inclusive hiring practices. While envisioning the new cafes design, Walsh tried to imagine what it would be like for her daughter to navigate the day-to-day operations of the coffee shop. Food service jobs are known to be stressful. The sounds of the ticket machine with cryptic notations spouting out of the feed can be the bane of an employees shift. A well-written ticket, however one that doesnt just list the name of an item but includes its components in order of assembly can make a world of difference. Walsh configured her ticket system to inform workers what ingredients are needed to fill an order. When the Guardian visited Maeves Place, Walsh printed off a ticket for a spinach avocado kale smoothie. The name of the item was in bold, with a list of each ingredient in the order of assembly below. The smoothie station, Maeves favorite corner, was lined with circular containers with user-friendly lids containing standard measuring scoops. Walsh buys pre-ground and pre-batched coffee beans, ensuring that every shot contains the same amount, eliminating a common source of error in coffee-making. Maeve has an incredible attention to detail, Walsh says. I know that she wouldnt have it any other way. Related: Sometimes Ill just stay up all night: meet the young designer holding down a day job and making sateen caps with devil horns after dark How were you able to finance Maeves Place? I was a single mom. I applied for a business loan from our watershed corporation [which protects local water quality and fosters local business]. They have an incentive to develop this area business-wise. If you go to a bank around here, they do not want to give loans to restaurants because there is such a high mortality rate. I had to have a pretty detailed business plan and everything else that goes with applying to get a regular loan. But [a watershed loan] is a fairly low-interest loan compared to what you would typically get from a bank. What did you need to purchase to get your business off the ground? I needed a dishwasher, a set of espresso machines and coffee machines. I did not move into a restaurant. I moved into a room that could be office space or anything else. I had to build everything from the ground up. I had to install the entire hood and sprinkler system. Covid was hitting, and the price of everything was through the roof if you could even get it. So starting a business at that time was, on one hand, the worst time ever, but on the other hand, since you really couldnt do anything else, I had plenty of time. I could be there by myself, painting the walls. What has been the most challenging aspect of keeping the company afloat? I still have sleepless nights because my loans are not paid up. I constantly worry about payroll. Retaining your employees is difficult, and employing people with disabilities can double the staff I need to schedule. I am currently the resident dishwasher. What are some considerations you take into account when hiring employees? The first thing I ask is: are you able and willing to work shoulder to shoulder with somebody like my daughter? And its OK to say no. In early August, energy traders were bracing for an Iranian attack on Israel that could trigger a broader Middle East war and an oil price spike. Six weeks later, markets are blithely unconcerned and oil prices are near two-year lows. Peace is hardly breaking out in the Middle East, and the volatile region could produce an unhappy surprise at any moment. But for now, concerted action by the Biden administration is helping keep hostilities contained as voters decide whether Bidens vice president, Kamala Harris, deserves her own shot at the White House. That's contributing to falling oil and gasoline prices, which is a welcome tailwind to Harris in the final weeks of the election. The Middle East has been on hair-trigger alert since the Hamas terrorist group attacked Israel last Oct. 7, killing nearly 1,200 Israeli citizens. Israels ongoing invasion of Gaza has put the tiny Jewish state in direct conflict with Iran, which backs Hamas, along with the Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and several other regional groups hostile to Israel. After Israel killed an Iranian general in Syria in April, Iran blitzed Israel with several hundred drones and missiles, almost all of them shot down by a combination of Israeli, American, and other allied forces. The attack didnt accomplish much, yet Iran signaled that its retaliation for the killing of its general was complete. Then, on July 31, an explosion killed Hamass top political leader while he was visiting Tehran. Iran blamed Israel and vowed to retaliate once more. Many analysts expected a larger or at least more effective attack on Israel than the one in April, which made Iran look somewhat feckless. That tension pushed oil prices up from $72 per barrel to about $80 in early August. More price relief ahead? An Exxon customer in Farmers Branch, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) That second retaliatory attack is now long overdue. In April, Iran waited 12 days before launching the attack to avenge the dead general in Syria. Its now been 40 days since the July 31 attack in Tehran, and oil traders seem to have written off an Iranian response. West Texas crude has fallen to around $68, the lowest level since December. Wall Street is cutting oil price targets, with Citi saying Brent crude, the global benchmark, could drop to $60 by next year. With little public notice, President Biden has sent the message that another attack on Israel could trigger American action against Iran. The Pentagon has sent two carrier battle groups to the Middle East region, an imposing show of force that Iran surely noticed. The United States has deployed considerable military assets in the region and has made it very clear to Iran that there would be repercussions from another direct attack like April, Gregory Brew of the Eurasia Group said during a Sept. 4 webcast. Theyre conscious of their conventional military inferiority against Israel and certainty against the United States. A mission delayed is not necessarily a million canceled. Iranian commanders are still threatening the bitterness of Tehrans revenge. On Sept. 7, a top British official said Iran was still likely planning to attack Israel. Pentagon and White House spokespeople say the same thing. One possibility is that Iran is waiting to see if talks about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas produce results. Drop Rick Newman a note, follow him on X, or sign up for his newsletter. As the April 14 exchange showed, Iran and Israel can exchange heavy fire without damaging oil flows or energy infrastructure. But an escalation scenario might affect energy markets, by definition. Iran attacked Saudi oil facilities in 2019, and while the two longtime antagonists are now in a kind of truce, that could end in a broader war. Israel could also strike Irans nuclear facilities at some point, which might leave Iran feeling it has no choice but to enlist Hezbollah and other proxies in an all-out fight with Israel, even if it does draw in the United States. Middle East oil has continued to flow amid many cataclysms. So maybe traders are right to be sanguine. Biden, and by extension Harris, were politically stung by US gasoline prices that hit $5 per gallon in 2022. So they have the strongest possible motive to keep a lid on hostilities, to the extent they can. American drivers, meanwhile, are enjoying a respite. Gasoline prices are down about $0.20 per gallon during the last month, to about $3.27. Thats about 14% cheaper than a year ago, and lower prices seem to be coming. By the end of September, gas prices could be under $3 in half the country, Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, recently told Yahoo Finance. Markets are sending a different message about energy prices than Middle East provocateurs are. Lets hope the markets are right. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @rickjnewman. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Connecticut has opened a beautiful "over the rainbow bridge," giving pet parents a quiet and scenic place to remember their beloved pets who are no longer here. On September 3, 2024, Instagram user Travel Gram with Laura B (@travelgramwithlaurab) shared a video of a new bridge that opened in Connecticut that honors grieving pet parents. Take a look! "Inspired by the poem 'Over the Bridge,' Torrington resident Karen Rakyta-Bozak had a vision for a place people who lost their beloved pets could go and have a quiet place to remember them," the caption of the post explained. Related: Grieving Goose Showing New Rescue Friend Around Farm Has People in Their Feelings Karen lost her beloved pet, Lily, a 12-year-old Boxer who she says was "the sweetest dog ever," and called her pup her "soul dog." In her grief, Karen thought about all the other pet parents who are grieving and navigating life without their fur baby, and she was inspired to do something. Karen, the poem "The Rainbow Bridge" "is all about when a pet leaves us - they go over the Rainbow Bridge to Heaven where they run free. They will be there for us when it is our time," the Instagram caption explains. After coming across the poem and learning about an actual Over the Rainbow bridge in North Carolina, Karen proposed her idea to the board and mayor of Torrington, Connecticut, and her project was approved. Then, with the help of two boys from a local Scout troop, they brought Karent's vision to life. "They helped raise money and donated over 600 hours to build the bridge and trail," the social share explained. "This earned each an Eagle Scout Badge and gave Karen and everyone in Connecticut a place to remember and celebrate their pet." The beautifully painted Rainbow Bridge is now open to everyone. "Karen and Doug hope grieving pet owners from all over the state and region will come out and leave a memento of their loved one in this loving memorial." How to Ease Grief After Losing a Pet The loss of a pet can be truly devastating, and the grief that you feel is very real and valid. They were a much-loved member of the family, and not having them in our daily lives when they pass on can be really painful to adjust to. According to The Humane Society of the United States, you can do a few things to ease your grief, and that starts with acknowledging your feelings. The experts suggest acknowledging your grief and giving yourself permission to express it. Allow yourself to cry. If you live alone, the silence in your home might feel deafening, but acknowledging it will allow you to prepare for the emotions you might feel. Suppressing your feelings of sadness can prolong your grief." Other things you can do are reach out to friends, family, or professionals who can help support you. You can also find local bereavement groups where you can all lean on each other to get through the hard, painful moments we can feel deeply stuck in when we're early in the grieving process. Memorializing your pet through a bereavement ritual can provide some comfort, whether that be spreading ashes, hosting a gathering of loved ones, planting a shrub or tree, or, if your town has one, visiting the Rainbow Bridge when you need to feel close to your pet. (CNN) Marcee Gray was 200 miles away from Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, when her gut told her something was not right. It was Wednesday morning before the shooting at the school that killed two students and two teachers. She had just received a text message from her 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, saying, Im sorry, mom. She called the school and asked administrators to check on him. She recounted her conversation with a school counselor in an interview with ABC News. The counselor said, Well, I wanted to let you know that earlier this morning one of Colts teachers had sent me an email that said Colt had been making references to school shootings, Marcee Gray said. I told them it was an extreme emergency and for them to go immediately and find Colt to check on him, Marcee Gray later said in a text message to her sister. I dont understand what took them so long. Authorities allege Colt Gray killed four people that morning in the shooting. Seven others were wounded by being shot, and two others suffered other injuries, authorities said. Colt Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult. His father, Colin Gray, 54, also has been charged, accused of knowingly allowing his son to have a weapon. Colin Gray has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday. Neither has entered a plea. The teenage suspects grandfather, Charles Polhamus, told CNN that after Marcees call to the school, he and Marcee then began the drive from his home in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to Winder. Marcee Gray told ABC News she hadnt spoken to her son since the shooting. I would tell him that I love him that me and Jesus will love him forever and ever, she said. And I would tell him that its not your fault. Its not his fault. Marcee Gray told CNN in a text Wednesday she is set to speak with Barrow County investigators on Thursday. The surrounding community, still reeling from the tragedy, started sending their children back to schools Tuesday with the exception of Apalachee High as the question persists: Could more have been done to prevent the shooting? We know the days ahead are going to be difficult and that we have some staff and some students who are not ready to return to school. We also believe as a school system that it is our responsibility to provide a safe space for those who are, Barrow County School System superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff said in a video message Sunday night. All other schools in the district reopened Tuesday, with additional security and mental health supports on hand, according to the district. Warning signs before tragedy Marcee Grays call to Apalachee High was not the only warning made that Wednesday morning. An unknown person called the school and said there would be shootings at five schools that day, and Apalachee would be first, according to police. Gray stepped out of his second period Algebra class shortly before the shooting started, according to his classmate Lyela Sayarath, who sat next to him. Shortly after, another student who has a similar name to Gray was pulled, along with his backpack, out of class, Sayarath said. When he returned to class, he told Sayarath that administrators were looking for the kid who sits next to you, not me. Apalachee High School has repeatedly declined to comment on whether another student was mistakenly pulled from the classroom in Grays place. The school failed them, that they could have prevented these deaths and they didnt, Lyelas mother, Rabecca Sayarath, told the The Associated Press. I truly, truly feel that way. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith has told CNN there were no prior warnings of a possible threat. A spokesperson for the sheriffs office on Monday referred questions to the Barrow County District Attorneys office. CNN has reached out to the district attorneys office for additional comment. Suspects grandfather says he blames the boys father Polhamus told CNN on Tuesday he blames Colin Gray, Colts father, for the shooting. Hes the reason all this happened, Polhamus told CNN by phone, adding that Colin Gray should not have purchased an AR-15-style weapon for his teenage grandson. He was evil and hes going to get what he deserves. Unfortunately, he took his son with him. Authorities have said Colt Gray told investigators, I did it, when asked about the shooting. CNN has reached out to the public defenders representing Colin and Colt Gray but has received no comment. The grandfather said the shooting breaks his heart and Colt Gray needs to be held accountable, But he was driven to do what he did. Colt is the one that did it, but Im telling you, you have kids in this day and age that live in dysfunctional families that end up doing what Colt did, Polhamus said. GBI looking at deer hunting video The FBI had said it received a tip about Gray making threats against schools in May 2023, but deputies in Jackson County, where Gray lived at the time with his father, said they were unable to substantiate the tip. During the interview, Colin Gray mentioned he and Colt hunted and his son had killed his first deer that year.The father told investigators Colt had access to unloadedguns at the house and he wanted to teach his son about firearm safety. When an investigator at the time was asked whether Colin Gray had an AR-15, they replied only hunting rifles. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into a social media video of a deer hunt that was posted in January 2023 to an Instagram account apparently belonging to Marcee Gray. It shows a boy who appears to be Colt listening to a man who refers to the boy as his son. In Georgia, children 16 or younger can hunt with adult supervision. The man praises the boys shooting skills for killing the deer on his first hunt. He tells the boy to place his Bushmaster 450 rifle on it, lift its head and pose with it for the video. What a shot, the man says. I love you, son, Greatest day. CNN has reached out to multiple law enforcement officials about the video. A caption on the Instagram post says: Proud mama right here. All are in agreement he gets his shooting abilities from his mama. Plus hes hunting with my gun of choice. FIRST hunt everFIRST shot everOne and done, dead deer down!! Colt is 12 but he has 2 and about 15lb on mehes been thru so much [blurred word] in his life but hes gonna be a force to be reckoned with. I love you babyboy. CNN has reached out to Marcee Gray for comment on the video. CNNs Sara Smart, Nouran Salahieh, Steve Almasy, Scott Glover, Keith Allen and Kelly McCleary contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz speaks during a press conference regarding a joint law enforcement effort that lead to several arrest in a drug bust and gang activity on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Houston Police Department officials launched a dashboard Tuesday to track backlogged police reports in its 268,000 dropped cases scandal. The dashboard, introduced by new Police Chief Noe Diaz during Tuesday's public safety committee meeting, was created alongside Mayor John Whitmires administration and Deputy Inspector General Christina Nowak. It displays more like a slideshow and shows the number of cases that have been reviewed, the number that still need to be reviewed and the final status of the cases. It also breaks down the number of cases that have been reviewed in each police division. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whitmire's administration plans to update the dashboard biweekly, his spokesperson Mary Benton said. The change comes as the department continues to work through dropped cases using a code called SL, meaning suspended due to lack of personnel. The scandal led to the abrupt retirement of former Police Chief Troy Finner and two investigations. HPD conducted its own investigation, and Whitmire created his own committee to investigate the dropped cases independently. Both investigations have been completed and their results shared publicly with the council. Department leaders have continued to hammer on the need for more resources and personnel, including at Tuesdays committee hearing, since the scandal broke. Whitmire on Monday also announced $10,000 pay raises for new cadets at HPD to level the playing field among starting officers when compared to other local cities as well as departments nationwide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even with the raise, the department still lags behind in pay when compared to other smaller Texas cities. Cadets in cities such as Sugar Land, Pasadena and Katy make $75,000, $73,000 and $65,000 a year to start, respectively, according to a presentation shown to council members. Meanwhile, cadets in Arlington, Dallas and San Antonio make $78,000, $70,000 and $56,000, respectively. Houston cadets make $42,000. Hours before Whitmire made the announcement about cadet pay, council members heard a proposal from the citys finance department on tax hikes to help offset some $40 million in damages from Hurricane Beryl. Council members, too, have floated the idea of raising the revenue cap to help address shortages at HPD. BERYL RAISING TAXES: Whitmire administration eyes higher taxes to cover $40M local costs of derecho and Hurricane Beryl Advertisement Article continues below this ad Council Member Abbie Kamin on Tuesday said that while she understood the need for more personnel and better recruiting, she pointed out how other localities with higher pay for cadets didnt have the same financial constraints, and cautioned the department to consider the citys financial realities. Germany already has checks on some of its borders [Reuters] Germany is set to expand border checks following a knife attack which left three people dead in the town of Solingen in August. The government has come under pressure to take a harder line on immigration since the stabbing, in which the suspect is a Syrian national who was facing deportation after a failed asylum bid. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State group. The new controls - which will be introduced on 16 September and initially last six months - were announced days after the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) made big gains in local elections. German Interior Minster Nancy Faeser insisted the government was "taking a hard line" against irregular migration, and said the checks would reduce Islamist extremism and cross-border crime. "We are doing everything in our power to protect the people of our country against these threats," she added. Germany already has controls at its eastern and southern borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Austria, primarily spot checks on roads and in trains. Similar measures will be introduced at all border points. However, critics said the move is more about politics than security. Germany's mainstream parties were thrown into turmoil by the AfD's performance in regional elections in the east, which saw a far-right party top a poll for the first time since the Nazi era. The governing SPD and other mainstream parties appear to have viewed the results as a message from voters to take a tougher stance on immigration and borders. Successive governments in Berlin have allowed relatively large numbers of asylum seekers to settle in the country in recent years. Germany took in more than one million people mostly fleeing war in countries such as Syria during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis, and has received 1.2 million Ukrainians since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. However, with polls indicating the AfD could perform strongly in a regional election in Brandenburg at the weekend, parties on both the centre-left and centre-right are coming up with proposals that would have been unthinkable until recently. The CDU - the party of former Chancellor Angela Merkel - has proposed turning all asylum seekers back at the border, even those who are eligible, on the basis they have travelled through other safe EU countries. Gerhard Karner, Austria's interior minister, told Bild newspaper on Monday that his country would not take in any migrants rejected by Germany. "There's no room for manoeuvre there," he said. Since the Solingen stabbing, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has announced a raft of measures on migration. They include changing the rules so asylum seekers facing deportation will lose benefits, and resuming the deportation of convicted Afghan criminals to their home country for the first time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. When I moved to the US, I missed Canadian foods like Smarties and mac-and-cheese meat. C. Welman/Shutterstock; Toasted Pictures/Shutterstock I was born in Canada and moved to the US when I was six but I miss the foods I grew up eating. I miss the Tim Hortons Timbits, Lay's ketchup chips, and Kinder Surprise Eggs the most. The maple syrup I've bought in the US can't compare to what I've had in Canada. I wish there were more Tim Hortons locations in the US. Timbits come in a variety of flavors. agencies/Shutterstock If there's one thing Justin Bieber and I have in common, it's our love for Tim Hortons. The chain was founded in 1964 in my home province, Ontario, and has a similar prevalence to Starbucks in the US. Though there are some locations in parts of the US, Tim Hortons isn't close to me where I live in Oregon. Growing up, my family would regularly order a pack of doughnut holes, known as Timbits, as the perfect after-school snack or as a great sweet to take on a picnic. Flavors like honey dip, apple fritter, chocolate glazed, and blueberry ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy. I missed out on Kinder Surprise eggs when I first moved to the US. Kinder eggs are made with milk and white chocolate. Getty Images Until recently, it was difficult to find any Kinder-brand chocolate in the US because some products like the Kinder Surprise egg, which was filled with toys were banned due to the potential choking hazard. Items like the Kinder Bueno Bar and Kinder Joy (which has a separately wrapped toy inside) were a delicious combination of milk and white chocolate that was basically nonexistent in my adult life. In Canada, I saw Kinder Surprise eggs at nearly every checkout stand in the grocery store so I grew up eating them on a regular basis. Similar to Kinder's other products, this hollow egg is made with layers of milk and white chocolate with a little toy tucked inside. Pure Canadian maple syrup is one item I miss the most. Most brands found in a US grocery store can't compare to local Canadian maple syrup. Molly Allen Though it's possible to purchase pure maple syrup (which is often produced in Vermont) in the grocery store in the US, I still miss the version from Canada. Sometimes, I'll get lucky and find a label that says "product of Canada," but I think there's still a distinct difference in taste. I grew up visiting a small maple-syrup farm and sugar shack, where we tasted freshly boiled sap and took home the treat to pour over pancakes the next morning. Truly, nothing compares. Smarties are a little different in Canada. Smarties are somewhat similar to M&M's. C. Welman/Shutterstock Candy gets confusing when you move from Canada to the US. In the US, Smarties are those little rolls of tiny pastel candies but in Canada, those are called Rockets. On the other hand, Smarties in Canada are candy-coated chocolate treats produced by Nestle. They're similar in concept to M&M's, but they don't taste the same and, in my opinion, have more exciting vibrant colors. Nestle's Coffee Crisp was the chocolaty, crunchy candy of my childhood. I could find Coffee Crisps in nearly every store in Canada. okay_i_guess/Shutterstock This treat is the perfect blend of chocolate and coffee in a bar form. It has crisp wafer layers sandwiched between coffee-flavored creme, all covered in chocolate. In Canada, I saw Nestle's Coffee Crisp in nearly every grocery and convenience store, yet I cannot find it in the US. Homemade or store-bought butter tarts were the quintessential Canadian desserts. Butter tarts are like mini, maple-syrup-flavored pies. Molly Allen In Canada, you can't go into a local bakery or even a grocery store's baked-goods section without finding butter tarts. Though it's possible to make these incredible tiny treats from scratch, there's nothing like buying one from a bakery for a snack and in the US, I haven't seen the treat for sale. The quintessential Canadian dessert has a flaky tart crust, similar to a pie, and a gooey, runny filling that tastes like brown sugar and maple. Some bakers add raisins, pecans, or walnuts, but many people love the original filling on its own. It's one of those treats for which every family has their own signature recipe that they consider to be the absolute best. I grew up eating Lay's ketchup chips by the handful. Ketchup chips are always on the list when people talk about Canadian snacks. DenisMArt/Shutterstock Ketchup chips were my childhood favorite and though you can find some brands in US stores, Lay's version of the snack still hasn't made its way over the border. I'll always be a diehard Lay's fan because the brand's chips are light, crispy, and full of flavor. Ketchup chips don't actually taste like the condiment but they're still sweet, tangy, and bright red, a flavor that stands out all on its own. Macaroni-and-cheese meat was a great snack. I could easily say I was addicted to macaroni-and-cheese meat as a child. Toasted Pictures/Shutterstock Talking about macaroni-and-cheese meat is one of my favorite party tricks because nobody ever believes that this exists. In Canada, several versions of a macaroni-and-cheese loaf might be sold right beside the usual choices of roast beef, ham, and turkey. Though it's commonly sold in Canada, you might be able to find it in a few places in the US. For example, one of the popular producers, Koegel, has a factory based in Michigan. The loaf has a similar base to bologna, with tiny pieces of macaroni pasta and squares of cheddar cheese dotted throughout. You could eat it on a sandwich, but I used to grab a slice or two of macaroni-and-cheese meat from the fridge, roll it up, and have it as a snack. I can't find Maynard's Wine Gums anywhere in the US. The Maynards candy brand has been around since the mid-1800s. StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock I certainly wish I could find Maynards' Swedish Berries and Fuzzy Peaches in the US, but the brand's Wine Gums top my list of most-missed gummy candies. I grew up snagging a bag of these out of the bulk section at the grocery store, and as a kid, I thought it was genius because they'd last me forever. They're gummy but a bit harder with more texture than other chewy candies. Think of it like you left your Swedish Fish open for days and they got a bit stale. Wine Gums take longer to chew, and the flavors aren't as sweet as your typical gummy candy. Passion Flakies were a lunchtime favorite of mine. Any time Passion Flakies were packed in my lunch, it was a dream come true. Gordon Wheaton/Shutterstock In the US, snacks like Little Debbie's Nutty Bars and Cosmic Brownies reign supreme but in Canada, Passion Flakies rule the packaged-dessert category. Hailing from Quebec, Passion Flakies are made with a super light, flaky pastry on the outside and cream and jam-like fruit filling on the inside. Brands like Vachon make the perfect blend of flavors and textures with just a hint of sweetness. This story was originally published on September 15, 2022, and most recently updated on September 9, 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider The United States imposed new sanctions on Irans main airline as three key European allies announced they will move to do the same in response to Tehrans transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previewed the move to impose sanctions on Iran Air earlier Tuesday calling Irans supply of the missiles to Moscow a dramatic escalation. The foreign ministers of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany on Tuesday jointly called the missile transfer a direct threat to European security. In addition to moving towards sanctions, they also said their countries will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. That move will restrict Iran Airs ability to fly into Europe and the UK. The E3 has privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place, they said in a joint statement, using E3 in reference to their trio of countries. Tuesday is not the first time the US has imposed sanctions on Iran Air and it is unclear whether the latest punitive measures will actually serve to deter Tehran. Still, the joint actions are intended to send a sharp rebuke of Irans ongoing support of Russias war in Ukraine. Beyond the additional sanctions on Iran Air, the US also imposed sanctions on Russian and Iranian officials and companies involved in the weapons transfers. They also identified four vessels as blocked property that are enabling Irans delivery of weapons components and weapons systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs), to Russia, the Treasury Department said in a press release Tuesday. Blinken said in a press conference earlier Tuesday that in recent days the US has been sharing intelligence behind these findings, with our allies and partners and working together to ensure that there will be significant economic consequences for Tehrans actions. Anyone who proves assistance to Russia is perpetuating the war, is perpetuating the conflict, he added, noting that weve warned Tehran publicly, weve warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would constitute a dramatic escalation. Dozens of Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to use the FATH-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, Blinken said alongside his British counterpart, David Lammy. Blinken said he expected Russia would begin using the missiles against Ukraine in the coming weeks. Blinken explained that Iranian missiles will give Russia an additional capability and additional flexibility, explaining that Russia will now be able to use their own arsenal to hit targets beyond the front lines while they use the short-range ballistic missiles from Iran to hit closer targets. Iran has already provided Russia with hundreds of drones that Russian forces have used in their war against Ukraine, and Russia has been building a drone-manufacturing facility in country with Irans help, CNN has reported. Iran has also trained Russia on how to use the drones. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani strongly condemned the unusual statement of the Foreign Ministers of England, France and Germany regarding the cancellation of bilateral agreements for the provision of air services with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the sanctioning of Iran Air under the pretext of allegedly interfering in the conflict in Ukraine, in a statement on Tuesday. This action of the three European countries is the continuation of the hostile policy of the West and economic terrorism against the people of Iran, which will face the corresponding and proportionate action of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kanani said. As it was emphasized before, any claim that the Islamic Republic of Iran has sold ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation is completely baseless and false, he added. It adds to their capacity, and it fuels the war, Blinken said of the new Iranian missiles Russia now has. Anyone who is providing assistance to Russia, whether its direct lethal assistance like Iran or North Korea, whether its assistance to their defense industrial base, like China, is perpetuating the war, is fueling the conflict. In return for the new missiles, Russia will provide Iran with technology including on nuclear issues, as well as some space information, Blinken said. He called the relationship a two-way street. As Irans destabilizing activity spread, so does Russia, sowing even greater insecurity in their regions and around the world. In recent days, weve been sharing intelligence behind these findings, with our allies and partners and working together to ensure that there will be significant economic consequences for Tehrans actions, Blinken said. The new sanctions include additional measures on Iran Air, the national airline, Blinken said. Anyone who proves assistance to Russia is perpetuating the war, is perpetuating the conflict, he added. Lammy similarly called Irans actions a troubling pattern and a significant escalation. Blinken and Lammy said they would make a joint visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, later this week. Lammy described it as the first joint visit of this kind for well over a decade. CNN previously reported that the shipment of the Iranian missiles had arrived in Russia. Iranian officials have denied that they sent missiles to Russia. CNNs Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed reporting. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has called for fundamental changes to the way Israeli forces operate in the occupied West Bank after the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi at a protest last week. Blinkens sharply worded rebuke came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that it was highly likely that Eygi was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire. In its initial inquiry into the incident, the IDF said that the shot was not aimed at the activist, but at the key instigator of a violent riot at the Beita Junction where it said Palestinians burned tires and hurled rocks at Israeli security forces. It didnt name the alleged instigator. The International Solidarity Movement (ISM), with whom Eygi had been volunteering, said that its protest on September 6 was peaceful. At a news conference in London on Tuesday, Blinken said Eygis killing was unprovoked and unjustified and demanded changes to the rules of engagement of Israel forces operating in the West Bank. No one, no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for expressing their views, he said. Now we have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. Its not acceptable. It has to change. And well be making that clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli government. Blinken added that the United States had long seen reports of Israeli forces ignoring extremist settler violence against Palestinians and reports of excessive force by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Violence from the Israeli offensive in Gaza since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks has spilled into the occupied West Bank in recent months. In recent months, the US has unveiled a series of sanctions targeting Israel settler violence against Palestinians. The IDF began a major raid in multiple parts of the territory last month, bulldozing highways and razing buildings in the process. OIn Tuesday, at least two Palestinians a man and a woman were killed during an Israeli military incursion in the city of Tulkarem, according to the Ministry of Health in Ramallah. Israeli troops and settlers have killed 692 Palestinians, including 158 children, in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem since October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, whose figures do not distinguish between militants and civilians. Family says Israels inquiry is wholly inadequate The family of the 26-year-old activist said they were deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional, reiterating calls to US leaders for an independent investigation into her death. Eygi, who was born in Turkey, was shot while taking part in a weekly protest against an Israeli settlement near the Palestinian village of Beita. All Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law. She was a recent graduate of the University of Washington, and had been volunteering with the same pro-Palestinian activist group as Rachel Corrie, a US citizen killed in 2003 while attempting to stop an Israeli bulldozer from demolishing Palestinian homes in Gaza. Eygis family, who have previously blamed Israel for her killing, said the findings of the Israeli inquiry were wholly inadequate. This cannot be misconstrued as anything except a deliberate, targeted and precise attack by the military against an unarmed civilian, the family said. The ISM also dismissed Israels specious claim that Eygi was unintentionally hit by IDF fire, describing the slain activist as one of the hundreds of thousands of martyrs Israel has killed over decades of ethnic cleansing, displacement, and genocide. The militarys account of the events is blindly based on the accomplices version, which completely contradicts the testimonies of multiple eye witnesses, who the military did not even contact, the group said in a statement on Tuesday. All eyewitnesses said immediately following the killing that the scene where Aysenur was killed was completely quiet, and that there could have been no excuse to open fire, let alone directly hitting a woman peacefully standing in an olive grove. CNNs Kareem Khadder, Sana Noor Haq and Antoinette Radford contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel has launched multiple strikes on southern Lebanon over the last day, including one which killed a senior Hezbollah commander. Mohammed Qassem Al-Shaer, a commander of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force, was killed in a strike on the village of Qaraoun in the western Beqaa district on Tuesday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF said Al-Shaer had advanced numerous terrorist activities against the state of Israel and his elimination would impair the Iran-backed militant groups ability to launch attacks against Israel from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah confirmed Al-Shaer had been killed and said it responded to his killing by launching dozens of Katyusha rockets and several drones toward two locations in northern Israel. No casualties were reported, according to the IDF, which said some of the projectiles were intercepted and others fell in an open area. The IDF said it responded by striking Hezbollah launchers in the areas of Mansouri and At Tiri, which had been used in the attacks. On Wednesday, the IDF said it struck overnight 30 Hezbollah launchers and terrorist infrastructure sites in areas of southern Lebanon which posed a threat to Israeli civilians. Lebanese state media NNA reported multiple Israeli strikes overnight on several areas, some of which caused extensive damage to property, crops, and buildings in the town of Al-Qlaileh. In a statement Wednesday, Hezbollah said that another fighter was killed, but did not say where or the cause of death. It also did not mention the strikes. The Israeli military also said Tuesday its air force had struck a Hezbollah military structure in the village of Rachaf in the Nabatieh governorate of southern Lebanon. Lebanons emergency service said 12 people were wounded in the strike 12 on Rachaf. The latest strikes come weeks after Israel said it had killed Hezbollahs most senior military official, Fuad Shukr, in a drone strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a populous neighborhood that is also the Iran-backed groups stronghold. Shukr was the most high-ranking Hezbollah official to have been assassinated since 2016, when Mustafa Badreddine, the groups top commander at the time, was killed in Syria. The hostilities in July raised the specter of a regional conflagration, prompting intense diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. There have been almost daily exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since war broke out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7. An ambulance is seen at the site of Israeli strikes where Palestinians were killed, in Tubas in the occupied West Bank, on September 11, 2024. - Raneen Sawafta/Reuters Israeli strike on the occupied West Bank Israeli raids continued in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday with the IDF saying its aircraft conducted an aerial strike during the counterterrorism operation in Tulkarem. At least five people were killed in an overnight Israeli airstrike, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, after the Israeli military said Wednesday it carried out operations in the areas of Tammon and Tubas. The IDF said it began the operation with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) against terrorist infrastructures, and an air strike was carried out on an armed terrorist squad in the Tubas area, the IDF said. The IDF added in a later statement that an Israeli aircraft struck and eliminated a terrorist cell consisting of five terrorists armed with explosives who posed a threat to the forces during its overnight operations in Tubas and Tammon. The governor of Tubas, Ahmad Asad, told CNN the strike hit a group of young unarmed Palestinians around 3 a.m. local time. The group, who were in their teens and twenties, were sitting near a mosque at the time, he said. Asad also said five people were killed, as did the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Video obtained by CNN showed at least one motionless body near a mosque in Tubas. Asad said we were informed by the Palestinian Coordination Office of an Israeli military operation on the city and surrounding areas before the strike. Israeli forces raided the city and blocked access to the government hospital, he said, adding that there is an Israeli military imposed curfew. The situation is dangerous, he said. CNN has reached out to the IDF. The Israeli military has carried out major raids and airstrikes in multiple parts of the West Bank in recent weeks. On August 28, it launched a large counter-terror operation with the ISA in the areas of Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas in the north of the West Bank, in an offensive Israel said was its most expansive in years. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that operation had been staged to thwart Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructure, claiming that Iran was working to establish an eastern front against Israel. Israel has stepped up its military operations in the West Bank, where clashes have become more frequent since Israel began its war in Gaza in response to Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7. Around 700 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah and the UN, whose figures do not distinguish between militants and civilians. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former first lady Melania Trump on Tuesday openly questioned why law enforcement officials failed to stop a shooter before he was able to carry out an attack on former President Donald Trump at one of his campaign rallies earlier this summer, adding that there is definitely more to this story. In a video advertising the release of her new memoir titled Melania, which is due to be released next month, Melania Trump shared her feelings about the former presidents assassination attempt. The attempt to end my husbands life was a horrible, distressing experience, she said. Now, the silence around it feels heavy. I cant help but wonder why didnt law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech. There is definitely more to this story and we need to uncover the truth. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to fire eight times before he was killed by a Secret Service counter sniper on July 13. The shooting took place while the former president was delivering a speech at an outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Donald Trumps right ear was wounded as a result of the attack. One person was killed and two others were injured in the shooting. FBI officials have yet to identify a motive for the shooter, but have said he likely acted alone. Last month, Kevin Rojek, the special agent leading the FBIs Pittsburgh field office, said Crooks had made online searches about both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Rojek added that the shooter looked at the Pennsylvania rally as a target of opportunity. U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned in the aftermath of the shooting, assuming full responsibility for the security lapse, following bipartisan pressure for her to leave the role. Meanwhile, a bipartisan task force investigating Donald Trumps assassination attempt has obtained the medical records of the shooter, according to Punchbowl News. I dont know that its revealing in any sort of way, because youre not going to find out much about his past, or what was his thinking the day he did all that, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), the chair of the task force, told the outlet. While Melania Trump has made few appearances on the campaign trail this election season, she was present at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, in July. A police officer in Missouri has been charged with animal abuse in connection to the death of his K-9 partner Horus, who died after being left in a hot car for hours, according to multiple outlets. The incident happened on June 20 following Savannah Police Department Lt. Daniel Zeiglers overnight shift with Horus, reported The Kansas City Star citing a probable cause statement from Missouri Highway Patrol. Zeigler reportedly contacted the police chief, Dave Vincent, just before 6 p.m. to tell him Horus had died. RELATED STORY | Police dog dies after being left in car when air conditioner malfunctioned Vincent went to Zeiglers home and learned the K-9 had been left in a car all day, dying of heat exposure, The Kansas City Star reported. Court documents said the vehicles AceK9 system, designed to initiate safeguards when internal temperatures get too hot, was proven to be functioning after multiple tests. Authorities said it would have had to be manually disabled to not have worked the day Horus died. The German shepherd K-9 joined the department in 2021 when he was almost 2 years old, according to social media posts from the department. The Savannah community, located about an hour north of Kansas City, voiced outrage over Horus death and the lack of a ceremonial burial. Vincent posted on the departments Facebook page that the final resting area for K-9 Horus was a work in progress and that no disrespect was meant. Updates on the Savannah Police Departments social media show a headstone was donated for Horus grave and a memorial service for the K-9 was held on Sept. 7. RELATED STORY | Automakers to make changes to car technology to prevent heat-related car deaths Sadly, this isnt the only case of a Missouri K-9 dying after being left in a hot patrol car this summer. A German shepherd named Vader with the Arnold Police Department, located south of St. Louis, died in July after he was left in a running car and the air conditioner reportedly malfunctioned. Officers claimed the vehicles heat alarm system did not work as it was supposed to and the incident is under investigation. On TikTok, one mom describes how her son received a 15- to 20-page, double-sided August homework packet on the first day of school Laurence Mouton/Getty Images Stock photos of young students TikToker cayleyxo and her son faced a difficult moment after he came home with homework following his first days of kindergarten Cayley emailed his teacher, sharing that "we are done" with assignments Following comments from other parents and educators, the mom shared that she and her son's teacher were able to meet in the middle For one mom, kindergarten homework was just not working. In a now-viral TikTok, Arizona-based mom of three, Cayley (known as cayleyxo on social media), explains why she emailed her son's kindergarten teacher at his charter school to opt out of homework assignments. In the video, she describes how her son received a 15- to 20-page, double-sided August homework packet on the first day of school, which stressed him out. "I sent my son's kindergarten teacher a cutesy little email saying, 'I'm sorry. Based on the stress, mental, physical anxiety it's causing my kid, we are done,' " the mom explains in the TikTok. She adds that the email came after she and her son tried to work on the homework packet together. On Aug. 26, she had him sit down quietly during breakfast and work on finishing at least one or two pages of the packet because he was behind. During that moment, Cayley says they both started crying. "It was an emotional mess. I felt so guilty dropping him off at school," she says. "He didnt want to be there. For the last two weeks, he told me he doesnt even like school and doesnt want to be there anymore, which hurts my mama heart because youre 5. The only thing you should be worrying about is learning and what time snack time is." "Work to live, we dont live to work," she adds, explaining how she wants her kids to love school. 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. d3sign / Getty Images Stock image of a kindergarten student Related: Teacher's Kind Gesture to Nervous New Kindergarten Parents Brings Tears to Mom's Eyes (Exclusive) Since posting, Cayleys video has garnered almost 250,000 views and 1,600 comments from people sharing their reactions to the situation, including teachers offering their thoughts on homework. "Kindergarten teacher hereit's normal for kids to not like school the first couple of weeks or even months!" one person wrote in the comments. "Its a big adjustment, especially for kids who have never been to preschool or away from their parents. Hang in there, Mama. Hell love it once he starts to make friends. As for homework, I agree with you. I never sent home homework unless parents specifically asked me, and I always let them know it was optional. I did, however, tell parents to read a book to their child every day, so that was their only 'homework.' " "Im a substitute teacher, and homework is SO outdated and unnecessary! Most teachers at the district I work for have made it a thing of the past, but some are still hanging on. Good for you, though!" another teacher replied. Other parents also chimed into the conversation, one adding: "My kids get SO much homework. Theyre GRADED on it too, starting in 1st grade public school! The pressure on these kids is insane." "We had kinder orientation tonight and my sons teacher said homework! Its kindergarten, Im not giving homework. Just read with them. And I thought good because we aint gonna do it ," another parent said. CaiaIamge/Robert Daly via Getty Image Stock photo of children at school On Sept. 7, Cayley posted a follow-up video to the TikTok, revealing that after emailing, the teacher reduced the homework to one page. She also included more interactive assignments like keeping a reading log and practicing sight words. "I told her I would be up for meeting in the middle and working as a team because that is what were here for the benefit of our children," Cayley says in the video. "This is your sign to maybe say something to your teacher, nicely and politely, if something doesnt sit right with you at their school." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Almost half the population of East Timor, the most Catholic nation outside Vatican City, attended a Mass presided over by Pope Francis on Tuesday on the third leg of his Asia trip. An estimated 600,000 people packed the seaside park of Tasitolu near the capital, Dili, the Vatican told reporters, citing local authorities. Some 98% of the Southeast Asian country of 1.3 million people is Catholic, and the church is seen as having played a critical role in its fight for independence from Indonesia. But the Vatican has also admitted it concealed sexual abuse by members of the clergy in East Timor, including key figures in the independence movement. Francis, 87, is the first pope to visit East Timor since it became an independent state in 2002. It is the only Catholic-majority nation on his ambitious 12-day Asia trip, which is also taking him to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Pope Francis blesses attendees as he visits the Irmas Alma School for Children with Disabilities in Dili on Sept. 10, 2024. A sea of yellow and white umbrellas, the colors of the Holy See, covered the park on Tuesday as the crowd waited for Francis to arrive in the scorching afternoon sun. Firefighters occasionally sprayed water on the crowd, some of whom had been waiting since the early hours of the morning, to alleviate them from the heat. Francis arrived shortly after 4 p.m. local time (3 a.m. ET) to cheers of Viva Papa Francisco! Our country is poor, we need more development, we need international support and the blessing of Pope Francis, Juse Manuel Mendez told NBC News while walking with his family to the Mass. The Mass was held at the same site where St. John Paul II, the last pope to visit East Timor, celebrated a historic liturgy in 1989. The park, which was once known as a place where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies during their violent 24-year occupation, has a large statue of John Paul honoring that visit. Earlier Tuesday, Francis visited children with disabilities and met with bishops, priests, deacons and others at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, where he gave a speech. He arrived in the country on Monday to an enthusiastic welcome, with people jamming his motorcade route into town from the airport. A firefighter sprays water on Catholic faithful gathered for a Holy Mass with Francis near Dili on Tuesday. Only about a quarter of people in East Timor were Catholic in 1975, when Indonesia invaded the country shortly after it unilaterally declared independence from centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. Indonesia rejected the animist beliefs of the Timorese and required individuals to choose a monotheistic religion. Converting to Catholicism thus became a nationalist act against Muslim-majority Indonesia, said Michael Leach, a professor of politics and international relations at the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. The church provided a sense of sanctuary to the Timorese in a difficult period of their history, he said in an email. John Pauls high-profile visit in 1989 was a signal moment in the Timorese struggle for self-determination, as it appeared to symbolically recognize East Timor as a nation separate from Indonesia, Leach said. The protests that broke out immediately after John Pauls Mass could not be hidden from the rest of the world, he said. Ten years later, 78.5% of the population voted for independence in a U.N.-backed referendum. In response, pro-Indonesia militias launched a three-week campaign that resulted in mass violence and destruction of infrastructure. About 200,000 people are estimated to have been killed during Indonesias rule. Catholic faithful block the sun as they wait for Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili on Tuesday. The Vaticans image in East Timor has also been tainted by multiple clergy abuse scandals. In 2022, the Vatican confirmed that Dili Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo had been secretly sanctioned two years earlier for sexually abusing young boys. Belo, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 with current President Jose Ramos-Horta for their efforts to peacefully resolve the East Timor conflict, now lives in Portugal and is prohibited by the church from any contact with his former home. In 2021, a court in East Timor sentenced former American missionary Richard Daschbach, who was widely praised for saving lives during the nations independence fight, to 12 years in prison for molesting young girls under his care. The child sex abuse cases in East Timor have been very poorly handled and left a bitter taste for many, said Damien Kingsbury, an emeritus professor at Deakin University in Australia who has extensive experience in East Timor. There has been the usual inaction and cover-ups, with few cases being prosecuted, often late and following much public pressure, he said in an email. Francis hinted at the abuse cases in his Monday speech but did not mention Belo or others by name or acknowledge any responsibility by the church. Let us not forget the many children and adolescents whose dignity has been violated, he said. We are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people. Francis will leave East Timor on Wednesday and continue on to Singapore, the last stop of his trip, where three-quarters of the population is ethnically Chinese. There he will have the chance to send an indirect message to Catholics in China as the Vatican tries to improve relations with Beijing. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) -Justin Trudeau may survive as Canada's prime minister into next year, political analysts say, even though his minority Liberal government is more vulnerable after a small left-wing party withdrew a pledge to support it on key votes. Trudeau, facing voter fatigue after almost nine years in power, was weakened last week when the New Democratic Party ended a 2022 deal in which it agreed to back him in return for more social spending. The change of heart means the 52-year-old prime minister can no longer be sure of surviving confidence votes in the elected House of Commons chamber, where the Liberals only hold 154 of the 338 seats. If 170 opposition legislators vote against the Liberals, the government would fall before its term expires at the end of October 2025, forcing an early general election. In that scenario, polls strongly suggest the right-of-center Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, would win a majority. Trudeau appears safe at least for about a couple of months. The next confidence vote the government must face is when it asks the House to ratify the so-called budget update, due in late November or December. When such a vote takes place, the NDP will have the option of voting with the Liberals. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh last week said his party would decide on such votes on a case-by-case basis. Crucially, there is doubt over whether the NDP wants to pull down Trudeau, since polls suggest the Conservatives, who have blamed the government for rising prices and a housing crisis, could squeeze the number of seats the small party might win in an early election. "There's a lot of expectation here that the NDP is actually planning on making the government fall, and I have yet to see evidence for that," said Philippe Lagasse, a professor and constitutional expert at Ottawa's Carleton University. Singh ended his automatic support for Trudeau after months of private complaints that voters were not giving the NDP credit for the government's increased social spending. But Nik Nanos, head of Nanos Research, said the NDP had little interest in bringing down the Liberals soon, since Singh needs time to carve out an identity separate from Trudeau's after supporting him for so long. "It would be difficult to reconcile propping the Liberals up ... one day, and the next, campaigning against them," Nanos said. WINTER ELECTION Parliamentary rules dictate that the three opposition parties have a total of seven chances between Sept. 16 and Dec. 10 to present whatever motions they wish. The Conservatives, the largest opposition party, would most likely have three of those opportunities to bring Trudeau down. But the timing of opposition motions is in the hands of Liberal House leader Karina Gould, who could bunch them at the very end of the session in December. A Liberal defeat in such a motion would mean a winter election, something that tends to be unpopular with voters. The results could prove more difficult to predict, giving the NDP pause in any push to bring the government down. Gould's office did not respond to requests for comment. NDP legislators could abstain on key votes. Former Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff used that tactic when in opposition in 2010 to avoid bringing down a minority Conservative government. That said, Singh's case-by-case strategy has its limits, said Karl Belanger, a former top NDP official. "The NDP cannot afford to vote for the Liberals in confidence vote after confidence vote without getting anything in return," he said. As an alternative, Trudeau could turn to the separatist Bloc Quebecois, the third-largest party in the House. It tilts left of center, like the Liberals, but seeks to take Quebec out of the Canadian confederation. Working with the separatists could prove to be politically toxic for the Liberals. If Trudeau manages to hold power into 2025, a vote on the federal budget, usually in March or early April, is the next danger point. At that time, he might decide to take the country to the polls, although a senior Trudeau aide said the prime minister had no plans to trigger an early election. As well as external threats, Trudeau faces unhappiness inside his own party over the poor poll numbers. Even so, he insists he will not step down as Liberal leader and prime minister. Trudeau and the rest of his Liberal caucus gathered in British Columbia this week to plot strategy. As it started, the Liberals announced that former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, often mentioned as a potential replacement, would chair a task force reporting to the prime minister on economic growth. Liberal grumbling - and speculation about Carney - picked up after the party lost a safe seat to the Conservatives in a special election in June. Trudeau aides concede the pressure for him to quit could grow if the party loses another special election, this time in a Montreal stronghold, on Sept. 16. (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Frank McGurty and Paul Simao) By Joe Cash BEIJING (Reuters) -China's exports grew at their fastest pace in nearly 1-1/2 years in August, suggesting manufacturers are rushing out orders ahead of tariffs expected from a growing number of trade partners, while imports disappointed amid weak domestic demand. The mixed trade data highlights the challenge facing Beijing as policymakers try to bolster overall growth without becoming too reliant on exports especially given the tightening of consumers' purse strings. China's economy has failed to fire over the past year amid a prolonged property sector downturn, and a survey last week showed exports in the doldrums and factory gate prices at their worst in 14 months, pointing to producers slashing prices to find buyers. Outbound shipments from the world's second-largest economy grew 8.7% year-on-year in value last month, the quickest since March 2023, customs data showed on Tuesday, beating a forecast 6.5% increase in a Reuters poll of economists and a 7% rise in July. But imports increased by just 0.5%, missing expectations for a 2% boost and down from the 7.2% growth a month prior. "The strong export performance and trade surplus is favourable to economic growth in the third quarter and whole year," said Zhou Maohua, a macroeconomic researcher at China Everbright Bank. "However, the global economic and geopolitical environment is complicated and China's exports face a lot of headwinds," he added. Economists have warned that Beijing risks undershooting its growth target if it becomes too reliant on exports, following a series of recent lacklustre data, raising pressure on policymakers for more stimulus to revive China's economy. "The continued strong run of exports may actually delay near-term policy support, and we continue to expect bolder measures to be released in Q4," Nomura analysts said in a note. TRADE BARRIERS Moreover, mounting trade barriers are emerging as another significant obstacle, threatening China's price-driven export momentum. China's trade surplus with the United States widened to $33.81 billion in August from $30.84 billion in July. Washington has repeatedly highlighted the surplus as evidence of the one-sided trade favouring the Chinese economy. Brussels' trade policy has turned more protective too, and Beijing's efforts to negotiate with the European Union to ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EV) have made little headway. And Canada last month announced a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, along with a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminium. As China attempts to pivot and direct more exports to Southeast Asia and South Asia, it is also facing push back there. India is planning to raise tariffs on Chinese steel, Indonesia is eyeing heavy duties on textile imports, and Malaysia opened anti-dumping investigations into plastic imports from China and Indonesia. Still, some analysts expect outbound shipments to ride out the storm, given the relative inexpensiveness of China's yuan and the relative ease with which exporters can re-route their wares to avoid the tariffs. "Outbound shipments are likely to remain strong in the coming months. Admittedly, more barriers are being erected," said Zichun Huang, China Economist at Capital Economics. "We doubt the tariffs announced so far will prevent real effective exchange rate declines from fuelling further gains in China's global export market share," she added. SLOW IMPORTS The lower-than-expected imports might not bode well for exports in the coming months, as just under a third of China's purchases are parts for re-export, particularly in the electronics sector. China's commodities purchases also pointed to a bleak domestic picture, with the Asian giant's iron ore imports down 4.73% from a year earlier last month, as weak demand in the country's construction sector pinched steelmakers. Furthermore, while China bought in a record 12.14 million metric tons of soybeans in August, there were ominous signs for the production powerhouse's future export performance. Analysts say the buying spree was motivated by traders taking advantage of lower prices to stock up amid concerns trade tensions with the U.S. could intensify if Donald Trump returns to the White House next year. On the whole, while August exports were positive for growth, "it is still uncertain if this momentum can last," said Lynn Song, ING's chief economist for China. "Aside from incoming tariffs and the sluggish export orders data of the last few months, if global growth momentum begins to slow too, this could also drag export momentum." (Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) KARACHI (Reuters) - At least two parliamentarians were detained in late night swoops in Islamabad on members of the party of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, party leaders and the police said. Khan has been in jail since last year. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party won the most seats in a general election in February but a coalition of his rivals was able to form a government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Party leader Zulfikar Bukhari, a former minister, told journalists that among those picked up by police was PTI Chairman Gohar Khan. A third man, a senior PTI member, was also picked up from his office. A spokesman for the Islamabad police confirmed the three detentions in a message to Reuters. There was no official statement on the details of the charges, or if they had been officially arrested. The detentions came a day after PTI held a major political gathering on the outskirts of the city demanding Khan's release. Supporters also clashed with police en route to the gathering, in which a senior police official was injured, police said. "Yesterday's massive protest has sent shivers down the government's spine," Bukhari said in a post on social media site X, calling the detentions illegal. (Reporting by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Sandra Maler) By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - World Bank President Ajay Banga said in a speech on Tuesday after visiting 27 countries from Peru to Tuvalu that the global lender needs to work faster and simplify its processes in a world experiencing greater polarisation. Speaking at the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney on Tuesday, Banga said his visit on Friday to Tuvalu in the South Pacific marked the end of a journey that began just over a year ago when he started in the job and promised to listen to voices in every region where the Washington-based lender operates. "Though aspirations of people around the world are universal, we live in a world of greater polarisation and extremes," Banga said. The countries he visited "need more and require us to be faster, simpler, and more impact oriented", he added, after meeting Pacific Islands leaders in Fiji last week, who said small island states sometimes struggled to meet World Bank requirements. In Fiji, Banga visited chronically understaffed health clinics facing rising rates of non-communicable disease such as diabetes, an example of the importance of the bank's new focus on job creation. The bank's new targets include bringing affordable health care to 1.5 billion people by 2030. The World Bank saw global challenges of climate change, inequality and fragility as intertwined, he said. "We understand that the challenges of the Pacific Islands are a microcosm of forces playing out around the globe," he added. The Pacific Islands, the region most impacted by warming oceans, is also the most aid-reliant region, according to the Lowy Institute. Banga said reforms to the World Bank in the past year were already starting to bring change, citing a corporate scorecard cutting the bank's goals from 150 to 22 items and the shortening of approval times for projects by an average three months. Finding new ways to stretch the World Bank's balance sheet had found $120 billion of additional lending over 10 years, he said. Banga said governments, philanthropies and multilateral development banks need to work together to bridge a forecast gap between the 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets who will seek work over the next decade and the 420 million projected jobs. A "significant replenishment" of the International Development Association (IDA) in December by the World Bank's shareholders was critical, he said. The Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc of 18 states, said on Tuesday that IDA had been critical to making island states more climate resilient and building infrastructure including aviation links. Although IDA donor countries faced global economic headwinds, the Pacific urged them to increase pledges of support for vulnerable countries, the leaders said in a joint statement. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry and Lincoln Feast.) Tim Walz, Nebraska high school, James Comer Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walzs China tourism company was dissolved by the state of Nebraska in 1998 after he failed to pay $26 in business operating taxes, according to a report. The Minnesota governors for-profit endeavor, Educational Travel Adventures, Inc., which catered to student groups seeking to travel to communist China, was shut down by the Nebraska secretary of state for non-payment of occupational taxes in April 1998, the Washington Free Beacon reported on Monday. The company, co-founded by Walz and his wife, Gwen, was first registered in Nebraska in 1995. Nebraska shut down Tim Walzs travel company after he failed to pay $26 in state taxes. Getty Images Despite his company going defunct, Walz continued organizing student tours of China, including at least two trips in 1998 and 2001, according to the outlet. In 2002, Walz founded another entity with the same name in Minnesota, which he touted during his 2006 run for Congress. Walz established a small business called Educational Travel Adventures, Inc. through which he conducts annual educational trips to China for high school students, reads an archived press packet from Walzs congressional run, which notes the governor was part of one of the first government sanctioned groups of American educators to teach in Chinese high schools. Reports indicate that Walz stopped leading the student trips to China in 2003. Walz organized a trip to China for students at Nebraskas Alliance High School. Google Maps In 2008, Walz reinstated Educational Travel Adventures in Nebraska a year after taking office in Minnesotas 1st Congressional District after paying $235 worth of back taxes and interest, according to the Washington Free Beacon. After the Nebraska-based company was once again in good standing, Walz quickly moved to dissolve it. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) raised concerns about Walzs travel company last month, in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. Comer demanded information from the FBI about the Chinese entities and officials Governor Walz has engaged and partnered with as well as any warnings or advice the FBI may have given to Governor Walz about US political figures being targeted by or recruited for CCP influence operations. The Oversight Committee chairman also expressed concern that the Chinese Communist Party may have subsidized some of Educational Travel Adventures trips to China. The House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. Comer, is probing Walzs ties to China. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Vice President Kamala Harris running mate has other ties to China as well. He was a visiting fellow and lectured on international relations at the state-run Macau Polytechnic University until at least 2007. Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) has asked the Pentagon to investigate the association and inform Congress about whether Walz complied with foreign travel reporting requirements during his numerous trips to China some of which took place while Walz was a senior-ranking member of the Minnesota National Guard. Walz also married his wife on the fifth anniversary of the end of the deadly Tiananmen protests, and the couple spent their honeymoon in China. He wanted a date hell always remember, Gwen told the Scottsbluff Star-Herald in 1994. The Harris campaign did not respond to The Posts request for comment. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern on Monday with Azerbaijan hosting the COP29 climate conference in November, pointing to the country imprisoning Armenian and pro-environmental activists. Cardin, in a statement, said hosting a major international conference like COP29 should come with responsibilities and expectations that host countries allow frank discussion of information and issues, which requires recognizing freedoms of speech and assembly. Azerbaijan has not done so, he said, urging the countrys president, Ilham Aliyev, to release those unjustly imprisoned by his government, including Armenian detainees, and community activists who peacefully demonstrated against poor labor practices and harmful environmental impacts of the Chovdar gold mine operation. Azerbaijans embassy in the U.S. said it was a strong testament to its commitment to the environment and other issues that Baku was elected by unanimous decision as the host country for COP29. Against this background, attempts to cast shadow over COP29 with ungrounded claims do not promote global climate agenda and cooperation, which the responsible members of the international community are committed to support, the embassy said. Azerbaijan looks forward to successfully hosting COP29 and advancing climate agenda with all countries involved, including the United States. Achieving further global consensus on climate action will better serve humanity and human rights. In this context, we expect uniting efforts rather that distracting them in achieving this noble cause. Azerbaijan, located between Asia and Europe in the Caucasus Mountains, will host COP29 from Nov. 11-22 in the capital of Baku. Azerbaijan was announced last December as the next host of the conference that brings together 197 countries and the European Union to advance goals committed to easing the global climate crisis. The conference comes ahead of the 2025 Paris Agreement deadline for nations to put forward climate targets for the year 2035 that are more ambitious than their existing 2030 targets. Azerbaijan has seen intense scrutiny as the conferences host because its an oil and gas producer, and the decision to host came after Baku captured a breakaway region with Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, in September 2023, which prompted a mass exodus of the ethnic Armenian population. Baku has also been criticized for jailing critics and independent media. Amnesty International this month called for the release of government critics detained by Azerbaijan, while Human Rights Watch did the same for independent media over the spring. The Azerbaijan embassy in the U.S. said in its statement that attempts to link COP29 with certain domestic legal and judicial processes goes against the very principles of the rule of law and judicial independence. Understandably, human rights have nothing to do with permissiveness to engage in illegal activities. It is also surprising to see calls to release Armenian detainees who have been sentenced or are being investigated for committing well-documented serious crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, which have no statute of limitations, the statement reads. Doing so is fully in line with the international legal obligations and domestic legislation. Cardin said Monday that Azerbaijan has the potential to be an important member of the international community and partner to the United States, but that Baku must first release several detainees. Ahead of COP29 in November, I urge the Azerbaijani government to demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights by releasing these individuals without delay, Cardin said. Rachel Frazin contributed to this report. Updated at 4:19 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The 19-year-old Kansas City man accused of firing the fatal shot during a mass shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl rally earlier this year will stand trial in January 2026. On Monday, Jackson County Judge Kevin Duane Harrell scheduled a jury trial for Dominic M. Miller to begin on Jan. 12, 2026. The trial is expected to last two weeks. Miller, who remains in Jackson County jail on $1 million bond, has been charged with second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action in the mass shooting on Feb. 14 outside Union Station. Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old Johnson County mother of two and a beloved party DJ, was killed. Gunfire from Millers firearm struck and killed Lopez-Galvan, according to court documents. More than 20 others, nearly half of whom were children under 16 years old, were left with gunshot injuries, and about 60 others reported injuries or went to a hospital in connection with the stampede that followed. Two other adults, 21-year-old Terry J. Young of Kansas City and 23-year-old Lyndell Mays of Raytown, both face identical charges of second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action. Mays also faces a charge of causing a catastrophe by releasing a crowd surge or stampede of people that caused severe physical injury to 10 or more people, according to court documents. Young and Mays remain in Jackson County jail each on $1 million bond. Police have said that an argument between two groups set off the shooting at the end of the large celebration. Prosecutors alleged that Mays drew and fired first. Young can be seen in surveillance video drawing a gun, and he appears to shoot several times, according to court documents. Under Missouri law, a person who did not pull the trigger can still be charged when someone is killed during the commission of a dangerous felony. Jury trials have been scheduled for next March for Young and September 2025 for Mays. Three teens have also been charged in the shooting. In July, Jackson County Administrative Judge Jennifer Phillips ordered a 15-year-old to serve a term at a state facility for youths after accepting his admission that he committed the charge of unlawful use of a weapon by knowingly discharging or firing a firearm at a person. The cases against the two other teens have concluded. Scout Lauck, the Jackson County Circuit Courts public information officer, said earlier this month that he could not provide details about the outcomes. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Jose L. Castillo of Wichita is awaiting trial on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Castillo allegedly picked up a gun that fell to the ground when two people were fighting during the mass shooting and walked away. When confronted and ordered by police to get on the ground, Castillo allegedly removed a black Glock 22 handgun and threw it on the ground as he was getting down. Castillo was convicted on July 6, 2016, of a felony for conspiracy to distribute marijuana in U.S. District Court in Kansas, according to court documents. Under Missouri law, its against the law for a person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. His next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 11. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Theres never any shortage of glamour when Priyanka Chopra steps onto a red carpet. At last nights Kering for Women dinner in New York City, the Citadel star once again delivered a breathtaking fashion statement in an outfit that embodied classic glamourand she did so by relying on a few simple pieces. The centerpiece of this look was a slinky black silk slipdress, complete with an alluring scalloped lace halter neck and a revealing low-back silhouette. She took a no-fuss approach to her nighttime look, accessorizing the dress minimally via a pair of satin black slingback pumpsalso by Saint Laurentand diamond jewelry from Bulgari. (The latter is to be expected, considering Chopras longtime role as an ambassador for the luxury jewelry brand.) Specifically, she wore a white gold bracelet that wrapped around her wrist and twinkled with the shine of dozens of diamonds. Getty Images Getty Images Chopra wasnt the only celebrity in attendance at the Kering Foundations annual dinner. Other celebrities who also brought their fashion A-game to the gala included Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek, Selena Gomez, and Dakota Johnson. Getty Images Chopra seems to have an affinity for the transparent lace trend thats been overtaking runways and red carpets for the past year. Back in August, the actor joined husband Nick Jonas for the Los Angeles premiere of his new movie, The Good Half, where she wowed in a head-turning gold and black lace one-shoulder gown from Dolce and Gabbana. The piece was layered over a similarly transparent and black lace camisole, which Chopra wore tucked into a pair of black briefs. You Might Also Like A cellular process that affects blood cells emerges as a new risk factor for atherosclerosis. Image credit: Mangkelin/Getty Images. This article originally appeared on Medical News Today Their two recent studies have uncovered new information about clonal hematopoiesis and its treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine. Researchers from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Spain have confirmed that clonal hematopoiesis is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases. This new information could lead to the development of novel personalized treatments for patients in the future. Clonal hematopoiesis describes how certain blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow or bloodstream acquire genetic changes, or mutations, and start to grow and multiply more than usual. These acquired changes occur in somatic cells, or cells in the body that are not egg and sperm cells, during a persons lifetime. This expansion of mutated cells can increase the risk of blood cancers and other disorders, but in many cases does not cause immediate problems and is often discovered incidentally in older adults. Now, researchers have shown that the condition is linked to increased cardiovascular risk. One study, published in Nature Medicine at the end of August 2024, has identified clonal hematopoiesis as a new risk factor for atherosclerosis, a condition where plaques build up in arteries. This means that in addition to well-known cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity, a new risk factor has emerged. The second study, published in the European Heart Journal at the end of August 2024, suggests that the long-used medication colchicine could play a key role in personalized treatment plans for individuals with clonal hematopoiesis linked to mutations in the TET2 gene. Study clarifies relationship with new cardiovascular risk factor Jose J. Fuster, PhD,, associate professor at the Laboratory of Hematovascular Pathophysiology at the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research, who is lead author of both of these studies, explained his and his colleagues key findings to Medical News Today. Our study [from Nature Medicine] clarifies the relationship between clonal hematopoiesis, a new cardiovascular risk factor, and the development of atherosclerosis, the build-up of lesions on the arterial wall that underlies most cardiovascular diseases, he told us. Clonal hematopoiesis occurs when a cell called a hematopoietic stem cell, which can develop into different types of blood cells, acquires a genetic mutation and therefore makes blood cells with the same genetic mutation. These mutant blood cells have a different genetic pattern than the rest of blood cells, which can affect their function. People with mutations that cause clonal hematopoiesis have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks, but the exact nature of the relationship between these mutations and cardiovascular disease remained unclear. Jose J. Fuster, PhD Some earlier studies suggested that certain mutations linked to clonal hematopoiesis contribute directly to cardiovascular disease by accelerating the development of atherosclerosis, Fuster added. On the other hand, he cautioned, others proposed that it is atherosclerosis that causes clonal hematopoiesis by increasing the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells, thereby generating a higher proportion of mutated blood cells. The Nature Medicine study clarifies the relationship between clonal hematopoiesis and atherosclerosis through a longitudinal analysis of DNA sequencing data and imaging data from a population of healthy middle-aged individuals that is being monitored over the years, Fuster further explained. Clonal hematopoiesis increases atherosclerosis risk [The Nature Medicine] study clearly demonstrate[s] that participants who had mutations linked to clonal hematopoiesis at the start of the study were more likely to develop atherosclerosis in the following years, said Fuster. At the same time, he explained, the presence and extent of atherosclerosis had no influence on the expansion of mutated blood cells. Thus, together with previous research work, these findings indicate that clonal hematopoiesis contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, not the other way around, emphasized Fuster. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, not involved in this research, told MNT that the study showed that increased degree of clonal hematopoiesis resulted in greater atherosclerosis, but not vice versa, thereby pointing to the direction of causality. However, much more research will need to be done to better understand the mechanisms by which clonal hematopoiesis could cause atherosclerosis, he cautioned. How does this factor increase the risk of arterial plaques? The question remains as to what mechanism leads to the increased risk of arterial plaques in people with clonal hematopoiesis. For now, we think it may be related to the new blood cells producing increased inflammatory mediators, which then promote the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, Chen hypothesized. Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends, also not involved in the recent research, said that the Nature Medicine paper provides important new information about clonal hematopoiesis mutations, showing that these genetic changes might be more common and significant than previously thought, even in younger, healthier people. This challenges the idea that [clonal hematopoiesis] mutations are only relevant in older adults and suggests they could play a role in the development of diseases like heart disease or cancer earlier in life, Dasgupta added. Are personalized treatments on the horizon? Clonal hematopoiesis is increasingly recognized as a potent cardiovascular risk factor and some hospitals have even developed clonal hematopoiesis clinics to monitor the health status of people with this conditions, Fuster told MNT. However, he cautioned, identifying the presence of clonal hematopoiesis is not yet recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, partly because there are no evidence-based interventions to prevent or mitigate the elevated cardiovascular risk in those who exhibit clonal hematopoiesis. So, when it comes to potential future treatments, the researcher suggested that, by clarifying that these mutations are a cause of atherosclerosis, not a consequence, [the] study suggests that blocking the effects of these mutations could help to prevent cardiovascular disease. Ongoing work is trying to develop personalized strategies tailored to carriers of specific mutations linked to this conditions, Fuster added. Chen explained that we are still in the very early stages of understanding how clonal hematopoiesis is related to atherosclerosis and even clinical heart disease. However, this field of research may potentially open up new avenues of therapy to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in people found to have this condition. Dasgupta agreed, explaining that although further research is needed, screening for these mutations could become a way to assess a persons long-term health risks. This could lead to earlier steps to prevent disease, like lifestyle changes or specific treatments, especially for those with high-risk mutations. Knowing about these genetic risks could help people take action to protect their health sooner. Raj Dasgupta, MD View the original article on Medical News Today Police on the lookout for a suspect wanted in the shootings near London, Kentucky [Laurel County Sheriff's Office] The suspect accused of opening fire on motorists along a major highway in south-eastern Kentucky sent a text message vowing to "kill a lot of people" shortly before the shooting, the BBC's US partner CBS News reports. Authorities on Tuesday continued to search for the suspect, Joseph A Couch, 32, who was still on the run after allegedly opening fire on Interstate 75 and wounding five people. He was charged on Monday with multiple counts of attempted murder and assault. The text messages were revealed in an arrest affidavit from the Laurel County Sheriffs Office, which detailed a call from a woman who reported receiving the messages from Mr Couch about 30 minutes before Saturday's attack. "I'm going to kill a lot of people," he is quoted as writing in the messages. "Well (I'm going to) try at least." The warrant - obtained by multiple US media outlets including CBS - notes that police attempted to track Mr Couch's mobile phone after the woman's report but were not able to determine a location until nearly 19:00 local time - about 90 minutes after the attack. The warrant charged Mr Couch with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault. In another text message, he allegedly wrote that he would take his own life after the attack, the affidavit says. Rewards for information have now reached $25,000 (19,000), with United Way offering $10,000, in addition to a $10,000 reward from an anonymous donor and a $5,000 one from a local anticrime group. The ongoing manhunt forced schools to close in multiple counties as authorities combed through acres of thick wooded areas near the city of London, which has a population of about 8,000. The city is near the Daniel Boone National Forest. In a press briefing on Tuesday, law enforcement officials told residents and would-be tourists in the area to "suspend your activities". "Don't be riding ATVs. Don't be hiking. Give us some time to see if we can locate Mr Couch in this national forest," a Kentucky police spokesperson said. "This is not a small area." Police K-9 dogs, helicopters and drones have all been deployed to help locate Mr Couch, he said. Many schools in the area remained closed on Tuesday with some switching to remote learning, the Associated Press reported, as the manhunt stretched into its fourth day. Residents have been living on edge. "We go home and lights go off, and we go upstairs and our doors stay locked," Brandi Campbell told the AP, describing her family's new routine since Saturday. Police say they located Couch's silver Honda SUV on a hill with an elevated view of I-75 and found an AR rifle nearby. Authorities detailed in the affidavit finding a green military duffel bag with additional ammunition and shell casings. "Couch" was emblazoned on the bag and the rifle, a Colt AR-15, was found with a sight mounted, according to CBS, the BBC's US news partner. Police also found a phone they believe belongs to Mr Couch, but the battery had been removed. The area where the items and Couch's vehicle was found is very remote, near a service road at the top of a hill. State police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington described the conditions as "walking in a jungle", with police carrying machetes to cut through thick brush. "We have cliff beds. We have sinkholes. We have caves," he said Monday. "We have culverts that go under the interstate. We have creeks and rivers and the dense brush." Police released a photo of Joseph A Couch, who is wanted as a suspect in the shootings [Laurel County Sheriff's Office] Hours before the shooting, Mr Couch legally bought the rifle and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition, police said. The shootings began at about 17:30 local time (21:30 GMT) on Saturday. Police initially said nine vehicles were hit by gunfire along Interstate 75, a busy north-south route. They later increased that number to 12 cars. Five people were wounded and some had "very serious" injuries, officials said, including one person who was shot in the face and another who was hit in the chest. All were stable as of Sunday and expected to survive. Randall Weddle, the mayor of London, Kentucky, said that some local businesses and churches were closed Sunday while the manhunt continued. Authorities warned local residents to be vigilant while the suspect is still at large. You need to lock your doors, Kentucky State Police spokesperson Scottie Pennington said Sunday. If you have security cameras, make sure youre constantly watching them, maybe keep your porch lights on. Officials said the search is going slowly in the densely forested region. The hunt was suspended after dark on Sunday night, but officers remained in a wooded area near exit 49 on I-75 in an attempt to contain the suspect. "That's probably one of the most remote exits on I-75," Deputy Gilbert Acciardo of the Lauren County Sheriffs Office told reporters during a news briefing. "It's a big task. Mr Acciardo described the scene as a "madhouse" when first responders arrived. People on the sides of the road, emergency flashers going, bullet holes, windows shot out, he said. Can you imagine that? Just chaotic. Police said they have not yet determined a motive for the shooting, but they have characterised it as a random attack rather than a targeted one. Mr Couch previously served in the National Guard, according to police. An Army spokesperson said Mr Couch served in the Army Reserve for roughly six years, from March 2013 to January 2019, as a combat engineer, but was never deployed. Speaking to CNN, Christina DiNoto, who was driving on I-75 with a friend at the time of the shooting, said "it was like a rock went through my back window", hurting her ear. "We looked at each other and we were like, 'Was that a gunshot?' And then were like, 'No, that wasnt a gunshot.'" She said it was only an hour and a half later they learnt that there had been a shooting. Kentucky's Governor Andy Beshear wrote on social media that the area should be avoided, and urged the public to "pray for everyone involved". People stand outside a Starbucks in Los Angeles on July 12, 2022. Its the first day on the job for new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, and expectations are high. The 50-year-old executive is taking over amid turbulent times for the coffee giant, which faces mounting pressure from activist investors, unionization efforts and sluggish sales in the U.S. and China, its two largest markets. Niccol has a strong track record of turning around troubled companies: As CEO of Chipotle, he helped the chain rebound from its foodborne illness scandal and led its restaurants through the pandemic. Brian Niccol. Wall Street analysts have called Niccol who served as CEO of Taco Bell before his six-year stint at Chipotle a dream hire and a hall of fame restaurant CEO. Niccol attributes much of his success to a cliche piece of career advice he started following in his 20s: Believe in yourself. I know its a cliche, but you absolutely have to believe in yourself and have the grit to not give up, when it at first might not be going your way, Niccol said in a May 2024 commencement speech at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Niccol explained that he carries a beat-up notebook with him to outline and track his progress toward his career goals. Whatever it is you need to do to keep yourself focused on your goal, do it, and believe you can do it, he added. Trusting his gut and believing in his ability to succeed, Niccol said, has made the biggest difference in his career up to this point. There will be times in your career when your gut will be tingling, he said, noting that he had that feeling when he left Taco Bell to become Chipotles CEO in 2018. Make space for that instinctive intelligence and take action. Trust your instincts. The confident five-word phrase Niccol used to get hired as Starbucks new CEO While Niccols experience helped him get his foot in the door for the CEO role at Starbucks, it was his confidence that set him apart from other candidates the coffee chain was considering for the job. Niccol used a 5-word phrase in a phone screening with former Starbucks chair Mellody Hobson to illustrate his confidence and preparedness for the job. When I talked to him I remember him saying, I know what to do, Hobson, who ceded her position as chair of the Starbucks board to Niccol and is now lead independent director, said in an Aug. 13 appearance on CNBCs Squawk Box. Hobson continued: He said, This is a speed bump in this companys history. This is not something that I fear going into, and that was something for our board that was extremely encouraging. In his new role, Niccol will be getting paid a base salary of $1.6 million annually and supercommuting from his home in Newport Beach, California to Starbucks Seattle headquarters on a corporate jet. More from CNBC: Big Lots files for bankruptcy protection and sells to private equity firm As the IRS targets wealthy Americans for audits, here are red flags for everyday filers The vibecession is ending as the U.S. economy nails a soft landing, economists say Brian has proven himself to be one of the most effective leaders in our industry, generating significant financial returns over many years, a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC Make It. Were confident in his ability to deliver long-term, enduring value for our partners, customers and shareholders. A male Bengal tiger escaped the Quinta La Fauna zoo in border city Reynosa, Tamaulipas on Wednesday raising concerns that cat could have entered Texas. A tiger that escaped a Mexico zoo near the Texas border last week has been spotted, but still remains on the loose. The Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office confirmed a male Bengal tiger escaped the Quinta La Fauna zoo in the Mexican border city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas on Wednesday, raising concerns that cat could have entered Texas, according to KGBT-TV. The at-large tiger has been visualized but not neutralized despite efforts, the Reynosa Department of Public Security wrote on Facebook Saturday. The department previously shared a photo of the tiger but did not explain how the animal escaped the zoo, which has remained closed since Sept. 4. USA TODAY has contacted the Reynosa Department of Public Security and Reynosa police for more information. Reynosa Mayor Carlos Pena Ortiz has worked with officials to coordinate various areas to locate the tiger following the escape, the agency said. On Saturday, the agency said crews located footprints and feces belonging to him. The animal is presumably a danger to others. Public security officials continue to urge people not to approach or "try to catch it" for their safety. Anyone who spots the tiger is advised to call 911. Crews tried to shoot tiger with a dart Reynosa Environmental Protection Director Aaron de la Cruz said attempts to shoot the tiger with a neutralizing dart on Saturday were unsuccessful, according to KRGV-TV. After following the tiger, it eventually ran off and hid among several trees, De la Cruz told KRGV-TV. The director also shared a photo of it behind several branches. The tiger appears to be one introduced at the zoo in July and named Tony, Houston outlet Chron reported. Tony has killed nearby hens and piglets while leaving a trail of paw prints for crews to track, according to Chron. Crews placed trap cages, bait and motion detection cameras around the area Sunday to capture him without causing harm. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Loose tiger spotted after escaping Mexico zoo near Texas border Minnesota Governor Tim Walz landed at the Erie airport in Millcreek Township on September 5, 2024. One undecided voter across the street said he was "more of a person" than Vice President Kamala Harris. ERIE, Pa. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump deployed their running mates to a Rust Belt bellwether county to make their case to swing voters in a critical battleground state. But was anyone swung? History shows Erie County picks presidents it went for Barack Obama twice, Trump in 2016, then Biden in 2020. Sen. J.D. Vance made his pitch there for the Trump ticket at the end of August, and voters said his story of growing up in a left-behind Ohio town resonated with them. Then Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made his Erie working-class overtures last week for the Democratic ticket. Im on the fence on both candidates, Vince Palermo, a 45-year-old Millcreek Township small-business owner, told The Post at a gas station across the street from where Walzs New Way Forward jet landed just moments before. Filling up his tank, Palermo noted that under Trumps administration, we didnt have these price gouges. Now everything goes up. Palermo, formerly on the Erie County Democrats board, registered as a Republican in 2020 and voted for Trump to see what an outsider could do. But in 2024, hes struggling to support Trump and believes his attacks on judges have made a mockery of the criminal-justice system: The ex-prez just doesnt care. Still, Palermo admitted it was tough to say if he could be swayed toward Harris. I dont think she has enough experience, he said unlike Hillary Clinton, for whom he voted in 2016. Palermo wasnt too impressed with Walzs Erie remarks but conceded the VP hopeful is more of a person than current VP Harris, noting he turned down salary increases as governor in 2023 and 2024. He comes across as an average Joe, but I have my suspicions of the average Joe talk, he said. Dems picked him just because he has gray hair. Palermo wasnt the only undecided voter who stopped for gas in Millcreek Township that day. Chuck Jones, 40 and a box stacker from Erie, said he voted straight Democrat in 2020 but isnt sure where his vote is going this year. Everybodys not who they say they are, Jones told The Post. They tell you one thing one minute, another the next minute. Harris in her first interview as nominee said she wouldnt ban fracking, which is big business in Pennsylvania and denied she was flip-flopping after saying at a CNN town hall when running for president in 2019, Theres no question Im in favor of banning fracking. Lehualani Rounds, a 43-year-old Erie health-care worker, told The Post Harris is too showy. Shes fake. She plans to vote for Trump again because he doesnt sugarcoat things. Shes not alone in her feelings on the races theatrics. Barry LaCastro, 50 and the business agent for Eries local International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union, isnt impressed with the Vance-Walz mudslinging: Why cant you just run on your platform? People like me are tired of the name-bashing, LaCastro told The Post, as his men broke down the set of the Walz rally and loaded equipment onto trucks headed for Pittsburgh. Harris is in a verbal tug of war because she says shell bring down costs, but you are vice president, he said. Still, my soul cant vote for Trump and his venom, LaCastro said, even if he liked Trumps economy. While his employees are evenly split between Harris and Trump, he said 30% are like him: undecided. Palermo knows a lot of very disappointed Americans who are not going to vote. He voted twice for Obama because he could relate to the people. He had the essence of Kennedy. Id like to see someone who can bring us together, Palermo declared. Harris just doesnt have it, and I dont know if shes ever going to get it. Kasheen Henderson, 58, a retired pipe fitter whos voted predominantly for Democrats and works with a renters association to keep rents down in the area, is also undecided. Im up for grabs when it comes to this election. I dont trust either party right now. I can point the finger at Trump a million times. Kamala, we can do the same, adding the VP doesnt have the experience hes looking for in a president. Shes a beautiful woman. Shes intelligent. Can she run this country? No, Henderson said. His vote will come down to trust: Too many people promise too many things. His pocketbook will also play into his decision hes not saving any money right now. How can I vote this person in when shes part of that administration? Henderson was set to meet with Walz while he was in town for the renters association, but the VP hopeful canceled. He says if and when the group does meet with Walz, I might be able to make up my mind. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, gestures as he participates with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a strategic dialogue meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool) LONDON (AP) The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on Moscow and Tehran before a joint visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict. He told reporters that dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers). Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians, Blinken said. The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line. At the Pentagon, the press secretary said these were unlikely to be the only shipments. One has to assume that if Iran is providing Russia with these types of missiles, that its very likely it would not be a one-time deal, that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future, said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The West's allegations about the missile transfers come as the Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraines surprise offensive, which has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in Russias Kursk region. The accusations could embolden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to further ramp up pressure on the U.S. and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks. Iran's foreign ministry denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the U.S. and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip," it quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. The U.S., U.K. and other Western allies are pressing for a cease-fire to end the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and avoid attacks from Iranian proxies in the region escalating into a broader war. Britain, France and Germany announced new sanctions Tuesday against Iran and Russia, calling the missile transfers a direct threat to European security. The penalties include the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Airs ability to fly to the U.K. and Europe. Britain also said it and the United States were sanctioning those involved in sending Iranian drones and missiles to Russia. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on two senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior defense ministry official, as well as several businesses and five Russian cargo ships alleged to have transported supplies from Iran to Russia. Three Russian military units involved with aviation and aerospace also were sanctioned. The U.S. Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkey and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Irans drone program. The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russias invasion, dating to November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders denials that the country had sent them. Sanctions, among other things, bar people and businesses from accessing property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them. The announcement precedes a Blinken and Lammy visit Wednesday to Kyiv, where they will meet Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss bolstering the country's defenses. The rare joint visit was unusually announced in advance a public signal of U.S-.U.K. support for Ukraine ahead of whats likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks. Asked whether the U.S. would allow weapons it supplied to be used to strike targets deeper inside Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy. He said one goal of the visit this week is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs. President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. Blinken met Tuesday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will sit down with Biden at the White House on Friday. We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days, and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday, Blinken said. In the meantime, Ukraine is using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year war to target multiple regions including Moscow. Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend. Lammy called them part of a troubling pattern that were seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation. The U.S. and its allies have been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia. 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, which 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 also 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. ___ Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) defended himself Tuesday against criticism over his amplification of false claims that Haitian immigrants had abducted and eaten other peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio. Vance wrote in a post on the social platform X that his office has received many inquiries in the past few weeks from residents of Springfield who said Haitian migrants abducted their neighbors pets or local wildlife. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, he said. Claims of Haitian migrants eating pets spread online over the weekend, with conservative-leaning national figures including Charlie Kirk and Elon Musk posting about them. A local Springfield resident first made the claim at a City Commission meeting in late August, alleging Haitian immigrants were killing ducks in the park for food, among other allegations. But the Springfield Police Department has said it has not received any reports of anyone stealing or eating pets. On Monday, Vance posted a video of himself reading a letter during a meeting of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in July. The letter from Springfield city manager Bryan Heck described the citys difficulties with keeping up with housing for an increasing number of Haitian immigrants. But Vance added in his post a reference to the pet-eating claim. Heck told The Hill on Monday that false allegations like this one are distractions from the real issues facing the community. In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, Heck said. Yes this clearly takes away from the letters point that we are struggling with housing, resources for our schools, and an overwhelmed healthcare system, he said. Vance, in his post Tuesday, pointed to other issues with the implication of being tied to a rising immigrant population. Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here. That local health services have been overwhelmed. That communicable diseaseslike TB and HIVhave been on the rise. That local schools have struggled to keep up with newcomers who dont know English. That rents have risen so fast that many Springfield families cant afford to put a roof over their head, he said. Vances mention of the child who was killed refers to a school bus accident that happened last year when a driver of another vehicle who is a Haitian immigrant crashed into the bus. He also linked to an interview that Vice President Harris gave a few years earlier discussing the Biden administration granting temporary protected status to more than 100,000 Haitian migrants. If youre a reporter, or an activist, who didnt give a s about these suffering Americans until yesterday, I have some advice: Spare your outrage for your fellow citizens suffering under Kamala Harriss policies. Be outraged at yourself for letting this happen, Vance said. The White House pushed back against the false claims of the pet-eating as misinformation and dangerous. This kind of misinformation is dangerous. Because there will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is. And they might act on that kind of misinformation and act on it in a way where somebody can get hurt so it needs to stop, national security communications adviser John Kirby said Tuesday. Kirby said elected officials in the GOP pushing yet another conspiracy theory based on lies and racism is deeply concerning. I think what we need to have is instead of complete BS being pushed out there is a more meaningful discussion about how we can develop legal pathways for people who have come into this country and fair opportunities for then, if they come in legally, he said. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) rebuffed Vances post, writing in a post of his own that the pet-eating story is false. You and your gerbil can come out from under your couch, JD. The pet-eating story isnt real, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hours before former President Donald Trump takes the stage for one of the most widely-watched moments in the election, audiences got to see a (fictional) glimpse of him as his younger self. The official trailer for "The Apprentice," a biopic about Trump's rise in the 1970s and 80s, was released Tuesday morning. Trump is played by Marvel actor Sebastian Stan. The film depicts Trump's relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, who advises Trump that there are only "killers and losers in the world. That advice helps Trump's business and societal prominence take off in the movie. The Trump campaign has previously threatened legal action against the filmmakers, calling it "pure malicious defamation." Here is what to know about the upcoming film: Presidential debate live updates: What time will Kamala Harris, Donald Trump face off? Watch the trailer for 'The Apprentice' Who plays Donald Trump? Trump will be played by Romanian actor Sebastian Stan. Stan plays the Winter Soldier (James Buchanan Bucky Barnes) in several Marvel movies. He also played Tommy Lee with costar Lily James in "Pam & Tommy." Cohn is being played by "Succession" star Jeremy Strong. When does 'The Apprentice' come out? The movie will be released in theaters Oct. 11. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, Brian Truitt, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See Donald Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' trailer with Sebastian Stan Donald Trump in a suit and tie with his hands up in the air, with Kamala Harris present, at an event related to white college graduates' support in Georgia and North Carolina Two new swing-state polls present good news for Donald Trump ahead of Tuesday nights debate with Kamala Harris, and it appears one important group is driving it. Florida Atlantic University surveys in Georgia and North Carolina show the former president holds marginal leads among likely voters there: 47% to 45% in the Peach State and 48% to 47% in the Tar Heel State. In each, Trump is ahead with white college graduates, a group that will prove pivotal to winning these battlegrounds in November. Hes ahead 55% to 40% with that cohort in Georgia and 50% to 47% in North Carolina. VP Harris campaign is starting to fizzle out. ZUMAPRESS.com Also in Trumps favor and providing evidence the surge in Harris support has ebbed now that its after Labor Day and the campaign is in the homestretch: The former president does better with Democrats than the vice president does with Republicans. In Georgia, Trump takes 9% of Democrats, while Harris has 7% support from Republicans. Both candidates are just below 90% among voters in their own parties. The difference is even greater in North Carolina: 10% of Democrats back Trump, while just 4% of Republicans support Harris. Trump is the choice of 92% of Republicans; Harris is backed by 89% of Democrats. Trump and Harris are set to take debate stage on Tuesday. REUTERS These advantages offset Harris lead with independent voters in these states shes up 48% to 43% among unaligned voters in North Carolina and 44% to 40% in Georgia. In this context, the few voters without opinions this close to the election will play a significant role. The close distribution of support between the two major party candidates suggests that Georgia and North Carolina remain highly competitive, said Kevin Wagner, professor of political science and co-director of the universitys PolCom Lab. Among likely voters, the undecided population, though small, could still play a crucial role in determining the outcome, particularly in a tight race such as this one. Just 5% of likely Georgia voters and 3% in North Carolina say theyre undecided, but among independents, its 10% in the Peach State and 8% in the Tar Heel State. FAU polled 567 likely voters from Georgia and 619 from North Carolina. Both surveys were conducted Sept. 5 and 6. Though FAUs surveys are solid for Trump, its a measure of how dynamic the race is that other polling is going Harris way in these same states. Quinnipiac has the Democrat up, albeit marginally, in North Carolina (49% to 46%) and Georgia (49% to 45%). Neither state offers a clear-cut favorite, opines polling analyst Tim Malloy. His polls numbers deviate from the FAU survey. Harris, for example, has 99% support among Democrats in the Tar Heel State but Trump leads with independents. In Georgia, the candidates are tied with independents, and both maintain strong intraparty support, with 93% of GOP voters behind Trump and 94% with Harris. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection supervisors look on as the Line Fire continues to rapidly grow in San Bernardino County on Sept. 7. Wildfires in California and Nevada have spread rapidly after a heat wave that saw triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions but cooler weather may bring some respite in the firefights. The Line Fire in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest spans over 26,400 acres as of Tuesday morning, and stands just 5% contained while threatening some 65,600 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The blaze, which began Thursday night east of Los Angeles, has thus far forced at least 6,000 people to evacuate. Heat surrounding the Line Fire created its own weather system Saturday, producing thunderstorm-like pyrocumulus clouds or fire clouds which were responsible for 280 lightning strikes hitting the ground, the National Weather Service said. Pyrocumulus clouds have also been seen around two other major Southern California fires: the Airport Fire in Orange County and the Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest. Firefighters clean burned trees and branches as the Line Fire grows on Sept. 8 in San Bernardino, Calif. Tuesday is forecast to bring strong winds which could help fire spread but mid-week cooling temperatures could also moderate fire activity and increase fuel moistures, CalFire said. A red flag warning is in effect in the area from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency due to the Line Fire Saturday. On Monday, fire officials said the California National Guard will deploy four Blackhawk helicopters and other aircraft to aid with modular airborne fire fighting systems as well as 80 soldiers. Over 1,890 personnel are responding to the blaze, including 191 engines and 15 helicopters. Evacuation orders are in place for several communities, with more evacuation warnings in place. The Bear Valley Unified and Redlands Unified school districts closed schools Monday and Tuesday due to the fire. The Airport Fire started Monday afternoon as a seven acre brush fire in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. In a matter of hours, it exploded to an estimated 5,400 acres by the late evening, the OC Fire Authority said. As of Tuesday morning it spanned 9,000 acres. The blaze, which was reported near a remote-controlled plane airport, prompted mandatory evacuations for Robinson Ranch and Traduce Highlands, and evacuation warnings in other nearby communities. Smoke billows from the Airport Fire in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., on Monday. The Bridge Fire, which sparked in Angeles National Forest, east of Los Angeles on Sunday, stands at nearly 3,000 acres with 0% containment, according to forest officials. An evacuation order is in effect for residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to Mount Baldy Resort, as well as other communities. Meanwhile, in Nevada, the Davis Fire is burning nearly 5,600 acres and stands 0% contained, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday morning. The fire started around Davis Creek Regional Park, just south of Reno, on Saturday and was raging through heavy timber and brush. Thus far its impacted at least 14 structures, prompted road closures, outages that left 17,000 customers without power at its peak Saturday, and put some 12,000 to 14,000 people under evacuation notice. As of Tuesday morning, about 3,000 customers are without power in Washoe County, Nevada, according to PowerOutage.Us. Over 400 personnel are tackling the flames. The El Dorado County Fire Protection District shared videos of the devastation on social media, showing bright orange flames burning up wooded mountains and thick plumes of smoke filling the air. Actor Jeremy Renner was one of the many locals impacted by the Davis fire. On Sunday he shared an Instagram story that depicted a huge smoke cloud billowing from the mountains while writing "Evacuated and Reno Tahoe with a fire emoji, People Magazine reported. He shared more photos Tuesday showing firefighters at work and planes dropping pink fire retardant. Tuesday marks the last day of high temperatures in California before a cool down. The prior weekend into Monday saw temperatures surge over 100 degrees and swelter the region. However, increasing winds with wind gusts up to 40 mph and decreasing humidity through Wednesday will keep fire threats elevated. Red Flag warnings are in place across southern California, including the I-5 corridor and the Los Angeles Metro area. 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. He will be responsible for the groups overall strategic direction, working closely with xAmplify CEO Wayne Gowland, who will lead operations and sales as chief operating officer (COO). Simkovic said the new identity signifies a shared commitment. Our new management structure is a testament to the great leadership talent within MARQ1 and will help seamlessly integrate and streamline both sides of our business as we come together to create something truly unique in the Australian market, he said. MARQ1 reflects both organisations goal of leaving a lasting mark on their customers by solving real-world challenges and delivering a powerful impact on each industry they touch. Additionally, Howard Fyffe who was the chief revenue officer of both CSO Group and xAmplify, will continue his role on a national level for MARQ1. He will report to Gowland and oversee engagement with state government and private sector clients. xAmplifys COO Tom Scicluna will be the chief revenue officer, with overall responsibility for the federal public sector and ACT clients. Daniel Keys, former department of health CIO and xAmplify head of innovation of futures, will take on a new leadership role at MARQ1 as head of strategy AI and automation. Hank Clark, CSO Group chief strategy officer, will step into the new role of head of strategy cyber and intelligence. Wayne Gowland said the company has ambitious goals for its growth. MARQ1 represents the synergy and shared vision of CSO Group and xAmplify, he said. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our customers, applying our combined intelligence and capabilities to solve real-world challenges for our clients. In celebration of the Charles Ives Sesquicentenary, Ive written a long piece on Ives and Gustav Mahler for The American Scholar. The topic is not new: these composers quite obviously have in common a radical propensity to juxtapose the quotidian with the sublime parade bands and tuneful ditties with the most rarefied metaphysical strivings. But my perspective is, I think, new and pertinent to the fraught times in which we live. The American experience is today ever more crippled by a condition of pastlessness. More than any previous composers, Ives and Mahler are obsessed with the act of memory. Mahlers memories typically stem from his childhood years in Iglau, Ivess from his Danbury childhood. What is more: Ives virtually curates the American past the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; the Transcendentalists. No less than Mark Twain, no less than Herman Melville, he is an American icon and yet remains mistrusted and misunderstood. That at the same time he is for many the supreme American creative genius among concert composers must say something about America and Ives both: as ever, were not sure who we are. Not so long ago, Ives was misclassified as a prophetic modernist. An obsession with who got there first? pigeonholed him as an intriguing historical oddity rather than an expressive genius. It placed him firmly in play, but proved essentially patronizing. Once the modernist criterion of originality dissipated, however, it became possible to resituate Ives as a complex product of a dynamic period of American growth itself undergoing revision. Hence the sesquicentenary opportunity at hand, celebrating the 150th birthday of this most volatile cultural bellwether. With Ives ensconced in a pervasive fin-de-siecle moment, we can at last thrust him onto the international stage he deserves and inquire: what about Charles Ives resonates with musical developments abroad not as a possible harbinger of Arnold Schoenberg or Bela Bartok, but as a precise contemporary of the European composer he most striking resembles? The creative act, however understood, is therapeutic: a conversation with the self. For Mahler, for Ives, shards of memory proved an exigent mooring ingredient. Their occurrence is made to seem involuntary, unpremeditated, unwilled. In Mahler, a signature memory swath is public rituals of mourning written into the dirges of his symphonies. The funeral mode may intrude at any moment as when the clarion fortissimo opening of the sanguine Third instantly dissipates to the wailing winds and searing trumps cries of a pianissimo processional. In Ives, a distinctive memory swath is of sounds heard over water, which may (as in the song Remembrance) evoke his father, or (as in the song The Housatonic at Stockbridge) his courtship. In Ives The St. Gaudens on Boston Commons, the memory of Civil War songs is spectral: a haunting of the present. My American Scholar essay concludes: If Nietzsche, processing decades of bewildering flux, diagnosed a condition of weightlessness, todays affliction is pastlessness. Our world of social media and mounting, ever multiplying gadgetry swims in bits and pieces, in disconnected dots, in superficia and ephemera. Processing the lapse in cultural memory evident all around us, we should fear losing touch with the arts with civilization as a renewable reservoir. Leonard Bernsteins recovery of Ives Second Symphony in the 1950s widely reported and acclaimed should have secured Ives a firm foothold in the American symphonic repertoire. Bernstein broadcast and recorded Ives. He espoused Ives on national television. He took Ives abroad. He laid the groundwork but it never happened. Incredibly tellingly the present Ives Sesquicentenary is mainly being celebrated abroad. In the United States, it will be commemorated most ambitiously not by any orchestra or music director, but by the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University/Bloomington, which in October hosts nine days of cross-disciplinary exploration supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Who else what institutions of education and performance will remember Charles Ives in years to come? It is not an idle question. It is now 78 years since Lou Harrison unforgettably wrote: I suspect that the works of Ives are a great city, with public and private places for all, and myriad sights in all directions . . . . In the not-too-distant future it may be that we will enter this city and find each in his own way his proper home address, letters from the neighbors, and indeed all of a life, for who else has built a place big enough for us, or seen to it that all were equally and just represented? Such is the work of Ives And if we here, in the United States, are still really homeless of the mind, it is not because men have not spent their hearts and spirit building that home . . . but simply because we refuse to move in. A side topic in my American Scholar essay: No other American composer connects more explicitly with the ragged New World arts species epitomized by Herman Melville. Both Melville and Ives eschewed finishing school in Europe the treasures and literary traditions of Italy and France; the conservatories of Vienna and Berlin. Concomitantly, both embraced a democratic ethos. Melvilles schooling was obtained on the South Seas among sailors of every race and stripe. Ives insisted that his second vocation selling life insurance enhanced his musical vocation; Get into the lives of the people! he thundered. Melvilles masterpieces are proudly unkempt. So it is with Ives: a frontier trait. If Moby-Dick and Benito Cereno are peak American achievements in large and smaller forms, so are Ives fifty-minute Concord Piano Sonata and four-minute Housatonic at Stockbridge. And an early Ives composition, his Second Symphony, parallels Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: fearlessly mining American vernacular speech and song, they are kindred landmarks in appropriating the European novel and symphony. In short, the pantheon of the self-created, unfinished American genius the high canon of Emerson, Melville, and Twain, also of Walt Whitman, George Gershwin, and William Faulkner is Ives rightful home. And yet he remains less known, less widely appreciated. The forthcoming Ives festival at Indiana University possibly the most ambitious Ives celebration ever mounted devotes an afternoon to Ives and American Literature. Other topics in play include Ives the man, Ives and the American band, Ives in performance, Ives and Nature, Ives and the Gilded Age, Ives and hymnody, and Ives and the Civil War. All the concerts and talks will be free of charge, and theyll all be live-streamed. For further information, click here. The newest online edition ofThe American Scholar (whose editor, Sudip Bose, deserves an Ives Medal) includes my Ives/Mahler piece alongside four additional Ives Sesquicentenary essays by Peter Burkholder, Allen Guelzo, Tim Barringer, and Sudip himself that comprise a 50-page Ives Sesquicentenary Program Companion. Ill shortly be posting a blog pondering the significance of these fresh musical and extra-musical perspectives. The latest Global Witness report highlights the deadly trend. Although the worse cases are in Latin America, the Philippine government is increasingly using the law to intimidate and enforced disappearances to end the activities of land defenders. Most of the victims belong to indigenous communities. Milan (AsiaNews) At least 196 climate activists were killed in 2023, land defenders, in most cases from Indigenous communities, murdered for opposing environmental exploitation in their country, a trend Global Witness documents in its recently released report. For the international NGO, the actual number of murders could be higher with most killings taking place in Latin America, with Colombia at the top. In Asia, the Philippines holds this sad record, with 17 activists killed in 2023, followed by India with five, and Indonesia with three. Considering that Global Witness began monitoring activities in 2012, these figures rise to 298 for the Philippines over the 11-year period, 86 in India, and 20 in Indonesia (461 in Colombia). Since 2012, 468 environmental activists have been assassinated across Asia, compared to 116 in Africa, most in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As for groups targeted, 36 per cent were committed against Indigenous people. Global Witness also notes that non-lethal attacks against human rights defenders have become commonplace in the Philippines. According to the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, legal pressures were the most used tool between 2021 and 2022 across the continent, with 1,033 documented cases. Another common practice in the Philippines is enforced disappearances, a phenomenon that is also spreading to other countries in the region. The abduction of land and environmental defenders in Southeast Asia has emerged as a critical issue, reflecting broader systemic efforts by power holders to suppress dissent and maintain control over land and resources, writes Global Witness. Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, 22- and 23-year-old environmental activists, say they were kidnapped on 2 September 2023. Both are from the Manila Bay area, where they backed local fishing communities against land reclamation projects for the construction of a new airport. Their ordeal lasted 17 days and suspicions have fallen on the Philippine military. After their release, the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a press conference, which, according to activists, was a "set up". The government, our kidnappers, had organised it so we could publicly confess to being communist rebels even though we were not. We had been given a couple of pages with the 'official' story we were expected to tell and the answers we were expected to give, the two women said. Instead, we told the truth. The truth is that the two women were trying to raise awareness about what was happening to fishing communities. Jhed is coordinator for the Ecumenical Bishops' Forum and Jonila is an advocacy officer for reclamation and water at Kalikasans Peoples Network for the Environment. For a couple of weeks, we were certain that a handful of men had been quietly watching us and asking about us. One of them had gone as far as taking our picture without our consent. But now we were in the community, and we were feeling good about our work, said Jhed e Jonila. When they were abducted, they immediately realised that these men were military. They knew too much: they knew our families, our addresses. They were let go after days of accusations, threats, and psychological torture. They agreed to participate in the press conference, aware that telling their story would have been dangerous. In December 2023, the Philippine Department of Justice filed charges against the two women for embarrassing and putting [the Armed Forces of the Philippines] in bad light during the press conference. A local court issued an arrest warrant, while an appeal court rejected their petition for protection, overturning an earlier Supreme Court ruling, thus undermining protections for environment defenders across the country. by Vladimir Rozanskij On Radio Svoboda the testimony of one of the religious living abroad after refusing to recite the prayer for war and being suspended by the Moscow Patriarchate. Having left Jerusalem, where he worked for the Russian mission, in Belgium he is now studying the Fathers of the Church to understand how this slide into extreme neo-conservatism, to the cult of militarism and neo-imperialism was possible. Brussels (AsiaNews) - The hieromonk Afanasij (Bukin) is one of the many Russian priests opposed to the aggression against Ukraine, and in February 2023 he left the mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, explaining his choice in an open letter. By decree of Patriarch Kirill, he was suspended and then reduced to the lay state. Today he lives in Belgium and is preparing a thesis at the University of Leuven, and he told Radio Svoboda about his experience and his reflections on the tragedy that Russian Orthodoxy is experiencing. Father Afanasij, who was born in 1988 in St Petersburg, stayed in Jerusalem for four years. He had a good knowledge of modern Greek, which was much needed to welcome the many Orthodox pilgrims, often also acting as interpreter for Patriarch Theophilos III. During Covid, he was mainly responsible for the mission website and publishing initiatives, as well as liturgical service shifts. Now he is trying to delve into the ecclesiological perspectives of East and West, from St John Chrysostom to St Augustine, also to understand how it was possible for the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church to slip into extreme neo-conservatism, to the cult of militarism and neo-imperialism. In his opinion, the Moscow Patriarchate took one step backwards and two steps forwards in the post-Soviet period, accompanying the trends in the Russian state. After a few openings, with dialogue with the other Churches that seemed extremely interesting, and stimulated intellectual creativity, it turned to total closure, to the great disappointment of those who had devoted themselves to external relations, such as Father Afanasij himself. It seemed as if a new translation of the Bible into current Russian could finally be achieved (the last one was done 200 years ago, without the chrism of officialdom), integrating the great developments of Russian theology abroad in the Soviet period, but suddenly a conservative barrier was raised again, denouncing any opening dangerous to our spiritual health. What amazes the hieromonac most is that the experience of atheist persecution has not in the least affected the position of the hierarchs of our Church, even in those who have personally suffered such forms of repression, and have now passed without batting an eyelid to the cult of Stalin. According to Father Afanasij, most Russian Orthodox priests are heirs of the Soviet mentality rather than of the true Orthodox tradition, so it is paradoxical that a priest who has just remembered the martyrs in the liturgy, five minutes later says that we need Stalin, as he happened to hear. The hieromonac had not joined the three hundred priests who had signed the anti-war letter in 2022, among them were several of my fellow students, braver than me, who tried to remain neutral for the good of all, they told me to wait; but after a year, he could no longer refrain from taking a stand. Many other brothers supported him, saying at least you can do it, we have families, and even several of the signatories of the pacifist letter had to adapt and keep quiet, as they could not leave Russia. Others advised Father Afanasij to ask the patriarch for forgiveness, saying that being abroad would plagiarise me. There are currently more than twenty Russian priests expelled for not agreeing to pray the prayer for war and victory for Russia, and some of them have left the country. Father Afanasij understands that not everyone has the chance to make a new life abroad, at the risk of ending up in the middle of nowhere. He himself went to Belgium without really knowing what to do, found help from the Catholic bi-ritualist monks of Chevetogne, and does not feel like judging or giving advice to others, just remembering that conscience must be educated and trained, learning to live repentance without condemning anyone, but starting with oneself. Today's news: Siege of Duterte ally Filipino preacher Apollo Quiboloy ends with arrest; Another Burmese general on a visit to China; Indian doctors in West Bengal continue protest in defiance of a Supreme Court order; For Kim Jong Un, North Korean nuclear weapons pose no threat; Russian local elections confirm all outgoing governors. GAZA - ISRAEL At least 40 people died in an Israeli attack on a camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza and over 60 were injured. The area of Al-Mawasi, near Khan Younis, had been designated as safe by Israel. Local sources reported that at least four rockets hit the tents. PHILIPPINES Filipino preacher Apollo Quiboloy, wanted in the Philippines and the US for sex trafficking of minors, was arrested in Davao thanks to the detection of heartbeats by Philippine police equipment. Quiboloy, who until 2022 enjoyed the protection of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was hiding in an underground bunker inside a vast complex of buildings belonging to the congregation he founded, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. MYANMAR Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, who serves as Burma's interior minister in the military junta, is yet another personality to travel to China in recent months. He left on Sunday to attend a security forum that ends today. In April, Yar Pyae was awarded the Great Wall Medal of Gold by Beijing for protecting Chinese citizens (and investments) in Myanmar, an issue that Beijing is still pressing for due to the ongoing fighting in Shan State. INDIA Doctors protesting in West Bengal following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old female trainee on 9 August announced that they will continue their strike until the government meets their demands, violating a Supreme Court order that would force them to return to work. NORTH KOREA North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has stated that Pyongyang has been trying to increase its nuclear arsenal steadily, while pointing out that North Korea is a responsible state and that nuclear weapons for defence do not pose a threat to anyone. The country had also recently announced the installation of 250 ballistic missile launchers on the border with South Korea. RUSSIA Autumn elections in 21 regions of Russia have been concluded, confirming all outgoing governors, except for an independent in Zabajkal, and choosing only deputies of the Putinist United Russia party for parliamentary seats. Even in Khabarovsk, where the liberal-nationalists of the LdPR had long prevailed, they did not turn up. KYRGYZSTAN The city authorities of Os, the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan, announced their decision to begin the process of returning all private water sources and reservoirs in the area to the municipal administration, in order to finally solve the problem of supplying drinking water to citizens. Several had been privatised by politicians. by Daniele Frison Two days after the attack on the Allenby crossing, Jordan goes to the polls with a population deeply marked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the government maintains its delicate diplomatic balancing act, Caritas Jordan continues its work in support of the local and refugee communities, with a particular focus on the latest arrivals from Sudan. For Lana Snobar, Dealing with mental health significantly improves our communities. Amman (AsiaNews) We are one nation. Everything that affects Palestinians directly affects Jordanians (more than half of whom are of Palestinian origin), says Lana Snobar, coordinator of the Mental Health and Protection Unit of Caritas Jordan, speaking to AsiaNews. Our mental health is compromised by the fact that we are witnesses to genocide and cannot do anything." Until now, by virtue of the 1994 peace agreements with Israel, key for Jordans supply of water and energy, King Abdullah II and his government have managed to maintain peaceful relations with the Jewish state while speaking out for Palestine and providing aid to the Gaza Strip. Although this has appeased popular anger, a segment of the population remains opposed to the status quo. This is a major issue on the day when five million Jordanians are called to the polls to elect 138 members of parliament. In the streets of Amman, where Friday protests continue, including in favour of Hamas, scenes of jubilation were reported in the wake of the attack at the Allenby crossing, in which three Israelis were killed on Sunday morning. At the meeting point where Jordan meets the West Bank, about 20 km from Jericho, a man identified as Maher Dhiab Hussein al Jazi, a 39-year-old Jordanian originally from Udhruh, east of Petra, opened fire after getting out of the lorry he was driving. This one action is unprecedented since 7 October 2023. We are surrounded by a murderous ideology, Netanyahu thundered, while the gesture was hailed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad who called it a heroic attack. For its part, Jordans Foreign Ministry condemned the incident in a short and sparse statement released "14 hours after the attack", a fact that Israeli media did not fail to highlight. After the border was closed, the crossing was reopened to pedestrians yesterday morning, but it remains off-limits to trucks, a decision taken following contacts between the IDF and Shin Ben with their Jordanian counterparts. Even if the violence seems to be the work of a lone wolf, the mental anguish experienced by the Jordanian population because of the situation, to which Snobar refers, is widespread. Let us pray to God that He may grant Jordan strength and stability under the leadership of King Abdallah II and his family, said Card Pierbattista Pizzaballa in a message to the Christian faithful ahead of today's elections. Since 1967, Caritas Jordan has helped Jordan's large refugee population, most of whom come from Palestine, Syria, Iraq and, more recently, Yemen and Sudan, as well as vulnerable local groups. The assistance is not only practical, like large-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza in coordination with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Caritas operating in the enclave. The charity, which has 26 centres across the country, also offers psychological support, despite widespread scepticism towards mental health issues. Dealing with mental health significantly improves our communities, fostering acceptance of those with disorders, reducing their isolation, and providing critical support to improve their overall well-being and lives," explains Lana Snobar, a clinical psychologist with 12 years of experience, who heads a "diverse and talented" team of 35 caregivers. The process begins with thorough identification and assessment to gain a clear understanding of each individual's needs. This is followed by prevention or intervention sessions. We often send people to other NGOs or CBOs[*] to ensure specific needs are met," she notes. This work is indispensable at this point in history. Given the ordeal Palestinians are going through, many Jordanians are undertaking personal initiatives, raising money, and protesting to show their support. They require our support, especially when it comes to mental health support. What is happening goes against humanity itself," Lana Snobar adds. But this attention is also intended for people who are guests in the country. The Caritas centre in Ashrafiya, a district east of Amman, is one of the places where the Mental Health and Protection unit is busy every day, with individual and group sessions on issues such as bullying and gender-based violence, intended especially for children, young people, and women, from Syria, and more recently Sudan. This African country has plunged into a multifaceted humanitarian crisis, with food shortages and environmental degradation, which some 13 million people displaced, with more and more arriving in Jordan "by plane following asylum requests", explains Snobar. They are generally well received, but because of the colour of their skin they are bullied, especially children in schools, she bemoans. In the Hashemite Kingdom, they are victims of multiple discrimination, in addition to what they already suffered because of their refugee status. Reports of violence, especially against women, are a daily occurrence. They have multiple needs, including money for rent and healthcare, and protection for women resulting from the trauma they suffered in Sudan. Given the limited job opportunities and challenges of creating a secure future for their families, we are considering giving them the opportunity to settle elsewhere," she goes on to say. Caritas Jordan also meets their needs by providing all kinds of services, prevention, and intervention, including incentives for protection, and care for their mental health. This forward-looking mission is accompanied by the need to raise awareness in the population to remove the stigma and the great gap "that must be addressed" in access to mental health services for the young and seniors. GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. [*] Community-based organisations. by Joseph Masilamany Malaysia's state-owned company operates in areas that are under national sovereignty. In a note sent to the Malaysian embassy, China expressed its displeasure, even though Premier Anwar Ibrahim had previously hinted at the possibility of negotiations to resolve the issue of Chinese claims. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - China has asked Malaysia to stop all oil exploration activities off the coast of Sarawak State, where the Petronas company operates. A demand made through a protest note sent to the Malaysian embassy in China last week, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which published the document. The Chinese side, once again, urges the Malaysian side to genuinely respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and immediately stop exploration activities, the note reads. China accuses Malaysia of encroaching on the areas bounded in the South China Sea by the so-called nine-dash line, over which Beijing claims sovereignty, even though this is an area only 100 kilometres from Sarawak and almost 2,000 kilometres away from mainland China. And even though in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declared the Chinese claims null and void. The document also expresses some disappointment with oil and gas exploration activities near the Luconia Reef, an area the Malaysians call Gugusan Beting Raja Jarum, and China knows as Nankang Ansha and Beikang Ansha. The area is located about 150 kilometres north of Malaysian Borneo, within Malaysia's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. In recent years, China has increased the number of military activities in the South China Sea in an attempt to assert its territorial claims, colliding with Taiwan and South-East Asian countries. In contrast, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in an attempt to calm tensions, has so far used conciliatory diplomatic tones. Only three months ago, the premier had called China a true friend. People say, Malaysia is a growing economy. Do not allow China to abuse its privilege and extort money from the country. I said no. On the contrary, we want to benefit from each other, we want to learn from each other and we want to profit from this engagement,' Anwar Ibrahim had said during Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang's visit on 20 June. Last year, Anwar had sparked outrage for suggesting that the government was ready to negotiate China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. I stressed that Malaysia considers the area as Malaysian territory, so Petronas will continue its exploration activities, the premier had said, briefing Parliament. But if China believes this is its right, Malaysia is open to negotiations. Statements that had drawn immediate condemnation from the Malaysian opposition, represented by the Perikatan Nasional coalition. Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had commented that Malaysia's territorial rights are not available for negotiation even if they are claimed by China. The government had later clarified that the premier's comment signalled a willingness that all South China Sea issues be resolved peacefully. Malaysia has exercised sovereignty over the atolls and reef of Luzonia since 1963, and in 1974 the government incorporated the energy company Petronas, giving it exploration rights. As pointed out by the US Energy Information Administration, there are nearly 3.6 billion barrels of oil and over 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the South China Sea between certain and probable deposits. According to data from Rystad Energy in Oslo, most of these resources are located within Chinese waters (1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas) and Malaysian waters (1.3 billion barrels of oil and 29 trillion cubic feet of natural gas). According to data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, the oil and gas industry contributes about 20% of Malaysia's GDP. As stated by Singapore's Yusof Ishak Institute, the industry has been very effectively harnessed for long-term economic development through the promotion of domestic entrepreneurship. 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. In a joint September 5 declaration, the justice ministers of nearly four dozen Council of Europe member states as well as the U.S., Canada and Japan also backed an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Russian President Vladimir Putin last year for war crimes allegedly committed by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. The declaration was adopted during a conference in Lithuanias capital Vilnius titled Towards Accountability for International Crimes Committed in Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Ani Badalian, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service that Armenia did not sign up to the declaration. She did not comment further. Russia media reported last week that Yerevan withdrew its signature at the last minute. Armenian Justice Minister Grigor Minasian apparently did not attend the Vilnius conference in person. Minasian was in Yerevan on September 5, chairing a session of a government task force working on a new Armenian constitution. The Armenian parliament controlled by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians party ratified the ICCs founding treaty, also known as the Rome Statute, last October seven months after The Hague tribunal issued the arrest warrant for Putin. The move welcomed by the West came amid Yerevans deepening rift with Moscow. Russian officials said at the time that it will cause serious damage to Russian-Armenian relations. Still, Putin seemed to downplay the development afterwards, saying that he will visit the South Caucasus country again in the future. In what some Armenian commentators see an overture to Moscow, Pashinians office announced last week that he will attend a summit of the BRICS group of major emerging economies that will take place in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22-24. Over the past year, the Armenian premier has boycotted several summits of Russian-led groupings of ex-Soviet states. Speaking at an August 31 news conference in Yerevan, Pashinian said: One cannot talk about a country like Russia with sarcasm and insulting language ... If we have done something like this until now, we have done it wrong. 10 September 2024 14:38 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Common climate solutions will be a key focus at the 3rd meeting of the Working Group on Climate Change (WGCC) under the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which is organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Azernews reports, citing ADB. This meeting will take place in Baku from November 11-22, 2024, and the outcomes will be presented at the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), where broader calls for action will be made According to a report by ADB, the primary goal of the 3rd WGCC meeting is to finalize the draft Action Plan on Climate Change, which will be discussed at the CAREC Ministerial Conference on November 8, 2024. The meeting aims to secure the adoption of this document and to propose new regional climate adaptation and mitigation projects while facilitating knowledge exchange. The Action Plan is designed to expand CAREC's initiatives, support the development and execution of regional climate projects, and enhance coordination among partners. It is important to note that the CAREC Program, established by ADB in 1997, aims to foster economic cooperation among the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and South Asia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 16:00 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more JOCAP (Joint Operating Company of Absheron Petroleum B.V.) has disclosed the volume of gas it produced from the Absheron gas-condensate field in the Caspian Sea from January to August 2024, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 10 September 2024 21:35 (UTC+04:00) Japan will nominate Masato Kanda, the country's former top currency diplomat, as its candidate to become next head of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said on Tuesday, Azernews reports citing Reuters. Since the ADB was founded in 1966, its top post has always been filled by someone from Japan which, along with the United States, is the bank's biggest shareholder. That makes Kanda a strong candidate to take up the post. "(Kanda) is most appropriate to lead the ADB as he is well-versed in Asia-Pacific affairs and has built deep networks with executives from various countries and international institutions," Suzuki said at a regular press conference. Kanda, if elected, will succeed Masatsugu Asakawa, who announced on Monday his intention to step down from his position effective Feb. 23, 2025. The development lender said in a statement that election of the next ADB president would follow "an open, transparent, and merit-based process". Kanda, who stepped down in July after three years as vice finance minister for international affairs, led massive bouts of yen-buying intervention in the currency markets in 2022 and 2024. He currently serves as a special adviser to the cabinet. Asakawa, also a former top Japanese currency diplomat, became ADB president in January 2020 and oversaw measures to help the region's economies deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 19:55 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been almost resolved due to Azerbaijan's balanced policy and determination. Relations between the two countries are closer to peace today than ever before. However, Armenias continued avoidance of peace and the confusing statements from its administration continue to threaten stability in the region. It must be noted that the conditions essential for signing a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia include Armenia providing information about the fate of 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis from the First Garabagh War, handing over maps of the millions of landmines haphazardly planted in Garabagh, and most importantly, removing the territorial claims against Azerbaijan enshrined in its constitution. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan have stated at several conferences and summits that the peace talks with Azerbaijan are nearly complete. Unfortunately, these remarks do not align with Yerevan's current policies. Yesterday, Mirzoyan stated at a joint press conference with Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg, that Baku and Yerevan had reached a full agreement on 13 of the 16 points of the peace agreement. Today, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan repeated these words, stating that the signing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan needs to be expedited. However, the statements made by both ministers serve no purpose other than to distract the Armenian people from reality. Armenia, which repeatedly violated the ceasefire along the border with Azerbaijan in recent days, now claiming to be so inclined towards peace, is simply laughable. Ignoring and delaying the legitimate conditions put forth by Azerbaijan is currently the only "contribution" Yerevan is making to the peace process. Another issue is Armenia's stubbornness regarding the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. The "Crossroads of the World" project proposed by Nikol Pashinyan has not gained Azerbaijans trust, and it is an audacious attempt by a defeated country to change the terms in its favour. Furthermore, this proposal completely contradicts the logic of the trilateral statement. Armenia's commitment to security and fairness in this project is evident from its recent ceasefire violations during peace negotiations. While the administration calls for peace on screens, they continue to provoke Azerbaijan and destabilise the region behind the scenes. Another issue is the topic of changing the Armenian constitution, where the countrys administration once again reveals its hypocrisy. Despite the Prime Minister emphasising the need for constitutional amendments, no such step has been taken. Although the minister claims there are no territorial claims against Azerbaijan, their constitution still asserts rights over Azerbaijani and Turkish lands. The Armenian side's false promises have never been fulfilled, and they continue to mislead the international community. The country's administration constantly reminds the media of how much they support peace and the necessity of signing the agreement. But in reality: 1. Armenia's constitution still includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan. 2. The Armenian side continues to violate the ceasefire along the Nakhchivan and Garabagh directions. 3. Armenia still hasnt handed over the maps of landmines haphazardly planted in Garabagh. 4. Armenia continues to avoid fulfilling Azerbaijan's proposed conditions. 5. Armenia still withholds information about the fate of nearly 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis. In the face of these facts, giving meaningless and crooked media statements, pretending to be "peace-loving," and most importantly, trying to portray Azerbaijan as the side delaying peace is nothing new for the Armenian government. However, anyone with a bit of logic can see that behind these statements, the Armenian ruling circles are grasping at straws, unsure of how to manage their policies. A country truly committed to peace should not focus on making baseless statements but on correcting its mistakes and genuinely contributing to peace. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 10:07 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, held in Baku, continues its work on September 10, Azernews reports. On the second day of the forum, discussions will take place on the following topics: "The development of data science as one of the priority areas in Azerbaijan," "The role of mathematical models in forecasting and assessing the impact of human interventions," "The resonance of Azerbaijani newspapers published between 1918-1920 in the present day," "Current approaches to scientific and educational cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye," "Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis in Arabic sources," "The characteristics and prospects of scientific cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia," and "The activities of DAAB in the virtual space." In addition, sessions will be organized at the event. In these sessions, participants grouped by scientific fields will brainstorm on DAAB's strategic plans, taking into account the priority topics identified in previous sessions and the issues raised in the presentations of university leaders. It should be noted that the event is being held with the support of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora, the Ministry of Science and Education, and organized by the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists. The event will conclude on September 11. More than 80 Azerbaijani scientists from 23 countries and nearly 200 scholars in total are participating in the forum. As part of the forum, participants will visit the cities of Shusha and Khankendi to utilize the knowledge and expertise of Azerbaijani scientists in the process of restoring territories liberated from occupation. They will also hold discussions with the faculty of Garabagh University. The aim of the forum is to bring together Azerbaijani scientists living in different countries, facilitate their interaction with local scientists, exchange knowledge and experience, and contribute to the networking of Azerbaijani scholars worldwide. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 12:17 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Under the training plan for 2024, the next graduation ceremony of "Training course for Long-term active military servicemen" was held at the Training and Educational Center of the Air Force, Azernews reports. First, the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and Shehids, who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. Congratulations of the leadership of the Defense Ministry were delivered to the graduates. The speakers wished success to the course graduates in their future service activities. It was noted that such courses are of exceptional importance in raising the level of professionalism of military personnel and increasing their combat capabilities. At the end, certificates were presented to successful graduates and the military personnel solemnly marched in front of the grandstand. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 14:00 (UTC+04:00) The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of the Maldives, Elchin Nariman oglu Huseynli, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, at a ceremony held at the Presidents Office in Capital Male, Azernews reports. Later, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Moosa Zameer. The meeting between the two dignitaries took place in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male. The Foreign Minister of the Maldives congratulated Elchin Nariman oglu Huseynli on his appointment as an Ambassador of Azerbaijan in the Maldives. On this occasion, the Foreign Minister, Moosa Zameer, emphasised strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations and enhancing future cooperation between the Maldives and Azerbaijan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and the Ambassador of Azerbaijan exchanged views on further collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including increasing people-to-people contact, enhancing connectivity, cultural cooperation, and cooperation in environment and climate change. The Foreign Minister of the Maldives expressed keen interest in concluding the proposed tourism MoU and visa exemption agreement with Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The international "Sea Breeze" exercise, which will be held until September 20, with the participation of representatives of 13 countries, will be launched in the waters of Bulgaria in the Black Sea. As Azernews reports via the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, this was said by the commander of the Bulgarian Navy, Rear Admiral Kiril Mikhailov, and the commander of the Sixth Fleet of the US Navy, Vice Admiral Thomas Ishi, at a briefing held in Varna. "The main goal of the training is to practice tactical actions and techniques in the fight against floating and bottom mines," Mikhailov pointed out. T. Ishi added that 105 sea mines were discovered in the Black Sea in connection with the Russia-Ukraine war, and at least 5 ships were damaged as a result of dozens of incidents. "Our goal is for countries to improve their ability to work together and use different tactics to destroy such munitions. Each country will demonstrate methods of detecting and neutralizing floating mines. Some operations will be conducted on the coast, where various demining tools will be demonstrated," the American commander said. It should be recalled that on January 11, 2024, a memorandum on the establishment of a joint anti-mine naval group consisting of Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria was signed in the Black Sea. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 September 2024 11:02 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The Front for the Liberation of French Colonies has issued a statement in response to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs' travel advisory regarding Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The statement says: Although the Prime Minister of France has yet to form his government, the actions of the outgoing Minister of the Interior and the alarmist warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning Azerbaijan do not surprise anyone. The government's next step will undoubtedly be to completely ban "French citizens" from visiting the aforementioned country. This decision would contradict the principles of "human rights" and "the free movement of people and goods" and would be entirely unlawful. The sole aim of the French State's actions is to prevent the Baku Initiative Group from continuing its mandate, granted by the Non-Aligned Movement within the framework of the United Nations. The mission of the Baku Initiative Group is to end colonialism worldwide. France is well aware of its declining international imagethis is rooted in the fact that the Baku Initiative Group has brought to the attention of the international community how member countries territories have been occupied by a so-called "human rights country" (France) and how it has treated and continues to treat indigenous peoples. The current situation in Kanaky (New Caledonia) is the best example of this. The Liberation Front of organizations from the last colonies under French control is rebelling against the methods of a country in political decline, which does not hesitate to resort to the most blatant and anti-democratic schemes to preserve its colonies. The aim is to maintain the interests that allow it to survive and to keep its position in the parade of great maritime powers. For our part, we will continue to work with the Baku Initiative Group within the framework defined by the UN or with any other partners we deem necessary in order to finally achieve our independence and protect the interests of our peoples. The statement has been signed by the leaders of 14 political movements from territories under French colonial rule. It is worth recalling that in July of this year, the leaders of political parties and movements fighting for independence in French colonies held their First Congress in Baku and established the Front for the Liberation of French Colonies. Officials from 17 French and Dutch colonies signed the Final Declaration on the establishment of the Liberation Front. The participants also ratified the Charter of the Front. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights delivered his annual global update on Monday, urging the international community to reject a new normal that upholds entrenched power structures at the expense of our common humanity Manzanita Bridge Work Will Slow N. Oregon Coast Traffic Well Into October Published 9/06/24 at 6:05 p.m. By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection (Manzanita, Oregon) One lane only will be the rule for awhile on the Necarney Creek Bridge near Manzanita, slowing down traffic greatly on this part of the north Oregon coast, after damage to the structure was discovered on August 29. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said actual repair and reconstruction work won't start until late in September, and there is as yet no estimate on when the work will be completed. (Photos courtesy ODOT) We will continue to flag traffic through one lane until repairs are completed, ODOT said. From now through at least into October, ODOT said you should plan for extra time on your trip down U.S 101 as you travel from Seaside / Cannon Beach into Oswald West State Park and to Wheeler, Nehalem and all points south. You will want to look at Tripcheck.com for current highway travel situations. We need to repair a section of concrete guardrail and sidewalk that collapsed on the northbound side of the bridge sometime Aug. 29, ODOT said. The steel guardrail, added in 2008 to improve safety, also was severely damaged. Oregon coast officials suspect someone hit that guard rail in the early morning hours of that day and did not report the incident. ODOT asked that if you or anyone you know may have witnessed a vehicle colliding with the guardrail on U.S. 101 in Oswald West State Park, please contact Lt. Andy Hasenkamp at Oregon State Police Astoria Area Command at 503-318-9917. The damage created many issues. We closed the bridge for about two hours Aug. 29 so that we could inspect the structure, ODOT said. We found it was safe to open one lane to traffic until repairs are finished. A resident of Tillamook was driving over the bridge about 4 p.m. when they noticed the damage. They reported it to ODOT, who then alerted the Manzanita Police Department and Oregon State Parks staff at Oswald West State Park. The police closed the lane of traffic next to the collapsed section immediately, ODOT said. By 4:30 p.m., we asked the police and Tillamook County Sheriffs Office to close the bridge fully as a precaution until we could inspect it. Traffic was backed up for hours along the north Oregon coast. Because we inspect bridges regularly, we had an inspector on the coast who was able to visit the bridge and reopen one lane within about two hours, ODOT said. The northbound lane in the damaged section is unsafe for vehicles because of the abrupt edge and severely damaged guardrail. The bridge at Necarney Creek was built in 1937, with part of the original concrete guardrail sidewalk among the severely damaged sections that collapsed in the wreck. ODOT installed more modern tubular made of metal in 2008 to further enhance protection for vehicles. Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Saturn In Opposition, Most Planets Put on a Show Above Oregon, Washington, Coastlines Published 9/05/24 at 7:15 p.m. By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection (Oregon Coast) Right now and through October is an excellent time to view Saturn, and even better will be September 8 as it reaches opposition. Then later next year it does something really special: the rings will seem to disappear. (Photo: OMSI) Jim Todd, astronomy expert with Portland's OMSI, said it's known as Saturn's opposition, which means on September 8 the earth comes between the sun and our ringed neighbor, forming a kind of straight line. It's the closest Saturn gets to us all year and it will be at its brightest. Saturn is rising in the east at sunset and visible all night, Todd said. This happens because when Saturn lies opposite the Sun in the sky, the solar system is lined up so that Saturn, the earth, and the sun form a straight line with the earth in the middle, on the same side of the sun as Saturn. At a distance of 804 million miles or 8.65 AU, the ringed planet will be making its closest approach to earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the sun. At a magnitude of +0.57, Saturn will be brighter than any other time of the year. For the next two months it'll be prominent in the sky, along with other major planets you're able to see right now. In fact, Mercury recently popped into our skies. Above: the beachy sky above Bandon - courtesy Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts For those observing from beaches of the Oregon coast or Washington coast or even better, the high vantage points stargazing will be great on clear nights. According to EarthSky.org, Mars, Mercury, Saturn and the extremely bright Jupiter are in the skies. Uranus and Neptune are also there, but you'd need a good telescope. Jupiter has been making quite a show all summer in the east. It's been dramatic from places like Portland, Seattle, Cannon Beach, Port Orford, Bandon or Westport. For stargazers and astrophotographers, it's an ideal time to view and photograph the superior planets, Todd said. Stars above Cannon Beach area's Hug Point, North Coast For the rest of 2024, Saturn will remain visible in the evening sky, Todd said. Then early next year things get really interesting however we won't really get to see it. This opposition of Saturn heralds a new look for it, at least temporarily. Saturn's rings will eventually appear edge-on in March 2025. NASA You'll need a telescope, of course, to see this. But doing that from the Washington coast or Oregon coast is usually impractical because of wind, and the solar system is going to throw another bummer at you. Rockaway Beach Saturns narrow rings are tilted by 3.3 degrees, nearly edge-on viewed from earth, Todd said. In March 2025, when earth crosses the plane of Saturns rings, they will temporarily seem to disappear. Unfortunately, Saturn will be too close to the sun and not be visible from earth. Will need to wait until May 2025 to observe Saturn again in our night sky. Need to do more night sky fun on the coastlines or elsewhere in Oregon or Washington? For one, in the Portland area, you can learn more about Saturn and the current night sky in OMSI Planetariums show, Starry Night Live!. For a schedule, go to OMSI.edu. Most areas of the coastlines are extremely dark, but fog and mist is often a factor. However, head to high vantage points like Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay, Arch Rock Viewpoint near Brookings or the pullout just south of Yachats and you often get quite an interstellar show. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Yachats Oktoberfest 2024 Returns to Oregon Coast with Dancing, Beer, German Grub Published 9/08/24 at 5:25 p.m. By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection (Yachats, Oregon) - The long-standing American tradition of grabbing even older European traditions for a holiday of imbibing and frivolity hits the coast at the end of the month with the force of a Bavarian Creme Pie. Yachats will host its second annual Oktoberfest on September 27 29, all taking place at the central Oregon coast village's Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. It's a weekend of beer, brats, walks and even gnomes. It runs Friday, September 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. The Yachats Oktoberfest is a vibrant and lively festival celebrating German culture, mainly through traditional music, dancing, beer, and food, said chamber director Nichole Lippincott. On Friday evening participants can enter a raffle to win an accordion with lessons. Admission to the Friday event is free. A $10 ticket at the door will buy brats and pretzels a la carte, and beer for $10 or $15, including a commemorative stein. On Saturday, the fun kicks in all over the village. From 11 to 2, you can participate in the Volkswalk, pick up your Passport at the Commons Pavilion and find cool stuff. Visit unique Village shops, and get a stamp for your prize-eligible Passport, she said. New this year is 'Find the Gnomes' at the shops, a treasure hunt filled with intrigue for children and adults. And Now for the Schedule: Friday Night: The festivities ignite at 5:30 p.m. within the charming Yachats City Commons, located at 501 Highway 101. Picture this: Yachats Mayor Craig Berdie, flanked by other Oregon State dignitaries, ceremoniously taps the keg. Meanwhile, a 12-piece accordion band sets the tone with the bouncy strains of the Yachats Oktoberfest song. As evening descends upon the lovely little central Oregon coast town, the air fills with Polkafest dancing, the aroma of bratwurst, and the clinking of beer steins. Truly a spirited start to the weekend. Saturday: From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Teutonic-tinged celebration continues. Participants gather at the Yachats Commons Pavilion for the passport pickup, embarking on the Village Volkswalk. Their mission? Collect passport stamps from local shops while engaging in a delightful Find the Gnomes activity designed for the wee ones. Yet for the grown-ups there's a treasure hunt - die Schatzsuche. At 2:00 p.m., everyone reconvenes at the Pavilion, eager to claim prizes for their gnome hunt, treasure hunt, and completed passports. Saturday Night: You may still have time to catch the Oregon coast sunset. Here, the public receives a special invitation: a dinner and dance affair. Choose your seating - either 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets, priced at $50 each, await purchase at this link. Whats on the menu? A traditional German-style feast, meticulously prepared by Chef Anthony of Organic Noodle in Florence. For beer enthusiasts, the libations flow courtesy of Rogue Brewery. Sunday: The weekend crescendos with a Harvest Worship at 10:00 a.m., hosted at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. This once-a-year festival is a fundraiser for Yachats Community Presbyterian Church so we can continue to provide the local food pantry, emergency shelter, transportation vouchers, and connections to social services for those in need, said Pastor Bob Barrett. Barrett can be reached at agatepastor@peak.org. Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted A leaked US Army document reveals another huge threat to America that has come across the Biden - Harris open borders. The extremely violent Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua is now embedded acroos the United States. It has even moved its headquarters from Venezuela to just south of the Rio Grande in Mexico. The document, labelled "Controlled Unclassified Information" from the US Army North Division, was leaked to the O'Keefe Media Group. It spells out where the Tren de Aragua has established operations across the US, with its deepest penetratoin in the Denver area. In Denver, TdA has been taking over apartment complexes, as they also have in Chicago. The document says that TdA members have been given the green light to attack law enforcement officers in the Denver area. The entire leaked report can be read at this link: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/leaked-us-army-documents-thousands-violent-venezuelan-prison-gang-members-run-amok-across Venezuela is one of those countries where the Biden-Harris regime has prioritized allowing migrants into the US with little or no vetting. The arrival of this violent crime gang is the result of that badly misguided policy. It is also a country they have been flying in migrants at taxpayer expense with their "parole pipeline". With these TdA crimiinals, perhaps "parole" is an appropriate word for what Biden and Harris are doing. By: Observer Editorial Team Revised and Updated 9-11-24 We posted an article recently entitled: Locally Elected Officials, How Important are they? Our conclusion was that they are just as important as the Washington, DC politicians and the crowd in Raleigh. All politicians have a direct effect on our quality of life. What politicians are not doing is just as important as what they are doing. We know a lot more about Washington, DC politicians because of the efficiencies of scale of our corrupt and lazy news sources. That is, news about a national politician can be gathered and broadcast with the same amount of effort as a local or state level politician. The same effort is required to produce a news piece that is broadcast across the entire United States as is required to produce an article that has interest in only one county. There are about 3,500 counties in the United States. All have almost the same problems with elected officials. Are the officials honest, are they alert enough to stop the changes the liberals, leftists and socialists are pushing on us every day? Are they strong enough managers to not allow bureaucrats to impose their will on government policy, thus usurping the will of the voters? The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners and School Board have become textbook examples of administrative government. That is, these members are present during meetings but have abandoned the real work of setting policy and forcing out liberal, socialistic and communist dogma and policy. They leave it up to their hired help. One School Board example of this is allowing Superintendent Cheeseman to make all of the decisions about the building of the new elementary school, with little to no public input or meetings. He is cramming 1,000 students in kindergarten thru the third grade into one building site, with no consideration given to the impacts on the long-term future of education in Beaufort County or the implications for the growth and development of our county. Modern thinking is moving in the direction that consolidated schools are not good for education. Cheesemans decisions support what we have been against for the last 30 years. Cross-town bussing is one example. Why not allow small children to have neighborhood schools? Neighborhood schools solve a lot of our present education problems. Closer to home means more parents can be involved in the day-to-day education of students. We would have fewer behavior issues with parents close by. Beyond geography, large schools, particularly at the lower grade levels impose numerous problems for parents and schools. For example, a K-5 school, and even more so a K-8 school, means it is more convenient for parents to get their children to school than if they have to take one to one school and another to another school(s). That reduces the costs of the taxpayers having to foot the bill for the extra busing. Having only one K-3 school in the Washington Attendance means that more very young kids will spend more time being bussed than if the school is closer to where they live. And that illustrates a major flaw in Superintendent Cheesemans planning. He is making decisions without sound data. For example, would it not be more efficient to convert the Washington Attendance Area to K-8 neighborhood schools than one large mega-school? Answer is: We dont know. He does not know. We do not have an adequate, up-to-date student locator system that would support solid planning for the most efficient placement of any new school(s) and a comparison of busing patterns? We are being told that Eastern Elementary needs to be demolished. But we have not seen any engineering study that supports that conclusion. Would it be less expensive to renovate Eastern and use the remainder to construct a new school west of Washington? How many students could be accommodated if John Small and P. S. Jones were converted to K-8? We simply do not know because the planning is inadequate. It is absolutely absurd that the School Board and Commissioners would consider spending in excess of 50 million dollars to replace Eastern. What should be done is hire a good consulting firm to do a facilities study, an up-to-date student locater system, and an analysis of the transportation alternatives. And while they are at it, this study should include ALL of the schools in the county and a county-wide student assignment plan. Already we are hearing rumblings about closing Snowden in Aurora. Replacing Eastern and closing Snowden should be considered as a part of a comprehensive Long-Range Plan for the entire county. Good planning does not typically cost as much as it saves when done correctly. The way our Superintendent is going about this is certainly not correct. What kind of people are sitting on a school board that would allow a Superintendent, not even a native of North Carolina, to make these important decisions for us with less than 4 years of experience in our school system? We believe the majority of the Beaufort County School Board is just as inept and uncaring as this arrogant Superintendent who believes he has the innate ability to make these decisions for us. Parents, teachers and the public have been systematically excluded from this planning. That is a terrible mistake. We would suggest that Dr. Cheeseman put the breaks on this monster and spend some time visiting each school community, using public hearings to listen to what parents think. He needs strong support from parents, staff and the community for whatever decisions are made. Ignoring the stakeholders is not going to generate that support. The School System just crept over the line from being a low performing system. Most Schools (8) had a D rating by the State Department of Education in 2023. According to the Washington Daily News (Saturday September 7 edition), the System, is no longer rated low performing by the skin of its teeth. Six (6) of the thirteen schools continue to have a D rating. Forgive us if we are skeptical of the real reason for large, consolidated schools. By definition, they homogenize the low performing students within a higher performing population to make the result look better. That leaves us worried about whether low performing students will be ignored in these large schools when the chest pounding comes because the mean scores are better. This information alone is enough to justify replacing the majority of the School Board at the next election. However, the school system continues to provide poor discipline, has sexual orientation problems, fails to teach cursive writing, and continues to teach modern (illogical) mathematics. The School Board allows the Big Cheese (Superintendent) to control the curriculum without adequate parent/public input. Is it any wonder the schools are in the academic condition they are in? There are five of the nine school board members up for election on November 5th. They all need to be replaced. There is no opposition to the Republican candidates in Districts 7 (River Road) and 9 (Pinetown). The contested races are in Districts 1 (Washington), 3 (Belhaven) and 5 (Old Ford). We are recommending Malissa Polk (District 1), David Hudson a registered Republican running Unaffiliated (District 3), and Stacey Davis (District 5). The only way to change education is to remove those who have sat there silently all these years and replace them with active people who have a mind of their own. We can change education by changing the people who are running education. The Board of County Commissioners has the same kind of problems as the School Board. Fake Frankie Waters is the leader of the 5 member clique of nodding heads. Frankie backed up the School Superintendent by illegally going to Pitt County, setting up a School Building Oversight Committee with himself, the school Superintendent and the Chairman of the School Board, T. W. Allen, as members without the approval or even the notice to the Board of County Commissioners. John Rebholz, Randy Walker and Democrats Booth and Langley backed up Frankies illegal act. Rebholz and Walker are running for Commissioner in the November elections. In backing Frankies illegal act they are certainly not looking after the parents and tax payers of Beaufort County. Just as troublesome as their loyalty to Fake Frankie Waters is their liberal belief that public housing will be a good thing for Beaufort County. Both Rebholz and Walker put themselves on a public housing committee set up by the Beaufort County Commissioners. They claim they are trying to lower housing costs by starting County-sponsored public housing projects. Every taxpayer should consider all of the bad things that go along with government sponsored housing. Electing Walker and Rebholz will get us more socialism. Randy Walker's wife is a member of the School Board. A husband-and-wife team is not illegal because no law has been passed against husband and wife teams. However, we believe this practice is not ethical. Randy Walker has never voted against his wife. There are only two conservative Republicans running for County Commissioner. They are Tandy Dunn and Hood Richardson. The American College of Gastroenterology's prior-authorization task force is the latest professional group to criticize UnitedHealthcare's new gold-card program. Beginning Oct. 1, UnitedHealthcare is rolling out a gold-card program that will reward contracted provider groups that "consistently adhere to evidence-based care guidelines" by allowing certain physicians to bypass the prior authorization process. A number of GI procedures, including intestine imaging and GI endoscopic ultrasounds, will be eligible for the new program. While some physicians have expressed optimism over the new program, professional groups including ACG and the American Gastroenterological Association have slammed UHC's program, calling it a new form of prior authorization. "Gold card programs were initially hailed as a pathway to improving quality of care while reducing administrative burden typical of utilization management requirements. However, as implemented, these programs are poised to be nothing more than the next generation of arduous, failed prior authorization protocols especially because eligibility is assessed by past prior authorization approval rates, not by demonstrating better health outcomes," the ACG wrote in a Sept. 9 statement sent to Becker's. "ACG remains skeptical about the benefits of gold card programs because they rely on the same faulty logic as their predecessors: that insurers, not physicians, should be the arbiter of what is best for a patient," the statement continued. "When establishing prior authorization protocols, insurers selectively use clinical guidelines to determine a course of treatment, instead of their proper use as a starting point. But physicians know better: patients cannot be treated as a monolith, and final clinical decisions must always rest with providers and patients." UHC disagreed and pointed to how PA works to ensure care is fully up to date and evidenced-based. "The UnitedHealthcare Gold Card program is the next step in our continual efforts to modernize the prior authorization process and simplify the healthcare experience for consumers and providers," a UHC spokesperson told Becker's. "Prior authorization isnt required for most gastroenterology procedures. Gastroenterology provider groups who meet the criteria will be included in the program. We haven't announced any plans to introduce prior authorization for GI procedures in 2024." When Gottumukkala Raju, MD, an endoscopist and professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition with the University of Texas MD Cancer Center in Houston first set out to establish a standardized endoscopy technician program in 2015, he was met with a wave of support from the university and physicians alike. "'We want that yesterday,'" was the response from nurse managers at the hospital when asked if there was a need for a standardized endoscopy technician training program, Dr. Raju told Becker's. Because a standardized technician program had not previously been established, a technician leaving their job for any reason could result in an unfilled position for months. "In every unit, we lose technicians. There's no unit that will not lose technicians," he said. "And when you lose personnel, it's so hard to replace [them]." Dr. Raju spent the next several years collaborating with the Coleman College for Health Sciences, a community college affiliated with the Houston community college system dedicated to healthcare, alongside other educators and clinicians, in order to establish such a program. "We came up with a 35-credit-hour [program], out of which 19 credit hours are endoscopy," he said. "And we decided that we will make the program in such a way that anybody who's working doesn't have to stop working." The program received approval from the Texas Board of Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools so that students could transfer their credits to community colleges under the organization's purview. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy also created an associate membership designation for endoscopy technicians and other providers in similar roles, further bolstering the hireability of program graduates. Dr. Raju sees the program as highly replicable, citing the ubiquity of community colleges in the U.S. and medical facilities in need of support staff. "[Community colleges] have the infrastructure to educate students, and they supply the healthcare workers to the hospitals," he said. "It's not just doctors and nurses, right? They need so many other technicians to function. And [with] the knowledge level in the hospitals, they should partner with the community colleges, and that partnership will be a win-win for the hospital and the community college." Perhaps above all, Dr. Raju sees the program as an untapped area of growth for future healthcare professionals. "What I envision is if somebody joins a hospital system not as a nurse, not as an administrator, but as a technician I want to see a professional growth pathway for that," he said. "If I stay in a hospital system for 30 years I should reach a level that I'm happy with." He also believes that programs such as this could go a long way in preventing burnout among healthcare professionals and improve long-term career trajectories for medical staff. "Why do we get burnt out? Because we keep doing the same thing, and there's no excitement, even if you learn [new skills], HR may not recognize that," he said. "But HR will recognize an associate degree. HR will recognize a BSN, because those are hard things for HR to hang their hat on. No amount of pushing by an endoscopist or a director, saying that, 'Hey, my technician can do all of these things. Can you increase the pay scale?' That usually won't work. But having a certificate, having a degree or a pathway, you are actually creating something that will help people." Dallas-based Steward Health Care filed a Sept. 10 stipulation that Pennsylvania will provide $1.5 million to the for-profit health system's Sharon (Pa.) Regional Medical Center for three months to keep it from closing. The court document, obtained by Becker's, shared that it is "stipulated and agreed by the parties" that Pennsylvania will begin providing the funding no later than Sept. 11, and will have the funds to Steward by the sixth day of each month through November. In total, the state will provide Sharon Regional with $4.5 million to maintain operations at the hospital. Should a new operator for the hospital not be secured by Dec. 2, Steward will be permitted to issue a facility closure notice. "In consideration for the payments, the debtors [Steward] agree to continue operations at Sharon Hospital in the ordinary course of business and to not issue any facility closure notice for Sharon Hospital while this Agreement remains in effect and so long as the Commonwealth honors its funding obligations," the document said. News of the stipulation comes after Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry shared Aug. 22 that Steward, which sought Chapter 11 protection May 6, was requiring $1.5 million from the state or it would submit a closure notice for Sharion Regional. "Governor Shapiro firmly believes every Pennsylvanian deserves to have access to quality, affordable health care when and where they need it," a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement shared with Becker's. "The Shapiro administration continues to have productive, ongoing conversations with all parties involved with the shared goal of preserving access to critical hospital and medical care for the people of northwestern Pennsylvania." During an Aug. 22 bankruptcy court hearing, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christoper Lopez approved a deadline of Aug. 30 for the state to come up with the funding. Meadville (Pa.) Medical Center also submitted a letter of intent to acquire Sharon Regional on Aug. 16. "Additionally, the debtors shall consult in good faith with the Commonwealth regarding the sale of Sharon Hospital to MMC or such other party determined by the Commonwealth to be an acceptable purchaser," the Sept. 10 document said. Steward, which comprises 31 hospitals, has already closed two of its hospitals in Massachusetts. Becker's has reached out to Meadville Medical Center for comment and will update this story should more information become available. Jim Andrews has been named president and CEO of Brown Mills, N.J.-based Deborah Heart and Lung Center, effective Sept. 9. Mr. Andrews succeeds Joseph Chirichella, who will become president emeritus, according to a Sept. 9 news release from the hospital. With more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Mr. Andrews most recently served as senior vice president for the heart and vascular and neuroscience service lines at West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health. Mr. Chirichella spent 13 years as president and 46 years total with the hospital, according to a February news release announcing his retirement. Deborah Heart and Lung Center is an 89-bed teaching hospital. Northwestern Medicine has established a new healthcare leadership center in partnership with the university's business school, supported by a $10 million endowment. Announced on Sept. 10, the Northwestern Medicine Kellogg Healthcare Leadership Center is a joint initiative between Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. The center will immerse MBA candidates in the health system's daily operations, providing hands-on experience, delivering leadership training and promoting research and innovation, according to a news release shared with Becker's. "The goal for the Northwestern Medicine Kellogg Healthcare Leadership Center is to empower future healthcare leaders and prepare them for transformational change in how we plan for and deliver patient care into the next decade and beyond," Howard Chrisman, MD, president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, said in a news release. "We believe this center will have a positive impact on future leaders that goes beyond the clinical setting and will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve." Northwestern Medicine contains 943-bed Northwestern Memorial Hospital, ranked the No. 1 hospital in Illinois for 13 years straight. Northwestern Medicine's reach has expanded throughout Chicago and Northern Illinois in the past decade, and it continues to grow with plans to open a 120,000-square-foot advanced outpatient care center in the city's Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side in 2025. The health system is the third-largest private employer in Illinois. Chinese firms to build Namibia's largest solar plant Xinhua) 10:49, September 10, 2024 WINDHOEK, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's state-owned power utility, NamPower, on Monday signed an engineering, procurement, and construction contract with a Chinese joint venture for the 100MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV power plant. The contract, signed with the Chinese joint venture between China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. and China New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., is valued at over 1.4 billion Namibian dollars (about 78 million U.S. dollars). The project supports Namibia's efforts to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure and is expected to significantly contribute to the country's electricity supply security and sustainability goals. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nampower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu said the 100 MW PV plant and other infrastructure projects currently under construction are part of NamPower's Integrated Strategic Business Plan for the period 2020-2025. "The Rosh Pinah 100 MW PV Project is a project of great national importance and will help the government accomplish its goals of ensuring electricity supply security and self-sufficiency as outlined in the national planning policies such as the fifth National Development Plan and the National Integrated Resource Plan," he said. Additionally, the project will also aid in addressing and supporting the renewable energy commitments prescribed in the Renewable Energy Policy and National Energy Policy, he said, adding that the PV plant will also play a pivotal role in transitioning towards low carbon and environmentally sustainable energy system. According to Haulofu, the total estimated project cost is 1.6 billion Namibian dollars. "The investment into the Rosh Pinah 100MW PV project will contribute to managing and regulating future increases in electricity tariffs. This will not only benefit individual consumers by lowering increases to their electricity bills but also contribute to the overall economic growth and environmental sustainability," he said. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with the plant set to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 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) Columbus-based OhioHealth signed a nonbinding letter of intent with Lancaster, Ohio-based Fairfield Medical Center on Sept. 6. Having the letter in place will allow both parties to share key information to help identify expanded care and services opportunities. "OhioHealth is always exploring potential relationships with organizations that share our mission and values," a spokesperson for OhioHealth said in a Sept. 10 statement shared with Becker's. "To that end, we have signed a letter of intent to explore the possibility of a strengthened relationship with Fairfield Medical Center." John Janoso Jr., president and CEO of Fairfield Medical Center, said in a Sept. 10 statement shared with Becker's that the hospital recognizes great value in collaborating with a partner like Ohio Health, and that this decision was an "extremely thoughtful and calculated step" toward its future. "Our priority has and always will be our service to our patients, and we are excited about our potential to partner with OhioHealth to drive innovation and quality," Mr. Janoso said. California Nurses Association members are condemning a proposal to end births and intensive care services at the 49-bed Santa Paula (Calif.) Hospital on Oct. 15, relocating them to the 272-bed Ventura County Medical Center about 15 miles away. The members, including nurses and healthcare workers from Ventura County, announced plans to hold an informational picket and address the county board of supervisors on Sept. 10 to oppose the board's approval of the proposal. In opposing the move, they cited potential serious issues, including a projected increase in ambulance demand, that could arise if laboring mothers or critically ill patients must transfer between hospitals due to local service shutdowns. "These proposed closures will overwhelm other surrounding area hospitals and put the Santa Clara Valley patients at risk of delayed life-saving care," Mary Ann Chase, RN, said in a Sept. 6 union news release. In May, Ventura County Health Care Agency leaders presented a budget plan to county officials, citing $16 million in financial losses last fiscal year and a sharp decline in patient volumes, from 502 deliveries in 2010 to 167 in 2023. County officials approved the plan in June, but they still await approval from the California Department of Public Health for the new licensure to close the units. Meanwhile, union members are urging the cuts be rescinded. A hospital spokesperson told Becker's on Sept. 9 there would be no staff reductions as a result of the closures. "Ventura County Medical Center, which is the designated level 2 trauma center for West County, home to the only pediatric intensive care unit in the county and the first neonatal intensive care unit in the county, will continue offering the highest quality labor and delivery and intensive care services and is equipped to accept additional patients," the spokesperson said. The CNA represents more than 800 Ventura County healthcare workers, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatric techs and licensed vocational nurses who work at the Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital, as well as 13 clinics, numerous public health departments and behavioral health clinics. The union has also condemned plans to close the labor and delivery department at Hemet Global Medical Center, a 327-bed facility owned and operated by Corona, Calif.-based KPC Group. Rushville, Ill.-based Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is being accused of sharing patients' information with third parties, including Google, Microsoft and Facebook, the Journal-Courier reported Sept. 10. The lawsuit alleges the hospital knowingly used tracking software on its website without proper authorization and without notifying patients. The lawsuit alleges 11 counts of negligence, invasion of privacy, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of confidentiality and violations of various state and federal privacy laws. The suit is being brought by a patient of the hospital who sought treatment between November 2021 and September 2023. According to court documents, patients were encouraged to use the website and other online platforms such as Facebook to learn about the hospital, find providers and access patient portals. When members of the lawsuit used the tools, they thought they were communicating solely with their healthcare provider. But the embedded tracking mechanisms on the website allowed third parties to access their information and use it for marketing. Information tracked included the user's health information, status as a patient, information about her patient portal activity, names and specialities of the medical providers they searched and the search results they clicked on, the lawsuit reads. In addition, the tracking software stored IP addresses, user cookies and Facebook ID numbers. These were used for targeted health-related advertisements on Facebook that mirrored private medical treatment information, according to the lawsuit. Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital has not responded to the accusations, the report said. While drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly assert that shortages of popular weight loss and diabetes medications Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound are easing, many patients continue to face challenges accessing the drugs, NPR reported Sept. 6. Novo Nordisk recently said its supply of its GLP-1 drugs has improved, with the exception of the starting dose of the medication. Eli Lilly claimed its production facilities have been operating at full capacity to meet the high demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound. However, anecdotally, patients continue to report difficulties accessing the drugs. Bill Combs, a patient from Boston, told the news outlet he was informed that his pharmacy was out of stock of Wegovy when he went to refill his prescription in late August. "There may be many reasons why a particular pharmacy does not have a particular dose of the medicine in stock," Eli Lilly spokesperson Rachel Servig wrote in an email to NPR. "Lilly recommends that patients contact their pharmacy approximately one week before the medicine is needed to start the prescription refill process sooner." Novo Nordisk spokesperson Jamie Bennett told NPR the company can't control which pharmacies or patients get Ozempic in the U.S. The FDA continues to list these drugs in shortage, requiring manufacturers to prove they can meet demand and fulfill back orders before lifting the designation. MarinHealth Medical Center is pioneering the use of an AI-powered tool to detect the exact location of an aneurysm, CBS News reported Sept. 9. The Greenbrae, Calif.-based hospital uses Cydar Maps, which generates a detailed 3D image of a patient's anatomy. Allan Conway, MD, a vascular surgeon at the medical center, said the technology helps his team find the aneurysm's precise location. "Before, we had to do a lot of X-rays, inject a lot of X-ray dye to show us this map," Dr. Conway told CBS News. "Now we know exactly where the aorta is, we know where the aneurysm is." Curt Langlotz, MD, PhD, director of Stanford University's Center for AI in Medicine and Imaging, told CBS News this technology is promising and requires careful handling. "This newest wave of AI is so much more powerful and useful," Dr. Langlotz said. "We need to make sure to protect the privacy of patients and then we need to make sure to assess the accuracy and performance of each system." Another MRI accident has shed light on the lack of standardized safety protocols or an agency that oversees and enforces them, Fox 2 KTVU reported Sept. 9. A wheelchair was brought into the MRI room by a trainee at a Mountain View, Calif., facility. When the machine was turned on, the wheelchair careened across the room, narrowly missing the patient inside. "My frustration comes out of the fact that these are almost 100% preventable through existing best practices," MRI safety expert, Tobias Gilk, told KTVU. There are standard practices and training for people who work in the MRI environment, but incident reportage is not standardized. KTVU said they were given the runaround when trying to determine MRI reporting standards. The California Department of Public Health said that its radiological health branch was informed of the incident, but that the MRIs were outside their jurisdiction. It referred them to the California Medical Board, but it said to ask the health department because it does not "oversee these types of medical offices." The outlet then reached out to the American College of Radiology who accredited the facility, but they said people can report incidents and accredited sites are subject to unannounced visits, but they do not "regulate" medical sites or require reporting of issues, failures or injuries. "I think that there's an obligation on the part of the state, in one form or another, to make sure that the citizens of the state of California, when they go seeking healthcare, that they are assured some minimum levels of quality and safety," Mr. Gilk said. MRI incidents and failures are on the rise, radiologists told KTVU, though it's to be expected as the number of MRIs being performed each year is rising. Last year, a Kaiser Permanente hospital in California was fined $18,000 after an MRI machine's magnetic field pulled a metal bed to the machine and a nurse sustained serious injuries. San Francisco is the most artificial intelligence-ready city of 2024, according to AI market research firm Avantis. The company compiled a top 10 list after evaluating 21 cities on five factors: number of AI-related job postings, AI-related events, AI businesses, the AI Readiness Index from think tank Oliver Wyman Forum, and searches for generative AI terms. Here are the 10 most AI-ready cities, according to the report shared with Becker's: 1. San Francisco 2. London 3. Tokyo 4. Singapore 5. New York City 6. Washington, D.C. 7. Paris 8. Amsterdam 9. Berlin 10. Boston CMS on Aug. 29 addressed frequently asked questions regarding the ongoing BD BACTEC blood culture media bottle shortage. Here are three things to know: CMS reaffirmed its knowledge of the shortage and its recommendation that laboratories and providers follow FDA guidance to implement "conservation procedures." CMS shared that BD extended the shelf life for specific lots of blood culture media bottles and encouraged laboratories and providers to contact BD for more information. CMS instructed laboratories to contact their accrediting organizations or state agencies before and if they plan to switch to glass media bottles because of the shortage. CMS issued a statement recognizing the effect the shortage may have on quality measurements, which in turn may influence hospital star ratings, in August. Representatives from Renton, Wash.-based Providence and New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health recently spoke to Becker's about how their systems are implementing conservation measures during the shortage, which is expected to continue late into the year. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently approved an additional $130 million investment in two programs designed to reduce nursing shortages. The Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education Fund rewards achievement among nursing education programs at state universities, school district postsecondary technical career centers, and Florida College System institutions that offer a licensed practical nurse program, according to a Sept. 3 news release from the governor's office. Established two years ago, the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund offers competitive grants for state universities, school districts, Florida College System institutions, and independent nonprofit colleges and universities by offering dollar-for-dollar matching funds to agencies that collaborate with healthcare providers, the release said. In addition to the $130 million for the programs, there is also $125 million appropriated in fiscal year 2022-23 and fiscal year 2023-24. This brings Florida's total investment to $380 million. The U.S. housing crisis can lead to difficulties in retaining and recruiting healthcare professionals. UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, Colo., is addressing the issue with investment in long-term employee housing. Aurora, Colo.-based UCHealth and Yampa Valley announced a $30 million initiative in October. Now, 29 of the 42 units in the Steamboat Springs housing development have been assigned to employees. Dec. 1 will mark the first of the move-ins, Mary Wirta, human resources manager at Yampa Valley Medical Center, told Becker's. The units were allocated to employees based on a weighted lottery, with rent determined by the household's gross income, size and type of unit. Subsidies will also be provided to employees who meet income criteria. The program has had a positive effect on retention and recruitment, Ms. Wirta said. Some individuals have reached out for information before applying to open roles, and turnover has decreased to its lowest level in approximately 18 months, she added. Some of the hospital's smaller departments that have struggled to maintain staffing, such as clinical engineering and respiratory therapy, have stabilized their levels after the program's launch, Ms. Wirta said. Additionally, some employees who left the hospital because of housing costs and availability have reached back out after the program was launched. Program participants come from every corner of the hospital, including from departments such as radiology, laboratory, nursing, food nutrition services, surgical services, urgent care facilities and pharmacy, she said. Aside from retention and recruitment, the goal was to improve the accessibility and affordability of housing. "While we're most certainly not going to solve the housing crisis in Steamboat Springs, we want to make it a bit easier for our employees," Ms. Wirta said. "Our goal is to leverage the availability side of things while also working to support individuals through the affordability factors." In addition to factors such as unit size, rent is determined by fair market values and other thresholds from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. One of the goals is to ensure participants are spending less than 30% of their income on housing, which has been a marker for affordability, Ms. Wirta said. A commitment to employees is necessary in seeing the program through, she said. "We're very fortunate that we've had the support of our system in this. We couldn't do it without the entirety of UCHealth to make it happen," Ms. Wirta said. "But it's that commitment and really looking at the long term and the big picture of where we can make an impact that is important." Proprio's Paradigm surgical guidance platform has been used in 50 spine cases. The platform records data and models potential results of key surgical decisions to help surgeons, according to a Sept. 10 news release from the company. It takes images of the surgery and integrates them to make real-time 3D anatomical mapping. "Since the first-in-human surgery using Proprio less than a year ago, I have witnessed immense progress and benefits from incorporating this technology into spinal surgery," Richard Bransford, MD, said in the release. "This system's unprecedented visualization and data collection capabilities offer a level of precision far beyond previous methods." Paradigm is expanding to hospitals globally in 2024 and 2025. Corporate culture is becoming an increasing area of focus for boards (Pic: Getty Images) Corporate governance is frequently dismissed by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a concern reserved for large corporations, often perceived as irrelevant to their scale and operations. However, this view overlooks the significant benefits that a tailored corporate governance framework can deliver for SMEs. It is therefore important for these businesses to understand the key principles of corporate governance and how they apply in Northern Ireland. In January 2024, the Financial Reporting Council published a revised Corporate Governance Code, which provides requirements in relation to the behaviour, responsibilities and actions of board members of companies in the UK. The code has five broad themes: board leadership and company purpose; division of responsibilities; composition, succession and evaluation; audit, risk and internal control; and remuneration. It is mandatory only for companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authoritys listing rules. However, many of the principles can be applied to SMEs to aid their directors in improving the quality of their governance and stewardship, and, in doing so, fulfilling their fiduciary duties under the Companies Act 2006. Company purpose For a board of directors to be effective in its role, it must have a focus on the sustainable success of the company, thereby generating value for shareholders. A companys purpose should have a long-term focus and include strategies and sets of values that align to board objectives. Setting such strategies allows management to identify all sources from where material benefit and value is gained. These include financial sources, but may also include, for example, appropriately skilled workforces, intellectual property or brand recognition. Focusing on areas that generate the most value is key for effective management of the business. When major decisions are to be made, such as capital expenditure or amendments to staffing levels, the board can then make assessments based on outcomes that will best deliver this purpose. Corporate culture Corporate culture is becoming an increasing area of focus for boards, with stakeholders often expecting a company to have its purpose clearly aligned to a framework of values, ethics and behaviours. Such a framework is most effective when embedded throughout an organisation and scaled to the size and complexity of its operations and stakeholder expectations. Attributes of a positive culture, best delivered through a top-down approach, include honesty, transparency, respect and an environment of psychological safety. Ownership of a companys values will be stronger if a collaborative approach is taken, involving management and the workforce in a two-way process, with the directors setting the tone at the top. Board composition and performance Ideally, boards would have a diverse make-up, with a balance of executive and non-executive directors, bringing a range of skills of value relevant to the risks and opportunities facing the company. However, for SMEs, board diversity can be a challenge. A skills audit may be beneficial, where an analysis of strengths and weaknesses is performed, to identify areas where additional support may be valuable. It may be appropriate to appoint one or more non-executive directors, or to engage a third party on an ad-hoc basis to provide consultancy, legal or other advice. An annual evaluation of the board may also be helpful, to determine whether its members are effectively working together to build resilience and achieve company objectives. Risk management Effective risk management is vital for companies of all sizes. Directors should consider their processes for identifying and managing both existing and emerging risks. Of particular focus should be risks, and indeed opportunities, arising from sustainability and climate-related matters. Whether it is opportunities arising from new markets, risks around future profitability of products and services, or simply managing the as-yet-uncertain impact of climate change, boards should ensure they have a process for regularly reviewing sustainability-related matters, including the capturing of relevant data and implications of any financial reporting requirements. The board should consider whether it has the necessary skills and abilities to assess the risks the company is facing, and will face, and consider filling any skills gaps to enhance the resilience of the business to an ever-changing risk environment. Effective internal controls One of the most important duties of any board of directors is stewardship over the companys financial resources, including the production of financial statements that present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the companys position and prospects. In the code, it is a requirement of boards to make a declaration in relation to the effectiveness of their material controls. The definition of material controls is broad, encompassing financial, operational, compliance and reporting controls. Although the code only applies to listed entities, the maintenance of a strong system of internal controls is vital for any business. In performing their fiduciary duties under company law, directors are stewards of a companys resources and must use these for the overall benefit of the companys members. It is vital that there are systems in place sufficient to safeguard such resources, ensuring, as far as possible, they generate maximum benefit for the owners of the entity. Given that SMEs contribute approximately three-quarters of all private sector income generated in NI, their importance to our regional economy cannot be overstated. By adopting a corporate governance framework that is specific to their unique needs, these businesses can establish a robust foundation for ongoing, sustainable growth. This approach not only strengthens their performance and resilience but also bolsters their reputation, ensuring they remain vital contributors to our economy for years to come. Claire Thomson is director in risk and professional standards at Grant Thornton Gordon Lyons has said bringing the legislation will take time Bringing legislation on the complex issues surrounding building safety regulations in Northern Ireland will take time, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said. It comes after Mr Lyons department confirmed last week that laws to shore up the rules here will not come before the Assembly until at least 2027 a decade after the Grenfell Tower tragedy and possibly as late as 2032. Following the fire, the Building Safety Act was passed by Parliament in 2022 and remedial schemes the Building Safety Fund (BSF) and the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) were subsequently established. Last weeks final report from the Grenfell Inquiry highlighted how systemic failings on behalf of government, manufacturers and oversight bodies had led to the deaths of 72 people when Grenfell Tower caught fire in June 2017. More than 70 people were also injured during the blaze, which burned for almost three days. Irish company Kingspan came under particular criticism for entrenched and persistent dishonesty in how it tested and marketed its K15 product, which formed 5% of the towers total insulation. While legislation was introduced at Westminster, Stormont had collapsed, with the law on residential building safety measures remaining in limbo here. The fire at Grenfell Tower killed 72 people in June 2017 Mr Lyons said the legislation would take time to implement. These are complex issues; legislation does take time to develop and the Assembly will be doing everything we can to make sure our high-rise buildings are safe for people in Northern Ireland, he said. I met with the Minister responsible last week in London to discuss Grenfell. We will be considering the recommendations that flow from Grenfell as well. Youll be aware Ive already brought forward some legislation on building safety to protect residents in NI and make sure they are on the same basis as the rest of the UK. We are doing everything we can to bring this forward as quickly as possible, but legislation takes time. Anything we can do for example on the defective premises we were able to take something through to deal with the discrepancies that existed in NI. We will continue to look at the issues as they arise and do what we can to make sure people are protected. Last week, the Department said it would take time to carefully review the findings. The department has been extensively researching the residential building safety measures adopted in other UK jurisdictions and beyond and has been waiting on this final report to appropriately inform its policy position, said a spokesperson. It is envisaged the new legislation will be introduced in the next mandate. All jurisdictions are working together to accelerate cladding remediation across the whole of the UK. The department would encourage all residents, managing agents and owners of high-rise residential buildings who may be concerned about cladding to enquire about the availably of funding through the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS). The Cladding Safety Scheme provides a 33m fund for the remediation of unsafe cladding on residential buildings across Northern Ireland. DfC provided an additional 1.2m through public expenditure dedicated to the Cladding Safety Scheme in Northern Ireland for the 2023-24 financial year, which will have a huge impact on affected buildings. Hagan's Bar in Dungannon has been sold after 55 years in the Hagan family A landmark pub in Co Tyrone has been sold after 55 years in the ownership of the same family. Dungannons Hagans Bar, which includes Bar Bella, has been acquired by 1 Oak Leisure Ltd. The Irish Street bar was first established by May and Dominic Hagan in 1969, and since 1990, had been owned by their son Paul and his wife Briege. After first putting the pub on the market in September 2022, Mr Hagan announced the sale of the well-loved venue which had a recent guide price of 0.9m on Monday night. He wrote on Facebook: We have come to the end of our journey at Hagans Bar, and what a trip it has been. "After taking over from my parents May and Dominic in 1990, myself and Briege got stuck in and worked hard to grow the business. Buoyed by our success we acquired a couple of properties next to us and started our first renovations around 2005. He said a major renovation and refurbishment was carried out in 2008, followed three years later by an extension and other improvements. "This sent us to another level and we had become the most popular and busiest venue in Mid Ulster. We went on to enjoy many years at the top of our game and we are very proud of that. We couldnt have done any of this without the fantastic staff that we had over the years and of course, all our wonderful customers. We thank you all most sincerely and wish you all nothing but happiness and good health in the future. "The new owners, 1 Oak Leisure Ireland Ltd, have a wealth of experience in the hospitality business and I have no doubt we are leaving it in very safe and capable hands. Oak Leisure Ireland is part of Mid Ulster-based Oakleaf Group. Managing director Patrick Scullion said: Hagans is one of Tyrones longest-running and most popular family bars and we are delighted to add it to our portfolio of venues in the Mid Ulster region and beyond. We already have a very strong footprint in Cookstown, so when the opportunity arose to acquire such a prestigious venue in neighbouring Dungannon, it seemed a very logical and exciting move for the company. Plans are already in the pipeline for a major refurbishment of the bar and associated beer garden with food being added to enhance the existing offering, but well share those details in due course, he added. In May, the group announced the purchase of The Central Inn in Cookstown. It opened its first location in Cookstown, TIME Bar & Venue, in 2012 and also owns the towns Clubland nightclub, as well as The Harp and Fiddle in Strabane. The Central Inn is being revamped as The 40 Thieves, described by Oakleaf group as an Irish American-style pub. Speaking at the time, Mr Scullion said: The hospitality industry across Northern Ireland has been suffering badly since the pandemic, when it was undoubtedly one of the hardest hit sectors, and the Mid Ulster region is no exception. Cookstown was once the social capital of Mid Ulster with people travelling from all over Northern Ireland to attend the towns bars and nightclubs, or the bustling Saturday market. Our aim is to do our bit to help restore the town to its former glory with significant investment in exciting new venues to entertain locals and attract visitors. Oakleaf has also carried out refurbishment work on The Black Sheep bar in the Co Derry village of The Loup, after buying the venue in 2023. News Catch Up - Tuesday 10 September NI food company boss on how crisis of succession led to him returning from new US home to run family firm William McColgan is hoping to avoid future succession crises at the Co Tyrone food company hes now running with his sister Grainne, he tells Margaret Canning William McColgan Tue 10 Sep 2024 at 07:20 Succession crises have punctuated the history of pastry company McColgans in Strabane. Crypto ATMs are legal in the US but must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (FCA/PA) Environment secretary Steve Reed held the roundtable on Tuesday in the City of London (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Ministers have held talks with bosses of water industry investment firms in a bid to attract fresh capital to the scandal-hit sector. Environment Secretary Steve Reed held a roundtable with roughly 30 people representing investors in the sector such as pension funds on Tuesday in the City of London. Jonas Brothers fans from Belgium Youandi Van Dozen and Tiffany Tridder outside the SSE Arena, Belfast. Picture by Peter Morrison Brooke Heaton, from Manchester, Sian Jones, from Kent, Francesca Bersane from Italy and Casey Russell from Kent camp outside the venue Jonas Brothers fans Heidi Sergent from Essex and Mackenzie Hoekstra from Melbourne outside the SSE Arena, Belfast. Picture by Peter Morrison Worldwide fans of the Jonas Brothers couldnt contain their excitement on Monday afternoon as they gathered at Belfasts SSE Arena for more than seven hours before the stadiums doors opened for the concert. Formed in 2005, The Jonas Brothers soon became a worldwide phenomenon after they were signed by Disneys Hollywood Records label, and then made subsequent frequent appearances on the popular childrens channel. Jonas Brothers Nick, Joe and Kevin Mackenzie Hoekstra (21) came all the way from Melbourne just to see the pop rock trio, and soon made friends with another superfan, Heidi Sargent (25) from Essex, who was also waiting outside the arena to make sure they beat the evening queues. I got here [to Northern Ireland] a couple of days ago, and I leave for Dublin tomorrow to go see them down there, and then Im just travelling around the rest of Europe, said Mackenzie. I just thought, Im coming this far, I might as well just make a holiday out of it. I was a baby when Camp Rock came out, so I'm a lifelong fan. The Jonas Brothers opened their UK and Ireland tour in Belfast, followed by Dublin on Tuesday, and they are heading to cities in England and Scotland thereafter. Heidi is attending five of their gig dates in total. Ive been a fan of them since I was little and saw them in Camp Rock. Ive dreamt of this moment, because this is my first time seeing them in person, so Im super excited, she added. Jonas Brothers fans from Belgium Youandi Van Dozen and Tiffany Tridder outside the SSE Arena, Belfast. Picture by Peter Morrison The Jonas Brothers real breakthrough followed their roles in the 2008 Disney movie musical Camp Rock, in which Joe Jonas played the romantic lead, opposite Demi Lovato. Heidi and Mackenzie werent the only fans of the film setting up literal campsites outside the SSE Arena on Monday either. Sisters Millie (21) and Georgia Walker (25), from Newcastle upon Tyne, were wrapped in blankets, looking forward to hopefully obtaining stage-side access once doors opened at 6.30pm. Everything that Georgia liked, I liked. The Jonas Brothers were my first concert when I was five, and she was nine, so because she was going everywhere she went, I went, said Millie. The sisters even bejewelled a jacket with Hey Beautiful the title of a song from Joe Jonas upcoming solo album. Georgia noted: Weve got all the burns on our fingers to prove our hard DIY work. Jonas Brothers fans Georgia and Millie Walker Other fans who flew into Belfast just for The Jonas Brothers and could be found in a pitched up tent outside the arena were Brooke Heaton (21) from Manchester (21), Sian Jones (20) and Casey Russell (20) from Kent, and Francesca Bersane (30) from Italy (30). Brooke Heaton, from Manchester, Sian Jones, from Kent, Francesca Bersane from Italy and Casey Russell from Kent camp outside the venue Monday night marked the first time the US band performed in Northern Ireland. Commercial Development of the Year, sponsored by Carson McDowell Whilst the weather was something to forget this summer, our local Olympians certainly made it one to remember. The most successful Olympics ever for athletes from Northern Ireland will long be remembered and celebrated, and, as I write, our Paralympians could make it better still. However, it is not just in respect of sporting achievement that this part of the world has a tradition of punching above its weight. With the new school year just started and autumn nights approaching, the local property calendar turns its attention to the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards. There is much to celebrate in the local market which I am sure other parts of the UK and Ireland must be envious of. Richard Dickson, partner in Carson McDowells real estate team The past 12 months have seen significant projects starting, nearing completion and getting the green light at planning. To name but a few, we have seen the commencement of The Loft Lines in Titanic Quarter, the completion of Belfast Grand Central Station within the approved Weavers Cross master plan, Studio Ulster about to open its doors and work starting on the Queens University iREACH research buildings at Belfast City Hospital. There is also a plethora of exceptional student accommodation adding to an almost constantly changing Belfast city skyline. In a record turnover year for our firm, our real estate, banking, construction and planning teams have been exceptionally busy and continue to be involved in key development and infrastructure projects not just in Belfast (including each of those mentioned above), but also across the province and beyond. Cm Whilst there is evidence of increased activity and much to remain optimistic about, every developer client I know would agree that challenges remain during the planning consultation stage and current capacity limitations on existing drainage infrastructure present a major restriction. Improvements in those areas may be on the horizon but their resourcing remains uncertain, and the industry is still experiencing a political hangover from the Assemblys sabbatical. A case in point is that our legislative framework on environmental issues lags behind that of our nearest neighbours in all directions. Whilst challenges remain and significant steps will be needed to get close to government environmental goals, it is important to take stock as to how far things have changed and improved upon. Logo The Belfast Telegraph Property Awards provide this opportunity. For those of us who have been acting in commercial property for the past 25-plus years, it is evident there has been a huge improvement in the quality and range of our commercial developments and new-build homes in Northern Ireland. Carson McDowell is again delighted and proud to sponsor this years Commercial Development of the Year Award and our team looks forward to celebrating with the finalists in October. Like our local Olympians and Paralympians, there is continual challenge to deliver and improve upon our personal bests, whatever our discipline is in the property sector. But considering the likely quality of entrants at this years awards, being part of world-class, innovative, ground-breaking projects is something this small part of the world appears to do very well. To enter the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, go to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/propertyawards/enter Best Property Marketing of the Year, sponsored by Barrett Group We are excited to share the news that Barrett Group is proudly sponsoring the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards for the sixth consecutive year. With over three decades of experience in the industry, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to supporting and celebrating the best in the business. At Barrett Group, we take immense pride in our bespoke online service, offering estate agents a quick turnaround for ordering for sale, letting and commercial boards. Our dedication to delivering tailored solutions sets us apart in the market. Barratt Group logo In addition to our comprehensive signage services, which encompass window displays, LED displays, wall displays and window/wall graphics, we also excel in bespoke shopfitting and interior fitouts. These services cater not only to the property industry, but extend to various other sectors as well. Recently, we reached a significant milestone by relocating after 33 years on the Crumlin Road in Belfast. Our new 6,500 sq ft premises at 10c Hydepark Road, Mallusk, presents a fantastic opportunity for growth and provide our valued customers with even more options. As we look forward to the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards on October 25, we extend our best wishes to all the entrants. It is an honour to be part of an event that celebrates excellence and innovation within the property industry. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and contributing to the growth and success of our partners and clients. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter in our companys history. To enter the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, visit www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/propertyawards/enter Thug jailed for planning to kill police officers tried to keep his sick child porn conviction quiet A gun-toting dissident terrorist jailed last year for planning to murder cops is today exposed as a child pervert. Shane Stevenson is currently out on licence, having been recently released from prison after he was convicted of a terror plot to target police officers in Lurgan last year after he was caught with AK-47 magazines. The 36-year-old, who was caught staking out Lurgan PSNI Station, pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in suspicious circumstances and without a firearms certificate, as well as two further counts of attempting to possess a document likely to be useful to terrorism. His fingerprints and DNA were found on a piece of paper, discovered after a subsequent raid on his house, which included the vehicle registration details of a car that belonged to the wife of a serving PSNI officer, but whose husband was also insured to drive the car. Mandy Duffy with her brother Colin He was sentenced to 16 months in prison last September, but was recently released having served much of that time on remand. But its not his terror convictions that have caused a split within his family instead its the fact hes currently on the sex offenders register for child sex offences. Last weekend, Stevenson was accused of smashing up a car which his father well-known republican Lawrence was sitting in, by another family member who posted photos of the damage on social media. Today, we can reveal Shane a father of seven has fallen foul of his family after he pleaded guilty to a number of charges of possessing and making indecent images. He was arrested by cops for the terror offences in 2018 when he and co-accused Martin Kerr where stopped in a white Peugeot and the van contained 22 empty magazines compatible with AKM/AK-47 assault rifles. While awaiting trial for those offences Stevenson was charged in July 2020 with one charge of possession of an indecent photograph of a child and a second charge of having an extreme pornographic image. At the time leading Lurgan republican Mandy Duffy sister-in-law of notorious dissident Colin Duffy went in to bat for Stevenson when she released a statement saying the charge against him was effectively a state stitch-up. The wrecked car of Stevensons father But Shane Stevenson pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children and three counts of possessing extreme pornographic images. Two further charges of possessing an indecent image were left on the books, according to court papers. Mandy Duffy, who was at the time a prominent member of Saoradh, the New IRAs political wing, leapt to the defence of Stevenson. She said he had only been accused of the crime because he is a republican. Writing on social media afterwards, Duffy said: My interpretation of this would be an image that appears to be a child, but [is] not a child. But anyway, it hardly matters as this man was sent these images, like a hell of a lot of others, Im sure, on a WhatsApp group chat or similar. He is the only one charged, not the person who sent it or others who received it. This is simply because he is a local republican. I would never put myself out on a limb when it comes to child abuse, but I am totally confident that this is a contrived charge simply because he is a republican. I will stand in support of Shane 100 percent and his family, who have suffered dreadfully due to these charges and the consequences of these charges. But many other dissidents distanced themselves from Stevenson on finding out he had pleaded guilty rather than fighting the charges and clearing his name and was sentenced back in June 2021. Stevenson posing in a museum And its understood members of his own family werent too happy either. Shane had been telling people those child porn charges were dropped and, because they seemed to slip by without being reported on, people believed him, said a source. But his family obviously had to be told because he was put on probation and told to sign the sex offenders register and social services were obviously informed. Those supporting him couldnt understand why he pleaded guilty to such disgusting offences. If it was just a case of him being sent pictures in a WhatsApp group chat then take it into court and at least make that case. Pleading guilty makes no sense, especially when he had been denying it so publicly, and it just looks like he wanted to get it dealt with in the quickest and quietest way possible so more details about the images didnt come out. We can reveal Stevenson appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court three years ago and was told he must serve 18 months on probation would have to sign the sex offenders register for five years, meaning he has two more years before he can stop doing that. The court also ordered that his phone be seized and destroyed. Last weekend, it was claimed that Stevenson had been involved in some sort of clash with his father Lawrence. Pictures of a car with a smashed-up back window were accompanied on social media with an angry comment. A relative of Shane Stevenson posted: Imagine a man after a long overdue few words trying to get to and beat a pensioner. Going as far as going to the side of the car to get him out. Proceeding then to break the back car window in the car. To smash it to bits. Then drive off because he could be confronted. Worse it being your own mother and fathers car. Can laugh all well and good when theres no one in front of you. All your good for big man. It was two years after his indecent child images sentence which went under the radar and was never reported before Stevenson and a second man, 55-year-old Paul Martin McKerr, who denied the charges and was convicted after a trial, were sentenced for the terror plot. During McKerrs trial a prosecutor explained after the van was searched, PSNI officers found a plastic bag containing smaller bags in the footwell of the passengers side of the vehicle. The bag was found to contain 22 empty rifle magazines compatible with AKM/AK-47 assault rifles. The prosecutor said that after the items underwent forensic examinations, it was noted that the magazines had surface rust and were covered in oil and, while five magazines didnt function, all the items were component parts of a firearm. Also seized from the van and examined were a pair of gloves and McKerrs Samsung phone. A Crown lawyer said the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the magazines suggested that both Stevenson and McKerr, who has a previous conviction for riotous behaviour in 2016, were jointly in possession of the magazines. He said: The bag was relatively bulky and obstructed the front passenger footwell. It was either there when Stevenson got into the vehicle... or he brought it with him into the vehicle. We say that, in either case, the court would be entitled to infer that this accused [McKerr] was jointly engaged in moving what was a valuable terrorist asset. After reserving judgment in the case, Judge Kerr later returned guilty verdicts against McKerr on both counts he faced. Detectives believe that the men both of whom openly support the New IRA and its political wing, Saoradh had key roles in targeting cops based in Lurgan. A previous court hearing was told that Stevenson is linked to New IRA activities and was suspected of carrying out surveillance at the home of a retired police officer in 2016. In February 2017, a month after a constable was wounded by the New IRA during a gun attack on the Crumlin Road in Belfast, Stevenson told police during an arrest: Tell your mate on the Crumlin Road up the Ra. I hope you are looking under your car. News Catch Up - Tuesday 10 September The Windrose in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim has confirmed they are reopening A popular Carrickfergus bar and restaurant which announced it was closing earlier this year due to rising costs has dramatically reversed their decision and has announced they will reopen. The Windrose at Rogers Quay in the coastal town had been open for 22 years when the owner Gary Callaghan told the Belfast Telegraph he was closing the venue. However in a social media post on Monday, the eatery confirmed they are reopening, with a date to be announced in a few weeks. "We are delighted to announce that we will be re-opening the WINDROSE, the restaurant wrote. We will announce the opening date in a few weeks. They also confirmed they are hiring for a number of positions in the restaurant including a head chef, bar staff and waiting staff. Back in May, owner Mr Callaghan said: There have been a few things. Theres a massive lack of staff in hospitality, and there have been increasing costs with the minimum wage going up its had a major effect. Those are the primary reasons. "The minimum wage increase has added about 700 a week to our wages and rates for the place are 4,000 a month, which is absolutely ridiculous. "Its really become just about trying to keep the doors open, but its just not worth it any more. Its a very sad day for the Windrose and for Carrickfergus. The Finance Minister was responding to an Assembly debate on a motion tabled by the Alliance Party on the issue of Stormonts finances (Liam McBurney/PA) The Finance Minister has urged Executive colleagues to take urgent action to rein in spending after revealing that departments are currently overcommitted by 767 million. Caoimhe Archibald said the administration was expecting around 500 million in extra funding from the UK Government following next months budget through the Barnett funding model used to distribute money to the devolved regions. But she highlighted that would still leave the Executive facing a funding gap of around 267 million. Ms Archibald said such an overspend would have grave consequences as she warned that failure to balance the Stormont budget by the end of the financial year would see the UK Government withdraw a previous offer to write off 559 million worth of debt owed to the Treasury. The Treasury offer to set aside the 559 million was conditional on the Executive delivering a balanced budget in 2024/25, the minister told MLAs. Ms Archibald was responding to an Assembly debate on a motion tabled by the Alliance Party on the issue of Stormonts finances and associated calls for the UK Government to reform and enhance the funding arrangements for the region. The minister said 90% of the 767 million worth of overcommitments were shared among three departments health, education and justice. First Minister Michelle ONeill, left to right, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will hold talks at the Treasury on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA) She said 55% of the overall bill was related to the costs of implementing recommended public sector pay uplifts this year. Ms Archibald said that while it remained unclear what extra money the Executive would be receiving by way of Barnett consequentials, she said she would nevertheless bring a proposal to fellow ministers that would see departmental budgets increased on the basis of the estimated Barnett share. It is expected that this will allow the allocation of around 500 million, she told the Assembly. While this will fall short of the overcommitment departments are currently reporting, it will go a significant way towards addressing the pressures. But all ministers will have to play their part by living within their budget once this funding is provided. Not doing so would have grave consequences for future funding. Any overspend would come off next years budget, and even more concerningly, Treasury has been explicit that not living within budget would result in the Executive having to repay the 559 million that Treasury had agreed to write off, making an already difficult financial situation even worse. While I, along with my Executive colleagues, will continue to make the case for adequate funding of our public services, I remain hugely concerned that the ramifications of not living within budget this year would represent a potentially disastrous outcome for the Executive and our public services. At the Executive meeting last week, I outlined to my ministerial colleagues the need for urgent action to be taken. Collectively, we must ensure a balanced budget is delivered. I am currently meeting with individual ministers to discuss the budgetary challenges and collectively, as an Executive, we will need to chart a way forward. I will continue to make the case to the British Government that more funding is needed for public services to support our workers, families, and businesses; and will be raising this at a meeting with the Chancellor later this week. Difficult times require courageous leadership. Ms Archibald will be joined by First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly for the meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London on Thursday. Human rights group says setting up of body under controversial Troubles Bill has seen legacy investigations grind to a halt The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has registered 85 enquiries from victims, survivors and families, and is investigating eight of them. The body was set up under the Tories controversial Legacy Bill, which was opposed by all the parties here and the Irish Government. It launched a legal action against it in Europe on human rights grounds. The Bill ended new Troubles-era cases and inquests, and offered a conditional amnesty. The new Labour government has committed to repeal the bulk of the legislation, but will retain the ICRIR. However, Secretary of State Hilary Benn has said he will explore options to strengthen its independence. The commission insists it operates independently of the Stormont Executive, UK Government and any other body or outside interest. Established in December 2023, it aims to provide information to families, victims and survivors of Troubles-related deaths and injuries and promote reconciliation. Its chief commissioner is former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan, while its commissioner for investigations is Peter Sheridan, a former senior PSNI officer. The ICRIR will determine what type of investigation will be appropriate or necessary in different circumstances. It could be a liability investigation that may lead to a criminal prosecution where judged appropriate, or a focused investigation, or a culpability investigation. Of the 85 cases, the ICRIR confirmed eight have been accepted for investigation and are in the information recovery stage. But Daniel Holder, director of Belfast human rights group the Committee on the Administration of Justice, said: These figures show that the ICRIR being set up has led to legacy investigations practically grinding to a halt. Four months in, the ICRIR only has a caseload of eight investigations. This is very low. Compare this to the hundreds of cases that were being dealt with by the Police Ombudsman, inquests, civil litigation and police teams that have all been shut down by the Legacy Act. A deputy prison governor and ex-prisoner acted together to carry out illegal checks on inmates using a computer system, a court heard. Peter Nichols, a deputy prison governor who held a number of senior roles at Wormwood Scrubs jail in Hammersmith, west London, allegedly acted with Gareth Casella, a convicted criminal, to carry out computer checks on prison systems between November and December 2021, Ben Lloyd, prosecuting, told Southwark Crown Court. Nichols, 49, also asked his 42-year-old wife Jessica Nichols, who was head of security at young offender institution HMP Feltham, to carry out an unauthorised check herself in November 2021, which she did, the prosecution added. Jessica Nichols went to school with Casella, 43, and Peter Nichols and Casella were close associates, Mr Lloyd said. The couple are on trial at Southwark Crown Court (Victoria Jones/PA) Casella was sentenced to six months in prison in January 2019 for dangerous driving, drug driving and resisting a constable. He was detained at HMP Wandsworth, the court heard. Mr Lloyd said: Unsurprisingly, prison computer systems contain all sorts of information and data about prisoners that is sensitive and confidential, as such, access to prison computer systems should only be gained by prison staff where necessary and for a legitimate purpose. The prosecution say this should not be gained informally and with the involvement of third parties outside prison, in particular with the involvement of ex-prisoners. Peter Nichols had worked at Wormwood Scrubs since 2009 and held a number of positions including head of intelligence and head of business assurance. Jessica Nichols had worked at Feltham prison since about 2017 and was head of security. A few days after Casella was sentenced, Peter Nichols messaged a colleague in the prison service saying Hello mate, if you get time can you look at the case notes of Gareth Casella, my mate at wanno, just want to know hes ok, the prosecution said. Peter Nichols clearly was aware of Casellas previous conviction and imprisonment, Mr Lloyd added. Peter and Jessica Nichols would have been aware of the relevant policies and Mr Lloyd said the prosecutions case is that the access was not authorised. He said: The prosecution say they had no legitimate reason to access the computer system when they did. Jessica Nichols was interviewed by police in February 2022 and she provided an account of what was discussed during a phone call she had with her husband on November 8, 2021. She said her husband phoned her and asked her to see if a man was in prison as his mum had been phoning and was upset and didnt know where he was, Mr Lloyd said. The prosecutions case is the purpose of the search was for the information on a prisoner to be given to former prisoner Casella, and through him to the prisoners mother. Jessica Nichols was head of security at Feltham Young Offender Institute (Kirsty OConnor/PA) On November 9 2021, Peter Nichols went to work then searched the prison system for the same prisoner on a number of occasions, the court heard. Casella visited Peter Nichols at home on November 17 2021 and Nichols then carried out a number of unauthorised searches on inmates before Casella left, the jury was told. On December 9 2021, Peter Nichols carried out a further check on a prisoner on the computer system while at work, the prosecution said. Peter and Jessica Nichols, from Chertsey, Surrey, are charged with causing a computer to perform a function with intent to secure unauthorised access to data contrary to the Computer Misuse Act 1990. Peter Nichols has denied 10 counts of the offence and Jessica Nichols denied one count. Casella, from Egham, Surrey, has also denied 10 counts of the same offence and one charge of failure to comply with a notice. It is alleged that Casella failed to provide police with the Pin number for a phone found during a search of his address before his arrest after a court granted an order for him to do so. The trial continues. Prisoners could be put up in hotels when they are freed early to ease jail overcrowding, the Justice Secretary said. Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that inmates who are homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders. A watchdog warned it was inevitable some of the 1,700 prisoners being released on Tuesday from jails across England and Wales would reoffend and end up back behind bars. Pictures showed groups of inmates walking out of Brixton, Durham and Liverpool jails. Around 400 prisoners are reportedly due to be freed from London prisons alone. The latest releases are in addition to the around 1,000 inmates normally freed each week. Ms Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said overcrowding had pushed jails to the point of collapse. Telling MPs on Tuesday that the scheme coming into force was the start of the rescue effort for the justice system, she added: I have authorised probation directors to make use of alternative arrangements including budget hotels as a temporary measure, for the cases that we will see in the next few weeks. Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid unchecked criminality where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up because there are no free cells. MoJ figures showed the prison population hit a record high of 88,521 on Friday, having risen by more than 1,000 inmates over the past four weeks. Meanwhile it emerged Rishi Sunak ignored calls from Britains most senior police officers a week before the election warning him that failure to trigger the so-called SDS40 policy would be exploited by criminals. A letter obtained by The Times dated June 27, signed by figures including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and the chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council Gavin Stephens, said the overcrowding crisis in prisons was hampering police officers ability to do their job as they urged the then prime minister to put the plan in motion immediately because it would take many weeks to safely implement. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the Government had no choice but to do something about overcrowding because the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out. But he warned it was inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody and that some will be homeless on release increasing the risk that they could go on to commit more crimes. If people are coming out, theyre not properly prepared, and theyre homeless, then what well see is the danger that theyll commit more offences, or that they breach their bail conditions, in which case theyll end up back inside again, he said. On Monday, it emerged some victims were not prepared in the wake of their perpetrators being freed early, with The Times reporting hundreds had not been informed. The Victims Commissioner of England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, branded it regrettable that some had still not been told this was happening on the eve of the policy coming into force. A man is seen outside HM Prison Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) Victims are only automatically notified of an offenders release under the Governments victim contact scheme if it was a violent or sexual crime for which the person was jailed for at least 12 months, or under the victim notification scheme if it was a stalking, harassment or coercive control offence. Both schemes are opt-in, leading to concerns some victims might have fallen through the gaps when it came to being contacted about early release. There are also fears not all criminals with a history of domestic abuse will be exempt from the policy despite efforts to keep them behind bars. The Government said those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse and violent crimes would not be freed early under the scheme. But because there is no single offence for domestic abuse, and only certain crimes like coercive control, harassment and stalking which are specifically linked to this were excluded, meaning other attackers convicted of crimes like threats to kill and actual bodily harm could still qualify for early release. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs who had called for a blanket exemption for all known perpetrators said: There is no justice in allowing perpetrators of domestic abuse to be released early. I worry that it might not be possible for every victim to be notified of their abusers release and I fear they may be left blindsided, without the time to seek vital support and guidance. Rioters are among those who could end up spending less time behind bars as the Government last month confirmed those involved in recent unrest would not be specifically excluded from early release. However, those convicted of serious violence and serving sentences of four years or more will not be eligible, according to officials. A man is seen leaving HM Prison Brixton (Jeff Moore/PA) Mr Taylors comments came as he published his annual report, which suggested ministers will not be able to build enough prisons to fit all criminals set to be jailed in future unless they overhaul sentencing rules. His report said: With the number of prisoners projected to grow by as much as 27,000 by 2028, it is unlikely to be possible to build enough new accommodation. Alongside decisive short-term action, there is a pressing need for a much bigger conversation about who we are sending to prison, for how long and what we want prisoners to do while they are inside. The report also detailed the desperate crisis of violence and drug use behind bars, as well as the lack of available rehabilitation that would keep people from reoffending. Charities said the early release scheme would only buy a little time and would not provide a lasting solution in the face of brutalising conditions. Andrea Coomber KC, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said prisons and probation needed to be completely reset after she described the woeful education and training for inmates and squalor, self-harm, drugs, violence and unmet mental health needs, all in the midst of severe overcrowding. Hundreds more prisoners are due to be freed early next month in the second stage of the scheme. But the Government is under pressure to find longer-term solutions to the problem, with prison figures warning without further measures the same problem could be faced in about a years time. A MoJ spokeswoman said: It is important for offenders to have a roof over their head when they leave prison, otherwise there is a high risk they will reoffend and end up back behind bars. That is why the Prison and Probation Service has basic housing for offenders who would otherwise be forced to sleep on the streets with additional ad hoc arrangements only to be used as an absolute last resort. The Prince of Wales waves on a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School in Llanelli (Phil Noble/PA) The Prince of Wales has described the end of the Princess of Waless chemotherapy treatment as good news, but added his wife still has a long way to go. William appeared in public on Tuesday for the first time since Kate shared a deeply personal video and heartfelt message about her health and future. The prince travelled to Llanelli in South Wales for a solo visit the day after the princess said she was looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more official engagements in the coming months. He told wellwisher Pauline Thomas, 74: Its good news but there is still a long way to go, The Sun reported. Royal fans gathered outside Swiss Valley Community Primary School and offered the prince their best wishes to Kate, with some handing cards for the princess as he thanked everyone for their thoughts. The Prince of Wales meets a young girl on a visit to Llanelli (Ben Birchall/PA) Kate revealed she has completed her chemotherapy course and is focusing on doing what she can to stay cancer-free, with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. A video montage shot in Norfolk over the summer showed William and Kate cuddling as they held hands, and the couple enjoying precious time together outdoors with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they walked through woods and played on the beach. The princess described in a voiceover how the past nine months had been incredibly tough for us as a family. William chatting to well-wishers outside the school (Ben Birchall/PA) Heir to the throne Williams first stop of the day was to meet pupils at the school to hear how they took part in the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod, the annual festival celebrating Welsh language and culture. Among them was 10-year-old Ruby Davies, a second language Welsh learner, who went viral earlier in the year for her enthusiastic Eisteddfod win in the individual recital category. Ruby gave the prince a book of postcards written by the students and friendship bracelets for George, Charlotte and Louis. A delighted Ruby Davies meets William (Phil Noble/PA) William remarked: Thats so sweet. Did you make them together? Did you build them at home and put them all together yourself? Thank you so much Ruby. Theyre going to love those, youll see them out and about. Ill keep them away from Louis because hell try and steal all his sisters bits. William is welcomed to the school by cheering pupils (Phil Noble/PA) The prince told Ruby: Ive watched your video a few times Ruby. You did brilliantly, you dont seem nervous about performing on stage at all. Ruby told him she was a little bit but also said she was really excited. He added: It was very impressive, youre going to have to teach me how to speak Welsh. William with his fuller-looking beard (Ben Birchall/PA) The prince, with his new beard looking fuller, was met with loud cheers from school children waving Welsh flags as he stepped into the main hall. One boy informed William he had a bug on him, with the prince asking the youngster, who was a sea cadet, if he wanted to keep it, and then handing it to him. Good spot, it must have followed me here, William said. The prince later visited the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters in Llanelli to mark Air Ambulance Week. William, patron of Wales Air Ambulance, with chief executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity Sue Barnes (Geoff Caddick/PA) William, who worked as a helicopter pilot with both East Anglian Air Ambulance in Norfolk and RAF Search and Rescue on Anglesey, North Wales, spoke about how much he missed the role, and suggested he would come back and join the Wales Air Ambulance for a weekend. I cant stop talking about helicopters and medical kits and all sorts, the prince said. Im sorry I take ages waffling about it. I miss it all. Im quite keen to stay a bit longer. William meeting Wales Air Ambulance staff and crew members (Geoff Caddick/PA) Im thinking I might come back for a weekend at some point. I saw the Cardiff team a while ago and said to them Ill come back and join them. He was told there were bigger wheels on the trolleys now, with the prince recounting the challenge of the old trolleys rattling around and the problems they faced getting them back into the helicopters. Youve got better trolleys now bigger wheels, off-road tyres, crucial, William said. The royals final stop was Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets Rugby Union team. William on a visit to Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets rugby union team (Chris Jackson/PA) The prince, who is a patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, met with current and former female players, presenting caps and brooches as part of the Missing Caps campaign, which recognises women who were not acknowledged when they played for Wales. Liza Burgess, the first woman to captain Wales in 1987, said it was phenomenal to have William there. That just shows the interest in this story, he took a real interest, and it was great to have him here to support us in finding those players that dont have their caps. William presents a brooch to a former player from the WRUs Missing Caps campaign, which aims to recognise players who were historically missed when they played for Wales (Chris Jackson/PA) He was very very interested in the story of the caps but also in the future of the game and womens health, the advances that have been made in sports science to support women. Lowri Morgan, a Welsh television presenter and former player, added that she had asked the prince to give Kate their best wishes. It was wonderful to hear today that her treatment has come to an end and I passed my best wishes to the family. William has a selfie taken on the pitch at the home of the Scarlets rugby union team (Chris Jackson/PA) As someone who has been in that position, it is nice to have support, even from strangers like myself. The Israeli military has said American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi who was killed in the West Bank last week is likely to have been shot indirectly and unintentionally by Israeli forces who were aiming at someone else (Family handout/International Solidarity Movement/AP) The Israeli military has said an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was probably shot indirectly and unintentionally by soldiers firing upon participants in a demonstration against settlements that turned violent. The acknowledgement drew a strong rebuke from US secretary of state Antony Blinken and the activists family. Israel expressed its deepest regret for the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who also held Turkish citizenship, and said a criminal investigation has been launched. Mr Blinken condemned the unprovoked and unjustified killing when asked about the Israeli inquiry at a news conference in London. No-one should be shot while attending a protest, he said. The Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank. Ms Eygis family in the US released a statement saying we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling. An Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting, Jonathan Pollak, said Ms Eygi was killed about half an hour after clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces had subsided, in an area several hundred metres from where the demonstration took place. Mr Pollak said he saw two Israeli soldiers mount the roof of a nearby home, train a gun in the groups direction and fire, with one of the bullets striking Ms Eygi in the head. Israel said its inquiry into Ms Eygis killing found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. It expressed its deepest regret at her death. The International Solidarity Movement, the activist group Ms Egyi was volunteering with, said it entirely rejects the Israeli statement and that the shot was aimed directly at her. 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. Activist colleagues of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi hold posters with her name and photo during her funeral in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday (Nasser Nasser/AP) Israel says it thoroughly investigates allegations of its forces killing civilians and holds them accountable. It says soldiers often have to make split-second decisions while operating in areas where militants hide among civilians. But even in the most shocking cases and those captured on video soldiers often get relatively light sentences. The Palestinian Authority held a funeral procession for Ms Eygi in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday. Turkish authorities said they are working on repatriating her body to Turkey for burial in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, as per her familys wishes. Ms Eygis uncle said in an interview with the Turkish TV channel HaberTurk that she kept her visit to the West Bank secret from at least some of her family members. She said she was travelling to Jordan to help Palestinians there, he said. She hid the fact that she was going to Palestine. She blocked us from her social media posts so that we would not see them, Yilmaz Eygi said. The deaths of American citizens in the West Bank have drawn international attention, such as the fatal shooting of a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in 2022 in the Jenin refugee camp. Several independent investigations and reporting by The Associated Press shortly after the killing determined that Ms Abu Akleh was probably killed by Israeli fire. Months later, the military said there was a high probability one of its soldiers had mistakenly killed her but that no-one would be punished. Earlier in 2022, Israels military said it would punish a senior officer and remove two others from their posts over the death of Omar Assad, 78, a Palestinian-American who was dragged from a car by Israeli troops, bound and blindfolded after being stopped at a checkpoint. The military later said the soldiers believed Mr Assad was asleep when they cut his zip-ties and left him face-down in an abandoned building where he had been detained with three other Palestinians. The deaths of Palestinians who do not have dual nationality rarely receive the same scrutiny. Two fellow activists of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi carry posters with her name and photo during Ms Eygis funeral procession in the West Bank city of Nablus (Nasser Nasser/AP) Human rights groups say Israel rarely holds soldiers accountable for killing Palestinians and that any resulting military investigations often reflect a pattern of impunity. BTselem, a leading Israeli watchdog, became so frustrated with the system that in 2016 it dismissed the probes as a whitewash and halted its decades-long practice of assisting investigations. Last year, an Israeli court acquitted a member of the paramilitary Border Police who had been charged with reckless manslaughter over the deadly shooting of 32-year-old Eyad Hallaq, an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalems Old City in 2020. The case had drawn comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in the United States. In 2017, Israeli soldier Elor Azaria was convicted of manslaughter and served nine months after he killed a wounded, incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron. The combat medic was caught on video fatally shooting Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, who was lying motionless on the ground. That case deeply divided Israelis, with the military saying Azaria had clearly violated its code of ethics, while many Israelis particularly on the nationalist right defended his actions and accused military brass of second-guessing a soldier operating in dangerous conditions. Pope Francis arrives at the Irmas ALMA (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated, Francis said. In response, we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Tens of thousands of people in East Timor streamed to a seaside park for Pope Francis big mass on Tuesday, held on the same field where John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during the nations fight for independence from Indonesia. The Tacitolu Park is said to have been a site where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies killed during their rule. Now it is known as the Park of Peace and features a larger-than-life-sized statue of John Paul to commemorate his 1989 visit, when the Polish pontiff shamed Indonesia for its human rights abuses and encouraged the overwhelmingly Catholic Timorese faithful. John Pauls visit helped draw attention to the plight of the Timorese people and shine a spotlight on the oppressiveness of Indonesias rule, during which as many as 200,000 people were killed over a quarter-century. Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the Irmas ALMA (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Pope Francis is celebrating a mass at the same site, more than two decades after the Southeast Asian nation finally became an independent state in 2002. East Timor, known also as Timor-Leste, remains one of the poorest countries, with 42% of its 1.3 million people living below the poverty line, according to the UN Development Programme. Unemployment is high, job opportunities in the formal sector are generally limited and most people are subsistence farmers with no steady income. The territory has been overwhelmingly Catholic ever since Portuguese explorers first arrived in the early 1500s and 97% of the population today is Catholic. They have turned out in droves to welcome the first pope to visit them as an independent nation, thronging the motorcade route as Pope Francis arrived on Monday and pouring into the Tacitolu site . Government authorities said some 300,000 people had registered through their dioceses to attend the mass, but President Jose Ramos-Horta said he expected 700,000 and the Vatican predicted as many as 750,000. They lined up before dawn by the tens of thousands to enter the Tacitolu park, on the coast about 8 kilometres (nearly 5 miles) from downtown Dili. With hours to go until the service, the roads leading to it were jammed by cars, trucks and buses packed with people; others walked down the middle of the street, ignoring the sidewalks. For us, the pope is a reflection of the Lord Jesus, as a shepherd who wants to see his sheep, so we come to him with all our hearts as our worship, said Alfonso de Jesus, who came from Baucau, the countrys second-largest city after Dili, about 75 miles east of the capital. Mr de Jesus, 56, was among the estimated 100,000 people who attended John Pauls 1989 Mass, which made headlines around the world because of a riot that broke out just as it was ending. John Paul looked on as baton-wielding Indonesian plain-clothed police clashed with around 20 young men who shouted Viva a independencia and Viva el Papa!. 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 According to Associated Press reporting at the time, the men unfurled a banner in front of the altar and hurled chairs at the policemen. One banner read Fretilin Welcomes You, a reference to the independence movement that fought Indonesian rule since East Timor was annexed in 1976 after Portugal dismantled its centuries-old colonial empire. Four women were reported hospitalised with injuries suffered after being crushed in the surging crowd. The pope was not harmed. Amnesty International later expressed concern that some 40 people had been detained and tortured, though Indonesian authorities at the time denied any arrests or torture. The mass was run very neat and orderly with very tight security, De Jesus recalled more than three decades later. But it was crushed by a brief riot at the end of the event. Damage to a multi-storey building in Ramenskoye, outside Moscow, following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack (Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyev official telegram channel/AP) More than 140 Ukrainian drones targeted multiple Russian regions overnight, including Moscow and surrounding areas, killing at least one person and injuring eight, officials have said. It was one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the two-and-a-half-year war. A woman died in the town of Ramenskoye, just outside Moscow, where drones hit two multi-storey residential buildings and started fires, Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov said. Russian officials outside a damaged multi-storey residential building in Ramenskoye, outside Moscow, following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack (Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyev official telegram channel via AP) Five residential buildings were evacuated due to falling drone debris, Mr Vorobyov said. The attack also prompted the authorities to shut three airports just outside Moscow Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky forcing 48 flights to be diverted to other airports, according to Russias civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia. The first two airports, which are Russias second and third busiest, reopened in the morning but Zhukovsky was still closed in the afternoon because law enforcement officers were dealing with drone debris there, an airport spokesperson told the Interfax news agency. It was the second massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russia this month. On September 1, the Russian military said it intercepted 158 Ukrainian drones over more than a dozen Russian regions in what Russian media described as the biggest Ukrainian drone barrage since the start of the war. Russias Investigative Committee announced a criminal investigation into what it described as a terror attack. Russia has pummelled Ukraine with missiles, glide bombs and its own drones, killing more than 10,000 civilians since the war began in 2022, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force said Russia launched 46 Shahed drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight. 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 air force said it downed 36 of the drones. Ukraine has invested a lot of effort in developing domestic drone production, extending drones range, payload and uses. It has increasingly utilised drone blitzes to slow Russias war machine, disrupt Russian society and provoke the Kremlin. Ukrainian officials have complained that weapons pledged by the countrys Western partners fall short of what their military needs and commonly arrive long after promised. President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged defence companies to increase their output. On the battlefields 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) front line, Ukrainian troops are up against Russias larger and better-equipped army. The two sides are especially contesting parts of eastern Ukraines Donetsk region, fighting over towns and villages that are bombed-out wrecks, while Ukraine last month launched a bold incursion into Russias Kursk border region. In Moscow on Monday night, drone debris fell on a private house on the outskirts of the city, but no-one was hurt, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. People gather to talk to local officials at the site of the damaged residential building, following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack in Ramenskoye, outside Moscow, Moscow region (AP) He counted more than a dozen drones heading towards Moscow that were shot down by air defences as they were approaching the city. Overall, Russias Defence Ministry said it intercepted and destroyed 144 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions, including those on the border with Ukraine and those deeper inside Russia. Ukrainian officials declined to comment on the attack. As the war drags on, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been expanding his alliances. The Russian military on Tuesday began massive naval and air drills, involving more than 90,000 troops and over 400 warships, that China will also take part in, the Defence Ministry said. Mr Putin is also beefing up his military arsenal with Iranian ballistic missiles, the United States and Britain said on Tuesday. Moscow and the surrounding region have often come under attack throughout the war. In May 2023, Russian officials said Ukraine tried to attack the Kremlin with drones which lightly damaged the roof of the palace that includes one of Mr Putins official residences. In August 2023, a drone attack on Moscows prestigious business district blew out part of a section of windows on a high-rise building and sent glass cascading to the streets, unsettling Muscovites. The attacks exposed gaps in the city and regions air defences. Kamala Harris was scorned and undervalued as vice-president but dazzled like Cinderella when she surprised the pundits and radiated joy at the ball. She made Donald Trump look like a puffy, jaded, out-dated dancing partner, whom nobody found amusing anymore. Tonight we will find out whether her campaign is a pumpkin or whether the glass slipper belongs to her. Has Harris got what it takes to be president or has her vibes campaign been a mirage? The opinion polls cant tell us who is going to win. But what these neck-and-neck polls have demonstrated time and again is that roughly two out of three US voters think the country is on the wrong track. Americans want change. I still believe women voters have the power to sink Trump, but the candidate that can best capture the insurgent energy of this campaign is likely to carry off the prize. Trump was victorious in 2016 when he was the change agent against Hillary Clinton, with all her decades of baggage. By 2020 voters had tired of his White House antics and replaced him with Sleepy Joe Biden. As Trump takes to the stage in Philadelphia tonight, will he be posing as the incumbent, with an established record as president, or as the insurgent with a mandate for change? What about vice-president Harris? They can both lay claim to being insiders and outsiders, with unpredictable consequences for the televised debate. Harris has the toughest task. Trumps image is baked in by now, whereas she still has to introduce herself to voters who havent been swept up by her successful brat summer. But the confidence that led Harris to adopt Beyonces anthem, Freedom, as her theme tune has been replaced by a more cautious, defensive crouch. Avoiding press conferences and interviews in the media hasnt helped. The downside is that Harris has ditched some of the buzz that surrounded the launch of her candidacy in favour of appearing more presidential than populist. It is hard to fault her for this, although it has come at a cost. Tacking to the centre in a bid to capture moderate independents and Republican voters makes sense. Moreover, the one Trump nickname for Harris that has come anywhere close to sticking is Comrade Kamala an attack on her for being a radical, far-Left San Francisco liberal. So I can see why Harris decided to release a campaign ad on the eve of the debate featuring the prim, ultra-conservative former White House officials who have turned against Trump. The roll-call of those who consider their old boss unfit for office is impressive: Mike Pence, former vice-president, Mark Esper, former defence secretary, General Mark Milley, former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and John Bolton, former national security adviser. Take it from the people who know him best, the ad concludes. Ten retired military generals and admirals have offered their support to Harris. So has Dick Cheney, the formidable former Republican vice-president, and his daughter Liz, who sacrificed her career in Congress in order to make sure Trump could never launch an insurrection again. Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street behemoth, has claimed the economy would fare better under Harris than under Trumps policy of tariffs. Any rational person would conclude that Trump is toast. But the rules dont necessarily apply in a change election. The problem for Harris is that she is looking less and less like an insurgent and more like the candidate of the establishment the Washington swamp Trump keeps promising to drain. Most polls show Trump comfortably ahead of Harris on who is best for the economy, immigration and foreign policy (despite his high regard for dictators). These are usually the three best indicators of who is going to win. As Democrats cast around for a scapegoat for this annoying state of affairs, an interesting new word has entered the lexicon: sanewashing, otherwise known as the attempt by the media to make Trump sound more sensible than he is. Special vitriol in this case is reserved for the New York Times, the grey lady who is living up to her name by downplaying Trumps wilder statements at rallies and on social media. When, for instance, Trump vowed to jail opponents for non-existent election fraud, by ranting, WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences, most of the mainstream media yawned. It was left to local newspapers, such as the Orlando Sentinel in Florida, to splash the front-page news: Trump threatens to jail adversaries. Frankly, few New York Times readers are likely to be swayed by the framing of its stories about Trump. And arguably, making a big deal out of every wind-up and provocation only rewards Trump with the oxygen of publicity. But it is shocking to hear him state his plans for the mass deportation of immigrants will be a bloody story, to claim this election may be Americas last, to insist the Democrats will turn the US into Venezuela on steroids and to crack jokes about the violent assault on Nancy Pelosis husband Paul, without taking his threats seriously. It is equally infuriating to see Trump ramble incoherently, lose his train of thought and stumble over names Leon Musk being the latest mishap without being subject to the same scrutiny as Biden was. At 78, Trump is the oldest presidential candidate in US history and has the gall to pretend he deserves a further, third term in office after 2028. Perhaps he will appear visibly demented in debate. But voters remember that the pillars of US democracy did not collapse when Trump was last in power (try as he might) and are inclined to treat his ravings with a pinch of salt. If Harris can deliver some surprise zingers, she could seriously rattle Trump. I hope she doesnt get bogged down in explaining her policies, as some commentators would like her to. The debate will be more about character. Voters have already lived with Trump and discarded him. Why bring a jilted lover back? But during the past four years of the Biden administration, they didnt really notice Harris at all. This is her best chance to make people like what they see. Sarah Baxter is director of the Marie Colvin Center and a contributing editor of the Evening Standard Adobe Stock (RNS) Pope Francis has made perfectly clear that he is opposed to ordaining women as deacons. Although I disagree with him, I accept that we are not going to see women deacons during his pontificate. But if Francis or anyone else opposes ordaining women deacons, there is a simple solution: stop ordaining anyone as deacons, and let both women and men serve many of the same functions as catechists. The Topic of Women Deacons The topic of women deacons has caused a good deal of controversy of late: Francis raised hopes that women might be ordained deacons in 2016, when he created a commission to examine the history of women deacons. This was in response to a request from the International Union of Superiors General, which represents some 600,000 religious women around the world. A second commission to study the possibility of women deacons was formed in 2020. Sadly, the reports of these commissions were never made public. At last years synod, the topic of women deacons was again discussed and received strong support from many delegates, especially the women delegates. However, this year the pope disappointed many by removing the topic from the synod agenda and setting up yet another commission to study the issue, which will report back in 2025. And when asked in his May interview with CBS News about womens ordination, the pope gave a flat no to women deacons. He seemed to believe that women who acted as deacons in the early church were not ordained, although RNS columnist Phyllis Zagano and others have done extensive historical research showing they were in fact ordained. The Role of Deacons Deacons cannot celebrate Mass, hear confessions or anoint the sick, but they can baptize, preach at Mass and preside over weddings and funerals. As ordained ministers, they are members of the clergy, not laypersons. Permanent deacons remain deacons all their lives, whereas transitional deacons are eventually ordained priests. The permanent diaconate was revived for the Catholic Church in the 1960s by the Second Vatican Council, where the council fathers thought it would be helpful in mission territories. But the hope that permanent deacons would spread the word in Africa, southern Asia and other places traditionally considered missionary lands never came to pass. Today the United States is home to almost 20,000 of the 50,150 Catholic deacons in the world, or about 40 percent, according to the Vatican Statistical Yearbook. The U.S. and Europe combined have more than two-thirds of the worlds deacons. There are only 500 or so deacons in all of Africa, fewer than in the Archdiocese of Chicago, which has more than 850. Catechists in Africa Instead, Africas Catholic bishops prefer catechists, who may be men or women. There are more than 450,000 catechists in Africa who teach the faith, hold Bible study, run small Christian communities, prepare people to receive the sacraments and do Communion services when priests are not available. The African bishops put a great deal of resources into training catechists. Those who advocate women deacons point out that only the ordained, whether deacons or priests, can give homilies at Mass or preside over weddings. Catechists can do neither, and expanding their role would neither give women a greater role in the church nor expand the number of people who can minister to the faithful. But in the case of giving homilies, this is simply canon law and can be changed, and laypeople can be delegated in many circumstances to preside at a wedding. The ministers of the sacrament of marriage are the couple, not the priest or deacon, who only witness the marriage for the church. Similarly, lay people may preside at funerals without a Mass. And any layperson, even a non-Catholic, can baptize. The Case Against Deacons In truth, there is nothing a deacon can do that a layperson cannot do. I am not saying that many male deacons do not do wonderful work for the church. I am simply saying that they could do the same work without ordination. The diaconate has drawbacks that catechists do not. As clerics, the diocese is financially responsible for them under canon law. If a deacons wife dies, he cannot remarry unless he gets a dispensation, which is not always granted. If a deacon gets in trouble, the church must use the same complicated canonical process used for laicizing priests. Limiting the diaconate and priesthood to men is painful for many women in the church, but if we cannot ordain women as deacons, there is no reason we have to ordain men. If the point of ordination is simply to give the deacon more status, this is another form of clericalism. There are not enough priests, which means that people do without the Eucharist, without confession and without the anointing of the sick. Too many Catholics die without the sacraments because there is no priest available. If deacons were allowed in emergencies to perform the latter two sacraments, they would have something important to do that a layperson cannot do. But as they cannot, we can do without them. The church existed for centuries without the permanent diaconate. If the church doesnt need women deacons, it doesnt need men deacons either. The U.S. church would do well to follow the example of the African church and forget about deacons and develop a catechists ministry. This article originally appeared on Religion News Service. The Rev. Thomas J. Reese, a Jesuit priest, is a Senior Analyst at RNS. Previously he was a columnist at the National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) at America magazine. He was also a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University (1985-98 & 2006-15) where he wrote Archbishop, A Flock of Shepherds, and Inside the Vatican. Earlier he worked as a lobbyist for tax reform. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of California Berkeley. He entered the Jesuits in 1962 and was ordained a priest in 1974 after receiving a M.Div from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. By SA Commercial Prop News Standing Left to Right: Rudolf Pienaar Growthpoint; James Tannenberger Zenprop Property Holdings; Estienne de Klerk Growthpoint; Adrian Gore Discovery; Barry Swartzberg Discovery and John Robertson Discovery. Image gallery Discovery Limited, Growthpoint Properties and Zenprop, today launched a four-year property development that will see Discovery's more than 5 000 employees move into a new head office in Sandton. The new offices will serve as the companys hub for the growing international business that now has operations in South Africa, the US, UK, China and Singapore. It will house all Sandton-based employees who are currently working in four different buildings in the Sandton CBD. The development is expected to be completed by mid-2017 with all employees relocated to their new office space by January 2018. Discoverys Johannesburg-based employees are currently working in four buildings in the Sandton CBD area The healthcare cover and life assurance group has grown significantly over the past few years in terms of current businesses as well as new ventures and initiatives. The development, which will be co-owned by Growthpoint and Zenprop, and Discovery will be leasing the space over a long-term period. John Robertson, Discovery Limited Executive Director, commented, Over the past few years, our headcount in the Sandton campus has grown each year by an average 6%. In reviewing our current office space it has become clear that we will quickly need more space to meet our long-term capacity needs for the next 15 years. Rudolf Pienaar, Divisional Director for Offices from Growthpoint, said, We are excited to partner with Discovery and Zenprop on what will be one of Sandtons most iconic landmarks. Joint venture partner Zenprop Property Holdings CEO, James Tannenberger, added, Consisting of two wings, the design of the Discovery building will allow for a phased approach to growing the headquarters as Discovery continues to expand operations. The building will incorporate a GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa) green building accredited rating of at least four stars. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. LENOX Police expect to file criminal charges soon against the student who posted an online Snapchat screenshot flagged by the FBI that included the words school and shooting in a threat directed at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School. After School Resource Officer William Colvin concludes his investigation, the case will be taken to the Berkshire County Juvenile Court in Pittsfield for a future hearing, according to Police Chief Stephen OBrien. The female student, who is under the age of 18, was removed from the high school quietly between classes on Monday morning, and no weapon was found. OBrien described the threat as a giant error by the student, but one with serious consequences. We cannot tie a weapon to this individual at all, he said. The student is under a two-day emergency removal from the school, pending a voluntary hearing with Principal Jeremiah Ames, expected later this week, that can include family members. If they disagree with Ames decision on next steps, they can appeal it to Superintendent William Collins, who would have the final say. Collins told The Eagle on Tuesday that the procedure reflects the states education reform law designed to protect a students constitutional due-process right to an education. The law also gives the principal on the scene a great deal of authority in disciplinary situations, Collins added. OBrien confirmed that the investigation was ongoing Tuesday morning. Were very confident that some type of criminal charge will be brought forward, he said. The category of the charge would involve a threat to commit a crime. As the investigation continues, we are still turning up evidence that this was never to be what was purported in the threat it was only a statement, the police chief said. It probably wasnt a threat at all, and it just went out worded very poorly. But this was a giant error that we dont take lightly. Thats what it seems to be, with consequences Im guessing beyond what the perpetrator even thought could possibly happen. Nevertheless, OBrien predicted that the student would return to school at some point. Thats for the school to determine, but I dont see why they wouldnt, he said. I would presume there would be harsher consequences from the school beyond the two-day suspension. He also explained how police quickly identified the student who posted the Snapchat message. It was the screen name, OBrien said. We knew who we were looking for, we confirmed when and where we could find them, and we moved and got them. How did the FBI learn about the purported threat to the school? Collins said he thinks the agency is using an algorithm that flags words such as school and shoot with the ability to check as to whether its a photo shoot or a school shooting being referenced in the post. I was actually amazed, the student did the thing in school that morning and within minutes the FBI alerted the police, and had there been actual danger, the response time would have been just incredible, he said. We try to have the school be a safe place to make mistakes, Collins said. But sometimes those mistakes can be such a great error that it cant be taken lightly. According to research compiled by the Brennan Center for Social Justice, FBI agents can monitor public social media postings even without opening an assessment or other investigation. Various components within the Department of Homeland Security also monitor social media, aiming to identify potential threats of violence or terrorism. At Monday evenings School Committee meeting televised by Community Television for the Southern Berkshires, Collins cited the FBIs algorithms monitoring social media. He said the school administration would await the final outcome of the police investigation before determining further consequences to be imposed by the school. At no point was anyone in any actual danger, he stressed. The student thought it was a joke, not realizing it would turn into this. But it is no joke, and in the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Georgia, nobody finds any of this funny, and the reactions are swift, the consequences are harsh. Develop a fire safety plan for your family and include your pets in it GREAT BARRINGTON A long-awaited public sculpture of W.E.B. Du Bois set for the front of the Mason Library will be unveiled in the spring. And a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development is helping the work along. State Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, who is chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, had asked that the money be earmarked to advance the sculpture and "promote Black history and tourism in the Berkshires," he said in a statement from the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project. The sculpture of town native and civil rights architect Du Bois has been a dream for nearly a decade. The Sculpture Project committee came together in 2022 and worked to make it a reality on the library grounds along Main Street. The intent is a public gathering place that is imbued with the spirit of scholar and NAACP founder Du Bois. After a search and three finalists, the panel commissioned sculptor Richard Blake for the project based on his design of a life-size Du Bois cast in bronze, sitting on a bench, legs crossed, hand outreached. That bench will extend around the grounds for public use. Blake is still working on the project in his Lancaster, Pa., studio, while the committee has continued to plan, said project Chair Julie Michaels. "We finally found the marble in Vermont," Michaels said, noting that they were unable to source the Sheffield marble that was their first choice. The group has so far raised $290,000 from foundations and private donors. The new grant will help, since the project needs another roughly $125,000 for the bench. The town will be reconstructing the front steps of the library this fall, Michaels said. Those are currently condemned and closed off. Project co-Chair Ari Zorn said in the statement that the committee is grateful for the grant and the impulse to promote Black history in the Berkshires. Michaels noted that project also will connect with other important Du Bois sites, as well as other local Black historical civil rights figures like James Weldon Johnson and Elizabeth Freeman, whose statute was unveiled in Sheffield last year. By SA Commercial Prop News - Murray Williams Rael Levitt RAEL Levitt, the head of Auction Alliance, has offered to open his companys books to investigators after allegations of improperly driving up auction prices and paying kickbacks claiming this will prove that his company is clean. I would welcome any investigation by the police, by the National Prosecuting Authority, anyone. Our books are absolutely open, he said last night, speaking candidly for the first time since the allegations surfaced. He was reported to have been paying kickbacks to liquidators, bank staff and attorneys, and made use of fake bidders to drive auction prices up. Not only have I not broken any law, but weve been at the forefront of cleaning up the industry. Im a huge supporter of the Consumer Protection Act. I have worked with the Department of Trade and Industry to develop this, specifically to look after consumers rights. Instead, were being treated like a bunch of criminals, when weve actually been tried by the media. The media today think they are more powerful than a court of law, he said. Considering our specific role in helping to regulate the industry, the allegations are bizarre. Asked whether his company had ever paid any illegal kickbacks, Levitt responded: Absolutely not. Asked whether it was possible that any of Auction Alliances employees had broken any laws, he said: I believe our systems are good. But we do employ around 300 people. To ensure that there has been no impropriety, we have appointed a private, independent forensic investigations company to investigate our internal systems. Levitt said it was also possible that the laws governing legal auctions were not properly understood. So, since the auction, we have also looked at reviewing our systems to ensure that we have no practices which may be entirely legal, but may be considered to be unethical by the public. Insofar as this might refer to vendor bidders, Levitt said of the now-controversial Quoin Rock auction: From day one, I have said that Mrs (Wendy) Appelbaum has been confused by the difference between a proxy bidder and a vendor bidder . The deal was regarded as one of the highest value liquidations in the Western Cape. The prestigious Quoin Rock Winery and Manor Estate belonging to businessman Dave King went on auction on December 10. The estate was sold by Auction Alliance to businesswoman and philanthropist Appelbaum, for R55 million, but the deal fell through. Appelbaum has since claimed that the auction process was fundamentally flawed and did not comply with the Consumer Protection Act, and that she was the only genuine bidder. But Levitt maintains the auction was clean. We hold 3 000 to 5 000 auctions a year, and there are often bidders who do not want to be in the glare of public cameras. Proxy bidders simply bid on their behalf. At the Quoin Rock auction, there was a genuine bidder bidding with Mrs Appelbaum. She saw a proxy bidder and saw someone who she thought did not have the means to buy the farms. But the proxy bidder was indeed bidding on behalf of a bidder who has huge and significant means, someone who is extremely prosperous. Levitt said: Newspapers have tried to rape our business. Think about this. We have not had one negative article in any of the Independent Newspapers in 20 years, and now suddenly theres a slew. Do you seriously believe that if we were not a highly ethical business, that there would not have been articles in the past? This points to a witch-hunt with people with very serious agendas to hurt Auction Alliance, the auction industry, and myself. By Murray Williams Treasurer Deborah Goldberg fired Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O'Brien on Monday, her office confirmed, a removal that seems likely to kick the yearlong drama back into the courts. In a statement, Goldberg said she decided to fire O'Brien after carefully considering more than 20 hours of meetings held earlier this year as well as various documents, case law and policies. Goldberg said she fired O'Brien because she "committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a CCC commissioner." "I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the Commission capably and in an appropriate manner," the treasurer said. "I expect my appointees actions to be reflective of the important mission of the CCC and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in todays work environment." Goldberg plan to name a new acting chairperson for the CCC soon, her office said. After appointing her to the top job in 2022, Goldberg suspended O'Brien, a former state treasurer and the Democratic Party's 2002 nominee for governor, with pay in September. Goldberg's statement did not provide specific examples of O'Brien's alleged misconduct or inability to discharge her duties as chair of the CCC. Her office declined to provide a copy of any letter or notice outlining the rationale for the firing. The treasurer had previously given two justifications for O'Brien's suspension and possible firing: that the chairwoman is alleged to have made racially insensitive remarks and that she mistreated former CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, a former Goldberg deputy. O'Brien denied the allegations against her and in the fall sued Goldberg. Strasbourg: un atelier pour les futurs papas a la maison de l'enfance Yoga, cours de preparation a l'accouchement... La maison de l'enfance de Strasbourg propose des ateliers pour les futurs peres autour des thematiques du lien avec l'enfant ou encore du post partum. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. By SA Commercial Prop News Deltas Sandile Nomvete and Rebosiss Sisa Ngebulana have mutually agreed to terminate merger discussions. Delta Property Fund [JSE: DLT] and Rebosis Property Fund [JSE: REA], upon constructive analysis with stakeholders, have mutually agreed to terminate merger discussions. The two majority black-owned companies, Delta Property Fund and Rebosis Property Fund were considering joining forces to create a property fund with R29 billion in assets. The news comes at a time when both companies have seen sharp declines in their share prices over the past two years, with SAs economic slowdown taking its toll on commercial property and mall owners. No reasons were given for the decision not to pursue the merger, but the market welcomed the move on Delta's behalf. Its share price rocketed by 43% to 60c in the morning, on track for its best one-day performance since it listed in 2012. It has, however, lost 90% of its value over the past 24 months. Rebosis was unchanged at 32c, having fallen 96.56% over the past two years. The merger, would help the two landlords to scale up and weather the tough trading environment, they said in a joint announcement August last year. The two funds each own a range of office buildings, and both are landlords to many government entities. A merged entity would be able to benefit from synergies across these assets. Rebosis also owns shopping centres in Port Elizabeth (Baywest Mall), East London (Hemingways Mall) and Centurion (Forest Hill City). The office property market is currently weathering a very difficult time, with almost 20% of the office space in the Durban CBD, Rosebank and Hatfield in Tshwane standing empty in the last quarter of 2019, according to new report by the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa). Vacancy rates in Sandton, Sunninghill, Illovo and Midrand remain close to multi-year highs. Delta has been through a drawn-out process of getting its state tenants, especially local government ones, to agree to new leases. Last month, in an unprecedented move in the listed real estate sector, 80% of Rebosis Property Funds ordinary shareholders voted against implementing the companys remuneration policy. The company has been through a turbulent two years in which it wrote off its investment in UK mall owner New Frontier Properties, having lost more than R2bn of its value, and has had to sell offices and malls in SA to handle its escalating debt levels. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. By SA Commercial Prop News Randburg Square Mall situated in Randburg CBD has undergone a complete overhaul and has received much needed facelift from the owners, Vukile Property Fund increasing footfall 20% in the last quarter of last year. Image gallery The famous Randburg Square Mall situated in Randburg CBD has undergone a complete overhaul and received much needed facelift from the owners, Vukile Property Fund increasing footfall 20% in the last quarter of last year. A total capital investment of approximately R207-million was poured into the upgrade project which was carried out in three phases, in which the centre management believes that the development will eventually translate into a future positive economic growth. Other new features that make the new look of Randburg Square Mall appeal to shoppers and visitors alike, include bigger walkways, new flooring, enhanced lighting and reconfiguration of central areas and some of the stores. Launched in the late-1970s as Sanlam Centre Randburg, the retail areas had long been in need of an extensive revamp to enable the centre to successfully compete with contending centres that have since been developed in the catchment area. Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed property loan stock company, Vukile Property Fund, which owns the 35 818 square metre mall says that all the latest developments are just the good news that both investors and stakeholders have been waiting for. "The design process has enabled us to attract 23 new retail stores that allow us to cater for our diverse shoppers who are in love and visit the mall. We expect a high surge in new entrants to the city of Randburg because of the fresh and new look appeal brought by the upgrade," says Vukile Chief Executive Laurence Rapp. The scope of work carried out includes upgrading of the main entrance at the food court, and the escalators connecting the two shopping levels have been realigned to allow easier flow from the entrance into the centre. This has also created more space for the new banking mall on the lower level. First National Bank, an existing tenant, has relocated to this area while Nedbank, a new tenant, has also started trading here. There has been a major improvement of all mechanical, electrical and fire safety systems, including the implementation of green energy saving measures wherever possible. The public toilets have also been upgraded aesthetically. Modern alterations were made to the main entrance from Pretoria Street as well as the secondary entrances located along the pedestrian promenade in Hill Street. Jaco Nel, an executive at JHI Project Management and project manager in charge of refurbishment in the centre says the upgrade has allowed them an opportunity to have a mixture of tenants in the city centre to add value to the shopping experience of those used to the centre and to visitors. The mall has a large sphere of influence due to the taxi rank close to the centre that mainly services Diepsloot, Randburg, Soweto, Cosmo City, Kya Sands, Alexandra, and Kagiso. There are also households within a two kilometre radius of the centre, in areas such as Blairgowrie, President Ridge, Fernridge, Kensington, Bordeaux and Hurlingham Manor. With an average foot count of over 800 000 customers per month, the mall plays host to commuters, professionals, families and friends. The local authority, together with property owners, has in recent years upgraded the public facilities in the surrounding area and made improvements to the traffic flow. The new Gautrain bus route and the incorporation of the Randburg CBD into the Bus Rapid Transport system have further improved access to the area. Vukiles diverse property portfolio is worth about R10bn. It is about 53% retail-focused while 10% is let to central government departments and 3% to a hospital. About 11% is industrial and the balance is office space. Last year in terms of the empowerment deal Vukile restructured so as to have more than 20% empowerment ownership. This was done through Vukile completing a R1.04bn deal that saw it acquire four government-tenanted properties from the Encha investment group. Vukile declared a 5% distribution for the six-month period to September 2013 in its most recent financial results. This was below the industry average of about 7% for that period. However Mr Rapp has said the improved portfolio following the Encha deal means distributions will improve next year. By SA Commercial Prop News Its rough ride for Landlords as one of SAs oldest surviving retailers, Edcon Holdings which occupies big pockets of space in many shopping centres, is on the bring of collapse. There is still no respite for Landlords as one of SAs oldest surviving retailers, Edcon Holdings which occupies big pockets of space in many shopping centres, is asking mall owners to chop rent. The debt-laden retail giant, which owns Edgars Stores, Jet and CNA, is asking South Africas big shopping Mall Owners to reduce its rent in order for it to survive. Without this concession, the company could be put into liquidation. The flagship brand, Edgars, operates as a major anchor, driving business to smaller retailers at many malls across the country. The retailer also accounts for 10% of occupancy in SAs major shopping malls. CEO Grant Pattison said on Monday that the group was negotiating new leases with its landlords as a way to cut costs. "Edcon is very close to announcing a complete recapitalisation of the business that should endure for the next few years. We cannot comment on the details as it is not yet finalised. Speculation and sensationalism will harm, not help the company," Pattison said in a statement. The company which operates 1,350 stores, is said to have asked for a 41% reduction in rent as its seeks to secure funding to stave off liquidation. It offered a 5% stake in the business in exchange for a two-year agreement on rentals, citing a letter to landlords. This would help Edcon secure R1.9bn ($132m) in emergency funding from banks and the Public Investment Corp, it said. It has debt of R7bn and has had to fight hard to maintain its relevance in a clothing retail market that has seen local and foreign rivals such as Mr Price, H&M, Zara and new online shops that are eating into their market share. The closure would affect dividend payouts to shareholders for most listed property groups. Trading analyst Lester Davids said that landlords would likely find it difficult to fill the space currently occupied by Edcon stores around the country. But Edcon going under would be even worse, he said. The companys woes are symptomatic of an entire sector under pressure as many retailers are struggling across the country. The closure of the company would put 140,000 jobs at risk and deal a massive psychological blow to the South African economy. This would make it by far the biggest single job loss ever in SA, said economist Mike Schussler. The possible closure of Edcon would not only threaten the jobs of its employees, but could seriously threaten some of the countrys commercial property groups. Meanwhile. the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) says the country cannot afford any more job losses. Saftu's Zwelinzima Vavi has urged Edcon to do all it can to ensure that workers' jobs are safe. Mall owners Liberty Two Degrees and Hyprop Investments emerged as the biggest losers from the closure of Stuttafords Stores. The 150-year-old department store officially closed its doors last year amid tough economic challenges. Edcon is southern Africas largest non-food retailer. It has been in business for nearly 90 years and operate in stores across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Apple on Tuesday lost its fight against an order by EU competition regulators to pay 13 billion in back taxes to Ireland as part of an EU crackdown against sweetheart deals between EU countries and multinationals. The European Commission issued the order in 2016, saying that the iPhone maker benefited from two Irish tax rulings for over two decades that artificially reduced its tax burden to as low as 0.005 per cent in 2014. Advertisement Apple had said the record EU tax order defied reality and common sense. The Government had also challenged the EU ruling. The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union sided with EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager. "The Court of Justice gives final judgment in the matter and confirms the European Commission's 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover," judges said. Apple expressed disappointment with the ruling. "The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US," the company said. The ruling is final and cannot be appealed. Michael Sheen has said his new series based on the infamous Newsnight interview with Britain's Prince Andrew is about the dangers of privilege and entitlement. The Welsh actor, 55, portrays the duke in the upcoming Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal, which depicts the interview in which former BBC journalist Emily Maitlis grilled Andrew over his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Luther actress Ruth Wilson takes on the part of Maitlis for the three episodes, which explore the events surrounding the high-profile interview. Ruth Wilson and Michael Sheen in character as Emily Maitlis and the Duke of York (Prime Video/PA) Speaking about the shows message ahead of the launch next week, Sheen said: The more weve been working on it, its become clearer and clearer to me that its a story about the dangers of privilege and the dangers of entitlement, both for the person who has that privilege and entitlement but also for the society that is the context for it. Advertisement And how easy it becomes to exploit people and situations, and to feel justified in doing that somehow. Or to not even think about it too much because you dont have to, and the injustice in that. And when that happens, it is very difficult for people who have very little privilege and very little power or voice to confront that and to get people to listen. And so, I hope that an audience will come away from this having had an experience of that and seeing the far-reaching effects. Not only for within this story but within our culture. Advertisement During the Newsnight exclusive, Andrew was questioned on allegations that Epsteins victim Virginia Giuffre was trafficked to have sex with him when she was aged 17. Following the BBC broadcast in November 2019 and the furore over Andrews friendship with Epstein, the duke stepped down from public life. Andrew strenuously denies the claims he sexually assaulted Ms Giuffre and in 2022 paid millions to her to settle a civil case out of court, saying he never met her. Advertisement Sheen, known for his character work including playing former UK prime minister Tony Blair in The Queen, revealed he discovered some details about Andrew's life which really hit him when preparing for the role. Among the discovery, he claims he found out that the royal was forced to stop relationships that seemed very important to him, adding: It wasnt necessarily just his choice to end those relationships or to change those relationships. Due to the position hes in, the word came from above that (they) had to end. Advertisement He also found it really extraordinary that Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson continued to live together as a family despite separating. I found that really extraordinary that even though theyd been told thats it, this is the end of this, they still lived as a family, which is both weird and sort of incredibly bit heart-breaking, and lovely, I suppose, he said. I mean, great for the girls, thats, you know, they got to grow up with their mum and dad there in the home together. But I didnt know that and that really struck me. Netflix released a film titled Scoop, based on the memoir of Newsnight producer Sam McAlister, earlier this year about the same interview, starring Gillian Anderson as Maitlis. A Very Royal Scandal will premiere on September 19th on Prime Video. Gardai have submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over the death of a Canadian tourist who died after being injured on Dublin's O'Connell Street in June. On Tuesday, Judge Alan Mitchell adjourned Ionut Danca's case for another two weeks for a decision on whether he is to face an additional charge over the alleged assault on Neno Dolmajian on June 23rd. Advertisement Judge Mitchell was given confirmation at Cloverhill District Court that gardai had completed and submitted an investigation file to the DPP. Mr Danca (24), a Romanian construction worker with an address at Rathdown Square, North Circular Road, Dublin 7, was remanded in continuing custody. He has been accused of assault causing harm to Mr Dolmajian but could face a "more serious charge". He had been denied bail on June 28th at Dublin District Court. Advertisement Mr Dolmajian, who was from Montreal, single and in his 40s, was brought to the Mater Hospital "unresponsive", never regained consciousness and he died on July 2nd. Judge Mitchell has noted the change of circumstances since the first court hearing and that the injured party had since died. The accused has also deferred a High Court bail application. At his earlier District Court bail hearing, Detective Sergeant Eoghan Byrne said the accused was allegedly with a group at Cathal Brugha Street when the injured party approached and engaged in conversation. Advertisement It was claimed a member of the group struck him, and they moved on to O'Connell Street, where there was another interaction with the injured party. Some "became hostile", while others tried to intervene. The tourist walked toward the quays but was allegedly knocked on the ground and received a "running kick". The detective described it as a full-force blow to the face. CCTV evidence CCTV evidence had been obtained, and it was alleged the accused's action caused the tourist's injury. Advertisement The court also heard that, aware gardai were looking for him, he left the country for two days. Initially, he booked a flight from Dublin to Bucharest, and officers waited for him at the airport. But he went to Belfast instead and flew to Edinburgh and then Naples. According to Detective Sergeant Byrne, gardai went to his Dublin address, but it was "cleaned out," and there were 10 bags of his belongings. It was claimed that "his girlfriend indicated they intended to leave Ireland permanently and have their stuff shipped to Romania". The detective sergeant believed Mr Danca had no ties to this jurisdiction and could face additional charges. He agreed with defence solicitor Evan Moore that the accused had no prior criminal convictions and lived and worked in Ireland for six years and that he came back voluntarily following discussions. However, that was allegedly after two days of avoiding calls, texts, and emails and efforts to locate him. Another man is also before the courts accused of assaulting Mr Dolmajian. The Government will respect an order to recover more than 13 billion in back taxes from Apple, following a decision of Europes top court. The European Court of Justice (CJEU) decision restores a 2016 European Commission ruling that Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, which would be illegal under EU state aid rules. Advertisement The Irish Government and Apple, which had long argued the correct amount of tax was paid, fought the commission on the matter and in July 2020 the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision. However, the European Commission subsequently appealed against that decision to the CJEU, saying the lower courts ruling was legally incorrect. On Tuesday, the CJEU agreed the General Court had erred in its decision and ordered the judgment should be set aside, restoring the commissions original ruling. Advertisement The Government said it will respect the findings, but added: The Irish position has always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers. An Apple representative said the company was disappointed with the decision. Advertisement This case has never been about how much tax we pay, but which government we are required to pay it to, they said. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal. Apple is proud to be an engine of growth and innovation across Europe and around the world, and to consistently be one of the largest taxpayers in the world. The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US. Advertisement We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case. In the interim, the 13.1 billion has been held in an escrow fund pending the outcome of the case. The money, with interest, is due to be returned to the Irish exchequer. However, other member states may make claims that they are owed a share of the total. Advertisement Apple chief executive Tim Cook previously branded the EU findings political crap, maddening and untrue (PA) The commissions original position was that tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple in 1991 and 2007 substantially and artificially lowered the tax paid by the iPhone manufacturer in the country since the early 90s, in a way which did not correspond to economic reality. As a result, competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in 2016 that Ireland had granted illegal tax benefits which enabled the company to pay substantially less tax than other businesses over many years. An EU investigation found Apple had paid an effective corporate tax rate of 1 per cent on its European profits in 2003, down to 0.005 per cent in 2014 50 for every one million euro of profit. The process involved Apple recording almost all sales profits of two Irish incorporated companies to a head office, which the commission said only existed on paper. The companies, fully owned by Apple, held the rights to use the firms intellectual property to manufacture and sell its products outside North and South America. The commission said this situation allowed Apple to avoid taxation on almost all profits generated by sales of its products in the entire EU single market. It said this was due to Apples decision to record all sales in Ireland rather than in the countries where the products were sold. Margrethe Vestager hailed the decision (Anthony Devlin/PA) The findings were disputed by the Irish State, which said all tax owed had been collected, and Apple, which had come under scrutiny in the US for its tax practices years earlier. At the time, Apple chief executive Tim Cook branded the EU findings political crap, maddening and untrue. The company maintained that no state aid had been received and that it had paid taxes on the profits in question in the US. The Government, which was also used to defending a low 12.5 per cent corporation tax rate, argued that Europe had overstepped the mark in attempting to dictate tax laws and enforce retrospective taxes decades later. Ireland and Apple fought the commission on the matter and in July 2020, the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision. The General Court found the commission had not shown there was an advantage deriving from the adoption of the tax rulings. However, the commission subsequently appealed the decision to the CJEU, with Ms Vestager saying the lower courts ruling contained errors of law. On Tuesday, the CJEU said it confirms the European Commissions 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover. Ms Vestager described the finding as a huge win for European citizens and tax justice. Catherine Martin has appeared to rule out challenging Roderic OGorman for leadership of the Green Party. In June, Eamon Ryan and Ms Martin stepped down from their respective roles as leader and deputy leader of the party. Advertisement Following contests, they were replaced by Mr OGorman and Senator Roisin Garvey respectively. Ms Martin had not entered the leadership race. Asked at the time if she would never seek the top job, she said: Never say never and Ive made it clear that its just at this point at time. Advertisement According to the Green Partys internal constitution, another leadership contest must take place no later than six months after the election of a taoiseach following a general election. This could potentially leave other members of the party who did not enter the previous leadership race to put their name forward following the general election. Advertisement Asked on Tuesday if Mr OGorman should be worried about her challenging his leadership following the election, Ms Martin said: I think Minister OGorman, I was only saying it to him today, is doing a fantastic job as leader. And I have full confidence that he will be re-elected and be leader beyond the general election. I look forward to working with him, its an absolute pleasure to work with him. Were long-time friends. Advertisement Culture Minister Catherine Martin (top right) with a range of performers and artists at Dublin Castle for an event promoting Culture Night (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Ms Martin was speaking to reporters at an event to promote Culture Night next Friday September 20th. The Culture Minister said: Culture Night is a really special night in our cultural calendar where we get an opportunity to embrace the vibrant and diverse cultural offerings right across the country the bonus being that everything is free. Over 1,700 events from from circus, to samba, to music, to gigs, to workshops its really a celebration of our culture and I think everyone gets to experience it. Advertisement Elsewhere, the third year of the Arts Councils book-gifting project Read Mor will see a works from Irish and Irish-based authors being delivered for free to all prisons nationally, in recognition of those who cannot attend other Culture Night events. Tens of thousands of people in East Timor streamed to a seaside park for Pope Francis big mass on Tuesday, held on the same field where John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during the nations fight for independence from Indonesia. The Tacitolu Park is said to have been a site where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies killed during their rule. Now it is known as the Park of Peace and features a larger-than-life-sized statue of John Paul to commemorate his 1989 visit, when the Polish pontiff shamed Indonesia for its human rights abuses and encouraged the overwhelmingly Catholic Timorese faithful. Advertisement John Pauls visit helped draw attention to the plight of the Timorese people and shine a spotlight on the oppressiveness of Indonesias rule, during which as many as 200,000 people were killed over a quarter-century. Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the Irmas ALMA (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Pope Francis is celebrating a mass at the same site, more than two decades after the Southeast Asian nation finally became an independent state in 2002. Advertisement East Timor, known also as Timor-Leste, remains one of the poorest countries, with 42% of its 1.3 million people living below the poverty line, according to the UN Development Programme. Unemployment is high, job opportunities in the formal sector are generally limited and most people are subsistence farmers with no steady income. The territory has been overwhelmingly Catholic ever since Portuguese explorers first arrived in the early 1500s and 97% of the population today is Catholic. They have turned out in droves to welcome the first pope to visit them as an independent nation, thronging the motorcade route as Pope Francis arrived on Monday and pouring into the Tacitolu site . Government authorities said some 300,000 people had registered through their dioceses to attend the mass, but President Jose Ramos-Horta said he expected 700,000 and the Vatican predicted as many as 750,000. Advertisement They lined up before dawn by the tens of thousands to enter the Tacitolu park, on the coast about 8 kilometres (nearly 5 miles) from downtown Dili. With hours to go until the service, the roads leading to it were jammed by cars, trucks and buses packed with people; others walked down the middle of the street, ignoring the sidewalks. For us, the pope is a reflection of the Lord Jesus, as a shepherd who wants to see his sheep, so we come to him with all our hearts as our worship, said Alfonso de Jesus, who came from Baucau, the countrys second-largest city after Dili, about 75 miles east of the capital. Mr de Jesus, 56, was among the estimated 100,000 people who attended John Pauls 1989 Mass, which made headlines around the world because of a riot that broke out just as it was ending. John Paul looked on as baton-wielding Indonesian plain-clothed police clashed with around 20 young men who shouted Viva a independencia and Viva el Papa!. Advertisement I entrust Timor-Leste and all its people to the protection of Our Lady of Aitara. May she accompany and aid you always in your mission to build a free, democratic and united country, where no one feels excluded and everyone can live in peace and dignity. Pope Francis (@Pontifex) September 9, 2024 Advertisement According to Associated Press reporting at the time, the men unfurled a banner in front of the altar and hurled chairs at the policemen. One banner read Fretilin Welcomes You, a reference to the independence movement that fought Indonesian rule since East Timor was annexed in 1976 after Portugal dismantled its centuries-old colonial empire. Four women were reported hospitalised with injuries suffered after being crushed in the surging crowd. The pope was not harmed. Amnesty International later expressed concern that some 40 people had been detained and tortured, though Indonesian authorities at the time denied any arrests or torture. The mass was run very neat and orderly with very tight security, De Jesus recalled more than three decades later. But it was crushed by a brief riot at the end of the event. A 71-year-old man on trial in France accused of drugging his wife and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her in their home was hospitalised on Tuesday for medical checks and treatment, his lawyer told journalists. Dominique Pelicot, the main defendant in a trial that is set to run until December and has appalled France, had been due to testify later in the day but the presiding court judge ordered him to undergo medical tests first. Advertisement "Mr Pelicot is not trying to shirk his responsibility, he will not shirk his responsibility," defence lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said, adding that her client started to show symptoms of what could be a bladder infection or colic on Friday. Beatrice Zavarro, lawyer of Dominique Pelicot accused of drugging his former partner Gisele Pelicot for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, a small town in the south of France, speaks on a mobile telephone in the courthouse in Avignon on the sidelines of Dominique's trial. Prosecutors said Pelicot offered sex with his wife on a website and filmed the abuse. Fifty other men accused, over the period of a decade, of raping her when she was knocked unconscious by the drugs are also on trial. Zavarro has told French media Pelicot admits to his crimes. The other defendants were of all ages and walks of life, French media said, adding that some admitted to being guilty while others said they thought the wife had pretended to be asleep. They each face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty. Members of SC States Infant and Maternal Mortality Project team: Kayla Williams, media-communications specialist; Kyle Stanley, program coordinator, Latrecia Adams, community health worker; Charlone Williams, administrative specialist/subaward coordinator; Dr. Audrey McCrary-Quarles, co-principal investigator; and Dr. Ashley Evans Knowell, principal investigator. ORANGEBURG, S.C. South Carolina State Universitys Infant Maternal Mortality Project (IMM) will host its inaugural Empowering Mothers Health and Wellness Summit on beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Fine Arts Building on campus. The summit is dedicated to supporting and empowering mothers through a comprehensive program that addresses crucial aspects of health, wellness and infant maternal care. We are thrilled to host this summit to empower mothers in our community, said the IMM Projects principal investigator, Dr. Ashley Evans Knowell, an associate professor of biology and co-director of the Health Equity Research and Training Center at SC State. Our goal is to provide a platform for education, support, and collaboration to improve the health and wellness of mothers and their families. The summit will bring together mothers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, advocates, and resources to discuss the pressing issues of maternal and infant health. Participants will engage in insightful discussions, participate in workshops, and hear from such distinguished guest speakers as Jonquette Sanders-White, a leading voice in maternal health advocacy; Shafia M. Monroe, a midwife; and Dr. Erika Lusby, an OB-GYN. Registration details The Empowering Mothers Health and Wellness Summit is free to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/953419281737?aff=oddtdtcreator . Summit highlights: Expert panels: Gain valuable insights from healthcare professionals and industry experts on topics such as prenatal care, postpartum wellness, mental health, and nutritional guidance for mothers and children. Guest speakers: Learn from inspiring stories and experiences shared by our featured speakers who will provide valuable perspectives on maternal health challenges and solutions. Networking opportunities: Connect with other mothers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to build a supportive network focused on enhancing maternal and infant health outcomes. Vendor fair: Explore a variety of resources from local organizations offering support and services for mothers and families. About SC States Infant Maternal Mortality Team The IMM Project team at South Carolina State University is leading a transformative initiative to combat the high infant-mother mortality rates affecting African-American communities in South Carolina. Funded by a $1.7 million project from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (formerly DHEC), the two-year project includes partnerships with local management service organizations, churches, HBCUs, and professional groups to provide grants and resources for community-led activities, such as baby showers, educational webinars, and screenings. The team is dedicated to ensuring that accurate information and resources reach underserved communities to address this urgent health crisis. For more information about the program, www.immscsu.org. Hundreds of prisoners are being freed early to cut overcrowding in jails as a watchdog warned it was inevitable some would reoffend and end up back behind bars. Around 1,700 prisoners are expected to be released on Tuesday from jails across England and Wales, in addition to the around 1,000 inmates normally freed each week. Advertisement Pictures showed groups of inmates walking out of Brixton, Durham and Liverpool jails. Around 400 prisoners are reportedly due to be freed from London prisons alone. Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid unchecked criminality where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up because there are no free cells. Advertisement UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures showed the prison population hit a record high of 88,521 on Friday, having risen by more than 1,000 inmates over the past four weeks. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the UK government had no choice but to do something about overcrowding because the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out. But he warned it was inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody and that some will be homeless on release increasing the risk that they could go on to commit more crimes. Advertisement If people are coming out, theyre not properly prepared, and theyre homeless, then what well see is the danger that theyll commit more offences, or that they breach their bail conditions, in which case theyll end up back inside again, he said. The move comes after British justice secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent as the MoJ said overcrowding had pushed jails to the point of collapse. On Monday it emerged some victims were not prepared in the wake of their perpetrators being freed early. The Victims Commissioner of England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, branded it regrettable that some had still not been told this was happening on the eve of the policy coming into force. Advertisement A man is seen outside HM Prison Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) Mr Taylors comments came as he published his annual report, which suggested ministers will not be able to build enough prisons to fit all criminals set to be jailed in future unless they overhaul sentencing rules. His report said: With the number of prisoners projected to grow by as much as 27,000 by 2028, it is unlikely to be possible to build enough new accommodation. Advertisement Alongside decisive short-term action, there is a pressing need for a much bigger conversation about who we are sending to prison, for how long and what we want prisoners to do while they are inside. The report also detailed the desperate crisis of violence and drug use behind bars, as well as the lack of available rehabilitation that would keep people from reoffending. Charities said the early release scheme will only buy a little time and would not provide a lasting solution in the face of brutalising conditions. Andrea Coomber KC, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said prisons and probation needed to be completely reset after she described the woeful education and training for inmates and squalor, self-harm, drugs, violence and unmet mental health needs, all in the midst of severe overcrowding. Hundreds more prisoners are due to be freed early next month in the second stage of the scheme. But the UK government is under pressure to find longer term solutions to the problem, with prison figures warning without further measures the same problem could be faced in about a years time. Ms Mahmood pledged the government will tackle the crisis head on, adding: If we had not acted when we came into office, there was a real risk that the courts would have been forced to delay sending offenders to jail and police left unable to arrest dangerous criminals. This is a temporary measure, giving us time to set about long-term change in the prison system building the prisons we need and driving down reoffending. The public inquiry into the events surrounding the crimes of British child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby will begin today. Chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall, the investigation at Liverpool Town Hall is to examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess and Chester Hospitals neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016, and how its bosses handled concerns about her. Advertisement Letby (34), from Hereford in England, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims. The inquiry will cover three broad areas. Firstly, the experiences of the parents of the babies who featured on the criminal indictment that Letby faced. Secondly, the conduct of those working at the Countess of Chester and how Letby was able repeatedly to kill and harm babies. Advertisement Despite mounting concerns raised to bosses by some consultants, she was not removed from the unit until after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another baby boy on three successive days in June 2016 and police were not called in until the following year. Chairwoman of the inquiry Lady Justice Thirlwall at Liverpool Town Hall (Peter Byrne/PA) Thirdly, a focus on the wider health service in England in examining relationships between the various groups of professionals, the culture within hospitals and how these affect the safety of newborns in neonatal units. Advertisement In Lady Justice Thirlwalls opening statement in November, the senior UK Court of Appeal judge said she would also probe what recommendations had been made from previous inquiries into events in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and what difference they made. She referred to the case of another child killer nurse, Beverley Allitt, who murdered four infants and caused grievous bodily harm or attempted to murder a total of nine other children in Lincolnshire, England, in 1991. She said: Everyone was determined that it would not happen again. It has happened again. This is utterly unacceptable. Letby protested to the court Im innocent as she was led from the dock when she was sentenced in July to her 15th whole-life order after a jury convicted her at retrial of the attempted murder of a baby girl. Advertisement In May, she lost her UK Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from the first trial which took place between October 2022 and August 2023. Her new lawyer, Mark McDonald, has claimed that new medical evidence and expert opinion had revealed flaws in the prosecution case and that he plans to apply to the UK Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to ask it to return the case to the UK Court of Appeal for consideration. In recent months, a number of doctors, scientists and statisticians have publicly challenged how the evidence was presented to jurors. While a letter to British government ministers from 24 signatories including neonatal experts and professors of statistics called for a rethink over the terms of the public inquiry and warned that important lessons could be missed from a failure in understanding and examining alternative, potentially complex causes for the deaths. Advertisement Speculation about Letbys case in the media and possible future appeals had been upsetting for her clients, said solicitor Tamlin Bolton who is representing the families of six victims. The first week of the inquiry will hear opening statements from the counsel to the inquiry, along with legal representatives from core participants including the families of Letbys victims. Evidence is scheduled to begin the following week and will continue until at least December. A court order prohibits reporting of the identities of the surviving and dead children involved in the case. James Earl Jones, the American actor known for being the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, has died at the age of 93. The Hollywood stars voice was also lent to the likes of Mufasa in Disneys 1994 film The Lion King, various audiobooks and to CNN for its This is CNN tagline. Advertisement During his career, he won a host of awards including Emmys, Tony Awards, a Grammy and was given an honorary Oscar. James Earl Jones with his lifetime achievement Oscar (John Stillwell/PA) On Monday, his long-time agent Barry McPherson confirmed the veteran actor had died. Advertisement Born in 1931, Jones overcame a stutter in his childhood and later became one of the most instantly recognisable voices in the world. The actor was arguably best known for giving the Star Wars supervillain Darth Vader his classic husky voice, but he was already an award-winning star of stage and screen when the original movie was being developed by George Lucas in the 1970s. He later reprised the voice in 2005 for Revenge Of The Sith and he returned to the role nine years later in the first episode of Star Wars Rebels, and in 2016s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Advertisement Before his Star Wars role, he wowed critics with his Tony Award-winning performance as a boxer in 1968 play The Great White Hope, later taking on the lead in the 1970 movie adaptation, for which he picked up a Golden Globe. He later secured the best actor Tony award for a second time for Fences and in 2017 he was presented with the Tony for lifetime achievement in the theatre. Advertisement The actor demonstrated versatility in everything from Shakespearean epics to television dramas and comedies. James Earl Jones (Katie Collins/PA) He played memorable film roles including reclusive writer Terence Mann in 1989s Field Of Dreams and a South African minister in Cry, The Beloved Country. Advertisement His notable films included the 1988 romcom Coming To America starring Eddie Murphy and 1982 epic Conan The Barbarian, where he played opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jones garnered two Primetime Emmys for his roles in the 1990 thriller Heat Wave and the 1990 crime drama Gabriels Fire, and he won the Grammy in 1977 for best spoken word recording for Great American Documents. His stage credits include a host of Broadway productions and several plays in London, one of the latest being a production of Much Ado About Nothing at The Old Vic in 2013. In 2022, the Shubert Organisations Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed after Jones to recognise his lifetime of immense contributions to Broadway and the entire artistic community, according to a statement by the Shuberts at the time. Among his numerous awards, Jones received the National Medal of Arts, a Kennedy Centre Honour and an honorary Oscar in 2011. Hollywood stars are among those who have paid tribute, including Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker, writing on social media #RIP dad with a broken heart emoji. This man was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity. James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity pic.twitter.com/gze67IuVOI Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) September 9, 2024 The Wire star Wendell Pierce hailed him as the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity in a post on X, formerly Twitter. He added: James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behaviour in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once-in-a-generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American culture. In his tribute on X, Star Trek star George Takei said: A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us. James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honour his great body of work. A huge outpouring of comment over the convictions of child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby has caused enormous additional distress to the parents of her victims, a public inquiry has heard. On Tuesday, the hearings of the Thirwall Inquiry started into how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess of Chester Hospitals neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016 and how its bosses handled concerns. Advertisement Opening the proceedings at Liverpool Town Hall, inquiry chairwoman Lady Justice Thirwall said the probe bears her surname so that the parents do not repeatedly see the name of the person convicted of harming their babies. Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims. Lucy Letby is serving a whole-life sentence (Cheshire Constabulary/PA) Advertisement She protested to the court Im innocent as she was led from the dock when she was sentenced in July to her 15th whole-life order after a jury convicted her at retrial of the attempted murder of a baby girl. In May, she lost her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from the first trial which took place between October 2022 and August 2023. Referring to that judgment, Lady Justice Thirlwall said: That judgment marked a watershed. At last the parents had finality, or so it seemed. But it was not to be. In the months that followed there has been a huge outpouring of comment from a variety of quarters on the validity of the convictions. Advertisement As far as I am aware it has come entirely from people who were not at the trial. Parts of the evidence has been selected and there has been criticism of the defence at the trial. All of this noise has caused enormous additional distress to the parents who have already suffered far too much. It is not for me to set about reviewing the convictions. The Court of Appeal has done that with a very clear result. She said the babies who died or were injured would be at the heart of the inquiry. Advertisement The inquiry will cover three broad areas. Lady Justice Thirlwall arrives at Liverpool Town Hall (Peter Byrne/PA) Firstly, the experiences of the parents of the babies who featured on the criminal indictment that Letby faced. Advertisement Secondly, the conduct of those working at the Countess of Chester and how Letby was able repeatedly to kill and harm babies. Despite mounting concerns raised to bosses by some consultants, she was not removed from the unit until after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another baby boy on three successive days in June 2016 and police were not called in until the following year. Thirdly, a focus on the wider NHS in examining relationships between the various groups of professionals, the culture within hospitals and how these affect the safety of newborns in neonatal units. The first week of the inquiry will hear opening statements from the counsel to the inquiry, along with legal representatives from core participants including the families of Letbys victims. Lady Justice Thirlwall said it was planned that the hearings in Liverpool would finish in early 2025 and she expected her findings to be published by late autumn of that year. A court order prohibits reporting of the identities of the surviving and dead children involved in the case. An estimated 600,000 people a figure nearing half of East Timors population packed a seaside park on Tuesday for Pope Franciss final Mass, held on the same field where St John Paul II prayed during the nations fight for independence from Indonesia. While other papal Masses have drawn millions of people in more populous countries and there were certainly other nationalities attending Tuesdays Mass, the crowd in small East Timor was believed to represent the biggest turnout for a papal event ever, in terms of the proportion of the population. Advertisement The Tasitolu Peace Park in the capital, Dili, was a sea of yellow and white umbrellas the colours of the Vatican flag as Timorese shielded themselves from the afternoon sun while they awaited Franciss arrival for the afternoon service. They got occasional spritzes of relief from water trucks that plied the field with hoses. Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, right, protects Pope Francis, wearing an East Timor traditional scarf, from the sun with an umbrella in the colours of the Vatican flag (Gregorio Borgia/AP) We are very happy that the Pope came to Timor because it gives a blessing to our land and our people, said Dirce Maria Teresa Freitas, 44, who arrived from Baucau at 9m, more than seven hours early. Advertisement Tasitolu is said to have been a site where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies killed during their 24-year rule of East Timor. Now it is known as the Park of Peace and features a larger-than-life-sized statue of John Paul to commemorate his 1989 visit, when the Polish pope shamed Indonesia for its human rights abuses and encouraged the overwhelmingly Catholic Timorese faithful. John Pauls visit helped draw attention to the plight of the Timorese people and the oppressiveness of Indonesias rule, during which as many as 200,000 people were killed over a quarter of a century. Worshippers use umbrellas in the colours of the Vatican flag to shield themselves from the sun as they wait for the Mass to start in Tasitolu Peace Park (Gregorio Borgia/AP) Advertisement Francis was following in John Pauls footsteps to cheer on the nation two decades after it became independent in 2002. East Timor, known also as Timor-Leste, remains one of the poorest countries, with some 42% of its 1.3 million people living below the poverty line, according to the UN Development Programme. But the Timorese are deeply faithful the territory has been overwhelmingly Catholic ever since Portuguese explorers first arrived in the early 1500s and some 97% of the population today is Catholic. They have turned out in droves to welcome the first pope to visit them as an independent nation. Advertisement Government authorities said some 300,000 people had registered through their dioceses to attend the Mass, but President Jose Ramos-Horta said he expected 700,000 and the Vatican had predicted as many as 750,000. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni cited crowd estimates by local organisers that 600,000 people were attending in the Tasitolu park and surrounding areas. People started queuing before dawn to attend the Mass (Gregorio Borgia/AP) Advertisement They started queuing before dawn to enter the park, on the coast about five miles (8km) from central Dili. With hours to go until the service, the roads leading to it were jammed by cars, trucks and buses packed with people; others walked down the middle of the street, ignoring the pavements. Temperatures reached 31C (88F), and it felt even hotter with humidity over 50%. For us, the Pope is a reflection of the Lord Jesus, as a shepherd who wants to see his sheep, so we come to him with all our hearts as our worship, said Alfonso de Jesus, who also came from Baucau, the countrys second-largest city after Dili, about 80 miles (128km) east of the capital. The 56-year-old was among the estimated 100,000 people who attended John Pauls 1989 Mass, which made headlines around the world because of a riot that broke out just as it was ending. Pope Francis presides over Mass in the Tasitolu park where St John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timors fight for independence from Indonesian rule (Gregorio Borgia/AP) John Paul looked on as baton-wielding plain clothes Indonesian police clashed with some 20 young men who shouted Viva a independencia and Viva el Papa! According to Associated Press reporting at the time, the men unfurled a banner in front of the altar and hurled chairs at police. One banner read Fretilin Welcomes You, a reference to the independence movement that fought Indonesian rule since East Timor was annexed in 1976 after Portugal dismantled its centuries-old colonial empire. Four women were reportedly taken to hospital after being crushed in the surging crowd. The Pope was unhurt. Amnesty International later expressed concern that some 40 people had been detained and tortured, though Indonesian authorities at the time denied any arrests or torture. The Mass was run very neat and orderly with very tight security, Mr De Jesus recalled more than three decades later. But it was crushed by a brief riot at the end of the event. , Pope Francis, wearing an East Timor traditional scarf, blesses a disabled member of the congreation (Gregorio Borgia/AP) Many of the reports at the time quoted Dili Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo as trying to draw attention to the plight of the Timorese people. He went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize with President Ramos-Horta for their efforts to peacefully resolve the Timorese conflict. But Bishop Belo has since had his reputation discredited, at least outside of East Timor, after the Vatican revealed in 2022 that he had been sanctioned for sexually abusing young boys. Now living in Portugal and blocked by the Vatican from having contact with East Timor, his historic role has been seemingly erased from any official mention during Franciss visit, even while ordinary Timorese still revere him as a hero. Sister Maria Josefa, a nun from Cape Verde who has lived in Dili for five years, said Francis was right to speak out generally about abuse when he arrived in Dili on Monday, saying his were words of compassion, even if he did not mention Bishop Belo by name. Unfortunately, the church is made of saints and sinners, but the Pope left it within the open that God does not allow for such practices, she said. We simply need to correct, to understand those who fell and also try to lift those who have endured such torture. Pope Francis consoles a disabled man during a visit to the Irmas Alma school (Gregorio Borgia/AP) Francis has praised East Timor for the progress it has made since independence and is seeking to encourage the country to strengthen its public institutions and look out for the poorest and most vulnerable. The Pope arrived in the country on Monday, and on Tuesday morning he visited a home for disabled children run by a congregation of religious sisters. Young girls, including one without arms, presented him with a traditional woven shawl known as a tais as he arrived at the Irmas Alma (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) school. As he stroked the hand of a young boy named Silvano in a pushchair, Francis said taking care of children with such health needs teaches us to care. As he allows himself to be cared for, we must learn to be cared for by God, who loves us, he said. A daredevil billionaire rocketed back into space on Tuesday, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk and venture further than anyone since Nasas Apollo Moon missions. Unlike his previous chartered flight, this time tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman is sharing the cost with SpaceX, including the development and testing of new spacesuits to see how they perform in the harsh vacuum. Advertisement Mr Isaacman launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida before dawn on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, along with a pair of SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot. If all goes to plan, it will be the first time private citizens have carried out a spacewalk, although they will not venture away from the capsule. Jared Isaacman refused to reveal how much he invested in the flight (John Raoux/AP) Advertisement Considered one of the riskiest parts of spaceflight, spacewalks have been the sole realm of professional astronauts since the former Soviet Union opened the hatch in 1965, closely followed by the US. Today, they are routinely done at the International Space Station. The spacewalk is scheduled for late on Wednesday or Thursday, midway through the five-day flight. But first the passengers are aiming way beyond the International Space Station an altitude of 870 miles (1,400km), which would exceed the Earth-lapping record set during Nasas Project Gemini in 1966. Only the 24 Apollo astronauts who flew to the Moon have ventured further. The plan is to spend 10 hours at that height filled with extreme radiation and riddled with debris before reducing the oval-shaped orbit by half. Advertisement Even at a lower 435 miles (700km), the orbit would eclipse the space station and even the Hubble Space Telescope, the highest shuttle astronauts flew. All four will wear SpaceXs spacewalking suits because the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurised for the two-hour spacewalk, exposing everyone to the dangerous environment. Dragon will initiate a two-day pre-breathe process to prepare the crew for their upcoming spacewalk on Thursday, September 12 pic.twitter.com/xxL2TRV6JX Advertisement SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 Mr Isaacman and SpaceXs Sarah Gillis will take turns briefly leaving the hatch. The will test their white and black-trimmed custom suits by twisting their bodies. Advertisement Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a swimming pool ladder. There will be no dangling at the end of their 12ft (3.6m) tethers and no jetpack showboating. Only Nasas suits at the space station are equipped with jetpacks, and they are for emergency use only. Pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceXs Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk from inside. Like SpaceXs previous astronaut flights, this one will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast. At a pre-flight news conference, Mr Isaacman chief executive and founder of credit card processing company Shift4 refused to say how much he invested in the flight. Not a chance, the 41-year-old said. SpaceX teamed up with Mr Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs, said William Gerstenmaier, a SpaceX vice president who once headed space mission operations for Nasa. Were really starting to push the frontiers with the private sector, he added. Follow Dragon and Polaris Dawn during their mission https://t.co/FrV7sLMZvj pic.twitter.com/xFJlKEUEmQ SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 It is the first of three trips that Mr Isaacman bought from Elon Musk two-and-a-half years ago, soon after returning from his first private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021. Mr Isaacman bankrolled that tourist ride for an undisclosed sum, taking along contest winners and a childhood cancer survivor. The trip raised hundreds of millions for the St Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Spacesuit development took longer than anticipated, delaying this first so-called Polaris Dawn flight until now. Training was extensive, with Mr Poteet saying it rivalled anything he experienced during his Air Force flying career. As SpaceX astronaut trainers, Ms Gillis and Ms Menon helped Mr Isaacman and his previous team as well as Nasas professional crews to prepare for their flights. Mr Isaacman said before lift-off: I wasnt alive when humans walked on the Moon. Id certainly like my kids to see humans walking on the Moon and Mars, and venturing out and exploring our Solar System. Poor weather caused a two-week delay to the launch. The crew needed favourable forecasts not only for lift-off, but for splashdown days later. With limited supplies and no ability to reach the space station, they had no choice but to wait for conditions to improve. Republican former president Donald Trump says he plans to fundamentally alter the US relationship with Nato should he win a second four-year term in November. On the campaign trail, he has floated sending armed forces into Mexico to battle drug cartels and slapping expansive tariffs on friends and foes alike. Advertisement Here is a look at the foreign policy proposals Mr Trump has pledged to advance should he win the 2024 presidential election against US vice president Kamala Harris, his Democratic rival: Nato, Ukraine and European allies Mr Trump has said that under his presidency, America would fundamentally rethink "Nato's purpose and Nato's mission". He has pledged to ask Europe to reimburse the United States for "almost $200 billion" in munitions sent to Ukraine, and he has yet to commit to sending further aid to the eastern European nation if elected. Mr Trump cut defence funding to Nato toward the latter part of his time in office, and he has frequently complained America was paying more than its fair share. Advertisement On the war in Ukraine, he has said he would resolve the conflict even before taking office in January. Though he has put forward few tangible policy proposals, he told Reuters in an interview last year that Ukraine may have to cede some territory to reach a peace agreement. Two Trump advisers told Reuters in June that they had presented a plan to end the war in Ukraine by conditioning any further weapons aid on Kyiv agreeing to sit down with Moscow for peace talks. While Mr Trump signalled in early April that he would be open to sending additional aid to Ukraine in the form of a loan, he remained mostly silent on the issue during contentious congressional negotiations over a $61 billion aid package later that month. China, trade and Taiwan Mr Trump frequently threatens to impose major new tariffs or trade restrictions on China as well as on some European allies. Advertisement His proposed Trump Reciprocal Trade Act would give him broad discretion to ramp up retaliatory tariffs on countries when they are determined to have put up trade barriers of their own. He has floated the idea of a 10 per cent universal tariff, which could disrupt international markets, and at least a 50 per cent tariff on China. Mr Trump has called for an end to China's most favoured nation status, a status that generally lowers trade barriers between nations. He has vowed to enact "aggressive new restrictions on Chinese ownership of any vital infrastructure in the United States," and the official Republican Party platform calls for banning Chinese ownership of American real estate. On Taiwan, Mr Trump has declared that it should pay the United States for its defence as, he says, it does not give the US anything and took "about 100 per cent of our chip business," referring to semiconductors. He has repeatedly said that China would never dare to invade Taiwan if he were president. Mexico and narcotics Mr Trump has said he would designate drug cartels operating in Mexico as foreign terrorist organisations and order the Pentagon "to make appropriate use of special forces" to attack cartel leadership and infrastructure, an action that would be unlikely to get the blessing of the Mexican government. Advertisement He has said he would deploy the US Navy to enforce a blockade against the cartels and would invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport drug dealers and gang members in the United States. Civil rights groups and Democratic senators have pushed for the repeal of that act, passed in 1798, which gives the president some authority to deport foreign nationals while the country is at war. The new Republican Party platform also calls for moving thousands of troops deployed overseas to the US-Mexico border to battle illegal immigration. Conflict in Israel After first criticising Israeli leadership in the days after its citizens were attacked on October 7th by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Mr Trump has said Hamas must be "crushed". Advertisement While his rhetoric has been bellicose, he has proposed few policy solutions, besides saying he would be tougher on Iran, which is closely linked to groups classified by the US as terrorist organisations, including Hamas. Mr Trump also says he would seek to deport all "resident aliens" who are Hamas sympathisers. "Resident alien" is a legal term used to describe US permanent residents, also known as green card holders. Climate Mr Trump has repeatedly pledged to pull out of the Paris Agreement, an international accord meant to limit greenhouse gas emissions. He pulled out of it during his term in office, but the US rejoined the accord under Democratic president Joe Biden in 2021. Missile defence Mr Trump has pledged to build a state-of-the-art missile defence "force field" around the United States. He has not gone into detail, beyond saying that the Space Force, a military branch that his administration created, would play a leading role in the process. World What to watch for at the Harris-Trump presidential... Read More In the Republican Party platform, the force field is referred to as an "Iron Dome," reminiscent of Israel's missile defence system, which shares the same name. World War Three Mr Trump has frequently warned that there will be a third world war if he does not win the election, a line that has become a central part of his stump speech in the final months of the campaign. "I'm telling you, and I've made a lot of predictions and this is not a prediction because it's so bad. I don't want it to be a prediction. We're heading into World War Three territory," Mr Trump said during a Fox News town hall in early September. The former president often references Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas and ongoing tensions between Taipei and Beijing when making that prediction. Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump will battle each other on Tuesday in their first televised debate, a high-stakes clash that could give the winner an advantage in the US presidential race. For Harris, the square-off in Philadelphia is an opportunity to lay out her priorities and show her mettle against a rival who has belittled her intelligence and subjected her to racist and sexist attacks. Advertisement Trump will get a chance to try and blunt some of Harris' momentum in a race that has tightened considerably since she became the Democratic nominee in July. Most opinion polls show Harris to be slightly ahead nationally and in the majority of battleground states, but Trump remains well within striking distance to win the November 5th election. Debates can be enormously consequential, and this could be their only one. US president Joe Biden dropped out of the race after a faltering performance in June. In 2016, however, Hillary Clinton was considered to be the victor in all three of her debates against Trump, but he won the election. Here's what to watch for in the pivotal televised event: Advertisement Change candidates In an election that features a former president facing the current vice president, both candidates are somewhat paradoxically portraying themselves as "change" candidates who will upset the status quo. Harris is seeking to take credit for the achievements of the Biden administration without being weighed down by its missteps, while also suggesting her presidency would mark a fresh start for the country. Kamala Harris is suggesting her presidency would mark a fresh start for the US. Photo: AFP via Getty Despite four years in the White House from 2017-2021, Trump has again styled himself as an insurgent pushing back against the institutions of Washington. Advertisement But he also has played up his experience on the world stage as compared to Harris, pledging for instance that he could bring to an end the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and protect the country from a nuclear-armed North Korea or Iran. Getting personal Since Harris became the nominee, Trump has questioned the authenticity of her heritage and unleashed a stream of personal attacks in speeches and social media posts, defying aides and allies who have told him to focus more on her policies. If he repeats those attacks on the debate stage, he could alienate undecided voters, particularly those who are sceptical that he has a presidential temperament. Advertisement Donald Trump frequently raged at Hillary Clinton during the debates of the 2016 presidential race. Photo: Getty In his 2016 debates against Clinton, Trump frequently raged at her, interrupted the moderators, pointed fingers and called her names. He tried the same tactic with Biden in 2020, leading Biden to say "Will you shut up, man?" after Trump had interrupted him several times. Harris has largely ignored Trump's personal attacks so far. Some viewers will be watching for how she handles Trump if he brings his bullying approach to the debate stage. To show the sharpest contrast with Trump, she will have to show she wont be pulled into the pit with him. Opportunities The debate is Harris' chance to establish her own political identity for millions of Americans who tune in to watch. Advertisement Harris is not as well known as the Democratic presidential candidates who most recently preceded her, which could be a huge asset in an election where voters repeatedly said they were weary of a Biden-Trump rematch. Harris, a former California attorney general, will have a platform to show her prosecutorial skills. She could try and hold Trump accountable for his conduct after the 2020 election, including allegations that he incited a mob of followers to attack the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021, in a last-ditch bid to remain in power. Her courtroom experience may also enable her to rebut Trump's falsehoods in real time in a more effective way than Biden was able to during their June debate. For Trump, the debate affords him his best chance yet to assert that Harris isn't ready to run the country and that he's the better choice for the job. Trump likely will attack Harris over the Biden administrations border-security policies, which failed to stop a record number of migrants from crossing into the US before being tightened earlier this year, as well as high consumer prices that Trump argues has made it harder for middle-class families to make ends meet. He could continue to try to pin her to the chaotic US exit from Afghanistan in 2021, raising questions about whether a candidate whose campaign has relied on "joy" and "vibes" is prepared to become commander-in-chief. Vulnerabilities Democrats have been saying for months that Trump has authoritarian tendencies and is a danger to democracy. Harris could repeat that line of attack as well as pressing him on his opposition to abortion, one of his most vulnerable political issues. She will likely highlight his role in placing justices on the US Supreme Court who helped to do away with constitutional protection for the procedure and warn that women's reproductive rights would be further curtailed under a second Trump presidency. Harris' aides and advisers said she plans to focus on what her team calls Trump's failures on the U.S. border wall, infrastructure and the Covid-19 pandemic. Harris also may slam Trump for his economic policies during his administration, arguing he showered corporations with tax cuts and opposed raising the minimum wage. Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025. Photo: Getty She could try to link him to Project 2025, a governing blueprint laid out by the conservative Heritage Foundation that critics say would abuse executive power. Trump has tried to distance himself from the plans. And she might bring up Trump's felony conviction in his porn-star hush money case earlier this year as well as the allegations of sexual assault he has faced. Trump, meantime, might remind viewers of the liberal policies Harris embraced during the 2020 presidential campaign and has now disowned, including doing away with private health insurance and supporting the so-called Green New Deal a massive clean-energy program. Harris will need strong answers on those fronts if she is to win over independent and undecided voters. She has been content to sketch much of her vision for the presidency in broad strokes. Trump - and the moderators - may force her to be more granular. Progressives also will be looking to see if Harris differs from Biden on key issues such as the conflict in Gaza and if she would be willing to put greater pressure on the Israeli government to reach a ceasefire agreement. Jaron Myers, Shama Mrema, and Mike Goodwin - "The Church Comedy Tour" | Merge PR NASHVILLE, TN. (SEPTEMBER 09, 2024) Tickets are on sale for The Church Comedy Tour featuring comedians Jaron Myers, Shama Mrema, and Mike Goodwin. These comedians will bring their sharp wit and hilarious stories to the church buildings for eight special shows in November. Tickets can be purchased now here. "So stoked to hit the road this fall with Mike and Shama on The Church Comedy Tour," shares Jaron Myers. "I love making people laugh, and its even better when I get to share the stage with friends who make me laugh too! See you this fall!" Side-splitting humor echoing through the vaulted ceilings and stained glass will give new meaning to holy laughter. Its a night where the humor is clever, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the jokes are so good they might just save your soul. Shama Mrema adds, "I love telling jokes and traveling, and I'm jazzed to do both on The Church Comedy Tour! Jaron and Mike are hilarious, and I'm not just saying that because I'm getting paid $35 a night to go on tour with them. This tour will be fun for your entire family - maybe even the extended family!" Dont miss out on this divine comedy experiencecome for the laughs, stay for the community, and leave with a spirit lifted higher than a church steeple! "I couldn't be more excited to hit the road with Jaron and Shama. Bringing laughter to these communities is going to be an incredible experience, and we are going to have a funky good time. Whatchanotgonedo is not get your tickets. Thats Whatchanotgonedo," exclaims Mike Goodwin. November 14th - Woodbridge, VA * November 15th - Columbia, SC November 16th - Douglasville, GA November 17th - Umatilla, FL November 21st - Kansas City, KS November 22nd - Fort Worth, TX November 23rd - Longview, TX November 24th - Waco TX *Mike Goodwin Not Appearing ABOUT JARON MYERS: Jaron Myers is a stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles, California. He has built an online fanbase of over 1 million devoted followers, and his videos boast over 500 million views across the internet. Myers has two comedy specials on Amazon Prime, a DryBar Comedy Special, and Co-Hosts the very popular educational comedy podcast, Things I Learned Last Night. He has been trusted to work with brands like Google, Meta, Amazon, Dave & Busters, Pringles and the list goes on! ABOUT SHAMA MREMA: Shama Mrema is an African-born American-raised comedian, host, actor, and emcee. With over 400 million views on his hilarious comedy sketches and music videos, Shama has been featured in publications such as Eater, Way Nation, Relevant Magazine, Rapzilla, and many more. Known for his hysterical stand-up comedy, top-notch videos, and hilarious characters, Shama has entertained the internet for the past decade and gained 400,000 combined followers across social media. ABOUT MIKE GOODWIN: Whether its a comedy act for a church event or a keynote address at a conference, Mike uses his ability to merge leadership and laughter, to help meet his goal of leaving places and people better than he found them. Hes appeared on Americas Got Talent, Today Show, Dry Bar Comedy, Lifetime, BET, Amazon Prime, TBN, Daystar, USA, the Word Network, and Circle TV, and has been featured on SiriusXM. Mike has shared stages with Dr. David Jeremiah, Tim Hawkins, John Crist, and Michael Jr., and participated in the That Sounds Fun Podcast Tour with Annie F. Downs and the USO Europe Comedy Tour. Mikes programs have inspired teams at corporations like Guess, Proctor and Gamble, and Dermira. When not on stage, you can find him sharpening his skills as a writer for digital media outlets and platforms. Mike is the creator of The Best Advice Ever podcast. ABOUT TPR - With over 75 years of combined experience in concert and event promotion, TPR was formed in 2024 from the three leading faith-based promotion companies: Transparent Productions, Premier Productions, and Rush Concerts. Together TPR is the largest promoter in the genre promoting first-class Christian and Gospel concerts, tours, and festivals across the U.S. in churches, theaters, arenas, and amphitheaters. TPRs roster also includes Anne Wilson, Brandon Lake, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Dude Perfect, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeremy Camp, Josiah Queen, KB, Lysa TerKeurst, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom and many more. Former president Donald Trumps shares in the parent company of his social media platform Truth Social have plunged in value in the weeks before he can sell them, a losing streak that has at least temporarily erased billions of dollars from his paper net worth. Trump is the biggest shareholder of Trump Media and Technology Group. But he has been unable to sell his 114 million shares because of a standard lockup agreement that began when Trumps company first went public through a merger in March and does not end until later this month, securities filings show. Trump has been unable to sell his 114 million shares because of a standard lockup agreement that began when Trumps company first went public in March. Credit: AP In those six months, Trump Medias stock has plummeted by around 70 per cent to about $US17 by the end of last week - an all-time low since the merger was approved. At that price, Trumps roughly 60 per cent stake in the company would be valued around $US2 billion ($3.5 billion), more than $US4 billion ($6 billion) less than when the company publicly debuted. Trump has not said what he will do with the shares after the lockup expires, and a sale even at the recent depressed prices would be enormously profitable. But the stocks nosedive suggests the market has doubts over the companys performance. New Chinese ambassador vows to boost ties with Germany Xinhua) 10:50, September 10, 2024 BERLIN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Deng Hongbo, the new Chinese ambassador to Germany, has highlighted the significance of China-Germany relations, noting that enhanced cooperation between the two countries not only serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples but also injects greater stability and certainty into the Eurasian continent and the world at large. Deng made the remarks in a statement upon his arrival at the Berlin airport Monday. Deng said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 52 years ago, China-Germany relations have witnessed strengthened political trust, fruitful practical cooperation and close cultural exchanges, evolving into an all-round strategic partnership. This partnership, he emphasized, has brought great benefits to both peoples and contributed significantly to promoting China-EU relations and global prosperity and stability. Describing Germany as a partner in dialogue, development, cooperation, and in addressing global challenges, Deng stressed China's belief that both countries share extensive common interests with no fundamental conflicts and that opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation are abundant. Recognizing the invaluable role of German friends in fostering bilateral ties, he expressed his eagerness to engage in extensive contact, open communication, and enhanced understanding with the German government and people from all walks of life to explore avenues for cooperation. He called for joint efforts to usher in a brighter future for bilateral friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation, while actively contributing to the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) An Elk Grove man is among two people arrested on federal charges of helping lead a white supremacist international terrorist group. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle 2021 Federal officials have indicted two people, including a woman from Northern California, on charges of leading an international white supremacist group and using the messaging app Telegram to urge their followers to murder federal officials and carry out hate crimes with the goal of igniting a race war, prosecutors announced Monday. Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove (Sacramento County) and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, were charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of soliciting hate crimes, three counts of doxing federal officials, one count of threatening communications, two counts of distributing bomb-making instructions and one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Both were arrested on Friday after an investigation by a wide network of foreign and domestic officers. If convicted on all of the federal charges, Humber and Allison face a maximum sentence of 220 years in prison, officials said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prosecutors say Humber and Allison are the leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a terrorist group using the digital messaging platform Telegram to promote the ideology that the white race is superior. An indictment against Humber and Allison said the two used Terrorgram group chats and channels to solicit terrorist attacks from users against people Terrorgram labeled as enemies of the white race, government buildings and energy facilities, and high-value targets such as politicians. Humber and Allison, along with other members of the collective, were responsible for allegedly inspiring or guiding people who carried out or planned to carry out attacks when they were arrested, officials said. Those included one person who shot three people, two fatally, outside a LGBTQ bar in Slovakia; a person who stabbed five people near a mosque in Turkey; and a person who planned to attack energy facilities in New Jersey, according to justice department officials. Todays indictment charges the defendants with leading a transnational terrorist group dedicated to attacking Americas critical infrastructure, targeting a hit list of our countrys public officials, and carrying out deadly hate crimes all in the name of violent white supremacist ideology, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland wrote in an announcement of the arrests. Todays arrests are a warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you. Honesty is the best policy, so Im just going to say it: Im watching The Block again. Lets cue up the relevant gif from The Godfather: Part III. Just when I thought I was out, laments a greying Michael Corleone, they pull me back in. Am I equating viewing Australias leading renovation reality series with maintaining a leadership role in a vast organised crime syndicate? Of course not. The Block is far more insidious and seductive. Every year I roll my eyes and shake my head sometimes simultaneously when a new season of the show rolls around. I tell myself I dont need to watch The Block, that I know its structural failings all too well. The sponsored content is blaringly overt, one or more contestants will have a sense of entitlement that makes my teeth grind, and the mid-week challenges are sometimes asinine. None of this is a mystery. Scott Cam and The Block contestants have been doing this for years. As far back as 2011, I was lamenting how Nines then ascendent trades and tiles was drawing me and 2 million other people in. The more you watch The Block, the more it presents itself as a soap opera, I wrote. Was I done with it? Of course not. Cremating bodies is an energy-intensive process: the sheer amount of energy required to cremate an individual body can generate more than 250kW in wasted heat. But what if we could harness that excess heat, and use it to create a renewable energy that could power our homes and businesses? Crematoriums can use 600kW in energy to power a cremation, with more than one-third of that power disappearing up flues as waste heat. Credit: Nick Moir An Australian start-up has completed a series of successful trials of what the team behind it says is a commercially viable electricity engine that runs on waste heat including a successful proof of concept trial at a Victorian crematorium. Cremations are an exothermic process in that they actually give off more energy than they soak up, said Capricorn Power chief executive Geoff Andrews. Every drug carries risk, says RMITs Dr Monica Barratt, who studies drug policy. There are varying levels of risk, but even some of those substances way down the bottom of the list can still cause people to die. Regardless of that, if you increase the amount of drugs consumed, increase the number of people taking drugs, or increase the inherent risk of taking the drugs, you increase the harm they cause. This is what worries critics of pill testing that it might create a false sense of security and thus increase the number of people taking drugs. Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, who has been tapped to advise on the Victorian governments pill testing program, told me there is no evidence from anywhere around the world, from 30 years of drug-checking services that this is true. Schumann pointed me to several data points: A survey at an Australian music festival showed (hypothetical) pill testing would make no difference to peoples choice to take ecstasy or not Studies of pill-testing services show few users are first-time users Countries with pill testing do not report higher levels of drug use overall Personally, I find this data surprising. If you could somewhat avoid the risk of contamination, wouldnt people be more likely to try MDMA? Jennifer Schumann, the head of the drug intelligence unit at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Credit: Jason South But experts in the field are not surprised. Anecdotally, young people going to a festival know drugs are dangerous, Dr Stephen Bright, who has studied this question at Edith Cowan University, tells me. They are not stupid. Other experts argue few people actually want to do psychoactive drugs, or are put off by their illegality. Loading So, theres no evidence that drug testing increases the number of people who take drugs. What about the behaviour of people who already take drugs? Does testing mean they will take more? Far from it. The evidence suggests pill testing actually might reduce the amount of drugs consumed. In several studies, people reported being less willing to use their drugs if the testing came back with an inconclusive result. Even better, data suggests users respond to big risks, such as being told their pills might contain fentanyl. This makes intuitive sense. If you go to the bother of getting your drugs tested, you probably want to avoid overdosing on something unexpected. Loading Barratt makes a third argument: pill test results are often delivered by a health worker who can discuss how to make drug-taking less risky. That cuts the overall risk of taking drugs, even if drugs are still consumed, she argues. To sum up, the evidence suggests pill testing does not affect overall drug use, and in a high-risk group, it probably somewhat reduces overall use and overall risk. You can see why people such as Schumann find pill-testing such a compelling policy. We even have a little bit of data showing it might cut overall harm. In Canada, drug testing at a safe injecting clinic cut the risk of overdose by 41 per cent. A key point on all this: the evidence quality, overall, is low. Thats kind of what you expect when looking at studies of illegal drugs. If were going to pill test, the onus now should be on researchers to conduct high-quality studies maybe even randomised trials. Ronald and Nancy Reagan at a rally in 1980. Nancy spearheaded the Just Say No to drugs campaign in the 1980s. Credit: Nine Thinking about risk Weve been talking a lot about risk. But risk hasnt really been central to our drugs policies, says Associate Professor Hassan Vally, a Deakin University epidemiologist who specialises in thinking about risk. One might reasonably argue that legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco are more dangerous to our health than some other drugs whose use is criminalised, says Vally. Loading Instead, much of our drug policy is based on a community sense of moral outrage. Taking illegal drugs has been viewed as a moral failing. Hence, there is an expectation of abstinence. But views on drug use are changing. Almost two-thirds of the community now support pill testing. About a quarter of the community has used illegal drugs in the past 12 months. Cannabis is now poorly regulated and readily available. Putting risk, rather than morality, at the centre of the conversation on drugs changes how you think about policy. Modern life demands we make risk-benefit decisions every day (like getting in a car). And pill-testing advocates view themselves simply as risk pragmatists. Hundreds of regional and interstate police officers were called in to bolster security ahead of a protest expected to be Victorias largest since the World Economic Forum protests in 2000. Police blocked ramps to the M1 freeway and West Gate Freeway, with significant traffic congestion banking up around the city. Earlier on Wednesday, protesters attacked two men wearing suits who were attempting to enter the convention centre before police intervened. Some demonstrators hurled rocks at police, while others screamed and sounded horns. One mounted officer was seen whipping a protester to force them back from a police horse, while other officers deployed pepper spray on demonstrators. As doors to the expo opened to the public at 9am, The Age saw police officers forcing a woman to the ground and yelling at her to put her hands behind her back as they attempted to arrest her. Protesters were heard yelling at officers in the background. Fires burn during anti-war protests in Melbourne. Credit: Christopher Hopkins Soon after, police were pelted by eggs during a stand-off on Clarendon Street Bridge. The Age saw one protester lying on the ground bleeding after an unknown object hit him in the head. Protesters berated men in suits as they walked past, with one demonstrator yelling: You think youre fing tough? Loud bangs were also heard in the distance, with people running from the sound. Some protesters were seen covering their mouths and ears. Masked protesters have been hit with pepper spray. Credit: Justin McManus Dozens of protesters, including an Age reporter, were overwhelmed by tear gas. A police spokesperson said police had been granted special powers under the Terrorism Act ahead of the event, allowing officers to request identification and search vehicles in designated areas. To be clear, there is no intelligence to suggest the event is the target of any specific threat. However, the National Terrorism Threat Level is probable, the spokesperson said. Protesters from different activist groups, including Extinction Rebellion and Students for Palestine, have banded together to form a larger group, Disrupt Land Forces. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse protesters. Credit: Justin McManus Blockade co-chair Bella Beiraghi said anti-war activists were flooding Melbourne ahead of the expo. Young people from across the country are flooding into Melbourne to blockade the Land Forces conventions opening ceremony on Wednesday, because we stand against the death and destruction brought by weapons of war, she said. Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the actions of violent protesters I say to anyone going down to threaten police, to threaten community safety, [they] will absolutely be dealt with by Victoria Police, Allan said. Victoria Police members are there doing their job. They are there doing their job, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. While the premier was addressing the media on Wednesday morning, Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri left parliament to attend the protest, which Allan described as a political move to create division. She has turned her back on her role as representing the community of Richmond. They deserve better than that if [she] cant turn up and do her job as an elected member of parliament, she should hand back the keys to her office, said Allan. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said on Wednesday morning that Victoria Police, along with support from interstate officers from around the country, were well-equipped to deal with unruly protestors. A protester at the Land Forces rally covered in pepper spray. Credit: Justin McManus He also said some professional protestors from other states had travelled down to join in. Its typical that theres always a few people who want to show disrespect and break the law, and police will deal with it, said Carbines. Loading Here in Victoria, there are some who are absolutely professional protesters who seek to disrupt and cause havoc here in Melbourne, but police are well aware of who they are. Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin said he feared for the safety of Victorian police and said bringing in officers from regional and interstate showed the government had failed to adequately staff the force. They dont have the numbers to deal with the protests today and at the same time keep the community safe. Its disappointing in a state where you have to make a decision of putting extra resources into Melbourne or keeping regional communities safe. Protests kicked off earlier than expected on Friday night, with demonstrators vandalising Melbourne hotels with red paint. An anti-war protester was arrested on Saturday for attaching herself to a car and blocking traffic on Melbournes West Gate Freeway for hours. Police said a 27-year-old Kensington woman affixed herself to a car decorated to look like a reptile, and was blocking traffic at the Montague Street off-ramp in South Melbourne about 1.50pm Saturday. She was separated from the car about two hours later. An anti-war demonstrator affixed herself to a car during a protest on the West Gate Freeway. Credit: Nine News On Sunday morning, Montague Street was again blocked by a small group of protesters from Extinction Rebellion. The biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Expo, previously held in Brisbane, attracts hundreds of defence personnel from around the world to the showcase of weapons and technology. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell has called for an independent inquiry into police tactics following a violent clash between police and protesters outside the Land Forces expo today. Sandell said she supported her fellow Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri who attended the protests in Melbourne. Protesters hold their hands in the air after a person was hit by a rubber bullet fired by police on Spencer Street Bridge on Wednesday. Credit: Justin McManus She [Gabrielle] went down to the protest for one hour today to witness what was happening and to speak to protesters, Sandell told ABC Melbourne radio this afternoon. Incumbent Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece earlier criticised politicians who went to the protests, telling them to stick to their day jobs. Sandell said she wanted to see an independent inquiry into the police tactics used including rubber bullets and pepper spray. She said protest organisers had called for the protests to be peaceful. However, she acknowledged that some took it upon themselves to not do that. By and large people came down to the protest against the weapons expo peacefully and they were met by a huge barrage of riot police and police with rubber bullets, police with stun grenades [that were] thrown in crowded areas. I saw with my own eyes lines of people standing with their hands in the air. Labor will confront big tech companies with a barrage of new laws to enforce the national interest on challenges ranging from misinformation to artificial intelligence and a tech tax, in a series of moves to follow a contentious plan to impose age limits on social media. The plans include a potential levy on tech companies to fund compensation for news providers who lose money to search engines and social media platforms that use their content, dramatically escalating the governments stoush with powerful global giants. Multinational tech firms are being targeted by a swathe of new laws. Credit: Bethany Rae Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to protect Australian sovereignty by taking on the tech sector to safeguard consumers, while others in the government confirmed plans for reforms on copyright, payments, content and online safety. Albanese promised draft laws before Christmas to protect children from social media, saying he preferred to ban the platforms for those under the age of 16, but the final policy will depend on talks with the states on setting the age threshold as low as 14. Any card-carrying member of my digital generation can tell you that social media is among the leading sources of our woes, with experts acknowledging as much by labelling Generation Z the most depressed, anxious, and fragile on record. However, as a 19-year-old, Im sceptical about whether a social media ban could work my generation has a knack for getting around externally imposed restrictions on technology (we know how to use VPNs, for example) so its worth noting that there might be a more effective alternative. Its an anti-social-media movement being driven by Gen Zers: the rebirth of the dumb phone. Daniel Cash uses a dumb phone. For one week, I decided to try living with one to experience how people managed before the 2007 advent of the iPhone, to see if life was simpler, sweeter and free of anxiety. Dumb phones include flip phones and bricks like the Nokia classics of yore, and are the antithesis of the modern-day smartphone, most with no internet access, social media, emails, podcasts, apps or Google Maps. For $127, I acquired the Nokia 2660 Flip 4G and a $14 five-gig SIM card, ready for a trial. A crime scene worker leaves a home in Dublin on Colebrook Lane where a shooting occurred on Sept. 7, 2022. A former Alameda County deputy is accused of killing the couple who lived inside the home. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle 2022 Jealousy drove a former Alameda County sheriffs deputy to kill the woman he was dating and her estranged husband in an execution-style shooting in the couples home in Dublin in 2022, a prosecutor said Tuesday. It was jealousy, it was obsession, control and revenge, Deputy District Attorney Ted McGarvey said during his opening statements in the trial of Devin Williams, 26, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder in the high-profile shooting deaths of Maria and Benison Tran. Defense attorney Matt Dalton admitted that Williams fatally shot the couple, but Dalton said Williams acted on strong emotions that arose when he entered their home and discovered the couple still lived together, contrary to what Maria Tran had told Williams. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He was shattered, Dalton said. The crime, Dalton said, amounted to involuntary manslaughter, not murder. The Trans were shot in their two-story house on Colebook Lane in the early hours of a Sept. 7, 2022. Prosecutors allege Williams shot them with his department-issued handgun in the presence of other family members. The double-shooting attracted widespread attention because of Williams' job as a deputy and sparked an audit of the Sheriffs Department that revealed that 47 deputies failed psychological tests during the hiring process from 2016 to 2022. The department wouldnt say whether Williams passed the test before he was hired. The case drew fresh attention six months ago when a judge rejected District Attorney Pamela Prices offices attempts to drop special-circumstance allegations and gun enhancements that were filed as part of the case under her predecessor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Williams and Maria Tran met at John George Psychiatric Hospital in San Leandro where she worked as a nurse and he kept a watchful eye on inmates who were taken there for treatment. The pair started dating in February 2022, McGarvey and Dalton said. Both McGarvey and Dalton described the relationship as tumultuous, but their characterizations of what Williams knew about Maria Trans marriage differed. McGarvey said Williams Maria Tran, 42, was married and lived with her estranged husband. The prosecutor said the couple put off a divorce for the sake of their son. Williams was willing to date Maria Tran, but he was jealous of her relationship with her estranged husband, McGarvey said. Dalton said Maria Tran initially told Williams she was divorced and later said she and Benison Tran were separated and didnt live together. Williams planned to marry her and build a family together, but when he entered the couples home, in the moments before the shooting, Williams discovered the couple hadnt split. When he made that discovery, he acted irrationally, Dalton said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The attorney added that Williams suffered a traumatic brain injury on the job seven months earlier that made it difficult for him to control his emotions and behavior, although there was no history of violence on his part during his relationship with Maria Tran, Dalton said. Around midnight on Sept. 7, 2022, Williams went to the couples home after he finished an overtime shift at Santa Rita Jail after an argument unfolded over text messages. McGarvey said records of the messages show Williams expressed he was jealous of Maria Trans relationship with Benson Tran. Dalton said the argument was over the relationship between Williams and Maria Tran. During the exchange of texts, Williams sent her a warning: Im about to explode, he texted, according to a record of the message that McGarvey showed in court. Williams walked up to the house and lingered for about 20 minutes before he walked in through the unlocked front door. It was hot in Dublin, so the door was wide open, McGarvey said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad William allegedly confronted Maria Tran in an upstairs bedroom. Standing in the staircase, Benison Tran called 911, telling the dispatcher there was an intruder with a gun in his home, according to an audio clip McGarvey played in court. The prosecutor said Williams was armed with his department-issued gun. Seconds later, Williams shot Bension Tran, who fell down the stairs, McGarvey said. Williams walked up to Benison Tran and shot him again. The rounds struck his neck and head. Williams then turned to Maria Tran and shot her in the back and head before he ran out the front door, McGarvey said. The audio of the 911 call captured the sound of the gunshots, then screaming. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Germany Resumes Deportations to Afghanistan Amidst Security Concerns and Political Pressures (Photo: fdecomite/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 2.0 ) Germany has announced a sweeping expansion of border controls in a bid to combat irregular migration and address growing concerns over internal security. The new measures, which will take effect on September 16, were unveiled by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on Monday and represent a significant shift in the country's approach to managing its borders. The controls will initially last for six months and will apply to all of Germany's land borders, marking a departure from the usual freedom of movement within the European Union's Schengen Zone. The move comes as Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government faces mounting pressure from opposition parties, particularly the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and conservative factions, which have capitalized on public fears surrounding immigration and security. The AfD, which recently won its first state election in Thuringia, has seen a surge in support by campaigning heavily on the issue of migration. "We are strengthening internal security and continuing our hard line against irregular migration," Faeser stated in a press conference, emphasizing that the government had informed the European Commission and neighboring countries of the new measures. The decision to impose border controls is part of a broader strategy to curb the influx of migrants and asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing conflicts in the Middle East. The border controls are also seen as a response to recent violent incidents involving asylum seekers, which have heightened public concerns about extremism. In August, a knife attack in the western city of Solingen, which claimed three lives, was attributed to an asylum seeker who reportedly had ties to the Islamic State. This incident, along with other security threats, has fueled the government's resolve to tighten immigration controls. Under the new scheme, German authorities will have greater power to reject migrants directly at the borders, although Faeser did not provide specific details on how this would be implemented. The measures could prove to be controversial, as they touch on sensitive legal and humanitarian issues, particularly concerning the rights of asylum seekers. Migration experts have warned that the new approach may strain Germany's relations with neighboring countries, particularly if it leads to an increase in the number of migrants being turned back at the borders. Germany's recent history of migration policy has been marked by both generosity and backlash. The country took in over a million refugees during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis, mostly from war-torn Syria, but the scale of the influx has since led to political and social tensions. The situation was further complicated by Germany's decision to grant asylum to around a million Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion in 2022, even as the country grappled with an energy and economic crisis. The Scholz government's latest measures build on a series of actions taken in recent years to tighten migration controls. In 2023, Germany reintroduced border checks with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, and has since returned 30,000 migrants. The new border controls extend these measures to additional borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. These controls, however, could test European unity, particularly within the Schengen Zone, where freedom of movement is a core principle. According to EU rules, member states can only introduce border checks as a last resort to avert threats to internal security or public policy. Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has already stated that his country would not accept migrants turned away by Germany, underscoring the potential for diplomatic friction. Despite the potential for controversy, the German government is pressing ahead with its plans. "Until we achieve strong protection of the EU's external borders with the new Common European Asylum System, we must increase controls at our national borders even more," Faeser said, underscoring the need for stronger measures until broader EU-wide reforms are in place. Israel Targets Hezbollah Commander in Beirut After Deadly Golan Heights Attack (Photo: Israel Defense Forces /Flickr /CC-BY-SA 3.0 ) Israeli airstrikes in Syria late Sunday night resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people, with nearly 40 more wounded, according to Syrian authorities. This attack, marking the highest death toll since the onset of Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas, has intensified the already volatile situation in the Middle East. The strikes, which targeted several sites in central Syria, reportedly included a research center in Masyaf known for its involvement in the development of weapons. Syrian state media and local officials have condemned the attack, describing it as a "brutal and barbaric aggression" against civilian infrastructure. However, military analysts and intelligence sources suggest that the real targets were military installations and facilities linked to Iranian forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, both of which are allied with the Syrian government. Israeli officials have maintained a policy of ambiguity regarding their military operations in Syria, rarely commenting on specific actions. However, it is widely understood that Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria in recent years, primarily aimed at disrupting the flow of weapons to Hezbollah and curbing Iranian influence in the region. These operations have increased in frequency and intensity since the war in Gaza began, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaging in intermittent exchanges of fire. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, reported that among the 25 dead-exceeding the official toll of 18-were Syrian army personnel, members of Hezbollah, and other Iran-backed militias. The Observatory noted that at least five civilians were also killed in the strikes, which hit multiple locations across Hama province and beyond. "The attack on Masyaf's scientific research center is part of Israel's broader strategy to target sites associated with weapons development, including precision missiles and drones," the Observatory stated. The intensity of Sunday night's strikes was unusual, even by the standards of the long-running Israeli-Syrian conflict. Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash described the airstrikes as the most severe the country has experienced since the beginning of the war in Gaza. The strikes not only resulted in significant loss of life but also caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Fires broke out in several areas, including along a highway in Hama province, and significant damage was reported to the region's water and electricity networks. In addition to the casualties, the strikes have led to further deterioration of Syria's already fragile situation. Muhammad Sumaya, a firefighter from the Hama Fire Brigade, was injured while trying to extinguish fires caused by the bombardment. "We were moving from one place to another to deal with the fires when a missile landed right next to us," Sumaya recounted from his hospital bed. The attacks have sparked outrage among Syrian officials and citizens alike. Minister of Electricity Mohammad al-Zamel emphasized the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, criticizing the strikes as a deliberate attack on non-military targets. This sentiment was echoed by many Syrians, including Azzam al-Omar, a photographer for the state news agency SANA, who was injured by shrapnel while documenting the aftermath of the strikes. While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement, the strikes are consistent with its long-standing policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria. The country serves as a critical conduit for Iran to supply weapons and support to Hezbollah, an arrangement that Israel views as an existential threat. The broader regional context further complicates the situation. On Monday, the U.S. Central Command's General Michael Kurilla met with Israeli military leaders to discuss the escalating tensions in both Lebanon and Syria. The meeting highlighted concerns over the potential for the conflict to spread, particularly given the recent increase in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Hezbollah drones targeted an Israeli building in Nahariya on Monday, causing property damage but no casualties. The Israeli Defense Forces responded by launching airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, continuing a pattern of tit-for-tat attacks that have characterized the region's volatile security environment. JD Vance Slams CNN Over 'Disgusting' Remarks on His Military Service Amid Walz Controversy (Photo: Ralph Branson / Public domain) Ohio officials have categorically denied the recent wave of social media claims alleging that Haitian immigrants in Springfield have been abducting and eating pets, a rumor that gained traction after being amplified by Republican Senator JD Vance and other prominent conservatives. Despite the viral spread of these accusations, Springfield authorities have found no evidence to support the claims. The controversy erupted after Vance, who is also the Republican vice-presidential nominee, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Haitian immigrants were "causing chaos all over Springfield" and that "people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country." Vance's post quickly went viral, amassing over 4 million views by Monday evening. His assertions were further bolstered by figures such as Senator Ted Cruz and X owner Elon Musk, who also shared related content on the platform. However, Springfield officials, including the city's police division, have refuted these allegations. "In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," said Karen Graves, Springfield's strategic engagement manager, in a statement to CBS News. The Springfield Police Division echoed this sentiment, stating that they were aware of the "rumors" but had "no information to support them." Additionally, the police clarified that there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting, littering, or deliberately disrupting traffic. The origins of the false claims appear to trace back to a private Facebook group focused on local crime in Springfield. In this group, an unverified post alleged that a neighbor's cat was found hanging from a branch near a Haitian neighbor's house, suggesting that the cat was taken for food. The post quickly gained traction on social media, with screenshots circulating widely on X and other platforms. Fueling the misinformation, some social media users shared unrelated body camera footage of a separate incident in Canton, Ohio, where a woman was accused of killing and eating a cat. Public records indicate that the woman involved in that case, Allexis Telia Ferrell, is not a migrant and has lived in Ohio for at least 18 years. The rapid spread of these false claims highlights the persistent challenges in combating misinformation, particularly when it involves sensitive issues such as immigration. Historians note that such baseless allegations, especially those targeting Haitian immigrants, have a long history rooted in discrimination and racism. Viles Dorsainvil, president of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield, condemned the rumors as "uninformed and racist," emphasizing that they are part of a broader attempt to denigrate the Haitian community. "It's just bigotry, discrimination, and racism," Dorsainvil stated. "There is a group of people who have been fabricating some news just to denigrate Haitians." He added that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are seeking safety and stability, having fled violence and political turmoil in their home country. "They are looking for a place to raise their family and look for a job. But it happens that the city has not been prepared for the influx of Haitians coming here," he explained. Despite the baseless nature of the claims, the rumors have had significant traction online, with "Haitians" becoming the top trending topic on X in the United States by midday Monday. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, along with others like Jack Posobiec, contributed to the viral spread of these allegations, further stoking fears and tensions. JD Vance, when questioned by NBC News about the lack of evidence for his statements, did not provide any proof but instead cited "a high volume of calls and emails" from concerned citizens in Springfield. Vance's spokesperson did not clarify whether any of these communications included concrete evidence of violence against pets. Springfield, a city with a population of just under 58,000, has seen a significant increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years. Estimates suggest that as many as 20,000 Haitian immigrants have arrived in the Springfield area, revitalizing the city while also prompting some protests. The false claims about pet abductions underscore the tensions that can arise in communities experiencing demographic shifts, often exacerbated by misinformation and prejudice. In a rare move, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has written to the Chief Adviser of the Bangladesh government seeking intervention on an $800 million payment, according to informed sources. These are dues the neighbouring countrys government owes to the groups power entity. Sources said that in a letter dated August 27, the billionaire requested Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, for intervention in the early liquidation of $800 million of receivables due from the Bangladesh Power Development Board. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The August letter, according to sources, also stated: The lenders have now been severe on us, as we continue to meet our commitment to Bangladesh. May we request regular payment of routine bills as we continue with our commitment to supplies? In addition, significant tranches should be made each month to liquidate outstanding dues. Adani Power supplies electricity to Bangladesh from a 1600 MW thermal plant in Godda, Jharkhand. The company began supplying this power in July 2023, when Adani met then-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the full load of the 1600 MW Godda Power Plant. Hasinas government was ousted in August, and an interim government has been put in place. The Bangladesh governments payables to Adani Power have been in the spotlight ever since. Adani Power is said to have invested $2 billion in setting up the Godda power unit. Sources added that in his letter, the chairman also highlighted the groups longstanding and deep relationship with the People's Republic of Bangladesh and listed other business interests in the country, such as Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited. Through this entity, the group operates oil refineries in Rupshi, Narayanganj, and Mongla with significant capacities. The groups chairman also reiterated the groups commitment to Bangladeshs energy security and infrastructure development. The letter, sources said, expressed the groups eagerness to explore opportunities to leverage expertise in infrastructure buildouts. Air India Express, which is set to complete the merger of AIX Connect with itself next month, will phase out business class seats in its aircraft in 2025, according to a senior airline official. Currently, the carrier, part of Tata Group, has a fleet of 85 aircraft -- 25 A320 family planes and 60 Boeing 737s. By year-end, the total number is expected to be around 100. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The airline has 34 white tail Boeing 737-8 aircraft and out of them, 29 have business class seats of varying numbers. Their count will rise to 50 by the end of this year. Generally, white tail planes are those that were originally manufactured for a particular airline and later taken by another airline. The airline official told PTI that aircraft with the business class seats will be phased out by reconfiguring them next year as business class does not fit into the Air India Express model. These white tail aircraft have varying number of business class seats, the official added. In the existing fleet of Air India Express, there are 20 A320s, 5 A320 neos, 26 B737-NGs and 34 B737-8 planes. At present, the airline offers economy and business class seats. The global aviation industry continues to grapple with supply chain woes that have also resulted in instances of delayed aircraft deliveries and shortage of planes amid rising air traffic demand post the coronavirus pandemic. Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, operates more than 380 daily flights, connecting 32 domestic and 14 international destinations. In February 2023, Tata Group-owned Air India placed orders for 470 planes comprising 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. Out of the total, 400 are narrow body aircraft. Tata Group has four airlines -- Air India, Vistara, Air India Express and AIX Connect -- earlier known as AirAsia India. The merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express is set to be completed on October 1 while that of Vistara with Air India on November 12. Former San Francisco mayors Art Agnos, left, Frank Jordan and Willie Brown. Minh Connors Lea Suzuki Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle One former San Francisco mayor said his most daunting challenge was confronting homelessness a task made more difficult by a major earthquake. The issue got the better of him and every successive mayor. Another said he faced a huge budget deficit that required difficult decisions from his first day in office. That scenario doesnt sound so different from today. And yet another former mayor said theres nothing to be gained looking backward, arguing that the power of San Franciscos top elected official has been so diminished as to make the job much more difficult than when he had it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With a highly contested mayoral campaign under way, the Chronicle spoke with three of San Franciscos ex-mayors each of whom supports a different candidate to better understand how their experiences can inform todays race. We found that while San Francisco leaders face many new and unprecedented issues from an opioid crisis that has claimed thousands of lives to mass downtown office vacancies and shuttering retailers and restaurants there are similar challenges as well, like homelessness. In many ways, the three men couldnt be more different. Mayoral debate: On Sept. 19, the Chronicle and KQED are hosting an S.F. mayoral debate with the leading candidates. Click here to register for the livestream. Art Agnos came to San Francisco from a small town in Massachusetts as a social worker yearning for the experience of life in a world-class city both of which informed his time as mayor. Hes supporting Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin for mayor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Frank Jordan is a native San Franciscan who promised to be a citizen mayor after years of serving in the citys police department. He thinks philanthropist and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie is the best fit for the job. Willie Brown arrived in San Francisco from rural Texas at 17 and rose to become Californias first Black speaker of the Assembly before being elected mayor in 1995 for the first of two terms. His voice in the citys politics remains powerful even now. Hes backing Mayor London Breed in Novembers election. These are the highlights of the Chronicles interviews: Art Agnos came to San Francisco from a small town in Massachusetts as a social worker yearning for the experience of life in a world-class city. Hes supporting Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin for mayor. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Art Agnos Agnos says that serving as mayor of San Francisco from 1988 to 1992 was the toughest job he ever held more difficult than his job as a social worker for the San Francisco Housing Authority and his 12 years as a member of the California State Assembly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I got elected at a horrible time, said Agnos, now 86, noting that he had to deal with a major recession when he was mayor. I had to raise taxes, cut services, lay off workers and in my first year. And the economic issues were only one factor Agnos had to deal with. He was also grappling with homelessness, approaching the issue as more than a temporary emergency, which was common at the time, he said. Agnos unveiled his pioneering Beyond Shelter homeless plan his first year in office the first major piece of policy to treat homelessness as a long-term issue in San Francisco and call for moving the homeless into permanent housing. But his vision for Beyond Shelter never fully materialized. Finding more long-term housing for the homeless proved to be difficult, Agnos said, since most people did not want the formerly homeless to move into their neighborhoods. If you take some mentally ill person whos defecating in the middle of the street, or someone whos passed out from alcoholism and cant get up, they dont want 30 of them living next door, Agnos said. As a result, Agnos says, economically disadvantaged areas such as the Tenderloin were the main places he could house the formerly homeless, because that was the place where you could build and put a place for mentally ill drug addicts or alcoholics and nobody would complain. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a result, we, all of us every mayor since me overloaded the Tenderloin, and look at what a mess it is, he said. There were other unexpected issues that got in the way of Agnos homeless plan. The mayoralty is often about crises, Agnos said. There are always surprises that no one or no experience can prepare you for, like an earthquake. He meant the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that left thousands of people homeless, some of whom flocked to Civic Center Plaza to set up tents. San Franciscans grew frustrated with the sight, and the press dubbed the scene at Civic Center Camp Agnos. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mayor ordered a sweep of the tents several months later. But it wasnt enough. Voters tired of the homeless and dirty street conditions chose Jordan to replace him. Agnos thinks his plan was the best piece of policy to address homelessness. He regrets not doing more to educate the public about it. He thinks the city doesnt have enough resources to help all the homeless and the state government should step up. He supports reopening and repurposing state hospitals closed decades ago to take in unhoused people who are struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. Agnos said being mayor is still as challenging as its ever been. He argues Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin is best suited to tackle those challenges. The two, who have known each other since the late 1990s, are close. Amid the citys troubles, Agnos remains optimistic about the future of San Francisco. This city is a beautiful city. It offers such great opportunities to people to be who they want to be with whomever they want to be with and they can pursue their dreams, Agnos said. You cant do that everywhere in America, or the world. But San Francisco has always offered that promise. Former mayor Frank Jordan is a native San Franciscan who promised to be a citizen mayor after years of serving in the citys police department. He thinks philanthropist and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie is the best fit for the job. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Frank Jordan If Jordan were to become mayor again, his first days in office would look similar to his early days 30 years ago. When he took over in 1992, he ordered each department to cut 10% of its budget and implemented a hiring and wage freeze to deal with a huge budget deficit. By the end of his reign in 1996, the number of employees at City Hall dropped from around 27,000 to 25,000. It was a tough decision, the 89-year-old recalled, but thats what being mayor is all about. Now, as San Francisco faces its own budget shortfalls, he wants to see tough decisions made. The first thing I would do is have a complete audit of every department and city government on my first day in office, he said. Jordan thinks that San Franciscos city workforce should be smaller than the current head count of about 34,000. Scandals in City Hall involving nonprofits only add to his concerns, especially the charges of wage theft, embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds against the executive director of nonprofit San Francisco SAFE, which acted as the nonprofit wing of the police department. That was a wonderful program during my day in the police department and as mayor, that was a safety awareness for everyone, Jordan said. Now, an excellent program during my time has to be abandoned. Homelessness is also a grave concern to Jordan. During his time in office, he championed a program that relied on police officers to force homeless people from the streets into health services and housing, though he wished it had more long-term facilities to offer. Critics say the program needlessly criminalized the homeless, but Jordan has no regrets. Unless the courts step in to mandate more conservatorships that would force more homeless people to receive long-term medical treatment, he said, meaningful progress on this issue wont be made. I know everybody talks about freedom of the individual, but you have to look at quality of life and public safety, too, Jordan said. He believes Lurie is the best candidate for the job of mayor today. Luries business experience and previous work with the homeless through his nonprofit Tipping Point Community show a willingness to creatively tackle entrenched issues, he said. Thats what Im looking for, bold leadership and a vision for the future, Jordan said. Although Jordan looks back on his time in office favorably, the results of his mayoralty werent enough to sway voters to give him a second term. He lost his reelection bid to Willie Brown and attributes the loss to Browns extensive political career and extravagant promises to voters. Willie Brown arrived in San Francisco from rural Texas at 17 and rose to become Californias first Black speaker of the Assembly before being elected mayor in 1995 for the first of two terms. Hes backing Mayor London Breed in Novembers election. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Willie Brown Brown made it clear from the start of his conversation with the Chronicle that he didnt want to draw on his time as mayor to make statements about todays challenges. I dont know if I could say what would be best, Brown said. The world has dramatically changed. That includes the job itself, which he held from 1996 to 2004. When I served as mayor of San Francisco, I had real power, said Brown, now 90. That power included full authority to appoint people to commissions with little confirmation needed from supervisors. After he left office, the Board of Supervisors gained more power in the executive decision-making process, he lamented. Brown thinks that the board currently has too much say over appointments and pronouncements, an argument also made by Breed, whom Brown is supporting for reelection. Prop D on the November ballot would give the mayor more power over commissions and department heads, while a competing measure, Prop E, would put commission reform in the hands of a task force that would make recommended changes. Critics argue that the mayor has plenty of power, with control over most of the city budget, the police department and numerous commissions. Like the mayors before him, Brown had hopes of dramatically reducing homelessness when he took office. But after ramping up the creation of supportive housing and other assistance and seeing no end to the crisis, he famously declared that the issue may not be solvable. He still feels that way and argues much of the homeless issue is too deeply rooted in mental health, substance abuse and poverty for one city to address on its own. The increase in sweeping homeless camps in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June is a move in the right direction, he said. Brown would like to see an increase in shelter beds, and more affordable housing. He would also like to see more people with addiction and mental health issues forced into treatment, but isnt optimistic that will happen because of pushback from civil liberties groups, which argue that compelling people into treatment violates peoples rights and doesnt work. As for the citys doom loop downtown, Brown said: It does not exist. If people want to revive downtown, Brown said, investors need to get creative and be willing to risk their money. He predicts that by the end of 2025, downtown will spring back from its slump, but experts think it will take much longer for a full economic recovery. Regardless, Brown is confident that downtown will come roaring back. I trust the American entrepreneur to get a return on his or her investment in every way, and they will, believe me, Brown said. The second presidential debate, set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, will be hosted in Philadelphia by ABC News with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. Each candidates microphone will be muted while the opponent speaks, a rule carried over from Junes debate between Trump and Biden, despite pushback from Harris campaign. Viewers can expect discussions about everything from climate change to reproductive rights and COVID-19 over the course of 90 minutes. From wherever you decide to watch the debate (heres a list of a few Bay Area watch parties), ease the tension with the Chronicles presidential debate bingo card, designed to bring a little laughter into what could be an otherwise anxiety-ridden evening. The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday released its second list of nine candidates for the Haryana assembly polls. The party's first list of 20 candidates was released on Monday as seat-sharing talks with the Congress broke down. In its second list, the AAP has announced the candidates for Indri, Sadhaura, Thanesar, Ratia, Adampur, Barwala, Tigaon, Faridabad and Bawal constituencies. Hawa Singh has been fielded from Indri and Pravesh Mehta from Faridabad. Earlier in the day, AAP Haryana chief Sushil Gupta said the party will release its second list. "We waited till an appropriate time (for the Congress). We will issue the second list today. The AAP will fight on 90 seats with full strength. We have only one aim to uproot the corrupt BJP government," Gupta. Accusing the BJP of turning Haryana into a crime capital, he said, "Unemployment is highest in Haryana and people have made up their mind for change. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is Haryana's son". The last date for filing nomination papers is September 12. The 90-member assembly is scheduled to go to polls on October 5. Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday exuded confidence that the people of Julana will support her in the Haryana Assembly elections and with their blessings she will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. "These people have made us win in wrestling and they will make us win (in Haryana elections). We have never been able to do anything without God and elders, even today I am nothing without them. I will go ahead only with their blessings...I am confident that they will support what is right, like they have always done," Phogat said. Earlier today, Dronacharya awardee and wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat said that he is "saddened" by the decision of the Olympian wrestler and Congress candidate from Julana to join politics, adding that she could have taken the same decision after the 2028 Olympics. Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters revealed he recently fathered a child outside his long-standing marriage to Jordyn Blum. Al Wagner/Associated Press 2019 Dave Grohl revealed he recently fathered a child outside his long-standing marriage to Jordyn Blum. The Foo Fighters frontman, who performed in the Bay Area last month, made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Ive recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage, Grohl said in the statement. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Grohl and Blum have three daughters, including his eldest, Violet, who is also a touring member of the Foo Fighters and made an appearance at San Francisco's Outside Lands music festival last year. I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness, he continued. Were grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together. The Foo Fighters are currently on their Everything or Nothing at All tour, which stopped at the Concord Pavilion on Aug. 13, in support of their 2023 album But Here We Are. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dancer Dana Lawton evacuated Cohasset in her car on July 24 minutes before the Park Fire consumed the site where she planned to host a retreat the next day. Courtesy Dana Lawton Bay Area dance artist Dana Lawton drove up to Cohasset to prepare for an artists retreat just hours before a wildfire began to consume the areas nearly half-million acres. Cohasset, a Butte County community atop a ridge north of Chico, is home to about 400 residents and the site of a 26-year-old annual dance and yoga retreat hosted by Lawton and Jessica Adams, both dancer-educators. It took place on a 26.5-acre property owned by Adams mother that featured hand-built huts, lavender fields and manzanita trees they danced with. As she evacuated in her car with co-worker Jennifer Kulbeck, Lawton watched the area become engulfed in flames. All of a sudden we looked to our left and there was a 100-foot wall of fire right next to our car, said Lawton, 57, a dance professor at St. Marys College in Moraga. Right as we went another 200 yards, I looked into my rearview mirror, and the fire was behind me right when it jumped the road. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I dont know what happened to the car behind me. Cohasset, a community north of Chico, was consumed by the Park Fire. Courtesy Dana Lawton The Park Fire, the fourth-largest wildfire in recorded California history, has burned more than 429,000 acres and destroyed more than 700 structures since starting at Bidwell Park, east of Chico, on July 24. Survivors have spent weeks moving between temporary refuges. Those with meager savings and no homeowners insurance like Adams mother, Susan Lawing, 81 are relying on GoFundMe campaigns to finance rebuilding their homes and lives. To assist her, Adams, a self-employed dance and yoga teacher who offers classes at the Corner Studio and Roco Dance in San Francisco, has to take frequent leaves from work, sacrificing some of her income. Like many artists who work as independent contractors, she does not have employment benefits such as insurance or paid time off. But the fire, now nearly contained after six weeks, consumed more than just properties. The group of Bay Area creatives led by Lawton and Adams feel as though they lost a muse, a place where they could create. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cohasset, a community atop a ridge north of Chico, had been home to the annual Enchanted Ridge Dance Retreat, co-hosted by dancers Jessica Adams and Dana Lawton. Courtesy Jessica Adams Adams and Lawton have taken more than 250 dancers to the Enchanted Ridge Dance Retreat in Cohasset since 2000, two years after Adams started the program. Participants, most located within driving distance of the area, pay less than $700 to enjoy five days of contemporary dance, yoga, pilates and choreography workshops, in addition to camping and communal organic meals. The retreat has been a place to draw inspiration from nature and each other. Similar outings could cost thousands. Its such a massive loss for Dana and I, said Adams, 53. This incredibly magical and uplifting and supportive community that we built is now lost. The Enchanted Ridge Dance Retreat site in Cohasset was destroyed by the Park Fire. Courtesy Jessica Adams This years retreat took place in early July, just 10 days before the site was consumed by fire. The day before the fire broke out, Lawton had returned to host her own dance and creative writing retreat, then had to flee. With the site now in ruins towering redwoods that overlooked their dance studio are being cut down the future of both retreats is uncertain. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Amy Schalet, 56, who has been flying into California to attend retreats for more than a decade since moving to Massachusetts, still cant fully digest that Enchanted Ridge is gone. She recalled dancing under the trees, having dinner with her cohort on the porch and staring at the stars at night. It wasnt just a place. It wasnt just an experience. It was like a dimension of life, said Schalet, an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Participants in the Enchanted Ridge Dance Retreat exercise in a wooden barn in Cohasset (Butte County). Courtesy Dana Lawton Losing Enchanted Ridge as a wellspring of creativity was a reminder of the transience of the world, and of dance as an art form. You are watching it happen in real time, and its evaporating as it is being created simultaneously, Lawton said, It calls you to be incredibly present. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For years, Lawton, artistic director of Berkeley nonprofit dance company Dana Lawton Dances, has depended on her time at Enchanted Ridge to choreograph for the companys upcoming season. She finds herself struggling to create art since evacuating Enchanted Ridge, and has turned to her community for answers. I dont know what I need to make at this point in time, Lawton recalled telling her dancers. In response, they said, It doesnt matter. Lets just be together and see what happens. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said details of the chargesheet in the Renukaswamy murder case, in which Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and 16 others are accused, coming out in the public domain, will not have any impact on court proceedings. He said based on the chargesheet submitted and evidence given by the police to the court concerned, the case will proceed further. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "No, they will go by the documents. Just because someone speaks something in the public domain, the court doesn't take it into cognisance. They will go by the merits of the case based on documents and evidence that are there," Parameshwara said, when asked if the chargesheet information coming out will have any influence on further probe. Police last week submitted to the court a 3,991-page preliminary chargesheet in the case. Responding to a question on objections regarding information from the chargesheet coming out and Darshan moving the court in this regard, the Minister said: "Once the chargesheet is submitted it is given to the opposite lawyers too, it is no more a secret document, it will come into public domain and cannot be stopped." "I have heard that they have approached the court to restrain information from the chargesheet coming out, let's see what the court decides," the Minister said. On allegations by some BJP leaders that details of the chargesheet are being divulged to divert attention from a site allotment scam allegedly involving the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Parameshwara said they are independent cases. "Now the Rameshwaram cafe blast case chargesheet has been filed by NIA, can similar allegations be made in connection with it? There is no such thing. They are handled independently. Media picks up issues based on their priority," he said. Asked about National Investigation Agency (NIA) findings in its chargesheet that the terror attack on Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookefield here took place after the accused failed to execute an IED attack on the state BJP office in Malleswaram, Parameshwara said: "It is a case handled by NIA, we don't know what they have said in the chargesheet and what are its findings." "They (NIA) have filed the chargesheet in that they have said that there was a plan to blast the BJP office; on other matters we don't have any briefing," he added. Former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh was on Tuesday sent to judicial custody till September 23 by a special CBI court in the financial irregularities case. The court also sent his security personnel Afsar Ali and two alleged associates, contractors Vendors Biplab Sinha and Suman Hazra, to judicial custody till September 23. The CBI told the court that it would seek their custody again if required. Ghosh was arrested by the CBI on charges of financial irregularities on September 2 amid protests over the rape and murder of the doctor at the RG Kar MCH. The Fisher-Paulson family poses in their Rudolph-themed holiday sweaters at home. Provided by Kevin Fisher-Paulson Editors note: Kevin Fisher-Paulson, whose weekly column engaged and heartened readers for more than eight years, died after a 15-month struggle with cancer on Thursday, Sept. 5. Today we turn his usual column space over to his readers, whose sentiments make clear how much he will be missed. Kevin Fisher Paulson: A life well-lived and a life that was a perfect example of love, faith and transparency, complemented by a writing talent that was often brutally honest but was expressed with great empathy and often humor. His readers were blessed. Phoebe Moyer, Greenbrae Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kevin Fisher-Paulson and his husband, Brian. Courtesy of Kevin Fisher-Paulson This one hits me hard. Probably because I know firsthand what a good person he was. But theres something bigger in this death. He embodied the best of San Francisco. An enormous heart. Smart and educated. Non-pretentious. Willing to break norms and live authentically. Accepting of everyone and everything. Maybe I fear this San Francisco is dying, person by person. Reading his column every week kept me hopeful. It was a few moments of connection to the San Francisco of my youth. Perhaps I need to have faith that the city is actually filled with Kevin Fisher-Paulsons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Anne Irwin, San Francisco The Fisher-Paulson familys Bedlam Blue Bungalow takes its name from a poem by Kevins father, Hap. Courtesy Kevin Fisher-Paulson I guess I was at City Hall for the kickoff of Transit Month when Kevin Fisher-Paulson died. Or maybe I was on a ferry to Larkspur to celebrate a friends birthday. I dont know exactly what time Kevin Fisher-Paulson died, but because he lived and wrote so well, its one of those Where were you when questions that usually pertain to tragedy like an assassination, a terrorist attack or a pandemic. But in Kevins case, his life and writing were so good that theyve become a part of us, and the magic and marvel transcend the tragic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I first learned the news from my son, an indication that Kevin was family. And Sam Whiting, who wrote his obituary, is such a good writer that Ill bet a lot of notable people want to die just so theyll have such beautiful write-ups and be remembered so well! He did justice to Kevin Fisher-Paulson, and that takes talent! Im glad I have all three of the books Kevin wrote. Now Ill read them 15 minutes at a time, like daily affirmations. But I really feel for his husband Brian Fisher-Paulson and their children, who will no longer have him in the Bedlam Blue Bungalow in the Outer, Outer, Outer, Outer Excelsior. Tina Martin, San Francisco Heartbroken to learn of Kevin Fisher Paulsons death. Kevin reminded us every week to be grateful for our lives and for this amazing city. Ill be toasting the Best Boys tonight. Sarah Smith, San Francisco Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kevin Fisher-Paulson, center, stands outside the San Francisco Chronicle entrance at 901 Mission St. with former colleague Leah Garchik, from left, Brian Fisher-Paulson, former columnist Adair Lara and staff writer Nanette Asimov. Courtesy of Kevin Fisher-Paulson I have delighted in the Chrons columnists, from Herb Caen and Art Hoppe to the current stable. The passing of Kevin Fisher-Paulson makes me especially sad, since we shared how we were dealing with cancers from time to time. He was quite a role model to me, even if much younger than me. May his family find comfort in good memories. And may his memory be a blessing. Warren Snider, Mountain View Kevin Fisher-Paulson is pictured after a biopsy for cancer. Provided by Kevin Fisher-Paulson I am very sad to learn of the passing of Kevin Fisher-Paulson. Notwithstanding the illness he faced and the many letters Im sure he received from regular readers like me, he always took time to reply to my brief notes I sent to him after reading his columns. He will be missed by me and many others. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kerry Gough, Oakland I was shocked and saddened to read of Kevin Fisher-Paulsons death today. He was such a beacon of hope and understanding, it seems so unfair that he is no longer with us to show the way. R.I.P. Kevin, you will be sorely missed and well-remembered by all. My sympathies to his entire family. Im so sorry for our loss. Kris March, Vallejo The Fisher-Paulson family during a trip to Maine in 2017. Provided by Kevin Fisher-Paulson Ive been a longtime reader of his, and I enjoyed every word he wrote. Every Wednesday, I eagerly looked at the paper for his words of wisdom and laughter. I am also grateful he got to continue the tradition of the holiday quizzes, as they lured my kids in. He loved to entertain and to teach. He will be sorely missed. I hope you continue to print old columns for a while so we can continue to feel his presence. I also hope someone will continue the year-end quizzes in his honor. Shoshana Silver, San Francisco I moved up to Marin about 10 years ago, when I began a subscription to your newspaper. I have just moved to San Diego but couldnt stop my subscription because I didnt want to miss any of Kevin Fisher-Paulsons columns. Now, because of his so unfortunate demise, I must cancel my subscription. He was my favorite part of the Chronicle. Natasha Selfridge, San Diego Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has sparked a political controversy with his remarks on religious freedom in India, particularly concerning the Sikh community, at an event in Herndon, Virginia. Speaking on Monday, Gandhi mentioned the struggles faced by Sikhs in India stating, The fight [in India] is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban...whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. Thats what the fight is about, and its not just for Sikhs, but for all religions. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp These statements have drawn severe backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP national spokesperson RP Singh criticised Gandhi for not acknowledging the Congress partys role in violence against Sikhs. Singh pointed out, In 1984, 3,000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair chopped, and their beards shaved. Gandhi fails to mention that this occurred during Congresss tenure. BJP national spokesperson RP Singh criticised Gandhi for not acknowledging the Congress partys role in violence against Sikhs. Singh pointed out, In 1984, 3,000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair chopped, and their beards shaved. Gandhi fails to mention that this occurred during Congresss tenure. Singh also issued a challenge to Gandhi, urging him to make similar remarks on Indian soil and warning of legal action. I will file a case against him and drag him to court, Singh added. Union Minister Giriraj Singh added to the criticism, accusing the Congress party of continuing its appeasement politics while failing to address its past. The Congress, which has long engaged in appeasement politics and was responsible for the Sikh massacre, is now trying to lecture us. Rahul Gandhi boldly claimed he would deliver 400 seats in writing, but those who couldnt surpass 99 seats are now talking about winning 400. We'll need to respond forcefully to such claims, he said. 1984 anti-Sikh riots The 1984 anti-Sikh riots were a tragic series of attacks against the Sikh community, triggered by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. The violence resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread destruction of property, and numerous instances of sexual violence against women. Rahul Gandhis US visit Rahul Gandhi's visit to the US, which spans three days, has been marked by pointed criticisms of the BJP and the Indian government. During his tour, Gandhi has engaged with students at the University of Texas and US lawmakers, as part of a broader outreach effort ahead of the November US presidential election and upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The college had increased the annual fees of Rs 4 lakh per annum to Rs 9.78 lakh for those who had taken admissions under the state quota | (Photo: Shutterstock) In a relief to 91 students, the Supreme Court has ordered a medical college in Uttarakhand to release their original documents withheld by the institute for non-payment of fee arrears. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior lawyer Gaurav Agarwal and advocate Tanvi Dubey, appearing for the doctors, that the students will neither be able to register themselves as medical practitioner nor can take up examinations for higher studies for lack of original documents. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The bench, which also comprised justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, ordered Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences College at Dehradun in Uttarakhand to release the documents on payment of Rs 7.5 lakh by students who have completed their MBBS course and the requisite internship. The students will have to give an undertaking that they will be paying the remaining fee arrears, the top court said on Monday. The medical college had earlier increased Rs 5 lakh annual fees to Rs 13.22 lakh for students who had got the admissions under the All India quota. The college had increased the annual fees of Rs 4 lakh per annum to Rs 9.78 lakh for those who had taken admissions under the state quota. The fee hike was made applicable with retrospective effect. The students, who completed their MBBS course and also did the one-year internship, had challenged the legality of the decision of the college asking them to pay "exorbitant arrears" to get their original documents. "Without original documents, the doctors are forced to sit idle at home. They can neither participate in counselling of NEET-PG nor start their practice in a hospital," Dubey said. The matter has been seeing a series of litigation for the past few years and a petition was also pending at the Nainital High Court against retrospective fee hike. The students had challenged the order asking them to pay around Rs 38 lakh, the lawyer said. The counsel for students argued that the decision was "arbitrary and forcefully imposed on them" for a course they have already completed. "If they were aware earlier, they would have never chosen a college in Uttarakhand since they were getting colleges in their home states at a lesser fee," the lawyer said. The high court had directed the students to pay the entire amount in nine instalments. The college had issued a notice stating that internship cannot start unless payments are made. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for the college, said often it gets difficult for the colleges in such scenarios to keep track of the pending dues from students after documents are released. Some of the students simply vanish and in some cases, the cheques, given towards the arrears of the fees, have bounced. The general secretary of the CPI (M), Sitaram Yechury is in critical condition and is being given respiratory support at AIIMS in New Delhi, the party informed on Tuesday. The 72-year-old politician is being treated for a severe respiratory infection in the hospitals ICU. The party added that a team of doctors is closely observing Yechurys condition. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp He was hospitalised at AIIMS on August 19 to receive treatment for a chest infection resembling pneumonia. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Communist Party of India (Marxist) said, Comrade Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist), is in the intensive care unit of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection. The partys statement added, He is on respiratory support. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition, which is critical at this time. Yechury has recently had cataract surgery. On August 22, Yechury posted a six-minute video on his social media accounts from the hospital, expressing his condolences to former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya. Sitaram Yechury became a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1975, shortly after joining the Students Federation of India (SFI) in 1974. During the Emergency period, while still a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Yechury was detained. He also served as the president of the JNU Students Union on three separate occasions between 1977 and 1988. Alongside Prakash Karat, Yechury played a significant role in bolstering the leftist influence at JNU. At 72, he is noted for continuing the coalition-building efforts established by former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet. The Uttar Pradesh government is looking to attract private players to set up eight data centres in the state at a total cost of about Rs 30,000 crore as more companies set up a base in the country, and concerns mount over offshore data storage. The state will facilitate land clearances, and the projects totalling 900 megawatt (Mw) capacity will likely be located near Noida. As part of this, companies such as Hiranandani group, the Adani group, NTT Japan, and Web Werks have launched or announced data centre projects worth Rs 20,000 crore with 600 Mw capacity. A data centre centralises shared information technology (IT) activities and equipment for storing, processing, and disseminating information. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp According to real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield's report, Indias colocation data centre capacity stood at 977 Mw across the top seven cities in the second half of 2023. The country would need an additional colocation data centre capacity of 1.7-3.6 gigawatt (Gw) by 2028, owing to rapid digital adoption and generation of large amounts of data, according to the report titled Is India Building Enough to Power its Digital Transformation?'. Due to the lack of robust data centres in India, the domestic data is primarily preserved in servers located at offshore locations. This exposes sensitive data pertaining to banking, social media, retail, tourism, health segments etc., to possible cyberattacks. With domestic data centres, there would be greater security of data. The data centre parks will help India and UP become self-reliant in data storage. It will improve the domestic data centre ecosystem and boost the gross domestic product (GDP) as well, a state government spokesperson said. The UP government has allowed data centre parks to avail of energy supply from two grids to ensure uninterrupted power for operations. One of these, whichever costs lower, will be funded by the UP IT and electronics department and the other grid by the private data centre investor. UP Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna said the UP Data Centre Policy, which was notified in January 2021, provided for double grid power supply to the first three data centre park projects only. However, to attract more private investment, the policy was amended to enlarge the ambit of the double grid power supply to eight data centre parks. Indias current under-construction colocation capacity addition stands at 1.03 Gw for 2024-2028. A colocation data centre provides physical infra to secure servers, which are connected to high-speed networks to businesses on rent. The team behind Four Kings, one of Bon Appetit's best new restaurants of 2024, stands for a portrait on February 26, 2024 in San Francisco. From left to right, Franky Ho, co-owner and chef; Mike Long, co-owner and chef; Lucy Li, service team; Millie Boonkokua, service team; and Frankie Mah, service captain. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Franky Ho and Mike Long havent taken a night off since they opened Four Kings in San Franciscos Chinatown in March. But last night the restaurant was dark, and Ho, Long, and their partners Millie Boonkokua and Lucy Li were in Portland, Oregon. So too were Anthony Salguero of Oaklands Popoca and his partner Cecilia Tran. Over hibiscus rum cocktails and oysters at Kann, they mingled with a Reddit power-user turned restaurateur known as Ramen Lord; a Senegalese chef who trained in pastry before opening a homestyle restaurant in Charleston; and a 26-year-old, female, Mexican-American pitmaster named Chuck. All were there because theyd been selected for Bon Appetits 2024 class of best new restaurants. Its been a big week for Bay Area chefs. In addition to Four Kings and Popoca claiming spots on Bon Appetits roster, Food & Wine crowned Burdell its 2024 Restaurant of the Year. (My colleague Cesar Hernandez foretold it last October, writing that the Oakland spot was the must-try restaurant of the year.) Its a stark turnaround from a year ago, when there was much collective hand-wringing about the state of restaurant innovation in the Bay Area. In March 2023, my colleague Elena Kadvany reported on the dearth of James Beard Award nominees in the region, which formerly had been an awards season powerhouse. Her interviews with San Francisco restaurateurs painted a picture of a climate where taking risks did not pay dividends. She quoted Bar Agricoles Thad Vogler as saying that the high cost of doing business in the Bay Area had led to an industry governed by fear with operators reluctant to take chances. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Elazar Sontag, Bon Appetits restaurant editor and an Oakland native, published a piece a few days later (full disclosure, I was also an editor at Bon Appetit at the time), writing that new restaurants in the Bay Area arent driving national dining culture anymore. Sontag pulled at similar threads as Kadvany, pinning the blame not on chefs but on the economic powers-that-be. He interviewed my predecessor Soleil Ho, who posited that developers arent placing bets on new blood, instead playing it more conservative in terms of who theyre offering leases to in restaurant spaces. Nevertheless, the piece didnt sit well with some local restaurateurs, who felt kicked while down. They noted that while they would love to push boundaries and drive conversation, theyre also trying to make payroll and deal with an ongoing pandemic and take care of their mental health, and can they please live? Eighteen months later, however, new Bay Area restaurants are hogging the national spotlight. A berth on a highly publicized annual list can boost business and have a lasting impact; State Bird Provisions attributes its continuing success to clinching the number one spot on Bon Appetits Hot 10 in 2012, back when they ranked. And even if theyre not as enduring as a Michelin star, accolades from national magazines carry weight. Few other media outlets have the budget to send editors criss-crossing the country to evaluate restaurants that have opened within the last year. Consequently, there are only a handful of journalists equipped to compare Houstons dining scene with Miamis and Seattles. From left, Cecilia Tran, Popoca chef Anthony Salguero and members of the Four Kings team Millie Boonkokua, Franky Ho, Lucy Li and Mike Long celebrate at Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurants party in Portland, Oregon. MacKenzie Chung Fegan / The Chronicle What those journalists are looking for is a point of view. At the awards ceremony last night, Sontag remarked that many of the hundreds of dishes he ate from coast to coast blurred together, but not so with the meals at the 20 recognized restaurants. This doesnt mean that a restaurant must showcase identity-based cooking in order to be noteworthy although often those grounded in personal history both shine bright and are easy to write about but it does require a certain voiciness that will distinguish one marble-countered raw bar from another. Of the Bay Areas restaurant class of 2022-2023, Sontag wrote, Theyre not bad. Theyre just not distinct. No one would accuse Burdell, Four Kings or Popoca of mumbling. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im not sure how significantly the economic climate has changed over the last 18 months (if youre a food business owner and have thoughts, Id love to hear from you), but Im calling it: The Bay Area is back. No doubt chef/owners still face headwinds, and many new openings are variations on a theme from established restaurant groups rather than truly original concepts. But Four Kings, Burdell and Popoca can go head-to-head with New York and L.A.s brightest. (Doom loop who?) To all the soon-to-open Bay Area restaurants that will no doubt end up on Bon Appetit and Food & Wines lists next year: Cesar and I cant wait to meet you. Cars in California could soon be required to have an alert system that beeps when theyre traveling 10 miles over the speed limit. Leah Millis/The Chronicle 2016 My only child Sylvia was killed less than five months after graduating from college by a truck driver. She had just begun a wonderful AmeriCorps job. A factor in the crash was that the driver was speeding. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a historic opportunity to reduce such tragedies in California by signing SB961. The bill would require automakers to build cars and trucks with a visual and sound alert to warn drivers going more than 10 miles over the posted speed limit. California would lead the way for such equipment to become standard in the U.S. Speeding is a leading cause of severe and fatal crashes in the U.S. and California. SB961 is a common-sense way to reduce deaths. It will save countless lives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The governor will hear opposition from auto and truck industry lobbyists. He needs to hear from the people, so many of whom have been injured or lost loved ones, as my wife and I lost our precious Sylvia. Go to www.walksf.org/sb961 to ask Newsom to sign SB961. Stephen Bingham, co-director of the Sylvia Bingham Fund, San Rafael Anti-vaxxers misinform Regarding Stop next pandemic (Letters to the Editor, Sept. 4): Letter writer Susan Englander wondered whether we can heed past mistakes and prevent future epidemics with mass vaccinations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The answer is no. We cannot depend on the federal government because epidemics have a political component. And with the internet and biased television, the facts about vaccines are being twisted. Conservative media personality Tucker Carlson has misrepresented safety data about COVID vaccines on numerous occasions to sow doubt about them. The fact that billions have been saved over two centuries by the smallpox vaccine is ignored. The absence of iron lungs and paralyzed shriveled limbs due to the discovery of the polio vaccine is also ignored. Robert Kennedy Jr. never went to medical school, but he has a magical surname many followers trust. Anti-vax bloggers often cite regions around the world where unvaccinated individuals did quite well but fail to include data that shows how effective the vaccines were in the entire countries of those areas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It will probably take a few more epidemics before Englanders dream comes true. Jack Kundin, San Mateo Allow cannabis cafes Regarding Why Gov. Newsom should veto bill that allows cannabis cafes in California (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, Sept. 6): AB1775 sensibly permits locally licensed cannabis consumption lounges to serve beverages and fresh food to their customers. In no way does it allow weed smoking elsewhere, only in licensed consumption lounges, which already exist in San Francisco and other cities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Californians are hard-pressed to find places where they can use cannabis legally. Consumption is illegal in all public spaces and many private rental units. Licensed consumption rooms offer one place where users can socialize. Since weed causes thirst and the munchies, and is medically used to enhance appetite, it makes sense to let consumption rooms serve fresh food and beverages. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies No one will be involuntarily exposed to smoke or odors by cannabis cafes. AB1775 was written in consultation with unions to protect the health of workers. Cannabis cafes have a record of safe and successful operation in Amsterdam, Canada, Colorado and elsewhere. California would do well to follow the example. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A sparse audience listens to a panel on fertility at the Reboot 2024: The New Reality tech conference in San Francisco on Thursday. Soleil Ho / The Chronicle Some attendees of Reboot 2024 could not understand why fertility was being discussed at a tech conference. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle The Heritage Foundation was one of the main sponsors of the Reboot 2024 tech conference in San Francisco. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle At first, Reboot 2024: The New Reality, a conference hosted at Fort Mason last week, seemed like your typical San Francisco tech gathering of people in T-shirts discussing the possibility of AI sentience. Between panels, attendees hunched over laptops in the lobby, either checking on Slack or tapping away at programming projects in Visual Studio. Until after lunch, when things suddenly made a sharp turn to the right. The conferences secretive special guest for an afternoon session on Tech and the American Republic turned out to be Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation the ultra-conservative think tank behind Project 2025, the plan to undo American democracy should Donald Trump win the presidential election in November. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roberts had little of substance to say while being interviewed by podcaster Dwarkesh Patel about the tech topics that had until then dominated the stage. In response to Patel teeing up a question about Big Tech being one of the greatest institutions in this country, Roberts responded: Theyre not the greatest institutions in this country. The greatest institution in this country is the nuclear family. Cue some scattered, if confused applause. It was awkward, but nothing compared with what was about to come. A panel of three white men, with one woman moderating, took the stage and began to puzzle out the supposed problem of people not making enough babies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One participant, Samuel Hammond from the Foundation for American Innovation, who looked like a JD Vance clone, argued that low fertility is a problem because governments wont be able to invest in ambitious, multi-decade infrastructure projects. For example, what if the government builds a road, but there arent enough drivers? Another panelist, Lyman Stone from the Institute for Family Studies, a conservative think tank, pointed a finger at declining religiosity and the global spread of Western media, though he didnt clarify if he was talking about the King James Bible or Friends. The best predictor of falling fertility is how much your media content is from the West, he said. First we colonize countries, and then we colonize their brains. Midway through the panel, the participants remembered that they were at a tech conference. Hammond brought up the possibility that better artificial intelligence will enable people to have more children say if iPads evolved into full-on robot nannies. By this point half of the 125-or-so people in the audience left the room. The vast majority who remained were browsing the internet on laptops and phones. None of the conference attendees I spoke to, largely people in AI development and tech funding, could understand what these people were doing at a tech conference. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But, of course, there was a reason. Conservative entities like the Heritage Foundation, a chief sponsor of the event, are trying to bring well-educated and rich young people into the fold. Theyre using tried-and-true flashpoints like lower taxes for the rich and free speech absolutism. But theyre also trying pronatalism, a more babies policy directive thats trying to fold a conservative anti-choice agenda into the utilitarian philosophy that rules Silicon Valley. Pronatalisms adherents start from the assumption that the worlds population is in decline and thats bad. This, they say, will be disastrous for an aging population with no one to take care of them and fewer young workers to drive economic growth. Some people in the tech community who subscribe to a belief called longtermism also see the creation of more future humans as a moral imperative. In 2022, tech billionaire and longtermist Elon Musk tweeted, Population collapse due to low birth rates is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming. Since then, Musk has used his influential position to spread the good word about pronatalism via interviews and grants from the Musk Foundation; notably, hes funded a $10 million natalist research group, offered up his sperm for use on a potential Mars colony and has fathered a dozen children of his own. Skype founder and fellow longtermist Jaan Tallinn donated nearly $500,000 to a pronatalist advocacy group. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musks stance is similar to those held by conservative figures like vice presidential hopeful and former techie Vance, who has expressed disgust toward childless adults and pushed ideas like granting parents more votes. At the same time, conservatives like Heritage President Roberts (whose forthcoming book features a foreword by Vance) push the idea that having children should not be optional and that contraception and abortion have been disastrous for society. If civilization is going to collapse if we dont have more babies, that urgency can easily be used to justify any number of anti-choice policies and, as we saw with the Supreme Courts recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, the rollback of reproductive autonomy. But pronatalism is based on shaky science in the first place. To start, the worlds population isnt in decline the planet is expected to add 2 billion more people over the next 60 years. According to Emily Merchant, a historian and author of Building the Population Bomb, Theres no agreement among experts on the optimum number of people. Numbers themselves are never the problem. But we attach any number of problems to population numbers whether they ascend or descend. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Changing birth rates in either direction is always really a crude lever and an inefficient way to solve problems that are thought to be caused by birth rates, she told me. Instead of pronatalism, lower fertility nations could adjust immigration policies to achieve whatever age range they want for their populations, she said. I would argue that making the world more amenable for the people who exist now, regardless of whether or not they have children, also seems like a much fairer bet. Tellingly, two of the pronatalists on the Reboot panel brought their young children, who not-so-subtly fussed at their caretakers throughout the talk. Also tellingly, the conference didnt offer any childcare services or accommodations for parents. While only a small number of attendees were interested enough to actually watch the pronatalist session, its inclusion in the Reboot conference still signaled that the low fertility issue could be a key part of the tech-conservative agenda. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies Much ink has been spilled lately over the conservatism of Silicon Valley tech billionaires like Musk, Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, who each have contributed significant symbolic and monetary resources to political causes. Musk and Thiel are somewhat outliers in their emphasis on anti-woke culture war issues like diversity, equity and inclusion, and trans rights. But its clear from the sold-out, Heritage Foundation-sponsored conference that the utilitarians in tech and conservatives see real potential in this alliance. With the Adani Group planning to invest in China, it appears that the clean chit to China is all set to become a 'letter of support', said Congress. (Photo: Shutterstock) With the Adani Group floating a China subsidiary for providing project management services, the Congress on Tuesday alleged the risk is now that the conglomerate's investments in China will add national security and territorial sovereignty to the growing list of sacrifices that India has made at the altar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "special friendships". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also alleged that "the non biological PM's clean chit to China on June 19, 2020" was one of the most damaging statements ever made by an Indian prime minister. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "It was a flat-out lie that eroded the sanctity of the position, and it enabled the Chinese to deny the reality of their infringement on and continued occupation of Indian territory," Ramesh said in a statement. Since then, it has also underpinned the government's inattention to the risks of uncontrolled Chinese imports, investments, and immigration, he said. With the Adani Group planning to invest in China, it appears that the clean chit to China is all set to become a "letter of support", the Congress leader said. "First, it is to be noted that the government's economic policy making towards China has always been inadequate, partly because the non-biological PM's clean chit has precluded more aggressive action," Ramesh said. Across the world, governments have taken strong corrective action against uncontrolled Chinese imports through tariffs and anti-dumping investigations, he said. Governments are pursuing integrated economic strategies to prioritise 'decoupling' from China rather than risk being economically beholden to it, Ramesh said. He claimed the Indian government, despite the looming national security threat of Chinese soldiers on our borders and within our territory, has been scatter-brained in its response. "TikTok has been banned, but imports from China have surged and wreaked havoc domestically even as the Economic Survey of India 2024 makes the tone-deaf argument that 'it is inevitable that India plugs itself into China's supply chain'," he said. The government has also simultaneously moved to fast-track visas for Chinese worker in India and encouraged Chinese investments, he alleged. Even before Adani directly invested in China, the government was "napping at the wheels", Ramesh claimed in his statement. "Second, the Adani Group's previous operations in China and East Asia have been highly suspicious. Chang Chung-Ling, a Taiwanese businessman, has served as director on several Adani Group firms. In 2017, a ship owned by Chung-Ling's family was caught smuggling oil to North Korea in a violation of UN sanctions - it emerged that the smuggling ship's operation were partly financed by a firm owned by Shanghai Adani Shopping Company," he alleged. "This Shanghai Adani Shipping Company has done business with Adani Global and the Chung-ling owned Hi Lingos, alongside another firm called Adani Shipping (China) Company (aka Dalian Adani Shipping). Remarkably, none of these firms which appear to be implicated in globally illegal activities - have been acknowledged as Adani subsidiaries so far," he said. Ramesh claimed the last few years have seen a pattern of Adani's overseas investments often undermining our national interest and contributing to bad outcomes for India. The Bangladesh government's contract to purchase power from Adani's coal plant in Jharkhand, for instance, became a flashpoint in the protests that led to PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation last month, he said. Adani's interests in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Australia have all served to India's detriment, partly because the "non-biological PM's friendship with Mr. Adani is now globally well known", Ramesh alleged. "This subordination of India's foreign policy interests to the Adani group's commercial interests has led to unprecedented reversals for India on the global stage. It now appears that in addition to foreign policy, Modani's overseas investments can now cost India her national security vis-a-vis China," he said. "India has already made many sacrifices, domestically and globally, at the altar of the non-biological PM's special friendships," Ramesh alleged. The government's policy making on China has already been grossly inadequate, he said. "The risk is now that the Modani's investments in China, especially given their dubious history, will add national security and territorial sovereignty to this growing list of sacrifices that India has made," Ramesh said. His remarks come after the Adani Group formed a subsidiary in China to carry out business of providing supply chain solutions and project management services, according to a regulatory filing. Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship firm, in the filing said a Singapore-based step-down subsidiary incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Adani Energy Resources (Shanghai) Co. (AERCL), domiciled in Shanghai, China on September 2, 2024. "AERCL is incorporated to carry out business of providing supply chain solutions and project management services," it said without providing details. The subsidiary was incorporated by Adani Global Pte (AGPTE), Singapore - a step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL). AEL houses the conglomerate's mining, roads, airports, data centre and water infrastructure businesses. The Congress has been persistent on its attack on the government, since Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses in the wake of the Hindenburg Research making a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation on the conglomerate headed by industrialist Gautam Adani. The Adani Group had dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements. The former state home minister is already facing a CBI case for alleged corruption and another case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) | (Photo: PTI) Former Maharashtra home minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday claimed that state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was trying to get him arrested with the help of central agencies. In a post on X, Deshmukh also claimed an FIR has been filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the behest of BJP leader Fadnavis in a four-year-old incident. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "It has been alleged that four years back, when I was the home minister of Maharashtra, I pressured a Jalgaon police officer to take action against BJP leader Girish Mahajan," he said. "As per my information, Devendra Fadnavis is trying to get a raid conducted on me and get me arrested. I want to tell Devendra Fadnavis, who with the help of Delhi (Centre) and ED-CBI has brought Maharashtra politics to a very low level, ' Devendra Fadnavis, I am waiting for my arrest," Deshmukh said. The CBI has registered an FIR against Deshmukh, the then special public prosecutor Pravin Pandit Chavan, and two police officials for alleged conspiracy to frame top state BJP leaders in a false case in 2020, officials said last week. The CBI lodged the case after a two-year preliminary enquiry, which originated from a pen drive handed over to the then Maharashtra assembly speaker by Fadnavis, who was in the opposition in 2020, they said. The "pen drive bomb" contained purported videos showing Chavan had allegedly conspired with trustee of Jalgaon Zilla Maratha Vidhya Prasarak Sahakari Samaj and lawyer Vijay Patil and the then home minister Deshmukh to frame BJP leader Mahajan, who is now a minister. In 2020, a case was registered based on a complaint from Patil, who had alleged that in 2018, he was taken to a hotel in Pune where he was tortured by unknown persons who forced him to resign along with other trustees and told him that Mahajan wanted to take over Jalgaon Zilla Maratha Vidhya Prasarak Sahakari Samaj Limited. Fadnavis, currently Deputy CM, submitted video recordings of over 100 hours in the pen drive to suggest that the case was part of a conspiracy to target BJP leaders. The case was first handed over to the CID and later to the CBI for investigation. Deshmukh has termed the case as "baseless". The former state home minister is already facing a CBI case for alleged corruption and another case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). China's foreign trade up 6 pct in first 8 months Xinhua) 13:06, September 10, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's total goods imports and exports expanded 6 percent year on year in yuan terms in the first eight months of this year, official data showed Tuesday. The country's exports rose 6.9 percent year on year in the January-August period, while imports climbed 4.7 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs. In U.S. dollar terms, the country's foreign trade in goods stood at 4.02 trillion dollars from January to August, up 3.7 percent year on year. Exports rose 4.6 percent from a year ago, while imports increased 2.5 percent year on year. Trade surplus expanded by 11.2 percent year on year to 608.49 billion dollars during the eight-month period. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) UC Santa Cruz protesters engaged in a tense but peaceful standoff with police in riot gear on May 31 in Santa Cruz. Hannah Hagemann/The Chronicle The legal battle over pro-Palestinian protests at University of California campuses escalated Monday in a lawsuit by two UC Santa Cruz students and a professor who said they were among more than 110 demonstrators summarily banished from campus by police in May, with no explanation or opportunity to defend themselves. The protest took place on the night of May 30 near the entrance to campus, with demonstrators calling for an end to UC investments in companies supplying weapons to Israel. According to the lawsuit, more than 100 officers in riot gear descended on the encampment, used clubs to confine the protesters in a tight circle, zip-tied them in handcuffs for hours and arrested more than 110 people on suspicion of misdemeanor charges of disruption. The officers also handed notes to the arrested protesters saying their permission to remain on campus has been withdrawn, the suit said. The notes referred to a law allowing the university to issue 14-day expulsions to anyone who has willfully disrupted campus activity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No criminal charges were actually filed against any of the protesters, said attorney Chessie Thacher of the American Civil Liberties Union. She said the professor and two students in the suit were given brief hearings after 10 or 11 days and then allowed to return to campus, but not without suffering harm, including missing nearly two weeks of classes. Students and faculty were cut off from classes, jobs and essential resources, said another attorney, Rachel Lederman of the Center for Protest Law & Litigation. The suit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court follows another legal case filed last month by five UC Irvine students who were suspended indefinitely after pro-Palestinian protests on their campus. As the new school year approaches, UC President Michael Drake announced Aug. 19 that the 10 campuses would no longer allow students to occupy protest encampments or use face masks to conceal their identities. The Santa Cruz lawsuit said one plaintiff, Hannah Elio Ellutzi, an honor student, was rendered homeless, struggled to obtain food, and (was) cut off from their on-campus work shifts by the suspension. She was also unable to attend a medical appointment to begin important treatments that had to be postponed, the suit said. In a statement issued by her lawyers, the second student, Laaila Irshad, said, The ban was devastating for me. I failed my courses because I couldnt access my computer, attend classes, or complete assignments. She said she is thinking of taking time off from school to ease her stress and try to regain faith in the institution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The faculty member is Christine Hong, a professor who directs the universitys Center for Racial Justice. She said she rushed to the encampment at 11 p.m. after getting a frantic call from a student saying that a large squad of police had been sent by the administration to dismantle the encampment. Hong said one protester next to her had to be hospitalized because of injuries inflicted by the officers, and another suffered severe nerve damage and now walks with a cane. She said her own 10-day banishment prevented her from using a campus recording studio to prepare for a summer class she was teaching. Thacher, the ACLU attorney, said at least one other faculty member was among the 110-plus who were arrested and banished from campus. She criticized Drakes call for a crackdown on protesters, and said the proper message to the university should be, Dont punish students unfairly when theyre coming together to express an idea. In a statement Monday, Scott Hernandez-Jason, a university spokesperson, said, UC Santa Cruz is unwavering in its commitment to upholding the rights of free expression and speech, while also preserving the right to access to education, residences, and campus facilities free from obstruction. We remain confident that decisions made in the spring were necessary and critical to preserve safety, access, and operations of the campus. Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China to power the 16s. | Photo: Bloomberg Apple's new iPhone launch drew scorn on Tuesday for its lack of artificial intelligence features in China, a challenge for the US giant as it battles growing competition from Huawei Technologies in the world's largest smartphone market. Apple unveiled its long-awaited, AI-boosted iPhone 16 on Monday, hoping the new features would drive consumers to upgrade amid a slowdown in its smartphone sales, which account for more than half of its total sales. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp But Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China to power the 16s, and Apple Intelligence, the company's AI software, will be available in Chinese language only next year. The iPhone 16 launch dominated discussions on Chinese social media on Tuesday, ahead of Huawei's unveiling of a three-way foldable smartphone later in the day. On Weibo, China's X-like platform, three of the top 10 trending topics were related to the iPhone 16 launch, with AI features among a key topic of discussion. The hashtag "iPhone 16 Chinese version doesn't support AI yet" attracted 11.33 million views and over 1,500 comments on Weibo. "What's the point of buying it if you can't use AI?" wrote one Weibo user. Another commented, "Without AI as the biggest selling point, it should be half price." The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will cost the same as models they replace. In China, Apple aggressively slashed prices earlier this year, as government restrictions on the use of foreign-branded phones and increased domestic competition weighed on its smartphone sales. Other users on Weibo compared Apple's launch with Huawei's new phone, due to be released as the Chinese firm seeks to widen its lead over Apple in its home market. "Whether iPhone 16 has AI or not doesn't affect me, because I'm going to buy Huawei's tri-fold phone," one Weibo user wrote, underscoring the growing popularity of Huawei's latest models in China that helped it replace Apple as the country's No.3 smartphone vendor in the second quarter. But some analysts predicted the absence of AI features in the iPhone 16 was unlikely to have a big impact on near term sales. "Chinese consumers are not yet driven to upgrade by AI capabilities ... However, in the long run, as domestic brands use AI as a key differentiator for their flagship products, it will negatively affect Apple," said Toby Zhu, an analyst at technology market research firm Canalys. Zhu said Apple needs to localise its offerings and swiftly establish an AI application and service ecosystem in China to remain competitive. Apple's powerful operating system remains a draw for Chinese consumers, according to Will Wong, an analyst at IDC. "The key competitive advantage of Apple is its strong customer stickiness. Thus, the replacement needs of the users of the iPhone 11, 12, or 13 series could still support the sales of Apple in the absence of AI." "It's still too early to say who will win," Wong said. Pre-orders for the new iPhone start on Friday in China through online retailers such as JD.com, with deliveries beginning on Sept. 20. Apple has confirmed that iOS 18 will be available as a free software update starting Monday, September 16, for eligible iPhones. Unveiled earlier this year at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), iOS 18 brings several new features and enhancements, with Apple Intelligencethe companys suite of artificial intelligence (AI) featuresbeing the most anticipated. However, Apple confirmed that these AI features will not be available in the initial release. The first wave of Apple Intelligence features will be available in beta next month as part of iOS 18.1, with more features rolling out in the months ahead. While iOS 18 will support older-generation models (listed below), Apple Intelligence features will be available only on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. All models in the recently launched iPhone 16 series are eligible for AI features. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Apple also stated that the AI features will be available on eligible devices where Siri is set to US English. Additional languages and platforms are expected over the course of the next year. Later this year, Apple Intelligence will add support for localised English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. In 2024, the AI features will expand to languages including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Apple will release iOS 18 with a few India-focused features, too. Earlier, the US-based technology giant confirmed additional features and language support tailored for users in India. Apple said that these enhancements will span across various functionalities including communication, language input, and significant updates to the Move to iOS app. Apple stated that users will have the ability to customise the time display on the lock screen with Indian numerals from 12 languages. These languages include Arabic, Arabic Indic, Bangla, Devanagari, Gujarati, Gurmukhi, Kannada, Malayalam, Meitei, Odia, Ol Chiki, and Telugu. Moreover, iPhone users in India will gain access to Live Voicemail Transcription in Indian English. Here are all the India-focused features that the iOS 18 will introduce. Control Centre The Control Centre has been revamped, featuring a new set of controls accessible via a swipe-up gesture. These controls offer quick access to connected home devices, enabling faster customisation. Additionally, the controls can now be accessed from the lock screen, and the Action Button can invoke these settings for even quicker access. App Lock A highly requested feature, App Lock, has been introduced in iOS 18. This allows for independent locking of apps, with the option to hide them in a secure folder, providing an additional layer of privacy and security. Messages The Messages app receives significant updates, including RCS messaging support, expanding compatibility with a wider range of messaging platforms. Other updates include emoji and sticker tapbacks, scheduled messages, text formatting, and integrated text effects. Additionally, satellite messaging is supported for iPhone 14 and later models, improving communication in remote areas. Mail The Mail app gets smarter with on-device categorisation, automatically sorting emails into categories such as primary, transactions, updates, and promotions. This feature will be rolled out later this year. Game Mode Apple is bringing the Macs Game Mode to iPhones with iOS 18, optimising performance for a smoother gaming experience on mobile devices. Photos The Photos app receives a comprehensive redesign aimed at simplifying the process of accessing memories and organising photos. Built-in intelligence enables the automatic creation of photo collections, enhancing ease of use and user engagement. Audio In iOS 18, Siri now supports gestures, such as nodding for confirmation, providing hands-free interaction. Additionally, voice isolation is introduced for AirPods Pro, improving audio clarity. For gaming enthusiasts, personalised spatial audio will debut later this year, with Need for Speed Mobile being the first title to support this feature. iOS 18: Eligible older-generation models iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) About 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) to the north, a wildfire is sweeping through Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, one of Brazil's most famous tourism sites | Photo: Bloomberg Brazil is enduring its worst drought since nationwide measurements began over seven decades ago, with 59% of the country under stress an area roughly half the size of the US Major Amazon basin rivers are registering historic lows, and uncontrolled manmade wildfires have ravaged protected areas and spread smoke over a vast expanse, plummeting air quality. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp This is the first time that a drought has covered all the way from the North to the country's Southeast, Ana Paula Cunha, a researcher at the National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, said in a statement Thursday. It is the most intense and widespread drought in history. Smoke on Monday afternoon caused Sao Paulo, a metropolitan area of 21 million people, to breathe the second most polluted air in the world after Lahore, Pakistan, according to data gathered by IQAir, a Swiss air technology company. About 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) to the north, a wildfire is sweeping through Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, one of Brazil's most famous tourism sites. This year, the dry season started much earlier than in previous years, whereas the rain season was intense yet short, Nayara Stacheski, head of the park, told The Associated Press. The wind is strong, the air humidity is very low and it's extremely hot. All this worsens the wildfire. On Monday, there was one uncontrolled wildfire in a remote area. A helicopter was expected to arrive to transport firefighters. Another fire was controlled by 80 firefighters, with support from two aircraft. Two other fires were threatening to enter the park. The blazes in one of the few protected areas of Cerrado, the Brazilian savanna, are just the latest drama in the country beset by months of blazes. From the beginning of the year until Sept. 8, Brazil registered almost 160,000 fires, the worst year since 2010. In Pantanal, the world's largest wetland area, it has been the second worst fire year on record. Most fires are manmade as part of the deforestation process or for clearing pastures and agricultural land. So far this year, an area the size of Italy has burned in Brazil. Fire is not the only problem. More than 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Chapada dos Veadeiros to the Northeast, the Amazon the world's most voluminous river and one of its main tributaries, the Madeira River, have registered new daily record lows at the city of Tabatinga. There's no end sight significant rain is not expected until October. Low river levels have stranded dozens of communities only accessible by water. One of the largest is Fidadelfia, inhabited by 387 families of the Tikuna tribe. Due to the drought, there is shortage of potable water and children are drinking dirty water, leading to a surge in illnesses. Food is becoming scarce as crops die and it's increasingly difficult to travel to the city, local leader Myrian Tikuna told the AP. Tikuna sent a selfie taken Monday in her community. Instead of water, endless banks of sand dominate the landscape. This used to be the Amazon River," she said. "Now it's a desert. If things get worse, our people will disappear. Now we are realizing the severity of climate change. A San Francisco hot dog vendor was arrested Sunday after attacking a city worker trying to shut down her unpermitted cart, police say. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle In the latest skirmish between illegal vendors and city enforcement agencies, San Francisco police on Sunday arrested a woman they say assaulted a city worker who tried to seize her unpermitted hot dog cart. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Pier 33 on the Embarcadero, and part of the encounter was recorded by a bystander, with the video provided to Mission Local. The footage shows police officers pinning a woman to the ground while she struggles, and a young girl nearby described as the womans daughter crying and screaming. A city employee tells the bystander, It was because she fought with the officer, and that the hot dog cart would be confiscated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The police department on Monday said the incident began when city employees sought to confiscate the cart and the woman fought to keep it. It was kind of like a tug-of-war scenario, said Evan Sernoffsky, a police spokesperson. Thats when our officers intervened and separated her from the cart. The woman then grabbed the cart again and assaulted one of the city employees, he said. He said police officers do not typically get involved in enforcement against illegal vendors, which is routinely done by the Department of Public Health, S.F. Public Works and as was the case Sunday S.F. Port employees when its on port property. But officers are present when the agencies conduct enforcement operations to ensure the safety of city workers, who have been attacked in the past, he said. The woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a government employee and resisting or delaying an investigation. She was released at the scene. She requested medical attention, was assessed by medics at the scene and did not require further medical care, Sernoffsky said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A spokesperson for the port said Monday he did not have any additional information. Its not the first time city enforcement agencies have clashed with street vendors. In 2023, a public works employee was filmed in a widely circulated video apparently running after a food vendor and throwing their cart to the ground, spilling hot dogs, buns and condiments. The employee is then seen picking up a tray as he talks to the vendor. The agency at that time said it would investigate the incident. City agencies have been cracking down on illegal vending of food and other goods. In 2023, a task force that includes public works, public health, police, fire and port officials conducted 276 enforcement missions and engaged 540 street vendors, according to the public health department. So far in 2024, the task force has conducted 209 enforcement missions and engaged 510 street vendors. The task force conducts regular unpermitted street vending inspections seven days a week. Confiscating unsanitary food items and equipment that may cause health hazards to the public is one of the enforcement actions available to the task force, the health department said. By Yoolim Lee South Korean police have arrested two former Samsung Electronics Co. officials on suspicion of stealing technologies worth more than 4.3 trillion won ($3.2 billion) to build a copycat chipmaking plant in China. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Tuesday described how the pair had collaborated with local Chinese officials to build a semiconductor facility. One of the two, identified as a 66-year-old surnamed Choi, recruited South Korean chip experts and leaked Samsung memory technologies via a joint venture, the police said in a statement. They didnt offer timeframes, or identify the Chinese location. But some of the details mirrored those from a case that first came to light in 2023, as tensions escalated between Beijing and Washington over sanctions aimed at Chinas chip sector. In that instance, a former Samsung executive was arrested for allegedly stealing blueprints to try and replicate an entire fabrication plant in China. Korea, as the worlds foremost producer of memory chips, is a key ally of Washington in efforts to contain Beijings technological ambitions. On Tuesday, Seoul police described what it called a serious security violation perpetrated through a Chinese JV, Chengdu Gaozhen. Choi served as the ventures chief and was aided by a plant designer surnamed Oh, police said in their statement. The pair collaborated with officials to produce 20-nanometer DRAM chips last year, the police said. That not only damaged Samsung but weakened the nations competitiveness when the countries are in a global chip war, the agency said in its statement. Police said their probe had successfully halted the Chinese ventures operation, but they were still investigating further technology leaks. Representatives for Samsung declined to comment. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. In Southeast Asia, a flood of inexpensive Chinese imports is overwhelming local industries, causing widespread devastation and unemployment. In Thailands northern Lampang province, half of the ceramics factories have shut down. Similarly, Indonesia has seen thousands of textile workers lose their jobs, and manufacturers in Malaysia claim that the governments modest 10 per cent tax on e-commerce has done little to protect them from the influx of imports, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP). Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp For Meelarp Tangsuwana, who established his ceramics factory 35 years ago, the situation is dire. His company, like many in Lampang, creates hand-painted soup bowls, which are carefully crafted and sold for 18 baht each to food stalls across Thailand and beyond. In contrast, Chinese competitors are flooding the market with similar bowls without the artistic touch priced at just 8 baht. He expressed his confusion about how such drastic cost reductions are achievable. Meelarps frustration reflects a broader sentiment in the region, where producers of textiles, cosmetics, electronics, and kitchenware struggle to compete with Chinese manufacturers. The latters advanced automation and aggressive market expansion strategies are significantly altering the competitive environment, SCMP reported. Challenges for Southeast Asias manufacturers The report quoted Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, head of the China-Indonesia desk at the Jakarta-based Centre of Economic and Law Studies think tank, as saying that as Western markets become more restrictive for Chinese goods, Southeast Asia is increasingly emerging as a key destination for Chinese exports. The surge in Chinese goods is supported by the vast ecommerce market, along with newly constructed railways and improved ports that enhance logistical efficiency. Additionally, a complex network of free trade agreements, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, facilitates the entry of Chinese products into local markets, the report said. According to Yeah Kim Leng, an economics professor at Sunway University in Malaysia, Chinese manufacturers are adept at leveraging economies of scale and meeting the demand for consumer products on e-commerce platforms, SCMP reported. Measures to combat the influx of cheap imports However, this offers little reassurance to Meelarp, who is deeply concerned about the future of Thai ceramics and numerous other small and medium-sized businesses. Without decisive intervention from the Thai government such as implementing tariffs, restricting the influx of unsold Chinese products, and addressing illegal operations these artisans could face an uncertain future. It is now the governments responsibility to safeguard our craft and us, Meelarp said, reflecting the shared concerns of many Southeast Asian craftsmen. Facing a surge in business closures, Thailands new government is adopting a stricter approach following years of nurturing its relationship with its primary trading partner through mutual market access, logistics investments, and visa-free agreements. Chinese companies have breathed new life into segments of Thailands sluggish economy since the pandemic. However, experts caution that, like many other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, Thailand now faces the challenge of balancing the protection of local businesses with compliance to trade agreements it has willingly entered into, SCMP reported. Crackdown on low-cost imports Last week, Thailands Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan committed to addressing the issue of illegal imports and supporting local businesses that are struggling against a wave of low-priced competition. Ecommerce giants such as Temu are being scrutinised for their role in saturating the market with inexpensive goods and may soon face requirements to register locally and endure increased tax rates. Last month, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose daughter Paetongtharn now heads the government, advocated for modest protectionist measures to address the influx of inexpensive Chinese products. For many Thais grappling with financial difficulties, these steps appear to be long overdue. The countrys small and medium enterprises, operating with minimal profit margins, are particularly feeling the strain, the report said. Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors. He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors. He is the author of Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports," a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography. Dine Brands International, an affiliate of Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebees, IHOP, and FuzzysTaco Shop restaurants, is further expanding its global footprint and unique dual-branded Applebees and IHOP concept to new international markets. Through a multi-unit development agreement with franchisee BLT Global Brands, the first dual-branded restaurant in San Pedro Sula, Honduras is planned to open on September 16, 2024. Dine Brands' entry into Honduras marks a significant milestone in the company's international expansion strategy. This new location showcases the innovative dual-branded restaurant concept, which presents guests with two distinct IHOP and Applebees branded dining areas to choose from, while providing efficiencies in prototype design and operating model for franchisees. The unique dining experience allows guests to enjoy the best of both beloved brands, from IHOP's world-famous breakfast offerings to Applebee's diverse menu of casual dining favorites. Were excited to bring IHOP and Applebees to Honduras. The countrys vibrant culture and growing economy make it an ideal location for this dual-branded concept, offering a unique blend of comfort and quality in a lively and inviting dining atmosphere, said Thomas Christopher Talarico, CEO of BLT Global Brands. I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making to connect with and to expand to new guests around the world with the support of our franchisees, added Scott Gladstone, Chief Development Officer, and President, International at Dine Brands Global. By leveraging IHOPs morning popularity and Applebees evening appeal, we can cover all day parts and bring delicious and memorable dining experiences with world-class service to guests every day. So far, we have been pleased with the improved overall performance and returns of our dual-branded restaurants. With this opening, the total number of international dual-branded restaurants will reach 13 locations across 7 markets: Mexico, Canada, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Peru and Honduras. Leveraging this innovative concept, Dine Brands International has recently secured agreements to develop at least 21 new locations, 13 of which will be dual-branded, in various international markets. These commitments represent both conversions of existing single-branded restaurants as well as new restaurants in both traditional and non-traditional channels, including airports and travel centers. Dine Brands is seeking qualified Master Franchisees and Developers across select markets in Asia, including South Korea and Japan; select markets in Europe, including Spain; Brazil; and select territories in Mexico and Canada. For franchising opportunities, please visit https://franchise.ihop.com/en/applebees-co-branded-franchising. About Dine Brands Global, Inc. Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebees Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP, and Fuzzys Taco Shop brands. As of June 30, 2024, these three brands consisted of close to 3,600 restaurants across 18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the companys website located at www.dinebrands.com. BR-INTL View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240909342681/en/ 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 CARLOW Historical and Archaeological Society will host the lecture Farming in Ireland before the Norman Invasion presented by Dr Fergus Kelly on Wednesday 18 September at 8pm in Lawlors of Rathvilly. Dr Kelly MRIA is an academic at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in early and modern Irish in 1967 and subsequently spent a year in the linguistics institute at the University of Oslo. He also taught a course in Celtic civilisation at the University of Toronto. Currently, he is a senior professor in the School of Celtic Studies at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. His central interest is in early Irish legal documents. He has written a general account of early Irish (Brehon) law entitled A guide to early Irish Law (1988) and also Early Irish farming: a study based mainly on the law texts of the 7th and 8th centuries AD (1997). With a particular interest in the Ogham inscriptions the earliest form of writing in Irish Dr Kelly is a member of the advisory panel of the Ogham in 3D pilot project, currently underway at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Tom Tuite An arson charge has been brought against a man accused of destroying "priceless" ancient mummies following a fire at St Michan's Church in Dublin. Christian Topiter, 38, who has been in custody on remand for almost three months, appeared before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday. Mr Topiter, previously of Grand Canal House, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, was originally charged with causing criminal damage on June 11th at St Michan's Church to mummified remains, property of Church of Ireland Archdeacon of Dublin & Vicar of St Michan's Church David Pierpoint. However, on Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) authorised that the charge be replaced with another similar one stating that the damage was caused by arson. Garda James Kenny said Mr Topiter made no reply when the offence was put to Mr Topiter. However, he told the Garda, "That wasn't me," in response to a second fresh charge for robbing a person in Smithfield, Dublin, of a suitcase on the same date. He said the DPP has directed that Mr Topiter be sent forward for trial on indictment before a judge and jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has broader sentencing power. The DPP also said Mr Topiter could be sent forward on a signed plea of guilty, should that arise. He added that he expected the book of evidence to be ready at the next hearing. Defence counsel Eloise Flynn asked for some disclosure beforehand, so the accused could consider the allegations. The judge agreed to include that in his order. The former security guard had initially been granted bail 4,000 but was never able to take it up, and he made no application for bail on the new charges on Tuesday. Judge Mitchell remanded him in custody to appear again on September 17th. A blaze broke out at around 4pm on June 11th, and water damage is believed to have ruined five mummified remains, including an 800-year-old artefact known as 'The Crusader'. The other mummies date back 400 years. CCTV Garda Kenny had told a bail hearing on June 12th that there was CCTV evidence and alleged the accused was arrested shortly afterwards wearing distinctive clothing. A witness allegedly told gardai that there was a person "locked behind gates where this incident occurred, where he would have had to forcibly enter". Mr Topiter lived 200 metres away in a hostel beside Merchant Quay. Garda Kenny said historical artefacts of this nature were priceless and irreplaceable. The Garda maintained that the offence was at the higher end of criminal damage offences, which could carry a maximum 10-year sentence. Responding to bail objections, the defence had said Mr Topiter had "clear ties" to Ireland and was in a four-and-a-half-year relationship with his fiancee. His solicitor argued that there was no evidence before the court that his client would interfere with witnesses. That court hearing was also told the accused had been in a stable relationship, worked as a security guard, received social welfare payments, and participated in a charity soup run. The defence submitted that Mr Topiter had an immigration identity card issued by gardai, was presumed innocent, and would obey conditions. The hearing also told he had no history of serious offences. Tom Tuite Gardai have submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over the death of a Canadian tourist who died after being injured on Dublin's O'Connell Street in June. On Tuesday, Judge Alan Mitchell adjourned Ionut Danca's case for another two weeks for a decision on whether he is to face an additional charge over the alleged assault on Neno Dolmajian on June 23rd. Judge Mitchell was given confirmation at Cloverhill District Court that gardai had completed and submitted an investigation file to the DPP. Mr Danca (24), a Romanian construction worker with an address at Rathdown Square, North Circular Road, Dublin 7, was remanded in continuing custody. He has been accused of assault causing harm to Mr Dolmajian but could face a "more serious charge". He had been denied bail on June 28th at Dublin District Court. Mr Dolmajian, who was from Montreal, single and in his 40s, was brought to the Mater Hospital "unresponsive", never regained consciousness and he died on July 2nd. Judge Mitchell has noted the change of circumstances since the first court hearing and that the injured party had since died. The accused has also deferred a High Court bail application. At his earlier District Court bail hearing, Detective Sergeant Eoghan Byrne said the accused was allegedly with a group at Cathal Brugha Street when the injured party approached and engaged in conversation. It was claimed a member of the group struck him, and they moved on to O'Connell Street, where there was another interaction with the injured party. Some "became hostile", while others tried to intervene. The tourist walked toward the quays but was allegedly knocked on the ground and received a "running kick". The detective described it as a full-force blow to the face. CCTV evidence CCTV evidence had been obtained, and it was alleged the accused's action caused the tourist's injury. The court also heard that, aware gardai were looking for him, he left the country for two days. Initially, he booked a flight from Dublin to Bucharest, and officers waited for him at the airport. But he went to Belfast instead and flew to Edinburgh and then Naples. According to Detective Sergeant Byrne, gardai went to his Dublin address, but it was "cleaned out," and there were 10 bags of his belongings. It was claimed that "his girlfriend indicated they intended to leave Ireland permanently and have their stuff shipped to Romania". The detective sergeant believed Mr Danca had no ties to this jurisdiction and could face additional charges. He agreed with defence solicitor Evan Moore that the accused had no prior criminal convictions and lived and worked in Ireland for six years and that he came back voluntarily following discussions. However, that was allegedly after two days of avoiding calls, texts, and emails and efforts to locate him. Another man is also before the courts accused of assaulting Mr Dolmajian. Sony is redirecting billions into producing original content, including a significant focus on animated content. The move is being called a creation shift by the Japanese tech company, per a report in Financial Times. The company believes that it is losing out financially by not being involved in the creation and development of IP. Whether its for games, films or anime, we dont have that much IP that we fostered from the beginning, the companys chief financial officer Hiroki Totoki told FT. Were lacking the early phase [of IP] and thats an issue for us. Despite its roots as a consumer electronics company, around 60% of the companys annual revenue is currently generated by games, films, and music. The company has invested over $10 billion in the last six years creating original content, and intends to invest further in that direction. A central part of the companys growth strategy moving forward will be animation content, particularly anime. Through its streaming service Crunchyroll, Sony currently releases around 200 titles a year, and wants to release even more. The company also plans to leverage its Playstation Network service to grow Crunchyrolls subscriber base, which is currently around 15 million. About 30 per cent of PlayStation Network service customers watch anime, but only about 5 per cent have Crunchyroll accounts, Totoki said. Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini, however, said that producing anime has become more expensive in the last few years, with costs ballooning 40-60% due to growing budgets in Japan and a limited number of animators in the anime industry. The irony is that despite the fact that production costs are growing, Japanese animation workers regularly report that they are overworked, underpaid, and regularly face harassment in their jobs. Sony is taking a multi-pronged approach to its anime growth strategy by looking to co-produce more shows, train more animators, and use technology to create more content. Given the constraints within the ecosystem, there is opportunity for various companies, including Sony, to see if there is a way to add additional capacity, bring additional talent and potentially leverage digital technology in the creation process, Purini told FT. Among the digital technologies the company is looking at to increase its animation output is artificial intelligence. The companys chief executive Kenichiro Yoshida told FT, Its not going to be easy to balance . . . and it will be a continuous search for how we can use technology while protecting the rights of the creators. Sony revealed back in May that it is currently developing a new animation production software called AnimeCanvas through production studios A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, which are part of its subsidiary Aniplex. It is not clear what the software actually does, but Sony said that the software was dedicated to improving the production environment, efficiency, and enhancing the quality of output. The company is also considering launching an academy through Aniplex and Crunchyroll that would nurture anime creators in the global market, though it has not yet officially launched such a program. From bio-waste to green hydrogen ICR Research By Published 10 September 2024 The cement industry, a major contributor to global carbon emissions, is under significant pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. WtEnergy Advanced Solutions is addressing this challenge through the HYIELD project, which focusses on producing green hydrogen from bio-waste. This innovative approach promises to transform the industry by significantly reducing its carbon footprint and advancing the use of clean energy. By WtEnergy Advanced Solutions, Spain To continue reading this story and get access to all News, Articles and Video sections of the CemNet.com website, please Register for a subscription to International Cement Review or Login Kenya surveils substandard cement ICR Newsroom By 10 September 2024 Three out of five cement samples that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) collected in a market surveillance operation failed the standards test. The report indicates that only 38.1 per cent of the cement tested in February 2022 met the required standards, including the capacity to withstand the slightest pressure without crumbling. Subsequent tests found that the quality of cement improved, with 63.4 per cent meeting the compressive strength test in December 2023, which the standards body attributed to successful surveillance, corrective actions and enhanced quality control by manufacturers. Revelations of the existence of substandard cement in the market exposes a potential disaster amid an aggressive push for universal home ownership by the administration of President William Ruto. Previous surveys indicating a significant share of buildings in Nairobi were unfit for habitation. KEBS Managing Director, Esther Ngari, blamed the proliferation of low-quality cement in the market on shortcuts by manufacturers and also counterfeiting. Ms Ngari said, Products that failed to meet the standards were subjected to targeted withdrawals and recalls. Manufacturers are notified to remove non-compliant batches from the market. The market is dynamic, and subsequent testing, as seen in the improved compliance percentages in later periods, indicates that corrective measures and continuous monitoring have been effective. Published under EQS-Ad-hoc: Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft / Key word(s): Personnel Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft: CEO not to seek extension of his contract 10-Sep-2024 / 17:43 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc release 10 September 2024 Commerzbank: CEO not to seek extension of his contract Manfred Knof, CEO of Commerzbank AG, has today informed Jens Weidmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, that he will fulfil his contract, which runs until the end of December 2025, but wont be at the disposal of Commerzbank beyond that date. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Jens Weidmann, has taken note of this with big regret, but has nevertheless expressed his respect for this decision and his great appreciation for Manfred Knofs successful work. The Supervisory Board of Commerzbank AG will commence an orderly search process for the successor to the role of CEO immediately. Disclaimer This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. In this release, these statements concern inter alia the expected future business of Commerzbank, efficiency gains and expected synergies, expected growth prospects and other opportunities for an increase in value of Commerzbank as well as expected future financial results, restructuring costs and other financial developments and information. These forward-looking statements are based on the managements current plans, expectations, estimates and projections. They are subject to a number of assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from any future results and developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the conditions in the financial markets in Germany, in Europe, in the USA and other regions from which Commerzbank derives a substantial portion of its revenues and in which Commerzbank holds a substantial portion of its assets, the development of asset prices and market volatility, especially due to the ongoing European debt crisis, potential defaults of borrowers or trading counterparties, the implementation of its strategic initiatives to improve its business model, the reliability of its risk management policies, procedures and methods, risks arising as a result of regulatory change and other risks. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made. Commerzbank has no obligation to update or release any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. Contact:Christoph WortigHead of Investor RelationsCommerzbank AGInvestor RelationsTel.: +49 69 9353 10080e-mail:ir@commerzbank.com EQS-Ad-hoc: TTL Beteiligungs- und Grundbesitz-AG / Key word(s): Disposal TTL Beteiligungs- und Grundbesitz AG sells shares in Montano Real Estate GmbH 10-Sep-2024 / 14:09 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. TTL Beteiligungs- und Grundbesitz AG sells shares in Montano Real Estate GmbH Munich, September 10, 2024 - As last communicated at the Annual General Meeting on August 30, 2024, the Management Board of TTL Beteiligungs- und Grundbesitz-AG (TTL, TTL AG) (ISIN DE0007501009) does not currently expect a significant recovery in the German commercial real estate market before the end of 2024. Against this background, the company's Management Board and Supervisory Board have decided to focus TTL's investment portfolio on the most important investment in Branicks Group AG, which has recently undergone a successful restructuring, and thus consistently secure the company's financial and liquidity position. TTL's shares in Montano Real Estate GmbH were sold to the two existing shareholders Ramin Rabeian and Sebastian Schoberl as part of a sales process. Notifying person Theo Reichert Chairman of the Executive Board Phone: +49 89 381611-0 Email: presse@ttl-ag.de Contact for investors and press Kornelia Kneissl K2K GmbH Phone 49 151 56596120 Email: presse@ttl-ag.de The State Review Board will meet on Friday, Sept. 20, examine Tennessee's proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning at 9 a.m. (CDT), the meeting will be held at the Tennessee Historical Commission, at 2941 Lebanon Pike in Nashville, Tn. as well as virtually. Meeting information is available on the THC State Review Board webpage. The board will vote on seven nominations from across the state. Those nominations that are found to meet the criteria will be sent for final approval to the National Register of Historic Places at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The nominations are: Rosenwald Recreation and Community Center, Bedford County See Rock City Signs in Tennessee Multiple Property Documentation Form, Multiple Counties See Rock City Barn, Cumberland County Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Building, Hamblen County Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church, Jefferson County R.C. Kefauver House, Monroe County First National Bank Operations Center, Shelby County The State Review Board is composed of 12 people with backgrounds in American history, architecture, archaeology, or related fields. It also includes members representing the public. The National Register program was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Tennessee Historical Commission administers the program in Tennessee. The public is invited to attend the meeting. For additional information, please contact Rebecca Schmitt with the Tennessee Historical Commission at (615) 770-1086, or at National.Register@tn.gov. For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission, please visit our website. Cindy Todd was named chairwoman of the Greater Chattanooga Public Television Corporation Board of Directors, the governing board of WTCI PBS. WTCI PBS's mission is to enrich lives through quality programs and services that educate, engage, and inspire a lifetime of learning and exploration. Ms. Todd is joined on the 2024-2025 executive committee by Dr. Jeffrey Gefter, vice-chair; Cole Powell, treasurer; Jo Coke, secretary; Julie Brandao, past chair; David Martin, chair of the Development Committee; and Bob Culkeen, WTCI president/CEO. Ms. Todd retired in 2020 from her long-time role as vice president, chief marketing and communications officer for the Tennessee Aquarium and has since worked part-time with other nonprofit organizations. During her 28 years with the aquarium, she led several departments that were responsible for generating approximately 70% of the aquariums revenue through attendance, membership, corporate fundraising, sponsorship, concessions, and facility rental. She also served as a member of the organizational executive team. Ms. Todd was appointed to WTCIs board of directors in July 2021 and has served on the executive committee since 2023. With a bold, new strategic plan in place, this is an exciting time to lead the board and support the WTCI team as we work to build a stronger community by enriching lives and engaging with our local community, said Todd. Ms. Todd offered thanked outgoing board chair Julie Brandao, who has served on the WTCI board of directors and served as the 2023-2024 board chair. I would like to thank Julie Brando for her leadership during the past year, she said. The station achieved so much last year with new educational programs, new partnerships and enriching events. WTCI President Bob Culkeen thanked Julie Brandao and welcomed Cindy Todd as the new board chair and praised the WTCI board of directors members at their June 26, 2024, board meeting. Culkeen said, The WTCI board of directors are key contributors to our organization's successes. It is an honor to be working with a talented group of volunteers and outstanding individuals. We look forward to Cindy leading the board and another great year of service to the Greater Chattanooga Community. In addition to the executive committee, serving on the 2024-2025 WTCI Board of Directors are Deborah Arfken, Ed.D, David Barrett, Kimberly Biddy, Danny Fell, Steve Gatlin, Yousef Hamadeh, Kerry Hayes, Paula Henderson, Chloe Morrison, Florence Pipkins, Azurae Redmond, Agnes Richmond, Adam Schreader, Jim Tanner, Martin Trimiew, Edna Varner Ed.D, and Jenny Wells (Non-Voting Board Member). WTCI began broadcasting on March 4, 1970. WTCI serves Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Alabama, North Georgia, and the Western tip of North Carolina as a community licensed public television station and PBS member station. WTCI serves 35 counties, providing quality, trusted local and national programming to over 440,000 households. The stations signal is broadcast over a 60-mile radius and is received in four states (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina) and is carried on over 35 cable systems. Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023, according to newly-released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessees direct visitor spending increased 6.2% in 2023. This follows two consecutive years of double-digit growth, driving Tennessee to a 125% recovery over 2019 pre-pandemic levels. "When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue," said Governor Bill Lee. "Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee's music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture and food from Mountain City to Memphis." Tennessee tourism is soaring, leading to benefits to Tennesseans, said Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Thanks to our destination marketing organizations across the state, in addition to our leisure and hospitality businesses in this amazing accomplishment. The record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination and efforts of our people and the work of our industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee Sounds Perfect. Key Highlights from Economic Impact of Travel 2023 report: Tennessee Tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, a 25% increase over two years Tennessee visitors spent $84 million each day in 2023 Tax Benefits to Tennesseans Visitor spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues in 2023. Without tourism, each Tennessee household would have to pay an additional $1,160 in taxes each year The State of Tennessee collected $1.9 billion in tax revenues City and county governments collected $1.25 billion in tax revenues Average taxes on direct visitor spending reduces the burden on community residents to fund infrastucture, education health and safety services Visitor spending sustained 191,522 direct jobs, one of every 24 jobs in the state Employment supported by visitor activity increased 3% in 2023, rebounding to 98% of pre-pandemic levels Domestic visitor spending is 127% recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels International visitor spending is 81.6% recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels Tennessee visitors topped 144 million in 2023, up three million over 2022, led by relatively stronger growth in day visits *Research conducted by Tourism Economics, commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) will release the full 2023 Economic Impact on Travel Report and direct visitor spending data for all 95 counties in August 2024. TDTD fostered a strong relationship with the Tennessee Department of Revenue to ground the economic impact numbers in the reality of tax collection data. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development works with the Tennessee Tourism Committee, local convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, city and county leaders, tourism attractions and the hospitality industry in all 95 counties to inspire travel to the state. Karl Hampton, 65, of Chattanooga, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $1.2 million in restitution for executing a scheme to defraud an elderly widow who had dementia, announced Henry C. Leventis, United States attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.Hampton and his wife, Deborah, both formerly of Franklin, Tn., were indicted in June 2021 on multiple counts of conspiracy and money laundering and Hampton was also charged with eight counts of wire fraud.After a week-long jury trial in April 2023, Hampton was convicted on all counts.At trial, the evidence showed that Hampton met the 86-year-old widow while he was working as an exterminator for a pest control company based in Nashville. Between January 2018 and February 2020, Hampton tricked the woman into believing that he would care for her personally and financially. Hampton held himself out to the woman and others as her personal representative, her son or godson, and pretended that he was acting on her behalf. In April 2019, Hampton convinced her to sign over her Power of Attorney and to name him in her Revocable Living Trust and in her will. He then methodically drained the womans bank accounts, took out a $500,000 line of credit in her name, and amassed huge charges on her credit cards for his own personal expenses.Some of the funds Hampton stole came from two investment accounts that belonged to the estate of the womans deceased sister. Those funds were supposed to be split between the woman and another individual. Instead, Hampton transferred the funds to himself.In total, Hampton took more than $1.2 million from the womans accounts in the form of checks, cashiers checks, and bank transfers, cash withdrawals, and using the womans credit card for his own benefit. Hampton frequently purchased luxury items, including a car and a luxury SUV, and a 4.3-karat diamond ring that cost more than $21,000. Hampton often spent over $1,000 per day in cash buying lottery tickets.Ms. Hampton pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering on Feb. 13, 2023. She was sentenced to time served, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $21,000.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Booth prosecuted the case. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will celebrate the dedication of their 300th home this Thursday for future homeowner Tangela Walker and her family.Habitat for Humanitys dedication ceremonies commemorate a family completing the process of homeownership. It is a celebration that marks the completion of sweat equity hours and educational efforts in order to buy the homes, as well as an opportunity for all volunteers and sponsors who worked on or contributed toward the homes to view the finished results.For Ms.Walker, 2021 was a tumultuous year full of hardship that felt like a rushing storm. Ms. Walker's sister passed away unexpectedly, her brother had a stroke and her marriage came to a sudden end, all in the span of a few months. After many tears and prayer, she felt it was time for a change. With encouragement from her three kids, grandkids and her mother, Ms. Walker applied for Habitats housing program in 2022 and was officially accepted in January 2023.Since then, Ms. Walker worked to complete her sweat equity hours in record time, leaving her job as a night shift worker at a local manufacturing plant and going straight to build sites to work on others homes and her own home many times.Over these last few years, I felt like I was living through a storm. But finally, my storm has come to a calm," Ms. Walker said. I am living the Habitat mission: better homes, better community and a better world. It feels like a fairytale for me.Habitat President and CEO Jens Christensen said, This home marks a new beginning for Tangela. It also gives us a moment to pause and look back at the impact that Habitat has had on Chattanooga and the 300 families whose lives have been changed through homeownership.The home was built with the support of Publix Super Markets Charities, a partner of Chattanoogas Habitat for the last nine years. Publix Super Markets Charities is proud to work with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area and support its mission of making home ownership affordable to the growing number of qualified Habitat for Humanity families, said John Doran, executive director, Publix Super Markets Charities. Owning a home often represents stability and independence in ones life, and were honored to be able to help make that a reality for people in our communities.Habitats 300th home is the first of two Publix sponsored homes in the same neighborhood. The second Publix sponsored home will be built right beside Ms. Walker's and construction will begin soon after she closes on her home.To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, visit: www.HabiChatt.org. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of History will host the Southern Labor Studies Association conference Sept. 19-22 at various locations around campus, bringing together scholars, labor activists and community members to explore the rich history and evolving dynamics of labor in the southern United States.The theme of this years bi-annual SLSA conference, Crossroads of Resistance, will explore the intersection of rising reactionary movements and opportunities for radical change in southern labor history.The event will include various activities such as breakout sessions, film screenings and performances, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and current struggles of southern working people.At our upcoming conference, over 100 historians, activists, journalists and scholars will gather to discuss the creative ways that working people have struggled to improve their lives and transform our society at large, said University of New Orleans Professor of U.S. History Max Krochmalwho serves as president of the SLSA.UC Foundation Associate Professor of American History Michael Thompson is the events local organizer.Hosting this conference at UTC provides an opportunity to showcase our beautiful campus and city while highlighting some of Chattanoogas rich labor history, Mr. Thompson said. Chattanooga historically has been described as a borderland and at a crossroads of the upper and lower Southswhere corn met cotton and enslavement gave way to freedom. It also was a great transportation hub where rail, river and road passengers crisscrossed the landscape.Working people in Chattanooga and throughout the South today remain at a crossroads as efforts to organize southern workspaces and improve labor and living conditions intensify.The conference will feature a variety of events, including several that are open to the public, including the Joe Hill Road Showa musical history of the early labor movement. Performed by Nashville-based folk artists Michael & Nell, the multimedia presentation will take place at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, in the Guerry Center Reading Room on the UTC campus. The Guerry Center is located near the southeast corner of Chamberlain Field, and parking in UTC lots is free.Presented by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Joe Hill Road Show combines live music, historical storytelling and a slide show of 70 historical images to offer an engaging and educational experience that invites participation from all attendees.The program pays tribute to Mr. Hill, a Swedish immigrant, activist, songwriter and member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), also known as the Wobblies. Mr. Hill became a global labor icon after being falsely tried, convicted and executed in 1915 amidst the intense labor struggles of the time.Mr. Hills story and songs, immortalized by Joan Baez at Woodstock in 1969, continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists.The SLSA is dedicated to promoting the study, teaching and preservation of the history of southern labor. The organization encourages dialogue on key labor issues, enhances connections between academics and activists, and organizes conferences and sessions that explore working-class history.The association supports graduate students by connecting them with advanced scholars and promotes the preservation of historical materials related to southern labor. The SLSA also provides resources for educators to enrich their teaching.UTC sponsors include the Department of History, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Honors College.Other conference sponsors include the University of Georgia, the University of New Orleans, the Labor and Working-Class History Association, Texas A&M University, Texas State University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.For more information about the conference, including a full schedule of events, visit the SLSA website. EQS-Ad-hoc: Varengold Bank AG / Key word(s): Strategic Company Decision/Restructure of Company Varengold Bank investigates new potential business areas 10-Sep-2024 / 14:25 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Hamburg, 10/09/2024 At today's Supervisory Board meeting, the Supervisory Board and Management Board of Varengold Bank AG [ISIN: DE0005479307] agreed on the fundamentals of a business model which, in addition to the established Marketplace Banking segment, includes the expansion of business in the area of ESG financing with a special focus on energy transition. In order to sharpen the profile and adapt to changing conditions, it was also decided to immediately discontinue payment transactions with Iran for the processing of humanitarian imports. The Management Board will further detail the business model in the coming weeks and present it to the Supervisory Board for a final resolution. In consideration of the many challenges involved in implementing the business model, the Supervisory Board plans to expand the Management Board. Dr. Bernhard Fuhrmann Management Board Frank Otten Management Board Disclaimer This notification is a mandatory notification according to Art. 17 MAR. The assessments contained are subject to the following caveats. Disclaimer on forward-looking statements / no duty to update This communication contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Future results may differ materially from those currently expected, namely due to various risk factors and uncertainties such as changes in the business, economic and competitive situation, fluctuations in exchange rates, uncertainties regarding legal disputes or investigations, and the availability of financial resources. The reader should therefore not over-rely on these statements, particularly in connection with contracts or investment decisions. Varengold Bank AG assumes no responsibility for updating the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Note This announcement does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Varengold Bank AG in the United States of America, Germany or any other jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation regarding the placement of the securities described in this announcement. Contact:Ms. Sanja Schultz-Szabo (Head of Corporate Development) Cats have a reputation for being less emotional than dogs. Although their displays of emotional expression may not be as obvious as dogs, which include vigorous wagging of tails and jumping excitedly on people to greet them, they are still capable of experiencing a wider range of emotions than you might think. Grief is well-documented in dogs, humans, and other historically social species, including primates, corvids, and marine mammals like whales and dolphins. They have all been observed to adjust their behavior when one of their own dies. They might carry around dead offspring for days, stay next to the body, or even participate in some form of burial practice. New research shows that cats may grieve the loss of a fellow furry friend. Researchers from Oakland University in Michigan investigated whether felines mourned the death of another animal in their shared household. In their study, they analyzed the behavior of 452 cats after a companion died. The researchers determined that the cats displayed behaviors typically associated with grief, such as seeking more attention, reduced appetite, and engaging in less playtime. The strength of the bond between the animals, how much time they spent together, and their daily interactions all contributed to the signs of distress they exhibited. The cats wild ancestor was a mostly solitary creature, unlike typical social species. However, domestication has altered their behavior, allowing them to live in groups and form social connections. It made me a little more optimistic that they are forming attachments with each other, said Jennifer Vonk, a co-author of the study and a professor of psychology at Oakland University. The research team noted that the study relied on observations from owners, which presents a limitation because their observations may be influenced by their own grief and emotional state. There is another explanation for behavioral changes that are perceived following the death of a companion. A deceased animal can signal that danger is afoot, causing pets to respond in terms of safety precautions rather than grief. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News New international outrage after Israel kills 3 senior Hamas commanders hidden in Gaza humanitarian zone After an Israeli airstrike on a Hamas command center hidden in the humanitarian zone in Gaza killed three senior terror commanders, outrage erupted in international and Palestinian media amid claims that around 40 people died in the strikes. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the casualty numbers are inaccurate, and the targets of the strike were significant terrorists who were operating in a command-and-control complex hidden in the humanitarian area in Khan Yunis. Before the attack, many steps were taken to reduce the chance of harming civilians, including the use of precision weaponry, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence information, the IDF emphasized. 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 is another example of the systematic use by the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip of the population and civilian infrastructure, including the humanitarian space, for the purpose of carrying out terrorist acts against the State of Israel and the IDF forces, the army added. According to Palestinian reports, some 20 tents were destroyed in the strike that left three deep craters. Around 40 people are claimed to be dead, along with about 60 wounded. The IDF later confirmed the identities of the killed commanders: Samer Ismail Hader Abu-Daqqa, head of Hamas aerial array; Osama Tabash, the head of the observations and targets unit at the terror groups military intelligence headquarters; and Iman Mabhouh, another senior commander. A security source told Army Radio: There is a high level of intelligence confidence that the three were at the scene of the attack. These terrorists were directly involved in the October 7 massacre and worked to advance against IDF forces and the State of Israel in the recent time frame, the IDF stated. According to IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari, the numbers published by Hamas-controlled health services in Gaza do not correspond with the information available in the IDF regarding exact weapons used in the strike and the accuracy of the hits. Before, during and after the strike, the IDF maintained aerial surveillance of the area to ensure the presence of the targets, alongside other terrorists in the area. The humanitarian zone in the southern part of the enclave has been used by Hamas terrorists numerous times in recent months to hold meetings or to fire rockets in relative security, as the IDF is hesitant to strike in the area crowded with refugees. In July, a heavy airstrike on a Hamas compound located in the same humanitarian zone killed the terror groups military commander, Mohammed Deif. Despite the many measures that the IDF takes to allow the residents of Gaza to stay away from combat zones, including the definition of the humanitarian zone, the terror group Hamas continues to embed its operatives and military infrastructure in the humanitarian zone, and to systematically use civilians as human shields, Hagari said. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Pastor imprisoned in North Korea says his captors were transformed by his sermons A pastor who received a life sentence of hard labor in North Korea said he witnessed the hearts of his captors soften after they heard his sermons, a miracle that gave him hope that the country will one day embrace the Lord. South Korea-born Canadian Pastor Hyeon Soo Lim spoke last Friday during Liberty University's convocation in Lynchburg, Virginia, as he was in town for the Unify Korea Summit. The two-day summit was hosted by Liberty's John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, the Global Studies Department and the Unify Korea student club. 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 "I couldn't move even a single step freely," Lim said about his captivity in North Korea, consistently ranked the world's worst government persecutor of Christians. "I was a complete slave. They repaid good with evil until the end, all because of one dictator." In 2015, Lim was sentenced to a life of hard labor after North Korea accused him of attempting to overthrow the regime. He was released in 2017 on humanitarian grounds. He continues to share the Gospel. Before his imprisonment, Lim's Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Ontario had visited North Korea 100 times since 1997 and helped set up an orphanage and nursing home. "Then, one day in 2013, during a sermon in the United States, I preached that the reason North Korea is cursed is because they erected many statues of Kim Il-sung, and I declared that North Korea would only be saved if those statues were torn down," the pastor said. "I also preached that North Korea continuously engages in violent politics." During his imprisonment, Lim was allowed little food and subjected to verbal abuse, which caused him so much stress that he suffered from diarrhea. He said his meals mainly consisted of salted cabbage and rice with stones. Lim's fingers and toes also suffered damage because he had to break apart frozen coal as part of his hard labor sentence in the wintertime. While the guards prohibited him from watching television, listening to the radio or reading books, they allowed Lim to have one Bible, something the pastor likened to "the joy of finding living water in the desert." Lim passed the days by praying and reading Scripture while his captors attempted to find information about him; however, all they could find were the contents of the pastor's sermons. After the prison guards heard the sermons, Lim said he witnessed a notable change in their behavior toward him, including starting to bring him more food. The change continued for three more years into the pastor's imprisonment, and some of the guards even began seeking the pastor out for family counseling. From the highest to lowest-ranking officers, he said he noticed the change in almost "everyone." "Seeing this change, I realized more clearly that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ," Lim said. "Seeing such a transformation in the core leaders of the Communist Party, I became certain that one day when North Korea opens up and the Gospel is spread," he continued. "North Korea will soon be transformed into the army of the Lord. When the people who will spread the Gospel in North Korea are ready, God will open the doors of North Korea. If Korea is the end of the earth for world evangelization, we must go to the ends of the earth to preach the Gospel." God blessed the spiritual leader with what he described as "amazing visions." Three months before his release, while he was working in captivity, Lim had a vision of North Korea's evangelization. One of the visions included Lim raising up a movement of 1 million missionaries to enter the country. Another vision showed the establishment of 10,000 schools that would enable families and churches to teach children the Bible. The Canadian pastor called on anyone inspired to help the North Korean church join him in his efforts. "Anyone who is prepared to love and serve others is welcome," he said. "The evangelization of North Korea is the shortcut to world evangelization. North Korea is the most fertile ground for spreading the Gospel. We need the strength of America. Who will go? When He asks, may you and I be able to respond, 'Here I am.'" Home News Pastor who went to Vegas to save daughter found with drugs, guns in hotel room David McGee, the founder of Cross the Bridge Ministries in North Carolina, who told his followers that he was going to Las Vegas, Nevada, to rescue his only daughter from the infamous tunnels below that city, recently triggered a counterterrorism response from local authorities after he was found with drugs and guns in his hotel room. The 61-year-old McGee who also serves as senior pastor of The Bridge Christian Fellowship, was staying at the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower on Aug. 20 when he called police and reported that a piece of property belonging to him was missing, according to 8 News Now. When the police arrived, he told them he had traveled on a private jet from North Carolina to find his daughter, Ashli. According to his website, McGee also has two adult sons, Johnny and Ben. 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 pastor would eventually disclose to officers responding to his complaint that he had a gun in his guitar case. Hotel staff had reportedly warned McGee that weapons were not allowed after he brought a shotgun to his room only days prior to his complaint. When officers found that McGee had an AR-15 with a scope, they initially though he was planning a mass shooting similar to 64-year-old Stephen Paddocks 2017 attack. Paddock smashed the windows of his suite on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino with a hammer and fired at a crowd of 22,000 people, killing 60 and wounding at least 413 others. Pastor McGee was also found with fentanyl. 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 cited by CBS affiliate 8 News Now said. McGee stated that he was a user of fentanyl and intended to distribute the fentanyl to his daughter when he locates her. On Aug. 17, McGee explained on Facebook that he was going to save his daughter from the Las Vegas Tunnels known to attract the homeless, drug addicts and prostitutes. Im going there tomorrow to rescue my daughter. Im going to be there a couple of nights. And then come back with my daughter. Maybe my son-in-law, McGee said, indicating that both his daughter and her husband are addicts. Pray that nobody gets in between me and her. Including my son-in-law. Or the guy thats been with her helping her. Nobody wants to get in my way, and if they do, pray that I lay hands on no man, he continued. Im going to lay hands on people out there and Im going to do it suddenly. Pray that it is not fatal, and it be fruitful or productive, meaning would not knock them out, dont have to really hurt them. McGee explained in a series of posts on his ministrys Facebook page that he's a recovering drug addict and a heart patient who has had two heart attacks and nine mini strokes. We are turning our gun towards the biggest enemy in the world. Heroin and fentanyl and meth, super meth, and were declaring war, not on the citizens of this country, were declaring war on the poisons that are stealing our youth and killing people, he said. Nine days after the incident with the police, McGees wife, Nora, shared on Aug. 29 that her husband had made some progress toward rescuing their daughter. David is currently in the Las Vegas area and has been in touch with Ashli a few times. She has been evasive, sometimes leaving but returning later, even the next day. David is asking for prayers for his health, wisdom, safety, discernment, she wrote. Pray for favor with Ashli, for good health, protection, clarity, strength, hope, wisdom and joy and that she will allow herself to be rescued. Home News Over 300 Christian leaders sign 'Confession of Evangelical Conviction' ahead of 2024 election Editors' note: This is part 16 of The Christian Post's year-long articles series "Politics in the Pews: Evangelical Christian engagement in elections from the Moral Majority to today." In this series, we will look at issues pertaining to election integrity and new ways of getting out the vote, including churches participating in ballot collection. We'll also look at issues Evangelicals say matter most to them ahead of the presidential election and the political engagement of diverse groups, politically and ethnically. Read other articles in the series by clicking here. Hundreds of Evangelical leaders have signed a statement outlining their shared beliefs about the relationship between faith and politics, encouraging Christians to consider each candidates' "character and not merely their promises or political success" ahead of the 2024 election. More than 300 pastors, faith leaders and Christian public figures have backed the "Confession of Evangelical Conviction," as the 2024 presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, and former President Donald Trump, a Republican, is less than two months away. 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 One signatory, Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition and pastor of The Gathering Place Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando, Florida, told The Christian Post he is "encouraged" by the support of the statement from a broad swath of Pentecostal and Evangelical leaders from across the country. "[They] may be different in terms of ... the way they vote, see the centrality of the Gospel," he said. "I think that it's a good reminder, and I'm hopeful that ... people who give a close read to it don't see it as anything more than a pastoral call to 'let's engage this in the spirit of Christ and let's not hurt the credibility of our Christian and Evangelical witness by speaking ill of other people who may disagree with us.'" 'Not aimed at anyone' Notable signatories include Russell Moore, former head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; Revs. Galen Carey and Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals; Justin Giboney of the And Campaign; progressive Christian author Shane Claiborne of the advocacy group Red Letter Christians, Christian rapper Lecrae and megachurch Pastor Joel C. Hunter. Several signatories, including Moore, Claiborne and Ekemini Uwan of the advocacy group Evangelicals for Harris, have expressed outspoken opposition to former President Donald Trump and the support he has received within the Evangelical community. Salguero said the declaration's support from progressive Christians and Trump critics doesn't mean it is directed at Trump-supporting Evangelicals. "This document is not aimed at anyone," he told CP. "This document is a call to put Christ first in all our public engagement. I think that I, as a pastor, don't use the language of ... aimed at this or aimed at that; I think that's political language, not pastoral language. And I'm not a politician; I'm a pastor. And so I try to eschew phrases like 'this is aimed at.'" Salguero called the statement a "Gospel-centered, biblical call to ... engage in the public sphere with respect, with the spirit of Christ, with the tone of Christ and with the truth of Scripture" that is "balancing grace and truth without being uncivil, without name-calling, without being [harsh] to people who may disagree with us or who we may disagree with." "It's not aimed at anyone," he reiterated. "It's a call to the Church to remember that we engage in the public sphere in the spirit of Christ and with the teachings of Jesus." "We call people from every part of the political spectrum to respect and love each other," he added. Salguero said he has both Democrats and Republicans in his congregation and family. "There are Republicans and Democrats who I think if they read the confession closely would be fine in saying, 'Hey, this is about having the Gospel as a primary allegiance,'" he said. The 'authority that belongs to Christ' The declaration begins by acknowledging the "moment of social conflict and political division" the United States is in and contains several references to Scripture. The first conviction proclaims, "We give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone." "We affirm that Jesus Christ is God's son and the only head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)," the confession states. "No political ideology or earthly authority can claim the authority that belongs to Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). We reaffirm our dedication to his Gospel which stands apart from any partisan agenda. God is clear that he will not share his glory with any other (Isaiah 42:8)." "Our worship belongs to him alone (Exodus 20:3-4), because our true hope is not in any party, leader, movement, or nation, but in the promise of Christ's return when he will renew the world and reign over all things (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)," the confession continues. "We reject the false teaching that anyone other than Jesus Christ has been anointed by God as our Savior, or that a Christian's loyalty should belong to any political party." "We reject any message that promotes devotion to a human leader or that wraps divine worship around partisanship," they wrote. Vowing to "lead with love, not fear," the second conviction asserts that "Unlike the false security promised by political idolatry and its messengers, the perfect love of God drives away all fear (1 John 4:18)." The signatories "reject the stoking of fears and the use of threats as an illegitimate form of godly motivation" and repudiate "the use of violence to achieve political goals as incongruent with the way of Christ." "We submit to the truth of Scripture," the third conviction states. "To lie about others, including political opponents, is a sin (Exodus 20:16)." The statement also opposes the "misuse of holy Scripture to sanction a single political agenda, provoke hatred, or sow social divisions, and we believe that using God's name to promote misinformation or lies for personal or political gain is bearing his name in vain (Exodus 20:7)." The confession expresses confidence that "the Gospel heals every worldly division." The leaders condemned "any attempt to divide the Church, which is the body of Christ, along partisan, ethnic, or national boundaries" and characterized "any message that says it is God's desire for the human family to be perpetually segregated by race, culture, or ethnicity" as "a rejection of the Gospel." The declaration includes a commitment to "the prophetic mission of the Church," which affirms that "Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), therefore the Church necessarily stands apart from earthly political powers so that it may speak prophetically to all people, the society, and governing authorities." Home News Glenn Beck torches Fox News as source of spiritual evil: 'Dangerously intoxicating' 'Fame and fortune is battery acid to the soul' Former Fox News host Glenn Beck suggested during a conversation with Tucker Carlson in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday that his former employer is a source of spiritual evil from which he is glad to be free. During an hour-long discussion at the fourth stop in Carlson's month-long national tour, Beck, who is Mormon and not a Christian, also alleged that Fox News combed through his garbage when he worked there, and that he ultimately learned the importance of renouncing the vain glory of the world to retain one's spiritual integrity. Tucker Carlson Live Tour in Salt Lake City, UT Glenn Beck. Includes paid partnerships. pic.twitter.com/HfxOJnMWfw 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 September 8, 2024 At the start of their conversation, Beck extended his hand to congratulate Carlson on being one of "the only two survivors of Fox News." Beck later confessed that the fame and power he accumulated at the company threatened to spiritually destroy him, for which reason he willingly gave it up. "When I was at Fox, it was like you could feel the White House move," Beck said. "I could feel the impact, and that's pretty intoxicating. It's so dangerously intoxicating, and I could feel it, and I didn't like it and I left." "I should say, I didn't like it because part of me really liked it," he added, to which Carlson replied, "Exactly." Beck alleged that Fox News hired someone to sift through his garbage in an attempt to find dirt on him, and that Roger Ailes had personally threatened him by implying that they had information that he had somehow hurt his own wife, which he adamantly denied. Beck also claimed that he was told to stop talking about God so much on the air, and that his bosses were keeping count of how many times he mentioned Him. Claiming an unidentified PR woman at Fox News who refused to look him in the eye ensured him at one point that he would "be amazed at what we can make go away," Beck said, "If you're successful, and you'll play ball, they'll give you everything, everything you want." "All this can be yours," Carlson cut in, apparently referencing Satan offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory in exchange for worship, as recounted in Matthew 4. "I think fame and fortune is battery acid to the soul," Beck said, to which Carlson readily agreed. Despite admitting to becoming enamored with the fame, fortune and influence that Fox News offered, Beck noted that he came to realize that he had to give it up if he wanted to keep his soul, even though he deeply desired to be at "the cool kid's table." Beck remembered that on the same night he was given the chance to meet U2 lead vocalist Bono, he returned to his sumptuous New York City apartment and realized the spiritual battle he was facing as he pressed his head against a window that overlooked the skyline. "I walk to the window and I can still feel the cold glass on my forehead and I leaned against the window, and I put my head there, and I'm looking down at the city, which is just intoxicating if you like that kind of stuff, it's intoxicating," he said. "And I looked down, and I'm like, 'How can this be your plan?' And I heard internally, I heard, 'If you don't leave now, you will not leave with your soul.'" "The next day, I went in and tendered my resignation," he added. Beck, who has been open about humbling himself before God to overcome his alcoholism, said that he learned the importance of walking away while he was at the pinnacle of his success at Fox News. He also admitted that he has never learned anything except through suffering and failure. "If it wasn't for my alcoholism and, quite honestly, my baptism and redemption, there's no way that I would have survived Fox," he said. Beck, whose top-rated Fox News show ended in 2011, went on to note that he has regretted giving up his platform at Fox News "every day," especially when the company he founded was struggling to get off the ground, though he maintained that he knows he made the right decision because he is now free from worrying about losing the power he began to covet. "I don't want that," he told Carlson. Carlson and Beck's conversation came a year after Beck's Blaze Media reported that whistleblowers inside Fox News revealed that the company was willing to match employee donations of up to $1,000 to far-left charities, including The Satanic Temple, though the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was ineligible despite evangelist Franklin Graham's daily advertisements on the channel. ????BREAKING UPDATE???? Fox News is no longer matching potential employee donations to the Satanic Temple following our exclusive story exposing their support for far-left charities. #DumpFoxpic.twitter.com/Z7PpuTCjlH TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 24, 2023 Fox News never responded to The Blaze's repeated requests for comment on their findings, though The Satanic Temple was pulled from the company's charity matching portal days after Beck exposed it. According to a Vanity Fair article published days after Carlson's ouster in April 2023, former Fox Corporation co-chair Rupert Murdoch had grown displeased with the increasingly religious overtones of Carlson's rhetoric. A source with knowledge of Murdoch's decision-making told the outlet that the media mogul was especially upset by Carlson's speech at the Heritage Foundation's 50th anniversary gala just three days before he was fired, during which he presented the nation's political battles in spiritual terms of good versus evil. Murdoch, who reportedly broke off his engagement with his fiance shortly after she called Carlson "a messenger from God," found Carlson's speech "too extreme," according to the source. Home News Islamic State-linked terrorists plotted to attack Pope Francis during Asia trip The Indonesian police detained seven terrorist suspects involved in a plot to attack Pope Francis during his 12-day tour of southeast Asia, and some of those arrested reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terror organization. Authorities arrested the attackers in Jakarta, in the outlying cities of Bogor and Bekasi, West Sumatra province and Bangka Belitung Islands province, as The Straits Times reported Friday. Police arrested the suspects mostly on Sept. 2 and 3, and a search of their homes revealed items such as bows and arrows, a drone and IS (also known as ISIS and ISIL) leaflets. 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 According to Indonesia's national police anti-terrorism squad Detachment-88, the initials of the terrorist suspects are HFP, LB, DF, FA, HS, ER and RS. The investigation is still ongoing. It isn't clear if the detainees knew one another or were part of the same terror cell. Detachment-88 spokesman Aswin Siregar informed the media that one of those arrested belonged to the same militant group that attacked Wiranto, Indonesia's former Chief Security Minister, in 2019. Wiranto suffered two stab wounds to the stomach during a visit to western Java in October 2019. The two assailants behind the attack were reportedly members of an IS-affiliated terror group, Jamaah Ansharut Daulah. The assailants behind the attack were a husband and wife who are believed to have been inspired by IS, The New York Times reports. Regarding the plot against the pope, Siregar said that the militants were angered by Pope Francis' visit to Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque, the largest in southeast Asia. The militants were also reportedly incensed over the government's appeal for television stations to refrain from broadcasting the Islamic call to prayer during a live broadcast of Pope Francis' visit. Instead of broadcasting the Islamic call to prayer, according to The Straits Times, television stations ran a stream of running text instead. Pope Francis visited Indonesia for a 12-day trip throughout southeast Asia, including stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore. The trip, Francis's longest yet, is the 45th foreign trip the Catholic leader has taken since his election in March 2013. As Reuters reported in August, the head of the Catholic Church is taking the trip to urge global action on climate change. Another goal of the trip is creating an inter-faith dialogue between Catholics and Muslims. Jakarta residents welcomed the pope when he arrived at the Soekarno Hatta International Airport on Sept. 3. One 47-year-old resident, Yohana Victoria, told BBC, "The mere sight of the Pope's hat heals me." BBC notes that with Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia allowed the country to try and demonstrate that it's a moderate Muslim-majority country even though advocates rank it as one of the world's worst countries for persecution of Christians. Some still hoped that the pope would address religious persecution in the country and urge the government of Indonesia to do more to stop it. "Interfaith dialogue has been going on in Indonesia for many years, and many people have been actively involved in that," Matius Ho, executive director of Leimena Institute, a Christian group in Indonesia, told BBC Newsday. "[The visit] is not simply regional," Chambon added. "It is much more a global statement to reaffirm the universal possibility for Christian-Muslim fraternal engagement." During his tour, Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of the Catholic Church serving marginalized communities, as CNN reported Sunday. While speaking to church leaders during a visit to Papua New Guinea, the pope told them to focus on the "peripheries of this country" and people in poor urban areas. According to Human Rights Watch, 1.5 million people experience gender-based violence each year each year in Papua New Guinea, which is considered one of the most dangerous countries for women and girls. Francis appeared to comment on this, stating that the church is committed to helping those wounded "morally and physically" due to "prejudice and superstition." Home News Jordan Peterson warns of 'woke' ideology, 'hedonistic pride' infiltrating Protestant churches: 'real danger' FRANKLIN, Tenn. Canadian psychologist and cultural commentator Jordan Peterson recently criticized the infiltration of what he called "woke" ideology into Protestant churches, warning that many Christian institutions are straying from their core values in favor of cultural trends to the detriment of society. In an interview in with The Christian Post at the premiere of the film "Am I Racist?" featuring his Daily Wire colleague Matt Walsh, the 62-year-old author pointed to the prevalence of rainbow flags outside many Protestant churches as representing a deeper abandonment of foundational Christian beliefs in favor of what he called "hedonistic pride." We should be concerned by the capture of the Protestant churches by the woke rainbow mob, he said. In Canada and Great Britain, most of the mainstream Protestant churches are covered with rainbow flags. When the Christians start worshiping hedonistic pride, something has gone dreadfully wrong. 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 Peterson said the embrace of identity politics by some churches is a dangerous shift away from the core teachings of Christianity and poses a threat to the integrity of the faith, particularly for younger generations who might be more vulnerable to cultural trends. But even conservative Evangelical churches are not immune to problems, the We Who Wrestle With God author said. There's no shortage of bad actors as well in the Christian community of the sort that the atheists tend to object to, he said. The fundamental problem with religious enterprise is that it can be captured by the psychopathic narcissists, and that's what you see in the Gospel story. Christ is persecuted most intensely by the Pharisees, the scribes and the lawyers the Pharisees are religious hypocrites who use religion for their own self-aggrandizement. That's a real danger in the religious enterprise, and especially the more Evangelical forms of Christianity have been prone to being overrun by self-serving charlatans. That's a problem. Peterson advised Christians to be grounded in skepticism not of faith itself, but of those who would misuse it. "By their fruits, you will know them," he said, stressing that the Scripture verse is useful when determining whether religious leaders are genuinely committed to the faith or merely using it for their own purposes. You have to pay attention to the fact that not everybody who says Lord, Lord is going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, he said. Though not a professing Christian, Peterson frequently discusses Christian themes, values and Biblical stories in his work and has stressed the cultural and moral significance of Christianity, especially in the context of Western civilization. He once wrote that The Bible is, for better or worse, the foundational document of Western civilization, of Western values, Western morality, and Western conceptions of good and evil. Despite his concerns about the state of modern churches, the father-of-two told CP he finds hope in a growing trend: the revival of church attendance, particularly in conservative circles. Exposing children to traditional religious values, he said, could be key in navigating the complexities of modern life especially in the age of social media. "We are seeing a revival of church-going, especially of the more conservative type," Peterson said. "And I suspect thats probably also useful. Providing [children] with something like exposure to classic religious ideas is necessary." According to Peterson, biblical ideas offer an ethical framework that can help children navigate the temptations and dangers of modern technology, from pornography to the social isolation caused by overexposure to screens. "One of the things that screens do to kids is interfere with their ability to play, make friends, and interact socially," he said. He urged parents to limit their childrens exposure to electronic devices, especially during the critical developmental years. "At least [children] should stay away from electronic phones until theyre through their fictional play period so at least ten years old," he advised. The Beyond Order author also stressed the importance of teaching children to be intelligent consumers of content. He encouraged parents to engage in open conversations with their children about what they are watching and why, helping them navigate the complex digital landscape. "You have to expose them to the world of ideas," he said. You do that by paying attention to what they are consuming, making sure the channels of communication are open and communicating with them about what it is that they're watching and why. While Peterson acknowledged the role of social media in fostering division, he rejected the idea that Americans are as polarized as they might appear. Drawing on polling data from a liberal-leaning friend, he suggested that the majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, agree on key issues. What were seeing is that bad actors are garnering a tremendous amount of attention online and fostering political polarization, he explained. These manipulative figures, according to Peterson, are exploiting social media to create an illusion of greater division than actually exists. "This isn't a new phenomenon," he added. This happens to cultures quite frequently, when the psychopathic manipulators get the upper hand, and that's when you have extremely damaging revolutions. But it isnt because people are actually polarized. It's because the bad actors have crawled out from underneath the rocks and are having free reign. Some of that is a technological problem because we don't know how to regulate social behavior on social media platforms you can say whatever you want, and you're not held responsible for it. This has led to a terrible deterioration of public discourse that's very dangerous. Home News Most Protestants, Catholics back Trump over Harris: poll A new survey from the Pew Research Center shows that while most Protestants and Catholics intend to support former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, voters of most other religious backgrounds plan on backing Vice President Kamala Harris. Pew released the results of a poll of 9,720 adults in the United States conducted from Aug. 26-Sept. 2. While the survey looked at the overall state of the presidential race with two months to go until Election Day, it also analyzed preferences for each major candidate among religious subgroups. Trump, the Republican nominee for president, leads Harris, the Democratic nominee, among both Catholics and Protestants as a whole. Fifty-two percent of Catholics plan to support Trump compared to 47% for Harris. Meanwhile, Trump has 61% support among Protestants in contrast to Harris 37%. 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 Broken down by subgroup, Trump has overwhelming leads among white Evangelical Protestants (82%), white Catholics (61%) and white Mainline Protestants (58%). On the other hand, Harris is the preferred candidate among Hispanic Catholics and black Protestants. She secures 65% support among the former group and 86% among the latter. Voters belonging to all other religious demographics favor Harris over Trump. She leads him 65% to 34% among Jewish voters and 68% to 28% among the religiously unaffiliated. Eighty-five percent of atheists plan on backing Harris, along with 78% of agnostics and 59% of voters who identify as nothing in particular. When factoring in church attendance, white Catholic and white Evangelical Protestant voters who attend church regularly are more likely to favor Trump than those who do not. Sixty-five percent of white Catholics who attend church at least once a month support Trump, compared to 58% who go to Mass less frequently or never. Similarly, 85% of white Evangelical Protestants who go to church at least monthly plan to back Trump, while 78% of those who attend less often or never prefer the former president. The opposite pattern emerges when looking at voters who belong to two other religious subgroups. While a majority (52%) of white non-Evangelical Protestants who go to church at least once a month prefer Trump, that figure rises to 60% among those who go to church less frequently. Harris has an equal amount of support among black Evangelical Protestants who go to church at least monthly and those who do not (86%). However, Trumps support is higher among the latter group (13%) than the former (10%). Overall, 63% of Christians who go to church at least once a month intend to vote for Harris compared to 55% of Christians who attend less frequently. As for the complete sample, regardless of religious affiliation, an equal share of respondents (49%) plan to vote for both Trump and Harris. While the Pew poll shows Trump is the favorite among Catholics, an August survey of 1,000 U.S. Catholics conducted by EWTN News and RealClearOpinion Research paints a different picture. According to that poll, 50.1% of Catholic voters prefer Harris, while 42.7% plan to vote for Trump. Exit polling from the 2020 presidential election shows that Trump beat President Joe Biden 76% to 24% among white Evangelical Christians, 72% to 27% among all white Protestants, 60% to 39% among all Protestants and 56% to 44% among white Catholics. Biden had the upper hand among all other religious demographics, beating Trump 52% to 47% among Catholic voters, 65% to 31% among those with no religious affiliation, and 69% to 29% among voters who belonged to a different denomination. This Pew poll had a margin of error of +/- 1.3 percentage points. September 9, 2024: Russian military and political leaders were shocked by the August 6 Ukrainian invasion of their Kursk province. The Ukrainians unexpectedly rushed in over 10,000 troops, hundreds of armored vehicles and a well thought out plan of what to do. The Russians never expected Ukrainian forces to invade Russia and there was confusion and consternation among Russian military and political leaders over what to do. The Ukrainians quickly seized control of a thousand square kilometers of Russian territory including 28 towns and villages. This caused a massive evacuation of civilians, with about 150,000 fleeing their homes. About three dozen civilians were killed and 150 wounded. Ukrainian forces destroyed three bridges that brought supplies to Russian forces in Ukraine. The incursion also seized control of a pipeline transporting natural gas to Western Europe. Despite the state of war and economic sanctions on Russia, some essential exports, like natural gas, are still going to European customers. This natural gas disruption caused natural gas prices in Europe to increase more than five percent. The attack also disrupted some internet and telephone service in Russia. Worse, the Ukrainians captured key railroads such that Russian rail supply lines to Russian-0ccupied southern Ukraine have lengthened by about 40 percent one-way right when they must rush troops to this new gaping hole in their lines. Those troops must get there with their own vehicles because the Russians lack the rail capacity to both move them by train and keep supplies going to Russian forces in occupied Ukraine. Ukraine also captured hundreds of Russian soldiers, most of them unarmed conscripts performing support tasks. The incursion also confirmed the decline in Russian military power after more than two years of war. After a week, Russia had been unable to muster a defensive effort. Most Russian troops are tied down in eastern Ukraine where they keep launching attacks and keep failing to accomplish anything except get more Russian soldiers killed or wounded. The Kursk operation caused Russia to call off these attacks in eastern Ukraine and send some of these troops to Kursk province. All Russia had available for the Kursk incursion were several hundred conscript soldiers who were not supposed to be sent into combat. These troops were unable to stop the Ukrainian and most of them were captured, or simply threw up their hands and surrendered. The Russian FSB, the secret police/intelligence agency successor to the Soviet era KGB, is in charge of border security. The Ukrainian revealed that the Russian border with Ukraine was not well guarded by FSB personnel and local National Guard forces. Russian civilians complained that neither FSB or National Guard personnel did anything to help civilians fleeing the invaders. The civilians accused their government of deliberately abandoning them. Russian leader Vladimir Putin was revealed to be weak and unable to muster forces to confront the invasion. Putin is already receiving a lot of criticism from Russians, including some of his close associates, for the mishandling of the Ukraine invasion and the heavy costs paid by ordinary Russians as well as Putins wealthy business associates and supporters. So far Putin has refused to make peace on terms the Ukrainian could accept. The Ukrainians want the 27 percent of their country occupied by Russia between 2014 and 2023. The Ukrainians have turned the tables and exposed how Russia has exhausted their military resources to achieve these gains and are now in a mood to give it all back in return for peace and an end to economic sanctions. The Ukrainian incursion has made it obvious that Russia has lost the war it started. Russia is now in a situation where they will have to surrender all their occupied Ukrainian territory to end the war and hope that NATO and Ukrainian demands for restitution do not become another economic problem for them. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has been running Russia for twenty-five years and is likely to lose his job over the Ukraine fiasco. The economic and military cost to Russia has been great and everyone justifiably blames Putin. He wanted to keep Ukraine out of NATO and while absorbing Ukraine back into the Russian Empire. Once peace is declared, Ukraine will become the 33rd member of NATO and be well protected from any future Russian attacks. Home News Street preacher mysteriously shot in the brain reflects on 'miracle' recovery: 'I should be dead' A preacher who was shot in the head last November is nearing a return to his ministry after doctors previously believed he would not be able to survive the mysterious gunshot wound. Hans Schmidt, the 26-year-old outreach director of Victory Chapel First Phoenix in Arizona, discussed the progress he made since being shot on the corner of 51st Avenue and Peoria Avenue while preaching before a Wednesday night service in an interview with Phoenix ABC15. "It's a miracle, absolutely a miracle," the father of two said, referring to his progress. "I should not be alive. Realistically, I should be dead, and because [of] His grace and His love, I'm still here." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe On the evening of Nov. 15, Schmidt said he remembers falling to his knee while on the corner preaching. He didn't realize he was shot at first but concluded that "something's not right." He ended his street preaching earlier than usual, deciding to drive his car back to the church at nearby Victory Chapel First Phoenix. Schmidt arrived at the church service but found himself unable to speak, which prompted his wife and brother-in-law to take him to the hospital. "He comes to the car and I remember just seeing like blood and asking, 'What happened?" His wife, Zulya, said. "In my head, I was saying I'm not OK, but I wasn't speaking. There were no words coming out," Schmidt added. On the way, he began suffering from seizures, and by the time he arrived, he was unresponsive. They didn't realize that Schmidt had been shot until after a CT scan revealed the bullet in his head. Both law enforcement and medical professionals told Schmidt's wife that his chance of survival were not good, with a doctor telling his wife that there was nothing they could do and a police officer telling her more would be learned "after the autopsy." Zulya Schmidt said the doctors would do tests on her husband to see if he was responsive and he wasn't responding. Schmidt was placed in a medically induced coma and woke up a month later. Upon waking up, Schmidt told his wife, "It's fine," marking the first time he had spoken since he was wounded. In January, two months after the shooting, Schmidt returned home for the first time. Schmidt detailed how the bullet passed straight through his brain, and lead fragments are still in his head, as doctors believe removal is too dangerous. While the street preacher has largely recovered from the shooting, getting his life back to normal remains an ongoing process. He still attends speech and occupational therapy daily and had to relearn how to walk. Meanwhile, the man who shot Schmidt remains at large nearly a year later. The street preacher said he had forgiven him. "I don't think that holding a grudge against him is going to change anything," Schmidt said. "I think it's important to forgive people. ... I forgive him." "Every day is a blessing because I'm still here," he continued. Zulya Schmidt, who said she was repeatedly "pleading with God" through the ordeal, agreed. "I'm so grateful," she said. She recalled how she prayed, "God, if you can raise dry bones, then why not him?" "There's so many like people that are miracles, and I'm like, why not him?" she asked. ABC15 reports Schmidt is "eager to get back to work," noting how "doctors say he should be able to return to a somewhat normal life." A GoFundMe page set up to cover Schmidt's medical expenses has raised over $93,000. Home News 'Lives are on the line': Pro-lifers visit over 3 million homes in battleground states Despite concerns about former President Donald Trump's stance on abortion, pro-life volunteers have visited over 3 million homes in battleground states so far in 2024, hoping to mobilize voters in what they believe is the "most pivotal election on abortion to date." The field team with Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Women Speak Out will visit 1 million more homes in battleground states by election day, which organizers call "our largest ground game effort to date." With the help of voter programs and SBA's partners, they hope to reach 10 million voters in eight key states, including Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ohio. Kelsey Pritchard, director of state public affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, described the canvassers as a "passionate" group of people of varying age groups, including many young adults. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "They understand that lives are on the line and that we can't afford to have a Harris-Walz victory and have the Democrats take the Senate," Pritchard explained. Canvassers are primarily speaking with persuadable voters and pro-life voters who do not show up to the polls every election. The field team tells voters that the Democrats' abortion agenda does not include gestational limits, and many Democratic lawmakers oppose protections for infants who survive an abortion, Pritchard said. "We see a lot of people change their minds about how they're going to vote in the presidential election and in Senate elections," she added. "So we're just energizing those pro-life voters to show up on election day, vote early, and talk to those middle-ground voters who aren't always aware of how extreme the Democrats have become on abortion." While the Democratic Party doesn't shy away from voicing its support for legalized abortion, prominent pro-life leaders have expressed concern about former President Trump's stance on abortion throughout the 2024 presidential race. Last month, Trump seemed to imply that he would vote for an amendment to create a right to abortion in Florida. His campaign later clarified that he intended to vote "No" on the ballot initiative but stressed that he didn't support laws like Florida's that ban abortion past six weeks of gestation or earlier. While the former president has taken credit for appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, Trump has stated that he believes it's up to the states to determine their own abortion laws. As Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and other pro-life activists advocate for a national 15-week abortion ban, Trump has said he would oppose any effort to enact federal abortion bans if Republicans are able to maintain control of both chambers of Congress. His comments have resulted in some pro-lifers expressing hesitance about voting for the former president. "I would say that we're very focused on defeating [Vice President] Kamala Harris and the Democrats because if Kamala is elected, it's very clear what she's going to do at the national level," Pritchard said. "We are going to get more late-term abortions, more pro-lifers locked up in jail. She's going to stop women from having a choice if she has her way in harming pregnancy resource centers or stopping their ability to operate at all." The activist highlighted the vice president's record on abortion, such as her support for the Reproductive FACT Act in 2015 during her time as California's attorney general. The law, declared unconstitutional in 2018 by the U.S. Supreme Court, required pregnancy resource centers to advertise abortion to their clients. Harris has also called for restoring Roe, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The presidential hopeful and former California attorney general has repeatedly condemned the court for overturning the decision in June 2022, a ruling that restored regulatory authority over abortion to the states. During the Democratic National Convention last month, Harris promised that, as president, she would "proudly sign" a bill from Congress to "restore reproductive freedom." Pritchard said that SBA Pro-Life America will continue to advocate for a national 15-week abortion ban, something that she noted will put the United States in line with most European countries. The organization also believes in furthering protections for the unborn at the state level, with Pritchard stressing that abortion is both a state and national issue. Home News Trump, Harris supporters pray in lead-up to presidential debate: 'Best preparation' Former President Donald Trump joined thousands of Christians in prayer on Monday leading up to his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, whose Evangelical supporters also urged prayer. During a pre-debate prayer call hosted by the National Faith Advisory Board that included figures such as Pastor Paula White, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell and Intercessors for America CEO Dave Kubal, Trump suggested that the unprecedented flood of illegal immigration under the Biden-Harris administration is intentional and threatens to permanently drown out the political power of American Christians. "Every day, she is flooding our country with millions and millions of criminal illegal aliens," he said. "She wants to make them citizens. She wants to have them vote, which will destroy the voting powers of Christian conservatives forever. And once that starts happening, and once you get those numbers involved, you lose everything that you have." 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 "There should be no more important voice than the voice of Christians," Trump added. Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, tweeted in support of Trump's prayerful pre-debate preparation. "Last night Donald Trump gathered with thousands of Christians for prayer in preparation for the debate tonight. This is the best preparation imaginable. America needs God and [Trump] knows it. Trump, who claims to be a Christian, has presented himself as a candidate friendly to Christians and has accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the justice system against people of faith. At Turning Point Action's Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida, in July, Trump urged Christians to vote for him. "I don't care how, but you have to get out and vote," he said. "Christians, get out and vote just this time. You won't have to do it anymore. Four more years. You know what? It'll be fixed." The political action committee Evangelicals for Harris also urged prayer in the lead-up to the debate, according to an email obtained by The Christian Post. "Tonight's presidential debate is such an important moment because it will help us decide what direction we want for the future of our country. So, we are writing with two requests," the group wrote. Evangelicals for Harris, which maintains that Harris is the best choice for Evangelical voters, urged followers to watch the debate and "pray and send your good thoughts." "Please pray and send your good thoughts before, during and after the debate," the group wrote. "As one of our colleagues says: 'Pray for specific things.'" The specific things the group advised people to pray for include the candidates as they prepare for the debate, and that they would provide a clear vision of where they will take the country if elected. Evangelicals for Harris also urged Christians to pray for "discernment for all watching and those seeing the highlights afterward to evaluate candidates from the perspective of which candidate adheres to our shared values of loving our neighbor and protecting the vulnerable." The PAC also asked for prayer for "our country, that we choose love over fear." Trump and Harris are slated to face off in a debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday on ABC News. Home News White Evangelicals twice as likely as other groups to support bans on abortion: Pew A new poll reveals that white Evangelicals are twice as likely as other religious groups to support the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which looks increasingly likely following the leak of a draft United States Supreme Court opinion in a case surrounding Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. Pew Research Center released the results of a survey examining Americans attitudes on abortion Friday, four days after Politico published a draft majority opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health. The draft opinion, authored by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, indicates that a majority of justices have found that Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, was egregiously wrong and must be overruled. Pew conducted the survey from March 713, three months after oral arguments in the Dobbs case had concluded and about a month after Alito authored the draft opinion in the case centered on Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. The survey found that overall, 8% of Americans believe that abortion should be illegal in all cases with no exceptions, while 19% of Americans thought the killing of preborn babies should be legal in all circumstances with no exceptions. 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 Broken down by religious demographic, the results revealed that 21% of white Evangelicals wanted to completely ban abortion while 5% expressed a desire for abortion to be legal in all cases. Among Catholics, 13% indicated support for legal abortion in all cases compared to 10% who wanted a complete ban. Black Protestants supporting legal abortion with no exceptions outnumbered those who wanted to ban abortion with no exceptions by 20% to 7%. Thirteen percent of white mainline Protestants reported support for legal abortion without exceptions compared to 6% who wanted a complete ban. The gap between those who want abortion to be legal in all circumstances and those who want a total ban on the procedure was highest among the religiously unaffiliated, with 34% indicating support for the former position and 2% agreeing with the latter. A majority of white Evangelicals (53%) think that abortion should be illegal in most cases, along with 32% of Catholics, 31% of white mainline Protestants, 21% of black Protestants and 13% of the religiously unaffiliated. A majority of the religiously unaffiliated (51%) believe that abortion should be legal in most cases, along with pluralities of white mainline Protestants (47%), black Protestants (46%) and Catholics (43%). Just 19% of white Evangelicals told Pew that they wanted abortion to remain mostly legal. Members of each religious demographic surveyed elaborated on what specific exceptions to abortion bans they favored. Majorities of all religious subgroups agreed with a statement declaring that abortion should be legal if pregnancy threatens womens life/health. The religiously unaffiliated demonstrated the highest support for allowing abortion if a womans life or health is in danger at 87%, followed by 77% of white mainline Protestants, 71% of black Protestants, 69% of Catholics and 51% of white Evangelicals. An equal share of religiously unaffiliated Americans (87%) reported that abortion should be legal if the pregnancy resulted from rape, while support for the rape exception was lower among white mainline Protestants (75%), black Protestants (71%), Catholics (66%) and white Evangelicals (40%). At least half of all religious subgroups maintained that how long a woman has been pregnant should matter in determining whether it is legal or illegal to have an abortion. White mainline Protestants (64%) and Catholics (63%) were the most likely to agree with the aforementioned statement, while smaller shares of white Evangelicals (56%), black Protestants (50%) and the religiously unaffiliated (50%) did. When asked if their religious views were extremely or very important in shaping their position on abortion, 73% of white Evangelicals answered in the affirmative. By contrast, 51% of black Protestants, 41% of Catholics, 28% of white mainline Protestants and 7% of the religiously unaffiliated cited their religious beliefs as extremely or very important in influencing their views on abortion. Overall, 36% of Americans believe that abortion should be legal in most cases. Twenty-seven percent think the procedure should be illegal in most cases, 19% want to see abortion legal in all cases with no exceptions, 8% said that abortion should be illegal in all cases with no exceptions, 6% wish to see abortion legal in all cases with some exceptions when abortion should be against the law, and 2% expressed support for the idea of making abortion illegal in all cases with some exceptions when abortion should be legal. Support for legal abortion among the American public as a whole decreases the further a woman gets into her pregnancy. Pew asked the 71% of respondents who think abortion should be legal in some cases/illegal in some cases whether they supported legal abortion at six weeks, 14 weeks and 24 weeks gestation. Including the 19% of respondents who think abortion should be legal in all cases and the 8% who believe abortion should be illegal in all cases, support for legal abortion drops from 44% at six weeks to 34% at 14 weeks and 3% at 24 weeks. At the same time, support for keeping abortion illegal rises from 20% at six weeks to 27% at 14 weeks and 54% at 24 weeks. Should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade as expected, the states will be responsible for determining their abortion laws. Twenty-one states will restrict abortions to either the first six weeks of pregnancy or completely ban the procedure, 16 states will continue to permit abortions as the right to abortion has been codified into state law, 10 states will continue to enforce existing abortion laws, and three states might soon have referendums where voters will have the opportunity to amend or affirm existing abortion laws. March For Life U.K., School Forced Girl To Sleep With Biological Male, John MacArthurs Church Wrongfully Disciplined Woman link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:36 06:36 Top headlines for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 In this episode, a woman accuses Grace Community Church of Sun Valley, CA of wrongful discipline amid her divorce from her husband. New shocking details from Israels Channel 12 News about the Nova party massacre on Oct. 7, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities. A lawsuit claims a Colorado district allowed a nonbinary female to supervise boys' showers and forced a female student to share a bed with a male. Lastly, thousands marched in central London for the annual March for Life U.K. event. ?Follow Us on Social Media ?Get the Edifi App ?Subscribe to Our Newsletter ?Links to the News Home Opinion Evangelizing Asia: We must disciple in ways more suited to the Asian context At the 11th General Assembly of the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA) held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 7-12, 2024, approximately 200 participants from 23 national alliances and 20 mission organizations engaged in meaningful discussions under the theme Disciple or Die. This gathering, part of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), focused on how Christians and churches across Asia should approach fulfilling the Great Commission in the coming decade. The overwhelming consensus was that eective discipling in Asia requires collaborative eorts among national alliances and their partners. Given that Asia is home to just 7.9% of the worlds Christian population, the importance of discipling in this region cannot be overstated. In comparison to other continents, Christians make up 8.6% of the population within Asia, while Africa has 48.5%, and Latin America boasts 92.7%. In Latin America, historical factors have shaped these gures significantly with colonialism, particularly through Roman Catholic missions, deeply inuencing the region, embedding Christianity into the cultural fabric of many countries. This strong Christian identity is further supported by religious freedoms that allow denominations to ourish. In Africa, the initial spread of Christianity was fueled by missionary eorts during the colonial era, but the rapid expansion is largely due to the vigorous indigenous evangelism by local leaders. This growth is also supported by the eective integration of Christianity with local customs and traditions. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In contrast, the growth of Christianity in Asia has faced more obstacles. Although missionary work and social development initiatives have made an impact, challenges such as entrenched religious and cultural traditions, government restrictions, social and political pressures, and economic difficulties have hindered the spread of Christianity. Unlike Latin America, where Christianity is deeply woven into cultural identity, or Africa, where it has blended with local traditions, Christianity in Asia often remains somewhat disconnected from local cultural expressions. Given these conditions, the national alliances of the AEA identified a need to disciple Christians in ways more suited to the Asian context and focused on several key areas to advance the Christian mission in Asia. These include: Nurturing indigenous Christians to develop their identity within the Asian context. Equipping them to eectively share and adapt their faith to local cultures. Raising up leaders who understand and can navigate local traditions while discipling new believers. Ensuring the Church becomes more locally sustainable and culturally relevant. It is crucial for Asian churches to be mindful of how discipleship occurs in their context primarily through relational or intuitive methods. Discipleship should be grounded in local cultural understanding rather than abstract reasoning. For the Great Commission to progress and the Gospel to spread rapidly, Asian Christians must disciple, adapting and integrating their faith deeply into their local spirituality and cultural practices, leveraging indigenous leaders to communicate and propagate the message eectively. Originally published by the World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission. Republished with permission. Home Opinion What the Apostles' Creed denies Although it was not literally written by the original Apostles of Jesus Christ, The Apostles Creed has served as a foundational document and liturgical element in Christian churches since the fourth century. It represents the teachings of the Apostles even though they are not its authors. Its authors are unknown. The Apostles Creeds purpose is not to replace the Bible, nor to be the only creed for the church, nor to reduce Christian truth to its statements. Rather, it summarizes biblical doctrine and is meant to be recited corporately by followers of Jesus. Its affirmations are necessarily part of Christian doctrine, and all three branches of Christianity affirm it (although not with the same interpretation of every aspect). There is spiritual power found in collectively confessing these truths with conviction on a regular basis and it is a good idea to memorize the Creed as well. Few Americans believe the Apostles Creed today, and many outright oppose the God of the Bible and Christian doctrine. Opposition to Christianity is so strong that Aaron Renn, in his book Life in the Negative World, says that Christians must use new strategies to address the current setting, but without altering the biblical message itself. Renn advocates for a counter-catechesis to equip Christians to know what they ought not believe, given their Christian convictions in a hostile world. Thus, this essay, A Counter Catechism. There is, in fact, more to a formal catechism than the Apostles Creed, but many catechisms include it. We start here. After each statement of the Creed will follow what the Creed denies relative to the subject. The judgments are based on the law of noncontradiction: A is not non-A. Or, you cannot affirm anything about reality and its opposite as both being true in the same way and in the same respect. The Apostles Creed and some of what it denies 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 1. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; Since God is a personal and all-powerful being, who is the originator and designer of the universe, we deny that God is an impersonal force or principle, as taught in some Eastern religions and occultism. We also deny that God is a mother in the sense of an earth goddess. We deny that God is identified with the cosmos, as taught by pantheism. As Creator, God is transcendent in his self-existent being (Acts 17:15), and we deny that he is one with contingent creation. However, as omnipresent, God is immanent, and is closer to use than we are to ourselves (Augustine). But this doctrine does not compromise Gods transcendence. As Isaiah wrote. For this is what the high and exalted One says he who lives forever, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite (Isaiah 57:15). Since God is one God, we deny both polytheism (many finite gods) and dualism (one good god and one evil god). As God said to his people, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). We further deny that there are many gods, but we worship one of them as supreme for us (henotheism). This is the teaching of Mormonism. As Isaiah proclaimed: You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. (Isaiah 43:10) 2. and [we believe] in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Since Jesus Christ is Gods only Son and our Lord, we deny that any other supposed god or savior has attained his exalted status (Matthew 11:27; John 14:6; Act 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5). We further deny any teaching that denies Jesus as Gods only Son and our Lord, whether explicitly (such as Islam and Bahai Faith) or implicitly (all non-Christian religions). Jesus was not an avatar (as are Hindu saviors), a manifestation of God (as in Bahai Faith), a mere prophet (as taught in Islam), a mere sage (in the tradition of Buddha or Lao Tze or Confucius), nor was he a deluded mere mortal (atheism and much of Judaism). 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Because Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:26-35), we deny that Christianity can dispense with this doctrine and still be Christianity at all (theological liberalism). We further deny that other stories about supernatural occurrences at the time of birth of other religious figures (such as Buddha) have any theological parallel to the Gospel accounts of Jesus virginal conception, and we deny that they have any historical claim on reality. 4. [Christ] suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. Because we believe that Jesus was a personal actor in space-time history, we deny that his death was merely symbolic. He suffered an unjust conviction and was crucified by the Roman authorities, who knew how to execute people effectively. We thus also deny the swoon theory that Jesus did not truly die on the cross, but only appeared to die and was taken down from the cross alive (as taught by Ahmadi Muslims and some older biblical critics). Jesus not only died but descended into hell, meaning that he continued to exist after his death to fulfill Gods purposes. This denies a humanistic account of Jesus as a mere mortal who simply died a martyrs death and ceased to exist at his death. 5. The third day He arose again from the dead; Since we affirm the historical resurrection of Jesus (the empty tomb and his physical appearances), we deny that the resurrection is merely a symbol of hope and not a space-time actuality. We further deny that Jesus resurrection was merely spiritual and not bodily, since Jesus was seen as physical, conversed with his disciples, and ate with them as well after his resurrection (Luke 24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). 6. He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; Since Jesus physically ascended to heaven (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:9), we deny that the ascension was a mere symbol of spiritual transcendence or a model for what we can attain through developing a higher level of consciousness (New Age teaching). Since Jesus sits enthroned and empowered at the right hand of God the Father Almighty (Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20-23), we deny any other claimant to his throne. We, thus, affirm the co-equality of the Father and the Son (as two members of the Trinity) and deny that God has no Son (the teaching of Islam) or that Jesus is not the Messiah (Judaism). 7. [We believe that] from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. Since Jesus will come again in a final judgment for the damned and redemption for the saved, we deny that death ends human existence (as taught by atheism). We also deny that people can be reincarnated from one lifetime to another (1 Corinthians 15; Hebrews 9:27). We also deny that the Second Coming is a collective event in which a critical mass of human beings attains Christ consciousness (New Age).[1] 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit, Since the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14), we deny the truth of any non-trinitarian monotheism (such as Judaism, Islam, and Jehovahs Witnesses). We further deny any teaching that the Holy Spirit is not a person, but merely Gods influence in the world (as in Jehovahs Witnesses). (See Acts 5, where lying to the Holy Spirit is the same as lying to God.) 9. [I believe in] the holy catholic Church, Since we believe in one universal church of those saved exclusively through the work of Jesus, we deny that there are many paths to salvation. We also deny that every church that claims to be Christian is in fact part of the universal church. For example, a church that denies the Apostles Creed cannot be part of the universal church.[2] 10. [I believe in] the communion of saints, Since all those redeemed by Christ are part of one indissoluble body, we deny soul sleep, the idea that people cease to exist between their physical death and their resurrection. We also deny that the Body of Christ is limited to those alive on earth at any given time. But we also deny that this doctrine warrants praying to the dead or receiving messages from them (necromancy). (See Deuteronomy 18:11; Isaiah 8:19.) 11. [I believe in] the forgiveness of sins, Since God forgives sins through Christ (Ephesians 2:1-8), we deny the teachings of reincarnation and karma whereby we attain salvation over several lifetimes by effort (Hebrews 9:27). We further deny the Islamic teaching that we can earn salvation through accruing enough good deeds to merit salvation from Allah (Titus 3:5). We also deny any relativism that teaches that there is no such thing as sin, since morality is relative to the individual. 12. [I believe in] the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Because all people will spend eternity in one of two places (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46; John 5:24-30), we deny annihilationism (that the unredeemed simply cease to exist) as well as reincarnation, which is the teaching that one soul can inhabit many bodies, both human and nonhuman (Hebrews 9:27). While Islam teaches that there will be a resurrection, we deny Islams understanding of the nature of salvation and the nature of the life everlasting (a paradise made for mens pleasures). Moreover, for Islam, paradise does not include Allahs presence, since he is ever transcendent. The biblical paradise is paradise because of the presence of God himself: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! Gods dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:1-4) Counter-Catechism and Christian confession The Apostle Paul writes that in Christ is the ultimate affirmation of reality. But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us by me and Silas and Timothy was not Yes and No, but in him it has always been Yes. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 2:18-20). However, the grand Yes! of Jesus Christ entails that whatever contradicts sound doctrine, which is rooted in the reality of Christ, must be denied. Paul denied false teaching through his ministry and in his letters (see Galatians 1, for example). We, therefore, need a counter-catechism, a strong knowledge of what is false in relation to what is true. This essay is neither an exhaustive statement of Christian doctrine (it only addresses the Apostles Creed) nor an exhaustive statement of all that the Apostles Creed denies by necessary implication. It is offered, rather, as primer on spiritual discernment and theological testing. Notes: [1] I was asked to respond to this idea while on a Canadian television show in 1986. [2] The only qualification is that different churches and theologians may understand he descended into hell in different ways, but orthodox churches will not deny this truth outright. Originally published at the Worldview Bulletin Newsletter. Home Opinion When Charles Spurgeon took on slavery and Billy Graham took on segregation Without a doubt, Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) and Billy Graham (1918-2018) were Gospel preachers rather than social justice warriors. Yet both of them addressed some of the greatest social evils of their day without for a moment diluting their Jesus-centered messages. To be sure, they lost some of their audiences because of the stands they took. But they never took their eyes off the ultimate goal: lifting up the risen Savior and pointing all people to Him. As for Spurgeon, slavery and the slave trade had already been abolished in 1807 in England, more than a quarter of a century before he was born. So when he spoke out against slavery, he was addressing America rather than his homeland. An article on the Spurgeon.org website gives the background, along with one of Spurgeons best-known anti-slavery quotes: 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 Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation 154 years ago today, promising liberty to some 3 million enslaved black men and women. Charles Spurgeon also fought the evils of slavery: [The] hope of deliverance seemed far away, it was God that gave an Abraham Lincoln, who led the nation onward till Emancipation flamed upon its banners (MTP 29:243). Spurgeon exchanged correspondences with Frederick Douglas, received former slaves into his Pastors College and pulpit, and condemned slavery in his sermons and media articles: I do from my inmost soul detest slavery ... and although I commune at the Lords table with men of all creeds, yet with a slave-holder I have no fellowship of any sort or kind. Whenever one has called upon me, I have considered it my duty to express my detestation of his wickedness, and I would as soon think of receiving a murderer into my church ... as a man stealer (Pike, The Life and Work of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, p. 331). How did many Southern Americans respond, including not a few Southern Christians? Representative headlines from 1858-1860 proclaimed: Spurgeon is a beef-eating, puffed-up, vain, over-righteous pharisaical, English blab-mouth. Spurgeon is a fat, overgrown boy. Spurgeon is a hell-deserving Englishman. Spurgeon is a vulgar young man with (soiled) sleek hair, prominent teeth, and a self-satisfied air. Many would like a good opportunity at this hypocritical preacher. When it was alleged that Spurgeon removed the anti-slavery portions of his sermon collections that were distributed in America, He denied this was true, although he again noted that he had rarely made mention of slavery in his printed sermons. He intended to focus more on the subject, however. I shall not spare your nation in [the] futurethe crying sin of a man-stealing people shall not go unrebuked. He followed up this letter with another in which he said that he was not aware of any allusions in his sermons that were cut. Again, he denounced slavery as a crime of crimes, a soul-destroying sin, and an iniquity which cries aloud for vengeance. Little wonder that, Several volumes of Rev. Mr. Spurgeon's sermons, strongly tinctured with anti-slavery and abolition, were burned in the jail yard. Not only so, but had he visited the Southern states in 1860 as he planned to do, the results may have been disastrous: America might have executed him: If the Pharisaical author should ever show himself in these parts, we trust that a stout cord may speedily find its way around his eloquent throat (Mr. Spurgeons Sermons Burned by American Slaveowners, The Southern Reporter and Daily Commercial Courier [April 10, 1860]). As for Billy Graham, he became known for standing against segregation, despite the criticisms of some that he ignored the issue at first. Most famously, he personally removed the ropes that separated Whites from Blacks in some of his meetings (the first time was in Jackson, Mississippi in 1952). And he paid the bail to have Martin Luther King released from prison in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. (They were already friends and colleagues by then.) But Graham also took a stand against apartheid in South Africa. As reported on the Billy Graham website, Mr. Graham held Crusades in both Durban and Johannesburg in 1973, some 20 years after receiving initial invites to preach in South Africa. He wouldnt accept an invitation unless the Crusade meetings were racially integrated. Two decades before that, he personally removed segregated ropes at a Chattanooga, Tenn., crusade. My wife and I have prayed for the country of South Africa since 1951, when I was first asked to hold meetings there, Mr. Graham said in a 1994 statement on the election of Mandela as President of South Africa. We refused to accept that invitation until 1973, when we were able to hold fully-integrated crusades in the cities of Johannesburg and in Durban. Overflow crowds of more than 100,000 people came out to see Mr. Graham preach in Durban and Johannesburg in the countrys first integrated public meetings. Christianity is not a white mans religion, Mr. Graham preached during the rallies, and dont let anybody ever tell you that its white or black. Christ belongs to all people. It was at those meetings that I was struck with the terrible injustice of the apartheid system, which I referred to as sin, Mr. Graham said. Not surprisingly, Graham received criticism for the stands he took as well, including receiving several threatening messages from white people who disapproved of Graham inviting Dr. King to pray at his noteworthy New York City Gospel rally in 1957. For Graham, though, like Spurgeon, it was the gospel that was the ultimate answer to social evils, including racism. As Graham said, There is only one solution to the race problem, and that is vital, personal, experiences with Jesus Christ on the part of both races. We do well to keep the same focus that Spurgeon and Graham did, putting evangelism and discipleship first, without neglecting issues of justice, unless your primary calling is to fight injustice and social evils. In that case, you might function as a reformer first and an evangelist second. But whatever our calling might be, we must remember that only God can change a heart and that the ultimate answer to human evil is the Gospel of Jesus. Evangelical Alliance appoints new leader for Scotland Lynne Paterson has been appointed as the new head of the Evangelical Alliance Scotland. She took up her post this week and will steer the organisation as it seeks to support churches across Scotland and make Jesus known in the nation. Commenting on her appointment, Paterson said her first priority would be "doing a lot of listening - to the staff team, to members, to leaders across the nation, to the broader church, and most importantly, to the voice of God". She said she was inspired by the example of the Moravians and wanted to see the Church in Scotland unite as one. "I hear a lot of people using the example of the Moravians, typically highlighting their 100 years of 24-hour prayer, or their sacrificial missionary endeavours," she said. "I don't hear many people talking about the role that unity played in this; a unity that led to the empowering presence of the Spirit, that led to persevering prayer, that led to gospel being shared among the nations. That's a vision for unity across the church that I can get behind," she said. She is praying for the same move of God in Scotland as among the Moravians. "I want the whole thing for us; the unity, the presence of God, the persevering prayer and the gospel being preached in power. That's what excites me," she said. Prior to working for the Evangelical Alliance, Paterson spent 15 years serving as the head of Tearfund Scotland. She was formerly on the leadership team of Elim Christian Fellowship Paisley and now lives in Glasgow where she attends Hope Church. Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, said of her appointment: "We are so excited to have a leader of Lynne's calibre joining us. She will be an amazing addition to the team and I look forward to serving with her in the many years ahead." September 9, 2024: The February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine occurred when the Ukrainian military had about 250,000 troops available. Since the invasion began Ukraine has added over half a million more personnel. Most of these were volunteers but some were conscripts. Unlike the Russian army, most of the new personnel did not go into combat formations but were instead assigned to support units. Support troops were often armed, because they frequently operated in a combat zone getting needed supplies of fuel, food and ammunition to the combat units. When needed, the troops were also supplied with adequate cold-weather uniforms and other items that maintain health and morale. This included medical care and rapid movement of severe casualties to hospitals. The lightly wounded were treated and allowed to rejoin their unit. This is a common reaction of combat troops and Ukraine supplies the medical care that can determine which wounds are not debilitating and allow soldiers to quickly return to their units. Many combat injuries consist of concussions or flesh wounds that can be diagnosed and treated quickly. Unlike the Russians, Ukrainian support troops use forklifts to move ammunition and other supplies onto and off trucks. The Russians still do it by hand, just as theyve done for over a hundred years, which often means that it doesnt get done if there are not enough troops to do it. The invading Russians forces had few or none of the support services Ukraine provides for its own troops. This has provided Ukrainian troops with a major advantage. Unlike Russian troops in Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers suffer less from malnutrition, cold weather, untreated wounds and supply shortages. During the first few months of the war the Ukrainians had to improvise but they did so with the intention of keeping their casualties lower than what the Russians were suffering, and seeing to it that new or existing troops got the training and logistical support they needed to be most effective. Russia went in the opposite direction, providing increasingly less training and logistical support for new troops sent to Ukraine to replace their heavy losses. The Russian reinforcements suffered heavy losses from this lack of supplies, medical care and leadership. Many of these Russian troops surrendered or deserted at the first opportunity. Russian efforts to remedy this are disrupted by prompt and precise Ukrainian attacks on their supplies. Ukrainian troops survive longer in combat and suffer fewer casualties, which means the average Ukrainian combat soldier is more experienced, trained, led and supported than their Russian counterparts. Ukrainian forces are prepared for a winter campaign and Russian forces are not. Unable or unwilling to train and support their troops as well as the Ukrainians have, the best Russia can do is offer to negotiate. The Ukrainians wont do this unless the Russians agree to immediately start removing their forces from all Ukrainian territory they occupy. Thats fine with most of the Russian soldiers in Ukraine, but not with the Russian leaders back home who staked their reputations and political power on their ability to defeat the Ukrainians. Details of the treatment of Russian troops in Ukraine gets back to military-age men in Russia and their families with predictable results. While NATO forces, including Ukraine consider military age men those from 18 to 27 years old, Russia defines military age men as 18 to 50 years old. Opinion polls show declining support for the war in Ukraine, but a large minority of Russians still support it. As the losses in Ukraine grow, that support for the war declines and criticism of the Russian government grows. Some Russians recall an old adage from World War II about what to do when fighting the Nazis. Send in your toughest Ukrainians to fight the enemy and call on the United States for more lend-lease military equipment. In 2022 it was the Russians invading newly, since 1991, independent Ukraine. The Russians were not as effective as the World War II Germans but the Ukrainians were still a tough bunch in combat and were able to call on NATO for nearly $200 billion worth of arms and equipment. Most of this aid came from the United States. History was repeating itself with tough Ukrainians supplied by the Americans defeating the Russian, rather than the German invader. Russia never put as much emphasis on material support for the troops as Western nations did. The Russian approach was to apply overwhelming force initially to defeat the enemy. If that failed, as it increasingly did in the 20th century, Russian troop losses increased. Ukraine understood that and with NATO assistance, was able, especially after 2014, to adopt a Western style of military operations. Some western military leaders underestimated the impact of this on Ukrainian successes and lower casualties. While Western militaries accept these support policies for their own troops and the resulting lower combat casualties, they were surprised and initially incredulous at the rapidity with which Ukrainians adopted and benefitted from standard NATO practices. The key here is Ukrainian motivation to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression. Ukrainians were not only motivated but also had the skills and determination to quickly learn how to use new weapons and techniques. Intangible factors like this are difficult to measure or simply create. This motivation was present when Ukraine managed to gain independence after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Even then the Russians insisted Ukraine was part of Russia. Ukrainians had more determination to break free of Russian control than Russia was able to handle in the 1990s. After 2000 the Russians began developing plans to regain control of Ukraine. Russia had some support for this inside Ukraine but it was not as much as the Russians believed existed. When Russia began applying force between 2014 and 2022, they had less and less support inside Ukraine, where it was becoming clear that the worst thing that could happen to Ukrainians was to become part of Russia again. After World War II, Russian occupation from 1945 to 1990 made a deep impression on eastern Europeans. They understood that the Russians were aggressive and could not be trusted. Western Europe, which did not experience Russian occupation and allied with Russia to defeat the Germans, was more optimistic. The war in Ukraine has been something of a reality check for Western Europeans, although not as much as in the United States and Canada. For NATO members like Poland, the Baltic States and Romania, which are closest to the problem, the Russian threat is very real and there are still many people in these countries who already lived through it. Trump's abortion pivot hasn't shaken evangelical Christian leaders' support Former President Donald Trump's shifting rhetoric on abortion has unsettled some conservative faith-based activists, with evangelical Christian leaders especially fretting over the Republican presidential candidate's recent remarks on Florida's proposed abortion amendment and allowing federal funding for IVF procedures that some say are tantamount to abortion. But even amid the backlash, several of Trump's longterm evangelical supporters are insisting the former president, who still publicly takes credit for nominating the conservative justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, remains the best candidate for their cause. Trump has distancing himself from hardline abortion stances since at least September 2023, when he riled anti-abortion activists by calling Florida's six-week abortion ban a "terrible thing and a terrible mistake." But last month, he called Florida's current limit on abortion to the first six weeks of pregnancy "too short" and, when asked about a ballot initiative in the state that would enshrine abortion access, said, "I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks." The comments drew swift blowback from anti-abortion activists such as Jeanne Mancini, head of the March for Life, an annual anti-abortion event in Washington where Trump spoke in 2020. In a pair of posts on X on Aug. 30, Mancini responded to Trump's remarks without mentioning him by name. "Any politician that would consider voting affirmatively for such a measure will undoubtedly lose the support of pro-life Americans," she wrote. "We must not lose sight of the fact that the human rights issue of abortion takes the lives of the unborn and deeply harms women both mentally and physically. The reality is that the tragedy of abortion cannot be reduced to politics alone, much less sacrificed for what is perceived to be politically expedient." Trump's campaign insisted he did not say precisely how he would vote, and the candidate himself eventually clarified to Fox News that he would not support the ballot initiative. But the back-and-forth came the same week that Trump announced plans to federally subsidize in-vitro fertilization, a procedure opposed by some anti-abortion activists because it often involves the disposal of embryos. In June, an effort to protect IVF access failed in the U.S. Senate after most Republicans, including Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, voted against it. About the same time, the Southern Baptist Convention, at its annual meeting, voted in support of a measure calling for more government regulation of the process. Al Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who in June called IVF "immoral," warned Trump in an editorial this week that he risks alienating his anti-abortion base. "(Trump) needs to remember that he cannot win without strong very strong pro-life support," Mohler wrote in World Magazine, an evangelical Christian publication. "The other side is not impressed with his equivocations on the issue, even as his base is endangered by any confusion." Lila Rose, head of the influential anti-abortion group Live Action, blasted the Trump campaign on social media on Aug. 29, saying, "Given the current situation, we have two pro-abortion tickets. A Trump win is not a pro-life win right now." In an interview with Politico Magazine, Rose refused to say whether she would vote for Trump, saying only, "I am going to see how the next few weeks unfold," and urging her supporters to put pressure on his campaign. Trump has suggested his shift on the issue is a result of raw politics: Since the 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe and allowed states to make their own abortion policy, abortion-related ballot initiatives have gone the way of abortion rights activists even in red states such as Kansas and Ohio. Trump blamed the Republican Party's anti-abortion stance for its middling results in the 2022 midterm elections. With 10 more abortion-related ballot initiatives in November including in swing states like Arizona the issue has the potential to fracture the Republican coalition. White evangelicals, who have long heavily supported the GOP and who alone make up 30% of the party according to a Public Religion Research Institute, are disproportionately opposed to abortion: 72% believe the practice should be illegal in all or most cases, according to a separate PRRI survey conducted in March. Nationwide, 64% of Americans told PRRI that abortion should be legal in all or most cases including 62% of white Catholics and 57% of Hispanic Catholics, despite official opposition from the Catholic Church. When it comes to IVF, 70% of Americans say IVF access is a good thing, according to an April poll from Pew Research, with majorities of every major religious group saying the same including 63% of white evangelicals. In July, the RNC published a new platform that omitted the rationale for a federal abortion ban for the first time in decades, likely reflecting Trump's misgivings about the political liability of the party's traditional position. Abby Johnson, who runs the anti-abortion group And Then There Were None, suggested in a statement sent to Religion News Service that activists have been pushing Trump and his campaign behind the scenes to change course. "President Trump's comments surrounding life issues have been troubling for many in the pro-life movement," Johnson said. "That is why many of us have been working behind the scenes with him and his campaign team, hoping to change the course he is on. We have already seen some course correction and we hope to see much more." Former Vice President Mike Pence, a conservative Christian, was also critical of Trump and told the National Review this week, "The Trump-Pence administration stood for life without apology for four years. The former President's use of the language of the Left, pledging that his administration would be 'great for women and their reproductive rights' should be concerning for millions of pro-life Americans." But despite the criticism, some of Trump's longtime religious supporters continue to rally around him. The Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of the famous evangelist Billy Graham who has called abortion "a genocide of the unborn," insisted Trump's past actions were more important than his campaign rhetoric. "I don't just consider a candidate's words, I look at their actions and what they have done," Graham told RNS in a statement. "Former President Donald Trump has a four-year track record of appointing judges who protect life. While his position on abortion may not be as absolute as some would hope, it doesn't change the fact that he has been the most pro-life president in my lifetime and is the only pro-life presidential candidate on the ballot this election." Ralph Reed, who has spent decades organizing evangelicals as head of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, said he does not see evangelicals abandoning Trump because of his abortion stances. Saying he was "never concerned" that Trump would support the ballot initiative in Florida, Reed suggested conservative voters will back Trump because the alternative voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee is simply untenable. He contrasted Trump's record on the issue with that of Harris, whose campaign has placed her support for abortion rights front and center. Harris has tied abortion access to personal freedom the campaign's slogan as has her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who has sung the praises of IVF on the stump while connecting it to his own family's fertility struggles (though they had not, he had to clarify, turned to IVF but rather used a less invasive procedure). Citing Harris' support for policies such as legislation that would restore abortion access nationwide, Reed called her "the most radical pro-abortion nominee for president in the modern political era." Her positions, he argued, are so "extreme" that she is ultimately "unacceptable to voters of faith." "For all these reasons, evangelicals will turn out in record numbers in November and vote overwhelmingly for Trump," Reed predicted. Religion News Service We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form At Quantum World Congress on Tuesday, Microsoft announced that it and partner Quantinuum had broken a record in the creation of logical qubits. In addition, Microsoft also announced that it is working with partner Atom Computing to build what it described as the worlds most powerful quantum machine. Through this collaboration, were bringing a new generation of reliable quantum hardware to customers by integrating and advancing Atom Computings neutral atom hardware into our Azure Quantum compute platform, Jason Zander, executive vice president of strategic missions and technologies at Microsoft, wrote in a blog post Tuesday. Combining the capabilities of this reliable quantum hardware with our platform for science, Azure Quantum Elements, we are providing a comprehensive discovery suite to achieve scientific quantum advantage, he added. Recently recognized with an Avaya CX Force Award, Tara Pasalic has been an active contributor to the transformation of McMasters digital landscape while maintaining a focus on continuity and user experience. As a Systems Integration Specialist at McMaster, Taras journey highlights the importance of balancing technological progress with operational stability, ensuring that innovations serve to enhance rather than disrupt the educational environment. By effectively managing this balance, Tara has helped position McMaster as a leader in showcasing the impact of dedicated and thoughtful integration of new technologies. A mission of excellence McMaster University has been on a strategic IT journey, and Taras leadership in the adoption of CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service) and exploring hybrid models with Avaya Experience Platform, has contributed to McMasters commitment to innovation that enhances the student experience without risking resilience or operational disruption. Embracing innovative strategies One of the standout strategies at McMaster has been the implementation of a Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) hybrid proof of concept. The initiative aims to capitalize on the Avaya Experience Platform for the universitys call center tenants while leveraging current on-premises infrastructure. The move is strategic, enabling McMaster to maximize existing investments while integrating new innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and SMS messaging for international student engagement without overhauling their entire system. Taras influence and commitment have been instrumental in driving these changes. Her extensive collaboration with the Avaya team has ensured that every technological advancement aligns with the universitys operational needs and goals. With Taras support, McMaster mitigates the risk of disruption while enhancing the overall experience for students and staff alike. Overcoming challenges with vision and resilience The journey to modernization has not been without its challenges. Transitioning from on-premises systems to cloud-based solutions required overcoming significant hurdles, particularly in maintaining the robust functionality that McMasters call centers relied upon. Taras determination and positive attitude were crucial in navigating these challenges. By working closely with Avayas development team, she was able to tweak and adapt solutions to meet the unique needs of McMasters diverse call centers. Her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition was evident in her efforts to implement the BYOC project, which allows for direct extension transfers a feature critical to the universitys operations. This project, which has been in the works for over a year, is now in its proof-of-concept phase and has great promise to enhance the student/user experience significantly. Measuring impact and driving results The impact of these innovations is clear. For example, supervisors now have better control over the system with enhanced notification capabilities and the flexibility for agents to work remotely. This flexibility was particularly vital during the pandemic when remote work became a necessity. The universitys innovation approach not only better supports students and staff but also firmly positions McMaster as a forward-thinking institution ready to meet future demands. Individual leadership and advocacy Taras influence extends beyond McMaster University. As a chapter leader for the International Avaya User Group (IAUG) in Toronto and Ottawa, she actively champions Avayas solutions and shares her wealth of experiences with other institutions. Her role in IAUG highlights her commitment to fostering a community of innovation and continuous improvement. Through IAUG, Tara engages with peers, participates in discussions, and provides valuable insights gained from her hands-on experience with Avayas technologies. Beyond her professional achievements, Taras dedication to her work is reflected in her personal interactions. She is known for her positive outlook and willingness to engage with colleagues and peers at social events, where she often shares insights about Avayas technologies. Her long-term association with McMaster and her active participation in IAUG underscore her deep commitment to the universitys success and the broader educational community. Embracing innovation for enhanced customer experience Looking ahead, Tara remains focused on enhancing the customer experience at McMaster. The ongoing BYOC project is a testament to her dedication to innovation without disruption and the clear benefits of this unique approach. By integrating new technologies seamlessly into existing systems, Tara and the entire McMaster IT community ensure the university continues to deliver exceptional service to its students and staff reinforcing the universitys reputation as a leader in educational excellence. Taras work at McMaster exemplifies the core principles of Avayas innovation without disruption philosophy. Her efforts are a true testament that every institution can successfully embrace digital transformation while maintaining operational integrity. As McMaster continues to innovate, Taras contributions will undoubtedly serve as a model for others in the education sector.Learn more about Avayas Innovation without Disruption approach for education. New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor facilitates flow of commodities between Chongqing and the world People's Daily Online) 13:30, September 10, 2024 In August 2019, China's National Development and Reform Commission issued an overall plan on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Over the past five years, the corridor has expanded its reach to 523 ports in 124 countries and regions of the world. On the morning of July 8, a China-Laos-Thailand international cold-chain freight train arrived at the Xiaonanya station in Jiangjin district, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. The containers, filled with bananas, were loaded in and departed from Vientiane South Station in Vientiane, Laos, in the early hours of July 2. The bananas would be distributed to various districts and counties in Chongqing, as well as neighboring provinces such as Sichuan and Hunan. An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2024 shows trucks running at the dry port of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) Since the beginning of this year, the cross-border cold-chain freight train service between Chongqing and ASEAN has been operating regularly in both directions. The cold-chain freight trains use specially made refrigerated containers, maintaining a temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius inside. Through the service, high-quality fruits such as durian and mangosteen from ASEAN countries can reach Chongqing fresh, while Chongqing specialties can also more conveniently go abroad. By June 2024, the multimodal transport of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor covered 72 cities in 18 provinces, regions and municipalities in China, transporting 1,157 types of commodities. More commodities get on board Behind the launch of the cold-chain freight train service are the relentless efforts of logistics professionals. "We need to get this train running, build its reputation, make ASEAN countries aware of it, attract commodities, and ensure its sustainable development," said Li Zhaobang, chairman of the Chongqing New Land-sea Supply Chain Co., Ltd. Laos and other Southeast Asian countries have a thriving banana industry, and China has a high demand for bananas. Bananas are low in value, low in transportation risk, and grow year-round, making them an ideal staple commodity, Li explained. The company formed a specialized team, identified large-scale banana plantations in Laos, and organized on-site inspections. "The Laotian fruit farmers were enthusiastic about utilizing the cold-chain freight train service," Li recalled. "One individual even agreed to utilize the service without requiring a deposit. We only made the payment after the bananas arrived in Chongqing," Li explained. The cold-chain freight train service is popular due to its advantages, which include fast and cost-effective cross-border railway transportation and specially designed refrigerated containers. Careful scheduling ensures smooth, efficient operation "For the route from Vientiane to Mohan port, southwest China's Yunnan Province, the train ran on the China-Laos Railway. For the domestic segment from Mohan to Chongqing, we needed to guide the logistics company to choose the most suitable transportation route on the official website of China Railway Express Co., Ltd.," said Zhou Xiaojuan from the Xiaonanya station. "Upon its arrival at Xiaonanya, we notified the logistics company immediately and assigned dedicated personnel to monitor the loading and unloading process in real-time," said Zhou. With four hours left before the train arrived, station dispatcher Tao Yong at Xiaonanya was already starting to monitor its progress. "Upon the train's arrival, we carefully verified information such as the departure station and consignees, and the freight office immediately organized the unloading and distribution of goods to improve efficiency," Tao said. The train arrived on time under efficient transportation management. Train returns loaded with locally produced lemons After unloading the bananas, the containers were promptly filled with lemons from Leishu Fruit Co., Ltd. in Tongnan district, Chongqing. The lemons were destined for Thailand via the same route. Tongnan district's ideal conditions for lemon cultivation make it a prime location for growing this fruit, which is popular in ASEAN countries. With the cold-chain freight train service ensuring freshness, Chongqing lemons are now able to reach international markets. This time, Leishu Fruit Co., Ltd. shipped 28 tonnes of fresh lemons to Thailand using the cold-chain freight train service. Chongqing is exporting its lemons, oranges, and pre-made dishes through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. In the first half of this year, Chongqing's freight volume through the corridor increased by 54 percent year on year, with a total value of goods reaching 23.19 billion yuan (about $3.26 billion). (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) For more than two decades China has been increasing the use of its warplanes to enter the ADIZs (air defense identification zone) of Japan and Taiwan and force those two nations to send up warplanes to confront the intruders. This is an unofficial but effective form of warfare. A country with a larger air force and defense budget, like China, can weaken the air force of smaller nations like Taiwan by forcing Taiwanese aircraft to fly more than they normally would. This costs more money in terms of fuel required and ground maintenance after each flight. Done well enough, this tactic wears down Taiwanese aircraft and forces some aircraft to be retired from service earlier than planned. In 2020 Taiwan complained that Chinese aircraft were increasingly entering the Taiwanese ADIZ without warning and forcing Taiwan to send up fighters to double check. For over a decade China has been violating ADIZs of neighboring nations more and more frequently. In 2016 Taiwan announced that it would not recognize any Chinese attempts to enforce an ADIZ on portions of the South China Sea that have long been recognized as Taiwanese according to tradition and international treaties. In late 2013 China began expanding its own ADIZ into disputed areas of the South China Sea. With that China insisted that all military and commercial aircraft in these new ADIZs ask permission from China before entering. The U.S. and several local and well-armed nations responded by sending in military aircraft without telling China but warning their commercial aircraft operators to cooperate because it is considered impractical to provide military air cover for all the commercial traffic. China sees this as a victory, despite the obvious coalition intention to continue sending military aircraft through the ADIZ unannounced and despite whatever threats China makes. In response to that, China has begun running combat air patrols through the ADIZ and apparently intends to try to intimidate some of the smaller nations who are defying them. The intimidation has failed so far largely because Taiwan refuses to back down and is openly telling China that the defiance will continue. South Korea and Japan also defied Chinas ADIZ demands. Both these countries have powerful military forces and military ties to the U.S., as does Taiwan. Other nations are getting involved in this East Asian ADIZ effort. In 2021, off the east coast of South Korea, four Chinese and fifteen Russian warplanes violated South Koreas ADIZ and flew in and out of the ADIZ several times. South Korean fighters were sent to intercept and the Chinese and Russian warplanes withdrew. China said they told South Korea they would be conducting an exercise in the area but not that they and the Russian aircraft would enter the ADIZ. This was the fourth ADIZ violation for China in 2020 and the first for Russia. Thats actually an improvement over 2019 when Russia violated the ADIZ twenty times. The ADIZ was first used in 1950 for the U.S.-Canadian air defense system. The size of an ADIZ is similar to that recognized in 1982 when an international treaty created the 380-kilometer, from nearest land owned, exclusive economic zone or EEZ nations can claim within their coastal waters. This includes fishing and possible underwater oil and gas fields. While some ADIZs are smaller or larger than the EEZ standard, they all tend to be similar to EEZ boundaries. Any aircraft entering the ADIZ must announce itself to local civil or military air controllers and state why they are there. Permission to proceed can be denied and in that case, interceptors are sent up to escort the trespasser out of the ADIZ or shoot the offending aircraft down. Rarely are aircraft shot down but the escorts often act in a threatening manner and collisions sometimes occur. China has become a persistent ADIZ violator and has been doing so nearly five times as often as Russia. This is mainly because in 2013 China announced a new ADIZ that overlapped South Korean, Philippine and Japanese ADIZs. Normally nations do not overlap ADIZs of neighbors. China demanded that any foreign military or commercial aircraft request permission before flying into this zone. South Korea and Japan protested while the United States quickly flew some B-52s into the disputed zone without asking for Chinese permission. China protested and the United States ignored them just as China ignores South Korean protests. Yet Chinese aircraft will leave when South Korean fighters show up, but Russian violations have sometimes required drastic action. One earlier violation resulted in South Korean fighters being sent to intercept and drive the Russian aircraft away and the Russian A-50s refusing to leave. South Korea fighters fired several hundred cannon shells towards the A-50s to get their attention. The A-50s then left South Korean air space and Russia later insisted that the A-50 pilots never saw the South Korean fighters or cannon fire. Japan also sent up jets during this incident but the South Korean aircraft got there first. South Korea and Japan threatened to more vigorously enforce their ADIZ and that often works, for a while. Meanwhile ADIZs remain the scene of increasingly dangerous confrontations. Scotlands charity regulator OSCR has launched a consultation on changes being made to Scottish charity law, including a proposal to extend automatic disqualification rules for trustees. According to the regulator , the aim of the consultation is to gauge the views of charities and key stakeholders on the changes. To take part in the consultation, charities and stakeholders need to fill out a short survey on the newly proposed extension of automatic disqualification rules, by 1 October. The legislation was first laid in Scottish Parliament on 23 February to bring into effect some of the changes contained in the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023. The first changes took effect from 1 April, with further measures to be introduced this October; these rules, if implemented, would be introduced in mid-2025. Expansion of diqualification rules One of the major changes to be introduced would amend the rule that automatically disqualifies someone from undertaking particular functions within a charity (such as a being a trustee), if they fall under the following categories: Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or an offence under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Are an undischarged bankrupt or have a Protected Trust Deed. Have been removed under either Scottish or English law or the courts from being a charity trustee. Have been disqualified from being a company director. Furthermore, the Charities Act 2023 will also extend the range of people that will be able to be disqualified to include those convicted or terrorism or who are on the sexual offenders register. These new rules will also be applicable to staff or volunteers undertaking a senior management function in a charity, not just trustees. Charities must be prepared for new rules Gavin McEwan, a partner at Turcan Connell, said: The rules disqualifying individuals from serving as charity trustees in certain circumstances are vital to ensuring confidence in a well-run charity sector. The expanded range of offences which will lead to disqualification means there may be some people currently serving as charity trustees who will become disqualified immediately on the new provisions taking effect. Charities must be prepared to manage the governance impact of such cases. The extension of the rules to cover those who carry out senior management functions, both paid and voluntary, brings additional due diligence to charities both in terms of current staff and volunteers, and the checks that will be necessary when taking on new staff and volunteers in senior management roles. It is critical that charities are thinking ahead on how to deal practically with this extension of the rules. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, U.S. regulators took a step toward forcing a recall of as many as 51 million air bag inflators they have said could explode in a crash, an escalation of a safety issue that has plagued the auto industry for years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday issued a supplemental initial decision saying it considers the parts defective after a lengthy comment period and industry pushback. The agency named Knoxville, Tennessee-based ARC Automotive Inc. and the former Delphi Automotive Systems LLC as the manufacturers of the flawed airbags. Related: Stellantis Recalling 1.46 Million Vehicles Worldwide Representatives for ARC did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The closely held company has refused to issue a widespread recall even after regulators recommended it do so in May 2023. NHTSA said its giving interested parties an 30 additional days to comment on its latest action. The air bags involved have been used by at least a dozen car manufacturers, including General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, Volkswagen AG and Hyundai Motor Co. GM recalled in May almost 1 million vehicles from 2014 to 2017 that are equipped with ARC inflators. Related: NTSB Probe of Jeep Engine Fire Reports Could Affect 781K Vehicles NHTSA has said it identified at least nine cases of ruptured air bag inflators that led to injuries, including two deaths, dating from 2009 to as recently as March of last year. Delphi Automotive, which no longer exists as an independent company, sold its airbag business to a unit of Swedens Autoliv Inc. in 2009. NHTSA said it has not verified the entity that has legal responsibility for the Delphi inflators. Related: U.S. Agency Reports 28th Takata Air Bag Inflator Death Since 2009 The situation echoes the sprawling recall of more than 100 million defective air bag inflators made by the now-defunct Takata Corp., which was the biggest auto recall in US history. While the ARC problem appears to be unrelated, the prospect of recalling tens of millions of vehicles to get repairs would be a significant burden on the industry and car owners. Top photo: A deployed airbag is seen in a Chrysler vehicle at a salvage yard on May 22, 2015 in Medley, Florida. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. MEDINA, Ohio -- Thanks to a grant from the Feckley Foundation, City Hall now boasts a bench that is being dedicated in honor of Carroll B. McClure, who spent much of his life in service to the city. We are recognizing C.B. McClure, but the McClure family has served our community for many years and for many generations, Mayor Dennis Hanwell said before the official dedication on Monday (Sept. 9). McClure was born Sept. 8, 1910. His father, N.H. McClure, was mayor of the Village of Medina from 1895 to 1898 and also served as a Medina County Common Pleas Court judge and county prosecutor. C.B. McClure graduated from the University of Cincinnati and also became an attorney. His military service included serving in the Army Coast Artillery in California and the Army Air Corps in England, France, Belgium and Germany. He saw the atrocities of the German concentration camps and participated in war crime trials. Back home in Medina, he served as clerk-treasurer for the Village of Medina and was elected the first mayor of Medina under the new charter system, serving from 1954 through 1957. He was a Medina police prosecutor from 1963 to 1968, then served as the Medina Municipal Court judge for 18 years. After retiring, McClure worked for the Ohio Supreme Court as a visiting judge, filling in for vacationing judges or those who needed to recuse themselves. He was a member of the North American Judges Association Committee and the Ohio State Bar Association, where he was honored in 1989 for 50 years as an attorney. His long list of community involvement includes: Post commander and life member of American Legion Post 202 Charter and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Secretary of the Medina Area Chamber of Commerce from 1947 to 1950; he was inducted into the Chamber Hall of Fame in 1993 He also served on the local draft board, was a member of Kiwanis, was librarian for the law library, helped with Meals on Wheels and was selected as Jaycees Citizen of the year in 1957. McClure was married to his wife of 60 years, Dorothy (Kerr), and they had one son, Douglas McClure. Douglas followed in the family tradition of serving the community. He served six years in the Navy and 29 years in the Ohio Naval Militia. He also is a 30-year member of the America Legion Post, served on the City Archives Commission and has been active for over 20 years with the Medina Police Community Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. We want to thank the family for their generations of public service, Hanwell said. Read more from the Medina Sun. MEDINA, Ohio -- City Council has given approval for the city to apply for multiple grants to help fund different projects within Medina, including a grant that would fund environmental assessments at the former Sunoco site at 426 W. Liberty St. Economic Development Director Kimberly Marshall said that earlier this year, the city had applied for funding through the Ohio Department of Developments Brownfield Assessment Program. She said this grant program is very competitive, noting that the city has still not received word if they will be awarded the money. So council has currently authorized the city to apply for an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Targeted Brownfield Assessment grant. Im calling this application for the grant our Plan B, Marshall said. If this grant is approved, the entire cost of the environmental assessment will be picked up by the State of Ohio. Marshall has said that the city must first determine if any cleanup is required at the site before it can sell, donate or develop the land. Council also approved the application for an Ohio Cyber Security Grant to assist with the purchase of security software services to boost preparedness and resilience against cybersecurity attacks. This is a $20,000 grant and is a one-time funding that would allow us to get some cybersecurity software and penetration testing in place for the city, said Police Sgt. Darin Zaremba. Council also approved a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justices Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Program. This $27,000 grant would cover cancer screenings for employees of the police department. Read more from the Medina Sun. DAYTON, Ohio Two men upset with a woman about a post on social media opened fire on a home with high-powered rifles, killing a 12-year-old girl who was sleeping inside, prosecutors say. Antawan Benson, 23, and Javen Conner, 19, both of Dayton, each are charged with two counts of murder in the death of Isabella Carlos. Theyre also charged with three counts of improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation, three counts of felonious assault (deadly weapon), one count of discharge of a firearm over a roadway and one count of aggravated menacing. All of the charges include firearm specifications, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office. Prosecutors say Benson and Conner, both armed, approached a woman on Aug. 22 as she sat in a vehicle with another woman and children and confronted her about a social media post regarding the mens cousin. Police were called and all left the scene, prosecutors say. But prosecutors say that at 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, three homes were hit by gunfire. Benson and Conner are accused of using AK-47 and AR-15 rifles to fire at least 37 rounds at the homes. Carlos, a seventh-grader, died in her bedroom in the shooting, prosecutor Matt Heck Jr. said in a news conference shown by WDTN Channel 2. This cowardly shooting was tragic and senseless, Heck said. This young girl, with her entire life ahead of her, her entire future was snuffed out ... a seventh-grader murdered while at home, murdered while asleep in her bed. Senseless. Horrible. Shocking. Benson, who was on probation, also is charged with two counts of having weapons while under disability, prosecutors say. Conner also was on probation, authorities say. Both men are being held in jail without bond. They are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Arvind Jain, CEO of Glean, on SaaS Monster stage during day one of Web Summit 2022 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal, on Nov. 2, 2022. Artificial intelligence-powered search startup Glean said Tuesday it has raised $260 million in a funding round that values the tech company at $4.6 billion more than double its last reported valuation. The Palo Alto, California-based firm, ranked No. 43 on this year's CNBC Disruptor 50 list, has now raised upward of $600 million to date from more than 20 investors. Glean competes with a herd of well-financed generative AI startups and tech giants, attempting to compete with Microsoft Copilot and chatbot Amazon Q. It also aims to disrupt a field of cognitive search tool providers such as Perplexity, Coveo, Sinequa and Lucidworks. Glean's Series E round, led by Altimeter and DST Global, includes Craft Ventures, Sapphire Ventures and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, all new investors in the company. Existing investors in the round include Coatue, General Catalyst, ICONIQ Growth, IVP, Kleiner Perkins, Latitude Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital. Founder and CEO Arvind Jain started Glean in 2019 with other former Google engineers as an enterprise search engine. The company soon transitioned to generative AI. Jain has described Glean as Google and ChatGPT for businesses. It offers conversational AI to sort through internal data, retrieve information and present quick answers. Jain is also a founder of Rubrik, which had a successful initial public offering in April. "Businesses today are in the midst of an AI transformation one that promises to be as big or bigger than the internet, mobile, cloud, and other major technology shifts of the past century," Jain said in a blog post announcing the latest round. Global enterprise spending on generative AI is projected to rocket from $16 billion in 2023 to $143 billion in 2027 and account for 28% of AI expenditures, according to tech research and advisory firm IDC. Europe's top court ruled against Apple on Tuesday in the tech giant's 10-year court battle over its tax affairs in Ireland. The case stems back to 2016 when the European Commission ordered Ireland to recover up to 13 billion euros ($14.4 billion) in back taxes from Apple. The European Court of Justice's decision comes hours after the company unveiled new products to revitalize its iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPod lineups. Apple shares were down about 1%. In a statement, the Irish government said that the Apple case "involved an issue that is now of historical relevance only," adding that its position has always been that it "does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers." Apple said in a filing on Tuesday that it will incur a one-time income tax charge of about $10 billion in its fourth fiscal quarter ending Sept. 28, 2024. The government noted it will now begin the process of transferring the assets in the escrow fund to Ireland. "This case has never been about how much tax we pay, but which government we are required to pay it to. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal," an Apple spokesperson said. "The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US." The tech slide has many investors anxious to buy the dip, but now is the time for caution, some say. Communication services and information technology stocks are the two worst-performing S & P 500 sectors this quarter, after having fallen into a correction from their peaks in July. Communication services is more than 11% off its 52-week high, while information technology is more than 12% off its recent high. For much of this year, any dips in the high-flying tech stocks have proven to be a buying opportunity for investors, as the promise of artificial intelligence has traders unable to stay away from these names for long. Investors were buying the dip again midday through the trading session Tuesday. But the prospect of slowing growth after the mixed August jobs report, and the likely scenario of the Federal Reserve starting to lower rates starting next week, has many investors looking elsewhere in the market for gains. "Instead of overweight technology, we're kind of more at equal weight," said Ken Mahoney, CEO of Mahoney Asset Management. "We've been overweight because of narrow participation in the market. It is spreading, or will spread out more over time." The broadening participation will likely help this year's market laggards such as health care, financials and industrials, more defensive sectors that should continue to rally after their underperformance this year. Bonds over tech? Rob Williams, chief investment strategist at Sage Advisory, expects it is better to have some diversification heading into late cycle sectors, particularly in quality companies. For the overall portfolio, he prefers upping his allocation to bonds over the equity market. "There's some room to grow later in 2025, so, but that's a whole year plus ahead," Williams said. "I just think, looking at the valuations and the concentration, it just makes it seem like the prudent move is to have way more diversification right now." In fact, Savita Subramanian, equity and quant strategist at Bank of America, said Monday that she prefers utilities over tech, saying "quality and income are the new growth and P/E expansion" as she expects income will contribute more to investors' total return in the next decade than it did over the past 10 years. However, other investors are bullish on the case for large tech stocks, saying lower valuations, fortress balance sheets and further upside from artificial intelligence are making the sector increasingly attractive at the moment. "We think that has a long runway, and actually there's probably upside risk to the AI, the capex story for next year," Jason Draho, head of Americas asset allocation at UBS Global Wealth Management, told CNBC's "The Exchange" on Monday. However, when it comes to the "Magnificent Seven," Draho is far more choosy. He prefers names better exposed to the AI story such as Apple, Microsoft and Nvidia than he does Tesla. BMW cut its 2024 profit margin outlook on Tuesday due to sluggish demand in its key Chinese market and problems related to a braking system supplied by Continental, sending the carmaker's shares to a near two-year low. Shares in BMW and Continental were both down around 9% on the news, making them the top decliners on Germany's benchmark DAX index and also dragging down European auto stocks. BMW said delivery hold-ups linked to the braking system would have a negative sales effect in the second half of the year, adding more than 1.5 million cars were affected. Around 1.2 million of those vehicles have been already delivered to clients and can be remotely checked for faults via over-the-air software, but the remaining 320,000 vehicles cannot be handed over for now, BMW said. Overall, BMW said it will incur "a high three-digit million amount" in warranty costs in the third quarter as a result. The German luxury carmaker said it expects its margin on earnings before interest and tax to be between 6% and 7% for 2024, having previously guided for a figure between 8% and 10%. Deliveries are now expected to fall slightly in 2024, while the group had previously forecast a slight increase. Continental in a separate statement said that only a "small proportion" of the braking systems it produces and supplies to BMW would be partially replaced due to an electronic component that it said is possibly impaired. The car supplier said it had set aside provisions in the mid double-digit million euro range and that it assumes that this amount will cover the warranty. BMW also flagged ongoing muted demand in China affecting sales in the country, joining the group of automakers facing difficulties in the world's second-biggest economy, which is also the world's largest auto market. "Despite stimulus measures from the government, consumer sentiment remains weak," BMW said in a statement. Cooking oils made from canola from Canada and soybeans are offered for sale at a grocery store on April 26, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. China announced on Monday the start of a one-year anti-dumping investigation into imports of rapeseed from Canada, just weeks before Ottawa's 100% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other products come into force. There has been growing trade tension between Beijing and the West in recent weeks after Canada, the United States and the European Union opted to impose tariffs on imports of electric vehicles from China. The inquiry will examine imports from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, China's commerce ministry said in a statement, adding that preliminary evidence and information showed dumping of the oilseed, also known as canola, had taken place. While noting that Canada adheres to "rules-based trade," Canadian Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay said the country's products meet the highest standards and its inspection systems are robust. "I am deeply concerned by this announcement, and I want to be clear that our government will always support the agriculture sector as they pursue market access for their world-class products," he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday in a bid to avoid a broad trade war. Richard Yu, a Huawei executive director overseeing consumer products, reveals the price for the company's trifold Mate XT smartphone on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Screenshot BEIJING Chinese smartphone company Huawei said Tuesday its trifold smartphone will start at the equivalent of more than $2,800. The phone began pre-orders on Saturday and is set to begin in-store sales on Sept. 20. That's the same day Apple's new iPhone 16 series is due to launch in stores, including in China. On Monday stateside, Apple announced its iPhone 16 Pro Max will start at $1,199, and the iPhone 16 at $799. Pre-orders are set to begin Friday, and in-store sales on Sept. 20. The first set of Apple Intelligence AI features will be available in a free software update next month, the company said. iPhone 16 users as well as those of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can utilize the new functions. Huawei's Mate XT also comes with artificial intelligence features, such as text translation and cloud-based content generation, according to Tuesday's presentation. watch now "We have spent five years striving for this," said Richard Yu, Huawei's executive director and chairman of the board of directors of the consumer business group. That's according to a CNBC translation of his Mandarin-language remarks. The Mate XT comes in red and black, in three storage options with prices ranging from 19,999 yuan to 23,999 yuan ($2,809 to $3,371). The device is 3.6 millimeters thick when unfolded, with a 10.2-inch screen. The phone can display content on a single, double or triple screen. Its battery is 1.9 millimeters thick. The Mate XT also works with a foldable keyboard. More than 3.5 million people had pre-ordered Huawei's trifold Mate XT smartphone as of midday Tuesday, according to the company's website. The number of pre-orders rose above 4 million after the launch event. Trying to make a comeback Apple also announced a new A18 chip for its fresh phones that use highly advanced 3-nanometer technology. The company claimed the chip makes the iPhone 16 significantly faster than the iPhone 12. Huawei did not mention any chip developments during the Mate XT launch. Huawei was set to launch its tri-fold Mate XT phone on Tuesday. Screenshot The Chinese company has sought to make a comeback in the smartphone industry, which was hard hit after the U.S. slapped sanctions on the company in 2019. The U.S. in October 2022 imposed broader restrictions on American sales of advanced chips to Chinese businesses. But in late August 2023, the Chinese telecommunications giant quietly released its Mate 60 Pro, which analysis by TechInsights showed had a chip manufactured using a 7-nanometer process by Chinese chipmaker SMIC. Yu on Tuesday noted how the company did not give up despite four rounds of sanctions. Huawei kicked off Tuesday's launch event by discussing Mate XT details and price. That contrasted with its product launch last year that didn't reveal any details about its Mate 60 Pro phone or reported advanced chip breakthrough during a high-profile launch event. The news that Huawei achieved such advanced technology helped bolster its sales in China, despite lackluster consumer spending overall. HAIKOU, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 08: Passengers wait in line to check in at Haikou Meilan International Airport on September 8, 2024 in Haikou, Hainan Province of China. (Photo by Luo Yunfei/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) Chinese travelers are taking more last-minute trips as they become more cautious with spending amid a lackluster economic recovery. There is a "real crisis of consumer confidence" in China, Anthony Caputano, president and CEO of Marriott International said at the Bank of America Gaming and Lodging Conference last Thursday. More Chinese consumers are booking hotels as late as three days in advance, which he said was the lowest level ever seen and much shorter than the nearly 20-day booking window for consumers in the rest of the world. Travelers are planning trips closer to departure as they try to "take advantage of last-minute deals," economists at Oxford Economics told CNBC, noting a shift in consumer preferences where "modern travelers prefer spontaneity in their travel plans." The shorter booking metric which usually points to consumers' increased uncertainty and caution with spending makes it challenging for businesses to predict and prepare for demand, especially given China's slow recovery, according to Patrick Body at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. Chinese consumers have become more frugal on everything, from groceries to travel, as the world's second-largest economy grapples with a protracted property crisis and high unemployment. "While people still want to go on holiday, sentiment regarding incomes and consumption remains low," according to economists at Oxford Economics. As teens head off to college and young adults move out of their childhood homes for good, parents and guardians can experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief and worry. These emotions are often indicators of empty nest syndrome. "Empty nest syndrome is really the natural and organic feelings that many people, many parents, feel when a child, especially the last child, leaves home," Rachel Glik, a licensed professional counselor, tells CNBC Make It. The syndrome is not an actual clinical diagnosis, Glik says, but it can persist for months. Some signs that you may be experiencing empty nest syndrome are: Feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression or anxiety Losing interest in things you used to enjoy Feeling like you've lost your identity or sense of purpose Becoming preoccupied with your child who left the home Feelings of hopelessness about your future Here are some suggestions from Glik for caregivers experiencing empty nest syndrome. 5 ways to cope with empty nest syndrome The best way to set yourself up for success is to plan ahead for being an empty nester, Glik says. The sooner that you can "cope ahead" by preparing yourself for your child's inevitable leap from the nest, the better, she encourages. "Prepare yourself by making sure that you [have] really good self care and taking care of your relationships and making sure you have other things going on in your life that will allow you to make the transition better," Glik says. These are additional ways that you can cope with empty nest syndrome, according to Glik: Be mindful of how you view your child leaving your home . "It's not an end to the relationship at all. In fact, it's a continuation of your relationship," Glik says. . "It's not an end to the relationship at all. In fact, it's a continuation of your relationship," Glik says. Find a "new baby." If you're a nurturer, consider becoming a mentor to other young adults or volunteering with children. You can also take the metaphorical approach and discover a new passion project. If you're a nurturer, consider becoming a mentor to other young adults or volunteering with children. You can also take the metaphorical approach and discover a new passion project. Embrace your feelings as they come and feel gratitude about your season of child-rearing. "Appreciate that you've had the experience of being able to be a parent, and that can fill up some of that emptiness," Glik says. "Appreciate that you've had the experience of being able to be a parent, and that can fill up some of that emptiness," Glik says. Invest in the other relationships in your life . If you have a partner, spend more time together and try new things that you may have otherwise been unable to do. You can also hang out with friends more often with a clearer schedule. . If you have a partner, spend more time together and try new things that you may have otherwise been unable to do. You can also hang out with friends more often with a clearer schedule. Be open to growth. Explore the positive side of this new chapter and tap into what you enjoy as an individual. Seeking support from a trained professional can be vital in some cases, depending on what you're experiencing. "If you really start noticing a loss of interest in other things in your life, and you don't feel hopeful or excited about your future or this next chapter, those are really some signs that you might need some extra support," Glik says. Look at the bright side of having an 'empty nest' Palestinian activists lift a banner and portraits of slain Turkish-American International Solidarity Movement activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi during a funeral procession in Nablus in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military said Tuesday that it was "highly likely" its forces killed an American woman during a protest in the occupied West Bank last week. The United States said the shooting was "unprovoked and unjustified" and called for "fundamental changes" to Israel's conduct, a rare direct rebuke of its close ally. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, a recent graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, was shot and killed Friday during a demonstration against the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the International Solidarity Movement said at the time. Washington had urged Israel to investigate the circumstances around Eygi's death and to ensure the findings were "thorough and transparent." The incident unfolded as Israeli forces carried out a deadly dayslong military operation in other parts of the West Bank that it said targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. The Israel Defense Forces said in a brief statement published Tuesday that an initial inquiry found it was "highly likely" that Eygi was "hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire, which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator" of the protest." The IDF had previously said it had responded with fire toward a "main instigator" who was alleged to have been throwing rocks. The IDF described the demonstration as a "violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tires and hurled rocks toward security forces at the Beita Junction," in its statement Tuesday. Eygi's family said she was peacefully demonstrating when she was killed and that video showed the bullet appeared to come from an Israeli military shooter. They had separately called for an independent U.S.-ordered investigation and said an Israeli investigation would not be enough. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the IDF inquiry "seems to show what eyewitnesses have said and made clear that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified." He added that "in our judgment, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank" and said Washington would be "making that clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli government." It was not clear as of Tuesday whether there were any plans for a U.S.-led investigation. The IDF added that "following the incident, an investigation was launched by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID). The findings will be submitted for review by the Military Advocate General's Corps upon its conclusion." Israel has now submitted a request to carry out an autopsy on Eygi's body, the IDF said, adding that it "expresses its deepest regret" over Eygi's death. It comes as Israel faces mounting scrutiny over a rise in deadly settler violence in the West Bank, with the International Court of Justice issuing an opinion in July that said the practices and policies deployed by Israel in its occupation of Palestinian territories were in breach of international law. The court said Israel should cease all new settlement activities and evacuate settlers from Palestinian territories. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the ICJ's ruling as "false," saying that "the Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land," referring to Jerusalem and the West Bank. A Federal Bureau of Investigation probe into the 2022 killing of another American in the West Bank, veteran Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, remains ongoing. Israel had initially blamed Palestinian gunmen for the deadly shooting, but later admitted it was most likely an Israeli soldier that likely accidentally shot the journalist while she was covering Israeli raids in the territory. Israel refused to cooperate with the FBI's investigation and to date no one in the Israeli military has been prosecuted. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance of Ohio speaks to reporters in San Diego in front of the wall on the border with Mexico, Sept. 6, 2024. A Biden administration official on Tuesday said it was "dangerous" for Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance of Ohio to promote a false conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating other people's pets. The scathing criticism came as Vance admitted that "it's possible" that the rumor he spread of pet eating by immigrants would turn out to be false, and as police in Springfield, Ohio, said they had no information to back up the conspiracy theory. "What's deeply concerning to us is you've got now elected officials in the Republican Party pushing, you know, yet another conspiracy theory that's just seeking to divide people based on lies, and, let's be honest, based on an element of racism," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, reacting to Vance's initial claim of pet eating. "This kind of language, this kind of disinformation, is, is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, and they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt," Kirby said. "So, it needs to stop," he said. Vance in a social media post on X on Monday shared a video of him speaking during a Senate committee hearing about a surge in Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio. "Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio," Vance wrote in that tweet. "Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country," Vance wrote. "Where is our border czar?" Vance said, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. Vance and other Republicans have attacked Harris by claiming she is responsible for illegal immigration into the United States. His tweet came a day before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump was due to debate Harris in Philadelphia. Other leading Republicans, among them Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also repeated the pet-eating claim on X. Springfield Police on Monday said they had no information that substantiated "rumors" about Haitian immigrants and pets there. "In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," Springfield Police told NBC News in a statement. On Tuesday, Vance in a new tweet wrote: "In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants." "It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false," Vance wrote. Vance is set Tuesday to attend fundraisers in North Carolina and Pennsylvania before participating in the spin room after the Trump-Harris debate. Former first lady Melania Trump questioned the official account of the attempted assassination this summer of her husband, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Speaking in a dramatically produced 30-second video, posted to social media platform X on Tuesday to promote her new memoir, Trump argues there is "definitely more to the story." She refers specifically to the failure of law enforcement to arrest the shooter, Thomas Crooks, before the near-fatal shooting of Donald Trump at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania. "The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience," she says on the video. "Now the silence around it feels heavy." "I can't help but wonder, why didn't law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech?" she said. "There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth." The video ends with an image of her new book, "Melania," and a link to buy copies of it. The book is being released the second week of October. CNBC has reached out to Donald Trump's campaign to request comment on the statement by his wife, which was posted online hours before her husband was due to debate Vice President Kalama Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, in Philadelphia. ...: ... Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he addresses the Fraternal Order of Police at their meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 6, 2024. Trump and his allies have exuded a qualified confidence ahead of the debate, boasting the Republican nominee's speaking skills while asserting that it is Harris who has more to prove. "You can't prepare for President Trump. There's just no way to do it," Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller said Monday in a press call previewing the debate. "It's imagine like a boxer trying to prepare for Floyd Mayweather or Muhammad Ali. You just you don't know what angle they're going to come at you with. You don't know what style of contrast that they're going to deliver," Miller said. Trump's recent debate record is indeed enviable. While he skipped all of the Republican presidential primary debates, his appearance against Biden in June could not possibly have gone better for him. But Harris, 59, is unlikely to suffer the same pitfalls as the 81-year-old Biden, whose failure in that debate was a result of his own shortcomings rather than Trump's abilities. The facts of Harris' age, race and gender also make her an altogether different opponent for Trump, 78, to face. The Trump campaign, however, said their nominee is not planning to change up his style. "If it's the same one he had with Biden, it'll be a success," Miller said. "President Trump is going to be himself." Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., on the call, said "I would just add the stakes are far higher for the vice president in this debate because she doesn't do interviews with all of you." Tim Murtaugh, a former Trump 2020 campaign staffer, echoed that sentiment in an X post Tuesday morning. "Harris' campaign has raised the stakes and placed enormous pressure on her to really perform well," Murtaugh wrote. "It's a high bar she set for herself." Trump has projected even more confidence by claiming he will prevail in a hostile environment, while insinuating without evidence that Harris will be playing with a stacked deck. "Even if she knows the answers and knows the questions, I don't think she'll be very good," Trump said at a news conference Friday. Kevin Breuninger A Southwest Airlines plane takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport above other Southwest planes on July 25, 2024 in Burbank, California. Southwest Airlines said Tuesday that executive chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly will retire next year and announced a board shake-up, moves that come as the carrier faces pressure for changes by activist investor Elliott Investment Management. "Now is the time for change. It's time to shake things up, not just stir them a bit," Kelly said in a letter to shareholders. "The wisdom comes in knowing what to change and what not to change." Kelly, 69, who has worked at Southwest for nearly four decades and has been chairman since the carrier's co-founder, Herb Kelleher, retired in 2008, announced he would step down after the company's annual shareholder meeting next spring. The announcement came after a meeting with Elliott, which has been calling for leadership changes at the Dallas-based carrier. Elliott in June revealed a nearly $2 billion stake in Southwest, seeking to oust leadership, including CEO Bob Jordan, 63, who has also spent almost four decades at the carrier and took over from Kelly in 2022. The firm said Southwest has had "stunning underperformance" under their leadership. On Tuesday, Kelly's statement said Southwest's board and leadership "unanimously support Bob Jordan as CEO." Six of Southwest's board members will retire in November, and the company will appoint four new independent directors "in the near future, including due consideration of up to three of Elliott's candidates," Kelly said. Elliott in a statement said the mass departure was "unprecedented." "We are pleased that the board is beginning to recognize the degree of change that will be required," Elliott's John Pike and Bobby Xu said. But the activist said further change at the airline "remains urgent." The activist investor crossed the 10% threshold needed to call a special meeting last week. Elliott has previously mounted campaigns at companies like AT&T, Salesforce and Texas Instruments, but it had never publicly pushed for change at an airline before. Southwest has also brought in outside experts, including Bob Fornaro, former CEO of Spirit Airlines and AirTran, which Southwest acquired. The carrier has struggled as it faces an oversupplied domestic U.S. market, higher costs and aircraft delivery delays from Boeing, its sole supplier. Southwest for years resisted modifications to its simple business model that changed the U.S. airline industry, and earned nearly unbroken decades of profits, which helped it build an investment-grade balance sheet. But in July, it announced it would offer extra legroom on its aircraft and do away with its open seating policy, the biggest changes in its more than 50 years of flying. It also plans to offer overnight, or "redeye," flights next year. Southwest has an investor day scheduled for Sept. 26 in Dallas to expand on these and other initiatives. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Ally Financial Shares of the lender fell 17.6% after Ally Chief Financial Officer Russell Hutchinson said at an industry conference that credit challenges have increased during the third quarter, particularly with auto loans for retail customers. Mission Produce , Calavo Growers Shares gained 21.5% after the avocado producer reported a year-over-year revenue increase of 24% for the fiscal third quarter. Mission Produce posted $324 million in sales, more than the $261.4 million posted in the year-ago period. Calavo Growers advanced around 11% after the rival producer reported adjusted earnings of 57 cents per share in its fiscal third quarter. That is more than the 43 cents per share that analysts were expecting, according to FactSet. Calavo Growers also doubled its quarterly dividend to 20 cents per share. Oracle Shares of the database software company surged more than 11% after a fiscal first-quarter beat on the top and bottom lines. Oracle notched an adjusted $1.39 per share on $13.31 billion in revenue, while analysts polled by LSEG were looking for $1.32 in earnings per share and $13.23 billion in revenue. Oracle also announced plans to bring its database services to Amazon Web Services as part of a strategic partnership. Boot Barn The stock jumped around 10% following the Western-style retailer' s update on its recent performance ahead of the Piper Sandler Growth Frontiers Conference. For the fiscal second quarter, the company saw growth of 4% in preliminary consolidated same-store sales. Hewlett Packard Enterprise The tech hardware stocks tumbled more than 8% after Hewlett Packard announced plans to sell $1.35 billion in Series C mandatory convertible preferred stock. The company intends to use net proceeds to fund its acquisition of Juniper Networks. Rubrik The data management software company shed 1.5%, even as second-quarter results surpassed Wall Street's estimates. Rubrik reported an adjusted loss of 40 cents per share on revenue of $205.0 million, while analysts polled by FactSet sought a loss of 49 cents per share and revenue of $196.1 million. Patterson-UTI Energy Shares fell around 3.3% after the oil and gas services provider announced that it had an average of 107 rigs operating in the U.S. in August. For the two-month period that ended Aug. 31, the company had an average of 108 drilling rigs operating in the U.S. Southwest Airlines The airline stock sank around 1.6% following the announcement of a board shake-up that includes the retirement of Executive Chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly next year. The changes came amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which is seeking to oust CEO Bob Jordan and other leaders. Alibaba U.S. shares rose 2.9%. The China-based e-commerce company's Hong Kong shares were added to the stock connect programs that link the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Reuters reported that the move is expected to attract investments from mainland China. JPMorgan The bank stock fell more than 5% after Chief Operating Officer Daniel Pinto cautioned at an industry conference that market expectations for net interest income in 2025 are too high. CNBC's Brian Evans, Samantha Subin, Lisa Kailai Han, Jesse Pound and Michelle Fox contributed reporting. Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading: Mission Produce The avocado producer surged 21.6% after reporting revenue for the fiscal third quarter jumped 24% from a year ago. The company reported sales of $324 million, compared to $261.4 million in the same three-month period one year before. Rival avocado producer Calavo Growers climbed 6.5% after earning 57 cents a share in its fiscal third quarter against analyst estimates of 43 cents a share, and doubling its quarterly dividend to 20 cents a share. Oracle The cloud infrastructure platform rallied 8% after beating expectations in its fiscal first quarter when it earned an adjusted $1.39 a share on $13.31 billion in revenue, while analysts polled by LSEG forecast $1.32 a share on $13.23 billion in revenue. Boot Barn Shares rose 6% after the Western-style retailer provided an update on its recent performance ahead of a Piper Sandler Growth Frontiers Conference presentation. Boot Barn announced preliminary consolidated same-store sales growth of 4% in its fiscal second quarter. Apple Shares slipped nearly 1% after the European Union's top court ruled that Apple must pay $13 billion in back taxes. That comes on the heels of the company unveiling the iPhone 16 and other products during an event in California. Hewlett Packard Enterprise The tech hardware company saw shares drop more than 5% in premarket trading on plans to sell $1.35 billion of Series C mandatory company convertible preferred stock. Proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of Juniper Networks . Rubrik The data management software stock dropped nearly 7% despite topping Wall Street's quarterly estimates. The company posted a smaller-than-expected loss of 40 cents a share. Revenue came in at $205 million, ahead of the $196 million expected by analysts polled by LSEG. Patterson-UTI Energy The oil and gas services provider climbed more than 7% after saying it had an average of 107 rigs operating in the U.S. in August. Alibaba U.S.-traded shares of the China-based e-commerce company rose more than 2% after Alibaba's Hong Kong shares were added to the stock connect programs linking exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen. The move is expected to bring in more investments from mainland China, according to Reuters . Johnson Controls International Shares rose nearly 2% after JPMorgan upgraded the stock to buy from neutral. The bank cited the company's data center business and search for a new CEO as catalysts. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA The beer maker added 1.7% after being named a top pick among global brewers by Morgan Stanley. The Wall Street bank said there is upside to valuation, despite the stock presenting a "mixed picture" in the near term. Equity Residential The real estate investment trust rose 1.3% on the back of a Wells Fargo upgrade to overweight from equal weight. Wells Fargo said the improved recommendation comes after Equity Residential beat expectations for earnings over the summer. CNBC's Samantha Subin, Sean Conlon, Lisa Kailai Han, Jesse Pound, Yun Li and Scott Schnipper contributed reporting. Wells Fargo bank analyst Mike Mayo highlighted Citigroup stock as his favorite bank name on Tuesday while speaking on CNBC's " Squawk on the Street ." Shares of Citigroup could double over the next two-and-a-half years "simply by going back to tangible book value," Mayo said. Citigroup sold for 73% of tangible book at the end of June, up from 60% at the end of last December, according to FactSet data. Under the leadership of CEO Jane Fraser, "if they meet their targets this year, they should have among the best relationship between revenue growth and expense growth in the industry, and we expect earnings to double for the three years ending 2026. So we'll see if they execute," Mayo added. C YTD mountain Citigroup in 2024. The analyst, who began his career in 1988 and worked at the Federal Reserve, UBS, Lehman Brothers, Credit Suisse, Prudential, Deutsche Bank and CLSA before landing at Wells Fargo in 2017, applauded U.S. banks for their resiliency. U.S. banks strengthened their operations during the Covid-19 pandemic to the point where they were able to weather 2023's regional bank mini crisis relatively unscathed. The country's biggest banks have all passed the Federal Reserve's annual stress tests, designed to measure whether banks could withstand a severe economic recession. "Even after running this model, banks still have plenty of excess capital to support the economy," Mayo noted. "Recession or no recession; higher rates or lower rates whatever hits you, I think banks are able to weather it quite well now." Here are Tuesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight The firm said it is sticking with Apple as a top pick following its iPhone event on Monday. "Apple's iPhone 16 launch event was as-expected, with new details on the Apple Intelligence rollout, a new Visual Intelligence feature, and iPhone pricing the most important incremental announcements." Deutsche Bank resumes Tesla as buy Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of the electric vehicle maker and said it is a top pick. " Tesla is in a league of its own and represents our highest conviction secular leader, poised to reshape multiple industries across auto, energy, mobility, and robotics." Bernstein initiates GE Aerospace as outperform Bernstein said GE is "set in a commercial aviation market at a uniquely positive time." "We launch coverage of GE Aerospace with an Outperform rating, target price $201." B. Riley initiates e.l.f. Beauty as buy B. Riley said the beauty company is a "high quality growth story." "We are initiating coverage of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc . (ELF) with a Buy rating and a 12-month price target of $175 per share." Wolfe initiates Stryker as outperform Wolfe said it is bullish on shares of the med tech company. "We rate SYK Outperform and have a $405 year end 2025 target price." Morgan Stanley reiterates Anheuser-Busch InBev as a top pick Morgan Stanley said it is pleased with the beverage company's turnaround prospects. " BUD (OW) comes next: we like the prospects of a business turnaround & premiumization trends leading to EPS acceleration in the longer term (plus lower multiples vs. peers)." JMP upgrades Oracle to market outperform from market perform JMP said in its upgrade of the stock that growth is "reaccelerating into the double digits." "Upgrading to MO; Oracle Accelerates Revenue; Grows into a Strategic Cloud Platform." Redburn Atlantic Equities downgrades Costco to neutral from buy Redburn said the risk/reward is not as favorable right now. "Yet, while ongoing comp/market share gains should continue to drive decent earnings growth, the current risk-reward profile is skewing less favourably given the even higher than normal expectations priced into a starting point of 50x P/E on FY25. We therefore downgrade Costco from Buy to Neutral." Deutsche Bank upgrades Equity Residential to buy from hold Deutsche Bank said the real estate investment trust is best positioned. "We are also upgrading costal focused Equity Residential (EQR) to a Buy rating from Hold with an upwardly revised price target of $83, as the rapidly improving cost of capital suggests acquisition activity over the next 12-18 months should be more accretive than we initially thought." BTIG initiates Haemonetics as buy BTIG said the company is a high-growth entry into med tech. " Haemonetics Corporation has three main businesses: Plasma Solutions, Blood Center, and Hospital Care Solutions." Bank of America reiterates Palantir as buy Bank of America raised its price target on the stock to $50 per share from $30. "The upcoming S & P 500 inclusion provides a watershed moment for institutional investors to revisit what they 'know' about PLTR . We reiterate our Buy rating and raise our PO to $50." UBS names Amazon a top pick UBS said the e-commerce giant is best positioned. " AMZN shares are well positioned for GMV [gross merchandise value] growth as fulfillment regionalization efforts should drive greater consideration from consumer's wallets due to faster delivery/higher level of service in tandem with segment margin expansion." UBS initiates Harmony Biosciences as buy UBS said it is bullish on shares of the biotech company. "We initiate with a Buy rating on Harmony , a commercial stage biotech focused on CNS [central nervous system] disorders." Goldman Sachs downgrades Nutrien to neutral from buy Goldman Sachs said it sees earnings risk for the company. "We downgrade shares of NTR to Neutral from Buy and lower our 12-month price target to $53 from $69, which represents 14% upside from current levels." Cantor Fitzgerald initiates MKS Instruments as overweight Cantor Fitzgerald said the instruments and process control solution is a "high-quality asset with a best-in-class portfolio." "We are launching on MKSI with an Overweight rating and $140 price target." Melius reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as buy Melius said both stocks remain compelling at current levels. "Valuations Attractive Right Here for NVDA / AVGO. " Bank of America upgrades Johnson Controls to buy from neutral The firm said Johnson Controls has "best in class data center assets." "We upgrade shares of Johnson Controls ( JCI) to Buy from Neutral on a combination of data center exposure, valuation, and a forthcoming new CEO." Guggenheim initiates ProKidney as buy Guggenheim said it is bullish on the biotech company under "renewed leadership." "We are initiating coverage of ProKidney Corp. (PROK) with a BUY rating and $6 price target." D.A. Davidson initiates Meta as buy The firm said Meta has "emerging leadership in the most important future technology platforms." "We see META as a top pick within the mega-cap space, with a combination of emerging leadership in the most important future technology platforms and an attractive relative valuation. We are initiating coverage with a BUY rating and $600 price target." Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends the BRICS+ session on a two-day BRICS foreign ministers summit held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia on June 11, 2024. Sefa Karacan | Anadolu | Getty Images Turkey's request to join the BRICS alliance is a move seen as both strategic and symbolic as the Eurasian country of 85 million makes increasing strides in its influence and leverage on the global stage. "Our president has already expressed multiple times that we wish to become a member of BRICS," a spokesperson for Turkey's leading AK Party told journalists earlier in September. "Our request in this matter is clear, and the process is proceeding within this framework." BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is a group of emerging market countries that seek to deepen their economic ties. This year, it gained four new members: Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. It's also seen as a counterweight to Western-led organizations like the EU, the G7 and even NATO, although it lacks formal structure, enforcement mechanisms, and uniform rules and standards. watch now For Turkey, a longtime Western ally and NATO member since 1952, the move to join BRICS is "in line with its broader geopolitical journey: positioning itself as an independent actor in a multi-polar world and even becoming a pole of power in its own right," George Dyson, a senior analyst at Control Risks, told CNBC. "This is not to say that Turkey is turning away from the West entirely," Dyson added, "but Turkey wants to foster as many trading ties as possible and pursue opportunities unilaterally without being constrained by Western alignment. It is definitely symbolic in that Turkey is demonstrating exactly this that it is not constrained by its good ties with the West." Diversifying alliances Despite decades of being aligned with Europe and the U.S., Turkey has faced consistent rejection from joining the EU, which has long been a sore spot for Ankara. Ambassador Matthew Bryza, a former White House and Senior State Department official currently based in Istanbul, said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government "seem to be motivated mostly by two factors: A strategic tradition of securing national interests... and a desire to spook the West a bit, both out of emotional spite and as a negotiating tactic to extract concessions." CNBC has contacted the Turkish presidency's office for comment. Turkey has in the last few years expanded its role in global diplomacy, brokering prisoner swap deals and leading other negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, for instance, while also mending previously strained relations with regional powers like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and most recently, Egypt. Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their joint press conference on September 4, 2023, in Sochi, Russia. Getty Images News | Getty Images Ankara also refuses to partake in sanctions against Russia a stance that irks its Western allies but helps it maintain an independent position as a so-called "middle power," which it sees as beneficial to its relationships with China and the Global South. To that end, "any new BRICS member is obviously eager to take advantage of stronger 'togetherness' of emerging economies in order to reduce dependency on developed economies, mainly the United States," said Arda Tunca, an independent economist and consultant based in Turkey. Standing up to the West? Tunca noted, however, that Turkey's unique position in the world is a "delicate discussion point" as the country has "serious political problems with the EU and the United States" despite its western alliances. Turkey's governing party, which has run the country for 22 years, is "ideologically closer to the East than the West," Tunca said. "Turkey wanted to hop on the BRICS train before it was late. It is too early to mention that the BRICS can become an alternative to the West, but the intention is clearly to stand up against the West under the leadership of China." Importantly, being part of BRICS allows its members to trade in currencies other than dollars. This aims to reduce dependency on the U.S.-led system and usher in a more multi-polar world. The fact that it's led by China makes some in the West wary, who see this as a potential win for Beijing. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not seen) is welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of the 11th G20 Leaders' Summit in Hangzhou, China, on September 3, 2016. Mehmet Ali Ozcan | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Tuesday's key moments. Stocks fell Tuesday despite an early pop in tech stocks, led by Oracle 's 11% gain. The database software maker posted a fiscal 2025 first-quarter beat on the top and bottom lines Monday after the bell. The company is aggressively building out data centers to meet artificial intelligence demands from its customers. The Investing Club portfolio has lots of exposure to the AI buildout through its investments in Eaton , Dover , Broadcom and Nvidia , among others. Meanwhile, shares of Apple were down 1% following the company's iPhone 16 event Monday. While the announcements on its new AI capabilities weren't needle movers for the stock, they should be a long-term driver of growth. Bank stocks were also down Tuesday, with shares of JPMorgan falling 6.5% after the company offered a cautious outlook at a banking conference. Club stock Wells Fargo was being painted with a broad brush, falling 2%. At the conference, Wells made no change in its forecasts. Jim reiterated his favorable view on Wells Fargo, citing its 3% annual dividend yield and "incredibly cheap" valuation. Also on watch are proposals from the Fed's vice chair for supervision that would lower the extra capital cushion required of big banks. Costco caught a downgrade Tuesday from Redburn Atlantic. The analysts went to a neutral rating from buy calling the stock's valuation too expensive. The analysts increased Costco's price target to $890 per share from $860. But that's only right at the level Costco was trading Tuesday. Analysts said the current risk/reward profile on the stock is "skewing less favorably given the even higher than normal expectations." Jim said, however, "Costco has been expensive and always will be expensive," suggesting it's worth it. Stocks covered in Tuesday's rapid fire at the end of the video were Southwest , Oracle , Johnson Controls , Boot Barn , and Goldman Sachs . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long ETN, DOV, AVGO, NVDA, WFC, COST. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. The Airtel Africa Foundation has announced the launch of the Airtel Africa Fellowship Program for undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first-ever foreign campus established by an IIT, the telco announced in a release on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The fellowship aims to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras Zanzibar, it added.The programme will benefit 10 undergraduate students for the entire duration of their four-year course with an initial outlay of $500,000.Founded in 2024, the Airtel Africa Foundation is dedicated to advancing digital and financial inclusion across Africa, with a key focus on education and environmental protection.This Fellowship is the Foundations maiden initiative to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.The Fellowship is designed to support students from 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles.Recipients of this scholarship, known as Airtel Africa Fellows, will receive 100% of their college fees, amounting to $12,000 for the 4-year program. Additionally, eligible students will receive $500 to cover living expenses.This initiative aspires to transform lives, nurture future leaders, and contribute to technological innovation and economic growth in Africa.Speaking about the fellowship scheme, Zanzibar's Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa noted that IITM Zanzibar is charting a "wonderful path" in technical education in the region."Providing access to this high quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent, who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes, through financial assistance, is an important priority for us," Mussa said.Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Olusegun Ogunsanya said the initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent."We look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection," Ogunsanya added.The company also informed that as Chair of the B20 India Action Council on African Economic Integration, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has played a critical role in promoting global private sector investments in Africa.Under his leadership in 2023, the council worked to advance dialogue and drive actionable steps towards deepening economic ties between global businesses and Africa, which aligns closely with Africas economic aspirations, particularly the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).Mittals leadership initiatives are seen as part of a broader commitment to unlock Africas economic potential through strategic, long-term investment.A significant milestone in 2023 was India's landmark decision to include the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, cementing the continents importance in the global economic landscape.In line with India's growing collaboration, a pivotal development is the expansion of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras into Africa, becoming the first IIT to establish campuses overseas. NSE Shares of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) surged as much as 6% on Tuesday after the company signed initial pacts with SJVN and GMR Energy.A report by PTI on Monday said that IREDA has signed these initial pacts for the development and implementation of the 900 MW upper Karnali Hydro-electric project in Nepal.The report further stated that the collaboration aims to enhance regional energy security through the development of renewable energy infrastructure.Shares of SJVN Ltd. are also trading with gains of 3% in Tuesday's trading session.Before Tuesday's move, shares of IREDA had corrected nearly 30% from their recent peak of 310.IREDA's board has recently approved raising funds to the tune of 4,500 crore through various methods.In an interaction with CNBC-TV18 on September 6, IREDA CMD Pradip Kumar Das said that the company has requested the government to allow them the issuance of fresh equity of up to 10% and the government is examining their request."There is nothing like government selling the stake. We need fair amount of equity because knowing the kind of business we are in and the sectoral requirement, what it is, keeping in mind the 500 gigawatts so roughly another 300 GW to be added in the six years," Das said.The government currently holds a 75% stake in IREDA.Shares of IREDA are currently trading 6.1% higher at 236.9. The stock is down nearly 25% from its peak but has still risen 126% so far in 2024. MBABANE - Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the United Kingdom (UK) and Eswatini was E187 486 560 (8 million) at the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2024. This reflected a decrease of 52.9 per cent when compared to the end of Q1 of 2023. This is according to the trade and investment factsheet provided by the UK Department for Business and Trade. The stats were covering the 12 months ending June 2024. During the period under review, total UK exports to Eswatini amounted to E23 433 460 (a decrease of 85.7 per cent in current prices, compared to the end of Q1 2023). Of all UK exports to Eswatini in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024, almost 100 per cent were goods and less than 0.1 per cent were services. Meanwhile, in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024, UKs export of goods to Eswatini decreased by 50 per cent in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023 while UKs export of services to Eswatini decreased by 100 per cent or E117 163 800 (5 million) in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023. In the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024, total UK imports from Eswatini were E164 001 250 (7 million)a decrease of 30 per cent in current prices compared to the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023.Of all UK imports from Eswatini at the end of Q1 2024, E23 431 170 1 million (14.3 per cent) were goods and E140 587 020 (85.7 per cent) were services. decreased In the same period, UK imports of goods from Eswatini decreased by 90 per cent in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023, while UKs import of services from Eswatini increased by E140 587 020 in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023. This means the UK reported a total trade deficit of E140 587 020 with Eswatini, compared to a trade deficit of E70 359 360 at the end of Q1 2023. At the end of Q1 2024, the UK had a trade in goods balance of less than E23 453120 with Eswatini, compared to a trade in goods deficit of E187 564 960 at the end of Q1 2023. Meanwhile, in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024, the UK reported a trade in services deficit of E140 687 520 with Eswatini, compared to a trade in services surplus of E117 239 600 at the end of Q1 2023. At the end of Q1 2024, Eswatini was the UKs 211th largest trading partner 194th largest goods trading partner 204th largest services trading partner 215th largest export market Joint 198th largest goods export market 222nd largest services export market 180th largest import market 155th largest goods import market Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. MBABANE The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, applauded the winners of Rise to Greater Heights Retreat and Awards winners. This was during a brief meeting held at the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs offices yesterday. The winners of the awards which were hosted in Durban, South Africa last month, are Linda Dlamini, Tjovitjo, Thabile Mdluli, Goodwill Dlamini, Celeste Jacobs and Dudu Dube. However, some of the winners could not attend the meeting with the minister, as only Mdluli and Tjovitjo were present. In hailing the winners, Nzima shared they were happy to learn that local creative talents shines beyond borders. Whenever we see our artists coming back with awards, especially from a competition, we become happy because we realise that their talent shines beyond borders. These winners have hoisted our flag in the neighbouring South Africa and we really appreciate their achievement. Eswatini has to be on the global map by any means. Such achievements are telling us that we need to put more effort and dedication in supporting our artists, and that is exactly what we will do even for the younger generation to come, Nzima. attended The meeting was also attended by Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Director of Culture Phinda Nkosi, who said the winners are an inspiration to other creatives. I am so proud of them, they must continue to inspire other young people. From the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Policy level, we are saying job well done. We are able to see the direction of the policy where we are putting emphasis that we want this industry to be a revenue generating industry. I believe international creatives, such as the likes of Burna Boy, went through the same challenges and competitions to be the stars they are today; make sure you follow suit and be a source of inspiration, Nkosi said. Award-winning MC Tjovitjo recalled moments where he won awards, which were supported by ENCAC in the kingdom, and encouraged the ministry to also support other creatives in the kingdom. We were humbled to be recognised as part of the awards, coming back with something in hand is really amazing. I have won Best MC of Eswatini Creators Awards three times respectively and this happened because of the support given to us by ENCAC, who kindly supported the awards. I am appealing to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs to do the same for other creatives. We are grateful for the support they have always given us, as artists in the kingdom, he said. THE reality of the American Politics is that it does not matter, fundamentally, who you vote for as an American, because ultimately big business wins every election. Someone once described the two major political parties in America as different chicks of the same buttocks. This means before we even start to seriously look at the two ideologies, namely the Conservative (Traditional) Republican political party of Donald Trump, on one hand, and the Progressive (Liberal) Democratic Party on the other hand , we need to know that they are both funded by the same big multinational corporations, who control the world. The interplay between democracy and capitalism, in America is often described as a double-edged sword. On one hand, democracy is fundamentally about representation and ensuring that the voices of citizens are heard in the political arena. On the other hand, capitalism thrives on free markets and private ownership, which can foster significant wealth accumulation. The intersection of these two systems raises critical questions, particularly, regarding the influence of money in political processes. One of the most pressing concerns is the idea that politicians are bought and, therefore, cannot effectively serve the interests of the voters. The role of money in politics Campaign financing plays a crucial role in American democracy. Running for office is a costly endeavour, requiring significant financial resources for advertising, outreach, and organisational support. This necessity has led to an environment where wealthy individuals, corporations, and special interest groups can exert substantial influence over political candidates. The Supreme Courts decision in Citizens United v. FEC (2010), further amplified this situation by allowing unlimited spending on political campaigns by corporations and unions; equating money with free speech. As a result, politicians often find themselves in a position where they need to rely on significant donations to fund their campaigns, leading to the perception -and often the reality - that these candidates may prioritise the interests of their donors, over those of their constituents. This dynamic can create a disconnection between elected officials and the general populace, undermining the fundamental tenets of democracy. The impact on representation and governance When politicians are beholden to wealthy contributors or corporate interests, the efficacy of democracy can be severely compromised. At both the Democratic and Republican Conventions the top VIP and VVIP boxes which cost millions of Dollars, are paid for by the super-rich Corporations and they look down on the simple voters who think they have a real say. Elected officials pursue policies that favour their financial backers, rather than the needs and wishes of their voters. For example, legislation concerning healthcare, education and taxation can become skewed toward benefiting affluent lobbyists at the expense of the average citizen. This misalignment can lead to systemic inequalities, where the voices of the wealthy are amplified, while those of lower-income individuals remain marginalised. Furthermore, the overwhelming presence of money in politics can discourage grassroots movements and the candidacies of everyday individuals, who lack access to significant financial resources. As a result, the political landscape may become less representative of the population as a whole, entrenching existing power structures and making it more challenging for new ideas and perspectives to emerge. What do Trump conservatives believe? What do American Donald Trump-conservatives followers believe, in a nutshell? The answer used to be simple. They believe in the genius of capitalism, the importance of US superpower, and the glories of the Judeo-Christian tradition. These are true believers in traditional Christian-living and the hard-working American family. When in doubt, you invoked Ronald Reagan. Basically, Make America great by putting America first and are not interested in policing the world. Unfortunately these are the same American Republican who fight against abolishing slavery, who fight against workers right, who fight against , workers unions, against climate change rhetoric , who fight against womens right even to vote and they are presently fighting against abortion and gay rights just to mention a few. Do they care too much about Black people? The honest answer would be -not really. The Republicans generally dominate the Southern States, where the African-Americans were mostly enslaved and have somehow found a way of living together with the American Republicans over the years. However, the traditional and historic nature of the true conservative republicans cannot allow them a accept black men, as fully equal. The mass closure of coal mines resulting in massive job losses, have also made true conservative Republicans skeptical of the climate change rhetoric. What does Harris Democratic Party believe? The Democratic Party is generally associated with more progressive policies. It supports social and economic equality, favouring greater government intervention in the economy, but opposing government involvement in the private non-economic affairs of citizens. Democrats advocate for the civil rights of minorities, and they support a safety net for individuals backing various social welfare programmess, including Medicaid and food stamps. To fund these programmess and other initiatives, Democrats often endorse progressive tax. In addition, Democrats support environmental protection programmes, gun control, less-strict immigration laws, and worker rights. Unfortunately, the same Democrats have been heavily criticised for trying to police the world and imposing LGBTQ+ policies, across the world. From around the age of 16, young Americans with a diagnosis of gender incongruence or gender dysphoria, who meet various clinical criteria, may be given gender-affirming hormones, alongside psychosocial and psychological support. In simple language, if a sixteen-year-old child feels he (Male) is a she (Female) then he is allowed to do a sex change. There are cases in the State of California, where children were forcedly taken from parents who refuse to allow the sex change. California become the first State to ban Student Gender Notification Policies. Governor. Gavin Newsom signed this Bill, which prevents educators from having to notify parents if their child asks to switch names or pronouns. Conclusion The tension between democracy and capitalism in America is exemplified by the pervasive influence of money in politics. While capitalism encourages free enterprise and innovation, it can also lead to the erosion of democratic principles, when political candidates prioritise their donors over their constituents. On the social and environmental fronts, the two Political parties differ greatly. On one end, we have the pre-Christian Conservative who are not so friendly towards Africa and the black people. On the other hand, the Democratic party and its LGBQ+ Policies dont seem to go down well with most African countries. Their involvement and control of world politics, including the regime change agendas within the world and Africa, in particular, is also a problem to the world community. Comment septembereswatini@gmail.com The second-largest antitrust case of the century headed to trial Monday, with Google defending itself against claims that it has engaged in illegal behavior to maintain control of the ad tech market. The US government is accusing Google of purposefully manipulating that market, snuffing out competitors and gobbling up key technologies through acquisitions. It is the tech giants second time in court for antitrust issues. If the Department of Justice (DoJ) successfully makes its case during what is likely to be a long trial, Google risks being broken up by regulators. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are two of the most talented actors working in Hollywood today. But three weeks ago, they were completely upstaged by a goofy looking wooden horse. Garfield and Pugh are starring together in the upcoming drama We Live in Time, a decade-spanning, deeply moving romance. But when A24 released a still from the movie earlier this month, depicting Garfield and Pugh riding a merry-go-round, the tender romance of the scene depicted in the image was completely overshadowed by the fucked-up horse face bobbing into the bottom of the frame. Don't Miss The hilarious equine intrusion immediately inspired countless memes. They say that no publicity is bad publicity, but its probably not great that the breakout star of this heart-wrenching love story is a photobombing nightmare steed. Well, Garfield and Pugh are totally aware of this meme, and discussed the issue while promoting the movie at the Toronto International Film Festival. In an interview with the Associated Press, Pugh expressed her relief that the notorious horse head doesnt appear in the final film. I was just so worried that that amazing, gorgeous, glittery moment was going to be shit on by this horse meme, she admitted. When Garfield saw the photo, he was just about to go into a retreat for six days where I wouldnt have my phone. Initially, he thought that it wouldnt be a huge deal. I was like, Oh, thats a choice, man. Ah, Im sure Im the only one to notice it. But when he switched his phone back on a week later, that was far from the case. I was wrong, Garfield recalled. People noticed it. And Colbert noticed and did a whole monologue on it. Honestly, I was crying. Pugh and Garfield revealed that they love the memes, especially the BoJack Horseman mash-ups. Garfield apparently enjoyed them so much that he saved some on his phone, which he reached to share during the interview, but then awkwardly stopped himself, declaring: Actually, Im not going to open up my photos right now. Advertisement When Pugh questioned: Whats on your phone? The former Spider-Man responded: Just lots of dick pics. My own. Cut this out. You know its a good interview when the parenthetical phrase a nearby publicist sighs audibly appears. Of course, this isnt the first time that Garfield and BoJack Horseman have intersected; he was parodied on the show back in the first season. Advertisement Advertisement Not only was Garfield totally okay with this, it actually led him to some kind of emotional catharsis. As he once told BBC Radio 1, BoJack was his comfort show for a while. One night, when he was feeling down following a disappointing stage performance, he watched the episode in which BoJack loses the part of Seabiscuit to Garfield, because you dont say no to Spider-Man. Somehow this weird combination of the shows protagonist being rejected in favor of the shows viewer at that particular moment helped the real Garfield process his emotions. I was BoJack, but also I was me, Garfield explained. I was the one getting in my way, because I was BoJack. I just sobbed uncontrollably to myself, a la BoJack. Advertisement Advertisement It remains to be seen whether or not We Live in Time will be as much of a tearjerker as the average episode of BoJack Horseman. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). Car rental company Avis has informed around 300,000 of its customers in the US that their personal data has been stolen in a cyberattack. The company detected unauthorized access to one of its business applications at the beginning of August. After becoming aware of the incident, we immediately took steps to end the unauthorized access, Avis told customers in a Data Breach Notification Letter (PDF), a sample of which it registered with the California prosecutors office. It has initiated an investigation in cooperation with security experts and law enforcement authorities, it said. Managing cybersecurity and other technology risks will be top of mind for CIOs in 2025 across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), with 82% of 109 respondents saying it is a key priority for next year, according to Gartner. Increased executive and board scrutiny on technology investments due to economic uncertainties is playing a role in IT leaders growing emphasis on risk management. Cybersecurity is becoming more and more of an issue in Australia. Audit and risk committees are not going away, regulators are not going away, and investors are not going away, Andy Rowsell-Jones, distinguished VP analyst at Gartner, told CSO. Cybersecurity has become one of those things you just have to do, and therefore, cybersecurity risk is becoming more of a priority for anybody who invests in it and anybody who manages it. Other focus areas for CIOs in ANZ include managing technology financials (59%); demonstrating the business value of IT (52%); and innovating and modernising enterprise applications and software (51%). MANZINI A man of Maphalaleni, who reportedly ingested a poisonous substance in front of family members, is among the seven people who died over the long weekend. The man is alleged to have arrived at his homestead with the poisonous substance and ingested it after complaining about the presence of his nieces and nephews (bomshana). Also, a two-year-old minor died upon arrival at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital after sustaining severe burn wounds on his feet, left thigh and buttocks at Othandweni. Sources Three people have been killed in mob attacks. A 23-year-old man of Luyengo died after being attacked by a mob at Mlandvo Bar in Malkerns on Saturday morning. According to sources, the deceased was approached by an individual, who asked him to buy drinks.Irritated by this request, the man reacted, leading to a fight between the two. This altercation was witnessed by the suspects friends, the source explained.The sources detailed that the suspect later informed his friends about the fight and reportedly organised them to attack the deceased. Subsequently, a group of men is said to have entered the bar and began assaulting the deceased, dragging him outside and attacking him with various weapons, including beer bottles and crates. Although the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, it is suspected that the suspects are gang members with conflicts from the past, the sources revealed. In another incident, at KaKhoza on Saturday night, a 32-year-old man of Mankayane was assaulted with unknown objects by a mob. Mob Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, confirmed the murders. Vilakati stated that on Saturday at 1:15am, a 23-year-old man of Luyengo was attacked and assaulted by a mob at Mlandvo Bar. Vilakati reported that the victim sustained severe injuries to his head, neck and chest. He was taken to Mankayane Government Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. An investigation is ongoing, she said. Vilakati also confirmed that on the same day at 9pm, five men from KaKhoza and Bulunga were arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a 32-year-old man of Mankayane. The man was assaulted with unknown objects by a group of men at KaKhoza on September 1. He later succumbed to his injuries at RFM Hospital. The ages of the five suspects are 18, 19, 20, 23 and 24. Beaten Last week, a 30-year-old Mozambican national was brutally attacked with a bush knife and beaten with sticks to death at Sibovini under Maphungwane Umphakatsi on Monday morning. This publication quoted Ndiphethe Hlatshwako, the Maphungwane Umphakatsi Bucopho, as stating that the Mozambican, who was accompanied by a friend, attempted to rob a homestead in the early hours of Monday. Hlatshwako mentioned that they used a fake firearm to intimidate the family and they stole an undisclosed amount of money and fled. During the incident, some family members alerted neighbours, who pursued the robbers. The mob captured the Mozambican national while his accomplice escaped. The Mozambican ran into a dam but was retrieved by the mob and assaulted until he died. It is regrettable that people continue to take the law into their own hands, when such incidents should be reported to traditional leaders or the police, Hlatshwako said. Hacked The police confirmed that the 30-year-old Mozambican national from Sibovini died after being hacked with a bush knife and beaten with sticks multiple times on Monday around 5:45am. A poacher was also shot dead. In 2022, it was reported that a two-year-old child witnessed his father being violently seized and mercilessly hacked to death by a mob. This harrowing incident befell the Motsa family, whose member was attacked by a group of approximately 40 people at night at Logoba. The deceased, Majahonkhe Motsa (31), was at home with his partner and their two-year-old son, when the mob broke in and reportedly stole E11 000 and his new shoes. Motsa left behind his partner, four minor children, his father and siblings. In a separate incident, on Saturday at 8am, at Kakholwane along Hlatikhulu-Sidvokodvo (MR9) Public Road a bus, Ticizeni Transport, caught fire and was burnt beyond repair. The fire started at the rear left tyres. No one was injured during the incident. Great Rooms A visual diary by Design Editor Wendy Goodman. The Central Room: The Pende Dance Costume, center, is from the Cathryn Cootner Collection auction and dates from the 1800s. The wooden Dogon walu mask is from Mali. The antique shield of woven fiber is from Nagaland and dates from the late-19th century. The Bouloum lounge chair by Olivier Mourgue and the octagonal table in glass and Plexiglas by Alessandro Albrizzi are both from the 1970s. Photo: Annie Schlechter It was musical chairs over the years, Ali Richmond says of the various artist-roommates he shared this Crown Heights loft with since landing there in 2005. The squat, two-story former factory has neither an elevator or a doorbell, so to be let in, a call is necessary. The setup on the 3,000-square-foot second floor was a bit of a throwback: four artists, each with a bedroom, sharing a common workspace and splitting the rent. I wasnt a painter or sculptor at the time, Richmond says, and when he was asked by one of his prospective roommates what kind of art he made, he responded, Im wearing it I was wearing a sweater that I had reconstructed out of this vintage one, and I said, This is my work; this is also art. In the summer of 2016, in the wake of the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police, there were protests all over the country, including a silent one organized by Hannah Stoudemire on July 12 during Mens Fashion Week in front of the Skylight Clarkson Square event space. It lasted six hours. The press noticed, the Council of Fashion Designers of America CEO Steven Kolb posted it, and conversations began. Afterward, Richmond reached out to Stoudemire, who worked for Lanvin at the time and whom he knew from dabbling in set design. He said, Stoudemire remembers, This is a powerful moment; lets turn it into a powerful movement. They started the Fashion for All Foundation with the mission statement to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fashion and art industry through education and empowerment. This includes helping demystify how the business works and providing accessibility to showrooms, talks with industry leaders, visits to retail venues, and access to Richmonds archive of designer clothing and his library. By 2018, the last roommate had moved out and Richmond decided hed go it alone. Plus the FFA needed a location for work and to hold events in; the loft was perfect. It was a very grassroots situation, Stoudemire says of starting FFA. Just cold-emailing schools. I made sure to cast the net wide, so beyond Parsons, Pratt, FIT, and the New School, we went to Kingsborough Community College and Maxwell High School in East New York. I emailed guidance counselors and did a lot of guerrilla marketing. Since founding FFA, Stoudemire and Richmond have developed partnerships with Ralph Lauren, the CFDA, LVMH, and Limitless La Vie, among others. Every summer, the loft hosts the eight-week Ann Lowe Summer Intensive Fellowship program for students and fashion enthusiasts ages 16 to 39 to shed light on the business (since the pandemic, its expanded to international students, who can Zoom in). FFA also offers the Bridge to Basel Competition, which immerses a smaller group of minority students in high-end fashion-marketing and networking activities at Art Basel Miami Beach. One of the former bedrooms is home to Richmonds archive of vintage clothing. It includes pieces from such designers as Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Chanel, Willi Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Erik Honesty, and Dapper Dan as well as textiles from around the world. There is also a fashion library in the entrance hall, where a photograph of Bethann Hardison modeling Stephen Burrowss designs greets visitors along with a Life magazine cover of Veruschka. Richmond grew up in Tampa before moving with his family to California when he was 12. As a young man, he immersed himself in the music world in L.A. My big break came when I had a production deal with Dr. Dre at Interscope Records in the 90s. He also worked in A&R with Rawkus Records. He was interested in fashion from an early age and vividly recalls visits to the Ralph Lauren store in Tampa. His older brother was obsessed with the whole prep thing, he says. I immediately understood the storytelling. His paychecks from the music industry went to buying records and art and clothing. His passion for collecting grew when he moved in 2001 to New York, where he frequented vintage stores. He wanted to be a dealer-collector. I used to buy from Paula Rubenstein the well-known art, textiles, and antiques dealer. I wanted to figure out how things worked. With FFA, hes helping others do the same. The Kitchen: The safe against one wall is a remnant of the days when the floor was part of an industrial office. It will never leave here, Richmond says, as it is too heavy to move. Photo: Annie Schlechter The Black Room: Richmond has devoted what he calls the Black Room to Black historical portraits from the 1870s and Black history books, along with a Charlotte Perriand chaise for Cassina from the 1960s. The wood Steltman chair follows the style of Gerrit Rietveld. The Dagari spirit figure is from Burkina Faso. Photo: Annie Schlechter The Library: Richmonds collection of books on the history of fashion and art is displayed in the entrance hall, where part of a piano has been cohabitating since he moved in. The wood for the shelves was recycled from a store Richmond worked on that closed during the pandemic. Photo: Annie Schlechter The Central Room: The Milo Baughman sofa was found in a thrift shop; the Charlotte Perriand chaise and the William Katavolos chairs were bought at auction. The green leather bench is by Harvey Probber. The sculpture by the windows is by Terry Adkins. The painting on the right wall is by Richmond. Photo: Annie Schlechter The Archive: Stoudemire and Richmond in the room that houses his collection of vintage fashion, ranging from Willi Smith to Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren to Dapper Dan, as well as many denim pieces. Photo: Annie Schlechter Pour one out for Derek Lam, who has traded New York for Paris. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Details: Price: $3.95 million ($10,621 in monthly maintenance) Specs: 2 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Extras: Den, dressing-room area, 2 walk-in closets, option to turn the den into a third bedroom 10-minute walking radius: National Arts Club, Petes Tavern, Boucherie Union Square Listed by: James Morgan, Compass Ten years ago Derek Lam and his husband and business partner, Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, paid $4.79 million for a two-bedroom looking over Gramercy Park, then hired a decorator to cover it in honey-colored wood and stuff it with their chic art collection (Kara Walker, Robert Mapplethorpe); the final product was shot by Architectural Digest in 2015. Those pictures popped up this week in a $3.95 million listing for the unit that didnt mention their ownership. Neither does a rental listing that uses the same images and appears to have been up for four months now. (The apartment is listed for $24,950 a month, down from the initial ask of $26,900.) The apartment is on the fifth floor of a unique 2007 building a stripe of new construction by the architect John Pawson, who had to sandwich it between the 1924 Gramercy Park Hotel and its 1930 annex. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows look over the park along the living room and den, with thick columns of that honey-colored wood between them. The wood extends into cabinetry in a dining room and the kitchen, and travertine in the primary bathroom picks up the same honey-beige color. The exception to all this beige is in the bedroom, which is covered in loud, leafy wallpaper by cult French decorator Madeleine Castaing. Listing photos center on a pretty ideal view through windows that look south over Gramercy Park. Photo: Compass A listing photo of the primary bath shows a photo by Robert Mapplethorpe over the tub. Photo: Compass The couple seems to be selling because they no longer live here. Lam closed his namesake line and last year stepped away from his sportswear spin-off, 10 Crosby. This January, the couple told Womens Wear Daily that they had moved to the Marais in Paris to be closer to a project Schlottman co-founded in 2020, a womenswear label based in Italy called Callas Milano. Though then again, they could be downsizing: The label is going for luxury and luxury sales are in a momentary crisis, according to a study from Bain. Or maybe the couple has grown out of the look that appealed to them when they built the Gramercy Park apartment. At the time, speaking to Architectural Digest, Lam described their aesthetic as impoverished creativity a phrase he arrived on when trying to explain a sofa that seemed, to him, as if a bohemian inherited a nice piece and had just enough cash to get it re-covered. A listing photo of the living room shows a Kara Walker (in a dark frame, left) over a couch with only a vague nod toward the bohemian. Photo: Compass Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos:Getty This summer brought big changes to how real-estate agents around the country get paid a sweeping shift that upends who pays the broker fees, how much they pay, and to whom. The changes, which will decouple the commissions for sellers and buyers agents, are the result of a $418 million settlement that the National Association of Realtors reached earlier this year, following a class-action suit brought by home sellers. The deadline to comply with the terms of the settlement was August 17, though many brokerages started rolling out new commission practices earlier this summer. The new rules change a decadeslong industry practice in which sellers paid the commissions to both the sellers and buyers agents. Commission splits were also posted on multiple-listing services, the broker databases that are used to sell property in much of the country, spelling out what buyers agents could expect to be paid. Last fall, a jury found these practices to be in violation of antitrust laws, effectively inflating commission rates and making it difficult for sellers to negotiate fees. In the U.S., the commission rates have averaged around 5 or 6 percent of a homes cost, split between the buyers and sellers broker, which is much higher than in many other countries. With these rule changes, many believe commission rates will fall and hope the same goes for home prices, assuming that sellers are taking into account their reduced fees. Its still early, but those shopping for a new home will, understandably, have many questions, especially when their agents present them with legally binding forms obligating payment, potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars (or more). What should buyers and sellers know about the new rules? And whats likely to happen as a result of the changes? To find out, we talked to brokers, brokerage heads, lawyers, and consumer-protection experts. What does this mean for those looking to buy a home right now? Before touring homes with an agent, buyers are now responsible for negotiating commission payments with their own agents, a change that will likely take time for them and their brokers to adapt to. Its going to be chaotic, says Jason Haber, an associate broker at Compass, when we spoke during the first week of the new rules. The brokerages did a good job of educating the brokers, but the buyers dont know whats going on. Buyers agents will now be asking buyers to sign agreements that specify compensation and the length and terms of the agents representation, among other things. The agreements may cover a single tour, a week- or monthlong exclusive touring agreement, or something more extensive, as well as what the broker will be paid for their services. (Previously, sellers paid both seller- and buyer-agent fees, which came out of the proceeds of the sale.) Buyers may negotiate a flat fee, a percentage fee, or different fees for different services. The buyer can also try to negotiate with the seller to cover all or some of their brokers fees, but the seller can no longer advertise what they will pay the buyers broker. Within the new framework, theres a lot of choice. Its a choose your own adventure, says Evian White De Leon, chief legal counsel at the Miami Association of Realtors. So is this good for buyers? Do they have any leverage over the process? Whether buyers will be able to use those choices to their advantage is another matter. Stephen Brobeck, a senior fellow at the Consumer Protection Federation, which published a consumer alert about the commission changes earlier this month, recommends buyers try to negotiate fees of no more than 2 percent with their real-estate agent. He adds that they shouldnt dismiss out of hand brokers who ask for 3 percent, if their experience and track record really are exceptional. Whats important is that buyers do their due diligence when selecting a broker and negotiate a fair rate for what theyre getting. He also cautioned that some of the buyer-broker agreements hes looked at are opaque and difficult to understand, even for lawyers. Brokers should be able to explain what all the terms are, and if its still unclear, buyers may want to find a different broker or consult a lawyer. Buyers can also forgo using a broker altogether and hire a lawyer to draw up the necessary documents. Cant buyers just cut out the buyers agent altogether? While buying without an agent was always an option, buyers previously had little incentive to do so, since they werent the ones paying for the service. It was also common for sellers agents, at least in New York, to persuade buyers without representation to let them work both sides of a deal, keeping the entire commission themselves. Many experts believe that the new system will encourage more buyers to go it alone, potentially to their detriment. Another wrinkle is that buyers cant use financing to pay commission fees, at least not under current law. For first-time homebuyers, this could be yet another hurdle to entering the housing market 66 percent of first-time homebuyers say they cant afford to pay a brokers fee in addition to the down payment and closing costs, according to a recent survey by the real-estate data firm Clever. So is this change good for sellers? For the most part, yes. Now, theyre only responsible for paying their own broker, not brokers on both sides of the transaction, a change that should save them money. For example, the seller of a $1 million home would now pay $25,000 or $30,000 in commissions to their agent, instead of the $50,000 or $60,000 theyd have coughed up before. And if they do offer to pay both sides, it makes their house more appealing to buyers, instead of just being a given. Brobeck, the consumer-protection expert, says that he also expects real-estate commissions will eventually fall from 5 or 6 percent to between 3 and 4 percent as a result. Sellers, at least theoretically, are the ones who really stand to benefit from the new rules. As Leo Pareja, the CEO of eXp Realty points out, the terms of these changes were worked out by sellers attorneys who filed class-action lawsuits against the NAR and individual brokerages. Werent broker fees negotiable before? Yes, at least in theory. However, sellers who brought the lawsuits against NAR argued that in practice, they really werent, since most listings included information about what the buyers broker could expect to be paid on the deal, making it difficult to offer less than the going rate (i.e., a broker might steer their clients away from properties that offered a 2 percent rate, if most other listings were offering 2.5 or 3 percent, thereby encouraging everyone to pay the same artificially high fee). How will this actually work in practice? Its still early, but brokers say a lot depends on how competitive the market is and who has the leverage. In a slow market, sellers may be more willing to pay the buyers broker or kick in other fees to offset the cost. In hot markets, however, the cost is more likely to be borne by buyers. Pareja says that as a result of the new rules, he expects to see more flat and reduced-fee services like Redfin catering to buyers instead of just sellers. It could also become standard for services to be offered a la carte i.e., brokers could charge different rates for taking clients to showings, negotiating offers, drawing up contracts, etc. It could also just revert to most sellers paying both commissions. I think people will be saying, Only show me properties where the seller is paying, says Frederick Warburg Peters, the president emeritus of Coldwell Banker Warburg. While listings can no longer advertise commission numbers, the seller can publicize that theyre willing to pay or at least open to negotiation on that front. Buyers agents might also try to pressure sellers agents into agreeing to a certain commission up front as a prerequisite of taking clients to their properties, something that would seem to run afoul of new Department of Justice rules governing broker commissions. That doesnt mean it wont happen, though. In fact, Brobeck told me, it already has. Its only been a few weeks, but there are some buyers agents saying to listing brokers, If you dont offer me 2.5 percent, we wont show your house, he says. I know because the listing brokers are complaining to me. What we really want to know is, will home prices drop? No, no, unequivocally no, says Pareja, the brokerage head. While broker commissions are theoretically baked into home prices, in reality, no one I spoke with thought the new commission structure would necessarily lead to lower home prices, which are largely controlled by supply. A seller will try to get every dollar they can, Pareja says. In other words, sellers wont factor in the $25,000 in broker fees theyre saving under the new rules and knock it off the price. Theyll ask for as much as they think they can get. One real-estate agent in Virginia told The Wall Street Journal that hed recently sold three homes in Fairfax County without offering any upfront buyers broker commission. All sold quickly. Will this drive some brokers out of business? Probably. While several people in the real-estate business assured me that agents are known for their adaptability, lower commission rates will inevitably winnow out some agents, especially newer agents without the experience or track record to command higher commissions or the volume to make up for lower percentages. It may also deter some people from becoming agents. As the New York Times reported earlier this year, Some analysts predict a mass departure of up to 1 million agents leaving the field as shared commissions vanish. Historically, the number of agents has gone down with market upheavals. After the market crashed in 2008, the number of real-estate agents dipped by more than 10 percent. How does this apply to NYC? While most New York City brokers are not NAR members, REBNY, the real-estate trade group here, has laid out a similar set of rules, and brokerages across the country, most of which have reached settlements as the result of similar class-action lawsuits, have also implemented them. Chinese, foreign journalists explore the essence of Emei through exchange, mutual learning People's Daily Online) 20:42, September 09, 2024 Recently, media representatives from China, Europe, and Africa, who were participating in the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, embarked on a journey to Leshan city in southwest China's Sichuan Province to explore the true essence of Emei. Photo shows the Huazang Temple, located atop Mount Emei, in southwest China's Sichuan Province. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Huang Jingwei) Forging friendship through martial arts What happens when Emei martial arts, known for combining hardness with softness, intersects with submission grappling, which focuses on defeating opponents with skill? In front of the main entrance to the Chinese Studies Hall of the Emei Kung-Fu Alliance, more than 30 young martial arts trainees were practicing martial arts moves. Young trainees practice martial arts moves in front of the main entrance to the Chinese Studies Hall of the Emei Kung-Fu Alliance. (People's Daily/Yi Xiao) During a follow-up demonstration session, Emei martial arts practitioners showcased a range of martial arts techniques and equipment, drawing the interest of foreign media representatives who expressed a desire to become their apprentices and engage in skill-sharing. "Emei martial arts, originating from Mount Emei, is known for its combination of hardness and softness, speed and slowness, and flexibility. It is recognized as one of the three main genres of martial arts in China," explained Wang Chao, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Emei martial arts. "With its roots deeply embedded in Chinese culture, Emei martial arts embodies a harmonious blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, making it a highly inclusive practice," Wang elaborated. A young practitioner of Emei martial arts displays martial arts equipment. (File photo) Inspired by the atmosphere, Per Markus Andersson, an editor with The Nordic Times, Sweden, and Isac Bomen, an editor with Nya Dagbladet, Sweden, teamed up to showcase submission grappling, earning warm applause from the spectators. "Martial arts exchange fosters mutual learning among diverse civilizations. I have discovered that grappling and Emei martial arts share similarities. For example, both disciplines do not promote violence; rather, they are practiced to cultivate strength, encouraging individuals to develop self-discipline and a positive mindset," said Andersson. Per Markus Andersson, an editor with The Nordic Times, Sweden, lies on the ground during a demonstration of submission grappling. (Photo/Liu Xiaoli) Bonding over craft What happens when tea from Mount Emei meets coffee from Kenya? Seated around a table, Yang Mei, a Chinese tea artist, and Agnes Mbithe Mwangangi, an editor with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), were presenting Chinese tea culture alongside the coffee culture of Kenya. Warming the cup, observing the tea leaves, adding them to the cup, steeping, and brewing, all while listening to soothing music, a pot of Mount Emei tea was good to go. "As the tea neared my nose, a refreshing aroma filled the air, I really enjoy the scent and taste of this tea," said Mwangangi. Kenya is famous for coffee production, and Mwangangi demonstrated the brewing method of Kenyan coffee. "This one has a chestnut-like aroma when you drink it," said Yang. "Coffee and tea can also be combined. We have partnered with a coffee shop to create a special blend of coffee and green tea. This unique blend has a fragrant and rich taste, offering a one-of-a-kind flavor experience," Yang added. "In Kenya, many people also brew and drink tea using locally grown tea leaves. This exchange has brought us closer together," said Mwangangi. Agnes Mbithe Mwangangi (right), an editor with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and Yang Mei, a Chinese tea artist, demonstrate the skills of coffee brewing and tea making. (People's Daily/Yi Xiao) United by artistry In China, calligraphy is not just visual art but a reflection of deep cultural values, with its unique spirit and poetic essence. "What does 'De Bu Gu' mean?" asked Cristina Andrade, a journalist from El Periodico de Espana after receiving a piece of calligraphy. "It means virtuous people always find like-minded companions," explained a Chinese journalist. "The Chinese characters represent harmony and kindness, values I strive to promote. If all countries embrace this, the world will be a better place," Andrade said, after knowing the meaning of the Chinese characters. Foreign journalists gathered around the table of Lin Xu, an inheritor of Mount Emei finger painting, an intangible cultural heritage. Emile Gankama, editorial director of Les Depeches De Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, a painting enthusiast, joined Lin to finish the same work. "Painting brings us closer together," Gankama said as he showed off the finished artwork. "Our collaboration was seamless. I started with a portrait of a man, and Lin really got what I was going for, adding arms and a suit to round out the painting," he explained. Emile Gankama, editorial director of Les Depeches De Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, shows a piece of painting (right) co-finished by himself and Lin Xu, an inheritor of Mount Emei finger painting. (People's Daily/Xu Hangyan) As music started playing, Lilon Bongmatur from Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation, Vanuatu, pulled Chinese journalist Qiu Yue onto the dance floor to perform a traditional dance from the South Pacific island nation. Gankama quickly joined in, followed by Lin. As the music played, people from China and other countries formed a circle, clapping and dancing together, creating a lively atmosphere. Journalists from different countries exchanged invitations and well-wishes as they danced, fostering friendship. Lilon Bongmatur from Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation, Vanuatu, invites everyone to perform a traditional dance from Vanuatu. (Photo/Liu Xiaoli) Media representatives participating in the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road and artists from Emeishan city show artworks co-created by them. (Photo/Chen Chun'an) Media representatives participating in the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road pose for a picture with martial arts trainers and trainees from the Emei Kung-Fu Alliance. (Photo/Chen Chun'an) (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) Chinese researchers identify bacterial therapy potentially effective in colorectal cancer prevention, treatment Xinhua) 13:41, September 10, 2024 LANZHOU, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Bacterial therapy could offer a promising new method for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, according to a study carried out by Chinese researchers. The recent study conducted by the School of Life Sciences at Lanzhou University in northwest China's Gansu Province, has revealed that the probiotic limosilactobacillus fermentum GR-3, derived from "Jiangshui," a traditional fermented food in northwestern China, demonstrates potential for promoting apoptosis in colon tumor cells and inhibiting their proliferation. Professor Li Xiangkai, head of the research group and a professor at the university's School of Life Sciences, explained that studies have shown that colorectal cancer patients often experience an imbalance in their gut microbiota and a persistent state of peroxidation in tumor cells. Unlike conventional antioxidants, probiotics like Lactobacillus GR-3 could specifically target the tumor microenvironment while also regulating intestinal flora. Li's team successfully isolated Lactobacillus GR-3, a strain with strong antioxidant properties. In both hyperuricemia mouse models and clinical trials, this strain has shown promise in promoting uric acid degradation by modulating the gut microbiome. Building on these findings, the research team explored the potential of Lactobacillus GR-3 in preventing colorectal cancer through its effects on gut flora and the host immune system. The results showed that Lactobacillus GR-3 significantly reduced the growth of colon tumors in drug-induced mice and demonstrated positive therapeutic effects. The strain not only lowered tumor mass but also improved the composition of intestinal microbial metabolites, promoted apoptosis in colon cancer cells, and inhibited their proliferation. The research team will conduct further studies to investigate the specific mechanisms of action of Lactobacillus GR-3 and evaluate its clinical efficacy. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in China. While existing research primarily focuses on how probiotics regulate the host immune system, there has been comparatively little exploration of their antioxidant properties and ability to modulate gut microbiota. "Our study aims to identify probiotics with strong antioxidant capacity and robust gut flora regulatory effects, providing new insights into the prevention and inhibition of colorectal cancer," said Li. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) New Delhi, Sep 10 (UNI) Senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Tuesday visited Delhis Madrasi Camp, where residents were served eviction notices to make way for the construction of a new flyover. He assured the residents of all possible help, stating that AAP will fight strongly against the authoritarian regime to save their homes. In a social media post on X, Sisodia said Injustice will not be tolerated with the slum dwellers in the bulldozer regime. Thousands of people living in the slums of Madrasi Camp in the National Capital are an integral part of Delhi. If LG Sahib and BJP try to remove or demolish their houses, we will not tolerate it at all. We will fight strongly against the authoritarian regime to save their homes. The Aam Aadmi Party's government has given a roof over the heads of the needy, built houses for people, he said, adding that the party provided free electricity, water, and better education to children. But the BJP has only demolished the established homes of people. The level of education has deteriorated. We will fight against it from the courts to the streets. We will not allow these huts to be demolished at all. We are also fighting a legal battle, Sisodia said, highlighting that AAPs local MLA has also provided a lawyer for these people. This notice has been issued by intimidating the PWD officials. We will not allow this to happen. These orders will be withdrawn and they will be fully assisted. Arvind Kejriwal is educating their children, he is not doing so to uproot them from here, he said. UNI PSP CS1728 One of the first-year students in the inaugural cohort of Welcome Corps on Campus on Arrival Day at Bard College. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Cong objects to delay in updating of results on EC website 08 Oct 2024 | 1:04 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) While the counting of votes for the Haryana Assembly was underway, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner alleging delay in updating of results on the ECIs website. see more.. Prime Minister Modi to visit Laos for ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit 08 Oct 2024 | 11:47 AM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Laos from October 10-11 to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. see more.. Kejriwal accuses BJP of stalling development work in Delhi 07 Oct 2024 | 11:39 PM New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Accusing the BJP of conspiring against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers and halting the development work in Delhi, party/s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday assured people that stalled projects would be restarted and many new works undertaken once their government is re-elected in the upcoming Assembly polls see more.. Had highly productive meetings with PM Modi, President Murmu: Maldives President 07 Oct 2024 | 11:11 PM New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday said he had highly productive meetings with both Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu and he is pleased with the in-depth discussions on enhancing development cooperation. see more.. Labours early release scheme, which will see 5,500 prisoners let out to free up space in overcrowded jails 1,700 of them today is worse than chaotic. Its like using your credit card to pay off your overdraft. The lack of capacity in Britains prisons is a serious problem. But to do it in a panic, without proper planning or support for those being bundled out of the gates, is a recipe for more crime. The long-term result will be misery for innocent people and additional pressure on the justice system. As so often with the prison service, this indiscriminate approach helps no one. Some of the prisoners will be serving sentences that were already too long, while others should definitely be inside for a lot longer for the safety of the public. This failure to differentiate will have serious implications. Chris Atkins says well-intentioned but naive schemes in prisons are exploited by hardened criminals with a strong incentive to manipulate the system When I was in Wandsworth prison, serving five years for tax fraud, some men banged up on my wing were deemed so violent, so high-risk, that they were never allowed out of their cells. There was a significant danger that, if they mingled with the other prisoners in the exercise yard, someone would get stabbed. But, in several cases, they were not in jail for violent offences. Usually, their crimes were drug-related. They were low down the food chain in the ecosystem of drug dealers and prison had schooled them in violence. They had one aim: to get out of prison, purely to commit more crime. People like that will certainly be among those leaving jail this week, because they are all too common in the system, and nothing that I have seen is being done to filter them out of the early release scheme. I used to hear men discuss the crimes they were planning, because they used my cell as their recreation room. There werent many places on the wing with a table and chairs but, because I was an officially designated listener or counsellor, my cell was comparatively spacious, with places to sit. The idea was that anyone with problems on their mind could come to me and talk things over. The assumption was that, because I had a middle-class accent, Id be a source of wise advice. But the reality was that some of Londons biggest dealers would drop in to have a cup of tea with each other, while they worked out the details of their next shipment. Thats how prisons work. Well-intentioned but naive schemes are exploited by hardened criminals with a strong incentive to manipulate the system. To make matters even worse, there appears to be no effort at risk-assessment before these scattergun releases begin. Leaked internal briefing documents show that some of the checks will be done after prisoners have been discharged. Thats madness. Its as if the entire programme has been designed to maximise the chances of recidivism. Many ex-lags wont even have a place to stay when theyre pushed out the door. That will inevitably fuel immediate low-level offending, as the men steal from shops, burgle houses and perhaps mug vulnerable victims to get cash to survive. Under the parole system, prisoners can be freed after serving half their sentence so a one-year term will be reduced by 50 per cent, with six months off as an incentive for good behaviour. Wandsworth Prison where Chris served five years for tax fraud Early release works by cutting another 10 per cent off the sentence, so people serve just 40 per cent. But as I emphasise in my book Time After Time, that final 10 per cent of the sentence is, in fact, the most important. Thats when all the resettlement planning normally takes place. Its when accommodation is organised, when prisoners are applying for benefits and one would hope looking for employment. And its when they need to reconnect with their families, because all the studies show that reoffending is more common among people who dont have the support of friends and relatives. Everyone agrees, whatever their politics, that our prisons are in crisis, with more than 88,500 men and women currently inside a crumbling estate designed to cope with a fraction of that number. Punishment has its place but prisoners also need to finish their sentences believing that they have the tools to turn their lives around. If they dont, they will go out and commit more crime, because they cant imagine any other choice. And more crime, thanks to this demented early release policy, is what we are about to see. As the Government introduces its bill to expel the 92 hereditary peers from the House of Lords, we should be appalled at the way an efficient and elegant part of the British Constitution is being sacrificed on the altar of Labour hypocrisy, party advantage and class prejudice. Hypocrisy because, although Labour denounces as undemocratic the accident of birth that gives the hereditary peers their seats, they are content that the rest of the peers should be there by equally undemocratic ministerial appointment. Party advantage because they want to hobble the Tories in the Lords, so there is less proper scrutiny of their own (already extremely unpopular) legislation. Allegiance and class prejudice because although they rationally know the hereditary peers work harder in the Lords proportionally than the appointees and I say this as an appointee myself anti-toff ideology must trump all. Ending the hereditary element of the Lords, who make up only 11 per cent of the House, against 89 per cent appointees, will cut a living link with our collective past that goes back to the period of Magna Carta, more than 800 years ago. Members of the House of Lords and guests take their seats in the Lords Chamber, ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in July As the 18th-century statesman Edmund Burke (Westminster Hall statute pictured) reflected: 'Society is indeed a contract. It becomes a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born' As the 18th-century statesman Edmund Burke reflected: 'Society is indeed a contract. It becomes a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born.' The hereditary peers represent the 'dead' element of that contract, the ancestors whose often glorious deeds made Britain the great country she is today. Through their descendants, the House of Lords is populated by the shades and spirits of many of the greatest Britons of history. If you visit the Commons, especially during Prime Minister's Questions, and then walk across the lobby to visit the chamber of the Lords, you enter a different world. There is no shouting, no grandstanding, there are no cheap political points being made. The vital job of revising the often knee-jerk and ill-thought-through legislation sent from the Commons is carried out in an atmosphere of seriousness, rationality, courteous open debate and reason. A lot of that is down to the legacy of the hereditary peers, many of whom do the hardest if least glamorous work in the House (no fewer than seven serve as deputy speakers, for example). If you visit the Commons, especially during Prime Minister's Questions, and then walk across the lobby to visit the chamber of the Lords, you enter a different world For one of the advantages of hereditary peers is precisely that they are not appointed they have perspective that comes not from owing allegiance to a particular party or prime minister, but instead from a wider loyalty to King and country. If your ancestor was appointed by King James I, you tend to take a longer-term view. Unlike MPs in the Commons and some life-appointed peers, the hereditaries don't enter the House in a jubilant mood their father has just died, after all but they have been honing their expertise, knowing the call would one day come. That is why so many of them are acknowledged experts in their fields. The Conservative peer Earl Howe was central to the Health and Care Bill 2022, for example. The Earl of Caithness, also a Tory, and the Duke of Wellington, a crossbencher, campaigned vigorously for cleaner water in our rivers. The Earl of Minto (Conservative) is an expert on trade, Viscount Trenchard (Conservative) on animal welfare, and Dominic Addington (Liberal Democrat) on learning difficulties. The Conservative peer Earl Howe was central to the Health and Care Bill 2022, for example The Earl of Caithness, also a Tory, (pictured) and the Duke of Wellington, a crossbencher, campaigned vigorously for cleaner water in our rivers The Earl of Minto (Conservative) is an expert on trade Few people know more about the Constitution, Standing Orders and the workings of the Lords than its former leader Lord Strathclyde Lord Mancroft (Conservative) has sat on no fewer than 11 select committees over 37 years Few people know more about the Constitution, Standing Orders and the workings of the Lords than its former leader Tom Strathclyde and Lord Mancroft (both Conservative). The latter has sat on no fewer than 11 select committees over 37 years. The Labour peer Lord Hanworth is an expert on nuclear power, the crossbencher the Earl of Devon on law, Lords Berkeley (Labour) and Borwick (Conservative) on transport. All this expertise (with the exception of Lord Berkeley who became a life peer in 2001 having joined as a hereditary) is going to be thrown away out of ideological Left-wing fervour. There are many office-holders in the Lords who do fine public work for nothing, because the Commons has hogged all the paid posts. Shadow ministers such as Earl Howe, the Earl of Minto, Viscount Camrose and Lord Roborough are unpaid: they do their time-consuming jobs out of noblesse oblige, which is sneered at as a concept by Left-wing sociologists but thankfully does still exist. The only photographs one tends to see of the Lords is when they are wearing ermine during the State Opening of Parliament, but that is only for one morning a year; during the rest of the year, hard work is being done in committees, with hereditary peers at the forefront. The only photographs one tends to see of the Lords is when they are wearing ermine during the State Opening of Parliament (pictured in July) They also tend to hail from a wider geographical area of the country than the often London-based professionals and ex-MPs who make up much of the life peerage. Why should we look down on 'accident of birth' anyhow? Bell & Sons of Bermondsey is a family-run London butchers, where expertise is passed down the generations. Would I sooner buy from them than a competitor who does not have decades of expertise? Yes. Should we be decrying 'accident of birth' for the fact proprietor Simon Bell's children have been learning the trade from their father? Of course not; we should be thankful for it. It is also wildly hypocritical of the Labour Party to denigrate the concept of families in politics. The family is the oldest, strongest and most basic unit of society and the hereditary peers represent its value. Labour is suffused with 'red princelings' who are related to other Labour politicians. Hilary Benn is the son of Tony Benn and brother of Viscount Stansgate; Lord Mandelson is the grandson of former Home Secretary Herbert Morrison; Stephen Kinnock is the son of Lord (Neil) Kinnock; the minister Hamish Falconer is the son of Labour's Lord Falconer; Georgia Gould, MP at the Cabinet Office, is daughter of Tony Blair's late adviser Philip Gould, and so on. Labour is suffused with 'red princelings' who are related to other Labour politicians. Hilary Benn (left) is the son of Tony Benn (right) Labour's Stephen Kinnock (left) is the son of Lord (Neil) Kinnock (right) Given this, Labour of all parties should recognise that politics is made better and stronger for having family involved. And all that the hereditary peers do is to encapsulate that truth over the generations. And, of course, there is one institution that will inevitably be affected by abolishing the last vestiges of heredity in Parliament the Monarchy. With the disappearance of the hereditary peers, the Crown will be isolated as the sole part of the Constitution that derives from an 'accident of birth', and republicans can be relied upon to portray it as anachronistic for that reason. Meanwhile, Labour is doing nothing to fix the grotesque anachronism of having no fewer than 24 Anglican bishops in the House of Lords (who, incidentally, voted against the Conservatives 98.2 per cent of the time in the last session). It is tragic that Labour is taking a hatchet to this ancient, effective and efficient part of our Constitution, a part which helps make Britain so special. To quote Edmund Burke again: 'The Age of Chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded.' Lord Roberts of Belgravia is author of Churchill: Walking With Destiny. Charles and 'Queen Camilla' might approve of Morocco's King Mohammed pardoning 5,000 people linked to cannabis cultivation to encourage them into production of the weed now that it is legal there. Camilla has said she had heard 'fantastic things' about its medicinal properties. In 2016 the homeopathically minded Charles inadvertently helped a cannabis grower avoid prison. A 49-year-old woman was spared jail in Oxford for growing 40,000 worth of the drug, claiming in court: 'In the 1990s I saw Prince Charles on the TV and he was talking to someone who had MS.' Charles had asked the patient, 'Have you tried cannabis? I've heard it is good for MS.' Charles and 'Queen Camilla' might approve of Morocco's King Mohammed (pictured) pardoning 5,000 people linked to cannabis cultivation to encourage them into production of the weed now that it is legal there Camilla has said she had heard 'fantastic things' about its medicinal properties. In 2016 the homeopathically minded Charles inadvertently helped a cannabis grower avoid prison Sexpot Marianne Faithfull publicises auction of her possessions Publicising the Sotheby's auction of her possessions, 1960s sexpot Marianne Faithfull mentions the sale of two posters from her 1968 movie, The Girl On A Motorcycle, in which she posed in a black leather bodysuit. 'I used to get a lot of letters from young boys about the ecstatic solitary pleasure I'd given them!' A photograph owned by Marianne Faithfull, goes on view at Sotheby's on September 09, 2024 in London, England Andrew Neil unimpressed by Green Party supporter's wealth tax comment Unimpressed by chef and Green Party supporter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's appearance on Laura Kuenssberg's show, the BBC's former star interrogator Andrew Neil snaps: 'Some Old Etonian chef with zero economic or tax expertise drivelling on BBC One about how a 1 per cent wealth tax would raise 15 billion a year. Of course his nonsense goes unchallenged.' Unimpressed by chef and Green Party supporter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's (pictured) appearance on Laura Kuenssberg's show, the BBC's former star interrogator Andrew Neil snaps: 'Some Old Etonian chef with zero economic or tax expertise drivelling on BBC One about how a 1 per cent wealth tax would raise 15 billion a year. Of course his nonsense goes unchallenged.' Oxford Uni chancellor hopeful's connection to Jeffrey Epstein Surely Peter Mandelson's prospect of becoming Chancellor of Oxford University won't be damaged by having ten numbers in the little black book of the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who called him 'Petie'. Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre is on the record stating: 'I was never asked to give him a massage.' Phew! Surely Peter Mandelson's (pictured) prospect of becoming Chancellor of Oxford University won't be damaged by having ten numbers in the little black book of the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who called him 'Petie' Sir Ian McKellen on filming Hamlet in the Windsor area Claiming the late Queen was 'bloody rude' and 'quite mad' when he received the Companion of Honour from her in 2008 her crime seemed to be remarking that fewer people were going to the theatre Sir Ian McKellen previously revealed that, filming his movie version of Hamlet in the Windsor area, 'Prince Philip had just died so they were in mourning and weren't lighting up the castle. They turned the lights on especially for us'. No good deed goes unpunished! Sir Ian McKellen during the "Hamlet" photocall at Theatre Royal, Windsor on July 15, 2021 in Windsor, England Paul Mescal confident in his Gladiator II performance Gladiator II star Paul Mescal avoided watching his predecessor Russell Crowe's performance until filming the sequel was complete. After watching both, he said: 'Whatever anxiety I had about living up to the first one, I now feel at ease. In fact I'm confident.' Don't mention it to Crowe. Gladiator II star Paul Mescal (pictured in the film) avoided watching his predecessor Russell Crowe's performance until filming the sequel was complete What Sir Keir removing Margaret Thatcher's portrait in No 10 'implies about his psychological make-up' ITV's political seer Robert Peston is intrigued by Sir Keir Starmer's explanation for removing Margaret Thatcher's portrait in No 10 he doesn't like people staring at him while he's working. 'What that implies about his psychological make-up is occupying me.' If Robert thinks our PM is crackers he should come right out and say so, surely. Actors like to think of themselves as sensitive, but more often than not it's just another word for touchy. Over the years, Queen Elizabeth showered Sir Ian McKellen with honours a CBE in 1979, a Knighthood in 1991, a Companion of Honour in 2008 but he remains steadfastly ungrateful. 'The Queen, I'm sure she was quite mad at the end,' he told a journalist from The Times last week. 'And on the few occasions I met her she was quite rude. When I received a medal for acting, she said, 'You've 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 actually go to the theatre?' That's bloody rude when you're giving someone a medal for acting. It meant, 'Does anyone care a f*** about you because I don't. Now off you go!' Over the years, Queen Elizabeth showered Sir Ian McKellen (pictured) with honours a CBE in 1979, a Knighthood in 1991, a Companion of Honour in 2008 but he remains steadfastly ungrateful This undated publicity film image released by Warner Bros., shows Ian McKellen as Gandalf in a scene from the fantasy adventure 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' I think Sir Ian, as he likes to be called, may be over-reacting. When doling out honours, the Queen had so many hundreds of recipients to get through that she only had time to speak to each one for a few seconds. She would usually ask something a little bland, like 'What are you working on at the moment?', and the recipient would reply with a few words, before shuffling away. Perhaps she thought that Sir Ian McKellen, being such a regular, might prefer something a little more sparky and intimate. 'Does anyone actually go to the theatre?' seems to me a perfectly reasonable question. It might have prompted the old thespian to give some sort of witty reply. Instead, he went all huffy on her, and 16 years later, is still snapping that she was 'bloody rude' and 'quite mad'. While I was researching my new book, A Voyage Around the Queen, I stumbled across any number of eminent men and women who accused the Queen of imaginary slights. That chippy old bruiser John Prescott now Lord Prescott, if you please recalled first meeting Her Majesty in Hull. Like a number of anti-monarchists, he was determined to signal his opposition by refusing to bow. 'I was surprised at how small the Queen was, and when it came to my turn, she mumbled something. I couldn't hear what it was, so naturally I bent down. She just smiled. She knew she had got me. 'As far as everyone watching was concerned, and the local photographers, it looked as if I was bowing. But I wasn't. She deliberately lowered her voice and caught me out.' Oh, yes? It seems improbable that, facing shaking hands with a line of local bigwigs, the Queen would give a stuff as to which of them was for or against the monarchy. Throughout her life, she acted as a mirror. The light cast by fame bounced off her, and back on to those she met. Those by nature wary of the monarchy would convince themselves that she regarded them with equal suspicion. Sir Ian with Queen Elizabeth II when he received his Companion of Honour for his services to drama and equality In his autobiography, Andrew Neil recalls meeting the Queen in 1985. 'She shook my hand, smiled weakly and quickly moved on. That was before we had written anything to offend the royals but maybe she sensed even then that I was trouble in the making.' But how could she have done? Her powers did not include the ability to see into the future. The crabby Nobel Prize-winning Australian novelist Patrick White was invited to a party on the Royal Yacht Britannia when it docked in Sydney in 1963. Like many vociferous anti-monarchists, he couldn't resist the allure of rubbing shoulders with the Queen, and accepted. The Queen exchanged a few polite words about a local shipwreck before moving on. But this was not good enough for White. 'She struck me as being quite without charm,' he recalled, going on to describe her as 'hard as nails' and even 'abominable'. Similarly, Sasha Swire, the pushy wife of a low-ranking Tory Northern Ireland minister, was upset after almost meeting the Queen in Belfast in 2010. 'She fixes her beady eyes on me briefly then swans past, not saying a word...' Swire complained to her diary. 'She is telling me I am just a plus-one, not a player or a heroine.' The Bible offers a lesson for such people. 'Vanity, vanity, all is vanity!' It also featured a mini fridge that left viewers in shock The home was 360 square feet and being rented for $1,700 a month People on the web were left stunned by a tiny Paris property Americans were left stunned by a tiny feature in a 360-square-foot Paris apartment, which is on the market for $1,700 a month. A video featuring the apartment went viral after it was posted on HGTV's Instagram page, with viewers expressed their shock over the small fridge. In the clip from an episode of House Hunters International that aired earlier this year, Luisamaria Peralta - who is from Mexico - is seen touring the Paris property with her French boyfriend, Francois Julien. However, what they thought would be the home of their dreams, turned out to be too small, and not for them and their large husky dog, Jeff. American realtor Adrian Leeds, who is based in France, did her best to convince the lovebirds that the space was the perfect Paris property, despite not having a full-size fridge and being a three-floor walk up. People on the web were left stunned by a tiny feature in a 360-square-foot Paris apartment, which is on the market for $1,700 a month A video posted by HGTV has gone viral after viewers were stunned by the small fridge in the already-miniature apartment And while the couple knew they would have to adjust to French living, they weren't quite sold on the mini property and even those on the web were left shocked by it. The clip was captioned: 'House hunters Paris edition! As you might have guessed, this tiny apartment in the Montmartre neighborhood ended up being too small for the couple, but if location + price were the only factors, it definitely wouldve taken the gold.' During the episode, the couple seemed to have issue with the size of the apartment as well as the fact that it had no balcony. Unsurprisingly, they also didn't like the fact that the mini kitchen and the bathroom were right next to each - with Francois noting that the shower was too small for him to bathe. Luisamaria and Francois noted that they had wanted a two-bedroom apartment with tons of space. The couple's budget was $1,900, which the realtor noted would not get them a two-bedroom apartment. The property that featured in the Instagram clip cost a whopping $1,700 a month and sprawled across just 360 square feet. People on the web flocked to the comments section to express their shock at the size of the home. One person questioned: 'How can anyone live with a fridge that can contain at most what I eat in a day?' Another user added: 'As much as I want to move abroad I love an American kitchen. The fridge alone would have me at the store every day.' Someone else commented: 'I would never want to live there.' Realtor Adrian Leeds pointed out the 'baby' fridge inside the apartment, which she said was a 'standard size' People on the web were left divided by the size and price of the Paris property 'No!' one user wrote. However, others noted that they loved the Paris property, despite its size and were ready to move in. One person said: 'That's actually a very pleasant little apartment for the price.' Someone else commented: 'Unrealistic expectations. This looks fantastic for Paris.' Another user added: 'I would move to that place in a heartbeat.' 'It's a nice apartment. Better than what you find in New York City,' one user wrote. According to Paris Rental, the average size of a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,660 to $3,323, depending on the location. Meanwhile, the average size of a one-bedroom apartment in the city of love is about 430 to 760 square feet, the site reported. A member of The Blues and Royals regained control of the wayward horse A Household Cavalry soldier averted crisis on Monday by expertly controlling a panicked horse that had been spooked by nearby gun salutes marking the two year anniversary of King Charles's accession to the throne. The mounted soldier, a member of The Blues and Royals (formerly The Royal Horse Guards), managed to bring her horse back into line when it halted before veering off to the left after the gunfire in Hyde Park. By the time the procession was approaching the park's Apsley Gate, the wayward horse had been brought back into the formation, to the relief of the soldier and onlookers. A 41-gun salute in Hyde Park took place at midday on Monday, September 9, two years after King Charles acceded to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II's death on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The soldier's ability to remain calm remain and in control of her horse meant that a repeat of the terrifying scene that unfolded on April 24, when five Household Cavalry horses rampaged through central London after being spooked, was avoided. A panicked horse was seen veering off to the left today having been spooked by nearby gun salutes marking the two year anniversary of King Charles's accession to the throne The horse broke out of the formation and appeared to be heading towards the source of the noise Responding to the incident in April, a British Army spokesperson confirmed that the animals were 'spooked by construction works' when building materials were 'dropped from a height'. Six soldiers and seven horses from the Life Guards were on an extended Watering Order, an exercise to keep up the fitness of animals not involved in the public-facing King's Life Guard duties. But the animals were startled during the exercise and they fled through the city leaving five people - including three of the soldiers riding the horses - injured in three separate incidents during the six-mile rampage that lasted two hours. Onlookers said one of the Household Cavalry soldiers was left 'screaming in pain' after he was thrown from his horse when it struck a car by the Clermont Hotel on Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria. They were finally caught in Limehouse, east London. Held at the side of the road by several officers, the white horse began bleeding out onto the road and was treated by vets at the scene. The injured horses saw a vet and all of the animals were returned to the Army's camp. The horses were all caught and accounted for by 10.30am, the Met Police said. Footage of two horses being caught outside Gordon House on the Glamis Estate in Limehouse, east London, appeared to show that the white horse had broken its leg. The mounted soldier remained calm as she tried to regain control of the spooked horse and bring it back into line For a moment, it looked like the horse would bolt from the procession Still drenched in blood, the horse's back left leg was bandaged and the animal seemed unwilling to walk on it. The police worked with the soldiers to contain the horses before moving them into an army horsebox. The animals were reportedly calm and stationary by the time the police reached them. Held at the side of the road by several officers, the white horse bled all over the road and was treated by vets at the scene. Footage shows it bleeding profusely from its back leg as police gathered around to stem the flow. Builder Tom Cahill saw the horses being collected by the army at around 9.30am. He said: 'The horses had stopped and the police caught up to them. 'It looked like the white horse had broken its leg. The mounted soldier remained calm as she sough to bring the horse back into line 'At first there were just a few police officers but then they called the army in. 'After they took the horses away they were trying to clean up all the blood but they didn't have enough water. 'There was so much blood they had to call the fire department to clean it up. 'At first there were just a few police officers but then they called the army in. 'After they took the horses away they were trying to clean up all the blood but they didn't have enough water - there was that much blood. 'They asked us but we didn't have any so they had to call a fire engine in.' Many residents of Gordon House saw the commotion as they left for the school run. Others had no idea the horses had been recovered so close by. 'I thought it looked familiar in the videos!' said one man. Junaid Ahmed said he saw the scene from his bedroom window. He said: 'It was so sad - I have pets myself and seeing all that blood dripping onto the street....I just hope he's alright. By the time the procession had reached Hyde Park's Apsley Gate, the horse was back in formation 'I even saw some of the police officers crying as they were treating the horse.' It is believed builders were using a travelator with concrete as the horses passed through Wilton Crescent in Belgravia at 8.40am. Some of the concrete came off and hit the floor, causing a bang, which spooked the horses and caused five of them to bolt. Four soldiers were unseated and three were injured and taken to hospital. None are in a life-threatening condition. Gaza City, Sep 10 (UNI) At least 40 people were killed and 60 were injured as a result of an Israeli strike on the Al Mawasi area of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian broadcaster Al-Aqsa TV reported, citing the head of the Gaza Civil Defence supply department. According to the Gaza Civil Defence official, 20 tents with refugees were demolished as a result of the strike. According to the broadcaster, search and rescue operations at the site of the strike are continuing "in difficult conditions." In turn, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that Israeli aircraft had struck a "command and control center" of Palestinian Hamas movement. "A short while ago, with the direction of IDF and ISA intelligence, the IAF struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control center embedded inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis," the IDF said on Telegram. "Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional means." On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, fighters from Palestinian movement Hamas 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 Israel Defence Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. UNI SPUTNIK ARN A woman has detailed her horrific experience of abuse which started at a young age, and forced her to sell herself for money to survive. Rachel Carter, 32, shared her story of seeking refuge in the Mennonite church - only to be abused and exploited further which later resulted in her being 'trafficked' between 15 Amish and Mennonite settlements - even suffering a life-endangering miscarriage. 'I feel like my whole life I was a sexual object to be played with from childhood until into my adulthood,' Rachel told Cults to Consciousness podcast host Shelise Ann Sola. Rachel recalled her parents would often fighting, which left her so scared to leave her room sometimes she would wet herself. However, things only got worse after her father remarried and her stepmother bought her five children into their home. Rachel Carter, 32, shared her story of seeking refuge in the Mennonite church - only to be abused and exploited further Rachel's fascination with religion began at an early age when she was at Sunday School after a teacher told her Jesus loves everyone, desperately seeking acceptance from someone. When she was around 14, a family of Holdeman Mennonites - an ultra conservative sector of Christianity - moved next door, and Rachel started attending church services with them. Soon, she started dressing in the clothing worn by Mennonites, which includes long modest dresses and hats, which tipped her family 'over the edge.' Rachel added she was never allowed to be baptized into the church because her father didn't bless the decision, saying that was 'hard' because it meant there were many facets of the religion she could not have access to. Her life at home got even harder when she got her first period, as the belief in her family was that once you got you began your menstrual cycle you were old enough to provide for yourself. However, as Rachel was only 12 she could not get a job, so started having sex with men in exchange for money and food. When she started attending church, she was shocked to learn that several of the men she had been having sex with for money were actually active members of the congregation - and quite high up. However, as she was not baptized nor raised in the church when she told the leaders, they didn't believe her. Rachel told podcast host Shelise Ann Sola: 'I feel like my whole life I was a sexual object to be played with from childhood until into my adulthood' While Rachel is still somewhat religious, she has taken a step back from the ultra-conservative sect and is working on rebuilding her life 'I just went home feeling so defeated, like I put my all into this church and at 16 I did end up getting in front of church and apologizing and repenting for things that I said I made up - but I didn't,' she reflected sadly. Rachel was still in the church in high school, but says many of the things she loved were taken away from her - like listening to music and playing in her school's band. She ended up dropping out of school at 16, but continued to practice the ultra conservative religion until she made friends from another church. Rachel also spoke about some of her 'trauma habits' which included hoarding food out of fear she wouldn't have enough and 'barricading' herself in her room when men were present. The then-teen was also told the she was 'beyond help' by some, and was shunned by members after she was raped by a prominent figure of the church and fell pregnant - only to miscarry the baby at 27 weeks and almost lose her own life. Eventually, Rachel stood up for herself and her church was called to pick her up, where they told her she'd have to repay everything they had paid for her to be there. Rachel said where she was staying, they were not allowed to comfort each other or show much emotion, saying she learned to 'shut off' her feelings - adding that the woman in charge would regularly send the girls staying in the home out to cook and clean for other families in order to profit off of them. When Rachel returned home she was given a job as a dairy maid, admitting she liked the job and the family she was living with, but developed severe depression and tried taking her own life. At this point, the family she was living with took her to a hospital, where she confided in a female doctor in the ER who took her to a counselor so she could share her story. Rachel recalled the counselor being shocked - but more alarmed at her lack of emotion. '[To me] there was no reason to feel all the things that happened to me because in my mind worse things were going to happen,' Rachel said sadly. Rachel was then sent away yet again, this time being sent to Kentucky to a place called Caneyville Christian Community. She moved in with a leader of the church, only to be told all the abuse she suffered wasn't to blame for her issues, and it was an attitude problem. Eventually, Rachel got help from a man and his wife in the community in Holmes County in Ohio, where she escaped to an Amish community - but her troubles didn't stop there, describing most things as a 'trauma trigger for her.' which the people around her struggled to understand. While living in the Amish community, she was pushed to join the Beachy Amish Mennonite Church, which is another sect of the Amish church. 'The churches that claim to be following and doing everything that Jesus wants were some of the most abusive churches,' she declared. Rachel moved yet again within Ohio, and met a Mennonite couple whom she gives a lot of credit to helping her leave the church and seek help. She had been suffering from seizures for a while, which the religious people around her said was due to her 'sinful' past. 'I truly believe that if I would not have found my landlords and the family that moved me to Columbus I probably wouldn't be alive,' she said emotionally. 'They just showered me in unconditional love and showed me what family looks like, what belonging looks like, and that it doesn't have to be surrounded by religion it doesn't have to be surrounded by rules,' she explained, adding meeting these people marked the 'turning point' in leaving the church. When Rachel was 29, she had surgery on her pelvis and was diagnosed with endometriosis - later having to undergo a hysterotomy which was heartbreaking as she 'always' wanted to be a mother. After the surgeries, her doctor also noted she had a lot of scarring from all the abuse she had suffered over the years. 'I just thought I'm not a woman anymore,' she heartbreakingly recalled. 'These people took everything from me, that's how I felt.' Rachel continued: 'I just felt like less of a woman, I no longer can have children [so] no man is ever going to want me because I can't have children.' While she admitted it has been hard to unlearn the rules of the church, she is now taking a break from religion. She has also cut her hair short which she said stems from years of abuse of men pulling her hair. 'I cried when she started shaving it off because I was little stressed out about it, but in the end it just felt so freeing,' she reflected. Rachel hasn't been inside a church in 'awhile,' as it fills her with anxiety and 'extreme panic,' but said she now practices in her own, less strict, ways. She is now focusing on 'getting her life back,' and is now a certified diver and is taking voice lessons. 'There's just been different things I started doing,' she explained. '[It] wakes up these little pieces in you that are just kind of shut down.' Rachel is now a dog trainer and is planning road trips and exploring more of the country. 'I have a lot more hope than I used to and I I look forward to my future,' she concluded passionately. Hay fever sufferers have been left baffled after realising the 'correct way' to use nasal spray. While all know they should inhale nasal spray many fail to reap the benefits as the medication bypasses the nostrils completely, a health expert has claimed. Professor Helen Brough, a consultant in paediatric allergy and clinical immunology, appeared on ITV's This Morning and shocked host Cat Deeley with her little-known tip. Rather than squirting and inhaling the spray, she advised to point it into the outer corners of the nose and let the hairs catch the medication. 'I have so many families who come to me who've been having all the medications prescribed but they're still not getting any benefit,' Professor Brough said. 'So, if you go with the nasal spray straight up into the nose and sniff, you'll just swallow the steroid into the stomach, which is not going to help you.' 'You need to [put your] head down, and then you angle the nasal steroid spray towards the side of the nose, and the nasal hairs will then slowly bring it back up where it needs to go,' she continued. 'And then, you don't sniff. You just hold a little tissue here (at the bottom of the nose), if you need to, if there's any that falls out, but most of the time, nothing falls out. Professor Helen Brough (pictured) appeared on ITV's This Morning and shocked host Cat Deeley with her little-known tip. Rather than squirting and inhaling the spray, she advised to point it into the outer corners of the nose 'So, if you go with the nasal spray straight up into the nose and sniff, you'll just swallow the steroid into the stomach, which is not going to help you,' she said 'And that will mean it goes to where it's directed, and it also means that you're much less likely to get nosebleeds.' The insight stunned both the TV hosts and viewers alike, with many admitting they had 'no idea' they had been using nasal sprays wrong for years. '34 years as a hay fever sufferer and no doctor ever thought to tell me how to properly use a nasal spray. Fantastic,' one wrote. 'My husband did that with my daughter and I kept saying no it's not going in like that, but I'll admit I was wrong,' another wrote. A third dubbed the insight as a 'game changer'. Always read the instructions on the bottle when using new treatments. The Duke of Sussex will reportedly be surrounded by close friends and family Prince Harry is set to turn 40 this weekend - and the once party-going Duke is said to have opted for some very low-key celebrations. The Duke of Sussex will celebrate his birthday on September 15, at the $14.7million mansion in Montecito, California, he shares with his wife Meghan Markle. Details of Harry's birthday celebrations have been reported by HELLO! Magazine, suggesting Harry has opted for a birthday surrounded only by those closest to him. Harry will reportedly celebrate with a party in his Montecito home, joined by Meghan and their two children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. He will then enjoy a 'weekend getaway' in the mountains with his closest friends to celebrate the start of his fifth decade, according to the magazine. Prince Harry is set to turn 40 this weekend - and the once party-going Duke is said to have opted for some very low-key celebrations (pictured on his tour to Colombia last month) Harry has reportedly opted for low-key celebrations, surrounded only by close family and friends. Pictured with Meghan on Colombia tour last month One of the Duke's old friends told HELLO!: 'He has longer to work things out now. He and Meghan are not under any time pressure it's all on their own terms.' It's a far cry from Harry's 30th birthday a decade ago - which he celebrated with a black tie event at Clarence House joined by his elder brother Prince William. These days Harry spends a more low-key life in the luxurious neighbourhood of Montecito, a celebrity haunt where his neighbours include the likes of Oprah and Katy Perry. Other stars who own properties in the area include Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Martin, Jennifer Aniston, Ariana Grande, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rob Lowe. Harry is said to spend his time riding his bike followed by a security team in a Range Rover, or walking his dog alone on the beach, insiders claimed last week. He is also said to spend his time at his desk, on Zoom calls with charities and his team, or chatting with Meghan about upcoming potential trips. There is a long meditation in his diary each day - and often a workout with a personal trainer. Neighbours and locals in Montecito have spoken to The Daily Telegraph about the couple's life there - and admit they barely see them, especially Harry. Harry will reportedly celebrate with a party in his Montecito home (pictured), joined by Meghan and their two children Prince Archie , five, and Princess Lilibet, three Harry will reportedly celebrate with a party in his Montecito home, joined by Meghan and their two children. Harry and Meghan are pictured at the ESPYs in July Details of Harry's birthday celebrations have been revealed in HELLO! Magazine , demonstrating how Harry has opted for a birthday surrounded only by those closest to him (pictured with Prince Archie in 2019) One declared: 'They keep themselves to themselves. I haven't seen Harry around much. Normally when you see him around here, he's walking his Labrador on the beach or on his bicycle followed by his security in a Range Rover'. Meghan, however, is said to have joined a local mahjong group, stops to speak to locals in the street or shops and has bonded with other celeb-locals including Ellen DeGeneres, who shares a love of chickens with the former Suits star. The Sussexes do venture out together from time to time. They enjoy date nights together at the local steakhouse named Lucky's or pop out for an Italian meal at Tre Lune where a margherita pizza is $24 and spaghetti and meatballs is $35. Harry's previous birthday have been difficult events for the Prince, who remembered turning 13 amid the tragedy of his mother's death in his autobiography Spare. In Spare, he revealed his thoughts at the time: Shell be back. She has to be. Its my birthday in two weeks. He shot his first stag at Balmoral on his 15th birthday, had a low-key 20th as he was preparing for his Sandhurst entrance exams although the following month he was brawling with photographers outside a London nightclub. On his 25th birthday he was on holiday in Botswana, celebrating with cake and cocktails; on his 28th he was a soldier under Taliban fire at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. Meghan and Harry share this desk. The Duke of Sussex is seen mucking around outside the window while working from home on his wife's 40th birthday in 2021 Harry puts a 30-40-minute meditation in his diary each day to make sure it happens As Harry turned 30, he had just left the army, split up with his ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas and launched the first Invictus Games. And his 30th birthday party was very different from how he plans to spent his 40th: Prince William threw a black-tie party for his little brother at Clarence House, where 30 of his best friends toasted Harry with cases of Highgrove champagne sent by his father. This was not mentioned in Spare, however. The Sussexes have already completed two quasi-royal tours this year to Nigeria and Colombia, and are said to be planning at third trip. The couple have been buoyed by the success of the two tours and are now planning a further overseas trip for some point later this year, according to HELLO! Likely destinations are believed to include Lesotho and Botswana, where Harry's charity Sentebale operates. The Duke last visited the countries in 2019. Speaking about Harry's foreign trips and charity work, an insider told Hello!: 'That's his world, that's what he's used to and that's what he knows. He can still add value.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at San Basilio de Palenque in Colombia on August 17 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with students of the La Giralda School in Bogota on August 16 It comes after the couple's tour of Colombia cost the country Col$244,245,305 (44,725.14), which included spending on security and internal transport. The figure was released by Colombia's vice-president Francia Marquez, who organised the four-day trip, following a request by Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal. Ms Cabal, who is her political opponent, previously branded the quasi-royal tour between August 15 and 18 as 'showmanship' and 'wasteful spending'. But the vice-president's office also revealed that Harry and Meghan paid for their own flights and accommodation in Bogota as well as general expenses. During their trip, Harry and Meghan visited a local school and joined a summit in collaboration with their Archewell Foundation about creating a healthier digital landscape. The Sussexes also took part in a forum paying tribute to the contributions of Afro-Colombian women, leaders and entrepreneurs. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 10 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 10 And Harry joined in a game of volleyball on a visit to Colombian Invictus Games athletes in Bogota. Harper's Bazaar magazine covered the trip as the only words pool. The quasi-royal tour had many similarities to the programme of an official royal overseas visit. And it came after the Sussexes' three-day visit to Nigeria in May at the invitation of the West African nation's chief of defence staff. Harry and Meghan stepped down from the working monarchy in 2020 and no longer travel at the request of the UK Government on official overseas royal visits, when travel costs would have usually been met by the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. Harry lost a High Court challenge against the Home Office in February over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK, but he has been given the green light to appeal. It comes after the teaser for Harry and Meghan's latest Netflix project dropped just hours after Kensington Palace released an intimate cancer recovery video for Princess Kate. POLO, the new documentary series following elite global players of the sport, was advertised on Netflix's social media yesterday and has been created by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Productions. The announcement came just a few hours after William and Kate posted an emotional video celebrating the end of the Princess's chemotherapy journey following a difficult health crisis earlier this year. In the three-minute long clip, Kate warned that 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus' and admitted the last nine months have been a 'scary and unpredictable' time for her family. Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess - seen with William - expects to return to a full programme of duties next year The Princess said the experience has reminded her and her husband to 'reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.' There is no evidence to suggest the timing of the Netflix announcement was planned around Kate's video. The Netflix announcement reads: 'POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. 'From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, premiering this December only on Netflix.' William and Kate's video was filmed in Norfolk and featured the couple's three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - as well as Kate's parents. In her message the princess says: 'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. 'The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. Catherine and William hug each other on a picnic blanket in an adorable moment from the video Kate Middleton's family featured in the emotional three-minute video Princess Catherine's mother Carole featured in the emotional video announcing the end of Kate's cancer Catherine spoke of her 'relief' at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end 'This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. ' Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: 'Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. 'Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.' And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: 'To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.' MailOnline has previously contacted Netflix and Archewell for comment. Advertisement Royal watchers have responded with delight following the release of an emotional three-minute clip yesterday, revealing that Kate Middleton has completed her chemotherapy treatment. During the clip, the Princess of Wales, 43, and her husband Prince William are seen celebrating the Princess's recovery alongside their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. A voiceover by Kate, played over footage of the family, notes her 'renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life' after completing chemotherapy following a difficult health crisis this year. And as ever, fans of the Wales family couldn't help but comment on six-year-old Prince Louis' antics, with the famously cheeky royal showing off his fun-loving side in the short film. One clip shows the youngster boldly climbing a tall tree, appearing to have ascended around 15ft, as his mother watches on from the ground. A clip from the emotional video showed Prince Louis (pictured) climbing a tree, while his mother Kate Middleton (pictured) watched on from the ground Meanwhile, in another clip, the six-year-old was seen speaking directly to the camera, as his older brother Prince George and his mother the Princess of Wales sat behind him The image prompted fans to take to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on the six-year-old's gregarious personality. One wrote: 'Prince Louis being 15 feet up the tree is very Prince Louis.' Another added: 'Just Prince Louis doing Prince Louis things.' A much more succinct commentator shared an image of the young royal climbing, and simply said: 'Just Prince Louis.' Meanwhile, another complimented the youngster's abilities when it comes to the outdoor activity. They wrote: 'Prince Louis should give a master class on climbing trees. I once climb a tree in Mexico; with my friends. That was back when I was in high school.' Another segment of the video showed the three Wales children speaking directly to a camera, as they sat on a blanket. Confident Louis leaned in towards the camera, and said: 'Hello...hello.' Royal watchers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their admiration for the egregious young royal, complimenting his tree-climbing abilities and outgoing personality While the video was filled with these positive images, it also featured a very powerful message from mother-of-three Kate. During the clip, she was very open about how undergoing chemotherapy had affected her outlook. The message to the nation was filled with hope and celebration. However, she warned that 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus'. Kate also admitted the last nine months have been a 'scary and unpredictable' time for her family. The Princess said the experience has reminded her and her husband to 'reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted, 'of simply loving and being loved'. Their three-minute long video was filmed in Norfolk last month. It is accompanied by a backdrop of stunning nature. It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children and kissing. Princess Catherine's mother Carole featured in the emotional video announcing the end of Kate's cancer Kate Middleton's family featured in the emotional three-minute video The charming video that accompanied the message was shot last month Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess - seen with William - expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice The princess' personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children During the uplifting video message shared yesterday, the Princess of Wales revealed she has finished her course of 'preventative chemotherapy' In her message the princess says: 'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. 'The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. 'Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. Princess of Wales' full statement Catherine and William hug each other on a picnic blanket in an adorable moment from the video As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright. Advertisement 'The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. 'With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. 'This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. ' Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: 'Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. 'Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. 'I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. 'Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. 'William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. 'Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.' And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: 'To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.' Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a 'handful' of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being 'cancer free' and her journey to full recovery 'is long'. Her programme of engagements will be 'light' but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it. She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November. Kate has emphasised that she wants to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too. She has already started to work from home on 'passion projects' such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year. A source stressed that the entire Wales family are 'immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months'. The source added that the couple are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy. Other responses to the message included one from prime minister Keir Starmer, who wrote on social media: 'Pleased to hear the Princess of Wales has finished chemotherapy. 'On behalf of the entire country, I send her my very best wishes for a full recovery.' Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla are understood to have welcomed yesterday's announcement as 'wonderful news'. It has been reported that they will continue to offer all love, thoughts and support to Kate on her path to full recovery. Japanese casual wear brand Uniqlo have unveiled Meghan Markle's wedding dress designer as its new creative director. The British designer, 54, originally from Birmingham, was the first ever woman to head up Givenchy in March 2017, where she worked across men's and women's ready-to-wear. But it was the Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress that truly made Clare a household name, after Meghan tied the knot with Prince Harry in May 2018 at St George's Chapel in front of the world while wearing one of the British designer's creations. After a three year tenure, Clare left Givenchy in 2020, with the French fashion house this month revealing Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton's nuptial gown, as its new creative director. The 50-year-old artist designed Kate's dress during her role as creative director for Alexander McQueen - a position she assumed for 13 of her 26 years at the British label, taking over from founder Lee Alexander McQueen following his death in 2010. Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo has unveiled Clare Waight Keller (pictured), who designed Meghan Markle's wedding dress, as its new creative director After Clare created Meghan's wedding gown, the royal went on to don several of her Givenchy designs, turning to the label to dress her for many prominent engagements, including her June 2018 outing at Ascot alongside the Queen. In December 2018, Meghan made clear how close the two women had become when she made a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards, where she presented Clare with the prestigious British Womenswear Designer of the Year award. The Duchess of Sussex, who was pregnant with her son Archie at the time, looked stunning in a one-shoulder Givenchy gown, which showed off her bump to full effect. While on stage, Meghan opened up about her very personal connection to fashion, noting 'we have a deep connection to what we wear'. 'Sometimes it's deeply personal, sometimes it's emotional,' she went on, before praising Clare's 'kindness' and the 'values'. Once on stage, the designer was just as complimentary about the former royal, saying: 'This woman is so amazing. I got to know Meghan on such a personal level. 'To have someone like that trust you on such a personal moment in their life... I can't thank you enough because it was the most beautiful moment.' According to WWD, which broke the news of Clare's departure from Givenchy, her decision to step down came at the end of her initial three-year contract, and follows the debut of her final collection for the brand, which was shown on the runways at Paris Fashion Week, shortly before the Covid-19 outbreak shut down much of Europe. After moving to Givenchy in 2017, the Birmingham-born designer was chosen by Meghan to design her wedding dress Meanwhile, Sarah Burton, who created the Princess of Wales's wedding dress, will follow in Clare's footsteps as the creative director of Givenchy Sarah designed Kate's wedding dress while working as creative director at Alexander McQueen Clare did not address her reasons for exiting the brand while making a statement about her departure, which was given to WWD, instead saying that her time at Givenchy has been 'one of the highlights' of her career. 'Focusing on a world based on haute couture has been one of the highlights of my professional journey,' Clare, who was born in Birmingham, said. 'I have shared so many incredible moments with the brilliant Givenchy ateliers and design teams: Your exceptional talent and dedication will forever remain in my memories. 'My heartfelt thanks go out to each of the unsung heroes and heroines behind the scenes, for their contribution from product to communications and retail, and every global team member, partner and supplier in between.' Clare began her career as a stylist for Calvin Klein in New York City, before joining Ralph Lauren. In 2000, she was hired by Tom Ford for a role at Gucci, where she was responsible for women's ready-to-wear and accessories, a position that she held for four years. A year later, she moved to Pringle of Scotland, where - her Givenchy bio notes - she 'redefined the Houses style and knitwear heritage', earning the title of Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards in 2007. Clare and Meghan are close friends, and in December 2018, a pregnant Meghan made a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards to give the designer an award Meghan and Clare spoke very highly of one another during 2018 Fashion Awards, with Meghan praising Clare's 'kindness' and the 'values' Meghan has worn Clare's Givenchy designs many times, including during an official engagement at Ascot in June 2018, when she and Prince Harry joined the Queen In 2011, she moved to Paris in order to take on the position of creative director at Chloe, a role that truly helped to define her career, while cementing her status as one of the world's most sought-after designers. She moved to Givenchy in 2017, and since then she has amassed a legion of celebrity fans, including Ariana Grande. One year after joining the brand, Clare was chosen by Meghan to design her wedding dress - in what many saw as a rather surprising decision on the part of the Duchess of Sussex. The designer behind the dress remained a closely-guarded secret until the day of the ceremony, when royal fans around the world were treated to their first glimpse at the beautiful bride - and her stunning silk gown, which left Prince Harry in tears when he first saw his future wife. An emotional Harry told his bride 'you look amazing' after she wafted down the aisle in the classic silk gown in pure white, with a 15ft veil embroidered with flowers of the Commonwealth. The bespoke creation is estimated to have cost $250,000, including $97,000 for custom-made fabric and $5,000 for fittings. SARAH BURTON - HER HISTORY IN DESIGN Sarah Burton was born in Macclesfield and educated in Manchester, before studying Fashion at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, graduating in 1997. In 1996, Burton joined Alexander McQueen and became head of design in 2000 under McQueen. In May 2010, she was appointed creative director. In 2011, she was announced as the designer of the Princess of Wales dress for her wedding to Prince William. In 2012, she was awarded an OBE for her services to the British Fashion industry. During her 13 year tenure as creative Dcrector, ahe produced womens and mens collections to great critical acclaim, as well as establishing an extensive education programme supporting young creatives. She left Alexander McQueen in October 2023. In December 2023, Burton was awarded the Special Recognition Award at The Fashion Awards, honouring her outstanding contribution to the fashion industry. Source: LVMH Advertisement The veil was made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza, while the look was completed by a Cartier bracelet and earrings and a Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Clare would move to Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo. She previously collaborated with the brand in September last year to create womenswear project - UNIQLO C. In addition to running the line, Clare is set to lead the brand's mainline collection from this year's Fall/Winter collection. Meanwhile, the designer behind Kate's wedding dress - Sarah Burton - will follow in Clare's footsteps and assume the position of creative director at Givenchy. The 50-year-old artist worked as creative creator for Alexander McQueen for 26 years - she was its creative director for 13 of those years. Sarah took over the role in 2010, following the death of its founder Lee Alexander McQueen. According to Vogue Business, industry estimates suggest she helped grow the Kering brand's sales to around 830 million by 2022. Her last collection for the British design house came in Spring/Summer 2024, after which she became a free agent. The event was described as emotional, featuring a standing ovation, and many tears. Following her departure from McQueen, her next move was highly anticipated. Last December, it was revealed that Matthew Williams would be stepping down from his role as Givenchy's creative director. No successor was named. Following Matthew's three-year tender at LVMH-owned Givenchy, its studio team led the design process, while a new creative director was found. Now, it has been announced that Sarah Burton - who described Givenchy as a 'jewel' will be taking over and will be responsible for all the women's and men's collections. Sarah has collaborated with Kate Middleton on multiple occasions, leading some to dub her the Princesses favourite designer. Speaking about the role, which is effective immediately, Sarah said: 'It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel. 'I am so excited to be able to write the next chapter in the story of this iconic house and to bring to Givenchy my own vision, sensibility and beliefs.' Mrs Burton was awarded with an Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to the fashion industry, and remains one of the brightest lights in British fashion, having a huge impact on everyday style and formal wear, and designing for some of the world's most famous names. Advertisement Many royal watchers were delighted yesterday when the Princess of Wales revealed in an emotional three-minute video that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment. The touching video, which also featured the Prince of Wales, and the couple's three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - boasted another sight familiar to many royal fans, the rural backdrop of Norfolk. Filmed in the area last month, the three-minute long video featured a backdrop of stunning nature, showing the family playing happily on a beach and in some woods, as well as William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children and kissing. Followers of the Wales may have noticed that this backdrop has appeared in previous imagery shared by the family to mark significant events, with beachside scenes appearing to have been filmed at Holkham Bay. In June of this year, Kate took a heartwarming snap of her husband Prince William jumping off sand dunes with Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six. It is thought that the video released yesterday by the Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured) was partly filmed on Holkham Beach in Norfolk The image, which was shared on Instagram, appeared to have been taken at a beach close to the Wales' countryside home of Anmer Hall in Norfolk. It was accompanied by a caption which read: 'Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx'. The same beach is believed to have been featured in a video shared by the Wales in 2021, to mark their tenth wedding anniversary. Kate and William shared an unprecedented glimpse into their family life via the candid video, to thank supporters for sending 'kind messages' on their milestone date. According to Hello! magazine, the video was filmed in the dunes of Holkham Bay, which the outlet described as being 'relatively secluded throughout the year which could explain its popularity with the royal family'. Holkham Bay is described as offering miles of unspoilt beach - which is accessed by walking through a small forest - notably, the video shared yesterday also showed the family of five spending time in a forest. The seaside village of Holkham is not far from the Wales' Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall. Numerous lists featuring the UK's best beaches include the location, thanks to its miles of unspoilt sandy stretches, as well as its expansive dunes, and wildlife. A photograph shared earlier this year to mark Prince William's birthday is also said to have been filmed in the dunes in the same Norfolk beach When marking their tenth wedding anniversary in 2021, William and Kate (pictured) shared footage also believed to have been filmed at the same location Being just a short drive from the Royal Family's Sandringham Estate, it has also been reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II used to enjoy talking her corgis for a stroll along the shore. According to a source speaking to Hello! in 2023, the Wales have been seen enjoying the local seaside on multiple occasions. The source, described as a local, said: 'They've been spotted on a yacht just off Holkham Beach, it's the perfect way for them to be able to enjoy the beach but be away from the crowds. Holkham is amazing - it's the beach from Shakespeare in Love - huge white sand with sand dunes, and although it's very popular it never feels busy, as it's so big.' However, they added, the area gets so busy during peak Summer season, that 'it would be hard for the royal family to come down and enjoy it' - and so being on a boat 'gives them privacy and security but they still get to enjoy their local beach'. Another interesting feature of the beach, according to some reports, is that is has naturist areas. While there have been multiple attempts to ban the practice, it appears these have ultimately been unsuccessful. However, it is unlikely that any visiting royals will stumble across nude sunbathers, as the practice is limited to specific areas. A 2013 ban on nudism, put in place by the beach's owner the Holkham Estate, was overturned after threat of legal action by the non-profit organisation British Naturism. While already fairly famous thanks to its stunning vistas, no doubt more people will be aware of the area following the release of Kate Middleton's video yesterday. The clip showed Kate and her husband Prince William celebrating the Princess's recovery alongside their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Kate spoke of her 'relief' at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end during the emotional video released yesterday The princess walks through the woods under dappled sunlight during the video released alongside her statement Kate appeared happy and relaxed in the video, which will delight her millions of supporters While Kate's message to the nation was filled with hope and celebration, she warned that 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus' and admitted the last nine months have been a 'scary and unpredictable' time for her family. The Princess said the experience has reminded her and her husband to 'reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.' In her message the princess says: 'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. 'The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. 'This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. ' Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: 'Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. 'Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.' The new video of the princess and her family an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage - was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr Princess Charlotte hugs their parents as they look out over a beach in Norfolk And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: 'To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.' Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a 'handful' of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being 'cancer free' and her journey to full recovery 'is long'. Her programme of engagements will be 'light' but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it. She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too. She has already started to work from home on 'passion projects' such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year. Kate pictured behind the wheel as she reads her statement as a voiceover The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Kate has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy The Cambridge children play in the sea during the video released today Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are featured regularly in the new video Kate and William lark around on the beach in a delightful scene from the video The footage is one of the intimate insights into family life that Kate and William have provided so far Delightful scenes show the family enjoying each other's company in nature A source stressed that the entire Wales family are 'immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months' and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy. The princess was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as planned abdominal surgery. It was later discovered by doctors that cancer had been present and she embarked on her treatment in late February. Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice. However sources told the Mail that the Princess hopes to do a small number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months. They are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources stressing repeatedly that every 'cancer journey is different'. It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December. A search to identify a celebrity whose face was included in the design of a 2008 piece of fabric is finally been solved after five years. Baffled internet users have been searching far and wide for more than half a decade to identify the so-called 'Celebrity No 6' - a mysterious star who appeared on piece of fabric. The internet mystery began five years ago, when Reddit user TontsaH, from Finland, posted a picture of a piece of a fabric they bought in 2008, which featured celebrities who were popular at the time. Seven of the eight celebrities on the pattern were quickly identified - but no one could agree on who number six was - until now. More than 42,000 people joined a subreddit dedicated to solving the mystery - with sleuths going as far as contacting the designer and heading to their local library to flick through old gossip magazines to unveil the celeb. And after years of searching, the 'celebrity' has finally been identified as Spanish model Leticia Sarda. A search to identify a celebrity whose face was included in the design of a 2008 piece of fabric is finally been solved after five years Seven of the eight celebrities on the pattern were quickly identified - but no one could agree on who number six was - until now Brad Pitt, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Rebecca Romijn were all contenders were all contender for the so-called 'Celebrity No 6'. Hundreds of names, both male and female, were put forward but for half a decade no one was able to match the exact picture to the celebrity. Swedish-French model Filippa Hamilton even claimed it was her - but internet detectives weren't convinced. Brad Pitt was one of the leading contenders - however people claimed the 'ear shape' and 'hair parting' was wrong for the Fight Club star. Other names proposed included River Phoenix, Evangeline Lilly, Heath Ledger, Nicolette Sheridan, Jodie Foster and Travis Fimmel. Some people have even suggested the likes of Queen Letizia of Spain and Kristen Stewart as the mysterious face. While some were convinced it was Desperate Housewives star Nicolette Sheridan. The fabric itself - called 'Figures' - was made by Finnish company 'Anttila', who have since gone bankrupt. Further mystery was added to the saga when sleuths tracked down the designer. He said he can't remember who the celebrity is, but said that he used Hello! magazine to find star's snaps. Bizarrely, he claimed to have used a 2015 edition of the magazine to make the fabric, despite multiple people claiming to have brought the fabric seven years earlier in 2008. It was unlikely that the photos came from a 2015 magazine, as Hello! tends to publish recent pictures and the photos on the fabric ranged fro 1999-2007. But now after a long search, people are now breathing a sigh of relief. The solve began when Reddit user u/stefanmorse mentioned the name 'Leticia Sarda' - saying they found photos of the model who looked similar to Celebrity Number 6. Another Reddit user - going by u/IndigoRoom - looked up the photographer of the shoot and found the name Leandre Escorsell, who she believed to be the shoot's photographer. She then sent him and email asking if he recognised the photo. He then sent the original photo, which had appeared in a early noughties edition of Spanish Woman's magazine n162. Reddit users are in shock, with many saying it's a 'historic moment'. 'Damn dude, we need to get you on the zodiac case. good job,' said one. 'You will live in Reddits Hall of Fame! Great detective work,' said another. 'Excellent work, OP, and props to Leandre Escorsell for being so kind! Since not all contacts like to play ball with lost media searches, its always great to encounter someone so warm,' wrote a third. 'Reddit does better investigative work than the FBI,' added another. 'Wow. Simply amazing. Awesome job! Most of us, myself included, have only been here for the ride, mostly lurking and maybe doing some superficial research here and there; but you went above and beyond and actually did something about it. 'I can't even imagine the feeling you had when you opened that last email and saw the photo (THE photo) staring at you in the face. I'm getting goosebumps just looking at that screenshot of the mail here, and I already knew what would be coming,' wrote one. 'This is a historic moment,' quipped another. 'The scream i just scrumpt! I woke up all my cats and terrified my husband!' joked another. 'I feel like Im witnessing history.' added another. 'You know its real because the photographers first reaction is Wtf somebody stole my photo! joked one. Hundreds of names, both male and female, have been put forward but no one seems to be able to match the exact picture to the celebrity. Brad Pitt (left) and Travis Fimmel (right) were among the leading contenders Taylor Kitsch (left) and River Phoenix (right) are among the others that have been theorised Models Caroline Murphy (left) and Filippa Hamilton (right) are also popular choice Lost star Evangeline Lilly (left) and Alexa Chung (right) were popular choices Jodie Foster and Rebecca Romijn were also popular choices Other celebrities have denied it's them, including model Jayne Windsor Model Filipa Hamilton claims the pictures are of her - but sleuths believe the pictures aren't a close enough match Leticia, 44, has since said she had no idea about the search. 'I still can't believe it... And I didn't know anything about it, until two days ago I had no idea about all this,' she told Spanish Vanity Fair. 'I'm still processing it, I haven't even had time to do any research. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where I live, two people have already stopped me in the street to offer to manage my social networks. I was leaving work in cholas [a term used in the Canary Islands to refer to flip-flops or comfortable footwear], in shorts and with a messy bun, so I told them I wasn't ready for this. She added she isn't big on social media and only found out when someone she knew told her she had 'gone viral on TikTok'. The model, who posed for the likes of Burberry, L'Oreal and Levi's and did campaigns with Ian Somerhalder and Tom Welling gave up her career in 2009, aged 29, and has since led a quiet, private life in Tenerife. The other celebrities on the fabric including Adriana Lima (twice) and Orlando Bloom Celebrity one: Adriana Lima Adriana Lima, seen in 1999, is the first celebrity on the fabric Celebrity two: Josh Holloway Next on the fabric is Lost star Josh Holloway - the show was immensely popular at the time Celebrity three: Adriana Lima (again) Adriana Lima features again as celebrity number three Celebrity four: Jessica Alba Jessica Alba is celebrity number four Celebrity five: Travis Fimmel First ever male model Travis Fimmel is celebrity five - many believe he may also be celebrity number six Celebrity seven: Ian Somerhalder Ian Somerhalder is celebrity number seven Celebrity eight: Orlando Bloom Noughties heartthrob Oralndo Bloom is celebrity number eight Advertisement The other famous faces on the fabric include Lost star Josh Holloway, actress Jessica Alba, Victoria Secret model Adriana Lima (who appears twice) as well as actors Travis Fimmel and Orlando Bloom. Others on Reddit, who are also from Finland, have said they believe they also have the fabric. Some said they believe they've seen the original photo - but can't remember who it is. 'Hi. I've seen the original of this photo. I don't remember who she is or what exact colour the shirt is. But I do remember that she has some kind of VIP pass or Backstage pass around her neck. The thick dark line around her 'neck' is the strap for the pass,' one Reddit user wrote. 'I'm certain it's a she. And for the hair. I remember it as dark blonde. 'I recall the original pic but I don't know the name of the model or brand to search it up.' Around 65 per cent of the subreddit believed the celeb was woman - while 35 per cent thought they were a man - before the reveal. One user even conducted a week-long investigation searching through entire 1998-2007 Getty catalogue in the hope of finding the photo. His guesses included Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Hilary Duff, Olivia Wilde, Kristen Bell, Kate Hudson and Angelina Jolie. Princess Mette-Marit of Norway appeared in high spirits as she cheered on a children's football game today - embarking on her first royal tour since her son Marius' arrest. The royal, 51, and her husband Crown Prince Haakon, also 51, kicked off their three-day tour of the Sor-Trondelag region in Norway. She was snapped enthusiastically throwing her hands in the air as she discussed the match with Haakon, intently watching the players. Mette-Marit donned a waterproof red jacket to wrap up warm in the 10-degree weather in the region today. The Princess paired her sporty look with baggy navy blue trousers and a pair of white trainers. Mette-Marit looked in high spirits as she cheered on a school football game in the rain today Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon were then presented with their own personalised jerseys from the institution. The green shirt had Haakon VIII on the back along with 'alle pa banen' which loosely translates to 'everyone on the field'. Mette-Marit was also snapped getting involved in the games at the school, tossing what appeared to be frisbee around in the rain. The group then sheltered in a building where they tucked into some snacks and beverages while conversing. When she first arrived at Bell School, the mother-of-three wore a red-and-white floral midi skirt, which she paired with a cropped black jacket. Mette-Marit finished off her outfit with a pair of black wellington boots and some white-and-black selburose gloves, which Prince Haakon was also pictured in. The royal kept her makeup minimal and styled her light blonde, shoulder-length hair in loose waves. Meanwhile, Prince Haakon cut a casual figure in black jeans, navy raincoat and brown suede shoes. The pair were met by crowds of young royal fans waving the Norwegian flag as they arrived at the school. She and Prince Haakon were then presented with their own personalised jerseys from the institution The European royal, 51, and her husband Crown Prince Haakon, 51, kicked off their three-day tour of the Sor-Trondelag region in Norway today Mette-Marit was also snapped getting involved in the games at the school, tossing what appeared to be frisbee around in the rain Mette-Marit donned a waterproof red jacket to wrap up warm in the 10-degree weather in the region today The group then sheltered in a building where they tucked into some snacks and beverages while conversing She paired her sporty look with baggy navy blue trousers and a pair of white trainers as she cheered on a match at the school After receiving bunches of flowers, the couple took the time to stop and speak with the schoolchildren before heading inside Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon are pictured discussing the match at the school today After receiving bunches of flowers, the couple took the time to stop and speak with the schoolchildren before heading inside. The engagement comes after Princess Mette-Marit's son Marius - whom she shares with a previous partner - sensationally admitted to assaulting his 'girlfriend' 'after an argument' while 'intoxicated with cocaine and alcohol' in a statement last month. Last week, Marius was pictured arriving in Pisa while the rest of his family attended his step-aunt Princess Martha Louise of Norway's controversial wedding to Shaman Durek Verrett. He currently faces preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage and could face up to a year in prison. Ahead of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett tying the knot, the Norwegian Palace had confirmed that Borg Hiby would also not attend the nation's wedding of the year. 'I can confirm that Marius Borg Hiby is not attending the wedding,' a palace spokesperson told FEMAIL. Pictured: Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit visit the Bell school in Selbu on the first day of their three-day tour of Sor-Trondelag For her visit to Bell School, the mother-of-three wore a red-and-white floral midi skirt, which she paired with a cropped black jacket The engagement comes after Princess Mette-Marit's son Marius (pictured in June 2022) - whom she shares with a previous partner - sensationally admitted to assaulting his 'girlfriend' 'after an argument' while 'intoxicated with cocaine and alcohol' in a statement last month After receiving bunches of flowers, the couple took the time to stop and speak with the schoolchildren before heading inside The pair were met by crowds of young royal fans waving the Norwegian flag as they arrived at the school Mette-Marit finished off her outfit with a pair of black wellington boots and some white-and-black selburose gloves, which Prince Haakon was also pictured in Borg Hiby issued a statement earlier this month saying sorry for attacking his 'girlfriend', citing his mental health diagnosis. Norwegian tabloid VG has since published what it claimed were clips from two phone calls between the 27-year-old and his victim after the violent episode and vandalism in an apartment in Oslo on the night of August 4. Marius Borg Hiby's apology after assaulting his 'girlfriend' Speaking via his defence lawyer, yvind Bratlien in a statement to state-controlled NRK, Borg Hiby said: 'Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. 'I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument. 'I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. 'The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police', the statement added. 'For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards.' Advertisement During the conversation, former motorcycle mechanic Borg Hiby reportedly defended his assault as a 'little pat on the back...hit you with a flat hand'. But the woman allegedly replies that he hit her a hundred times and strangled her at least five times until she struggled to breathe, according to the Norwegian report after it was translated into English. Borg Hiby also reportedly threatened to burn the victim's belongings in a bin if she didn't collect them from Skaugum Castle, his family's official residence, by a certain time. Elsewhere in the calls, which were said to have taken place before Borg Hiby was arrested by the police at 4.10pm, the Prince's stepson allegedly mentioned a third person, claiming they are scared 'because I'm going to kill him'. The individual isn't named by VG, but the publication does state that they are known to both Borg Hiby and his 'girlfriend'. The audio is reportedly part of the police investigation against the 27-year-old, who was arrested and placed in police custody for 30 hours, according to local reports. He has been accused of causing bodily harm and injuring a woman with whom he was having a relationship. In the first conversation, Borg Hiby reportedly says loudly: 'Yes, you should. If not, I'll burn up all your stuff', after explaining that he wants the woman to collect her belongings from him. When the victim asks why he would do this, he replies: 'Because you deserve all the s*** I can throw at you,' and refers to his girlfriend in derogatory terms, according to the publication. 'Your clothes are on fire at 4pm. 4pm. Everything you own is already in the space outside here. And I have a large can of petrol and a lighter in my hand. Do you hear that? You will be here at 4pm,' says Borg Hiby. 'Then I'll set fire to your things', he adds, after the woman - who has apparently lived in Skaugum Castle with Borg Hiby and his mother and stepfather during certain points in the past year - insists she will not go to the 27-year-old. The 27-year-old (pictured in Pisa) tattooed stepson of the future King of Norway sensationally admitted to assaulting his 'girlfriend' 'after an argument' while 'intoxicated with cocaine and alcohol' in a statement in August, which rocked the Nordic nation Marius Borg Hiby (pictured) was spotted arriving in Pisa last month ahead of missing his step-aunt Princess Martha Louise of Norway's controversial wedding to Shaman Durek Verrett Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend the wedding of Norway's Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett, in Geiranger, Norway, Saturday August 31 Norwegian Princess Martha Louise (L) with Durek Verrett arrive at their wedding party at Hotel Union in Geiranger, western Norway, 31 August 2024 The two were in a relationship, according to VG, and Borg Hiby apologised to 'my girlfriend' in his statement on Wednesday. In July, Borg Hiby announced he was dating Rebecca Helberg Arntsen. However since his statement, the victim's lawyer Mette Yvonne Larsen told Dagbladet: 'The last time I spoke to my client they were not lovers.' The Prince's stepson has already pleaded guilty and says he is ready to serve out whatever sentence is handed down, his lawyer Oyvind Bratlien told Norway's TV2 television. But the scandal of the Norway Royal Family's 'black sheep' Borg Hiby's arrest has damaged some Norwegians' affection for their monarchy, MailOnline previously revealed. This month marked the tenth anniversary of trailblazing comedian Joan Rivers' untimely death, but even after all of these years, her legacy is still as strong as ever, especially in the world of celebrity fashion. However, her daughter, Melissa Rivers, believes that her iconic mom wouldn't have been a fan of today's climate of cancel culture in fashion commentary and beyond - and would have wanted nothing more than to make light of it all. Rivers, who tragically passed away after undergoing a routine endoscopy in 2014, was not only famous for her jaw-dropping and hysterical comedy, but also her role on E!'s hit show, Fashion Police, as well as legendary red carpet commentary and interviews. The famed comedienne had people roaring with laughter as she spoke about the red carpet looks of A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum, and Nicole Kidman - just to name a few. But given how much things have changed today, Joan definitely would have had some strong thoughts about it all, according to her daughter. Melissa Rivers, the daughter of the iconic comedian Joan Rivers, gave an exclusive interview to DailyMail.com this week about her mom's legacy in fashion, what she would have thought about cancel culture, and more Rivers and her daughter were extremely close, and even had a reality show together called Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? Rivers also announced Dead Funny: A Living Tribute to Joan Rivers Benefiting Gods Love We Deliver at New York's Apollo Theatre, which will be performed during opening night of the 20th Annual New York Comedy Festival on November 7 'I said her act would be making fun of it, making fun about that we're not allowed to have fun or joke,' Melissa said during an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com this week, where she also announced Dead Funny: A Living Tribute to Joan Rivers Benefiting God's Love We Deliver at New York's Apollo Theatre. The tribute will be performed during opening night of the 20th Annual New York Comedy Festival on November 7. And, while Melissa herself is a fan of the inclusive nature in fashion these days, she still wants people to remember that at the end of the day, it's something that is supposed to be 'fun.' 'Again, it's fashion - and I love the inclusivity and I love the body acceptance and I love that you can look at something and you can find yourself, I think that has been such a huge step forward. But it's fashion,' she said. 'It's supposed to be joyful, it's supposed to be fun, it's supposed to be aspirational, it's supposed to make you feel good, and when everyone starts taking everything so seriously, you then add in worry, and insecurities, and I just think the pendulum has swung too far,' her daughter continued. During the interview, Melissa also reflected on what a 'huge' legacy her beloved mom left on the fashion world. For years, Joan and her daughter pioneered the red carpet, turning it into something so entertaining that many would argue was it even more interesting than the actual awards shows themselves. Joan first hosted the 1994 Golden Globes red carpet for E! network by herself, and then had her daughter the following year for the Oscars. For years, Joan and her daughter pioneered the red carpet, turning it into something that some would argue was even more interesting than the actual awards shows themselves Melissa also added that they were 'lucky,' as many of those who they were talking about on the red carpet were starting to become these big A-listers and 'fashion girls' Rivers, who lived in Manhattan, tragically passed away during a routine routine endoscopy in 2014 'It's fun to look back on that and say part of her legacy, and I like to say, part of our legacy,' Melissa told DailyMail.com 'You know, with the red carpet, we made fashion magazines come to life more than just on their runways, and I like to think - and not just because I'm one of the producers and creators of it - that we really changed red carpet fashion and celebrity dressing,' Melissa explained to DailyMail.com. Melissa also added that they were 'lucky,' as many of those who they were talking about on the red carpet were starting to become these big A-listers and 'fashion girls.' 'It was one of those things that was just lightening in a bottle, that you had these women that loved and understood fashion, and it was just a great wave to ride,' the Melissa Rivers' Group Text podcast host shared. 'We had the rise of the stylist, and then you had all of these collaborations, and people aligning themselves with one designer, and it's really fun,' Melissa continued. 'It's fun to look back on that and say part of her legacy, and I like to think, part of our legacy.' Of course, part of that legacy was 'Fashion Police,' an iconic show that ran on E! for over two decades, from 1995 to 2017, co-created by Joan and produced by Melissa. The show, which provided hilarious commentary on celebrity fashion, was a true hit among both pop culture fans and non-pop culture fans alike. After her mother's passing, Melissa served as a co-host of the show alongside Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski. However, when asked about a potential reboot of the influential show, Melissa admitted that she thinks those days are 'long gone' - although people still come up to her every day asking to bring it back, she says. Of course, part of that legacy was 'Fashion Police,' an iconic show that ran on E! for over two decades, from 1995 to 2017, co-created by Joan and produced by Melissa This spring, The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, will be launching an exhibition featuring all of Joan's archives After her mother's passing, Melissa served as a co-host of 'Fashion Police' alongside Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski A play called 'Joan' about the comedienne's extraordinary life, directed by David Ivers, will run from October 27 to November 24 at the South Coast Repertory Theater in Costa Mesa, California 'It would never work. You just can't,' she said. 'I mean, I hope that in my lifetime we'll get back to a place where people can have a sense of humor about themselves, but I think those days are long gone, and it makes me sad.' The New York Times bestselling author admitted that she's 'spun it around a thousand different ways' in her head, but doesn't have anything up her sleeve as of yet. 'I just haven't figured out a way to thread the needle yet,' Melissa admitted. 'I'm hoping I will, but I also hope we also start laughing again.' 'My mom always used to say, when you make someone laugh, you give them a mini vacation, and God knows we all need these mini vacations.' In addition to Dead Funny: A Living Tribute to Joan Rivers, which will feature 'three of the biggest women comics working right now,' amongst others, fans can also remember Joan in a few more ways this year. A play called 'Joan' about the comedienne's extraordinary life, directed by David Ivers, will run from October 27 to November 24 at the South Coast Repertory Theater in Costa Mesa, California. And, this spring, The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, will be launching an exhibition featuring all of Joan's archives. Esther Ghey, told Lorraine she has plans for a 'Peace Festival' in Warrington Esther Ghey, the grieving mother of murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey, revealed that she speaks to the mother of one of her daughter's killers 'almost every week' and that they are working together to launch a 'Peace Festival'. Brianna was 16 when she was lured into a park in Warrington, Cheshire, on February 11, 2023, and stabbed to death by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, then 15 years old. Ratcliffe was partly motivated by transphobia while Jenkinson was obsessed with torture and death on the dark web as well as serial killers. Speaking on Lorraine this morning, Esther, said that she doesn't blame Scarlett's mother, Emma Jenkinson, 'at all for what's happened'. She added: 'I think we're more alike than we are different. I saw her in court and I can't imagine what she's actually going through as well.' Esther Ghey (pictured), the grieving mother of Brianna Ghey, appeared on Lorraine on Tuesday morning. She told host Lorraine Kelly that she has been working with the mother of one of her daughter's killers to organise a Peace Festival Esther has joined forces with Emma to organise a Peace Festival, which will take place in Warrington on September 15. She told host Lorraine Kelly that there will be teepees with yoga sessions, sound baths and an appearance from Crystal, a therapy pony. 'We've got inspirational speakers such as Jaxon Feeley, who won Hunted this year, and people from the Mindfulness in Schools Project,' Esther explained. 'I think it should be an absolutely amazing day.' Esther, who told Lorraine that she 'has good days and bad days', is also working on another campaign, which aims to roll out mindfulness practice 'into every school in England'. She added: 'I think focusing on something thats so positive and trying to create this legacy for Brianna as well - this is what keeps me going.' Mindfulness, Esther explained, is 'a way of building mental strength and mental resilience'. She is currently working closely with the Mindfulness in Schools Project to see mindfulness rolled out in schools across Warrington. Brianna Ghey (pictured) was just 16 when she was murdered on February 11, 2023, by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, then 15 years old Esther talked about her campaign to have mindfulness training rolled out in schools and her campaign to tackle online hate To this end, Esther set up a community called Peace in Mind UK, with the strapline: Planting seeds of resilience, empathy and unity'. 'We've got over 100 teachers that are signed up to the training in Warrington now, which is almost every school in Warrington,' she said. From this pilot scheme, funded by the 90,000 of donations, Esther hopes mindfulness training can be rolled out across the rest of the country. She said: 'Everyone needs to have the opportunity to be able to learn how to take care of their mental health.' While Esther is motivated by the fact that Brianna had struggled with her mental health, she is equally driven by what she considers 'an increase of anxiety and lack of mental resilience in young people nowadays'. The prevalence of online hate has convinced her that our society would benefit from the empathy and resilience that mindfulness training can help build. In addition to the Peace Festival and Esther's campaign to get mindfulness taught in schools, Esther is also working towards making 'the online world and phones a safer place for young people.' 'Everybody needs to come together to do this because it's such a massive issue that only one person or one group of people can't tackle.' she said. Esther added: Id like to see more unity because I think were kind of separated and put in boxes, but we do need to come together to change.' She told Lorraine that when she thinks about her eldest daughter and her future grandchild, she is driven to make the world 'a safer, happier place for them'. Esther is also working on a podcast in collaboration with the Daily Mail, which will launch on September 30. The ten-part series called 'Parents vs The Internet' will see her talking to tech experts, campaigners and parents who have been affected by online hate. It will also cover both her mindfulness and online safety campaigns. Parents vs The Internet, hosted by Esther Ghey is launching on September 30, follow wherever you get your podcasts now. Flights delayed at Moscow airports following drone attack Moscow, Sep 10 (UNI) Flights were delayed at three major Moscow airports after a drone attack in the Moscow region Tuesday, TASS news agency reported. According to information on Vnukovo Airport's online departure board, 30 outbound and 11 inbound flights were delayed, and two flights were canceled at the airport. Affected flights include those bound for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Astana, Yerevan, Istanbul and others. Flights from Grozny to Moscow and those from Moscow to Abu Dhabi were canceled. A victim who fought for years for justice to see her 'evil' abuser behind jail has been left devastated - after he was released today as part of the government's controversial early release scheme. Miriam Lake, 47, from Bradwell, was just nine years old when she was subjected to years of violence and mental cruelty at the hands of her stepdad Michael Egan. As a child, she was forced to her lick dog faeces from Egan's shoes, was burnt with a lit cigarette, had cold water thrown over her while she slept and was kicked in the ribs. She grew up being repeatedly told her mum didn't love her, was dragged to the floor by her hair, kicked to the point she'd coughed up blood and was subjected to horrific verbal abuse, including Egan, now 79, referring to her as a 'rape baby' and telling her she should have died in a fire. Miriam, a mother of four, went to police as an adult in 2017, and reported Egan, only to see him given a suspended jail term in 2022 for historic assault and child cruelty offences. However, prosecutors subsequently appealed against what they saw as the leniency of the sentence and increased to four years. But today, Egan was one of around 1,700 convicts released under Labour plans to ease pressure on prison overcrowding. He has served just 19 months of his sentence. Miriam Lake, 47, from Bradwell, reported her stepfather to the police for historic abuse in 2017. Today, he's been let out of jail after just 19 months Egan was initially given a suspended sentence, but this was later increased to four years. Right: Miriam pictured around the time of the abuse Miriam said: 'My concern is how domestic abuse victims will suffer as a result of this new early release law. It's the message to perpetrators as well, to say, you can be released. It's not that serious and most perpetrators, especially in family situations, always, always go back. 'I am so frightened for these women and children who will be feeling scared and the message this sends to the perpetrators and the victims is shockingly dangerous. 'The government said domestic abusers won't be released if you research the conditions on this new early release scheme, yet they are. 'My abuser is being released - despite my childhood being taken away after the sadist torture and brutality I suffered for years. Miriam received an email informing her that her abuser would be released after serving 19 months in prison, depsite a four-year sentence 'Women are so brave to fight back in the first place and by releasing these abusers, the survivors' safety is being put on the line. They will not put themselves through a trial or come forward and go through all the trauma of reporting abuse because they know a perpetrator will only need to serve 40 per cent of their sentence. They're going to think that isn't worth putting their safety at risk. 'Domestic abusers are usually sadistic, controlling, manipulating individuals who will never be reformed and for this reason survivors need not just protection but justice.' Miriam's mother Naomi Mitchell met Egan through a marriage bureau service in around 1987, and soon after moving into the family home, he made Miriam's life a 'living hell', until the couple split in 1993. Miriam (left) was subjected to regular verbal and physical abuse as a child Miriam was subjected to regular verbal and physical abuse. He would watch her showering and laugh at her, force her to lick dog poo from his shoe, and it escalated into 'him hitting me'. During the evenings, Miriam would stay at the park as late as she could to avoid Egan. Miriam said her school teachers reported their suspicions to social services, but the family moved often, so it slipped through the net. When her mother packed her bags on Christmas Eve in 1993 and took her three kids, Miriam had no idea the trauma of what happened would remain with her for the rest of her life. She said: 'I have a panic disorder, so I can't drive as it would be a risk to other people. That has affected my life. I have to rely on public transport, so it's restricted where I go, and the jobs I can do. 'I'm on medication, which I'll always be on. As soon as I come off, my panic disorder just comes back. So it has just left me with a lifetime of fear. That's how it's affected my life. 'It's under control with medication, but it's something that will always be in me, because it happened as I was a child and a young person and a teenager.' Miriam, a grandmother of one, didn't hold the abuse against her mum, Naomi, as she was a victim too. When Naomi died in 2017, Miriam finally decided to report the historic crimes to the police. Miriam said: 'When my mum died, I decided, this is my time now, just to get some closure knowing that this man was still alive. To this day, Miriam is traumatised by the abuse and suffers from a panic disorder Miriam with her daughters Anna Louise and Rosie Marie 'But he got a suspended sentence. So after reliving all the abuse, everything that he had done to us, the judge in court said 'he's sadistic, he's cruel, but I don't see the point in sending an old man to prison now' and I just thought, 'you don't see the point?!' 'Anyway, the Court of Appeal got involved, and they were like 'no way, we're not having this. This is terrible'. And it went to court again, and he got jailed for four years.' But in July this year, Miriam received a letter from the Ministry of Justice, stating that the Lord Chancellor had announced plans to introduce a change to the law which will allow some prisoners serving a 'determinate sentence' to be released on licence early. It added that Egan met the criteria for the scheme and would be released on September 10, 2024 - after just serving 19 months of his sentence. The letter concluded: 'I appreciate that this news will be unwelcome.' Miriam said: 'I've always felt let down. I've always felt the government doesn't take domestic abuse seriously. 'When I received the news that he would be let out I researched and I just thought, 'this is just absolutely horrific'. 'If I'm feeling this way over historical abuse, all I could think about was all the other abuse victims who are actually in this now, who are sitting at home, while their perpetrators are out of prison, and it's happening now. 'I just feel so scared and frightened for all these women and children who I know exactly how they'll be feeling and it's just dangerous. It's dangerous, the message it sends, the message it sends to the perpetrators and the victims is just shocking to me. 'Just those poor victims and little children. The government has failed the women and children, it eventually leads to death.' Princess Sofia of Sweden stunned in two different dresses Princess Sofia of Sweden showed off her baby bump in a stunning ensemble today as she was joined with her husband for the State Opening of Parliament. The royal stepped out in Stockholm, the Swedish capital city, alongside Prince Carl Philip, today. The couple told the public that Sofia is pregnant with their fourth child last week in a sweet announcement. Sofia sported a red velvet dress with a belted waistline, highlighting her bump and she paired this with a pair of nude heels. The 39-year-old accessorised her fashionable look with a ruby-red clutch bag and with a pair of statement gold earrings. Princess Sofia of Sweden showed off her baby bump in a stunning ensemble today as she was joined with her husband for the State Opening of Parliament The mother looked glamorous in heavy makeup, consisting of a smoky eyeshadow with lipstick and also wore her brown tresses down in a bouncy curly blow-dry - having earlier in the day opted for a chic black dress. Prince Carl Philip looked cheerful and content as he proudly stood with his wife and looked dapper in a navy suit. The State Opening of Parliament is held every year in September, where the Monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, declares the new session open during the ceremony. A concert was also be held in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Opera for members of the Riksdag and invited guests, including the Royal Family and members of Government. The red frock was for her evening look, however, during the day, Sofia looked like a vintage beauty in a spotty belted dress. The gown featured fur around the end of the long-sleeves and she paired the ensemble with black heels, a clutch bag and a fascinator. For her daytime look, Crown Princess Victoria, 47, wowed onlookers in a slim, bodycon black and white patterned dress, which featured a high, modest neckline and puffy ballooned long sleeves. She paired the chic frock with a large black belt which highlighted her slim, stylish frame. The State Opening of Parliament is held every year in September, where the Monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf , declares the new session open during the ceremony. Pictured left to right: Prince Daniel, Crown Princess Victoria, Andreas Norlen, Queen Silvia, and King Carl XVI Gustaf For her daytime look, Crown Princess Victoria, 47, wowed onlookers in a slim, bodycon black and white patterned dress, which featured a high, modest neckline and puffy ballooned long sleeves Pictured: The CEO of the Royal Opera Fredrik Lindgren, Speaker Andreas Norlen, King Carl Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Christopher O'Neill and Princess Madeleine arrive at the Royal Opera before the the concert For her second look, Victoria beamed in a black and white floral ensemble that basked in the last of the summer weather Her husband opted for a chic and sophisticated black suit as he posed alongside his wife for the concert The couple told the public that Sofia is pregnant with their fourth child last week in a sweet announcement Earlier in the day, Sofia has opted for a chic black dress decorated with white polka dots, as she joined her husband Pictured: Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip arrive at the church service held at Stockholm Cathedral before the opening of the Swedish Parliament Prince Carl Philip looked cheerful and content as he proudly stood with his wife and looked dapper in a navy suit The heir to the Swedish throne paired her ensemble with a pair of sophisticated black gloves, a matching envelope clutch bag and a pair of smart pointed heels The red frock was for her evening look, however, during the day, Sofia looked like a vintage beauty in a spotty belted dress The State Opening of Parliament is held every year in September, where the Monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf , declares the new session open during the ceremony The mother-of-two kept her makeup minimal, donning only a touch of eyeliner, mascara and foundation and paired her ensemble with a pair of regal silver pearl earrings The heir to the Swedish throne paired her ensemble with a pair of sophisticated black gloves, a matching envelope clutch bag and a pair of smart pointed heels. She opted to wear her shiny brunette tresses down in a low bun, paired with a trendy white statement headband. The mother-of-two kept her makeup minimal, donning only a touch of eyeliner, mascara and foundation and paired her ensemble with a pair of regal silver pearl earrings. Victoria also appeared in high spirits today as she smiled for the cameras alongside her husband, Prince Daniel, 50, and modelled her second looks of the evening in a black and white floral dress. He looked dapper in a matching navy suit that he paired with a crisp white shirt, blue tie and black polished shoes. Taking style inspiration from her daughter, Queen Silvia, 80, also stepped out to the annual even in a monochrome outfit. She donned a white long-sleeved top which had a onyx-coloured trim around the hem, along with a matching pencil skirt. She, like Victoria, chose to pair this with a black clutch bag and small, comfortable heels, along with a matching fascinator. Silvia looked elegant in a matching pearl jewellery set consisting of a diamond brooch, earrings and sizable necklace. The Queen wore her chocolate locks down in a short, wavy blow-dry and wore natural makeup for the event. Victoria's father, King Carl XVI Gustaf looked well-dressed in an all-black suit paired with a white shirt, grey patterned tie and polished shoes. She opted to wear her shiny brunette tresses down in a low bun, paired with a trendy white statement headband Victoria and her husband were equally sophisticated as they opted for elegant ensembles for the event The Royal Anthem is also played in the Chamber, alongside the National Anthem and other performances During the event, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made a speech outlining the Government's plans and priorities for the upcoming year Elsewhere, Princess Madeleine, 42, also made an appearance, sporting a halterneck-style grey maxi dress, along with black open-toe heels and diamond earrings. Her husband, Christopher O'Neill, 50, matched with Prince Carl Philip and Prince Daniel, also opting for a navy blue suit. During the event, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made a speech outlining the Government's plans and priorities for the upcoming year. The Royal Anthem is also played in the Chamber, alongside the National Anthem and other performances. Many have abandoned London due to the cost of living or dreams of a sunnier lifestyle - but one Aussie has revealed the reasons why it's 'better than Australia'. Bronte Chandler, an Aussie living in the UK, has revealed that life in the big city has some major drawcards that aren't on offer back home, and travel is only one of them. 'I'm an Aussie living in London and I'm going to give you the reasons why you should move,' she said in a video. 'I'm usually one to complain so this will be a nice switcher.' Easy travel, the jobs on offer, the people you meet and 'ageing slowly' are a few of the reasons why Bronte thinks living in the English capital beats out life Down Under. 1. The ticket to Europe and the rest of the world Bronte said that London is hard to beat when it comes to hopping on a quick, budget flight for an instant European getaway. 'You can literally jump on a plane after work for 20 pounds and go to Italy,' she said. Bronte Chandler, from Australia, is loving life in London and said the British capital offers easy travel, interesting new friends and better job opportunities than Australia Bronte, an Aussie living in London, thinks it's so much better than her home country in part because there is less pressure to settle down She added that travel so cheap, easy and fast is 'unheard of' back home. Bronte loves that London is only seven hours to New York, ten hours from LA, 10ish hours from Singapore and four hours from warmer and exotic African destinations. 2. Everyone is poor Bronte 'switched the situation on the head' and said that the dire cost of living situation in London was actually incredibly liberating. 'Obviously, it's so f****** stressful having no money but everyone for the most part is in the same boat, which means everyone is poor,' she said. She said the general lack of disposable income meant a 'more even playing field' that made it acceptable to be stressed about money, without feeling like you were falling 'behind' others. 3. Nobody is in a hurry to grow up While the Australian said this might be a bit 'random', she loved that as a 27 year old in London there was no pressure to settle down. '27 year olds in Melbourne are settling down, whereas in London they are acting like they're 21,' she said. 'I have friends in their mid 30s and not one of them is close to settling down.' She said that getting older was a 'slower process' in the British capital and left more time for fun, travel and chasing a career. 4. The amazing jobs on offer The Aussie digital creator added that because London is a global city, if you are working in marketing or business then the employment opportunities are 'huge', as many big brands have their head offices there. 'Depending on your industry, you can get a sick f****** job,' she said. 'I landed a social media job at a global agency and the scale of projects and budgets is massive compared to Australia...I'm managing European markets.' 5. There is always something to do London's reputation for culture is well earned according to Bronte who said that living in the global city means that is always something to do. This marks a big change from life in Australia that expats and locals have slammed for being too 'boring'. Whether it's a concert, gig, a new bar or restaurant opening, she enjoys that there is always an event happening that makes life in the British capital so 'exciting'. 6. The people you meet While the expat admitted that she 'naturally gravitates' towards other Aussies abroad, she said it was usually ones with a 'similar mindset'. 'They always want to do something, they're here for a temporary visa and they've got so much energy, they're all yes people.' But Bronte said the city is also a hub for meeting new friends from different countries and other parts of the UK and building an 'insane' world wide network. 7. It forces you out of your comfort zone The Australian said that living in a global city forces you out of your comfort zone by exposing you to so many new things. 'Living overseas is like one of the best things you can do, it gives you a great perspective and makes it seem like there's this whole other world out there.' She added that what would ordinally seem like a big issue back in Australia isn't that significant thanks to the perspective that living in London has given her. Bronte added that the experience of living in a whole new city was 'exciting', and many Aussies on the verge of moving themselves couldn't have agreed more. 'That's it, I'm buying my ticket,' one said. Experts have voiced concerns about TikTok's newest health trend an antioxidant IV drip said to pause ageing. Videos highlighting the seemingly remarkable benefits of glutathione have racked up hundreds of thousands of views. Users rave about its 'transformative' effect, which has helped them boost energy levels and even strengthen the immune system. Some have even nicknamed it a 'master detoxifier'. The drips, rumoured to be used by Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow and Hailey Bieber are marketed at aesthetics clinics for around 75. But it can also be taken as a jab or bought online easily as a supplement for as little as 55p per pill. In one TikTok video posted by SheerLuxe and seen 44,000 times, influencer and former Love Island star Olivia Atwood this week confessed she was having glutathione injections. 'It's a molecule, something we produce that helps our cells to reproduce themselves,' she said Last year, actress turned Wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow also revealed that glutathione drips were her favourite IV drips. She added: 'Those make me feel so good' The drips, rumoured to be used by Kim Kardashian (pictured) , Kendall Jenner and even Hailey Bieber are marketed at aesthetics clinics for around 75 Yet experts today warned it was 'irresponsible' to label glutathione anti-ageing and raised concerns over the 'very little evidence' of its effectiveness. Some advocates say the compound can also tackle pigmentation in the skin, having a dramatic and positive brightening effect on skin tone and colour. In one TikTok video posted by SheerLuxe and seen 44,000 times, influencer and former Love Island star Olivia Atwood this week confessed she was having glutathione injections. 'It's a molecule, something we produce that helps our cells to reproduce themselves,' she said. 'They were testing it and it showed signs that it can actually slow down our cells' ageing. 'So Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner allegedly have drips of this stuff weekly.' Last year, actress turned Wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow also revealed in a podcast that glutathione drips were her favourite IV drips. She said: 'Those make me feel so good.' In another TikTok, US influencer @claire.elis who boasts more than 190,000 followers, labelled glutathione her 'hero supplement'. Taking her followers along to the clinic with her, she said: 'I am injecting the body's master detoxifier into my bloodstream weekly because my body needs all the help it can get. 'Glutathione is the body's primary way for neutralising free radicals and decreasing oxidative stress which are two things when they get out of hand that can make you really sick aka low energy, low immune system. 'Do your research, it's worth looking into.' The theory goes that glutathione helps combat age-related changes by stimulating the repair of damaged tissue and promoting production of new healthy cells, both in the skin and inside the body. But Professor Edzard Ernst, a world-renowned expert in complementary medicine at the University of Exeter, told MailOnline today: 'While glutathione is an intriguing molecule with diverse and not well-understood functions, it is irresponsible, in my view, to call is a "fantastic anti-ageing agent". 'I know of no convincing evidence that backs up this claim.' Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Steele, a computational biologist and author of a book on longevity, said: 'Glutathione is a naturally occurring chemical found in all animal cells. 'There's evidence that its levels decrease with age so, the theory goes, perhaps if we can slow its decline, perhaps we could extend the youth of our cells. 'Unfortunately, there's very little evidence for this idea, and more work is needed before we fully understand whether it will affect our skin health, or how long we live.' He also told MailOnline: 'Some research suggests that glutathione supplementation can actually shorten lifespan in worms. Love Island star Olivia Atwood said: 'So Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner allegedly have drips of this stuff weekly' 'Glutathione is an antioxidant, but that's no guarantee it will extend lifespan. 'An enormous review article examining data from 300,000 people taking five different antioxidant supplements found that they had either no effect, or increased risk of death. 'While the science here is interesting, I think I'd hold off the glutathione for now.' Practitioners claim that simply taking the supplement orally will not deliver the 'same detoxifying results' as a drip or jab. The latter is 'more efficient', one London clinic alleges, given 'it bypasses the digestive tract and delivers the antioxidant directly into your bloodstream'. Other than typical side effects including bruising or soreness, that occur when taking any jabs, aesthetics clinics offering glutathione injections or drips also often warn clients may experience body aches. Nausea, headaches, chills without fever and mild diarrhoea are other purported symptoms. But in one 2016 British Medical Journal report, Dr Ophelia Dadzie, consultant dermatologist at The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, also warned the jabs when injected into the face had caused 'other adverse reactions'. Potential side effects include toxicity of the nervous system, kidney and liver, headaches, and rare, but serious skin conditions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), she said. SJS is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. In another, US influencer @claire.elis who boasts more than 190,000 followers, also labelled glutathione her 'hero supplement'. Taking her followers along to the clinic with her, she said: 'I am injecting the body's master detoxifier into my bloodstream weekly because my body needs all the help it can get She added: 'Glutathione is the body's primary way for neutralising free radicals and decreasing oxidative stress which are two things when they get out of hand that can make you really sick aka low energy, low immune system' It often begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red-purple rash that spreads and blisters. Serious ethical concerns have also long been raised over glutathione's use as a 'brightening drip' to lighten skin colour. Experts have warned the injections are popular in areas of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where some women have reported brighter, whiter, glowier skin. A 2018 study published in the journal Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, also warned that glutathione has been "hailed for generations as a "magical skin whitening" molecule'. The 'unbridled and prodigal use of it, especially as a parenteral formulation, seems unjustified', researchers said. In her 2016 report, Dr Dadzie also added: 'Apart from the ethical issues raised by the practice, there are also concerns about efficacy and potential adverse effects. 'Clear public health information and advisory warnings in relation to this practice from governmental agencies such as the Medicines Health Regulatory Agency are needed in the UK.' Its a bombshell claim: ultra-processed food is responsible for the dramatic surge of health concerns among young people. A landmark study published last month found people under the age of 35 are three times more likely to develop certain forms of cancer than those over the age of 70. A growing number of cancer specialists claim that artificial ingredients such as flavouring, preservatives and sweeteners are behind this unnerving phenomenon. Worryingly, many experts, including best-selling author Dr Chris Van Tulleken, say these ultra-processed ingredients are also found in seemingly healthy products such as granola and sliced brown bread. Concerns about ultra-processed food have led experts and consumers alike to consider the composition of cosmetic-related products and their potential effect on users' health. Many of our face, hair and skin products also contain artificial chemicals that much like food additives are processed beyond recognition and used as stabilisers, preservatives and cleansers. The products which reach the market all have to face checks by UK officials and meet safety requirements set out in the UK Cosmetic Regulations. However, research suggests that these ultra-processed ingredients could be triggering a number of health problems including eczema and weight gain. Its an issue that has even been taken up by TV presenter and former breast cancer patient Julia Bradbury, who earlier this year urged her 270,0000 Instagram followers to check what chemicals are in their cosmetic products. Presenter Julia Bradbury asked her social media followers to check what chemicals were in their make-up bags The free mobile phone app Yuka can be used to assess how many ultra-processed chemicals are in the products you use Dermatologists speaking to The Mail say they have identified which ingredients people should think about. And, intriguingly, they say there is a free mobile phone app that makes it easy for consumers to find out just how ultra-processed their cosmetic products are. The French app, called Yuka, allows users to scan items using a mobile phone camera and then explains how many ultra-processed ingredients are in the product and how concerning these might be. It uses a red, orange, yellow and green light ranking system to rank what it deems potentially hazardous ingredients. Red light ingredients are those considered most ultra-processed, while green light chemicals are considered the most natural. Yuka also provides a score out of 100 to conclude how healthy the product is considered. As with all such apps there can be discrepancies. The Mail undertook its own investigation to find out whats really in the bottles and tubes that fill our bathroom shelves. We discovered some surprising results, with some high-end products actually containing significant levels of artificial ingredients. Meanwhile some cheap supermarket-branded items were relatively low in ultra-processed ingredients. Read on to find out more... SHAMPOOS ULTRA-PROCESSED HEAVY Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo 3 for a 300ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 0/100 Red light ingredients: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone Orange light ingredients: Sodium lauryl sulfate Yellow light ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide MEA, hydroxylpropyl guar hydropropyltrimonium chloride, tetrasodium EDTA, limonene, CI 19140, CI 17200 Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 3 for a 250ml bottle at Sainsburys Yuka rating: 20/100 Orange light ingredients: Sodium lauryl sulfate Yellow light ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, hydroxylpropyl guar hydropropyltrimonium chloride, hexyl cinnamal, linalool, tetrasodium EDTA, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, trideceth-10, sodium salicylate, polyquaternium-76, propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, CI 42090, CL17200 Aesop Shampoo 35 for a 500ml bottle at Aesop Yuka rating: 41/100 Orange light ingredients: Phenoxyethanol Yellow light ingredients: Cedrus atlantica bark oil, hydroxylpropyl guar hydropropyltrimonium chloride, limonene, linalool Sulfates are the most controversial ingredient in shampoos. These chemicals often listed as sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate are what makes a lathering effect in soaps, detergents and even household cleaners. And while claims that over-exposure to sulfates can cause cancer have since been debunked, people who suffer with sensitive skin are advised to stay away from shampoos that contain them. Sodium lauryl sulfate can cause an irritant reaction for anyone with eczema or otherwise sensitive skin, says Dr Aleksandar Godic, consultant dermatologist at the Harley Street Dermatology Clinic in London. So if you have one of these conditions, try to look for sulfate-free shampoos. Methylchloroisothiazolinone or MCI for short is another common shampoo additive to watch out for, claims Dr Ellie Rashid, consultant dermatologist at OneWelbeck Clinic. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, MCI has been shown to cause allergic reactions when found in cosmetic products. Although it depends on your skin type, some people can become sensitive to these ingredients, said Dr Rashid. Youll develop a worsening eczema-like reaction that will reoccur each time you use the product. These additives have now been regulated, which means they have to be listed on ingredients lists and you can look out for them.' A MORE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE Faith In Nature Lavender & Geranium Shampoo 6 for a 300ml bottle at Boots Yellow light ingredients: Lavandula hybrida oil, pelargonium graveolens oil, cetrimonium chloride Yuka score: 79/100 Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Shampoo 7.32 for a 384ml bottle at Superdrug Yellow light ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, hydroxylpropyl guar hydropropyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-7, fragrance Yuka score: 79/100 Both the Faith in Nature and Shea Moisture shampoos dont use sulphates. Instead, they use plant-derived ingredients that tend to be biodegradable. Faith In Nature uses essential oils as fragrance and Shea Moisture Shampoo is enriched with coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids and helps to maintain the moisture balance in both hair and the scalp. FACE AND BODY WASHES ULTRA-PROCESSED HEAVY Neutrogena Spot Stress Control 6 for a 150ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 8/100 Red light ingredients: Butylated hydroxytoluene Orange light ingredients: Cera microcristallina Yellow light ingredients: Salicylic acid, steareth-21, benzalkonium chloride, CI 42090, CI 19140 Original Source Lemon & Tea Tree Body Wash 1.50 for a 250ml bottle at Waitrose Yuka rating: 10/100 Yellow light ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine. citral, citronellol, limonene, CI 19140, CI 14700 Another ingredient some experts recommend people avoid is butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT. This dissolvable compound can be used as both a food and cosmetic additive and was declared safe after a National Cancer Institute study from 1979 showed it had no adverse effects on mice. But the World Health Organization raised a possible link between BHT and cancer in 1986 with other regulatory bodies cautioning against it since then. Now, the EU restricts the use of BHT to just 0.8 per cent in most cosmetics but its still declared hazardous on the Yuka app. A Neutrogena spokesperson said: Safety is always our priority, and all of our products are compliant with existing regulations. The UK Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) and the European Unions Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) reviewed BHT in 2023 and 2021 respectively, and confirmed its safe for use up to 0.8 per cent in leave-on and rinse-off products. A spokesperson for PZ Cussons, which manufactures Original Source Lemon & Tea Tree Body Wash, said all its fragrances are designed using only natural materials. A MORE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 34 for a 150ml bottle from Space NK Yuka rating: 93/100 Yellow light ingredients: Rosa damascena flower oil The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 14.90 for a 150ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 93/100 Yellow light ingredients: Isoceteth-20 Freshs Soy Face Cleanser is formulated without alcohol, formaldehyde, silicone, or phthalates all of which are considered potentially harmful. Instead, the face wash uses soy proteins, cucumber extract, rosewater and sunflower seed oil to cleanse off make-up and grime - they claim making it safe for sensitive skin as well. Another more affordable option is The Ordinarys Squalane Cleanser, which is made from colourless organic squalane oil, derived from plants. SUN CREAMS ULTRA-PROCESSED HEAVY Soltan Kids Suncare Lotion SPF 50+ 4.50 for a 200ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 0/100 Red light ingredients: Octocrylene Orange light ingredients: Ethylhexyl salicylate, phenoxyethanol Yellow light ingredients: Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, tetrasodium EDTA, propylene glycol La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Oil Control Sun Cream 20 for a 50ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 32/100 Orange light ingredients: Ethylhexyl salicylate Yellow light ingredients: Alcohol denat, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane In 2021, a European Commission report raised concerns about the skincare chemical octocrylene. Health officials claimed the amount of this chemical being used in common cosmetics was not safe. The chemical was shown to induce adverse effects on reproduction and thyroid development in rats and can also break down over time to form benzophenone, a known carcinogen. The Commission issued guidelines that octocrylene can be used only in concentrations of up to 10 per cent. Several popular sun creams flagged by the Yuka app contain octocrylene. While research on its impact on humans is lacking, scientists have reported that octocrylene is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with long-lasting effects. In France, the food and environment regulatory body has called for its removal from sun creams due to its toxic effects on marine species. Sun creams can also contain preservatives. A spokesperson from Boots said: The safety of our products is of the utmost importance. All ingredients at the levels found in our products are approved as safe by all recognised UK legal and regulatory bodies. Our products comply with robust safety requirements under the UK Cosmetic Safety Regulations and are assessed by qualified safety experts. A MORE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE Garnier Sensitive Advanced Baby Protection Lotion SPF 50+ 11 for a 175ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 76/100 Yellow light ingredients: Alcohol denat, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, triethnolamine Nivea UV Face Sensitive SPF 50 Sun Cream 10 for 50ml bottle at Boots Yuka rating: 76/100 Yellow light ingredients: Alcohol denat, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, trisodium EDTA Neither of these sunscreen options contain any nanoparticles which are often found in sunscreen products due to their anti-UV properties and are currently under investigation by the French health agency for their carcinogenic and hormone disrupting potential. Niveas face sun cream is also octocrylene-free. Garniers Baby sun cream, meanwhile, has no hazardous ingredients and claims to be completely hypoallergenic. DEODORANTS ULTRA-PROCESSED HEAVY Lynx Epic Fresh 5 for 250ml at Boots Yuka rating: 0/100 Red light ingredients: BHT Orange light ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, cyclopentasiloxane Yellow light ingredients: Butane, isobutane, alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, coumarin, eugenol, hexyl cinnamal, limonene, linalool Mitchum Unscented Deodorant 3.50 for 100ml at Boots Yuka rating: 23/100 Orange light ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, petrolatum Yellow light ingredients: Talc, alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzyl alcohol, citronellol, coumarin, hexyl cinnamal, hydroxycitronellal, linalool Like most off-the-shelf skincare products, deodorants can be full of preservatives. But its also important to look out for metals such as aluminum which help to prevent sweating, acting as an antiperspirant. By preventing sweating, aluminum can prevent the body from getting rid of nasty toxins and rebalancing its temperature. The common additive can also have nasty side-effects - particularly for sensitive skin sufferers. Its a metal and there have been reports that when its applied to the skin, the metal particles get stuck, explained Dr Godic. The cells in the body cant melt the metal away, so they form almost a shell around it. Anything that contains metals in skincare can do this and it can cause painful bumps in the skin, particularly if you have an already weak immune system or are predisposed to eczema. Talc is another additive that can pose health risks - often used in baby powder and deodorants to create a silky texture. But in its natural form, talcum powder contains asbestos - a substance which, when inhaled, can cause a variety of cancers including lung and ovarian. Phthalates are sometimes used in deodorants to help them spread smoothly, or add fragrance. Theyre also often used to make plastics more flexible and durable - which some scientists are worried can leak into the product itself over time. Studies have linked the chemical to various cancers, as well as liver, kidney and lung damage. To avoid any potential phthalate contamination, consultant dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil advises sticking to glass or metal reusable containers - particularly for products that will take a while to finish. A MORE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE Wild Natural Deodorant, Cherry Blossom 12.99 for 40g at Boots Yuka rating: 93/100 Yellow light ingredients: Courmarin Sanex Invisible Protection Deodorant 1.80 for 50ml at Waitrose Yuka rating: 86/100 Yellow light ingredients: Propylene glycol, tetrasodium EDTA All-natural deodorant brand Wild uses tapioca starch, baking soda, sunflower seed wax, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil and shea butter to make up their refillable products. While not branded as an all-natural alternative to mainstream deodorants, Sanexs Invisible Protection Deodorant was ranked almost as highly as Wild by Yuka - free from aluminum salts that can block the skins pores and containing just seven ingredients. A headset, which appeared in a banned advert by reality TV star Gemma Collins, can help stop depressed patients making attempts on their own life, according to an NHS trial. Flow, a pulsating headset that claims to treat depression by sending electric shocks to parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, reduced the incidence of suicidal thoughts by 75 per cent in a group of 83 patients. The hospital trust trialling the device noted a significant reduction in self-harm related hospital admissions. What's more, a third of the patients who used the device for six months were said to be in remission from depression, the study authors, from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust reported. The ad, which was posted in May last year, drew the ire of the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) which said the post violated rules designed to stop ads from discouraging people from seeking treatment for medical conditions Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust offered the Flow depression treatment via its crisis service which supports NHS patients at immediate risk of harming themselves or who are unable to cope with day-to-day life due to an acute mental health issue. The six-month long trial found the wearable device helped patients stabilise quickly with positive changes in mood showing within two to three weeks of treatment. The makers of the Flow headset, which is available to buy from high street chemists, costing 399, describe it as a 'brain stimulation wearable' that leverages a technology known as transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS). In tDCS, small electrical currents (less than a household battery) are transmitted to the prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotions. Over time, the stimulation causes neurons to fire more frequently, strengthening the neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex. According to the company, clinical studies have proved that patients with depression have lower activity in this area of the brain. The headset is supported by an app which lets users log their perceived benefits, which can be remotely monitored by a clinician. According to the company, clinical studies have proved that patients with depression have lower activity in this area of the brain, which is the part of the brain responsible for cognitive tasks and regulation of emotion Crisis services provide rapid care and prevent escalation of mental health crises. Where possible, the goal is to safely enable the patient to receive treatment at home rather than in hospital. In the new trial, many patients who did not reach remission still saw a marked reduction in depressive symptoms after using the device for six months, with many downgraded from severe depression to moderate or mild. Dr Mark McConnochie, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for Urgent Care Services at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust said: 'Flow has been an amazing tool to safely and effectively help patients with depression to recover faster. 'The feedback from our patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and the results from this trial are making a real difference to the lives of the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.' Suicide rates and self-harm events are rising and experts are calling for new approaches for treating depression. UK-wide NHS data shows that the demand for mental health crisis services has doubled since 2017 and increased by around a third since before the pandemic. More than 90,000 people are referred to community crisis services monthly, and 200,000 people call the NHS 24/7 crisis line each month. The Flow headset, which doesn't need a prescription, is described as a ' brain stimulation wearable that leverages transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) to activate the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex', parts of the brain responsible for mood regulation Support for depression can often be complicated as no single treatment works for all. Out of the approximately one in three people who went into remission or response after using Flow, 59 per cent of the patient group had indicated that theyd already tried antidepressants and therapy. This suggests the device could be used on patients who are not responding to other treatments. Dr Sherif Abdalla, Consultant Psychiatrist CRHT at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust said: 'It is wonderful to be witnessing from close a huge jump in the quality of treatment of Depression and Suicidal patients, that can change our treatment guidelines soon. 'Thanks to Flow, patients are back to their normal lives in a very short time with no concern of side effects'. The treatment is already accessible via five other NHS services for the management of depression. The data validates results already seen in smaller NHS studies, recognising the headset as a safe, effective treatment for depression. However, an advertisement of the device has previously come under fire. In May last year Gemma Collins, who has 2.2million Instagram followers, was ordered by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to remove an advert for the device posted to her Instagram page. The reality star claimed in the video she had stopped taking antidepressants and said the device had been a 'real game changer'. She added: 'Flow actually works faster and better than antidepressants.' The post violated the ASA rules designed to stop ads discouraging people from seeking treatment for medical conditions. The ASA highlighted NHS advice stating it is not recommended for people with depression to stop taking medication for their condition without supervision. In 2021, NHS watchdog NICE updated its guidance for the psychiatric medication taken by an estimated 8.6 million Brits stating that patients should be tapered off the drugs as going cold turkey could result in withdrawal symptoms. Doctors' guidance advises that patients should be monitored while coming off antidepressants in case they suffer a mental health crisis. The ASA concluded its ruling by stating the ad discouraged 'essential treatment' for a medical condition and therefore breached the code. Although the initial NHS trial has come to an end due to its success researchers are interested in expanding the use of the depression treatment. Flow Neuroscience CEO Erin Lee said: 'The Leicestershire results are very promising and further add to our existing studies which demonstrate compelling evidence that Flow is an effective depression treatment. 'Depression is a very complex condition, and having more options available to patients is vital. 'With suicide rates increasing rapidly, effective and accessible solutions that can be integrated into the healthcare system must be made available to help address the number of people suffering from the devastating consequences of todays mental health crisis.' Down and down I went, into a concrete stairwell, four-and-a-half flights below ground. The sunlit sky above soon became a miniature rectangle over me, until I stood facing a steel blue door. Behind it, to the right, a long tunnel led to a silo that once held a Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile with a nine-megaton nuclear warhead. I walked left, through another metal door and a shorter tunnel before I arrived in the deep, windowless space that would be my home for the next ten nights: a decommissioned US nuclear launch control centre, now remodelled into a rather eccentric Airbnb destination. Why, you might wonder, had I chosen to holiday entirely underground, far beneath the Arkansas countryside? As a science journalist, I had become fascinated by a growing branch of medicine dedicated to exploring the effect of our inner biological clocks otherwise known as our circadian rhythms on our bodies and minds. This peculiar holiday of mine, deep in the bowels of the Earth, in a space with zero natural light, was to form part of my research. Science writer Lynne Peeples spent ten days in a nuclear bunker with no clocks or daylight At this very moment, your circadian rhythm, in the form of a symphony of miniature timepieces, is ticking throughout the cells of your body, in your stomach and skin, liver and lungs, even in the bones and muscles of your legs. Your sleep, mood, appetite, strength, immune response and sex drive all wax and wane under its direction. The chief conductor of your circadian rhythms is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a tiny structure about the size of two pinheads, in the brain. It is situated right over the optic chiasm, the part of the brain where the optic nerves cross and thats important because its where the nerve signals are received from the eyes. It is these signals that help regulate the master clock. The SCN packs a punch: controlling the near 24-hour rhythm coordinating our cycles of temperature, digestion, metabolism and other processes. Light signals are central to its work, telling our bodies what to do, from when we feel hungry to when we need to sleep. Unfortunately, in our modern world, you dont have to do much to derail this intricate, life-sustaining system. Threats come from all directions. Some we all now know: such as not spending enough time outdoors, especially in the morning, to reset our body clocks daily. However, others are less publicised: the light emitted by those all-pervasive LED bulbs, for example, is a real risk to our inner clocks. Energy-efficient double-glazing might keep heat in but also blocks out beneficial blue light waves, which stimulate our circadian rhythms as do coatings on some prescription glasses and contact lenses. These are just some of the factors that combine to leave our inner clocks beating to different drums, sabotaging sleep, reducing productivity and raising risks of illness. Obesity, heart disease, digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, and depression have been linked to our circadian rhythms falling out of sync. Some circadian scientists believe that Alzheimers, autism and schizophrenia may fall into the same category. This is because our physiology and behaviour evolved to be highly rhythmic. But as we live more of our hours indoors and sleep, eat, work and play at all hours of the day we experience less contrast between day and night, which confounds our clocks and threatens our health. Ms Peeples said her biological data showed that, without natural day and night cues, her inner clocks quickly became totally untethered from each other Ms Peeples's book The Inner Clock, available at mailshop.co.uk/books To investigate this, I took to the nuclear bunker for ten days. I stuck electrical tape over the time displays on my laptop and phone, as well as the bunkers oven and microwave. I said goodbye to my loved ones, turned the bunkers lights to a dim red setting and used a red headlamp and orange-hued reading light (these lighting colours, experts say, are the least likely to stimulate our circadian clocks) Id brought with me. I planned to collect data on as many of my physiological rhythms as possible, so wore monitors and sensors on my fingers to measure my heart rate and sleep pattern. I attached a continuous glucose monitor to my stomach to analyse my blood sugar; and taped tiny temperature sensors on various body parts. The biological data I collected (which I looked at after the experiment) showed that, without natural day and night cues, my inner clocks quickly became totally untethered from each other. It took just five days for me to start falling apart. I began to feel deeply woozy, clumsy and discombobulated. A day in the life of my body also drifted longer than it takes our planet to pirouette. On my eighth day, I made myself a special supper of pancakes, and estimated the time to be 5pm. Not even close it was actually 6am. The chaos in my body was all too evident. By then, I was also feeling low and exhausted. My digestion was a disaster something which lasted for days after I left the bunker. I also vacillated even more between feeling unusually cold and hot. (Thats, in part, because, as light levels drop in the evening and your body prepares for bedtime, your skin temperature should automatically rise in parallel with a drop in core body temperature.) Not only were my rhythms of heart rate, temperature and blood sugar discordant, they were also weak. On the final days of my experiment, my daily highs could barely be distinguished from my daily lows. Dusk is also when the circadian system instructs the pineal gland in the brain to begin releasing the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin. It tells the body that darkness has descended and its time for rest for example, slowing down your kidneys urine production and enlarging the bladder so you can sleep through the night without getting up to urinate. This may have explained why I woke up to use the loo four times after my pancake dinner. Given all this, its clear why studies now link desynchronised clocks with poor health and disease risks. So what can we do to prevent our faltering circadian rhythms becoming a real health problem? Choose 'warmer' light bulbs Modern LED light bulbs may be cheap and energy-efficient but they also emit heavy doses of blue light, which stimulates our circadian rhythm and this can be problematic at night. We need lower levels of light at this time to ramp up our melatonin levels. Thanks to LEDs found everywhere from car headlights to laptops and phones, as well as household light bulbs that internal message is now often diminished or delayed. The implications are significant. The body leans on night-time signals to unleash a cascade of important reactions, from drops in insulin production to a rise in leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone. Little wonder, then, that too much artificial light at night has been linked with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Light at night even appears adversely to affect the composition and daily rhythms of the bacteria in our guts, which we now know are linked to our health. Aim for the warm variety of LED bulbs to use at night, rather than the cooler bright ones. Better yet, purchase new tune-able LEDS lights that can be changed at the touch of a button to emit different hues and intensities of light depending on whats suitable for the time of day. Avoid a night-time shop for food We measure quantities of light with a standard unit called lux. A bright day can register around 100,000 lux, a cloudy day between 1,000 and 10,000 lux. Most indoor environments are in the range of 25 to 250 lux. Experts advise keeping to at least 250 lux weighted towards more circadian-stimulating blue wavelengths of light during the day; below 10 lux in the evening, particularly within about three hours of bedtime; and below 1 lux while sleeping. Yet 10 lux is below the typical evening light levels in about half of homes and is significantly lower than other places we might find ourselves in the evening. Supermarket lighting can be upward of a whopping 750 lux, for instance. Unsurprisingly, I now try to avoid late-night grocery runs. A bright smartphone screen beams out 60 lux but I managed to reduce it to 1 lux by turning its brightness right down. Jamie Zeitzer, a circadian expert at Stanford University, offered me a rough guideline: any light brighter than moonlight and longer than lightning late at night could affect our body clocks. Even spending a few minutes in a lit bathroom could disrupt rhythms and sleep, too, he told me, saying that a warm night-light, or even a red bathroom light could remedy that risk. On the other hand, a typical office environment supplies just 50-100 lux. Not nearly enough, you might think, considering so many of us spend all day stuck at our desks. Don't wear sunnies all day long Your optician might be horrified, but experts told me that the general advice to wear sunglasses to protect our eyes is perhaps overdone. Wearing them every minute of the day makes it less likely we will receive sufficient circadian-boosting light. I now often skip the sunglasses on my morning walks. Its not just sunglasses: many people wear blue-light-blocking glasses or contact lenses during the day to protect their eyes, especially while at computers. Andrea Wilkerson, a lighting research engineer at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the US, told me that wearing these glasses all day could prevent valuable light from reaching your eyes and theres no concrete proof that blue light damages your eyes. That said, blue light-blocking glasses can prove beneficial at night. Aim for a ten-hour eating window Scientists now place the timing of food and drink a close second behind light exposure in terms of importance for our circadian system. If we eat meals at regular times, our inner clocks will direct our body to lower blood sugar levels and raise concentrations of hunger hormones in anticipation of those meals. Inconsistent meal times, especially those that bleed into the night, can weaken our rhythms, as Professor Martha Merrow, a chronobiologist at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, told me. If you eat late, she says, your body could miss its anticipated eating window and cause the circadian phase of your liver which produces bile to aid digestion to shift very, very, very late. That in turn could have knock-on repercussions: your kidneys would likely miss the mealtime signal from your liver, and then lose track of time and fail to suppress urine production as they normally do while we sleep. Dr Emily Manoogian, a chronobiologist at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the US, aims for a ten-hour eating window, and says its usually best for our rhythms to hold off on eating until at least an hour after waking up, she said, and then stop at least three hours before bedtime. Scientists also generally agree that dinner should be early, light and lean more on proteins and fats than carbohydrates. The natural rhythms of your insulin production mean the body is less able to handle carbs later in the day. Avoid late-night exercise... Research has shown that exercise can strengthen and realign circadian rhythms. In one study, published in The Journal of Physiology, participants who exercised at 7am or between 1pm and 4pm significantly advanced the phase of their circadian rhythms and the onset and duration of their melatonin secretions meaning they were able to drop off to sleep earlier and more comfortably whereas participants who exercised between 7pm and 10pm delayed their phase and rise in melatonin. ... and birdsong at bedtime Do you rely on background music such as birdsong or gentle classical tunes to help you drop off? If so, you might want to reconsider. One small study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, found that listening at night to birdsong melodies paired with classical music delayed participants melatonin production and minimum core body temperature presumably making them stay awake later. Why older people need early nights Our inner clocks naturally change as we age, making it even more important we get outside the older we get. In our later years, the peaks of rhythms for sleep, temperature, cortisol and melatonin tend to dampen as well as move earlier in the day which helps explain that increasing desire for an early night. Eye conditions such as cataracts and the natural yellowing of our lenses as we age can conspire to limit how much shortwave blue light gets through to the eyes photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for the circadian system seeing the light. Achieving adequate circadian stimulus during the day is even more challenging for people with dementia, as the disease can damage neurons in the region of the brain that controls the master clock. There are strategies to help, such as increasing the daily light-dark contrast for example, using blackout blinds at night and upping light exposure during the day show promise for improving mood and sleep for all older people, especially those with Alzheimers and Parkinsons, according to research by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Adapted from The Inner Clock by Lynne Peeples (Bloomsbury Tonic, 20), out on September 24. Lynne Peeples 2024. To order a copy for 18 (offer valid until September 23, 2024; UK P&P free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Doctors are warning about a little known deadly side effect linked to weight loss shots after treating a patient with liver failure. The 24-year-old teacher had been taking a high dose of Mounjaro for weight loss, which works in a similar way as Ozempic. Seven months after starting the drug, she began suffering from extreme vomiting, nausea and stomach pains prompting her to rush to the ER. Tests showed the unnamed patient had 'alarming' liver damage that could have killed her within days if it had not been reversed. A woman in Kuwait suffered a liver injury after taking Mounjaro for seven months (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. The patient, who was obese and had a BMI of 34, had 'alarming' levels of liver enzymes, proteins that help break down bile and toxins. This was a sign that her organ was failing and she was admitted to the ICU where she was given a plasma transfusion to flush out the toxins in her blood. She was referred to a transplant team because if left untreated, she could have suffered full blown liver failure, and a transplant would have been her only chance of survival. Writing in the European Journal of Case Reports, doctors from Kuwait who treated her said Mounjaro was 'likely the susceptible cause.' Last year, a 37-year-old patient in Seattle was treated for similar liver injury after taking the same drug. The doctors dubbed her condition 'drug induced liver injury.' Experts don't know exactly what causes the rare side effect, though they believe high doses of the drugs reduce the amount of fat in the liver. If this happens too quickly, it could kill healthy cells, leading to injury. Paradoxically, some studies have even indicated that tirzepatide, Mounjaro's active ingredient, could actually treat liver failure. The patient in the case report, who had given birth to her first child the year before, had been been taking a 12-milligram dose of Mounjaro after working her way up from a low dose. Doses start at 2.5 milligrams and go up to 15 milligrams maximum. When the patient first went to the ER in early July, her liver function tests were normal, and she responded well to fluids and IV medications. She was discharged but returned to the hospital two days later with the same symptoms, as well as low blood sugar. Scans when the woman was admitted showed that her pancreas and other organs were normal, but that the liver appeared to be slightly enlarged. She tested negative for hepatitis, herpes and other viruses which have previously been linked to liver inflammation. Doctors diagnosed her with an acute liver injury, or a rapid deterioration in liver function due to damage or stress to the organ. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and kept in the hospital for 10 days before her liver function improved and she was stable enough to go home. The patient, who was treated in Kuwait, was advised not to take Mounjaro. By the time she was released, her BMI dropped from 34 to 25. The above graph shows deaths linked to semaglutide and tirzepatide by year. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy while tirzepatide is used in drugs including Zepbound. Yellow is used for 2024 to indicate the data is incomplete Tirzepatide was not shown to cause liver injury in clinical trials, and this is also not mentioned on its warning label. But doctors say that the rapid weight loss it causes could 'overload' the liver and cause inflammation leading to the injury. During weight loss, fat is sent from other parts of the body to the liver where it is broken down into a substance that can be used by cells. But if too much is sent at once or a lot is sent continuously over a longer timespan, the organ can become 'overworked' triggering complications. Acute liver injury has previously been recorded after bariatric surgery such as a gastric bypass, which reduces the size of the stomach which doctors have also linked to rapid weight loss. Writing in the paper, the physicians at Adan Hospital Kuwait said: 'The [time] relationship of tirzepatide and acute liver injury makes it likely the susceptible cause.' They added: 'This case underscores the need for further research and frequent following of liver enzymes when using tirzepatide for weight loss.' Hormone-warping chemicals found in cosmetic products could explain the 'alarming' trend of girls starting their periods earlier than ever before. A US government-backed study has found that these chemicals - found in detergents, perfumes, and cosmetics - block and mimic the production of hormones responsible for the onset of puberty in girls, such as those that cause ovulation. This would explain why the average age of puberty has decreased since the 1990s, particularly in girls rather than boys. The chemicals are responsible for the sweet and musky smell of several perfumes, as well as found in medications for asthma and smoking cessation. Researchers at the NIH found that chemical exposure could lead to early puberty in girls, which is increasing in the US The findings also come as girls start wearing makeup and perfume at younger ages, with recent research finding that eight in 10 nine- to 11-year-olds in the US wearing some form of beauty product. The researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) exposed human cells grown in the lab and zebrafish to 10,000 different environmental contributors. Zebrafish are typically used for studies like this because they share several genetic similarities to humans and other mammals. They found that a fragrance called musk ambrette and medications called cholinergic agonists could disrupt, mimic, or block the effect of hormones. Musk ambrette is a fragrance with a sweet, musky, and seedy smell derived from a yellow flower. Though its use is restricted in the US, it can still be found in small quantities in several perfumes sold to young girls on online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. Cholinergic agonists, meanwhile, are medications used mainly to treat smoking addiction, COPD, and asthma. Your browser does not support iframes. 'There has been an alarming trend toward earlier puberty in girls, suggesting the influence of an environmental factor,' the study authors wrote. Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and stress have all previously been touted as possible explanations. Girls have previously told DailyMail.com that the phenomenon is not only 'mortifying' at school and at home, but it can also be confusing and make them miss out on vacations and other social activities. Earlier puberty in girls has been linked to a complications like increased risk for obesity, heart disease, breast cancer, and psychological problems. Menstruation usually starts around age 12, but study author Dr Natalie Shaw, a neuroendocrinologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), said, in recent decades, girls on average have been tending towards a younger onset. In some cases, girls as young as six have started menstruating before noticing any other signs of puberty. Large studies in the 1990s confirmed the average age girls began developing breasts, a sign of puberty that often begins before the onset of the first period, around age ten. This was about a year earlier than scientists previously thought, and subsequent studies have confirmed that since the 1970s, the average age of puberty onset has dropped by about three months per decade in girls. This trend suggested that something in our environment was playing a role, study authors wrote. To investigate this, the group of doctors from the NIEHS, an arm of the NIH, looked at a database of chemicals and prescriptions that could have an effect on hormones. Their findings were published in the journal Endocrinology. Doctors have not been able to identify a single or even a handful of causes for precocious puberty, though experts have told DailyMail.com that some underlying factors include obesity, stress, and genetics Specifically, they looked at molecules called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), substances that mimic, block, or interfere with the natural flow of hormones. These control puberty, stress, and development, according to NIEHS. EDCs are found all over - from flame retardants to so-called forever chemicals to plastic, so the researchers included 10,000 potential targets in their research. What is precocious puberty in girls? Early puberty, also called precocious puberty, is when girls have signs of puberty before the age of eight. They may develop some signs of puberty at a young age, but not others. For example, their period may start but they have no breast development. Doctors don't usually know what causes early puberty. But it could be genetic or a problem with the brain, ovaries or thyroid gland. A doctor may recommend seeing a specialist if they think the cause should be investigated. In some cases, doctors prescribe medication to reduce hormone levels and pause sexual development for a few years. Advertisement They narrowed in on two: musk ambrette and medications called Cholingeric agonists. Musk ambrette has been used over the years to provide a pleasant odor to detergent, perfumes and makeup, as well as in chewing gum, candy and beverages, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It's restricted in the US, EU and Canada. It was removed from the FDA's list of fragrances 'generally recognized as safe', and in use in the country, generally. The watchdog Environmental Working Group (EWG) states that there is 'strong' evidence that musk ambrette causes skin allergies. However, the authors write, musk ambrette has still been detected in some water sources and fragrances, including several on online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. Cholinergic agonists are a type of prescription drug like Chantix - which is used to stop smoking. 'Children are less likely to encounter cholinergic agonists in their daily lives,' the authors wrote. However, two asthma medications called ipratropium and tiotropium are also cholinergic agonists. When the scientists applied both of these chemicals to human cells grown in the lab and to live zebra fish, it activated cells that control puberty called musGnRh neurons. This, they write, suggests that exposure to these EDCs could be causing the earlier onset of puberty. 'This study suggests that, out of an abundance of caution, it is important for parents to only use personal care products for their children that are federally regulated,' Dr Shaw said. Health officials have expanded a recall of apple juice sold at several popular stores over fears that it has been contaminated with cancer-causing metals. On August 26, the FDA announced that 133,500 cases of apple juice produced by Florida-based Refresco Beverages Inc are being voluntarily pulled from shelves due to possibly containing inorganic arsenic, a 'highly toxic' compound usually found in contaminated water. The affected products were sold in 26 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico at retailers Walmart, Walgreens, Aldi, Weis, Market Basket, BJ's, Dollar General, Lidl US, and Brooklyn Fare. This is an expansion of a recall initiated on August 15, which just included 9,500 cases of Walmart's Great Value apple juice. No illnesses have been reported. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that several brands of apple juice, including Walmart's Great Value, have been recalled due to arsenic Your browser does not support iframes. The FDA said that affected juices had arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion. Last year, the agency announced that the limit for inorganic arsenic should be 10 parts per billion in apple juice. The initial recall was designated Class II, meaning exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues. The newly recalled products have not been given a classification yet. However, inorganic arsenic, a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust and places like water and soil, has been linked to severe health consequences. The compound is a known carcinogen, meaning that it is proven to cause cancer, and the World Health Organization describes it as 'highly toxic.' Long-term exposure has been shown to lead to skin lesions, developmental defects, diabetes, lung and heart disease. Signs of short-term exposure generally include nausea, vomiting, and numbness or burning in the hands or feet. The recall comes after the FDA announced plans to investigate several brands of tampons that may contain arsenic and other heavy metals like lead and cadmium. TataComm partners with Palo Alto Networks to enhance Enterprise Cyber Resilience 08 Oct 2024 | 1:15 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Tata Group firm Tata Communications on Tuesday announced a collaboration with Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to global enterprises. see more.. Fabindia partners with ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations in select cities 08 Oct 2024 | 12:44 PM New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Homegrown lifestyle brand Fabindia and ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations have announced a partnership to establish dine-in cafes at select stores across India. see more.. Rupee rises 3 paise 08 Oct 2024 | 11:38 AM Mumbai, Oct 8 (UNI) The rupee on Tuesday gained 3 paise at 83.95 against USD in opening trade, on selling of US dollars by bankers and importers, dealers at the foreign exchange said. see more.. Sensex jumps over 300 points 08 Oct 2024 | 11:37 AM Mumbai, Oct 8 (UNI) Snapping a losing streak of the last six sessions, the BSE Sensex on Tuesday recovered 392 points at 81,442 in the opening trade as buying was seen across the board. see more.. It's a cancer that kills over 95 per cent of all those diagnosed within five years of their diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer, famed for subtle and symptoms that means for the vast majority of cases are only caught in its later and deadlier stages, kills almost 10,000 Britons each year, equivalent to about one person every hour. But a new tool hopes to turn the tide and boost survival rates for the disease. Charity Pancreatic Cancer UK, with the support of NHS England, are launching The Family History Checker - an online resource which helps people assess their genetic risk of pancreatic cancer. About one in ten cases of the disease are thought to be caused by genes that increase a person's risk of developing the cancer. Rachel Smith with her brother Jim alongside his two sons Jamie (left) and Harry (right). Jim sadly died from pancreatic cancer just eight months after he was diagnosed Those identified as being at an increased risk by the tool will then be directed to specialists for a consultation. If this increased risk is confirmed that person will then be referred for annual cancer monitoring, which includes blood tests and scans. The hope is that if they do develop the disease, it's proactively caught in the earlier, more treatable, stages. One person who knows all too well the fear of inheriting pancreatic cancer is Rachel Smith. The 42-year-old has seen both her father and brother been hit by the disease. For her brother Jim, the diagnosis turned out to be a fatal one. Ms Smith has now been referred to regular monitoring for the disease due to her genetic risk in a bid to catch the disease in the early stages if she does develop it. Pictured here with her daughter Lillian Her father was the first to be struck back in 2017 but he was one of the lucky few whose disease was caught early enough that a radical 12-hour surgery saved his life. Jim wasn't so lucky. Delays to diagnosis due to the pandemic meant his case went from potentially operable to inoperable. He died eight months after being diagnosed leaving a young family behind. Ms Smith said: 'When my brother Jim was first diagnosed, a potential genetic link was more of an after-thought. 'We were initially just hopeful hopeful as we'd been through it all before with Dad. It's not until after Jim passed that we thought about the possibility of a link.' Considering her own risk of the disease, Ms Smith enquired about genetic testing and, after an assessment similar to that of the new tool, she was invited for annual checks and given a specialist to contact if she started to experience symptoms. She said this had been incredibly valuable: 'Being invited for a yearly check-in is reassuring, and it's good to know these programmes are in place for the next generation, for Jim's children and mine. 'Jim was diagnosed at the age of 43 if he had been on a surveillance programme, maybe the changes in his pancreas would have been noticed earlier. 'Getting those at risk on to these programmes as early as possible will make a huge difference. There is simply nothing that can be done if it's too late.' The Family History Checker, which can be visited here, will ask people for details like their family history of the disease and other genetic conditions which have been linked to increased risk of the cancer. Pancreatic Cancer UK chief executive Diana Jupp said they hoped the tool would help not only reassure people by linking those at risk to monitoring but also save lives. Ms Smith's father, Michael was also hit by the disease back in 2017 but fortunately in his case the cancer was spotted early enough to be operated on Pancreatic cancer remains one of the least survivable forms of the disease and worryingly its on the rise. Source for data: Cancer Research UK Pancreatic cancer has been dubbed a 'silent killer' due to its subtle signs that are often only spotted too late 'Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease and once someone in your family has been affected, it's hard not to become fearful for yourself and others in your life,' she said. 'We are so proud to be supported by NHS England on this project, which will help alleviate anxiety around inherited risk of the disease and identify the people who most need regular monitoring. 'It is now vital that as many people as possible use the Family History Checker, so that everyone who should be referred for regular monitoring is found. 'The earlier pancreatic cancer is spotted, the more likely it is that people will be able to have lifesaving treatment. By reaching more people, lives could be saved.' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, added: 'This new Family History Checker is a great tool for families where someone has had pancreatic cancer and will help the NHS to identify and support people at risk from it. 'I know it can be daunting to find out if you are at risk of pancreatic cancer, and some people may feel they'd rather not know, but finding out early means people can get the support they need from the NHS. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Pancreatic Cancer UK launched their tool as a poll conducted by the charity of 1,000 GPs found only one in ten knew where to refer patients for surveillance. Rates of pancreatic cancer have increased in the UK by about 17 per cent since the 90s, with soaring obesity among Brits suspected to be behind the rise. But some groups have seen far higher increases. MailOnline revealed earlier this year that rates of the disease have soared by 200 per cent among women under the age of 25 in the same period. With no similar spike observed in men of the same ages experts have been unable to pin a potential cause. Sven Goran Eriksson passed away on August 26 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer Smiths guitarist Andy Rourke died at the age of 59 from pancreatic cancer A number of celebrity diagnoses within the past 12 months have thrown the disease into the spotlight. Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, recently died from the disease, aged 76. Meanwhile, last May it was revealed that The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke had also died from the illness. Other famous victims include legendary actors Patrick Swayze and Alan Rickman as well as Apple's iconic founder Steve Jobs. Brits in their 80s are most likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with the risk of getting the disease, much like other cancers, broadly increasing with age. Other known risk factors for the disease include smoking and obesity. The pancreas is a tadpole-shaped organ that forms part of the digestive system and also performs a crucial role in hormone regulation. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the 1987 romantic hit Dirty Dancing. Swayze died in 2009 at the age of 57 from pancreatic cancer Alan Rickman who starred in a host of blockbusters including as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films died from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69 Apple founder Steve Jobs died of complications relating to pancreatic cancer in 2011 It is located just behind the stomach and is about 25cm in length. In its digestive role, it helps produce enzymes that help the body break down food into the nutrients it needs. It is also critical in making hormones responsible for controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Potential symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, where the whites of the eyes and skin turn yellow, alongside itchy skin and darker urine. Other possible signs include loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, constipation or bloating. While symptoms are unlikely to be cancer it is important that they are checked out by a GP early just in case, especially if people have had them for over four weeks. I was issued with a GP Exemption Certificate in 1995 and had this renewed. When I moved to a different county in 2006, I was told that these certificates had been discontinued. I moved to another county in 2019 and asked my Motability Advisor what I should do to update. He told me that my Blue Badge is sufficient, and I have no need to mention my disability specifically if the police stop me. To be exempt from wearing a seat belt, as required by law, means you will need a valid Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing from your GP Please can you tell me whether the GP issue Exemption Certificates are now being recommended in the light of new legislation with AI cameras to check on seat belt wearing? My surgery had no knowledge of the existence of these certificates when I asked about them in 2020. This is a grey area for disabled drivers, and I do not know where to find the answer. Marilyn, M via email. Freda Lewis-Stempel of This is Money replies: It's so important to have up to date information and clarity in a situation like this - not only to make sure you're obeying the law but for peace of mind. Unfortunately, what you've been told by your Motability Advisor is not accurate. Regulations under the Road Traffic Act 1988 generally oblige all drivers and passengers in the front and rear of motor vehicles to wear seat belts. However, as you've said, if a medical practitioner states that it is inadvisable on medical grounds to wear a seat belt, and that practitioner gives you a signed and valid certificate to state as much, you are exempt from wearing one. The guidance has not changed since the last detailed legislation in 2006 something your Motability Advisor should be aware of. Current information on the Department for Transport website states: 'Your doctor may say you do not have to wear a seat belt for a medical reason. They'll give you a 'Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing'. The DfT is also clear that you must keep this Certificate of Exemption in your vehicle and that you'll need to show it to the police if you're stopped. You'll also need to tell your car insurer. A Blue Badge is not acceptable for seat belt exemption as a Blue Badge covers a lot of disabilities, the majority of which would have no effect on wearing a seatbelt', Greater Manchester Police confirmed The DfT further confirmed to us: 'The law governing medical exemptions from seat belt wearing applies in accordance with current DfT guidance. 'A person who is exempt from wearing a seat belt on medical grounds must have a medical exemption certificate granted by a doctor'. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson also said that they are 'not aware of any changed to seat belt legislation'. 'Medical exemption certificates are currently valid if issued by a doctor. A Blue Badge is not acceptable for seat belt exemption as a Blue Badge covers a lot of disabilities, the majority of which would have no effect on wearing a seatbelt'. So, it is clear that you are indeed right in thinking you need an exemption certificate today, as you have done previously, and we recommend doing this as soon as possible. AI cameras will be rolled out across Greater Manchester to catch drivers who break the law by using a smartphone. It is part of a wider national trial to ensure safer roads Will AI cameras change Exemption Certificate legislation? As you said this is a bit of a grey area for disabled drivers and passengers (and legislators alike) as new technology rollout does not necessarily factor in 'human' circumstances and anomalies. We asked Transport for Greater Manchester (who are overseeing the new AI camera rollout in Northern England) for clarification. A spokesman said: 'The trial will be conducted in accordance with the law on wearing seat belts, while also taking account the guidance relating to medical exemptions [as stipulated by the DfT].' Again, this means you must keep the certificate in your vehicle and show it to police when asked. The spokesperson also said that 'results of the [AI camera] trial will be shared with Greater Manchester Police in order to inform future targeted enforcement activity. Any offences detected as part of the trial can be passed to GMP for them to consider further action'. It is likely then that any issues with wrongfully detecting drivers or passengers who have a Certificate of Exemption will be streamlined for future rollouts. But don't forget that even if an AI camera does detect you, and you're notified that the police intend to prosecute, you can then explain your situation and present your certificate. If you have a valid certificate, you aren't breaking the law, no matter whether you're snapped on an AI camera or not. What qualifies you for a seat belt Exemption Certificate? The DfT says: 'In deciding whether to grant exemption, a medical practitioner needs to judge each case on its merits. There are no conditions (eg pregnancy) which justify automatic exemption'. Make sure you and your doctor keep a record of exemptions issued it will make it easier to query or challenge anything. How to order certificates Considering your GP is not aware of the certificates (which they really should be), then direct them to the DfT to make sure they are up to date with the latest guidance. Your GP need to assess you or anyone who requires an Exemption Certificate thoroughly. If your medical practitioner decides to grant exemption then the certificate should be issued immediately and must specify a period of validity. There is no set period of validity though it's as long or as short as medically justified. A specific certificate must be used, which can be obtained from govcst@theapsgroup.com. And at no point is a doctor's note a legal substitute for the certificate, so you won't be exempt until you have the valid Certificate of Exemption - your GP should put it to the top of their priority list. In 1959 Volvo introduced a 3-point belt (the seat belt we know today) in the front of a Amazon and PV 544 models as standard in Sweden and Nordic markets In 1967 new cars in the UK had to be fitted with three-point front seat belts and in 1968 all '65 and onwards cars had to be retrofitted with them. But it wasn't until 1991 that that adults had to wear rear seat belts (children had to from 1989) The history of seat belts and their introduction into law Seat belts have been credited with saving an estimated 2,000 lives a year in Britain since they became a legal requirement in 1983. But acceptance wasn't always the case, and it took time to introduce mandatory seat belt wearing into law. From as early as the 1930s people were using lap belts and then two-point belts to keep themselves safe while driving. Then in 1959, Volvo introduced a three-point belt (the seat belt we know today) in the front seats of its Amazon and PV 544 models as standard in Sweden. Volvo's 3-point seat belt inventor Nils Bohlin In 1967, new cars in the UK had to be fitted with three-point front seat belts and a year later all 1965 and onwards cars had to be retrofitted with them. This didn't mean that seat belts were popular, though many people and bodies were in favour of persuasion rather than compulsion. In 1973, the RAC supported voluntary persuasion rather than enforcement, saying 'the time for consideration of such a drastic measure has not yet been reached' and 'would have undesirable effects on relations between police and public'. The Ministry of Transport was also deeply concerned with the civil liberty argument surrounding seat belts, instead preferring to rely on Jimmy Savile's 'clunk, click every trip' advert exhortation rather than enforcement. By 1987, all new cars in the UK had to have rear seat belts fitted and most mass manufacturers were already fitting them as standard anyway. The law that required people to wear them came into effect in 1983 (front belts), followed by a 1989 law for children in the back to wear a seat belt, and then a 1991 law update that made it a legal requirement for adults in the back to wear seat belts too. These days law-abiding citizens wear one without hesitation, and seat belts are credited with reducing the risk of death by 50 per cent. Keir Starmer doesn't much like the House of Lords and plans to cut it down to size. Yet it will be hard for him to ignore a report by the economic affairs committee which is stuffed with former great and good of the Treasury and finance. The findings on the national debt are highly relevant ahead of Rachel Reeves's first Budget and efforts to ladle the blame on the Tories for rotten public finances and an alleged 22billion black hole. Some 9.4billion of the red ink is down to Labour's agreed public sector pay deals. The numbers, run up by HM Treasury, have no independent buy-in from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). It will be hard for Kier Starmer to ignore a report by the economic affairs committee which is stuffed with former great and good of the Treasury and finance Lords economic panel chairman Lord Bridges and colleagues are clear. Britain's national debt is no worse than its peers, as it hovers at 88.8 per cent of output (excluding Bank of England quantitative easing costs). In fact, the UK is in much better shape that most rich G7 nations with the exception of Germany. The scale of the debt is not a consequence of Liz Truss conniption. It is the cumulative result of three world-class shocks the great financial crisis (a Labour legacy), Covid-19 and Russia's war on Ukraine. That said, the debt pile is too high. The concern is that should there be another catastrophe, either domestic or beyond Britain's control, the shock absorbers might be insufficient to prevent a funding crisis. The vulnerability partly is the result of poor decision-making at the Treasury. The UK has lumbered itself with a higher proportion of index-linked debt than most of its competitors. During the cost of living challenge of 2021-23, servicing costs shot up. Debt levels have also been swelled by the bonkers decision by HM Treasury to take on the liabilities of the Bank of England in contrast to almost every other advanced nation. So what should be done? Clearly, a more orderly approach to the public finances is needed, with regular spending reviews audited by the OBR. The Tory approach of requiring debt to fall as a percentage of GDP by the final, fifth year of a forecast is seen as not robust enough. Reeves might take comfort from a recommendation that taxes be increased or the size of the state reduced to deal with the shortfall. The TUC, meeting in Brighton, won't be endorsing the latter. Reeves may be less than enamoured with the Lords' rejection of her suggestion that only the current budget needs to be in near-balance, and spending for investment can be excluded. The report argues that separating the two is tricky so there should only be one overall aim. Two crass errors have been made by UK decision-makers, who diverged from the principle of funding borrowing long. The Bank of England's overuse of bond purchases shortened the debt pay-back schedule. There has been far too much reliance on index-linked bonds. Those are technical rather than the political blunders. That doesn't stop Reeves and her acolytes from laying the blame at the Conservatives door. Trench war Investors in Burberry might have preferred it had analysts at Barclays kept away from China. A deteriorating Beijing-run economy is hitting spending on luxury goods hard. Burberry, a group in transition, is finding it hard to achieve the fashion heights of its former boss, designer Christopher Bailey. It has lost more than 70 per cent of its value over the last 12 months and been expelled from the FTSE 100. The danger is that the more the shares drift down towards 500p, the more likely it will attract bidders looking for a bargain. Buyers could come from two possible sources: the biggest players in the luxury goods sector doubling down on great brands; alternatively, there could be offers from cash-rich private equity. Both should be repelled by a board headed by Tesco chairman Gerry Murphy. Losing Britain's best known luxury name to an overseas rival would be a betrayal for a brand which traces its trench coat heritage to 1856 and is so identifiably British. Private equity stewardship, as we have seen with other retailers, should not be an option. The board and new chief executive Joshua Schulman must gird their loins. The journey of AstraZeneca from struggling pharma lightweight under siege from Pfizer to Britains most valuable company is remarkable. It could never have been achieved but for the leadership of French-born chief executive Pascal Soriot and the unshakeable support of its Swedish investors. Life sciences requires enterprises to make expensive bets on new compounds and Soriot, with enthusiastic backing for immunology treatments for cancer and his embrace of the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, has made many of the right bets. Soriot chose some time ago to make his family base in Sydney, some 11 hours flying time from Beijing, and invested heavily in China. The company has built a real presence in the country, assembling a workforce of almost 17,000 generating revenue of 4.5billion last year, some 13 per cent of group sales. Arrests: AstraZeneca offices in Shanghai. Several employees of the London-listed pharma giant have been arrested and are under investigation by Chinese authorities Missteps for overseas businesses with a presence in China are not uncommon and British rival GSK took a beating a decade ago. In the past, the AstraZeneca chief has been dismissive of critics concerned about exposure to President Xi Jinpings increasingly autarkic administration. Chinas less than transparent judicial system makes it difficult to assess how seriously stakeholders should take the detention of a number of current and former employees of AZ in Shenzhen. In his first comments on the crackdown, Soriot told Bloomberg that it is impossible for everyone employed by his company to act as a compliance officer. He is working closely with the Chinese authorities to sort out the dispute. Colleagues concerned allegedly fell short of required standards in the collection of patient data and the distribution of a liver cancer medicine. Soriot is in a much better place to sort out wrinkles in AZs relations with China because of his frequent travel to the country where AZ has put down deep roots. Relations between Beijing and the West are fraught, and China has shown that it is not averse to using the justice system to bully companies and countries. Soriot, who weathered storms in Europe over Covid-19 contracts, faces a very different and more mercurial government in Beijing. GSK, and countless people hanging on to to democracy and free enterprise values in Hong Kong, can testify to the difficulties. Drug trials dont always work out and Astra has just had a setback with experimental cancer medicine Dato-DXd for which it had blockbuster ambitions. The bigger challenge will be resetting the Chinese relationship. Beijing often chooses to extract a heavy price, even from perceived friends. Tech trials There is a tendency for the US authorities to tip-toe around Silicon Valley. Big tech is an enormous contributor to US economic hegemony and its tycoons and employees generous political donors. No such compunction operates in the European Union. It lacks its own high tech heroes and in Danish competition enforcer Margrethe Vestager it has an official who takes no prisoners. After an eight-year fight with Apple, the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg has come down on the side of Brussels, which ordered the tech giant to hand over 11billion in back taxes to Ireland. In a separate ruling, Google has lost its battle against a 2billion fine imposed for gaming the system by giving its own price comparison shopping service priority over EU-based competitors. Meanwhile, the founder of Telegram social media app Pavel Durov is under arrest in Paris for allegedly breaching EU laws including the Digital Services Act. A senior American communications regulator visiting London told me only yesterday the penalties might seem like vast sums. But they are pinpricks for Silicon Valley giants who will regard them as an irritating cost of doing businesses. Heigh-ho. Gold rush The yellow metal shines again amid cautionary buying by Russian and Chinese central banks seeking dollar alternatives. Latest manifestation is the 1.9billion bid by US-quoted AngloGold Ashanti for Londons Centamin, which owns Egypts largest goldmines and among the worlds biggest active deposits. Londons past ambition to be the favoured stock market for natural resource companies has suffered multiple blows. The Ukraine war saw the shares of several Russian miners go into cold storage. BHP moved its quote to Sydney. Anglo American is busy shedding assets having escaped the grasp of BHP. Hard times. More women than ever before are buying gold bullion, with the increase partly due to growing confidence in investing, experts say. High prices for the precious metal, combined with political uncertainty, have led to a boom in investing in gold. Now a British company that sells solid gold bars and coins to customers through the post has seen record sales thanks to a sharp increase in female customers. BullionByPost said that women now make up an all-time high of 20 per cent of its customer base, up by 150 per cent in the past four years. Good as gold: Most investors are choosing smaller gold bullion items, like this 1g bar The bullion firm said women were turning to gold for three main reasons: 1. Millennial and Generation Z women want to protect their money BullionByPost said: 'Generation Z and Millennials are now thinking about the future and ways to protect their wealth as they become more financially independent and the pay gap closes. 'In mixed households women are also increasingly taking control of joint investments unlike older generations where it has traditionally been the preserve of men.' 2. Gold's profile is rising Many women are nudged towards investing in gold by female influencers with platforms onTikTok and YouTube, the bullion experts said. 3. Women tend to invest conservatively BullionByPost said: 'Studies have shown that women tend to be more conservative investors taking fewer risks - and generating better returns - than men. 'With precious metals, gold in particular, being considered safe haven, low-risk investments, it appeals to this element of female investments. Women also tend to favour long-term investments rather than impulsive buying, which fits perfectly with gold.' Gold investing is growing in popularity among both sexes due to ongoing global unrest, as the precious metal is seen as a safe place to put money in times of uncertainty. The most popular bullion sold now tends to be smaller gold bars and coins. BullionByPost said that a 1g gold bar about the size of a mobile phone SIM card is worth about 60 and sales have increased 340 per cent in the last four years. Meanwhile, a record 86 per cent of orders were below 2,000 over the last year. The average order value at BullionByPost is now around 1,400 less than a 1oz bar or coin - with the top 10 most popular product weights sold all being 1oz or lower. The data is based on sales of almost 50 tonnes of gold bars and coins worth 3billion, sent to more than a quarter of a million customers across the UK over the last ten years. BullionByPost managing director Pete Walden said: 'The increase in social media investment channels is helping young female investors to find new sources of information and education within the investment sector that they can relate to, increasing their confidence in how to go about investing their money as they become more financially independent. 'Although a gender investing gap remains, female investors have been growing consistently over the years across all investment classes. 'Despite this, female investors tend to shy away from equity-linked or assets like crypto due to their inherent risk and tend to be drawn towards the relative security of cash Isas and savings accounts. 'This tendency to shy away from risk may be a key reason why physical gold appeals to female investors.' Listed UK companies have become prime takeover targets in recent years, with foreign buyers eyeing potential bargains trading on the London Stock Exchange. Online property market Rightmove is the latest FTSE 100 constituent to grab the headlines after Rupert Murdoch's real-estate firm REA Group announced it was mulling a takeover offer for the British firm. Rightmove shares initially jumped 24 per cent after news emerged of a potential cash and share offer, demonstrating the gains on offer to investors when bid interest emerges. Hot property: Rupert Murdoch's REA Group is in the process of launching a bid to buy Rightmove Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said a potential offer for Rightmvoe represents the sixth possible takeover situation for a FTSE 100 company this calendar year. He said: 'We've already seen confirmed bids for the likes of Anglo American, Darktrace and DS Smith, as well as speculation that several parties have been sniffing around Hiscox.' Why are British companies so attractive to foreign buyers? UK companies are generally seen as undervalued when compared to their international counterparts. The UK stock market has a price to earnings ratio of 16.44, compared to the US market's ratio of 24.82. This means that the value delivered by UK stocks is far higher relative to the value of company shares. There are a host of reasons for this, such as a lack of high-quality tech stocks and the shaky political landscape of the past few years. The UK also has much shallower liquidity on offer than peers in the US market, meaning London-listed companies sometimes suffer from a lack of investor appetite for buying and selling of shares. Buying British: Burberry could be a potential takeover target Which firms might be targets? Clothing brand Burberry has had a rough year, having fallen more than 70 per cent it is now set to fall out of the FTSE 100. Burberry shares are trading at a 14-year low. Nevertheless, Burberry remains an iconic British fashion brand, with heritage and a niche that make it attractive despite its troubles, and a viable prospect for a buyer that thinks it can turn these fortunes around. Coatsworth said: 'What makes Burberry appealing to a potential buyer is the enduring appeal of its products. There is instant brand association with its chequered patterns. 'While styles go in and out of fashion, Burberry's products have stood the test of time and a potential buyer will be focused on the long-term prize.' 'Any potential bidders would have to see through near-term problems and be confident in the company's ability to get back on track,' he added. 'The decision to take Burberry more upmarket and then heavily discount products to shift unsold stock was a bad move. While shoppers love a bargain, discounting can tarnish a luxury brand as it is perceived to be less desirable.' Meanwhile, drinks maker Diageo could prove a similar story. While issues in its Latin American business have weighed on Diageo in recent times, its ownership of products like Johnnie Walker, Baileys and Smirnoff means the group benefits from a devoted customer base to its big-name brands. On top of this, its stout offering, Guinness, has also recently seen a boom of its own among young drinkers something that, if it were to continue, could prove an attractive prospect for a potential suitor. Coatsworth said: 'While the current news flow is fairly gloomy, Diageo could be a takeover candidate for a bidder looking to own a portfolio of well-known drinks brands and wanting to pick up an industry giant at a big discount to where it has historically traded. 'The key sticking point is the fact such a takeover deal would require a significant cash outlay, even if the bidder got a bargain price.' Diageo shares have slumped 23 per cent over the past year. Coatsworth added: 'Diageo is currently worth 55billion. Apply a potential 30 per cent bid premium and a suitor would need to stump up a very large amount of money. 'One route might involve breaking up Diageo, with a beer company taking on Guinness and another company taking on the spirits brands.' An opportunity to scale up In many cases, takeover targets offer a prospective buyer an opportunity to scale up their business or move into a new region. This is the exact opportunity that betting company Entain could provide. The firm, which owns Ladbrokes, has seen its share value drop by almost half in the past year, having lost its US market share and become bogged down in a bribery investigation. Nevertheless, Coatsworth says this could provide the means for capitalise on the company's market-share. He said: 'The Ladbrokes owner has previously been subject to takeover interest from MGM and DraftKings, but neither suitor managed to place a winning bid. 'Since then, Entain's share price has lagged many of its peers and left it a sitting duck for a third party to swoop on the business. 'Buying Entain would be an easy way for a rival company to greatly increase scale, something that really matters in the gambling sector. 'A new CEO joins this week, which raises the prospect of a sweeping review of the business and potentially some strategic changes. The pressure is already on, given activist investors on the shareholder register.' Similarly, Premier Inn owner Whitbread could allow a buyer to cash in on the firm's UK-wide presence. Coatsworth said: 'While some investors will be disappointed at the company's situation, there is the potential for Whitbread to be on the radar of private equity or an overseas-based operator looking to get ahead in the UK through buying one of the country's best-known hoteliers. 'The shares are trading on a low rating of 12.2 times consensus earnings for the year to February 2026. 'That bargain-basement rating, together with weak market sentiment towards the stock, could be enough to draw out a bid. 'Premier Inn is front of mind for consumers looking for affordable accommodation and scores well with tourists seeking decent, reliable hotels when visiting the UK.' Should you sit tight or sell up? Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'For investors, the current share price of a bid target should be compared to the level which the acquiring company is proposing. 'These two prices are normally in line, but there can be exceptions such as when the share price exceeds the offered price. 'This would be because the market believes that either the price being offered is too low, or that the proposed acquisition could flush other potential buyers out into something of a bidding war.' 'In any event, the general rule of thumb would be for investors to hold tight and await any further developments if a bid emerges for a stock they own.' Of course, a shareholder should in theory have a say in the outcome of the takeover offer. While an offer needs to be accepted by a majority of shareholders, and they will be given the chance to vote on the matter, most investors will generally have little say in the decision of whether the offer is accepted or not. Hunter said: 'In reality, the largest shareholders are likely to be institutions so the power of retail shareholders to agree or reject any bid is usually extremely limited. 'Investors should note that the potential for takeover activity is not a sufficient reason to invest, rather it is the icing on the cake should it happen. I was due to drive a few ladies from my Womens Institute group to visit wildflower meadows in early May. The small car park for it requires drivers to use the RingGo payment app. I had never paid for parking using an app before so I thought I should check out the system before the outing. I had a plan to try it in the car park under our local Marks & Spencer so downloaded the app to my phone. I drove in and parked in front of the sign with all the RingGo details and number to scan. Standing beside my car I tried three times to make the payment this way, but to no avail. Frustrated and embarrassed at my lack of technical expertise, I exited and went to another car park where I used pound coins. I was shocked to later receive a 100 fine from Smart Parking, which runs the car park. I am a 77-year-old widow and struggle with technology. I appealed to the company and to Popla, the private parking appeals scheme, but after waiting six weeks for a decision, was rejected. Why are they so hard-hearted? S.B., Sevenoaks, Kent. Your valiant attempts to get into gear with parking payment technology stalled at the first junction, but you expected a bit more understanding from Smart Parking and so would I. Scam watch Students should beware scammers trying to recruit them as money mules. Money mules transfer or move illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else; scammers often target law-abiding people to avoid detection, Lloyds Bank says. Tricksters tell you if you allow money to be paid into your bank account and you cash it out or send it on to another account, you can keep a cut for yourself. Almost one in four money mule accounts belonged to customers aged 19 to 25, according to the bank. Never receive and send money through your account on behalf of others. You never left the side of your car during the 17 minutes you tried to pay via the app. The car park operator knew it was 17 minutes, because a camera had filmed you going in and coming out. You told me you suffer from anxiety following a stroke and thought you perhaps should just pay the fine and move on. But you felt so aggrieved at how you have been treated that you swerved in my direction for help. I asked Smart Parking to reconsider your case and waive the penalty. After investigating, a spokesman for Smart Parking commented that the company adheres to the guidelines of the British Parking Association and has in position numerous signs in the car park outlining conditions of use. He said the RingGo app was working on the day you visited and that the site has payment machines that accept cash. I reiterated the point that you were having issues with accessing the app for the first time not that there was anything wrong with the app itself that day. I also mentioned it was clear you had not actually parked and argued that if you had gone off shopping and not paid the fee, I would have taken a different view. I am pleased to say that following my second intervention, the company wiped the charge. You are not alone in struggling to use parking apps in some areas of the country there is no payment alternative offered, a move that has been criticised by charities such as Age UK for digitally excluding older drivers. Age UK has produced both guides to using apps. Visit ageuk.org.uk. After the M&S car park incident, you asked your grandson to help you work out what had gone wrong. He found that although you had downloaded RingGo, you had overlooked ticking a box that enabled you to activate it. You were then able to pay for parking on your wildflower outing. Can Sally Sorts It help you? Do you have a consumer problem you need help with? Email Sally Hamilton at sally@dailymail.co.uk include phone number, address and a note addressed to the offending organisation giving them permission to talk to Sally Hamilton. Please do not send original documents as we cannot take responsibility for them. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail or This is Money for answers given. On July 31 this year, I applied online for a one-year fixed rate cash Isa with Shawbrook Bank, paying 4.85pc. I wanted to transfer 61,530 held in my Nationwide Isa. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I needed to cancel the transfer and I thought this would be straightforward as no money had left Nationwide. I phoned Shawbrook on August 12 to let it know and it closed the new account. I also asked Nationwide to stop the transfer. I was advised that no money had been transferred and that a covering note would be put on to my Nationwide account confirming my request. As an extra measure, I also visited Nationwides branch in Basildon, Essex, three days later. There I was told that an email would be sent to the Nationwide transfer team. The day after, I was horrified to discover all the funds had been transferred to Shawbrook after all, and my Nationwide balance showed 0. This account was then closed. My money was in limbo. I have been chasing but no one in the transfer team gets back to me. Please can you help get my money back. H.B., Chelmsford, Essex. You were desperate by the time you contacted me and had phoned and emailed Nationwide on numerous occasions. One call handler helped you set up a new Nationwide account, so your money would at least have somewhere to go once located. You said the telephone banking team could only email the transfer team, which you felt lacked urgency, so tried to speak to this team directly. You never got a response. You became concerned when on one call on August 21, Nationwide stated there was no evidence the funds had been returned by Shawbrook Bank. You called Shawbrook and were told the money had been sent back to the building society on August 16. It was at this point you came to me. I asked Nationwide to check over what had gone wrong and put things right. The building society found that the note alerting the transfer team not to progress the switch was not added to your account. Nationwide said your efforts to speak to the Isa transfer section failed because the team is not customer facing. However, the day I contacted Nationwide, your funds were located and transferred into your replacement Nationwide Isa. Nationwide has paid you 75 for the lost interest as well as 250 in compensation. A spokesperson says: Due to an error, our Isa team was not initially notified of the request to cancel the Isa transfer. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Politicians turned their backs on ten million pensioners yesterday, leaving them with just one hope of holding on to winter fuel payments. Sir Keir Starmer won a vote in the House of Commons to scrap winter fuel allowance worth up to 300 towards energy bills for anyone who does not receive pension credit. But those who apply for the credit now could be left waiting until spring before they receive any money, with no help during winter. Money Mail has found that some pensioners have been waiting up to eight months this year for these vital top-ups to the state pension. Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a walkabout in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Experts warn that delays could escalate, as tens of thousands have rushed to apply in record numbers in recent weeks. More than 38,500 applications for pension credit have been made in the five weeks after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves proposal to axe the winter fuel payment on July 29. That is an extra 20,600 applications compared to the previous five weeks. Her timing could not be worse as energy bills are due to soar 10 pc next month leaving ten million pensioners without support. Last week, Money Mail exposed how pensioners who want to keep their winter fuel allowance face a gruelling application process to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that involves answering hundreds of questions on baffling subjects, including if they want to claim pension credit for any children. Dozens of readers have since written to us about their ongoing battles to receive the pension credit money they desperately need and are entitled to after a lifetime of paying taxes. They paint a picture reminiscent of other government departments in disarray such as HMRC and many complain of long call wait times to get through to the DWP. In one case, a reader was told there were 200 people in a queue ahead of her to receive pension credit. They also say their letters have gone unanswered for months. Others give a litany of complaints about DWP staff that they give out incorrect information, are wrongly rejecting applicants, making poor excuses, are rude to callers and make false promises. In one case, a reader was told the delays hadnt been helped by the war in Ukraine. For years, pension credit has been one of the biggest untapped resources available to those who retire with little or no private savings. Yet an estimated 880,000 have failed to claim because they incorrectly believe they are not eligible, are unaware of it or feel too proud to accept government handouts. You are eligible for pension credit if you (and a partner) have reached state pension age currently 66 and have a low income and little put away. If you do qualify, pension credit tops up weekly income to a minimum of 218.15 for single people and 332.95 for couples. Brenda Ronayne, 77, has never been in debt but fears she will soon be forced into the red and may even have to remortgage her home after she has been left waiting five months for her 400-a-month pension credit. A proud business owner for the past 31 years, Brenda was heartbroken to shut up her sandwich shop Baguette Bar in Swindon, Wiltshire, in March after facing a number of struggles with the enterprise. She needs pension credit to get by and filled in an application at the start of April. Within weeks, the DWP confirmed she qualified but five months and numerous phone calls later, Brenda has yet to receive a penny. She says: In June I was told I would be paid within three to five days. That never happened and when I called in July, I was told there were 200 people in the queue ahead of me waiting for pension credit. She warned DWP staff of her fears she will have to remortgage her house if it is not paid soon, as she is burning through her savings. When she called again just last week, Brenda was shocked to be told her application had not yet been processed. She says: Its getting critical I need the money to come through. I applied in good faith. When I asked about the queue and mentioned the 200 people ahead of me, the woman more or less said I was lying about that. She said, no one would have given you this information. Following Money Mails involvement, the DWP has processed Brenda's application and a payment has been issued to her account. Derek Bridges, from Taunton in Somerset, was delighted in March when a call handler at the DWP told him he should be receiving pension credit. At 71 and receiving 202.25 a week from the state pension, Derek met the age and income criteria. Sir Steve Webb, a former pension minister and now partner at consultancy LCP Any savings or investments above 10,000 will affect the amount of pension credit you receive. Every 500 over that sum is counted as 1-a-week income and used to work out what top-up you get, if any. Those caring for a relative, as Derek is for his daughter Claire and his 92-year-old mother-in-law who is bedridden, can get an extra 38.85 a week, and disabled pensioners an additional 69.40. Derek has severe arthritis and should qualify for the disability top-up. He was advised by the DWP worker to apply and make a request for the payment to be backdated for the three previous months, which he promptly did. But within a week he received a letter telling him that his pension credit claim was unsuccessful. Derek is not alone. Over the past five years, the DWP has turned down a third of all applications, according to a Freedom of Information request by wealth manager Quilter. Upon taking it to the local Citizens Advice Bureau, he was assured the DWP had made a mistake and he was entitled to the payment. Derek requested a mandatory review but has not heard anything since. He says: They dont seem to care its like facing a brick wall. It shouldnt be that I have to fight for it. At the beginning I was told there was a 13-week delay. If that is still the case, people will be waiting until mid-December for their applications to go through. Pension credit is a gateway to many benefits, worth a combined 3,900 on average, including free dental care, a free TV licence, council tax discounts and help with rent and mortgage costs. Derek says: Without the badge of pension credit, it curtails all the other payments too. Its not a fair process. The form is so hard to fill in in the first place they word the questions in a way that makes it easy to trip up. We lowered the heating last year and will have to lower it even more this year. The payment means you can have the heating on for a little bit longer when its really cold. After Money Mail contacted the DWP, Derek's application has been approved and a payment has been issued to his account. Julie Jones, from Derby, who has helped her 92-year-old mother Constance apply for a pension credit top-up, says they have been left waiting since January. The great-grandmother-of-four received a letter from the DWP rejecting her application on the grounds she had too much in savings - 18,277 which Julie says is incorrect. Julie says: We have no idea where this figure has come from she only has one account and there was 9,500 in it when I applied. Theres even less now. Savings under 10,000 do not count towards your income in the calculation for pension credit so Julie has sent copies of bank statements to the DWP to prove her point. Julies letters have gone unanswered yet each time she calls the DWP she is asked to write yet another letter. She says: What is the point of writing when the DWP just ignores them? Im tired of its shocking misinformation, obstinacy, lack of care and understanding, and an attitude of well get to you when we get to you. The DWP seems oblivious to the stress and upset its inaction causes. There are however, clever tricks to use when filling in a 243-question pension credit application to make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Derek was advised by the Citizens Advice Bureau to complete the application over the phone and let DWP workers fill forms on your behalf. He says: The advice bureau said you are better off letting them fill it in for you. The way they word the question, its very easy to trip up when you are answering. Sir Steve Webb, a former pension minister and now partner at consultancy LCP, echoes this, recommending you call the pension credit helpline to apply rather than filling in a paper form. This is because call centre staff can skip dozens of questions where a section doesnt apply to you. For example if you dont have any child dependants or if you dont claim any disability benefits. Apply online at apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start or call the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. A DWP spokesman said: 'We apologise for any confusion and have processed the applications and issued arrears to Mrs Ronayne and Mr Bridges. Where errors do occur, we are committed to resolving them as soon as possible.' The one-woman warrior fighting 'national scandal' Theresa Fazzani says: 'The whole process must be simplified. The form doesn't need to have 243 questions and 24 pages' Theresa Fazzani is a one-woman pension credit warrior, helping struggling pensioners with their applications. The 58-year-old has been through the entire application process for ten pensioners aged between 65 and 84 in the past year. And after spending more than 100 hours wrangling with the forms, she says the application process is a national scandal. She first offered to help her neighbour, June, just over a year ago. When news of this spread in her community on the Isle of Wight, she assisted a further nine people. In recent weeks, a further 31 pensioners have come to her. Many are worried about losing out on winter fuel payments this year for first they must be accepted for pension credit. The whole process must be simplified, says Theresa. The form doesnt need to have 243 questions and 24 pages. Pensioners dont understand what a lot of it means. It just needs to ask for their weekly income, proof of that income, if they have any savings or investments, and leave a space on the back page for any other information. Theresa says people often have trouble filling out the form by hand and dont have access to the internet. But the intrusive nature of the questions and a determination not to be a burden on the state is also a big deterrent. The stigma makes them hesitant to do it in the first place, she says. I spend a lot of time convincing them theyre not doing anything wrong. Its very sad. Theyve got a lot of pride and dont think they should be asking for money. The first step in the process is to sit with the pensioners and gather all the information she needs before taking it away and filling out the form. They say they have attempted it before and thrown the form in the bin because they find it too difficult to fill in or just dont understand it. The mental health counsellor says one woman took five weeks trying to complete it all by herself. In taking up the fight on behalf of local pensioners, Theresa has encountered shocking delays within the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). The average pensioner has to wait six months from the date of application before their pension credit payments begin, she says, but the wait time can be anything from three to up to nine months. One woman Theresa helped apply in February still hasnt received a response and has been told she wont get a decision until November. In some cases, Theresa has dealt with applications for attendance allowance first, which meets some of the extra costs for disabled pensioners who need someone to help care for them. This is paid on top of the state pension. Theresa helped one 77-year-old neighbour to apply for attendance allowance and successfully boosted her pension. June Davies (we have changed her name) has lived near Theresa for about three years. Theresa says: I was happy to help because the year before we watched June shivering. We paid for extra gas for her at the time. June says: Theresas marvellous. I dont know where Id be without her. Shes the best neighbour Ive ever had. Since Theresa posted on social media last month about the complexity of the pension credit and attendance allowance forms, 31 other pensioners have asked if she could help with their applications. While its a mammoth task for Theresa with each application taking about ten hours to complete other Facebook users have offered to assist. They are considering holding sessions in the local library, too. She says: As many as I can help, I will. While a helping hand from charities is available, some have been overwhelmed with requests. Theresa spoke to a lady earlier this year who couldnt get through to Age UK with her pension credit form as they were snowed under and was told she would have to wait at least a year. If you need to complete the form yourself, Theresa says, get all important documents and information together before you begin. Youll also need information about your carer, such as their National Insurance number, if you have one. She advises: Try and do a bit of the form every day to lessen the stress. Dont sit there and think I have to do it all right now. Ryanair boss Michael OLeary (pictured) urged Martin Rolfe, chief exec of the National Air Traffic Services, to step down Ryanairs boss has called again for the head of the company that provides air traffic control to quit. Michael OLeary urged Martin Rolfe, chief executive of the National Air Traffic Services (Nats), to step down. The budget airlines chief executive said Rolfe should step aside and allow someone competent to take over after flights were disrupted at Gatwick Airport on Sunday due to Nats staff shortages. OLeary has repeatedly criticised Rolfe, particularly over the widespread disruption at airports during last years August Bank Holiday Monday, which was caused by a Nats technical failure. Analysis of data from flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows 49 departures and 51 arrivals were cancelled on Luke Johnson made his name growing Pizza Express in the 1990s and later ran Patisserie Valerie A leading hospitality entrepreneur has been named chairmanof Revolution Bars. Luke Johnson, who made his name growing Pizza Express in the 1990s and later ran Patisserie Valerie, will join the cocktail bar and restaurant chain as it pushes ahead with a cost-cutting mission. Johnson, 62, holds a 20 per cent stake in the group following a recent emergency cash call and will take over from Keith Edelman, 74, who is retiring. His arrival at Revolution, which operates the Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands, follows a bumpy few years. Patisserie Valerie crashed into administration in January 2019 after the discovery of a 94million black hole in its accounts. Johnson claims that he was duped by a fake picture of the groups finances during his time as executive chairman. Revolution was forced to close several bars across the country earlier this year as it battled to shore up its finances. New Delhi, Sep 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that he had held fruitful talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan whose passion for establishing strong bilateral ties is clearly visible. It was a delight to welcome HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. We had fruitful talks on a wide range of issues. His passion towards strong India-UAE friendship is clearly visible. The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince is on an official visit to India from Sep 9-10, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the Crown Princes first official visit to India in this capacity. He was received on his arrival, on Sunday, in New Delhi by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He is accompanied by Ministers, senior officials, and a large business delegation. The Crown Prince held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister today. Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings and regards to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, a statement said. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the substantial progress achieved in recent years in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed opportunities to further widen and deepen the partnership in all areas of bilateral cooperation. They acknowledged that the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the recent entry into force of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will provide further impetus to the strong economic and commercial partnership between the two countries. They also underscored the need to explore new areas of untapped potential, particularly in nuclear energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies. The following MoUs/Agreements were signed during the visit, which set the stage for enhancing cooperation in traditional as well as new areas of cooperation MoU on Nuclear Cooperation between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NNPCIL) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) Agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC. MoU between Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) on food parks development in India Sheikh Khaled also called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Discussions covered the warm, historic, and comprehensive ties between the two countries and the several initiatives taken in recent years. President Murmu expressed her gratitude to the leadership of the UAE for hosting more than 3.5 million Indians. The Crown Prince also visited Rajghat and paid tributes in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. He became the third-generation leader from the UAE to plant a sapling at Rajghat, following Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE in 1992; and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in 2016. This was a unique and rare occasion, showcasing the generational continuity of the strong relationship between the two countries. This is the first time in the history of Rajghat that leaders from three generations of a country have planted trees honouring the Mahatma. Sheikh Khaled will visit Mumbai tomorrow and will participate in an India-UAE Business Forum. A soft launch on the commencement of work on the India-UAE virtual trade corridor (VTC) and MAITRI interface to facilitate VTC, will also take place in Mumbai. UNI RN A former high-flying Glencore executive appeared in court yesterday accused of bribery. Billionaire Alex Beard, 57, who was head of oil at the Swiss commodities giant for more than a decade, will plead not guilty, his lawyer told Londons Westminster Magistrates Court. Beard is the most high-profile commodity trader to have been charged in Britain with corruption. Trial: Alex Beard was head of oil at Swiss commodities giant Glencore for more than a decade He has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to make corrupt payments to government officials and officials of state-owned oil companies. The allegations relate to payments made in Nigeria between 2010 and 2014 and in Cameroon between 2007 and 2014. Five other ex-employees were also in court charged with making corrupt payments relating to Glencores operations in Africa. Andrew Gibson, 64, and Paul Hopkirk, 50, indicated not guilty pleas through their lawyers. Ramon Labiaga, 55, and Martin Wakefield, 64, did not indicate any pleas. Gibson and Wakefield are charged with conspiracy to falsify documents between 2007 and 2011. David Perez, 53, is charged with making corrupt payments and conspiracy to falsify documents. He did not enter a plea. Brussels scored a double victory over US tech giants yesterday as it won major court battles against Apple and Google. In a boost for EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled against the Silicon Valley titans in two long-running legal disputes. Apple was first told to cough up 11billion over unpaid taxes in Ireland. And in a separate decision, judges ruled that Google must pay a 2billion fine for uncompetitive behaviour. Victory: EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager (pictured) hailed a huge win for European citizens Both Apple and Google said they were disappointed by the decisions, which cannot be appealed. Vestager, 56, who ends her term in November having made a name for herself by going after big tech over tax and competition issues, hailed a huge win for European citizens. Apple was first told to pay an 11billion penalty in 2016 after a two-year investigation found Ireland had given the iPhone maker an illegal sweetheart tax deal, amounting to a tax rate of less than 1 per cent. Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, at the time called the decision total political crap and the tech firm, which has had a European headquarters in Cork since 1980, appealed the ruling. But EU judges yesterday said Apples two units incorporated in Ireland enjoyed favourable tax treatment compared to resident companies taxed in the country. The judges said their ruling confirmed the 2016 decision that Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover. A spokesman for the Irish government said: The Irish position has always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers. Ireland will of course respect the findings of the court regarding the tax due in this case. In the Google case, the court ruled it must pay the 2billion fine it was given following uncompetitive behaviour with its shopping comparison service. The key argument was that Google made its own shopping recommendations appear more prominently than rivals in search results. Like its Silicon Valley peer, Google appealed the fine, which was originally dished out by the Commission in 2017. But in another setback for the US group, ECJ judges said: In the light of the characteristics of the market and the specific circumstances of the case, Googles conduct was discriminatory and did not fall within the scope of competition on the merits. Vestager, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, described it as a huge win for European citizens and tax justice. Anger: Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, called the decision total political crap She added: Its a win for the commission. Its also a win for the level playing field of the internal market and for tax justice. Over the past decade, Google has racked up 7billion in EU antitrust fines. It is also awaiting two rulings involving its Android mobile system and advertising service. Meanwhile, Apple was recently hit with a 1.5billion fine for abusing its position in the music streaming industry. Experts said the rulings would encourage the EU to continue to clamp down on big tech. Alex Haffner, a competition partner at law firm Fladgate, said: The EU authorities and courts are prepared to flex their collective muscles to bring big tech to heel where necessary. Dan Neidle, founder of the Tax Policy Associates think tank, said the ECJs Apple decision would have significant implications that will shape how EU companies consider tax regimes. Its a massive victory for the commission their strategy of using competition law and state aid to override domestic tax rules has succeeded, he said. The EU has pushed through key legislation to tackle big tech. The Digital Markets Act aims to crack down on unfair competition, while the Digital Services Act looks to protect users and make online environments safer. Both specifically target six gatekeepers Google-owner Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook-parent Meta, Microsoft and Tik Tok-owner ByteDance. And tech firms who do not meet the new rules could face fines of as much as 10pc of a companys global sales. There are clouds on the horizon for tech companies on home soil too. Last month, the US Justice Department handed down a landmark ruling that found Alphabet monopolised the online search market. In a worst-case scenario, that could result in the breakup of the business. Alternatively, it may be forced to share more data with competitors to stop it gaining an unfair advantage. In a further setback, another lawsuit looking to break the firm up was launched this week. The suit alleges that Google is monopolising the advertising market through its software that matches online publishers to advertisers. One monopoly is bad enough. But a trifecta of monopolies is what we have here, Justice Department lawyer Julia Tarver Wood said during her opening statement on Monday. The founder of PrettyLittleThing is returning to the business some 18 months after stepping down. Umar Kamani, who quit as chief executive in April 2023, said the Boohoo-owned fast fashion retailer has at times lost touch with what made it so special. This has driven me to step back in and take on the responsibility of steering PrettyLittleThing forward, added Kamani, whose family owns Boohoo. Return: Umar Kamani (pictured with wife, Nada), quit as PrettyLittleThing chief exec in April 2023 Chief operating officer Tom Binns and chief marketing officer Nicki Capstick will continue to share chief executive duties. Kamani, 36, is returning in a leadership role and will work with Capstick and Binns. He said he would bring back free returns for royalty customers who pay 12.99 for unlimited free deliveries. This step is vital to making your shopping experience more seamless and enjoyable, he told customers. Fast fashion firms have been trying to crack down on high returns rates, with Asos last week announcing a charge for some customers. A spokesman for Boohoo said: We are delighted to have welcomed Umar Kamani, the founder of Pretty Little Thing, back to the business. Umars fashion-forward vision built Pretty Little Thing into the stylish and relevant fashion brand it is today, and his return signifies an exciting chapter ahead for the brand. PrettyLitteThing was co-founded by brothers Umar and Adam Kamani in 2012 and took off alongside rivals Asos and Nasty Gal. It was bought by Boohoo in 2017. Boohoo was set up by Mahmud Kamani - Umar and Adams father - in 2006. The rules are officially set for the much anticipated presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris after the campaigns went head-to-head over whether microphones would be muted raising questions over the showdown would even happen. The high-stakes event hosted by ABC News is set to take place on Tuesday, September 10 in Philadelphia. It will be the first and potentially only time the ex-president and vice president ever come face-to-face. Both candidates are facing pressure to deliver a knockout performance on the debate stage which will take less than 60 days before Election Day as some voters will already be able to cast ballots. The 90 minute must-see event will be moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis who will be the only ones asking questions. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to come face-to-face for the first time on the debate stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday. ABC News laid out a series of rules for the must-see event ABC News revealed a series of rules just days before the make-or-break face-off, which it said both campaigns have agreed to The candidates will be introduced by the moderators and enter from opposite sides of the stage. Harris as the incumbent party will be introduced first. Neither candidate will give an opening statement. Closing statements will be timed for two minutes per candidate. The podium placement and order of closing statements were determined with a coin flip held virtually on Tuesday. Trump, 78, won and opted to decide the order of statements. He will give the second closing statement. Harris, 59, selected being at the right podium position from the screen leaving Trump the left side position. Both candidates will remain behind the podium for the entire duration of the debate. Neither will be allowed to have prewritten notes onstage. What candidates will have available to them at the podium are a pen, pad of paper and a bottle of water, ABC News revealed. Kamala Harris chose to stand at the podium on the right side of the screen after Donald Trump won the coin toss and chose to pick the order of closing arguments. He will go second When it comes to the questions, candidates will be given two minutes to answer. There will also be two minutes for rebuttals and an additional minute for follow-ups, clarifications and responses as necessary. None of the topics or questions were shared with candidates or their campaigns in advance. And candidates will not be permitted to ask each other questions. When it comes to the testiest rule for the debate with the campaigns, candidate microphones will only be live for the candidate whose turn it is to speak. The microphones will be muted when it is not a candidate's turn. The rule is the same as it was when Trump debated President Biden before he exited the race in June, but the Harris campaign had been attempting to have the microphones live throughout the debate. Mics will be muted when it is not a candidate's turn to speak at the September 10 debate as was the case during Biden's ill-fated debate with Trump in June. Harris team pushed to have mics live throughout but did not succeed. They accused Trump's team of not trusting their own candidate with mics live, but Trump's team pushed back and said it was the vice president who was trying to get out of the debate Harris' team last month accused the ex-president's campaign of wanting microphones muted because they did not think their candidate cold act presidential for 90 minutes. The next day, Trump said they agreed to the same rules as June, but he also said it did not matter to him and even said he would 'rather have it probably on.' The Harris campaign pointed to his remarks and claimed the issue was resolved, but the back and forth continued. The Trump campaign also accused the vice president of attempting to get out of the debate. In the end, the campaigns agreed to stick with the same rules of muted microphones from June. When Biden debated Trump at the end of that month, it was the Biden campaign that had initially pushed for the mics to be cut off when it was not a candidate's turn. But the demand appeared to backfire as the 81-year-old president was not able to object to Trump's claims in real time. His painful performance resulted in a growing number of Democrats to call for him to exit the race which he did less than a month later. On Tuesday, moderators will have work on their hands as they try to enforce timing agreements and move along the discussion. There will be no audience in the room for the 90 minute debate, which will contain two commercial breaks. Candidates will not be allowed to interact with their campaign staff during those breaks. The debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be grilled before Congress Tuesday over his handling of the COVID pandemic as he's accused of perpetrating the number of nursing home deaths. The ex-Empire State executive has largely flown under the radar since resigning in 2021 after being accused of sexual harassment while on the job, including but not limited to giving unwanted kisses, breast groping, sexual remarks and more. But after sitting for a seven-hour closed-door interview with Congress' COVID Select Committee earlier this year, the group's Chairman Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, decided Cuomo needed to return to D.C. for a public session. And the Ohio Republican can't wait to ask the 'Love Gov' about his role in crafting state mandates that forced nursing homes not to accept sick patients, despite his self-congratulatory book on leadership during the pandemic. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks in front of stacks of medical protective supplies during a news conference in New York City, New York, U.S., March 24, 2020. This was the day before he ordered a now-infamous nursing home directive 'There were 15,000 New York families who lost loved ones,' Wenstrup said. 'And just, you can't just put this behind us, hoping not looking into it is not acceptable to those of us that represent and care about the deceased and the families that are left behind during all this.' Cuomo's hearing comes on the heels of a recently released 48-page report into the ex-Gov's handling of the pandemic that found he was 'absolutely' responsible for an executive order that put sick patients in nursing homes, leading to more infections and deaths. DailyMail.com breaks down the top lines of questioning for New York's former embattled governor: The Nursing Home Directive Central to the GOP-led committee's probe is Cuomo's March 25, 2020 directive that mandated nursing homes to admit patients who had tested positive for COVID. 'No resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to the (nursing home) solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19,' the directive stated. The move forbid nursing homes from testing patients for the illness before they were admitted and barred them from denying entry based on a suspected or confirmed diagnosis. Wenstrup told DailyMail.com the directive completely contradicted established COVID protocols at the time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had not issues guidance instructing hospitals to discharge sick patients to facilities unequipped to handle them, he said. Ohio Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup, Chairman of the House COVID Select Committee, told DailyMail.com what to expect from Cuomo's hearing next week Ambulance workers pickup an elderly man from Cobble Hill Health Center, a nursing home that registered an alarming amount of COVID deaths. Many nursing homes struggled with high death rates due to the disease during Cuomo's mandate. The image above was taken during the height of the nursing home COVID surge on April 17, 2020 In this April 17, 2020 file photo, emergency medical workers arrive at Cobble Hill Health Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York for an emergency call 'Nowhere in here Did they say but the guidelines from CDC and CMS, really, you know, over overshadow this directive. It doesn't say that, and the directive is different from guidelines, and the others were issuing guidelines,' Wenstrup said. He believes that Cuomo's directive caused untenable conditions in nursing homes that contributed to the deaths of thousands of elderly residents. 'It goes against medical protocols to prohibit a test for COVID-19,' Wenstrup said. 'It just doesn't make sense.' Wesntrup plans on holding the former governor's feet to the flame on the matter, inquiring why Cuomo did not rescind the order for over a month until May 10, 2020. That day Cuomo completely reversed course and did a 180-degree turn, implementing a new executive order forcing nursing homes to require a negative COVID test from patients before they could be admitted. Carpenters wear protective gear as they board up the closed Sephora store on 34th St., Friday, March 20, 2020, in New York. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the time had ordered all workers in non-essential businesses to stay home and banning gatherings statewide Underreporting Nursing Home Deaths Adding to the Cuomo controversy was the discovery that his administration significantly undercounted the amount of nursing home deaths that were caused by COVID. In 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed that the state miscounted deaths in the homes by up to 50 percent. 'Let's not forget that there was a difference in the counting,' Wenstrup said. 'With Letitia James, she issued a report based on the nursing home response, counted the Cuomo administration, undercounted the total number of nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent,' Wenstrup said. 'I think we need some answers along that line as well.' The surprise development, after the state for months refused to divulge its true numbers, showed that at least 12,743 long-term care residents have died of the virus as of January 19, 2022 - far greater than the previous official tally of 8,505. The 49 percent jump in deaths from what was originally reported marks New York's toll as one of the highest in the nation. The report was put together by New York Attorney General Letitia James, long seen as an antagonist to Cuomo Emergency medical technicians transport a patient from a nursing home to an emergency room bed, Monday, April 20, 2020, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Yonkers, N.Y. Disgraced alleged sex harasser, abuser and former New York State governor Andrew Cuomo has been ordered to pay back all money, totaling about $5 million, that he made from the writing and sale of 'American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.' Cuomo's COVID Leadership Book As New Yorkers were reeling from the effects of the pandemic, Cuomo was spending time writing a book about his leadership during the disaster. 'American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic' was published on October 13, 2020, just a few months after the nursing home directive was issued and then reversed. The GOP chairman expressed concern over the timing of the book and whether any state resources were diverted to writing it. 'It seems to me that would take a lot of time,' he said of Cuomo's autobiography on his pandemic response. The committee may press Cuomo on the book's creation and whether any government staff assisted in the writing. Underlying all of these issues is the chairman's belief that Cuomo has continuously failed to take accountability for the consequences of his decisions during the pandemic. In this April 17, 2020 file photo, a patient is wheeled out of Cobble Hill Health Center by emergency medical workers in the Brooklyn borough of New York Demonstrators gather to call for the reopening of New York state outside of the Governors Mansion on May 1, 2020 in Albany, New York. 'He didn't take any responsibility for the directive that was put out,' Wesntrup said, adding Cuomo blamed other people, 'including the nursing homes.' But he won't be able to avoid scrutiny for his misinformed directives forever, he added. 'His name is at the top. It says, 'New York Department of Health, Andrew Cuomo, Governor,'' the Republican said. 'The buck stops here.' 'We can't have something like this happen again,' Wenstrup said. The stepfather of a young girl who is among three children left fighting for life after a house fire has revealed she may not make it through. Jayde Petalas made the grim admission after his children had been caught up in a house fire on Fergus Court at Sydenham, in north-west Melbourne, on Sunday night. His stepdaugther Izabelle, 5, biological son Kalais, 3, and another one-year-old girl were all rushed to The Royal Children's Hospital. Victorian health authorities revealed to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that all three remain in a critical condition. The update comes after Mr Petalas said his children were 'not well at all' and admitted that Izabelle may not survive her injuries. 'It was hard to see,' he said after visiting the children in hospital. Mr Petalas is estranged from the children's mother Shania Lee. Neighbours said they heard explosions before and during the fire that raged for half an hour while the children were inside. All three children remain in a critical condition The kids and their mother (pictured, Shania Lee) moved into the property a week ago. Mr Petalas does not live at the home Jayde Petalas (right), stepfather of five-year-old Izabelle (middle) and father of three-year-old Kalais (right), said Izabelle may not survive her injuries 'Happy little kids. That's what they were. They loved everything. No kid deserves this.' Authorities are yet to announce if they know what sparked the fire, which badly damaged the house when there were no adults at the property. Emergency services were called to the home on Sunday following a large explosion, which alerted neighbours to the fire. Neighbours described the noise as sounding like gunshots or a car exploding. Firefighters entered the home to tackle the blaze and found three children unconscious, who were treated at the scene by paramedics. The kids and their mother moved into the property a week ago. Mr Petalas does not live at the home. Neighbouring properties were assessed for smoke damage however the fire had not spread. 'When I first came out a few of us heard screaming,' an unnamed resident recalled. Adolf Kolaritsch added: 'Just explosions, that's all it was and then fire shooting out into the air. Jayde Petalas (pictured with one of the children) said it was heartbreaking to hear the three children were 'fighting for their lives' Shania Lee is the mother of the three children that were caught up in the house fire Another said it was heartbreaking to hear that the children were 'fighting for their lives'. A loud bang was heard before the flames engulfed the home, followed by a series of further explosions, sparked concerns fireworks may have played a role in triggering the blaze. However, Victoria Police Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Acting Inspector Adam Henry said they had so far found no evidence of that. Victoria Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The time has come for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to meet on stage for what could be one of the most consequential presidential debates in decades. The race is on a knife's edge with polls showing the candidates - who have never met - neck and neck with just eight weeks to go until Election Day in November. Their performances in the primetime showdown on ABC at 9pm in Philadelphia could make or break their chances of taking the White House in what has been an already historic campaign. President Joe Biden's calamitous outing after his debate on CNN nearly 11 weeks ago sparked the avalanche of calls for him to step aside, which resulted in Harris taking his place. Just seven weeks into her campaign, the stakes couldn't be higher for Harris in the biggest moment of her career. The millions expected to tune in already know Trump, but the vice president has yet to fully introduce herself as the Democratic candidate. She has only engaged in one sit-down interview and has not held a press conference as the nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are meeting on stage for the first time for a debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Trump is expected to go after Harris' record and make her answer for it publicly on stage for the first time as the Republican campaign has repeatedly attacked the VP for not speaking openly to reporters. 'The question is, is Kamala going to be ready? Because she's going to have a lot of things to defend,' Trump's Senior Advisor Jason Miller questioned on a call with reporters on Monday. Meanwhile, some speculate that Harris will try to goad Trump into making a mistake. WHEN AND WHERE IS THE DEBATE? Trump and Harris are meeting on stage for the first time on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The debate begins at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will go for 90 minutes at the National Constitution Center, a museum in downtown Philadelphia dedicated to the founding document of the U.S. There is already a lot of betting and speculation over whether the two will shake hands on stage after publicly dissing each other but never coming face-to-face. Pennsylvania is one of the seven battleground states that will determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. And the stakes for Harris couldn't be higher when it comes to winning Pennsylvania. No Democratic presidential nominee has won the White House without clinching the Keystone State since 1948. The first debate between Trump and Biden was held in Atlanta, Georgia another one of the key swing states. DEBATE HOST AND MODERATORS ABC News is hosting the second presidential debate of the 2024 cycle and the first between Trump and the new Democratic nominee. The moderators are World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the debate will not be fair because he says ABC News is the most 'nasty' network and has sparked wild theories that Harris will receive the questions in advance. 'They're going to get the questions, I've already heard they're going to get the questions in advance,' Trump told Fox host Sean Hannity in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, last week. 'I'm not sure it's gonna help her that much.' 'They're very nasty, and I think a lot of people are going to be watching to see how nasty they are, how unfair they are,' the former president said of the network. 'I agreed to do it because they wouldn't do any other networks.' 'The other thing is, her best friend is the head of the network,' Trump said, referencing Harris' close friendship with Disney executive Dana Walden. 'Her husband's best friend is married to the head of the network.' Dana and Matt Walden introduced Harris and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff by setting them up on a blind date. Matt has been friends with Emhoff since the 1980s and Harris has been close with Dana since 1994. Trump thinks that because of this relationship, ABC News will help Harris cheat. 'The questions and topics are not to be given to either campaign so sorry Dana Walden,' Jason Miller said in a call with reporters a day before the debate. 'It's going to be standing the entire time, you cannot bring notes.' 'And, in fact, there will be people from ABC checking during intermission,' he continued. 'Checking if candidates have notes written on their hands.' Trump already has a rocky relationship with ABC News as he is suing the network and their star anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation. WHERE TO WATCH THE DEBATE ABC News will air their debate live, but has also allowed other networks to simulcast the face-off. A number of broadcast channels will air the entire debate live, including CBS News, CNN, Fox News and several others. Additionally, the debate will stream lie on ABC News Live as well as Disney+ and Hulu, which are both platforms owned by the parent network. Other news outlets will stream the debate on their respective platforms and websites, as well. DEBATE RULES There was a lot of back-and-forth between Trump and Harris' campaigns and ABC News over the rules and logistics of their first head-to-head. Specifically, Harris' team didn't want the already agreed-on provision that microphones would be muted when it was not a candidate's turn to either answer a question or rebuttal the rival's comments. The Democratic candidate's campaign argued that having microphones on during the debate would hurt Trump because he was his own worst enemy when it came to interruptions. Ultimately, Harris' campaign conceded and agreed to muted microphones. The two candidates' campaigns went back-and-forth with ABC News over the rules specifically whether they would keep the same muted microphone rules used in the first debate with CNN in June Your browser does not support iframes. Trump claims that Harris also wanted to sit behind a desk for the debate like the one she had with Vice President Mike Pence in the 2020 vice presidential debate. They also say she wanted to have prepared notes on stage. Harris' campaign told DailyMail.com that it was '100 percent false' they pushed for that. Candidates will be standing on stage behind podiums and no pre-written notes or props are permitted. The two will be given a pad of paper, pen and water bottle. There is no audience. Because of this, the network is tasked with making sure whatever is shown on live TV gives the full extent of what happened in the room during the debate. Trump and Harris are not allowed to speak to each other during commercial breaks and cannot pose questions to one another during the debate. Campaign staff also cannot interact with them during the commercials. When asked a question, candidates are given two minutes to answer and another two minutes to rebuttal against their onstage rival. One minute is given for any follow-ups or clarifications. There are no opening statements, but both Trump and Harris are given two minutes for closing remarks. STAGE LOGISTICS A coin toss determined the order of speaking and how the candidates would be oriented on the stage. Trump won the flip and chose to give his closing statement last, which then gave Harris the choice of where they would stand on stage. The vice president selected the left podium, meaning viewers will see her on the right side of their screens. Candidates will be standing behind their podiums for the entire 90-minute debate. Those who plan to demonstrate outside the debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday paint signs in preparation for their protest of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas terrorists CAMPAIGN STRATEGIES AND PREPARATIONS FOR THE DEBATE Trump is not preparing for the debate in the traditional sense. The former president has suggested that he will decide his strategy against Harris in crunch time maybe even when he gets on stage with the Democratic rival. Trump brought on board former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 in a crowded field that also included Harris. The debate performance from Gabbard, who is now an independent, did leave Harris shaken up. On a call with members of the press on Monday, Trump's campaign said he regularly prepares for debate-like situations by repeatedly engaging with voters as well as journalists and reporters. The team noted Trump's engagement in long form interview, pull asides, town halls and press conferences as a way to prepare him for debates. 'Every style of question, President Trump is prepared for because that's what he has been doing this entire campaign,' Brian Hughes said on the call. 'The contrast is that, again, Kamala Harris' people have had her in hiding,' he added. In the 60 days since entering the race in late July, Harris has not engaged in a single press conference. She sat down for one longer interview with CNN's Dana Bash and was joined by her running mate Gov. Walz. The VP was also on a Univision radio interview on Monday morning. 'I don't know how Kamala Harris can prepare for Trump,' Hughes conceded. And this is exactly one of the things that gives the ex-president an advantage going into the debate on Tuesday his unpredictability. Trump has always been a wild card and his previous debate opponents say they are prepared to see something come from him that Harris couldn't possibly prepare a response for. One of the things that MAGA supporters like most about Trump is that he ignores the traditional rules and pomp and circumstance of politics. He does and says whatever he wants in the moment. But Harris' team is hoping this could also be his downfall. Originally, the campaign pushed for the microphones to be left on throughout the debate to make sure that Trump could interrupt their candidate and potentially allow her another 'I'm speaking' viral moment like she did against VP Pence. One thing Harris leaned on in her debate last election cycle was stalling by asking her rival to be quiet and she would be glad to answer a question and using that time to gather her thoughts. She might shake her head to show disagreement with Trump while he is speaking and rely on viewers being able to see her reactions on split screen. Harris arrived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last week and has kept Pennsylvania as her home base in the days ahead of the debate as she prepares for the showdown. She is looking for ways to unnerve Trump and get a social media moment like her one from the Pence debate. The VP is expected to go on the offensive on policy issues and on the attack if Trump says any falsehoods. WHEN IS THE NEXT DEBATE? It's expected that there will be one more debate between Harris and Trump after the ABC News showdown, but nothing has been decided or officially announced yet. Harris' campaign has said she would agree to do another debate in October. No date or network has been settled on for a potential rematch after Tuesday. There is only one more debate actually on the books and it's between vice presidential candidates. Republican Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are taking the stage in New York City on October 1 for a debate hosted by CBS News and moderated by their anchors Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan. The results were made into word clouds for each candidate The battle for the White House now comes down to a choice between freedom or power, according to a survey of likely voters. It shows how the idea of Kamala Harris and the idea of Donald Trump has crystallised into a single word in the minds of Americans. When 300 voters in seven swing states were asked for one word to describe what they thought Harris most wanted to achieve in office, the most popular answers were: 'Freedom,' 'equality' and the words 'middle' and 'class.' For Trump the answer was 'power,' alongside 'dictator and 'revenge. ('Revenge' was the most popular response when DailyMail.com and J.L. Partners asked the question at the end of last year.) It suggests that the two campaigns have had some success in getting their messages through to voters. J.L. Partners asked 300 likely voters in seven swing states (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada) to sum up in a word what they expected from a Kamala Harris presidency. The results are shown in a word cloud And it shows how the Harris campaign has managed to steal Republican clothing, by positioning the vice president as the 'freedom' candidate. Beyonce's 'Freedom' has been the candidate's theme song, soundtracking rallies and adverts. The campaign is running a 'Fighting for Reproductive Freedom' bus tour and she has sold her gun control message as the freedom to be safe from violence. There are negatives in her word cloud, with some respondents using the terms 'communism' and 'socialism' as well as 'chaos.' But it is a far cry from Biden's word cloud last December. When voters were asked what they expected from a second term, they said overwhelmingly: 'Nothing.' Conservative commentator Matt K. Lewis said he was stunned the two candidates, could be so close in the polls when voters had such distinct ideas: 'freedom' and 'middle class' on the one hand, and 'power' and 'dictator' on the other 'My only conclusion is that there are a lot of Americans out there who simply don't care, which is a scary thought,' he said 'On the other hand, this suggests that Harris is doing a pretty darn good job of messaging.' Harris enjoyed a huge polling and fundraising lift after becoming the Democrats' nominee. However, the latest polls suggest her honeymoon is coming to an end. Harris and Donald Trump will meet for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday in what could be a pivotal moment in the election race For Trump, respondents said 'power' was the main thing they expected from him 'Freedom' features heavily in the Harris campaign - as seen here on A New York Times/Siena College poll at the weekend found that Trump had regained his lead, albeit by just one point. Both campaigns can take something positive away from the word clouds, said J.L. Partners co-founder James Johnson, who said both seemed to be landing the messages they wanted with voters. 'For Harris, her message of "freedom," and her attempts to steal a traditional Republican strength, is resonating. And Trump has moved from "revenge" being the main thing associated with his plans to "power." 'Voters might not view Trump's plans as those of a gentle father of the nation, but they do associate him with strength, a major vote driver come November.' Trump has sought to drawn a contrast with the current administration and what he sees as its weakness and, including the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and the way it emboldened adversaries such as Vladimir Putin of Russia. Your browser does not support iframes. He ends each rally with a call to restore U.S. strength. 'We will put America First and we will take back our country together, we will make America powerful again; we will make America wealthy again; we will make America healthy again; we will make America strong again; we will make America proud again; we will make America safe again; we will make America free again; and we will Make America Great Again,' he says above stirring music. The DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners election model now gives the former president a 55 percent chance of winning the election, a 4.5-point lift since last week. The decision by Robert Kennedy Jr. to remove his name from ballots in some states has given Trump a lift. It means the former president now has a 60 percent chance of Pennsylvania, while in Michigan Harris has seen her probability of success dropping from 64 percent to 52 percent (although on Monday, the state supreme court reversed the decision which will help Harris.' Vice President Kamala Harris will participate in the most important political debate of her career on Tuesday evening, but she has a very mixed record on the stage. Harris participated in multiple presidential debates with a gaggle of aspirational Democrats during her failed 2020 presidential campaign, as she struggled to break free of the pack and go viral. Tuesday's debate with Harris marks Trump's seventh general election debate since 2016, while this is Harris' first with a Republican presidential candidate. Political strategists who have prepared Republican candidates spoke to the DailyMail about her strengths and weaknesses in debates. Harris is very good about preparing, rehearsing, and deploying prepared lines, even though her attempts to go viral do not always come off with a hit. Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris (L) and US Vice President Mike Pence (R) during the vice presidential debate 'She's going to have any number of lines prepared,' Republican strategist Kevin Spillane, who was an advisor to Harris' rival Steve Cooley in the 2010 California Attorney General's race. Spillane warned that candidates deploying prepared lines risked coming off as phony and calculated. Harris' weakness, he said, was her reluctance to dive into the details of public policy. 'She's not someone who is really interested in policy, she is more interested in power,' he said. Marc Short, a political advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence agreed that Harris was good at deploying rehearsed debate lines and attacks. 'I think she is good at sort of setting up and trying to capture that viral moment,' Short said to DailyMail.com He described Harris' famous 'I'm speaking' episode as a moment clearly prepared by the Harris campaign to create a 'man slaying moment' against Pence. Short said that any male Republican would have difficulties while debating a black woman Democrat. 'In today's media world I think it is a challenge, frankly to be debating a minority female,' he said. But Short said Harris came up short in her debate with Pence when it came to policy details. When Pence focused on her and Biden's radical left record, he said, Harris struggled to explain her approach. 'We came away feeling like afterwards, we sort of thought she would've been better prepared,' he recalled. Short recalled that it was unfortunate the media focused the majority of their debate commentary on a fly that landed on Pence's head and remained on his white hair for more than two minutes because he believed the vice president had scored a few points against Harris. Thats too bad. I actually thought it was a substantive debate' he said. Harris tends to get tangled up in policy details, typically avoiding it entirely as her descriptions frequently spiral into word salads. Trump, himself, has pointed to Harris' sometimes spiral arguments as un-presidential. 'She speaks in rhyme, it's weird, the way she talks,' he said in an interview in 2023. 'It's weird, the whole thing is weird, this is not a president of the United States.' Spillane said Harris' biggest weakness was her laugh, describing it as a revelation to the audience that she was not prepared. 'My theory on that ridiculous laugh of hers, that drives so many people crazy is that she is inauthentic and she knows it and tries to be more likable and more human,' he said. Here are some of Harris' best and worst debate moments throughout her career: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard famously called out Harris for campaigning as a 'progressive prosecutor,' despite having a less than impressive record on progressive issues Tulsi Gabbard's attack on her record that devastated her 2020 presidential run Rep. Tulsi Gabbard famously called out Harris for campaigning as a 'progressive prosecutor,' despite having a less than impressive record on progressive issues. 'I want to bring the conversation back to the broken criminal justice system that is disproportionately negatively impacting black and brown people all across this country today. Now Senator Harris says she's proud of her record as a prosecutor and that she'll be a prosecutor president,' she said. 'But I'm deeply concerned about this record. There are too many examples to cite.' Gabbard attacked Harris for putting over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations but laughing about it when she was asked if she ever smoked marijuana. She also attacked Harris for blocking evidence in a case over freeing an 'innocent' man from death row and keeping prisoners in prison longer to serve as cheap labor for California and backed cash bail reforms. The debate audience exploded with applause but Harris could only respond weakly, decrying 'fancy speeches' while she was actually 'doing the work' of criminal justice. After the debate, Harris shrugged off the attack, suggesting she was only catching heat because of her political success. 'This is going to sound immodest, but I'm obviously a top-tier candidate,' she said. 'And so, I did expect that I would be on the stage and take hits tonight, because there are a lot of people who are trying to make the stage for the next debate.' Kamala Harris on the Democratic primary debate stage in Westerville, Ohio, in 2019 Stopping the food fight At the beginning of the debate, Harris interrupted a squabbling group of her colleagues by trying to play a peacemaker on the stage. 'Hey guys, you know what?' she asked. 'America does not want to witness a food fight. They want to know how we are going to put food on their table.' The line was applauded by the Democratic audience and even Biden applauded her while the rest of her opponents reacted stoically to the obviously rehearsed line. But Harris was not completely opposed to personal attacks as she revealed that same night she had something bigger planned. Biden had angered black voters for the way he talked about working with segregationist Democrats in the good old days. Harris saw the opening and attacked That little girl was me Harris had tried to play a peacemaker earlier in the debate, but she had something special planned for Vice President Joe Biden. Biden had angered black voters for the way he talked about working with segregationist Democrats in the good old days. Harris saw the opening and attacked. 'I do not believe you are a racist,' she beganbefore effectively accusing him of being a racist. 'It was actually hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country,' she said, turning to Biden during the debate. But her attack went further. 'It was not only that, but you also worked with them to oppose busing. There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools. She was bused to school every day,' she continued. Pausing for dramatic effect, Harris added, 'That little girl was me.' This was not the first time that Harris deployed the story of being a little girl getting bused to school. She also deployed the story during the Senate hearings on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Harris famously raised her hand together with Sen. Bernie Sanders, but Harris realized afterwards that she made a big mistake Medicare for All vs private health care In June 2019, Harris continued her puzzling mixup on her position on Medicare for all and whether it would affect private health care. NBC's Lester Holt asked Harris and several other candidates a question about their plans to enact 'Medicare for All.' 'Many people watching at home have health insurance through their employer. Who here would abolish their health insurance in favor of a government-run plan?' Holt asked. Harris famously raised her hand together with Sen. Bernie Sanders, but Harris realized afterwards that she made a big mistake. The next morning she tried to clarify in an interview during an interview with Morning Joe, claiming she misunderstood the question. Harris had made this mistake before in the campaign and supporters of her policy began wondering if she even knew the details of what she was supporting. Elizabeth Warren waves off Kamala Harris debate stunt to ban Trump on Twitter As Harris struggled to breathe life into her struggling presidential campaign, she deployed a debate strategy to demonstrate her leadership by getting her fellow Democrats to join her to call on the social media platform Twitter and ban Trump for the platform. 'I urge you to join me,' she said to Warren. 'Here we have Donald Trump, who has 65 million Twitter followers, and is using that platform as the president of the United States to openly intimidate witnesses, to threaten witnesses, to obstruct justice, and he and his account should be taken down.' Warren ignored Harris but Harris persisted, interrupting the Massachusetts senator. 'Join me,' Harris said again. 'No,' Warren responded flatly, waving her off. 'No?' Harris replied, feigning incredulity. 'You can't say you're for corporate responsibility if it doesn't apply to everyone,' she added. Warren did not even respond to Harris, brushing off her attempt to get her on the record on the issue. Painting a picture of Trump as the Wizard of Oz ABC News host George Stephanopoulous asked Harris a question about Trump's record on trade policy, but she had a different idea prepared. She criticized Trump for 'trade policy by tweet' but pivoted to an attempt to paint Trump as the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. 'You know, he reminds me of that guy in The Wizard of Oz, you know, when you pull back the curtain, it's a really small dude' she said, pausing for effect. 'OK, I'm not even going to take the bait,' Stephanopoulos replied, himself only five feet, five inches tall. 'Oh, George. It wasn't about you!' Harris protesting, bursting into laughter at the awkward moment she had created. Stephanopoulos moved on. Dude's gotta go In Jun 2019, Harris also tried to go viral with a rehearsed line against Donald Trump in the hopes she could break out as a candidate with 'real talk' This is a crisis of Donald Trump's making. And it is on a long list of crises of Donald Trump's making. And that's why dude's gotta go. And when I am commander-in-chief, we will stop this madness. After the debate, the campaign whipped up a T-shirt with the 'Dude gotta go' slogan. It did not take off. I'm speaking As a senator, Harris successfully leveraged her career in the Senate to go viral by challenging Trump officials in congressional hearings. Anytime she was interrupted, she made it clear she did not appreciate it, and accused the white male Republican senators of acting racist and sexist if they tried to maintain order in the hearing. She shifted that tactic to the vice presidential debate, preparing a few lines for Vice President Mike Pence if he ever tried to talk over her or lecture her about her record. During a conversation about the administration's coronviarus response, debate moderator Susan page tried to move on to another topic but Harris was not finished. 'No, I Susan, I This is important,' Harris protested. 'Susan, I have to weigh in here,' Pence began, but Harris shut him down. 'Mr. Vice President, I'm speaking,' she replied. 'I have to weigh in,' 'I'm speaking,' Harris repeated. Page relented, 'You have 15 more seconds and then we'll give the vice president a chance to respond.' Harris also expressed a level of outrage after Pence tried to criticize her for her attacks on law enforcement. 'I will not sit here and be lectured by the Vice President on what it means to enforce the laws of our country,' she replied, reminding him of her record in law enforcement. More and more Americans are returning to offices as the pandemic-fueled work-from-home trend continues to cool - but employees in a handful of cities are lagging behind. The Placer.ai Office Index measures the amount of foot traffic in and out of 1,000 office buildings across America, providing a strong indication of which cities have bounced back. It found that workers in two West Coast cities - San Francisco and Los Angeles - have been much slower to return to offices compared to East Coast cities like Miami and New York. The Placer.ai Office Index measures the amount of foot traffic in and out of 1,000 office buildings across America More than 60 percent of companies have already made their employees resume in-person work, according to an August ResumeBuilder study. The study, which surveyed 764 companies, expects 87 percent of businesses to have required in-office days by next year. Some economists and research organizations have extolled the benefits of hybrid or fully remote work. Here's where Americans are embracing that practice the most. San Francisco In July 2024, office buildings in San Francisco had 52.7 percent of the visits they had July 2019, according to Placer.ai. Office attendance nationwide has recovered to a little over 72 percent over the same time period. San Francisco offices have been the emptiest of all the major cities since July 2022, when Placer.ai first began measuring foot traffic data from buildings throughout the country. Part of this can be attributed to the city being one of the world's largest hubs for tech, an industry that has the most remote work available. The rise in vacant, or mostly vacant office buildings has coincided with a similar hollowing out of the city's downtown corridor. Research from consulting firm McKinsey suggests US counties with lower office attendance correlates to a lower number of retail workers - and therefore a smaller retail presence. This has become a rampant problem in San Francisco. Lloyd Chapman, of the American Small Business League, visited the city's once-thriving Union Square area at the heart of its retail district in June. The block that was once home to Uniqlo, H&M, Rasputin Records and Lush had empty, graffiti covered storefronts. The retail flight has been staggering in the years since the pandemic, with Old Navy, Nordstrom, Whole Foods, Anthropologie and Office Depot announcing their closings in 2023. Macy's is expected to close its flagship store next year, which could leave a third of Union Square empty. San Francisco's offices got even emptier in August, ticking down to nearly half capacity when compared with the average foot traffic five years ago. In July 2024, office buildings in San Francisco had 52.7 percent of the visits they had July 2019 Houston In July, Houston recorded the second worst office return rate of the cities analyzed by Placer.ai, showing 57 percent when compared to pre-pandemic numbers. The city, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center, had been solidly in the middle of the pack when it came to office recovery in the years since the pandemic, according to Placer.ai data. But precipitous drops came right after southeast Texas was hit in July by Hurricane Beryl, which left 2.7 million customers around Houston without power in the immediate aftermath. Houston had higher office attendance levels than coastal cities like Boston and Los Angeles as recently as February 2024. Houston is seen as a bit of an outlier on this list, as recent dips in office attendance are likely due to extreme weather over the summer Los Angeles Los Angeles had the third worst return rate of the cities analyzed by Placer.ai, which found the city's offices had a 62 percent return rate in July 2024 when compared with July 2019. Los Angeles and San Francisco had somewhat similar office vacancy rates in the first quarter of 2024, at 27 percent and 32 percent, respectively. The issue in the two cities become clearer when compared to New York City, where 17 percent of office space is going unused. Los Angeles has faced some of the same problems as San Francisco when it comes to retail shops closing, albeit on a smaller scale. Offices in Los Angeles were even less frequented in August, with attendance rates dropping to 60 percent capacity. In July, Los Angeles has had the third weakest recovery out of the major cities included in the Placer.ai analysis Denver Denver had a slightly better return rate than Los Angeles, Placer.ai reported, with its office attendance bouncing back to almost 64 percent of what it was five years ago. The city nestled in the Rocky Mountains is the capital of Colorado, a state that has the highest share of remote workers at 21.2 percent, according to Census data. Denver has been having its own office space crisis, the Denver Post reported, with 33.8 percent of offices being completely vacant in the second quarter of this year, the highest rate ever recorded. The report notes that class A office buildings - higher quality spaces with amenities like coffee shops and gyms - have much more activity than the average piece of city real estate. Class A office space in Cherry Creek, an affluent neighborhood, has a vacancy rate of just 5 percent. Denver, like San Francisco, has a high office vacancy rate thanks to the popularity of remote work there. But office buildings with more amenities have attracted activity Chicago Chicago boasted a notable jump in activity, with return rates at 69.2 percent compared to five years earlier, according to Placer.ai. Foot traffic to major places of business in the Windy City did decline by roughly two percentage points from July to June. Chicago is comparable to Boston, but both cities' return rates lag well behind Washington D.C., Dallas and Atlanta. The midwestern city also hasn't seen a retail doom exodus like in San Francisco. Chicago has strong demand in dining, discount retail, fitness and education, according to a report by commercial real estate firm Lee & Associates. The rebound began in the first quarter of this year, when there was a 'significant rise in retail sales coming out of the pandemic and a reduction in store closures.' Chicago, though below the national average in office visits, continues to make a strong recovery New York and Miami These East Coast cities take the cake when it comes to the prevalence of office culture. And it isn't particularly close. Miami offices saw a 90.6 percent return rate in July 2024, Placer.ai found, while New York came in just behind at 89.6 percent. For both cities, along with most of the rest on the list, July was the busiest in-office month since 2020. Miami and New York have been neck and neck in the office recovery race since June 2022. Ironically, many people flocked to Miami and southern Florida in general during the pandemic so they could work remotely in nice weather. 'Because there was the remote work option available to so many, Florida and mainly South Florida became the ultimate escape,' real estate agent and investor Ron Myers told Realtor.com. He continued: 'The sunny weather, no state income tax, and a lifestyle upgrade in many cases coupled with remote work flexibility were major draws.' Miami's housing demand is going through a bit of a slump, and there's an indication that return-to-office mandates could be having an effect Meanwhile, the New York metro area has seen its real estate market slowly heat back up since record low demand in July 2021 The return-to-office mandates have had effects on the real estate markets of the two cities. Miami's housing demand is going through a bit of a slump at the moment, thanks to a variety of factors. Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones said return-to-office mandates could be a factor. 'In-office requirements may have pulled some buyers back to their original location,' she said. Meanwhile, the New York metro area has seen its real estate market slowly heat back up since record low demand in July 2021. 'With more folks heading back to the office, the New York City market has seen steady growth,' Manhattan broker Sean Adu-Gyamfi told Realtor.com. 'However, many prospective buyers are still having trouble deciding how close or far away they want to be to their workplace.' New Delhi, Sep 9 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the first foundation day celebration of I4C and launch key initiatives for protection of cybercrime here on Tuesday. He will also dedicate Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) to the nation, an official statement said. Shah will launch Samanvaya Platform (Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facilitation System), a web-based module that will act as a one-stop portal for data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, cooperation, and coordination platforms for Law Enforcement Agencies across the country. He will also inaugurate the 'Cyber Commandos' Programme. Under this programme, a special wing of trained 'Cyber Commandos' in States/UTs and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) will be established to counter threats of the cyber security landscape in the country. Moreover, Shah will also inaugurate Suspect Registry. As part of the initiative, a suspect registry of various identifiers is being created based on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in collaboration with banks and financial intermediaries for strengthening fraud risk management capabilities of the financial ecosystem. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Home Secretary, Director IB, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Chief Secretaries, and DGPs/Senior Police Officers of States/UTs of India and others will also attend the event. UNI RBE AKS SSP The banning of media from covering discussions on the treaty between Victoria and Aboriginal groups is 'shady' and should be a 'red flag' about the entire process, top Liberal Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says. The publicly-funded but closed-door 'Talking Treaty' discussion was held by the First Peoples' Assembly in Victoria on Sunday to discuss the creation of a state treaty. Despite Victoria - and every other state - voting against 'The Voice' referendum, the state is pushing ahead with a treaty in line with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Senator Price, the shadow minister for Aboriginal Affairs, said the secretiveness of Sunday's event was a worrying sign of how this treaty will proceed and how unrepresentative it will be of public will. 'It's really deeply concerning stuff, and especially when you've got a body that's claiming to be a representative body with such a low voter turnout,' Senator Price told Sky News political commentator Peta Credlin. 'It's like what's under way in South Australia at the moment with their legislated Voice, again, 10 per cent voter turnout. Where's that going to go to?' Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) described the behaviour of the First Peoples' Assembly in Victoria at a treaty discussion event 'deeply concerning' The call for a treaty between Indigenous Australians and the government was enshrined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was a vocal supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart following his election victory in May 2022. However, after his failed Voice referendum in October 2023, he has been much more vague in detailing his plan to establish its three pillars: voice, treaty and truth. Credlin suggested if the closed-door meetings were to continue, it would allow the First Peoples' Assembly to fabricate their contents and 'push' its proposed treaty through the Victorian Parliament with false claims of unanimous support. It could also set a precedent for other states to ram through treaties in private consultations with governments, until the prime minister is compelled to create a national treaty, Credlin claimed. Senator Price questioned why the Assembly was allowed to proceed with treaty discussions when there were major concerns over its election processes and how representative it really is. 'You can't suggest, that with these sort of shady closed door events, and this inability to provide transparency, that this is actually going to be a true, democratic process, that heads toward legislation in this process,' she said. 'But you know, we all know, that Mr Albanese is sitting in the background waiting for all these states to conduct their treaty processes and then ram it on through. 'Australians should be very concerned. This is going to affect every single one of us.' After his failed Voice referendum in October 2023, Prime Minister Albanese has been much more vague in detailing his plan to progress the Uluru Statement from the Heart The First Peoples' Assembly announced in July it expected to be ready to begin treaty negotiations in November, following community consultation. 'Treaty is not something we enter into lightly, you want to make sure you've actually got the things in place to negotiate properly a treaty,' co-chair Rueben Berg said at the time. He added the proposed treaty would focus on giving Aboriginal groups direct means to advise government. 'Through treaty, we want to make sure we put decision-making back in the hands of First Peoples,' he said. 'Decisions about mob should be made by mob. 'We also know government needs to be held more accountable for the activities they're talking about First Peoples, that's also what treaty will deliver.' The Assembly's declaration it was ready to start discussions was entered into the Negotiation Database and a copy presented to the Treaty Authority at a ceremony in July. The meeting on Sunday (pictured) banned media from attending, bringing its transparency into question Assembly co-chair Ngarra Murray said there would continue to be gathering of feedback from traditional owner groups and Aboriginal community organisations as to what should be in the treaty. 'We're really excited about bringing all their aspirations and all their hopes and dreams into this moment,' Ms Murray said at the time. Victoria's opposition withdrew its support for treaty in January, citing concerns about cultural heritage laws. Mr Berg said he was open to further conversations with all sides of politics. A former Bachelorette star who recently came out as transgender sparked controversy online after she posted a video about using women's restrooms. Josh Seiter, 37, was born male and appeared in season 11 of the hit show, competing with other men for the hand of the female contestant. On Sunday, Seiter posted a video to Instagram, where she appeared to be leaving a women's restroom in a Walmart. In the clip, she is wearing a low-cut red dress that reveals her ample chest hair and tattoos. 'I have to admit the women's bathroom is so much nicer than the men's bathroom,' she said, holding a piece of paper towel in her hands. Josh Seiter, a former Bachelorette star who recently came out as transgender, sparked controversy online after she posted a video in which she boasted about using women's restrooms 'Did you know they even have waste-bins for your feminine hygiene products?' She asked her nearly one million followers. The short clipped provoked outrage among viewers, with many people incensed that Seiter was using the women's bathroom. 'You should NOT be allowed to use the womans washroom. You are a MAN,' one frustrated user commented on the video. A female viewer fumed: 'As a REAL woman I do not support you at all! You should be in jail for using womens restroom, locker rooms, and other women's facilities!' The Chicago-based influencer appeared as a contestant in season 11 of the Bachelorette as a man, where she memorably stripped for Kaitlyn Bristow 'I dont care HOW you identify yourself, if you have a mans genitals you should NOT be using our bathroom!' another person wrote. They added: 'Id be IRATE if my daughter was in that restroom while you were using it!!!' And one viewer simply remarked: 'Not appropriate for you to be going into the womens bathroom AT ALL.' Seiter came out as a transwoman in May 2024. She recently disclosed that she is not on hormone therapy, and that she is not sure if she will undergo reassignment surgery. The Chicago-based influencer appeared as a contestant in season 11 of the Bachelorette, where she memorably stripped for Kaitlyn Bristow. Seiter came out as a transwoman in May 2024. She recently disclosed that she is not on hormone therapy, and that she is not sure if she will reassignment undergo surgery After being eliminated, Seiter returned to work as a stripper and courted a string of high-profile girlfriends, among them reality stars Yolanda Leak and Karine Staehle both of whom appeared on 90 Day Fiance and then Love After Lockups Lizzie Kommes. But behind the scenes, she was coming to terms with her sexuality finally revealing she that she was bisexual and engaged to a fellow exotic dancer in June 2023. When Seiter came out as transgender this year, she faced widespread criticism, especially for her decision to retain her thick beard. Speaking in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, the influencer revealed that much of the backlash has paradoxically come from liberal groups. 'Ironically, I've actually found that the far left and the LGBTQ community have been some of the most vitriolic and mean towards me throughout all of this,' Seiter said. But despite the sharp online criticism, she does not plan on shutting down her social media accounts. 'I always want to have a conversation, she told DailyMail.com. I think open debate and civic debate and dialogue are great. 'We live in a democracy in America where you have freedom of speech and it's okay to disagree with people,' Seiter added. Police are so worried about being criticised on controversial issues such as race and gender that they are recording trivial incidents as hate crimes, a watchdog has found. Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said matters such as playground taunts were being recorded as hate crimes because forces are desperate to be impartial and do not 'want to get into trouble about not recording crimes correctly.' Unveiling a landmark review about activism and impartiality, Mr Cooke said chief constables urgently need clarity on controversial politicised issues and guidance on how they can remain unbiased in carrying out their duties. Describing the Equality Act as 'a bit of a mess', he revealed that some forces were so keen to avoid offence that they have had to consider taking measures such as providing both a male and a female warrant card to officers and staff who hold 'gender fluidity as a belief-based protected characteristic'. Mr Cooke warned that officers wearing symbols such as rainbow-coloured lanyards or poppies could be 'misinterpreted' and 'jeopardise' the public's view of their impartiality. Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke (pictured) said matters such as playground taunts were being recorded as hate crimes because forces are desperate to be impartial and do not 'want to get into trouble about not recording crimes correctly.' Mr Cooke revealed that some forces were so keen to avoid offence that they have had to consider taking measures such as providing both a male and a female warrant card to officers and staff who hold 'gender fluidity as a belief-based protected characteristic' (file image) His report found that officers wearing a 'thin blue line' badge on their uniform in remembrance of colleagues who have died may not be appropriate because the symbol had been associated with extremist groups in America. The watchdog also cautioned officers to be careful about going to certain community events after some questioned whether attending Pride showed a disproportionate amount of support for a protected characteristic group. Today, Mr Cooke will tell the Police Superintendents Association: 'A lot of the time, the police simply can't win. Whatever they do, they are likely to incur the resentment of some.' His report revealed police are recording incidents as hate crimes unnecessarily due to a 'risk-averse approach' and officers and staff being fearful of being criticised. In one instance, someone with difficulty walking who complained about being asked why they weren't using a wheelchair resulted in a public order offence being recorded. In another case, a ten-year-old child who uttered a racist insult at school was incorrectly recorded as a racially aggravated public order crime. Another force recorded an incident where a man reported that other passengers on a bus had given him 'funny looks' due to his ethnic appearance. Of the 120 cases reviewed, inspectors found police had incorrectly recorded a quarter of cases as crimes or non-hate crime incidents. The report also found top politicians are meddling in police operations leaving chief officers in an 'invidious position'. Mr Cooke criticised former former home secretary Suella Braverman for pressuring Scotland Yard to ban a pro-Palestinian march. The watchdog also cautioned officers to be careful about going to certain community events after some questioned whether attending Pride showed a disproportionate amount of support for a protected characteristic group (pictured: A police officer wearing a sequin police helmet during the Manchester Pride Parade) Of the 120 cases reviewed, inspectors found police had incorrectly recorded a quarter of cases as crimes or non-hate crime incidents (file image) He said her accusations that police were biased and playing favourites in policing protests, which ultimately led to her dismissal from government, should have been delivered in private. Mr Cooke said: 'Chief officers told us that they often experience what they believe to be improper pressure or interference from significant political figures. 'We found that overt attempts to influence operational policing challenge the police's impartiality and could reduce public trust.' The report warned some police and crime commissioners wrongly think that chief constables are their employees and order them to implement their crime plan. One officer said they received three to four emails a day from their PCC's office asking for an operational response to certain issues. Calling for a clear definition of operational independence for forces to follow, Mr Cooke said: 'Police chiefs, police and crime commissioners, mayors and senior politicians should pay close attention to the risk posed by improper political interference.' He added: 'Public perception of police impartiality has an impact on levels of public trust in policing. Without that trust, police forces can't keep the public safe.' The Government's mass early release of criminals which begins today 'inevitably' increases the risk of further crimes, it has been warned. More than 5,000 prisoners, including violent offenders, will be freed over the next six weeks under plans drawn up by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. It begins with 1,700 inmates freed from jails across England and Wales this morning. Watchdogs expressed concern that some victims have not been alerted in advance that criminals who targeted them are being let out, and said the public will now face an enhanced risk from released inmates. Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove said Labour's scheme would be 'distressing for many victims who rightfully expect offenders will serve the sentence handed down by the court'. 1,700 inmates are set to be freed from jails across England and Wales today More than 5,000 prisoners, including violent offenders, will be freed over the next six weeks under plans drawn up by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove (pictured) said Labour's scheme would be 'distressing for many victims who rightfully expect offenders will serve the sentence handed down by the court' Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said it was 'certainly going to be a risky time' amid shortcomings in the probation service 'From the beginning, I sought assurances that all impacted victims would be informed of any early release dates, affording them the opportunity to request protective measures,' she said. Labour's mass prisoner release plan Q&A Who will be freed? Most criminals will be released after serving 40 per cent of their sentence rather than at the current 50 per cent point. It is likely to include burglars, thieves and fraudsters along with drug traffickers and dealers, even if they are serving ten or 15 years. Are violent criminals excluded? No. Lower-level violent criminals are in scope of the scheme. For example, the sentence for GBH with intent can be as low as two years. However, violent criminals sent down for more than four years will be ineligible. When does the scheme begin? From today, qualifying offenders jailed for up to five years will be freed at the 40 per cent mark. From October 22, those serving more than five years will be eligible. How many offenders will be freed in total? About 5,500, with the first 1,700 due today. Freed inmates will be supervised by probation officers but watchdogs have repeatedly warned that the Probation Service is massively overstretched. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said yesterday that probation staff shortages meant the release scheme was 'risky' and raises the chance of reoffending. Does Government plan more prisons? Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said a ten-year prison 'capacity strategy' will be published later this year which will set out how ministers will acquire land for new sites and speed up the planning process. Advertisement 'I understand this has not been possible in every case, leaving some victims unaware of their offender's early release.' Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said it was 'certainly going to be a risky time' amid shortcomings in the probation service. 'I think it is inevitable when you let out so many prisoners on the same day, where the preparation period has been squeezed into a shorter time, it inevitably increases the risk of further offences in the future,' Mr Taylor said. He said he was 'enormously concerned' that victims had not been forewarned of releases, adding: 'The last thing we want is people to be re-traumatised. It's inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody.' There are fears that hundreds of offenders will end up homeless leading them back into a life of crime. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is providing accommodation for 12 weeks only, meaning some could end up on the streets and committing crime. Prison leaders said there was even a risk that some of those freed today will become homeless straight away. Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, told the Mail: 'History tells us that there will be people who slip through the net. 'My concern is that people without secure accommodation will slip back into criminal activity.' Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: 'There are massive concerns about the way this is being handled. We could be winding up with dangerous people on our streets which will just make matters worse for victims of crime.' About 5,500 criminals are due to be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentences rather than the previous 50 per cent, to free up space in packed jails. Sex offenders, serious violent criminals and terrorists are excluded but the scheme will apply to lower-level violent offenders including domestic abusers. A No 10 spokesman said: 'As the Prime Minister said this weekend, no prime minister should be in a position where there are not enough prison places. 'That is why we took the immediate decision that we did. And without doing so, prisons would have completely run out of places, and we faced unchecked criminality on our streets with police unable to make arrests.' The first phase covers offenders who were handed up to five years' imprisonment. Those handed longer sentences will then start to be freed six weeks from now. Unions have piled the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer over the Labour government's 'cruel' plan to axe winter fuel payments for 10 million people today. Meanwhile a poll revealed that half of elderly Brits will now heat their homes less often despite the Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisting pensioners will be 1,700 better off. The poll comes before MPs will vote this afternoon on the Government's controversial cut, which critics have warned will force millions of older people to turn down their heating this winter. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use his huge Commons majority to force through the measure, despite protests by dozens of Labour MPs who fear a huge electoral backlash. Union barons accused ministers of 'picking pensioners' pockets'. In an ominous intervention, the Unite union urged Sir Keir to abandon the 'very cruel' policy. Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) is expected to use his huge Commons majority to force through the measure, despite protests by dozens of Labour MPs who fear a huge electoral backlash The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that according to Ms Reeves pensioners will be 1,700 better off under the new Labour government. According to the Treasury over the next five years the state pension will rise due to the triple lock MPs will vote this afternoon on the Government's controversial cut, which critics have warned will force millions of older people to turn down their heating this winter (stock image) Tory work and pensions spokesman Mel Stride urged Labour to listen to their constituents. Throwing down the gauntlet to Labour MPs, he said: 'Do as you said you would and put the country before your party. Vote with us in Parliament, not against us. 'Change course and reverse your cruel choice to remove the winter fuel payment from millions of vulnerable pensioners. 'Many driven into fuel poverty this winter will have to choose between heating and eating because of Starmer. And, if Labour MPs let this abhorrent policy go through, it will be because of them too.' Rachel Reeves last night told panicking Labour MPs she would not back down and suggested pensioners could afford to tighten their belts this winter following a big rise in the state pension. The Chancellor said she did not 'relish' the cut, but warned there would be 'more difficult decisions to come' in next month's Budget. Ministers have refused to publish an assessment of the likely impact of the cut, which will save 1.5 billion a year. The Mail revealed yesterday that research commissioned by Labour in 2017 warned that means-testing the benefit, which is worth up to 300, would lead to almost 4,000 extra deaths each winter as pensioners struggled to keep the heat on. A new assessment by the Resolution Foundation think-tank yesterday warned that 1.3 million of the poorest pensioners would be driven deeper into poverty by the move. Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon said the plan 'will result in the death of pensioners who won't be able to turn the heating on'. Unite union boss Sharon Graham called on ministers to abandon the plans and introduce a wealth tax. Tory work and pensions spokesman Mel Stride (pictured) urged Labour to listen to their constituents. Throwing down the gauntlet to Labour MPs, he said: 'Do as you said you would and put the country before your party. Vote with us in Parliament, not against us Rachel Reeves (pictured) last night told panicking Labour MPs she would not back down and suggested pensioners could afford to tighten their belts this winter following a big rise in the state pension Ms Graham, whose union is one of Labour's biggest donors, accused the Government of deciding to 'pick the pocket of pensioners' while leaving the richest 'totally untouched'. She urged Sir Keir to 'do a U-turn, adding: 'We need to make sure that he is making the right choices and leadership is about choices. He needs to be big enough and brave enough to do a U-turn on this choice. It's completely wrong.' Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, told BBC Breakfast he was 'really concerned' by the impact and urged a rethink. 'I hope in the Budget the Chancellor will set out support available for pensioners who aren't on pension or tax credit, but who are not well off by any means, to make sure that they are not frightened to turn on the heating this winter,' he said. Meanwhile, rail baron Mick Lynch told a fringe meeting at the TUC conference in Brighton yesterday: Why do you want to get off on the wrong foot in the first Budget by appearing to be the Grinch at Christmas? 'Theyre going to have to do something about this historical mistake [or] they will always be known as the people that stole the winter fuel allowance. In a message to Sir Keir and Ms Reeves, he added: You are there to represent us, not to represent big business and the interests of the oligarchs around the world. Now get that into your heads and well support you all the way. If you dont get it into your heads, youll have a black mark against you for the rest of your period in power. Its not too late, and its in our hands to deliver it. And if they make that mistake and force this through, expel or suspend more MPs, well then well have to think about what we do in relation to this government. So think again. Get on the side of progress and get on the right side of history and make sure we win for our people. Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said she was 'absolutely confident' that the Treasury was looking at ways to reduce the impact of the cash grab, including restricting the winter fuel payment to those living in homes valued at council tax bands A to C. Unite union boss Sharon Graham (pictured centre during a march in January) called on ministers to abandon the plans and introduce a wealth tax Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon (pictured) said the plan 'will result in the death of pensioners who won't be able to turn the heating on' But she was slapped down by a government source who said she 'misspoke' and insisted there were no plans for change. Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party last night, Ms Reeves said she was not 'immune' to arguments against the plan, but she had 'considered those when the decision was made'. The Chancellor said the 'blame lies with the Conservative Party' for leaving behind a 'black hole' in the public finances. Ms Reeves said the state pension had risen by 900 this year as a result of the triple lock, meaning that 'pensioners have 900 more in their pockets than they did a year ago' meaning they could afford the cut to winter fuel. She also insisted ministers were serious about encouraging an estimated 800,000 of the poorest pensioners to claim Pension Credit, which will entitle them to keep the winter fuel payment. New figures suggest applications have more than doubled since Ms Reeves announced her plans in July, but are still running at only around 9,000 a week. The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that according to Ms Reeves pensioners will be 1,700 better off under the new Labour government. According to the Treasury over the next five years the state pension will rise due to the triple lock. However, in the short term a poll has revealed more than half of pensioners will heat their homes less due to the winter fuel payment cut. Some 55 per cent said the move to strip ten million voters of the subsidy will cause them to have a colder winter this year. The Savanta survey, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, showed that four in ten elderly people are planning to cut back on essentials. And 19 per cent almost one in five will eat less this winter to save money. Paul Nowak (pictured), TUC general secretary, told BBC Breakfast he was 'really concerned' by the impact and urged a rethink Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson (pictured) said she was 'absolutely confident' that the Treasury was looking at ways to reduce the impact of the cash grab, including restricting the winter fuel payment to those living in homes valued at council tax bands A to C Labour dissenters previously warned that the plan to axe winter fuel payments would save little money once the cost of treating pensioners hit by the cold had been factored in (file photo) Three-quarters of respondents said they would be impacted by the planned changes to the winter fuel allowance, while just a fifth think they will avoid any negative effects. Calling on Sir Keir Starmer to rethink the cut, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the poll showed that the Government is forcing pensioners to make the heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter. Economists have warned that the savings from the winter fuel cut would be wiped out if all older people entitled to Pension Credit started claiming it. Downing Street declined to say whether those who refuse to back the Government will lose the Labour whip. Some 17 have signed a Commons motion calling for a rethink, while dozens more are privately opposed. No 10 said there had been no dissent at Cabinet over the plans yesterday. Television has lost its crown to online as Britain's number one news source, a study by the media regulator has found. For 60 years, the small screen has reigned supreme in informing the nation. But Ofcom says that social media, websites and apps have knocked TV off its perch. Some 70 per cent of British adults say they get their news from TV, down from 75 per cent last year, compared with 71 per cent who consume it on the web in some form. The digital surge is driven by the young, with 88 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds saying they prefer reading news online than from broadcast media, according to the watchdog's News Consumption In The UK report. That age bracket lists Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok as more important news sources than BBC1, ITV1 or BBC News. Some 70 per cent of British adults say they get their news from TV, down from 75 per cent last year (Pictured: Sophie Raworth on BBC News) The report says MailOnline (pictured) is one of Britain's most popular online news sites, along with BBC News, Sky News and The Guardian The report says MailOnline is one of Britain's most popular online news sites, along with BBC News, Sky News and The Guardian. More than half of UK adults (52 per cent) now use platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to access news, up from 47 per cent in 2023. BBC1 retains the top spot (43 per cent) as the most popular source from 2019 to 2024, but social media platforms now claim four of the top ten spots. Facebook is tied in second place with ITV1 (both 30 per cent), while BBC iPlayer (23 per cent) is fourth and YouTube (21 per cent) is fifth. Meanwhile, just 51 per cent of all adults still watch news on any of the main public service broadcasters each week. But the traditional platforms still outperform digital on trust, accuracy and impartiality. Some 70 per cent of respondents said TV channels are accurate, with 66 per cent saying that of newspapers, compared to just 53 per cent for websites and 44 per cent for social media. Concerningly, nearly a third of those surveyed said they saw false or misleading information during the election, while more than half were concerned about the impact of deep fake content. More than half of UK adults (52 per cent) now use platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to access news, up from 47 per cent in 2023 (file image) The digital surge is driven by the young, with 88 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds saying they prefer reading news online than from broadcast media (file image) Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom's group director for strategy and research, said: 'Television has dominated people's news habits since the Sixties, and it still commands really high trust. 'But we're witnessing a generational shift to online news, which is often seen as less reliable together with growing fears about misinformation and deep fake content. 'Ofcom wants to secure high-quality news for the next generation, so we're kicking off a review of the public service media that help underpin the UK's democracy and public debate.' The top ten news sources according to the Ofcom News Consumption In The UK report are: BBC1 (43 per cent), ITV (30 per cent), Facebook (30 per cent), BBC iPlayer (23 per cent), YouTube (19 per cent), Sky news (19 per cent), BBC News (channel) (18 per cent), BBC News (website/app) (18 per cent), Instagram (18 per cent), X/Twitter (15 per cent). A veteran cop has revealed how political correctness may prevented police arresting the man accused of throwing a thermos of hot coffee on a baby. Nine-month-old baby Luka was at a picnic with his mother and friends at Hanlon Park, in Brisbane's south, on August 27 when a stranger approached and poured hot coffee over the infant, badly scalding him. Little Luka suffered life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms and has since undergone four surgeries in Queensland Children's Hospital. Despite CCTV clearly capturing the face of the suspect, police failed to find or detain him, and detectives revealed on Monday that the now-identified 33-year-old accused attacker had managed to flee overseas. Former Australian Federal Police detective superintendent David Craig criticised Queensland Police for not showing the suspect's face in their first public alert despite having a clear picture, and for being deliberately vague in describing him. 'His description was reported as "a person [with] tan skin" that doesn't narrow it down very much,' Mr Craig told Channel Seven's Sunrise program. 'He should've been called out as a man of Asian appearance, just as we do people of Caucasian appearance. It didn't happen quickly enough in this case. 'This is not racial vilification terms. These are identifying terms.' Nine-month-old baby Luka (pictured) suffered life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms after a stranger poured hot coffee over him The movements of the alleged attacker (pictured) before he fled the country revealed he likely had 'some counter-intelligence experience' Mr Craig said it was 'unnerving' how the man could have not only eluded arrest but made his way out of the country despite his photo being widely known to authorities. 'Clearly, this person had some counter-surveillance experience. He knew what he was doing,' he said. 'He was obviously avoiding electronic trails so he couldn't be followed so easily.' His comment comes as Australians around the country come together to support the victim's family, with donations topping $150,000. 'Sending you all the strength in the world and to your precious beautiful baby ... may he make a full recovery and receive the best treatment available,' one person wrote. 'Just horrifying and unbearable. I am truly sorry for this suffering. I hope the culprit is found,' another added. Queensland Police's initial description of alleged attacker 'He is described as around 30 to 40-years-old, of a proportionate build, with tanned skin. 'He was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts.' Advertisement The fundraiser was started to collect money for the baby's medical costs, with the organiser expressing their gratitude for the support amid such a 'difficult and traumatic time'. 'We have been blown away by all the support, both with donations and those reaching out with words of encouragement,' the fundraiser states. 'This GoFundMe will be able to support (the baby) with all of his ongoing care needs which is truly a weight lifted off our shoulders. 'He is such a strong little boy and we are so so proud of him. The 33-year-old man accused of carrying out the attack was in NSW on August 28 - a day after the incident in Brisbane. He flew out of Sydney Airport on August 31 with his own passport just 12 hours before police confirmed his identity. A warrant has since been obtained for his arrest for alleged grievous bodily harm, a charge which carries a possible life sentence. Mr Craig explained it will a 'bit of a legal process' to extradite the suspect to Australia but he is confident 'authorities will get him back here'. 'There should be a police-to-police operation happening at the moment trying to locate that person through a mutual assistance request and the extradition request will come through,' he said. Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, who described the incident as a 'savage attack' without apparent motive, said the accused was 'aware of police methodologies' and had been 'conducting counter-surveillance activities'. 'This is probably one of the most complex and sometimes frustrating investigations I've had to be involved in and lead,' he said on Monday. Det Insp Dalton said the man was clearly 'aware of what we (the police) do to find people' and that cops had been stymied in their efforts when they had initially been given the wrong name. 'It wasn't until September 1 that we were able to put a name to the face in the CCTV,' he said. 'Even at that stage, we probably didn't have enough evidence to obtain a warrant. 'We've since been to NSW and Victoria to gather that information, and the warrant has been granted.' Former AFP officer David Craig (pictured) explained it will a 'bit of a legal process' to extradite the suspect to Australia but he is confident 'authorities will get him back here' Nine-month-old baby Luka (pictured) was enjoying a picnic with his mother and friends at Hanlon Park, in Brisbane's south, when the stranger attacked Detective Inspector Dalton said he knew which country the man had fled to, but could not share that information while the investigation was ongoing. He said the man had been in and out of Australia since 2019 and had been 'lawful' each time. 'There's no adverse holdings that we can find on him in Australia,' Detective Inspector Dalton said. He said the man was in the country on a visa and had addresses 'across the eastern seaboard' but not in Queensland. The accused had been an 'itinerant' worker in Queensland, NSW and Victoria and police had interviewed some of his former colleagues. The police officer said the attack was the 'most cowardly' he had witnessed in his career. 'A young mother and a baby sitting on the ground and you are allegedly approaching them from behind,' he said. 'Can you think of anything more vulnerable than that? And to take advantage of that? You're probably right, it's one of the most disgusting ones I've come across.' The senior cop vowed that he would not let up the investigation until the man is caught. 'I've got 30 detectives working for me. They are devastated that they missed this person by 12 hours,' he said. 'I think only the family would be more upset about that.' Detective Inspector Dalton encouraged anyone with any information to come forward. 'People may feel safe now that this person has fled Australia, to actually come forward to police,' he said. 'I encourage them to do that. There'll be no judgement on you whatsoever.' Detective Inspector Paul Dalton on Monday afternoon confirmed many people's, including Luka's family's, worst fears by admitting the suspected attacker had fled Australia (pictured, Luka with his mother in hospital) The man was described as being a small build with tanned skin. He was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts at the time of the attack. Police 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 where the trail initially went cold until he was found to have fled the country. Children and pregnant women have been urged to get a whooping cough vaccination as cases soar to a six-year high in South Australia. Up to 492 cases of whooping cough have been detected in the state this year compared to just 48 cases recorded in 2023. The highly contagious disease - also known as pertussis - can cause serious illness of people of all ages but is most dangerous for babies. South Australia's Chief Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, said vaccination and re-vaccination was recommnded for some. 'Anyone who will be spending time around infants less than six months of age should consider getting themselves a booster,' Prof Spurrier said. 'Many people who have had the vaccine may not realise that immunity wanes over time.' Professor Spurrier also encouraged pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their newborns. Children aged eighteen months, two, four and six can receive the vaccination. Children and pregnant women have been urged to get vaccinated after cases of whooping cough reached a six-year high in one Australian state (stock image) WHOOPING COUGH SYMPTOMS: Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, fatigue, fever and a dry, uncontrollable cough that has a 'whoop' sound More severe symptoms include pneumonia, vomiting, fainting, poor bladder control, trouble breathing and bleeding into the nose, eyes or brain. Advertisement Health advice recommends women are vaccinated between 20 to 32 weeks of their pregnancy. More than 25,600 cases of whooping cough have been recorded across Australia in 2024 so far, according to the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard. Most cases have been detected in NSW followed by Queensland and Victoria. NSW recorded 5,372 cases as of June 30 this year while Queensland recorded 4,951 during the same period. SA Health warned whooping cough epidemics occur every three to four years in the state. The last time cases hit triple digits by September was in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Around 250,000 children across the world die every year from whooping cough. The disease can also be treated with antibiotics, but Prof Spurrier urged people to take basic health measures to reduce the spread of infection. This includes people covering their nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing and washing their hands regularly. A staggering 492 cases of whooping cough have been detected in South Australia this year compared to 48 cases recorded in 2023 (stock image) 'Please stay home from work or school if you are sick, to prevent the spread of illnesses like whooping cough to others,' Prof Spurrier said. The disease is highly contagious and will likely infect the majority of people who come into close contact with a sick person. Whooping cough usually starts with typical flu-like symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a low-grade fever. A dry and persistent cough usually lasts for a week and the frequency of the coughing produces a 'whoop' sound. Severe cases can result in pneumonia, bleeding into the nose, eyes or brain and some children can also suffer brain damage. This is the tense moment a Ukrainian sniper went head-to-head against two Russian soldiers in a deadly Call of Duty-style battle. In the footage, which seemed to be filmed through the sniper's scope, the brave Ukrainian soldier appears ready to shoot at enemy targets. Two Russian soldiers then appear on camera, armed with grenade launchers ready to fire at the Ukrainian forces. However, the sniper then fires two clean shots taking out the soldiers before they have a chance to use the deadly weapons. The video, which was obtained by The Sun, then ends with smoke rising into view as the Russian forces appear to duck for cover. In the footage, which appears to be filmed through the sniper's scope, the brave Ukrainian soldier appears ready to shoot at enemy targets Two Russian soldiers then appear on camera, armed with grenade launchers ready to fire at the Ukrainian forces. However, the sniper then fires two clean shots taking out the soldiers before they have a chance to use the deadly weapons It follows reports that aid-starved Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline of Putin's war have invented a new type of drone weapon. The menacingly named 'Dragon's Breath' drone. The new weapon includes a small FPV drone which contains a thermite bomb that when ignited drops a torrent of white-hot shards on its target. The chemical mixture of aluminium powder and iron oxide ignites at temperatures exceeding 2,200 degrees Celsius (4,000 degrees Fahrenheit), and is capable of melting through steel, making it a highly effective demolition device. And thermite munitions could also be used to destroy Russian artillery batteries, armoured vehicles and other military hardware nestled in the forest. Shocking footage of the new weapon shows the molten metal being sprayed on an wooded area in eastern Ukraine in which Russian forces were allegedly hiding. Aid-starved Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline of Putin's war have invented a new type of drone weapon. The menacingly named 'Dragon's Breath' drone. The new weapon includes a small FPV drone which contains a thermite bomb that reaches up to 2,200 degrees Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine's incursion into Russia has continued with the army now controlling over 500 square miles of land within the nation Russian missiles have continued to batter Ukraine. Last week, Russia struck a military training centre and a nearby hospital in a central region of Poltava (pictured the aftermath of the attack) Meanwhile, Ukraine's incursion into Russia has continued with the army now controlling over 500 square miles of land within the nation. Russian missiles have continued to batter Ukraine. Last week, Russia struck a military training centre and a nearby hospital in a central region of Poltava. 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 - with 41 reported casualties and over 180 people injured. Two days after the attack on September 5, Putin claimed at the 2024 Eastern Economic Forum that he would considered fresh peace talks with President Zelensky. The Russian President said China, Brazil or India could act as mediators. Previously, Russia has insisted that any peace talks with Ukraine would include the annexation of occupied Ukrainian territory which is redline for Ukraine who as been steadfast in not giving up any of its territory. A family has been shattered after a violent husband shot dead his young wife and their two children at their home in Texas. Police were called to the 3600 block of NE 14th Avenue in Amarillo early on Saturday evening after a family member found the bodies of Jose Olmos his wife Jessica, 33, and their children Jazele and Daniel. The 42-year-old electrician had been arrested by Amarillo Police on May 19 on charges of assaulting a family member but returned to the family home after being released on a $500 bond. Investigators believe Olmos killed himself and his family in a murder-suicide and mugshot taken at the time of his arrest reveals scratch marks on the neck of the suspected killer. 'Oh Jessica Olmos! I'm so sorry that I couldn't help you out of this,' family friend Clara Nunez wrote on Facebook. Jose Olmos, 42, with Jazele and Daniel, the children he is suspected of murdering before killing himself at the family home in Amarillo on Saturday evening The body of the children's mother Jessica Olmos, 33, was also found by a horrified relative Jazale and Daniel are amazing kids. I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to make sure that you'll be remembered forever. It doesn't end here I promise!' The couple who marked their tenth wedding anniversary on July 4 had lived at Olmos's address since their marriage. Jessica worked as an office manager for Jeff Bara State Farm Agency in the town and her 7th grade daughter was a keen wrestler. Just months earlier the family had posed for a seemingly idyllic photoshoot in the fields near their home, and photographer Anna Vega spoke of her shock at their violent deaths. 'I am so devastated by the news this morning,' she wrote as she reposted the pictures on Facebook. 'I told you while you were here but Jessica it was an absolute honor to have worked with you and your beautiful kids. 'Jazele and Daniel were so sweet, I can still picture them giggling and laughing when Daniel jumped on her back. 'In a world that's so morbid, the reason I posted these photos was so hopefully people get to see a small glimpse of the shining light you all were and not just the final moments that took you all away.' Jessica had lost her younger sister in February last year, and the troubled couple joined the rest of her family to celebrate mother's day with mother Blanca Menendez just six days before Olmos's arrest for domestic violence in May this year. The deaths took place less than four months after Olmos was freed on a $500 bond after being released on domestic abuse charges Jessica's stepdaughter Arianna Olmos pointedly omitted the father as she paid a moving tribute to his murdered family. 'When I was told three of the most caring souls I knew gained their angel wings my heart sunk and broke into pieces,' the West Texas A&M University student wrote. 'You three were loved by all those around you and will be missed. 'Jazale my baby I'm going to miss that smile of yours, your laugh, and goofy faces. 'Daniel I will miss your smile and your love for cars. Jessica I was thankful to have someone like you as a stepmom and still showed me love and cared for me. 'I'm grateful that God had put you and the kids in my life. I can't even put into words how hurt I am.' US-based Planful opens its global R & D center in Hyderabad Hyderabad, Sept 10 (UNI) Planful, the pioneer of financial performance management cloud software, headquartered in San Francisco, California, on Tuesday announced the opening of its new office in Hyderabad which serves as an expanded Research and Development (R&D) hub and will accommodate a doubling of its headcount in the region. Over the years, Planful has invested USD 50 million in India and plans to invest an additional USD 120 million over the next five years, the IT company said in a release here. Speaking on the occasion, Planful CEO Grant Halloran, stated, _" Our new office as our global R&D center reaffirms our long-term commitment to Hyderabad, with its thriving IT ecosystem, and world-class talent pool. This expansion enables us to continue to innovate on our best-in-class financial performance solutions for our global customers." In addition to R&D, the new Hyderabad office will also play a pivotal role in supporting Planful's global back-office operations. A celebration was held on Monday to inaugurate the new office and Planful executives, including Grant Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, Sanjay Vyas, Chief Technology Officer, Steve Welsh, Chief Product Officer, and Melissa Dreuth, Chief People Officer, were in attendance. "Our investment in this new office underscores our belief in India's talent,_ said *Melissa Dreuth, Chief People Officer.* UNI KNR BD A serial paedophile, dubbed Australia's worst, raped a little girl at a daycare centre shortly after being told he was losing his job there. Ashley Paul Griffith, 45, pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court this month to 307 child abuse-linked charges and will be sentenced in November. Court records indicate in the weeks after Yolanda Borucki, the operations manager at the Uniting Church daycare, told Griffith his position had been made redundant he handed in a resignation letter, emailed parents to inform them and then sexually assaulted a new victim at the centre, reports The Australian. Five of the 307 charges against Griffith concern the rape, abuse and recording of a girl between March 23 and April 1 2022, listed as being committed in the same suburb where the daycare centre is located. Griffith was told he was made redundant earlier that month on March 14, handed in his resignation on March 23 and emailed parents on March 31. Shockingly, five months before his redundancy a co-worker at the daycare centre had raised the alarm that she had witnessed Griffith kneeling over a young, sleeping girl in an outdoor fort with his face 2cm from hers. She said it appeared as if he was 'kissing' the girl and the worker's instinct was that she wanted to 'save' her. She said Griffith became angry when she interrupted him. The matter was reported to police who investigated while the centre's management conducted their own investigation. Ashley Paul Griffith, 45, (pictured) pleaded guilty to 307 charges in a Queensland court and is set to later front a NSW court on more charges Neither probe resulted in any action as Griffith had technically not been seen touching the girl, causing the distraught co-worker who reported it to quit her job. Despite both investigations clearing him, five months later an email was sent to the then-general secretary of the church Reverend Heather den Houting, with the subject field 'Termination Request'. The email from the church's then-executive director of people, culture and learning, Grant Weaver, said enrollments were down at the centre and suggested a restructure that would remove Griffith's role. The general secretary replied 'go ahead' and Mr Weaver then informed Ms Borucki and another manager over email the redundancy was 'approved'. Yolanda Borucki (pictured) was the manager at the Uniting Church daycare. She informed Griffith his position had been made redundant in March 2022 In August 2022 Griffith was arrested and charged with two counts of making child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service for child pornography material. Following a seizure of his electronic equipment, he was then hit with hundreds more charges allegedly committed against 91 children. Queensland's Police Minister Mark Ryan has now ordered a new internal investigation into how the earlier allegations were first handled. QPS investigated the October 2021 complaint and another in April 2022 but found there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal offence. In a statement, QPS confirmed both were subject to an 'internal review' by an independent senior detective with significant child protection experience. 'This review found both investigations had been conducted according to QPS policy and concurred with the original findings that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate a criminal offence based on what was known at the time,' a spokeswoman said. 'Once further information and evidence was identified as part of the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) Operation Tenterfield, the AFP executed a search warrant at the man's residence in August 2022.' He was committed to the District Court earlier in 2024 on a heavily reduced indictment of 320 charges. The families of victims attended Brisbane District Court (pictured) this month for the hearing Griffith pleaded guilty to 307 charges which includes 190 counts of indecent treatment of children, 67 counts of making child exploitation material and 28 counts of rape. There are also 15 counts of maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child, four counts of producing child exploitation material, one count of distributing child exploitation material, one count of possessing child exploitation material and one count of using a carriage service to access child pornography material. The charges cover offending in childcare centres across the Brisbane region as well as in Pisa, Italy. When the matters are finalised he is set to front a NSW court on another string of charges connected to alleged offending in that state. Griffith is alleged to have recorded his abuse of children - all of them allegedly pre-pubescent girls - working at 10 childcare centres in Brisbane between 2007 to 2013 and 2018 to 2022. Police allege further offences took place at a location in Europe between 2013 and 2014 and in a Sydney centre between 2014 and 2017. Griffith has worked at other daycare centres but is not alleged to have offended while working there. A campaigner against high immigration was told at the last minute he wouldn't be allowed to ask a question on Q+A suggesting international student numbers should be slashed. Jordan Knight, the founder of Migration Watch Australia, was initially given a spot to ask a question on Monday night's program but a producer called him two hours before the show to say he wouldn't be permitted to ask his question at the ABC's Sydney studios. The reason given was that Mr Knight, 30, works as a political adviser for an independent upper house MP in the NSW Parliament. But his ban comes after a Greens intern was last week allowed to ask a question on the show suggesting that international students were being unfairly blamed for the housing crisis. Mr Knight, who works for MP Rod Roberts, had planned to ask about Australia housing 800,000 international students during a rental vacancy crisis. Knight had planned to put his question to Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, shadow housing minister Michael Sukkar, Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally and the ABC's finance commentator Alan Kohler, asking if the high number of international students was worsening Australia's rental crisis. 'Australia has more foreign students than Great Britain and almost as many as the United States,' his submitted question said. 'Meanwhile, we have record low rental vacancy rates, people are paying 50 per cent of their wage on rent. 'My question is this. Does the panel believe that housing Australians is more important than educating foreign students? Jordan Knight, the founder of Migration Watch Australia, was initially given a spot to ask a question on Monday night's program but a producer later called him to say he wouldn't be asking his question at the ABC's Sydney studios The question the ABC cancelled Australia has around 800,000 international students in the country, meaning one in 34 people in the country right now is a foreign student. Australia has more foreign students than Great Britain, and almost as many as the United States. We have 12 per cent of the world's total foreign student population. Meanwhile, we have record-low rental vacancy rates, people are paying 50 per cent of their wage on rent. Pensioners are now having to live in share houses and families are being forced to live in their cars. Australian living standards are in terminal decline - while universities cash in. My question is this. Does the panel believe that housing Australians is more important than educating foreign students? And if so, will they further reduce the number of foreign students in the country to 50,000 in order to free up housing for Australians? Advertisement 'And if so, will they reduce the number of foreign students in the country to 50,000, in order to free up housing for Australians?' Mr Knight told Daily Mail Australia a producer later called him on Monday afternoon to say he wouldn't be able to ask his question because of his employment in a political role. He argued that was hypocritical. 'Full disclosure, her excuse was that I was a staffer but I checked last week, they allowed a Greens intern to ask a question,' he said. On Monday last week, Greens intern Sophia Redjeb was allowed to ask a question, during Q+A's Dandenong broadcast in outer Melbourne. She suggested that international students were being unfairly blamed for the housing crisis to applause from the audience. 'International students and refugees contribute significantly to our economy, migrants as well, and our cultural diversity, yet they're facing a cap and exorbitant fees and are blamed for issues like the housing shortages and the cost-of-living crisis,' she said. 'How can the government justify placing blame on international students, migrants and refugees rather than addressing the root causes?' Ms Redjeb's LinkedIn profile said that she started a job with The Greens three months ago as a 'photographer, writer and aspiring journalist'. An ABC spokeswoman insisted that Mr Knight and Ms Redjeb's situations were different. 'Jordan Knight is a paid staffer. Q+A doesn't take questions from paid political staffers,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Sophia Redjeb was interning for the Greens.' On Monday last week, Greens intern Sophia Redjeb was allowed to ask a question suggesting international students were being unfairly blamed for the housing crisis Mr Knight said the ABC rules disallowing political staffers were unfair. His boss Mr Roberts, a former cop, was elected in 2019 on former Labor leader Mark Latham's One Nation ticket. 'I find it frustrating that staffers don't get a say in their own national broadcaster that their tax dollars pay for,' he said. Monday night's Q+A program featured a question from Hammad Ali, a first-generation migrant, asking if he had created a housing crisis in Australia, and another from Ronan MacSweeney asking if reducing international student numbers would solve Australia's housing crisis. Education Minister Jason Clare last month announced a plan to cap international student numbers at 260,000, with Australia's capital cities having an ultra-tight rental vacancy rate of 1.3 per cent. Ms O'Neil backed the plan to slash international student numbers. 'I am very supportive of what the government has done to limit international students,' she said on Monday. 'We had our borders shut in this country for the better part of two years and for the first time since the Second World War, our population actually went backwards. 'So, it was always going to occur that we had years of higher migration beyond that - I do think it's really important that we bring our migration numbers back to normal and sustainable levels.' An ABC spokeswoman said Mr Knight was not allowed to ask a question because Q+A did not allow enquiries from political staffers. Australia last year accepted 547,300 migrants, the highest number ever on a net basis for a calendar year. The permanent intake, which includes skilled migrants and those on a humanitarian visa, was capped at 190,000 during the last financial year. This meant international students made up the vast bulk of new arrivals minus departures, with this intake classified as long-term. In 2023, 733,370 international students came to Australia, before foreign graduates moved back home if they hadn't attained permanent residency. Education is Australia's biggest services export and was worth $47.8billion in 2023 - almost double the $26.6billion value of 2022 as Australia reopened its borders. It was also the nation's most lucrative export after iron ore, coal and natural gas. Mr Knight noted his cancelled question on Q+A followed a Media Watch program about his advocacy in May, which accused him of being inflammatory because he made a link between immigration and crime. 'And if the media promote Jordan Knight's inflammatory claims without challenging them they could help provoke exactly the sort of conflict that Knight is warning about,' Media Watch host Paul Barry said. 'It is irresponsible, it's xenophobic, and it divides Australia.' Mr Knight said it was possible the Q+A producer had second thoughts after seeing that Media Watch segment. 'I think that's exactly what happened, but can't confirm,' he said. 'They likely searched my name and saw that.' He didn't end up attending the recording of Q+A. 'No, I didn't end up going - no point.' A young woman has revealed that having a buy-now-pay-later account was among the reasons she was denied a loan to buy her first property. Sydney resident Lou, 22, was denied a home loan by all of the big banks this year which she needed to purchase her $500,000 home. She is in her final year studying commerce and IT at Macquarie University in Sydney, but also works full-time in the tech sector. Lou had just $16 left to pay on her Afterpay account and only $38,000 in HECS debt, Yahoo reported. With more than $100,000 saved to cover the deposit, a full-time job and a bright employment future, she was shocked that all the banks turned her down. 'When I was applying with different lenders, I went through a borrowing capacity calculator with them and saw the difference between if I had a HECS debt and if I didnt,' Lou said. The student added that the difference was 'so big', she could not even get to the stage of formally applying for the loan with most lenders. Lou (pictured) believes the main reason her home loan applications from the major banks were rejected was because of her Afterpay account and $38,000 HECS debt Her HECS debt reduced the mount of money she could borrow by between $50,000 to $90,000. 'It was a really big difference. I was shocked. I didnt realise how much it would affect it,' she said. The 22-year-old eventually got a home loan pre-approval with an online lender - but she was required to do one thing as a condition. 'With my Afterpay debt, they saw it on my statement and said I needed to close it and send them an email with my confirmation that my account had been closed,' she said. Lou had only one Afterpay payment left of around $16 - and had never missed any payments in the three years she used it. After closing her BNPL account, Lou was approved for a $450,000 home loan and bought her first home - a two-bedroom apartment in western Sydney. Money.com.au home loans expert and Soren Financial director Mansour Soltani told Daily Mail Australia BNPL accounts like Afterpay can reduce a borrower's loan capacity dramatically, as it indicates spending beyond your means and lack of financial discipline. 'Afterpay or any BNPL debt is a no no,' he said. 'We always recommend that borrowers close these accounts before applying for a home loan. 'If you decide to keep them open, be aware that the assessor from the bank will be going through these accounts line by line. 'And if there are suspicious purchases (e.g. using these accounts to pay for utility bills or groceries, etc), this is a red flag and can affect the result of your application.' Mr Soltani said there is a formula borrowers can use to work out how much their BNPL accounts will affect their borrowing capacity. 'When looking at the effects of a BNPL account you are looking at a five times multiple as a rule of thumb,' he said. With more than $100,000 saved for her first home deposit, Lou was shocked her Afterpay account - and HECS debt of $38,000 - factored into her home loan application (stock image) 'What this means is if you have $2,000 worth of BNPL this affects your borrowing capacity by $10,000.' Mr Soltani said the stakes are just as high with HECS debts. 'Banks treat HECS debt like a personal loan, and the rule of thumb is that for every $10,000 of HECS debt, your home loan serviceability is reduced by $40-50K,' he said. Mr Soltani revealed paying down most of your HECS balance will not make a difference to the lender. 'Unfortunately, partially paying off your HECS debt wont improve your home loan serviceability,' he said. 'The entire debt needs to be cleared, and you must show a $0 balance on your ATO portal.' Almost 130 children are being sent home from school every day after being caught with alcohol, cigarettes or drugs, shocking new figures reveal. Incidents include children arriving to school drunk or high, as well as pupils caught trying to deal drugs. They also include students caught with alcohol or drugs at school, as well as pupils smoking cigarettes. The figures obtained by The Sun include at least one pupil as young as five-years-old, according to the newspaper. More than 24,000 suspensions for drugs and alcohol rule breaches occured for the year ending July 2023, figures revealed. There were a further 590 incidents where children were expelled from school, the figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws show. Almost 130 children are being sent home from school every day after being caught with alcohol , cigarettes or drugs, new figures reveal (Stock photo) The Department for Education said: 'We are determined to get to grips with the causes of poor behaviour.' It comes as children as young as four are being sent home from school after being accused of racism, it was revealed last week. Reception students were among the thousands of pupils who were suspended or excluded for racist behaviour in 2023. Last year, 11,619 children were sent home from school for alleged racist behaviour - up 25 per cent on 2022. This means that last year almost 60 children a day were suspended from school for racism. Among those excluded for the day - or even longer - were seven four-year-olds in reception class. Just over 1,400 children sent home in these circumstances, around one in ten of all cases, were primary school children. Meanwhile, teachers and pupils have been left terrified at the scourge of knives and violence plaguing Britian's schools, it was reported in April. Children as young as five have been revealed to be bringing blades into their classrooms, with one charity boss branding the battle a 'cancer that is spreading' across the country. Knifemen have been spotted casually brandishing their weapons near primary schools and several teachers have already been stabbed in the line of duty this year. In February, it was reported that teachers across UK schools are 'locking classroom doors' to keep aggressive pupils out amid a surge in disruptive behaviour by students. Shocking stories emerged of teachers being assualted, pupils throwing objects across classrooms and skipping lessons as well as students beating each other up. Teaching unions and groups said they have been contacted by frightened teachers who are fearing for their jobs and several who are 'acting like social workers'. The Government is mass releasing 1,700 inmates from jails across England and Wales this morning. It is just the beginning as more than 5,000 prisoners, including violent offenders, will be freed over the next six weeks under plans drawn up by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The plans involve criminals who have served 40 per cent of their sentence rather than at the current 50 per cent point. It is likely to include burglars, thieves and fraudsters along with drug traffickers and dealers, even if they are serving ten or 15 years. Only violent criminals sent down for more than four years will be ineligible. Now The Daily Mail brought together a list of thugs that could soon taste freedom. The Government is mass releasing 1,700 inmates from jails across England and Wales this morning (stock image) Kenneth Brown, 57, of St Leonards, East Sussex, was jailed for four years in February last year for robbing a betting shop, where he told a cashier: 'Give me the money or I'll blow your head off.' Brown wrapped a jacket around his hand and forearm, giving the appearance he had a firearm. He admitted one count of robbery at Lewes Crown Court. Drug mule Benjamin Nwaogwugwu, 44, of Longsight, Manchester, pleaded guilty to drug smuggling after checks found he had ingested 79 packages of cocaine. He was jailed for four years and two months at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester in September 2022. Benjamin Nwaogwugwu Shane Riley, 44, of Swansea, may be eligible for release after serving barely nine months of a 23-month sentence. He admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault, making threats to kill and criminal damage at Peterborough Crown Court last November after headbutting, punching and kicking his former partner after she broke up with him. Shane Riley Serial burglar Michael Alcorn, 60, of Accrington, Lancashire, preyed on the elderly and vulnerable during the first Covid lockdown. After being jailed for ten years at Preston Crown Court in June 2020, he sneered: 'Is that it? Should have made it 15.' Michael Alcorn Patrick Scotland, 28, of west London, was jailed for ten years at London's Isleworth Crown Court in June 2020 after he admitted possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply. The Metropolitan Police said MDMA and crystal meth found in his flat with an estimated street value of 2.2million were the largest-known such seizures from a residential address in the UK to date. Patrick Scotland Jason Holland, 48, from Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, was jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Kingston Crown Court in January 2020. He was part of a gang which supplied drugs worth 70 million around the M25, the court heard. Jason Holland Meanwhile, there are fears that hundreds of offenders will end up homeless leading them back into a life of crime. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is providing accommodation for 12 weeks only, meaning some could end up on the streets and committing crime. Prison leaders said there was even a risk that some of those freed today will become homeless straight away. Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, told the Mail: 'History tells us that there will be people who slip through the net. Sex offenders, serious violent criminals and terrorists are excluded but the scheme will apply to lower-level violent offenders including domestic abusers. A Wyoming man who rescued a 14-year-old girl from a sex abuser was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for 'kidnapping' him, while the pedophile received a similar sentence of 10 to 14 years. In April, Timothy J. Ott, 31, pleaded guilty to kidnapping Zackary Minard, 23, who was found in bed with a 14-year-old girl by her mother. The woman contacted her boyfriend, Ott, who rushed to the house with a 35-year-old friend in tow. Last month, Ott was ordered to serve nine to 10 years in prison. District Judge Michael McGrady further ruled that the 31-year-old must pay the abuser $1,065 in restitution. In April, Timothy J. Ott, 31, pleaded guilty to kidnapping an abuser The 31-year-old confronted the abuser and soon a violent fight broke out, during which the young girl vomited, according to Cowboy State Daily. While the friend repeatedly kicked Minard, Ott took the then 22-year-old by the ankles and dragged him outside, Gillette News Record reported. After letting the abuser get to his feet, they ordered him into the trunk of a red 2007 Chevy car, which he promptly did. Minard claimed to authorities that Ott deliberately drove in an erratic manner, so that he would be thrown around against hard metal objects while in the trunk. The abuser thought that he was being taken to some remote location in order to be killed. Eventually, the car came to a stop and Ott punched Minard multiple times, breaking his nose. The two men left the then 22-year-old out in the rural country, where the temperature was about 35 degrees. Before driving away with his friend, Ott told Minard to walk back to town and consider what he had done. The next day, the 31-year-old returned to the scene to look for the abuser, fearful that something might happen to him. However, Ott learned that Minard had already been found and was now being treated at a hospital. The 'kidnapper' spoke with the police, confessed to his crime, and expressed regret that things went 'too far.' Only a few days after his arrest, authorities found paraphernalia with trace amounts of meth in Ott's possession. The judge gave Ott a three-to-five-year prison sentence for the illicit drug, but is allowing him to serve it concurrently with his time for kidnapping. In his interview with authorities, Minard admitted to having sex with the underage girl. In addition to his prison sentence, the 23-year-old must pay $3,000 in fines, as well as $500 in restitution to the Wyoming Division of Victim Services. In his interview with authorities, Minard confessed to his crime, admitting to having sex with the underage girl The judge further ordered that he must register as a sex offender. Around the time that he was sentenced, Minard wrote a letter in which he expressed remorse for his actions. 'There is not a day that goes by where I wish I could take everything back,' he wrote in the letter. 'I wish that I could have not made the bad choices that day. I wish I could take the pain away from the family I have hurt.' The Prime Minister has announced plans to trial a social media ban for children, with the goal of introducing nationwide legislation before the end of this year. The ban would apply to children under the age of 14, with parental consent required for 14 and 15 year olds to partake in social media usage. This is a worthwhile (and popular) trial for a federal government to conduct. If such laws are to be introduced they should be consistent nationally. Anthony Albanese is showing leadership on this issue by following others. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas led the way on this issue, commissioning former High Court Chief Justice Robert French to write a 276 page report on the issue, and promising to introduce new state based laws in South Australia. And federal opposition leader Peter Dutton committed to an age verification trial, if elected, back in November last year, adding a specific commitment to introducing social media age limits in June of this year. The PM has now joined them with today's undertaking. But there is no mortgage on good ideas, so Albo should be applauded for following Dutton's lead, rather than simply dismissing the concept as unworkable because his political opponent thought of it first. It is easier for the PM not to fall into that hyper-partisan trap given that his state Labor colleague Malinauskas was already on board, also using last week's national cabinet to lobbying the PM to hurry up and join the party. You lead, I'll follow. Anthony Albanese (pictured right) is following South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas's lead on social media age limits, promising a trial before new laws nationally The role of an eminent legal scholar and practitioner like French in charting a legal pathway towards implementation and rollout of the policy is important, because social media giants are unlikely to automatically fall into line. Meta in particular has shown an unwillingness to abide by domestic laws it feels might have a cascading impact on its business model globally. The goal of bans and parental consent restrictions on social media for children is to reduce online bullying and encourage kids to partake in physical activities outdoors rather than remain captured by their electronic devices. The PM used a conga line of media interviews today to make this point. While social media has its problems, these sorts of arguments have been used before by politicians - such as when computer games arrived, or further back in time when televisions became a fixture in every home. Malinauskas said yesterday 'when a product or service hurts children, governments must act. The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm'. On the second point he is certainly correct, the evidence does show harmful effects by social media, especially on children. On the first point, however, Malinauskas and other politicians are deeply inconsistent. If governments 'must act' when products or services cause harm to kids why don't we have bans on everything from sugary foods to fatty fast foods to gambling advertising? Gambling is every bit as addictive as social media if not more so, and with far more negative consequences. Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg (pictured) has been reluctant to accept domestic attempts to limit his business. How will he respond to Australian plans to impose social media age limits? And what about easy access to pornography? While there are already self-regulated bans on such sites for under 18 year olds, we don't go any further than that. Any child can click online that they are over 18 before watching all manner of explicit pornographic content without consequences. It's ridiculous. The reason the government is now acting on the issue of social media and not all these other issues mentioned above is because it suits their political purposes. Legacy media businesses have been complaining loudly for a long time now about the perverse impact social media is having on Australian society, including their business models. Labor acting on this front is therefore likely to be met with applause by the same organisations that will be covering the next election. Albo hopes to score some political brownie points. Let's call it soft diplomacy by the PM, which neatly also answers concerns parents have long had about their kids using social media too much. The federal government is seeking a unified response on this issue - a compact between the Commonwealth and the states to achieve change. Cooperative federalism in action. Banning social media for kids is therefore one of the few bipartisan issues both major parties leaders will agree on in the lead up to the next election. A welcome break from the hyper partisanship and disagreements we've grown used to. A new poll shows Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris with a slight edge in a state that a Democrat hasn't won since 2008. A Quinnipiac University poll released Monday shows Harris ahead of former President Donald Trump in North Carolina. Former President Barack Obama flipped North Carolina in 2008, but no Democrat - including Obama four years later - has been able to do so since. At the same time, Trump is ahead of Harris in Georgia, a state President Joe Biden flipped to the Democratic column in 2020. The poll found that in North Carolina, Harris leads Trump 49 percent to 46 percent, while in Georgia Trump leads Harris 49 percent to 45 percent, among likely voters. Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris (left) has an edge over former Republican President Donald Trump (right) in North Carolina - a state Democratic President Barack Obama flipped in 2008 - while Trump is ahead in Georgia The two southern swing states are split on presidential preference, with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris ahead in North Carolina and former President Donald Trump in the lead in Georgia In North Carolina, Green Party candidate Jill Stein was polling at 1 percent, while other third party candidates weren't registering at that level. In Georgia, it was independent progressive candidate Cornell West and the Party for Socialism and Liberation candidate Claudia De la Cruz who received 1 percent support. With indepedent presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. off the ballot in most swing states, third-party candidates aren't having as much of an impact on the race. When pollsters only gave the option of Trump or Harris, in North Carolina the Democrat continued to lead - 50 percent to 47 percent - and in Georgia Trump still had an advantage - 49 percent to 46 percent. Harris' lead in North Carolina is inside the plus or minus 3.2 percent margin of error, while Trump's lead in Georgia is just barely outside of it. Polling was conducted September 4 to 8. Trump and Harris will meet each other for the first time ever on the debate stage Tuesday night in Philadelphia. In both southern states, which historically have voted for Republican presidential candidates in recent decades, there are wide gaps in gender and race, with men and white likely voters trending Trump and women and voters of color tilting Harris. In Georgia, however, Trump is performing better with white voters and with women than he does in North Carolina, which explains how Harris is ahead in the latter. Fifty-six percent of men in North Carolina back Trump, while just 38 percent back Harris, while 60 percent of women in the state want Harris, compared to just 37 percent of women. Black likely voters split 85 percent to 13 percent in support of Harris, while white voters split 56 percent to 41 percent in support of Trump. White voters in Georgia are more heavily tilted toward Trump - 68 percent to 28 percent. Black voters in Georgia share a similar breakdown to North Carolina voters - 68 percent to 28 percent. The same percentage of men in Georgia are supporting Trump - 56 percent - while 37 percent of Georgia men are backing Harris. The breakdown among female voters in Georgia is 52 percent for Harris, 43 percent for Trump, meaning a smaller chunk of women are voting Harris in Georgia than in North Carolina. Most businesses are planning to put hiring on hold as they brace for Labour's overhaul of workers' rights. In a further sign that confidence among employers is plummeting, a new poll has found that 57 per cent of business leaders will be less likely to hire new workers because of the planned employment rights legislation. The survey, published by the Institute of Directors, warned the government could be pushing ahead with changes too quickly. It comes as Labour looks to introduce changes to law which will include giving workers rights from day one in new jobs as well as a crackdown on zero-hours contracts. The government has said it will push ahead with this revamp within the first 100 days of power, which means changes could come into force from 13 October. Most businesses are planning to put hiring on hold as they brace for Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves' overhaul of workers' rights A new poll has found that 57 per cent of business leaders will be less likely to hire new workers because of the planned employment rights legislation (stock image) Concerns have already been expressed by industries, including hospitality, that are reliant on part time and temporary workers (stock image) Alexandra Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Employment at the Institute of Directors, said: 'Business leaders are concerned about the impacts of the proposed new reforms on the cost of employing staff.' 'The Government's self-imposed deadline for the introduction of employment rights legislation is now just over a month away. 'Time is running out, so it is essential that the Government starts to meaningfully engage with business on the detail of its proposed reforms to ensure that its growth mission is not derailed,' she added. Only 2 per cent of the 715 respondents surveyed said they would be more likely to hire after the changes, the IoD's survey found. Concerns have already been expressed by industries, including hospitality, that are reliant on part time and temporary workers. Before the election, Lord Mandelson - the architect of New Labour's 1997 election victory - urged the party to tread carefully so it did not cripple thriving British businesses They say these employees also appreciate flexibility and hope this is respected by the new rules. Others have flagged the possible costs and regulatory burdens that the new measures will bring. Before the election, Lord Mandelson - the architect of New Labour's 1997 election victory - urged the party to tread carefully so it did not cripple thriving British businesses. Other business groups including the Confederation of British Industry have warned of the 'unintended consequences' of the reforms. The findings from the IoD came as separate statistics from Henley & Partners, which helps wealthy investors move overseas, showed a net loss of 4,200 millionaires in the first five months of the year, with 5,300 expected to leave before January. John Nance Garner didn't think much of the job he held under Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. 'The vice presidency isn't worth a bucket of warm spit,' he once declared. But he was wrong. Over the years, the role has regularly been a platform for the Oval Office. Some 15 vice presidents have gone on to take the top job, including Joe Biden, who served eight years as Barack Obama's deputy. As America prepares to go to the polls this autumn, there is a strong chance that Biden's own controversial sidekick, Kamala Harris, could follow him into the White House. Tonight, Harris takes part in her first televised debate against Donald Trump. It will be a vital test, particularly because owing to the unorthodox nature of her selection after Biden's sudden announcement in July that he would not stand against Trump she has not endured anything like the usual media examination that a presidential candidate has to suffer. As America prepares to go to the polls this autumn, there is a strong chance that Biden's own controversial sidekick, Kamala Harris (pictured during the 2024 Democratic National Convention on August 22), could follow him into the White House Tonight, Harris takes part in her first televised debate against Donald Trump (pictured at Central Wisconsin Airport at September 7) Workers complete preparations on the media filing center and spin room for the ABC News Presidential Debate between Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate former US President Donald Trump, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 9, 2024 As a seasoned political journalist and author of Amateur Hour: Kamala Harris In The White House a comprehensive investigation into how this eccentric San Francisco attorney was fast-tracked to becoming potentially the next leader of the free world I find the lack of scrutiny applied to this shallow and desperate political figure to be maddening. Since winning the nomination, 'Calamity Kamala' has given just two short, lacklustre media interviews that did nothing to enhance her authority. Senior Democrats in Washington tell me that her campaign is increasingly riven and dysfunctional. She calls herself 'a joyful warrior' with an upbeat message yet I hear of repeated power struggles with the Biden team. Three generations Biden's doddery cronies, her own experienced coterie and legions of Gen Z and millennial activists are all pulling in different directions. One former official told me that Harris is reluctant to take drastic action against Biden's crew in particular: 'She won't get rid of them because that would create too much of a distraction.' Her aides have been trying to shield her from Press scrutiny over this and much else by running out the clock towards election day. But one well-connected Democrat tells me that many fear this approach is backfiring: 'It's not a great long-term play for her. She needs to prove she can be unscripted.' The trouble for Harris is that, without an autocue, she flounders. She could easily perform badly in tonight's debate, given her limited grasp of policy and her notorious habit of descending into meaningless verbiage and gaffes under pressure. She might, however, land some blows if she lives up to her carefully crafted image as a tough prosecutor: a skill she claims to have honed as district attorney and attorney general in California, with a highly aggressive and interruptive style of questioning. But if she does emerge victorious, the presidency will be within her grasp a scenario unthinkable until recently. So how on earth did we get here? Branded the most unpopular vice president in modern history, Harris has for years been viewed by some around Washington as an incompetent lightweight, whose trademark unhinged cackle could not conceal her inability to communicate effectively, and whose obsession with identity politics failed to hide her lack of convictions on policy. As a seasoned political journalist and author of Amateur Hour: Kamala Harris In The White House a comprehensive investigation into how this eccentric San Francisco attorney was fast-tracked to becoming potentially the next leader of the free world I find the lack of scrutiny applied to this shallow and desperate political figure to be maddening (pictured: Harris in North Hampton on September 4) A billboard advertising the upcoming presidential debate between former US president Donald J. Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris in the debate's press file in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, September 9, 2024 Even some in America's liberal Press regarded her as a national joke who stumbled from one embarrassment to another. Many of her most incomprehensible pronouncements went viral on social media: take her 2022 assertion that 'it is time for us to do what we have been doing and that time is every day'. Her record may be devoid of real achievement, but her greatest political talent has always been her gift for self-advancement. In my opinion she combines naked political ambition with an instinctive cunning, a lack of scruples and a willingness to jump on every fashionable bandwagon. Hailed as America's 'diverse' political saviour after the division of the Trump years and Biden's flailing tenure, with spectacular cynicism Harris has recently been presented by the party machine as a bold new voice for the country even though she was integral to Biden's administration for four long years. At the Democrats' recent convention in Chicago, she officially accepted the presidential nomination amid scenes of hysterical adulation. Praise was lavished on her by Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, while Harris basked in the personal endorsement of billionaire megastar Oprah Winfrey. The Chicago convention succeeded in generating a feelgood factor around Harris, but this is beginning to dim. Already, polls show that her early 'bounce' is slowing a New York Times survey at the weekend showed Donald Trump overtaking her by 48 per cent to 47 per cent, marking the end of what the liberal paper called her 'euphoric August'. Harris may have hoped that enveloping herself in lavish tributes from celebrity Democrats would help to dodge troubling questions about her candidacy. More fool her. The 59-year-old has one of the thinnest CVs of any modern presidential contender and people have noticed that. It is genuinely alarming that with the world in turmoil, from war in Ukraine to escalating conflict in the Middle East, this comparative novice could soon be in power. When she ran to be California senator in 2017, it looked at one stage that she might secure the Democratic nomination for that role without a fight, even though she had no experience of Washington. Long-serving Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez believed that such a coronation would be a democratic outrage, so she decided to stand against Harris. Since winning the nomination, 'Calamity Kamala' has given just two short, lacklustre media interviews that did nothing to enhance her authority. Senior Democrats in Washington tell me that her campaign is increasingly riven and dysfunctional (pictured: Harris at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on August 22, 2024) She calls herself 'a joyful warrior' with an upbeat message yet I hear of repeated power struggles with the Biden team (pictured: Harris at the Democratic National Convention on August 22) 'This is too important a state and too important a position for someone to get on-the-job training,' said Sanchez. Those same words could be applied far more accurately to the presidency of the United States. The West is confronted by an array of tyrants and terrorists, but our destiny could be imminently in the hands of an amateur. Unlike Roosevelt's vice president John Nance Garner, Harris has conducted no major negotiations or presided over the passage of any significant legislation. Even among Democrats in the Senate, she was unpopular because of her hectoring, partisan style and her obsessive focus on her own career. Other vice presidents, such as Richard Nixon under Dwight Eisenhower, Walter Mondale under Jimmy Carter or Dick Cheney under George W. Bush, had an important influence on US foreign policy, but Biden never respected Harris enough to give her such a role. Like so much else she does, her fleeting forays into foreign affairs have been cringeworthy: among many of her gaffes, I might cite the moment that she referred to North Korea one of the West's most implacable foes and its 'alliance' with the US. Her explanations of the Ukraine war and the role of Nato in the world smacked of childish simplicity, while her behaviour during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan similarly commanded little confidence. She claimed that she was the last person in the Oval Office when Biden made his decision to pull out, but then she went missing for days as the operation unfolded. Her handling of one of the few major tasks she was given as 'Veep' dealing with the immigration crisis on America's southern border was equally maladroit. Handed the grandiose title of 'border czar' in 2021, she celebrated by offering journalists biscuits, baked with her image, on a flight to Guatemala, her first big trip outside Washington. On landing, she pointedly told migrants 'do not come' to the US. It may have been an indicator of her irrelevance that the huddled masses ignored her and instead streamed across the border in ever greater numbers allegedly almost ten million since Biden came to power. As the crisis worsened, her political stature was further diminished when she was interviewed by the liberal network NBC and asked why, given the scale of the problems at the border, she had not visited the region herself as 'czar'. 'And I haven't been to Europe!' she replied, laughing awkwardly. Two other issues as vice president suggest to me her comprehensive unsuitability for high office. The trouble for Harris (pictured at Unite Here Convention on June 21, 2024) is that, without an autocue, she flounders. She could easily perform badly in tonight's debate, given her limited grasp of policy and her notorious habit of descending into meaningless verbiage and gaffes under pressure Harris (pictured at the Democratic National Convention on August 22) may have hoped that enveloping herself in lavish tributes from celebrity Democrats would help to dodge troubling questions about her candidacy. More fool her. The 59-year-old has one of the thinnest CVs of any modern presidential contender and people have noticed that One is her historically dismal relations with some of her own staff allegedly because of a mix of impatience and insecurity. Throughout her time as VP, there was a steady exodus of talented people who could not put up with her management style. One staffer told the Washington Post that Harris would refuse to analyse briefing materials, then scold her team if she appeared unprepared. 'You're not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work,' they added. Shocked Washington insiders have told further tales of dysfunction and even abuse. She berated staff who failed to fulfil her erratic demands, or handed her the wrong type of pen. 'With Kamala, you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and also her own lack of confidence,' said one of her former aides. Another told Politico magazine that her office was 'not a healthy environment and people often feel mistreated'. Her team have denied these reports. After her shambolic primary bid in 2019 one campaign manager said: 'I have never seen an organisation that treated its staff so poorly.' Her eccentric use of English has often featured politically correct jargon mixed with cloying platitudes and repetitions. One of her most infamous comments came at a White House reception in March 2023 to mark Women's History Month, just the sort of woke event in which she delights. 'So, during Women's History Month, we celebrate and we honour the women who made history throughout history, who saw what could be unburdened by what had been,' she told her puzzled audience. It is, all told, a worrying CV for the highest office. So it is perhaps ironic that, even though she does not come across as a serious operator, she takes herself and her image very seriously. One of her first and most telling acts as vice president was to complain about a photo of herself on the cover of Vogue magazine, claiming that she should not have been depicted wearing trainers. Throughout her time as VP, there was a steady exodus of talented people who could not put up with her management style (pictured: Harris at Pittsburgh International Airport on September 5, 2024) She climbed the political ladder in California, demanding that Democrats give her positions of power while coolly dismissing her political rivals (pictured: Harris at the Democratic National Convention on August 22) Her defenders have claimed that she is cleverer than she likes to appear, and certainly it is true that her language was sharper and more concise when she was a young prosecutor. She climbed the political ladder in California, demanding that Democrats give her positions of power while coolly dismissing her political rivals. But when she first got to Washington, experienced political figures described her to me as a 'show horse' in obvious pursuit of the presidency, not a 'work horse' trying to prove her abilities as a senator. Harris's parents divorced when she was seven and she was largely raised by her Hindu mother, with her Jamaican-born father working as a senior professor at Stanford University. This mixed-race upbringing has been useful for her career amid the American Left's fanatical embrace of identity politics, particularly after the unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in 2020 and the resulting Black Lives Matter movement. Always looking for applause from the Left, Harris has accused the immigration authorities of acting like the Ku Klux Klan, and ludicrously compared the pro-Trump protests in Washington on January 6, 2021 to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour and the 9/11 atrocities. Throughout her career, Harris has repeated her motto that she 'eats 'no' for breakfast' when she is told by others that she is not ready for higher office. Tonight, in the presidential debate, viewers will see the real Kamala Harris: a politician of loquacious mediocrity. Does that mean she will lose the election in November? By rights, the presidency should be a step too far for a candidate of her calibre. But there is no predicting the American electorate and I fear the prospect of this individual becoming president is all too likely and all too terrifying. Charlie Spiering is the author of Amateur Hour: Kamala Harris In The White House. A judge has agreed to allow Bryan Kohberger's murder trial to be moved out of Latah County. "Considering the undisputed evidence presented by the defense, the extreme nature of the news coverage in this case, and the smaller population in Latah County, the defense has met the rather low standard of demonstrating 'a reasonable likelihood' that prejudicial news coverage will compromise a fair trial in Latah County," Judge John Judge ruled, according to ABC News. "Thus, the Court will grant Kohberger's motion to change venue for presumed prejudice." The future location will be decided by the state's Supreme Court, although the defense was arguing to have the trial moved to Boise, citing Latah County residents' "mob mentality" against the alleged killer, according to a theoretical phone study, NBC News previously reported, citing court records. If a Latah County jury failed to convict Kohberger, respondents said they'd "burn the courthouse down" and that "they would probably find him and kill him." Another said, "There would likely be a riot and he wouldn't last long outside because someone would do the good ole' boy justice." Kohberger, now 29, allegedly stabbed Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, to death in their off-campus apartment in November 2022. He pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary for the college students' slayings. His trial is slated to begin in June 2025. A motive in the killings remains under investigation. Originally published on Lawyer Herald. More than half of pensioners will heat their homes less due to the winter fuel payment cut, a poll has revealed. Some 55 per cent said the move to strip ten million voters of the subsidy will cause them to have a colder winter this year. The Savanta survey, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, showed that four in ten elderly people are planning to cut back on essentials. And 19 per cent almost one in five will eat less this winter to save money. Three-quarters of respondents said they would be impacted by the planned changes to the winter fuel allowance, while just a fifth think they will avoid any negative effects. Calling on Sir Keir Starmer to rethink the cut, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the poll showed that the Government is forcing pensioners to make the heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter. Some 55 per cent of pensioners said the move to strip ten million voters of the subsidy will cause them to have a colder winter this year Calling on Sir Keir Starmer to rethink the cut, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey (pictured) said the poll showed that the Government is forcing pensioners to make the heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter Three-quarters of respondents said they would be impacted by the planned changes to the winter fuel allowance, while just a fifth think they will avoid any negative effects (stock image) He added: The Government should do the right thing and change course on this. This decision to cut the winter fuel allowance will put untold stress on pensioners, with many facing a heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter. While we understand the dire state the Conservatives left the public finances in, now is not the time to be cutting support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We cannot stand by and allow millions of pensioners to endure another winter in a cost of living crisis. Liberal Democrats will be voting against the Governments cut. Analysis by the party last week found that pensioners are expected to take a 670 hit this winter due to the 10 per cent rise in the energy price cap and cuts to benefits. It came after Sir Ed blasted the decision to slash payments as the new administrations first big mistake. Many elderly Britons are worried about how they will make ends meet this winter (stock image) After tabling a motion for a vote last month, he said: We havent had a vote. We havent had a proper debate. So what all the 72 Liberal Democrat MPs have done, were signing whats called a prayer, which is a parliamentary process, to trigger a debate so we can represent people who have elected us. I think therell be some Labour MPs and MPs probably across all parties. I think people are genuinely worried. 'Theyll be talking to people in their constituencies. Theyll have heard the concerns of a number of the groups who represent pensioners. He also said the Government had other options to balance the books and should look elsewhere to make savings. A spokesman for Age UK said the charity strongly opposes means-testing the payment. It added that the cut means as many as two million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in serious trouble as a result. There are fears the man accused of pouring scalding coffee on a defenceless baby is deliberately leaving a trail of 'fake clues' in a calculated attempt to evade justice. Veteran investigator Charlie Bezzina said the 33-year-old foreign national may have even called in a fake tip-off about his identity in a bid to mislead detectives and buy himself time to escape overseas. And he said he feared the vile fugitive may strike again as he continued to engage in a sick game of 'cat and mouse' with detectives. It comes after Detective Inspector Paul Dalton - the investigator tasked with leading the international manhunt for the man - revealed the alleged assailant had managed to slip out of the country mere hours before police identified him and put a stop on his passport. The man has been on the run since August 27 after he randomly approached a mother and her nine-month-old baby in Brisbane's Hanlon Park before dousing the infant with hot coffee from a thermos in an unprovoked attack. The baby was rushed to Queensland Children's Hospital with life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms and has since undergone four surgeries. Police tracked the man's movements in the wake of incident 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 in the city's inner west before the trail initially ran cold. Little Luka has undergone four surgeries following the sickening, unprovoked attack Veteran detective Charlie Bezzina fears the assailant is playing a sick game of 'cat and mouse' Det Insp Dalton said police now believed the man travelled to Sydney in the days after the attack and used 'counter surveillance' tactics to stay off the grid and avoid detection. He then managed to escape on an international flight using his own passport on August 31, just 12 hours before his true identity was confirmed by investigators. Det Insp Dalton said police had lost critical hours in their bid to snare the man after receiving incorrect information about his identity. 'It soon became apparent to us that this person was aware of police methodologies, was certainly conducting counter-surveillance activities, which made the investigation quite complex,' he said on Monday. He said the man had entered Australia numerous times lawfully since 2019, and travelled the country's eastern seaboard extensively as an itinerant worker in Queensland, Victoria and NSW. A warrant has since been obtained for his arrest for alleged grievous bodily harm, a charge which carries a possible life sentence. Although the fugitive's age and visa status has seen been made public, detectives are yet to reveal his name or the destination of his flight. Police are seeking this man in connection with the shocking attack on August 27 in Brisbane The incident occurred at the family-friendly Hanlon Park in Brisbane's inner south-east Mr Bezzina, who has led countess high-profile manhunts throughout his decorated career, said police could be attempting to lure the man into a false sense of security by keeping those key details under wraps. The retired detective said the man could have employed a number of elementary tactics to through police off his trail long enough to escape the country, such as ditching his mobile phone and only using cash. He said the man may have even phoned in fake tips to police as he tried to plot his escape and warned there would be serious concerns he could act out unpredictably if he felt he was cornered and even strike again. 'Counter-surveillance can be as simple as, "I'll call in a bodgy name to police, I'll leave my phone somewhere, because I know they can trace me on my phone and I'll just get another prepaid one somewhere else",' he said. 'You know, "I'll book into a motel with a bodgy name, I'll avoid using credit cards," it's all that. It doesn't need to be terribly sophisticated. 'The real concern is that he was thinking to employ these counter surveillance tactics while he is on the run and what it says about his state of mind. 'There will be a genuine fear he is one of those people who gets off on playing a cat and mouse game with detectives and that thinks he's smart and wants to be chased by police. 'I mean, why would anyone want to spill boiling water on a baby? And then they're looking to employ tactics to escape? You really need to look at the type of person we're dealing with here - and it's not good.' He said that, in the long run, any attempt to evade justice would be futile - and that the man's alleged crime was so heinous no country in the world would stomach the thought of harbouring the fugitive. 'There is sometimes a concern that in some third-world countries they don't particularly have a "care factor" about crimes committed outside their borders,' he said. 'But in this case, given the enormity of the hideous act that this man has allegedly perpetrated on a young baby, that will pull at the heartstrings of any government - and any police agency - in the world. 'And no one will want the bad publicity that would come with them having this suspect, who has allegedly committed this heinous crime, in their country and that they're not co-operating.' 'He should hand himself in now before police close in even further because this isn't go away for him - whether it's today or tomorrow, or next week, there will come a time and he will get caught.' Little Luka's mother says she has been suffering flashbacks of the horrendous ordeal The baby's mother says she remains racked with guilt about the attack as her little boy continues to recover from the devastating ordeal. 'As a result of the attack, fear will continue to surround me daily Months of recovery will continue for my son,' she told her followers on Instagram on Monday. 'Constant questions eating away at me, Why? Why him? Why not me? Why an innocent defenceless baby. 'This attack has changed our lives and destroyed my mental health for years to come. 'It has ripped this part of motherhood a happy joyful time from beneath me. 'I've lived in constant fear for two weeks that he might attack us again. 'Although I feel some "comfort" knowing that he is no longer in the country, I feel an excruciating amount of anger that he could not be apprehended immediately. 'We now have to wait weeks, months or even years until justice is served for our baby.' A young tradesman who died when his car collided with a truck carrying explosive chemicals, triggering a deadly fire, is being remembered as a beloved son, boyfriend and twin brother. Max Joseph Rourke, 21, was killed when his ute collided with a B-double truck on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland, at around 5am on August 30. His ute burst into flames after the truck spilled its load of ammonium nitrate and triggered a massive chemical fire near Bororen, south of Gladstone. The 21-year-old, who ran his own roof repairs business, suffered devastating abdominal, leg, pelvic, head and arm injuries and died at the scene. His heartbroken girlfriend Tasmyn Lynette said Mr Rourke had been her 'everything and more' in a heartbreaking Instagram post last week. 'Fly high my love. You will forever be missed not only by myself, but by everyone who had the chance to have you present in their life,' she wrote. 'Your smile and laugh was so affectionate, you brightened up every room you walked into. I'll forever be your skippy. My love, my light, my everything and more.' The tradie was described as a 'good friend to many' in a funeral notice and much-loved by his father Anthony and twin brother Zac. Max Joseph Rourke (pictured left) was killed when his ute collided with a B-double truck on the Bruce Highway, in Central Queensland , at around 5am on August 30 His devastated girlfriend Tasmyn Lynette (pictured right) said Mr Rourke (left) had been her 'everything and more' in a heart-breaking Instagram post last week Close friend Cameron Mcgrath expressed his shock at the sudden loss. 'We were only just talking a few days ago. My snap bestie my Brother I just cant believe it at all' he wrote online. A celebration of Mr Rourke's life will be held in the East Chapel at the Rockhampton Crematorium on September 13. The 47-year driver of the B-double truck, who is from NSW, was airlifted to Bundaberg Hospital with serious injuries. A Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the man is currently in a stable condition. The chemical explosion with a 500m blast radius left an enormous crater in the Bruce Highway, which was closed for several days after the horror crash. Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Steven Miles were forced to answer questions about driver safety on the highway. 'I'm very conscious of the need to do more, I want to work with the Queensland Government to make sure that we do more and we'll continue to have more to say, including [about] projects being accelerated,' Mr Albanese said. Mr Miles was forced to deny claims that funding for the highway had stalled. The horror smash, which forced the highway (pictured) to be closed for several days, led to major concerns about the ongoing commitment to make the road safer for motorists 'We have $6billion allocated to projects on the Bruce at the moment, I don't think you can characterise that as stalled,' the premier said. 'Some industry commentators would say that's more than our construction industry can currently sustain so we are investing a lot.' The Bruce Highway upgrade program began a decade ago in July 2013 and was scheduled for 10 years at a cost of $8.5billion. The state and federal government agreed to spend $883million in a joint funding commitment to upgrade several areas of the highway. These areas include Gladstone, Rockhampton, between Mackay and Prosperine, north of Townsville and the Tiaro Bypass. Thousands of university students in York have been told not to call people 'middle-aged' or 'OAPs' because it is 'harmful'. York St. John suggested that its 6,500 undergraduates avoid using any age to prevent offending people in their 40s and 50s and the elderly. Meanwhile, the University of Bristol has urged its 30,000 students to get rid of all 'labels' - including Baby Boomer and Gen X - due to the 'negative stereotypes' they 'reinforce'. According to a report by The Sun, York St. John said the guidelines were just 'recommendations'. 'We are not banning words and support freedom of speech,' it said. Two UK universities have urged students not to say certain words out of fear of offending people The University of Bristol (pictured) has urged its 30,000 students to get rid of all 'labels' - including Baby Boomer and Gen X York St. John (pictured) suggested that its 6,500 undergraduates avoid using any age to prevent offending people MailOnline has contacted the University of Bristol and York St. John for comment. In 2022, university and college staff were told to stop calling older people 'OAPs' and 'pensioners' for fear of being 'ageist'. Officials at institutions including the University of Manchester ordered staff to call over-60s 'mature individuals', 'older people' or simply 'learners'. The demand came as part of the latest raft of 'inclusive language' rolled out to education establishments that also warned people not to use terms like 'diabetic' or 'blind'. A property manager from Oklahoma who began transitioning in prison had previously decapitated a friend in his home state it emerged today as he admitted the murder of a New York antiques dealer. Alex Ray Scott, 28, fled the Sooner State in 2019 to escape allegations she molested a five-year-old, but not before dismembering Robin Skocdopole, 63, with a chainsaw. The revelations emerged as she appeared heavily made-up at Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday to admit killing Kenneth Savinski, 64, with a decorative plate, kitchen knife and 'maybe a pen' in January 2020. 'Scott agreed to take the FBI to the last known location of Skocdopole's head,' the Department of Justice said in a release. 'Unfortunately, when Scott took FBI to the location, no additional remains were found.' Alex Ray Scott began transitioning in prison while awaiting trial for the murder of antiques dealer Kenneth Savinski, 64, in January 2020 Pictured in a 2018 booking photo after his arrest on charges of molesting a five-year-old Scott came to the authority's attention in January 2020 when she walked into a Manhattan police station covered in blood, and told officers: 'I think I may have killed someone last night.' By then police had already found the body of the elegant antiques dealer in his Upper East Side apartment on 83rd Street near Park Avenue. Savinsky who met Scott on a dating site, was found with his throat cut and deep gashes to his head in the blood-spattered apartment. Scott had been seen walking out of the apartment building, wearing Savinski's black jacket and counting money with noticeable hand injuries. Scott then allegedly used Savinski's credit cards to pay for a hotel room in New Jersey, where the killer woke up the next day, covered in blood and apparently with little memory of what had happened the night before. Savinski's was one of five credit cards found on Scott, and investigators began tracing the owners of the others, one of whom was Skocdopole. Scott told interviewers that she had lived at Skocpodole's single-story home in Broken Arrow, but no-one picked up the phone there to investigators. The Broken Arrow Police Department was dispatched to the address with a search warrant in February 2020 and found the house empty of all possessions but splattered with blood. Three months later some of Skocpodole's dismembered remains were found in a nearby creek with a medical examiner concluding that both a chainsaw and a manual saw had been used to cut them up. Murder victim Kenneth Savinski (left) is seen with a friend at an event at Bergdorf Goodman's Restaurant 'BG' in 2006. Savinski was an antiques dealer and decorator Savinski, 64, was found dead in the living room of his first floor apartment on E. 83rd St. near Park Ave. about 5.20 p.m. on January 27, 2020 By then Scott had already murdered and dismembered Robin Skocdopole, 63, at the home they shared together in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma It was May 2023 before Scott admitted to Skocpodole's murder and agreed to take part in a fruitless search for the 63-year-old's missing head. By then Scott was awaiting trial for Savinski's murder at a Rikers Island detention center reserved for female adults and adolescents after she began transitioning while in custody. But it was May 2023 before Scott admitted to Skocpodole's murder and agreed to take part in a fruitless search for the 63-year-old's missing head. The FBI was leading the investigation into Skocpodole's death because it took place on one of Oklahoma's native American reservations. They discovered that Scott, herself a member of the Cherokee Nation, had been fitted with an ankle monitor in July 2019 as she awaited trial for forcing a co-worker's five-year-old son to engage in oral sex. She was renting a room in Skocdopole's home at the time and told friends that her landlord had moved to Dallas for work when Skocdopole vanished in August. Investigators later spoke to friends to reported receiving 'vague and oddly worded' emails from Skocpodole explaining his disappearance which Scott later admitted writing. And data from Scott's ankle monitor data and bank history confirmed that she had purchased and then returned a chainsaw at a local Walmart, while further analysis of the tag led them to where the killer had disposed of some body parts. In October she fled to Long Island where she was arrested for fleeing the child sex charges and told police he had gone there to kill herself. Unaware at that point of Skocdopole's disappearance they took Scott to a psychiatric hospital for observation and later back to Tulsa to be charged with two counts of lewd molestation. She had worked for a property management firm in Tulsa and in 2017 was pictured at a fashion show event in support of the Children's Abuse Network of Tulsa which raised $30,000. Victim Kenneth Savinski (center) is seen with two friends in 2006. He moved his antique store to NYC from Maryland in 2000 and received a favorable mention in the New York Times Scott is seen at a 2017 fashion show fundraiser supporting the Children's Abuse Network Scott was originally booked as a male in January 2020 (seen above) on charges of murder, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property Scott is expected to serve at least 22 years in prison as part of a plea deal with the New York court but will be returned on release to Oklahoma to serve out 45-year sentence there But she was back in New York by Christmas 2019, staying on friends' sofas and arranging hook-ups on dating sites, the last of which was with Savinski. In May of this year she was sentenced to 45 years by a US District judge for the Second Degree Murder in Indian Country of Skocpodole. Details emerged today as she admitted his guilt to the second-degree murder of Savinski. She is expected to serve at least 22 years in prison as part of a plea deal with the New York court but will be returned on release to Oklahoma to serve out her sentence there. Addressing the court, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann congratulated law enforcement on resolving a complex case that involved federal, state and local investigations. 'I've been a prosecutor now for over 41 years, and I'd be hard-pressed to find an investigation and prosecution that was more thorough or of a high level than this case,' he added. Scott is expected back in court for formal sentencing on September 26. Sir Keir Starmer likes few things more than reminding us that he was previously the director of public prosecutions. Hearing him boast about smashing terrorist gangs while in that role, one might believe the Prime Minister to be a one-man crime-fighting machine. To reinforce this impression, he placed law and order at the heart of Labour's election campaign, pledging to create a 'safe, secure, law-abiding society' by ensuring 'criminals will be punished'. But how exactly does he think freeing 5,000 prisoners early the first 1,700 today will keep Britain's streets safe? Strangely, Labour made no mention of this mass release in its manifesto. We know why. Who would have voted for hugely increasing the potential risk to the public? A significant number of inmates at jails such as HMP Wandsworth are subject to 'non-association' orders So by letting convicts serve just 40 per cent of their sentence in custody instead of the current 50 (which many already think too lenient) Sir Keir has deceived voters again. This measure is, of course, the Government's bright idea for reducing jail overcrowding. And it's true, the Tories did leave prisons in an appalling condition dilapidated and full to bursting. While throwing open the gates would certainly ease this problem, can it really be the answer if the consequence is to make our communities less secure? Despite the Ministry of Justice insisting otherwise, it is highly likely that some potentially very dangerous individuals will be set free. And the Probation Service, tasked with supervising the offenders, is already at breaking point. Many will be released with nowhere to live, little chance of employment and no income. With average reoffending rates of 25 per cent, this is a crime wave waiting to happen. That means more homes burgled, more innocents attacked, more domestic abuse victims beaten up by returning partners. How did Sir Keir a man supposedly possessed of a forensic legal brain ever think this was a good idea? The law-abiding public may conclude that under his leadership, the pendulum has swung too far in favour of the criminals and away from the victims. Betrayal of elderly As with the mass release of prisoners, shifty Sir Keir kept quiet about his plan to steal pensioners' winter fuel payments. The PM insists the nation can't afford the handout, but he is under pressure from Labour MPs and the unions to do a U-turn. He's not always dug in his heels over this issue. He sat in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet when, in 2017, Labour warned that Tory plans to scrap the allowance could result in 4,000 elderly deaths. MPs will vote this afternoon on the Government's controversial cut, which critics have warned will force millions of older people to turn down their heating this winter (stock image) Yet now this so-called politician of integrity is prepared to risk if not sacrifice the lives of pensioners to save a relatively small sum of money. This is shameful. But let's face it without double standards, the Left wouldn't haven't any standards at all. Union blues To the delight of Labour's union paymasters, the PM will today tell the TUC conference he is tearing up Conservative laws that made going on strike harder. For anyone who wants the country to thrive, this is deeply depressing. We face a return to the debilitating industrial strife that caused economic and political turmoil before Margaret Thatcher broke the unions' malign chokehold. Sir Keir insists he can lead Britain to a brighter future. By kowtowing to union demands, he risks returning us instead to the dark days of the 1970s. An inquest into the deaths of three premature babies given contaminated feed by hospitals heard how one of the mothers described it as the 'worst experience a parent could have'. Aviva Otte, Yousef Al Kharboush, and Oscar Barker died when the nutrients they were receiving directly into their blood streams, called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), became infected in 2014. Yousef - who was born at St Thomas' Hospital in London - was just nine days old when he died on June 1 after Bacillus cereus bacteria infected his TPN feed. Three-month-old Aviva - also born at St Thomas' - died on January 2 of that year when the same bacteria infected her feed. Meanwhile, Oscar - from the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge - was a little over a month old when he passed away on June 29. Aviva Otte, Yousef Al Kharboush (pictured), and Oscar Barker died when the nutrients they were receiving directly into their blood streams, called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), became infected in 2014 Yousef - who was born at St Thomas' Hospital in London (pictured) - was just nine days old when he died on June 1 after Bacillus cereus bacteria infected his TPN feed Meanwhile, Oscar (pictured) from the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge was a little over a month old when he passed away on June 29 Speaking of her loss, Yousef's mother Ghanda Al Kharboush told the inquest: 'It is the worst experience a parent could have. The consultant told me Yousef had water in his lungs. 'I was told that there was nothing more they could do for him. At this point, I asked them to stop what they were doing. I wanted to end his pain. 'I then took Yousaf in my arms while still attached to the ventilator.' At the time of Aviva's death, St Thomas' were making the TPN internally, but after the outbreak of Bacillus cereus they shut down their process and outsourced to a company called ITH Pharma. The inquest at Inner London Coroner's Court, which is being presided by Dr Julian Morris, will hear evidence about what doctors at St Thomas' knew about the outbreak. It will also address if the hospital should have passed this information on to ITH Pharma before they started supplying the feed. The feed provided to Yousef and Oscar by ITH Pharma was being used by nine different hospitals across the UK between May and June 2014 and saw 17 more babies become ill. ITH Pharma was fined 1.2million for regulatory offences following the deaths of Oscar and Yousaf. Previously, a spokesman for ITH Pharma said: 'ITH was not told of the previous outbreak of Bacillus cereus and death at St Thomas' at any point prior to the summer 2014 incident. 'This is deeply troubling given that this appears to be the very reason we were brought in to supply TPN at St Thomas'.' In 2022, ITH Pharma admitted failing to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment between August 2009 and June 2014, and two charges of supplying a medicinal product which was not of the nature or quality specified in the prescription. Three-month-old Aviva also born at St Thomas' died on January 2 of that year when the same bacteria infected her feed. Pictured: Aviva's mother, Jedidajah The court also heard from Hollie Barker, mother of Oscar, who was visiting doctors once or twice a week to discuss her progress in 2014. In the weeks after giving birth via a caesarean, she was told her son had suffered a difficult night in the hospital. In a statement to the inquest, Miss Barker added: 'During Oscar's last week alive in June, the hospital staff requested numerous times that his life support system be turned off. 'I felt I was not being told the truth or the whole 100 per cent truth... I lost faith in the hospital and became very stressed over the care of Oscar. 'I wanted everything to be done but deep down I knew he wasn't getting any better. I went into a private room with Oscar, cuddled him and said my goodbye to him.' Previously, St Thomas' said that it was 'in no way obliged to inform ITH Pharma of the outbreak in January 2014 and to suggest otherwise is inaccurate and misleading.' The terrorism threat has been raised to 'probable' in Victoria so as to grant expanded powers to police ahead of anticipated protests by anti-war groups against a major defence exhibition. Pro-Palestine protesters and members of climate activist group Extinction Rebellion are expected to demonstrate outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to protest the 2024 Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition. Scheduled to run from Wednesday through Friday, the event will bring together almost 1000 exhibitions from 31 countries. However the Disrupt Land Forces activist group have claimed the event 'facilitate(s) murder'. 'We unequivocally oppose the glorification of death, destruction, and genocide being carried out with weapons developed on this continent and showcased at Land Forces,' Disrupt Land Forces said in an open letter. 'From Palestine to West Papua, these companies facilitate murder, displacement, land desecration and colonisation in the name of western imperialist interests.' The group has called for an 'end to all weapons exports to states engaged in genocide and militarised repression'. Victoria Police has been given 'special powers' under the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act in the area surrounding the Exhibition Centre until 11.59pm on September 15. The terrorism threat has been raised to 'probable' in Victoria, as hundreds of protesters are expected to rally against a major defence exhibition (pictured, officers at a protest) Under the powers it's an offence to hinder a search or fail to comply with a direction to remove a face covering. A Victoria Police spokesperson on Tuesday confirmed there would be a 'significant presence' at the Land Forces event. 'This is expected to be our largest operation since the World Economic Forum in 2000,' the spokesperson said. 'A number of police will be dedicated to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to ensure the highest level of safety and security throughout the event. 'This includes hundreds of regional police who will travel to Melbourne for the event in addition to metro general duties police and specialist police including the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Mounted Branch.' The spokesperson said the National Terrorism Threat Level had been raised to 'probable', with police having 'ample resources available to provide an agile response to any incidents'. 'Victoria Police will also set up its State Police Operations Centre at the Victoria Police Centre,' the spokesperson said. 'While Victoria Police acknowledges the National Terrorism Threat Level has been elevated to probable, there is no intelligence to suggest this event is the target of any specific threat.' Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters and members of activist group Extinction Rebellion (pictured) are expected outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to protest the 2024 Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition Two people were arrested during the weekend's protests, while two officers were allegedly assaulted while attempting to intervene after a man was allegedly assaulted and his Bourke St property damaged. They were both released from custody and are expected to be charged on summons with assault and resist police offences. Investigations are ongoing into the initial altercation. Students who took part in the pro-Palestinian protests last spring are now being punished by universities with protracted suspensions and mandatory contrition essays. As the fall term gets underway, college authorities figuring out the right disciplinary actions to take against the groups who gathered on campus and erected encampments as they demanded their schools sever financial ties with Israel. At the University of Southern California, where demonstrators repeatedly clashed with the police, students are now experiencing a range of consequences for their behavior. Elizabeth Howell-Egan, a third-year law student, participated in two pro-Palestinian encampments on the campus over four months ago. Students who took part in the pro-Palestinian protests last spring are now being punished by universities with protracted suspensions and mandatory contrition essays At the University of Southern California , where demonstrators repeatedly clashed with the police, students are now experiencing a range of consequences for their behavior Although Howell-Egan evaded arrest, her punishment at the hands of university administrators is, she claims, worse. As part of a 'resolution process' for allegedly violating USC codes of conduct during demonstrations, the law student is now banned from campus and classes. Her suspension could last through next spring. 'USC's really leaning into the idea that the process is the punishment,' Howell-Egan told the LA Times. According to the school, the third-year law student was a leader in the protests, although she maintains that her role was limited to public liaison to police. 'I don't know if their intention is to make me regret our activism, but what it really does is strengthen my beliefs,' Howell-Egan said. Another part of the resolution process is that students must write an essay in which they contemplate their past actions Another part of the resolution process is that students must write an essay in which they contemplate their past actions. USC's Office of Community Expectations ordered Howell-Egan to compose a four-page reflection that is due in September. In the essay, she is expected to share 'personal thoughts, experiences, and insights' from the protest and 'how you might make different decisions in the future.' According to the LA Times, students are forbidden from using the papers as spaces in which 'to justify' their actions or 'evaluate the actions of others.' Howell-Egan expected there to be some consequences for her actions, but she finds this resolution process to be 'absurd.' For the third-year, a hearing date before the school has not yet been scheduled, throwing further doubt on when she can return to the classroom. In their essays, students are expected to share 'personal thoughts, experiences, and insights' from the protests Some students at USC- as well as other California universities like UCLA, UC Irvine, and Cal Poly Humboldt, said that the cases against them are exceedingly vague Some students at USC- as well as other California universities like UCLA, UC Irvine, and Cal Poly Humboldt- told the LA Times that the cases against them are exceedingly vague. A few graduates also revealed that they have been unable to receive their diplomas because record holds haven't been lifted. Universities wield great freedom in determining internal charges against student protestors, experts noted. Each college operates with its own standards of evidence, length of investigations, and punishments. Brian Glick, the director of student conduct and community standards at Adelphi University, said that USC's actions are normal. Interim suspensions, interviews with administrative officials, panels prior to final decisions, and contrition essays are all standard procedures, he said. Universities wield great freedom in determining internal charges against student protestors, experts noted According to USC's website, 74 students were cited for campus violations between two encampments, which led to interim suspensions over the summer for some of those involved 'As long as a university...treats one kind of protest the same as others when it comes to violations that disrupt and is following its own policies equally for students, they are within the standards,' Glick told the LA Times. USC charged students based on a 'preponderance of evidence'- a criterion that is followed by other prominent California universities. This kind of standard resembles what is used in civil trials, and it requires a much lower bar than 'beyond a reasonable doubt,' which is used in criminal cases. According to USC's website, 74 students were cited for campus violations between two encampments, which led to interim suspensions over the summer for some of those involved. In May, the university was forced to cancel its graduation following days of unrest on the campus from chaotic protests about the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war In April, protests erupted across the campus In May, the university was forced to cancel its graduation following days of unrest on the campus from chaotic protests about the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war. In April, USC's valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, was been banned from making a speech during the university's commencement ceremony after she allegedly made anti-Semitic posts on social media calling for the 'complete abolition' of Israel. A week later, protests erupted across the campus and students erected their own Gaza encampment. Soon police clashed with the protestors, breaking up their tent demonstrations. Students responded by throwing objects at the officers, including a rock and water bottles. Students erected encampments on campus, and the police were ultimately called in to dismantle them At one point, a cop car was swarmed by students when a protestor was detained, and the police eventually released the individual back into the crowd. USC then sent out a notification that the Los Angeles Police Department has been brought in to assist with clearing the campus. If you are in the center of campus, please leave; LAPD will be arresting people who don't disperse,' the university said. USC Provost Andrew Guzman sent a campus-wide email saying protesters 'threatened the safety of our officers and campus community,' reported The Los Angeles Times. USC sent out a notification that the Los Angeles Police Department has been brought in to assist with clearing the campus 'We have well-established policies regarding limits on the time, place, and manner of free expression,' Guzman said. Rachel, a USC student studying humanities, received an interim suspension for taking part in an encampment. In order to be allowed back for the fall semester she had to sign off on the student handbook and write an apology letter. She told the LA Times that she fulfilled both requests, so that she could attend her classes. 'I can write whatever they want me to write,' Rachel said. 'But, ultimately, it doesn't change my values.' A magazine reporter has revealed she was allowed to inspect Donald Trump's recently shot at ear during an interview, saying it was 'normal and incredible and fine'. A 20-year-old gunman attempted to kill the former president on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, only to graze Trump's ear, which was left bloodied. New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi made the ear inspection when she profiled Trump in Florida a few weeks after the shooting but couldn't help remarking upon the condition of Trump's ear. Trump tapped the spot where he was shot, which led Nuzzi to write: 'An ear had never appeared to have gone through less'. 'The particular spot that he identified with his tap was pristine. I scanned carefully the rest of the terrain. It looked normal and incredible and fine', she added. Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi says she was allowed to inspect Donald Trump's recently shot at ear during an interview and declared it 'normal and incredible and fine' Nuzzi, a reporter for New York Magazine, profiled Trump at Florida just a few weeks after the shooting and couldn't help but remark upon the condition of Trump's ear She said in her New York Magazine piece that she could spot a small sliver of Trump's ear that appeared to have been through the shooting describing the mark in almost doubting terms. 'An ear had never appeared to have gone through less. Except there, on the tiniest patch of this tiny sculpture of skin, a minor distortion that resembled not a crucifixion wound but the distant aftermath of a sunburn.' Trump himself was in a somewhat philosophical mood about his wounds. 'It's a railroad track. They didn't need a stitch. You know, it's funny. Usually, something like that would be considered a surreal experience, where you sort of don't realize it, and yet there was no surrealism in this case,' he told Nuzzi. 'I felt immediately that I got hit by a bullet. I also knew it was my ear. It's amazing. And the ear, as you know, is a big bleeder.' Her words appeared to leave room to for liberals' deranged conspiracy theories regarding the shooting shortly after it took place. YouTuber James Klug interviewed the public at Huntington Beach in California to ask them their views on the assassination attempt on Trump. 'It was a false flag,' one man told him. He replied: 'Somebody died and two people were injured, what do you think about that?' But the man just responded: 'False flag.' Another beachgoer said: 'I thought it was magnificently staged. It was professionally done. It almost looked real.' He was asked who it could have been staged by and he responded: 'By Mr Trump of course.' A 20-year-old gunman attempted to kill the former president on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania , only to graze Trump's ear, which was left bloodied Nuzzi could spot a small sliver of Trump's ear that appeared to have been through the shooting describing the mark in almost doubting terms The man added that the death and injuries were a 'small price'. 'It doesn't matter to Trump,' he added. 'Do you think he cares if people die for him to be elected? 'Death doesn't mean anything to Trump. 'I think that he walked away alive, perhaps a scratch on his ear. Behind the scenes that was all fabricated. 'They put a little scratch on his ear, threw a little blood on his face.' Klug asked: 'So you think they planned from 130 yards away to shoot off the corner of his ear? The man replied: 'They never shot off the corner of his ear. That was all done by the people hanging around him.' 'I think this whole thing was staged,' a third man claimed. 'It could be [Trump] or the other side trying to make a scene. 'But the fact it only got his ear and he stood up and said America, come on, it doesn't feel normal. Trump was hit in the ear and an attendee at his fateful Butler, Pennsylvania rally was killed by Crooks' hail of bullets, which was said to have been ended by a heroic officer shooting from the ground 'To me it looks like it was planned. Bless that soul for dying for this cause. I am so sorry for that person's family. It's just a feeling.' Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired eight bullets at the crowd, striking Trump's ear and hitting three rally attendees, one fatally. The Secret Service's counter sniper team took out the shooter. They said the male shooter began firing from an elevated position outside the rally grounds before being killed. Two other people were critically-injured by the gunfire. Images on social media show the dead gunman laying on top of a beige building about 300 feet north of the stage where Trump was standing when he was shot. The gunman opened fire from AGR International, a plastic container manufacturing facility. Trump was mid-sentence, saying 'Take a look at what happened' when the shots began to ring out shortly before 6pm ET, with terrified screams filling the air as he and onlookers dived to the ground. In the moments after the shooting, voices could be heard screaming 'The shooter is down' as Trump dived to the floor and frightened rallygoers screamed with fear. The 45th president was seen ducking down with blood coming from his ear. Trump has since issued a statement on TruthSocial detailing what happened to him. The body of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate former President Trump, was returned to his family for cremation only ten days after the shooting He wrote: 'I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!' It had previously been suggested that Trump was struck and injured by a piece of a shattered teleprompter. Seconds later, the blood-covered lawmaker pumped his fist in the air to indicate that he was fine, while surrounded by Secret Service agents, before being led away. Trump could also be heard repeatedly asking: 'Let me get my shoes.' Realizing their hero was uninjured and that the immediate danger appeared to have passed, the crowd began chanting 'USA, USA' as he was rushed away and bundled into a Secret Service SUV. The former president quickly moved on from the shooting, appearing at the Republican National Convention's first night, receiving a hero's welcome with the ear bandaged. A federal judge has temporarily halted President Joe Biden's latest student loan forgiveness plan, affecting over 25 million borrowers, as part of an ongoing GOP-led challenge to the program. The restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall in Augusta, Georgia, after seven Republican-led states filed a lawsuit aiming to stop the plan. The states, led by Missouri, claim the Biden administration lacks the authority to forgive student loans under the proposed rule, which was set to cancel billions in debt. In his decision, Hall wrote that the states had a "substantial likelihood of success" in proving the Education Department overstepped its legal boundaries. "... This is especially true in light of the recent rulings across the country striking down similar federal student loan forgiveness plans." The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, argued the Education Department had begun instructing loan servicers to cancel debts before the rule was finalized, potentially forgiving $73 billion in loans. Hall's ruling pauses the policy until a hearing scheduled for Sept. 18. In a statement to Reuters, the White House criticized the ruling, calling it "an overreach based on false claims fueled by Republican elected officials." This lawsuit marks the latest legal challenge to Biden's efforts to provide debt relief. Previously, the Supreme Court blocked a $430 billion forgiveness plan in June 2023, leading the administration to pursue a new program, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which aimed to reduce monthly payments and accelerate loan forgiveness. However, that plan is also on hold due to ongoing litigation. This most recent case will move forward with a hearing later this month. A 'selfish' dog walker has been slammed for leaving their car in a private parking space for an entire day in an upmarket Sydney suburb. The disgruntled resident admonished the driver in a neat handwritten note after they parked their car in Cremorne, in the city's lower north shore, this week. 'These are private spaces and are marked as such, you knew this when you parked here this morning and scurried off with your two dogs,' they wrote. 'To stay here all day when the owner of the space has had to park elsewhere is next level selfish and entitled. 'There were street spaces available when you parked here - but you knew that too.' The author, who signed off the pointed note as 'karma', told the driver to park their vehicle elsewhere next time. 'You car details have been recorded. Don't stop by here again, take your selfishness elsewhere, thanks,' they wrote. Locals were quick to applaud the author after a photo of the letter was uploaded to a community Facebook page this week. A dog walker has been slammed as 'selfish' and 'entitled' in a handwritten note (pictured) after they parked in a private car space for the entire day in one of Sydney's ritziest suburbs Locals were quick to applaud the angry resident after a photo of their handwritten letter was uploaded to a community Facebook page this week 'Actually nice and polite and not painful,' one group member wrote. 'Karma writes well,' another said. 'The irony is lost on the selfishness of the writer believing they are entitled to a reserved car space as if they are royalty,' a third person shared. 'Lovely handwriting,' a fourth added. Others shared their own parking dilemmas in the comments. 'This happened to me a few years ago when I lived in Cammeray. [They] disappeared for [more than] four hours,' one person wrote. A North Sydney Council spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that they do not enforce any penalties for parking on private property. Residents in New South Wales are entitled to use private parking spaces designated specifically to them under strata parking rules. Parking spaces allotted to properties managed under strata schemes may also have some spots available for their visitors. An owner or occupier who is caught breaking parking rules after being issued with a breach notice can be ordered to pay a $1,100 fine. A co-director of an Indigenous corporation that opposed a $1billion goldmine being built in a region of NSW had unsuccessfully tried to have every creek, lake and river in the same area registered as an Aboriginal heritage site. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek recently blocked the proposed site of a tailings dam for the goldmine in Blayney, in the state's central west. She issued an Indigenous heritage protection order rejecting the planned site of the dam at the mine in mid-August. The Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation asked the minister to protect the headwaters and the springs of the Belubula River as a site central to creation stories. That's despite the NSW Independent Planning Commission originally approving the mine in March 2023, a process that involved consultation with the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, the elected body for local Indigenous leaders. In 2021 Lisa Paton, one of the directors of the Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation, tried to have all waterways in Blayney registered as Aboriginal sites by the state's Office of Environment & Heritage, The Australian reported. 'This (application) is over ALL NATURAL waterways in the Blayney Shire Council Region including all waterways that no longer flow, 100 metres either side of waterways, Rivers, Creeks, swamps and lakes,' she said in her application which was ultimately denied. 'All waterways in the nominated area are known to have deep spiritual significance. Lisa Paton is the co-director of the Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation, which spoke out against the proposed site of a tailings dam at a $1billion goldmine being built in Blayney, NSW 'Connection to the river for Wiradjuri people was related to their kin groups and each person has responsibility towards care and protection of a section of the river and waterways that related to their family ties.' The revelation was blasted by Sky News host Caleb Bond. 'Imagine if we applied that across the nation,' he said. 'Every waterway in the country is now some sort of sacred Indigenous site because, of course, every waterway in the country, I'm sure at some point had an Indigenous person drinking from it or fishing from it,' he said. 'Surely you could say that about every bit of land in the country.' At the time of Ms Paton's application, Regis, the company behind the goldmine, was five years into consultations about the mine with Indigenous groups including the one of which she is a director. Ms Paton also once worked for the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, according to her LinkedIn, and also conducts heritage research at the Belubula Headwaters Protection Group. Ms Paton had earlier applied for every waterway in Blayney to be registered as an Aboriginal heritage site In 2021, Ms Paton launched a petition to then environment minister Sussan Ley, objecting against the goldmine being set up. It garnered just over 300 signatures. Ms Paton did successfully register an Aboriginal burial ground on the western side of the proposed site for the goldmine in 2020. Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council representative and Indigenous elder Roy Ah-See earlier said Ms Plibersek's decision undermined the recognised authority of the council. 'Not all Aboriginal people are about environmentalists, we're about economic empowerment for our people,' Mr Ah-See said. 'Our kids want to be a part of the economic base for future generations.' The NSW Environment Protection Authority also said the impact on the Belubula River would be 'minimal'. Ms Plibersek earlier said she'd objected to the tailings dam being established on 400 hectares of the 2,500 hectare site, and suggested the company find another place for it. Regis chief executive Jim Beyer earlier said the order rendered the project unviable because the alternative sites for the tailings dam also fell under the exclusion area. 'We've got quite a task ahead of us to understand what the alternative is to the tailings facility,' Mr Beyer told reporters in Orange last month. Tanya Plibersek issued an Indigenous heritage protection order rejecting the proposed site of a tailings dam at the goldmine (pictured) in mid-August It would take years to complete the necessary geotechnical drilling and environmental surveys to identify a new location, he said. 'Right now we're not exactly sure what direction we can take,' he said. 'We will look at it because it's a project worth pursuing, but we just don't know how long. It could be five to 10 years.' Regis executives have met with several NSW government ministers to consider potential ways forward. A judge has ordered a mental evaluation of the 85-year-old white man who shot Ralph Yarl, a black teenager who accidentally rang the wrong doorbell in April 2023. It means the trial of Andrew Lester from Kansas City, Missouri, has now been delayed indefinitely after his lawyer requested the evaluation last month. Lester's lawyer claims the retired aircraft mechanic's health has deteriorated so much he now lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense. The trial of Lester had been scheduled to begin next month on October 7. Instead, there will now be a hearing the following day. Lester appeared in court on Monday and has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13, 2023, shooting of Yarl, an honor student, who was 16 at the time. Yarl went to the wrong house by mistake. A judge has ordered a mental evaluation and has now delayed the trial indefinitely of Andrew Lester 85-year-old white man who shot Ralph Yarl Ralph Yarl, then 16, accidentally rang the wrong doorbell of a Kansas City, Missouri , home by mistake The elderly man had already pleaded guilty to the charges and his attorney had argued that Lester acted in self-defense Incredibly, Yarl survived the shooting and graduated from high school this spring, but his family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and has filed a lawsuit against Lester. The shooting shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in the U.S. Attorney Steve Salmon has long argued that Lester was acting in self-defense, terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night. Yarl showed up on Lester's doorstep after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin brothers from a play date. Yarl testified at an earlier hearing that Lester shot him in the head and uttered, 'Don't come here ever again.' Although the bullet didn't penetrate Yarl's brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm. In the ensuing months, Lester has had heart issues, a broken hip and been in hospital several times. Lester also has lost 50 pounds, which Salmon blames on the stress he has experienced because of intense scrutiny from the news media and death threats. Ralph Yarl, now 17, was shot by Lester on April 13, 2023 after he went to the wrong address while going to collect his twin younger brothers from their friend's house in Kansas City, Missouri (Pictured: Yarl in the hospital following the shooting) Ralph Yarl, center, was said to have been trying to pick up his his twin younger brothers from a friend's house but went to the wrong address Salmon said Lester also has memory issues relating to key facts about the case that formerly were not a problem. He said Lester thinks every pretrial hearing is the actual trial, despite being told otherwise, and believes that coins he purchased from a TV ad are now worth about $20 million. 'Over the course of this case, Counsel has noticed a significant decline in Defendant's overall physical health, as well as his mental acuity,' Salmon said in the motion on Monday. 'The frailty of Defendant's physical health has, in part, been because of a broken hip, heart issues and hospitalization he has suffered during the pendency of this matter,' he added. Salmon also noted how due to the 'overwhelming media attention, as well as death threats and other unwanted attention' it has made it 'difficult for Lester to interact socially with anyone.' Gripping footage of the moment cops missed their biggest chance to stop Georgia school shooting suspect Colt Gray has been released, five days after the attack that left four dead. Officers from Jackson County Sheriff's Office visited the family home in Jefferson in May last year after they were warned by the FBI that Colt had threatened a school shooting in a message on the gaming platform Discord. Police bodycam footage shows Colt's father casually sipping an energy drink on the porch as he admits his then 13-year-old son has access to unsecured guns in the house behind him, but insists he will be 'mad as hell' if the claims turn out to be true. Asked to summon Colt, he tells the cops to 'instill in him.. This is no joke'. But he holds his hands out as he warns: 'Now look he's going to get all red face when you talk to him, just.. Calm.' Colin Gray seemed surprised to see police on the doorstep of his Jefferson home He warned police to remain 'calm' when talking to his son during their visit in May last year Gray, 54, faces four counts of manslaughter and two counts of second-degree murder amid claims he gave his son the AR-15-style rifle used in the massacre at Apalachee High School on Wednesday. The father-of-three told the officers he was old officers he was 'in shock' and 'a little p***ed off' at the claims and claims he has had conversations with his son about school shootings. The footage opens with an officer asking him whether his son plays 'a lot of computer games and stuff'. 'Yeah he does, like all the time,' Gray replies. 'Do you think there's something he might wanna..?' the cop asks. 'I damn sure want to know,' Gray insists as he cracks open his can. He nods when the officer asks him whether there are weapons in the house, and admits 'they are', when asked if they are accessible by Colt. 'I mean there's nothing loaded but they are there,' he explains. 'We actually do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting, he shot his first deer this year.' Challenged directly over threats of a school shooting, Gray replies: 'I don't know anything about him saying **** like that. 'I'm going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away. And they won't be accessible to him. Dressed casually in a baggy T-shirt and sweatpants the alleged killer cut a very different figure to the long-haired blond teenager seen in court last week. His father seemed keen to end the interview as Colt denied making threats online Sixteen months later teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39 and Cristina Irimie, 53, were to lose their lives alongside students Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14, in the deadliest school shooting in the state's history Gray cut a very different figure as he cried and rocked back and forth in a court appearance on Friday charged with four counts of manslaughter and two counts of second-degree murder Colt Gray too was unrecognizable as he made his first court appearance on Friday 'You know I'm trying to be honest with him,' he continues. 'I'm trying to teach him about firearms and safety and how to do it all and get him interested in the outdoors, like off his phone.' 'Get him away from those video games,' the cop giggles. 'Exactly right,' Colt's father replies. The high school outside Winder remains closed five days after the deadliest school shooting in the state's history claimed the lives of two 14-year-olds and two teachers. Gray, who appeared in the same courthouse as his son of Friday deserves to die for turning his son into a mass murderer, the boy's grandfather Charlie Polhamus told Dailymail.com on Monday. Polhamus, the father of Gray's former wife Marcee, said Colt 'didn't have any guidance', and he was allowed to watch whatever he wanted on TV and the internet when staying with his father. 'He's a full-fledged narcissist and he finally getting what he deserves', he added. Gray insisted he took an active interest in his son as he was questioned by the police 16 months ago. 'I ask him 'are you getting picked on at school?' Gray said. 'He is. He's getting picked on at school. And 'is everything ok?' 'That's why I keep going up there.' Seconds later, Colt is seen emerging nervously onto the porch after being summoned by his father. Dressed casually in a baggy T-shirt and sweatpants he cut a very different figure to the long-haired blond teenager seen in court last week. But in the footage he was wearing an only slightly smaller version of the silver crucifix dangling on a chain around his father's neck. 'Did your dad kind of explain everything to you?' the cop asks him. Colt's father Colin Gray (pictured left) is facing felony charges in connection with the shooting. Polhamus claims the boy's dad 'ruined' Colt and wasn't a 'supportive' parent Colt has his hands in his pockets and sways slightly from side to side as he begins to mumble a reply. 'He said something about..' 'Shooting up a school,' his father interjects his eyes focused on the ground. 'Did you say something about shooting up a school?' the officer asks. 'Never, I just told him, I don't know what, maybe they misheard somebody else, I don't remember saying..' the boy replies. 'Do you use Discord?' the officer inquires. 'Discord?' 'Yes sir,' the officer says. 'Um, I used to, I don't have it anymore.' 'When was the last time you used it?' he is asked. 'Um, maybe like a few months ago..' Colt was introduced to weapons by his father, who claims he took him hunting out of fear he could be caught up in a school shooting and unable to defend himself. Colt is pictured in January 2023 with a 450 Bushmaster AR-15 semi-automatic rifle that he used to kill a deer He said he had it deleted because 'I think it got like it had been password pulled or something, like I had clicked on a link and somebody had..' 'I mean I'm not trying to get anyone hemmed up or anything,' the officer says, 'but this is some serious stuff.' 'Oh he knows how serious it is, trust me,' Gray interjects. Colt insisted he never saw threats of a shooting on the platform, and his father seemed keen to wind up the interview as the officer sums up what he has been told. 'He's telling me he didn't,' the cop says. 'Yeah,' says Gray, now leaning on a wall. 'He's telling me he can't remember anything like that?' 'Yep,' the father confirms. 'I take you at your word,' the cop tells Colt. 'If you look me in the eye and tell me that's what you're telling me?' Colt nods as the officer admits: 'I've got no choice but to take you at your word right now. 'But like I was telling your dad if we find out otherwise then it's a different story.' 'It's a really different story,' his father growls. Colt is being tried as an adult and was told at his court appearance on Friday that he could spend the rest of his life behind bars for the violent present. His father faces eight counts of cruelty to children, as well as his murder and manslaughter charges. The father and son both appeared at Barrow County Superior Court on Friday, in shackles and handcuffed at the front of their body. Colt reportedly told police 'I did it' when read his Miranda rights after his arrest on Wednesday. The teen, dressed in a green T-shirt and grey sweatpants, 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. Meanwhile his father, Colin, cried as he appeared shortly after his son in the same courtroom, rocking back and forth. Since the deadly rampage, it has emerged that Colt, pictured as a toddler, had a seemingly unstable childhood. His mother Marcee (left) has a criminal record spanning more than 17 years and his father Colin (right) was allegedly 'dysfunctional' and could be heard 'screaming and hollering every day' Gray shuffled in wearing a prison-issued striped shirt and tracksuit, in shackles like his son. He stated his name in a croaky voice, confirming his age, and that he was able to read and write. 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. 'He's getting what he deserves. My grandson is getting what he deserves, too,' Polhamus said. 'Vengeance is mine, say the lord.' Two young boys have been found dead inside a home in Sydney's Blue Mountains and their mother airlifted to hospital with wrist injuries where she remains under police guard. The children, aged 9 and 11, were discovered by a family member at the home on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge just before 12:40pm on Tuesday suffering reported stab wounds. Their 42-year-old mother was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition after a Toll ambulance helicopter landed at nearby Springwood High School. She will be treated for self-inflicted cuts to her wrists. Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the family, said they had been well-liked members of the close-knit community. 'They seemed like a really happy family, they have been living here for years, and you would just never pick something like this would happen, he told Daily Mail Australia. 'They would all come together to the local street Christmas party and appeared every bit the perfect family. 'The mum used to be known for taking exercise walks around the area in the afternoons and we would always have a chat. 'There was never any indication anything was wrong. I couldn't say a bad word about them.' A major police response was triggered in Faulconbridge after the bodies of two young boys were found in a home on Chapman Parade The boys' mother has been rushed to Westmead Hospital in Sydney with knife injuries Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the entire community was shocked by the incident. 'You used to see her walking her dogs around the streets all the time, and out and about with her sons,' the local resident said. 'They were lovely young boys. You'd never think something like that could happen here, it's a quiet community.' The children's father, who is separated from their mother and did not live at the same address, called triple-0 when he visited the home and found the boys' bodies and his former partner injured. NSW Police have established a crime scene at the Blue Mountains home and are investigating the circumstances of the deaths. There is no ongoing threat to the community and police said they are not looking for anyone else. The bodies of two young boys, aged 9 and 11, were discovered at the home in Faulconbridge (pictured, paramedics at the scene in Sydney's west) NSW Police said officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command are investigating the circumstances of the deaths and are being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed at a press conference at 4pm: 'Officers were called to an address on Chapman Parade today regarding the concern for welfare of a woman and two children'. 'Police attended a short time later and discovered the bodies of two children - two boys, one aged nine and one aged 11. 'A female has been transported to hospital. She is under police guard in hospital and she has been arrested. 'Police are not looking for any other persons, and a thorough investigation by Strikeforce Stafford has commenced.' It is understood the woman's mental health will be one focus of the investigation. Blue Mountains PAC Commander Superintendent John Nelson said it was 'early stages' but that 'we can say there are no indications of any history with us in relation to this matter'. 'The older and the more experienced you get in this job, things like this still cut to the core,' Commissioner Webb added. The 42-year-old mother of the two children was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition Emergency crews were called to the property on Chapman Parade about 12.40pm Tuesday Neighbour Barbara Faith said she would regularly see the two brothers riding on their bikes back from school. 'They had their helmets on, and they were doing the right thing ... I just thought they were lovely kids,' Ms Faith told the ABC. She said there was a huge commotion shortly after midday with about 20 emergency vehicles rushing down her street. 'It's such a quiet neighbourhood and quiet street you don't expect those sorts of things,' she said. 'It's just so sad, I can't believe this could happen anywhere let alone my street.' A series of arrests at an iconic tourist spot in Hawaii has led to a stark warning from officials. At least 14 people have recently been caught trying to scale the Haiku Stairs on the island of Oahu which are only accessible via hazardous hike through a remote region. Now travelers are being warned against visiting the fabled destination, with hikers being told that visiting the area is 'incredibly disrespectful'. The forbidden destination, also known as the 'stairway to heaven,' was built by the US Navy during World War II but construction was halted after the completion of more than 4,000 steps. 'It's incredibly disrespectful and self-centered for anyone to be on the Haiku stairs, or on the Middle Ridge Trail,' Jason Redulla, chief of Hawaii's Division of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE), told CNN. Travelers have been ordered to stop visiting the Haiku Stairs on the island of Oahu in Hawaii , where fourteen tourists were recently arrested for visiting the forbidden destination 'It's been made abundantly clear that these areas are off-limits for safety and natural resource protection reasons,' Redulla said. Given the abundant dangers surrounding the stairs, he believes that unless people heed the warning 'someone is going to get hurt or killed.' DOCARE revealed that all of the people who have been arrested for visiting the Haiku Stairs in the past week have been charged with criminal trespassing, which is a misdemeanor that can result in as many as 30 days in jail. On September 3, eight of the 14 tourists were apprehended, although at this time it is unclear if they were travelling together. The fabled destination, also known as the 'stairway to heaven,' is only accessible via a prohibited and highly hazardous hike through a remote region Built by the US Navy during World War II , the stairs consist of 4,000 steel steps that mount a steep ridge. They were abandoned shortly after construction 'It is dangerous for people to enter the construction zone and dangerous for them to try to descend the ridge,' Redulla cautioned. 'They need to think about the consequences if someone gets hurt, or worse, and needs rescue,' he added. Redulla further observed that the lonely ridge would be a 'difficult' place for first responders to reach. The Haiku Stairs were officially closed to the public in 1987, but the steps have remained a fixture of the local environment. Over the past decade, influencers have brought further attention to the perilous destination. Over the past decade, influencers have brought further attention to the perilous destination Daring Youtubers and Instagrammers have posted videos of themselves climbing and descending the narrow stairs. DOCARE told CNN that the hikers managed to access the steps with the help of climbing ropes. For the local community, the stairs represent something of a nuisance- a landmark that has led to trespassers, higher security costs, and dangerous rescues of injured hikers. As a result, the Honolulu City Council voted to remove the steps in 2021. Since then, sections of the stairs have been gradually removed by helicopters. Oasis and Ticketmaster have faced calls to 'do the right thing' and refund fans hit by dynamic pricing by consumer group Which? The band and ticketing giant have faced the fury of those eager to watch Oasis's hotly-anticipated reunion tour after the price of standard tickets doubled from 148 to 355. Ticketmaster said prices were driven up by surging demand and the policy had been agreed with the band's management, Oasis itself said they were unaware of dynamic pricing would be implemented when tickets initially went on sale. Since then the Government and the UK's competition watchdog have pledged to look into the implementation of the policy. Now Which?, one of Britain's most well known consumer groups, has called for those who paid more than expected to seal their place at the gigs to have some of their money returned. Noel and Liam Gallagher announced that Oasis would reunite for a UK tour next year sparking a frenzied battle for tickets. Pictured: Noel (left) and Liam (right) at Wembley Stadium in 2008 Furious Oasis fans took to social media to criticise prices on Ticketmaster after they went up due to 'dynamic pricing' Following the controversy, Which? asked Oasis fans to send in screenshots of the ticket-buying and checkout process to see if they were warned that ticket prices could surge due to high levels of demand. Which? said it received dozens of screenshots from fans who had tried to buy tickets - both before and after prices increased - none of which showed a warning message that Ticketmaster would increase prices during the sale. Instead, Which? said it saw evidence that fans were shown one price for tickets, only to have that price taken away at the last second and replaced with a far higher, and unexpected, ticket price. Which? cited one screenshot showing that due to 'in demand' pricing the cost of standing tickets at a Heaton Park show - originally advertised for 148.50 - surged to 337.50 each. Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs), traders must not mislead consumers with how prices are presented or leave out key pricing information that they might need to make an informed decision about their purchase. Which? said many fans were not informed about the increases until after they had already tried to add cheaper tickets to their baskets. While the use of 'dynamic pricing' was mentioned in the terms and conditions on the website, fans were not warned that this practice would be used for Oasis tickets, the watchdog said. Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said: 'It seems extremely unfair that Oasis fans got up early and battled through the queues only to find that tickets prices had more than doubled from the originally advertised price. 'Which? believes that Ticketmaster's 'in demand' pricing practices for Oasis tickets could have breached consumer law as it appears fans weren't properly warned about the use of "in demand" pricing until far too late in the purchase journey - leading to a nasty shock at the checkout. 'Oasis and Ticketmaster should do the right thing and refund fans who may have been misled into paying over the odds for tickets that would have been half the price just hours earlier.' A spokesperson for Ticketmaster said: 'Fans can resell their Oasis tickets at the full price they paid through Ticketmaster or Twickets.' Last week the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into Ticketmaster over the sale. Liam (left) and Noel Gallagher (right) have been criticised by fans over the ticketing chaos Liam and Noel Gallagher, pictured here at the V Festival in Chelmsford in Essex in August 2005, have not played together after Oasis broke up in 2009 The CMA said its investigation would include how so-called 'dynamic pricing' may have been used and would scrutinise whether the sale of Oasis tickets by Ticketmaster may have breached consumer protection law. Ticketmaster has said it does not set concert prices and its website states this is down to the 'event organiser' who 'has priced these tickets according to their market value'. Oasis have previously stated that they had no involvement in the decision to implement dynamic pricing. Which? said it would share its findings with the CMA. Over the weekend, Oasis sent out invites for a private invite-only ballot for their 'final' Wembley Stadium dates, having extended their Live '25 tour to include two more London shows on September 27 and 28. Which? consumer law expert Lisa Webb said: 'It seems extremely unfair that Oasis fans got up early and battled through the queues only to find that tickets prices had more than doubled from the originally advertised price. 'Which? believes that Ticketmaster's 'in demand' pricing practices for Oasis tickets could have breached consumer law as it appears fans weren't properly warned about the use of 'in demand' pricing until far too late in the purchase journey - leading to a nasty shock at the checkout. 'Oasis and Ticketmaster should do the right thing and refund fans who may have been misled into paying over the odds for tickets that would have been half the price just hours earlier.' Oasis have been approached for comment. Two young boys found dead in an alleged double murder have been pictured enjoying happier times with their mother - who remains in hospital under police guard with self-harm injuries following a suspected suicide attempt. The boys, aged nine and 11, were found in a home on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge just before 12.40pm on Tuesday suffering reported stab wounds. Their 42-year-old mum was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition after a Toll ambulance helicopter landed at nearby Springwood High School. She will be treated for cuts to her wrists. 'Officers were called to an address on Chapman Parade today regarding the concern for welfare of a woman and two children,' said Police Commissioner Karen Webb on Tuesday afternoon. 'Police attended a short time later and discovered the bodies of two children - two boys, one aged nine and one aged 11. 'A female has been transported to hospital. She is under police guard in hospital and she has been arrested. 'Police are not looking for any other persons, and a thorough investigation by Strikeforce Stafford has commenced.' Police are not believed to have had any previous interactions with family and the woman's mental health will be a focus of the investigation. Photos posted on social media show the family beaming with joy as they posed for pictures with Santa, enjoyed family holidays, and explored the wilderness around the Blue Mountains. Shocked neighbours described the woman and her sons (pictured) as a really happy family A major police response was triggered in Faulconbridge after the bodies of two young boys were found in a home on Chapman Parade The boys' mother has been rushed to Westmead Hospital in Sydney with knife injuries Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the children's Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the family's home. Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the family, said they had been well-liked members of the close-knit community. 'They seemed like a really happy family, they have been living here for years, and you would just never pick something like this would happen, he told Daily Mail Australia. 'They would all come together to the local street Christmas party and appeared every bit the perfect family. 'The mum used to be known for taking exercise walks around the area in the afternoons and we would always have a chat. 'There was never any indication anything was wrong. I couldn't say a bad word about them.' The mother is pictured with her two sons Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the entire community was rocked by the incident. 'You used to see her walking her dogs around the streets all the time, and out and about with her sons,' the local resident said. 'They were lovely young boys. 'You'd never think something like that could happen here - it's a quiet community.' The children's father, who is separated from their mother and did not live at the same address, called triple-0 when he visited the home and found the boys' bodies and his former partner injured, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. The bodies of two young boys, aged 9 and 11, were discovered at the home in Faulconbridge (pictured, paramedics at the scene in Sydney's west) NSW Police have established a crime scene at the Blue Mountains home and are investigating the circumstances of the deaths. The scene of the incident is just 450m from the Blue Mountains famed Norman Lindsay Gallery. Residents ferrying children from the local Springwood High and Public Schools were banked up were banked up in both directions as police slowly waved traffic past the home. The father's Mercedes Benz station wagon on Tuesday night remained outside the family's property - a modest weatherboard bungalow at odds with many of the street's new homes. Residents said they had not seen him around 'in a while' but that he had once joined the children and their mother at local events. NSW Police said officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command are investigating the circumstances of the deaths and are being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad The 42-year-old mother of the two children was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition Emergency crews were called to the property on Chapman Parade about 12.40pm Tuesday Neighbour Barbara Faith said she would regularly see the two brothers riding on their bikes back from school. 'They had their helmets on, and they were doing the right thing ... I just thought they were lovely kids,' Ms Faith told the ABC. She said there was a huge commotion shortly after midday with about 20 emergency vehicles rushing down her street. 'It's such a quiet neighbourhood and quiet street you don't expect those sorts of things,' she said. 'It's just so sad, I can't believe this could happen anywhere let alone my street.' For free mental health support call Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 A sheep farmer who travelled more than 3,000km to protest Labor's live export ban on sheep stormed out of Parliament House because he was 'sick of the contempt towards farmers' by Anthony Albanese. Steve McGuire, the vice president of WA Farmers, travelled from his sheep station in Kojonup, south of Perth, to Canberra on Tuesday to stand alongside about 1,000 others at the 'Keep the Sheep' rally in front of Parliament House. The demonstration was in response to new laws that passed parliament in July to phase out Australia's live sheep trade over a four-year period, with a complete ban in place by May 2028. Farmers are furious, saying their homes and livelihoods are at stake, and travelled by the busload from all over the country to make the government listen to their concerns. Many attended Question Time at 2pm in the hope the Prime Minister would acknowledge them and the many grievances they expressed earlier in the day, but the situation did not go to plan. Mr Albanese said live exports decreased by $1.5million while the Coalition was in power, and explained his government was 'investing $107million to support and orderly and well-planned transition away from what is an already declining trade'. From the public gallery, one farmer yelled 'speak up please!' and another screamed 'bulls**t!'. Both were quickly escorted from the building by security, along with another who flicked his middle finger at Sydney Teal MP Zali Steggall. Mr McGuire was one of the 50 other farmers who voluntarily got up and left, telling Daily Mail Australia the cohort was fed up with the government 'treating us poorly'. Pictured: Steve McGuire, a sheep farmer who travelled from Western Australia to Canberra for the rally Pictured: Anthony Albanese in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon 'You can tell when Albanese is trying to smooth something over because he starts speaking quietly, and that's what he was doing,' Mr McGuire said. 'I could see it on his face - I'm so sick of the contempt. 'They don't think we matter, but you need a farmer three times a day - we make your food.' He said the rally was an attempt to 'bring awareness to the people of Australia that the government is treating us poorly', and suggested failing to amend the laws would cost Labor seats in the forthcoming election. 'We don't live in marginal seats,' he said. 'We matter.' Another farmer said he 'completely' understood why someone yelled at the PM. 'Sheep on those export boats are actually treated really well, there's one girl I know who looks after them and she was so angry when this happened, but they don't know that,' he said. 'It's extremely frustrating.' Mr Albanese told the House of Representatives that he had met with farmers during the day and listened to their concerns, but he did not attend the rally. Instead, he posed for photos on the parliament courtyard with Labor caucus. The mass walk-out was triggered by a question Nationals leader David Littleproud asked Mr Albanese. About 1000 farmers turned up at the 'Keep the Sheep' rally on Tuesday (pictured) Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is pictured addressing the crowd, alongside David Littleproud, Jacinta Price, Bridget McKenzie, Michaelia Cash, and other Coalition members He asked: 'If the Government continues with its ban on live sheep exports, Sudan is one country that will take up Australia's share of this market. 'Prime minister, who has higher animal welfare standards - Sudan or Australia?' Mr Albanese said laws passed parliament, and accused the Coalition of 'playing politics'. 'Over the decade the Liberals and Nationals were in government, live sheep exports by sea decreased by over $1.5 million. That is just a fact of what occurred,' he said. 'We are giving certainty to sheep producers and supply chain by legislating the phase-out and investing $107 million to support and orderly and well-planned transition away from what is an already declining trade.' Mr Littleproud and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton addressed the roaring crowd when the demonstration was at its peak around midday. Both promised to repeal the ban if the Coalition is voted into government at the next election. A senior figure in the Bandidos motorcycle gang has reportedly been killed in a car accident. The man, who is yet to be identified, is understood to have been riding his motorbike with another club member when the pair collided with a Mazda sedan just before 1pm on Tuesday on the Great Western Highway, in Prospect, in Sydney's west. He had Bandidos markings on the front wheel of his Harley Davidson, the Daily Telegraph reported. Two motorcycles and the sedan were seen smashed up at the scene. The man, who is yet to be identified, is understood to have been riding his motorbike with another club member when the pair collided with a Mazda sedan just before 1pm on Tuesday on the Great Western Highway, in Prospect, in Sydney 's west Paramedics are seen attending to the motorcyclist following the crash in Prospect on Tuesday The other motorcyclist and the driver of the sedan were taken to hospital. It's understood firefighters had to cut the driver of the sedan free from the wreckage, while a tent was set up to cover the motorcyclist killed. The dead man's sister posted a tribute on social media. 'He didn't just wear a patch, he was a brother, a dad, a song, a friend and uncle, his sister,' she wrote. 'Rest in paradise my brother. I know we didn't always see eye to eye but that would never change the fact you were my brother and I love you.' All westbound lanes of the highway and two eastbound lanes were closed following the accident. Police and crash investigators remain at the scene. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. China's foreign trade up 6% in first 8 months 15:11, September 10, 2024 By Zhong Nan ( Chinadaily.com.cn China's foreign trade expanded 6 percent year-on-year to 28.58 trillion yuan ($4.02 trillion) in the first eight months of 2024, the General Administration of Customs released the data on Tuesday. In the meantime, the country's exports rose 6.9 percent yearly to 16.45 trillion yuan, while imports climbed 4.7 percent year-on-year to 12.13 trillion yuan, according to the administration. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has remained China's largest trading partner during the January-August period. China's trade with ASEAN economies surged 10 percent year-on-year to 4.5 trillion yuan, accounting for 15.7 percent of the country's total foreign trade value. China's foreign trade with the European Union grew by 1.1 percent from a year earlier between January and August, while the country's foreign trade with the United States climbed 4.4 percent on a yearly basis, the customs statistics showed. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) A judge who jailed some of those involved in violent disorder following the Southport stabbings has revealed how he and his family have received death threats after the sentencing was broadcast. Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said a decision had been made to accelerate sentencing hearings for those involved not because of 'political pressure', but because a quick response was needed for a 'deterrent effect'. Speaking at a National 999 Day service in Liverpool dedicated to those who responded to riots in Merseyside, he told emergency workers: 'The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. 'There have been some twits online who have posted all sorts of daft things about me and some pretty unpleasant threats have been made towards me and the family. 'The odd dodgy package has arrived at the court containing threats towards me. But that, I'm afraid, goes with the territory of the job. Andrew Menary KC (pictured), who jailed Southport rioters, has revealed he and his family have received death threats after the sentencing was live streamed Rioters descend on County Road, Liverpool,causing major damage in what police said was 'serious violent disorder' 'There have also been some quite funny posts online as well. Like Jake, from Basingstoke, who wrote on Twitter after the broadcast "Judge Menary should consider a side hustle in audiobook narration". 'I don't know whether to say this or not but it looks like for at least a weekend I became a gay icon. Gavin from Somerset wrote "Who is Judge Menary? What's his net worth and who is he dating?"' He said his favourite post came from a social media user in Texas who wrote: 'The UK has fallen to savages. The dude with the dead squirrel on his head has just confirmed it.' Judge Menary said so far in Liverpool there had been sentences for more than 50 people who were involved in violent disorder, which broke out in Southport and later spread to Liverpool and across the country after the knife attack in which three girls were killed on July 29. Thanking those working in the emergency services, the judge said: 'It's been a busy few weeks but nothing compared to the pressure that so many of you and your colleagues have experienced and regularly experience day in and day out.' The annual National 999 Day service, at Liverpool Parish Church, was attended by leaders from the city's faith communities as well as members of the emergency services. UK Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce spoke along with Deborah Moore, the manager of Spellow Hub library which was set on fire during disorder on County Road in Liverpool, and Alex McCormick, who raised more than 250,000 to repair the library. Riots spread across major towns and cities following the murder of three little girls at a Taylor Swift inspired dance class in Southport on July 29 (pictured: rioters in Liverpool as a nearby library was set alight) A car burns after it was set alight by far-right activists holding a demonstration in Middlesbrough Riots, such as the ones seen in Middlesbrough (pictured) devastated towns and cities across the UK since July 30 Yobs attacked strangers in the streets, targeted asylum hotels and assaulted police officers in disgraceful scenes fuelled by lies peddled online (pictured: Protestors battle police in Hartlepool) The children's author said the good in the city outweighed the bad, but added: 'We've learned this summer, surely, that the good needs to be defended and it needs to be vigilant. 'Its defenders are here in this church today, its defenders are you. I wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to you for defending and looking out for the good.' Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp told emergency workers said: 'You are the people who, when there is a problem, run into it while the rest of us run from it. 'The supreme irony in Southport was that more than 50 police officers, many of whom earlier in the day had run into save lives, had their bodies damaged by perpetrators including opportunists and chancers.' Thousands of prisoners are being released early in England and Wales today as the prisons watchdog warned it was 'inevitable' some will reoffend. Around 1,700 prisoners are expected to be let out today before their sentences are served in a bid to cut overcrowding - on top of the 1,000 normally freed each week. Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid the police and courts becoming unable to lock anyone up because there were no places available. But chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor warned some of those released would be homeless which could increase their chances of reoffending. Here, MailOnline looks at the key questions around the early release scheme: HM Prison Liverpool is pictured today amid the plan to let out inmates to ease overcrowding What is happening today? The Government is freeing around 1,700 prisoners from jails across England and Wales today in a bid to cut overcrowding. This is in addition to around 1,000 prisoners who are typically freed each week. Why are they being released early? Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. This came after the Ministry of Justice said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid 'unchecked criminality' where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said that the Government 'had no choice but to do something' about overcrowding because 'the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out'. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, pictured arriving at Downing Street yesterday What types of criminals could be freed? The Government said the policy will not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences. But campaigners and charities warned that the scheme may come at the expense of women and children's safety, while others raised concerns that it would push probation services to breaking point. Last month it emerged rioters were among those who could end up spending less time behind bars as the Government confirmed those involved in recent unrest would not be excluded from the early release plans. This is despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly insisting perpetrators of the violence would feel the 'full force of the law'. While there is no specific exclusion for rioters, those convicted of serious violence and serve sentences of four years and over, or a terrorism offence, will be excluded, officials said. HM Prison Thameside in South East London is pictured today amid the early release scheme Do prisoners get any support when they leave jail? As inmates near the end of their time behind bars, they are meant to be given help to prepare for life outside prison which includes advice on finding somewhere to live, getting a job and looking after money. They are meant to be offered extra support if they have drug or alcohol addictions, are sex workers or victims of domestic violence. Prisoners are given a release grant as they leave which is intended to help them pay for essentials and transport. But at less than 100, many charities consider this sum insufficient. Depending on their circumstances, they may also be offered other benefits and state financial support. The terms of their licence may specify where they can and cannot live. It will also set out how regularly they need to check in with probation supervisors or support workers. Some will be required to live in bail hostels and other approved community accommodation first, or in the absence of secure, approved private residences if they do not have a home to go to. Charities and watchdogs have warned how some released prisoners often end up homeless and this can increase the risk of them reoffending. The Justice Secretary said homeless prisoners released early could temporarily be put up in budget hotels at the tax payers' expense. What happens if these inmates go on to re-offend? If prisoners breach their licence conditions - a set of rules which they must adhere too once out of jail typically including restrictions on their movements and who they speak to - they could find themselves back behind bars. This is called being recalled to custody. Depending on the breach, if they have committed another crime, they could be investigated by the police and prosecuted so could end up back in court, facing more time behind bars. Anyone recalled to prison has to be considered for release by the Parole Board before they can be freed again. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said warned some of those released would be homeless which could increase their chances of reoffending. Mr Taylor said: 'It's inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody and it's inevitable that some of them will go out homeless. 'If people are coming out, they're not properly prepared, and they're homeless, then what we'll see is the danger that they'll commit more offences, or that they breach their bail conditions, in which case they'll end up back inside again.' Will this solve the problems with overcrowding? The plan will only ease capacity problems in the short term. Prison figures have warned the move will only buy time for about a year before the same issue could be faced again so there are calls for longer term strategies to address the number of people being held behind bars. This could include reforming sentencing rules so some criminals avoid jail altogether, particularly for crimes considered low level or not as severe and those which may attract shorter prison terms. What is the current prisons population? The prison population reached a new record high of 88,521 people last Friday and has risen by more than 1,000 people over the past four weeks. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor's new annual report said the number of prisoners is projected to grow by about 27,000 by 2028, meaning it is unlikely to be possible to build enough new accommodation. His report also detailed the 'desperate' crisis in violence and drug use behind bars, as well as the lack of available rehabilitation that would keep people from reoffending. What do charities think about the scheme? Charities said the early release scheme will only 'buy a little time' and would not provide a lasting solution in the face of 'brutalising conditions' Andrea Coomber KC, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform (HLPR), said prisons and probation needed to be completely reset after she described the 'woeful education and training' for inmates and 'squalor, self-harm, drugs, violence and unmet mental health needs, all in the midst of severe overcrowding'. Meanwhile, the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) said prisoners are being 'warehoused' and need to be spending time in education, training and work rather than 'sharing an overcrowded cell for 23 hours a day'. Pia Sinha, chief executive of the charity, said: 'We cannot continue to warehouse people in these conditions and expect that things will be better when they're released.' Have victims been told about the scheme? Some victims have been left unaware of the early release of the person responsible for committing a crime against them, it was revealed yesterday. Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove branded this 'regrettable' and said she had called for assurances this would not happen. She said the early releases are 'distressing for many victims who rightfully expect offenders will serve the sentence handed down by the court'. When will the next prisoners be released? Around 1,700 more prisoners are expected to be freed on October 22. Again, this will be on top of the 1,000 prisoners who are freed on average each week. An international tourist has died after being found unconscious in the water during a dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The man, aged in his 60s, was located at Ribbon Reef off Cooktown in far north Queensland last Friday and was pulled into the boat unresponsive. The boat returned to shore at Cooktown where a paramedic came on board to treat the man, but he was unable to be revived. Queensland Police are treating the mans death as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner. Workplace Health and Safety is also investigating. It's understood the tourist was on a multi-day LiveAboard dive trip from Cairns when tragedy struck, the Courier Mail reported. The man is the third tourist to die at the Great Barrier Reef in the last 12 months. A Dutch tourist died after collapsing while snorkelling at the reef in May. An international tourist, aged 60, was found unresponsive while on a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef (stock image) The 51-year-old woman had just returned to the boat from the water at Norman Reef when she lost consciousness. Paramedics, who arrived at the scene on a Rescue 510 helicopter, attempted to revive her but she died at the scene. Adrian Meyer, from Angaston in South Australia, died after he and a group of snorkellers were swept away by a strong current over the reef last November. He was with Nicholas Meyer and daughter Angela Henson about 60km off the coast north-east of Cairns when disaster struck. During the struggle with the current, it's believed Mr Meyer, 71, suffered a medical episode and was boarded onto a rescue vessel which sank a short time later. A nearby boat, which one witness described as a 'blow up duckie sort of thing', stepped in to pull an unresponsive Mr Meyer from the water and took him to the main vessel. Ukraine unleashed more than 140 drones on Russia overnight, officials said Tuesday, killing a woman near Moscow, grounding flights and setting off air defences in several parts of the country. Russia's ministry of defence said in a statement it had shot down 144 Ukrainian drones overnight - '72 UAVs over Bryansk region, 20 over Moscow region, 14 over Kursk region, 13 over Tula region', and 25 more over five other parts of the country. Moscow regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said in a Telegram post that a 46-year-old woman had been killed and several people wounded when a UAV damaged at least two high-rise apartment building in the Ramenskoye district of Moscow region, some 30 miles southeast of the Kremlin. Videos of the attack show flames bursting out of windows of a multi-storey residential building, with dozens of flats severely damaged. 'I looked at the window and saw a ball of fire,' Alexander Li, a resident of the district told Reuters. 'The window got blown out by the shockwave.' The attack marks one of the largest drone assaults against Russia since the beginning of the war. At least one civilian was killed in the drone attack. Moscow airports shut, major highway closed as massive kamikaze drone attack hit Moscow and nearby regions The drone attacks damaged at least two high-rise apartment buildings in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region Buildings were left engulfed in flames and several people were left wounded More than 70 drones were also downed over Russia's Bryansk region and tens more over other regions Russia's ministry of defence said in a statement it had shot down 144 Ukrainian drones overnight Videos of the attack circulating on social media show flames consuming residential buildings Two buildings were hit and destroyed by drone debris As a result of the attack, four airports servicing Moscow - including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo - had cancelled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning, according to state media. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed a fire had broken out on the runway at Zhukovsky airfield, caused by falling debris from a downed drone. A major road leading to the capital was also partially closed. A terrified resident told Shot media: 'I saw a fireball [and] managed to cover my wife. 'It was just a second, a bang and the window was blown out. We were all scared and ran in panic.' In Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, 'the enemy carried out a massive terrorist attack', regional Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz said on Telegram, adding 'there were no casualties or damage, all attacks were repelled'. More than 70 drones were downed over the Bryansk region and tens more over other regions, Russia's defence ministry said. Russia says the attacks are akin to 'terrorism' as they target civilian infrastructure. The latest wave of drones came just a week after Ukraine suffered one of its darkest days after two ballistic missiles killed at least 51 people and injured 219 on September 3. The missiles hit a military training centre and a nearby hospital in a central region of Ukraine with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowing 'Russian scum will pay for this' following the devastating attack. Rescue crews and medics saved 25 people, including 11 who were dug out of the rubble, a Defence Ministry statement said. A damaged residential building following a drone attack in Ramenskoye in the Moscow region on September 10 The aftermath of Ukraine's brutal drone strikes on Russia overnight The attack marks one of the largest drone assaults against Russia since the beginning of the war A damaged multi-storey residential building following the Ukrainian drone attack in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Ramenskoye A massive wave of Ukrainian drones set off air defences across several Russian regions, officials said on September 10 It also comes as Moscow continued to claim incremental gains in Ukraine's east more than 30 months into its offensive, and as Kyiv's forces pressed their incursion into Russia's region of Kursk. But Russia on Monday said its forces had captured another Ukrainian village, Memryk, seen as a stepping stone to the Kyiv-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk some 12 miles away. Kyiv had launched its Kursk offensive on August 6 aiming to force Russia to redeploy troops pressing forward in the east, but Moscow has appeared to intensify its attacks there. Moscow has also kept up its own aerial attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, including on key energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Three Russian drones were shot down above Ukraine's Sumy overnight, the regional military administration said early Tuesday, while air defences were also activated around Kyiv. The military administration in the capital later said there were 'no consequences after the Russian UAV attack'. Ukraine says it has a right to strike deep into Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, though Kyiv's Western backers have repeatedly said they do not want the war to escalate into a direct confrontation between Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine about Tuesday's attacks. Both sides deny targeting civilians yet civilians have died in attacks from both sides. Ukraine's domestic drone industry has been growing rapidly and Kyiv has been stepping up drone attacks on Russian energy, military and transport infrastructure. Russia is the world's second largest oil exporter. Tuesday's attack follows a deluge of drones Ukraine launched in early September targeting chiefly Russia's energy and power facilities. Authorities of the Tula region, which neighbours the Moscow region to its north, told Russian state news agency that a drone wreckage fell onto a fuel and energy facility, but that 'technological process' of the facility was not affected. Disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been jailed for 11 years after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting four women. Nygard was sentenced Monday in a Toronto courtroom by Justice Robert Goldstein who called him a 'sexual predator' and said he showed no empathy for his victims, all of whom were attacked in his company's offices. The judge said one of several aggravating factors in the case was the fact that one of the victims was just 16 years old at the time of the assault. The Canadian designer, 83, was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault last November. He was acquitted of a fifth count, as well as one count of forcible confinement. Nygard - who once hosted Prince Andrew in the Bahamas - faces separate sexual assault and sex trafficking charges in Montreal, Winnipeg and the US. He has denied all allegations against him. Disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard, pictured in 2014, was sentenced Monday in a Toronto courtroom to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting four women Justice Robert Goldstein, pictured addressing the courtroom on Monday, called Nygard (center left) a 'sexual predator' and said he showed no empathy for his victims, all of whom were attacked in his company's offices Nygard, who once led a women's fashion empire, arrived at the courthouse in a wheelchair Monday, and did not address the court when given the opportunity. His time behind bars will come to a little less than seven years after accounting for time served. He will be eligible to apply for parole in two years. The charges against Nygard stemmed from allegations dating back to the 1980s until the mid-2000s. During his trial, five women - whose identities are protected by a publication ban - testified they were invited to Nygard's Toronto business headquarters under pretexts ranging from tours to job interviews. All the encounters ended in a top-floor bedroom suite where four of the women were sexually assaulted. Multiple women told the jury similar stories of meeting Nygard on a plane, at an airport tarmac or at a nightclub and then receiving invitations to come to his headquarters. All five women said their meetings or interactions with Nygard ended with sexual activity that they did not consent to. Nygard, pictured in a courtroom sketch in 2022, was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault last November. He was acquitted of a fifth count, as well as one count of forcible confinement. He faces separate sexual assault and sex trafficking charges in Montreal, Winnipeg and the US. He has denied all allegations against him Nygard's lawyer had argued for a six-year sentence, citing her client's age and poor health, while the Crown sought a sentence of 15 years. The judge dismissed the argument for a shorter sentence, saying that Nygard has been receiving special treatment in custody due to his various health issues and that his advanced age is not reason enough to limit the sentence. Goldstein also suggested Nygard had been exaggerating his health issues in his submissions to the court. Nygard's lawyer previously argued in court that a lengthy sentence would be 'crushing' for her client, who has Type 2 diabetes and deteriorating vision, among other health issues. Goldstein called Nygard 'a Canadian success story gone very wrong.' Nygard founded a fashion company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1967 that ultimately became Nygard International. His company produced women's clothing under several brand names and had corporate facilities in Canada and the US. His stores throughout Winnipeg were once draped with his photos. Nygard founded a fashion company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1967 that ultimately became Nygard International. His company produced women's clothing under several brand names and had corporate facilities in Canada and the US (file photo) Nygard stepped down as chairman of the company after the FBI and police raided his offices in New York City in February 2020. The company has since filed for bankruptcy and entered into receivership. He was first arrested in Winnipeg in 2020 under the Extradition Act after he was charged with nine counts in New York, including sex trafficking and racketeering charges. In May, Manitobas highest court dismissed Nygard's application for a judicial review of his extradition order, finding there was no reason to interfere with the order issued by then-justice minister David Lametti. UK holidaymakers are shunning traditional vacation spots to flock to areas off the beaten track which have been investing in tourism, a travel company has reported. EasyJet Holidays said it has seen a surge in bookings for trips to parts of Greece, Egypt and Morocco not traditionally in demand from overseas visitors. Chief executive Garry Wilson said that customers are being attracted to locations where improvements in hotels and infrastructure are being made. With holiday budgets tightening amid the cost of living crisis, many Britons are looking for more affordable holidays, while others are seeking a more authentic experience. Greek islands such as Santorini and popular cities including Sharm-el-Sheikh and Marrakesh have increasing competition from rivals such as Skiathos, Luxor and Agadir. IN: Greek island Skiathos is increasingly being sought out by holidaymakers looking for a less crowded scene OUT: The island of Santorini is still popular with holidaymakers, but Brits are increasingly looking elsewhere Mr Wilson said: 'There's a lot of investment happening in Greece. Some of the smaller, maybe lesser-known areas have become popular. 'Certainly the Peloponnese looks to be growing in popularity. We launched Skiathos this year and that's been really popular with customers. 'We've launched Luxor (in Egypt) for the winter with Nile cruises and hotel stays. That's been enormously popular. 'There's been a lot of investment in (Agadir, Morocco) and we're seeing that's increasing in popularity as well. 'Wherever there's been investment in new hotels or new infrastructure in new areas, customers seem to jump on to that and think 'let's try that out', as opposed to brand new destinations.' Mr Wilson described how Montenegro - which was previously 'the big one everyone talked about' as a growing holiday location - 'does OK' but new resorts within established holiday destinations 'get customers quite excited'. And often the up-and-coming resorts make for a cheaper getaway too, something particularly important for families. IN: Luxor in Egypt provides an alternative resort with fewer tourists but just as much ancient history OUT: Sharm-el-Sheikh is slightly cheaper to travel to than Luxor, but will be busier IN: Agadir offers long beaches and a bustling getaway for Brits seeking to explore Morocco OUT: Marrakesh, Morocco remains one of Briton's most popular holiday destinations in Africa, but other towns are now rivalling it for tourism MailOnline examined flight prices for a week's holiday in July 2025 and found that lesser-known destinations generally cost less to travel to than more popular resorts. A return trip to Skiathos is currently available from 210, with multiple flights for sale under 300. But a trip to Santorini will set customers back over 300 - although does have luggage included. Return flights to Agadir start from 153, while more popular rival Marrakesh are at least 204 - without luggage. And while alternative destinations tend to have fewer hotels at a smaller price range, many are less than 50 per night, with the cheaper rooms sure to get filled up less quickly than in more popular cities. EasyJet Holidays, a division of airline easyJet, launched in 2019 and is the UK's fifth biggest package holiday company. It saw pre-tax profits jump to 73 million for the period between April and June, up from 49 million a year earlier. EasyJet expects its holidays arm to deliver annual pre-tax profits of more than 180 million, compared with 122 million in the year to the end of September 2023. Mr Wilson said: 'We're seeing continued growth. 'When we launched, we talked about wanting to become a major player, and I think we've really established ourselves now within that space. 'We're just excited about how big the company could be. 'What we're really focused on is sustainable, profitable growth, by being able to offer really good value to customers.' Ed Balls has hailed legendary voice actor James Earl Jones and how he managed his stammer in an emotional tribute to the Star Wars star after his death aged 93. The award-winning actor, best known for voicing two of cinema's most iconic characters: Star Wars' Darth Vader and The Lion King's Mufasa - sadly passed away on Monday. The screen icon rose not only from humble beginnings in Depression-era Mississippi, but he also overcame a speech impediment as well. He originally thought his stutter was a 'curse' as children in school would 'fall to the floor in laughter' when he spoke but he didn't let that stop him. He often credited his English teacher - and poet - Donald Crouch who truly helped him through and had him stand in front of the class and read out his poetry. Today, Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls, 57, - whose own speech impediment was famously mocked by David Cameron in the Commons in 2012 - paid tribute to the actor and praised Jones' journey. The Field of Dreams and Lion King star and voice of Darth Vader passed away on September 9 Jones lent his legendary vocals to Star Wars super-villain Darth Vader - including the famed 'Luke, I am your father scene' with Mark Hamill James Earl Jones and Mark Hamill pictured attending the 2017 Tony Awards together Today, Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls, 57, - whose own speech impediment was famously mocked by David Cameron in the Commons in 2012 - paid tribute to the actor He said on GMB: 'When he got in to character he could perform these amazing speech lines. 'But in all of his personal life he was dealing with his - Americans call it stammer - we call it stutter. 'It's amazing how he managed it in his life, in his 90 years, and went on to be one of the great film voice actors of all time. 'With a stammer, you really can do anything.' By the time he went to study drama at the University of Michigan, Jones had enough of a handle on his stuttering, though it never fully went away for good. The actor previously said that the stuttering continued when he started school, and it got so bad, 'that I gave up trying to speak properly.' 'There was another pupil who sat behind me who was also a stutterer and the teacher, who was young, would shake him, and I'd say, 'L-l-lll-l-let me teach him' and I took over his studies, or when he had to talk. I understood him. I understood that shaking him was not going to help. She was relieved,' Jones added. Jones with his Tony Award in 1987 for his role in the play Fences - seen with Linda Lavin Even into his 80s, Jones was a force on Broadway, starring opposite Angela Lansbury in The Best Man in a 2012 revival (pictured) - earning another Tony nomination in the process In 1982, he married actress Cecilia Hart, with whom he had a son, Flynn. Hart died from ovarian cancer on October 16, 2016 - pictured 1994 The one teacher that truly helped him though was an English teacher and poet Mr Crouch, who Jones called 'the father of my voice.' 'He was a contemporary of Robert Frost, and memorised a poem every day in case he ever went blind so he might have poems he could read in his head. 'I had started writing poetry in high school and he said of one of them, 'Jim, this is a good poem. In fact, it is so good I don't think you wrote it. I think you plagiarised it. If you want to prove you wrote it, you must stand in front of the class and recite it by memory'. 'Which I did. As they were my own words, I got through it,' Jones revealed in September. The teacher said that if Jones was interested in being 'involved with words,' he would have to say them in front of the class and work on his stuttering. His teacher argued that if he wanted to be 'involved with words' he would have to be able to say them and read to the class and work on the stuttering problem. His distinctive gravelly tones saw him voice iconic lion Mufasa in the animated 1994 classic, The Lion King Mark famously played the role of Luke Skywalker (pictured left) in the sci-fi film series, with the character later discovered to be the long-lost son of enemy Darth Vader - voiced by Jones Following the announcement of the icon's passing, Mark took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share an article about the news and to write the short tribute - referring their on-screen father and son relationship 'And he got me engaged in the debating class, the dramatic reading class and so on. He got me talking, and reading poetry - Edgar Allan Poe was my favourite.' GMB presenter Ed has previously discussed his experiences of having a stammer recalling a 'decade-long struggle' with his speech. Ed first revealed he had struggled with a stammer in an 2011 article with the Times, revealing he faced a daily battle to deliver his words and had to memorise all his speeches because he could not read a script. In an attempt to overcome his stammer, Ed said he memorised 15 speeches a week and when he appears to have forgotten his lines, it is just that his voice has frozen. Ed said at the time: 'You just have to be yourself whatever you do. It doesn't cause me a problem as Secretary of State, although there are times when it is tough. 'The worst thing you can do is try and stop it. That's when you trip up. It happens to me on live TV. 'Some people speak without notes because they think it looks better. Some people do it because they think it leads to a better speech. But I can't read the words out.' In 2016, Ed spoke frankly for the first time about his 'decade-long struggle' with a stammer and how then-Prime Minister David Cameron's taunts led him to go public with his affliction (pictured in 2008) In his book, Speaking Out: Lessons in Life and Politics, Ed recalled how Mr Cameron would lead the jeering from the Commons front bench and nicknamed him 'Blinky Balls' (George Osborne, left, and David Cameron pictured in 2012) At the time, the British Stammering Association announced that Ed had become a patron of the association. Its chief executive, Norbert Lieckfeldt, commended him for talking about his stammer in public. He later admitted he didn't know he had one until he was 'already in the Cabinet' and found out he had issues speaking publicly in certain situations. During an interview with the Independent in 2021, he said: 'When I was selected to be an MP in 2004, I spoke to my dad after BBC Any Questions? and he said, 'You've got the same as me but I don't know what it is'. 'I spent two or three years trying to find out what it was and trying to work out how to handle the fact that sometimes my speeches dried up in TV interviews and in the House of Commons.' In 2016, Ed spoke frankly about his 'decade-long struggle' with a stammer and how then-Prime Minister David Cameron's taunts led him to go public with his affliction. The former shadow chancellor said he was not actually diagnosed with the condition which caused him to seize up during speeches and debates until he was 41. In the Commons a year later, as schools secretary, he tried to read a statement 'but for seconds, I couldn't say anything' (pictured in 2011) In his book, Speaking Out: Lessons in Life and Politics, he recalls how Cameron would lead the jeering from the Commons front bench and nicknamed him 'Blinky Balls'. The jibes eventually persuaded Ed to publicly reveal his problem at first in a newspaper article, and then in a radio interview after which, he admits, the 'tears welled up'. He first noticed his stutter when appointed to his first ministerial job in 2006. In every TV interview 'there was at least one moment when my voice would seize up and my eyes stare as I clenched my throat and fist,' he wrote. 'It didn't take long for people to pick up on it. I learnt I'd acquired the nickname 'Blinky Balls' in Conservative Central Office, supposedly courtesy of Cameron. 'As the Tories got a chance to see me up close across the dispatch box, a new phenomenon started: If I hesitated when answering a question, they'd shout 'Errrr', which made me hesitate more, and the laughter and mocking Errrr's would grow louder.' In the Commons a year later, as schools secretary, he tried to read a statement 'but for seconds, I couldn't say anything. As I eventually sat down, I heard the late, great Gwyneth Dunwoody say in a very loud voice: 'He's supposed to be the Secretary of State and he can't even get his words out'.' When one of his aides suggested he consult the website of the British Stammering Association, his first instinct was to think: 'Why am I reading this? I don't have a stammer.' But he was diagnosed with an 'interiorised stammer', commonly known as a block. 'I thought: 'Here I am, aged 41, a Cabinet Minister, and I've only just found out I've got a stammer,' he recalled. The aide put him in touch with a therapist. 'I'm ashamed to say I was both sceptical and a bit worried at the prospect,' said Ed. 'It all felt a bit Cherie Blair and Carole Caplin.' The therapist taught him to slow his speaking tempo, 'calm down and get in control'. He was also advised to go public with his problem but he feared it might be seen as a sign of weakness. Ed previously revealed that he went to speech therapy every week for three years until he was able to manage the 'block'. But his accuser's lawyers appealed the ruling and the decision was overturned amadan in May was acquitted and awarded around 135,000 in compensation A Swiss appeals court today found Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan guilty of rape and sexual coercion in a Geneva hotel 15 years ago, overturning last year's lower court acquittal. The court said it 'annuls the judgement of 24 May 2023' and sentenced the former Oxford University professor to three years in prison, two of them suspended. Ramadan in May was acquitted of the charges and awarded around 151,000 Swiss francs (135,000) in compensation from the Swiss canton of Geneva over the case. But lawyers for Ramadan's accuser, identified under the assumed name of 'Brigitte', made good on their vow to appeal the ruling. A Swiss appeals court today found Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan guilty of rape and sexual coercion in a Geneva hotel 15 years ago, overturning last year's lower court acquittal Swiss leading Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan (L) and lawyers Yael Hayat (C) and Theo Badan leave the Geneva courthouse after the verdict by the prosecutor on a sexual assault investigation, in Geneva, Switzerland, 24 May 2023 The plaintiff who goes under the name of 'Brigitte' arrives at Geneva courthouse on May 24, 2023 Swiss leading Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan passes a security check as he arrives with his wife Iman at the Palais de Justice (Law Court) of Paris, on February 13, 2020 The case was the first time Ramadan has been tried for rape, although he risks facing a trial in France on similar charges. The Swiss trial presented two diametrically opposed versions of what happened in a Geneva hotel room in October 2008. The lawyer representing Brigitte, a convert to Islam, said she was repeatedly raped and subjected to 'torture and barbarism'. Ramadan, a charismatic yet controversial figure in European Islam, rejected the charges, insisting there was no sexual activity between him and Brigitte, and saying he was the victim of a 'trap'. Brigitte was in her forties at the time of the alleged assault in 2008. She filed a complaint 10 years later, telling the court she felt emboldened to come forward following similar complaints filed in France. Both parties agreed that Ramadan and Brigitte spent the night together in the hotel room, which she left early the following morning. Ramadan insisted that Brigitte invited herself up to his room, then let herself be kissed, before quickly ending the encounter. The indictment accused Ramadan of sexual coercion and of committing rape three times during the night. Tariq Ramadan leaves Geneva's courthouse on May 24, 2023, after he was acquitted at the end of his trial for 'rape and sexual coercion' in a case dating back 15 years Swiss leading Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan (C) looks on as he leaves Geneva courthouse flankd by his lawyers Theo Badan (L) and Yael Hayat (R) in Geneva Swiss leading Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan leaves court after he was acquitted on charges of sexual assault During the trial, the defence insisted on Ramadan's innocence and stressed there was no scientific evidence in the case. His lawyers also accused Brigitte and the women who have brought charges against him in France of forging links to bring down the Islamic scholar, citing 'Ramadanphobia'. During his final statements in court earlier this year, Ramadan asked not to be tried on his 'real or supposed ideology' and urged the judges not to be 'influenced by the media and political noise'. 'Forget I'm Tariq Ramadan!' he said. Controversial among secularists who see him as a supporter of political Islam, Ramadan obtained a doctorate from the University of Geneva, with a thesis focused on his grandfather, who founded Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood movement. He was a professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford until November 2017 and held visiting roles at universities in Qatar and Morocco. He was forced to take a leave of absence when rape allegations surfaced in France at the height of the 'Me Too' movement, over suspected attacks between 2009 and 2016. CNN descended into chaos on Monday night when a heated discussion over Donald Trump's support for minority groups boiled over. Keith Boykin, political commentator and film producer, interjected in an animated debate about Trump's support going into the election, saying Trump was only in a 'dead heat' with Kamala Harris 'because of white people'. 'If it were up to Black people or Latinos, Asian-Americans and other people of color, he would lose in a landslide,' he said, citing Trump's poor track record with Black, Latino and Asian people in 2016 and 2020. As former Trump advisor David Urban pushed back, Boykin advanced his argument, claiming Trump is in the lead because he 'protects and projects the idea of protecting white supremacy'. Madison Gesiotto Gilbert, Republican political candidate and former pageant queen, joined cries of 'that's ridiculous' as host Abby Phillip pressed Boykin on his assertion. Tonight: @ananavarro on Trumps threat to free so-called Jan. 6th political prisoners: Im from Nicaragua. I have friends from Venezuela. THOSE are political prisoners. pic.twitter.com/OOnF5A9Dwh Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) September 10, 2024 David Urban and Keith Boykin engaged in a heated debate over Trump's support on NewsNight Abby Phillip asked Boykin why Trump appears to be gaining with Black voters A panel of mixed views gathered to discuss Trump's support among different groups Boykin, Urban and Gilbert were joined by Ana Navarro-Cardenas and Brian Stelter on Monday's NewsNight, representing a mixed group of political positions. The panel discussed news RFK Jr would stay on the Michigan ballot despite announcing his intentions to step back, and Nikki Haley's urge for Trump to avoid calling Kamala Harris 'dumb'. Conversation was civil and amicable until the topic of Trump's support among minority groups came into focus. Abby Phillip invited David Urban and Keith Boykin to weigh in on Trump's wider enduring appeal as the conversation developed, focusing more on his support among minority groups. 'There's that 47 per cent, 48 per cent ceiling where Trump is - and maybe that's enough,' assessed Urban, a senior advisor to Trump during his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. A poll conducted for CNN during the last week of August showed Harris with a one-percentage-point lead in the state, 48%-47%, with Trump getting 10% of the Black vote. 'Despite knowing all this, despite the guy's flaws, his warts, he's in a dead heat... he may be the president again because that's how terrible this administration is.' Boykin interjected to rebut Urban's claims, saying: 'This is what really bothers me when we have this discussion. I never really talk about this because it's not political correct to say but... 'He's in a dead heat because of White people. The majority of people support Donald Trump. They supported him in 2016. They supported him in 2020. They will probably support him in 2024. 'If it were up to Black people and Latinos and Asian Americans and other people of colour, he would lose in a landslide.' Urban refuted the assertion, claiming Trump was gaining among Hispanic voters. Trump did win 35 per cent of the Hispanic votes from the 2020 election. About 4 in 10 Hispanic adults in the recent AP-NORC polls see Trump positively, up from about 3 in 10 in January 2021. This is below the nationwide figure of around 4 in 10 - with 60 per cent of Americans viewing Trump unfavourably, according to the poll. The panel began talking over each other as Boykin tried to step back in. Britain Stelter supported his argument, saying it is 'still about White dominance'. Boykin continued, saying Trump only finds such support among White voters because he 'protects and projects the idea of protecting White supremacy'. 'That's what's resonating. People are talking about economic anxiety in 2016 and then Trump went off and he led a cavalcade of racism,' he said. 'No that's ... Keith, that's crazy. Be serious,' Urban pressed. 'I'm 100% sure,' Boykin insisted. Phillip stepped in as moderator, asking Boykin why Trump is improving with Black voters. 'He's not,' Boykin said, to rebuttal from Urban. A poll by the Washington Post-Ipsos conducted between August 23 and September 3 found 82 per cent of Black voters would 'definitely' or 'probably' to vote for Harris, up from 74 per cent for Biden in April. The share of Black voters saying they are likely to vote also appears to be on the rise. Support for Trump meanwhile fell from 14 per cent to 13 per cent in the same period. About 7 in 10 Black adults have an unfavorable view of Trump, a decrease of about 20 percentage points since early 2021. And although the Trump campaign has said Black men may be more receptive to his message, Black men and women have similar views of him. Brian Stelter (right) reacts as Urban claims Trump is still in a 'dead heat' with Kamala Harris Urban said Boykin's claims were 'crazy' as the panel descended into heated discussion Janiyah Thomas, Black media director at the Trump campaign, said the former president had a proven track record of creating opportunities for the Black community. 'To every Black American struggling to make ends meet, our message is clear: vote for the candidate who has consistently delivered on promises,' she added. In August and September 2019, while Trump was president, the Black unemployment rate reached a new low of 5.3%. Under Biden, the rate fell even lower, to 4.8%, in 2023. Action Network put Trump's chances of winning Tuesday night's debate at 9/4, behind Harris' odds of 1/3. Over three quarters of Generation Z do not want to work a 9-5 job for the rest of their lives, according to a new poll. The poll of Gen Z- those born between 1996 to 2012- found that 76% of young people plan to be their own boss in the future and do not want to work for someone else 'forever'. The 39% of the budding young entrepreneurs also believed that they could run a business from their phones and 45% said they could make a living from social media. In comparison just 57% of their older counterparts, millennials- born between 1980 and 1996- wanted to become self-employed. However, for groups born even earlier the number of those wanting to work for themselves was much lower at 36% for Gen X and 25% for baby boomers. Sam Jones, former star of Dragons Den and founder of web browser said Gen Z is the 'most entrepreneurial generation yet' The poll by Santander also found that Gen Z were the most self confident with 77% believing a future business venture would be successful. Older generations admitted that their were fewer opportunities to start a business when they younger and 44% said they had been under pressure to follow a traditional educational and career path. Sam Jones, former star of Dragons Den and founder of web browser Gener8 told The Telegraph: 'Gen Z is proving to be the most entrepreneurial generation yet 'They've grown up fully immersed in the digital age, where information, tools, and global connections are just a click away. They're uniquely positioned to outpace previous generations in turning ideas into reality.' A new poll found that 76% of young people plan to be their own boss in the future (Stock photo) Judging an award for start up companies, Mike Regnier, the chief executive of Santander UK added: 'It's clear that digital-savvy Gen Z have a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit. 'But the qualities you need to succeed on your own aren't bound by age. Entrepreneurship is vital for the growth of the UK economy. 'We are proud to support those that are just starting out through the X Awards, giving entrepreneurs of all ages the opportunity to win funding and support to take their business to the next level.' Jailed movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is recovering in intensive care after he had fluid on his heart and lungs removed in an emergency surgery, his lawyer says. Weinstein, 72, underwent pericardiocentesis surgery at Bellevue Hospital in New York City on Monday after having suffered chest pains over the weekend. His prison consultant Craig Rothfeld said he is currently in the ICU and remains in 'pain from the procedure', but is 'not in critical condition', Sky News reported. The former movie producer is 'still dealing with several other serious health issues which need to be addressed', Rothfeld added. Weinstein is currently serving a sentence for rape at Rikers Island prison and was rushed to Bellevue late Sunday due to 'severe medical conditions'. His lawyer Arthur Aidala says he warned jail officials: 'This guy is going to die on your watch if you don't do something.' Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone. He remains in custody in New York while awaiting a retrial in Manhattan that's tentatively scheduled to begin November 12. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing this Thursday. Harvey Weinstein (pictured in court last month) is recovering in intensive care after underwent pericardiocentesis surgery over the weekend. He remains in 'pain from the procedure' but is 'not in critical condition', his representatives have said Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan (file photo) from the Rikers Island jail complex late Sunday "due to severe medical conditions'. He then had fluid on his heart and lungs removed in an emergency surgery 'We can confirm that Mr. Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today,' Rothfeld and his publicist Juda Engelmayer said in a joint statement. Weinstein was out of surgery as of Monday afternoon and is in recovery, they said. Rothfeld identified the procedure as pericardiocentesis surgery. He said Weinstein had not been feeling well for several weeks and was worsening by the day. Aidala said they requested that jail officials immediately move Weinstein to Bellevue 'based on his complaints to us regarding chest pains.' In one email, Aidala said, he warned that the movie mogul would 'die' if officials did not take action. The city Department of Correction's public inmate-lookup website was updated Monday to show that Weinstein was moved to the Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward from the West Facility at Rikers Island, which is used to isolate inmates with contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, or for other reasons. Weinstein is currently serving a sentence for rape at Rikers Island prison (file photo) Weinstein has been in and out of Bellevue Hospital since returning to Rikers Island from state prison in April after an appeals court overturned his 2020 rape and sexual assault convictions and ordered a new trial. In July, he was hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs, his representatives said. He had also spent 10 days in Bellevue in April, with Aidala saying that the time that Weinstein has 'a lot of problems' and was 'somewhat of a train wreck health-wise'. After his February 2020 conviction, Weinstein left court in an ambulance and detoured to Bellevue, complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure. He later had a stent inserted to unblock an artery. After his sentencing a few weeks later, he returned to the hospital with more chest pains. He later tested positive for COVID-19 just days after being transferred to a state prison near Buffalo. In 2021, when Weinstein was being extradited to California for prosecution on rape charges there, his lawyers disclosed a litany of afflictions, including: diabetes, coronary artery disease, anemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, chronic leg pain, arthritis, and eye ailments that had severely degraded his vision. At recent court hearings, he has used a wheelchair. 'As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers from a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment,' Engelmayer and Rothfeld said Monday. Weinstein has been in and out of Bellevue Hospital since returning to Rikers Island from state prison in April after an appeals court overturned his 2020 rape and sexual assault convictions and ordered a new trial. He is pictured leaving court in New York City on January 6, 2020 Weinstein, pictured last month, suffers from a 'plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment', his representatives have said The state's Court of Appeals found that the judge in the 2020 trial unfairly allowed testimony from women whose claims against Weinstein weren't part of the case. Last week, prosecutors disclosed that they've begun taking steps to potentially charge him with up to three additional sex assaults. They said they've started presenting evidence to a grand jury of up to three previously uncharged allegations against Weinstein - two sexual assaults in the mid-2000s and another sexual assault in 2016. A vote on a potential new indictment was expected soon. At the same time, British prosecutors said last week they were dropping two charges of indecent assault against Weinstein in 2022 because there was 'no longer a realistic prospect of conviction'. Weinstein became the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement, which took root in 2017 when women began to go public with accounts of his behavior. After the retrial, Weinstein is due to start serving a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles. He is pictured in Queens criminal court on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in New York City At the original trial, Weinstein was convicted of forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 and rape in the third degree for an attack on an aspiring actor in 2013. Those allegations will be part of his retrial. Weinstein's acquittals on charges of predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape still stand. After the retrial, Weinstein is due to start serving a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles, authorities said. Weinstein was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022. Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax and The Weinstein Company film studios, was once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, producing such Oscar winners as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love. A homicide detective who took his own life while on duty had been stopped at an international airport two days earlier, the state's police commissioner has revealed. The 45-year-old officer died in the early hours of Monday morning at the homicide squad's Northbridge headquarters in Perth's CBD. His death is not being treated as supicious. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said officers were liaising with Australian Border Force personnel to investigate why the officer was stopped at Perth International Airport on Saturday, and whether the incident could be linked to the tragedy. 'He was (stopped) and he was returning from a family event overseas,' Commissioner Blanch told Perth radio station 6PR on Tuesday. 'We don't know if that is connected in any way to what has occurred, but certainly that is one of the focuses of the investigation at the moment.' Commissioner Blanch said he understood the officer was on duty at the time of his death. 'My priority at the moment is the welfare of his family, he has family both here and overseas and also the officers, certainly the officers that were present in the building and also colleagues from his career ... our health and welfare area have been deployed throughout the agency,' Mr Blanch said. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said his officers were liaising with Border Force staff to find out why the detective was stopped at Perth International Airport WA Police Union president Paul Gale told the West Australian the loss has rocked the policing community. 'All of our members both here and across Australia will be affected by this,' Mr Gale said. Police are still investigating the man's death but say there are no suspicious circumstances. Officers will compile a report for the Coroner. Meanwhile a former detective colleague has paid tribute, describing the late cop as 'a gentle and kind soul who was dedicated and committed to serving the community of Western Australia'. Cameron Blaine, a former homicide detective who shot to international fame for his role in the rescue of four-year-old Cleo Smith, said the officer was well respected and popular in the police community. 'He was humble, thorough, thoughtful and very much liked by his workmates,' Mr Blaine wrote on LinkedIn. The detective took his life at the homicide squad's Northbridge headquarters on Stirling Street 'His passing is an incredible loss and he will be greatly missed.' Mr Blaine has been a critic of WA Police over what he says is a lack of care for the mental health of officers. 'The force's management of mental health would be (in my opinion) better described as a mix of apathy, ignorance, negligence, indifference and tokenism. The time for change is long overdue,' he wrote on LinkedIn. 'The attrition rate resembles the opening scenes of the movie 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. 'Your 'burn and churn' policy is not without its consequences. Those experienced officers who have quit the force are the lucky ones. 'The culture must change, starting at the top.' Mr Blaine became the face of WA police's herculean effort to find abducted Cleo when footage was released of him asking the four-year-old girl her name as she was carried out of a Carnarvon house in November 2021. 'My name is Cleo,' she said in the now famous video. However, misconduct allegations later emerged about Mr Blaine and he was investigated by the Corruption and Crime Commission leading to his resignation in October 25. Last year, WA Police announced the state's homicide squad was under-resourced and run off its feet after a surge in murder cases. It led to extra officers being seconded to the Northbridge-based homicide unit to assist. For free mental health support call Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 For support with anxiety and depression call Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 A young mother has been charged after she allegedly tried to run over her former partner twice in front of her children in broad daylight. Police allege the woman, 30, and her two children met the man near Dickson Aquatic Centre in Canberra at about 12pm on Monday. The pair had a conversation on the street before the woman allegedly got into her car and drove at her ex-partner. After she narrowly missed him, the woman allegedly reversed the car and drove at him a second time, hitting him in the hand and ribs. She allegedly fled the scene with her children before emergency services arrived. Police attended the scene and conducted interviews with the injured man and other witnesses. Officers then attended a home in OConnor in the city's north, where the woman was arrested. She was charged with aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated property damage, and driving offences. The woman allegedly tried to run over her ex-partner near Dickson pool in Canberra's north She was scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates court on Tuesday. ACT Policing urged anyone experiencing family violence to call police. 'ACT Policing stands ready to assist victims experiencing family violence,' they say. 'If you are in this situation when it is safe to do so please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice.' A Hindu teenager was fatally shot in the head by a gang of 'cow protectors' in India after they mistook him for being a Muslim cattle smuggler. Aryan Mishra, 19, was travelling with his friends in Faridabad, India, when they were spotted by the 'cow vigilantes' on the Delhi-Agra National Highway and chased for 18 miles. When Mishra's friend finally pulled over in the early hours of August 24, the brutal group of five men exited their vehicle and stormed over to Mishra before shooting him in the head at close range. Among the five who had chased down the Renault Duster Mishra had been travelling in was reportedly Anil Kaushik, 38, who often patrolled the are as a self-proclaimed 'gau rakshak' - or 'cow protector'. Kaushik, along with four others - known only as Saurabh, Krishna, Varun, and Adesh, were apprehended four days after the killing and placed in police custody for two days, Superintendent Aman Yadav said in a release. Aryan Mishra, 19, was killed in India on August 24 after he was mistaken for a Muslim cow smuggler by five Hindu 'cow vigilantes' Among the five who had chased down the Renault Duster Mishra had been travelling in was Anil Kaushik, 38, who often patrolled the are as a self-proclaimed 'gau rakshak' - or 'cow protector'. Kaushik, along with four others - known only as Saurabh, Krishna, Varun, and Adesh, were apprehended four days after the killing and placed in police custody for two days, Superintendent Aman Yadav said in a release. Mishra had been travelling in Faridabad in a red Renault Duster before he and his friends were chased for 18 miles by the gang on the Delhi-Agra National Highway But police do not expect to file charges until next month. During questioning, the suspects claimed that on the night of August 23, they had received information about suspected cattle smugglers in Faridabad with two SUVs. Kaushik then found himself facing Mishra's devastated father, Siyanand, at the police station. Siyanand, 49, told The Times that Kaushik told him: 'I made a big mistake. Your son was a Hindu. I thought he was a Muslim'. The heartbroken father asked the gang member if it would make the killing alright if his son had been a Muslim. 'For a cow? Is a Muslim not human?' he asked. 'I told him he was a disgrace to Hindus and should rot in jail,' he added. According to a report by The Print, Kaushik told Siyanand he regretted killing 'a brother' after mistaking the Hindu teen for a Muslim. The suspects were all 'cow vigilantes' - members of a nationwide right-wing Hindu militia, Gau Raksha Dal (GRD or Cow Protection Association), that claims to protect cows considered holy by many Hindus from slaughter, mainly by Muslim cattle traders. Cow slaughter is banned or regulated in most Indian states for religious and cultural reasons as the animals are viewed as 'holy' beings within the Hinduism. But it is rare the vigilantes face any severe consequences for their actions, and it is often the victims and their families who face police scrutiny over whether they were in possession of beef. Cow slaughter is banned or regulated in most Indian states for religious and cultural reasons The suspects were all 'cow vigilantes' - members of a nationwide right-wing Hindu militia, Gau Raksha Dal (GRD or Cow Protection Association), that claims to protect cows considered holy by many Hindus from slaughter, mainly by Muslim cattle traders. Pictured: The GDR logo Rights groups across the globe, and particularly in India, believe the gangs operate under the patronage and protection of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since the Hindu leader claimed power a decade ago The BJP, however, has denied any link to the cow-related attacks, and in 2016, Modi publicly criticised the vigilantes. The Gau Raksha Dal has gangs in nearly half of all Indian states, mostly based in the north. Their logo depicts a cow's head, flanked by two rifles and a pair of daggers - as vigilantes will patrol the streets armed and on the hunt for suspected cattle smugglers. The gang members also share information about alleged incidents of cow slaughter or cattle smuggling with local police and are reported to have even joined officers in raids and arrests. When the news broke of Mishra's death, the incident grabbed headlines around the country and sent shockwaves through communities across India. But according to Mishra's father, the horror was not over his death, but the fact a Hindu had been wrongly targeted. Just days after Mishra's death, on August 27, a Muslim migrant worker was beaten to death on suspicion of having eaten beef. The following day, an elderly Muslim man on a train in Maharashtra was also beaten by Hindu vigilantes who accused him of having beef in his bag. Mishra's mother Uma, says she now wants her youngest son's death to bring an end to cow-linked lynching. 'They use the cow as an excuse to kill Muslims. My neighbours are Muslims. I don't want any of them to be bereaved like me,' she told The Times. Medical bosses have broken their silence for the first time after ditching a 'rogue' Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon who allegedly carried out 'unethical' surgeries that left children with serious injuries and even facing amputations. Dr Yaser Jabbar, 43, is at the heart of an urgent probe by the NHS trust after an independent review by the Royal College of Surgeons found he had conducted unnecessary and harmful surgeries on children as young as four months old. After leaving the trust following a sabbatical after complaints from colleagues and families of patients, MailOnline revealed Jabbar moved to Dubai, where he continued to carry out surgery on unsuspecting children. He was attached to at least two hospitals in Dubai and was paraded at top medical conferences, being lauded as internationally sought after and 'one of the best' in his field. Jabbar had been due to speak at the Dubai MENA Orthopaedics Congress, but he was rapidly ditched from the programme after MailOnline contacted them about the allegations against the former NHS doctor. Now bosses have spoken out for the first time about the move and slammed Jabbar's alleged 'involvement in unethical medical practices'. Yaser Jabbar, 43, had been due to speak at the Dubai MENA Orthopaedics Congress, but he was rapidly ditched from the programme after MailOnline contacted them about the allegations against the former NHS doctor Jabbar left Great Ormond Street last September before moving to Dubai, where he continued to operate on unsuspecting patients Organisers told MailOnline: 'The MENA Orthopaedic Congress is the largest scientific congress dedicated to the education of Orthopaedic Health Care Professionals and related specialties in the MENA region. 'We are deeply shocked by the recent revelations regarding Dr. Yaser Jabbars alleged involvement in unethical medical practices. 'We would like to unequivocally state that the Congress does not support any unethical medical practices. 'Upon learning about the allegations made against Dr. Jabbar, the MENA Orthopaedic Congress organizers and committee collectively decided to remove Dr. Jabbars presentation from the program, and therefore Dr. Jabbar is no longer part of the congress speaker faculty. 'The MENA Orthopaedic Congress team wish to make it clear that we focus solely on knowledge sharing and education for healthcare professionals in order to provide the best possible patient care. 'We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical ethics and professional integrity.' The MENA International Orthopaedics Congress had previously announced Jabbar as a speaker in July, saying: 'Join us to gain knowledge from his wealth of experience!' Jabbar had been announced as a speaker at this week's MENA conference - bosses have now slammed his alleged 'unethical' practices and removed him from the programme Great Ormond Street has launched an urgent review of all the youngsters treated by former surgeon Jabbar in its orthopaedic department Jabbar treated 721 children at Great Ormond Street Hospital, leaving some with serious injuries, different leg lengths and even requiring amputation, a leaked report found. A confidential report by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) into his work found young patients were subjected to procedures that were not beneficial or justified. Great Ormond Street has now launched an urgent review of all the youngsters treated by Jabbar in its orthopaedic department. Of the 39 cases that have been reviewed so far, 15 patients have come to no harm, nine have suffered 'low to moderate harm' and 13 have come to 'severe harm' - that is likely to include lifelong injuries, the hospital said. One child needed to have a leg amputated following a surgeries carried out by Jabbar and another is facing the threat of amputation. Great Ormond Street said the RCS found the amputation could have been avoided if a different treatment path had been taken by Jabbar. Some have been left with different length legs, in some cases by as much as 20cm, while other injuries include muscle damage and nerve injuries. Jabbar treated 721 children while working at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a report has revealed Jabbar was listed as an expert orthopaedic surgeon for both children and adults at the Clemenceau Medical Center (pictured) and orthopaedic specialists Orthocure The Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC)'s page on Jabbar listed various conditions he claimed to treat at the Dubai hospital - the page has since been removed All 721 patients or their families have been contacted as part of the review, which is expected to take 18 months to complete, Great Ormond Street said. Jabbar, who no longer works at the London hospital, has not had a licence to practise medicine in the UK since January 8, according to the General Medical Council's website. But the 'unethical' surgeon moved to Dubai where he set himself up as a successful doctor whose expertise was in demand at speaking engagements around the region. He was listed as an expert orthopaedic surgeon for both children and adults at the Clemenceau Medical Center and orthopaedic specialists Orthocure. Both hospitals have since deleted him from their sites since MailOnline got in contact with them on Sunday. CMC described Jabbar as 'internationally sought for both adult and paediatric trauma and reconstruction, and is considered a leading figure in the region.' It added Jabbar was 'recognised for his expertise and appointed as a consultant limb reconstruction surgeon at the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.' It made no mention of the reasons for his departure, but did publish a long list of operations he could perform for both adults and children. Orthocure also heaped praise on Jabbar, describing him as 'internationally sought after' with more than 20 years of clinical experience. It claimed he has a 'sizable international and embassy patient base'. Neither Dr Jabbar, CMC or Orthocure have responded to requests for comment. A female chef on a Royal Navy warship who drunkenly pushed a male colleague's head into her chest during boozy New Year's Eve celebrations has narrowly avoided jail. 'Crass and offensive' Leading Rate Natasha Crawley - who was previously disciplined for having sex on board a ship - then left another man with 'panic in his eyes' as she 'straddled' and tried to kiss him, a court martial heard. The 30-year-old walked into the celebrations with a bottle of red wine and mug with her lips already stained red, it was heard. After admitting three counts of misconduct through alcohol, she was reprimanded by a judge who said her behaviour was 'demeaning and intrusive'. However, in an 'exceptional' ruling, LR Crawley - who is now seven months pregnant and cried after the hearing - was spared from jail, with the judge opting instead to suspend her 16-week sentence for 18 months. 'Crass and offensive': Royal Navy chef Natasha Crawley narrowly avoided jail after pushing a male colleague into her chest while drunk during New Year's Eve celebrations LR Crawley was on board the warship HMS Lancaster, which had been deployed to the Red Sea at the time of the incident Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire heard the incident took place in the early hours of January 1 this year on HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 frigate which was deployed to the Red Sea on a mission to hunt down drug smugglers and arms traffickers. Just a week earlier, on Christmas Day, the warship had come under missile attack, the court heard. Prosecutor Rupert Gregory said: 'This case involved the defendant getting very drunk on board HMS Lancaster while it was at sea,' he said. Others joined a mess party after the count down for the new year had taken place, it was heard. Mr Gregory continued: 'She sang on karaoke while drinking red wine she brought in with her. 'At 2am, [the victim] was watching a Royal Marine singing when this defendant stumbled into her. 'He said her eyes looked dead and she put her arms against his shoulders.' The court heard from a witness she told him 'I'm open, I'm open right now and you know exactly what that means.' She then 'grabbed [him] with both hands and pulled him into her, his head into her chest'. It was heard he was initially 'amused', but then 'annoyed' when he couldn't get off. 'He told her to get off him as she pulled his head into her chest. 'She held him with her arm around her neck, eventually he turned and fell away into some cushions. The court heard her victim was left with 'panic in his eyes' following the drunken incident LR Crawley heard she had previously been disciplined over having sex on board a ship in 2015 'He looked at his friend and said 'what on earth is going on?'' The court heard it had taken 'some force' to separate the pair. Mr Gregory said the second victim was left with 'panic in his eyes' from her actions. 'He saw the defendant arrive looking tipsy at 1am,' he said. 'At 2am, the defendant was spaced out and came and straddled his lap, facing him. 'He said: 'What are you doing? Get off me'. He thought she was about to try and kiss him. 'She slid down and was staying on his lap. He pushed her away as two others dragged her away by her shoulders. 'He felt sad, angry and annoyed and wanted to speak to his girlfriend.' Describing LR Crawley, a teetotal sailor said: 'She was extremely drunk as to be incoherent, unaware of her surroundings or what was happening.' Another colleague said she had arrived with red wine and a mug and her 'lips were stained red'. The court heard as a result of her not being able to 'talk or walk' it took 90 minutes to get her to bed. The final charge consisted of making a nuisance of herself during this process as she was 'screaming and shouting' on her way to her cabin, where she was finally put to bed at 4am. LR Crawley was reported and interviewed by Royal Navy police where she admitted the offending. The court heard she had two previous offences of contravention of standing orders - by having sex on board a ship back in 2015. Fiona Edington, representing the sailor, said 'copious amounts of alcohol' had been drunk in the New Year celebrations. LR Crawley served as a chef aboard the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, pictured on exercises in the Baltic Region in 2021 'She had drunk too much and she apologises for that,' she said. 'She was unruly and it took her shipmates some time to get her to bed and that should not have happened.' She told the court LR Crawley was working 18 hours a day providing three meals for the sailors on board the ship which had been attacked by missiles on Christmas day. 'She has done exemplary service,' she added. 'Perhaps her private behaviour has not been the best - sadly she let herself down on December 31 by coming into that mess drunk, something which she regrets deeply. 'She apologises for it, it's not going to happen again.' Addressing her, Assistant Judge Advocate John Atwill said: 'Your behaviour did have an impact on [the first victim], who was entitled to be safe from behaviour of that sort. 'Even though, luckily for you, he found it embarrassing rather than anything more.' About her refusal to go to bed quietly, he said: 'You caused inconvenience to others, but what is notable is the protracted duration while two of your colleagues did their very best to keep you safe. 'It was demeaning and intrusive for the others involved and exhausting for others who had to protect you from your own foolishness. 'Your behaviour was crass and offensive. 'It was hugely embarrassing for [your colleagues]. 'Your behaviour was inexcusable, but we have concluded dismissal is not necessary. 'We have reflected on the valuable service you continue to offer.' LR Crawley also avoided a reduction in rank, but was wanted to 'reflect such behaviour is utterly unacceptable'. 'We are of the view, exceptionally, this sentence should be suspended,' he said. 'Your remorse is genuine and it was an isolated incident. We also reflect on your advanced stage of pregnancy.' He continued: 'We wish you all the very best for the remainder of your career and pregnancy. I hope not to see you here again.' Police have launched an urgent investigation after a male patient was found dead inside a hospital catering oven. The shocking discovery was made on Friday at Kettering General Hospital in Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire Police are currently not treating the 'sudden' death of the man as suspicious. The area where he was found was cordoned off to allow officers to investigate. No details have been released yet explaining how the man came to be in the oven. A spokeswoman for the force said: 'We are not treating this death as suspicious and will be preparing a report for the coroner. Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends at this time.' A man has been found dead inside a catering oven at Kettering General Hospital, pictured Northamptonshire Police are not treating the death of the man as suspicious at this moment The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group chief nurse, Julie Hogg, also stated: 'We are working with Northamptonshire Police so that they can complete a report for the coroner into the circumstances of this tragic incident. 'Our thoughts are with the man's family and loved ones. We will not be commenting further at this time.' A spokesperson for the Care Quality Commission said: 'CQC has been notified of the death of a person at Kettering General Hospital, and our condolences are with their family at this sad time. 'We are in close contact with the trust as they look into the circumstances around this incident. 'CQC's priority, at all times, is the health and wellbeing of people using health and social care services, and all information we receive informs our monitoring of services and future inspections. 'If we're not satisfied people are receiving safe care, we will not hesitate to take action in line with our regulatory powers. 'We'd encourage anyone who has concerns about a health and social care service to let us know. 'This can be done by using the give feedback on care form on our website or via our customer service centre on 03000 616161.' Wine connoisseurs are up in arms over a video showing revellers carelessly pouring dozens of bottles of vintage Petrus wine into a glass bowl to make a 100,000 sangria. Video footage showed patrons of the La Guerite restaurant on Sainte-Marguerite island, off Cannes, cheering and whistling as they mixed two vintages of world-renowned Petrus along with ice cubes, oranges and other ingredients. One man was seen licking one bottle as he poured its contents out into the bowl. The as-yet-unnamed partygoers were seen pouring the vintages, a 2006 that costs around 3,800 (3,200) a bottle, and the 2011, which costs about 3,200 (2,700), back in August. But it wasn't until French newspaper La Figaro picked the story up that condemnation became widespread. Philippe Faure-Brac, a renowned sommelier, told The Times it was 'like using a Picasso or a van Gogh to make a fire' Video footage showed patrons of the La Guerite restaurant on Sainte-Marguerite island, off Cannes, cheering and whistling as they mixed two vintages of world-renowned Petrus into a glass bowl The vintages, a 2006 that costs around 3,800 (3,200) a bottle, and the 2011, which costs about 3,200 (2,700), were used to make the concoction 'This is a wine with a gastronomic vocation par excellence. Why not taste it in a very festive way? Putting it in a sangria is not its vocation.' Petrus became a favourite of the then-Princess Elizabeth in the 1940s, after Marie-Louise Loubat, its owner at the time, sent a case over to the UK. She was enamoured by the red wine, and later invited Loubat to serve it at her wedding. The wine was also served to John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie, both known Francophiles who declared their love for the wine which massively boosted its popularity in the US. The vineyard makes just 30,000 bottles of Petrus a year on its 10 hectares of land. Legendary wine critic Robert Parker previously said of the 2006 Petrus that it had 'notes of caramelized, sweet black cherries and wild berry fruit with plenty of spice, earth, and a hint of herbaceousness.' He said the 2011 vintage had 'restrained but intriguing aromas of kirsch, raspberry jam, wood spice, and mulberries.' A three-year-old girl has died after being left in a hot car for more than two hours in 101F heat in Arizona. The girl's family had returned home from an outing on Sunday and nobody had realized she was still stuck in the SUV parked outside, Buckeye police said. Authorities, now investigating the tragedy, responded to reports of an unresponsive child around 5pm, some two and a half hours after the family returned home. Officers tried to revive her with chest compressions and a defibrillator until paramedics arrived and rushed her to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The name of the child and her parents haven't been released. Buckeye, Arizona has a hot desert climate with temperatures reaching highs of 110F in summer 'No arrests have been made at this point. The investigation is ongoing,' police spokesperson Carissa Planalp said Monday. Police said detectives have been interviewing the girl's parents and other family members to put together a timeline for the tragedy. It's unclear if the child was in a locked car seat and unable to get out of the vehicle by herself, according to police. The National Weather Service in Phoenix said it was 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41.1 Celsius) from 2-5 p.m. Sunday in Buckeye, which is 36 miles (58 kilometers) west of Phoenix. Long after the girl had been found, authorities took a temperature reading inside the car with the doors open and it was 130 degrees F (54.4 C). 'Here in the Phoenix metro, we have extreme heat, triple-digit temperatures,' Planalp said. 'The message is always `look before you lock.'' According to the Kids and Car Safety website, at least 47 children have died in hot cars in Arizona since 1994. In July, a two-year-old girl from Tucson, Arizona died in a hot car in front of her home after she was left there for at least 30 minutes on a 109F day. Her father, Chris Scholtes, 37, told police he went inside the house in Marana, north of Tucson, Arizona, leaving the car on and the air-conditioning running. But he returned about 4pm on Tuesday to discover the car had shut off and his daughter Parker Scholtes was unresponsive, and immediately called 911. The toddler was rushed to Banner University Medical Center Tucson, where her mother Erika Scholtes, 35, worked as an anesthesiologist. 'Resuscitation efforts were being done, and the child was immediately transported to the hospital,' police said. 'Unfortunately, the child was pronounced deceased at the hospital.' Brunenkant said it was unclear exactly how long Parker was in the car, and how long since the car and air-conditioning turned off. 'All we know is that it was a hot car. The child was unresponsive, it was very hot, and it's very tragic,' he said. 'He left the child in the car. The car was running, the AC was operational. We are trying to determine how long he was in the house, at what time the car may have shut off or the AC stopped working.' Brunenkant said Parker's death was a reminder to never leave a child alone in a car. Police responded to reports of an unresponsive child two and a half hours after she was left According to data from Kids and Car Safety, as many as 38 young people die each year, on average, from heatstroke inside a vehicle, up from 29 in 2023. In the last 30 decades, more than 1,000 children have died in this way. Heatstroke is the leading cause of death in vehicles for people 14 and younger, excluding crashes. Consumer Reports found that even when temperatures are 61F outside, they can rise to more than 105F in a closed car in just one hour. 'Children should never be left unattended in a car for even a short period of time,' said Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR's Auto Test Center. 'Even when it's not that hot outside, our test results show how quickly temperatures inside the car escalate, regardless of whether your car is light or dark.' Germany's introduction of strict controls on all its land borders to crack down on migration and 'Islamist terrorism' has prompted anger from its European neighbours who are loathe to accept migrants turned away by Berlin. Interior minister Nancy Faeser, of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's struggling Social Democrat party (SPD), yesterday announced that harsher restrictions would be implemented across Germany's 2,300-mile land border from September 16. The scheme, which will last six months before review and enable authorities to reject more migrants directly at German borders, represents a significant extension of controls introduced last year on Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Now, borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Austria will also be subject to the restrictions. The German government's drastic move is the first time that controls have been placed on all of the country's borders since the creation of the Schengen Area in the 1990s. Many European countries are supportive of more stringent EU-wide border restrictions to curb migration into the bloc. But they are less enthused by Germany's declaration it will start turning migrants back to neighbouring nations. Austrian authorities have already declared they will not accept any migrants that Berlin attempts to force back across the border without a formal agreement. 'There's no room for manoeuvre there,' Austria's Foreign Minister Gerhard Karner told Bild. 'I have directed the Head of the federal police to not allow any returns. Austria will not accept any persons rejected from Germany.' Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk slammed the measures as 'unacceptable', saying his country would consult with the other nations impacted. 'These kinds of actions are unacceptable from Poland's point of view,' Tusk said at a televised event in Warsaw. 'Rather than greater controls of our border, Poland needs greater participation of countries, including Germany, in guarding and securing the European Union's external borders,' he added. Czech press meanwhile have said that new border policies represent a threat to the Schengen agreement and the principles of free movement within Europe. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's struggling Social Democrat party (SPD) announced yesterday that from September 16, harsher restrictions would be implemented across Germany's 2,300-mile land border The government has justified the strict border controls, claiming they contribute to 'the protection of internal security against the current threats of Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime' (Afghan migrant pictured in knife attack in Mannheim) Your browser does not support iframes. Not all of Germany's EU allies reacted in anger to the announcement, however, with Dutch hard-right politician Geert Wilders praising Berlin's move and telling reporters 'the sooner, the better' when asked about border controls. Many Germans initially welcomed migrants when more than a million people from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq came in 2015-16 after wars and instability in their home countries. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel - who famously declared in 2017 that Islam was 'not the source of terrorism' - opened the country's borders to over a million asylum seekers in 2015. The move was highly divisive, praised by many liberal commentators as a morally just, humanitarian policy and slammed as dangerous and short-sighted by more conservative mouthpieces. But growing tensions over the number of migrants entering the country of 84 million people each year reached breaking point after Chancellor Scholz's government automatically granted asylum to around a million Ukrainians fleeing Russia's 2022 invasion - even as Germany was struggling through an energy and economic crisis. The woes continued into 2023, when net migration figures stood at three-quarters of a million, and this year the SPD was forced to confront the issue following a series of violent attacks carried out by Islamists. Berlin last year agreed tighter deportation rules and announced stricter controls on its land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Scholz then announced in June that authorities would resume flying convicted criminals of Afghan nationality to their home country for the first time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. These restrictions have seen 30,000 migrants returned since October 2023 and seemed to have made a notable impact on a number of asylum applications in Germany, with government statistics highlighting a 21.7% drop from January to August this year. But the stricter controls set to be rolled out next week have already angered Austria and Poland, with more European countries likely to follow if German authorities start making formal requests for them to take back substantial numbers of asylum seekers and migrants. Migrants fleeing the likes of Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq typically cross into Turkey and flood into Europe via the Balkans, moving up into eastern and central Europe via what is known as the Eastern Mediterranean Corridor. Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland are among the most frequented 'transit' countries by migrants and asylum seekers travelling to Germany. Your browser does not support iframes. Far-right protesters hold a banner reading 'remigration now' as they march through the streets of Solingen, following a stabbing rampage, on August 26 Right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) top candidate Bjoern Hoecke gives thumbs up on the day of the Thuringia state election in Erfurt, Germany, September 1, 2024 A 26-year-old Syrian man, who is the suspect in custody for a stabbing rampage in the western German city of Solingen in which several individuals were killed, is escorted by police as he leaves the Federal Public Prosecutor in Karlsruhe, Germany, August 25, 2024 Both AfD and BSW parties are firm advocates against Germany's longstanding support of uncontrolled immigration Poland is one of the countries on the EU's eastern flank that has been dealing with a migration influx it has described as a 'hybrid' attack by Belarus and its ally Russia. Since summer 2021, thousands of migrants and refugees, mainly from the Middle East, have crossed or attempted to cross the border between Belarus and Poland. Warsaw has accused Moscow of smuggling people from Africa into Europe sending them to the Polish border through Belarus. Germany's move could also face legal challenges if they endure beyond six months. Under EU rules, countries in the Schengen area - which encompasses all of the bloc bar Cyprus and Ireland - are only allowed to introduce border checks as a last resort to avert threats to internal security or public policy. Berlin told the European Commission that temporary measures are justified because of the 'persistently high overall burden on Germany' and 'protection of internal security against the current threats of Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime'. The German government has been facing increased pressure to respond to migration as a swell of support for parties on both sides of the political spectrum in recent regional elections left Scholz's SPD floundering. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) stormed to victory with 32.8% of the vote in the former East German state of Thuringia, the state election commissioner's data showed, with the conservative CDU coming in second place with 23.6%. That result marked the first time a party deemed far-right won a regional election in Germany since World War II. Meanwhile, the fledgling far-left BSW party, named after its founder Sahra Wagenknecht who launched the outfit earlier this year, scooped incredible gains with 15.8% of votes. In neighbouring Saxony, the AfD took home just over 30% of the vote, coming in a close second to the conservative CDU with 31.9%, while the BSW secured 11.8% of votes. By comparison, Scholz's ailing SPD party walked away with a measly 6.1% and 7.3% of votes in Thuringia and Saxony respectively, only just managing to scrape its way over the mandatory 5% hurdle needed to secure a place in the regional parliaments. The AfD is also projected to scoop record numbers of votes in the next regional elections in Brandenburg in the coming weeks. Despite the AfD's and BSW's fierce opposition when it comes to social and economic policy, they happen to share similar stances on several key issues that give the pro-EU Scholz and Brussels itself cause for concern. Both parties are firm advocates against Germany's longstanding support of uncontrolled immigration and are also highly critical of the EU, with the AfD going as far as to call for German sovereignty from the bloc it has described as a 'failed project'. The AfD in particular has seized upon a slew of recent extremist attacks to drum up support for its zero tolerance campaign. A knife attack by an Afghan immigrant in June left one police officer dead and four other people wounded. Last month, three people were killed in a knife attack in Soligen carried out by a Syrian asylum-seeker who claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State group. And last week, police in Munich exchanged fire with a gunman near the Israeli Consulate, fatally wounding him. Authorities said they believe he was planning to attack the consulate on the 52nd anniversary of the attack on the 1972 Munich Olympics. The introduction of new border controls also comes after the conservative CDU/CSU parties piled yet more pressure on Scholz after holding an 'emergency meeting' with its regional representatives to discuss stricter immigration policies. Protesters are seen in Mannheim's city square after a stabbing attack earlier this year ISIS released a photo of the militant who carried out a mass stabbing attack at a festival in Solingen and killed three people At the end of last month Germany's police union announced that participation in the Schengen agreement was making Germany's security crisis even worse and must be abandoned immediately, piling pressure on the struggling SPD. Manuel Ostermann, deputy federal chairman of the Federal Police Union, has launched a fierce condemnation of Schengen, the EU's hair-brained border-free scheme, in an interview with Focus magazine. 'The crisis in Germany's security is a direct consequence of Schengen's ineffective policies. Schengen's inability to manage migration effectively has put Germany's safety at stake.' 'Germany must realise the current failure of Schengen and either make a concerted effort to return to the current legal situation or terminate Schengen,' Ostermann concluded, pointing to the rising crime rates in Germany which he claims is exacerbated by the migration crisis. He said Schengen's open borders have made it easier for criminals to operate across Europe, impacting Germany's safety. 'Schengen has failed to protect Germany from the influx of criminals, necessitating immediate action.' 'We must continue to notify our internal borders because border controls, whose effectiveness has been proven, are no longer maintained under Schengen. 'The failure of Schengen is evident in the increased crime rates, making it clear that changes are needed.' Smoke billows high above California's Trabuco Canyon in shocking footage as locals desperately flee their homes to avoid wildfires spreading through Orange County. A time lapse of just half an hour shows the extent of damage, with fires spanning about 2,000 acres of land since the outbreak on Monday afternoon. Three people have been injured in the fast-moving brush fire, with authorities struggling to prevent its spread. By 8pm yesterday evening, containment was still at 0 per cent, Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern told a news conference. Investigators have determined the cause was unintentional, caused by a spark from heavy equipment used by workers on Trabuco Creek Road. The fire broke out near a field for flying RC planes on Monday afternoon It quickly spread to around 2,000 acres, according to local officials Time lapse showed the fire moving quickly over the span of just half an hour McGovern told reporters on Monday night the workers were 'moving boulders to block access to the vegetation ... to keep people out because of the weather we have right now, and the fuels are getting to that point'. The fire reportedly broke out around 1:13pm yesterday afternoon, burning through at least seven acres of land within half an hour. By 4pm, it had covered 800 acres. By 4.30pm, it was pushing 1,300 acres, fire officials said. The inferno, breaking out near a field for flying remote-controlled airplanes, has been dubbed the 'Airport Fire'. Authorities have now told residents in Robinson Ranch and Trabuco to leave their homes as around 1,000 firefighters try to tackle the blaze. Firefighters have been tackling the fire on the ground while helicopters and planes drop retardant have flown overhead. Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said the focus had been on protecting homes. No properties had been damaged at the time. Two firefighters have sustained heat-related injuries and one local was transported to a hospital due to smoke inhalation. A family of three - a husband, wife and their three-year-old - were rescued by officers while hiking on Joplin trail. A man and a cat were also reported to be recovering at a shelter after being rescued from the trail. Residents living on Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop and Cooks Corner are advised to evacuate. Homes in Robinson Ranch and Trabuco Highlands are currently under mandatory evacuation orders. The public is encouraged to contact the Public Information Hotline with concerns on (714) 628-7085. 'All resources and support personnel have been identified and are on standby ready to mobilize other areas of the Emergency Operations Center when needed,' Orange County Sheriff's Department assured. Residents can sign up to receive vital alerts at www.alertoc.com. People watch as the Airport Fire burns on September 9, 2024 Authorities rushed to rescue people from a hiking trail by helicopter Mandatory evacuations have been issued as the fire continues to spread through the region Firefighters have been tackling the fire on the ground while helicopters and planes drop retardant have flown overhead A large animal shelter has been established at 88 Fair Drive in the city of Costa Mesa, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Dept. 'Mission Viejo Animal Services has moved to the Bell Tower Regional Community Center to assist sheltering pets and help evacuated residents reunite with their pets,' a statement read. 'If you need assistance with your pet, please call 949-470-3045 and press 2. 'OC Animal Care is also able to shelter other pets. OC Animal Care is located at 1630 Victory Road in the city of Tustin. 'Please bring photo identification, veterinary or vaccination records, special food, and medications along with your animal.' The Airport Fire covers the site of the Holy Fire, which burned through more than 23,000 acres of land in 2018, according to officials. A four-year-old girl has been attacked by two XL Bullys while playing in the park with her mother. The young girl was attacked in Sheffield at around 5.30pm on September 4 when two loose dogs, believed to be XL Bullys, approached her and began to maul her. She was rushed to hospital for her injuries to her body, which were luckily not life-threatening. The dogs were later seized from a property and remain in police kennels. It comes after the XL bully ban came into force in England and Wales from February 1, making it a criminal offence to own the breed without an exemption certificate. Pictuted, a South Yorkshire Police handout of the four-year-old's injuries after she was attacked in Sheffield by two XL bullys The young girl was attacked in a park Sheffield at around 5.30pm on September 4 while playing with her mother. (Stock photo of a park in the city) Timeline of suspected XL Bully attacks since the start of the ban February 3 - A grandmother was killed by two XL Bully dogs in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. February 9 - A woman was bitten in the face by a 'bully type dog' in Lanarkshire. February 10 - An eight-year-old boy was mauled by a dog believed to be an XL Bully while playing outside in Merseyside. February 18 - An XL bully-type dog was shot dead by police after attacking another dog and injuring three people. February 19 - A four-year-old girl was left seriously injured after she was attacked by a suspected XL Bully cross-breed in Carmarthen. March 18 - A suspected XL Bully was killed by armed police after going on a rampage and injuring four people in Battersea, London. On the same day a three-year-old boy was mauled by a registered XL Bully in Doncaster. April 9 - A woman was attacked in her home in the Norfolk town of Holt by an XL Bully she was looking after. April 16 - A suspected XL bully attacked a woman in Blackpool. April 29 - A woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being attacked by a bully-type dog in Kelloholm, Dumfriesshire. May 20 - A woman was mauled to death by her two registered XL Bully dogs in Havering, east London. May 27 - A five-year-old boy was attacked by an XL Bully in Hull. May 28 - A 15-year-old boy was attacked by an XL Bully in Caerphilly, South Wales. Advertisement Chief Inspector for South Yorkshire Police Jonathan Greaves said: 'We are continuing to see unprecedented demand from dangerous dogs across South Yorkshire. 'We're urging all dog owners to play their part in keeping everyone safe. 'You are responsible for your dog's actions; you will be the one in court. 'Please remember dogs are animals, they can sometimes be unpredictable in how they react to certain situations. 'Please follow our advice, understand your dog and its behaviour, and seek help where necessary.' Only a couple of days after the XL bully attack on September 6, South Yorkshire Police received a call that a two-year-old boy had been bitten by a neighbour's dog. It is believed the toddler was sitting on his mother's knee when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier lunged towards the child several times. The two-year-old was taken to hospital for his injuries, also believed to be non-life-threatening, and the dog was seized and destroyed. South Yorkshire Police said they receive around five reports of dogs being dangerously out of control across every day. In 2018, MPs in the UK rejected calls to ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers after a campaign led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The XL bully ban came into force this year after a series of attacks, including at least 11 deaths since 2021 that have been attributed to the breed. The age of those killed ranged from 17 months to 84 years of age. But attacks have continued despite the ban as just two days after it came into effect, Esther Martin, 68, was killed by XL bullies inside a property in Jaywick, Essex. Her daughter claimed the dogs were unregistered. The XL bully ban, which was criticised heavily by lovers of the breed, makes it a criminal offence to own, breed or sell the animals without permission, and those who have the exemption need to neuter their dogs and have third-party liability insurance. Esther Martin, 68 (pictured) from Woodford Green, London, was mauled to death by two 'unregistered' XL Bully dogs in February Doug Smith member of Bully Watch, said: 'We will likely be seeing more of these attacks. They won't go away.' 'It is a really tricky and messy situation for police to respond to. They can't go door to door to assess the owners and assess the dogs. 'The ban hasn't had an impact on the ownership of these dogs and they are being rehomed to unsuitable homes illegally. 'People are rehoming these dogs to other irresponsible owners. It is a case of idiots giving their dogs to other idiots. These people think they are responsible owners when they aren't. 'It is quite unprecedented. They have put this ban in place and people are still wanting to take these dogs into these homes.' A university lecturer who was made redundant after she became embroiled in a row over 'decolonising the curriculum' by abandoning the study of Chaucer has won more than 70,000 for unfair dismissal. Dr Anne Marie D'Arcy fell out with the University of Leicester when she suspected bosses wanted to stop students being taught the 14th century Canterbury Tales poet amid a huge shake-up, an employment tribunal heard. At a hearing Dr D'Arcy - an expert on Chaucer - accused the institution's vice-chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah of saying he wanted to 'decolonise' the curriculum and introduce 'non-culturally British sources' into the English department. At the time the department was struggling to attract students and eventually made lecturers redundant. Experienced Dr D'Arcy, who taught Medieval and Early Modern English Literature was one of those who lost her job in May 2021. Dr Anne Marie D'Arcy (pictured) who was made redundant after she became embroiled in a row over 'decolonising the curriculum' by abandoning the study of Chaucer has won more than 70,000 for unfair dismissal 14th century English poet and author, Geoffrey Chaucer (pictured), is best known for The Canterbury Tales Now, she has successfully sued the university for unfair dismissal after the tribunal found although they had no evidence to support her 'decolonisation' claim there had been a 'failure' in her redundancy and awarded her 72,487 in compensation. The hearing in Leicester was told Dr D'Arcy, who is Irish, specialised in Chaucer - often called 'the father of English literature' - and that her research was 'excellent'. However, a 'decline' in students enrolling led to the university commissioning reviews from June 2018, with the 'viability of the English department at risk'. In the summer of 2020, new vice-chancellor Prof Canagarajah conducted a 'strategic review' to try to secure 'stability' for the English department. However, it led to Dr D'Arcy accusing him of trying to get rid of Chaucer, a claim the university denied. 'In the hearing Dr D'Arcy raised the issue that Professor Canagarajah had said he wanted to 'decolonise' the curriculum, which was explained to mean less or no focus on e.g. Chaucer and more focus on English Literature from a wider range of non-culturally British sources,' the tribunal said. However, the panel said it had 'no evidence' to support this accusation. Employment Judge Richard Adkinson said: 'We see no evidence he held this view, had this aim or that it informed the process that followed. 'We conclude that at all times the focus was solely on maintaining the viability of the English Department.' At a hearing Dr D'Arcy - an expert on Chaucer - accused the institution's vice-chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah (pictured) of saying he wanted to 'decolonise' the curriculum and introduce 'non-culturally British sources' into the English department At a meeting in October 2020, the possibility of 'slimming down' the department was raised, leading to Dr D'Arcy becoming upset. 'The effect of this thought on Dr D'Arcy was significant', the report said. 'We accept that it left her shocked, upset and stressed. It is inherently plausible that someone would be left in such a state after such a meeting, particularly when they are so passionate about their work like Dr D'Arcy plainly is.' Proposals were put forward, including putting staff in the department at risk of redundancy. It was heard seven English lecturers and three Medieval Literature lecturers were at risk of losing jobs. At a meeting in January 2021, Dr D'Arcy became 'irate' and repeatedly said to a professor 'How dare I be treated like this?' Rumours of 'decolonising' the curriculum were leaked to the press, leading to Dr D'Arcy receiving 'strongly worded, rude, offensive and ignorant' comments on social media. The impact of the ongoing issues and the social media abuse led Dr D'Arcy to suffer mental health issues and she was signed off with stress. She became 'withdrawn' and unable to engage with the university, and occupational health said she was 'experiencing a fragile psychological state' and could not deal with matters without 'high levels of emotional stress'. Dr Anne Marie D'Arcy fell out with the University of Leicester (pictured) when she suspected bosses wanted to stop students being taught the 14th century Canterbury Tales poet amid a huge shake-up, an employment tribunal heard It was heard that on Facebook she made an 'ill-judged' comparison between the university's proposals and Nazism. In March 2021 the university had a u-turn on one of its proposals to 'create' a new post to cover late Medieval and Early Modern English. Instead, it decided it was going to 'retain' one of the post. Three lecturers, including Dr D'Arcy, were eligible to be retained. However, they had to go through a formal process of 'expressing interest' if they wanted the job. Dr D'Arcy did not express an interest as she was still unwell and was made redundant. Judge Adkinson said the redundancy was unfair because the university 'surrendered responsibility for making a decision and placed the onus on the employees at risk'. The judge said: 'We conclude the University's conduct after the change in plans in March 2021 or thereabouts was not that of a reasonable employer, and as a result made the dismissal unfair. 'If a reasonable employer had decided to change the redundancy proposal so that it was going to 'retain' a post, they would have paused and reviewed the whole approach, noting that the retained post was possibly a continuation of one that was being made redundant. 'The University did not do that in this case. 'We found as a fact the 'retained' post was a continuation of the role of one of the three at redundancy. It was not a new post in any meaningful sense. 'In our view the reasonable employer would not simply have proceeded as before on the basis of requiring those at risk to express an interest, but rather would have consulted on the pool, selection criteria and then applied them to the process. 'The University's approach of expecting those at risk to express an interest if they wanted to seek to avoid redundancy is not reasonable. 'It has the effect of the University disowning the responsibility of deciding who to dismiss and instead passes the responsibility to the employees at risk to take steps to retain their employment. 'That is not the action of a reasonable employer. 'Rather a reasonable employer would grasp the proverbial nettle, consider how to make the decision and then make the decision.' Dr D'Arcy lost other claims of disability discrimination. With the Waleses and Sussexes having now operating separately for years, any timings clashes are quite likely given the families have no shared diary. And therefore it was no surprise when a teaser for Harry and Meghan's latest Netflix project was released just hours after Kate's intimate cancer recovery video. The clash was one of several occasions that Harry and William's teams or their extended projects have made announcements at similar times already this year. There is no evidence to suggest the timing of the Netflix video release was planned around Kate's video or that any other of their clashes were done on purpose. But here, MailOnline looks at some of the recent examples of diary conflicts which could have been avoided if the brothers were not so estranged: The Princess of Wales with her family as she revealed she had completed her chemotherapy Prince Harry and Meghan, pictured at San Basilio de Palenque in Colombia on August 17 Kate cancer recovery and Harry's new Netflix project The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Productions have worked on a new Netflix documentary called Polo, following elite global players of the sport. The series is not due to air until December, but was advertised on Netflix's social media yesterday - just a few hours after Kensington Palace released Kate's emotional video. Prince William joined the Princess in the clip to mark the end of her gruelling chemotherapy treatment amid an extremely difficult year for the family. The Waleses' video was filmed in Norfolk and featured their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - as well as Kate's parents. But a Netflix teaser for Polo came out just hours later, with an announcement saying: 'Polo is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport.' It added that the project was 'from Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, premiering this December only on Netflix'. One source told MailOnline that Netflix was announcing a 'multi-title sports slate', with Polo being one of several projects. It was also stressed that this was not a trailer, but rather the release of first-look images and an announcement of a premiere month, as well as an official series title. POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, premiering this December only on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/R1uUnXsf0v Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) September 9, 2024 American Riviera Orchard and Diana Legacy The Sussexes raised eyebrows in March as they made two announcements that clashed with William's speech at an awards ceremony in honour of Princess Diana. The Prince of Wales attended the Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum in London while Harry made an appearance virtually from his Californian home. William took the stage to AC/DC's song Thundertrack, which he referred to as 'George's song', before telling the audience that he and the Princess of Wales channel Diana's legacy through their work. The Duke of Sussex spoke to the group of winners before his office later released an edited clip of the conversation, whittling it down to his best moments. His appearance, where winners told him he was 'missed' back in the UK, also came just hours after Meghan launched her latest business venture - luxury lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard. The Sussexes went on to reveal the winners of their $100,000 NAACP Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award while William was still speaking and handing out awards to the winners. Harry in a virtual appearance from California at London's Diana Legacy Awards on March 14 Prince William attends the the Diana Legacy Awards at the Science Museum on March 14 King can't see Harry then William gets his old regiment Buckingham Palace announced William as head of Harry's old regiment just an hour after the Duke of Sussex said his father the King would not see him during his trip to the UK in May. When Harry arrived in the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, he said his father had other commitments which meant they could not see each other in person. Harry's spokesperson confirmed that it was 'unfortunately not possible' for the pair to meet 'due to His Majesty's full programme', as he returned to public duties after undergoing treatment for cancer. And just two hours later, the Palace announced William would be made Colonel in Chief of the Air Army Corps - Harry's former regiment. Buckingham Palace also announced that William and Charles would attend a joint engagement, where the heir would be made the Colonel-in-Chief. Prior to Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal life four years ago, it was always thought he would take on the role that would see him take charge of the regiment he was toured Afghanistan with until 2014. Prince Harry at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8 for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary service King Charles III and William during a visit to the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop on May 13 for the King to officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps William and Harry won't have a New York reunion An announcement that Harry is set to embark on a packed solo trip to New York this month raised eyebrows amid claims that William could be there at the same time. A spokesman for the Duke said he would 'be in town to advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives'. The visit is set to take place during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week on September 23 to 27 and Climate Week between September 22 and 29. There were also claims that William may be in New York at that time for the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, at The Plaza Hotel on September 24. However sources have since confirmed William is not due to attend the Earthshot event, and there was no change to his plans after Harry's diary announcement. Harry's Invictus Games and William's return to duties Harry released a video to promote the Invictus Games last week on September 5 the same day that William returned to royal duties after the summer holidays. The Duke opened up about 'healing and saving lives' as he appeared in a clip shared to X by the official account for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Harry's video came out as William carried out his first royal engagement since the summer break as he visited an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. The trial of a man in France who drugged his wife and invited dozens of men to rape her for over a decade was dramatically put in jeopardy this morning when he was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment for an unexplained abdominal pain. Judge Roger Arata announced that the defendant, Dominique Pelicot, 71, was receiving medical care after he was expected to give evidence today in the sex trial that has shocked France. The judge ordered a medical examination of Pelicot to determine whether the trial can continue - but it is technically possible to avoid a trial in France because of extreme ill health. Arata said Pelicot had been taken to hospital and was still suffering but that other witnesses would be heard until he was fit enough to be cross-examined. Pelicots lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said: He had been admitted to hospital today and we will have news about his condition later on today. But despite his absence from the courthouse today, Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Payronnet, 45, broke down in tears this morning after hearing graphic accounts of her mother's abuse. Peyronnet was led out of the Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon as a police detective described in intimate detail of how her father Dominique Pelicot had organised for more men to rape her mother. Gisele Pelicot who has allegedly been drugged and raped by men solicited by her husband Dominique Pelicot, walks into the courthouse in Avignon, France, September 10 Madame Pelicot, 72, was supported by her children Florian (far left) David (far right). The sons will take to the stand today Pelicot's daughter Caroline arrived at the Avignon court this morning to support her mother. She broke down in tears after hearing graphic details of the abuse her mother faced Dominique Pelicot is accused of recruiting men online to assault his wife repeatedly over a 10 year period Police investigator Stephan Gal told the court how Pelicot had recruited dozens of men on the internet to come to his marital home in village near Avignon to abuse his wife as she lay unconscious between 2011 and 2020. The retired electrician has already admitted to putting powerful sedatives in his wife Giseles evening meal and rose wine over almost a decade in order to render her unconscious. Police also found sickening pictures of Caroline and two daughters-in-laws in a haul some 200,000 images and videos that he kept of the on a computer file titled abuse. Lawyers for Pelicots children have insisted that their shamed father is in court when they take the stand. Antoine Camu said: Its very important for his children who have not yet testified that their father is present in the dock to hear their testimony. Some 84 men he had met in a notorious internet chatroom then took turns to sneak into their modest chalet in a village near Avignon to rape her in the marital bed. But Pelicot, seemingly a doting husband and dedicated father of three who had moved to the south of France for his retirement, blames his wife and the police for ruining his idyllic life in Provence. He told psychologists that his wife was to blame for his actions because she refused to go swinging with him. Psychologist Annabelle Montagne told the court in Avignon yesterday morning that she interviewed Pelicot in December 2020 - a month and a half after he was taken into custody - where he admitted to carrying out the campaign of abuse of his wife Gisele. 'Pelicot said: ''My wife and I had a discussion about swinging but she didn't agree so I drugged her'',' the psychologist recounted. Madame Montagne said Pelicot maintained he loved his wife, but she added: 'He sees his partner as an object to satisfy his sexual and narcissistic needs. His wife is then a partial object and no longer an object of total love.' It comes as another prison psychologist yesterday told the court that Pelicot had a 'split personality', lacked empathy and inherited the temper of his father, who was said to be a violent abuser. During interviews following his arrest in September 2020 Pelicot maintained that the sickening abuse of his wife of 50 years Gisele would have continued if he had not been arrested. Mr Pelicot admitted to putting powerful sedatives in his wife Giseles evening meal and rose wine over almost a decade in order to render her unconscious. Florian, Madame Pelicot's son is set to take the stand today David, Madame Pelicot's son is also set to take the stand today but it remains unclear whether his father will be well enough to attend court to give evidence today Psychologist Marianne Douteau yesterday told the court how her client lamented his arrest, complaining that the case against him had ruined his life and that he and his wife could have continued in a happy marriage had his misdeeds not been discovered. '(Pelicot) complains that this criminal case against him has destroyed his life. 'He claims everything could have continued as before if he had not been arrested. He said: 'Gisele would not have known anything, we would have continued to be happy'.' Meanwhile, Pelicot's father Denis was said to be a vicious wife-beater who sent his son out to work from the age of 14 and took 80 per cent of his wages. His parents also took in a young girl, whom Denis is said to have abused. The psychologist concluded that Pelicot had inherited a personality like that of his father angry, stubborn and impulsive. She said: 'Dominique Pelicot comes from a troubled family in which young children were abused. '[Pelicot] has a two-sided personality; he is a patriarch but he is also irresponsible and manipulative. Behind closed doors he does not respect limits. 'He has a split personality between the person he wants to be and the person he is. 'He does not show any empathy - but he is not inauthentic [in his expressions of love for his wife],' she concluded. The psychologist also explained how Pelicot admitted he was very sexually demanding and routinely sought out sex on the internet. He told her: 'I went on the internet every day, I was constantly on sites offering wife-swaps.' Madame Pelicot is determined that the public knows that she played no part in her husband's warped sexual fantasies that he played out at their picturesque chalet home in the Provence village of Mazan (pictured) Dominique Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told Judge Roger Arata that he required urgent treatment for abdominal pain This afternoon Pelicot is set to take the stand at the Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon. The frail 71-year-old grandfather-of-seven was excused from court yesterday after his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told Judge Roger Arata that he required urgent treatment for abdominal pain. But today dozens of members of the public queued to watch the Monster of Avignon give his testimony in front of his wife Gisele and his children David, Caroline and Florian. However as the court session opened Judge Arata announced that primary defendant Pelicot was still seriously ill and in need of medical attention. It remains unclear whether Pelicot will be well enough to attend court to give evidence today. In Madame Pelicot's evidence, the couple's only daughter Caroline Peyronnet told the court last week how her world fell apart when her mother called her to inform her of his crimes. Her agony was compounded when detectives discovered Mr Pelicot had also taken photographs of Caroline lying motionless on a bed in her mother's underwear. Madame Peyronnet, 45, described her father as 'one of the worst sexual predators of the last 20 years.' Pelicot faces up to 20 years in jail. The other men face shorter sentences if found guilty. The trial is set to last until December. A widowed pensioner has slammed Labour's 'cruel' plan to axe winter fuel payments, saying she already can't afford to use her oven and sets her thermostat to just five degrees at night. MPs will vote this afternoon on the Government's controversial cut, which critics have warned will force millions of older people to turn down their heating this winter. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use his huge Commons majority to force through the measure, despite protests by dozens of Labour MPs who fear a huge electoral backlash. Pensioners who already fret about the cost of living slammed the plans as 'ridiculous', with one saying: 'I fear I will freeze of cold, and no one will be here.' Widower Elaine Yates from Irchester, Northants, sets her thermostat to 13 degrees in the day and turns it down to just five degrees at night. She can't afford to use her oven, using her microwave instead. She told Good Morning Britain: '[Pensioners] are not going to be eating as they should - I don't. I don't cook meals. 'So many pensioners are lonely and isolated - that's the biggest killer - and on top of that they're going to be freezing.' Pictured are Elaine Yates and her late husband Michael. Elaine can't afford to use her oven Widower Elaine Yates from Irchester, Northants, sets her thermostat to 13 degrees in the day and turns it down to just five degrees at night Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use his huge Commons majority to force through the measure, despite protests by dozens of Labour MPs who fear a huge electoral backlash The Mail revealed that research commissioned by Labour in 2017 warned that means-testing the benefit, which is worth up to 300, would lead to almost 4,000 extra deaths each winter as pensioners struggled to keep the heat on. The proposed changes mean more than 10 million pensioners will no longer receive the money. A new assessment by the Resolution Foundation think-tank yesterday warned that 1.3 million of the poorest pensioners would be driven deeper into poverty by the move. Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon said the plan 'will result in the death of pensioners who won't be able to turn the heating on'. Elaine's husband, former soldier, Michael, served 12 years with the Royal Pioneer Corps, died after suffering brain haemorrhages in 2004, later being diagnosed with dementia and cancer. The grandmother-of-four - who is nearing 80 - explained: 'My husband died and left a pension so I get a small pension, but that's now taxed so that is less than what it was last year. It's cruel, they're not going to help anybody by doing what they're doing. 'I have my thermostat on 13 degrees and I leave it on so my bungalow keeps warm, and I turn it down to five degrees at night. So many pensioners are lonely and isolated - that's the biggest killer - and on top of that they're going to be freezing. The Chancellor said the 'blame lies with the Conservative Party' for leaving behind a 'black hole' in the public finances 'They're not going to be eating as they should - I don't. I don't cook meals. I turn everything off. I've cooked five meals since Christmas. I've got an airfryer and a microwave but the oven is too expensive, unless I'm doing something really special.' She went through the application process and it took six weeks. While the former factory worker was initially approved, she then told she was over the limit by 20 a week later. Pensioner Rob Trewhella, 68, is 'just a couple of pounds over the threshold' and said he will struggle through the winter but will refuse to switch on his heating. He told GMB: 'have to work to boost my income. I'm in private rent. I can't afford to retire.' 'I can't continue like this. I would say to the Chancellor ' this is the biggest mistake of your career. You robbing people cannot replenish the savings that they make'. 'I won't turn on my heating all winter. 'Luckily, coming from Penzance in Cornwall, we don't get the snow and frost that you guys get. I can put an extra layer on, but I will not put my heating on.' In Southampton, Hampshire, 72-year-old David Moss said he now regrets retiring when he was 68. The former pub landlord said he wishes he kept working because this winter is going for be 'difficult' for him. He told the Daily Echo: 'There was no warning about the winter fuel payment and it is going to be difficult for me this winter. 'So many of my friends and I are just over the limit to claim pension credit, and I can't claim it because I have a small pension of 85 a month. 'It is ridiculous that the government is taking more money away from pensioners. 'I do not know what I am going to do. When you live on your own, news like this is more concerning as I fear I will freeze of cold, and no one will be here. Yes, there are so called 'millionaire pensioners' but most of us are not.' Bob Barber from Corsham, Wiltshire, told the BBC his total income 'is less than someone who is working full time on minimum wage'. Your browser does not support iframes. MPs will vote this afternoon on the Government's controversial cut, which critics have warned will force millions of older people to turn down their heating this winter (stock image) He said he did not expect a Labour government to 'attack the poorest in society'. Libby Romain - also from Wiltshire - told the BBC: 'I've paid into everything - I've worked full time all my working life. I'm being penalised for having worked and got my private pension which places me that much over the threshold.' She has a rare form of motor neurone disease, which makes her more at risk from falls. And if she gets too cold, the risk of falling rises and it effects how she holds things. Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Rachel Reeves said she was not 'immune' to arguments against the plan, but she had 'considered those when the decision was made'. The Chancellor said the 'blame lies with the Conservative Party' for leaving behind a 'black hole' in the public finances. Ms Reeves said the state pension had risen by 900 this year as a result of the triple lock, meaning that 'pensioners have 900 more in their pockets than they did a year ago' meaning they could afford the cut to winter fuel. She also insisted ministers were serious about encouraging an estimated 800,000 of the poorest pensioners to claim Pension Credit, which will entitle them to keep the winter fuel payment. Calling on Sir Keir to rethink the cut, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the poll showed that the Government is forcing pensioners to make the 'heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter' Labour dissenters previously warned that the plan to axe winter fuel payments would save little money once the cost of treating pensioners hit by the cold had been factored in (file photo) New figures suggest applications have more than doubled since Ms Reeves announced her plans in July, but are still running at only around 9,000 a week. In the short term, a poll has revealed more than half of pensioners will heat their homes less due to the winter fuel payment cut. Some 55 per cent said the move to strip ten million voters of the subsidy will cause them to have a colder winter this year. The Savanta survey, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, showed that four in ten elderly people are planning to cut back on essentials. And 19 per cent almost one in five will eat less this winter to save money. Three-quarters of respondents said they would be impacted by the planned changes to the winter fuel allowance, while just a fifth think they will avoid any negative effects. Calling on Sir Keir to rethink the cut, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the poll showed that the Government is forcing pensioners to make the 'heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter'. Economists have warned that the savings from the winter fuel cut would be wiped out if all older people entitled to Pension Credit started claiming it. Downing Street declined to say whether those who refuse to back the Government will lose the Labour whip. Some 17 have signed a Commons motion calling for a rethink, while dozens more are privately opposed. No 10 said there had been no dissent at Cabinet over the plans. An estate agent who allegedly slaughtered an elderly British woman in her Costa Blanca home two years ago claims to have suffered a 'psychotic episode' at the time of her killing. British widow Monica Warren, 80, allegedly was shot and killed at her home in Elche, Costa Blanca, in May 2022 by a 48-year-old estate agent, who has not been publicly named. The killer was said to have enlisted the help of her then-16-year-old son to move Monica's body, which was found underneath her bed. A plumber the retiree had called to her home to carry out an urgent repair raised the alarm after coming across a pool of blood. He told the emergency services he was concerned because he had seen two people wearing hoodies leaving the OAP's home and driving off in a black Peugeot who told him the British expat was ill and urged him to return the following day. On the first day of the murder trial yesterday, the defendant reportedly said she 'lost her head' and shot Mrs Warren after seeing a 'white silhouette' when she knocked on her door during torrential rain and was let in. British widow Monica Warren, 80, allegedly was shot and killed at her home in Elche, Costa Blanca, (pictured) in May 2022 by a 48-year-old estate agent The killing took place in a housing complex by Elche, near Alicante on the Costa Blanca She also claimed she had been driven mad in the months running up to the shooting by a 'grey-haired' person who was following her everywhere. The defendant alleged her teenage son, who has also not been named, was in her car outside when she shot Mrs Warren and she acted alone initially although she subsequently asked him to help her move her victim's body while in a 'state of shock.' Prosecutors, seeking at least 28 years for the alleged killer, questioned the her story, claiming that the murder was pre-planned. Mrs Warren had previously reported the theft of a .22 Beretta pistol, believed to be the murder weapon recovered near the house, that she was licensed to use as a firearms enthusiast. A summary of the allegations she was facing, released ahead of the first day of the scheduled week-long hearing read: 'State prosecutors maintain she committed the crime together with her son, then a minor. 'Both, allegedly, caused her death without leaving her any possibility of defending herself after shooting her three times and plunging a knife into the left side of her chest. 'The prosecution indictment states that hours later, in the early hours of the following morning, the female defendant poured petrol over her own car that she had used to drive to the dead woman's house and set fire to it in a street in Alicante to dispose of evidence. 'The flames spread and affected other parked cars. 'State prosecutors are provisionally seeking a prison sentence for the accused woman of 25 years for a crime of murder and another three for a crime of damage by fire.' Her trial was run separately from her son's, which was meant to start in June before he tragically died in a car crash a day before it opened, after losing control of his convertible Mercedes on the AP-7 motorway near Campoamor just south of the resort of Torrevieja. The accused murdered says she had a 'psychotic episode' at the time of the killing Police said after the murder they homed in on the suspects after the mother's car caught fire in Alicante, shortly after Mrs Warren's bullet-riddled body was found at her home The youngster, who has not been named and was on bail following an initial remand in a youth detention centre, was pronounced dead at the scene. Youth court prosecutors are understood to have been seeking an eight-year custodial sentence for the teenager if he was found guilty of Mrs Warren's murder. He died of cancer several years before the murder and she lived alone. Mrs Warren, who was born in Germany but became a naturalised British citizen through marriage, moved to Spain with UK-born husband John more than 20 years before she was killed. Mrs Warren's friend Alan Benson, 70, who lived near her villa on a residential estate a short drive from Elche, revealed after her death that she had worked as a model in London. He added at the time: 'She was tall but she was incredibly thin. You could knock her over with a feather - I just don't understand why they did it.' The 14 babies murdered or harmed by child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby are at the 'heart' of a public inquiry into the events surrounding her crimes, a senior Court of Appeal judge said as the hearings began today. Lady Justice Thirlwall is chairing the investigation at Liverpool Town Hall to examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess and Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016, and how its bosses handled concerns about her. Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims. The inquiry will cover three broad areas: The experiences of the parents of the babies who featured on the criminal indictment that Letby faced. The conduct of those working at the Countess of Chester and how Letby was able repeatedly to kill and harm babies. Despite mounting concerns raised to bosses by some consultants, she was not removed from the unit until after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another baby boy on three successive days in June 2016 and police were not called in until the following year. A focus on the wider NHS in examining relationships between the various groups of professionals, the culture within hospitals and how these affect the safety of newborns in neonatal units. In Lady Justice Thirlwall's opening statement today, the senior Court of Appeal judge said: 'At the heart of this inquiry are babies who died or were injured and their parents. Follow the latest updates from the Inquiry on the The Trial podcast: Lucy Letby (pictured) is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims 'I do not presume to describe the feelings or emotions that those parents have already experienced but I will remind you of what happened since the birth of their children. 'First, each parent celebrated the birth of each child, then when things seemed to be going well for those babies each one of them collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly. Some of the babies recovered, some survived but with life-long consequences, some died. 'Death and injury occurred in 2015 and 2016, the parents were told that natural causes were the reason for their deaths and life long difficulties, and so each parent grieved the loss of a new life and all that it promised and lived with that profound sorrow.' The judge said that it wasn't until 2018, two to three years later, that the parents 'learned that their babies had been deliberately harmed and a nurse looking after them had been arrested.' Lady Justice Thirlwall arrives at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday ahead of the hearings beginning The judge outlined Letby's convictions, saying she was found guilty of seven counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder 'eight years after those babies had been born' in August 2023 at Manchester Crown Court. In May, Letby lost her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from the first trial which took place between October 2022 and August 2023. She was convicted at retrial earlier this year of the attempted murder of a baby girl, Baby K. Lady Justice Thirlwall said that appeal judgment was a 'watershed' as the parents of the nurse's victims could now turn their minds to the inquiry. She said: 'At last the parents had finality, or so it seemed. But it was not to be. 'In the months that followedthere has been a huge outpouring of comment from a variety of quarters on the validity of the convictions. 'As far as I am aware it has come entirely from people who were not at the trial. Parts of the evidence have been selected and there has been criticism of the defence at the trial. A court artist's sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court on July 24 'All of this noise has caused enormous additional distress to the parents who have already suffered far too much.' Lady Justice Thirlwall said the inquiry bears her surname so that the parents do not repeatedly see the name of the person convicted of harming their babies. She said it was planned that the hearings in Liverpool would finish in early 2025 and she expected her findings to be published by late autumn of that year. Lady Justice Thirlwall went on: 'It is not for me to set about reviewing the convictions. The Court of Appeal has done that with a very clear result.' She added: 'We recommend careful reading of the Court of Appeal judgement.' She said there is a requirement to take into account all the evidence and consider each piece of evidence in the context of all the other evidence - and it should not be compartmentalised. She said the parents of those harmed had waited years for their questions to answered and it was her responsibility to focus on the inquiry's terms of reference. 'It is time to get on with this inquiry,' she said. Lady Justice Thirlwall, pictured yesterday, is chairing the investigation at Liverpool Town Hall She added: 'Those who do this will be less likely to see the picture as a whole. They may reach conclusions that are not only wrong but are speculative and damaging.' Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, began her opening statement by speaking about serial killer nurse Beverley Allitt, who was convicted of four counts of murder, three of attempted murder, and a further six of grievous bodily harm on children at the Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire in the 1990s. Ms Langdale said a statement had been received by the inquiry from former secretary of state for health Baroness Bottomley, who ordered an inquiry be conducted to establish the facts after Allitt's crimes. Ms Langdale said: 'Nevertheless, and distressingly, 25 years later another nurse working in another hospital killed and harmed babies in her care.' She said the inquiry would hear the crimes of Allitt formed part of the training course Letby underwent at the University of Chester. Ms Langdale KC said: 'At the Countess of Chester between June 2015 and June 2016 the neonatal unit was a place where babies were murdered and injured by someone trusted to care for them, a nurse on the ward.' She said the first part of the inquiry would include 'heartbreaking' evidence about the experiences of the parents whose babies were attacked by Letby. She added: 'The provision of written or oral evidence to you is a testament to the enormous courage of the parents. Body worn camera footage from Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby in 2018 'In the midst of their pain they have demonstrated a selfless commitment in the principle that others in the future should not suffer as they do.' She said medical and scientific evidence in each case should be considered in the context of all other evidence and should never be compartmentalised. She added: 'Those who do this will be less likely to see the picture as a whole. They may reach conclusions that are not only wrong but are speculative and damaging.' Ms Langdale KC also said the second part of the inquiry into Letby's crimes would consider whether they could have been prevented and whether she should have been removed from the neo-natal unit earlier. She said: 'The inquiry's unwavering process will not be examining the convictions but rather what the response of those at the time was and should have been to what they knew or should have known at the time. 'Our inquiry will serve the vital purpose of keeping babies safe in the future for those rare cases when a healthcare professional intends them harm.' She said witnesses would be expected to tell the truth 'however difficult that may be'. Ms Langdale said the third part of the inquiry would consider the wider NHS, including the current culture, governance and management structures. She said: 'History tells us that serial killers are deceptive, manipulative and skilled at hiding in plain sight.' She said an inquiry into Harold Shipman, a GP thought to have murdered hundreds of his patients, shed little light on why he carried out his crimes and found he was able to kill undetected over many years, enjoying a high reputation. She added: 'For ordinary, decent right-thinking people the actions of Letby will remain unfathomable. We will not be inviting speculation from witnesses about her motive or mindset.' She said the inquiry would examine why detailed medical analysis of the deaths and collapses of babies did not take place earlier and whether bias in favour of Letby influenced the hospital's response. She said: 'It was not until April 2017, almost two years after the first murder, that the hospital made a referral to the police and detailed multi-disciplinary medical scrutiny and analysis was finally conducted.' The investigation at Liverpool Town Hall (pictured yesterday) will examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess and Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016 In Lady Justice Thirlwall's opening statement in November, she said she would probe what recommendations had been made from previous inquiries into events in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and what difference they made. Letby protested to the court 'I'm innocent' as she was led from the dock when she was sentenced in July to her 15th whole-life order after a jury convicted her at retrial of the attempted murder of a baby girl. In May, she lost her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from the first trial which took place between October 2022 and August 2023. Her new lawyer, Mark McDonald, has claimed that new medical evidence and expert opinion had revealed 'flaws' in the prosecution case and that he plans to apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to ask it to return the case to the Court of Appeal for consideration. In recent months a number of doctors, scientists and statisticians have publicly challenged how the evidence was presented to jurors. While a letter to Government ministers from 24 signatories including neonatal experts and professors of statistics called for a rethink over the terms of the public inquiry and warned that important lessons could be missed from a 'failure in understanding and examining alternative, potentially complex causes for the deaths'. Speculation about Letby's case in the media and possible future appeals had been 'upsetting' for her clients, said solicitor Tamlin Bolton who is representing the families of six victims. The first week of the inquiry will hear opening statements from the counsel to the inquiry, along with legal representatives from 'core participants' including the families of Letby's victims. Evidence is scheduled to begin the following week. A court order prohibits reporting of the identities of the surviving and dead children involved in the case. Stuart Hogg has been arrested for the third time this year hours before his domestic abuse trial was due to begin. The former Scotland rugby captain was due to appear in court this week to stand trial which includes a charge of stalking and controlling behaviour towards his wife. But the 32-year-old, who currently plays for French team Montpellier, was arrested on Monday over stalking offences and a breach of bail conditions. Police said he was due to appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal. The arrest came ahead of a domestic abuse trial which includes a charge of stalking and controlling behaviour towards his wife over a seven-year period. Stuart Hogg has been arrested for the third time this year only hours before his domestic abuse trial was due to begin The former Scotland international rugby player was arrested on Monday over alleged stalking and breaching bail conditions He previously pled not guilty to a charge of stalking and also an offence under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act relating to his behaviour towards his wife. The full back has previously been arrested in February and July. He is facing a number of allegations, including that he acted aggressively to his wife, accused her of infidelity, repeatedly tracked her movements and monitored her communication with others. The father of four retired from rugby last summer and was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to rugby union. He has since come out of retirement to sign a two-year contract with Montpellier. An archery hunter who was tossed around and dangled from the jaws of a 530-pound grizzly bear miraculously survived the savage attack after he and his friend blasted the beast with 24 bullets. Riley Hill, 20, was hunting elk in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, west of Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho, last week when the grizzly charged out of nowhere and sunk its teeth into his arm, puncturing his skin and bone. 'It was lifting me off the ground and then slamming me back on the ground,' Hill told East Idaho News. 'It was like playing tug of war with your dog, but he was playing it with my arm and ripping it apart.' Braxton Meyers, who was hunting with Hill, fired several shots at the 20-year-old male grizzly while it flung his friend from side-to-side. Hill also managed to reach his gun and fire at the animal. The pair shot 24 bear bullets at the grizzly before successfully bringing it down. The duo, accompanied by another friend, hiked out of the woods and back to their vehicle in hopes of putting themselves in a place where they could be rescued. Hill was ultimately airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Hospital where he received 40 staples and numerous stitches. He has been released from the hospital, but doctors estimate it will be at least two months before his arm is healed. This is the 530lb grizzly bear that charged at a pair of archery hunters in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and sunk its teeth into one's arm, puncturing the hunter's skin and bone. The bear has died after the duo shot it 24 times Riley Hill, 20, (right) airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Hospital where he received 40 staples and numerous stitches. He has been released from the hospital, but doctors estimate it will be at least two months before his arm is healed. He is pictured with Braxton Meyers, (left) who was with him during the attack Hill and Meyers began their hunt on Sunday, September 1 shortly after dropping two friends off around 7am nearby. The pair parked their vehicle and began hiking in the woods, be careful not to 'spook anything', Hill recalled. He remembers stepping forward about 10 feet, at roughly 7.20am, when he heard a 'loud thud', followed by Meyers yelling out, 'Oh crap, that's a bear!' Meyers said the grizzly started charging at him on all fours, so he started sprinting away in hopes that Hill could grab his gun. Hill, who was holding his archery bow, dropped the weapon, pulled a 10mm gun from the holster on his hip and shot the bear in its side. Meyers reportedly tripped and fell to the ground. 'Grizzly bears don't usually get off their target, but this one did,' the hunter recalled. 'This one turned looked right at me, and he's charging, charging fast.' Hill managed to shoot the bear in the face and shoulder region three times before it clamped its teeth into his arm and started flinging him around. Meyers then stood up, 'fumbled around' a bit, and pulled out a pistol, firing four or five shots at the animal before his gun jammed. Hill, pictured with his injured arm after the attack, said the bear was 'lifting me off the ground and then slamming me back on the ground. It was like playing tug of war with your dog, but he was playing it with my arm and ripping it apart' 'I was having to pick my shots careful,' Meyers explained, adding: 'By then, the bear's on top of Riley, and Riley's shoulders are between [its] front feet and his legs are kind of kicked out from its stomach. I couldn't see anything Riley was doing. I just could see the bear on him.' Meyers said he then ran up to the bear and continued to shoot at it, with Hill alleging he could 'feel the bullets hitting the bear through my arm'. Although Hill was not struck by the gunfire, he claims that he could feel the 'repercussion from the bullets hitting the bear'. He also recalled how several bullets came within 'two to three inches' of his head. Hill said the grizzly 'looked up at me and I saw its eyes,' and then started shooting at it, prompting it to 'put its head back down'. He then shot it in the spine, which he claims 'did the trick'. He then 'ripped open that jaw, ripped my arm out' and stood up, unsure if the bear was going to chase after him. He grabbed his gun and fired through more shots at the animal's head. After bringing the bear down, Meyers tried to tend to Hill's wounds, wrapping a shirt around his arm and using their belts to make two tourniquets. He then called 911 and requested an ambulance or helicopter. Riley Hill and Braxton Meyers were hunting elk near Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho - located approximately 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park - on Sunday, September 1 when they were attacked by an adult male grizzly bear. Hill was 'knocked down and bitten by the bear' during the encounter Meanwhile, Meyers' younger brother Boone, 18, started rushing towards the duo's location after having heard the pair screaming from a mile away. Boone, who had been with the pair just 20 minutes prior to the attack, arrived at the scene in seven minutes. He recalled: 'All I saw was just this massive bear lying on the ground. It was a wild, wild site, to be honest. They were up, both still alive luckily.' The trio hiked back to their vehicle on a journey that Hill described as being 'painful' and 'one of the hardest climbs of my life'. Blood was reportedly spurting out of his wound every 15 or so steps. They got to their vehicle, barreled across a field and positioned themselves in a place where a helicopter could land. Hill was airlifted to a nearby hospital, treated and released the next day. Although he is lucky the grizzly did not puncture any arteries, doctors say it will take several months for his arm to fully recover. The hunters both credit one another for saving their lives. Idaho Fish and Game conducted a thorough investigation into the attack on Hill and Meyers, with conservation officers determining the pair were acting in self-defense when they shot the grizzly. 'I am extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter,' Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Matt Pieron said in a press release last week. 'I have had the opportunity to speak with the injured hunter and his family and they are truly wonderful people. I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and the trauma these two hunters experienced.' Although Hill and Meyers are grateful to be alive, they both say they are 'sad' that the bear was killed. There are an estimated 1,000 grizzly bears residing in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act, meaning it is illegal to harm one unless in self-defense (File photo of Caribou Targhee National Forest) There are an estimated 1,000 grizzly bears residing in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Caribou-Targhee National Forest is located approximately 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act, meaning it is illegal to harm one unless in self-defense. 'Grizzly bears in the 48 contiguous states are currently protected as a threatened species. It is illegal to harm, harass or kill these bears, except in cases of self-defense or the defense of others,' an US Fish and Wildlife official told ABC News. 'Grizzly bear conservation is complex and only made possible through a variety of partnerships with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, state wildlife agencies, Native American Tribes, federal agencies, universities and other organizations.' A female account manager has won more than 350,000 after her heartless boss criticised her for being 'very emotional and tearful' during pregnancy. Nicola Hinds has won the huge compensation payout after she was portrayed as 'hormonal' when she raised concerns about her workload when she was in advanced stages of her pregnancy. An employment tribunal heard the 37 year old was 'inexcusably' ignored by her boss and was so badly treated after she returned to work following the birth of her child she resigned and experienced 'suicidal ideation'. Bosses 'stereotyped' her with 'dismissive and belittling' language by suggesting she was not 'fully in control' of herself, an employment judge ruled. Representing herself, Ms Hinds successfully sued FTSE 250 giant Mitie at an employment tribunal, winning claims of pregnancy discrimination and constructive dismissal. Earlier this year the tribunal suggested Ms Hinds be awarded at least 37,000 in compensation including 20,000 for injury to feelings. In their new, final judgement - which took into account her loss of earnings based on her 48,000 a year salary - the panel ordered Mitie to pay her more than 350,000 in damages. Speaking today, Ms Hinds slammed Mitie for the 'wholly despicable treatment' she suffered and said the facilities management company was in breach of its own pledge to lead the fight against maternity discrimination. Pregnant Then Screwed, a maternity discrimination charity that supported Ms Hinds, said companies must invest in training managers to treat pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace with 'dignity and respect'. An employment judge ruled that bosses 'stereotyped' her with 'dismissive and belittling' language. Pictured: Nicola Hinds Ms Hinds slammed Mitie for the 'wholly despicable treatment' she suffered. Pictured: Mitie head office At the hearing in Cambridge, it was heard Ms Hinds worked for facilities management firm Mitie - which provides services such as security - and was the firm's regional manager for its account with Sainsbury's supermarket. A female manager described her in February 2020 as 'extremely dedicated', always striving to deliver the best possible customer service to her client and as having 'tremendous potential', the tribunal heard. In April that year Ms Hinds discovered the 'welcome' but 'unplanned and unexpected' news that she was pregnant and informed bosses - with whom she was said to have had a 'good' relationship akin to a friendship. In October, however, she said she was 'really struggling' with her workload after suffering two panic attacks in a week. The tribunal found bosses handled the complaint 'ineptly'. Her male manager, Nav Kalley, did not respond to her at all, and his immediate response was captured in a 'short, unsympathetic and insensitively' email to a fellow colleague. 'I was expecting this email as Nicola has become very emotional and tearful especially over the last week or so,' he wrote. 'I am very frustrated with this as she is certainly not overworked and we have been very supportive in helping her manage her workload. 'Can we please have a chat as I suggest we allow her to go next week if she wants, on unpaid leave until her paid leave kicks in. 'I know we have to deal with this very sensitively and I want to try and support Nicola as much as I can but we need to move this forward.' He added that if Ms Hinds was to leave others would be able to 'pick this up if required'. The hearing was told that after returning to work after maternity leave, an interview in June 2021 to discuss her needs was 'inadequate' and a risk assessment was never carried out, leading to her resignation in September. Ms Hind's complaints of constructive dismissal and discrimination in relation to Mr Kalley's description of her and the handling of her complaint were upheld. Employment Judge Roger Tynan said her male boss had 'stereotyped' her as 'an emotional, hormonal pregnant woman and that in the particular circumstances his description of her as emotional and tearful was dismissive and belittling'. 'The inference was that she was not fully in control of her emotions because of the pregnancy and that she was making unreasonable demands as a result,' he said. EJ Tynan added: 'Rather than genuinely wanting to support her as he professed, Mr Kalley instead wanted [Mitie] to be seen to be supportive of her in circumstances where he effectively wanted her out of the way as soon as possible so that others could step up in her place.' Ms Hinds' baby, Tommy, now three years old, was born in November 2020 and joined older brother Mason, 15. Pictured: Nicola Hinds with family Ms Hinds, from Doncaster, south Yorks, said the pregnancy was a 'miracle baby' after 12 years of unsuccessfully trying to have a second child. Speaking today, Ms Hinds said Mitie have launched an appeal against the judge's order to pay her 350,000. She said: 'To finally have the remedy judgement in writing after all this time, means I am one step closer to being compensated for the inexcusable and wholly despicable treatment I had to endure as a new mother in the workplace. 'I can only hope that Mitie do the right thing from this point onwards and actively engage with their own pledge to eradicate pregnancy and maternity discrimination from the workplace. 'In 2016 Mitie formed an alliance with seven other high profile founding members to lead the fight against workplace pregnancy and maternity discrimination that affects around 390,000 pregnant and new mothers each year. 'Unfortunately, my case highlights the need for these companies to still do better eight years later. 'Regrettably, Mitie so far have not been able to accept any wrongdoing and have logged an appeal against the Original Liability Judgement, which makes the 2016 pledge feel substantially insincere, not only to me but to the 23,000 women Mitie employ within their 75,000 headcount. 'A fully inclusive employer with an ethical and moral compass, would recognise a legal judgement against them and make good on that. 'I feel the compensation awarded may not be forthcoming but I'm prepared to cross that bridge if it comes to it.' Joeli Brearley, CEO and Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: 'We are thrilled to hear that Nicola has been awarded a fair payout following her horrific experience with Mitie. 'Hopefully this sends a very loud message to companies that no matter how big and how powerful you are, we are watching and we are here to support the women you treat badly to ensure they get their just deserts. 'Instead of the massive payouts and untold reputational damage triggered by an employment tribunal, why don't you invest in training your managers to treat pregnant women and new mums with dignity and respect? 'If you need some help doing this, you know where we are.' Ms Hinds' baby, Tommy, now three years old, was born in November 2020 and joined older brother Mason, 15. Another 7,000 criminals need to be released from prison to tackle overcrowding, MailOnline analysis shows. This is the equivalent of nearly ten prisons' worth of inmates being freed. Under Labour's contentious scheme to urgently free up space in Britain's jails, 1,700 prisoners were released yesterday. Thugs and drug dealers were among those given freedom by Sir Keir Starmer. Some 3,300 more will be let out in the next few weeks. But the prison system will still be overcrowded after the final batch are allowed back into society, Government figures suggest. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Stuart Bennett dances in the street after being released from HMP Leeds earlier today Capacity, as measured by Her Majesty's Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS), reflects the 'decent standard of accommodation the service aspires to provide all prisoners' known as certified normal accommodation (CNA). The latest figures for July show prisons in England and Wales had a CNA capacity of just shy of 79,900. However, there were 88,521 convicts behind bars as of Friday, according to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) statistics. As a result, inmates are often crammed into a single room with another prisoner. In some cases, three people may share cells designed for two. Three in five prisons are overcrowded under this measure, MailOnline's probe shows. Some facilities have been stretched beyond their limits for over a decade, including scandal-hit HMP Wandsworth, the scene of an escape by terror suspect Daniel Khalife last year. Under the MoJ's own 'operational capacity' metric, prisons across the two nations are 98.8 per cent full. This figure reflects the maximum number of prisoners that can be safely housed 'while considering security, control, and the proper running of the prison's regime'. It does not take into account overcrowding. Stark internal forecasts warn the prison population could soar by another 18,000 in five years without action. In the 2021 Spending Review, the then-Conservative government committed to building six new prisons which could house a total of up to 20,000 prisoners. So far, just 6,000 spaces have been added, while prisoner numbers have jumped in the last four weeks alone as over 1,000 were arrested during the wave of violent far-right riots that shook the country. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Business minister Jonathan Reynolds told BBC Breakfast today that the government had to 'take emergency decisions' because the previous Conservative government lacked the 'ounce of basic responsibility'. Charlie Taylor, chief inspector at HM Inspectorate of Prisons, has said the government has 'no choice but to do something' as 'the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out'. However, he told Sky News today: 'It's a risky time with so many prisoners coming out at the same time. Normally, there are about 1,000 prisoners coming out a week. 'Most of those 1,000 prisoners will still come out this week. 'But on top of that, we've got 1,700 other prisoners, and then in October, we have another tranche of around 2,000 coming out as well. 'Inevitably, that puts some risks into local communities and greater strain on already stretched probation services.' Some prisoners whooped and punched the air in delight as they were released today. Others were greeted by a cacophony on their release, with friends blasting out music, giving them new clothes or spraying them with sparkling wine. Sex offenders, serious violent criminals and terrorists are excluded but the scheme will apply to lower-level violent offenders including domestic abusers. A No10 spokeswoman said the release scheme has been designed so that people are freed 'in a safe and controlled way'. 'We will be working closely with the criminal justice system, the prison service, probation and the police... to make sure they have the resources they need to deliver this safely.' Prison bosses have had to 'carefully choreograph' the mass releases over fears of violent clashes between gang rivals, MailOnline understands. Meanwhile, a rise in homelessness is also feared as some prisoners are released with nowhere to go. The MoJ is providing accommodation for 12 weeks only, meaning some could end up on the streets and committing crime. Prison leaders said there was even a risk that some of those freed today will become homeless straight away. Accused Georgia school shooter Colt Gray's dad called him a 'sissy' and bought the AR-15 allegedly used during his son's deadly rampage to 'toughen him up', relatives said. Colin Gray purchased the weapon last Christmas and gave it to Gray, 14, who allegedly used it during the bloodbath at Apalachee High School. DailyMail.com previously revealed how his dad had taken him on hunting trips in the 18 months prior to the shooting, which left four people dead. Now it has emerged that the elder Gray, who has also been charged over the murders, frequently used derogatory slurs against his son. 'He would call Colt names to his face,' says a relative of Colt's mother, Marcee, told the New York Post. Accused Georgia school shooter Colt Gray 's dad called him a 'sissy' and bought the AR-15 allegedly used during his son's deadly rampage to 'toughen him up', relatives said 'Names that no boy wants to hear: sissy, p***y, bitch just names that were meant to break him down and emasculate him. 'Colin always thought that Colt was too gentle and tender. Thats why I believe he gave him the rifle.' Four people lost their lives in the mass shooting on September 4: Mason Schermerhorn, 14, Christian Angulo, 14, Richard Aspinwall, 39 and Cristina Irimie, 53. A further nine people were injured. The elder Gray, 54, admitted gifting his son the rifle despite the fact he had been previously interviewed by police over alleged threats his son made against the school. The father and son had been on the FBI's radar for more than a year over the incident, but no arrests were made due to there being no probably cause at the time. The father now faces two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of cruelty to children. If convicted on all charges he could receive up to 180 years in jail. Gray's father told police his son wasnt a loner, and was being picked on at school, with his peers saying he was gay, according to a report from Jefferson County Sherriffs Department. Colin Gray, 54, has also been charged in connection to the shooting which claimed the lives of two students and two teachers Investigators say Gray, 14, used this AR-15 pictured to mow down four people at Apalachee High School Gray was given the gun he allegedly used as Christmas present from his father The report also details that Colt told his father Im a good boy Daddy, I would never do it and said, I dont want to be caught up in any of that. His father said it was very difficult for him to go to school and not get picked on, and that he had been trying to get him onto a school team. It went from one thing to another, Colin said. He was talking to the couple of friends he had, and it was like oh look Colt's gay, he's dating that guy. Just ridiculed him day after day after day. Father and son both appeared at Barrow County Superior Court on Friday, in shackles and handcuffed at the front of their body. Colt reportedly told police 'I did it' when read his Miranda rights after his arrest on Wednesday. The teen, dressed in a green t-shirt and grey sweatpants, 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. Judge Mingledorff brought Gray back in to correct a statement he made, telling him: I wanted to make it clear to you that the penalty does not include death. It includes life without the possibility of parole or with the possibility of parole. 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 Teacher Richard Aspinwall was named as one of the four victims of the shooting. Christina Irimie was also identified as a victim A 2005 Supreme Court decision forbids the execution of offenders who were under the age of 18 when their crimes were committed. Meanwhile his father, Colin, cried as he appeared shortly after his son in the same courtroom, rocking back and forth. Colin Gray shuffled in wearing a prison-issued striped shirt and tracksuit, in shackles like his son. He stated his name in a croaky voice, confirming his age, and that he was able to read and write. A known MS-13 gangster was allowed to enroll in a Maryland public high school while he was the primary suspect in the rape and murder an autistic woman. Walter Martinez, 17, was being investigated for the July 2022 murder of Kayla Hamilton, 19, when he enrolled in Edgewood High School in Harford County, as reported by Fox 45. The El Salvador native was in the US illegally after entering through Texas as an unaccompanied minor in March, 2022. He was apprehended by Border Patrol before being sent to live in with a sponsor in a mobile home in Aberdeen, about a 40-minute drive from Baltimore, where he raped and killed Hamilton. The then-16-year-old was placed at the scene of the brutal strangling murder through surveillance video and audio, according to Aberdeen police. Martinez was detained and questioned but was allowed to go free for six months as authorities worked to confirm that his DNA was found at the scene. Walter Martinez, 17, was allowed to enroll in a Maryland high school while he was the primary suspect of an autistic woman's rape and murder Martinez was apprehended by Border Patrol before being sent to live in with a sponsor in a mobile home in Aberdeen, where he raped and killed Hamilton 'Its the worst pain that a parent can ever get,' Hamilton's mother Tammy Nobles, told Project Baltimore. 'She was just found with a cord wrapped around her neck and her mouth. Then just left her on the floor, like trash.' Authorities did not alarm the school was about Martinez' status as a suspect and Martinez enrolled as a student. 'It makes me angry,' Nobles added. 'You're sitting there putting this monster into high school with other people's children, and you're putting children at risk. Look what he did to Kayla.' Martinez was finally arrested in January, 2023, after DNA results came back. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 70 years in prison back in August. The Aberdeen Police Department said Hamilton, who was killed inside her apartment, had just moved into the city to live with her 22-year-old boyfriend before her gruesome murder Nobles is now demanding the law be changed so officials are required to inform schools about those being investigated for heinous crimes. Harford County Public Schools said in a statement that there was 'no information in our possession that would suggest he was a danger to other students and staff. HCPS is not afforded unfettered access to information held by law enforcement which may suggest that a potential student is dangerous, gang-affiliated, or suspected of heinous and disturbing crimes.' The Aberdeen Police Department said Hamilton, who was killed inside her apartment, had just moved into the city to live with her 22-year-old boyfriend before her gruesome murder. Her mother Nobles filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging it failed to stop Martinez at the border. Harford County Public Schools said in a statement that there was 'no information in our possession that would suggest he was a danger to other students and staff' The lawsuit names both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as defendants, and demands $100million in damages. The lawsuit alleges both agencies failed the woman by letting the killer in the country after not verifying his status with a phone call, and allowing him to be placed in a holding facility. They also failed to find the damning gangland tattoos said to have been on the perp's person, before ultimately neglecting to confirm a verified sponsor for him. A TikTok star ear surgeon, with an 'extraordinary sense of entitlement', has been struck off after he swindled the NHS out of almost 52,000 so he could send his daughters to private school. Dr Kifayat Ullah, 41, who calls himself the 'Ear Doctor' on TikTok forged work timesheets claiming he was working 45 hours a week during the Covid-19 pandemic - when in fact he was doing just 22.5. The married father of two, who drove an Aston Martin with a personalised plate and was pictured on social media taking exotic holidays, said he needed cash to pay future school fees but refused to take out a loan due to 'cultural issues'. Ullah who was working as a locum specialising in ENT at Kingston Hospital, was reported to police after NHS fraud investigators discovered he had submitted 27 fraudulent timesheets - purportedly authorised by a health manager - recording an additional 658 hours which he never worked. He initially tried to cover up his wrongdoing and even tried to deflect the blame on colleagues but eventually admitted: 'I want to express my profound remorse for the forgery of timesheets. Dr Kifayat Ullah, 41, who calls himself the 'Ear Doctor' on TikTok forged work timesheets claiming he was working 45 hours a week during the Covid-19 pandemic - when in fact he was doing just 22.5 The married father of two was pictured on social media taking exotic holidays Ullah with his wife on holiday in India at the Taj Mahal Ullah drove an Aston Martin with a personalised plate 'I fully acknowledge the seriousness of my offence and the harm it has caused to the trust, its staff, patients, and the wider NHS community. I take full responsibility for my actions and the consequences they have brought upon myself and others.' The 41-year-old said he was under extreme stress as the breadwinner for his family and paid all expenses including his childrens school fees. Dr Ullah lives in a 1.5million flat in Primrose Hill, north London. At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, Ullah's name was ordered to be erased from the doctors register after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct. Last January he was sentenced to 24 months jail suspended for two years, required to complete 250 hours unpaid work and pay compensation of 51,902.50 after he admitted using a false instrument. He has since repaid all the stolen money. Ullah posts regularly videos on TikTok of his private work as The Ear Doctor, where he charges up to 170 for emergency call-outs, and also flaunts his affluent lifestyle which included a video of a stay in a 1,250-a-night treehouse in Hampshire with his family. The Manchester hearing was told the fraud occurred after he was contracted through the medical recruitment agency MedicsPro to work at Kingston. After his shifts Dr Ullah who was paid 69 an hour was required to complete handwritten paper timesheets on which he recorded the dates and the hours that he worked. These were then signed off by the hospital and sent to MedicsPro who then made payment to him. But inquiries began after suspicions were raised about timesheets Ullah submitted between November 2020 and June 2021. It emerged he had scanned in the handwritten timesheets and then amended them using Microsoft Paint by copying and pasting signatures from colleagues. Inquiries revealed an overpayment to him of 45,402, the total loss to the Trust being 51,982 as the agency unwittingly took its cut. When confronted he falsely claimed a manager said he could work 22.5 hours but be paid for 45. For the General Medical Council Ms Jade Bucklow said: 'Dr Ullah's dishonesty lies at the higher end of probity and concerns forging timesheets in order to defraud the NHS of a huge sum of money over a period of seven months. His dishonesty took place during the COVID-19 pandemic when the NHS was crippled in terms of its resources, both financially and in terms of its staff and patient waiting times. One of many TikTok posts from specialist Dr Kifayat Ullah, 40, on his Ear Doctor social feed A hot tub can be seen in one video on Dr Ullah's social media, where he promotes himself Ullah, of Hampstead, North London was working as a locum specialising in ENT at Kingston Hospital He was reported to police after NHS fraud investigators discovered he had submitted 27 fraudulent timesheets - purportedly authorised by a health manager - recording an additional 658 hours which he never worked 'He defrauded the NHS Trust out of money which could have been directed directly towards patient care and services, or towards paying a member of staff who was actually going to be present full-time, providing care that Dr Ullah was being paid for but was not carrying out. He did not just add a few hours here and there. He quite literally doubled the amount of work and inflated it. 'The amount that Dr Ullah defrauded the NHS out of was limited only because he was caught and not because he decided to stop what he was doing. Despite his representations about financial need, he was a high earner at the time. 'And it was clear Dr Ullah did not have insight during the investigation by the NHS. He provided two statements that were not only a denial of the allegations against him but contained further mistruths. He implicated another member of staff at the Trust which could have had profound consequences for him and indeed the other managers.' She added: 'Dr Ullah appears at times to be very focused on the needs of himself and his family rather than the wider public. His stressors were no different to the life stressors that many doctors face day-to-day. 'He did not exhaust all the other financial options available to him. When asked about why he did not take a loan Dr Ullah said that he and his family did not like debt. It is difficult to understand why defrauding the NHS was more palatable than taking a loan. It comes across as an extraordinary sense of entitlement. 'It was not as though Dr Ullah was being chased by anyone for debts that he could not pay. Other people are likely to be drowning in bills before they resort to crime of this nature. 'This was a time when the NHS was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and arguably was still recovering from that with waiting times at their highest and with junior doctors striking because of pay and working conditions.' He posted pictures of a 1,250-a-night stay at luxury accommodation showing food and drink He initially tried to cover up his wrongdoing and even tried to deflect the blame on colleagues but eventually admitted to the offence Ullah pictured with his wife during a trip to a Disney park in America Defence lawyer Malcolm Gledhill said: 'Dr Ullah has dedicated his life to medicine and sought to make a difference. He is a very fine doctor held in high regard, and whose competence and commitment is not doubted. A large number of glowing testimonials from colleagues vouch for Dr Ullah. 'He is embracing what has occurred and is seeking to understand what took him there to avoid repetition in the future. That risk of repetition is negligible because of the changes that Dr Ullah had put in place which include different family dynamics, a better relationship with his family members to discuss matters. Dr Ullah believes he will deal with any new pressures in a different way to how he has in the past. 'He has been the key person in the family, someone who everyone went to and perhaps in hindsight, it was too much responsibility without negotiating a different approach. He was given various costings and what was potentially required over a period of time and Dr Ullah's cultural heritage discourages incurring interest by borrowing money. 'But there has been a sea change which had really made a difference to him managing his own life moving forward.' Ullah (right) and his wife arriving at Wimbledon Magistrates Court in December last year Ullah appears to try and cover his head with some paperwork in his hand as he left court in December last year At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, Ullah's name was ordered to be erased from the doctors register after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct Last January he was sentenced to 24 months jail suspended for two years, required to complete 250 hours unpaid work and pay compensation of 51,902.50 after he admitted using a false instrument MPTS chairman Mr Andrew Clemes said: 'Dr Ullah's dishonesty had been persistent, and he had tried to cover it up on a number of occasions including when he was interviewed, also seeking to deflect blame onto colleagues. Dr Ullah's interests are outweighed by the need to maintain public confidence in the profession and to declare and uphold proper professional standards of conduct and behaviour.' When Ullah was sentenced Judge Marcus Tregilgas-Davey told him: 'Your actions did not stem from anxiety or stress but rather out of greed and avarice. You wanted to reduce the hours that you worked but you wanted to maintain your income. 'You have brought disgrace not only upon yourself but upon your profession.. Everyone who reads or watches the news will know that the one organisation that cannot afford to lose large sums of money is the NHS. Monies wrongly taken from that organisation is depriving those monies from going towards caring for the people of this country.' Downing Street defended releasing hundreds of prisoners early today despite admitting Keir Starmer is 'uncomfortable' at footage of jubilant lags celebrating being freed. The Prime Minister is under pressure as convicted criminals including drug dealers popped champagne and partied outside penitentiaries after serving just 40 per cent of sentences. The Labour government is letting 1,700 prisoners out today to ease record overcrowding and prevent the criminal justice system from seizing up entirely due to a lack of cells. Some 5,000 will be freed in the coming weeks. Some were greeted by a cacophony on their release, with friends blasting out music and giving them new clothes, and some even spraying the former prisoners with sparkling wine to celebrate their newfound freedom. One convicted drug dealer said the policy had made him a 'lifelong Labour voter', while another insisted that he was a 'good boy now' after walking out to reunite with his family. Asked if the PM was comfortable with the scenes, a No10 spokeswoman said he was not, adding: 'The situation is completely unacceptable. It is, however, the right thing to do to ensure that we did not face a situation where criminality would be left unchecked along the streets because we didn't have enough prison places. 'So this was a difficult decision, but it was the right thing to do to protect public safety.' The Prime Minister is under pressure as convicted criminals including drug dealers celebrated outside penitentiaries after serving just 40 per cent of sentences. The Labour government is letting 1,700 prisoners out early to ease record overcrowding and prevent the criminal justice system from seizing up entirely due to a lack of cells. Asked if the PM was comfortable with the scenes, a No10 spokeswoman said he was not, adding: 'The situation is completely unacceptable. It is, however, the right thing to do to ensure that we did not face a situation where criminality would be left unchecked along the streets because we didn't have enough prison places.' She added: 'The Prime Minister is very clear that it is completely unacceptable to have been put in this position, the government inherited a prison system which is in crisis, but we had to act to ensure that the criminal justice system didn't collapse, and that we could continue to lock up dangerous criminals to keep people safe. 'That was the reality of the choice facing the government, and indeed, you had statements from the police about the real dangers and risks posed to victims, were they unable to make arrests and if criminality went unchecked on our streets. So this was the only option to keep our prisons running.' Meanwhile the Justice Secretary revealed some of those freed could be put up in hotels. Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that inmates who are homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders. However, despite the scenes of joy that were commonplace across the country, experts have warned about the impact of releasing the convicts early with suggestions a third could reoffend. Those released today included hardened drug dealers, violent domestic abusers and even people who have played roles in the killing of teenagers, much to the fury of their victims' loved ones. There have also been concerns about the impact on communities where they are released with some admitting they will immediately become homeless after they are set free. Ministers have insisted that everyone released will have a management plan and be subject to strict licence rules. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures showed the prison population hit a record high of 88,521 on Friday, having risen by more than 1,000 inmates over the past four weeks. Meanwhile it emerged Rishi Sunak ignored calls from Britain's most senior police officers a week before the election warning him that failure to trigger the so-called SDS40 policy would be exploited by criminals. The move comes after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent as the MoJ said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. Meanwhile it emerged Rishi Sunak ignored calls from Britain's most senior police officers a week before the election warning him that failure to trigger the so-called SDS40 policy would be exploited by criminals. A letter obtained by The Times dated June 27, signed by figures including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and the chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council Gavin Stephens, said the overcrowding crisis in prisons was hampering police officers' ability to do their job as they urged the then prime minister to put the plan in motion immediately because it would take 'many weeks to safely implement'. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the Government 'had no choice but to do something' about overcrowding because 'the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out'. But he warned it was 'inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody' and that some will be homeless on release - increasing the risk that they could go on to commit more crimes. 'If people are coming out, they're not properly prepared, and they're homeless, then what we'll see is the danger that they'll commit more offences, or that they breach their bail conditions, in which case they'll end up back inside again,' he said. The move comes after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent as the MoJ said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. On Monday it emerged some victims were not prepared in the wake of their perpetrators being freed early, with The Times reporting hundreds had not been informed. The Victims' Commissioner of England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, branded it 'regrettable' that some had still not been told this was happening on the eve of the policy coming into force. There are also fears not all criminals with a history of domestic abuse will be exempt from the policy despite efforts to keep them behind bars. On Monday it emerged some victims were not prepared in the wake of their perpetrators being freed early, with The Times reporting hundreds had not been informed. The Government said those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse and violent crimes would not be freed early under the scheme. But because there is no single offence for domestic abuse, and only certain crimes like coercive control, harassment and stalking which are specifically linked to this were excluded, meaning other attackers convicted of crimes like threats to kill and actual bodily harm could still qualify for early release. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs - who had called for a blanket exemption for all known perpetrators - said: 'There is no justice in allowing perpetrators of domestic abuse to be released early. 'I worry that it might not be possible for every victim to be notified of their abuser's release and I fear they may be left blindsided, without the time to seek vital support and guidance'. Rioters are among those who could end up spending less time behind bars as the Government last month confirmed those involved in recent unrest would not be specifically excluded from early release. Although those convicted of serious violence and serving sentences of four years or more will not be eligible, according to officials. Divorcing actress Alice Evans was yesterday temporarily kicked out of court after allegedly taking photographs of her ex Ioan Gruffudd - but has now revealed online why she took action. Ms Evans took to Instagram to say she had seen Mr Grufford talking to a legal blogger - who she calls a 'mega troll' - before the incident. Evans, 56, caused a sensation after apparently taking pictures of Gruffudd in court yesterday, which is forbidden even striding across the court room at the LA Superior Court to do so. A court officer ejected her from the room and stood over her as she deleted them before she was allowed to re-enter. It can now be revealed that Evans actions were prompted after she saw Gruffudd chatting to legal blogger Andrea Burkhart. Alice Evans took to Instagram to say she had seen Mr Grufford talking to a legal blogger - who she calls a 'mega troll' - before the incident Evans, 56, caused a sensation after apparently taking pictures of Ioan Gruffudd, 50, (pictured) in court yesterday Andrew Burkhart announced she was attending proceedings on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday Burkhart has posted a number of critical tweets and made several YouTube videos about the divorce case between Evans and Gruffudd although as a criminal defence attorney she isn't retained by either side. Ms Burkhart posted a picture of herself outside the court before proceedings began on X writing: 'Well this road trip has been super fun but now it's time to see how 'abject poverty' Alice Evans does in court today.' Ms Evans reposted her post on Instagram and wrote: 'Watch out for this mega troll. She's insane.' She added: 'Omg am in court and just got told there is a this stalker right here inside the room. This is beyond.' A few hours later she wrote: 'I DID notice something VERY interesting which I what I was trying to take a picture of. An interaction with somebody else in the courtroom.' She added: 'She's obsessed. Scary s***. She's also very good friends with somebody else in this case which I was absolutely astonished to see. Wow.' Ms Evans, who is banned from posting about Gruffudd or his girlfriend by a restraining order, went on: 'I wasn't taking a picture just of her. 'I was VERY intrigued at who she was sitting behind and appeared to be very friendly with, not a great look when you're that friendly with somebody who is known to be a gigantic troll. 'It's one thing to be linked to the Tattlers but this one?' Well this road trip has been super fun but now it's time to see how "abject poverty" Alice Evans does in court today. pic.twitter.com/oxh4PeoGpe Andrea Burkhart (@aburkhartlaw) September 9, 2024 Ioan Gruffudd and ex-wife Alice Evans finalized their divorce in July 2023 - but the battle over their daughters continues The couple, whose 14-year marriage ended in a bitter divorce filing in 2021, are still in the process of resolving their child support issues over their two daughters (pictured in 2018) in court She later wrote: 'I wasn't taking a picture of Ioan. I was trying to get a picture of the stalker!' Burkhart is a criminal defence attorney licensed in Washington and has 83,000 followers on her YouTube channel where she discusses various cases, including weighing in on the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial in 2022. She previously claimed Depp was a 'hero' for exposing his abuse at the hands of Ms Heard. She's been vocal in her low opinion of Alice Evans, who she claims is lying about her financial situation. Evans recently said on Instagram that she had received over 250,000 trolling comments on the website Tattle Life. The drama unfolded as the feuding exes sat on opposite sides of the courtroom, with Evans shooting an occasional icy grimace at her ex, who just stared forward as they waited for the start of a hearing about child support payments for their two young daughters. Ms Evans walked across the courtroom and began taking photographs of her ex at point-blank range, while he looked on incredulously, it was reported on Monday. Last month it was revealed Gruffudd called his fiancee Bianca Wallace to testify in court An LA County deputy quickly approached the British-American actress and told her to delete them. 'Stop that. Delete those. I'm not asking youI'm telling you,' the officer ordered her sternly. He told her to leave the courtroom before standing over the nervous-looking Evans as she obeyed his instructions to delete all the photos she had taken. The deputy eventually allowed her back into the courtroom, but just a few minutes later, seeing her openly holding her phone, he ordered her outside again to make sure she hadn't taken any more photos and warn her a second time against doing so. It came as the war between the former couple rumbles on in its third year, with the expected confrontation in court between the pair now moved to February 13. The hearing will be held to decide how much spousal support Gruffudd should pay and determine child support payments for Ella, 15 and Elsie, 11. At that hearing, Gruffudd plans to call his 32 year-old fiancee Bianca Wallace as a witness. On Monday, Judge Stinn heard that both sides had reached a stipulated agreement in which Gruffudd pays $3,000 a month temporary child support and $1,500 a month temporary spousal support until the February hearing. Homeowners in a beautiful coastal California city are at war as many argue that they are suffering due to innumerable short-term rentals in the area. A group of Pacifica city locals are fighting to reduce restrictions on their short-term rental properties in order to be able to pay their mortgages. But while many are using their second homes as financing options, others are demanding an increase in restrictions - complaining that they are being subjected to 'loud parties, overflowing trash and parking wars'. Jeff Jones, a 80-year-old resident and member of Pacifica Homes Are Not Hotels, revealed that she called 911 about 35 times in the past four years to report guests at a rental property at 400 Belfast Ave. A group of Pacifica city locals are fighting to reduce restrictions on their short-term rental properties in order to be able to pay their mortgages The locals are complaining that they are being subjected to 'loud parties, overflowing trash and parking wars' The troubled local says that visitors throw loud parties at night on the property's deck, which he can see and hear from his own house. Pacifica resident Caitlin Quinn who has owned her beachfront property for seven years told KRON4: 'Our life has become a living hell. We have lost the quiet enjoyment of our home. 'We had people dragging luggage under our bedroom window at all times of the day and night. 'I firmly believe that the permit should have been revoked. I've clocked being woken up 50 times between the hours of midnight and 5 am.' But while many are using their second homes as financing options, others are demanding an increase in restrictions - complaining that they are being subjected to 'loud parties, overflowing trash and parking wars' Jeff Jones, a 80-year-old resident and member of Pacifica Homes Are Not Hotels, revealed that she called about 35 times in the past four years to report guests at a rental property at 400 Belfast Ave Pacifica resident Caitlin Quinn who has owned her beachfront property for seven years said: 'Our life has become a living hell. We have lost the quiet enjoyment of our home' Patricia Kephart, 67, added that she frequently spots trash lying around the street collection bins, thrown by Airbnb and Vrbo guests. 'It's an ongoing parade,' she said. 'I don't know these people and it doesn't feel safe.' When asked by the San Francisco Standard, Kephart showed images of bins stacked with trash on one end of the street while multiple vehicles are parked on another. According to date presented in June by city staff, merely four homes were responsible for half of the 66 complaints filed against rentals in the past year. DailyMail.com has reached out to Airbnb for a comment. According to date presented in June by city staff, merely four homes were responsible for half of the 66 complaints filed against rentals in the past year But people such as Wayne Thai and his wife who moved to Pacifica in 2019 are arguing against restricting short-term rentals. The pair had bought a three-bedroom house on Milagra Drive for $1.3 million but soon had to move the East Bay to care for ill relatives. Thai and his wife then decided to list the home on Airbnb and its competitor Vrbo. The couple claims that the $70,000 a year they earn from the property after renting it out for nine months is used for home improvements and paying off the mortgage. 'We could lose the home. I want to work out a solution rather than a straight ban,' the 40-year-old said. An Arizona couple that spent $400,000 suing Disney to keep their membership to the exclusive Club 33 has lost their legal battle. Scott and Diana Anderson, both 60, were kicked out of the elite club in 2017 over an allegation that Scott was drunk in public, according to the Los Angeles Times. The couple had saved up for 20 years to afford the organization's lofty fees and were on the waitlist for a decade when they got an invitation to join in 2012, so they were determined to fight for their place in the club. 'He doesn't want to be known as a drunk,' the Andersons attorney Sean Macias Macias told a California jury. 'They love that place. They took the fight to Disney because it's his name.' However, an Orange County jury determined on September 3 that Disney did not kick them out improperly. Scott and Diana Anderson spent $400,000 suing Disney to keep their membership to the exclusive Club 33 Club 33 is a private club located in Disneyland where members pay thousands of dollars to get access to countless perks, fine dining and a lounge Club 33 is tucked away in plain sight in the middle of Disneyland's New Orleans Square. Those who are fortunate enough to be invited to join pay thousands of dollars for the privilege and get access to countless perks, fine dining and a lounge where they can mingle with like-minded wealthy Disney enthusiasts. The Andersons were determined to join the ritzy organization and make Diana's dream come true. 'It's like four times as much money as we thought it was going to be, and it was like "okay great," but you know, this is our world at this point,' Scott told 12 News. '$10,000 back when we first joined. Today, that membership is $32,000.' Once they finally made it into the exclusive organization, the couple would spend nearly $125,000 a year traveling from Arizona to the Anaheim amusement park. The Andersons said they saved up for 20 years to afford Club 33's lofty fees and were on the waitlist for a decade when they got an invitation to join in 2012 On September 3, 2017, security guards said they found Scott near the entrance of California Adventure displaying signs of intoxication. As a result, Club 33 kicked them out and the Andersons sued claiming Scott was not drunk but experiencing a vestibular migraine. Macias said Disney did an incomplete investigation, with no Breathalyzer or blood tests, and had a medical expert testify Scott's symptoms were triggered by sips of red wine. 'I wasnt found to be drunk in the park. I had a vestibular migraine in the park, which was horrific,' Scott said. 'I had two beers and a half a glass of wine.' Disney's lawyer, Jonathan E. Phillips, told jurors that Club 33 membership guidelines forbid public intoxication. 'They did not want to pay the consequences of failing to follow the rules,' Phillips said. '[Scott's conduct] cost his wife of 40 years her lifetime dream of having access to Club 33.' The Andersons said they spent $400,000 on the lawsuit and believe Disney kicked them out as an act of retaliation for previously complaining about another member. They sought to be reinstated to Club 33, a $10,500 reimbursement for four months of unused membership in 2017 and wanted $231,000 - the equivalent seven years in the club. Disney's lawyer, Jonathan E. Phillips, told jurors that Club 33 membership guidelines forbid public intoxication and the couple did not want to face the consequences According to a notice sent to the couple obtained by 12 News, in 2016 Diana had received a warning that if they had an other infraction their membership would be revoked. Macias said the first warning was for 'using some salty language a couple F-words.' 'My wife and I are both dead set that this is an absolute wrong, and we will fight this to the death,' Scott told The Times. 'There is no way we're letting this go.' 'My retirement is set back five years. I'm paying through the nose. Every day, I'm seeing another bill, and I'm about to keel over.' Diana said she will keep fighting and will appeal the jury decision, 'I'll sell a kidney, I don't care.' A death row inmate who has been backed by Oprah Winfrey has had his latest claims of innocence thrown out in federal court. Jarvis Jay Masters, 62, has spent more than 30 years in prison in California for a murder he claims he did not commit. He was sentenced to death for his role in the 1985 killing of San Quentin State Prison correctional Sgt. Hal Burchfield. Masters, who was serving a 23-year sentence for armed robbery, was accused of providing the murder weapon used by another inmate to carry out the stabbing. Later, the only men connecting him to the crime recanted their sworn statements in court and claimed they lied about Master's involvement for leniency. Masters sought a new trial, alleging his sentence rested on unreliable evidence. The case made it as far as the California Supreme Court, but the sentence was affirmed. He filed a claim for relief the following year in 2020 after swaying people like Winfrey and the victim's son with his version of events. But a US District Court Judge again refused to exonerate him last week. Masters has since vowed to make an appeal, claiming his civil rights are being flouted. Oprah Winfrey in 2022 backed Masters' innocence, adding his 2009 autobiography in her famous book club. The book explains how Masters is innocent while sitting on death row Jarvis Jay Masters, 62, has spent more than 30 years on death row for a murder he says he didn't commit - and just had his latest claims of innocence tossed in federal court The 62-year-old was sentenced to death for his role in the 1985 killing of San Quentin State Prison correctional Sgt. Hal Burchfield (pictured) more than three decades ago. He was 37 'I was hopeful, but I had also prepared myself emotionally for yet another legal hurdle in securing my freedom,' Masters told The LA Times Monday. 'We knew this battle for Jarvis' exoneration from death row would not be easy, but we remain confident in the strength of our evidence and legal arguments,' added attorney Michael F. Williams. Winfrey, meanwhile, once told the paper how she 'absolutely' believed in Master's innocence - standing in solidarity with the victim's youngest son, Jeremiah Burchfield. Aged just two when his father was killed, Jeremiah on Tuesday said he was 'frustrated' for Masters, and that he would try to help him with his eventual appeal. 'I feel sad for him,' the 41-year-old told the Times. 'I'm very upset with the system.' A few months ago, Winfrey spoke at length with Masters about how the state courts had allegedly violated his civil rights by convicting him, two years after allowing his memoir a place in her seminal book club. Ahead of the 20-minute phone call, the 70-year-old host framed Masters - a teen when he was sent to San Quentin - as a 'young boy victimized by addiction and poverty and violence and the foster care system, and later the justice system.' 'I read this Memoir,' she said of Master's book That Bird Has My Wings. '[It] touched me so deeply and still does today.' As Masters see what may have been his last chance for freedom fall flat, it is Buddhist faith that keeps him calm during the uncertainty, he said. Pictured: Masters as a teen, before he was incarcerated for gun crimes at 19 in 1981 She went on to reveal how she had heard of Master's story from American-born Buddhist monk Pema Chodron, another one of his supporters. 'It was back in 1981 when he was only 19 years old that Jarvis was convicted of arm robbery and sent to San Quinton four years later,' she began. 'Prison guard Howell Burchfield was stabbed to death while on night-duty, and though Jarvis was locked in his cell at the time of the murder, he was among those convicted'. She went on to point out how he was the only one of three inmates found guilty of the murder to be put to be sentenced to death, after a gang member said he heard Masters once brag about murdering a fellow prisoner in 1984. He later recanted those statements, along with others that led to Master's conviction. 'Jarvis is scheduled to have a hearing in federal court to overturn that conviction and death sentence,' Oprah said back in January while introducing Masters to watchers of her Oprah Daily YouTube channel. 'He has long maintained his innocence and that claim has been supported by many others - so this conversation is different from any other interview we've done. 'I wanted to of course sit down with him in person, but it is against California state law to bring cameras into a prison to interview a specific inmate,' she continued. She recently aired a phone call with the accused killer on her YouTube channel, during which they spoke at length about how they believe the California court system failed him 'So thankfully he was allowed to call me on the phone. And that's how I'm able to bring you the story of this extraordinary man.' A collect call ensued, during which the details of Masters' story were laid bare. The two spoke about how on June 8, 1985, Sgt. Burchfield died of a single stab wound to his pulmonary artery, collapsing in front of the cell of an inmate named Andre Johnson - one of the men later sentenced to life for their part in the murder. Johnson was allegedly a member of the Black Guerilla Family prison gang, as was Masters at the time, he said. A homemade 'spear shaft' made of rolled-up newspaper and cloth was found nearby, and Masters was soon pegged as the man who made it. This was decided after an inmate named Rufus Willis, who also testified he was a Black Guerilla Family member, said he saw Masters and fellow gangbanger Lawrence Woodward conspire to kill several officers in the prison yard. Under a grant of immunity, Willis told investigators that Masters, Woodward, and Johnson went on to agree it would be the latter who would carry out the attack, while Masters would provide the murder weapon. Burchfield, a father-of-five who watched the halls of San Quentin for some 12 years, was chosen as their first mark, Willis said. The two spoke about the murder, and how reversals from all who named him as involved failed to sway jurists One of the key pieces of evidence that ended up convicting Masters were prison notes in his handwriting - which Willis said had been penned by the lifetime Long Beach resident and described his role in the murder. However, Masters told told Winfrey - and prosecutors - that he was forced to write the incriminating 'kites' by his superiors, an argument that fell on deaf ears for years in state court. Things worsened for Masters when a handwriting expert confirmed the notes were in his handwriting, and after another gang member in Bobby Evans surfaced to testify the trio had confessed their roles in the killing about a month after it occurred. But even at that point, glaring inconsistencies in the convicts' testimonies had begun to emerge. For one, in a preliminary hearing, Willis described Masters as a 5-foot-7 man with glasses. He is 6-foot-1 and has never worn specs. Willis further described the suspect as clean-shaven without tattoos, despite Masters sporting a mustache and goatee and a tattoo on his left cheek at the time of the murder. Then, ahead of Masters' 1990 trial, an inmate by the name of Harold Richardson who matched Willis's description came forward to claim that he had been the one who had been conspiring to kill the officers with Woodward and Johnson, not Masters. Still, the trial went forward, and when called to the stand, Richardson refused to repeat that confession, invoking the Fifth Amendment. The victim's youngest son, Jeremiah Burchfield, also believes in Master's innocence, saying Tuesday, 'I feel sad for him... I'm very upset with the system' When Masters' lawyers asked Marin County Superior Court Judge Beverly B. Savitt to grant the inmate immunity to compel him to testify, the jurist refused - paving the way for all three men to found guilty that year. While the two other men received life sentences still being served, Masters was sentenced to death following testimony from another Black Guerilla Family gang member, Johnny Hoze, who said he once heard Masters boast about murdering a fellow prisoner, calling it 'better than sex.' A series of appeals followed, dragging out the case for two decades. During the span, Willis, Evans and Hoze all recanted their trial testimony about Masters - saying in sworn statements that had each been lying in hopes of being met with favorable treatment. Willis went as far to swear that he had coerced Masters into writing the one piece of physical evidence incriminating him, stating how the accused had copied the notes from Willis and Woodward. Johnson, the man who actually stabbed Burchfield to death, said Masters played no role in the murder. As these recantations were made, Masters sought a new trial, alleging his conviction and subsequent sentence rested on evidence the prosecution had either known or should have known 'was inflammatory, unreliable, untrue, and/or misleading,' appeals stated. American-born Buddhist monk Pema Chodron,, along with several other high-ranking figures from the religion, are among those who believe in Master's innocence In 2008, the the state's highest court appointed Marin County Superior Court Judge Lynn Duyree to field the issues mentioned in Masters' petitions - this time paving the way for another hearing in 2011. There, Willis and Evans provided the same testimony again, and prosecutors were provided evidence pertaining to Hoze's statements. However, it wasn't enough to convince the jurist - who maintained the claims did not warrant a new trial due to 'scant ability to discern' whether Willis and Evans had lied at the trial or before her. She also cited then-new expert testimony from a forensic linguist who said the murder notes attributed to Masters had been authored by someone else - saying that, 'while convincing', they did not exonerate the defendant and were thus not enough to reverse the already made decision. She also called Hoze's disavowal of his original trial testimony 'not believable'. The move left Masters - who converted to Buddhism in prison and penned two books - on death row, with a federal appeal his last chance at freedom. The effort fell flat with the decision from S District Court Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. last week, but there is still room for one final appeal. Winfrey - seen here speaking about Masters' case on CBS Mornings - has yet to publicly responded to the outcome of his case Speaking to Oprah in their interview earlier this year, Masters thanked the TV talker for hearing and believing his side of the story. 'The first thing I thought about when I knew that I will be having this conversation is to say, thank you 'For so many years that I've seen you raise your hand and every time I got a second wind, and I really appreciate that. Thank you.' He went on to recall the stigma he said he's been met with since being put on death row, which he said he believes influenced state officials repeated decisions. He also pointed to structural, systemic issues he said led to him securing a lawyer who was not invested in his case. 'It's just a matter of you trusting people again,' he said as the interview ended, airing hope about the outcome of the hearing this past Tuesday. 'And that trust is based on friendships -and not the quality of lawyer you got.' As of writing Masters remains incarcerated. Winfrey has yet to publicly respond to the most recent decision in the case. An appeal has yet to be filed. 'I was hopeful, but I had also prepared myself emotionally for yet another legal hurdle in securing my freedom,' Masters said Monday. His attorney added: 'We knew this battle... would not be easy, but we remain confident in the strength of our evidence and legal arguments' Meanwhile, Masters has at least one detractor in Marjorie Burchfield, who was 14 when her father was killed. Now a correctional officer herself, she told The Times it good news his appeal failed. Distancing herself from her brother, she said she would personally work to ensure Masters appeal continue to go unheard. 'Its not going to happen,' she said of him ever being released from prison. Melania Trump released a new video on Tuesday questioning law enforcement's role in the assassination attempt on her husband Donald Trump. The former first lady demanded answers about the July 13 shooting and hinted at a conspiracy by saying there's 'more to the story' and 'we need to uncover the truth.' 'The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience,' she said in the 10 second video posted to her social media accounts. 'Now the silence around it feels heavy. I can't help but wonder why didn't law enforcement officials arrest shooter before the speech. There is definitely more to this story. And we need to uncover the truth,' she added. The video ends with a shot promoting her forthcoming memoir 'Melania', which will be released in October. In the video, the 54-year-old is dressed in black and speaking in front of a black screen with ominous music playing in the background. 'There is definitely more to this story. And we need to uncover the truth,' Melania Trump said of the assassination attempt on her husband Donald Trump She released the video on the day of Trump's debate with Democratic rival Kamala Harris. House Republicans have formed a task force to probe the attempt on the former president's life and the Secret Service is still conducting an investigation. It's unclear what the assassination attempt has to do with Melania Trump's book, which is being published October 1st. She announced her memoir about two weeks after the assassination attempt and it's unclear if she'll address it in the book. There have been several questions about the assassination attempt and how shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to climb to the roof of a building within the sight line of Trump. There are also questions about what role the Secret Service played versus local law enforcement and if the two entities were in proper communication that day. The gunman shot at Trump from about 150 yards away, on top of a roof that was near the outdoor rally but outside the venue, meaning he didn't go through the normal screening process that rally attendees did. It's unclear why the Secret Service didn't secure that area and why it took officers so long to respond to the shooting. Trump was grazed by a bullet, causing his ear to bleed. In the aftermath, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said that her agency failed in its mission to protect the former president. 'The Secret Service's solemn mission is to protect our nation's leaders. On July 13th, we failed,' she said. She would later resign as head of the agency. Your browser does not support iframes. The assassination attempt on Donald Trump took place on July 13th at a rally in Pennsylvania Melania Trump's memoir will be released on October 1st Donald Trump has said the incident 'had an impact' on him. He described it in detail during his speech to the Republican National Committee. Melania Trump was not at the rally in Butler, Pa., where the assassination attempt ocurred. She released a statement in the aftermath expressing her love for her husband. Her book, simply titled 'Melania,' will be released on October 1st. It is available for pre-order on Amazon for $30. She is selling two editions: a $150 collector's edition featuring 256 pages in full color throughout, with each copy signed by the author. The memoir edition will be 304 pages and available for $40 with signed copies available for $75. The former first lady has been the subject of many biographies and books but this is the first time she is telling her story. It is unclear if she worked with a co-author and if she will go on a book tour. After the Trumps left the White House in January 2021, Melania Trump maintained her low profile. She has not been heavily involved in her husband's 2024 campaign for the White House. She appeared at his campaign announcement and at the Republican National Convention, where, unlike other spouses of candidates, she opted not to address the delegates. She has yet to appear at a campaign rally. She also didn't attend the first presidential debate and has been careful to distance herself from her husband's legal troubles. She did host two fundraisers for Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative LGBTQ group. It's unclear if she'll attend Tuesday night's debate. An urgent warning has been issued for Americans to start preparing for a major tropical storm that's barreling toward southeast Texas and portions of Louisiana. Tropical Storm Francine has formed off the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and is ramping up in intensity due to very warm Gulf waters as it approaches the coastline. A hurricane watch was issued for parts of the Louisiana coast on Tuesday morning, with predicted winds of up to 82 mph in New Iberia, according to the National Hurricane Center. About four to eight inches of heavy rainfall are expected. Flash and urban flooding is likely for portions of northeast Mexico and southern Texas. The storm is expected to make landfall near Louisiana on Wednesday. A composite satellite image from Tuesday shows Tropical Storm Francine intensifying and on track to become a hurricane before its expected landfall on the Gulf Coast Cars drive through rain just outside New Orleans ahead of Tropical Storm Francine on Tuesday Flash and urban flooding is likely for portions of northeast Mexico and southern Texas. Near the storm center, tropical storm force winds may extend up to 160 miles From the storm center, tropical storm force winds may extend up to 160 miles. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working closely with both states to make sure they're prepared for heavy rain, flooding and a life-threatening storm surge. Residents in the storm's path were scrambling to stockpile gas and supplies, as well as securing their homes in preparation. Workers from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West close floodgates along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine on Tuesday Steve Pete filled up gas containers in Violet, Louisiana on Monday to give to neighbors and the elderly if needed ahead of Tropical Storm Francine Crabbers move their traps to inside the levy protection system on Monday in lower St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana Tips to stay safe during the storm Make sure to have a plan in case the storm escalates. Each family should account for medical equipment that's needed, food and water. Evacuate if you're told to do so. If you can't, make sure to take refuge in a room that can withstand high winds or go to the highest level if you're trapped by flooding. Driving through flooded areas can be extremely dangerous, especially if there's a flash flood - accounting for half of all flash flood deaths. Standing in floodwater can be hazardous when power lines collapse. Human and livestock waste that's mixed in the water can lead to sickness. If the power goes out, refrain from using candles or incendiary devices, due to the risk of starting a fire. James C. McKenzie (left) and Kelly Blanchard (right) cover an electronic sign with plywood in Chalmette, Louisiana on Monday Workers from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West close floodgates along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine on Tuesday Two months since Hurricane Beryl Tropical Storm Francine arrives two months after Hurricane Beryl strengthened and became a hurricane as it headed toward southern Texas, where the outer parts of the storm hit the coast with rain and intensifying winds. Beryl was considered a life-threatening storm, with more than 2 million residents without power as it moved inland. Tornadoes spawned by the storm touched down across Texas and Louisiana as it moved steadily northeastward from eastern Texas. St. Bernard Parish residents fill sandbags in a Kmart and Sears parking lot on Monday in Chalmette, Louisiana ahead of Tropical Storm Francine Delwyn Bodden, a worker for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West, climbs a ladder up a floodgate to lock it closed along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, on Tuesday Bubby Longo fills sandbags in a Kmart and Sears parking lot in Chalmette, Louisiana on Monday Senior Vice President for CenterPoint Energy Darin Carroll - located in Texas - vowed the company would do better than their performance during Beryl, in a press conference broadcast on KRPC2 Houston. 'We're ready to show everybody that we have improved.' The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an 'above-normal' Atlantic hurricane season this year due to near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, La Nina conditions in the Pacific and reduced winds in the Atlantic. They forecast a range of 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 of which are anticipated to become hurricanes. A teacher who booked a hotel room to have sex with a pupil has been jailed for more than three years. Bradley Amphlett had earlier led the girl into a school art cupboard where he kissed her, a court heard. The 27-year-old soon started sending the girl 'explicit' messages and even asked her to call him 'daddy'. He would also 'fantasise' about their encounter within the art cupboard, prosecutor Jonathan Dee said. The court heard Amphlett kissed her a number of times during the course of the pupil's final week at school. The pair exchanged a number of messages once she had left the school - escalating to the night in a hotel in Nottingham city centre. Mr Dee told the hearing how the defendant worked as an art and design teacher at a secondary school in Derbyshire and that he and the victim started 'flirting' when she was in her final years at the school. Teacher Bradley Amphlett, 27, booked a hotel room to have sex with a pupil, sent her 'explicit messages' and even asked her to call him 'daddy' He said: 'In her last week of school the offending started. He had given her his number in case she needed emotional support. 'She said she had gone into his room to speak to him because she was stressed about exams. He got everyone out of the room and then went over to her. 'He hugged her and then turned her face up to his and kissed her. It is quite clear from what she said that he was shocked about this and knew he had crossed a line. 'The next day she had an exam but it was also the day that students were getting everyone to autograph a shirt. She asked him and he was initially distant but later, after the exam, she went back into his room and he kissed her again. Amphlett had earlier led the girl into a school art cupboard where he kissed her, Nottingham Crown Court (pictured) heard 'Clearly by now any doubts he had were gone and in fact he told her to ask him to kiss her. She did and he took her into the art cupboard where no one could see them and kissed her again. 'She described this as more intense than the first kiss. By the Friday, she had left the school. However when she left, she messaged him and left her number. They then started communicating by text.' Mr Dee said Amphlett 'had clearly received a warning of some sort as safeguarding concerns had been raised about his relationship with her'. But the barrister said the messages between them became more explicit. 'He was clearly encouraging her in this although she was responding in kind', Mr Dee added. 'He encouraged her to call him 'daddy' and engage in explicit 'sexting' and there are a whole series of very explicit messages where they are fantasising about sexual activity and what could have happened in the art cupboard.' The matter came to light when the girl told a friend, and it was reported to police and the school. Amphlett was arrested and interviewed, but gave a prepared statement denying the offence and then made no comment. He pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming. The pair exchanged a number of messages once she had left the school - escalating to the night in a hotel in Nottingham city centre. Pictured: a general view of Nottingham city centre Judge Julie Warburton jailed the defendant for three years and eight months last Tuesday. Amphlett, of Brinsley, Nottinghamshire, will now be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders register. Det Con Trevor Allt, who led the investigation, said: 'As a teacher, Amphlett was in a position of trust, and he abused that by taking advantage of this young girl who simply went to him for support with exam stress. 'He was well aware of her age and the inappropriate nature of this relationship but carried on regardless and his actions will continue to impact on her for some time to come. I'd like to praise her for her bravery and courage. 'I'm pleased he is now in prison for these crimes.' A missing hiker in Washington's Northern Cascades National Park was found immobilized and 'on death's door' one month after he disappeared. Robert Schock, 39, was last seen with his dog - but without any overnight gear - by fellow hikers from the Pacific Northwest Trail Association on July 31 near the Chilliwack River. The keen hiker was then reported missing - and a frantic search was launched for two weeks, before officials called it off. But four weeks after he was last spotted, PNTA crew eventually found Schock on August 30 - who was exposed to the elements in a dire, emaciated condition. He was reportedly stuck in the same spot for two weeks, and may have 'only had another day left in him,' according to the teams who stumbled upon him by chance. It is unclear how Schock survived in the wilderness for so long without any resources, equipment, or overnight gear. Robert Schock, 39, was last seen a month before his eventual rescue by other hikers on July 31, with his dog, sans any overnight gear, near the Chilliwack River The lone hiker was found on August 30 by trail crew 'immobile', malnourished and 'on death's door' after having been reported missing a month prior. Pictured: The moment rescue teams found the man 'Robert was found alive, but not well. It is the belief of those who came to be involved in the rescue that Robert may have only had another day left in him before the outcome of his discovery would have been much more tragic,' Jeff Kish, Executive Director of the PNTA said in a Facebook post. His mother, Jan Thompson, who lives in North Carolina, told CDN that she has spoken to him since he was found - and while he was weak from malnourishment, she said that he was uninjured. Thompson said: 'Hes in a lot of pain and he isnt speaking very well, but hes coherent and seemed in pretty high spirits.' Days after Schock was reported missing his vehicle was found abandoned near Hannegan Pass trailhead with its windows down and his wallet on the dashboard - raising concern and prompting search efforts for the missing hiker. His dog, Freddy, was also found, alone, on August 4 eight miles off the remote trail. Air and ground crews searched the rugged terrain for two weeks but no sign of Schock emerged. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted an air search on August 16 and a ground search near where Freddy was found, but efforts were met with no luck and were called off. On August 30 the PNTA crew was returning to their backcountry camp, after a grueling 10-hour shift, when they crossed the Chilliwack River and heard something barely discernible above the sound of the river, but out of place for their surroundings. A half a mile off trail, along the bank of the Chilliwack River, the line hiker laid out exposed to the elements. His situation was dire, they said. Days after Schock was reported missing his vehicle was found abandoned near Hannegan Pass trailhead with its windows down and his wallet on the dashboard. His dog, Freddy (pictured with his owner) was also found alone eight miles off the remote trail Air and ground crews searched the rugged terrain for two weeks but no sign of Schock emerged. Pictured: Chilliwack River Trail The U.S. Border Patrol conducted an air search on August 16 and a ground search near where Schock's dog, Freddy, was found but efforts were met with no luck and were called off Shock had been to the area plenty of times before some unexpected changes to the river crossing led to him being confused as he still tried to continue through his trip. Pictured: North Cascades National Park Jeff Kish continued: 'When our crew found Robert, he was able to communicate to them that he had been immobile, stuck in that exact spot for approximately two weeks, and based on the condition that he was found in, there was no reason for the crew to question it.' Schock was taken to United General Hospital in Sedro-Wooley where he is receiving treatment. Though Shock had been to the area plenty of times before some unexpected changes to the river crossing led to him being confused as he still tried to continue through his trip. Schock has lived in Mount Vernon in the past and frequently visits the area to camp, but he told his mother the trail after the river crossing had changed since his last excursion, leading to his confusion and disorientation. The Chilliwack River Trail is known as a hard five-mile hike that can take a lot out of even the most experienced visitors. A criminal enquiry has been launched in France after a teacher was secretly filmed hitting a three-year-old girl in a Paris nursery school. It is also alleged that an unidentified liquid was sprayed in the little childs face as she screamed mummy!. The video which has been made public by a lawyer has caused shock and outrage across the country. The alleged assault happened last Tuesday, September 3, on the first day of the academic year at the Freres-Voisins [Brothers-Neighbours] school in the 15th arrondissement of the city. An unidentified female teacher can be seen standing over the screaming and crying infant before hitting her on the back, and causing her to fall to the floor. Vanessa Edberg, a lawyer representing the girls parents who posted the film on Twitter X, said on Tuesday: It wasnt a spanking. She hit her on the back. What happened is extremely serious. The alleged assault happened last Tuesday, September 3, on the first day of the academic year at the Freres-Voisins [Brothers-Neighbours] school An unidentified female teacher can be seen standing over the screaming and crying infant before hitting her on the back, and causing her to fall to the floor It is also alleged that the teacher grabbed a small bottle and sprayed an unidentified product on her face, Ms Edberg added. Saying that the girl and the rest of her family were extremely traumatised, Ms Edberg said a complaint had been sent to police and prosecutors. She said the incident was secretely recorded by another childs mother, who was in the classroom for the whole of the day. The girls father told Le Parisien newspaper: My daughter had been hit before, that's why she was having a crisis and the mother who was there decided to film discreetly. After receiving the blow, the little girl was sent to the corner and continued to scream Mummy!. After the alleged spraying of liquid, the teacher can be heard saying: There, does that feel good there? The teacher also tells the girl: You'll see, your dad will come back when I tell him. The parents did not know about the video to begin with, but the woman who shot it handed it over after two days. It is also alleged that the teacher grabbed a small bottle and sprayed an unidentified product on her face' The school (pictured) lies in Paris' 15th arrondissement We went straight to file a complaint, said the father, who said his son had also been pushed by this teacher when he was at the school two years ago. The teacher was on Tuesday said to be on sick leave while waiting to be interviewed by law and order authorities, said a school spokesman. The teacher acknowledged the facts and apologised to the family, said the spokesman. Aggravated assault on a child under 15 is an imprisonable offence in France. Philippe Goujon, the Mayor of the 15th arrondissement in Paris, said: This happened the day after the start of the school year. The teacher was arrested and immediately replaced. The school, which has around 200 students, is on a council estate, he said, adding: Were talking about a thousand homes, its a difficult neighborhood. A Hollywood Brit flick actor who clocked up over a hundred convictions after his life spiralled out of control from booze and drugs is one of thousands of criminals being released from prison early today. Last month, Jason Hoganson - who rose to fame after starring in cult 80s film Empire State - was jailed for 18 months in HMP Durham after brutally attacking his ex-girlfriend in the street. But the fallen star, with his face crisscrossed with angry scars and his head covered in distinctive tattoos, gave a jubilant thumbs up to the camera as he left prison today - just 19 days later. The 53-year-old actor was one of the 1,700 inmates released early as the government took the drastic step to tackle the overcrowded prisons. Originally from Wallsend, Hoganson - who now has 109 convictions on his record - struggled with his movie career and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime. Jason Hoganson, with his face crisscrossed with angry scars and his head covered in distinctive tattoos, gave a jubilant thumbs up to the camera as he left prison today Jason Hoganson was been jailed for 18 months at Newcastle Crown Court Jason Hoganson pictured at the time of his appearance in 1987 movie Empire State Hoganson had a leading role in the 1988 Hollywood movie Empire State, alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau. Playing an enigmatic Geordie drifter living among mobsters in London, Hoganson had been talent-scouted by producers who contacted his drama teacher looking for a youth to play the part in the 1987 movie. Last month, Newcastle Crown Court heard Hoganson was caught on doorbell video camera when he attacked his former partner in Newcastle on December 11 last year. Prosecutor Amy Levitt said he already had a restraining order to keep him away from the woman when he attacked her. Miss Levitt told the court: 'Footage shows the defendant assaulting the complainant. He slaps her to the face and she walks away. He walks after her. 'There are further hits and a push, where she falls to the floor. The assault continues while she's lying on the floor. 'She describes him, having pushed her, hit her, kicked her and put his body weight on her. The assault lasted around three minutes.' Hoganson, of no fixed address, admitted assault by beating and breach of a restraining order. The 53-year-old actor was one of the 1,700 inmates released early as the government took the drastic step to tackle the overcrowded prisons Originally from Wallsend, Hoganson - who now has 109 convictions on his record - struggled with his movie career and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime Hoganson struggled with his early success after starring in Empire State, and his life descended into crime and addictions After auditioning more than 100 teenage hopefuls, producers offered Hoganson the part of Geordie drifter Pete, and he starred alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau. Pictured is a scene from the film Ian Crook, defending, told the court: 'He was an accomplished actor. He actually secured a role, quite a leading role, in a film, a crime thriller. 'At that point the future was bright.' Mr Crook said Hoganson already had personal struggles at that point and added: 'Being thrown into the spotlight wasn't easy for him to cope with. He turned to drink and drugs and that led to a downward spiral.' He said Hoganson has a complex mental health history but has been a mentor for others while in prison on remand. Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Hoganson to 18 months behind bars, most of which he has already served on remand. Miss Levitt said Hoganson had been given a restraining order to keep him away from the victim after he was convicted of offences of battery and criminal damage in May last year. Downing Street defended releasing hundreds of prisoners early today despite admitting Keir Starmer is 'uncomfortable' at footage of jubilant lags celebrating being freed. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood during a visit to HMP Bedford in Harpur, Bedfordshire The Prime Minister is under pressure as convicted criminals including drug dealers popped champagne and partied outside penitentiaries after serving just 40 per cent of sentences. Some were greeted by a cacophony on their release, with friends blasting out music and giving them new clothes, and some even spraying the former prisoners with sparkling wine to celebrate their newfound freedom. Newly appointed Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said measures have been taken to reduce the number of domestic offenders being freed by excluding those serving time for coercive control, stalking, harassment and breach of a restraining or non-molestation order. But prisoners convicted of broader offences like assault or criminal damage, which are not specific to domestic violence, are not excluded. 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. People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison today 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. Crimes exempt from the new early release scheme include prisoners sentences for sexual and violent offences of over four years. The Justice Secretary said she has been told that the emergency early release plan could prevent prisons running out of space within weeks. The MOJ has said the move will give them an extra 18 months to allow more prison places to be freed up and allow for a wider review of sentencing to take place. A three-year-old boy has tragically died after falling into his neighbor's septic tank. The child was playing outside with his four-year-old brother at their home in Lakewood, Washington, on Sunday, according to ABC 45 News. Their grandmother was reportedly periodically checking on the pair but at some point the three-year-old went into the neighbor's yard and removed the tank's lid. His brother alerted their grandmother when the younger child fell inside and she called 911 at around 2.21pm. The child's body was retrieved at 3.05 pm. The tragedy comes just two days after a two-year-old boy from Northumberland County, Virginia, died following a similar incident. A three-year-old from Washington died on Sunday after falling into a septic tank while playing with his four-year-old brother Three-year-old Kenna Wilson died in December 2023 after falling into a septic tank, leaving her mother, Jill Humphries, devastated The two-year-old toddler had managed to open the lid of a septic tank near his home on September 6 before falling inside, according to WTVR News. His father pulled him out and attempted CPR. The police were called at around 3.50 pm and the child was taken to the hospital where he died. Northumberland County Sheriff Johnny Beauchamp told WWBT News: 'Upon arrival of first responders, the child had already been removed from a septic tank and CPR was in progress. 'EMS transported the child to a local hospital. Despite their best efforts, the child died at the hospital.' About 50 children die by falling into septic tanks each year The death of the Washington 3-year-old comes just two days after a 2-year-old from Virginia died in similar circumstances In December 2023, an Indiana mother tried to press charges against her babysitter niece after her three-year-old daughter was found dead in a septic tank while in her care. The child, Kenna Wilson, is believed to have pulled the lid off a septic tank and either fell in or got in on purpose. Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel said at the time he understood Jill Humphries' disappointment that charges were not filed against the babysitter, who was a minor. But while his 'heart goes out to her,' there are 'some situations that are terrible accidents,' he added. About 50 children die from falling into septic tanks each year, according to The Beasley Firm. An evangelical pastor is facing a slew of charges after a cache of drugs and guns were allegedly found in his Las Vegas hotel room. David McGee, 61, a senior pastor at The Bridge Fellowship in North Carolina, was arrested on August 20 at the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower following a raid from counter-terrorism police. The arrest came after police were called to the hotel by McGee when he reported a piece of missing property, leading to the discovery of firearms including an AR-15 with a scope, alongside fentanyl pills, police said. He reportedly told detectives that he was in Las Vegas to find his missing daughter whom he believed to be living in abandoned storm tunnels, and admitted he planned to give her the fentanyl pills if he found her, reports KLAS. According to reported arrest documents, McGee told police that he was visiting Las Vegas from North Carolina to find his daughter, and had taken a private jet to Sin City. David McGee, 61, a senior pastor at The Bridge Fellowship in North Carolina , was arrested August 20 at the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower after a cache of drugs and guns were allegedly found in his hotel room McGee (seen in an image he shared to his social media from Las Vegas) told police he was in Sin City to find his missing daughter whom he believed to be living in abandoned storm tunnels He told detectives when they arrived in his hotel room that he had a gun stashed in his guitar case, and hotel employees noted that they had previously warned the pastor about their firearms policy after he reportedly brought a shotgun in his room days earlier. But a search of his room found more than just the one firearm in his guitar case, including an AR-15 with a scope that raised eyebrows. The discovery of the gun and scope led to early reports that a 'terror plot' had been foiled, as detectives initially feared McGee was planning a copycat shooting to one that occurred at a Las Vegas music festival in October 2017. In that shooting, gunman Stephen Paddock, 64, carried out the worst mass shooting in US history as he fired more than 1,000 rounds from his Mandalay Bay hotel room, killing 60 people and wounding at least 413. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said after McGee's arrest that it often investigates 'suspicious situations where multiple firearms are located inside hotels on the Las Vegas Strip', but reports of a 'terror plot' tied to McGee were false, reports The Independent. Police were called to the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower by McGee after he reported missing property, only to find items including an AR-15 with a scope and fentanyl pills McGee is an evangelical pastor in North Carolina, and often shared religious teachings and music to his followers on social media Alongside the 'multiple firearms' found inside McGee's hotel room, cops say they also found a number of fentanyl pills, that he admitted he 'brought from North Carolina on his private jet to Las Vegas and paid approximately $1,000', his reported arrest document said. 'McGee stated that he was a user of fentanyl and intended to distribute the fentanyl to his daughter when he located her,' the document added, per KLAS. McGee often shares his religious teachings, and some rock music, to his followers on social media, and prior to his arrest, he had shared on Facebook his trip to Las Vegas to find his daughter. He said he believed she was living in the city's system of flood control tunnels, which have become extremely dangerous hubs for homeless people filled with more than 1,000 vagrants struggling for food. In an update posted on the day he was arrested, McGee said his 'daughter is out here in a mess.' 'Still l must ask for prayers & maybe help finding & rescuing my daughter,' he continued. In another update from August 29 written on McGee's behalf, he said he 'has been in touch with Ashli (his daughter) a few times', but was struggling to keep hold of her. 'She has been evasive, sometimes leaving but returning later, even the next day. David is asking for prayers for his health, wisdom, safety, discernment... and that she will allow herself to be rescued,' the post read. McGee said his efforts to find his daughter were only partially successful as she 'is out here in a mess', as he asked for prayers 'so that she will allow herself to be rescued' Police reportedly feared McGee could have been plotting a copycat shooting to that of Stephen Paddock (pictured), who fired over 1,000 rounds from his hotel room in October 2017 On his website, McGee says he is a dead-mute person, and 'after overcoming overwhelming physical obstacles as a child, he eventually discovered music and toured the country as a rock musician.' 'After an encounter with Jesus Christ, he devoted his life to revealing the life-changing Truth of the Bible,' his biography reads. Police said McGee failed to appear for his probable cause hearing on August 2 due to medical issues, although it is unclear which medical issues he experienced. McGee is reportedly due to return to court on December 19. A new poll out of Florida shows a much tighter race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump than expected in the state that has been progressively trending red in recent years. The Morning Consult poll shows the Republican presidential candidate up by only two points in his home state. It has Trump at 49 percent and Harris at 47 percent with the margin of error at two points. It comes after a recent Emerson College poll showed the ex-president up by five points in the state 50 percent to 45 percent over the vice president, showing the race has tightened in the Sunshine State. It comes as the Harris campaign has made several investments in Florida over the past few months and has argued that Florida is in play come November. A new poll shows Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris by just two points in his home state of Florida Harris and other prominent Democrats have visited the state several times in recent years to talk about abortion rights as the state passed a six-week abortion ban. Just days ago, the Harris campaign launched a 'Reproductive Rights for All' bus tour starting in Trump's hometown of Palm Beach. It comes as voters in the state will be voting directly on whether to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution this November with Amendment 4. Trump has said he will vote against the amendment which would keep the six week ban in place. Kamala Harris' campaign launched a 'Fighting for Reproductive Freedom' bus tour in Palm Beach, FL on September 3 near Trump's Mar-a-Lago home The new poll also shows Republican Senator Rick Scott leading in the Florida Senate race by five points as he runs for reelection. He has 47 percent support while Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is at 42 percent. The Real Clear Politics average of polls in that race have Scott up by just over four points, showing the race has also tightened some. One Emerson College poll had him up just one point. Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell is looking to flip the Senate seat in Florida by ousting Republican Senator Rick Scott. The Morning Consult poll has Scott up by five points Your browser does not support iframes. Florida was once the biggest battleground state in the country with 30 electoral votes up for grabs in 2024. But the state has been trending red over the past few election cycles. The last Democrat to win the state in a presidential election was President Obama in 2012. Trump won the state in 2016 and in 2020 when he beat President Biden there by more than three points. In the 2022 midterms, Republicans won ever statewide race including the governor race by more than 19 points. While Democrats have argued Florida is in play, mostly since the six week abortion ban took effect, they have continued to concentrate the vast majority of their efforts in the seven main battleground states. The US is to hit Iran with fresh sanctions for supplying Russia with missiles, US secretary of State Antony Blinken said today as he revealed he will join Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the first joint UK-US visit to Ukraine. The US has warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia to use in Ukraine would 'constitute a dramatic escalation', Mr Blinken said on a visit to London. The two foreign ministers will seek to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Kyiv against Putin's invasion, amid calls for more freedom for the Zelensky government to target targets inside Russia. Mr Blinken said Washington had privately warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia would 'constitute a dramatic escalation' and said new sanctions would be imposed later today. US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are likely to discuss restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons when they meet in Washington on Friday. In a press conference this afternoon, Mr Blinken said: 'Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians. The Iranian ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles, will allow Russia to target its arsenal further from the front line, he said. The US has warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia to use in Ukraine would 'constitute a dramatic escalation', Mr Blinken said on a visit to London. President Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putin's Russia. His forces attacked Moscow last night US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are likely to discuss restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons when they meet in Washington on Friday, after the foreign ministers' visit President Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putin's Russia. His forces last night targeted Moscow itself with a drone attack. But fierce fighting continues ion the west of Ukraine. At a joint press conference with Mr Lammy, Mr Blinken said: 'One of the purposes of the trip we will be taking together is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership including .... president Zelensky about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives and what we can do to support those needs. 'All I can tell you is we will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the Prime Minister, to president Biden in the coming days and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday.' Asked whether Ukraine would be given permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, Mr Lammy said: 'It's hugely important that we're travelling together to hear from our Ukrainian counterparts and president Zelensky their assessment of the situation on the ground and their needs on the ground. 'It would, however, be quite wrong to comment on the detail of operational issues in a forum such as this, because the only person who could benefit is Putin, and we will do nothing to give him any advantage in his illegal invasion.' A high-ranking Bandidos bikie club president has been killed in a motorcycle crash, sparking an outpouring of tributes from family and friends. Peter Martin and another motorcyclist were riding their Harley Davidsons when the bikes collided with a Mazda sedan on the Great Western Highway at Prospect, in Sydney's west, at about 12.30pm on Tuesday. Mr Martin, who also went by the nickname George, couldn't be revived and died at the scene. The other rider is reportedly fighting for life in hospital, according to friends. Mr Martin was the president of the local Bandidos chapter in western Sydney, the Daily Telegraph reported. His heartbroken sister paid tribute by sharing a photo of Mr Martin sporting Bandidos gear. 'Rest in paradise my brother,' she wrote. 'I know we always didn't see eye to eye but that would never change the fact you're my brother and I love you. Peter Martin was the president of the western Sydney chapter of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle club Rhyan Allan (right) led the outpouring of tributes to fellow Bandidos bikie Peter Martin (left) Paramedics were seen attending to one of motorcyclists following the crash in Prospect 'He didn't just wear a patch, he was a brother, a dad, a song, a friend and uncle, his sister.' Rhyan Allan also paid tribute by uploading a photo of the pair in Bandidos gear. 'In shock... can't believe you're going my brother... what the f***,' he wrote. 'I wouldn't be who I am today if I didn't meet you my brother... FTW.' A mate commented: 'Condolences my brother he loved you like you were his son.' Family friend Reg Beaver also paid tribute using Mr Martin's nickname. 'Four years and 7 months to the day, almost to the hour, within one kilometre of where we lost our son Jarrod... today my older son's good mate lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident,' Mr Beaver wrote. 'George was a mate to everyone who knew him,,,, Rest in Peace George.' The most recent post on Mr Martin's Instagram page was from five days ago with photos of Sydney Harbour from his work site. 'Not bad todays job,' he captioned the photos. Mr Martin's posts portray him as a devoted family man who adored his two young daughters. On his Instagram page Mr Martin posted photos of loved ones, along with the meat tray he won on Father's Day Mr Martin and another man were riding motorcycles when they were involved in a crash with a Mazda sedan on the Great Western Highway, in Prospect, in Sydney 's west Mr Martin also showed off the meat tray he won on Father's Day. 'Happy Father's Day to me, winner winner I won a dinner,' he captioned the post. Harrowing photos from the crash scene showed Bandidos markings on the front wheel of one of the mangled Harley Davidsons. The driver of the sedan was also injured and taken to hospital. It's understood firefighters had to cut the driver free from the wreckage, while a tent was set up to shield Mr Martin's body from public view. All westbound lanes and two eastbound lanes of the Great Western Highway were closed following the crash, which unfolded near the Prospect Hotel. Anyone with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the crash is urged to call Crime Stoppers. Kamala Harris insists she is a fierce prosecutor and has used that rhetoric to claim as president she would not allow surging crime to continue. But a new analysis from the conservative Heritage Foundation obtained by DailyMail.com lays out the case that Harris' platform goes the 'direction in which the political winds happen to be blowing,' which just so happens to be anti-crime at the moment. From her times as District Attorney of San Francisco to Attorney General of California up to the U.S. Senate and as Vice President, the report notes how Harris has had a quite liberal prosecution style over the years except when it came to marijuana crimes, which she has now also flip-flopped on when public perception became more pro-weed. 'Despite touting herself as a tough-on-crime prosecutor, Vice President Kamala Harris's record reveals a different reality,' said Zack Smith, Senior Legal Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and author of the report. 'She has long favored radical, pro-crime policies that make American communities less safe.' Vice President Kamala Harris has painted herself as a 'tough prosecutor' who is up against a 'convicted felon' As Americans increasingly list crime as a top concern heading into the 2024 election, especially amid the influx of illegal immigration over the southern border, Harris is side-stepping her once more lax view on these issues as she runs for the White House. And since entering the race on July 21, Harris has painted the contests as 'prosecutor v. convicted felon.' 'I took on perpetrators of all kinds,' Harris told a crowd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 6. 'Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who scammed consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain' 'So hear me when I say: I know Donald Trump's type,' she quipped to a giant line of applause and laughter. The new report from The Heritage Foundation, which also authored the highly criticized and now-defunct Project 2025, specifically goes into Harris' record on the death penalty, refusal to justly prosecute illegal immigrants and her evolving stance on marijuana crimes. It also dives into her actions in the Senate and as Vice President to approve some controversial nominations that have exacerbated the national urban crime problem. The only thing that Harris has been 'tough on' when it comes to crime is her prosecution of marijuana offenders in California, the analysis alleges. When Harris was San Francisco's District Attorney, her office prosecuted more than 1,900 people for marijuana-related offenses. But when she was a U.S. Senator, Harris told radio host Charlamagne tha God that she has smoked weed and joked about the music she listened to while high. Your browser does not support iframes. A new report reveals that Harris has held liberal views on crime and her actions have led to spikes in her home state of California 'So there are a lot of reasons why we need to legalize,' Harris said in the 2019 interview. 'Have you ever smoked?' the radio host asked the then-senator. 'I have and I did inhale,' Harris laughed. 'It was a long time ago, but yes. I just broke news.' She confirmed that it was in college when she partook in smoking marijuana. The Heritage analysis points to her changing view on the issue leading to a new weed strain being named after the vice president. 'Given her recent change in positions, there is 'even a strain of weed, Kamala Kush, named after her, which Jimmy Kimmel joked about during an interview' with her,' the report notes. An employee of the Drug Policy Alliance said that when Harris was a senator, she introduced legislation that supported reforms to the criminal justice system that would provide 'radical justice' to marijuana crimes. 'The current Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, has proudly proclaimed her prosecutorial past,' Smith writes in his report. 'But how she has portrayed her time as a prosecutoreither as tough on crime or as overtly progressivehas varied, depending on her audience and the direction in which the political winds happen to be blowing.' 'Make no mistake, though: Kamala Harris holds radical views about our criminal justice system.' The report also notes two specific examples from when Harris was a District Attorney, she refused to seek the death penalty for those who may have otherwise faced capital punishment for their heinous crimes. Harris has flip-flopped on marijuana after her office prosecuted more than 1,900 people for marijuana-related crimes when she was San Francisco's District Attorney. Pictured: Harris reveals in 2019 interview that she smoked weed in college despite locking up hundreds for marijuana offenses And it points to her 'back on track' initiative, a seemingly good faith effort to reform criminals and help train them for jobs in exchange for having their felonies expunged from their records. But the report said that Harris' program also allowed 'illegal immigrants to stay out of prison by training them for jobs they [could not] legally hold.' 'Until the issue came up during her campaign to be California's Attorney General, Harris 'had never publicly acknowledged that [Back on Track] included illegal immigrants,' Smith alleges in his document. 'Kamala Harris has often claimed that she wants to help members of our nation's poor and minority communities, but the sad irony is that the policies she now champions will often end up harming those individuals the most,' Smith told DailyMail.com. The 39-year-old man may have started blaze as he 'likes to help in emergencies' The former firefighter is suspected to have contributed to Chile's deadliest fire A former firefighter has been arrested in connection to a deadly forest fire in Chile that killed 137 people in February. Chilean police are accusing the 39-year-old suspect of starting at least one of the four simultaneous blazes that erupted in the Valparaiso region, near the coastal city of Vina del Mar, on 2 February. The former emergency worker was a volunteer who also worked for Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention. Authorities believe the man set the fire because 'he likes to be a hero, participating and helping in emergencies,' according to a police statement. Local media reported that the suspect had previously been praised as a 'hero' for containing another fire. A former firefighter has been arrested in connection to a deadly forest fire in Chile that killed 137 people in February Despite later being disciplined by the fire service for acting without official orders, members of the local community praised him for his 'fast' action, according to BBC News. The suspect is the third person to be arrested in connection with the deadly fire - which was suspected from the start by officers to have been deliberately set. Two others - a fellow firefighter and a park ranger - have been in custody since May. Prosecutors suspect the trio conspired to start the fires, with firefighter detained in May admitting that he and the park ranger had hoped to be rewarded with overtime pay for fighting them. The 22-year-old firefighter admitted to lighting cigarettes and throwing them from his car to spark the blaze in the Lago Penuelas national park, which spread rapidly due to strong winds and dried-out vegetation. The fires, which swept through the hills around Vina del Mar and neighbouring towns Quilpue and Villa Alemana, destroyed thousands of homes and caused widespread devastation. The area, popular with holidaymakers at the time, was packed with people seeking refuge from a heatwave. In addition to the 137 lives lost, 16,000 people suffered financial losses, and more than 2,000 homes were reduced to ashes. Authorities believe the former firefighter (not pictured) set the fire because 'he likes to be a hero, participating and helping in emergencies,' according to a police statement The fires, which swept through the hills around Vina del Mar and neighbouring towns Quilpue and Villa Alemana, destroyed thousands of homes and caused widespread devastation In addition to the 137 lives lost, 16,000 people suffered financial losses, and more than 2,000 homes were reduced to ashes It's the South American country's worst disaster since the 2010 earthquake killed more than 500 people. It comes after a 38-year-old Quebec man was found guilty for starting a series of devastating forest fires - which lead to hectares worth of damage across the Canadian province, displacing hundreds. Brian Pare plead guilty in January to starting 14 forest fires, including fires in Chapais and Lake Cavan, at a courthouse in Chibougamau in Quebec. Pare, who had been detained since his arrest, said little during the hearing, only responding 'yes' to a series of questions from the judge. He had been charged 13 counts of arson and one count of arson with disregard for human life. It's famed for its nightlife, a vibrant music scene, spicy cuisine and the raucous costumed parades of Mardi Gras. But the masks on revelers' faces could well be covering up a sadness that blights Louisiana, new research shows. The Pelican State has been ranked as the unhappiest in the United States by WalletHub, a personal finance website. Researchers scored states on the quality of residents' lives including their careers, families, and rates of depression and suicide. The unhappiness afflicting Louisiana extends across the South, researchers found. A mother and daughter languish in Louisiana, where cancer-causing pollutants gave Asanta Mackey, then aged five, a persistent cough Arkansas, West Virginia, Tennessee, and New Mexico rounded out the five unhappiest states in the nation. Those looking for a more joyful existence should head somewhat unsurprisingly to Hawaii. Residents of the Pacific archipelago benefit from low unemployment rates, decent average incomes, low rates of depression and the highest reported levels of life satisfaction in the US. Of course, they also get year-round warm weather and access to some of the most beautiful beaches and vistas on the planet. Maryland, New Jersey, Utah, and Delaware rounded out the top five happiest states in America. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said Hawaii and other high-scoring states made it easier for residents to achieve a 'good work-life balance' and build stronger groups of family and friends around them. 'The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas,' said Lupo. They have 'strong state economies and high quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather,' he added. For its survey, WalletHub gathered data from the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feeding America, and Gallup, among other sources. They scored states on 30 key metrics, covering everything from rates of depression, to mental health, suicide, life expectancy, alcohol abuse, and even on whether people got a good night's sleep. They also looked at careers, and how many hours residents worked, for how much pay, commute times, and whether jobs were stressful or they were likely to be laid off in the coming months. Finally, they looked at weather, how much time residents spent on fun activities, and whether married couples stayed together. Joe Moretz, who is homeless, sits with his dog Foxy by a boarded up store in the French Quarter of New Orleans, in another indicator of the state's poverty levels Sadly, the Mardi Gras costumed parade through New Orleans only comes once a year to raise the spirits of the state's troubled residents Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hawaii ranked as the state with the most satisfied residents Louisiana also ranks has having among the lowest income levels in the nation Louisiana recorded among the worst scores across the board, including painfully long working hours, and miserably high rates of divorce. The state's 4.6 million residents regularly talk up its strengths how New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the fusion of flavors that makes Creole cuisine unique. But they don't shy away from its chronic problems too such as poisonous industrial pollution, crumbling infrastructure, and poverty. Residents suffer 629 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 65 percent higher than the national average. While Americans are relocating to Texas and other Southern states, Louisiana buck this trend with an outflow of people. The state was readying on Tuesday for a likely battering from Tropical Storm Francine, which intensified in the southern Gulf of Mexico and is set to sweep north and strike as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday. WalletHub's findings echo those from a recent Louisiana State University study, which found that most residents said the state was heading in the wrong direction. Some 61 percent of residents said Louisiana was going downhill, with crime and education among their biggest concerns. Michael Henderson, director of the survey, said it marked the third consecutive year in which residents had said life was getting worse there. 'The survey results tell me this general feeling of unhappiness with where we are as a state is deeply embedded because of this extended period of time an unprecedented three years that this dissatisfaction has persisted,' Henderson said. Researchers polled 511 adult residents statewide via telephone about how they view their government and its policies, in March and April 23 this year. Kamala Harris is trolling Donald Trump by bringing two of his former officials with her to the debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Once Trump's White House communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, and Olivia Troye, a former Homeland Security advisor to then-Vice President Mike Pence, are coming to the debate for the Democratic candidate. Both will speak out against the former president and advocate for Harris' election at the site of the first debate between the vice president and Trump before the candidates take stage on Tuesday evening. At the same time, Democrats are running an advertisement on Fox News throughout debate day that features members of Trump's first term Cabinet speaking out against him. The lineup includes Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, National Security Advisor John Bolton, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley all warning against Trump returning for a second term. Vice President Kamala Harris is bringing some of Donald Trump's former aides to her debate against the ex-president on Tuesday. Pictured: Harris debates for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday for her first debate with Trump In August, Troye spoke up about her plans to vote for Harris despite once serving in Trump's administration. 'As someone who served in the Trump White House, I witnessed the destruction & chaos firsthand,' she said on August 4, just days after Harris entered the race. 'A second Trump term will bring more turmoil,' she added. 'As a lifelong Republican, I may not agree with Kamala Harris on everything, but I trust her to protect our freedoms, uphold the rule of law & provide steady leadership on the world stage. That's why I'm voting for Kamala Harris.' Scaramucci and Troye are joining the other surrogates, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who are descending on Philadelphia this week for the debate between Trump and Harris. Republicans are also bringing 'turncoats' to Philadelphia, including independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Democrat Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is now independent and helped Trump prepare for the debate. Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci is joining Harris surrogates on Tuesday Olivia Troye, a former Homeland Security advisor to then-Vice President Mike Pence, is coming to Pennsylvania to support Harris and is voting for her over Trump. Pictured: Troye speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 21 Scaramucci says that Harris needs to show up in the debate on Tuesday and entertain Americans, claiming that she can't risk doing what Hillary Clinton did in 2016 and 'boring' voters. 'The American people don't want that,' Scaramucci told Saxo in an interview. 'They want a verbal sparring match and they want you to outwit him.' 'I would love to tell you that this is a hiring contest in the United States, but it's not,' he continued. 'It's a popularity contest. Who's gonna keep me interested? Who looks like a safe pair of hands?' 'If she can roll with Trump in a live debate, that means she can be okay with Vladimir Putin. It's simplistic, but that's how the American people think.' A California mother has been arrested over the death of her three-year-old daughter who was trapped in a hot car where temperatures soared to more than 100 degrees. The child's mother Sandra Hernandez, 41, and her daughter Ily Ruiz were discovered by a family member inside a locked Ford Expedition at 1300 block of North Fashion Lane in Anaheim on Friday afternoon. The family member managed to pull the unconscious child from the vehicle but she later died after being rushed to the hospital by paramedics. Hernandez was booked on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect, Anaheim police Sgt. Matt Sutter said on Monday. He also revealed that several bottles of alcohol had been found inside the vehicle, ABC 7 News reported. Ily Elizabeth Ruiz, 3, was found unconscious in a hot car on Friday and died Hernandez and her daughter were found in the locked Ford Expedition on Friday afternoon at 1300 block of North Fashion Lane in Anaheim The official autopsy report is pending but authorities reported that the child's cause of death was complications from heat stroke. Temperatures that day had soared to a sweltering 104 degrees. Hernandez was also taken to hospital and was later taken into custody after she had been medically cleared. Ily's heartbroken father Juan Ruiz was overcome with grief over the tragic death of his only daughter. Ruiz had previously lost two young sons aged 5 and 9 after they were killed when a drunk driver slammed into their tent while the family was camping in North Dakota. The current relationship between Hernandez and Ruiz is unclear. His cousin Nancy Salamarca said: 'Ily was his princess, his daughter. He loves his kids. That's what he lives for. 'To know that he's reliving this all over again, we're just hurting for him,' she continued. 'He's broken. He's just devastated.' Salamarca's husband Waleed Salimi added that he has one surviving child left - a son named Lazarus. 'He has one thing - one thing left for himself,' Salimi said. 'So he's going to fight hard for his son, as we're here to support him as a family.' The child pictured with her older brother is seen holding a bottle and smiling In 2012, Ruiz two young sons - Alaries, five and Cyrisges, five - were killed when a drunk driver slammed into their tent while the family was camping in North Dakota Salamarca has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the child's funeral and memorial. The donations, she explained, will also go towards helping her cousin relocate from Texas to California so he can care for his son and find a new job. 'It is with utmost heartbreak and sadness that we have to relay the passing of our cousin Juans precious little girl ILY ELIZABETH RUIZ,' she wrote. 'ILY was such a beautiful and innocent soul with a very loving and bubbly personality. Its still hard to wrap our minds around the thought ILY is no longer with us. 'She has been tragically taken from our family in such an unfathomable way, and all we want to do is ease the burden and pain her father Juan and the family are going through at this time.' 'We thank you and love you all for being there for Juan and the family, keeping ILY and the family in your thoughts and prayers, and we truly appreciate any help you can give,' she added. As of Tuesday, more than $8,800 has been raised towards their goal of $25,000. On Sunday, another three-year-old girl died after being left in a hot car for more than two hours in 101F heat in Arizona. The girl's family had returned home from an outing and had not realized she was still in the SUV parked outside, Buckeye police said. The child and the parents' names have not yet been released. A police spokesperson said that 'no arrests have been made at this point, and the investigation was ongoing.' Georgia school shooter Colt Gray's mother has spoken out for the first time since the tragedy to insist she would 'take the place' of each of the victims if she could. Marcee Gray claims she called Apalachee High School and spoke to a guidance counselor shortly before her 14-year-old son allegedly opened fire. Four people - two students and two teachers - were tragically killed in the massacre, while nine more were injured. Colt was charged with four felony counts of murder and will be tried as an adult. His father, Colin, has also been charged with a raft of offenses for gifting his troubled son the gun allegedly used in the attack. Now, Marcee has offered an insight into the moment she realized something was terribly wrong with her son on the morning of September 5 in an interview with ABC. Marcee Gray claims she called Apalachee High School and spoke to a guidance counselor shortly before her 14-year-old son allegedly opened fire Georgia school shooter Colt Gray 's mother (pictured together) has spoken out for the first time since the tragedy to insist she would 'take the place' of each of the victims if she could She claims to have spoken to Colt's school counselor on the morning of the incident to report receiving a concerning text message from him. 'The counselor said, ''well I want to let you know that earlier this morning, one of Colt's teachers sent me an email that said Colt had been making references to school shootings'',' Marcee claimed. 'Between my gut feelings, the text messages and now this email, y'all need to go, like, run, to the classroom.' Later, Marcee tearfully said: 'If I could take their place, I would. I would in a heartbeat.' Colt was charged with four felony counts of murder and will be tried as an adult Marcee has offered an insight into the moment she realized something was terribly wrong with her son on the morning of September 5 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 Teacher Richard Aspinwall was named as one of the four victims of the shooting. Christina Irimie was also identified as a victim Mason Schermerhorn, 14, Christian Angulo, 14, Richard Aspinwall, 39 and Cristina Irimie, 53 were all fatally shot during the massacre. Police allege when they arrived, Colt dropped his weapon and confessed that he was responsible for the tragedy. Colin Gray, 54, gifted his son the rifle despite the fact he had been previously interviewed by police over alleged threats Colt made against a different school. The father and son had been on the FBI's radar for more than a year over the incident, but no arrests were made. Colin now faces two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of cruelty to children. If convicted on all charges he could receive up to 180 years in jail. A homeless man accused of trying to murder an Australian 11-year-old girl in Leicester Square by grabbing her in a headlock and stabbing her eight times has appeared in court. Romanian Ioan Pintaru, 32, is accused of stabbing the tourist who was in the UK on a dream trip with her mother to see Taylor Swift perform at Wembley. He appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Pintaru did not enter pleas but Judge Mark Lucraft, KC, the Recorder of London, set a provisional trial date for May 6. The homeless man is a Romanian citizen and has a four-year-old child who lives in Manchester. Romanian Ioan Pintaru, 32, (pictured) is accused of stabbing the tourist who was in the UK on a dream trip A police officer stands near a cordoned area following a doublestabbing at Leicester Square on August 12, 2024 A court artist's sketch of Ioan Pintaru appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 13 Police officers stand in front of the cordoned off area in London's Leicester Square yesterday No Romanian interpreter was booked for the hearing but Pintaru was able to confirm his name and date of birth. Pintaru will next appear for a further case management hearing on January 17. Police were called at 11:34am on 12 August to reports of an attack after members of the public tackled Pintaru. Pintaru allegedly held the girl in a headlock as he stabbed her in the face, shoulder and neck. The girl suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to hospital with 'serious but non-life threatening injuries.' It was initially feared that the girl's mother had also been stabbed, but it emerged that she was stained with her daughter's blood. The girl and her mum still got to go and see Taylor Swift after the attack before leaving the UK. An expectant father from Tennessee has died just weeks before the birth of his second son following an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. Matt Johnson, 40, was out checking his duck blind in a remote part of West Memphis when the incident occurred. He managed to administer his EpiPen and call an ambulance before walking somewhere to be picked up. However, he fell unconscious by the time help arrived and later died. The devoted dad developed an allergy to wasps in adulthood, his friend Patrick Weddling told 6News. Expectant father Matt Johnson died just weeks before the birth of his second son following an allergic reaction to a wasp sting 'He always carried his EpiPen with him, and he's a big old beast of a guy, you know. So, it's wild that a bug bite could do something like this,' Wredling said. 'They were out in the middle of nowhere, so they were trying to get somewhere to meet the ambulance, and they did find them, thankfully, but I think he was unconscious when he got into the ambulance.' He has now set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses for his wife Ashton and their children Rhett, three, and unborn son Cole who is due to arrive in three weeks. 'Matt was loved by so many people as he had a huge heart and made friends with anyone he met,' Weddling said. 'His personality would light up a room. He loved Ashton and Rhett so much and was the best father. 'His bond with Rhett was unmatched, except for their matching outfits.' His neighbor Stephanie White also paid tribute to the late father Johnson, 40, was out checking his duck blind in a remote part of West Memphis when the incident occurred. He leaves behind his wife Ashton, son Rhett and his unborn child Cole Johnson developed an allergy to wasp stings as an adult and carried an EpiPen, but it was not enough to save him 'Matt was one of the very best! He rounded out our crew and we truly don't know how to do life without him,' she said. 'He was a great neighbor and friend [...] he was a great big teddy bear to my kiddo and he will truly be missed.' Johnson co-owned trucking company Southern Xpress. His loved ones planned to hold a celebration of his life after Cole's birth. So far, the fundraiser has racked up more than $30,000 in donations. 'It's great. People are just so generous and he would be the first one to donate to something like this himself,' Weddling added. 'So, I think things like that come back when you treat people right your whole life and have people's back that it comes back. I'm not surprised at all.' A shopper was left in shock after finding 'miscellaneous meat' packages at a Food 4 Less grocery store. The video from Tajh Shani Evans was posted on TikTok showing him picking up the yellow packages labeled 'Misc Meat'. The video showed Evans picking up the first package of pale cut meat retailing at $1.98, saying: 'Bro this miscellaneous meat is diabolical.' He was then shocked to find another package of paler meat with the same 'Misc Meat' label priced at $5.98. 'Oh my god another one!' he exclaimed in the video, which has been shared more than 24,000 times. The viral video shows Tajh Shani Evans finding two packages of pale meat labeled as 'misc meat' in yellow packaging at a Food 4 Less grocery store Evans posted the video saying the 'miscellaneous meat' was 'diabolical' and was shocked to find a second item with the same vague label Users commented saying the 'misc meat' was 'sick' and expressed their shock by how much the mystery meat cost. One commented: 'Are they not required to have an ingredients list? I for sure as hell would not buy that without knowing exactly what's in it' Guidelines from The U.S. Department of Agriculture, when labeling a meat product, say: 'The descriptive name should accurately identify or describe the basic nature of the food or its characterizing properties or ingredients.' Another user added that the first package appears to have a handwritten label of 'Turkey Salami' while the second only appears as 'Misc Meat'. While other users said that despite the uncertainty of the products contents, the low prices mean they would consider eating the mystery meat. One responder wrote that 'for $1.98 I'm DEVOURING it' 'Is it sad that with current grocery prices I'd buy that?' another added. Another commenter wrote, 'I got 5lbs of battered whole chicken tenders for $10 labeled misc meat' The phenomenon of 'Misc Meat' in grocery stores has also been criticized on Reddit, where a user found a similar mystery meat package selling for $10.05. Users on the site equally expressed their shock, with one commenting: '"Passed meat and or poultry WHICH MEAT wheres the ingredients list?' The Food and Drug Administration also states: 'Food manufacturers are required to list all ingredients in the food, unless ingredients are subject to an exemption from this requirement such as incidental additives. Underneath the viral video, Evans wrote, 'At a true loss for words.' This is the moment a Russian soldier cheated death by the barest margins by chucking his assault rifle at a Ukrainian drone that was a split second away from killing him. Footage taken from a different drone showed two Russian soldiers scrambling for their lives on the frontlines of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now in its 30th month. The tiny FPV drone was seen menacingly circling the two soldiers, who were both seen frantically shooting at it. As one man tried to get some distance between himself and the drone, the other stood in place, still shooting at it. Circling around once more, the soldier tossed his rifle at the drone, setting its explosives off a fraction of a second too early and letting him live by the skin of his teeth. Footage taken from a different drone showed two Russian soldiers scrambling for their lives on the frontlines of Russia's invasion of Ukraine Circling around once more, the soldier tossed his rifle at the drone, setting its explosives off a fraction of a second too early The tiny FPV drone was seen menacingly circling the two soldiers, who were both seen frantically shooting at it The invasion of Ukraine has forced the nation to adapt its military capabilities, leading to a heavy reliance on drone warfare. Ukraine unleashed more than 140 drones on Russia overnight, officials said on Tuesday, killing a woman near Moscow, grounding flights and setting off air defences in several parts of the country. Russia's ministry of defence said in a statement it had shot down 144 Ukrainian drones overnight - '72 UAVs over Bryansk region, 20 over Moscow region, 14 over Kursk region, 13 over Tula region', and 25 more over five other parts of the country. Moscow regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said in a Telegram post that a 46-year-old woman had been killed and several people wounded when a UAV damaged at least two high-rise apartment building in the Ramenskoye district of Moscow region, some 30 miles southeast of the Kremlin. Videos of the attack show flames bursting out of windows of a multi-storey residential building, with dozens of flats severely damaged. 'I looked at the window and saw a ball of fire,' Alexander Li, a resident of the district told Reuters. 'The window got blown out by the shockwave.' The attack marks one of the largest drone assaults against Russia since the beginning of the war. As a result of the attack, four airports servicing Moscow - including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo - had cancelled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning, according to state media. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed a fire had broken out on the runway at Zhukovsky airfield, caused by falling debris from a downed drone. A major road leading to the capital was also partially closed. A terrified resident told Shot media: 'I saw a fireball [and] managed to cover my wife. 'It was just a second, a bang and the window was blown out. We were all scared and ran in panic.' A High Court battle over using CGI to resurrect the late actor Peter Cushing in a Star Wars film should go to trial, a judge has ruled. Film company Tyburn Film Productions is taking legal action against Lunak Heavy Industries (UK) Ltd, which is owned by Disney and produced the film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, over their use of Mr Cushing's image. Cushing, who played imperial commander Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in 1977, died in 1994. But the character was recreated with computer-generated imagery in the 2016 spin-off. Tyburn Film Productions claims that it entered an agreement with Cushing shortly before his death that prevented the reproduction of his appearance through special effects without its consent. A High Court battle over using CGI to resurrect the late actor Peter Cushing in a Star Wars film should go to trial, a judge has ruled. Pictured: The actor in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in 1977 (left) and (right) the recreated actor using CGI in 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Cushing, who played imperial commander Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in 1977, died in 1994 The company began legal action against Lunak Heavy Industries and Lucasfilm, which produced the original Star Wars films, in 2019, claiming they received 'unjust enrichment' from using Cushing's image in Rogue One without its permission. The film, which was nominated for two Academy Awards, was the highest-grossing production of 2016 in the UK, according to the BFI. Cushing, who died from cancer aged 81, was recreated in the film by using special effects to alter the appearance of former Holby City actor Guy Henry. Lucasfilm and Lunak Heavy Industries oppose the claim, with the court previously told they did not believe permission to recreate Cushing's image was required under the terms of his contract for A New Hope. They later entered into an agreement with the executors of Cushing's estate, which saw permission to use his image granted in return for a fee. The companies put in a bid to have the claim thrown out, but this was rejected by a judge last December, leading to them challenging that decision at a hearing in London in July. But in a ruling on Monday, deputy High Court judge Tom Mitcheson KC dismissed the appeal, stating the case should go to trial. In his ruling, the judge said that while he was 'far from persuaded' that Tyburn Film Productions would succeed in its claim, the case was not 'unarguable' and a 'full factual inquiry' was needed. The trial will now take place at a later date. The Maryland high school student who allegedly shot a 15-year-old dead after a fight broke out on the first day of the semester has been charged with murder. Jaylen Prince, 16, has been charged as an adult with first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, use of firearm, and possession of a firearm. On Friday, Prince allegedly shot Warren Grant inside a bathroom at Joppatowne High School. He was immediately attended to by school nurses before being airlifted to a hospital where he died shortly after. Prince is being held without bail as the Harford County State's Attorney's office argued the teen was a danger to the public. Authorities found ammunition under Prince's mattress, along with photos of him posing with a firearm on his phone, according to the State's Attorney. Jaylen Prince, 16, has been charged with first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, use of firearm, among other charges On Friday, Prince allegedly shot Warren Grant , 15, inside a bathroom at Joppatowne High School. He was immediately attended to by school nurses before being airlifted to a hospital, but died shortly after The gun used in the incident had not been found, according to the Harford County Sheriffs Office. The suspect's attorney Marcus Jenkins asked the judge for home detention and told WBFF: 'I think that everybody has a constitutional right to be not detained while their case is pending because they are presumed to be not guilty.' Tributes for Grant have poured in from friends and loved ones as his girlfriend Cy'ahana Strand revealed she held him in her arms while he fought for his life. 'Traumatizing. Real traumatizing. It feels like a dream,' Strand told WBALTV. 'I just seen them carrying him and they sat him on the floor. I did everything I could. I did CPR. I put pressure on his wound. I made sure he didn't talk. I held him down when he tried to fight it. I was there for him as much as I could be,' she added. Grant's girlfriend Cy'ahana Strand revealed she held him in her arms while he fought for his life after being shot The couple grew up together, as Strand remembers her late boyfriend as a 'caring' and 'energetic' person who 'never wanted to see anybody sad.' 'He was always smiling, and he knew what to say and when to say it, and he was very respectful and very well-mannered. He was raised as a good child. He had things going for himself in life,' Strand told the outlet. 'He didn't deserve it. He wasn't even that type of kid.' A friend of Warren's told WBFF he 'was a gift from God' and was 'the perfect example of constantly showing up for people and constantly being there for people.' 'That should have never happened, there's no reason children should not be able to be safe,' his other friend said. After shots were fired on Friday around 12.36pm, the high school was evacuated and prompted a massive emergency response. The gunman reportedly fled the school, sparking fears of an active shooter situation, before getting apprehended within minutes at a nearby apartment complex, authorities said. The couple (pictured) grew up together, as Strand remembers her late boyfriend as a 'caring' and 'energetic' person who 'never wanted to see anybody sad' After Prince was arrested, the investigation was halted because of the state's Child Interrogation Protection Act, which prohibits law enforcement from talking to minors before they speak with their parents and attorney first. 'This case is a tragic example, where you have thousands of people affected, between the school and the parents and people thatll be going to school in future years of wanting to know the answers behind this. And again, were prohibited from even talking to a 16-year-old,' Gahler said. It's unclear at this time what led to the fight. The investigation is ongoing There was a rapid response of school staff and law enforcement, on scene with more than 100 officers arriving within 15 minutes. The Harford County Sheriff's Office warned people to avoid the area but emphasized that it was an 'isolated incident.' Following the tragic incident, Joppatowne High School closed from Monday to Wednesday. A friend of Warren said he 'was a gift from God' and was 'the perfect example of constantly showing up for people and constantly being there for people' Following the tragic incident, Joppatowne High School (pictured) closed from Monday to Wednesday Counseling services have been organized by the school district and are available at the Windsor Valley Community Center Monday through Wednesday. Members of the community have gone on to sign a petition circulating online that is demanding metal detectors and clear backpacks be implemented in all Harford County Public Schools. As of Tuesday morning, more than 3,600 people signed the petition. A GoFundMe page has also been created to fund the late teenager's funeral service. As of Tuesday morning, more than $10,900 was donated. Harford County Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson announced the district's safety plans in a video following the fatal shooting. 'Over the next few weeks, we will conduct community meetings so people may share concerns and ideas about how we might move forward in creating the type of environment we want for our schools and our community,' Bulson said. Prince has been known to law enforcement since 2022, according to Gahler. It is unclear how he was known to the department. The small community of Piperton, Tennessee, is mourning the loss of two of their own after a car crash in Southaven last Tuesday killed a cherished pastor and his wife. Senior pastor of Kirk Baptist Church, Dr. Bobby Mullins, 73, was returning home with his wife Wanda, 67, when their car was struck on Church Road - killing Bobby instantly. Wanda succumbed to her injuries and died two days later. The couple was on their way home from Baptist DeSoto Hospital where Wanda worked as an ICU waiting room receptionist when they were struck. The car rolled about four or five times, sending the couple off the roadway. Police have not released any new information on the crash or how many cars were involved but cited an open investigation into the cause. Dr. Bobby Mullins, 73, and his wife Wanda, 67, were killed in a crash while on their way home from Wanda's shift at Baptist DeSoto Hospital. The car flipped multiple times and went off the road - claiming both of their lives Bobby was the senior pastor of Kirk Baptist Church in Piperton, Tennessee, and has been a pastor of multiple other churches in the Mid-South since 1991 The couple was married for 44 years and are survived by their three children and four grandchildren Just a week before the accident, Pastor Mullins shared a sermon from 2008 on Facebook titled 'Living Like You're Dying'. It has accumulated more than 85,000 views so far. The sermon said: 'Only one life will soon be passed. Only what's done for Christ will last.' The children of the couple say their parents' legacy of faith is still shining strong - even in the midst of all the grief. 'Now even though there's such heartbreak, that Christ is still being glorified through all this, is just incredible,' said their daughter, Mallory McNabb to WREG. The couple had been married for 44 years. Together, they served in the ministry for 40 years. Through their four decades of marriage, they had three children and four grandchildren. Both were born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and remained heavily involved in the church throughout their life. Growing up, Bobby was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church in Memphis and Wanda was a member of Broadway Baptist Church. Wanda was said to be more quiet and reserved and was involved in the church 'behind the scenes' as a piano player Their children said that when the car was struck, it rolled about four or five times - leaving Bobby dead on impact Five years after Bobby graduated from the University of Tennessee, he met Wanda. They spent much of their early time together providing music for revivals and church banquets throughout the Mid-South area before tying the knot in 1980. Since then, they had spent their decades-long marriage loving and serving God throughout multiple churches across the Tennessee and Mississippi area. Bobby was said to be the more 'vocal and visible' one of the two. He was a pastor at churches across the Mid-South since 1991. He has written two books and composed dozens of songs. In 2009, Bobby founded Back To The Basics Ministries - a ministry with the purpose 'to encourage and help those who are making a fresh start of some kind in life and how to deal with it from a basic biblical view, because at some time we all need a fresh start', according to his bio. Their obituary noted Wanda's ministry as one that was 'found on the piano bench and behind the scenes.' For Wanda, no task was too small and 'the less she was noticed the better.' The small community of Piperton, Tennessee, is grieving their senior pastor, Bobby, who was a beloved member and leader of Kirk Baptist Church The family of the couple said that even though they are filled with grief, they believe that their legacy of faith is still shining strong, even in death Their daughter Melody Amason added: 'We are so thankful that God saw fit to take them both because we cannot imagine them living without the other' The family and members of the church have taken to social media to share their tributes and memories to the couple. Videos shared by church-goers reflect the lasting influence they carried as well as the guidance and care they provided to the people they met along the way. 'That's why as horrific as this has been, we are so thankful that God saw fit to take them both because we cannot imagine them living without the other,' added their other daughter, Melody Amason. The children released a statement which shed more light into the tragedy where they said: 'We are shattered and shocked but have complete peace'. 'We know where our dad is as he most faithfully preached about the hope of Jesus Christ and Eternity week in and week out. But more importantly, he lived that hope out every day to his family.' Wyoming's state treasurer received a standing ovation after telling governor Mark Gordon that 'he's done taking his s**t' during a GOP meeting. Treasurer Curt Meier went on a passionate tirade against the Republican governor during Saturday's Wyoming Republican Party Central Committee in Douglas. 'He just blindsided me yesterday,' Meier said about Gordon, as reported by Cowboy State Daily. 'Hes not going to work with me, hes not going to work with [Wyoming Secretary of State] Chuck [Gray], hes just worried about himself.... 'I know this is probably going to cut my throat in this budget but I'm tired of taking his s**t... excuse my language. I just am.' Wyoming 's state treasurer Curt Meier received a standing ovation after telling governor Mark Gordon that 'he's done taking his s**t' during a GOP meeting Meier was reportedly frustrated after the governor's office rejected a proposal that would have given the treasurer's office more control the state's investments, including the hiring of managers. In his speech, the treasurer said he had kept his disdain for the governor 'secret' for six years before airing out his grievances. He went on to list a series of alleged offenses by the governor, claiming Gordon tried to 'make the treasurer's job a ceremonial office.' 'If I hadn't had friends in the [state] senate from when I was a senator for 24 years, I'd have absolutely nothing to do,' Meier said. Meier was reportedly frustrated after governor Gordon's office rejected a proposal that would have given the treasurer's office more control the state's investments Meier also talked about 'a problem in our constitution' that allows 'the power-hungry people that run for governor to decide that they control all the elected officials, by the budget or however.' 'Its not about power of the office or power of the person, its about having power to the people,' Meier added in his address to the GOP meeting. Going further, he said: '[Governors] like power. They don't understand that they shouldn't be looking for the power. They should be empower the people.' Gordon's office told CSD he was concerned the measure would 'put a lot of authority in one person.' Meier was sworn in as the 31st Treasurer of the State of Wyoming on January 7th, 2019 The governor said that his concerns were not about Meier but about the potential for immoral future holders of the treasurer's office. Gordon won a second term as governor in 2022 after being elected in 2018. He previously served as treasurer. Meanwhile Meier was sworn in as the 31st Treasurer of the State of Wyoming on January 7th, 2019. According to his website, Meier 'is also a successful businessman, operating a farm and ranch in his hometown of La Grange, and formerly owned and operated an irrigation business.' Huw Edwards still hasn't repaid any of the 200,000 he was paid by the BBC after being arrested over child abuse images, Tim Davie has revealed. The BBC director-general said today he hopes 'to make progress' to recover earnings from the disgraced former newsreader. Edwards, 62, pleaded guilty to having indecent images of children on July 31 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, including 13 of the most serious category A and one of a child as young as seven. The court heard he had been involved in an online chat with an adult man - since named as Alex Williams - on WhatsApp between December 2020 and August 2021, who sent him 377 sexual images, of which 41 were indecent images of children. Tim Davie told the House of Lords' Communications and Digital Committee on Tuesday that the money, which spanned from Edwards' arrest in November until he resigned from the BBC in April, had not yet been returned. Huw Edwards, 62, pleaded guilty to having indecent images of children on July 31 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, with seven of the 41 images being of the most serious type Tim Davie told the House of Lords' Communications and Digital Committee on Tuesday that the money, which spanned from Edwards' arrest in November until he resigned from the BBC in April, had not yet been returned Edwards announced his resignation from the BBC in April, citing medical advice, having already been suspended over separate allegations the previous July. The director-general admitted the Edwards case had made him reflect on whether the BBC could have been more 'muscular' regarding the star's pay. He added that perhaps the BBC should be prepared to challenge the standard practice of paying staff while they are on suspension in light of the Edwards case. He admitted he even looked at the guidelines on the Government's website on employee rights during suspension during the Edwards crisis. Edwards had been suspended in July last year over separate allegations he had paid a young person for explicit pictures. Mr Davie said: 'We've made the formal request, and I can't go into too much detail, but discussions are under way, but I've got no further news, apart from the BBC's position is clear, the money should be returned, and we made the request.' When asked if he set a deadline, he said: 'I don't believe we set a deadline... but we do expect to make progress and get an answer.' Mr Davie also said the BBC will 'explore' the legal process if Edwards refuses. Edwards had been the BBC's highest-paid newsreader, with its accounts putting him in a pay bracket of between 475,000 and 479,999 for 2023/24. This was a 40,000 pay rise from 2022/23, when he was paid between 435,000 and 439,999. Also speaking to members of the Lords Communications Committee, BBC Chairman Samir Shah launched a withering attack on the former News at Ten host. Mr Shah said the Welsh-star had led a 'double-life' who while being trusted had done 'the most appalling things', adding that Edwards had 'betrayed the trust of the nation and his colleagues'. Edwards was the BBC's highest-paid news presenter before leaving the corporation Huw Edwards shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to BBC Studios in London in June 2013 When asked about the Huw Edwards scandal, Mr Shah told the committee: 'There's nothing more important than public trust in the BBC, and we are custodians of that trust and what Huw Edwards did damaged the reputation and the trust for BBC so we take that very seriously indeed. 'I should say, it was a shock to discover, when it was announced, when he was charged, that he had led this double life. On the face of it, a trusted news presenter, but hidden, secretly, he was this figure who did the most appalling things. I mean, let's never forget the victims.' He added that he 'knew him', having overseen current affairs at the BBC decades ago, and other staff who worked with him 'feel angry and betrayed' by Edwards. Mr Shah added: 'I asked him, as Tim, to give me an account of the decisions they took in the course of that year. We then reviewed those decisions, and we believe, as Tim has said, and we said in our statement that the decisions Tim and his team took were made in good faith. 'These were very complicated decisions, and given the evidence available to them at the time, they made reasonable decisions based on the evidence. So we supported it, and we continue to support it.' He previously said Edwards had 'behaved in bad faith' and the corporation believed he took his salary despite knowing he would plead guilty. The BBC said at the time of Edwards' court appearance that they had received no prior warning that the former employee had been charged with the offences. Mr Shah previously told BBC staff it was 'a shock to discover that Huw Edwards was living a double life'. In a note circulated to staff, Mr Shah said: 'On the face of it, he was a much-admired broadcaster with whom the BBC had entrusted the responsibility of anchoring its flagship news programme and presiding over national events but he betrayed the trust of staff and our audiences in the most egregious possible way. 'Let me be clear: the villain of this piece is Huw Edwards; the victims are those children for whose degradation Huw Edwards provided a market for.' The note continued: 'Whilst I was not chair when the BBC was first alerted to Mr Edwards' behaviour and the consequent actions taken, I - and the board - have now had detailed accounts from BBC executives about what happened. 'The executive had to navigate a very difficult and complex situation on two fronts: the complaints made by colleagues and others and, separately, the police investigation into Mr Edwards' criminal behaviour. Welsh police uncovered the broadcaster's crimes during a separate probe into a sex offender in Wales. Edwards is pictured in court Alex Williams, 25, shared indecent images with Huw Edwards that led to the newsreader's downfall. Williams is pictured here as a teenager on a family trip to a Welsh beauty spot 'In the light of what was known at the time, the decisions taken by the director-general and his team following Mr Edwards' arrest were well considered and reasonable. 'Of course hindsight can always suggest alternative actions, but unfortunately, hindsight was not available at the time.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also urged Edwards to return his salary and asked the BBC to look into whether it can recoup money from his pay packet if does not give it back. After the BBC announced it would carry out an independent review into the case, Ms Nandy said she welcomes the BBC's decision. She added: 'Public trust in the BBC is essential, and so I welcome the BBC's decision to launch an independent review into the culture within the organisation following the Huw Edwards case and his abhorrent actions. 'The BBC is a hugely valued and important player in the public service broadcasting landscape that reaches millions every day and it is vital that the public has complete trust and faith in the organisation and in how it is run. 'BBC staff must be able to feel safe in the workplace and be confident that if non-editorial complaints are raised they will be acted upon and dealt with fairly and decisively. 'The BBC is operationally and editorially independent of the Government, however I have spoken to the BBC chair in the past week to convey these points in the interests of the public.' Edwards also could still retire on a BBC pension paying more than 300,000-a-year. He is thought to have been entitled to a pension paying two thirds of his final salary from the age of 60. In court, Edwards admitted to having seven category 'A' images of the very worst kind on his phone after being sent them on WhatsApp by a paedophile. The sick child porn images showed youngsters aged between seven and 14, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. It was revealed that Edwards had been arrested on November 8 last year and charged on June 26, having kept details of the investigation into him 'secret' from his friends at the BBC. The former broadcaster will be sentenced at the same court on September 16, where he could face a prison sentence. Georgia parents are furious after their six-year-old daughter was sent home from school in a t-shirt and underwear. Avishaye Daniels said she sent her daughter Aylah to school at Baker County Elementary fully clothed on Friday. However, when the child returned home that afternoon she was only wearing a shirt, underwear, socks and shoes. Her outraged parents contacted the school and learned the girl was dressed like that from noon until 3 p.m. 'How can you look over my 6-year-old daughter in a t-shirt and panties, socks and shoes for three hours?' said Aylah's father, Daman Bell, to WALB. Avishaye Daniels (right) and Daman Bell (left) said their six-year-old daughter Aylah (center) came home from school on Friday in a t-shirt and underwear When she got home, the girl was wearing a white shirt with red and blue lettering (pictured) 'I was mad, but I was more shocked than anything,' Daniels said. Photos obtained by the local news station show Aylah before school wearing a white shirt with green lettering, jean shorts and pink sneakers. When she got home, the girl was wearing a longer white shirt with red and blue lettering. The school said they hosted a chalk party that day where the students clothes got dirty and Aylah's parents were asked to bring in an extra shirt. The six-year-old said she forgot to put her shorts back on and because of its length the teacher did not notice the girl did not have pants on. Aylah went to school wearing a white shirt with green lettering, jean shorts and pink sneakers (pictured) Baker County Schools Principal Jeff Henderson (pictured) said the school had a chalk party that day and students were told to bring an extra shirt to change into 'We've never had this happen before,' said Baker County Schools Principal Jeff Henderson. 'Her shirt was long. It went almost to her knee and she was not fully exposed or anything like that throughout the day.' The principal said the child was never in danger. The school police and Baker County Sheriffs Office have reviewed security footage to check what happened during the time Aylah was pant-less. 'We do care about their concerns and the safety of our students. We learned from this. It's a big learning experience for everyone that this took place. It was never intentional, no way shape form this would ever happen,' said Henderson. Lucy Letby's nurse training at university covered the case of 'Angel of Death' serial killer Beverley Allitt who murdered four children at hospital, a public inquiry has heard. The Thirlwall Inquiry, which will probe how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess of Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016, opened on Tuesday with a statement which referenced nurse Allitt and killer GP Harold Shipman. Baby killer Allitt - the 'Angel of Death' - murdered four children under her care in 1991 at the Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, Lincolnshire. She was also found guilty of attempting to murder another three, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a further six children. In her opening statement at Liverpool Town Hall, counsel to the Thirlwall Inquiry Rachel Langdale KC said the Clothier Inquiry had been carried out following the crimes of Allitt. She said: 'Nevertheless, and distressingly, 25 years later another nurse working in another hospital killed and harmed babies in her care.' Follow the latest updates from the Inquiry on the The Trial podcast: Lucy Letby (pictured) is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims Counsel to the Thirlwall Inquiry, Rachel Langdale KC's opening statement referred to the case of 'Angel of Death' serial killer Beverley Allitt (pictured) Ms Langdale said the inquiry would hear from a senior lecturer in the child nursing programme at the University of Chester, where Letby qualified in 2011, who said the case of Allitt formed part of student training and learning. 55-year-old Allitt, who is currently held at Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire, was given 13 life sentences in 1993, with the high court ruling at the time she must serve a minimum of 30 years in jail. Ms Langdale also said the motive for Letby's crimes would not be examined during the hearings, and referenced an inquiry into the crimes of Shipman, thought to have murdered hundreds of his patients, which 'shed very little light' on why he carried out the killings. She said: 'For ordinary, decent, right-thinking people, the actions of Letby will remain unfathomable. We will not be inviting speculation from witnesses about her motive or mindset.' The 14 babies murdered or harmed by child serial killer nurse Letby are at the 'heart' of the public inquiry, which is being chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall. The inquiry will look into the experiences of the parents of babies, the conduct of others working at the hospital, and the culture and management in the wider NHS. Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims. The inquiry will cover three broad areas: The experiences of the parents of the babies who featured on the criminal indictment that Letby faced. The conduct of those working at the Countess of Chester and how Letby was able repeatedly to kill and harm babies. Despite mounting concerns raised to bosses by some consultants, she was not removed from the unit until after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another baby boy on three successive days in June 2016 and police were not called in until the following year. A focus on the wider NHS in examining relationships between the various groups of professionals, the culture within hospitals and how these affect the safety of newborns in neonatal units. In Lady Justice Thirlwall's opening statement today, the senior Court of Appeal judge said: 'At the heart of this inquiry are babies who died or were injured and their parents. 'I do not presume to describe the feelings or emotions that those parents have already experienced but I will remind you of what happened since the birth of their children. 'First, each parent celebrated the birth of each child, then when things seemed to be going well for those babies each one of them collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly. Some of the babies recovered, some survived but with life-long consequences, some died. 'Death and injury occurred in 2015 and 2016, the parents were told that natural causes were the reason for their deaths and life long difficulties, and so each parent grieved the loss of a new life and all that it promised and lived with that profound sorrow.' The judge said that it wasn't until 2018, two to three years later, that the parents 'learned that their babies had been deliberately harmed and a nurse looking after them had been arrested.' Lady Justice Thirlwall arrives at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday ahead of the hearings beginning The judge outlined Letby's convictions, saying she was found guilty of seven counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder 'eight years after those babies had been born' in August 2023 at Manchester Crown Court. In May, Letby lost her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from the first trial which took place between October 2022 and August 2023. She was convicted at retrial earlier this year of the attempted murder of a baby girl, Baby K. Lady Justice Thirlwall said that appeal judgment was a 'watershed' as the parents of the nurse's victims could now turn their minds to the inquiry. She said: 'At last the parents had finality, or so it seemed. But it was not to be. 'In the months that followedthere has been a huge outpouring of comment from a variety of quarters on the validity of the convictions. 'As far as I am aware it has come entirely from people who were not at the trial. Parts of the evidence have been selected and there has been criticism of the defence at the trial. A court artist's sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court on July 24 'All of this noise has caused enormous additional distress to the parents who have already suffered far too much.' Lady Justice Thirlwall said the inquiry bears her surname so that the parents do not repeatedly see the name of the person convicted of harming their babies. She said it was planned that the hearings in Liverpool would finish in early 2025 and she expected her findings to be published by late autumn of that year. Lady Justice Thirlwall went on: 'It is not for me to set about reviewing the convictions. The Court of Appeal has done that with a very clear result.' She said the parents of those harmed had waited years for their questions to answered and it was her responsibility to focus on the inquiry's terms of reference. 'It is time to get on with this inquiry,' she said. Ms Langdale said Letby's appeal against her convictions has been dismissed and added 'we recommend careful reading of the Court of Appeal judgement.' She said there is a requirement to take into account all the evidence and consider each piece of evidence in the context of all the other evidence - and it should not be compartmentalised. Lady Justice Thirlwall, pictured yesterday, is chairing the investigation at Liverpool Town Hall She added: 'Those who do this will be less likely to see the picture as a whole. They may reach conclusions that are not only wrong but are speculative and damaging.' Ms Langdale, who began her opening statement by speaking about Allitt, said a statement had been received by the inquiry from former secretary of state for health Baroness Bottomley, who ordered an inquiry be conducted to establish the facts after Allitt's crimes. She said the inquiry would hear the crimes of Allitt formed part of the training course Letby underwent at the University of Chester. Lady Justice Thirlwall also said: 'I do not presume to describe the feelings or emotions that those parents have already experienced... but I will remind you of what happened since the birth of their children. Body worn camera footage from Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby in 2018 'First, each parent celebrated the birth of each child, then when things seemed to be going well for those babies each one of them collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly. Some recovered, some survived but with life-long consequences, some died. 'Death and injury occurred in 2015 and 2016. The parents were told that natural causes were the reason for their deaths and life-long difficulties, and so each parent grieved the loss of a new life and all that it promised and lived with that profound sorrow. 'In 2018, two to three years later they learned that their babies may have been deliberately harmed and a nurse looking after their babies had been arrested.' The nurse was later charged and her trial at Manchester Crown Court followed which led to her convictions, she said. And Ms Langdale KC said: 'At the Countess of Chester between June 2015 and June 2016 the neonatal unit was a place where babies were murdered and injured by someone trusted to care for them, a nurse on the ward.' The investigation at Liverpool Town Hall (pictured yesterday) will examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess and Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016 She said the first part of the inquiry would include 'heartbreaking' evidence about the experiences of the parents whose babies were attacked by Letby. She added: 'The provision of written or oral evidence to you is a testament to the enormous courage of the parents. 'In the midst of their pain they have demonstrated a selfless commitment in the principle that others in the future should not suffer as they do.' She said medical and scientific evidence in each case should be considered in the context of all other evidence and should never be compartmentalised. She added: 'Those who do this will be less likely to see the picture as a whole. They may reach conclusions that are not only wrong but are speculative and damaging.' Ms Langdale KC also said the second part of the inquiry into Letby's crimes would consider whether they could have been prevented and whether she should have been removed from the neo-natal unit earlier. She said: 'The inquiry's unwavering process will not be examining the convictions but rather what the response of those at the time was and should have been to what they knew or should have known at the time. 'Our inquiry will serve the vital purpose of keeping babies safe in the future for those rare cases when a healthcare professional intends them harm.' She said witnesses would be expected to tell the truth 'however difficult that may be'. Ms Langdale said the third part of the inquiry would consider the wider NHS, including the current culture, governance and management structures. She said: 'History tells us that serial killers are deceptive, manipulative and skilled at hiding in plain sight.' She said an inquiry into Harold Shipman, a GP thought to have murdered hundreds of his patients, shed little light on why he carried out his crimes and found he was able to kill undetected over many years, enjoying a high reputation. She said the inquiry would examine why detailed medical analysis of the deaths and collapses of babies did not take place earlier and whether bias in favour of Letby influenced the hospital's response. She said: 'It was not until April 2017, almost two years after the first murder, that the hospital made a referral to the police and detailed multi-disciplinary medical scrutiny and analysis was finally conducted.' In Lady Justice Thirlwall's opening statement in November, she said she would probe what recommendations had been made from previous inquiries into events in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and what difference they made. Letby protested to the court 'I'm innocent' as she was led from the dock when she was sentenced in July to her 15th whole-life order after a jury convicted her at retrial of the attempted murder of a baby girl. In May, she lost her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from the first trial which took place between October 2022 and August 2023. Her new lawyer, Mark McDonald, has claimed that new medical evidence and expert opinion had revealed 'flaws' in the prosecution case and that he plans to apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to ask it to return the case to the Court of Appeal for consideration. In recent months a number of doctors, scientists and statisticians have publicly challenged how the evidence was presented to jurors. While a letter to Government ministers from 24 signatories including neonatal experts and professors of statistics called for a rethink over the terms of the public inquiry and warned that important lessons could be missed from a 'failure in understanding and examining alternative, potentially complex causes for the deaths'. Speculation about Letby's case in the media and possible future appeals had been 'upsetting' for her clients, said solicitor Tamlin Bolton who is representing the families of six victims. The first week of the inquiry will hear opening statements from the counsel to the inquiry, along with legal representatives from 'core participants' including the families of Letby's victims. Evidence is scheduled to begin the following week. A court order prohibits reporting of the identities of the surviving and dead children involved in the case. A 'one-man crime wave' car thief, drug dealer who proclaimed 'I'm a lifelong Labour voter now' and thug who said 'riots did us a favour' were freed from jail early today. Around 1,700 convicts were released under Labour plans to ease prison overcrowding. Among them were hardened drug dealers, violent domestic abusers and repeat offenders who cast doubt over whether they would return. One of those getting out today was Christopher Hope, 32, who has racked up jail terms totalling more than a decade since 2016. He smiled for cameras with a big thumbs up as he left Holme House, a Category C men's prison in Stockton-on-Tees, three months early. Vowing to never offend again, he said: 'I've been in here a few times. I'm always in here for pinching high-performance cars. But that's it now. I'm not doing it no more.' Christopher Hope (left), 32, was freed today from Holme House Prison in Stockton-on-Tees three months early from his four years and eight months term for swiping cars and burglary Karl Wilson, 29, today waved to bystanders as he walked free from HMP Manchester, despite a hefty rap sheet. He has previously stolen cars and attempted to break into properties Hope had been sentenced to four years and eight months for swiping cars and burglary. He added: 'I'm excited. I can't wait to see my family. Since they told me three weeks ago, I've just been counting down the days. It's amazing to be out.' Whether his victims will be able to take any comfort from his vow remains to be seen. During his crime spree, Hope targeted the Billingham area of Teesside and - during separate burglaries - stole an Audi A4 and a Mini Cooper. In 2020 Hope was jailed for two years and six months after being caught on CCTV. He was jailed for four years in 2018 for a one-night crime wave which included targeting homes in Eaglescliffe while carrying a hammer and knife. Former Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson, 53, who also got out today, boasts an incredible 109 previous convictions and was most recently jailed only last month for domestic violence Hope was already was a 'third strike' burglar at that time, with house burglaries and aggravated vehicle taking convictions from 2011, 2014 and 2016, according to Teesside Live. Jason Hoganson pictured at the time of his appearance in 1987 movie Empire State The 2016 conviction - for which he was jailed for four-and-a-half years - saw him and an accomplice lead police on a high-speed chase after breaking into a family home and stealing a car. Meanwhile, father-of-one Mark Burke from Dublin, who had just been let out of prison said rioters 'did us a favour'. Praising Sir Keir's 'great idea', he said: ' All the rioters, I think they're going to put them in here. 'They've done us a favour. When we found out it was all good, all partying.' Another convict happily getting out early was former Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson, 53, who boasts an incredible 109 previous convictions and was most recently jailed only last month for domestic violence. Now heavily tattooed, Hoganson had a leading role in the 1980s film Empire State but as his movie career started to take off, he struggled with being in the spotlight and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime. In his latest offence, Newcastle Crown Court heard Hoganson was caught on doorbell video camera attacking his former partner in Newcastle on December 11 last year. Prosecutor Amy Levitt said Hoganson already had a restraining order to keep him away from the woman when he attacked her. Newly released convicted thief and shoplifter Connor Charlesworth, 24, from Chesterfield, stole 480 of jewellery from his girlfriend's grandparents when he was house-sitting for them In Thameside, London, repeat offender Ben Savage, 33, vowed to celebrate with a beer after his early release. Miss Levitt told the court: 'Footage shows the defendant assaulting the complainant. He slaps her to the face, and she walks away. He walks after her. 'There are further hits and a push, where she falls to the floor. The assault continues while she's lying on the floor. She describes him, having pushed her, hit her, kicked her and put his body weight on her. The assault lasted around three minutes.' Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Hoganson to 18 months behind bars, most of which he had already served on remand. Newly released convicted thief and shoplifter Connor Charlesworth, 24, from Chesterfield, stole 480 of jewellery from his girlfriend's grandparents when he was house-sitting for them. In 2020, Southern Derbyshire magistrates heard how Charlesworth swiped a wedding ring and two gold necklaces. Stuart Bennett dances in the street after being released from HMP Leeds earlier today As it was his first offence, he was given a community order and told 'let this be a lesson'. It clearly wasn't, as earlier this year, Charlesworth was jailed after shoplifting from Asda and Marks and Spencer in Chesterfield town centre and was jailed for 18 weeks. It's not clear what new crime led to the sentence Charlesworth was serving when released today. Karl Wilson, 29, today waved to bystanders as he walked free from HMP Manchester, despite a hefty rap sheet. He was given a two year and eight-month sentence in July 2023 after stealing cars and attempting to break into more than six properties in Sandwell, West Midlands. He made away with two vehicles after stealing car keys from properties in Tipton and was later arrested at his home in Wolverhampton. Tareen Shakil hugs his mother as he leaves prison in Birmingham six weeks early after serving half of a four year sentence for drug related offences Djaber Benallaoua, who was released from HMP Isis this morning, said the early release scheme had turned him into a 'lifelong Labour voter' Wilson admitted burglary, seven counts of attempted burglary, six charges of vehicle interference and two thefts of motor vehicles. In Thameside, London, repeat offender Ben Savage, 33, vowed to celebrate with a beer after his early release. Raising his hand aloft, he told MailOnline: 'I'm pleased to be out mate.' He was released a week early after being convicted of shoplifting and was wanted on recall when he handed himself in to police. He was handed another 16-week sentence earlier this year but was released from Wandsworth prison after just 20 days, he said. But in a frank admission, he admitted his recent stint in prison was unlikely to change him significantly. The labourer, from Staines in west Surrey, said: 'I've been in an out of jail, 14 sentences in 12 jails - a couple weeks inside doesn't make me a changed man. A man and woman hug each other outside HMP Bristol as inmates are released from jail early 'I was doing pretty well until I was arrested again, I was keeping out of trouble.' Prisons overcrowding crisis: Why are some criminals being released early today? What is happening and why? Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. On Monday, Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid 'unchecked criminality' where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up. When will prisoners be released and how many? The Government is freeing around 1,700 prisoners from jails across England and Wales today in a bid to cut overcrowding. A similar number are also anticipated to be freed in October. This is in addition to around 1,000 prisoners who are typically freed each week. What types of criminals could be freed? The Government said the policy will not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse or some violent offences. But campaigners and charities warned that the scheme may come at the expense of women and children's safety, while others raised concerns that it would push probation services to breaking point. Last month it emerged rioters were among those who could end up spending less time behind bars as the Government confirmed those involved in recent unrest would not be excluded from the early release plans. This is despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly insisting perpetrators of the violence would feel the 'full force of the law'. While there is no specific exclusion for rioters, those convicted of serious violence and serve sentences of four years and over, or a terrorism offence, will be excluded, officials said. Do prisoners get any support when they leave jail? As inmates near the end of their time behind bars, they are meant to be given help to prepare for life outside prison which includes advice on finding somewhere to live, getting a job and looking after money. They are meant to be offered extra support if they have drug or alcohol addictions, are sex workers or victims of domestic violence. Prisoners are given a release grant as they leave which is intended to help them pay for essentials and transport. But at less than 100, many charities consider this sum insufficient. Depending on their circumstances, they may also be offered other benefits and state financial support. The terms of their licence may specify where they can and cannot live. It will also set out how regularly they need to check in with probation supervisors or support workers. Some will be required to live in bail hostels and other approved community accommodation first, or in the absence of secure, approved private residences if they do not have a home to go to. Charities and watchdogs have warned how some released prisoners often end up homeless and this can increase the risk of them reoffending. The Justice Secretary said homeless prisoners released early could temporarily be put up in budget hotels at the tax payers' expense. What happens if inmates released early go on to re-offend? If prisoners breach their licence conditions - a set of rules which they must adhere too once out of jail typically including restrictions on their movements and who they speak to - they could find themselves back behind bars. This is called being recalled to custody. Depending on the breach, if they have committed another crime, they could be investigated by the police and prosecuted so could end up back in court, facing more time behind bars. Anyone recalled to prison has to be considered for release by the Parole Board before they can be freed again. Will this solve the problems with overcrowding? No, it will only ease capacity problems in the short term. Prison figures have warned the move will only buy time for about a year before the same issue could be faced again so there are calls for longer term strategies to address the number of people being held behind bars. This could include reforming sentencing rules so some criminals avoid jail altogether, particularly for crimes considered low level or not as severe and those which may attract shorter prison terms. Advertisement He told MailOnline: 'I've been given 89 discharge money, and I am going to get a couple beers with my mate. 'I've been in for three weeks, so it's not loads off my sentence. But this is the second time I've had early release. 'I hate Labour, I've actually always been Conservative. And I got out even earlier last time under the Tories.' Also today, the Justice Secretary said prisoners could be put up in hotels when they are freed early to ease jail overcrowding. Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that inmates who are homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders. A watchdog also warned it was 'inevitable' some of the 1,700 prisoners being released on Tuesday from jails across England and Wales would reoffend and end up back behind bars. Pictures showed groups of inmates walking out of Brixton, Durham and Liverpool jails. Around 400 prisoners are reportedly due to be freed from London prisons alone. The latest releases are in addition to the around 1,000 inmates normally freed each week. Ms Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. Telling MPs today that the scheme coming into force was the start of the 'rescue effort' for the justice system, she added: 'I have authorised probation directors to make use of alternative arrangements including budget hotels as a temporary measure, for the cases that we will see in the next few weeks.' Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid 'unchecked criminality' where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up because there are no free cells. MoJ figures showed the prison population hit a record high of 88,521 on Friday, having risen by more than 1,000 inmates over the past four weeks. Meanwhile it emerged Rishi Sunak ignored calls from Britain's most senior police officers a week before the election warning him that failure to trigger the so-called SDS40 policy would be exploited by criminals. A letter obtained by The Times dated June 27, signed by figures including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and the chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council Gavin Stephens, said the overcrowding crisis in prisons was hampering police officers' ability to do their job as they urged the then prime minister to put the plan in motion immediately because it would take 'many weeks to safely implement'. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the Government 'had no choice but to do something' about overcrowding because 'the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out'. But he warned it was 'inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody' and that some will be homeless on release - increasing the risk that they could go on to commit more crimes. 'If people are coming out, they're not properly prepared, and they're homeless, then what we'll see is the danger that they'll commit more offences, or that they breach their bail conditions, in which case they'll end up back inside again,' he said. Yesterday, it emerged some victims were not prepared in the wake of their perpetrators being freed early, with The Times reporting hundreds had not been informed. The Victims' Commissioner of England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, branded it 'regrettable' that some had still not been told this was happening on the eve of the policy coming into force. There are also fears not all criminals with a history of domestic abuse will be exempt from the policy despite efforts to keep them behind bars. The Government said those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse and violent crimes would not be freed early under the scheme. But because there is no single offence for domestic abuse, and only certain crimes like coercive control, harassment and stalking which are specifically linked to this were excluded, meaning other attackers convicted of crimes like threats to kill and actual bodily harm could still qualify for early release. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs - who had called for a blanket exemption for all known perpetrators - said: 'There is no justice in allowing perpetrators of domestic abuse to be released early. 'I worry that it might not be possible for every victim to be notified of their abuser's release and I fear they may be left blindsided, without the time to seek vital support and guidance'. Rioters are among those who could end up spending less time behind bars as the Government last month confirmed those involved in recent unrest would not be specifically excluded from early release. People spray a man with sparkling wine after he walked out of HMP Nottingham this morning However, those convicted of serious violence and serving sentences of four years or more will not be eligible, according to officials. Mr Taylor's comments came as he published his annual report, which suggested ministers will not be able to build enough prisons to fit all criminals set to be jailed in future unless they overhaul sentencing rules. His report said: 'With the number of prisoners projected to grow by as much as 27,000 by 2028, it is unlikely to be possible to build enough new accommodation. 'Alongside decisive short-term action, there is a pressing need for a much bigger conversation about who we are sending to prison, for how long and what we want prisoners to do while they are inside.' The report also detailed the 'desperate' crisis of violence and drug use behind bars, as well as the lack of available rehabilitation that would keep people from reoffending. Ben Griffin, who was jailed for assault and assault on a police officer, pumps his fists as he celebrates being released early from HMP Nottingham Charities said the early release scheme would only 'buy a little time' and would not provide a lasting solution in the face of 'brutalising' conditions. Andrea Coomber KC, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said prisons and probation needed to be completely reset after she described the 'woeful education and training' for inmates and 'squalor, self-harm, drugs, violence and unmet mental health needs, all in the midst of severe overcrowding'. Hundreds more prisoners are due to be freed early next month in the second stage of the scheme. But the Government is under pressure to find longer-term solutions to the problem, with prison figures warning without further measures the same problem could be faced in about a year's time. A MoJ spokeswoman said: 'It is important for offenders to have a roof over their head when they leave prison, otherwise there is a high risk they will reoffend and end up back behind bars. 'That is why the Prison and Probation Service has basic housing for offenders who would otherwise be forced to sleep on the streets with additional ad hoc arrangements only to be used as an absolute last resort.' Two suspects have been arrested in Indiana for allegedly stealing bronze military markers from veterans' headstones. Terry L. Wood Jr., 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25, were charged with one count each of felony theft and 15 counts of felony cemetery mischief, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. The pair is accused of stealing 15 bronze veteran markers from at least six cemeteries in the county. Another marker was reported damaged. 'This type of criminal behavior is disgusting, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated in La Porte County!' sheriff's office Capt. Derek J. Allen said in a statement. 'Hopefully, US Veterans, both deceased and living, can find peace and comfort with these arrests, and with that, we salute them for their service.' An investigation was opened on August 28 by Detective Jake Koch, a veteran himself, and Detective Aaron Banic. The sheriff's office encouraged the loved ones of deceased veterans to visit their gravesites. A day after the investigation was announced, authorities had identified one of the suspects. Terry L. Wood Jr., 53, who weighs 425 pounds, was arrested Friday at a residence on Andrew Avenue Breanna C. Puentez, 25, was arrested a day later and both were charged with one count each of felony theft and 15 counts of felony cemetery mischief On Friday, authorities arrested Wood at a residence on Andrew Avenue, where 'additional evidence was recovered from the property.' A day later, Puentez was taken into custody. Wood, who weighs 425 pounds, is being held on a $15,005 cash-only bond. Puentez is already out on bond. Several agencies assisted the Sheriff's Office, including the Criminal Investigations Division, La Porte County Warrants Division, La Porte County Drug Task Force, Fugitive Apprehension Street Team, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs. The markers come in many shapes and size. Deceased families request markers through the Department of Veterans Affairs and, if approved, they are provided to the family at no cost. Veterans Affairs provides markers to honorably discharged veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990. Additional requirements are needed for those who served before World War I or at different points in the 1980s. Deceased families can request markers through the Department of Veterans Affairs and, if approved, they are provided to the family at no cost. The Israeli Defence Secretary has warned Iran is 'close' to acquiring nuclear weapons after the hardline regime's programme has gone unchecked for years. Yoav Gallant spoke to the Daily Mail as his country braces for a retaliatory strike following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. He also slapped down Britain's partial arms embargo which came days after six Israeli hostages were executed - as not a 'positive step' in the closed-door briefing. Iran said only a ceasefire deal would delay its counter-strike following the hit on Haniyeh in July. But fears are growing as Hamas and Benjamin Netanyahu have still failed to reach a compromise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant The launch of a Fateh missile of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is pictured Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Hossein Salami has said 'the nightmare of Iran's inevitable response is shaking Israel day and night'. Mr Gallant issued a firm rebuke at the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv yesterday (Mon), warning Tehran: 'We have the ability to hit any strategic goal in Iran.' But he warned that their capabilities may soon go nuclear, with even more terrifying potential than the hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones they launched at Israel in April. 'Iran is behind the chaos in this region,' he said. 'Iran is creating a war of attrition against Israel in order to gain the time and space to acquire nuclear capabilities and they are close. 'Each one of the 110 missiles they fired at Israel in April could have carried a nuclear device if they had it - and they can reach others.' Iran is not believed to possess nuclear weapons but the United Nations nuclear watchdog on Monday warned that Tehran's nuclear program has run unchecked for nearly four years. The UK has warned Tehran against attacking Israel amid fears that a terrifying regional war could break out. But despite this, they announced a partial arms embargo last month which puts Britain's most important Middle Eastern ally on a par with China. 'I don't think it was a positive step but we will follow the situation,' Mr Gallant said. 'We have excellent cooperation with the different agencies in Great Britain. 'I met with the former and current Secretaries of State for Defence since the start of the war. Secretary Healey visited recently. We will find solutions.' Mr Gallant also said his troops are on standby to strike against Hezbollah, Iran's terror proxy in Lebanon that has been raining down missiles on Israel's north since. He said if a diplomatic solution to 'remove Hezbollah presence on our border' fails the only other option is 'military action'. 'We are capable and our readiness increases day by day,' he warned. 'While we pursue an agreement, I have directed the IDF to prepare for every scenario, including directing our attention to the northern arena. 'We are committed to changing the security situation on the northern front and to bringing our citizens home safely.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (2nd R) are pictured at a military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, Aug. 25, 2024 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leads prayers with a group commanders of the Iranian armed forces in Tehran Hezbollah joined the war a day after Hamas' October 7 massacre by firing at Israelis with rockets and around 100,000 locals have been evacuated. 'Do not forget that Hezbollah attacked Israel on October 8 unprovoked,' Mr Gallant said. 'They decided to open fire when there was a ceasefire in November. Although it is a limited war this is the terrorist organization that we are dealing with. 'Hezbollah is suffering significant losses as we strike operatives and assets. We have eliminated around 550 Hezbollah terrorists. 'We do not seek war. But we have a duty to protect our citizens and our children. As the son of Holocaust survivors, for me, 'never again' is not just a commitment, it's a working manual.' Mr Gallant has had fierce exchanges with Mr Netanyahu in recent weeks over the hostages. The PM has refused to give away the Philadelphi corridor a strip of land between Egypt and Gaza used by Hamas to re-arm in return for a hostage deal. The Defence Minister said yesterday: 'Israel currently faces a strategic junction - it is an opportunity to fulfil our moral obligation to our citizens by bringing hostages home. 'It also creates the possibility to change the security situation on all fronts. The international community must place pressure on Hamas to achieve an agreement.' An unctuous documentary-style short film focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris is all set to hit theaters less than a month before the national election. Titled KAMALA, the Samir Zakir and Gerard Pizarro-directed movie, which is largely uncritical of the presidential candidate, will focus on bringing the 'untold stories and personal sacrifices' of Harris' life to fans. Releasing on October 25, the film will feature commentary and interviews by CNN's Bakari Sellers and Michelle Bernard of MSNBC - both of whom have shown great support for the Democratic Party nominee. Viewers can also expect to see Harris be a 'primary front-facing storyteller' and watch an exclusive interview about her presidential campaign. Titled 'KAMALA', this Samir Zakir and Gerard Pizarro directed movie will be focusing on bringing the 'untold stories and personal sacrifices' of Harris' life to fans 'KAMALA is a documentary short film capturing Kamala Harris's underdog journey, intertwining her meteoric rise with themes of resilience and her commitment to justice and the wellbeing of all,' Zakir told DailyMail.com. He added: 'The purpose of this film is to tell her story through a unique lens - humanizing Kamala Harris by diving into her underdog story - told by underdog filmmakers. 'The unique lens ties her personal and professional journey with her commitment to elevating the wellbeing for all. It's a compelling message that makes sense!' A short trailer of the film also shows snippets of the Vice President's childhood, her Indian and Jamaican roots and her interviews with celebrities including Drew Barrymore and Mindy Kaling. Viewers can also expect to see Harris be a 'primary front-facing storyteller' and watch an exclusive interview about her presidential campaign A short trailer of the film also shows snippets of the Vice President's childhood in India and Jamaica Harris' interviews with celebrities including Drew Barrymore and Mindy Kaling (pictured) have also been featured in the trailer The documentary will also feature one-of-a-kind interviews with Harris' family and a 'few members in her inner circle of close friends'. News of this short film comes days after Golden Globe nominee was seen embodying GOP candidate Donald Trump in a new clip from controversial biopic, The Apprentice. Stan, 42, transformed into a younger version of the businessman and former President for a scene with Jeremy Strong as Trump's disgraced and eventually disbarred lawyer Roy Cohn. The film follows Trump in the '70s and '80s as he attempts to establish his real estate empire on the back of his father Fred Trump's properties. Releasing on October 25, the film will feature commentary and interviews by CNN 's Bakari Sellers and Michelle Bernard of MSNBC - both of whom have shown great support for the Democratic Party nominee Apart from the US, the short film on the Vice President's life will also be premiering in India and the UAE The Apprentice is directed by the Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, who shot the critically acclaimed Persian-language crime thriller Holy Spider (2022). Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova will play Trump's late ex-wife Ivana Trump. The Apprentice is hitting theatres on October 11 - exactly two weeks before KAMALA. Apart from the US, the short film on the Vice President's life will also be premiering in India and the UAE. Keir Starmer's early release scheme is leaving criminals sleeping on the street, as one claimed he would've rather stayed inside' where it's warm, he has a TV and three meals a day. The controversial plan, concocted by justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, saw 1700 prisoners freed today in an attempted to ease prison overcrowding. But at the prison gates inmates were giving mixed reactions to finally tasting freedom, while some were doused in sparkling wine by mates waiting outside, others worried about where they were going to sleep that night. Leaving HMP Wandsworth, Jackie Creighton said he would rather remain in prison instead of being released as he will 'end up on a bench tonight'. A significant number of inmates at jails such as HMP Wandsworth are subject to 'non-association' orders A man drops a bag of belongings on the floor as he is reunited with loved ones outside HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey 'If I was in charge, I would never have left homeless people out,' he told LBC. 'It's bonkers. I'm going to end up on a bench tonight. 'You feel happy you're getting out but then the reality of it sinks in. In the end, you start thinking you might as well just stay here. 'It's not brilliant in there, I don't want to make it sound like I want to be in there, then I come out, probably go and drink too much or whatever and end up back in with more offences. I'd rather have just sat there.' He added: 'I've just left a nice warm cell, a nice padmate, television, kettle and three square meals a day.' Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that inmates who are homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders. A watchdog also warned it was 'inevitable' some of the 1,700 prisoners being released on Tuesday from jails across England and Wales would reoffend and end up back behind bars. Tareen Shakil hugs his mother as he leaves prison in Birmingham six weeks early after serving half of a four year sentence for drug related offences While another freeman, 36-year-old Shane Devlin told The Sun he had been released a month early after serving a year behind bars for actual bodily harm. Despite his early release he questioned the scheme, arguing: 'All they're going to do is put the people from the riots in. They're just going to empty it out and fill it up with new people. 'Plus most people reoffend so they'll be straight back in.' The latest releases are in addition to the around 1,000 inmates normally freed each week. Ms Mahmood announced plans in July to temporarily cut the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent as the Ministry of Justice said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'. Telling MPs today that the scheme coming into force was the start of the 'rescue effort' for the justice system, she added: 'I have authorised probation directors to make use of alternative arrangements including budget hotels as a temporary measure, for the cases that we will see in the next few weeks.' Liam Fitzpatrick, 34, was released from HMS Wandsworth after serving 18 months of a three-year sentence for 'a driving offence and fighting'. He said: 'I'm happy to be out for this. I'm grateful to Starmer, I'm a lifelong Labour supporter. Out with the old, in with the new. 'There's been lots of happy people today. I'm Labour through and through.' Ross Heathorn, 46, said he was heading straight to McDonalds to celebrate his freedom. It feels good to be free, he said. People spray a man with sparkling wine after he walked out of HMP Nottingham this morning At Nottingham jail, a freed criminal in a grey tracksuit was soaked with bottles of 6.95 I heart Bubbly after exiting the prison gates. More sparkling wine was sprayed in the air outside Wandsworth prison, south London, as a group of young men celebrated their friends release. Cheers went up as the young man, named only as Daniel, left the Victorian jail and was quickly embraced by a woman before joining the rowdy group. The friends, who arrived in a fleet of luxury cars including a black BMW, passed the hours in the lead-up to his release listening to music, smoking and laughing in what resembled a party atmosphere. They brought along two 17.99 bottles of Luc Belaire Luxe sparkling wine, which were shaken and sprayed as their friend exited the prison gate. One offender released from HMP Wormwood Scrubs after serving 19 months of a three-and-a-half year sentence for drugs offences, said he was pleased to be out but added: I dont know if I agree with everybody being released early, especially for more serious crimes. Downing Street said the scenes of freed prisoners being sprayed with sparkling wine, cheered by friends and hailing Labour were 'completely unacceptable.' Asked about the celebrations, a spokesman told the Telegraph: 'Absolutely the situation is completely unacceptable. It is, however, the right thing to do to make sure we did not face a situation where criminality would be left unchecked on our streets because we didn't have enough prison places. 'So this was a difficult decision but it was the right thing to do to protect public safety. We'll be working closely with the criminal justice system, prisons probation and police to monitor this very carefully and ensure that they have the support they need to deliver this safely.' Downing Street also said the policy had to be brought in to avoid 'unchecked criminality' where the police and courts are unable to lock anyone up because there are no free cells. MoJ figures showed the prison population hit a record high of 88,521 on Friday, having risen by more than 1,000 inmates over the past four weeks. Meanwhile it emerged Rishi Sunak ignored calls from Britain's most senior police officers a week before the election warning him that failure to trigger the so-called SDS40 policy would be exploited by criminals. A letter obtained by The Times dated June 27, signed by figures including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and the chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council Gavin Stephens, said the overcrowding crisis in prisons was hampering police officers' ability to do their job as they urged the then prime minister to put the plan in motion immediately because it would take 'many weeks to safely implement'. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the Government 'had no choice but to do something' about overcrowding because 'the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out'. But he warned it was 'inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody' and that some will be homeless on release - increasing the risk that they could go on to commit more crimes. At HMP Manchester, formerly Strangeways, luxury cars cruised the streets as relatives waited for prisoners to be released. A Mercedes SUV and Land Rover greeted one offender who changed from a tracksuit into a new set of clothes. Groups of inmates were also seen walking out of Brixton, Durham and Liverpool jails. A soldier found dead in a river with rope wrapped around his legs and torso after an alleged assault died as the result of an accident, an inquest has found. Sapper Charlie Saywell, 25, was discovered in the River Medway on March 5 at around 10.50am when a member of the public spotted his body in the mud at the Turks Shipyard in Chatham, Kent. Assistant coroner James Dillon, sitting at an inquest in Maidstone, ruled the death which happened after he got drunk during a night out with friends was an accident. On Tuesday, the coroner concluded: 'He had fallen into the river apparently suffering injuries as he did so. 'He may have fallen several metres to a pontoon below. Sapper Charlie Saywell, 25, (pictured) is said to have died after an accident. He had been out drinking beforehand Joe Leishman (left) set up a Go Fund Me. He said that his friend Mr Saywell 'was a remarkable individual' 'He had been unable to extricate himself from the river and succumbed to injury and exhaustion.' The court heard Mr Saywell had drunk a 'reasonable amount' of alcohol during his night out and he may have tried to use the rope, which was tied in a 'complex' fixture around his body, as a safety aid. Mr Saywell's friends, who saw he was unsteady on his feet, had put him in a taxi to take him back to Brompton Barracks. He arrived safely just after midnight but set off on foot away from the barracks towards Chatham town centre and spoke to his girlfriend at various points on video calls in the early hours. She described him as being 'very drunk', the court heard. Mr Saywell sustained some injuries after getting into a stranger's car outside a pizza shop. The driver tried to get him out of the vehicle but Mr Saywell was reluctant and the driver was seen to kick out towards him and also to possibly throw a punch. After this, his girlfriend confirmed his eye was swollen, the inquest heard. The court heard Mr Saywell had drunk a 'reasonable amount' of alcohol during his night out The 25-year-old's body was found in the water near Main Gate Road in Chatham, Kent Mr Saywell's next movements were unclear but he ended up at the boatyard where his injured body was later found face down in the mud. The coroner said: 'It seems to me likely that he fell from the wall and fell to the pontoon causing himself further injuries and distress, finding himself in the dark and in the river.' Being of a military background it seems he used the rope to 'fashion some sort of harness' and tried to climb to safety but succumbed 'to various issues including the temperature and injuries he sustained in the fall', the coroner had said. Detective Sergeant Karen Caulfield told the inquest that in her opinion 'this was just a tragic accident'. She said 'the rope tied around his groin and torso looks like how you would use a rope to abseil' and it appeared that he may have tried to use the rope 'to get out of the water and as an aid'. Ms Caulfield said he suffered a broken tooth and facial injuries outside the pizza shop but other injuries appear to have happened later on. She said no further action was being taken against the suspect who had claimed he had acted in self-defence and had been threatened. Ms Caulfield said a decision had been made that self-defence was 'plausible'. The detective said: 'There is no evidence that any third party was involved and there were no suspicious circumstances. 'He died from drowning, falling into the water causing significant injuries to his feet and ribs.' A Go Fund Me fundraiser was set up in Mr Saywell's name by friend Joe Leishman which raised more than 4,000. The organiser wrote: 'For those who did not have the privilege of knowing Charlie, he was a remarkable individual - a true role model in both stature and character. 'As a Sapper in the British Army, serving proudly as part of the Royal Engineers, Charlie exemplified dedication and service to his country. It is with great sadness that we recently lost him at the age of 25. 'As preparations are made for his service, I recognise the importance of honouring Charlie with the utmost respect.' Two high school students have been accused of murdering their teacher and trying to dispose of his body by feeding it to crocodiles. Diego Yasmar Barrales San Juan, 40, was allegedly kidnapped on August 6 after he left his home in Veracruz, Mexico to run some errands. He was reportedly taken to a remote location and held there against his will, with his family alleging that his abductors demanded MX$2million (76,700) in exchange for his release. The family, who live 'paycheck to paycheck', did not pay the ransom. His car was found on a country road in Alamo Temapache, northeast of Mexico City, the next day. That night, the teacher's body was found floating in the Pantepec River in nearby Tuxpan. It is alleged the pair tried to feed his remains to crocodiles. Diego's cause of death remains under investigation, but the teacher was reportedly beaten repeatedly before he was killed. Two suspects - aged 17 and 18 - were reportedly arrested on Friday and charged with kidnapping with aggravating factors. It is not clear why they have not yet been charged with murder. Diego Yasmar Barrales San Juan, 40, was found dead floating in the Pantepec River in nearby Tuxpan on August 7. His cause of death remains under investigation, but the teacher was reportedly beaten repeatedly before he was killed Two suspects - aged 17 and 18 - were reportedly arrested on Friday and charged with kidnapping with aggravating factors. It is not clear why they have not yet been charged with murder 'The body was found in the river where there are crocodiles, with the intention of having them get rid of it,' his aunt, Maria Amada del Socorro, told local media, as reported by NeedToKnow. 'But the crocodiles didn't touch it.' She added: 'No ransom was paid, which is why they killed him. 'We don't have that kind of money. 'We live from paycheck to paycheck.' The suspects are both former pupils of the teacher and one was his neighbor, according to reports. It is believed they likely had another motive in addition to monetary gain. The suspects' families are reportedly putting pressure on authorities to release the teens, but Diego's relatives want the pair to be brought before a judge, El Democrata reported. It is alleged the students tried to feed Diego's remains to crocodiles (stock photo) Diego's aunt, Maria Amada del Socorro, (pictured with a letter to authorities) says the family want 'justice' for the educator. They reportedly held a protest in Xalapa on August 8 and wrote a letter to the State Attorney General's Office demanding that law enforcement officials ensure the case does not go unpunished The teacher's family reportedly held a protest in Xalapa on August 8 and wrote a letter to the State Attorney General's Office demanding that law enforcement officials ensure the case does not go unpunished. Amada said: 'All we ask for is justice and for the truth to come out. We're not here to condemn anyone - we just don't want this to go unpunished.' The State Attorney General's Office, in a statement to El Heraldo de Mexico, confirmed the case, saying: 'The Regional Prosecutor's Office for the Northern Zone of Tuxpan brought charges against Juan Deigo "N" and obtained the legalization of the detention of a minor, whose identity is protected, as the probable perpetrators of the crime of aggravated kidnapping. 'These events occurred on August 6 of this year, in the municipality of Alamo, when they allegedly deprived the victim of his liberty, demanded payment for his release and subsequently took his life.' The leader of the congressional committee investigating the assassination attempt on Donald Trump says the autopsy report of shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks is stomach-churning. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., the top Republican in charge of the probe told DailyMail.com that the report and its grisly details are 'gruesome.' However, he did not provide a timetable for when the autopsy would be released publicly. Kelly, who represents Butler, Pennsylvania, where the shooting occurred, has led several investigative trips to the fairgrounds where Trump spoke to further uncover details about the tragedy that left one dead and several, including the former president, injured. On Tuesday, Kelly exclusively told DailyMail.com that the autopsy should not be seen by those who 'don't have a strong stomach.' Though he admitted he has not fully reviewed the coroner's report, he assured DailyMail.com the contents were horrific. 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks spotted at the Trump campaign rally site before the shooting occurred Your browser does not support iframes. 'The autopsy, there's a warning that goes with it,' Kelly continued. 'It's pretty graphic.' He also mentioned how it is 'really important' to remember the Crooks family when considering the autopsy, noting how they 'lost somebody' that fateful day as well. Kelly also disclosed that the FBI told him Crooks exhibited strange behavior before the shooting. That included 'walking around the house talking to himself' and 'flapping his arms,' Punchbowl news first reported. 'There was some indication that something was wrong,' the chairman said. Former First Lady Melania Trump also has questions that remain unanswered in the shooting saga. 'The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience,' Melania said in a video released Tuesday. 'Now the silence around it feels heavy. I can't help but wonder why didn't law enforcement officials arrest shooter before the speech. There is definitely more to this story. And we need to uncover the truth,' she added. The video was in promotion of her upcoming memoir, but the pointed remarks about her husband's near-death experience stirred questions over whether she has been satisfied by the investigation and response to the tragedy. And as the slow drip of information related to the shooting continues, a new report indicates that a top Secret Service leader has been asked to step down. The Office of Protective Operations Assistant Director Michael Plati has been asked by his bosses to retire, Fox News first reported Tuesday morning. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) speaks to the press with other members of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, following a tour of the shooting site at the Butler Farm Show Grounds on August 26, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks is seen dead on the roof in chilling new video taken moments after assassination attempt Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa It indicated that Plati will end his service with the agency in the coming days. Sources told the outlet that the move is related to the agency's performance during Trump's Butler shooting on July 13. Plati was apparently asked to step down by the top brass, including Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, who previously testified before Congress about the assassination attempt. The agency reportedly also has another briefing planned for Congress in the coming days. But a Secret Service spokesperson told DailyMail.com that Plati is stepping down on his own accord. 'Assistant Director Plati was not asked to resign or retire by anyone. This was a personal decision that he has made and we thank him for his 27 years of dedicated service to the federal government,' they said in a statement. Michael J. Plati is a member of the Senior Executive Service with over 26 years of federal law enforcement and homeland security experience serving as the 24th Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations, where he leads the Agency's global protective mission and its 3,000 employees Members of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, tour the shooting site at the Butler Farm Show Grounds The spokesperson also addressed whether Plati would be called on to testify before Congress. 'The U.S. Secret Service respects the role of oversight,' they said. 'We have and will continue to make employees available for transcribed interviews and to date we've provided over 2,400 pages of responsive documentation to Congress.' 'These efforts will continue as our desire to learn from this failure and ensure that it never happens again is unwavering,' the statement concluded. The new revelations come as Congress continues to probe the shooting in their own investigation and as whistleblowers cry fowl on how the agency operates. In August, a whistleblower is claimed to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., that the lead Secret Service agent in charge of Donald Trump's deadly Butler, Pennsylvania, rally was 'inexperienced' and 'failed to implement appropriate security protocols.' U.S. Republican candidate Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by secret service agents as he is taken off the stage at a campaign event in Butler A Secret Service agent defends Trump after the ex-president got shot on stage in Butler US former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen with a bandage on his ear after being wounded in an assassination attempt The shocking testimony came from a whistleblower with direct knowledge of the event, Hawley said. Concerned over this lead agent, who was 'still doing protective visits' as of early August, Hawley demanded in a letter to Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe that the 'ineffective' lead site agent be suspended and investigated immediately. 'Your refusal to hold this individual accountable is increasingly inexplicable,' Hawley wrote in the letter to the Secret Service boss. Two white supremacists who allegedly ran a chilling online terrorist group known as 'Terrorgram' have been charged with a number of crimes including directing followers to commit atrocities. Dallas Humber, 34, of California, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Idaho, were arrested this week after allegedly leading a 'transnational terrorist group' on the Telegram platform. According to prosecutors, their terrorist group's leaders would direct their followers to commit hate crimes and kill federal officials, while offering how-to guides on carrying out terrorist attacks. Following their arrest, it was alleged that Humber and Allison promoted 'violence and terrorism' as 'necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate.' Dallas Humber, 34, has been arrested after prosecutors alleged that she co-runs a white supremacist Telegram group that urges followers to commit atrocities Humber and Allison were arrested Friday and charged in a 15-count indictment with soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. According to the indictment, the pair joined Terrorgram in 2019 and became leaders in 2022, and operated their terrorist Telegram group through the promotion of the white nationalist ideology 'accelerationism.' The ideology is 'centered on the belief that the white race is superior', prosecutors said, and that 'society is irreparably corrupt and cannot be saved by political action.' Their use of the Telegram app is notable as it comes weeks after the arrest of the platform's billionaire founder Pavel Durov on allegations that his app facilitated crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking and distribution of child pornography. The indictment against Humber and Allison cites the platform's alleged facilitation of illegal activity, as it allows users to send encrypted messages with each other. Humber (right, pictured with her boyfriend) is accused of promoting 'violence and terrorism' as 'necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate' The arrest comes weeks after the arrest of the platform's billionaire founder Pavel Durov (pictured) on allegations that his app facilitated crimes The pair are accused of sharing chilling promotions of terrorism and urging followers to carry out their own attacks, including compiling a list of 'high value-targets' for assassination attempts. Prosecutors said the lists included federal officials, politicians and leaders of private companies, who were targeted because of their race, religion, gender identity or nationalities. Alongside human targets, the group also allegedly urged followers to take down government buildings including energy facilities, at a time that a number of white supremacist groups have been thwarted for planning similar attacks on power stations. Their group also allegedly offered guides on how to make explosives including napalm and pipe bombs. If convicted, Humber and Allison face upward of 200 years in prison. Humber was previously profiled by investigative outlet Left Coast Right Watch in 2022, where it was claimed that she and her group members rejoiced when the first of their followers carried out a terrorist attack, seemingly on their orders. In October 2022, 19-year-old gunman Juraj Krajcik opened fire outside a gay bar in Bratislava, Slovakia, killing two people and injuring a third before he took his own life hours later. In October 2022, 19-year-old gunman Juraj Krajcik opened fire outside a gay bar in Bratislava, Slovakia - and was allegedly praised by Terrorgram followers as their 'first saint' An alleged guide on how to become a 'saint' like Kajcik presented by prosecutors A manifesto was later discovered where Krajcik allegedly credited Terrorgram for his spree, including thanking them for their 'practical guides.' Over on Terrorgram, the channel allegedly celebrated the events, calling the young gunman 'Terrorgram's first saint.' Humber allegedly described the gunman's manifesto as 'f***ing fire', according to Left Coast Right Watch. As they allegedly urged others to commit terror attacks, Humber and Allison said others would also become 'saints' as 'heroes of the white race.' Prosecutors also included an alleged guide to 'sainthood' like Krajcik in their indictment, which included stipulations such as being 'white, obviously', and killing at least one person in any attack. In their arrest indictment, Krajcik's shooting spree was cited as a real-world example of the harm Terrorgram allegedly caused. Prosecutors also cited an attack near a Mosque in Turkey that saw five people stabbed and a foiled plot to take down an energy facility in New Jersey as examples. The total charges against Humber and Allison are one count of conspiracy, four counts of soliciting hate crimes, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, one count of threatening communications, two counts of distributing bomb-making instructions and one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. In a statement following the arrests, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the indictment stands as a 'warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you.' A couple who pretended to have 18 children in a 300k tax credit fraud scam have now been ordered to pay back just 2 between them. 'Greedy' HMRC worker Tracy Ashbridge applied for handouts for children that did not exist and lied about her own family having severe disabilities. The 44-year-old, who was jailed last September, also used her position at work to alter former legitimate claimants' details to get her hands on money. On one occasion Ashbridge sent her husband Robert a text which read: 'Shall we have another child?' When he asked how they would manage, she responded with: 'Not physically, LOL' Pictured: Tracy Ashbridge, who applied for handouts for 18 children that did not exist Pictured: Robert Ashbridge, who admitted one fraud charge but prosecutors said he also 'encouraged' his wife's outrageous dishonesty. The mum-of-four, who earned 11k-per-year in the role she had held since 2012, used a total of nine bank accounts to receive the dishonest payouts between 2015 and 2019. She tried to pocket a total of 434,128 and admitted six charges of fraud. During a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Newcastle Crown Court in July it was determined that the total amount she made through her crime was 305,952 but after an investigation revealed she had no assets she was ordered to pay back just 1. At a further hearing this morning her husband, 45, was found to have made 22,385 through his role in the scam but the court heard he also has no assets and he was ordered to pay the same sum of 1 or face seven days in jail. The husband, who worked as a chef at a care home, had admitted one fraud charge but prosecutors said he also 'encouraged' his wife's outrageous dishonesty. The couple, of Plough Road, Sunderland, could still be ordered to pay back the money they made through crime if they come into any future windfall. A total of 7,614 seized from their home when they were arrested, made up of American dollars and euros, was forfeited at today's hearing. The 44-year-old, who was jailed last September, also used her position at work at HMRC to alter former legitimate claimants' details to get her hands on money. Pictured: Tracy Ashbridge The husband's prison sentence of 18 months was suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements. Pictured: Robert Ashbridge Judge Gavin Doig told the husband: 'I declare the benefit figure to be 22,385.21 and the available amount is 1. The confiscation order is in the sum of 1, with seven days imprisonment in default. 'Mr Ashbridge has seven days to pay that sum. 'I order forfeiture of all cash found on March 6 2019 at the defendants' home address.' Judge Doig told Ashbridge at the end of the hearing: 'I sincerely hope I don't see you again.' When passing sentence last year, Miss Recorder Caroline Sellars said the married mum's dishonesty was exposed after she got 'greedy' and she was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars. The husband's prison sentence of 18 months was suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements. The court heard at the sentence hearing the mum, who was dismissed by HMRC, felt like a 'weight had been lifted' when her fraud was uncovered and that she suffers from physical and mental health problems. At the same hearing the court was told the husband had not appreciated the full extent of his wife's activities. Mummified ancestors of a rural Indonesia tribe have been exhumed, spruced up and put on display as part of an intricate burial ritual. Every four years, the Toraja people, who live across in South Sulawesi in the centre of the archipelago, dig up the graves of their ancestors to meticulously look after their bodies. In a ceremony known as Ma'nene, which translates to 'care of ancestors' or 'the cleaning of the corpse', the bodies are exhumed, cleaned up, dried under the sun to ensure their longevity, and redressed in their new clothing, Video footage from Liang Lo'ko' Kuku, a small town where Toraja people live, showed them crowding aroun stone graves and traditional Toraja tombs and digging their coffins out of the ground. Villagers were seen posing with their dead ancestors, who had dry, paper-like skin after spending years in the ground. Mummified ancestors of a rural Indonesia tribe have been exhumed, spruced up and put on display as part of an intricate burial ritual Every four years, the Toraja people dig up the graves of their ancestors to meticulously look after their bodies The bodies are dug up, cleaned up, dried under the sun to ensure their longevity, and redressed in their new clothing One man was seen patting the head of a dead man who was so well-preserved that his hair was still visible. Villagers were then seen putting their relatives' bodies back in their coffins with fresh modern clothes. While many were seen wearing traditional sarongs, a long lengths of fabric favoured across south and south-east Asia, many were also seen wearing modern sunglasses and belts. The ceremony takes places in Torajan villages across the region throughout the whole month of August. According to HeritageDaily, the Toraja people don't see death as a singular event, but rather the soul's gradual passing to the afterlife. A member of the Toraja ethnic group opens his relatives' grave during the traditional ritual known as Manene in Pangala, South Sulawesi, on August 27, 2024 The ceremony takes places in Torajan villages across the region throughout the whole month of August Villagers were seen posing with their dead ancestors, who had dry, paper-like skin after spending years in the ground A member of the Toraja ethnic group holds the exhumed body of her baby who died in 1988, during the traditional ritual known as Manene in Pangala, South Sulawesi, on August 27, 2024 As a result, they believe the bodies of recently deceased people still need to be taken care of. According to the New York Times, locals believe the ceremony began with a local hunter named Pong Rumasek, who lived hundred of years ago, though the authenticity of this myth is considered questionable at best. He is said to have found an abandoned corpse in the jungle. Moved by the fate of the stranger, he took care of the dead body and dressed it up with his clothes. From then on, Pong was said to have been blessed with good luck and bountiful hunts and harvests. Ohio's attorney general slammed the federal government for an influx of Haitian migrants as he reacted to wild claims that they are eating pets and driving recklessly. Republican Dave Yost directed his office to research legal avenues to stop 'the federal government from sending an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities,' particularly the city of Springfield. 'Theres got to be a limiting principle,' Yost said in a statement on Monday. 'Were going to find a way to get this disaster in front of a federal judge.' The AG said that the migrant influx has strained the state' social services and said the federal government has not worked with local officials to prepare for the newcomers. Yost added: 'This is absurd Springfield has swollen by more than a third due to migrants... Republican Dave Yost directed his office to research legal avenues to stop 'the federal government from sending an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities' Within a few years, 20,000 immigrants arrived, swelling Springfield's population, which was only 58,000 in 2020 'How many people can they be expected to take? What are the limits to the federal governments power? Could the federal government simply funnel into Ohio all the millions of migrants flooding in under the current administrations watch? The AG's statement comes amid unfounded claims that have been circulating on social media about Haitian migrants eating people's pets. Springfield officials have denied the rumors, telling DailyMail.com on Monday that 'there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.' Despite the claims being unconfirmed, Ohio senator and VP candidate JD Vance has repeated rumors that Haitian migrants have been eating people's pets. 'Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,' Vance posted on X Monday alongside a video of him previously speaking about the crisis facing the town. Despite the claims being unconfirmed, Ohio senator and VP candidate JD Vance has repeated rumors that Haitian migrants have been eating people's pets 'Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country,' he added. 'Where is our border czar?' the post continued. After many pointed out that the rumors are unconfirmed, Vance said on Tuesday: 'In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.' Vance's post added: 'Do you know what's confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here. That local health services have been overwhelmed. That communicable diseases--like TB and HIV--have been on the rise. That local schools have struggled to keep up with newcomers who don't know English. That rents have risen so fast that many Springfield families can't afford to put a roof over their head.' A Springfield, Ohio , resident claimed that Haitian migrants have been decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them Aside from rumors about migrants eating pets, many in Springfield have voiced concerns about reckless driving by the Haitian migrant community. Springfield resident Jeff Allen told WKEF that he has heard many complaints about the migrants' reckless driving. 'I think the main thing that people were concerned about is driving. The reckless driving, not knowing how to drive and being on the streets, and the amount of accidents that have been occurring, he said. Last month, an aggrieved Springfield resident helped spark claims that Haitian migrants have been decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them during a city commission meeting. Springfield, Ohio, has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration, after droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies 'I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something,' he told the meeting. 'These Haitians are running into trash cans, running into buildings... they're flipping cars in the middle of the streets...' The man added: 'They're in the park, grabbing up ducks by their neck, and cutting their head off and walking off with them. They're eating them.' Springfield has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration, after droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies. Within a few years, 20,000 immigrants arrived, swelling Springfield's population, which was only 58,000 in 2020. The power toolmaker Stanley Black and Decker appears to have scrubbed its website of references to diversity quotas and LGBTQ campaigns in the face of a damaging boycott. The company, which is behind such brands as DeWalt, Black and Decker, and Stanley, has in recent days removed pages about its 'equity training' workshops and multimillion dollar giveaways to 'racial equity' groups. The move appears to be a response to the conservative group Consumers' Research launching a boycott of Stanley Black and Decker products over the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. While other firms have publically announced U-turns on DEI or informed employees in internal memos, the toolmaker seems to have chosen only to remove some of its controversial online content. Will Hild, the director of Consumers' Research, accused the company of 'deleting all evidence of their offensive activities from their website' when they should be more upfront with their customers. The Connecticut-based company is behind such popular home improvement brands as DeWalt, Black and Decker, and Stanley. But behind the scenes, executives have been pushing a diversity-hiring and LGBTQ agenda 'Until they own up to their mistakes and publicly apologize for their failures, consumers should assume that Stanley Black and Decker has every intention to continue putting woke politics ahead of their customers,' Hild told The Mail. He added that the firm's DEI efforts could well persist, 'albeit more surreptitiously than before they were caught.' The $24 billion Connecticut-based company did not answer our request for comment. The boycott comes at a tough time for the toolmaker, which has seen its stock value sink in recent months, as it shutters plants and distribution hubs in a bid to trim $2 billion in costs and turn a profit. The firm's DEI tsar Joe Simms Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) schemes are a front-line issue in America's culture wars. Advocates say they help get more women and minorities into jobs and colleges. Critics say they unfairly deny opportunities to straight, white men and others, even those who are better candidates. Consumers' Research in a report last week panned the Connecticut-based firm for corporate decisions that were influenced by race. The firm aimed to increase business with minority suppliers by at least 10 percent by 2025, donate $10.5 million to 'racial equity' groups, and had compulsory 'equity training' sessions for bosses, said the group. It highlighted comments from the firm's diversity chief Joe Simms, who spoke of DEI as an 'unwavering focus' for the firm and one of its 'foundational commitments.' Executives also teamed up with the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, and took part in its 'equality index,' which ranks firms on how friendly they are to gay and transgender staff. The report includes filings that show the company spent $280,000 on lobbying lawmakers for the Equality Act, which would 'enshrine in federal law that biological males can participate in women's sports.' The Mail surveyed the company's website and social media channels and found repeated references to its DEI work and support for 'inclusive' workspaces and celebrations of Pride month. Many such pages were pulled down over the weekend. As of Tuesday, several Stanley Black and Decker web pages previously about DEI are now listed as 'unavailable' or have 'broken' links. References to the firm's 'racial equity roadmap' and about the $10.5 million payouts to racial justice activists appear to have been pulled. According to Hild, they even 'scrubbed the press release announcing' that Simms had been hired as Chief Diversity Officer. Members of the company's DEI team also appear to have made their social media profiles less visible, said Hild. In some cases, the social media pages referred to the influence of hard-line DEI authors and activists, such as Janice Gassam Asare. While Stanley Black and Decker's DEI efforts are uncontroversial to many, firms are increasingly under pressure from conservatives for ignoring their customers and pushing an unwelcome social agenda. In recent weeks, Ford, Lowe's, Coors, Harley-Davidson, Tractor Supply, John Deere and other well-known brands have pulled the plug on their DEI work or their support for LGBTQ causes. Will Hild, director of Consumers' Research, a conservative advocacy group, says Stanley Black and Decker has been scrubbing its website of references to DEI The company's social media feeds repeatedly referred to its DEI work and support for an 'inclusive' workspaces and celebrations of Pride month. Will Hild, director of Consumers' Research, a policy nonprofit, says Stanley Black and Decker is pushing cultural values that 'have nothing to do with ensuring consumer satisfaction.' The company's diversity push may be at odds with some consumers who associate home improvements with manliness Many were pushed into action by the online anti-DEI campaigner Robby Starbuck. Others have faced legal challenges from America First Legal, a group led by former Trump administration officials. Many companies that embraced DEI policies in the wake of the cop killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in May 2020 have stepped back from them for fear of irking conservative customers. Some businesses have received public shareholder letters since 2021 saying their DEI schemes amount to illegal discrimination and breach directors' duties to investors. Anti-DEI groups were energized by the US Supreme Court ruling in June 2023 that struck down affirmative action in university admissions, a ruling that does not directly affect employers. Former president Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for US president, has been highly critical of DEI initiatives. For some, DEI schemes are important and necessary, as they can help to overcome historical racism and sexism and make it easier for people of all backgrounds to get ahead in education and work. Critics say it's a form of reverse discrimination that unfairly blows back on straight, white men and others. Others say DEI schemes may be well-intentioned, but seldom achieve their desired goals and that mandatory workshops on 'micro-aggressions' and 'white fragility' often make things worse by stirring up divisions in offices and classrooms. An Ipsos poll in April found that 61 percent of voters called DEI a 'good thing.' Still, a Gallup survey from around the same time found that only 38 percent of people wanted businesses to be taking a stance on current events a drop of 10 percentage points from 2022. Speaker Mike Johnson awarded the families of the 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal with Congressional Gold Medals on Tuesday. The emotional ceremony took place under the stately U.S. Capitol Dome as a military quartet played solemn and respectful melodies to honor the sacrifice of the many young men and women killed. The families of the lost soldiers sat quietly as Republican and Democratic leaders eulogized the fallen and paid their respects. 'The families who have been left to pick up the pieces continue to deserve transparency, appreciation and recognition,' Johnson said opening the ceremony. 'Although we can never fully measure your lost, we can and we must memorialize the ultimate sacrifice that was paid.' Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., hands out a Congressional Gold Medal. Senate Leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell were also in attendance at the event Your browser does not support iframes. 'Their names are etched into our hears and now into the history of our nation,' he added. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award presented by the legislative branch. Past recipients include inventor Thomas Edison, WWII General Douglas MacArthur and British leader Winston Churchill. After speaking, a series of military processions ensued under the rotunda. Military musicians sang the Star Spangled Banner and a prayer was offered. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., spoke about the devotion of the soldiers and the suffering experienced by their grieving families. Then Democrats honored the fallen service members. 'Risking their own safety for that of our fellow Americans our allies and our Afghan partners, they defended freedom and democracy until their last breath,' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said during the ceremony. They held the gate. The gold medal we are presenting today is the highest honor that can be conferred by the United states congress,' he continued. 'But no honor can truly repay the sacrifice from our fallen.' After Jeffries, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer spoke. He noted early on how many of the fallen were not alive when the World Trade Center was attacked in the 9/11 attacks. Images of the 13 American service members who died in the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan sit on display ahead of a Gold Medal Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Senate and House leadership will attend the ceremony along with families of the 13 fallen service members A Gold Medal for the 13 American service members who died in the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan The medals were awarded posthumously to the family members of the fallen soldiers The Americans killed in the blast were: (left to right, starting with top row) Cpl. Daegan W. Page - Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo - Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover - Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza - Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum - Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui - Cpl. Hunter Lopez - Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz - Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss - Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez - Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak - Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola - Sgt. Nicole L. Gee Pictures show the haphazard conditions at the airport before the attack 'We will never forget the sacrifice of the fallen 13 service members,' Schumer said. 'It now falls on us, on all of us gathered here under the dome of lady liberty, to ensure the sacrifices fo our service members were not in vain.' 'We must care for them and their families and defend the values of freedom and democracy they so nobly fought for.' He turned to the families of the fallen soldiers, telling them 'God bless you.' The tear-filled event came just one day after the House Foreign Affairs Committee released a damning report that revealed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris pushed ahead with the withdrawal despite warnings. The massive report was released Sunday after years of probing. The families of some of the fallen troops even attended a Monday press event highlighting the White House's many missteps. The report also reveals how Washington's most senior official in Kabul went on vacation even as the Taliban was closing in on the capital city. In this handout photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, a U.S. Marine Corps carry team transfers the remains of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui of Norco, California, Aug. 29, 2021 at Dover Air Force Base. He was killed in the August 26, 2021 suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the scrambled U.S. evacuation President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the U.S. military's evacuation efforts in Afghanistan, while flanked by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R), on August 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. The bodies of the service members who fell defending the airport from which the U.S. military was evacuating American forces and allies Afghanistan report's key recommendations 1. Congress should pass resolution condemning Biden, Harris and 13 top officials 2. Congress should codify rules for NEOs 3. Reestablish a crisis response bureau in the State Department 4. The Pentagon should declassify CentCom investigation into the Abbey Gate bombing 5. The Pentagon should adhere to its policy on personal effects (after items were not returned to victims' families) 6. Set up eyewitness portals for witnesses who were not interviewed 7. Selection of leaders in high-threat posts should be more rigorous 8. Congress should designate the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization 9. The State Department should improve efforts to track Americans in dangerous places 10. Congress should request testimony from Pentagon, National Security Council and White House officials Advertisement The findings come in a report by Republican members of the House Foreign Affairs committee. And it accuses Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their officials of prioritizing politics and optics over operational needs, such as planning for an emergency evacuation of civilians. The resulting chaos, with tens of thousands of foreign nationals and Afghans crowding into Kabul's airport after the Taliban seized the city in August 2021, triggered the first crisis of the Biden administration. And it descended into tragedy when a suicide bomber killed 13 American service personnel and about 170 Afghans. 'Our investigation reveals the Biden-Harris administration had the information and opportunity to take necessary steps to plan for the inevitable collapse of the Afghan government, so we could safely evacuate U.S. personnel, American citizens, green card holders, and our brave Afghan allies,' said Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the committee. 'At each step of the way, however, the administration picked optics over security.' He described the withdrawal as an 'unconditional surrender' and said the failure to plan for all eventualities was a 'dereliction of duty,' that directly led to the 'preventable' loss of American lives. For its part, the White House National Security Council accused McCaul of producing a 'partisan' report based on 'cherry-picked facts' and 'inaccurate characterizations'. And an official said preparations for withdrawal included 'planning for all contingenciesincluding a rapid deterioration of the security situationeven though intelligence at the time deemed this situation unlikely.' Afghan women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Two top international rights groups on Friday, May 26, slammed the severe restrictions imposed on women and girls by the Taliban in Afghanistan, saying they amount to the 'crime against humanity of gender persecution' A Taliban fighter stands guard as a woman walks past in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Dec. 26, 2022 The report calls for Congress to condemn Biden, Harris and 13 officials. And it says procedures and responsibilities for 'noncombatant evacuation orders' or N.E.O.s should be codified so that politics cannot drive the process. The order to leave Afghanistan after 20 years of bloodshed may have been the most consequential decision of Biden's time in office. A disgruntled employee doused two women in gasoline and set them on fire outside a Detroit, Michigan workplace. An unidentified male suspect who was 'recently suspended or terminated' from his job at Tompkins Products approached his former co-workers - one in 50s and one in her 60s - around 6.00am Monday. He allegedly covered the vehicle they were sitting in with the accelerant and lit the car on fire before fleeing the scene. Chief James White with the Detroit Police Department said the angry man targeted the women because he saw them 'as being part of the reason he was suspended' from the company, which is a screw machine supplier. The female workers were taken to a nearby hospital after suffering severe burns to their face, neck, upper torso and shoulders. They are expected to survive. A man doused a car and lit it on fire while two female employees sat inside on Monday morning outside of Tompkins Products in Detroit, Michigan Chief James White (pictured) with the Detroit Police Department said the angry man targeted the women because he saw them 'as being part of the reason he was suspended' from the company The man attacked the women as they were getting out of the car they arrived in together for their shift that morning. He then poured gasoline on the outside of the vehicle before taking a cigarette lighter to it, Dennis Richardson, Chief of the Detroit Fire Department Fire Investigation Division, said. Richardson told WDIV it appeared the woman were 'self-extinguished' by the time emergency personnel responded. Thomas Saldana, an employee who witnessed the horrid act, told WXYZ he pursued the suspect and knocked him off his bike while two other bystanders held him until police arrived minutes later. 'I heard some ladies screaming ... I seen the inside of her car was engulfed in flames,' Saldana said. 'Just walked up to it and lit them on fire, I heard nothing but screaming.' Saldana said the two men who assisted him in catching the suspect 'might've roughed him up a little bit' before holding him until police arrived. Thomas Saldana, an employee who witnessed the horrid act, pursued the suspect and knocked him off his bike while two other bystanders held him until police arrived minutes later The suspect was taken to the hospital after suffering minor injuries. He is expected to face criminal charges, including attempted murder, White said. 'My last briefing was that it was likely to be an attempted murder charge. But we're going to be going after some additional charges. 'Fire is looking at some things with some arson charges as well. But, we're going to be looking for, at the very least, an attempted murder charge,' White said. The Sheriff added that the suspect 'didn't appear intoxicated' at the time of the incident but has 'very violent priors.' 'We've had police contact with him in the past, and for very violent acts. I don't want a taint jury pool by speaking of previous bad acts or anything like that, so we'll leave that there. The female workers were taken to a nearby hospital after suffering severe burns to their face, neck, upper torso and shoulders. They are expected to survive 'Multiple times he's been arrested before. I can say that, comfortably,' White added. He said that this incident was 'unfortunate' and 'outrageous, regardless of the conflict you're having.' 'To resort to this type of reaction is just horrible.' The Detroit Police Department told DailyMail.com that 'no further information is available at this time,' including the identity of the suspect and victims. DailyMail.com contacted Tompkins Products for comment. Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced a $10,000 raise for police cadets and additional incentives during a visit to the academy. Whitmire visited members of Cadet Class #267 on Monday alongside newly-installed police chief Noe Diaz. There he revealed the cadets will receive a boost in their base salary from $42,000 to $52,000. After they complete the academy and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Certification they will get a $5,000 one-time incentive. Once they finish their probationary period, the officer's salary will increase to $62,574. 'This is an investment in the men and women of our police department who put their lives on the line daily to keep our community safe,' said Whitmire. Houston Mayor John Whitmire (pictured) announced police cadets are getting an increase in their base salary Whitmire visited members of Cadet Class #267 on Monday and encouraged them to recruit other officers 'Each one of you has committed to public service. The pay increase is a start in the right direction to let men and women across this state, this nation, and this great city know that we want you to become a Houston police officer.' The new base salary for Houston cadets is just above the national average of $50,741 for new police graduating from the academy, according to Glassdoor. They Mayor's office said there are currently 46 cadets in class #267 who will graduate in March 2026. The FY 2025 budget includes funding for six police cadet classes and Whitmire encouraged the class to help with recruitment. 'I hope you recommend somebody else to join this fine organization because the better days are in front of us, and someday, I hope one of you will aspire to be a commander or a chief,' said Whitmire. 'The model we want in Houston is law enforcement that protects the public, protects yourself, and your family. And I'll even go a step further. I've wanted to say this to a group of officers, certainly cadets. It's appropriate when you pull somebody over, I believe it's your duty to treat that person like a family member.' Diaz was appointed by Whitmire on on August 14, 2024 after the previous police chief Troy Finner resigned in May amid a probe into hundreds of thousands of uninvestigated cases. Finner took an early retirement as police investigated the dropping of more 4,000 sexual assault cases that are among more than 264,000 incident reports never submitted for investigation. Whitmire, a Democrat who was elected in December, gave a bleak warning at a City Hall meeting in March where he proposed a five percent cut across all city spending to alleviate the cash-flow problem. 'I think we can all agree that we're broke,' Whitmire said, before proposing the planned cuts. 'This gives us a chance to discuss the financial picture of this City. It is broken! It was broken when I got here.' A United Airlines passenger spotted a Band-Aid covering an overhead air vent on a plane - leading to grossed-out reactions and at least one potential explanation. 'United, you good?,' read a post that appeared on Reddit Monday. The adhesive appeared to be holding in place the vent's air gasper, which provides a passenger control of cold air flow. Reactions from users on the platform ranged from 'ew' to a nauseated-face emoji, though one commenter who identified as a flight attendant tried to offer some context. 'Please let a flight attendant know so that something can actually be done about it instead of posting on Reddit,' the user wrote. A United Airlines passenger posted a bizarre photo showing a Band-Aid covering an air vent Reactions from users on the platform ranged, though one commenter who identified as a flight attendant tried to offer some context 'If the gasper is truly loose then they can use a glove to remove the Band-Aid and write it up inflight so that when the plane land TechOps will already be there. 'When I write up a coffee maker, gasper, latch, whatever, actually inflight they are already there when the door opens so as not to delay the next flight.' United Airlines did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com The flight attendant clarified in the Reddit post that if the plane lands and the problem isn't reported, technical operations can't handle the issue immediately because it will delay the next flight. The flight attendant elaborated in a response to questions from DailyMail.com. 'This could either be a joke, someone who actually used the dressing on a wound and then stuck it on the plane, or incorrectly trying to fix a broken part of the gasper,' said the person, who declined to give a name. 'It just depends, then you take it from there.' United Airlines is ranked a three star airline on Skytrax, a London-based international air transport rating organization that classifies airlines by the quality of product and staff service. Their highest rating is five stars - held by airlines such as Qatar Airways and Korean Air. 'This could either be a joke, someone who actually used the dressing on a wound and then stuck it on the plane, or incorrectly trying to fix a broken part,' the flight attendant told DailyMail.com In March, a United Airlines flight traveling to San Francisco was forced to make a U-turn in midair and return to Frankfurt after feces flowed from a broken toilet into the cabin, filling it with a foul-smelling odor. The flight was an hour into its 11hr 30min journey when the captain decided the best course of action was to return to Germany rather than continue to fly across the Atlantic. FlightAware showed the plane circled for a short time over the North Sea to the east of England while the crew weighed their options. Technicians were unable to find an immediate solution to the problem. Furious mothers of women allegedly killed by undocumented migrants have given emotional testimony at a congressional hearing and slammed the Biden Administration over America's open border. Patty Morin, 64, was among those who shared heartbreaking testimony on Tuesday, where she gave a chilling account of her daughter Rachel's brutal rape and murder at the age of 37 on a hiking trail in Maryland last year. Suspect Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, was arrested nearly a year later in June, and had carried out a trail of criminality since entering the country illegally, police said. Pouring her heart out before a packed auditorium on Capitol Hill, Patty blamed her daughter's death on decisions made by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, saying it, and so many others, '[were] 100 percent preventable.' She was among eight people invited to speak at the hearing to share their insight into the negative impacts of border management over the past 44 months, from drugs and human trafficking to violent crime miles away from any crossing. Two other moms whose daughters are believed by cops to have been killed by illegal aliens spoke out as well, along with the mother of a fentanyl poisoning victim, a Crime Victims' Advocate, and a California Sheriff. All demanded change. Scroll down for video: Patty Morin, 64, was among several mothers of woman said to have been slain by illegal immigrants to deliver chilling testimony on Capitol Hill Tuesday Rachel Morin, 37, was allegedly raped and murdered by Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, in August 2023, after Hernandez was let in the country despite having a criminal record 'The American people need to hear, know, and understand the truth of the horrendous war zone we call the southern border,' Morin began, while pleading with the American people to hear her calls for increased security. 'President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harriss open border policy is having a devastating impact across our great nation. 'I live 1,800 miles from the southern border in a small town in northern Maryland - yet a man who was wanted for murder in El Salvador made his way to my community and ambushed my daughter on a quaint walking trail in broad daylight. 'Im here today to make sure that my daughter is remembered as more than a victim,' she continued. 'I hope that her story will be the wake-up call that this country needs to secure its borders and protect American citizens.' The case surrounding Rachel's death remained a mystery for months after the mom-of-five was reported missing following her failure to return home from a run on the nearby hiking trail in Maryland. Hernandez, meanwhile, illegally crossed the southern border months before, in February 2023 - after he allegedly murdered a woman in El Salvador a month earlier. He has also accused of attacking a nine-year-old girl and her mother in Los Angeles in the weeks before Morin's murder. The woman was not alone in her charge, with seven others joining her to talk about the negative impacts - including two moms whose daughters may have been killed by illegals, the mother of a fentanyl poisoning victim, a Crime Victims' Advocate, and a California Sheriff Chilling testimony from Patty Morin, Rachel's mother. She herself was kidnapped at 14. "What I suffered as a teenager at the hand of a criminally insane man is nothing compared to the horrors that my daughter suffered & it's because of these open borders." pic.twitter.com/PBUh952zLu Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) September 10, 2024 'The circumstances of Rachels death compounded our grief,' she said, sharing her reaction to cops cuffing the illegal immigrant in Tulsa in June following a lengthy manhunt. 'It took months for investigators to find Rachels killer. While that process played out, our family endured false accusations and assaults on our character. 'Instead of lifting us up, some community members froze us out,' she continued. 'Relatives lost jobs because some community members thought it was bad business to mix with a family amid a murder investigation. 'We felt helpless and defeated as the months passed without an arrest. 'We felt relieved when the suspect was finally caught,' she quickly added. 'But that relief quickly turned to horror and outrage when we learned that the suspect was an illegal immigrant. 'This man was wanted for killing a woman in his home country when he walked into ours,' she went on to point out. 'Whats worse is that border patrol would have known that if they had followed the law and swabbed him for DNA the first three times he tried to get into this country.' 'Whats worse is that border patrol would have known that if they had followed the law and swabbed him for DNA the first three times he tried to get into this country,' Morin said She continued: '[But] they just turned him around and allowed him to come back again and again, until he finally got through the border. 'Border patrol let a man with an open Interpol warrant for murder walk right into our country to continue his crime spree.' 'The open border policy of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris caused my daughter's death. 'It allowed a dangerous man to flee his home country to avoid capture and bring his reign of terror to American citizens. 'Not only did this man brutalize my daughter. Hes also accused of attacking a nine-year-old girl in California. 'Who knows what else he did while traveling from coast to coast? American citizens are not safe because Joe Biden and Kamala Harris removed the policies and safeguards that keep criminals out of our country. 'Their failed open border policies have led to two murders by illegal immigrants in my small town alone,' she asserted, before comparing the case to her own rape and abduction by a 'criminally insane man' in 1974. 'I really want you to hear my words and take to heart what I and other families across America are saying. 'Please hear our cries for help!' she said, speaking to Congress members. 'You each have taken an oath...an oath to serve our nation and the citizens who make it great. '[But] they just turned him around and allowed him to come back again and again, until he finally got through the border,' she said of Hernandez, seen in a social media photo here. He is accused of murdering another woman in El Salvador and attacking a nine-year-old girl in LA 'Protect Americans by securing our borders. We are losing American mothers, daughters, and children to criminals. These deaths are 100 percent preventable. 'Lets use our resources to protect Americans and welcome immigrants who choose to enter our country legally.' Making the pleas through a steady stream of tears, the mother - and soon-to-be grandmother - added: 'Do this for Rachel. Please.' Also issuing emotional testimony was another mourning mom, Tabby Nobles, whose daughter was raped and killed by an MS-13 gang member in 2022, eight months after she filed suit against feds for failing to stop him at the border. The lawsuit from the mother of 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton named both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as defendants, and demanded $100million in damages. As it continues to make its way through the proper channels, Nobles begged the committee to make changes to policies currently in place - days after her daughter's confirmed killer's identity was unsealed when he finally pleaded guilty to her murder last month. 'At first, we knew very few details of the murder until an arrest,' Nobles said, after a year and half of being left in the dark due to the age of the El Salvadoran suspect, Walter Martinez, who is 17. 'At the end of March of 2022 Walter Javier Martinez was apprehended by Border Patrol crossing illegally into the U.S. at the southwest border in Rio Grande City, Texas,' she continued. Also issuing emotional testimony was another mourning mom , Tabby Nobles, whose daughter was raped and killed by an MS-13 gang member in 2022 , eight months after she filed suit against feds for failing to stop him at the border Tammy Nobles before @JudiciaryGOP: There are no words that describe the heart-wrenching, soul-crushing pain of losing your child so horrifically. Her daughter, Kayla Hamilton, was raped, tied up, and strangled to death by an illegal alien MS-13 member from El Salvador. pic.twitter.com/5hpyla7fKb America First Legal (@America1stLegal) September 10, 2024 'Martinez stated that he was 16 years old and feared gang activity in his country in El Salvador. 'As an unaccompanied alien child, Martinez was granted access into the United States with no background checks or vetting,' she said. 'Homeland Security did not verify the sponsor and allowed Martinez to go live in Frederick, Maryland' - leading the suspect to stay in a home in the same trailer park as her daughter, after he subleased it from an illegal who owned the property. 'Martinez was living there less than five days before he violently and brutally murdered my daughter,' said Noble. 'Walter Javier Martinez broke into Kaylas room while she was sleeping that morning. 'Kayla left a voicemail on her boyfriends phone,' she continued of the July 2022 murder. According to the voicemail, a struggle was going on, and Kayla can be heard crying, groaning, and struggling to breathe,' she recalled. 'Martinez can be heard on the voicemail hushing her and near the end telling her Im sorry in Spanish while strangling her with her phone cord.' The lawsuit from the mother of 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton named both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as defendants, and demanded $100million in damages She went on to describe how when her daughter was already deceased, Martinez proceeded to tie her up and sexually assaulted her - facts 'confirmed by the swabs that matched Martinezs DNA,' she said. 'Kayla fought for her life that day. She had bruises up and down her arms, her fingers, the left side of her face, her back and down her leg and deep wounds to her neck from the cord. 'Local police knew right from the beginning he was the main suspect just by their initial investigation. 'It took the Aberdeen police to confirm that Martinez was a known gang member of MS-13, and that Martinez had a criminal record in El Salvador in 2020,' she continued, before revealing how the suspect was even allowed to enroll in US public school as the probe continued. 'If Homeland Security did a background check, then they would have known this, and Martinez wouldnt have been able to be on US soil. 'The Aberdeen Police department demanded that Martinez be held in a secure location because he was a threat to society based on the murder and injuries of Kayla Hamilton, [but] it was later learned that Child Protective Services placed Martinez in a group home with other children,' she said. They then placed Martinez in a foster home which allowed him to be enrolled in High School, Nobles stated. Nobles begged the committee to make changes - days after her daughter's confirmed killer's identity was unsealed after he finally pleaded guilty to her murder last month. Walter Martinez (seen here), 17, was also allowed to enroll in high school during the probe, she pointed out 'This was also confirmed by an investigative reporter with Fox 45 Project Baltimore who got an actual confirmation from Edgewood High School. 'Martinez ended up pleading guilty and taking the plea deal of 70 years,' she said of the agreement reached late last month. 'Since he was a juvenile at the time, even tried as an adult Martinez couldnt get life without the possibility of parole,' she pointed out. 'This not a political issue this a safety issue for everyone living here in the United States. 'Not only was Kaylas life put at risk and taken so many other children and adults were at risk. 'The Biden-Harris administration is not putting the American citizens safety first. 'The United States Government must secure our border. We need to properly vet and background check all border crossers.' She concluded: 'This isnt about immigration this is about protecting everyone in the United States.' Nobles, seen here getting ready to testify with a framed photo of her late daughter, at one point said: 'This isnt about immigration this is about protecting everyone in the United States' A third mother, Alexis Nungaray, also spoke to the committee. Her daughter, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, was allegedly killed by two Venezuelan nationals in Houston earlier this summer, before being tossed into a creek partially naked. 'I believe the Biden-Harris Administrations open border policies are responsible for the death of my 12 year old daughter,' she said, citing how suspects Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Pena Ramos, 26, had been enrolled in an Alternatives to Detention program due to 'Catch and Release' policies. This meant the duo could be released into the interior of the United States in May, Nungaray said - adding how it was 'not even a full three weeks later that they would take [her daughter's] life. 'They saw a young girl, my daughter Jocelyn, and placed a target on her without her even knowing,' she said, citing surveillance footage showing the pair stalking the preteen as she walked to local a corner story where she was eventually snatched. 'The program the two illegal immigrants were enrolled in failed my daughter. 'Im here to use my voice and raise awareness of how broken our country has become with our open border policies.' She added: 'As a U.S citizen it shouldnt be a privilege to have safety in this country, it should be a requirement. My daughter should have been able to safely walk to the store without having to wonder if she was going to make it home or not. A third mother, Alexis Nungaray, spoke to the committee as well. Her daughter was allegedly killed by two Venezuelan nationals in Houston earlier this summer, Pictured, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was killed while going to a corner store near her home in June Alexis Nungaray details the heartbreaking story about how her sweet 12-year-old daughter Jocelyn was raped, murdered, and thrown in a bayou. Her savage killers were two Venezuelan illegals Kamala Harris let into the country. pic.twitter.com/eisAsnsp8n Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 10, 2024 She reminded onlookers how Nungaray 'was only 12 years old'. 'She was an innocent kid doing kid things... She had her entire life ahead of her. Because of these open border policies, I will never get to see my daughter start high school, never get to see her go off to prom, never get to see her walk down the aisle. 'I come to you all as a grieving mother, to please help make this country change for the greater good. This country needs to make a change.' Rangel Martinez and Franklin Pena, 26, are accused of luring Nungaray underneath a bridge before sexually assaulting and killing her. Her body was found the next morning after she had been strangled, bound and thrown in a bayou. She was naked from the waist down. The men allegedly met Nungaray, who had snuck out of her house, as she was walking to a 7-11 around 10om on June 16. The men walked to the store with her and later under the bridge. Investigators have yet to say which of the men they believe raped Nungaray before her death. Both men are currently being held in jail with $10 million bonds each. Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, is one of two men who could face the death penalty for the capital murder for the girl's death Also testifying Tuesday was Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, who spoke about how policies have impacted everything from drug and human trafficking to financial crimes in his county several hundred miles from any border. Others speakers included Anne Fundner, mother of Weston Fundner, whose life was cut short at 15 by fentanyl-laced pills that she said were the fault of increased border crossings. Cecilia Farfan-Mendez, an affiliated tesearcher at the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation University of California San Diego testified too, as did Melissa Lopez, Executive Director of the Estrella del Paso Melissa Lopez. An actor who mysteriously disappeared in Mexico City was found dead last Friday in Mexico City. James Hollcroft had not been seen or heard from since September 3 when he was returning to his residence in the Mexican capital's neighborhood of Tizapan, according to his sister, Jane Hollcroft. The home happens to be near the Artistic Education Center, the acting school that the 26-year-old actor attended, and which is operated by Televisa, one of Mexico's major media companies. The Artistic Education Center confirmed his death on their Facebook page on Friday evening. Mexican actor James Hollcroft was found dead Friday in Mexico City, three days after his family reported him missing James Hollcroft attended Artistic Education Center, the acting school run by Televisa, one of the top Mexican media companies. The 26-year-old appeared in the Televisa series, 'Como dice el dicho' (As the saying goes), a drama based on real-life events 'Thank you for all those good times we spent together during your acting training,' the school said. 'We will carry you in our memories and in our hearts, you will always be part of our CEA family, farewell dear James Hollcroft.' Local authorities or the actor's family have not provided details surrounding his death. 'I will love you forever, thank you for the years we shared together and for having given me the most magnificent moments I have ever experienced,' Jane wrote in a heartbreaking post Saturday. 'You will always be present in our hearts, little brother.' James Hollcroft appeared in several episodes of 'Como dice el dicho' (As the saying goes), a Televisa drama based on real-life events. He also had a role in the 11th season of the play, 'Dime que si' (Tell me yes), which is now in its 16th season at Teatro en Breve. Mexican actor James Hollcroft was found dead in Mexico City on Friday. He was 26 Details surrounding the death of Mexican actor James Hollcroft are unknown. The 26-year-old was reported missing on September 3 and was found dead three days later James Hollcroft's death stunned the acting community and his loved ones. 'I love you, I love you so much,' Luis Duval wrote in a now-deleted post on his Instagram Stories. 'I'm going to miss you. Fly high my boy. I will always remember how great you are.' 'I wish that everything is just another dream,' his brother-in-law Arturo Avila said on Facebook. 'Thank you for being the brother that you were, the uncle that you were with your nephews, the great son that you were. 'We are going to miss you a lot, this really breaks my heart,' he added. 'Today we are lowering the curtain here but I know that you are in heaven doing that great staging that you talked so much about.' Artificial intelligence could be used to write victim statements and produce prosecution case files by 2026, the College of Policing boss has said. Technological innovations such as AI need to be 'injected like heroin into the bloodstream of policing,' Andy Marsh told a meeting of senior officers. Technology that could save officers thousands of hours by automating case files is already being trialled, the College chief executive told the Police Superintendents' Association conference. 'Case files: possibly the most bureaucratic, complex and troublesome work that your teams are responsible for, riddled with error and disappointment,' he said. Technological innovations such as AI need to be 'injected like heroin into the bloodstream of policing,' Andy Marsh told a meeting of senior officers Artificial intelligence could be used to write victim statements and produce prosecution case files by 2026, the College of Policing boss has said Technology that could save officers thousands of hours by automating case files is already being trialled, the College chief executive told the Police Superintendents' Association conference 'The technology currently exists, I've seen it, it's under trial to effectively automate the whole thing. 'So through an interaction, AI could write a statement, do a risk assessment, do a crime report, do a handover network which then needs to be signed off by humans who check it's correct. 'It can absorb all the digital and written data and create a prosecution file.' Mr Marsh, who began his career in policing as a constable in Avon and Somerset in 1987, said he would like the lengthy process of compiling prosecution files to become a 'problem of the past' in just two years. 'But we won't achieve this pace of change, we won't exploit this sense of speed unless we've got a centre that is more capably resourced to get on with the job,' he told the conference in Kenilworth. 'These innovations are groundbreaking; they're going to change the world, and they need to be injected like heroin into the bloodstream of policing much more quickly than we have done in the past.' Mr Marsh's comments come after technology secretary Peter Kyle said that using AI to mark school exams and homework would lighten teachers' workloads and free up time to 'deliver creative and inspiring lessons'. Hospital managers were told there could be a 'murderess' working on their neo-natal unit but failed to remove Lucy Letby and she went on kill two more babies a few weeks later. The revelation emerged on the first day of the Thirlwall Inquiry the public hearings into how the neo-natal nurse, who murdered seven babies and attempted to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, was allowed to kill for so long. Opening the inquiry, senior appeal court judge Lady Justice Thirlwall criticised commentators, including politicians, statisticians and doctors, who over recent months have questioned the safety of Letby's convictions, saying such 'noise' had caused 'enormous' distress to the parents of her victims. The judge, who is chairing the inquiry, at Liverpool Town Hall, said the serial killer had been refused leave to appeal the guilty verdicts, in July, but the Court of Appeal's judgement had failed to silence the doubters. 'That judgment marked a watershed,' Lady Justice Thirlwall said. 'At last the parents had finality, or so it seemed. But it was not to be. Follow the latest updates from the Inquiry on the The Trial podcast: Lucy Letby (pictured) is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims Lady Justice Thirlwall, pictured yesterday, is chairing the investigation at Liverpool Town Hall 'In the months that followed there has been a huge outpouring of comment from a variety of quarters on the validity of the convictions. 'As far as I am aware it has come entirely from people who were not at the trial. All of this noise has caused enormous additional distress to the parents who have already suffered far too much.' Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, said it would be examining in detail meetings that took place between hospital managers and consultants as their suspicions grew over Letby's 13-month killing spree. She said it would also look at several missed opportunities to stop her as babies died, why debriefs were not held, or proper minutes kept and, crucially, why the police were not called in sooner. Ms Langdale said that, on May 11, 2016, a meeting took place between medics and senior hospital managers, including medical director Ian Harvey and Alison Kelly, the director of nursing, and the babies' deaths and Letby's association was discussed 'at the highest level.' By then 10 babies had died, and Letby had been present for nine of the deaths, the inquiry heard. Ms Langdale said that, Dr Stephen Brearey, the consultant in charge of the neo-natal unit, was at that meeting and will tell the inquiry: 'I highlighted that there seemed to be a disproportionately high number of sudden unexpected collapses. 'We had reviewed care on multiple occasions, including with an external neonatologist, and the only common theme was the association with Letby being on duty. 'We needed guidance and help on how to take this forward. I also made it clear these were concerns of my colleagues and were not mine in isolation.' A court artist's sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court on July 24 Lady Justice Thirlwall arrives at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday ahead of the hearings beginning But Mr Harvey and Ms Kelly have given statements saying nothing they heard at the meeting justified the suspension of Letby from duties, Ms Langdale said. Ms Kelly said Erian Powell, the neo-natal unit manager, was 'vociferous' in her support for Letby at that meeting, the barrister added. It was at a further meeting five days later that reference was first made to a 'murderess on the neo-natal unit,' Ms Langdale added. 'There was an urgent care meeting on 16 May 2016 at which Dr Brearey intimated that he thought a member of staff was causing the increase in mortality,' Ms Langdale said. 'It was at this meeting there was allegedly reference to there being 'a murderess on the neonatal unit.' 'There is a dispute on the facts here as to what was said by who at that meeting and this will be explored in oral evidence. 'It is clear that no steps were taken as a result of the meeting on 11 May 2016 to reduce Letby's access to patients or to place her under any formal supervision, and unexpected collapses continued to occur whilst she was on shift.' Another baby boy, Baby N, was attacked at the beginning of June, and two more boys, two brothers from a set of triplets, born seven weeks early at the end of June, known as Babies O and P, were murdered on consecutive shifts before Letby was finally removed from the unit at the beginning of July. The hearing was told Letby launched a grievance against the hospital, in September that year, and, despite repeated discussions between consultants and managers about calling police, officers were not immediately called in. Instead managers backed Letby, who even sent an email to her colleagues, saying that: 'After a thorough investigation it was established that all the allegations were unfounded and untrue and I have therefore been fully exonerated.' Body worn camera footage from Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby in 2018 The investigation at Liverpool Town Hall (pictured yesterday) will examine how Letby was able to attack babies on the Countess and Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit in 2015 and 2016 The consultants were ordered to apologise and attend mediation sessions with Letby, while managers even allowed her to attend a tea party on the neo-natal unit, a month later, in preparation for her return. Ms Langdale said one nursery nurse, Jean Peers, will tell the inquiry: 'We did cakes and tea, and she came in and we were all talking, and she (Letby) did not say a word to us. 'Yvonne and I were talking a lot to make it nice and relaxed and when she went, we both said, oh my God, she is going to make it hard for us when she returns as she seems angry.' The barrister said of 'particular concern' was the fact Letby had made a number of supervised visits to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, in Liverpool, attending outpatient clinics, ward rounds and team meetings after she was moved from duties at the Countess - although a witness would say they believed she had no contact with patients at the renowned children's hospital. The Prince Harry visa row case has been closed in a sealed ruling by the judge. Judge Carl Nichols filed an order at the court in Washington after reviewing the Duke of Sussexs US immigration documents for four months. The order is sealed meaning it has not been made public. It's unclear which way the judge ruled. But Newsweek reported that the case has been dropped meaning that the public will almost certainly never see Harrys immigration paperwork. Prince Harry and Meghan in Bogota on August 15 The order relates to a case brought last year by the Heritage Foundation, a US right wing think tank, which claimed the Duke of Sussex may have lied over his drug use. Heritage sued the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the agency, which oversees US immigration, refused a Freedom of Information request for Harrys files. The think tank claims that Harry may have lied on the forms under the section which asks if you have been a drug user. In his memoir, Spare, and his Netflix TV series Harry talked about using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms In his memoir, Spare, and his Netflix TV series Harry talked about using cannabis, cocaine and magic mushrooms. On Tuesday, a Sealed Ex Parte Order and Sealed Ex Parte Memorandum were uploaded to the docket for the case. Ex parte orders are filed without notifying all parties - with regular orders all parties are notified. When members of the public try to view the documents, a message appears saying they do not have permission. In April Homeland Security handed over Harrys immigration paperwork for Judge Nichols to review. He wanted to see the particular harm that would arise from the material being made public. Judge Nichols told Homeland Security that its arguments so far, including during a hearing in February, were insufficiently detailed for him to decide. The case had taken on a new edge in light of the Presidential election with Donald Trump suggesting he could deport Harry if he wins in November. Samuel Dewey, a lawyer with Heritage who brought the case, said that there was no indication of who won the case. In these types of cases where there are unusual facts like this one, this is not an unusual thing to have a sealed order, he said. There could be very good reasons for it to be sealed, regardless of who won. This is not weird or suggestive of anything untoward. The order could have been sealed to stop the public finding out about Harrys visa status before DHS has a chance to appeal, thus negating the point of an appeal, Mr Dewey said. He said: This is another step in the proceedings in an unusual case. The only thing this tells us is that we'll know what the decision is soon, probably in a week or two. It could go either way. A fed-up motorist has spoke of his anger after being given a 170 fine because of an error with a parking app. Declan Hill, 57, was threatened with bailiffs and possible legal action after being unfairly slapped with the penalty notice at Grantham railway station. The teacher said he had been running late for a train to Brighton to see his family when he tried to pay for his parking using the NCP app on May 21. He was parked in the station's 'car park two' but says the app only displayed the option for 'car park three' so he chose that instead. However, the dad-of-two later received a letter stating he would be fined 20 for not paying for his 2.95 ticket on May 21. Declan Hill, 57, was threatened with bailiffs and possible legal action after being unfairly slapped with the penalty notice at Grantham railway station The teacher said he had been running late for a train to Brighton to see his family when he tried to pay for his parking using the NCP app on May 21 He was parked in Grantham Station 'car park two' but says the app only displayed the option for 'car park three' so he chose that instead After trying to appeal, he got no reply, and despite continuous efforts, he still received no contact from NCP. This led to the fine being passed onto a debt recovery service, leaving Declan with an increased 170 fine and facing possible court action. Despite feeling hard done by, Declan decided to just pay the fine instead - but was unable to do so after the app directed him to the website of a different firm. He has now spoke out over his frustration and wants to warn other drivers after spending nearly four months unsuccessfully trying to get the fine paid. Declan, of Grantham, Lincolnshire, said: 'This is outrageous and this is a disgrace. 'It's not like I was trying to steal the space and then disappear. I was just parked in the wrong place for paying. 'The link they sent me to pay for the fine took me to a website for Greater Anglia. I thought 'why is this taking me to this?'. Private car parks are increasingly common, especially at hospitals, supermarkets and garages (stock image) 'I mean how rubbish can you be? You fine somebody and then that person can't pay it. 'I wanted to speak to a human being because I was only dealing with computers. 'I am a good citizen. I have tried to pay this fine, even though I don't think I should have to, and I have tried to do the right thing. 'I am frustrated. Half of me wants it to go to court so a judge can say "why are you wasting my time?" 'It would be laughed out of court surely, I've tried to act responsibly every step of the way. 'If this was a public service there would be uproar about it being waste of taxpayer's cash. 'But because they are private and own a bit of land they seem to just think they can just ride roughshod over the little people. 'It's a disgrace I got this parking fine. I've been trying to pay for months but no one got back to me.' After his local newspaper contacted NCP, the fine was waived but Declan says nobody from the company has let him know this is the case. He added: 'So I still don't really know what is happening. The whole thing has been ridiculous.' An NCP spokesperson said: 'A PCN (parking charge notice) was issued as the customer paid for a different car park to the one he was parked in. 'Looking into this case we can see that the appeal was declined because payment for Grantham Station car park one and two is not an option on the app. 'The response sent to the customer explained that the PCN was reduced to pay an admin fee of 20. 'On this occasion, as a gesture of goodwill, we have now cancelled the PCN with immediate effect.' The cause of death for three young boys killed by their father before he hanged himself is still unknown, a coroner told an inquest hearing today. The children's father, Piotr Swiderski, died by hanging at his home in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, on August 31, the area coroner for Surrey, Simon Wickens, told the court. Dominik, three, and twins Nikodem and Kacper Swiderski, both two, were found dead near their father's body. Initial post-mortem examinations carried out on the three boys' bodies were unable to determine the cause of their deaths. 'The precise cause of death is not yet ascertained - but the pathologist has indicated that, in their view, this will be an unnatural cause of death,' Coroner Mr Wickens told the inquest opening. Piotr Swiderski (right) with his children Dominik, three, and two-year-old twins Nikodem and Kacper, pictured at Southsea Castle in Hampshire Angelika Swiderska and her husband Piotr Swiderski, who was found dead The court heard that toxicology and histology reports on the children's bodies had been ordered by the coroner. A spokesman for Surrey Police said last week the deaths of the three young boys were being investigated as murder - and they were not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation. Mr Wickens told the inquest in Woking, Surrey: 'At the request of Surrey Police, I will suspend this inquest to allow them to carry out their investigation.' The coroner heard that the children's mother, Angelika Swiderska, identified the bodies of her three sons at the home address in Staines, on the day they died, August 31. She later identified the body of her husband Piotr at St Peter's Hospital mortuary in Chertsey. The coroner added: 'I would like to offer my condolences not only to Mrs Swiderska and her family, but to all who have been touched by the lives of her loved ones, at an indeed very, very difficult time.' Polish media reported that the family had returned from a trip to Poland a week before the incident, where they had spent part of the summer in Las Winiarski, a village near Krakow. Angelika Swiderska, the boys' mother and Piotr's wife, paid tribute to her 'amazing husband' and 'happy children' last week. Piotr Swiderski with his three boys, all four of whom were found dead at home on Saturday She said: 'Piotr was an amazing husband and father to Kacper, Nikodem and Dominik. He loved us with all his heart and would have done anything for us. The children doted on their daddy. 'Our boys were happy, active children, full of life and happiness. They were always smiling and even when I looked sad, they would say: 'Mummy smile like us.' 'We are grieving for them all and would like to ask for privacy as we try to understand why this tragedy happened. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our community for all the messages of condolence, flowers, cards, and teddy bears, and for all the kind words about our family.' The inquests into the deaths of Mr Swiderski and the four boys will remain suspended for an initial period of three months, the coroner said - unless the police investigation reaches a conclusion before this date. This is the moment an ex-convict was greeted outside jail by a 200,000 Lamborghini after being freed under Labour's early prison release scheme. Around 1,700 people were let out by the controversial scheme today, with everyone eligible for release apart from violent criminals jailed for more than four years. Photographs outside HMP Pentonville in London show a group of men gathered outside a black and red Lamborghini, including one prisoner dressed in a lakers T-shirt with his hair in dreadlocks. Footage then shows the luxury vehicle driving along the street, with the prisoner understood to have been picked up by either the Lamborghini or a Bentley. The stunning car is filmed driving slowly through a pedestrian crossing and around a bend on a busy street of cars and pedestrians. Do YOU know who the ex-convict is? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk An ex-convict (second to right) was greeted outside jail by a 200,000 Lamborghini today Footage shows the luxury Lamborghini driving off after parking up outside the prison A group of men gathered outside Pentonville prison in London today The car is filmed driving slowing through a pedestrian crossing and around a bend The prisoner (pictured) is understood to have been picked up by either the Lamborghini or a Bentley The driver of the car is interviewed by reporters outside the prison today Those set free by the scheme include hardened drug dealers, violent domestic abusers and even people who have played roles in the killing of teenagers, much to the fury of their victims' loved ones. More than 5,000 are to be set loose over the next six weeks, including domestic abusers and sex offenders. Downing Street said the policy had to be brought in to avoid the police and courts becoming unable to lock anyone up because there were no places available. But chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor warned some of those released would be homeless which could increase their chances of reoffending. Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that inmates who are homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used for offenders. A watchdog also warned it was 'inevitable' some of the 1,700 prisoners being released on Tuesday from jails across England and Wales would reoffend and end up back behind bars. A Nebraska high school was placed on lockdown Tuesday morning after a gunman shot a student in the stomach before fleeing the scene. Police and helicopters were scrambled to the area at Northwest High School in Omaha, with police announcing the suspect was taken into custody approximately one hour later. Cops identified the shooting as an isolated incident between two students. The victim was described as a 15-year-old who was hospitalized in critical condition. After announcing the suspect was in custody, the Omaha Police Department said there was no longer a 'threat to the community.' The shooting unfolded at Northwest High School (pictured) in Omaha, Nebraska Police announced that they had a suspect in custody roughly one hour after the lockdown, as parents and student convened at a reunification area Authorities assured residents there was no longer a 'threat to the community' and said they considered the shooting to be an isolated incident between two students Officials said the victim was found inside the school, and early indications are that the shooting was an isolated incident between two students. Following the shooting, nearby Marian High School and Roncalli Catholic High School were also placed on lockdown. Roughly one hour after the active shooter alert sounded and the lockdowns were instated, police said they had a suspect in custody and students were slowly allowed to leave campus. A reunification area was set up at the high school's football stadium for parents to reach their children. Congressman Don Bacon took to X after the arrest, saying he was 'saddened' by the shooting and prayed 'for the student's recovery.' 'Thanks to the first responders who swiftly acted in tending to the needs of the victim and apprehending the suspect,' Bacon said. 'At this time, it is premature to say what actions should be taken as we dont know how the suspect obtained the weapon, where it happened, etc.' The incident marks the third shooting at a school across the US in less than a week, including a massacre at Apalachee High School in Georgia when 14-year-old student Colt Gray allegedly opened fire on 13 people, killing four. A family dog that went missing two years ago was finally found - hundreds of miles away from her home. The brownish-gray Pitbull, Andora, originally went missing from Pensacola, Florida. The biggest mystery of all is how she ended up in Enid, Oklahoma - 900 miles away from the sunshine state. Brenna Denmark, Andoras owner in Florida, rented a car with her family, maxed out their credit cards and drove through the night - nearly 14 hours straight - upon hearing the news that their family dog had been found safe and sound. They arrived in Enid after 1:00 in the morning. The reunion was not only exciting for the Denmarks, but for Andora as well. She was just as happy to see her family after her two-year nomadic vacation and immediately started begging for belly rubs. But Andora may never have been reunited with her family if it wasnt for her microchip. The missing dog, Andora, was found safe in Enid, Oklahoma, two years after she left her home in Pensacola, Florida - over 900 miles away Brenna Denmark, the Florida owner, rented a car with her family, maxed out their credit cards and drove 14-hours straight to Oklahoma after receiving the call that Andora was found safe and ready to return home to the sunshine state Andora was found by Enid resident, Destiny Druse, while running down a street. A friend of Druse scanned the lost dog for a microchip where they then learned her name and began the process of finding her owners Enid resident and pet groomer, Destiny Druse, made several posts to Facebook after finding Andora by her house - all in an attempt to find the owners. After running into dead-ends, the animal lover called a friend over to her house. Autumn Anderson, who is also a groomer, came over with a chip reader. They scanned the lost dog and immediately the name Andora came up. At that point, we were like, Andora, and her ears perked up like she hadnt heard her name in forever, Druse told KFOR. They knew they had her name, but no owner information was listed in the scan. Their next step was to file a found-pet report, hoping the owners would see the message. And just ten minutes later, Andoras Florida owner called. Brenna asked where her dog was located, but had never even heard of Enid. It was a shock when she realized Enid was in Oklahoma - states away from their home in Florida. The Denmarks never expected their beloved dog to be found across state lines - let alone safe in a state 900 miles away from their home in Pensacola. How Andora ended up in Oklahoma is still a mystery, but the family believes that she may have been stolen. It still remains a mystery how Andora ended up all the way across state lines to Oklahoma, but her family believes that she may have been stolen to be used for Pitbull fights After returning home, Andora ran into the house, found the dog toys and chose one to play with Andora was over-the-moon to see her family after two years apart and immediately started to beg for belly-rubs upon her return The reunion of the Denmark family to their long-lost family member would have never been possible if Andora wasn't chipped. Pets who are chipped are three times more likely to return home than those who aren't We dont live in the best neighborhood, Brenna told KFOR. Theres a lot of people that like to fight Pitbulls, so thats kind of where we thought she ended up. After two years, Andora finally made her way back home to the sunshine state with her family. Brenna added: She runs all over the place. As soon as she ran in the door, she found where we keep all the dog toys and she picked her dog toy and shes had that ever since and she slept between my bed and my daughters last night. Druse is no stranger to rescuing lost dogs. She has made several posts in a Facebook group called Enid Area chit chat where she attempts to find the owners of dogs who went missing in the Oklahoma area. She added: They wanted their baby home, thats all that mattered and I think thats just amazing. Ive never seen somebody love their dog so much. Both Anderson and Druse have shared the heart-warming story on social media, hoping to bring the community together to help the Denmarks. The Denmarks said that they have already been shown the Oklahoma spirit after roughly $400 was donated to help them cover travel expenses and future vet bills for Andora. Its really just amazing to see that people do anything because over here they really dont do that, Brenna added. But the reunion was only possible because Andora was microchipped. Microchipped pets are three times more likely to return home to their families than those without. On average, 57 per cent of chipped dogs go home, according to Human Animal Support Services. Without that, she never would have made it home, Anderson added. Now, Andora can enjoy all of the love and cuddles her family has to offer in her Florida home - safe and happy. A despised Illinois mayor threw an $85,000 party for her town, despite plunging her budget into debt and being cut off from the state for out-of-control spending. Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, 41, threw the event for the suburban Chicago town, spending $50,000 in taxpayers' money to cover 60 minutes of performances and more than $35,000 on activities, equipment and staff. 'I was flabbergasted. I was pissed off. That's my money. That's the people's money,' resident Jennifer Robertz told WGN 9. Henyard - who was recently cut off by the Illinois State Comptroller after refusing to hand over finance records - spent $30,000 on R&B artist Keke Wyatt and $20,000 on rapper J. Holiday to each perform for 30 minutes at the The Taste of Thornton Township event. The self-proclaimed 'super mayor' was seen enjoying the performances with a bright smile on her face, though images from the event show it was sparsely attended. Henyard spent an additional nearly $36,000 on a sound system, staff, equipment, comedians, and bounce houses - which cost $6,600 alone, according to WGN 9. Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, 41, threw a party for the suburban Chicago town, spending $50,000 in taxpayers' money to cover 60 minutes of performances and more than $35,000 on activities, equipment and staff Former Dolton trustee Valeria Stubbs called the event a 'flop' and said only about 70 people attended. 'She likes to use our tax dollars to promote herself,' Stubbs told WGN 9. 'She does all these events trying to buy the voters.' Resident Sherry Britton added: 'Tiffany is a narcissist. She's going to do whatever she wants to do. I feel like she knows this is over but she's going to go down kicking and screaming like an MMA fighter. It's not going to stop until they put cuffs on her.' Most of the event's contracts were signed before the township's trustees put spending controls in place, according to WGN 9. Henyard was banned from using town credit cards last month after the Illinois village board of trustees brought in measures against her. The trustees said that they will only allow the Director of Administrative Services to use the town's credit card for 'board-approved purchases.' Henyard spent $30,000 on R&B artist Keke Wyatt (pictured at event) and $20,000 on rapper J. Holiday to each perform for 30 minutes Henyard spent an additional nearly $36,000 on a sound system, staff, equipment, comedians, and bounce houses (pictured) - which cost $6,600 alone The high-rolling mayor, who earns $300,000 for her public duties, has spent thousands more on first-class trips, a professional hair and makeup team, and a security detail. Henyard is also under a federal investigation for overspending. Just a year after she took office in April 2022, Dolton had a $5.6million budget surplus. But last month, a probe by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot uncovered a $3.6million deficit in the town's budget, which emerged under Henyard's tenure. Henyard is said to have racked up eye-watering costs, including $40,00 spent on Amazon in a single day. Henyard was banned from using Dolton village credit cards last month after the Illinois village board of trustees brought in measures against her. However, most of the event's contracts were signed before township trustees put spending controls in place The Illinois State Comptroller has cut state payments to the town that were on pace to total $135,000, according to the Chicago Tribune. Earlier this year, Henyard was slapped with a lawsuit by a former employee who said he was fired for not going along with one of her schemes. Dwayne Thrash, 63, a former maintenance manager, alleged in June that a close ally of the mayor approached him in 2023 with a plan to replace the school board's attorney with a law firm he proposed. After Thrash decided to not support the alleged scheme, he was abruptly fired - while on approved vacation - for 'unsatisfactory work performance' and 'insubordination,' the lawsuit claimed. A man who emailed Labour MP Jess Phillips saying 'hell is real, and you will burn' has been jailed. Nabil Arif, 36, sent Ms Phillips abusive messages relating to the war between Israel and Hamas between October 13 2023 and February 20 this year. In a victim impact statement read out to the court, Ms Phillips expressed fear that Arif's aggression towards her might escalate and potentially lead to her coming to physical harm at his hands. The MP for Birmingham Yardley since 2015 said his actions had changed her life 'immeasurably' and 'limited my freedom and my ability to do my job closely with the public as I used to do'. The final email, which prompted her to report Arif to the police, was sent on February 20 and called her 'pathetic', adding that she would 'burn until her skin is no more'. Jess Phillips expressed fear that Nabil Arif's aggression towards her might escalate and potentially lead to her coming to physical harm at his hands The abusive messages by Arif, 36, related to the war between Israel and Hamas between October 13 2023 and February 20 this year. Pictured: Central Gaza on September 10 Arif, from Birmingham, was sentenced on Monday at Birmingham Magistrates' Court to 12 weeks in custody and was also made subject to a restraining order barring him from contacting the MP until further notice. He was convicted of sending, by public communication network, an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message or matter following a trial at the same court on July 29. Richard Purchase of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Members of Parliament have a right to perform their duties and represent their constituents without being subjected to derogatory messages that cause alarm and distress. 'It is clear that Nabil Arif's behaviour escalated from the initial emails, leading Ms Phillips to fear for her safety. 'The CPS acted promptly to secure a conviction against Arif to prevent further offending. 'I hope this case serves as a reminder that we take offences like these seriously and are committed to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.' This case comes after Ms Phillips has faced an onslaught of abuse and intimidation from pro-Palestine activists since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Ms Phillips was booed after she won her seat at the general election on July 4 after being closely run by Jody McIntyre, a pro-Gaza independent. The Returning Officer (right) tried to calm them down before she asked for them to be thrown out The crowd filming and heckling Ms Phillips at the count following the general election She was run close by her pro-Palestine rival Jody McIntyre (pictured waving) The abuse has come despite Ms Phillips being the most high-profile Labour MP to resign from the frontbench in November to back an SNP motion calling for a ceasefire. Her seat in Birmingham Yardley has a high percentage of Muslims and pro-Palestine supporters who pushed her to do more on the issue. After re-winning her seat she said in her victory speech the campaign had been 'pretty gruesome' and that it was 'the worst election I have ever stood in' - only to be drowned out by boos and chants of 'Free Palestine'. It sparked a furious response from Ms Phillips, who yelled back from the stage: 'I understand that a strong woman standing up to you is met with such reticence' before pointing at them and saying: 'Can you throw them out?' The politician, who narrowly clung onto her seat beating a pro-Palestine independent by just 693, said one of her volunteers had been 'screamed at by a much older man' while campaigning and had her tyres slashed. Jess thanked West Midlands Police for their response to the 'aggression that we have suffered' during the six-week campaign The Labour MP only beat independent rival Jody McIntyre by around 700 votes She also declined the help from the family of murdered MP Jo Cox due to the spike in violence during the six-week campaign. She also thanked West Midlands Police for their response to the 'aggression that we have suffered' during the six-week campaign. Due to the ugliness between the candidates leading up to the election, Ms Phillips even decided for her children to stay at home as she secured victory once again, after first being elected in 2015. She added: 'I didn't bring my children here tonight, because I knew this would happen and they deserve better. 'It's been pretty gruelling here, I'm afraid to say some of my opponents did not reflect at all the manner in which some of my constituents behaved which was with decorum and class.' The general election saw five new independent Pro-Gaza MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, win their seats after campaigning on a Free Palestine mandate. When asked about the incident on LBC after the shocking scenes, Ms Phillips was still visibly angry about the 'aggression' she had suffered after the vote count and during canvassing. When asked about the incident on LBC after the shocking scenes, Ms Phillips was still visibly angry about the 'aggression' she had suffered after the vote count and during canvassing She told the programme: 'These people were standing on a platform of helping the people of Gaza. It's too simple to say it was sectarian. People are desperate for me to announce that the people who were shouting at me and barracking me were Muslim men. 'The fact they were men is actually quite significant to me. The fact that they were Muslim is not significant because there are Muslim people in my constituency who didn't behave like this. 'These people were idiots. They didn't do it because they were Muslim, they did it because they were idiots and they wanted something for themselves and they used a terrible tragedy to get that.' The MP went on to add that those taking such a strong stance against her - resorting to aggression at times - were doing so to 'drive content' on social media apps, such as TikTok. 'Everything was about driving content so these people weren't ashamed of the way they were behaving they were doing it, then filming themselves and putting it on the internet,' Ms Phillips added. 'When Sadiq Khan came, men wearing masks shouting - I won't say what they are saying because it's a family show - shouting stuff about Sadiq Khan's mother and they are not ashamed. They are putting it on the internet to incite other people to do the same.' Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was eviscerated at a fiery congressional hearing examining his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cuomo was grilled over his directive to nursing homes forcing them to admit Covid-positive patients, which Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor-Greene branded 'murder'. The ex-Governor repeated his previous arguments that his guidance was based on federal guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But Taylor-Greene was among the panel members who rejected his explanation in an explosive rant on Tuesday. 'You signed the directive to put Covid-19 patients into nursing homes on March 25 which led to the murdering of people's parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Yes, murdering them,' Taylor-Greene fumed. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was eviscerated at a fiery congressional hearing examining his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic She accused Cuomo of dismissing high nursing home deaths as a 'conspiracy theory' and invited him to turn around to apologize to victims' families in the audience. However, Cuomo emphatically stated he had 'never said that' multiple times. New York Rep Elise Stefanik also accused Cuomo of manipulating the data to deflate the number of nursing home fatalities. Cuomo, 'ordered, directed and executed this deadly executive order counter to CDC guidance,' Stefanik said. 'The disgraced former governor and his aides were caught covering up their vulnerability and guilt.' The chaotic exchange saw Stefanik and Cuomo talking over one another with Stefanik clashing over his 'multi-million dollar advance' for his memoir on pandemic leadership. 'There's a reason you are the former governor of New York,' Stefanik raged. 'You will never hold elected office again.' Her words prompted an outbreak of applause which saw Republican chairman Brad Wenstrup remind the hearing of the need for proper decorum. Marjorie Taylor-Greene likened Cuomo's actions to 'murder' at the hearing on Tuesday But Wenstrup also took aim at Cuomo, accusing him of 'threatening' the GOP-led panel. He said the panel had been threatened 'twice' - once by Cuomo and another time by the Chinese Communist Party for looking into the origins of Covid-19. 'We have not and will not bow to these threats,' the chairman told the congressional hearing on Tuesday. 'I certainly hope you did not approve of these tactics.' He went on to slam the former governor over his health team's directive, which he said stood for several weeks after Cuomo became aware of it. 'You own this. It's your name on the letterhead. It's your directive,' Wenstrup said. 'The buck stops with you or at least it should.' Subcommittee ranking member Raul Ruiz (D-California) also said in his opening remarks that Cuomo had 'misrepresented' nursing home fatality data. New York Rep Elise Stefanik was among the panel members who rejected his justification for issuing a directive mandating nursing homes into accepting Covid-19 patients 'Did you direct your staff to make the number of nursing home-related fatalities lower than the actual? Ruiz asked. 'No. We said these are the numbers without the out of facility death numbers which we will add when they are accurate, which will reduce the hospital death number but the total death stays the same,' Cuomo said. 'It was an allocation questions, do you allocate to the nursing home or do you allocate to the hospital.' Cuomo, 66, has previously testified behind closed doors in June during a session in which Wenstrup accused him of being 'shockingly callous' about the estimated 15,000 nursing home deaths in New York City. He repeated claims that during the hearing, Cuomo responded 'who cares' when discussing the data on deaths. Cuomo has tried to frame the congressional hearing as a MAGA-fronted smear campaign and blamed Donald Trump for poor leadership during the crisis. Chairman Brad Wenstrup encouraged Cuomo to 'own' the directive 'This Republican run committee repeats the Trump lies and deception,' Cuomo said on Tuesday. 'The report does not deny that it was actually the Trump administration that first said in early March that Covid positive people could go from hospitals to nursing homes even if they were still infectious. That was your ruling.' He claimed the report found 'no causality' between the policy and Covid deaths in nursing homes, stating that studies showed Covid entered the facilities via community transmission from staff and visitors. 'Most Republican states actually had a higher death in nursing rate in 2020,' Cuomo added. 'These are all diversions to blame New York and other states for the culpability of the federal response which was malpractice. 'It was the Covid hunger games, the federal government was nowhere to be found.' In questioning, Wenstrup sought to get Cuomo to admit that federal advice on nursing home policy which the governor claimed was the basis of his own, was 'permissive' rather than 'prescriptive'. He pointed to CMS' Dr Deborah Birx previous testimony that the directive 'violated' federal guidelines. But Cuomo accused him of misleading Birx on the matter. Subcommittee ranking member Raul Ruiz (D-California) also said in his opening remarks that Cuomo had 'misrepresented' nursing home fatality data Congressman James Comer said Cuomo 'failed to follow the facts' and he should have 'admitted error'. Meanwhile Iowa Rep Marianette Miller-Meeks told the hearing she had hoped to see a 'less defensive' Cuomo who was more remorseful about what went on in New York but that was not the case. She skewered Cuomo's argument that Covid entered nursing homes through employees. 'How in the hell would you know, if you prohibited testing?' Miller-Meeks scoffed. Her scathing remarks went virtually unanswered by Cuomo before chairman Wenstrup moved on, prompting outrage from Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin. Raskin demanded to know if Cuomo would be allowed to answer the questions posed to him, but was dismissed by Wenstrup during another heated exchange. Devastated pensioners have revealed their fears after Labour voted to cut winter fuel payments for millions - with one claiming it will leave her 'working until I die'. Labour was today cleared to scrap the annual payment for more than nine million pensioners despite Sir Keir Starmer suffering a Commons revolt. Dawn Matthews, 68, of Hampshire, works from home for 18 hours a week in an administrative job for the NHS. Due to her salary, she has missed out on being eligible for the Government's pensioner's winter fuel tax payment by less than 3. 'I am almost 69 and I have to continue to work literally just to live. I really wish I could retire - but I think I will be working until I die,' she told the BBC. Ms Matthews added that the government's cuts will leave her to 'sit in the cold' of her house - even though cancer has left her with a weakened immune system. Dawn Matthews, 68, (pictured) fears the scrapped payment will leave her with a freezing cold home Denise Mardell said she is losing out on 'hundreds of pounds' because of the cut payment Other pensioners have also told how the scrapped payment will leave them in freezing homes. Sandra, 66, of Durham, told how she had just 4 left in her account, and had to borrow money from a relative to pay the bills. Planning how she will stay warm, she said: 'My local library is open a couple of days a week, so I'll go there.' Labour was cleared to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners today the Prime Minister suffering a Commons revolt. The Government defeated an attempt to stop it making the handout means-tested to save money by 348 to 228 to this afternoon. Just one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, voted with the opposition, but the Government's majority still fell to 120 from its theoretical strength of 167 thanks to 50 more who abstained. Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been highlighting the prospect of a hike to offset the loss of up to 300 from the winter fuel allowance The leadership had threatened to suspend the whip from rebels, and seven are already out in the cold following a previous protest over the two-child benefit cap. The result - which drew shouts of 'shame' in the chamber - came after a bruising debate, with warnings that panicking old people are planning to ride buses all day and go to bed at 5pm to stay warm. Earlier, pensions minister Emma Reynolds risked stoking the row by insisting there are 'plenty of very wealthy pensioners' who do not need the handouts - which can be up to 300. Kicking off the debate in the Commons, shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said Sir Keir's promises of 'integrity' had 'gone out the window' and urged Labour MPs to 'look to your conscience'. 'Broken promises already, that special contract that they sought to have with the British people based on integrity and decency smashed into a million pieces,' he said. A Democratic lawmaker had a full-fledged meltdown during a congressional hearing Tuesday because a Republican had posted an AI-generated meme about Donald Trump. 'What in the hell is this!' Rep. Eric Swalwell decried while pointing to a printed out meme posted by the Republican House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. The AI-generated image showed Trump cuddling a kitten and duck in his arms while wading through a pool of chest-high water. Donald Trump's supporters flooded social media with AI-generated images of the ex-president snuggling cute kittens and darling ducks after an Ohio man made wild and unsubstantiated claims that illegal migrants from Haiti are eating wild birds. 'My God, are you OK, Mr. Chairman?' Swalwell continued emphatically. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) reacts to a committee's tweet utilizing A.I. generated imagery of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Southern Your browser does not support iframes. Responding to the bizarre report of migrants eating animals in Ohio, MAGA-aligned social media users flooded X with images of the ex-president acting as a protector and guardian of the beloved animals on Monday. Complaints of migrants hunting and eating ducks originally came from a Springfield, Ohio, resident who testified to seeing such activity during a public meeting in recent weeks. Then the Judiciary X account joined in on the trend, posting its own AI image. 'The chairman tweets 'protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio' because he goes down some crazy rabbit hole, completely debunked that aliens are eating pets,' the California Democrat went on. 'Because last year for a very long time you tweeted and promoted Kanye West as he was calling for genocide against the Jews and you kept it up,' he charged. 'I don't know why you'd do this. I hope you are OK,' Swalwell said addressing Jordan. 'I don't know if the aliens who are eating your ducks are in the room with us right now, but Mr. Chairman, this is a serious issue.' AI-generated image shows Trump as a special operator protecting the cute animals Another AI image shows him with his furry and feathered friends aboard a private jet The former president's campaign seized on the viral moment too, fanning the flames of the odd trend Monday evening. 'President Trump will deport migrants who eat pets,' Trump's campaign wrote on X. 'Kamala Harris will send them to your town next. Make your choice, America.' Trump's vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, sought to clear the air on the controversy behind the alleged cat and duck dinners on Tuesday after originally writing that pets were indeed being eaten. 'In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants,' Vance wrote on X. 'It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false,' his statement continued. An AI-generated image shows a fictitious Donald Trump acting as a guardian to a cat and duck after reports emerged indicating the two species were being eaten by migrants in Ohio. Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance called into question Kamala Harris's handling of U.S. immigration while mentioning the accounts on his social media on Monday The tweet seemed to directly address another one of Vance's X posts from the night before. 'Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,' Vance posted on X Monday alongside a video of him previously speaking about the crisis facing the town. 'Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country,' he added mentioning the grisly accounts. 'Where is our border czar?' the post continued. In the attached video Vance reads a document describing how the town is managing the Haitian migrant population. 'Springfield has seen a surge in population through immigration that has significantly impacted our ability as a community to produce enough housing opportunities for all,' the Republican read at a Senate hearing. 'Springfield's Haitian community has increased 15,000 to 20,00 over the last four years in a community of under 60,00 previous residents.' Another AI-generated image shows Trump holding a cat and a duck at a campaign rally Another AI image shows the former president wielding a sword and armor behind his animal friends Another picture shows Trump rescuing a chubby cat from a fire 'Cats lives matter. Ducks lives matter. Vote for Trump to save them,' one user on X posted alongside an image with Trump holding a duck and cat while draped in a red cape. 'Todays finds in a certain political corner of X: memes of Trump saving cats and ducks from Haitian migrants,' conservative commentator Marina Medvin posted on X. 'I normally find Trump memes annoying but these are well done,' her post continued. Another user on the platform posted an AI-generated image of Trump sporting armor and a sword: 'Don't worry, America. Donald Trump is coming to end Kamala's border policies and defend your cats and ducks.' But not all the AI-generated creations went to plan. One image did not go to plan and showed duck-like animals with cat-like heads One user even generated a cat wearing a MAGA hat 'I asked AI to make a picture of Trump saving the kittens and ducks and this is what I got,' a user posted alongside an image showing duck-like animals with the heads of cats.' 'Safe to say we still got some time before AI takes over,' they added. A Springfield, Ohio , resident has claimed that Haitian migrants have been decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them. The viral posts started after a Springfield, Ohio, resident claimed to have seen Haitian migrants decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them. The Ohio man stood up to address the issue during a city commission meeting last month to address the influx of legal Haitian immigrants. 'I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something,' he told the meeting. 'These Haitians are running into trash cans, running into buildings... they're flipping cars in the middle of the streets...' Reports of migrants eating animals like ducks remain unconfirmed. 'In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, the City of Springfield told DailyMail.com in a statement on Monday. The man added: 'They're in the park, grabbing up ducks by their neck, and cutting their head off and walking off with them. They're eating them.' To rally more than 2.8 billion Chinese, African people into powerful force that drives the two sides' modernization 15:49, September 10, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping recently attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing and delivered a keynote speech. He proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Establishing strategic partnerships with all the 53 African countries having diplomatic ties with China and elevating the overall characterization of China-Africa relations to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era are important outcomes achieved by the summit. It will rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force that drives the two sides' modernization. The solid bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China are the foundation for China-Africa friendship. Before the summit, China has established partnerships with more than 20 African countries in different forms. During the summit, Xi held bilateral meetings with African heads of state and government leaders, engaging in in-depth discussions on major strategic issues. China forged or elevated strategic partnership with 30 countries. African leaders gave high evaluation on China. Some said China is "a great example of a partner that gives you a hand, so you can achieve your own dreams." Some said China represents hope and the future, and that only by deepening cooperation with China can an African country achieve national development. Some said for Africa, China represents the future and is a brother. This proves that China and its 53 African strategic partners, standing shoulder to shoulder, will play a greater role in improving the well-being of the Chinese and African people, and safeguarding world peace and stability. The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations. Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides, the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. Over the past 24 years since the inception of the FOCAC, especially in the new era, China has advanced forward hand in hand with its African brothers and sisters in the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. The two sides stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly defend their legitimate rights and interests as once-in-a-century changes sweep across the world. They get stronger and more resilient together by riding the tide of economic globalization, delivering tangible benefits to billions of ordinary Chinese and Africans. They share weal and woe in fighting natural disasters and epidemics together, creating touching stories of China-Africa friendship. They always empathize with and support each other, setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations. From a new type of partnership to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, and to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era, the China-Africa relationship has kept reaching new heights, with clearer characterization and greater substance. This progress demonstrates the firm resolve of the over 2.8 billion Chinese and African people to share weal and woe and march forward hand in hand amid once-in-a-century transformation of the world. The world today is living through accelerating changes unseen in a century, which confronts humanity with unprecedented challenges. The more complex the international situation becomes, the more the Global South countries must uphold independence, strengthen unity and cooperation, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. During the summit, 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, defend the common interests of developing countries, and promote international fairness and justice. The two sides agreed to 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. The two sides agreed to break small yard with high fences, reject discrimination and bias, correct historical injustice, and bring the benefit of modernization to all people. The unanimous voice for peace and development made by Chinese and African leaders has become another milestone of China-Africa relations and another example of Global South cooperation. The voice of justice made by China and Africa for the Global South, and their efforts to make global governance more just and equitable are conducive to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and will inject more stability and positive energy into the world. The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in their traditional friendship, thrives on the strength of win-win cooperation, and grows in step with the times. Facing the future, China and Africa will always uphold the everlasting spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, walk hand in hand on the path to modernization, jointly build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Incredible footage shows the moment a helicopter crashed in Brazil on Monday, leaving two pilots dead and the aircraft owner fighting for his life. The helicopter was performing a flight test after undergoing maintenance and was flying from Oscar Laranjeiras Airport in Caruaru, Pernambuco to the rural town of Guabiraba, also located in Pernambuco. A surveillance camera showed the aircraft flying at a low altitude when it suddenly began to dive and made contact with the ground in a forest and began to burst in flames. The bodies of pilots Andre Ferreira and Raildo Rodrigues were found charred, the Caruaru Health Department said in a statement. The helicopter took off from Oscar Laranjeiras Airport in Caruaru, Pernambuco and was traveling to to the rural town of Guabiraba, also located in Pernambuco when it crashed with three people on board. Two pilots were killed while the owner survived Henrique Santos is the owner of the helicopter that crashed during a flight test in Caruaru, Brazil on Monday Businessman, 41-year-old Henrique Santos, was rushed to Santa Efigenia Hospital, where he received treatment for burns to 90 percent of his body. Santos was intubated and placed in an induced comma, his wife Drycka Cunha said on social medal. He has been treated for pneumonia due to the inhalation of smoke. His friend, lawyer Geraldo Santos, told Folha de Pernambuco newspaper that he jumped and landed in bushes just moments before the helicopter crashed. 'There is a video that we believe was the moment he jumped. I think he must have been about 10 meters (32 feet) high,' Geraldo Santos said. DailyMail.com reviewed footage of the crash, but it was difficult to determine if Henrique Santos had leaped from the helicopter. Separate video footage showed the aircraft covered in flames while Henrique Santos, whose burns were visible, was standing near the debris and talking to residents, who rushed to render assistance before first responders arrived on the scene 'He is taking a cocktail of antibiotics due to the infection from the burns,' Geraldo Santos said. 'Tomorrow he will undergo new surgery to remove some of the burned parts and clean them.' Pilot Raido Rodrigues was one of the two people who were killed in the helicopter crash in Caruaru, Brazil on Caruaru Andre Gomes Ferreira was one of the two pilots who were killed in the helicopter crash Investigators were dispatched Tuesday to Caruaru to collect data Doctors will then determine if Henrique Santos, who owns a livestock farm and an online store that sells wild and exotic pets, will be transferred to a medical facility in his hometown of Recife, the capital of Pernambuco. Pernambuco Military Fire Department Mayor Andre Pereira told TV Asa Branca that the fire was controlled within 20 minutes of their arrival. The National Civil Aviation Agency dispatched investigators from the Second Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents to investigate the crash site on Tuesday and recover data. 'Specific techniques are used in Data Collection, conducted by qualified and accredited personnel who collect and confirm data, preserve the elements, perform the initial verification of damage caused to the aircraft, or by the aircraft, and collect other information necessary for the investigation,' the Brazilian Air Force said in a statement. A glamorous woman considered the 'ringleader' of Antifa in Portland will spend two weeks in jail and the next three years on supervised probation for her role in a riot. Alissa Azar, 33, learned her fate at the Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon on Monday, three weeks after a jury found her guilty of felony riot and disorderly conduct. Judge Todd L. Van Rysselberghe slammed Azar for 'misusing a park to clash with fascists, placing innocent people at risk.' The clash was against the Proud Boys, a group of far-right fascists who promote and engage in political violence. A glamorous woman considered the 'ringleader' of Antifa in Portland will spend two weeks in jail and the next three years on supervised probation for her role in a riot Azar was handcuffed and taken into custody immediately after the sentence was handed down Azar was handcuffed and taken into custody immediately after the sentence was handed down Alissa Azar, 33, learned her fate at the Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon on Monday, three weeks after a jury found her guilty of felony riot and disorderly conduct for her involvement in a riot against the Proud Boys on June 18, 2021 Judge Todd L. Van Rysselberghe slammed Azar for 'misusing a park to clash with fascists, placing innocent people at risk' The judge drew comparisons between Azar and the Proud Boys, noting both parties 'demonstrated no empathy for the innocent people who were at the park on June 18, 2021.' He said: 'Ms. Azar continued to deny being a participant in the riot and acknowledged only that she played a minor role in the incident.' Azar was cuffed and taken into custody as soon as her sentence was handed down. She will serve her sentence at the Clackamas County Jail, the Post Millennial reported. Upon her release, Azar will be under a supervised probation order for three years, during which time she will be subject to GPS monitoring. The clash was against the Proud Boys, a group of far-right fascists who promote and engage in political violence The judge drew comparisons between Azar and the Proud Boys, noting both parties 'demonstrated no empathy for the innocent people who were at the park on June 18, 2021' Azar describes herself as a journalist and antifascist on her social media platforms. Following her incarceration, her Instagram page was taken over by an unnamed friend, who described the sentence as 'an absolutely harrowing act of political repression with the intent to silence her voice.' 'It is not a crime to be antifascist.' The anonymous friend claimed Azar will face special terms during her probation which 'takes away her ability to wear a protective vest as many journalists covering conflicts do.' The friend is now asking for donations to keep Azar's commissary stocked. Azar describes herself as a journalist and antifascist on her social media platforms Antifa clashed with Proud Boys during a protest in downtown Portland, Oregon According to Oregon Live , Azar deployed mace spray twice during the brawl. Pictures capture protesters spraying each other with mace Azar has been arrested several times over unrelated matters, including a 2024 pro-Gaza protest. During the court proceedings, Azar's lawyer Lauren Regan said she has no intention of giving up her 'career in journalism.' According to Oregon Live, Azar deployed mace spray twice during the brawl. At the time of the incident, witnesses described the scene of the brawl as 'giant medieval clashes.' Dramatic pictures show warring groups attacking one another using mace spray and weapons. An American flag was set alight during the brawl. Reporter Zane Sparling told KOIN 6 news it was 'Civil War 2.0.' 'This was open warfare between the left-wing Antifa and the right-wing Proud Boys.' Scotlands shameful alcohol deaths toll was laid bare yesterday after the number rose to a 15-year high. Fatalities have increased for the fourth year in a row, despite the SNPs minimum pricing policy coming into effect in 2018. Figures published by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) showed 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded last year an average of more than three per day. This is the highest number of deaths directly caused by misuse of alcohol in a single year in Scotland since 2008, when 1,316 were recorded. Last night Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: Alcohol deaths remain disgracefully high on the SNPs watch and continue to be at their highest level in 15 years. Scotland's relationship with alcohol remains unhealthy with 1,277 'alcohol-specific' deaths in 2023 Behind these heartbreaking figures are 1,277 families across Scotland grieving the loss of a loved one due to alcohol, and my thoughts are with them. The level of deaths is utterly horrifying and shameful for an SNP Government who insist they are progressive; it is our most deprived communities that continue to be hit the hardest by their failings. The figures were released ahead of Scotlands minimum unit pricing increasing from 50p per unit to 65p per unit from September 30. Dr Peter Rice, chairman of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems set up by the Medical Royal Colleges in Scotland - suggested that all 1,277 deaths, up by one from 2022, could have been prevented. Calling for greater action to tackle the problem by both the UK and Scottish Governments, he said: Scotlands approach to reducing alcohol harm has had success in reducing alcohol deaths in the past, including with the introduction of minimum unit price in 2018. However, to be successful, policy needs to be sustained and progressive. Lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic changed drinking patterns globally leading to an increase in harm and action needs to be stepped up to reverse this. In the face of the ongoing public health emergency that 2023s deaths represent, we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to take urgent action. Of the total number of deaths, 861 or 67 per cent were men. Alcohol-specific deaths were found to be 4.5 times higher in the countrys most deprived areas than in the least deprived areas, with higher than average mortality rates in Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee. The statistics show Scotland continues to have the highest alcohol death rates in the UK, with 22.7 deaths per 100,000 people last year slightly up on the rate of 22.6 in 2022. Phillipa Haxton of NRS said alcohol-specific deaths had peaked in 2006 and generally fallen until 2012, when the rate started to rise again. The number of deaths from alcohol has increased sharply across the UK since 2020, with repeated Covid lockdowns blamed. Finance Secretary Shona Robison previously supported a rise in minimum pricing despite admitting it was not a magic bullet. Last night Scottish Labour health spokesman Carol Mochan said: Every single one of these deaths is a travesty and the scale of this crisis is a national scandal. All alcohol and drug deaths are preventable and the number of lives being cut tragically short shames this SNP Government. Billy Henderson of the Abbeycare Group, which runs a specialist rehab service in Erskine, Renfrewshire, said: Its heartbreaking that three people are losing their lives every single day in Scotland specifically because of alcohol, and that the death toll is showing no sign of falling. Our staff see first-hand the terrible impact that excessive alcohol consumption can cause, not just on peoples health but on their families, careers and wider relationships. Louise Stewart, a director at drugs and alcohol charity WithYou, suggested that money raised from minimum unit pricing should be directed towards alcohol support services. The Scottish Government is warned that without urgent action, the death toll will only get worse She said: The Scottish Government must pursue alcohol-specific deaths with much greater urgency, determination and innovation. Minimum unit pricing is often held up as an example of forward-thinking policy-making because we were the first country in the world to introduce this measure. But it could and should work much harder. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said the Scottish Government had provided 112million to alcohol and drug partnerships for treatment and support this year. She said: My sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol. The Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency. SNP ministers have not been honest about their mishandling of taxpayers money, Sir Keir Starmer has said. In a stinging attack, the Prime Minister contrasted Labours frank assessment of the public finances with the SNPs denial that it was at fault. He said: Theyve been in power for 17 years. Theyre desperately flailing around, trying to blame a government of eight weeks for mistakes that theyve made. Last week, SNP finance secretary Shona Robison announced an emergency 500million cuts package to balance her budget for 2024/25. She also said she was willing to drain the last 660million from the one-off ScotWind renewable energy fund if necessary. It was the third emergency scheme to balance the books in as many years. She blamed Westminster austerity for the cuts, which included a U-turn on a universal devolved winter fuel payment and ditching universal free meals for primary pupils. The Prime Minister is in no doubt who's to blame for Holyrood's budget crisis Sir Keir Starmer says SNP 's 17 years in power has little to show However the Scottish Fiscal Commission, the independent watchdog on Holyroods budget, said much of the responsibility lay with the SNP Government itself. It cited SNP ministers agreeing to public sector pay rises almost double the 3 per cent they planned for, a 210 million council tax freeze, and spending 1.1billion more on generous devolved benefits that Holyrood receives from the Treasury to cover them. Speaking to the Scottish Parliamentary Journalists Association in Downing Street, Sir Keir said: We are being honest about the inheritance that weve got. Were not walking past the mess that the Tories have left for us - particularly the 22billion, which I can tell you, on top of everything else, is very, very challenging, because we knew it would be challenging. Therefore were taking the tough decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. I think its time the SNP were honest about the mess that they actually made for themselves. Theyve been in power for 17 years. Theyre desperately flailing around, trying to blame a government of eight weeks for mistakes that theyve made. You saw this from the Scottish Fiscal Commission, about the responsibility the SNP have for their own finances. So just as were being honest about our inheritance and honest about the difficult decisions weve made, its time the SNP were honest about the financial mess, which is of their own making over the last 17 years. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently accused the SNP of being as guilty as the last Conservative government of squandering public money. Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: The SNP Government has delivered a balanced budget in every year that we have been in office, and we will continue to do so. I am proud to serve in a government which is investing to lift children in Scotland out of poverty, and is ensuring our police, our nurses and our teachers are the best-paid in the UK. Westminster austerity is unsustainable and is having a huge impact on public services and living standards - once upon a time Labour agreed with the SNP on this fact. For months, Labour refused to be honest with voters that their spending plans would lead to billions of pounds of cuts to public services - despite repeated warnings from the SNP. Now, following the Chancellors announcement of 22billion of cuts, Scotland faces the most challenging financial situation in the history of the reconvened Scottish Parliament. A furious Alex Salmond yesterday accused the BBC of venomous and institutional bias following a documentary about the history of the SNP. The former first minister, who had agreed to be interviewed for the two-part documentary, hit out at the broadcaster after he was criticised by former colleagues. Former friends and colleagues Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf both accused Mr Salmond of unacceptable behaviour during his time as leader of the party. They said he was guilty of an abuse of power during his leadership and was known to have angry outbursts towards those below him. But a humiliated Mr Salmond yesterday took to social media to blast his critics, aiming most of his ire at the BBC. Alex Salmond has blasted the BBC after they aired the documentary In his online rant, he complained that the documentary, Salmond and Sturgeon - A Troubled Union, had attempted to portray history as a psycho drama. But BBC bosses say the programme aimed to provide an in-depth look at the SNPs past over the last three decades from a range of different people. A clearly upset Mr Salmond urged viewers to switch off even before the first episode was broadcast on television last night (Tue). After the second part of the documentary went live on BBC iPlayer, the Alba Party leader went on X to say hed been invited to take part in a blue chip history of the rise of the SNP by Firecrest Films for the BBC. But he told his followers: For any independence supporter to trust a single word the BBC, or associated organisation, say is one of the great mistakes in life. He accused the broadcaster of venomous and institutional bias against Scottish independence and added: I should have smelled a rat immediately, instead of believing the assurances that they willingly gave, that they were intent on making serious programming. His comments came just hours after the second episode became available on the on-demand service calling the programme a soap opera history. It featured Ms Sturgeon talking about how her former boss would get out of control and was difficult to work alongside. The pairs relationship broke down when he faced harassment allegations from his time as First Minister and the subsequent Holyrood inquiry into the way the Scottish Government handled the complaints. The documentary features Nicola Sturgeon and others criticising the former SNP leader Mr Salmond, who was cleared of all charges after a criminal trial, said: The first episode, starting 1987 offered some hope, but the urge to portray history as a psycho drama between me and Nicola Sturgeon meant that major figures such as Winnie Ewing, Jim Sillars, Alex Neil, and Margo MacDonald were written out to allow others to be written in. He went on to say: The second episode plumbed new depths even for the BBC-soap opera history. In this parody, half built ferries, bottle schemes, self-ID law, male rapists in female prisons and blue tents outside houses do not rate even a sole mention in explaining the decline of the Party. Instead, a collection of SNP loyalists (and Liz Lloyd) who are the same people jointly and severally liable for the Partys recent reverses, are paraded. The case for reality is left to the redoubtable Kenny MacAskill. My advice, turn it off after the first episode which at least has some interesting old footage. But Mr Salmonds criticism was not only reserved for the BBC. He also blasted Ms Sturgeons successor Humza Yousaf, who in the programme accused him of abusing his power in office. In response, Mr Salmond said: And what can be said about poor Humza the brief, the new self-appointed authority on personal conduct and morality? In a programme which was supposed to be about the history of the rise of the SNP, a party defined by towering figures like Winnie Ewing and Neil MacCormick, Humza Yousaf confirms himself as an unfortunate footnote. In his quest for relevance, he is reduced to smears. I am comfortable with my contribution as First Minister to advancing Scotlands interests and the cause of independence. I doubt Humza can say the same, nor that it will be said of him. A BBC spokesperson said: The series provides an in-depth look at the recent history of the SNP from 1987 to 2023 and includes a broad range of contributors who share their insights. The two-part series is being aired on BBC iPlayer, with the second episode also due to be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Wednesday night. Actress Shailene Woodley defended the Trumps and slammed the liberal elite over their wishes the assassination attempted against the former president went as planned. Woodley, 32, shared the first page of the letter Melania Trump's posted online after her husband, Donald Trump, was nearly assassinated at a rally in Pennsylvania because the actress thought it was a 'beautiful message of human compassion.' 'I only posted the first page of it, because the second page was more political,' she told Bustle. 'The first page was very much like, "Look, underneath the political mask is a man, a grandpa, who comes home to his children, his grandchildren, and plays music. The man underneath that mask is my husband."' The actress quickly received backlash for going against the Democratic grain of Hollywood, but she's more disgusted with how liberals around her reacted to Trump surviving. 'I was in circles of people that I deeply respect - friends, colleagues, progressive, very intelligent thinkers, shakers and movers- and many of them were saying, "He missed! F**king assassin missed! Maybe it was a setup. Maybe it was a conspiracy." I was going: "Have we forgotten that two human lives were taken?"' Shailene Woodley shared the first page of the letter Melania Trump posted after the assassination attempt because the actress thought it was a 'beautiful message of human compassion' 'I only posted the first page of it, because the second page was more political,' Woodley said. 'The first page was very much like, "Look, underneath the political mask is a man, a grandpa, who comes home to his children, his grandchildren, and plays music. The man underneath that mask is my husband"' (pictured: Donald Trump after assassination attempt) 'Two people died. That is sad. That is devastating. I could not understand how people were speaking about something with such passion for death.' The gunman, Thomas Michael Crooks, and a former fire chief were killed at the rally that left the 45th president with a bloodied ear, although he insists he does not have any PTSD from the event. In the letter, Melania wrote how Crooks tried to 'ring out Donald's passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration.' 'The core facets of my husband's life - his human side - were buried below the political machine... Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love.' The actress quickly got backlash for going against the Democratic grain of Hollywood, but she's more disgusted with how the liberals around her reacted to Trump surviving 'Two people died. That is sad. That is devastating. I could not understand how people were speaking about something with such passion for death,' Woodley said. Gunman Thomas Michael Crooks (pictured) and a former fire chief died at the rally Although Woodley has not endorsed Trump or Kamala Harris for president ahead of the 2024 election this November, she did speak to caring about politics and embracing friends with differing opinions. In 2016, the Big Little Lies actress fully supported Bernie Sanders for president, while her friend and fellow actor George Clooney was a 'staunch Hillary [Clinton] supporter.' 'When we spoke about it together afterward, there was no judgment or anger at the other because of where we stood,' The Fault in Our Stars lead said. 'It was only, "Thank God, you participated. Thank God, you cared. Thank God, you tried to do something."' A 28-year-old male high school teacher has been charged over sexual offences dating back four years. Detectives from the Campbelltown City Police Area Command began investigating the man in July 2023 following reports of his alleged actions while working as a high school teacher in Sydney's southwest in 2020 and 2021. He was arrested and charged on Tuesday with multiple sex offences, including three against an alleged victim who was under his authority. The man was refused bail and was scheduled to appear before Burwood Local Court on Wednesday. Audio captured the confusion inside the cockpit of a Delta flight after the airplane struck another jet on the runway at America's busiest airport. The shocking incident took place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia just after 10 am on Tuesday, when a Tokyo-bound flight clipped the back of a jet headed to Louisiana as it was taxiing for takeoff. 'We just hit something on the taxiway, could you tell us what it was?' one of the pilots asked in the audio. Air traffic control responded: 'The whole tail of that CRJ is off.' Shocking Audio captured the confusion inside the cockpit of a Delta flight after the airplane struck another jet on Tuesday morning, with the pilot asking: 'We just hit something on the taxiway, could you tell us what it was?' Staggering images from the runway showed the back end of the Louisiana-bound flight bent at a 90-degree angle. In the newly released audio, the pilot of the Tokyo-bound flight and air traffic control were heard going back-and-forth over the shocking scenes. 'Yeah, we got this CRJ 900 with its tail off, off of foxtrot 2,' air traffic control said. The footage alongside the audio ended with passengers being ferried back to the terminal while stunned airline staff look on. Although there were a reported 277 passengers on board, no injuries were reported as a result of the calamity. Tampa meteorologist for WTFS TV Jason Adams said he was aboard the regional plane at the moment of impact. 'Well that was terrifying,' he posted on X. 'Taxiing out for the flight from Atlanta to Louisiana and another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. 'Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. Were fine. No fire or smoke. Awaiting instructions.' The incident took place on Tuesday morning and saw one of the planes 'clip' the other while taxiing for take off No injuries among the collective 277 passengers have been reported Delta said that the Airbus rammed into the Lafayette-bound plane as it was sat on an adjacent runway, 'resulting in damage to the tail of the regional jet and the wing of the A350'. 'Following an incident at Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport earlier today, Delta worked with each customer from flights DL295 to Tokyo-Haneda and DL5526 to Lafayette, Louisiana, to provide accommodation on alternate aircraft scheduled to depart Tuesday afternoon. We apologize to our customers for the experience,' a statement read. 'No customer or crew member injuries have been reported, and operations are continuing as normal at the Atlanta airport. 'Meanwhile Delta is cooperating with the NTSB and other authorities while Delta TechOps teams prepare to safely move both aircraft to maintenance hangars.' Shortly after the collision, Atlanta Airport confirmed there will be 'minimal impact' to its operations. 'At approximately 10:07 this morning two aircraft made contact at the intersection of taxiways E and H on the north airfield,' a statement read. 'At this time, no injuries are reported. Passengers from one of the aircraft are being bussed from the incident to the concourses. 'The second aircraft taxied under its own power to a concourse where passengers will deplane at their gate. There is minimal impact to airport operations.' A passenger aboard one plane which was bound for Lafayette, Louisiana described the situation as 'terrifying' and took this photo shortly after being evacuated Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the US' busiest airport and is Delta's hub Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the US's busiest airport and is Delta's hub. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it is investigating the incident. DailyMail.com has contacted the FAA for comment. It comes after a Delta Airlines flight to Rome was forced to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean and return to Boston following a lightning strike last month. That followed a concerning safety incident back in March when a Boeing-made Delta Airlines flight out of Aruba and bound for Atlanta was forced to turn back and make an emergency landing after an engine blow out on take-off. As a former 'America's most hated woman', Casey Anthony has largely done her best to avoid the spotlight. However, the mom acquitted of murdering her two-year-old daughter in a sensational 2011 trial is now making up for lost time as exclusive DailyMail.com pictures reveal. Anthony, now 38, has been photographed moving in with her new married lover Tyson Rhodes just days after their relationship was revealed. The pair collected belongings from her apartment in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rhodes's pick-up truck before heading to the house that he briefly shared with his devastated wife of 22 years. And the timing couldn't have been tighter. Casey Anthony and her new married beau, Tyson Rhodes, were snapped moving her belongings into his house in Murfreesboro, Tennessee days after their relationship was revealed Anthony, who was infamously acquitted of murdering her two-year-old daughter in a sensational 2011 trial, is apparently so smitten she uprooted her life in Florida to follow her new man to Tennessee Just 90 minutes earlier, Rhodes's 'blindsided' ex Sandy was at the house carting off belongings herself and putting them into a white Jeep Renegade to complete moving out. Rhodes, an engineer at an aerospace company, stood in the front doorway as she forlornly carried boxes and other containers while wearing denim shorts and a Seminoles hoodie. After she left, he headed over to new flame Casey's digs to help his notorious new love set up home with him. Anthony, dressed in tight dark shorts, a green T shirt with the words 'I Need a Huge margarita' and a black cap shifted boxes and furniture from her apartment and into Rhodes's black Dodge Ram. Her 48-year-old married lover a father of two young adults helped lug the boxes and modest items. The pair were snapped days after claims that Rhodes was accused by two other women of using dating app Hinge to hook up with them. Anthony and her new love are reported to have met in January this year through a gym where they worked out while both living in South Florida. Rhodes, 48, is reportedly still married to his wife of 20 years, Sandy, although has allegedly told her that he intends to file for divorce Earlier on Sunday, Sandy was snapped moving her own belongings out of the marital home she shared with her husband Rhodes, an engineer at an aerospace company, stood in the front doorway as she forlornly carried boxes and other containers out of the house. She is seen dressed in denim shorts and a Seminoles hoodie Rhodes then moved the same month to Tennessee with 45-year-old Sandy, but reportedly dropped a bombshell shortly afterwards saying that he wanted a divorce. Meanwhile, Anthony followed him to the Volunteer State and rented a luxury apartment near the now estranged married couple's new home. Even before that, it didn't take them long to hook up publicly, according to one report. When Sandy went back to South Florida to visit relatives in January, Anthony dashed up to Tennessee to be with Rhodes. They were spotted being touchy feely in a local restaurant and bar according to the outlet, who quoted an onlooker saying: 'They were holding hands and kissing, and he even touched her butt. 'She got up to order a drink and they noticed people were staring. He said to her, 'Bring that innocent a** over here'. He didn't care.' Anthony, who was working as a researcher for an investigator in Florida, is reportedly unconcerned her new lover is married. A friend said: 'She doesn't care if he's married or not. 'That's his business. All she knows is that he makes her feel good, and she likes that. She was willing to follow him to Tennessee; she sees a future with him.' Anthony was snapped dressed in tight dark shorts, a green T shirt with the words 'I need a huge margarita' and a black cap The pair were seen shifting multiple boxes and furniture from her apartment and into Rhodes's black Dodge Ram Photos of the couple moving in together come days after two other women publicly accused Rhodes of using dating app Hinge to hook up with them Anthony, who was working as a researcher for an investigator in Florida, is reportedly unconcerned her new lover is married Pushed by the pal over the marriage issue, she reportedly hit back: 'Shut up, I'm living the life I want.' Rhodes is reportedly still married to Sandy and has yet to file divorce paperwork. His estranged wife is said to have had no suspicions about his new relationship before he revealed he was dumping her. However, Anthony's hopes for domestic bliss with him were rocked this week by claims he is already trying to cheat on her. Two women independently alleged he wanted hook-up with them, reportedly saying on dating app Hinge that he is single and looking for love. One of the women said: 'So he is still married and he's dating Casey Anthony on the side, but he's still on dating apps. 'I'm just a 'no,' I'm a 'hell no.' He is absolutely not the right guy for me.' Anthony gained notoriety in 2008 after her two-year-old daughter Caylee vanished and it took 31 days to call 911 to report the child missing. In the meantime it was revealed she was seen partying in nightclubs and hanging out with friends. Tragic Caylee's skeletal remains were eventually found wrapped in a blanket inside a laundry bag in a wooded area near Anthony's home in Orlando, Florida, in December, 2008. Three years later Anthony faced trial for first degree murder but was sensationally acquitted in a case that transfixed America. Once dubbed 'America's most hated woman', Casey Anthony has otherwise largely done her best to avoid the spotlight in recent years Anthony first gained widespread public notoriety in 2008, following the disappearance of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony went on trial for first degree murder in 2011 but was sensationally acquitted in a case that transfixed America In 2022, she claimed she was 'working not partying' when she was photographed taking part in a hot body contest and in nightclubs during the hunt for her daughter. In a Peacock docuseries, she defended her behavior between June 16, 2008 when Caylee was last seen alive and July 15 when the tot was reported missing by the family. And she sensationally blamed her father George for her daughter's death, a claim he has strongly denied. She maintained to the Peacock show that she thought Caylee was alive, that her father was keeping her captive and that he was instructing her to pretend everything was OK. 'I just tried to be as normal as I could...that was part of the main instruction from my dad be as normal as possible. I couldn't show that there was anything going on,' she said. 'All of the photos that people show of me out in those 31 days, I wasn't partying. You don't see drinks in my hand. I was there actually working. I was helping Tony [the boyfriend] promote. 'During the 31 says, I genuinely believed Caylee was alive. My father kept telling me she was OK. I just had to keep following his instructions. 'I just knew I had to do what he wanted me to do. Just do what he wants. It worked before, do it now. I did what I needed to do to survive.' Anthony's father was never arrested in connection with the child's disappearance and death. He testified for the State of Florida, telling a jury how he smelled the odor of a dead body in Casey's car weeks after Caylee vanished. Police are investigating whether she had a psychotic episode Police will investigate whether a mother suffered a psychotic episode in the lead-up to her two sons being found dead in what is being investigated as an alleged double murder. The boys, aged nine and 11, were found in a home on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains just before 12.40pm on Tuesday, with reported stab wounds. Their 42-year-old mum was arrested and airlifted to Westmead Hospital where she was treated under police guard for cuts to her wrists. Police are now investigating whether she suffered a psychotic episode, The Australian reported. 'Police are not looking for any other persons, and a thorough investigation by Strikeforce Stafford has commenced,' police commissioner Karen Webb said on Tuesday afternoon. The two young boys' bodies and their injured mother were found by their father, who was not living at the home. A major police response was triggered in Faulconbridge after the bodies of two young boys were found in a home on Chapman Parade The boys' mother has been rushed to Westmead Hospital in Sydney with knife injuries Police are not believed to have had any previous major interactions with the family. Photos posted on social media showed the family posing for pictures with Santa, enjoying family holidays, and exploring the wilderness around the Blue Mountains. Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the children's Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the family's home. Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the family, said they had been well-liked members of the close-knit community. 'They seemed like a really happy family, they have been living here for years, and you would just never pick something like this would happen, he told Daily Mail Australia. 'They would all come together to the local street Christmas party and appeared every bit the perfect family. 'The mum used to be known for taking exercise walks around the area in the afternoons and we would always have a chat. 'There was never any indication anything was wrong. I couldn't say a bad word about them.' Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the entire community was rocked by the incident. 'You used to see her walking her dogs around the streets all the time, and out and about with her sons,' the local resident said. 'They were lovely young boys. 'You'd never think something like that could happen here - it's a quiet community.' The children's father, who is separated from their mother and did not live at the same address, called triple-0 when he visited the home and found the boys' bodies and his former partner injured, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The scene of the incident is just 450m from the Blue Mountains famed Norman Lindsay Gallery. The father's Mercedes Benz station wagon on Tuesday night remained outside the family's property - a modest weatherboard bungalow at odds with many of the street's new homes. Residents said they had not seen the father around 'in a while' but that he had once joined the children and their mother at local events. NSW Police said officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command are investigating the circumstances of the deaths and are being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad Neighbour Barbara Faith said she would regularly see the two brothers riding on their bikes back from school. 'They had their helmets on, and they were doing the right thing ... I just thought they were lovely kids,' Ms Faith told the ABC. She said there was a huge commotion shortly after midday with about 20 emergency vehicles rushing down her street. 'It's such a quiet neighbourhood and quiet street you don't expect those sorts of things,' she said. 'It's just so sad, I can't believe this could happen anywhere let alone my street.' For free mental health support call Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Labour was under fresh pressure last night to rule out scrapping free travel for pensioners after a Treasury minister failed to commit to it. Helen Whately, the shadow transport secretary, wrote to her opposite number Louise Haigh to ask her to deny that she would abolish the National Bus Pass and the London Freedom Pass. It came after Treasury minister James Murray refused to rule out ending pensioner travel perks in the budget this autumn. On Monday, Lord Hendy, the rail minister, was asked to promise the benefit would not be restricted to the poorest pensioners. He played down the likelihood of a change, but said given the state of the public finances he could not offer a 'concrete commitment for all time'. Labour was under fresh pressure last night to rule out scrapping free travel for pensioners after a Treasury minister failed to commit to it (file image of London buses) Helen Whately (left), the shadow transport secretary, wrote to her opposite number Louise Haigh (right) to ask her to deny that she would abolish the National Bus Pass and the London Freedom Pass In London, the Freedom Pass allows someone aged 66 to travel without charge on the bus, Underground and Overground A spokesman for the Department for Transport slapped him down and said he had 'misspoken', adding that ministers were 'committed' to it and there were 'absolutely no plans to get rid of it'. However, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds did not rule it out, and Mr Murray also declined to say it would not happen. Older people in Britain are offered discounted bus fares when they reach a certain age. The amount of financial support they receive varies in different parts of the county. In London, the Freedom Pass allows someone aged 66 to travel without charge on the bus, Underground and Overground. And in other parts of the UK, anyone over 60 can get free bus travel. Last night, Ms Whateley wrote to Ms Haigh to say that it was 'immensely cruel' to allow speculation about the benefit to continue. 'Pensioners across the country remain hugely worried about how they will cope with the Government's recent cut to the winter fuel allowance,' she wrote. 'If scrapping their bus passes is not in your plans, then to allow this speculation to continue is immensely cruel. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds did not rule out ending pensioner travel perks in the budget this autumn 'If however it is, then I implore you to reconsider. The vast majority of pensioners are not living the life of luxury you appear to think they are. These cuts will heap further pain on top of losing a fuel allowance that so many of them rely on. 'It's not just the financial impact of these bus passes. For many older people they represent their last remaining ticket to independence, to amenities and to their community.' Yesterday, Treasury minister Mr Murray failed to confirm that travel concessions for pensioners will continue following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget on October 30. Tory MP Kit Malthouse told the Commons that the remarks by Lord Hendy had caused 'significant alarm in my constituency and others'. Referring to the winter fuel debate, he said: 'Notwithstanding the discussion we're having today, could you just reassure us that travel concessions for pensioners will continue under a Labour Government?' Tory MP Kit Malthouse (pictured) told the Commons that the remarks by Lord Hendy had caused 'significant alarm in my constituency and others' Mr Murray replied: 'The Chancellor will take all decisions.' He added: 'Let me make one really important point to (Mr Malthouse) as we approach the budget on October 30, we know there are going to be difficult decisions that we have to take in the budget on October 30, and frankly, that is the direct consequence of the decisions taken by him and his colleagues when they were in government.' Also yesterday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said there were 'no plans' to scrap the perks. 'There are no plans to change any of that, but of course, we have a Budget coming up, we have to wait for the Budget for all those kinds of decisions. We do have to make decisions we didn't have to want to make,' he told LBC. 'I'd say, don't speculate on any of this. You have to wait for a budget for all the decisions on that. Don't get into endless speculation in an attempt to create a story.' Asked if the perks would be scrapped, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said 'no', adding there were 'no plans' to scrap the benefit. Keir Starmer mugged pensioners and freed muggers today on a day of shame for Labour. The Prime Minister ordered his MPs to ram through a 'cruel' raid on pensioners while authorising the early release of hundreds of prisoners including thieves, drug dealers and killers. In sickening scenes this morning, freed inmates celebrated by soaking themselves in champagne. One former prisoner was met by friends in a Lamborghini while another boasted that he was now a 'lifelong Labour voter'. Just hours later, ten million pensioners were stripped of their winter fuel payments as the party forced through the controversial measure in a Commons vote. Critics said Sir Keir's true agenda was now being laid bare 68 days after he entered No10 with a landslide majority. Keir Starmer (pictured yesterday) ordered his MPs to ram through a 'cruel' raid on pensioners while authorising the early release of hundreds of prisoners including thieves, drug dealers and killers In sickening scenes this morning, freed inmates celebrated by soaking themselves in champagne. Pictured: People spray a man after he walked out of HMP Nottingham One former prisoner was met by friends in a Lamborghini outside HMP Pentonville in London Neither policy was mentioned in Labour's election manifesto with the party even denying it would rob elderly voters of the energy subsidy during the campaign. Ministers blamed the decisions on the 'dire' legacy left behind by the last Conservative government. But senior Tories accused the Prime Minister of deliberately concealing his 'cruel, ideological' approach from voters in the run-up to the election. Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick told the Mail: 'The reality of Sir Keir Starmer's Britain was laid bare today. 'Dangerous criminals popping champagne corks as they're freed from our jails early and on to our streets because Labour has chosen the easy way out. 'And Sir Keir's lies on protecting winter fuel payments exposed, with millions of pensioners now forced to pay the price this winter some on as little as 13,000-a year. A day of shame. And a sign of the disaster that awaits our country if we don't stop Labour.' Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick told the Mail: 'The reality of Sir Keir Starmer's Britain was laid bare today' Sir Keir spent much of the day at the TUC conference in Brighton where he was given a standing ovation by union bosses as he pledged to tear up anti-strike laws and introduce a raft of new rights for workers A man gives the camera two middle fingers as he walks out of HMP Leeds under Labour's scheme this morning A man and woman hug each other outside HMP Bristol as inmates are released from jail early In a sign that Labour's agenda is starting to hit home with voters, one poll found that the PM's approval ratings had slumped by 30 points in the two months since he was elected. The survey by More in Common found that his net approval rating fell from plus 11 in July to minus 20 this week. Sir Keir spent much of the day at the TUC conference in Brighton where he was given a standing ovation by union bosses as he pledged to tear up anti-strike laws and introduce a raft of new rights for workers. Meanwhile, at prisons across the country, convicted criminals celebrated with family and friends after being freed early under a scheme to reduce overcrowding. Convicted drug dealer Djaber Benallaoua, 20, said the decision to release him six months early had made him a 'lifelong Labour voter'. However victims and their families warned that the decision left them feeling 'sick to the stomach'. Dozens of killers could be among the 5,500 prisoners freed over the next few weeks with more than 1,700 released today. Another thug who shook a baby boy so hard he left him blind has also been approved for release. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the last government had left prisons at the 'point of collapse', giving her no choice but to introduce the scheme. Convicted drug dealer Djaber Benallaoua, 20, said the decision to release him six months early had made him a 'lifelong Labour voter' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the last government had left prisons at the 'point of collapse', giving her no choice but to introduce the scheme Regarding the winter fuel payments, Labour's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: '[The move] flies against everything I believe in as a Labour MP about tackling inequality and poverty in our society. I was not elected to impoverish my constituents and put them in this hardship.' Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said Labour had 'declared war on pensioners' because they were more likely to vote Conservative after the cut to winter fuel payments Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said ministers had been left with 'no choice' but to make the 1.5billion cut to help fill an alleged 22billion 'black hole' left behind by the previous Tory administration But the Tories' justice spokesman Ed Argar said ministers had designed the scheme themselves and accused Sir Keir of breaking a previous commitment not to release domestic abusers early. Meanwhile there were angry clashes in the Commons over the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment. Dozens of Labour MPs abstained on the vote about the policy which the party itself warned could kill 4,000 pensioners a year in previous research from 2017. Labour's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: '[The move] flies against everything I believe in as a Labour MP about tackling inequality and poverty in our society. I was not elected to impoverish my constituents and put them in this hardship.' Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said Labour had 'declared war on pensioners' because they were more likely to vote Conservative. But Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said ministers had been left with 'no choice' but to make the 1.5billion cut to help fill an alleged 22billion 'black hole' left behind by the previous Tory administration. He said that increases in the state pension - including a 460 rise next year - would help ensure pensioners do not lose out. Protesters at an anti-war and pro-Palestine demonstration have thrown horse faeces at police officers as central Melbourne became the scene of a wild rally on Wednesday morning. Victoria Police officers expected around 25,000 people to attend the protest in Melbourne's CBD ahead of the Land Forces Defence Expo this week. Deputy Opposition leader Sussan Ley slammed the planned action, saying those involved 'need to get a job'. 'My thoughts are for law enforcement, when confronted with these large numbers and our police and the people who keep us safe are diverted from all the things they need to be doing to address this sort of nonsense,' she told The Guardian. 'These people need to get a job ... I back our defence industries every single day of the week and I know the Australians massively, absolutely do as well.' The expo runs from Wednesday to Friday but some demonstrators began gathering in front of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre last Saturday. Police officers were brought in from NSW to help cope with what's anticipated to be the city's largest protest in decades. Early in the morning, the group moved from the Convention Centre, where police had turned out in force, and towards a major intersection in an attempt to block it, as mounted police tried to steer them away. Anti-war protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre were filmed throwing horse faeces at mounted police Officers were seen with faeces stuck to their helmets and uniforms as they attempted crowd control Victoria Police officers expected some 25,000 people to attend an anti-war march in Melbourne ahead of the Land Forces Defence Expo Footage emerged of protesters surrounding a police horse, with one person seen grabbing on its bridle as an officer struggled for control in the saddle. Another video showed demonstrators throwing what appeared to be horse faeces picked up off the ground and hurling it at a group of mounted police. Officers were seen with faeces stuck to their helmets and uniforms as they attempted to control the crowd, with some officers using capsicum spray. Victoria Police was given 'special powers' under the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act in the area surrounding the exhibition centre until 11.59pm on September 15. Under the powers it's an offence to hinder a search or fail to comply with a direction to remove a face covering. 'This is expected to be our largest operation since the World Economic Forum in 2000,' a Victoria Police spokesman said. The expo runs from Wednesday to Friday but some demonstrators began gathering in front of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre last Saturday Police officers were brought in from New South Wales to help cope with what's anticipated to be the city's largest protest in decades Deputy Opposition leader Sussan Ley slammed the protest, saying those involved 'need to get a job' 'A number of police will be dedicated to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to ensure the highest level of safety and security throughout the event. 'This includes hundreds of regional police who will travel to Melbourne for the event in addition to metro general duties police and specialist police including the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Mounted Branch.' State police are showing up at Florida voters' homes to question them about signing a petition to get an abortion rights amendment on the ballot in November, and a state health care agency has launched a website targeting the ballot initiative with politically charged language. Critics say they're the latest efforts by Florida's Republican elected officials to leverage state resources to try to block the abortion rights measure. Some Democratic officials are blasting the move as form of intimidation, with a ballot measure that is sparking controversy and could drive people to the polls in a state that is becoming close at the presidential level, according to polls. The move would undue the six-week abortion ban that DeSantis signed into law. The measure is opposed by both the Republican governor and his former Republican presidential rival Donald Trump. Speaking at a press event Monday in South Florida, DeSantis defended police visiting the homes of petition signers, and a separate move by a state health care agency to create a website targeting the ballot amendment, saying both are aimed at making sure November's vote is fair. DeSantis signed a law in 2022 creating a state police force dedicated to investigating voter fraud and elections crimes. Voter fraud is rare, typically occurs in isolated instances and is generally detected. He said elections police are going to the homes of people who signed the petitions that got Amendment 4 on the ballot not to intimidate them, but because questions have been raised about the legitimacy of the signatures. He said the police have found evidence that some of the supposed signatures were from dead people. 'Anyone who submitted a petition that is a valid voter, that is totally within their rights to do it,' DeSantis said. 'We are not investigating that. What they are investigating is fraudulent petitions. We know that this group did submit on behalf of dead people.' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended police visiting the homes of petition signers A deadline in state law to challenge the validity of the signatures has long passed, but county-level election administrators across Florida say they have been receiving requests from state officials to turn over verified petition signatures as part of a state probe. 'Ron (DeSantis) has repeatedly used state power to interfere with a citizen-led process to get reproductive freedom on the ballot,' Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told reporters on Monday. 'This is their latest desperate attempt before Election Day.' The ballot initiative known as Amendment 4 would enshrine abortion rights in Florida law. If approved by 60% of voters, the procedure would remain legal until the fetus is viable, as determined by the patient's health care provider. Isaac Menasche, one of nearly a million people who signed the petition to get the measure on the ballot, said a law enforcement officer knocked on his door last week in Lee County in southwest Florida to ask him about signing it. The officer said the questioning was part of an investigation into alleged petition fraud, the Tampa Bay Times reported. 'I'm not a person who is going out there protesting for abortion,' Menasche told the newspaper. 'I just felt strongly, and I took the opportunity when the person asked me to say, 'Yeah, I'll sign that petition.' He posted about it on his Facebook page and said an officer showed him a folder with 10 pages of his personal information. 'The experience left me shaken' after he signed onto the petition. 'Troubling that so much resources were devoted to this.' Critics say the investigation is a brazen attempt to intimidate voters in the country's third-largest state from protecting access to abortion and the latest in a series of efforts by the governor's administration to target Amendment 4. 'Amendment 4 was placed on the ballot by nearly one million Floridians around the state and across party lines who believe that people, not politicians, deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions,' Lauren Brenzel, the director of the Yes on 4 campaign, said in an email. 'But the State will stop at nothing to keep in place their near-total abortion ban.' Florida law currently bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. The amendment on the ballot would undue the six-week abortion ban that DeSantis signed into law. The ballot initiative known as Amendment 4 would enshrine abortion rights in Florida law. If approved by 60% of voters, the procedure would remain legal until the fetus is viable Mary Jane Arrington, a Democrat who has served as the Supervisor of Elections in Osceola County in central Florida for 16 years, told The Associated Press she had never received a request like this one before. Arrington said she didn't know what to make of the state's request to review signatures her office had already verified. These are ones that we deemed the petition valid, both in completeness and in their signature matching what we had on file for the voter,' Arrington said. 'They said they were investigating signature petition fraud.' The state's elections crime unit has opened more than 40 investigations into paid petition gathers working for the Amendment 4 campaign, according to a letter that Deputy Secretary of State Brad McVay sent to the Palm Beach County supervisor of elections that was shared with the AP. Judges have tossed out previous criminal cases brought by the controversial Office of Election Crimes and Security. Meanwhile, a state health care agency launched a new website last week targeting Amendment 4, with a landing page proclaiming that 'Florida is Protecting Life' and warning 'Don't let the fearmongers lie to you.' DeSantis said the page created by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration is being paid through a budget the department has to do public service announcements. He said the page is not political but is giving Floridians 'factual information' about the amendment. 'Everything that is put out is factual. It is not electioneering,' DeSantis said at the news conference, adding, 'I am glad they are doing it.' Your browser does not support iframes. Florida is one of nine states where measures to protect abortion access have qualified to go before voters in 2024. Florida Republicans have been using various other strategies to thwart the state abortion ballot measure. Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody attempted to use the state Supreme Court to keep abortion off the ballot. Later, abortion rights advocates criticized a financial impact statement meant to be placed on the ballot beside the proposed amendment as an attempt to mislead voters. The state Supreme Court ruled in August to allow the language to remain on the ballot. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups and GOP allies across the country are using an array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives aiming to protect reproductive rights. These tactics have included legislative pushes for competing ballot measures that could confuse voters and monthslong delays caused by lawsuits over ballot initiative language. Nebraskans, for example, are awaiting rulings from the state Supreme Court on three lawsuits aimed at keeping abortion off the ballot. And the Missouri Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday in an appeal of a lower court ruling that an abortion rights campaign did not meet legal requirements to qualify for the November ballot. Passengers fled for their lives as a gunfight broke out on a busy Philadelphia subway station platform this afternoon as the presidential candidates prepared for their debate just nine blocks away. At least one person was confirmed shot after a fight escalated on the Market-Frankford Line at Market and 15th streets around 3.30pm. The city was already swarming with police ahead of tonight's 9pm debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump at the nearby National Constitution Center. A spokesman for the city's SEPTA transport network said a 'small group' of people had been arguing when one pulled out a gun and fired several shots, hitting one of the group in the leg. Philadelphia police said they had arrested a 17-year-old and recovered a gun from the scene. At least one person was confirmed shot after a fight escalated on the Market-Frankford Line at Market and 15th streets around 3.30pm Secret Service sharp shooters were keeping watch as 'Trump Force One' arrived in Philadelphia this afternoon ahead of tonight's presidential debate in the city His 23-year-old victim was transported to Jefferson Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police said he had also been carrying a gun and is now under arrest. Local reporter Chris O'Connell of Fox29 said there were reports that a second victim had been struck but that has not been confirmed by police. The subway station which is directly beneath Philadelphia's City Hall has now re-opened. Thousands of police officers have been deployed to the city center A spokesman for the city's SEPTA transport network said the station has now reopened Harris has been in the city for several days as she prepares for her faceoff with the former president who was greeted by a phalanx of police officers as he flew in on 'Trump Force One' from his Florida home earlier today. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel said the city's Office of Emergency Management will be coordinating security arrangements ahead of the debate with both State and federal law enforcement helping secure the area around the event. 'Our job is to protect both the safety of those individuals participating in the event as well as the individuals who are out and about in the community,' he told a press conference on Monday. The biggest rally in 'two decades' rocked Melbourne on Wednesday morning when 1,200 anti-war protesters descended on the Melbourne Convention Centre where the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo is being held. Almost 2,000 police officers, many of whom were drafted from interstate, attempted to corral the protesters but the scenes quickly turned ugly. Some demonstrators set fire to bins and hurled horse manure, rocks and rotten apples at police, while riot cops unloaded rubber bullets and capsicum spray in response. Two dozen officers have required medical treatment, while 33 protesters have been arrested for various offences, including arson and assaulting police. Follow Daily Mail Australia's live coverage. President Joe Biden bluntly said he's 'doing 9/11' tomorrow in a head-scratching comment to reporters who asked his plans ahead of the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The gaffe-prone 81-year-old was heading to Marine One on the White House lawn when he made the comments just one day before the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks. 'I'm going up to my granddaughter's birthday in New York,' Biden began. 'Then we're gonna watch the debate, then tomorrow I'm doing 9/11.' The president's remark concerning the September 11, 2001 attacks on America caused social media users to express shock and amusement at his poor choice of wording. President Biden speaks to the press before he departs from the White House for New York in Washington DC on September 10, 2024 YIKES: Crooked Joe Biden says he's "doing 9/11" tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/5sYdNbIQxI RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 10, 2024 On social media platform X, one person commented: 'Bidens slip-ups are endless. Youd think someone would double-check his scripts by now.' Another posted: 'Yup... He done', while someone added: 'Gotta be honest until I saw that 'tomorrow I'm doing 9/11' clip just now I kind of forget Joe Biden was even alive.' A Trump campaign associated X account shared the clip, saying: 'This is the humiliating cognitive decline Kamala Harris COVERED UP.' It is the latest in a long line of blunders for the commander in chief who stepped down from his reelection race after a disastrous debate performance against Trump. Just days before his shock announcement, he had even referred to Vice President Harris as Donald Trump. Other mishaps have included him bumping into flagpoles, falling off bicycles, and calling people by the wrong name. Biden is set to mark the anniversary of the attacks in New York City before also visiting the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, memorials. Conspirators from al-Qaida seized control of airplanes and hit New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon near Washington. Hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashes into the south tower of the World Trade Center and explodes at 9:03 a.m. on September 11 Firefighters walk towards one of the tower at the World Trade Center before it collapsed A fourth plane was headed for Washington but crashed in Shanksville after crew members and passengers tried to storm the cockpit. Officially, the casualty count associated with the attacks is numbered at 2,996 - including 2,977 victims and 19 hijackers. Thousands more were injured, and New York bore the brunt of the death toll - with an estimated 1,600 victims in the North Tower and another thousand in the South. Harris and Trump will meet for the first time face-to-face for perhaps their only debate in the US presidential election. The event will offer Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that has dramatically changed since the last debate in June. Following the last debate, Biden has bowed out of the race while Trump survived an assassination attempt. Harris, seen here on Tuesday, and Trump will meet for the first time face-to-face for perhaps their only debate in the US presidential election Following the last debate, Biden has bowed out of the race while Trump, seen here last week, survived an assassination attempt Harris is intent on demonstrating that she can press the Democratic case against Trump better than Biden did. Trump, in turn, is trying to paint the vice president as an out-of-touch liberal while trying to win over voters skeptical he should return to the White House. The 78-year-old has struggled to adapt to Harris, 59, who is the first woman, black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president. The former president has resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes, frustrating allies who want Trump to focus instead on policy differences. The King and Queen will undertake up to ten engagements a day on their official trip to Australia and Samoa next month despite his continuing cancer treatment. While aides say they have calibrated his diary to 'protect and prioritise' his health and recovery, including fewer evening engagements and a 'rest day' on his arrival in Sydney, King Charles clearly isn't planning to take it easy. Buckingham Palace officials would not be drawn on whether His Majesty would still be undergoing weekly treatment as he is now by the time he arrives in Australia on October 18. They would only confirm the 'trajectory' of his current treatment was going 'very well'. But he and his wife, Queen Camilla, aged 75 and 77 respectively, are still going to set a cracking pace after a gruelling year for the monarch, diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January. Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the couple would not visit New Zealand, saying doctors have advised against an extended visit on health grounds Charles and Camilla last travelled Down Under to open the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018 The King has continued to work throughout his treatment, but the nine-day trip more than 30,000 miles door to door will be his biggest challenge so far. A royal official said 'we have had to be thoughtful about how to balance' the King's diary and 'particular thought' had been given to what and how many engagements he would undertake. They also admitted that some 'tough decisions' had been made on what visits should take priority, with a planned stop in New Zealand having reluctantly been cancelled in full on his doctors' advice. In a sign of sensitivities, the familiar royal term 'walkabout' - described when members of the family meet and greet waiting members of the public - will not be used on the tour out of respect for Australia's indigenous communities. The phrase, which has been in use for decades by Buckingham Palace, will be replaced with 'opportunities to meet the public' in any official descriptions for this particular trip. Charles had his first public outing after his diagnosis was revealed at a cancer hospital on April 30, where he met with fellow patients Queen Camilla and King Charles III attend the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on March 31 In Aboriginal culture 'walkabout' means when a person travels on foot into the bush in times of change, grief or coming of age. It is the first time that such a change has been made despite members of the royal family visiting the country hundreds of times. It will be the King's 17th visit to the country alone. The visit to Australia, Charles' first to a realm of which he is head of state since he became King two years ago, will take in both Sydney and the capital Canberra. He will then travel to Samoa in the South Pacific for his first state visit to the country, where he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting as its titular head. He previously visited Samoa unofficially as a young man while in the Royal Navy. A Palace spokesman said: 'We've had to, as you would with any visit, think about how you can ensure Their Majesties' energies are preserved to be at their best. 'There had been some hope earlier in the year for Their Majesties to be able to visit New Zealand. On doctor's advice, and in close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand governments, that wasn't able to take place.' The couple will be travelling to the countries between October 18 to 26, according to Buckingham Palace (pictured earlier this month) The couple will meet Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, a life-long republican, undertake cultural and military engagements and meet celebrated Australians, including Aboriginal leaders The couple will meet Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, a life-long republican, undertake cultural and military engagements and meet celebrated Australians, including Aboriginal leaders. Significantly, and no doubt emotionally, the King will meet two of the country's most eminent melanoma experts, Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, to hear of their research into one of Australia's most common cancers. Professor Scolyer is himself battling a form of brain cancer. They will also lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial and visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial, 'For Our Country'. The King will learn more about Australia's work to combat bush fires caused by climate change, while the Queen will undertake solo engagements to highlight domestic violence and literacy. There will also be a community BBQ in Sydney. In Samoa, they will be greeted with an Ava Fa'atupu ceremony a ritual in which a drink is shared from a traditional dish before meeting Samoans at an engagement to highlight aspects of their traditions and culture. Finally, he will take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting with delegations representing the 56-strong 'family of nations'. The tour's cost will be jointly met by the Australian and British governments, on whose request it is taking place. Officials in El Paso, Texas are trying to shut down a motel in downtown after they say it has become a crime den controlled by Venezuelan super gang, Tren de Aragua, with police responding to the property nearly 700 times in the last two years. The vicious South American gang-- best known for selling women and children into sex slavery and exploiting its own countrymen-- most recently made headlines in Aurora, Colorado, where armed thugs were seen storming an apartment complex residents say they have taken control of. In a lawsuit filed by the El Paso County Attorney alleges Gateway Hotel owner Howard Yun is not trying 'to control the conduct of the guests and is negligently allowing gang activity to infiltrate the area.' Scenes of drug use, violence, and sexual activity happen within view of children, the suit states, with much of it happening in hallway parties. While some of the crime goes back two years, the lawsuit alleges the situation has gotten worse since the 'introduction of the Tren de Aragua organization into the hotel.' Surveillance video recorded in June inside the Gateway Hotel in El Paso, Texas shows Venezuelan migrants partying in the hallway of the hotel, while a man is beaten The Gateway Hotel, located in downtown El Paso, Texas, is being sued by the El Paso County Attorney for operating without a license and allowing Tren de Aragua members to take over The El Paso County Attorney detailed a long list of crimes police have investigated at the Gateway Hotel, including 11 drug cases, 10 aggravated assaults, 20 disorderly conduct calls, 13 fights, two terroristic threats and one case of indecency with a child, according to KFOX-TV. One incident detailed in the lawsuit is from a 14-year-old victim who believed she may have been raped by a migrant. The teenage girl met a man at a Circle-K convenience store. The Spanish-speaking hotel guest asked if she had a place to stay the night, and she replied she did not. She followed the man, who had a tattoo on his forehead with a playboy symbol and had a tattoo sleeve on his arm, back to the Gateway Hotel. 'When they got to the hotel the male subject touched her chest and breast area underneath the shirt,' the paperwork states. Gateway Hotel surveillance video shows a young child riding his bike down a hotel hallway as chaos and criminal activity goes on around him As evidence of the alleged chaos happening at the Gateway Hotel, county officials submitted photos of hallway parties. Two men can be seen fighting in the lower right-hand corner of the image Crime at the hotel has gotten worse since members of Tren de Aragua began operating there 'The Victim and male subject fell asleep till the following day the Victim noticed her pants were hanging off her buttocks and felt a little discomfort in her vaginal area but she was not sure if he penetrated.' The documents also describe TdA gang members beating up other migrants who live in the hotel or stealing their immigration papers. Offering low daily rates, the hotel attracts migrants. The previous owner was convicted for running a human smuggling ring for Asian migrants out of the same property, the suit states. Local officials additionally claim the hotel is operating without a license is and seeking to close the property down since it has become a 'habitual crime property.' Dubbed the 'epitome of evil', the notorious criminal organization Tren de Aragua, or TdA as it is known by federal agents, has already unleashed a wave of crime in American cities. 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 Four members of Tren de Aragua have been arrested in Colorado for alleged crimes in the Denver suburb of Aurora As DailyMail.com exclusively reported, TdA has set up its new headquarters just across the border from El Paso, in Juarez Mexico. El Paso officials, who asked to remain anonymous, now fear gang violence will spill over into Texas' sixth largest city - which is currently ranked among the top ten safest in America by the FBI. '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.' Law enforcement in El Paso is currently working on a confidential plan to address the growing threat, insiders told DailyMail.com But Mexican authorities have been willing to speak more openly about TdA's troubling arrival in Juarez. 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 Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents 'We're tracking them in Ciudad Juarez, that's where they specifically have their principal point of operations,' revealed the state secretary of public safety Gilberto Loya. 'They're not an easy gang to track, because they don't act like a traditional gang.' Members do not look or speak in a specific way - but are up to their old tricks, Loya explained. Now in Northern Mexico, TdA is once again taking advantage of desperate migrants. Gangsters are charging huge fees to smuggle migrants to the US border and then into Texas. However, the mobsters are also kidnapping migrants who have made it to the US-Mexico border without their help in a bid to make even more money. 'According to the security reports we have, this group of Venezuelans, Tren de Aragua, control which migrants can ride the train,' Mexico state prosecutor Carlos Manuel Salas said - referring to the many migrants who ride a top trains in Mexico to reach Juarez to avoid having to make the journey by foot. The presence of the Venezuelan mob in Mexico has caused panic among migrants, many of whom are fleeing the very violence TdA created in their homeland. Selecting the right combination of universities on your UCAS form is a little like a game of chess you need to find a sensible combination of attack and defence to succeed. Just like in the university recruitment cycle just ended, those applying for September 2025 admission will find themselves in demand as universities seek to keep their student numbers stable. While this is good news, having a strategy when making your applications will increase your chances of receiving a string of offers. In the not-too-distant future, the UK is likely to move to a (much more sensible) university admissions system that makes offers based on achieved grades rather than projected ones, as the current method involves a lot of guesswork. For now, it pays to understand how to use predicted grades to your advantage. Applications are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the Cheltenham-based agency which administers applications for all public universities. There are a maximum of five initial choices to make. They dont have to be made all at once. For example, if you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, which have an early application deadline of October 15, you can add further university choices after that date if you havent decided on all five options at the point of submitting your Oxbridge application. You dont have to make five choices, but with tens of thousands of courses to choose from, it would be silly not to. Why restrict your chances of winning a place in this way? It will cost 28.50 regardless of whether you apply to one university or five. It makes sense to divide the five choices into three categories: Aspirational requiring grades slightly (but not ridiculously) higher than your predicted grades. Realistic requiring grades that match your predicted grades. Insurance requiring grades that are lower than your predicted grades. Make sure there's at least one university in each category in your application. If your predicted A-level results are BBB, then an application to a university likely to offer ABB would be regarded as an aspirational application eminently achievable on a good day in the exam hall. But there is a fine line to tread. If predicted grades are CCC, then an application to a course requiring AAA could be deemed foolhardy rather than aspirational, and likely to result in a rejection and a wasted application. If the bulk of your applications are to realistic choices, there should be one that acts as an insurance in case things do not go to plan. If your predicted grades are BBB at A-level, then a university that is likely to offer something in the range of BBC to CCC would be sensible. But make sure to pick an insurance choice that would be an acceptable alternative. Too many applications are wasted on choices that candidates retrospectively say they would never have considered attending. It pays to have visited all the likely choices of university. While finding the course with the right content and structure is key, do not underestimate the importance of the location. For many students, this is their first time living away from home, so it is helpful to be somewhere that feels comfortable. Our University Finder online tool allows you to refine choices by among other options location (big city or smaller town, campus or coastal), type (modern university or Russell Group), size, the educational background of students, competitiveness of entry, sportiness and price of accommodation. Pay heed to offer rates, which are also detailed in all our university profiles. Some institutions make offers to virtually everyone who applies. The University for the Creative Arts; Solent, Southampton; SOAS University of London; Aberystwyth and Sussex made offers to more than 97% of applicants last year and 30 universities made offers to more than 90 per cent of 18-year-old applicants. Include at least one of these universities and you stand a great chance of getting an offer. On the other hand, nine made offers to fewer than half of the 18-year-olds who applied, including Imperial College London, University College London, Edinburgh and St Andrews. Putting down five choices that only include universities from the latter group significantly increases the risk of ending up with no offers. Even the most talented candidates would do well to receive offers from all universities in this group, so it pays to shop around. There has never been more information available to applicants to help them align their choices with their grade projections. Every course page on the UCAS website now contains details of the highest, lowest and most common grades held by accepted students. It also shows the individual course offer rates, allowing applicants to further refine their course choices. It is also worth checking the terms under which contextual offers are made. These typically reduce the standard offer for a course by between one and three grades, bringing universities and courses that might otherwise have been out of reach into range. Even the most selective and competitive universities now run contextual admissions schemes, which are detailed in our university profiles, in the Admissions, teaching and student support sections. There are strict eligibility criteria, which vary from course to course and university to university. They often include living in a postcode with low rates of progression to university; attending a school with below average academic attainment; coming from a home with a low income; receiving free school meals at some point during secondary school; or being care-experienced or a young carer. YOUR APPLICATION TIMELINE Beginning of Year 12 - start thinking about university: what you want to study, where you might want to do it, and which universities might be a possibility based on your progress and projected grades. Make your first forays onto the UCAS website, and use its course search tool. Year 12, summer term early-bird open days take place towards the end of university summer terms at many institutions. Visit campuses that you think you may apply to, ask questions, and see if you can envisage yourself living and studying there. Year 13, autumn term the serious work begins on your applications. UCAS 2025 ENTRY APPLICATIONS CYCLE September 3 applications open for 2025 admissions. You could have started your application on May 14, but September 3 was the first date you could submit it. But dont panic if it is not ready; you have plenty of time. October 2 deadline for music applications to conservatoires. October 15 the first big deadline day. All applications must be submitted by 6pm from students applying to Oxford or Cambridge (you cant apply to both) and for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add university choices with a different deadline later, making up to a maximum of five choices in total. January 29, 2025 the deadline for the majority of courses is 6pm. Universities do not guarantee to consider applications after this date and some popular courses may be full. February 26 to July 4 UCAS Extra is in operation. This allows applicants who have been rejected by, or who have declined offers from, their five original university choices to submit an additional application. June 4 Decision Day One. If you received your last offer or rejection from one of your original five choices on or before May 14, today is the day you must let universities know if you are: Registering a conditional firm acceptance (your first choice if you meet or exceed your grades); Registering a conditional insurance acceptance (usually for an offer with lower grades to act as a back-up choice if exam results are below what you expected); Declining the offer. You cannot hold more than two offers, so up to three might be declined at this stage. June 30 the final day on which applications can be sent to UCAS to forward to universities for consideration. Applications made after this date will go into Clearing. July 5 Clearing opens to coincide with the release of the first set of exam results (from the International Baccalaureate). July 23 Decision Day Two. The same decisions that needed making on June 4 apply here, but this later date is for those who received their last offer or rejection from their original five university choices on or before July 17. August 5 - Scottish Qualifications Authority results day in Scotland for Advanced Higher, Higher and National 5 examinations. August 14 A-level, T-level and BTEC results are published today. This is the day when most students find out if they have met the terms of their offer. Clearing, the UCAS service through which universities list courses which still have vacancies, is an option in several scenarios today: If your grades fall short of the offer(s) you are holding and your place is not confirmed, then you can enter Clearing in search of an alternative place. If your grades exceed expectations and you find that you qualify for a place at a more selective university, you can decline the offer you have met and enter Clearing to trade up to a better university. You can also apply to university for the first time via Clearing if you have decided late that you want to go and if your grades give you the confidence that your application would now succeed. This year more than 1,900 students began their search for a university place at this stage. October 20 - the final day on which applications can be made through Clearing. Further information can be found at the following links: Dates and deadlines for uni applications and Replying to your Ucas undergraduate offers Over recent days more than 35,000 students have found their university for the next three years or more through Clearing, the system used by universities and colleges to fill empty places on courses before the beginning of the new academic year. This amounts to just over one in 10 of the UK 18-year-olds who will be packing their bags for university in the coming days. Almost 2,000 of them waited until getting their results before looking for a university place a figure up 43% on last year's total of 1,370. Although still a small number, they help to show that Clearing is no longer the Last Chance Saloon it once was but increasingly a great way for the savvy to land a place on a course, often for heavily reduced entry requirements. It represents an opportunity for universities, too. Even the Russell Group of research-intensive universities traditionally the hardest to get into were active in Clearing this year, with 18 of the 24-strong group having places available to those who moved quickest. Hard economics mean all universities need to fill places, and in the immediate run-up to results day in August, some were keen to attract potential students with offers of scholarships and cut-price or even free accommodation for the lucky few. Although the figures are still to be released, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence this year of students avoiding being placed in Clearing due to the benevolence of universities with which they held firm or insurance offers, giving applicants leeway if they missed the grades they needed. Everyone wins in this scenario. Applicants avoid the stress of Clearing and the universities get to recruit someone they felt met their requirements before undercooking their A-levels. For the universities it's a case of 'better the devil you know' rather than taking a chance that someone better will come along through Clearing. As more than 35,000 soon-to-be-students have already shown this year, Clearing does not have to be scary so long as you have a strategy before you dive in. The first thing to do is to park your disappointment with the grades that have pitched you into Clearing in the first place. Easier said than done, but Clearing requires clear thought and swift action. This is our guide on how to clean up in Clearing and make the most of the opportunity it provides to find the course that you have always wanted to study. PLAN AHEAD If you suspect you will be making use of Clearing, either because your results are likely to be better or worse than expected or because you have decided at the last minute to go to university, check out which universities have vacancies ahead of results day. Clearing opens for September 2025 admissions on July 5, 2025, and courses with places will be advertised from that point. By viewing the universities with places available, you can identify the ones that might be an option depending on your ultimate results. You can even contact a university you are interested in before you get your results and see at what grades they might accept you, which can take some of the stress out of results day itself. DONT PANIC BUY Dont rush into taking the first course on offer for the sake of securing a place, advises David Seaton, assistant director of student recruitment and admissions at the University of Bedfordshire. He says: Ask yourself, do you want to study closer to home or do you have your heart set on living in a city? Is the type of course on offer the most important thing for you? Be clear about what you want out of your university experience as this will help you make decisions and feel comfortable with them. SORT THE PAPERWORK FIRST To avoid unnecessary delays or missing out on a course, make sure you have everything ready to process an application when you make the call to universities, says David. Make sure you have your results, qualifications including the full qualification name and UCAS ID (if you have one) and a list of the courses youre interested in studying in front of you when you contact the admissions team. For each university youre planning to phone, have a list of notes or bullet points to hand about why a certain course or university appeals to you. Plus, think of a couple of questions to ask them to really demonstrate youre keen and are invested in the course. For example, you might ask: 'What is the split between lectures, tutorials and self-directed study?' or 'Is careers guidance offered as part of the course?'. Familiarise yourself once again with your personal statement; you might be asked about it and it will have been some time since it was written. LET THE STUDENT DO THE TALKING When it comes to phoning universities about a place it is vital that Mum and Dad DONT make the calls. Universities want to hear from the applicants themselves. Some children prefer to make the calls from school after getting their results, just so that Mum and Dad aren't even in the room when they phone. If a student comes home in order to find their university place, the best place for Mum and Dad to be is downstairs making tea or coffee, helping to prepare for calls and offering support and advice in between calls as, hopefully, the available options become clearer. MAKING THE CALLS Once you have a list of universities you wish to contact, find a quiet place, take a deep breath and start calling, and have a pen and paper to hand to take notes, says Helen Mercado, head of admissions at the University of Derby. Try to remain calm and composed so you can get across everything you want to say. Ensure you take the details of anyone you speak to in case you need to contact them later. 'At Derby, for example, you can also contact us via social media or our website, if making a phone call is not convenient for you. It is worth looking into whether this is true for other universities, too. When you call a university, the conversation might be swift and administrative checking you have the grades and that the place is still available. On the other hand, it may turn into a mini interview to test out your suitability for the course. Dont hold back you need to be bold about your grades, achievements and why you are suited to the course. Speak clearly and listen carefully to what the adviser is saying, noting down any important information. Lecturers will want to know what interests you about the subject and for you to display your passion, says Helen. If you have appropriate work experience or have read any books or journals about a specific area of the subject you are applying for, tell them about it. Give them a sense of who you are and why you want to study the course. Once you start speaking to universities, the process can happen very quickly. Make sure you understand everything thats being said to you and, if you dont, ask questions, adds David Seaton. NO DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN NO You might have been rejected by your preferred university if you miss your grades only to find the course is then offered through Clearing. The gamble the university has taken is that it will find better-qualified students through entering the Clearing process. Universities do not always find them. If youre still hankering after your original place, keep an eye on the list of vacancies. If your course is still being advertised three or four days after results day, and you have not opted to study elsewhere, a further call to the course admissions tutor might result in gaining the place that was denied to you only a few days before. You might now represent a better bet as a known quantity than an unknown student who may or may not apply late. Keeping a cool head can sometimes turn disappointment into a positive. AND IF YOU GET AN OFFER Your offer will be followed up with an email. Read it carefully and check all the course details before you accept, says Amy Smith, associate director of admissions and student recruitment at Nottingham Trent University. Helen Mercado adds: If you get a Clearing offer over the phone, make sure you get written confirmation of your conversation as well as the expiry date of the offer. And one final tip if a university makes an offer through Clearing: think it through. If you have a few days to make your decision, visit the town or city where the university is located to get a feel of where you might be living. Go on to the campus. There are always students around ask them what the university is like. For the first time in history, two civilian astronauts will perform a spacewalk from a commercial spacecraft. SpaceX's Polaris Dawn is a 'first-of-its-kind' mission that will carry four private astronauts further into space than mankind has traveled since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s. On day three of the mission, two of the crewmembers will venture out into the vacuum of space, marking the first time a commercial spaceflight company has ever attempted a spacewalk. But spaceflight safety experts have warned the crew faces potentially deadly risks of radiation exposure and rapid changes in pressure that can cause life-threatening sickness. Even more, the capsule doesn't have an airlock and the team is set to wear spacesuits that have never been tested in space. The Polaris Dawn mission will make history when two crew members perform the world's first civilian spacewalk Polaris Dawn lifted off around 5:30am ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Tuesday, carrying four US engineers and pilots Jared Isaacman, who funded the trip, Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule for a five-day orbit. Isaacman, the founder of the electronic payment company Shift4, bankrolled the mission and selected his personal friend, Poteet, as his mission pilot. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster dramatically EXPLODES after landing on a drone ship - marking the first landing failure since 2021 Read More SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster dramatically EXPLODES after landing on a drone ship - marking the first landing failure since 2021 He has declined to say how much he has spent, but it is estimated to be more than $100 million. After launch, Crew Dragon will ascend to an initial orbit of 745 miles above Earth before firing its thrusters to reach a height of 870 miles - further than any crewed spacecraft has traveled since the moon landings. The two-hour spacewalk will take place after the spacecraft has descended back to an altitude of roughly 430 miles. This will be on the third day of the mission, which will be Thursday. When an astronaut performs a spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS), they put on their suits and then enter a sealed room where air is sucked out before the hatch opens. This allows the astronaut to safely transition from the pressurized environment inside the ISS to the vacuum of space, and prevents the rest of the space station from being exposed to that vacuum. But the Polaris Dawn spacewalk will be very different. The crew launched aboard a SpaceX rocket early Tuesday morning. They are scheduled for the spacewalk in two days The crew includes (L to R) Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis Even though Isaacman and Gillis will be participating in the spacewalk, the other two crew members - Menon and Poteet - will have to suit up too. That's because without an airlock, the entire interior of Crew Dragon will be exposed to the vacuum of space. To do this safely, they will have to depressurize the entire spacecraft first, and then bring it back to normal internal pressure after the spacewalk is complete. 'They are evacuating the entire Dragon,' independent space industry consultant Laura Forczyk told DailyMail.com. 'This is the first time that has ever been done on purpose.' 'So this is risky in that sense, but they have so many different precautions and redundancies that even though it is risky, it is not overly risky,' she added. After the spacewalk, Crew Dragon will need to be filled back up with air and re-pressurized. 'If that system and the backup system does not work, then they would need to be returning with their spacesuits on, and that is something that has not been done before,' Forczyk said. But it's highly unlikely that both those systems will fail, so the risk of the Dragon crew being forced to remain in their spacesuits until they return to Earth is low. In the event of this kind of emergency, however, the crew has protocols in place that would allow them to return to Earth with Crew Dragon's cabin evacuated, Forczyk said. The Crew Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, which makes executing a spacewalk from this spacecraft riskier Mission commander Jared Isaacman is the only member of the Polaris Dawn crew that has ever flown to space Navigating all these fluctuations in pressure, however, will come with its own risks, spaceflight safety expert Tommaso Sgobba told DailyMail.com. After the astronauts complete the spacewalk, they will need to gradually transition from the five pounds of pressure inside their suits back up to normal 14.6 psi cabin pressure. There is a chance that this could give them decompression sickness, also known as 'the bends,' he said. This acute medical condition is caused by a rapid decrease in pressure inside the body, which creates nitrogen bubbles in the blood stream. In some cases, it can be fatal. To prevent decompression sickness, flight controllers will perform a 45-hour-long 'pre-breathe' protocol prior to the spacewalk. This will boost oxygen levels in the cabin while slowly decreasing air pressure to help remove nitrogen from the crew's bloodstreams. And that's not the only sickness that the crew will have to worry about. During spaceflight, some astronauts experience motion sickness that may result in vomiting, Sgobba said. The other crewmembers' lack of experience shouldn't pose significant risks, but they could experience motion sickness that would prevent them from safely wearing their spacesuits The suits have undergone extensive testing here on Earth, but there's always some risk involved with deploying life-supporting technology for the very first time Unless a person has been to space before, it's very difficult to predict whether they will be one of these unlucky members of the crew, he added. That's important to note because aside from Isaacman, none of the Polaris Dawn crewmembers have ever traveled to space before. 'Now, if you vomit while you are inside the spacesuit, that is the end of your story - your life story. You get suffocated,' Sgobba. So Isaacman - and especially Gillis, as this will be her first spaceflight - will have to make sure that they are not experiencing any stomach issues before they don their suits and exit Crew Dragon. But in general, the fact that the Polaris Dawn crew are civilians should not have a significant impact on mission safety, Forczyk said. 'It's not a concern. They have been trained so well by SpaceX,' she said. The spacewalk will take about two hours from the opening of the hatch to closing it and re-pressurizing the spacecraft. But Isaacman and Gillis will only spend about 15 minutes each outside of the spacecraft. They will do so while tethered to their spacecraft by 12-foot-long, oxygen-supplying cord called an umbilical. In the vacuum of space, they will rely entirely on their spacesuits for life support. The fact that these suits have never been used in space before poses another level of danger and risk, Forczyk said. 'Any new spacesuit that goes up that has not been in action - that is something that they want to make sure works appropriately before they even evacuate the Dragon,' she said. The main difference between these suits and the ones used by NASA astronauts is the form of life support. NASA astronauts wear their life-support systems on their backs, while the SpaceX suits provide life support through the umbilical that is attached to the space capsule. The suits have undergone extensive testing on the ground, so much so that it actually delayed the Polaris Dawn launch by two years, Forczyk said. To reach peak altitude, the Polaris Dawn mission will have to pass through the Van Allen Radiation Belt, which will expose the crew to extreme levels of space radiation 'The spacesuit was the number one reason why Polaris Dawn has been delayed for so long,' she said. Initially, the mission was expected to launch in November 2022. Sgobba does not think that the new suit design will pose any added risk to the astronauts' safety. 'This technology they are using is the simplest technology they can use, and being the simplest is also the safest,' he said. The spacewalk will arguably be the most dangerous part of the Polaris Dawn mission. But the astronauts will encounter risks as early as day one. Achieving the mission's historic altitude means that Crew Dragon will have to pass through Earth's hazardous Van Allen Radiation Belt. Entering the Van Allen Belt means the four-person crew 'will receive a hefty dose of space radiation, getting as much in a few hours as they would in 20 years on the Earth by one estimate. NASA has noted that it is crucial 'to fly through this region quickly to limit exposure to radiation,' but the Polaris crew is set to spend hours in the lethal radiation. High doses of space radiation can increase astronauts' long term risk of cancer by damaging cellular DNA. Cells will attempt to repair these damages, and sometimes they succeed. But when the DNA is repaired incorrectly it can result in genetic mutations that can lead to cancer over time. Radiation can also alter the cardiovascular system by damaging the heart, hardening and narrowing the arteries, and eliminating cells in the linings of blood vessels. These damages can ultimately lead to cardiovascular disease. It impacts the brain too. Exposure can hinder neurogenesis, which is the process of generating new brain cells. This could lead to cognitive impairment and memory deficits. NASA will use this mission to study the impact that high levels of space radiation have on human health. But any impact that this mission has on the Polaris Dawn crew's bodies will likely take years to emerge. Despite all the risks, if the Polaris Dawn crew safely pulls of this mission, it will be a big step forward for SpaceX that further secures their position as a frontrunner in the commercial space race. As Apple launched the new iPhone 16 at its 'Glowtime' event last night, it was the company's latest AI features which took centre stage once again. Now, Apple has finally revealed that its highly anticipated Apple Intelligence will begin to roll out in the US next month. As part of the iOS 18.1 update, iPhone 16 users will get access to AI features including rewriting tools, summarised notifications, and big improvements to Siri. However, UK tech fans will need to wait a little while longer as the California-based tech giant says that Apple Intelligence won't arrive there until December. So, with the rollout of Apple's first-ever AI tools just around the corner, MailOnline breaks down what is coming and when you can expect to try it out. What devices will get Apple Intelligence? iPhones iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro iPads iPad Pro (M1 and later) iPad Air (M1 and later) Macs MacBook Air (M1 and later) MacBook Pro (M1 and later) iMac (M1 and later) Mac mini (M1 and later) Mac Studio (M1 Max and later) Mac Pro (M2 Ultra) Notes: Apple Intelligence needs an up-to-date AI chip in a device to run - so the A17 Pro (in iPhones) or the M1 or later (in iPads and Macs). They need to be running iOS 18 (iPhones), iPadOS 18 (iPads) or macOS Sequoia (Macs) Advertisement What is Apple Intelligence? Apple Intelligence is essentially a brand name for the company's renewed focus on AI features. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that this marks 'a new chapter in Apple innovation'. What this means for you as a customer is that you can expect to find more AI integrated with your apps and devices from now on. In a video announcing the new features coming to iPhone 16 Craig Federighi, Apple's vice president of software engineering, said: 'Apple Intelligence is going to transform so much of what you do with iPhone.' Largely, Apple Intelligence is focused on so-called 'generative' AI models, which allow users to create text or images from prompts. Much of the iPhone 16's hardware has been optimised in order to make the most of these new forms of AI. Complex tasks will still be run on Apple's servers through Private Cloud Compute, but thanks to the new iPhone's A18 Pro chip many AI tasks will be completed directly on the phone. Dipanjan Chatterjee, VP principle analyst at Forrester, says: 'The stamp of artificial intelligence was all over the new iPhone: Designed ground up" for Apple Intelligence. When will Apple Intelligence launch? Apple has now announced that Apple Intelligence will launch in October as part of the iOS 18.1 update in 'US English.' But Apple users outside of the US will need to wait longer to try out the latest features. In a statement, Apple says that Apple Intelligence 'will quickly expand to include localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK in December.' Apple did not respond to a request for comment on why the UK would come so much later than the US. Apple has unveiled that Apple Intelligence, its latest push towards AI features, will begin to roll out in the US in November and in the UK from December Apple says that Apple Intelligence will come to the iPhone 16 and selected older models as part of the iOS 18.1 update next month At a special event last night, Apple unveiled its latest generation iPhone 16 which has been designed to make the most of new AI features A notable exemption to this rollout is the EU where Apple is locked in a stand-off over regulatory compliance. Apple is facing pressure from the European Union to allow more third-party app stores as part of the block's enforcement of the Digital Markets Act. Just today, a top European court ruled that the company must pay the European Commission $14.4 billion in taxes on profits earned in Ireland. While this disagreement rumbles on, Apple says that it would not make Apple Intelligence available in the EU due to 'regulatory uncertainties'. Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, says: 'We note with interest that Apple Intelligence will be available in the UK, which, since Brexit, falls outside the EU. 'Historically Apple has treated the region with a consistent approach since the UK's departure from the trade bloc so this is a notable change.' Apple is taking a slower approach to rolling out Apple Intelligence so not everything that has been advertised will be available at launch. When iOS 18.1 releases in October, or December in the UK, iPhone 16 users will only have access to a small selection of what is to come. Features include new writing tools, Photo Memories, the Clean Up tool, automatically transcribed audio, summarised notifications, smart replies, and upgrades to Siri. MailOnline takes a closer look at each one. 'Apple Intelligence' refers to a slew of new AI-powered features coming on Apple's upcoming software update, iOS 18, from AI-generated emoji to a new version of Siri that uses ChatGPT, OpenAI's notorious chatbot. However, not every feature will be available upon launch Writing Tools Some of the most noticeable AI features coming with the initial rollout will be a slew of new generative writing tools. Using AI to make your writing extra concise is not a new thing for example, Microsoft's Copilot AI is creating first drafts and suggesting edits in Word. But now Apple is offering its own on-device AI writing tools designed to improve the quality and tone of your writing. The technology will allow you to rewrite, proofread, or summarise text nearly anywhere on your phone including Mail, Notes, Pages, and other third-party apps. Unveiling the new features, Mr Federighi says Apple Intelligence will let users 'rewrite hastily written notes into the polished invite, adjust the tone of that Slack message to your boss to sound a little more professional or proofread your latest review on Goodreads'. Apple Intelligence on the new iPhone 16 will feature writing tools which allow AI to proofread, rewrite, or adjust the tone of any written content Improved Photos app Although the iPhone 16 won't feature AI image generation like the Google Pixel 9, it does have some generative editing features in the form of the Clean Up tool. This new feature allows for ultra-clean edits without any of the normal tell-tale signs of some hasty work in Photoshop. Clean Up is very similar to Google's photo-editing technology 'Magic Eraser' for its Pixel phones, heavily promoted in Google adverts in recent years. By simply tapping or brushing over the object you want to remove, Apple Intelligence will edit it out without altering the rest of the image. Movie Memories picks out the best photos and videos based on a users description and arranges it all into a movie with its own narrative arc This can make it easy to remove 'distracting objects in the background of a photo' such as a photobomber in the background of a family picture. The rollout will also include new ways to search and manage your photos. Users will be able to search in natural language referring to specific people or places to find specific pictures or even timestamps within your videos. Apple says a new Memories feature enables users to create a 'movie' out of their pictures just by typing in a description such as 'Kristy with her fish, sad vibes'. Mr Federighi says: 'Apple Intelligence will automatically find relevant photos and videos and smartly arrange them into a storyline.' The new Clean Up tool in Apple's Photos app can identify and remove 'distracting objects' in the background of a photo using AI Automatic summaries Generative AIs like ChatGPT are particularly good at taking large amounts of information and boiling down the key details into a few sentences. Apple plans to use this ability at almost all levels of the new AI-powered user experience. Notifications will now appear as automatically generated summaries rather than just showing the first few lines of text. Apple says that iOS 18.1 will also include a new notification mode called 'Reduce Interruptions' which will only show notifications that the AI considers to require immediate attention. This will be available alongside Priority Messages in the Mail app which 'understands the content of emails and surfaces time-sensitive messages'. For the first time, users will also be able to record, transcribe and summarize audio in the Notes and Phone apps. Once the recording is initiated during a phone call other participants are automatically notified and, once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary of the conversation. The iPhone will use AI to create summaries of incoming notifications and select 'Priority Notifications' which it deems to require immediate response Upgraded Siri Apple Intelligence will also bring some much-needed upgrades to Siri, Apple's on-device personal assistant, which is being integrated with ChatGPT. Apple says: 'Siri becomes more natural, flexible, and deeply integrated into the system experience.' Siri will get a new, more subtle look with a new design featuring a glowing light which wraps around the edge of the screen while active. Importantly, Siri will now still be able to understand what you mean if you stumble over your words - that means no more frustrating repetition to get your phrasing just right. And, for times when you'd rather not speak your requests aloud, Siri will now accept text input. Siri should also become more useful as it gains the ability to maintain context from question to question and give advice on how to use Apple devices. The first roll-out of Apple Intelligence will include upgrades to Siri, giving the on-phone assistant a new look (left) and the ability to give advice about operating Apple devices (right) What is still to come? These are only a handful of the features that Apple has promised will soon be available later this year and in the coming months. Siri will continue to get better, gaining more access to users' personal context, on-screen awareness, and the ability to take actions in hundreds of Apple and third-party apps. Users will also get even more options for creating and editing images using AI. This includes the Image Wand which can turn rough sketches into full images by drawing on context in the surrounding area. Or iPhone users will be able to make entirely new images in the Image Playground which is capable of producing original content from written prompts. The coming months will also bring one of Apple's most hotly anticipated features: Genmoji (a mix of 'generated' and 'emoji'). AI-generated emoji: In the Messages app, users can type a short description (e.g. 'smiley relaxing wearing cucumbers') to get a unique emoji to send to someone. This feature will not be available as part of the initial rollout In the Messages app, you can type a short description of the emoji you want such as 'smiley relaxing wearing cucumbers' or 'squirrel DJ'. Similar to AI tools that just need a few words to create weird artwork, from that single prompt Genmoji returns an AI-generated approximation of what you had in mind. If you don't like what the AI has made for you, there will also be a few backup options for you to choose from. As part of the iPhone 16 launch, Apple has also teased new features which make use of the flagship smartphone's new camera control. Apple's hotly-anticipated integration of ChatGPT will not be available in the US or UK this year but may arrive in subsequent updates You will now be able to use 'Visual Intelligence' to learn more about the world around you through your iPhone's camera. Mr Federighi says: 'Suppose you stumble upon a restaurant you haven't been to before, with just a click your iPhone instantly pulls up restaurant hours and quick options to check out the menu or make a reservation.' Apple says this new feature will also be capable of adding events to your calendar from a picture of a poster or even letting you know the breed of a dog from an image. For even more information, Apple users will also get the option to access OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot. Apple says this will let iPhone users make the most of the AI's image and document understanding without having to change apps. However, Apple has yet to give an exact date for when these features will be available. Apple CEO Tim Cook hailed the new iPhone 16 as ushering in a 'new era' after unveiling the smartphone on Monday. But a former employee of the tech giant shared a completely different take on the device, and the entire launch event, saying 'it was s***.' Tyler Morgan, who worked as a Apple sales specialist for over a year, said that the improvements to the new iPhone lineup are underwhelming, citing the only upgrade was a new button on the exterior. Morgan said he came away from the event feeling like Apple is 'stuck in a loop' of launching new devices year after year, leaving consumers disappointed by devices that are not remarkably different from previous models. Apple CEO Tim Cook led yesterday's launch event, during which the company unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup, the AirPods 4, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Intelligence 'When you repeat the same thing, you're going to get people that are tired of it,' Morgan said. Apple held its annual product launch event on Monday, where the company debuted their iPhone 16 lineup, the AirPods 4 and Apple Watch Series 10. But during the event, these new devices were largely overshadowed by Apple Intelligence, the tech giant's very own AI platform. And overall, both the hardware and software that Apple unveiled left many viewers feeling unimpressed. 'I thought it was s***,' Tyler Morgan, a former Apple sales specialist, told DailyMail.com. 'That was probably one of the worst Apple events I've ever seen.' Apple's annual product launch event - dubbed 'It's Glowtime' this year - took place on Monday at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Morgan, who makes educational TikTok videos about Apple products, went live during the launch event to share his reactions with his 1.6 million followers. 'Me and my viewers were like, 'God, this is so boring,'' he said. As for iPhone 16, 'this phone just feels like a very mediocre upgrade,' he said. 'They're literally adding a button to sell another phone.' Tyler Morgan, who worked as a Apple sales specialist for over a year, said that the improvements to the new iPhone lineup are underwhelming, citing the only upgrade was a new button on the exterior The new features in the iPhone 16 lineup left some feeling underwhelmed, including Morgan, who feels these upgrades don't warrant a new phone launch or its hefty price The addition of the Camera Control button will allow users to open their camera app, take photos, record videos and access visual intelligence features that can look up an object after you snap a picture of it. It's the most noticeable hardware change to the iPhone 16, which otherwise received some additional camera upgrades, a new, faster 'A18' chip to support Apple Intelligence, a boost in battery life and three new color options. Overall, Morgan doesn't think these changes are significant enough to warrant a brand-new iPhone launch - let alone the phone's hefty price, which starts at $799 for standard model and runs as high as $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max. 'You don't have anything to offer that's actually worth someone spending sometimes their whole paycheck,' he said. A significant portion of the keynote was spent detailing the features of Apple Intelligence, which includes Siri upgrades, ChatGPT integration, custom image, emoji generation, and more. During the launch event, 'everything was based around Apple Intelligence, which is fine, but people don't care about that right now,' Morgan said. 'Especially when there's people like me who have tested the betas and we've yet to see like half the features that have been promised,' he added. The suite of new AI features includes Siri upgrades to make interacting with the digital assistant more streamlined and effective, ChatGPT integration, custom image and emoji generation, and more. But not all of these features will be immediately available on your new iPhone 16. Apple showcased the full suite of Apple Intelligence features at their launch event, but many of them aren't expected to become available until mid-2025 The full lineup of Apple Intelligence features isn't expected to be available on the iPhone until mid-2025, according to MacRumors. The features that haven't even made it into a beta test yet are arguably the most attractive aspects of Apple Intelligence, including custom image and emoji generation, Siri enhancements, ChatGPT integration, and on-screen awareness. All of these features were touted at yesterday's event, but Apple was not as forthcoming about when they would actually become available. 'When people get these phones, they're going to be expecting it's set up that way,' Morgan said. 'It just seems misleading.' But there were some aspects of the new AirPods and the Apple Watch Series 10 that impressed him. 'The best thing, I thought, was what the AirPods are doing for noise cancellation,' he said. Apple introduced three new AirPods at the launch event: a standard model of AirPods 4 for $129, a higher-end version of AirPods 4 equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for $179, and an upgraded model of AirPods Max for $549. ANC allows the outward-facing microphone to reduce environmental noise, like traffic for example. Until now, this feature has only been available on the AirPods Pro line. The new AirPods 4 and AirPods Max will include new health features like hearing protection, the ability to function as a hearing aid and perform a clinical-grade hearing test Apple Watch Series 10 will also include new health features like sleep apnea detection. Morgan feels that these are 'cool' but unnecessary for the average person DailyMail.com Science and Technology editor Shivali Best attended the Apple event and got to try out the new AirPods' ANC feature. She said that she 'couldn't hear anything around her' while wearing them. 'I really like that, I think it's a nice upgrade and it's a pretty fair price for what you're getting,' Morgan said. The new AirPods also come with some new health features, including the ability to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid, provide hearing protection and perform a clinical-grade hearing health test. Apple Watch Series 10 received some new health upgrades too, including an all-new sleep apnea detection feature - though this is still pending authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and other global health authorities. The new sleep apnea detection feature will tracking breathing disturbances while you sleep and then analyze that data every 30 days to determine whether you may be suffering from this condition. 'At Apple, we believe that technology can help you live a healthier life,' Dr Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple's VP of Health, said. 'We're excited to enable incredible new health capabilities for serious conditions that affect billions of people around the world while continuing to keep user data private.' These changes suggest that Apple is venturing further into the $518 billion medical device market, a move that Morgan thinks is 'cool,' but largely unnecessary. The average person likely doesn't need to have all this health data at their fingertips, he said. Plus, most people can - and should - rely on their doctor to make decisions about their health, he added. Although Apple launched the new iPhone 16 only yesterday, it may not get as much time in the spotlight as the firm hoped. That's because Chinese phonemaker Huawei has today unveiled its answer to the iPhone as it launches the world's first Z-shaped folding phone. The new Mate XT Ultimate Design uses two hinges to extend from a 6.4-inch OLED display to a huge 10.2-inch tablet-like screen. However, with prices in China starting at 2,148 ($2,809) this cutting-edge tech doesn't come cheap. And, if you want to splash out for the top-of-the-line model with 1TB of storage, that will set you back 2,577 ($3,370) about the price of a brand new 16-inch Macbook Pro. The Mate XT Ultimate Design uses two hinges to fold in a Z-shape, allowing it to expand from the size of a smartphone to that of a tablet Chinese phonemaker Huawei may be trying to steal the spotlight from Apple's iPhone launch as it unveils the world's first tri-folding smartphone (pictured) Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design: prices and specs Price (converted from RMB) 256GB: 2,148 ($2,809) 512GB: 2,366 ($3,089) 1TB: 2,577 ($3,370) Key specs 6.4-inch OLED display when fully folded 10.2-inch OLED display when unfolded 18GB RAM 5,600mAh battery 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging 50-megapixel main camera 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 12-megapixel periscope camera 8-megapixel front camera Advertisement The Mate XT is the first design of its kind to use a 'dual inverse hinge' design which allows the phone to fold in or out like an accordion. Huawei executive director Ridard Yu says: 'We have never stopped innovating, and never given up in the pursuit of making it possible. 'That's how we were able to develop the world's first commercial triple foldable phone.' When fully collapsed, the phone looks like a regular smartphone with a large camera bezel on the rear and a 6.4-inch display at the front. That display gives the fully folded Mate XT a similar screen size to the 6.4-inch Google Pixel 9. But when fully unfolded, the screen expands to a seamless 10.2-inches, making it the same size as the iPad 9. Thanks to the Z-shaped design the Mate XT can also be used while only partially unfolded with a mid-sized 7.9-inch display which is just a little smaller than a fully opened Pixel 9 Pro Fold. When fully unfolded the Mate XT is just 3.6mm thick, more than twice as thin as an iPhone 16. However, when the phone is folded up completely that still leaves you with a fairly chunky 12.8mm device. For comparison, a 16-inch MacBook Pro is just 16.8mm thick so this won't be an ultra-slim device by any means. When fully collapsed, the phone looks like a regular smartphone with a large camera bezel on the rear and a 6.4-inch display at the front Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition, the world's first tri-fold smartphone, pictured here on display for sale at a Huawei flagship store on September 10, 2024 in Shanghai, China When fully expanded the Mate XT reaches 10.2 inches, making it the same size as Apple's iPad 9 However, Huawei has used that space to pack in a lot of computing power. The Mate XT comes with 16GB of RAM and is available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. The phone also boasts a 5,600mAh battery capable of 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. There is also a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 12-megapixel periscope camera on the rear. That is in addition to an 8-megapixel front-facing selfie camera on the left-most of the folding screens. After weeks of teasing the design, Huawei unveiled the Mate XT at an event in the Chinese tech hub of Shenzen. The date of launch was likely chosen to coincide with Apple's event in California during which the tech giant revealed its own flagship smartphone. While Apple has long been rumoured to be working on a folding device of its own, Huawei recently overtook Samsung to become the biggest provider of these devices. Huawei says it has spent the last five years developing the technology to allow the device to fold so compactly However, at 12.8mm thick when fully folded the Mate XT would be quite chunky in your pocket. Pictured: Chinese Author Deng Fang demonstrates the Mate XT Huawei timed its launch to come just one day after Apple revealed the new iPhone 16 (pictured) Speaking at the launch event, Yu appeared to take a shot at his company's rival as he said: 'Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but could not make. 'Today we will once again rewrite the history of the industry, turn science fiction into reality, and lead a new era of folding devices.' In another move seemingly calculated to ruffle Apple's feathers, Huawei also announced that the Mate XT would come with AI features. Huawei says that the new phone will launch with an AI capable of producing text summaries, translation, and editing. The Mate XT will also feature AI-enhanced image editing software which includes the ability to trim unwanted parts of images. These features bear a striking resemblance to those promised in Apple's yet-to-be-released 'Apple Intelligence' AI updates. The world's first triple-folding phone at more than three times the price of the newest iPhone Huawei has also announced that the Mate XT will include AI features including text editing tools which bear a striking resemblance to those announced as part of Apple Intelligence (pictured) While Apple and Huawei are far from the only phone companies launching these capabilities, the move may be a direct challenge to Apple's foray into AI. While Apple previously experienced strong iPhone sales in China, the hype has now dwindled and the American company has slipped from the third to the sixth largest smartphone provider. That has not been helped by the fact that Apple Intelligence will not be available in China until at least 2025. While the AI update will arrive in America in November, followed by the UK in December, Apple has not provided any set launch date for China. With Huawei offering a host of new AI features, this may prove appealing to Chinese consumers, provided they are not put off by the eye-watering price tag. Almost 1.7 million consumers in the US and Canada may have had their data exposed in a massive credit card database breach. Florida-based Slim CD, a payment processor, is sending emails to customers that their information may have been accessed anytime from August 2023 to June 2024. The company provides software systems to merchants, allowing them to take any kind of electronic payment, both online and in-person, across variety of hardware. Slim CD, which only discovered the hack in June of this year, warned that 'identity theft and [financial] fraud' may be issues after finding that individuals' names, addresses, credit card numbers and credit card expiration dates were all accessed. Millions of Americans and Canadians may have been exposed in a hack after a company that provides software for electric payments discovered its database was accessed 'On or about September 6, 2024,' according to Slim CD, the payment processing company provided notice of the data breach to the 797 most at-risk Maine residents (example pictured) While it is unknown how many of the 1,693,000 customers were directly impacted in the 'data event,' 797 residents of Maine were confirmed to be the most at-risk, according to the warning notifications issued Friday by Slim CD. Representative of the Coral Springs headquartered payment processor did not disclose whether Maine residents had been expressly targeted by the hackers, or if this portion of Slim CD's database had simply proven to be the most vulnerable. Although the hackers fortunately did not obtain 'card verification numbers' (CVVs) during the hack, cybersecurity experts and Slim CD itself have cautioned that card holders should take action to protect themselves. Without CVV information, cybercriminals would be forced to attempt further hacking gambits to actually be able to make fraudulent transactions with these stolen cards. These follow-up hacking attempts could take the form of 'phishing' emails or text messages to those already victimized by the data breach, meaning those whose card information has been stolen are advised wary of requests for more private data. Security experts advised that credit card owners who believe they might have been victimized by the breach should contact their bank or credit card provider immediately about getting a replacement card. Additionally, potential victims may want to also closely monitor their financial accounts for signs of fraud, particularly unauthorized transactions or more subtle changes to personal account information. While Slim CD did not specify how exactly its attackers managed to gain entry to its system in its public 'Data Event' notice (PDF), 'experts believe that a combination of phishing, malware, or social engineering tactics may have been employed,' according to UK tech site HackRead. Shockingly, the payment processor disclosed that the hackers appear to have first gained entry to their system on August 17, 2023 but only kicked off in mid-June 2024. This 'unauthorized system access,' based on their investigation, was finally flagged that month, when the hackers made a run for the firm's database of credit card information. 'That access may have enabled an unauthorized actor to view or obtain certain credit card information between June 14, 2024, and June 15, 2024,' according to Slim CD. Under ordinary circumstances, a company that has discovered a data breach will typically offer those impacted by its own security lapses 'free access to either the best identity theft protection services or at least credit monitoring,' VPN privacy tester and security writer Anthony Spadafora noted. Slim CD says that its gateway system software was designed to allow merchants to take any kind of electronic payment via a single piece of software from any computer or mobile device And, fortunately, senior leaders at Slim CD tell DailyMail.com that they are doing exactly that for impacted individuals. 'We are providing credit monitoring to individuals in accordance with state and federal laws,' Slim CD's chief technology officer Frank Haggar said via email. However as listed on an advisory notice by Office of the Maine Attorney General Slim CD has not, at least, offered 'identity theft protection services' to victims in that northeastern state at the time of their posting. Per its direct notice to the 800 or so most 'at risk' Mainers whose private credit card info was stolen in the hack, the company is also providing broader guidance as well. Slim CD said it's 'providing individuals with information on how to place a fraud alert and security freeze on one's credit file, the contact details for the national consumer reporting agencies, [and] information on how to obtain a free credit report.' The firm added it was also offering users of its customers' payment software 'encouragement to contact the Federal Trade Commission, their state Attorney General, and law enforcement to report attempted or actual identity theft and fraud.' We've all watched those romantic comedies where the guy and the girl are thrown together by circumstance and kick off their relationship by hating each other. Then, forced to work together, things change, hate turns to love, and they end up living happily ever after. My relationship with the islands of the Outer Hebrides has been a bit like that. Commissioned by Scottish Television to come up with an idea for a soap opera in the Gaelic language, my wife - writer Janice Hally - and I first arrived on the islands by ferry on a bitterly cold February in 1991. We were skimping on expenses, because we wanted to save money for a trip to China to research a book I wanted to write. So we had booked ourselves into a cottage in the village of Port of Ness, on the very northern tip of the Isle of Lewis. Following a long, bleak drive through a treeless and windswept landscape, we arrived at the cottage - Ocean Villa - to find that it was freezing cold, and the mattress on the bed was so damp we had to drag it through to the living room and dry it in front of an electric fire. And that's where we slept for the duration of our trip. Peter May likens his relationship with the Hebrides to a 'romantic comedy', revealing how he fell in love with islands he first hated. Above is the village of Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis, where Peter stayed during his first visit in 1991 The Scottish screenwriter and novelist stayed on the Isle of Lewis (above) until 1996 as producer of Machair - a Gaelic soap set on the island. He filmed in 'every imaginable weather' Peter (above, in the Hebrides) writes: 'People often say that Scotland can deliver four seasons in one day. In the islands it is possible to have four seasons in five minutes - which can making filming a continuity nightmare' WHAT ARE THE OUTER HEBRIDES? The Outer Hebrides is an archipelago of over 100 islands, 40 miles or so off the west coast of Scotland. Fifteen are inhabited, with Lewis and Harris the biggest island of the group. Advertisement It was not the most auspicious of starts. But despite the freezing weather, the sun came out to greet us the next morning, and we began a ten-day voyage of discovery - exploring the islands, meeting the most wonderful, friendly and helpful people who assisted us in developing our idea for the drama serial, Machair - which over the next half dozen years became a huge hit with viewers in Scotland, achieving a 33 per cent audience share on a prime-time transmission. My love-hate relationship with the Isle of Lewis continued as producer during five years of filming in every imaginable weather. People often say that Scotland can deliver four seasons in one day. In the islands it is possible to have four seasons in five minutes - which can making filming a continuity nightmare. When I left the show, and therefore the islands, in 1996, I thought I would probably never be back. But the Hebrides have a way of seeping into your soul, and eight years later I returned to research a book that would catapult me from mid-list writer to best seller. The Blackhouse. As my small plane banked over the east coast of Lewis to begin its descent into Stornoway, I cast my gaze across the acres of peat bog turned purple by the heather, and saw the autumn hues glowing golden in the sunshine, and was almost overcome by a sense of homecoming. Peter describes how in the Hebrides 'breakers of the Atlantic crash in creamy foam across golden sands'. Above - North Uist Peter's love for the Hebrides was aided by the sight of 'peat bog turned purple by the heather' on the Isle of Lewis (above) Born and raised in Glasgow, Peter (above) says the Hebrides have 'somehow become my spiritual home'. Peter said he has returned many times to the islands to complete 'The Lewis Trilogy' series. The most recent addition to the series, The Black Loch, is out on September 12 and available on Amazon I spent the next days revisiting locations where we had filmed, meeting old friends, and soaking up a landscape of bleak and outstanding beauty - black cliffs rising above deserted beaches where the breakers of the Atlantic crash in creamy foam across golden sands. Mountains rising to the south where Lewis meets Harris and the most amazing turquoise waters wash the west coast all the way down through the Uists to Barra. By the time I left to go and write my book, my relationship with the islands had completed its transformation from that first cold, damp greeting nearly fifteen years earlier to a deeply ingrained feeling of love. Born and raised in Glasgow, the Hebrides had somehow become my spiritual home, and I was leaving it with a great sense of sadness. But, of course, that wasn't the end of the story. I have been back many times now, to complete what has become known as The Lewis Trilogy, and most recently, to research and write the sequel to that series - The Black Loch - which is published this month. There was a time, during the Covid pandemic, when I thought I might never return. And so it was with joy in my heart that I flew back to the islands last year to conduct my research. Coming, in a sense, full circle and completing a journey that took me from mixed feelings to absolute devotion over more than thirty years. The Black Loch by Peter May is published on September 12 by Riverrun at 22. Peter May will be doing a book tour of the UK. To book tickets see: geni.us/PETERMAY-EVENTS. Emirates has axed its route linking Melbourne and Singapore after flying between the cities for 28 years. The Dubai-based airline's Boeing 777s have serviced the route since 1996. The airline hasn't revealed when its planes will stop making the eight-hour flight. 'Emirates will determine the termination date of the EK404/405 SingaporeMelbourne service after receiving the final assessment of the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS),' an Emirates spokesperson told Australian Aviation. 'When the termination date is finalised, Emirates will communicate changes to affected passengers and offer them alternative travel arrangements.' Emirates said it would continue to fly between Singapore and Dubai, with multiple flights a day. It's understood that once the last Emirates plane flies from Melbourne to Singapore, the carrier won't operate any aircraft between Singapore and Australia at all. Emirates will maintain four daily flights between Singapore and Dubai, and two non-stop daily A380 flights from Melbourne to Dubai, despite cutting the Melbourne-Singapore leg. Emirates previously operated flights from Brisbane to Singapore but discontinued the route in 2019. Emirates flights linking Melbourne and Singapore will be axed Wills in hot water, Billys got a secret and two families are at loggerheads 1. Jai makes amends with Arthur? Jai wants to maintain a relationship with Arthur, and Charles encourages him to keep working at it. However, Jai later feels defeated when Arthur continues to ignore him. However, when Jai later realises that Arthur has been on a date and drinking beer, Arthur worries that Jai might tell all to Laurel. Can Jai use the situation to win Arthurs trust? 2. Will does business with Caleb Wills blackmailer turns the screws, upping their demands to 50k. Desperate, Will makes a deal with Caleb, using his haulage business shares to negotiate a loan. But when Jimmy finds out what Will has done, he is furious at business partner. 3. Can Amy talk Amelia round? As the fallout from the recent drama continues, Amy and Kerry are suspicious. Later, Amy tries to get through to Amelia, but will her words have any effect? 4. Billys cash flash Billy confronts Billy over some cash that she has found, but he explains that hes been quietly saving up for a surprise. Dawn believes him but when Billy heads upstairs, we see him make a call where he asks someone for more work. What is Billy up to? 5. Ryan wants Gail close Gail is keen to find a new place to live. However, Ryan is gutted when she tells him that she wants to live alone. Will he be able to persuade his girlfriend to change her mind? 6. Mandys made an offer! Mandy is surprised to receive an unexpected invitation. But what is it and will she take up the offer? 7. Wills dummy run Will lets his blackmailer know that he has the cash, but returns to Home Farm to discover that Kim isnt there. Hes worried to receive a message from his tormenter telling him that theyve abducted her. As he follows their instructions, hes goaded by a mannequin in the woods dressed like Kim. And soon hes heading deeper into the forest 8. Jimmy and Lydia clash With their conflicting family loyalties, Jimmy and Lydia find themselves bickering over the accusations which Belle has made about Tom. Is a feud about to erupt between the two families over Belle and Toms relationship as each try to protect their own? Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com A mortified BBC host was caught scrolling on her phone for an entire minute during a live broadcast. Annita McVeigh, 46, was left visibly red-faced as she realised the lunchtime news bulletins were thrown into total silence as she scrolled on her phone during a technical blunder. Blissfully unaware of the awkward silence, Annita was seen looking through her iPhone and talking to her production team. The blunder lasted over a minute before the anchor realised that she was already live on TV. She then appeared every inch the professional newsreader as she styled it out while the top stories of the day started to play. Annita McVeigh, 46, was left visibly red-faced as she realised the lunchtime news bulletins were thrown into total silence as she played on her phone during a technical blunder Blissfully unaware of the awkward silence, Annita was seen scrolling through her iPhone and talking to her production team The clip then launched into the afternoon's headlines, including a special 'Inside Afghanistan' report. But the uncommon scene shocked their afternoon viewers as they were left 'panicking'. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their amusement over the blunder, one user penned: 'The moment Annita started checking her phone was when I started panicking' 'This is so funny' 'Seems to be way more technical bloopers happening on BBC News these days...is it the same team as do the shonky work on the new Newsnight?' 'Annita is such a pro, laughing at this' 'I thought my laptop speakers were on the blink.' 'Reading her shopping list' The blunder lasted over a minute before the anchor realised that she was already live on TV She then appeared every inch the professional newsreader as she styled it out while the top stories of the day started to play But the uncommon scene shocked their afternoon viewers as they were left 'panicking' The clip, which TV critic Scott Bryan originally shared, has been viewed over 90,000 times on social media. The mother-of-two has served as a presenter on the BBC News channel since 2006 and briefly left the corporation in 2023. In February, Annita returned to the corporation and was deservedly promoted to chief presenter. Susanna Reid clashed with Martin Lewis and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds live on air during Tuesday's instalment of the breakfast show, as fans slammed her for 'constant interruptions'. The presenter, 53, found herself in a heated debate twice within the programme, firstly being accused of 'exaggerating' by the money expert in an awkward exchange. It came as Susanna and her co-host Ed Balls were discussing the Government's plans to cut winter fuel payments for ten million elderly voters. They were debating how difficult it is to apply for pension credit with some confusion over how long it takes to fill out the application. During the interview with Martin, Susanna said: 'If someone's watching this right now and thinks I have never been able to tackle the application for pension credit, because as I understand it, it's 243 questions long, this application'. Susanna Reid clashed with Martin Lewis and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds live on air during Tuesday's instalment of the breakfast show, as fans slammed her for 'constant interruptions' The presenter, 53, found herself in a heated debate twice within the programme, firstly being accused of 'exaggerating' by the money expert (above) in an awkward exchange Before she finished her sentence, the money pro chimed in with: 'I think that's an exaggeration,' prompting the presenter to fire back: 'Well that's what The Times is reporting, anyway okay'. Attempting to clarify, Martin added: 'It's important to say to people - yes, depending on what you answer depends on the number of questions.' Not backing down, Susanna questioned: 'So it's possibly 243 questions long?' to which Martin agreed and the presenter said: 'I mean you know, that's pretty off-putting isn't it?' Elsewhere on the show, Ed and Susanna interviewed the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the same topic - and the conversation got very heated. The ITV star fired: 'When you make this choice to withdraw the winter fuel allowance, what is your new analysis and how many deaths have you decided will result?' and the politician responded that: 'No one should die' Later in the interview Susanna kept interrupting the interviewee, raging: 'So you've decided that pensioners are the ones who can afford it?'. Attempting to defend himself, the MP said there are 'no easy decisions,' but Susanna quickly came back with: 'No we keep hearing that but we're asking why pensioners and you have made it clear.' She finished off the dramatic interview by remarking: 'If only pensioners got 1 for every time a Government minister said this was a difficult decision. Perhaps they could make up the winter fuel allowance.' They were debating how difficult it is to apply for pension credit with some confusion over how long it takes to fill out the application Elsewhere on the show, Ed and Susanna interviewed the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the same topic - and the conversation got very heated Viewers quickly picked up on the awkward moments, taking to X to write: '#Stop interrupting #martinlewis and let him finish! #gmb' 'Susanna: the application for Pension Credit is 240 questions long Martin Lewis: That is a slight exaggeration. Susanna: well thats what the Times are reporting. Martin: You dont answer them all, just the ones relevant to you. Susanna: [angry face emoji] #GMB.' 'Susanna needs a week off. She thinks shes Jeremy Kyle #GMB.' 'You go, girl. Susanna is rinsing him. #GMB.' It comes after the ITV star made her return to Good Morning Britain last week after a lengthy summer break - but viewers were all saying the same thing about her striking outfit. The ITV star fired: 'When you make this choice to withdraw the winter fuel allowance, what is your new analysis and how many deaths have you decided will result?' and the politician responded that: 'No one should die' Later in the interview Susanna kept interrupting the interviewee, raging: 'So you've decided that pensioners are the ones who can afford it?' It comes after the ITV star made her return to Good Morning Britain last week after a lengthy summer break - but viewers were all saying the same thing about her striking outfit The TV presenter, 53, commanded attention as she made her comeback to the ITV programme in a bright blue suit, complete with a large white satin bowtie around her neck The presenter commanded attention as she made her comeback to the ITV breakfast programme in a bright blue suit, complete with a large white satin bowtie around her neck. She further accessorized with a funky pair of tortoiseshell glasses with a very thick frame as she appeared on screens alongside her co-host Ed Balls. Susanna celebrated her return with a quick selfie on social media alongside the caption: 'Back to school!,' which has already been seen by more than 25,000 people. While many fans were delighted to have the 'gorgeous' presenter back on GMB and flooding her replies with welcome back messages, others couldn't help but compare her quirky outfit to a number of characters and celebrities. From Austin Powers and Jamie Foxx in Django Unchained to Margaret Thatcher, the comparisons came flooding in. Selling Sunset newcomer Alanna Gold has been called out by Pioneertown for 'falsely' claiming that she owns the 'entire town' after she referred to herself as the town's 'sheriff'. The real estate agent, 32, made her debut on season 8 of the Netflix hit in which she bragged to her costars about owning a 'little Western town' in the High Desert in San Bernardino County, California. However, Pioneertown has since issued a public statement in which they slammed Alanna for 'belittling' its community with her 'baseless claims' adding that her stake in the location amounts to less than 1 per cent of its sprawling 640 acres. DailyMail.com understands she has been reaching out directly to the people of Pioneertown to apologize for embellishing the truth and stressing that she meant no harm. Posting their statement on the town's official Instagram page, Pioneertown said: 'The baseless claims by Selling Sunset's Alanna Gold that she "owns Pioneertown" undermines 78 years of internationally celebrated film, arts and cultural history. Selling Sunset newcomer Alanna Gold has been called out by Pioneertown for 'falsely' claiming that she owns the 'entire town' The people of Pioneertown slammed Alanna's 'baseless claims' adding that it 'undermines 78 years of internationally celebrated film, arts and cultural history' 'These claims belittle generations of artists, neighbors, nature lovers, community members, musicians, small business owners and otherwise magnificent people of Pioneertown. 'Pioneertown is a mile-square census designated community with over 400 residents and is privately owned by more than 100 independent parties. 'Mrs Gold has a small minority non-controlling interest in an entity that owns six of thirty five parcels in the Mane Street area, constituting to less than 1 per cent of Pioneertown's total 640 acres. 'The claim that she owns the "entire town" is verifiably false.' The statement was signed from the residents of Pioneertown. Alanna has been sending apology letters to the residents, admitting that she does not own the town and that she simply got carried away talking about the community. The letter, which has been seen by DailyMail.com, reads: 'I want to reach out to personally say I am so deeply sorry for the confusion I have caused. 'I certainly do not own Pioneertown, I never should have said that, and I apologize for doing so. The residents of Pioneertown stated that Alanna's stake in the location amounts to less than 1 per cent of its sprawling 640 acres Pioneer is an 1880s-themed town developed as a shooting location for actors working on Western films and TV series 'I want you to know that I did not mean any harm, I absolutely love Pioneertown and I simply got too excited talking about it.' The letter continued: 'My first date with my husband was there and our wedding was at the Soundstage. 'We wanted to become part of the community so we invested in a home and other properties there. 'Again, I am so sorry to the people of Pioneertown, I would never want to disrespect the town's history or any of the people who make it such a wonderful place.'. Alanna claimed she was 'sheriff' of Pioneertown in episode two when her boss Jason Oppenheim asked her how much he would have to pay to buy the town from her. Alanna told Selling Sunset's Bre Tiesi that she owns a 'little Western town in the desert' She later took costars Mary Bonnet, Amanza Smith, and Nicole Young to Pioneertown in episode five Alanna has been reaching out to the people of Pioneertown to say that she 'did not mean any harm' 'You guys don't get to know that,' Alanna responded. 'You can't have it, it's ours.' While speaking to Bre Tiesi, she also said: 'I own a little Western town in the desert, so it's called Pioneertown. In episode five, Alanna brought her costars Amanza Smith, Mary Bonnet, and Nicole Young to the community for a mini vacation. Speaking in her confessional, she shared: 'Pioneertown is where my husband and I had one of our first dates and it's where we got married two years ago. 'It was actually once a movie set, and the town is very unique because most sets are a ghost town, but this actually functions as a real-life town and it's still running to this day.' Pioneertown, an 1880s themed live-in movie set, was founded in 1946 by actor Dick Curtis who wanted to create a living and breathing town to be used for TV and film. The Cisco Kid, High Noon, and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral are among a wealth of productions that were shot there. As of today, over 400 citizens reside in the town, which boasts a local art studio, a pottery shop, and a custom leather and saddle shop. There are also an array of false fronts, including a bank, jail, and saloon. Lauren Goodger has revealed Mark Wright promised to build her their first home together before he married actress Michelle Keegan. The TOWIE star, 37, recalls her ex-boyfriend talking about his dreams for the future and how she longed for marriage and children during their decade-long romance. But Lauren says she was forced to watch Mark achieve his goal of building a property from scratch with wife Michelle, who he wed nine years ago. Lauren believes the 'love' shared between childhood sweethearts never 'goes away' and she's 'proud' of how Mark has furthered himself from reality star to TV presenter. Despite her longing to have a civil relationship with her ex, Lauren claims the former couple don't speak even though they attend the same gym and often see each other. Lauren Goodger has revealed Mark Wright promised to build her their first home together before he married actress Michelle Keegan The TOWIE star recalls her ex-boyfriend talking about his dreams for the future and how she longed for marriage and children during their decade-long romance (pictured in 2011) But Lauren says she was forced to watch Mark achieve his goal of building a property from scratch with wife Michelle, who he wed nine years ago Lauren said: 'I remember once he took me to this place near where we lived and said, "I'm going to have a house and I'm going to build it. Do you want that?" 'Of course I do, because I want to have kids in it and I want to get married. And he has done it, but he's moved on. It's not with me.' Lauren started dating Mark when they were teenagers, before they found fame on ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex. After an on/off relationship which was heavily documented on the show, they split for good in 2012. Mark married former Coronation Street actress Michelle over nine years ago and the couple live together in an Essex mansion, complete with gym and outdoor swimming pool, which the Heart Radio host has spent months refining. Lauren added: 'I don't think that sort of love from childhood goes away. 'I'm happy for him. I don't have them feelings now, today, but I'm proud of him and he probably doesn't even know that because the media have written so many things and he probably thinks it's coming from me. I've never really spoken about him that much.' Despite her more recent romances, including with ex-boyfriend Charles Drury, who is the father of her daughter Larose, Lauren admits Mark was the love of her life. Lauren started dating Mark when they were teenagers, before they found fame on ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex (pictured in 2010) Despite her more recent romances, including with ex-boyfriend Charles Drury, who is the father of her daughter Larose, Lauren admits Mark was the love of her life Lauren says she believes her relationship with Mark was turbulent because they both played mind games but their mutual feelings for each other kept pulling them back The reality star is a mother to daughter Larose, who she says has saved her following the devastating loss of her second baby, Lorena Speaking to Married At First Sight UK star Paul Brunson on his new podcast We Need To Talk, Lauren says she believes her relationship with Mark was turbulent because they both played mind games but their mutual feelings for each other kept pulling them back. Lauren said: 'I never ever thought I was going to love anyone else. I was with him for twelve years on and off. 'It wasn't a smooth sailing relationship. We broke up a few months here, got back together, but we grew up together. We grew up. 'He was the love of my life. We wouldn't have stayed together for that long if he didn't have this mutual feeling for me. 'And obviously I've been through a lot with him and everyone said to me, "Lauren, he was obsessed with you." 'We'd have the same jealousy. We'd have the same, like, tit for tat, making them jealous, getting back together. He couldn't be without me and I couldn't be without him.' Amid their relationship, Mark was portrayed as a womaniser on TOWIE following his flings with co-stars Sam Faiers and Lucy Mecklenburgh. Since leaving the programme, Mark has successfully established himself as a radio and TV host. Last year, he fronted his own show on the BBC, A Wright Family Holiday, while his wife Michelle topped the Netflix global charts with her starring role in thriller Fool Me Once back in January. But Lauren believes Mark's destiny could have been different had they stuck by each other through the height of their reality star fame. She admitted: 'It did go, obviously a little bit toxic at times, but not as bad as what I've experienced later in life. 'Yes, we went through some, what would you call it, like, hard times where there were things that went wrong. But we were kids at one point. That was part of growing. We could have made it if we had gotten older and worked on certain things and maybe had a bit of help.' Amid their relationship, Mark was portrayed as a womaniser on TOWIE following his flings with co-stars Sam Faiers and Lucy Mecklenburgh (pictured in 2011) Lauren returned to TOWIE earlier this year, filming scenes with the cast including Harry Derbidge and Ella Rae Wise During the no holds barred podcast, Lauren spoke openly about her complicated love life, ongoing struggles with body image and the devastating loss of her second baby, Lorena, who died two minutes after being born in 2022. Lauren has been single for the past two years after she accused ex-Charles of assaulting her on the day of their daughter's funeral. Charles was charged with inflicting actual bodily harm on Lauren but was cleared of the assault after she withdrew her support for the prosecution. She also dated Jake McLean, who died in July 2022 in Turkey following a horror car crash. It was later revealed that Jake, whose girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou sat in the passenger's seat, got behind the wheel despite being three times over the drink-drive limit and under the influence of cocaine. Following many years of trauma, Lauren, who returned to TOWIE earlier this year, seeks relief in the gym. The star says, like an orchestrated scene from the reality series, she regularly bumps into Mark during her workouts but they don't speak a word to each other. Lauren revealed: 'We do see each other, but we don't speak at all. It's very, very strange. I would happily say hello, but if I'm not wanted somewhere, I shut off. 'We go to the same gym and stuff, and we don't live far from each other. I've stood next to him in a queue before at the gym and it is awkward. 'Obviously, he's moved on with his life. He's got to respect that. And I respect that. But I would love to say, "Hey, how are you? Like, all good", but it's never happened. 'We don't speak at all. We would never speak now because his life has progressed so much and I have to respect that and he respects his partner and his new life and whatever.' Lauren predicts that Mark avoids engaging with her out of respect to Michelle and she sympathises with how the couple are under constant public scrutiny. She said: 'Listen, I actually feel a bit sorry for them because of the media. 'How can he be seen chatting to me? If someone took a photo of that or said something, it could cause a lot of trouble, more than what it is. So that's where it's difficult, and I understand that. I respect that and keep my space.' Bethenny Frankel appears to have a new man in her life four months after parting ways with former fiance Paul Bernon. The reality star, 53, who spent the summer traveling with her daughter Bryn Hoppy, 14, was apparently fanning a new flame as well. The reality star was spotted holding hands with Tom Villante after a romantic dinner in Santa Monica, CA Sunday night. DailyMail.com has reached out to reps for comment. Frankel looked fabulous in a frothy white cotton maxi dress with a plunging neckline and cut out at the empire waist. Her long, dark hair was styled in loose layers and she wore natural looking makeup with a strong red lip. Bethenny Frankel has a new man in her life four months after parting ways with former fiance Paul Bernon. The influencer was spotted holding hands with her new love interest Tom Villante after a romantic dinner in Santa Monica, CA Sunday night The Real Housewives of New York alum added another pop of color, carrying a bright pink purse with a metal chain. Villante looked handsome in a white button down shirt with rolled cuffs and gray slacks with a subtle check pattern, paired with black loafers and no socks. He sported a scruffy beard and his salt and pepper hair was cut short, showcasing a bit of natural curl. Villante is the co-founder and CEO of YapStone, a payment processing platform for people who operate vacation rentals. The company has been operating since 1999. The couple dined at the famous Giorgio Baldi Italian restaurant, which is a favorite of the Hollywood set. The Skinny Girl founder shared video clip of her meal, which included two different types of ravioli and some Bolognese sauce. 'Wow, it's beautiful,' she was heard to say on camera. Frankel, 53, looked fabulous in a frothy white cotton maxi dress with a plunging neckline and cut out at the empire waist The reality star's long, dark hair was styled in loose layers and she wore natural looking makeup with a strong red lip. She added another pop of color, carrying a bright pink purse with a metal chain Villante looked handsome in a white button down shirt with rolled cuffs and gray slacks with a subtle check pattern, paired with black loafers and no socks Villante is the co-founder and CEO of YapStone, a payment processing platform for people who operate vacation rentals. The company has been operating since 1999 'I'm in LA and I'm sorry I forgot to take you with me,' Frankel wrote over the clip. That wasn't the only thing she forgot to share. An eyewitness reports seeing the two share a passionate kiss as they left the eatery. Another clip showed the gorgeous ocean view from wherever she is staying. In a video shot in front of the Chanel store in Beverly Hills, the influencer seemed to be tantalizing her followers with the promise of big news. 'Are we ready, or is it too soon?' she seemed to asking someone off camera. 'I think it's too soon,' she whispered before shutting off the camera. It's unclear how the new lovebirds met Frankel met her former fiance Paul Bernal, 60, via a dating app in 2018 Frankel met her former fiance Paul Bernal, 60, via a dating app in 2018 (Pictured in Santa Monica, CA in June 2025) The couple dined at the famous Giorgio Baldi Italian restaurant, which is a favorite of the Hollywood set. An eyewitness reports seeing the two share a passionate kiss as they left the eatery It's unclear how the new lovebirds met. Frankel met her former fiance Paul Bernal, 60, via a dating app in 2018. The pair spent six years together and even got engaged before calling off their relationship earlier this year. The single mom shares her daughter with ex-husband Jason Hoppy. The two were married in 2010 but broke up a couple of years later. Their contentious divorce was not finalized until 2021. Poppy Delevingne has clearly found her knight in shining armour. The actress and models boyfriend, Archie Keswick, gave a fancy-dress party at the weekend for which he wore a suit of armour on top of chain mail. He was joined by Queen Camillas nephew, Sir Ben Elliot, who donned a monks habit. The dress code for the party, held in Burford, in the Cotswolds, was medieval folklore. It was to celebrate the 43rd birthday of Archie and the 40th of his sister, Willa, scions of the multi-billion-pound Jardine Matheson empire. It was revealed in May that Poppy, 38, had started going out with Eton-educated Archie, an ex-boyfriend of Hollywood star Sienna Miller. Poppy Delevingne has clearly found her knight in shining armour. The actress and models boyfriend, Archie Keswick, gave a fancy-dress party at the weekend (Poppy pictured with a friend at the bash) Poppy's beau Archie wore a suit of armour on top of chain mail. He was joined by Queen Camilla s nephew, Sir Ben Elliot, who donned a monks habit Described as the most eligible bachelor youve never heard of, the Eton-educated businessman is worth 6billion as his family own the Madarin Oriental Hotel Group. Poppy introduced her new boyfriend to her father, Charles, in June after the couple were spotted with the property developer, 74, at a smart restaurant in Notting Hill. She has modelled for the likes of Burberry and Marc Jacobs, graced the covers of various glossy magazines and is a successful business owner with a booming social calendar. But Poppy has said the stigma of becoming a female divorcee held her back from leaving her businessman husband, James Cook, 44, who she was married to for eight years. Speaking for the first time publicly about the split, reported in 2022, the 38-year-old said: It should have probably ended earlier than it did, and I think one of the reasons why it didn't is because of that stigma, which is extraordinary. I'm quite sad, actually, that we should feel that there's such a thing about it, that, god she's divorced, damaged goods, no one's going to want you. Especially women in their late thirties who haven't had a baby ... It's not easy to make that kind of a decision. It's not by any stretch. The couple were married in 2014 at a high-society London wedding with the likes of Trinny Woodall and Charlotte Tilbury in attendance at St Pauls Church, Knightsbridge. Poppy has said the stigma of becoming a female divorcee held her back from leaving her businessman husband, James Cook, 44, who she was married to for eight years Poppy's younger sister, the supermodel Cara Delevingne, acted as maid of honour and both the sisters wore Chanel. Reflecting on the relationship, Ms Delevingne said: There is a lot of love and respect there. It just no longer worked for us.' 'I met him when I was 20 years old and 15 years is a long time and I think 15 years to be with someone is a success and sometimes these things just have to come to an end but even so within that, when it did end, that feeling, it was this sort of like bubbling up of freedom.' 'And I think I've said this to you before, I felt sort of 20 all over again. Speaking for the first time publicly about the split, reported in 2022, the 38-year-old said: It should have probably ended earlier than it did' (Poppy and James pictured in 2017) Since the split, Ms Delevinge dated Constantine Alexios, a Prince of Greece and Denmark 12 years her junior and has recently started dating Sienna Millers ex-boyfriend Archie. Meanwhile, Mr Cook was spotted with a new girlfriend last year and even brought her to an event his ex-wife was hosting for the sustainable prosecco brand, Della Vite, she started with her sisters Cara and Chloe in 2020. Yet Ms Delevingne told the Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast that her label as a socialite has completely undermined anything of any worth that Ive ever done. She said: They want to take me down a peg or two and it's so frustrating because what even is that? What is a socialite? KIIS FM radio host Kyle Sandilands has slammed the police description of a man accused of throwing coffee over a nine-month-old baby at a Brisbane park. Baby Luka had been on a picnic with his mother, in Hanlon Park, in inner south east Brisbane, when the man allegedly approached them at about midday on August 27 and poured a thermos of scalding coffee over the infant before fleeing. Queensland police have identified the foreign national, but he has since fled overseas. Speaking on the Kyle & Jackie O show on Tuesday, Kyle took aim at the vague and 'woke' description authorities provided of the man who was reported as being in his 30s or 40s and of a proportionate build with tanned skin. The radio shock jock, 53, suggested using more detailed characteristics in a bid for the public to identify the alleged perpetrator. 'How is there a manhunt on for this Chinese guy in Brisbane who threw the hot water over a baby, and nearly burnt the baby to death?' Kyle raged. 'No one said that you're looking for an Asian man, they just said "the man fled the scene"! 'If there's a manhunt on, give us the description for Christ's sake.' Kyle Sandilands has slammed the police description of a man accused of throwing coffee over a nine-month-old baby at a Brisbane park Kyle added listeners wouldn't know how to identify the man if they were only tuning in to the radio for a description. 'You've gotta be aware if there's a manhunt on, we can't be that stupid as a society that we're not saying whether they're white, black, tall, skinny, fat. That's just ridiculous,' he continued. The baby suffered life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms and has undergone four operations in Queensland Children's Hospital. Queensland Police raised fears last week the man may have travelled interstate or overseas before confirming on Monday he had fled the country. The 33-year-old man was in NSW on August 28 before he flew out of Sydney Airport on August 31 on his own passport - just 12 hours before police confirmed his identity. A warrant has since been obtained for his arrest for grievous bodily harm, which carries a possible life sentence. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, who described the incident as a 'savage attack' without an apparent motive, said the accused was 'aware of police methodologies' and had been 'conducting counter-surveillance activities'. 'This is probably one of the most complex and sometimes frustrating investigations I've had to be involved in and lead,' he told reporters. A man accused of throwing coffee on a nine-month-old baby at a Brisbane park has fled overseas with cops issuing a warrant for his arrest The baby suffered life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms Baby's Luka's mother and father said they were 'devastated' to hear the man had fled. 'It sounds like they were very, very close in catching him, and this obviously means that we're going to have to wait who knows how long to get justice for our son,' she told the ABC. 'So it's a bit heartbreaking.' The mother, who requested anonymity, said she had been living in 'fear' since it happened and didn't want to leave the hospital because it 'became our safe space'. 'Returning home I had panic attacks, and still continue to do so. I do feel relief that he's not in this country, in some sense, but I will always have fear and anxiety being out in public with my son,' she said. 'It's affected my mental health for the rest of my life.' Detective Inspector Dalton said the man was clearly 'aware of what we (the police) do to find people' and that cops had been stymied in their efforts when they had initially been given the wrong name. 'It wasn't until the first of September that we were able to put a name to the face in the CCTV,' he said. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton (pictured), who described the incident as a 'savage attack', said the accused was 'aware of police methodologies' and had been 'conducting counter-surveillance activities' 'Even at that stage, we probably didn't have enough evidence to obtain a warrant. 'We've since been to New South Wales and Victoria to gather that information, and the warrant has been granted.' Detective Inspector Dalton said he knew which country the man had fled to but could not share that information while the investigation was still live. He said the man had been in and out of Australia since 2019 and had been 'lawful' each time. 'There's no adverse holdings that we can find on him in Australia,' Detective Inspector Dalton said. He said the man was in the country on a visa and had addresses 'across the eastern seaboard' but not in Queensland. The accused had been an 'itinerant' worker in Queensland, NSW and Victoria and police had interviewed some of his former colleagues. Detective Inspector Dalton said the attack was the 'most cowardly' he had witnessed in his career. 'A young mother and a baby sitting on the ground and you are allegedly approaching them from behind,' he said. Baby Luka has undergone four surgeries following the sickening, unprovoked attack Detective Inspector Dalton said the attack was the 'most cowardly' he had witnessed in his career. Pictured: the suspect who has now fled overseas 'Can you think of anything more vulnerable than that? And to take advantage of that? Youre probably right, its one of the most disgusting ones Ive come across.' Detective Inspector Dalton vowed that he would not stop until the man is caught. 'Ive got 30 detectives working for me. They are devastated that they missed this person by 12 hours,' he said. 'I think only the family would be more upset about that.' Detective Inspector Dalton encouraged anyone with any information to come forward. 'People may feel safe now that this person has fled Australia, to actually come forward to police,' he said. 'I encourage them to do that. There'll be no judgement on you whatsoever.' Police 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 where the trail went cold. Model Tess Shanahan and her multi-millionaire husband Shaun Wilson, who co-founded fake tan empire Bondi Sands, have announced the birth of their first child. The power couple made the announcement on Instagram on Monday and revealed that baby Romee 'made her grant entrance' into the world on September 6. 'Romee Rae Wilson made her grand entrance at 11:37am on September 6th, 2024.Our sweet girl is already stealing hearts,' they wrote in their post. Romee was styled immaculately for her very first appearance on the model's Instagram feed, in a wool beige onesie complete with matching bow-tie booties and pom-pom beanie. The text on the matching name card placed by the newborn's head reads: 'Hello world'. The couple told her 191,000 followers that she's head over heels for their little bundle of joy. 'We are completely in love and lapping up every moment of this bubble!' she wrote. Tess' model friends rushed to congratulate her on the new addition to the family, with the likes of Bec Judd, Miss Universe Australia Daria Varlamova, and Chantelle Baker offering their warm congratulations. Model Tess Shanahan and her multi-millionaire husband Shaun Wilson, who co-founded fake tan empire Bondi Sands, have announced the birth of their first child The power couple made the announcement on Instagram on Monday, and revealed baby Romee 'made her grant entrance' into the world on September 6 Shaun complimented his wife, comparing her efforts in labour with their newborn daughter to Superwoman 'You were absolutely incredible,' Shaun wrote to his wife in the comments, with the hashtag #Superwoman. The couple are in the midst of a long engagement, which Shaun announced in July 2023 on Instagram. Tess, 28, told the Herald Sun that they're set to tie the knot in 2025. 'We have decided to push the wedding out to 2025 and we're thinking an Australian destination,' she said. '30.07.23 - My forever,' Tess captioned a series of images of the elaborate beach proposal. The couple announced their engagement in July 2023, sharing the good news with fans on Instagram The romantic businessman set up a canopy flanked by roses on a beach, as well as small tables decorated with romantic signs and photos. Tess is a Melbourne-based model, businesswoman and aspiring actor. She founded the company Verve Superfoods, which has a range of natural, powdered products designed to supercharge smoothies. Tess has walked for the likes of Alex Perry, Steven Khalil, David Jones, Myer, Lisa Marie Fernandez and numerous fashion weeks globally. Shaun, meanwhile, founded the Bondi Sands brand in 2012 in Melbourne alongside business partner Blair James. Tess and Shaun are set to tie the knot in 2025 following the birth of their baby girl Blair and his wife Melanie also welcomed their first child - a baby boy called Holland Ray James - last October. 'Introducing Mr Holland Ray James,' they wrote in their similar announcement post one year ago. 'Born 5/10/2023 at 2:19pm weighing 3.2kg with a very full head of hair!' The incredibly successful tanning line held 60 per cent of the market share in Australia as of 2021 and is the number one self tanning brand in the world. It is also sold at American retailers such as Walgreens, Ulta Beauty, Target, CVS and Rite Aid. Bondi Sands, which Shaun co-founded, was acquired by Japanese-owned multinational Kao Group for almost $450m in August 2022. Shaun then splashed some of his lavish earnings on the purchase of a sprawling Byron Bay mansion in what has been dubbed the 'Golden Grid' of the cashed-up area. The couple have some very famous neighbours including laidback Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa, as well as his brother Liam Hemsworth. Shaun and Tess' luxury home, which he bought for $8.26million just months ago, sits on an elevated 1010sqm block and features a modern exterior with a columned porch area. Bondi Sands continues to be one of the most successful household names in beauty, with 56 products now sold across 32 different countries. The sprawling fake tan empire began with a simple idea in 2008. The businessman, who co-founded the fake tan brand with Blair James, poured some of his lavish earnings from the sale of Bondi Sands into the purchase of a sprawling Byron Bay mansion (pictured) in June James had been running fake tanning salons in the friends' native Melbourne when the state government introduced strict regulations for anyone under the age of 18. He was forced to turn customers away from his tanning salon at the time, called Body Bronze, and those customers were forced to use at-home tanning products, which they'd complain weren't half as good as the salon. James brought Shaun on-board to invest in filling the gap in the market with fake tan in a can that looked and felt like the real 'quintessential Aussie tan' - and Bondi Sands was born. Now in their late twenties, both men made enough money from that one golden idea to set their growing families up for the good life. Emily Maitlis has revealed the awkward request she received from Prince Andrew after their notorious Newsnight interview ended. The journalist serves as an executive producer on the upcoming Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal - a retelling of the 2019 interview. The interview was widely branded a 'car crash' for the Duke of York, but Emily has now revealed that he actually wanted to spend even more time talking about sweating and Pizza Express. Emily - who is portrayed in the series by actress Ruth Wilson - also opened up about the interview's surprising impact on her career opportunities afterwards. Of Prince Andrew's request, she said: 'Once we'd finished the interview, I said as a courtesy, "Is there anything that didn't get included that you wanted to discuss?" and Prince Andrew said, "Well actually, there were a couple of things. You didn't include my alibi". Emily Maitlis has revealed the awkward request she received from prince Andrew after their notorious Newsnight interview ended (Pictured on Monday) The journalist serves as an executive producer on the upcoming Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal - a retelling of the 2019 interview 'He wanted to talk about the fact that he'd been at Pizza Express on the night in question. 'And it was a very complicated moment for us because, on the one hand, I knew that if he included some of the stuff that he wanted to talk about, for example the sweating and the Pizza Express alibi, it was not going to help his case, in fact, it was actually going to make it look worse.' Emily added: 'I felt kind of a responsibility to not let him walk into that, but on the other hand, I also felt a responsibility to include the things that he had said were important to him to say.' The News Agents presenter went on to reveal how it was more difficult to get interviews afterwards as it scared people off. 'It's a curious thing actually, on the one hand, you'd think it might make it really easy to get people to do interviews with you because they've seen your interview and they've heard of you, ' she said. 'And on the other hand, nobody wants to do an interview with you because they've seen your interview and they've heard of you! 'So, I think it's slightly double-edged. Some people come towards you, and some run a mile.' Emily attended the London screening of the Prime Video drama on Monday alongside Ruth - who plays the journalist in the retelling. Ruth Wilson (L) will star as journalist Emily Maitlis (R) Of Prince Andrew's request, she said: 'Once we'd finished the interview, I said as a courtesy, "Is there anything that didn't get included that you wanted to discuss?" and Prince Andrew said, "Well actually, there were a couple of things. You didn't include my alibi" Amazon Prime has released the trailer for upcoming drama A Very Royal Scandal on Wednesday, after announcing when it will drop on the streamer Ruth Wilson and Emily attended the London screening of Prime Video's A Very Royal Scandal at London's Ham Yard Hotel on Monday The pair took to the red carpet on Monday for a special screening of the drama at London's at Ham Yard Hotel, joined by actor Michael Sheen - who portrays the Duke Of York. Ruth looked chic for the screening in a striking plunging black midi-dress, complete with dramatic spiked straps. Meanwhile Emily was sparkling in a fully-sequined red high-necked, cap-sleeved gown. Also in attendance for the screening was Welsh star Michael, 55, who will play the prince during the disastrous interview. Michael looked dapper in a navy suit and white shirt as he posed alongside his co-star Ruth. Amazon Prime released the trailer for upcoming drama A Very Royal Scandal on Wednesday, after announcing when it will drop on the streamer. Set to retell the story of Prince Andrew's 'car crash' interview the dramatisation stars Michael as the Duke of York and Ruth as journalist Emily. The three part series will premiere on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The actress, 42, plays the former Newsnight journalist, 54, in a retelling of the car crash interview involved Prince Andrew back in November 2019 The pair took to the red carpet on Monday for a special screening of the drama at London's at Ham Yard Hotel Ruth looked chic for the screening in a striking plunging black midi-dress, complete with dramatic spiked straps It comes just five months after rival streaming platform Netflix 's version, which was out on April 5. In the trailer, Wilson's Emily can be seen pursuing the story that would make her a global household name and destroy the Prince's reputation in a pivotal moment in British history. Before the interview, the Duke of York quips: 'I'm going to blow this out of the water.' He adds in a voiceover: 'I've been warned about you. You have a bit of a reputation.' Emily then cheekily responds, while sitting across from him: 'Well, for you, I'll try and behave.' It then cuts to the interview and then its aftermath, where Emily says: 'I was only ever hoping to ask the right questions.' Emily paired her gown with a collection of elegant jewellery Also in attendance for the screening was Welsh star Michael, 55, who will play the prince during the disastrous interview Michael looked dapper in a navy suit and white shirt as he posed alongside his co-star Ruth Amazon Prime released the trailer for upcoming drama A Very Royal Scandal on Wednesday, after announcing when it will drop on the streamer The upcoming series by Amazon MGM Studios will focus far more on Emily - who serves as an executive producer, whereas Netflix's Scoop focused on Prince Andrew. A spokesperson for Amazon confirmed the series will 'follow Emily Maitlis' professional and personal journey as a Newsnight journalist, leading up to her acclaimed interview with Prince Andrew.' A press released added: 'A Very Royal Scandal follows the action of Emily and Prince Andrew in the lead-up to the interview, the ground-breaking event itself and the many questions left in its wake that would change their lives forever.' The first episode sees Prince Andrew attempt to declare his innocence as he finds himself at the centre of an international scandal while Newsnight presenter, Emily, does everything within her power to secure an interview with him. The second instalment features the interview but the meeting takes various twists and turns that neither Emily, nor the Newsnight team, could have expected. Finally, in the third episode Prince Andrew is left to navigate the fallout for himself, his family, and the Royal firm as Emily considers her reputation and the future of her career. Skye Wheatley has been wheeled into the operating theatre after touching down in Turkey for her controversial cosmetic procedure. The influencer, 30, shared a video to Instagram on Monday as she lay in a hospital bed just moments before her 'fox eye lift', which raises the eyes slightly for a cat eye effect. Skye was dressed in a hospital gown as she smiled at the nurses while they wheeled her into the operating theatre. 'It's happening, feel like I could vomit hahaha,' she captioned the image. The influencer has been documenting every step of her latest plastic surgery journey on Instagram. On Sunday, she re-shared a video posted to Instagram by Dr Vasfi Celik giving an insight into her consultation for her fox eye lift. In the clip, Skye was all smiles as she was greeted by the plastic surgeon before they took photographs of her profile ahead of the procedure. They could then be seen looking over her photographs on a computer as Skye gets ready to undergo the cosmetic procedure. Skye Wheatley has been wheeled into the operating theatre after touching down in Turkey for her controversial 'fox eye lift' cosmetic procedure In a caption, Dr Celik wrote: 'Exciting Day at the Clinic! Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with the wonderful Skye Wheatley, who travelled all the way from Australia to visit us. 'We had an engaging consultation regarding her upcoming brow lift surgery. It was great to explore her goals and answer all her questions to ensure she's confident and prepared for the journey ahead. 'Here's to new beginnings and beautiful transformations!' Skye has been accompanied on her trip to Turkey by her boyfriend Lachlan Waugh and their two children - Forest, five, and Bear, three. The influencer, 30, shared a video to Instagram on Monday as she lay in a hospital bed just moments before her 'fox eye lift', which raises the eyes slightly for a cat eye effect Skye recently said of her travel and surgery plans: 'I am going to Turkey. I am getting the fox eye lift. It is pretty much a half face lift. The surgery itself is not very invasive. 'I want the smallest little lift, I don't want to look crazy, I don't want my eyebrows to be any higher than they are. I just want a little bit of a lift when my face is relaxed.' 'I know a few people who have had it and they look amazing,' she continued. 'At lot of people watching this don't know much about surgeries and will think I'm going to look older, that's fine but I'm still doing it.' The fox eye thread lift raises the edges of the brows using a dissolvable PDO (polydioxanone) thread, aiming to recreate the look of the surgical fox eye lift without the need for an operation. Skye has been documenting every step of her latest plastic surgery journey on Instagram. On Sunday, she re-shared a video posted to Instagram by Dr Vasfi Celik giving an insight into her consultation for her fox eye lift Skye also recently detailed her other cosmetic surgery plans, admitting she wants to have liposuction on her inner thighs and arms, but is worried it will look unnatural. She has undergone a litany of cosmetic procedures over the years, including lip and cheek filler, rhinoplasty and an infamously botched boob job. She also revealed last June she had invested in getting 'trapezius slimming' injections in her shoulders. She also went under the knife again last year to fix the botched boob job she received in Thailand in 2015. In April, Skye also had an anti-ageing treatment to remove fine lines and wrinkles around her neck. Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole has revealed filming scenes for his latest thriller series Nightsleeper made him feel unwell. The six-part Stan series, set to debut later this month, is a nail-biting real-time thriller that sees a train hijacked and driven from Glasgow to London on a single night. And Joe, 35, who takes on a leading role as Joe Roag, admitted he was left feeling motion sick after spending up to 12 hours a day tightly packed into the carriages. He revealed that they were shooting in very challenging conditions and could barely see during the scenes as he gave an insight into the tough process. 'We were cooped up in these small carriages for 10, 12 hours a day and they'd pre-recorded the entirety of the train journey exteriors from Aberdeen to London on LED screens, which were outside the train,' Joe revealed. 'Although it was dark so you couldn't really see much. They used it for the lighting in the windows on our faces a little bit here and there, which saves a lot of time in the edit and just looks better and more realistic.' Despite being stationary, Joe - who is best known as John Shelby in Peaker Blinders - said the cast and crew battled with motion sickness regardless. 'Because you feel like you're on a train, people were getting motion sickness if they looked out of the window for too long,' he went on. Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole has revealed filming scenes for his latest thriller series Nightsleeper made him feel unwell Joe, 35, who takes on a leading role as Joe Roag, admitted he was left feeling motion sick after spending up to 12 hours a day tightly packed into train carriages to film the action series Joe said that while his experience filming the series hadn't put him off using public transport, he did have a warning for some friends who were going on a stag party. 'I had a stag do in Glasgow not long after the shoot and quite a lot of the lads got the night sleeper up there,' Joe revealed. 'I was like: ''Guys, do not get on that thing''. I think they had a pretty rough journey and were knackered the whole trip, but it hasn't put me off trains.' Joe also recently shared that he relished the role because it didn't require him to stab or kill people like his previous turns in Peaky Blinders and Gangs of London. 'I play a lot of serious, moody characters, but I read this and went: 'This is close to me as a person',' he told Variety in February. The six-part series, due to air on Stan this month, is a real-time thriller that sees a train hijacked and driven from Glasgow to London on a single night Created by BAFTA-winning writer Nick Leather Nightsleeper is a fast-moving action adventure that is also part whodunnit with plenty of twists and turns 'I could be free and use my life experience, everything I have been through. I try to have fun in life and bring it to the parts I play. I haven't always been able to do it, because I am usually killing people or stabbing them.' Created by BAFTA-winning writer Nick Leather Nightsleeper is a fast-moving action adventure that is also a part whodunnit with plenty of twists and turns along the way. In the action epic, Joe stars alongside Alexandra Roach (Utopia, No Offence) who plays Abby Aysgarth, the acting technical director at the National Cyber Security Centre. Meanwhile, Joe portrays an off-duty cop who is unlucky enough to be on the wrong train at the wrong time. Together, they must piece together the puzzle of who they are up against and how they can defeat the self-styled 'Driver', who always seems one step ahead. There's a small team working alongside Abby and a handful of passengers left on the train with Joe, but they might not all be as innocent as they seem. Nightsleeper premieres on Stan on 15 September. The findings of the BBC's internal investigation into allegations against Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice will be released on Tuesday, according to insiders. The results of the the 250,000 investigation come after Giovanni's former partner Amanda Abbington revealed said she has no regrets about voicing her claims. The probe's findings are set to be released just days before the 20th anniversary series is due to start. But former contestant Amanda, 50, is expecting bad news according to The Sun. The actress is concerned that BBC bosses have sided with the Italian dancer, 34 after reviewing the evidence but has previously said she is glad she spoke out. The findings of the BBC 's internal investigation into allegations against Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice will be released on Tuesday, according to insiders The results of the the 250,000 investigation come after Giovanni's former partner Amanda Abbington, 40, (pictured) revealed said she has no regrets about voicing her claims But former contestant Amanda is expecting bad news according to The Sun and is concerned that BBC bosses have sided with the Italian dancer A source told the publication that Amanda is concerned the BBC will focus on one explicit video Giovanni shared and that the result will only be based on this evidence. She is worried his side will argue it was 'banter' despite the actress finding it very 'offensive'. A source told the publication that the BBC is hopeful they will be able to reveal all after so many delays. They added that the full dossier is not expected to be released and instead there will be statements published which will reveal the investigation's conclusions. The broadcaster is also hoping to draw a line under the scandal as the new series gets under way. Sherlock actress Amanda 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'. Sherlock actress Amanda made a series of accusations about Giovanni's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean' during her time on the show In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches'but the Italian dancer denies the claims 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. '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. The actress also admitted she would become nauseous after completing rehearsals with Giovanni, a fan favourite who had appeared on Strictly for eight years prior to his suspension. Amanda's husband Jonathan Goodwin, a former escapologist who was left paralysed in 2021 after a TV stunt went horribly wrong, also corroborated her claim of physical sickness. She added: 'He'd go, 'Yes, you would come home and you'd vomit, you'd cry, and you'd think you were not good enough. You were a shadow, a shell.'' Giovanni quit Strictly earlier this year as the investigation began. Last week he announced that he will star in the Italian version of the show Ballando con le Stelle. Two weeks ago Giovanni feared that the bosses of the Italian show would not sign him due to him not yet being exonerated as the BBC continues to take its time revealing the outcome of its investigation. Simone Holtznagel has taken yet another savage swipe at her ex-boyfriend Jono Castano after their acrimonious split. The Australian model, 31, quietly split from the personal trainer, 33, around nine weeks after they welcomed their baby daughter Gia on Easter Sunday. Jono finally confirmed news of their break-up in July, and Simone has since said she is raising Gia alone and cryptically remarked that she 'couldn't change' her partner. Now, the Australia's Next Top Model star has taken another thinly-veiled dig at her ex-boyfriend as she made a telling move on social media on Monday. In her latest swipe, she liked an Instagram post which joked about feeling nauseated by the father of your child. Alongside a shot of Rowan Atkinson's iconic character Mr. Bean retching in disgust, a caption read: 'Knowing that you were once attracted to the father of your child.' A humorous caption penned by content creator JayDee Milo added: 'Who feels like [vomit emoji]???' Simone's representatives declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. Simone Holtznagel (pictured in November 2023) has taken yet another savage swipe at her ex-boyfriend Jono Castano after their acrimonious split In a telling move on Monday, Simone liked an Instagram post which savagely hinted at feeling nauseated by the father of your child The dig comes after Simone broke her silence on their split by saying she 'couldn't change' the man that she loved as she hinted at the reasons behind their break-up. 'I wanted to set an example for my daughter; that's something that shifted for me. One day I was like, "What am I doing? This isn't right." And I would hate if she was ever in this situation,' she told Stellar. 'You have to do what is right for you at the end of the day. No matter the number of promises or anything else that people make, when they show you who they are, believe them. Because you can't change people.' Simone also said she is content raising her baby Gia, five months, alone and that she is confident she made the right choice. 'I've never felt more sure of anything, and I know I can do it by myself. It's unfortunate that I'm mostly having to do it by myself, but I couldn't think of it any other way, really,' she said. 'What I'm doing just feels very right for me, the most important thing to me is that Gia is happy and healthy, and that I'm happy too.' In another swipe, Simone recently addressed the positives and negatives of doing motherhood 'alone', despite seemingly sharing parenting duties with Jono. In a recent interview, Simone notably failed to mention Jono in an apparent swipe as she thanked her family and friends for supporting her. The Australian model, 31, quietly split from the personal trainer, 33, nine weeks after they welcomed their baby daughter Gia on Easter Sunday (she is pictured with Jono in May 2023) When asked about the aspect of motherhood that surprised her, Simone told Women's Health: 'Positive: I can do this alone. Negative: I am doing this alone. 'My family and friends have gone absolutely above and beyond for me, and I am lucky that the negatives feel a lot easier with them by my side.' Simone welcomed her daughter Gia with Jono on Easter Sunday, but the couple went their separate ways just nine weeks later, with Jono confirming the news at the end of July. 'Who knows what the future holds, our idea is just to be the best parents for Gia at this stage,' he told Daily Mail Australia in a statement at the time. A close friend of the couple then revealed the writing was on the wall for the end of Simone and Jono's relationship for quite some time. A source told The Daily Telegraph that several friends and family members warned Simone her model lifestyle was not compatible with Jono's fitness influencer career. Liz Hurley has revealed the full story behind that 3,000 Versace safety pin dress as a total unknown, just hours before the Four Weddings And A Funeral premiere. The British actress, 59, made headlines when she stepped out for the 1994 premiere with her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant in a daring cut-out dress - putting her name on the map. Speaking in a Disney+ Vogue documentary airing later this month, Liz shared how she came to wear such a risque dress for the evening - and how she dealt with the huge reaction. She said: 'I must have been photographed 800,000 billion times that night. The next day we were on the front page of every newspaper, we were like "What the hell is this?". 'I remember I was just looking at it thinking "What' then going "Well it was actually a pretty daring dress wasn't it?".' Liz Hurley has revealed the full story behind that 3,000 Versace safety pin dress as a total unknown (pictured), just hours before the Four Weddings And A Funeral premiere The British actress (pictured in October 2022), 59, made headlines when she stepped out for the 1994 premiere with her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant in a daring cut-out dress - putting her name on the map On how she came to wear such a huge designer so early in her career, Liz explained: 'I knew I had to have a dress and somebody said "I know someone who's got a PR firm and they might be able to help you" so on the day of we rang and said "Do you have anything" and they said "We've got one dress". 'And I was like "Well alright I'd love to borrow it, if I can get into it." So I went on the tube to get the dress, which was handed to me in a little white plastic bag.' The actress and model took the Tube to pick up her infamous black Versace number held together with large gold safety pieces. She said: 'Id never heard the name Versace before and it looked pretty precarious. 'But I remember touching my toes and stretching up in it, and nothing moved, so I galloped down the stairs and that was that.' She adds: 'The next day we were on the front page of every newspaper and Im like, "What the hell is this?". 'I hadnt really realised how daring a dress it was.' Elsewhere in the documentary, supermodel Kate Moss revealed the abuse she faced for her 'heroin chic' aesthetic in the 90s. Speaking in a Disney+ Vogue documentary airing later this month, Liz shared how she came to wear such a risque dress for the evening - and how she dealt with the huge reaction She said: 'I must have been photographed 800,000 billion times that night. The next day we were on the front page of every newspaper, we were like "What the hell is this?" The actress and model took the Tube to pick up her infamous black Versace number held together with large gold safety pieces 'I remember I was just looking at it thinking "What' then going "Well it was actually a pretty daring dress wasn't it?" Liz (pictured in June) said The 50-year-old, who became the poster girl for the trend in the Nineties, said that people would approach her in the street and accuse her of promoting eating disorders. She told the documentary: 'Parents would come up to me and say, "My daughter's anorexic". It was awful. 'I think because I was just skinny, and people weren't used to seeing skinny. But if I'd been more buxom, it wouldn't have been such a big deal. It's just that my body shape was different from the models before me.' The look became popular after the then 19-year-old posed in lingerie for the June 1993 issue of Vogue. Describing the shoot with photographer Corinne Day, Ms Moss said: 'I just felt really good. The whole shoot, I felt really comfortable, I loved creating the images. You know, it wasn't glamorous. It was in my flat in London. It was the look that made Kate Moss famous. Now the supermodel has revealed the abuse she faced for her 'heroin chic' aesthetic She told a new Disney+ documentary: 'Parents would come up to me and say, "My daughter's anorexic". It was awful' (pictured in 1995 walking in a Gucci show for Milan Fashion Week) 'Our bedroom was like a bedsit. That's the kind of fashion I liked. It was much simpler.' Reflecting on the backlash to the original photo, which is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in west London, fashion editor Catherine Kasterine told the documentary: 'The public were not ready. They were absolutely appalled. 'Immediately, the pictures were completely vilified and slammed. Perhaps we'd underestimated how that look had in our minds been quite normal.' Jackie O Henderson and her co-host Kyle Sandilands have revealed the rules they would like fans to follow when approaching them in public. The pair were discussing how they feel about being stopped by fans on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O show on Tuesday with executive producer Bruno Bouchet. The radio duo then revealed the things fans should and shouldn't do when they see them out and about. Jackie, 49, shared how two women followed her after she left her Sydney home recently and said she would have preferred if they'd approached her instead. 'The other day I was leaving my house and I saw two girls in a white car. I could see them pointing and I could tell they [recognised me],' she explained. 'And they literally followed me for so long. I thought "oh my God, what are they doing?" and then I parked the car because I was getting Kitty.' 'I parked the car there for a good five minutes and then they still waited and waited and waited for me to take off again and kept following me.' 'You know what just come up, just come up when I was in the parked car and say hi.' Jackie O Henderson and her co-host Kyle Sandilands have revealed the rules they would like fans to follow if they approach them in public Jackie and Kyle also agreed that receiving a 'walk-by compliment' is 'the best thing'. They added they didn't like it when people try to FaceTime a friend while stopping them in the street. Kyle also added that he doesn't like being stopped by fans for more than 30 seconds to a minute. Jackie also shared how two women followed her after she left her Sydney home recently and said she would have preferred if they'd approached her instead It comes after Jackie recently opened up about the difficulties of dating after recently signing a huge multimillion-dollar deal. The radio queen was discussing her love life with Kyle on The Kyle & Jackie O Show last week, when she revealed the advice her father gave her. 'My dad said to me last night, I was on the phone to him and he said "darling, you'll never find anyone now that doesn't want you for your money," Jackie said as her co-host Kyle burst into laughter. 'I said to him, "What about me? Just me, Dad? Aren't I enough for someone?"' Kyle then asked what Jackie's father said in response to her question. 'He said, no, I wasn't. He said men in their 40s don't care about finding longterm relationships anymore.' Graham Norton took a trip down the memory lane as he opened up about the crazy 'rumour-mill' that followed his epic marriage two years ago. The TV legend, 61, got married to BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jonathan McLeod in Bandon, West Cork, where the presenter was raised. And rumours were very quick to escalate as A-listers were apparently spotted by locals in the rural area. Graham and Jono tied the knot in Bantry House having opted for an Irish wedding to accommodate the former's mother Rhoda Walker. 'I don't talk much about my personal life but the big headline is now I am a married man,' the hosting icon began on his first night of his new book tour. 'I'm surprised. I did not see that happening in my life. I am glad I waited. It is quite nice to get married at my stage in life,' he added. Graham Norton took a trip down the memory lane as he opened up about the crazy 'rumour-mill' that followed his epic marriage two years ago The TV legend, 61, got married to BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jonathan McLeod (pictured in 2022) in Bandon, West Cork, where the presenter was raised 'There are perks, like the vows. At my age 'til death do us part' is more achievable. I have got things in my fridge that will outlast me.' Fondly recalling the wedding, he continued: 'We got married but every f*cker in Bandon knew. 'You can imagine the rumour mill. I talk to celebrities for a living but I know practically none. People in Bantry said they saw Lady Gaga at Cork Airport, Elton John was seen in the local pub. 'Imagine being the man and somebody mistook you for Elton John. That is a cruel day,' Graham finished. And the Irish star also teased some 'big stars' will be joining him on his legendary sofa, which will air on BBC One over the next weeks. 'We are back with the chat show at the end of the month. I don't say who the guests are as it will jinx it but we have some big stars,' he said. Last year, Graham broke his silence on his marriage to Jonathan, revealing that he wed the filmmaker in July 2022. The news took his fans by surprise due to the private nature of their relationship. 'You can imagine the rumour mill. I talk to celebrities for a living but I know practically none. People in Bantry said they saw Lady Gaga at Cork Airport, Elton John was seen in the local pub,' he revealed The lavish do was held with 120 guests in attendance with a rumoured performance from music icon Lulu while drag queen Panti Bliss DJed (Graham and Jono pictured in 2018) But in the interview he lifted the lid on details from their wedding and what it was like to marry later in life. The lavish do was held with 120 guests in attendance with a rumoured performance from music icon Lulu while drag queen Panti Bliss DJed. Graham later told The Guardian about the day as he joked that 'till death do us part' was 'more achievable' at the age of 60. He said: 'I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable. 'Till death do us part' seems more achievable at our age. 'If you get married at 23, that's a big ask. We only have to put up with each other for a couple of decades. And then I'll be out of here.' Jonathan 'Jono' McLeod is an esteemed Scottish filmmaker and the couple tied the knot after having met six years previously. Having drawn together a slew of stars for their glamorous Irish wedding, the couple have remained blissfully happy ever since. At the time, Graham revealed: 'I got married this year and we had our wedding party near to where my mother lives in Ireland just so she could come. 'She wouldn't have been well enough to come to London so West Cork it was. And it made me very happy.' Opening up about marrying at 60, he said: 'I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable. 'Till death do us part' seems more achievable at our age' (pictured in May) Speaking about their marriage, Graham went on: 'It's good so far, it would be awful if it wasn't at this stage, just a few months in, I'd like to think that even I could manage a few months. 'I'm from that generation of gays who assumed it was never going to be on the cards. So, one, it's extraordinary that it can happen, I mean, I never gave up hope of finding the one. If it was a surprise, it was a pleasant surprise.' While fans around the world mourn the loss of James Earl Jones, who passed away Monday at the age of 93, the director of one of his iconic roles pays tribute. Rob Minkoff, who directed Jones in the recording booth as he voiced King Mufasa in the 1994's The Lion King, has released an exclusive statement to Daily Mail. The 64-year-old director is currently in London, and heard about Jones' death from The Lion King producer Don Hahn. 'It was just such an honor to really work with him on Lion King. It was incredible that he agreed to the movie, and he was perfect for it,' Minkoff began. 'He created this indelible character that has lived on,' he added, before explaining that The Lion King was actually inspired by the Star Wars franchise where he voiced the iconic villain Darth Vader. While fans around the world mourn the loss of James Earl Jones, who passed away Monday at the age of 93 , the director of one of his iconic roles pays tribute Rob Minkoff, who directed Jones in the recording booth as he voiced King Mufasa in the 1994's The Lion King, has released an exclusive statement to Daily Mail The 64-year-old director is currently in London, and heard about Jones' death from The Lion King producer Don Hahn 'One of the interesting things that people ask me is , What was the inspiration for Lion King? Actually, one of the big inspirations for it was Star Wars,' Minkoff said. 'So the fact that he was in Star Wars, there was a real connection. He played the ultimate villain in that movie and in our movie, he played the ultimate hero,' he said. 'It was one of the things that made that film so memorable and different from many other Disney movies,' said the director, who has also recently appeared on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with wife Crystal Kung Minkoff. When asked about what he will also remember about his friend, he said his warmth and sense of humor. 'He loved to laugh, and his laugh and his voice were obviously so incredible,' Minkoff said, before telling a story about a Lion King test screening. 'You know, I remember when we had a test screening of [Lion King] very early on before the movie was released and we invited him to see it. It was such a meaningful thing to have his reaction to the film. One of the things he pointed out were different inspirations for the film, and he really understood and recognized what they all meant. It was his sensitivity, was so incredible. When asked about Jones legacy, Minkoff said, He really moved the needle. Obviously, things have changed so dramatically in the country and in the world, especially with regard to race and equality, and I think that he was really a leader in the transformation of the culture.' Minkoff's The Lion King is still considered one of the greatest animated films of all time, earning a whopping $771 million worldwide in 1994 from just a $45 million budget. 'One of the interesting things that people ask me is , What was the inspiration for Lion King? Actually, one of the big inspirations for it was Star Wars,' Minkoff said 'It was one of the things that made that film so memorable and different from many other Disney movies,' said the director, who has also recently appeared on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with wife Crystal Kung Minkoff Minkoff has also directed Stuart Little, The Haunted Mansion, The Forbidden Kingdom, Mr. Peabody & Sherman and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank Minkoff with his wife Crystal and their two children Max and Zoe at the opening of Intuit Dome in August 2024 It was also considered to be one of the best-selling home video releases of all time, selling over 55 million copies worldwide. The film also spawned the beloved Broadway musical adaptation, which debuted in 1997 and is the highest-grossing Broadway musical of all time with nearly $2 billion in revenue. Jones would reprise his voice role as Mufasa in Disney's 2019 The Lion King remake, which was also a huge hit, earning $543 million domestic and $1.6 billion worldwide. Minkoff has also directed Stuart Little, The Haunted Mansion, The Forbidden Kingdom, Mr. Peabody & Sherman and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank. Rachel Zoe announced her split from husband Rodger Berman on social media Monday. The 53-year-old fashion designer who attended a Michael Kors dinner in June and 55-year-old banker were married for 26 years and together for 33. In white font set against a black background, Zoe wrote: 'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage.' She added, 'We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together. 'Our number one priority has been and will always be our children. We are committed to coparent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share. We ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this new chapter.' Rachel Zoe announced her split from husband Rodger Berman on social media Monday; pictured in October 2023 In white font set against a black background, Zoe wrote: 'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage' She signed off, 'With love and gratitude Rachel & Rodger.' The former couple are parents to sons Kaius, 10, and Skyler, 13. Zoe and Berman met in the early 90s while they were students at George Washington University. They married on Valentine's Day in 1996. Parts of their marriage were documented on the Bravo reality series The Rachel Zoe Project, which aired from 2007 to 2013. The two also appeared on Lifetime's Fashionably Late With Rachel Zoe, which lasted one season in 2015. Berman is the cofounder and co-CEO of the fashion entrepreneur's Rachel Zoe Inc. Together, they were known as a power couple in the fashion world/ In 2021, the pair spoke to People about their joint podcast Works For Us and shared, 'We do not pretend to be any kind of trained relationship experts, but we do really understand people and relationships. Zoe added, 'Everyone, no matter who they are, is in a relationship. It doesnt matter what kind: its a marriage, its dating, its best friends, its a mother-daughter, its a coworker.' The former couple are parents to sons Kaius, 10, and Skyler, 13; pictured in March Zoe and Berman met in the early 90s while they were students at George Washington University Two years ago she took to social media to pay tribute to Rodger on their 31st anniversary. 'I have loved you @rbermanus from this day 8.29 31 years ago we have done this life together and I cannot wait to see what is yet to come,' she wrote in the caption at the time. 'Happiest anniversary to my person And Yes everyone we met in kindergarten,' she joked.' Rodger previously opened up to Harper's Bazaar about how they met. 'I met Rachel in the summer of 1991. She was 19, and I was 22. She was a restaurant hostess, and I was working as a waiter in Washington, D.C., where we both attended college,' he told the publication in 2011. 'I vividly remember the first time I saw her wearing a tight black mini dress, high-heeled pumps, stick-straight hair, and big red lips covered in M.A.C. Chili lipstick,' the father-of-two recalled. Despite the big change in her life, Rachel seems to be taking things in stride. On Sunday she shared outtakes from her day in the sun with her 4.7 million Instagram followers via the app's Stories feature Zoe shared a smiley group photo with four gal pals, sharing with fans: 'When I show up to have a quick drink @hotelbelar and stay until close' Despite the big change in her life, Rachel seems to be taking things in stride. On Sunday she shared outtakes from her day in the sun with her 4.7 million Instagram followers via the app's Stories feature. Clad in a black bandeau bikini top, she recorded selfie videos, writing over one clip, 'A few hours alone on a Sunday. Tanning in sunnies by @rachelzoe.' Zoe also shared a smiley group photo with four gal pals, sharing with fans: 'When I show up to have a quick drink @hotelbelar and stay until close.' Andy Lee has shared new details about his wedding to fiancee Rebecca Harding. The comedian, 43, revealed on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O show on Tuesday that he and Rebecca won't be getting married anytime soon. He explained they are currently in the process of renovating their $8.5million historic Melbourne mansion and haven't had a chance to plan a wedding yet. '[The wedding] is something we have not discussed at all,' Andy said. 'We tried to start it, but I think it bounces between, let's have everyone there and have a massive party. 'Then we look at the cost of that and the fact that we're trying to finish the house. And we're like, "oh, maybe we'll just sneak away by ourselves". But it won't be any time soon, though.' Andy also revealed he waited so long to propose to Rebecca because he wasn't 'keen on getting married'. 'I didn't really think that it was something I needed to do. It represented a waste of money and to be honest, I'm a bit of a wedding Grinch,' he admitted. Andy Lee has shared details about his wedding to his fiancee Rebecca Harding 'I used to sit there and go, "Why do we have to go and sit and watch people for four hours tell us how much in love they are?"' 'And then as people change, I just thought, "No, actually, I do want a bit of this". And I was surprised with what it does to a relationship. Even just getting engaged. I think you feel a bit more like a team. So, it's been a lovely surprise.' Andy and Rebecca announced their engagement on May 1 after ten years together. Andy got down on one knee at the couples decrepit Melbourne mansion and proposed with a napkin - which symbolised how they met in 2014. 'When I first met Bec, in a cafe, she was a waitress, and she was busy and I wrote on a napkin,' Andy recounted. 'I left my email address (on the napkin), which she didn't like, but I just said, 'If you have a boyfriend, just tell him that I'm using you to get to him. I bet he's handsome',' he continued. The comedian revealed on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O show on Tuesday, he and Rebecca won't be getting married anytime soon Andy returned to the same cafe the next morning and wrote another message on the napkin. 'I'd actually gone back to the same cafe, gotten the same napkin again, and I had written, 'If you've got a husband, just tell him that I'm using you to get to him. I bet he's handsome,' he said. 'And I proposed with the napkin, which she loved.' Rebecca and Andy went public with their relationship at the 2015 Australian Open. In 2022, the couple confirmed they had briefly split for six months in 2016 after Rebecca felt 'immense pressure' dating someone in the public eye. However, they soon realised they were meant to be during their time apart. Andy and Rebecca are currently undertaking a $5million renovation project after buying a historic mansion in Melbourne's east. Samantha Armytage and husband Richard Lavender looked refreshed and revived last Thursday as they arrived back in Sydney after a Noosa getaway. The lovebirds were all smiles following their fun in the sun to celebrate the former Famer Wants A Wife host's 48th birthday. The ex Sunrise presenter looked summery chic in a lavender blouse and khaki slacks which she matched with a straw hat that has fast become her favourite. After receiving several compliments from fans about the farm chic accessory on Instagram, Sam claimed it belonged to her mother and has worn it her entire Noose stay. Along with a brown handbag strapped across her torso, Sam also carried a large beach bag on her arm as she stepped into a pair of brown sandals. Meanwhile, her husband of four years Richard slipped into a simple white linen button-up and khaki shorts. As the couple stepped outside, Sam hid her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses while she loaded up their ride home. The former Seven star, who recently announced her shock departure from the network, appeared in good spirits after her Queensland holiday. Samantha Armytage, 48, (left) and husband Richard Lavender (right) looked refreshed and revived last Thursday as they arrived back in Sydney after a Noosa getaway She toasted to her special day last week with a glass of bubbly at Bistro C in Noosa - a popular dining spot with stunning ocean views. In true birthday spirit, Sam shared the joyful moment with her Instagram followers. 'Happy birthday to me. I do love Bistro C. 48 will be fantastic, I'm sure you will all agree,' she wrote alongside an image of a Champagne flute and a glass of beer. The lovebirds were all smiles following their fun in the sun to celebrate the former Famer Wants A Wife host's 48th birthday The ex Sunrise presenter looked summery chic in a lavender blouse and khaki slacks which she matched with a straw hat that has fast become her favourite After receiving several compliments from fans about the farm chic accessory on Instagram, Sam claimed it belonged to her mother and has worn it her entire Noose stay (pictured) With a brown handbag strapped across her torso, Sam also carried a large beach bag on her arm as she stepped into a pair of brown sandals In another image, the television veteran looked effortlessly chic in a simple white tank top that highlighted her sun-kissed glow. She completed her look with oversized black sunglasses and the stylish straw sun hat which has since become her favourite accessory. Sam's relaxed demeanor suggested she was fully embracing the next chapter of her life following her departure from Channel Seven. She became the face of popular dating show Farmer Wants A Wife last year after first appearing as a guest host alongside former presenter Natalie Gruzlewski. Meanwhile, her husband of four years Richard slipped into a simple white linen button-up and khaki shorts As the couple stepped outside, Sam hid her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses while she loaded up their ride home The former Seven star, who recently announced her shock departure from the network, appeared in good spirits after her Queensland holiday Sam toasted to her special day last week with a glass of bubbly at Bistro C in Noosa, a popular dining spot with stunning ocean views, sharing images to Instagram However, Sam shocked fans last month by announcing she is quitting Seven after 21 years and leaving FWAW in a huge career change. Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she told The Daily Telegraph that she felt her time had come to an end and that she was excited about her future. However, a source alleged that Sam threw in the towel after two seasons as the host of FWAW because Seven wanted to cut her salary, according to Woman's Day. After 21 years at Seven, which saw her salary get up to a reported $500,000 per year, Sam's agents are said to be setting up meetings with Nine and Ten. In the photos of her getaway, Sam completed her look with oversized black sunglasses and the stylish straw sun hat which has since become her favourite accessory Sam's relaxed demeanor suggested she was fully embracing the next chapter of her life following her departure from Channel Seven Naomi Watts put on a brave face as she stepped out at the Today show in New York on Monday, days after sharing her heartbreak over her grandmother's death. The British-Australian actress, 55, oozed sophistication as she stepped out for her US chat show appearance in a stylish all-white ensemble. Her chic outfit was made up of a fitted strapless corset-style top, which she styled with straight leg trousers and a smart blazer with padded shoulders. She added a few extra inches to her frame with a pair of pointed heels and accessorised her ensemble with a chunky gold chain necklace. Naomi shielded her eyes with a pair of statement cat-eye sunglasses amid the sunny weather as she greeted onlookers outside the venue. She flashed a smile for the cameras as she stepped out for an appearance on Today With Hoda & Jenna to promote her menopause solutions brand Stripes Beauty. On the chat show, Naomi discussed the challenges of going through early menopause at 36 years old and shared her desire to shed the stigma around it. 'When I found out I was going into early menopause, I called my mum and said ''why didn't you tell me more?'',' Naomi shared. Naomi Watts put on a brave face as she stepped out at the Today show in New York on Monday, days after sharing her heartbreak over her grandmother's death The British-Australian actress, 55, oozed sophistication as she stepped out for her US chat show appearance in a stylish all-white ensemble Her chic outfit was made up of a fitted strapless corset-style top, which she styled with straight leg trousers and a smart blazer with padded shoulders 'And she said ''these are the conversations my mother never had with me'', so I thought it's like a code of silence they somehow signed and it got passed on.' She explained how she initially thought she was suffering from stress or an allergic reaction, before getting diagnosed by medics. Naomi also reflected on the devastating loss of her beloved grandmother Nikki Roberts, who passed away last month at the age of 99 after having a stroke. 'Ageing is a privilege and I'm glad to be here. Up until two weeks ago, I had two grandmother's alive and she lived until 99,' Naomi said. Two weeks ago, Naomi took to Instagram to share the sad news that her 'nanna' had passed away, three weeks after suffering from a stroke. She shared a carousel of sweet images of herself with Nikki and her family members and paid tribute to her 'no-nonsense' grandmother in a lengthy tribute. She told how her nanna had lived until her 99th birthday after suffering a stroke, achieving her goal of having one last party with all her family members. Sharing one picture featuring four generations of her family, Naomi praised her grandmother's enduring legacy and admitted it is an emotional time for her family. 'My darling Nanna has left this world but her spirit will never leave us,' the Mulholland Drive star began the touching post. 'I'm truly blessed to have had the most wonderful relationship with her. She is such a huge part of who I am: her core values, her work ethic, and her mischievous humor and joy of life.' She added a few extra inches to her frame with a pair of pointed heels and accessorised her ensemble with a chunky gold chain necklace Naomi shielded her eyes with a pair of statement cat-eye sunglasses amid the sunny weather as she greeted onlookers outside the venue She flashed a smile for the cameras as she stepped out for an appearance on Today With Hoda & Jenna to promote her menopause solutions brand Stripes Beauty During the chat, Naomi also reflected on the devastating loss of her beloved grandmother Nikki Roberts, who passed away last month at the age of 99 Two weeks ago, Naomi took to Instagram to share the sad news that her 'nanna' had passed away, three weeks after suffering from a stroke 'My mum and aunts are all in pieces today, but we know what a great life she had,' Naomi continued. 'She just kept cracking on because she loved her life and her family. She lived three more weeks after a massive stroke because, in full beast mode, she showed us that when she was finally ready to 'peg it - she'd peg it'. 'She had one more goal to meet. Her 99th birthday!! One more party. One more family gathering.' Ending the emotional post, Naomi praised Nikki for her humour and 'no-nonsense attitude.' 'I'll never forget her wicked laugh, her feisty spirit, her no-nonsense attitude, her no waste policy,' she exclaimed. 'She'd be trimming the mold off the bread and cheese: 'you don't need an expiration date that's what a nose is for! May her stories and memories live on.' The post was met with a massive outpouring of support as her famous friends and fans all sent their condolences. Katie Holmes appeared to be in a delightful mood as she was pictured walking in New York City Monday afternoon. The actress, 45, who is adapting to life as an empty nester - as her daughter Suri Cruise, 18, has moved out of state to attend college at Carnegie Mellon University - was clad in a colorful ensemble on the sunny day in the Big Apple. The Dawson's Creek actress was clad in a red coat with a black top and billowing black pants, rounding out the ensemble in ballet flats. The Batman Begins actress, who beamed as she chat on a phone call on her stroll, donned brown-framed sunglasses with her brown locks parted and pulled back. Holmes, who is mother to Suri with ex-husband Tom Cruise, 62, had a white canvas tote bag on her shoulder on the daytime outing. Katie Holmes, 45, appeared to be in a delightful mood as she was pictured walking in New York City Monday afternoon An insider told Dailymail.com last month that Holmes will reunite with her daughter Suri at the end of this month at Carnegie Mellon University for the school's family weekend. Holmes is expected to travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to see her daughter at the school on September 27-28, the source said. 'Katie looks forward to visiting her child at school, she is happy for her and wants to be a part of it,' the source told Dailymail.com. Holmes 'attended Columbia University for a while and loved the experience so she is thrilled her girl will be going to college,' the insider noted. Holmes last month told the magazine Town & Country that she was 'proud of' Suri as she advanced in her education. 'Of course, I will miss the close proximity, but I'm really proud of her and I'm happy,' Holmes said. Cruise is paying for Suri's collegiate tuition, which is estimated at an annual rate of $65,000, as per the divorce agreement he and Holmes settled in 2012 following their split after a six-year marriage. Court docs in the split indicated the A-list actor agreed to cover financial expenses for 'medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs.' The Dawson's Creek actress was clad in a red coat with a black top and billowing black pants, rounding out the ensemble in ballet flats. The Batman Begins actress beamed as she chat on a phone call on her stroll An insider close to the Top Gun: Maverick actor told Dailymail.com last month that Cruise 'is fulfilling his obligation' financially when it comes to his daughter. 'Tom is indeed paying for Suri's tuition, he has always paid for her schooling and would never stop as he is a stand-up guy,' the insider said. 'He has never hesitated paying his daughter's child support and expenses. He does not go back on his word.' Holmes has been keeping busy professionally as she plays Mrs. Webb in the Broadway revival of the Thornton Wilder's play Our Town. As Hollywood and the world at large continue to mourn the death of iconic actor James Earl Jones, an intriguing detail about his work in Star Wars has re-emerged. David Prowse portrayed Darth Vader on set, wearing the unmistakable black costume, though director George Lucas thought his voice was not right for the role. Jones himself revealed in a 2010 Daily Mail interview that Lucas, 'realized he might be too recognisable, so he hired me to do the voice, by just reading the words off the page. I did it in a couple of hours.' He added in a 2009 interview with the American Film Institute that he was paid just $7,000 for his voice work that turned Darth Vader into an iconic villain. Not only that, but Jones was uncredited in both 1977's Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope and 1980's Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back... though his name did go on 1983's Star Wars: Episode IV - Return of the Jedi. As Hollywood and the world at large continue to mourn the death of iconic actor James Earl Jones, an intriguing detail about his work in Star Wars has re-emerged He added in a 2009 interview with the American Film Institute that he was paid just $7,000 for his voice work that turned Darth Vader into an iconic villain. 'George wanted... pardon the expression... a darker voice, so he hires a guy who was born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, who stutters, and that's the voice' Jones reveals. 'I lucked out, from all those so-called handicaps, I lucked out to get a job that paid me $7,000, and I thought that was good money, and I got to be a voice on a movie. It was great fun to be a part of that,' Jones said. He added later in the interview that when he met with Lucas - who was producing the film while handing the directorial reins to Irvin Kershner - Jones wanted to make Vader, 'more interesting.' 'George said, "We don't know what we did right, so let's just try what we did." Naturally, I wanted to make Darth Vader more interesting, more subtle, more psychologically oriented,' Jones said. 'He (Lucas) said, No, no youve got to keep his voice on a very narrow band of inflection, cause he aint human, really. So that was the answer,' Jones added. Jones referred to his voice work as 'special effects,' in that interview, and revealed in a 2008 why he was uncredited in the first two films. 'When Linda Blair did the girl in The Exorcist, they hired Mercedes McCambridge to do the voice of the devil coming out of her,' he began. 'And there was controversy as to whether Mercedes should get credit. I was one who thought no, she was just special effects,' he continued. 'George wanted... pardon the expression... a darker voice, so he hires a guy who was born in Mississippi , raised in Michigan , who stutters, and that's the voice ' Jones reveals 'I lucked out, from all those so-called handicaps, I lucked out to get a job that paid me $7,000, and I thought that was good money, and I got to be a voice on a movie. It was great fun to be a part of that,' Jones said 'George said, "We don't know what we did right, so let's just try what we did." Naturally, I wanted to make Darth Vader more interesting, more subtle, more psychologically oriented,' Jones said 'He (Lucas) said, No, no youve got to keep his voice on a very narrow band of inflection, cause he aint human, really. So that was the answer,' Jones added 'So when it came to Darth Vader, I said, no, I'm just special effects. But it became so identified that by the third one, I thought, OK I'll let them put my name on it,' he said. Jones would return to voice Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Rebels, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. Jones retired from acting in 2021 after reprising his role as King Jaffe Joffer in Coming 2 America. He also signed a deal in 2022 with Respeecher and Lucasfilm, authorizing the companies to use his archived audio for future Darth Vader voice performances. A beaming Stephanie Rice has taken to social media to share her excitement about becoming a fiancee. The Aussie swimming champion took to Instagram on Tuesday to gush about her new relationship status after announcing her engagement to pastor Mark Lassey earlier this month. Stephanie, 36, shared a clip that showed her happily strolling to the gym in Abu Dhabi. 'Just on my first walk to the gym as a fiancee,' Stephanie exclaimed in the clip. 'Oh my God, you guys, I am never going to stop saying it, until I'm married of course.' In between excited laughter, Stephanie added that she felt as though she had waited a lifetime to say 'yes'. 'I feel like I've waited 35 years to be a fiancee,' she gushed. 'I can't even say it with a straight face.' Stephanie was quick to thank her retinue of followers for the kind words and congratulations following the engagement announcement, adding that she would be replying to everyone individually on her way back Down Under. A beaming Stephanie Rice has taken to social media to share her excitement about becoming a fiancee. Pictured 'I haven't even started to respond to people yet, but please know I haven't forgotten you I want top reply to every single one of you,' she said. 'I'm flying to Australia tonight so I'll have plenty of time on a 14 hour flight to respond to everyone.' The swimming legend, 36, took to Instagram earlier this month to confirm the jovial news, just weeks after first going public with her and Mark's romance in July. She shared an array of sweet snaps of the moment pastor and Aussie father-of-three Mark popped the question at Dubai's luxury Atlantis The Royal hotel. The couple, who met around seven months ago, looked overjoyed as they beamed from ear-to-ear and shared a kiss, while Stephanie flashed her diamond sparkler. The Aussie swimming champion took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal she can't even say the word 'fiancee' with a straight face after announcing her engagement to pastor Mark Lassey earlier this month In a caption, Stephanie gushed: 'Here's to fresh starts and second chances Yes to a lifetime with you.' She concluded the post with a Bible verse, writing: '''Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desire.'' Psalm 37:4.' Their engagement comes just weeks after Stephanie first went public with their romance in an Instagram post at the start of July. Stephanie had been quietly dating the Australian pastor for five months before officially confirming their romance. They were introduced through a mutual friend and then started a long-distance romance as Mark is based in Perth while Stephanie moved to Dubai in November. 'When we met almost 5 months ago, we both knew this was different,' she gushed in an Instagram post alongside cosy snaps of herself and Mark. 'From the start, there was a deep intentionally between us, and because of the complexities of our lives we wanted to keep these first few months between close family and friends, and enjoy the wonder of falling in love.' 'Oh my God, you guys, I am never going to stop saying it, until I'm married of course,' she added. Stephanie is pictured with fiancee Mark Lassey 'But as God would have it, that first phone conversation made us feel like this was exactly where we were both meant to end up,' she continued before detailing their long-distance romance. Three-time Olympic gold medallist Stephanie joined the church when she relocated to Dubai late last year and is now heavily involved with Kingdom City. Mark is a pastor with the same organisaton in Perth and has been with the church for more than 10 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Kingdom City started in Perth in 2003 and has since gone global with branches in Africa, Europe and Asia in addition to the Middle East. Stephanie was previously romantically involved with former soldier Dane Christison, who she met at an Australian church. The couple holidayed in the United States together over Christmas 2023, but she publicly announced their split just months later in May 2024. Cyrell Paule and Eden Dally are back in the spotlight, making their television return on The Amazing Race: Celebrity Edition. The couple, known for their fiery personalities, have garnered a reputation as one of the most controversial duos in reality TV. And the public's perception hasn't always been kind. 'We're not exactly everyone's cup of tea,' Cyrell, 35, told Daily Mail Australia. 'But at the end of the day, we know people are always watching, and that's what keeps us going.' Eden echoed her thoughts, saying, 'We get a lot of backlash, sure, but we don't let it get to us. If people are talking, it means we're doing something right.' Cyrell, who rose to fame on Married At First Sight, and Eden, who starred on Love Island Australia, have faced their fair share of public backlash. When asked about their relationship, Eden was candid. Cyrell Paule and Eden Dally are back into the spotlight as they make their television return on The Amazing Race : Celebrity Edition. Both pictured ''We're not exactly everyone's cup of tea,' Cyrell, 35, told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday. 'But at the end of the day, we know people are always watching' 'Like any couple, we've had our ups and downs, but we're stronger for it. We're still standing, and that's what matters.' The couple meanwhile hosted a star-studded viewing party on Monday night at The Oxford Hotel Drummoyne to celebrate the premiere of The Amazing Race, gathering close friends and familiar faces from the reality TV world. Among the attendees were MAFS stars Selina Chhaur and Melissa Sheppard, who joined them to watch the couple tackle their latest reality TV challenge. Cyrell looked stunning in a sleek, fitted black dress that accentuated her toned figure, paired with chic white heels. The couple hosted a star-studded viewing party on Monday night at The Oxford Hotel Drummoyne to celebrate the premiere of The Amazing Race. Cyrell looked stunning in a little black dress that accentuated her toned figure Also in attendance was internet personality Benjahmin James and his partner Teddy The Bachelor star Juliette Herrera (right) and Davey Lloyd (left) were also present Her long black hair was styled simply, letting her natural beauty shine. Elsewhere, Eden sported a black button-down shirt with shorts and white sneakers. The Amazing Race continues on Channel 10 on Tuesday at 7.30pm. The principal cast of Francis Ford Coppola's new movie Megalopolis posed on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival Monday evening, including Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel. The Oscar-winning director, 85, was at the center of a group shot with Driver, 40, Emmanuel, 35, D.B. Sweeney, 62, Grace VanderWaal, 20, and Giancarlo Esposito, 66, for the film's North American premiere at Roy Thomson Hall. Coppola was clad in a dark gray suit with a light gray button-up top with a yellow patterned tie during entrances for his latest motion picture. Driver, who plays the role of Cesar Catilina in the movie, donned a black suit with a white button-up shirt with a black tie. The San Diego-born actor sported a goatee with his shaggy black locks combed back. Emmanuel looked stunning in a shoulderless white textured gown with ruffled bottom panel. The U.K.-born actress-activist, who portrays Julia Cicero, had her blonde locks back at the film premiere and accessorized with gold earrings. The principal cast of Francis Ford Coppola's new movie Megalopolis posed on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival Monday evening, including Adam Driver, 40, and Nathalie Emmanuel, 35 The filmmaker, 85, was flanked by actors in the cast of the forthcoming film for its North American premiere Esposito, who plays the role of Mayor Cicero, appeared dapper in a blue jacket with a pocket square with black pants and white turtleneck sweater. The Breaking Bad alum donned black framed eyeglasses as he was seen embracing Coppola at one point. Coppola's conduct during production fell under scrutiny earlier this year after he was accused of trying 'to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras' who worked on his forthcoming film. A report published in May by The Guardian quoted multiple insiders who 'felt that Coppola could be "old school" in his behavior around women.' Eyewitnesses told the outlet that during production of a scene at a club that the famed filmmaker 'came on to the set and tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras.' The Detroit-born director, who made The Godfather trilogy as well as Apocalypse Now (which also had a famously-chaotic production), chat last month with Rolling Stone about the controversies that have surrounded his forthcoming release. Coppola said of the story, 'If you read that piece, youll realize that whoever the sources were - and I honestly dont know who the sources were - its the same people who provided quotes for that Hollywood Reporter piece that said all these people were fired or resigned, and that there was a mass exodus, all of that. 'And the truth of the matter is, they were looking for some sort of dirt. The young women I kissed on the cheek, in regards to the New Years scene, they were young women I knew.' He noted that the 'timing of that article' was suspicious, as the story emerged prior to the movie's Cannes Film Festival debut. The Detroit-born director was seen waving as he was flanked by his castmates The film's leading man and director posed with one another at the cinematic event Driver, who plays the role of Cesar Catilina in the movie, donned a black suit with a white button-up shirt with a black tie The San Diego-born actor sported a goatee with his shaggy black locks combed back as he signed autographs for fans Emmanuel looked stunning in a shoulderless white textured gown with ruffled bottom panel The U.K.-born beauty had her blonde locks back at the film premiere and accessorized with gold earrings Emmanuel, who portrays Julia Cicero in the movie, was a vision of glamour at the event in Canada Coppola's conduct making the movie fell under scrutiny earlier this year after he was accused of trying 'to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras' who worked on his forthcoming film The Detroit-born director, who made The Godfather trilogy as well as Apocalypse Now ( which also had a famously-chaotic production), chat last month about the controversies that have surrounded his forthcoming release 'Its all so ridiculous,' Coppola said. 'Its right before were about to premiere the film at Cannes. Theyre just trying to damage the picture.' Coppola said that the reason for the stories was because of his status as an unconventional filmmaker. 'Theres a prevailing tendency in Hollywood to say, if you follow our rules, youll have a better chance of a success,' Coppola said. '"Well, what about Francis? He doesnt follow your rules. Well, look, whats going to happen to him, hes going to have a failure."' The director added, 'Im trying to do something different here. Film is change. I mean, the movies that your grandchildren are going to make are going to be nothing like what we see now.' The report from The Guardian in May indicated that multiple crew members were dissatisfied with their experiences on the set of the motion picture, which saw significant turnover in its visual effects and art teams. 'This sounds crazy to say,' a crew member said, 'but there were times when we were all standing around going: "Has this guy ever made a movie before?"' Another crew member said of the mood on set: 'We were all aware that we were participating in what might be a really sad finish to his career.' A crew member said that the creative process on the motion picture was frustrating and inefficient amid Coppolas disorganization and insistence on overseeing all aspects of the production. Esposito, who plays the role of Mayor Cicero, appeared dapper in a blue jacket with a pocket square with black pants and white turtleneck sweater The Breaking Bad alum donned black framed eyeglasses as he was seen embracing Coppola VanderWaal, who plays Vesta Sweetwater in the movie, beamed as she soaked in the glam atmosphere at the premiere The Kansas-born actress donned a pink top with a black dress on the red carpet The venerated filmmaker was pictured at a podium during the screening of the movie Coppola has defended his conduct on the set of the movie amid controversial allegations Coppola's new movie features Driver at the head of an ensemble cast 'He would often show up in the mornings before these big sequences and because no plan had been put in place, and because he wouldnt allow his collaborators to put a plan in place, he would often just sit in his trailer for hours on end, wouldnt talk to anybody, was often smoking marijuana,' the crew member said. The crew member said that 'hours and hours would go by without anything being filmed. And the crew and the cast would all stand around and wait. 'And then hed come out and whip up something that didnt make sense, and that didnt follow anything anybody had spoken about or anything that was on the page, and wed all just go along with it, trying to make the best out of it.' The confused crew on a daily basis would 'walk away shaking our heads wondering what wed just spent the last 12 hours doing,' the crew member said. Amid the making of the movie, Coppola was also dealing with the illness of his wife Eleanor Coppola, who died in April at the age of 87. Eleanor had been present on the set of the movie 'until her illness prevented her from being there,' a spokesperson told The Guardian. Another controversy over the movie was based off of quotes from critics, leading Lionsgate to recall the trailer for the movie. The quotes, which included those from late critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert, did not appear in prior reviews of past films from the director. 'Lionsgate is immediately recalling our trailer for Megalopolis,' a spokesperson for the company told the AP. 'We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry.' The movie is set to hit theaters nationwide September 27. Angelina Jolie and her son Pax said goodbye to Canada on Monday after they made a triumphant joint appearance at Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The 49-year-old star was seen jetting out of Toronto's airport with her casually dressed son joining her. Pax who was seriously injured after crashing his e-bike into a stopped car on July 29 in Los Angeles again had his forehead exposed after revealing a significant forehead scar that he debuted at the premiere of his mother's film Without Blood. The 20-year-old's TIFF appearance came shortly after it was revealed that he had 'totaled' his Tesla in another crash that occurred just two months before his nearly fatal e-bike crash. Angelina Jolie and her son Pax said goodbye to Canada on Monday after they made a triumphant joint appearance at Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday The 49-year-old star was seen jetting out of Toronto's airport with her casually dressed 20-year-old son joining her, after he revealed his forehead scar at the premiere of her film Without Blood Angelina toned down her haute couture instincts ahead of her flight with a chic but muted dark brown coat that was cinched closed around her waist with a tied leather belt. She wore it over a simple white top that was paired with flowing cream-colored pants and beige shoes. The By The Sea star looked cool in a set of aviator sunglasses, and she wore her blond-dyed hair in long strands cascading down her shoulders. Pax was similarly muted in a black Civil Regime X Champion hoodie that was decorated on the sleeves and hood with delicate embroidered flowers. He matched the hoodie with black jeans and added stylish round-frame sunglasses and contrasting white sneakers. Angelina and Pax could both be seen smiling together as they made their way through the airport. Although Angelina is best known in front of the camera, she's working behind the scenes on her new film Without Blood, which she wrote and directed. The film star, a parable-like tale exploring themes of family, war and revenge, instead stars 58-year-old Salma Hayek. Angelina stunned on the red carpet in a sleek black dress that she paired with black gloves reaching to her upper arms, while Pax looked debonair in a black suit and matching necktie, along with cool black browline shades. The TIFF premiere was just days after Pax was seen for the first time since his horror e-bike crash in July as he stepped out with the actress in LA on Wednesday. During the outing, he sported an arm cast and a bucket hat emblazoned with 'Miracle' as he continued his recovery with family. The appearance followed Pax's 60-year-old father Brad Pitt's appearance at the Venice Film Festival with his age-gap girlfriend Ines de Ramon, 34. Angelina rocked a muted dark brown coat cinched with a tied leather belt. She also had on beige shoes and flowing cream-colored slacks Pax was similarly muted in a black Civil Regime X Champion hoodie that he wore with dark jeans and white sneakers The hoodie had embroidered flowers on the sleeves and hood, which drew attention to his newly revealed forehead scar from his horror e-bike crash Pax looked in good spirits as he spent quality time with his mother at lunch in Beverly Hills weeks after the accident. Angelina wore a cream top, cardigan and slacks with tan heels for the outing. Her locks were worn in a sleek ponytail and she sported chic shades. Angelina has been by Pax's side at the hospital since he crashed into a car during rush hour 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 who lived nearby initially believed Pax had died in the crash as they discovered him lying lifeless on the ground. It was not until paramedics arrived at the scene that Pax regained consciousness. Page Six is reporting 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.' Angelina and Pax put on a unified front on Sunday in all black at the premiere of her film Without Blood, which she wrote, directed and co-produced She was joined at the premiere by her stars, Salma Hayek and Demian Bichir '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.' The publication reported that LAPD sources said there was nothing new to add to the initial report of a traffic collision, when asked if charges might be pending. Responding police and paramedics opted to rush Pax to the hospital after he complained of head pain. Despite his injuries, TMZ's source claimed that Pax's bike did not show any obvious signs of damage. Pax who like several of his other siblings is estranged from his famous father had reportedly been driving down Los Feliz Boulevard around 5 p.m., which put him on the regularly crowded street during rush hour traffic. According to law enforcement sources, he had been coming up to an intersection when he crashed his bike into the back of the car, which had already stopped for the red light. The car's driver reportedly did their duty by getting out and checking on the injured Pax before police and paramedics arrived. Although it's not clear exactly where he collided with the car, witnesses at the scene said he complained of pain in his hip, and they said he appeared to have injured his head in the crash. 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. The TIFF outing followed Pax's dad Brad Pitt's appearance at the Venice Film Festival. A rep for Pitt recently declined to comment when asked if he planned to visit his son in hospital; they are seen in 2014 Pax, who was born in Vietnam, was adopted by Jolie at age three. Brad then adopted him in 2008; The former couple and their kids pictured in Tokyo in November 2008 Notably, he wasn't wearing a helmet when he was pictured 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. The crash also reportedly took place on a street near Angelina's Los Angeles residence. Angelina rushed to the hospital to be by her son's beside following the crash. Pax, who was born in Vietnam, was adopted by Jolie at age three, joining siblings Maddox, 22, and Zahara, 19. He is reportedly close to them as well as siblings Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16. Maddox and Zahara were adopted by Jolie's then-partner, Brad, in 2005 and he adopted Pax in 2008. All three of the older children have been estranged from Pitt following an incident on a private airplane in 2016, when the actor allegedly hit one of his children. No charges were filed after an investigation into the alleged incident. Pax called his father a 'world class a**hole' who makes his four youngest children 'tremble in fear' in an explosive Instagram rant posted for Father's Day 2020, DailyMail.com revealed in November. The star has found it 'depressing to see this dragged up', according to sources close to him, who went on to rubbish the claims. Pax called his father a 'world class a**hole' who makes his four youngest children 'tremble in fear' in an explosive Instagram rant posted for Father's Day 2020, DailyMail.com revealed in November Brad and Angelina married in August 2014 after 10 years together but Angelina filed for divorce in September 2016; seen in 2006 But in a cutting post, Pax wrote: 'You have made the lives of those closest to me a constant hell.' 'You may tell yourself and the world whatever you want,' he added., 'but the truth will come to light someday. Then he sarcastically added: 'So Happy Father's Day, you f*****g awful human being.' Jolie and Pitt are legally divorced but are still fighting over the sale of Miraval, the vineyard in France. Lauren Sanchez stole the spotlight alongside her fiance Jeff Bezos at the Kering Foundation's Caring for Women dinner on Monday. The glamorous couple made a striking entrance on the red carpet at The Pool during New York Fashion Week for the third annual gala, which supports organizations dedicated to ending gender-based violence. The 54-year-old former news anchor dazzled in a revealing Oscar De La Renta gown, her radiant smile lighting up the evening as she embraced her Amazon founder partner, 60. Her off-the-shoulder dress featured appliqued velvet and guipure lace and came with a $9,000 price tag. The picture-perfect duo joined other notable celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Dakota Johnson, in supporting the charity event. Lauren and Jeff also stopped for a photo opportunity with Ashley Graham, Priyanka Chopra and Alessandra Ambrosio. Lauren Sanchez stole the spotlight alongside her fiance Jeff Bezos at the Kering Foundation's Caring for Women dinner on Monday The 54-year-old former news anchor dazzled in a revealing gown Hours before the event, the couple arrived in NYC by helicopter as Lauren was seen flying the aircraft into land before the couple climbed into their bullet proof car which was surrounded by Bezos' security. Last month, Lauren and Jeff were pictured soaking up the sun in Italy on Friday with an A-list cadre of guests, including Leonardo DiCaprio, his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, and Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. While it's unclear when they first got together, Lauren and Jeff's romance was first exposed by the National Enquirer in January 2019, while they were both married to other people. Soon after, the Amazon founder divorced his wife-of-over-25-years and the mother of his four children, Mackenzie Scott, while Lauren left her husband, co-CEO of Hollywood powerhouse agency WME, Patrick Whitesell. The businessman, who is the third richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of $165 billion, made his first public appearance with the TV personality in May of that year. Since then, the couple has been happily in love, sharing their passion for adventure through whirlwind trips around the globe. They got engaged back in May 2023, and Jeff popped the question on his mega-yacht after they enjoyed a romantic dinner under the stars together. Lauren previously shared the story of Jeff's proposal in a joint interview with Vogue, revealing that she was so shocked by her massive pink diamond ring that she 'blacked out"\' when she first saw it. The picture-perfect duo joined other notable celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Dakota Johnson, in supporting the charity event Lauren and Jeff also stopped for a photo opportunity with Ashley Graham , Jonathan Tisch, Lizzie Tisch, Priyanka Chopra and Alessandra Ambrosio Lauren and Jeff (seen in May) were island hopping on his luxury $500 million mega yacht Koru since the beginning of June Lauren spent time with her model pal Brooks Nader (left) in New York recently She explained that Jeff had hidden the ring under her pillow, and she only discovered it at the end of the night, just before they went to bed. Recently, Lauren also got in on the fun with a cheeky Instagram post about her fiance. After Savannah Demers, an Instagram influencer, posted a viral reel joking about whether Bezos sleeps naked or in 'pajamazon,' the video quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 11 million views. The playful pun caught Lauren's attention, and she shared the clip on her Instagram Stories with a laughing emoji, joining in on the joke. Just days after she welcomed her second child via sperm donor, Lala Kent is revealing her second daughter's name - Sosa. The 34-year-old reality star is already a mother to three-year-old daughter Ocean, who she shares with her ex, film producer Randall Emmett. She took to Instagram on Monday, sharing a snap of the newborn's feet, with the caption, 'Sosa Kent,' with a white heart emoji, to her 2.4 million followers. The snap had over 325K likes and over 4,400 comments just nine hours after she posted it on Monday. Many of her fellow 'Bravolebrities' showed their support as well, including her Vanderpump Rules castmate Scheana Shay's husband Brock Davies. Just days after she welcomed her second child via sperm donor , Lala Kent is revealing her second daughter's name - Sosa. 'We got you Sosa,' Brock said in the caption, while another fan @nikkilynn517 pointed out the name means 'salt water' in Portuguese, a fitting combo with her first-born Ocean. Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson added, 'Congratulations honey,' while Shay and Brittany Cartwright shared numerous emojis. Another RHOC star, Heather Dubrow, added, 'Congratulations!!!!!!' while VPR's Stassi Schroeder added, 'The little angel baby feet.' The official Bravo IG added, 'Congrats momma,' while Whitney Rose said, 'Congrats beautiful,' and Dorinda Medley sent three red heart emojis. Elle King added, 'Welcome to the world!!! Congrats mama Lala and big sister Ocean!!!' Some bashed the name, though, with one user adding it's a slang term for cocaine, with others asking it was a reference to rapper Cheef Keef's nickname. She announced the child's birth on September 3 with a brief Instagram story message: 'Welcome to the world, my love. 9.3.24. (sic).' The reality star explained on Vanderpump Rules that she wanted another child, but had no need or want for a 'baby daddy,' leading to her decision to use a sperm donor. 'I want another baby so badly. My child is like fully speaking. She's very excited about the thought of a sibling,' Kent explained. Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson added, 'Congratulations honey,' while Shay and Brittany Cartwright shared numerous emojis VPR's Stassi Schroeder added, 'The little angel baby feet' Another RHOC star, Heather Dubrow, added, 'Congratulations!!!!!!' The official Bravo IG added, 'Congrats momma' Whitney Rose said, 'Congrats beautiful' Dorinda Medley sent three red heart emojis Elle King added, 'Welcome to the world!!! Congrats mama Lala and big sister Ocean!!!' She announced the child's birth on September 3 with a brief Instagram story message: 'Welcome to the world, my love. 9.3.24. (sic).' The reality star explained on Vanderpump Rules that she wanted another child, but had no need or want for a 'baby daddy,' leading to her decision to use a sperm donor She added, 'I don't want a baby daddy. It's not happening. There's no changing my mind' She added, 'I don't want a baby daddy. It's not happening. There's no changing my mind.' 'I know this is not the norm, and I just feel like going the donor route is the right decision for me,' Kent continued. 'I want an absolute with this baby. No matter what, this is my baby. No one can ever come in and take it from me. I don't have to share it on Christmas Day. Just mine.' The Bravo star is keen to have 'many' children in different ways over the coming years. She said: 'I think I'm going to get a sperm donor, I'm going to have this baby. Then I'd like to adopt a baby. If I meet a guy later on we can have a baby. Elizabeth Olsen, Mindy Kaling and Michelle Williams led the stars and graced the front row of the Tory Burch Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. On Monday, Olsen, 35, made her arrival sporting a unique, polkadot-patterned blazer and textured pants while Kaling, 45, bundled up in a fuzzy coat and Williams, 44, modeled a semi-sheer look. The WandaVision actress looked edgy-chic wearing a black, monochromatic ensemble, which she paired with pointed-toe ballet flats and a leather satchel purse. She styled her caramel brown hair in silky waves and opted for neutral tones for a soft, flattering makeup look. Arriving at the star-studded event, Kaling who offended Ben Affleck with her 'unexpected' joke about his divorce from Jennifer Lopez during the Democratic National Convention wore her stylish outerwear over her shoulders and her business-chic outfit. Elizabeth Olsen, Mindy Kaling and Michelle Williams led the stars and graced the front row of the Tory Burch Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week The Office alum sported a cream and taupe button-down blouse with a pinstripe pattern. To complement the top, she donned high-waisted, coffee-colored trousers with red, pointed-toe pumps. Keeping up with the theme of neutrals, she was seen carrying around a taupe-colored, structured tote bag. Meanwhile, Williams, 44, mixed edginess and classiness as she sported a nearly sheer, light gray polo vest with a matching midi skirt. She completed her look with white pumps in the same design as Olsen and Kaling's shoes. The Fabelmans star accessorized with dainty bangle bracelets on her wrists and carried a latte-colored, leather purse. As the sun started to set and the show was getting ready to begin, Williams posed for a group photo and stood in the front row beside Jodie Turner-Smith, 38, and Olsen. The Anne Boleyn star a chic, tweed suit and donned a pair of red pumps for a fun pop of color. Arriving at the star-studded event, Kaling wore her stylish outerwear over her shoulders and her business-chic outfit. To complement her pinstriped button-down blouse, she donned high-waisted, coffee-colored trousers with red, pointed-toe pumps As the sun started to set and the show was getting ready to begin, Williams posed for a group photo and stood in the front row beside Jodie Turner-Smith and Olsen The stylish trio were also pictured serving soft smiles as they took their seats for the event To Olsen's right, Kaling was seated next to Joey King, Lola Tung, Ella Emhoff and Kiki Layne in the front row Olsen also posed for a sweet snap with Kaling and King The stylish trio were also pictured serving soft smiles as they took their seats for the event in the same order. To Olsen's right, Kaling was seated next to Joey King. And to her side, Lola Tung was seated beside Ella Emhoff and Kiki Layne in the front row. Olsen also posed for a sweet snap with Kaling and King. And later, Williams was pictured greeting King and sharing a sweet moment with the young actress. Later, Williams was pictured greeting King and sharing a sweet moment with the actress Kaling and King were also snapped with The Summer I Turned Pretty star Lola Tung To their right was Ella Emhoff, the 25-year-old fashion designer and stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris in a bright blue outfit adorned with polkadots She was seen posing with Kaling too Olsen looked to be in high spirits and had a bright smile plastered across her face as she mingled at the star-studded affair And she was also seen chatting with Kaling and King in the front row Kaling and King were also snapped with The Summer I Turned Pretty star Lola Tung. To their right was Ella Emhoff, the 25-year-old fashion designer and stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris in a bright blue outfit adorned with polkadots. Olsen looked to be in high spirits and had a bright smile plastered across her face as she mingled at the star-studded affair. And she was also seen chatting with Kaling and King in the front row. Roxy Jacenko has announced her return to publicity and Sydney, just two years after stepping down as director of Sweaty Betty. On Tuesday afternoon, Roxy, 44, shared the news to her Instagram followers, putting her decision to quit her own business down to a 'mid life crisis'. The photo she posted shows Roxy's hand on the driving wheel of her car with her WhatsApp messages visible on her open laptop. 'November 2022 I decided I quit PR. Must have been a mid life crisis . lol today Im back and ohhhhh its like the old days. ' Roxy captioned the post. In April, the PR maven announced her latest business venture is selling a range of 'LipMount' iPhone cases. The trendy mobile cases have a space on the back to securely store your favourite lip gloss. It's unclear whether Roxy intends to return to being 'a PR girl' at a different agency, to start up another, or if she's simply drumming up interest in her phone case venture. Roxy Jacenko has announced her return to publicity and Sydney, just two years after stepping down as director of Sweaty Betty. Pictured The photo shows Roxy's hand on the driving wheel of her car with her WhatsApp messages visible on her open laptop Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Roxy for comment. The former Sweaty Betty owner's new product by brand 270x is being sold at the phone accessory retailer Fone King online for $24.99. 'I wanted to do something that wasnt so Roxy and to create a range of fashion for your phone accessories that are interchangeable depending on your need,' she explained to news.com.au. 'I have always been that person, see it, do it! I love watching trends and have had so much success,' she added. The lip gloss phone case trend picked up steam this year when It Girl Hailey Bieber began advertising iPhone cases that carried her beauty brand with mirror selfies. Roxy said she was inspired to create the product after noticing Hailey Bieber's success and that the Rhode cases weren't available in Australia. 'It was a neat thing to create for a girl on the go and at a price point that doesnt break the bank,' she told the publication. Roxy has previously said her business venture was inspired by Hailey Bieber's success with Rhode lip gloss Roxy set off to Singapore with her family in 2023, resolute she was never going to return to Sydney. 'I don't have any plans to come back. I'm sorry to say,' she told Daily Mail Australia earlier this year. 'I love Australia. Don't get me wrong. It's so nice to look out at the ocean and have that opportunity. But I love being so close to all different places.' 'Since being in Singapore, I've travelled to Thailand, to Vietnam and to India. We're so far away from everything in Australia. All of a sudden my life has become a lot more colourful. I can explore and do different stuff.' Dave Bautista was back on the red carpet and in good company to boot as he attended a special screening of new film The Killer's Game in Los Angeles on Monday evening. The wrestler turned actor was joined by co-star Sofia Boutella at Regal L.A Live after surprising fans with his remarkable body transformation at the Toronto Film Festival over the weekend. Bautista, 55, has lost more than four-stone during a two-year period that began shortly after he finished work on M. Night Shyamalan thriller Knock On The Cabin in 2022. Promoting his latest film, in which he plays a veteran assassin, the American star looked notably slimmer in a patterned maroon suit as he posed for photographs alongside Boutella, 42. Joining her co-star, the Algerian actress embraced a similar colour scheme by opting for a form-fitting velvet evening dress in a deep shade of purple. Dave Bautista was joined by co-star Sofia Boutella as he attended a special screening of new film The Killer's Game in Los Angeles on Monday evening He's famed for his hulking, muscular physique, but Dave Bautista has stunned fans after slimming down for his new role Bautista recently admitted he is lighter now than he was during his early SmackDown! wrestling days, when he competed under the name Deacon Batista. 'I'm getting super trimmed, this is probably the lightest I've been since I was 19 years old,' he told YouTuber Chris Van Vliet. 'The heaviest I've ever been is 370lbs (26st). When I started Deacon, I was about 325lbs (23st),' he said. 'Throughout most of my wrestling career I was about 290lbs (21st). Now I'm about 240lbs (17st). 'And I went a year and a half ago for Knock at the Cabin, I went 315lbs (23st). And that's when the nightmare started.' Bautista previously shared an astonishing throwback snap to when he was 16 years old and had none of the tattoos that now cover his body. In his 30s, he embarked on a successful career in pro wrestling and MMA, before becoming a movie star at age 45 in Guardians Of The Galaxy. Over the course of his adult life, his arms and torso gradually became blanketed with tattoos, including the Greek and Philippine flags in honor of his heritage. The actor appeared to be in high spirits as she posed for photos with actress Chloe Coleman outside Regal L.A Live on Monday night Promoting his latest film, in which he plays a veteran assassin, the American star looked notably slimmer in a patterned maroon suit as he rubbed shoulders with Boutella Pom Klementieff (left) was also in attendance with Bautista (right) during Monday's screening in Los Angeles Boutella opted for smoky make-up that accentuated her features, while her fringed hair was swept across one shoulder Bautista (left) reunited with Terry Crews (right) as they celebrated the launch of their new film But in the flashback he posted to Instagram this week, he stood in a swimsuit in front of an ocean view, revealing he had no body art at the time. The picture was taken near the end of a rough childhood blighted by poverty and crime - during which he himself got arrested in his early teens. Bautista experienced a difficult upbringing that included stints in the more dangerous neighborhoods in and around Washington, DC. When he was a little boy, a corpse was discovered on his front lawn and he watched a shooting victim die in the street in front of his home. He, his sister, and some of the other children in the neighborhood were 'all standing around looking at this poor guy who was dying,' Dave recalled later in his memoirs. 'I think some of us were even telling jokes.' Bautista and Boutella inevitably stole the spotlight during their joint appearance at the event Lizzie Dean (left) and Bella Bernhardt (right) greeted onlookers before making their way inside the Los Angeles venue Klementieff and Bautista shared a joke as they reunited on the red carpet ahead of Monday's screening in Los Angeles Tia Carrere (left) and Brad Podray (right) were also among the guests at Regal L.A Live (L-R) J.J. Perry, Terry Crews, Lucy Cork, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, George Somner, and Marko Zaror Bautista previously shared an astonishing throwback snap to when he was 16 years old and had none of the tattoos that now cover his body He experienced a difficult upbringing that included stints in the more dangerous neighborhoods in and around Washington, DC; pictured in recent years on Instagram The actor confessed: 'By the time I was 13, I started getting in a lot more trouble for skipping school. 'I also got arrested for petty stuff. I'd get detention or juvenile hall, but the punishment wasnt severe; I never spent more than a day in jail.' Bautista insisted he 'wasn't stealing or breaking the law to get back at anyone or because I was mad or anything like that. I was stealing because all my friends were doing it. It was no big deal. It just wasnt out of the norm. It was what you did.' He added: 'It wasnt that I was stealing cars or doing dope or anything really, really bad. But I was definitely a thug, and everyone was afraid of where I was headed.' Gemma Arterton has revealed she had to battle with a top Hollywood director after they demanded she film an unplanned sex scene. The Bond Girl, 38, shared that she originally signed onto the unnamed project with the knowledge that the sex scene would only be heard off-screen. But in a last-minute plot change, the director tried to insist that Gemma and her co-star would be filming the romp, and she refused. Gemma went onto tell The Radio Times that she now avoids roles that require filming sex scenes, but admitted that she would never have been brave enough to refuse the director when she was younger, due to the fear of being 'sacked.' The star said: I remember being on a set once and the director said, 'You're going to shag on the bed'. And I said, 'No, this scene was written for us to be off screen, so you just hear the noises. I'd never have accepted the role if it was going to be filmed. Gemma Arterton has revealed she had to battle with a top Hollywood director after they demanded she film an unplanned sex scene 'He put pressure on us on the day. The other actor, God bless him, was mortified. There were very high-profile people there. I said, ''You can't do that, I'm flat out not doing it.'' ''I don't care if you think I'm difficult'', but I only felt like I could say that because I was older.' The star, who is appearing alongside Sir Ian McKellen in new film The Critic, continued: 'It would have been really hard [to say no] when I was younger. 'You might get the sack, or get a terrible reputation. It was before we had intimacy coordinators, who are the go-between now it's a totally different landscape.' 'Anything you're not comfortable with is not going to happen.' Gemma, had previously appeared in a steamy on-screen romp opposite Daniel Craig in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. She added: 'When I started acting, there was a lot of nudity. You were just expected to do it. It didn't fulfil me, it wasn't fun. It didn't feel like I was flexing my acting muscles.' The British actress has transported back to the swinging sixties once again to reprise her role as Blackpool beauty queen Barbara Parker - and the nation's favourite comedian 'Sophie Straw'. The Bond Girl (pictured in Quantom Of Solace) said she originally signed onto the unnamed project with the knowledge that the sex scene would only be heard off-screen Season two is also set to explore the themes of love, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and representation in comedy, all against the backdrop and cultural explosion of the sixties. Funny Woman season one premiered in October 2023 as a six-part series based on Nick Hornby's 2014 smash-hit novel. Read the full interview in this week's edition of The Radio Times, on sale now It followed Barbara's journey as she went from a Blackpool beauty queen to comedy star, named Sophie Straw while dealing with the male-dominated sitcom industry present in 1960s London. Speaking about series two, Morwenna, the writer and executive producer on the show said: 'It's a thrill to dive back into the world of 1960s London - with the extraordinary cast and crew of Funny Woman series two.' 'Thanks to the genius of Gemma Arterton as Nick Hornby's heroine Sophie Straw - a whole host of new guest stars have joined us.' 'We welcome stellar performances from Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan, Roisin Conaty and many more Tune in Turn On and don't Drop Out.' Read the full interview in this week's edition of The Radio Times, on sale now. PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani has made a dramatic return to the fashion brand a year after stepping down as CEO. The businessman, 36, is set to announce his comeback on Tuesday following his belief the online giant has 'lost touch with what made it so special', their loyal customer base. Umar, who married model wife Nada Adelle earlier this year in a multimillion-pound wedding, where Mariah Carey performed, apologised for any 'negative experiences' during his absence, promising to prioritise their customers going forward. He has made the executive move following a backlash after the celebrity driven label started charging their 'royalty customers' to return items and will now reintroduce free returns for those shoppers. The fashion tycoon, who has signed the likes of Naomi Campbell, Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian and Molly-Mae Hague as ambassadors over the years, vowed to make PrettyLittleThing 'stronger than ever' in a statement shared with MailOnline. PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani has made a dramatic return to the fashion brand a year after stepping down as CEO (pictured September 2023) The businessman is set to announce his comeback on Tuesday following his belief the online giant has 'lost touch with what made is so special', their loyal customer base (pictured April 2023) Umar apologised for any 'negative experiences' during his absence, promising to prioritise their customers going forward Umar wrote: 'I'm writing to you today with both excitement and heartfelt determination as I announce my return to PrettyLittleThing. 'Over the past few years, I've watched from the sidelines as the brand we built together has, at times, lost touch with what made it so special you, our loyal customers. 'This has driven me to step back in and take on the responsibility of steering PrettyLittleThing forward, putting your needs and desires at the forefront of every decision we make. 'For the past twelve years, you've shown incredible loyalty and love for PrettyLittleThing, and for that, I hold you and the brand close to my heart. 'Together, we've created something truly special, and I promise you that my full focus and energy will be dedicated to understanding your needs, listening to your feedback, and evolving this brand alongside you. 'As part of this renewed commitment, one of my first changes will be to reintroduce free returns for our royalty customers, a step I believe is vital to making your shopping experience more seamless and enjoyable. 'I sincerely apologise for any negative experiences you may have encountered during my absence. I take full responsibility from this moment on, and I am committed to making sure your experiences with us are nothing short of exceptional moving forward. 'Thank you for your continued support and for giving me the opportunity to guide PrettyLittleThing into its next exciting chapter. I won't let you down. We've always been one big PLT family, and now we will be stronger than ever.' Umar married model wife Nada in a star studded ceremony earlier this year, with guests including Naomi Campbell and a live performance from Mariah Carey The fashion tycoon, who has signed the likes of Khloe Kardashian and Molly-Mae Hague as ambassadors over the years, vowed to make PrettyLittleThing 'stronger than ever' (pictured February 2019) Umar stepped down from running PrettyLittleThing in April 2023 following a decade as CEO after selling his remaining 34 per cent stake to Boohoo, which is run by his father (pictured with Maya Jama in June 2018) Manchester-born Umar is a member of the founding family of the Boohoo group, which now owns a portfolio of brands including Nasty Gal, Coast, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, and Debenhams (pictured with Gemma Owen in April 2023) Umar stepped down from running PrettyLittleThing in April 2023 following a decade as CEO after selling his remaining 34 per cent stake to Boohoo, which is run by his father. He said last year: 'I'm at the stage in my life where I need to set myself new challenges and goals and build new brands that hopefully you all love and support as much as you did with this one.' Umar's announcement comes days after Molly-Mae confirmed the launch of her new fashion label Maebe, which she says has been three years in the making. Molly has a long-standing relationship with PLT after collaborating with the brand on collections and she was even recruited as Creative Director, earning a reported six-figure salary. Manchester-born Umar is a member of the founding family of the Boohoo group, which now owns a portfolio of brands including Nasty Gal, Coast, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, and Debenhams. Umar's father Mahmud Kamani co-founded Boohoo in 2006 alongside Carol Kane and the website quickly became a success because unlike its competitor ASOS, the brand only sells its own clothing, increasing profit margins. Mahmud's three sons Umar, Adam, and Samir naturally became involved in his fashion empire, which dates back to their grandfather, whose wholesale textile business that sourced garments from India became a major supplying for high street stores such as New Look and Primark. In 2020, Umar sold his 34 per cent remaining stake in PrettyLittleThing for 330million as part of a lucrative deal that earned him 161million in cash and shares of 2.6 per cent in Boohoo. NRL legend Darren Lockyer and his wife Loren have just sold their Brisbane home for around $6.5million. The former rugby league player, 47, built the Paul Owen-designed 1628sqm home in 2015 in the Paddington area of Queensland's capital. The one-level, five-bedroom home utilises both new and old features, with a liberal use of open courtyards. There are a number of indoor/outdoor spaces, with a dining room and kitchen that opens up onto a grass yard. The home features painted concrete, brick and tile finishes, with glass, marble and brass fixtures. Property records show the NRL Hall of Fame inductee paid $1.125m for the property in 2012. Owen Architecture's website describes the design philosophy of the residence as one of simple, beautiful pleasures, with 'fresh grass underneath your feet' and 'morning sunlight through windows'. 'In their design for the Lockyer family, architects Paul Owen and Michael Lineburg of Owen Architecture drew inspiration from simple materials, landscapes and routines to create a beautiful yet functional family home,' the firm's the website states. NRL legend Darren Lockyer and his wife Loren have sold their Brisbane home for around $6.5million. Both pictured The former rugby league player, 47, built the Paul Owen-designed 1628sqm home in 2015 in the Paddington area of Queensland's capital The design brief focused on maximising the use of the landscape, emphasising outdoor living and the integration of green spaces Ben Wakely, director of Wakely Properties, says the pre-market campaign attracted interest from 15 parties. However, a 'young family looking for their forever home' offered the Lockyers an irresistible price. 'The buyer and seller are both very happy,' Mr Wakely said. The one-level, five-bedroom home utilises both new and old features There are a number of indoor/outdoor spaces, with a dining room and kitchen that opens up onto a grass yard 'I knew through my own process of looking for a similar property that there's not many around and there are a number of people looking for homes that are completed and on larger blocks,' he continued. 'Even though (the home's) got a bit more age on it, it would cost a lot more to replace it.' Mr. Wakely noted that the area was in high demand. Gwyneth Paltrow cut an effortlessly stylish figure in a cropped beige trench coat on Monday as she enjoyed a spot of shopping at her own Goop store in New York City. The 51-year-old businesswoman looked incredible as she teamed the trench with a pair of navy blue satin cargo trousers and a white T-shirt. She sported a pair of chunky white trainers and further accessorised with a chunky gold necklace and a cluster of rings. The Goop CEO-founder toted her essentials in a brown leather Celine tote bag and was spotted carrying a large shopping bag from her own brand. To complete her look, Gwyneth sported a pair of black shades and styled her blonde locks in loose waves. Gwyneth Paltrow cut an effortlessly stylish figure in a cropped beige trench coat on Monday as she enjoyed a spot of shopping at Goop in New York City Her outing comes after she shared a montage of blissful moments with family and friends this season, in honour of the Labor Day holiday including a bikini-clad snap with Reese Witherspoon. She captioned her Instagram post with: 'Summer was good to us.' In one hillside snap, Gwyneth's daughter Apple Blythe Alison Martin, 20, and son Moses Bruce Paltrow Martin, 18, both managed to tower over her 5ft9in frame. Gwyneth's mini-me is majoring in English and law, history, and society as a sophomore at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Apple - who pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority last year - wears her highlighted blonde locks in layers these days. Gwyneth also shared footage of a helicopter ride she and her son recently took through the Midtown Manhattan skyline. It's unclear what Moses will be studying when he begins freshman classes at Brown University in Providence, RI. Gwyneth also posted a silly video of Moses wearing Gucci loafers while perched on a rotating sculpture, which was set to Father John Misty's 2017 song Real Love Baby. The 51-year-old businesswoman looked incredible as she teamed the trench with a pair of navy blue satin cargo trousers and a white T-shirt But the teenager isn't too big to still sit on the lap of his famous father - Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 47, - whom Paltrow 'consciously uncoupled' from in 2013 after a decade of marriage. The Oscar winner posted a shirtless snap of her second husband Brad Falchuk, 53, flexing his fit form while clad in a pair of jogging bottoms. Gwyneth and the Emmy-winning showrunner - who vacationed in Italy this summer - will next celebrate her 52nd birthday on September 27 followed by their sixth wedding anniversary on September 29. Gwyneth and Brad were still married to their respective exes when they met in 2010 during her five-episode gig on Fox's Glee, but they didn't date until 2014. Her outing comes after she shared a montage of moments with family and friends in honour of the Labor Day holiday including a bikini-clad snap with Reese Witherspoon (right) In one hillside snap, Gwyneth's daughter Apple Blythe Alison Martin, 20, and son Moses Bruce Paltrow Martin, 18, both managed to tower over her 5ft9in frame. Gwyneth also shared footage of a helicopter ride she and her son recently took through the Midtown Manhattan skyline She also shared a rare snap of her son and his famous father - Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 47, - whom Paltrow 'consciously uncoupled' from in 2013 after a decade of marriage Gwyneth also posted a silly video of Moses wearing Gucci loafers while perched on a rotating sculpture, which was set to Father John Misty's 2017 song Real Love Baby She also showed off her hunky husband Brad Falchuk, 53, flexing his fit form as he sported a pair of jogging bottoms Gwyneth clearly remains amicable with Brad's ex-wife Suzanne Bukinik (M), whom also happened to end their 13-year marriage in 2013 after welcoming 18-year-old son Brody (2-L) and 19-year-old daughter Isabella (2-R) Salma Hayek wowed in a dazzling black gown as she attended the annual Caring For Women dinner with her CEO husband Francois-Henri Pinault on Monday. The third annual gala dinner is hosted by Kering, Francois-Henri's luxury fashion group, and co-hosted by Salma. As well as Salma, the star-studded soiree is co-hosted by Kim Kardashian and Chopra among many others at The Pool in New York City. Salma, 58, and Francois-Henri, 62, looked more than loved-up as they held hands as they arrived at the event. For the gala, the From Dusk Till Dawn actress turned heads in a strapless nude gown with black, sparkly pinstripe-patterned layer on top. Salma Hayek, 58, wowed in a dazzling black gown as she attended the annual Caring For Women dinner with her CEO husband Francois-Henri Pinault, 62, on Monday Salma and Francois-Henri looked more than loved-up as they held hands as they arrived at the event She accessorized with a chic updo, a bold red lip and a striking Boucheron Jewellery. The couple were seen arriving with interlocked hands and bright smiles on their faces. The couple, who married in 2009, recently appeared on The Sunday Times Rich List for 2024 with a combined net worth of approximately $7.7 billion. Their fortune has decreased from around $10.1 billion in 2023, causing their rank to drop from 21st to 31st on the list. Francois-Henri has served as the chairman and CEO of Kering since 2005, while Salma's personal net worth is estimated to exceed $125 million, thanks to her successful film career and lucrative beauty and fashion endorsements. Salma and Francois-Henri's love story began in 2006 when they met at a gala in Venice. The couple quickly fell for each other and announced their engagement the following year. They welcomed their daughter, Valentina, in September 2007 and tied the knot in a private ceremony on Valentine's Day in 2009, followed by a lavish second wedding in Venice in April. The third annual gala dinner is hosted by Kering, Francois-Henri's luxury fashion group, and co-hosted by Salma Salma looked sensational in the black glitzy gown Salma put on a very animated display as she posed for pictures The couple were seen arriving with interlocked hands and bright smiles on their faces She accessorized with a chic updo, a bold red lip and a striking statement Boucheron Jewellery As well as Salma, the star-studded soiree is co-hosted by Kim Kardashian (pictured) and Chopra among many others at The Pool in New York City At one point, Salma faced the wall to capture a photo of the back of her ensemble Before meeting Salma, Francois-Henri had been previously married to Dorothee Lepere, with whom he shares two children, Francois and Mathilde. He also had a brief relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista, with whom he has a son, Augustin. As part of New York Fashion Week, the Kering Foundation hosted their third Caring for Women event to raise funds and awareness in support of non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, that work to end gender-based violence. Additional co-hosts include Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves. Carmelo Anthony, Urs Fischer, Donatella Versace, Naomi Watts and her husband Billy Crudup also shared the responsibility of co-hosting the glamorous gala. The gala which benefits Girl Effect, It's On Us and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) included a dinner, a surprise performance and an auction with one-of-a-kind items from Kering's Houses, which include Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato and Ginori 1735. Last year, the live auction raised $3million. Since 2008, the Kering Foundation has worked to end gender-based violence and improve the lives of survivors. The Kering Foundation's star-studded Caring For Women gala dinner saw some of Hollywood's biggest names rubbing shoulders in aid of a good cause. And with so many huge names in attendance, it was no surprise to see huge stars such as Dakota Johnson and Naomi Watts rubbing shoulders, as big names enjoyed a mingle at the event. The glamorous stars were seen chatting after posing for snaps on the red carpet, with Dakota stunning a plunging semi-sheer white and silver gown, while Naomi exuded elegance in a pretty white gown. As she made her arrival, Naomi needed a helping hand making her way up the steps, due to the flowing skirt on her gown. Julianne Moore also enjoyed a gossip with Priyanka Chopra, with the Oscar winner putting on an animated display during her chat with the star. Dakota Johnson and Naomi Watts were among the Hollywood heavyweights in attendance at The Kering Foundation's star-studded Caring For Women gala dinner on Monday Julianne Moore also enjoyed a gossip with Priyanka Chopra, with the Oscar winner putting on an animated display during her chat with the star Attendees were also treated to a performance by British superstar Raye, who showed off her elegant sense of style in a plunging black gown adorned with sequins The charity dinner was held at the New York City event space The Pool, where some of Hollywood's biggest stars gathered to raise money for the Kering Foundation, which focuses on stopping gender-based violence and supporting survivors. The evening also included a live auction featuring items from Gucci, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Having already posed for snaps with Salma Hayek, Kim Kardashian was seen chatting to the actress' husband Francois-Henri Pinault, who is CEO of Kering. Attendees were also treated to a performance by British superstar Raye, who showed off her elegant sense of style in a plunging black gown adorned with sequins. The soiree is the third annual gala thrown by Kering, and this year's Caring for Women Dinner was co-hosted by Salma Hayek as well as Kim Kardashian and Priyanka among many others at The Pool. For the star-studded gala, Kim, 43, showcased her famous curves in a white, figure-hugging latex dress. Johnson, 34, also wore white as she modeled a gown with a high-waisted skirt and a sparkly, low-cut bodice. Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain, 47, looked mesmerising in a vibrant, green dress adorned in large, light-refracting sequins and featuring a plunging neckline. Having stunned in the red carpet in a plunging white latex dress, Kim was seen mingling alongside Salma Hayek She and Katy Perry shared a laugh as they headed into the swanky dinner While posing with his fiancee Katy and Kim, Orlando Bloom enjoyed a cheeky dance at the star's famous peachy posterior Having already posed for snaps with Salma Hayek, Kim was seen chatting to the actress' husband Francois-Henri Pinault, who is CEO of Kering As she made her arrival, Naomi needed a helping hand making her way up the steps, due to the flowing skirt on her gown The star needed help from her minders lifting her dress as she made her way up the stairs Raye graced the star during the event at New York Fashion Week, which also included a live auction featuring items from Gucci, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga For the star-studded affair, Kim paired her striking, wet-looking dress, which hugged her hourglass figure, with black stilettos. At the gala, Johnson turned heads as she went braless underneath the sheer dress with a mesh, deep-V bodice lined with sparkling jewels. Chastain also took the plunge in a stunning, emerald green number with a low-cut V neckline that nearly exposed her navel. Priyanka Chopra, 42, turned up the glamour in a sexy, black slip dress with sheer lace halter style and a long, satin skirt. Her dress also featured a low back for more glamour. Alessandra Ambrosio, 43, was also seen in attendance in a dramatic white flowing gown, knotted at the bust. Katy Perry, 39, was also seen in attendance alongside her fiance, actor Orlando Bloom, 47. The pop star and her beau were a stylish pair on the red carpet as they put on a show of PDA and shared a sweet smooch on the red carpet. Ashley Graham, 36, was also seen in attendance in a stunning, semi-sheer gown. The soiree is the third annual gala thrown by Kering, and this year's Caring for Women Dinner was co-hosted by Salma The charity dinner saw Hollywood's biggest stars gathered to raise money for the Kering Foundation, which focuses on stopping gender-based violence and supporting survivors Donatella Versace and Naomi Watts, who were among the evening's hosts, were perched next to one another during the dinner In late July, Francois-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering and the chairman of the Kering Foundation released a statement about the evening's mission Viola Davis, 59, and her longtime husband Julius Tennon, 70, were another fashionable and fabulous duo at the gala. The EGOT-winning actress put on an elegant display in a muted blue dress with an asymmetrical, V-cut neckline and floral embroidery. Carmelo Anthony, Urs Fischer, Donatella Versace, Naomi and her husband Billy Crudup also shared the responsibility of co-hosting the glamorous gala. Last year, the live auction raised $3 million. In late July, Francois-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering and the chairman of the Kering Foundation released a statement about the evening's mission. 'For women and children to be free to fulfill their potential unencumbered by the burdens of fear, threat and trauma, it is paramount that we address violence at its roots to change behavior and heal our collective culture.' Since 2008, the Kering Foundation has worked to end gender-based violence and improve the lives of survivors. Anna Paul has sparked rumours that she's engaged to new boyfriend Aymeric Urbain by shopping for rings. The TikTok creator posted to Instagram to update her fans on her travels, with one image showing her in a jewellery store. She sat in front of a case full of diamond rings, with a sign on the wall reading, 'Yes'. This led her followers to believe that Anna may have been looking for some engagement bling. 'Nooo the rings. It was supposed to be Glenn,' wrote one fan, referring to Anna's ex boyfriend, Glen Thompson, who she split with in August last year. 'Looks like you're picking engagement rings,' another chimed in while one more said, 'If it was supposed to be Glen it would be!' The social media star hard launched her new boyfriend in August. Taking to Instagram, the 25-year-old shared a video from her summer holiday in Europe. Anna Paul (pictured) has sparked rumours that she's engaged to new boyfriend Aymeric Urbain by shopping for rings She showed off her eye-popping assets in a skimpy G-string bikini as she stood on a high cliff above a cove in Mallorca, Spain. Her new beau Aymeric stood to her right, and together they jumped into the crystal clear water. Anna captioned her post with a celebratory note about her European summer getaway, writing 'It feels like summer'. Fans took to the comments to speculate about whether the post in question was an official hard launch with Aymeric. The social media star hard launched her new boyfriend (right) in August 'Hard launch or?' one fan asked, while another answered, '100%' 'If this isn't a sign, then I don't know what is,' wrote another follower. 'It feels like this is your new boyfriend,' another more direct commenter stated. 'Love how y'all launchedinto the water,' quipped one more follower. The Paul clan have been travelling in Europe for the last few weeks and arrived in Spain recently after visiting Turkey. Anna is riding off the incredible success of her Paulie skincare line, which sold out in minutes when it launched last year. She showed off her eye-popping assets in a skimpy G-string bikini as she stood on a high cliff above a cove in Mallorca, Spain Fans were initially shocked Anna created a beauty brand, as she already makes hundreds of thousands through her OnlyFans account where she posts explicit content. According to online sleuth account Dutch Minty, Anna makes a whopping $220,000 per month on OnlyFans before tax as she charges subscribers $9.99 per month for a subscription. Anna first found fame on TikTok by sharing lip-sync videos and vlogs documenting her life. She then moved into a lucrative career posting content on subscription-based site OnlyFans, where she charges fans a fee in exchange for raunchy, nude pictures and saucy strip videos. Jennifer Coolidge showcased her remarkably smooth complexion on Monday as she hit the red carpet for the Riff Raff premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival. The White Lotus actress, 63, showcased her age-defying looks as she posed for snaps in a typically glamorous ensemble at the event. Jennifer slipped into a patterned black mac which she wore over a lace-trimmed black slip dress. The American Pie star boosted her height with a pair of towering heels, while she forwent further accessories. Instead, Jennifer upped the glam by styling her blonde locks into voluminous waves, while she highlighted her features with a smoky eye and soft blush lips. Jennifer Coolidge showcased her remarkably smooth complexion on Monday as she hit the red carpet for the Riff Raff premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival The White Lotus actress, 63, showcased her age-defying looks as she posed for snaps in a typically glamorous ensemble at the event Jennifer was in good company at the premiere of her film, as co-star Bill Murray also walked the red carpet, donning a grey sweater for the occasion. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union, who also appears in the film, stunned as she modelled a striking black halterneck dress adorned with red lipsticks. The actress, 51, looked sensational in the flared number which she teamed with black heels and a sleek ponytail. The beauty was also joined on the red carpet by husband Dwayne Wade, 42. The couple looked as loved up as ever as they posed for sweet snaps together. Meanwhile, Emanuela Postacchini showcased her growing baby bump in a fitted white knitted dress. While Sage Spielman turned heads in a racy red dress. American DJ Diplo also put in an appearance, donning a smart dark brown suit for the occasion. Jennifer looked as glam as ever at the event Jennifer slipped into a patterned black mac which she wore over a lace-trimmed black slip dress The film star was sure to turn heads as she put on a stylish display The American Pie star boosted her height with a pair of towering heels, while she forwent further accessories Jennifer was all smiles on the red carpet Jennifer was in good company at the premiere of her film, as co-star Bill Murray also walked the red carpet, donning a grey sweater for the occasion Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union, who also appears in the film, stunned as she modelled a striking black halterneck dress adorned with red lipsticks The beauty was also joined on the red carpet by husband Dwayne Wade, 42 The couple looked as loved up as ever as they posed for sweet snaps together He later posed for a snap with film star Jennifer at the film's after party at RBC House. At the same event, the film's star Bill, 73, tried his hand at DJ'ing as he took to the decks. Riff Raff, which stars Bill Murray and Pete Davidson. follows a former criminal who is thrown into turmoil when his old family appears for a reckoning. Meanwhile, Emanuela Postacchini [L] showcased her growing baby bump in a fitted white knitted dress, while Sage Spielman [R] turned heads in a racy red dress American DJ Diplo also put in an appearance, donning a smart dark brown suit for the occasion He later posed for a snap with film star Jennifer at the film's after party at RBC House The producer also took to the decks at the party At the same event, the film's star Bill, 73, tried his hand at DJ'ing as he took to the decks (L-R) Eric d'Arbeloff, Bill Murray, Howard Cohen, and Adam Paulsen attend the Riff Raff premiere party Riff Raff, which stars Bill Murray and Pete Davidson. follows a former criminal who is thrown into turmoil when his old family appears for a reckoning Jennifer plays Ruth in the crime thriller The crime thriller also stars Dustin Hoffman, Brian Cox, Gabrielle Union, and Ed Harris. The film is directed by Dito Montiel, 58, the former New York City punk rocker who made his directorial debut in the 2006 film A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, based on his memoir. Dito directed the film from a script by John Pollono, 51. Rachel Zoe put on a brave face as she attended a launch event in LA just hours after she announced her shock marriage split from husband Rodger Berman on Monday. The famous fashion stylish, 53, shared the news of their split in a statement on Instagram, hours before attending the Crate & Barrel x Jeremiah Brent event. Rachel and Rodger, 55, who share two sons Kaius, 10, and Skyler, 13, were married for 26 years and together for 33. But Zoe attempted to keep in high spirits as she attended the glamorous evening at Hotel Bel-Air to keep busy. Announcing her split, Zoe wrote: 'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage. Rachel Zoe, 53, put on a brave face as she attended a launch event in LA just hours after she announced her shock marriage split from husband Rodger Berman, 55, on Monday The famous fashion stylish shared the news of their split in a statement on Instagram, hours before attending the Crate & Barrel x Jeremiah Brent event (pictured together in 2022) 'We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together. 'Our number one priority has been and will always be our children. We are committed to coparent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share. We ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this new chapter.' 'With love and gratitude Rachel & Rodger'. Emerging for the first time at the launch event, Rachel tightly hugged close friend Jeremiah Brent. Rachel and Rodger met in the early 90s while they were students at George Washington University. They married on Valentine's Day in 1996. Parts of their marriage were documented on the Bravo reality series The Rachel Zoe Project, which aired from 2007 to 2013. The two also appeared on Lifetime's Fashionably Late With Rachel Zoe, which lasted one season in 2015. In white font set against a black background, Zoe wrote: 'After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage' Rachel and her banker ex-husband Rodger, who share two children, were married for 26 years and together for 33 Emerging for the first time at the launch event, Rachel tightly hugged close friend Jeremiah Brent Zoe attempted to keep in high spirits as she attended the glamorous evening at Hotel Bel-Air to keep busy The former couple are parents to sons Kaius, 10, and Skyler, 13; pictured in March Rodger is the cofounder and co-CEO of the fashion entrepreneur's Rachel Zoe Inc. Together, they were known as a power couple in the fashion world. In 2021, the pair spoke to People about their joint podcast Works For Us and shared, 'We do not pretend to be any kind of trained relationship experts, but we do really understand people and relationships. Zoe added, 'Everyone, no matter who they are, is in a relationship. It doesnt matter what kind: its a marriage, its dating, its best friends, its a mother-daughter, its a coworker.' Two years ago she took to social media to pay tribute to Rodger on their 31st anniversary. 'I have loved you @rbermanus from this day 8.29 31 years ago we have done this life together and I cannot wait to see what is yet to come,' she wrote in the caption at the time. 'Happiest anniversary to my person And Yes everyone we met in kindergarten,' she joked.' Rodger previously opened up to Harper's Bazaar about how they met. Zoe and Berman met in the early 90s while they were students at George Washington University Despite the big change in her life, Rachel seems to be taking things in stride. On Sunday she shared outtakes from her day in the sun with her 4.7 million Instagram followers via the app's Stories feature Zoe shared a smiley group photo with four gal pals, sharing with fans: 'When I show up to have a quick drink @hotelbelar and stay until close' 'I met Rachel in the summer of 1991. She was 19, and I was 22. She was a restaurant hostess, and I was working as a waiter in Washington, D.C., where we both attended college,' he told the publication in 2011. 'I vividly remember the first time I saw her wearing a tight black mini dress, high-heeled pumps, stick-straight hair, and big red lips covered in M.A.C. Chili lipstick,' the father-of-two recalled. Despite the big change in her life, Rachel seems to be taking things in stride. On Sunday she shared outtakes from her day in the sun with her 4.7 million Instagram followers via the app's Stories feature. Clad in a black bandeau bikini top, she recorded selfie videos, writing over one clip, 'A few hours alone on a Sunday. Tanning in sunnies by @rachelzoe.' Zoe also shared a smiley group photo with four gal pals, sharing with fans: 'When I show up to have a quick drink @hotelbelar and stay until close.' Rebecca Judd has jetted off for a luxurious holiday with her AFL star husband Chris Judd. The couple are visiting the luxurious Bawah Reserve, a private island resort in Indonesia. A single night's stay runs as much as $4700, with the pair having visited for two days so far. The resort features exclusive bungalows set on the water with incredible sea views all around. Bec explained that she and Chris took a seaplane to reach the property and have left their four kids at home. 'We've been gone two nights but it feels like two weeks without kids,' she said in her caption on her Instagram Stories post on Tuesday. Bec also showed off her incredible hut and delicious food she was indulging in during the getaway. It comes after news that Bec is set to make her long-awaited return to the Brownlow Medal this year, 20 years after soaring to fame with her iconic red carpet look. Rebecca Judd has jetted off for a luxurious holiday with her AFL star husband Chris Judd. Both pictured The Australian model, 41, famously kicked off her career by wearing a now-famous plunging red dress while storming the awards ceremony back in 2004. Her head-turning looks have since become a staple at the glitzy event but Bec has been notably absent from the red carpet ever since 2018. However, it has been revealed that the wife of AFL star Chris Judd will finally be returning to Brownlow after a six-year absence, according to the Herald Sun. Bec is expected to once again wear a creation from Melbourne designers J'Aton, who have been responsible for many of her iconic looks over the years. The couple are visiting the luxurious Bawah Reserve, a private island resort in Indonesia. A single night's stay runs as much as $4700, with the pair having visited for two days so far The resort features exclusive bungalows set on the water with incredible sea views all around While Bec has not attended the Brownlow in recent years, her husband Chris, 40, receives a yearly invitation and stepped out on the carpet solo in 2019. Bec burst onto the scene at age 21 when she wore a red dress with a plunging neckline to the 2004 Brownlow Medal alongside Chris. The outfit, which boasted a neckline that dipped below her belly button and a daring thigh split, was created by Perth designer Ruth Tarvydas, and was valued at $2,000. The WAG recently revealed what happened to the famous gown after she strutted down the red carpet wearing it before dozens of flashing cameras. 'The dress was given to charity which was auctioned off and I have not seen it since that night,' she told Zen Design. However, she has since been reunited with the standout look and reflected on the incredible reaction to the career-making night. 'I had this red dress on, walked onto the red carpet, everyone had this reaction like "wow!"' she recalled. 'And I thought "okay, this dress is quite something".' In a video, Bec was then nearly brought to tears as she was finally reunited with the stunning dress 20 years later. 'Oh wow, it's so cool, I feel emotional. Wow, it's amazing,' she said as she began to cry. Bec explained that she and Chris took a seaplane to reach the property Bec also showed off her incredible hut and delicious food she was indulging in 'No one knew me before that night, and the next day half the country knew who I was.' Chris previously told The Herald Sun that the 2004 Brownlow was the night Bec became 'public property' and their lives changed forever. 'It did feel like a before and after event. Some wonderful opportunities opened up from it. Life was just very different,' said Chris, who was just 21 when he won the prestigious Brownlow Medal for the first time. Chris once again won the league's highest individual honour in 2010, just years before he retired from the sport in 2015. Chris and Bec tied the knot in 2010 and they now share four children - daughter Billie, nine, son Oscar, 12, and twins Darcy and Tom. Big Brother star Yinrun Huang has been forced to hit back at trolls after being bombarded with 'hurtful attacks' over her relationship with her fiance Luke. The reality star, 26, had previously shared a sketch that poked fun at her relationship with her husband-to-be, but in a new video posted on Sunday, revealed that the post had been flooded with vile comments 'directed at her appearance.' Addressing the abuse, Yinrun fought back tears as she and her fiance Luke appeared in the video to insist the abuse would not stop them from posting their clips. Since leaving the Big Brother house, Yinrun has amassed nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram, and 600,000 on TikTok, thanks to her series reviewing classic British restaurants and takeaways. In her video, Yinrun said; 'Recently I've received a surge of not very nice comments on one of my recent videos, of me and my fiance Luke. Big Brother star Yinrun Huang has been forced to hit back at trolls after being bombarded with 'hurtful attacks' over her relationship with her fiance Luke The reality star had previously shared a sketch that poked fun at her relationship with her husband-to-be 'If you know me, you know I don't take myself too seriously. And I actually love banter in the comments however this time it was quite a lot of hurtful attacks, directed at my appearance. 'For example, something like how did she get him with a face like this and ''bro must have lost a bet'', with a lot of them getting thousands of likes as well.' The video in question was titled 'Shooting my shot with the handsome guy next to me on the train' and showed Yinrun 'asking' Luke out on a date, only for him to remind her that they're already engaged. Hitting back at the abuse, Luke said: ;I think it's just ridiculous, because I think Yinrun is incredibly beautiful and not to mention, clever, funny and you know just an all-around great girl. 'Which, you know, you heard me say so much in my proposal video so I just find it so ridiculous. So it just didn't make any sense to me.' Yinrun went onto add: 'Thank you Luke. Therefore I wanted to say to anyone else who might be expereicning negative comments. 'It's very difficult, but please don't let it get to you. We need to support each other through this and mental health is so important. Therefore we need to take care of ourselves and we are in this together. 'I understand that trolling is always the possibility when you are very active on social media therefore I wanted to make it clear that I'm not going to let negativity stop me from making content.' In a new video posted on Sunday, Yinrun revealed that the post had been flooded with vile comments 'directed at her appearance' The star also received sweet comments of support from her former housemates In the comments of her post, Yinrun added: 'Thank you all again for being such an incredible community, I've become a much stronger person since I started content creation, and I'm not going anywhere.' The star also received sweet comments of support from her former housemates, with Olivia Young writing: 'Awww Yinrun my girl. You guys are so well suited and would each go to the ends of the earth for one another. 'You know your own life better than any trolls on the internet sister!! Love you lots.' Kerry Riches added: 'Sending you lots of love and strength,' while Hallie Clarke went onto say: 'Aw baby. I'm sending loads of love x.' Last month, Yinrun shared that she and Luke were engaged, with the video of the sweet proposal becoming a surprise viral hit. She took to her TikTok page to post the sweet video, revealed in the caption that her partner had 'secretly learned Chinese to propose'. Yinrun Huang announced she was engaged last month, and shared with her TikTok followers the emotional moment her partner Luke dropped down to one knee The proposal video originally kicked off with the couple learning a dance for a TikTok video, however Luke quickly interrupted their dance routine to propose in Chinese, with his other half translating the sweet words into captions. Her partner said: 'I wanted to give you a special message and I wanted to do so in your native language. Sorry in advance if my pronunciation is bad.' 'Because of you everything is the best, I am so so so grateful to have you in my life. Every moment we spend together is filled with happiness,' 'And your laughter fills me with warmth. Your love has brought me peace and contentment.' 'I am so lucky to have you in my life and I promise to always adore you and I hope to build a lifetime of memories together. Will you marry me?' Yinrun held back tears as her partner shook with nerves while he slipped his hand into his pocket revealing her engagement ring. The Shanghai-born reality star starred in the 2023 season of Big Brother and finished the programme in fourth place. Beloved Australian children's show Bluey has achieved a milestone achievement, becoming the most streamed TV series across America in 2024. The world famous ABC Kids series has been watched among US viewers for 35billion minutes this year, according to Nielsen Media Research. Executive producer Daley Pearson took to social media on Tuesday to celebrate the global success of his TV series. 'Bluey's now the number one most watched show (of all) in America for 2024. How incredible. With 35 billion minutes watched this year,' Pearson wrote. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Australia commented on Pearson's post to congratulate his team on their success: 'All our kids love it (and now use the word dunny)! Congratulations!' Bluey, which streams on Disney+ in America, narrowly beat the competition, including House of the Dragon, Grey's Anatomy and Family Guy. The Aussie cartoon was also the second most streamed show in America in 2023, coming just behind the legal drama Suits. It follows reports that kids in the United States are beginning to speak with an unmistakable Australian twang after tuning in to Bluey, a series that follows a lovable family of blue heelers. Beloved Australian children's show Bluey has achieved a milestone achievement, becoming the most streamed TV series in America in 2024. Pictured The cartoon has become wildly popular in the US after premiering on the Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ in September 2019. In 2020, The New York Times described the show as 'the biggest Australian export since The Wiggles' - the country's most famous children's band. The cartoon stays true to its true-blue roots and is packed with 'g'day' greetings and unmistakably Aussie phrases like 'show us your thongs, muffin!' Meanwhile, Bluey is also the top dog on Australian television, setting new viewership records for the ABC and ABC Iview. The world famous ABC Kids series has been watched among US viewers for 35billion minutes this year, according to Nielsen Media Research In April, more than 3.4 million fans tuned in to watch the last three episodes of the global hit across the five major metro centres and regional areas via broadcast TV. TV Blackbox reports that the Total TV National Reach - which includes viewers from all platforms as well as broadcast TV - for The Sign which dropped on April 14, was 4.4 million viewers. Bluey triumphed on the ABC's Iview kids channel, drawing a monumental 50.3 million minutes viewed. James McAvoy was supported by wife Lisa Liberati as he reunited with his co-stars while promoting latest film Speak No Evil In New York City on Monday evening. The Scottish actor joined Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough at DGA Theatre for the premiere of their forthcoming psychological thriller. McAvoy, 45, looked appropriately smart in a black two-piece suit as the cast assembled alongside writer-director James Watkins ahead of its official US screening. He was accompanied by glamorous wife Liberati, a former personal assistant to M. Night Shyamalan who originally met McAvoy while he was working with the director on 2016 film Split. The actor takes a lead role as Paddy, a family man with a dark secret, in Watkins' English language adaptation of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. James McAvoy was supported by wife Lisa Liberati (pictured) as he reunited with his co-stars while promoting latest film Speak No Evil In New York City on Monday evening (L-R) Scoot McNairy, James McAvoy, Dan Hough, Alix West Lefler, Mackenzie Davis, and James Watkins visited DGA Theatre for the premiere of their forthcoming psychological thriller McAvoy admits to drawing on a number of controversial influences while bringing his Speak No Evil character to life, among them the misogynist influencer Andrew Tate (pictured) And he admits to drawing on a number of controversial influences while bringing the character to life, among them the misogynist influencer Andrew Tate. He told Empire: 'The thing I thought I could exploit in the character was, he thinks hes a bit of a... West Country Andrew Tate. 'Hes like, "Im going to teach you what its like to be a man again." But theres a sort of polite face on it that isnt quite Andrew Tate, enough of a sheen of, "Im not one of those guys." '[Paddys] challenging you, "Do you have a big enough d*** to have a drink with me?", Or, "Im sorry, this is too much for you because youre not real enough."' He added: 'You wanted something a bit agricultural. I had two big visual touchstones. The first was the Australian term bogan, which can be associated with a certain level of toxic masculinity. 'And the other was the character Rooster from Jerusalem, played so brilliantly by Mark Rylance.' Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Romania last month accused of crimes against 35 women, including allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Now under house arrest in Bucharest, the pair are facing allegations of human trafficking, including the trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, forming an organised criminal group, money laundering, and influencing statements. The actor takes a lead role as Paddy, a family man with a dark secret, in Watkins' English language adaptation of the 2022 Danish film of the same name McAvoy posed for a photo alongside Kenan Thompson during the event on Monday evening McAvoy co-stars with actress Mackenzie Davis (pictured) in new thriller Speak No Evil The alleged crimes date between 2014 and 2024. The Tate's deny all the charges against them. In the UK multiple women have also come forward and accused both brothers of violent rapes. A court is also set to rule on October 7 on whether the brothers committed tax evasion in the UK after Devon and Cornwall Police brought a case claiming they had not paid any tax on 12 billion of earnings. Speak No Evil is released on September 13, 2024. Heidi Klum's daughter Leni showed off her effortless sense of style in a 90s-inspired look as she attended Old Navy's 30th Anniversary party at New York Fashion Week on Monday. The model, 20, showed off her svelte figure in a denim jacket and matching jeans as she posed for snaps at the bash. Leni displayed her laid-back sense of style by opting for the matching look, teamed with pointed-toe heels. The look was a pointed choice as Old Navy celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a 90s throwback, with Lourdes Leon and Candace Bushnell also in attendance. She then headed to The Annual FRAME Fashion Week dinner, where she joined names such as Amelia and Delilah Hamlin. Heidi Klum's daughter Leni, 20, showed off her effortless sense of style in a 90s-inspired look as she attended Old Navy's 30th Anniversary party at New York Fashion Week on Monday The model showed off her svelte figure in a denim jacket and matching jeans as she posed for snaps at the bash It comes after Leni enjoyed a family holiday to Porto Cervo, Italy with her mum Heidi, 51, her siblings, and her mum's spouse Tom Kaulitz Leni, who is following in her mom's footsteps with a career in the modelling industry, was also spotted with her boyfriend Aris Rachevsky, who also joined the family on the European getaway. Heidi, 50, and Leni, 20, have come under fire in recent months for stripping off in lingerie ads as mother and daughter, but this doesn't seem to have fazed them, with the pair proudly flaunting their bikini bodies on multiple occasions. She is the daughter of Heidi and Flavio Briatore, 74, and Heidi split from the businessman while she was pregnant with Leni in 2004. Leni grew up in Los Angeles while Flavio was based in London so they did not see each other. TMZ first reported in 2018 that Leni and Flavio had reconnected with the help of her parents. Now it seems as if they see each other now and then. Leni's siblings are Lou, 14, Johan, 17, and Henry, 18, whose father is musician Seal, 60. Seal adopted Leni in 2009 and they have stayed close to this day. Heidi is now happily married to Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz. She then headed to The Annual Frame Fashion Week dinner, where she joined names such as Amelia and Delilah Hamlin Heidi, 50, and Leni, 20, have come under fire in recent months for stripping off in lingerie ads as mother and daughter, but this doesn't seem to have fazed them Following on her mother's modelling footsteps, Leni has done campaigns for Dior and already landed her own magazine covers. At the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles in March 2023, Heidi told People that she's 'very proud' of her daughter Leni. 'I'm very proud of my daughter and her modeling,' said Klum. 'And she's studying at the same time, she's juggling already.' Eamonn Holmes' girlfriend Katie Alexander has denied claims she's set to move in with the broadcaster. The GB News presenter, 64, and the relationship counsellor, 42, were reported to be house-hunting together just four months after their blossoming romance began. However, Katie's representatives have exclusively told MailOnline this is not the case. The rumours were sparked after a source told The Sun: 'Katies assured him she's in it for the long haul and theyre both settling down nicely.' 'Theyve been spending so much time at his Kingston flat that theyre even looking to move in together permanently.' Eamonn Holmes, 64, is not moving in with his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, contrary to reports (pictured on Monday) A source told MailOnline that Ruth Langsford, 64, wasn't expecting her estranged husband to be so open about his new romance after he was pictured jetting off on holiday with Katie Yet Katie's representatives explained to MailOnline: 'Ms Alexander say that she does not intend to move in with Eamonn; she has no plans to relocate from her present home and that the source relied on in this story has supplied false information. 'The true position is that she has no plans to move in with Eamonn and this suggestion is entirely fabricated.' Eamonn, who split from his wife of 14-years, Ruth Langsford, in May, has been open about his new relationship with the pair pictured enjoying two holidays together over the summer. The couple flew from Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning before landing in Barcelona for a luxury holiday together. However, a source has told MailOnline that Ruth, 64, wasn't expecting her estranged husband to be so open about his new romance. The insider shared: 'Ruth is shocked by how open Eamonn is being about his relationship, after all they both still have their wedding rings on.' Revealing the real reason the estranged couple haven't removed their rings, they added: 'Neither of them want to be the first to take it off because they don't want to look like they're to blame for the split.' In contrast, Eamonn is said to be 'smitten' with his new love. In May, Ruth and Eamonn were said to be in the process of divorcing' after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions' (pictured in 2021) Speaking about the presenter and Katie's holiday plans, the source shared: 'They both love cruises and they feel like they can be free onboard to act how they want. They are both smitten.' When approached by MailOnline, Ruth's representatives declined to comment and Eamonn's representatives did not respond to comment. It isn't the first trip the pair have been on this month, as Eamonn took his girlfriend Katie to visit his hometown of Belfast amid claims they are 'in it for the long haul.' Eamonn is said to be smitten with Katie and their relationship has been 'taken to the next level', MailOnline previously revealed. Friends claimed they are now spending most weekends together at his Richmond flat after his marriage to Ruth ended. Eamonn and Katie are mulling over when to take their relationship public and are said to have been offered 'big money' for the official first pictures of them together. The source shared: 'They've been offered some decent money for the first pictures of them together.' Eamonn (pictured in June) is said to be smitten with Katie and their relationship has been 'taken to the next level', MailOnline previously revealed They continued: 'Katie and Eamonn are definitely in it for the long haul. She says she loves him and he loves her.' The pair's friendship advanced when he moved out of the marital home he shared with Ruth after his devastated wife discovered messages between him and another mystery woman. In May, Ruth and Eamonn were said to be in the process of divorcing' after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions'. A spokesperson for the couple said: 'Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.' Eamonn and Ruth, who wed in 2010 after 13 years together, are 'determined to stay friends and keep things amicable'. Ruth Langsford made a heartbreaking admission about ageing on Monday as her estranged husband Eamonn Holmes moves on with Katie Alexander. The Loose Women panellist and the former ITV presenter, both 64, shocked fans in May when they announced their plans to divorce after 14 years of marriage. Since then, Eamonn has been seeing relationship counsellor Katie, who at 42 is 22 years his junior. On Monday's episode of Loose Women, Ruth discussed her worries about her own age with fellow panellists Coleen Nolan, 59, Brenda Edwards, 55, and Kelly Holmes, 54. Ruth said she struggles 'on this tightrope of trying hard to be the woman who doesn't care about ageing' but can't help but feel 'awful' at times about her changing body. Ruth Langsford made a heartbreaking admission about ageing on Monday's episode of Loose Women as her estranged husband Eamonn Holmes moves on with a younger woman Eamonn, 64, is in a new relationship with relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, who at 42 is 22 years his junior (pictured in Barcelona on Sunday) She explained: 'When I hit 60, it seems to have happened very quickly. You know me, I don't tend to worry much about age. But at 60 until now, I'm 64, I feel that everything has drooped and sagged and I have a funny neck. 'I can see it. When you take a selfie or something, whereas before I didn't really notice. Now I do and I go, "Ugh, look at that." 'We promote very much on here, body positivity, confidence - age is just a number. I teeter on this tightrope of trying hard to be that woman, "Age is just a number, count your blessings in life, all my friends look like this." 'Then I have those moments where I could fall off the tightrope and go, "Look at my neck", it's awful'. Ruth is said to have been left in 'shock' by how open Eamonn has been in his new relationship with Katie. The GB News host was spotted landing in Spain for a late summer getaway with his new girlfriend, after his 14-year marriage collapsed in May. A source told MailOnline: 'Ruth is shocked by how open Eamonn is being about his relationship, after all they both still have their wedding rings on.' Revealing the real reason the estranged couple haven't removed their rings, they added: 'Neither of them want to be the first to take it off because they don't want to look like they're to blame for the split.' Ruth (pictured in 2006) said she struggles 'on this tightrope of trying hard to be the woman who doesn't care about ageing' but can't help but feel 'awful' at times about her changing body In contrast, Eamonn is said to be 'smitten' with his new love. Speaking about the presenter and Katie's holiday plans, the source shared: 'They both love cruises and they feel like they can be free onboard to act how they want. They are both smitten.' When approached by MailOnline, Ruth's representatives declined to comment and Eamonn's representatives did not respond to comment. The couple flew from Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning before landing in Barcelona for the luxury holiday. Eamonn, who has struggled with back problems in recent years, was seen driving a mobility scooter through the terminal while Katie pushed their luggage and a walking frame. They were later seen at the Port of Barcelona where they were seen laughing and joking with other cruise passengers. It isn't the first trip the pair have been on holiday this month, as Eamonn took his girlfriend Katie to visit his hometown of Belfast amid claims they are 'in it for the long haul.' During his time off, he was spotted by locals in Carrickfergus, dining at the same budget restaurant, Papa Browns, for four days in a row, The Sun reports. Ruth and Eamonn, both 64, shocked fans in May when they announced their plans to divorce after 14 years of marriage (pictured in 2021) A member of staff at the American diner told the publication: 'He came in four days in a row. I noticed his girlfriend had an English accent. They looked happy.' They continued: 'He appeared quite frail and it took a minute to recognise him, but he was always very polite and friendly. 'Both of them appeared at ease with being seen together. Eamonn really enjoyed it.' He is set to make his comeback on GB News Breakfast next week with co-host Isabel Webster, who has been hosting the show solo during his time off, reports the Express. Eamonn is said to be smitten with Katie and their relationship has been 'taken to the next level', MailOnline previously revealed. Friends claimed they are now spending most weekends together at his Richmond flat after his marriage to Ruth ended. Eamonn and Katie are mulling over when to take their relationship public and are said to have been offered 'big money' for the official first pictures of them together. The source shared: 'They've been offered some decent money for the first pictures of them together. Ruth has been left in 'shock' by how open Eamonn has been with his new relationship with Katie, who is 21 years his junior, as they headed on a cruise together 'Katie and Eamonn are definitely in it for the long haul. She says she loves him and he loves her.' The pair's friendship advanced when he moved out of the marital home he shared with Ruth after his devastated wife discovered messages between him and another mystery woman. In terms of Eamonn's health woes a source recently told The Mirror: 'He is doing the best he can under the circumstances but there is not too much to smile about. 'He is not looking to do any interviews and is just keeping his head down and just doing work at GB News and physio sessions to try to improve his mobility.' Charlize Theron and Cara Delevingne looked typically chic as they attended Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter special screening at Netflix Roma Theater in LA on Tuesday. Netflix's latest true crime docu-series tells the story of a mother, her search for justice and a heart-breaking discovery. Charlize looked stylish in a blue patterned denim jacket and matching trousers, teamed with white mules. The film producer, 49, accessorised with silver hoop earrings and opted for a bronzed makeup palette with a bold red lip. Cara, 32, wore a black satin bomber jacket and matching trousers, with a bodysuit underneath. Charlize Theron and Cara Delevingne looked typically chic as they attended Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter special screening at Netflix Roma Theater in LA on Tuesday Charlize, 49, looked stylish in a blue patterned denim jacket and matching trousers, teamed with white mules Directed by Ryan White (The Keepers), Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter dives 'into the shadowy depths of a chilling true-crime story that feels almost impossible to believe,' reads the official synopsis. 'At the centre of this labyrinthine tale, however, is the unbreakable bond between mother and child and the power of maternal instinct across space and time.' Cathy Terkanian received a letter in 2010 informing her that the daughter she had given up for adoption 35 years earlier had disappeared from her adoptive home in 1989. Terkanian enlisted the help of an amateur sleuth and local authorities and embarked on a 10-year quest to uncover what happened to her child. In 2020, Dennis Bowman was charged with open murder, felony murder, first-degree child abuse and disinterment and mutilation of a dead body on Friday for killing his adoptive daughter Aundria Michelle Bowman, according to court records. The film producer accessorised with silver hoop earrings and opted for a bronzed makeup palette with a bold red lip (pictured with Ryan White) Directed by Ryan White (The Keepers), Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter dives 'into the shadowy depths of a chilling true-crime story that feels almost impossible to believe,' reads the official synopsis 'At the centre of this labyrinthine tale, however, is the unbreakable bond between mother and child and the power of maternal instinct across space and time' Aundria disappeared on March 11, 1989 from her family's rural home in Hamilton, Michigan and Bowman was the last person to have seen her. Prior to her disappearance she accused Bowman of sexually abusing her. She was listed as a runaway for many years following her disappearance. In January 2020 Dennis confessed to Aundrias murder while he was already in custody pending trial on charges of murder for the unrelated killing of 25-year-old Virginia woman Kathleen Doyle in 1980. Aundria's birth mother Cathy Terkanian said Bowman confessed the murder to her and directed authorities to where he buried the body. In February her remains were found in a shallow grave under cement on Bowman's property at 136th Avenue and 32nd Street in Monterey Township, east of Hamilton. Aundria's birth mother began to suspect Bowman shortly after her disappearance. When Aundria reported that Bowman was molesting her, he denied it, saying she was having problems after discovering she was adopted. In 2020, Dennis Bowman was charged with open murder, felony murder, first-degree child abuse and disinterment and mutilation of a dead body on Friday for killing his adoptive daughter Aundria Michelle Bowman, according to court records Into The Fire: The Lost Daughter is on Netflix from Thursday 12 September He was arrested in November 2019 for the murder Kathleen Doyle who was found stabbed and strangled in her Norfolk, Virginia home in 1980. She was the daughter of a naval officer and wife of a U.S. Navy pilot who was deployed at the time. Police said at the time of his arrest that forensic testing provided the breakthrough, but didn't give details. Hes currently in jail in Virginia. He told a judge during his initial court appearance that he planned to plead guilty in the Doyle case, according to WVEC-TV. Into The Fire: The Lost Daughter is on Netflix from Thursday 12 September. Sebastian Stan was nearly unrecognizable in the first trailer for his upcoming film, The Apprentice as he portrayed a young Donald Trump. In the first look, the RomanianAmerican actor, 42, can be seen learning from his mentor, Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), who takes him under his wing and gives him advice. 'The first rule is attack, attack, attack,' Strong tells him. 'Rule two, admit nothing, deny everything Rule three: no matter what happens, you claim victory and never admit defeat. You have to be willing to do anything to anyone to win.' Later in the preview, Maria Bakalova, who portrays Trumps late ex-wife Ivana, tells him: 'Your face looks like an orange.' Per the synopsis, obtained by People, the movie follows a 'young Donald Trump (Stan), eager to make his name as a hungry second son of a wealthy family in 1970s New York, comes under the spell of Roy Cohn (Strong), the cutthroat attorney who would help create the Donald Trump we know today.' Sebastian Stan was nearly unrecognizable in the first trailer for his upcoming film, The Apprentice as he portrayed a young Donald Trump The description continues: 'Cohn sees in Trump the perfect protege someone with raw ambition, a hunger for success, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win.' The Apprentice premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The film follows Trump in the '70s and '80s as he attempts to establish his real estate empire on the back of his father Fred Trump's properties. The Apprentice is directed by the Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, who shot the critically acclaimed Persian-language crime thriller Holy Spider (2022). Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova will play Trump's late ex-wife Ivana Trump. Variety initially reported that the film's title would be The Student, adding that a logline for the forthcoming film described it as 'an exploration of power and ambition set in a world of corruption and deceit. 'It's a mentor-protege story that charts the origins of an American dynasty. Filled with larger than life characters, it reveals the moral and human cost of a culture defined by winners and losers.' The screenplay for the film was penned by writer Gabriel Sherman, who authored the 2014 book The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News and Divided a Country. In the first look, the RomanianAmerican actor, 42, can be seen learning from his mentor, Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), who takes him under his wing and gives him advice 'The first rule is attack, attack, attack,' Strong tells him. 'Rule two, admit nothing, deny everything Rule three: no matter what happens, you claim victory and never admit defeat. You have to be willing to do anything to anyone to win' Later in the preview, Maria Bakalova, who portrays Trumps late ex-wife Ivana, tells him: 'Your face looks like an orange' The book was subsequently adapted into the 2019 Showtime miniseries The Loudest Voice. Sebastian is surging professionally, having garnered nominations for an Emmy and Golden Globe after playing the role of Tommy Lee in Hulu's Pam & Tommy, which hit Hulu in 2022. Last year, Stan was in multiple movies, including Dumb Money, Sharper and Ghosted. Stan, who has also been seen in multiple MCU films playing Bucky 'Winter Soldier' Barnes, is the latest in a line of performers who have played Trump. Stan, who has also been seen in multiple MCU films playing Bucky 'Winter Soldier' Barnes, is the latest in a line of performers who have played Trump; seen in 2022 Few of those have been for dramatic productions, with the most recent being Irish actor Brendan Gleeson in the 2020 Showtime miniseries The Comey Rule. Trump has been spoofed for decades on NBC's Saturday Night Live, with actors including Alec Baldwin, Darrell Hammond, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam and the late Phil Hartman playing the role at different points. Lila Moss flashed a glimpse of her toned midriff in a skin-tight black cami top as she departed from a fashion show casting for Victoria's Secret in New York City on Tuesday. The model, 21, looked effortlessly chic as she teamed the top with a pair of slim-fit black jeans. Lila added inches to her frame with a pair of black heeled mules and toted her essentials around in a Yves Saint Laurent small leather shoulder bag. The daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, 50, and magazine editor Jefferson Hack, 53, listened to music as she strutted down the street before taking a little rest on a wall. Lila showcased her natural beauty as she went makeup-free for the outing and styled her blonde locks in loose waves. Lila Moss flashed a glimpse of her toned midriff in a skin-tight black cami top as she departed from a fashion show casting for Victoria's Secret in New York City on Tuesday The model, 21, looked effortlessly chic as she teamed the top with a pair of slim-fit black jeans After almost six years, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is making its return and details are slowly being released in the run-up. The annual catwalk spectacle was previously cancelled in 2019 after a decline in sales and poor television ratings, with figures falling from five million in 2018 to just over three million in 2019. However, Victoria's Secret announced plans to relaunch the show last year, after fans took to social media to beg for their return. The brand also teased fans by giving them a first look at what to expect from the 2024 show on their official Instagram page. During the teaser trailer, catwalk queen Gigi Hadid, 29, stuns in a sheer yet shimmery slip dress as she walks through a hotel lobby. Impatiently ringing the bell for service, Gigi is left stunned when Tyra Banks turns around to serve her a gold envelope. The envelope reads: 'Your attendance is requested: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024.' After almost six years, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is making its return and details are slowly being released in the run-up During a teaser announcement trailer for the brand, catwalk queen Gigi Hadid, 29, stunned in a sheer yet shimmery slip dress as she walked through a hotel lobby Impatiently ringing the bell for service, Gigi is left stunned when Tyra Banks turns around to serve her a gold envelope The envelope reads: 'Your attendance is requested: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024. October 15, 2024: New York City' 'October 15, 2024: New York City.' Two creative directors behind the upcoming show previously revealed what viewers can expect and what changes have been made, upon its return later this year. Speaking via the Victoria's Secret Instagram account, Sarah Sylvester, head of marketing, and Janie Schaffer, chief design and creative officer, shared what fans can look forward to. Janie revealed that Victoria's Secret's iconic wings will be making a return, with the team unearthing classic sets as well as creating new showstoppers for audiences to enjoy. And while Gigi and Tyra have been confirmed as models for the show, according to Harper's Bazaar, Janie also teased that some of the brand's most-loved Angels will be making a comeback. Sarah added that the brand will also be introducing some new faces and all items worn by the models will be immediately shoppable. Janie concluded the snippet by saying: 'Just know its going to be everything you always loved about the show, but even better.' Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels has paid tribute to co-star James Earl Jones after his death aged 93. Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, passed away on September 9 at his home in Dutchess County, NY, his representatives confirmed on Monday. Now Daniels, who played C3P0 in the original Star Wars films, has told how his colleague was 'a lovely man' who was 'a real star', and whose voice will always give Star Wars fans 'goosebumps.' Speaking on Times Radio on Tuesday, Daniels revealed how they first met in New York when he wasn't filming for the sci-fi series. Jones never appeared on screen when playing Darth Vader, as it was the former bodybuilder David Prowse who wore the iconic black suit. Star Wars' C3P0 actor Anthony Daniels broke his silence on James Earl Jones' death on Tuesday as he paid tribute to 'lovely man who played the baddest villain ever' Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, passed away on September 9 at his home in Dutchess County, NY, his representatives confirmed on Monday Daniels shared: 'You're listening to a completely different voice and script sometimes. 'And curiously, it wasn't until several years after that I first met James in New York. We were in a studio doing something completely different from each other. But he was very, very kind and helpful to me. 'It's great to be on the programme today to talk about him because what a lovely man (who) played the baddest villain ever. And (he) was the sweetest. 'His grin was totally infectious and charming and he added so much.' He went on to praise the star's vocal skills, explaining: 'People don't realize the difficulty sometimes of voicing a part that isn't you physically.' Daniels added that he had tried many times to imitate Jones' legendary Darth Vader voice but he confessed: 'I can't do it! 'His chest, his vocal cords made that wonderful Darth Vader sound all right with a bit of sort of aqualung breathing done by Ben Burtt and the special effects. But really, the essence of Darth Vader was, is James Earl Jones. 'He was a real star, not just in the films or in the movies, but also on stage, he did Driving Miss Daisy here in London. 'Multi talented, just a very good actor, very sincere, could be quite daunting, but always very direct. And he never appeared to be acting, if you know what I mean. 'And it's not over. The millions of Star Wars fans around the world will always get goosebumps listening to his voice.' Jones never appeared on screen when playing Darth Vader, as it was the former bodybuilder David Prowse who wore the iconic black suit Jones was paid a mere $7000 for Star Wars but a string of commercials that followed 'took good care of him', he claimed. Jones initially did not want to be credited for the film, as he felt his voiceovers were simply part of the movie's special effects, but eventually conceded, and went on to voice the character in multiple films, television series and video games He played Vader in Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983) then again in the first installment of the Star Wars anthology seriesRogue One (2016), and the third installment of the sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. 'I am your father,' Vader tells Luke Skywalker, portrayed by Mark Hamill, in a pivotal fight scene in The Empire Strikes Back - a twist etched in cinema history. Hamill took to X on Monday to pay tribute to Jones, writing: 'RIP Dad' - followed by a broken heart symbol. 'He created, with very little dialogue, one of the greatest villains that ever lived,' 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas said in 2015 at a ceremony honoring Jones in New York. In September 2022, Jones announced that he would retire from the role of voicing Darth Vader with future voice roles for Vader being created with Respeecher using archive audio of Jones. Jones is among an illustrious list of entertainers who achieved coveted EGOT status - winning two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards and being presented with the Honorary Academy Award. 'He created one of the greatest villains that ever lived,' Star Wars' creator George Lucas said in 2015 at a ceremony honoring Jones in New York (pictured together 2006) Lea Thompson has reflected on her DWTS partnership with 'intense' Artem Chigvintsev amid his arrest for domestic battery. The 42-year-old professional dancer was recently released on bail following his August 29 arrest in Napa County, California for domestic violence - with the star said to be fighting to save his relationship with wife Nikki Garcia, 40. Thompson, 63, was partnered with Chigvintsev during season 19 of the ABC reality series in 2014 - placing in sixth. The actress said she had struggled with the dancer's tough training methods as he sought to impress during his first year on the show. She told the Monday, September 9 episode of the Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast: 'It was hard working with him because it was his first year and it was a big deal to him. He was so intense. It was so much more important to him than to me, honestly. And so that made me really nervous, made me crazy after a while.' Lea Thompson has reflected on her DWTS partnership with 'intense' Artem Chigvintsev amid his arrest for domestic battery - pictured 2014 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 Speaking to host and former DWTS professional Cheryl Burke, she added: 'It was also really really hard for me because I was a ballet dancer and a modern dancer. First day, he was like, Ive never taken any of that stuff, Ive only taken ballroom, 'All this stuff that I knew, he knew none of that. I was never allowed to say, Can I try this? He would get so mad at me.' She branded Chigvintsev 'so implacable', saying: 'That was hard because youre supposed to also kind of love them. 'I remember once, he was really mad at me because I was counting crazy, Thompson said. He was like, "Why are you counting like that?" I was like, "Im sorry." I was like, "My mind works a different way." She also claimed Chigvintsev had told her 'men are much better than women.' She added: 'And I said, "Why?" And he said, "Because theyre stronger. And I was like, "But they dont have babies. Ive had a baby.' Thompson said Chigvintsev has unfollowed her on social media - but said she was 'surprised' to hear about his arrest as he 'has a cat.' She also praised Nikki and Chigvintsev's partnership on the show in 2017 - a year before they began dating. Thompson, 63, was partnered with Chigvintsev during season 19 of the ABC reality series in 2014 - placing in sixth. The actress said she had struggled with the dancer's tough training methods as he sought to impress during his first year on the show. She said: 'He was so intense. It was so much more important to him than to me, honestly. And so that made me really nervous, made me crazy after a while' She said: 'I saw when they were doing their dance that she flipped him over and threw him on the ground. I was like, "Go! You know, she did a wrestling move. Youre letting her show that shes as strong as you. So I thought that was kinda cool.' Thompson alleged that Chigvintsev has unfollowed her on social media. Despite their differences, Thompson said she was surprised by Chigvintsevs recent arrest. He has a cat, what can I say! Thompson said. Or, he had a cat. I dont know what happened. Artem 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.' 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. 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. Artem is pictured in his mugshot after his shock arrest 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. 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 Last 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. 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. Fans were delighted by Reese Witherspoon sharing some never-before-seen snaps of her daughter Ava Phillippe on Monday. The Legally Blonde star, 48 who is currently dating German financier Oliver Haarmann posted a gushing tribute via Instagram calling her daughter 'the most genuinely kind-hearted' person she knows, on her 25th birthday. She captioned the post: 'Happy Birthday to my amazing daughter @avaphillippe who happens to be one of the most genuinely kind-hearted and wise people I know. 'I love you with all heart Keep shining your beautiful light my sweet girl! ,' she wrote. Reese shares her daughter with her actor ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. The pair married on June 5, 1999 after meeting on the set of Cruel Intentions two years prior. Fans were delighted by Reese Witherspoon sharing some never-before-seen snaps of her daughter Ava Phillippe on Monday She posted a gushing tribute via Instagram calling her daughter 'the most genuinely kind-hearted' person she knows, on her twenty-fifth birthday The former couple welcomed Ava on September 1999 and son Deacon in October 2003 before making the decision to divorce on June 13, 2008. Reese's birthday tribute to her daughter was a hit with her 30.3 million followers, racking up over half-a-million likes and thousands of comments with fans pointing out how similar the two look. One fan wrote, 'TWINS!' and another called Ava a 'perfect mix of both' parents. Others said 'Sometimes she looks just like her dad and sometimes she is IDENTICAL to you. Such a beautiful mix.' Another chimed in, 'Amazing! She looks so much like you I wasn't sure who was who at first. Congratulations to you both.' The 25-year-old is not like other Hollywood nepo babies despite having an A-list mum, Ava has worked hard to establish her own identity. She captioned the post: 'Happy Birthday to my amazing daughter @avaphillippe who happens to be one of the most genuinely kind-hearted and wise people I know. I love you with all heart Keep shining your beautiful light my sweet girl! ,' she wrote Others said 'Sometimes she looks just like her dad and sometimes she is IDENTICAL to you. Such a beautiful mix' Many wrote, 'TWINS!' and one called Ava a 'perfect mix of both' parents Another chimed in, 'Amazing! She looks so much like you I wasn't sure who was who at first. Congratulations to you both' Sharing the actress' hard worth ethic, Ava attended UC Berkley before diving into the modeling industry. She has gone on to pose for Rodartes Fall look book in 2018, Ivy Park in 2021 and Aerie. And she told Daily Pop that she credits her parents for guiding her on the right path. 'My parents have always encouraged me to choose the path thats right for me and, you know, guide me along the way to make better choices than I might make,' she said in 2021. 'Im so grateful for that. That is such a privilege to have parents that support you in that way and want you to be who you truly are meant to be,' she added. Reese shares her daughter with her actor ex-husband Ryan Phillipe. The pair married on June 5, 1999 after meeting on the set of Cruel Intentions two years prior; Reese and Ryan seen in May 2002 The former couple welcomed Ava on September 1999 and son Deacon in October 2003 before making the decision to divorce on June 13, 2008; Reese and Ryan seen in August 1998 'My parents have always encouraged me to choose the path thats right for me and, you know, guide me along the way to make better choices than I might make,' Ava said in 2021; Ava, Reese and Deacon seen in December 2019 The Big Little Lies star married her second husband, talent agent Jim Toth on March 26, 2011. But she filed for divorce on March 30, 2023. The proceedings were finalized on August of the same year, citing irreconcilable differences. They share son, Tennessee James Toth, 11, born on September 27, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Reese has since moved on to German financier, Oliver Haarmann, 56, and it is speculated that the pair are taking things to the next level. Just days ago she confirmed her new relationship, publicly holding hands with Oliver as they enjoyed a stroll together in New York City. Horror fans buckle up. The highly acclaimed series called The Terror has finally dropped on Netflix in the US with viewers branding it 'absolutely brilliant.' The period like horror-series, made by AMC, is based on Dan Simmons' 2007 novel of the same name. Despite premiering in 2018 on AMC, the first season has only recently dropped on the streaming platform in the US - and it's already a hit. Each season features a different storyline, and the third installment of the series is slated to stream in 2025. The series is rated 87 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans flooding to social media to share their thoughts about the spooky show. Fan-favorite series The Terror has dropped on Netflix in the US viewers have called it 'absolutely brilliant' 'Just finished The Terror on Netflix and loved it highly recommended if you enjoy high-seas drama, There Will Be Blood-type villains, icebergs, and spooky s**t,' one user wrote. 'THE TERROR on Netflix is peak Dude TV. Old wooden ships. Historical non-fiction. A scary monster that doesn't "represent society." Acting heavyweights up and down including Tobias Menzies playing an actual hero. 'That good good AMC product. That icky strain of sub-prestige TV,' a user posted to X, previously known as as Twitter. 'I watched The Terror on Netflix and god damn I still love it. Great British period drama series. I have a hankering for more Arctic expedition media!' another gushed. 'If you guys haven't watched The Terror on Netflix you need to. Kinda slow burning supernatural thriller/horror. They only have season one on there, cus it's not a Netflix show, but the second season is unrelated and even better,' added another. 'Absolutely brilliant. Don't watch if you're not in the mood to be terrified,' another fan advised. The first season of the captivating series is loosely based on the real story of two British explorations who set off by ship in 1845, only to disappear three years later in the Arctic and were never seen again - although wreckages from the ships were found in 2014 and 2016, and historians are unsure what happened to the inhabitants of the ships. It follows the fictional journeys of the British Royal Navy's polar explorer ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, as they attempt to navigate the Northwest Passage. The period like horror-series, made by AMC, is based on Dan Simmons' 2007 novel of the same name Despite premiering in 2018 on AMC, the first season has dropped on Netflix recently in the US - and it's already a hit The first season of the captivating series is loosely based on the real story of two British explorations who set off by ship in 1845 The ships disappeared three years after they set sail in the Arctic and were never seen again The series is rated 87 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans taking to social media to share their thoughts over the spooky show During the voyage, the ships become trapped in ice, and those on board have to fight for survival with each season inspired loosely by a historical event. Season 1 of The Terror consists of ten, 45-minute episodes, which can be streamed on Netflix. The first installment was developed by David Kajganich, who is known for creating the 2018 horror Suspiria. Season 1's impressive cast includes Jared Harris as Captain Francis Crozier, Tobias Menzies as Commander James Fitzjames as well as Paul Ready, Adam Nagaitis, Ian Hart, Nive Nielsen, and Ciaran Hinds. Season 2, titled The Terror: Infamy, centered around the events in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. It starred George Takei and Miki Ishikawa. Season 3, The Terror: Devil in Silver, will focus on a man wrongly committed to a psychiatric hospital who meets a terrifying creature there. Kimberley Garner is selling her Miami Beach house. The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, has been spitting her time between her native London and the coastal city since she bought the pad in December 2018. But she has now listed the stunning abode for sale with an asking price of $1.29 million, and has has redone the interiors herself. In new snaps of the property, the swimwear designer looked incredible as she posed against backdrop of the ocean. She let her blonde locks flow free and struck a sultry pose in an all-white outfit that showed off her toned tummy. Kimberley Garner is selling her Miami Beach house six years on from when she first bought the stunning pad The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, has been spitting her time between her native London and the coastal city since she bought the pad in December 2018 Kimberley has plans to move back to London full-time, and in further snaps showed off her incredible figure as she posed in her bedroom. In keeping with the all-white theme, Kimberley looked sensational as she displayed her hourglass figure in a crisp slit dress as she gazed out to the ocean. The master bedroom features a set of sliding doors that lead onto a balcony that provide stunning views of the area. She has decorated the boudoir in an all-white theme that is complimented by a wooden flooring and simple lighting accessories. In one snap, the TV star donned a pair of jeans and a vest as she put on a cheeky pose that displayed her pert behind while doing DIY on the luxury property. The sprawling living area is made up of a large veranda that spirals down into a spacious lounge. The space features a curved brown sofa and geometric carpeting, whilst a sturdy bookcase overlooks the whole room. In keeping with the all-white theme, Kimberley looked sensational as she displayed her hourglass figure in a crisp slit dress as she gazed out to the ocean Kimberley has plans to move back to London full-time, and in further snaps showed off her incredible figure as she posed in her bedroom The master bedroom features a set of sliding doors that lead onto a balcony that provide stunning views of the area She has decorated the boudoir in an all-white theme that is complimented by a wooden flooring and simple lighting accessories At one point, the TV star donned a pair of jeans and a vest as she put on a cheeky pose that displayed her pert behind while doing DIY on the luxury property The sprawling living area of the property is made up of a large veranda that spirals down into a spacious lounge It comes after she recently revealed that she had 'just broken up with someone'. The star confirmed her relationship status at the screening of The Idea Of You at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, London. She told Eden Confidential: 'I've just broken up with someone. Right decision and I am in a really good place.' Kimberley's last known romance began in summer 2023, when it was revealed that she was going out with financier Andreas Anthis. Mike Wolfe cozied up to his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, as they shared a loving kiss while grabbing coffee together in Cave City, Kentucky over the weekend on Sunday. The American Pickers star, 60 - who recently sparked backlash over a 'disputed' revitalization project - was seen enjoying time with the business owner at her coffee shop called the Ace Coffee Company. The couple - who were confirmed to be dating three years earlier in August 2021 - also attended a cars and coffee event nearby. Wolfe kept it casual in a short-sleeved, blue shirt as well as a pair of black, denim jeans and brown leather shoes. For a final touch, the TV personality sported a pair of black shades to protect his eyes from the warm sunshine. Mike Wolfe, 60, cozied up to his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, 45, as they shared a loving kiss while grabbing coffee together in Cave City, Kentucky over the weekend on Sunday The couple - who were first romantically linked three years earlier in August 2021 - also attended a cars and coffee event nearby Leticia was also stylishly casual in a pair of dark gray jeans as well as a black and white-colored shirt. She slipped into a pair of black boots and later in the day, opted for an outfit change and wore black and white-checkered pants as well as a long-sleeved, black shirt. Her blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in light, natural waves. Wolfe and Cline were seen grabbing tasty drinks from her coffee shop before stopping by a cars and coffee event. The American Pickers star brought along his vintage, light brown Chevrolet to proudly showcase alongside other classic cars on display. At one point, the couple were seen sharing a loving kiss under the hot sun, and also paused to take an adorable selfie together. While at the event, Mike and Leticia shared other affectionate moments, such as embracing followed by the star laying a gentle kiss on the side of her face. Cline later spent time at her coffee shop - which she officially opened in late March after buying the property back in July 2021. Wolfe kept it casual in a short-sleeved, blue shirt as well as a pair of black, denim jeans and brown leather shoes For a final touch, the TV personality sported a pair of black shades to protect his eyes from the warm sunshine Her blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in light, natural waves Wolfe and Cline were seen grabbing coffee from her coffee shop before stopping by a cars and coffee event The American Pickers star brought along his vintage, light brown Chevrolet to show alongside other classic cars While working at the cafe, Leticia was seen taking out a large trash bin before being joined by Mike once again. The lovebirds enjoyed a relaxing stroll together with an adorable dog tagging along on the walk. They stopped by an antique store and Cline was seen carrying a bag after purchasing a few items. The model and American Pickers star were confirmed to be dating in August 2021 - but reportedly first sparked up a romance earlier that same year in April, per TMZ. Wolfe has been a big supporter of his girlfriend's business venture, and she revealed a sweet statement from Mike in regards to the grand opening of her coffee shop. 'Such a long journey Babe. Excited to have it finally finished and serving the community I'm so proud of you,' Mike's message read at the time, per The U.S. Sun. Since their budding relationship was confirmed, the pair have made appearances on each other's social media pages. Late last year in November, the model uploaded an assortment of photos of both herself and Mike as she shared a birthday tribute to the TV personality. And last month in August, he enjoyed time on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with Cline in a picture uploaded to Instagram. However, he notably sparked concern due to riding the bike without a helmet. While working at the cafe, Leticia was seen taking out a large trash bin before being joined by Mike once again The model and American Pickers star were confirmed to be dating in August 2021 - but reportedly first sparked up a romance earlier that same year in April, per TMZ 'Such a long journey Babe. Excited to have it finally finished and serving the community I'm so proud of you,' Mike's message read at the time, per The U.S. Sun Before his romance with Leticia, Wolfe was married to Jodi Faeth from 2012 until their divorce eight years later in 2020. The former couple also share daughter, Calie, 12. Cline was also previously married to Chad Cline. However, the pair divorced back in 2005 and are parents to son, Caleb. She also tied the knot with Jason Michaels - but the former couple notably separated in 2017. Mike is known for starring in the History Channel series, American Pickers, and announced last month in August that a new season will premiere in October. Since their budding relationship was confirmed, the pair have made appearances on each other's social media pages Mike is known for starring in the History Channel series, American Pickers, and announced last month in August that a new season will premiere in October A few months earlier in July, Wolfe and other crew of American Pickers signed on for another season of the reality series. Mike will be joined by his brother, Robbie, in the upcoming episodes. He revealed the big news on Instagram in response to a fan who expressed that they missed the series. 'New ones starting in October,' Wolfe had replied. It came after former American Pickers star Frank Fritz shut down rumors that he had passed away following unconfirmed reports that surfaced. A close friend of Fritz jumped to the star's Facebook page to confirm that he was alive. Channing Tatum had some notable new ink on his left hand. The hunk, 44, had his fiancee Zoe Kravitz's initials etched onto the back of his hand. It remains to be seen if the 'ZK' is a permanent tattoo - or merely a temporary fixture drawn on with a Sharpie pen. Either way, it definitely stood out as the Magic Mike star jogged through Santa Monica on Monday. Tatum didn't let the heat stop him from getting in a workout as he hit the pavement in a white long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, neon trainers, and orange cap. Channing Tatum had Zoe Kravitz's initials inked onto the back of his left hand while jogging through Santa Monica, California on Monday He stayed cool with the help of a hydration pack looped over his shoulders. Channing and Zoe have been together for the last three years and became engaged last year. Recently Channing shared insight into his relationship with Zoe while posting a sleepy snap of her snoozing on his chest. The actor opened up about their romance as he thanked the actress, 35, for 'finding him and seeing him' in a gushing Instagram caption. Channing, who takes on the lead role in Zoe's directorial debut Blink Twice, went shirtless as his partner slept on his chest in the sweet snap. He admitted their recent project together took it out of his partner and he continually worried if she was 'break' due to exhaustion. Alongside the adorable candid image, he wrote: 'This little sweet. She So tired bro. Every time I wondered if she'd break. 'She just kept going and going and going. Always on the dig for truth. She pour'd every single ounce of her into this film. It remains to be seen if the 'ZK' is a permanent tattoo - or merely a temporary fixture drawn on with a Sharpie pen Tatum didn't let the heat stop him from breaking a sweat The couple recently made their red carpet debut at the premiere of their new film Blink Twice, which was directed by Zoe 'I'm so proud to stand ten toes down for her, this film and everyone in it. forever. Knowing what it took to make it. 'No one will ever know. Thank you for finding me and seeing me. I got you forever. Me and you back to back against it all. I'll never blink. Let's go.' The couple recently made their red carpet debut at the premiere of Blink Twice, which was released last month. The psychological thriller stars Channing as a charming tech billionaire named Slater King who owns a private island. Channing recently gave insight into their relationship when he shared this sweet snap of Kravitz sleeping on his chest King invites two women to the remote destination, Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, and Jess, played by Alia Shawkat. The Batman star co-wrote the screenplay with E.T. Feigenbaum and had initially her project P***y Island but later changed it. Also starring in the film are Haley Joel Osment, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Simon Rex, Christian Slater and Liz Caribel. Lily Collins made a show-stopping entrance as she attended Emily In Paris season four part two premiere in Rome on Tuesday - but narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction. The English-American actress, 35, caught the eye in a plunging gold gown at the event - where she was joined by her co-stars on the beloved Netflix series. Lily looked jaw-dropping in the ribbed shimmery dress which featured chunky chain straps - boosting her lithe figure. But the braless star almost revealed more than she needed to after leaving forward to blow photographers a kiss before making her way inside Rome's Moderno Cinema. The incredible outfit also included a slew of chunky gold bracelets in one arm, while her gorgeous features were framed by a perfectly neat bob. Lily Collins put on a show-stopping display as she blew onlookers a kiss at the Emily In Paris season four premiere in Rome on Tuesday evening The actress risked a wardrobe malfunction as she leaned forward in her plunging dress Lily Collins made a show-stopping entrance in a gold gown as she attended the red carpet of Emily In Paris' fourth season in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday The English-American actress, 35, ensured to catch everyone's eyes at the swanky event - where she was joined by cast members of the beloved Netflix series The Love, Rosie star looked jaw-dropping in the ribbed shimmery dress Lily added classy black open-toe heels, flaunting a flawless pedicure, as she stopped for some striking snaps. The To The Bone sensation exuded confidence as she twirled around graciously under the spotlight, also showing off a racy open-back detail. She was joined by fellow co-stars Ashley Park, Marylin Fitoussi, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Camille Razat and creator Darren Star. They were also joined by William Abadie, Lucas Bravo, Bruno Gouery, Paul Forman, Kevin Dias, Arnaud Binard, Raoul Bova and Samuel Arnold. Lily held hands with her on-screen BFF Ashley - who plays Mindy Chen - as the pair took to the stage showing off their happiest grins. Ashley, 33, channelled a Charleston look in a sparkling tasselled black dress and matching gloves. She added black strappy heels with dainty jewellery, while her long brown tresses were styled into waves. The actress looked very loved-up with her co-star and real-life partner Paul Forman as the pair kissed on the carpet. The stunning garment featured chunky chain straps - boosting her lithe figure The incredible outfit also included a slew of chunky gold bracelets in one arm The To The Bone sensation exuded confidence as she twirled around graciously under the spotlight, also showing off a racy open-back detail Lily held hands with her on-screen BFF Ashley - who plays Mindy Chen - as the pair took to the stage showing off their happiest grins Ashley, 33, channelled a Charleston look in a sparkling tasselled black dress and matching gloves She added black strappy heels with dainty jewellery, while her long brown tresses were styled into waves Meanwhile, Ashley looked very loved-up with her co-star and real-life partner Paul Forman as the pair kissed on the carpet Lily claimed the spotlight during Tuesday evening's launch in the Italian capital Paul looked dapper for the screening as he sported a white shirt overlayed with a a boned white corset. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu turned heads for the evening in a strapless black velvet gown, complete with a satin purple train and a high-leg split. Meanwhile, on-screen exes Lucas Bravo and Camille Razat cosied up to one another on the red carpet. Camille looked sensational as she traded in her signature blonde locks for a striking slicked back brunette do. She paired her daring hairstyle with an even more daring ensemble, donning a black lather corset gown. The next chapter of Emily In Paris promises even more drama - but in a brand new setting. A trailer for the second part of season four sees the titular Emily (Lily Collins) now in Rome - and with a new romantic interest. But that doesn't mean the drama with her on-off lover Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) has come to an end. The trailer begins with Emily in Gabriel's arms during a romantic mountain getaway -before his girlfriend Camille (Camille Razat) enters the picture. 'You're always going to choose her!' Emily pleads with Gabriel as Camille watches on mere feet away. She was joined by fellow co-stars Ashley Park, Marylin Fitoussi, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Camille Raza She also posed with creator Darren Star They were also joined by the series' new entries as well as more cast members as William Abadie, Lucas Bravo, Bruno Gouery, Paul Forman, Kevin Dias, Arnaud Binard, Raoul Bova and Samuel Arnold Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu turned heads in a strapless black velvet gown, complete with a satin purple train and a high-leg split Lily has reprised her role as the titular Emily for the latest season of the hit Netflix show 'She's having my baby!' he replies. 'I know! But I cannot be the person who pulls you away from your family,' Emily insists as a close-up shot of Camille appears. Camille has yet to share with Gabriel she is not actually pregnant after learning her test result was a false positive. Interestingly, Gabriel is then seen hanging out with another new woman - Emily's new American coworker Genevieve. As Emily and her friend Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) stroll by Gabriel's restaurant, they spot him enjoying a late night chat with Genevieve inside the eatery. 'Are we sure we like her?' Mindy asks following the perplexing sighting. Meanwhile, Emily is sent to Rome to woo a prospective new business partner, a handsome Italian man named Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini). 'JVMA is desperate to acquire them,' Emily's colleague tells their boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). 'I'd love to get a meeting with Marcello,' Sylvie informs Emily. 'I'm not going to Rome!' Emily protests. 'It's not the first time you mix business with pleasure. And you're actually quite good at it,' Sylvie tells her. Emily winds up travelling to Rome and meeting with Marcello, who takes her sightseeing throughout the city. The trip offers the marketing executive a respite from her busy life in the city. 'I really needed this,' Emily says. 'What did you need?' Marcello asks. Meanwhile, on-screen exes Lucas Bravo and Camille Razat cosied up to one another on the red carpet Camille looked sensational as she traded in her signature blonde locks for a striking slicked back brunette do She paired her daring hairstyle with an even more daring ensemble, donning a black lather corset gown with Messika Jewellery The cast looked in their highest spirits as they snapped a group selfie on stage 'A break from work, Paris, everything,' she replies wistfully. During her trip, Emily enjoys the finer things in life from good food to good company. As she hits the club with Marcello, they share a steamy dance. 'Which city do you prefer? Paris or Rome?' Marcello asks her. Emily is then shown opening the windows of her palatial Roman accommodations, taking in the priceless views with an awe-stricken smile. Part two of Emily In Paris will debut on Netflix on September 12. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' widow Allison Holker has publicly emerged in her first relationship nearly two years after the tragic suicide of the dancer and TV personality. Holker, 36, stepped out with businessman Adam Edmunds - a Salt Lake City native who is CEO of Entrata, a software firm focused property management - at a New York Fashion Week event Saturday, Alice + Olivias Spring 2025 show. Holker, who shares three kids with her late spouse of nine years - Weslie, 16, Maddox, eight, and Zaia, four - was clad in a stylish ensemble of a black coat with white highlights, with a white skirt with the same black patterns. She rounded out her ensemble with strappy black heels and a black purse, with her brown locks parted in the middle and hoop earrings. Edmunds was clad in a black Versace T-shirt with gray pants and black Nike sneakers. Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' widow Allison Holker, 36, has publicly emerged in her first relationship nearly two years after the tragic suicide of the dancer and TV personality, stepping out with businessman Adam Edmunds Saturday at a New York Fashion Week event Boss, who appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' former daytime talk show, was found dead at the age of 40 on December 13, 2022 via a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in a LA hotel room, which authorities deemed a suicide. Pictured eight days before his passing in LA The mom-of-three had a busy weekend with her new beau, as they were seen at the U.S. Open Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, as she said in an Instagram post, 'Today was a dream.' The So You Think You Can Dance personality last Thursday took to Instagram with a post in which she snacked on French fries from McDonalds, as she appeared to allude to Edmunds indirectly in regards to the culinary choice. 'A bad influence came into my life and got me to eat McDonalds for the first time in 15 years after a long day at NEW YORK FASHION WEEK #NYFW it was perfect!' Holker captioned the post. 'Good food, madison park, fashion and even better company.' Holker had previously alluded to being in a relationship in an August 28 Instagram post in which she showed the shadows of two people holding hands with a red heart emoji. Boss, who appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' former daytime talk show, was found dead at the age of 40 on December 13, 2022 via a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in a Los Angeles hotel room, which authorities deemed a suicide. Holker, who had just celebrated her ninth wedding anniversary with the entertainer, told officials that she didn't have any 'issues' with her late spouse at the time of his passing. In June, Holker told People that she was open to dating again in the wake of the family tragedy. 'I still would want to have love, would still want to travel the world. I still want to see and experience new things with new people, new energy, my friends, my family, a loved one - a potential - and my kids,' Holker said. 'I want them to see that they can still learn to trust and love again. It doesn't have to go away. I would embrace it.' Edmunds is a Salt Lake City native who is CEO of Entrata, a software firm focused property management The romance marks her first since the tragic death of Boss in December of 2022 Holker was clad in a stylish ensemble of a black coat with white highlights, with a white skirt with the same black patterns Holker told People last year about the lessons she's sought to impart on her children in the wake of the family tragedy. 'I'm trying to teach them - and myself - that if you're angry or sad, it doesn't mean you're a bad person,' Holker told the outlet. 'We're coping together, and that requires trust and being really vulnerable.' She continued: 'We lean on each other a lot for support because every single day is a new emotion. And honestly, not even day by day. It's moment by moment. 'You never know when something is going to trigger a memory or thought and make you go into your head a little bit, so we make sure to communicate that with each other.' The So You Think You Can Dance personality last Thursday took to Instagram with a post in which she snacked on French fries from McDonalds Holker had previously alluded to being in a relationship in an August 28 Instagram post in which she showed the shadows of two people Boss and Holker were pictured at a December 5, 2022 event in LA She said family members have been supportive of one another amid the tough times. 'We want to be okay - and we are okay - but it's taking a lot of work together,' Holker said. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Mel B's daughter Phoenix Chi Brown has reportedly landed a huge new show after the success of her Celebrity Gogglebox stint with her mother. Phoenix, 25, appeared alongside Mel, 49, on the latest series of Celebrity Gogglebox, series six, which aired in June and July. And now, according to The Sun, she is set to star in a Channel 4 documentary following new artists as they attempt to break into the industry. A source said: 'Phoenix is working on a special TV film focusing on her as she attempts to break into the professional art world. 'It will follow her as she launches her first collection of work to the public. She is taking it really seriously, she doesnt want to be seen as a nepo baby, she wants to be a credible artist and this documentary will show just how hard she has worked.' Mel B's daughter Phoenix Chi Brown, 25, has reportedly landed a huge new show after the success of her Celebrity Gogglebox stint with her mother Phoenix appeared alongside Mel, 49, on the latest series of Celebrity Gogglebox, series six, which aired in June and July And now, she is set to star in a Channel 4 documentary following new artists as they attempt to break into the industry Adding fuel to the rumour is the fact that Phoenix to to her Instagram page on Friday to tell her followers: 'My debut show EMOSH will be launching next week at Sarah Kravitz gallery.' Phoenix's reps have been contacted for comment. DJ-turned-professional artist Phoenix is Mel's firstborn, conceived during Mel's short-lived marriage to Dutch back-up dancer Jimmy Gulzar. Mel has a further two children, both girls: Angel Murphy Brown, 17, with Eddie Murphy and Madison Brown Belafonte, 11, with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte. Leeds native Mel has previously described her eldest child Phoenix, who grew up in the US, as 'very wise', which will no doubt come across on the show. The women share a close bond, with Phoenix frequently dressing up as Mel in her Scary Spice heyday. And they may be on television at the same time, as Mel has been confirmed to be joining the cast of Bear Hunt, led by Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby. Bear Hunt, filmed in Costa Rica, is an 10 million Netflix adventure show that will see British celebrities go face-to-face in the jungle. Adding fuel to the rumour is the fact that Phoenix to to her Instagram page on Friday to tell her followers: 'My debut show EMOSH will be launching next week at Sarah Kravitz gallery' DJ-turned-professional artist Phoenix is Mel's firstborn, conceived during Mel's short-lived marriage to Dutch back-up dancer Jimmy Gulzar Mel has a further two children, both girls: Angel Murphy Brown, 17, with Eddie Murphy and Madison Brown Belafonte, 11, with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte The gruelling endurance reality competition programme is also set to star Boris Becker, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas and rugby legend Danny Cipriani among others. Missing Mel will be her fiance Rory McPhee, whom she is due to marry in St Paul's Cathedral - in a dress designed by Victoria Beckham. Mel has been married twice before: to Jimmy, Phoenix's father (1998 to 2000) and to Stephen, Madison's father (2007 to 2017). She has also dated English actor Max Beesley, who is currently appearing in Guy Ritchie hit The Gentlemen. Kathryn Hahn looked gorgeous in a deep blue gown in London on Tuesday as she attended a special screening of Marvel series Agatha All Along. The lead actress of the series, Kathryn, 51, bared just her arms and feet in the simple heavy dress which paired with blue heels. The American star accessorised with silver jewellery and struck an elegant pose on the leaf-covered red carpet. Joining Kathryn at the Stone Nest screening was Jac Schaeffer, the creator of Agatha All Along. She previously created WandaVision. Following on from the events of WandaVision, Agatha All Along follows witch Agatha Harkness (Kathryn) as she escapes from Westview. Kathryn Hahn, 51, looked gorgeous in a deep blue gown in London on Tuesday as she attended a special screening of Marvel series Agatha All Along The lead actress of the series, Kathryn bared just her arms and feet in the simple heavy dress which paired with blue heels The American star, also a comedian. accessorised with silver jewellery and struck an elegant pose on the leaf-covered red carpet Without her magical powers, Agatha and a goth teen form a new coven of witches with which to face the trials of the legendary Witches' Road. Also at Tuesday's screening was Jonathan Ross, 63, who attended with his daughter Honey Kinny Ross, 27. Joe Locke, 20, star of Netflix hit Heartstopper, whose third series premieres in October, looked dapper in all black. Love Island's Marcel Somerville, 38, formerly of Blazin' Squad, offset his otherwise black outfit with a thick off-white jacket. Radio DJ Harriet Rose looked lovely in a tan criss-cross patterned jumper and baggy black pinstripe trousers. Coronation Street actor Clint Gordon looked great in a unbuttoned black shirt and attended with 2018 The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon. Outside the event, Kathryn sweetly posed with, and took autographs for, a horde of fans. Agatha All Along is scheduled to debut on Disney+ on September 18. Joining Kathryn at the Stone Nest screening was Jac Schaeffer, the creator of Agatha All Along. She previously created WandaVision Jac, 45, looked lovely in a short-sleeved form-fitting dark red dress which she paired with silver heels Also at Tuesday's screening was Jonathan Ross, 63, who attended with his daughter Honey Kinny Ross, 27 Joe Locke, 20, star of Netflix hit Heartstopper, whose third series premieres in October, looked dapper in all black Love Island's Marcel Somerville, 38, formerly of Blazin' Squad, offset his otherwise black outfit with a thick off-white jacket Radio DJ Harriet Rose looked lovely in a tan criss-cross patterned jumper and baggy black pinstripe trousers Coronation Street actor Clint Gordon looked great in a unbuttoned black shirt and attended with 2018 The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon Kathryn pictured posing with fans outside the event Agatha All Along was first put into development in October 2021 as an untitled WandaVision spin-off. What followed was a string of different titles - first Agatha: House of Harkness in November 2021, then Agatha: Coven of Chaos in July 2022. In May, Marvel Television revealed its final title. Kathryn's Agatha debuted in the 2021 TV series WandaVision, first known as Agnes, the nosy neighbor to Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany). It was revealed towards the end of the nine-episode series that Agnes was actually an ancient witch dubbed Agatha Harkness, who has come to investigate the mythical hold Wanda has put over the town of Westfield. While trying to obtain her magic, Agatha battles with Wanda, who prevails, stripping Agatha of her powers and trapping her inside the 'Agnes' persona. The series takes its title from a song released during the seventh episode of WandaVision, when Agatha's nefarious nature was revealed. The catchy tune - which plays over the Instagram announcement - actually went viral and even topped the music charts as well. James Argent packed on the PDA with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson as the couple were spotted snogging in St Tropez. The former TOWIE star, 36, seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a dip in the sea. James showed off his toned physique as he went shirtless and wore a pair of blue patterned shorts. He reached 27 stone during lockdown , before losing nearly 14 stone when he overhauled his lifestyle and underwent a sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Nicoline put on a busty display in a pink floral bikini with her wet hair cascading down her back. James Argent packed on the PDA with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson as the couple were spotted snogging in St Tropez The former TOWIE star, 36, seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a dip in the sea James and Nicoline couldn't keep their hands off each other while in the water, before going for a stroll along the beach. A source told MailOnline that Nicoline is 'lovely' and that Arg 'deserves all this happiness after going through a lot. James whisked his new girlfriend away for a lavish long weekend at Indie Beach at Plague de Pampelonne, The Sun revealed. Nicoline, 31, won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also asked to take part in the French version The Bacherlorette but declined to focus on her studies. Rumours swirled on the pair's romance after James liked a picture of Nicoline shared to her Instagram at the World Vision Gala last month. Sharing a snap of herself in a navy satin one-shoulder wrap dress, complete with a high-leg split, Nicoline wrote: 'It's an absolute pleasure to be apart of this years WORLD VISION GALA to help everyone come together for a greater cause! 'Huge thank you to everyone who attended for all the support and contributions! 2011 I was crowned as Miss Sweden and it's a Title I've forever cherished and honored for its deep purpose.' It is James's first relationship since splitting from his ex Stella Turian last November. Nicoline put on a busty display in a pink floral bikini with her wet hair cascading down her back James showed off his toned physique as he went shirtless and wore a pair of blue patterned shorts He reached 27 stone during lockdown , before losing nearly 14 stone when he overhauled his lifestyle and underwent a sleeve gastrectomy procedure James and Nicoline couldn't keep their hands off each other while in the water, before going for a stroll along the beach Nicoline later covered-up in a long floaty blue beach dress, while Arg donned a blue shirt and shorts They shared several passionate snogs throughout the day A source told MailOnline that Nicoline is 'lovely' and that Arg 'deserves all this happiness after going through a lot James whisked his new girlfriend away for a lavish long weekend at Indie Beach at Plague de Pampelonne, The Sun revealed Nicoline, 31, won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch Rumours swirled on the pair's romance after James liked a picture of Nicoline shared to her Instagram at the World Vision Gala last month In March, Arg told the My Dirty Laundry podcast that he really struggled on Valentine's day because of his single status - and had to stay off social media because it got him down so much. Having tackled his demons, staying sober for two years and losing 15 stone in weight, James said: 'I'm in a really good place. Everything in my life is perfect, apart from my love life. It would be nice if that would change. 'I'll be completely honest, this year I really struggled on Valentine's Day. I remember, I woke up and thought, I am not going to look at social media. 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew it's not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend. 'But, I couldn't help it. There was times where I'd just have a little glance and all you would see was couples. Everyone's madly in love. Everyone's happy. 'Everyone's out on dates. There's flowers, there's balloons, there's chocolates,there's date nights or trips or happily married couples - and yeah, it did start to affect me a little bit.' But James has said that rather than wallow in misery, he tried to go out to make himself feel better, but a trip to the shops didnt' help the situation at all. James broke up with Stella, 16 year his junior, in November after a year-long romance and said 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew social media was not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend. Before that, James dated his former TOWIE co-star Lydia Bright - they were childhood sweethearts and dated on and off between 2008-2016 and he now credits her as being one of his best friends (pictured in 2011) He said: 'I thought, I'm gonna get out the house and a food shop and I went to my local supermarket and what made things a million times worse, every single aisle that I looked at was a Valentine's Day dine-in meal for two... 'It was starters, main, dessert and a drink for 20 quid. And I was like, 'oh no', it just absolutely, it just got to me. 'But I went to bed that night, had a good night's sleep and then the next day I was fine. I was happy again, I was fine. 'So it just goes to show you that you can have good days, you can have bad days, you can have days where you're feeling a certain way. 'If you get a good night's sleep, the next day is always a new day and it wasn't that bad. For some reason, Valentine's Day this year, I didn't think it would even bother me, but it wasn't a great experience.' The government has committed about Rs 62,000 crore in incentives for electronic plants and there is no issue in funding semiconductor projects, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan has said. He told PTI that out of Rs 76,000 crore approved earlier, the government still has scope to accommodate small projects and will approach authorities when there are new projects in place. Out of the Rs 76,000 crore intended for the semiconductor mission, we have committed about Rs 62,000 crore, including the last scheme which was cleared for Kaynes. As of now, wherever claims have come up, we are settling them with maximum dispatch, and there is no funding issue right now at all, Krishnan said. The government has approved five semiconductor projects entailing investments of around Rs 1.52 lakh crore or about USD 18 billion. He said that some funding is required for the Semiconductor Laboratorys modernization in Mohali. We still have some funds to take up some smaller projects and approve them. Thereafter, we will have to go back to Ministry of Finance and Cabinet for approval when some new proposals come, Krishnan said. He said there is a high level of commitment from the government to make sure the semiconductor mission works. If additional funding is required, I am confident we will be able to secure it. As of now, wherever claims have come up, we are settling them with maximum dispatch, and there is no funding issue right now at all, Krishnan said. The government has received around 20 proposals for the Centres incentive under the India Semiconductor Mission.Krishnan said India is targeting legacy nodes--the established technology segment in semiconductor space, which will produce large size chips. The large size chips in the node of 28 nanometer, 40 nanometer, 60 and 65 nanometer can be used in big products like cars, electric vehicles, power inverters, consumer durables like washing machines, consumer electronic products etc. We are balancing the fact that it is reasonably well established technology and there is a considerable market for chips in that size for a range of industries. We have an established market here in the country for that. Therefore, we are focusing on those goals where the total cost of setting up a new facility is also not too great, which means that the subsidy outgo on behalf of India will be a little less and there is a significant demand as well, Krishnan said. He said India has a significant presence in the design ecosystem with 20 per cent of the global human resources required for semiconductor design based out of India. Krishnan said many large brand names actually design in India. We never had a big presence in the manufacturing space. It is not a normal manufacturing process. There are a lot of precision, engineering skills, and purity involved. Therefore we do require, at least initially, some foreign collaboration and others who are leaders in this space to actually establish such facilities here in India. Global value chains (GVCs) are essential to modern manufacturing, representing 70% of global trade. In India, GVCs are particularly vital for the electronics sector, with 75% of exports relying on them. To enhance its position, India must focus on innovation, collaboration, and technology adoption. To drive this transformation, Messe Muenchen India (MMI) is hosting its largest-ever edition of electronica India and productronica India 2024, featuring a comprehensive range of technology solutions-from the smallest components to intricate manufacturing processes. Commenting on the increasing global importance of the Indian electronics industry, Bhupinder Singh, CEO of Messe Muenchen India, says, The upcoming edition of electronica India and productronica India is a clear testament to the expanding global stature of the Indian electronics sector. To organize electronica India & productronica India, MMI is consolidating the entire electronics value chain under one roof. This landmark event is poised to transform the electronics industry landscape in India. The upcoming 2024 editions of electronica India, productronica India are set to make a remarkable leap in scale and scope compared to previous years. The 2024 event will feature a record-breaking 830 exhibitors from 29 countries, showcasing a significant increase from the 589 exhibitors in 2023. Attendance is expected to soar to over 50,000 business visitors, up from 39,133 in the last edition. This expansion highlights the growing global interest and industry significance of these leading technology exhibitions, reflecting a vibrant and rapidly evolving market. eFuture and eMobility conferences aim to prepare the industry for the future while electronica India, productronica India 2024 will take place from September 11-13, 2024 at the India Expo Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida. One of this years highlights is the inaugural eFuture Conference, focusing on groundbreaking technologies such as AI, ML, ADAS, autonomous vehicles, and 6G, with anticipated participation from international leaders. The focused buyer-seller meetings are going to be a key attraction of these trade fairs, and this edition will curate 2,000+ meetings between buying companies and suppliers of high-tech components and services. As India's fintech landscape continues to experience unprecedented growth, it is not only transforming the financial sector but also advancing sustainability Fintech, or financial technology, is revolutionising the financial sector by expanding accessibility, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency while fostering an equitable financial environment. It has assisted in overcoming the shortcomings of traditional financial services. India is presently witnessing a fintech transformation marked by an impressive growth trajectory. With a market size of $50 billion in 2021, it is expected to surge to $150 billion by 2025. It boasts 17 Fintech Unicorns, making it the third largest fintech ecosystem globally. The regulatory landscape is robust, with the government's initiatives and support in mobile connectivity; policies like Direct Benefit Transfer and Atal Pension Yojna have accelerated the digital revolution, bringing citizens, especially in rural areas within the digital financial services domain. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payments Vision 2025 outlines ambitious goals including a substantial increase in digital and payment transactions. The fast expansion of Fintech puts forth optimistic growth numbers, it can also be pivotal in advancing sustainability by leveraging digital innovations to promote environmentally and socially responsible financial practices. India's fintech ecosystem per se has seen significant growth initiatives that support sustainable development goals, enhance financial inclusion and foster green economic activities. The path of Green Financial Measures encompassing green investment tax credits, mandatory environmental disclosure and reporting, and development of sustainable financial standards has experienced a steady and robust expansion from 188 to 784 Measures and a Year-to-Year growth from 40 per cent to 100 per cent between 2015 and 2022. Financial institutions adopt environmental and social governance (ESG) criteria in their investment decisions and provision of Sustainable Finance such as Green Bonds to encourage allocating funds to environmentally friendly projects. Fintech has the potential to support the transition to a circular economy by providing innovative financial solutions. This includes circular supply chains by offering financing based on the value of their Recovered and Reuse materials; business models that facilitate leasing and sharing of goods rather than ownership; and providing them data analytics to track the lifecycle of their products from production to disposal to reduce wastage. Furthermore, there is also provision of crowdfunding for renewable and green projects particularly solar and wind energy initiatives. The banking sector, which plays an instrumental role in funds dispersion is increasingly incorporating green investment policies, such as providing sustainable loans and adopting environmentally friendly banking practices. Similarly, insurance companies are integrating environmental risk assessment into their underwriting processes and product development. The government has launched several schemes and initiatives to promote green financing such as the Green Energy Finance Scheme and the National Clean Energy Fund. The RBI has also issued guidelines for green bonds, which are designed to finance environmentally sustainable projects. The SEBI has issued guidelines for sustainability reporting by listed companies, where companies must disclose their ESG performance for greater transparency and accountability. India's fintech sector is leading the way in advancing sustainability through the development of novel financial services that promote social and environmental objectives. Given the favourable regulatory environments and ongoing technical progress, the fintech industry is in a strong position to increase its influence on sustainable development in India. (The author is assistant professor at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, DU; views are personal) BJP and Congress engaged in a war of words following the Congress leader Rahul Gandhis series of attack on the Modi Government, BJP and RSS during his interactions with various stakeholders in the United States. BJP came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US about the Sikh community, saying the Congress Leader is trying to create a dangerous narrative by speaking on sensitive issues abroad. Congress hit back at the BJP over its criticism of Rahul Gandhis remarks in the US, saying the ruling party should not treat itself as being synonymous with the country. The principal Opposition party in the Lok Sabha also said it would keep criticising the policies of the Government. Rahul is currently on a four-day visit to the United States. His first stop was in Dallas which began on Saturday, and he arrived in Washington DC on Monday. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told a Press conference at the BJP headquarters that Rahuls remarks were sinister in nature as he tried to spread falsehood among the members of the Sikh community living abroad to eke out a living and do not have much connection with India. I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas, the BJP Leader from the Sikh community said. Addressing a gathering of several hundred Indian Americans in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on Monday, Rahul Gandhi accused the RSS of considering some religions, languages and communities of being inferior to others and said the fight in India is about this and not about politics. First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial, Rahul said as he asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. What is your name, brother with the turban, he asked. The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions, said Rahul. Hitting out at the Congress leader, Puri said Gandhi, of late, has been making statements on sensitive issues, which involve our national identity, unity, the strength of our unity and diversity. I think he is trying to set a new kind of narrative which I think is a dangerous narrative, he said. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also slammed the Congress leader for his alleged remarks accusing him of defaming India abroad out of his frustration due to repeated defeat in elections. Only a frustrated person can defame the country and spoil its image abroad. Now he is raising questions not only on the Government but also the Election Commission, Chouhan said. Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the position carries responsibility, he said. Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, Since when has BJP become synonymous with India that if one condemns BJP, it is equated with condemning India. The BJP and Narendra Modi should not have this misunderstanding that condemning them is like condemning India. This is wrong. They (the BJP) condemn Indias founding fathers in the world, that is condemning India. We will condemn their policies and will keep doing so and raise questions, it is our job, Khera said. Over the BJPs criticism of Rahul Gandhis remarks that the Lok Sabha election was not fought on a level playing field, the Congress Leader said an independent body had put forward its statistics on how there was bungling on 79 seats. When the PM says on foreign soil that people were ashamed to be born on Indian soil, what was that? When he speaks against (Jawaharlal) Nehru abroad, what was that? he said. On BJP citing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to slam Rahul Gandhis remarks on the community, Khera said there is no connection between the two. A person sitting on the post of PM talks about recognising people by clothes. His party runs a movement against Hijab. Those who run a movement against hijab now will tomorrow also come for turbans of Sikhs. Nobody has a doubt about that, Khera said. The Indian Railways is grappling with a massive sabotage for the last one and a half year making it vulnerable for optimum functioning of the passenger and freight train operations. It face risks from LPG cylinder on railway tracks, iron rods, huge boulders and concrete slabs and tree trunks which could have led major accidents. Sources said Centre has asked all stakeholders including the States to be extra vigilant to thwart the nefarious designs of those involved to destabilise the railways particularly in a compact zone comprising parts of Central Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Investigations at top level is also being done about the pattern of such activities which began with bomb threats at schools followed by similar hoax in the shopping malls and now the railways. Pakistan-based terror mastermind Farhatullah Ghori who was behind the 2002 Akshardham temple attack and Bengalurus Rameshwaram Cafe blast, had released a video message to terror sleeper cells in India, urging them to carry out attacks on trains, petroleum pipelines, and Hindu Leaders. The recent train accidents have also been investigated from this angle. With yet another attempt to derail the trains on Tuesday near Ajmer in Rajasthan, total number of sabotage on railway tracks since August 2024 against which cases have been registered are 18 while probe on 28 such serious sabotage angle cases since June 2023 are still going on. Some of these cases are being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and CBI. This marks the third attempt to derail a train in Rajasthan in recent weeks. Previously, on August 28, scrap metal was thrown on a goods train track in Chhabra Baran, and on August 23, a train collided with a cement block on the Ahmedabad-Jodhpur Vande Bharat track at Pali. On Monday, an attempt to derail the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express was made in Kanpur by placing an LPG cylinder on tracks, along with a bottle of petrol and matchboxes. Earlier, a bid was made to derail the Ahmedabad-Jodhpur Vande Bharat Express in Rajasthans Pali district. NIA team has joined the ongoing probe in Kanpur. Kanpur Police has detained six people, including two local history-sheeters, in connection with the case and decided to form a Special Investigation Team and will study if there are any similarities with the recent Sabarmati Express derailment in Kanpur. Senior officers are looking into things seriously. Whatever facts come to light, shall be shared, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar told The Pioneer. This is not the first time but a similar pattern was noticed when there was an exceptional jump in sabotage cases with around 18 incidents reported in December 2017. The then Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking a detailed investigation by the NIA into the mishaps as the listed incidents with possibility of criminal interference by outsiders. Delhi Police recently arrested about 14 people of ISIS from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. Further, the investigating agencies have collected footage from 219 cameras and questioned over 100 individuals in connection with the Kanpur train derailment attempt. As many as 119 cataract surgeries will be performed in Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital on September 21, 2024, the 119th birth anniversary of Paramhans Sant Hirdaram Sahib. Registration of needy poor cataract patients has also started. Needy eye patients can register their names on mobile no. 6260392547 from 10 am to 4 pm on all working days except Sundays till September 19, 2024. It will be necessary for the cataract patients who wish to undergo surgery to be present personally at Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital on 20th September and get all the pre-surgery tests done. Those patients who will not be able to get these tests done on that day, it will not be possible to operate them on the next day. Sant Siddh Bhauji, the successor of Paramhans Sant Hirdaram Sahib, has appealed to the poor cataract patients living in the capital Bhopal and surrounding rural areas including Sant Nagar to avail this facility. Managing Trustee of Sewa Sadan AC Sadhwani has also requested the patients to bring their Aadhar card and their mobile number with them. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that Bundelkhand will leave Punjab and Haryana behind in development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a big decision of development for Budelkhand, the land of valor and bravery, and has gifted the Ken-Betwa river linking project. An IT park will be built in Bundelkhand. Now development will take place in the land of Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh Administrative Unit Reorganization Commission will receive and submit a report for the formation of new districts and divisions in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the work of changing the boundaries of more than 22 thousand police stations in the state was done. For the convenience of the common people, action towards creating new districts and divisions including Bina will be taken as per the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission. Industrialists from across the country will come to the Regional Industry Conclave in Sagar this month. Development works are being done in all areas of the state. A large number of citizens besides ministers, MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives were present in the program. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the Bhoomi Pujan and dedication programme of development work, transfer of Rs 1574 crore to the accounts of Ladli Behna Yojana beneficiaries, Rs 332.43 crore to the beneficiaries of social security pension at Bina in Sagar district. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput, former minister Gopal Bhargava, MP Smt. Lata Wankhede and Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre also addressed the program. The Chief Minister said that ADM and Additional SP will remain in their offices in Bina for the convenience of the general public. The 'Eran Utsav' will be organized by the Culture Department in the nearby ancient city of Eran. The youth of this region will be benefited through small and large industries. With the start of new industries, people will get employment and migration-like situations will not arise. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced many new works including starting a new ITI. Yadav said that along with the Ken-Betwa project, the Bina project will change the map of this region. The prosperity of the region will benefit citizens. The remaining villages will also connected to the Bina Irrigation Project. Many new roads will also be built in the area. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that times have changed under the leadership of Prime Minister ri Narendra Modi. Our state will become the number one state in the country. Yadav said that the Indore-Manmad railway line that has been approved recently will create a network to deliver goods directly to the ports not only from the Nimar and Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh but also from Chambal region and other areas. The efforts being made for the new railway line and industrial development will open new doors of development in Madhya Pradesh. Industries are being developed in every division. The potential of the youth will be utilized in the interest of the state. Regional Industry Conclave is also being held in Sagar this month. Sagar will not lag behind Indore and Bhopal in development. Important steps by the MP government for public welfare Chief Minister Yadav, while discussing the important steps taken by the state government for public welfare, said that arrangements have been made to send critical patients of the state by air to big cities for treatment. Along with this, the Madhya Pradesh government is taking big steps like bringing air cargo. With this, business can be done all over the world. For the conservation of gauvansh, the government is determined to build cowsheds and give bonuses for rearing more than ten cows and also for milk production. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Ladli Behna Yojana will never be withdrawn. Chinese robot industry strides toward high-quality development 16:58, September 10, 2024 By Wang Zheng, Liu Wenxin ( People's Daily A humanoid robot showcases its ability to run at the 2024 World Robot Conference held in Beijing, August 22, 2024. (Photo by Chen Xiaogen/People's Daily Online) The 2024 World Robot Conference was recently held in Beijing. Nearly 170 Chinese and foreign robot enterprises joined the 2024 World Robot Expo, part of the World Robot Conference, unveiling more than 600 innovative products, including 27 humanoid robots. In recent years, the Chinese robot industry has experienced rapid growth, integrating deeply into people's daily work and life. China has become the world's largest market and producer of robots. Recently, humanoid robot Walker S Lite developed by UBTECH Robotics Corp., Ltd., a leading robotics firm based in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, completed training at the 5G smart factory of Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang province, after working three weeks alongside its human counterparts. With a maximum load of 15 kilograms, it can assist workers in carrying work bins. According to Zhao Chunlin, head of the 5G smart factory, Walker S Lite has become the first humanoid robot in China to perform the entire process of moving cargo boxes, showcasing exceptional task completion and difficulty levels that ranked at the forefront of the industry. To meet the growing individualized demands, the Chinese manufacturing industry is transitioning from high automation to comprehensive intelligentization. "Humanoid robots enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) possess multimodal perception and autonomous decision-making capabilities. They have a competitive advantage when facing complex and changing work environments, showing great potential and broad prospects in intelligent manufacturing," Zhao noted. A child plays Go with an artificial intelligence (AI) robot at the 2024 World Robot Conference. (Photo by Chen Xiaogen/People's Daily Online) According to the latest statistics from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the country's newly added robot installations accounted for more than half of the global market over the past three years, and the number of robots per 10,000 workers in China's manufacturing sector reached 470, surging 19 fold in the past decade. Service robots have been widely applied in areas such as family services and medical care, while specialized robots play a crucial role in areas such as air and sea exploration and emergency rescue. Apart from the growing size, China's robot industry has seen a continuous increase in technological capabilities, marked by constant breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies such as multi-sensor fusion perception and natural human-machine interaction, increasingly sophisticated key components like reducers, controllers, and servo systems, and enhanced performance and safety levels of industrial robots engaged in welding and spraying and service robots for surgery and logistics. As of July 2024, China boasted over 190,000 effective robot-related patents, accounting for about two-thirds of the global total. At the same time, governance and regulation of China's robot industry are becoming increasingly comprehensive. The Chinese government has implemented effective policies and measures, such as a development plan for the robotics industry, a "Robot +" action plan, and industry norms for industrial robots. China has participated in the revision of 26 international robot standards, established the World Robot Cooperation Organization, issued the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance, and promoted international cooperation in robot ethics research, regulation and governance. At the opening ceremony of the 2024 World Robot Conference, the upgraded TianGong 1.2MAX humanoid robot was unveiled by the Beijing Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center, China's first innovation center focused on core technologies, product development and application ecosystems for humanoid robots. Standing 173 centimeters tall and weighing 60 kilograms, the robot featured 42 degrees of freedom. It carried the emblem of the conference and placed it precisely on a launch pad in the center of the stage. This marked the first time that a humanoid robot demonstrated long-range task capabilities. "TianGong 1.2MAX is equipped with multiple visual perception sensors, six-dimensional force sensors, an inertial measurement unit, and 3D vision sensors, which allow it to perform 550 trillion calculations per second," said Xiong Youjun, the center's general manager. Twenty-seven humanoid robots made their debut at the 2024 World Robot Conference, attracting considerable attention. When will these products be available for mass production? "The humanoid robot G1, launched in May this year with a starting price of 99,000 yuan ($13,922), is close to completing the design modifications for mass production, and is expected to be mass-produced by the end of the year," said Wang Xingxing, founder, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer of Unitree Robotics, a Hangzhou-based robotics startup. The application of large language models and multimodal models is accelerating the evolution of humanoid robots, but a general-purpose large model is necessary for these robots to be integrated into industrial and services sectors, Wang explained. "I am optimistic and believe that this time frame will not exceed 5 years." "If we follow the order of development, the primary areas where humanoid robots may be first deployed are production lines and special positions such as inspection and maintenance, followed by household chores, elderly care, and other services scenarios," said Ren Lei, co-founder of a Chinese humanoid robot developer and a professor at Jilin University. Wang He, assistant professor in the Center on Frontiers of Computing Studies (CFCS) at Peking University (PKU) and head of PKU-Galbot Joint Lab of Embodied AI, predicted that the ability of humanoid robots to grasp, position, and move can be utilized in multiple scenarios such as factories, retail, and services sector, with the potential to achieve rapid growth from hundreds to thousands of units in the next two years. "In the next 15 years, humanoid robots will definitely grow into a trillion-yuan market," he said. Robotic arms weld a car frame at the 2024 World Robot Conference. (Photo by Chen Xiaogen/People's Daily Online) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Jitu Patwari has given a stern warning to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan regarding the purchase of soybean crop at the increased support price. He has said that until the right price is not given for the soybean crop, he will not let Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sleep in peace. Patwari has demanded that the price of soybean be made Rs 6,000 per quintal, if this is not done, he has also put forward the outline of the movement in front of the farmers. He has said that the farmers' movement will start from Mandsaur on September 10. After this, there will be a farmers' movement in Hoshangabad on September 13 and in Agar Malwa on September 15. Farmers are also being continuously appealed through Congress leaders to join this movement. The PCC Chief said that this is not only a farmers' movement but a movement for the future of farmers. He announced that on September 20, a movement will be organized in entire Madhya Pradesh to get a fair price for soybean. Patwari said, "Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan advocates for the purchase of soybean crop in Maharashtra at the support price, because there are elections there, but in Madhya Pradesh he is not ready to buy soybean at the support price."He said, "In such a situation, the future of farmers is being ruined due to the dual policy of the state and central government. Why discrimination between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh?"Congress state president Jitu Patwari has said that "Shivraj Singh Chauhan, as the Chief Minister for 20 years, has given statements many times about doubling the income of farmers. Now he is the Agriculture Minister of the country." Jitu Patwari said, "Even now Shivraj Singh is claiming to double the income of farmers, but farmers are not getting the right price for their crops." He said that "Until the farmers get the right price for their crops, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan will not be allowed to sleep peacefully."BJP has retaliated to this ultimatum of Jitu Patwari. According to BJP's state media in-charge Ashish Agarwal, "Congress should take out a forgiveness march among the farmers." He said, "Congress has ruled the country for 50 years. During this time, they did injustice to the farmers." BJP leader Ashish Agarwal said, "Whenever the Congress government has come, they have only cheated the farmers. In the 15-month Kamal Nath government, farmers were cheated in the loan waiver." Accusing the Congress, Ashish Agarwal said, "When the UPA government came to power, they hid the report of the Swaminathan Commission on the matter of MSP." Ashish Agarwal said, "After this, when Digvijay Singh's government came, they opened fire on the farmers in Multai. BJP said that Congress has no need to worry about the farmers. BJP knows how to protect the interests of farmers." The Delhi police is taking a proactive approach to manage law and order in the university area now witnessing campaigning for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) polls to be held on September 27. The police have already registered FIRs against leaders of different student unions including Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Congress National Students' Union of India while heightening the security deployment in a three step approach. Amid campaigning ahead of the keenly contested DUSU elections in full swing with posters up on walls, DCP North Manoj Kumar Meena said that a total of 23 FIRs have been lodged in the last 15 days in regards to defacement of public property including 18 against those leaders whose posters have been up on the walls of the north campus university area, which has prestigious colleges like Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Miranda House, Ramjas among others. Posters and banners of different student political outfits have been pasted across the campus despite the democracy walls, which are dedicated spaces provided by the administration to paste campaign material. To ensure that we maintain the law and order situation ahead of the DUSU elections and see that no violence happens, we have taken a proactive approach. First, we have registered FIRs against 18 student leaders whose posters have been put up outside the walls of the college and will continue to do so till the elections, Meena said. The five other FIRs are in regards to non-political posters including those regarding PGs and hostel accommodations for college students. The FIRs have been lodged under Section 3 of the Delhi Defacement of Public Property Act, 2007 which states whoever defaces any property in public view by writing or marking with ink, chalk, paint or any other material except for the purpose of indicating the name and address of the owner or occupier of such property, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both. Further, along with this, the police are also providing necessary security when drives by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and administration of the university are being carried out to remove such posters and banners. Strengthening and increasing security deployment round the clock around the campus zone from September 1 is another step taken by the police to ensure that nothing untoward happens in the anticipation of the elections. These deployments will be gradually increased in the coming days till elections take place. Firstly, police personnel have deployed in day and night to ensure vigilance in the area with increased deployment in the night. We deploy 35 more police officers at night in addition to the existing ones to make sure no untoward incident happens, Meena stated. Further, the police are also patrolling the area by cars and bikes to keep the environment around the campus safe for college students. Additionally, vehicular checks around the area are also being done. The Delhi High Court Tuesday asked the authorities to ensure that no action is taken against the residents of Madrasi Camp in the Old Barapullah Bridge area for the time being, who are facing eviction notice to make way for the construction of a new flyover. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued notice to the Delhi government, its Public Works Department and DDA on a plea by the residents of JJ cluster Madrasi Camp at Jangpura against the eviction notice. The bench said the question was whether the colony was impeding water flow or not and made it clear that in case it was impeding the water flow, it has to go. If it is impeding the water flow, surely it has to go. The city is getting flooded unnecessarily. People who are living in Delhi and paying taxes, they don't want their houses to be flooded. We can't allow the city to be flooded again and again. If the drain has to be cleared, it has to be cleared. But we will ensure you are shifted to an alternate land. We will ask the authorities to rehabilitate you (residents). We will give you a right to rehabilitation, the bench said. The high court asked the authorities to file their status reports within 10 days on whether the colony is impeding the flow of water. Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), submitted that this colony was falling on Barapullah drain and it was impeding the water flow and said the PWD may give complete details to the court. As the court was informed that the authorities are scheduled to take action against the residents on September 12, the court asked the lawyers for DDA and PWD to ensure that the authorities do not take any action for the time being. The PWD pasted eviction notices in the area last week, asking the locals to vacate their homes within five weeks. The residents are refusing to move from the area, which is their home for over 50 years, unless they are given an alternative site. Government doctors in Punjab began a three-day suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services starting Monday, affecting thousands of patients across the state. Around 2,500 doctors, under the banner of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), are protesting the government's failure to address their long-pending demands, particularly regarding the assured career progression (ACP) scheme and implementation of safety measures. Though emergency services remain functional, the disruption to regular healthcare services has left many patients struggling. The protest began with a partial suspension of OPD services, from 8 am to 11 am, in the district, sub-divisional hospitals, and community health centres. PCMSA president Dr Akhil Sarin emphasized that this phased protest aimed at pressing the government into meeting their demands. We will continue this three-hour suspension till September 11. If the government fails to respond meaningfully, we will escalate our protest by suspending OPD services indefinitely from September 12, he warned. Initially, the protesting doctors had planned to indefinitely suspend medical services starting September 9. However, Dr Sarin clarified that, in response to an appeal from the Health Minister and an invitation for a meeting with the Finance Minister on Wednesday, the protest strategy was revised. Rather than a full-scale indefinite shutdown, we decided to limit the suspension of OPD services to a three-hour window from 8 am to 11 am each day for three days, Dr Sarin explained. He noted that this adjustment was made in the interest of public welfare, demonstrating a willingness to negotiate and minimize disruption while still pressing for their demands. A key demand of the doctors is the reinstatement of the ACP scheme, which ensures regular promotions and financial benefits for government employees. Dr Sarin highlighted the non-negotiable nature of this demand, adding that the state Health Ministers promises of improved safety measures for medical staff have not been fulfilled. Safety measures, promised by the state Health Minister, are yet to be implemented on the ground. Additionally, no formal notification regarding timely promotions, which is a key demand in the ongoing protest, has been issued by the government despite repeated meetings, he added. In hospitals across the state, patients bore the brunt of the suspended OPD services. Many had to wait hours for treatment, while others were forced to leave without consulting doctors or forcing them to opt for treatment in private establishments. Patients in major cities like Bathinda, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Patiala, and Jalandhar faced ordeals. Long queues were formed outside government hospitals as patients waited for doctors to resume their duties. Doctors participating in the strike have also raised concerns about their safety in hospitals. Many cited instances of being manhandled by patients relatives and demanded that the government deploy security personnel at healthcare facilities to ensure the protection of medical practitioners and staff. Female medical staff are particularly vulnerable to physical and sexual violence due to a lack of security arrangements, said one of the protesting doctor in Bathinda. A crucial meeting between PCMSA representatives and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether the doctors continue with their protests or reach a resolution with the government. If their demands are not met, the PCMSA has warned of a complete shutdown of OPD services starting September 12, which could further exacerbate the healthcare crisis in the state. The opposition BJP MLAs in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday alleged that schemes are being sanctioned by NABARD only in areas of ruling Congress legislators, ignoring proposals of opposition members. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dismissed the allegations, saying that the development of the entire state was priority of the state government. Sukhu said the Rs 175 crore limit for each assembly constituency has also been increased by Rs 20 crore (to Rs 195 crore). Replying to a question by BJP's Sukh Ram Chowdhary, the chief minister said that 350 schemes were sanctioned between April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2024 by NABARD (National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development), of which 318 schemes are under consideration. The government does not discriminate against any area, he said in the Vidhan Sabha. The question was asked in the assembly by BJP MLA Randhir Sharma (BJP) in Chowdhary's absence. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur alleged that detailed project reports (DPRs) pertaining to areas of BJP MLAs are not being prepared and urged the CM to direct the officials to expedite proposals of opposition members also. Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) on Monday approved key developmental projects for the state in its 54th board meeting, presided by Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani. During the meeting, he highlighted HIMUDA's ongoing efforts to introduce new schemes across various sectors and urged officials to work with dedication for the effective implementation of the developmental projects initiated by the authority. In the meeting, the board approved several key initiatives, including the installation of a drinking water supply line and the construction of a 15 lakh litre capacity water tank in Mountain City Jathiya Devi. Additionally, the construction of six 3-BHK deluxe flats in Housing Board Colony, Bilaspur, six 2-BHK flats in Sanjauli, Shimla and two twin towers in Basal of Solan district, comprising 24 3-BHK flats were agreed upon. The board also resolved to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the purchase of new land by HIMUDA and approved various other agendas presented during the meeting. Dharmani directed HIMUDA officials to promptly act on the issues and plans discussed to ensure the projects were expedited and completed within the stipulated time frame. He also emphasised the importance of adopting innovative ideas and encouraged the engagement of geologists, environmentalists and landscaping consultants to improve project outcomes. The minister also stressed the need for HIMUDA to resolve land-related issues pending in the court, enabling the timely commencement and completion of projects. The board also reviewed ongoing and proposed projects across the state, including those in Saraswati Nagar, Dehra, Subathu, Nerchowk, a zoo in Bankhandi, and the Command and Control Centre to be established in Dharamshala. With just three days left to file nomination papers, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released the first list of 20 candidates for the Haryana assembly polls on Monday. The development comes when there was no breakthrough in the seat-sharing talks between the AAP and Congress. AAP Haryana president Sushil Gupta said, We have to uproot the corrupt and arrogant government of Haryana and change the system. AAP has already released the list of 20 candidates and soon the next list of candidates will be released. Speaking on the alliance possibility with Congress, Gupta said, AAP consistently made efforts to seal the alliance and now there is less time left for the polls, so we released our list of candidates. The AAP leader clarified that the party continues to be a part of the INDIA bloc, a grouping of the countrys opposition parties. We are a constituent of the INDIA alliance, and we still are a partner of INDIA bloc alliance at the national level, said Gupta. The AAP leader, however, did not shed light on factors that stalled the alliance talks between Congress and AAP. We work on the orders of our national leadership. We honestly waited for the alliance. We have a strong organisation in every assembly constituency of Haryana and the organisation wanted us to contest the election. We showed patience, and finally released our list, Gupta said. Gupta also spoke on the lack of consensus over seat sharing. I do not want to go into allegations and counter allegations. I want to clearly say that we are a strong (political) alternative in Haryana, and it will show results in Haryana, he said. Out of the 20 candidates list, AAPs Haryana state vice president Anurag Dhandha will contest from Kalayat constituency and Gurpal Singh will fight from the Naraingarh assembly seat. The last date of nomination for assembly polls is September 12. Congress fields Brijendra against Dushyant from Uchana Kalan The Uchana Kalan seat is set to witness a fierce battle between two political dynasties with Brijendra Singh and former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala pitted against each other. Both have been former MPs of Hisar and their families had been taking on each other from this seat for decades. Announcing names of nine party candidates for the 2024 assembly polls, the central election committee of the Congress late on Sunday evening fielded former BJP member of Parliament (MP) Brijendra Singh from Uchana Kalan constituency. With this, the Congress has announced candidates for 41 assembly constituencies out of a total of 90 so far. Four Jats, two Punjabi Khatris, two backward classes and a Brahmin candidate figure in the Sundays list. A former IAS officer, Brijendra Singh, who won a BJP ticket from Hisar Lok Sabha seat in 2019 quit the party to join the Congress in March this year. His father Birender Singh, a former Congressman who had joined the BJP in 2014, has also made a U-turn to join back the Congress. Brijendra will be pitted against former deputy chief minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala. From Congress, the grandson of former Chief Minister Bansi Lal, Anirudh Chaudhary, who was fielded from the Tosham assembly constituency by the Congress, will take on his cousin and Bansi Lals granddaughter Shruti Choudhry of the BJP. Balram Dangi, son of former minister Anand Singh Dangi has been fielded from Meham assembly constituency while Manju Choudhary, wife of Gujjar leader Mula Ram is partys candidate from Nangal Chaudhary. Mula Ram contested the 2019 assembly election on a JJP ticket and lost by about 20,000 votes to BJP candidate Abhe Singh Yadav. As expected, the party announced the candidature of former ministers Ashok Arora and Paramvir Singh from Thanesar and Tohana assembly constituencies, respectively. Former assembly speaker Kuldeep Sharma is partys candidate from Gannaur assembly seat. Two new faces Mohit Grover from Gurgaon constituency and Vardhan Yadav from Badshahpur constituency were also given tickets by the central election committee. Mohit Grover is the son of partys former district president Madan Lal Grover while Vardhan Yadav is a Youth Congress leader. JJP-ASP alliance releases second list of 12 candidates The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Azad Samaj Party (ASP) (Kanshi Ram) alliance on Monday released its second list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections. In this second list, the alliance has announced 12 candidates, with 10 seats allotted to JJP and 2 seats to ASP. From the JJP side, Sushil Garg, a councilor in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation, will contest from Panchkula; Avtar Kardhan, a sarpanch and former chairperson of PACS, will contest from Ambala Cantt; Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur, wife of senior leader and former candidate Prof. Randhir Cheeka and a former professor of political science at DAV College, Pehowa, will contest from Pehowa; and Sandeep Garhi, the JJP president of Kaithal constituency, will contest from Kaithal. Other JJP candidates include Anil Tyagi from Ganaur, Sushil Bairagi from Safidon, Advocate Sushila Deshwal from Garhi Sampla Kiloi, Amarnath JE from Pataudi, Ashok Jangra from Gurgaon, and Jaan Mohammad from Ferozepur Jhirka. As Punjab's financial woes deepen, the opposition has launched a fierce attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, accusing it of driving the state into an untenable debt trap. The criticism comes in response to the AAP Governments recent request for an additional borrowing limit of Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre, a move that has sparked outrage among opposition leaders. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday condemned the AAP administration's fiscal management. AAP, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is recklessly pushing Punjab towards economic ruin, Warring declared. By seeking an additional Rs 10,000 crore in borrowings, the AAP Government is not only exacerbating the state's debt but also jeopardizing our economic future. He accused the government of failing to improve infrastructure or services while squandering funds on election campaigns and propaganda. Where is the money going? Its being used to fund AAPs political ambitions rather than addressing Punjabs pressing needs, he added. Also weighing in, the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the AAP Government for its handling of the financial crisis. Every Punjabi is paying the price for the AAPs mismanagement. Chief Minister Mann and his team are arrogantly ignoring the state's economic distress, said Bajwa. Senior Congress leader, He called for an all-party meeting to discuss and address the crisis. Its crucial that the AAP Government involves other political leaders to find a solution, rather than pursuing a reckless borrowing strategy," Bajwa emphasized. He highlighted additional issues such as increased VAT on fuel and higher motor vehicle taxes, which have further burdened the common man. Adding his voice to the criticism, Punjab BJP vice-president Arvind Khanna condemned the government's financial irresponsibility. The AAP government's policies are draining Punjabs treasury. They made unrealistic promises to win votes, both in Punjab and beyond, and now the state is suffering, said Khanna. He criticized the government's recent request for a higher borrowing limit, warning that it will only deepen Punjab's financial troubles. "The increase in the loan limit will primarily be used to pay interest on previous debts, pushing Punjab further into economic distress," Khanna said. He urged the AAP government to focus on implementing effective policies to address the crisis rather than relying on additional borrowing. A day ahead of the crucial meeting between protesting doctors and Punjabs Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in the backdrop of the Kolkata incident, the State Government on Tuesday took decisive steps to bolster the security of healthcare professionals. In a high-level meeting chaired by the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, the government announced a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against medical staff, with stringent measures being put in place across all districts. Among the key decisions were the formation of District Health Boards, enhanced security protocols, and strict implementation of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2008. The government also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of home guards, and linking healthcare facilities with the nearest police stations for rapid response during emergencies. Additionally, the Internal Committees for Sexual Harassment will be established in every hospital to ensure a safe work environment. These decisions come as a part of the governments efforts to address the grievances of doctors, who have been demanding better security measures in the wake of rising incidents of violence against medical professionals. Reaffirming the Punjab Governments zero-tolerance policy, the Minister said that any violence against healthcare workers would not be tolerated at any cost, and strict action would be taken against offenders. Dr Balbir, chairing the high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police, and Civil Surgeons of all districts via video conference, reviewed the security arrangements at government healthcare facilities and called for immediate implementation of the decisions made. The recent incident in Kolkata, where a doctor was raped and murdered, has further galvanized the Punjab government into action. A meeting with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is scheduled for Wednesday, where further discussions will take place regarding healthcare worker safety and security improvements in hospitals. The Minister directed that District Health Boards be constituted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioners, with concerned SSPs, Civil Surgeons, medical professionals, representatives from paramedical staff, and legal experts as its members. The Board will meet monthly to review the security measures in place and ensure ongoing monitoring and improvements. Emphasizing the importance of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2008, Dr Balbir instructed all healthcare facilities to prominently display the provisions, penalties, and punishments under the Act in both English and Punjabi. Ensure that this Act is strictly enforced by installing display boards in both English and Punjabi at all healthcare facilities, outlining the penalties for violent actions against healthcare workers and providing contact details for nearby police stations, he said. Moreover, the Minister insisted that health institutions with significant public footfall should be attached to the nearest police stations or outposts. Security measures, such as CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, and the deployment of home guards, should be installed at all government hospitals. In an effort to streamline operations, Dr Balbir suggested limiting entry into In-Patient Departments (IPDs) to only one attendant per patient. In response to concerns about harassment within healthcare settings, the Health Minister ordered the formation of five-member Internal Committees on Sexual Harassment, which will be responsible for investigating and addressing complaints, ensuring a safe work environment for all staff members. Alongside security measures, Dr Balbir made a heartfelt appeal to healthcare professionals, urging them to show empathy and courtesy to patients and their families. He emphasized that patients often come to hospitals in a state of distress, and healthcare staff should recognize their anxiety and provide compassionate care. The Minister also reassured the public that any grievances regarding treatment provided at government hospitals could be brought to the attention of District Grievances Redressal Committees for swift action. The healthcare professionals have been demanding installation of panic buttons and surveillance cameras in all government hospitals a demand the government is considering seriously. These measures are being discussed following feedback from healthcare professionals, who have voiced concerns about the lack of security in hospitals. Police stations will be linked directly to hospitals to ensure rapid responses during emergencies. In recent months, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have been reported in Ludhiana, Zirakpur, and Nawanshahr, prompting doctors to demand enhanced security measures. Dr Balbir assured that the government is committed to address these concerns and ensure the safety of all healthcare professionals. Strict action against any violence targeting healthcare professionals Formation of District Health Boards to monthly review security at healthcare facilities Strict implementation of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons Act, 2008 Installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and deployment of home guards at hospitals Healthcare institutions with high footfall to be linked with nearby police stations Limit of one attendant per patient in In-Patient Departments Establishment of five-member internal committees to handle sexual harassment complaints In a bold move against the escalating issue of power theft, the Punjab Government has ramped up its efforts to curb this rampant illegal activity. The states crackdown saw a staggering 296 FIRs registered in August alone, at Anti Power Theft Police Stations throughout Punjab. Additionally, 38 employees have been terminated for their involvement in corrupt practices related to power theft. Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, outlining the governments aggressive stance, said that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to combat the significant financial losses resulting from power theft. The FIRs were distributed across various zones: Patiala with 90, Amritsar with 79, Bathinda with 71, Ludhiana with 29, and Jalandhar with 27. These zones have been the focus of intense scrutiny and regular raids to address the issue. The Power Minister emphasized that the action taken is in line with the Punjab Government's strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and power theft. Over the past two months, 37 outsourced meter-readers and one supervisor were dismissed for corrupt practices an action underscoring the governments commitment to eradicate corruption within its ranks and prevent further loss of revenue. The Minister issued a stern warning to individuals involved in power theft, urging them to cease their illegal activities and regularize their power connections immediately. The Power Department is resolute in its mission to eliminate power theft, which significantly drains our states resources, the Minister said, emphasizing that no effort will be spared in identifying and prosecuting offenders. To bolster these efforts, extensive special inspections across the state have been mandated. These inspections aim not only to thwart power theft but also to recover revenue lost due to these illicit activities. The Punjab Power Department is actively implementing these measures to ensure that power theft is curtailed effectively and that the financial integrity of the state's power sector is restored, he said. With Punjab on high alert ahead of upcoming assembly elections in neighbouring Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, the Punjab Police has escalated its efforts to combat criminal activity through a robust special operation titled OPS Seal-VIII. The state police teams on Monday sealed 92 critical entry and exit points across 10 border districts, meticulously inspecting vehicles and targeting suspects involved in drug trafficking, liquor smuggling, and other illegal operations. The extensive operation was conducted from 6 am to 2 pm, following directives from the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Over 1,000 police personnel were mobilized for this effort, with Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the border districts coordinating closely with their counterparts in neighbouring states and Union Territories (UTs). Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla emphasized the significance of this synchronized operation, which was designed to curb the movement of anti-social elements and prevent criminal activities ahead of the elections. The operation aimed to not only prevent crime but also instill a sense of security among the public, he said. During the operation, law enforcement set up well-coordinated nakas (checkpoints) across the states borders at sealing points under the supervision of gazetted officers or SHOs, focusing on the districts of Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, and Bathinda. Vehicles entering and exiting the state were subjected to thorough inspections, with police personnel verifying registration numbers using the VAHAN mobile app. Despite the scale of the operation, the police made efforts to minimize inconvenience to the public, instructing personnel to maintain a friendly and respectful demeanor during interactions with commuters. The results of the operation were substantial. A total of 4,245 vehicles were checked, leading to 293 challans being issued, and 16 vehicles were impounded. Police registered 26 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 27 individuals involved in criminal activities. Additionally, 401 suspicious individuals were detained for further questioning. The operation also yielded significant seizures, including 1.1 kg of opium, 29 kg of poppy husk, 42 kg of intoxicant powder, 1,070 intoxicant capsules and tablets, and large quantities of licit and illicit liquor. Special DGP Shukla noted that such operations serve a dual purpose they bolster the police presence on the ground, deterring criminal activity, while also creating a sense of safety for law-abiding citizens. Moving forward, Punjab Police remains committed to conducting similar operations to ensure that the state remains secure, especially during this crucial election period. Former Vice Chancellors, students and teachers of the Palampur Agriculture University have appealed to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to reconsider the decision of transferring the university's land to the tourism department. Sukhu had told the Assembly on Friday that they have decided to transfer 112 hectares of land from Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar (CSK) Agriculture University, Palampur to the tourism department for setting up a tourism village and the land would be transferred soon. He had said that during the past 48 years, even 50 hectares of land was not developed by the University. If the need arises in the future, the university would be provided with private land. In a letter to the chief minister, the signatories argued that those who are saying that the University has surplus land are either "ignorant or have inadequate knowledge of land grant patterns". The students, alumni, teachers, non-teachers, retirees and former Vice Chancellor of the University are among the signatories in the letter. Pointing out that the Palampur Agriculture University was initially started as a third campus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and after the bifurcation of Punjab in 1966, the College of Agriculture, Palampur was transferred to Himachal Pradesh and upgraded to a full-fledged Agricultural University, the letter said. Out of the total land of PAU measuring more than 8,500 hectares, donated by the Government, the Palampur campus has only 600 hectares of land, they claimed. Out of the 600 hectares of land, four hectares of land was donated by the Raja of Nadaun, 16 hectares were gifted by the residents of Khalet and Rajpur Panchayats and more than 350 hectares of land was donated by the Government of India by transferring its National Biological Lab land to the University, the letter read. The letter further noted that the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, the first such agricultural university was established on more than 6,400 hectares of land donated by the government. In the past, the state government had divested the land of Palampur University only for the growth of science and education and for the helipad. Now, land equivalent to 25 per cent of the total university land has been transferred to the Department of Tourism., they said. "It is seriously felt that the transfer of the university land to the Department of Tourism for developing the Tourism Village will adversely affect the interests of agricultural education and the farming community", the letter said. The proposal of upgrading CSKHPKV Palampur to the Central Agricultural University of North-Western Himalayan Region, aimed at serving the farming community of Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, is under active consideration by the Union Ministry of Agriculture. The farmers' welfare and proposal would be jeopardized due to land shortage caused by the proposed transfer of more than 100 hectares of land to the Tourism Village project, the letter said. The world-class academic culture of CSKHPKV Palampur is its hallmark which is shown by the attraction of international students from six countries and 14 Indian states and the University has so far attained the highest 11th position amongst 76 state Agriculture Universities (SAUs) and Institutes in the country. Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Governor, Speaker of the State Assembly, Leader of the Opposition and state Agriculture Minister. (Agencies) Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri today took a big dig at the Hemant government claiming that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is afraid of his defeat in the upcoming assembly elections. He said that the Chief Minister is tearing apart the dignity of democracy by putting the officials forward. He is making a malicious attempt to strangle democracy. The BJP leader in Assembly said that India has a democratic system and not a monarchy. A political leader, worker, can go to any part of the country and put forth his party's point of view. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and popular Chief Minister of Assam Government Himanta Biswa Sarma have been made in-charge and co-in-charge for the Jharkhand assembly elections by the BJP central leadership. In this sequence, both the leaders are coming to Jharkhand to discharge their responsibilities. Bauri said that BJP has been exposing the failures, loot, lies, corruption of the Hemant government for the last 5 years. It is agitating with the people from the road to the House. He said that the High Court has also taken the issue of changing demography of the state due to Bangladeshi intruders seriously. Strict instructions have also been given to the state government. He said that whether it is a matter of employment of youth or unemployment allowance, promises made for farmers, women, this government is not able to answer the questions of BJP in all these. He said that due to love jihad, land jihad, intruders are snatching the land of tribals. The identity of the state is in danger. Despite the court order, the land of tribals is not being returned from the possession of intruders despite the presence of a tribal Chief Minister. The state government is sitting silently due to appeasement and vote bank. It is protecting criminals and intruders. He said that the Chief Minister of a state is prevented from going to Gopinath Pur of Pakur district in his own country. He said that 16 youths died untimely in the excise constable race and the government remains insensitive. The government has not reached the families of the deceased till date. BJP demanded Rs 50 lakh assistance and a government job but the government is silent on that too. He said that when the state BJP is taking all these issues seriously to the public under the guidance of Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, the state government is taking wrong decisions in panic. He said that BJP has become the voice of the people as per the sentiments of the leaders of a strong opposition. The public has given huge support to BJP and NDA in the Lok Sabha elections and is determined to make BJP win in the assembly elections as well. He said that if the state government feels that raising public issues is against the law in democracy. Talking about tribals, indigenous people, women, Dalits, backward classes is against the law, then the state government should file a case against both the leaders. In a decisive move reinforcing his zero-tolerance policy against negligence and corruption, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered strict action against officials involved in irregularities in the consolidation process. On the chief ministers instructions, three officials, including two consolidation officers, have been suspended for delays, negligence and irregularities in handling consolidation-related cases. Additionally, several others face disciplinary action, with charge-sheets issued against them. Consolidation Commissioner GS Naveen mentioned that Assistant Consolidation Officer Akhilesh Chandra Srivastava has been suspended for irregularities in preparing the initial consolidation plan in Baithwalia village, Maharajganj. Departmental action has also been initiated against him. The deputy director of consolidation has been instructed to rectify these irregularities and expedite pending inspections through Gram Adalat. In Banda's Silehta village, Consolidation Officer Shailendra Srivastava has been suspended for similar irregularities, with recommendations for further departmental action against him. Moreover, an additional charge-sheet has been issued against Assistant Consolidation Officer Arun Narayan Singh, previously suspended for irregularities in the same village. Disciplinary measures are also being taken against then Consolidator Kamta Prasad, now serving as assistant consolidation officer, along with further action against Consolidation Lekhpal Vikas Singh and Consolidation Officer Rana Pratap, who are already under suspension. The consolidation commissioner further informed that farmers from various villages had raised concerns about irregularities in the ongoing consolidation process in Bijnor. Following an investigation report by the district magistrate, a directorate-level committee was formed to further probe the matter. The investigation confirmed the complaints, leading to the suspension of Vijay Kumar, the then settlement officer, currently serving as Settlement Officer Consolidation in Muzaffarnagar. Disciplinary action has been initiated against him, and the deputy director of consolidation has been instructed to address the irregularities. Additionally, a letter has been sent to the government recommending disciplinary action against Devendra Singh, Settlement Officer Consolidation of Gonda, for failing to resolve cases and demonstrating lax supervision. The Consolidation Commissioner also noted that the additional municipal commissioner of Lucknow Municipal Corporation had reported irregularities by Consolidation Lekhpal Rajendra Kumar Yadav of Mirzapur. In response, Yadavs affiliation was immediately terminated, and the settlement officer consolidation of Mirzapur has been directed to take disciplinary action against him. In another case, based on the report from the district magistrate of Azamgarh, disciplinary actions have been ordered against retired consolidation officer Shail Rajeev Kamal, retired assistant consolidation officer Mohan Lal Srivastava, Radheshyam Verma, Chakradhar Trigunayat and Jainendra Pratap, who were found guilty of lax supervision and negligence in consolidation work. Furthermore, an explanation has been sought from the deputy director of consolidation for failing to submit the investigation report regarding irregularities in consolidation work in Muzaffarnagar, which has been pending for the last ten years. The report pertains to the then Consolidation Officer Virendra Prakash, who is currently serving as assistant consolidation officer. Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, paid a personal visit to AIIMS Bhopal on Monday to check on the health of some patients. During his visit, he was accompanied by Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, who provided an overview of the hospital's current facilities, upcoming projects, and research initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the region. While discussing AIIMS Bhopal's efforts, Prof Singh highlighted the institution's commitment to providing advanced medical care through state-of-the-art facilities and innovative research. He briefed the Union Minister on the expansion of various departments, the introduction of cutting-edge medical equipment, and the hospital's dedication to fostering excellence in patient care, medical education, and research. Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his admiration for the remarkable work being carried out under Prof. Singh's leadership. He praised the hospital's role in improving healthcare accessibility and quality for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the surrounding regions. In a statement, Chouhan said, "I am deeply impressed by the advancements and initiatives undertaken by AIIMS Bhopal. Under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, the institution is making significant strides in providing world-class healthcare services. The focus on both curative and preventive care, combined with a strong emphasis on medical research, is truly commendable. AIIMS Bhopal stands as a beacon of hope for the people of the state, and I believe the efforts being made here will positively impact countless lives. I applaud the dedication and commitment of the entire team in their mission to deliver better healthcare." During this, Chouhan also planted saplings under the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam campaign. Prof. Singh also discussed AIIMS Bhopal's future plans, including new research collaborations, infrastructure development, and a focus on community outreach programs aimed at raising health awareness in rural and underserved areas. He reiterated the institution's goal to not only provide the best possible medical treatment but also to lead in innovative medical research that can benefit society at large. AIIMS Bhopal continues to strive towards excellence, with a vision of being a leader in healthcare, education, and research, all while serving the people of Madhya Pradesh with dedication and compassion. The Jharkhand government has accused Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of spreading hatred across communities with their regular visits to State after Chouhan and Sarma were appointed as State BJP election in-charge and co-in-charge respectively. The State government in this connection has also written a letter to Election Commission (EC). The Jharkhand government has urged the EC to ask Union Home Minister Amit Shah to issue an advisory to BJP leaders Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shivraj Singh Chouhan to desist from "instigating" communal tension in the state for "narrow political gains" by misusing the official machinery. In a missive to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, the Jharkhand government has also urged him to advise Shah "not to allow the misuse of the official position of CM, Assam and the state official machinery at the expense of public exchequer for political gains and desist from direct interference in internal affairs of the state in blatant violation of constitutional norms". Sarma and Chouhan are overseeing Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) election efforts in Jharkhand which will go to polls later this year. The two have made several visits to the state since June even though the election schedule is yet to be announced. In its letter, dated September 2, the Jharkhand government questioned false statements made by these two leaders and asked if they would amount to character assassination of the host states government functionaries, including top bureaucrats. The letter, signed by principal secretary Vandana Dadel from the cabinet. In a communication to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, the Jharkhand government requested it to prevent the misuse of the official positions of Assam's Chief Minister and the state machinery. The letter highlighted allegations of attempts to intimidate administrative and police officers to hinder lawful actions intended to maintain order ahead of the state elections. These appeals come as the Jharkhand assembly elections approach. Vandana Dadel, Principal Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat and Vigilance Department in Jharkhand, further accused the BJP of attempting to disturb communal harmony by exploiting religious sentiments. She requested an impartial inquiry before any action is taken against government officials. The Assam Chief Minister has been raising Bangladeshi influx in Jharkhand. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections are crucial for protecting tribals and Hindus, as the "demography of the state is changing due to Bangladeshi infiltration". Sarma expressed concern that after Assam and West Bengal, Jharkhand might be the next target for Bangladeshi infiltrators. He claimed that in several districts of Jharkhand, the Muslim population has reached up to 30 per cent, stressing that the elections are crucial for safeguarding the interests of tribals and Hindus. With the filing of nominations by the State Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Ladwa Assembly Constituency has turned into high-stakes battles in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha election. Congress party has fielded its sitting MLA Mewa Singh from the seat. Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has named former MLA Sher Singh Barshami while Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) is likely to field its Kurukshetra senior vice-president Ranjeet Nain from the seat. A keen multi-cornered contest is expected in the Ladwa Assembly segment of Kurukshetra this time. While the BJP candidate Saini is confident of winning this election, the candidates of Congress and other parties are leaving no stone unturned to get their victory from this constituency. The voting for the 90 assembly seats in Haryana will be held on October 5 and votes will be counted on October 8. The Ladwa Constituency was carved out of the Thanesar constituency of Kururkshetra district in 2007 and two years later, it witnessed its first election in 2009. Sher Singh Barshami of INLD became its first MLA in 2009. However, he was convicted along with party supremo Om Prakash Chautala in the teachers recruitment scam. In the election that followed, in 2014, the BJPs Pawan Saini defeated the INLDs Bachan Kaur, Barshamis wife, by 2,922 votes, but lost the seat to the Congresss Mewa Singh in 2019 by 12,637 votes. According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Castes (SCs) comprise 22.6 percent of Ladwas population, with a significant chunk, 7.4 per cent, from the Saini community. The constituency is largely rural, with only 11.78 per cent of the population in urban areas. As far as electoral performance is concerned, no parties have managed to win twice so far from this constituency since 2009. INLD won this seat in 2009, while in 2014 election went to BJP, then in 2019 Mewa Singh of Congress won this seat. However, it remains to be seen who will crown Ladwa Seat this time. Haryana CM Saini is contesting from his fourth constituency since the 2014 Assembly polls. Saini had recently secured a victory from Karnal during the by-election held along with Lok Sabha polls in June. Ladwa is being seen as the safest seat for Saini. The BJP seems to be drawing confidence from the recent Lok Sabha polls, where it polled 47.14 per cent of the votes in the Ladwa Assembly segment, which is a part of the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat. This is less than the 58.5 per cent votes for the BJP from the segment in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls when the party had swept the state. But it is much more than the 32.7 percent of the votes it got in Ladwa in the 2019 Assembly polls. In 2014, Saini had successfully contested the Naraingarh Assembly seat and, five years later, won from the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat by a huge margin of over 6.8 lakh votes. Sources in BJP said that Saini wanted to stick to Karnal, but was shifted to Ladwa as some of former CM Manohar Lal Khattars close aides were keen to contest from here. The Karnal ticket finally went to Jagmohan Anand, Khattars former media coordinator and ex-Karnal district president. Talking to The Pioneer, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee Media head Kewal Dhingra said that CM Saini does not have the courage to contest from Karnal. He also cannot go back to his earlier seat of Naraingarh and chose Ladwa thinking it is a safe seat. He will not be able to succeed there as well, he added. Dhingra said that the people know that the INLD is a B team of the BJP and its only objective is to cut the votes of the Congress to help the ruling party. INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala had contested the Lok Sabha election from Kurukshetra but suffered a miserable defeat. The INLD will get the same result in the forthcoming Assembly elections, too. People from all sections of society are joining the Congress, he added. Talking to reporters, Congress candidate and sitting MLA Mewa Singh said that in a democracy, every person has the right to contest elections. As Nayab Saini Singh has filed a nomination from the seat, people are asking him what he has done for Ladwa during his tenure as Kurukshetra MP and then as Chief Minister. The issue of the Ladwa bypass, Kurukshetra-Yamunanagar road expansion to four lanes and the Dadupur Nalvi canal project are some of the major issues in Ladwa. He will resolve these after Congress forms the Government in Haryana. Caste equations are likely to play a major role in the elections here. Eyeing the OBC votes, BJP has fielded Haryana CM Saini from Ladwa assembly constituency. With a sizable OBC population, particularly Saini voters, it is being considered a safe seat for Saini. Unlike many other Assembly segments where the BJP and the Congress are in a direct contest, the Ladwa constituency is expected to witness a multi-cornered contest. For the regional parties, the reputation of the candidates will play a crucial role. The sitting MLA belongs to the Congress while INLDs Barshami has strongholds in the constituency, Analysts added. Ladwa Constituency will be Sainis fourth shift of seats since 2014 when he made his electoral debut by winning as an MLA from his hometown Naraingarh. There is nothing wrong with Saini shifting his seat. In March, when he was elevated as chief minister, there was no other option than to contest from Karnal. Now, as the political situation has changed, he is contesting from Ladwa, which is considered a safe seat for him because of substantial OBC, particularly Saini votes. BJP Govt curbed corruption, ended nepotism & empowered farmers, women & poor: CM Saini After filing nomination papers from Ladwa Assembly Constituency, State Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that the BJP led Government has curbed corruption, ended nepotism and empowered farmers, women and the poor during its tenure. He was accompanied by his wife Suman Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal. Before filing his nomination, Saini held a roadshow in the Ladwa assembly segment where BJP supporters greeted him with garlands. Accompanied by party leaders, Saini drove a tractor during the roadshow. The last date for filing nominations is September 12. The scrutiny of the nomination papers will be conducted on September 13 and nominations can be withdrawn till September 16. Speaking to reporters, Khattar said the BJP will form the government for a third time in Haryana. "Voters have made up their minds to form a BJP government for a third time," he said, replying to a question. The Congress is heading for a defeat in the assembly election, he claimed. Addressing a gathering earlier, the Chief Minister said the BJP government has given the state a new direction under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that the BJP government curbed corruption, ended nepotism and empowered farmers, women and the poor. Saini said his government took several decisions for the welfare of the people. "We worked in mission mode while the previous Congress government worked in commission mode," he said. Senior AAP leader and minister Atishi on Tuesday accused the BJP of conspiring to topple the Kejriwal government through "back door" by imposition of the President's rule in Delhi. The accusation comes a day after the President's secretariat forwarded the assertions of opposition BJP that Delhi was facing a constitutional crisis to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for "proper attention". Talking to PTI, Atishi said that if the Kejriwal government is toppled, the Delhiites will give a befitting reply by giving zero seats to the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win all the 70 seats. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Monday said that the memorandum, which was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu by the BJP MLAs on Friday seeking the dismissal of the AAP government for alleged violation of the Constitution, has been forwarded to the MHA. Gupta alleged that "paralysis of governance" in Delhi was caused by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being in jail for more than four months on serious corruption charges in the excise policy case. Atishi said the BJP's only job is to topple the elected governments in the country through its "Operation Lotus" as happened in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Manipur. "They also tried Operation Lotus in Delhi to topple the government by poaching the AAP MLAs, but they failed. Now, they are conspiring to impose the President's Rule through the back door to topple the popular government of Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi," she alleged. Atishi said that people of Delhi "love" Kejriwal because he provided them good schools, hospitals, electric buses, free bus travel to women and free pilgrimage to the elderly. "If the BJP topples the Kejriwal government, the people of Delhi will give it a befitting reply. The BJP will lose even the eight seats it holds now and will be reduced to zero in the upcoming assembly polls and the AAP will win all the 70 seats," she said. The elections to the 70 seats of the Delhi Assembly are due early next year. Earlier on Monday, Gupta in a statement claimed that the AAP governments failure to constitute the sixth Delhi Finance Commission and not taking any action on the CAG report is a "violation of the Constitution". A delegation of the BJP MLAs met President Murmu on Friday and submitted a memorandum, urging her "urgent intervention" in the "constitutional crisis plaguing Delhi" due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's imprisonment. "The president, taking cognisance of the memorandum, has forwarded it to the home secretary for appropriate attention," Gupta said, sharing a letter from the president's secretariat. Gupta said that he has urged the home secretary to take "immediate and appropriate action" on the matter. "Kejriwal has refused to resign, which is creating an unprecedented situation that has led to a complete breakdown of governance in Delhi. Critical administrative decisions are being delayed and essential services are severely affected, directly impacting the lives of Delhis citizens, he said. The Delhi chief minister has been in judicial custody since his arrest on March 21 in the excise policy case. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the results of the general elections in India this summer destroyed the "idea of Modi" and the "fear" created by the prime minister vanished, becoming "history". The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha is currently on a four-day visit to the United States. He addressed the prestigious Georgetown University and another event in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC on Monday. Addressing the event, Gandhi said the Lok Sabha elections were not fought on a level playing field and claimed that the ruling coalition led by the BJP had collapsed, breaking "right down the middle". Asserting that things have changed after the Lok Sabha results were announced, Gandhi said, "The fear created by Modiji vanished in a second. It took years to cultivate that fear, a lot of planning and money was involved but it took only a second for it to evaporate." Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed a government for the third consecutive time after the Lok Sabha elections this year, however, the BJP did not get a majority on its own. "I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi-- 56-inch chest, direct connection with God -- that's all gone, its history now," Gandhi said. He also claimed the ruling coalition had collapsed and was broken "right down the middle". It's not just the prime minister, it's deeper than that. What has happened in India is that the coalition that brought Mr Modi to power has collapsed. It's broken right down the middle," he said. "So you'll see in these elections that they will struggle. Because the basic idea that Mr Modi is running a government for the people of India is gone, he added. Alleging that the Lok Sabha elections were not fought on the same footing, Gandhi said, "I don't see it as a free election. I see it as a heavily controlled election." "I don't believe that in a fair election, the BJP would come anywhere near 246 seats. I would be surprised," he said, asserting that the party had a "huge financial advantage". "The Election Commission was doing what they wanted. The entire campaign was structured so that Mr Modi could carry out his agenda across the country, with different designs for different states," Gandhi claimed. "The Congress party fought the elections with their bank accounts frozen and has basically destroyed the idea of Modi. You can see it because when you see the prime minister now in Parliament...He is psychologically trapped, and he basically cannot come to terms, he cannot understand how this has happened," he said. Responding to a question, Gandhi said that halfway through the campaign, Prime Minister Modi didn't think he would get anywhere near 300 or 400 seats. I think early on he realised that this thing's going wrong. We were getting inputs from regular sources...It was pretty clear that they were in trouble, he said. So, there was this internal thing going on in the prime minister that I could see. And psychologically, how is this now happening? Because he's a person, as you know, he was in Gujarat for many years, never faced political adversity, then prime minister of India. Suddenly, this idea started to crack, Gandhi said. We knew. When he said that I speak directly to God, we knew that we had actually blown him apart. And that the psychology had gone. So people think that, well, this was the prime minister sort of saying that, look, 'I'm special, I'm unique, and I talk to God'. But that's not how we saw it. Internally, we saw it as a psychological collapse, what happened here? How is this thing not working? he said. "Now that idea has been replaced," he said. Gandhi, who arrived in the US on Saturday, interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and youths in Dallas, Texas. He also plans to meet lawmakers and senior officials of the US government in Washington DC. A Russian drone violated Romanias airspace during nighttime attacks on neighbouring Ukraine, the NATO member reported Sunday, urging Moscow to stop what it described as an escalation. The incident occurred as Russia carried out attacks on civilian targets and port infrastructure across the Danube River in Ukraine, Romanias Ministry of National Defence said.Romania deployed F-16 warplanes to monitor its airspace, and NATO allies were kept informed, the ministry said. Romanian emergency authorities also issued text alerts to residents of two eastern regions. Preliminary data indicates there may be an impact zone in an uninhabited area near the Romanian village of Periprava, the ministry said. It added that an investigation is underway. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Romania has confirmed drone fragments on its territory on several occasions and as recently as July this year. The Romanian Defence Ministry strongly condemned the Russian attacks on Ukraine, calling them unjustified and in serious contradiction with the norms of international law. Mircea Geoana, NATOs outgoing deputy secretary-general and Romanias former top diplomat, said the military alliance also condemned Russias violation of Romanian airspace. While we have no information indicating an intentional attack by Russia against Allies, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous, he wrote on X. Civilians reported killed in Ukraine In Ukraine, two civilians died and four more suffered wounds in a nighttime Russian airstrike on the northern city of Sumy, the regional military administration reported. Two children were among those wounded, the administration said. In the Kharkiv region farther east, overnight shelling killed two elderly women, according to local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. During the night, Ukrainian air defences shot down one of four cruise missiles and 15 of 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia, Ukraines air force reported. It added that none of the cruise missiles had hit targets. In Ukraines industrial east, Russian forces continued their montshlong grinding push towards the city of Pokrovsk, and also ramped up attacks near the town of Kurakhove farther south, Ukraines General Staff said. Russias Defence Ministry said its troops had taken Novohrodivka, a small town some 19 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of Pokrovsk. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials Monday during his second trip to China in a year and a half that comes during a spat over electric cars. The official Xinhua News Agency reported the meeting at Beijings Diaoyutai State Guest House but gave no details about what they discussed. The centre-left Socialist leader also attended a business forum in Beijing for Spanish and Chinese companies before travelling to Shanghai later Monday. On Tuesday he is attending more business events and the inauguration of a Cervantes Institute, a centre that promotes Spanish language and culture. Prior to holding talks and dining with Xi, Sanchez held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and the head of the ceremonial legislature, Zhao Leji. Sanchez arrived late Sunday and departs Wednesday. Sanchez visited China in March 2023 when Spain held the rotating European Union presidency. Spain was among the EU members that expressed support earlier this year for a 36.7 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. The Chinese government responded by launching an investigation into imports of EU pork. EU exports of pork products to China hit a peak of 7.4 billion euros (USD 7.9 billion) in 2020 when Beijing had to turn abroad to satisfy domestic demand after its pig farms were decimated by a swine disease. EU pork exports to China have dropped since then, hitting 2.5 billion euros (USD 2.6 billion) last year. Almost half of that total came from Spain. The tension over pork has not stopped Spain from welcoming the plans of Chinese carmaker Chery to open a plant for electric vehicles in Barcelona. Agricultural Bank of China (OTCMKTS:ACGBY Get Free Report) and Suzuki Motor (OTCMKTS:SZKMY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation and dividends. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Agricultural Bank of China and Suzuki Motor, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Agricultural Bank of China alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Agricultural Bank of China 0 0 0 0 N/A Suzuki Motor 0 0 0 0 N/A Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Agricultural Bank of China 19.55% 9.68% 0.71% Suzuki Motor 4.62% 8.65% 4.92% Dividends This table compares Agricultural Bank of China and Suzuki Motors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Agricultural Bank of China pays an annual dividend of $0.67 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.2%. Suzuki Motor pays an annual dividend of $0.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Suzuki Motor pays out 18.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Risk and Volatility Agricultural Bank of China has a beta of 0.09, meaning that its stock price is 91% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Suzuki Motor has a beta of 1.14, meaning that its stock price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Agricultural Bank of China and Suzuki Motors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Agricultural Bank of China $190.65 billion 0.80 $38.11 billion N/A N/A Suzuki Motor $37.23 billion 0.57 $1.85 billion $3.45 12.51 Agricultural Bank of China has higher revenue and earnings than Suzuki Motor. Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.0% of Suzuki Motor shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Agricultural Bank of China beats Suzuki Motor on 7 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Agricultural Bank of China (Get Free Report) Agricultural Bank of China Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. It offers demand, personal call, foreign currency call, time or demand optional, foreign exchange call, foreign exchange time, savings, agreed term, and negotiated deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and loans, including housing, consumer, business, fixed asset, working capital, real estate, and entrusted syndicated loans, as well as trade finances, guarantees and commitments, and loans with custody of export rebates accounts. The company provides credit card, debit card, payment and settlement, private banking, cash management, investment banking, custody, financial market, and financial institution services, as well as trading and wealth management services; and personal fund collection and automatic transfer services. In addition, it offers agro-related personal and corporate banking products and services; telephone, mobile, self-service, television, and SMS banking services; financial leasing services; fund management services; asset custodian services; and insurance and reinsurance related products and services. The company operates domestic branches, including specialized institutions, training institutes, tier-1 branches, tier-2 branches, tier-1 sub-branches, foundation-level branch outlets and other establishments; overseas branches in Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, New York, Dubai International Financial Centre, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Sydney, Luxemburg, Dubai, London, Macao, and Hanoi; and overseas representative offices in Vancouver, Taipei, Sao Paulo, and Dushanbe. The company was founded in 1951 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. About Suzuki Motor (Get Free Report) Suzuki Motor Corporation engages in the manufacturing and marketing of automobiles, motorcycles, and marine products in Japan, rest of Asia, Europe, North America, and internationally. It offers mini-vehicles, sub-compact vehicles, standard-sized vehicles, outboard motors, motorized wheelchairs, and electro senior vehicles. The company is also involved in solar power generation and logistics business, as well as provides other services. Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Agricultural Bank of China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agricultural Bank of China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE:SG Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eleven research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $38.20. SG has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Oppenheimer raised their price target on Sweetgreen from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Sweetgreen from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Sweetgreen in a report on Thursday, June 13th. They set a buy rating and a $39.00 price objective for the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Sweetgreen from $35.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, June 7th. Finally, TD Cowen raised Sweetgreen from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $31.00 to $43.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Get Sweetgreen alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Sweetgreen Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sweetgreen In other Sweetgreen news, insider Nicolas Jammet sold 169,767 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.77, for a total transaction of $6,072,565.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 1,930,233 shares of the companys stock, valued at $69,044,434.41. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . In other news, CEO Jonathan Neman sold 169,772 shares of Sweetgreen stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.77, for a total value of $6,072,744.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,930,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at $69,044,255.56. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, insider Nicolas Jammet sold 169,767 shares of Sweetgreen stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.77, for a total value of $6,072,565.59. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,930,233 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $69,044,434.41. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 371,116 shares of company stock valued at $13,248,867. Corporate insiders own 21.52% of the companys stock. Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quest Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Sweetgreen during the second quarter valued at about $76,000. Versor Investments LP purchased a new stake in Sweetgreen during the second quarter valued at about $217,000. Perigon Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Sweetgreen during the first quarter valued at about $223,000. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in Sweetgreen during the second quarter valued at about $233,000. Finally, Nkcfo LLC purchased a new stake in Sweetgreen during the second quarter valued at about $241,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.75% of the companys stock. Sweetgreen Price Performance SG opened at $28.66 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $29.07 and a 200-day simple moving average of $26.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.27 billion, a P/E ratio of -30.82 and a beta of 2.32. Sweetgreen has a 12 month low of $8.64 and a 12 month high of $38.53. Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.13) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $184.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $180.79 million. Sweetgreen had a negative net margin of 14.33% and a negative return on equity of 19.34%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 21.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned ($0.20) earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Sweetgreen will post -0.75 EPS for the current year. Sweetgreen Company Profile (Get Free Report Sweetgreen, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates fast food restaurants serving healthy foods at scale in the United States. The company also accepts orders through its online and mobile ordering platforms, as well as sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date and can be redeemed. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sweetgreen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sweetgreen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Wells Fargo & Company from $66.00 to $73.00 in a report released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on CARR. Citigroup raised Carrier Global from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $65.00 to $74.00 in a report on Monday, June 24th. Barclays increased their price target on Carrier Global from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, June 14th. Wolfe Research raised Carrier Global from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Carrier Global from $72.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley began coverage on Carrier Global in a report on Friday. They set an equal weight rating and a $75.00 price target for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.17. Get Carrier Global alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Carrier Global Carrier Global Price Performance CARR stock opened at $70.73 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $63.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.46, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.32. Carrier Global has a twelve month low of $45.68 and a twelve month high of $73.06. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $67.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $62.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $6.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.05 billion. Carrier Global had a return on equity of 23.68% and a net margin of 14.27%. The companys revenue was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.79 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Carrier Global will post 2.84 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Carrier Global In other Carrier Global news, VP Ajay Agrawal sold 62,382 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on 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 $6,652,910.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 6.95% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Olistico Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the second quarter valued at $25,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Carrier Global by 675.0% in the second quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 465 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 405 shares in the last quarter. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the second quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Family Firm Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Carrier Global in the second quarter valued at $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.00% of the companys stock. Carrier Global Company Profile (Get 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 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. Royal Bank of Canada restated their outperform rating on shares of Danaher (NYSE:DHR Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $300.00 price target on the conglomerates stock. Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on DHR. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Danaher in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. They set an equal weight rating and a $280.00 target price on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Danaher in a report on Monday, June 3rd. They set a buy rating and a $295.00 target price on the stock. TD Cowen upped their target price on Danaher from $290.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com cut Danaher from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on Danaher from $271.00 to $278.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $278.94. Get Danaher alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Danaher Danaher Stock Performance Shares of NYSE DHR opened at $273.09 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The firms 50-day moving average price is $261.87 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $255.96. Danaher has a 52-week low of $182.09 and a 52-week high of $281.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $197.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.29, a P/E/G ratio of 4.38 and a beta of 0.83. Danaher (NYSE:DHR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $5.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.59 billion. Danaher had a return on equity of 11.06% and a net margin of 16.94%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.05 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Danaher will post 7.59 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, SVP Brian W. Ellis sold 9,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $275.16, for a total transaction of $2,641,536.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 20,230 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,566,486.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, SVP Brian W. Ellis sold 9,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.16, for a total transaction of $2,641,536.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 20,230 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,566,486.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Rainer Blair sold 9,007 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.00, for a total value of $2,521,960.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 97,983 shares in the company, valued at $27,435,240. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 39,659 shares of company stock worth $11,042,433. Insiders own 11.10% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Danaher Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Tsfg LLC boosted its holdings in Danaher by 733.3% in the 1st quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 100 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the period. nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Danaher during the second quarter worth about $25,000. CarsonAllaria Wealth Management Ltd. bought a new position in Danaher during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. acquired a new position in Danaher in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Danaher in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. 79.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Danaher (Get Free Report) Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services that advance, accelerate, and integrate the development and manufacture of therapeutics; cell line and cell culture media development services; cell culture media, process liquids and buffers for manufacturing, chromatography resins, filtration technologies, aseptic fill finish; single-use hardware and consumables and services, such as the design and installation of full manufacturing suites; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes, and services; and healthcare filtration solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the seventeen brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $72.91. A number of analysts have commented on EQR shares. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on Equity Residential from $74.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Equity Residential in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set a neutral rating and a $81.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Equity Residential from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, June 17th. UBS Group boosted 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. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Equity Residential from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. Get Equity Residential alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Equity Residential Insider Activity at Equity Residential Hedge Funds Weigh In On Equity Residential In related news, CFO Robert Garechana sold 6,357 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.08, for a total value of $439,141.56. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 14,576 shares in the company, valued at $1,006,910.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . 1.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in Equity Residential during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Voisard Asset Management Group Inc. bought a new stake in Equity Residential during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its holdings in Equity Residential by 41.9% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 525 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 155 shares during the period. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Equity Residential by 146.6% during the 2nd quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 550 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 327 shares during the period. Finally, Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new stake in Equity Residential during the 1st quarter valued at $41,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.68% of the companys stock. Equity Residential Stock Performance Shares of Equity Residential stock opened at $75.10 on Thursday. Equity Residential has a one year low of $52.57 and a one year high of $76.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.16, a PEG ratio of 4.14 and a beta of 0.89. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $71.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $66.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.21 and a quick ratio of 0.21. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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). The company had revenue of $734.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $735.26 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 8.53% and a net margin of 32.83%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.94 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Equity Residential will post 3.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Equity Residential Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 12th. Investors of record on Monday, July 1st were paid a $0.675 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 1st. This represents a $2.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.60%. Equity Residentials payout ratio is 112.03%. Equity Residential Company Profile (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. M3-Brigade Acquisition Vs (NYSE:MBAVU Get Free Report) quiet period will expire on Tuesday, September 10th. M3-Brigade Acquisition V had issued 25,000,000 shares in its IPO on August 1st. The total size of the offering was $250,000,000 based on an initial share price of $10.00. During M3-Brigade Acquisition Vs quiet period, underwriters and any insiders that worked on the IPO are prevented from issuing any research reports for the company because of SEC regulations. Following the expiration of the companys quiet period, the brokerages that served as underwriters will likely initiate research coverage on the company. M3-Brigade Acquisition V Stock Performance NYSE MBAVU opened at $10.02 on Tuesday. M3-Brigade Acquisition V has a 52 week low of $10.01 and a 52 week high of $10.05. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for M3-Brigade Acquisition V Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M3-Brigade Acquisition V and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stock analysts at Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Melrose Industries (LON:MRO Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Friday, LSE.Co.UK reports. The brokerage set an equal weight rating and a GBX 500 ($6.57) price target on the stock. Morgan Stanleys target price would suggest a potential upside of 6.11% from the companys previous close. Separately, Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Melrose Industries to an outperform rating and set a GBX 650 ($8.55) price objective on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 8th. Get Melrose Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Melrose Industries Melrose Industries Trading Up 3.6 % Insider Buying and Selling at Melrose Industries MRO stock traded up GBX 16.20 ($0.21) during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting GBX 471.20 ($6.20). 344,244,969 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,067,381. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 44.03. The firm has a market capitalization of 6.08 billion, a P/E ratio of -15,706.67, a PEG ratio of 0.51 and a beta of 1.51. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 525.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 589.05. Melrose Industries has a 12-month low of GBX 434.12 ($5.71) and a 12-month high of GBX 681.20 ($8.96). In related news, insider Matthew Gregory acquired 9,740 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 510 ($6.71) per share, with a total value of 49,674 ($65,317.55). In other Melrose Industries news, insider Gillian Elcock bought 3,680 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 453 ($5.96) per share, with a total value of 16,670.40 ($21,920.32). Also, insider Matthew Gregory acquired 9,740 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 510 ($6.71) per share, for a total transaction of 49,674 ($65,317.55). Corporate insiders own 0.99% of the companys stock. About Melrose Industries (Get Free Report) Melrose Industries PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides aerospace components and systems to civil and defence markets in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Engines and Structures. The Engines segment offers structural engineered components; parts repair; and commercial and aftermarket contracts to engines original equipment manufacturers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Melrose Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Melrose Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phreesia (NYSE:PHR Free Report) had its target price lifted by Robert W. Baird from $31.00 to $34.00 in a research note released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $34.00 price target on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $29.00 price objective on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Monday, July 1st. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $30.00 price objective on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $32.00 price objective on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, KeyCorp lowered their price objective on Phreesia from $27.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.23. Get Phreesia alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Phreesia Phreesia Stock Performance Insider Buying and Selling at Phreesia Shares of PHR opened at $23.91 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $23.44 and its 200-day moving average price is $22.75. Phreesia has a 52 week low of $12.05 and a 52 week high of $29.16. The stock has a market cap of $1.37 billion, a P/E ratio of -11.02 and a beta of 0.93. In other Phreesia news, SVP David Linetsky sold 1,820 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.74, for a total transaction of $43,206.80. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 202,218 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,800,655.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, SVP David Linetsky sold 1,820 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.74, for a total value of $43,206.80. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 202,218 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,800,655.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Allison C. Hoffman sold 14,110 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.03, for a total value of $367,283.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 121,003 shares in the company, valued at $3,149,708.09. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 29,337 shares of company stock worth $736,750. Insiders own 5.80% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Phreesia Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. nVerses Capital LLC raised its holdings in Phreesia by 76.5% in the 2nd quarter. nVerses Capital LLC now owns 3,000 shares of the companys stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 1,300 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in Phreesia by 5,462.3% in the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 3,838 shares of the companys stock worth $89,000 after purchasing an additional 3,769 shares during the period. EntryPoint Capital LLC bought a new position in Phreesia in the 1st quarter worth $169,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in Phreesia in the 1st quarter worth $202,000. Finally, Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp bought a new stake in Phreesia during the second quarter valued at about $202,000. 92.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Phreesia (Get Free Report) Phreesia, Inc provides an integrated SaaS-based software and payment platform for the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada. The company offers access solutions that offers appointment scheduling system for online appointments, reminders, and referral tracking management; registration solution to automate patient self-registration; revenue cycle solution, which offer insurance-verification processes, point-of-sale payments applications, post-visit payment collection, and flexible payment options; and network connect solution to deliver clinically relevant content to patients. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Phreesia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phreesia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued on Monday. A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $591.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Monday, August 19th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $640.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $560.00 to $604.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Baird R W raised shares of UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Argus upped their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $570.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $614.17. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on UNH UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 0.5 % NYSE UNH traded down $2.78 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $594.10. 3,365,978 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,066,913. UnitedHealth Group has a 12 month low of $436.38 and a 12 month high of $607.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $548.60 billion, a PE ratio of 36.31, a PEG ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a 50 day moving average of $560.97 and a two-hundred day moving average of $515.54. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.66 by $0.14. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 3.66% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The firm had revenue of $98.86 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $98.73 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $6.14 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group will post 27.69 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 29,501 shares in the company, valued at $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other UnitedHealth Group news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total value of $1,624,727.88. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 29,501 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $579.03, for a total transaction of $868,545.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 7,785 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,507,748.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.33% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of UNH. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter worth $5,802,231,000. Swedbank AB bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 1st quarter worth $1,117,462,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 107.8% during the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,306,729 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,141,113,000 after buying an additional 1,196,758 shares during the period. Lone Pine Capital LLC bought a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $480,903,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 30.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,816,254 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,942,956,000 after acquiring an additional 880,183 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (Get 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. Read More 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. ASOS (OTCMKTS:ASOMF Get Free Report) was downgraded by Barclays from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. ASOS Stock Performance OTCMKTS:ASOMF opened at $4.65 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $4.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.55. ASOS has a twelve month low of $4.07 and a twelve month high of $5.40. Get ASOS alerts: ASOS Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More ASOS Plc operates as an online fashion retailer in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, and internationally. It offers womenswear and menswear products. The company sells its products under the ASOS Design, ASOS Edition, ASOS Luxe, ASOS 4505, Collusion, Reclaimed Vintage, Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, HIIT, AsYou, Dark Future, UNRVLLD/SPPLY, Crooked Tongues, Daysocial, Actual, and Weekend Collective brands, as well as through third-party brands. Receive News & Ratings for ASOS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASOS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC lessened its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 85.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 12,479 shares of the companys stock after selling 70,700 shares during the quarter. Balentine LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $1,781,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Advisor OS LLC increased its holdings in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 2.3% in the second quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC now owns 3,801 shares of the companys stock valued at $543,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 1.0% in the first quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC now owns 8,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,059,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. AA Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.2% during the second quarter. AA Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,805 shares of the companys stock worth $400,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sage Rhino Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC now owns 12,320 shares of the companys stock worth $1,582,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets NVO has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $160.00 target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. BMO Capital Markets dropped 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. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $156.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Argus lifted their target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $145.17. Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance NYSE:NVO opened at $131.93 on Tuesday. 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 firm has a market cap of $592.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.42. The firms fifty day moving average price is $134.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $132.68. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1-year low of $86.96 and a 1-year high of $148.15. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $9.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.91 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.86% and a return on equity of 87.43%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 EPS for the current year. Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were paid a dividend of $0.5126 per share. 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 24.83%. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). 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. B&I Capital AG increased its position in Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Free Report) by 23.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,699,283 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 322,033 shares during the quarter. Hudson Pacific Properties makes up 2.6% of B&I Capital AGs portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest holding. B&I Capital AG owned approximately 1.20% of Hudson Pacific Properties worth $8,174,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Key Client Fiduciary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties during the 2nd quarter worth about $53,000. Versor Investments LP bought a new position in Hudson Pacific Properties in the 4th quarter valued at $99,000. NorthRock Partners LLC acquired a new position in Hudson Pacific Properties in the first quarter worth $104,000. Shell Asset Management Co. bought a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties during the first quarter worth $107,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 62.4% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 17,864 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $115,000 after purchasing an additional 6,862 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.58% of the companys stock. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Insider Activity at Hudson Pacific Properties In other Hudson Pacific Properties news, Director Jonathan M. Glaser sold 9,287 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.20, for a total value of $48,292.40. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,713 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,307.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 2.95% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In HPP has been the topic of several research reports. Piper Sandler downgraded shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $7.00 to $6.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Wolfe Research lowered shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and decreased their price target for the company from $6.00 to $4.25 in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Scotiabank dropped their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $7.00 to $6.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on Hudson Pacific Properties from $6.50 to $4.70 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Hudson Pacific Properties presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $7.17. Read Our Latest Report on HPP Hudson Pacific Properties Stock Performance Shares of Hudson Pacific Properties stock opened at $4.77 on Tuesday. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. has a 52 week low of $4.26 and a 52 week high of $9.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. The stock has a market capitalization of $673.67 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.98, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.31. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $5.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.52. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.33) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.50). Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative net margin of 25.42% and a negative return on equity of 7.41%. The company had revenue of $218.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $216.08 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.24 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. will post 0.62 EPS for the current year. About Hudson Pacific Properties (Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HPP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) Director Harry Kenneth Culham sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$81.87, for a total transaction of C$4,093,500.00. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Price Performance Shares of TSE CM traded down C$0.11 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting C$81.99. The company had a trading volume of 1,197,073 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,669,132. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$71.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$68.08. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12 month low of C$47.44 and a 12 month high of C$82.30. The firm has a market cap of C$77.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.87, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.12. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Investors of record on Friday, September 27th will be paid a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.39%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces payout ratio is presently 52.10%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have commented on CM. TD Securities lowered their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$93.00 to C$91.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Desjardins increased their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$77.00 to C$83.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 30th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$77.00 to C$81.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$74.00 to C$75.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, Cormark upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a market perform rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from C$75.00 to C$83.00 in a report on Friday, August 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$79.15. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CM About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Get Free Report) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 65,228 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 5,752 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $6,778,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at $2,115,836,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 165,301,921 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $18,788,216,000 after acquiring an additional 8,834,840 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 9.5% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 86,588,614 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $9,530,825,000 after acquiring an additional 7,527,778 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 70,177,564 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $7,976,382,000 after acquiring an additional 5,882,780 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Swedbank AB bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $341,777,000. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Edward Jones cut Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $121.00 price objective for the company. Barclays raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.80. Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance Shares of ABT opened at $116.43 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $108.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $108.65. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $89.67 and a one year high of $121.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.68. The stock has a market cap of $202.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates 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 during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.08 EPS. The firms revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 EPS for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 15th were issued a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.89%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 68.54%. 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. Further Reading 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. Shares of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSE:IVN Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Buy from the nine research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$24.00. A number of research firms recently weighed in on IVN. Scotiabank dropped their price target on Ivanhoe Mines from C$23.00 to C$21.00 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Ivanhoe Mines from C$25.00 to C$26.00 in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on Ivanhoe Mines from C$24.00 to C$25.00 in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Raymond James upped their price target on Ivanhoe Mines from C$21.00 to C$24.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on Ivanhoe Mines from C$15.00 to C$24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: Read Our Latest Report on IVN Insider Transactions at Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines Stock Performance In other news, Senior Officer Mary Vincelli sold 3,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.96, for a total value of C$64,639.80. In other news, Senior Officer Mary Vincelli sold 3,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$17.96, for a total value of C$64,639.80. Also, insider CITIC Metal Africa Investments Limited sold 248,314 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$17.32, for a total value of C$4,300,723.99. Insiders sold a total of 12,064,414 shares of company stock valued at $210,021,077 over the last ninety days. 45.03% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. The company has a market cap of C$21.25 billion, a PE ratio of 98.38 and a beta of 1.93. Ivanhoe Mines has a twelve month low of C$9.89 and a twelve month high of C$21.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.24, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 20.86. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$17.64 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$17.65. Ivanhoe Mines (TSE:IVN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.07 by C$0.01. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Ivanhoe Mines will post 1.034134 EPS for the current year. About Ivanhoe Mines (Get Free Report Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the mining, development, and exploration of minerals and precious metals primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Grid plc (LON:NG Get Free Report) insider John Pettigrew acquired 14 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 1,028 ($13.44) per share, for a total transaction of 143.92 ($188.20). John Pettigrew also recently made the following trade(s): Get National Grid alerts: On Wednesday, August 7th, John Pettigrew purchased 15 shares of National Grid stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 975 ($12.75) per share, with a total value of 146.25 ($191.25). On Friday, July 19th, John Pettigrew bought 271 shares of National Grid stock. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 937 ($12.25) per share, with a total value of 2,539.27 ($3,320.61). On Monday, July 8th, John Pettigrew acquired 17 shares of National Grid stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 931 ($12.17) per share, with a total value of 158.27 ($206.97). On Tuesday, July 2nd, John Pettigrew sold 197,294 shares of National Grid stock. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 892 ($11.66), for a total transaction of 1,759,862.48 ($2,301,376.33). National Grid Stock Performance LON:NG traded up GBX 16 ($0.21) during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting GBX 1,035.50 ($13.54). The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,847,935 shares. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 161.24, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The firm has a market capitalization of 50.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,853.64, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.25. The company has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 967.42 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 994.73. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a GBX 1,125 ($14.71) price target on shares of National Grid in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a GBX 1,200 ($15.69) price objective on shares of National Grid in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Get Our Latest Analysis on National Grid National Grid Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for National Grid Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Grid and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Levin Capital Strategies L.P. acquired a new stake in Cushman & Wakefield plc (NYSE:CWK Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 20,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $208,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its stake in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 149,877 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,559,000 after purchasing an additional 2,699 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC acquired a new stake in Cushman & Wakefield in the second quarter valued at approximately $440,000. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its position in Cushman & Wakefield by 27.7% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 63,812 shares of the companys stock valued at $664,000 after buying an additional 13,848 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 31.2% during the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 10,395,027 shares of the companys stock worth $108,108,000 after buying an additional 2,469,831 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 23.3% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 680,794 shares of the companys stock worth $7,080,000 after buying an additional 128,480 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.56% of the companys stock. Get Cushman & Wakefield alerts: Cushman & Wakefield Stock Performance CWK opened at $12.39 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.84 billion, a PE ratio of 309.75 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.83, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.21. Cushman & Wakefield plc has a fifty-two week low of $6.24 and a fifty-two week high of $13.78. The companys 50-day moving average is $12.36 and its 200 day moving average is $10.97. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Cushman & Wakefield ( NYSE:CWK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $2.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.63 billion. Cushman & Wakefield had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 0.22%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.22 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Cushman & Wakefield plc will post 0.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James boosted their price objective on Cushman & Wakefield from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Cushman & Wakefield from $12.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Four 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 has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $12.42. View Our Latest Research Report on CWK Cushman & Wakefield Company Profile (Free Report) Cushman & Wakefield plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial real estate services under the Cushman & Wakefield brand in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific segments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cushman & Wakefield plc (NYSE:CWK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cushman & Wakefield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cushman & Wakefield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Malaga Cove Capital LLC trimmed its holdings in L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 8,424 shares of the companys stock after selling 44 shares during the period. Malaga Cove Capital LLCs holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $1,892,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 24,667 shares of the companys stock worth $5,540,000 after purchasing an additional 937 shares during the period. RPG Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new position in L3Harris Technologies during the second quarter worth about $7,242,000. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. increased its position in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.1% during the second quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 83,995 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,864,000 after acquiring an additional 2,529 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC purchased a new stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $955,000. Finally, PFG Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 12.7% in the 2nd quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 1,485 shares of the companys stock worth $333,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.76% of the companys stock. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at L3Harris Technologies In related news, VP Sean J. Stackley sold 3,354 shares of L3Harris Technologies stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $216.73, for a total value of $726,912.42. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 14,186 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,074,531.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, insider Ross Niebergall sold 2,988 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.68, for a total transaction of $707,199.84. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 16,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,861,670.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Sean J. Stackley sold 3,354 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $216.73, for a total transaction of $726,912.42. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 14,186 shares in the company, valued at $3,074,531.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 36,110 shares of company stock worth $8,319,939. 0.82% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes LHX has been the subject of several research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of L3Harris Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating and lifted their target price for the company from $245.00 to $257.00 in a report on Friday, July 26th. Barclays increased their target price on L3Harris Technologies from $245.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of L3Harris Technologies from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $275.00 to $257.00 in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Royal Bank of Canada cut shares of L3Harris Technologies from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their price target for the company from $250.00 to $240.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Susquehanna upped their price objective on L3Harris Technologies from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued 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 $247.08. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LHX L3Harris Technologies Trading Up 0.9 % NYSE LHX opened at $229.27 on Tuesday. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $160.25 and a 12 month high of $245.60. The company has a market capitalization of $43.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The firms fifty day moving average price is $230.75 and its 200 day moving average price is $220.81. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $3.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.18 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $5.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.30 billion. L3Harris Technologies had a return on equity of 13.02% and a net margin of 5.73%. The businesss revenue was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.97 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that L3Harris Technologies, Inc. will post 13.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. L3Harris Technologies Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a dividend of $1.16 per share. This represents a $4.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 75.32%. L3Harris Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies, Inc provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's Integrated Mission Systems segment provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, passive sensing and targeting, electronic attack, autonomy, power and communications, and networks and sensors, as well as advanced combat systems for air, land, and sea sectors. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LHX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clifford Swan Investment Counsel LLC raised its holdings in Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC Free Report) by 1.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,281 shares of the railroad operators stock after buying an additional 96 shares during the period. Clifford Swan Investment Counsel LLCs holdings in Norfolk Southern were worth $1,563,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Norfolk Southern by 4.4% in the 4th quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 956 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $226,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. grew its position in shares of Norfolk Southern by 2.8% in the second quarter. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. now owns 1,516 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $325,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Blue Chip Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Norfolk Southern by 0.5% in the second quarter. Blue Chip Partners LLC now owns 7,716 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $1,656,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC raised its position in shares of Norfolk Southern by 12.4% during the 2nd quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 381 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO lifted its stake in Norfolk Southern by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO now owns 1,477 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $376,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. 75.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Norfolk Southern alerts: Norfolk Southern Trading Up 2.8 % Shares of NSC opened at $256.93 on Tuesday. Norfolk Southern Co. has a twelve month low of $183.09 and a twelve month high of $263.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $237.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $238.07. Norfolk Southern Dividend Announcement Norfolk Southern ( NYSE:NSC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The railroad operator reported $3.06 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.20. Norfolk Southern had a return on equity of 19.64% and a net margin of 14.85%. The company had revenue of $3.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.04 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.95 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Norfolk Southern Co. will post 11.8 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 2nd were paid a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 2nd. Norfolk Southerns dividend payout ratio is presently 86.96%. Insider Activity at Norfolk Southern In other Norfolk Southern news, EVP Nabanita C. Nag sold 355 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.38, for a total value of $88,529.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 1,488 shares in the company, valued at approximately $371,077.44. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Sameh Fahmy purchased 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $245.15 per share, with a total value of $171,605.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 7,700 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,887,655. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Nabanita C. Nag sold 355 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.38, for a total transaction of $88,529.90. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at $371,077.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 4,700 shares of company stock worth $1,105,065. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on NSC shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Norfolk Southern from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on Norfolk Southern from $245.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Benchmark boosted their target price on shares of Norfolk Southern from $266.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $288.00 to $285.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $251.00 to $253.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Norfolk Southern currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $264.24. Get Our Latest Analysis on NSC Norfolk Southern Profile (Free Report) Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, beverages, and canned goods; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products comprising crude oil, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, sand, and natural gas liquids; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Norfolk Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norfolk Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Osisko Gold Royalties (NYSE:OR Get Free Report) had its price target reduced by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $21.00 to $20.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the basic materials companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 18.20% from the companys current price. A number of other analysts have also commented on the stock. TD Securities raised shares of Osisko Gold Royalties to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $19.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, July 12th. Get Osisko Gold Royalties alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Osisko Gold Royalties Osisko Gold Royalties Stock Performance OR stock traded up $0.09 on Tuesday, reaching $16.92. 158,255 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 766,903. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.15 billion, a PE ratio of -80.48 and a beta of 1.03. Osisko Gold Royalties has a 12 month low of $11.24 and a 12 month high of $18.34. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $17.05 and its 200 day moving average price is $16.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 4.92 and a quick ratio of 4.92. Osisko Gold Royalties (NYSE:OR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.01. Osisko Gold Royalties had a positive return on equity of 6.80% and a negative net margin of 36.71%. The company had revenue of $47.39 million during the quarter. On average, research analysts anticipate that Osisko Gold Royalties will post 0.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in OR. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. increased its position in Osisko Gold Royalties by 2.1% in the first quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 24,728,134 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $406,002,000 after buying an additional 501,485 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its stake in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties by 3.7% in the first quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 21,012,286 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $345,021,000 after purchasing an additional 745,973 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,796,280 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $111,595,000 after purchasing an additional 60,083 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD purchased a new stake in Osisko Gold Royalties in the 1st quarter worth $109,825,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties by 20.5% during the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 6,587,348 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $102,631,000 after purchasing an additional 1,122,653 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.52% of the companys stock. 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. Read More 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. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp trimmed its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 20.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 336,279 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 84,324 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $13,966,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. ESL Trust Services LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. LGT Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 42.7% during the 2nd quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC now owns 759 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 227 shares during the last quarter. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Fairman Group LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth approximately $42,000. Finally, Beach Investment Counsel Inc. PA acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $42,000. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently weighed in on BMY shares. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and set a $45.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 22nd. StockNews.com raised Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. TD Cowen raised their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Two equities 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. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $54.67. Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of BMY opened at $48.50 on Tuesday. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $39.35 and a 52-week high of $61.42. The businesss fifty day moving average is $46.09 and its 200-day moving average is $46.53. 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 firm has a market cap of $98.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.65, a PEG ratio of 12.62 and a beta of 0.46. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a positive return on equity of 12.51% and a negative net margin of 14.06%. The company had revenue of $12.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.54 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.75 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 5th were given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 5th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.95%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is currently -77.42%. 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. Featured Articles 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. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp raised its holdings in Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL Free Report) by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 44,647 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 3,012 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp owned 0.09% of Jones Lang LaSalle worth $9,165,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 1.6% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 13,282 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,727,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 36.5% during the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 13,722 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,817,000 after purchasing an additional 3,666 shares during the period. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle during the second quarter worth approximately $498,000. CIBC Asset Management Inc raised its position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 4.5% during the second quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 1,328 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $273,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the period. Finally, Natixis Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 14.7% during the second quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 13,856 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,844,000 after purchasing an additional 1,779 shares during the period. 94.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Jones Lang LaSalle alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on JLL shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on Jones Lang LaSalle from $240.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Raymond James increased their price target on Jones Lang LaSalle from $246.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. StockNews.com lowered Jones Lang LaSalle from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Jones Lang LaSalle from $215.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, June 21st. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on Jones Lang LaSalle from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $235.33. Jones Lang LaSalle Stock Up 2.7 % Shares of NYSE:JLL opened at $251.57 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $11.94 billion, a PE ratio of 40.45 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 2.58 and a quick ratio of 2.58. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $237.36 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $208.47. Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated has a 1 year low of $119.46 and a 1 year high of $261.83. Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The financial services provider reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $5.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.48 billion. Jones Lang LaSalle had a return on equity of 8.03% and a net margin of 1.76%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.50 EPS. Analysts forecast that Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated will post 12.54 earnings per share for the current year. Jones Lang LaSalle Company Profile (Free Report) Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated operates as a commercial real estate and investment management company. It engages in the buying, building, occupying, managing, and investing in a commercial, industrial, hotel, residential, and retail properties in Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JLL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lowered its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 19.2% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 36,219 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 8,599 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $9,392,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AJG. Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. raised its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 89.7% during the 2nd quarter. DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Transcendent Capital Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Security National Bank bought a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Performance AJG opened at $298.81 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $65.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 60.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.72. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $218.63 and a 52-week high of $299.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04. The businesss fifty day moving average is $280.63 and its 200-day moving average is $259.92. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.24 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $2.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.77 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 19.25% and a net margin of 10.41%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s quarterly revenue was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.90 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 10.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.58%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $264.00 to $267.00 in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Argus increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $264.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. Truist Financial increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $255.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. TD Cowen increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $273.00 to $288.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $252.00 to $254.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $276.82. Read Our Latest Analysis on AJG Insider Transactions at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. In related news, President Thomas Joseph Gallagher sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.96, for a total value of $4,244,400.00. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 329,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at $93,121,853.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, President Thomas Joseph Gallagher sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.96, for a total value of $4,244,400.00. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 329,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at $93,121,853.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,710 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.07, for a total value of $2,482,959.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 75,963 shares in the company, valued at $21,654,772.41. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 48,348 shares of company stock valued at $13,342,910. 1.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). 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. Truefg LLC reduced its holdings in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IMCB Free Report) by 6.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,723 shares of the companys stock after selling 655 shares during the quarter. iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF makes up about 0.2% of Truefg LLCs holdings, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Truefg LLC owned about 0.08% of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF worth $682,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of IMCB. Norden Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF in the second quarter valued at $240,000. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 125.9% in the second quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 7,130 shares of the companys stock valued at $500,000 after buying an additional 3,974 shares during the period. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 1.0% in the second quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 387,739 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,178,000 after buying an additional 3,930 shares during the period. Avion Wealth bought a new stake in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF in the second quarter valued at $45,000. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 19.7% in the second quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 63,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,447,000 after buying an additional 10,464 shares during the period. 22.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF Price Performance Shares of IMCB opened at $72.77 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $869.60 million, a PE ratio of 48.19 and a beta of 0.98. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $71.97 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $71.09. iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF has a 1 year low of $55.98 and a 1 year high of $74.69. About iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF The iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Mid Cap index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index consisting of US mid-cap stocks with both growth and value characteristics. IMCB was launched on Jun 28, 2004 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Services Automobile Association increased its stake in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 8.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 71,535 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 5,345 shares during the period. United Services Automobile Associations holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $1,905,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MFC. Choreo LLC bought a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,338,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. increased its holdings in Manulife Financial by 7.9% in the second quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 23,264 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $619,000 after buying an additional 1,700 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in Manulife Financial by 6.9% during the second quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 56,705 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,509,000 after buying an additional 3,668 shares in the last quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. grew its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 40.4% in the 2nd quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. now owns 1,581,088 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,083,000 after acquiring an additional 455,088 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caprock Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 372.0% in the 2nd quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 52,170 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,389,000 after acquiring an additional 41,118 shares during the last quarter. 52.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have commented on MFC shares. TD Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Dbs Bank upgraded Manulife Financial to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Barclays began coverage on Manulife Financial in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.67. Manulife Financial Trading Up 1.1 % Shares of NYSE:MFC opened at $27.35 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $26.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.90, a PEG ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.08. Manulife Financial Co. has a 52 week low of $17.07 and a 52 week high of $27.82. Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.27. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 16.16% and a net margin of 9.18%. The firm had revenue of $9.41 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.95 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.62 EPS. Analysts predict that Manulife Financial Co. will post 2.72 EPS for the current year. Manulife Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 21st will be given a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 21st. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.24%. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 67.44%. About Manulife Financial (Free Report) Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC). Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Services Automobile Association reduced its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 15,743 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,160 shares during the quarter. United Services Automobile Associations holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $2,155,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ICE. Annapolis Financial Services LLC boosted its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 1,018.8% in the 1st quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 179 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares during the period. New Millennium Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the second quarter worth about $25,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Intercontinental Exchange in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Finally, Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Intercontinental Exchange during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. 89.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Intercontinental Exchange from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $160.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Barclays raised their price objective on Intercontinental Exchange from $159.00 to $167.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Intercontinental Exchange from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $143.00 to $167.00 in a report on Monday, July 1st. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated an outperform rating and issued a $168.00 price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $154.93. Intercontinental Exchange Stock Performance NYSE:ICE opened at $161.70 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $152.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $141.38. The stock has a market cap of $92.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.09, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 1.08. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a 1-year low of $104.49 and a 1-year high of $163.71. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.03. Intercontinental Exchange had a return on equity of 12.70% and a net margin of 21.43%. The company had revenue of $2.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.31 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.43 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 22.7% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 6.04 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Judith A. Sprieser sold 1,941 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.69, for a total value of $311,899.29. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 26,908 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,323,846.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CAO James W. Namkung sold 1,043 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $156,450.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 17,836 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,675,400. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Judith A. Sprieser sold 1,941 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.69, for a total value of $311,899.29. Following the sale, the director now owns 26,908 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,323,846.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 66,346 shares of company stock worth $9,472,911 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Intercontinental Exchange Company Profile (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assault weapons have no place in our society is the beacon cry coming from the Harris 2024 team, but as much as the anti-gun lobby likes that, will there be push back from Americans who pride themselves on being able to own these types of weapons? The assault on Americas guns is still in the early stages of planning. Should Americans be limited to owning air guns and only hunting rifles/shotguns, with serious checks repeated yearly? How would Harris assault on assault weapons be accomplished? Owners of these popular weapons would be asked to hand them in to the authorities, but would they comply? Disarming Americans There are many questions how a nationwide disarming process would be accomplished safely and effectively. The Harris team has naturally been quiet about the plans, but it is mostly assumed that a new disarming taskforce along with agencies like the ATF would be in charge of disarming Americans. Theres a very good reason why the Democrats do not mention any policies for the upcoming election because to do so would give fuel to the Trump team and possibly help him win the election. Prince Harry, now a supposed devout American, has also put his weight into the argument and urged Americans to drop their guns, as well as their right to free speech. Will disarming Americans make the country a safer place to live? This is a heavily debatable question, because at the end of the day, there will always be an illegal arms market and the criminals get first dibs at that. Americans praise their God Given right to bear arms to defend themselves from harm and tyranny of a government gone wrong. Now that Feinstein is dead and gone, it will be up to Kamala Harris to take away the guns from Mr and Mrs America. Will she succeed in her plan? Will the assault on Americas guns cause civil unrest or even civil war? It was Happy Prisoner Release Day today as thousands of dangerous rapists, career criminals and violent murderers were released into the public across Britain by the Labour government early because there is apparently no room left for jailed social media posters. There were huge celebrations today across the country as thousands of dangerous criminals released early into the public whooped with joy. If you want to commit a serious crime in the UK, its a fucking free for all, mate, one drug dealer who was meant to have been jailed for 8 years, only served two months of his sentence before being released yelped with delight. I love the Labour government and am now going to be a lifetime supporter in the elections, another released prisoner who was meant to have been jailed for a series of violent rapes, barked in jubilation. I think Ill have another sesh tonight in the dark streets somewhere. I cant control my urges, he added gleefully, making lurid groping gestures with his hands and salivating. Party atmosphere outside HMP Wandsworth as criminals are being released to make way for social media posters. UK pic.twitter.com/NPTOaPJvaw WhySoSerious (@Kristo40137756) September 10, 2024 Its nice to know that the victims of these criminals and the lives of the public will be a lot safer today. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also praised the criminals for their hard work in creating more crime and being released early to create even more crime. I am so happy for the inmates, we need more crime in our cities, especially London. I sincerely wish these criminals a joyous time as they commit more heinous crimes. Dalhousie plans to begin site preparation for a new student residence in Halifax next spring to increase student housing capacity on campus. The six-storey facility, expected to open in 2027, will accommodate approximately 200 students and be located behind the Dalhousie Arts Centre in the heart of Studley Campus. Dals Board of Governors approved proceeding with the detailed design of a new residence at a meeting in late August. A request for proposal is being released Monday (Sept. 9), inviting teams of architecture and building firms to bid on project design and construction. "Last fall, we committed to breaking ground on new student housing within 24 months. Twelve months later, we are excited to announce this new residence, which aims to provide students with more housing options and support the growth of vibrant, sustainable communities in our province, says Dalhousie President Kim Brooks. Dalhousie is required under its funding arrangement with the Province of Nova Scotia to add near-term capacity and have plans to provide accommodations for at least 15 per cent of its student population. The construction of this new residence will achieve that target based on current enrolment. Increasing options for students The chosen site for the new residence, an L-shaped piece of land bordering Henry and Seymour Streets, provides a central on-campus location close to University Avenue and other Dalhousie buildings. Housing options will include furnished one-bedroom nano-units, standard one-bedroom units, and other configurations equipped with in-suite kitchen, bathroom and possibly laundry facilities addressing feedback from students for more apartment-style options for on-campus living. We know that many upper year students who wish to live near campus are challenged to find housing. We heard what students were interested in and are excited to offer more housing options that will appeal to upper-year and mature students, says Linda Parker, assistant vice president of housing and campus connections. To make room for the residence, a collection of small houses known as Mini-Residence that currently sit on part of the site will be removed in spring 2025 following the current academic year. Dalhousies Environmental Health and Safety Office and the Dalhousie Faculty Association, currently located on the site, will be relocated to new spaces prior to construction. While the total cost of construction has yet to be determined, the project will ultimately be financed using external debt and repaid through residence fees. Further details will be shared as we move through the project design phase. Mid Ulster District Council has announced that it will begin the pre-application notice period in the process of developing a new Wetland Park in Maghera. The Planning Department have been notified today that a major planning application will be submitted once pre-application consultation with local residents, community organisations and businesses has been completed. The Council has successfully secured 9.1m from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' Levelling Up Fund to support the regeneration of Maghera to include a town centre Public Realm Scheme, the redevelopment of the former High School site as a Business Park, and the creation of a Wetland Park. The new wetland site will add more green space to the town which many are sure to welcome. Enhancing biodiversity through habitat creation will be an important aspect of developing the area. READ NEXT: Local food business ran by Derry father-and-son duo score huge contract with Aldi Other key features which will be considered in the development of the site will include a high-quality walking trail network to allow visitors to explore the site and experience nature. As well as this, a natural play area for children to engage and play creatively in a natural setting and nature interaction points with integrated seating and platforms to allow viewing and pond dipping. There should also be an installation of a bird hide, a covered outdoor event space and picnic facilities, and a dog exercise area. On Wednesday 16 October, there will be a drop-in public information day in Maghera Leisure Centre, from 12-8pm. This will allow members of the public to speak directly with the team involved in the development of the Wetland Park designs. Following this, concept designs will be on display at Maghera Leisure Centre until the end of November. There will also be a dedicated website page with details of the proposed development and anyone can give feedback via email. A protest will be held in Derry this week opposing the cut to the winter fuel payment. More than nine million pensioners across the UK will no longer be eligible for up to 300 this winter after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the introduction of means-testing following Labour's election win. The move to the cut the allowance has proved controversial. Derry and Strabane People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said he has been contacted by 'distressed and angry constituents' following the Chancellor's announcement. He urged Derry residents to attend Thursday evenings rally in Guildhall Square at 6pm. Cllr Harkin said: "I've been contacted by distressed and angry constituents and support organisations calling for action in response to the cruel cut to Winter Fuel Payments. "Derry City and Strabane District Council agreed to make a clear demand on Westminster and the Stormont Executive for the cut to be reversed. "However, if we want to influence government policies, motions aren't enough. We need to back it up with action. "We need to put feet on the street to undo this decision. "The cut to the Winter Fuel Payment is a travesty. It will hurt thousands of older people, many of whom are very vulnerable. It's not necessary, it's a political choice. "Getting access to Pension Credit isn't a solution for all because many who need the winter fuel payment aren't below the threshold cut-off. "The DfC Minister must be held to account on the failure of the Communities Department to carry out a Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) before deciding to implement further austerity. "The Guildhall rally is supported by Older People North West, anti-poverty campaigns, community groups, Women's rights organisations, trade unions and Councillors. "This is part of a widening action campaign to protect older people. "We urge everyone to stand with older people across Derry and the entire North and build united resistance to this cruel cut." A mobile liver screening roadshow will make its way to Guildhall Square on Thursday 19 September which will allow people in Derry to have their liver checked for free. People are being encouraged to visit the mobile unit and be checked for potential liver disease. The British Liver Trust has warned that one in ten adults in Derry may be unknowingly walking around with liver disease as there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. This mobile liver screening roadshow will offer people a free liver scan which involves using a non-invasive device. There will also be expert guidance on preventative measures you can take in order to keep your liver healthy. Nine in ten cases of liver disease are preventable with the main causes being obesity, alcohol and viral hepatitis. READ NEXT: Derry protest to take place opposing winter fuel payment cuts Chief Executive of British Liver Trust, Pamela Healy, said "One in three of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate. Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often dont realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible." She added that: "The Love Your Liver roadshow is a great opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease. Approximately 10% of the people we scan need to have further checks." The British Liver Trusts Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps you can take to keep your liver healthy: 1. Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off from alcohol every week 2. Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and do more exercise 3. Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk The roadshow will also be travelling to Belfast and Enniskillen. On Monday 16 September, the mobile unit will be outside City Hall at Donegal Square in Belfast. Then on Wednesday 18 September, the roadshow will arrive at Wellington Road Car Park in Enniskillen. If you cant attend any of these events, you can still find out if you are at risk and check your liver health online by doing an online screening test. A Stormont minister has said he is continuing to engage with Executive colleagues over the delay in adopting Northern Irelands first environment strategy. Environment Minister Andrew Muir said his department is facing legal challenges over the failure to approve the Environmental Improvement Plan. Mr Muir also provided MLAs with an update on his action plan to deal with the environmental crisis at Lough Neagh at ministerial question time on Monday. The UKs environmental watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection, is examining the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) over the failure to approve the plan. Providing an update to the Assembly, Mr Muir said the Environmental Improvement Plan would become Northern Irelands first environment strategy. He added: There was a legal obligation for that to be adopted of July of last year. Upon taking office in February I brought that to the Executive in March, and I will continue to engage with the Executive colleagues to secure the adoption of that. Subsequent to me bringing the paper in March, the office of Environmental Protection has commenced an investigation as a result of the failure to adopt the environmental improvement plan. There are also legal challenges which have been lodged with my department around that. Mr Muir also updated MLAs on his plan for Lough Neagh, stating that attention had turned to implementing the actions. Noxious blooms of blue-green algae covered large parts of the lough last summer and also affected other waterways and beaches in the region. The algae returned this summer. The UK and Irelands largest freshwater lake provides more than 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water and supports Europes largest commercial eel fishery. It also drains around 40% of Northern Irelands land, of which three-quarters is agricultural. Mr Muir said: Good progress has been made on a number of actions, including for example the development of a Lough Neagh science platform, the launch of two small business research initiatives and the implementation of the inter-agency blue green algae monitoring protocol. While the action plan offers a comprehensive approach it acknowledges that achieving substantial recovery will take many years through the complex nature of the issues at Lough Neagh. There is a significant amount of work to do alongside our stakeholders, which will take both time and resources. I am firmly committed to ensuring the implementation of the action plan as quickly as possible. SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone asked what the projected overall cost of the action plan was, and how much funding had been secured to date. Mr Muir said he was working with officials to establish the cost. He said: There are a significant range of actions which need to be taken; you have got the investment required in wastewater infrastructure, that is a significant investment needed, but also the interventions around agriculture. What I have done in this year is reallocated resources within my department towards Lough Neagh and the interventions that are required. The cost of repairing and remediating the damage in Lough Neagh is way in excess of what it would have been if this situation hadnt been allowed to develop in the first place. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be a major contributory factor in the blue-green algae blooms. The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role in the blooms, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating more algal photosynthesis. Climate change is another factor cited. TV panel prices to stabilize following October production cuts Despite the lackluster third-quarter peak season and stagnant end-user demand, leading Chinese panel manufacturers have announced a two-week production cut during the National Day holiday. This move has shifted some demand forward to September, temporarily easing the price decline of mid-to-small-sized LCD TV panels. Panel industry insiders anticipate that LCD TV panel prices will hold steady in October, though future pricing trends hinge on sales performance during Singles Day and the traditional year-end peak season. Weak demand during the third-quarter peak season has prompted TV manufacturers to make further downward revisions to their forecasts, resulting in steeper declines in LCD TV panel prices in August. Leading Chinese panel makers, including Boe Technology, TCL China Star, and HKC, have responded with plans for production cuts and factory shutdowns during the National Day holiday. Industry sources indicate that Boe and HKC will shut down their factories before the National Day holiday, with TCL China Star extending its closure beyond the holiday. The two-week production halt will reduce panel supply in late September and early October, advancing their production cut targets. From June to August, Chinas 8.5 and 10.5-generation panel factories operated at around 75% to 80% capacity. Following the planned production cuts, utilization rates at leading manufacturers such as Boe, TCL China Star, and HKC are expected to drop to 50% in October, helping to alleviate panel oversupply and mitigate the downward pressure on prices. Experts predict that these production cuts will temporarily restore the balance between supply and demand, stabilizing LCD TV panel prices in the short term. However, any potential price increases will depend on negotiations between panel makers and device manufacturers. Sales during Chinas Singles Day, as well as year-end peak seasons in Europe and the USparticularly Black Friday and the holiday seasonwill also be key factors. Notably, this large-scale production cut during the National Day holiday marks the second significant production control measure implemented by panel manufacturers in 2024. These controls are expected to become a regular practice moving forward. Though production cuts help panel manufacturers maintain prices and profits, they have adverse effects on brand companies. With reduced production, brands shift their focus to high-end products, shrinking the overall TV market size and potentially curbing demand. This scenario may require more frequent production cuts, potentially triggering a vicious cycle that the industry must carefully evaluate to avoid. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Apple Intelligence takes slow and gradual approach at launch, with clear emphasis on user privacy At Apple's September keynote event, on top of the announcement of the new iPhone 16 series and new additions to the Apple Watch and AirPods product lineups, all the attention is on Apple Intelligence. While Apple confirmed that the iPhone 16 series is "built from the ground up" for Apple Intelligence, the AI features will be available in beta next month and likely won't fully arrive until the first quarter of 2025. Craig Federighi, SVP of Software Engineering at Apple, announced that Apple Intelligence will be "available as a free software update." The initial set of features will start rolling out next month with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features to follow in subsequent months. The update will initially support US English in most regions worldwide, with localized English versions for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK slated for December. Additional languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, are scheduled for release next year. Federighi emphasized that this launch is just the beginning, with ongoing efforts to enhance personal intelligence in users' daily experiences. Emphasis on AI privacy Throughout the presentation for Apple Intelligence, it is clear that Apple places a high priority on ensuring user privacy when using its AI features. A cornerstone of Apple Intelligence is on-device processing, and for more complex requests that require more computing power, Private Cloud Compute offers secure and private access to larger generative models. Federighi highlighted three ways that Private Cloud Compute helps with user privacy. Firstly, users' data is never stored or shared with Apple. Secondly, it is used only to fulfill users' requests. Lastly, independent experts can inspect the code to verify this privacy promise. He claims this is "an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI." In addition, for users who choose to access third-party AI services like ChatGPT, Apple offers built-in privacy protections: IP addresses are obscured, and OpenAI won't store requests. Users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT's data-use policies only apply to those who choose to connect their accounts. All in all, users control when third-party tools are used and what information is shared. Visual Intelligence and Camera Control One of the more notable upcoming features of Apple Intelligence is the so-called visual intelligence, created specifically for the iPhone 16. It utilizes the iPhone 16's new Camera Control button. Users can click and hold Camera Control and point their iPhones at their surroundings to quickly learn about them. They can point at a restaurant they passed by to pull up its opening hours and ratings, as well as options to check out the menu or book a reservation. They can point to an event flyer to add said event to their calendar. with details like event title, time, date, and location all automatically inputted. Camera Control will also serve as a gateway into third-party tools with specific domain expertise, like when users want to search on Google to find where to buy an item or use ChatGPT to solve problems. Reiterating the emphasis on privacy, Federighi claimed, "All of this is done privately using a combination of on-device intelligence and Apple services that never store your images." Other upcoming AI features There are several other Apple Intelligence features set to arrive on iPhones in the coming months, each offering different ways to enhance users' personal experience. With Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps. In Photos, the Memories feature now enables users to create the movies they want to see by simply typing a description. In addition, natural language can be used to search for specific photos, and searching in videos gets more powerful with the ability to find specific moments in clips. In the Notes and Phone apps, users can record, transcribe, and summarize audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call in the Phone app, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence also generates a summary to help recall key points. Apple Intelligence also helps users summarize notifications across apps and push up notifications with high priority that might need immediate attention. A similar feature will be available in Mail as well, as the content of emails is summarized and time-sensitive messages are surfaced. The voice assistant Siri is expected to become more natural, flexible, and deeply integrated into the system experience. SEMICON India 2024: Taiwanese firms urged to act amid closing investment window Ahead of Semicon India 2024, scheduled from September 11-13, 2024 in New Delhi, Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, Director General of the India Taipei Association, spoke with DIGITIMES Asia about why now is the prime time for Taiwanese companies to invest in India. He emphasized that Taiwan should capitalize on the momentum of the five ongoing semiconductor projects in India, warning that the substantial incentives supporting these plants offered by the Indian government may not be available for long. With around US$25 billion already committed to semiconductor fabrication and packaging, Yadav called for more Taiwanese participation, stressing the untapped potential. "We have 650 booths this year, with 250 semiconductor companies attending, showing global interest in India's semiconductor sector," he said. However, only four Taiwanese companies have confirmed their participation. Yadav sees this as a missed opportunity, noting, "Taiwan has a great story in semiconductors, and this is an opportunity for them to further expand their market." Approved semiconductor projects in India Company and Partner location Project Investment Tata Electronics & PSMC (Taiwan) Dholera, Gujarat Wafer Fab US$11 billion Tata Electronics Jagiroad, Assam OSAT US$3.25 billion CG Power & Renesas (Japan) & Star Microelectronics (Thailand) Sanand, Gujarat OSAT US$917 million Micron (US) Sanand, Gujarat OSAT US$2.75 billion Kaynes Semicon Sanand, Gujarat OSAT US$400 million Source: ITA, compiled by DIGITIMES Asia Message to Taiwanese firms India's largest semiconductor project, a US$11 billion wafer fabrication planta collaboration between Tata and Taiwan's PSMCmarks the country's first commercial fab. Yadav praised the venture as a strong start for Taiwan-India partnerships. Additionally, with over US$15 billion invested in semiconductor packaging, he believes India is rapidly becoming a hub in this sector. Yadav pointed out that Taiwanese companies, beyond major players like Foxconn and PSMC, are showing increasing interest in the market. He mentioned that advanced discussions are underway for memory and display fabs, as well as a potential foundry to set up operations in India. Though he refrained from naming specific companies, Yadav was optimistic about the materialization of these partnerships soon. Central to his message was the urgency for Taiwanese firms to take advantage of India's semiconductor subsidies. "We have implemented two rounds of incentives, offering up to 70% in capital subsidies for investments," he explained. However, he warned that these subsidies might not be available indefinitely, urging companies to move quickly. "There should be a FOMO (fear of missing out) among Taiwanese firmsif they don't invest soon, they could miss the opportunity. After US$25-30 billion in investments, subsidies may no longer be available," says the Director General. Opportunities for Taiwanese firms Yadav outlined key areas where Taiwanese companies could benefit. "The fab project will require a significant supply chain, and there is a huge opportunity for Taiwanese suppliers to become part of that ecosystem," he explained. He further stressed that Taiwan could capitalize on the groundwork laid by the first fab, easing the entry for future ventures. Taiwan's expertise in semiconductor packaging also aligns with India's growing market. Micron Technology and Tata, along with several other major firms, are already developing advanced packaging facilities. "The packaging industry is coming up quickly, and Taiwanese companies should consider India for their advanced packaging needs," Yadav said. Yadav believes India's potential in AI development is another avenue for Taiwanese firms to explore, especially as Indian startups push into AI chip design. "This is the right time for Taiwanese companies to move into the AI space in India," Yadav said. Tapping into Indian talent Yadav also highlighted India's rich pool of engineering talent, noting that 20% of the world's design talent is Indian. He emphasized that more than a hundred Indian universities now offer semiconductor-related courses, and partnerships with Taiwanese universities are helping cultivate the next generation of engineers. These efforts, he said, will not only bolster India's semiconductor industry but also support the global ecosystem. "We're producing tens of thousands of semiconductor engineers annually," Yadav stated, adding that major Taiwanese companies like MediaTek and TSMC are already hiring in India. He encouraged more Taiwanese firms to follow suit, citing a recent conversation with SEMI President Ajit Manocha, where he assured that any skills shortage in the semiconductor sector could be addressed by tapping into India's talent pool. International collaboration Yadav underscored India's comprehensive approach to international semiconductor partnerships, positioning the country as both a collaborator and provider. "We view these relationships as a two-way street," he noted, pointing to strategic collaborations with Taiwan, the US, Japan, and other key players. India aims to co-develop the semiconductor industry while supplying its partners with the resources they need, whether in terms of talent or technology. "Trust is key in the supply chain, and building that trust through collaboration is critical, especially among democratic nations." When discussing Taiwan's potential role in India's semiconductor ecosystem, Yadav highlighted the natural synergy between the two countries. "Taiwan is one of our most trusted and preferred partners," he said, stressing the complementary strengths in hardware and software. Taiwan leads in fabrication, packaging, and testing, while India has its strengths in software, design, and talent development. "Both countries together can create a strong value chain across the entire semiconductor spectrum," he added, suggesting that this partnership can play a transformative role in the global semiconductor landscape. Commercial and energy sustainability Yadav addressed the commercial sustainability of semiconductor plants, citing India's strategic geographic location and strong international business relationships. "India is close to major markets like the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and we have robust ties with the US," he said. He assured potential investors that India's government is committed to making all semiconductor projects commercially viable and sustainable. In addition, Yadav emphasized India's strong commitment to sustainable energy, particularly for semiconductor manufacturing, which is highly energy-intensive. He pointed out that by 2030, India aims to generate 500 gigawatts of renewable energy, ensuring a reliable supply of clean power for semiconductor plants. "India is uniquely positioned to offer almost unlimited renewable energy to semiconductor companies," Yadav said, highlighting specific initiatives such as the Dholera project. This region will benefit from a mix of energy sources, including a nearby solar energy park, a nuclear power station, and conventional power plants. "Electricity supply will not be an issue, and renewable energy is a major advantage for companies setting up in India," he assured. Additionally, he pointed out that India is continuously expanding its nuclear energy capabilities, commissioning one reactor per year for the foreseeable future. The Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), in particular, offers a strategic advantage for semiconductor investors. "Dholera has vast land availability and excellent connectivity with international airports and high-speed rail," Yadav noted. He added that the region is already home to packaging and testing operations, making it an ideal location for a fully integrated semiconductor hub. "With companies like Foxconn and Pegatron already there, it makes sense for fabs to be located in the same area, ensuring that everything from packaging to final assembly can be done in one place." The timing is now Yadav concluded by emphasizing India's large and growing domestic market. "India's economy, now close to US$4 trillion, has already outpaced ASEAN. With a unified taxation system and free trade zones, any company that establishes itself in India can access this vast market," he said. In closing, Yadav expressed optimism about the future of India's semiconductor industry, particularly as it continues to build its supply chain ecosystem. He reassured potential investors about India's stability and commitment to its international partnerships. "The time is now for Taiwanese companies to invest in India's semiconductor industry. The infrastructure is ready, the talent is there, and the incentives won't last forever," he urged, highlighting India's readiness to become a global semiconductor hub. Yuezhou fan shines brightly amid inheritance efforts People's Daily Online) 10:01, September 10, 2024 Yuezhou fans, alongside Hangzhou fans and Suzhou fans, are collectively known as the three great fans of China, with a history spanning nearly 400 years. In 2021, Yuezhou fan-making was included in the extended list of the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage projects. Despite their small size, these fans are meticulously crafted, embodying a wealth of knowledge. Liu Zhengwen, founder of the Baling Fan studio, is a renowned Yuezhou fan maker in Yueyang city, central China's Hunan Province. The 72-year-old started to make fans in 1966. The craft of Yuezhou fan making involves 72 steps, each requiring high technical standards and all essential in the manufacturing process. Liu is one of the few experts in Yueyang who has mastered the skills through apprenticeship and hard work. Liu Zhengwen works on a Yuezhou fan. (People's Daily/Yang Xun) In the 1990s, the widespread adoption of electric fans and air conditioners led to a decline in the use of traditional fans, impacting fan production and sales. Liu found himself at a loss in this challenging situation. Once, Liu read an article titled "The Art of Fans" by Feng Zikai, which stated, "Fans in China are a particularly developed form of calligraphy and painting." This realization led him to understand that although fewer people might use fans for cooling due to technological advancements, the craftsmanship and collectible value of fans endure. Liu started to immerse himself in the art of fans by incorporating painting and calligraphy on them. He utilized a bamboo variety with a speckled texture for the fan framework and collaborated with renowned artists to design fan surfaces featuring iconic landmarks in Hunan. The meticulous craftsmanship resulted in elegant and artistic fans, showcasing their collectible value. Photo shows a Yuezhou fan inheritance and demonstration base located in Yueyang city, central China's Hunan Province. (People's Daily/Yang Xun) In 2008, the Baling Fan Studio created a fan featuring the five Olympic rings. The fan was designated by the organizing committee of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as a gift for foreign heads of state and dignitaries, reigniting interest in Yuezhou fans. In 2011, Liu was named a master of arts and crafts of Hunan Province. In October 2018, he was named a provincial-level inheritor of Yuezhou fan making techniques. Today, Liu's son, Liu Yuejun, and daughter, Liu Yuechun, are also actively engaged in innovatively inheriting the craft of Yuezhou fan making. Liu Zhengwen's son, Liu Yuejun, showcases a fan featuring the five Olympic rings, which was designated as a gift for foreign heads of state and dignitaries during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. (People's Daily/Yang Xun) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Focus Ireland is calling on Cork business leaders to highlight the nations homelessness crisis by sleeping out in aid of charity next month. The organisation issued an open letter, signed by Pat Dennigan, its CEO, supported by Bord Gais Energy, to the heads of all Irish businesses, asking them to use their resources and innovative capabilities to alleviate Irelands housing and homelessness issue by participating in a fundraising sleep-out. The event, in honour of Shine A Light, will take place at Cork City Gaol on October 11. Mr Dennigan said: Sleeping out for one night is not the same as experiencing homelessness, but it is a chance for people to show they care and stand in solidarity with over 14,429 people now homeless in Ireland. The number of people supported by Focus Ireland rose 12% last year, which included 680 households in Cork, who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. At the end of February, 569 adults were homeless in Cork and 183 children recognised as homeless in Cork and Kerry. In his letter, Mr Dennigan said homelessness is one of the most pressing social issues facing Ireland today, describing the most recent homelessness figures as heartbreaking. Despite Irelands current economic prosperity, homelessness in Ireland is now higher than at any point in recent history. By shining a light on this critical issue and raising vital funds to help take more people out of homelessness, together we can help reassure people experiencing homelessness that they are not forgotten, Mr Dennigan said. Director of assets at Bord Gais Energy in Cork, Denis OSullivan, said: Im incredibly proud that Bord Gais Energy is once again sponsoring Focus Irelands Shine A Light sleep out event. Although tackling homelessness can feel overwhelming, the sleep-out [event] shows that we can all make a meaningful impact, Mr OSullivan said. Ive had the privilege of participating several times at various sleep-out locations across the county, [and] while it wasnt the most comfortable night, it was a truly meaningful and humbling experience, he added. This October, were aiming for our biggest turnout yet, and Im hopeful that the business community of Cork will join us at the sleep out. The frequency and reliability of local bus services will be on the agenda at two public meetings this week at Glen Rovers tonight and Farranree Community Centre on Wednesday. Both meetings will begin at 7.30pm. TD Thomas Gould told The Echo: We know that the buses are a huge issue across Blackpool, the Glen, Mayfield, Farranree, Knocknaheeny, and Ballyvolane. We hope that people will be able to attend the meeting closest to them as figures weve received show that the 202 and 208 are both supposed to be high frequency buses but are, on average, five minutes late to their stop. At least one in every three buses for the 201, 203 and 207 routes are not at their stop on time. All of these routes are skipping stops or portions of their route regularly, Mr Gould said. I have been in contact with Bus Eireann and the National Transport Authority but I feel that they dont understand the impact this is having on people. I have invited them to these meetings because I think we need to hear from people. I am encouraging anyone who has been left waiting at a bus stop, who has been late to work or college, or who has been worried about a loved one stranded in town with no bus to bring them home, to come along to the meeting, he said. We need them to see just how frustrated we all are with the bus service. A Bus Eireann spokesperson told The Echo last week that it apologises to affected customers for any inconvenience caused by delays. Congestion means delays to services and can have a knock-on effect on the service as it operates throughout its journey. Currently, just 2% of the kilometres travelled by our vehicles in Cork are in bus lanes, they said. They also cited illegal parking and driver shortages. Read More Teenager rescued after fall on rocks at popular Cork swimming spot Culture Night exhibition Dance Cork Firkin Crane will be celebrating Culture Night on Friday, September 20. The venue said: Join us as we open the doors to our current Crane Visual exhibition, Possible Life by Chris Doris, a little later than usual to celebrate Culture Night 2024. Take the opportunity to visit the exhibition and view the art works. The exhibition curator, Dermot Browne, will be on hand during the evening. The exhibition will be open from 4.30 pm with last entry at 7pm. A movie afternoon will be held at Roches Buildings Resource Centre at 1pm on October 30. Entry is free. Male panto dancer needed The Everyman and CADA Performing Arts are looking for a versatile male dancer for this years panto ensemble, skilled in jazz and musical theatre. They must be over 18 to apply. Send your show reel to info@cadaperformingarts.ie. Street parade volunteer call The Dragon of Shandon is not far away and preparations are in full swing with volunteers needed. Cork Community Art Link who curate the event said: If youre looking for opportunities to volunteer and get involved in making, we will be holding our open workshop hours starting 10th September. Every Tues, Wed and Thurs for the next eight weeks our workshop will be open to pop in from 2-5pm. Anyone over the age of 18, interested in learning how to make props, floats and costumes for the parade is welcome. No experience necessary. For more information, email at dragonofshandoninfo@gmail.com or call on 021 4553747. Super Stars Studio host open day for performers Fionn and Aisling at the Super Stars Studio. Parish lotto jackpot for grabs The parish lotto jackpot remains at the sum of 20,000, with a 400 consolation prize. You can watch the winners draw today on the Blackpool Facebook page at: facebook.com/bbgparish, or on the cathedral Facebook page at facebook.com/corkcathedral. Tickets are available on the parishs website and Facebook pages for the next four draws. Tickets are available after all mass services. All proceeds from the lotto go back into running the parish. Historian of the Year award A local man has been awarded Historian of the Year by the Lord Mayor. Blackpool native Tom Foley was born in 1943 and grew up near the Grotto, on Dublin St. In 1994, Tom together with Jim Fitzpatrick and several others established the Blackpool Historical Society, which operated out of the Blackpool Community Centre. Over the years, they organised a great deal of exhibitions and lectures and built up an expansive photographic collection of Blackpool. They have published two books and have produced a DVD, Blackpool to the Fore. Have Blackpool, Shandon and Ballyvolane news to share? Contact Robert.McNamara@theecho.ie A lengthy debate on incidents of antisocial behaviour in the city centre took place at a full meeting of Cork City Council yesterday evening, culminating in an agreement that the council will write to the Justice Minister calling for extra manpower, resources, and funding to An Garda Siochana in Cork. The debate arose from a motion tabled by Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan. It proposed that the council would write to Justice Minister Helen McEntee calling on her to consider certain measures to tackle the antisocial behaviour and open drug use that is occurring on a daily basis on the streets of Cork. Among the measures proposed was a greater allocation of gardai and an increase in the maximum sentence for offences such as threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour in a public place, intoxication in a public place, and aggressive begging. Speaking on the motion, Mr OCallaghan said he believes that the city centre has become unrecognisable in recent years due to the level of antisocial behaviour of open drinking and open drug taking, claiming that the matter is getting worse. The South Central ward councillor also said there should be an increased level of investment in homeless services and addiction services. Social Democrats councillor Padraig Rice said while he supported the call for an increased garda allocation to Cork, he disagreed with the suggestions around sentencing. We have to tackle dereliction, we have to tackle urban decay, we have to bring people back in, create vibrancy in our city centre, create more community spaces and end homelessness and simply locking people up for longer periods of time will not solve the problems, he said. Fianna Fail councillor Mary Rose Desmond said an increased garda allocation for Cork city was needed to support local gardai working flat to the mat. Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy proposed an amendment that the council would write to the minister calling on her to consider more effective measures to tackle antisocial behaviour and open drug use including the allocation of extra manpower, resources and funding to An Garda Siochana in Cork with the goal of ensuring that there is an increased garda presence on the streets of Cork. The amendment was passed by councillors with 21 for and five against. Cork County Council is inviting the public to have their say on the proposed route for the Cork-to-Kinsale greenway The project, which is funded by Transport Infrastructure Irelands (TII) Greenway Programme, is at phase-two-options selection. This involves examining potential route corridors to determine a preferred path for the greenway. Five route-corridor options and two links for the proposed greenway have been developed from a public consultation in February and the completion of the phase-one, concept-and-feasibility stage. The project aims to improve access to several significant tourist attractions and to potentially include the refurbishment of the Chetwynd viaduct and Ballinhassig tunnel. This is a significant project that aims to provide a sustainable, accessible, safe and attractive greenway for locals and visitors to travel between two important tourist locations, said Fianna Fail councillor Joe Carroll, the mayor of Co Cork. I am encouraging members of the public to have their say, to view the maps, and to engage with the team behind this project. It is vital that we have community input at every stage. During phase two, all feasible corridor options will be examined and interrogated to identify a preferred route. The progression of the project, to phase three and beyond, is subject to TII approval and funding availability, as well as to the necessary statutory consents, including planning, being secured. The online public consultation is now open to submissions, via www.corkkinsalegreenway.ie, and will be available until October 13. Two in-person events will also be held in relation to the project, with the first meeting at The Viaduct Restaurant and Bar, on the Old Bandon Rd, on September 17, from 1pm to 8pm. The second meeting will be held at Actons Hotel in Kinsale on September 18, from 1pm to 8pm. Submissions can also be made by post to Greenways, Cork National Roads Office, Richmond, Glanmire, Cork, T45 WA44. A member of Cork County Council has said it is difficult to believe that there is no direct bus link between Cork Airport, described as the countrys fastest-growing airport, and the city centre. Speaking at yesterdays meeting of the council, Carrigaline Fianna Fail councillor Seamus McGrath called on the National Transport Authority to support such a service. He said the current system, which sees the airport as a stop between the city centre and Kinsale, was not satisfactory and what was needed was an extended hours, direct service between the facility and Cork. Cork Airport is the fastest growing airport in Ireland and is on course for 11% growth this year, and is on course to reach the milestone of 3m passengers this year, he said. It is fantastic news and a great success story. Its difficult to believe that we do not have a direct, dedicated shuttle link between the airport and the city centre where you can, for example, connect with the bus station and the train station for onward travel. The councillor said the council should write to the National Transport Authority seeking such a direct shuttle link. We have some service between the airport and the city, via local bus routes, the 225 and the 226, but obviously its not a dedicated service and many passengers getting on at the airport will find that the bus is quite full of passengers already, he said. The longer the route is the more potential you have for delays. A dedicated shuttle service between an international airport and the city is vital. Also what the airport would like to see is an extended-hours service, as the airport is a 24/7 operation. Other councillors were in agreement with Mr McGrath. Crosshaven-based councillor Audrey Buckley recounted having to drive to the airport to pick people up who had arrived on their way to Cork Week, as to give them instructions as to how make their onward journey would have been too complicated. I didnt realise there wasnt one until I was looking for it, she said. Corks Lavit Gallery will be participating in Culture Night next week, offering two free tours of its current exhibition, Civilisation Blooming at 6pm and 7pm. Culture Night is a free, national celebration of culture which occurs annually is taking place this year on the evening of Friday, September 20. Housed in a 19th century former maltings building on Wandesford Quay, alongside fellow arts organisations Backwater Artists Group and Cork Printmakers, Lavit Gallery features a large main gallery as well as spectacular vault spaces which are being used to show a stop-motion animation that forms part of the exhibition. Cork-based artists Deirdre Frost and Seiko Hayase have collaborated in producing a cross-cultural exhibition Civilisation Blooming, a project that sees the two artists venture into new media and establish a synergistic practice. For further information, seehttps://lavitgallery.com/ . A Cork man last month completed a 300km cycle in aid of those living with epidermolysis bullosa. Ballinlough native Damian Riordan joined his colleague, Dubliner Gary OCallaghan on August 29 to undertake the 300km cycle from the capital to Cork, raising funds for the 300 people in Ireland living with epidermolysis bullosa. Mr OCallaghan, a director in business consulting at EY Ireland, was inspired to take on the challenge when his niece Sienna was born with epidermolysis bullosa simplex earlier this year. Sienna was born with no skin on her arms from her shoulders down and on her legs from her thighs down. The condition, caused by a lack of protein between the skins layers, results in extremely painful blisters. Mr OCallaghan highlighted that nurses did not immediately identify the condition at birth, which showed him the urgent need to raise awareness. All funds raised from the cycle, which was completed across two days, will go towards Irelands national epidermolysis bullosa charity, Debra. Mr OCallaghan said: My sister gave birth to this beautiful baby girl and, although epidermolysis bullosa was something I was slightly aware of, I only then learned that there was no cure. Having that outside-in perspective of seeing my sister Sarah and her husband Sahil really struck a chord with me after she came back from hospital. The support my colleagues, like Damian, have shown me is overwhelming from the dedication they put into training each weekend, as well as the more than 16,000 weve raised to date. Given that there are only 300 people in Ireland with [the condition], it isnt surprising that not that many people are aware, he added. Setting out to do 300km ... was all about raising awareness and vital funds for this condition. To make a donation to Mr OCallaghans iDonate page, visit: www.idonate.ie/event/cycledublintocork. More than 30 community-led climate action projects in Cork are set to benefit from over 1m in funding. Cork County Council announced that the 31 approved projects will benefit from funding totalling 1,000,265 under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP). Among the projects benefitting from the fund are a pilot food waste collection scheme on a West Cork island, new bike racks made from recycled wind turbine blades in North Cork, and the installation of solar PV panels on community buildings across the county. The new CCAP has been developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to address climate change at the local level. It is really positive to see such a wide selection and range of projects from across all corners of Cork county receiving substantial funding, Mayor of Cork County, Joe Carroll, said. It is a testament to the strong and beneficial work being undertaken by our many vibrant and active community groups. Vital Environment, Climate and Communications Minister Eamon Ryan said: I am delighted to support these vital local projects under the Community Climate Action Programme, a landmark fund which is making 24m available to climate action projects across Ireland, alongside a 3m contribution from the Governments Shared Island Fund. Communities and local authorities know best the climate actions that work for their area and can deliver the most effective climate solutions on the ground. I look forward to seeing the transformative effect these projects will have. Cork County Council chief executive Moira Murrell said the allocation of over 1m in funding to groups in Cork emphasises Cork County Councils continued and enduring commitment to empowering local communities to take action. It is encouraging to see the range of community-led climate action projects being delivered in our county, and we look forward to continuing to work with the department to support the provision of targeted climate action funding for our community groups, she said. The list of projects approved for funding under Strand 1 of the CCAP are available to view at https://www.corkcoco.ie. A ruse to ask for permission to use a pub toilet, only to burgle an upstairs staff room, has resulted in the culprit being jailed. Antonio Arundel, aged 34, pleaded guilty to carrying out the burglary. Judge Mary Dorgan sentenced him to five months in prison at Cork District Court. Antonio Arundel, of 54 Shannon Lawn, Mayfield, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court where he pleaded guilty to carrying out the crime. Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident was captured on CCTV. He entered the Shelbourne Bar on MacCurtain St, Cork, on June 25 and asked to use the toilet. He entered and then left the toilet and proceeded to enter the staff locker room. Staff went to look for the man and met him leaving the staff room where he had no permission to be. Items were missing from the staff room. Security arrived, and the man handed over all property from his pockets, consisting of two sets of keys, a wallet containing numerous bank cards and IDs, a bottle of aftershave, and 8 in loose change. The court was told that he had 46 previous convictions, including one for burglary. He also pleaded guilty to a number of other offences committed recently. On August 13, he was found to be drunk and a source of danger at Grattan Hill, Cork, and when gardai searched him afterwards he was found to have a flick-knife in his pocket. On the same date he stole alcohol at Carry Out off licence at Ballyhooley Rd, Cork. Finally, he had 140 worth of cocaine for his own use. Mr Arundel was represented by solicitor Shane Collins-Daly who said that the accused had a longstanding difficulty with alcohol. Unfortunately, he never dealt with it, and gets himself into difficulties, Mr Collins-Daly said. His mother died three years ago, which had a terrible effect on him. On the night of the burglary at The Shelbourne, he took a drink and let things get on top of him. The number of births in Ireland has fallen by over 20% in the last 10 years, with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicating that between 2022 and 2023 alone, rates dropped by 5%. The main factors that impact on the birth rate are the number of women of childbearing age (15-49 years) and their fertility levels. With the total fertility rate falling steadily from a high of 4.03 in 1965 to 1.8 births per woman in 2023- the impact on future economic growth of an increasingly ageing population is causing alarm - not just in Ireland, but across high income states globally. At the same time, scant attention is being given to the reality that technological change is rapidly transforming work - with the potential to sever the historic link between the need for taxpaying workers to foster economic growth. New and innovative technology can be a force for good, or it can be extremely destructive. Our focus should be on ensuring that sweeping changes to the workforce benefit ordinary citizens and not just the 1% who own the technology. Added to that is the reality that continued exponential population growth on a planet with finite resources is unsustainable and potentially catastrophic. A study in The Lancet last March outlined how three out of four nations are projected to have fertility rates below population replacement birth rates by 2050. Plummeting fertility rates in most countries over the next 25 years will leave growth concentrated in a minority of low-income states in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia that will have far-reaching social and economic impacts, the research warns. The UN forecasts the global population could grow from 8 billion now to 9.7 billion in 2050, peaking at nearly 10.4 in the mid-2080s. Irelands total fertility rate is predicted to continue falling to 1.54 by 2050 and 1.4 by 2100. Researchers point out there is no silver bullet to mitigate the trends, although social policies like enhanced parental leave and free childcare could provide a small boost to fertility rates. The study focuses on the societal and economic headaches falling fertility rates will cause in developed countries; in terms of how economies will fund pensions and survive the loss of taxation resulting from so many workers leaving the workforce at the same time. The dependency ratio - the number of adults and children in the economy depending on tax revenue from a diminishing pool of workers - is seen as the key problem. The paper suggests there are three solutions - to raise fertility, reduce mortality, or increase migration- with only migration likely to have a significant impact. The reality is that, at a time of heightened migration in recent years aggravated by war, climate change and poverty, migration is viewed in most developed nations as an unsustainable hindrance to economic prosperity. In Its Okay To Be Angry About Capitalism, Bernie Sanders suggests artificial intelligence could provide the answer. But if we want technological change to benefit everyone rather than widening inequality, than we need to start preparing now. The robots are coming, artificial intelligence is expanding, yet no-one is doing enough to ensure workers benefit rather than losing out, wrote Sanders. We have the power to shape a future that puts the benefits of social, political, and technological progress to work for the working class. The challenge is to seize that power. Sanders states that the pace and direction of technological change cannot be left to the market. If workers are going to be replaced by robots, as will be the case in many industries, were going to need to adapt tax and regulatory policies to assure that the change does not simply become an excuse for the race-to-the-bottom profiteering by multi-national corporations. Microsofts Bill Gates agrees, suggesting if a robot replaces a human worker who does $50,000 worth of work in a factory, the robot should be taxed at the same level as the worker. Gates told Sanders the robot tax revenues could be used to pay for the retraining of people whose jobs are eliminated or downsized due to automation. He suggests the retraining could focus on jobs where human empathy and understanding are still very unique, such as care of the elderly, having smaller class sizes, or helping kids with special needs. A variation on the idea has been proposed in South Korea, one of the most rapidly automating countries in the world. In 2022, the government developed a tax reform plan that reduces tax credits for investment in automation technology. What is clear is that the arrival of AI will transform the dependency of ongoing economic growth on high numbers of people in the 15-65 year old age group to support the needs of increasing numbers of elderly within the global population. Once that question is resolved, the real dilemma is whether there are already too many humans on the planet, and whether falling fertility rates in developed countries globally, is a singular opportunity for the planet to realign itself within planetary boundaries and address wealth inequality. The biosphere supports the planet by providing food, water, oxygen, waste removal, a stable and temperate climate and protection from harmful solar radiation. These systems do not exist in isolation but are powerfully interconnected. You cant grow food without water and the distribution of water across the globe is dependent on a stable climate. When the human population grows to a point that puts these life- supporting systems under pressure, it has exceeded carrying capacity. In Being The Change, climate scientist Peter Kalmus asks if 8 billion humans (living and eating as were actually living and eating today) is beyond carrying capacity, what is the sustainable limit? Some evidence suggests the carrying capacity is about 4 billion. This estimate is based on the average area of land required to support one globally average person, including ecosystem services. If everyone on the planet was vegetarian, Kalmus suggests we could likely double the number of humans that could sustainably live on it. Because about a third of food is wasted, limiting this waste could potentially increase carrying capacity by another quarter - about one or two billion people. depending on whether we are meat or vegetarian eaters - by eliminating half of this waste. The real question about global fertility is not the threat to economies and society from a falling birth rate, but the absolute imperative for the fertility rate to fall exponentially - particularly in countries with the highest carbon footprints - if we are to have the remotest chance of preventing a global economy grounded in exponential growth from eating the planet alive. Rather than focusing on ways to maintain fertility rates to sustain economies, we need to look beyond consumerism to search for ways that populations can live on Earth in alignment with the fantastically complex biosphere we were born into. Dr Catherine Conlon is a public health doctor in Cork and former director of human health and nutrition, safefood Google has lost a seven-year battle with the European Commission as the EU's highest court upheld a $2.7 billion antitrust fine against the search giant, Reuters reported. Antitrust regulators originally levied the penalty against Google in 2017 for favoring its own shopping service against local rivals. "Google's strategy for its comparison shopping service wasn't just about attracting customers by making its product better than those of its rivals," EU commissioner Margrethe Vestager said at the time. "Instead, Google abused its market dominance as a search engine by promoting its own comparison shopping service in its search results, and demoting those of competitors." Google lost its first appeal with a lower court in 2021, sending the appeal to Luxembourg's Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The company argued that it was being punished for its dominant position in the market and that the original decision "erred in law by treating quality improvements... as abusive." However, the CJEU judges upheld the lower court's decision that the company is allowed to have a dominant position but not to abuse it. "In particular, the conduct of undertakings in a dominant position that has the effect of hindering competition on the merits and is thus likely to cause harm to individual undertakings and consumers is prohibited," they noted. An unnamed Google spokesperson has already responded to the decision, saying the company is "disappointed" with the judgment. They added "this judgment relates to a very specific set of facts. We made changes back in 2017 to comply with the European Commissions decision. Our approach has worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services." Google is also fighting a legal battle in the EU that could force it to sell parts of its adtech businesses over similar arguments that it favors its own services over those of competitors. The EU commission found preliminarily that since Google is unlikely to change its behavior, only the "mandatory divestment" of part of its services would address competition concerns. All told, Google has accumulated 8.25 billion euros ($9.12 billion) in EU antitrust fines over the last ten years. You'll have to pay a bit more for a PS5 DualSense controller that you might be expecting if you're getting a new one. As IGN reports, Sony has raised the controllers' prices worldwide by $5, even in its own shop. The standard DualSense controllers in the basic colors will now cost you $75 instead of $70, while the more expensive metallic variants sterling silver, cobalt blue and volcanic red will set you back $80. Retailers selling the controllers have already changed their prices upon checking, including Amazon, Best Buy and Target. The new prices seem to have taken effect in other regions, as well, including the UK, EU countries and Australia. Back in August, Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices in Japan by 19 percent due to "challenging economic decisions." The company didn't elaborate, but it is expecting fewer PS5 sales in 2025, even though the console is still outselling the Xbox Series X/S. It also raised the prices of PS5 accessories in Japan at the time, and now the rest of the world has followed suit. Sony will hold an event today, September 10, for a PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation that will stream live on its YouTube channel starting at 11AM ET. It didn't say what the event is about, but all signs point towards the unveiling of the PS5 Pro. PS5's lead architect, Mark Cerny, will lead the event, which will focus on "PS5 and innovations in gaming technology." We'll be covering the presentation and let you know the latest PS5 news when it comes out. The government hasnt determined an age limit but the PM estimated it would be between 14-16. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to introduce legislation that would prevent children under a certain age from using social media. Reuters reported that Albanese issued his statement in a TV interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC). Albanese says the Australian government would start its social media initiative by testing age verification technology sometime this year. He also didnt state a specific age limit but estimated hed like the ban to be for children younger than 14-16 because we know that social media is causing social harm. Meta issued a statement in response to the PMs proposal noting that Facebook and Instagram already have a minimum age requirement of 13 years for users. The social media company also noted it wants to empower young people to benefit from social media with parental controls and monitoring instead of just cutting off access. Lawmakers in the US and other countries have suggested and tried to implement a federal age limit on social media access. Last year, US Senator Josh Hawley introduced two bills to Congress that would prohibit teenagers under 16 from using social media. The state of Utah also passed laws in 2023 requiring teens to have parental consent and provide a copy of an ID instead of just inputting their birthday to access their accounts. The following year, Utah repealed the ID requirements. Metas Oversight Board has weighed in on its first Threads case and reversed the companys initial decision and first appeal. Regarding a post about the outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, using a phrase that translates to drop dead / die in English, the board determined the phrase was used figuratively and not as a literal threat or call to violence. The case was sparked by a Threads post showing a news article about Kishida and his reaction to his political partys (ahem) fundraising irregularities. The caption criticized the Prime Minister, accusing him of tax evasion. The users reply demanded an explanation from the government leader and, calling him a tax evader, used the phrase , or drop dead / die. The post also included hah and derogatory language about people who wear glasses. (Watch yourself there, partner!) The post went largely unnoticed, with no likes. But someone reported it under Metas Bullying and Harassment rules. After three weeks, one of Metas reviewers determined it instead broke the Violence and Incitement rules. The user appealed, and another reviewer agreed with the first that it violated the policy. One more appeal teed up the issue for the board, which accepted the case and overruled the two human reviewers who removed it. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (The Government of Japan) In this case, the threat against a political leader was intended as non-literal political criticism calling attention to alleged corruption, using strong language, which is not unusual on Japanese social media, Metas Oversight Board wrote in its explanation. It was unlikely to cause harm. The board considered the posters use of hah to help determine its figurative sense. The board said that, despite speaking Japanese and understanding local content, the moderators who removed the post were in error. It recommends Meta clarify its internal guidelines and offer more guidance for reviewers on how to evaluate language and local content. Metas Oversight Board added that the Violence and Incitement policy includes a rule prohibiting the phrase death to against high-risk persons isnt clear enough. It said that while the companys policy rationale suggests context matters in threat evaluation, its reviewers arent empowered to assess cases involving the death to phrase. The board echoed its 2022 recommendation for Meta to explain that rhetorical threats using the phrase are generally allowed, except when directed at high-risk individuals, and to provide criteria on when threatening statements directed at heads of state are permitted to protect rhetorical political speech. Further, the board recommended that Meta clarify how the policy differs for public figures vs. high-risk persons. It calls out the confusion over why threats against public figures are only removed when credible. In contrast, those against others are axed regardless of credibility. The Oversight Board has had a busy September after deciding on only 53 cases last year. Last week, it ruled that the phrase From the River to the Sea shouldnt be banned and, in a case with some parallels to this one, it separated death threats from aspirational statements in Venezuela. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an op-ed in June calling for social media to come with a warning label about its negative health impacts, similar to the warnings placed on cigarettes and tobacco products. Now, 42 attorneys general have drafted an open letter to Congress to signal their support for Murthy's plan. "This ubiquitous problem requires federal actionand a surgeon generals warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth," the group's letter reads. "A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research, and investment into the oversight of social media platforms." Almost every state's AG signed the letter; the only holdouts are Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia. Attorneys general from American Samoa, District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands also signed. An autopsy report concluded that 'Love & Marriage: Huntsville' star Keke Jabbar died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. She was 42. Jabbar, who appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) series, died at her home in July, according to 'TMZ.' Her death was initially announced by YouTuber Marcella Speaks. A medical examiner in Alabama reported that the reality TV star had 64% carboxyhemoglobin in her blood. The toxic substance is created when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin. "Carboxyhemoglobin is the complex formed within red blood cells when hemoglobin is exposed to carbon monoxide, subsequently binding to hemoglobin with an affinity 200 times that of oxygen," the National Institutes of Health says. "Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas," and can be fatal for human beings. Non-smokers usually have levels that are at or under 2% in their blood. For smokers, levels are slightly higher, coming in, on average, at or around 5%. Jabbar's blood percentage was significantly above average. Oxycodone and oxymorphone a drug used to treat moderate to severe pain, were also found in the author's bloodstream. However, the medical examiner reported that it was decidedly the carbon monoxide that led to her death. In a family statement, according to the 'New York Post,' Jabbar's family revealed she "passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love... She was a mom, a sister, and a great friend full of life, love and laughter." "She will be sorely missed and at this time, we are asking for respect and privacy in our moment of grief while we process this great loss," the statement added, signed "The Jabbar Family and the Scott Family." Jabbar was a professor of English at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She was also a writer and editor. She's survived by her husband, Ameen Jabbar, her three children, and her parents. Disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein is reportedly in a New York hospital for emergency heart surgery. Weinstein's lawyers told 'BBC News' that the 72-year-old was taken from Rikers Island and admitted into Bellevue Hospital, although further information was not provided. Per the media outlet, the film scion has been suffering from multiple health conditions, including chest pains. 'ENSTARZ' previously reported of the sex offender's "serious health issues" back in May, as his defense attorney Diana Fabi Samson detailed he was being treated for conditions including recurring heart trouble, diabetes, and pneumonia. However, Samson stated that Weinstein was "holding up as well as can be expected under the circumstances" at that time. Weinstein known for his works including 'Pulp Fiction' (1994), 'Shakespeare In Love' (1998), and 'Gangs of New York' (2002) was convicted of rape and sexual assault back in 2020 before being put behind bars for 23 years. Regarding the overturned rape conviction from 2020, Weinstein reportedly gained "relief and hope" from the appeals ruling, but knows he faces a larger prison term due to his California case. "His spirits are up, but he also knows he has a long, long trip ahead of him," his publicist Juda Engelmeyer explained. "He knows that he won't be getting out soon." On April 25, Weinstein's ruling was reversed citing that the judge on the case made a series of errors that prevented a fair trial, resulting in his 2020 charges being dropped. The convicted felon has also been sentenced to 16 years in prison in a separate rape trial in California, which per 'BBC' he's working to overturn. He was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, a former aspiring actress, in 2013. Per the news outlet, more than 100 people have made rape and misconduct allegations about Weinstein dating back to the late 1970s. Per the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, a retrial could happen as soon as this fall. Michael Sheen has commented on the British royal family while discussing the challenges he faced while portraying the disgraced royal Prince Andrew for the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series "A Very Royal Scandal." In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Monday, the 55-year-old actor described the difficulty of portraying a member of the royal family due to the protocols of the monarchy and how they deal with all the media attention. "One of the big challenges with playing Prince Andrew compared to a lot of people I've played is it's a hall of mirrors with Prince Andrew," he told the outlet before noting, "The royal family is so controlled with what gets out." Sheen continued, "So you've got, on the one hand, very stage-managed photographs and interviews and personal appearances, and then you've got, gossip and rumor and, 'The person who used to be security guard said...' And you don't know what people's agendas are." Commenting on Prince Andrew's earlier public image during the 1980s, Sheen acknowledged that the Duke of York was deemed a "ruggedly handsome war hero, a prince who has the most eligible bachelor on the scene." RELATED: Here's Where Prince Harry Stayed During Quick UK Visit Amid Prince William Feud However, things drastically changed when the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's third child got involved with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, especially when the royal addressed his relationship with the financier in his now infamous 2019 interview. The new series will highlight the "Newsnight" interview Prince Andrew did with journalist Emily Maitlis in an attempt to clear his name and the aftermath of what is now deemed a PR disaster for the royal, according to People. Sharing his thoughts on the controversial interview, Sheen said, "I do remember not having a hot take on it, I just felt the way everyone felt about it: 'What was that? How on earth did that ever happen?" The multi-awarded actor, who has worked on several small-screen projects including "Masters of Sex" and "Good Omens," also admitted in his THR interview that for his role as Prince Andrew, he opted not to impersonate the royal. "Ultimately, you want the audience to engage with what's going on for the character, not to be too bothered about what's on the surface and all those things like mannerisms, vocal and physical things," he explained. "A Very Royal Scandal" premieres on Amazon Prime Video on Sept. 19. RELATED: Prince Harry Is a 'Very Sulky, Unhappy Figure' With Meghan Markle, Can Old UK Pals Bring Back His Smile? Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will go head-to-head on Tuesday night for what could be their only debate of the 2024 presidential election season. Trump and Harris' first debate will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, starting at 9 p.m. EDT. It will run for about 90 minutes. Moderators for the event include ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis. Muir, 50, has experience moderating previous presidential debates, while Davis has hosted Democratic primary debates and conducted interviews with both Trump, 78, and Harris. The debate will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on platforms like ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu, with PBS, MSNBC, and NBC providing additional streaming options. The debate format will mute candidates' microphones when it's not their turn to speak. Each will have two minutes to respond to questions, followed by time for rebuttals. In the first debate of this year, Trump aggressively challenged President Joe Biden who is well into his 80s, on June 27. That debate's aftermath intensified concerns over Biden's age, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the race. Kamala Harris now shoulders the responsibility of securing a Democratic victory in the upcoming election. Despite this, Harris faces significant challenges of her own. Her relatively fresh campaign, hesitancy with the media, and fluctuating positions on key policies have left many voters uncertain about what her leadership might look like if she were to become president. According to a recent New York Times-Siena College poll, 28% of voters still want more information on Harris's stances, while only 9% feel similarly about Trump. The same poll shows that Trump holds a narrow lead, with just a one-point advantage in the popular vote over Harris. In key battleground states, the contest remains highly competitive. In Pennsylvania, which offers 19 electoral votes, Trump trails Harris by a slim margin, with Harris at 46.7% and Trump at 45.7%, according to FiveThirtyEight. Trump, however, leads Harris in Georgia by a thin margin 46.5% to 46.0% while Harris maintains an edge in Michigan, with 46.8% of the vote to Trump's 44.9%. Other pivotal states, including Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, remain tightly contested. Rich Homie Quan's homegoing service will reportedly be open to the public. According to 'The Jasmine Brand,' Quan's father, Corey Lamar, announced that the funeral service won't be behind closed doors making the service available to fans. In an Instagram clip obtained by the outlet, the mourning father stated during a call that the purpose of the public funeral is a way for him to allow fans to "pay their respects" to Quan, mentioning that he wants it to be "a grand occasion." "Man, without the fans there would be no point. I know it would be a disservice to not allow some of the people that he touched that would be able to come to the viewing, or come to the funeral to pay their respects to my son. So, that's why I said I want it to be a grand occasion," he said, regarding his decision to go public. "I had to get some assistance and help and this homegoing, for my son... I want it to be bigger than life. I want people to see the impact that Quan had on a lot of people," he concluded in the clip. The girlfriend of Rich Homie Quan real name Dequantes Devontay Lamar stated that he was on the couch in the morning and had not moved when she returned from taking her son to school. She also claimed she did not feel a heartbeat, and could not feel him breathing, during a 911 call. Upon turning him over, the "Type of Way" artist began to foam at the mouth. The 33-year-old died at an Atlanta hospital September 5 before an autopsy was reportedly conducted the following day. No further details on the outcome of the autopsy have been released at this time. "I hope don't nothing happen at his funeral! Rich Homie has alot (sic) of good in the community," one empathetic fan penned in the comment section. "Good morning I just want to say lord please put your arms around his family and his babies please lord in the name of Jesus amen," a praying fan wrote. "Lmk the address can't miss this funeral," a third inquired. The "Lifestyle" rapper's hometown is Atlanta, Georgia, but exact details regarding the location of the funeral service have yet to be released. Peter Renaday, the original voice of Master Splinter on 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' has died. He was 89. According to 'TMZ,' Renaday was found dead in his home on Sunday. Authorities were conducting a welfare check at his Burbank, California, home. Renaday's niece, Mindy Zachary, told the outlet that the air conditioning in his home was not working amid rising temperatures in a recent heatwave in Los Angeles. The family suspects his death was of natural causes, per the outlet, and declined further investigating. Fans of Peter Renaday took to social media to praise the performer and mourn his loss. One grieving fan wrote on Twitter, now called X, "Peter Renaday, our beloved 1987 Master Splinter, has passed away let's take this opportunity to celebrate the life of such beloved actor who delighted us for nearly a century!" Another penned, "Man, I'm sad." Peter Renaday, OG Ninja Turtles Voice Actor, Dead At 89 | Click to read more https://t.co/vkdMRC1yCE TMZ (@TMZ) September 10, 2024 Others acknowledged the shocking number of celebrity deaths that occurred recently. "Cheese & Crackers! Not only have we lost James Earl Jones but we also lost Peter Renaday as well. why are we losing so many legends this year? RIP." Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "You gotta be kidding me right now, First James Earl Jones, then Emi Shinohara, and now Peter Renaday is gone too? This is truly a Heartbreaking week right now...RIP Legend." A third addressed the year 2024 directly asking, "Bob Newhart, James Earl Jones, and now Peter Renaday. Hasn't 2024 taken enough from us already?" In 1987, Renaday was first cast as Hamato Yoshi/Splinter, the wise mutant rat who mentored the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.' The Louisiana native voiced Splinter until the show's finale in 1996, and reprised the role in 'TMNT: Coming Out of Their Shells' concert recorded in 1990. Renaday also voiced Abraham Lincoln in The Hall of Presidents and Henry and Max in Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Peter Renaday's near 60-year career spanned across various mediums including television, films, and video games. His wife, Flo Daniels, died in 2011 after 32 years of marriage. 4 Espana responde a Israel que "esta fuera de lugar" que le acuse de ser "un paraiso de odio" que incita a su destruccion For Immediate Release Contact: Kathy Schultz 303-953-2030 Israel Can't Exist without Total Outside Help September 2024. Denver, Colo. With the on-going conflicts in the Middle east, The Bystander by Katherine Burlake is set in Saudi Arabia. Itis a must read. The start of the current conflict, the attack by Hamas on Oct 6th, was because of a fear the Saudi Arabia and Isreal were very close to an agreement on commerce and educational exchanges. For decades, Saudi, Isreal, and Egypt have exchanged information over the Negev Desert. Located in the southern part of the country, it is known for its rocky terrain and dry climate. She has personally traveled this desert three times and can say, "Nothing lives in this desert. The ability to live and exist there without total government support is an illusion." The books Burlake writes incorporate the culture she's lived in and know so well. The Bystander is set in Saudi Arabia where she lived and worked for five years for the U.S. Embassy. Because of her background. She writes as Katherine Burlake. ### Press Inquiries: Kathy Schultz, kathyschultz618@yahoo.com or 303-953-2030 Tractors have started to roll outside the Houses of Parliament as preparations for tomorrow's annual Back British Farming Day event commences. Now in its ninth year, the initiative puts a spotlight on the importance of farming, such as providing food for the nation, its environmental efforts and its contribution to the economy. The NFU-organised event, which gets underway on Wednesday (11 September), starts in Westminster with a breakfast reception at the House of Commons. More than 100 MPs are expected to attend, where they will be given a wheatsheaf pin badge to wear during Prime Ministers Questions to show their support. The prime minister, leader of the opposition and senior politicians usually wear the badge, now an emblem of the day, during debates and at PMQs. In the lead up to that, a red Massey Ferguson tractor arrived in the Old Palace Yard outside of parliament this morning, with NFU officials greeting MPs and members of the public to share the story of Britain's farmers. Rachel Gilmour MP for Tiverton and Minehead (Photo: NFU) Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Down, was first off the mark to visit and hear the message for Britain's farmers, followed by Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, and Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich. As part of the annual initiative, farming groups call on the UK government to do more to support British farmers and food production. It follows a tough year for the industry, as farmers have seen high production costs, global market instability and extreme bouts of weather. The government has been told to urgently clarify seasonal farm workers' status in law with respect to accommodation and working standards. Workers contacting the Worker Support Centre (WSC), set up to prevent labour abuse, have complained about 'very poor' housing standards on farms. Issues highlighted so far this year include accommodation with damp, black mould, cold and draughts, broken furniture and extremely cramped conditions. During January to July this year, the centre said it had engaged with 81 workers on issues related to this housing across sixteen different farms. The WSC provides direct support to workers on the agricultural seasonal worker visa, 95% of whom live in tied, mainly caravan, accommodation on employer owned land. Valeria Ragni, WSC manager said: We have seen an increase in workers raising issues this year and, significantly, sharing the serious impact of such conditions on their physical and mental wellbeing. It follows a recent ITN Investigation into seasonal worker accommodation in England and Scotland, with undercover footage showing evidence of mould and dampness in farm housing. Seasonal workers were being charged 300 a month per person to live in the caravans they said were "unhealthy and dangerous" - with three workers having to share two beds. The WSC said the new government must review the situation for workers to ensure they are legally entitled to a minimum standard of accommodation and to set about enforcing it. Caroline Robinson, executive director for the centre, said that housing standards for farm workers was 'shockingly poor'. "No standards exist by which it can be held," she said, "This is putting workers in a dangerous position with no protections or voice. Workers on minimum wage are paying their employer in many cases, far above average rents, to share a cramped room in a caravan. "These charges increase worker vulnerability to exploitation and tip them further into poverty. The way this visa has been designed leaves workers highly dependent on their employer, for their status, pay, housing and employment." Seasonal agricultural workers in tied accommodation in England can be charged up to 9.99 per day or 69.93 in accommodation offset rates without affecting workers pay. In Scotland, 9.99 per day is the maximum rate for accommodation, with the law stipulating that deductions cannot be made if the accommodation has been deemed 'unfit for human habitation' by the local authority. 'Harry Potter' bosses have launched an open casting call for the upcoming HBO remake. Harry Potter casting call launched for remake series The team behind the upcoming original series - which is a revival of the iconic film franchise adapted from J.K. Rowling's wizarding books - are looking for a new trio to take on the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger with children from the UK and Ireland invited to audition. The casting call reads: "We are currently only able to consider children who are aged 9-11 in April 2025, and a resident of the UK or Ireland. "Please only apply if you meet the brief." This suggests filming will be underway in seven months, which matches the timeline it took to cast Daniel Radcliffe in the title role back in 2000, when he was 11 years old. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint - who played Hermione and Ron in the original films - were 10 and 12 when they were cast. The brief adds: "We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. "For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated. In the initial round of casting, candidates are invited to submit two self-taped audition videos in their native accent. The first should be a short story or poem - "nothing from Harry Potter" - which lasts no longer than 30 seconds. In the second clip, which can be up to a minute, they are asked: "Please record a short video telling us a bit about yourself, including your date of birth, height and where you live. "In addition, please describe any family member, friend or pet that you are particularly close to." The series has been described as a "faithful" adaptation of the influential book series, with 'Succession' pair Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod joining as writer and director respectively. Mel B was bullied at school because of her hair. Mel B was bullied at school because of her hair and has faced pressure from makeup artists to straighten it The 49-year-old pop star - who shot to fame alongside Geri Halliwell, Melanie C, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham as part of the Spice Girls in the late 1990s - has always had "big wild curly hair" but admitted that it caused her to be "singled out" at school and even faced pressure from makeup artists in the early days of her career to straighten it. On World Afro Day (10.09.24), she wrote on Instagram: My hair has always been a personal statement - all my life. I grew up a mixed race girl in working class Leeds in the 1970s. Kids at school had no idea what to call me. I was different. "And I had my big wild curly hair that stood out. It wasnt neat and tidy. There was too much of it to fit into elastic hair bands and I wore it out. I got called names. I got singled out. But it was my hair and I wasnt going to change it - for anyone. "The very first video shoot I did as a Spice Girl for 'Wannabe', the stylists took one look at my hair and told me it had to be straightened. My big hair didn't fit the pop star mould." However, the 'I Want You Back' hitmaker - who has Phoenix , 25, with first husband Jimmy Gulzar, Angel, 17, from her relationship with Hollywood star Eddie Murphy and 13-year-old Madison with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte - refused to get rid of her natural look and is now "proud" of the "impact" her decision has had on women around the world. She said: "But I stood my ground - backed by my girls - and I sang and danced as me with my big hair, my brown skin and I was totally proud of who I was. I had no idea the impact that video had on thousands of little brown and black girls all over the country. Women still come up to me to this day and tell me they stopped straightening their hair. "They let their curls shine out in playgrounds everywhere as they finally got to have a place in a girl band in the playground. That makes me so proud. I love my curls. "I have three children with big curly hair and all of them take pride in their their hair, their identity and their culture. I also know that sometimes they have faced issues with their hair - as I did. "We are who we are and no one should try to discriminate or change us. So yes. I'm proud to support World Afro Day in its call for the Equality Act to protect against Afro hair discrimination in the UK." Catherine, Princess of Wales is reportedly set to mark her return to work by attending a string of royal engagements. Catherine, Princess of Wales is reportedly set to mark her return to work by attending a string of royal engagements The royal mother-of-three, 42, told the world she was cancer free in a statement released on Monday (09.09.24), sparking reports she will soon be back in the public eye. According to The Sun, Catherine who has children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, with her 42-year-old husband Prince William will appear at some engagements in the coming months. The outlet added they would include charity events that are close to her heart. It comes after Kensington Palace revealed the princess has already started to work from home on some projects. She had taken months out of the spotlight after revealing earlier this year she was getting preventative therapy with King Charles, 75, still battling an undisclosed form of the disease. Her full statement, given in a video shot last month, was: As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyones kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright. China will lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, as per the 2024 version of the negative list for foreign investment access released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) this week. Jointly issued by the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the updated list, effective from November 1, 2024, reduces the number of restrictions from 31 to 29, eliminating all limitations in the manufacturing sector. China will lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector with the 2024 negative list, effective from November 1, 2024. The list reduces restrictions from 31 to 29, achieving zero limitations in manufacturing. This move aims to support a higher-level open economy, as announced by the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce. According to NDRC, the release and implementation of the 2024 negative list is a key step in establishing a higher-level open economy. The NDRC, alongside the MOC and other departments, will work to implement the system of pre-establishment national treatment plus the negative list for foreign investment access, ensuring the smooth introduction of new opening measures. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS) Bangladesh wants to raise its merchandise and services exports by 12.59 per cent year on year (YoY) to $57.5 billion in fiscal 2024-25 (FY25), according to finance and commerce adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. Merchandise and service exports are expected to see YoY growth of 12.44 per cent and 13.64 per cent respectively to reach $50 billion and $7.5 billion, Ahmed announced during a recent press briefing. Bangladesh wants to raise its overall exports by 12.59 per cent YoY to $57.5 billion in FY25, finance and commerce adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said. Merchandise and services exports are expected to see YoY growth of 12.44 per cent and 13.64 per cent respectively to reach $50 billion and $7.5 billion. Multiple agencies will now coordinate to release export data. Though the export target is not unrealistic, the logistics, port and transportation services and energy supply must be quite smooth to achieve this goal, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, was cited as saying by a domestic media outlet. And political stability and a better law-and-order situation are also essential to restore the confidence of investors, entrepreneurs, he emphasised. Ahmed said export data now will be released with the coordination of all agencies concerned. The Export Promotion Bureau, the National Board of Revenue and the Bangladesh Bank will provide real-time export data to avoid errors. These will revise the export data every three months starting October this year to ensure accurate reporting. The interim government will also work to diversify the country's export basket, Ahmed added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The Directors Association of Eastern India has indefinitely suspended actor and director Arindam Sil following sexual assault allegations from a female actor on one of his film sets. Sil issued an apology, but he maintains that the incident was accidental and occurred while explaining one of the shots in the movie. At a West Bengal Commission for Women (WBCW) hearing on the sexual harassment case involving Arindam Sil, at least one of the two witnesses supported the claim that the actor appeared uncomfortable after being kissed by the director on set. Leena Gangopadhyay, the WBCW chairperson, confirmed that the hearing with the two witnesses occurred on Monday. However, she further noted that the details of the proceeding are confidential. According to several reports, one of the witnesses testified that his assistant had witnessed the incident and reported it to him during the filming of Ekti Khunir Sandhane Mitin. The witnessed also confirmed that the actor seemed visibly distressed. The other witness reportedly saw the director kissing the actor. However, he did not realize the gravity of the situation. At the trailer launch of Devara: Part 1, Janhvi Kapoor, dressed in a stunning golden saree, described her Telugu film debut as a 'ghar wapsi.' The actress, who stars alongside Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan, expressed her excitement about returning to the Telugu film industry. "Yeh mere debut film hai aur honestly aisa lag raha hai mere ghar wapsi bhi hai kyunki mere first Telugu film hai," she said. Kapoor expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic reception and emphasized how special the project is to her. Devara: Part 1 is set to release on September 27, 2024. The film has already made headlines by becoming the fastest Indian film to sell 15,000 tickets in the USA following the pre-sale launch. The cast also includes Prakash Raj and Shruthi Marathe, with a reported runtime of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Check it out here: Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2024) - Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) ("Battery" or "BMR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the third shipment of copper concentrates produced at its mineral processing facility at Punitaqui, Chile. The Company supplied 1,198 dry metric tonnes ("DMT") of copper concentrates in the month of August. 351 DMT were delivered to Anglo's Chagres smelter in Catemu, Chile and are related to the Offtake Agreement (or the "Agreement") with Anglo American Sur S.A. ("Anglo" or "Anglo American"), a division of Anglo-American PLC. The copper concentrates were from copper smelting by-products (slags) supplied to BMR by Anglo. The balance, being 847 DMT, were produced from Battery's own Punitaqui mine operations and were sold to Ocean Partners Chile SpA and delivered to Terminal Portuario de Coquimbo (TPC) to be exported. TPC is a major export and import point in Chile, handling a significant amount of the copper concentrates produced within the country, and is located approximately 130 kilometers from the mine by paved road with year-round access. All of the copper concentrates in the month of August were produced at BMR's Punitaqui copper flotation plant and contained a weighted average of 23.91 percent copper, for approximately 631,400 pounds of copper in concentrate. Martin Kostuik, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This third shipment of copper concentrate marks another significant milestone for Battery Minerals, with 847 DMT sourced from our own Punitaqui mine operations. We are progressing well on ramping up material sourced from the Punitaqui mines and continuing to find new opportunities for additional third-party mill feed. We look forward to persistently increasing value to stakeholders through growing cash flows from copper sales." Since the May commissioning of the recently refurbished and upgraded mineral processing facility at Punitaqui, the Company has shipped 2,453 DMT, for a total of over 1,326,000 pounds of copper in concentrate, to date. The Company is progressing steadily to bolster production results with a goal of delivering approximately 1,400 DMT per month in the near term and reaching up to 2,800 DMT of copper concentrate production per month by year-end. Mining activities are focussed on establishing access to the mineralized zones in both Cinabrio and San Andres. Activities continue to ramp up with both mines providing increasing amounts of stockpiles containing fresh mill feed. Cinabrio is the original mine that supplied mill feed for the first 10 years of prior operations, primarily operated by Glencore PLC. Third Party Mineral Processing Agreement The Company has engaged with Minera CEMIN-Pullalli SpA ("Minera CEMIN"), Minera CEMIN is a medium-sized mining company dedicated primarily to the extraction of oxide copper materials and production of copper and gold in Chile. Created in 1982, it has operations in Catemu, Pullally and Domeyko. Battery will purchase approximately 5,000 tonnes per month of sulphide copper mill feed from their Catemu processing plant, for a period of five months, as of the effective date of August 23rd, 2024. This mineral purchase agreement is strategic in the sense that it provides a ready outlet for Minera CEMIN's sulphide ore production while helping to fulfill the Company's goal of enhancing copper concentrate production and sales while the Punitaqui mines continue to ramp up to full production. Further Disclosure On August 16th, 2024 the Company announced that, on June 26, 2024, the Company was advanced a loan (the "Loan") in the amount of US$750,000 (approximately C$1,028,625) by Weston Energy II LLC ("Weston II"), a portfolio company operated by Yorktown Partners LLC and an existing shareholder of the Company. The Loan matures on December 5th, 2024, and accrues interest at a rate per annum equal to eight percent (8%). The Loan is unsecured and no bonus securities were issued for the Loan. The proceeds from the Loan will be applied towards the operations at the Company's Punitaqui copper project in Chile. The Loan is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. Exchange Rates All USD amounts for which CAD equivalent amounts are given in this news release were calculated at CAD/USD exchange rate of 1.3715, the exchange rate published by the Bank of Canada on August 15, 2024. MI 61-101 Matters Weston II is a "related party" to BMR pursuant to pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Prior to giving effect to the transactions disclosed in this news release, Weston II and its affiliates own or control (directly or indirectly) 107,578,740 BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis and 193,011,575 BMR Common Shares on a diluted basis assuming conversion of all outstanding debentures (representing approximately 59.44% and 70.94%, respectively, of the outstanding BMR Common Shares). The Loan constitutes a "related party transaction" for the purposes of MI 61-101. The Loan is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 6-101 as BMR is not listed on a specified market that would require compliance with such formal valuation requirements (as set forth in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101). The Loan is further exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the value of the Loan constituting less than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, and being less than $2,500,000 in any case (as set forth in Sections 5.7(1)(a) and 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101). About Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Battery Mineral Resources' mission is to build a mid-tier copper producer and has recently initiated mine and mill operations at the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a historic copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. Battery Mineral Resources is unique because it leverages the inherent value from its 100% owned subsidiary, ESI Energy Services Inc., a renewable energy equipment rental and sales company. The Company's portfolio also consists of two cobalt assets and one lithium asset located in North America and two graphite assets in South Korea. The Company is focused on providing shareholders accretive exposure to copper and the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favorable mining jurisdictions. Martin Kostuik, CEO Twitter: @BMRcorp_ Facebook: Battery Mineral Resources Corp. | Facebook LinkedIn: Battery Mineral Resources Corp.: My Company | LinkedIn Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to complete exploration and development activities, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222568 SOURCE: Battery Mineral Resources Corp. Leader in next-gen trade surveillance technology launches into Australia to support increasingly complex market manipulation across APAC TradingHub, a leading provider of risk-based trade surveillance software for the global financial services industry, today announces its expansion into the Australian marketplace and launch of its Sydney office. Trusted by half of the world's largest global banks and process over 220 million trades per day across 45 countries, TradingHub's Australia HQ will serve as a key asset in continuing the company's already impressive growth trajectory within the APAC region and around the world. As market manipulation becomes increasingly sophisticated and spreads across asset classes and venues, trade surveillance has become more complex than ever. Paired with a progressively assertive regulatory enforcement landscape that routinely sees financial institutions faced with eight- and nine-figure non-compliance fines, the financial community is facing unprecedented pressure to spot, mitigate and remediate potential instances of market manipulation. TradingHub's trade surveillance technology helps global financial institutions adapt to these evolving regulatory demands head-on. TradingHub's surveillance system (MAST) is grounded in a robust financial market and regulatory framework, designed to eliminate dangerous blind spots by deploying unique models capable of detecting cross-product abuse, primary market abuse, and surveilling activities in less transparent markets. Additionally, it significantly reduces the exorbitant costs associated with investigating false positives. This one-of-a-kind technology has resulted in TradingHub quickly becoming a foremost trade surveillance partner for some of today's leading financial institutions and is underlined by the company's significant year-on-year annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth. "Australia is one of the most dynamic and exciting financial markets around the world, and with that, its financial institutions face a deluge of sophisticated and unique market manipulation challenges," said Neil Walker, CEO of TradingHub. "As ASIC and other global regulators continue to strike a more muscular stance in their enforcement, Australian financial institutions need to have access to the tailored surveillance tools and intelligence they need to meet their specific evolving regulatory expectations. We are proud to bring this level of performance to the Australian financial community and are looking forward to helping these distinguished organizations tackle their short-, medium- and long-term trade surveillance goals." TradingHub's Australian operations will be spearheaded by Michael McNeil, Senior Relationship Manager for Australia, and David Farr, Senior Advisor, both of whom will report into Shayne Ganeson, Global Head of Sales and Relationship Management. Michael has over 25 years experience in financial markets working in a variety of Fixed Income Sales roles at top tier institutions such as Merrill Lynch, Nomura and Deutsche Bank. Prior to joining TradingHub in 2018, he was a Partner at Autonomous Research in the Credit Trading and Sales team. During his tenure at TradingHub, Michael has had a number of senior roles within the Sales and Relationship Management teams, helping the firm expand its customer base across global financial hubs. David is a senior financial services executive with international operating experience in Europe and Australia. Formerly the Executive General Manager of Commonwealth Bank of Australia's (CBA) Financial Crime Remediation and Uplift program, David also held roles as Managing Director Asset Finance, and Managing Director Chief Operating Officer Global Markets at CBA. Additionally, David has held senior roles as MD, COO EMEA FICC at Merrill Lynch and a senior role in Risk Management at the Australian Securities Exchange. "The Australian regulatory community is renowned for its dedication to ensuring fair markets exist for all participants and has a strong history of taking decisive actions when financial institutions are non-compliant," said Walker. "To navigate this environment successfully requires financial institutions to have both a firm understanding of both current regulatory expectations as well as potential future shifts. David and Michael's vast financial, regulatory and technology experience will not only help the Australian financial community better understand immediate regulatory expectations but also advance their surveillance goals. Combined with our comprehensive technology suite, we are confident that we will be able to help the Australian financial community redefine its surveillance capabilities and achieve new levels of success." For more information about TradingHub, please visit www.tradinghub.com. About TradingHub TradingHub provides investment banks, asset managers, hedge funds, commodity houses and brokerage firms with uniquely intelligent trade surveillance software to protect them against the financial and reputational dangers of today's increasingly complex forms of market abuse. Through proprietary, cross-market models, TradingHub is able to quantify trader intent to provide the most comprehensive surveillance solutions that are aligned with current regulatory standards making it the world-leading solution for protecting against the growing regulatory risk of sophisticated illicit activity. TradingHub has taken a broken trade surveillance system and rebuilt it using a trading floor way of thinking to truly safeguard market participants against the intricate forms of market abuse that would otherwise go unnoticed until it's too late, while saving them huge amounts of time and money by rapidly reducing false alerts. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240909438521/en/ Contacts: Louise Veitch Aspectus Group Louise.Veitch@aspectusgroup.com XS FINANCIAL INC. (CSE:XSF) ("XS" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that all requisite securityholder approvals were obtained at its general and special meeting held on September 9, 2024 (the "Meeting") in respect of the previously announced transaction pursuant to which XS Acquisition Portfolio LLC, an affiliate of a US alternative asset fund, will acquire all of the issued and outstanding subordinate voting shares ("SV Shares") and proportionate voting shares ("PV Shares") of XS, by plan of arrangement for a cash purchase price of Cdn$0.05265 per SV Share and Cdn$52.65 per PV Share (the "Arrangement"). The following approvals of the Arrangement were obtained at the Meeting: Description Percentage of Votes in Favour Percentage of Votes Against Abstained Approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by holders of SV Shares at the Meeting, voting separately as a class 99.297% 0.703% Nil Approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by holders of PV Shares at the Meeting, voting separately as a class 100% Nil Nil Approval of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by holders of SV Shares, PV Shares, outstanding stock options of XS ("Options") and outstanding share purchase warrants of XS ("Warrants") at the Meeting, voting together as a single class 99.62% 0.38% Nil A simple majority of the votes cast by holders of SV Shares at the Meeting, excluding votes from certain holders of SV Shares as required under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") 99.253% 0.747% Nil A simple majority of the votes cast by holders of PV Shares at the Meeting, excluding votes from certain holders of PV Shares as required under MI 61-101 100% Nil Nil The votes that were excluded under MI 61-101 above were those attaching to SV Shares and PV Shares held, directly or indirectly, by Messrs. David Kivitz, Antony Radbod and Justin Vuong, being an aggregate of 3,698,790 SV Shares, 19,681.645 PV Shares, 22,166,666 Options (on an as-converted to SV Share basis) and no Warrants (representing approximately 4.8% of all issued and outstanding SV Shares, approximately 75.2% of all issued and outstanding PV Shares, approximately 56.4% of all issued and outstanding Options and 0% of all issued and outstanding Warrants as of the date hereof). Also at the Meeting, the shareholders of the Company approved (i) the setting of the number of directors of the Company at four; (ii) the election of David Kivitz, Antony Radbod, Gary Herman and Stephen Christoffersen as directors of the Company; and (iii) the appointment of Link-It Accounting and Financial Services Inc. as the auditor of the Company and the authorization of the directors to set the auditor's remuneration. Subject to satisfaction of all remaining conditions precedent, the Arrangement will be effected by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under Section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), and is expected to be completed on or about September 23, 2024. For further details of the Arrangement, please refer to the management information circular of the Company dated August 2, 2024 (the "Circular") in respect of the Meeting, and the press releases of the Company dated June 24 and August 29, 2024, each available at SEDAR+ online at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional Information Completion of the Arrangement is subject to various conditions, including but not limited to, Canadian Securities Exchange acceptance as well as court approval. The Arrangement cannot close until the required regulatory and court approvals are obtained. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Circular, any information released or received with respect to the Arrangement may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of XS should be considered highly speculative. The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Arrangement and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. About XS Financial Founded in 2017, XS specializes in providing CAPEX financing solutions to cannabis companies in the United States, including cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and testing laboratories. In addition, XS has partnered with over 250 original equipment manufacturers (OEM) through its network of Preferred Vendor partnerships. This powerful dynamic provides an end-to-end solution for customers which results in recurring revenues, strong profit margins, and a proven business model for XS stakeholders. The Company's subordinate voting shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "XSF". For more information, visit: www.xsfinancial.com . For inquiries please contact: David Kivitz Chief Executive Officer Antony Radbod Chief Operating Officer Tel: 1-310-683-2336 Email: ir@xsfinancial.com Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements", collectively "forward-looking information", within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent the beliefs and expectations regarding future events about the business and the industry and markets in which XS operates, as well as plans or objectives of management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information contained herein may include but is not limited to, statements with respect to the transaction, including court, securityholder and other regulatory approvals, and expected timing for such approvals and other steps to be completed in connection with the transaction, including closing of the transaction. Forward-looking statements and information are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements or information. There can be no assurance that such statements or information will prove to be accurate. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions, including assumptions regarding the ability to complete the transaction on the contemplated terms and that the conditions precedent to closing of the transaction can be satisfied. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information and assumptions that are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are by their nature subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations and plans as set forth in such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict: (a) the possibility that the Arrangement will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, all required court approvals and other conditions of closing necessary to complete the transaction or for other reasons; (b) the possibility of adverse reactions or changes in business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; (c) risks relating to the retention of key personnel during the interim period; (d) the possibility of litigation relating to the transaction; (e) risks related to the diversion of management's attention from the Company's ongoing business operations; and (f) other risks inherent to the Company's business and/or factors beyond its control which could have a material adverse effect on the Company or the ability to consummate the transaction. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcomes will not occur. Events or circumstances could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Investors should not rely on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions with respect to the Company. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements and information contained herein are made as of the date of this document and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements and information contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: XS Financial View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2024) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of Properties (the "Property") from an arm's length party (the "Vendor") located in the Matheson area, east of Timmins, Ontario. The Matheson portfolio, consisting of four (4) properties (Highway, Tax, Hewitt, and Munro), increases the Munro-Croesus Property ("Munro-Croesus" or the "Project") to 10,411 ha (104 km2), a 12% increase (Figure 1). This adds substantial exploration potential across this relatively underexplored yet highly prospective section of the Timmins Gold Camp. The Properties are contiguous or proximal with Munro-Croesus and are host to multiple high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold occurrences. "Acquiring this portfolio of properties is another strategic addition to our Munro-Croesus Project," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "It offers excellent potential for additional mineral discoveries adjacent to our emerging Argus Zone and GM discoveries, including key ground on trend to the west along the Pipestone Fault. We believe that there is significant untapped opportunity for both high-grade and bulk-tonnage discoveries on these properties that have seen little to no work in a very long time. In our view, the work completed to date has only scratched the surface of the Properties' potential, and we look forward to designing and implementing a drill program in the near future." Highlights of the Properties: A large (1,150 ha) portfolio of properties (Highway, Tax, Hewitt, and Munro) ( Figure 2) contiguous and proximal to Munro-Croesus, McEwen Mining's Black Fox Mine Complex, Mayfair Gold's 3.5 Moz Au Fenn-Gib Deposit and STLLR Gold's >12.0 Moz Au Golden Highway project 1 . The Highway property includes two known gold-bearing structures: the 50-140m wide and 1,400m long east-west striking Flipper Zone; and the L15 Zone (the NE-SW trending faulted extension of the Flipper Zone). Historic drilling at the Flipper Zone returned 1.0 grams/tonne gold ( " g/t Au ") over 42.6m and 1.3 g/t Au over 28.8m , including 10.8 g/t Au over 1.5m, while drilling at the L15 Zone returned 6.0 g/t Au over 1.0m 2 . At the Stewart-Abate zone on the Highway Property, an old, inclined shaft (37m deep) was sunk during 1915-1941 era and returned a 52 tonne bulk sample grading 24 g/t Au . Historical drilling returned 9.6 g/t Au over 1.2m , along with grab samples of up to 13.5 g/t Au 2 . Drifting at the 20m level followed the main quartz-carbonate-pyrite-chalcopyrite vein (with rare visible gold and molybdenite) within a sheared diorite body for 67m at an average width of 1.8m and grade of 10.6 g/t Au 2 . The prospect has not been explored for at least 25 years. The Hewitt property is situated on a northeast-trending secondary fault splay to the Painkiller Fault and contains gold-bearing mineralization with grab samples yielding 15.7 g/t Au, 5.6 g/t Au, 4.8 g/t Au, and 2.5 g/t Au 2 . Year-round access to the properties is provided via the paved Highway 101 and secondary roads. Transaction Details The consideration to be paid by the Company to the Vendor for the Property is $150,000 cash and 750,000 common shares of Onyx. The Vendor will also retain a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Property, which includes a buydown of half of the NSR royalty (1% NSR) for $1,000,000 and a right of first refusal to purchase the residual royalty. In addition, for a period of 15-years from the closing date of the agreement, if a cumulative mineral resource exceeding 1,000,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories is defined on the Property the Company shall make a one-time bonus payment of $1,000,000 to the Vendors. Figure 1 - Munro-Croesus Property Location With Newly Acquired Properties To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/222772_ad05001064dc4a87_002full.jpg Figure 2 - Munro-Croesus Property Top Gold Targets (New Targets are Highlighted in Yellow) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/222772_ad05001064dc4a87_003full.jpg About the Munro-Croesus Project The Munro-Croesus Project is located along Highway 101 in the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction. This large, 100% owned land package includes the past-producing Croesus Gold Mine, which yielded some of the highest-grade gold ever mined in Ontario. Extensive land consolidation from 2020-2024 has unified the patchwork of patented and unpatented mining claims surrounding the Croesus Gold Mine into one coherent package (Figure 1) and enhanced the exploration potential of the Project. The Project covers 104 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of major gold-bearing structural breaks. Bulk-tonnage gold deposits located in the immediate region include the Fenn-Gib gold project being developed by Mayfair Gold Corp. that contains an Indicated Resource of 3.38 Moz at 0.93 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 157 koz at 0.85 g/t Au, and the Tower Gold Project being developed by Moneta Gold Inc. that contains an open pit Indicated Resource of 4.46 Moz at 0.92 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 8.29 Moz at 1.09 g/t Au1. About the Timmins Area Gold Properties Onyx owns 100% of each of its three Timmins properties. The Munro-Croesus Gold Project is located approximately 75 km east of Timmins, proximal to the Porcupine-Destor and Pipestone Faults, and approximately 2 km northwest and along trend of Mayfair Gold Corp.'s multi-million-ounce Fenn-Gib gold deposit. Mining occurred intermittently at Munro-Croesus between 1915 and 1936. The Golden Mile 140 km2 property is located 9 km northeast of Newmont's multi-million-ounce Hoyle Pond deposit in Timmins. The Timmins South 187 km2 property is located to the south and southeast of Timmins and surrounds the Shaw dome structure. About Onyx Gold Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration. Qualified Person and Quality Assurance Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp. "Brock Colterjohn" President & CEO For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact: Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO or Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications Fenn-Gib Gold Project and Tower Gold Project mineral resources compiled from public sources and are provided for general information purposes. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in adjacent properties and they are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties or any potential exploration thereof. The Company cautions that none of the historical results from the Property, including drill results and underground sampling results from the 1915-1941 era, have been verified. Assay methods and sampling techniques are not disclosed in the historic reports and the QP has been unable to verify any of the historical technical information in this release. Historical results discussed herein are presented more generally as an indication of the potential of the Property to host gold-bearing systems and this information is not necessarily indicative of additional mineralization occurring on the Property. Forward looking information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results including the new high-grade vein structure at the Munro Croesus property described above, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222772 SOURCE: Onyx Gold Corp. Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus. Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential. In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen. Handeln Sie Jetzt! Fordern Sie jetzt den brandneuen Spezialreport an und profitieren Sie von dem weiter steigenden Kurs des Edelmetalls. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihren kostenfreien Report. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2024) - Criterium Energy Ltd. (TSXV: CEQ) ("Criterium" or the "Company") announces that Mr. Robin Auld has resigned as a director of the Company. Mr. Auld has been a director of the Company since its recapitalization in 2022. The Company thanks Mr. Auld for his service and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors. About Criterium Energy Ltd. Criterium Energy Ltd. is an upstream energy company focused on the acquisition and sustainable development of assets in Southeast Asia that can deliver scalable growth and cash generation. The Company focuses on maximizing total shareholder return by executing on three strategic pillars, namely (1) successful and sustainable reputation, (2) innovation and technology arbitrage, and (3) operational and safety excellence. For further information please visit our website (www.criteriumenergy.com) or contact: Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222783 SOURCE: Criterium Energy Ltd. Capping an eventful two days at the 11th Annual World Patient Safety, Science Technology Summit, the Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) presented its prestigious Humanitarian Awards to visionaries and change agents in patient safety. The honorees were Ruth Ann Dorrill, Assistant Inspector General, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, Office of Inspector General; Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Children's Hospital of Orange County; and Dr. Peter Lachman, Lead, Faculty Quality Improvement, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. A special Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dr. Mike Durkin, Chair of the PSMF's Governance Board. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240909880433/en/ 2024 Humanitarian Award recipients (left column, from top to bottom): Ruth Ann Dorrill, Assistant Inspector General, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, Office of Inspector General, with Joe Kiani and Dr. Mike Durkin; Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Children's Hospital of Orange County, with Joe Kiani; Dr. Peter Lachman, Lead, Faculty Quality Improvement, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, with Joe Kiani and Dr. Mike Durkin. Main image (right): Joe Kiani presents Dr. Mike Durkin with Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo: Business Wire) Each year since 2013, the PSMF's Humanitarian Award is presented to a select group of distinguished individuals who have left an indelible mark on healthcare and helped shape the future of patient safety. As visionary leaders in their respective fields, they have implemented innovative, evidence-based, and sustainable solutions that transform the landscape of healthcare safety. This award honors their outstanding achievements so that they may serve as beacons of hope and sources of inspiration in the pursuit of zero harm and creating a safer, more just healthcare system for all. The PSMF Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest award the PSMF can bestow. This individual will have made significant contributions in the area of patient safety throughout their career, and their achievements will have helped propel the medical community toward zero preventable patient and healthcare worker harm. "It's an honor to work with such a dedicated group of individuals whose contributions toward advancing patient safety are saving lives," said PSMF Founder Joe Kiani. "As everyone in this field knows, we can't do it alone, and these individuals represent the mentors we need to eliminate preventable patient harm in our hospitals and create a safer healthcare system for all." Ruth Ann Dorrill works for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the Assistant Inspector General in the Office of Evaluation and Inspections, Office of Inspector General (OIG). Dorrill has been with the OIG for 28 years, leading the OIG's work in patient harm for 15 years. She has led national studies in evaluating hospital and nursing quality, safety, and emergency preparedness, and has directed management reviews of HHS programs, including the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services implementation of HealthCare.gov and management of the Indian Health Service. She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee regarding nursing home quality and in 2021 received the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Lifetime Achievement Award. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) since 1997, Kimberly Chavalas Cripe has made significant advances in improving patient care, outcomes, and experience, while cultivating a growing healthcare community rooted in a culture of safety, excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Under Cripe's leadership, CHOC has become a forerunner of population health management with the singular goal of fulfilling CHOC's mission to advance and protect the health and well-being of children. Among many other initiatives, Cripe spearheaded efforts at CHOC to establish a robust pediatric system of mental healthcare designed to be scalable and replicable by other health systems. Cripe also serves as president of the CHOC Foundation, which raises funds to support pediatric healthcare. Dr. Peter Lachman serves as Lead, Faculty Quality Improvement, at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) in Dublin, where he directs the Leadership and Quality program to develop clinical leaders in quality improvement. He was Chief Executive Officer of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) from 2016 to 2021 and was a Health Foundation Quality Improvement Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in 2005-2006. Dr. Lachman was also the National Clinical Lead for SAFE, a Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health program that aims to improve situation awareness in clinical teams across England and Ireland. In addition, his work for PSMF includes editing Handbook publications on patient safety, medical management, and quality improvement, and leading the Global Interprofessional Patient Safety Fellowship program. Dr. Mike Durkin, who is the current Chair of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation's Governance Board, was honored with a special Lifetime Achievement Award by PSMF Founder Joe Kiani. In addition to his work for PSMF, Dr. Durkin is the Senior Advisor on Patient Safety Policy and Leadership, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London. He is recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on patient safety and holds numerous advisory positions, serving as Senior Advisor on Patient Safety Policy and Leadership for the NIHR Imperial College Patient Safety Translational Research Centre in the U.K., and Academic Director of the Global Patient Safety Collaborative, a partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.K. government. Dr. Durkin previously held clinical, research, and teaching positions in cardiovascular anesthesia and critical care in the U.K. and the U.S. before embarking on a 25-year career in medical management and leadership, culminating in an appointment as National Health Service (NHS) Medical Director across the South of England. Durkin subsequently served as the NHS National Director of Patient Safety. PATIENT SAFETY MOVEMENT FOUNDATION In 2012, Joe Kiani founded the nonprofit Patient Safety Movement Foundation to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals. His team worked with patient safety experts from around the world to create Actionable Evidence-Based Practices that address top challenges. Hospitals can make a formal commitment to ZERO preventable deaths, and healthcare technology companies are asked to sign the Open Data Pledge to share their data so that predictive algorithms can be developed to identify errors before they become fatal. The PSMF was established through the support of the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240909880433/en/ Contacts: Patient Safety Movement Foundation Irene Mulonni, irene@mulonni.com (858) 859-7001 Pratteln, Switzerland, September 10, 2024 - Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) announces the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with GENESIS Pharma for AGAMREE (vamorolone) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in 20 markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Santhera Pharmaceuticals and GENESIS Pharma have signed a distribution agreement for 20 markets in Central and Eastern Europe. This strategic collaboration aims to address unmet medical needs by allowing GENESIS Pharma to commercialize AGAMREE in Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. "This distribution agreement with GENESIS Pharma marks a significant achievement for Santhera as we expand the global availability of AGAMREE. By partnering with expert organizations with a strong understanding of specialist markets, we ensure optimal patient access," said Geert Jan van Daal, MD, PhD, Chief Commercial Officer of Santhera. "This is a further step in our strategy to allow focus on key European markets with dedicated Santhera teams while partnering with the best companies for non-core European markets." Constantinos Evripides, Managing Director of GENESIS Pharma, stated: "Our company has a strong focus on rare diseases and an established expertise of more than twenty years in the commercialization of orphan therapies. We are delighted that Santhera has trusted our capabilities across the CEE region, giving us the opportunity to add Vamorolone to our broad and robust orphans' portfolio. We will work closely and diligently with Santhera to ensure a smooth and unhindered access to all patients that can benefit from this innovative treatment." The European Commission approved AGAMREE for the treatment of DMD, in patients 4 years of age and older, in December 2023. This was based on data from the positive pivotal DMD study and three open-label studies. Patients treated with AGAMREE or placebo showed normal and similar growth while growth stunting was observed in children treated with prednisone. In addition, patients who switched from a standard of care corticosteroid to AGAMREE maintained the efficacy benefit while recovering their growth and bone health. About AGAMREE (vamorolone) AGAMREE is a novel drug with a mode of action based on binding to the same receptor as glucocorticoids but modifying its downstream activity. Moreover, it is not a substrate for the 11--hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD) enzymes that may be responsible for local drug amplification and corticosteroid-associated toxicity in local tissues [1-4]. This mechanism has shown the potential to 'dissociate' efficacy from steroid safety concerns and therefore AGAMREE is positioned as a dissociative anti-inflammatory drug and an alternative to existing corticosteroids, the current standard of care in children and adolescent patients with DMD [1-4]. In the pivotal VISION-DMD study, AGAMREE met the primary endpoint Time to Stand (TTSTAND) velocity versus placebo (p=0.002) at 24 weeks of treatment and showed a good safety and tolerability profile [1, 4]. The most commonly reported side effects were cushingoid features, vomiting, weight increase and irritability. Side effects were generally of mild to moderate severity. Currently available data show that AGAMREE, unlike corticosteroids, has no restriction of growth [5] and no negative effects on bone metabolism as demonstrated by normal bone formation and bone resorption serum markers [6]. AGAMREE), the European Union) and the United Kingdom. References: [1] Dang UJ et al.. [2] Guglieri M et al. [3] Liu X et al. [6] Hasham et al., MDA 2022 Poster presentation. Link. About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare inherited X-chromosome-linked disease, which almost exclusively affects males. DMD is characterized by inflammation which is present at birth or shortly thereafter. Inflammation leads to fibrosis of muscle and is clinically manifested by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Major milestones in the disease are the loss of ambulation, the loss of self-feeding, the start of assisted ventilation, and the development of cardiomyopathy. DMD reduces life expectancy to before the fourth decade due to respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Corticosteroids are the current standard of care for the treatment of DMD. About Santhera Santhera Pharmaceuticals. AGAMREE is a trademark of Santhera Pharmaceuticals. About GENESIS Pharma GENESIS Pharma is a regional biopharma company focused on the commercialization of innovative biopharmaceutical products targeting severe and rare diseases in Central and Eastern Europe. Established in 1997, GENESIS Pharma was among the first pharmaceutical companies in Europe to specialize in the marketing, sales and distribution of biopharmaceutical products. GENESIS Pharma maintains a strong portfolio in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical need through long standing strategic alliances with some of the leading global biopharma companies. For more information, please visit www.genesispharmagroup.com. For further information please contact: public-relations@santhera.comor Eva Kalias, Head Investor Relations & Communications Phone: +41 79 875 27 80 eva.kalias@santhera.com For more information about GENESIS Pharma, please contact: Natalia Karahaliou, Communications Manager nkarahaliou@genesispharma.com Phone: +30 210 87 71 605 Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. # # # Attachment Surprisingly, New York ranks as the worst airport for luggage, followed for the second year by Tunis. Lufthansa and easyJet are the most affected airlines. 62% of complaints pertain to damage, and 13% to baggage loss. Data collected between June 1 and September 1, 2024, shows changes compared to previous years, with airports and airlines from developed countries at the center of passenger issues. Lufthansa and New York were the main contributors to the problems reported by passengers. Link to the report: https://www.sostravel.com/en/lost-luggage-concierge-index-summer-2024/ "During the summer of '23, it was emerging countries that dominated the map of airlines and destinations risky for luggage, while this year, data collected by the Sostravel.com network points to more critical situations in developed countries, with Lufthansa and New York responsible for the major disruptions to passengers," says Edoardo Zarghetta from Sostravel.com. In a context of an overall increase in the number of baggage issues, the distribution among different types of inconveniences for passengers varies: the percentage of damaged baggage rises by 12% (to 62%) compared to summer 2023, while cases of lost baggage decrease (to 13%), along with delayed delivery (to 22%) and delayed delivery with damage (to 4%). New York airport experienced significant disruptions on July 18 and 19, when a Microsoft security update caused delays and cancellations of hundreds of flights, affecting IT systems. Lufthansa's poor performance also has an explanation: most of the affected passengers were on connecting flights with at least one stopover, increasing the risk of baggage issues. In fact, 100% of the cases reported by Sostravel.com for Lufthansa involved at least one stopover, with 16% of passengers making two stopovers and 21% making three. Sostravel.com advises passengers to always pack essential items in their carry-on luggage and to consider purchasing the Lost Luggage Concierge service, which provides support in locating and returning baggage in case of issues. Sostravel.com, listed in Milan (SOS) and New York (SOSAF), offers digital travel solutions such as Lost Luggage Concierge and Dr. Travel, a telemedicine service for travelers, and continues to support over one million users worldwide. Link to the report: https://www.sostravel.com/en/lost-luggage-concierge-index-summer-2024/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240909260031/en/ Contacts: Edoardo Zarghetta Tel +44 7795 106913 Investor.relations@sostravel.com www.sostravel.com/ THIS PRESS RELEASE CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE EUROPEAN MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (596/2014) Up-LIFT Study results published in Nature Medicine De Novo application submitted to FDA to obtain clearance to market the investigational ARC-EX System in the United States Up to EUR 52.5M in growth financing obtained from US-based Runway Growth Capital Several additional milestones achieved with the investigational ARC-BCI System, leveraging brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to restore thought-driven movement EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext: ONWD), the medical technology company creating innovative therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), today announces its Half Year 2024 Financial Results and provides a Business Update. "We had an excellent first half of 2024, submitting a De Novo application for our ARC-EX System to the FDA, publishing the results of our Up-LIFT pivotal study in Nature Medicine, and obtaining up to EUR 52.5M in growth financing from Runway Growth Capital," said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical. "We also extended our leadership in the brain-computer interface realm, adding an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation (our 10th) and gaining admittance into the FDA's new TAP program to streamline commercialization. We are leading the way in developing a BCI-enabled therapy to restore movement after SCI." Half Year Operating and Financial Results Clinical and Development In January, the Company expanded its HemON clinical feasibility study to explore use of its investigational ARC-IM System to improve blood pressure regulation after SCI. The addition of Sint Maartenskliniek in the Netherlands prepares the Company for expected initiation in the coming months of its global pivotal trial, Empower BP, to assess the safety and efficacy of ARC-IM Therapy to improve blood pressure regulation after SCI. System to improve blood pressure regulation after SCI. The addition of Sint Maartenskliniek in the Netherlands prepares the Company for expected initiation in the coming months of its global pivotal trial, Empower BP, to assess the safety and efficacy of ARC-IM Therapy to improve blood pressure regulation after SCI. In February, the Company announced it was awarded Breakthrough Device Designation (BDD) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the ARC-BCI System, which uses BCI technology combined with its ARC-IM Therapy to restore thought-driven lower limb mobility after SCI. This is the Company's 10th BDD. In March, ONWARD Medical was only the second BCI company admitted into the FDA's new Total Product Lifecycle Advisory Program (TAP), which is intended to streamline the commercialization of innovative new technologies. In April, the Company announced it submitted a De Novo application to the FDA to obtain regulatory clearance to market its non-invasive ARC-EX System in the US. Clearance is expected Q4 2024. In May, the Company announced publication of its Up-LIFT pivotal trial results in Nature Medicine. The study achieved all primary and secondary safety and effectiveness endpoints, and ARC-EX Therapy demonstrated significant improvements in upper limb strength, function, and sensation among people with chronic tetraplegia due to cervical SCI. Science and Intellectual Property The Company was issued 30 new patents in the first half of 2024, bringing its total number of issued patents to 270+ and strengthening its first-mover advantage. Corporate In March, the Company completed a 20M equity financing round that strengthened its cash position to support investments in product development, clinical studies, and operational and commercial capabilities; this financing extended the Company's cash runway into spring 2025. The Company now has five banks providing equity research coverage. In April, the Company announced that Stifel, a US-based full-service investment bank, had initiated research coverage. In February, the Company announced that KBC Securities also initiated research coverage. The Company continues to be covered by equity research analysts at Bryan Garnier & Co, Degroof Petercam, and Kepler Cheuvreux. In June, the Company signed a debt financing agreement for up to 52.5 million with US-based lender Runway Growth Capital. The initial tranche of this loan was used to retire the Company's outstanding debt. Future tranches are subject to the Company reaching certain milestones and are expected to be used to fund the Company's upcoming commercial and clinical activities and to support working capital and general corporate purposes. Financial The Company reported an operating loss of EUR 18.7 million for the first six months of 2024, in line with the EUR 18.8 million loss recorded in the first half of 2023. Increased spending on clinical, regulatory, and quality activities was balanced by reduced external spending on research and development. The Company ended the first half of 2024 with a positive cash balance of EUR 32.1 million. The balance at year-end 2023 was EUR 29.8 million. The increase of EUR 2.3 million results from proceeds from the March 2024 equity financing offset by the cash outflows for operating activities. Half Year 2024 Financial Summary In EUR millions For the six-month period ended June 30 2024 2023 Total Revenues & Other Income 0.2 0.9 Total Operating Expenses (19.0) (19.7) Operating Loss for the Period (18.7) (18.8) Net Finance Result 0.2 (0.5) Income Taxes 0.3 (0.0) Net Loss for the Period (18.3) (19.3) At 30 June 2024 31 December 2023 Cash position at the end of the period 32.1 29.8 Interest Bearing Loans (16.0) (15.3) Equity 18.3 17.9 Business Update: Outlook and Upcoming Milestones ONWARD Medical expects to continue the steady and consistent execution of its strategy in the coming quarters, including preparing for commercialization of its first product. The Company expects to obtain FDA clearance to launch its ARC-EX System in the US in Q4 2024. The Company has commenced the hiring of a field sales and service organization and plans to provide more detail about its launch plans during today's Half Year 2024 Investor Webinar and Business Update. The Company expects a peer-reviewed publication in a top-tier medical journal detailing the results of the first 10+ patients implanted with investigational ARC-IM Therapy to address blood pressure instability after SCI. The Company is preparing to initiate its Empower BP global pivotal trial for ARC-IM Therapy to address blood pressure instability after SCI. Major associated milestones expected to occur in late 2024 and early 2025 include FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) submission, FDA IDE approval, and first participant enrollment. The Company plans to advance clinical and development activities for its ARC-BCI System, leveraging new grant funding (https://ir.onwd.com/static-files/f1a17edd-c194-4d33-9184-c4b61fb3c330) from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, ongoing financial support from the European Innovation Council under the Reverse Paralysis (https://www.reverse-paralysis.com/) project, the previously announced FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, and acceptance into the FDA's new TAP program. Several additional ARC-BCI System implants are expected in the second half of 2024 and first half of 2025 as part of the ongoing clinical feasibility study with its partners at .NeuroRestore and CEA-Clinatec. Conference Call & Webcast ONWARD Medical will host a conference call with a live webcast today, September 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm CET / 8:00 am EDT. The 2024 Half-Year Report and webcast may be accessed on the Financial Informationpage of the Company's website. To join the webcast via Zoom, please register using this link. *All ONWARD Medical devices and therapies, including but not limited to ARC-IM, ARC-EX, ARC-BCI, and ARC Therapy, alone or in combination with a brain-computer interface (BCI), are investigational and not available for commercial use. About ONWARD Medical ONWARD Medical is a medical technology company creating therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and movement disabilities. Building on more than a decade of scientific discovery, preclinical, and clinical research conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company has developed ARC Therapy, which has been awarded ten Breakthrough Device Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ONWARD ARC Therapy is targeted, programmed spinal cord stimulation designed to be delivered by the Company's external ARC-EX or implantable ARC-IM platforms. ARC Therapy can also be delivered by the Company's ARC-BCI platform, which pairs the ARC-IM System with brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to restore movement after SCI with thought-driven control. Use of non-invasive ARC-EX Therapy significantly improved upper limb function after SCI in the global pivotal Up-LIFT trial, with results published by Nature Medicine in May 2024. The Company has submitted its regulatory application to the FDA for clearance of the ARC-EX System in the US and is preparing for regulatory submission in Europe. In parallel, the Company is conducting clinical studies with its ARC-IM Therapy, which demonstrated positive interim clinical outcomes for improved blood pressure regulation following SCI. Other ongoing clinical studies focus on using ARC-IM Therapy to address mobility after SCI and gait challenges in Parkinson's disease as well as using the ARC-BCI platform to restore thought-driven movement of both upper and lower limbs after SCI. Headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, ONWARD Medical has a Science and Engineering Center in Lausanne, Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Brussels and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD). For more information, visit ONWD.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube. For Media Inquiries: Aditi Roy, VP Communications media@onwd.com For Investor Inquiries: Amori Fraser, Finance Director investors@onwd.com Disclaimer Certain statements, beliefs, and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company's or, as appropriate, the Company directors' current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, delays in regulatory approvals, changes in demand, competition, and technology, can cause actual events, performance, or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions, or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All ONWARD Medical devices and therapies referenced here, including but not limited to ARC-IM, ARC-EX, ARC-BCI and ARC Therapy, are investigational and not available for commercial use. The Latvian company SIA Dotnuva Seeds, indirectly owned by AB Akola Group, has agreed with Swedbank AS on financing the construction and equipment of a seed preparation factory in Latvia. The loan amounting to 7 million euros was granted for ten years. AB Akola Group itself became the guarantor of the loan. "We have entered a new stage of the group's development and are expanding our farmer service capacity in neighboring Latvia. In April, we opened a new agricultural trade and service center in Jekabpils, a modern workshop for servicing agricultural machinery, and a spare parts warehouse. A few days ago, we concluded a deal to acquire the Latvian grain trader SIA Elagro Trade. Investing around EUR 9.5 million in the seed factory project is another consistent step in Latvia. In addition to the new seed factory, warehouse buildings and site facilities in Iecava will be renovated. We are using our own funds for all these works, but a good financial partner is one of the most important components of the project," says Mazvydas Sileika, CFO of AB Akola Group. "This investment marks new opportunities for Latvian farmers. The planned capacity of the plant will allow the company's products to reach Latvian farmers faster and reduce the company's logistics costs, which is important for further growth of the company. We are honored to be the financial partner of SIA Dotnuva Seeds in the next stage of development, which will cover the needs of farmers across the Baltics", marks Jevgenijs Ivanovs, the Head of the Corporate Customer Division and Member of the Board at Swedbank. Founded in Latvia in 2023, SIA Dotnuva Seeds laid a capsule in the foundation of the seed factory in Iecava in July this year. The 4,600 square-meter plant, operational next summer, is expected to produce around 20,000 tons of seeds a year in its first stage. These seeds will be intended for farms in Latvia and Estonia. "The demand for certified seeds in the Baltic States is increasing as farmers realize their benefits. Both our seed production and trade in them are growing; in the financial year that ended in June, we produced 32 thousand tons of certified seeds for cereals, rapeseed, and grass mixtures at the seed factory in Dotnuva - more than our official capacity of 30 thousand tons is. And we sold even more - 35 thousand tons. A seed factory in Latvia will benefit both us and farmers - we will have faster service, lower logistics costs, and localization of plant varieties," says Jonas Baksys, Member of the Management Board of AB Akola Group and CEO of Dotnuva Seeds. SIA Dotnuva Seeds is directly managed by AB Linas Agro, the largest company in revenue owned by AB Akola Group and one of the largest agribusiness companies and grain exporters in the Baltic States. Linas Agro, which operates eight companies in the Baltics, has been supplying products and services to farmers for over 32 years. About AB Akola Group AB Akola Group operates the largest agricultural and food production group in the Baltics, with 4.9 thousand employees. The group operates along the entire food production chain from farm to fork, producing, preparing and marketing agricultural and food products, as well as supplying goods and services to farmers. The group's financial year starts in July and its unaudited revenue for the last financial year was EUR 1.5 billion. In addition to the seed factory in Latvia, the Group plans to launch two new factories for instant noodles and breadcrumbs in 2025. More information: Mazvydas Sileika, CFO of AB Akola group Mob. +370 619 19 403 E-mail: m.sileika@akolagroup.lt Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Eliasik Injury Law is proud to mark its 20th birthday as a Chicago personal injury law sector champion. Over the years, the company has been on a mission to advocate for the rights of accident victims, offering expert legal counsel in cases of personal injury and motor accidents. From its inception until today, Eliasik Injury Law has filed countless personal injury claims, like car accidents, slips and falls, and work-related accidents. The company has become well known for its strong knowledge of Illinois law and its prejudice in finding justice for those harmed. Eliasik Injury Law Celebrates 20 Years of Success in Personal Injury Law To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/221355_156cfa3684ca28e0_002full.jpg For many years, Eliasik Injury Law's Chicago auto accident lawyers, who are highly experienced, have been providing their clients with the best resolution to their cases, thus making them recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attorney's customized treatment of legal matters has been the single factor separating the company from others, which means each of its clients obtains the best legal advice and support. Looking back through the last two decades, the company acknowledges that its accomplishments are mainly due to its clients and the legal profession. In connection with the legal landscape, Eliasik Injury Law has always been agile enough to change, making it the law firm that always keeps the personal injury law's top strategies and practices. This flexibility has been the main factor in the company's ability to successfully defend its clients, even in the most complex cases. The firm maintains its integrity with the sentenced, and the celebration of this important milestone remains on optimum-quality lawsuits. Eliasik Injury Law has envisioned great results from its line of work for the future, like its recent accomplishments. It is still keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in the legal domain and establishing new methods of serving its clients faithfully. Individuals can access the official website for more information about Eliasik Injury Law and its services. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/221355 SOURCE: Plentisoft Azafaros has announced that data from the ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 RAINBOW study investigating its lead asset, nizubaglustat in patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) or GM2 gangliosidosis, were presented at the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) annual symposium in Porto, Portugal. The results of part one of the study, designed to determine the safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the Company's lead asset nizubaglustat, demonstrated the compound had a positive safety profile and was well-tolerated in the 13 participants in the study. All patients are now enrolled in the extension phase of the trial, where initial unblinded data on 10 patients showed 8 had improved or stabilized SARA (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) scores. Additionally, a reduction in seizure frequency was observed for the participants who had experienced daily seizures before recruitment into the study. Data from the RAINBOW study will be used to inform the target dose for Azafaros' planned Phase 3 pivotal studies, due to be initiated 2025. At the conference, Azafaros also presented 12-month follow-up data from the company's PRONTO trial, a natural history study of late-infantile/juvenile GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. PRONTO is the largest prospective natural history study of these two rare diseases, providing valuable insights for the further development of nizubaglustat in GM1 and GM2 and for the gangliosidoses research community in general. Stefano Portolano, MD, CEO of Azafaros, said: "The RAINBOW trial results support the positive safety profile of nizubaglustat and provide us with encouraging early efficacy trends for the compound. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss these data with the scientific community at the SSIEM annual symposium, and believe our compound offers a potential new solution to patients with rare lysosomal storage disorders with neurological involvement where there is a strong unmet medical need. We look forward to using the insights provided by results from both RAINBOW and PRONTO to keep the strong momentum of our clinical program and move the compound into pivotal trials next year Azafaros is thankful to the patients and their families for their participation in the RAINBOW study. Ends About the RAINBOW study The RAINBOW trial is a Phase 2 clinical study designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AZ-3102 (nizubaglustat) in patients with GM2 and Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) diseases. The study was conducted across three sites in Brazil, involving 13 patients older than 12 years of age. In the first part of the study patients were randomized to receive either a high dose or low dose of nizubaglustat or placebo. All patients continued into the second part of the study where they are randomized to receive either high or low dose nizubaglustat for 52 weeks. About the PRONTO study The PRONTO study is a prospective natural history study designed to assess the progression of neurological disease in late-infantile and juvenile GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. The study includes participants with a late-infantile/juvenile form, genetic diagnosis, and who are between 2 and 20 years old and the main objective was to provide insight and understanding of disease progression using clinical scales, caregiver questionnaires, and actigraphy. A total of 30 participants were recruited from 6 countries with at least 12-month follow-up data on 21 participants. About nizubaglustat Nizubaglustat is a small molecule, orally available and brain penetrant azasugar with a unique dual mode of action, developed as a potential treatment for rare lysosomal storage disorders with neurological involvement, including GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). Nizubaglustat has received the following designations and support: United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rare Pediatric Disease Designations (RPDD) for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC. Orphan Drug Designations (ODD) for GM2 gangliosidosis (Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs Diseases) and NPC. IND Clearance and Fast Track Designation for GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses and NPC European Medicines Agency (EMA) Orphan Medicinal Product Designation (OMPD) for the treatment of GM2 gangliosidosis. UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Innovation Passport for the treatment of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. About GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidoses GM1 gangliosidosis and GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases) are lysosomal storage disorders caused by the accumulation of GM1 or GM2 gangliosides respectively, in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in progressive and severe neurological impairment and early death. These diseases mostly affect infants and children, and no disease-modifying treatments are currently available. About Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a progressive, life-limiting neurological lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 gene and aberrant endosomal-lysosomal trafficking, leading to the accumulation of various lipids, including gangliosides in the CNS. The onset of disease can happen throughout the lifespan of an affected individual, from prenatal life through adulthood. About Azafaros Azafaros is a clinical-stage company founded in 2018 by scientists with a deep understanding of rare genetic disease mechanisms, using discoveries made by scientists at Leiden University and Amsterdam UMC. Azafaros is led by a team of highly experienced industry experts and aims to build a pipeline of disease-modifying therapeutics to offer new treatment options to patients and their families. The Azafaros team is dedicated to rapidly bring new drugs to the rare disease patients who need them. The company is supported by a syndicate of leading investors including Forbion, BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), BioMedPartners, Asahi Kasei Pharma Ventures, and Schroders Capital. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910536439/en/ Contacts: Azafaros B.V. Email: info@azafaros.com www.azafaros.com Cyber-attacks continue to plague both organisations and their employees LONDON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the past 12 months, over half of organisations were impacted by cyber threats. Larger companies in particular were much more likely to come under attack. The severity of these incidents is directly contributing to job losses. Of 500 UK IT, resilience and cyber security professionals surveyed, 37% reported that cyber-attacks resulted in dismissals. Last year, Databarracks' Data Health Check (DHC) found that cyber-attacks are organisation's leading cause of downtime and data loss. In 2024, that is still the case. Data lost to cyber incidents varies greatly by company size, with larger businesses five times more likely to be impacted. Chris Butler, Resilience Director at Databarracks, commented: "It should come as little surprise that cyber remains organisations' leading cause of downtime and data loss. The real news is that cyber is now having a significant impact on employees. "Over a third of those surveyed in the DHC report job losses as a result of cyber-attacks. These could be IT or Security staff being dismissed in direct response to the breach, or wider layoffs from business disruption. "Cyber-attacks on businesses are often seen as victimless crimes because losses are covered by insurance. These results show that attacks have a personal impact. "Today, IT teams are faced with significantly more risk and threats to the continuity of their organisations, which can have a profound impact on their wellbeing. But the same can be said for employees across a business. "Staff may be uncertain about what an attack means for the future of their company, and by extension their own job security. Your first line of defence is your staff, and so it is crucial that they are kept well-trained and appropriately informed in the event of an incident." Read the highlights from the Data Health Check 2024: https://datahealthcheck.databarracks.com/2024/ Download the full DHC report: https://www.databarracks.com/resources/data-health-check-2024 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/over-a-third-of-cyber-attacks-result-in-job-losses-302242394.html The Series B funding enables both an International Pivotal trial to diagnose MVO and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate therapeutic treatments for MVO through the CoFI system CorFlow Therapeutics AG (CorFlow) announced today that it has raised 44 million in Series B funding, co-led by Broadview Ventures and Panakes Partners with strong continued support from 415 Capital, CorFlow's initial VC investor and largest shareholder. Merieux Equity Partners, Laerdal Million Lives Fund, Wellington Partners, M&L Investments, Unorthodox Ventures, KOFA Healthcare and Monte Carlo Capital participated in the multinational syndicate Concurrent with the financing, David Prim of Broadview Ventures, Barbara Castellano of Panakes Partners, Yoann Bonnamour of Merieux Equity Partners, and Rhiya Pau of Laerdal Million Lives Fund have joined the CorFlow Board of Directors. The Series B will fund the MOCA II (MVO with CoFITM System Assessment II) pivotal study intended to gain US market clearance. The trial will run in the US and Europe and aims to validate CorFlow's CoFl system to diagnose MVO in heart attack patients immediately following stent implantation. Additionally, it will fund an adaptive platform therapy study evaluating treatment effects of therapeutic agents delivered locally through the CoFl system on heart attack patients diagnosed with MVO. MVO affects more than half of all patients who suffer an acute heart attack and is an independent predictor for heart failure and mortality. Currently not routinely diagnosed MVO remains largely untreated, leading to poor patient outcomes, and contributing to high health care costs associated with cardiovascular disease. CorFlow's CoFl system is being developed to provide timely, accurate and consistent detection of MVO while patients are still in the catheter laboratory (cath lab) immediately following the reopening of the larger epicardial arteries with a stent. Uniquely, the technology has been designed to also enable localized delivery of therapeutics to the microvasculature upon MVO diagnosis. CoFl also seamlessly integrates into standard workflows utilizing existing guide catheter and wire access. "We are thrilled to have closed on this significant round of financing, backed by a top-tier global syndicate of medical technology investors," commented Paul Mead, President and Chief Executive Officer of CorFlow. "Recent data from over 70 patients in our MOCA I first in human trial and from our extensive preclinical program support our collective confidence that we can improve outcomes in patients who suffer heart attacks, specifically those patients whose microvascular disease goes undiagnosed and untreated today. There is overwhelming evidence now that microvascular conditions are a significant root cause of adverse outcomes in heart attack patients and other cardiovascular conditions. I am grateful that our new investors have the vision to see 'where the puck is going' in this rapidly emerging field." The MOCA II IDE trial is designed to confirm the CoFl system's accuracy in diagnosing MVO in high-risk heart attack patients. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Tim Henry of The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, the trial will recruit several hundred patients undergoing stent implantation due to ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and will compare CoFl's proprietary dynamic diagnostic measurement of MVO to post-procedure Contrast Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMRI), the current gold standard for detecting MVO. The MOCA II trial leverages the learnings from the company's First-In-Human MOCA I trial conducted in Switzerland, Latvia and the UK. "There is increasing awareness of the impact of MVO on patient outcomes following coronary revascularization. CorFlow has the potential to be the next significant breakthrough in treating coronary artery disease, and Broadview is delighted to be supporting this impressive team and technology," states David Prim of Broadview Ventures. "CorFlow's breakthrough technology has been designed by clinicians for clinicians and we are excited to support CorFlow's mission to generate robust clinical data in order to get this much needed therapy to the patient as quickly as possible." adds Barbara Castellano of Panakes Partners. "We also are committed to supporting the emerging field of microvascular disease in general, and this oversubscribed funding round gives us options to apply the technology in new ways, and in new geographies, where patients can benefit." The funding will also support a novel adaptive platform therapy trial in Europe evaluating whether localized delivery of therapeutics to the microvasculature immediately following stent implantation can improve outcomes in patients diagnosed with MVO. Led by Dr. Giovanni Luigi De Maria (Oxford University Hospitals Trust, UK) and Professor Colin Berry (University of Glasgow and NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital, UK), this European RCT will assess the effects of several therapeutic agents with both clinical and imaging measures up to six months. "The improvement in outcomes for heart attack patients has stagnated over many years now and we believe that real-time diagnosis and targeted therapy for MVO has the potential to save the lives of countless patients in the future." Comments Frederik Groenewegen of 415 Capital. "We have long been believers in the CorFlow technology and team, and with the support of this first-class investor syndicate we now have the opportunity to collect the clinical data required to establish a new standard of heart attack care." About CorFlow Therapeutics: Headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, with offices in Italy, and founded in 2016 by Dr. Rob Schwartz, Dr. Martin Rothman and Jon Hoem. CorFlow aspires to be the leader in diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for restoring healthy microvascular blood flow anywhere in the human body where a critical need exists. Working in close partnership with scientists from the University of Bern, ETH Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich, in a collaboration funded by the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse), CorFlow continues to explore applications in and beyond the heart. About Microvascular Obstruction (MVO): Often described as the "last frontier" in the treatment of acute heart attacks, MVO is characterized by blockages in the microvascular coronary arteries, which vary in size down to the circumference of a human hair. Previous research has identified that MVO is one of the most powerful prognostic indicators for future adverse outcomes for every 1% increase in MVO, there's a corresponding 14% increase in one-year mortality risk and 8% increase in hospitalization due to heart failure. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910783655/en/ Contacts: Media and Scientific Contact CorFlow Therapeutics AG hello@corflow.ch BERLIN, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The pioneering lifestyle-tech brand, Laifen, today made waves at IFA Berlin 2024 with the unveiling of its latest personal care products, showcasing the groundbreaking new Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush Titanium, the powerful SE 2 High-Speed Hair Dryer and the compact Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer. Attracting a significant audience to its booth launch event, Laifen once again demonstrated its ability to lead personal care technology trends and redefine modern lifestyles through its commitment to constant innovation. A Revolutionary Electric Toothbrush from Brushing Method to Material At the personal care section of IFA 2024, Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush Titanium stands out as one of the most dazzling new products. Compared to traditional oscillation rotary and sonic toothbrushes, Laifen's world-first dual-action toothbrush introduces an innovative brushing method that combines 66,000 sonic vibrations per minute with a wide-range 60-degree oscillation. Thanks to its ingenious design and advanced algorithm, it achieves 300% greater efficiency and offers six times better plaque removal than traditional electric toothbrushes. Its stringent adherence to the scientifically proven Modified Bass brushing method has earned it high praise and recommendations from numerous dentists and experts. Building on the concept of brushing the right way, Laifen goes even further by using biocompatible titanium, a material known for its non-toxicity and antibacterial properties. Overcoming craftmanship challenges, Laifen has adopted a modern, seamless, single-piece design, creating a safer and more hygienic electric toothbrush. The Laifen Wave also focuses on providing a customizable brushing experience. With three settings adjustable to over ten levels via the intuitive Laifen App and three self-developed cushioned brush heads tailored to specific dental needs, it offers consumers a hassle-free and personalized personal care experience. Due to its revolutionary brushing method and the groundbreaking application of cutting-edge titanium material in electric toothbrushes, the Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush Titanium has been nominated by mainstream tech media TechRadar, The Shortcut, House Digest and Yanko Design for the 2024 Best of IFA list. High-speed Hairdryers Transforms the Way People Live The high-speed hairdryer is one of Laifen's most significant products, with the renowned series selling over 10 million units worldwide to date. In the continuous evolution of Laifen's hairdryers, the brand has responded to market demands and consumer needs. The Laifen SE 2 High-Speed Hair Dryer, showcased at IFA, offers a wider range of fashionable colors, providing consumers with more choices to color their everyday lives. Committed to the philosophy that making innovation benefit daily life, Laifen's high-speed hairdryers are more affordable with high-end technology accessible to all. The Laifen Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer, on the other hand, is a more compact and portable product. This small but smart hair dryer, weighing only 299g, is convenient for travel and suitable for various outdoor scenarios. Price and Availability The hotly anticipated Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush Titanium can be pre-ordered now on Laifen's official website, with 6 cushioned brush heads, for 159. The Laifen SE 2 High-Speed Hair Dryer will soon be launched globally, at the competitive price of 149, while the Laifen Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer is slated to make its debut at IFA Berlin 2024 and will be available for purchase for just 99.99 through Laifen's official European website. Laifen's brand philosophy centers around constantly creating new products to lead lifestyle trends and redefine modern lifestyles. Currently, Laifen is dedicated to transitioning from a single category to a multi-category brand, progressively establishing itself as a global technology company with a diverse product portfolio. This commitment to innovation and consumer-centric design sets Laifen apart in the personal care technology industry. For more information on Laifen, please visit www.laifentech.com. About Laifen Laifen is a lifestyle-tech company founded in 2019, with years of experience in R&D and manufacturing. Currently, its personal care appliances can be found in over 11 million households worldwide. Laifen challenges industry standards and is committed to developing new technologies that enhance everyday living and provide exceptional user experiences, believing in making advanced technology accessible and beneficial for everyone. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500106/00100_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laifen-reimagines-the-future-of-oral-care-with-unveiling-of-industry-first-toothbrush-at-ifa-2024-302243202.html COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EPOS today announced the expansion of its IMPACT Next Generation portfolio to include a new quality wired headset - the IMPACT 400 Series. Designed to meet the needs of today's dynamic workplace, the IMPACT 400 is an easy to use, ultralight headset that delivers outstanding audio quality and unmatched value for money. As hybrid work continues to evolve, professionals seek superior audio quality, enhanced comfort and seamless communication. With its advanced noise-filtering technology and exceptional sound delivery, the IMPACT 400 allows users to be heard clearly on any call, making it an ideal choice for professionals who split their workday between home and office environments. Key features include: Clear voice transmission: : The headset offers a dual-microphone boom arm with advanced noise-filtering algorithms that eliminate unwanted noise and ensure audio clarity during calls. The headset offers a dual-microphone boom arm with advanced noise-filtering algorithms that eliminate unwanted noise and ensure audio clarity during calls. Frictionless call experience: Engineered for ease of use and equipped with EPOS ActiveGard which prevents loud spikes of noise, the IMPACT 400 protects hearing safety throughout the day. The headset also comes with features like plug-and-play connectivity and lift-to-mute boom arm, helping to reduce friction during the workday and provide an uninterrupted user experience. Engineered for ease of use and equipped with EPOS ActiveGard which prevents loud spikes of noise, the IMPACT 400 protects hearing safety throughout the day. The headset also comes with features like plug-and-play connectivity and lift-to-mute boom arm, helping to reduce friction during the workday and provide an uninterrupted user experience. Great sound for uninterrupted focusy: Equipped with premium speakers and a sound profile that's engineered to deliver outstanding and reliable audio, the IMPACT 400 ensures users don't miss any important details. Equipped with premium speakers and a sound profile that's engineered to deliver outstanding and reliable audio, the IMPACT 400 ensures users don't miss any important details. All-day comfort: Regardless of the work location, the IMPACT 400 is designed to be ultra-light, with soft, noise-dampening ear pads and a padded adjustable headband for guaranteed comfort and reduced wearing fatigue on longer working days. Regardless of the work location, the IMPACT 400 is designed to be ultra-light, with soft, noise-dampening ear pads and a padded adjustable headband for guaranteed comfort and reduced wearing fatigue on longer working days. 'More than Expected' Value: The IMPACT 400 offers exceptional value, meeting the rigorous Microsoft Teams Open office requirements that ensure the audio quality, reliability and compatibility of a headset, all at a fraction of the cost. Sren Holm Printz, VP of Corporate Strategy & Product Management at EPOS, says: "Our goal with the IMPACT 400 is to provide all professionals with an affordable solution that exceeds their expectations in terms of value for money. Communication is essential for business success and it's crucial that leaders consider how they are using technology solutions to enhance their employees' capabilities to boost productivity and efficiency." Click here for further information about the IMPACT 400. Availability: September 10, 2024 MRSP from: 79/ $89/ 69 for single-sided variants and 89/ $99/ 79 for double-sided variants About EPOS EPOS designs, manufactures, and sells high-end audio and video solutions for business professionals around the world. Based on decades of psychoacoustic research, EPOS designs audio and video solutions with unique algorithms and acoustics that provide the best conditions for the brain, enabling professional users to communicate and collaborate effectively with better concentration and less energy spent. Owned by the world-leading hearing healthcare and audio technology group, Demant, and with headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, EPOS builds on more than 115 years' audio expertise and operates in a global market with offices and partners in more than 60 countries. Find more information at www.eposaudio.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500192/EPOS_Group_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500193/EPOS_Group_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500191/EPOS_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/epos-unveils-the-new-impact-400-headset-series--part-of-its-impact-next-generation-line-302242593.html Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! LONDON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) is delighted to reveal the winners of its 2024 CEO Awards. Now in its tenth year, this milestone celebrates a decade of recognizing and honouring exceptional leadership across the globe. Over the past ten years, the awards have drawn nominations from a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, franchising, oil & gas, manufacturing, and e-commerce. This decade-long tradition underscores the prestigious nature of the awards and highlights the exceptional quality of nominees from around the world. BWM spokesperson Robert Weinberg expressed admiration for the high caliber of this year's entrants. He noted that the wide array of sectors represented made the judging process both thorough and demanding. The judges conducted a comprehensive review to ensure a fair assessment of each nominee, reflecting the awards' commitment to recognizing true excellence. According to Mr. Weinberg, the winning CEOs distinguished themselves through charismatic leadership and the ability to engage and inspire employees at all levels. Their dedication to mentoring and developing staff, even amidst demanding schedules, was highly valued by the judges. In addition to these personal leadership traits, the winners demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, with many introducing forward-thinking practices that have significantly contributed to their companies' success. Mr. Weinberg acknowledged the challenging economic environment but praised the winners for their resilience and strategic foresight. The nomination process begins with CEOs and other senior executives being nominated by their colleagues or staff. The judges then perform a detailed evaluation, considering leadership qualities, innovative practices, and overall impact. Following a rigorous review, the most deserving leaders are selected. BWM extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 winners and wishes them continued success. Click here to view the full list of our 2023 CEO Award winners: https://www.bwmonline.com/2024-ceo-awards-winners/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. Contact David Jones Awards Department E: david@bwmonline.com W: www.bwmonline.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/business-worldwide-magazine-announces-its-2024-ceo-award-winners-302242423.html Peach industry thrives in small township in China's Jiangsu People's Daily Online) 15:20, September 10, 2024 "A box of Yangshan honey peaches can be sold for between tens of yuan (one yuan equals about $0.14) to hundreds of yuan. This year, I sold 30,000 boxes of such peaches," said Sun Jianqin, owner of a family farm in Yangshan township, Huishan district, Wuxi city, east China's Jiangsu Province. Sun also sells peach juice and runs a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) hotel and an agritainment business. Sun Jianqin, owner of a family farm, prunes a peach tree at his orchard in Yangshan township, Huishan district, Wuxi city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Mengjiao) As a small township that boasts natural advantages for the cultivation of honey peaches, Yangshan is one of China's major peach-producing areas, leading the country in the income per mu (667 square meters) of honey peaches. High-quality Yangshan honey peaches are particularly popular among customers. Peach planting began during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in Yanghan. The Yangshan honey peach has become a pillar industry in the township. Innovative techniques Today, modern agricultural technology has transformed peach farming in Yangshan. Cameras, sensors, and Internet of Things devices monitor the temperature, humidity, light, and soil conditions of smart orchards around the clock, allowing farmers and agricultural technicians to precisely maintain each peach tree. The township is promoting an innovative Y-shaped planting technique for the mechanized production of peaches. "The Y-shaped planting technique enables the planting of 66 peach trees on 1 mu of farmland, increases yield by about 20 percent while reducing labor costs by 20-30 percent," said Dai Huijun, technical director of the National Modern Agricultural Industrial Park in Huishan district. This method was recently recommended by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Sun's family farm is the first of its kind to pilot the Y-shaped planting technique in Yangshan. Fertilizer application, pesticide spraying, irrigation and drainage, weeding, and harvesting have all been mechanized at his peach orchard spanning over 80 mu. Since 2017, Huishan district has implemented a three-year action plan and a five-year development plan to upgrade its honey peach industry. Collaborating with research institutes, the district has established the country's largest honey peach germplasm resource repository. According to Dai, the National Modern Agricultural Industrial Park is developing new varieties to improve the disease resistance of honey peaches. Government support The thriving peach industry can be attributed to the local governments' measures, such as early planning, making use of science and technology, and establishing standardized planting and product systems. Wuxi established a research station for Yangshan honey peaches in 1978. By 1984, Yangshan had become Jiangsu Province's largest peach production base, with peach orchards spanning over 3,000 mu. The Yangshan Honey Peach Farmers Association was established in 1998, which spearheaded standardized production of honey peaches and brought about two standards on honey peaches. In 2006, Yangshan honey peaches were recognized as Chinese famous agricultural products. Jumping on the livestream e-commerce bandwagon, now peach growers can sell peaches at home. Cai Panhong, daughter of 63-year-old peach farmer Cai Jianping, is a fourth-generation peach grower of the Cai family. This year, she has sold 15,000 boxes of Yangshan honey peaches, with each box containing six peaches. To ensure its honey peaches reach far and wide, Yangshan has pulled out all the stops. Photo shows Yangshan honey peaches of the family of Cai Jianping, a 63-year-old peach farmer in Yangshan township, Huishan district, Wuxi city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) In 2023, the township launched six planes, 256 transport routes, and 282 urban delivery lines for the shipment of the prized fruit. This year, the township has partnered with logistics companies to set up 157 service sites in 14 villages and communities, up over 30 percent from the previous year. Thanks to the advantages of e-commerce, logistics and channels, Yangshan honey peaches are sold all over the country and exported to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and other countries and regions. To cultivate "new farmers," most of whom are young people, Huishan district has held training courses on peach farming every year, inviting experts to teach cutting-edge cultivation techniques and marketing strategies, and encouraged university graduates to return home to start businesses in the industry, according to Ma Xiaofeng, head of the district's agricultural development service center. Developed industrial chain, integrating tourism Yangshan has developed a complete peach industry chain, encompassing peach-themed cuisine, peach products such as wine, gum, pit carvings, and face masks. The city has also developed the tourism industry around its peaches, with the creation of B&B hotels, agritainment facilities and an art village, promoting the integrated development of agriculture, culture, commerce and tourism. Nestled in the Yangshan Ecological Leisure Tourism Resort, Taoyuan village was once a "hollow village," a village where most young people had migrated outwards for work. However, in recent years, this sleepy hamlet has been turned into a culture and art village featuring 17 peach-themed agritourism projects, boosting an annual income growth of nearly 1.2 million yuan. Photo shows the peach-themed cafe of Yu Wei, a native of Taoyuan village in Yangshan township, Huishan district, Wuxi city, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Mengjiao) Yu Wei, a native of Taoyuan village who left the village after completing her university studies, decided to return home to start business, attracted by the sweet smell of success wafting from her hometown. "My peach-themed cafe serves special honey peach products all year round," Yu said, adding that she has even branched out with chain stores in east China's Zhejiang Province and central China's Hubei Province. The multifaceted approach has borne sweet fruit for the locals. The per capita disposable income of farmers in Yangshan reaches 66,000 yuan. Using the allure of its peach industry as a selling point, Huishan district signed 86 investment projects worth over 70 billion yuan at two events during this year's spring and summer. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - F3 Uranium Corp (TSV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to announce scintillometer results from the current summer drill program, including PLN24-176 which was cored in the JR Zone and which returned mineralization over 11.0m, including 5.40m of high grade (>10,000 cps) containing 4.35m of composite off-scale mineralization (>65,535 cps). Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented: "PLN24-176 was planned to increase confidence and high-grade continuity in the heart of the JR Zone, approximately 15m in the up-dip direction of PLN24-137 (see NR April 1, 2024 and July 20, 2024). Based on total radioactivity and the intercepted width of high grade, we expect this hole to rank near the top of all drillholes at JR. Exploration remains the focus of the program; previously (see NR August 13, 2024) we announced PLN24-168, which stepped out 700m along strike and encountered the altered and strongly graphitic B1 shear well below the Athabasca Unconformity. PLN24-175 was a follow up, testing the same structure 110m up-dip targeting its intersection with the unconformity. This hole intersected strong alteration in the basement; coupled with intense silicification and brecciation observed in the lower Athabasca Sandstone and the lack of graphitic structure in the basement, indications are that the structure dips steeper than presumed. This reveals a new target down-dip from PLN24-175 and an additional hole is planned to test the structure in this area with these prospective signs for nearby mineralization." Summer 2024 JR Zone Handheld Spectrometer Highlights: PLN24-176 (line 035S): 11.0m interval with mineralization between 186.0 and 206.5m, including 4.35m composite off-scale radioactivity (> 65,535 cps) between 197.40m and 202.15m interval with mineralization between 186.0 and 206.5m, including PLN24-177 (line 070S): 13.0 interval with mineralization between 199.0 and 214.5m, including 0.20m high-grade radioactivity (> 10,000 cps) between 211.0 and 211.2m interval with mineralization between 199.0 and 214.5m, including To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/222573_7ebc035d04f7a8f9_002full.jpg Table 1. Drill Hole Summary and Handheld Spectrometer Results Collar Information * Hand-held Spectrometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (>300 cps / >0.5m minimum) Athabasca Unconformity Depth (m) Total Drillhole Depth (m) Hole ID Section Line Easting Northing Elevation Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Max CPS PLN24-169 2820S 589486.4 6408554.4 529.6 113.3 -70.5 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 170.4, 256.3, 324.2 404 PLN24-170 150S 587940.0 6410725.8 546.3 58.4 -84.6 A1 Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 172.3 263 PLN24-171 3345S 589633.1 6408012.6 535.4 54.7 -65.6 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 353.0 674 PLN24-172 3780S 590006.3 6407749.4 539.2 55.8 -65.1 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 361.8 524 PLN24-173 2850S 589230.3 6408338.0 536.9 54.5 -67.1 A1 Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 173.4 587 PLN24-174 3075S 589596.1 6408116.4 532.7 14.6 -57.8 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 376.4 398 PLN24-175 4245S 590242.5 6407347.5 542.8 55.8 -66.7 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 351.2 497 PLN24-176 035S 587813.4 6410772.8 545.9 55.8 -80.8 186.00 186.50 0.50 300 181.8 296 193.50 194.00 0.50 300 194.00 195.50 1.50 <300 195.50 196.00 0.50 320 196.00 196.50 0.50 1100 196.50 197.00 0.50 1200 197.00 197.40 0.40 55500 197.40 197.50 0.10 >65535 197.50 198.00 0.50 >65535 198.00 198.50 0.50 >65535 198.50 199.00 0.50 >65535 199.00 199.50 0.50 >65535 199.50 200.00 0.50 >65535 200.00 200.50 0.50 >65535 200.50 200.70 0.20 >65535 200.70 201.00 0.30 45500 201.00 201.10 0.10 63600 201.10 201.50 0.40 >65535 201.50 202.00 0.50 >65535 202.00 202.15 0.15 >65535 202.15 202.40 0.25 50200 202.40 202.50 0.10 8700 202.50 203.00 0.50 1600 203.00 203.50 0.50 1900 206.00 206.50 0.50 320 PLN24-177 70S 587813.4 6410742.8 547.3 55.9 -81.3 199.00 199.50 0.50 340 179.4 269 199.50 200.00 0.50 480 200.00 200.50 0.50 400 200.50 201.00 0.50 460 201.00 201.50 0.50 670 201.50 202.00 0.50 800 202.00 202.50 0.50 1900 202.50 203.00 0.50 1900 203.00 203.50 0.50 1600 203.50 204.00 0.50 900 204.00 204.50 0.50 <300 204.50 205.00 0.50 2000 205.00 205.50 0.50 410 208.00 208.50 0.50 1300 208.50 209.00 0.50 610 209.00 209.50 0.50 <300 209.50 210.00 0.50 360 210.00 210.50 0.50 780 210.50 211.00 0.50 3800 211.00 211.20 0.20 12500 211.20 211.50 0.30 5100 211.50 212.00 0.50 1600 212.00 212.50 0.50 300 212.50 214.00 1.50 <300 214.00 214.50 0.50 300 Handheld spectrometer composite parameters: 1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m 2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second 3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m Natural gamma radiation in the drill core that is reported in this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 scintillometer. The Company considers greater than 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer as anomalous, >10,000 cps as high grade and greater than 65,535 cps as off-scale. The reader is cautioned that scintillometer readings are not directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured and should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive materials. Samples from the drill core are split in half on site and are standardized at 0.5m lengths. One half of the split sample will be submitted to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK. for lithogeochemical analysis using their "Uranium Package". All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thickness are yet to be determined. About Patterson Lake North: The Company's 4,078-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North property (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Fission Uranium's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade world class uranium deposits which is poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. PLN is accessed by Provincial Highway 955, which transects the property, and the new JR Zone uranium discovery is located 23km northwest of Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepare in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has verified the data disclosed. About F3 Uranium Corp.: F3 Uranium is a uranium exploration company advancing its newly discovered high-grade JR Zone and exploring for additional mineralized zones on its 100%-owned Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the southwest Athabasca Basin. PLN is accessed by Provincial Highway 955, which transects the property, and the new JR Zone discovery is located ~25km northwest of Fission Uranium's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits. This area is poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN project is comprised of the PLN, Minto and Broach properties. The Broach property incorporates the former PW property which was obtained from CanAlaska as a result of a property swap. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222573 SOURCE: F3 Uranium Corp. Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to report the completion of its program of mapping, sampling, and IP surveys at the consolidated HWY 37 and LGM projects in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. Highlights IP surveys were completed at the Mary-ME porphyry, and Hank-Williams porphyry-epithermal areas totalling 14.14 line km. Mapping was completed at the Mary, ME, Hank, Williams, Rainbow, Ridge, Goat and Grizzly targets in addition to several unnamed areas of interest. The addition of porphyry-epithermal expert Dr. Stephanie Sykora to the technical advisory board. Historical drill core from the Mary, Rainbow, Hank, and Williams zones was reviewed. The planned ZTEM survey was delayed due to equipment issues and weather delays at other projects and is expected to begin at the HWY 37 project this week. Machine learning with VRIFY AI is currently underway and results will be released once 2024 data is integrated into the exploration model. The BC Geological Survey spent a week on site as part of a porphyry research initiative that will include future age dates. Dustin Perry, CEO states "After spending a week on site this year visiting all of the porphyry-epithermal centers on the project, I am even more encouraged by the tremendous discovery potential of this large land position in the prolific Golden Triangle, Additionally, after working with Stephanie the last two field seasons we are thrilled to have her join our advisory board. Her wealth of global experience in copper-gold systems will be a significant asset as we advance our projects in the Golden Triangle." Dr. Stephanie Sykora, states "After two field seasons working with Kingfisher on their HWY 37 project, I am encouraged to see the potential in their large land package, which shows various styles of mineralization in prospective terrain that hasn't yet been fully explored. It is exciting to be part of the progress with a dynamic, young team that is discovery driven." Dr. Stephanie Sykora is a seasoned exploration geologist with over a decade of global experience working with major and junior companies. She has a PhD degree in Geology from the University of Tasmania (CODES), Australia where she studied the giant Lihir (Ladolam) alkalic epithermal gold deposit in Papua New Guinea, under supervision of Professor David Cooke and Dr. David Selley. Dr. Sykora currently works as an independent consultant, and via OreQuest Consultants Ltd., with various companies in Canada, USA, Mexico and worldwide. She has held positions at First Quantum Minerals in South America, Australia, and globally for generative porphyry copper exploration, and at Teck Resources in BC, Canada in porphyry exploration at Highland Valley Copper. Her expertise includes field mapping, technical evaluations, project generation, structural geology, and porphyry-epithermal systems. Dr Sykora has published several articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as various scientific communications for earth sciences. HWY 37 Project and LGM Project Summary The contiguous HWY 37 and LGM projects cover 630 km2 within the prolific Golden Triangle and are host to porphyry, epithermal, and VMS mineralization spanning from the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic. The Grizzly Cu-Au porphyry system is inferred to be the oldest at the project (Late Triassic). Previous workers identified pseudoleucite-bearing volcanic host rocks, a unique rock type also present at the world class, alkalic Galore Creek deposit (Teck/Newmont) located 50 km to the west. Historical trenching at Grizzly returned 0.74% Cu and 1.09 g/t Au over 38 m. Texas Creek intrusions (Early Jurassic) are the most widespread at the projects with a span over 25 km in a NE to SW trend with widespread geochemical anomalies and alteration. Mary, Williams, Rainbow, and Hank alteration systems are all related to these intrusions which also drive mineralization at the Sulphurets District (KSM, Treaty Creek, and Brucejack) and the Snip-Iskut District. The Company notes that mineralization on nearby projects or metal districts is not indicative of mineralization on the HWY 37 or LGM Projects. Figure 1: Regional Overview Map - HWY 37 and LGM Projects 2024 Exploration Program The 2024 field program was designed to refine drill targets across the HWY 37 and LGM projects. A focus was placed on new interpretations of the controls on mineralization across a broad area through detailed geological mapping by Dr. Stephanie Sykora. A total of 214 rock samples were taken by Kingfisher geologists, 296 geological field stations collected, and 14.14 line km of IP surveys were surveyed over 4 lines (Figure 2). The BC Geological Survey spent 7 days studying intrusions across the project area as part of a regional porphyry research initiative. Results from the 2024 exploration program will be released once they are received and interpreted. The ZTEM survey which was planned for earlier in the summer has been delayed due to equipment and weather issues at other nearby projects. Despite this, the survey is planned to begin this week. Figure 2: 2024 Exploration Program Hank-Williams Trend Mapping at the Hank-Williams Trend focused on improving the understanding of the structural controls to mineralization in areas prospective for drilling. Surface mapping also identified an expanded extent of hydrothermal alteration of roughly 6 x 6 km of quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP). Two IP lines were completed to extend coverage to the south and north of historical surveys. The southwestern line (3.2 km) is designed to test below an area concealed by young (post-gold) rocks and to characterize the Rojo Grande target. The northeastern line (5.7 km) spans the known Williams porphyry deposit, across the Hank epithermal deposit, and southeast past the limit of historical drilling for over 2.5 km. This line is designed to outline porphyry targets below the known Hank epithermal system, to generate a fingerprint of the Williams deposit on the same line. Figure 3: The Hank Deposit within the Hank-Williams Trend Mary Trend One 3.2 km IP line is designed to outline the trend of mineralization at an optimal azimuth not completed on previous surveys and provide information to drill target the Mary Root Zone and the deeper extents of the Mary deposit. The line will also include the DM porphyry to the northeast, which returned 0.28 g/t Au and 0.21% Cu over 223.3 m from 16 m depth (BC-06-03) and the Cliff porphyry to the southwest, which was drill tested with two holes in 2023 with the best intercept returning 0.11% Cu over 114 m (M-23-001). Mapping and sampling in the area outlined a ~600 m-long zone of stockwork and sheeted veins that parallels the overall northeast to southwest trend of mineralization to the south and west of the DM Zone that has only been partially tested with historical drilling. One outcrop of chalcopyrite-bearing stockwork north of the DM zone was also visited and sampled that has not been tested by drilling. Kingfisher geologists noted bornite in historical drill core in the DM area which indicates potential for elevated relative copper for exploration targets. Bornite has not yet been identified in drill extents at the higher elevation, known Mary deposit. Figure 4: The Mary Deposit ME Mapping was completed at the ME porphyry target to the south of the Mary deposit and Cliff porphyry. Two areas of porphyry stockwork were mapped, chip-channel sampling was completed, and one 2-km IP line was completed with the goal of outlining the geometry of chargeable mineralization identified on surface. Widespread 'quartz-sericite-pyrite' alteration was noted across the zone with significant chalcopyrite mineralization hosted within stockwork over a ~300 m of vertical extent. Figure 5: The ME Zone Rainbow The Rainbow Zone occurs as a small outcrop with brecciated vein clasts of high-level sheeted porphyry veins. Mapping in 2024 noted that the breccia occurs with a magnetite (potassic) matrix. Previous operators drilled below the discovery hole (RN-11-01; 0.76 g/t Au over 91 m) with limited success. The brecciated and structurally complex nature of mineralization in the area of historical drilling provides a geological explanation for how previous operators did not reproduce the initial drill results. Drill core review confirmed this field observation. Given the presence of potassic alteration at surface associated with gold and limited surface exposures due to the presence of widespread glacial till, future exploration in 2025 should include IP surveys in addition to ground based magnetic surveys which should outline areas of magnetite-cemented breccias. Figure 6: The Rainbow Zone Ridge The Ridge Zone hosts widespread in-soil and stream sediment geochemical anomalies for Au-Ag and base metals. Two days of mapping were completed at the Ridge Zone. Mapping indicated the presence of widespread carbonate alteration similar to other targets on the project (e.g., Mary and Hank) and is potentially indicative of a high-level porphyry environment. Mapping focused on vein and pyrite densities across two drainages. Future work will be planned after interpreting ZTEM results. Figure 7: The Ridge Zone Grizzly The Grizzly Zone lies in the southwestern region of the recently acquired LGM Project. Grizzly is host to copper-gold porphyry mineralization with historical trench sampling of 0.74% Cu and 1.09 g/t Au over 38 m. The Company spent one day mapping creek exposures in the vicinity of historical sampling. Preliminary mapping and 3D modeling indicate that the limited amount of historical drilling failed to cross the trend of mineralization. Figure 8: The Grizzly Zone BC Geological Survey The BC Geological Survey (BSGS) completed 7 days of fieldwork at the HWY 37 and LGM projects which consisted of sampling outcrop and drill core for the various intrusive suites associated with mineralization. They are completing a large-scale study north of the Iskut river that includes other significant projects such as Galore Creek. Their study will include obtaining dates from a number of these samples as well as characterizing the nature of these prospective intrusions with whole rock geochemistry and petrography. The Company wishes to thank the BCGS for their helpful insight, as well as the additional ground we were able to cover during this program. Additionally, the Company looks forward to receiving accurate U-Pb age dates from their work which will further help characterize and drill target the mineralization on the projects. Qualified Person Dustin Perry, P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release. About Kingfisher Metals Corp. Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia, including the Golden Triangle region. Kingfisher has two 100% owned district-scale projects and an option to earn 100% of the HWY 37 Project, that offer potential exposure to gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 43,201,553 shares outstanding. For further information, please contact: Dustin Perry, P.Geo. CEO and Director Phone: +1 236 358 0054 E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Merchant led report tackles complex payment industry dynamics Today, CMSPI released a State of the Industry Report in collaboration with the client-led Insights Advisory Council (IAC) formed in 2023. The Council consists of global business thought leaders from Amazon, Best Buy, Columbia, iHerb, lululemon, Kroger, McDonald's, Shell, Sony, Target, and Walmart aligned with the purpose of shaping a more optimal paying experience for both merchants and consumers. The CMSPI State of the Industry Report is intended to educate and inform merchant leaders, payments industry professionals, and global policymakers. "We greatly appreciate the Council's engagement and collaboration in developing this significant industry research," said CMSPI CEO Elley Frost. "We look forward to our continued partnership with the Council to highlight the foremost strategic payments considerations facing the world's leading merchants and partners." The State of the Industry Report provides a merchant-centric perspective on payment acceptance, including cost, supply chain dynamics, ecommerce growth, geographic market distinctions, and global policy developments. "Behind card payments lies a complex web of infrastructure rules and practices that have shaped the payments industry," notes CMSPI Chief Economist Callum Godwin. "The CMSPI Insights Advisory Council State of the Industry Report seeks to educate industry stakeholders and demystify the rapidly changing global payments landscape." State of the Industry Report by the numbers: U.S. merchants paid $224 billion to accept card payments in 2023. U.S. merchants' like-for-like payment costs increased by approximately 34 basis points since 2009. Since 2019, increased ecommerce spending and rising card fees resulted in an estimated $2.4 billion per annum increase in interchange and network fees paid by U.S. merchants. While over 300 global payment policy interventions have had varying impacts, procompetitive dual network debit card routing has produced an opportunity for approximately $4 billion in annual savings in the U.S. and $800 million in Australia. Access the report here. About CMSPI As the world's leading payments consultancy, we specialize in helping Global 500 merchants harness the power of data to maximize payments performance. Our team combines specialist expertise, the CMSPI Platform, and unmatched market visibility to assist clients in achieving high-impact savings, driving sales growth, and developing world-class payment strategies. CMSPI has primary locations in Atlanta, Georgia, US, Manchester, UK, and Sydney, Australia with regional offices around the globe. For more information, please visit cmspi.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910637537/en/ Contacts: Darin Good, dgood@cmspi.com ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, announced that its products and solutions were chosen to equip a PV project on the Greek island of Kimolos, constructed for the Municipality of Kimolos by Zillion EPC. The project provides sustainable energy, supporting among others the production of clean water via the desalination of seawater for the needs of the inhabitants and numerous visitors of the island. The 100kWp photovoltaic system in Kimolos is installed near the new desalination unit of the Municipality of Kimolos with a capacity of 220 m3/day, (average consumption of water per person is 0.1440 m3/day*) and connects to the low voltage network of the grid, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the station. The project consists of 238 units of 420W PV modules. As the environmental conditions in Kimolos can be quite harsh, including gusting winds, high temperatures, high levels of humidity, and a salty environment, Zillion opted for Sungrow's SG50CX-P2 string inverters, renowned for their efficiency and reliability. These inverters are compatible with high-power modules (+500Wp) and have smart O&M functions, while they have a robust design certified with IP66 protection and C5 anti-corrosion level. For the communication of the system, the COM100E smart communication box by Sungrow was chosen, providing flexible, reliable and easy operation, along with a high level of protection due to the IP66 design. The products have been delivered via Krannich Solar Greece, Sungrow's official distributor. Kimolos lies on the southwest of the island group of Cyclades with a distance of approximately 85 nautical miles to the southeast of Piraeus, the biggest port of Greece. With an area of 34.4 square kilometers, according to the latest census (2021), just over 810 inhabitants live there, a number that increases to many thousands during the summer period, as this beautiful destination attracts tourists from all over the world. The increased number of people, in combination with climate change, poses a significant challenge for the water supply to the island, especially during the summer months. One solution is the desalination of seawater, a well-known, but also energy-intensive practice that is deployed to address water scarcity globally. Almost one-fifth of the world's population lives in areas of water scarcity. It is predicted that many regions in the EU - especially, southern European Member States - will face severe water scarcity by 2050, when water demand is expected to increase by up to 30%**. Desalination can significantly alleviate this problem, while the use of clean energy for this process can provide a sustainable solution. "Implementing this project was a true challenge for us, primarily due to its geographical location and the difficulties in connecting with the mainland during the winter when the construction took place. Additionally, the specific positioning required for the panels demanded careful planning," said Mr. Vasileios Ziogos, Founder and Head Engineer of Zillion. "Nevertheless, the uniqueness of the project and its purpose inspired us to proceed with dedication and determination. By selecting equipment of exceptional quality and reliability, we are confident in its excellent and seamless operation." "As Sungrow continues to expand its footprint in Greece, we are proud to support projects like the Kimolos PV installation, which directly contribute to the sustainability and resilience of local communities," said Mr. Dimitrios Galanos, Sungrow Country Manager Greece and Cyprus. "Providing reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions for this project, we're not only helping to meet the energy demands of the water desalination facility but also paving the way for a greener future. At Sungrow, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and advanced technology to enable a more sustainable world." * European Environment Agency: https://www.eea.europa.eu/signals-archived/signals-2018-content-list/articles/water-use-in-europe-2014 **EU Blue Economy Observatory: https://blue-economy-observatory.ec.europa.eu/eu-blue-economy-sectors/desalination_en About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 27 years. As of June 2024, Sungrow has installed 605 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the most bankable Asian energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 170 countries, supported by a network of 490 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit www.sungrowpower.com. Media Contact: Mina Zhang +86-55165327878*8259 mina.zhang@cn.sungrowpower.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501424/Sungrow_Kimolos_desalination_PV_project_image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2439560/Logo_Sungrow_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sungrow-solutions-support-the-project-in-greece-for-clean-water-production-302243364.html Minister of Transportation of Republic of Indonesia Budi Karya Sumadi with the delegates of 8 ASEAN railway operators Inaugurate the opening of The 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs' Conference (ARCEOs' Conference) in Bandung, Indonesia, Monday. ARCEOs' Conference delegates experience The first high-speed train in ASEAN, Whoosh Bandung, W Java, Indonesia, Sept 9, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - The 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs' Conference (ARCEOs' Conference) was successfully held in Bandung, Indonesia, from September 2-5, 2024. With the theme "Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation," this year's ARCEOs' Conference focused on sustainable and eco-friendly railway development supported by digital transformation in safety and service aspects.Minister of Transportation of Republic of Indonesia Budi Karya Sumadi with the delegates of 8 ASEAN railway operators Inaugurate the opening of The 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs' Conference (ARCEOs' Conference) in Bandung, Indonesia, Monday.Representing Indonesia, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) was appointed as the organizing committee for the ARCEOs' Conference, which was attended by seven other ASEAN railway operators including Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malaysia), Vietnam Railways (Vietnam), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Cambodia), Lao National Railways (Laos), Philippine National Railways (Philippines), Myanma Railways (Myanmar), and State Railway of Thailand (Thailand).ARCEOs' Conference delegates experience The first high-speed train in ASEAN, WhooshIn his address, Minister of Transportation of Republic of Indonesia Budi Karya Sumadi highlighted that Indonesia is currently experiencing significant growth in the railway sector with the operation of the first high-speed train in the ASEAN region, Whoosh."Moreover, in urban rail transportation, Indonesia is expanding its MRT network with ongoing construction, in addition to the Jabodebek LRT, and the latest is the Autonomous Rail Transit in Nusantara as the next capital city," he explained.The introduction of high-speed trains aims to advance transportation in Indonesia to enhance connectivity and the economy between Jakarta and Bandung through modern, eco-friendly mass transit. With the high-speed train, passengers need not worry about long travel times, as the Jakarta-Bandung route is covered in just 28 minutes, with a maximum speed reaching 350 km/h. Featuring more spacious and modern interiors, the high-speed train offers three classes with a total capacity of up to 601 passengers and dedicated spaces for the disabled.The event included several working group sessions to share best practices and discuss various issues ranging from the implementation of digital technology, railway human resource development, digital marketing, service transformation, to the application of high-tech railways like high-speed trains.KAI CEO Didiek Hartantyo stated that the goal of the 44th ARCEOs' Conference is to strengthen relationships and cooperation among railway operators and industry stakeholders in ASEAN. Didiek emphasized that working together allows for achieving greater accomplishments and truly realizing the ASEAN spirit of mutual benefit, shared success, and resilience in facing various challenges."This year, our theme is 'Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation.' We believe this theme stems from the global challenges we face, including the urgent need to address climate change, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for more sustainable transportation options. Additionally, advancements in technology and changes in customer demands play a significant role in shaping our focus," Didiek said.Delegates had the opportunity to experience the Whoosh train from Padalarang Station in Bandung, West Java, to Halim Station in Jakarta, followed by a tree planting activity. In addition to Whoosh, delegates had the chance to ride the Panoramic Train, designed to offer panoramic views along the journey with very large windows on both sides.Furthermore, to support environmental sustainability and digital innovation, KAI deployed electric vehicles during the ARCEOs' Conference, provided eco-friendly souvenirs, and used an app as an information platform throughout the event."We believe this conference will not only strengthen cooperation among railway operators but also promote sustainability and digital innovation in the spirit of ASEAN unity. Together, we can build a future where railways connect our nations and support ASEAN's growth and success," concluded Didiek.For more information, please contact:Anne PurbaVP of Public RelationsPT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)Email: anne@kai.idSource: ASEAN Railways CEOs' ConferenceCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Mistango to Commence 28-hole Drill Program at Omega Gold Project in Kirkland Lake, Ontario Omega hosts an NI 43-101 compliant gold resource with 220,000 oz indicated at 1.39 g/t and 365,000 oz inferred at 2.42 g/t. The project is situated in the prolific Kirkland Lake gold district and was a past producer of 215,000 oz of gold. Jamie Spratt steps down to pursue a new role in mining equity research. Mistango maintains a solid balance sheet with $3.7 million in cash, ensuring the drill program is fully funded, and the Company is poised for further growth. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Mistango River Resources Inc. (CSE: MIS) ("Mistango" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the mobilization of a 28-hole drill program at its Omega Gold Project in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, along with a leadership transition at the Company. Omega Drill Program to Commence Mid-September A 28-hole drill program focused on expanding Omega's near-surface mineralization will commence in mid-September. at the southwest zone of the Company's Omega project. Phase 1 of the 2024 drill program will consist of six drill holes totaling approximately 500 m testing the southwest strike of known mineralization. Phases 2 and 3 of the drill program will follow up on Phase 1 results. Phase 2 drilling will test the previously defined mineralization's southwest and northeast strike extensions. Phase 3 drilling will focus on further follow-up testing of southwest zone mineralization along strike and at depth. In addition to delineating the main trend of mineralization defined by previous drilling, the program will also test potential parallel structures indicated from certain historic intercepts. Mistango expects to complete and release drill results from the program in Q4 2024. Omega Detailed Drill Program Video For a detailed overview of Omega's drill program, please see the video 'Not all ounces are Created Equal' with Mistango's Chairman Stephen Stewart. Leadership Transition The Company announces that CEO Jamie Spratt has resigned to pursue an opportunity in mining equity research at a Canadian brokerage firm. "We are grateful to Jamie for his leadership and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Mistango remains committed to advancing the high-grade Omega Project and looks forward to the results from the upcoming drill program. With $3.7 million in cash, Mistango is well-positioned to advance its portfolio and pursue accretive acquisitions," stated Stephen Stewart, Chairman. About Omega Gold Project Omega has an NI 43-101 compliant gold resource of 220,000 ounces indicated at 1.39 g/t and 365,000 ounces inferred at 2.42 g/t (Webster and Pitman, 2013; AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd.). The project was a past producer of an estimated 215,000 oz of gold at a grade of 5.4 g/t. The site's historic infrastructure includes two historic shafts. The Company is evaluating all of its resource and exploration data on Omega to grow its considerable resource base. Omega is in the prolific Kirkland Lake gold district 30km east of Kirkland Lake, 3km east of Larder Lake, and adjacent to the past-producing Kerr Addison mine. Omega is accessible by provincial highway and local service roads and has readily available power from the provincial grid. QP Statement The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, P.Geo., Director of Mistango and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Mistango River Resources Inc. Mistango is a Canadian-based exploration company with a 100% interest in two prospective properties in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The Omega Property is surrounded by MAG Silver's Larder Lake property and on trend from the Kerr Addison mine that historically produced 12 million ounces. The Kirkland West property is contiguous with Agnico Eagle's operating Macassa mine, and exploration conducted on the property has shown that major structures, including the Amalgamated and Main Breaks, converge with the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break on the Kirkland West property. The Company is exploring at its Goldie project, 50km west of Thunder Bay, within the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Mistango assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Mistango. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Mistango with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under Mistango profile at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222662 SOURCE: Mistango River Resources Inc. Tineco, a global leader in smart home appliances, is proud to announce that it has been honored with multiple prestigious awards at IFA 2024. The recognition underscores Tineco's leadership across the floor washer, carpet cleaner, and vacuum cleaner categories, further solidifying its position at the forefront of smart home innovation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910670424/en/ Tineco Secures Major Awards at IFA 2024 Showcasing Excellence in Smart Home Technology (Photo: Business Wire) These awards highlight Tineco's dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and enhancing consumers' lives through cutting-edge home care solutions. The company's flagship products FLOOR ONE Stretch S6, PURE ONE Station 5, and CARPET ONE Cruiser each represent a category-leading innovation that has been lauded by industry experts. FLOOR ONE Stretch S6: Global Recognition in Floor Washing Leading the floor washer category, the FLOOR ONE Stretch S6 secured three prestigious awards: the Floor Cleaning Solutions Gold Award of Global Product Technology Innovation Award 2024 from IFA with IDG, and the Best of IFA 2024 from SlashGear. Featuring an 180 lay-flat design, the Stretch S6 excels at cleaning under furniture and tight spaces with just 5.1 inches of clearance. Its revolutionary FlashDry technology ensures floors are dry instantly after cleaning, enhancing safety and convenience. The iLOOP Smart Sensor automatically adjusts suction power and water flow based on the detected dirt level, ensuring a thorough and efficient cleaning process. PURE ONE Station 5: A New Standard for Vacuum Cleaning In the vacuum cleaner category, the PURE ONE Station 5 has earned the Best of ShowStoppers IFA 2024 and Best Choice from One Cut Reviews. Launching on September 26, 2024, this vacuum cleaner combines powerful 175W suction with a 70-minute runtime, making it suitable for large homes. With a hands-free Self-Cleaning System and 3-in-1 Cleaning Station, the PURE ONE Station 5 offers a seamless user experience. Its PureCyclone Technology and 6-Stage Filtration System ensure maximum air purification, while the iLOOP Smart Sensor adapts suction in real-time based on dust detection. Carpet One Cruiser: Innovation in Carpet Care The Carpet One Cruiser, Tineco's latest carpet cleaner, has been recognized with the 2024 IFA Innovation Award from SlashGear and the Best of IFA 2024 from HouseDigest. Launched on September 4, 2024, this model introduces 3-Level SmoothPower Tech, which allows effortless movement in any direction. The 167 High-temp PowerDry feature accelerates drying, preventing the risk of mold and mildew, while the FlashDry Self-Cleaning System enhances product longevity through a quick, efficient cleaning and drying process. Currently, the Carpet One Cruiser is exclusive to the US market. However, Tineco is considering a future launch in the European market based on consumer demand. "Receiving these prestigious awards at IFA 2024 is a testament to Tineco's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in smart home technology. Our flagship products are designed to enhance the daily lives of our consumers by offering smarter, more efficient solutions. We are incredibly proud to be recognized across multiple categories, and this recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in home care," said Romeo Luo, General Manager of Tineco International Business Unit. Strengthening Brand Awareness Industry Leadership These accolades reaffirm Tineco's ability to deliver innovative home care solutions that resonate with consumers and industry experts alike. With recognition across the floor washer, carpet cleaner, and vacuum cleaner categories, Tineco's commitment to excellence continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in smart home technology. As a trusted leader in the industry, Tineco remains dedicated to shaping the future of home care. About Tineco Tineco was founded in 1998 with its first SKU as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has innovated into a global leader offering intelligent appliances across home categories, including floor care, kitchen, and personal care. Tineco is dedicated to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technologies and consistently innovating new devices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910670424/en/ Contacts: Chris.lxg@tineco.com Hub supports UK Government's focus on developing Next-Gen Solutions in Quantum, AI, Cryptography LONDON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mphasis, (BSE:526299; NSE: MPHASIS), a leading Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specialising in cloud and cognitive services, today announced the opening of its Innovation Hub for Mphasis Europe in London's iconic Tower 42 building. This strategic hub signifies Mphasis' commitment to pioneering Quantum technologies within the UK and globally. The facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for developing cutting-edge Quantum Computing, Quantum Cryptography and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions. These solutions will address critical industry challenges such as algorithmic underwriting, catastrophic risk modelling, and fraud detection. Mphasis' expertise will empower businesses in the UK and worldwide to leverage the transformative power of Quantum technologies. The UK has already established itself as a global leader in quantum technologies. Government's investment in the field has been doubled to 2.5 billion over the next ten years. Recognising its immense potential, the UK has prioritised quantum technologies alongside other key advancements including AI, engineering biology, semiconductors, and future telecoms. Mphasis has steadily expanded its UK presence over the past years and aims to double the headcount over the next three years through the London innovation hub which marks the next chapter in this commitment. The centre will be a magnet for top local and international tech talent, fostering collaboration and driving innovation across diverse industries including banking, financial services, and insurance. This strategic move positions Mphasis to leverage the UK's rich talent pool, address evolving client needs and thrive within a supportive technological ecosystem. "At Mphasis, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of technology. Our new London innovation hub is a testimony to our commitment to the UK and its vibrant tech scene. This centre will be a focal point for developing next-generation solutions in AI, Quantum Computing, and beyond. It's a significant step forward as we work to accelerate digital transformation across Europe," said Nitin Rakesh, CEO and Managing Director, Mphasis. Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director Business, Grow London, London & Partners, who attended the inauguration event said, "The UK is an innovation powerhouse and a global magnet for world-leading businesses and talent. The launch of Mphasis' Innovation Centre in London is a testament to this and is an important addition to the thriving tech and business ecosystem in the capital as AI and Quantum continue to push the forefront of technology." "The London Innovation Hub is a strategic game-changer for Mphasis in the UK. It allows us to double down on our commitment to the region, fueling growth in cutting-edge areas such as quantum technologies, cryptography, and data solutions. The UK government's focus on AI, data, and especially quantum computing, as evidenced by the recent spring budget, aligns perfectly with our vision. We're excited to be a key player in the UK's ambition to stay ahead of the curve," said Ashish Devalekar, SVP & Head of Europe, Mphasis. Speaking at the event, a leading expert in the field, Dr. Siddharth Saxena, Principal Research Associate, Cavendish Laboratory & Director, Cambridge Central Asia Forum said, "Quantum Science has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, evolving into tangible technological solutions. Quantum Computing has been at the forefront of this revolution, and we are now poised to witness the emergence of broader Quantum functionality, bearing towards a totally revolutionary step-change. As UK Universities and innovation ecosystems continue to produce cutting-edge solutions with unprecedent precision and targeted applications beyond data science, Mphasis' anchoring here is well-timed and has the potential to deliver transformative value to its customers." Situated in London's iconic Tower 42, a premier A-grade building known for its sustainability efforts, Mphasis' new office embodies the company's dedication to ESG principles. About Mphasis Mphasis' purpose is to be the "Driver in Driverless Car" for Global Enterprises by applying next-generation design, architecture, and engineering services, to deliver scalable and sustainable software and technology solutions. Customer centricity is foundational to Mphasis, and is reflected in the Mphasis'Front2Back Transformation approach. Front2Back uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to provide hyper-personalized (C=X2C2TM=1) digital experience to clients and their end customers. Mphasis' Service Transformation approach helps 'shrink the core' through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis' core reference architectures and tools, speed and innovation with domain expertise and specialization, combined with an integrated sustainability and purpose-led approach across its operations and solutions are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients. Click here to know more. (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS) View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mphasis-brings-quantum-expertise-to-the-uk-with-london-hub-launch-302243431.html The cloud robotics company welcomes ABB as part of its Manufacturing Automation Platform. MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vention, the company behind the cloud-based Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP), is proud to announce its collaboration with ABB Robotics, confirming the compatibility between the Vention Manufacturing Automation Platform and ABB GoFa cobot family. Clients of Vention and ABB will benefit from seamless integration between both the company's technology, from the design stage of robotic cells, up to their operations on the factory floor. As part of the Vention ecosystem, ABB will gain access to a broader range of DIY automation clients, while Vention will enhance its offerings with ABB's robotics solutions. The mutually beneficial relationship will expand market reach and innovation for both companies. Enhanced Automation Capabilities with ABB GoFa CRB15000 Series The ABB GoFa robots, now available on the Vention marketplace, provide manufacturers with proven cobots with payload ranging from 5 kg, 10 kg, and 12 kg. Renowned for their safety, ease of use, and performance, ABB GoFa robots are designed to work alongside humans in various applications, from assembly, and welding, to material handling and inspection. ABB GoFa robots, enhanced by the power of Vention Manufacturing Automation Platform ABB GoFa robots are now compatible with the entire Vention platform, including MachineBuilder (design), MachineLogic (robot programming), MachineAnalytics (operations monitoring & data) and Remote Support (on-demand support). Such compatibility will provide ABB clients with one of the most intuitive user experiences, from design to operations of robot cells. In addition, the ABB GoFa robots will be available later in 2025 for Vention's innovative Rapid Series application line. Quotes from Leadership: Vention "We are thrilled to welcome ABB to the Vention ecosystem. ABB and Vention have a multi-year track record of collaboration across Europe and North America spanning multiple business areas from Electrification to Robotics and Discrete Automation. This collaboration enhances our ability to provide democratized and powerful automation solutions" says Etienne Lacroix, founder and chief executive officer, Vention. ABB Robotics "Partnering with Vention represents a significant step forward for both companies. This collaboration combines ABB's advanced cobot portfolio with Vention's expertise in application design and deployment. By merging our hardware and software capabilities, we are making robotic automation more accessible and easier to integrate for businesses of all sizes. Our joint efforts will address key industry trends and help companies improve their operations, making workplaces safer and more efficient," says Andrea Cassoni, Head of Collaborative Robotics, ABB Robotics. About Vention Vention helps some of the most innovative manufacturers automate their production floors in just a few days through a democratized user experience. Vention's digital Manufacturing Automation Platform allows clients to design, automate, deploy, and operate automated equipment directly from their web browsers. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with an office in Berlin, Vention's 300 employees serve 4,000+ customers on five continents and 25 manufacturing industries. For more information, visit vention.com or follow us on LinkedIn. *MachineMotion, MachineLogic, MachineCloud, and Vention are trademarks of Vention Inc. About ABB Robotics ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company's solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB's more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics - become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501182/Vention_Inc__Vention_and_ABB_collaborate_to_bring_cobot_automati.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vention-and-abb-collaborate-to-bring-cobot-automation-to-small-and-medium-manufacturers-302243298.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) ("LVG", or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Q1 and Q2 2024 exploration activities conducted by Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited ("Buly"), a partnership between Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and the Government of Tanzania, on the licenses LVG sold to Buly in 2022. Q1-Q2 Exploration Highlights: Rainy Season Impacts: The first quarter was significantly hampered by an exceptionally wet season, delaying field operations. Despite this, multi-element assay results from the previous Q4 RAB drilling campaign were received and a partial review was completed. These preliminary results showed promising anomalous gold values along geophysical linear features, which are believed to be geological contacts. Associated smokey quartz veining suggests a geological setting similar to that of Bulyanhulu, indicating gold mineralization potential. Resumption of Fieldwork: Fieldwork resumed in Q2 with the deployment of two drill rigs to the northwest area of the licenses. The focus was on the Kalemero prospect area, targeting potential extensions of the Bulyanhulu mineralized system under transported regolith. Early results from this drilling confirm the presence of basalt, tuff, argillite, and quartz feldspar porphyry. Notable findings include localized moderate to strong shearing, quartz veining, and minor pyrite sulphide mineralization, which align with interpreted geological linear features. This drilling phase is crucial in validating the geological settings and identifying targets for potential satellite orebodies. Future Drilling Plans: Additional RC drilling is scheduled for Q3 to further assess potential mineralization within the Ngula prospect area Expenditures to date: Date From Date To Expenditure Proposed Expenditure Actual Year 1 22 April 2022 21 April 2023 $1,000,000 $687,500 Year 2 22 April 2023 21 April 2024 $2,000,000 $960,226 Year 3 22 April 2024 21 April 2025 $3,000,000 $451,418 Year 4 22 April 2025 21 April 2026 $3,000,000 Total $9,000,000 $2,099,144 David Scott, Managing Director Tanzania and Geological Advisor stated: "The geological structures encountered in Buly's current drilling phase are promising and show similarities to those found in productive areas of the Bulyanhulu mine. The presence of strong shearing and quartz veining within these structures is particularly encouraging, as these are good indicators of potential gold mineralization. Our technical team is excited about the results we are expecting in the next quarter, which will help further define the potential scope and scale of mineralization within these licenses." Marc Cernovitch, CEO & Director, commented: "Despite the challenges posed by the weather in Q1, and Buly's slower than anticipated expenditures the exploration activities are starting to make progress. The promising results from the recent drill campaigns not only demonstrate the potential continuity of the mineralized zones but also bolster our confidence in the region's geological prospectivity. As we move forward, our focus remains on leveraging these insights to enhance shareholder value and further solidify our position in the region. We are enthusiastic about the upcoming drilling in Q3 and are optimistic about the potential for Buly to uncover new, significant mineral deposits as they accelerate activity on the ground." The above information has been prepared under the supervision of David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., who is designated as a "Qualified Person" with the ability and authority to verify the authenticity and validity of the data. About Lake Victoria Gold (LVG): Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania. The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's 20Moz Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company recently (August 10, 2023 and August 29, 2023) announced the acquisition of two deposits that support our objective of accretive growth and consolidation. The Imwelo project and Dora project both have potential for significant growth. LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick Gold and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group. Taifa Group (a diverse group of companies with interests in amongst others, Mining, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Agri Business, Pharmaceuticals and Leather) has entered into an agreement with the Company to obtain an equity stake in the Company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Taifa Mining (a wholly Tanzanian owned company), or other nominees. Taifa Mining will also carry out all the contract mining and civil works for the Imwelo project. Taifa Mining is Tanzania's largest mining contractor with over 30 years mining related experience. Taifa have been the contractor of choice to most mines in Tanzania and have maintained long and successful relationships with companies such as Petra, De Beers, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. In addition, Taifa also owns the largest fleet of mining equipment in Tanzania. As a company, Taifa is committed to adopting and adhering to the latest internationally recognized standards throughout all aspects of its business. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including: future exploration plans with respect to the Imwelo Project, gold production on the Imwelo Project and the timing thereof, the terms of the Acquisition and the Financing, contract work on the Imwelo Project by Taifa Mining, entering into a joint venture agreement and shareholder agreement with the Tanzanian government and the terms and timing thereof, the closing of the Acquisition and the Financing, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions thereunder and the expected timing thereof, and receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the Acquisition and Financing and the Tanzania Fair Competition Commission for the Acquisition. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond LVG's control, including risks associated with or related to: the completion of the Acquisition, the Financing and related transactions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, the volatility of metal prices and LVG's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving development or production, cost or other estimates; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company's estimates; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Tanzania and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for LVG's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and LVG's reputation; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings. LVG's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. LVG does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities LVG will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222768 SOURCE: Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Following to the previous information on April 8th. 2024, we are excited to share our latest development status. A Phase I/II clinical trial of DFP-10917 in combination with Venetoclax (VEN) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who had one prior treatment with VEN involved regimen was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 8 this year (Delta-Fly Pharma Inc.: Notice of Authorization to Conduct the Phase I/II Study of DFP-10917 combined with Venetoclax Business Wire). Subsequently, we are pleased to announce that the first patient was enrolled at the University of Virginia Hospital based on the approval of the Investigational Review Board (IRB). The University of Virginia Hospital is the clinical site that enrolled the most patients to the Phase III study of DFP-10917 monotherapy in patients with failed/relapsed AML. Some pharmaceutical companies have already expressed interest in the Phase III study of DFP-10917 monotherapy. Additionally, many companies including mega pharmaceutical companies, have showed interest in the Phase I/II combo-study of DFP-10917 and VEN, because of the large potential market size in the treatment of AML. VEN itself is not effective against AML but effective when combined with Azacitidine (DNA methylation inhibitor), which is known a standard AML therapy at present despite safety concerns were reported. Accordingly, we are going to supply much more welcome combo-therapy of VEN and DFP-10917 (G2/M arrest) comparing to current standard AML therapy. 39 patients at maximum will be enrolled to this study. The endpoints of this study are CR (complete remission) rate and PFS (progression-free survival). After successful completion of this Phase I/II study, Delta-Fly Pharma, Inc. will cooperate with a mega pharmaceutical company objective NDA (New Drug Application). Please take notice of our own innovative approach for miserable cancer patients and contact with us. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910878901/en/ Contacts: Inquires Yasundo Yamasaki, Ph.D. Business Development Delta-Fly Pharma, Inc. Head office: Tokushima 771-0117, Japan Phone: +81-3-6231-1278 E-mail: yyamasaki1206@delta-flypharma.co.jp Home page: https://www.delta-flypharma.co.jp/en/ European produce giant to utilize Rootstock and Salesforce solutions to support expansive digital transformation Rootstock Software today announced that The Greenery, a major European produce supplier, selected Rootstock ERP and Salesforce to help modernize its operations and support its ambitious plans for growth and digital transformation. As an organization dedicated to providing high-quality produce and fostering strong relationships with growers and retailers, The Greenery's collaboration with Rootstock and Salesforce is anticipated to help streamline processes, enhance visibility, and drive efficiency across its expansive operations. The Greenery serves a broad European market, focusing on the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, the Nordics, Switzerland, and Italy. With a unique cooperative structure, The Greenery consists of member growers predominantly based in the Netherlands, while also maintaining contracts with suppliers in Southern Europe and abroad. The organization's innovative approach caters to retail channels and shortens the supply chain. The Greenery has formulated a comprehensive transformation strategy, which it calls Focus 2025. The plan aims to optimize core activities that add value for growers, enable the organization to adapt to market changes, and strengthen cooperation with its customers to ensure future growth. To achieve these objectives, The Greenery will adopt advanced digital tools, such as digital commerce and sales and operations planning (S&OP) to increase operational efficiency, usability, data transparency, grower and customer satisfaction. Erwin van der Graaf, Director of IT, Digital, and Data at The Greenery, highlighted the motivations behind selecting Rootstock and Salesforce: "We needed to transition away from our legacy ERP solution, so we decided to explore new options. Our survey of the market allowed us to see the value of a platform approach. We ended up going with Salesforce and Rootstock to benefit from a unified data model, enhancing our capabilities from CRM, ERP, and beyond." "Bringing The Greenery on board is a testament to the transformative power of Rootstock and Salesforce," said Rick Berger, CEO of Rootstock Software. "We are excited to support The Greenery's ambitious Focus 2025 strategy and help them achieve greater efficiency and growth. By leveraging our ERP solution, The Greenery will be able to streamline its operations and provide exceptional value to both its growers and customers." Jeroen Heijmans, Head of Enterprise Deputy Country Leader, The Netherlands at Salesforce, added, "We are thrilled to play a role in The Greenery's digital transformation journey. Our Sales Cloud, Manufacturing Cloud, and Experience Cloud capabilities, along with Rootstock ERP, will enable The Greenery to enhance their e-commerce and S&OP processes, helping drive innovation and growth across the European produce market." The selection of Rootstock was driven by several key strategic needs, including a seamless S&OP process with Salesforce. The Greenery plans to leverage Rootstock's robust automation and reporting features to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and focus on strategic priorities. Rootstock ERP's ability to provide real-time data and insights will also improve The Greenery's decisioning capabilities and customer service. "Our goal is to create consistent, exceptional experiences for our growers, customers and employees," said van der Graaf. "Rootstock ERP will enable us to facilitate transparency and speed, allowing our growers to access real-time information and our customers to benefit from personalized service and insights. The platform will also help deploy customer and grower portals and to leverage AI for advanced insights and automation, ultimately contributing to our long-term success." The Greenery's implementation plan spans three years, with a phased approach to ensure a smooth transition and to maximize the benefits of its new ecosystem approach. The first phase focuses on implementing CRM and SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) capabilities, along with S&OP processes. Subsequent phases will include replacing the current e-commerce solution and customer portal, and finally, integrating these capabilities with Rootstock ERP. Balanced Force, an SI partner based in the Netherlands, will assist with the ERP project. "The ecosystem approach will enable The Greenery to use additional Salesforce AppExchange solutions. We're thrilled to contribute our solutions expertise to ensure efficient implementations and overall project success," said Account Manager Martin Uwland. "As we embark on this transformation journey, we are confident that Rootstock and Salesforce will help provide the robust, scalable solutions needed to support our growth and innovation," van der Graaf added. "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our strategy to optimize operations and deliver exceptional value to our growers and customers." To learn more about how Rootstock ERP can help your business achieve its growth objectives, schedule a demo today or meet Rootstock at one of its upcoming events. Salesforce, AppExchange, Sales Cloud, Manufacturing Cloud, Experience Cloud and others are among the trademarks of Salesforce, Inc. About Rootstock Rootstock Software provides the leading Manufacturing Cloud ERP, which empowers hundreds of manufacturers to turbocharge their operations in today's dynamic, post-pandemic world. Natively built on the Salesforce Platform, Rootstock delivers a futureproof solution. With it, manufacturers gain the agility to continually transform their businesses to meet evolving customer needs, navigate emerging challenges, and accelerate success. In addition, the "connectability" of Rootstock Cloud ERP gives manufacturers 360 visibility to collaborate with suppliers, trading partners, and the broader value chain. As Rootstock continues to grow, stay tuned to hear about its new customers, career opportunities, and LinkedIn posts. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910910457/en/ Contacts: Tammy Delatorre Director of Communications 213-320-1766 tdelatorre@rootstock.com TSXV: PGZ | OTCQX: PGZFF | FRA: 2EU Highest near-surface grade-thickness copper intersection in the current drill program on the growing west extension at La Romana Results include 3.3% copper over 5 meters and 5.0% copper over 2 meters Confirms continuity and higher-grade mineralization remain wide open La Romana is a standalone open-pit target with significant potential to expand the copper-tin- silver mineralization in several directions VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQX: PGZFF) (FRA: 2EU) is pleased to announce results for three additional holes from the ongoing drill program at the La Romana copper-tin-silver (Cu-Sn-Ag) discovery, in the Company's 100% owned Escacena Project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, southern Spain. Results and accompanying figures shown below. Highlights: Drillhole LRD181 intersected: 18.0m at 1.24% CuEq 1 (1.14% Cu, 0.03% Sn, 2.6 g/t Ag) from 69m, including 5.0m at 3.51% CuEq 1 (3.33% Cu, 0.06% Sn, 6.8 g/t Ag) intersected: Drillhole LRD183 intersected: 9.0m at 1.31% CuEq 1 (1.27% Cu, 0.01% Sn, 2.7 g/t Ag) from 103m, including 2.0m at 5.12% CuEq 1 (5.0% Cu, 0.02% Sn, 10.7 g/t Ag) intersected: Drillhole LRD182 intersected: 7.25m at 0.92% CuEq 1 (0.81% Cu, 0.03% Sn, 2.5g/t Ag) from 132.75m, including 4.0m at 1.42% CuEq 1 (1.29% Cu, 0.04% Sn, 3.8g/t Ag) intersected: "These drill results from La Romana are very encouraging, confirming the near-surface Cu-Sn-Ag mineralization continues and is open to the west. Drillhole LRD181, with an intercept of 18m of 1.24% CuEq1, represents one of the best results so-far from the current 25-hole drill program targeting the western extension of the deposit. The new holes are 40-to-50 meters from the next nearest holes and highlight potential to extend the higher-grade copper mineralization with further step-outs. The La Romana mineralization now spans 1.5km east-west, and shows significant upside potential for further expansion," said Tim Moody, Pan Global's President & CEO. The latest results are part of a 25-hole resource delineation program at the western extension of the La Romana deposit and the three drillholes extend the higher-grade copper mineralization in the west of La Romana. Three additional holes remain to be drilled as part of the planned delineation drill program in the west of La Romana, with expansion of the drill program anticipated. Investor webcast: The Company will host an investor webcast with CEO Tim Moody on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time / 10 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss progress at the Escacena Project and provide an update on the ongoing work. A Q&A session will follow a short presentation. Please register in advance: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kdeQWo-3QSu1bfKVl59i8Q. Table 1 - La Romana Selected Drill Results Hole ID From To Interval CuEq1 Cu Sn Ag Au Pb Zn True Thickness m m m % % % g/t g/t ppm ppm (m) LRD181 69.00 87.00 18.00 1.24 1.14 0.03 2.6 0.01 13 106 12.7 including 74.00 86.00 12.00 1.76 1.62 0.05 3.6 0.01 14 125 8.5 including 81.00 86.00 5.00 3.51 3.33 0.06 6.8 0.03 21 201 3.5 and 125.00 134.00 9.00 0.66 0.45 0.08 1.1 0.01 4 57 6.4 including 130.00 132.00 2.00 1.49 1.09 0.14 3.3 0.04 13 91 1.4 LRD182 132.75 140.00 7.25 0.92 0.81 0.03 2.5 0.02 109 354 5.1 including 136.00 140.00 4.00 1.42 1.29 0.04 3.8 0.03 142 523 2.8 and 192.00 198.00 6.00 0.27 0.24 0.01 0.7 0.01 6 48 4.2 including 197.00 198.00 1.00 1.09 0.98 0.04 2.8 0.02 23 73 0.7 and 205.00 207.00 2.00 0.65 0.51 0.05 0.3 0.05 19 63 1.4 LRD183 103.00 112.00 9.00 1.31 1.27 0.01 2.7 0.01 8 100 8.5 including 106.00 112.00 6.00 1.89 1.83 0.02 3.8 0.02 9 120 5.7 Including 110.00 112.00 2.00 5.12 5.00 0.02 10.7 0.04 22 232 1.9 and 149.00 159.00 10.00 0.33 0.26 0.02 0.3 0.02 6 54 9.5 1 Copper Equivalent = CuEq. CuEq is calculated using Cu, Sn, and Ag grades. Metallurgical recoveries include 86% for Cu, 68% for Sn and 56% for Ag, based on preliminary studies performed by Wardell Armstrong International and MinePro. The CuEq calculation uses US$ 8,693/tonne Cu, US$ 29,069/tonne Sn and US$ 23.72/oz Ag, corresponding to the three-year monthly price averages to July 2023. The effective formula is [CuEq %] = [Cu %] + 2.6440 * [Sn %] + 0.0057 * [Ag ppm] Table 2 - La Romana Drillhole Collar Information (total 658.95m) Hole ID Easting2 Northing2 Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) LRD181 735894 4152788 180 -90 181.15 LRD182 735868 4152878 156 -90 271.5 LRD183 735833 4152902 200 -60 206.3 2Coordinate system: UTM29N ERTS89 Note that in Figure 2 and Figure 3 above, drillholes LRD 169 and LRD 172 were previously reported in a November 7, 2023 media release, "Pan Global Intersects 1.04% Copper Over 15.9 Meters at Western Expansion of La Romana Copper-Tin-Silver Discovery" and LRD 179 was previously reported in a January 8, 2024 media release, "Pan Global Intersects 1.6% Copper Over 9.7 Meters Confirming Continuity of La Romana Copper-Tin-Silver Discovery Over 1.4km". About the Escacena Project The Escacena Project comprises a large, contiguous, 5.760-hectare land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Escacena is located near the operating mine at Riotinto and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes/Grupo Mexico is in the final permitting stage with construction anticipated to start in 2024. The Escacena Project hosts Pan Global's La Romana copper-tin-silver and Canada Honda copper-gold discoveries and a number of other prospective targets, including Bravo, Barbacena, El Pozo, Romana Norte, San Pablo, Zarcita, Hornitos, La Jarosa, Romana Deep, and Cortijo. About Pan Global Resources Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively targeting copper-rich mineral deposits, given copper's compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, where a favourable permitting track record, excellent infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one jurisdiction for mining investment. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, discovery, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities. The Company is a member, and operates under the principles of, the United Nations Global Compact. QA/QC Procedures Core size was HQ (63mm) and all samples were core. Nominal sample size was 1m core length and ranged from 0.5 to 2m. Sample intervals were defined using geological contacts with the start and end of each sample physically marked on the core. Diamond blade core cutting and sampling was supervised at all times by Company staff. Duplicate samples of core were taken approximately every 30 samples and Certified Reference materials inserted every 25 samples in each batch. Samples were delivered to ALS laboratory in Seville, Spain and assayed at the ALS laboratory in Ireland. All samples were crushed and split (method CRU-31, SPL22Y), and pulverized using (method PUL-31). Gold analysis was by 50gm fire assay with ICP finish (method Au-ICP22) and multi element analysis was undertaken using a 4-acid digest with ICP AES finish (method ME-ICP61). Over grade base metal results were assayed using a 4-acid digest ICP AES (method OG-62). Qualified Persons Alvaro Merino, Vice President Exploration for Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information for this media release. Mr. Merino is not independent of the Company. www.panglobalresources.com Forward-looking statements Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this media release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental, and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission. The forward-looking information contained in this media release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this media release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500360/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_INTERSECTS_1_14__COPPER_OVE.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500359/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_INTERSECTS_1_14__COPPER_OVE.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500358/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_INTERSECTS_1_14__COPPER_OVE.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pan-global-intersects-1-14-copper-over-18-meters-expanding-near-surface-mineralization-at-la-romana-southern-spain-302242518.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC PINK:GGDCF)(Frankfurt:W9F) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Hratch Jabrayan as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jabrayan, who has extensive experience in the global mining sector including more than seven years with Dundee Precious Metals, has also joined the Galloper Board of Directors. Mr. Mark Scott, who has resigned from the CEO position, commented: "Hratch brings to Galloper impressive skill sets, a valuable global network, a proven industry and business track record, and a dynamic leadership approach. This will enable the Company to fully exploit the unique opportunities it has and build value for shareholders. It has been my pleasure to serve as CEO since Galloper's inception nearly three years ago, helping take the Company public in March of this year. I am very excited and confident in Galloper's future with Hratch taking the reign. He's a fresh face to investors in the junior gold market and I wish him the best of success." Video Profile - Mr. Hratch Jabrayan Click on the following link to learn more about Hratch: https://vimeo.com/1007433600/031f977268 Hratch Highlights: Oversaw the global mining and metals division for Florida-based, globally operating USC Consulting Group ("USC") from 2022 to until his recent resignation; With USC , spearheaded operational readiness for a Canadian-owned gold entity in Europe as it advances toward production of ~150,000 ounces per year while continuing a major exploration program featuring 17 drill rigs; With USC , optimized the management operating system to enhance profitability of a producing gold mine in Eastern Europe; CEO of Armenian Gas and Power Enterprises 2018-2022; Seven years with Dundee Precious Metals (2011-2018) where he advanced the company's interests in Armenia and globally while overseeing all internal and external operational aspects for Dundee Precious Metals Kapan ; Twelve years with AFI International Group Inc. (1998-2010) where roles included National Vice-President, Mining Operations and Risk Mitigation, and National Vice-President, Strategic Business Solutions; Keynote speaker at numerous international conferences for the past 17 years. Hratch commented: "I'm thrilled to lead Galloper Gold and I thank Mark and the entire board for this special opportunity. The team at Galloper has done a fantastic job assembling assets in Newfoundland highlighted by the Glover Island Project surrounding a known historic gold deposit. Glover Island presents an extraordinary opportunity that we will pursue vigorously as we differentiate ourselves in the junior gold sector." Galloper Gold wishes to thank Mark Scott for his valuable contributions as CEO and looks forward to his continued input as a director of the Company. GALLOPER GOLD ANNOUNCES GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS Galloper announces the granting of an aggregate of 1,750,000 stock options of which 1,500,000 will be granted to directors and officers of the Company with an exercise price of $0.12 per share, which will expire after 2 years and shall vest quarterly over the coming 12 months. A total of 250,000 stock options have been granted to consultants with an exercise price of $0.12, which shall vest quarterly over the coming 12 months and will expire after 24 months. The stock options are subject to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, applicable securities laws and the terms of the Corporation's equity incentive plan. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Hratch Jabrayan CEO and Director Galloper Gold Corp. Company Contact: info@gallopergold.com Tel: 778-655-9266 Investor Relations: MarketSmart Communications Tel: 877-261-4466 Acknowledgment - Newfoundland & Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Program Galloper Gold acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Galloper Gold Corp. Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its Glover Island and Mint Pond properties, each prospective for gold and base metals. The Glover Island Property consists of 532 mining claims totaling 13,300 hectares while Mint Pond consists of 499 claims totaling 12,475 hectares. For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the proposed property purchase transaction and acquisition of additional claims, the provision of IR services by the Consultant, and the grant of stock options. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks, including the risk that the property purchase transaction may not be completed as expected or at all, or that the option grants may vary. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Galloper Gold Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Trane Technologies Water is essential - but often missing from corporate sustainability targets. Ecolab's Chief Sustainability Officer Emilio Tenuta joins the podcast to discuss the importance of including water in the climate conversation. Sustainability leaders must balance big picture, aspirational goals with practical solutions that meet customers' needs. Remarkably, one of the most consistent needs from customers is clean, available water. So what role should water play in sustainability strategy? In this episode of the Healthy Spaces podcast, Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ecolab, joins host Scott Tew for a conversation about the impact of climate change on our water, the importance of including water stewardship in sustainability targets and the ways in which industries can collaborate to deliver innovative solutions that are good for business, people and the planet. Listen to the full episode to learn more about how the power of technology and collaboration are helping build a cleaner and more resilient global water supply - and why it matters. Episode Guests Host: Dominique Silva, Marketing Leader EMEA, Trane Technologies Host: Scott Tew, VP Sustainability, Trane Technologies Guest: Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Ecolab Subscribe Find all episodes on your favorite podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Amazon Music How are you building healthy spaces in your organization or community? Share your story with us and learn more about the Healthy Spaces Podcast. Transcript [00:00:06] Dominique: 2023 was the hottest year on record, according to NASA. And if we don't reduce carbon emissions, we will experience more and more record-breaking temperatures. But heat waves are not the only phenomena caused by climate change. [00:00:22] Dominique: It has wider ranging effects, too. [00:00:25] Emilio: Climate change is happening, but it's also being expressed through water. In many ways, we don't raise water up the ladder of challenges that we need to manage or mitigate or adapt to. And so, I feel that this has broad implications for businesses and communities that we live in. [00:00:43] Dominique: You just heard from Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ecolab. And I'm Dominique Silva, and you're listening to Healthy Spaces, the podcast exploring how technology and innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, learn, work, and play. [00:01:02] Dominique: In this episode, co-host Scott Tew sits down with Emilio to discuss why water scarcity is such a threat. And how Ecolab is forming coalitions to find solutions and improve resiliency. We'll find out how companies are challenging their industries and policy makers to hold more accountability and adopt scalable solutions for our climate. AUDIO PROMPT - MUSIC FADE OUT [00:01:33] Dominique: First, let's hear from Emilio on what he does and how Ecolab is drawing attention to the connection between climate and water. [00:01:42] Emilio: I spent the last 13 years focused on building our sustainability and impact at Ecolab and our strategy really around how we operationalize climate and water around the company which is obviously a core part of our strategy. But for Ecolab our purpose of the company is really to protect what is vital to life. And so, for us a lot of the work that I do is focused on not only the traditional things that we do as chief sustainability officers within our operations and enterprise, but also working with customers because our business strategy focuses on the water and climate and hygiene impact that we can have with our customers. So, I do spend quite a bit of time really focused on working with some of the biggest brands in the world really helping them achieve their business and sustainability goals. And last point, so the Ecolab foundation and community giving team is also part of sustainability. And I think it's important for our audience to know that part of the climate and water discussion is also about understanding the social value of water and climate stewardship, right? And I think that's a big part of where we've gone with the foundation to really drive that going beyond environmental, but how does the environmental enable social benefits with communities around the world. [00:03:09] Scott: You've mentioned several phrases that I want to explore a bit in more depth. One of those is you keep mentioning climate and water, and I'm not sure that the audience quite understands or sees a connection there. I read something recently, the World Economic Forum, WEF, put out a paper that said that 80 percent of publicly listed companies have a climate goal, but 5 percent have biodiversity goals, and I know you keep mentioning a phrase, climate and water. Can you make the connection for the audience? [00:03:41] Emilio: We keep seeing the climate is changing rapidly, and the impacts are felt around the world. And in many ways, the way we're feeling that impact is really expressed through water. If you think about the extreme weather events, droughts, heat waves we've had in Europe, the flooding challenges, and a number of other issues that we see that really are representative of the fact that climate change is happening, but it's also being expressed through water. In many ways, we don't raise water up the ladder of challenges that we need to manage or mitigate or adapt to. And so, I feel that this has broad implications for businesses and communities that we live in. And so, we at Ecolab, like Trane, have set bold, ambitious climate targets in line with the science-based target initiative. A 1.5-degree pathway. And in many ways, we've also are experiencing along the way, the challenges that we face around water quality, quantity, and access. And so, the world, according to the World Resource Institute, we'll have a 56 percent water deficit, supply deficit if we keep at business as usual. That has really big implications. Today, 3 billion people live in water stress conditions and one in ten lack access to clean water and sanitation. So, what does this all mean is that we're really, if we're going to attack a climate strategy and have a very robust strategy around what we need to do to mitigate and adapt to climate, it's really about also implementing a water stewardship strategy that namely, I often talk about this, Scott, that when you think of manufacturing 75 percent of the energy that flows through a manufacturer, depending on that type of industry, is connected to their water systems. You have to pump, treat, cool, heat water and that takes energy. And so, in many ways, we feel that in order to have a robust climate strategy you really need to implement a water stewardship strategy that also has broad implications in a community where you operate because obviously you mentioned the word nature. There's also the degradation that we're seeing because of the water challenges where nature is actually impacted and the ecosystems that we depend on for our feedstock, if you're in the food and beverage industry or in pharma or life sciences, they're at risk. And then, that also is a risk for those organizations where water is a dependency. So, water obviously being used to make in this case for Ecolab the products that in technology and solutions we sell to our customers every day. AUDIO PROMPT - MUSIC FADE IN [00:06:26] Dominique: These solutions which Ecolab is exploring aren't just for internal use. Their plan is much broader, and it aims to get businesses and industries rethinking their own water usage so that they can build resilience and have a net positive effect on the environment. And one way Ecolab is promoting this conversation is through the Water Resilience Coalition. AUDIO PROMPT - MUSIC FADE OUT [00:06:56] Emilio: There's three things. We have the technology of today. You don't have to go to the moon to solve the water and climate crisis. The second is water and climate are linked as we just talked about, and the third is you can't do it alone. Ecolab is a founding member, and we're proud of this, of the Water Resilience Coalition. And we also helped launch this past year, the California Water Resilience Initiative, which will be another opportunity, I think, for another podcast. But what we're saying by doing this is really saying that the Water Resilience Coalition is an industry to really drive the priority of the corporate agenda for CEOs who have risk that they're facing related to water based on global operations. And so, there's 37 member companies with a market cap of about 4.7 trillion. And these companies are committed to achieving what they refer to as a Net positive water impact by 2030, which essentially is this, it's giving back to the watershed that we're operating in more than we're taking from it. And that's important because water being hyper localized, we're working in watersheds where water stress would be quantity, quality, or access is a big issue. And so, we have a part to play in the private sector to join forces with the UN global compact, who's the organization that actually facilitates the Water Resilience Coalition, and the open call to action, which really was announced in 2023 at the first UN water conference in nearly 50 years, by the way. But one of the things they talked about is we need an open call to action for increased public private partnerships to converge in 100 priority basins around the world that are contributing to water security for 3 billion people. That is a big, big, big deal. And I think one that we need to really leverage the power of collaboration to solve. And that's why the goal of the Water Resilience Coalition being at 37 companies today is to get to 150 companies where we found that if you get to the 150 largest water users and their supply chain, that'll impact one third of the freshwater use on the planet. So, as you can see, industry has a big role to play. [00:09:17] Scott: And part of your role, Emilio, has been to get the word out and to build these avenues of information. I have not read the study yet, but I want to ask you about it. The Ecolab Watermark Study. You issued it, I think, last year, and it's another example of your work to help others understand the issue of access to fresh and clean water. Why would Ecolab and your team work on a study like this one? [00:9:43] Emilio: Well, you and I, I think have for years worked together about different stakeholders that we're trying to reach, one being investors for example. That has been obviously a big focus for many companies. And so, we get to learn more and more about what are the things that they really care about to keeps some up at night. What we found is that for consumer companies and B2C companies that there is a consumer, an end user here, that also really is getting concerned about the challenges they're seeing around the environmental issues around the world, namely climate pollution. And in this case, water, and we were interested in getting kind of a what is the sentiment of consumers today. And in 2023, we launched this study that showed that water impacts really three key points. I'll just share them. One is that through these thousands of interviews that were done in nine markets around the world that what we found is that clean available water was paramount to consumers above, are you ready for this? Climate and pollution. Now part of why we think that is because we think that climate change, as you know, even though we're seeing the effects in some regions more than others, is a bit of a slow drip right? And so, with clean water, it's immediate. And we've seen this in places around the world where they face these immediate challenges. The second was they hold businesses and government responsible for addressing water conservation. And then the third is something you and I've talked about is that consumers are a bit cynical, right? The fact that companies are setting these bold ambitious goals, but do they really have a plan to achieve them? And I think these are the three really key points that came out of that study, and we're going to continue. It'll be a perennial survey that we do that really reflects on what is that consumer sentiment when it comes to these issues that we care about related to climate and water. [00:11:51] Scott: And I guess you'll use a study like this, Emilio, to sort of map out your actions going forward, right? [00:11:58] Emilio: That is correct. It really supports, well, as you know, we have our 2030 impact goals that are focused on our ability to commercially develop solutions that own not only propel our business strategy and growth, but also how we impact the planet and the implications to society. And so, to us, this is at the heart of that. And I feel like it's really important to our work as a company. [00:12:27] Dominique: As we just heard, Ecolab and the Water Resilience Coalition are making waves and changing attitudes towards water usage. We conclude this episode by finding out what other collaborations Emilio is working on. [00:12:44] Emilio: The Water Resilience Coalition, we mentioned the California Water Resilience Initiative, the only reason I somewhat go there is because it is one that is about a year old, Scott, and we've launched it namely because the state of California and the governor, Governor Newsom's, water plan in California, which was launched in 2022 and they just had an update about a year ago. There's a 10 percent water deficit that the science is telling us that will be experienced in California by 2040. So no longer the puts and takes are going to balance. And so, that is a big deal. And so, we've launched this California Water Resilience Initiative with many other big brands, General Mills being one of the other co-leads. We've got Amazon and others, Walmart involved. The reason we're bringing this to the forefront is because, again, the private sector and the public sector need to work together to really solve this. And many of us have operations in what is the number one economy in the U.S., right? Number five globally. So, it's an economic powerhouse and we're hosting an annual meeting in Sacramento. There'll be about well over a hundred attendees in Sacramento to really talk about the roadmap in terms of the plans and the projects that we're implementing in the state of California with the state government. [00:14:05] Scott: And how can listeners find out more about that? Is it on a website somewhere? [00:14:10] Emilio: Yeah, if you go to California Water Resilience Initiative.com. You'll find it. We are excited about this, Scott. It is one that I think will have a big impact, especially when you think about the economic powerhouse that California is. [00:14:28] Dominique: A big thank you to Emilio for joining us on today's episode, where we learned about the relationship between the changing climate and water scarcity. At Trane Technologies, we believe that every job is a sustainability job, and every role provides an opportunity for impact. That's why each week on the podcast, we'll feature how someone is building healthy spaces in their organization or community. [00:14:55] Dominique: This week, we're sharing a submission from Barbara Andreassend, Tax Manager at Trane Technologies in Brussels. Barbara is making her workplace more sustainable by leading efforts to cut down on plastic and paper waste at the office, and she's encouraging everyone to join in through fun awareness campaigns. [00:15:17] Dominique: She's also organized neighborhood cleanup events where coworkers and their families come together to make a difference. More recently, Barbara teamed up with a local non-profit which supports youth refugees called SB Overseas. Together, they planted hundreds of trees in the outskirts of Brussels. [00:15:37] Dominique: Barbara, thank you for all the energy you bring into making your workplace and community a healthier place to work and live. [00:15:46] Dominique: Would you like to share how you're building healthy spaces too? Well, to share your story, you can visit us at tranetechnologies.com/healthyspacespodcast. Thank you for listening in to the Healthy Spaces podcast, where we explore how climate technology and innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, work, learn, and play. [00:16:08] Dominique: If you want to find out more about our conversation today make sure you check out the show notes and remember to rate and review us in your favorite podcast app. That's it for today's episode. We'll see you next time. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Trane Technologies Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Trane Technologies View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQB: DRYGF) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged MI3 Financial Communications ("MI3"), a Montreal, Quebec based full- service marketing and consulting services company focused on the junior metals and mining sector. MI3 will provide a full suite of investor relations and marketing services to the Company. MI3 will initially focus on the design of a market awareness program for the Company. MI3 will also communicate directly with existing shareholders, analysts and prospective investors in monthly video conferences and personally at industry conferences. They will also assist the Company in expanding its social media platforms. Under the terms of the MI3 engagement agreement (the "MI3 Agreement"), the Company has agreed to pay MI3 $60,000 over the 12-month initial term of the Agreement. An initial pre-payment of $5,000 has been paid on signing, following which of $5,000 will be payable to MI3 monthly. MI3 will receive 300,000 options under the Company's Employee Stock Option Plan. The options are priced at $0.135 for a term of 5 years and will vest quarterly over 12 months. In addition, the Company will pay a portion of MI3's expenses for travel, conference fees, office overhead and other third-party costs in connection with their activities related to Dryden Gold. MI3 may also be awarded stock options at some time in the future at the full discretion of the Board of Directors of Dryden Gold Corp. MI3 and or its affiliates currently hold zero securities of Dryden Gold Corp. and, have no present intention to acquire additional securities of the Company, but may in the future acquire or dispose of securities of the Company, as market conditions warrant. MI3 has agreed to the Company's insider trading policy and will observe the Company's trading blackouts. MI3 is at arm's length to Dryden Gold Corp. and has no other relationship with Dryden Gold Corp., except pursuant to the MI3 Agreement. The MI3 Agreement and grant of stock options remain subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Trey Wasser, CEO and Director, commented "As we grow Dryden Gold, the marketing function has become a key area we intend to focus on as it relates to communicating with existing shareholders and engaging with potential new investors. We are excited to work with MI3 and their staff." 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 under the symbol 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 benefits from 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222790 SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp. MOU outlines partnership for the sustainable development of Zambia's world-class mineral resources Ivanhoe Mines applying for new exploration rights in Zambia Lusaka, Republic of Zambia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland and President Marna Cloete announced today that on August 26, 2024, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (Ministry of Mines) of the Government of the Republic of Zambia to support Ivanhoe Mines in commencing exploration activities in the country. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe MP, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, as well as members of Ivanhoe Mines' senior management team. The MOU outlines how Ivanhoe Mines intends to co-develop prospective projects together in partnership with the Ministry of Mines, to ensure the long-term sustainable development of Zambia's mineral resources, while providing a sustainable contribution to the Zambian economy and its communities. In parallel with the signing of the MOU, Ivanhoe Mines has applied for a significant exploration licence package in Zambia, with adjudication and award targeted by year-end. The MOU includes commitments by the Ministry of Mines to share information, identify prospective land packages, provide access to existing and new geological data collected by the Zambian Government (including the recently announced 750,000-km2 country-wide airborne geophysical survey), provide guidance and support in relation to the application of new licences, as well as provide a stable and predictable fiscal and regulatory environment. Following successful exploration or mining licence applications, Ivanhoe Mines intends to invest in exploration and project development activities following the same model of success that led to the discovery and development of the world-class Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In doing so, Ivanhoe will comply with all applicable legislation and conduct exploration activities in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Zambia, with a view to co-developing viable projects in a joint venture with the Government of Zambia. On August 14, 2024, the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, announced the start of a nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to map the country's mineral and water resources. The program is part of the nation's target of quadrupling annualized copper production to achieve 3 million tonnes by 2031. This achievement would rank Zambia as the second-largest copper producer globally, compared with tenth as projected for 2024 as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Projected global copper mine production by country in 2024 ('000 tonnes of copper) Source: BMO, Wood Mackenzie, June 2024 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/222784_b6fd91b8d46269bf_002full.jpg The Republic of Zambia's Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe MP commented: "The MOU is more than just an agreement on paper; it is a promise and commitment to work together in good faith, to build on shared interests, and to strive for excellence in all our endeavours. The Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Mines, remains committed to supporting investors by providing the necessary regulatory frameworks and infrastructure that will enable such investments to flourish. "Zambia is open for business and committed to maintaining an environment that attracts and retains investment by demonstrating our readiness to work with industry leaders like Ivanhoe Mines to realize the full potential of our natural resources. "The Government of Zambia stands ready to support Ivanhoe Mines every step of the way, to ensure that its investment not only thrives but also contributes meaningfully to the growth and development of our nation." Ivanhoe Mines Founder and Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland commented: "Ivanhoe Mines is just getting started in expanding our global exploration footprint to discover more of the vital green metals that the world so desperately needs for advanced industrialization and electrification. Over the past 20 years, our geologists have discovered over 50 million tonnes of copper under the western edge of the Central African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo an area we now call the Western Foreland shelf. Leveraging our decades of experience, and by thinking outside the box, we turned what was previously believed to be an unmineralized region, into one of the world's newest and most prolific copper production districts. We are now entering Zambia, as well as Angola, where we have high conviction that new discoveries are waiting to be uncovered. "The spirit of this agreement is the same as the partnership we embarked upon with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo when we started exploring and developing Kamoa-Kakula which is fast becoming the world's third largest copper mine, only three years since we commenced production this industry-leading feat would have not been possible without first forming strong partnerships with our host governments and communities." (L-R) A delegation of Ivanhoe Mines' senior management attending the MOU signing ceremony, with the Republic of Zambia's Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Honorable Minister Paul Kabuswe MP. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/222784_b6fd91b8d46269bf_003full.jpg About Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa; the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC, the construction of the tier-one Platreef palladium-nickel-platinum-rhodium-copper-gold project in South Africa; and the restart of production at the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC. Ivanhoe Mines also is exploring across circa 1,808 km2 of highly prospective, 60-100% owned exploration licences in the Western Forelands, located adjacent to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC. Ivanhoe is exploring for new sedimentary copper discoveries, as well as expanding and further defining its high-grade Makoko, Kiala, and Kitoko copper discoveries as the company's next major development projects. Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified using words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Such statements include without limitation: (i) statements regarding the likelihood and timing of adjudication and award of exploration licences in Zambia; and (ii) statements Ivanhoe will conduct exploration activities in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Zambia, with a view to co-develop viable projects in a joint venture with the Government of Zambia. Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether such results will be achieved. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, however not limited to, the factors discussed above and under the "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the company's MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and in its current annual information form, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release. The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors outlined in the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and its current annual information form. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222784 SOURCE: Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. SINGAPORE, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EliTe Solar, a leading global provider of integrated solar manufacturing solutions, has announced an investment to establish an 8 GW solar manufacturing hub in the Suez Special Economic Zone in Egypt, following discussions with Egypt's Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Suez Special Economic Zone. This major venture, marking a significant expansion into the Middle East, will support the region's growing renewable energy demand and contribute to Egypt's clean energy future. The new facility will ensure the production of high-efficiency solar cells and module assembly. A significant portion of the production will be exported to key markets, including the United States, positioning EliTe Solar as a critical player in the international solar supply chain. The investment, valued at over $150 million, will cover 78,000 square meters and will be completed in two phases. The first phase, set for completion by September 2025, will establish a 2 GW solar cell production line. Upon full operation, the facility is projected to generate annual sales exceeding $190 million, further reinforcing EliTe Solar's presence in the Middle East. "This venture will position Egypt as a central hub for photovoltaic manufacturing in the Middle East and North Africa," said Derek Liu, Chairman of EliTe Solar. "With a planned total production capacity of 8 GW, we are introducing solar technology to revolutionize local supply chains and manufacturing standards." The hub's location within the Suez Special Economic Zone offers strategic access to both domestic and international markets, including North America, Europe, and Africa. The development is expected to create thousands of local jobs and significantly boost Egypt's export capabilities, aligning with the nation's goal to become a regional leader in renewable energy. This new facility will complement EliTe Solar's existing manufacturing bases in Indonesia and Vietnam, further strengthening its global supply network. As a BNEF Tier 1 solar technology provider, EliTe Solar continues to lead in the development of sustainable and efficient solar energy solutions. The project underscores EliTe Solar's commitment to supporting the global transition to renewable energy while meeting the growing demand for solar power across the Middle East and beyond. About EliTe Solar: EliTe Solar, established in 2005, is a premier provider of photovoltaic modules and intelligent energy solutions, with over 10 GW of solar modules delivered globally. Headquartered in Singapore, with manufacturing facilities in Indonesia and Vietnam, EliTe Solar offers innovative solar technologies and financial solutions for utility, commercial, and industrial clients worldwide. Discover more at elite-solar.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elite-solar-to-establish-8-gw-solar-manufacturing-hub-in-egypt-302241804.html Establishes Acosta Europe as most comprehensive agency provider of multi-channel digital & physical field sales solutions Creates a one-stop shop for every solution brands & retailers require in a dynamic retail marketplace Organised to provide dedicated retail as well as flexible, syndicated solutions LONDON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acosta Europe today announced its strategic acquisition of Dee Set Group, an industry-leading retail and field marketing services provider in the UK. The acquisition positions Acosta Europe as the UK's most comprehensive agency provider of multi-channel digital and physical field sales solutions to serve retailers and branded manufacturers of all sizes. Acosta Europe will now operate two separate agency brands: Reach, which includes ShopSmart, and Dee Set, which includes Tactical Solutions. Acosta Europe is a business unit of Acosta Group, a collective of the most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies that empower brands and retailers to win in the modern marketplace. "We are bringing together two scale players in the retail and field marketing services sector to provide our clients comprehensive, flexible, and innovative solutions that meet the needs of a dynamic UK retail market," said Ian Forshew, SVP, Group Managing Director, Acosta Europe. The organisation's expanded service portfolio positions it as the only UK agency to offer end-to-end scaled product, dedicated, tactical, and syndicated services with retailer accreditation across all service types. Acosta Europe's range of services includes product consolidation, supply chain management, late-stage customisation, and in-store execution. "We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Dee Set and its talented associates to Acosta Europe and our greater Acosta Group agency collective," said Lisa Koth, Acosta Group Chief Strategy Officer and EVP, Acosta Europe. "The combined and expanded capabilities of these industry-leading agencies add measurable benefits to our valued UK customers and reinforce our role as the industry's foremost global end-to-end sales and marketing agency," she continued. EXPANDED CAPABILITIES, INCREASED VALUE In bringing together these trusted organisations, Acosta Europe offers the critical capabilities, data and insights, and marketing solutions needed by brands and retailers for the UK's omnichannel retail marketplace. Expanded Service Portfolio: The only UK agency to offer scaled product, dedicated, tactical, and syndicated services with retailer accreditation across all service types. Advanced Technology Ecosystem: Creates a technology platform with dynamic allocation systems to enhance efficiency and flexibility in service delivery. Unrivalled Scale and Reach: With a workforce of 3,500 in-store colleagues, the company offers the broadest geographical coverage in the UK, minimising emissions and maximising proximity to retail outlets. Innovation Focus: Significant investments in data, insight, and AI capabilities drive the development of Acosta Europe's Sales Force of the Future, evolving our offering to meet the needs of our clients and the market. Flexible Solutions: Positioned to meet the increasing demand for outsourced field marketing services, offering clients greater flexibility in budgeted spend and service options. "Our expanded capabilities strategically position us for the future of this industry, offering a one-stop shop for every solution brands and retailers require," said Forshew. ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW Dee Set and Reach will continue to operate as separate agency brands of Acosta Europe. This structure allows the organisation to maintain the strength of dedicated teams while offering the flexibility of cross-agency expertise and syndicated services. In his newly expanded role, Forshew becomes SVP, Group Managing Director of Acosta Europe, whilst Greg Phillips continues to lead Dee Set Group as Managing Director and Reach will be led by Andy Buck, Managing Director. Forshew will report to Koth, whose executive leadership role has expanded to include Acosta Europe in addition to her responsibilities for Acosta Group's corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and innovation. "We are excited about the new opportunities this acquisition brings to our customers and colleagues across our expanded organisation," said Greg Phillips, Managing Director, Dee Set. Forshew emphasized the company's commitment to a seamless transition over the coming weeks, adding, "We remain dedicated to providing consistent, top-tier service to our customers across our entire organisation, identifying new, innovative opportunities to drive success." For more information about Acosta Europe please visit www.acosta-europe.com. NOTES TO EDITORS About Acosta Europe Acosta Europe creates progressive, customised solutions for its clients across the retail spectrum. Its comprehensive view of the industry and deep understanding of brands, customers, and retailers drives client success. Acosta Europe, which includes Reach and Dee Set, is part of Acosta Group, a global collective of the most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies. Reach has been a leading field sales agency in the UK since 1975, joining Acosta Europe in 2017. With its retail roots, Reach builds sustainable growth strategies with its world-class suite of bespoke software apps, using AI technology to turn complex data into actionable insights for brands and retailers at scale and speed. Dee Set Group, established in 2001, is a retail solutions business that helps brands and retailers sell more. The company works with some of the UK's biggest brands and retailers including Morrisons, Asda, Arla and Innocent across merchandising, fulfilment and big data analysis. The company has a retail specialist based within ten miles of 97% of the UK's retail stores. In spring 2022, the company launched Reapp, a tech brand set to digitally disrupt the grocery market. Reapp's expertise crosses all major retail channels and categories. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500501/Acosta_Europe_X_The_Dee_Set_Group_logo_lockup__002_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acosta-europe-announces-strategic-acquisition-of-dee-set-creating-market-leading-retail-and-field-marketing-services-agency-in-uk-302243409.html The payment solution will address industry pain points by simplifying merchant onboarding and payouts BERLIN and NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spryker, the leading global composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B Commerce, Enterprise Marketplaces, and IoT Commerce, today announced the release of a new comprehensive marketplace payment solution. Built on Stripe Connect, this new product is available via the Spryker App Composition Platform and designed to make it easier and faster for businesses to launch and operate marketplaces by ensuring seamless payment experiences for buyers, merchants, and operators. Unlike traditional e-commerce, where transactions are simpler, marketplaces involve complex interactions between operators, merchants, and buyers. The new offering solves these challenges, reducing time-to-market for businesses and making it easier for marketplace owners to manage payments efficiently. A Turnkey Solution for Complex Marketplaces Previously, marketplace operators faced challenges such as safely onboarding merchants, managing payouts, and ensuring that money was disbursed accurately across all parties. These processes often required custom integrations and manual backend work, taking months of developer time. With Spryker's new marketplace payment solution, built on Stripe Connect, these complexities are now handled automatically, saving marketplace owners valuable time and resources. "Spryker is committed to helping our customers create seamless and scalable marketplaces," said Manishi Singh , SVP App Composition Platform, Cloud & Technology Partnerships at Spryker. "This new payment solution built on top of Stripe's infrastructure not only makes it easier to onboard merchants and manage payouts, but it also accelerates the growth of our customers' businesses by removing the operational inefficiencies that often slow down marketplace operations." Faster Payments, Global Reach One of the key benefits of this payment solution is the ability to process payouts and disbursements in real-time. Traditionally, marketplace owners might have had to wait until the end of the month to collect and distribute funds. Now, payments can be made instantly, improving cash flow for marketplace operators and merchants. In addition to faster payouts, the solution supports businesses in reaching global markets by offering a unified payment solution that covers 135 currencies, 45+ countries, and over 100 payment methods. This global reach is crucial for businesses looking to expand beyond their domestic markets. The payment solution is not limited to marketplaces but also supports more traditional B2B and B2C transactions. "We're excited to make it easy for marketplaces using Spryker to offer payments to their customers," said Ben Thirlwall, Head of SaaS Platforms EMEA at Stripe. "By combining Spryker's commerce platform with Stripe's payment infrastructure, Spryker is enabling businesses to reduce time to market and total cost of ownership, and scale globally with ease and provide better payment experiences to their merchants and buyers." Addressing Market Challenges This new payment solution also addresses several key market challenges: Regulatory and Financial Risk : Automated compliance reduces exposure to potential fines and ensures smooth cross-border transactions. : Automated compliance reduces exposure to potential fines and ensures smooth cross-border transactions. Administrative Burden : By automating onboarding and payouts, businesses can reduce manual interventions that slow down operations. : By automating onboarding and payouts, businesses can reduce manual interventions that slow down operations. Seller Experience : A frictionless seller onboarding process and more frequent payments lead to a better seller experience and faster growth of the seller base. : A frictionless seller onboarding process and more frequent payments lead to a better seller experience and faster growth of the seller base. Scalability: With Stripe's infrastructure, Spryker customers can confidently expand their marketplaces internationally, without being hindered by payment processing complexities. The new marketplace payment solution is available now. Businesses using Spryker's commerce platform can leverage this turnkey solution to launch or optimize their marketplaces quickly and efficiently. The Spryker App Composition Platform is growing its third-party services offered across categories including Payment, Business Intelligence, Analytics, Commerce, Customer, Data Integration, Marketing, Operational Cloud, etc. These applications cover all digital commerce capabilities that enterprises require. The Spryker App Composition Platform is available for all Spryker Cloud Commerce OS Customers. To find out more, visit the Spryker App Composition Platform page. Experts from Stripe and Spryker will be participating in a panel titled, "The Future of Tech Shaping eCommerce: Navigating Breakthroughs and Building Tomorrow's Tech Stack," taking place at the Spryker EXCITE conference on September 12, 2024, in Berlin. The session will highlight recent technological breakthroughs and explore their impacts on organizational structures and tech stack management. Learn more about the event and how to attend here . Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen. Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten! Verpassen Sie nicht diese Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! On Friday September 6th, 2024, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global leader in high-speed autonomy, held the seventh edition of its autonomous racing competition returning to the famed oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and setting new world autonomous speed records for top speed on a racetrack (184 mph 296 kph) and fastest passing overtake (180 mph 290 kph). PoliMOVE-MSU (Politecnico di Milano, Michigan State University) won the passing competition with a record-setting overtake, and Cavalier Autonomous Racing (University of Virginia) emerged victorious with world record speed in the time trials competition. These two teams delivered remarkable performances powered by cutting-edge AI driver software. Their success in outpacing eight other competitive university teams highlighted the exciting future of automotive innovation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910556823/en/ The PoliMOVE-MSU and the KAIST autonomous racecars passing the Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Photo: Business Wire) In a fiercely contested finale of the passing competition, PoliMOVE-MSU and UNIMORE Racing (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) raced neck and neck for 30 laps, executing a total of 19 overtakes at increasingly higher speeds. In a dramatic finish, PoliMOVE-MSU clinched victory with a final record-setting overtake, reaching (180 mph 290 kph). During the race, the two competitors demonstrated a ground-breaking feat of vehicle control, stability, and safety, executing a controlled stop from 145 mph. Entering turn one the UNIMORE racecar lost GPS connectivity and was able to execute a safe stop through the turn by transitioning to LiDAR based localization. The PoliMOVE-MSU AI driver detected their opponent's behaviour while trailing at a distance of only (80 ft 25 m) and was able to come to a safe stop avoiding a crash and maintaining full vehicle stability. These manoeuvres underscore the incredible safety capabilities of modern autonomous systems. For comparison, the NHTSA recommended safety distance between vehicles traveling at (70 mph 113 kph) on a highway is (300 ft 90 m). Cavalier Autonomous Racing won the time trial competition clocking a 52.628 second lap on the historic 2.5-mile oval with an average speed of (171.012 mph 273.619 kph) pulling lateral G of 2.25 in the turns. During their winning lap, Cavalier Autonomous Racing set a new world record for autonomous speed on a racetrack reaching (184 mph 296 kph). This achievement also marked the first time a U.S.- based team has reached the top of the podium at an Indy Autonomous Challenge competition. "Returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway three years after our inaugural race in 2021 is deeply meaningful to our teams," continued Mitchell. "We've achieved many milestones over the years but this competition's combination of world record-breaking autonomous speed and incredible crash avoidance safety stops pushed the boundaries of high-speed autonomy further than ever before." "Congratulations to all nine of the university teams who competed at the Racing Capital of the World, especially PoliMOVE-MSU and Cavalier Autonomous Racing on their record-setting victories," said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. "IMS was built 115 years ago as a proving ground for automotive innovation, and we are proud to continue that tradition today with the incredible innovations in AI and automation being achieved by the Indy Autonomous Challenge." Nine teams, representing 13 universities from across three continents, competed with identical IAC AV-24 racecars at the 2024 Indy Autonomous Challenge. The IAC AV-24, the fastest autonomous racecar in the world, was at the heart of the competition. Featuring state-of-the-art hardware the AV-24 represents a major leap forward in high-speed autonomous mobility. Competing teams included: AI Racing Tech (ART) University of California, Berkeley, with University of Hawai'i, University of California, San Diego, and Carnegie Mellon University (U.S.) Autonomous Tiger Racing (ATR) Auburn University (U.S.) Cavalier Autonomous Racing (CAR) University of Virginia (U.S.) IU Luddy Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics (U.S.) KAIST Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea) PoliMOVE-MSU Politecnico di Milano, Michigan State University, and University of Alabama (U.S., Italy) Purdue AI Racing (PAIR) Purdue University (U.S.) UNIMORE Racing University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) TUM Autonomous Motorsport Technische Universitat Munchen (Germany) While Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer, the newest team to join the Indy Autonomous Challenge, did not participate in the competition, they made their presence known by unveiling their new livery to the public. "Indiana has become a hub for technology innovation that is power the economy of the future," said David Watkins, SVP of Entrepreneurship Small Business at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "It's been an honor to host and support the global AI talent network of 150 PhD students and faculty that make up the Indy Autonomous Challenge paddock as they've made the Hoosier state their home away from home this Summer preparing to make history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway." In addition to the competition, the IAC hosted an AI Automation Summit, moderated by CNBC Senior National Correspondent Brian Sullivan. Organized in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the summit brought together leaders from industry, government, and academia to discuss the future of AI in the physical world, with a focus on autonomous mobility. Simultaneously, more than 1,500 high school students from across Indiana engaged with hands-on exhibits in the STEM Zone, designed to inspire the next generation of STEM talent. As part of this initiative, the IAC, in collaboration with Indiana-based streetwear brand MELI, distributed limited edition t-shirts celebrating the intersection of fashion, technology, and Indiana's innovation ecosystem. For more information about the Indy Autonomous Challenge, please visit www.IndyAutonomousChallenge.com. Note to editors: B-roll of the Autonomous Challenge IMS 2024 is available here. High-resolution images and additional information about the Indy Autonomous Challenge can be found on the IAC Media Page. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910556823/en/ Contacts: marc.ferlet@indyautonomouschallenge.com Highlights Hadrian X completes first home in US Demonstration Program with CRH Ventures This first home represents the first home ever built using Hadrian X outside of Australia Contracts executed for a total of seven homes with Florida builders, New Century USA and Christopher Alan Homes Robotic technology company FBR Limited (ASX:FBR)(OTCQB:FBRKF) ('FBR' or 'the Company') is pleased to advise that it has completed the walls of the first home in its US Demonstration Program with CRH Ventures, with the walls certified as compliant with the design and building code. This marks a significant milestone in the commercialisation of FBR's technology, being the first build ever completed by the Hadrian X in an international market. The build was completed with Florida builder New Century USA, one of the participating builders in the US Demonstration Program which will include builders across a spectrum of size, volume and style of homes to demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the Hadrian X. FBR will build the walls of four more homes for New Century USA in the Demonstration Program. Two of the homes in the Demonstration Program will be built for Christopher Alan Homes, another Florida-based builder. Christopher Alan Homes topped a regional list compiled by LSI Companies Inc. as the largest local and private homebuilder in Southwest Florida based on single-family residential permits in 2023, demonstrating its continued growth and reinforcing its standing as a leading homebuilder in the region. FBR Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Pivac commented: "We're very proud to have completed our first residential structure in an international market. Having the opportunity to present our world-leading technology to one of the largest addressable markets in the world has been very exciting so far and we are looking forward to continuing to grow our operations in the United States." The Demonstration Program will be deemed complete when FBR completes construction of the walls of the seven homes for New Century USA and Christopher Alan Homes, plus up to three more homes added to the program by another builder to be nominated by CRH Ventures, with the walls of all structures to be certified by an independent structural engineer. Upon completion of the Demonstration Program, FBR will receive a payment of US$400,000 from CRH Ventures under the terms of the Demonstration Program agreement. The completion of the Demonstration Program will mark the commencement of a 45-day period for CRH Ventures to exercise the option to form a joint venture for the delivery of Wall as a Service in the United States. For further details refer to FBR's ASX announcement dated 18 January 2024. This announcement has been authorised for release to the ASX by the FBR Board of Directors. Ends For more information please contact: For investors: Andrew Edge Investor Relations Manager T: +61 8 9380 0240 andrew.edge@fbr.com.au For investors: (United States) Jonathan Paterson Managing Partner - Harbor Access jonathan.paterson@harbor-access.com For media (Australia): Peter Klinger Cannings Purple T: +61 (0)411 251 540 pklinger@canningspurple.com.au For media (United States): Rafael Brazon-Di Fatta Sachs Media T: +1 850-702-9791 rafael@sachsmedia.com About FBR Limited FBR Limited (ASX: FBR; OTCQB: FBRKF) designs, develops and builds dynamically stabilised robots to address global needs in a safer, more efficient and more sustainable way. These robots are designed to work outdoors using the company's core Dynamic Stabilisation Technology (DST). The first application of DST is the Hadrian X, a bricklaying robot that builds structural walls faster, safer, more accurately and with less wastage than traditional manual methods. The Hadrian X provides Wall as a Service, FBR's unique commercial offering, to builders on demand. To learn more please visit www.fbr.com.au About CRH Ventures CRH Ventures is the venture capital unit of CRH, the global leader in building materials solutions. With access to a $250M Venturing and Innovation Fund, CRH Ventures partners with and invests ambitiously and strategically in ConTech and ClimateTech start-ups across the entire construction value chain. To learn more please visit www.crhventures.com About New Century USA New Century USA is part of the New Century Companies group, which has operations in the United States, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Panama and Guyana spanning real estate development, construction technology including the patented Blokon system, renewable energy, environmental protection and agriculture. To learn more please visit www.newcenturyusa.com About Christopher Alan Homes Since its inception in 2017, Christopher Alan Homes has constructed more than 2,300 homes. In 2023 Christopher Alan Homes expanded from Southwest Florida, opening a new Palm Bay division on Florida's East Central Space Coast, and recorded over US$200 million gross revenue in 2023. To learn more please visit www.christopheralanhomes.com SOURCE: FBR Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com London, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Jones Healthcare Group, a leader in advanced pharmaceutical packaging and medication dispensing solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with Quebec-based GDK Marketing as its exclusive pharmacy sales partner in the province. This strategic collaboration reinforces Jones Healthcare Group's ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Quebec while delivering exceptional customer service and support in French. With a legacy of over 100 years, Jones Healthcare Group - and its global reach as a trusted partner to 14,500 pharmacies across 15 countries - is poised to further strengthen its presence in Quebec. While Jones has long served the Quebec market, this partnership represents a significant step in broadening its reach and enhancing support for local pharmacies by leveraging GDK's extensive experience and local expertise to better serve the unique needs of the province's pharmacy professionals. GDK Marketing is a leading force in the Quebec pharmacy sector with more than three decades of experience, known for its deep-rooted relationships and a profound understanding of the local market. The company specializes in delivering tailored sales and marketing solutions that align with the distinct cultural and business landscape of Quebec. GDK's long-standing partnerships with major players in the industry, combined with its commitment to personalized service in French, make it an ideal partner for Jones Healthcare Group's expansion in the region. "We are thrilled to partner with GDK Marketing as we continue to build on our legacy of excellence in the pharmacy market," said Stephen MacNeill, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Market, Canada at Jones Healthcare Group. "Their extensive experience in the Quebec market aligns with our goal to enhance our service offerings in the province. Together, we will ensure that pharmacies across Quebec have access to the innovative solutions and responsive service they need to thrive." Sylvain Lapensee, Vice President, Business Development at GDK Marketing, added, "Partnering with Jones Healthcare Group is an exciting opportunity for GDK Marketing. Jones's commitment to patient safety, usability, and the development of innovative, sustainable products was a natural fit for us. Their commitment to developing solutions that integrate smoothly with automation technology supports our mission of simplifying the work of pharmacy professionals. We're excited to leverage our local expertise to help expand Jones's presence in Quebec, enabling pharmacy teams to dedicate more time to patient care." To further support this initiative in the digital space, Jones has launched a new digital experience in French, complete with a dedicated website and integrated online store. This user-friendly platform makes it easier than ever for Quebec pharmacies to place orders and access the full range of Jones Healthcare Group's offerings. Jones Healthcare Group head office in London, Ontario. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9572/221975_2.jpg Complete pharmacy solutions by Jones Healthcare Group. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9572/221975_3.jpg About Jones Healthcare Group Jones Healthcare Group is a market leader in advanced packaging and medication dispensing solutions, dedicated to enhancing patient care and driving the future of healthcare innovation. About GDK Marketing GDK Marketing, established in 1987, is a Quebec-based company with over 35 years of experience in the pharmacy sector. The company provides tailored marketing and sales solutions that meet the unique needs of the Quebec market, with a strong emphasis on customer service and support in French. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/221975 SOURCE: Jones Healthcare Group Prepares for Next Phase of Drilling and Development Highlights: Surface Exploration Work Ongoing at Gran Pilar, over 476 Samples Collected to Date Along Northern and Eastern Extensions of Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T Trends - Results Pending Sampling Covers 2.3 km 2 Area (2.2x the Area of the Original Pilar Concessions) Multiple Artisanal Underground Workings Found Tied to Broader Mineralized System Modelling Shows Increased Expansion Potential, Advances Targets for Drilling Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(FSE:TV3), is pleased to provide an update from its Gran Pilar gold-silver project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. Surface soil and rock sampling has been ongoing across the Gran Pilar project area with a focus on the northern and eastern extensions of the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T trends. To date, over 476 surface samples have been collected by technical staff with results pending. The area sampled now totals over 230 hectares or 2.3 square kilometers across the southern block of Gran Pilar (Figure 1). Figure 1. Predictive gold modelling at surface derived from rock geochemistry (Orange and red outlines). Blue hatched area outlines latest phase of pending results including 476 surface samples. The area marks a notable expansion to the historic work focused at the Main Zone. "We are pleased with how quickly our area of interest is expanding and the added confidence we are gaining with each progression of Gran Pilar" commented Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "Gran Pilar is largely untapped for resource potential and the work being completed is strengthening our position as a leading explorer and developer in Sonora. As we await the latest results, we can already see the significance of these new areas and the positive impact they have for us moving forward. As discussions continue with potential strategic partners, our conviction to transform Gran Pilar into a top tier asset has never been stronger. We look forward to updating our shareholders throughout this transformation." During sampling multiple underground artisanal workings were identified that coincide with prospective host rocks and mineralization similar to those recorded at the Main Zone. A soil grid across the area, spanning 675-meters north of the Main Zone and over 2-kilometers east, is now complete and will provide data to finalize the alteration and mineralization modelling for advanced drill targeting of the new area (blue hatched area in Figure 1). Metal distribution and alteration modelling was completed by an independent professional, Guillermo Turner Saad and utilizes over 1,300 rock and soil samples. Pending results from the ongoing surface evaluation work will be incorporated in ongoing model development. The modelling will provide key information for defining target areas for future drilling campaigns and outlining areas appropriate for future mine-infrastructure. In addition, preliminary alteration modelling across Gran Pilar's southern area has been completed. Key alteration trends modelled from rock and soil geochemistry has begun to outline target areas across Gran Pilar with argillic to advance argillic alteration patterns indicative of robust epithermal mineralized systems. Areas of Interest east of the Main Zone are showing large footprints of alteration that coincide with early reconnaissance sampling completed earlier this year (See Figures 1 and 3). Initial surface results released early this year that identified several high-grade gold and silver zones east of the Main Zone highlighted by 7.3 g/t Au with 177 g/t Ag and 5.5 g/t Au with 80 g/t Ag (see Figure 1 and April 18, 2024 news release) and the ongoing work of small, placer miners in the area which continue to report positive results from several areas of interest. The modelling is showing a significant increase in the broader target potential. Drill Update As surface work continues through the rain season in Sonora, preparations continue for the next phases of core and RC drilling that will focus on resource definition. Between 1,200 to 2,000 meters of core drilling are being considered along with 1,700 to 2,500 meters of RC drilling before the end of the year. Additional drilling of exploration targets across Gran Pilar will be considered later in the year. Core drilling will focus on building a robust geological model across Pilar with emphasis on the Main Zone. RC drilling will concentrate on additional infill and step-out targeting across the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T trends. Upon completion of drilling the Company anticipates a maiden resource estimate will be finalized for the initial Main Zone and adjacent trends providing an initial step of showcasing the full potential of the project area. With plenty of follow-on work to complete in the field before the commencement of drilling, the Company is evaluating optimal timing to start up drilling with weather expecting to stabilize in September. A renewed drill contract with CANMEX for 3,000 to 5,000-meters of core drilling has been executed encompassing necessary core drilling for resource definition and beyond. This contract accompanies a previous 10,000-meter contract signed for RC drilling across the Gran Pilar property. While monitoring weather conditions the Company is currently finalizing plans for the next phases of drilling it expects to commence in September. In the meantime, the technical team will focus on field exploration and target generation. Pilot Plant Update Planning continues for a proposed pilot plant facility at Gran Pilar that will look to evaluate 50,000 tonnes of material on-site. The Company looks to utilize the at surface exposure of mineralization to further evaluate the viability of gold and silver extraction. Permitting is expected to be complete in Q42024 with potential start of pilot mining to be initiated in Q12025. Dialogue between the Company, permitting consultants and regulators has been positive and the Company does not foresee any delays with permitting. The Company will target at surface material expected to average 1.3 g/t Au, and from the 2023 bulk sample testing expects a base recovery of 62%. The Company will be looking to optimize heap leach recovery and testing other methods, agitated leach and gravity to run comparative analysis. Figure 2. Predictive silver modelling at surface derived from rock geochemistry (blue outlines). Blue hatched area outlines latest phase of pending results including 476 surface samples. The area marks a notable expansion to the historic work focused at the Main Zone. Plate 1. New vein discovery within Gran Pilar 1.5km southeast of Main Zone - Results Pending Plate 2. Photos of Rock Sampling and Exploration across Gran Pilar highlighting new target areas. Several newly discovered artisanal workings were identified and sampled for the first time. - Results Pending. Figure 3. Target Map of the Gran Pilar Project Area. Recent surface discoveries have highlighted several target zones across the project area. About the Pilar Property The Pilar Gold-Silver property has returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Initially three primary zones of mineralization were identified on the original property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. The Company has now expanded its interest in the area by consolidating 22 square-kilometers of highly prospective ground where it has already made significant surface discoveries. Pilar Drill Highlights: 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. Based on management's strong belief in the project's potential, the Company is outlining a permitting and operations strategy for a pilot facility at Pilar. The facility would underpin a robust test mine scenario with aims to process up to 50,000 tonnes of material. Timelines and budget are being prepared with the aim of moving forward with the development early in 2025. With gold prices hitting all-time highs, the Company believes the onsite test mine will provide key economic parameters and showcase the mineral potential of the area. In 2023, the Company completed an offsite bulk sample that produced important data showcasing the potential to recover both gold and silver through a variety of methods including heap leach, gravity and agitated leach (see August 22, 2023 news release for more details). About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan's advancing gold-silver projects are located in the mine-friendly jurisdiction of Sonora, Mexico. Through ongoing exploration programs, Company is unveiling the high-potential at its Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. Tocvan has approximately 51 million shares outstanding. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 1150, 707 - 7 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H6 +1-403-829-9877 bsutherland@tocvan.ca The Howard Group Jeff Walker VP Howard Group Inc. +1-403-221-0915 jeff@howardgroupinc.com SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) ("Volt Carbon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that exploration has been completed at the Company's wholly owned Mount Copeland molybdenum, rare-earth, and niobium project. Highlights Mineralization was found to occur in the Glacier and Marble Ridge Zones, extending 300 meters east and west of the abandoned mine. These areas have been evaluated for niobium, rare-earth elements, and molybdenum. Highlights of Mo, Nb, and select REE geochemical analysis results from rock chip samples taken in August 2024 are summarized in the table below: zone name sample no ppm Mo ppm Nb ppm La ppm Ce ppm Nd ppm Pr ppm Y West Marble Ridge 24COP2 41 281 494 567 122 43.2 117.5 West Marble Ridge 24COP3 42 58.8 506 557 119.5 43.5 23.7 West Marble Ridge 24COP5 6 28.3 1055 1925 813 219 810 Glacier Zone 24COP7 16450 445 307 584 201 59.2 69.3 Glacier Zone 24COP9 2710 257 1105 2050 581 192.5 201 Glacier Zone 24COP11 14 331 410 641 185.5 57.6 142 Glacier Zone 24COP14 2 588 416 724 254 74 169 Glacial float 24COP16 2 509 338 589 175 55.1 276 Glacier Zone (east) 24COP20 >25000 2340 81.6 141 40.9 13.45 19.9 Glacier Zone (east) 24COP21 6930 1040 184.5 383 131.5 40.5 118 Figure 1: ALS Geochemical analysis, ALS ME-MS89L sodium peroxide fusion, certificate KL24220952 The furthest east and closest to the glacier has the highest niobium content, including rock chip sample 24COP20 (see Figure 2), which returned an analysis of 2,340 ppm Nb, equivalent to 0.34% Nb2O5 and molybdenum in excess of 2.5%. The highest cerium (one of 15 rare-earth elements) was found in rock chip sample 24COP9, which returned an analysis of 2,050 ppm Ce, equivalent to 0.24% Ce2O3 in the Glacier Zone, while rock chip sample 24COP5 from Marble Ridge returned 1,925 ppm Ce, equivalent to 0.23% Ce2O3. Based on these results, management plans to expand exploration for niobium, rare-earth elements, and molybdenum on the Mount Copeland Project, including core drilling to target depth extensions of surface mineral zones in Glacier and Marble Ridge. Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) is a promising high-rate (fast charging) anode material for lithium-ion batteries and compounds containing rare earths have diverse applications in electrical and electronic components, lasers, glass, magnetic materials, and industrial processes. Quality Control Volt Carbon's geotechnicians measured interval lengths using a tape measure, photographed each of the 22 rock chip sample sites, and collected hand specimen samples. ALS Canada Ltd. performed independent QA/QC analysis, which included the use of standards, blanks, and duplicate samples on the 22 submitted rock samples listed in Figure 1. Due to the limited sample size, Volt Carbon did not implement additional internal duplicate samples or insert blanks and standards. Figure 2: Rock chip sample 24COP20 at the furthest east and closest proximity to the glacier To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9904/222623_c4e54b32a4bb1830_001full.jpg Qualified Person Andris Kikauka (P. Geo.), has prepared, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Kikauka is an independent Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Historical Background The Mount Copeland molybdenum deposit lies within metamorphic rocks flanking the southern margin of the Frenchman Cap Dome. The Frenchman Cap Dome is one of a series of gneiss domes located along the Shuswap Metamorphic Complex, centered 32 kilometers northwest of Revelstoke. Lenses of syenite pegmatite or syenite aplite are of economic interest. These lenses characteristically lie parallel to foliation, though they occasionally cross it. Massive disseminated molybdenite occurs randomly in the aplite and pegmatite lenses. Mining and milling took place on Mount Copeland from 1969 to 1974, during which 169,729 tonnes of ore produced 1,190,713 kg of molybdenum, with an average grade of 0.7% Mo or 1.05% MoS2 (Source: Minfile). Although road access to the mill site and underground access to the mine site is currently inactive, rehabilitation of the road and tunnel to the Mount Copeland mineral zones are viable considerations to access the new mineralization from underground. In 2010, Torch River Resources Ltd. completed rock sampling on the Mount Copeland property. Highlights include sample COPE10AR-20, which assayed 131,000 ppm cerium, 102,000 ppm lanthanum, 17,650 ppm neodymium, 7,700 ppm praseodymium, 6,190 ppm zirconium, 623 ppm yttrium, 527 ppm niobium, 284 ppm dysprosium, 1,200 ppm samarium, and 2.926% titanium (Assessment Report 31834). The Glacier Zone aplite-pegmatite occurs in a fold limb or sill of syenite gneiss within calc-silicate rock. Minor constituents of the rock include zircon, sphene, apatite, magnetite, fluorite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and molybdenite. Molybdenite exhibits various habits: it may be disseminated, form clumps and rosettes along hairline cracks, fill vugs, or occur as intergrowths with calcite, sericite, and potassium feldspar. Large molybdenite crystals contain inclusions of potassium feldspar, calcite, and zircon, and molybdenite is also found within potassium feldspar crystals, often concentrated around potassium feldspar megacrysts in the pegmatites. Pyrrhotite and pyrite are also distributed as disseminations, fracture fillings, and as lines or fillings in vugs. About Volt Carbon Technologies Volt Carbon is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation, with holdings in mining claims in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia in Canada. For the latest information on Volt Carbon's properties and news please refer to the website www.voltcarbontech.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Volt Carbon's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "intends" "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Such forward-looking statements include those with respect to: (i) exploration has been completed at the Company's wholly owned Mount Copeland molybdenum, rare-earth, and niobium project; (ii) rock chip sample 24COP20 (see Figure 2), which returned an analysis of 2,340 ppm Nb, equivalent to 0.34% Nb2O5 and molybdenum in excess of 2.5%; (iii) The highest cerium (one of 15 rare-earth elements) was found in rock chip sample 24COP9, which returned an analysis of 2,050 ppm Ce, equivalent to 0.24% Ce2O3 in the Glacier Zone; (iv) Management plans to expand exploration for niobium, rare-earth elements, and molybdenum on the Mount Copeland Project, including core drilling to target depth extensions of surface mineral zones in Glacier and Marble Ridge; (v) Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) is a promising high-rate (fast charging) anode material for lithium-ion batteries and compounds containing rare earths have diverse applications in electrical and electronic components, lasers, glass, magnetic materials, and industrial processes; (vi) Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Volt Carbon assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222623 SOURCE: Volt Carbon Technologies SambaNova Cloud runs Llama 3.1405B at 132 tokens per second at full precision available to developers today SambaNova Systems CEO, Rodrigo Liang, says: "Enterprise customers want versatility 70B at lightning speeds for agentic AI systems, and the highest fidelity 405B model for when they need the best results. SambaNova Cloud is the only platform that offers both today." "Only SambaNova is running 405B the best open-source model created at full precision and at 132 tokens per second." Today, SambaNova Systems, provider of the fastest and most efficient chips and AI models, announced SambaNova Cloud, the world's fastest AI inference service enabled by the speed of its SN40L AI chip. Developers can log on for free via an API today no waiting list and create their own generative AI applications using both the largest and most capable model, Llama 3.1 405B, and the lightning-fast Llama 3.1 70B. SambaNova Cloud runs Llama 3.1 70B at 461 tokens per second (t/s) and 405B at 132 t/s at full precision. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910319006/en/ "Artificial Analysis has independently benchmarked SambaNova as achieving record speeds of 132 output tokens per second on their Llama 3.1 405B cloud API endpoint. This is the fastest output speed available for this level of intelligence across all endpoints tracked by Artificial Analysis, exceeding the speed of the frontier models offered by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. SambaNova's Llama 3.1 endpoints will support speed-dependent AI use-cases, including for applications that require real-time responses or leverage agentic approaches to using language models." George Cameron, Co-Founder at Artificial Analysis. (Graphic: Artificial Analysis) "SambaNova Cloud is the fastest API service for developers. We deliver world record speed and in full 16-bit precision all enabled by the world's fastest AI chip," said Rodrigo Liang, CEO of SambaNova Systems. "SambaNova Cloud is bringing the most accurate open source models to the vast developer community at speeds they have never experienced before." This year, Meta launched Llama 3.1 in three form factors 8B, 70B, and 405B. The 405B model is the crown jewel for developers, offering a highly competitive alternative to the best closed-source models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Meta's Llama 3.1 models are the most popular open-source models, and Llama 3.1 405B is the most intelligent, according to Meta, offering flexibility in how the model can be used and deployed. The Highest Fidelity Model SambaNova Runs 405B at 132 T/S "Competitors are not offering the 405B model to developers today because of their inefficient chips. Providers running on Nvidia GPUs are reducing the precision of this model, hurting its accuracy, and running it at unusably slow speeds," continued Liang. "Only SambaNova is running 405B the best open-source model created at full precision and at 132 tokens per second." Llama 3.1 405B is an extremely large model the largest frontier open-weights model released to date. The size means the cost and complexity of deploying it are high, and the speed at which it's served is slower compared to smaller models. SambaNova's SN40L chips reduce this cost and complexity compared to Nvidia H100s and lessen the speed trade-off of the model as the chips serve it at higher speeds. "Agentic workflows are delivering excellent results for many applications. Because they need to process a large number of tokens to generate the final result, fast token generation is critical. The best open weights model today is Llama 3.1 405B, and SambaNova is the only provider running this model at 16-bit precision and at over 100 tokens/second. This impressive technical achievement opens up exciting capabilities for developers building using LLMs," stated Dr. Andrew Ng, Founder of DeepLearning.AI, Managing General Partner at AI Fund, and an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University's Computer Science Department. Independent Benchmarks Rank SambaNova Cloud as the Fastest AI Inference Platform "Artificial Analysis has independently benchmarked SambaNova as achieving record speeds of 132 output tokens per second on their Llama 3.1 405B cloud API endpoint. This is the fastest output speed available for this level of intelligence across all endpoints tracked by Artificial Analysis, exceeding the speed of the frontier models offered by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. SambaNova's Llama 3.1 endpoints will support speed-dependent AI use-cases, including for applications that require real-time responses or leverage agentic approaches to using language models," said George Cameron, Co-Founder at Artificial Analysis. The First Platform for Agentic AI SambaNova Runs Llama 3.1 70B at 461 T/S Llama 3.1 70B is considered the highest fidelity model for agentic AI use cases, which require high speeds and low latency. Its size makes it suitable for fine-tuning, producing expert models that can be combined in multi-agent systems suitable for solving complex tasks. SambaNova Cloud allows developers to run LLama 3.1 70B models at 461 t/s and build agentic applications that run at unparalleled speed. "As a leading proponent of interactive AI-powered Sales Enablement SaaS solutions, Bigtincan is excited to partner with SambaNova. With SambaNova's impressive performance, we can achieve up to 300% increased efficiency in Bigtincan SearchAI, enabling us to run the most powerful open-source models like Llama in all its configurations and agentic AI workflows with unparalleled speed and effectiveness," said David Keane, CEO of Bigtincan Solutions, an ASX listed SaaS company. "As the leading platform building autonomous coding agents, Blackbox AI is excited to collaborate with SambaNova. By integrating SambaNova Cloud, we're taking our platform to the next level, enabling millions of developers using Blackbox AI today to build products at unprecedented speeds-further solidifying our position as the go-to platform for developers worldwide," stated Robert Rizk, CEO of Blackbox AI. "As AI shifts from impressive demos to real-world business needs, cost and performance are front and center," said Alex Ratner, CEO and co-founder of Snorkel AI. "SambaNova Cloud will make it easier and faster for developers to build with Llama's impressive 405B model. SambaNova's affordable, high speed inference, combined with Snorkel's programmatic data-centric AI development is a fantastic model for creating AI success." SambaNova's Fast APIhas seen rapid adoption since its launch in early July. With SambaNova Cloud, developers can bring their own checkpoints, fast switch between Llama models, automate workflows using a chain of AI prompts, and utilize existing fine-tuned models with fast inference speed. It will quickly become the go-to inference solution for developers who demand the power of 405B, total flexibility, and speed. SambaNova Cloud is available today across three tiers: Free, Developer, and Enterprise. The Free Tier (available today): offers free API access to anyone who logs in The Developer Tier (available by end of 2024): enables developers to build models with higher rate limits with Llama 3.1 8B, 70B, and 405B models The Enterprise Tier (available today): provides enterprise customers with the ability to scale with higher rate limits to power production workloads SambaNova Cloud's impressive performance is made possible by the SambaNova SN40L AI chip. With its unique, patented dataflow design and three-tier memory architecture, the SN40L can power AI models faster and more efficiently. About SambaNova Systems Customers turn to SambaNova to quickly deploy state-of-the-art generative AI capabilities within the enterprise. Our purpose-built enterprise-scale AI platform is the technology backbone for the next generation of AI computing. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, SambaNova Systems was founded in 2017 by industry luminaries, and hardware and software design experts from Sun/Oracle and Stanford University. Investors include SoftBank Vision Fund 2, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Intel Capital, GV, Walden International, Temasek, GIC, Redline Capital, Atlantic Bridge Ventures, Celesta, and several others. Visit us at sambanova.ai or contact us at info@sambanova.ai. Follow SambaNova Systems on Linkedin and on X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910319006/en/ Contacts: Press Contact: Virginia Jamieson Head of External Communications, SambaNova Systems virginia.jamieson@sambanova.ai 650-279-8619 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Telo Genomics Corp. (TSXV: TELO) (OTCQB: TDSGF) (the "Company" or "Telo") a biotech company developing the industry's leading telomere technology platform with diagnostic and prognostic applications measuring genomic instability in oncology, is pleased to announce that it is evaluating its minimal residual disease (MRD) biomarker assay technologies in multiple myeloma (MM) patients as a part of the TELO-DMRD clinical validation study. Telo's MRD assays are being evaluated utilizing Adaptive Biotechnologies' clonoSEQ assay technology as a component of Telo's ongoing MRD clinical trial, TELO-DMRD (NCT05530096), being conducted with McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Telo will utilize clonoSEQ assay technology to validate the sensitivity of its MRD assay and help to establish the clinical utility of TELO-DMRD for MRD enumeration. McGill is participating in the development of two MRD assessment prognostic tests with Telo Genomics. Telo's announced MRD evaluation study conducted with Adaptive Biotechnologies is planned to include up to ten patients that will be followed up over time. The study is open to expansion based on initial results. The first patient samples have already been analyzed. Telo's MRD clinical trials with McGill University have two objectives that will potentially enable the development of two prognostic tests for monitoring myeloma MRD. The two objectives include: i) identify and quantify the number of MRD cells circulating in the patient's blood post marrow transplantation; and ii) profile the isolated circulating MRD cells using Telo's proprietary technology TeloView to assess disease aggressiveness in each individual MRD cell. The two MRD tests are designed to be liquid biopsy-based, which is at the forefront of precision medicine. "We are thrilled to use clonoSEQ in our study to validate the sensitivity of our MRD assay," said Jay Wohlgemuth, MD, Managing Partner of Trusted Health Advisors, a strategic advisor to Telo. "clonoSEQ is widely accepted as the MRD industry leader in multiple myeloma with a routinely achieved sensitivity of beyond 10-6 and has gained the trust of the diagnostic community. This ongoing evaluation will potentially set the stage for Telo's MRD genomic instability profiling assay to become a valuable clinical prognostic tool in multiple myeloma and other cancers." About MRD Assessment Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing is emerging as an important tool in assessing treatment response and guiding therapeutic decisions in oncology. With advancements in drug development technologies, and a growing emphasis on personalized healthcare, the MRD testing industry is expected to exhibit substantial global expansion in the coming years. The MRD global testing market size is expected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2032 (Globe Newswire - August 14, 2023). About TELO Telo Genomics Corp. is a biotech company pioneering the most comprehensive telomere platform in the industry with powerful applications and prognostic solutions. These include liquid biopsies and related technologies in oncology and neurological diseases. Liquid biopsy is a rapidly growing field of significant interest to the medical community for being less invasive and more easily replicated than traditional diagnostic approaches. By combining our team's considerable expertise in quantitative analysis of 3D telomeres with molecular biology and artificial intelligence to recognize disease associated genetic instability, Telo is developing simple and accurate products that improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of pathologists, clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers. The benefits of our proprietary technology have been substantiated in 160+ peer reviewed publications and in 30+ clinical studies involving more than 3,000 patients with multiple cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Our lead application, TELO-MM is being developed to provide important, actionable information to medical professionals in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a deadly form of blood cancer. For more information, please visit www.telodx.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "will", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the clinical efficacy of products, commercial viability of products, use of proceeds, and the ability of the TeloView platform to deliver personalized medicine resulting in better treatments and outcomes are based on the Company's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures and other costs. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222753 SOURCE: Telo Genomics Corp. YAMAGATA, Japan, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spiber Inc., a pioneering Japanese bio-venture known for its revolutionary Brewed Protein fiber produced through cutting-edge fermentation technology, is proud to announce the continuation of its successful partnership with Consinee Group, a global leader in the development of premium yarns for luxury knitwear and woven garments. Begun in 2023, this pioneering collaboration has allowed the two companies to explore new possibilities by combining Spiber's Brewed Protein fiber with Consinee's renowned expertise in spinning high-quality yarns. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing the textile industry with innovative and sustainable solutions tailored for the world's leading brands. Consinee is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and serves some of the most prestigious fashion brands globally. The company's diverse range of yarns meets the exacting standards of high-end fashion. Spiber, with its groundbreaking Brewed Protein fiber, aligns seamlessly with Consinee's vision of pushing the boundaries of textile innovation. Together, they are poised to revolutionize the high-end yarn sector by integrating Spiber's Brewed Protein fibers into Consinee's product lines, showcasing both companies' unwavering dedication to premium quality. The partnership between Spiber and Consinee Group has already yielded promising results, with several innovative yarns now available for sale. These yarns, which are composed of between 30% to 100% Brewed Protein fiber, are suitable for knitwear applications. "The collaboration with Spiber is an opportunity, as both companies are committed to providing the best solutions for the world's leading brands in haute couture and sustainability. Brewed Protein fiber is a new type of environmentally responsible fiber, which is an innovation in the textile industry. The cooperation with Spiber embodies our pursuit and practice of green, intelligence, low carbon, traceability and recyclability. We believe that collaboration between our two companies can bring about a healthier, more environmentally responsible and more sustainable development in the field of yarn" - Boris, CEO of Consinee Group Co., Ltd. As the textile industry continues to evolve, Spiber and Consinee Group are committed to deepening their collaboration as long-term strategic partners. Their shared goal is to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future while upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation. Product line Cashmere blended worsted yarn Composition: 70% Cashmere, 30% Brewed Protein fiber Count: 2/64 N/m Cashmere blended worsted yarn Composition: 50% Cashmere, 50% Brewed Protein fiber Count: 2/64 N/m 100% Brewed Protein worsted yarn Composition: 100% Brewed Protein fiber Count: 2/48 N/m 100% Brewed Protein worsted yarn Composition: 100% Brewed Protein fiber Count: 2/80 N/m ===== Spiber Inc. Established in September 2007, Spiber is a biotech venture company based in Yamagata, Japan dedicated to creating innovative solutions such as "Brewed Protein", a new material platform utilizing microbial fermentation technology inspired by nature's diversity and circularity. Spiber website: https://spiber.inc/en/ Spiber is a trademark or a registered trademark of Spiber Inc. in Japan and other countries. Brewed Protein is a trademark or a registered trademark of Spiber Inc. in Japan and other countries. Brewed Protein Fiber Brewed Protein fiber, the only commercially-available offering within the emerging protein fiber category, is a unique product from Spiber's revolutionary material platform. Produced through a precision fermentation process using plant-based ingredients, these innovative fibers deliver luxurious textiles with a distinct texture, while offering the potential to significantly reduce the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal-derived fibers like cashmere and silk. Consinee Group Consinee Group was founded in 1999, located in the beautiful coastal city of Ningbo, China. Through more than 20 years of hard work, Consinee Group has completed a green and advanced manufacturing industry base, integrating dyeing, spinning of woolen, worsted, semi-worsted and fancy yarns, as well as high quality fabrics, import-export trade, digital logistics, intelligent manufacturing and information platform. Consinee Group, the large-scale spinning company in China that completely uses new and imported automatic production lines, is known as the Champion Demonstration Enterprise in the textile industry and the leading company in the "Made in China 2025" and Industry 4.0. It is also the first "Future Factory" in Zhejiang Province. Today, Consinee Group produces and sells high quality yarns and fabrics on an annual scale of 10,000 tons, mainly using natural fibers like cashmere, among which 100% cashmere yarn accounts for more than 3,000 tons, occupying 20% share of world's total cashmere output. Consinee is the biggest exporter of cashmere yarn in China. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500032/image.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500031/image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2482061/4899411/Spiber_new_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/spiber-and-renowned-mill-consinee-group-forge-ahead-in-strategic-partnership-to-redefine-high-end-textile-industry-302243659.html New approach saves 300 million baby eels annually BRUSSELS, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A scientific report released last week suggests a major breakthrough in tackling illegal trafficking of European eels. It illustrates how a more holistic and inclusive conservation strategy - the legal framework for which is the EU's Eel Regulation1 - has saved an estimated 300 million baby eels annually. And it demonstrates that the Sustainable Eel Group (SEG), a leading Brussels-based NGO dedicated to the conservation and recovery of this critically endangered species, has arguably helped turn the narrative in favour of this strategy. According to the independent evaluation conducted by the University of Hull International Fisheries Institute (HIFI), efforts which involve key players in science, industry, and conservation have resulted in an 80% reduction in the illegal trafficking of glass eels, which are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation despite their legal protection under CITES Appendix II. Europol previously estimated that up to 300 million glass eels, weighing around 100 tonnes, were trafficked illegally each year to East Asia. Now, thanks to coordinated enforcement actions and landmark policy developments, including the implementation of the SEG Standard - a voluntary standard promoting responsible eel trade - current estimates suggest that less than 50 million glass eels, or 15 to 25 tonnes, are trafficked annually. Studies indicate more than 50 million eel have been saved as a direct result of this policy. Whilst 'the key takeaway' for Andrew Kerr, the chairman and founder of SEG, 'is that [the group's] substantial efforts to protect the European eel, or Anguilla anguilla, are paying off' and SEG has succeeded in closing the grey zone between legitimate and illicit activity, he also acknowledges that the industry 'must remain vigilant to prevent setbacks'. The trafficking issue is now shifting to the American eel, Anguilla rostrata, causing significant challenges for both species. Thus, he says conservations' work 'is far from over', and that SEG and its partners remain 'committed to continuing [its] efforts to ensure the recovery and sustainable management of anguillid eels, and calls on all partners to join in this crucial endeavour'. Bert-Jan Ruissen, a Member of the European Parliament involved in policy development on the eel, has praised this more holistic approach, saying that 'the work of the Sustainable Eel Group is putting the Eel Regulation at the core of European eel policy again'. 'This special fish will benefit from fewer obstacles to its enormous migrations to inland waters [] Improved transparency and traceability for caught glass eels is an important way of combating IUU practices and certification schemes, such as SEG, are an important tool to ensure the legality of catches. We expect this new approach to have more effect than further limiting eel fisheries, which was the approach so far. Fishers play an essential role in the management of the eel population'. This follows the publication of the European Parliament's report on the 'Implementation of the Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel,' which called for a more consolidated and coordinated approach to eel management across Europe2. The guidance emphasises the Eel Regulation as the core policy for the species' recovery and highlights the essential role that both commercial and recreational fishers play in conservation efforts. By working closely with fishers, policymakers, and environmental groups, SEG ensures the Eel Regulation is effectively implemented, reducing the impact of trafficking, as well as wider ranging environmental factors contributing to the eel's decline. Collaboration on measures like eel passes, restocking programmes, and fish-friendly soft engineering techniques is key to removing migration barriers and supporting the long-term sustainability of eel populations. SEG calls on EU Member States to take forward actions for the conservation of the European eel in their Management Plans required under the EU Eel Regulation and due this autumn. More information: www.sustainableeelgroup.org For more information on the Sustainable Eel Group and their latest policy contributions, statements, and initiatives, please visit sustainableeelgroup.org. The HIFI report will be published in full on Thursday 5 September, and available to view here3. Glass eels: baby eels, a vulnerable species. Reaches the fresh waters of the inland via the European coasts and grows into adult eels in 3 in the south to 15 years in more northern parts of Europe. (photo free for use) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A32007R1100 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0353_EN.html https://www.sustainableeelgroup.org/news/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501611/SEG_Glass_eels.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sustainable-eel-group-scientific-report-highlights-major-success-in-fight-against-illegal-trafficking-of-european-eels-302243677.html Cloud-native deployment of Blue Planet Inventory to provide a single view of TDC NET's hybrid network resources and services Danish network provider TDC NET is transforming its Operating Support System (OSS) using automation software from Blue Planet, a division of Ciena (NYSE:CIEN). Blue Planet Inventory (BPI), supported on Blue Planet's Cloud Native Platform, will give TDC NET an accurate, unified view of its current mobile and fixed network resources and services. "Denmark is spearheading digitization across Europe and TDC NET is creating and operating the communications infrastructure to support this pivotal role, embracing fiber networks and the best 5G mobile network in Denmark. As part of our digital transformation plan, we are working with Blue Planet to reduce inventory management system complexity and improve operational efficiencies to the benefit of our customers," said Carsten Rasmussen, Head of IT Enablement, TDC NET. BPI allows TDC NET to accurately model and visualize its varied network resources and enable automated workflows, helping to streamline operations and offer dynamic service delivery. The BPI deployment is part of TDC NET's larger digital transformation strategy that includes other vendors for functions like monitoring, service assurance, and workforce management to be fully integrated by Blue Planet's global partner Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. "Communications service providers who are committed to digital transformation, like TDC NET, know that legacy OSS solutions don't provide the agility or operational efficiency they demand. Blue Planet is supporting TDC NET's transformation and setting it apart from other providers as a digital business, simplifying and automating its operations to offer new services and improved customer experiences," said Joe Cumello, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Blue Planet. "Additionally, we're grateful for our partnership with Infosys, which continues to work closely with Blue Planet to drive great outcomes for our customers globally." TDC NET's BPI deployment follows the service provider's recent optical transport network upgrades with Ciena, demonstrating a complete, open, and future-ready ecosystem that goes beyond delivering capacity to creating capabilities on demand, supported by both hardware and software. About TDC NET TDC NET is creating tomorrow's digital infrastructure, so Denmark can continue to be at the forefront. We want to provide the most powerful fixed-line and mobile networks and make using them easy to everyone. So we can stay well connected. About Blue Planet Blue Planet empowers communication service providers (CSPs) to be more software-driven, digital businesses with the industry's only cloud-native Operations Support System (OSS) platform. The Blue Planet intelligent automation portfolio helps CSPs automate network and service operations to speed the introduction of new services across any network domain or vendor. A division of Ciena and a key provider for many of the world's leading CSPs, Blue Planet brings unparalleled expertise in accelerating digital transformation. Note to Ciena Investors You are encouraged to review the Investors section of our website, where we routinely post press releases, SEC filings, recent news, financial results, and other announcements. From time to time we exclusively post material information to this website along with other disclosure channels that we use. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, forecasts, information and assumptions. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those stated or implied, because of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910352067/en/ Contacts: Press Contact: Chua Wei Wei Ciena Corporation +65 9833 2654 pr@ciena.com Investor Contact: Gregg Lampf Ciena Corporation +1 (410) 694-5700 ir@ciena.com Affinity, the leading CRM for private capital, today announced the appointment of Adam Goldman as Chief Financial Officer. A seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in scaling high-growth companies, Adam will lead Affinity's financial strategy as the company continues its rapid expansion. "We are thrilled to welcome Adam to the Affinity team," said Ken Fine, CEO, Affinity. "Adam's track record of successfully guiding companies through periods of significant growth and his deep understanding of the SaaS landscape make him a great fit for Affinity. His leadership will be valuable as we scale our operations and continue to innovate in the relationship intelligence space." Adam brings financial and operational expertise from his previous roles at Skillsoft, Codecademy, and Chegg. He has been instrumental in scaling companies and aligning financial strategies with corporate growth objectives including as CFO at Codecademy, where he played a pivotal role in the company's expansion and eventual acquisition by Skillsoft for $525 million. "I am excited to join Affinity-the product and team are outstanding, and I see a clear path to continued cash-efficient growth," said Adam Goldman, CFO, Affinity. "My immediate focus will be on aligning our financial strategy with our ambitious targets and building the necessary systems to support our expansion. I look forward to working with the talented team at Affinity to drive our success." Learn about Affinity's newest release, an iOS app that simplifies pipeline management on the go at affinity.co/product/mobile. About Affinity Affinity is a relationship intelligence platform that empowers dealmakers in relationship-driven industries to find, manage, and close more deals. With the most automated relationship intelligence insights and technology, Affinity enables leaders to drive deals, free themselves from data drudgery, and ensure their teams can take action with confidence, knowing the context and history of every relationship. The Affinity platform, including Affinity CRM, is used by over 3,000 relationship-driven organizations worldwide. Founded in 2014, Affinity is headquartered in San Francisco and backed by leading investors, including Menlo Ventures, Advance Venture Partners, 8VC, and MassMutual Ventures. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910748801/en/ Contacts: Michelle Dailey Affinity press@affinity.co BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) today announced it will host its Investor Day on Wednesday October 16, 2024 at 9:30am ET. The event, hosted at the New York Stock Exchange, will be available live to the general public via webcast. A link to register can be found here or via the BlackBerry.com/Investors website. A replay of the webcast will be available following the event. This event will provide a platform for investors and analysts to hear from, and interact with, BlackBerry executives and gain a deeper understanding of the Company's vision, future plans, and progression towards profitability and positive cashflow across our IoT and Cybersecurity divisions. Further details, including the agenda can be found here. About BlackBerry BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company's software powers over 235M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security management, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry. Investor Contact: BlackBerry Investor Relations +1 (519) 888-7465 investorrelations@blackberry.com Media Contact: BlackBerry Media Relations +1 (519) 597-7273 mediarelations@BlackBerry.com SOURCE: BlackBerry View the original press release on accesswire.com ST. PETERSBURG and TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / While restoration is a critical part of Duke Energy Florida's and Tampa Electric's everyday work and hurricane response plans, this is the first time the two local utilities have combined resources to protect Tampa Bay's ecosystems and increase environmental resilience within the region. Today, more than 40 volunteers, employees and environmental experts from Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida, Hillsborough County's Conservation and Land Management and Pinellas County's Environmental Management Division, led a unique restoration project by simultaneously planting nearly 700 red and black mangroves at two locations impacted by tidal influence. "Teaming up with our neighboring utilities, governmental leaders and key community organizations to prepare, protect and power our communities is not something new for our company and industry," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "As we've learned from decades of storm response and service, collaboration is essential to addressing our communities' most pressing needs. Today's event is no different. We thank Tampa Electric, CCA Florida, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, among the many others, who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe, resilient and thriving." The two locations, EG Simmons Regional Park and Keystone/Carlton Road in Northern Pinellas County, were selected based on need, environmental factors and consultation with Hillsborough County's Conservation and Land Management and Pinellas County's Environmental Management Division. "This project is a win for the shoreline, a win for our partners, and it reflects our continued commitment to environmental stewardship," said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. "We are delighted to collaborate with like-minded neighbors - including Duke Energy Florida - to complete this important coastal resilience project." Florida's mangrove ecosystems serve a vital role in the overall health of the state's coastal estuaries. Mangroves reduce coastal erosion caused by storm surges and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Mangrove soils and roots also sequester carbon dioxide while providing habitat and refuge to a wide variety of fish and wildlife. The mangroves are grown and donated by CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center, a company-owned-and-operated environmental restoration and conservation center dedicated to rebuilding and maintaining Florida's fish populations and habitats. More than 30 years ago, the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center started as an environmental compliance requirement to operate nearby power plants and has since grown into one of Florida's most successful fish hatcheries and conservation allies. Instead of shutting down the operation when the power plants closed and the environmental requirement was no longer necessary, Eric Latimer, Duke Energy Florida's manager of the Mariculture Center, found ways to work with nonprofits, universities and state agencies, like CCA Florida, among others, to rebuild and maintain Florida's fish populations and habitats that were being impacted by declining water quality and disasters such as red tide and hurricanes. To date, the Mariculture Center, with help from CCA Florida, has released nearly 5 million fish and crustaceans along Florida's coasts and has donated approximately $200,000 worth of submerged aquatic vegetation for habitat restoration projects in lakes, springs and shorelines across the state. For more information about the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center, click here. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Tampa Electric Tampa Electric, one of Florida's largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves more than 840,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. CCA Florida The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org. Duke Energy Media Contact: Audrey Stasko Media line: 800.559.3853 Twitter: @DE_AudreyS Tampa Electric Media Contact: Cherie Jacobs Cell: 813.334.7779 Email: CLJacobs@TECOEnergy.com View original content here View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Duke Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Duke Energy View the original press release on accesswire.com Findings from XLH Disease Monitoring Program (DMP) published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research The DMP is a global effort, supported by Kyowa Kirin, to advance scientific understanding and care of XLH through real-world research Additional findings to be shared at American Society for Bone and Mineral Research annual meeting in Toronto, Canada, 27-30 September 2024 Kyowa Kirin International (KKI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (TSE:4151, Kyowa Kirin) and a Japan-based global specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today the publication of a new analysis showing low levels of full-time employment and impaired work productivity among working age adults enrolled in the X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) Disease Monitoring Program (DMP), a prospective, 10-year, observational study of adults and children with XLH in the US, Canada, and Latin America.1 XLH is a rare, genetic, progressive, phosphate-wasting disorder that can cause skeletal abnormalities, stiffness, pain, and impaired physical function.2 This analysis of baseline data from the XLH DMP (n=281) showed that 31% of working age adults with XLH were not employed-a rate eight times higher than in the US general population and five times higher than in the EU- and 15% were receiving disability payments.1,3,4 Additionally, individuals with a higher number of past orthopaedic surgeries, and those with worse physical function, were less likely to be employed. Among those employed (n=193), the majority (60%) were working in light or sedentary roles and those in heavier work roles reported worse pain on average.1 "These findings highlight the substantial burden of XLH, which impacts multiple aspects of affected individuals' lives. Exploring real-world experiences helps to expand understanding of the disease beyond clinical endpoints to outcomes that are meaningful to patients," said lead author, Professor Aliya Khan, MD, McMaster University, Canada. "Here, we learn that adults with XLH experienced challenges in the workplace. Understanding the factors underpinning this is an important consideration when planning patient care." A disease monitoring programme provides an alternative to a traditional registry and extensive post-marketing studies and uses a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to monitor disease manifestations over an extended period, without limiting participants based on treatment received. "Kyowa Kirin is committed to generating real-world evidence that builds greater understanding of the XLH patient experience and the effectiveness of treatment on outcomes relevant to patients and clinicians, in both the short- and long-term," said Ben Johnson, study author and Director of Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research at Kyowa Kirin. "We look forward to sharing further findings from the XLH DMP and other real-world studies at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research annual meeting in September." About the XLH Disease Monitoring Program (DMP)1 The XLH DMP is an international, prospective, 10-year, longitudinal, observational study of adults and children with XLH (NCT03651505) designed to characterise XLH disease presentation and progression, and prospectively assess changes over time in biochemical, clinical, and patient/caregiver-reported outcomes in a representative population. The DMP steering committee includes clinical experts in XLH, patient advocates from the XLH Network, and representatives from Kyowa Kirin and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical. This study was designed to investigate the association of patient characteristics and work productivity; causality was not assessed and should not be inferred based on these findings. The study population was predominantly from the US (80.8%, with the remaining 19.2% from Brazil, Canada, and Chile), which may have different employment profiles from other countries, limiting the generalisability of the results outside the US. About X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) XLH is caused by a genetic mutation which leads to overexpression of the protein FGF23, a protein involved in the regulation of phosphate concentration in the blood. In XLH, FGF23 is produced in excess leading to depletion of phosphate in the blood, known as hypophosphataemia.2 Individuals living with the disease may display a multitude of symptoms including short stature, limb deformities, bone and joint pain, oral abscesses, and hearing loss.5 To manage this wide variety of symptoms, the disease is managed through multi-disciplinary teams.6 About Kyowa Kirin Kyowa Kirin aims to discover novel medicines with life-changing value. As a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company, we have invested in drug discovery and biotechnology innovation for more than 70 years and are currently working to engineer the next generation of antibodies and cell and gene therapies with the potential to help patients affected by severe and rare diseases. A shared commitment to our values, to sustainable growth, and to making people smile unites us across our four regions-Japan, Asia Pacific, North America, and EMEA/International. You can learn more about the business of Kyowa Kirin at: https://www.kyowakirin.com References 1Khan A, et al. Association between work productivity and characteristics of adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia: an analysis of the XLH disease monitoring program. JBMR Plus. 2024:ziae102. 2Beck-Nielsen SS, et al. 2019. FGF23 and its role in X-linked hypophosphatemia-related morbidity. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2022;14:1-25. 3US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. 2022. 4Unemployment rates, Euro Area Unemployment Rate. June 2024 5Kubota T. X-linked hypophosphatemia transition and team management. Endocrines. 2022;3(3):411-418. 6European Medicines C. Summary of product characteristics, Crysvita 10 mg solution for injection. 2023. Available here. [Last accessed September 2024]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910035856/en/ Contacts: Stacey Minton Stacey.Minton@kyowakirin.com Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Alpha Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: ALEX) ("Alpha" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Tim Livesey has been appointed as an Independent director to the Company's board of directors. Mr. Livesey has over 30 years of professional exploration, project development and mining experience in gold and base metals across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. His extensive career covers both technical and executive management in the industry. He has managed significant projects across the globe for companies such as Anglo-American PLC and Barrick Gold Corporation and held executive and board level roles across junior, mid-tier and senior companies. Whilst working for Barrick, Tim's roles included Exploration Manager for Europe & the Middle East, Project Director at Reko Diq in Pakistan (from the initial due diligence visit to delivering the Feasibility study in 2010) and latterly as CEO of Reko Diq management company, Tethyan Copper and Managing Director for Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he has served as CEO of Oriole Resources PLC, where he took the Company into Cameroon, publishing Cameroon's first JORC compliant resource and discovering a new gold district in Africa. He brought on board a significant mining partner to fund the programmes on two of the eleven licenses granted in this new frontier for gold exploration, before moving on to new ventures. Mr. Livesey is a graduate of the University of Newcastle with an Honours degree in geology, he is a Fellow of the Geological Society and a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Michael Hopley, President of Alpha Exploration, commented: "I warmly welcome Tim as an independent member of the Alpha board of directors and I look forward to working with him and benefiting from his extensive wisdom and experience, gained over the past 30 years of working in the mining and exploration business." About Alpha Alpha (TSXV: ALEX) is an exploration company that is rapidly advancing a number of important gold and base metal discoveries across its 100% owned, large (771 km2) Kerkasha Project in Eritrea. Alpha has discovered over 20 different prospects on the Kerkasha license but the priority is the newly discovered Aburna Gold Prospect, an exciting new gold discovery where recent drilling has established a high-grade discovery with grades including 18m @ 15.33 g/t Au, 16 m @ 14.07 g/t Au, 9 m @ 10 g/t Au and 23 m @ 6.74 g/t Au. An aggressive 8,000 meter drilling programme was started at Aburna this summer. The Anagulu Gold-Copper Porphyry prospect includes recent drilling intersections of 108 m @ 1.24 g/t Au and 0.60% Cu and 49 m @ 2.42 g/t Au and 1.10% Cu within a porphyry unit mapped over at a >2 km strike length. The Company has also advanced the Tolegimja volcanogenic massive sulphide copper-zinc-gold prospect and over 17 other gold prospects since listing in 2021. The Company is managed by a group of highly experienced and successful professionals with long track records of establishing, building and successfully exiting a number of world class gold and base metals discoveries in Eritrea and across the wider Arabian Nubian Shield. For further information go to the Alpha webpage at www.alpha-exploration.com or contact: Qualified Person All scientific and technical information in this press release, including the results of the Aburna drill program and how these results relate to the ongoing exploration at the Kerkasha Project has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Michael Hopley, President, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha and a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Cautionary Notes This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future dataset interpretations, sampling, plans for its projects (including the Anagulu prospect), surveys related to Alpha's assets, and the Company's drilling program. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Alpha has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions and the price of gold and other minerals. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Although management of Alpha believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to Alpha's financing efforts; risks associated with the business of Alpha given its limited operating history; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to exploration activities; those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Alpha does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222803 SOURCE: Alpha Exploration Ltd. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / NowCandid, a leading software solution provider for photographers, is excited to announce the launch of its all-new retail website. With an emphasis on customization, user-friendliness, and cutting-edge technology, this revamped platform is designed to enhance the shopping experience for clients while boosting sales for photographers. NowCandid In a world where convenience and user experience are paramount, the NowCandid retail site comes equipped with a host of innovative features, allowing photographers to deliver a seamless, professional, and personalized experience to their clients. Key Features of the New Retail Website: Seamless Third-Party Logins : Customers can now access their galleries and order history via X/Twitter, Google, Apple, or Facebook, making it easier than ever to keep their favorite memories just a click away. Sleek and Modern User Interface : Built mobile-first, the redesigned website offers a clean, intuitive interface, making it the perfect experience for the modern online shopper. Instant Product Rendering : Customers can instantly preview how their selected photos will look on various products, such as prints, canvases, and more. This visual feedback ensures confidence in their purchases. AI Background Generator for BGR Images : NowCandid's innovative AI-powered feature allows customers to customize their background-removed images with creative, unique backgrounds tailored to their vision. Retouch All Switch : Clients can apply light retouching to their entire cart with the flick of a switch - ensuring every photo is print-ready while generating additional revenue for photographers. Diamond Gloss Upsell : Add extra shine to prints with the luxurious Diamond Gloss finish, enhancing the overall customer experience. Improved Express Checkout: Faster checkout with Apple Pay, and more options such as PayPal, Venmo, and very soon, Google Pay. Additional features include automatic name pre-fill for applicable products, customizable marketing messages, streamlined gallery views through the Photo Synthesis gallery, and new designs for Selfie and Scan Card Check-In. "We've worked tirelessly to bring an enhanced experience that not only meets the evolving needs of photographers but also provides a top-notch shopping journey for their clients," said Jack Counts III, Program Manager of NowCandid. "These updates are set to empower photographers by offering them the tools they need to stand out in a competitive market while improving customer satisfaction." NowCandid's revamped retail site is now live, and photographers are encouraged to explore the new features and incorporate them into their business operations for an elevated client experience. About NowCandid NowCandid provides comprehensive photography business solutions, catering to professional photographers as well as those looking to break into the business or start a side hustle. By offering powerful tools such as custom offer creation, AI-driven features, and an integrated mobile dashboard, NowCandid helps photographers of all experience levels grow their businesses and achieve success in today's market. For more information on NowCandid's new retail website and features, visit www.nowcandid.com. Contact Information Alison Counts Director of Marketing alisonc@candid.com SOURCE: NowCandid View the original press release on newswire.com. Study Reveals Initial Economic Contribution of Kc 292.7 Billion to GDP with an Additional Kc 95.3 Billion Annually Once Units are Operational Today, Westinghouse Electric Company released a comprehensive, independent report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC (PwC) highlighting the substantial economic benefits of deploying 3 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power through a fleet of AP300 small modular reactors (SMRs) in Czechia. The report estimates the manufacturing, engineering and construction phase of the AP300 SMR program to generate Kc 292.7 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), along with 80,000 person-years of employment. Once operational, the AP300 SMR program would contribute Kc 95.3 billion to GDP in Czechia and support a total of 8,500 direct and indirect jobs annually. "Westinghouse has been a proud partner to Czechia for over three decades with the supply of nuclear technology, services and fuel to keep the country's nuclear power plants operating safely, reliably and efficiently," said Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems. "The deployment of our AP300 SMR offers significant benefits to Czechia's economy, workforce and clean energy goals for the next 100 years." Further findings from the detailed PwC report include: The AP300 project will provide cutting-edge nuclear skills to today's engineers, chemists and technicians via partnerships with local, higher education institutions. More than 3,000 local employees will be trained to work at the project once operational. Czechia's supply chain can be leveraged for future global AP300 SMR developments, which would deliver a further Kc 4.8 billion of GDP for each unit installed, as well as for Westinghouse's advanced, AP1000 pressurized water reactor projects across the world. pressurized water reactor projects across the world. Westinghouse's AP300 SMR technology aligns with the European Green Deal commitments and supports Czechia's goals to meet its energy transition targets. This SMR program will provide carbon-free energy to power at least 1.95 million homes in Czechia. The report follows on the heels of a public opinion survey conducted in June by NMS Market Research in partnership with the Czech Power Industry Alliance (CPIA) and Westinghouse, which found 72% of Czechs endorse the use of nuclear energy. The AP300 modular reactor is the only SMR based on an advanced, large Generation III+ reactor already in operation globally. Westinghouse is targeting design certification by 2027 and for first construction to begin by 2030, with the operating unit planned to be available in the early 2030s. The AP300 SMR is being considered by the UK's Great British Nuclear program and is under further customer consideration in Europe and North America. Download the full report The Economic Impact of Westinghouse's AP300 Small Modular Reactor Fleet Project for Czech Republic here. Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear and other clean power technologies and services globally. Westinghouse supplied the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957 and the company's technology is the basis for nearly one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910550984/en/ Contacts: media@westinghouse.com REDDING, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'SCADA Market by Type (Monolithic SCADA Systems, Distributed SCADA Systems, Networked SCADA Systems), Component (Hardware, Software, Services), Deployment Mode, End-use Industry (Oil & Gas, Automotive, F&B)-Global Forecast to 2031. THE SCADA MARKET IS EXPECTED TO REACH $18.7 BILLION BY 2031, AT A CAGR OF 9% FROM 2024 TO 2031. Download FREE PDF Brochure Of SCADA Market :- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5186 The rising adoption of automated technologies across Europe and Asia-Pacific, the advent of Industry 5.0, the growing demand for smart and digitized production processes, and the increasing emphasis on industrial automation are key factors driving the growth of SCADA. However, the high initial investment requirements for SCADA implementation are restraining the growth of this market. Furthermore, the growing adoption of wireless sensor networks and the proliferation of smart factories are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. However, the risk of cyberattacks is a major challenge impacting market growth. Furthermore, the rising adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and the increasing reliance on Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems are prominent trends in the SCADA market. Get Insightful Data On Regions, Market Segments, Customer Landscape, And Top Companies (Charts, Tables, Figures And More):- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5186 Advent of Industry 5.0 Boosting the Demand for Scada Systems Industry 5.0, also known as the Fifth Industrial Revolution, is a new and emerging phase of industrialization that builds upon the principles of Industry 4.0 but emphasizes the human touch and the integration of human skills with advanced technologies. Industry 4.0 focused on technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data, whereas Industry 5.0 seeks to involve human, environmental, and social aspects. As Industry 5.0 promotes enhanced collaboration between humans and machines, there is an increasing demand for sophisticated automation and control systems capable of effectively bridging the gap between these elements. SCADA systems facilitate real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes, playing an important role in enabling seamless interactions between humans and machines. They offer the necessary infrastructure for incorporating human input and feedback into automated workflows, thereby optimizing performance and efficiency. With Industry 5.0 driving the adoption of advanced technologies, the requirement for comprehensive monitoring and control solutions to ensure seamless integration and coordination is growing. SCADA systems have significantly improved the reliability and capability of automation. Centralized SCADA systems are increasingly utilized for decision-making in hazardous situations to prevent accidents in complex infrastructure. These systems oversee and manage entire sites, support informed decision-making, enhance efficiency, and minimize downtime. The advantages provided by SCADA systems, coupled with the escalating need to maintain the integrity and reliability of critical infrastructure, are driving market growth. Governments are actively supporting industrial automation and digitalization initiatives. For example, in January 2021, the President of Spain introduced three new plans for SMEs (2021-2025)-the Connectivity Plan, the Strategy to Promote 5G Plan, and the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. These plans are part of the Spain 2025 Digital Agenda and aim to advance the development and deployment of SCADA systems across various industries. By enhancing capabilities and driving digital transformation, these initiatives are increasing demand for SCADA systems and contributing to market growth. Discover More About Market Segmentation And Geographic Forecasts By Accessing The Full [PDF] Sample Research Report - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-sample-report/cp_id=5186 SCADA Market Analysis: Key Segmental Findings By Type: In 2024, the networked SCADA systems segment is expected to account for the largest share of 47.5% of the SCADA market. Moreover, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. In 2024, the networked SCADA systems segment is expected to account for the largest share of of the SCADA market. Moreover, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. By Component: In 2024, the hardware segment is expected to account for the largest share of 55.9% of the SCADA market. However, the software segment is estimated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. In 2024, the hardware segment is expected to account for the largest share of 55.9% of the SCADA market. However, the software segment is estimated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. By Deployment Mode: In 2024, the on-premise deployments segment is expected to account for the dominant share of the SCADA market. However, the cloud-based deployments segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. In 2024, the on-premise deployments segment is expected to account for the dominant share of the SCADA market. However, the cloud-based deployments segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. By End-use Industry: In 2024, the manufacturing segment is expected to account for the major share of 26.4% of the SCADA market. However, the automotive segment is slated to record the highest CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. Get A Glimpse Inside: Request Sample Pages - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-sample-report/cp_id=5186 Geographic Analysis: By geography, the SCADA market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America is estimated to account for the largest share of 32.1% of the SCADA market. The North America SCADA market is expected to reach $5,488.3 million by 2031. The industrial sector has seen extensive implementation of automation systems, especially in North America. Manufacturers in this region are increasingly deploying advanced automation technologies in their operations. North American countries are competing with their Asian and European counterparts to position themselves as key manufacturing centers, with the goal of lowering costs related to importing goods. The high labor costs in the U.S. are a primary impetus for the adoption of process control systems, such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), MES (Manufacturing Execution System), and DCS (Distributed Control System). These systems are instrumental in reducing the need for human oversight and management of automation processes. Key market players are focusing on developing SCADA solutions with advanced features tailored for various industrial applications, including oil & gas, power, utilities, automotive, electronics, and F&B. For example, in October 2022, Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.) introduced Movicon.NExT 4.2, an advanced automation platform designed for seamless integration with field devices and enterprise systems. This software provides the data and insights necessary for achieving operational excellence across diverse applications in discrete and hybrid manufacturing sectors, including F&B, packaged consumer goods, energy, infrastructure, building automation, and machine automation. Furthermore, in October 2022, AtomTech (U.S.) expanded its North American presence by launching AtomTech Canada. This move addresses the growing demand for automation, cybersecurity, SCADA, and IIoT 4.0 solutions across industries such as automotive, medical equipment, and warehouse logistics. Such developments support the growth of the SCADA market in the region during the forecast period. Have specific research needs? Request a customized research report:- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=5186 Asia-Pacific: The Fastest-growing Regional Market The SCADA market in Asia-Pacific is poised to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. In 2024, China is expected to account for the major share of the SCADA market in Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific generates significant growth opportunities for the adoption of industrial process control solutions, given its extensive and diverse manufacturing sector. Traditionally, manual or semi-automatic control processes have characterized industrial production in the region. However, advanced automation solutions are becoming essential for achieving the flexibility required in high-volume production lines, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. Asia-Pacific is a prominent manufacturing hub across multiple sectors, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and more. This manufacturing prominence is a significant driver of automation technology adoption in the region. SCADA solutions are increasingly being adopted in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India, driven by efforts to modernize manufacturing facilities and the need for SCADA software to interface with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) components. The focus on improving process efficiencies and reducing production costs further fuels market growth, enabling operators to analyze and make decisions from remote locations. The rapid advancement of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on economies in the APAC region. Asia is expected to be the fastest-growing automation market, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, economic development, rising wages, and decreasing costs associated with automated industrial technologies. The increasing awareness of advanced industrial control solutions, including SCADA systems for comprehensive manufacturing process monitoring, is a key driver of this market growth. The U.K. Continues to Dominate the SCADA Market in Europe In 2024, the U.K. is expected to account for the largest share of the SCADA market in Europe. Several factors are driving the adoption of industrial control systems in the U.K., including the expansion of the manufacturing industry, stringent manufacturing and industrial safety regulations, increased diversity in consumer products, growing awareness of automated systems, and rising labor costs. Many enterprises and industries in the U.K. are increasingly adopting automated machines and control solutions to enhance operational process monitoring. Key sectors such as oil & gas, power, automotive, F&B, electronics, and semiconductors are leading the way in implementing industrial control systems. In response to the evolving needs of these industries, market players are actively developing advanced SCADA solutions. For example, in September 2020, Severn Trent plc (U.K.) invested USD 6.4 million to upgrade its SCADA monitoring and management systems to a cloud-based platform. SCADA Market: Competition Analysis This report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players' product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted over the past three to four years. Major companies in the SCADA market have implemented various strategies to expand their product offerings and global footprints and augment their market shares. The key strategies followed by most companies in the SCADA market were product launches & enhancements, acquisitions, expansion, partnerships, agreements, and collaborations. The key market players operating in the SCADA market include Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), Eaton Corporation plc (Ireland), Schneider Electric SE (France), ABB Ltd (Switzerland), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), General Electric Company (U.S.), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), OMRON Corporation (Japan), Pilz GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Survalent Technology Corporation (Canada), Valmet (Finland), and Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan). Browse In-Depth Report Now - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/scada-market-5186 SCADA Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players In June 2023, Siemens AG introduced the SICAM 8 power automation platform, which includes two new software solutions: the SICAM HMI (Human Machine Interface) visualization tool and the SICAM S8000 software solution for power automation. This platform is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, an open digital platform designed to help customers accelerate their digital transformation at scale. In April 2023, Siemens AG partnered with Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRCL) (India) to advance rail electrification technologies. Siemens Limited will deliver project management services and cutting-edge rail electrification technologies, including advanced power supply and distribution systems. Additionally, Siemens Limited will provide sophisticated digital solutions, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, for both metro projects. In March 2023, Rockwell Automation launched FactoryTalk Optix, a new addition to the company's visualization portfolio. FactoryTalk Optix is a modern, cloud-enabled human-machine interface (HMI) platform that allows users to design, test, and deploy applications directly from a web browser remotely, in real time. In February 2023, ABB launched the ABB Ability Symphony Plus distributed control system that delivers seamless and secure access to an extended digital ecosystem for power generation and water industries. It increases performance and enables plant-wide digitalization, offering a noninvasive modernization of the installed base. In October 2022, Emerson released a new version of its DeltaV distributed control system (DCS). Version 15 helps plants digitally transform operations through improved production optimization and enhanced operator performance. In April 2022, ABB partnered with Ramboll (Denmark) to explore new opportunities in offshore substations. ABB will leverage its expertise in the design and supply of electrical, SCADA, automation, and telecommunications equipment. This includes engineering, products, installation, commissioning, and operational maintenance of these systems. In January 2022, Schneider Electric entered into an agreement with AVEVA, a leading technology company. This collaboration was designed to further AVEVA's digital and sustainability objectives. Schneider Electric's extensive reach and profound market expertise will support AVEVA in sustaining, expanding, and enhancing its leadership in the industrial automation software and SCADA sectors across the Pacific region. In April 2021, Mitsubishi Electric updated its SCADA lineup with GENESIS64, introducing two new software products for system monitoring and process control. This new software suite replaced the MC Works64 SCADA software, which was designed for monitoring small production lines and managing multi-site monitoring. In January 2021, Rockwell Automation acquired Fiix Inc. (Canada), an AI-enabled computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) company. This acquisition bolsters Rockwell Automation's software strategy and strengthens its Lifecycle Services business. The addition of Fiix enhances the company's ability to offer a comprehensive range of industrial automation services, aimed at maximizing the value of customers' production assets, systems, plants, and processes. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AVAILABLE | BUY THIS RESEARCH REPORT (Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures and More):- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/89553726 Scope of the Report: SCADA Market Assessment-by Type Monolithic SCADA Systems Distributed SCADA Systems Networked SCADA Systems Other SCADA Systems SCADA Market Assessment-by Component Hardware Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Remote Terminal Units (RTU) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Process Control Systems (PCS) Communication Systems Other Hardware Components Software Services Professional Services Managed Services SCADA Market Assessment-by Deployment Mode On-premise Deployments Cloud-based Deployments SCADA Market Assessment-by End-use Industry Oil & Gas Pipeline Monitoring and Controls Remote Equipment and Asset Monitoring Off-shore Platforms and On-shore Wells Other Applications Automotive System Monitoring Automated Controls Data Collection and Analysis Other Applications Food & Beverage Monitoring Control F&B Product Consistency Regulatory Compliance Other Applications Semiconductors & Electronics Smart Machinery Maintenance Process Traceability Elimination of Manual Operation Other Applications IT & Telecommunications Real-time Data Analysis Automation of Processes Network Security Other Applications Agriculture Greenhouse Automation Irrigation Control Livestock Farming Other Applications Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes Hospital Facilities Management Other Applications Transportation Airports & Aviation Ports & Harbors Railway Systems Other Applications Manufacturing System Monitoring Automated Controls Data Collection and Analysis Process Automation and Control Other Applications Other End-use Industries SCADA Market Assessment-by Geography North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific Japan China India South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa SCADA Market Research Summary:- Particulars Details Number of Pages 226 Format PDF Forecast Period 2024-2031 Base Year 2023 CAGR (Value) 9 % Market Size (Value) USD 18.7 Billion by 2031 Segments Covered By Type Monolithic SCADA Systems Distributed SCADA Systems Networked SCADA Systems Other SCADA Systems By Component Hardware Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Remote Terminal Units (RTU) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Process Control Systems (PCS) Communication Systems Other Hardware Components Software Services Professional Services Managed Services By Deployment Mode On-premise Deployments Cloud-based Deployments By End-use Industry Oil & Gas Pipeline Monitoring and Controls Remote Equipment and Asset Monitoring Off-shore Platforms and On-shore Wells Other Applications Automotive System Monitoring Automated Controls Data Collection and Analysis Other Applications Food & Beverage Monitoring Control F&B Product Consistency Regulatory Compliance Other Applications Semiconductors & Electronics Smart Machinery Maintenance Process Traceability Elimination of Manual Operation Other Applications IT & Telecommunications Real-time Data Analysis Automation of Processes Network Security Other Applications Agriculture Greenhouse Automation Irrigation Control Livestock Farming Other Applications Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes Hospital Facilities Management Other Applications Transportation Airports & Aviation Ports & Harbors Railway Systems Other Applications Manufacturing System Monitoring Automated Controls Data Collection and Analysis Process Automation and Control Other Applications Other End-use Industries Countries Covered North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa Key Companies Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), Eaton Corporation plc (Ireland), Schneider Electric SE (France), ABB Ltd (Switzerland), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), General Electric Company (U.S.), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), OMRON Corporation (Japan), Pilz GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Survalent Technology Corporation (Canada), Valmet (Finland), and Hitachi, Ltd. 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https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/antimicrobial-coatings-market-5077 Environmental Monitoring Market: Share, & Forecast Trends - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/environmental-monitoring-market-5024 Ventilators Market: Size, Share, Forecast & Trends Analysis - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/ventilators-market-5093 Contact: Mr. Khushal Bombe Meticulous Market Research Inc. 1267 Willis St, Ste 200 Redding, California, 96001, U.S. USA: +1-646-781-8004 Europe: +44-203-868-8738 APAC: +91 744-7780008 Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Visit Our Website: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/ Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research Meticulousblog.org | Top Market Research Reports Blog -https://meticulousblog.org/ Content Source: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/pressrelease/405/scada-market Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500150/Meticulous_SCADA_Market.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1757980/Meticulous_Research_Logo_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/scada-market-is-set-to-reach-18-7-billion-by-2031--fueled-by-the-growing-adoption-of-automated-technologies-and-the-emergence-of-industry-5-0-globe---exclusive-report-by-meticulous-research-302243284.html The growth of the Vendor Risk Management Software market is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing complexity of supply chains and the rising number of third-party vendors have heightened the need for robust risk management solutions. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of assessing and mitigating risks associated with vendors to avoid potential disruptions, data breaches, and regulatory non-compliance. Secondly, the growing emphasis on regulatory compliance across various industries is propelling the demand for vendor risk management software. Organizations are under pressure to adhere to stringent regulations, and these tools help ensure that vendor activities align with compliance requirements. Additionally, the rapid adoption of cloud-based solutions and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the capabilities of vendor risk management software, making it more efficient and effective in identifying and managing risks. LEWES, Del., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vendor Risk Management Software Market Size was valued at USD 7.99 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 9.22 Billion by 2031, growing at a 14.73% CAGR from 2024 to 2031. The report comprises of various segments as well an analysis of the trends and factors that are playing a substantial role in the market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/download-sample/?rid=282138 202 - Pages 126 - Tables 37 - Figures Scope Of The Report REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2020-2031 BASE YEAR 2023 FORECAST PERIOD 2024-2031 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2020-2023 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED MetricStream, Bitsight, SecurityScorecard, SAI Global, LogicGate, DueDil, Intelex Technologies, IBM, LockPath, Genpact, Resolver SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application And By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope Vendor Risk Management Software Market Overview Market Definition and Scope The Vendor Risk Management (VRM) Software market encompasses solutions designed to help organizations assess, monitor, and mitigate risks associated with third-party vendors. These tools are essential for ensuring that vendors comply with legal, security, and operational standards, thus protecting companies from potential breaches, disruptions, or regulatory penalties. VRM software typically includes features such as risk assessment, audit management, compliance tracking, and real-time monitoring. The market is expanding as businesses increasingly rely on external vendors for critical operations, necessitating comprehensive risk management strategies. The scope of this market extends across various industries, including BFSI, healthcare, IT, telecom, and manufacturing, where vendor relationships are integral to operational success. Market Drivers The growth of the Vendor Risk Management Software market is propelled by several key drivers. The increasing complexity of global supply chains and the reliance on third-party vendors have made risk management a critical concern for businesses. Regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, SOX, and HIPAA, mandate strict oversight of vendor activities, further boosting the demand for VRM solutions. Additionally, the rising incidence of cyber threats and data breaches has heightened the need for proactive risk management tools to safeguard sensitive information. The integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into VRM software is also driving market growth by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of risk assessments. Challenges in the Market Despite its growth, the Vendor Risk Management Software market faces several challenges. One significant hurdle is the high cost of implementing and maintaining these solutions, which can be a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the complexity of integrating VRM software with existing IT infrastructure can pose difficulties, particularly for organizations with legacy systems. The rapidly changing regulatory landscape also presents a challenge, as companies must continuously update their risk management processes to remain compliant. Furthermore, there is often a lack of standardization in vendor risk management practices, leading to inconsistencies in how risks are assessed and managed across industries. Technological Advancements Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in the evolution of the Vendor Risk Management Software market. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has significantly improved the capabilities of VRM tools, enabling more accurate and predictive risk assessments. AI-driven analytics can identify potential risks in real-time, allowing organizations to take proactive measures. Additionally, cloud-based VRM solutions are gaining popularity due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Other innovations include blockchain technology for enhanced transparency and security, and automated workflows that streamline risk management processes, reducing the manual effort required. Download Sample Report Now:https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/download-sample/?rid=282138 Market Segmentation The Vendor Risk Management Software market is segmented by Type, Application, and Geography. By Type, the market is divided into cloud-based and on-premises solutions, each catering to different organizational needs and preferences. By Application, the market serves various industries such as BFSI, healthcare, IT & telecom, and manufacturing, reflecting the widespread need for VRM solutions across sectors. Geographically, the market is analyzed across regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world. This segmentation allows for a detailed understanding of market dynamics, enabling stakeholders to identify key growth areas and tailor their strategies accordingly. Geographic Dominance North America holds a dominant position in the Vendor Risk Management Software market, driven by a combination of technological innovation, stringent regulatory requirements, and a high level of cybersecurity awareness. The U.S. leads in terms of market share, with many key players headquartered in the country and a strong emphasis on vendor compliance due to laws like SOX and HIPAA. Europe follows closely, propelled by GDPR and other data protection regulations. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a fast-growing market, with increasing digitalization and regulatory focus on vendor risk management. The rest of the world is also seeing growing adoption, particularly in industries with complex supply chains. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the Vendor Risk Management Software market is characterized by the presence of several key players, each striving to innovate and expand their market share. Leading companies like MetricStream, Bitsight, SecurityScorecard, SAI Global, LogicGate, DueDil, Intelex Technologies, IBM, LockPath, Genpact, Resolver are at the forefront, offering comprehensive VRM solutions with advanced features such as AI-driven analytics, real-time monitoring, and compliance management. These players are also focusing on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and geographic expansion to strengthen their market position. Additionally, the market is witnessing the entry of new players, especially in the cloud-based segment, which is intensifying competition and driving further innovation. Future Outlook The future of the Vendor Risk Management Software market looks promising, with continued growth expected over the next decade. The increasing reliance on third-party vendors, coupled with the rising complexity of global supply chains, will continue to drive demand for VRM solutions. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, ML, and blockchain, will further enhance the capabilities of these tools, making them indispensable for businesses across industries. Moreover, as regulatory environments become more stringent, organizations will increasingly turn to VRM software to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. The market is also likely to see greater adoption in emerging economies, where digital transformation and regulatory focus are on the rise. Geographic Dominance: North America dominates the Vendor Risk Management Software market, driven by the region's advanced regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and high awareness of cybersecurity risks. The U.S., in particular, plays a pivotal role, with a significant number of key market players headquartered in the country, including major tech hubs that are fostering the development and adoption of cutting-edge vendor risk management solutions. The strict regulatory environment, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), further compels organizations to adopt robust risk management tools to ensure compliance and mitigate potential liabilities. Additionally, the increasing frequency of data breaches and cyber threats has heightened the focus on vendor risk management in this region. As a result, North America continues to lead the market, setting the pace for technological advancements and influencing global trends in vendor risk management practices. Vendor Risk Management Software Market Segment Analysis The Vendor Risk Management Software market is segmented based on By Type, By Application and Geography, offering a comprehensive analysis of the industry. By Type: Cloud-Based Solutions: Offering scalability, remote accessibility, and lower upfront costs, cloud-based solutions are gaining traction among organizations looking for flexible and efficient vendor risk management. Offering scalability, remote accessibility, and lower upfront costs, cloud-based solutions are gaining traction among organizations looking for flexible and efficient vendor risk management. On-Premises Solutions: Preferred by companies with stringent data security requirements and a need for highly customizable software, on-premises solutions provide full control over the deployment environment. By Application: BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance): High demand for managing regulatory compliance and financial risk. High demand for managing regulatory compliance and financial risk. Healthcare: Focus on securing sensitive patient data and complying with healthcare regulations. Focus on securing sensitive patient data and complying with healthcare regulations. IT & Telecom: Managing risks associated with complex technology supply chains. Managing risks associated with complex technology supply chains. Manufacturing: Ensuring supply chain integrity and minimizing operational risks. Ensuring supply chain integrity and minimizing operational risks. Others: Includes sectors like retail, energy, and government, where vendor risk management is crucial for operational continuity. By Geography: North America: Leading market due to advanced regulatory frameworks and high adoption of technology. Leading market due to advanced regulatory frameworks and high adoption of technology. Europe: Strong growth driven by GDPR and other compliance regulations. Strong growth driven by GDPR and other compliance regulations. Asia-Pacific: Rapid market expansion fueled by increasing digital transformation and regulatory developments. Rapid market expansion fueled by increasing digital transformation and regulatory developments. Rest of the World: Growing awareness and adoption of vendor risk management solutions across emerging economies. Internet, Communication, and Technology (ICT): The Vendor Risk Management Software market within the Internet, Communication, and Technology (ICT) sector is evolving rapidly as organizations increasingly rely on complex technology infrastructures and third-party services. This sector encompasses a broad range of services, including internet service providers, communication networks, software development, and IT services. As businesses in the ICT sector become more interconnected, the need for effective vendor risk management solutions grows, driven by concerns over data security, compliance, and operational continuity. Vendor risk management software helps ICT companies mitigate risks associated with outsourcing, partnerships, and vendor relationships by providing tools for risk assessment, monitoring, and compliance. Key features often include real-time risk analysis, automated compliance checks, and integration with other IT systems. The increasing frequency of cyber threats, stringent regulatory requirements, and the growing complexity of ICT ecosystems are propelling the demand for advanced risk management solutions in this sector. Our related Reports Global Food Grade Titanium Dioxide Market is categorized based on Type (98.0% min, 99.0% min) and Application (Dairy Products, Edible Ice, Candy, Seasonings and Condiments, Other) and geographical regions Global Passion Fruit Powder Market is categorized based on Type (Granules, Fine Powder) and Application (Food Industry, Non-food Industry) and geographical regions Global ShelfStable Food Market is categorized based on Type (Canning, Retort Pouch, Ranch Dressing, Milk Products, Others) and Application (Convenience Store, Supermarket, Others) and geographical regions Global Acerola Lyophilized Powder Market is categorized based on Type (17% VC Content, 34% VC Content, Other) and Application (Pharmaceutical, Health Products, Cosmetic and Personal Care, Other) and geographical regions Global Dried Dehydrated Onion Market is categorized based on Type (Flakes, Powder, Granules, Others) and Application (Retail, Food Factory, Other) and geographical regions About Us: Market Research Intellect Welcome to Market Research Intellect, where we lead the way in global research and consulting, proudly serving over 5,000 esteemed clients worldwide. Our mission is to empower your business with cutting-edge analytical research solutions, delivering comprehensive, information-rich studies that are pivotal for strategic growth and critical revenue decisions. Unmatched Expertise: Our formidable team of 250 highly skilled analysts and subject matter experts (SMEs) is the backbone of our operations. With extensive training in advanced data collection and governance, we delve into over 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our experts seamlessly integrate modern data collection techniques, robust research methodologies, and collective industry experience to produce precise, insightful, and actionable research. Diverse Industry Coverage: We cater to a wide array of industries, ensuring that our insights are both relevant and specialized. 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Contact Us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Market Research Intellect Call Us on: +1 743 222 5439 Email: sales@marketresearchintellect.com Web: https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketresearchintellect Twitter: https://x.com/intellectmr Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2483702/Market_Research_Intellect_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vendor-risk-management-software-market-is-expected-to-generate-a-revenue-of-usd-9-22-billion-by-2031--driven-by-a-14-73-cagr-market-research-intellect-302243484.html FRISCO, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwood Software ("Redwood"), a leader in automation fabric solutions, today announced that it has agreed to be acquired by funds affiliated with Vista Equity Partners ("Vista"), a global investment firm focused exclusively on enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses, and Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed; the transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals. Redwood's automation fabric solutions help customers compose, orchestrate and manage business and IT business processes across any application, service or server with confidence and control. In June, Redwood announced that it had added over 1,000 new customers since mid-2023 while consistently delivering above 'Rule of 60' financial performance. Redwood currently serves more than 7,500 customers globally, including 28% of the Fortune 500 and 40% of the Fortune 50. "We are honored to join forces with Vista Equity Partners and Warburg Pincus. The wisdom, experience and operating expertise of these two leading global technology investors will accelerate our vision to unleash human potential through the transformative power of automation," said Kevin Greene, Redwood Software CEO. "We are excited to embark on the next chapter of the Redwood Software story - where every IT and business process that can be automated, will be automated, and where automation fabrics will change everything about how and why people work." "Redwood's easy-to-use and highly integrated automation solutions help enterprises automate the critical workflows which power their core commercial and IT operations," said Steven White, Managing Director at Vista Equity Partners. "We are excited to partner with Redwood and Warburg Pincus to deliver even more customer value and efficiency as the demand for automation solutions capable of spanning multiple data, application and cloud environments continues to accelerate." "As a leading next generation enterprise automation platform, Redwood enables businesses to streamline and optimize their mission-critical business processes, an essential service as enterprise IT becomes increasingly complex. We believe that Redwood is well-positioned to capture the growth in the market given the company's strong capabilities in business and IT automation and are excited to continue investing in Redwood's innovative solutions both organically and through strategic M&A," said Parag Gupta, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. "We look forward to the partnership with Redwood and Vista in this next phase of growth." "It has been our privilege to support Redwood on its remarkable journey as it continues to build one of the leading automation software companies in the world," noted Matthew Amico, Partner at Turn/River Capital. "Throughout our partnership, Redwood has experienced significant growth, and with its strong set of automation products and exceptional team led by Kevin Greene, we believe strongly that the best is yet to come." Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Redwood; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is serving as legal counsel to Turn/River Capital and Redwood. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Vista. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as legal advisor to Warburg Pincus. About Redwood Software Redwood Software is the leader in full stack automation fabric solutions for mission-critical business processes. With the first SaaS-based composable automation platform specifically built for ERP, we believe in the transformative power of automation. Our unparalleled solutions empower you to orchestrate, manage and monitor your workflows across any application, service or server - in the cloud or on premises - with confidence and control. Redwood's global team of automation experts and customer success engineers provide solutions and world-class support designed to give you the freedom and time to imagine and define your future. Get out of the weeds and see the forest, with Redwood Software. For more information, visit www.redwood.com. Follow Redwood Software on LinkedIn, @Redwood Software. About Vista Equity Partners Vista is a leading global investment firm with more than $100 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024. The firm exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled organizations across private equity, permanent capital, credit and public equity strategies, bringing an approach that prioritizes creating enduring market value for the benefit of its global ecosystem of investors, companies, customers and employees. Vista's investments are anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions and proven, flexible management techniques that drive sustainable growth. Vista believes the transformative power of technology is the key to an even better future - a healthier planet, a smarter economy, a diverse and inclusive community and a broader path to prosperity. Further information is available at vistaequitypartners.com. Follow Vista on LinkedIn, @Vista Equity Partners, and on X, @Vista_Equity. About Warburg Pincus Warburg Pincus LLC is the oldest private equity firm and a leading global growth investor. The firm has more than $83 billion in assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 225 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Since its founding in 1966, Warburg Pincus has invested more than $117 billion in over 1,000 companies globally across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. About Turn/River Turn/River Capital is a lower middle market private equity firm that uses a proprietary growth engineering strategy to drive revenue acceleration and build enduring value. Turn/River partners with B2B software companies and provide data-driven methods, hands-on operational support and flexible capital to catalyze the next phase of growth. The firm's team of equal software operators and investors have firsthand experience scaling go-to-market and solving its challenges. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, Turn/River invests globally with a particular focus in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.turnriver.com. Media Contacts For Redwood Software Liz Reilly lreilly@nextpr.com (401) 525-1775 For Vista Equity Partners Brian Steel media@vistaequitypartners.com (212) 804-9170 For Warburg Pincus Kerrie Cohen kerrie.cohen@warburgpincus.com (917) 887-9184 For Turn/River Katie Duckhorn media@turnriver.com (901) 832-0680 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2389109/Redwood_Software_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/redwood-to-be-acquired-by-vista-equity-partners-and-warburg-pincus-302243777.html Fluke says the best-in-class electrical installation inspection solution represents an evolution in documenting and is set to become "the most important tool in an electrician's toolbelt" Eindhoven, Netherlands, Sept. 10, 2024, a global technology leader in the manufacture of compact, professional electronic test and measurement tools and software, has launched the new Fluke 1670 Series Multifunction Installation Tester which can cut by up to 50% the amount of time electricians and maintenance technicians spend producing reports. Designed by Fluke to represent the future of installation testing and become "the most important tool in an electrician's toolbelt", the innovative Multifunction Installation Tester also enable tests to be carried out up to 30% faster. Available in three models - ideally suited to the needs of residential, commercial and industrial applications - the tools boost productivity through a user programmable AutoTest function that enables electricians to run an entire automatic installation test sequence at the touch of a button. Measurement data and metadata from the field are quickly stored, managed and shared using Fluke Connect software while Fluke's TruTest software simplifies the process of generating documentation. A single click enables inspection reports to be previewed in the field and certificates generated while on-site. Even inspection invoices can be created at the same time. This ability to set up, test, upload and report in an easy, single operation is unique to the Fluke 1670 Series. Eliminatingdata double-entry Whether working in residential, commercial or industrial installation commissioning, electricians will welcome being able to eliminate time-consuming double-entry of data. Results will no longer need to be recorded during?testing and then entered manually to a computer, a method that is prone to errors and delays. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity on the Fluke 1670 Series solves this problem by automatically linking test results to the circuit or point under test. Electricians will also save time by not having to return to a site because key measurements have not been taken or results are found to be incorrect.? The error-proof Fluke 1670 Series Multifunction Installation Tester show the operator instantly on-site if any tests have been missed.?At the same time, automatic measurement validation compares installation test results to an integrated standards reference, delivering an immediate visual indication of pass or fail on the device's integrated full-colour touchscreen. The clear display includes a full keyboard so there is no requirement for an addition device or laptop to be used for entering notes or editing details. Jit Patel, Fluke Product Manager for installation testers states "Electricians can spend a minimum of 25%?of their time processing data and?creating reports and the Fluke 1670 Series Multifunction Installation Tester simply takes this headache away. As a best-in-class electrical installation inspection solution, this device represents a genuine evolution in documenting. Because it simplifies inspection results and reporting, boosts productivity and increases testing accuracy, we expect the Fluke 1670 Series to become the most important tool in an electrician's toolbelt." For more information on the new 1672, 1673 and 1674 Multifunction Installation Testers from Fluke, please visitthe website here. - ENDS - - - About Fluke: Fluke's mission is to be the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. The company's products are used by technicians and engineers in service, installation, maintenance, manufacturing test, and quality functions in a variety of industries throughout the world. Founded in 1948, Fluke has offices in 13 European countries and distributes its products to over 100 countries around the globe. The company's European revenues contribute approximately 40 per cent of worldwide sales. Fluke's headquarters are located in Everett, Washington State and the company employs over 2,500 people internationally. Its European sales and service headquarters are located in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. FLUKE is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation. For more information, visit the Fluke website at http://www.fluke.com. Attachment MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Halborn, a leader in blockchain solutions, today announced Jacques Boschung has been named Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Boschung succeeds co-founder Rob Behnke, who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman and President. In this new role, Mr. Behnke will continue to support Halborn as the company navigates new opportunities and challenges in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. Co-founder Steven Walbroehl will stay on as CTO, leading Halborn's service delivery and innovation while ensuring technical leadership continuity. Mr. Boschung brings extensive experience in leading large technology organizations through periods of significant growth. Most recently, he served as CEO of Kudelski Security, a cybersecurity service provider where he led the expansion of the company on both sides of the Atlantic. Previously, Mr. Boschung was President and General Manager of Inovalon Payer, a portfolio of cloud-based SaaS solutions serving the U.S. health insurance industry. He also held several leadership roles at Dell Technologies, where he spent 14 years, including Senior Vice President responsible for Dell Technologies Global Alliances and for the Telco partnerships within the EMEA regions. "I am thrilled to join Halborn at such a pivotal moment in the company's journey," said Mr. Boschung. "Halborn is focused on enabling the next digital transformation of financial services, which is more relevant than ever, as the company positions itself to be a key facilitator of DLT integration in the industry. We aim to deliver exceptional value to our clients, helping them transform their operations and seize new market opportunities in the digital age." This leadership expansion builds on Halborn's momentum and positions the company for further growth. Since raising its $90 million Series A funding round in July 2022, Halborn has enabled hundreds of top blockchain initiatives to succeed in the market. Under Mr. Behnke's leadership, Halborn has grown profitably since inception, securing notable clients such as Solana Foundation, Circle, BNY Mellon, and other Fortune 100 financial services companies. "It has been an honor to lead and build Halborn, together with our team, over the last five years," said Mr. Behnke. "As Halborn's customers continue to shift towards enterprise adoption of Digital Ledger Technology and AI, we believe we hold an enviable and unique position in the market. We couldn't be more excited about the future of Halborn." "We are thrilled to welcome Jacques as Halborn's next CEO and look forward to working closely with him as the company continues to pursue its ambitious goals," said Matt Hamilton, a Managing Director at Summit Partners and member of the Halborn Board of Directors. "We are grateful for Rob's service, vision, and leadership, and we look forward to his continued guidance as he transitions to the role of Executive Chairman." About Halborn Halborn is a leader in blockchain solutions, founded in 2019 by renowned ethical hacker Steven Walbroehl and serial entrepreneur Rob Behnke, dedicated to enabling the next digital transformation of financial services. Halborn collaborates with Fortune 500's and leading Web3 organizations, offering comprehensive solutions that empower the integration of distributed ledger technology, positioning them to thrive in the digital age. About Summit Partners Founded in 1984, Summit Partners is a global alternative investment firm with capital dedicated to growth equity, fixed income, and public equity opportunities. Summit invests across growth sectors of the economy and has invested in more than 550 companies in healthcare, technology, and other growth industries, including financial technology & services and business services. Summit maintains offices in North America and Europe and invests in companies around the world. For more information, please see www.summitpartners.com or follow on LinkedIn. Contact Information: Termeh Mazhari Communications Director termeh.mazhari@halborn.com SOURCE: Halborn View the original press release on newswire.com. DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The land mobile radio market is projected to grow from USD 17.60 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 28.50 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Land mobile radio systems are terrestrial voice communication networks, including portable radios, fixed base stations, repeaters, vehicle-mounted mobile radios. These systems are commonly used by security forces like police, fire-brigade, or emergency services for reliable communication among one another. However these systems have found many applications in the business world in sectors such as transportation, utility, and military & defense. A large number of users is one of the factors contributing to growth of land mobile radio system market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=27811764 Browse in-depth TOC on "Land Mobile Radio Market" 195 - Tables 66 - Figures 228 - Pages Land Mobile Radio Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 17.60 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $ 28.50 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Technology, Frequency, Application, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Interoperability and integration issues Key Market Opportunities Broadband and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) connectivity into LMR Systems Key Market Drivers Application of land mobile radios in diverse industries, majorly in military & defense, and transportation Hand portable radio market is expected to witness higher CAGR during the forecast period. Hand portable radio segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR during the forecast period in the land mobile radio market. An increase in the need for compact sized, feather weight and portable means of communication particularly in the public safety and business sector has led to the rise of this industry. This is because portable radios are very versatile and mobile thus suitable for various operations at the field. Furthermore, their growing adoption is also aided by battery life improvements as well as durable nature. The digital technology segment in the land mobile radio market is expected to capture a higher share during the forecast period. Increasingly widespread use of digital radios by commercial enterprises and public safety agencies has driven the demand. These agencies are adopting more advanced systems that would enable them to make some better decisions. Digital segment growth may be attributed to superior aspects such as voice quality improvements, better safety measures among other things or even more efficient broad-casting places. The 700 MHz & above segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR in the land mobile radio market during the forecast period. The 700 MHz & above segment is projected to hold the largest market share as well as witness highest CAGR during the forecast period, primarily due to its long-range capability, which enables operators to broadcast over extended distances. This frequency range offers better signal penetration and coverage, making it ideal for reliable, long-distance communication in critical situations. Additionally, the shift to digital communication and the growing demand for interoperable communication systems among various agencies are further boosting the adoption of this frequency band. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=27811764 North America is expected to hold the largest share of the land mobile radio market during the forecast period. North America dominates in the land mobile radio industry driven by significant focus on public safety and emergency services. The technological improvements and existing players have also fostered stability and expanded the market. Motorola Solutions, Inc. (US), and L3Harris Corporation, Inc. (US), are among such key firms in North America. Furthermore, Project 25 is extensively utilized across North America by federal, state, and municipal public safety agencies to facilitate communication with other agencies and mutual aid response teams during emergencies. Consequently, there is a high demand for Project 25 land mobile radios in North America. Key Players Leading players in the land mobile radio companies include Sepura Limited (UK), Motorola Solutions, Inc. (US), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), JVCKENWOOD Corporation (Japan), Thales (France), Icom Inc. (Japan), BK Technologies (US), Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (China), Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy), and Codan Limited (Australia). Scottish Communications Group (UK), JNB Electronics PTY LTD. (Australia), Burk Technology (US), Anritsu (Japan), Midland Radio (US), Maxon America, Inc. (US), Helios (Australia), Retevis (China), Crescend Technologies, LLC3 (US), Viavi Solutions Inc. (US), Tait Communications (New Zealand), Simoco Wireless Solutions (UK), Entel Group (UK), Tera (US), and PierCon Solutions (US), are few other key companies operating in the land mobile radio market. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=27811764 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: Millimeter Wave Technology Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Product (Scanning System, Telecommunication Equipment, Radar and Satellite Communication System, Others), License Type, Component, Frequency Band, End Use and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 Mobile Video Surveillance Market Size, Share, Statistics and Industry Growth Analysis Report by Offering (Cameras, Monitors, Storage Devices, Accessories, Software, VSaaS), System (IP, Analog), Application (Public Transit, Fleet Management, Emergency Vehicles, Drones), Vertical & Region - Global Forecast to 2029 IoT Chip Market Size, Share by Hardware (Processor, Connectivity IC, Sensor, Memory Device and Logic Device), Power Consumption, End-use Application (Wearable Devices, Consumer Electronics, Building Automation and Retail) and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 5G Infrastructure Market by Communication Infrastructure (Small Cell & Macro Cell), Core Network (SDN & NFV), Network Architecture (Standalone & Non-standalone), Operational Frequency (Sub 6GHz & Above 6GHz), End User & Geography - Global Forecast to 2027 Cellular IoT Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Component (Hardware, Software, and Services), Technology (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE-M, NB-LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G), Application, Vertical and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America & MEA) - Global Growth Driver and Industry Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/land-professional-mobile-radio-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/land-professional-mobile-radio.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/land-mobile-radio-market-worth-28-50-billion-by-2029---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302243149.html Retained executive search firm Caldwell (TSX:CWL)(OTCQX:CWLPF) is pleased to announce the promotion of Cait Houston in the Calgary office to the role of partner. Cait Houston, Partner, Caldwell's Calgary office. Ms. Houston focuses on recruiting executives for public and private companies ranging in size and scale across the infrastructure, agriculture, energy and resources, and technology industries. "One of our core principles at Caldwell is to recognize and reward the people who make a difference for our clients, candidates, and firm," said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. "Cait is one of those people - one who has demonstrated excellence, commitment, and leadership in her work. She joined Caldwell in 2017, focusing on corporate services and finance roles across the industrial sector, and has built strong relationships across the industry and honed her focus into new areas for Caldwell. We are very proud to have her as part of our partner team and celebrate her achievements." Ms. Houston's clients include public and private companies ranging in size and scale across the infrastructure, agriculture, energy and resources, and technology industries. She works closely with many private equity and venture capital firms with a specific focus on supporting early-stage Climate Technology and Industrial Technology organizations. Her expertise spans corporate services, operational leadership, and Board Director recruitment, with a particular passion for clients with sustainability-centric missions and energy transition mandates. Her strong understanding of these pivotal functional and industry domains has positioned her as a sought-after partner to clients, frequently called upon to bolster the delivery of senior leadership initiatives in collaboration with Caldwell leaders spanning North America. Prior to joining Caldwell, Ms. Houston recruited senior level professionals and executives across a range of industries at a Canadian boutique search firm. Before launching her career in executive search, she spent several years in a leadership capacity at an organization that provided travel visa services across Canada. Ms. Houston is an active member of her local community through involvement in supporting event committees and fundraising for local not-for-profit organizations. "Cait has been a tremendous asset to our industrial practice, delivering outstanding results for our clients and candidates across a variety of functional areas," said Dave Winston, managing partner of Caldwell's Industrial Practice. "She has proven herself to be a trusted advisor, a collaborative partner and a rising star in the clean/climate technology, agtech, and industrial technology sectors. I am delighted to congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to working with her as a fellow partner." ??About Caldwell Caldwell is a leading retained executive search firm connecting clients with transformational talent. Together with IQTalent, we are a technology-powered talent acquisition firm specializing in recruitment at all levels. Through the two distinct brands - Caldwell and IQTalent- the firm leverages the latest innovations in AI to offer an integrated spectrum of services delivered by teams with deep knowledge in their respective areas. Services include candidate research and sourcing through to full recruitment at the professional, executive and board levels, as well as a suite of talent strategy and assessment tools that can help clients hire the right people, then manage and inspire them to achieve maximum business results. Caldwell's common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:CWL) and trade on the OTCQX Market (OTCQX:CWLPF). Please visit our website at www.caldwell.com for further information. For further information, please contact: Caroline Lomot Vice President, Marketing & Communications Caldwell clomot@caldwell.com +1 516 830 3535 Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements in this document are based on current expectations subject to the significant risks and uncertainties cited. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "may," "will," "likely," "estimates," "potential," "continue" or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. We are subject to many factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward looking statement including, but not limited to, the impact of pandemic diseases, our ability to attract and retain key personnel; exposure to our partners taking our clients with them to another firm; the performance of the US, Canadian and international economies; risks related to deposit-taking institutions; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition from other companies directly or indirectly engaged in talent acquisition; cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and attacks; damage to our brand reputation; our ability to align our cost structure to changes in our revenue; liability risk in the services we perform; potential legal liability from clients, employees and candidates for employment; reliance on software that we license from third parties; reliance on third-party contractors for talent acquisition support; the classification of third-party labour as contractors versus employee relationships; our ability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity issues; adverse governmental and tax law rulings; successfully integrating or realizing the expected benefits from our acquisitions, adverse operating issues from acquired businesses; volatility of the market price and trading volume of our common shares; technological advances may significantly disrupt the labour market and weaken demand for human capital at a rapid rate; affiliation agreements may fail to renew or affiliates may be acquired; the impact on profitability from marketable securities valuation fluctuations; increasing dependence on third parties for the execution of critical functions; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to support our growth and fund any dividends; potential impairment of our acquired goodwill and intangible assets; and disruption as a result of actions of certain stockholders or potential acquirers of the Company. For more information on the factors that could affect the outcome of forward-looking statements, refer to the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Information Form and other public filings (copies of which may be obtained at www.sedar.com). These factors should be considered carefully, and the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although any forward-looking statements are based on what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, we cannot assure readers that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Except as required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf; such statements speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language. SOURCE: Caldwell Partners International, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Landmark partnership with Spanish Government to accelerate Spain's leadership in electrolyzer, green hydrogen and net zero innovation across Europe. Envision partners the Spanish Government and local leaders to develop integrated green hydrogen net zero industrial park to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries. MADRID, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy ('Envision'), a global leader in green hydrogen and net zero technologies with operations across five continents, has announced a landmark investment in Spain's renewable energy future. In partnership with the Spanish government and key Spanish and European industry and financial leaders, Envision will develop the first integrated green hydrogen net zero industrial park in Europe. It will serve as the design, research, manufacture and service function for green hydrogen including electrolysis, air separation unit (ASU), ammonia synthesis and the completed module facility for scalable green ammonia production. This will advance innovations in renewable energy in decarbonizing Spain's hard-to-abate industries. Ratified as part of a Memorandum of Understanding ('MOU') signed during the recent Spanish Prime Minister's visit to China, the net zero industrial park will significantly accelerate Spain's green hydrogen adoption plans and advance its progress towards reducing the nation's Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHGs) by 23 per cent by 2030. Envision will also establish a state-of-the-art Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, reinforcing its commitment to both the region and its partners, as they collaborate to implement cutting-edge net zero solutions. New Facility to Boost Spain's Renewable Energy and Climate Goals The facility will produce high-capacity proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, low pressure alkaline and high pressure alkaline electrolyzers - critical for the electrolysis process needed in green hydrogen production and other module equipments. It will play a pivotal role in delivering five gigawatts of electrolysis capacity, which significantly contributes to Spain's Hydrogen Roadmap targets of producing eleven gigawatts by 2030. With an initial investment of USD 1 billion by Envision and its partners, 1,000 new green jobs are expected to be created. Building on Envision's global success in pioneering the world's first-of-its-kind net zero industrial parks, the facility will be powered by locally generated clean energy, including biomass, solar and wind energy, creating a fully green, sustainable industrial ecosystem. Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2026, with Envision working closely with the Spanish Government to identify an optimal site for the greenfield development. This marks a significant step towards progressing from plan to construction. Upon completion, the facility will be a Bureau Veritas-certified net zero industrial park. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain today said: "Today -with your new commitment to invest a billion dollars in partnership with the industry, to build an electrolyzer factory in Spain - you are not just contributing to our economy. You are helping us to build the future, to build a better future." Lei Zhang, Founder and Chairman of Envision Energy said: "With its ideal resources, market scale and expertise, Spain is well-placed to be the European leader in green hydrogen and Envision, together with our net zero tech partners, is excited to play a role in securing Spain's green energy future." Centre of Excellence to Support Critical Innovation in the Green Hydrogen Value Chain The Centre of Excellence will further boost the nation's green hydrogen-based industrial ecosystem. The Centre will serve as a hub for building local skills and talent, catalyzing innovations, and attracting industrial collaborations across Spain. By integrating renewable energy production, energy storage, and net zero digital technology, Envision aims to help ensure a constant and clean energy supply, reduce hydrogen production costs, and prove the commercial viability of this "new oil" for the global energy transition. About Envision Energy Envision Energy is a world-leading green technology company that provides renewable energy solutions for global enterprises, governments, and institutions. Encompassing three major business sectors - Smart Wind Turbines, Energy Storage, and Green Hydrogen Solutions, Envision Energy collaboratively constructs comprehensive solutions for energy transformation. Envision Energy has received several accolades for its sustainability performance, including the EcoVadis Gold Medal and the CDP "A-List". It was also recognized in Fortune's "Change the World" list and ranked among the top 10 smartest companies by the MIT Technology Review. Today, Envision Energy leverages its global network of R&D and engineering centers across the United States, UK, France, Germany, Denmark, China, etc. to continuously lead global green technology development. Envision Energy joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and committed to achieving the "Business Ambition for 1.5C" in 2021. It has achieved carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2022 and will achieve carbon neutrality throughout its value chain by 2028. For more, please visit envision-group.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501805/Image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501400/4902611/Envision_Energy_LPR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/envision-energy-partners-with-government-of-spain-and-industry-leaders-to-develop-integrated-green-hydrogen-net-zero-industrial-park-302243832.html Westinghouse Electric Company and Hyundai Engineering Construction Company have signed a teaming agreement to pursue AP1000 technology opportunities in Sweden and Finland. Under this teaming agreement, Westinghouse will provide the design and development of its industry-leading, globally deployed AP1000 technology, and Hyundai Engineering Construction will provide its globally recognized industrial engineering and construction services for the project. This agreement builds upon a 2022 strategic cooperation agreement between the two companies to jointly participate in global AP1000 plant opportunities. This announcement follows plans unveiled by Vattenfall in February to initiate new nuclear power projects at Ringhals, with aspirations to have the first reactor operational in the early 2030s and critical decisions regarding reactor types this year. Moreover, Fortum and Westinghouse signed a MoU in June 2023 to explore the potential and prerequisites for new nuclear plants in Finland and Sweden. "For more than half a century, Westinghouse has proudly supported Vattenfall in delivering clean, safe and reliable energy from the Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant, which is based on Westinghouse design. Cooperation with Fortum would add another dimension to nuclear new build in the region," said Daniel S. Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems. "In partnership with Hyundai a global, top-tier EPC company we look forward to bringing our proven AP1000 technology with a proven nuclear power construction company to provide another 100 years of energy security to Sweden and Finland." "Hyundai E&C has accumulated unrivalled nuclear EPC competitiveness, technical capabilities and know-how in operating construction management systems through the construction of 24 large-scale nuclear power plants in the global market," said Young-joon Yoon, CEO President of Hyundai E&C. "Based on the long-standing trust and partnership between Hyundai E&C and Westinghouse, which dates back to 1971, we will exert our best teamwork to maximize the synergies of both companies for success." The AP1000 reactor is the only operating Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems, modular construction design and the smallest footprint per MWe on the market. There are four AP1000 reactors currently setting operational performance and availability records in China with eight additional reactors under construction and four more under contract, as well as two operating AP1000 units at the Vogtle site in Georgia. The AP1000 technology has been selected for the nuclear energy programs in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, India and North America. There will be 18 units based on AP1000 technology in operation globally by the end of the decade. Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear and other clean power technologies and services globally. Westinghouse supplied the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957 and the company's technology is the basis for nearly one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910429590/en/ Contacts: media@westinghouse.com San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Powerledger's TraceX, a cutting-edge environmental commodities marketplace, introduces a flexible renewable energy certificates (REC) transfer feature for better control and flexibility in REC transfers. This new feature enables renewable energy generators and brokers to seamlessly transfer RECs between their registry accounts and the TraceX marketplace. TraceX leverages the power of automation for bringing instant REC transfer functionality to eliminate possible delays, giving sellers the freedom and flexibility to list on TraceX with ease and confidence associated with the encumbrance and un-encumbrance of RECs. "With the launch of our flexible REC transfer feature, we are redefining REC management by setting a new benchmark for flexibility and efficiency. Our aim is to simplify and accelerate the transfer process between registry accounts and the TraceX marketplace. This provides renewable energy generators and brokers with unprecedented ease and efficiency, eliminating the hours wasted on manual processes and enabling them to focus on what truly matters," says Rongon Mehdi, Product Owner, TraceX. Key benefits of the flexible REC transfer feature: Flexibility for risk-reduced and better REC control: Generators and brokers are not restricted to using TraceX exclusively. They have the flexibility to fully or partially transfer their RECs, giving them greater control over their assets. This added flexibility helps reduce risks and allows for better portfolio management in a dynamic market. Hassle-free REC transfer: The fully automated process enables easy transfer of RECs to and from registry accounts and TraceX marketplace, eliminating delays caused by manual processes. Whether platform users want to import RECs into TraceX for trading or return them to their registry accounts after an off-platform sale, this feature ensures that all transactions are hassle-free and instant. Better response to market signals: With the ability to load and remove RECs in real time, renewable energy generators and brokers gain enhanced control and flexibility over their portfolios and can respond more rapidly to market changes, adding efficiency to their REC strategy. "Our mission is to make environmental markets efficient, transparent and economical, unlocking a carbon-free future. Flexible REC transfer feature was developed in response to customer feedback that they need more flexibility in today's dynamic REC markets. By automating this manual process, our customers can focus on REC trading rather than waste time on manual tasks that add no value to their core business," says Fiona Tiller, CEO, TraceX. This new feature reduces the administrative burdens for generators and brokers, cutting down the time spent on manual REC transfers. It streamlines the process, allowing users to focus more on their core activities. About Powerledger Powerledger is a software company that leverages blockchain technology to solve pressing energy challenges, enabling customers to access and trade cheaper, cleaner electricity and trade environmental commodities. Power utilities, governments, and large corporations use Powerledger's solutions to be at the forefront of the energy transition by tracking, tracing, and trading every kilowatt hour of energy and trading of RECs. Headquartered in Zug, Powerledger is recognised as one of the top 50 companies in Crypto Valley, Switzerland. About TraceX TraceX by Powerledger is an environmental commodities marketplace that uses cutting-edge technology to add transparency in renewable energy certificates trading. TraceX is used by generators to track Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) from issuance through to sale, transfer and retirement for the end buyer. Companies with ESG goals can track ownership, hold certificates for resale, or retire them to meet annual sustainability targets. TraceX is powered by cutting-edge technology to improve the reliability and transparency of energy credits. Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook For further information please contact Snehal Pawar media@powerledger.io | szp@powerledger.io To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222628 SOURCE: Power Ledger Pty Ltd. BANGALORE, India, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aromatic Compounds Market is Segmented by Type (Benzene, Toluene, Xylenes, PAH), by Application (Solvent, Additive, Organic Chemical)): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2030. The Global Aromatic Compounds Market is projected to grow from USD 192.7 Million in 2024 to USD 299 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-2285/Global_Aromatic_Compounds_Market Major Factors Driving the Growth of Aromatic Compounds Market: The market for aromatic compounds is propelled by these compounds' numerous uses in sectors including petrochemicals, medicines, and cosmetics. Among the most widely utilized aromatic chemicals are xylene, toluene, and benzene; these compounds are essential as feedstocks, solvents, and intermediates. Asia-Pacific is seeing tremendous growth in this market, especially in China and India, where the demand for these chemicals is being driven by urbanization and industrialization. Furthermore, the market is expanding as a result of the growing usage of aromatic compounds in the production of bio-based chemicals, which reflects a move toward more environmentally friendly industrial processes. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-2285/global-aromatic-compounds TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE AROMATIC COMPOUNDS MARKET: Because they are widely used in so many different sectors, xylenes, a significant type of aromatic hydrocarbons, are essential to the expansion of the aromatic compounds market. In addition to being essential solvents for the creation of paints, varnishes, and adhesives, xylenes are also produced from synthetic fibers like polyester, which is extensively utilized in the textile sector. The worldwide textile and garment industries' growth-driven need for polyester is directly driving up the use of xylenes. The need for xylenes in coatings and sealants is also rising due to the expanding construction and automotive sectors, which is fueling the market's overall expansion for aromatic compounds. Because they are widely employed in many different industrial applications, especially in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, solvents are essential to the growth of the aromatic compounds market. Because of their great stability and solvency power, aromatic chemicals like toluene and benzene are useful solvents. They are necessary in the production of paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning agents, all of which are highly sought after in the industrial, automotive, and construction industries. The growing demand for pharmaceuticals has fueled the pharmaceutical sector's expansion. This industry uses aromatic solvents for drug formulation and synthesis, which has led to a major increase in the market for aromatic compounds. Given that essential building blocks of organic chemistry include aromatic molecules like benzene, toluene, and xylene, organic chemicals play a key role in the market's growth. These substances are widely employed in the production of several organic compounds, such as dyes, synthetic fibers, polymers, and resins. The market for aromatic compounds is being driven by the growing need for organic chemicals in sectors including agrochemicals, plastics production, and pharmaceuticals. The market for aromatic compounds is expanding at a faster rate than before due to the change in worldwide attention towards efficient and sustainable chemical processes, as well as the importance of aromatic compounds in the production of high-performance, environmentally friendly organic chemicals. Another important driver propelling the growth of the aromatic compounds market is the paints and coatings sector. The great solvency power and rapid drying capabilities of aromatic compounds, especially xylene and toluene, make them popular solvents in paint, varnish, and coating formulations. great-performance paints and coatings are in great demand due to the expanding building and automotive industries as well as rising consumer demand for protective and visually pleasing coatings. As a result, there is a rise in the consumption of aromatic compounds, which supports market expansion. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable coatings would open up new business prospects. One of the main drivers of the growth of the aromatic compounds market is the rise of the automotive sector. In the automobile industry, aromatic compounds are widely employed in the manufacturing of synthetic rubber, polymers, adhesives, and paints. The need for aromatic compounds is expanding along with the global automotive sector, which is being driven by rising vehicle production, urbanization, and consumer desire for electric vehicles (EVs). Aromatic compounds play a key role in the production of lightweight materials that improve fuel economy and lower emissions-two factors that are vital to the automobile sector. It is also anticipated that the move to hybrid and electric cars would increase demand for high-performance aromatic compounds. Buy Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-2285&lic=single-user AROMATIC COMPOUNDS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS: Key participants in the global aromatic compounds market include China National Petroleum, Sinopec, ExxonMobile, and Total S.A. The top four producers worldwide control over 25% of the Market. With a share of around 40%, Asia Pacific (excluding China) is the largest market. North America and China are next, both with shares of more than 30%. Key Companies: Sinopec Limited ExxonMobile Total China National Petroleum Shell Reliance Industries SK Koch Formosa Plastics JX Nippon Oil & Energy INEOS Group ConocoPhillips SABIC LyondellBasell BP BP Chemicals Purchase Chapters: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-2285/global-aromatic-compounds/1 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! - Linear Alkylbenzene & Aromatic Compounds Market - Aromatic Sulfonic Acid market was valued at USD 210 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 233.4 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 1.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - De-Aromatic Solvents market is projected to grow from USD 1303.1 Million in 2024 to USD 1502.3 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.4% during the forecast period. - Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Determination Market - Fungicide and Insecticide Compound market was valued at USD 39210 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 47480 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Aromatic Isomer Material Market - Aromatic Hydrocarbon Extraction Device Market - Aromatic 100 Market - Aromatic Polyamine Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. 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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/aromatic-compounds-market-size-to-grow-usd-299-million-by-2030-at-a-cagr-of-7-6--valuates-reports-302243933.html Formal letter requests coverage of Cellvizio and its dedicated category I CPT Codes to significantly enhance early detection of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer Prevalence of Esophageal Cancer has increased more than 600%1 in the past two decades, causing serious concern among gastroenterologists and foregut surgeons Regulatory News: Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext Growth: ALMKT), inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (p/nCLE) platform, today announces that the American Foregut Society (AFS), a leading society of gastroenterologists and surgeons collaborating to improve patient outcomes of several conditions, including esophageal disease, has formally requested that health insurance providers update their medical coverage policies to include Cellvizio and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) as a covered service. The letter, available on the society website, provides details about the grim realities of currently covered tools and technologies for the early detection of precancerous conditions like Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and cancerous conditions like Esophageal Cancer (EAC), and how those tools fail to enhance early detection, resulting in a dramatic rise in the prevalence of EAC over the past 20 years. The AFS outlines the strong clinical data supporting the use of Cellvizio as a safe and highly effective detection tool when used adjunctively during a standard endoscopy procedure and reiterates that its society members advocate for the clinical use of Cellvizio and strongly request coverage by payors. "We are confident that expanding access to the Cellvizio procedure (CLE) will empower providers with an essential tool for upper endoscopy (EGD) that enables the early detection of BE and EAC," says Reginald Bell, M.D., FACS, the Chair of the AFS Board, on behalf the society. "Evaluation of Barrett's esophagus to identify pre-cancerous changes and early cancer requires careful, detailed evaluation of the full extent of the Barrett's mucosa. By the time obvious visible changes occur, advanced cancer is typically found. Early detection with Cellvizio is fully aligned with the mission of the American Foregut Society, and we urge consideration of immediate coverage of the Cellvizio procedure." Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Mauna Kea Technologies, commented: "The AFS is the leading society which brings renowned gastroenterologists and foregut surgeons together under a common mission focused on esophageal cancer and other diseases of the foregut. Since its founding, AFS has advocated on behalf of patients and the providers who deliver their medical care, with the goal of preventing continued advancement of deadly diseases like esophageal cancer. The lack of payor coverage remains the number one barrier preventing patients from having broad access to better detection of early pre-cancerous changes in their esophagus, which could save them from future esophageal cancer. On behalf of the millions of patients suffering from reflux disease, we are thankful for this endorsement and advocacy from the AFS and look forward to working with payors to expand further the coverage of Cellvizio, ultimately broadening patient access to our breakthrough imaging platform." About Mauna Kea Technologies Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company that manufactures and sells Cellvizio, the real-time in vivo cellular imaging platform. This technology uniquely delivers in vivo cellular visualization which enables physicians to monitor the progression of disease over time, assess point-in-time reactions as they happen in real time, classify indeterminate areas of concern, and guide surgical interventions. The Cellvizio platform is used globally across a wide range of medical specialties and is making a transformative change in the way physicians diagnose and treat patients. For more information, visit www.maunakeatech.com. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements about Mauna Kea Technologies and its business. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Mauna Kea Technologies' financial condition, business, strategies, plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. Mauna Kea Technologies believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Chapter 2 of Mauna Kea Technologies' 2023 Annual Report filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 30, 2024, which is available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.fr), as well as the risks associated with changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks that are unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Mauna Kea Technologies to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for, shares of Mauna Kea Technologies in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release may be restricted in certain jurisdictions by local law. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to comply with all local regulations applicable to this document. __________________________________ 1 Hang, Thuy-Van P., et al. "The Epidemiology of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in the United States: Presidential Poster Award: 333." The American Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 113, no. Supplement, Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Research, Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2018, pp. S185-S186. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910604925/en/ Contacts: Mauna Kea Technologies investors@maunakeatech.com NewCap Investor Relations Aurelie Manavarere Thomas Grojean +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 maunakea@newcap.eu Wichita Falls, Texas, is known for its thriving art scene, excellent cuisine, and cyclist-friendly trails, but as a resident, you'll also need to keep up with daily tasks like caring for your oral health. Luckily, getting your teeth checked by a dentist in Wichita Falls twice a year is an easy way to ensure healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. Follow these five steps to make your next dental checkup a breeze. 1. Keep a list of any concerns to ask your dentist. When you go in for a regular checkup, your hygienist will ask how your mouth feels and if anything has bothered you. If you're not prepared, you might say everything's fine when it's not. Instead, keep a list of anything non-urgent that comes up throughout the year. That way, you'll be prepared to talk about the tooth you think might be developing a cavity or the mouth ulcer you found. Noting the dates of issues and how long they lasted can help your dentist determine if it's something that needs to be treated or not. 2. Provide your updated health history and medications. If anything about your medical history or medication list has changed, it's important to let your dentist know. While you may think the scope of your dentist's practice is limited to your mouth, there may be an interaction with another medication they'll need to know before treating you to keep you safe. 3. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Showing up early to your appointment gives you time to confirm your latest insurance information and ensure everything is in order from an administrative standpoint. Since dentists keep a strict schedule, arriving even a few minutes late could mean you'll miss out on your appointment and need to reschedule. 4. Ask for feedback about oral health habits. If you think you might be brushing too hard or not doing all the right things for your oral health, take advantage of the time with your dentist and ask! There's no better time than your regular dental checkup to get support for healthy habits. And making habit changes can help avoid the need for more serious dental work, like periodontal disease treatment , later. This is especially true for young children, who may be more willing to listen to their dentist than their parents about brushing properly and caring for their teeth. 5. Let your dentist know about any worry or anxiety. If you're uncomfortable at the dentist, say so! Your dentist can find ways to make you more comfortable if you have dental anxiety before your appointment. They might be able to prescribe a low-dose medication, teach you breathing techniques, or even offer a distraction like a television show that will help you calm down. The bottom line Preparing for your next dental checkup is simple when you follow these tips. Notifying your dentist of any changes to your medical history, tracking issues as they arise, and getting input on your dental habits can go a long way in maintaining your oral health. After your dental checkup, you'll be back exploring the beautiful nature and enjoying the delicious food and drinks Wichita Falls has to offer. CONTACT: Sonakshi Murze Manager sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com SOURCE: Aspen Dental View the original press release on accesswire.com August event drew over 500 attendees in Huntington Beach, California LADERA RANCH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / ALKEME, a Top 35 Insurance Brokerage, recently concluded its third annual ALKEME Week in Huntington Beach, California from August 21-23, 2024. The highlight of the week was the CarrierVerse event, which brought together over 75 carriers, 40 ALKEME agency partners, and more than 500 attendees. ALKEME Insurance Hosts Successful Third Annual ALKEME Week and CarrierVerse Event August event drew over 500 attendees in Huntington Beach, California CarrierVerse was designed as a platform for ALKEME producers and partners to connect with carrier partners and learn about new products and offerings. The event facilitated valuable networking opportunities and knowledge sharing within the insurance industry. "We're thrilled with the success of our third ALKEME Week and the tremendous turnout at CarrierVerse," said Nathan Morris, Chief Operating Officer at ALKEME. "This event has become an essential forum for industry professionals to collaborate and stay informed about the latest developments in insurance." ALKEME Insurance extends its gratitude to the event sponsors: Diamond Sponsor: Amwins Platinum Sponsors: BBSI First Insurance Funding RT Specialty Gold Sponsors: Capital Premium Financing Liberty Mutual UFG Insurance State Compensation Insurance Fund AmTrust Financial The strong support from these industry leaders contributed significantly to the event's success and underscores the importance of CarrierVerse in the insurance community. ABOUT ALKEME ALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 47 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 40 locations in 19 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal one of the top 35 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #5 fastest growing broker. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an ever-changing insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information. Contact Information Josh Benveniste Marketing jbenveniste@alkemeins.com SOURCE: ALKEME Insurance View the original press release on newswire.com. SHANGHAI, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sigenergy has launched its groundbreaking intelligent management platform, Sigen Cloud. Harnessing the power of advanced cloud computing and AI technologies, Sigen Cloud offers a secure, scalable, and real-time solution aimed at boosting operational efficiency, reducing O&M costs, improving decision-making, and enhancing service quality-empowering distributors and installers to stay competitive globally. At the launch event, Tony Xu, Founder and CEO of Sigenergy, emphasized the company's dedication to innovation. "Sigenergy is at the forefront of the solar industry, continually pushing the boundaries with advanced AI technologies. Our commitment to a customer-centric approach drives rapid advancements in both hardware and software to meet evolving needs and support sustainable growth for our partners." Sigen Cloud is a comprehensive platform that integrates operational and maintenance management, addressing the limitations of traditional systems. It provides a robust solution for the industry, serving not just as a management tool but as a crucial decision-making hub and intelligent assistant, supporting full lifecycle management and operations. During the event, Sigenergy outlined its core strategies, emphasizing the critical role of software in driving growth: Continuous Innovation in Software and Hardware: Sigenergy utilizes software and AI as key competitive strengths. Agile Response and Iteration: Through agile development, Sigenergy rapidly adapts to changing demands, ensuring products and services exceed customer expectations. Open Ecosystem for Collaborative Success: With flexible integration options, Sigenergy fosters industry-wide collaboration and innovation. Full Visibility and Control: Data-Driven Efficiency Sigen Cloud consolidates data on orders, inventory, and installations into a single platform, offering complete visibility and control over the entire process. This integration allows partners to manage operations precisely, from equipment orders to user growth. The platform also simplifies complex data into clear, actionable charts, streamlining logistics and supporting strategic decision-making. To incentivize partners, Sigenergy has introduced an Installer Points Program with a real-time dashboard that tracks progress based on installations. Points earned can be redeemed for Sigenergy products through the system. AI-Driven Efficiency for Operations and Maintenance Sigen Cloud provides efficient management solutions from plant, device, and business perspectives, supporting both Sigenergy and third-party devices, including diesel generators and AC-coupled inverters. The platform features an AI-powered smart assistant utilizing advanced models like GPT-4o, delivering instant support and enhancing service response times. AI capabilities enable proactive fault detection, real-time analysis, and swift problem resolution, ensuring service continuity and high customer satisfaction. Built on state-of-the-art cloud technology, Sigen Cloud efficiently manages millions of devices with advanced data analytics and predictive services, propelling the solar industry towards intelligent, digital transformation. Agile Response and Continuous Optimization With an agile iteration approach, Sigenergy quickly adapts to customer needs, consistently delivering products and services that exceed expectations. The latest mySigen App 2.0 update introduced features based on feedback from partners in Germany, the UK, Sweden, Australia, and Ireland. Sigenergy welcomes further suggestions and plans to release monthly updates to continuously enhance the user experience. An Open Ecosystem Driving Innovation and Collaboration Sigen Cloud not only offers efficient solutions but also fosters an open ecosystem for flexible and rapid integrations. This approach provides additional choices and value, encouraging industry-wide collaboration and innovation. The platform's open API seamlessly connects with global VPP providers, supporting up to 2,000 devices with response times as quick as 1.5 seconds. It also retrieves real-time dynamic pricing from 19 countries and 81 energy companies, optimizing returns. Furthermore, Sigen Cloud integrates with business applications and smart home devices, facilitating unified and efficient energy management. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501908/Image_20240910151547.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sigenergy-unveils-sigen-cloud-the-future-of-ai-driven-management-systems-302243969.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Spare, the leading provider of mobility operations software, today announced the successful completion of its Series B funding round, raising $42 million CAD. The funding round was led by Inovia Capital, a longtime partner and lead investor from Spare's Series A. Other previous investors, including Kensington Capital and Nicola Wealth, also participated. Spare Founders Josh Andrews, Kristoffer Vik Hansen & Alexey Indeev Photo of Spare founders Josh Andrews, Kristoffer Vik Hansen and Alexey Indeev (L-R) This new funding will enable Spare to meet the growing demand for innovative transit solutions, particularly in the paratransit sector. As the population ages, the need for efficient, flexible, and responsive transportation services has never been more critical. Spare's solutions are designed to offer this flexibility and efficiency. The capital will be used to expand Spare's global reach, allowing more agencies to serve their riders better while accelerating the development of its AI-driven platform. "We're incredibly grateful for Inovia's continued support as our lead investor since day one; their guidance has been instrumental in our growth and success," said Spare CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen. "We're also grateful for the ongoing commitment from Kensington Capital and other strategic investors who have helped push the industry forward. This capital allows us to serve more riders, providing the paratransit community with the great consumer experience they deserve. By harnessing advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, we will further improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for transit agencies, ultimately enhancing the rider experience, especially for the most vulnerable in our society." "This funding round will accelerate Spare's mission to make transit more accessible by enabling the freedom of mobility," said Hugues Lalancette, Partner at Inovia Capital. "We continue to be impressed with their world-class product and momentum they've built with partners and are confident that this significant investment will help them continue to develop AI-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of transit agencies." Spare has recently announced significant partnerships with transit agencies, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in the Bay Area, and GoDurham ACCESS in North Carolina. These agencies use the Spare Platform to power their demand response services, whether ADA-paratransit or microtransit. Spare operates in eight of the 10 largest cities in the United States. One of the pioneering projects in the paratransit sector has been with CapMetro Access in Austin, Texas, where Spare helped modernize and transform its paratransit services from a decades-old legacy system. This collaboration has set a benchmark for similar services across the country, demonstrating the potential of technology to enhance transit accessibility. "Spare has been instrumental in helping CapMetro Access transform our paratransit service, making it more efficient and responsive to our community's needs," said Art Jackson, VP of Demand Response at CapMetro. "Their innovative platform and dedicated support have allowed us to offer a more equitable transit solution, paving the way for future enhancements and expansions." With a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, Spare is the leading provider of demand response transit software. It empowers transit agencies worldwide to deliver efficient, flexible, and responsive transportation services. Focusing on innovation and customer success, Spare's AI-driven platform is transforming the way cities move. "As early supporters from the Series A round, we've seen Spare evolve from a promising startup to a key player in the transit space," said Dylan Freeze, Director at Kensington Capital. With this new funding, we're eager to see Spare drive further innovation and empower more transit agencies to deliver flexible, efficient, and modern services." ## About Spare Spare specializes in providing transit agencies with the technology to modernize ADA-paratransit systems and launch microtransit services. The company focuses on enhancing transportation access for underserved communities, offering a comprehensive suite of software tools tailored to meet each agency's unique requirements. Spare has powered over 15 million rides globally and partners with top agencies such as DART (Dallas), PSTA (Pinellas County), AC Transit/BART (Oakland), CapMetro (Austin), and Winnipeg Transit. For more information, visit www.sparelabs.com. About Inovia Capital Inovia Capital is a venture capital firm that partners with founders to build impactful and enduring global companies. The team leverages an operator-led mindset to provide founders with multi-stage support, mentorship, and access to a worldwide network. Inovia manages over US$2.5B with operations in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco, and London. For more information, visit www.inovia.vc. Contact Information Lynda Chau lynda@sparelabs.com 519-498-0175 Isabelle Audette iaudette@inoviacapital.com 514 835-8212 SOURCE: Spare View the original press release on newswire.com. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Blackbird Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: BBRD) (FSE: N790) (OTCQB: BBCMF) ("Blackbird" or the "Company") is pleased to release recent sampling and mapping results at the Tyee Critical Minerals Project, which is located 130 km north of Havre-Saint-Pierre in Quebec (the "Tyee Project"), and to provide a corporate update. Highlights: An additional 10 samples at the northern end of the Tyee Project's "Big Tio" target yielded an average of 35.8% titanium dioxide (TiO2) Outcrop at the southern end of Big Tio yielded 34.3% TiO2 This is the first time outcrop was sampled at the southern end of Big Tio and further indicates the EM anomaly in between the north and south end may be continuous ilmenite mineralization Figure 1. Rock sampling results on SkyTEM EM data. Pink colours indicate high conductivity. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10130/222851_159c1627d4c27a0b_001full.jpg New results on Big Tio The Big Tio target (Figure 1) is one of the most promising high-grade titanium targets on the Tyee Project. Ten new samples at the northern end of Big Tio yielded an average of 35.8% TiO2, and one outcrop sample at the southern end returned 34.3% TiO2. The centre of Big Tio is unexposed but appears to be the same geophysical anomaly that is present at the northern and southern end. Taken together, these data indicate the Big Tio may consist of massive ilmenite over 1400 m strike length. An exploration crew collected a total of 41 samples over previously unassessed geophysical anomalies as well as over known occurrences, with an average grade of 23.1% Ti. Filing of 43-101 report The Company is pleased to announce it has filed a 43-101 report on the Tyee Project titled 'National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Tyee Project, Quebec, Canada' (the "Report"), authored by Alex Knox, P.Geo. The report has an effective date of Jul 3rd, 2024. Mr. Knox is independent of the Company. Management Change The Company also announces that Dr. Jacob Verbaas has stepped down as the Company's Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Allan Larmour, a member of Blackbird's board of directors has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. About the Tyee Critical Metals Project The Tyee Critical Metals Project is a 100% owned 625 km2 critical metals project with surface mineralization of copper, nickel, cobalt, titanium, vanadium, and scandium 130 km north of Havre-Saint-Pierre in Quebec. There are no encumbrances or underlying NSR interests on the property. The project covers a large portion of the Havre-Saint-Pierre anorthosite complex. The HSP Complex is an intrusive suite of rocks to the north of Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec. The complex contains the Lac Tio titanium mine, the largest solid ilmenite deposit in the world, owned by Rio Tinto. This mine has been producing high grade titanium for the past 75 years and is located 100 km to the south of the Tyee Critical Metals Project. Blackbird Critical Metals acquired the Tyee Critical Metals Project in 2022 and flew a property wide SkyTEM geophysical survey of over 3,500 line km at 200 m line spacing. The detailed geophysical data revealed over 60 conductive targets that were followed up with ground exploration. The ground exploration yielded 8 large occurrences of massive ilmenite with grades of up to 36% TiO2 and 4 occurrences with nickel and copper mineralization of up to 0.75% Ni and 0.81% Cu in gossans. QAQC Samples were analyzed at Bureau Veritas using a combination of multi-acid ICP-ES and peroxide fusion. Bureau Veritas adds standards and blanks at regular intervals, all of which were deemed to be within acceptable limits. Qualified person Ryan Versloot, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. About Blackbird Critical Metals Corp. Blackbird is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: BBRD), the OTCQB Exchange (OTCQB: BBCMF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: N790). The Company is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of critical metal properties containing minerals used in green technologies and the renewable energy sector. The Company owns 100% of the Tyee Critical Metals Project located in North-Eastern Quebec. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Allan Larmour | CEO Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Readers should not rely on information in this summary for any purpose other than for gaining general knowledge of the Company. The words "expected", "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in any forward-looking statements, are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors should change. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222851 SOURCE: Blackbird Critical Metals Corp. Tachyum today announced that it has become a member of the Turkish Chamber Las Vegas, a global business hub fostering strong ties between Turkish enterprises and the business community in Las Vegas. This move is part of Tachyum's continued commitment to expanding and creating strong business connections in the Turkish, Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. The mission of TCLV is to foster robust economic ties between the Turkish and American business communities by facilitating trade, investment and collaboration. By leveraging the extensive network and deep understanding of both markets, TCLV empowers its members to navigate challenges, seize opportunities and achieve sustainable success. Being part of the TCLV gives Tachyum a competitive advantage by positioning it among leading Turkish enterprises. Turkiye supports the development of semiconductors, a market that has been experiencing significant growth within the country in both public and private sectors, and has become one of the key consumers for computing performance. Tachyum aims to be a valuable partner as part of this emerging opportunity with its Prodigy Universal Processor. Members of the TCLV are familiar with Tachyum's mission to revolutionize the data center and have helped develop connections that led to several Turkish companies joining Tachyum's early adopter program. This opportunity gives early adopters an advantage by ensuring any specific requirements they may have are implemented as part of the Prodigy platform prior to its production and distribution. "Turkish companies and enterprises are well-represented in industries where AI is and will be playing a significant role," said Dr. Radoslav Danilak, founder and CEO of Tachyum. "In addition to its own burgeoning technology industry, Turkiye serves an important role in being a gateway between Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa due to its unique location. We believe any partnerships and goodwill that grows from our participation in TCLV will provide exponential success in delivering Prodigy to the world." As a Universal Processor offering industry-leading performance for all workloads, Prodigy-powered data center servers can seamlessly and dynamically switch between computational domains (such as AI/ML, HPC, and cloud) with a single homogeneous architecture. By eliminating the need for expensive dedicated AI hardware and dramatically increasing server utilization, Prodigy reduces CAPEX and OPEX significantly while delivering unprecedented data center performance, power, and economics. Prodigy integrates 192 high-performance custom-designed 64-bit compute cores, to deliver up to 4.5x the performance of the highest-performing x86 processors for cloud workloads, up to 3x that of the highest performing GPU for HPC, and 6x for AI applications. Follow Tachyum https://twitter.com/tachyum https://www.linkedin.com/company/tachyum https://www.facebook.com/Tachyum/ About Tachyum Tachyum is transforming the economics of AI, HPC, public and private cloud workloads with Prodigy, the world's first Universal Processor. Prodigy unifies the functionality of a CPU, a GPU, and a TPU in a single processor to deliver industry-leading performance, cost and power efficiency for both specialty and general-purpose computing. As global data center emissions continue to contribute to a changing climate, with projections of their consuming 10 percent of the world's electricity by 2030, the ultra-low power Prodigy is positioned to help balance the world's appetite for computing at a lower environmental cost. Tachyum received a major purchase order from a US company to build a large-scale system that can deliver more than 50 exaflops performance, which will exponentially exceed the computational capabilities of the fastest inference or generative AI supercomputers available anywhere in the world today. When complete in 2026, the Prodigy-powered system will deliver a 25x multiplier vs. the world's fastest conventional supercomputer built just this year and will achieve AI capabilities 25,000x larger than models for ChatGPT4. Tachyum has offices in the United States and Slovakia. For more information, visit https://www.tachyum.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910087228/en/ Contacts: Mark Smith JPR Communications 818-398-1424 marks@jprcom.com One workforce program is doing far more than teaching students valuable job skills. It's amplifying their self-confidence by encouraging them to defy limitations. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Regions Bank By Kim Borges Regions Bank supports workforce development programs that help people get ready to succeed in well-paying jobs. One of those programs is conducted by Peer Power Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, a tutoring and mentoring nonprofit Regions supports financially and through the volunteerism of Regions Private Wealth Management leader Lance Cowles. Here, we view the work Peer Power is doing to help break the cycle of poverty through the lens of the visionary director who's guiding it. In August of 2023, Marlon Ross Jr. delivered a presentation as if his life depended on it. "I stood in front of 100 students encouraging them to take a chance on this opportunity," he said. His motivation? Knowing his audience's lives depended on it more. "Some of these young men have been through some really, really hard circumstances," he said. Ninety percent of Peer Power's Workforce Development students have witnessed a homicide. Some have been justice-involved themselves committing misdemeanors. But that night, Ross, director of Workforce Development with the Memphis nonprofit, offered a chance to change that trajectory. "We had 17 enroll in our program," he said of the first class. "We have 24 in our second class." A year before giving that speech, Ross himself was at a crossroads. "I'd been a history teacher at two schools but felt confined and frustrated seeing graduation rates of 15 and 20 percent," he said. "I wanted to be able to do more." Knowing Peer Power Foundation's impact from serving as a peer mentor while enrolled at the University of Memphis made returning to work there an easy decision. I grew up in a low-income family with a single mom. This is a calling I'm very grateful to have in my life. I thank God to be in this position. I truly believe I'm living my purpose. Marlon Ross Jr., director of Workforce Development for Peer Power Foundation "I'm from Memphis, born and raised," he said. "I grew up in a low-income family with a single mom. This is a calling I'm very grateful to have in my life. I thank God to be in this position. I truly believe I'm living my purpose." Yes, that purpose includes teaching skills like operating a forklift, advanced metalworking and supply chain logistics - but it involves far more. "We're not here to simply get young men jobs," said Ross. "We use the word 'careers.' We also teach what we call 'essential skills' - professionalism, workplace etiquette, financial education, a fitness component. We also build in therapy. We believe in a holistic approach." Ross and team also teach hard work yields success. "We have a saying: 'Either deal with the pain of discipline or deal with the pain of regret,'" he explained. "We say it's much better to deal with the pain of discipline." And there's more wisdom where that came from. "I tell them, 'Sometimes, we just have to push through,'" Ross said. "'No' is unacceptable. Those are your limits; they aren't mine. I'm going to hold you accountable. I'm not going to lower my standards." As we build this program, we want to be a solution for the workforce needs of Memphis and our country I truly feel like the sky's the limit for this program. Marlon Ross Jr., director of Workforce Development for Peer Power Foundation What else moves Ross? Seeing the profound change people experience. "Week after week, they are growing," said Ross. "It's a beautiful thing to see them hold themselves accountable and hold their peers accountable." It's a lesson he's also taken to heart. "This program has been a learning process for me as well," Ross said. "There are some hard days in this work. But when you get those text messages and calls from parents saying the changes they've seen in their kids, it makes it all worthwhile. I've learned I, too, can do harder things." He added, "As we build this program, we want to be a solution for the workforce needs of Memphis and our country I truly feel like the sky's the limit for this program." What Peer Power means to those who are creating a better future. "This program has opened my eyes to the fact that going the solo route in life isn't the best option. It's taught me the importance of building and growing relationships. This program has also taught me that to get ahead and be successful in life, you have to make sacrifices you may not like but it will pay off." - DeRon "Mr. Ross has helped change my perspective on life and how to navigate life as a young Black man. Mr. Ross has taught me to be a better man." - Chris "This program is a life-changing experience. This program has helped shaped our perspectives and empowered us to write our own story. Everyone should know about Peer Power. They wouldn't regret it." - Jeremy View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Regions Bank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Regions Bank View the original press release on accesswire.com Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO), is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Global Company of the Year Award by Frost Sullivan. This recognition underscores Novotech's commitment to accelerating clinical development for biotech companies through innovative solutions, advanced analytics, and a comprehensive global reach. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910876910/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) Frost Sullivan's award honors Novotech's innovative full-service approach that accelerates clinical development through advanced analytics, access to diverse patient populations, and through specialized technology. "Overall, Novotech distinguishes itself in the ever-expanding CRO market by successfully addressing the complex regulatory landscape with a deep understanding of local regulations and overcoming cultural barriers to establish itself as a truly global CRO. As a result, the company progresses closer to becoming a preferred global partner with regional leadership and localized expertise," said Unmesh Lal, Global Research Director at Frost Sullivan. Unmatched Global Reach and Expertise Novotech's extensive global footprint allows the company to provide tailored solutions that address the unique regulatory and cultural nuances of each market. This strategic advantage facilitates faster patient recruitment and enhanced trial efficiency, ensuring successful outcomes for its biotech clients. Novotech's project manager-centric model ensures seamless communication and effective execution of clinical trials, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with clients. Commitment to Innovation and Advanced Technology A key element in being awarded this accolade is Novotech continuing to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance clinical trial operations. The company's ongoing investments in artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, digital clinical trials, and cloud-based software platforms significantly improve data quality, trial planning, and transparency in communications with stakeholders. Partnerships with industry leaders like Veeva and Medidata further empower Novotech's clients to optimize their drug development programs. Recognition of Excellence Frost Sullivan first recognized Novotech with their award for best APAC CRO in 2006, and Novotech has continued to win this award every year since. Receiving, for the first time, Frost Sullivan's 2024 Global Company of the Year Award is tangible evidence of Novotech's drive for constant improvement and creating optimal outcomes for our partners and clients. "We are honored to receive the 2024 Global Company of the Year Award from Frost Sullivan," said Dr. John Moller, CEO of Novotech. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, our commitment to innovation, and our unwavering focus on delivering exceptional results for our biotech and pharmaceutical clients. We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing clinical development and to be acknowledged as a leader in the CRO industry." Frost Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase. Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006. The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice. For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910876910/en/ Contacts: Media Toyna Chin mediacontact@novotech-cro.com USA: +1 415 364 8135 Sappi, a leading manufacturer of speciality papers, will be introducing its extensive portfolio at the upcoming Labelexpo Americas in Chicago between 10 and 12 September 2024. Visitors to the Sappi stand (457) - with its 'Renewable, reliable, ready' theme - will experience highlights such as the Sol BCK release liner, designed for a significantly reduced carbon footprint and enhanced recyclability and LusterCote SG a premium face stock designed for high-end pressure sensitive label applications. Sappi will also be presenting its advanced Glassine and CCK silicone base papers, along with a range of innovative label papers produced at its upgraded Gratkorn mill. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / As a global leader in comprehensive solutions, Sappi delivers renewable, premium-quality products that converters, printers, brand owners as well as label and packaging designers worldwide have come to rely on. This makes Sappi a must-see at this year's Labelexpo Americas, the largest dedicated label and package printing event in the country. Demonstrating its commitment to the market, Sappi will showcase its extensive portfolio of innovative face stock label papers, wet glue label papers, CCK papers and glassine papers, among many other exciting offerings. Sol BCK: a release liner with a greatly improved carbon footprint Visitors to Sappi's stand will have an opportunity to experience Sol BCK - a release liner for visual communication and industrial applications as well as for adhesive tape products. Developed specifically for the American market, the release liner delivers a greatly improved carbon footprint by eliminating plastic coating, improved recyclability by saving plastic material as well as significant cost savings - compared to commonly used PCK-based (Polyethylene Coated Kraft) release liners. Sol BCK offers real advantages over PCK by reducing the CO2 footprint by more than 50 per cent as well as significantly better recyclability by avoiding the use of plastic PE. Many other solutions will also be on display at the trade fair, such as Sappi's Glassine and CCK silicone base papers which offer exceptional siliconization properties as well as easy and efficient processing. They are used as release liners for applications such as self-adhesive labels, visual communication applications, adhesive tapes and office supplies. Outstanding label papers for self-adhesive applications Also on show in Chicago are Sappi's outstanding label papers including its Parade Face Semi Gloss for self-adhesive labels, formerly known as Parade Label SG. The face stock paper boasts first-class printing and finishing properties. The one-side coated, semi-gloss paper for self-adhesive label applications excels with its outstanding printability, opacity and stiffness, as well as its excellent further processing capabilities. Produced at Sappi's Gratkorn mill, it is ideally suited for applications such as prime product labelling, general packaging, transport packaging, disposable bottles and containers. Sappi is proud to introduce LusterCote SG, a premium face stock for high-end pressure sensitive label applications. This new product builds on the success of LusterCote, offering enhanced brightness and a smooth semi-gloss finish for consistent and reliable performance through demanding converting processes. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in Skowhegan, Maine, LusterCote SG promises exceptional quality and durability. Investment in wet-glue wet-strength label papers at Gratkorn To further strengthen its label paper business, Sappi announced a significant long-term double-digit million investment project at its Gratkorn site, Austria, at the end of last year. The project, which is scheduled for completion in October 2024, focused on adapting production capacities for label papers to the increasing needs of the beverage industry - as well as capacities to produce high-quality wet-strength, alkali-resistant label paper in the future. Paper grades such as Parade Label Pro, developed for high-quality non-wet-strength labels in the food, beverage and consumer goods industries, are greatly benefiting from integrated pulp production as well as state-of-the-art production and converting equipment, such as a new embossing calender. Sappi's successful Parade Label Pro is the ideal choice to achieve high-impact product differentiation in retail environments. The glossy, one-side double-coated non-wet strength wet-glue label paper features an exceptionally smooth surface as well as a high degree of whiteness, while ensuring excellent printing and finishing results. Its sister product, Parade Label WS - a double-coated, wet-strength and alkali-resistant label paper - also benefits from the Gratkorn investment. It features a functional coating on its reverse side and its outstanding surface enables users to achieve impressive printing and finishing results. Also available in embossed and non-embossed versions, it can be converted using all standard printing processes and is suitable for creating high-quality labels, e.g. for returnable bottles in the beverage sector. A reliable partner in production, availability, supply and support Sappi has established high-performance production capabilities and seamless supply chains to guarantee 100% availability and quick delivery of its label papers. With production sites strategically located in Somerset (USA), Alfeld (Germany), Carmignano (Italy), and a significant investment in Gratkorn (Austria), Sappi is ideally positioned to ensure consistent, reliable supply of premium label papers. The company's state-of-the-art production facilities allow for flexible production cycles, ensuring rapid availability. Innovative back-up solutions, coupled with well-established logistics networks refined over decades, support fast deliveries. All this while advanced support technologies further enable Sappi to effectively meet the diverse needs of its customers. Visitors to Labelexpo Americas (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago) are invited to explore and experience many different samples and mock-ups of Sappi's products and to find out about selected references from around the world. About Sappi Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, Sappi is building a more circular economy by making what it should, not just what it can. Its raw materials offerings (including dissolving pulp, wood pulp and biomaterials) and end-use products (packaging papers, specialty papers, graphic papers, casting and release papers, forestry products) are manufactured from woodfibre sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. Many of Sappi's production facilities use internally generated bioenergy, enabling many of its operations to be energy self-sufficient. Sappi produces 5.5 million tons of paper, 2.6 million tons of paper pulp, 1.5 million tons of dissolving pulp per year. Globally, it has over 12,000 employees, 400,000 ha of owned and leased sustainably managed forests in South Africa. Sappi Limited (JSE) is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa with manufacturing operations across three continents and sells its products in more than 150 countries. Sappi Europe is a division of Sappi Limited where its European mills hold chain of custody certifications under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC C015022) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC/07-32-76) systems. Our papers are produced in mills accredited with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50 001 and ISO45 001 certification. We have EMAS registration at 5 of our 8 mills in Europe. Learn more about Sappi at: www.sappi.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sappi North America on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Sappi North America Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sappi-north-america Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Sappi North America View the original press release on accesswire.com The Board of Directors of JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX:JDVB) (the "Company") announced today that Paul E. Brummett, II has been appointed President of the Company, and Chief Executive Officer of JD Bank, the Company's banking subsidiary, effective October 1, 2024. Mr. Brummett will also join the Boards of Directors of the Company and JD Bank as of the same date. Mr. Brummett will succeed Bruce W. Elder, who has led the Company and JD Bank since 2019. Mr. Elder will remain with the Company and JD Bank in an advisory capacity through the end of the year to assist with the management succession. In addition to Mr. Brummett's appointment, JD Bank has promoted Chief Banking Officer James A. "Jimmy" LeBlanc to the office of President/Chief Banking Officer. Controller and Investment Officer Jared Doucet has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the Company and JD Bank. Each of these appointments was made in a manner consistent with management succession plans previously adopted by the Board of Directors. "The orderly succession of our leadership team is a critical responsibility of our Board of Directors," said Dan L. Donald, Jr., Chairman of the Board. "We have sought over time to develop a deep bench of key management positions to ensure continuity for the Company and JD Bank into the future. With his vast community banking experience, and lengthy tenure as a member of the JD Bank senior management team, Paul will oversee the strategic direction of the Bank as Chief Executive Officer, and Jimmy will continue to direct the Bank's day-to-day retail and commercial banking operations as President. We are also fortunate to have someone with Jared's finance and accounting background to step into the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Brummett has been in community banking for more than 32 years, all of which being with JD Bank, where he has served in a variety of executive officer capacities. He has more than 20 years of experience as Chief Financial Officer, led the Bank's branch operations for approximately 6 years and served for approximately 4 years as a credit analyst. A life-long resident of Southwest Louisiana, Mr. Brummett earned a Bachelor of Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Management, Marketing and Related Support from McNeese State University. He has also served for 20 years on the Board of Trustees for the Fred B. & Ruth B. Zigler Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Jennings, Louisiana which provides needs-based educational scholarships to area students. Mr. LeBlanc has 34 years of banking experience, with a focus on commercial lending in the Bank's markets. He began his banking career with American Security Bank in Ville Platte, Louisiana, before joining Guaranty Bank where he served on the Board of Directors and oversaw its Ville Platte operations. Mr. LeBlanc joined JD Bank upon its acquisition of Guaranty Bank in 2012, where he continued his career as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Bank's Northeast Market. Mr. LeBlanc was promoted to Chief Commercial Banking Officer in 2021, before becoming Chief Banking Officer in May 2024, a role that he will maintain as President of the Bank. In his capacity as President, Mr. LeBlanc will be responsible for all commercial and retail aspects of the bank. Mr. LeBlanc is a 1985 graduate of Louisiana State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, and a 1997 graduate of the LSU Graduate School of Banking. He is actively engaged in his community as a member of the Ville Platte Rotary Club, where he has served as past president and is a Paul Harris Fellow; the Evangeline Parish Chamber of Commerce; and the Sacred Heart Foundation. Mr. Doucet has 23 years of accounting and investments experience, approximately 14 of which have been with community banks. He has served as JD Bank's Controller and Investment Officer for approximately 9 years. Mr. Doucet is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Accounting and Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. "I have spent most of my professional career working for community banks and the opportunity to lead the team at JD Bank, together with Jimmy is exciting," said Paul E. Brummett, II. "We look forward to helping Louisiana's Community Bank to grow profitably and efficiently building upon Bruce's work while continuing to honor the community bank values upon which JD Bank was founded." Jimmy LeBlanc added, "We appreciate the trust that the Board of Directors has placed in us. We have a proven track record of working together as a team and in alignment with the Board's vision for the bank's future." About JD Bancshares, Inc. JD Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of JD Bank, a Louisiana state-chartered bank headquartered in Jennings, Louisiana. JD Bank has been serving the citizens of south Louisiana since 1947 and offers a variety of personal and commercial lending and deposit products through both physical and digital delivery channels. The Bank also offers both trust and investment services. JD Bank operates through 22 full-service branch offices and two loan and deposit production offices located along the I-10 and I-12 corridors from Lake Charles to Mandeville, Louisiana. Additional information is available on its website at jdbank.com. JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: JDVB) trades on the OTCQX Best Market. Companies on the OTCQX Best Market meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, demonstrate compliance with U.S. securities laws, and have a professional third-party sponsor introduction. Investors can find current financial disclosure and real-time level 2 quotes for the Company on otcmarkets.com. Contact: Dan Donald (Chairman) 337-246-5410 Paul Brummett (CFO) 337-246-5395 Website: www.jdbank.com SOURCE: JD Bancshares, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / From the south of Chile, we learn about the story of Julian Seco Lopez and his family fruit project. In Freire, a commune in the Province of Cautin, southern Chile, Julian Seco Lopez, a commercial engineer, chooses New Holland's blue machines for his family fruit project focused on the production of European hazelnuts. New Holland, a CNH brand, offers a broad portfolio of products ideal for various applications. With a seasonal production that exceeds 300 thousand tons and an average that, as of this year, begins to exceed two thousand kg per hectare, Julian's fruit project focuses on achieving the greatest possible efficiency, for which the mechanization of the various tasks has been fundamental. In this way, they benefit from the comparative advantages offered by this sector, one of the most stable and profitable in the national agro-export sector in recent years. In light of the results, the implementation of modern technologies and practices in agricultural management, the enabling of a complete process line to add value to production and the mechanization of the preliminary stages at the orchard level stand out. These aspects have improved the profitability of the business. "For us, accompanying our customers is essential. It's not just about selling machines, it's about building strong and lasting bonds with every man and woman in the field who has placed their trust in us," said Juliano Mendonca, New Holland's marketing and innovations manager. Thanks to the versatility of the T4 tractors, the commercial engineer can use them for other tasks such as planting, and transport to the process line and loading trucks for final dispatch. In addition, they are useful in specific tasks during the pruning season, such as assembling a pruning waste shredder. Mechanization and the use of specialized tractors are fundamental to the success of Julian Seco Lopez's fruit project, complemented by the quality after-sales service offered by SKC, the brand's official distributor. These tools not only improve operational efficiency, but also contribute significantly to the profitability and sustainability of the business. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CNH Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CNH View the original press release on accesswire.com The respiratory monitoring devices market is expected to experience significant growth due to the rising incidence of respiratory disorders, the growing number of risk factors contributing to these conditions, and the expanding elderly population vulnerable to respiratory diseases, among other factors, throughout the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading respiratory monitoring devices companies' market shares, challenges, respiratory monitoring devices market drivers, barriers, trends, and key market respiratory monitoring devices companies in the market. Key Takeaways from the Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Report As per DelveInsight estimates, North America is anticipated to dominate the global respiratory monitoring devices market during the forecast period. In the product type segment of the respiratory monitoring devices market, the spirometers category held a considerable market share in 2023. Notable respiratory monitoring devices companies such as Koninklijke Philips NV, ResMed, Medtronic plc., GE Healthcare, Draegerwerk, Seimens Healthineers, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Vyaire Medical, Inc., Hamilton Medical, Getinge Inc., BD, Airsep Corporation, Smiths Medical, Masimo, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, and several others, are currently operating in the Respiratory Monitoring Devices market. and several others, are currently operating in the Respiratory Monitoring Devices market. In February 2024, Masimo announced the FDA clearance of MightySat Medical, making it the first and only FDA-cleared medical fingertip pulse oximeter available Over-The-Counter (OTC) directly to consumers without a prescription. This clearance brought consumers a pulse oximeter medical device powered by Masimo SET pulse oximetry. announced the FDA clearance of MightySat Medical, making it the first and only FDA-cleared medical fingertip pulse oximeter available Over-The-Counter (OTC) directly to consumers without a prescription. This clearance brought consumers a pulse oximeter medical device powered by Masimo SET pulse oximetry. In September 2023, Alveofit (Roundworks Technologies) received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its portable digital spirometer, alveoair. The product is part of Alveofit's ecosystem, which provides real-time insights to healthcare professionals and enables timely interventions in respiratory care. These insights can offer predictive analytics along with AI models into respiratory health and allow clinicians to prioritize cases and deliver quality care. To read more about the latest highlights related to the respiratory monitoring devices market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Report Respiratory Monitoring Devices Overview Respiratory monitoring devices play a critical role in assessing and managing patients' respiratory health by measuring key parameters such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and carbon dioxide levels. These devices are essential in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings for tracking respiratory function in patients with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea. Common types of respiratory monitoring devices include pulse oximeters, capnographs, and spirometers. These tools help in the early detection of respiratory issues, enabling timely interventions and improving patient outcomes, particularly in critical care settings. Advancements in technology have made respiratory monitoring devices more portable, user-friendly, and accurate. For instance, wearable devices and mobile-integrated solutions are gaining popularity as they allow continuous, non-invasive monitoring, making it easier for patients to manage their conditions outside of clinical environments. These innovations provide real-time data, which can be shared with healthcare providers to offer personalized care and improve the quality of life for individuals with respiratory disorders. Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Insights North America held the largest share of the respiratory monitoring devices market in 2023 compared to other regions. It is also anticipated to lead the global market throughout the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. Key drivers for the market growth in North America include a significant patient population suffering from respiratory conditions, product approvals, and the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the United States. The growing number of respiratory disorder cases is likely to increase the demand for respiratory monitoring devices in the U.S. in the coming years. For instance, in 2020, Aluna, a portable spirometry device, received approval from the FDA, enabling patients to monitor lung health from home without visiting a doctor. As a result of these factors, the U.S. respiratory monitoring devices market is expected to experience strong growth during the 2024-2030 forecast period. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the respiratory monitoring devices market, get a snapshot of the Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Outlook Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Dynamics The respiratory monitoring devices market has experienced significant growth over recent years, driven by a confluence of factors that have reshaped the healthcare industry. One of the major forces propelling this growth is the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and sleep apnea. As these conditions affect millions globally, healthcare providers are investing heavily in technology to improve patient care and monitoring. Respiratory monitoring devices, including pulse oximeters, capnographs, and spirometers, are essential for continuous and non-invasive tracking of patients' respiratory health, which is particularly critical for managing chronic conditions. Technological advancements have also played a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of respiratory monitoring devices. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms into these devices has enabled the development of more accurate and predictive diagnostics. Wireless and portable respiratory monitoring devices have gained immense popularity, particularly in home care settings, as patients prefer convenient, on-the-go health monitoring solutions. Additionally, telemedicine has emerged as a complementary service, allowing physicians to remotely monitor patients' respiratory parameters, which has become increasingly vital post-pandemic. The rise in geriatric populations worldwide has further fueled demand for these devices. Older adults are more susceptible to respiratory ailments and typically require constant health monitoring. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for portable, easy-to-use devices that can be operated with minimal supervision. Additionally, the expanding availability of affordable healthcare options in developing countries has also led to greater market penetration of respiratory monitoring technologies in regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America. However, despite the positive growth trajectory, certain challenges continue to impede the market's full potential. High costs associated with advanced respiratory monitoring systems can be a barrier for low- and middle-income populations. Moreover, issues related to data privacy and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly relevant as more devices become connected to cloud systems for data storage and analysis. Stricter regulatory frameworks and standards must be adhered to ensure device safety and patient privacy. Looking ahead, the respiratory monitoring devices market is expected to maintain its upward growth trend. Expanding healthcare infrastructure, especially in emerging economies, and increasing awareness about early disease detection will further enhance market demand. Collaborative partnerships between device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and tech companies will also foster innovation and reduce the cost of these devices, making them more accessible to a wider patient base. Get a sneak peek at the respiratory monitoring devices market dynamics @ Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Dynamics Analysis Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 2021-2030 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market CAGR ~6% Key Respiratory Monitoring Devices Companies Koninklijke Philips NV, ResMed, Medtronic plc., GE Healthcare, Draegerwerk, Seimens Healthineers, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Vyaire Medical, Inc., Hamilton Medical, Getinge Inc., BD, Airsep Corporation, Smiths Medical, Masimo, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, among others Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Assessment Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Segmentation Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Segmentation By Wearability: Wearable and Non-Wearable Wearable and Non-Wearable Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Segmentation By Product Type: Spirometers, Pulse Oximeters, Capnographs, Sleep Tech Devices, and Others Spirometers, Pulse Oximeters, Capnographs, Sleep Tech Devices, and Others Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Segmentation By Geography : North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World : North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOL's Views, Analyst's View Which MedTech key players in the respiratory monitoring devices market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Respiratory Monitoring Devices Companies Table of Contents 1 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Report Introduction 2 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Executive Summary 3 Competitive Landscape 4 Regulatory Analysis 5 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Key Factors Analysis 6 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Porter's Five Forces Analysis 7 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Layout 8 Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Company and Product Profiles 9 KOL Views 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight 12 Disclaimer & Contact Us Interested in knowing the respiratory monitoring devices market by 2030? Click to get a snapshot of the Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Trends Related Reports Respiratory Drugs Market Respiratory Drugs Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast - 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key respiratory drugs companies, including AstraZeneca, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, GSK plc., Merck & Co., Grifols, S.A., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH., Sanofi, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Lupin, Verona Pharma plc, Moderna, Inc., Pfizer Inc., among others. 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Asthma Market Asthma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key asthma companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, AstraZeneca, Oneness Biotech Co., Ltd., Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Areteia Therapeutics, Jiangsu HengRui Medicine, SinoMab BioScience Ltd, Incyte Corporation, CSPC ZhongQi Pharmaceutical, Advagene Biopharma Co. Ltd., Beijing Kanova Biopharmaceutical, Inmunotek, Roche, Sanofi, ARS Pharmaceuticals, among others. Severe Asthma Market Severe Asthma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key severe asthma companies, including AstraZeneca plc, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Sanofi S.A., Novartis AG, Roche Holding AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Amgen Inc., AbbVie Inc., Genentech, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., Biogen Inc., CSL Limited, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 https://www.delveinsight.com/medical-devices Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-respiratory-monitoring-devices-market-to-register-sustainable-growth-at-a-cagr-of-6-by-2030--delveinsight-302243208.html VICTORIA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Boron One Holdings Inc. ("Boron One" or the "Company") (TSXV:BONE) is pleased to announce that the Company has accepted subscriptions for 5,171,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit, for gross proceeds of $258,550. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, exercisable at $0.07 for a period of 30 months. The Common Shares and Warrants comprising the Units will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities legislation. The Company intends to use net proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital requirements. The Company paid finder's fees to qualified finders of $10,00 and issued 130,000 broker warrants. The Private Placement is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Tim Daniels, President About Boron One Holdings Inc. Boron One Holdings Inc. is an international mineral exploration and development company with boron assets in Serbia. Headquartered in Victoria, B.C., Canada, Boron One's shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "BONE". For detailed information please see Boron One's website at www.boronone.com or the Company's filed documents at www.sedar.com. For further information, please contact: Boron's Public Quotations: Boron One Holdings Inc. Canada Blake Fallis, General Manager TSX Venture: BONE Phone: 1-250- 384-1999 or 1-888-289-3746 Berlin: EKV info@boronone.com US: SEC 12G3-2(B) #82-4432ERVFF www.boronone.com OTC PINK: ERVFF Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Boron One Holdings Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - European Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FIN) ("European Energy" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed it's the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 17,600,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.125 per Unit to raise gross proceeds of up to $2,200,000. Pursuant to the First Tranche, the Company has issued 15,795,000 Units for total gross proceeds of $1,974,375. Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Share") and one-half of a common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable for one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.20 until September 9, 2026. In connection with the First Tranche, the Company has paid Leede Financial Inc. a cash commission of $131,118.75 and has also issued 1,157,000 Shares and 239,050 non-transferable broker warrants (having the same terms as the Warrants) to Leede Financial Inc. as compensation. All securities issued pursuant to the First Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four months, expiring on January 9, 2025. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for exploration work on its properties and for working capital. Insiders of the Company have subscribed for 580,000 Units in the First Tranche. The issuance of the Units to the insiders pursuant to the Private Placement (the "Insider Participation") is considered to be a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - PROTECTION OF MINORITY SECURITY HOLDERS IN SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, in respect of the Insider Participation. Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company intends to complete the final tranche of the Private Placement within the next week. About European Energy Metals Corp. European Energy Metals Corp. is a junior mining company currently focused on the lithium-cesium-tantalum Finnish pegmatite project in central Finland. Governing bodies in Europe and Finland are legislating environmentally friendly and energy-independent laws and policies. One of the key components is access to REE (rare earth elements) and, specifically, lithium. The Company's concessions are located within 15 kilometres of the Keliber mine and production complex, currently under construction and expected to begin production in the second half of 2025. The Company cautions the presence of lithium mineralization on Keliber's properties is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the Company's mineral reservations. An estimated 600-million-euro investment by Keliber's parent company, Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd., in partnership with the Finnish Minerals Group, is under way in the Kautinen region, and will see the development of open-pit and underground mining from several deposits, construction of a central spodumene concentrator plant, and a lithium hydroxide chemical plant at tidewater in Kokkola. When completed, this complex will comprise a complete hard-rock spodumene pegmatite lithium supply chain. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the regarding completion of the final tranche of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the presence of lithium mineralization at, and the exploration and development potential of, the Finnish Pegmatite. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include the Company's ability to find suitable investors for the final tranche of the Private Placement or to obtain the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, management's discretion to reallocate the proceeds of the Private Placement as well as risks inherent in exploration as well as those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222748 SOURCE: European Energy Metals Corp. Zug, Switzerland, September 10th, 2024, Chainwire The Next-Gen Enterprise and Opportunity Navigator (NEON) program will support global enterprises on their journey into web3, fostering innovation and widespread adoption of blockchain technology. The Aleph Zero Foundation, a pioneer in privacy-enhancing blockchain infrastructure, announces the launch of its NEON Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support enterprises from various sectors in harnessing the power of blockchain technology. The program will deliver dedicated resources, expert guidance, and ease of access to innovative technology to facilitate deeper integration of privacy-enhancing blockchain technology across various business use-cases. The NEON Program goes beyond traditional enterprise support by offering a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to each members unique needs and ambitions in the web3 space. At its core, the program provides a team of dedicated business and technical experts who work closely with members to navigate the complexities of web3 integration. The program caters to a wide range of companies, from those taking their first steps into web3 to seasoned players. This hands-on approach is complemented by a wealth of educational resources, in-depth workshops, and tailored support designed to keep members at the forefront of market and tech developments. By fostering connections with industry experts and exploring potential new revenue streams through ecosystem participation, the NEON Program empowers enterprises to not just adapt to the evolving digital landscape, but to actively shape it. Blockchain technology is rapidly expanding into diverse industries, powering an ever-growing array of use cases, said Antoni Zolciak, Co-founder of Aleph Zero. As this landscape evolves, businesses need expert guidance to navigate and harness this technology effectively. Were incredibly proud to launch the NEON Program, offering tailored support that empowers enterprises at all stages of blockchain adoption. Our goal is to foster innovation, drive adoption, and help businesses unlock the full potential of web3 in their operations. Strategic Partnerships Across Industries Aleph Zero has already secured partnerships with global leaders in the telecommunications sector, including Deutsche Telekom and stc Bahrain, demonstrating the blockchains capability to meet the rigorous demands of large-scale operations. The program is expanding to include companies and organizations from various industries: Pairpoint (A Vodafone and Sumitomo Company): Born from two leading multinationals, Vodafone and Sumitomo, Pairpoint enables devices to act as autonomous economic agents, allowing them to transact directly between them to create better user experiences. For example, electric cars can pay for their energy, delivery trucks can sell spare capacity, or smart meters can sell their solar production to their neighbors. (A Vodafone and Sumitomo Company): Born from two leading multinationals, Vodafone and Sumitomo, Pairpoint enables devices to act as autonomous economic agents, allowing them to transact directly between them to create better user experiences. For example, electric cars can pay for their energy, delivery trucks can sell spare capacity, or smart meters can sell their solar production to their neighbors. CAMARA Foundation (Linux Foundation): Launched in 2021 under the Linux Foundation and GSMA, the CAMARA Project aims to standardize APIs for telecommunications networks. Aleph Zero joined as the first blockchain General Member to develop and contribute to blockchain-specific initiatives. A key focus of this collaboration is the Blockchain Public Address API, which could revolutionize how users interact with blockchain technologies on mobile devices. At Pairpoint, were exploring privacy-focused technologies in the evolving Economy of Things, where devices are becoming smarter and more autonomous, said Siva Balasuriyar, CFO and Web3 Lead at Pairpoint. Joining the NEON program provides Pairpoint with the resources and partnerships we need to strengthen our own knowledge, whilst collaborating with Aleph Zero and others in navigating this groundbreaking landscape. Supported by this partnership, Pairpoint will deploy and operate validator nodes to enhance the resilience and security of the blockchain infrastructure. Introducing the Next-Gen Enterprise & Opportunity Navigator Program The launch of the Next-Gen Enterprise & Opportunity Navigator (NEON) Program marks a new phase in Aleph Zeros engagement with enterprises. NEON is designed to help members effectively navigate the ecosystem, providing crucial support and fostering collaboration. With Aleph Zeros unique technology stack that features advanced zero-knowledge privacy capabilities, the program is particularly appealing for applications requiring stringent data privacy. Membership Benefits of the NEON Program: Dedicated Account Manager: Each member is assigned a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for personalized business and technical support. Each member is assigned a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for personalized business and technical support. Regular Insights: Members gain access to the latest ecosystem insights through regular updates from the NEON Program. Members gain access to the latest ecosystem insights through regular updates from the NEON Program. Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Members can participate in exclusive networking opportunities at key web3 conferences, events, hackathons, and ecosystem dinners. Members can participate in exclusive networking opportunities at key web3 conferences, events, hackathons, and ecosystem dinners. Exploratory Workshops: Members have the opportunity to engage in workshops designed to explore opportunities within Web3 and the Aleph Zero platform. Members have the opportunity to engage in workshops designed to explore opportunities within Web3 and the Aleph Zero platform. Custom AZERO Addresses: Each member receives a unique yourcompany.azero enterprise blockchain address. Each member receives a unique yourcompany.azero enterprise blockchain address. Access to Focus Groups: Members can join specialized focus groups on Data & Tooling, Loyalty, Art & Collectibles, and Web3 Education, each tailored to provide in-depth exploration of specific areas of interest. For more information on how to join the Aleph Zero NEON Program and benefit from its offerings, please visit the official website. About Aleph Zero Aleph Zero is a privacy-first ecosystem of blockchain solutions that are engineered for speed, data confidentiality, and ease of development. It achieves efficiencies akin to conventional web2 systems, upholds rigorous standards for data protection via zero-knowledge, and offers a comprehensive toolset for development across web3 that ranges from WASM-based Rust to EVM-based Solidity environments. Aleph Zeros versatility is highlighted by over 40 use cases being actively developed, showcasing its adaptability across various sectors and applications. These use cases are part of an engaged community and growing ecosystem of web3 applications that are supported by Aleph Zero ecosystem development programs. For more information, readers can visit https://alephzero.org/ About Pairpoint Pairpoint is creating the worlds largest Economy of Things (EoT) Ecosystem by providing a secure digital platform that allows vehicles, devices, and machines to autonomously and seamlessly interact and trade with each other. Headquartered in the UK with offices in London and Lisbon, Pairpoint is backed by a 60M investment from Vodafone Group and Sumitomo Group. For more information on Pairpoint, readers can visit https://www.pairpoint.io. For any enquiries about this release, readers can please contact [email protected] Contact PR Manager Josh Adams Aleph Zero [email protected] CorFlow Therapeutics, a Baar, Switzerland-based company advancing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for restoring healthy microvascular blood flow, raised 44M in Seris B funding. The round was co-led by Broadview Ventures and Panakes Partners with participation from 415 Capital, Merieux Equity Partners, Laerdal Million Lives Fund, Wellington Partners, M&L Investments, Unorthodox Ventures, KOFA Healthcare and Monte Carlo Capital. David Prim of Broadview Ventures, Barbara Castellano of Panakes Partners, Yoann Bonnamour of Merieux Equity Partners, and Rhiya Pau of Laerdal Million Lives Fund have joined the CorFlow Board of Directors. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the MOCA II (MVO with CoFITM System Assessment II) pivotal study intended to gain US market clearance. The trial will run in the US and Europe and aims to validate its CoFl system to diagnose MVO in heart attack patients immediately following stent implantation. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Rob Schwartz, Dr. Martin Rothman and Jon Hoem, and led by Paul Mead, President and Chief Executive Officer, CorFlow is advancing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for restoring healthy microvascular blood flow anywhere in the human body where a critical need exists. CorFlows CoFl system is being developed to provide timely, accurate and consistent detection of MVO while patients are still in the catheter laboratory (cath lab) immediately following the reopening of the larger epicardial arteries with a stent. The technology has been designed to also enable localized delivery of therapeutics to the microvasculature upon MVO diagnosis. CoFl also integrates into standard workflows utilizing existing guide catheter and wire access. The company is working in close partnership with scientists from the University of Bern, ETH Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich, in a collaboration funded by the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse). FinSMEs 10/09/2024 Weinstein, 72, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan from the Rikers Island jail complex late Sunday due to severe medical conditions, his publicist Juda Engelmayer and prison consultant Craig Rothfeld said read more Jailed ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein underwent an emergency medical procedure at a New York City hospital on Monday to remove fluid on his heart and lungs after he complained of chest pains over the weekend, his representatives said. Weinstein, 72, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan from the Rikers Island jail complex late Sunday due to severe medical conditions, his publicist Juda Engelmayer and prison consultant Craig Rothfeld said. We can confirm that Mr. Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today, Engelmayer and Rothfeld said. Weinstein was out of surgery as of Monday afternoon and is in recovery, they said. Advertisement Rothfeld identified the procedure as pericardiocentesis surgery. He said Weinstein had not been feeling well for several weeks and was worsening by the day. Weinsteins lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said they requested that jail officials immediately move Weinstein to Bellevue based on his complaints to us regarding chest pains. In one email, Aidala said, he told them: This guy is going to die on your watch if you dont do something. The city Department of Corrections public inmate-lookup website was updated Monday to show that Weinstein was moved to the Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward from the West Facility at Rikers Island, which is used to isolate inmates with contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, or for other reasons. News of Weinsteins hospitalization was first reported by ABC News. Weinstein has been in and out of Bellevue Hospital since returning to Rikers Island from state prison in April after an appeals court overturned his 2020 rape and sexual assault convictions and ordered a new trial. In July, he was hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs, his representatives said. After his February 2020 conviction, Weinstein left court in an ambulance and detoured to Bellevue, complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure. He later had a stent inserted to unblock an artery. After his sentencing a few weeks later, he returned to the hospital with more chest pains. He later tested positive for COVID-19 just days after being transferred to a state prison near Buffalo. Advertisement In 2021, when Weinstein was being extradited to California for prosecution on rape charges there, his lawyers disclosed a litany of afflictions, including: diabetes, coronary artery disease, anemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, chronic leg pain, arthritis, and eye ailments that had severely degraded his vision. At recent court hearings, he has used a wheelchair. As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers from a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment, Engelmayer and Rothfeld said Monday. The states Court of Appeals found that the judge in the 2020 trial unfairly allowed testimony from women whose claims against Weinstein werent part of the case. Advertisement Last week, prosecutors disclosed that theyve begun taking steps to potentially charge him with up to three additional sex assaults. They said theyve started presenting evidence to a grand jury of up to three previously uncharged allegations against Weinstein - two sexual assaults in the mid-2000s and another sexual assault in 2016. A vote on a potential new indictment was expected soon. At the same time, British prosecutors said last week they were dropping two charges of indecent assault against Weinstein in 2022 because there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone. He remains in custody in New York while awaiting a retrial in Manhattan thats tentatively scheduled to begin Nov. 12. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing Sept. 12. Advertisement Weinstein became the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement, which took root in 2017 when women began to go public with accounts of his behavior. At the original trial, Weinstein was convicted of forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 and rape in the third degree for an attack on an aspiring actor in 2013. Those allegations will be part of his retrial. Weinsteins acquittals on charges of predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape still stand. After the retrial, Weinstein is due to start serving a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles, authorities said. Weinstein was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022. Advertisement Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax and The Weinstein Company film studios, was once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, producing such Oscar winners as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love. What happened in his case? It was 2020, when the Hollywood veteran was sentenced on Wednesday to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault, a sight the Hollywood moguls multitude of accusers thought they would never see. Weinstein, who had been accused of violating scores of women , was convicted in around 2019 of raping a woman in a New York City hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on another woman at his apartment in 2006. He faced a maximum of 29 years in prison. Both women that Weinstein was convicted of assaulting a once-aspiring actress and a former TV and film production assistant spoke in court on Wednesday before Judge James Burke announced the sentence, confronting Weinstein again after their testimony helped seal his conviction at the landmark #MeToo trial. The once-aspiring actress that Weinstein was convicted of raping in 2013 recalled the moment during the trial when she left the witness stand in tears and then could be heard screaming from an adjacent room. Weinstein, who has maintained that any sexual any sexual activity was consensual, also spoke in court, saying he had fond memories of his accusers. Looking back during the trial at emails they exchanged, he said, he thought they had a good friendship: Im not going to say these arent great people. I had wonderful times with these people. Im just genuinely confused. Men are confused about this issue. Aarti, who is the daughter of noted television producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, and Ravi got married in 2009 and have two sons read more Ponniyin Selvan star Jayam Ravi on Monday announced that he is proceeding with the dissolution of his marriage with Aarti, his wife of 15 years, due to personal reasons. Ravi, a prominent face in Tamil cinema, shot to pan-India fame with Mani Ratnams two-part period saga Ponniyin Selvan. He essayed the role of the titular character, Prince Arulmozhi Varman, who would later go on to become the Chola emperor, Rajaraja I. Aarti, who is the daughter of noted television producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, and Ravi got married in 2009 and have two sons. Advertisement The actor wrote- After much thought, reflections and discussions, I have taken the difficult decision to proceed with the dissolution of marriage with Aarti. This decision was not made out of haste and it stems from personal reasons that I believe are in the best interests of everyone involved. He added, In light of this, I hereby kindly request all of you to respect our privacy as well as that of our family members during this difficult time and appeal to all of you to refrain from making any assumptions, rumors or allegations in this regard and let the matter remain private. Grateful for your love and understanding. Jayam Ravi pic.twitter.com/FNRGf6OOo8 Jayam Ravi (@actor_jayamravi) September 9, 2024 Ravi said he decided to share the news with his fans as he has always strived to be as transparent and honest with fans and media as much as possible. The actor requested privacy, urging them to not participate in rumours and allegations. The actor, son of veteran film editor A Mohan, is known for films such as Jayam, Daas, Mazhai, Bommarillu, Peranmai, Romeo Juliet, Bhoomi and Siren. Dubais Princess Shaikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced her divorce from her husband, Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, via Instagram read more Instagram is one of the most used social platforms across the globe. The video and photo-sharing site has been synonym to store and spread some precious memories of individuals and organisations, however, in recent times, Instagram has been making headlines for unpleasant reasons. While Dubais Princess Shaikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Insta-divorce has taken the internet by storm, Travel & Lifestyle content creator Aanvi Kamdar passed away at the age of 27 after falling into a gorge while shooting an Instagram Reel. Advertisement After publicly announcing divorce with her husband, the princess has now launched Perfume Line Called Divorce and fans are amused. One wrote- How to demand this perfume in shop ???? I want DIVORCE. Another said, I wish its not expensive every women can buy it. Insta-Divorce of Dubai Princess Dubais Princess Shaikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced her divorce from her husband, Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, via Instagram. The announcement post read, Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife. Shaikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum tied the knot last year in May, followed by the birth of their daughter twelve months later. Peter and Christine Scott, a British couple married for nearly half a century, are preparing to end their lives side by side in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland after the wifes dementia diagnosis. Known as the Tesla of euthanasia, the futuristic 3D suicide capsule supports euthanasia or voluntary assisted dying and has become a point of debate worldwide read more After 46 years together, the pair decided to end their lives side by side in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland after Christine, 80, a retired nurse, was recently diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia. Reuters Peter and Christine Scott, a devoted British couple married for nearly half a century, are preparing for a final journey like no other. After 46 years together, the pair decided to end their lives side by side in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland after Christine, 80, a retired nurse, was recently diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia. Peter, 86, a retired RAF engineer, expressed that he couldnt bear the idea of living without his wife, Australian news website News.au reported. Advertisement The former Royal Air Force pilot reflected on their life together and told The Daily Mail, 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 Chriss mental abilities in parallel to my own physical decline is horrific to me, he added. 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. For Peter, living without his wife is unimaginable. I would not want to go on living without her, he said. Peter and Christine Scott, a devoted British couple married for nearly half a century, have decided to end their lives side by side in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland. Image courtesy: X/@hollowdreams After discussions with their son and daughter, who, although hesitant, have come to terms with their parents decision, the Scotts revealed that their choice was driven by the fear of prolonged suffering in the failing NHS system. They were also deeply concerned about the potential financial burden, worried that years of paying for expensive care would drain their life savings and even cost them their home. I dont want to go into care, to be lying in bed dribbling and incontinent I dont call that a life," said Peter. Now, the Scotts will become the first to use a double Sarco pod, allowing them to end their lives together within minutes. Heres what we know about them What is a suicide pod? Advertisement Peter and Christine Scott will soon travel to Switzerland, where voluntary assisted suicide has been legal since 1942, with advocates upholding the principles of personal choice and autonomy in the dying process. The couple is currently registering with The Last Resort, a Swiss organisation that offers assisted dying via the Sarco pod. Known as the Tesla of euthanasia, the Sarco pod allows a person to die peacefully in about 10 minutes. First introduced in 2019, the pod was invented by Philip Nitschke, an Australian-born doctor often called Dr. Death for his work in assisted suicide. Known as the Tesla of euthanasia, the Sarco pod allows a person to die peacefully in about 10 minutes. AFP It aims to remove discomfort from the dying process, and its sleek 3D capsule design was showcased at the Venice Design Festival the same year. Advertisement The Scotts are waiting for the launch of a new twin model of the Sarco pod, which is expected later this year. Peter commented on their decision, saying, 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 cant do that here in the UK." In the UK, euthanasia and assisted dying remain illegal, with a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment for those assisting in a suicide. How does it work? The Sarco pod offers a swift, painless death within minutes, but follows Swiss law that stipulates that individuals seeking to end their own lives must be of sound mind and should not be motivated by selfish reasons. The 3D-printed coffin-like capsule operates by filling its chamber with nitrogen while rapidly reducing oxygen levels once a button is activated from inside. This whole process causes the person to lose consciousness and die within 10 minutes. Nitschke explained to AFP that users inside the capsule will hear a voice prompting, If you want to die, press this button. Advertisement The pods can also be activated in multiple ways, including gestures, voice control, or even eye movement for those unable to speak or physically move due to illness. The entire process is filmed for documentation and will be given to a coroner. But once activated, the process is irreversible. Critics accuse Nitschke of glamourising suicide, but he maintains that the pod empowers individuals to choose a dignified death. As for Christine, she has already planned her final days. Id like to go walking with Peter in the Swiss Alps, by a river. Id have a beautiful plate of fish for my last supper, and enjoy a great bottle of Merlot, she told The Daily Mail. Id make a playlist including Wild Cat Blues and The Young Ones by Cliff Richard and Ive found a poem called Miss Me But Let Me Go, which sums up exactly how I feel." Advertisement With input from agencies An international manhunt has been launched to nab a wanted man for allegedly throwing scalding coffee on a baby in an attack in Australias Queensland. The unprovoked attack took place in August and shocked the nation, leaving the nine-month-old infant with serious injuries read more The baby, named Luka, was at a picnic with his family at Hanlon Park in Brisbane on August 27, when the strange man allegedly threw the piping hot drink on him. Image Courtesy: V @littlemykonos/X An international manhunt has been launched to nab a wanted man for allegedly throwing scalding coffee on a baby in an attack in Australias Queensland. The unprovoked attack took place in August and shocked the nation, leaving the nine-month-old infant with serious injuries. Heres all we know about it. The incident The baby, named Luka, was at a picnic with his family at Hanlon Park in Brisbane on August 27, when the strange man allegedly threw the piping hot drink on him. Advertisement Onlookers rushed over with water to douse the child and was rushed to a nearby hospital. According to CNN, he underwent multiple surgeries for severe burns to his chin, neck, chest and back. The boys unnamed mother told local media at the time that it was all very quick and chaotic, adding, I didnt really understand what had happened at the time, but I just started screaming for help and yelling out that it was hot and that my son was burnt. An online fundraising page for the little boy has so far raised more than $100,000. The young child, according to the family, had shown remarkable fortitude in the face of the traumatic and difficult period. His mother reported that hes up and about, walking and causing chaos. We are incredibly proud of him because he is such a strong little boy. However, as the third week of the police inquiry approaches, the family is still seeking justice. This horrific event should have never happened, the mother said. Hopefully one day justice will be served. Motive unclear After the random attack, the man was seen running from the scene and taking a cab to Brisbane city centre. He then drove by car across the state border to New South Wales before flying from Sydney Airport on August 31, according to BBC. Advertisement A closed-circuit television footage released by local police showed him wearing a blue plaid shirt, black hat and glasses. The motive behind the incident is still unknown. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the case as one of the most complex and frustrating he had ever led. Im continually scratching my head. We cant find a motive, Dalton told media, adding, A rational, normal person, you would think, wouldnt do something like that. But thats not always the case. Queensland Police have issued an arrest warrant for the 33-year-old man over acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm. Notably, its a charge that carries a possible life sentence. Advertisement The man aware of police methodologies Dalton told the media that initial investigations were delayed because of the false information about the suspect and his own surveillance of the police operation. The detective said, I was in the investigation centre when we put a name to the face, and it was a very happy room, only for us to do a check in 15 minutes and find out we lost him. It soon became apparent to us that this person was aware of police methodologies, was certainly conducting counter surveillance activities, which made the investigation quite complex, Dalton told reporters. Although he declined to name the man or his destination for fear of hampering the investigation, he described the man as an itinerant worker who had come and gone from Australia on various visas since 2019. Advertisement He had last entered the country in January 2022. The suspect flew again on Monday. According to CNN, preliminary investigations have taken police to New South Wales and Victoria, where the man lived at several addresses on work and holiday visas. The Police spoke to his colleagues to learn about his movements. Heartbreaking news The babys parents, outside the Queensland Childrens Hospital where her son has undergone skin graft surgeries, said she was devastated to learn the heartbreaking news that the accused had escaped the country. It sounds like they were very, very close in catching him, she said, adding, I just want to know why, why he [allegedly] did this? These are questions that may always be unanswered. Advertisement The babys physical healing would take years, she said, according to The Guardian, but the family might never fully recover from the mental scars. For me, personally, Ive been living in fear, anxiety, stress. I had no idea where this person was. I didnt want to leave this hospital because it became our safe space. Returning home, I had panic attacks, and still continue to do so I will always have fear and anxiety being out in public with my son its affected my mental health for the rest of my life. It should be a happy, joyful time, Im a first-time mum. Honestly, I cry every single day," she said. With inputs from agencies The Congress and the AAP began talks of a possible tie-up in Haryana after the Grand Old Partys leadership expressed interest in coming together for the October 5 Assembly elections. However, the talks hit a stalemate and it seems the two sides will go solo. What went wrong? read more An alliance between the Congress and the AAP in Haryana for Assembly polls seems elusive. File Photo/PTI After the alliance talks between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections collapsed on Monday (September 9), the Arvind Kejriwal-led party released its first list of 20 candidates. The AAP has fielded candidates for as many as 12 seats where the Congress has already announced its nominees. The AAPs Haryana unit has reportedly said it will contest all 90 seats and will release another list of 20 candidates soon. So far, the Congress has declared 41 candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls slated for October 5. Advertisement Announcement The Party hereby announces the following candidates for the state elections for Haryana Assembly. Congratulations to all pic.twitter.com/Ulca3eVppu AAP (@AamAadmiParty) September 9, 2024 But why did seat-sharing talks between the Congress and the AAP break down? Lets understand. Hopes for alliance in Haryana It all started last week when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi showed a keen interest in allying with the AAP for the Haryana polls. As per reports, he had sought the opinion of party leaders to explore a tie-up with the AAP. AAPs Sanjay Singh had welcomed the reports of Gandhi seeking an alliance with his party in Haryana, which has been ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a decade. Soon after, the two parties reached an in-principle agreement to contest together. This came after the Congress and AAP alliance stopped the saffron party from sweeping the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Buoyed by the oppositions performance in the Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi wanted to send the message of unity in the INDIA bloc through the tie-up with the AAP. Advertisement The Congress leadership was also considering giving one or two seats to the Samajwadi Party (SP), as per Indian Express. Dissenting voices within parties The Haryana Congress faction led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda strongly opposed any alliance with the AAP, as per reports. Last month, the former Haryana chief minister told NDTV that he had not talked to AAPs state leaders since the general election, adding that in the Hindi heartland state, the fight is between the BJP and Congress. On Sunday, AAP Delhi MLA Somnath Bharti expressed opposition to the alliance, saying the Congress had not campaigned for his partys candidates in the Lok Sabha election in Delhi. Advertisement Before the AAP-Congress alliance is inked in Haryana, Aam Aadmi Party must evaluate the effectiveness of similar alliance formed in Delhi during Lok Sabha Election. While my national convenor Arvind Kejriwal ji did roadshows for all the three Congress candidates, senior leaders and cabinet ministers of AAP campaigned for all three Congress candidates but AAP candidates especially myself were not supported at all, especially by Congress Delhi and local leaders, he wrote in a post on X. Bharti claimed the majority of AAP supporters were not in favour of such a misfit and selfish tie-up, adding that the party should go solo in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. Advertisement Some other AAP leaders were of a similar view. Forming an alliance with Congress for the Assembly election will hurt us in the long run. We came to power attacking the Congress and how can we form an alliance with the Congress at the Assembly level too? a party leader was quoted as saying by The Hindu. As per The Wire report, Haryana Congress leaders believed the party was capable of fighting the polls on its own and a tie-up with the AAP would not have added any benefit to the party. The AAP had contested 46 seats in the 2019 Assembly polls in the state but failed to open its account. The party also failed to win any seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Haryana. Advertisement Talks fall apart As the talks began, the AAP initially asked for 10-15 seats. However, it reduced its demand later and told the Congress it wanted five to seven constituencies of its choice, according to an Indian Express report. The Grand Old Party was, however, not willing to give these seats Kalayat, Pehowa, Jind, Guhla, and Sohna sought by the AAP. Sources told India Today that the Congress, which is hopeful of upstaging the BJP in the Assembly polls, was offering only three seats to the AAP. The Grand Old Party did not want to part with winnable seats and was offering Kejriwals party the constituencies that are considered strongholds of the BJP. On the other hand, the AAP was firm on contesting from the Jind and Kalayat Assembly segments. We were very clear that there can be no agreement without the Congress offering Kalayat and Jind seats to us, a source said, as per The Hindu report. The seat-sharing negotiations failed and the two parties are likely to go solo in the polls. Speaking to Indian Express, sources in the AAP blamed an influential leader of the Congress for sabotaging the alliance prospects by terming the seats demanded by Kejriwals party as non-negotiable. Hence, we could not find a mix of seats agreeable to both the Congress and the AAP, he said. After the AAP released its first list on Monday, its Haryana unit chief said the party will contest all 90 seats on its own. AAP has made its decision.. we have gone ahead and announced candidates for 20 seats (with a) further list to come as well. We are confident about our outcome on all 90 seats he told NDTV. VIDEO | Haryana elections 2024: "By this evening, we will release our list for all 90 seats... AAP is fully capable of uprooting this arrogant BJP government. Every AAP worker is disciplined. AAP workers are ready to fight with full strength on all 90 seats," says Haryana AAP pic.twitter.com/bSeQ7WMz5x Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 9, 2024 AAP leader Raghav Chadha had previously said there is a desire, wish and hope for an alliance on both sides but the deal would not happen if there was no win-win situation. The Congress and the AAP were expected to release their third and second lists, respectively, on Monday. If they announced the lists today, it would be a confirmed signal of no pre-poll alliance between the two, noted Indian Express. An agreement between the two parties would have given a boost to the INDIA grouping, providing a template for the opposition grouping in states where they are each others rivals, as per the newspaper. The last date to file nominations for Haryana polls is September 12. Time is running out for both parties to forge a deal, else go their separate ways. With inputs from agencies SpaceXs Polaris Dawn launched today (September 10) from Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Billionaire Jared Isaacman, who is bankrolling the mission, and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis are set to make history with the worlds first privately managed spacewalk. Heres everything you need to know about the first of three planned missions in the Polaris programme read more SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission launched today (September 10) from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, which will last six days, will see two of its crew make the worlds first privately managed spacewalk. The spacewalk will occur on the third day. But what do we know about the mission? Why will it be historic? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? The Elon Musk-run company is sending four people to Earths Orbit. The astronauts are making the journey in the companys Crew Dragon capsule. Advertisement Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions planned in the Polaris programme. According to The Conversation, the trip is being powered by the companys Falcon 9 rocket. The Crew Dragon capsule is called Resilience. As per Space.com, the four astronauts will be further from Earth than anyone has been since NASA wrapped up its Apollo missions. The mission will not dock with the International Space Station (ISS). Instead, the crew will orbit the Earth at an altitude of around 1,367 kilometres, as per The Conversation. This is over thrice the distance from the Earth to the ISS around 400 kilometers The crew comprises billionaire Jared Isaacman, SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, and ex-US Air Force pilot Scott Poteet. Mission specialist Anna Menon, pilot Scott Poteet, commander Jared Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis at the Kennedy Space Center ahead of the launch of the Polaris Dawn mission. AP The Polaris Dawn mission has been faced repeated delays. It was originally slated to launch in 2022, as per Moneycontrol. Isaacman, the billionaire CEO of payments processing firm Shift4 Payments and a seasoned pilot, is commanding the Polaris Dawn mission. Isaacman is bankrolling the mission under his Polaris program, although he declined to disclose the total expenditure, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Advertisement As per The Conversation, seats on previous Dragon capsules have gone for around $55 million. The mission will be his second foray into space, following his leadership of the first all-civilian Inspiration4 mission to orbit Earth in 2021, organised and primarily funded by him in partnership with SpaceX. After Polaris Dawn, Isaacman has two more missions planned under the Polaris program another flight on Crew Dragon followed by a flight on Starship, SpaceXs next-generation rocket under development. He has not announced crewmates or dates for those flights. We dont get the freedom of any time of day to launch but I think itll work out to [be] pretty close to dawn, which is very appropriate given the mission, Isaacman told CNBCs Investing in Space last month. Advertisement As per The Conversation, Polaris Dawn will be sending communications back and forth to Earth through the Starlink satellites. The program is set to undertake around 40 experiments including seeing how the human body reacts in low-gravity environments and measuring the radiation the capsule receives. The walk to make history Two of the missions four-member crew will head out of their Crew Dragon capsule in Earths orbit for a tethered spacewalk also known as extravehicular activity (EVA). Isaacman and Gillis Polaris Dawns mission specialist will be the ones making history. Advertisement As per The Conversation, the astronauts will have to reduce their altitude to around 400 kilometres during the space walk. This is to reduce their radiation exposure. Space.com quoted Isaacman as saying the spacewalk would take around two hours. This is historic because spacewalks, which are extremely risky, have thus far have only been made by government astronauts. However, the actual spacewalk itself wont take longer than 49 minutes. Isaacman and Gillis will walk separately. They will likely each spend around 15 to 20 minutes outside the Crew Dragon capsule, team members told the website. The trip also marks the first major test of SpaceXs new spacesuits. Image courtesy: SpaceX Isaacman told Space.com not to expect anything like Ed Whites 1965 spacewalk the first by a US astronaut. The Ed White photo is historic, but I think, as you know, Buzz Aldrin taught us thats not the right way to do an EVA, Isaacman said. Advertisement Were just not going to be just floating around, he added. Isaacman said he understands the gravity of the EVA. The only thing that comes close to that is the vacuum chamber, and thats where youre pretty much feeling as close as its like to be in the vacuum conditions or space. That definitely gives you the actual sensations of the pressure changes and the temperature changes, as well as just the psychological stressors of being in a very harsh environment, Isaacman told CNBC. But the astronauts are as well prepared as they can be. Gillis, for example, has trained NASA astronauts for several operations, including International Space Stations Dragon missions Demo-2 and Crew-1 and Inspiration4 mission in 2021. Gillis began her career at Space X in 2015 after graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with an engineering degree. She is now the companys senior space operations engineer. Her responsibilities include training astronauts on safety and flight operations. SpaceXs spacesuits set to be tested The trip also marks the first major test of SpaceXs new spacesuits. As per CNBC, SpaceX has spent the past few years building its EVA suit from its intravehicular activity (IVA) suit. Though Poteet and Menon arent doing the spacewalk, they will be watching carefully. This is because the Crew Dragon capsule lacks an airlock and will completely depressurise for the spacewalk. Which means all four crew members including Poteet and Menon will need to rely on their suits to survive. Itll look like were doing a little bit of a dance. And what that is, were going through a series of test matrix on the suit, Isaacman was quoted as saying by Space.com. The idea is to learn as much as we possibly can about the suit and get it back to the engineers to inform future suit design evolutions. Its not lost on us that, you know, it might be 10 iterations from now and a bunch of evolutions of the suit, but that, someday, someone could be wearing a version of which that might be walking on Mars, Isaacman said. And it feels like, again, a huge honour to have that opportunity to test it out on this flight. Experts say the mission is a big deal. As Wendy Whitman Cobb noted in The Conversation, If successful, this mission will show that private companies are working on developing the capabilities needed to go to the Moon or Mars. Like many of SpaceXs activities, Polaris Dawn is ambitious, but it is necessary for the companys future plans. Before SpaceX can run to Mars, it must first walk or spacewalk, to be more precise, Cobb wrote. With inputs from agencies Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to make ecocide an international crime and put it in the same category as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression in the backdrop of climate change wreaking havoc across the planet. But what do we know about ecocide? Is there an agreed-upon legal definition for it? What do experts think about making it an international crime? read more A panel in 2021 defined ecocide as 'unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.' Reuters Three developing nations have proposed making ecocide an international crime. Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to put ecocide in the same category as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Interestingly, ecocide is already a crime in a dozen nations including Belgium, Vietnam, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and France. The development comes in the backdrop of climate change wreaking havoc across the planet. Advertisement But what is it? Is it time to declare it an international crime? Lets take a closer look: What is it? There is no agreed upon legal definition for ecocide. However, as per WeForum.org, in 2021, a dozen criminal and environment lawyers collectively known as The Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide assembled by the NGO Stop Ecocide International formulated a definition. They, after working for a year and a half, defined ecocide as unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts. This was part of a campaign by Stop Ecocide International to make ecocide an international crime and thus come under the ambit of the ICC, which sits in the Hague. As per The Guardian, the ICC recognising ecocide would allow for people such as heads of state or CEOs of companies that pollute to be charged with a crime. The idea of ecocide itself isnt new. Advertisement The word was first used to describe the human and environmental devastation caused by the use of the defoliant Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. As per Washington Post, the term was coined by biologist and bioethicist Arthur Galston. Galston also used the term during the 1970 Conference on War and National Responsibility in Washington. Ecocide also became the subject of regular discussions at the United Nations throughout the 1970s. According to NPR, the term was brought up in 1972 by then Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. Palme, addressing the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment, was quoted as saying, The immense destruction brought about by indiscriminate bombing, by large-scale use of bulldozers and herbicides is an outrage sometimes described as ecocide, which requires urgent international attention. In 1998, the destruction of the environment was proposed as an international crime against peace, but ultimately wasnt adopted as part of the International Criminal Courts (ICC) Rome Statute. Advertisement While ecocide is already outlawed in a dozen nations, another 27 countries, including a bunch of EU member states are considering doing so, according to Stop Ecocide International. Belgium and France most recently recognised ecocide as a crime. As per Washington Post, Belgium defined ecocide as deliberately committing an unlawful act causing serious, widespread and long-term damage to the environment, in the knowledge that such acts cause such kind of damage. It mandates a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $1.8 million for the crime. Advertisement Italy, Finland and Denmark have opened discussions on adding it to their criminal codes, Stop Ecocide International has said. During wartime, ecological crimes can be prosecuted under article 8 of the ICCs Rome Statute, which prohibits the launching of an attack in the knowledge it will cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment. In this image from a surveillance camera provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, smoke rises from a cooling tower of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in a Russia-controlled area in the Energodar, Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, on August 11, 2024. AP File Ukraine is currently collecting evidence and building legal cases against Russia in the ICC over environmental damage stemming from Moscows 2022 invasion in relation to the seizure of the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. Environmentalists hope the move will boost the case for recognising ecocide as a crime. What do experts say? Some experts think its an idea whose time has come. Jojo Mehta, co-founder of the Stop Ecocide, told The Guardian the proposal was a key moment in the campaign to have ecocide designated an international crime. Advertisement Once its on the timetable of the ICC, it has to be discussed, Mehta said. Up to now, member states have not been obliged to address the issue. Philippe Sands KC, a prominent international lawyer and professor of law at University College London, was part of the independent panel that came up with the definition of ecocide. He told the newspaper he was 100% certain the ICC would recognise it as an international crime. The only question is when, Sands said. I was sceptical at first, but now I am a true believer. There has already been real change, as some countries have put it in domestic law. I think this is the right idea at the right time. Donald R Rothwell, an expert in international law at the Australian National University, agreed. Rothwell told the Washington Post, Recognition of ecocide as an international crime would be a major advance in international accountability for severe environmental harm. However, he noted that it would be a long diplomatic process. Others say simply making it an international crime isnt nearly enough. As David Whyte, professor of socio-legal studies at the University of Liverpool and author of the book Ecocide, told BBC, Its really important to change our language and the way we think about whats harming the planet we should push through this crime of ecocide but its not going to change anything unless, at the same time, we change the model of corporate capitalism. Some expressed scepticism that the ICC would make ecocide an international crime. Kevin Heller, associate professor of public international law at the University of Amsterdam, who has also worked closely with the ICC, told Reuters while he shares the desire to criminalise the destruction of the environment, he doesnt think it is something the ICC will ever adopt. International law is complicated, he said, and there is a huge difference between the ICCs Assembly of State Parties adopting an amendment, and ratifying it so it becomes law. The likelihood of anyone ever ending up in the dock at the ICC facing ecocide charges is so remote, he says. However, the act of putting forward an amendment to add ecocide to the Rome Statute could have a catalysing impact at a national level, he says, and make states more likely to criminalise ecocide themselves. Heller can see this thinking in the pragmatic concessions within the language of the 2021 definition, which he says was all about getting states on board. He believes a stronger definition is needed. Basically the (current) definition says that if youre benefiting humans enough, you can destroy the environment, and to me, thats not ecocide, he says, dubbing it instead an anthropocentric cost-benefit analysis. This is the biggest criticism: it is not a truly eco-centric crime if any amount of environmental harm is acceptable. The ICC recognising ecocide is unlikely to be a game-changer for other reasons too. Though 120 countries including the UK and many from the EU are part of the body, the worlds biggest polluters India, China and the United States are not, as per The Guardian. Calls for the arrest of Israels Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and Russias Vladimir Putin who has a warrant against him for alleged war crimes during Russias invasion of Ukraine have also gone unheeded. With inputs from agencies The US Department of Justice has charged two leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, an extremist white supremacist group accused of plotting global violence through Telegram. Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison allegedly incited acts of terrorism, provided bomb-making instructions, and glorified attacks targeting racial minorities and government officials read more A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed Telegram logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. File Image/Reuters The United States Department of Justice, on Monday, announced sweeping charges against two leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, an extremist white supremacist network alleged to be plotting a global campaign of racially motivated violence through the social media app Telegram. US Prosecutors say Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, are behind a wave of extremist content intended to incite hate crimes, assassinations, and the eventual collapse of society to start a race war. Advertisement The charges have highlighted the evolving threat posed by extremist groups operating in the dark corners of the internet, using platforms like Telegram to spread white supremacist propaganda and solicit acts of violence. The case has also cast a spotlight on Telegrams role in hosting hate groups and its moderation challenges, with its founder Pavel Durov recently being detained in France on unrelated charges linked to the platforms use for criminal activities. Who are the Terrorgram Collective? The Terrorgram Collective is an online white supremacist network that originated on Telegram, a messaging platform known for its privacy and encryption features. According to the indictment, Humber and Allison took leadership of the group in 2022, after the previous leaders faced terrorism-related investigations. The collective is built around the ideology of white supremacist accelerationism, which posits that societal collapse and racial war are necessary to establish a white ethnostate. The group operates through Telegram, an app that allows users to create private, encrypted channels and group chats, giving extremist networks the cover they need to spread their ideology without fear of detection. Todays indictment charges the defendants with leading a transnational terrorist group dedicated to attacking Americas critical infrastructure, targeting a hit list of our countrys public officials, and carrying out deadly hate crimes all in the name of violent white supremacist ideology, said US Attorney General Merrick Garland. Todays arrests are a warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you. The United States Department of Justice will find you, and we will hold you accountable. Advertisement How does this group operate? The group utilises multiple Telegram channels and group chats to distribute content that promotes violent action. This content often glorifies past white supremacist attacks, provides instructions for carrying out violent acts, and solicits followers to target racial minorities, government officials, and critical infrastructure. Their aim, prosecutors argue, is not only to spread hate but to incite their followers to commit real-world acts of terror. The Terrorgram Collective has used Telegram to promote its violent message to a global audience, urging followers to carry out attacks wherever they can. The indictment alleges that the groups leaders called for attacks on key infrastructure, such as federal buildings and energy facilities, believing these acts would hasten societal collapse. Advertisement Court documents reveal how Humber and Allison encouraged their followers with slogans like Take Action Now and Do your part, prompting members to carry out acts of violence. Prosecutors say they supplied bomb-making instructions and offered tactical advice for conducting terror attacks. In one case, a follower allegedly used their guidance to plan an attack on an energy facility in New Jersey. The Terrorgram Collectives digital reach is extensive. Prosecutors said the groups influence extends well beyond the US, inspiring attacks across Europe and even in Turkey. The groups online nature makes it difficult for authorities to track down and dismantle, as its content is dispersed across multiple channels and often disappears as quickly as it appears. This gives the collective a level of anonymity and protection from immediate law enforcement actions. Advertisement In US court filings, the collective is described as a hub for racially motivated violence, with members encouraged to become Saints through acts of terror. One of their documents, *The Hard Reset*, offers detailed steps for making explosives such as napalm, pipe bombs, and chlorine gas, while another, *The List*, identifies high-value targets for assassination, including government officials and prominent figures. Prosecutors allege that the pair had compiled a hit list featuring a US senator, a federal district judge, a former US attorney, and other figures viewed as enemies of white supremacy. What are the charges against the accused? The charges allege that Humber and Allison were not just disseminating hateful rhetoric they were actively encouraging and equipping followers to commit attacks. US Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said the indictment reflects the departments response to the new technological face of white supremacist violence. Advertisement The groups content allegedly included bomb-making instructions, as well as detailed strategies for avoiding detection by law enforcement while executing attacks on federal buildings and energy infrastructure. Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes, Soliciting the Murder of Federal Officials, and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists : https://t.co/LinF7suA5k pic.twitter.com/xKOrkqQn3b U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 9, 2024 Among the most shocking revelations is the groups celebration of violent acts perpetrated by their followers. The indictment cites several examples, including the 2022 stabbing of five people outside a mosque in Turkey and a deadly shooting at an LGBTQ bar in Slovakia, where two people were killed. An attack on energy facilities in New Jersey was also mentioned in the indictment. The attackers were praised and their actions glorified by the Terrorgram Collective. In the case of the Slovakia shooter, Humber reportedly narrated his manifesto and released it as an audiobook, declaring him the groups first Saint. Humber and Allison are accused of producing a 24-minute documentary titled White Terror, which celebrates 105 acts of white supremacist violence committed between 1968 and 2021. The film refers to attackers as the best of our brothers and assures future perpetrators that their actions will be immortalised. Prosecutors say the documentary and other propaganda materials are designed to radicalise followers and push them toward violent acts. What role has Telegram played in this? Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, has come under fire for its role in facilitating extremist content. Though the app is widely used for legitimate purposes, it has also gained notoriety as a platform for criminal networks, extremist groups, and terrorists. Telegrams privacy features and lax moderation policies have made it a preferred choice for groups like the Terrorgram Collective. Durov himself was detained in France last month on unrelated charges concerning the platforms use for criminal activities such as drug trafficking and child pornography. He has since been released, but the case has reignited debates about the responsibility of social media executives for the content shared on their platforms. Durov defended Telegram, stating that while the app is not some sort of anarchic paradise, the rapid growth of its user base reportedly around 950 million has made it challenging to control. He vowed to take stronger actions against harmful content, saying, We take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day. Also Watch: Despite these assurances, Telegrams moderation efforts have been criticised as insufficient. A spokesperson for Telegram, Remi Vaughn, reiterated, Calls to violence have no place on Telegrams platform. Moderators removed several channels that used variations of the Terrorgram name when they were discovered years ago. Similar content is banned whenever it appears. However, the Terrorgram Collective continues to operate, highlighting the difficulties of completely eradicating extremist content from digital platforms. Telegrams emphasis on user privacy, combined with the platforms global reach, creates an environment where groups like Terrorgram can continue to flourish in relative anonymity. What next? Both Humber and Allison face a total of 15 criminal charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, soliciting hate crimes, and soliciting the assassination of federal officials. If convicted on all counts, each could face up to 220 years in prison. Humber has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and it is unclear if Allison has legal representation. The indictment also raises concerns about the growing influence of online extremist networks and the challenge of policing hate speech and terrorism in the digital age. The US Justice Department has made it clear that they are prepared to combat this new breed of digital extremism. This case reflects the departments determination to hold accountable those who hide behind computer screens to incite violence and terrorism, said Kristen Clarke. US Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen added, These are not mere words. Their intent is to inspire others to commit real-world acts of violence, and they provide the means and encouragement to do so. With inputs from agencies Delhis skies will be quiet ahead of festival season, as the AAP-led government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and usage of firecrackers until January 1, 2025. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the measure was essential to protect citizens from the worsening air pollution caused by firecrackers read more Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said have robust plans in place to ensure the effective implementation of the firecracker ban. They said they have developed a joint action plan in coordination with the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Revenue Department. Reuters In a decisive move to combat the choking smog that engulfs the capital each winter, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government has slammed the brakes on fireworks until January 1, 2025. On Monday, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and usage of firecrackers in Delhi, just ahead of the festive season. Rai said that the use of firecrackers during this period significantly exacerbates pollution levels, leading to detrimental effects on public health. Advertisement But how exactly do these firecrackers impact our health? Lets take a closer look. Delhis blanket ban on firecrackers The ban on firecrackers aims to tackle the capitals recurring air pollution crisis, which worsens significantly during the winter months, Delhis Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. This measure is essential to protect citizens from the worsening pollution caused by firecrackers. The ban extends to online delivery and sales, leaving no room for ambiguity, Rai further said. Each year, the capital faces a public health crisis, in the run-up to and during most of the winter season. The crisis is exacerbated when pollution from farm fires in Punjab and Haryana combines with firecracker emissions during Diwali to skyrocket the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital past 400 and even 450, to reach pollution levels of severe and severe-plus. To combat this air pollution menace, the Supreme Court in 2018 banned all conventional firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, and allowed only green crackers without barium salts to be burst in the region. However, due to difficulty in distinguishing between green and conventional crackers, the state government since 2020 began imposing a blanket ban on all firecrackers every winter. Each year, the capital faces a public health crisis, in the run-up to and during most of the winter season. The crisis is exacerbated when pollution from farm fires in Punjab and Haryana combines with firecracker emissions during Diwali to skyrocket the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital past 400. File Image/ Reuters On Monday, Rai said have robust plans in place to ensure the effective implementation of the firecracker ban. They said they have developed a joint action plan in coordination with the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Revenue Department. Additionally, Rai said the AAP-led government is preparing a winter action plan in the national capital, based on the 21 focus points to control air pollution in the city. Plus, they will launch a series of campaigns will be launched in the coming weeks as part of this plan, urging residents to cooperate in efforts to reduce pollution. Advertisement However, every year the firecracker ban has little effect on the ground. A thriving black market emerges, selling firecrackers openly across NCR and by Diwali, these regulations are frequently and openly violated, resulting in the city being enveloped in a dense haze for days. Those who oppose the firecracker ban argue that it interferes with festivals and traditions, and there are much bigger reasons for pollution in Delhi. Without controlling stubble and dust pollution, the people of Delhi cannot get relief. Every year, the traditional joy and enthusiasm of Hindus on Diwali is destroyed by banning firecrackers on Diwali. At least green firecrackers should be allowed, BJP leader and South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said. Advertisement How do firecrackers cause pollution? Firecrackers dazzle with a mix of oxidisers, fuel, colouring agents, and binders. Oxidisers like nitrates and chlorates release oxygen, while charcoal, the commonest fuel in Indian fireworks, fuels the explosion. As firecrackers burst, they release toxic pollutants that can harm respiratory health and the environment, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Colours in firecrackers come from chemicals like aluminium for white, barium nitrate for green, and copper for blue whereas binders keep everything together. Firecrackers also have metals like aluminium, titanium, copper, strontium, barium that regulate the reaction speed of these chemicals. Yet, these very ingredients are problematic. As firecrackers burst, they release toxic pollutants that can harm respiratory health and the environment, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Advertisement Health hazards of firecrackers Firecrackers unleash a hazardous mix of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These tiny particles can deeply infiltrate the lungs, causing severe respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or bronchitis, Dr Ridhima Mahadeva from Zigly, Panchkula told ABP News. The health ministrys advisory highlights that even short-term exposure to this pollution can trigger acute symptoms, including eye irritation, cough, difficulty breathing, and headaches. For pregnant women, firecracker pollution poses additional risks. Dr Sunipa Chatterjee from Techno India Dama Hospital told ABP News that During the early stages of pregnancy, exposure to loud sounds, such as those produced by firecrackers, can potentially lead to stress and anxiety for the expecting mother." Advertisement Children are particularly vulnerable too. A 2007 study published in Atmospheric Environment, found that their weaker defences and higher physical activity levels make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of firecracker pollutants. File Image/PTI She adds, Prolonged exposure to high noise levels may even affect the developing foetus, as it is more susceptible to external stimuli. Loud noises can cause elevated levels of stress hormones in the mothers body, which may indirectly affect the growing foetus." Children are particularly vulnerable too. A 2007 study published in Atmospheric Environment, found that their weaker defences and higher physical activity levels make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of firecracker pollutants. Its crucial to understand these health risks and explore safer celebrations to protect our well-being and those around us. With input from agencies The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit is being held at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, from September 9-10. Here are 10 key points about INDUS-X to put the importance of the event in context read more The ongoing INDUS-X summit between India and the US is focused on cross-border defence innovation ecosystems. Image courtesy: X.com/@@USISPForum The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit, centred on the theme Harnessing Investment Opportunities to Enhance Cross-Border Defence Innovation Ecosystems, is being held at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, from September 9-10. The event will highlight the importance of private capital in advancing the defence innovation sector and is set to bring together key defence policymakers from Washington and New Delhi. Sessions at the summit will include leaders from both the private and public sectors, with discussions focusing on strengthening defence and advanced technology partnerships, funding defence innovation, and ensuring resilient supply chains. Advertisement Here are 10 key points about INDUS-X to put the siginificance of the event in context: 1. The launch: Launched on June 21, 2023, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Washington, DC, INDUS-X represents an enhanced strategic and defence partnership between India and the United States, initiated by the US Department of Defence and Indias Ministry of Defence. 2. Focus on China, Russia: The initiative aims to boost the defence technological capabilities of both nations, with a particular focus on balancing Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific. As the US-India relationship deepens, Indias reliance on Russian defence equipment may diminish over time. 3. Early results visible: INDUS-Xs growing collaboration between US academic institutions and Indian startups is already showing meaningful outcomes in addressing national security challenges, including potential partnerships to develop 5G technologies for secure battlefield communications in Indias contested border areas with China, according to the United States Institute of Peace. 4. How both sides benefit: INDUS-X seeks to expand the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation by strengthening commercial ties between the US and Indian defence industries. It addresses Indias longstanding interest in defence technology cooperation while letting the US use Indian defence capabilities and diversify its supply chains. 5. Bridging information gaps: The initiative aims to bridge information gaps by addressing business opportunities and demystifying US and Indian acquisition processes for investors, policymakers, and startups. The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in January 2023, and INDUS-X, introduced as iCETs defence component, have catalysed efforts to close these gaps. Advertisement 6. Spotlight on startups: The Gurukul education series has been established to assist US and Indian defence startups in engaging with experts on topics such as securing private capital for defense innovation, navigating regulations, export controls, and diversifying supply chains. 7. Role of non-governmental stakeholders: Nongovernmental stakeholders have played a role in advancing the INDUS-X agenda by organising summits, expos, and workshops, and hosting sideline meetings aimed at identifying knowledge gaps between the public and private sectors. 8. Creating networks: A second key aspect of INDUS-X is its role in creating cross-national, social, and commercial networks to connect private investors and labs with startups and engineers. Advertisement 9. Avoiding regulatory hurdles: By connecting government with private enterprise, INDUS-X seeks to mitigate the regulatory hurdles of integrating defence knowledge, goods, and services. 10. Geopolitical considerations: These are also integral to the cooperation. India, strategically located along the international sea route connecting Europe, West Asia, and the Pacific Rim, offers a crucial location for the US Indo-Pacific Command. Indias potential as a maintenance hub for US Navy assets was highlighted when US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew underwent repairs in India in August 2022, followed by USNS Mathew Perry in March 2023. On Monday (September 9), two people, including a woman and an ex-serviceman belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, were killed in separate incidents in Manipur read more After violence, curfew has made a comeback in Manipur. Indefinite curfew were imposed in as many as three districts - Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal - on Tuesday after conflict escalated in Manipur once again on September 9. The administrations of both Imphal East and Imphal West districts have issued curfew orders effective from 11 am on Tuesday citing the developing law and order situation. The district administration in Imphal West has restricted the movement of any person(s) outside their respective residences until further orders, exempting essential services, including media, electricity, court and health. Advertisement Violence strikes Manipur again On Monday (September 9), two people, including a woman and an ex-serviceman belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, were killed in separate incidents. Both, the woman - Neijahoi Lhungdim (50) - and the ex-serviceman - Limkholal Mate - who was an ex-Havildar of Armys Assam Regiment, were from Kangpokpi district. A report by The Indian Express quoted sources as saying that the body of the woman, with bomb splinter injuries, was found outside a church in Kangpokpis Thangbuh village. It is suspected that the woman was caught in the crossfire on Sunday night when assailants attacked a CRPF camp near Thangbuh village. Meanwhile, the body of the retired soldier, Mate, who, as per a report by NDTV, was allegedly kidnapped, when he was on his way to a market in Shantipur to buy groceries, was found in Sekmai village of Imphal West district on Monday. The Indian Express report quoted sources as saying that Mate, a resident of Kangpokpis Motbung, had accidentally crossed into the village on Sunday night. The two deaths came a day after at least five people were killed in Manipur. As many as 11 people have been killed in different incidents of ethnic violence in Manipur since September 1. Advertisement Students protest in Manipur Following the killing of Neijahoi Lhungdim and Limkholal Mate, hundreds of grade students clashed with police personnel in Imphal on Monday leading to massive unrest in the state. Protest rallies were organised by the students in different parts including Thoubal and Imphal, demanding the removal of central forces from Manipur and the protection of the indigenous communities. VIDEO | Manipur Violence: Clash erupts between students of Manipur University and security forces. Visuals from Kakwa, Imphal. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/bg9nAean0R Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2024 Advertisement The protesting students tried to storm the official residences of Manipur Governor Lakshman Acharya and Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Police had to resort to tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. But, the protesters retaliated with stones, resulting in injuries to cops and other security personnel. In Thoubal, police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the protesting students who also retaliated by pelting stones leaving at least 20 people injured. Strikes and demonstrations have become an essential tool for workers unions to fight unfair conditions levied by MNCs that set up operations in India for cheap labour they can exploit read more Workers of a Samsung facility listen to a speaker during a strike to demand higher wages at its Sriperumbudur plant near the city of Chennai. Reuters Production at Samsung Electronics plant in southern India was disrupted for a second consecutive day as hundreds of workers went on strike demanding higher wages. Employees are pressing for equal pay for those with the same level of experience, Reuters reported, citing multiple employees. About half of the factorys production was affected on Monday (September 9) when many workers walked out, and the strike continued into Tuesday (September 10). Workers are also seeking better working hours and official recognition of their union by the company. Advertisement Labor unrest in against foreign companies in India For Samsung, this is a rare episode of labour unrest in the country. However, it does fit into the larger trend of Indian workers, considered cheap labour, standing up for their rights and interests in the face of large multinational corporations that employ them. In October 2023, workers at General Motors India staged protests after the plant in Maharashtra was acquired by Hyundai Motor India. The protests halted production for five days as workers demanded job security under the new ownership. In December 2021, Foxconn had to shut down its factory in Tamil Nadu for over three weeks due to protests over workers contracting food poisoning. Earlier that same year, in May, automakers including Renault-Nissan, Hyundai, and Ford Motor Co shut down operations after workers threatened to or staged protests over covid-related safety concerns. Contract workers frustration over unpaid wages led to Apple supplier Wistrons Karnataka factory remaining shut for two months from December 2020 to February 2021. The workers had destroyed property, equipment and iPhones. From roughly two months (November-December 2020), Toyota Motor Corp sporadically halted operations at its Karnataka factory due to protests against the suspension of a worker. Advertisement In November 2019, media reports mentioned protests at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter Indias plant in Haryana leading to the facility being closed for 18 days. Protesters said several workers had been forced to go on indefinite leave. The unrest lasted for about five months, even after the plant was re-opened. Workers fight for fair treatment in global supply chains In the event of strikes by labour unions and workers, the focus is often on the negatives: the number of days operations remain shut, losses the company makes, how the image of ease of doing business is impacted, and such. However, recent reports about direct or indirect exploitation of Indian workers in multinational companies show how essential it is for workers to unionise and fight for fair treatment. Advertisement These examples illustrate it well: In July 2024, Amazon hit the headlines after workers alleged exploitative work conditions. As many as 1,838 participants alleged dire working conditions at Amazons facilities in India. Certain inhuman corporate practices employed at its facilities included not being allowed to take washroom breaks, frequent work-related injuries, and lack of financial support for such injuries. The workers also complained about issues such as not being allowed to take leave, not being respected at the workplace, and receiving low salaries that barely match the cost of living and basic needs. This information comes from a survey conducted by UNI Global Union. Advertisement In 2020, the BBC reported that women working at a Ralph Lauren supplier said they had been forced to stay overnight to complete orders, sometimes demanding them to sleep on the factory floor. We dont get toilet breaks, we dont get time to drink water on shift. We barely get time to eat lunch, one woman had told the news outlet. Workers unions allow workers to band together and improve their bargaining power. Labour unions, through strikes and demonstrations, have become an essential tool for Indian workers to push back against these conditions and demand fair treatment. With inputs from agencies Lodged in Delhis Tihar Jail since 2019, Engineer Rashid is embroiled in a terror funding case and was arrested by the National Investigation Agency under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2017 read more Engineer Rashid, the MP from Kashmirs Baramulla, has been granted interim bail for 23 days on Tuesday by a Delhi court. This will only be the second time since the independent leader walked out of jail to take oath as an MP in June. Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh granted the relief to Rashid, who had moved the court seeking interim bail to campaign in the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections. The interim bail has been granted till October 2. Advertisement Why was Engineer Rashid in jail? Lodged in Delhis Tihar Jail since 2019, Engineer Rashid is embroiled in a terror funding case and was arrested by the National Investigation Agency under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2017. Rashid has been accused of collaborating with Pakistani operatives and separatists involved in inciting hateful narratives against India in Kashmir. Rashids name cropped up in the case during the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who was arrested by the NIA for allegedly funding terrorist groups and separatists in the Kashmir valley. The NIA had filed a charge sheet against several people, including Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in the case. Rashids brother to make poll debut Rashid has been granted interim bail at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for Assembly Elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370. Meanwhile, his brother Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh has been fielded as the candidate of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) from Kashmirs Langate. Advertisement With inputs from PTI Last week, pictures on social media suggested that PLA soldiers allegedly entered India in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh and camped in the Kapapu area of the district for some time read more Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected reports that Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) entered the Indian territory via the Indo-Sino border in Arunachal Pradesh last week. Rijiju on Monday said that mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesnt mean the areas have been encroached upon. The minister also said that although an overlapping of patrolling does take place in the undemarcated areas along the border, it does not translate into incursion. Advertisement Did PLA breach the border? Last week, pictures on social media suggested that PLA soldiers allegedly entered India in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh and camped in the Kapapu area of the district for some time. Reports claimed that the pictures showed bonfires, painting of rocks and Chinese food materials. Will not allow anyone come near LAC Rejecting the reports, the union minister said, China cant take our land. Overlapping of patrolling does take place in the undemarcated areas. They are not allowed to construct anything permanent. There is strict vigil from our side. Mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesnt mean the areas have been encroached on. Rijiju told PTI that the Indian government is strengthening infrastructure along the Sino-Indian border and will continue doing so to safeguard the interests of Indias security. But we will not allow anyone to come near the Line of Actual Control, he added. India-China standoff The latest incident came at a time when the Indian army continues to engage in a stand-off with the PLA in Ladakh. The stand-off has been going on since April 2020. India shares a 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh China continues to claim that Arunachal Pradesh has always been its territory, a claim India termed as absurd and ludicrous. Advertisement In April 2024, Beijing even went ahead and named as many as 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh evoking strong response from India. With inputs from PTI West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, addressed the media moments after the SC heard the rape and murder case. During the press conference, she made a number of statements and claims that have irked not only the parents of the junior doctor but also the protesters who have been walking the streets of Kolkata demanding justice for the victim read more The Kolkata rape case has outraged the entire city with members of the medical fraternity seeking justice for the 31-year-old victim and demanding better working conditions for doctors in government hospitals across the state. PTI The mother of the 31-year-old doctor, who was raped and murdered at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying after the latter claimed that her government did not offer money to the victims family after the dreadful incident occurred last month. Banerjee, on Monday, addressed the media moments after the Supreme Court heard the rape and murder case. During the press conference, she made a number of statements and claims that have irked not only the parents of the junior doctor but also the protesters who have been walking the streets of Kolkata demanding justice for the victim. Advertisement I have never offered money to the deceased doctors family, this is nothing but slander, the Trinamool Congress chief said, adding that she instead said that money can never compensate for a life and that if the parents wanted to do something in memory of their daughter, they could reach out to her. The Kolkata rape case has outraged the entire city with members of the medical fraternity seeking justice for the 31-year-old victim and demanding better working conditions for doctors in government hospitals across the state. From candlelight marches to 3-4 km long human chains, protestors are leaving no stone unturned to raise their voice against atrocities against women. Why would I lie in my daughters name? The victims mother, meanwhile, rejected Mamatas claims, saying, The chief minister is lying. My daughter is not going to return. Would I lie in her name? She told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in our daughters memory. I responded that I would collect the money once my daughter gets justice. Echoing the mothers statement, the doctors cousin took full responsibility in saying that the chief minister herself offered the money to the family. Since the case blew up in August, the victims family has made a number of serious allegations against the West Bengal government saying that the state police have been trying to cover up the case. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation, probing the case of financial irregularities at RG Kar, arrested the former principal Sandip Ghosh last week. Durga Pujo will never be celebrated in my house again Kolkata, which usually decks up for Durga Pujo at this time of the year, is instead witnessing one of its largest protests led by common people. The West Bengal chief minister, in her press conference, urged demonstrators to stop protesting and return to festival preparations ahead of Durga Pujo next month. It has been a month (since the August 9 incident). I request you return to Pujo, return to the festivities and ask the CBI to ensure justice as soon as possible, she said. Advertisement Slamming her statement as inhuman, the victims mother said, Durga Puja is celebrated in my house too; my daughter used to handle it herself. But it will never be celebrated in my house again. The light in my home is out. How can I ask people to return to festival? In an order, the government of Manipur has curbed internet and mobile data services in the state from September 10 to September 15 read more The Manipur government on Tuesday suspended internet services in the state for five days after violence escalated in the northeastern state. In an order, the government of Manipur has curbed internet and mobile data services in the state from September 10 to September 15. In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur, the order read. Advertisement The development comes nearly a year after internet curbs were lifted from the state in September 2023. The situation in Manipur is on a slump once again after the state witnessed one of its most widespread violence between the two ethnic groups, Meitei and Kuki tribes. Earlier today, the government imposed an indefinite curfew in the districts of Imphal East and Imphal West. Meanwhile, on Monday (September 9), two people, including a woman and an ex-serviceman belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, were killed in separate incidents. The deaths triggered massive protests by students in Manipur who clashed with police personnel in Imphal leading to unrest in the state. Student-led protest rallies were held in various locations, including Thoubal and Imphal, calling for the withdrawal of central forces from Manipur and the safeguarding of indigenous communities. The protestors also demanded action against recent drone and missile attacks as they gathered in the Manipur secretariat and Raj Bhawan. Tear gas shells were fired as student and women demonstrators on Tuesday clashed with security forces during the agitators attempt to march towards the Raj Bhavan to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the Manipur government, officials said. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Laboratory testing of the suspected mpox case in India confirmed that the 26-year-old man from Haryanas Hisar, who recently returned from abroad, has been infected by the West African Clade 2 strain of the virus read more The patient, India's first mpox case, had returned to the country from abroad. He is admitted to Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital. Source: PTI / Representational Image. India has the first confirmed case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus. The Ministry of Health said that the laboratory testing of the suspected case, 26-year-old man from Haryanas Hisar, has confirmed the presence of mpox virus of the West African Clade 2 in the patient. The patient, Indias first mpox case, had returned to the country from abroad. On Saturday, he was admitted to the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital. He was isolated and admitted to the hospital after he showed symptoms of mpox. Advertisement So far, three Delhi government hospitals Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, GTB and Baba Saheb Ambedkar have set up isolation rooms for suspected and confirmed cases of mpox virus. Should India be worried? Authorities said that Clade 2 is not part of the current public health emergency warning issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The 2022 epidemic was caused by Clade 2 which is still circulating in many countries, including in the West. On August 14, the WHO was prompted to declare its highest international alert level after the resurgence and detection of a new strain, dubbed Clade 1b in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The latest Clade 1b strain was first detected among sex workers in eastern DR Congo in September 2023. Cases of the new strain have also been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda which had not detected mpox earlier. They have also been detected in Asia and Europe. It is worth mentioning that there have been no confirmed cases of mpox caused by the new Clade 1b strain of mpox virus in India. Health condition of Indias first mpox case Meanwhile, the health ministry said that the patient remains clinically stable and is without any systemic illness or comorbidities. The case aligns with earlier risk assessments and continues to be managed according to established protocols. Public health measures, including contact tracing and monitoring, are actively in place to ensure the situation is contained. There is no indication of any widespread risk to the public at this time, the ministry further said. Advertisement Mpox symptoms The symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, patients experience a distinctive rash that progresses through stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs, which usually starts on the face and gradually spreads to the other parts of the body. How does mpox transmit? Mpox occurs through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated materials. The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets, especially in prolonged close contact. With inputs from agencies. Gandhis remarks came during an interaction with students at Washingtons Georgetown University. Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the US with a view to further strengthening the India-US bond read more Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has said that the Congress will think of scrapping reservations in India when the country is in a fair place which it is not currently in. His remarks came during an interaction with students at Washingtons Georgetown University. Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the US with a view to further strengthening the India-US bond. When you look at the financial numbers, then tribals get 10 paise out of 100 rupees; Dalits get 5 rupees out of 100 rupees, and OBCs get a similar number. The fact of the matter is that theyre not getting participation," the Congress MP said, adding, We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place. And India is not a fair place. Advertisement #WATCH | Washington, D.C, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "If you look at the Indian government there are 70 bureaucrats who run the Indian government, secretaries to the government of India...Out of 70 people there is one tribal, three Dalits, three OBCs pic.twitter.com/ntXaYX0eyt ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 The problem is that 90 per cent of India is not able to play. Go through the list of every single business leader in India. Ive done it. Show me the tribal name. Show me the Dalit name. Show me the OBC name. Out of the top 200, I think theres one OBC. Theyre 50 per cent of India. But were not treating the symptom, Gandhi said. The caste census is now an unstoppable idea. The critical question of whether 90% of our population is meaningfully represented in Indias institutional structure - economy, government, education - demands an answer. At its core, this is an issue of fairness and justice. pic.twitter.com/gxvmz0di65 Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 10, 2024 Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has slammed Gandhi for maligning India abroad. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Congress leader has once again shown his immaturity by talking against India. Rahul Gandhi has this habit in fact he has developed this habit over the years to go outside the country and talk against the country. Rahul Gandhi is speaking against BJP, RSS. That is his habitual style he will never refrain from doing that. So he loves to speak against other political parties and our countrys institutions. Who invites them to the US, UK, or elsewhere we all know it, the BJP leader added. The Supreme Court on Monday gave deadline to junior doctors protesting in Kolkata to end their agitation till 5 pm Tuesday (September 10) and resume work read more Its a peoples movement the Supreme Court should not forget that, said that doctors in Kolkata who declared that they would continue with their protest against the rape and murder of 31-year-old junior doctor at state-run RG Kar Hospital. The protesting junior doctors in Kolkata were given a deadline by the Supreme Court till 5 pm Tuesday (September 10) to end their agitation and resume working. Hours after the apex courts order, the doctors said that the protest is a peoples movement and neither the government nor the Supreme Court should forget that." Advertisement Kolkata doctors to continue to cease work The Kolkata junior doctors said they would continue their strike and cease work in protest. They are demanding the resignation of the states health secretary and director of health education. Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We will continue our agitation as well as the cease work, a report by PTI quoted the protesting doctors as saying. Disheartened by SCs order The Indian Medical Association (IMA) of West Bengal said it was disheartened by the SCs orders asking junior doctors to resume duties when the justice has not been served in RG Kar rape and murder case. In a press release, the medical body alleged, No steps have been taken for a speedy trial to ensure justice." The IMA of West Bengal further mentioned that it was disheartened by the order of the Supreme Courts order on junior doctors. Protesting Junior Doctors announces to continue their ceasework until demands met. They have hit back at both State Government & Kapil Sibbal for maligning their movement & termed them to be spreading falsehoods against them. In protest, a Swasthya Bhavan Abhijaan has been called pic.twitter.com/2mT5FJdyV3 Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay (@SudhanidhiB) September 10, 2024 Advertisement It also expressed disappointment with the portrayal of the junior doctors as responsible for a few deaths in the hospitals. Refuting the charge, the IMA said that nowhere the hospital services were hampered due to the protesting junior doctors. The West Bengal Health Department, in its affidavit, has claimed that 23 people have died due to the doctors strike. Advertisement The junior doctors are fighting against the health syndicate to prevent such crimes in the future In this situation, the IMA promises to stand by the junior doctors unconditionally in all their future movements, the IMA said. The protest will not die down; it will only grow stronger, the IMA asserted. Justice still out of reach Reacting on the SCs order, spokesperson of RG Kar said: We are extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court hearing the case has been transferred from the High Court to the Supreme Court, from the state police to the CBI. But justice is still out of reach." Doctors planning to take out protest rally Advertisement Meanwhile, protesting doctors are planning to take out a rally to Swasthya Bhavan the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake on Tuesday afternoon. Doctors in Kolkata and most parts of the country have been protesting for about a month, demanding justice for the rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee residential doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata whose body was found with multiple injury marks in a seminar room of facility on August 9. She was raped and killed while on duty. With inputs from agencies. Manipur Police have refuted retired Lt. Gen. P.C. Nairs claims that no drones or rockets were used in recent attacks, presenting evidence of such high-tech weaponry and drone recoveries. The police also dismissed accusations of partisanship, asserting their diverse composition amidst ongoing ethnic violence that has resulted in significant casualties and displacement read more Tails of sophisticated rockets have been recovered after recent drone and hi-tech missile attacks in Manipur, a top police officer said on Tuesday. Manipur Police dismissed the claims of Lt. Gen P C Nair, a retired DG of Assam Rifles, in a recent media interview that no drones or rockets have been used in the attacks. He had also labelled Manipur Police as a Meitei Police, indicating their alleged partisan role in the ethnic strife. Advertisement Speaking to reporters, IGP (Administration) K Jayanta Singh said, The statement is an immature one and seems to be his personal views and not of the force (Assam Rifles). We strongly dismiss it. There is evidence of drone and hi-tech missile attacks. Drones have been recovered. Tails of sophisticated rockets fired on civilian areas have been recovered. Despite such evidence, it is very unfortunate that a distinguished commander would make such statements. IGP (Operations) I K Muivah said, We want to clarify on the statement that there is no Manipur Police but Meitei Police or Kuki Police. We want to dismiss that. Manipur Police are composed of different communities including the Nagas, Meiteis, Manipuri Muslims and non-Manipuris. There are Christians, Muslims and Hindus in this force. The statement that Manipur Police are a Meitei Police shows a myopic kind of mindset, Muivah, who hails from the Tangkhul Naga community, added. On the drone attacks, Muivah said, We have clarified in official media handles in connection with the drone bombings and we stand by it. More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May last year. At least eight persons have died and over 12 injured in a fresh wave of violence, which included drone and missile attacks. Time is ripe for India to work on a bilateral agreement with Bangladesh that provides for the readmission of nationals staying illegally in the other country after the necessary verification read more Coordinated action to detect immigrants from Bangladesh, separate them into categories of refugees and illegal migrants, and resettle or repatriate them is required to prevent any further influx. (PTI Photo) The border between India and Bangladesh is approximately 4,096 kilometres. Since the partition of British India in 1947, waves of people have been moving from Bangladesh to India. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India, which includes both refugees and economic migrants, continues unabated. Illegal migration is the movement of people from Bangladesh across Indian borders without complying with the legal requirements for entry, stay, or residence in India. In spite of all the attention to the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to India, reliable data on the exact number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in India are hard to come by, but reports suggest it ranges from several millions to as many as 15 million Bangladeshis living in India. Advertisement With the recent change of power in Bangladesh, it is expected that more people will flee to India due to the poor security and economic situation. The large influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in recent decades has had major economic, social, and security implications for India. Particularly in the border states, there has been a demographic change that has also seen tensions between the local population, who feel overwhelmed by the outsiders. In the coming period, it will be a challenge for India to limit these migration flows from Bangladesh and actually send the number of illegal migrants back to their native state. The solution for India must be found in a multi-faceted and well-coordinated strategy that fits within the legal framework in order to achieve a more effective approach to this illegal migration. An important solution can be found in the amendment of Indian legislation. Introducing a national refugee law can contribute to this. This law must make a distinction between refugees who obtain a residence permit and illegal persons who receive a return decision. Although India has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, it can introduce the definition of the 1951 Refugee Convention in their domestic law, defining a refugee as a person who, owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of [their] nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail [themself] of the protection of that country". A refugee will have legal residence in India. And an illegal person is staying illegally in India. Issuing a return decision against an illegal migrant, such as in the European Union, means that a person is legally informed about the illegal stay in India and there is a legal obligation to leave India within a specified departure period. If the illegal migrant has not left India after the departure period has expired, immigration detention will follow. During immigration detention, forced return is then worked on by the Indian authorities. The use of crimmigration will also contribute to the aim of reducing illegal migration. Crimmigration is described in the literature as the merger between migration law and criminal law. Criminal law and migration law increasingly overlap (both substantively and procedurally), and criminal law and migration law are enforced in the same or similar ways. There are many examples of the phenomenon of crimmigration. Advertisement Amongst other things, there is an increase in the criminal grounds for expulsion and exclusion of migrants; violations of immigration law traditionally belonging to the realm of administrative or civil law are increasingly dealt with under criminal laws; and immigration laws increasingly aim to protect the security of the state. Another solution is that India has to take steps to strengthen its borders with more control of the border police. Furthermore, India can create a new border wall that will include cameras and sensors that allow the Indian authorities to monitor and prevent illegal crossings. Regarding the security and illegal stay of migrants in India, more investment in police control is essential, as is more investment in the immigration authorities and judiciary. Illegal immigration burdens the economy, hurts Indian workers, presents public safety risks, and enriches smugglers and other criminals. Advertisement Now that India is recalibrating relations with the interim government in Bangladesh, the Indian government should focus on a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh that provides for the readmission of nationals staying illegally in the other country after the necessary verification. This should be followed by coordinated action to detect immigrants from Bangladesh, separate them into categories of refugees and illegal migrants, resettle or repatriate them, and prevent any further influx. Such an agreement is essential to tackle the problem. The key to success would be a joint verification procedure acceptable to both countries. India may also consider seeking assistance and advisory services from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and other concerned international organisations with experience in such complex issues. Advertisement The author is an expert in international migration law. He works as a senior lawyer at the Ministry of Social Affairs and is a deputy judge at the district courts in Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. BRICS+ presents India an opportunity to assert its role as the leader of the Global South to shape a multipolar and more equitable world read more NSA Ajit Doval's Russia visit is on September 10-11. He will participate in the BRICS-NSAs meeting and discuss peace efforts amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Representational Image / ANI National Security Advisor Ajit Dovals visit to Russia as a forerunner to the BRICS summit in October underscores Indias pivotal role in ongoing diplomatic efforts for the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This BRICS annual National Security Advisors meet, hosted by Russia, is likely to be centred on global security concerns and conflict resolution. President Vladimir Putins expressed trust in India, China, and Brazil to mediate peace talks reflects the blocs growing global stature. Besides reiterating Indias position for a diplomatic solution to the conflict by both sides, Doval is likely to also hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, amidst the strained relations and the non-resolution of the standoff since April 2020. Advertisement BRICS+: Expanding Global Influence BRICS+ has risen as a significant geopolitical bloc, reshaping the emerging global order and multilateral partnerships. Its expansion from the configuration of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to now include Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Egypt cements its growing geopolitical and economic clout. Its global stature with some of the most prominent global economic and energy players allows it to challenge the Western-ruled global systems, like the IMF, UNSC, and World Bank, and opens the door to the entry of the Global South. BRICS+ has emerged as a formidable geopolitical bloc, actively reshaping the global order and challenging legacy systems. Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, its expansion to include major economies like Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Egypt has cemented its growing influence. This rich resource of emerging markets presents an alternative to the Western dominance and ushers in a more equitable and balanced global order. However, while the expansion strengthens BRICS+, the group faces challenges rooted in the geopolitical rivalries and differing political systems of its members. The divergence in economic priorities and governance models, particularly between countries like China and India or Saudi Arabia and Iran, poses a risk to achieving full cohesion. Nevertheless, the opportunities presented by this expansion for India are substantial, demanding a fine balancing of alliances and interests to maximise strategic gains. Energy Power and Institutional Growth The inclusion of major energy producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE significantly increases BRICS+s global energy influence. The bloc now controls a major portion of the worlds crude oil and natural gas production. This could lead to the development of alternative energy trading systems that bypass Western financial monopoly, reshaping the global energy market. For India, the opportunity to secure energy resources at competitive rates is vital, especially given its growing energy needs. Advertisement In addition to energy dominance, BRICS+ is steadily building its own financial and technological institutions. The New Development Bank (NDB), founded to fund infrastructure projects, and the Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PNIR), focussing on technological collaboration, signify the blocs push for greater self-reliance. These institutions are enabling BRICS+ to reduce dependence on Western-dominated bodies like the G20, offering a framework for members to pursue development on their terms. Shifting Economic Tides and Indias Role As BRICS+ members increase intra-group trade, they are becoming less reliant on Western markets. This shift, accelerated by Russias reorientation of exports towards China and India following sanctions, strengthens economic integration within the bloc. The redirection of resources towards Asia offers India a significant opportunity to deepen its trade partnerships with fellow BRICS+ nations, reducing its vulnerabilities to Western economic pressures. Advertisement For Multinational National Companies operating within BRICS+ nations, this shift opens new opportunities. The focus could shift to intra-BRICS+ trade, leverage investment opportunities, and supply chains to reduce dependencies and build resilience. Indias BRICS+ Geopolitical Challenges Despite the many opportunities, BRICS+ presents notable challenges for India, particularly in managing its strained relationship with China. While both countries are major members of BRICS+, they remain geopolitical rivals. The unresolved border disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh have created a trust deficit and strained relations, leading to deadlock in the bilateral talks. Chinas growing economic influence within BRICS+ through initiatives like the BRI is another challenge for India. Advertisement As a counterbalance, India has maintained an enduring strategic relationship with Russia, especially in the defence and energy sectors. Besides Indias recent multiprong defence, technology, and economic partnership with the US, it has added another dimension of balance to its strategic autonomy power play. BRICS+ provides a platform for India to nurture this partnership further while contributing to Russias search for alternative markets outside the West. Through BRICS+, India can engage in discussions about alternative financial systems, such as the use of local currencies for trade, potentially reducing its exposure to US-led sanctions and the global dollar hegemony. Opportunities for India in BRICS+ Advertisement BRICS+ offers India strategic opportunities to influence the global agenda, particularly in areas like sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, and reform of legacy international institutions. India has been at the forefront of advocating reforms within the IMF, UNSC, and World Bank, and BRICS+ could influence to accelerate these reforms. Coordination within BRICS+ can allow member nations to advance a more equitable global order, countering Western hegemony in international forums and leading to a more equitable global order. Indias greatest opportunity within BRICS+ lies on the economic front, particularly in energy, trade, and infrastructure to pave the path for its dream run of Viksit Bharat. With Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE as major global energy providers now part of BRICS+, the bloc constitutes nearly 43 per cent of global crude oil production. India, as one of the largest importers of energy, thus gets an opportunity not only to diversify its requirements but also to negotiate more favourable terms for its energy security interests. Beyond energy, intra-BRICS+ trade is poised to grow, offering substantial opportunities for Indian businesses. Sectors such as electronics, textiles, and machinery could see increased exports to BRICS+ nations, including China, despite ongoing tensions. Expanding trade relationships across the bloc allows India to diversify its markets and reduce economic dependence on any single region. Additionally, India stands to benefit from BRICS+ institutions like the NDB, which has already committed billions to infrastructure projects in member countries. Access to NDB funding can significantly accelerate Indias progress in upgrading its transportation, clean energy, and technology infrastructure, critical for its economic growth. Conclusion BRICS+ presents India an opportunity to assert its role as the leader of the Global South to shape a multipolar and more equitable world. The challenge to BRIC+ remains to ensure that the bloc remains economic and development-focused without falling prey to geopolitical rivalries or individual power plays. As the world moves towards a more multi-polar global order, BRICS+ presents India with an opportunity to influence global governance and assert its role as a rule-shaper for a more equitable world. The author is former Director General Mechanised Forces. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Europe scored two major wins against Big Tech, as the EUs top court upheld multibillion-euro penalties against Google for antitrust violations and Apple for unpaid taxes. The rulings come as the bloc intensifies scrutiny of tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon, too read more Europe secured two major wins against Big Tech on Tuesday, as Google and Apple lost long-running legal battles that underscored the European Unions increasing determination to rein in the worlds largest technology companies. In a blow to Google, the European Unions top court rejected the tech giants final appeal against a 2.4 billion ($2.7 billion) antitrust fine imposed by the European Commission. The ruling upheld the penalty for Googles violation of antitrust rules through its comparison shopping service, a case that dates back over a decade. The ruling sets a significant precedent as the EU intensifies its scrutiny of tech monopolies. Advertisement On the same day, Apple was dealt a financial blow when the European Court of Justice ruled that the company must repay 13 billion ($14.34 billion) in back taxes to Ireland. The European Commission had earlier deemed that Ireland provided unlawful state aid to Apple, allowing the company to avoid paying billions in taxes that were owed under EU law. Apple had previously challenged the ruling but now has no further legal recourse. These decisions are seen as significant victories for outgoing European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager, who has spent a decade leading the EUs aggressive campaign to curb the power of Big Tech. Vestager is expected to step down in November. Apple and Google are not the only giants the European Commission has been looking to cut down to size. Companies like Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, too, are on its radar. Meta to face hefty fine soon? On July 25, Reuters reported that Meta is expected to face its first EU antitrust fine for tying its classified advertisements service, Facebook Marketplace, to its social network. The European Commission had accused Meta of unfairly bundling the services, giving Marketplace an advantage over competitors. While the fine could potentially reach $13.4 billion, equivalent to 10 per cent of Metas global revenue in 2023, penalties in such cases typically fall well below the maximum cap. In a separate case, the Commission has also charged Meta with failing to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by introducing an advertising model that requires users to pay or consent to data tracking. The outcome of this case is expected in the coming months. Microsoft in EUs crosshairs Meanwhile, Microsoft has also been caught in the regulatory web. On July 10, the company relinquished its board observer seat at OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, amid concerns from antitrust regulators in the EU, UK, and US over its $10 billion investment in the AI company. The move came as Microsoft faced scrutiny over its integration of AI services within its ecosystem. Advertisement In a separate development in June, the European Commission charged Microsoft with unlawfully bundling its Teams communication app with its Office suite, pushing for a clearer separation of services. Amazon faces compliance pressure Amazon, too, is under the EUs watchful eye. In July, the European Commission asked the e-commerce giant to provide details about how it is complying with the blocs Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly regarding transparency in its recommendation algorithms. This comes after Amazon lost a bid in March to delay implementing key parts of the DSA, which regulates content moderation and online transparency across Europe. With antitrust fines, legal challenges, and new laws targeting the digital economy, Europe is sending a clear message to Silicon Valley: the era of unchecked dominance is over. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The ruling mandates that Apple must pay $14.4 billion tax bill in back taxes to Ireland. Surprisingly, Ireland did not want to collect the tax, claiming that the financial loss was a trade-off for attracting major corporations to the country read more The ruling could have significant implications for how global companies approach their tax strategies in the EU member states. It may also influence Irelands attractiveness as a corporate tax haven. Image Credit: Reuters Apple Inc. has suffered a significant legal setback, as the European Unions top court, the European Court of Justice (ECJ), upheld a $14.4 billion tax bill imposed on the tech giant. The courts decision represents a major victory for the European Commissions efforts to combat state aid abuses and impose fairness in corporate taxation. The ECJ overturned a previous ruling by a lower court that had favoured Apple, stating that the earlier judgement contained errors in assessing the European Commissions findings. The court confirmed that Ireland had granted Apple illegal tax advantages from 1991 to 2014, which other companies did not receive, thereby violating EU state aid rules. Advertisement Michael Nordwall, assistant director of the FBIs criminal investigative division, highlighted the complex nature of these cases. He noted that while the ruling was a boost for EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, who is nearing the end of her tenure, it underscores the EUs commitment to holding multinational corporations accountable for unfair tax practices. Impact on Apple and Ireland The ruling mandates that Apple must pay $14.4 billion tax bill in back taxes to Ireland. Surprisingly, Ireland did not want to collect the tax, and had a long-standing argument against the need for repayment, claiming that the financial loss was a trade-off for attracting major corporations to the country, the ECJs decision is final. The Irish government has stated it will comply with the ruling, although it has previously expressed reluctance to recover the taxes. Apple expressed disappointment with the decision, claiming that the case was not about the amount of tax paid but rather about which jurisdiction should collect it. The company argued that its profits were already subject to US taxes and accused the European Commission of trying to retroactively alter the rules. Legal and Market Ramifications The decision marks the end of a prolonged legal battle that began with the European Commissions 2016 ruling against Irelands tax arrangements with Apple. The Commission had alleged that Irelands tax treatment of Apples profits, managed through two subsidiaries, amounted to illegal state aid. This was deemed to give Apple an unfair advantage over other companies operating within the EU. The lower courts 2020 overturning of the Commissions decision had briefly nullified the case, but this latest ECJ ruling reinstates the original judgement, with the court identifying legal flaws in the previous lower courts verdict. Advertisement In a related development, the ECJ also ruled against Google in a separate case, imposing a 2.4 billion fine for abusing its market dominance. This decision further exemplifies the EUs rigorous approach to regulating large tech firms and enforcing fair competition. Broader context The ECJs decision on Apple is a major win for the European Commission in its ongoing efforts to curb abusive tax practices by multinational corporations. It also reflects the EUs broader strategy to enforce regulatory compliance and prevent member states from granting unfair competitive advantages through state aid. The ruling could have significant implications for how global companies approach their tax strategies and interactions with EU member states. It may also influence future cases involving large tech firms and their tax arrangements, as well as impact Irelands attractiveness as a corporate tax haven. Advertisement As Apple grapples with this financial setback, it comes on the heels of the companys recent iPhone 16 launch, adding to the challenges it faces in a competitive market. The tax bill and ongoing regulatory scrutiny highlight the increasing pressure on tech giants to align with international tax and competition laws. Historically, smartphones, including Apples own iPhones, have been criticised for contributing to a range of health problems, from diminished attention spans to poor sleep quality. Apples recent product launch marks a strategic pivot to counter this narrative read more In a significant shift, Apple is positioning its latest products the Apple Watch Series 10 and the new AirPods 4 as pivotal tools for improving health. At its September 9 event, Apple showcased these devices new health-centric features, aimed at addressing prevalent issues such as sleep apnea and hearing loss. Apples foray into health tech Historically, smartphones, including Apples own iPhones, have been criticised for contributing to a range of health problems, from diminished attention spans to poor sleep quality. Apples recent product launch marks a strategic pivot to counter this narrative by highlighting the health benefits of its devices. Advertisement The company unveiled new features designed to combat hearing loss and monitor sleep apnea, which have been well-received by observers and tech reviewers. Notable tech reviewer Marques Brownlee praised the integration of clinical-grade hearing aid functionality into the AirPods Pro 2, while Box CEO Aaron Levie highlighted the potential impact on users with hearing loss. This health-focused approach aligns with Apples long-standing ambition to make significant contributions to personal well-being. CEO Tim Cook has previously stated that he sees health as a crucial area where Apple can make a major societal impact. Given the recent stagnation in Apples business growth and increasing competition from Chinese tech companies, the push into health technology could serve as a revitalising force for the companys product lineup. Clinical edge Apples emphasis on health technology is underscored by its use of the term clinical throughout the launch event. The new Apple Watch Series 10 introduces a sleep apnea detection algorithm that has been developed and validated through clinical-grade tests. This feature is part of Apples broader strategy to leverage its devices ability to collect and analyse health data effectively. Similarly, the new AirPods Pro feature a clinically-validated hearing test that transforms the earbuds into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Dr. Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apples vice president of health, highlighted the companys unique capability to integrate health technology into everyday devices, leveraging its extensive ecosystem of hardware and software. Analysts suggest that Apples focus on health tech aligns with its broader strategy of offering advanced and integrated solutions. Ben Bajarin, principal analyst at Creative Strategies, noted that Apples dominance in the wireless headphones market provides a prime opportunity for innovation. He believes the advanced health features are designed to inspire existing customers to upgrade their devices by showcasing the significant advancements over previous models. Advertisement What happens when tech companies foray into health tech Despite these advancements, Apples foray into health technology is not without its challenges. The company has faced setbacks in this sector, including a temporary ban on selling certain Apple Watch models due to intellectual property disputes. As Apple continues to integrate more medical features into its devices, it will need to navigate regulatory hurdles and potential legal issues. For instance, the new sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods Pro 2 is pending approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA. Apples experience with the Apple Watch, which faced legal issues over its blood-oxygen sensor, illustrates the complexities of incorporating health technology into consumer products. These disputes, along with concerns about the accuracy of health data, highlight the risks associated with expanding into this field. Advertisement However, technology equity analyst Angelo Zino of CFRA Research believes the opportunities outweigh these risks. He notes that Apples focus on privacy and secure data storage helps mitigate some of the risks compared to other tech companies venturing into health technology. Sara Geoghegan from the Electronic Privacy Information Center emphasised that Apples approach to local data storage in the Health App is more privacy-conscious than sharing information with third parties. What it means for consumers As consumers increasingly seek health services beyond traditional medical settings, Apples new health features could play a significant role in shaping this trend. The companys ability to integrate advanced health technology into widely-used devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods positions it uniquely in the market. While questions about the effectiveness and accuracy of these technologies remain, Apples commitment to accessibility and privacy may well drive significant impact in the realm of personal health management. Hospitals and adoption agencies appear to have colluded to force single mothers to give up children, according to a report, citing findings from Truth and Reconciliation Commission document read more South Korea has found new evidence that mothers were coerced into giving up their children for adoption in countries such as Australia, Denmark, and the United States. According to The Guardian report, since the 1950s, at least 2 lakh South Korean children have been adopted internationally, but allegations have surfaced that hospitals, maternity wards, and adoption agencies systematically pressured parents mainly single mothers into relinquishing their children. In some instances, adoption workers falsely claimed that adoptees were abandoned and accused the biological parents of neglecting to search for them. However, a report from a government Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up to investigate the claims has detailed some of the coercive methods used to force mothers living in welfare shelters to give up their sometimes day-old children, reported The Guardian. Advertisement Citing one such case, the report said that a mother unwilling to be separated from her child was recorded as being a problem and mentally ill. The record was later updated to explain that the parental rights waiver had been secured and the baby transferred to an adoption agency, added the report. The Guardian report, citing researchers who were interviewed by the outlet last year, said that the international adoption was poorly understood at the time, with parents being led to believe it was akin to sending their child abroad for studies, with the expectation they would return. Adoptees reported being told that they were better off being adopted in Denmark than remaining as impoverished children in South Korea. Among its recommendations, the commission called for the government to issue a formal apology and provide financial compensation to victims of the detention centers. Its inconceivable how violent and systemic it was, but theres also redemption in the truth coming out, The Guardian quoted Peter Mller, an adoptee himself and founder of the Danish Korean Rights Group (DKRG), which has campaigned for an inquiry into the adoption industry that sent them predominantly to white families in western countries, as saying. According to the report, in the 1970s and 1980s, as international adoptions surged, South Koreas military dictatorship enforced a social purification policy, forcibly placing thousands into government-funded, privately run welfare centers. A recent government commission has confirmed longstanding suspicions of serious misconduct within the adoption programme, revealing widespread human rights abuses and horrific conditions at four of these centers. Advertisement Inmates endured forced labor, brutal treatment, and indefinite confinement. Many who died were buried in shallow graves or donated to medical schools without family notification. Babies born in these facilities were often quickly placed with adoption agencies for overseas placement, added the report. Danish adoptee Sussie Brynald, 51, expressed deep distress over the revelations. It makes me angry and sad, The Guardian quoted Brynald as saying. It only goes to show just how much (South Koreas adoption system) was always about money, and how little it was about the children, Brynald added. With inputs from agencies External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Germany to strengthen bilateral relations and prepare for German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs upcoming trip to India. Key aspects of his visit include discussions on economic ties, regional conflicts, and future collaborations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, followed by a visit to Geneva for meetings with international organizations and Swiss officials read more External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has embarked on a two-day visit to Germany starting today. During his stay in Berlin, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with German Federal Foreign Minister and other senior officials to review the comprehensive scope of bilateral relations and identify new opportunities for cooperation. This visit aims to lay the groundwork for German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs anticipated trip to India next month. Germany is a crucial trading partner for India and a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Here are 7 key things to know about India-Germany ties ahead of the state visit: Advertisement 1. Strategic discussions: Jaishankars visit is focused on strengthening bilateral relations between India and Germany. Meetings with key German leaders will address various aspects of their partnership and seek avenues for increased collaboration. 2. Preparation for Scholzs visit: The visit is intended to prepare for German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs forthcoming visit to India. Scholzs trip is expected to further enhance the strategic ties between the two countries. 3. Economic ties: Germany is one of Indias significant trading partners and a leading contributor of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The two countries have a strong economic relationship that is central to their bilateral engagements. 4. Israel-Palestinian conflict: Prior to his visit to Germany, Dr. Jaishankar emphasised Indias position on the Palestinian issue, advocating for a ceasefire and a resolution through a two-State solution. He condemned terrorism and hostage-taking, expressing concern over civilian casualties. 5. GCC meet: Jaishankar recently co-chaired the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh. There, he stressed on the importance of deeper collaboration with GCC countries to stabilise energy markets and enhance energy security. During his visit to the GCC, Dr. Jaishankar held meetings with Foreign Ministers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, focusing on mutual investment and shared prosperity. Advertisement 6. Upcoming Geneva visit: On the final leg of his trip, Dr. Jaishankar will visit Geneva from September 12 to 13. He plans to meet with representatives from various international organizations and the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between India and Switzerland. Opposition leader Mohamed Ali Kibao was abducted, beaten, and doused with acid. The murder has sparked widespread calls for a thorough investigation and raised concerns about increasing political repression in the country read more Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan takes oath of office following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli at State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania March 19, 2021. REUTERS Tanzanias President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of the opposition party Chadema. Kibao, 69, was abducted from a bus while traveling from Dar es Salaam to his hometown of Tanga. He was subsequently beaten and had acid poured on his face, according to a post-mortem examination reported by Chademas chairman, Freeman Mbowe. The murder has raised eyebrows among opposition members and human rights groups about a possible crackdown on political dissent. In response to the violence, President Samia has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Advertisement She pressed on the need for prompt and detailed information from the investigation agencies and reiterated her commitment to democracy and citizens rights. At Kibaos funeral, held in Tanga, mourners protested against Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni, demanding his resignation over perceived inaction. The crowd voiced their frustration with the governments handling of abductions and killings, though Mbowe intervened to allow the minister to complete his addressv. The US Embassy in Tanzania has also urged for an independent and transparent investigation into Kibaos death, expressing concern over the safety of Chadema leaders. The embassy highlighted that such violent acts have no place in a democratic society. Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008, was the latest victim in a series of troubling incidents involving opposition figures. Last month, senior Chadema leaders Mbowe and Tundu Lissu were arrested while attempting to hold a rally, which was banned by the police. In July, an artist was sentenced to two years in prison for burning an image of President Samia. There are growing fears that Tanzania might be reverting to the repressive environment of late President John Magufulis era, despite President Samias promises to restore competitive politics. Human Rights Watch has criticised the recent surge in arrests of opposition activists, describing it as a troubling sign ahead of the 2025 presidential elections. As Turkey re-engages with the Arab League and seeks a fresh start with the EU, President Erdogans strategic manoeuvres reflect a calculated effort to redefine Turkeys role in global diplomacy and regional politics read more President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is undoubtedly steering Turkey through a transformative period in its international relations. His recent diplomatic engagements signal a broader effort to reset and expand Turkeys influence across multiple regions, from the Arab world to Europe. One of the clearest indications of this shift is Turkeys re-engagement with the Arab League after a 13-year hiatus, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan representing Ankara at a ministerial meeting in Cairo. This is a crucial development, particularly given Turkeys past tensions with several Arab nations including Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Arab League Meeting: A strategic return Turkeys return to talking terms with the Arab League marks a key moment in its regional diplomacy. Since the Syrian civil war and the 2013 ousting of Egypts Mohamed Mursi, Erdogans ties with key Arab League members had frayed. However, Ankara has been working hard to restore these relationships, driven by economic interests and geopolitical necessity. Turkeys support for calls to investigate Israeli actions in Gaza, alongside its participation in an Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation contact group, demonstrates its strategic interest toward regional cooperation. For the first time in over a decade, Turkey participated in a ministerial meeting of the Arab League, with Foreign Minister Fidan attending the session in Cairo on Tuesday. This marks a significant diplomatic move for Ankara, which has been at odds with the League in recent years. Turkey has been vocal in its condemnation of Israels actions against Hamas in Gaza, even supporting calls for genocide charges at the World Court. Erdogans Islamic alliance rhetoric against Israeli expansionism further highlights his desire to strengthen ties with Arab nations, while Turkey also negotiates a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Arab League meeting thus reflects Turkeys effort to enhance institutional ties and establish itself as a vital player in Middle Eastern politics. Mending fences with Egypt Turkeys most striking diplomatic reset came with Egypt, where years of bitter tension following President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis ousting of his predecessor Mohamed Mursi have been steadily thawing. The September 2024 visit of Egypts President al-Sisi to Ankara, marking the first such visit in 12 years, solidified this detente. Erdogans government has emphasised a win-win approach in their dealings, signing 18 cooperation agreements covering defence, energy and finance. This renewed partnership holds economic promise with both countries targeting an ambitious boost in bilateral trade. Advertisement Moreover, Turkeys support of Egypts mediation in the Israel-Palestine conflict underscores the broader regional realignment. Both Erdogan and al-Sisi called for a ceasefire in Gaza reflecting shared geopolitical interests. Their talks on Libya, where both nations have vested interests, also signal a coordinated effort to stabilise the region. Relations began to improve in 2020 as Turkey launched efforts to mend ties with regional powers, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. By 2022, both countries had reinstated ambassadors, and Turkey committed to supplying Egypt with military drones. Erdogan made a significant visit to Cairo earlier this year, his first since 2012. During this latest meeting, Erdogan and al-Sisi held talks at the presidential palace following a joint arrival at Ankara airport. Erdogan and al-Sisi also shared goals of boosting annual trade from $5 billion to $15 billion over the next five years. In a joint press conference, they reaffirmed their alignment on the Palestinian issue, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and ending the violence in the West Bank. Turkey, a vocal critic of Israels actions in Gaza, has been sending aid through Egypt and praised Cairos role in negotiating peace efforts. Advertisement According to AFP, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in Libya agreeing on the need for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections and the removal of foreign mercenaries and armed militias to end the division. Rethinking EU relations While Erdogans outreach to Arab states is striking, his efforts to reset relations with the European Union are equally significant. After a five-year hiatus, Turkeys Foreign Minister Fidan attended a meeting in Brussels on 29 August to restart dialogue. This move comes despite Turkeys longstanding challenges with the EU, particularly over human rights, the Cyprus issue and tensions with Greece. The EUs reliance on Turkey for migration management, however, offers a platform for Erdogan to regain leverage. Advertisement Despite the EUs reticence to reinvigourate Turkeys candidacy, Ankara remains a crucial partner for European stability. Erdogans pragmatic approach, seeking cooperation where mutual interests align, may yet revive Turkeys frozen EU accession bid, even if hurdles remain. In 2019, rising friction between Greece, an EU member, and Turkey led Brussels to consider imposing sanctions on Ankara and halting specific avenues of communication. Ties have improved since 2021 with high-level talks restarting. Ankara saw the EUs invitation to Foreign Minister Fidan as an effort to seek dialogue, a foreign ministry source told Reuters. Deeper ties with the understanding that Turkey is a candidate country would benefit both sides, the source added. Advertisement Turkeys balancing act: BRICS and NATO Under the leadership of President Erdogan, Turkey has of late increasingly sought to balance its relationships between NATO and non-Western alliances, such as BRICS. Erdogans interest in joining BRICS, an organisation aimed at countering Western economic dominance demonstrates his broader strategy of diversifying Turkeys economic ties while maintaining its critical security relationship with NATO. This dual alignment presents a potential conflict of interest as BRICS includes Russia, a country NATO largely positions itself against, particularly amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. Erdogans decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defence systems over US-made Patriot missiles stirred significant tension within NATO, leading to Turkeys removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme and the imposition of US sanctions. Despite this, Erdogan has maintained Turkeys outward commitment to NATO, highlighting its strategic importance to the alliance. Turkeys geographic location, military strength and contributions to NATOs missions make it a crucial ally that the alliance is unlikely to push away, despite internal challenges. Erdogans pragmatic foreign policy mirrors Turkeys historical strategy during World War II, when the country navigated relationships with both the Allied and Axis powers without fully committing to either. Now, Erdogan is positioning Turkey to benefit economically from both Western and non-Western blocs, especially as the countrys bid to join the EU has been stymied. By leveraging BRICS membership possibilities, Erdogan can establish stronger economic ties with countries like Russia and China while relying on NATO for security guarantees. However, Turkeys potential application to join BRICS adds another layer of discomfort for India, especially considering President Erdogans vocal stance on Kashmir. Erdogan has frequently criticised Indias actions in Kashmir, often aligning with Pakistan on the issue, which has strained Indo-Turkish relations. If Turkey were to join BRICS, this could complicate Indias position within the bloc. Erdogans anti-India rhetoric could potentially influence BRICS discussions placing India in an awkward diplomatic situation especially given the groups focus on countering Western influence and fostering non-aligned partnerships. Nevertheless, Erdogans careful navigation of these alliances reflects his broader geopolitical vision for Turkey: maintaining economic flexibility, managing regional tensions and asserting Turkeys independence on the global stage. While some NATO members have expressed discomfort with Turkeys actions, Erdogan continues to assert Turkeys value as an indispensable partner for both NATO and potential new alliances like BRICS. A potential thaw with Syria? Another notable aspect of Erdogans diplomatic mission is his evolving stance toward Syria. After years of supporting opposition forces seeking to overthrow Bashar al-Assad, Erdogan signalled in July this year that he may extend an invitation to the Syrian president. Such a move would mark a profound shift in Turkish foreign policy, reflecting Erdogans current priority to secure Turkeys borders and manage the return of Syrian refugees. Speaking to reporters on his return from Berlin, where he attended the Euro 2024 event, Erdogan mentioned the possibility of inviting Assad to Turkey, according to reports from Anadolu and other outlets, the AFP reported. Erdogans remarks follow a week of unrest in Turkey, where anti-Syrian sentiments flared up leading to attacks on Syrian-owned businesses and properties in central Anatolia. With over 3.2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey and rising domestic xenophobia, Ankaras recalibration of its Syria policy is driven by internal pressures. Erdogans pragmatic approach to potentially engaging Assad demonstrates his willingness to explore new avenues for stabilising Turkeys regional position. Strategic pragmatism in action Erdogans recent moves reflect a broader strategy of resetting Turkeys global ties, driven by pragmatic economic, geopolitical and domestic considerations. Whether through re-engaging the Arab League, strengthening ties with Egypt, exploring economic links with BRICS or seeking a diplomatic reset with the EU and Syria, Erdogan is tactfully positioning Turkey to become a key player in an increasingly multipolar world. By seeking cooperation where opportunities align, President Erdogan is recalibrating Turkeys regional role while balancing its strategic interests on the global stage. China has rejected a US proposal to limit the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the deployment of nuclear weapons read more Sixty countries gathered in South Korean capital Seoul to declare that humans and not artificial intelligence (AI) should control nuclear weapons. The countries including leading nuclear powers like the United States and United Kingdom. The only major exception was China. At the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit, around 60 of the 100 countries in attendance adopted the Blueprint for Action, which declared that it was essential to maintain human control and involvement for all actionsconcerning nuclear weapons employment, according to AFP. Advertisement The declaration a non-binding agreement comes as China has repeatedly refused to rule out the AI control of nuclear weapons. The Seoul declaration, which China did not join, said AI applications should be ethical and human-centric, as per the news agency. Whats Blueprint for Action for military use of AI? This was the second edition of the summit. In the first edition, around 100 countries agreed on a much more modest call to action. It was co-hosted by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Kenya. While the Blueprint for Action published this year was broader, the signatories fell from 100 to 60. The declaration billed itself as the most comprehensive and inclusive platform for AI in the military domain, as per AFP. The declaration acknowledged there was a long way to go for nations to keep pace with the development of AI in the military domain. It noted that they need to engage in further discussionsfor clear policies and procedures. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans told Reuters that while the last years summit was about creating a shared understanding, this years summit was about getting more towards action. This includes laying out what kind of risk assessments should be made, important conditions such as human control, and how confidence-building measures can be taken in order to manage risks, said Brekelmans. Advertisement Even as the declaration sought to stop the AI control of nuclear weapons, it did not outline any sanctions or other punishments in case of a violation, as per AFP. China has so far refused to rule out AI control of nukes China has consistently used to rule out the AI control of its nuclear weapons. So far, the militaries around the world are using for reconnaissance, surveillance, and analytical purposes, but there remains a broad consensus that the decision to launch nuclear weapons will always rest with humans. The AFP reported that there are plans that AI could be used in the future to pick targets autonomously but most nations still agree that the decision to launch should rest with humans but not China. Advertisement In June, the White House said that China had rejected a US proposal to limit the role of AI in controlling the launch of nuclear weapons. In addition to revealing Chinas rejection of the US proposal, Tarun Chhabra, the Director of Technology at the White House National Security Council, said that it was a long-stated US policy that AI should be completely out of nuclear bombs-related decisions. Our position has been publicly clear for a very long time: We dont think that autonomous systems should be getting near any decision to launch a nuclear weapon. Thats long-stated US policy, said Chhabra. While it is not known how China may use AI in the launch of nuclear weapons, Soviet Union used to have a Dead Hand autonomous system for launching nuclear weapons with the idea that an autonomous system would launch weapons in case leaders and officials are incapacitated or killed. There have been reports that Russia continues to have the system even today. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have also announced sanctions against Iran for supplying missiles to Russia read more The United States and European partners say Iran has supplied Russia with missiles for use in the war on Ukraine (Photo: AFP) At a time when Russia and Iran are nearing the signing of a new treaty, the United States has announced a fresh round of sanctions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia and the United States would impose sanctions on Iran over such supplies. He said that Russia is expected to use these Iranian missiles in the war on Ukraine in the coming days. Advertisement The United States will be announcing further sanctions on Iran later today, including additional measures on Iran Air. We expect allies and partners will be announcing their own new measures on Iran as well, said Blinken at a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London. Following Blinkens announcement, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany also announced sanctions against Iran over the supply of missiles to Russia. In a joint statement, the British, French, and German foreign ministers said they would slap sanctions on Iran Air and on entities and individuals associated with the supply of missiles to Russia. In recent years, Iran and Russia have come closer due to their shared enmity with the United States. Both of these countries are opposed to the United States and seek to undermine it. Along with fellow authoritarian regimes in China and North Korea, they have formed an anti-United States bloc. Now, Russia and Iran are about to formalise their close relationship, according to top Russian official Sergei Shoigu. Russia has nearly completed the required procedures to sign a new bilateral treaty with Iran soon, said Shoigu, the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, as per TASS news agency. Shoigu said, We look forward to the imminent conclusion of a new basic interstate treaty. We are completing the internal procedures necessary for the preparation of documents for signing by the presidents. Advertisement Separately, White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby said that the new US sanctions would show Iran that it would face economic costs and warned that the United States would impose further measures if warranted, as per Reuters. Even as Shoigu has admitted being close to signing a treaty with Iran, little is known about the nature of the deal. In 2001, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year comprehensive agreement on security. The deal in the making is expected to be a follow-up. While the specifics are not known, the treaty is expected to see sunlight in the very near future and will reflect the unprecedented upswing between the countries, according to Breaking Defense. Advertisement Mohammed Soliman, the Director of Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute, told the outlet that the deal could formalise their shared hostility to the United States. A comprehensive agreement might formalize closer political ties, potentially strengthening their shared opposition to the West, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict and sanctions. While not explicitly mentioned, the agreement could lead to further collaboration on military technology or intelligence sharing, said Soliman. Over half a million Belarusians have fled their country amid a severe crackdown on political dissent, only to find themselves facing threats and intimidation abroad. The Belarusian regimes reach extends globally, with exiles experiencing harassment, arrests, and efforts to silence them, as President Lukashenko seeks to stifle opposition ahead of the 2025 election read more More than a half-million Belarusians have fled their country in the past four years as the authoritarian government launched a harsh crackdown on its political opponents. Some of them, however, are discovering that they cant escape intimidation and threats in their new lives abroad. Dziana Maiseyenka, 28, was detained without warning while crossing the border from Armenia to Georgia, where she had taken refuge from Belarus a year ago to escape what she called the nightmare at home. Advertisement Authorities in Minsk, she was told, had issued an international arrest warrant against her on charges of organizing mass unrest. She knows what a return to Belarus will mean: Her father was imprisoned for nearly three years on similar charges. When he was released last year, he was promptly arrested again. As hard-line President Alexander Lukashenko seeks his seventh term next year to extend his three-decade rule, opposition leaders in exile say he is ramping up the pressure on Belarusians who moved abroad. The aim is to avoid a repeat of the mass protests that broke out around the 2020 election by quashing any opposition support from abroad. Months of large demonstrations over that widely denounced balloting resulted in more than 65,000 people arrested over the last four years, with many of them severely beaten, according to the Belarusian human rights group Viasna. Its Nobel Peace Prize-winning founder, Ales Bialiatski, is among those imprisoned. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was Lukashenkos main challenger in 2020 before fleeing to Lithuania the day after the election, says Belarus has launched a systematic campaign against dissidents abroad. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, repressions against Belarusians abroad will most likely only intensify as the regime tries to intimidate those who call for increased international sanctions and nonrecognition of Lukashenkos legitimacy, she said in an interview with The Associated Press. Advertisement Tsikhanouskaya said her office gets hundreds of requests a month from Belarusians abroad who say criminal cases have been opened against them in their homeland, and it is intervening in at least 15 countries where extradition requests have been made. Other emigres complain their identity documents have been invalidated by the government in Minsk or that relatives at home have come under pressure. Pavel Latushka, a prominent opposition figure in exile in Poland, says hes received threats, which Polish authorities are investigating, and his website came under a cyberattack that he blames on Lukashenkos government. Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, who sought political asylum in Poland three years ago after the Tokyo Olympics, also said she had received threatening messages in Warsaw. Advertisement One said they would rip my stomach open if I went outside, Tsimanouskaya told AP at the Paris Olympics. In another, separate instance, she said she noticed two men were constantly following me in her neighborhood. They went outside when I went outside. This was not some kind of coincidence, Tsimanouskaya said, adding that it ended after she reported it to police. At the Paris Games, Polish team officials advised her to keep to the more secure athletes village whenever possible. Viasna representative Pavel Sapelka said the Belarus KGB is infiltrating the diaspora, organizing surveillance and taking video of large protests abroad, and then initiating hundreds of criminal cases at home. Advertisement Official Minsk has begun sending out extradition requests en masse, and the logic here is very simple even if they manage to bring back only a few from abroad, everyone will be scared, he said. Independent director Andrei Hniot, a Lukashenko critic who made films about the Minsk protests, was arrested last year at Belgrades airport on an Interpol warrant at the request of Belarusian authorities for alleged tax evasion. A Serbian court in June ordered his extradition, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intervened. In a letter to the Belarusian opposition office, she said Serbian authorities were told Hniots case was politically motivated and he would face reprisals if returned to his homeland. Advertisement The route to Belarus is a direct road to prison, Hniot told AP from Belgrade, where hes under house arrest while awaiting a final ruling. In August, two anti-Lukashenko activists were deported from Sweden after being refused political asylum. The mother and son who had participated in protests in Belarus were taken by Swedish authorities to the Lithuania-Belarus frontier and handed over to Belarusian border guards. The son was detained at the border. Belarusians need European solidarity not in words but in deeds, said Zmitser Vaserman, who represents a Belarusian exile group in Sweden, urging a European moratorium on the deportation of Belarusian citizens who are persecuted for political reasons. To protect the interests of Belarusians abroad, the opposition has created peoples embassies in 24 countries, including in EU member states, the U.K., Canada, Australia and Brazil. Belarusian authorities responded by declaring these peoples embassies to be extremist groups; cooperation with them is punishable by up to seven years in prison and confiscation of property. In the spring, authorities carried out a wave of searches and arrests inside Belarus, initiating hundreds of criminal cases at home and abroad. Extremist groups have launched information campaigns to discredit our country in the eyes of Western politicians, said Siarhei Kabakovich, spokesman for the Investigative Committee of Belarus. The pseudo-embassies are trying to damage the national security of Belarus and are carrying out measures to isolate diplomatic missions of the Foreign Ministry system and block any contacts between foreign citizens, organizations and governments with Belarusian diplomats. In Vilnius, where opposition leader Tsikhnanouskaya is based, several Belarusian institutions were attacked this month. Windows were broken at a Belarusian Orthodox church and a center of Belarusian culture, and obscene messages were left near a refugee shelter. Lithuanias Foreign Ministry in a statement on X condemned the acts of vandalism against the Belarusian community carried out according to the KGB playbook and vowed to punish those responsible. Tsikhanouskaya called for an investigation, blaming the Lukashenko regime, which is constantly trying to create an atmosphere of fear and hate in Belarusian society. Belarus now requires its citizens to renew their passports inside the country. That leaves many exiles in a bind, fearing prosecution if they return home to get new documents. Of particular concern are children born abroad to parents who cannot return to Belarus to get documents confirming their citizenship, said Anais Marin, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Belarus, because this may lead to loss of proof of citizenship and, potentially, to statelessness. Many Belarusians returning home have been arrested at the border, said Tsikhanouskaya. Some record video confessions of repentance, which are widely believed to be coerced. Katsiaryna Mendryk, a student at the University of Warsaw who was arrested in August, said in a subsequent video confession that she really regrets participating in extremist activities. She goes on trial this month, facing up to seven years in prison. Maiseyenka, the woman detained at the Georgia-Armenia border, spent five days in limbo before returning safely to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Tikhanouskayas office intervened on her behalf, and Armenia decided not to extradite her, she told AP. Maiseyenka said she was a lucky exception but realized with horror how dangerous it is to be Belarusian. Lukashenko is showing that he can hang the fate of any citizen by a thread, she said. This means that a Belarusian anywhere in the world needs to be prepared for unpleasant surprises. The study said the Western nations crackdown on climate protestors was a violation of their legal responsibility to protect basic rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association read more Even as developed countries preach the world about climate change, they are leaders in silencing climate activists, according to a new study. The non-governmental organisation Climate Rights International (CRI) has noted in a recent report that the developed countries of the Global North indulge in the same kind of repressive behaviour that they criticise in the authoritarian regimes in developing societies of the Global South. In a 70-page report titled On Thin Ice: Disproportionate Responses to Climate Change Protesters in Democratic Countries, the CRI noted that harsh, vague, and punitive measures to crack down on climate protests are being used in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. The measures include lengthy prison sentences, preventive detention, and harassment. Advertisement The CRI said such measures were a violation of these governments legal responsibility to protect basic rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. These governments end up doing exactly what they oppose in other countries, said Brad Adams, the Director at CRI. Governments too often take such a strong and principled view about the right to peaceful protest in other countries but when they dont like certain kinds of protests at home they pass laws and deploy the police to stop them, said Adams to The Guardian. Govts should see protestors at allies In a press release by CRI, Adams further said that the governments should see climate protestors as allies in the fight against climate change. Governments should see climate protesters and activists as allies in the fight against climate change, not criminals. The crackdown on peaceful protests is not only a violation of their basic rights, it can also be used by repressive governments as a green light to go after climate, environmental, and human rights defenders in their countries, said Adams. The CRI report comes at a time when climate protests have picked up pace in the West. A slew of warnings in recent years have warned that time to save the irreversible change from climate change is almost up and the humanity is now in the endgame in the battle against climate change. Even as Western talk of reduction of carbon emissions and increased commitments from others, they are criticised for failing to act. One major criticism has been the Wests failure to contribute to an international fund to tackle climate change. Advertisement Adams said that instead of jailing them, the governments should listen to activists and act urgently. You dont have to agree with the tactics of climate activists to understand the importance of defending their rights to protest and to free speech. Instead of jailing climate protesters and undermining civil liberties, governments should heed their call to take urgent action to address the climate crisis, said Adams. Last year, a United Nations (UN) envoy also supported the protestors and said they should be protested, not harassed. These defenders are basically trying to save the planet, and in doing so save humanity. These are people we should be protecting, but are seen by governments and corporations as a threat to be neutralised. In the end its about power and economics, said Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to The Guardian. Being held since 1998, Operation Formosa is one of Latin Americas largest military exercises. However, this year marks the first time when both the US and China have sent their troops to take part in it read more Considered to be geopolitical rivals, the US and China have sent their troops for the first time to take part in a joint military exercise, Operation Formosa led by the Brazilian Armed Forces. At Operation Formosa last year, the American troops from the Southern Command participated, while China took part as an observer. Being held since 1998, Operation Formosa is one of Latin Americas largest military exercises. However, this year marks the first time when both the US and China have sent their troops to take part in it. Advertisement The exercise takes place near the city of Formosa, Brazil, and is different from that of Taiwan, which officially went by the same name in 1895. A report by South China Morning Post (SCMP) quoted a Brazilian Armed Forces spokesperson as saying that 33 from the Chinese Navy and 54 from the US Navy are participating in Operation Formosa this year which will continue until next Tuesday. Nearly 3,000 military personnel, including from Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of Congo and South Africa have been taking part in the exercises, the Brazilian defence ministry said. Customary to invite friendly nations The Brazilian Navy said, It is customary to invite friendly nations to participate in these exercises. The importance of such invitations is directly linked to the opportunity to promote greater integration between the Brazilian Navy and the forces of friendly nations. When was the last joint military exercise between China & the US? There has been no joint military exercises between the Chinese and American militaries since 2016, when Washington invited Beijing to the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, also known as Rimpac. For that, Beijing sent five warships and about 1,200 troops. Advertisement However, in the following editions of Rimpac, the US withdrew its invitation as punishment for Chinas continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea, the then-Pentagon spokesman Christopher Logan had stated. The recent Rimpac was held in July this year and the Chinese military was again not part of it because of Beijings reluctance to adhere to international rules or norms and standards, US Navy Vice-Admiral John Wade, who commanded the exercise, had said. China, US exchange views on issues of common concerns Meanwhile, Beijings defence ministry informed that senior military officials from China and the US, on Tuesday, held a video call, during which they had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern. Advertisement On the morning of September 10, Wu Yanan, Commander of the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army, held a video call with (Samuel) Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, the statement by the ministry read. This high-level military dialogue comes on the heels of the first visit to China by a US national security advisor since 2016 in late August. China in Brazil military exercise, what does it signify? China participating in Operation Formosa this year marks the latest step in expanding military cooperation between Beijing and Brasilia. Back in 2015, Chinese troops participated in training programmes at Brazils Jungle Warfare Training Centre in Manaus, Amazonas state. The collaboration between the two nations was expanded during the Brazilian Peace Operations Joint Training Centre, which was hosted in 2017 by students of China. Advertisement In 2023, PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) Navy officers visited Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia to hold extensive discussions with their Brazilian counterparts. This year in July, General Tomas Miguel Ribeiro Paiva, commander of the Brazilian army, visited Beijing to strengthen cooperation in academic affairs and explore collaborations in the fields of science, technology and defence industry. With inputs from agencies. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the ongoing naval exercises the largest of its kind for three decades read more Russian and Chinese warships sail in the Peter the Great Gulf during Ocean-2024 strategic command and staff exercises in Russia. (Photo: AP) Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, part of a major naval exercise that President Vladimir Putin said was the largest of its kind for three decades. Moscow and Beijing have deepened military and economic cooperation in recent years, as both countries seek to counterbalance what they see as a United States-led global order. Russias Ocean-2024 exercise will take place in the Pacific and Arctic as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas and is the first of its type in the last three decades, Putin said in a televised address. Advertisement Under the pretext of countering the alleged Russian threat and containing the Peoples Republic of China, the US and its satellites are increasing their military presence near Russias western borders, in the Arctic and in the Asia-Pacific region, Putin said. Russia must be prepared for any development of the situation, he added. He said the drills were aimed at testing the combat readiness of Russias military leadership, without elaborating. The drills will involve more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels and last until 16 September, according to the Russian defence ministry. China sent four warships and a supply vessel to the exercise, joining Russias naval fleet in the Sea of Japan, it said. Also taking part are more than 120 aircraft and helicopters about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment, and more than 90,000 personnel, the ministry added. The Japanese defence ministry said it had observed five Chinese naval ships entering the Sea of Japan heading in the direction of Russia over the weekend. It confirmed that these vessels sailed north-eastwards through the Tsushima Strait towards the Sea of Japan from Saturday to Sunday. Japans Self-Defence Forces conducted vigilance monitoring and intelligence gathering with a vessel and patrol plane, the ministry said, releasing photos of the ships. Advertisement The Tsushima Strait lies between South Korea and Japan and connects the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan known as the East Sea to Koreans and is not within Japanese territorial waters. Rising tensions In his address at the opening of the drills, Putin accused Washington of spurring a global arms race and said Moscow had the right to defend its interests. The United States is provoking an arms race without regard for the security of its European and Asian allies, and is creating the preconditions for a dangerous crisis situation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Putin said. Our armed forces must provide reliable defence of Russias sovereignty and national interests and repel possible military aggression in any direction, including in the ocean and maritime zone, he added. Advertisement Russia and China have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against Western hegemony, particularly what they see as US domination of global affairs. Chinas growing economic and military clout and its assertiveness in territorial disputes, most recently with the Philippines, has also rattled the United States and its allies. On August 26, Japan scrambled fighter jets after what it called the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace. Last week, Japan protested after a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters. Japan and Russia also have a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories and their relations have deteriorated sharply since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Advertisement Japanese and Chinese vessels have been involved in tense incidents in other areas, in particular, the remote Senkaku islands in the East China Sea claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. Tokyo has reported the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels, a naval ship and even a nuclear-powered submarine in the area, and there have been a series of confrontations between Japanese coastguard vessels and Chinese fishing boats. Our interactions in defence and security have increased. We held the first-ever air exercises this year. And we hope to welcome your naval ships in Goa next month And we would like to explore how our defence industries can cooperate more closely, said Jaishankar at a joint press conference alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock read more External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India and Germany have increased their interactions with regards to defence and security and India hopes to welcome the German naval ships in Goa next month. #WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar addresses the press alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin EAM says, "...We discussed PM Modis recent visit to Ukraine. We talked about the situation in West Asia/Middle East, especially the Gaza conflict and its pic.twitter.com/xLsr98RTcR ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 Advertisement Addressing a joint press conference alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin, Jaishankar said, Our interactions in defence and security have increased. We held the first-ever air exercises this year. And we hope to welcome your naval ships in Goa next month. Our policy and other exchanges have been mutually beneficial. And we would like to explore how our defence industries can cooperate more closely. Listing out the details of the meeting with his German counterpart, Jaishankar said that the two leaders discussed PM Modis recent visit to Ukraine and also talked about the situation in West Asia/Middle East, especially the Gaza conflict and its ramifications. I also touched briefly on our cooperation with the EU. With the incoming Commission, we hope to move faster on the FTA, and other agreements and we count on Germanys support for that. Also, we would like to hold an early meeting of the Trade and Technology Council, said the External Affairs Minister. Earlier in the day, he also addressed the Annual Ambassadors Conference of the German Foreign Office in Berlin. Speaking at the conference, Jaishankar said that Germany should update its export control regime to foster greater defence cooperation with India and look at ways to ramp up bilateral trade and investments. Germany enforces some of Europes strictest controls on defense exports but has recently eased these restrictions to permit sales of small arms to the Indian military and to compete for a substantial submarine contract with the Indian Navy. This shift aligns with a broader overhaul of Germanys defense policy. Jaishankar highlighted that with India being a nearly $4 trillion economy and projected to grow at 8% for decades, the evolving business climate and changes within the country should encourage increased trade and investment. Advertisement Jaishankar, who is in Germany on the second leg of a three-nation tour, called for enhanced cooperation in innovation and technology, especially AI, fintech and green technologies, and for close consultation between the two countries on global issues to build trust and confidence in their partnership. He said that India is seeking to build a stronger relationship with Germany and hence it believes that Germany should take greater interest in the Indo-Pacific, just as we in India seek to do in the Euro-Atlantic. #WATCH | Germany: Addressing the Annual Ambassadors Conference of the German Foreign Office in Berlin, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "In a globalized existence, instability anywhere has consequences everywhere. It is untenable therefore for major nations to limit their horizons. pic.twitter.com/a0SrN3tAQS ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 Advertisement In a globalised existence, instability anywhere has consequences everywhere. It is untenable therefore for major nations to limit their horizons. But to act on that, it is necessary to forge partnerships and understandings. That is best done where there is comfort, where there is confidence and where there is convergence. This is what we are seeking to build between India and Germany, a stronger relationship. And that is why we believe Germany too should take greater interest in the Indo-Pacific, just as we in India seek to do in the Euro-Atlantic, said Jaishankar. Advertisement Jaishankar travelled to Germany after visiting Saudi Arabia for the first meeting between foreign ministers of India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on Monday. After his engagements in Germany on Tuesday, Jaishankar will leave for Switzerland. With inputs from agencies Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved through military means and urged Russia and Ukraine to negotiate. He reaffirmed Indias readiness to offer advice and support while highlighting the success of the Quad alliance read more Underlining that the Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that Russia and Ukraine have to negotiate, and if they want advice, India is always willing to give. Jaishankar made the comments while responding to questions at the Annual Ambassadors Conference of the German Foreign Office in Berlin, a day after he held a useful conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers meeting in the Saudi capital. Advertisement We dont think this conflict is going to be resolved on the battlefield. At some stage, theres going to be some negotiation. When there is a negotiation, the main parties - Russia and Ukraine - have to be at that negotiation, he said. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modis visits to Russia and Ukraine, he said that the Indian leader has said in Moscow and Kyiv that this is not an era of war. We dont think youre going to get a solution out of the battlefield. We think youve got to negotiate If you want advice, we are always willing to give it, he added. Noting that countries have differences and neighbours have differences, Jaishankar said that conflicts are not a good way of resolving differences. In his interaction, Jaishankar also said that the Quad has been a successful experiment. India is a member of QUAD - a four-member strategic security dialogue that also includes the US, Japan and Australia. China regards Quad as an alliance, aimed at containing its rise and is bitterly critical of the grouping. We have revived the Quad. It is a major diplomatic platform and India is committed to it, he said. Advertisement On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin named India among the three countries he is constantly in touch over the Ukraine conflict and said they are sincerely making efforts to resolve it. Speaking at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Putin said, If there is a desire of Ukraine to carry on with the negotiations, I can do that. His remarks came within two weeks after Prime Minister Modis historic visit to Ukraine, where he held talks with President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We respect our friends and partners, who, I believe, sincerely seek to resolve all issues surrounding this conflict, primarily China, Brazil and India. I constantly keep in touch with our colleagues on this issue, Putin was quoted as saying by Russias TASS news agency. Advertisement Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov last week told the Izvestia daily that India could help in establishing a dialogue on Ukraine. Underlining the existing highly constructive, even friendly relations between Modi and Putin, he said the Indian Prime Minister can lead the line on getting first-hand information from the participants in this conflict, as he freely communicates with Putin, with Zelenskyy, and with the Americans. This gives a great opportunity for India to throw its weight in world affairs, to use its influence that would drive the Americans and Ukrainians towards using a greater political will and entering the peaceful settlement track, Peskov said. Advertisement He, however, said there are no specific plans for Modi to mediate on the issue. At this time they can hardly exist, as we do not see any preconditions for talks for now, the Kremlin spokesman said. Modi on August 23 visited Ukraine where he conveyed to President Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an active role to restore peace in the region. In his interaction, Jaishankar underlined that India has changed enormously in the last decade and added that it is today a nearly 4 trillion dollar economy that has 8% growth prospects for decades further to come. Advertisement Its embrace of digital technologies is creating a public infrastructure on a massive scale, he said, adding that this is now an India of Moon landing and a Mars mission, a prolific manufacturer of vaccines and medicines, increasingly important to the global semiconductor industry and to contract engineering. Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris are set to clash in their first televised debate which comes less than two months ahead of the US Presidential elections 2024 read more Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate will be held in Pennsylvania and will not have a live audience. Source: REUTERS. The much-awaited US presidential debate between Republican candidate Donald Trump and the newly elected Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is just a few hours away. Both Trump and Harris are set to clash in their first televised debate which comes less than two months ahead of the US Presidential elections 2024. The face-off comes after US President Joe Biden, on July 21, announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race and endorsed Vice President Harris. Advertisement Interestingly, the Trump-Harris debate that will be held in Pennsylvania will not have a live audience and also there wont be live microphones, i.e. the candidates mic will be off when it is not their turn to speak. Trump-Harris debate time The US Presidential debate between Trump and Harris will be live on Tuesday at 9 pm EST. In India, it will be watched on Wednesday at 6:30 am IST. Where to watch Trump-Harris Presidential debate? The Trump-Harris debate will be hosted by ABC News. The clash of words between the two leaders will be moderated by World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis. The debate will be broadcast with two commercial breaks. The debate between Harris and Trump is expected to be simulcast on ABC News Live 24/7 streaming network, CBS News live, CBS News 24/7, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, and NBC News. The Harris-Trump debate can also be watched on OTT platforms including Disney+ and Hulu where it will be streamed Live. Rules for Harris-Trump US President debate In August, candidates had agreed to debate rules, which include standing at a podium, muting microphones throughout the debate except for when its the candidates turn to speak and excluding props or pre-written notes on the podium. Advertisement Trump and Harris will only have a pen, a paper pad and a bottle of water. Also, during the two commercial breaks, the candidates will not be allowed to communicate with their campaign staff. As per ABC, once the debate is live, there wont be any opening remarks, no contender will be given early access to topics or questions. Also, the closing remarks of each candidate would be limited to two minutes. During the debate, candidates will not be allowed to ask each other questions. Both Harris and Trump will get only two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for rebuttals, and one minute for any further information. Advertisement On Tuesday, a virtual coin toss was done to establish the order of closing statements and podium placement. Trump won the coin toss and chose to determine the sequence of closing statements. Also, Trump will be delivering the final closing statement. Harris chose the right podium position on stage left. With inputs from agencies. Ahead of his potential visit to New Delhi very soon, Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzus government on Tuesday announced that two junior ministers, who had allegedly used derogatory remarks against PM Modi, resigned on Tuesday read more Ahead of his potential visit to New Delhi very soon, Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzus government on Tuesday announced that two junior ministers, who had allegedly used derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned on Tuesday. Pro-China President Muizzu, who suspended three ministers in January for their remarks - including one reportedly calling PM Modi a clown - is seeking to rebuild ties with New Delhi and is likely to visit India soon. Advertisement Confirming the same, Muizzus spokesperson Heena Waleed on Tuesday said that the Maldivian president will visit India very soon even as the exact date of his trip is still being finalised, with discussions ongoing to find a mutually convenient time for both countries leaders. The President is scheduled to visit India very soon, The Sun Online quoted Waleed as saying. As you are aware, such trips are scheduled for a time of maximum convenience to leaders of the two countries. Discussions regarding this are in progress, Waleed added. Waleed announced Muizzus upcoming visit on the same day the two junior ministers - Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef - resigned from their positions. According to AFP, citing a government official, both had resigned citing personal reasons. Official sources said the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to New Delhi. There was no immediate word on a third minister, who was also suspended in January. The resignations also follow a visit last month by Indias foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, his first trip to the archipelago nation since Male expelled Indian troops in May. The now ex-ministers had criticised PM Modi on social media, sparking angry protests from Indian celebrities who called for a tourism boycott, the mainstay of the nations economy. Advertisement They criticised PM Modi following his visit to promote the Indian territory of Lakshadweep, a cluster of atolls just north of the Maldives, as a tourist destination. PM Modi posted photographs of himself snorkelling, and suggested the islands should be on the must-visit list of any adventure-seeking tourist. Muizzu travelled to India to attend PM Modis inauguration in June, but has not made a solo official visit. Unlike his predecessors, he first visited Turkey and China after taking office. Since Muizzu became president, relations with India have soured. Shortly after taking office, he requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel managing aviation platforms donated by India, leading to the deployment of Indian civilians in their place. Advertisement The situation worsened when the three Maldivian deputy ministers made controversial remarks about India and PM Modi on social media, although the Maldives foreign ministry distanced itself from these comments. India views the Maldives as a crucial maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean, and the bilateral relationship, particularly in defence and security, had notably improved under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Of late, Muizzu seems to have toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric and said he would not upend the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops. With inputs from agencies British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that he will travel to Ukraine this week with US Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken read more US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday put up a united front on Ukraine and the Middle East. Blinken is in London for talks with Lammy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are on top of the agenda. At a time when Russia is pressing on with the assault on the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, Lammy announced in a joint press conference at the UK Foreign Office that they would travel together to Kyiv this week to show support and better understand the situation. Advertisement On Russia and Ukraine, today I can confirm that Tony and I will be traveling to Kyiv this week the first joint visit of this kind for well over a decade. We are the closest of allies, so Im delighted that we will travel together, demonstrating our commitment to Ukraine, said Lammy. Blinken and Lammy also put a united front against Iran, which has emerged as a common irritant in both the Middle East and Ukraine. In the Middle East, Iran sponsors terrorist groups Hamas, Lebanon-based Hezbollah, and Yemens Houthis in the war against Israel and destabilisation of the region. It has also been supplying arms to Russia for use in the war on Ukraine. Ahead of the talks, the US-UK deliberations were described as strategic in nature and not related to any particular tactical situation. Later in the day, Blinken is scheduled to meet British PM Starmer. A critical moment for Ukraine As Russia continues with the invasion of Ukraine undeterred by the Kursk incursion, Blinken said it was a critical moment for the country. Blinken further said that Putin was again employing the winter playbook where Russia has started ramping up attacks on energy infrastructure ahead of the coldest months of winters. He called it weaponisation of energy and electricity. Advertisement 'I think it's a critical moment for Ukraine' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are holding a news conference in London ahead of a visit to Ukraine later on this weekhttps://t.co/5VDjsJVAFm Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/0Nmh8sksi1 Sky News (@SkyNews) September 10, 2024 On a question related to the permission for Ukraine to use long-range weapons for deeper strikes inside Russia, Lammy said the subject would feature in talks between Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington DC on Friday after Lammy and Blinkens visit to Kyiv during which their deliberations would include the topic, according to Sky News Deborah Haynes. For months, Ukraine has sought permission to strike deep inside Russia with its long-range weapons. While the UK is okay with Ukraine using British Storm Shadow missiles for such strikes, the United States has not given the green light over concerns that such strikes could mark an unwarranted escalation. Advertisement The Lammy-Blinken meeting the visit to Kyiv comes at a time when Russia has closed in on the city of Pokrovsk. The city is a critical logistical and industrial hub whose loss could be catastrophic for Ukrainian war efforts. The Kursk incursion, even with the gain of large territories, has so far failed to ease the pressure on other theatres of the war. US & UK present united front against Iran Further stressing how Iran has emerged as a common thread in conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, Blinken said Russia has received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran and plans to use them soon. He said the United States warned Iran both publicly and privately that such supply would constitute a dramatic escalation. Advertisement Blinken said, This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Irans destabilising influence reaches far beyond the Middle East. Blinken further said that the United States will announce a fresh tranche of sanctions on Iran over the supply of missiles to Russia. Lammy said the United States and the UK are completely aligned on the need to tackle Irans malign activity in the region and beyond. "We are united in our desire to address these challenges together." David Lammy holds a press conference alongside Antony Blinken addressing the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/uv4JxWBLWg Sky News (@SkyNews) September 10, 2024 Advertisement As for the war in the Gaza Strip, Lammy said the United States and the UK are completely aligned to secure a ceasefire. He added that they are also aligned in the desire for a reconciliation that has a two-state solution at its heart. Lammy further said that the United States and United Kingdom were committed to holding Irans efforts to undermine the global stability. We are not closed to business from ChinaI think the issue is, which sectors do you do business and what terms do you do business? Its far more complicated than a black and white binary answer, Jaishankar said at a press conference in Berlin read more External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks during a press conference at Iikura Guest House in Tokyo, Japan, on July 29, 2024. Reuters File India is not closed to business from China, but the issue is in which sectors the country does business with Beijing and on what terms, foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in Berlin on Tuesday. Ties between the nuclear-armed Asian giants have been strained since clashes between their troops on their largely undemarcated Himalayan frontier left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead in 2020. India subsequently tightened its scrutiny of investments from Chinese companies and halted major projects. Advertisement However, government officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have recently backed suggestions to allow more Chinese investment in the country. The latest annual economic survey released in July suggests that to boost its global exports, India can either integrate into Chinas supply chain or promote foreign direct investment (FDI) from China. We are not closed to business from ChinaI think the issue is, which sectors do you do business and what terms do you do business? Its far more complicated than a black and white binary answer, Jaishankar said at a conference in Berlin. Reuters reported in July that India could ease restrictions on Chinese investment in non-sensitive sectors such as solar panels and battery manufacturing where New Delhi lacks expertise and which hinders domestic manufacturing. Diplomatic and military talks to end the military standoff in the Himalayas have made slow progress. Along with investments scrutiny, India has also virtually blocked visas for all Chinese nationals since 2020, but it is considering easing them for Chinese technicians, as it had hindered investments worth billions of dollars. Russias aviation authority Rosaviatsia said that following Ukraines biggest ever drone attacks, three of Moscows four airports were closed for air traffic following the attacks. Also, a major road leading to the capital was partially closed read more A law enforcement officer stands guard near a damaged multi-storey residential building following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Ramenskoye in the Moscow region, Russia September 10, 2024. Source: REUTERS. Ukraine on Tuesday struck Moscow and western Russia in one of its biggest ever drone attacks, killing at least one woman, wrecking dozens of homes and forcing the closure of major airports in the capital, Russian officials said. Ukraine launched swarms of attack drones over the worlds biggest nuclear power. Russia said it destroyed at least 20 over the Moscow region, which has a population of over 21 million, and 124 more over eight other regions. Advertisement Three of Moscows four airports were closed for air traffic following the attacks, Russias aviation authority Rosaviatsia said. A major road leading to the capital was partially closed. The drone attacks damaged at least two high-rise apartment buildings in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region, setting flats on fire, Moscows governor Andrei Vorobyov said. A 46-year-old woman died and three people were injured in Ramenskoye, Vorobyov said. He added that 43 people were evacuated to temporary accommodation centres. Social media videos showed flames bursting out of windows of a multi-storey residential building, saying that dozens of flats were damaged in the Ramenskoye district. I looked at the window and saw a ball of fire, Alexander Li, a resident of the district told Reuters. The window got blown out by the shockwave. The Ramenskoye district, some 50 kms (31 miles) southeast from the Kremlin, has a population of around quarter a million of people, according to official data. More than 70 drones were also downed over Russias Bryansk region and tens more over other regions, Russias defence ministry said. There was no damage or casualties reported there. Advertisement As Russia advances in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv has been trying to take the war to Russia with a bold attack on Russias western Kursk region on Aug. 6 and increasingly large drone attacks deep into Russian territory. Russia says the attacks are akin to terrorism as they target civilian infrastructure. Ukraine says it has a right to strike deep into Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, though Kyivs Western backers have repeatedly said they do not want the war to escalate into a direct confrontation between Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine about Tuesdays attacks. Both sides deny targeting civilians yet civilians have died in attacks from both sides. Advertisement Ukraines domestic drone industry has been growing rapidly and Kyiv has been stepping up drone attacks on Russian energy, military and transport infrastructure. Russia is the worlds second largest oil exporter. Tuesdays attack follows a deluge of drones Ukraine launched in early September targeting chiefly Russias energy and power facilities. Authorities of the Tula region, which neighbours the Moscow region to its north, told Russian state news agency that a drone wreckage fell onto a fuel and energy facility, but that technological process of the facility was not affected. Ahead of a crucial meeting with party MPs on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing growing dissatisfaction within his caucus, according to a report read more Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government faces a crisis as the New Democratic Party has withdrawn support. AP File Ahead of a crucial meeting with party MPs on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing growing dissatisfaction within his caucus, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. Trudeau is expected to address his caucus as a whole for the first time since several of his MPs have expressed privately and publicly that he is not the person to lead the party into the next election. Liberal Party MP Alexandra Mendes revealed on Monday that feedback from her constituents indicates they believe the PM needs to go. Advertisement I didnt hear it from two, three people. I heard it from dozens and dozens of people. Hes no longer the right leader, Hindustan Times quoted Mendes as saying to French-language network Radio-Canada, even though she she praised Trudeaus track record as PM. Earlier, New Brunswick MP Wayne Long too sought his resignation before the next federal election, scheduled for October 2025. Recently, Indo-Canadian MPs George Chahal from Alberta and Chandra Arya from Ontario also voiced concerns about the partys direction while still backing Trudeau. Their worries stem from the Liberals trailing the Conservatives by 15 to 20 points in recent polls, which puts the Conservatives in a strong position for a majority in the next election. The prospect of earlier elections has become more likely after Jagmeet Singh-led New Democratic Partys (NDP) withdrew from the supply-and-confidence agreement with the ruling party, which was established in March 2022. With 154 seats in the 338-member House of Commons, the Liberals have reverted to a minority government. At the upcoming caucus retreat in Nanaimo, British Columbia, a key highlight will be the formal announcement of Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, joining the government as a special advisor on economic issues. Advertisement Carney will present his vision for the Liberals economic policy at the meeting. Marks unique ideas and perspectives will play a vital role in shaping the next steps in our plan to continue to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class, and to urgently seize new opportunities for Canadian jobs and prosperity in a fast-changing world," said Trudeau in a release issued on Monday. Meanwhile, NDP is also kicking off a three-day caucus retreat today in Montreal, days after leaving the supply-and-confidence agreement with the Liberals. After he announced last week that he had ripped up the agreement with the minority government, Singh said the Liberals are too weak to fight for Canadians and cant stop the Conservatives, offering himself as a credible alternative to Pierre Poilievre. Advertisement The retreat is also happening in one of the two cities where the NDP is hoping to win a byelection on September 16. With inputs from agencies Kyivs SBU security services said Saturday they had struck an ammunition depot in Russias Voronezh region in a drone attack read more Russian air defences shot down more than 70 Ukrainian drones overnight into Tuesday morning, local authorities and state media said, including 12 in the skies around Moscow. In the region of Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, 59 enemy aircraft-type UAVs have been intercepted and destroyed, regional Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz said on Telegram. There are no casualties or damage, he added. Twelve drones were also shot down in the Moscow region, the capitals mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram. As a result of the attack, three airports around Moscow suspended flights, according to their websites. Two more Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the region of Tula, south of Moscow, Russian state news agency TASS reported. Advertisement Ukraine and Russia routinely carry out nighttime drone attacks on each others territory. Kyivs SBU security services said Saturday they had struck an ammunition depot in Russias Voronezh region in a drone attack. The employment judge in UK ordered Clinica Private Healthcare Ltd to pay Kirankumar Rathod nearly 17,000 pounds in unpaid wages to date, and to continue paying his salary until his claim for unfair dismissal is decided read more Indian nurse Kirankumar Rathod said he was left in dire financial straits after London-based Clinica Private Healthcare Ltd hired him, but failed to provide him with any work and then fired him. Source: Representational Image / Freepik. An Indian nurse who was sacked by a British care company won a significant payout on Monday in a case that lawyers said could spur other migrant workers to pursue claims against unscrupulous bosses. Kirankumar Rathod is among more than 100,000 overseas workers who have arrived in Britain to take up care jobs since 2022 when the government opened up a new visa route to help tackle massive staffing gaps. But critics say reports of labour abuses in the sector have soared since the schemes introduction. Advertisement Rathod said he was left in dire financial straits after London-based Clinica Private Healthcare Ltd hired him, but failed to provide him with any work and then fired him. In an unusual ruling on Monday, employment judge Natasha Joffe ordered Clinica to pay Rathod nearly 17,000 pounds ($22,260) in unpaid wages to date, and to continue paying his salary until his claim for unfair dismissal is decided. This is very significant, Rathods solicitor Sarmila Bose of the Work Rights Centre told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. It shows that redress is possible for the many people who have been wronged by the way the visa scheme has been operated. Bose said the award was a lifesaver for Rathod, his wife and six-year-old daughter who had been left in a desperate financial situation by Clinica. After the ruling, Rathod said he felt massive relief. This has been an incredibly stressful time for me, both emotionally and financially, as while Clinica denied me work and income, I was unable to provide for my family, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a statement. Legal experts said it was extremely rare for judges to grant interim relief and the ruling was a strong indication Rathod would win his case at the Central London Employment Tribunal when it is eventually heard in full. Rathod said he had paid an agent in India 22,000 pounds to secure a care job in Britain - although there is no suggestion Clinica knew this. Advertisement After arriving in May 2023, he received a contract to work as a healthcare assistant with an annual salary of 23,500 pounds. When no work materialised, Rathod and other employees visited Clinicas west London offices several times. Following one visit, he received an email accusing him of gross insubordination. After months without work, Rathod told a company representative he would take legal action. He was sacked the following day on November 8, 2023. I told him the situation was killing me, I could not sleep at night, Rathod said in a witness statement. In a previous written summary of the case, the judge said Clinica appeared to have strung along a significant number of others and its behaviour suggested something awry in the way it ran its business. Advertisement The tribunal heard that Clinicas licence to employ overseas workers had since been revoked. Its representative had argued the company could not be asked to pay Rathod since it no longer had a licence to sponsor overseas workers. The Work Rights Centre, which is helping three other migrant workers with claims related to different companies, said more than 60 people had approached it with similar stories this year alone. But Bose said this was the tip of the iceberg. Some companies employed dozens of people (from overseas) when they didnt really have jobs for them, she said. The number of people affected overall is in the thousands. Advertisement Labour experts told an investigation by the Thomson Reuters Foundation this year that abuse was rife in the care sector, but most migrant workers did not complain because they feared losing their visa and being deported. A Swiss appeals court has found Tariq Ramadan guilty of raping a woman in Geneva 15 years ago, overturning an earlier acquittal and sentencing him to three years in prison, with two years suspended. The verdict, which Ramadans defense plans to challenge, was based on new evidence and witness testimony read more Swiss academic Tariq Ramadan, wearing a protective face mask, is seen with his wife Iman Ramadan during his trial at the Paris courthouse, France, September 16, 2020. REUTERS A Swiss appeals court on Tuesday found Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan guilty of raping a woman in a Geneva hotel 15 years ago, overturning an earlier lower court acquittal. The court said it annuls the judgement of 24 May 2023 and sentenced the 62-year-old former Oxford University professor to three years in prison, two of them suspended. The verdict was slightly more lenient than the three years in prison half suspended requested by the prosecutor in the appeals case in May. Advertisement The ruling dated August 28 but not made public until after it was reported by broadcaster RTS early on Tuesday is likely to be subject to an appeal at Switzerlands highest court. Ramadan, a charismatic yet controversial figure in European Islam, has always maintained his innocence. Ramadans accuser, a Muslim convert identified only as Brigitte, had testified before the court that he subjected her to rape and other violent sex acts in a Geneva hotel room during the night of October 28, 2008. The lawyer representing Brigitte said she was repeatedly raped and subjected to torture and barbarism. - Trap - Ramadan said that Brigitte invited herself up to his room. He let her kiss him, he said, before quickly ending the encounter. He said he was the victim of a trap. Brigitte was in her forties at the time of the alleged assault. She filed a complaint 10 years later, telling the court she felt emboldened to come forward following similar complaints filed against Ramadan in France. The appeals verdict overturns a lower court finding last year acquitting Ramadan of rape and sexual coercion, citing a lack of evidence, contradictory testimonies and love messages sent by the plaintiff after the alleged assault. Advertisement But during their appeal, Brigittes lawyers alleged that Ramadan had exercised significant control over the woman, suggesting she had suffered something akin to Stockholm syndrome. The three appeals court judges pointed to witness testimony, certificates, medical notes and private expert opinions consistent with the facts presented by the plaintiff. Elements collected during the investigation have thus convinced the chamber of the guilt of the accused, the court said in a statement. Ramadan was a professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford and held visiting roles at universities in Qatar and Morocco. He was forced to take leave of absence in 2017 when rape allegations surfaced in France at the height of the Me Too movement. Advertisement In France, he is suspected of raping three women between 2009 and 2016. His large defence team is fighting a Paris appeals court decision in June that the cases can go to trial. The trip comes as a senior Iranian official denied reports that Tehran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, information a European Union spokesperson described as credible read more British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London on Tuesday, the British government said, with discussions to include support for Ukraine and the de-escalation of violence in the Middle East. The trip comes as a senior Iranian official denied reports that Tehran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, information a European Union spokesperson described as credible. Lammy and Blinken will open talks on a UK-US Strategic Dialogue to strengthen ties which deliver growth and security, the British government said. Advertisement This will cover key elements of the UK-US relationship, including defence and security, Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and other global priorities, it added. In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations, Lammy said in a statement ahead of the meeting. Together we are re-energising our economic partnership, working together to tackle insecurity abroad and facing the future in unity and confidence. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States will also slap Iran with sanctions over the supply of missiles to Russia for use in the war on Ukraine read more The United States and European partners say Iran has supplied Russia with missiles for use in the war on Ukraine (Photo: AFP) The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have announced sanctions against Iran over the supply of missiles to Russia. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the three countries said they would slap sanctions on Iran Air and also sanction entities and personnel associated with the supply of missiles. The announcement comes shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy that Iran has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles for use in the war on Ukraine. He dubbed it a dramatic escalation and said the United States will impose sanctions on Iran for the supply of missiles. Advertisement In a joint statement released by the German foreign ministry, the three countries foreign ministers said they strongly condemn Irans export and Russias procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. They dubbed it a direct threat to European security. We strongly condemn #Irans export and #Russias procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Irans military support to Russias war of aggression against #Ukraine. Full Foreign Ministers statement https://t.co/HXKnUbmsaY GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) September 10, 2024 The three nations comprising the E3 bloc said they would suspend air connectivity with Iran in response to the Iranian actions. We will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. In addition, we will pursue the designations of significant entities and individuals involved with Irans ballistic missile programme and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia. We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air, said the E3 nations in the statement. Advertisement In addition to missiles, Iran has also been supplying armed drones to Russia which have become a mainstay of the Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine. Kyiv said on Tuesday it could cut ties with Tehran if Russia used ballistic missiles supplied by Iran to attack Ukraine and denounced any such delivery of the weapons as unacceptable read more Law enforcement officers stand guard outside a damaged multi-storey residential building following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Ramenskoye in the Moscow region, Russia on Tuesday. Reuters Kyiv said on Tuesday it could cut ties with Tehran if Russia used ballistic missiles supplied by Iran to attack Ukraine and denounced any such delivery of the weapons as unacceptable. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier that Russia had already received the missiles from Iran, 2-1/2 years since the full-scale invasion. He said he expected Moscow to use the weapons in the coming weeks. Iran denies supplying the arms. Advertisement Ukraine, which has already been grappling with an increase in Russian missile and drone attacks, has said there would be devastating consequences for its bilateral ties with Iran if reports of the missile supplies are confirmed. I will not say now exactly what is meant by devastating consequences, so as not to weaken our diplomatic position. But I can say that all options, including the one you mentioned, are on the table, foreign ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said, when asked if Kyiv could cut ties with Tehran. Ukraines allies, including the US, have said the delivery amounts to a substantial escalation and that they will impose further sanctions on Iran. While describing such sanctions as a positive step, Ukraines top presidential official, Andriy Yermak, said that it would not be enough on its own. We also need authorisation to use Western weapons against military targets on Russian territory, the provision of longer-range missiles, and the enhancement of our air defence systems, Yermak said on X. The Kremlin is yet to comment on Blinkens statements. It said on Monday that it was developing dialogue with Iran in all areas. Advertisement Ukraine downgraded its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2022 over Tehrans decision to supply Russia with unmanned Shahed attack drones, which Moscow troops have since used for regular long-range attacks. Until now, Iranian military support for Moscow has been most visible in the supply of those drones, which carry a smaller payload and are easier to shoot down because they travel at a fraction of the speed of ballistic missiles. Reuters reported in August that Russia was expecting a delivery of hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile from Iran and that dozens of its troops had received training to fire them. In a call with the media ahead of the debate, Trump campaign spokesperson Jason Miller dropped hints that Trump may mount personal attacks on Kamala Harris in the debate instead of making a policy-driven case read more Former US president Donald Trump is likely to continue his personal attacks on Harris. File Image/ AFP Ahead of the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Trump campaign has dropped hints about the possible line of attack. Harris will spar with Republican nominee Donald Trump in a presidential debate hosted by ABC News on Tuesday evening. This may be the only debate in the 2024 US presidential election as the two candidates have not agreed to any other debate so far. The debate may set the tone for the final leg of the campaign particularly as Harris has been somewhat elusive about her platform and has avoided interviews and press conferences. Trump, who has been mounting racial attacks on Harris for months, is expected to continue such attacks in the debate. Advertisement In a call with the media ahead of the debate, campaign spokesperson Jason Miller dropped hints that Trump may mount personal attacks on Harris in the debate instead of making a policy-driven case as he has done with critics and opponents for years. Miller indicated that for everything that has Trumps far-right platform considers wrong during the past four years, Trump is expected to blame Harris. Miller told the media that Harris owns everything from this administration, according to CNN. Miller stressed that Harris was central to some of the most pressing issues in the four years of the Joe Bidens presidency: the US-Mexico border and illegal immigration crisis, Harris casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate to pass stimulus bills, and the Afghanistan withdrawal. Miller further said that for the past four years, it was not Biden but Harris who was actually running the country. As Trump has done with opponents throughout, Trump is also set to belittle Harris as a politician. Miller told the media that Harris has no idea who she is and she is being fed all sorts of things by everyone. All these new people, these strangers trying to put thoughts in her head. These binders of stats and details. She has no idea what any of this is. No idea whatsoever and shes trying to figure out what type of person she wants to be, because her positions are changing, though her values have stayed the same, said Miller, as per CNN. Advertisement As for how Trump has prepared for the debate, Miller said that he has practiced all sorts of questioning in recent weeks: long interviews, short pull-aside interviews, press conferences, and town halls. As Trump and Harris face off tonight, their use of psychological tactics will reveal how they plan to sway voters and shape the 2024 election narrative read more The future of the world, as it might unfold in 2025, could start taking shape tonight as former US president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris face off in a highly anticipated 90-minute televised debate hosted by ABC News. This debate, taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniaoften affectionately known as Phillyhas the potential to influence global dynamics. While the fate of the world is not solely determined by the United States, its impact is significant and how these two prominent figures prepare for and execute their debate strategies will offer critical insights into their future trajectories. Advertisement As these candidates prepare for their encounter, it is fascinating to consider the mental dynamics and psychological strategies they might employ. How are they preparing to leverage their psychological status? What hidden tactics might they use? And how will their mental strategies reflect broader theories of consciousness as they attempt to outmanoeuvre each other? Understanding the psychology of debate Firstpost consulted senior consultant psychiatrist Dr Anshu Kulkarni to explore the psychological aspects of debates focussing on how they impact the mental and emotional states of both debaters and their audience. The discussion examined argument perception, stress management and persuasive techniques, especially in the context of the high-stakes anticipation surrounding the Trump-Harris debate. Heres a breakdown of the key psychological elements at play: 1. Cognitive dissonance Donald Trump: As a 2024 presidential candidate, Trumps approach remains deeply polarising. His campaign will continue to challenge established political norms particularly around issues like immigration, trade and nationalism. His ability to create cognitive dissonance by presenting simplified, emotionally charged solutions to complex problems will again push both his supporters and critics to either double down on their beliefs or rethink their positions. Kamala Harris: Whether running as vice president or stepping into the presidential race herself, Harris will focus on confronting the contradictions of Trumps policies. Her campaign will likely emphasise fact-based rebuttals to Trumps claims, especially on matters like healthcare and civil rights. Harris will aim to reconcile cognitive dissonance by aligning progressive policies with a message of fairness and justice. Advertisement 2. Emotional regulation Donald Trump: Trumps emotional intensity will continue to be a key part of his appeal in 2024. His ability to energise crowds through high emotional engagement and bold statements will likely be a central feature of his debates, just as it was in past elections. This plays into his strategy of being perceived as an outsider willing to disrupt the status quo. Dr Kulkarni explained how Trumps brash tone influences audience perception. When one speaks brashly, the tone of the speech is probably absorbed first, followed by the content, right? If someone speaks in a rash tone, the listener might first appreciate the tone before the content, which impacts how the message is received. Trumps audience tends to focus on his emotional delivery, which builds strong engagement. Advertisement Kamala Harris: Harris, on the other hand, will maintain her composed and disciplined demeanor, which could serve as a contrast to Trumps more volatile style. Dr Kulkarni noted that if someone speaks softly, with conviction, in a neutral emotional tone and in a crisp manner, it tends to have a better impact. As a presidential candidate, she will likely rely on her ability to remain calm under pressure to appeal to voters who are looking for stability and rational leadership amid chaos. 3. Confirmation bias Donald Trump: Trumps 2024 campaign will continue to target the confirmation bias of his base, reinforcing themes like economic nationalism, law and order and scepticism of mainstream media. His supporters are likely to interpret his arguments in debates in ways that confirm their existing beliefs about the establishment and Trumps role as a disruptor. Advertisement Kamala Harris: Harris will attempt to challenge the confirmation bias not only of Trumps base but also among moderates who may be sceptical of progressive policies. She will aim to present a more nuanced and pragmatic version of Democratic policies, particularly on issues like healthcare reform, climate change and social justice. 4. Persuasion techniques Donald Trump: In 2024, Trumps ethos is built on his identity as a former president, emphasising his past administrations successes such as tax reforms and foreign policy moves. His pathos will continue to stir emotions on contentious topics like immigration and the economy, while his logos may be less focussed on detailed policy arguments and more on narratives of success and national pride. Advertisement Kamala Harris: Whether as a presidential or vice-presidential candidate, Harriss logos will be central to her debates, drawing on her background in law to offer clear, evidence-based arguments. Her ethos as vice president will give her authority on key issues, while shell strategically use pathos when discussing topics like social justice and healthcare, making emotional connections with voters. Kamala Harris is a trained public prosecutor. She knows how to talk, how to grasp and process information, how to use her body language, and how to speak with conviction, Dr Kulkarni said. 5. Priming and framing Donald Trump: As the 2024 election unfolds, Trump will prime voters by doubling down on key slogans like Make America Great Again or America First, framing debates around his outsider status and anti-establishment narrative. His framing of topics will likely be aggressive, painting the Biden-Harris administration as ineffective and corrupt. Kamala Harris: Harris will frame her candidacy around the accomplishments of the Biden administration. She will likely prime voters to see her as the face of progress and inclusivity, framing herself as the candidate of the future, while contrasting her policies with Trumps. 6. Body language and non-verbal cues Donald Trump: In the 2024 debates, Trumps body language will remain assertive, likely continuing his use of aggressive gestures and dominant postures. His presence will be designed to project strength and certainty, appealing to voters who prioritise strong leadership. Kamala Harris: Harris will use more restrained and calculated body language continuing to emphasise composure and authority. She also sounds like a listener herselfshe listens, absorbs the information and then speaks, Dr Kulkarni said. In past debates, her non-verbal cuessuch as steady eye contact and controlled gestureshelped her convey confidence without appearing confrontational, which she will likely replicate in the upcoming election. 7. Audience psychology Donald Trump: Trumps rallies and debates will likely draw heavily on the crowd effect with his ability to energise supporters through slogans and direct, emotionally charged language. His approach will seek to solidify his bases loyalty while attempting to sway undecided voters through moments of heightened crowd reaction. Kamala Harris: Harris will engage the audience differently. Her approach in 2024 focusses on persuasion through logical appeal, aiming to connect with undecided or moderate voters who may feel fatigued by Trumps rhetoric. Shell prioritise appearing relatable and composed, especially to those looking for a more stable political climate. Good oration involves more than just wordsits about how they engage with the audience, the tone they use, their body language, and how well their message resonates with the larger masses, added Dr Kulkarni. 8. Fallacies and rhetorical tricks Donald Trump: Trumps 2024 campaign debates are likely to see continued use of ad hominem attacks, where he discredits opponents by focussing on personal flaws or mischaracterisations rather than policy differences. These tactics resonate with his base by reinforcing a sense of conflict and opposition to the establishment. Kamala Harris: Harris will likely counter Trumps rhetorical tricks by avoiding personal attacks and focusing on policy. However, she may use strawman arguments strategically, simplifying Trumps positions in ways that highlight their weaknesses, particularly around controversial issues like healthcare and social justice. 9. Stress and cognitive load Donald Trump: As a candidate in 2024, Trumps debates may reflect a mix of confidence and moments where he struggles with cognitive load, especially when pressed on detailed policy issues. However, his base tends to forgive these moments, focussing instead on his broader message of national renewal. Kamala Harris: Harris will likely handle cognitive load with her usual methodical approach, using structured arguments and clear responses to keep control in debates. Her legal background will allow her to think quickly on her feet, particularly when handling complex topics such as immigration reform and criminal justice. 10. Role of confidence and authority Donald Trump: In 2024, Trumps confidence will be a major factor in his appeal. As a former president, he will draw on his past authority to convince voters that he is the right choice to restore what he calls American greatness. His unwavering certainty in his own leadership will resonate with voters looking for strong, decisive action. Kamala Harris: Harris will emphasise her confidence through a combination of authority from her vice-presidential role and her policy knowledge. She will likely project a quieter, more composed confidence, appealing to voters who value thoughtful, inclusive leadership over bombast. With their status as 2024 presidential candidates, both Trump and Harris will use different psychological tactics to not only sway voters during debates but also to shape their broader campaigns and narratives. Their contrasting stylesTrumps brash, emotionally charged rhetoric versus Harriss calculated, composed responseswill define how voters perceive their respective abilities to lead. While the question hints at the deeply ingrained racism and sexism that is built into the structures of American politics and culture, it doesnt directly address these things, leaving assumptions about just how sexist and racist the country might be unresolved read more As Kamala Harris has herself said, the United States has not always lived up to its own ideals. Reuters Its the big question that has loomed over Kamala Harris presidential campaign from the start: is the United States ready for a Black woman president? I get asked this almost every time I speak about American politics. And its a question that pundits, observers and experts keep asking, without ever landing on an answer. Thats because the question is, in the end, unanswerable. Its so heavily loaded that answering it requires too much history, cultural knowledge, judgment and speculation. Advertisement While the question hints at the deeply ingrained racism and sexism that is built into the structures of American politics and culture, it doesnt directly address these things, leaving assumptions about just how sexist and racist the country might be unresolved. Asking if America is ready also assumes that history is progress that things move forward in a relatively straight line. It assumes that in the past America was not ready for a Black woman president, but at some point in the future it might be. It assumes, as Martin Luther King junior once said so beautifully, that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. Like much of Kings teachings, this idea has been flattened into an assumption that progress is inevitable that women and people of colour will eventually get equal representation and treatment as society learns, gradually, to become more just, tolerant and accepting. It assumes that, one day, the United States will live up to its own foundational ideal that all men are created equal. Advertisement But as Harris has herself said, the United States has not always lived up to its own ideals. Progress on equality especially in extending it beyond the original, exclusively white men identified in the Constitution has been patchy and frustratingly slow. It has also been marred by violence and even war. History is not a forward march. It does not progress to some end point of idealism. It is, more often than not, a fight. Ready or not? Many other countries have shown it is possible to be ready for a woman leader at various points in their histories, only to return to being not ready again. India, the largest democracy in the world, elected Indira Gandhi to the prime ministership in 1966. Gandhi served for over a decade, and then again from 1980 to 1984, when she was assassinated. Every leader since then has been a man. Advertisement Similarly, the United Kingdom elected its first woman prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, in 1979. After Thatcher resigned in 1990, the UK didnt have another woman leader until Theresa May from 201619 and then Liz Truss in 2022 (and that didnt exactly go well). India elected Indira Gandhi as prime minister in 1966. PTI In Australia, Julia Gillard won a very close election to become prime minister in 2010, only to lose to a man four years later. There has been no real suggestion that a woman, let alone a woman of colour, might ascend to the leadership of either major party in the decade since. And could Australia even be definitively considered ready for a woman leader in that period, given how Gillard was treated during her prime ministership? New Zealand has a stronger record. Jenny Shipley became the first woman prime minister in 1997 by bumping off the leader of the coalition government. Helen Clark was then the first woman to be elected prime minister in 1999, followed by Jacinda Ardern nearly two decades later, in 2017. Advertisement While Britain, New Zealand and Australia have some political and cultural similarities with the United States, they have different political structures. Unlike in the US, their leaders are not directly elected, making the specific identity of the leader less explicitly the focus of elections. Other countries with direct elections, though, have also been ready for women leaders at one point or another. In 1980, Iceland became the first country in the world to directly elect a woman to the presidency. Vigdis Finnbogadottir served for 16 years. Deeply conservative Ireland was also ready 30 years ago, directly electing its first woman president, Mary Robinson, in 1990. Advertisement The question of readiness For the most part, though, these women are exceptions to ingrained, structural gender inequality in politics across the world albeit a reality reflected more starkly in the American experience. The fact the question of readiness remains so prominent reflects the fundamental reality of the unequal representation of women, especially Black women and women of colour, not just in America but in most democracies. In June this year, UN Women noted only 27 countries currently have women leaders. It said: At the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years. The idea of a rate of progress once again assumes the world will be ready for women leaders one day (even if that day might be more than a century away). Unsurprisingly, the same structural inequality is reflected below the highest levels of leadership. UN Women found only 15 countries where women hold at least 50 per cent of Cabinet minister positions. And when women do get leadership positions, its often in areas traditionally understood as womens or minority issues, such as social services or Indigenous affairs. This general trend is reflected in the US, too. After the most recent US election, the Congress has a record number of women. Yet it is still just 28 per cent. Similarly, in Australia, research by The Australia Institute found women are underrepresented in seven of Australias nine parliaments. That should not, however, undermine the significant achievements of women and people of colour, who have long fought for a seat at the table of power often at great personal risk. Jacinda Ardern was elected prime minister of New Zealand in 2017. According to the Pew Research Center, the current Congress in the US is also the most racially and ethnically diverse in history, with 133 representatives and senators identifying their ethnicity as something other than non-Hispanic white. And in 2021, Harris became the first woman, the first person of South Asian descent and the first Black woman to be vice president of the United States. In another historic milestone, President Joe Biden appointed the first Native American woman to a Cabinet position Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. A milestone was achieved in Australia, too, when Linda Burney became the first Aboriginal woman to serve as minister for Indigenous affairs in 2022. Many remain opposed None of this, though, can confirm or deny the readiness of the United States or any other country to elect a Black woman leader. There are signs a sizeable portion of the American electorate is decidedly not ready to elevate a woman, let alone a Black woman, to the highest position of power. A great deal of attention has, rightly, been focused on the current Republican candidates attitudes towards gender and race. Vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, for instance, has made numerous comments about women, such as his insistence that childless cat ladies have too much power. Donald Trump has also repeatedly attacked women with sexist remarks, made obscene comments about womens bodies, and been found liable in a civil court for sexual assault. In August, Fox News anchor Jesse Watters suggested generals would have their way with Harris if she were to be elected. Trump, Vance and their surrogates use race and gender to delegitimise their opponents, suggesting they are not fit for positions of power. Such misogynistic attacks are a common experience for women in politics. Decades before Vances insistence that only people with biological children have a proper stake in the future, an Australian Liberal senator suggested Gillard was unfit for leadership because she was deliberately barren. Donald Trump, JD Vance and their surrogates use race and gender to delegitimise their opponents, suggesting they are not fit for positions of power. Reuters As a Black woman, Harris faces attacks on both her race and her gender. Right-wing figures have repeatedly dismissed her as a DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) candidate, suggesting she has only made it as far as she has because of special treatment based not on her merit, but on her identity. Once again adopting a tactic he honed during Barack Obamas presidency, Trump has also repeatedly questioned Harris legitimacy as vice president The glass ceiling Not so long ago, many people assumed Hillary Clinton would win the race to be first. When she accepted the presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, she stood, symbolically, underneath a shattering glass ceiling. A few months later, that ceiling quickly re-formed itself. But even Clintons loss in 2016 cannot definitely prove that America was not ready for a woman president. Context is crucial. Even those voters who might be ready for a woman president wont vote for just any woman. They will make decisions based on complicated, interrelated factors, including a candidates policy positions. Its arguable the role both Bill and Hillary Clinton played in the adoption of free-trade agreements from Bill Clintons overseeing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to Hillary Clintons support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) alongside economic stagnation in the US, had a much bigger role in Clintons loss than her gender. And her characterisation of alienated voters as a basket of deplorables certainly didnt help. Clinton had significant political baggage after decades in the spotlight. The political, economic and historic circumstances of the 2016 presidential race alongside Trumps political ascendancy are impossible to pull apart. Similarly, while some Britons might have voted for Thatcher because she was a woman, many also voted for her because of her conservative policy positions, or perhaps because they disapproved of her opponents more. Decades later and worlds apart politically, Harris is under pressure from a critical section of her own partys base to modify her position on Israel. This is a serious and pressing policy issue that has nothing to do with her race or gender and everything to do with competing visions for the United States role in the world. And this will have an impact on many voters decisions in November. Hillary Clintons loss in 2016 cannot definitely prove that America was not ready for a woman president. Reuters Put simply, it cannot be definitively argued that Clinton lost in 2016 because America was not ready for a woman. Or that circumstances have changed enough that the country can be considered ready now. In a different context, with a different candidate and a different policy platform, America may well have been ready in 2016. A different woman like, say, the unwaveringly popular Michelle Obama might well have been able to beat Trump. Or not. We simply have no way of knowing. And even if we did, we still could not know if America was definitively ready for a Black woman to lead. Harris and the future Nevertheless, at this years Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Hillary Clinton reflected on the possibility of firsts and the progress of American history. She proclaimed that a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams had finally arrived. Harris, too, is focused on the future but not on her firsts. In her first media interview since becoming the Democratic candidate, for example, she dismissed a question about Trumps focus on her race. Her campaign has successfully framed any specific focus on gender or race and particularly on womens bodies as weird. In this way, Harris campaign has firmly flipped the focus of identity politics back onto Trump and Vance. Her campaign is showcasing a very different kind of masculinity one that is entirely comfortable with Black women occupying positions of leadership. The Harris campaign is reinforcing this framing by focusing not on individual firsts, but on structural gender and racial inequality and womens basic rights of bodily autonomy. In this way, the campaign is embracing a collective feminism, rather than the more 1990s-style, individualistic, white women feminism more redolent of Clinton. Kamala is, after all, brat. The Harris campaign is explicitly avoiding the tempting shallowness of identity politics, learning the lessons of an often fraught Clinton campaign that appeared to assume Americans would vote for her precisely because she was a woman, or because it was time America did, finally, elect a woman president. All of this is, implicitly at least, a recognition that readiness is not a simple question with a straightforward answer. The Harris campaign recognises it is not necessarily a question of collective readiness, but of getting enough Americans who are already ready inspired and mobilised. As Biden has said repeatedly, women are not without [] electoral or political power. According to one analysis, in the four years since 2020, Black womens voter registration has increased by 98.4 per cent. Among young Black women, it has increased by 175.8 per cent. Black American women are clearly ready for this moment. A question without an answer If Harris is elected this November, many will take this as proof that a threshold has been crossed, that America was indeed collectively ready to be led by a Black woman. And that might be true. Up to a point. The United States once demonstrated itself ready to elect its first Catholic president. In 2008, it proved itself ready to elect the first Black president. But eight years later, in an historic, world-shaping backlash, it went back to being very much not ready. The divides of American politics are deep and structural. They have remained unresolved since the countrys foundation. The election of the first Black woman would be hugely significant, a remarkable historical development in what has already been an extraordinary campaign. But the question of whether America is ready for this moment cannot be answered by a single individual. There are two versions of America: one that is ready for this moment (and has always been), and one that will likely never be. These two versions coexist. And they are, for the moment, irreconcilable. Both sides know that victory in November is only an indication of where power lies in this moment. It will not be some clear resolution to a centuries-long question about what the United States is and what it wants to be. Thats not how history works. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil is being sued for allegedly inciting sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. A former staffer has filed a lengthy complaint, accusing her of forcing him to engage in sexual acts including oral sex and firing him for refusing read more Marie Alvarado-Gil, a United States senator from California, is being sued for allegedly inciting sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. A former employee has filed a detailed complaint accusing her of forcing him to engage in sexual acts and firing him for refusing. He is now suing for financial compensation for the claims, claiming damages for emotional distress, missed earnings, and loss of earning potential. Heres all we know about it. Sexual quid pro quo Advertisement The lawsuit was filed by Chad Condit in the Sacramento County Superior Court on Thursday. According to Politico, which cited court documents, Condit initially got to know Alvarado-Gil in 2022 after he lost a bid for the California Assembly primary. This was a sex-based quid pro quo relationship of unwelcome advances and sexual behaviours coupled with punishment and flexing of power, he says in the lawsuit. Condit describes his terrifying experience attempting to work through a professional relationship that was ruined by a controlling and erratic employer who engaged in sexually dominating abuse of authority and power, as per NDTV. The duo met when Alvarado-Gil was a Democrat seeking the state Senate at the time. She hired him to manage her campaign and later appointed him chief of staff after winning. Condit claims that after that, the senator began grooming him, asking him if he would ever cheat on his wife and disclosing personal information about her marriage, extramarital affairs, and drug use, including taking gummies and ayahuasca. Alvarado-Gil allegedly then treated her employee more severely, making overt sexual advances at him and finally coercing him into having oral sex with her, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Condit stated that he had a back issue from the last time he had allegedly engaged in oral sex in a car. He claims in the lawsuit that after seeing the doctor, he learnt he had three ruptured discs in his back and a collapsed hip, for which he needed hip surgery. According to the lawsuit, Condit grew unhappy with him when he resisted her approaches, but she persisted in making inappropriate remarks to himsometimes even in front of other staff members. Alvarado-Gil once texted her chief of staff to express her admiration for state senator Roger Niello, a fellow Republican, and his floor speech. Advertisement If he was younger and I was single, I would jump bones, she wrote, as per the report, which added that a screenshot was included in the complaint. Condit claims that Alvarado-Gil forced the human resources representative of the state Senate to reprimand him for opposing to her treatment. It is also said that she went to his house to accuse him of having an affair with his wife. Condit mentioned in the lawsuit the role played by Vanessa Bravo, Alvarado-current Gils chief of staff. Bravo was a childhood friend hired by the politician after her election, and the lawsuit claims that Bravo proved herself tolerant and supportive of her harassment, discrimination, and retribution against Condit. Advertisement Condit claims he received a notice of termination from the Senate in December. Misuse of power The lawsuit states that the senator once told Condit she believed he would be more like his father, who had been linked to extramarital affairs. Alvarado-Gil allegedly used Condit for personal errands at the start of his employment in January 2023, including picking up and dropping off her children and dog. This growing control and exercise of power by ALVARADO-GIL further conditioned [Condit] into an unequal and subservient position, the suit reads. Hostile environment, termination In the case, Chad Condit charges Alvarado-Gil and the California State Senate with discriminatory practices that violate state employment statutes. Advertisement The lawsuit also names the upper chamber as a defendant, claiming that by approving her mistreatment of Alvarado-Gil, the body blindly accepted her retaliatory conduct. The lawsuit says, according to Politico, (Condits) personal and professional relationships were forever altered. His employment record and opportunities in public employment are irreparably damaged and will never be the same. Condit seeks financial recompense for the claims, along with damages for emotional suffering, missed earnings, and diminished earning potential. Allegations denied Alvarado-Gils lawyers have refuted the accusations, characterising them as bogus and financially motivated. 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, attorney Ognian Gavrilov said in a statement, according to NDTV. End sexual violence Its ironic that, only months after being firing Condit, Alvarado-Gil had introduced a bill in the California Senate prohibiting sexual assault. While pleading for support for her measure, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil discussed the pervasiveness of sexual assault and violence in the US in a video that was uploaded on X. April is National #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, and I am leading the charge with Senate Bill 268 my bill will address a critical gap in the states criminal justice system by reclassifying the rape of an intoxicated person as a violent felony, she wrote. April is National #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, and I am leading the charge with Senate Bill 268 my bill will address a critical gap in the state's criminal justice system by reclassifying the rape of an intoxicated person as a violent felony. DETAILS: https://t.co/5jKLIaXlYG pic.twitter.com/p5pNC92PXS Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (@AlvaradoGilSD4) April 12, 2024 Alvarado-Gil said in the video that sexual assault occurs in America every 73 seconds and that victims of all sexual orientations and genders are victims of this crime. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please know that it is not your fault, she said in the video, asking citizens to help end sexual violence. On August 31, the Senate passed a bill that intended to increase the severity of penalties for sex offences and to classify rape of an intoxicated person as a severe felony. About the Senator Alvarado-Gil represents a largely rural district northeast of the Central Valley, as per the New York Post. She gained attention last month when she announced her party switch to the Republican Party, citing her old partys decline under the present leadership and policies. In the past two years that Ive been working in the Senate, I have not recognised the party that I belong to, the lawmaker said at the time, according to the report. The Democratic Party is not the party that I signed up for decades ago. Alvardo-Gil is married and has six children. With inputs from agencies PhonePe has announced its partnership with Liquid Group, a key player in digital cross-border payments, to broaden its merchant acceptance network in Singapore. This collaboration aims to provide Indian travelers a seamless payment experience at Liquid Groups vast merchant base in Singapore, a favored destination for Indian tourists. QR Code Payments at Key Locations Travelers can now easily make payments using the PhonePe app by scanning QR codes at various tourist spots. These codes will be accessible at prominent locations such as Changi Airport, duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, and popular retailers like The Cocoa Trees, Charles & Keith, Luvenus Jewellery, and Hard Rock Cafe. Additionally, the QR codes will be available at sightseeing spots and transportation services, ensuring convenience across the city. Integration with UPI The partnership, facilitated by Liquid Groups collaboration with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), enables merchants to accept UPI payments. PhonePe users can scan the merchant-displayed QR codes and complete transactions in Indian Rupees (INR), ensuring transparency and simplicity in the payment process. Additional Features for International Payments PhonePe has rolled out additional features for international use cases earlier in 2024, enhancing its UPI-based capabilities. These include: 1. International Remittances: PhonePe users can receive money internationally through the PayNow-UPI real-time remittance corridor. This feature simplifies and speeds up the money transfer process by leveraging the UPI infrastructure, removing the need for customers to provide bank account details or IFSC codes. 2. NRI Payments: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Singapore can link their NRE/NRO bank accounts to the PhonePe app, allowing them to make payments for various services in India. This includes utility bill payments, fund transfers to friends and family in India, and merchant payments on e-commerce platforms or at physical stores. Positive Response to New Features Since the launch of these UPI-based international features earlier in 2024, PhonePe has observed a positive response from users, reflecting a growing acceptance of these new capabilities for both cross-border payments and remittances. Speaking about the partnership, Ritesh Pai, CEO of International Payments at PhonePe, said, We are excited to collaborate with Liquid Group to bring the ease of UPI payments to Indian travelers in Singapore. As a popular destination among Indian tourists, were delighted to offer them a simple and quick way to pay at their favorite dining, shopping, and sightseeing locations, enhancing their overall travel experience. Commenting on the partnership,, Alvin Seck, CCO of Liquid Group, said, Google has silently started rolling out Google One Lite, a cheaper Google One plan in India for those who need more than 15GB of storage, but dont need to spend Rs. 130 per month for 100GB of storage. Details about the Google One Lite surfaced in Google Photos app back in July. The new Google One Lite plan costs Rs. 59 per month, which is half the cost of the 100GB plan, and offers 30GB of storage that can be shared between Gmail, Photos and Drive. However, unlike the 100GB plan that can be shared with up to 5 others, you cant share this plan with others. Similar to other plans, there is a 1-month trial for the Lite plan. There are no details if the annual option is available for the Lite plan, since all the other plans have annual plans that let you save up to 26%, according to Google. According to The Indian Express who get to check out the Lite plan early, the company is still testing the plan, and it is not available for everyone yet. We will have to wait for Google to confirm when it is planning to roll out the plan widely. Xiaomi India has announced the appointment of Sudhin Mathur as their new Chief Operating Officer. He joined Motorola Mobility India in 2017 as Managing Director before leaving the company a year later, and was Country Head of Lenovo Mobile Business Group before that. Over his three-decade career, Sudhin has experience across telecom, services, and office automation. He worked with Sony Ericsson for 7 years and was responsible for setting up and launching Sony Ericsson brand in India. He was the Business Head for LG Mobile, India for 2 years. With Sudhins appointment, Xiaomi India said that it continues to strengthen its Indian leadership team to accelerate its business growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. He will be instrumental in shaping and executing the companys strategic vision, as well as crafting a roadmap to achieve the business goals and sustain the growth momentum of the brand, said the company. Xiaomi said that the team will integrate with the synergies of Xiaomi Indias powerful leadership team as they navigate the next phase of growth. This combined synergy will drive innovation, ensure sustained success, and enhance the companys competitive edge. Embarking on a new journey, Sudhin Mathur, COO, Xiaomi India, said: I am glad to be a part of Xiaomi India family at such an exciting time and work closely with an extremely passionate team who is driven to make a revolutionary brand. Xiaomi India has been leading the technology sector with the magic of its unparalleled range of products and services. Together, we aim to drive innovation, push boundaries, and deliver exceptional experiences for our customers Sharing the information, Muralikrishnan B, President, Xiaomi India said: We are pleased to welcome Mr. Sudhin Mathur to the Xiaomi India team. He brings a unique blend of strategic vision and operational expertise that perfectly aligns with our multi-year strategy to establish Xiaomi as the most preferred Smartphone x AIoT brand for aspirational Indians. Sudhins extensive experience delivering results across diverse businesses, coupled with his proven ability to build high-functional teams, will be instrumental in driving our growth agenda. We are at a crucial inflection point for the organization as we concluded on a successful Q2. To maintain this momentum and achieve our ambitious goals, we are onboarding the right talent to balance clear focus with investing in functional capabilities to scale maximum productivity. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Tue Tuesday 85 /53 Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 50s. German Intelligence Warns Of Russian GRU Cyberactivities Against NATO, EU By RFE/RL September 09, 2024 The German domestic intelligence agency has issued a rare public warning about the activities of a cybergroup within Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, citing recent joint research with U.S. agencies that points to the GRU group's efforts to target U.S. and global "critical infrastructure." It did not include any specific, imminent threats. In a post on social platform X on September 9, the Bundesamt fur Verfassungsschutz identified GRU Unit 29155 as a current threat and noted the group had "carried out cyberattacks and other reconnaissance activities against targets in NATO and EU countries." It referred to its most recent joint cybersecurity advisory with the FBI, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), and other international partners whose findings were published last week. That advisory said, "The cyber actors, assessed to be affiliated with the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) 161st Specialist Training Center (Unit 29155), are held responsible for computer network operations against global targets for the purposes of espionage, sabotage, and reputational harm." Western intelligence and other officials have alleged numerous cyber and other attacks from GRU actors that appear to have accelerated since Russia's unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. A U.S. grand jury last week charged six Russian nationals, including five GRU officers, with conspiracy to hack into computer systems and commit wire fraud stemming from an alleged effort to hack the Ukrainian government ahead of the launch of that invasion. The attempt also spread around the world and included targeting 26 NATO countries, the U.S. indictment alleged. It offered millions of dollars in rewards for information leading to the defendants' locations. GRU Unit 29155 is also reportedly known as Cadet Blizzard or Ember Bear. It is thought to focus frequently on vandalizing websites and spreading stolen data. The GRU has been accused by Western prosecutors and security officials of being behind bombings, poisonings, and other deadly activities in Europe since Russia initially invaded Ukraine in 2014, annexing Crimea. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/germany-gru-russia-cyber- warning/33112764.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 September 9, 2024 Transcript Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder Holds an Off-Camera, On the Record Press Briefing Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: Hope you all had a good weekend. Just a few things at the top and then we'll get right to your questions. So, first up, the secretary and the chairman returned to Washington on Friday following a very successful 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. They were joined at Ramstein by defense leaders from some 50 nations in reaffirming the international community's unwavering support for Ukraine. And as you heard Secretary Austin highlight in his press briefing, this coalition has committed over $106 billion in security assistance for Ukraine to date, and the international community remains unified and resolute in its support to the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight for their freedom and sovereignty. Discussions at the meeting emphasized bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly air defense and artillery, as well as efforts to support Ukraine's defense industrial base for long term resilience. And while at Ramstein, we also announced an additional PDA package for Ukraine with $250 million. It includes capabilities such as air defense missiles, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons. Secretary Austin greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet in person with President Zelenskyy and Minister Umerov during the UDCG, and underscored US commitment to support Ukraine for the long haul. Finally, moving on to news of the day, Secretary Austin will welcome His Excellency General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense for Vietnam, and his delegation to the Pentagon this afternoon. The two leaders met most recently at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus in Jakarta, Indonesia in November of '23. And topics for discussion will include overcoming war legacies and advancing defense cooperation as both of our nations work toward a shared vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. We'll have a readout of that meeting on our website later today. With that, we'll take your questions. Tara? Q: Good morning. All right. So, can you talk about the potential withdrawal of troops from Iraq? And do we have a timeline? What can you say about this right now? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, nothing to announce today. The US-Iraq Higher Military Commission executive working group continues to have their discussions. And so, when we get to the conclusion of those, we may have more to provide, but nothing to announce. Q: So, is the story inaccurate? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to get ahead of the HMC. And, you know, as was clearly stated in the joint statement put out by the President and President Sudani, the two leaders reaffirmed that they would review the factors to determine when and how the mission of the global coalition in Iraq would end and transition in an orderly manner to our enduring bilateral security partnership in accordance with Iraq's constitution and the US-Iraq strategic commitment. Q: So -- but are there any movements now to reduce the number of forces from the 2,500 number that we always report on? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, and I don't have any announcements to make in terms of any force posture adjustments at this time. Q: Ok. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Thanks. Yeah. Q: Can you give us an update on the service member that was detained in Venezuela? Has Defense Department been in touch with him? Have -- has anyone from the US government been able to visit him? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, I'd refer you to the State Department for more details. The Navy is fully cooperating with State on this as they look into the situation, but they would be the ones to talk to in this case. Thanks. Will? Q: A House Republican report on the Afghanistan withdrawal reports that the US prioritized the withdrawal over the safety of US personnel and did not adequately prepare for a NEO. From the department's perspective, is the criticism valid or accurate? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: What I would tell you, Will, is that, again, you know, the US military obviously was engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years. We went there with the mission of preventing another attack like what we saw on 9/11 and we have not seen an attack like that since. And so, in that regard, you know, certainly our forces were able to prevent al-Qaeda from conducting this kind of heinous terrorist attacks. And, you know, as you heard us talk about last week, the secretary's immensely proud of all the service members who served there. And of course, we honor all those that we lost there. And I'll just leave it there. Q: Can I follow up there? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Sure. Q: Congressman McCaul yesterday said that we're going to be looking forward -- looking into the DOD's activities, roles in the -- in the withdrawal. Have they presented you guys with a set of documents they want or any demands for testimony, other than General Donahue and a couple others who have been named? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I can tell you that the Department has been fully supporting the investigation the entire time, providing requested information. I'm not aware of any new requests at this point in time to the department. But again, we'll continue to fully comply and provide information that's required. Q: To push a little bit more, they -- the classified after action report, DOD has declined to refute -- review a release. Have you provided that to that committee? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: My understanding is that we have provided all of those materials through the White House to the committee. So, again, I'm not aware of any requests that we have not supported at this time. Q: Ok. Thanks. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Thank you. Yes. Q: Going back to Tara's questioning on the reporting of the Iraq withdrawal, at what point does Secretary Austin get involved in these -- this decision-making? And is withdrawal the right word to use? Like, will all US troops leave, or what's the deal? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Again, you know, just taking a step back here, as part of the US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation dialog, we established the Higher Military Commission that will look at the transition of the global coalition into a long term US-Iraq bilateral security cooperation relationship. And so, those conversations are ongoing, and I just don't want to get ahead of that process. And so, when we have something to announce as it relates to US force posture and presence, we'll certainly keep you updated on that. Thanks. Phil? Q: Ok. Just to follow up then, but when -- does the secretary get a veto on this? Does he get to weigh in on this? And then secondly, on the reports on the transfer from Iran to Russia of short range missiles, do you have anything you can say at this point? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, on your first question, I mean, the Secretary is certainly very engaged on anything when it comes to US force posture around the world. But, again, we value the work that's being done via the Higher Military Commission process. Those conversations inform senior leader decisions, ultimately which rest at the seat of government, right? So, the president and the Iraqi leadership. So, leave it there. I've seen the press reports about Iranian missiles being sent to Russia. I don't have anything on that to provide right now, Phil. You know, certainly there's been an acknowledgment that the relationship between Russia and Iran continues to deepen. It's very concerning, and it's just another example of Iran spreading its destabilizing influence throughout the world. And so, again, it's something we're keeping a very close eye on. And when and if we have more information to provide, we certainly will. Thank you. Sure. Q: Pat, just to follow up on Tara's initial question, I know you have nothing to announce today, but, you know, throughout this dialog with the Iraqi government about the future and the transition of the coalition and, you know, bilateral security relations, a couple of US officials, I think State and also DOD, have said that -- that discussion of a withdrawal of US forces is not what's on the table for these conversations. Is that still true in recent months, or has there been further other movement? Or what's the update on that -- that point? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. I mean, I appreciate the question, Jared. Again, taking it back to what I highlighted earlier is that the nature of these conversations are focused on transitioning from the global coalition for the enduring defeat of ISIS, you know, the current structure, to what does a longer term US-Iraqi bilateral security relationship look like. And again, you know, the key words in there are transition, and that will obviously relate to our forces, but I'm just not going to be able to get into the details of what that looks like. We highly value Iraq as a partner. They play a very important role in the region when it comes to security and stability, particularly on the counterterrorism front. And so, we need to allow the HMC the time and space to have those conversations. And when there's something to announce, we certainly will. Thanks. Q: Thanks, General. There were some strikes in Syria this morning. Do you have anything you can talk about? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't. I mean, I've seen the press reports, but I don't have anything on that. Nancy? Q: Can I ask that you -- if we could just at least take the question on this, because we have the Iraqi minister of defense coming out publicly and saying that there is a withdrawal happening, that a plan has been worked out. Reuters quotes US officials saying that something has been reached, and it hasn't been -- and the US is debating when to announce it. I -- I think the frustration here is that we're having to depend on the Iraqi government, potentially, to tell us when US troops are withdrawing. I just wanted to ask if you could at least get us some clarity on where the deal is, if there's a misunderstanding in terms of what the Iraqi minister of defense is saying, if I could just ask that we put that forward as a request. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. I can't speak for the Iraqi minister of defense. Fully understand and appreciate, and when, again, we have something to announce officially we'll certainly do that. Q: No, I appreciate that. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: But definitely take the -- the question. Q: I appreciate that. It's just not understanding whether it's a withdrawal or -- a total withdrawal, a partial withdrawal, where the process is. The minister of defense is suggesting that it's over. You're suggesting it's not. So, anything we can do to close that gap would be appreciated. But that wasn't my question. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Ok. Q: That was my request. There were reports over the weekend, Russia was suggesting that it had taken or was close to taking -- MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Pokrovsk. Q: Yeah. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Q: Thank you. And I was wondering if you'd get your -- the department's read on that. Is -- is Russia's description accurate, or does this -- does the US still believe that that area is contested? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, what you're seeing outside of Pokrovsk is, you know, some intense fighting. I don't have specific geographical information to provide in terms of what Russia has taken. We do know that they have in the recent past made some incremental gains as they continue their offensive heading towards Pokrovsk. You know, the Ukrainians are putting up a tough fight, but it is a tough fight right now. And so, that's something, certainly that the Ukrainians are focused on. And the Russians -- you know, I think you've seen the Russians say that that is their main effort, and so they've doubled down on that. And so, part of the discussions at the UDCG were focused on how can we best support Ukraine in their defense in that area. So, that will continue to be something that we'll consult with them on and how best we can support them. Q: But the US hasn't made an assessment about a major change in terms of control of that area. Is that right? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: What they're doing is that the Russians are trying to fight their way to that city. They're not there yet. They're not necessarily close to taking that city. But, you know, that is definitely -- they've said publicly, in the Donbas region, that is an objective. Thanks. Q: Great. Thank you. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Courtney? Q: Me. Oh, just -- MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yes, you. Q: So, just to be clear, the US does not believe that Russia has taken that city, Pokrovsk, or however you say it. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Not to my knowledge, no. Q: What -- can you say what the significance would be of -- of that, like, why that would be a potentially strategic win for Russia if they're able to take that area? What's the US assessment of that? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I mean, you know, obviously any territory that Russia takes further, you know, expands their areas of occupation, which is certainly not a good thing. That city in particular, you know, is at a strategic crossroads, particularly in terms of lines of communication. And so, you know, clearly it's important for Ukraine to continue to hold that. And I, you know, know that they're investing heavily in trying to do that. Thanks. Q: Just to add to the questions about the Afghanistan report, you know, I know that this has been out there for a long time, but the chairman of the HMC was on TV yesterday talking about the destruction or the missing imagery from the Abbey Gate attack. Can you just speak to that? He was, like, suggesting that it was suspicious that DOD hasn't been forthcoming on that. Can you address that? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, what I would say is that, you know, we have done an investigation. CENTCOM did a supplemental investigation, as you know. As a result of that, there was nothing found in that supplemental investigation that indicated any change to the original findings of the Abbey Gate investigation. You know, they interviewed over 190 people, were very thorough. And so, you know, the department continues to stand by the results of those investigations. Q: But can you rule out intentional destruction of -- of imagery? Because that seemed to be what he was suggesting. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Again, I'd point you back to the report. I'm not aware of any intentional destruction of imagery. But again, I would point you back to the investigation, which was of course posted to the CENTCOM FOIA website and available for review there. Q: Ok. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Thank you. Sir? Q: North Korea state run media released one picture today that showed that North Korea's Kim Jong-un inspecting 12 axled mobile launcher, TEL, that this is the largest TEL North Koreans have shown so far. So, someone said this is to show that North Korea indicates that they have a lot of new ICBM than before, or someone said it's just to show the coercion to the -- South Korea and United States. Do you have any comment on this one? MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't have any comment to provide in terms of particular intelligence or to talk about North Korean capabilities, other than, as you well know, it's not unusual for North Korea to use media reports and imagery to try to telegraph, you know, to the world. And so, I think, you know, I'd leave it there. From a US standpoint, again, our focus is on working with our regional allies and partners to include the ROK and Japan on preserving regional security and stability and deterring potential attack. So, thank you. I'll take a couple more. Quiet group this morning. It's going to be a long week. Q: That's all right. MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: All right. Thanks very much, everybody. Have a great day. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3899878/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 9, 2024 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Vietnam's Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Vietnam's Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. During their meeting, Secretary Austin and General Giang reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Vietnam partnership, noting that this week is the one-year anniversary of the elevation of the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Secretary Austin and General Giang underscored the importance of working together to overcome war legacies. Secretary Austin announced a commitment to budget an additional $65 million over the next five years toward completing dioxin remediation efforts at Bien Hoa Airbase. This would bring the total Department of Defense contribution to the Bien Hoa remediation effort to $215 million. Secretary Austin reiterated his commitment to the fullest possible accounting of those lost during the war. General Giang provided artifacts on U.S. personnel missing in action. Secretary Austin provided information to help Vietnam search for its fallen service members. They discussed opportunities to deepen defense cooperation, including on defense trade, industrial base resilience, and information sharing. Both leaders highlighted a new agreement to strengthen military medical cooperation. The officials signed an Updated Joint Vision Statement on United States - Viet Nam Defense Relations to lay out a roadmap for the future of the defense partnership. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3900279/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 9, 2024 Transcript Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosted Enhanced Honor Cordon and Bilat With Vietnam Minister of Defense General Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN: General Phan Van Giang, welcome to the Pentagon. On behalf of the US government, I want to convey our sincere condolences for the lives lost during Typhoon Yagi over the weekend. We commend you for the excellent job Vietnam has done responding to this terrible tragedy. Please let us know if the United States can assist in any way. It's been nearly a year since President Biden's historic visit to Vietnam, when our leaders elevated US-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Today we'll build on that momentum by signing a new joint vision statement which charts how our countries will deepen our defense cooperation in the years ahead. A key part of our cooperation is overcoming the legacies of war, and we remain committed to the fullest extent possible accounting for those lost during the war, and we appreciate Vietnam's longstanding support to help bring home missing US service members. Through the Vietnam Wartime Accountability Initiative, we're helping Vietnam search for its fallen service members as well. Today we'll exchange information and artifacts from these important efforts. Alongside USAID, we're also committed to remediating dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Air Base. I've approved $65 million more to finish this vital project on top of DOD's previous commitment of $150 million. Administrator Power has also directed USAID to provide additional funds for this project. Today we'll also discuss new initiatives, including efforts to improve defense industrial base resilience. This year our militaries have demonstrated friendship and cooperation through a range of activities. We appreciate Vietnam's warm welcome to the USS Blue Ridge and a Coast Guard cutter during a joint port visit in July. In August, Vietnam hosted a multilateral Pacific Partnership mission and a Pacific Angel humanitarian response mission. And we look forward to taking part in Vietnam's International Defense Expo this December, also focusing on new capabilities and sharing information. Earlier today, DOD signed an agreement with Vietnam's military medical university to strengthen medical cooperation. And so, we're working more closely than ever, and that's more important than ever as we promote our shared goals of regional peace and prosperity. And thanks for being here. I look forward to a great discussion. VIETNAM MINISTER OF DEFENSE GENERAL PHAN VAN GIANG: The Honorable Lloyd Austin, secretary of defense of the United States of America, dear friends from the United States and Vietnam, firstly, thank you very much for your condolences with regard to the losses from the typhoon of the weekend. And our military, together with our people, are trying our best to overcome the consequences of the typhoon. And it can be said that, over several decades, we have to suffer from such a strong typhoon that did the damage. And on behalf of the high ranking delegation of the Ministry of National Defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the honorable secretary and the US Department of Defense for your warm welcome you have extended to me and the delegation during our visit. And also, thank you, Secretary, for your letter of condolence on the passing of our general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong. And as I shared with you, this is my very first visit to the United States in my capacity as the minister of national defense of Vietnam, which takes place in the context that our two countries are celebrating the very first anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development on the occasion of your president, Joe Biden's, visit in the past year. And we are also looking towards the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Vietnam-US relations to implement the content of defense cooperation agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders at the Joint Statement on Upgrading Relations last year. And together with me at the meeting, it's my honor to introduce Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, Vietnam's ambassador to the United States; Lieutenant General Huynh Chien Thang, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Vietnam People's Army; Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan, Chief the General Department of the Defense Industry; Lieutenant General [INAUDIBLE], the General Department for Defense Intelligence. And we also have [INAUDIBLE] managers of our Vietnam People's Army. We also have the director of the Military Medicine Academy who, together with the USAID, signed the agreement for Military Medical Cooperation this morning. And again, thank you very much for hosting our delegation and the opportunity. SECRETARY AUSTIN: Well, thank you very much. And again, welcome, sir. We're delighted to have you and your delegation here. I look forward to a great discussion. Thanks, everybody. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3899974/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 9, 2024 By Joseph Clark, DOD News Austin Hosts Vietnamese Counterpart, Builds on Momentum of U.S.-Vietnam Ties Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States' commitment to continue strengthening ties with Vietnam as he met with Vietnamese Minister of Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon today. Austin said the U.S. remains focused on overcoming the legacies of war as the two countries continue to build on the recent elevation of U.S.-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The secretary also expressed his condolences for the lives lost after Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam's northern coast over the weekend. "We commend you for the excellent job Vietnam has done responding to this terrible tragedy," Austin said. "Please let us know if the United States can assist in any way." The meeting comes nearly one year after President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam where the two countries took steps to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing cooperation across a range of diplomatic, economic and defense industrial endeavors, among others. The step marked what the White House hailed as a "new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship" between the two countries. Today, Austin noted the increased military cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam throughout the past year including a port visit by the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche at Cam Ranh, Vietnam in July. Vietnam also hosted a multilateral Pacific Partnership mission and a Pacific Angel humanitarian response mission in August. Austin also addressed the United States' commitment to account for those lost during the Vietnam War and to assist Vietnam in its search for its fallen service members. "A key part of our cooperation is overcoming the legacies of war, and we remain committed to the fullest extent possible, accounting for those lost during the war, and we appreciate Vietnam's longstanding support to help bring home missing U.S. service members," Austin said. "Through the Vietnam Wartime Accountability Initiative, we're helping Vietnam search for its fallen service members as well." During the meeting, the two sides exchanged information and artifacts related to those efforts. The secretary also highlighted the Defense Department's efforts alongside the U.S. Agency for International Development to remediate dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Air Base in Vietnam. "We're working more closely than ever, and that's more important than ever as we promote our shared goals of regional peace and prosperity," Austin said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Singapore - AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov Transmittal No: 24-83 WASHINGTON, September 9, 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Singapore of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $133 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Singapore has requested to buy fifty-four (54) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and two (2) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM control section spares, missile containers, and support equipment; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-89/E Adapter Group Computer Test Set; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; weapon system support and software, and classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; training support and equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $133 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia. The proposed sale will meet Singapore's need to maintain operational readiness and interoperability with U.S. and coalition forces. This sale increases Singapore's effectiveness in both training and combat operations and contributes to stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. Singapore 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 Singapore. 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 based on initial requirements. 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 Sudan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission European External Action Service (EEAS) 09.09.2024 Brussels EEAS Press Team The EU commends the work of the UNHRC established Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, which recently issued a substantial report about the appalling situation in the country, including the indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians. The report provides additional proof that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as their affiliated militias, are responsible for large-scale violations of human rights and international law, and many of these violations amount to international crimes. It also finds there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have committed war crimes. The EU will do its utmost, working with international mechanisms, so that all responsible actors are identified and held accountable for the atrocities they have committed and continue to commit. There can be no impunity and we expect the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants shortly. We have already sanctioned some of those responsible and we will continue to do so. We support the recommendation of the Fact-Finding Mission to renew and extend the UN arms embargo on Darfur to the country as a whole. The EU has already done so and we encourage others to follow. Any external support being provided to the warring parties will keep fuelling the conflict and is a threat to the stability of the region. The EU recalls its strong appeal for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, as well as for the establishment of independent monitoring and verification mechanisms to enforce it. We reaffirm our steadfast support and solidarity with the Sudanese people at this critical time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Egypt: Press statement by High Representative/Vice-president Josep Borrell at the Rafah Border Crossing European External Action Service (EEAS) 09.09.2024 Rafah EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Hello, good afternoon to everybody. Thank you, Governor, for your welcome. Thank you to the representatives - above all, everybody who is working here - the [Egyptian] Red Crescent [Society, (ERCS)], United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the European Union [Civil Protection and] Humanitarian Aid [Operations]. [And] many others. I will not mention all of them, but there are a lot of people here working, trying to support the people in Gaza. You see, I am used to having a look at this place through satellite images. I see the Rafah crossing almost every day, through the eyes of the satellites. I know that there are thousands of trucks waiting to enter, per days, per weeks, per months. And I know that they are ambulances - these yellow and blue cars - waiting to receive the wounded people. But one thing is to see that from the satellite images, and another thing is to see it live, one truck after the other. Today, 1,400 trucks waiting to enter. On a good day, maybe 50 will come in. In Ramallah time, they were 600 per day. This is a drop in the ocean of needs on the other side. And I have to thank all of you, and to praise the work of the Egyptian government. All the work you are doing here; you, the governorate, the Egyptian army, all the workers of humanitarian organisations, the United Nations Organisation - which do irreplaceable work to face the dramatic situation that is happening 500 metres from here. I want also to stress the importance of the support of the European Union. I want to stress the importance of the number of planes landing in the airport close [to] here, the amount of money, the amount of physical support that we have been providing. The European Union has done an incredible effort in order to provide supplies. But now the supplies are not entering; they are just stuck. Yes, we have done a lot. Member States of the European Union and European Union institutions have done a lot, in order to provide humanitarian support to the people in Gaza. But what is happening just at the other side of this wall is not a crisis created by nature. It is not a flood. It is not an earthquake. It is not one of those crises that nature creates from time to time, and we cannot prevent or avoid. It is a human-made crisis. A human-made tragedy. Yes, it started with a terrorist attack of Hamas, almost one year ago. And it was a horror that we have condemned in the strongest possible terms. We continue condemning [it]. But one horror cannot justify another horror. What is happening in Gaza today is another horror. It is not just a matter of defending, it is, I think, a massive violation of human rights. The European Union will continue supporting the Palestinians, but at the same time, knowing that we have to look for a political solution. Because to feed someone with a dinner tonight, in order to be killed tomorrow, is not exactly the solution. We have to provide humanitarian support because it is urgent and necessary, and we have to do more and quicker. We do a lot - allow me to say - but certainly not enough, and certainly not as quick as needed. In particular, because there are too many obstacles. I learned that the energy bars - which is the best way of feeding, the less weight and the less volume for the same amount of calories - have been rejected at the border, because they consider that it is a luxury product. We will see the item that has been rejected and they are still being rejected. It is important for me to be here, in order to take stock of the situation, and to bring back to Brussels how this is a dramatic situation that has to be solved by political means. Today, the most urgent thing is to make these ambulances enter or receive the wounded people. That is why the European Union is ready to present their capacities, to offer their logistic capacities to re-open this border. To have the European staff deployed in the other side of this border, in order for the border to be open, and the wounded people to be able to go through the border to a hospital. And the humanitarian support to come inside, and the people going in and out. In particular, the people in need. But we have to continue asking for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and the stop of the bombing. Ceasefire: this is a call that we, from the European Union, my fellow ministers, colleagues, Ministers of the Foreign Affairs Council are doing. Unhappily, the negotiations are not going as quickly - how can I use the word "quickly" when they have been stalled for weeks and months? This is a nice and good experience, an important experience. I think that we, politically responsible , we have to put our boots on the ground in order to know how things happen. Once again, thank you to all of you, Governor, thank you for your welcome. Q&A Q. On the ceasefire, what can the European Union do to put pressure on all sides, specifically on the Israeli Prime Minister, to adopt the ceasefire and to stop the war in Gaza? The European Union can use its diplomatic tools. Some days ago, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Germany [Annalena Baerbock] was visiting Israel and asking for this ceasefire to happen and asking for a stop to the violence in the West Bank. We can put our political and diplomatic pressure on the Israeli authorities, but our capacity is limited. We do what we can. The United States also is doing what they can. But something goes wrong here. I do not understand why the ceasefire has still not been reached. Someone is procrastinating. Q. Were there any discussions with the Egyptian counterparts on having peacekeeping troops in the border? We are still not there. We are very far away, unhappily, from the possibility of deploying troops from one [side] or the other. Certainly, we have to avoid that Gaza becomes a new Mogadishu. A Mogadishu in the Mediterranean or a new Haiti. A land without law and order, abandoned to the gangs, to the violence against the people in despair. Someone will have to take care of the public order in Gaza. I do not know who, but certainly, first, the Palestinian Authority has a responsibility on that. I think the Palestinian Authority will need a lot of support if law and order has to come back to Gaza. You know, sometimes even [humanitarian aid] coming into Gaza, is useless, because there is no possibility of distributing [it] - because there is a complete anarchy. So, the idea that Gaza can become the Mogadishu in the Mediterranean or the Haiti in the Mediterranean - with what that means in terms of violence, in terms of terrorism, in terms of forced migration of people - is something that everybody has to have in mind. Not only to support the people in Gaza, but also because it is the security and stability of the whole region which is at stake. Q. The European Union was on its way to impose sanctions on two Israeli Ministers. However, this was not successful. What, in your opinion, does the European Union have as pressuring courts in order to force Israel to stop its atrocities? Well, yes, that is true. Using the capacity of the High Representative, I made a proposal to the Foreign Affairs Council Ministers to impose sanctions on two Israeli government Ministers for hate speech. The Council discussed about it and decided to go to the technical bodies. It is still not a 'Yes', it is still not 'No'. I do not know which will be the final result - I still do not know. The technical bodies of the Council are working on it. There are not only these two ministers, but also some agencies, some institutions which we believe are responsible for the illegal expansion of colonies (settlements) in the West Bank - which are also being proposed as sanctioned. So, let's see but I think that the European Union has a list to study it and consider these cases. Q. Where is the European Union from the mediation efforts nowadays? If this situation 100 metres from here, Israel would like to stay and occupy the Rafah crossing, are you ready to come with a European mission to the crossing? How can you come, as you said now? The European Union is supporting the mediation efforts by Egypt, by the United States and by Qatar, who are the ones in charge of this mediation process. The problem is not to have more mediators - these three are enough: Qatar, Egypt and the United States. If they do not manage to get it, it is going to be very difficult that someone else can do it. So, we support these diplomatic efforts, we participate - not everything can be made public - in this effort. We regret that for one reason or another, the solution is still not there. We push as much as we can through diplomatic channels, which are not to be explained here in the middle of this press conference, but they exist. What else can we do? What else can we do, [but] to use our capacity? Certainly, we could do more things, but I do not think there is a political will to do more. Q. What about the mission here? The mission? I have the responsibility to deploy people on the ground. I have to care for their security, too. So, I need to be sure that the security conditions are being met and the political conditions are also to be met. I need the agreement of the Egyptians. I need the agreement of the Palestinian Authority. And, like it or not, I need the agreement of the Israeli side. For the time being, it is not possible. The first condition is a ceasefire. Without the ceasefire, nobody will deploy here any civilian group of people because it is too risky. First thing is ceasefire, the release of hostages, and then an agreement in order to deploy the civilian staff - which are ready to come, could come and be deployed. But I need the security conditions and the political agreement to be reached. And believe me, I spend quite a lot of time trying to get it. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260513 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen's opening remarks at the Korea-Finland Innovation Forum on 9 September 2024 Finnish Ministry of Defence 09.09.2024 It is a great honour and my pleasure to address the Korea-Finland Innovation forum 2024. First, I want to thank the organizer for the successful event and for the superb hospitality, and all the distinguished guests, speakers, and panelists for the fruitful discussions. Regardless of the challenging security situation in Europe, I bring warm greetings from Finland. Having arrived to Seoul on Monday, I had the privilege to see the buzzing and beautiful city of Seoul. Visiting Korean peninsula and being reminded of the history of the enormous development from a war-torn country into the prosperous country South Korea is today, I find similarities with Finland's national experiences. Finland, too, had to fight to survive, had to rebuild our cities, develop our industry and economy, and had to continue to prepare for a wide range of security threats by an aggressive hostile. Efficient and innovative application of new technologies requires structures and funding models that make it possible to develop agile methods and iterative development alongside traditional development programmes. The utilization of new technologies challenges the traditional operating culture because new technologies force us to consider lifecycle issues, and updating security of supply of solutions, partly on a new basis. We all recognize the recent technological developments and the need to keep continuously updating our thinking and innovation. In the field of security and defence Finland fully recognizes the crucial role of emerging disruptive technologies, as well as the importance of space technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, 6G communications and quantum technologies. At the same time, emphasis needs to be given to the whole life cycle of new defence solutions. Research, industrial development, testing, verification mechanisms, operating principles, training, and usage of advanced weapon systems are all increasingly relevant. New disruptive technologies create both opportunities and new threats to the Defence capabilities. Technological development, particularly in the areas of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, machine autonomy, sensor technologies and new operating environments (such as space and cyber), will have a decisive impact on the development of military capabilities. For example, wireless information technology will enable new approaches and structures that place new demands on materiel policy. Finland and South Korea have emerged as information societies which benefit from the know-how and technology adapted to the needs of the globalized world economy, and I want to stress that during this difficult security situation in the world, it is even more important to invest in new environmentally sustainable technologies and innovation systems. The utilisation of rapidly developing new technologies requires active technological measures and analysis based application. Competence management, adequate resourcing, agile organisation, partnerships and correctly timed research, development and innovation (RDI) measures need to be emphasised. The Republic of Korea has a lot to offer to Finnish companies and vice versa. This innovation forum is a excellent platform in building and developing business opportunities between our countries. The Finnish business delegation taking part in this visit represent high-tech companies with substantial know-how, innovation, and production capabilities in the fields of defence and security. The industry seminar, including bilateral presentations, meetings and discussions with Finnish companies will form a solid base for cooperation in the future. I am confident that the innovative solutions and leading-edge technologies of Finnish and South Korean companies are of great interest to each other when looking for economically and socially sustainable solutions for the future needs of both nations. I am confident that this innovation Forum is very good opportunity for new perspectives on how to deepen the relations and form (even stronger) strong ties between Korea and Finland. I wish you all very fruitful Innovation Forum and a prosperous cooperation, Thank you! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 11,000 students martyred in Gaza since beginning of war IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Information Office of the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip announced the martyrdom of more than 11,000 students in Gaza since the start of the Zionist regime's war of aggression against this strip. According to Shahab news agency, the information office of the Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip announced that since the beginning of the war against Gaza on October 7, 750 employees of educational centers in this strip were martyred in the attacks of the Zionist regime. The said office pointed out that more than 11,000 Palestinian students were martyred and thousands of others were injured in the attacks of the Zionist army since the beginning of the war against Gaza. The Information Office of the Palestinian Authority also announced that the Israeli occupation forces completely destroyed 120 schools and universities, and 340 other universities and schools were also damaged. The Hamas movement emphasized in a statement about this that the encroachment of the occupiers on the Palestinian education sector is a Zionist crime that will not succeed in erasing the identity of the Palestinian nation and destroying their national rights. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK launch air strike against western Yemen IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Warplanes of the US and the UK have launched a new attack against al Jabanah, near the western Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, local media reported. There are no immediate reports of possible damage or casualties of the attack. Different parts of Yemen, especially Hudaydah have been under intensive attacks by the US and the UK over the past months in a bid to pressure the Arab country to stop its maritime siege against the Zionist regime. Yemen has been targeting Zionist vessels in the Red Sea or those bound for Zionist ports and has pledged to continue with its attacks as long as the regime has not ended its war against the Gaza Strip. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah targets Israeli base in northern occupied Palestine IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says it has attacked the Zionist base "Ma'ayan Baruch" in the northern part of occupied Palestine. Issuing a statement, Hezbollah confirmed that it carried out the attack in support of the Palestinian resistance and the people in Gaza and also in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against the southern Lebanese villages and the residential areas, Al Mayadeen reported on Monday. Hezbollah also said that to support the people of Gaza and the Palestinian resistance, it targeted the spying equipment of the Zionist Ma'ayan Baruch base with drones on Monday morning. Zionist media also reported that warning alarms were activated in the Zionist settlements of Nahariya, Liman, Shlomi in the north of occupied Palestine. According to reports, a drone attack on the Israeli base hit the target precisely. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, nearly 40,972 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave. 6125**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Released Israeli captive: Netanyahu knows nothing about Gaza tunnels IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A released Israeli captive says that Benjamin Netanyahu and the army of the Zionist regime know nothing about the tunnels of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu is a liar, Adina Moshe was quoted by Arab news outlets as saying on Sunday. Israel's so-called security service, Shin Bet, has asked Moshe to draw pictures of the tunnels in the Gaza Strip, according to the news. "The Shin Bet asked me to draw a map of the tunnels in Gaza because they know nothing about them," Moshe was quoted by Al Mayadeen as saying. Moshe described the Gaza tunnels as a "vast underground maze stretching across the entire area." During the interview, Moshe rejected the military pressure on Gaza as it does not help release the Zionist captives. Last night, thousands of Zionists staged a demonstration in support of an agreement on the exchange of prisoners with Hamas. After 11 months of massacre in Gaza, Israel has not yet achieved its two goals which were the annihilation of Hamas and the release of the Israeli captives. 1483**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli threats will not change Hezbollah's stance on Palestine: Top official IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior official of Hezbollah says the Lebanese resistance movement will not change its position on the Palestinian cause. According to the Palestinian Shehab news agency, Sheikh Ali Damoush, deputy chairman of Hezbollah's executive council, said that the threats of the Zionist regime will not change the equations of the war. Zionist settlers will return to their homes if the regime stops its aggression against the Gaza Strip, he said. "We will not retreat on the battlefield due to the Zionists' threat," he further asserted. Hezbollah and Israel have been trading fire on Lebanon's southern border with the occupied territories since October 8, a day after the regime unleashed its devastating war on the Gaza Strip. The daily exchange of fire has escalated in recent months as Israel has remained defiant to seal a Gaza ceasefire deal and has also intensified attacks on southern Lebanon, targeting civilians and Hezbollah commanders. 7129**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip leave 7 Palestinians martyred: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the martyrdom of seven Palestinians, media outlets have reported. The Palestinian Shehab news agency reported early on Monday that seven people have lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. An airstrike on a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the enclave led to the martyrdom of three civilians. In a separate attack on a house in the al-Bureij refugee camp, also in central Gaza, four people were martyred. Last October, the Zionist regime waged a destructive war on Gaza. Since then, nearly 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave. 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas launches rocket attack against Ashkelon in occupied Palestine IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has launched a rocket attack against Ashkelon, a coastal city in the Israeli-occupied territories. Warning alarms sounded in Ashkelon after the attack, the Palestinian Samaa news agency reported late on Sunday. The Israeli army announced that two rockets were fired from northern Gaza toward Ashkelon. The regime claimed that one of the missiles was intercepted by the Iron Dome and the other crashed into the sea, causing no damage. Last October, Israel started a destructive war against Gaza. Since then, nearly 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave. 1483**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN rapporteur calls to boycott Israel for 'starvation policy' in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to food has called for a boycott of the Zionist regime over its starvation policy against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Michael Fakhri said in a statement that Israel not only prevents humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, but also destroys Palestinian lands and food sources, according to IRNA citing some media sources. The UN special rapporteur also called for imposing sanctions on the Zionist regime and putting pressure on its backers. The statement came hours after Fakhri revealed that Palestinians in Gaza made up 80 percent of the people in the world experiencing famine or catastrophic hunger by December. In a report presented to the UN General Assembly this week, he stated that since the Israeli military aggression against Gaza in early October, 2023, the flow of food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies have been severely restricted. The UN has accused the Tel Aviv regime of conducting a "starvation campaign" against Palestinians, warning that the regime is weaponizing aid to inflict harm on residents of the besieged Gaza Strip. Fakhri further noted, "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." 9341**2050**4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO to conduct Digital Backbone Experiment in Latvia Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 09/09/2024 In Latvia International cooperation Information prepared by Media Relations Section NATO will hold a Digital Backbone Experiment (DiBaX) in the 5G test site at Adazi military base, Latvia, at the end of October 2024. Rapidly developing technologies have the potential to support interoperability and operational effectiveness for NATO military. New technologies like 5G mobile fifth-generation mobile telecommunications and low-earth orbit satellites will be tested to determine the degree to which they may support multi-domain operations (MDO), where seamless interconnectivity of forces operating across land, maritime, air, space, and cyber domains is paramount. The Digital Backbone is a critical component of NATO's infrastructure, providing connectivity for complex operations. The DiBaX will showcase the latest advancements in technology and explore how they can be integrated into real-world environments to enhance interoperability and effectiveness among allied forces. "In areas where there are battle groups in various countries, including Latvia, interoperability would be a key enabler in terms of bringing in forces and having those forces work together effectively. We look forward to working with the Latvian Ministry of Defence, the Latvian National Armed Forces, other nations, and the test bed provider LMT," notes Warren Low at NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) During the experiment's first planning session in June 2024, the NATO DiBaX team developed several action scenarios alongside technical configurations. During the experiment's September integration session, HQ SACT, the Latvian Ministry of Defence, nations, industry further designed the experiment configuration and created physical connections for the experiment. The September integration session will be hosted by LMT as the Test Bed Provider. "This year's focus on multi-domain operations means greater involvement of different assetsfrom different domain assets to unmanned systems and various communication technologies. Tremendous work has to be done to bring it all together and successfully execute the experiment in October," says Kaspars Pollaks, Head of Business Defence, LMT For the third consecutive year, NATO will conduct its next-gen technology experiment in Latvia - this year, with a strategic focus on MDO operations and aligning with the Digital Backbone. Latvia's advanced 5G test environment provides an ideal platform for such experiments. No less important is the country's commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities, which aligns with NATO's objectives as Europe faces unprecedented security challenges. "Latvia has already demonstrated its high-end capabilities in the 5G technologies, including within multinational projects and with international partners by providing a platform for the testing and experimentation. This particular event demonstrates our close partnership with NATO and our allies, but also the importance of industry and high-end technology companies. This facilitates development of the National Armed Forces capabilities which are needed for mitigating current security and defence challenges," underlines Latvia's Defence Minister Andris Spruds. DiBaX is Led by NATO HQ SACT and the Latvian Ministry of Defense, and the Latvian National Armed Forces. LMT is the integrator of the event providing the state-of-the-art 5G Test Site. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Russian "out of control" drone that crashed in Gaigalava parish was a "Shahed" type drone Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 09/09/2024 In Latvia Information prepared by Media Relations Section The Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that crashed in Rezekne municipality on Saturday, 7 September, was a a "Shahed" type drone and it landed in Gaigalava parish, the defence sector leadership informed at a meeting with the media. The Russian UAV entered Latvian airspace from Belarus and had lost control, presumably as a result of Ukrainian counteraction. Following the incident, the Ministry of Defence has started active consultations with allies that have recently experienced similar incidents. Broader consultations are also being established to seek collective solutions with NATO allies. "Arrival of a Russian drone of a "Shahed" type in Latvia is a serious incident that clearly shows that the Ukrainian war is on the horizon. This is a reality that we have to face - we have to be in constant readiness. When "Shahed" drones strike Ukraine, they tend to fly into Belarusian territory. We are currently in close contact with our allies about this incident, because there have been similar cases in their territories. We need to strengthen NATO's air defence and promote the presence of allies in Latvia through the active implementation of NATO's rotational air defence model," says Andris Spruds, Defence Minister of Latvia. The National Armed Forces were aware of the UAV's flight movements and detected the UAV's approach to the territory of Latvia and the crash site. The National Armed Forces acted in accordance with the established procedures, including notifying the NATO chain of command. Following the incident, the National Armed Forces carried out an operational survey of the site, deactivated the UAV and collected its debris for in-depth analysis. The National Armed Forces and the competent services continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident. There were no casualties and no damage to third party property. The National Armed Forces have also already reinforced their air defence capabilities on the eastern border by deploying additional units to the border. Latvia continues to ensure the protection of the external borders of the European Union and NATO. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address House ratifies archipelagic sea lanes bill; awaits PBBM's signature Philippine News Agency By Filane Mikee Cervantes September 9, 2024, 9:28 pm MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Monday ratified the bicameral conference version of the proposed Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. The measure now only awaits the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the House's ratification of the conference committee report on the disagreeing provisions of HB 9034 and SB 2665, providing for the establishment of archipelagic sea lanes in the Philippine archipelagic waters during the plenary session. The bill is one of priority pieces of legislation identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Council (LEDAC). The Senate has already ratified the bicameral report on the measure last week. Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas highlighted the bill's significance in supporting the 2016 Hague arbitral award favoring the Philippines' case against China's nine-dash line that covers nearly the entire South China Sea. "This legislation is long overdue and one of the most critical measures we have undertaken," Arenas said. Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the measure is anchored on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grant archipelagic states like the Philippines the authority to designate specific sea lanes and air routes suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign vessels and aircrafts. "By defining our sea lanes, we are asserting our rights as an archipelagic state while also fulfilling our obligations under international law," he said. Under the bill, foreign ships and aircraft will be allowed to pass through the designated sea lanes in the archipelagic waters and air routes. The measure also defines the right of innocent passage as the "continuous and expeditious passage of foreign vessels through the territorial sea that is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the Philippines." (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SC affirms Bangsamoro Organic Law; rules Sulu not part of BARMM Philippine News Agency By Benjamin Pulta September 9, 2024, 7:50 pm MANILA -- The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday upheld the validity of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), but declared Sulu not part of BARMM after the province rejected the law's ratification. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court granted the petition challenging Sulu's inclusion in BARMM but denied challenges to other aspects of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, according to a news release. "The decision is immediately executory," the Court said. The Court declared unconstitutional the interpretation of the provision in the law directing the provinces and cities of ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) to vote as one geographical unit as including provinces that did not vote to be included. "This violates Article X, Section 18 of the Constitution, which states that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favorably in the plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region," the Court explained. "As Sulu rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the plebiscite, it was wrong to include the province in BARMM," the SC said. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, enacted on July 27, 2018, provided for the establishment of BARMM as a political entity and its corresponding basic governmental structure. The BARMM's creation and determination of its territorial jurisdiction shall take effect upon the law's ratification by majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite. A plebiscite was conducted on Jan. 21, 2019, covering areas of then ARMM and Isabela City in Basilan and Cotabato City. Another plebiscite was held on Feb. 6, 2019, in Lanao del Norte, municipalities in North Cotabato, and other areas that petitioned for voluntary inclusion. The majority of the ARMM ratified the law, except for Sulu. Despite this, Sulu was included in BARMM, prompting the province to file the present petition assailing the law. Meanwhile, the SC ruled that the Bangsamoro Organic Law is constitutional because it does not make BARMM a separate state from the Philippines. "The said law did not give it the power to enter into relations with other states, nor did it grant the BARMM its sovereignty," it said. "The BARMM's autonomy is limited to its internal governance. The fact that it was granted greater autonomy than other territorial and political subdivisions does not imply separation from the national government." The Court also upheld the parliamentary form of the Bangsamoro government. "An autonomous region is not prohibited from prescribing a form of government that differs from the national government so long as it upholds democratic principles," it said. "The Bangsamoro government is democratic, with the members of the Parliament elected by its people as representatives. In turn, the Bangsamoro Parliament elects a chief minister who shall exercise the executive powers of the Bangsamoro government." (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas slams Israel's onslaught on education of Gaza students Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 6:39 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the international community should pressure Israel to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza which, among other things, has been depriving thousands of students of education. In a statement released on Monday, Hamas said schoolchildren are deprived of education for a second year. It said the denial of 630,000 students of their right to education is a "deliberate violation of all rights stipulated by international law, which leaves the international community and UN agencies responsible to put an end to these crimes." Hamas said this crime "will not break our people's will, or erase their identity or take away their national rights." "The Israeli war against schools and educational workers and facilities will not succeed in erasing our children's Palestinian identity. These crimes will only be met with more perseverance by our people." This week marks the back-to-school season across the region, but not for thousands of students in Gaza. Students in the occupied West Bank began their new school year on Monday, while students in the Gaza Strip face a second consecutive year without attending school. Israeli attacks across the besieged Palestinian territory persist, with classrooms reduced to rubble or transformed into shelters for the displaced. The Palestinian Ministry of Education reported that nearly 80% of Gaza's schools have been damaged or destroyed. The last remaining university in the territory was demolished by Israeli forces in January. Israel has killed more than 10,000 students in Gaza and injured 15,000 since October. 19,000 students have fled their areas, according to the ministry. At least 400 teachers were also killed in Gaza, and 90% of school buildings damaged, the ministry said, adding that 39,000 Gaza students were unable to take their high school exams, and 58,000 children were denied their starting first grade. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), four out of every five school buildings in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bangladesh to seek extradition of ousted leader Hasina from India Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 6:07 PM Bangladesh has decided to seek the extradition of ousted leader, Sheikh Hasina, from India, according to the South Asian country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The new interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, is making efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face charges over a series of violent clampdowns on student-led demonstrations that escalated into mass anti-government protests before her self-imposed exile to neighboring India. The chief prosecutor of ICT, Mohammad Tajul Islam, has accused the former leader of ordering the "massacres" of defenseless people, mostly youths, in the vicious crackdown by authorities. "As the main perpetrator has fled the country, we will start the legal procedure to bring her back," Tajul Islam told reporters on Sunday. Hasina fled to India following weeks of deadly clashes in which more than 600 people were killed in the brutal crackdown in the weeks leading up to her escape in a military helicopter on August 5. Her stay in India since then has soured relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, which is demanding her return to face trial. The ICT's chief prosecutor said Hasina is accused of ruling the nation with an iron fist, overseeing the "massacres" that took place. He noted, "Bangladesh has a criminal extradition treaty with India which was signed in 2013." "As she has been made the main accused of the massacres in Bangladesh, we will try to legally bring her back to Bangladesh to face trial." Hasina has not been seen in public since fleeing to India. Last week, Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who took over after the uprising, said Hasina should "keep quiet" as long as she remained in India. "If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet," Yunus told the Press Trust of India news agency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanese PM urges more UN measures to stop Israel's targeting of civilians Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 5:40 PM Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has denounced Israeli strikes on civilians in the southern part of the Arab country, urging the UN Security Council to take more effective and decisive measures to stop the acts of aggression. "The Security Council's response must be swift and strong," Mikati said during a meeting with Western ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Beirut on Monday to address the ongoing Israeli atrocities. The Lebanese premier also thanked the Security Council for its support for renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its continued commitment to stability in Lebanon. He called on the Security Council to "assume its responsibility in preserving international law and security by holding accountable those responsible for targeting Lebanese civilians." Mikati's remarks came after Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said three emergency responders were killed and two others wounded, one of them critically, in an Israeli strike on the southern village of Froun on Saturday. The ministry said the attack had targeted "a Lebanese civil defense team that was putting out fires sparked by the recent Israeli strikes." For his part, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Rashid Bou Habib stated that all ambassadors reiterated their support for the safety of ordinary people and the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in times of war. "We, as a government, want a ceasefire and an end to the war, and we have informed most of those concerned of our readiness to conduct indirect negotiations with Israel for that purpose," Bou Habib said. The Israeli regime has repeatedly attacked southern Lebanon since October 7 last year, when it launched a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed at least 40,939 Palestinians, most of them women and children, so far. Another 94,616 individuals have also been injured in the onslaught. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions. Some 614 people have been killed on the Lebanese border, including at least 138 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Israel says at least 24 soldiers and 26 settlers have been killed in the area. The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from the northern part of the occupied territories, amid rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups. Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Britain launch fresh strike against Hudaydah in western Yemen Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 3:46 PM The US and the UK have launched a fresh military strike in Yemen in response to the Arab nation's attacks on Israeli-affiliated shipping in the Red Sea, which are being conducted in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's brutal aggression in the Gaza Strip. Yemen's official Saba news agency, citing a security source speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that the aerial assault targeted the Jabanah area in the strategic western province of Hudaydah on Monday, without providing further details. Yemenis have openly voiced their solidarity with Palestine in its battle against the Israeli occupation, especially after the regime unleashed a devastating war on Gaza on October 7. The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 40,988 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 94,825 others, according to the Gaza-based health ministry. The occupying entity has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there. The Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end. Leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has said it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly." The attacks have compelled several of the largest shipping and oil corporations globally to halt their transit operations along one of the most critical maritime trade routes. Consequently, tankers are now opting to navigate thousands of additional miles by circumventing the continent of Africa instead of utilizing the Suez Canal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN food agency warns 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza in 'urgent' need of aid Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 2:46 PM The World Food Program (WFP) has sounded the alarm that 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza are still in "urgent" need of food aid after 11 months of war. In a tweet posted on Monday, the UN aid agency emphasized once more that "a ceasefire is needed!" According to stats released by the WFP, 96 percent of the population of Gaza is facing acute food insecurity, with 2.15 million people at crisis levels of hunger or worse, as the Israeli regime is using famine as a weapon of war. Furthermore, the WFP says almost half a million people in Gaza are in "Catastrophic conditions." "Increased food deliveries to the north and nutrition services have helped to reduce the very worst levels of hunger. However, a high risk of famine persists across the whole Gaza Strip, as long as the conflict continues," it said, adding that UN relief operations are severely affected by the escalation of violence in the south and center of Gaza. The WFP criticized the Israeli regime for limiting the flow of humanitarian assistance and the worrying security vacuum and lawlessness in the south. It said despite the dire conditions it is providing assistance to over 1 million people across Gaza each month. The WFP added that the Israeli regime's restriction on aid entering southern and central Gaza has forced the UN agency to provide reduced rations and prioritize providing hot meals, especially to newly displaced families from the city of Rafah in the south of the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip. The WFP pointed that in order to achieve a breakthrough and prevent famine, adequate and sustained levels of humanitarian assistance must be provided. It also highlighted the importance of "law and order" for an effective humanitarian response to meet soaring needs. The Israeli regime launched a genocidal war on Gaza in early October last year, killing over 40,970 defenses Palestinians trapped in the hands of Tel Aviv's war machine on the besieged Palestinian land. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah 'resolute' in fighting for Gaza despite Israeli threats: Senior official Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 11:15 AM A senior Hezbollah official says that the Lebanese resistance movement is impervious to Israeli threats and remains determined in its fight in favor of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip until achieving goals. Vice President of the Executive Council of Hezbollah Sheikh Ali Damoush made the remarks on Sunday, stressing once again that Hezbollah's decision to continue with the battle front in support of the blockaded Palestinian territory will remain unchanged until the goals are met. "The resistance will never accept any change to the rules of engagement or the breaking of existing equations. The more the enemy persists in its aggression and expands its attacks, the more the resistance will increase its response and broaden its operations. The recent Israeli escalation and the threat of preparing for new offensive moves within Lebanon will not alter our stance, change our equations, or divert us from the field," he said. "Escalation will only be met with escalation. We are a people who do not fear threats or intimidation, as we are people of action, work, struggle, and steadfastness. We have confidence in God's promise of victory and are certain that victory will come with His help and guidance," Damoush emphasized. The Israeli regime has repeatedly attacked southern Lebanon since October 7 last year, when it launched a genocidal war on Gaza. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions. The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israeli settlers from the northern part of the occupied territories, amid rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups. Damoush further stressed that the occupying entity would not be able to return the settlers to their homes, "no matter how loud the cries are, except in one way, and that is: Stop the aggression against Gaza." Back in April, Israeli media outlets reported that the number of settlers that had evacuated the area as a result of Hezbollah's operations stood at a staggering 62,000, with 40 percent of the evacuees considering not returning to the region. Israeli prime minister Benjamin "Netanyahu is caught between the blows of resistance in Gaza and Lebanon, and the internal pressures and divisions, as well as the cries of settlers in the north. He doesn't know how to extricate himself from the predicament he's entangled in and is unable to achieve the victory he desires due to the steadfastness and tactics of the resistance, which have placed his army in a real war of attrition, Damoush added. "Whenever the army withdraws from a location in Gaza, the resistance returns to it with even greater strength. The latest innovations and decisions of this beleaguered and defeated army include not entering the tunnels for fear of killing their captives," he further said. The high-ranking Hezbollah official further stressed that "the incapable and failed Israeli army, which has not been able to recover its captives by force over the course of eleven months, will not be able to retrieve them no matter how long the war lasts, except through an agreement that respects the conditions of the resistance." Earlier, Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, deputy head of the executive council of Hezbollah, said the resistance is capable of devising new equations in the region, stressing that the Tel Aviv regime has no other choice but to stop its aggression against Gaza. "The Zionist regime is weakening day by day, while the power of the resistance is expanding in terms of defensive and combat capabilities, as well as at the military and political levels," he added. Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts. The Palestinian Health Ministry says the number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli onslaught on Gaza since early October last year is now close to 41,000, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sept. 8: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 6:21 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 41,000 Palestinians so far, the majority of them children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Saturday, September 7, are as follows: Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Sept 8: Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces storming the Old City of Nablus, occupied West Bank, and targeted regime forces around Bab Al-Saha with a high-powered explosive device. Confronted the occupation forces as they passed through the Jenin town's entrance on Haifa Street with heavy gunfire and explosive devices. Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on Sept 8: Carried out a rocket strike targeting Israeli military gatherings east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip with a barrage of 107mm rockets. Hezbollah's operations on Sept 8: Targeted the settlement of "Kiryat Shmona" with a salvo of Falaq missiles. Targeted the settlement of "Kiryat Shmona" a second time with a rocket barrage. Targeted the settlement of "Shamir" with a salvo of Katyusha rockets. Targeted espionage equipment at the Malikiya site with a [FPV] drone. Targeted espionage equipment at the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills with appropriate weapons. Launched an aerial attack with a squadron of attack drones on the Ras Al-Naqoura maritime site, targeting the positions of its officers and soldiers. Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the "Abu Dajaj Heights" with artillery shells. Launched an aerial attack with squadrons of attack drones on the "Zaoura" artillery positions, targeting Iron Dome platforms and the locations and positions of Israeli forces. Targeted the Samaqa site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills with rockets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghan Embassy In London To Close After Diplomats Dismissed, Britain Says By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi September 09, 2024 The Afghan Embassy in London is being shut down after its diplomats were dismissed by the country's Taliban rulers, Britain's Foreign Office said on September 9. A Foreign Office statement e-mailed to RFE/RL said the embassy "is being closed following the dismissal of its staff by the Taliban." Britain does not recognize the Taliban-led government. But the Afghan ambassador said the decision was made "based on the requirements of the host country's authorities." Zalmai Rassoul said on X that the embassy would shut its doors on September 27 "at the official request of the host country." Neither the U.K. government nor the ambassador said what would happen to the embassy's staff, but a source at the Afghan Embassy who spoke with RFE/RL said the British government had given embassy staff 90 days to leave the country or apply for political asylum. The source said the British Foreign Office also said that the embassy building would not be handed over to the Taliban and that the British government would not allow any Afghan political representation or consulate to operate until a recognized government was established in Afghanistan. The Taliban-led government had asked the embassy staff to interact with the Foreign Office, but the embassy staff refused, and as a result, the embassy's services were declared invalid by the Taliban. The news has worried Afghans living in Britain, who fear problems without the diplomatic services. "After this, we Afghans will face many challenges because Afghans need to renew their passports, identity cards, and other documents," Sayed Shah Kharoti and Malik, two Afghans living in London, told RFE/RL. Diplomats who served under Afghanistan's former Western-backed government were left in limbo when the Taliban seized Kabul and returned to power in August 2021. Many embassies in Europe and beyond have continued to operate. In another indication that this could be changing, the Afghan Embassy in Oslo announced on September 9 that it will cease its activities as of September 12 and hand over the embassy building, which is the property of Afghanistan, to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. The Taliban administration announced in July that it no longer recognized diplomatic missions set up by the former Western-backed government and that documents issued by embassies in Britain and 13 other mostly European countries were invalid. Many Taliban leaders are under sanctions, and no country officially recognizes them as Afghanistan's legitimate rulers, though some countries retain active diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, including Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and China. Afghanistan has sent Taliban-approved diplomats to some of those countries, including Pakistan and China. Britain and other Western countries are grappling with how to provide humanitarian aid Afghans without recognizing the Taliban-led government, which has dramatically curtailed education, employment, and personal freedom for women and girls. With reporting by AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-britain- embassy-closed-taliban/33113518.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 State Department Says House Report On Withdrawal From Afghanistan 'Cherry-Picked Facts' By RFE/RL September 09, 2024 The State Department accused House Republicans of cherry-picking the facts and withholding information in a lengthy report on the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in August 2021. The State Department's response to the report issued by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on September 9 also highlighted the deeply partisan nature of the report in the midst of the U.S. presidential campaign. The Republicans on the committee and other Republicans in the House of Representatives, where the party holds the majority, "issued partisan statements, cherry-picked facts, withheld testimonies from the American people, and obfuscated the truth behind conjecture," the State Department said. The report specifically points to the Biden-Harris administration and their "failure to plan for all contingencies." The House Republicans blamed the disastrous end of the United States' longest war on the Biden administration and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats' current presidential nominee. The role of former President Donald Trump, who had signed the withdrawal deal with the Taliban, was minimized. Representative Michael McCaul (Republican-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the review revealed that the Biden administration "had the information and opportunity to take necessary steps to plan for the inevitable collapse of the Afghan government." But instead of taking steps toward a safe evacuatation "the administration picked optics over security," McCaul said in a statement. The review lays out the final months of military and civilian failures, following Trump's February 2020 withdrawal deal, that allowed the fundamentalist Taliban to sweep through and conquer all of the country even before the last U.S. officials flew out on August 30, 2021. The chaotic exit left behind many U.S. citizens, Afghan battlefield allies, women activists, and others at risk from the Taliban. The State Department said Biden "acted in the best interests of the American people when he decided to bring our troops home and end America's longest war." The department's response also drew similarities to a 2022 report prepared by Republican lawmakers, which it said "did a deep disservice to the American people by further politicizing U.S. policy towards Afghanistan instead of focusing on bipartisan solutions." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-afghanistan-withdrawal- republican-report/33112897.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 Vucic's Delicate Balancing Act By Dragan Stavljanin September 09, 2024 On the sidelines of an economic forum in Vladivostok on September 4, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin made it clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Belgrade is a strategic partner and an "ally of Russia." Putin reciprocated the warmth, offering his greetings to President Aleksandar Vucic and then inviting his Serbian counterpart to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan. This Slavic show of solidarity, however, didn't sit well with the European Union. The next day, EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano said that "maintaining or even increasing the ties with Russia during the time of its illegal aggression against the Ukrainian people is not compatible with EU values." Vulin's visit to Russia was perhaps even harder for the EU to swallow as there have been signs recently that Serbia is moving closer to the bloc. At the end of August, Serbia signed a deal with France to replace its aging MiGs with Rafale jets. And in July, Serbia signed a deal with the EU to develop a lithium mining project to produce batteries for electric cars. The mixed messages, however, are business as usual for Serbia under Vucic, who for his 12 years in power has pursued a multi-vector diplomatic course, balancing Serbia's relations with the West, Russia, and China. Those hoping Serbia's recent business deals were a sign of the country's wholehearted embrace of the West might have been disappointed. Ivan Krastev, who chairs the Center for Liberal Strategies in Sofia and is a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, told RFE/RL that the deal with France was not a case of Serbia "simply taking sides once and for all." That was clear when Vucic spoke at a press conference with the French president on August 29, he said, "I know that Emmanuel [Macron] would like me to introduce sanctions against Russia. But we did not do it, and we are not ashamed of our decision." On the surface, the recent deals with Germany and France may look like a kind of "European moment" for Serbia, said Vessela Tcherneva, the deputy director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. "But what makes me a bit skeptical," she told RFE/RL, "is the fact that we know that beyond the pure trade relationship and the pure security dimension of this, there is also the dimension of democracy and the pro-European forces in Serbia. Where does this leave them?" she asked. Spreading The Wealth Vucic does not have the outlook or pedigree of a natural, Westernizing democrat. In the late 1990s, he served as Serbian information minister in the final years of Slobodan Milosevic's regime. He was a high-ranking official in the ultranationalist Serbian Radical Party, although he distanced himself from the party in 2008. Whereas Milosevic was a pariah internationally, known as the "butcher of the Balkans" for his role in the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, Vucic has been largely cooperative on the world stage, seen by EU and Western powers as indispensable and instrumental to stability in the Balkans. An international third way has always been embedded in Yugoslavia and Serbia's DNA. Serbian officials still like to say that Serbia is "the East of the West" and "the West of the East." And Vucic's balancing approach has a strong precedent in the politics of long-time Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito, who was one of the founding leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement, an alliance of states that did not formally side with either the United States or the Soviet Union. Serbia, however, is not as strong as Yugoslavia once was -- and that means Vucic's policy requires more flexibility and constant shifting. Vucic is adept at sharing the wealth among Serbia's international partners, making sure to give all the stakeholders something but, crucially, not giving everything to anyone. In that regard, the EU is Serbia's largest investor, with significant infrastructure investments, including 96 million euros ($106 million) in 2024 for road and rail modernization, in addition to projects supporting Serbia's transition to green energy. However, Russia controls Serbia's national oil refinery, and China, through its Zijin Mining Group, owns 63 percent of RTB Bor, the country's largest mining operation. Vucic has also opened up Serbia to the Arab world. The United Arab Emirates has invested millions of dollars in the vast Belgrade Waterfront urban development, although the project has been marred with accusations of corruption. Not wanting to leave out the United States, in May, Serbia cut a deal with Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, to redevelop the former Yugoslav Defense Ministry building in the center of Belgrade. The blackened shell of the ministry is iconic in the Serbian capital, destroyed in the U.S.-led NATO bombing campaign in 1999. With the U.S. presidential election in November, many Balkan-watchers have seen the deal with Kushner as Serbia preparing for Trump's possible return to the White House. In a recent interview with the U.K.'s Financial Times, however, Vucic insisted that the deal was purely a "business venture." As ever, Vucic is hedging his bets. "My friend [Hungarian Prime Minister] Viktor [Orban], he is 100 percent on Trump's side, " he told the Financial Times. "My friends from Brussels, they are 100 percent on Biden's side. I'm not. I'm on the Serbian side waiting for the results." The Serbian president has taken a similar approach to Ukraine, by attempting to diversify his risks. While refusing to sign up to Western sanctions on Russia, Serbia has also provided shells to Ukraine via third parties worth 800 million euros ($888 million) since 2022, or one-third of the overall European supply. Push And Pull Serbia's relationship with Russia, while complex and laden with history, follows Vucic's similar push-and-pull playbook. The two predominantly Slavic nations have a historical and spiritual affinity, and Serbia is reliant on Russia diplomatically, for example, in blocking the admission to the UN of Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Vucic has tried to keep Russia at arm's length. Just before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Belgrade on July 19 to sign the deal on lithium, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksander Grushko visited Vucic in the Serbian capital. One insider claimed that the meeting was "frosty," according to the the U.K.'s Financial Times. "Grushko sat down and started reading a list of 23 complaints, including the Kremlin's fury at Belgrade's decision to supply Ukraine with munitions," the source told the newspaper. "When Grushko got about halfway through the list, Vucic stood up, announced the meeting was over, and walked out." He was similarly cold in his response to receiving the invitation to join the BRICS summit in Russia in October, saying that Serbia would have important guests during that period and that he would decide at a later date. Speaking at the Globsec forum in Prague on August 31, Vucic rejected the idea that Belgrade was a Kremlin Trojan horse, saying that he hadn't had personal contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin for 2 and 1/2 years. While Vucic relies heavily on Russia, said Kurt Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and envoy for Ukraine, he is "still trying to maintain some freedom of maneuver and independence." 'Stabilitocracy' A criticism often leveled at Brussels is that the EU is prepared to put its larger interests of maintaining a geopolitical and ethnic balance in the volatile Balkans ahead of concerns about fundamental freedoms. Some critics have called this the EU's "stabilitocracy approach." While initially criticizing Serbia's last parliamentary elections in December 2023, which were marred with numerous irregularities, those concerns were soon swept under the rug with the business deals with the EU and France. "If Macron's getting a sale, he's not going to push very hard on other issues," Volker told RFE/RL. For years, international watchdogs and rights groups have warned about Serbia's poor record on media freedom, the rule of law, and rampant corruption. The latest Freedom House report gave Serbia a political rights score of 18 out of a possible 40, placing it in the "partly free" category, and noting the country's downward tendency toward authoritarianism. While the Serbian authorities paint a picture of the country as a regional economic powerhouse with one of the highest growth rates in Europe, Serbia continues to face numerous obstacles. According to a July assessment from the U.S. International Trade Administration, "these challenges include weak rule of law; political interference in the economy; a slow-moving judicial system subject to political pressure; both real and perceived issues of corruption; an overly complex and sometimes nontransparent bureaucracy; [and] an opaque tendering process." And, in many ways, Vucic has been a stronger leader than Milosevic, who died in 2006 in prison in The Hague, where he was being tried for war crimes. Domestically, the Serbian president has succeeded where Milosevic failed, for example by exerting control over parts of Belgrade that had been traditional strongholds for the opposition. "Under Vucic, we've seen reinforced Serbian nationalism. We've seen efforts to undermine Montenegro. We've seen efforts to prop up [Bosnian Serb leader] Milorad Dodik and undermine Bosnia," Volker said. Given that 70 percent of Serbia's trade is with the European Union, many in the EU wonder if Vucic is truly committed to the principles of the bloc or if Serbia's ambition to join is solely motivated by economic need. Catch-All Policy Vucic runs his domestic and international policy almost like a permanent election campaign: keeping his opponents -- and even partners -- on their toes, uncertain about his next move. Calibrated contradictions abound. While it was Vucic who clinched the deal with Western countries to mine more lithium, he has also accused Western security services of masterminding popular protests against the mines and plotting a "color revolution" against him. "Vucic has a catch-all policy," Ivan Vejvoda, a fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, told the Financial Times in June. "One moment you have [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] visiting. Then, days later, [Olena] Zelenska (the first lady of Ukraine) and Dmytro Kuleba (Ukraine's former foreign minister) come [to visit]. Then he goes to the Russian cultural center and gives a revisionist speech. And then, two days later, he is with the EU, talking about growth plans," Vejvoda said. The risk Vucic runs is that, while his policy may seem pragmatic, in the end he might be perceived by Serbia's international partners as untrustworthy. "Staying on the fence is not easy," Center for Liberal Strategies fellow Krastev said. "In a certain way, you become too vulnerable." Volker, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily think that Vucic has an end point in mind. "For somebody in his position, it's like riding a bicycle," he said. "You have to keep this up indefinitely, keep juggling all the balls, and then you keep going. And that's the goal in itself, just to be in power and keep going." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/vucic-balancing-act- serbia-foreign-policy-russia-china-eu/33109901.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 Serbian Deputy PM Meets With Shoigu In Moscow To Discuss BRICS Invite By RFE/RL's Balkan Service September 09, 2024 Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin on September 9 discussed the upcoming BRICS summit with Sergei Shoigu, formerly Russia's defense minister, who now serves as the secretary of the Security Council. President Vladimir Putin invited Serbia to attend the BRICS summit, which is scheduled to be held on October 22-24 in the Russian city of Kazan. Vulin, who was criticized for traveling to Russia last week and meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, met with Shoigu in Moscow after Putin invited Serbia to take part in a meeting in St. Petersburg of high security representatives of BRICS and partner countries organized by Russia's Security Council ahead of the summit. BRICS unites Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and has expanded since its founding to include other major emerging economies including the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on September 5 that Serbia would have "important guests from abroad" during the BRICS summit in October and said he would not be able to attend. A day later he said he would decide by the middle of next month whether to accept Putin's invitation. Vulin thanked Shoigu for the invitation to participate in the St. Petersburg meeting. He and Shoigu also discussed "a wide range of topics of common interest to Serbia and the Russian Federation," the Serbian government said in a statement. One of the topics was the situation in Kosovo, which Vulin said at the meeting was "on the verge of conflict" and thanked Russia for respecting Serbia's territorial integrity. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's independence, and Russia supports Belgrade's position. The latest tensions involved border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo that were closed over the weekend after blockades on the Serbian side organized in response to decisions by the government of Kosovo to close parallel Serbian institutions in the north of the country. The border crossings reopened on September 7 after the activists took down their blockades. Vulin told Putin during their September 4 meeting in Vladivostok that Serbia will "never become a NATO member, will never impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, and will never allow any anti-Russian actions to be carried out from its territory." EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano responded by saying that maintaining or increasing ties with Russia amid its full-scale war in Ukraine "is not compatible with EU values and is not compatible with the EU accession process." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-vulin-russia-shoigu- brics-summit-vucic/33113599.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 Heavy Fighting Breaks Out Again On Afghan-Pakistan Border By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal September 09, 2024 Fighting erupted again on September 9 between Taliban forces and Pakistani security forces in the Kurram-Khost border areas, with eyewitnesses saying the violence included heavy weaponry and one elder saying a Pakistani soldier had been killed, although that could not be confirmed. The outbreak follows reports of intense clashes in the same border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan that caused multiple casualties over the weekend. Locals on the Afghan side of the border told Radio Mashaal that the latest fighting started around 1 p.m. local time on September 9. Residents were said to be fleeing the villages of Palotsa and Setwan in the Zazai Maidan district of Afghanistan's Khost Province. A local elder told Radio Mashaal that a Pakistani soldier had been killed but Radio Mashaal could not independently confirm that report. Intermittent outbreaks of violence have heightened concerns about security in the region, with recent fighting sparked by an attempt to erect a security outpost on the Afghan side that Pakistani troops tried to stop. Islamabad insists mutual agreements preclude the construction of new security posts by either side. The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has disputed Pakistani accusations that it is allowing gunmen linked to the outlawed Tehrik-e Taliban to shelter in the area and launch cross-border attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban has moved reinforcement troops, artillery, and tanks to the area. Radio Mashaal's Khost correspondent said the Taliban was preventing locals and journalists from sharing information with media or outsiders. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-pakistan- border-violence/33113085.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 Taliban's Policy Toward Women in Afghanistan Unprecedented - UN Human Rights Chief Sputnik News 20240909 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The control imposed on women in Afghanistan by the Taliban movement (under UN sanctions for terrorism) is unprecedented in the modern world and threatens the country's future, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Monday. "I shudder to think what is next for the women and girls of Afghanistan. This repressive control over half the population of the country in unparalleled in today's world. It is a fundamental rupture of the social contract. It is outrageous and amounts to systematic gender persecution. And it will also jeopardize the country's future by massively stifling its development," Turk said during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The UN human rights chief recalled that since coming to power, the Taliban had banned girls and women from attending secondary schools and higher education institutions, despite previous pledges not to do so, and also seriously restricted women's rights to work. The Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, toppling the US-backed government as US and NATO troops were leaving the country after almost 20 years of military presence there. Numerous countries and international organizations responded to the militant takeover by cutting aid to and ties with Kabul. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address State Department Comment on House Foreign Affairs Committee Afghanistan Review US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 9, 2024 The Department appreciates the Committee's longstanding interest in Afghanistan policy, and we strongly believe in Congress's independent role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. We remain committed to working with Congress on its oversight requests and advancing the interests of the American people. Since 2021, we have expended thousands of hours fulfilling congressional requests for documents, briefings, and interviews related to Afghanistan. The Department has provided approximately 20,000 pages of documents to Congress, conducted nine high-level briefings for committees and members of the House of Representatives and Senate, and made available or engaged 15 senior officials for transcribed interviews to House Foreign Affairs Committee staff and members. This includes the Department taking the unprecedented step of providing Congress with a highly-sensitive cable and internal memos related to the Department's After-Action Review. Additionally, Secretary Blinken has testified before House and Senate Committees 14 times on Afghanistan, including four times directly before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It was critical to have done so. Americans deserved to hear directly from their leaders on the decisions made to end America's longest war and the steps taken to fulfill our commitment to the thousands of brave Afghans who stood side-by-side with the United States over the course of two decades. As the House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority and Minority members complete their review of the 2021 withdrawal from Kabul, the Department wants to especially recognize the dedicated State and Department of Defense professionals who showed extraordinary courage and tenacity as they worked tirelessly on the ground in Afghanistan, in Washington, and at other sites, alongside other critical U.S. Government and civil society partners, to evacuate and assist as many people as possible in the closing days of our presence in Kabul. Our people remain our greatest asset. We also share our abiding respect and reverence for the 13 servicemembers whose lives were taken by ISIS-K during the withdrawal. These heroes embodied the very best of who we are as a nation and we owe them an immense debt we can never repay. Their selfless sacrifice in the line of duty saved thousands of lives. Our deepest sympathies are with the Gold Star families they left behind. ** Ending America's longest war was never going to be easy. But President Biden pledged to do so, and within months of taking office, he made the difficult but necessary decision to end America's 20 years of war in Afghanistan. He inherited an agreement his predecessor had reached with the Taliban to remove all remaining U.S. forces from Afghanistan by May 1, 2021. As part of that agreement, the previous Administration compelled the Afghan Government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners, including several top war commanders helping the Taliban achieve their strongest position in 20 years. Meanwhile, the agreement reduced our force presence to 2,500 troops.[1] And while the Taliban had agreed to cease attacks on our troops, it was contingent that all were withdrawn by the May 31 deadline. It was, and remains, a flawed agreement that hampered efforts to end the war through negotiations among Afghans. As General McKenzie, the CENTCOM Commander who served both the current and past administration, testified: "The signing of the Doha agreement had a really pernicious effect on the government of Afghanistan and on its military..."[2] Due to this agreement, when the Biden Administration entered office it found a revitalized and emboldened Taliban, along with a decimated SIV program and a complete lack of planning for a withdrawal. The President acted in the best interests of the American people when he decided to bring our troops home and end America's longest war. This decision ensured another generation of Americans would not have to fight and die in Afghanistan a full decade after Osama bin Laden had been brought to justice. It strengthened our national security by better positioning us to confront the challenges of the future and put the United States in a stronger place to lead the world. It freed up critical military, intelligence, diplomatic, and other resources to ensure we are better poised to respond to today's threats to international peace and stability - whether that be Russia's brutal and unprovoked assault on Ukraine, China's increasingly assertive moves in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, or a persistent and global terrorist threat. ** In the three years since the end of our country's longest war, important questions have been asked about what could have been done differently. The Department has made every effort to answer these questions transparently - whether they be from Congress, members of the media, the American public, or our own workforce. As the Department has undertaken this effort, regrettably, others have sought to advance their own interests or agendas that have almost nothing to do with learning important lessons to strengthen American national security. Even more unfortunately, misinformation about the Department's role and efforts have sought to tarnish the reputation of dedicated non-partisan professionals, many of whom tirelessly worked on Afghanistan policy for years. The Department has a deep respect for Congress' legislative mandate and responsibility, and as stated above, cooperated extensively with the Congress to provide the information necessary to do that important work. This is why it remains frustrating that time and time again, Majority members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with their Republican counterparts in the House, issued partisan statements, cherry-picked facts, withheld testimonies from the American people, and obfuscated the truth behind conjecture. Their so-called midterm report on Afghanistan in 2022 did a deep disservice to the American people by further politicizing U.S. policy towards Afghanistan instead of focusing on bipartisan solutions. There is little reason to believe the final report will be anything different than the conclusion of a blatantly partisan exercise. ** One of the most persistent misunderstandings of the leadup to the withdrawal was that the State Department lacked a strategy, specifically a "Noncombatant Evacuation Operations" plan to close operations in Afghanistan. This is not accurate.[3] Noncombatant evacuation operations - often called NEOs - are partnerships between the Department, the U.S. military, and the host government to "assist the Department of State (DOS) in evacuating noncombatants, nonessential military personnel, selected host-nation citizens, and third country nationals whose lives are in danger from locations in a host foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven and/or the United States," as described by the United States Military Joint Publication. The planning for a NEO originates within the State Department before the President approves the action to bring in the military to assist in any needed evacuations. It is a whole-of-government action planned and decided through a National Security Council process and statements or suggestions that the Department has the sole authority to activate a NEO are inaccurate. State Department officials who spoke with the House Foreign Affairs Committee explained during their hours-long interviews that there was extensive planning by the State Department for a possible diplomatic exit from Afghanistan. Planning began in April 2021, with multiple inter-agency and embassy exercises, using a range of scenarios. The inter-agency developed detailed indicators and warnings to inform a decision to declare a NEO including the encirclement or siege of Kabul, the closure of HKIA, resumed attacks on American forces, and a declared or demonstrated Taliban intent to take Kabul. As Brian McKeon, the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources during the Afghanistan withdrawal and evacuation, described, there was continued development of a NEO between the State Department, the Department of Defense, and CENTCOM - with the latter traveling to Kabul in July of 2021 to "further refine the NEO planning."[4] Additionally, the U.S. government intended for the U.S. Embassy to remain open after the end of the war a decision Congress broadly supported. So, while U.S. military forces would end combat operations, Department personnel planned to operate out of Embassy Kabul to assist Americans and Afghan allies, coordinate diplomatic and development activity and investments, and help protect and advance U.S. national security interests after August 2021. Given those expectations, along with the continued operation of commercial flights out of Kabul until August 15, executing the NEO before that date would have signaled to the people of Afghanistan the U.S. had lost all confidence in the then-Afghan government and precipitated the very collapse we sought to avoid. The government of Afghanistan controlled all 34 Provincial Capitals until August 6. Between August 6 and the 14, they began to fall rapidly, crossing the indicator and warning trip wires established by the inter-agency. On August 14, State initiated the NEO through an inter-agency agreement. On August 15, President Ghani abandoned his office and fled the country, and the Afghanistan Republic security services and government collapsed. The Taliban then entered Kabul. Again, while the State Department formally triggers a NEO, the decision to do so is a collective, inter-agency one, coordinated by a National Security Council process that includes multiple Principal and Deputies Committee meetings. Statements or suggestions that the Department has the sole authority to activate a NEO are false - moreover, principal-level discussions did not conclude a NEO should be initiated prior to the collective interagency decision that was reached on August 14. Executing a NEO requires substantial military and diplomatic resources, so the State Department, alongside our military colleagues, quickly adapted to the situation on the ground. Throughout the crisis, there was intense coordination between military and Department personnel. As former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass described, there was engagement "on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis in terms of the operational coordination of aspects of the NEO" engagement with "the senior military commanders regularly."[5] A NEO is but one tool in the diplomatic toolbox, and one of last resort. And NEO planning was far from the only preparation State took in the weeks and months leading up to August 2021.[6] In March, the Department began urging Americans living in Afghanistan to leave the country. At the end of April, the State Department placed Embassy Kabul on ordered departure status.[7] That same month, State senior leaders and officials traveled to the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan alongside Department of Defense personnel to prepare for the forthcoming absence of the United States military in the region.[8] In total, between March and August, the Department sent 19 unique messages with warnings to Americans living in Afghanistan to leave, as well as offers of help, including financial assistance to pay for plane tickets.[9] Despite these efforts, when Kabul fell, approximately 6,000 American citizens remained in Afghanistan almost all dual nationals who had been living in Afghanistan for years or decades. Almost all were evacuated by August 31 thanks to a relentless effort by the State Department to identify them, contact them, and help bring them to the airport. This effort included more than 55,000 phone calls and 33,000 emails in a two-week period. It was unprecedented in scope and scale. On August 31, several hundred American citizens remained in Afghanistan who could not or would not leave because they could not reach the airport, did not want to leave extended family members behind, or simply chose to remain. Secretary Blinken vowed to facilitate the departure of any remaining Americans. "We're continuing our relentless efforts to help any remaining Americans... leave Afghanistan if they so choose,"[10] the Secretary said publicly. Between September 1 and the end of 2021, the State Department made good on that pledge, facilitating the departure of nearly 500 American citizens. In February of 2021, the President took a crucial step to ensure America lived up to its enduring commitment to the individuals who stood side-by-side with us in Afghanistan by issuing an executive order directing a review to improve the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which was undertaken with great care. Domestic resettlement agencies have traditionally welcomed Afghan SIVs to the United States, but these critical partners had been deliberately left in shambles by the previous Administration and needed massive investments to be reinvigorated.[11] As the White House's summary of Pentagon reviews of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan details: "The Department of State began seeking transit agreements for Afghans with third countries in June, secured agreements with Qatar and Kuwait in July, and negotiated arrangements with other countries including Germany, Italy, Spain, UAE, Bahrain, Kosovo, and Albania. Setting up this network of transit sites "lily pads"would not have been possible without the support of international partners across the Middle East and Europe."[12] In late July, the State Department, along with the Department of Defense and interagency partners, initiated Operation Allies Refuge to begin evacuating SIV applicants in the final stages of processing.[13] U.S. diplomatic missions in the Middle East and Europe worked successfully and quickly with host government and Department of Defense personnel to establish temporary housing for tens of thousands of evacuees. During the U.S.-facilitated evacuation, vulnerable Afghans went to overseas Defense Department facilities for security screening, vetting, and the administration of public health vaccinations.[14] Afghan evacuees were then transported by air to eight Department of Defense domestic safe-havens. More than 10,000 State, Defense, and Homeland Security personnel supported this unprecedented humanitarian effort alongside other U.S. Government partners and a cross-section of America.[15] Throughout the first half of 2021, the Administration was constantly assessing the likelihood of President Ashraf Ghani's government's staying in power and considered multiple scenarios. Even the most pessimistic assessments did not predict the government forces in Kabul would collapse while U.S. forces remained. As General Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has previously said, "Nothing I or anyone else saw indicated a collapse of this army and this government in 11 days."[16] In an August 14 2021, phone call to Secretary Blinken, President Ghani expressed his intent "to fight to the death" to stave off the Taliban takeover before subsequently fleeing the next day.[17] Nonetheless, we planned and exercised a wide range of contingencies. Because of that planning, we were able to draw down our embassy and move remaining personnel to the airport within 48 hours and the military, which had pre-positioned in the region, was able to secure the airport and start the evacuation within 72 hours.[18] The U.S. Government achieved the largest airlift in U.S. history with approximately 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and third-country nationals departing Afghanistan in those final two weeks of August 2021.[19] Throughout this process, the Department relied heavily on the expertise and guidance of those on the ground and across the globe to assess the fluid environment in Afghanistan. Secretary Blinken has spoken publicly of his respect and appreciation for the selfless work of all these individuals, who stepped up to help others in their time of need, and his commitment to hearing from any State Department employee who wanted to share their Afghanistan-related insights. Much attention has been paid to the State Department's highly-valued dissent cable - a way for State Department employees at all levels to directly reach a Secretary of State with dissenting views on U.S. foreign policy. As Secretary Blinken previously stated in public testimony before Congress, the cable did not suggest the Afghan government and security forces were going to collapse prior to our departure. As the Secretary also said publicly, the Department agreed with the concerns raised in the cable, and in fact, a number of the recommendations the cable made were already in motion before it was received. Still, the opinions expressed in the dissent cable were heard at the senior-most levels of State Department leadership. The Secretary personally read and oversaw a response to the dissent cable, and its contents were factored into his thinking. "With regard to the so-called dissent channel cable, it's something I'm immensely proud of. It's a tradition that we have and you're right, I read every such cable, I respond to it, I factor into it my own thinking and actions, and that cable did not predict the collapse of the government or security forces before our departure. It was very focused and rightly focused on the work we were doing to try to get Afghans at risk out of the country and pressing to speed up that effort," the Secretary told the Congress.[20] The continued distortion of the dissent cable - which remains classified - by Members of Congress to further a political talking point is deeply disappointing, especially after the Department went to extraordinary lengths to allow members of the Foreign Affairs Committee the ability to review the document the first time since the inception of the dissent channel during the Vietnam War this access had been granted. ** The State Department remains committed to the thousands of brave Afghans who stood side-by-side with the United States over the course of the past two decades. As Secretary Blinken has said: our commitment to these individuals is enduring. When President Biden took office, the State Department inherited an SIV program with a 14-step process based on a statutory framework enacted by Congress involving multiple agencies - and a backlog of more than 17,000 SIV applicants. There had not been a single SIV applicant interview in Kabul in nine months, going back to March 2020.[21] The program was basically in a stall as the previous Administration made no senior-level or interagency effort to address the SIV backlog or consider relocation and resettlement options for our Afghan allies and their families as they worked to negotiate a military withdrawal. Within two weeks of taking office, State re-started the SIV interview process in Kabul. On February 4, one of President Biden's first executive orders directed the State to immediately review the program to identify causes of undue delay and find ways to process SIV applications more rapidly. Starting in the Spring, Secretary Blinken surged resources to the program, quadrupling the staff dedicated to processing applications by May 1 and increasing it six-fold by August 1. The administration went from issuing 100 visas per week in March to more than 1,000 per week in August. To date, the Administration has worked to resettle 165,000 Afghans who the American people have welcomed to communities across our country.[22] Our commitment to helping resettle thousands of Afghan allies has continued well past the withdrawal. Over the past few years, we've worked to resettle tens of thousands of Afghan families within the United States, welcoming them to their new homes and communities and demonstrating the very best of American generosity. Many international partner nations and organizations assist us in this ongoing effort. Since September 1, 2021, the Administration has approved or welcomed to the United States more than 80,000 Afghans under the SIV program. In Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) alone we issued more than 18,000 Afghan SIVs, the most in a single year. In this fiscal year (FY2024), we have already surpassed that total. The Department has also rebuilt the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which was deliberately undermined and partially dismantled by the prior administration. Drawing on best practices from processing Afghan cases in near real-time has helped make this rehabilitation a success story and speaks to the strength and ingenuity of Department and interagency personnel, as well as our refugee resettlement nonprofit partners. So far for this fiscal year, we have interviewed more than 20,000 Afghan refugees in 44 countries, contributing to the admission of one of the highest numbers of refugees through USRAP in a single year in more than three decades.[23] Ensuring we fulfill our promises to those individuals who stood by our side is one aspect of our continued commitment to the people of Afghanistan. Since August 2021, the United States has provided more than $2.2 billion in funding toward the humanitarian response inside Afghanistan and for Afghans in neighboring countries through established partners with rigorous vetting standards.[24] The United States is also the single largest humanitarian donor for Afghans in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, providing more than $844 million in humanitarian assistance in FY 2023.[25] The Department also stands with the women and girls of Afghanistan and has repeatedly called for their access to education and careers to be restored following edicts by Taliban leaders banning women from universities and working with NGOs. For example, through the establishment of the Afghan Women's Economic Resilience initiative, a public-private partnership between the Department of State and Boston University, the Department has catalyzed innovative and scalable partnerships between the private sector, civil society, academia, government, and Afghan women leaders to support Afghan women's education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The Department remains committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a launching pad for terrorism, and we continue to push the Taliban to fulfill all their counterterrorism commitments. We are taking a whole-of-government approach to our Afghanistan counterterrorism efforts, cooperating with partners and allies. We are working vigilantly to prevent the re-emergence of external threats from Afghanistan. ** There are valid and important criticisms of the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan and how it concluded, which is why the Department has remained focused on evolving and growing from this moment, learning important lessons and making sustainable changes to crisis operations. In December 2021, the Secretary asked retired Ambassador Dan Smith a long-serving veteran of the Department to lead a review of how the Department carried out its duties between January 2020 and August 2021. Ambassador Smith and team interviewed 150 people including Secretary Blinken and had access to all contemporaneous records. Studying and learning from Ambassador Smith's review is a vital component of building a stronger Department that is better prepared to respond to future challenges and to fulfill our mission. This after-action review[26] made recommendations on several areas where the Department could have done better by improving processes and systems. In the interest of maximum transparency, the unclassified sections of this after-action review have been made public. The Department has already taken more than 40 concrete actions and identified additional steps to guide itself in responding to future crises, including a new, state-of-the-art Operations Center opened in August 2022 with increased surge capacity and modern technology to facilitate information sharing, streamline coordination, and promote a common operating picture. ** The Department once again expresses its respect for the Congress and its Members who remain dedicated to reviewing the actions taken ahead of and during August 2021. It is our sincere hope the Administration can work hand-in-hand with Congress to make improvements from the lessons learned from the withdrawal. The Department stands ready to work alongside any Member who expresses serious interest in finding legislative and administrative solutions. However, we will not stand by silently as the Department and its workforce are used to further partisan agendas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "As Israel steps up its expansionist policies, we as the countries of the region must consolidate our line of solidarity" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 09.09.2024 Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdogan said: "As Israel steps up its expansionist policies, we as the countries of the region must consolidate our line of solidarity. We have expedited our efforts in order for the Islamic world to display a more determined stance against the genocide in Gaza, now in its 12th month. It is now clearly visible that the Israeli government seeks to expand its policies of occupation and invasion to include al-Aqsa Mosque, our first qiblah." President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a press conference following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex. "WE ARE IN CLOSE DIALOGUE WITH EGYPT ON REGIONAL ISSUES" Touching upon Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's visit to Turkiye on September 4, President Erdogan said: "We took the Turkiye-Egypt relations to a much higher level with Mr. el-Sisi's return visit following our historic visit to Egypt back in February. This important visit was crowned with 17 memoranda of understanding we signed in various fields. We are in close dialogue with Egypt on regional issues, particularly Gaza, the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. We support Egyptian authorities in their mediation efforts for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza." "WE HAVE EXPEDITED OUR EFFORTS IN ORDER FOR THE ISLAMIC WORLD TO DISPLAY A MORE DETERMINED STANCE AGAINST THE GENOCIDE IN GAZA" Stressing the importance of solidarity and cooperation among the countries of the region to stop Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, President Erdogan stated: "As Israel steps up its expansionist policies, we as the countries of the region must consolidate our line of solidarity. We have expedited our efforts in order for the Islamic world to display a more determined stance against the genocide in Gaza, now in its 12th month. It is now clearly visible that the Israeli government seeks to expand its policies of occupation and invasion to include al-Aqsa Mosque, our first qiblah. Zionists' harassments and raids against al-Haram al-Sharif are on the rise. We are closely monitoring all of these." "IT IS URGENT FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION TO CONVENE AT THE LEADERS' LEVEL WITHOUT DELAY" Describing al-Quds as a red line, President Erdogan said: "It is unthinkable that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, whose duty is to defend the cause of al-Quds, would remain indifferent to these attacks that are becoming more and more reckless day by day. It is urgent for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to convene at the leaders' level without delay and show the Islamic world's determined stance. We will increase our talks on this issue." President Erdogan further stressed: "As a nation that made history with the epic of resistance against the imperialist powers of the time during the War of Independence, we stand with our Palestinian brothers. It is us who can understand the best the meaning of the struggle being put up in Gaza, in Ramallah." "WE WILL TAKE EVERY LEGAL STEP TO ENSURE THAT AYSENUR EZGI'S BLOOD IS NOT LEFT UNAVENGED" President Erdogan continued his remarks as follows: "On this occasion, I remember with mercy our child, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was treacherously killed by Israeli security forces during protests the previous day, and offer my condolences to her family and friends. We will take every legal step to ensure that Aysenur Ezgi's blood is not left unavenged, and we will continue our fight against Israel at the highest level including by applying to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The genocidal Israeli administration, which has murdered 41 thousand people- whether it be children, women, civilian, or the elderly- will definitely be held accountable for the crimes it commits." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We must improve UN peacekeeping to meet today's challenges: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on strengthening UN Peacekeeping. 9 September 2024 Thank you President. I thank our briefers, USG Lacroix, Dr Ero and Mr Al Hussein, for their insight and continued support to UN peacekeeping. Let me also thank the brave peacekeepers who put their lives at risk across the world every day, and pay tribute to those peacekeepers who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace this year. President, UN peacekeeping is an indispensable element of the UN Security Council's toolbox for global peace and security, and an important symbol of global cooperation. As peacekeeping faces new and systemic challenges, as we've heard, we must protect, and improve, this tool for the future. I would like to make three broad points this morning. First, peacekeeping faces evolving challenges. These include the challenges of maintaining the relationship with host states and the importance of setting clear expectations on host state responsibilities. This should reduce the risk of accelerated withdrawals of missions as we've seen recently. In addition, rising misinformation and disinformation against missions puts the safety and security of our peacekeepers at risk. Peacekeeping needs stronger partnership and collaboration, as well as political support and consent, from host nations to ensure the effective delivery of mandates and well-planned transitions. Second, we should continue to adapt our approach to meet unique needs of each context. Peacekeeping works best when there is a political process to support or a peace to keep. New missions should be better tailored, more nimble and flexible, with focused, realistic mandates. We must continue to strengthen missions by boosting peacekeeping intelligence, situational awareness, embracing new technologies such as AI, and tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. We must all reaffirm our commitment to the Action for Peacekeeping Strategy and support its implementation. Sustainable transitions, guided by best practice and lessons learned and which safeguard the protection of civilians, will also help ensure that the gains from missions are preserved. Third, we should recognise the progress made on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and commit to all peace operations being fully representative and safe for women. Women's contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals. The United Kingdom will continue to help create an enabling environment for women peacekeepers through our support to the Elsie Initiative Fund, the Senior Women Talent Pipeline, and through our bilateral training by the British Peace Support Team. President, the UK remains a committed supporter of UN peacekeeping, including through deployment of peacekeepers and military advisers and of peacekeeping reform. We look forward to more discussions, including at the Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin and its Preparatory Conferences, on the ways we can help peacekeeping evolve to ensure it can effectively respond to the challenges of the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Haiti: 'We haven't turned a corner yet, but we're making progress' By Cristina Silveiro 9 September 2024 - More work needs to be done to bolster support for Haiti's police force as gang violence continues to rock Haiti, said Bob Rae, Canada's Ambassador to the UN and the newly elected president of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), who just returned from visiting Port-au-Prince. "Haiti is still really, really struggling," Mr. Rae told UN News's Cristina Silveiro, highlighting meetings held with the Prime Minister, Transitional Council, authorities, aid organizations and Haitians themselves, who said security is their key priority. He said the multinational security support mission operating in Haiti since June is making gains, including shifting the area of operation of some of the gang activity in the capital Port-au-Prince away from two key hospitals and the main port, but more progress is needed as it was impossible to say the country "had turned a corner". The interview has been edited for clarity and length. Bob Rae: I got a chance to get out and see what's going on in Port-au-Prince. The displacement problem is huge. There are now about half a million people who have been displaced by the violence and by the gang activity. I want to get people back into school, with the school year starting in October, but the problem is that many schools have been taken over by people who've been displaced. There's a practical problem as to how to solve this. I wanted to see it for myself from a humanitarian point of view. Haiti is still really, really struggling. It was good to see people out in the street in a positive way, going to the market, doing things, selling things, talking to each other. This is possible now, but it is impossible to say that we have turned a corner. We haven't turned a corner yet, but we're making some progress. UN News: What are Haitians calling for? Bob Rae: The big issue for people has been security. They feel personally insecure. They don't feel safe. Their daughters could get raped crossing the street. They could get kidnapped for cash. The gangs have taken over large parts of the city. They've burned out houses, taken over large neighborhoods, run parts of the city like a like a personal kingdom. They're brutal. These gang leaders are brutal. They kill people, and many thousands have died. Many more have been displaced. So, the security issue is key. The other key element is hope based on seeing a way forward, seeing a path ahead. This is how things work out. We're not there yet. Those are the two things I think are key. It's going to take a lot of effort to get those two things working. UN News: In the face of the dire security situation, the Security Council mandated a non-UN multinational security support mission be sent to help Haiti. Kenya took the lead and sent its first contingent over a month ago. They're the only ones to have done so among several countries who volunteered. Were you able to see them on the ground, and are they making an impact? Bob Rae: I had a very good meeting with the mission's colonel with his group. Security conditions did not allow me to see a police operation, but I certainly had a sense that they were working effectively with the Haitian National Police, which is the key force that has to be reinforced and given the equipment required to go forward. Parts of the airport is secure, and flights are coming in. The area of concentration of the gangs has been moved and shifted. A couple of the big hospitals have been able to be freed from gang control. The port is more open than it was. Right now, they still haven't been able to secure the main highways in the country, and we need to move forward in Port-au-Prince. We also have to make sure that the rest of the country stays relatively secure. The security situation in the south is not as bad as it has been in in Port-au-Prince. UN News: We're hearing that there is an impact. Do you know if the rest of the countries that have volunteered to join this mission are on their way? Can they be expected on the ground soon? Bob Rae: There is still work to be done to make sure the force is big enough and effective enough to make the kind of progress that we need. I think there is a number of things that have to be settled in terms of the protocols and engagement from a number of countries. We've got to make sure the medevac system is in place along with other elements. As a country, Canada has been doing everything we can. We've been very involved in the training of a number of the police volunteers and the police forces that have volunteered to come forward. With a UN mission, you know how it works, the logistics are there and the system is in place. Yes, they have to get the money and troops, but there is an infrastructure of activity in place. With the Haiti situation, I would compare it more to a potluck supper. Who's coming? What are they bringing for food? What are they bringing? And that doesn't necessarily guarantee that everything's covered. You've got to make sure that there's an organization in place that's ensuring that in fact the force is able to do what it needs to. There have been some delays in supplying equipment and getting money into the trust fund, and those are now being resolved. That's positive, but it's still taking too long. We need to catch up, and we don't have a big, huge window of opportunity. We have a bit of time in which we can get all this done before a potential election. UN News: There are calls for a UN mission to be sent. Can you speak to those calls, and how likely it is that there would be a UN mission sent at this point? Bob Rae: UN missions are determined by the Security Council and its five permanent members [China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States] have to agree, and that hasn't happened. Could that change? I don't know. Maybe it could. Right now, the current situation is better than nothing, but it's not ideal. It's not as much as we need. This arrangement is doing some good things, and so we need to keep pushing ahead on that. If the political discussions in New York take us in another direction, then that too is okay. UN News: What are the next steps you see for Haiti? Bob Rae: We're waiting for the Electoral Commission to be started up. That's going to be key. There has to be a plan developed by the Government of Haiti on how to move forward with a development plan and economic and social plan. I had very good discussions with the Prime Minister about that. I think there's a need for more progress on the security side, which needs to happen. We need to be able to back up the efforts of the Haitian National Police more effectively, and the UN itself will continue these discussions. We're going to have a lot of meetings over a high-level week on Haiti. That's really what we're looking at. It's not perfect. It's certainly not the greatest, but it's a lot better than it was. There's also enormous work to be done on continuing efforts to raise money for the humanitarian effort because there are so many displaced people and so many people without food and without the kind of food security that they need. We need a development plan that's supported by the international financial institutions and by all the neighboring countries. That's a tall order, but we think we know what we have to do. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United Nations Peacekeeping 'Remains a Cornerstone of Multilateralism in Action', Stresses Under-Secretary-General, at Security Council Open Debate Meetings Coverage Security Council 9719th Meeting (AM & PM) SC/15813 9 September 2024 Missions Must Have Realistic, Achievable Mandates with Clear Strategic Objectives, Many Representatives Underline The Security Council in an open debate today examined United Nations peacekeeping activities and explored ways to improve them, including bolstering the relationship with host countries, cooperating with regional organizations and establishing clearly defined mandates. "Now in its seventy-seventh year, United Nations peacekeeping remains a cornerstone of multilateralism in action," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, in his annual briefing on the topic, underscoring the need to adjust those missions to unique contexts. Today's complex challenges can only be addressed through networked multilateralism and strong partnerships locally, regionally and globally, he said, citing the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) as a success of striking local peace agreements among herders and farmers by working alongside UN and non-UN partners on the ground. Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group,pointed out that in the Central African Republic too, analysts report that the population is skeptical of the UN's ability to stop violence. The United Nations needs to do more to understand how communities perceive the Organization and, in turn, how the UN can work to meet these communities' expectations, she said. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Peace Institute, highlighted the need for political support for today's UN peacekeeping. Recalling his time as a UN peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia, he said that 30 years ago in Croatia, the UN had 15 battalions drawn from 11 different countries representing almost all corners of the world. "What a time it was then to have American and Russian formed units working in the same overall theatre, under a French-led UN military command, and all answering to a Japanese SRSG (Special Representative of the Secretary-General), Yasushi Akashi," he said. In the discussion that followed, delegates called for realistic and achievable mandates with clear strategic objectives. They broadly agreed that missions must garner broad political support and have adequate, predictable funding. However, contention emerged when they discussed add-on mandates in certain contexts. "Expecting peace operations to be a 'Superman' to stem the tide and save the day is unrealistic," China's delegate said, warning against "expanding missions mandates at every renewal as this will only lead to inflated mandates". Along the same line, the representative of the Russian Federation urged a cut to the secondary non-mandate tasks of peacekeepers, particularly those that relate to human rights, gender or climate as they detract from implementing the main duties and require significant financing. Further, he stressed the need to always consider the opinion and needs of the host countries. Guyana's delegate, however, stressed: "We must factor in the impacts of climate change, since this can act as a risk multiplier." The speaker for the United States warned that "many host Governments, with the support of some Security Council members, have politicized mandates cherry-picking certain tasks, undermining others that have enjoyed longstanding support, including those related to human rights". He added that multidimensional peacekeeping has proven effective at achieving difficult objectives, protecting civilians, supporting peace agreements, bolstering the capacities of responsible host Governments and preventing the recurrence of conflict. Sierra Leone's delegate noted that the rise of multidimensional peace operations in recent years reflects the shift from traditional peacekeeping that supports inter-State peace agreements to those that address intra-State conflicts, State fragility, scenarios involving the asymmetric use of force and non-State violent extremist threats, adding that "having a blue helmet force in place not only works at stopping conflicts, but works better than anything else experts know". Dozens of non-Council members also participated in today's open debate, among them the representative of Ethiopia, who pointed to the complementarity between peace and development. In many instances, host countries are under sanctions with limited access to international cooperation, he said, stressing that missions will be more effective if their host countries and communities can access adequate development finance. Several troop-contributing countries also injected their perspectives, with the representative of Pakistan saying that it has deployed 230,000 peacekeepers in 46 missions and has lost 181 peacekeepers in the service of international peace and security. In today's day and age, United Nations peacekeeping missions find themselves facing new and growing challenges, he said, calling for full support from the international community, especially the United Nations and the Security Council, to those regional organizations like the African Union who are prepared to take more robust operations where necessary to enforce peace. For its part, the European Union currently deploys 21 civilian and military missions and operations, three of which implement Council mandates, the bloc's observer said, stressing that "the EU-UN strategic partnership on peace operations and crisis management is a key strand of our cooperation." Briefings JEAN-PIERRE LACROIX, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations , said that "in its seventy-seventh year, United Nations peacekeeping remains a cornerstone of multilateralism in action". The UN's peacekeeping operations can only ever be as strong as the collective support of Member States. As geopolitical tensions have mounted, including in the Security Council, and amid shifting global and regional dynamics, peacekeeping operations are increasingly unable to rely on Member States to act in a strong, unified manner to support peacekeeping or the political processes they are mandated to support. In parallel, peacekeeping missions are increasingly confronting drivers of conflict with no borders, such as transnational organized crime, the illegal exploitation of natural resources and climate change's impact. Non-State actors engaged in these illicit activities are also weaponizing cheap technologies such as improvised explosive devices and drones and are propagating disinformation and hate speech. In such circumstances, at least one of the parties to the conflict often lacks any political ambition beyond fuelling disorder, making them reluctant parties to peace. "Despite all these challenges, today over 70,000 peacekeepers bravely continue their vital work," he said. He then laid out several key prerequisites for effective peacekeeping. Stressing the need to unify political support and foster trust, he said the ultimate objective of all peacekeeping operations is political. All UN peacekeeping operations are designed to support peace agreements between parties to a conflict. The United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) is engaging key stakeholders at both national and local levels to advance inclusive, consensual political solutions. At the very least, peacekeeping aims to build confidence and create conditions for a durable political process to take hold. While little progress has been achieved in the political process since 2017, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) continues its efforts to maintain calm, playing a preventive role and promoting an environment conducive to negotiations and an eventual settlement. Yet, there is only so much that peacekeeping can do on its own. "For peacekeepers to be effective, the Council, and the wider membership, must muster strong, consistent and unified support for peacekeeping missions." Further, all Member States should exert their diplomatic influence to back the political processes that peacekeeping operations are deployed to support, he said, citing all successful examples of peacekeeping operations, such as in Timor-Leste, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone. He went on to stress that the optimal performance of peacekeeping operations depends on mandates that provide clear strategic direction. Mandates must also have the resources to match the Council's ambitions. Adopting long, detailed mandates without the requisite resources raises unrealistic expectations, which has the potential to fuel frustration amongst host States and their populations and provides fertile ground for mis- and disinformation. Today's complex challenges can only be addressed through networked multilateralism and strong partnerships locally, regionally and globally. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is successfully striking local peace agreements among herders and farmers by working alongside UN and non-UN partners on the ground. Community engagement and the better use of technology are among the ways to update Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+). The safety, security and well-being of peacekeepers remain an overriding concern, he said. Over the past few years, the number of peacekeeper fatalities due to malicious acts has decreased from 33 in 2022 of which 15 were from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to seven in 2023 to four thus far in 2024. However, the total number of hostile acts has increased across missions, including the emerging threat of unmanned aerial vehicles. He pointed out that even with all the political commitment and necessary investments, peacekeeping still has its limits. Blue helmets can act robustly to protect civilians, but they do not fight wars. Where there is no ceasefire or political agreement whatsoever, enforcement action carried out by partners may be required. "We are at a pivotal moment," he said, noting that in two weeks, the Summit of the Future will present world leaders with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bolster and restore trust in the multilateral system, when the verdict remains out on whether Member States remain committed to multilateral solutions. Every day, UN peacekeepers are bravely saving countless lives for a relatively small investment. But their missions need the attention, political backing and resources they deserve. "There are few better tools for securing peace in a fragile age," he concluded. COMFORT ERO, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group , speaking via video link, said that the United Nations has developed a unique set of mechanisms to manage force generation, deployment and sustainment since the end of the cold war, but problems persist. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations has seen public discontent with UN peacekeepers' failure to halt violence against civilians and seen that explode into angry, and even deadly, anti-UN protests. In the Central African Republic too, analysts report that the population is skeptical of the UN's ability to stop violence. The UN still needs to do more to understand how communities perceive the UN and, in turn, how the UN can work to meet these communities' expectations, she said. "When this Council mandates UN forces to protect civilians, it must ensure that they have the means and political backing to fulfil that goal. "If you do not do so, you undermine the UN's credibility and chances of success," she said. The Council should not set up representatives of the UN for failure. UN peacekeeping operations, which have taken on many forms and responsibilities since 1946, are among the most adaptive parts of the UN's peace and security toolbox. It is incumbent on the Security Council to give UN peacekeeping operations the political support they need to end wars and protect the vulnerable, she added. ZEID RA'AD AL HUSSEIN, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Peace Institute , recalling his time as a UN peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia, said that 30 years ago in Croatia, the UN had 15 battalions drawn from 11 different countries representing almost all corners of the world. "What a time it was then to have American and Russian formed units working in the same overall theatre, under a French-led UN military command, and all answering to a Japanese SRSG, Yasushi Akashi," he said. While acknowledging significant bravery, he expressed regret that, as in Rwanda in 1994, there were colossal errors of judgment and eye-watering cruelties that the UN either could not or did not stop. "But we were there, together," he said. Contrasting that with today, he pointed to the decline in States' willingness to host missions they consider past their "sell-by" date and the reluctance of others to provide a critical mass of political support to end interminable conflicts. Also expressing concern over the Organization's flagging belief in its own ability to be a peace organization, he said that it now stands as a stump of what it once was. "How did it become like this, so lopsided and now so difficult to navigate?" he asked. Focusing on one of the many causes, he recalled that, when Colin Powell was serving as the United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the early 1990s, he stated that his country should never place its military personnel in harm's way with no direct national interest. And, while the Irish, Fijians, Nepalese and many others sent peacekeepers into theatres without any possible motive other than service since the beginning of the UN, the "Powell Doctrine" became contagious almost overnight as it spread through capitals and parliaments. This contributed, in part, to Jordan's decision, along with India, to withdraw its battalions from the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). At that time, he told the Council that, "while we wanted to serve the UN, we were not comfortable being viewed as a sort of underclass" in a UN "divided between masters and servants, bankers and soldiers where we would be the only ones relied on to do the riskiest jobs". Reiterating that the Council should worry less about the precise structure of future mandates and more on making sure the right people are chosen, he stressed that the organ must give peacekeepers the support they require. Also urging a return to the basics, he said that, when there is an emerging or actual threat, the Council should mandate the Secretary-General to go, in person, to the heart of the hotspot and weigh the situation before reporting to the body with a battery of suggestions. Following that report, the Council can begin to tailor a logical response, he said, adding that this will allow the wound to determine the type of surgery required as best understood by "your most senior surgeon". It is the Council particularly its permanent members who select the Secretary-General, he pointed out. The Council is therefore duty-bound to trust the Secretary-General's judgment on matters relating to peace and security. "If you believe the Secretary-General is capable of it, then respect his abilities accordingly, mandate and send him, listen to him and then respond to the crisis accordingly," he urged. Statements by Security Council Members The representative of Slovenia , Council president for September, spoke in his national capacity, noting that peacekeeping operations "reflect multilateralism at its finest", voiced regret that that no new operations have been mandated in the past decade, while several have been scaled back or withdrawn all this despite the world becoming less peaceful. Also, peacekeeping operations have suffered from "the crisis of confidence" due to the "mismatch" between their mandates and local expectations and "changing security environment". "With the highest number of ongoing conflicts and civilian casualties [...] we now, more than ever, need UN peacekeeping that is fit for purpose and with strong united political support of the Council," he emphasized. Therefore, he called for peace operations with "defined strategic objectives" that align with host country expectations. "A more inclusive, people-centred UN peacekeeping calls for greater community engagement, promotion of empowerment of women and youth, inclusive political processes, accountability and transparency, and stronger partnerships with civil society," he emphasized. The representative of the United Kingdom highlighted the challenges of maintaining the relationship with host States, and the importance of setting clear expectations on such States' responsibilities, to reduce the risk of accelerated mission withdrawals. "We need stronger partnership and collaboration, as well as political support and consent, from host nations and peacekeeping leadership to ensure the effective delivery of mandates and well-planned transitions," he stressed. Missions must meet the unique needs of each context, he added, which could include boosting peacekeeping intelligence and situational awareness, embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence and tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. Further, women's contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals. London, for its part, will continue to foster an enabling environment for women peacekeepers through its support to the Elsie Initiative Fund and the Senior Women Talent Pipeline and through the British Peace Support Team. The representative of Switzerland said that peacekeeping operations are threatened in fundamental ways, by existing tensions between States, declining consensus and reduced acceptance by host countries. Peacekeeping must be people centred. It is all about developing mission models that can be adapted to suit specific situations. The Council must therefore have a range of mission formats at its disposal, which it can engage and sequence as required. Strengthening cooperation with regional organizations is a promising avenue that should be pursued more vigorously. Strict compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law must be an essential condition of UN support, she added. The unity of the Council is important for the credibility of peacekeeping operations, their acceptance in the field and, ultimately, for the safety of peacekeepers. The representative of Malta , condemning attacks against missions, cited the fifth progress report on Action for Peacekeeping Plus to note that 196 peacekeepers lost their lives to malicious acts between January 2017 and September 2024. Also noting restrictions to their freedom of movement and the rising presence of mercenaries, she highlighted the threat posed by small commercial unmanned aerial vehicles particularly in Africa. It is essential that missions garner broad political support and have adequate, predictable funding, she stressed, pointing out that European Union member States contribute a quarter of the Organization's peacekeeping budget. Further, missions must have credible and realistic mandates, based on clear political strategies, that ensure the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights. She also stressed the importance of green, responsible missions and robust women, peace and security mandates. The representative of Mozambique said that peacekeeping operations are "an indispensable tool" of the Council's "duty to take effective collective measures" that aim to build peace. Reflecting on the success of a peace operation that Mozambique hosted in 1992-1994, he stressed several key factors: political will from conflicting parties, public desire for peace alongside regional and international support for the settlement process. On the UN side, success depends on "clear, realistic, well-designed" mandates, careful planning, respect for status-of-forces agreements, as well as sufficient resources, and respect for sovereignty. Stressing that peacekeeping must be tailored to each country's specific needs, he emphasized that "one-size-fits-all" principle does not apply to peacekeeping operations. "We need to strengthen the link that binds peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding continuum," he urged, warning that a peacekeeping operation detached from peacemaking and peacebuilding will have "a diminished likelihood of holding". The representative of the Republic of Korea , observing that peacekeeping is the Council's own creation, stressed that the organ must provide stronger and more-unified support for such operations. In Africa, some find themselves in situations where there is no peace to keep, he said, adding that MINUSMA faced an abrupt withdrawal in 2023 due to strained relations with the host country. "These challenges should not be attributed to the failure of PKOs [peacekeeping operations] as an instrument, but rather to the conditions that hinder them from achieving their mandate," he said. Additionally, peacekeeping transitions in Africa must be better addressed, as they carry many risks such as security vacuums, escalation or relapse into conflict and threats to the safety of peacekeepers. He therefore emphasized the importance of managing the relationship with the host country and enhancing cooperation with regional and subregional organizations lessons learned from MINUSMA. The representative of Algeria stressed the need to design adaptable and achievable mandates that provide clear strategic directions for UN peacekeeping operations. Strategic directions must be based on the realities, priorities and conditions on the ground. It is also necessary to include, from the onset of the mission, clear elements that set out the transition processes and sequenced exit strategy, while preserving security gains. Any exit strategy must be based on realistic and implementable benchmarks. He went on to further emphasize the role of cooperation with the host country, in relevant settings, adding that it needs to be further strengthened. The mandate of the peacekeeping missions must include a human rights component to monitor the situation of human rights on the ground and to report violations. Without such a tool, the mission's presence on the ground will lack legitimacy and credibility, he warned. The representative of France said that the success of peacekeeping depends on the United Nations capacity to find political solutions that foster the restoration of peace. As such, everybody from Council members to regional countries must mobilize to find them. Political strategy must be at the heart of all efforts, he said, and peacekeeping operations must also adapt to new contexts. France, for its part, has committed to "a far-reaching vision for peacekeeping", and he highlighted its voluntary contributions to that end. He further stressed that combating information manipulation and ensuring strategic communication is key, adding that it is vital to foster a digital transformation. Calling for a clear implementation framework for UN cooperation with the African Union, he added that member States of the European Union deploy 5,000 personnel across various operations. The representative of China , noting that UN peacekeeping operations are at a "new crossroads" due to evolving security challenges, urged the Council to "timely calibrate the direction of peace operations". He stressed that the three guiding principles of peacekeeping "consent of the parties, impartiality and non-use of force except in self-defence" should remain the foundation of any mission. Peacekeeping "is no panacea" and can only be effective if there is a "credible and forward-looking political process" in place, as it requires "a peace to keep", he emphasized. "Expecting peace operations to be a 'Superman' to stem the tide and save the day is unrealistic," he said. Calling for mandates that are both realistic and tailored to the specific situation of a country in conflict, he warned against "expanding mission mandates at every renewal as this will only lead to inflated mandates". On performance, he highlighted the need for comprehensive improvements, which go beyond individual peacekeepers' competence and called for more "financial discipline" for the peacekeeping operations. The representative of the United States said that "many host Governments, with the support of some Security Council members, have politicized mandates cherry-picking certain tasks, undermining others that have enjoyed longstanding support, including those related to human rights". Stating that his country disagrees with those who have lost faith in UN peace operations, he said that multidimensional peacekeeping has proven effective at achieving difficult objectives, protecting civilians, supporting peace agreements, bolstering the capacities of responsible host Governments and preventing the recurrence of conflict. In some cases, a more-targeted mandate may be better for the context and more successful at securing broad Council support. In other cases, it may be better for the African Union or regional organizations to lead the response, he said, welcoming the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023). UN missions must be impartial, he added, as they do not exist as "service providers" to host Governments. Citing lessons learned from the tragedies in Rwanda and Srebrenica, he stressed that protecting civilians should be at the core of peacekeeping. The representative of Japan said that mandates for peacekeeping operations must be realistic and achievable, with clear strategic objectives. For this purpose, the Council must ensure that peacekeeping mandates accommodate the needs and expectations of host Governments and their people, while also upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The Council must also ensure that peace operations develop exit strategies and viable transition plans from the earliest stage possible, in close coordination with host countries and UN country teams. Further, he underscored the role of regional organizations, such as the African Union, in boosting missions' effectiveness. Thus, it is important to enhance the capabilities of their personnel, he said. The representative of Sierra Leone noted the shift from traditional peacekeeping mandates that support inter-State peace agreements to those that address intra-State conflicts, State fragility, scenarios involving the asymmetric use of force and non-State violent extremist threats. The rise of multidimensional peace operations in recent years reflects this, he said, adding that "having a blue helmet force in place not only works at stopping conflicts, but works better than anything else experts know". Peacekeeping missions must be deployed as strategic political tools that are established following a thorough assessment of the conflict situation, and he stressed that the Council's political will is paramount in legitimizing such missions. Noting that partnerships with regional arrangements remain critical, he applauded resolution 2719 (2023) on financing African Union-led peace operations. Meanwhile, partnerships with host countries must cover joint planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Successful peacekeeping operations, he added, must include efforts to strengthen Governments' capacity to protect. The representative of Guyana said that challenges faced by peacekeepers from rising threats of terrorism to open threats by armed groups "demand our urgent attention". She called for a "holistic approach to peacekeeping" and praised the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023) alongside the Council's endorsement of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. In this context, she stressed that while regional and subregional organizations play a crucial role in the region, "this by no means absolves the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security". Looking ahead to the future of peacekeeping, she urged to strengthen the capacities of peace operations, uphold the principles of transparency and accountability as well as ensure the highest standards of conduct and respect for human rights. "We must factor in the impacts of climate change, since this can act as a risk multiplier," she underscored, and urged for the full and equal participation of women at all levels of command. The representative of Ecuador said that adequate and sustainable financing is fundamental to UN peace missions and additional efforts. Citing resolution 2719 (2023), which established a framework for predictable and sustainable financing of the African Union-led peace support operations, he said that bolstering operations by regional and subregional organizations is crucial to guarantee a coordinated response, including the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Peace missions should begin transition planning with host countries, UN country teams and other relevant national actors at the early stages of its operations. Early planning will facilitate orderly and sustainable transitions, ensuring that local capacity can be developed and responsibilities can be transferred. Strategic communications play an important role in highlighting successes, managing expectations and countering disinformation and hate speech. Effective communication is also needed to ensure coordination among all stakeholders, he added. The representative of the Russian Federation said that peacekeeping operations must be based on unwavering respect for the sovereignty of the host country, and on strict compliance with the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental basic principles of peacekeeping, such as consent of parties, impartiality and the non-use of force, apart from in self-defence and to protect the mandate. It is important to cut the secondary non-mandate tasks of peacekeepers, particularly those that relate to human rights, gender or climate as they detract from implementing the main duties and require significant financing. Further, he stressed the need to always consider the opinion and needs of the host countries. National authorities must shoulder the main responsibility for the protection of civilians, for eradicating the root causes of the crisis and for post-conflict recovery. Criticisms of the United Nations are sometimes legitimate as they show disappointment within the host countries and their population. They should not be ignored. Rather, UN peacekeeping missions should actively work with ordinary people through radio, TV and social media, and carry out local, quick impact projects. Statements by Observers and Select Member States The representative of Egypt , noting that his was one of the first countries to support peacekeeping and remains a main troop-contributor, said the reform of peacekeeping architecture must centre on political solutions and clear mandates. Calling for financing for the implementation of Council resolution 2719 (2023), he said that it is essential to bolster the Council's cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, as well as with the Peacebuilding Commission. The United Nations must continue to support national ownership and leadership during transition phases. "This is the primary lesson we must learn" from recent transitions, he said, adding that the consent of the host country is not always guaranteed; it is essential to work for this consent. Stressing the importance of training and improving the technological capacities of peacekeeping operations, he highlighted the contributions of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding. The representative of the European Union , in its capacity as observer, said that partnerships are an indispensable pillar of the bloc's efforts to promote global peace and security. "The EU-UN strategic partnership on peace operations and crisis management is a key strand of our cooperation," he said, spotlighting plans to reinforce this by agreeing on a new set of priorities for 2025 to 2027 that consider the increasing complexity of the international security landscape. The European Union currently deploys 21 civilian and military missions and operations, three of which implement Council mandates, he noted. To make peacekeeping fit for the future, he urged providing political support and adequate resources for peacekeeping as well as adapting operations to new challenges, including through strengthening the role of regional organizations. Further, it is important to promote the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda, in addition to intensifying efforts on climate and security and on conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The representative of Ethiopia , highlighting his country's extensive involvement with both UN peacekeeping missions and African Union peace-support operations, said that the current state of the former requires comprehensive reflection. Out of the 11 existing UN peacekeeping missions, five are in Africa. "Peacekeeping missions should be a measure of last resort, not tools for reasons of expediency," he said, stressing that peace processes and associated UN initiatives must be nationally owned. Pointing to the complementarity between peace and development, he said that, in many instances, host countries are under sanctions with limited access to international cooperation. Missions, he stressed, will be more effective if their host countries and communities can access adequate development finance. The lack of African representation in the Council is another challenge, and he urged the resolution of "this structural and historical problem" in establishing peacekeeping missions. The representative of Pakistan said his country has a long and close involvement with United Nations peace operations. Pakistan is host to one of the first United Nations missions the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which was established in 1949 to monitor the ceasefire along the line of control in disputed Jammu and Kashmir. For its part, Pakistan has also deployed 230,000 peacekeepers in 46 missions and has lost 181 peacekeepers in the service of international peace and security, he added. In today's day and age, United Nations peacekeeping missions find themselves facing new and growing challenges. The international community, especially the United Nations and the Security Council, must extend full support to those regional organizations like the African Union who are prepared to take more robust operations where necessary to enforce peace. The representative of Morocco , noting that peacekeeping is experiencing a crisis of confidence, said: "We need to anticipate and prevent, but also act." Highlighting the peace, security and development nexus, he added that it is essential to consider the different tools available to the United Nations, from special political missions to regional cooperation. Morocco has supported peacekeeping efforts for decades, he noted. For its part, the Council must show a united political front. Peacekeeping operations must not assume tasks that run counter to peace, he said, calling for targeted, implementable goals that are created in conjunction with host countries. Further, operations must be adequately resourced, and there must be complementarity between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. And, noting the increasing regionalization of conflict, he said this makes partnerships with regional and subregional organizations even more crucial. The representative of Indonesia said that the "indisputable" legacy of UN peacekeeping is being "challenged". "Peacekeeping is often subject to geopolitical power play," he said. This leads to the decline in host countries' trust in peacekeeping, drawdowns and potential conflict relapse. Asking what can be done to ensure UN peacekeeping remains effective, he proposed developing "realistic and achievable mandates" which hinge on an understanding of specific country needs and dialogue with host authorities. "Mandates should be forward looking," he stressed, adding that "this will enable smooth transition to political solutions". "Without a fundamental shift in our approach, lasting peace will remain elusive," he warned and called for investment in capacity-building and technology, as well as predictable and sustainable financing in addition to the advancement of the role of women peacekeepers. The representative of Italy said that the Peacebuilding Commission should have a central role in forging ties with local authorities and building a network of peacebuilders and peacekeepers to provide the Council with targeted, effective advice. He also stressed that peacekeepers should receive "top-level" training before deployment. "By stepping up and standardizing the performance of peacekeepers, we will strengthen the trust among the Security Council, the host countries and all relevant stakeholders". UNIFIL has built a successful model based on respect for local culture, impartiality, credibility and closeness to the civilian population. Tailored training was key to this result. In short, "peace processes do not end as soon as the last soldier leaves the ground," he said, underscoring the importance of considering peacebuilding and peacekeeping as complementary. The representative of Spain said that peacekeeping missions need to "adapt to new realities" to ensure their effectiveness. For that reason, it is important to focus on the prevention of conflicts through "a holistic lens" that includes respect for human rights, "strengthening of women's participation" in missions and "streamlining gender perspective into their design". Detailing his country's efforts in this regard, he spotlighted a joint course with the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands on gender in peacekeeping that has trained over 1,000 students to be gender advisers. Turning to resolution 2719 (2023), he called for "better cooperation between the UN and regional organizations", underscoring the need for "predictable, adequate, sustainable, and inclusive financing" for the African Union-led missions. He further commended the unanimous adoption of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, a mission with a significant Spanish presence, as a "robust message of support" for peacekeeping operations. The representative of Uruguay , noting that his country has deployed troops to several missions throughout the world, said that peacekeeping operations must tailor their work to new realities and emerging challenges. Stressing the importance of a gender-sensitive approach, he recalled that protection of civilians has become a key part of peacekeeping since the adoption of Council resolution 1270 (1999), which was the first time this mandate was issued. Today, local populations and the international community use civilian protection as a criterion to evaluate the success of peacekeeping. Turning to the important role of regional stakeholders and organizations such as the African Union, he said they have critical knowledge and can serve as key advisers to the Council; therefore, financing such partnerships are crucial. When peacekeeping mandates are designed, they should strike a balance between the Council's prerogative and the goals of the national Government, he stressed. The representative of India noted that in recent years peacekeepers have experienced a greater level of asymmetric threats. National ownership in peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities is critical for the success of field missions. There is also an urgent need to strengthen the capabilities of security forces of host countries through provision of training and logistical support. Moreover, the Council must be more representative of today's realities particularly in the permanent member category. Given that more than half of the Council's work is focused on Africa, the continent deserves greater representation, he stressed. He also went on to underscore that India is the largest cumulative contributor to peacekeeping, having deployed more than a quarter million troops in more than 50 missions over the last seven decades. The representative of South Africa said that the United Nations and its Member States must robustly advocate for UN peacekeeping as a relevant, viable tool for promoting peace and security. "We are saying this because of the spread of misinformation and disinformation that discredits the impact and efficacy of UN peacekeeping," she added. Regrettably, while expectations are sometimes exaggerated, she said that the mandates for most multidimensional peacekeeping operations in Africa "lack strategic focus and are inadequately resourced". And, in some instances, they are incongruent with the situation on the ground. "We reiterate that the Security Council must ensure that mandates of peacekeeping operations are realistic, achievable, focused and unambiguous," she said. Underscoring regional organizations' critical role in strengthening peacekeeping missions, she also noted that her country has "selflessly" deployed troops and police to UN and Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace-support operations. The representative of Cyprus , noting that peacekeeping is proof that multilateralism works, also called for greater deployment of women in this context. As host to one of the longest-running peacekeeping operations, Cyprus is aware of the need to prevent the recurrence of fighting. Given Turkiye's continuous occupation of Cyprus' territory and the occupying army's violations UNFICYP plays a crucial role in both maintaining the ceasefire on the island and promoting regional stability, she emphasized. However, noting that UNFICYP is mandated to uphold the UN Charter and implement relevant resolutions, she said that its success is being jeopardized by the creation of a fait accompli on the ground. Stressing the importance of transparent cooperation between the peacekeeping operation and the host country, she underscored that peace and security will be undermined if the Council does not stand by its resolutions. The representative of Nepal said that UN peacekeeping is overstretched "caught between high external expectations and internal limitations". Citing the Secretary-General's "New Agenda for Peace", he stressed that making peacekeeping "fit for purpose" requires sustained political strategies and holistic approaches that address the root causes of conflict. In this context, he said that effective peacekeeping requires more than just "boots on the ground"; rather, it takes "a unified political commitment from all stakeholders especially the Security Council". Stressing that mission mandates should be "context-specific, sequenced, realistic and flexible," he urged the early planning of exit strategies. "Stronger and sustained partnerships with neighbouring countries and regional organizations are vital to manoeuvre local dynamics," he observed, adding that engagement with communities - particularly women and youth - will promote inclusive, people-centred peace processes. Ahead of the Summit of the Future, he urged including peacekeeping in a broader strategy that integrates diplomacy, development and human rights. The representative of Rwanda said that, as one of the top troop contributors to UN peacekeeping, his country recognizes the crucial role these missions play in maintaining global peace. However, the Council's recent inability to unite due to geopolitical tensions has often undermined peacekeeping efforts, preventing them from fully delivering on their mandates. Underlining the need to address the root causes of conflict, he emphasized that this would not only foster sustainable peace, but also reduce the need for prolonged and costly peacekeeping operations. Field missions must prioritize supporting the peace process to prevent conflict escalation and, moreover, peacekeeping efforts must be increasingly integrated with diplomatic and political strategies. This, he said, means focusing on political dialogue, governance reforms and engagement with local stakeholders to address underlying tensions and ensure long-term peace. The representative of Timor-Leste , recalling his country's emergence from conflict, said it is a testament to the power of peacekeeping and the critical role of the United Nations in fostering security around the world. Citing its first-hand experience with post-conflict recovery, he said the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) played a pivotal role in facilitating nation-building and establishing democratic institutions. Emphasizing the need for adaptability, he called for a multifaceted approach that integrates political, military and humanitarian approaches. Also underscoring the important role of women in peace processes and community building, he stressed the need for policies that empower women and marginalized communities. Peacekeeping must leverage new tools, technology and innovation, he urged, adding that strong accountable and effective United Nations peacekeeping is essential to sustainable development. The representative of Bangladesh said that peacekeeping operations require significant "revamping", pointing to the gap between UN peacekeeping mandates and the results such missions can deliver in practice. For that, the primacy of politics in the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflicts needs to be upheld, he stressed. Moreover, exit strategies and transitions must be planned early, and in an integrated manner, to achieve successful mission drawdowns. Welcoming the adoption of resolution 2719 (2023) on the financing of African Union-led peace-support operations, he urged deeper cooperation between the UN and peacekeeping training networks and institutions through pledging, co-deployments and multinational rotations. "We need to make sincere efforts in setting a realistic mandate," he said, emphasizing the importance of consulting all relevant stakeholders. The representative of Turkiye said that the partnership between the UN and African Union is key to addressing the complex and transboundary security challenges the African continent is facing. For its part, Turkiye has a long history of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping operations, she noted, also underscoring that the consent of local parties and impartiality should remain the bedrock principles of peacekeeping. She went on to say that widespread attacks against the Turkish Cypriot people by the Greek Cypriot side led the Security Council to deploy a peacekeeping force on the island in 1964. This clearly demonstrates that the Cyprus issue did not originate in 1974 as is "often misleadingly and conveniently claimed", she added. However, UNFICYP was not successful in stopping mass attacks on the Turkish Cypriot population between 1963 and 1974. The reasons that compelled Turkiye to intervene in 1974 are well known and documented. It was this intervention that prevented further attacks on Turkish Cypriots, she added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFRL to highlight tech to 'achieve decisive advantage in an age of growing threats' at 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference Published Sept. 9, 2024 Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- The Air Force Research Laboratory will showcase war-winning technologies to drive the future fight in an era of Great Power Competition at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference, or AFA ASC, Sept. 16-18, at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. This year's conference theme is "Achieving Decisive Advantage in an Age of Growing Threats. AFRL will showcase six examples of integrated capabilities as part of its 2024 "Engine to Accelerate" exhibit booths in the conference center's Prince George Exhibit Hall. These examples will highlight a deliberate combination of technologies that are helping to deliver capabilities to the warfighter more quickly and efficiently "Science and technology run deep in the Department of the Air Force's history and are vital to our future," said Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, AFRL commander. "The lab is focused on high-impact, multi-domain S&T solutions that move the needle right now while laying the groundwork for the Air and Space Force to win the future fight." AFWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Department of the Air Force and powered by AFRL, will also display a "Spark Street" exhibit in the conference center's Maryland Exhibit Hall, which will showcase Airman and Guardian innovations from Spark Cells around the world. Spark is a compelling example of an initiative that allows AFRL to deliver science and technology to the warfighter at the speed of need. At AFRL's "Engine to Accelerate" booths, conference attendees can learn about Grasshopper, a cost-efficient, air-dropped, autonomously-navigated glider that delivers materiel to operators on the ground. The program leverages low-cost manufacturing techniques to keep production costs at approximately $40,000 per vehicle to provide an asymmetric capability for cargo delivery. The Grasshopper team is accelerating the capability timeline by establishing a close interaction between AFRL and Air Force Special Operations Command users that facilitates immediate customer feedback and rapid flight testing. AFRL will also display Navigation Technology Satellite-3, or NTS-3, an experimental platform designed to demonstrate technologies to increase resiliency, robustness and reprogrammability of Position, Navigation and Timing functionality in space. AFRL is accelerating innovation by transforming the satellite navigation architecture to be reprogrammable both on-orbit and in the field, which enables new capabilities to support the warfighter faster through software updates. Like downloading a new app on your smartphone, this means that new satellites will not need to be launched to upgrade the signals, and that warfighters will not need to purchase and deploy new hardware to take advantage of upgraded signals. NTS-3 will mature technologies like the advanced timekeeping system that can detect and mitigate atomic clock faults without direct operator intervention. NTS-3's software-defined receiver, known as Global Navigation Satellite System Test Architecture, can receive and process new navigation signals that improve performance for U.S. forces in the presence of GPS interference or spoofing (a process by which users are sent inaccurate signals telling them that they are in the incorrect time and place). NTS-3 is anticipated to launch in late 2024. Additionally, visitors to AFRL's exhibit booths can learn more about AEROMORPH, an AFRL University Center of Excellence, or UCoE, that performs fundamental multidisciplinary research to endow future supersonic and hypersonic weapons with game-changing performance through active morphing without significant size, weight or power penalties. UCoEs provide opportunities to document scientific understanding and develop future scientists who contribute to AFRL's mission. AEROMORPH's unique approach is to embed a self-contained sense-assess-response morphing process into the material and structure. With AFRL's strategic foresight, the AEROMORPH UCoE lays the foundation for transition of active morphing in high-speed systems as an integrated capability to AFRL, becoming the basis for future AFRL programs that enable the warfighter to outpace our adversaries through superior weapons performance and air superiority. Missile Utility Transformation via Articulated Nose Technology, or MUTANT, will also be on display. MUTANT is an articulation control actuation system technology that increases missile effectiveness at longer range against moving targets through active, rapid and smooth pivoting of the missile forebody. This enables the warfighter to destroy air targets at scale, with higher confidence and fewer weapons. MUTANT is actively working to transition this technology and enable warfighter use. AFRL will also highlight Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing, or LCAAPS, which leverages best practices of consumer industries to rapidly develop and build autonomous collaborative platforms in large numbers. LCAAPS' goal is to achieve affordable mass by streamlining the design and development process. The XQ-67A, an Off-Board Sensing Station uncrewed air vehicle that saw its first successful flight in February 2024, proves the feasibility of this approach and demonstrates how wholly new acquisition processes can deliver capability to the warfighter more quickly and efficiently. AFRL will feature the Gallium Nitride Device, or GaN, a semiconductor technology that marks a pivotal advancement in radio frequency sensing, enhancing radar, electronic warfare and communications capability ubiquitously across Department of Defense platforms. AFRL developed GaN materials and device technology internally and leveraged national programs to build a robust and needed domestic supply chain. AFRL now continues to co-develop GaN technology with industry, accelerating delivery of next generation sensing systems for the warfighter. For more information about AFRL's programs and technologies, visit here. Lastly, in partnership with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, AFRL will feature full scale Collaborative Combat Aircraft models. These are uncrewed weapon systems leveraging DAF investments in autonomy and crewed-uncrewed teaming to project air power against adversaries. Anduril's model will be in booth #503 and the General Atomics model will be on display in booth No.1834. Bartolomei will participate in the Air Force Materiel Command's "AFMC reoptimizes for Great Power Competition" media roundtable discussion, intended to highlight current AFMC priorities and progress and to communicate the impacts of GPC, both seen and unseen, that enhance AFMC's ability to develop, modernize and sustain the Air Force. Bartolomei will participate alongside the commanders of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air Force Sustainment Center and Air Force Test Center. This media event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 9:45-10:15 a.m. EST in room Chesapeake A. Additionally, two renowned AFRL subject matter experts are scheduled to participate in speaking engagements at the AFA ASC event. Alexis Bonnell, AFRL's chief information officer and director of AFRL's Digital Capabilities Directorate, will serve as a moderator in a "Hacking the Acquisition Bureaucracy" panel Sept. 16 from 1:40-2:20 p.m. EST in room Potomac D. Bonnell will also serve as a panelist in a discussion titled "The AI Passport," scheduled Sept. 16 from 3:20-4:00 p.m. EST in room Potomac D. Dr. Michael Gregg, director of AFRL's Aerospace Systems Directorate, will also serve as a panelist in a "21st Century Jet Propulsion Imperative" panel discussion slated for Sept. 18, from 8:00-8:40 a.m. EST in room Potomac D. The AFA ASC conference is a premier professional development event for the U.S. Air and Space Forces, DoD personnel, the aerospace and defense industries and academia. It provides first-class professional military development, facilitates sharing of emerging requirements and technologies and helps fuel connections that advance the cause of air and space power. For more information about AFRL's presence at the conference, visit here. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Combined Maritime Forces Welcomes Argentina as its 46th Member US Navy 09 September 2024 From NAVCENT Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain -- Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) welcomed Argentina as the 46th member of the world's largest maritime security partnership, Sept. 4. "The Argentine Navy has proudly served for over 200 years," said CMF commander, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff. "With such a maritime tradition, Argentina will greatly enhance regional partnerships and maritime security. The CMF team looks forward to being 'ready together' with our Argentinian partners." CMF is the world's largest naval partnership and is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces (CTFs). These task forces focus on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes. Task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and eastern Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden; and CTF 154, which enhances maritime security training throughout the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US forces join host Australia, partners and allies for Exercise Kakadu 2024 US Navy 09 September 2024 From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caroline Lui U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy and nine other partner and ally nations begin exercise Kakadu 2024 near Darwin, Australia. DARWIN, Australia -- Maritime forces from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), U.S. Navy (USN) and nine other partner and ally nations gathered to begin Exercise Kakadu 2024 in the vicinity of Darwin, Australia, Sept. 8. Held biennially, Kakadu is the RAN's premier international engagement activity, developing interoperability between nations in the maritime and air domains, and providing training opportunities for maritime security and surveillance. This year's iteration, scheduled for Sept. 9-20, will involve 13 warships and aircraft from navies and air forces representing 11 countries. The exercise is held concurrently with a commanders' conference, where military leaders from more than 30 countries are represented. In total, more than 3,000 military personnel are converging upon the Darwin area. "Kakadu is the largest and most significant international exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy, it deepens relationships and interoperability between participating armed forces," said Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy Australia. "Australia is a maritime nation that, like our neighbors, derives prosperity from access to the sea - assured by a strong Navy and strong partnerships. "Kakadu provides an excellent opportunity for officers, sailors and aviators to practice their skills in a range of tactical maritime activities," he continued. "This year, the focus is on interoperability with greater integration of our international partners in all aspects of the exercise." Representing the RAN are the Anzac-class frigates HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), a Collins-class submarine, and aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, while the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) is representing the U.S. Navy. "Thank you to the Royal Australian Navy for bringing this group of nations together to conduct important training in the region," said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet. "The work we are doing here provides our navies a valuable opportunity to advance interoperability and address shared maritime security challenges." The exercise will begin with a harbor phase for planning, simulation, and international culture exchange before moving into a sea phase where the ships and aircraft will divide into several multinational task groups to practice various scenarios, culminating in a task group free play. U.S. 7th Fleet forces routinely train with partner and allied navies to refine operational proficiency and to improve crisis and contingency response capabilities to ensure stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Dewey is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON)15, the Navy's largest forward deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. Commissions US Navy 09 September 2024 From Julie Ann Ripley USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) is commissioned at Naval Air Station Pensacola Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. -- The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) commissioned at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, September 7. Welcomed throughout the week, the crew, joined by the ship's sponsor, Shana McCool, and McCool's great-grandchildren, attended community events supported by local businesses, flyovers by the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron, a visit by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, and ceremony host, Naval Air Station Pensacola. Participating in the ceremony were Marine Aviation Training Support Groups Two-One and Two-Three, Navy Training Wing Ten (VT-10) Wildcats, Navy Band Southeast, McGuire's Pipe and Drum Band, and 350 Junior ROTC and Navy League Sea Cadets from Alabama, Arkansas, and Pensacola. During the ceremony guest speaker Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro honored the ship's namesake as they brought the ship to life, beginning its commissioned service. "Captain McCool's leadership in the face of grave danger and his acts of heroism to save the crew and the ship our nation entrusted to him are indeed an example for all throughout." "I am proud that the Department of the Navy is pursuing the award of the Amphibious Multi-Ship Procurement Contract for a total of three San Antonio class amphibious shipsjust like USS Richard M. McCool Jr.along with an America class amphibious assault ship," Del Toro continued. "I am proud to see these Sailors and Marines bring this incredible warship to life in service to our nation, much like this ship's courageous namesake." Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti also reflected on the importance of the Navy-Marine Corps team. "The LPD plays an essential role on our Blue-Green team as the workhorse of our Amphibious Fleet, and soon McCool will set sail and begin embarking, transporting, and landing elements of our Navy-Marine Corps team," said Franchetti. "The commissioning of this warship puts another player with more capability on the field in America's Warfighting Navy, providing more options to our Nation's leaders to deter and if necessary, fight and win our Nation's wars in this decade and beyond." "LPD 29 represents a shift in what an amphibious warship is," said Gen. C.J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. "With the latest in integrated SPY-6 (air and missile defense radar system) and Next Generation Surface Search Technology, she enables reconnaissance and counter reconnaissance on the forward edge of the battlespace - making sense and decision space for the Fleet and Joint Force Commanders." Emphasizing the critical role of the integrated Navy-Marine Corps team in the event that deterrence fails, Gen. Mahoney concluded, "If the Marine Corps is a bullet to be fired by the Navy, the USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. - with the very crew you see here today - will pull the trigger." Commanding officer Capt. Jeff Baker thanked family, friends, the commissioning committee, those who were not able to be present, the communities of Pascagoula and Pensacola, and Gulf Coast shipbuilders - electricians, machinists, pipe fitters, painters, riggers, welders, and more; everyone who helped to bring this ship to life Echoing McCool's words when receiving the Medal of Honor "Fight as a unit, not as an individual", Baker talked about the importance of the crew. "I hope that we've made him proud. I hope that we have lived up to and will continue to honor his legacy. The remarkable warship moored behind me is ready for pictures but full of potential energy. It takes 330 officers, chief petty officers, and enlisted crew to sail her and make our warship ready for tasking. Manning these rails are the finest men and women this country has to offer. I couldn't be prouder of them. The ship needs them all. I need them all. The Navy and our country need them all. Please thank them. They've got the watch." "LPD 29, Richard M. McCool, when deployed comes equipped with the most advanced weapons system ever produced. The weapons system with unlimited reach, lethality, and combat effectiveness. The only system known to mankind that cannot be defeated by any adversary anywhere in the world. The weapons system of the United States Marines Corps." LPD 29 is the 13th San Antonio-class LPD commissioned in the United States Navy, and the first U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake. The naming of LPD 29 honors U.S. Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool, Jr., Ret. who received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship, USS LSC 122, was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured Sailors. McCool was a leader whose life and legacy revolved around service. In addition to USS LSC 122, he commanded the USS LSC 44 and served on the USS McKean (DD-784), USS Frank Knox (DD-742), and USS Leyte (CV-32), and at the University of Oklahoma, and Eighth Naval District, New Orleans, Louisiana. Attending Boston University in Massachusetts, he was redesignated as a public information officer with assignments as the deputy commander at the Armed Forces Information School at Fort Slocum, New York; and to Commander, Naval Base, Long Beach, California; Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C.; Commander, South Eastern Asia Treaty Organization, Bangkok, Thailand; Ninth Naval District at Great Lakes, Illinois; Commander, First Fleet; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, and Commander, Seventh Fleet, Japan. Retiring as a captain in 1974 after 35 years of active duty, he continued serving his community through engagement in local politics in the Bremerton, Washington, area. McCool died in March 2008 and is buried at Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland. San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. They provide the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable, and built to operate in the 21st century, with the MV-22 Osprey, the upgraded Amphibious Assault Vehicle, and future means by which Marines are delivered ashore. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Republicans fault Biden administration in new report about Afghanistan withdrawal By VOA News September 09, 2024 Republicans on a U.S. House of Representatives committee issued a report Sunday criticizing the Biden administration for the chaotic August 2021 U.S. military and diplomatic withdrawal from Afghanistan after a nearly 20-year war. The report faulted President Joe Biden for failing to "mitigate the likely consequences of the decision" to withdraw, while ignoring warnings that Taliban fighters were seizing key cities in Afghanistan faster than U.S. officials expected. In the last days of the withdrawal, a suicide bombing attack by an Islamic State terrorist killed 13 U.S. soldiers and about 170 Afghan civilians at the Kabul airport. Many Afghans clinging to the underbellies of departing aircraft leaving Afghanistan fell to their deaths. Former President Donald Trump initiated the withdrawal process in February 2020 by signing an agreement with the Taliban, a pact that Biden honored as he looked to end America's longest war. The fateful withdrawal also played a role in Biden's political fortunes. Until that time, Americans in national surveys approved of Biden's performance during the first seven months of his presidency. But his approval rating dipped into negative territory after the chaotic troop withdrawal and the deaths of the 13 soldiers and has never again advanced into a favorable standing. The report from Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee followed a three-year investigation and includes accusations that the Biden administration did not have adequate plans or security in place to safely carry out the withdrawal. Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said the Biden administration "had the information and opportunity to take necessary steps to plan for the inevitable collapse of the Afghan government, so we could safely evacuate U.S. personnel, American citizens, green card holders, and our brave Afghan allies." Previous investigations have faulted multiple U.S. administrations, including a 2023 report by the U.S. government watchdog for the U.S. in Afghanistan which cited both Trump's and Biden's determination to go forward with the withdrawal despite the Taliban breaking key commitments the militants made in the 2020 agreement. Congressman Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the committee, said in a letter to colleagues that Republicans "cherry-picked witness testimony to exclude anything unhelpful to a predetermined, partisan narrative about the Afghanistan withdrawal." In a lengthy statement, the U.S. State Department said, "There are valid and important criticisms of the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan and how it concluded." But the country's top diplomatic agency said it "has remained focused on evolving and growing from this moment, learning important lessons and making sustainable changes to crisis operations." The State Department said the U.S. government successfully evacuated 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and third-country nationals from Afghanistan in the final two weeks of August 2021 and has resettled 165,000 Afghans across the U.S. The State Department said it "stands ready to work alongside" lawmakers who have a "serious interest" in finding legislative and administrative solutions to avoid the chaos of the withdrawal from the Afghan war zone. But the State Department said it would "not stand by silently" as the agency and "its workforce are used to further partisan agendas." Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN offers to monitor any eventual cease-fire in Gaza By VOA News September 09, 2024 The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that the United Nations has offered to help monitor any eventual cease-fire to halt the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, but that it is "unrealistic" to think that the world agency would directly administer the territory or provide a peacekeeping force. Guterres told The Associated Press in an interview, "The U.N. will be available to support any cease-fire," but said he did not believe Israel would accept a broader role for the U.N. As the Israeli-Hamas conflict raged over the last 11 months, Israel accused a small number of U.N. workers of joining Hamas militants in their shock October 7 attack on Israel that started the war. The United Nations has had a military monitoring mission in the Middle East, known as UNTSO, since 1948. Guterres said that offering to monitor a cease-fire "was one of the hypotheses that we've put on the table." But the months-long cease-fire talks have stalemated. "Of course, we'll be ready to do whatever the international community asked for us," Guterres said. "The question is whether the parties would accept it, and in particular whether Israel would accept it." Stressing the urgency of a cease-fire now, Guterres said, "The level of suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is unprecedented in my (seven-year) mandate as secretary-general of the United Nations. I've never seen such a level of death and destruction as we are seeing in Gaza in the last few months." Separately, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said Monday that ending the war in Gaza "and averting a full-blown regional conflict is an absolute and urgent priority." "We know that wars spill over, and into, future generations, fostering repeated cycles of hatred if their causes remain unaddressed," Turk told a session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "Sadly, the war in Gaza is the quintessential example." Turk highlighted the "horrific" Hamas attack on Israel, the forcible displacement of 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza, the 101 Israelis still being held hostage in Gaza, and Israel's "deadly and destructive operations" in the West Bank that are "worsening a calamitous situation." Israel's military reported Monday carrying out overnight attacks against buildings and a launch site used by Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, the latest in cross-border clashes between the two sides that have raised concerns about a wider regional conflict. In neighboring Syria, state media said Monday that suspected Israeli airstrikes killed at least 18 people and injured nearly 40 others. The strikes targeted military sites in central Syria, the report said. Israel rarely comments about attacks it carries out in Syria, but it has said it will not allow an Iranian presence in Syria, which is a key route for sending Iranian arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Sunday to continue the war against Hamas militants in Gaza as the conflict moves into its 12th month, saying his country is "surrounded by a murderous ideology led by Iran's axis of evil." In recent days, there have been vast street protests against his handling of the war, along with his failure to reach a cease-fire with Hamas that includes the return of the remaining hostages held by the U.S.-designated terror group. But Netanyahu told other Israeli leaders that the "great majority of Israel's citizens ... know that we are fully committed to achieving the objectives of the war: To eliminate Hamas, to return all of our hostages, to ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel and to return our residents in the north and south securely to their homes." The war was triggered by the October attack on southern Israel last year that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, although the Israeli military says the death toll includes several thousand militants. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent months trying to broker a cease-fire and the return of the hostages, but the negotiations have repeatedly bogged down. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian officials say Israeli attack killed at least 40 in humanitarian area By VOA News September 10, 2024 Emergency officials said Tuesday an Israeli missile strike on a humanitarian area in the southern Gaza Strip killed and injured dozens of people. The attack happened in Mawasi, just west of Khan Younis, which has been home to many Palestinians who fled other areas of Gaza to escape the conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group. The Palestinian news agency WAFA cited medical officials saying the attack killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others. The Israeli military said its fighter jets struck "significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command-and-control center." A Hamas statement denied its fighters were in the area. Video circulating on social media showed several deep craters with people using shovels and their hands to try to dig through debris and sand. Cease-fire effort The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that the United Nations has offered to help monitor any eventual cease-fire to halt the war in Gaza, but that it is "unrealistic" to think that the world agency would directly administer the territory or provide a peacekeeping force. Guterres told The Associated Press in an interview, "The U.N. will be available to support any cease-fire," but said he did not believe Israel would accept a broader role for the U.N. As the Israeli-Hamas conflict raged over the last 11 months, Israel accused a small number of U.N. workers of joining Hamas militants in their shock October 7 attack on Israel that started the war. The United Nations has had a military monitoring mission in the Middle East, known as UNTSO, since 1948. Guterres said that offering to monitor a cease-fire "was one of the hypotheses that we've put on the table." But the months-long cease-fire talks have stalemated. "Of course, we'll be ready to do whatever the international community asked for us," Guterres said. "The question is whether the parties would accept it, and in particular whether Israel would accept it." Stressing the urgency of a cease-fire now, Guterres said, "The level of suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is unprecedented in my (seven-year) mandate as secretary-general of the United Nations. I've never seen such a level of death and destruction as we are seeing in Gaza in the last few months." Separately, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said Monday that ending the war in Gaza "and averting a full-blown regional conflict is an absolute and urgent priority." "We know that wars spill over, and into, future generations, fostering repeated cycles of hatred if their causes remain unaddressed," Turk told a session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "Sadly, the war in Gaza is the quintessential example." Turk highlighted the "horrific" Hamas attack on Israel, the forcible displacement of 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza, the 101 Israelis still being held hostage in Gaza, and Israel's "deadly and destructive operations" in the West Bank that are "worsening a calamitous situation." The war was triggered by the October Hamas attack on southern Israel last year that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, although the Israeli military says the death toll includes several thousand militants. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent months trying to broker a cease-fire and the return of the hostages, but the negotiations have repeatedly bogged down. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuelan opposition hopes Gonzalez will take presidential oath despite Spanish exile By VOA News September 10, 2024 Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is seeking to convince opposition supporters that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the president-elect of the South American country. This, despite his fleeing to Spain over the weekend due to increasing tensions over the disputed presidential election. Machado said in an online appearance Monday that the opposition is still hopeful that Gonzalez will take the oath of office on Jan. 10, replacing Venezuela's incumbent authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, who claims he won the July 28 election. "We all know that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the elected president of Venezuela ... whether he is in Venezuela or anywhere else in the world," Machado said. She said that Gonzalez could carry out his presidential responsibilities from abroad "with much greater protection and security" but did not explain how he could lead Venezuela while residing on another continent. Gonzalez, 75, and his wife arrived at a Spanish military airport near Madrid late Sunday. He had been in hiding since the election and had ignored several summonses from prosecutors. "I have taken this decision thinking of Venezuela and that our destiny as a country cannot, must not, be that of a conflict of pain and suffering," Gonzalez posted on the X social media platform. Gonzalez and Maduro each claimed they won the July poll. The country's top court, stacked with Maduro loyalists, backed his claim to a third six-year term. Venezuela's election authority declared Maduro the winner of the election just hours after the polls closed but did not publish any results. The opposition, however, claimed Gonzalez won a landslide victory, publishing voting tallies that it said were from 80% of the country's 30,000 voting booths, showing that Gonzalez won by a ratio of more than 2-to-1. At least 27 people have been killed and almost 200 people have been injured in post-election violence in Venezuela. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 09 September 2024 - Day 929 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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that Ukrainian strike at Marinovka Air Base in the Volgograd region of Russia on 22 Aug 2024 caused widespread destruction to key infrastructure and equipment. The strike resulted in: 4 destroyed aircraft shelters, 3 damaged aircraft shelters, a destroyed radome, destroyed support buildings and destroyed open storage area facilities. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian soldiers continue to decisively give an offence to the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhausting him across the frontline and in the rear. Since the beginning of the day, 147 combat clashes have been recorded. Russian invaders launched two missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine, using two missiles, 71 air strikes (dropped 91 KAB), also launched 593 kamikaze drones. Along with that, Russian forces carried out 3,751 shelling on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces throughout the day once attacked in the area of vovcans ka. Under the bombing came kharkiv, and by bilokrinicnomu terrorists beat narama with helicopters ka-52. Nine times Russian forces stormed the positions of the Ukrainian military in the Kupyansky direction, in the areas of Petropavlivka, Sinkivka, Stelmakhivka, Lozova and Glushkivka. Two clashes are underway. In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki 13 times tried to advance in the areas of cherneshina, makiivka, novosadovogo, nevs .kogo, dibrova, grigorivka, yampolivka and torskogo. Defenders of Ukraine repelled nine Russian attacks. The fights continue near Nevsky and Novosadovogo. In the sivers komu direction Russian forces made 11 attacks. Concentrated efforts in the areas of Verkhnyokamans .kogo, Spirnogo and Zvanivka. Near the last, to support the infantry, half a dozen BMPs were involved. I have suffered a loss. The fight for the direction continues. In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces carried out two assault actions in the area of the White Mountain. The situation is under the control of Defense Forces units. In the Toretsky direction, the Russian aggressors six times attacked with the support of aviation near Toretsky and Nelipivka. We got a hard cut off. The high intensity of combat is maintained in the Pokrovsky direction. The number of confrontations has increased to 33. Zagarbniki continue to pressure Ukrainian positions near Vozdvizhenko, Green Field, Novotroitsky, Hrodivka, Novogrodivka, Selidovoye and Mykhailivka. All attacks have been stopped by Ukrainian defenders at this time. Main efforts today were made by the Russian enemy in the area of Novogrodivka, where almost 40 percent of all clashes took place. The previous losses of the Russian aggressor amounted to 336 occupants killed and wounded. Also destroyed a REB device, three artillery systems, three cars and six motorcycles, five artillery systems and five cars. In the Kurakhiv direction at this time of the day, 46 combat clashes of different intensity are counted. The most active Russian occupiers tried to advance in the settlements of Krasnogorivka, Konstantinivka and Georgievka, where about 75 percent of all fighting took place. In addition, Russian forces attacked in the direction of Galicinivka, Ukrainian and the desired first. In the Vremivs komu direction today, Russian forces has nine times attacked the front edge of Ukrainian defense in the areas of Vugledar, Golden Niva and Shakhtarsky. Ukrainian soldiers have stopped seven Russian attacks, two more fights continue near Vugledara, where the Russian occupiers also used assault aviation - beating Naramas. Today in the Orihiv direction, carried out a total of three attacks - two were hit off near Malai Tokmachka and one continues in the area of Malih Scherbakov. In the Pridniprovsky direction, nine Russian attempts to take the positions of Ukrainian warriors have failed. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Liptsy and Volchansk directions, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the 92nd Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and 113th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Liptsy, Goptovka, and Volchanskiye Khutora (Kharkov region). Two counter-attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 80th and 82nd air assault brigades were repelled. The AFU losses were up to 150 troops and two motor vehicles. The Zapad Group of Forces improved tactical situation and delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of the 14th Mechanised Brigade, 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 1st National Guard Brigade, and 119th Territorial Defence Brigade near Petropavlovka (Kharkov region), Novovodyanoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Serebryansky forestry. Two counter-attacks launched by the AFU 53rd Mechanised Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 620 troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, six motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin howitzer and one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, two 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, three UK-made 105-mm L119 guns, and three Anklav-N electronic warfare stations. Six field ammunition depots were destroyed. The Yug Group of Forces took more favourable lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 24th Mechanised Brigade, 79th Air Assault Brigade, and 56th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Konstantinovka, Zaliznyanskoye, and Chasov Yar (Donetsk People's Republic). A counter-attack launched by enemy assault groups was repelled. The enemy's losses amounted to up to 490 troops, nine motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 152-mm D-20 guns, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and one electronic warfare station. Three AFU ammunition depots were destroyed. The Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Memrik (Donetsk People's Republic) as a result of active and decisive efforts. The Russian troops inflicted damage on the 142nd Infantry Brigade, 71st Jaeger Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the 109th Territorial Defence Brigade near Kalinovo, Mikhailovka, Rozovka, and Druzhba (Donetsk People's Republic). Eight counter-attacks launched by assault groups of the 68th Jaeger Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 2nd and 14th national guard brigades were repelled. The enemy suffered losses which included up to 560 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one 152-mm 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and four 122-mm D-30 howitzers. The Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. They also delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of the 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 105th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 21st National Guards Brigade near Zolotaya Niva, Oktyabr (Donetsk People's Republic) and Novodarovka (Zaporozhye region). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade were repelled. The enemy lost up to 125 troops, three motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system. The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 39th Coastal Defence Brigade near Zherebyanka (Zaporozhye region), Otradokamenka (Kherson region), and the city of Kherson. The AFU losses amounted to up to 75 troops, seven motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. Two AFU ammunition depots were destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged clusters of AFU manpower and military hardware in 148 areas. Russian air defence systems shot down two French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, four U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles, and 45 unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, 642 airplanes and 283 helicopters, 31,166 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 air defence missile systems, 17,969 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,447 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 14,358 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 25,825 units of support motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke Delivers Remarks Announcing Charges Against Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Monday, September 9, 2024 Location Washington , DC United States Remarks as Prepared for Delivery Good afternoon. My name is Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department. Joining me are Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Philip Talbert for the Eastern District of California and FBI Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Timothy Stone. Our offices have collaborated closely on this matter. Today, a federal grand jury in California charged two leaders of a transnational terrorist group called the Terrorgram Collective on 15 criminal counts. The indictment accuses Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, and Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, of conspiracy, soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, transmitting interstate threatening communications, distributing bombmaking instructions and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. The indictment alleges that defendants solicited others to engage in hate crimes and terrorist attacks against Black, immigrant, LGBT and Jewish people, to attack government infrastructure and to target politicians and government officials, as well as leaders of private companies and non-governmental organizations. The defendants' goal, the indictment charges, was to ignite a race war, "accelerate" the collapse of what they viewed as an irreparably corrupt government and bring about a white ethnostate. As the indictment lays out, defendants used the internet platform Telegram to post messages promoting their white supremacist "accelerationism." This indictment reflects the department's response to the new technological face of white supremacist violence a as those seeking mass violence expand their online reach to encourage, solicit and facilitate terrorist activities. Technology evolves, and we keep up. These charges reveal that the department will come after violent white supremacists with every legitimate means at our disposal. I will address the hate crime charges in the indictment. Assistant Attorney General Olsen will describe the counts related to national security. U.S. Attorney Talbert will discuss next steps and FBI Deputy Assistant Director Stone will discuss law enforcement efforts and collaboration. The indictment accuses defendants of using Terrorgram to solicit others to commit bias-motivated attacks targeting victims because of their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. The indictment charges that defendants identified targets for attack, urged followers to kill those targets, explained how to do so and celebrated the perpetrators of past terrorist attacks by developing a so-called "saint" culture. Defendant Humber explained that this "canonization of mass shooters" made aspiring attackers more willing to perpetrate violence to attain "sainthood" and inspire future attacks. According to the indictment, this strategy proved effective. A Terrorgram user who livestreamed himself stabbing five people outside a mosque in Turkey stated in his manifesto that he wanted to be recognized as a saint, cited Terrorgram publications and encouraged others to livestream their attacks to inspire future saints. The defendants are charged with actually soliciting hate crimes, not abstract advocacy or wishful thinking. According to the indictment, the defendants expressly took credit for inspiring and guiding a 19-year-old Slovakian man who sent a violent manifesto to the defendants before shooting three people a killing two of them a at an LGBT Bar in Bratislava, and then killing himself while being pursued by the police. Based on these and other actions, count one of the 15-count indictment charges that defendants conspired among themselves and with other people to solicit hate crimes, to dox federal employees and to convey threats in interstate or foreign commerce. Count two alleges that defendants solicited others to cause bodily injury to people because of their race, specifically, because they were Black or were whites who associated with Black people and therefore were, according to defendants, "race traitors." Count three accuses defendants of soliciting others to commit bias-motivated attacks against Jewish people. Count four alleges solicitation of such attacks against immigrants and count five solicitation of such attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In 1790, George Washington stated the aspiration that the new nation should "give[] to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." That remains a fundamental tenet of our democracy. Hate crimes fueled by bigotry and white supremacy, and amplified by the weaponization of digital messaging platforms, are on the rise and have no place in our society. Everyone has the right to live without fear of violence based on who they are, where they are from, how they worship or who they love. The department will protect that right, and we will resolutely strive to bring to justice those who seek to threaten, undermine or extinguish it. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen will speak with you now. Speaker: Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke Topics: Civil Rights National Security Component: Civil Rights Division NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen Delivers Remarks Announcing Charges Against Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Monday, September 9, 2024 Location Washington , DC United States Good afternoon. I'm Matt Olsen, and I am the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. For the National Security Division protecting Americans from terrorism and violent extremist threats is at the core of our mission. Every day, NSD's Counterterrorism Section works with our partners to protect our citizens from terrorists and domestic violent extremists who seek to promote violence and violate the law. The National Security Division is here today, joining our partners in the Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento, and the FBI a because these defendants stand charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism, in addition to the hate crimes charges already outlined by Assistant Attorney General Clarke. As alleged, Humber and Allison, the leaders of Terrorgram, conspired to solicit and provide material support to carry out attacks on federal officials and critical government infrastructure. And they provided detailed instructions for carrying out those attacks. The defendants were motivated by their ideology of white supremacy and accelerationism a an ideology centered on the belief that the white race is superior and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government. In soliciting attacks on politicians and government officials, the defendants disseminated a list of "high value targets" for assassination. "The List" included the targets' names, photographs, and home addresses. When disseminating The List, Allison encouraged users to "Take Action Now" and "Do Your Part." And the defendants sought to bring about mass casualty attacks and attacks on critical infrastructure to achieve their goal of causing societal collapse. As alleged in the indictment, Terrorgram targets critical infrastructure as a way to destroy citizens' basic sense of public safety in order to further accelerationist objectives. In January of last year, Humber celebrated an attack on an energy substation, praising the Terrogram network for its "hard work" to encourage others to carry out such attacks by demonstrating "how easy it is not only to do, but to get away with." In addition to soliciting, supporting, and celebrating attacks on critical infrastructure, Humber and Allison disseminated instructional manuals and videos to equip Terrorgram users to carry out the most lethal and effective attacks, including an instructional video called "How to Make a Letter Bomb." And they called on followers in the Terrorgram network to conduct attacks to "fumigate" cities, which to them, meant targeting and killing people based on their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity. These are not mere words. Terrorgram users have carried out, or planned, attacks after being guided by Terrorgram publications and instructional videos. In October 2022, a 19-year-old in Bratislava, Slovakia, murdered two people and shot a third at an LGBT bar. The perpetrator wrote a manifesto, thanking Terrorgram for inspiring and guiding him. In July of this year, another individual in the United States who was active in Terrorgram group chats, was arrested for plotting an attack on an energy facility in New Jersey. Fortunately, the FBI was able to identify and disrupt that plot in time. And just last month, an 18-year-old from Turkey livestreamed himself stabbing five people outside a mosque in that country. The attacker shared multiple Terrorgram publications with others before committing the attack and Humber later posted in a Terrorgram group chat that "he was 100% our guy." Today's charges underscore the National Security Division's commitment to stopping acts of terrorism, whether domestic or international. The charges also demonstrate the Justice Department's resolve to bring every available tool to bear in countering these threats. As part of our important work, we have unfortunately encountered numerous instances involving domestic violent extremists motivated by the hateful ideology of white supremacy, including perpetrators of tragic lethal attacks. I am grateful for the strength of the partnership between the National Security Division and the Civil Rights Division in ensuring we bring the most effective charges available a whether it be hate crimes, terrorism offenses, or both a to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable. I want to thank Assistant Attorney General Clarke of the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert, our Counterterrorism Section and the dedicated prosecutors in these offices. I would also like to thank the FBI's Sacramento Field Office and Domestic Terrorism Operations Section for their hard work in disrupting this dangerous online network. Speaker: Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General Topics: National Security Component: National Security Division (NSD) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US facing more scattered, more technological terror landscape By Jeff Seldin September 09, 2024 Leading terror groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State, once pushed to the brink after years of military pressure from the United States and its allies, have found ways to recover and once again represent a serious and lethal threat, according to a top U.S. counterterrorism official. The rare public assessment from the acting director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center comes just days before the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida terror attacks on the U.S. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, and emphasized the impact of more recent terror strikes and of technology in galvanizing the terror landscape. "We are today in the midst of another transformative moment in the global terrorism threat landscape," said the NCTC's Brett Holmgren, speaking to a counterterrorism symposium in New York. "Groups like ISIS just a few years ago were at their nadir," he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State terror group, also known as IS or Daesh. But now the U.S. sees "a much more distributed threat, in part because of some of the counterterrorism pressures that have been applied," Holmgren added. "We see a real proliferation of the threat and really a shift towards, at least for al-Qaida, the center of gravity in parts of Africa," he said. "You see, frankly, al-Qaida basically [was] kicked out of Afghanistan over the last few years, and they have a very small footprint left there. "You also see the Islamic State and others that have been pushed out of their safe havens in Syria, where they are now deliberately operating in much smaller cells to evade detection," he added. As a result, the threat posed by al-Qaida and IS to the U.S. are not the same as they once were, according to Holmgren, echoing statements by other top U.S. intelligence officials that while the terror organizations and their affiliates have a desire to strike at the U.S., they are, for now, lacking the ability to do so. "The capacity and the capability is not there," Holmgren said, citing sustained counterterrorism pressure from the U.S. and its allies. Instead, U.S. counterterrorism officials see al-Qaida and IS embracing the online environment to recruit and, in some cases, provide resources to individuals in the West to carry out attacks on their own. Other nations, however, including some U.S. allies, are not as convinced that the threat from hotspots like Afghanistan and Syria have diminished. A United Nations report this past July, based on intelligence from member states, argued that al-Qaida has thrived in Afghanistan, benefiting from the protection of the Taliban government while expanding its network of training camps and safe houses. And U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East and South Asia, said separately in July that the pace of IS attacks in Syria and Iraq is set to double compared to last year. The political wing of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic forces has issued similar warnings in the past year. But Holmgren and other U.S. intelligence officials argue the biggest danger, for now, is what al-Qaida, IS and other terror groups can organize online. U.S. officials see signs that al-Qaida, IS and even Iranian-backed terror groups like Hezbollah have embraced AI, or artificial intelligence, using the technology to produce higher-quality and more targeted propaganda. And while the use of AI may not be sophisticated, officials say there is evidence it has been effective, both in gaining followers and in using AI-generated voices and images, to help terrorist operatives evade detection. Additionally, the new push by terror groups like al-Qaida and IS continues to be super-charged by last year's October 7 Hamas terror attack carried out against Israel in which the group a designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., United Kingdom and European Union a killed about 1,200 people, with another 250 taken hostage. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas. And a range of terror groups has seized on the conflict to call for attacks against the West. The Hamas attack sparked a "tectonic shift in the threat environment," said Rebecca Weiner, the New York Police Department's deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism. "The ripple effects that we have experienced since October 7, that we will experience over the years to come, they're not really ripples. They're waves," she said, speaking at the symposium in New York. "I don't really expect things to get too much better, unfortunately, in the months ahead." The NCTC's Holmgren called the October 7 attack a "unique flashpoint." "That is, in our view, the most consequential event when it comes to violent Islamic extremism in terms of radicalization and recruitment since 9/11," he said. "It's really remarkable in how it's united these really disparate groups, from neo-Nazis to al-Qaida to Iranian-linked groups." There are also fears the AI-enhanced propaganda and recruitment drives have been especially efficient at targeting young adults and teenagers. "We have a whole new generation of homegrown violent, violent extremists, especially younger individuals and juveniles, to worry about," said the NYPD's Weiner. "The younger people who are radicalizing, who [are] unable to incorporate all this information that they're receiving in a digital world and bring that into the 3D context in a way that's safe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Russia to hold joint exercise in Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk in September Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Sep 09, 2024 10:25 PM China and Russia will hold a joint naval and air exercise in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk this month, as the two countries continue to conduct a series of joint drills and patrols in moves to deepen pragmatic military cooperation that contributes to peace and stability, analysts said on Monday. Based on an annual plan and the consensus reached by the two countries, the Russian military will send naval and air forces to participate in the Northern/Interaction-2024 exercise organized by China in sea and air spaces in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk in September, China's Ministry of National Defense said in a press release on Monday. The exercise aims to deepen the strategic coordination between the two militaries, and enhance capabilities in dealing with security threats, the Chinese Defense Ministry said. China has organized several editions of the Interaction series of exercises with Russia, including the Western/Interaction-2021 held in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region featuring ground and air forces and the Northern/Interaction-2023 held in the Sea of Japan featuring naval and air forces. In addition, a China-Russia naval flotilla will hold the fifth maritime joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean, while China will participate in Russia's Ocean-2024 strategic exercise, Chinese Defense Ministry said. China routinely organizes the Interaction series of exercises with Russia and joins strategic exercises organized by Russia, while the two countries also routinely hold joint naval and air patrols. It highlights China and Russia's close military ties, and the two militaries' efforts to further deepen pragmatic cooperation, a Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times. The military cooperation between China and Russia is at a strategic level in terms of not only the two countries, but also to the region and the world, the expert said, noting the strong capabilities of their militaries can serve as a deterrence to any force that dares to sabotage peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi meets Singapore FM, seeking to expand cooperation Global Times Event helps promote consensus amid regional instability: expert By Zhang Yuying Published: Sep 09, 2024 10:20 PM Updated: Sep 09, 2024 10:32 PM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with visiting Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan. The visit eyes more pragmatic cooperation following the elevation of bilateral ties in 2023, while also fostering increasing consensus to jointly promote peace and development amid regional instability, analysts said. During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the current international situation is marked by turmoil and complexity. As two stabilizing forces, it is necessary for China and Singapore to strengthen their strategic coordination and communication. Wang noted that Singapore was one of the first countries to deeply engage in China's reform and opening-up process. Both sides have consistently cooperated closely and learned from each other, providing significant support for the development of their respective countries. China is ready to work with Singapore to better align their development strategies and fully implement the new positioning of an all-round, high-quality and future-oriented partnership jointly established by the leaders of the two countries, so as to make new contributions to regional peace, stability and development, Wang said. Balakrishnan said the new Singaporean government is committed to strengthening partnership with China, and is willing to take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China next year to prepare for high-level exchanges and expand all-round cooperation. "Balakrishnan's visit to China holds significant importance in terms of bilateral relations, as the Singaporean Foreign Minister communicates the new government's perspectives, especially concerning foreign relations and ties with China, while also aiming to gain insight into China's attitudes and viewpoints," Gu Xiaodsong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, told the Global Times. Chen Hong, executive director of Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, said that the meeting also seeks to foster consensus between the two sides on various issues through enhanced dialogue in light of international and regional instability, as China and Singapore serve as two stabilizing forces in the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore has upheld its strategic autonomy and diplomatic independence on various issues, taking a prudent approach in managing its relations with both China and the West, which has allowed it to play a significant role in the region, Chen said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Media Freedom Coalition gave a statement on media freedom in Hong Kong following the guilty verdict against two former editors of Stand News. 9 September 2024 Following the guilty verdict against two former editors of Stand News on 29 August 2024, the members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued the following statement on media freedom in Hong Kong. The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition are gravely concerned about the guilty verdict against the former editors of Stand News and the wider suppression of media freedom in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Journalism is not a crime. Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam have been prosecuted for over two and a half years. Their guilty verdict falls against a wider backdrop of increased media self-censorship and the hostility by Hong Kong authorities against local and foreign journalists and their representative bodies, especially since the imposition of the National Security Law in June 2020. The introduction of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in March 2024 is further hampering the free exchange of opinions and information which is vital to Hong Kongers, Hong Kong's institutions, and its international reputation as an open place to do business. Media freedom has been a central factor for Hong Kong's success in the past and is an essential foundation of a free and inclusive society. To enable media workers to safely fulfil their legitimate role in scrutinising government policy and actions, journalism should not be prosecuted under the guise of national security. We urge the Hong Kong and China authorities to abide by their international human rights commitments and legal obligations, and to respect freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, in line with the Basic Law and the recommendations of China's 2024 Universal Periodic Review and Hong Kong's 2022 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights review. Xi meets Norwegian, Spanish PMs, jointly call for free trade Global Times By Liu Xin and Zhang Wanshi Published: Sep 10, 2024 12:23 AM Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met separately with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr StAre and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Such high-level interactions not only underscore the joint efforts between China and the European countries to address challenges and maintain stable relations amid frictions and differences, but also show their strong commitment to seeking cooperation and mutual benefits amid an evolving global landscape, analysts said. Xi told StAre that China is ready to work with Norway to promote the continuous development of friendly cooperation. Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation is consistent with the will of the two peoples, the fundamental interests of the two countries, and a global trend of maintaining closer ties among countries to share weal and woe, Xi said. Xi noted that today's world is undergoing profound changes unseen in one century, which are testing whether the international community can make the right choice, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday. When meeting with Sanchez, Xi pointed out that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year, and that the two sides have since maintained close exchanges and interactions at all levels and promoted high-quality cooperation in new areas, per Xinhua on Monday. According to Xinhua, Xi exchanged views with StAre on hot spot issues such as the Ukraine crisis and exchanged views with Sanchez on issues including the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Cooperation, not friction The visits by the Spanish and Norwegian leaders to China, despite Norway not being an EU member, are seen as part of the broader China-EU dynamics and will have a positive impact on China-EU relations that are currently facing the test of trade frictions, analysts said. Although some countries have been calling for a "reevaluation" of ties with China in recent years, the foundation of China-EU relations - mutual needs and cooperation - remains solid. The visits by the European leaders are a strong testament to this relationship, Cui Hongjian, a professor with the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday. Regardless of changes in international and regional landscapes, the mutual needs and willingness to cooperate are unlikely to shift, said Cui. The two European leaders' visits came against the backdrop of recent China-EU tariff disputes, to which both sides are trying to seek solutions for a proper settlement to avoid a lose-lose scenario, analysts said. StAre said in the meeting that Norway supports free trade, stands ready to enhance communication and cooperation with China within multilateral frameworks like the G20, and support strengthened cooperation between Europe and China. Xi said in his meeting with Sanchez that both China and Spain are responsible and mission-driven countries that advocate for multilateralism and free trade. Sanchez said that Spain supports free trade and open markets, is against fighting a trade war, and is willing to continue to play a positive role in promoting the healthy development of China-EU relations. Spain was one of the EU members that supported the EU's provisional tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports earlier this year, according to Reuters. Analysts said Spain's support for the EU tariffs was unwise, as they would have a negative impact on bilateral trade ties and the atmosphere of cooperation in other fields. In June, China started an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork and pig byproducts from the EU following an application from the domestic industry. The probe is expected to end before June 17, 2025, but may be extended for half a year under special circumstances. As a major traditional agricultural country in Europe, Spain needs to seek economic cooperation with China, and finding a mutually acceptable balance of interests has thus become the primary focus of Sanchez's visit to China, Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, told the Global Times on Monday. Beyond finding a balance to avoid high tariffs and more frictions, Spain, with competitive advantages in sectors including automotive manufacturing, construction, biotechnology, and aerospace, can seek cooperation with China in more areas, Zhao said. "The potential for China-Spain cooperation is promising. We hope Spain will maintain strategic independence and not align with some China hawks in the EU," Zhao noted. Europe has growing demand for the Chinese market and their interests in addressing political issues together with China has also been on the rise, analysts said, noting that Norway is taking a proactive stance. Cui noted that China's relations with both Spain and Norway have remained mainly stable in recent years, which is evident from the smooth and frequent bilateral interactions and the highlighting potential for future cooperation. The high-level interactions between Chinese leaders and visiting European leaders send a strong message of mutual commitment to joint development and collaboration, and the exchanges on current international issues are crucial for addressing global problems including geopolitical challenges and shared threats such as climate change, Cui said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi's latest message to North Korea's Kim hints at cooling ties It marked the Chinese president's first message to the North Korean leader since January. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.09 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to strengthen "strategic communication" with North Korea in a message to the North's leader Kim Jong Un on the anniversary of the regime's founding, the North's state media reported. But Xi, in his first message to Kim in eight months, appeared slightly less effusive in his tone on the friendship between China and North Korea than he did last year. "We will deepen strategic communication and strengthen cooperation with the North in a bid to further consolidate and develop the friendly ties between the two," said Xi, as cited by the Korean Central News Agency, adding that China would continue to develop traditional relations with North Korea from a strategic and long-term perspective. While North Korea and Russia have grown closer since the war in Ukraine, relations between China and North Korea have been cooler than in previous years. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met twice in less than a year but Xi has sent only two ceremonial congratulatory messages, including a New Year's greeting in January. Xi's latest message to Kim contained fewer references to their countries' friendship compared with last year. For instance, in last year's message, Xi stressed the importance of his meetings with Kim, saying it was China's unwavering stance to safeguard, promote and develop the tradition of friendship and cooperation between the nations no matter how the international and regional situation changed. That message did not appear this time. Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung, founded North Korea on Sept. 9, 1948. Message from Cuban leader Kim Jong Un also received a congratulatory message on the anniversary from Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, KCNA reported. "We are highly appreciating our relations with the DPRK that are based on brotherly ties and historical foundations," Diaz-Canel said, expressing his willingness to strengthen close solidarity with the North. The DPRK, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is North Korea's official name. Since North Korea and Cuba established diplomatic relations in 1960, the two Cold War-era allies have maintained close ties and deepened exchanges based on their shared anti-U.S. and anti-imperialist stance. But Seoul and Havana forged formal ties in February, delivering what was widely seen as a setback to Pyongyang, which has long boasted about its brotherly ties with the Caribbean country. South Korea did not have diplomatic ties with Cuba for 65 years. Since February, North Korea's state-run media outlets have given only minimal coverage of Cuba. For example, North Korea's state media did not mention Cuba when it reported a list of countries that sent congratulatory messages over the 112th anniversary in April of the birth of the North's late founder, Kim Il Sung. At that time, it was widely suspected that North Korea intentionally omitted Cuba in a show of dissatisfaction over Cuba's forging of diplomatic ties with South Korea. 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 To raise birth rate, North Korea punishes abortion doctors and contraceptive sellers 2 doctors who performed secret abortions were sentenced to prison. By Moon Sung Hui and Son Hyemin for RFA Korean 2024.09.09 -- North Korea is attempting to slow its declining birth rate by punishing doctors who perform abortions and people who sell smuggled contraceptive pills, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia. Abortion has been illegal in North Korea since the widespread famine of the 1990s killed as many as 2 million by some estimates. Still, to boost their small government salary, some North Korean doctors have secretly installed medical equipment in their homes to perform abortions, and charge about 30,000 won (US$1.76) per abortion, sources told RFA Korean. That's enough to buy 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) of rice and is the average North Korean worker's monthly salary - hardly enough to live on. "There were days when they performed up to three surgeries a day," a resident who works in the medical sector in the northern province of Ryanggang said on condition of anonymity for security reasons. But those who get caught are in hot water. At a "trial" held on Aug. 28 in a conference room at a university hospital, the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department at the Paegam County Hospital who had performed abortions in his home was sentenced to five years in prison, the resident said. He said another doctor from the Unhung County Hospital was sentenced to three years because in June his patient died while he was performing an abortion at his home. "Typically, OBGYN doctors go to a pregnant woman's home to perform abortions in order to leave no trace, but these two doctors ... had set up medical equipment in their own homes," the resident said. To discourage doctors from earning money by providing private medical services, the government had boosted their monthly salaries more than 40-fold to between 80,000 and 180,000 won ($5-$11), the sources said, but many doctors still provide private treatment. Alarming decline According to the World Bank, the country's birth rate in 2021 was estimated to be 1.81 births per woman, far higher than South Korea at 0.81, Japan at 1.30 and China at 1.16 that year, but still well below the 2.1 birthrate necessary to replace the population. The birth rate might in fact be even lower, closer to 1.3, according to a paper published in December by Lee Joo Yung, an economist at the Bank of Korea in Seoul. Alarmed by the declining rate, North Korea has enacted policies that reward families for having more children, including by providing extra food for those with four children or more, and building new homes for families raising six or more. But it hasn't worked. In late 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un cried as he spoke at a National Conference of Mothers, lamenting that the country's birth rate has been decreasing for the past 10 years and imploring women to have more children. The decline became sharpest during the pandemic, so starting in 2023, private sale of contraceptive pills and devices became illegal. Conceptive ban Another Ryanggang resident told RFA that the merchants who sell contraceptives are being "punished in droves." "On the 22nd of last month, three vendors selling contraceptives at the Hyesan market had their stalls confiscated and were each fined 300,000 won ($17.65)," she said, referring to a market in the border city of Hyesan. "At the end of July, two vendors selling Chinese-made contraceptives at the Hyesan market also had their stalls confiscated." The merchants were then banned from ever returning to the marketplace to do business, the second resident said. "All the contraceptives currently being sold by merchants are smuggled in from China," she said. "Border security has been strengthened further since 2020, making smuggling through the Yalu River and Tuman River unthinkable. However, small-scale drug smuggling is still ongoing through the sea." She said fishermen are able to smuggle the medicines in with the daily catch and then the drugs spread across the country. "The smuggled Chinese contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as 'Levono' by the people, costs 20,000 won ($1.17) per pill," she said. This contraceptive pill, which is taken once a month, is in such high demand among young women that it's often difficult to find, she said. Though RFA was not able to confirm the exact medication, the resident may have been referring to levonorgestrel, an emergency contraceptive marketed in the U.S. under the brand Plan B One-Step, Julie and others. Banning contraceptives and abortions might not have a major effect on the birth rate amid a growing reluctance among women to get married given North Korea's harsh living conditions, the resident said. "Young women need to get married first to have many children, but young women, especially in urban areas, are giving up marriage, so the birth rate is decreasing over time," she said. Translated by Claire S. Lee and Leejin J. Chung. 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 Historic Flight by Vice Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force Marks Milestone in Indigenous Defence Capabilities India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 09 SEP 2024 7:30PM by PIB Delhi In a landmark event for India's Defence forces, the Vice Chiefs of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force made history today by flying in the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal AP Singh flew the lead fighter and Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as well as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan flew in the Tejas twin seater. Their joint participation in the exercise demonstrates the growing focus on cross-domain cooperation, with land, sea, and air forces working together to face modern challenges. This unprecedented joint flight, marking the first time when the three services Vice Chiefs have flown in one occasion is a powerful testament to India's advancing integrated defence capabilities, commitment to self-reliance and showcases not only their leadership but also the seamless integration of India's armed forces. The flight took place over the skies of Jodhpur wherein Indian Air force has organized the exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, India's first multi-national exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination amongst participating Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). With an array of participants, the IAF led exercise aims to foster closer ties that strengthen cooperation with a myriad of capacities. Inclusion of Tejas in this mission underscores the critical role indigenous platforms are playing in modernising India's defence infrastructure. The flight of the Tejas, a symbol of India's indigenous defence manufacturingprowess, represents a significant moment for the nation's 'Make in India' initiative.Designed by Aeronautical Design Agency (ADA), developed and produced byHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas is a state-of-the-art multi-role fighter, designed to meet the needs of India's armed forces while reducing reliance on foreign imports. This opportunity was also utilised by three Vice Chiefs for interacting with the participating forces both from India and FFCs. *** JS/AS (Release ID: 2053222) Visitor Counter : 4174 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CDS Gen Anil Chauhan releases Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 09 SEP 2024 4:10PM by PIB Delhi In a landmark event, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting held on 09 Sep 2024, in New Delhi. The Doctrine is a keystone publication which will provide guidance to the Commanders for conduct of Amphibious Operations in today's complex military environment. The amphibious capability empowers the Armed Forces to conduct a multitude of operations in the Indian Ocean Region, both during war and peace. These operations are a crucial component of multi-domain operations and serve as the best example of the cohesion and integration amongst the Armed Forces. Following the release of Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations, the Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations is the second Joint Doctrine released this year and it provides due focus on Jointness and Integration of Armed Forces in general and Amphibious Operations in particular. ***** SR/Anand (Release ID: 2053135) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbharta in defence: MoD signs Rs 26,000 crore contract with HAL for 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines for Su-30MKI aircraft India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 09 SEP 2024 2:19PM by PIB Delhi In a major boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines for Su-30MKI aircraft at a cost of over Rs 26,000 crore. The contract was inked by the senior officials of MoD and HAL in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in New Delhi on September 09, 2024. These aeroengines will be manufactured by the Koraput Division of HAL and are expected to fulfil the need of the Indian Air Force to sustain the operational capability of the Su-30 fleet for the defence preparedness of the country. HAL would supply 30 aero-engines per annum as per the contractual delivery schedule. The supply of all 240 engines would be completed over the period of next eight years. During the manufacturing, HAL plans to take support from the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem, involving MSMEs and public & private industries. By the end of the delivery programme, HAL would enhance the indigenisation content up to 63% to achieve an average of over 54%. This would also help increase the indigenous content of Repair and Overhaul tasks of the aero-engines. *** SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2053088) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indian Army & Indian Air Force ink MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, in the presence of Raksha Mantri & Railways Minister, to enhance the skills of personnel in logistics operations India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Shri Rajnath Singh describes it as a monumental partnership to build a world-class & future proof logistics system and achieve self-reliance in defence Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a vital partner in empowering the Armed Forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research & innovation: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Posted On: 09 SEP 2024 1:45PM by PIB Delhi To enhance the skills and capability building of their personnel, Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on September 09, 2024. The MoU will enable the two Services to acquire higher expertise on logistics. It will ensure development of in-house expertise on various facets of logistics operations and contribute effectively towards the national development plans - PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and National Logistics Policy 2022. Speaking on the occasion, the Raksha Mantri described the collaboration as a monumental partnership towards further strengthening the logistics backbone of the Armed Forces in sync with the vision of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. He emphasized that logistics is no longer just a support function of the Armed Forces, but is emerging as an important factor in military operations and national security. "An efficient logistics system plays a key role in quickly mobilising the forces and delivering resources to the right place in less time. Keeping in mind the conditions in which our forces operate, we need a seamless movement of troops, equipment and supplies. The MoU will prove to be very important in terms of how the needs of our forces can be fulfilled through knowledge, innovation and collaboration," he said. Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the MoU will prove to be beneficial in achieving the Government's vision of attaining self-reliance in defence sector. "If we need expertise in logistics, we should get its training from our own resources like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. If we need equipment, we should get it manufactured in India itself. The foundation of a strong India can be laid only by being Aatmanirbhar," he added. On the MoU's provision of experiential learning through real-world case studies, the Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, through the leadership, management, and operational experience of the Armed Forces personnel, will help shape a new generation of logistics experts and managers who will fulfil the dynamic needs of modern warfare. Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed confidence that the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a vital partner in empowering the Armed Forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research, and innovation. The event was attended by senior officers of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways, including CDS, Air Force Chief, Army Chief, Defence Secretary, Chairman, Railway Board & Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. **** SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2053078) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran not afraid of confronting any power in Persian Gulf: Navy Cmdr. IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has said that the Islamic Republic is not afraid of confronting any regional or external power in the Persian Gulf. In remarks on Monday, Admiral Irani highlighted the Navy's critical role in ensuring the security of international waters, especially the Indian Ocean. "The strength and dignity we possess today in the Islamic system is unparalleled," he stated, asserting that the Islamic Republic is unafraid of dealing with any regional or extra-regional power in the Persian Gulf. He mentioned that Iran has effectively secured its maritime interests in the Gulf of Aden with just one combat group, contrasting this with the United States, which has struggled to protect its fleet despite against resistance forces. The commander reflected on the evolution of the Iranian Navy since the Islamic Revolution and the eight-year Sacred Defense. He said while the Navy used to be focused on maritime governance in the Persian Gulf, in recent years, it has successfully expanded the scope of its reach into international waters. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Grossi says ready to work with new Iranian government to reach real results IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 London, IRNA -- The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has expressed readiness to meet with Iran's new government to re-launch the talks to achieve tangible results on the remaining safeguards issues. Grossi made the remarks at the opening of the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting on Monday. "After the elections in Iran, I corresponded with President Pezeshkian, indicating my disposition to meet him in Tehran to re-launch the dialogue and cooperation between the Agency and Iran," he said. He added, "President Pezeshkian agreed to meet with me at an appropriate juncture. I encourage Iran to facilitate such a meeting in the not-too-distant future so that we can establish a constructive dialogue that leads swiftly to real results." It should be noted that two years following the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the subsequent delay by European parties in meeting their obligations under the accord, Iran, under the oversight of the IAEA, took measures to scale back its commitments to balance the execution of the agreement. The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stressed that its actions are reversible and has expressed readiness to return to the JCPOA, provided that the other parties fully comply with their obligations. Furthermore, Iran has always emphasized that it will continue its cooperation with the IAEA within the framework of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, believing that the remaining safeguards issues can be resolved with a professional approach and without bias of the Agency. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran determined to complete border wall with Afghanistan, Pakistan: Envoy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's envoy to Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi says the Islamic Republic is resolved to complete the border wall with the neighboring countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The construction of the border wall with Afghanistan and Pakistan has already started, Kazemi Qomi said in an interview published by IRNA on Monday. The Supreme National Security Council calls for carrying out the action, he stated. Iran continues to cooperate with the caretaker government of Afghanistan on border security, he noted. Both sides cooperate on countering terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and the issues of mutual interest, he further noted. 7129**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel opening gates of hell by rejecting truce proposals: Iran Spox IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that the Zionist regime of Israel is opening the gates of hell by refusing to sign a ceasefire that could bring an end to nearly a year of brutal war in Gaza. "This regime is a cancerous tumor and absolute evil in the region", Kanaani said on Monday, adding that the Zionist regime has exposed itself to anger over its "horrible war crimes" in the Gaza Strip and recently in the occupied West Bank. The spokesman made the remarks in his weekly press briefing in Tehran, commenting on a shooting incident on Sunday at the West Bank-Jordan border, where a Jordanian national killed three Israelis. Iran believes that it is a moral responsibility to support Palestine, but the Israeli regime seeking to link any incident to the Islamic Republic is an attempt to escape from reality, he noted. 'Zionist regime closer to defeat than victory' The Israeli regime is creating increasing trouble for itself by prolonging the Gaza war and refusing to seal a ceasefire deal, Kanaani said, adding that such an approach has not brought any achievement for the regime. He also referred to Israeli airstrikes on Syria, which targeted several military sites in Hama Province early on Monday. Kanaani strongly condemned the airstrikes, saying that Israel's insistence on continuing crimes in Gaza and its attacks on neighbors shows that the regime's criminal measures are not restricted to Palestinian borders. A senior Israeli military official has said the regime is closer to defeat than victory, the Iranian spokesman noted, calling on supporters of Israel to stop backing and arming the regime. The international community should also condemn the Israeli regime, and take serious and deterrent measures, he added. Iran's strategic look to East The spokesman said that the Islamic Republic prioritizes policy on neighborliness, adding that Tehran's look to the East is strategic, not tactical. Cooperation with Eastern countries is seriously followed up by the Iranian government, he added. He went on to say that Iran's relations with China and Russia will also be pursued and that the implementation of the signed agreements with those countries would be of benefit to common interests. The Iranian government will also make an effort to draw up new documents on cooperation, he stressed. Elaborating on his remarks, the spokesman said cooperation with the East does not mean that the Islamic Republic ignores the development of ties with other countries in other regions. "Iran welcomes any country willing to have constructive ties with it." Iran-Russia strategic document on cooperation in final phase Speaking about the Iran-Russia ties, the spokesman underlined that Tehran and Moscow have been working on guidelines for fostering bilateral ties regarding international and regional developments in recent years. He noted that signing the document by the two countries' presidents is on the agenda. Iran-Iraq ties The spokesperson pointed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's upcoming visit to Iraq, noting that the relationship between Tehran and Baghdad is unique, brotherly, and friendly. Pezeshkian's first foreign visit to Iraq also shows the importance of bilateral ties and is an opportunity to promote relations between the two sides in various fields. The two sides believe in deepening security on the common border and turning it into border of friendship, stability, and commercial and economic prosperity, he added. Kanaani noted that the two sides already had a security agreement with a focus on disarming terror groups who used Iraqi soil for destabilizing actions against the Islamic Republic; therefore, the issue of confronting terrorists and securing the common border is also one of the agendas of the president's trip to Iraq. Diplomatic opportunity to revive JCPOA Kanaani went on to say that the revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) can only be revived if the other parties abide by their commitments under the nuclear agreement, and that Tehran has never distanced itself from the negotiating table to revive the JCPOA. Unfortunately, the Western signatories to the deal did not allow the multilateral diplomatic path to succeed, he said, adding that Iran believes that the path to an agreement can remain open provided that the other parties show their practical determination to revive the JCPOA and that there is still a diplomatic opportunity for the other parties to show their will. Controversial Zangezur corridor The Zangezur corridor is in the spotlight these days, with news and analyses being circulated regarding the Caucasus region following a recent trip by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Azerbaijan Republic as well as comments by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his ministry's spokesperson, Kanaani said. Different views have been expressed, with some of them claiming opposition to the development of ties with Iran, the spokesman said, stressing, "It is necessary to refer to the exact text of these remarks." He further said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to support measures aimed at removing blockages in connection roads and establishing peace between the Azerbaijan Republic and Armenia. "Peace in the Caucasus benefits all countries in the region. Some powers outside the region want to turn the Caucasus into an unstable region, and their priority is not peace", Kanaani said. He stressed that Iran supports the strengthening of regional cooperation based on the existing 3+3 framework, noting that meetings have already been held in that regard and more are planned for the future. "We also express our opposition to any border changes that are in contradiction with the political independence of countries, and we are against changing international borders." Water right of Iran from Helmand (Hirmand) River Kanaani reiterated that the Afghan side confirms Iran's absolute right from Helmand (Hirmand) River and the Islamic Republic is serious about the issue. The Islamic Republic expects that the question to be solved soon under the existing treaty, he noted. President's visit to New York About the upcoming annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the United States, the spokesman said the announcement of the visit of President Pezeshkian will be issued by the presidential office, he said adding that Iran does not miss any international opportunity for announcing its opinions. If the visit takes place, delivering a speech and holding bilateral meetings will be on schedule, the spokesman underlined. Iran is not part of the Ukraine war Kanaani told reporters that the Islamic Republic has taken clear stance on the Ukraine issue. He further criticized certain sides, which fan the flames of conflicts in Ukraine, for making accusations against Iran under the political aims. "We announce clearly that we're not part of the Ukraine war, and we see the political way as the best solution to the conflict." Release of Iranian citizen in Iraq Kanaani also referred to the circumstances of Iranian prisoners in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, saying that this is one of the issues of concern of the Iranian authorities and they have always made serious efforts in this regard. The Iranian officials continue to coordinate this issue with the Iraqi authorities, he said, adding that the Iranian president's visit to Iraq is a good opportunity to pursue this issue. On an Iranian national imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, the spokesman said that this issue is on the agenda of the Islamic Republic's diplomatic apparatus, and the Iranian authorities hope to see the freedom of this Iranian in the near future. Iran's share of Arash gas field He also referred to the repeated claims about the Arash gas field, saying that Iran's position has been stated many times and the rights of no country will be disregarded in the shadow of other countries' non-technical comments, and that legal and technical issues should be resolved within the framework of technical discussions. IAEA remarks on Iran In conclusion, Kanaani hinted at remarks made by Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi against Iran, arguing that the Islamic Republic presented its views in the framework of the meetings held, and that the country's positions are clear and transparent answers have been given to the IAEA. 4194**1483**4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IAEA ready to hold talks with Iran in not-too-distant future: Grossi Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 5:00 PM Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi says he hopes to establish a constructive dialogue soon with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to yield "real results." "After the election in Iran (in July), I corresponded with President Pezeshkian, indicating my disposition to meet him in Tehran to re-launch the dialogue and cooperation between the Agency and Iran," Grossi said in his introductory statement to a quarterly meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna on Monday. He added that the new Iranian president agreed to meet him "at an appropriate juncture". "I encourage Iran to facilitate such a meeting in the not-too-distant future so that we can establish a constructive dialogue that leads swiftly to real results," said the UN nuclear agency chief. Asked at a news conference if his reference to the "not-too-distant future" meant before or after the presidential election in the United States, scheduled on November 5, Grossi said, "No, hopefully before that." The IAEA Board of Governors in June passed a resolution against Iran despite warnings from Tehran that it would react decisively to such a measure. In November, Iran started enriching uranium to the purity level of 60% at its Fordow nuclear facility, after informing the IAEA of its decision via a letter. Iran also installed two new IR2M and IR4 cascades at Natanz facility, which have now reached the stage prior to the injection of uranium gas into centrifuges. "What we see is that there is some work, but nothing that indicates a rush to a fast implementation of a big increase in terms of enrichment production," Grossi said. Iran has stepped up nuclear work since 2019, after former US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached under his predecessor Barack Obama. Tehran started to reduce its commitments under the JCPOA in a series of pre-announced and clear steps after witnessing the other parties' failure to secure its interests under the agreement. Iran envoy warns against repercussions of IAEA resolution Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations office in Vienna Mohsen Naziri Asl also on Monday warned against the adverse consequences of the IAEA Board of Governors' resolution on the positive atmosphere required for interaction between Tehran and the UN nuclear agency. "This resolution can neither divert the international community's attention from true intention of the troika (E3) to give the Israeli regime enough time to continue the genocide in Gaza with complete impunity, nor can it exert pressure on Iran to renounce its rights and its peaceful nuclear program," Naziri Asl said. He added that the E3 - Britain, France and Germany - must be held accountable for the repercussions of the anti-Iran resolution, which proved to be useless. The Iranian diplomat expressed hope for discussions without any political bias, saying it is very likely that there would be anti-Iran statements from the EU and the E3 on the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities. Naziri Asl also said the new Iranian administration is willing to enhance mutual cooperation with the IAEA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran cmdr. rejects allegations of supplying missiles to Russia as 'psychological warfare' Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 8:20 AM A senior Iranian commander has categorically rejected allegations that Tehran is providing missiles to Russia for the Ukraine war. "No missile has been sent [by Iran] to Russia and such claims are a kind of psychological warfare," Deputy Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Fazlollah Nozari said on Sunday. As Iran has repeatedly announced, it does not support any party in the ongoing war in Ukraine, and that Tehran believes this war has "no legitimacy", he added. Russia launched what it called a special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 partly to prevent NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the US-led military alliance was following an "aggressive line" against Moscow. Iran has maintained its policy of impartiality toward the conflict. However, the US and its Western allies have claimed that Iran is supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for direct use in the Ukraine war. Iran has categorically rejected the unfounded accusations, saying the Western countries are escalating the war through the supply of advanced weaponry to Kiev. Russia has also warned that the flow of Western arms to Ukraine is prolonging the conflict. Elsewhere in his remarks, Nozari reiterated the Iranian Armed Forces' full readiness and high deterrent power to repel any threat against the country. The commander said the enemies pose threats to Iran in order to "make up for their humiliating defeats". However, he added, the enemies lack the ability to implement their threats which are merely part of their "psychological warfare". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Hints At 'Swift' Response Over Iran Missile Supplies To Russia By RFE/RL September 09, 2024 The European Union on September 9 described as "credible" information provided by allies suggesting Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to help Moscow wage war in Ukraine and hinted at a "swift" response. The statement came after the Kremlin declined to directly refute the accusation and instead highlighted its cooperation with Tehran in "the most sensitive areas" while Iran "strongly rejected" the allegation. "We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia," EU spokesman Peter Stano said. "We are looking further into it with our member states and, if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine." Stano added that "the EU leaders' unanimous position has always been clear. The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran." Earlier the same day, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the Russian side had "seen this report." But he did not appear to refute it. "It is not every time that this kind of information is true," Peskov said. "Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas." Later, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a flat denial. "We strongly reject the claims on Iran's role in exporting arms to one side of the war," ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani told a press conference. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said on September 9 that the United States was "incredibly alarmed by reports of the transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia." Patel told reporters at a briefing that if the reports proved to be true, it would mean a "dramatic escalation of Iran's support of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine." He also confirmed that the United States would deliver "significant consequences" to Iran if necessary. Analysts had suggested as rumors of a possible transfer of the weapons circulated that it would provide a boost to Russia's war efforts as its 36-month-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues. Russian forces have purportedly used North Korean ballistic missiles, but North Korean production capacity is thought to be relatively small. Russian Security Council Secretary and until recently longtime Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Tehran in early August, contributing to concerns. Russia has used Iranian-designed attack drones since the early months of the invasion, although Tehran has denied its drones are being deployed there. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-iran-ballistic- missiles-supply-ukraine/33112977.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 Press release on the exchange of congratulatory messages between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries 9 September 2024 13:07 1652-09-09-2024 On September 9, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In their messages, the heads of the foreign ministries highlighted the traditionally friendly nature of the historical ties between Moscow and Baghdad. They acknowledged the ongoing development of these relations across various important sectors. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing multifaceted, mutually beneficial cooperation, including coordination on international issues, to serve the interests of the peoples of Russia and Iraq and to bolster stability and security in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kazakh Ex-President Nazarbaev Meets With Uzbek Leader Mirziyoev By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service September 09, 2024 The Ozbekiston-24 state television channel and other state media outlets in Uzbekistan reported over the weekend that former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev visited the Uzbek city of Bukhara last week, where it said he held "unofficial" talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev. Nazarbaev disappeared from public life and the political scene after unprecedented antigovernment protests in 2022. Neither Nazarbaev's website nor his representatives said anything about the September 6 trip. There did not appear to be any coverage of the visit among Kazakh media outlets. It remains unclear what Nazarbaev and Mirziyoev discussed. Nazarbaev, 84, resigned as president in 2019, picking longtime ally Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev as his successor. But he retained sweeping powers as the head of the Security Council, enjoying almost limitless powers as "elbasy," the leader of the nation. Meanwhile, many of his relatives continued to hold important posts in the government, security agencies, and profitable business and energy groups. Nazarbaev and his clan lost influence in the oil-rich Central Asian nation after unprecedented antigovernment protests in January 2022, which started over a fuel price hike and spread across Kazakhstan over underlying discontent over the cronyism that had long plagued the country. At least 238 people were killed across Kazakhstan, mostly in the country's largest city, Almaty, after the protests turned violent. Toqaev subsequently stripped Nazarbaev of the security council role, taking it over himself. Since then, several of Nazarbaev's relatives and others close to the family have been pushed out of their positions or resigned. Some have been arrested on corruption charges. Critics said at the time that Toqaev's initiatives were mainly cosmetic and would not change the nature of the autocratic system in a country beleaguered for years by rampant corruption and nepotism. In December 2023, Nazarbaev unexpectedly appeared in Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Before that, Nazarbaev had met with Putin in Moscow in June 2022. Weeks before the deadly unrest in Kazakhstan and two months before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Nazarbaev, Toqaev, and authoritarian Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka held talks with Putin in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nursultan-nazarbaev-shavkat- mirziyoev-bukhara-unofficial-talks/33112857.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 Rebel army captures major Myanmar navy training base The loss of the training base for Myanmar's navy will be a major blow to junta morale, a state politician said. By RFA Burmese 2024.09.09 -- Insurgents in western Myanmar have captured an important military training base after a month of fighting, the rebel army said in a statement, dealing what is likely to be a severe blow to the embattled military. .Arakan Army troops seized the Central Naval Diving and Salvage Depot between Thandwe township's Maung Shwe Lay and Kwin Waing village in Rakhine state on Thursday, said the ethnic minority insurgent force battling for self-determination. The Arakan Army, or AA, said the facility was the last naval base held by junta forces in Thandwe township, and it was defended on a "huge-scale" by the junta's air force and navy as well as more than 1,200 soldiers, including many new graduates from the base. "More than 400 junta soldiers were killed during our attack, and junta weapons, ammunition and equipment were seized," the AA said in its statement. Radio Free Asia was not able to independently verify that toll and the junta's main spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, did not respond to requests for comment. The AA posted pictures of its fighters standing by a diving boards at the training center. The base is a major navy training facility and its loss will be of huge significance for the military, said Pe Than, a former member of parliament for the Arakan National Party, which in the past had affiliations with the AA. "Losing such a base will affect training as well as fighting. They've destroyed the navy and weakened the army, like cutting a man off at the waist," he said. He said the Danyawaddy Naval Base in Kyaukpyu township, to the north of Thandwe, was the navy's last facility in Rakhine state. "The military is like a bird with one wing now," he said. The loss of the base will not only dent the junta's morale and reputation but also bring in more resources for the AA through the control of goods coming through a nearby port, he said. The AA said it expected junta retaliation against civilians in the area. Human rights investigators say junta forces have been increasingly attacking civilian targets as they lose ground to insurgent forces in different parts of the country. The military denies attacking civilians. The Arakan Army, which launched a new offensive against the military in November, controls nine townships in Rakhine state and one in neighboring Chin state, and is battling to take full control of three other townships. Junta forces have launched crackdowns in the north of the state, near the Bangladesh border, and across the neighboring Ayeyarwady region after AA gains in the south of the state. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and 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 UN investigators warn of widespread abuses in Myanmar conflict By Vibhu Mishra 9 September 2024 - Warfare in Myanmar has escalated into systematic atrocities, including attacks targeting civilians, torture and sexual violence, the UN independent rights probe into the country said on Monday. Addressing the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), said that in many instances, civilians were "not just collateral damage but rather the target of attacks". "Just last week, airstrikes near a night market in northern Shan state reportedly killed about a dozen people, including a pregnant woman and two children," he said, noting also aerial bombings that struck a wedding party, IDP camps, schools and monasteries. He added that the Mechanism received many reports and testimonies regarding crimes against the thousands in detention, including torture and sexual assault. "Victims and witnesses have recounted beatings, electric shocks, strangulations and torture by pulling out fingernails with pliers. There is evidence that minors and other victims of all genders have been subjected to gang rape, burns on sexual body parts and other violent sexual and gender-based crimes." Rohingya targeted, again The situation is particularly alarming in Rakhine state, the site of a brutal crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya community by the military in 2017, leading to the exodus of nearly 750,000 members into neighbouring Bangladesh. They are once again facing a precarious situation, caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the ethnic armed group, the Arakan Army. "They have been directly targeted and thousands forcibly displaced from their homes," Mr. Koumjian said. He cited a deadly drone attack on Rohingyas who were attempting to flee Myanmar. "Dozens of bodies, mainly women and children, were scattered beside luggage on a riverbank. The victims were clearly civilians. I cannot imagine anyone believing there was a military purpose to this attack." Downward spiral The situation in Myanmar deteriorated markedly following the February 2021 military coup that saw the elected government overthrown and top leaders including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Fighting also erupted in several regions between the security forces and ethnic armed groups opposed to the military regime. The ethnic militias have reportedly captured key towns, while the armed forces have employed heavy weapons, including artillery and airstrikes. Several thousand people are said to have been killed and countless more injured. Tens of thousands of homes and civilian properties have been destroyed or severely damaged. More than 3,080,000 people are estimated to have been displaced since the coup, and a further 68,000 driven across its borders as refugees, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. We will follow the evidence Mr. Koumjian stressed that the IIMM "will follow the evidence wherever it leads" to ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are held to account. "What is happening today in Rakhine State and across the country is the result of decades of impunity. When crimes go unpunished, this only fuels more criminal behaviour," he said. Towards that end, the Mechanism has been sharing its evidence and analysis with authorities conducting proceedings concerning crimes against the Rohingya at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and in Argentina. Despite progress, the IIMM also faces several challenges, he added, including lack of access to crime scenes or witnesses inside Myanmar. The Independent Mechanism The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar was created by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018 and became operational in August 2019. It is mandated to collect evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law and prepare files for criminal prosecution, making use of the information handed over to it by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar. The Mechanism is composed of impartial and experienced professional and administrative personnel. It does not have its own police force nor its own prosecutors or judges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police Block Pakistani Highway Over Military, Intelligence Meddling By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal September 09, 2024 Hundreds of policemen in northwestern Pakistan were blocking the Indus Highway that links Peshawar with the port city of Karachi on September 9 to protest alleged interference by Pakistan's military and its intelligence agencies in their daily work. Senior officials of the local administration in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province were engaged in talks with the protesting policemen to try to resolve the standoff. Lakki Marwat is located on the periphery with the restive tribal region that borders Afghanistan, where Taliban fighters frequently target policemen and police stations. The protesting policemen accused the intelligence agencies Military Intelligence (MI) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of interfering in their work. Addressing the gathering, police officer Rashid Khan said the army should leave the district and let the police department work freely. "We promise that we would restore peace in the area within three months" if the military officers stopped interference, he said. Criticism of the Pakistani military and especially its powerful ISI have long been considered a red line by some elements in the country. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-police-intelligence- protest-khyber-pakhtunkhwa/33113095.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 Bomb blast hits Pakistan polio team amid national immunization drive By Ayaz Gul September 09, 2024 Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Monday that a roadside bomb explosion injured at least 10 people, including anti-polio vaccinators and police personnel escorting them. The bombing in the South Waziristan district near the border with Afghanistan targeted a convoy carrying polio workers and their guards on the opening day of a nationwide immunization campaign. Area security and hospital officials reported that three health workers and six security personnel were among the victims. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the violence in a region where security forces are fighting militants linked to the outlawed Pakistani Taliban. Last week, Pakistan reported its 17th wild poliovirus case of the year from Islamabad, saying it paralyzed a child and marked the first infection in 16 years in the national capital. Pakistani health officials said in the lead-up to Monday's polio campaign that it is designed to vaccinate more than 33 million children under five in 115 districts nationwide. Muhammad Anwarul Haq, coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, stated that the immunization drive would primarily focus on districts where "the virus has been detected and the risk of continued transmission and spread is really high." Haq encouraged all parents and caregivers to ensure their children get vaccinated, lamenting that "parents have not always welcomed and opened their doors to the vaccinators when they visit their homes." Pakistan and Afghanistan, which reported nine paralytic polio cases so far in 2024, are the only two remaining polio-endemic countries globally. Polio immunization campaigns have long faced multiple challenges in both countries, such as security and vaccine boycotts, dealing setbacks to the goal of eradicating the virus from the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Under Yoon, calls for South Korean nukes 'normalized' By William Gallo, Lee Juhyun September 09, 2024 Less than two years after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged his country would not seek nuclear weapons, his newly appointed defense minister is openly envisioning scenarios in which South Korea might reconsider that stance. The comments by Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who took office on Friday, are the latest evidence that the once-taboo idea of nuclear armament has gone mainstream in Seoul, amid growing concerns about North Korea's rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal and the long-term reliability of U.S. protection. As an academic and retired military officer, Kim has long argued that South Korea may need nuclear weapons in some form to counter North Korea. In recently unearthed footage from a 2020 seminar, Kim warned South Korea has "no survival or future" without such a deterrent. During his confirmation process last week, Kim stood by those comments, saying "all options" should remain open if the U.S. nuclear umbrella proves insufficient. It appears to be the first time a sitting South Korean defense minister has publicly entertained the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons, and marks a sharp departure from his predecessor, who repeatedly and firmly rejected the proposal under any condition. Contacted by VOA, a South Korean defense ministry spokesperson maintained there has been "no change in the principle or position" that Seoul relies on U.S. extended deterrence and the U.S.-South Korea alliance to address the North Korean nuclear threat. "However, if we cannot guarantee the survival and security of the state, all means and methods are open," the spokesperson added, emphasizing the need to work closely with the United States. A spokesperson for Yoon's presidential office declined to comment for this story. Most observers doubt South Korea will pursue nuclear weapons any time soon due to the massive economic and national security risks it would entail. Not only would South Korea risk enraging China, but Seoul could upend its alliance with the United States and invite painful international sanctions, all while possibly encouraging others in the region to consider nuclear weapons of their own. Despite the risks, Yoon continues to drive the once unthinkable idea further into the mainstream, raising concerns that the proposal could become more acceptable a and eventually turn into reality. Nuke calls now routine Yoon himself suggested last January that South Korea could develop nuclear arms if the North Korean threat escalated - raising alarm in Washington, where non-proliferation has long been a priority. Three months later, Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden signed what is known as the Washington Declaration, which bolstered U.S. defense assurances while reaffirming South Korea's commitments under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Yoon's appointment of Kim, however, appears to contradict the spirit of that agreement, said Lee Sang-sin, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. What stands out most, Lee said, is the lack of public reaction to Kim's remarks. Kim's appointment has drawn little attention from South Korean media and been largely ignored by Western outlets a a possible indication that calls for South Korea's nuclear armament have become routine. "That's what I have warned about," said Lee. "[This conversation] has been normalized." When contacted by VOA, the White House National Security Council declined to directly comment on Kim's statements, instead emphasizing South Korea's pledge under the non-proliferation treaty as outlined in the Washington Declaration. "We will continue to work with our ROK allies to strengthen our alliance and ensure we are well-positioned to deter nuclear threats," an NSC spokesman added. Driving the conversation Polls have long suggested a majority of South Koreans support acquiring nuclear weapons, although such views were once confined to the political fringes. Under Yoon's presidency, the debate has become so entrenched that even some state-backed research institutions are exploring the possibility of nuclear armament. A June report by the state-run Institute for National Security Strategy recommended that Seoul consider government reviews and public debates on various options, including the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, NATO-style nuclear sharing, and South Korea developing its own arsenal. Such calls are not only coming from Seoul. A growing number of former Trump officials have expressed an openness to the idea, with some even highlighting the geopolitical advantages of South Korea getting its own weapons - an idea that Trump himself once teased. The possibility of Trump's return, along with his "America First" stance, has fueled concerns in Seoul that U.S. protection may be less reliable long-term, further accelerating the nuclear debate. Some in South Korea appear eager to capitalize on the trend. In an opinion piece this month, Choi Kang, president of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, an influential conservative research group, argued South Korean nuclear weapons should be presented as beneficial to the U.S.-South Korea alliance. "If a South Korean nuclear arsenal aligned with U.S. security interests and came to be regarded as a 'common asset' of the alliance, then the United States might accept it or even support it," Choi wrote. Reality check? But many analysts caution that such statements downplay the risks of nuclear armament. "There really needs to be greater questioning of whether more nukes and more countries with nukes truly increases any country's security situation and a serious examination of what Seoul stands to lose by choosing that path," said Jenny Town, a North Korea specialist with the Washington-based Stimson Center. Others, like Mason Richey, who teaches international politics at Seoul's Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, argue it is unlikely South Korea would pursue nuclear weapons barring profound U.S.-South Korea alliance problems and/or severe regional instability. "That said, every elite policymaker who engages the South Korea nuclear debate makes it easier to continue down the slippery slope of thinking about nuclear weapons, studying how to develop them, assuring a latent capability, deciding to develop them, and then actually building them," he added. White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin denies reports of Iranian missile transfers to Russia IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has responded to allegations that Iran is supplying missiles to Russia, stating that such reports do not always reflect the truth. This comes after CNN cited sources claiming that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its military operations in Ukraine. "We have seen these reports, but not every time does such information correspond to reality," Peskov told reporters. He emphasized the importance of the partnership between Russia and Iran, noting that both countries are actively developing their trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in various sensitive areas. Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Sunday that the Islamic Republic opposes the war in Ukraine and has never been part of it. "As we have repeatedly emphasized, the Islamic Republic of Iran opposes war and supports the political solution to resolve the differences between Russia and Ukraine and end the military conflicts," he responded to a question by IRNA's reporter. He insisted that the military ties between Iran and Russia date long before the war in Ukraine and are not related to the conflict. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Novgorod Region Governor Andrei Nikitin Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Novgorod Region Governor Andrei Nikitin, who briefed the President on the social and economic development of the region. September 9, 2024 13:45 The Kremlin, Moscow Andrei Nikitin reported that the military-industrial complex in the region has expanded by nearly 160 percent in recent years. However, there is a notable shortage of personnel, and there is a need to rejuvenate the workforce in this sector. To address this, funding has been allocated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under the Professionality programme, aiming to meet the demand for young professionals over the next 2.5 years. Renovations are underway for college buildings, and new equipment is being bought. Additionally, civilian enterprises are contributing to the objectives of the special military operation. Industrial production has grown by 116 percent, indicating positive results across all sectors. The governor mentioned the President's instruction for a pilot project focused on long-term care for the sick. Early results show a nearly 40 percent reduction in hospitalisations and a 30 percent decrease in ambulance calls. Additionally, nearly 1,600 care assistants have been recruited, and about 1,000 individuals who were previously out of the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities are now employed in the economy. In response to the President's comment about the shortage of narrow specialists in the regional healthcare system, Andrei Nikitin noted that efforts have been made to halt the decline and begin increasing the number of medical professionals in the region, notably through the provision of housing. Over the past three years, the number of doctors has risen by about 10 percent, although, as the governor pointed out, this is still insufficient. The new pilot project aims to boost the birth rate and involves three small towns: Borovichi, Valdai, and Staraya Russa. These towns are transforming their urban environments, including new housing construction for the first time since the Soviet era. Initial signs of growth have been observed, and efforts will continue with maximum intensity. The Governor highlighted the increase in real incomes as a key economic indicator, noting that poverty in the region has historically been higher than the national average. Addressing this issue is crucial, and there is a clear plan in place to reduce it. The development of a special economic zone is progressing, with the first three residents already established. Next year, the GigaFactory will join, focusing on the assembly of TVs and smart speakers. The discussion also covered various topics, including school renovations, connecting neighbourhoods to the gas distribution network, the operations of cultural institutions, and improvements to the water supply. Additionally, several key projects were addressed, such as the development of a perinatal centre, a veterans' home, and the restoration of historical architectural monuments in Yaroslav's Court. The governor also announced that next year will see the reconstruction of the theatre building, and restoration work has already commenced on the Church of Peter and Paul on Sinichya Gora, a unique monument from the late 12th century. In 2025, the second building of the Innovative Scientific and Technological Centre Intellectual Electronics - Valdai will be constructed. This facility will serve as a collaborative platform for students, young scientists, industrial partners, and technology business representatives. Additionally, construction of the national archaeological centre will start this year, and work on the cardiology centre is set to begin in 2026. Andrei Nikitin also addressed the challenging issue of landscaping the area around the Novgorod Kremlin, known as Kremlin Park. He expressed gratitude to the President for initiating a dedicated programme for the reconstruction of parks and city centres and said that Novgorod would take full advantage of this opportunity. Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of this project, stating that both the Kremlin and its surrounding areas must be maintained to a high standard. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia rejects US media reports about receiving ballistic missiles from Iran Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 12:51 PM The Kremlin has rejected US media reports claiming that Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to be used in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said he had seen the report but that not all such reports were correct. "Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialog in all possible areas, including the most sensitive ones," Peskov told reporters. The Wall Street Journal on September 6 cited unidentified US and European officials as saying that Iran had shipped short-range missiles to Russia. Citing its own sources over the weekend, CNN also reported that Iran had transferred missiles to Russia. The European Union also on Monday repeated the same accusation, saying "credible" information provided by allies suggested that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to help Moscow wage war in Ukraine and hinted at a "swift" response. Deputy Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Fazlollah Nozari on Sunday categorically rejected allegations that Tehran is providing missiles to Russia for the Ukraine war. "No missile has been sent [by Iran] to Russia and such claims are a kind of psychological warfare," he said. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani also on Monday reaffirmed Tehran's clear stance on the developments in Ukraine and said, "It is unfortunate that some parties, who are looking for conflict and war, are leveling accusations against Iran." Iran has maintained its policy of impartiality toward the conflict. However, the US and its Western allies have claimed that Iran is supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for direct use in the Ukraine war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU To Lift Sanctions On Russians Mazepin, Mother Of Late Wagner Leader, Sources Say By Rikard Jozwiak September 09, 2024 European Union ambassadors are set later this week to remove Nikita Mazepin and Violetta Prigozhina from the bloc's sanctions list, according to multiple diplomats familiar with the file who weren't authorized to speak on the record. The EU has imposed asset freezes and visa bans on 2,300 people and entities since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022. Every six months, that blacklist must be prolonged by unanimous consensus of the 27 member states. The latest deadline is set to expire on September 15. As in previous rollovers, Hungary has demanded the delisting of a number of people before Budapest will give its green light to the extension. Some of the more hawkish member states, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, have countered that the bloc should move from a six-month extension of the sanctions to an annual decision -- a move Budapest has opposed. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his government have consistently resisted sanctions and accused Brussels of strong-arming the bloc into actions that undermine Hungary's and other member states' economies. Hungary currently holds the bloc's six-month rotating Presidency of the European Council and has used the increased visibility to launch an uncoordinated diplomatic push that Orban described as a "peace initiative" but EU officials rejected as wholly of Budapest's own design. EU diplomats have told RFE/RL that a compromise has been struck in which the six-month extension will remain but just two people will be delisted this time. It was proposed that Mazepin and Prigozhina should be removed as they are both considered "weak cases" by the EU legal service that monitors the judicial aspects of Brussels' sanctions policy. Mazepin, a former Formula One driver and son of the Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, earlier this year won a case in the EU's general court to have the sanctions against him removed. He has, however, remained listed as the EU has argued that the court ruling only referred to an earlier period of the sanctions and that Brussels since then had renewed the lists with new criteria. Prigozhina, mother of the late Russian oligarch and Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, won a court battle last year but so far has remained the target of sanctions. Prigozhin, long a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died along with nine other people in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023, two months after he announced a rebellion at the head of his Wagner Group, a private army, that captured parts of Rostov-on-Don and advanced toward Moscow. The septuagenarian Prigozhina is a longtime artist and art-gallery owner. In the spring, a similar discussion was held in Brussels in which Arkady Volozh, co-founder of the Russian Internet giant Yandex, the businessman Sergei Mndoiants, and Jozef Hambalek, a Slovak national and head of the Russian nationalist Night Wolves motorcycle club in Europe, eventually were delisted by the EU. The next renewal of the sanctions is due in March 2025. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-russia-sanctions-mazepin- prigozhina/33112699.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 Voting Concludes With Putin Allies Poised To Win By Current Time and RFE/RL's Russian Service September 09, 2024 Incumbents and other loyalists of President Vladimir Putin and his United Russia party were expected to coast to victory in most of the 21 regional governorships and other local voting that wrapped up in Russian elections that most rights groups and independent experts agree lacked any genuine competition. Three days of balloting concluded late on September 8 in the votes, which include for a Moscow City Duma and the leadership of Russia's second city, St. Petersburg. All of the current or acting governors in the races appeared headed to hugely one-sided contests, with only one challenger in double digits in the early tally results. Russian authorities appear eager to tout the lop-sided contests of hand-picked Putin loyalists and other candidates as an exercise of patriotism 2 1/2 years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Russian censors describe as a "special military operation" amid an intense clampdown on possible dissent. "Let's be honest: There's a war going on. Our task is to defeat our enemy," Dmitry Medvedev, a former president and prime minister and longtime Putin ally who now chairs the ruling United Russia party and serves as deputy chairman of the country's Security Council, said according to Russian state news agency TASS. Twenty-four years into Putin's rule, Russia's elections are more tightly controlled than ever, lacking of any credible international observer missions and with genuine opposition candidates frequently disqualified or badly hamstrung. The nationwide regional and local vote processes included ballot collections staged in parts of Ukraine occupied and unilaterally annexed by Russia, including Crimea, to fill Moscow-backed regional legislatures. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned the processes in the occupied regions as a violation of international law. "We emphasize once again that the results of the so-called 'elections' in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea...are worthless, and the 'elections' themselves are illegitimate," the ministry said ahead of the voting. A group defending voters' rights, Golos, dubbed the vote an "imitation" of elections, saying it lacks genuine competition. It said more than one-third of candidates were barred by Russian election authorities from participating in the votes across the country. The vote collection lasted three days. The head of the Russian Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, said there were no significant violations during the balloting and turnout was around 90 percent. Golos said it received more than 500 accusations of violations during the election campaign alone. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-elections-local- regional-ukraine/33112656.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's address at the 7th ministerial meeting of the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue, Riyadh, September 9, 2024 9 September 2024 13:58 1655-09-09-2024 Mr Chairman, Mr Secretary General, colleagues and friends. I am glad to have the opportunity to be here on the hospitable Saudi land to hold the 7th ministerial meeting of the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue. As our chairman said we met in Moscow in 2023. Riyadh, where the GCC is headquartered, is hosting our event for the third time. The strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers was launched 13 years ago. The world has changed a great deal since that time. We can state that the centuries-long hegemony of the West, which the United States and its allies are trying to preserve by all means, is going to be a thing of the past. The outlines of a new, more equitable multipolar international order are gradually emerging, which should be based on the principles of the UN Charter, balance of interests of all countries, both large and small, and also take into account the right of the peoples to determine their destiny by themselves. No doubt that the GCC is becoming a major independent centre in the developing multipolar international order. The role of the Gulf Cooperation Council will be growing also because of the numerous crises still preserved in the Middle East. There are of conflicts here that pose threats to international peace and security and constrain opportunities for sustainable development in the countries of the region. At the previous meeting in Moscow, we said that the achievement of genuine stability in the Middle East is impossible without settling the oldest regional problem - the Palestine-Israeli conflict through establishing a Palestinian state in compliance with UN resolutions. Unfortunately, time has once again confirmed that the region just cannot develop stably without resolving this problem. Since October 2023 the confrontation is undergoing another dramatic escalation. And this time violence has reached unprecedented, really catastrophic dimensions. The number of victims among the peaceful population of the Gaza Strip has already exceeded the total number of the killed and wounded in all previous Arab-Israeli wars. Together with our Arab friends, GCC countries inclusive, we have succeeded in securing, despite US resistance, the adoption of several Security Council and UN General Assembly resolutions demanding a ceasefire. Our Qatari friends, along with others, have played a key role in the indirect negotiation process between Israel and Hamas to resolve the situation in Gaza. Important decisions on the Palestinian issue were adopted at the end of the extraordinary LAS-OIC summit in Jeddah in November 2023 and the Arab summit meeting in Manama this past May. Unfortunately, so far, we cannot bring the situation to normal. The inability of the world community to stop hostilities in Gaza and mass deaths of its population has led to a sharp deterioration of the military and political situation in the entire region - from the Lebanese-Israeli border area to the Red Sea. The confrontation between Israel and Iran has reached a new dangerous level. The Middle East is again on the brink of a big regional war. To prevent it is our common responsibility. We are working on normalising the situation with all sides. We closely coordinate our actions in the United Nations and on other platforms with our friends from the Gulf Cooperation Council. We expect that today we will be able to discuss these and other international issues on the agenda of our strategic dialogue. Once again, I thank the presiding officers, the representative of Qatar and Saudi friends for an excellent organisation of our meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Organisation for Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha 9 September 2024 13:55 1654-09-09-2024 On September 9, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Organisation for Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha on the sidelines of the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Russia - Gulf Cooperation Council. During their conversation, the officials focused on the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. They called for ending hostilities in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible and launching serious talks to attain a comprehensive Middle East peace settlement in accordance with UN and UN Security Council resolutions. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding and strengthening collaboration between Russia and the OIC in various fields still further. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CSTO CRRF prepares to perform joint operation during Interaction 2024, Search 2024, and Echelon 2024 drills 09.09.2024 The second plan of the Interaction 2024 command post exercise, Search 2024 and Echelon 2024 drills, during which a joint operation of the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Force (CRRF) to resolve an armed conflict in the Central Asia region was prepared. The most important stage of the drills was developing the plan of the joint operation. Colonel Samat Seydaliyev, Commander of the CSTO CRRF, a representative of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic and commander of the 8th Order of Lenin Red Banner Order of Suvorov Guards Motorised Rezhitsky Division named after I.V. Panfilov, organised the work of the officers of the CSTO CRRF command to prepare the relevant proposals and develop a plan for the joint operation. The plan approved by the training leadership became the basis for the decision of the Commander of the CSTO CRRF to conduct a joint operation, the main objectives of which are to repel aggression, block and destroy illegal armed formations, their training camps and bases, and resolve the situation along the state border line. At the moment, the CSTO CRRF Command has worked out the planning of a joint operation, the organisation of command, cooperation, and comprehensive support. Combat tasks are being assigned and combat work is being organised at the command posts of CSTO CRRF units and subunits. Practical training for the joint operation is being carried out at the firing range. On the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, under the leadership of Colonel Artur Temirov, First Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Interaction 2024 command post exercise with the CSTO CRRF, the Search 2024 special drills with reconnaissance units and means, and the Echelon-2024 special drills with logistical units and means are being conducted. Contingents of the CSTO troops (Collective Forces) of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan are taking part in the exercise. These include military contingents, formations of special operations forces from among the special units of the internal affairs (police), security and special services bodies, authorized bodies in the sphere disaster relief, as well as operational groups of the CSTO Joint Staff and the Secretariat. Up to 1,500 servicemen and 300 units weaponry, military and special hardware, including aircraft, different types of UAV, combat boats, and air defence means are involved in the drills. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin on Reports of Iran Allegedly Supplying Missiles: Such Information Not Always True Sputnik News 20240909 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, commenting on reports that Iran is allegedly supplying missiles, that such information not always corresponds to reality. On Monday, CNN reported, citing sources, that Iran allegedly transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in special military operation in Ukraine. "We have seen these reports, not every time such information corresponds to reality. Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas. And we will continue to do this in the interests of the peoples of our two countries," Peskov told reporters. Vladimir Putin May Meet WIth BRICS High-Profile Envoys, Discuss Security A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and representatives of the BRICS countries on security issues is not ruled out, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. "Indeed, he [the adviser to the prime minister of India] will be part of the group of high-level representatives of the BRICS states in charge of security issues, who will hold their meeting. This is all happening within the framework of the Russia's chairmanship of BRICS. And we do not rule out a meeting between the president and the participants of this event. We will inform you additionally," Peskov told reporters. On Alleged Ukraine Settlement Plan by Olaf Scholz Moscow has seen reports that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is preparing a settlement plan for Ukraine, but does not know the details, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF published on Sunday, Scholz said that the moment has come for discussions on how to speed up the end of the Ukraine conflict. "We know no more than what the media reported, that some kind of plan is allegedly being prepared. But we do not know what details might be discussed there," Peskov told reporters. Russia is not abandoning any plans to resolve the Ukrainian issue, but needs to know the details, the official added. No Reason For Vladimir Putin's Interview to Foreign Media The Kremlin does not yet see any reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin to give an interview to the foreign media, including The Wall Street Journal, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. "We are not interested in such an interview for now. In order to have an interview with foreign media and some specific one, we need to have a reason. We do not see such a reason for now," Peskov told reporters when asked whether there was a response to Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's request for an interview. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli attack on Syria: Death toll rises to 14 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The death toll from the latest Israeli airstrike on Syria has climbed to 14, according to Syrian media. The number of the injured people has also increased to 43, with at least six of them being in critical condition, SANA news agency reported on Monday. The regime fired missiles at several military sites near the city of Masyaf in Hama Province late on Sunday night in the latest act of aggression against Syria. SANA reported material damage to a highway between Masyaf and the town of Wadi al-Uyun, saying that the airstrike caused a fire in the Hair Abbas area as well. It also said the Israeli regime conducted its air raid from the direction of northwest Lebanon, and that Syrian air defense systems intercepted and shot down some of the missiles. Israel routinely carries out airstrikes on Syria. Damascus has time and again lodged complaints with the UN, arguing that the Israeli strikes violate Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. 4194**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Five killed in Israeli airstrikes on Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 9, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- At least five civilians are killed and 19 others injured as the Israeli regime has carried out fresh strikes on northwestern Syria using missiles and drones, media sources reported in the early hours of Monday. According to IRNA citing Syrian official news agency SANA, the Israeli enemy launched an attack from the northwest of Lebanon and targeted military positions in city of Hama midnight Sunday. Syrian officials say several of those injured are in critical condition. The London-based so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has put the number of dead at seven. On the other hand, the Al-Mayadeen network reported that the Israeli missiles targeted a scientific research center and defense laboratory facilities at the outskirts of Masyaf city. The Syrian ministry of defense says the country's air-defense system managed to intercept and shoot down some of the incoming missiles. Israel routinely carries out air strikes on Syria. Damascus has time and again lodged complaints with the UN, arguing that the Israeli strikes violate the country's sovereignty. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Death toll from Israeli strikes on Syria's central Hama province soars to 14 Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 9:47 AM The death toll from a series of Israeli airstrikes against multiple military installations and buildings in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 14, as the Tel Aviv regime continues its acts of aggression on Syria concurrent with its bloody war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Syria's official news agency SANA, citing the Director of Masyaf National Hospital Dr. Faisal Haidar, reported that at least 14 people were killed as a result of overnight Israeli air strikes on a number of sites in the vicinity of Masyaf, located approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) west of the provincial capital city of Hama. He added that at least 43 people were also wounded in the strikes, including six in critical condition. The update raises the toll of five dead and 19 wounded reported earlier. Meanwhile, Hama Provincial Governor Maan Subhi Abboud visited the injured at the Masyaf National Hospital and checked on their health condition and medical treatment. He directed ambulance, medical and nursing teams to provide all necessary services to them. "At around 23:20 p.m. (2020 GMT) on Sunday evening, the Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the direction of northwestern Lebanon, targeting a number of military sites in the central region [of Syria]," a military source told SANA. "Our air defense systems confronted the aggression's missiles and shot down some of them," the source added, without providing further details. Israel frequently targets military positions inside Syria, especially those of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah which has played a key role in helping the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed terrorists. The Tel Aviv regime rarely comments on its attacks on Syrian territories, which many see as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's phenomenal success in confronting and decimating terrorism. Sunday's attack comes amid Israel's bloody onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. The regime has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal territory, including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched their surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7. At least 40,972 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed while another 94,761 individuals have sustained injuries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel launches strikes on Syrian military sites Iran Press TV Monday, 09 September 2024 1:31 AM The Israeli regime has carried out new strikes on Syria, targeting several military sites in the Arab country's northwest with missiles and drones. Syrian media said on Sunday that at least five people were killed and nearly 20 others injured in the attacks that targeted the city of Hama. Syrian officials said several of those injured are in critical condition. The Syrian ministry of defense said the country's air defense system managed to intercept and shoot down some of the incoming missiles. The Israeli airstrike against the crisis-hit Arab nation comes amid the regime's bloody onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal territory, including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched their surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7. Nearly 41,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed while another 94,616 individuals have sustained injuries. Israel frequently targets military positions inside Syria, especially those of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah which has played a key role in helping the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed terrorists. The Tel Aviv regime rarely comments on its cowardly attacks on Syrian territories, which many see as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's phenomenal success in confronting and decimating terrorism. Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria. Damascus has time and again called on the UN Security Council to put an end to the regime's attacks on Syrians. It argued that the strikes violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Attacks Central Syria, Killing at Least 3 - Syrian Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20240909 DUBAI (Sputnik) - Israeli fighter jets attacked a number of military positions in central Syria from northwestern Lebanon, air defense forces shot down several missiles, the Syrian Defense Ministry said in a statement to the state-run news agency SANA. "At approximately 20:23 [17:23 GMT] on September 8, 2024, the Israeli enemy launched an air attack from northwestern Lebanon, striking a number of military targets in the central region. Our air defense systems intercepted the aggressor's missiles, some of them fell. As a result of the aggression, three people were killed and fifteen were injured, and material damage was caused," the statement said. Syrian media noted that the attack caused two fires, which firefighters are attempting to extinguish. Earlier, the agency reported repelling an attack on targets in central Syria. The director of the hospital in the city of Masyaf, Faisal Haider, said the death toll from the attack had risen to four, with more wounded continuing to arrive. Israel has not commented on the attack and typically does not comment on its attacks on Syria, which have been intermittent for years. In April, Israeli fighters bombed the Iranian embassy in Damascus in an assassination that killed 16 people, including two civilians. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TPP leader Ko Wen-je will not appeal detention ruling: Lawyers ROC Central News Agency 09/09/2024 03:52 PM Taipei, Sept. 9 (CNA) Lawyers representing Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (Ya) said on Monday that the former Taipei mayor will not appeal the Taipei District Court's Thursday ruling that resulted in their client being detained and held incommunicado. The three defense lawyers -- Cheng Shen-yuan (ea), Lu Cheng-yi (ec) and Hsiao Yi-hung (eaa) -- issued a joint statement Monday declaring that Ko will not file an appeal against the detention ruling. According to the statement, Ko had been "clear" before the detention hearing that he would not want to "cause difficulties for the court" and would not protest the court's decision if detained. When meeting with his lawyers after being formally detained, Ko reiterated that he did not want to file an appeal, according to the statement. The statement further said that Ko told his lawyers he would "fully cooperate" with the on-going investigation. According to the Code of Criminal Procedure, Ko may be detained and held incommunicado for a maximum of four months without being formally charged. On Sunday evening, several thousand Ko supporters gathered outside the Legislative Yuan in Taipei's Zhongzheng District at a rally organized by the TPP titled "Assemble! Stand up for justice in Taiwan's judiciary!" Expressing the belief that Ko is innocent of any wrongdoing and instead has been subject to political persecution by the Democratic Progressive Party government led by President Lai Ching-te (ea), TPP lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang (ea) said at the rally that "The Lai government will not let him go." There is no evidence that Lai has had any involvement in the anti-corruption case conducted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office. Ko, 64, is currently being held at Taipei Detention Center in New Taipei's Tucheng District and can only communicate with lawyers while prosecutors continue their investigation into alleged corruption dating back to his second term as Taipei mayor from 2018-2022. Prosecutors believe Core Pacific Group Chairman Sheen Ching-jing (a) gave Kuomintang (KMT) Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (e) more than NT$47.40 million (US$1.48 million) as part of an effort by the company to illegally lobby Taipei City government to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) of its large commercial property in Songshan District in order to raise the lot's financial value. The Taipei District Court ruled on Thursday Ko "clearly knew" that raising the FAR of the property was illegal, yet he "insisted" it happen. The court said that Ko's case formally meets the requirements for the crime of knowingly "seeking unlawful gains for oneself or for others" as stipulated in Article 6 of the Anti-Corruption Act. Due to the severity of the crime and the scale of the alleged financial gains involved in the case, the court ruled that it was necessary and in the public interest to detain Ko and hold him incommunicado, since the risk of him colluding with others or destroying evidence was judged to be sufficiently strong. The ruling reversed an earlier decision by the same court on the morning of Sept. 2 that ordered the release of Ko without bail. However, after prosecutors appealed the decision on Wednesday citing additional evidence, the High Court concluded that Ko had been "actively involved" in the alleged corruption, ruling that the district court should hold a second detention hearing for the former Taipei mayor. The TPP, Taiwan's third largest political party, has questioned the validity of the court's most recent ruling, declaring shortly afterwards that "the TPP will resolutely support Chairman Ko in defending his innocence." In addition to this criminal investigation into alleged corruption during Ko's time as Taipei mayor, Ko and the TPP are currently also facing a separate criminal investigation relating to campaign finance reporting discrepancies dating back to January's election. (By James Thompson, Lin Chang-shun and Chen Jun-hua) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China slams Germany's reported plan to sail through Taiwan Strait China's foreign ministry says it "firmly opposes" attempts to provoke under the guise of freedom of navigation. By RFA Staff 2024.09.09 -- Beijing on Monday responded to the news of a planned passage through the Taiwan Strait by two German warships, warning against "provoking and endangering China's sovereignty and security under the guise of freedom of navigation." Germany's navy is planning to send two ships through the Taiwan Strait in mid-September, German media reported. It will be the first passage by German warships through the waterway between Taiwan and mainland China in more than 20 years. The frigate Baden-WArttemberg and replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main are set to sail through the Strait on their way from South Korea to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, Der Spiegel reported on Saturday. China claims control over Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait and the ships could provoke a diplomatic dispute, the magazine said, adding that Berlin would not send notice of the voyage, which it considers "completely normal." In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters in Beijing that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory" and the waters of the Taiwan Strait from both sides to the sea are China's waters. The United States and allies insist that the Taiwan Strait is where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law. U.S. naval vessels made four transits this year, the last one was on Aug. 22 by the guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson. Chinese spokeswoman Mao Ning said that China "respects the navigation rights enjoyed by all countries" but any passage should be done in accordance with Chinese laws and international law. China itself regularly sends ships and aircraft to the waters around Taiwan. On Monday, 21 Chinese aircraft and seven warships were detected operating around the island, Taiwan's defense ministry said. 'Unfriendly move' China's state media have warned that the sailings would be seen as unfriendly and damaging for China-Germany relations. The Global Times, an affiliate of the Communist Party's People's Daily mouthpiece, quoted an unidentified research fellow from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations as saying that the two ships' movement would serve as a "strategic gesture to play up to the U.S. and NATO, particularly in light of the U.S. efforts to counter China's influence in trade and to secure greater American support for European security." It will be seen by China as a gesture of flexing muscles and an unfriendly move, said the expert. The Baden-WArttemberg and Frankfurt am Main are on deployment to the Indo-Pacific, the German Bundeswehr, or armed forces, said in a press release. In July, they took part in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific - the world's largest naval exercise. China is also embroiled in a tense stand-off with the Philippines over several disputed reefs in the South China Sea. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Updated to add reaction from China's foreign ministry. 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 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/09/09 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1. Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, Sep. 8-9 2. PLA activitiesis 21 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attempts to keep up exchanges between Taiwanese, Chinese face obstacles By William Yang September 09, 2024 Efforts to maintain exchanges between Taiwanese and Chinese citizens face new challenges after Beijing last month sentenced a Taiwanese activist to nine years in jail, a move that analysts say will create a chilling effect within Taiwan's civil society. On September 6, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) confirmed that a court in the eastern city of Wenzhou earlier had sentenced Taiwanese political activist Yang Chih-yuan to nine years in jail under secession charges. TAO said Yang, who was arrested in 2022 while teaching and participating in competitions for the board game Go, has long been involved in secessionist activities, playing a key role in organizations that advocate Taiwan's independence. "His acts are egregious and the court reached the decision according to law," the office said in a statement. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees cross-strait exchanges, condemned the Chinese court's ruling and asked Beijing to make public the verdict and the evidence that supports the charges. "Beijing is trying to use Yang's case to intimidate Taiwanese people and use the pretext of penalizing Taiwan independence as a way to exercise long-arm jurisdiction," the MAC wrote in a statement released last week. Yang's case marks the first time that China used secession charges against Taiwanese people. It comes after Beijing in June introduced 22 new guidelines to punish what they called "die-hard Taiwan independence activists." The maximum sentence could be the death penalty. Analysts say the sentencing of Yang represents Beijing's attempt to take a "more hardline stance" against Taiwanese who promote the island's sovereignty. His case "shows that Beijing means business when it comes to using legal instruments to crack down on what it regards as 'separatism,'" said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute. "This will inevitably affect people-to-people and civil society exchanges [between Taiwan and China,]" Cole told VOA in a written statement. Indefinite delay of cross-strait academic exchanges, city-to-city forum Meanwhile, the scheduled visits by two academic delegations from China's Xiamen University have reportedly been postponed as Taiwanese authorities review their paperwork. While some local media outlets said the postponement may be caused by "obstacles" imposed by Taiwanese authorities, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said the review of the Chinese delegations' applications is based on existing procedures, adding that Taipei has no intention to prevent certain groups from visiting Taiwan. Despite clarification from Taiwanese officials, China's state-run tabloid Global Times characterized the postponement as the Taiwanese government's attempt to "block" the Chinese delegations from visiting Taiwan. "The Xiamen University delegations have completed the preparations in terms of formalities and materials, but related 'security authorities' in Taiwan have put 'a technical hold' in place while they carry out a review," Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, told the Global Times in an interview. Some experts say the delay in the Chinese delegation's trips to Taiwan shows the Taiwanese government may be reviewing how to facilitate cross-strait exchanges amid growing military and political pressure from Beijing. "In light of Beijing's heightened pressure against Taiwan, the Taiwanese government may be reviewing what might be a more reciprocal approach to manage cross-strait academic exchanges," Wen-ti Sung, a Taipei-based political scientist for the Australian National University, told VOA by phone. In addition to the delay of cross-strait academic exchanges, the annual Shanghai-Taipei City Forum, which remains one of the few occasions for municipal officials from Taiwan and China to meet, has yet to announce a date for a potential 2024 gathering. When asked in August about the forum, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an told Taiwanese media outlets that at a time when cross-strait tensions are high, it is more necessary for Taiwan and China to maintain communication. "Such delays serve as a clear reminder that even lower-level engagement is difficult to sustain when one side rejects core aspects of the other's existence," Timothy Rich, a political scientist at Western Kentucky University, told VOA in a written response. Since Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office in May, Beijing has increased military pressure against Taiwan. Against this backdrop, Cole in Taipei said the lack of engagement between Taipei and Beijing may increase the risks of miscalculation, which could lead to accidents and escalation. In his view, Beijing will likely maintain a two-pronged approach against Taiwan in the near future. They will uphold "a suspension of official dialogue with the Taiwanese government led by the Democratic Progressive Party while keeping the door open to sub-state interaction with other elements of Taiwan's society, with the aim of dividing both," he told VOA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State Antony Blinken commit to make the special relationship closer than ever before The UK and US will deepen their commitment to the economic and security relationship that has made them indispensable allies and trade partners for more than 80 years, when a new Strategic Dialogue opens in London. 10 September 2024 David Lammy welcomes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the UK for first time since becoming Foreign Secretary They will open an ambitious UK-US Strategic Dialogue to deliver a deeper special relationship than ever before and strengthen ties that deliver growth and security on both sides of the Atlantic It will cover key aspects of the relationship, where we are highly aligned, including support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East, as well as other global priorities in defence and security and resilient and sustainable growth The UK and US will deepen their commitment to the economic and security relationship that has made them indispensable allies and trade partners for more than 80 years, when a new Strategic Dialogue opens in London on Tuesday (10 September). Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to open comprehensive talks where the two close allies will explore ways to continue strengthening the special relationship that has delivered security and prosperity since the Second World War. Talks between the two foreign ministers will also cover unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and the UK and US commitment to a long-term peaceful settlement in the Middle East and enabling a two-state solution. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: The UK has no greater friend than America. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike." In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations. Together we are re-energising our economic partnership, working together to tackle insecurity abroad and facing the future in unity and confidence. This Strategic Dialogue will cover key elements of the UK-US relationship, including defence and security, Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, secure, resilient and sustainable growth and other global priorities. It will reflect the immense value the UK places on its economic relationship with the US. With the UK and US sharing a $1 trillion investment relationship, a re-energised and enhanced economic partnership presents huge opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic - supporting the new government's priority to grow the economy. The Foreign Secretary and Secretary Blinken previously met during the NATO Summit in Washington DC in July. The two sides plan for the Strategic Dialogue to become an annual event to ensure the full benefits of the special relationship are seen in the UK, US and around the world. The UK and US are equally united in promoting prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and the dialogue will cover their commitment to ensuring regional security through the AUKUS partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on regional elections and their non-applicability to Ukrainian territories European External Action Service (EEAS) 09.09.2024 EEAS Press Team Russia conducted partial regional and local elections, including in the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol from 6-8 September. The European Union strongly condemns the holding of these so-called "elections" by Russia on Ukrainian territory. They constitute another act of violation of international law, the UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The EU does not recognise these so-called "elections" or their results in Crimea. They are null and void, and cannot produce any legal effects whatsoever. Russia's leadership and those responsible for organising these illegal actions will be held accountable and face consequences. More than a decade after Russia's invasion and attempted illegal annexation of Crimea, the EU reiterates its position: Crimea is Ukraine. Referring to the UN General Assembly Resolution of 27 March 2014, we call on Russia to cease its efforts to undermine Ukraine's national unity and territorial integrity. There is one clear way out of this war: that Russia immediately ends its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, and withdraws all forces and military equipment from Ukraine's territory within its internationally recognised borders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New military support package to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities Government Offices of Sweden 09 September 2024 Today, 9 September, the Swedish Government presented Sweden's 17th military support package to Ukraine. The package, worth SEK 4.6 billion, meets Ukraine's military needs and creates freedom of action for the future. It includes donations of materiel, direct procurement, material units and financial contributions. Including support package 17, Sweden has now provided SEK 48,1 billion in military support to Ukraine since the start of Russia's brutal war of aggression in February 2022. In 2024 alone, Sweden has provided a total of SEK 25 billion in military support to Ukraine. Procurement for donations With support package 17, Sweden enters a new phase of military support to Ukraine, with a greater focus on production instead of donation. Support package 17 contains three major procurements of materiel of particular priority to Ukraine. The procurements will be carried out by either the Swedish Armed Forces or the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration. The value of these procurements are worth approximately SEK 600 million. Sweden has previously sent 50 Combat Vehicle 90s to Ukraine. These combat vehicles have proven to be very useful for Ukraine, and so a further procurement of 40 mm of ammunition for the vehicles for delivery to Ukraine is set to take place. Support package 16 included over 200 armoured tracked personnel carriers (PBV 302). In order to give Ukrainian units greater covert operational ability, package 17 will include a procurement of camouflage equipment for these combat vehicles. Ukrainian demand for small flying drones remains high. For this reason, the Government intends to provide additional funds to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in this area. Increased defence capability on land Support package 17 also includes ground combat military equipment worth approximately SEK 500 million. Due to Russia's attacks on civilian and military infrastructure, Ukraine has a great need for anti-aircraft missile systems. Sweden has previously donated a number of robot systems and the current package includes Robot System 70 anti-aircraft missile systems. Ukraine has specifically requested anti-tank weapons and anti-tank mines in order to better operate against Russian mechanised units. The support package therefore includes a number of anti-tank weapons, recoilless rifles and anti-tank mines. The package also includes: Protective face masks and protective equipment to enable work/operations in contaminated environments; Grenade-launchers with ammunition, recoilless rifles with ammunition, and small-calibre ammunition; Training equipment for Ukrainian recruits; Transfer of soldiers' helmets and winter equipment for the coming winter. Increased defence capability at sea There is still a Russian threat to Ukrainian merchant vessel traffic, and such vessels are regularly piloted via mine-cleared routes down to the Bosporus Strait. In addition, there is extensive fighting along front lines defined by rivers, where the Ukrainian Navy supports ground defence forces. The support package therefore includes transfers of marine equipment worth approximately SEK 500 million. Ukraine's rivers are subject to much military activity and Sweden's Combat Boat 90 has been a welcome addition for the Ukrainian Navy. Support package 17 includes six additional Combat Boat 90s, including a marine supply solution that will support the Ukrainian Navy's maintenance unit to create resilience for Swedish materiel. To help launch different types of boats following maintenance actions on land, two launching trailers that can handle various types of boats, including the Combat Boat 90, will also be transferred. Materiel parts and financial donations Materiel parts for JAS 39 At the moment, transferring JAS Gripen to Ukraine is not a viable option, as it would interfere with the prioritized introduction of F-16 fighters. However, in parallel the Swedish Government is continuing its efforts to establish conditions for a possible future support of JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine. Support package 17 does so by acquiring materiel parts for the JAS 39 Gripen worth approximately SEK 2.3 billion. Materiel parts are JAS 39C/D parts that are being reused in the construction of new JAS 39E aircraft. By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of JAS 39C/D will be saved from being dismantled and can - if the Swedish government decides so - be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine. Financial donations The support package includes approximately SEK 700 million in financial donations to funds and other multilateral initiatives during 2024. International initiatives where several nations create conditions for larger procurements have proved to be effective. In this area, there are both short-term multilateral initiatives concerning a particular item of materiel, such as ammunition initiatives, and more permanent regular funds such as the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Ukraine Foreign Minister Ends Outspoken Envoy's Mission To Georgia By RFE/RL's Georgian Service September 09, 2024 Newly appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has ended a temporary representative's long-term mission to Georgia as one of his first personnel moves, suggesting the outgoing representative, Mykhaylo Kharyshin, doesn't understand the realities of diplomacy in wartime. Kharyshin had recently suggested publicly that unnamed forces were trying to undermine Georgia and Ukraine's historically strong relations. Sybiha was appointed as foreign minister on September 5 amid one of Ukraine's biggest government revamps since the ongoing Russian invasion began 2 1/2 years ago. Sybiha said on social media after reportedly consulting with Kyiv's ambassadors and consuls that weapons and other defense needs for Ukraine were the unconditional priority of Ukrainian diplomacy. Kyiv replaced its ambassadorial presence in Tbilisi with a temporary representative more than two years ago, following up on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's announcement just a week into the invasion that he was recalling his ambassador to Georgia for consultations due to the Georgian government's alleged obstruction blocking volunteers seeking to help Ukraine, and over sanctions. Georgia's ambassador to Kyiv, Giorgi Zakarashvili, left Ukraine in July 2023 amid more public spats between Zelenskiy and Tbilisi. Tensions have ratcheted up throughout the war, including as Georgia's ruling party has seemingly softened on aspects of its relations with Moscow and stoked disputes with its Western partners. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-georgia-diplomacy- sybiha-kharyshin/33112881.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 West Does Not Want to Make Fair Agreements on Ukrainian Conflict With Russia - Lavrov Sputnik News 20240909 RIYADH (Sputnik) - Russia's top diplomat Sergey Lavrov commented on most acute foreign policy issues, including Ukrainian crisis and Mideast conflict. The West does not want to make fair agreements on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict and is doing everything to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. "The West does not want to negotiate in a fair way. The West wants to continue to do everything they can to get Russia, as they hope, closer to a situation where they can declare a strategic defeat on the battlefield," Lavrov said following a ministerial meeting of the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) dialogue in Riyadh. On Gaza Strip Crisis Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday he discussed with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries the developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "We paid special attention to the international situation, first of all to the situation in the Middle East, with an emphasis on the tragedy which continues on the Palestinian territories, not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank of river Jordan. We share a common stance on the need for an immediate end of violence, dealing with humanitarian tasks and the start of serious practical work on implementing UN resolutions on establishing a Palestinian state which would peacefully and safely coexist with Israel," Lavrov told a press conference following the meeting. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Course of the War Directly Depends on the Quality of Logistics in Supply and Partners' Fulfillment of All Promises - Address by the President President of Ukraine 9 September 2024 - 19:42 Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians! I held a meeting of the Staff. Several key issues were discussed. Protection of energy infrastructure from Russian strikes. Defense of our positions on the frontline. We thoroughly addressed the issue of artillery supply to the troops, including our "Bohdana" howitzers, and the provision of equipment to our brigades. Regarding the energy sector, there are clear deadlines and requirements for each facility, both in terms of physical protection and air defense. We need the same clear approach to implementing all the necessary measures. Responsibility for this is entirely personal - both for the construction of protective structures and for the operation of air defense systems. We are also working in detail on equipping our combat brigades and reserve brigades. Separately today, Defense Minister of Ukraine, Umerov, delivered a report on the outcomes of the "Ramstein" meeting and his negotiations with partners. All agreements reached must be implemented as quickly as possible. What is needed in September must be delivered to our troops in September. What we agreed upon for the following months must also be delivered on time. The course of the war directly depends on the quality of logistics in supply and the fulfillment of all promises by partners. There was also a detailed military report today from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, primarily regarding the Donetsk directions. I thank all our units on the frontlines for fully completing their tasks, steadfastly repelling Russian assaults and reclaiming our positions. This is important. Equally important is destroying as many of the occupier's forces as possible. In the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, the Russian army must lose as much combat capability as possible. Separately, the Commander-in-Chief reported on the defense in the Kharkiv region and on our active operations in Russia's Kursk region. I am proud of all our warriors who, through their actions, are teaching Russia a clear lesson - where its land ends and where its neighbors' begins. And one more thing. Today, I held several meetings with our international relations team. We are preparing the Crimea Platform Summit for September 11. The First Lady's team is preparing a special diplomatic format - the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which will also take place this week. Additionally, we are preparing new negotiations with partners to strengthen Ukraine, expand opportunities for our society, and bring us closer to a just peace. We remember the key goal - peace for Ukraine, for all of Ukraine, and for all our people. I am grateful to everyone in the world who helps us! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Preparation for the Second Peace Summit and Implementation of the Bilateral Security Agreement: Meeting with the Japanese Delegation at the Office of the President President of Ukraine 9 September 2024 - 20:39 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Katsura Kitagawa in the framework of his first visit to Ukraine. The meeting was held in continuation of the dialogue between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Following the directives of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Office of the President, the parties discussed the outcomes of international events dedicated to the points of the Peace Formula concerning energy and food security. Special attention was given to the preparations for upcoming thematic conferences and the second Peace Summit. The discussion also covered the need to increase the number of countries supporting the Joint CommuniquA, especially among representatives of the Global South. Additionally, the meeting addressed the implementation of the bilateral security agreement signed by the leaders of Ukraine and Japan in June of this year. "We are grateful to Japan for its unwavering support of Ukraine and its active participation in joint efforts that bring us closer to establishing a just peace. Japan's stance on upholding international law sets a great example," emphasized the Deputy Head of the Office of the President. Ihor Zhovkva and Katsura Kitagawa agreed on joint steps in preparation for upcoming international events, particularly the session of the UN General Assembly and the organization of specific events on its sidelines. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine summons Iran diplomat, protests possible Tehran missile shipments to Russia By VOA News September 09, 2024 Ukraine's foreign ministry said Monday it had summoned Iran's charge d'affaires Shahriar Amouzegar to protest the possibility that Tehran is supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. The ministry said on Telegram that it gave Amouzegar a harsh warning that confirmation of missile deliveries to Russia would have "devastating and irreparable consequences" for bilateral relations between Ukraine and Iran. The White House told VOA last week 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. 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. The Kremlin has dismissed the reports and Iranian officials Monday denied supplying Russia with missiles. Continued Russian aerial attacks On the battlefront, Ukraine said Russian forces attacked it with eight aerial drones and three guided missiles, including the latest round of assaults directed at the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Ukraine's air force said it shot down two of the three missiles and six of the eight drones, with intercepts taking place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv and Sumy regions. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Russia's defense ministry said Monday its air defenses shot down a Ukrainian drone over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region, both areas along the border between the two countries that are common targets for Ukraine. Some material in this report came from Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press contact: Fahd Pasha Tel.: +1 647 860 3777 E-mail: Fahd.Pasha@capgemini.com Account-to-account payments and instant payments set to spark new wave of innovation Only 5% of banks are ready to lead the instant payment acceleration Account-to-Account (A2A) instant payments could impact card transaction growth by 15-25% Paris, September 10, 2024 The Capgemini Research Institutes World Payments Report 2025, published today, reveals an industry set to be reimagined with account-to-account and instant payments. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary edition, the report predicts instant payments will account for 22% of all non-cash transaction volumes by 2028 globally. Since the inaugural World Payments Report in 2004, the payments industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. Digital technologies, such as wallets, peer-to-peer (P2P) payments and contactless payments, have become increasingly prevalent. Regulations have also played a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring consumer protection. As a result, the payments ecosystem is now more connected, harmonized, efficient, and secure than ever before. Non-cash transactions boom; APAC leading adoption Non-cash transaction volumes rose to 1,411 billion in 2023 and are on track to reach 1,650 billion in 2024. With todays customers preferring to embrace a frictionless payment experience, this trend is expected to continue as non-cash transactions are forecast to reach 2,838 billion by 2028. Today, Asia-Pacific (APAC) stands out as one of the fastest growing regions for non-cash transactions with a 20% YoY increase in 2024 compared to Europe (16%) and North America (6%). Globally, most industry executives (77%) identify e-commerce growth as the critical driver accelerating the shift to non-cash transactions. A2A payments are a challenger for traditional card schemes Account-to-Account (A2A) instant payment solutions present a faster and cost-effective way to pay, bypassing expensive card networks. According to the report, the rise in their popularity threatens to challenge the dominance of traditional payment cards, with estimates suggesting they could offset 15-25% of future card transaction volume growth. With interchange fees and interest charges being a key profit source, financial institutions could view this as a significant risk with the potential to cost incumbents in the industry billions in lost revenue. The European Payments Initiatives Wero wallet is likely to accelerate adoption of A2A payments with a 37% reduction in card transactions predicted by 2027 across Europe. The continued surge in non-cash transactions is a watershed moment for banks and payment service providers. The data indicates an inevitable shift to a future of payments that is instant and open, said Jeroen Holscher, Global Head of Payment Services at Capgemini. The progress seen with Pix in Brazil and UPI in India has laid out a clear marker that success hinges on private-public sector collaboration. While some financial institutions may upgrade their existing payment hub or tap into shared bank infrastructure, the fact remains that consumers are demanding instantaneity, and corporates are hungry and willing to pay a premium for innovative solutions that solve real business problems. The time is now to put those foundations in place. Financial institutions unprepared for instant payments movement Two-in-three payment executives view the expansion of instant payments as vital to drive non-cash transactions. Consequently, banks need to jump on the instant payment adoption wave; however, concerns about fraud echoed by the majority of payment executives in the report deter much progress. With banks lacking robust defenses, and the potential for liquidity concerns, many opt to receive but not send instant payments. Today, based on the survey, only 25% of banks can receive instant payments and 53% are fully capable of sending and receiving them. For this report, Capgemini evaluated survey results across diverse business and technology parameters1 to understand banks preparedness for the adoption of instant payments. The report finds only 5% of banks showcase high business and technology readiness to solidify their position as instant payment adoption leaders. Notably, only 13% of European banks can claim a strong technology foundation for instant payments. This is particularly pertinent for EU banks and payment service providers (PSPs) with the October 2025 Instant Payment Regulation (IPR) deadline on the horizon, mandating all to offer full instant payment send and receive functionality. For corporate treasury executives across insurance, retail and automotive sectors, inefficiencies across accounts payable and receivable processes create a significant cash flow headache. Over 80% still use manual, paper-based processes for accounts reconciliation resulting in nearly 7% of corporate revenue being tied up within the value chain. This potentially translates to billions of dollars being stuck that could be used to fund business activities. Instant payments and open finance2 can present a new path forward for these enterprises by offering real-time cash visibility. Open finance in early stages of adoption globally A major catalyst for transformation, since the launch of the World Payments Report in 2004, has been Europes 2018 Payment Services Directive (PSD2) regulation. By pioneering open banking, it has paved the way for todays growing open finance movement. The report emphasizes how open finance empowers consumers and businesses, catalyzing the adoption of instant payments. Despite its immense potential to reshape the financial landscape, progress is currently limited due to differences in regulatory frameworks and market initiatives. Australia, Brazil, India and Singapore are some of the few countries leading initiatives to make data sharing more accessible and convenient for individuals and companies participating in an open financial system. According to the report, financial institutions are finding it challenging to fully embrace open finance due to issues with non-standardized APIs, limited control over data use, and a lack of incentives to share data with third parties. Only 17% of banks are at an advanced stage, piloting or launching open finance products, while 39% are in the planning phase, conducting impact assessments. Another 23% of banks remain hesitant as they await regulatory clarity. Report Methodology The World Payments Report 2025 draws on insights from two primary sources the global corporate survey 2024 and the global banking and payments executive surveys and interviews conducted in 2024. These primary research sources cover insights from 15 markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the UAE, the UK, and the United States. The global corporate survey questioned 600 corporate treasurers from three industries: insurance, retail, and automotive. It explored factors influencing payment disruptions, expectations from corporate banks, satisfaction levels, drivers of bank relationships, challenges in cash management, and emerging payment services such as instant payment-based use cases and real-time treasury systems. Participants also provided insights on instant payments maturity and automating accounts receivables/payables. The report also includes insights from focused interviews and surveys with over 200 senior payment executives of leading banks (tier I and tier II), financial service organizations, payment service providers, industry associations, and central banks representing all three regions: the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of 22.5 billion. Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com About the Capgemini Research Institute The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgeminis in-house think-tank on all things digital and their impact across industries. It is the publisher of Capgeminis flagship World Report Series, which has been running for over 28 years, with dedicated thought leadership on Financial Services focussing on digitalization, innovation, technology and business trends that affect banks, wealth management firms, and insurers across the globe. To find out more or to subscribe to receive reports as they launch, visit https://worldreports.capgemini.com 1 Business readiness is measured by scoring instant payment pricing strategy, partnership strategy to expand instant payments, dispute resolution mechanism, risk management framework, etc. Technology readiness is measured by scoring real-time processing capability, API integration, ISO20022 messaging standard, AI powered fraud detection, and confirmation of payee checks. The matrix is based on responses from payment executives from 15 surveyed markets: US, Canada, Brazil, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, France, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong. 2 Open finance expands on the concept of open banking to encompass all aspects of a customer's financial life, including insurance, mortgages, investments, pensions, wealth management, and lending data. It offers a holistic view that empowers consumers and businesses with personalized financial products, enhanced credit assessments, and streamlined financial management. Attachment MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today Feed Ontario is releasing a new piece of record-breaking data: over 1 million people in Ontario visited a food bank in the last year. The organization also shared that food banks in the province were visited 7.6 million times over the course of the year, which is a 134% increase from 2019-2020. This represents a continued trend in the rise of food bank visits, marking an all time high and the eighth consecutive year of growth. When we released record-breaking data last year, we thought that was the high-water mark. But food bank use has only continued to climb as more Ontarians find themselves struggling to make ends meet, said Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario. When will our governments say enough is enough and take meaningful action against food insecurity and poverty? Feed Ontarios data shows that the main drivers of food insecurity in Ontario are a result of the rapid spike in the cost of living, which many incomes have not kept up with, and a heightened economic vulnerability that is being felt throughout the province. The organization points to policy decisions like the erosion of social support programs, a failure to adequately invest in affordable housing, and the growth of precarious work as key causes of why Ontarians cant keep their head above water. Food banks cannot keep up with the unprecedented need theyre seeing, said Stewart. Across the province, we are hearing reports of long lines, empty shelves, and a growing concern that some food banks may have to close their doors. Feed Ontario reports that with this added pressure, 69% of food banks in their network are concerned about not having enough food to adequately provide support to those in need, and 53% worry about having enough funding to adequately meet the demand in their areas. Food banks primarily rely on the generosity of their communities, and with an increasing number of people struggling, there are fewer able to help food banks stay afloat with donations and support. Food banks were only ever designed to be a temporary measure. They were never meant to patch holes left in our weak social safety nets. We need to act now, Stewart said. The Province is entering its final year of the 2020-2025 Poverty Reduction Strategy and, in light of this, Feed Ontario questions why the number of people living in poverty continues to skyrocket in all regions of Ontario. The organization calls on the provincial government to develop a more robust poverty reduction strategy moving forward, to ensure those who are struggling in Ontario can access a basic standard of living. Further, Feed Ontario calls on all Ontarians to get involved. September is Hunger Action Month, a time to work to reduce poverty in your community. Feed Ontario recommends advocating for improvements to Ontarios social assistance programs, the creation of quality employment, and investments that help make the cost of living more affordable. Stewart also said she has hope for the possibility of a more food-secure Ontario: If we work together, we can build a better future where everyone in Ontario has access to the food they need. Together, we can achieve an Ontario where everyone is food secure. Key Facts 1,001,150 unique individuals visited a food bank between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, an increase of 25% over 2022-2023. Food banks were visited 7,689,580 times between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, and increase of 31% over 2022-2023, and 134% over 2019-2020. 2023-2024 is the eighth consecutive year food bank use has risen in the province. About Feed Ontario: From securing fresh and healthy food sources to driving change through policy research and innovative programming, Feed Ontario unites food banks, industry partners, and local communities in its work to end poverty and hunger. Join Feed Ontario and help build a healthier province. Every $1 raised provides the equivalent of 2 meals to an Ontarian facing hunger. Learn more at: www.feedontario.ca. For more information, please contact: Andrea Waters | Feed Ontario | andrea@feedontario.ca| 416-656-4100 x2941 OSE Immunotherapeutics Announces Global Launch of Artemia Phase 3 Registration Study for Cancer Vaccine Tedopi in Second-Line Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Trial begins in the United States, Canada, Europe and United Kingdom after successful regulatory authorizations in 14 countries. Trial in Progress presentation at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer in San Diego and at the European Society for Medical Oncology congress 2024 in Barcelona. Nantes, France September 10, 2024 7:30 am CET OSE Immunotherapeutics SA (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) today announced the launch of its international Phase 3 clinical trial named Artemia of Tedopi, the off-the-shelf neoepitope-based therapeutic cancer vaccine, in second-line treatment in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This dossier, reviewed and accepted in 14 countries by international health agencies (US FDA, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom) is a pivotal study supporting the registration of the product Tedopi, in parallel with the companion diagnostic for HLA-A2 positive patients. Artemia is an international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Tedopi monotherapy versus standard of care in HLA-A2 positive patients with metastatic NSCLC with secondary resistance* to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). The primary endpoint is overall survival. This confirmatory pivotal trial will include 363 patients, and aims at supporting the regulatory registration of Tedopi in second-line treatment of NSCLC in Europe and North America. Silvia Comis, Head of Clinical development and Regulatory affairs of OSE Immunotherapeutics, comments: We are very pleased to start the last registration development step of our cancer vaccine Tedopi in monotherapy in second-line treatment, supported by the positive and promising results from our first Phase 3 in third-line treatment in NSCLC. These results demonstrated that re-arming the immune system with vaccine in metastatic patients can extend survival and preserve quality of life in the targeted population. Nicolas Poirier, Chief Executive Officer of OSE Immunotherapeutics, said: This international registration trial is now on track, and we look forward to confirming the therapeutic benefit of Tedopi for metastatic cancer patients. Tedopi is the most advanced therapeutic cancer vaccine in clinical development and the first treatment option to address the high unmet medical need and large untapped market in advanced and metastatic second-line NSCLC. NSCLC accounts for 85% of all lung cancers** and the HLA-A2 phenotype represents about 45% of the population. Based on selection of patients after ICI failure data, the targeted population for Tedopi in second line is hence considered as rare with high unmet medical needs. Given the large use of anti-PD(L)1 and based on ICI failure data, the targeted population for Tedopi in second line could be estimated up to 46,000 patients per year in seven major markets across the US, Europe and Japan. A Trial in Progress poster, entitled Phase 3 Trial of OSE2101 Versus Docetaxel in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer & Secondary Resistance to Immunotherapy was presented by Dr Stephen Liu, associate professor and director of Thoracic Oncology at Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (Washington DC, United States), coordinating investigator for the United States and member of the Steering committee of the Artemia trial, at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (September 7-10, San Diego, CA, USA). Dr Liu said: I am excited to see the Artemia trial activated in the US. With an off-the-shelf vaccine approach, we can offer a safer and more tolerable approach than chemotherapy for patients with advanced lung cancer. By properly engaging a patients own immune system, we hope to significantly extend survival. A second Trial in Progress poster, entitled: Phase III trial of the therapeutic cancer vaccine OSE2101 versus docetaxel in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and secondary resistance to immunotherapy will also be presented by Dr Stephen Liu at the upcoming European Society for Medical Oncology congress (September 13-17, Barcelona, Spain). * Secondary resistance: after at least 12 weeks of ICI maintenance treatment without cytotoxic therapy (Task force SITC 2020 - Kluger H et al. 2020). Kluger et al. 2023 ** Bray, F et al. CA Cancer J. Clin. 2018; Sung, H et al. CA Cancer J. Clin. 2021 ABOUT OSE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS OSE Immunotherapeutics is a biotech company dedicated to developing first-in-class assets in immuno-oncology (IO) and immuno-inflammation (I&I). The Companys current well-balanced first-in-class clinical pipeline includes: Tedopi (immunotherapy activating tumor specific T-cells, off-the-shelf, neoepitope-based): most advanced therapeutic cancer vaccine in development; positive results from a randomized Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients in third-line secondary resistance after checkpoint inhibitor failure. Ongoing randomized registration Phase 3 study (Artemia) in second-line NSCLC in HLA-A2+ patients with secondary resistance. Other Phase 2 trials, sponsored by clinical oncology groups, of Tedopi in combination are ongoing in solid tumors. OSE-127 - lusvertikimab (humanized monoclonal antibody antagonist of IL-7 receptor); Positive Phase 2 (CoTikiS) study in Ulcerative Colitis; ongoing preclinical research in leukemia. OSE-279 (anti-PD1): first positive results in the ongoing Phase 1/2 in solid tumors. - lusvertikimab (humanized monoclonal antibody antagonist of IL-7 receptor); Positive Phase 2 (CoTikiS) study in Ulcerative Colitis; ongoing preclinical research in leukemia. FR-104/VEL-101 (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): developed in partnership with Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in transplantation; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsor Nantes University Hospital); successful Phase 1 in the US (sponsor Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): developed in partnership with Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in transplantation; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsor Nantes University Hospital); successful Phase 1 in the US (sponsor Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Anti-SIRP monoclonal antibody developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors and cardiovascular-renal-metabolic diseases (CRM); positive Phase 1 dose escalation results in monotherapy and in combination; Phase 2 in CRM diseases planned to be initiated end of 2024. developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors and cardiovascular-renal-metabolic diseases (CRM); positive Phase 1 dose escalation results in monotherapy and in combination; Phase 2 in CRM diseases planned to be initiated end of 2024. ABBV-230 (ChemR23 agonist mAb) developed in partnership with AbbVie in chronic inflammation. OSE Immunotherapeutics expects to generate further significant value from its three proprietary drug discovery platforms, which are central to its ambitious goal to deliver next-generation first-in-class immunotherapies: Pro-resolutive mAb platform focused on targeting and advancing inflammation resolution and optimizing the therapeutic potential of targeting Neutrophils and Macrophages in I&I. ABBV-230 (licensed to AbbVie) is the first candidate generated by the platform, additional discovery programs ongoing on new pro-resolutive GPCRs. focused on targeting and advancing inflammation resolution and optimizing the therapeutic potential of targeting Neutrophils and Macrophages in I&I. (licensed to AbbVie) is the first candidate generated by the platform, additional discovery programs ongoing on new pro-resolutive GPCRs. Myeloid Checkpoint platform focused on optimizing the therapeutic potential of myeloid cells in IO by targeting immune regulatory receptors expressed by Macrophages and Dendritic cells. BI 765063 and BI 770371 (licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim) are the most advanced candidates generated by the platform. Ongoing additional discovery programs, in particular with positive preclinical results obtained in monotherapy with new anti- CLEC-1 mAbs. focused on optimizing the therapeutic potential of myeloid cells in IO by targeting immune regulatory receptors expressed by Macrophages and Dendritic cells. and (licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim) are the most advanced candidates generated by the platform. Ongoing additional discovery programs, in particular with positive preclinical results obtained in monotherapy with new anti- mAbs. BiCKI Platform is a bifunctional fusion protein platform built on the key backbone component of anti-PD1 combined with a new immunotherapy target to increase anti-tumor efficacy by cis-potentiating tumor-specific T cells. A first program has been acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim. is a bifunctional fusion protein platform built on the key backbone component of anti-PD1 combined with a new immunotherapy target to increase anti-tumor efficacy by cis-potentiating tumor-specific T cells. A first program has been acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim. mRNA Therapeutic platform allows local delivery into the inflammatory site of innovative immunotherapies encoded by RNA to locally controls and/or suppress immune responses and inflammation. Additional information about OSE Immunotherapeutics assets is available on the Companys website: www.ose-immuno.com Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contacts OSE Immunotherapeutics Sylvie Detry sylvie.detry@ose-immuno.com Nicolas Poirier Chief Executive Officer nicolas.poirier@ose-immuno.com French Media: FP2COM Florence Portejoie fportejoie@fp2com.fr +33 6 07 768 283 U.S. Media Contact RooneyPartners LLC Kate Barrette kbarrette@rooneypartners.com +1 212 223 0561 Forward-looking statements This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as expect, anticipate, believe, target, plan, or estimate, their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 30, 2024, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2023, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or WRLG or the Company) (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to report drill results from its 100% owned Madsen Mine located in the Red Lake Gold District of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The drill results featured in this news release are focused on the high-grade Austin Zone. The Austin Zone currently contains an Indicated mineral resource of 914,200 ounces (oz) grading 6.9 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), with an additional Inferred resource of 104,900 oz grading 6.5 g/t Au. The purpose of this drilling was definition within priority areas of Austin to continue building an inventory of high-confidence ounces to support the restart of production at the Madsen mine, which is expected to commence in H2 2025. The Company expects to complete a pre-feasibility study in support of that restart goal in the coming months. AUSTIN ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Hole MM24D-12-4791-020 Intersected 4m @ 54.19 g/t Au , from 32m to 36m, Including 1m @ 215.61 g/t Au , from 33m to 34m. Intersected , from 32m to 36m, Including , from 33m to 34m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-026 Intersected 3.53m @ 23.73 g/t Au , from 27.50m to 31.03m, Including 1m @ 79.81 g/t Au , from 30.03m to 31.03m. Intersected , from 27.50m to 31.03m, Including , from 30.03m to 31.03m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-023 Intersected 3m @ 24.49 g/t Au , from 32m to 35m, Including 1m @ 71.02 g/t Au , from 33m to 34m; AND Intersected , from 32m to 35m, Including , from 33m to 34m; AND Hole MM24D-12-4791-041 Intersected 6m @ 11.65 g/t Au , from 35m to 41m, Including 1m @ 10.86 g/t Au , from 36m to 37m, Also including 1.05m @ 47.27 g/t Au , from 39.95m to 41.00m. Intersected , from 35m to 41m, Including , from 36m to 37m, Also including , from 39.95m to 41.00m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-035 Intersected 3.2m @ 15.84 g/t Au , from 38.8m to 42.0m, Including 2m @ 24.32 g/t Au , from 39.4m to 41.4m. Intersected , from 38.8m to 42.0m, Including , from 39.4m to 41.4m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-002 Intersected 4.8m @ 9.95 g/t Au , from 26.2m to 31.0m, Including 0.87m @ 10.47 g/t Au , from 26.20m to 27.07m, Also including 0.52m @ 43.08 g/t Au , from 29.82m to 30.34m. Intersected , from 26.2m to 31.0m, Including , from 26.20m to 27.07m, Also including , from 29.82m to 30.34m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-023 also Intersected 3.15m @ 15.06 g/t Au, from 20.35m to 23.50m, Including 0.88m @ 22.62 g/t Au, from 21.12m to 22.00m, Also including 0.98m @ 20.20 g/t Au, from 22.52m to 23.50m. Shane Williams, President & CEO, stated, The deeper portions of the Austin Zone are continuing to return very positive results as we advance the infill drilling programs and increase our confidence in these areas of the mine. Due to limited underground development, the two previous operators were only able to access portions of the Madsen deposit down to around 9 level. We are very excited to continue accessing deeper portions of the deposit which were historically mined during a period when gold was only valued at $20-40 per ounce. This resulted in very selective mining practices targeting just the core of the system that left behind a lot of mineralization that would be considered high grade by current standards. With gold prices now in excess of US $2,500/oz we are taking full advantage of that remnant material and see a lot of upside at depth in Madsen. Plan maps and section for the Austin drilling outlined in this release are provided in Figures 1 through 10. To see these drill holes in the context of a 3-dimensional model of the Madsen project mineral resource, click here. https://vrify.com/decks/16834?auth=fa5e3754-1ad2-440b-b5cc-fcfee08d8175 TABLE 1. Significant intercepts (>3 g/t Au) from drilling at Austin Zone. Hole ID Target From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au (g/t) MM24D-12-4791-001 Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM24D-12-4791-002 Austin 26.20 31.00 4.80 9.95 Incl. 26.20 27.07 0.87 10.47 Also Incl. 29.82 30.34 0.52 43.08 AND Austin 37.50 40.00 2.50 3.65 MM24D-12-4791-003 Austin 24.34 29.50 5.16 5.65 Incl. 28.00 28.83 0.83 17.54 AND Austin 35.18 38.00 2.82 4.73 MM24D-12-4791-004 Austin 22.29 23.29 1.00 4.43 AND Austin 24.93 25.71 0.78 3.41 AND Austin 26.50 27.50 1.00 4.82 MM24D-12-4791-005 Austin 26.00 30.00 4.00 4.45 AND Austin 33.00 34.00 1.00 3.06 AND Austin 38.19 39.19 1.00 10.70 MM24D-12-4791-006 Austin 23.58 24.10 0.52 3.28 AND Austin 26.10 26.63 0.53 9.66 AND Austin 30.64 31.50 0.86 4.56 MM24D-12-4791-007 Austin 27.70 28.50 0.80 5.37 MM24D-12-4791-008 Austin 43.07 46.00 2.93 8.44 Incl. 44.00 45.00 1.00 18.13 AND Austin 51.00 51.80 0.80 6.74 MM24D-12-4791-009 Austin 20.58 22.06 1.48 3.98 AND Austin 25.00 28.65 3.65 5.74 Incl. 27.25 28.00 0.75 20.02 MM24D-12-4791-010 Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM24D-12-4791-011 Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM24D-12-4791-012 Austin 23.82 24.50 0.68 5.48 MM24D-12-4791-013 Austin 44.55 46.50 1.95 4.91 MM24D-12-4791-014 Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM24D-12-4791-015 Austin 20.68 22.00 1.32 3.72 MM24D-12-4791-016 Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM24D-12-4791-017 Austin 18.45 22.00 3.55 5.83 MM24D-12-4791-018 Austin 23.10 29.00 5.90 3.62 MM24D-12-4791-019 Austin 21.82 24.00 2.18 9.15 Incl. 21.82 23.00 1.18 15.80 MM24D-12-4791-020 Austin 20.00 22.92 2.92 7.70 Incl. 21.46 21.96 0.50 40.74 AND Austin 32.00 36.00 4.00 54.19 Incl. 33.00 34.00 1.00 215.61 MM24D-12-4791-021 Austin 30.00 33.22 3.22 7.92 Incl. Austin 30.00 30.50 0.50 21.38 AND Austin 35.00 37.50 2.50 3.47 MM24D-12-4791-022 Austin 26.00 28.70 2.70 5.13 Incl. 27.43 28.00 0.57 15.04 MM24D-12-4791-023 Austin 20.35 23.50 3.15 15.06 Incl. 21.12 22.00 0.88 22.62 Also Incl. 22.52 23.50 0.98 20.20 AND Austin 32.00 35.00 3.00 24.49 Incl. 33.00 34.00 1.00 71.02 MM24D-12-4791-024 Austin 48.80 51.00 2.20 8.01 Incl. 49.77 50.50 0.73 20.54 MM24D-12-4791-025 Austin 41.75 45.25 3.50 8.70 Incl. 43.25 44.25 1.00 18.82 AND Austin 48.00 49.00 1.00 3.02 MM24D-12-4791-026 Austin 27.50 31.03 3.53 23.73 Incl. 30.03 31.03 1.00 79.81 MM24D-12-4791-027 Austin 30.50 36.30 5.80 5.51 Incl. 34.30 35.30 1.00 15.58 MM24D-12-4791-028 Austin 36.72 41.98 5.26 5.76 Incl. 40.45 41.98 1.53 10.87 AND Austin 45.00 48.00 3.00 4.30 MM24D-12-4791-029 Austin 28.00 30.75 2.75 7.81 Incl. 29.00 30.00 1.00 14.39 AND Austin 33.00 34.30 1.30 6.90 MM24D-12-4791-030 Austin No Assays > 3 g/t Au MM24D-12-4791-031 Austin 30.18 34.04 3.86 3.99 MM24D-12-4791-032 Austin 41.95 44.00 2.05 3.99 MM24D-12-4791-033 Austin 33.65 34.30 0.65 12.67 MM24D-12-4791-034 Austin 32.00 33.04 1.04 4.24 AND Austin 35.60 38.00 2.40 11.36 Incl. 35.60 36.31 0.71 37.75 MM24D-12-4791-035 Austin 38.80 42.00 3.20 15.84 Incl. 39.40 41.40 2.00 24.32 AND Austin 44.00 46.00 2.00 3.54 MM24D-12-4791-036 Austin 27.00 34.00 7.00 3.76 MM24D-12-4791-037 Austin 30.00 33.47 3.47 3.82 MM24D-12-4791-038 Austin 36.60 38.00 1.40 5.90 MM24D-12-4791-039 Austin 37.15 40.75 3.60 4.68 MM24D-12-4791-040 Austin 36.30 38.50 2.20 5.89 Incl. 36.30 37.00 0.70 14.55 AND Austin 44.70 45.20 0.50 3.58 MM24D-12-4791-041 Austin 35.00 41.00 6.00 11.65 Incl. 36.00 37.00 1.00 10.86 Also Incl. 39.95 41.00 1.05 47.27 *The From-To intervals in Table 1 are denoting overall downhole length of the intercept. True thickness has not been calculated for these intercepts but is expected to be 70% of downhole thickness based on intercept angles observed in the drill core. Internal dilution for composite intervals does not exceed 1m for samples grading <0.1 g/t Au. TABLE 2: Drill collar summary for holes reported in this News Release. Hole ID Target Easting Northing Elev (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip MM24D-12-4791-001 Austin 435847 5646644 -147 50.6 86 -25 MM24D-12-4791-002 Austin 435847 5646645 -145 83.0 64 27 MM24D-12-4791-003 Austin 435847 5646645 -144 88.8 66 35 MM24D-12-4791-004 Austin 435847 5646645 -145 81.0 73 30 MM24D-12-4791-005 Austin 435847 5646645 -144 95.1 76 40 MM24D-12-4791-006 Austin 435848 5646644 -146 75.2 83 10 MM24D-12-4791-007 Austin 435847 5646643 -146 111.0 93 10 MM24D-12-4791-008 Austin 435847 5646643 -147 100.3 96 -32 MM24D-12-4791-009 Austin 435847 5646643 -144 105.0 98 32 MM24D-12-4791-010 Austin 435847 5646643 -146 102.3 103 10 MM24D-12-4791-011 Austin 435847 5646643 -145 111.0 104 22 MM24D-12-4791-012 Austin 435847 5646643 -144 81.0 105 42 MM24D-12-4791-013 Austin 435847 5646643 -147 90.0 105 -32 MM24D-12-4791-014 Austin 435846 5646643 -147 75.0 113 -32 MM24D-12-4791-015 Austin 435846 5646643 -145 57.0 117 20 MM24D-12-4791-016 Austin 435846 5646643 -144 66.0 120 40 MM24D-12-4791-017 Austin 435846 5646642 -145 60.0 125 29 MM24D-12-4791-018 Austin 435846 5646642 -146 90.0 127 8 MM24D-12-4791-019 Austin 435846 5646642 -145 63.0 130 19 MM24D-12-4791-020 Austin 435846 5646642 -144 72.0 132 37 MM24D-12-4791-021 Austin 435846 5646642 -146 78.0 136 -7 MM24D-12-4791-022 Austin 435846 5646642 -146 84.0 137 7 MM24D-12-4791-023 Austin 435846 5646642 -145 66.0 137 27 MM24D-12-4791-024 Austin 435845 5646642 -147 72.0 140 -28 MM24D-12-4791-025 Austin 435845 5646641 -147 66.0 139 -22 MM24D-12-4791-026 Austin 435845 5646641 -145 63.0 141 17 MM24D-12-4791-027 Austin 435845 5646641 -146 75.0 144 -5 MM24D-12-4791-028 Austin 435845 5646641 -147 66.0 144 -13 MM24D-12-4791-029 Austin 435845 5646641 -146 63.0 146 8 MM24D-12-4791-030 Austin 435845 5646641 -145 75.0 148 25 MM24D-12-4791-031 Austin 435845 5646641 -146 75.0 149 1 MM24D-12-4791-032 Austin 435845 5646641 -147 85.0 150 -15 MM24D-12-4791-033 Austin 435844 5646641 -145 72.0 151 16 MM24D-12-4791-034 Austin 435844 5646641 -146 66.0 153 8 MM24D-12-4791-035 Austin 435844 5646641 -146 69.0 154 -6 MM24D-12-4791-036 Austin 435844 5646641 -145 63.0 155 32 MM24D-12-4791-037 Austin 435844 5646641 -145 72.0 158 23 MM24D-12-4791-038 Austin 435844 5646641 -146 85.0 159 5 MM24D-12-4791-039 Austin 435844 5646640 -145 63.0 166 14 MM24D-12-4791-040 Austin 435844 5646640 -145 75.0 170 19 MM24D-12-4791-041 Austin 435844 5646641 -145 63.0 170 26 DISCUSSION The Austin zone is accessed through the Madsen Mine West Portal. Like the other mineralized domains that comprise the Madsen Mine, the Austin structures are hosted within broad, kilometer-scale planar alteration and deformation corridors that have been repeatedly reactivated during gold mineralization and subsequent deformation and metamorphism. At the deposit scale the Austin, South Austin, North Austin, and McVeigh Zones are locally folded and structurally dismembered by transposition and rotation into the penetrative S2 Foliation. In addition to this intense deformation overprint, the mineralized veins and alteration have been subjected to the relatively high temperatures of amphibolite facies metamorphism, which led to extensive recrystallization and growth of the skarn-like replacement mineral assemblage of diopside-amphibole-quartz-biotite. All significant gold mineralization on the mine property is demonstrably early relative to the most significant, penetrative deformation (D2) and metamorphic events. The North Austin Zone displays mine-style alteration and mineralization and consists of multiple mineralized domains defined over a strike length of 0.5km. Mineralization remains open at depth and along strike to the northeast. In drill core, or at underground face exposures, gold-bearing zones at the Madsen Mine are best identified visually by fine (sub-millimetre) grains of free gold within strong alteration and veining. All high-grade intervals generally contain visible gold on drill core exteriors, although numerous examples exist of high-grade assays where visible gold was only identified within the interior (cut surface) of the core samples. Apart from the presence of free gold, pervasive silicification (locally accompanied by discrete quartz veining) and quartz-carbonate or diopside veining are the best indicators that a given interval is within a high-grade zone along/within the mineralized structure. The current underground drilling program at the Madsen Mine is focused on further definition of near-term mining inventory, as well as growth of the current mineral resource. Drilling has been focused on the more continuous and higher-grade portions of the Austin, South Austin, North Austin and McVeigh Zones. This will continue to be the strategy through 2024. High resolution versions of all the figures contained in this press release can be found at the following web address: https://westredlakegold.com/september-10th-news-release-maps/ FIGURE 1. Madsen Mine long section showing location of 12-4791 Drill Bay in Austin Zone.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 2. Austin plan view drill section showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-001 through -041.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 3. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-039 through -041.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 4. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-034 through -038.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 5. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-029 through -033.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 6. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-023 through -028.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 7. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-019 through -022.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 8. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-015 through -018.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 9. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-07 through -09 and -012 and -013.[1] Holes -008 and -013 broke into historic stopes. [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 10. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM24D-12-4791-002 through -005.[1] [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL Drilling completed underground at the Madsen Mine consists of BQ-sized diamond drill core for definition drill programs and oriented NQ-sized diamond drill core for exploration focused drilling. All drill holes are systematically logged, photographed, and sampled by a trained geologist at the Madsen Mine core processing facility. Minimum allowable sample length is 0.5m. Maximum allowable sample length is 1.5m. Control samples (certified standards and uncertified blanks), along duplicates, are inserted at a target 5% insertion rate. Results are assessed for accuracy, precision, and contamination on an ongoing basis. The BQ-sized drill core is whole core sampled. The NQ-sized drill core is then cut lengthwise utilizing a diamond blade core saw along a line pre-selected by the geologist. To reduce sampling bias, the same side of drill core is sampled consistently utilizing the orientation line as reference. For those samples containing visible gold (VG), a trained geologist supervises the cutting/bagging of those samples, and ensures the core saw blade is cleaned with a dressing stone following the VG sample interval. Bagged samples are then sealed with zip ties and transported by Madsen Mine personnel directly to SGS Natural Resources Facility in Red Lake, Ontario for assay. Samples are then prepped by SGS, which consists of drying at 105C and crushing to 75% passing 2mm. A riffle splitter is then utilized to produce a 500g course reject for archive. The remainder of the sample is then pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns from which 50g is analyzed by fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish (SGS Code GO-FAA50V10). Samples returning gold values > 100 g/t Au are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50g sample (SGS Code GO_FAG50V). Samples with visible gold are also analyzed via metallic screen analysis (SGS code: GO_FAS50M). For multi-element analysis, samples are sent to SGSs facility in Burnaby, British Columbia and analyzed via four-acid digest with an atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish for 33-element analysis on 0.25g sample pulps (SGS code: GE_ICP40Q12). SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operates under a Quality Management System that complies with ISO/IEC 17025. The Madsen Mine deposit presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) Indicated resource of 1.65 million ounces (Moz) of gold grading 7.4 g/t Au and an Inferred resource of 0.37 Moz of gold grading 6.3 g/t Au. Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Please refer to the technical report entitled Independent NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the PureGold Mine, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated June 16, 2023, and amended April 24, 2024 (the Madsen Report). The Madsen Resource Estimate has an effective date of December 31, 2021 and excludes depletion of mining activity during the period from January 1, 2022 to the mine closure on October 24, 2022 as it has been deemed immaterial and not relevant for the purpose of the Madsen Report. A full copy of the Madsen Report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the worlds richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. Shane Williams Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gwen Preston Tel: (604) 609-6132 Email: investors@wrgold.com or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as anticipate, expect, estimate, forecast, planned, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to plans for the potential restart of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential of the Madsen Mine; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; timing of pre-feasibility study and the Companys future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Companys business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the year ended November 30, 2023, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended November 30, 2023, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects managements current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b4dd582-74c8-4d88-a201-1d0a212ad5c4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d6e06cff-73a1-434b-bd3f-15ecb76f54f3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58dc2983-1d51-4bc8-a201-a2c6283e1038 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5d2a0b27-a5b6-49d5-9c59-facfaac9e382 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa4e2452-7263-4f86-a7e9-d9c7a5323df5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5646ce67-0903-49a1-b10d-370e6c6f8258 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37f2ea87-c304-4107-b8f3-0c9480d4ae48 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44dfaba2-c095-4507-abe0-7f9ef6071de9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0ba2302-d35f-4dfb-973e-429191f5ae4c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73de5394-4e14-44dc-bc0c-2d2fa61e50af VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If the B.C. provincial government continues with its current fiscal plans, it will become the third-most indebted province in the country by 2029/30, finds a new study published today by the Fraser Institute. In less than a decade, British Columbia has gone from having one of the countrys best fiscal records to one of the worst and this stunning turnaround will have serious implications for future taxpayers, said Ben Eisen, a Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-author of British Columbias Descent into Debt. This study examines how this trend could affect British Columbias standing amongst other provinces for future government debt, and finds that since the provincial election in 2017, the B.C. government has substantially increased spending and overseen a rapid expansion in government debt. Nominal net debt was just $39.4 billion in 2016/17 and is now forecast to reach $226.8 billion by the end of the decade. In 2016/17, British Columbia had the second-lowest level of net debt per person in the country, behind only Alberta, at just $8,109. But following substantial increases in spending that began in 2017/18, the governments current fiscal trajectory is forecasted to see debt-per-person reach $36,909 in 2029/30a staggering $28,800 in additional debt per British Columbian. The provinces debt, relative to the size of the provinces economy, was 14.9 per cent in 2016/17 and the third-lowest in Canada. By 2029/30, B.C.s debt-to-GDP is expected to reach 40.4 per cent. In less than 15 years, the provincial government is planning to increase the provinces debt, relative to the size of the economy, by almost three times, explained Eisen. In fact, by 2029/30, British Columbias debt, both per person and as a share of the economy, will be higher than Quebec, Ontario and all three Maritime provinces. The deterioration in the health of BCs finances has been stunning. A decade ago, the idea that the provinces debt level could eclipse debt levels in the Maritimes, Ontario, and Quebec would have been difficult to believe, Eisen said. As the data clearly show, however, this is exactly where the province is heading. MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Eisen, Senior Fellow Fraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact: Drue MacPherson, Fraser Institute (604) 688-0221 ext. 721 drue.macpherson@fraserinstitute.org Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook Dublin, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Market Report, Forecast by Types, Treatment Types, Distribution Channels, Countries and Company Analysis, 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Market has been valued at US$ 13.25 in 2023, it is estimated that the market worth's US$ 17. 22 billion by 2032 and the market is growing at the CAGR of 2. 96% from 2024-2032. Factors contributing to this expansion include an increase in cigarette use among youths, which has inadvertently raised awareness of the relative benefits of consuming generic drugs. Additionally, globalization, rising literacy levels, healthcare reforms, and policies in third-world countries that encourage and increase spending on healthcare have also played significant roles in driving this growth. The rise in the cases of COPD globally provides a key stimulant for the development of the industry. Some of the causes for this increase are population aging, high smoking prevalence in many areas of the world, and gradually increasing air pollution, especially in the developing countries. Increasingly, people are getting to know about COPD thus seek diagnosis hence many more patients will need to be attended to and treated. The World Health Organisation has predicted that COPD is likely to rise from being the fourth leading cause of death to the third by the year 2030. This increasing burden of disease has resulted to increased need for COPD special health care services, drugs and equipment. Thus, the pharma companies, the manufacturers of medical devices, and patients' care organizations increase their COPD portfolio, which drives the overall industry development and merges new approaches to COPD management. Advancements in Diagnostic Technologies and Treatments: Development of technological advancement is one of the key factors enhancing the growth of the COPD diagnosis and treatment industry. Enhancement in spirometry gadgets, portable pulmonary function, and imaging work up and features help to improve both early diagnosis and accuracy of COPD. In the treatment area, the identification of new bronchodilators, combination drugs, and targeted biological therapies is adding to the armoury of remedies for COPD patients. Advancements in drug delivery systems like smart inhalers which have monitoring features increase the chances of taking medication properly and increase their effectiveness. Also, as for the future, new prospective areas of COPD treatment include regenerative medicine and gene therapy. Such innovations have enhanced the quality of COPD treatment and opened new business prospects for companies dealing with the COPD care hence investing in such structures in the industry. Increasing Focus on Personalized Medicine and Digital Health: Current trends in the COPD industry reveal that the use of personalized medicine and digital health technologies is leading to growth in the industry. It is clear that genomics and biomarker research is helping several therapies to be tailored according to local characters and disease types. This approach results in the generation of targeted treatments and identification of diagnostic methods in the COPD market, resulting in expansion in types of products and services. At the same time, the use of digital health solutions such as RMP, mHealth, and predictive analytics helps COPD's management change. These technologies can thus help monitor ailments, prevent their development and, treat patients individually. The union of services that allow accommodation of individualized genomics or pharmacogenomics as well as services that back up the evolution of digital health is proving to be the gold mine of the traditional healthcare and technology investors regarding COPD industry. Asia Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Market Overview The market for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Asia is currently rapidly increasing for several reasons. Population demographics and growth, coming together with increased rates of urbanization, and air pollution rates are also on the rise adding to the increased prevalence of COPD in the region. These are especially obvious since high-smoking countries such as China or India witness a consistent increase in COPD prevalence and as much as 90% of people in these nations suffer from inadequate air quality. This market is known for rising concern, enhanced diagnostic profile, and enhanced access to treatment. National and regional healthcare bodies are planning and emplacing COPD care strategies and tobacco control campaigns. The sector is experiencing development of new forms of COPD therapies as well as conventional ones that include long-acting bronchodilators and combination therapies. Despite these successes, the issues like late diagnosis, even in some rural settings, and inability to afford treatment remains a challenge. Nevertheless, the Asian COPD market is predicted to remain on the upgrade due to increase in technological developments in diagnosis and treatment techniques coupled with increase in expenditure to healthcare and an ageing population who are prone to COPD diseases. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Market News In April 2024, A report on the results of the Phase 2a COURSE trial for TEZSPIRE (tezepelumab-ekko) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was issued by Amgen. Tezelumab was found to statistically lower the annualized rate of moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations by 17%. In March 2024, in head-to-head research using a human tissue model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Ltd. reported new, encouraging translational evidence that supports eblasakimab's potential as a biologic therapy for COPD. The study pitted eblasakimab against dupilumab. In February 2024, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi declared that the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Dupixent (dupilumab) in a sixth potential indication as an add-on maintenance treatment in specific adult patients with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had been accepted for Priority Review by the US FDA. In September 2024, Verona Pharma plc said that the company's New Drug Application (NDA) for ensifentrine, which seeks clearance for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, has been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Company Analysis: Overview, Recent Developments & Strategies, Product Portfolio, Product Launches in Last 1 Year, Revenue AstraZeneca Pfizer, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc. Novartis AG Astellas Pharma Inc. Abbott Laboratories Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH Almirall Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $13.25 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $17.22 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.9% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Global Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Market 6. Market Share 6.1 By Type 6.2 By Treatment 6.3 By Distribution Channels 6.4 By Countries 7. By Types 7.1 Chronic Bronchitis 7.2 Emphysema 8. By Treatment Types 8.1 Drugs 8.2 Oxygen Therapy 8.3 Surgery 8.4 Others 9. By Distribution Channels 9.1 Hospital Pharmacies 9.2 Retail Pharmacies 9.3 Online Pharmacies 10. Countries 10.1 North America 10.1.1 United States 10.1.2 Canada 10.2 Europe 10.2.1 France 10.2.2 Germany 10.2.3 Italy 10.2.4 Spain 10.2.5 United Kingdom 10.2.6 Belgium 10.2.7 Netherlands 10.2.8 Turkey 10.3 Asia Pacific 10.3.1 China 10.3.2 Japan 10.3.3 India 10.3.4 Australia 10.3.5 South Korea 10.3.6 Thailand 10.3.7 Malaysia 10.3.8 Indonesia 10.3.9 New Zealand 10.4 Latin America 10.4.1 Brazil 10.4.2 Mexico 10.4.3 Argentina 10.5 Middle East & Africa 10.5.1 South Africa 10.5.2 Saudi Arabia 10.5.3 United Arab Emirates 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Competition 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12. SWOT Analysis 12.1 Strength 12.2 Weakness 12.3 Opportunity 12.4 Threats For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o4pecy About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Personal Emergency Response Systems Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Personal Emergency Response Systems Market was valued at USD 14.96 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.09% through 2029. Technological advancements, particularly in the realm of Internet of Things (IoT), significantly contribute to the growth of the Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) market. The integration of advanced technologies, including sensors, GPS tracking, and communication devices, enhances the capabilities of PERS. Wearable devices, smart home integration, and mobile applications further expand the reach and functionality of PERS, making them more effective and appealing to a broader audience. The continuous evolution of technology opens doors for innovation within the PERS industry. Aging Population and Increased Healthcare Needs The Global Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) market is significantly driven by the worldwide demographic shift towards an aging population. As life expectancy increases and birth rates decline, there is a growing proportion of elderly individuals who require personalized healthcare solutions. The elderly often face health challenges and are more prone to accidents or emergencies, necessitating the adoption of Personal Emergency Response Systems. With the aging demographic, there is an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and age-related conditions, such as falls and cardiovascular issues. PERS plays a crucial role in providing immediate assistance in case of emergencies, offering peace of mind to both the elderly and their families. As the global population continues to age, the demand for efficient and responsive personal emergency systems is expected to rise, driving the growth of the PERS market. The integration of advanced technologies, such as fall detection sensors and health monitoring features, into PERS devices enhances their appeal among the elderly population. These innovations contribute to the overall well-being of seniors by providing real-time health data to healthcare professionals and caregivers, fostering a proactive approach to healthcare management. Technological Advancements and IoT Integration The rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the realm of Internet of Things (IoT), are driving the evolution of Personal Emergency Response Systems. Modern PERS devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, incorporating features such as GPS tracking, two-way communication, and smart sensors. These technological enhancements not only improve the efficacy of emergency response but also enhance the overall user experience. Integration with IoT allows seamless communication between PERS devices and other smart home or healthcare devices, creating a comprehensive ecosystem. For instance, a PERS device can automatically alert emergency services and designated contacts in the event of a fall, ensuring swift response times. The ability of these systems to provide real-time data and connectivity significantly contributes to the market's growth. As technology continues to advance, the potential for further innovation in PERS is vast. Wearable devices, mobile applications, and voice-activated features are among the emerging trends that are expected to shape the future of Personal Emergency Response Systems, making them more accessible and user-friendly. Increasing Awareness and Acceptance of PERS A key driver for the growth of the Global Personal Emergency Response Systems market is the increasing awareness and acceptance of these systems among consumers. As information about the benefits of PERS becomes more widely available, individuals and families are recognizing the value of having a reliable emergency response solution in place. The rising awareness is often fueled by various factors, including media coverage of emergency situations where PERS played a pivotal role, testimonials from satisfied users, and educational initiatives by healthcare organizations. Additionally, the proactive efforts of PERS manufacturers to highlight the benefits of their products contribute to the growing acceptance of these systems. With a greater understanding of the capabilities of PERS in providing immediate assistance during emergencies, consumers are more inclined to invest in these devices for themselves or their loved ones. The shift towards a preventive approach to healthcare and safety further propels the adoption of PERS, as individuals seek proactive measures to address potential emergencies before they escalate. The aging population, technological advancements, and increasing awareness are three crucial drivers propelling the growth of the Global Personal Emergency Response Systems market. These factors collectively contribute to the market's expansion as PERS becomes an integral part of healthcare and safety strategies worldwide. Key Market Trends Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in PERS One notable trend shaping the Global Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) market is the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. As advancements in AI continue to evolve, PERS manufacturers are leveraging these capabilities to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of their systems. AI-powered algorithms play a crucial role in areas such as fall detection, predictive analytics, and behavior analysis. For instance, fall detection algorithms can differentiate between normal activities and potential emergencies, triggering timely alerts to caregivers or emergency services when needed. Machine Learning algorithms, through continuous data analysis, can adapt and improve the accuracy of these systems over time, customizing responses based on individual user patterns and health conditions. The integration of AI and ML not only improves the accuracy of emergency detection but also contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of Personal Emergency Response Systems. These technologies enable PERS devices to evolve from reactive systems to proactive health management tools, providing users with valuable insights into their well-being and potential risks. As AI and ML technologies continue to mature, we can expect further innovations in PERS, including more sophisticated predictive analytics, personalized health monitoring, and adaptive response mechanisms. The trend towards intelligent PERS systems aligns with the broader industry shift towards smart healthcare solutions, offering users a comprehensive and proactive approach to emergency response and health management. Wearable and Discreet PERS Devices Another prominent trend in the Global Personal Emergency Response Systems market is the increasing popularity of wearable and discreet devices. Traditional PERS devices were often bulky and conspicuous, which could be a deterrent for some users, especially those who prioritize aesthetics and comfort. In response to this, manufacturers are now focusing on developing wearable PERS devices that seamlessly integrate into users' daily lives. Wearable PERS devices, such as smartwatches or discreet pendants, offer a more inconspicuous and user-friendly alternative to traditional systems. These devices often come equipped with multiple features, including fall detection, GPS tracking, and two-way communication, while maintaining a sleek and stylish design. The emphasis on aesthetics and comfort encourages wider adoption, especially among younger demographics and those who may have been hesitant to use traditional PERS devices. The trend towards wearables aligns with the broader consumer demand for integrated and multifunctional devices. By incorporating PERS features into everyday wearables, users can benefit from emergency response capabilities without feeling stigmatized by the visible presence of a traditional emergency button. This trend not only expands the market reach but also contributes to the normalization of personal emergency response solutions as essential components of overall well-being. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovation in wearable PERS devices, offering users more choices and customization options to meet their individual preferences and lifestyles. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 181 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $14.96 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $22.77 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Global Report Scope: In this report, the Global Personal Emergency Response Systems Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below: Personal Emergency Response Systems Market, By Product Type: Landline - Based PERS Mobile - Based PERS Standalone PERS Personal Emergency Response Systems Market, By Component: Hardware Software & Services Personal Emergency Response Systems Market, By End-User: Home Healthcare Assisted Living Facilities Key Market Players Cisco Systems Philips International Robert Bosch LifeWatch Honeywell International AlertONE Service ADT Inc. Tunstall Healthcare Group LifeFone Medical Guardian For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/763kta About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Lifera, a biopharma company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched in 2023, is scaling up its subsidiary Lifera Omics and developing a team of leading Saudi and global talent to fulfil its mission Lifera Omics aims to elevate Saudi Arabias role in multiomics globally RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifera Omics, a subsidiary of Lifera that was launched in January 2024, announced the appointment of renowned Saudi human geneticist, Prof. Fowzan Sami Alkuraya, as its Chief Medical and Genomics Officer, who will be also added to the Board of Lifera Omics. Prof. Alkurayas deep experience in human genomics built over 17 years will contribute significantly in enabling Lifera Omics objectives. Prof. Alkuraya, a former Chairman of Translational Genomics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh and current Professor of Human Genetics at Alfaisal University, has significantly contributed to the field of genomics, through over 590 scientific publications in prestigious international journals and as a frequent speaker at international scientific conferences on genomic medicine and precision health. Prof. Alkuraya garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the William King Wilson Prize in Genetics from Harvard Medical School, the King Salman Award for Disability Research, and the Curt Stern Award from the American Society of Human Genetics the first non-US based recipient of this honor. He also won Kwiat Prize for Basic Medical Science Subject Area and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences. Prof. Alkuraya was granted his post graduate board certification from Harvard University, in addition to several other board certifications. His contributions to human genetics have been instrumental in elucidating the physiological and structural roles of hundreds of genes, resulting in the diagnosis of many genetic disorders. His discoveries have significantly advanced the understanding of the intricate relationship between human genes and health. "We are delighted to welcome such a trusted and respected leader to the Lifera Omics Executive Leadership team," said Dr. Ibrahim Juffali, Chairman of Lifera. "Dr. Fowzans deep clinical and scientific expertise will be instrumental in helping Lifera achieve its mission to improve Saudi Arabias biopharma resilience and to enable the National Biotech Strategy." About Lifera Lifera is a biopharma contract and development manufacturing organization (CDMO) wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched in 2023 based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Liferas mission is to improve Saudi Arabias biopharma resilience and enable the National Biotech Strategy. Liferas goal is to commercialize, develop and manufacture advanced therapeutics and other life-saving and essential medicines and vaccines. In January 2023, Lifera completed a majority stake investment in SaudiBio, a brownfield biologics drug product manufacturing plant in Riyadh. Lifera is currently upgrading this plant to be commissioned in 2026 to global standards to contract manufacture insulins, biosimilars and other biologics for leading global pharmaceutical companies serving the KSA and regional markets. Lifera is in the process of developing additional biomanufacturing capacity and through its subsidiary Lifera Omics, further enables Liferas customers to develop and commercialize advanced therapeutics. About Lifera Omics Lifera Omics, a subsidiary of Lifera, was established in January 2024 to develop at-scale multiomic dry and wet lab capacity to the highest global standards and to help enable the genomics goals of Saudi Arabias National Biotech Strategy. Lifera Omics partners with customers to serve their clinical, population health and R&D needs. Lifera Omics aims to enhance the speed and accuracy of clinical diagnoses across health systems in Saudi Arabia, and to enable precision medicine for rare and common diseases through innovative, data-driven solutions, leveraging industry-leading diagnostic expertise and partnerships. contact@liferaomics.com.sa A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b2d5898-1176-4073-a7c7-4e7891ab6d3e VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prosper Gold Corp. ("Prosper Gold" or the "Company") (TSXV:PGX) is pleased to announce that results have been received from a property-wide ZTEM (z-axis tipper electromagnetic) geophysical survey at the Companys Cyprus Project in north-central British Columbia, Canada. The Cyprus Project is a district-scale porphyry copper-gold project with several historically defined prospects and significant drill results including 138.2 metres at 0.55% copper. The results of the recent ZTEM survey completed at the Cyprus Project have outlined several large porphyry copper-gold targets under cover, commented Peter Bernier, CEO. We are particularly excited about Target A. It is a two by four-kilometre conductivity anomaly adjacent to a regional fault that coincides with a pronounced magnetic low, representing a very attractive porphyry target. The heli-borne ZTEM survey comprised 3,760 line-kilometres covering 683 square kilometres (Figure 1). The survey collected magnetic and electromagnetic field data that have helped to define structural lineaments and conductive anomalies that may represent mineralization, alteration and widespread veining associated with porphyry copper-gold systems. The broad valley in the west-central portion of the Cyprus Project is a large northwest-trending fault zone with limited bedrock exposure given the presence of glaciofluvial cover. The characteristics of the ZTEM survey are ideally suited for exploration in covered terrains. Numerous multi-kilometre sized exploration targets have been outlined from the survey results, 6 of which are considered high-priority targets and will be followed up on with ground-based exploration activities immediately (Figures 2 4). Target selection was largely based on the coincidence of conductivity highs and magnetic lows, interpreted to be associated with high-level porphyry mineralization and alteration. The local geology, the size of individual anomalies and the proximity to regionally mapped faults are also important factors for identifying porphyry copper-gold targets. Figure 1 Completed ZTEM flight lines at Cyprus Project Total Magnetic Intensity. Figure 2 High priority porphyry copper-gold targets outlined at Cyprus Project. Total Magnetic Intensity (top) and 30Hz in-phase Total Phase Rotated (bottom) showing relative conductivity at 400 - 500 metres depth. Figure 3 High priority geophysical targets outlined at Cyprus Project A, B, C. Figure 4 High priority geophysical targets outlined at Cyprus Project D, E, F. About ZTEM Technology Unique in the geophysical exploration industry, Geotechs exclusive ZTEM (Z-Tipper Axis Electromagnetic) system leverages the earths natural fields from global thunderstorm activity as a source of transmitted energy. ZTEM is ideal for mapping deeply buried, porphyry hosted and structurally controlled targets. Helicopter flown ZTEM (Z-axis Tipper Electromagnetic) uses the natural or passive fields of the Earths worldwide thunderstorm activity as the source of transmitted energy. These natural fields are planar and due to the manner in which they propagate, are horizontal. Any vertical field response is caused by the lateral conductivity contrasts in the Earth and is measured by the ZTEM. The vertical EM field is remotely referenced to the horizontal base station coils positioned within the survey area. The proprietary receiver design, along with new advances made in modern digital electronics and signal processing, allows the ZTEM to acquire data at exceptionally low-noise levels. This makes the ZTEM an effective deep resistivity mapping solution, unique among airborne EM methods. About the Cyprus Project The road-accessible Cyprus Project is situated in north-central British Columbia, Canada. The 623 square kilometre Project includes the historical Kaza and Northstar copper prospects (see the Companys February 20th, 2024 and February 26th, 2024 news releases for details) and represents a district-scale copper-gold porphyry exploration Project. At the historical Kaza copper-gold prospect, soil samples up to 5.09 gpt gold and 10,000 ppm copper and surface rock chip samples from 1973 including 0.88% copper, 15.4 gpt gold and 120 gpt silver over 4.0 metres coincide with a 2,000 by 600 metre area of high IP chargeability and low magnetic response. The presence of sparse feldspar porphyry dikes and the sulphide assemblages present at surface suggest copper-gold porphyry mineralization may improve at depth. Copper mineralization at the Northstar prospect consists of vein-hosted and disseminated chalcocite and bornite within faulted and fractured andesite. Surface trench sampling results includes 23.0 metres grading 2.1% copper and historical drilling intercepts include 0.55% copper over 138.2 metres. Zones of copper mineralization outlined by previous operators at the Northstar prospect are likely driven by a magmatic-hydrothermal system in the immediate vicinity. The Big-Time prospect has not seen historical drilling despite the presence of a pronounced copper-bearing area of phyllic alteration that coincides with strong copper-molybdenum geochemistry, high IP chargeability and northeast trending feldspar porphyry dikes. July 25 Private Placement On July 25, 2024, the Company announced the closing of a private placement of 3,875,000 flow-through units (each, a FT Unit) at a price of $0.12 per FT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $465,000 (the Financing). Pursuant to the Financing, Jason Hynes, Jim Miller-Tait and Peter Bernier, each a director of the Company, subscribed for 125,000, 125,000 and 715,000 FT Units, respectively. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed by Rory Ritchie, P.Geo., Vice-President of Exploration for Prosper Gold and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. The results contained in this release were completed by previous operators of the Property. Although the Company was not involved in the original work in respect of these results, proper industry data verification procedures appear to have been followed. For an overview of Prosper Gold please visit www.ProsperGoldCorp.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Per: Peter Bernier Peter Bernier President & CEO For further information, please contact: Peter Bernier President & CEO Prosper Gold Corp. Cell: (250) 316-6644 Email: Pete@ProsperGoldCorp.com Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements about the planned exploration of the Cyprus Project, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume and the additional risks identified the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b70b9a2-769c-466f-9420-16ccade1991f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dbd8632-d108-4c87-ab44-7dec52d03bed https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/775ddaf0-d937-4080-a58a-b78ba486eef9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3d58d9a-a9cb-4f80-b194-0d6d7f347f6c Kansas City, MO, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WaterEquity, an asset manager dedicated to financing water and sanitation solutions in emerging and frontier markets, today announced it has achieved a milestone in raising more than $100 million for its Water & Climate Resilience Fund (the Fund). This new private investment fund brings together a group of corporate, foundation, and institutional investors committed to driving collective action across water stewardship, sustainable development, and climate resilience. Investors include Microsoft, through their Climate Innovation Fund, as anchor investor, Starbucks and Xylem as strategic investors, alongside Ecolab, Reckitt, Gap Inc., and others. "Water is at the core of every major global challenge we face today. Addressing the global water and sanitation crisis is not just about providing access to safe water; its about building resilience to climate change, advancing global gender equality, and transforming health and education outcomes for millions of people. Investing in water infrastructure is one of the most powerful ways we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone." Matt Damon, Co-founder of WaterEquity and Water.org According to the World Bank, investments in this sector must at least quadruple from current levels to fully achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 clean water and sanitation for all. There is an urgent need to invest in water infrastructure around the world to reach billions of people who are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Water supply and sanitation infrastructure has been historically underfunded. Climate change continues to exacerbate the water crisis, particularly for vulnerable populations, as increased storms, floods, and droughts damage infrastructure and elevate water stress. This investment milestone marks a pivotal moment of collective action among diverse investors to use investment as a tool to advance a water-positive future. The global water crisis poses significant risks to global supply chains, profitability, and community well-being, as it is both an economic and humanitarian issue. These risks are amplified by the intersection of the water crisis and climate change. "By bringing together a diverse group of committed water and climate partners, we are directly addressing the need for water and sanitation solutions in communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Our hope is the Water & Climate Resilience Fund will become a testament to the powerful role that strategic collective investments can play in building resilience, protecting lives, and ensuring a sustainable future." Paul OConnell, President and Chief Executive Officer of WaterEquity The Fund will invest equity and debt capital in projects and growth companies working across the water value chain, such as bulk water supply, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and water reuse. At its target fund size, the Fund aims to reach 15 million people with safe water or sanitation access across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. WaterEquity previously launched four impact funds addressing the need for household-level financing for water and sanitation. This new Fund intends to build on that foundation by financing the climate-resilient infrastructure necessary for households to connect to essential services. The infrastructure strategy adds a new dimensionbuilding climate resilience for vulnerable populations. In reaching this fundraising milestone, the Fund has raised over half of its total target of $200 milliontaking a momentous step towards addressing an urgent need for communities. The Fund is part of a larger investment strategy that aims to invest in climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure alongside household solutions with the goal of bringing sustainable water and sanitation access to 100 million people. The Funds strategy is tailored to making private investments in emerging and frontier markets' water and sanitation sectors, focusing on a portfolio of projects and growth companies. As an example, one of the Funds initial investments is expected to be in a growth company in India specializing in freshwater management. This company provides efficient and sustainable solutions through a patented rainwater harvesting system, addressing a niche market driven by water scarcity, floodwater mitigation, and sustainability needs in water-stressed communities in India. With 18 percent of the worlds population but only 4 percent of its water resources, India is among the most water-starved countries globally. The impact of this investment is intended to help mitigate water scarcity by making rainwater available for non-potable use and by recharging underground aquifers. These efforts address the urgent challenges of groundwater overexploitation and flood impacts, offering resilience benefits. Our investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure and innovative solutions are not just intended to meet for immediate needs but also to build long-term resilience for millions of people in low-income populations. This strategy has the power to transform communities, secure water resources, and create lasting impacts for generations. The Water & Climate Resilience Fund will exemplify how private investment can tackle the most urgent water and sanitation challenges in emerging markets." Marlene Hormes, Chief Investment Officer, WaterEquity WaterEquity and non-profit organization Water.org, both founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, operate with a unified vision of safe water and sanitation for all. Together, they harness the capital markets to help end the global water crisis. Water.org develops a pipeline of investable opportunities through capacity-building and project development support, while WaterEquity manages private investment funds that aim to generate water and sanitation impact while seeking a financial return for accredited investors. This relationship, which draws upon support from philanthropic donors and accredited investors, seeks to maximize both organizations impact, to reach more people in need, faster, with universal access to safe water and sanitation. About WaterEquity: WaterEquity is an asset manager dedicated to mobilizing private investment into the water and sanitation sector in emerging and frontier markets. WaterEquity invests in financial institutions, enterprises, and infrastructure in emerging and frontier markets delivering safe water and sanitation solutions to vulnerable communities, while seeking financial returns for accredited investors. Since 2016, WaterEquity has raised more than $460 million in committed capital and improved access to safe water or sanitation for more than 6.2 million people. Founded by award-winning entrepreneurs Gary White and Matt Damon of Water.org, and led by Paul OConnell, the success of WaterEquity is built on decades of collective experience investing in water and sanitation in emerging markets. Learn more at WaterEquity.com DISCLAIMERS: There can be no guarantees of any level of financial returns. All investment has a risk of loss. Likewise, there can be no guarantees of the level of social or environmental impact. There is always the risk that impact investments will have a net negative impact, despite the Funds efforts to achieve net positive impact. Microsoft, Xylem, Ecolab, Gap Inc., and Reckitt are investors in the Fund, and therefore there may be a material conflict of interest associated with their testimonials. No compensation was given for testimonials. Addendum: Investor Quotes - Interviews available upon request "With billions of people lacking access to clean water and sanitation, we need to see more investment in projects that protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change. We're thrilled to welcome additional investors and expand WaterEquitys Water & Climate Resilience Fund potential impact. Projects like this represent how were looking to invest in scaling up our water work through partnership with both non-profit and private-sector entities that are working to solve critical water challenges." Morgan Collins, Director of Impact Investments at Microsoft Enabling water and sanitation access for more people in under-served communities is critical to building a water-secure world. We are excited to collaborate with WaterEquity to accelerate private-sector investment in innovative solutions to achieve this goal. Matthew Pine, Chief Executive Officer at Xylem As a global water leader managing more than 1 trillion gallons of water for customers across more than 40 industries, Ecolab is focused on building a positive future where water resources are abundant and sustainable. By investing in WaterEquitys Water & Climate Resilience Fund, Ecolab is helping to provide millions of people with clean and safe water. The initiative underscores our belief that business success and sustainable development are intrinsically linked. Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab We are proud to support WaterEquitys Water & Climate Resilience Fund, which will continue to accelerate access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the development of technology that reduces water consumption in manufacturing. At Gap Inc. we take great pride in our purpose to bridge gaps to create a better world and this investment will help protect natural resources and ensure healthy communities for generations to come. Richard Dickson, President & CEO, Gap Inc. Water is essential to health, life and our shared prosperity. Yet across the globe, millions of people live without access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and climate change is posing further risks. As a global leader in health and hygiene, Reckitt works to help deliver a cleaner, healthier world, and our investment in WaterEquitys Water & Climate Resilience Fund will help impact the lives of millions of people through our collective action. Kris Licht, CEO of Reckitt -- Attachment BILLERICA, Mass., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boston Semi Equipment (BSE), a global leader in advanced automation solutions for the semiconductor and consumer electronics industries, today announced it has received an order from a leading global manufacturer of sensor integrated circuits (ICs) in the automotive market for its new Zeus handler configuration for magnetic micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) testing. Follow-on orders are expected after the initial deployment. We continue to engineer new solutions at a time when many of our competitors are limiting or ending support for their products, says Colin M. Scholefield, BSEs Director of Product Marketing. By expanding the Zeus handlers capabilities to include magnetic MEMS testing, were reinforcing our commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry. We thrive on tackling the complex and unforeseen problems of new and existing customers and bringing our innovations to market. The Zeus handler, originally designed for functional test, has been adapted for various applications, including high-power devices and pressure MEMS. This latest configuration enables Zeus to perform magnetic MEMS testing, a critical process in automotive manufacturing in which magnetic field sensing is used for applications such as proximity sensors in vehicles. All configurations are designed to provide customers with the reliability they expect from a mature platform along with the advantages of a custom-tailored design. The Zeus handler and BSEs other automation products are supported by a direct global service organization that has received multiple awards for its performance from some of the worlds top integrated device manufacturers (IDMs). About Boston Semi Equipment Boston Semi Equipment LLC is a recognized global leader in test automation technology and services for semiconductor and electronics manufacturers worldwide. Its production-proven gravity and pick-and-place handlers play an important role in ensuring reliable testing of semiconductor devices. BSE brings decades of know-how and rich application history to every customer interaction, and it strives to lower test cell cost of ownership and increase equipment performance. Company Contact Media Contact Colin Scholefield Mindy Lok Boston Semi Equipment Kiterocket cm.scholefield@bsegroup.com mlok@kiterocket.com Tel: +1 781 273 0090 Tel: +1 480 240 8874 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af810fa2-ab99-40ee-a9e2-6eb794a77fd5 Lake City, Colo., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Builder Medias Green Home of the Year and Sustainability Awards 2025 recognize the building industrys most authentic, advanced, beautiful, sustainable projectsand the professionals who design and construct them. Now is your chance to show the world what your skill and vision can do when it comes to building homes. Were looking for the best of the best in all home categories, including custom beauties, mainstream net zero trendsetters, compact gems, eco-sensitive communities, heat-resistant homes, multifamily masterpieces, and more. Decades of innovation, education, and code refinements have changed how homes are built. Can you show us how youre raising the bar on sustainable living? Here are the specific categories: Sustainability Superhero (A person who is an outstanding Champion for Sustainabilityentry is free!) (A person who is an outstanding Champion for Sustainabilityentry is free!) The Pathfinder Award (Outstanding Sustainable Innovationentry is free!) (Outstanding Sustainable Innovationentry is free!) Sustainable City of the Year (entry is free!) (entry is free!) Home of the Year Awards (includes categories for general, net-zero carbon, mainstream green, alternative building technology, off-site construction, small footprint living, and sustainable community developmententry fees range from $120 to $240) Winners will receive coverage in the January/February 2025 issue of Green Builder magazine, on www.greenbuildermedia.com, and via all our social media outlets. Winners will also receive five complimentary copies of the January/February 2025 issue. I hope youll enter this years Awards competition, says Green Builder magazine Editor-in-Chief Matt Power. Its considered one of the most prestigious in the building industry, boosting both your reputation and your visibility for years to come. Plus, this year, three of our categories are free to enter. Time is short, so start your entry now, and good luck! Click here for more information and to access the entry form. Entries are due October 25. Check out some of the previous winners in last years Home of the Year coverage. For questions or more information, contact Melissa Smith at mel.smith@greenbuildermedia.com About Green Builder Media Green Builder Media is North Americas leading media company focused on green building and sustainable living content. With a comprehensive suite of content marketing, digital, social, and print media options, high-profile demonstration projects, market intelligence, data services, and live events, Green Builder Media offers a blend of visionary and practical information covering a broad spectrum of topics, including decarbonization, electrification, smart home technologies, energy efficiency, intelligent water, indoor air quality, resilient housing, renewables, and clean transportation. Attachments Johnstown, PA, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CTC selected as awardee on OUSD PRISM MATOC Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) has been selected as one of the 11 awardees for the Personnel and Readiness Infrastructure Support Management Services (PRISM) multiple award task order contract (MATOC). With a shared capacity of $1.8 billion, this contract presents a significant opportunity for CTC to bid on various projects. The scope of the PRISM MATOC includes research, studies, analysis, training, software engineering and other technical services. CTC plans to leverage its experienced and skilled staff and incorporate industry best practices to provide robust and cost-effective solutions to meet these requirements. CTC has been supporting the OUSD (P&R) for more than 20 years, providing safety and occupational health, military readiness, and education and training support, said Bob Kubler, CTC Vice President, Readiness Division. This award will allow CTC to continue to provide comprehensive readiness solutions and state-of-the-art analysis and decision support tools to enhance military readiness and a mechanism for CTC to expand our capability areas. The base period of performance is one year with four one-year option periods extending the term to five years total. We are honored to continue our work in support of our nations military, in this case increasing their readiness and ability to meet mission requirements, said Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC President and CEO. This contract will allow our CTC readiness team to continue to provide innovative and cost-effective services in a wide variety of functions. Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. CTC collaborates with its technology transition affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corporation, to provide transformative, full lifecycle solutions through research, development, test, and evaluation work. To best serve our clients needs, we offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype and build. We deliver robust, technical, and innovative solutions that safeguard our national security, retain U.S. technological advantage, and ensure the primacy of American manufacturing. For more information about CTC, visit www.ctc.com. Attachment CLEVELAND, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This month, ON Partners, a leading pure-play retained executive search firm building C-level and board leadership teams, welcomes Ashley Day, a seasoned private equity talent leader, as its newest partner. Day has extensive private equity experience, having held human capital leadership roles at FFL Partners and CI Capital Partners. Her expertise in healthcare and tech-enabled services, with a specialized focus on C-level and operating partner roles, will significantly enhance ON Partners ability to deliver tailored leadership solutions to private equity firms and their portfolio companies. At FFL Partners, Day led human capital strategy, focusing on executive talent acquisition, talent management, and leadership development. Before FFL, she served as Chief Talent Officer at CI Capital Partners in a similar functional role. In addition to her private equity background, Day holds a Ph.D. in psychology, which she applied to leadership assessments and succession planning in her previous role at Russell Reynolds Associates. This blend of academic and professional expertise enables her to assess leadership dynamics with greater insight, ensuring executives align with a companys strategic goals and culture. "One of the best ways to impact value creation in private equity is by getting the right people in the right seats," said Day. "Throughout my career, Ive seen how the right leader can transform a business. Joining ON Partners allows me to broaden my impact by connecting private equity firms with the leadership they need to achieve investment results." "I was drawn to ON Partners specifically because of their exceptional reputation in private equity, added Day. Their agile size and approach allow for close client relationships and tailored solutions that truly make a difference. Its the ideal platform to leverage my experience and continue driving success for PE firms and their portfolio companies." Ashleys client-side experience adds immense value to our private equity practice, said Bryan Buck, Partner at ON Partners. Her industry relationships and expertise in talent management enhance our ability to deliver top-tier leadership solutions that drive portfolio success. She also understands what candidates value, which is a critical component when assessing mutual fit." Buck continued, "Were thrilled to have Ashley on board as we prepare to release our 2024 Private Equity Talent Trends Report. Her expertise will strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of private equity firms." The upcoming 2024 Private Equity Talent Trends Report analyzes key themes shaping executive hiring in private equity. With the median holding period for PE-backed portfolio companies reaching a historic high of 5.7 years, firms are shifting focus from new deals to optimizing their portfolios. The report highlights trends such as rising demand for operational expertise, cautious hiring landscapes, and increasing compensation expectations. It offers strategies to help private equity firms attract, retain, and develop the leadership necessary for value creation and successful exits. To learn more about ONs approach and the PE talent intelligence space, visit https://onpartners.com/contact-executive-recruitment-agency/. About ON Partners Established in 2006, ON Partners is the only pure-play executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams. We rebuilt the institution of executive search in the way you work, with an approach that includes present partners who engage with clients from the first brief to the final decision, individually crafted solutions unique to each client, and an easier experience overall. Named by Forbes as one of Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms and to the Inc. 500/5000 List nine times, ON Partners is consistently ranked among the top 20 retained executive search firms in the U.S. Media Contact Amber Good LeadCoverage amber@leadcoverage.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f81fa87-99b4-4cbb-b6f0-6dc893b3ebb2 SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE: STM) securities between January 25, 2024 and July 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), have until October 22, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. Captioned Wang v. STMicroelectronics N.V., No. 24-cv-06370 (S.D.N.Y.), the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit charges STMicroelectronics as well as certain of STMicroelectronics top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A subsequently filed case is captioned Malm v. STMicroelectronics N.V., No. 24-cv-06384 (S.D.N.Y.). If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-stmicroelectronics-n-v-class-action-lawsuit.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com. CASE ALLEGATIONS: STMicroelectronics, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor products. The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts concerning the true state of STMicroelectronics forecasting ability; notably, that STMicroelectronics did not truly have appropriate visibility to generate guidance it put forth, failed to appropriately analyze the visibility it did have, or otherwise STMicroelectronics was simply not equipped to handle the ongoing challenges in its end-market industries as they had projected. The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit further alleges that on April 25, 2024, STMicroelectronics announced its first quarter of fiscal year 2024 financial results, disclosing negatively revised full year 2024 revenue and margin projections driven by lower revenues in Automotive and Industrial and stating that [d]uring the quarter, Automotive semiconductor demand slowed down compared to our expectations, entering a deceleration phase, while the ongoing Industrial correction accelerated. The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit further alleges that STMicroelectronics also disclosed an 18.4% decline in first quarter revenue year-over-year, amounting to $3.47 billion, and that net sales to original equipment manufacturers and through distribution channels decreased by 11.5% and 30.8%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis. On this news, the price of STMicroelectronics stock fell, the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit alleges. The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit further alleges that on July 25, 2024, STMicroelectronics released its second quarter of fiscal year 2024 financial results, revealing reduced revenue guidance and noting that [d]uring the quarter, contrary to our prior expectations, customer orders for Industrial did not improve and Automotive demand declined. . . . We will now drive the Company based on a plan for FY24 revenues in the range of $13.2 billion to $13.7 billion. Within this plan, we expect a gross margin of about 40%. On this news, the price of STMicroelectronics stock fell more than 15%, according to the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired STMicroelectronics securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com Customers can now earn cash for sharing their experiences and floral arrangements at the family-owned flower shop in West Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thumzup Media Corporation ("Thumzup" or the "Company") (OTCQB: TZUP), an innovator in social media branding and marketing solutions, is excited to welcome Helms Flowers as one of its newest advertising partners on its proprietary social media AdTech platform. Helms Flowers, a family-owned business deeply rooted in West Los Angeles, is dedicated to creating personal connections with every customer. Their team goes beyond offering exceptional service, delivering a truly unforgettable experience. Across their two locations, they offer a curated selection of flowers from around the globe, along with vibrant plants to brighten any space. With a passionate team of floral artists, Helms Flowers crafts each arrangement with care and precision, bringing your vision to life. This partnership aligns with Helms Flowers' recent opening of its second location at National and Sepulveda in West LA. Thumzup is excited to support Helms Flowers in expanding its reach and growing its customer base through our app. Now, Thumzup users have the unique opportunity to earn money by sharing their experiences and showcasing Helms Flowers' floral arrangements on the app. Locations: 8879 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90034 11203 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 "We are excited to welcome Helms Flowers to the Thumzup platform," said Robert Steele, CEO and Founder of Thumzup. "Our mission is to build an ecosystem that empowers businesses of all sizes to thrive. By joining our platform, Helms Flowers shows its commitment to growing its brand and expanding its customer base. We are confident this partnership will bring exceptional value, and we look forward to a successful collaboration." The Thumzup app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play . About Thumzup Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through PayPal and other digital payment systems. Thumzup was featured on CBS News Los Angeles and is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com . Legal Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, plans for potential uplisting, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact Info investors@thumzupmedia.com 800-403-6150 Attachment DALLAS, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, during Uber Freights annual customer conference, Deliver, the company unveiled an evolution to its end-to-end enterprise logistics platform designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of the industry. These enhancements, which span a strategic integration with Uber Direct, modular TMS functionality, advanced Insights AI features, and flexible procurement software, deliver customers greater transparency, control, and intelligence across the entire supply chain. The rapid evolution demonstrates tremendous progress against the next-generation roadmap laid out by the company last year and the innovation of the Design Partner Program, which was also announced during this years conference. The updates come on the back of a strengthening 12 months for the company, which supports nearly $20B in Freight Under Management and partners with 30% of the Fortune 500. In the past year, the company has managed over 24 million loads across nearly 6,000 brands, leveraging a vast, AI-optimized network and sophisticated procurement strategies to drive efficiencies and deliver over $1.5 billion in savings for shippers just in the last 12 months. Over the past year, weve worked closely with our shipper partners to understand their evolving challenges and anticipate their future needs, said Lior Ron, Founder and CEO of Uber Freight. The progress weve made, and the innovations were unveiling today, are guided by these valuable customer insights. By collaborating with our customers, weve not only advanced our technology but also empowered them to achieve greater efficiency, resilience, and control across their supply chains. Together, were not just navigating the complexities of modern logisticswere redefining whats possible. Seamless Solutions for Same Day and Scheduled Deliveries Uber Freight announced today an integration with Uber Direct , Uber's on-demand delivery-as-a-service platform. The partnership brings together one of North Americas largest logistics networks with one of the largest same-day delivery courier networks. Central to the integration is Uber Freights Parcel Transportation Management System (PTMS), which is now integrated with the Uber Direct platform to power new and faster delivery options including same day and scheduled deliveries. Uber Freight has managed over 250 million parcels in the last 12 months through its PTMS product and millions of packages are delivered annually by retailers and merchants using Uber Direct. This integration will further optimize every stage of the logistics process, reinforcing Uber Freights commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions that anticipate and meet the evolving and growing needs of shippers. We are confident that this will deliver meaningful value to growing and enterprise shippers by speeding up their network, lowering transportation costs, improving service reliability and enhancing customer experience, said Hany Elkordy, Head of Last Mile for Uber Freight. Its the right time to offer this expanded service to shippers leveraging our scale at Uber Freight and integration with Uber Direct and others. A Modular, Flexible TMS for Modern Shipping Uber Freight unveiled significant enhancements to its next-generation Transportation Management System (TMS) , ensuring it is as dynamic and adaptable as the supply chains it supports. These updates introduce a more modular, extensible, and flexible experience that enhances visibility, streamlines operations, and integrates seamlessly with platforms like Uber Freight Exchange. Key new features include an intuitive tracking portal, a simplified dock scheduler, a streamlined load management experience with intelligent data handling, and upgraded financial management tools. Furthermore, upcoming AI-powered search and shipment execution workflows, powered by new forms of large language model (LLM) powered automation, promise even greater efficiency and intelligence in managing freight operations. During a time of significant growth and evolution for our company, the Uber Freight TMS has provided us with the visibility, foresight, and control needed to manage our entire logistics operation effectively, said Daniel Moran, Corporate Logistics Manager at Meridian Adhesives. The system's adaptability to our specific needs ensures were always equipped with the right tools to manage logistics efficiently, streamlining everything from procurement and execution to payments. This has not only saved us time and money but also improved our overall business outcomes. Logistics AI for Supercharged Decision-Making Uber Freight is infusing new advanced features into Insights AI , the companys generative AI-powered insights tool designed to revolutionize how shippers manage their networks, including enhanced chat functionality for more complex queries and a new KPI dashboard that delivers real-time, actionable insights. Since announcing Insights AI in September 2023, the tool has been fine-tuned through thousands of queries representative of $1 billion+ FUM (Freight Under Management), gaining even greater precision and depth in its analysis. Looking ahead, Insights AI will leverage cutting-edge AI models to offer proactive recommendations, transforming how shippers make decisions and navigate logistics challenges. AI is redefining logistics, and Uber Freight is at the forefront of this shift. With Insights AI, we're empowering shippers to make more informed decisions, streamline operations, and achieve greater efficiency throughout their supply chains, said Raj Subbiah, Head of Product at Uber Freight. We've invested heavily in advancing our AI capabilities, ensuring it delivers tangible benefits at every stage of the logistics life cycle. The future of logistics is here, and AI is the key to unlocking its full potential. Next-Generation Software for Procurement Uber Freight is expanding access to Uber Freight Exchange: Contract, making the procurement platform generally available to all shippers, as well as launching early access to Uber Freight Exchange: Spot exclusively for Uber Freight Managed Transportation customers, with full availability expected in 2025. Additionally, shippers can manage freight awarded through Exchange directly within the Uber Freight TMS, providing a single, transparent hub for all load procurement and management activities. Over $350 million in contract freight has been awarded across 8,500 lanes since Uber Freight Exchange was launched last year, and the platform has transformed how shippers and carriers secure freight by unlocking cost and time savings, improved collaboration, faster and more informed decision-making, and network growth. Uber Freight Exchange has helped us centralize our procurement operations, allowing us to act faster and smarter in a rapidly changing logistics landscape," said Robert Chase, Director, Transportation and Inbound Logistics at Tosca. "We previously spent considerable time manually setting up and running contract bids, as well as managing individual spot auctions. The time and cost savings we've achieved, along with the ability to grow our network and build strong relationships with our carriers, have significantly strengthened our transportation strategy and made our supply chain more efficient. It's a critical part of how we execute procurement. Industry-first Collaborative Design Program Uber Freight announced an industry-first Design Partner Program, a unique initiative where Uber Freight customers collaborate deeply with the company on products that influence how goods will move both today and tomorrow. To date, nearly 40 Design Partners have played an instrumental role in shaping the development of next-generation solutions, providing critical insights and feedback that guide the innovation process. Furthermore, the advancements across Uber Freight Exchange, the Uber Freight TMS, and Insights AI were all incubated through invaluable collaboration with Design Partners like Tosca , Meridian Adhesives , and Charter Next Generation . This collaborative approach to product development ensures that Uber Freight solutions are tailored to meet real-world logistics challenges and deliver exceptional value well into the future. ABOUT UBER FREIGHT Uber Freight is a market-leading enterprise technology company powering intelligent logistics. With a suite of end-to-end logistics applications, managed services and an expansive carrier network, Uber Freight advances supply chains and moves the worlds goods. Today, the company manages nearly $20B of freight and one of the largest networks of carriers. It is backed by best-in-class investors and provides services for 1 in 3 Fortune 500 companies, including Del Monte Foods, Nestle, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and more. For more, visit www.uberfreight.com . For media inquiries, please contact: Sam Hallock, Corporate Communications at Uber Freight, press@uberfreight.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/071c532a-92f5-46ca-9525-ce25ca53f801 Bosch Mobility focused on growth -- ambition to increase the Americas region to 25 percent of global revenue by 2029 Consumer choice and value drive innovation as industry evolves to electrification Bosch offers comprehensive solutions for software-defined reality helping to balance consumer expectations with vehicle cost New by-wire braking and steering concepts ultimately enable automation Flat Rock, Mich., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, at the Bosch Mobility Experience 2024, Bosch is displaying advanced technologies including several making their debut in North America. Highlighted innovations, demonstrated through dynamic displays at the companys recently-upgraded proving grounds in Flat Rock, Mich., include advanced by-wire systems, comprehensive vehicle motion management and enhanced power loss safeguards. Consumer expectations are driving new vehicle technologies, which also demand significant software developments. Bosch is leading this transformation with the seamless integration of advanced software, and hardware, in solutions that help to enable precise vehicle control, enhance performance and support safety. The North American market and the U.S. in particular has been moving at an increased pace driven by new OEM strategies and consumer behavior, said Paul Thomas, president of Bosch in North America and president of Bosch Mobility in the Americas. Our mobility team is focused on profitable growth as part of the global Bosch portfolio. We have the benefit of tapping into a network of innovators, technology, and manufacturing experts of the largest automotive supplier in the world but we also have the talent and the license to develop solutions here in the region. The Americas is a critical growth region for Bosch, particularly in the mobility sector. By 2029, the ambition for Bosch Mobility in the Americas is to contribute approximately 25 percent of the companys global annual mobility turnover ($60.8 billion globally in 2023), up from the current 20 percent ($12.4 billion in 2023), reflecting Boschs commitment to the region's strategic importance. The focus is on driving profitable growth by developing innovative solutions to meet the requirements of original equipment customers and the expectations of end consumers making vehicle purchasing decisions. The Bosch Mobility Experience event is focused on three main themes: Evolution towards electrification: Consumer choice and value drives innovation Journey towards software-defined reality: Comprehensive solutions that meet consumer needs on the path to software-defined vehicles Progression towards by-wire: New braking and steering concepts ultimately enable automation Evolution towards electrification: Consumer choice and value drives innovation In the U.S., the pace of electrification continues to shift and options such as hybrid vehicles continue to emerge to support consumer choice in the market. At the same time, vehicle affordability is a key consideration driving the pace of electrification. As a long-standing expert in powertrain solutions, Bosch supports customers with a variety of options to support these trends. Electrified axles are increasing in prominence as a suspension design approach for automakers as the industry continues on the path towards electrification. These eAxle systems are being demonstrated at the Bosch Mobility Experience in collaboration with Linamar, showcasing how the industry is collaborating to bring forth new solutions for customers. The Ram 2500 technology demo vehicle from Linamar is equipped with front and rear eUD10 Beam eAxles, which create 4WD capability delivering over 15,200 Nm of peak torque and 750 kW peak power. These eAxle Systems can be applied to full EV, hybrid or hydrogen vehicle applications. Bosch brings extensive system knowledge and industry-leading tools for simulation and modeling to optimize the performance of the motor, inverter and axle in one cohesive unit. Bosch offers electrification products that seamlessly integrate with rigid axles to enhance vehicle performance, towing capacity and payload capabilities. The complexity of vehicle electrical systems increases with higher levels of electrification, software and automation. Powernet Guardian, being shown for the first time publicly in North America at the Bosch Mobility Experience, helps to provide an ongoing power supply for safety-critical functions in the event of a fault. The system provides real-time diagnostics and monitoring of a vehicle's electrical system, including the battery, alternator and power distribution network to help identify potential issues before they lead to failures. Journey towards software-defined reality: Comprehensive solutions that meet consumer needs on the path to software-defined vehicles Bosch is supporting its customers with software and hardware solutions that continue the journey towards the software-defined vehicle while also recognizing the need to manage vehicle costs for the end consumer. Vehicle Motion Management is a hardware-agnostic control software layer that integrates and optimizes the various driving dynamics systems in a vehicle to enhance overall performance, safety and comfort. It controls vehicle motion in all six degrees of freedom, coordinating braking, steering, powertrain and suspension. Hardware-agnostic software features optimize vehicle dynamics, handling and efficiency. In addition, Vehicle Motion Management helps make the complexity of new vehicle architectures manageable. Its systems-integrating software on central vehicle computers controls the diverse actuators of the various vehicle domains. It also can help contribute to improved fuel efficiency, or EV battery management, by optimizing power delivery and braking energy recovery. Vehicle dynamics control 2.0, an innovative smart control feature that helps enable the vehicle to think ahead, is part of Vehicle Motion Management. Using information from the vehicle dynamics sensors, the system helps to anticipate vehicle behavior and can potentially intervene proactively. Bosch is developing solutions specific to the North American market. In 2022, data revealed that 11 million American households owned a recreational vehicle. As interest in travel and outdoor activities surges, making trailering easier and more accessible could significantly boost sales of trucks and trailers. Anywhere parking trailer, next generation technology using software and sensors to automatically park a vehicle and a trailer with the touch of a button, will be shown for the first time publicly in North America at the Bosch Mobility Experience event. Bosch is expanding on its Anywhere parking system designed to simplify the parking process using data fusion from cameras, sensors, geo-coordinates and input from the driver to park in a precise position, even in difficult situations like unmarked pavement or tight spaces. Progression towards by-wire: New braking and steering concepts ultimately enable automation Bosch will showcase both brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire technologies at the Bosch Mobility Experience. As the industry continues to work towards increasing levels of automation options for vehicles, by-wire technologies are a key enabler. These new technologies can allow for new possibilities in human-machine interface and vehicle design. The Brake Control Pad, being shown for the first time publicly in North America at the Bosch Mobility Experience, enables a new, fully-integrated brake-by-wire system that replaces the traditional brake pedal with a force-based pad, requiring only a simple touch of the brake to measure driver input. Instead of using physical connections, the Brake Control Pad senses and sends braking commands electronically, driving towards more precise braking through improved integration with electrification and other advanced driver assistance systems. Bosch has a long and storied history in anti-lock braking systems (ABS), dating back to 1969 with in-house predevelopment of an anti-lock braking system that became standard on all new vehicles in the U.S. in 2012. This groundbreaking technology was developed to prevent wheel lock-up during braking, enhancing vehicle control and safety. Over the decades, Bosch has continued to innovate in ABS technology, expanding its applications to trucks, motorcycles and now bicycles. Bosch eBike ABS, which is now available in the U.S. market, is an advanced anti-lock braking system designed specifically for electric bicycles, enhancing rider safety and control. The system continuously monitors wheel speed and adjusts braking pressure to aid performance in a variety of conditions. Press photos and videos are available on the Bosch Media Service at us.bosch-press.com. About Bosch Having established a presence in North America in 1906, today the Bosch Group employs 42,000 associates in more than 100 locations in the North American region (as of Dec. 31, 2023). Bosch generated consolidated sales of $16.5 billion in the U.S., Mexico and Canada in 2023. For more information visit www.bosch.us, www.bosch.mx and www.bosch.ca. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of $99 billion in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Boschs broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is Invented for life, Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Boschs global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Boschs innovative strength is key to the companys further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (18611942) as Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering. The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-four percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The remaining shares are held by Robert Bosch GmbH and by a corporation owned by the Bosch family. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. It is entrusted with the task of safeguarding the companys long-term existence and in particular its financial independence in line with the mission handed down in the will of the companys founder, Robert Bosch. Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com . Exchange rate: 1 EUR = 1.0818 Attachment Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Formica Corporation announces the opening of the 2025 FORM Student Innovation Competition. Now in its eighth year, this annual furniture design competition invites students studying architecture and interior design in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to share their inventiveness through original designs that feature Formica Brand products with this year's theme Designing for Well-being. The rising understanding of neuroaesthetics, the field concerning how the aesthetics around us can impact our mental and physical health, is making an impact in interior design, and Formica Corporation has made this the focal point of the 2025 competition. Designing for Well-being will allow students to demonstrate how elements like color, sound and patterns can have a positive impact on ones well-being. Students entering will provide a project statement and color rendering of their furniture design that includes at least three or more Formica Brand or FENIX products. This competition continues to grow each year not just in the number of submissions but the sheer creativity we see from students, said Meghan Howell, North American design and creative director at Formica Corporation. While well-being is an evergreen idea, its importance has been increasingly emphasized by Gen Z and were excited to see how students can bring this mindset to furniture design. Each entrant will have the chance to win cash prizes and national recognition, including the opportunity to have their design showcased at NeoCon 2025, the leading design and event for commercial interiors. The competition is open from Sept. 10, 2024, through March 7, 2025, with winners announced in early May. A distinguished panel of industry leaders will judge the students work. The grand prizewinner will receive a $2,000 cash award and their design will be fabricated and displayed during NeoCon 2025 in Chicago. The second-place winner will be awarded $1,000 and the third-place winner will receive $500. The top three winners will also be invited to attend NeoCon as guests of Formica Corporation for the opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain exposure to the design community. Inspired By Design Industry Legends The annual FORM Student Innovation Competition continues to grow as more students across the U.S., Canada and Mexico submit their inventive and thought-provoking designs, with last year's competition seeing a 26% increase in entries from the previous year. The current iteration of FORM is inspired by a challenge Formica Corporation held in 2008, when the company invited design greats including Jaime Velez, Zaha Hadid, Michael Graves, Bernard Tschumi and Massimo Vignelli, among others to create works of art from Formica Brand products. Their designs, which ranged from domestic pieces to conceptual sculptures, were then exhibited at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. Keeping the spirit alive from the original challenge, the 2025 FORM Student Innovation Competition invites the next generation of designers to express their creativity in these original furniture designs, showing attention to detail, inventive design and a unique point of view. Entries Now Open Entries will be accepted Sept. 10, 2024, through March 7, 2025. Competition submissions can be emailed to designcontest@formica.com. For more information, including complete competition details, resources and rules, visit formica.com/studentcompetition. About Formica Corporation Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, visit www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA. About Formica Group Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Skandinavien AB, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Formica (Asia) Ltd., Formica Decorative Materials (China) Co., Ltd. and Homapal GmbH, among others. Formica and the Formica Anvil Logo are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation. 1-800-FORMICA is a trademark of The Diller Corporation. All rights reserved. 2024 The Diller Corporation. FENIX is a registered trademark of ARPA Industriale S.P.A. ### Staten Island, NY, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In observance of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is providing mortgage-free homes to 20 fallen first responder families. Since that fateful day, the Foundation has vowed to never forget the sacrifice of our first responders by taking care of the families they leave behind. The Foundation is honored to announce it has provided mortgage-free homes to the families of: NYPD Officer Emanuele Alongi NY State Police Major Rodrick Covington NYPD Officer & FDNY Firefighter Robert Welsh United States Park Police K9 Officer Edwin Jimenez NYC Department of Corrections Officer Jonathan Latta Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Peter Egan Alamo Police Officer Dylan Harrison Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles Kondek Jr. Wyandot County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Kin Tiffin Firefighter and Paramedic Sean Tyler Baton Rouge Police Officer Montrell Jackson Burnet Firefighter Daniel Hampton Harris County Deputy Sheriff Joshua Sieman Ebenezer Fire District Firefighter Dustin Brandhorst Cal Fire Captain Matthew Brabo On August 31, during a high-speed chase of a fleeing suspect Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson skidded off the road and crashed into a tree. Officer Carson lost her life and left behind her husband, Grant Carson, a Miller County Sheriffs Deputy, and six children. Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller spoke with Deputy Carson and informed him that Tunnel to Towers will provide him and his family with a mortgage-free home. Deputy Carson was overwhelmed when he was told, saying, I dont know what to say. Thank youOwning a home was one of our familys dreams. In New York, the Foundation is supporting five families who have recently lost loved ones to 9/11-related illnesses. Emergency Service Unit Captain at NYC Department of Corrections Gennaro Jerry Cariello spent a month at Ground Zero before the Police Commissioner appointed him to oversee the 9/11 recovery effort at Staten Islands Fresh Kills Landfill where World Trade Center debris was being taken. He passed away on November 15, 2023, from 9/11-related cancer, leaving behind his wife Johann Cariello, and their children. Tunnel to Towers paid off the mortgage on the familys Staten Island home. Tunnel to Towers has helped our family beyond words. Our family can now stay in the home where Jerry and I raised our childrenTunnel to Towers has given us the support and relief of financial stress, allowing our family to focus on rebuilding, said Johann. "It has been 23 years since America was attacked and New Yorkers are still feeling the impact as the heroes who participated in the rescue and recovery effort succumb to 9/11-related illnesses. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has vowed to Never Forget the heroes, like my brother FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave up their lives on 9/11 and will continue to support the families who lose their loved ones to these devastating diseases," said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Tunnel to Towers First Responder Home Program pays off the mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty, pass away from 9/11-related illnesses, and leave behind young children. For more on the families receiving mortgage-free homes please go to T2T.org. Join us on our mission to support Americas heroes and their families by donating $11 per month. About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to do good, by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001. Visit T2T.org to learn more and follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook , X , and Instagram . Attachments On 10 September 2024 a new version of the Articles of Association of Rokiskio suris AB was registered in the Register of Legal Entities of the Republic of Lithuania. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company held on 27 June 2024. The Company's Articles of Association are being amended as a result of the reduction of the Company's authorised capital by cancelling its own shares repurchased. Following the reduction of the Company's authorised capital, i.e. the cancellation of 3,586,797 ordinary registered shares, the authorised capital of Rokiskio suris AB amounts to EUR 9,361,540.17 divided into 32,281,173 ordinary registered shares with a par value of EUR 0.29. The new version of the Articles of Association of Rokiskio suris AB is attached. CEO Dalius Trumpa Tel. +370 458 55200 Attachment TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xanadu Mines Ltd (ASX: XAM, TSX: XAM) (Xanadu or the Company) is pleased to report good progress at its field operations at the highly prospective Sant Tolgoi Copper-Nickel Project, located in Zavkhan Province of Western Mongolia (Figures 1 and 2). Sant Tolgoi is considered highly prospective for the discovery of new magmatic intrusion-related Copper-Nickel systems. The objective of this exploration programme is to collect the data required to identify high-grade sulphide mineralisation within the large Sant Tolgoi Intrusive Complex. Highlights Field exploration program is well underway at the Sant Tolgoi Copper-Nickel Project, representing Xanadus first detailed activities at these highly encouraging district-scale magmatic targets. Detailed geological mapping and geochemical sampling in progress. Acquisition of high-resolution magnetic, gravity and CSAMT is complete, with modelling underway Multiple shallow copper-nickel sulphide targets are being identified over several kilometres of strike. Early geochemical and geophysical results expected in Q4 2024. Xanadus VP Exploration, Dr Andrew Stewart, said, We are very pleased to have commenced and making excellent exploration progress at the Sant Tolgoi Copper-Nickel Project. This project represents an exciting green-fields opportunity. We believe this is potentially a new Magmatic Cu-Ni District in an under-explored mineral province of Western Mongolia, and is an extension of fertile magmatic activity hosting a significant number of Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Sant Tolgoi lies on the western extension of the deep seated Khangai Fault systems. Encouragingly surface mapping has identified widespread mineralisation, primarily consisting of copper oxides, either as fracture fillings or disseminated mineralisation in coarse- to medium-grained gabbro, validating our generative strategy. Figure 1: The Sant Tolgoi located in the Zavchan Province of Western Mongolia Figure 2: The Sant Tolgoi Exploration Leases Figure 3: Sant Tolgoi terrain with exploration camp in background Figures 4 and 5: Outcropping Copper Oxides and Disseminated Sulphides. About Sant Tolgoi The Sant Tolgoi Project covers two Exploration Licences, XV-17774 (Oyut) and XV-21887 (Sant Tolgoi) in the Zavchan Province of Western Mongolia with a combined area of over 40km2 (Figure 2), collectively referred to as the Sant Tolgoi Project or Sant Tolgoi Cu-Ni project. The Tenement portfolio includes numerous advanced exploration targets with real prospectivity for the discovery of significant magmatic copper and nickel mineralisation. In the Zavchan Region of Mongolia, the Sant Tolgoi Project lies on the western extension to the of the deep seated Khangai Fault systems, a metalliferous fault network which hosts several significant mafic and ultramafic intrusions that are highly encouraging for intrusion hosted copper and nickel discoveries (Figures 4 and 5). Early signs of several copper-nickel systems have been encountered in both historical drilling. Agreement Terms The Company has executed a binding agreement with STSM granting the right to earn up to 80% interest in two exploration licences XV-17774 (Oyut) and XV-21887 (Sant Tolgoi) located in the Zavchan Province of western Mongolia. 1 Key Terms of the agreement are: Stage 1 Farm-in Xanadu may elect to proceed to stage 1 once the minimum commitment has been met and can earn a 51% interest in the Project by spending USD $1,000,000 on exploration over a period of twenty-four months. At the completion of the Stage 1 Farm-In, XAM will have earned the right to 51% equity in the Projects. Formation of Joint Venture Once Xanadu has earned a 51% interest in the Projects, STSM LLC can elect to end the farm-in and form a Joint Venture (JV), with XAM holding 51% and STSM 49% and each contributing pro rata to their share in the JV with XAM being the manager of the JV. The JV agreement will be on standard commercial terms. Stage 2 Farm-In After formation of Joint Venture If STSM will not fund their pro rata the JV would be formed. XAM may earn a further 29% interest in the Projects by sole funding a further USD $10,000,000 on exploration prior transferring the exploration license to mining lease from the completion of the minimum commitment (Stage 2 Farm-In). At this stage XAM will hold an 80% interest in the Projects and STSM LLC 20%. Stage 3 Farm-In After transferring exploration license to mining leases. At the completion of the Stage 2 Farm-In Xanadu will hold an 80% interest in the Projects and STSM LLC 20%. At this point STSM LLC shall contribute the pro rata to the further exploration expenditures. Xanadu may be given a loan with certain interest (10%) to their 20% pro rata. STSM shall have an obligation pay back this loan including interest from their gross revenue royalty payable on product sold from the Projects. ____________ 1 ASX/TSX announcement 22 January 2024 Xanadu enters into new Magmatic Copper & Nickel Sulphide Project Statements and Disclaimers Competent Person Statement The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results is based on information compiled by Dr Andrew Stewart, who is responsible for the exploration data, comments on exploration target sizes, QA/QC and geological interpretation and information. Dr Stewart, who is an employee of Xanadu and is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists, has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking to qualify as the Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves and the National Instrument 43-101. Dr Stewart consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this Announcement, including information as to the future financial or operating performance of Xanadu and its projects may also include statements which are forwardlooking statements that may include, amongst other things, statements regarding targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated grades and recovery rates, production and prices, recovery costs and results, capital expenditures and are or may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other conditions. These forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Xanadu, are inherently subject to significant technical, business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results reflected in such forwardlooking statements. Xanadu disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, circumstances or results or otherwise after the date of this Announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than required by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Listing Rules of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The words believe, expect, anticipate, indicate, contemplate, target, plan, intends, continue, budget, estimate, may, will, schedule and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements. All forwardlooking statements made in this Announcement are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned that forwardlooking statements are not guarantee of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forwardlooking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. About Xanadu Mines Xanadu is an ASX and TSX listed Exploration company operating in Mongolia. We give investors exposure to globally significant, large-scale copper-gold discoveries and low-cost inventory growth. Xanadu maintains a portfolio of exploration projects and remains one of the few junior explorers on the ASX or TSX who jointly control a globally significant copper-gold deposit in our flagship Kharmagtai project. Xanadu is the Operator of a 50-50 JV with Zijin Mining Group in Khuiten Metals Pte Ltd, which controls 76.5% of the Kharmagtai project. For further information on Xanadu, please visit: www.xanadumines.com or contact: Colin Moorhead Spencer Cole Executive Chairman & Managing Director Chief Financial Officer P: +61 2 8280 7497 P: +61 2 8280 7497 E: colin.moorhead@xanadumines.com E: spencer.cole@xanadumines.com W: www.xanadumines.com This Announcement was authorised for release by Xanadus Executive Chair & Managing Director. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d969ad4-9796-4d43-9e8f-958c4a0b1d7b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36cbb247-a6ee-4565-82e2-7e9123052614 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f258e97c-ad08-4bed-a494-3190c262229a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/054e2275-76fe-4ba5-91dd-333c4283739e Waterloo, Canada, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is pleased to welcome 17 new and six returning fellows to CIGIs Digital Policy Hub for the 2024-2025 academic year. Launched in 2023, the Digital Policy Hub is a collaborative space for emerging scholars and innovative thinkers to share and develop research on the evolution and governance of transformative technologies. Connecting students and professionals nationwide, The Hub is designed to allow participants to develop research, and analytical and policy skills to prepare them to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. We are so pleased with the way the Hub is evolving. Its bringing together cutting-edge students and researchers in a unique transdisciplinary environment that builds intellectual foundations and cultivates career development, said Paul Samson, President of the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Highlighting the role of CIGIs Digital Policy Hub in shaping future leaders, he went on to say Participants from across Canada connect virtually and in-person creating cohorts at the knowledge frontier of transformative technology governance. The Hub is developing the new generation of research, policy and business leaders. Since its inception, fellows from a wide range of disciplines and sectors have presented their findings at research conferences open to the wider community, have participated in seminars and professional development sessions featuring CIGIs community of experts, and have seen their work published on the Hubs digital space. After a successful first year, Mitacs is proud to continue to play a role in supporting this excellent program, said John Hepburn, CEO of Mitacs. CIGIs Digital Policy Hub embodies what our Accelerate program is designed for - critical investment in both innovation and talent that creates the next generation of well-rounded leadership. Were proud to be a part of this work. The program is a continuation of CIGIs efforts to prepare Canadian scholars and professionals through rigorous research that cuts across disciplines and engages fellows with policy makers and industry professionals - an approach that broadens the capacity of participants to lead work across disciplines. The first year of the Hub saw the formation of career-enhancing connections and the production of important research on technologies that continue to revolutionize the way we see and interact in the world, said Reanne Cayenne, the Digital Policy Hubs Program Manager. Were so pleased with the program and excited to see the work of fellows as it continues to grow. The new cohort reflects a diverse set of research interests and expertise from a range of institutions, companies and organizations across Canada. This year, undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral, and visiting fellows will focus on US-China tech rivalry, outer space law and governance, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and more. CIGI would like to thank Mitacs for its continued partnership and support of CIGIs Digital Policy Hub fellows through the Accelerate program. We are also grateful to the John Holmes Trust for the support of fellows whose research focuses on Canadian foreign policy. Meet the 2024-2025 Digital Policy Hub fellows: Dana Cramer Kristen Csenky Nathalie DiBerardino Jamie Duncan Ashley Ferreira Xiao Han Wim Howson Creutzberg Amelia Hui Clare Kim Madison Lee Melissa MacKay Laine McCrory Ola Mirzoeva Rafael Morales-Guzman Michael P.A. Murphy Halyna Padalko Maya Povhe Elia Rasky Joseph Scarfone Shirley Anne Scharf Caleigh Wong Sophie Xiaoyi Liu Badriyya Yusuf - 30 - About CIGI The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank committed to innovative policy making at the intersection of technology and international governance. Headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, CIGI has a global network of multidisciplinary researchers and strategic partnerships providing expert research and objective analysis with one goal in mind: to improve peoples lives everywhere. Stay up to date by subscribing to the CIGI Newsletter. About Mitacs Mitacs empowers Canadian innovation through effective partnerships that deliver solutions to our most pressing problems. For over 20 years, Mitacs has assisted organizations in reaching their goals, has funded cutting-edge innovation, and has created job opportunities for students and postdocs. We are committed to driving economic growth and productivity and to creating meaningful change to improve quality of life for all Canadians. *Visiting fellows receive full financial support from the organization or workplace they are affiliated with during their tenure at the Digital Policy Hub. Bellevue, Washington, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bellevue, Washington Seattle Humane will attempt to raise $175,000 in just one day on Sept. 19 during their Day of Giving campaign, one of the nonprofit pet resource and adoption centers largest fundraisers of the year. More than 83 percent of Seattle Humanes funding comes from generous donations and planned gifts, but donations have not kept up with operating costs over the past several years. In their last fiscal year, Seattle Humanes operating costs went up 15%, while revenues only rose 3%. Shelters across the country have a higher-than-normal population of shelter pets, and pets are staying in shelters longer than in previous years, which has resulted in even more requests for aid. This is a very ambitious goal and were looking to our community for increased support to ensure we can continue to provide care for the thousands of animals that rely on us each year, says Seattle Humanes new executive director, Jessie Swisher Spiers, who spent the past four years as the organizations chief advancement officer before taking the helm earlier this year. The need is great and continues to grow. Weve seen an uptick in requests for financial and veterinary support from pet owners here in our community, as well as increased transfer requests from overcrowded shelters around the country. Were setting records at our Pet Food Bank, which currently serves about 1 million meals each year and we work with over 30 regional partners to ensure that community pets are happy and healthy with their loving families. The Day of Giving fundraising campaign will provide Seattle Humane the critical funds needed to rescue more vulnerable pets from overcrowded shelters, provide resources for pets and the people who love them, foster the next generation of animal advocates through humane education programs and champion the rights of pets and their families. Seattle Humanes efforts during this one-day fundraiser are being boosted by a generous group of donors who are providing a triple match, meaning every gift made during the campaign will go three times as far to support their lifesaving mission. We are truly grateful to have such wonderful friends of Seattle Humane ready to make sure every gift we receive during Day of Giving has an even greater impact in the lives of pets and their people, Swisher Spiers says. We hope their kindness inspires more people to join in helping us reach our goal. It is truly all of you to the rescue this Day of Giving. While Seattle Humanes Day of Giving isnt until Thursday, Sept. 19, supporters can make an early gift and still take advantage of the triple match at SeattleHumane.org/dayofgiving. Attachment INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tri Pointe Homes (NYSE: TPH), one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., announced today that it has earned coveted inclusion on the 2024 PEOPLE Companies That Care list from PEOPLE Magazine and Great Place To Work and the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Construction List from Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work. The accolades reflect Tri Pointes ongoing dedication to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes care, innovation, and inclusivity. The designation from PEOPLE, which Tri Pointe Homes has now won for two consecutive years, recognizes companies that have surpassed rigorous benchmarks to establish themselves as the best companies to work for in the country. The highly competitive selection process celebrates companies that offer positive outcomes for their team members regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, or other demographic identifiers. To receive the honor from Fortune, which Tri Pointe has been awarded for three consecutive years, companies were solely judged based on employee feedback, mirroring the genuine experiences and sentiments of the workforce. Our inclusion on these esteemed lists underscores our commitment to creating a workplace where our team members feel valued, supported, and empowered, said Heather Breidenthal, Tri Pointe Homes Chief Human Resources Officer. We are incredibly proud of the unique culture we have built, which is centered on caring for our employees, communities, and customers above all else. These honors are a testament to the positive work conditions we foster and the spirit of excellence our team members are able to deliver within such an environment. For us, these awards are symbols of the collective efforts and core values our team members bring to work every day. Tri Pointe Homes has been honored on the PEOPLE Companies That Care list for its unwavering dedication to fostering a culture that extends beyond the workplace, positively impacting employees, communities, and the environment. This acknowledgment speaks to the companys dedication to creating a workplace culture that encourages team members to feel connected and engaged. For instance, the companys Compass Clubs, which are composed of volunteer team members, foster an uplifting culture of belonging as team members plan events that bring fun, purpose, and value to the company and the communities they serve. Through the Tri Pointe C.A.R.E.S. program, employees receive 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually, supporting charitable causes and cultivating a sense of community engagement. Additionally, its commitment to sustainable building practices through its LivingSmart program demonstrates Tri Pointes dedication to environmental stewardship, continually seeking ways to improve building practices and enhance living conditions while supporting the planet. The recognition among Fortunes Best Workplaces in Construction list highlights Tri Pointes exceptional workplace culture within the construction industry. The award is based on a comprehensive analysis of employee feedback collected through the Great Place to Work proprietary Trust Index survey. This survey measures key behaviors that drive trust in management, connection with colleagues, and loyalty to the company. It assesses employees experiences with various aspects and the inclusivity of the work environment. The companies that rank highest on this list are those where a broad set of employees across all demographics and roles report consistently positive workplace experiences. Our Best of Big and Small operating philosophy truly captures our everyday approach at Tri Pointe Homes, said Tom Mitchell, Tri Pointe Homes President and Chief Operating Officer. As a nationally recognized homebuilder and publicly traded company, we leverage the vast resources and capabilities of our national presence while maintaining the agility and deep community connections of a local specialist. We empower our local teams to make decisions that best serve their unique markets, knowing they have the full support and resources of our home office (corporate). This blend of national strength and local expertise not only results in excellence in the homes we build, but it also nurtures an environment where innovation thrives and our team members feel affirmed. Tri Pointe Homes has continued to be a leader in creating an environment where employees across all demographics feel they can excel. Through various wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to building a passionate culture of diverse team members and cultivating a sense of belonging for all, the company has built a workplace culture that supports and inspires. For more information about Tri Pointe Homes and its award-winning culture, visit TriPointeHomes.com. About Tri Pointe Homes One of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (NYSE: TPH) is a publicly traded company operating in 12 states and the District of Columbia, and is a recognized leader in customer experience, innovative design, and environmentally responsible business practices. The company builds premium homes and communities with deep ties to the communities it servessome for as long as a century. Tri Pointe Homes combines the financial resources, technology platforms and proven leadership of a national organization with the regional insights, longstanding community connections and agility of empowered local teams. Tri Pointe has won multiple Builder of the Year awards, was named to the 2024 Fortune Worlds Most Admired Companies list, is one of the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For and was designated as one of the PEOPLE Companies That Care in 2023 and 2024. The company was also named as a Great Place To Work-Certified company for four years in a row (2021 through 2024), and was named on several Great Place To Work Best Workplaces list (2022 through 2024). For more information, please visit TriPointeHomes.com. About Great Place To Work As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and For All Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces List. Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more. About PEOPLE PEOPLE delivers the most trustworthy celebrity news and captivating human interest stories, connecting you to the pulse of American culture. Since our first issue hit stands in 1974, we have been striving to tell compelling stories about the people behind the issues, as opposed to just the issues themselves. We are your everyday escape, taking you inside the lives of intriguing stars, newsmakers, up-and-comers, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We serve and delight you by providing ideas about beauty, food and style through the lens of the people influencing the trends. And we are a force for good by telling stories of hope, optimism and kindness that drive conversation and inspire action. About the Fortune Best Workplaces in Construction List Great Place To Work selected the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Construction by analyzing confidential survey responses from over 1.3 million employees, representing the experience of 8.2 million employees in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024. Of those responses, more than 43,000 came from employees at Great Place To Work Certified companies in the construction industry and these rankings are based on that feedback. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index Survey. Companies with 10 to 999 employees competed in the small and medium category. Companies with 1,000 or more employees were considered for the large category. Read the full methodology. About Fortune Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts those who shape industry, commerce, and society through powerful and prestigious lists, events, and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative , and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com . From Fortune. 2024 Fortune Media IP Limited All rights reserved. Fortune and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Tri Pointe Homes. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d125241-da80-40ff-bafe-e80722b03c0b RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SECU Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to Feeding the Carolinas (FTC) for the non-profits disaster preparedness efforts in North Carolina. Funds will help equip the organization to readily deliver food and other essential supplies to individuals and communities impacted by disasters. Feeding the Carolinas serves all 100 North Carolina counties through a network of seven food banks and enlists the help of organizations like Baptists on Mission and The Salvation Army to coordinate volunteers and relief efforts. SECU Foundation has been a strong ally of Feeding the Carolinas and its predecessor North Carolina Association of Feeding America Food Banks since 2015. Subsequent grants from the Foundation have provided $2.5 million for crucial aid in response to hurricanes Matthew and Florence and COVID-19. Through our Foundations Disaster Response program, we have the opportunity to contribute resources for implementing preparations before a disaster strikes, said SECU Foundation Board Member Mona Moon. Enabling immediate relief is key to helping those in need, and we encourage other community leaders to help support critical organizations that we have come to rely upon during unfortunate times of disaster. From supporting produce purchases to a game-changing gift at the start of the pandemic, SECU Foundation has repeatedly come alongside FTC to feed those in need, said Feeding the Carolinas Executive Director Mike Darrow. With the Foundations grant, FTC can react rapidly to local community crises impacting our food pantries. We can always count on SECU Foundation to be there as we feed our friends and neighbors. About SECU and SECU Foundation A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 87 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $56 billion in assets. It serves more than 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org, and the SECU Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $300 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide. Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director, secufoundation@ncsecu.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/914cd7e4-9552-44be-8d36-c7268aa22b27 WASINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Moms for America, a conservative advocacy group that focuses on pro-family issues, flooded Capitol Hill in meetings discussing their opposition to the dangerous EATS Act, H.R. 4417/S. 2019, that would hand American pork and other production over to Chinese multi-national conglomerates like Smithfield, and the global meat cartel. The EATS Act, led by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, is backed by the National Pork Producers Council and their largest member, Smithfield, who owns one in every six sows in America, and whose purchase was financed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2013. Moms For America is opposed to the EATS Act because it would upend state rights and cede greater control of Americas agriculture over to China. President Bidens Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, D-IA, along with U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn GT Thompson, R-PA, supports including EATS Act language in the upcoming Farm Bill, and Thompson included a version of the bill in his Farm Bill that passed the Committee in May. Its inclusion is opposed by more than 2,000 diverse opponents that include Moms For America, Farm Action, Competitive Markets Action, the Organization of Competitive Markets, the American Grassfed Association, and three of the nations top American-owned pork producers Heritage Foods, Niman Ranch, and Clemens Food Group/Hatfield Meats. Smithfields EATS Act is the greatest threat to food safety and security that Moms across America have seen in half a century, said Kimberly Fletcher, president and founder of Moms for America. Ensuring we prevent the Chinese Communist Party from further consolidating food production in the U.S. is a critical component of our legislative agenda, and this globalist-backed federal power grab by the swamp must be defeated at all costs. Congress must do everything in its power to help strike the terrible EATS Act language included in the House Farm Bill that would decimate producers across the U.S. and nullify countless state and local laws designed to protect small and midsized farmers, said Marty Irby, president and CEO at Competitive Markets Action and Capitol South, LLC, who represents Moms for America on Capitol Hill. This radical assault on American family farmers by the global meat cartel and Members of Congress who support them should have every farmer, mother, and American voter up in arms. In March, 10 U.S. House Republicans, led by House Freedom Caucus (HFC) champion Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-FL, sent a letter that included HFC chairman Bob Good, R-VA, to Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott against the nullification of Prop 12 that followed a similar October 2023 letter to Thompson and Scott signed 16 House Republicans led by front-liner Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-NY. To date, 230 bipartisan Members of Congress have vocalized their opposition to the nullification of state laws by Thompson and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, who continue to champion the assault. 171 bipartisan Members of the House sent a letter to Thompson and Scott in August of 2023 and 31 U.S. Senators sent a similar letter to Senate Agriculture Chairman Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, and John Boozman, R-AR, last August. Unfortunately, Boozman, included the nullification of state agriculture laws in his farm bill outline released earlier this year. Other kitchen table issues Moms for America will be discussing include foster care, fiscal debt, commodity checkoff program reform, and their opposition to the digital dollar, DEI standards, and men competing in womens sports. Founded in 2004, Moms for America is a national, non-profit 501c3 educational corporation rooted on the principles of liberty and virtue our nation was founded on, and focused on promoting these principles, values, and virtues in the home and family, particularly through the women and mothers of America. To learn more about Moms for America, please visit momsforamerica.us. You can follow MFA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Attachments HOBOKEN, N.J. and DHAKA, Bangladesh, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pioneer Consulting, the full-service submarine fiber optic telecommunications consulting and project management company, announces Bangladeshs first privately owned submarine telecommunications cable has entered its construction stage, and is set to vastly expand the nations internet access. Bangladesh currently suffers from inadequate submarine cable connectivity. Only two submarine cables currently connect Bangladesh to wider markets, both of which are managed by state-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC. As a result, Bangladeshis experience relatively higher prices for internet access and abrupt outages. Just this April, one of the two cables broke, leading to a significant reduction in capacity and reports of high latency in some areas. In September 2022, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) awarded submarine cable licenses to Summit Communications Limited, CdNet Communications Limited, and Metacore Subcom Limited. These three companies formed the Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) consortium to install Bangladeshs first privately owned submarine cable system. Supplying at least 45 Tbit/s of bandwidth, this cable will greatly expand Bangladeshs internet capacity while contributing much-needed service diversity and redundancy. This endeavor is also expected to drive down service prices for Bangladeshis. The new cable will consist of a 1,300 km branch cable beginning in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, and connecting to the Campana-owned UMO trunk cable, which runs from Myanmar to Singapore. BPCS Consortium will own rights to three of the cables fiber pairs, each supplying at least 15 Tbit/s of bandwidth. Pioneer Consulting has supported the BPCS consortium over the past two years via route assessment, due diligence, commissioning of the UMO cable system, supply contract formation, and purchasers representative management for the survey of the branch route. Additionally, BPCS recently contracted Pioneer Consulting for project management, engineering, and quality assurance support of the branch cable for connectivity to Singapore. Pioneer Consulting's tasks will include audits and factory visits, factory and in-station tests, schedule and budget management, route engineering and system installation, system assembly testing and commissioning management, and general project management and supervision. The cable is expected to go into service in the first quarter of 2026. Were proud to be part of this groundbreaking project, poised to change the connectivity landscape of Bangladesh, said Dave Marie, Director of Client Solutions at Pioneer Consulting. Were off to a strong start, with all contracts in place and the marine survey completed well before the onset of Monsoon season. Were looking forward to a productive partnership with Summit Communications and the entire consortium. Bangladesh deserves world-class internet capacity and accessibility; we believe this new cable will significantly enhance the countrys ability to meet its internet demand in the coming decade. This new infrastructure will greatly improve internet speed, reliability, and affordability across Bangladesh, said K.M. Tariquzzaman, CTO of Summit Communications Ltd. and Project Lead for the BPCS consortium. Pioneer Consulting has been meticulous throughout this project, advising on the geographical, geopolitical, technical, and financial considerations of route selection and assisting in every step of supply procurement and project execution. Were pleased to have them aboard this historic project. This announcement comes amid a big year for Pioneer in APAC. This spring, Pioneer welcomed Nathan Javier as a new Director of Client Solutions based in Manila. Javier will serve as Project Planner and Marine support for the BPCS project. About Pioneer Consulting Pioneer Consulting offers a comprehensive set of services for the submarine fiber optic telecommunications system industry. The company provides clients with valuable technical and commercial insight into the challenging issues facing this unique industry. Recognizing the diverse nature of the submarine telecommunications marketplace, Pioneer Consulting has built a team of industry-leading experts who are able to work across traditional boundaries and provide businesses with the strategic intelligence and operational skills needed to make long-term business decisions and deliver results. About CdNet Communications CdNet is a company licensed under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to build, operate and maintain Submarine Cable Systems and Services. The company is working to establish eastward and westward internet connectivity to support the national demand of 34Tbps by 2026 and subsequently the international demand from OTTs and Hyper users. The company also plans to launch its data center business in Bangladesh, providing state-of-the-art facilities and services for secure and reliable data storage and management. About Metacore Subcom Metacore Subcom Limited is a joint venture company formed to establish Submarine Cable System and Services and provide uninterrupted Telecommunication Services and facilitate the growth of the ICT and Telecom sector in Bangladesh. It was awarded with its Subsea cable license on September 15, 2022. Level3 Carrier Limited is the ultimate holding company of Metacore Subcom Limited, partnering with Mohammadia Group and other stakeholders. About Summit Communications Summit Communications Group (SComm Group) is a group of companies headquartered in Bangladesh operating and maintaining a 53,000km fiber optic network and 4,500 towers, and serving 35% of Bangladeshs internet demand while building the countrys first private submarine cable. SComm Group provides telecommunications infrastructure across all 64 districts and 495 upazilas of Bangladesh, maintaining an average uptime of 99.9% with state-of-the-art network topology and design. Media Contact Christine Schinella, Pioneer Consulting c.schinella@pioneerconsulting.com Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Transparency Market Research, Inc., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global RFID chips market (Markt fur RFID-Chips) is estimated to flourish at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2024 to 2034. Transparency Market Research projects that the overall sales revenue for RFID chips is estimated to reach US$ 23.2 billion by the end of 2031. A prominent driver is the increasing focus on sustainability. With growing environmental concerns, companies are seeking RFID solutions that minimize environmental impact. This includes the development of eco-friendly RFID tags and chips made from biodegradable materials, as well as the implementation of energy-efficient RFID systems. An emerging driver is the adoption of blockchain technology in conjunction with RFID. Blockchain provides a secure and transparent platform for tracking and managing RFID data, enhancing data integrity and trust in supply chain operations. By combining RFID and blockchain, companies can ensure the authenticity and provenance of products throughout the supply chain, addressing concerns related to counterfeit goods and ensuring regulatory compliance. The rise of edge computing is influencing RFID chip adoption. Edge computing enables real-time data processing and analytics at the point of data capture, reducing latency and bandwidth requirements. This allows for more efficient RFID data management and decision-making, particularly in fast-paced environments such as retail and logistics. Unlock Growth Potential in Your Industry! Download PDF Brochure: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/rfid-chips-market.html Key Findings of the Market Report Passive tags lead the RFID chips market, offering cost-effective solutions for inventory management, asset tracking, and supply chain optimization. Ultra high frequency leads the RFID chips market frequency segment, offering enhanced read range and data transfer speeds for diverse applications. The retail and e-commerce segment leads the RFID chips market, driving demand for inventory management and supply chain optimization solutions. RFID Chips Market Growth Drivers & Trends Increasing adoption of RFID technology across diverse industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and automotive drives market growth. Technological advancements in RFID chip performance, including enhanced read range and data storage capabilities, propel market expansion. Rising demand for real-time visibility, inventory management, and supply chain optimization fuels RFID chip adoption. Growing focus on anti-counterfeiting measures and product traceability stimulates market growth. Integration of RFID technology with IoT and AI solutions creates new opportunities for innovation and market expansion. Global RFID Chips Market: Regional Profile North America leads the market, driven by robust adoption across various sectors such as retail, logistics, and healthcare. Companies like NXP Semiconductors and Impinj, Inc. dominate this region, leveraging advanced RFID chip technology to enhance supply chain visibility and improve operational efficiency. In Europe, stringent regulations regarding product traceability and anti-counterfeiting initiatives fuel market growth. Companies like STMicroelectronics and Avery Dennison Corporation capitalize on these trends, offering RFID solutions tailored to meet regulatory requirements and address consumer demands for product authenticity and safety. The Asia Pacific region presents significant growth opportunities driven by expanding manufacturing and retail sectors, particularly in countries like China and India. With rising investments in infrastructure and logistics, demand for RFID technology for inventory management and asset tracking is on the rise. Companies such as Alien Technology, LLC and CAEN RFID S.r.l. are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, offering cost-effective RFID solutions tailored to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving Asian market. RFID Chips Market: Competitive Landscape In the fiercely competitive landscape of the RFID chips market, key players vie for dominance with innovative solutions catering to diverse industries. Industry giants like NXP Semiconductors, Impinj, Inc., and Alien Technology, LLC lead with extensive product portfolios and global reach. Emerging players such as Invengo Technology Pte. Ltd. and CAEN RFID S.r.l. disrupt the market with specialized offerings and strategic partnerships. Technological advancements, including enhanced read range and durability, drive competition, while evolving applications in retail, healthcare, and logistics fuel market growth. With continuous R&D and strategic alliances, companies strive to stay ahead in this dynamic and rapidly expanding market. Some prominent players are as follows: Alien Technology LLC Avery Dennison Corporation CAEN RFID S.r.l. Confidex Ltd. Datalogic S.p.A. GAO RFID Inc. HID Global Corporation Honeywell International, Inc. Identiv Inc. Impinj Inc. Invengo Technology Pte. Ltd Linxens Nedap Identification NXP Semiconductors N.V. Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Co. Ltd. Zebra Technologies Corporation Product Portfolio Alien Technology LLC is a global leader in RFID technology, offering innovative solutions for asset tracking, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. Their cutting-edge RFID readers, antennas, and tags empower businesses to streamline operations and enhance visibility across the supply chain. is a global leader in RFID technology, offering innovative solutions for asset tracking, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. Their cutting-edge RFID readers, antennas, and tags empower businesses to streamline operations and enhance visibility across the supply chain. Avery Dennison Corporation specializes in RFID solutions, providing a comprehensive range of tags, labels, and software for retail, apparel, and logistics applications. Their RFID technology enables real-time inventory tracking, improves efficiency, and enhances customer experiences in diverse industries worldwide. Buy this Premium Research Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=86000 AHMA members with one or more projects selected to proceed with IHF support: Aboriginal Land Trust Society Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George Aqanttanam Housing Society Conayt Friendship Society Dze L Kant Housing Society Luma Native BCH Housing Society (LNHS) Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association Hiyam ta Skwxwu7mesh Housing Society Kekinow Native Housing Society M'akola Housing Society (MHS) Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society Vernon Native Housing Society Quotes from the event (Margaret Pfoh, AHMA CEO) Solutions for Indigenous people must be led by Indigenous people. This isnt just a principleit is the foundation of AHMAs call for true reconciliation. AHMA is deeply honoured by the support of successive governments, leading to todays transformative announcements. We extend our deepest thanks to this government for making these bold investments. We also acknowledge all of the housing and service providers who applied to the Indigenous Housing Fund and still await the resources to proceed with their plans. We look forward to supporting these AHMA members in being successful recipients of the IHF in the near future. Without a safe place to rest, healthcare, education, employmentall these other vital needsbecome impossible. As Grand Chief Doug Kelly once told me, People simply need a place to rest before they can address anything else in their lives. Housing is the foundation of everythingit is the cornerstone of reconciliation. Attachment SalMar ASA (rated BBB+ by Nordic Credit Rating) has issued a new commercial paper of NOK 500,000,000. Issue date: 13 September 2024 Maturity date: 13 March 2025 Coupon: 5.13 % p.a. Manager: DNB Markets For further information, please contact: Hakon Husby, Head of Investor Relations Tel: +47 936 30 449 Email: hakon.husby@salmar.no (mailto:hakon.husby@salmar.no) About SalMar SalMar is one of the world's largest and most efficient producers of salmon. The Group has farming operations in Central Norway, Northern Norway and Iceland, as well as substantial harvesting and secondary processing operations. In addition, the company is operating within offshore aquaculture through the company SalMar Aker Ocean and SalMar owns 50% of the shares in Scottish Sea Farms Ltd. See www.salmar.no (http://www.salmar.no/) for more information about the company. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements stipulated in section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. SAN JOSE, Calif. and DENVER, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iterate.ai , whose AI innovation platform enables enterprises to build production-ready applications and ready-to-use products for private AI requirements and the AI PC era, today announced that the company has been named to Fast Company s sixth annual list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators . The list honors organizations and businesses that demonstrate an inspiring commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels. Iterate.ai was recognized for empowering enterprise customers to achieve exceptional, efficient, and differentiated AI innovation success. Iterate.ais patented enterprise AI application solutions significantly accelerate enterprises innovation and customer experience goals by drastically simplifying AI application development through easy-to-use, drag-and-drop components. Centered around Iterate.ais powerful Interplay platform , customers build AI-fueled solutions 17x faster and with a 350% runtime improvement in production environments. Fully containerized and optimized to run AI on CPU architectures, Interplay can be flexibly deployed to edge servers, data centers, or cloud instances. Iterate.ai continues to innovate with new releases built to address specific enterprise pain points in bringing next-gen AI projects to production. The company now offers Generate , a secure AI Manager application that utilizes RAG and multiple secure vector databases to provide LLM capabilities to both the enterprise and SMB markets. Generate stands out by enabling local and private execution of LLMs on AI PCs, leveraging the power of CPUs, NPUs, and compact GPUs by Intel. Iterate.ai also recently released AppCoder , a world-class open source community LLM that generates AI code with natural languageand outperforms alternatives in ICE Benchmark testing. In addition to its enterprise offerings, Iterate.ai has demonstrated its commitment to public safety by open-sourcing powerful Weapons Detection AI software , freely available for non-profits such as schools and religious institutions to enhance their security measures. Iterate.ais culture of innovation extends to helping its customers invent new technologies and even file for their own patents. This AI domain expertise and support is why some of the worlds largest beauty brands, retailers, and financial institutions rely on Iterate.ai to bring new applications to market, and why companies like Intel partner with Iterate.ai to drive cutting-edge AI developments. From hardware-optimized drag-and-drop AI and AI PCs, to ensuring private and secure AI for the enterprise, to small language models, AI on the edge and more, we are actively empowering the business and technology leaders we work with to successfully leverage everything that todays AI landscape can deliver, said Jon Nordmark, CEO and co-founder, Iterate.ai. On behalf of the team at Iterate, were proud to have our commitment to innovationand fostering a workplace where AI innovators want to buildrecognized by Fast Company, said Brian Sathianathan, CTO and co-founder. Its absolutely an honor, and were looking forward to unveiling more innovative solutions to customers and partners over the next few months. Innovation is a global priority that cuts across all industries, and this years list reflects that diversity, says Brendan Vaughan, editor in chief of Fast Company. The top ten features four companies headquartered outside of the U.S. and includes representatives from technology, advertising, finance, biotech, pharmaceuticals, ecommerce, and the nonprofit sectors. Fast Companys Best Workplaces for Innovators issue (Fall 2024) is available online now, and the print issue will be on newsstands beginning September 17, 2024. About Iterate.ai Iterate.ai is at the forefront of empowering businesses with state-of-the-art AI tools and technologies. Its platform, Interplay, is cloud-agnostic and can run AI on the edge and in secure private environments. With five patents granted (including drag-and-drop AI) and nearly a dozen more pending, Iterate.ais platform offers corporate innovators a low-risk, systematic way to scale in-house, near-term digital innovation initiatives. With its largest office in San Jose, CA and Denver, CO, Iterate.ai has a global presence with other offices in North America (Texas, Washington, Arizona), Europe (Stockholm), and Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Singapore). About Fast Company Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com . Contact Kyle Peterson kyle@clementpeterson.com Dallas, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, the worlds largest Mexican casual dining brand, is teaming up with No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Through June of 2025, On The Border will donate $1 from the sale of each Border Blast kids beverage at participating restaurants nationwide with a goal to raise $150,000. On The Borders Border Blasts are frozen drinks and come in two kid-friendly flavors of cherry and blue raspberry. This announcement comes on the heels of On The Border contributing $40,000, equating to 400,000 meals, for the brands 40th birthday. The brand recently launched an updated kids menu with more healthy alternatives in addition to kids favorite classics. On The Border is proud to support No Kid Hungry in their endeavor to end childhood hunger and provide children across the country with the most important school supply, access to healthy meals says Chris Rockwood, chief operating officer at On The Border. This program aligns with our brand values as we believe that everyone deserves access to nourishing meals, especially our countrys future generation. Throughout the country, as many as 1 in 5 children are facing hunger. As these kids are headed back to school millions will struggle to get three healthy, balanced meals per day needed to thrive in and outside of the classroom. With many hardworking families struggling to get by with the high cost of food and other essentials, No Kid Hungry and On The Border recognize that school meal programs play a massive role in ensuring the nutritional needs of students. This simple solution not only creates a sense of community among schools but also is a healthy, affordable, and convenient way to make sure every student is nourished and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with On The Border, said Allison Shuffield Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. With the continued support of partners like On The Border, No Kid Hungry is helping children all over the country get the nutritious food they need to succeed. This back-to-school season, join No Kid Hungry and On The Border in raising awareness about the importance of meals at school and celebrating the hunger heroes across the country making sure kids have the food they need to grow up healthy and strong. Help us make No Kid Hungry a reality, says Rockwood. ### About On the Border Founded in 1982, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world's largest Mexican casual dining brand. On The Border is known for its award-winning margaritas, house-made salsa, and sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas. With 124 restaurants in the U.S. and internationally, its fan-favorite destination for authentic, contemporary Mexican food and vibrant good times. For more information, visit ontheborder.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. About No Kid Hungry No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. Join us at NoKidHungry.org. Attachment DENVER, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC, or the Company) announced today that Aldis Birkans, the Companys EVP, Chief Financial Officer was promoted to President of the Company with Tim Laney continuing to serve as the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Nicole Van Denabeele, the Companys EVP, Chief Accounting Officer has been appointed as the Companys EVP, Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Emily Gooden has been appointed as the Companys SVP, Chief Accounting Officer and will continue to serve as Investor Relations Director. The effective date of these promotions are all as of September 10, 2024. Birkans, a seasoned financial veteran, has served as the Companys Chief Financial Officer since 2018 and previously served as the Treasurer of the Company. In his role as President, he will have oversight of the Companys lines of business functions. Van Denabeele has served as the Companys Chief Accounting Officer since 2018 and concurrently served as the President of Bank Midwest, a division of NBH Bank, from 2020 to 2024. Van Denabeele, a certified public accountant, has held numerous accounting roles at both Deloitte and UMB Financial before joining NBH in 2018. Gooden has been with the Company since 2015, serving in a number of accounting roles, including most recently as Director of Financial Reporting and Investor Relations. She also is a certified public accountant and previously worked in public accounting at KPMG. Tim Laney, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, said, Im pleased with the key organizational changes we are making to support the continued growth of our Company. Aldis has demonstrated excellent leadership in our organization, and Im looking forward to seeing his contributions to our business as President. Nicole has demonstrated strength and capabilities to expand into the Chief Financial Officer role with Emily succeeding her as Chief Accounting Officer. About National Bank Holdings Corporation National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of over 90 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the banks core footprint. Its trust business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Utah, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com. For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com. Or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn. Contact: Analysts/Institutional Investors: Emily Gooden, 720-554-6640 Chief Accounting Officer and Investor Relations Director ir@nationalbankholdings.com Nicole Van Denabeele, 720-554-6640 Chief Financial Officer ir@nationalbankholdings.com Media: Jody Soper, 303-784-5925 Chief Marketing Officer Jody.Soper@nbhbank.com Source: National Bank Holdings Corporation VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ValOre Metals Corp. (ValOre; TSXV: VO; OTCQB: KVLQF; Frankfurt: KEQ0, the Company) today provided an update on the ongoing exploration program for the Salvador target (Salvador) at ValOres 100%-owned Pedra Branca Platinum Group Elements (PGE, 2PGE+Au) Project (Pedra Branca) in northeastern Brazil. Our ongoing exploration program at the Salvador target has yielded encouraging results, with initial Trado and rock assays, trenching and field mapping all confirming in-situ PGE mineralization and extending the prospective Salvador PGE trend to 2 km in strike length, stated ValOres VP of Exploration, Thiago Diniz. Additionally, preliminary ground geophysical data shows consistent magnetic anomalies along strike, which increases our confidence that this program will set the stage for future discoveries and resource expansion drill programs at Salvador. 2024 Salvador Exploration Program Highlights Salvador field exploration program is in progress, with Trado auger drilling, rock sampling and trenching confirming continuity of PGE-bearing ultramafic (UM) rocks along trend to the north of the 2023 drill zone: PGE mineralization reported in 15 of 20 UM-bearing Trado holes; holes; High-grade PGE assay results reported from outcropping chromitite: 11.17 grams per tonne palladium + platinum + gold (g/t 2PGE+Au) Sample 103792; Trench mapping and sampling is completed, with 108 samples sent for assay analysis; Ground geophysical survey field work is completed, interpretation ongoing; Additional field mapping, rock sampling, and Trado auger drilling following up on new ultramafic occurrences and preliminary magnetic anomalies in the north extension of the target area continues; auger drilling following up on new ultramafic occurrences and preliminary magnetic anomalies in the north extension of the target area continues; Current results and new UM occurrences extend Salvadors PGE-prospective trend to a total of 2 km in strike-length; See Figure 1 for a plan view of the Salvador target, and location of the 2024 exploration work; and Table 1 for a summary of the exploration totals for Trado and trenching programs. Figure 1: Salvador target plan view, with location of the 2024 exploration work activities. Table 1: Trado and trenching exploration totals to date. Target Activity # Holes/Trenches Total Meters UM Length (m) Total #assays # Assays pending Salvador Trado Auger Drilling 35 101 77 107 21 Salvador Trenching 4 95 51 108 108 Trado auger drilling Trado auger drilling has intercepted ultramafic rocks in 25 of 35 Trado auger drill holes completed to date (77 m of 101 m drilled in total). Trado assay results have been received for 20 UM-bearing Trado holes, with PGE mineralization reported in 15 Trado holes. Table 2: Trado auger drilling assay highlights: Target Trado hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) 2PGE+Au (g/t) Litho 2PGE+Au Interval Summary Salvador AD24MES29 0.0 2.5 2.5 0.20 Ultramafic 2.5 m @ 0.20 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES30 0.0 1.6 1.6 0.14 Ultramafic 1.6 m @ 0.14 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES32 0.0 6.0 6.0 0.27 Ultramafic 6.0 m @ 0.27 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES33 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.48 Ultramafic 4.0 m @ 0.48 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES34 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.12 Ultramafic 2.0 m @ 0.12 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES37 0.0 1.7 1.7 0.99 Ultramafic and Chromitite 1.7 m @ 0.99 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES38 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.19 Ultramafic 4.0 m @ 0.19 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES39 0.0 3.0 3.0 0.12 Ultramafic 3.0 m @ 0.12 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES40 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.18 Ultramafic 4.0 m @ 0.18 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES44 1.0 2.5 1.5 0.50 Ultramafic 1.5 m @ 0.50 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES47 0.0 2.5 2.5 0.14 Ultramafic 2.5 m @ 0.14 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES48 0.0 1.5 1.5 0.34 Ultramafic 1.5 m @ 0.34 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES49 0.0 5.0 5.0 0.39 Ultramafic 5.0 m @ 0.39 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES50 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.29 Ultramafic 2.0 m @ 0.29 g/t 2PGE+Au Salvador AD24MES51 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.17 Ultramafic 1.0 m @ 0.17 g/t 2PGE+Au Trenching Four trenches were excavated, totalling 95 metres (m) in length, with all four exposing UM and UM-derived rocks, including chromitite layers in the central trenches, TR24MES06 and TR24MES07, to the north along strike from the area of 2023 Salvador drill program. Trench assays are pending. See Figure 2 for trenching program photos, including chromitite and chromite-rich rocks intercepted in trenches TR24MES06 and 07. Figure 2: 2024 Salvador trenching program. Mapping and sampling of trench TR24MES06 (left), and centimetric chromitite layer (CR) within serpentinized ultramafics (UMD) and phlogopite (PHL) (right). Ground geophysical survey 50-line kilometres (km) of ground magnetics and gamma spectrometry data have been acquired, covering the entire strike-length of the Salvador target and its extensions. A 3D inversion modeling and structural interpretation is in progress. Field mapping and rock sampling To date, 25 rock samples have been sent to SGS lab, with assay results received for 6 samples, including high-grade PGE mineralization in two chromitite occurrences located near the 2024 trench TR24MES08, and remaining 4 samples with anomalous PGE grades; Highlights: 11.17 g/t 2PGE+Au Chromitite outcrop, sample 103792; 6.24 g/t 2PGE+Au Chromitite grab sample 103795. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) CLICK HERE for a summary of ValOres policies and procedures related to QA/QC and grade interval reporting. Qualified Person (QP) The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Thiago Diniz, P.Geo., ValOres QP and Vice President of Exploration. About ValOre Metals Corp. ValOre Metals Corp. (TSXV: VO) is a Canadian company with a team aiming to deploy capital and knowledge on projects which benefit from substantial prior investment by previous owners, existence of high-value mineralization on a large scale, and the possibility of adding tangible value through exploration and innovation. ValOres Pedra Branca Platinum Group Elements Project comprises 45 exploration licenses covering a total area of 51,096 hectares (126,260 acres) in northeastern Brazil. At Pedra Branca, 7 distinct PGE+Au deposit areas host, in aggregate, a 2022 NI 43-101 inferred resource of 2.198 Moz 2PGE+Au contained in 63.6 Mt grading 1.08 g/t 2PGE+Au. ValOres team believes the Pedra Branca project has significant exploration discovery and resource expansion potential. (CLICK HERE to download 2022 technical report* and CLICK HERE for news release dated March 24, 2022). *The 2022 Technical Report is entitled Independent Technical Report Mineral Resource Update on the Pedra Branca PGE Project, Ceara State, Brazil was prepared as a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on behalf of ValOre Metals Corp. with an effective date of March 08, 2022. The 2022 Technical Report by Independent qualified persons, Fabio Valerio (P.Geo.) and Porfirio Cabaleiro (P.Eng.), of GE21, commissioned to complete the mineral resource estimate while Chris Kaye of Mine and Quarry Engineering Services Inc. (MQes), was commissioned to review the metallurgical information. The Mineral Resource estimates were prepared in accordance with the CIM Standards, and the CIM Guidelines, using geostatistical, plus economic and mining parameters appropriate to the deposit. Mineral Resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability, and may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, and other relevant issues. Mineral Resources are based upon a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t PGE+Au, correlated to Pd_eq grade of 0.35 g/t, and were limited by an economic pit built in Geovia Whittle 4.3 software and following the geometric and economic parameters as disclosed in the 2022 NI 43-101 Technical Report, On behalf of the Board of Directors, Jim Paterson James R. Paterson, Chairman and CEO ValOre Metals Corp. For further information about ValOre Metals Corp., or this news release, please visit our website at www.valoremetals.com or contact Investor Relations at 604.646.4527, or by email at contact@valoremetals.com. ValOre Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although ValOre believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements have been based on factors and assumptions concerning future events that may prove to be inaccurate. These factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information to ValOre. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors including those set forth in other public filings could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the future operations of ValOre and economic factors. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and, except as required by applicable law, ValOre does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ValOre undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of ValOre, or its financial or operating results or (as applicable), their securities. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e21004dc-62fb-41f2-bbe6-3c5019e059e8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d874caf-c5f5-477d-9247-45c530b5456f Memphis, TN, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) is proud to present "Tackling Prostate Cancer Disparities in Black Men" as part of its Catalyst for Change Speaker Series. The event will take place on September 16, 2024, at 6:00 pm Central in a hybrid format, both in-person at the Museum and streamed online. The event will focus on health disparities in prostate cancer, emphasizing early detection and access to healthcare resources for Black men. In observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the event's panel of healthcare professionals, health equity advocates, academia and prostate cancer survivors will discuss the current state of prostate cancer in the Black community and the necessary steps to advance prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Participants will also discuss how healthcare systems and policymakers can work to ensure that more men receive timely screenings, particularly those at higher risk. Panelists include: Dr. Duane Loynes Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Africana Studies at Rhodes College, Associate Director of Equity & Culture at the Institute for Health Equity & Community Justice (Moderator) Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Africana Studies at Rhodes College, Associate Director of Equity & Culture at the Institute for Health Equity & Community Justice (Moderator) Dr. Walter Rayford The Urology Group, P.C., Associate Professor in the Department of Preventative Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center The Urology Group, P.C., Associate Professor in the Department of Preventative Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Clarence Williamson Co-Founder of Man2Man, a prostate cancer awareness organization, and a Prostate Cancer Survivor Co-Founder of Man2Man, a prostate cancer awareness organization, and a Prostate Cancer Survivor Ken Carpenter Founder of Carpenter Primary Healthcare and a Prostate Cancer Survivor One of the most glaring disparities in healthcare today is the unequal impact of prostate cancer on Black men. Black men are 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer during their lifetime than white men, and they are also twice as likely to die from the disease, said Dr. Russ Wigginton, Museum President. Despite significant advancements in cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and healthcare delivery, racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes persist. More must be done to bridge the health equity gap, he said. To combat these disparities, the National Civil Rights Museum has partnered with Pfizer for the event. The collaboration between the museum and Pfizer reflects a shared commitment to addressing the unique challenges Black men face in accessing timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. Speaking about the partnership, Angel Riemer, Vice-President, Policy & Public Affairs, Pfizer said, We are so pleased to be partnering with the National Civil Rights Museum for this special event. Its hugely important to have events like these that give all stakeholders an open forum to discuss health disparities in prostate cancer. Pfizer is working every day to reduce healthcare disparities by leading and investing in a variety of programs including our support of this initiative. We encourage anyone who is interested to sign-up for this free, hybrid event and I look forward to hearing from all of the panelists next week. Through the Catalyst for Change Speaker Series, the NCRM continues its tradition of hosting influential voices on critical issues relating to civil and human rights. This series aligns with the Museum's strategic pillars of education, economic empowerment, and health equity. By bringing diverse perspectives on the intersection of racial and health inequities, the series helps raise awareness of some of the most pressing challenges facing Black Americans today. The free, hybrid event will include an in-person reception to follow at 7:30 pm. The live stream begins at 6:00 pm Central on the museums website and YouTube channels. Registration is highly recommended. For information and to register, visit the museums website. About the National Civil Rights Museum The NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, gives a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present. Since the Museum opened in 1991, millions of visitors from around the world have come, including more than 90,000 students annually. The Museum is steadfast in its mission to chronicle the American civil rights movement and tell the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights. It educates and serves as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change. A Smithsonian Affiliate and an internationally acclaimed cultural institution, the Museum is recognized as a 2019 National Medal Award recipient by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS), the top national honor for museums and libraries. It is a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Top 5% U.S. Museum, USA Today's Top 10 Best American Iconic Attractions; Top 10 Best Historical Spots in the U.S. by TLC's Family Travel; Must See by the Age of 15 by Budget Travel and Kids; Top 10 American Treasures by USA Today; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Business Journal. civilrightsmuseum.org Attachment SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (NYSE: CWT)For his leadership to keep water flowing to his local communities during the devastating Lahaina wildfire last year, the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) honored John (Kani) Kadowaki with the Living Water Award during its annual Water Summit today. Kadowaki is the Maui Operations Manager of Hawaii Water Service (Hawaii Water), a subsidiary of California Water Service Group (Group). The Living Water Award is presented to the regulated water industry professional who best demonstrates excellence in serving the community, colleagues, the industry, or the environment. Although Kadowakis own family and home were impacted by the wildfire, he stayed to lead his small but dedicated team of water system operators to keep providing a safe, reliable supply of water to the utilitys Kaanapali and Kapalua service areas, both during and after the fires. Kadowaki was instrumental in overseeing operationswhich was short-staffed due to team members being impacted by the fireto provide a steady source of water to firefighters trying to stop the fire in Lahaina from spreading into adjacent Kaanapali and beyond, to residents, and to hotels that were housing both tourists and displaced locals. Under his leadership, Hawaii Water became the only water provider in West Maui that did not need to implement a boil water advisory or experience water service outages during and after the tragedy. Kadowaki and his team accomplished this despite significant challenges, such as the prolonged lack of reception for cell phones, satellite phones, and two-way radios; widespread power outages; extremely limited access to diesel fuel to run generators that were critical to keep the water systems online; worry about their families and homes; and a lack of sleep. The devastation and loss witnessed in the Lahaina Fire were truly unfathomable, and although his own family was impacted, Kanis aloha for his community compelled him to lead his team and keep safe, clean water flowing to our customers and community, said Marty Kropelnicki, Group Chairman and CEO. I appreciate the recognition NAWC has given Kani on behalf of his team, and Im incredibly proud of him for receiving this honor on behalf of the entire Hawaii Water team. Kani and the Hawaii Water team on Maui showed incredible strength and dedication, working tirelessly around the clock in the most difficult of circumstances and developing creative solutions to keep the water system operating properly, Kropelnicki added. I believe that the teams efforts to keep firefighters supplied with the water they needed kept the fire from spreading into our service areas and impacting more of West Maui. About California Water Service Group California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States. It provides high-quality, reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 2.1 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Washington, and Texas through its regulated subsidiaries, California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, and Washington Water Service, and its utility holding company, Texas Water Service. Groups purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders. To do so, it invests responsibly in water and wastewater infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community well-being. The companys 1,200+ employees live by a set of strong core values and share a commitment to protecting the planet, caring for people, and operating with the utmost integrity. The company has been named one of Americas Most Responsible Companies and the Worlds Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek, a Top Workplace, and a Great Place to Work. More information is available at www.calwatergroup.com. Media Contact Yvonne Kingman ykingman@calwater.com 310-257-1434 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82d0f7d9-8128-4a02-b296-b51ac4f9b7f5 Washington, D.C., Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York denied Cornell Universitys effort to avoid a trial in New Civil Liberties Alliance client Dr. Mukund Vengalattores lawsuit alleging that Cornells biased and faulty sexual misconduct investigation discriminated against him in violation of Title IX. Dr. Vengalattore was a tenure-track Cornell University physics professor in 2014 when a former graduate student sought to interfere with his tenure and made a false sexual misconduct allegation. Her claim launched an utterly biased and due-process deficient Title IX investigation that ruined his promising career. Cornells scheme was driven in part by the universitys Title IX office, which succumbed to pressure from the Department of Education (DOE) to rig its investigatory and adjudicatory processes against men accused of sexual misconduct. While the Court dismissed Dr. Vengalattores claim that Cornell defamed him, it rejected the universitys motion for summary judgement in the lawsuit. NCLA looks forward to arguing Dr. Vengalattores Title IX claim before a jury and clearing his good name. Dr. Vengalattore has consistently and specifically denied the suspiciously timed accusation of his former student. Nevertheless, Cornell found him guilty in a secret process that ignored procedural rights and protections specified in Cornells applicable policies and deprived him of even the most fundamental notions of due process, including disregarding evidence to reach its preferred outcome against the full weight of the evidence. Dr. Vengalattore enlisted NCLAs help in taking Cornell to court for this injustice. The district court initially dismissed his Title IX claims, concluding the Title IX cause of action did not extend to faculty. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed that ruling, with Judge Jose Cabranes observing in his concurrence: insulated from review, it is no wonder that, in some cases, these procedures have been compared unfavorably to those of the infamous English Star Chamber. Gender bias drove Cornells misconduct in this process, as the university caved to DOE influence. Cornell has admitted that DOEs 2011 and 2014 guidance, including an infamous Dear Colleague Letter, was an instigating cause for changing its sexual assault and harassment policies and significantly reducing the due process protections afforded the accused (most often, male) in favor of the accuser (most often, female). Courts have previously found that universities that followed the DOE guidance eviscerating commonsense procedural protections violated rather than complied with Title IX. In Dr. Vengalattores case, Cornell changed or ignored multiple policies and procedures to placate DOE, ironically leading to the universitys violating Title IX rather than complying with it. NCLA released the following statements: On Dr. Vengalattores behalf, we are pleased with the Courts finding that a rational jury could look at Cornells multiple procedural irregularities and the pressure put on Cornell, including by the U.S. Department of Education, to find that Cornells action against Dr. Vengalattore was at least partially motivated by gender bias. Universities and all entities must be aware that government agencies have their own agendas and their recommendations, even mandates, may not be consistent with law and should be critically evaluated. The Administrative State is not entitled, in courts or otherwise, to a presumption of being correct. Zhonette Brown, General Counsel and Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The Courts ruling sends a strong message not only to Cornell, but to universities and colleges across the country, that the brutish overreach of university administrators at the expense of due process and simple fairness will not be tolerated. We look forward to, at long last, vindicating Dr. Vengalattores rights and addressing Cornells grotesque miscarriage of justice before a jury at trial. Casey Norman, Litigation Counsel, NCLA For more information visit the case page here or watch the case video here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### Miami, FL, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Charcutiers Gilles and Nicolas Verot release their highly anticipated cookbook, French Charcuterie at Home: Terrines, Rillettes, Saucisses, & Pates En Croute, September 10, 2024. This beautifully photographed and illustrated hardcover brings the art of French charcuterie to home kitchens, offering eighty-nine recipes that are both accessible and rooted in tradition. Father and son duo Gilles and Nicolas Verot helm Maison Verot, a pioneering force in exceptional charcuterie spanning four generations. Established in 1930 in Saint-Etienne by Gilles Verots grandfather, Jean Verot, Maison Verot was carried on by Gilles parents, Pierre (named Meilleur Ouvrier de France) and Alexandre. Gilles is a third-generation Master Charcutier and the 2011 world pate-croute champion. His collaborations with multi-starred chef Daniel Boulud have graced the menus of acclaimed establishments such as Bar Boulud in New York as well as Boulud restaurants throughout London, Boston, and Toronto. His knowledge of this culinary art, which dates back to the 15th century, is one of the greatest, and he and his son continue to build on the historical foundation to move charcuterie forward, says Boulud in the foreword. Now, Gilles, alongside his son Nicolas, shares this culinary heritage in French Charcuterie at Home, complete with photographed recipes and illustrated workshops; no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients are required. With the end of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and the approach of Paris Fashion Week, the cookbook invites you to stroll through Maison Verot boutiques in Saint-Placide, Sevres-Lecourbe, Enfants-Rouges, Saint-Paul, and Galeries Lafayette to bring a piece of Paris into your kitchen. Available for purchase through major retailers and online bookstores, French Charcuterie at Home is a much-needed addition to any culinary enthusiasts library. ABOUT TRA PUBLISHING Tra Publishing creates beautifully crafted books that inspire social, cultural, and environmental awareness. Particular emphasis is placed on the physical components of the bookmaking process, resulting in books that are both works of art and modes of expression. Tras books are distributed worldwide through Simon & Schuster. Attachment /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ VANCOUVER, Sept. 9, 2024 - P2 Gold Inc. ("P2" or the "Company") (TSX-V:PGLD) reports that it has closed the second tranche (the "Second Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement, previously announced on August 26, 2024 and September 4, 2024, of up to 18 million units in the capital of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $900,000 (the "Offering"). The Second Tranche consisted of 9,950,000 Units for gross proceeds of $497,500. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (an "Offering Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share for a period of two years from the date of issue (the "Expiry Time"), provided that, if after four months from the date of issue, the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") is equal to or greater than $0.20 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any time prior to the Expiry Time, the Company will have the right to accelerate the Expiry Time of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders of the Warrants by news release or other form of notice permitted by the certificate representing the Warrants that the Warrants will expire at 4:30 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a date that is not less than 30 days from the date notice is given. The proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund exploration and development expenditures and for general corporate purposes. All securities issued pursuant to the Second Tranche will be subject to a four-month hold period expiring on January 10, 2025. In connection with the Second Tranche, the Company paid finder's fees of an aggregate of $6,750 to arm's length finders, representing up to 6% of the proceeds raised from subscriptions by certain placees. The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay finders' fees as permitted by the policies of the Exchange. The Offering will be offered to accredited investors in all Provinces of Canada pursuant to applicable securities laws. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period. About P2 Gold Inc. P2 Gold is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its gold-copper Gabbs Project on the Walker Lane Trend in Nevada. A positive preliminary economic assessment has outlined a long-life, mid-size mine at Gabbs with annual average production of 104,000 ounces gold and 13,500 tonnes copper over a 14.2-year mine life. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, information with respect to the Company's expectations, strategies and plans for exploration properties including the Company's planned expenditures and exploration activities, the Offering and the issuances of securities pursuant to the Offering and the Loan Settlement and issuance of the Loan Shares. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made, including without limitation, that the Exchange will accept the Offering, the issuance of securities under the Offering will be approved, required fundraising will be completed, as well as the other assumptions disclosed in this news release. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including without limitation, failure to obtain Exchange acceptance of the Offering and/or the issuance of securities pursuant to the Offering, failure to raise sufficient funds on the proposed terms or at all, and risks associated with mineral exploration, including the risk that actual results and timing of exploration and development will be different from those expected by management. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, dated March 21, 2024 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com for a discussion of these risks. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. SOURCE P2 Gold Inc. Vancouver, September 9, 2024 - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of Properties (the "Property") from an arm's length party (the "Vendor") located in the Matheson area, east of Timmins, Ontario. The Matheson portfolio, consisting of four (4) properties (Highway, Tax, Hewitt, and Munro), increases the Munro-Croesus Property ("Munro-Croesus" or the "Project") to 10,411 ha (104 km2), a 12% increase (Figure 1). This adds substantial exploration potential across this relatively underexplored yet highly prospective section of the Timmins Gold Camp. The Properties are contiguous or proximal with Munro-Croesus and are host to multiple high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold occurrences. "Acquiring this portfolio of properties is another strategic addition to our Munro-Croesus Project," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "It offers excellent potential for additional mineral discoveries adjacent to our emerging Argus Zone and GM discoveries, including key ground on trend to the west along the Pipestone Fault. We believe that there is significant untapped opportunity for both high-grade and bulk-tonnage discoveries on these properties that have seen little to no work in a very long time. In our view, the work completed to date has only scratched the surface of the Properties' potential, and we look forward to designing and implementing a drill program in the near future." Highlights of the Properties: A large (1,150 ha) portfolio of properties (Highway, Tax, Hewitt, and Munro) (Figure 2) contiguous and proximal to Munro-Croesus, McEwen Mining's Black Fox Mine Complex, Mayfair Gold's 3.5 Moz Au Fenn-Gib Deposit and STLLR Gold's >12.0 Moz Au Golden Highway project 1 . The Highway property includes two known gold-bearing structures: the 50-140m wide and 1,400m long east-west striking Flipper Zone; and the L15 Zone (the NE-SW trending faulted extension of the Flipper Zone). Historic drilling at the Flipper Zone returned 1.0 grams/tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 42.6m and 1.3 g/t Au over 28.8m, including 10.8 g/t Au over 1.5m, while drilling at the L15 Zone returned 6.0 g/t Au over 1.0m 2 . At the Stewart-Abate zone on the Highway Property, an old, inclined shaft (37m deep) was sunk during 1915-1941 era and returned a 52 tonne bulk sample grading 24 g/t Au. Historical drilling returned 9.6 g/t Au over 1.2m, along with grab samples of up to 13.5 g/t Au 2 . Drifting at the 20m level followed the main quartz-carbonate-pyrite-chalcopyrite vein (with rare visible gold and molybdenite) within a sheared diorite body for 67m at an average width of 1.8m and grade of 10.6 g/t Au 2 . The prospect has not been explored for at least 25 years. The Hewitt property is situated on a northeast-trending secondary fault splay to the Painkiller Fault and contains gold-bearing mineralization with grab samples yielding 15.7 g/t Au, 5.6 g/t Au, 4.8 g/t Au, and 2.5 g/t Au 2 . Year-round access to the properties is provided via the paved Highway 101 and secondary roads. Transaction Details The consideration to be paid by the Company to the Vendor for the Property is $150,000 cash and 750,000 common shares of Onyx. The Vendor will also retain a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Property, which includes a buydown of half of the NSR royalty (1% NSR) for $1,000,000 and a right of first refusal to purchase the residual royalty. In addition, for a period of 15-years from the closing date of the agreement, if a cumulative mineral resource exceeding 1,000,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories is defined on the Property the Company shall make a one-time bonus payment of $1,000,000 to the Vendors. Figure 1 - Munro-Croesus Property Location With Newly Acquired Properties To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/222772_ad05001064dc4a87_002full.jpg Figure 2 - Munro-Croesus Property Top Gold Targets (New Targets are Highlighted in Yellow) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/222772_ad05001064dc4a87_003full.jpg About the Munro-Croesus Project The Munro-Croesus Project is located along Highway 101 in the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction. This large, 100% owned land package includes the past-producing Croesus Gold Mine, which yielded some of the highest-grade gold ever mined in Ontario. Extensive land consolidation from 2020-2024 has unified the patchwork of patented and unpatented mining claims surrounding the Croesus Gold Mine into one coherent package (Figure 1) and enhanced the exploration potential of the Project. The Project covers 104 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of major gold-bearing structural breaks. Bulk-tonnage gold deposits located in the immediate region include the Fenn-Gib gold project being developed by Mayfair Gold Corp. that contains an Indicated Resource of 3.38 Moz at 0.93 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 157 koz at 0.85 g/t Au, and the Tower Gold Project being developed by Moneta Gold Inc. that contains an open pit Indicated Resource of 4.46 Moz at 0.92 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 8.29 Moz at 1.09 g/t Au1. About the Timmins Area Gold Properties Onyx owns 100% of each of its three Timmins properties. The Munro-Croesus Gold Project is located approximately 75 km east of Timmins, proximal to the Porcupine-Destor and Pipestone Faults, and approximately 2 km northwest and along trend of Mayfair Gold Corp.'s multi-million-ounce Fenn-Gib gold deposit. Mining occurred intermittently at Munro-Croesus between 1915 and 1936. The Golden Mile 140 km2 property is located 9 km northeast of Newmont's multi-million-ounce Hoyle Pond deposit in Timmins. The Timmins South 187 km2 property is located to the south and southeast of Timmins and surrounds the Shaw dome structure. About Onyx Gold Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration. Qualified Person and Quality Assurance Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp. "Brock Colterjohn" President & CEO For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact: Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO or Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications Fenn-Gib Gold Project and Tower Gold Project mineral resources compiled from public sources and are provided for general information purposes. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in adjacent properties and they are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties or any potential exploration thereof. The Company cautions that none of the historical results from the Property, including drill results and underground sampling results from the 1915-1941 era, have been verified. Assay methods and sampling techniques are not disclosed in the historic reports and the QP has been unable to verify any of the historical technical information in this release. Historical results discussed herein are presented more generally as an indication of the potential of the Property to host gold-bearing systems and this information is not necessarily indicative of additional mineralization occurring on the Property. Forward looking information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results including the new high-grade vein structure at the Munro Croesus property described above, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222772 Kelowna, September 10, 2024 - F3 Uranium Corp. (TSV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to announce scintillometer results from the current summer drill program, including PLN24-176 which was cored in the JR Zone and which returned mineralization over 11.0m, including 5.40m of high grade (>10,000 cps) containing 4.35m of composite off-scale mineralization (>65,535 cps). Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented: "PLN24-176 was planned to increase confidence and high-grade continuity in the heart of the JR Zone, approximately 15m in the up-dip direction of PLN24-137 (see NR April 1, 2024 and July 20, 2024). Based on total radioactivity and the intercepted width of high grade, we expect this hole to rank near the top of all drillholes at JR. Exploration remains the focus of the program; previously (see NR August 13, 2024) we announced PLN24-168, which stepped out 700m along strike and encountered the altered and strongly graphitic B1 shear well below the Athabasca Unconformity. PLN24-175 was a follow up, testing the same structure 110m up-dip targeting its intersection with the unconformity. This hole intersected strong alteration in the basement; coupled with intense silicification and brecciation observed in the lower Athabasca Sandstone and the lack of graphitic structure in the basement, indications are that the structure dips steeper than presumed. This reveals a new target down-dip from PLN24-175 and an additional hole is planned to test the structure in this area with these prospective signs for nearby mineralization." Summer 2024 JR Zone Handheld Spectrometer Highlights: PLN24-176 (line 035S): 11.0m interval with mineralization between 186.0 and 206.5m, including 4.35m composite off-scale radioactivity (> 65,535 cps) between 197.40m and 202.15m PLN24-177 (line 070S): 13.0 interval with mineralization between 199.0 and 214.5m, including 0.20m high-grade radioactivity (> 10,000 cps) between 211.0 and 211.2m To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/222573_7ebc035d04f7a8f9_002full.jpg Table 1. Drill Hole Summary and Handheld Spectrometer Results Collar Information * Hand-held Spectrometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (>300 cps / >0.5m minimum) Athabasca Unconformity Depth (m) Total Drillhole Depth (m) Hole ID Section Line Easting Northing Elevation Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Max CPS PLN24-169 2820S 589486.4 6408554.4 529.6 113.3 -70.5 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 170.4, 256.3, 324.2 404 PLN24-170 150S 587940.0 6410725.8 546.3 58.4 -84.6 A1 Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 172.3 263 PLN24-171 3345S 589633.1 6408012.6 535.4 54.7 -65.6 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 353.0 674 PLN24-172 3780S 590006.3 6407749.4 539.2 55.8 -65.1 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 361.8 524 PLN24-173 2850S 589230.3 6408338.0 536.9 54.5 -67.1 A1 Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 173.4 587 PLN24-174 3075S 589596.1 6408116.4 532.7 14.6 -57.8 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 376.4 398 PLN24-175 4245S 590242.5 6407347.5 542.8 55.8 -66.7 B1 MSZ Exploration; no radioactivity >300 cps 351.2 497 PLN24-176 035S 587813.4 6410772.8 545.9 55.8 -80.8 186.00 186.50 0.50 300 181.8 296 193.50 194.00 0.50 300 194.00 195.50 1.50 <300 195.50 196.00 0.50 320 196.00 196.50 0.50 1100 196.50 197.00 0.50 1200 197.00 197.40 0.40 55500 197.40 197.50 0.10 >65535 197.50 198.00 0.50 >65535 198.00 198.50 0.50 >65535 198.50 199.00 0.50 >65535 199.00 199.50 0.50 >65535 199.50 200.00 0.50 >65535 200.00 200.50 0.50 >65535 200.50 200.70 0.20 >65535 200.70 201.00 0.30 45500 201.00 201.10 0.10 63600 201.10 201.50 0.40 >65535 201.50 202.00 0.50 >65535 202.00 202.15 0.15 >65535 202.15 202.40 0.25 50200 202.40 202.50 0.10 8700 202.50 203.00 0.50 1600 203.00 203.50 0.50 1900 206.00 206.50 0.50 320 PLN24-177 70S 587813.4 6410742.8 547.3 55.9 -81.3 199.00 199.50 0.50 340 179.4 269 199.50 200.00 0.50 480 200.00 200.50 0.50 400 200.50 201.00 0.50 460 201.00 201.50 0.50 670 201.50 202.00 0.50 800 202.00 202.50 0.50 1900 202.50 203.00 0.50 1900 203.00 203.50 0.50 1600 203.50 204.00 0.50 900 204.00 204.50 0.50 <300 204.50 205.00 0.50 2000 205.00 205.50 0.50 410 208.00 208.50 0.50 1300 208.50 209.00 0.50 610 209.00 209.50 0.50 <300 209.50 210.00 0.50 360 210.00 210.50 0.50 780 210.50 211.00 0.50 3800 211.00 211.20 0.20 12500 211.20 211.50 0.30 5100 211.50 212.00 0.50 1600 212.00 212.50 0.50 300 212.50 214.00 1.50 <300 214.00 214.50 0.50 300 Handheld spectrometer composite parameters: 1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m 2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second 3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m Natural gamma radiation in the drill core that is reported in this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 scintillometer. The Company considers greater than 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer as anomalous, >10,000 cps as high grade and greater than 65,535 cps as off-scale. The reader is cautioned that scintillometer readings are not directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured and should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive materials. Samples from the drill core are split in half on site and are standardized at 0.5m lengths. One half of the split sample will be submitted to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK. for lithogeochemical analysis using their "Uranium Package". All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thickness are yet to be determined. About Patterson Lake North: The Company's 4,078-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North property (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Fission Uranium's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade world class uranium deposits which is poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. PLN is accessed by Provincial Highway 955, which transects the property, and the new JR Zone uranium discovery is located 23km northwest of Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepare in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has verified the data disclosed. About F3 Uranium Corp.: F3 Uranium is a uranium exploration company advancing its newly discovered high-grade JR Zone and exploring for additional mineralized zones on its 100%-owned Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the southwest Athabasca Basin. PLN is accessed by Provincial Highway 955, which transects the property, and the new JR Zone discovery is located ~25km northwest of Fission Uranium's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits. This area is poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN project is comprised of the PLN, Minto and Broach properties. The Broach property incorporates the former PW property which was obtained from CanAlaska as a result of a property swap. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222573 Mineral resource model has been reviewed and confirmed by G Mining Services for use in the PEA study. The Company share price has outperformed the GDXJ by 155% since the updated MRE was published on February 6, 2024. Summer drill programs lead to identification of fault along the western edge of the Moss Gold Deposit that will allow the Company to focus its exploration efforts to expand the deposit to the west around the Moss Nose target. Vancouver, September 10, 2024 - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Goldshore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce drill results from the summer drill program and provides an update on progress of its Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"). Scout Drilling Results Overview: At the Boundary Zone a 6 - 8 meter (true width) shear zone was encountered with nuggety gold mineralization. A best intercept of 13.30m at 1.27g/t gold was encountered. The Boundary zone is interpreted as a mineralized splay at 30 degrees to the Moss Gold Deposit trend and represents an exploration target as the Company looks to identify additional shear zones with similar orientations as potential drill targets adjacent to the 3.6km long Moss Gold Deposit. Southwest Extension drilling has identified the location of a significant sinistral NNE-striking fault that is interpreted to offset the Moss Gold Deposit to the southwest. This provides a focus area to develop additional drill targets in the Moss Nose area that has to date been defined by selective rock grab samples and soil samples by the Company. Intersected mineralization in the Southwest Extension was interpreted to be smaller scale peripheral shears to the main Moss trend. PEA Progress Overview: G Mining Services Inc. ("G Mining") completed a Site visit on July 23, 2024 to evaluate potential infrastructure sites. Mineral resource model has been reviewed and confirmed by G Mining Services for use in the PEA study. Currently reviewing high level economics of several mining and milling scenarios to identify the optimal project for PEA study. Market Overview: From publishing of the updated MRE on February 6, 2024 until August 31, 2024, the Company share price has outperformed the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (the "GDXJ") by 155% with the Goldshore share price rising 191% during the period. The Company has observed strong insider support with roughly 6 million shares acquired in the open market from May 1, 2024 until July 31, 2024, approximately 10% of the total volume during the period. As of August 31, 2024, 6.4% of the Company stock is held by board and management with an additional 35.0% held by strategic shareholders which includes Brian Paes-Braga, Lutry Investments, members of the SAF group and close associates. Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Goldshore commented, "The Company is pleased to provide an update as we continue to execute on our strategic plan. From a growth perspective we tested two important targets and gained valuable information to continue to explore in and around the Moss Gold Deposit. Of note to the technical team is the identification of a fault along the western edge of Moss that offsets the deposit to the south-southwest and will allow the Company to focus its exploration efforts to expand the deposit to the west along the Moss Nose target. In addition, solid progress has been made on the PEA study, the Company's largest catalyst in the next 6 - 7 months with G Mining Services. A site visit and a validation of the mineral resource model have been completed and the study is currently focusing on identifying the optimal mining and milling scenario for a phased production approach that will form the basis of the PEA study moving forward. We are encouraged by the strong performance of our share price, underpinned by the steadfast support of our strategic shareholders, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment through substantial open market purchases. This support has enabled us to continue transitioning shares into the hands of long-term shareholders, aligning our ownership structure with our long-term growth strategy." Figure 1: Moss geology maps with location of recent drilling To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8051/222758_7b7ba65b043f6955_002full.jpg Scout Drilling Results The Boundary Zone program was designed to evaluate, and expand upon, historical drilling results to define the full extent of the high-grade shear zone. Drilling intersected broad zones of intense, strongly sericitized and sheared intermediate volcanics containing disseminated pyrite and pyrite-chalcopyrite stringers with narrow moderately sheared diorite dykes similar to what was recorded by Tamavack Resources Inc. in the historical core logs. The main mineralized shear is approximately 6 - 8 meters wide and strikes 030, approximately 30 degrees away from the 060 regional foliation and dominant trend of shearing at Moss. Assay results confirmed the width of the mineralization reported in the historical drilling but failed to replicate the individual high-grade samples, suggesting a strong nugget effect in the zone, amplified by the historical drilling using BQ core which provides a smaller sample size. Hole MBD-24-123, which intersected 13.30m at 1.27 g/t Au from 131.5m depth, was a near twin of the historical hole TML-87-04 which intersected 21.49m at 2.26 g/t Au (cut) from 148.5m. The latter was biased by a single 59 g/t gold sample, highlighting the impact of sample size on reported grades. The Company does not treat the historical estimates disclosed in this news release as current mineral resources. Further regional exploration is being conducted along similar oblique structures to identify additional zones of mineralization. Significant results of the Boundary Zone scout drill program are summarized below in Table 1. Table 1: Significant results of the 2024 Boundary zone drill program To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8051/222758_table1.jpg Drilling at the Southwest Extension targeted 300m and 600m step outs to the two mineralized zones associated with the Southwest Zone of the Moss Gold Deposit. Drilling intersected a foliated diorite intrusion complex containing the signature interchanging Moss alteration suite of sericite, silica, chlorite, hematite, albite, epidote, and carbonate. Minor (2-3%) sulphide mineralization, as is typical of the Moss deposit, was characterized by disseminated pyrite, with pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite mineralization hosted in occasional quartz-carbonate veins. Assay results showed wide intersections of anomalous gold mineralization containing sporadic multi-gram assays, but these assays do not cluster together to develop significant mineralized intercepts. A review of the trace element geochemistry noted an abrupt change in the chemistry of the host diorites at the Moss Gold Deposit suggesting a fault offset along the NNE trending Till Groove Fault shown to offset the nearby Moss stock by ~ 1km (Figure 1). A similar offset would align the extension of the Moss Gold Deposit with the Moss Nose prospect, which is being actively explored as part of the 2024 summer field program. Significant results of the Southwest Extension scout drillholes are outlined below in Table 2. Table 2: Significant results of the 2024 Southwest Extension drill program To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8051/222758_table2.jpg Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources discussed herein will be converted to a mineral reserve in the future. The estimate of mineral resources may also be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. PEA Update G Mining continues to advance the PEA for the Moss Gold Project. G Mining has completed its review of the MRE, finding it acceptable for use in the PEA, while providing several recommendations on opportunities for further enhancement and improvement which are actively being incorporated into Goldshore's ongoing site programs. The G Mining team conducted a site visit on July 23, 2024 along with select Goldshore and CSL Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. personnel, to evaluate opportunities for the placement of potential key site infrastructure. G Mining is currently reviewing a series of high level scenarios involving a variety of mining and milling options to identify the optimal project for PEA study. Importantly, Goldshore has elected to exclude the small gold resource at East Coldstream to focus on the larger part of the mineral resource at Moss and a smaller project footprint. Qualified Person Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About Goldshore Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $60 million of new capital and completed approximately 80,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 235,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for fast track through this development cycle. For more information, please visit the Company's profile at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldshoreresources.com). Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project, including identifying additional shear zones as potential drill targets, the evaluation of potential infrastructure sites, the review of high level economics of mining and milling scenarios, and the targeted expansion of the deposit to the west along the Moss Nose target; the release of an updated preliminary economic assessment and the expected timing thereof; and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the foregoing exploration and development goals of the Company may not occur on the timetable anticipated or at all; the preliminary economic assessment may not be completed on the timetable expected or at all; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; risks related to compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; and the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance. The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions, including that the Company's business and financial position and general economic conditions will not be adversely affected; that the Company's exploration and development goals will be met and on the timetable expected; and that the preliminary economic assessment will be completed on the timetable anticipated. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222758 Vancouver, September 10, 2024 - Element79 Gold Corp. * (the "Company" or "Element79 Gold") is pleased to provide an update for its Clover project ("Clover") in Elko County, Nevada, and its portfolio of exploration and development projects in Nevada, USA. Through deliberation, forecasting and strategic planning, the Company has chosen to focus its efforts on two projects at this time: the high-grade, past-producing Lucero mine in Arequipa, Peru, with exploration and development efforts centered around bringing production online in 2025; retaining only Clover, in the Battle Mountain region in Nevada, our most-advanced-stage exploration project in Nevada. Element79 Gold's COO, Kim Kirkland, commented: "We have spent a significant amount of time and effort visiting and reviewing historical information available on Clover. We are convinced of the project's resource development potential and are eager to embark on our 2024-2025 work programs, which we believe will unlock significant value for our shareholders. The historical development of significant resources and the number of functioning mines in the Battle Mountain region are major drivers for us to see Clover as a key development asset. I'm pleased to be advancing this exciting project in this world-class mining region." Overview: ELEM has visited Clover to review project viability; Clover is located at the northwest extension of the Carlin trend in an area known as the Northern Nevada Rift Zone. Clover is centrally located in the rift zone that also hosts the adjacent epithermal deposits such as Midas and also the Hollister ine. Past owners had drilled 104 mostly shallow holes, including significant hits of: 32' at 25 g/t Au with a peak intersection of 2.5' at 274 g/t Au; 25' at 7.85 g/t Au; and 10' at 20.4 g/t Au. ELEM is discussing engagement with third party professionals for compiling historical project drill data and sequential phases of recommended work to lead into a 43-101 Property of Merit report. Review of environmental, drilling and water permits underway with Nevada BLM New drill targets have been identified for an inaugural drilling program at Clover The Company's Board of Directors has resolved to not renew its interests in West Whistler, but will retain the historical data thereof. About the Clover Project Clover is in Elko County in township 38 range 44 and in township 37 range 44. The property comprises 162 claims over 3,063 acres. Clover is positioned over felsic volcanics and tuffaceous sedimentary rocks. Two sets of conjugate faults strike across or adjacent to the property congruent with the Northern Nevada Rift Zone, with each of these fault systems projects to a major Au producer. Past project owners had drilled 104 holes and have completed remediation work; past drill results include: JK-4C were 32' at 25 g/t Au with a peak intersection of 2.5' at 274 g/t Au; CL-13 intersected 25' at 7.85 g/t Au; USCV012 intersected 10' at 20.4 g/t Au. The Clover property displays prolific silicified breccias, silica flooding, alteration and a similar geochemical signature to the adjacent Midas mine. Thinly banded silica sinter is also seen on the property typical of the surface expression of an epithermal hot springs deposit. ELEM believes that the shallow holes on the property encountered leakage of exciting grades that lie deeper, but that the real interest to the Company would be to encounter the deeper boiling zones which could host bonanza type grades in the system feeders. Clover Project Review and Planning The Company's team has visited Clover twice in the last year, with the intent of corroborating past data (searching for historical drill collars, prospecting, new sampling, trenching and drill sites) and reviewing the status of former operators' reclamation work. Combined with desktop reviews of the historical drill results, mapping and other efforts, Clover shines with strong regional context and further resource development potential. Former owners of the project drilled the expansive surface expression of the system for shallow oxide mineralization with several high-grade intercepts that may indicate leakage from a deeper deposit. The Company has formulated development of conceptual targets and drilling programs to expand upon and ideally develop a resource through exploring the deeper structural feeder zones and focusing on boiling horizons which typically host bonanza type grades in feeders. 2024 Work Plans for the Clover Project Balancing the company's resource development and mine restart efforts at its past-producing gold and silver Lucero mine in Peru, Clover stands out as having a strong potential for resource development. Key highlights of the 2024-2025 work program include: Updated mapping and sampling, geochemistry Structural analysis, Drill site targeting. 43-101 Property of Merit report commissioned for fall 2024 Permitting amendments - environmental, drilling 1. Mapping, Sampling, Geochemistry - The Company plans to conduct sampling and metallurgical testing to optimize recovery rates for gold, silver and other metals of strategic interest. 2. Resource Definition: A primary focus in 2024-2025 will be upgrading the Lucero Project's resource classification to Inferred status. This will involve drilling and resource modeling to better define the initial scale and grade of the deposit. 3. New 43-101 to be commissioned: Given the breadth of historical data on this project, it is an industry best practice to document historical work and results through a comprehensive, formal third-party report. This process will set the stage for resource development by identifying required next steps, including project work, recommended drilling programs, corroborate strategies, and regional contextual data. The Company has been reviewing this data with a trusted global-level service provider and is reaching engagement terms for the fall/winter 2024 completion of this. Further updates will be provided via news release in due course. 4. Permitting and Regulatory Compliance: Throughout 2024, Element79 Gold will continue to work closely with local authorities to advance all necessary permits and ensure full compliance with mining and environmental regulations. West Whistler As the Company defines its renewed focus, in a meeting held on August 31, 2024, the Board of Directors of Element79 Gold Corp. resolved to surrender its interests in the West Whistler project in Battle Mountain, a shared vision that aligns with the Company's evolving business strategy. James Tworek, CEO and Director of Element79 Gold Corp stated "As a lean startup mining company, we are evolving quickly as the global mining business landscape and global economic forecasts evolve. As a Board and management team we stand firm in our belief that our business model of developing revenue streams from the sale of our portfolio of projects and bringing precious metal production online in the near term is key for the Company's survival and the benefit of our shareholders. This focus stands to be enhanced through trimming the portfolio of non-core, lesser-developed projects. Retaining Clover allows an alternate channel for corporate growth, with an advanced-stage exploration project in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend with great historical workings and what we believe to be solid indicative drilling results, where we will explore and drill further with the intent to develop resource values in the near term." Qualified Person The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Kim Kirkland, Fellow of AusIMM #309585, Chief Operating Officer of Element79 Gold Corp, and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101. For further information, please visit the Element79 Gold website at www.element79gold.com or contact our Investor Relations team at investors@element79.gold. About Element79 Gold Corp. Element79 Gold's is a precious metals mining company with a focus is on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to restart production in the near term. The Company holds a portfolio of four properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, and the projects are believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. The Company has retained the Clover project for resource development purposes and signed a binding agreement to sell three projects with a closing date on or before November 30, 2024. The Company also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process. Contact Information For corporate matters, please contact: James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: jt@element79.gold For investor relations inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Department Phone: +1.403.850.8050 E-mail: investors@element79.gold Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward- looking information, except as required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 - Further to its news releases dated August 21 and August 26, 2024, Copper Road Resources Inc. (TSXV: CRD) ("Copper Road" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of its non-brokered private placement of 6,000,000 common shares (each a "Common Share") for gross proceeds of $120,000 (the "Offering"). The Company expects to use the proceeds from the Offering for exploration activities on the Mount Jamie property and for general working capital purposes. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four month and one day. The Offering is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Participation by certain insiders in the Offering was considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company was exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation or minority shareholder approval in connection with such insiders' participation in the Offering in reliance of sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. A material change report will be filed in connection with the participation of such insiders in the Offering less than 21 days in advance of the closing of the Offering, which the Company deemed reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of potential financing opportunities and complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. About Copper Road Copper Road Resources (TSXV: CRD) is a Canadian based explorer engaged in the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of properties for the mining of precious and base metals. For more information, please contact: Mark Goodman, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Email: mgoodman@libralithium.com Web: www.copperroad.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, 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", "proposed", "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. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the Company's objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company's properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Company's properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company's properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein, or at all; failure to identify any mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Company's properties; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed management's discussion and analysis of the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Highlights Company on track for eight resources published by mid-2025 Reid: 710 metres of 0.25% nickel including 105 metres of 0.35% nickel and 22 metres of 0.41% nickel in hole REI24-42 and 22 metres of 0.41% nickel in hole REI24-42 Mann Central: 223 metres of 0.29% nickel including 10 metres of 0.51% nickel Mann West: Successfully delineated mineralization over 1.7 kilometre strike length by up to 600 metres width Reaume: Improved nickel mineralization intersected including sections of visible coarse grained awaruite in hole REU24-12 Texmont: High-grade mineralization expanded to the north and at depth including 6.5 metres of 2.68% nickel in TEX24-51 TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 - Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQX: CNIKF) is pleased to announce positive exploration drilling results from 48 holes (of which 38 have assays provided in this release) at seven of its regional nickel properties - Reid, Mann (North, West, Central and South), Reaume, and Texmont. Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel said, "The district-scale potential of Canada Nickel's portfolio in the Timmins Nickel District is clearly demonstrated by today's successful drilling results from seven different properties in addition to the two properties - Crawford and Deloro - for which we've already published resources. There are few mining companies with this breadth of active exploration targets." Mr. Selby continued, "Reid's strategic importance is continuing to grow given its size, grade and shallower overburden compared to Crawford. While still at relatively early stage, Mann West is emerging as another excellent large scale, shallower overburden target. We're very pleased with the results from all four of the Mann targets that extend across a 21-kilomete strike, and the latest Texmont and Reaume results continue to improve both targets. The Company is currently operating seven drill rigs and is shifting focus from the central and eastern properties to the southern properties (Powell, Midlothian, and Bannockburn), as we move into the final phases of the drill campaign. We remain on track to publish a total of seven additional resources by mid next year and given our financing and drilling success to date, the Company will focus engineering resources on Crawford and larger targets like Reid rather than smaller, higher grade targets like Texmont." Reid Project Canada Nickel has completed 24,875 metres from 38 holes drilled during its 2024 drill program at Reid. The drill campaign has delineated a mineralized ultramafic body over a strike length of 2.2 kilometres and width up to 1.0 kilometres and up to a depth of 650 metres within the central core of the target geophysical footprint, and the core remains open to the north and at depth (see Figure 1). Hole REI24-42 was drilled near the center of the core and successfully targeted the strike extension of a previously identified higher-grade horizon, assaying 710 metres of 0.25% Ni for its entire length and 105 metres of 0.35% nickel, and 22.5 metres of 0.41% nickel across the higher-grade horizon. Hole REI24-33 was drilled in the western section of the core and encountered mineralized peridotite and dunite to the end of hole, assaying 402 metres of 0.25% nickel and extending the central core to the west by 200 metres. Hole REI24-40 was drilled near the eastern edge of the ultramafic and extended the central core by 300 metres to the east intersecting 544 metres of 0.23% nickel. REI24-44 was drilled near the center of the target collaring and ending in mineralized dunite with 678 metres of 0.24% nickel, also intersecting higher-grade mineralization including 7.5 metres of 0.41% nickel. The Reid project has a total of 31,706 metres from 54 holes drilled to date, and the Company will use data from this central core to produce an initial resource expected by Q4 2024. The project is located just 16 kilometres southwest of Crawford and contains a geophysical target of 3.9 square kilometres which is nearly 2.4 times larger than Crawford. Table 1 - Drilling highlights Reid program Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % REI24-33 30.0 432.0 402.0 0.25 0.011 0.011 0.007 0.67 5.45 0.038 REI24-34 39.6 669.0 629.4 0.25 0.012 0.004 0.005 0.83 5.71 0.040 REI24-36 36.0 261.0 225.0 0.24 0.011 0.003 0.005 0.94 6.01 0.064 and 285.0 702.0 417.0 0.20 0.013 0.020 0.015 0.74 7.12 0.044 including 487.5 655.5 168.0 0.25 0.012 0.020 0.015 0.77 6.25 0.043 REI24-40 51.4 595.5 544.1 0.23 0.011 0.004 0.003 0.75 6.08 0.056 REI24-42 25.0 735.0 710.0 0.25 0.012 0.009 0.006 0.68 5.66 0.042 including 289.5 394.5 105.0 0.35 0.014 0.032 0.011 0.74 5.69 0.098 Including 370.5 393.0 22.5 0.41 0.016 0.030 0.012 0.88 5.86 0.110 REI24-44 24.0 702.0 678.0 0.24 0.013 0.039 0.013 0.67 7.03 0.039 including 375.0 393.0 18.0 0.30 0.015 0.255 0.028 0.70 7.72 0.058 and 481.5 489.0 7.5 0.41 0.013 0.029 0.014 0.66 7.58 0.108 and 525.0 561.0 36.0 0.30 0.012 0.011 0.007 0.81 5.48 0.056 Central Dyke Corridor REI24-39 21.0 169.0 148.0 0.23 0.012 0.003 0.005 0.70 6.14 0.019 and 213.8 636.7 422.9 0.24 0.011 0.003 0.005 0.86 6.12 0.045 and 653.0 720.0 67.0 0.24 0.011 0.003 0.005 1.04 5.69 0.034 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Mann Property The Mann property is located 22 kilometres east of Crawford, 20 kilometres south of Cochrane, and 45 kilometres northeast of Timmins. The property hosts a series of ultramafic rocks that are thought to be folded and faulted along a near-continuous 21-kilometre strike length. The ultramafics continue to the southeast into Newmarket Township. The Company is currently conducting a drill program that has identified targets in four areas within Mann Township, Mann North, Mann West (together formerly Mann Northwest), Central and South. (Figure 2). Mann Central The outline of the ultramafic body is estimated by magnetics to be 4.5 kilometres long and between 0.5 to 1.0 kilometres wide (or 3.1 square kilometres). Drilling at this target started in June 2024 and consisted of an initial exploratory phase that included 24 drillholes totaling 9,311 metres. This phase of drilling targeted the ultramafic body where it has a shallow dip to the north and is primarily composed of peridotite and minor dunite, with some pyroxenite dykes. Serpentinization of the host rock is moderate to high, containing fine-grained nickel mineralization, with serpentinization appearing more consistent near the center of the target where an area 1.9 kilometres by 600 metres (1.1 square kilometres) has now been delineated by drilling. In this area, hole MAN24-21 intersected 223.4 metres averaging 0.29% nickel, including a 10.5 metres section of 0.51% nickel. Results from the first nine holes are shown in Figure 3 and Table 3 with assays pending for the remaining 15 holes. Table 2 - Mann drilling highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % MANN CENTRAL MAN24-16 21.0 247.7 226.7 0.23 0.012 0.005 0.006 0.33 7.01 0.20 Including 148.5 247.7 99.2 0.27 0.011 0.005 0.005 0.09 6.61 0.23 and 295.5 408.0 112.5 0.19 0.012 0.005 0.007 0.52 7.91 0.72 MAN24-17 7.9 285.0 277.1 0.23 0.011 0.004 0.008 0.23 7.02 0.02 and 307.5 352.3 44.8 0.02 0.005 0.22 0.24 0.31 4.80 0.08 and 356.1 364.3 8.2 0.02 0.005 0.27 0.38 0.41 4.60 0.01 MAN24-18 15.4 115.7 100.3 0.23 0.010 0.005 0.008 0.14 5.53 0.14 and 201.0 294.4 84.4 0.18 0.009 0.004 0.006 0.13 5.62 0.18 and 330.0 432.0 102.0 0.21 0.010 0.007 0.007 0.13 5.51 0.21 MAN24-20 24.0 128.1 124.1 0.23 0.010 0.007 0.010 0.14 5.32 0.35 and 176.1 399.0 222.9 0.25 0.011 0.007 0.009 0.15 5.50 0.10 MAN24-21 29.0 168.2 139.2 0.24 0.011 0.004 0.006 0.16 5.87 0.24 and 178.6 402.0 223.4 0.29 0.012 0.005 0.004 0.15 6.03 0.12 including 270.0 280.5 10.5 0.51 0.021 0.012 0.005 0.15 8.22 0.51 MAN24-23 4.5 420.0 415.5 0.19 0.012 0.005 0.007 0.42 7.37 0.03 MAN24-25 7.2 402.0 394.8 0.20 0.012 0.005 0.007 0.44 7.01 0.08 MAN24-29 18.0 111.2 93.2 0.16 0.008 0.003 0.005 0.12 5.62 0.16 MAN24-30 134.9 402.0 267.1 0.24 0.011 0.004 0.005 0.18 6.25 0.05 MANN NORTH MAN24-27 39.0 109.5 70.5 0.15 0.010 0.004 0.003 0.43 6.77 0.06 and 145.5 151.4 5.9 0.014 0.005 0.318 0.206 0.21 5.17 0.02 MAN24-28 26.8 177.0 150.2 0.18 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.43 7.67 0.05 and 225.0 414.0 189.0 0.19 0.011 0.008 0.005 0.43 7.20 0.04 including 355.5 361.5 6.0 0.29 0.012 0.138 0.044 0.25 6.77 0.08 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Mann North The target is approximately 1.5 kilometres long by 600 metres wide (0.9 square kilometres) (Figure 4). Drilling at Mann North began in June 2024 and consisted of a preliminary exploratory phase of 16 drillholes totaling 6,315 metres. The majority of these holes intersected long sections of peridotite, minor dunite, and lesser talcose ultramafics, with strong serpentinization and good disseminated mineralization along most of the target strike length. MAN24-28, was collared near the north end of the target, drilling to the southwest, starting in dunite at 27 metres downhole and ending in peridotite at 414 metres. MAN24-27 was drilled to test the northeast contact and intersected 5.9 metres of 0.52 g/t Pt+Pd near a pyroxenite-gabbro contact. Assays are pending for the 14 remaining holes now completed. Mann West Mann West is approximately 3.5 kilometres long by up to 1.1 kilometres wide (covering 3.4 square kilometres). The drill program has focused on the southern half of the target and is currently exploring a strike length of 1.7 kilometres and a width of at least 600 metres. Drilling thus far has intersected long sections of well-serpentinized peridotite and minor dunite with disseminated and visible nickel mineralization consisting primarily of pentlandite and heazlewoodite. The Company has drilled 16 holes to date at Mann West (Figure 5) and is halfway through this phase of exploration that is required for an initial resource estimate expected by Q1 2025. Assays for all the holes at Mann West are currently pending. Mann South This target is approximately 5.9 kilometres long by up to 1.2 kilometres wide, having an arcuate and irregular shape, with an overall area of 4.1 square kilometres. The drill program at Mann South started in August and first assay results are not expected until October 2024. Three holes have been completed, and successfully intersected varying degrees of serpentinized peridotite and minor pyroxenite. The Company will continue testing the strike length of Mann South into the fall of 2024. Reaume Property The Reaume property is located 20 kilometres northeast of Crawford, 15 kilometres southwest of Cochrane, and 55 kilometres northeast of Timmins. Prior drill campaigns in 2022 had seasonal access constraints, however, in June 2024, the Company resumed exploration and intersected a strongly mineralized portion of the ultramafic body consisting of moderate to strongly serpentinized peridotite containing spotty, coarse-grained awaruite mineralization in hole REU24-12 (Figure 6). Assay results are pending on all 5 holes. Texmont Property The 2024 drill program successfully tested the strike extension of the North Zone, as well as the continuation of high-grade nickel mineralization at depth within the Main Zone (see Figure 7). Twenty-five holes totaling 8,971 metres have been completed thus far in 2024. In total, 18,722 metres have been drilled at Texmont which will be used to produce a preliminary resource estimate expected by Q4 of 2024. The Main Zone was originally defined and brought into production briefly in the 1970s but was shut down due to high oil prices. Additional work by Fletcher Nickel from 2006-2008 (see Canada Nickel press release dated March 06, 2023 for a summary) expanded mineralization at the Main Zone and also identified mineralization farther north. This area was first targeted by Canada Nickel in 2023 with a series of 5 holes into what is now called the North Zone. The purpose of the recent North Zone drilling has been to expand the zone southward toward the Main Zone and to determine if these two zones are connected by high-grade nickel mineralization. Assay results from the North Zone included TEX24-51 which intersected a thick interval of 86.5 metres of 0.44% nickel including a 6.5 metre high-grade interval of 2.68% nickel. Table 3 - Texmont drilling highlights. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % MAIN ZONE TXT24-53 141.0 148.5 7.5 0.70 0.019 0.116 0.122 0.178 6.49 0.97 and 483.0 496.5 13.5 0.81 0.031 0.057 0.051 0.164 6.57 0.79 TXT24-57 34.1 360.0 325.9 0.27 0.010 0.008 0.008 0.131 4.91 0.21 including 198.0 201.0 3.0 0.45 0.016 0.020 0.017 0.135 5.57 0.27 TXT24-58 105.0 123.0 18.0 0.40 0.014 0.017 0.018 0.158 5.34 0.12 and 328.5 333 4.5 0.59 0.017 0.033 0.023 0.135 4.78 0.40 TXT24-59 259.5 262.5 3.0 0.76 0.026 0.058 0.045 0.145 5.46 0.72 TXT24-60 69.0 70.5 1.5 1.14 0.031 0.096 0.080 0.140 5.81 0.72 TXT24-61 28.3 63.0 34.7 0.54 0.016 0.036 0.029 0.149 5.24 0.28 including 28.3 36.0 7.7 0.76 0.018 0.063 0.053 0.142 5.33 0.44 TXT24-62 214.5 223.5 9.0 1.07 0.043 0.076 0.125 0.155 7.42 1.50 and 261.0 406.5 145.5 0.56 0.020 0.040 0.028 0.136 6.67 0.69 including 315.0 335.6 20.6 1.06 0.036 0.086 0.053 0.149 7.42 1.39 and 381.0 391.5 10.5 0.89 0.029 0.074 0.057 0.143 6.88 1.03 TXT24-63 508.5 526.5 18.0 0.84 0.031 0.058 0.047 0.155 6.71 1.13 including 510.0 519.0 9.0 1.07 0.042 0.071 0.057 0.163 7.86 1.62 NORTH ZONE TXT24-40 259.5 282.0 22.5 0.40 0.010 0.018 0.020 0.126 4.83 0.14 and 307.5 331.5 24.0 0.44 0.012 0.017 0.016 0.136 5.10 0.40 TXT24-41 366.0 378.0 12.0 0.56 0.013 0.042 0.025 0.111 4.37 0.45 including 370.5 377.0 6.5 0.71 0.016 0.055 0.032 0.121 4.72 0.57 TXT24-43 263.0 270.0 7.0 0.41 0.014 0.012 0.007 0.135 5.34 0.43 and 385.0 387.6 2.6 0.56 0.014 0.061 0.033 0.147 6.24 0.98 TXT24-44 11.0 105.0 94.0 0.40 0.011 0.034 0.028 0.174 5.56 0.28 including 36.0 46.5 10.5 0.61 0.010 0.051 0.034 0.147 4.92 0.27 TXT24-45 286.5 295.5 9.0 0.42 0.013 0.028 0.023 0.107 5.41 0.53 and 322.5 327.0 4.5 0.53 0.012 0.051 0.035 0.107 4.78 0.26 TXT24-46 163.5 168.0 4.5 0.52 0.013 0.032 0.030 0.153 5.10 0.45 and 267.6 272.0 4.4 0.42 0.016 0.019 0.012 0.132 5.51 0.79 TXT24-47 273.0 277.5 4.5 0.47 0.017 0.092 0.063 0.153 5.13 0.42 TXT24-49 220.5 225.0 4.5 0.48 0.012 0.034 0.018 0.110 4.43 0.28 TXT24-50 154.5 162.0 7.5 0.62 0.013 0.053 0.034 0.147 5.53 0.60 TXT24-51 2.0 88.5 86.5 0.44 0.013 0.037 0.025 0.152 5.62 0.45 including 58.5 61.5 6.5 2.68 0.056 0.276 0.220 0.125 6.13 3.17 TXT24-52 127.5 135.0 7.5 0.47 0.015 0.062 0.034 0.139 5.22 0.47 TXT24-56 220.5 265.5 45.0 0.42 0.013 0.024 0.021 0.142 4.85 0.30 including 256.5 264.0 7.5 0.64 0.019 0.034 0.025 0.144 5.22 0.53 *True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. Table 4: Drillhole Orientation Hole ID Easting (mE) Northing (mN) Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) REI24-33 456165 5403790 270 -50 432 REI24-34 457555 5404100 350 -60 702 REI24-36 457555 5404500 0 -60 702 REI24-39 456960 5404500 90 -60 720 REI24-40 457766 5404443 90 -60 643 REI24-42 456650 5404100 180 -60 735 REI24-44 456650 5404280 180 -60 702 MAN24-16 499520 5410495 340 -50 408 MAN24-17 497000 5410200 0 -50 399 MAN24-18 498957 5410403 345 -50 432 MAN24-20 499151 5410455 345 -50 399 MAN24-21 499195 5410262 345 -50 402 MAN24-23 497200 5410400 0 -50 420 MAN24-25 497400 5410400 0 -50 402 MAN24-27 496311 5414290 200 -50 234 MAN24-28 496825 5414289 200 -50 414 MAN24-29 498560 5410370 357 -50 402 MAN24-30 497311 5410711 180 -50 402 REU24-11 488435 5422086 90 -50 501 REU24-12 488424 5421854 90 -50 561 REU24-13 488245 5422327 45 -50 402 REU24-14 488077 5422433 45 -50 402 REU24-15 488587 5421852 90 -50 402 TXT24-40 485066 5335180 270 -70 456 TXT24-41 485084 5335281 270 -70 429 TXT24-42 484981 5335082 270 -55 223 TXT24-43 484981 5335083 252 -50 402 TXT24-44 484861 5335198 172 -52 450 TXT24-45 485097 5335353 270 -70 450 TXT24-46 484973 5334987 270 -60 351 TXT24-47 484970 5334988 90 -80 321 TXT24-48 484933 5335385 270 -51 270 TXT24-49 484948 5335433 270 -50 252 TXT24-50 484889 5335085 176 -55 294 TXT24-51 484681 5334558 86 -70 300 TXT24-52 484868 5334995 270 -60 240 TXT24-53 484666 5334616 90 -62 540 TXT24-54 484954 5334843 270 -48 300 TXT24-55 484917 5334750 90 -86 351 TXT24-56 484995 5335139 270 -72 402 TXT24-57 484678 5334507 90 -73 360 TXT24-58 484818 5334711 90 -65 501 TXT24-59 484922 5334428 270 -80 480 TXT24-60 484880 5334633 190 -54 138 TXT24-61 484879 5334635 225 -50 201 TXT24-62 484702 5334312 90 -68 507 TXT24-63 484663 5334363 85 -65 591 TXT24-64 484833 5334556 328 -45 162 Purchase of Property Canada Nickel has entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire 13 single cell mining claims located in the Timmins, Ontario nickel-sulphide mining district. Under the agreement, as consideration for the properties and subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, Canada Nickel has agreed to, among other things, issue an aggregate of 16,000 common shares to the sellers, which common shares will be subject to a four-month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Statement Regarding TSX Venture 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. Quality Assurance and Control, Drilling and Assaying Edwin Escarraga, MSc, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the on-going drilling and sampling program, including quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). The core is collected from the drill in sealed core trays and transported to the core logging facility. The core is marked and sampled at 1.5 metre lengths and cut with a diamond blade saw. One set of samples is transported in secured bags directly from the Canada Nickel core shack to Actlabs Timmins, while a second set of samples is securely shipped to SGS Lakefield for preparation, with analysis performed at SGS Burnaby or SGS Callao (Peru). All are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs. Analysis for precious metals (gold, platinum and palladium) are completed by Fire Assay while analysis for nickel, cobalt, sulphur and other elements are performed using a peroxide fusion and ICP-OES analysis. Certified standards and blanks are inserted at a rate of 3 QA/QC samples per 20 core samples making a batch of 60 samples that are submitted for analysis. Qualified Person and Data Verification Stephen J. Balch P.Geo. (ON), VP Exploration of Canada Nickel and a "qualified person" as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Canada Nickel Company Inc. About Canada Nickel Company Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver nickel required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero NickelTM, NetZero CobaltTM, NetZero IronTM and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Cochrane mining camp. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com. For further information, please contact: Mark Selby CEO Phone: 647-256-1954 Email: info@canadanickel.com Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, drill and exploration results relating to the target properties described herein (the "Properties"), the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the potential of the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project and the Properties, timing and completion (if at all) of mineral resource estimates, the ability to sell marketable materials, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, corporate and technical objectives, receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition described herein and the completion of the transaction. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canada-nickel-demonstrates-potential-of-timmins-nickel-district-with-positive-exploration-results-from-seven-regional-targets-302244333.html SOURCE Canada Nickel Company Inc. Vasseur could not get on same page as Newey Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur admits he recently held talks with Adrian Newey. Frederic Vasseur, Italian GP 2024 Ferrari Most Formula 1 teams, if not all, also explored the golden opportunity of snapping up the sport's most coveted technical brain since he announced earlier this year that he will be progressively stepping away from Red Bull. In the end, Newey's two biggest options were Ferrari and Aston Martin - and billionaire Lawrence Stroll's Silverstone-based project ultimately won the day. The news will be confirmed officially at Aston Martin's refurbished and growing Silverstone HQ on Tuesday. The Spanish broadcaster DAZN will even be putting the event on television live, given the country's interest in Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso. Pedro de la Rosa, an Aston Martin brand ambassador, will be on hand to give his live reaction - a sure sign that the press conference really is to confirm the seismic Newey news. Some weeks ago, it was suggested that the talks between Newey, 65, and Ferrari boss Vasseur broke down because of the British engineer's excessive demands. There were discussions, Frenchman Vasseur has now admitted to L'Equipe. He probably had a different idea of what I had in mind for him, he added. Maybe we'll be on the same page one day. That possibility will have to wait, however, with authoritative sources reporting that Newey has signed a five-year contract with Aston Martin - to earn him an eye-watering $150 million-plus. Vasseur insists he has no great regrets that Ferrari didn't secure the deal. It is not an individual that determines the outcome for a team, he said. The group is always stronger than the individual. Ferrari recently lost its technical director Enrico Cardile to Aston Martin - and has snapped up Mercedes' Loic Serra to replace him. Loic's strength is that he is a very experienced man who has worked at the highest level for an enormous amount of time, Vasseur said. And he is also a real racer. Another new signing for Ferrari is former F1 driver Jerome d'Ambrosio, who was most recently in a management role alongside Toto Wolff at Mercedes. It was important to have someone with his knowledge, said Vasseur, referring to Belgian d'Ambrosio. He has experienced everything in the racing world, as a driver, a team boss, a CEO. He knows this job. (GMM) Photo: Lanna Apisukh Its Sunday afternoon at Seng Seafood Restaurant, a second-floor dim sum spot on East Broadway. Groups are gathered by the stairwell, waiting for their tables, which are currently filled with older friends and multi-generational families. Carts stacked with turnip cakes, steamed spare ribs, and custard buns roll by. Uncle Big Lau is here, too, and hes ready to make some content. The 81-year-old is wearing a thick green jade ring and a black tang suit shirt with a golden dragon and horse on either side. He rests his dragon-head cane against the wall as he records a bit of B-roll. Despite the crowd, Lau is immediately given a prime table; the restaurant is busy, in part, because of Uncle Big Lau. Through his Cantonese-language, English-subtitled videos, hes become a voice for Chinatown at a time when anxiety about the neighborhoods erosion through gentrification, chains, and shifts in Chinese immigration and fears over the demise of Cantonese are both running high. Three months ago? he says, looking around the restaurant. No line. But to his followers, his word is worth its weight in cheong fun: Uncle Lau is the only influencer I trust is a typical comment left on his video. Another commenter writes, Hes Chinatowns only food critic I trust. A friend of mine compares Laus reassuring presence to Mr. Rogerss, while another calls him the only influencer who matters. John Zhang, the owner of Seng, knows that Laus stamp of approval is good for business: More people more, more more. A few minutes into our meal, Sengs manager, Peter Chen, comes over with a special request. Would it be okay if his daughter, Annie, drops by to say hello? She happens to be at a restaurant nearby. I dont see a lot of older Chinese people on my TikTok feed talking about Chinatown and NYC, she tells me when she arrives. Part of it is that he reminded me of my grandparents the spots he was recommending and talking about were a lot of the spots that I went to growing up. Its nice to see a different perspective. Throughout our lunch a mix of favorites like pea shoots, rice rolls wrapped around Chinese crullers, and shrimp-stuffed tofu skin coated in sesame he gets up multiple times to take photos: with the server, the manager, the owner, me, and others. He always gives the thumbs up. This afternoon, were joined by his daughter, Yin Lau, who is also his collaborator, producer, handler of sorts, and English interpreter as needed. She often joins him at restaurants; she also edits his footage, adds the voice-over and subtitles, and manages his social-media accounts. Lau estimates that he records maybe 30 minutes to an hour for each video, and Yin gives him feedback on what hes saying or lets him know when he needs to tweak the audio. Her son (who is also a YouTuber) helps with editing as well, making the entire Uncle Big Lau enterprise a family affair. It was not, however, planned. It just happened, Yin says. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Shek Wong Lau moved to New York when he was 25, brought over on a family-sponsorship visa by his older sister and brother-in-law. When he arrived, he didnt speak English I didnt have much education; I learned from my friends, he says which limited his job prospects to mostly restaurants. His years working as a busboy, server, manager, and restaurateur (among other industry roles) gave him plenty of insight and opinions, and the idea to get on TikTok in the first place came from time spent eating with his family. Every time we would get together, he would always say, This doesnt have enough scallion, this should be more hot, this is not chewy enough, Yin recalls. I mean, he would always tell me about this. At the same time, Lau had seen the success of his nephew the TikTokfamous beatboxer Spencer X, and they started thinking, Why cant he share this knowledge with more people? So in October 2022, he went into a Fay Da and began recording. He just started like hes doing right now making observations, Yin says. Like Seinfeld. He shot a follow-up video at the Flushing restaurant Emperor Seafood and established what one might consider his spirit of journalistic independence early in his influencer career, calling the dim sum at another Flushing restaurant, New Mulan, so-so and prompting one early fan to observe, Uncle Lau keeping it real. In the years since, hes shared dozens more videos, leaning on his familiarity with Chinatowns businesses. One, The Wong That Started the Wongs, details the Rays Original Pizzaesque tale of Big Wong, whose employees fanned out to start other similarly named businesses. In others, he happily offers a heat check. A long line? You got to be kidding, he says about Mei Lah Wah, where the pork buns are too fatty for his taste. Other installments of the Uncle Big Lau show have seen him visiting a cousin in Forest Hills, getting takeout from Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, and dropping into Sunset Parks E Noodle, where he orders wok-fried rice rolls and tells his followers to have tea poured over the last of their claypot rice to make a porridge. Occasionally, he ventures somewhere like the Ikea food court, but not all videos are food-focused. Some are about Lunar New Year, an older woman who plays her erhu on the street in Chinatown, where he gets his haircut, or visits to the doctor. Once, he posted a video from his hospital bed at Lenox Hill, giving a thumbs-up while explaining hes having a blockage cleared up. He also critiqued the hospital food, which he generally found not as horrible as people say. We werent planning to make a video, Yin says. I think he was just bored. As hes gained followers, restaurateurs and business owners have reached out to collaborate. He turns down the offers: If I make a video, I tell the truth. I must be honest. After he posted a video showing the contents of his fridge, the Hong Kong sauce company Lee Kum Kee contacted him about making content. I dont want to do it. If I take their money and sign the contract, I must say, Everything is good! he explains. I dont want to do that. Social-media rewards users who specialize in one type of finely tuned content, but Uncle Big Lau has the instincts of a true poster, someone who wont be reined in by an algorithm. Take one of his most charming videos, recorded last June after the wildfire smoke cleared. Dressed in loose white pants and a button-up with an impressionistic pattern, he gives a yes big thumbs-up while Sam Huis Cantopop song Private Eyes plays and the words Grateful for Good Air Quality scroll across the screen. Here is a man who is living. Transforming into Uncle Big Lau has, he says, also given him a fresh perspective, after spending a portion of his 70s dwelling on past mistakes and missed opportunities. Before doing these videos, my outlook on life was a little grim, because I didnt really feel like I had any hope for the future, he says. Yin (who calls him Lau Big Uncle, in keeping with the Chinese tradition of placing family name first) adds, Its not about money its about being able to connect with young people. As Lau tells it, Yin saw something in him that would resonate with others in the Cantonese community. He had something worth saying, and people would trust him not in spite of but because of his age. She came up with the idea, Lau says. I didnt believe myself. I think it took a couple years. Through the lens of his restaurant reviews, he is able to talk about something important to his generation and community. Hes using his interest in food as a way to talk about the Cantonese language, Yin says. He knows that the Cantonese language is slowly fading, its a dying language, and even Chinatown is kind of dying. Some 85 million people still speak Cantonese, but concern about its future have grown for years because of the Chinese Communist Partys push for the adoption of Mandarin, including in local education. Its use has declined in Guangzhou to the point that one academic called it already moribund there, and even in Hong Kong, which had traditionally served as a stronghold, some say theres been a noticeable shift as the CCP cracks down on the islands independence. Cantonese was once the lingua franca of the Chinatowns of London, San Francisco, and New York, but it has been supplanted by Mandarin. (In 2009, the New York Times reported that Cantonese is being rapidly swept aside, a change thats been accelerated by Chinese-American parents who want their kids to learn Mandarin because of its economic advantages.) Anxieties over the changes led to the creation of independent schools and groups aimed at preservation like Chinatown Cantonese Toisan, which Yin describes as a weekly meetup for people to just hear the language. The Uncle Big Lau videos serve a similar purpose: A lot of Cantonese younger people want to hear him speak because thats one of the ways that they can preserve or keep the language. It can be a connection to their old family or food, she says. In response to one video, a follower commented, My dad passed away several years ago, so listening to uncle talk is comforting to me. Around 3 p.m., Seng has started to quiet down. Yin needs to head home to Queens, but Lau wants to make a stop at Chiu Hong, one of Chinatowns last remaining Cantonese bakeries. This place has no air conditioning, he says. Its just a fan, old style. You see outside? Its all old people. He says he wants to walk over to get some of the peanut-stuffed mochi and to catch up with a few of his friends. Sony may not be launching a new Xperia 5 model this year, according to Japanese media Sony unveiled the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI on May 15 and left fans of small flagships waiting for the Xperia 5 VI. However, that model may have been axed. Sony will not release a new model in the Xperia 5 series, according to a recent press conference, which had two general managers from Sony in attendance, reports K-Tai Watch. Instead, Sony plans to continue selling the Xperia 5 V from last year. This decision apparently applies both to the domestic and the global markets. What happened? This move is allegedly due to change in consumers buying habits. Sony saw an increased number of Xperia 5 V users upgrading to the 1 VI, compared to a relatively small number of 5-series users that switched to the 1 V in the previous generation (shown in red below). No decision for Sonys marketing strategy for 2025 has been made public. There is a chance that the 5-series will make a comeback, after some tuning up to better suit the new market demands. But any such plans are only known internally. We reached out to Sony for comment and will update you when we hear anything. Source From awe-inspiring sand sculptures to learning more about protecting the environment, the first Guam SandFest 2024 promises to be a vibrant, family-friendly event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Ypao Beach Park in Tumon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guam SandFest 2024 aims to raise public awareness about critical environmental issues such as beach litter, shoreline erosion, and the importance of green infrastructure, the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, BSP, said in a press release. The inaugural celebration is organized by BSPs Guam Coastal Management Program, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, and Lt. Governors Islandwide Beautification Task Force, and funded by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA. The bureau invites the community to come together for a day of creativity, environmental awareness, and community engagement. The event will feature a beach and shoreline cleanup, in partnership with the 30th Anniversary of the Guam International Coastal Cleanup, providing attendees with practical ways to protect Guams natural resources. Sand sculpting competition A highlight of the event is the Sand Sculpting Competition, where teams, schools, corporate groups, and community organizations compete to create stunning sand sculptures with coastal and marine themes. Attendees will also be treated to on-site demonstrations by professional sand sculptors from off-island, adding an artistic flair and encouraging a deeper connection with nature through creativity. Guam SandFest 2024 is more than just a fun-filled day at the beach, BSP said. It is a platform for government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to showcase their environmental programs and initiatives, fostering collaboration and collective action for a sustainable future, it added. Guam SandFest 2024 is an opportunity for our community to take ownership of our environment, embrace our cultural heritage, and make a positive impact for future generations, Lola Leon Guerrero, director of BSP, Guam Coastal Management Program, said in a statement. This event is a celebration of our islands natural beauty and a call to action for environmental stewardship. For more information about Guam SandFest 2024, contact Sierra at (671) 477-1239/2239 or sierra@adztechguam.com or info@sandfestguam.com. Aniti the Gathering art exhibit, which kicks off this Friday, seeks to celebrate local talent and the enduring power of storytelling in preserving and reimagining cultural narratives for generations. But the event is more than an artistic endeavor. Its a cultural revival, a homage to the spiritual legacy that continues to influence and inspire the CHamoru people today, according to the John F. Kennedy High Schools Fine Arts Department, which collaborated with the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency on this cultural showcase. The opening ceremony is at 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the CAHA Art Gallery on the 2nd floor of the DNA Building in Hagatna. But the art exhibit will be open to visitors throughout September, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing an opportunity for the community to engage with the arts. Admission to this event is free, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the creativity and passion of local artists. The art exhibit represents a unique fusion of artistic expression, where individuals come together to depict the rich tapestry of Guams culture through their creative lenses. The term aniti, rooted in ancient CHamoru, signifies spirit or soul, embodying the essence of life and the ancestral connection deeply woven into the islands heritage, the JFK Fine Arts Department said. Historically, the term has held various connotations, from representing the spirits of the deceased to symbolizing malevolent forces. However, in contemporary times, theres a resurgence in embracing Aniti in its original, positive light, as a representation of spirit. This collective reclamation and celebration of Aniti through art not only honors the past but also shapes a narrative for the future, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, according to the JFK Fine Arts Department. Francis Labradors Gaitaotao Legacy The art exhibit will feature art pieces by Francis Labrador @madstudiolive, Sonny Chargualaf @heroesandheadkicks, and Ben Quinata @theinkaddict. It includes the unveiling of Labradors compendium book, which highlights the rich tapestry of Guams myths and legends through the vibrant medium of comic art. Labradors Gaitaotao Legacy promises to be a compelling series, intertwining traditional stories with modern storytelling techniques. The collaboration with fellow artists Quinata and Chargualaf at JFK High School not only showcases a diverse range of artistic talents but also fosters a sense of community and shared heritage. Raffle prices, games, and light refreshments will also be available during the opening show. For more information, contact Francis Labrador at (671) 727-1324 or email fplabrador@gdoe.net, bmquinata@gdoe.net, skchargualaf@gdoe.net, info@caha.guam.gov or call (671) 300-1204 thru 8. Mac Junior Alipich, 20, was sentenced to the maximum one-year jail term allowed in his plea agreement for admitting his guilt for inappropriately touching a 17-year-old girl in June of this year. He will also have to register as a Level 3 sex offender upon his eventual release from the Department of Corrections. Alipich will serve his sentence concurrently with another crime that he pleaded guilty to, a robbery in 2022. In that case, he was given an eight-year sentence, with two and a half years to be served and the remainder suspended. Alipich has been in jail since that sentence for a little over two months. In his 2024 case, police responded to a residence in Dededo, where they took a report from a girl who told officers she was sexually assaulted when Alipich approached her and grabbed her buttock. The girl told her father and before the father could approach the offender, Alipich grabbed the victims breast and ran away. Police arrested Alipich on June 28, 2024. He was charged with two counts of harassment as a petty misdemeanor and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a third-degree felony. He faced up to six years and four months for his latest crimes before his plea agreement. Prosecuting attorney and assistant attorney general Sean Brown asked Superior Court of Guam Judge Vernon Perez to attach another nine months to the 2.5 years that Alipich was required to serve for the robbery case. Defense attorney Tyler Scott said the government was well aware of his other case and originally proposed no jail time. He said the government had a chance to ask for more jail time but it did not. Perez said had he not received a considerable sentence in his other case, he would have sentenced him to the maximum sentence, to run consecutively. But Perez also gave Alipich credit for coming forward and giving his probation officer information, and also noted that Alipich confessed that he was drunk at the time and did not remember doing what he was accused of. His loss of memory about the incident might be the only consolation to the victim, said Perez, and encouraged Brown to tell her that. Brown said the victim had asked for the maximum sentence for Alipich. The judge said upon Alichs release, he must stay away from the victim and her family, plus attend sex offender counseling for his three years of supervised parole. Perez told Alipich to get help not just with sex offender counseling, but for substance abuse counseling too. Dont make those things any worse than it possibly could be, he said. You dont make better decisions after drinking or using drugs. Its almost always worse. Police have launched a death investigation after human remains were found at the scene of a structure fire in Yigo on Sept. 9, 2024. Class is canceled Wednesday at all Guam Department of Education and Catholic schools due to the impending storm. The University of Guam canceled all classes after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, with campus updates to be posted via email, the UOG website and social media channels, according to a release. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero placed the island in Condition of Readiness 3 as of 3 p.m., with damaging winds expected within 48 hours. Guam Community College classes will continue uninterrupted until COR2 is declared, and the campus will reopen after COR4 is declared, according to GCC assistant director for communications John Dela Rosa. Students are advised to monitor GCC Facebook and Instagram pages and the news for updates. Maria Ulloa Elementary School in Dededo has been designated an emergency shelter, which opened at 6 p.m. Tuesday to accommodate residents who need refuge. Tropical depression 14W was located 195 miles southeast of Guam around 3:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Tiyan. The depression is anticipated to strengthen into a storm and make its closest point of approach to Guam Wednesday morning. GDOE, in a news release, announced all public schools will be closed for class on Wednesday for the safety of students and staff. All employees at the Tiyan Central Office are required to report to work, and school administrators are required to secure their respective schools in preparation for the storm. Archdiocese of Agana Vicar General Father Romeo D. Convocar announced that all Catholic schools will follow the same precautions. All are advised to take the necessary measures for their safety and well-being. Catholic school faculty and staff, please follow your school protocols regarding securing your respective areas for storms, the archdiocese announced. Residents who seek shelter at Maria Ulloa are advised to bring a seven-day supply of essential items like food, water, bedding, hygiene products, medications, and important documents. Nearly half of New Orleans sits below sea level a fact residents are reminded of this week, as the impending Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana as a hurricane on Wednesday night. The National Weather Serviced has issued a flood watch for New Orleans starting Tuesday morning through Thursday morning. During this time, the region could see 4-8 inches of rain, with up to 12 inches in localized areas. According to the NWS, It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock over and carry away an adult, and 12 inches to carry away a small car. To assess the risk of flooding at a specific address, New Orleans residents are encouraged to explore the LSU Ag Centers Flood Map Tool. The map which is maintained by FEMA and used by mortgage lenders to determine insurance requirements displays which parts of the city are most likely to flood in the event of major rainfall. Keep in mind that the map is not fool-proof. While low-elevation areas are at higher risk, the map cant anticipate factors like clogged storm drains and functioning pump stations. During major street flooding, the City of New Orleans usually suspends parking restrictions on sidewalks and neutral grounds, allowing residents to move cars to higher ground. Parking restrictions typically go back into effect two hours after flooding has ended. In the event of a flood, the City of New Orleans recommends the following actions: How to prepare before a storm Remove debris from gutters and downspouts. Clear debris from catch basins. Report clogged catch basins to 311. Prune trees and shrubs. Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside. Secure or bring garbage bins inside. Move possessions to your highest floor. Photograph your property for insurance purposes. What to do during a flood Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for vulnerable areas across Louisiana, as Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane Tuesday, with landfall expected in southern Louisiana by Wednesday. To ensure their safety, residents of Zone 1 in Terrebonne Parish are asked to evacuate by 6 a.m. Wednesday and as of 7 a.m. Tuesday, Plaquemines Parish officials have issued mandatory evacuations for several areas, including Lake Hermitage, Happy Jack, Myrtle Grove, Tidewater Road, Venice, White Ditch to Phoenix, Wood Park and Grand Bayou. A voluntary evacuation will follow at 2 p.m. for the East Bank and Venice, stretching north to Alliance. Southeastern parishes, including Jefferson Parish, are also under evacuation orders as Louisiana prepares for the intensifying storm. Warnings and watches have been issued for much of the Louisiana coast, including a hurricane warning for Cameron, a hurricane watch for Houma and Lafayette and a tropical storm watch issued for Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In its latest advisory issued early Tuesday, the National Weather Service warns that as the system moves inland across Louisiana, there is an elevated risk of life-threatening storm surge, hurricane force winds and flash flooding. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts reaching up to 12 inches, are expected across much of central and eastern Louisiana through Thursday night. Residents of New Orleans are stocking up on necessities as Tropical Storm Francine barrels towards Louisianas coastline. The storm is now projected to reach Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday. On Monday evening, shoppers packed into Costco at 3900 Dublin St., loading up on non-perishables, toilet paper and canned goods but not bottled water, as the warehouse retailer ran dry earlier in the day. Its been wild, said one employee, who asked not to be named. Weve been busy as soon as the doors opened. Another employee said the warehouse was meant to receive an emergency shipment of water earlier in the day, but the truck hadnt shown up yet. Costco should receive another shipment by tomorrow morning, they said. Outside of the retailers gas station, cars were seen lining up more than a block away to fill their tanks. Tulane University students, John Wood, Will Drody and Kenzie Cutler, make a stop at Costco Warehouse ahead of the storm on Monday, Sep. 9.Emily Topping Some shoppers didnt seem too concerned by the storm projections, instead loading up on the necessary goods to enjoy a night or two indoors. Were here to get water and alcohol mostly, said Will Drody, a senior at Tulane University. (He had apparently not yet learned Costco was lacking the former.) Im not really worried, but I know the power goes out pretty easily. Were both from Miami, so weve dealt with hurricanes, said John Wood, a junior at Tulane. A mandatory evacuation order has not yet been issued for the city, and officials are encouraging residents to gather supplies and shelter in place. Haiti - FLASH : Results of the 9th AF exams for 9 departments The Ministry of National Education has published the success rate for the 9th Year Fundamental (AF) exams 2023-2024 for 9 departments: North, West, Northeast, Artibonite, North-West, Center, Nippes, South and Grand'Anse. According to figures provided by the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE), the success rates for the 9 departments are mostly down with the exception of the West, Artibonite and Nippes : North : Success rate 90% down, the previous year 92%; West : Success rate 89% up, the previous year 83%; Northeast : Success rate 84% down, the previous year 87%; Artibonite : Success rate 83% up from 76% in the previous year; North-West : Success rate 81% down from 87% in the previous year; Center : Success rate 78% up from 76% in the previous year; Nippes : Success rate 75% up from 72% in the previous year; South : Success rate 75% down sharply from 85% in the previous year. Grande Anse : Success rate 73% down sharply from 95% in the previous year. South-East : not available The Ministry informs that the results of the 9th fundamental years exams for the South-East Department will be published shortly. School directors are invited to withdraw the rankings (by students) of their school from the Departmental Directorate of Education (DDE) concerned. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... New day of tension in Port-au-Prince New day of tension in downtown Port-au-Prince due to armed clashes between law enforcement and bandits, including on Magloire Amboise Street, Mgr Guilloux Street, Alerte Alley, and Dalles Road... A situation that has created panic and paralyzed commercial activities in these areas. Canada : Defense Discussion Monday, September 9, 2024, Jean Marc Berthier Antoine, Minister of Defense, met with the Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, Andre Francois Giroux, to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation in defense. BNC : ULCC wants a confrontation but... The former Chairman of the Board of the Banque Nationale de Credit (BNC), Raoul Pierre Louis, is summoned by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) for a confrontation with Councilors Louis Gerald Gilles, Emmanuel Vertilaire and Smith Augustin. Raoul Pierre-Louis' lawyers say that their client will not be able to respond to this summons as long as the 3 councilors of the Transitional Council accused of corruption remain in office. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42866-haiti-flash-3-presidential-advisers-in-turmoil-scandal-or-conspiracy.html FAO mission to Haiti A delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO, composed of Rein Paulse, Director of Emergencies and Resilience and Adoniram Sanches Coordinator for Central American countries, are in Haiti from September 9 to 12 to discuss resilience strategies in the face of food crises. This strategic mission aims to strengthen national emergency response and resilience capacities, while consolidating strategic partnerships with national and international actors in favor of sustainable development. Exchange between Chancellor Dupuy and Miroslav Jenca On Monday, September 9, Chancellor Dominique Dupuy met with Miroslav Jenca, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the United Nations to discuss security, elections and the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. 2024 Paralympic Games : Shot Put Ywenson Registre, who competed for Haiti in the shot put competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, finished 11th out of 12 with 6.95m, his best performance of the season (while his personal best performance was 7.13m). Iran's Yasin Khosravi finished 1st with a throw of 15.95m. HL/ HaitiLibre Klinik am Kurpark Reinhardshausen GmbH was the victim of a cyber attack on August 27. This resulted in a data leak, the extent of which is still unclear. The investigation is ongoing. Anzeige "We currently have to assume that personal data may have been affected by this incident," the clinic's website states. After the incident became known, the relevant authorities such as the police and data protection officer were informed immediately. The clinic also commissioned a cyber security company. Despite the cyber attack, the general operation of the Klinik am Kurpark and the admission of patients was largely unaffected. The clinic will provide further information as soon as it is available. Data breach at US car rental company The "Avis Rent A Car System" in the USA is informing its customers about a data breach that occurred at the beginning of August. According to an information letter (PDF) sent to those affected, an attacker gained unauthorized access to the company's business applications. Avis told the Attorney General of Maine that almost 300,000 people were affected. Upon learning of the incident, the company immediately blocked access and launched an investigation with external experts. Avis also informed the authorities and the Attorney General of Maine. The access is said to have taken place between August 3 and 6, with some personal data being accessed. The extent of the data leak is still unclear. Anzeige Avis is offering affected customers a free one-year membership to Equifax, a popular identity monitoring program in the US. Avis is also advising those affected to check their bank statements regularly, among other things. Read also Keep an eye on your own identity: Google Dark Web Report warns of data leaks heise Security (mack) YLE on Sunday pointed out that the legislation enters into force at the same time as the government, as per its newly approved budget for next year, cuts budget appropriations for integration services by 58 million euros a year as part of an effort to close its chronic budget deficit. MUNICIPALITIES in Finland are scrambling prepare for the enactment of legislation that has them assume primary responsibility for organising integration services starting on 1 January 2025. Also other services for immigrants face cuts at the turn of the year, with the government deciding to save three million euros on the costs of interpretation services, for example. This disconnect is at the heart of the criticism levelled at the decisions by the six largest cities in Finland: Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu and Turku. Municipalities, they summarise, are forced to take on additional responsibilities in the areas of integration services, language instruction and immigrant counselling and guidance, and expected to perform them on a smaller budget. We have to offer language instruction on a broader basis than before. It means that immigrants will in the future be tested for their language skills in either Finnish or Swedish, Mika Penttila, the director of culture and education at the City of Oulu, stated to YLE. The integration services act entering into force at the turn of the year will also reduce the computational compensation disbursed to municipalities and well-being services counties for organising services that support the integration of people of refugee backgrounds. The eligibility period for the compensation will be cut from four to three years for quota refugees and from three to two years for other refugees, including those granted temporary protection. The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities has warned that cutting the compensation could discourage municipalities from receiving refugees. The revisions are an attempt to strengthen the public economy and encourage immigrants to take more responsibility for their integration. Given the diversity of circumstances for immigrants, the objectives are challenging. There are immigrants who come here primarily for work or education. They have a different capacity and readiness to integrate than the segment of immigrants who maybe have difficulty reading and writing, said Penttila. Immigrants in the latter group inevitably embark on the integration journey from a different starting point and face a longer path to working life, the public broadcasting company elaborated. The economic impact has been questioned, too. Glenn Gassen, the director of immigration at the City of Helsinki, reminded YLE that immigration has been a key driver of both employment growth in the 2000s and population growth in Helsinki. Integration services, he added, have been shown to be an effective way to boost employment and, as a result, tax revenue. We cant leave people without services and expect that theyll learn Finnish in front of a mirror at home. In Finland, its still very hard to find work without Finnish or Swedish skills, he said. Also Oulu has grown partly as a result of immigration. In 2023, immigrants accounted for two-thirds of the roughly 3,000 people who moved to the city. Were aware that our working-age population isnt growing, that the only growth is coming from immigration. We have to pay particular attention to the integration of immigrants as a society, stressed Penttila. The government has similarly acknowledged that scaling down integration services would likely undermine the integration and employment of immigrants. The impact assessment published alongside the proposal drew attention to the risk that cuts in funding for integration services would in the long term lead to an increase in public spending and decrease in tax revenue. Aleksi Teivainen HT County schools inch up one notch on state report card A state report card on Henderson Countys public schools shows that the school system improved slightly last year. The accountability report presented the School Board Monday during its regular monthly meeting noted that the countys schools inched up from a rank of 31st in the state during the 2022-2023 school year 30th during the 2023-2024 school year a performance that placed the county behind several peers in the area and well behind Top 10 rankings it has achieved in the recent past. We managed to gain one bump up, Assistant Superintendent Shannon Marlowe told the board. Were headed in the right direction. Were just not headed there as quickly as some of us would like it. Henderson County schools ranked lower than other nearby systems in Western North Carolina for the 2023-2024 school year. Transylvania County Schools ranked 25th in the state while Asheville City Schools came in 23rd. Polk County ranked eighth and ranked Haywood County ranked sixth in the state. The report card showed that just one school in the county received an A grade in 2023-24 while eight received a B grade. The remaining schools included seven C grades and six D grades. The countys Early College received the school systems only A. Schools that received Bs included Hendersonville High, North Henderson, West Henderson, Atkinson Elementary, Hendersonville Elementary, Glenn C. Marlow Elementary, Mills River Elementary and Rugby Middle. Schools that receive Cs included Hendersonville Middle, Bruce Drysdale Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary, Etowah Elementary, Fletcher Elementary, Sugarloaf Elementary and East Henderson. Schools that received Ds included Dana Elementary, Edneyville Elementary, Hillandale Elementary, Upward Elementary, Apple Valley Middle and Flat Rock Middle. The countys Career Academy moved from a grade of progressing to a grade of maintaining. The grades are calculated based on a formula that measures student proficiency and the schools growth. Of the countys 23 schools, 17 met or exceeded growth targets in 2023-2024. We also had 17 out of 23 last year but it was a different 17 out of 23, Marlowe said. The school systems graduation rate moved up from 90.3 percent in the 2022-2023 school year to the 92.8 percent in the 2023-2024 school year. Marlowe said she intended to again address the accountability report at next months school board meeting with more information about schools that were designated targeted school improvement schools and those that were designated as low performing schools. The one thing we have not had a chance to dig into really deeply yet is the designations that come up every year, she said. The School Board is scheduled to meet again on Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. at the school systems central office on Fourth Avenue West. Monday September 9, 2024 Abshir Mohamed Osman, 35, is a Somali who lives in Winnipeg, RCMP say The migrants, who are 19 to 48 years old, originate from Chad, Guinea and Sudan, police say. (Jeorge Sadi/CBC) A Somali living in Winnipeg has been charged with human smuggling after eight migrants from various parts of Africa were seen illegally crossing the Manitoba-U.S. border late last month, RCMP say.Abshir Mohamed Osman, 35, was charged after he was found driving a rental vehicle with eight people from Africa inside near the Canada Border Services Agency's port of entry in Gretna, Man., on Aug. 22, police said in a news release Monday.Osman is a Somali national who lives in Winnipeg, police said. He was released on several conditions and is scheduled to appear in Emerson Provincial Court on Oct. 16.Officers watched the group illegally cross into Canada from the United States before getting into the car, police said.The eight migrants were turned over to the CBSA for processing as the police investigation continues, Sgt. Lance Goldau, head of Manitoba's Integrated Border Enforcement Team, said in the release.The migrants were interviewed thanks to officers who can speak Arabic and French, he said. On a single day on August 31, the Amaravati weather station recorded 28 cm of rainfall, an unusual statistic at least in the past decade, according to an official from the Andhra Pradesh State Development Planning Society. The weather station had 28cm rainfall on 31 August, with 15 cm of rainfall lashing it in three hours due to cumulonimbus clouds along with the depression formed at the Bay of Bengal, the official, seeking anonymity, said. Torrential rainfall in Krishna rivers upper catchment areas has had a significant impact on the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, submerging lands in 25 out of 29 villages in the area under three feet of water; it took over a week for the water to recede. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidus residence, the Manthena Satyanarayana Raju Nature Cure Hospital and SRM University were among the landmarks, which were submerged. When Amaravati could flood due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, what would be the situation if such an intense downpour descends on the capital? At a time when extreme rainfall events are occurring frequently in Indian cities, it is ironic that the Andhra Pradesh government is diverting billions towards constructing a capital city in a flood-prone region. What caused the unusual rainfall? During the Southwest monsoon, low-pressure systems often have varying impacts based on their location and movement. In this case, a low-pressure system passed near Srikakulam, affecting Vijayawada, Amaravati and neighbouring regions. This is due to the fact that low-pressure systems are typically tilted with height during the monsoon, causing upper-level circulation to shift, said Rajanikanth Poolla, a weather blogger. A flood-prone capital Residents of Amaravati are not shocked as the citys topography has always been vulnerable to floods. Amaravati floods at least twice every year. While the intensity of rainfall this year has been heavier than usual, taking more time for water to drain out, it is something we are accustomed with. We cultivate flood-resilient crops such as turmeric and plantain during monsoon, said Giridhar (name changed), a farmer. Situated on the banks of the Krishna river, Amaravati is a floodplain with a water table just 10-15 feet below the surface in most areas. The regions topography makes agriculture profitable but infrastructural development an expensive and time-consuming affair. The region's black cotton soil, combined with a high water table in many areas, necessitates deeper foundations and more extensive water management. This results in increased requirements for concrete and steel, significantly driving up construction expenses, social activist Bhupathi Raju Ramakrishna Raju said. The Kondaveeti Vagu, a stream in Amaravati, acts as the areas drainage system to drain excess water into Krishna. The concept is flawed for two main reasons. First, the capacity of the Kondaveeti Vagu stream is insufficient to manage the volume of runoff. Second, the Krishna river at Amaravati will be already (flowing) at full capacity in a flood situation, leaving no room for additional runoff. To address this, a protection wall has been constructed along the Krishna river to prevent flooding of neighbouring villages by containing the river's waters," C Ramachandraiah, retired professor, Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad, said. When a city is built Historically, the Kondaveeti Vagu stream has frequently submerged standing crops in Amaravati. To address this issue, the Telugu Desam Party government initiated the construction of a pumping station in 2015, designed to discharge 5,000 cusecs of water into the Krishna river. However, experts have criticised the project because the Krishna river is already flowing at full capacity by the time it reaches Amaravati during flood season. When the city is built, the speed at which water flows into the Kondaveeti Vagu stream would be high (considering water from rooftops etc). Runoff from stormwater drains would also flow through the stream, enhancing the chances of it swelling up, Ramachandraiah added. The Sivaramakrishnan committee appointed by the home affairs ministry to study alternative locations for a new capital in 2014 had clearly ruled out Amaravati as a capital. Floods frequently affect coastal districts Krishna, Guntur, East and West Godavari, which are located on the banks of Krishna and Godavari rivers. The October-November 2009 floods are one of the most devastating floods, affecting an estimated 20 lakh people. Hence, a very cautious choice has to be made around these locations as capital zones, an excerpt from the report, accessed by HT, mentioned. However, the planners had perceived that like the cities of Hyderabad on the Musi river and Chennai by the river Cooum, the Krishna river would be an advantage for the new city. But thats not the case, experts have warned. To construct effective stormwater drains, all runoff must be directed towards Kondaveeti Vaagu stream. Since Amaravati is a flat plain, creating proper slopes and gradients is essential for efficient drainage. Water flows into the Musi River at multiple points, but Kondaveeti Vaagu lacks such options. Even with the installation of artificial drainage systems, they cannot be emptied into the Krishna river due to the existing protection wall, Ramachandraiah said. A bleak future Construction in Amaravati was halted after the YSR Congress Party, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, came to power in 2019. With the TDP government now returning to power following the 2024 elections, a pressing question among citizens is: What will happen when these flood-prone areas are developed into a bustling administrative centre with extensive infrastructure? Parts of a city getting inundated during floods is one thing. But an entire city being in a flood-prone area is a totally different thing, Ramachandraiah said. Lubna Sarwath, an environmentalist and Congress party member, criticised the decision to make Amaravati the capital, labelling it a unilateral choice by the TDP government. She questioned whether feasibility reports for alternative locations were conducted and expressed concern that these reports have not been made publicly available. "All these issues should be thoroughly investigated," she said. Officials from the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority, the department developing Amaravati, declined to comment on the situation. Development and expansion of Indian cities have frequently involved encroaching on water bodies: A similar practice could prove to be deadly for vulnerable Amaravati. When the Krishna River floods, Kondaveeti Vaagu will swell, and Amaravati will submerge, warned CPM Leader Babu Rao. There are a lot of encroachments on Krishna's river bed in Amaravati, he said, adding that such structures should be removed to avoid heavy flooding in the future. Accompanied by 18 legislators including ministers and assembly Speaker T Satyabrata Singh, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Sunday to hand over a memorandum listing several demands including handing over authority of the unified command to the state government. It was the second meeting between Singh and Acharya in two days. The development came amid a recent spurt in incidents of violence in the state, which has witnessed ethnic clashes between the Meiteis, who are a majority in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities that are dominant in a few neighbouring hill districts, since May last year. The recent violence has claimed at least nine lives (from both communities) and left 25 injured taking the death toll since the start of clashes 16 months ago to 235. But unlike previous incidents, the recent ones were different as the unidentified attackers used drones to drop bombs and deployed rocket-propelled guns to launch indigenously developed missiles. While the list of all the demands made by Singh is yet to be made public, people aware of the development said that the CM said that handing over the unified command to the state government was necessary to quell the violence. The CMs demand does not have the support of all the 31 MLAs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as several legislators who are unhappy with Singhs handling of the crisis, and had even suggested in the past removing him, were conspicuous by their absence during the meeting. A day after the memorandum was handed over, hundreds of students in uniform came out in Imphal, Thoubal and Kakching districts to support Singhs demand for the uniform command. In Imphal, hundreds surrounded the Raj Bhawan and were dispersed by the police following incidents of stone pelting. Amid allegations by the Kukis that the state government was biased in favour of Meiteis, the unified command for Manipur, which comprises 12 key administrative and security officials, was formed on May 31 last year to bring peace and introduce measures to counter the ongoing violence. At present the unified command, which oversees operations by personnel from Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force stationed in Manipur, is headed by retired CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh, who was appointed by Centre as security advisor to the state government in May 2023. The CMs demand for the transfer of the unified command was welcomed by some while others questioned the timing and the motive behind the move. The demand of CM Singh asking for handing over of the unified command to the state government is a fake drama to distract people from the failure of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Manipur to resolve this crisis. Its been 15 months since the unified command was formed. What was the CM doing all this time while people kept getting killed? questioned K Meghachandra, president of Congresss Manipur unit. He termed handing over control of the unified command to an official appointed by the Centre as a violation of the Constitution as law and order is a state subject. Questing the timing of the demand, he said: Maybe theres some pressure on the CM to resign for his failure to end the violence. Significantly, not all BJP MLAs seem to support the demand, which shows differences within the ruling party. The same party has governments at the Centre and Manipur. Whats the need for this political drama now? Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribe in Manipur, issued a statement on Monday, rejecting the demand, and instead asking for Singhs immediate removal and for an investigation into his alleged role in the attacks against Kukis. "The demand for (handing over the authority of) unified command is not about restoring law and order but rather consolidating the CM's iron grip over security forces," said KIM while reiterating its demand to create a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people in areas where they are in majority. Of the 60 MLAs in Manipur 10 are from the Kuki-Zo communities including seven from the BJP. These MLAs have opposed Singh from the start of the conflict and demanded the creation of a separate administration for their people in areas of the state where they are in the majority. Not surprisingly, Singhs memorandum didnt find favour with them. The memorandum seems like the CMs way of threatening the Centre at a time when the BJP leadership appears to be unhappy with his handling of the crisis and contemplating either imposing Presidents Rule or keeping the assembly in suspended animation. Hes trying to show that he is indispensable and instigating his supporters to portray that on the streets, said Paolienlal Haokip, a Kuki MLA from BJP. He added that the latest move from the CM could be an attempt to distract from the leaked audio tape controversy reported last month. According to the reports, which first appeared in The Wire, the commission of inquiry set up by the union home ministry was provided with a 48-minute long audio tape where Singh is allegedly heard making claims about his partisan role in the violence. The recording, which went viral on social media, was allegedly made at the CMs official residence. The Manipur government has termed the tape as fake and said it was released on social media to disrupt the ongoing peace process. The memorandum move could be to take the attention away from the audio tape, the contents of which are damning. We oppose the demand to hand over the authority of the unified command to the state government. If the Centre agrees to the demand, it will imply that Singh is being given a free hand to annihilate the Kukis, said Haokip. The CMs demand has supporters too, especially in the Imphal Valley where demonstrations are taking place demanding the Centre agree to the move. Theres a feeling among them that handing over the unified command to the state government could be a way to rein in the violence and usher in peace. It is clear the present unified command headed by Kuldiep Singh has failed miserably. Despite the presence of so many security personnel on the ground, they have not been able to control the Kuki militants who in recent days have intensified attacks on Meiteis, using drones and missiles. If the unified command is not handed over to the state government, more violence will take place in the coming days, said Jeetendra Ningomba, former coordinator of COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity), the states apex Meitei body. Apple Inc. lost its court fight over a 13 billion ($14.4 billion) Irish tax bill and Google lost its challenge over a 2.4 billion fine for abusing its market power, in a double boost to the European Unions crackdown on Big Tech. 3D printed logos of Apple and Google are pictured on a keyboard in front of binary code in this illustration taken.(Reuters) The EUs Court of Justice in Luxembourg backed a landmark 2016 decision that Ireland broke state-aid law by giving Apple an unfair advantage. In another victory for the EUs antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, the same court ruled that Google illegally leveraged its search-engine dominance to give a higher ranking to its own product listings. Vestager who is just weeks away from departing the Brussels-based European Commission after two terms made Apple and Alphabet Inc.s Google top targets after taking up her role in 2014. The Apple decision was by far the biggest in her decade-long campaign for tax fairness, which has also targeted the likes of Amazon.com Inc. and carmaker Stellantis NVs Fiat. Vestager has argued that selective tax benefits to big firms are illegal state aid that are banned in the EU. Apples Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook previously blasted as total political crap the EUs 2016 move to order the firm to pay 13 billion in back taxes, while the commissions 2017 fine against Google was leveled for abusing its search dominance to give a higher ranking to its own product listings. Vestager ordered Ireland to claw back the sum, which amounts to about two quarters of Mac sales globally. The money has been sitting in an escrow account pending a final ruling. We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the general court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case, an Apple spokesperson said. At 4:16 a.m. New York time, Apple shares were down 1.3% at $218 in premarket trading on Tuesday. Separately, a Google spokesperson said that the company is disappointed with the court judgment on its appeal and that a 2017 offer to remedy the EUs concerns helped to generate more clicks for other shopping services. The EUs focus on Google paved the way for global scrutiny, from the US to the UK. The EU hasnt merely targeted the firms search dominance. Its shopping case was the first round in a trio of fines that led to penalties totaling more than 8 billion. The EUs competition watchdogs are hoping that the conduct of Silicon Valley will be definitively fixed by sweeping new regulation that came into effect last year the Digital Markets Act. Among other dos and donts it forces Big Tech players to refrain from favoring their own services over rivals an obligation inspired by the blocs near decade-long tussle with the tech giants search dominance. Apple unveiled iPhone 16 series, marking the official launch of iOS 18 which brings a range of new features, including customisation options and Apple Intelligence which an AI-driven upgrade that introduces tools like a ChatGPT-powered Siri, image generation and content editing capabilities. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max during an event at Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, US. iOS 18 will be available on September 16 for over 25 iPhone models, including iPhone SE (2nd generation).(Bloomberg) When will iOS 18 be available for Apple users? The first iteration of the iOS 18 will be rolled out on September 16. Is your iPhone compatible with iOS 18? iOS 18 is available for over 25 different iPhone models, starting from the latest iPhone 16 series down to older models like the iPhone SE (2nd generation). iPhones that can run iOS 18 are: 1. iPhone 16 series (all models) 2. iPhone 15 series (all models) 3. iPhone 14 series (all models) 4. iPhone 13 series (including mini, Pro, Pro Max) 5. iPhone 12 series (including mini, Pro, Pro Max) 6. iPhone 11 series (Pro, Pro Max) 7. iPhone XS, XS Max, XR 8. iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) Can you use AI-powered tools through Apple Intelligence? Apples AI-powered tools will be supported by the following phones: 1. iPhone 16 series (all models) 2. iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max How to prepare your iPhone for the iOS 18 update? 1. Charge your phone to avoid interruptions during the update. 2. Connect to Wi-Fi to download the update. 3. Free up storage. 4. Back up your data via iCloud or your computer before a major update. Gautam Adani, Adani Group chairman, reportedly reached out to chief advisor to the Bangladesh government Muhammad Yunus seeking his intervention in the early clearance of $800 million of receivables due from Bangladesh Power Development Board to Adani Power for electricity supplies. Adani group chairman Gautam Adani has requested Bangladesh's chief advisor to expedite the clearance of $800 million in dues from the Bangladesh Power Development Board.(ANI) In a letter, Gautam Adani wrote as per Economic Times, "The lenders have now been severe on us as we continue to meet our commitment to Bangladesh. I would request for your kind intervention in early liquidation of $800 million of receivables due from Bangladesh Power Development Board." He said, May we request for regular payment of routine bills as we continue with our commitment on supplies and in addition significant tranches be made each month to liquidate outstanding dues. This comes as it was reported that the Bangladesh Power Development Board owes Adani Power $800 million in power supply dues for a period of eight to nine months. Adani Power supplies electricity to Bangladesh from its 1.6 GW coal-fired power plant in Jharkhand through a dedicated transmission corridor which it began from last June. Gautam Adani said that Adani Power has invested $2 billion in building a state-of-the-art plant and associated transmission infrastructure, adding, I would like to reiterate our commitment to your country's energy security and infrastructure development. "We contribute to Bangladesh's food supply through popular edible oil and premium rice brands such as Rupchanda, Meizan, and Fortune," he said, asserting that he appreciates the support and cooperation received from authorities, local communities and stakeholders in the country. A Kenyan court suspended a government plan to allow Indias Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. to operate its main airport for 30 years until it rules on the matter. Gautam Adani speaks during an interview in Ahmedabad.(Reuters) The High Court issued the order prohibiting any person from implementing or acting on the privately initiated proposal by Adani until the matter is determined, according to Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya, an applicant in the case. Adani didnt immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted outside office hours. The lawyers body and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, a non-governmental organization, are challenging the governments right to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi, to Adani Airport as it breaches the constitution. Leasing the strategic and profitable JKIA to a private entity is irrational and contravenes the constitutional principles of good governance, accountability, transparency, and prudent and responsible use of public money, they said in their filings. The parties also argue that the $1.85 billion deal between the government and Adani Airport is unaffordable, threatens job losses, exposes the public disproportionately to fiscal risk, and offers no value for money to the taxpayer. They claim that Kenya can independently raise the funds to expand JKIA without leasing it for 30 years, according to their filings. Sign up here for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter Under the terms of the build-operate deal, the Indian billionaire Gautam Adanis company would upgrade Kenyas largest aviation facility and East Africas busiest airport and construct a second runway and a new passenger terminal. The government has defended the deal insisting that the airport is stretched beyond its capacity and is urgently in need of improvements. Kenya Airports Authority acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye said in July the proposal will be subjected to technical, financial and legal reviews to ensure it complies with the nations public-private partnerships laws. The investment required is significant and cannot be funded with the prevailing fiscal constraints without recourse to private funding, Ogoye said. Adani Airport controlled by Asias second-richest person, has a portfolio of eight airports dominating more than 50% of the top 10 Indian domestic routes. The airports account for 23% of Indian air traffic serving 20% of total passenger base. When Saudi Arabia-based Tabby one of the Middle Easts first fintech unicorns announced it was acquiring startup Tweeq, it turned heads among venture capitalists eyeing investment opportunities in the kingdom. Saudi Fintech Acquisition by Tabby Sparks New Hopes for VCs The deal, which will see Tabby buy the digital-wallet operator for an undisclosed sum, was viewed as fresh evidence that Saudi Arabias startup market is maturing and may start to give VCs more strategies for exiting their investments, investors said at the 24 Fintech conference in Riyadh last week. Successful startup ecosystems are flywheels and startup exits are a key cog, said Alexandre Lazarow, global venture capitalist and founder of Fluent Ventures. They help return capital to investors and catalyze new generations of angel investors. One of the things thats exciting about the Saudi market today is the early but increasing amount of technology IPOs and M&A, including in fintech, Lazarow said, stressing the importance of a viable path to exiting investments in Saudi Arabia as it navigates the early stages of developing its VC market. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the hottest markets among emerging VC countries in recent years. It trailed only Singapore in the first half of 2024, with more than $400 million in funds raised, and ranked the highest in the Middle East and North Africa. The country last year overtook the UAE as the top destination for VC investment in the Middle East for the very first time. Saudi company Rasan Information Technology Co., which operates online insurance platforms such as Tameeni and Treza, was among the first local fintech firms to go public in the kingdom. It raised $224 million in June and has seen its share price climb more than 43% since its trading debut. The UAE has historically been the most advanced venture market in the region, with investments dating back to 2013 and 2014, according to VC data firm Magnitt. The country has accounted for around 45% of all M&A deals closed in MENA since 2019. But Saudi Arabia is starting to catch up on M&A in particular; 19% of transactions done last year in the region were in the kingdom, Magnitt said. The window for exit activity in Saudi Arabia is likely to come into fruition in the next 2-3 years, said Magnitt Chief Executive Officer Philip Bahoshy. It takes between 7-8 years for a company in MENA to achieve an exit. Saudi startups have received a significant boost from investments by local funds including STV and Sanabil, a unit of Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund, known as the Public Investment Fund. Plowing money into tech firms and startups aims to serve the goal of building a venture capital industry and encouraging young entrepreneurs to set up businesses that can aid in the kingdoms efforts to diversify the economy. Tabby a fintech that now offers buy-now-pay-later solutions agreed to shift its headquarters to Saudi Arabia from the UAE last year. It plans to go public on the Saudi stock exchange in late 2025 or 2026, the company told local media outlet Argaam last week. Tabby, which has raised funds from regional and global players like Wellington Management, Mubadala Investment Capital, PayPal Ventures and Hassana Investment Co., said Tweeq will continue operating independently once its acquisition of the company is complete. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Zoetis, the global leader in animal health, has announced the expansion of its Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, a significant step in strengthening its presence in India. Over the coming months, the expansion is expected to create hundreds of high-end technology roles, positioning the centre as a key hub for research, development, and commercial operations, further cementing India's role in Zoetis global growth strategy. Hindustan Times spoke to Anil Raghav, Vice President & Head, Zoetis India Capability Centre, and Keith Sarbaugh, Chief Information Officer, Zoetis, to learn more about how this expansion will impact the companys operations, drive innovation, and contribute to the local economy and broader animal healthcare industry. HT image. Here are some of the edited excerpts from the interview: Can you tell us about the recent expansion of your facility and what it means for your company's operations in this region? Anil Raghav: Over the next several months, we will be adding hundreds of new roles to our team. Our state-of-the-art facility in Sattva Knowledge City will be home to professionals dedicated to driving innovation and pioneering transformative advancements. The Zoetis India Capability Center will leverage world-class talent in India to ensure sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge for Zoetis worldwide. Our investments are significantly boosting our presence in India, enhancing our R&D footprint, and expanding our commercial operations. The Zoetis India Capability Center will closely partner with businesses to serve as the bedrock of innovation for our company, applying leading-edge technologies to tackle the most complex challenges. How does this expansion align with your company's global strategy and goals? Keith Sarbaugh: As the leader in animal health globally, Zoetis is at the forefront of a dynamic and growing industry. This expansion aligns with our global vision. It is a key part of our strategy to leverage local expertise to drive worldwide innovations in veterinary care. By investing in this capability center, we are positioning Zoetis to advance our digital and technology capabilities which are not only the foundation of how we operate but fundamental to how we show up in the marketplace and engage with our customers. We know that data and digital are the keys to unlocking new insights and understanding new opportunities as a leader in developing innovative solutions for animal health and our position as the tech leader in the industry. We are harnessing India's world-class IT talent and vibrant start-up ecosystem to accelerate the delivery of breakthrough solutions for veterinarians, pet owners, and livestock farmers worldwide. What impact do you anticipate this will have on job creation and the local economy? Anil Raghav: We are excited about the impact this will have on job creation and the local economy. We plan to create hundreds of high-end technology roles over the next several months. These positions will require specialized skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and many more. By offering these opportunities, we aim to attract and retain top talent within the region, fostering a robust and dynamic workforce. In addition, the influx of specialized jobs will provide direct employment and stimulate ancillary industries and services. By investing in local talent and resources, we hope to create a sustainable and thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone. Our expansion is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and community development, contributing to the prosperity of the Hyderabad region. How does this development position your company to meet future market demands in your industry? Keith Sarbaugh: Our expansion in Hyderabad strategically positions Zoetis to meet the future demands of the rapidly evolving animal healthcare industry. The global Animal Health market size is expected to grow 4-6% over the next 5-10 years. In India specifically, the Veterinary Healthcare Market is estimated to reach USD 1.25 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.63% during the forecast period. Our enhanced capability in India is critical to our ability to meet the increasing demands of our customers. The possibilities of Gen Al further the demand for tech and digital capabilities and require talent with both business and technology expertise. Looking ahead, what are your company's long-term plans for growth and innovation in this region? Keith Sarbaugh: While we are focusing on this current expansion, we see India as a critical part of our long-term global strategy. We want to attract and develop talent who can demonstrate our purpose and values through curiosity and passion for making a meaningful impact on our business and animal health. As a thriving ecosystem focused on advancing technologies and life sciences, Hyderabad is an ideal location to our future investment in animal health, technology, and innovation. The success of our organization is dependent on talent who can integrate technological expertise while understanding with our business needs. We are excited about the potential this expansion brings and look forward to the innovations that will emerge from our Hyderabad center in the coming years. How do you see the animal healthcare industry evolving, and how is your company preparing to address emerging trends and challenges? Keith Sarbaugh: The animal healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, driven by factors such as increasing pet ownership, growing medical needs of companion animals, and rising global demand for animal protein. Zoetis is at the forefront of a dynamic and durable industry, and our science-driven innovation and differentiated execution that consistently continue to be our competitive advantages. Zoetis has grown faster than the industry by addressing unmet medical needs that have enabled us to create and grow new markets. Data, analytics, and technology underpin this evolution and our abilities to connect with our customers whether a pet owner, veterinarian, or producer. Identifying talent who have experience in technology that are critical to our future such as SAP S4 HANA, Salesforce, Hybris, Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to name a few, is a key priority and we are excited to see what we can achieve in Hyderabad. In a horrific incident, a 5-year-old girl was kidnapped from a Ganesh pandal at Ijoor town, near Ramanagara, which is 50 km away from Bengaluru. The girl was wrapped with an adhesive tape when found and rescued by the villagers within hours after missing. Girl, 5, kidnapped from Ganesh pandal near Bengaluru by neighbour for money, arrested Also Read - Bengaluru YouTuber issues open threat declaring himself a 'big rowdy,' arrested According to a report in The Times of India, 5-year-old Rekha and her father visited the Ganesh pandal near her house. While her father was busy making arrangements at the pandal, Rekha was playing with the other kids. After some time, her father noticed that Rekha was missing and alerted the villagers. The villagers immediately started searching for her, and a cop who was at the pandal also helped them. However, after some time, the kidnapped girls father received a call from an anonymous number and demanded ransom. He also threatened that his daughter would be dead if he tell the cops about the incident. Also Read - NIA inspects Rameshwaram Cafe blast site in Bengaluru with two arrested suspects With the help of a cop, he scanned the pandal's CCTV footage, and a young man was seen taking her into an under-construction building. After observing the CCTV footage again, the girls father said the man in the video looked like his neighbour, Darshan. Meanwhile, villagers found the girl in an under-construction building where her mouth and hands were wrapped up with plaster. A video of villagers unwrapping the adhesive tape from the girl went viral on social media. Darshan was soon caught by the police, and he revealed that he kidnapped the girl from pandal itself for money. He confessed that he was debt-ridden and was in need of money to clear his mounting loans. The accused also picked up the tape from pandal and decided to demand ransom from the girls father by abducting her. A case has been registered, and an investigation is going on. Kannada Development Authority requested the Karnataka government to mandate writing doctor prescriptions at government hospitals in the local language instead of English. KDA said this would help the progress of the Kannada language in the state. Mandate writing doctor prescriptions in Kannada: KDA urges Karnataka government Also Read - 'Bengaluru belongs to Kannadigas': Viral X post calls every non-Kannada speaker an outsider, sparks heated debate In a letter to Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, KDA chairman Purushotham Bilimal suggested the movie. He said, If government doctors working in health centres, taluk and district hospitals across the state prioritise Kannada while writing prescriptions, it will be a major step towards protecting Kannada identity. I request you to look into it and mandate prescriptions in Kannada. Billimal also claimed that an officer recently visited the government hospital in Raichur, which motivated doctors to write the prescription in Kannada, and many doctors agreed. After reading about it in the media, hundreds of doctors voluntarily have expressed to me that they will start writing prescriptions in Kannada to save the language," he added. Also Read - Bengaluru auto driver arrested for abusing women gets crowd-funding support to cover 30,000 fine Earlier, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also said that Kannadigas must create a Kannada atmosphere in the state. Speaking at an event, Siddaramaiah said, The duty of Kannadigas is to create an atmosphere of Kannada in the state. Everyone must decide to speak only in Kannada with the people who live in this land. Speaking in our mother tongue in our land must make us feel proud, Earlier this year, an ordinance was approved during a cabinet meeting on January 5, sought to amend the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, and put in place a provision that mandates 60% space on signboards must be taken by Kannada language, and the remaining 40% by any other language including English. (With agency inputs) Ahead of the paddy harvest, the ambitious plan of the Punjab government to set up 39 compressed biogas (CBG) projects costing 1,000 crore across the state to tackle paddy straw burning issues has hit a roadblock because of administrative and other reasons. Under the Punjab governments plan, 39 compressed biogas plants are to be established across the state. The five projects, which have started their operations, are also facing hurdles as farmer unions have been opposing the operation, claiming that the chemicals produced during biogas generation can be carcinogenic and contaminate the soil. Besides, three projects in the pipeline are also stalled. Due to this, big companies, such as Indian Oil Corporation, Gas Authority India Limited and even Reliance, who had inked pacts with the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), are not going forward with their projects. Reliance is facing hurdles because of administrative reasons in Punjab as its power connection has not been released. The state government was hoping that the seven projects, expected to process over 2.72-lakh-tonne paddy straw, would commence before the paddy harvest season. So far, only five projects, capable of producing over 85 tonnes of compressed biogas per day, have been commissioned for which around 1.70 lakh tonnes of paddy straw have been collected. As the Punjab government failed to protect the CBG plants from irrational opposition, we have adopted a wait-and-watch policy. We will invest only once other plants become operational, said a senior official of a government sector company. He said they had planned to invest around 500 crore, but its now on hold. GAIL had promised to set up 10 compressed biogas (CBG) projects with an investment of about 600 crore, producing 35,000 tonnes of biogas and about 8,700 tonnes of organic manure annually. But the company didnt start work as it found that the earlier projects were not commissioned. Admitting the same, Punjab renewable energy minister Aman Arora said, I have no hesitation to say that projects of big companies, with whom PEDA had signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs), stalled their investment because of some protests over unfounded and unscientific reasons. He said four meetings had been held with protesters. I, along with finance minister Harpal Cheema, will hold a meeting tommorrow over the opposition by some farmer unions. We are finding a solution as Punjab needs such projects to handle paddy straw. I am not aware why the power connections of some CBG projects are stalled. I will take up the matter with the authorities concerned. These projects will go a long way to solve the stubble burning problem in the state besides giving a fillip to the state governments efforts to make Punjab a leading state in green and clean energy production, he added. Compressed biogas plants generate clean and green energy from paddy straw and other agro-residue while creating extra income sources for the farmer community, Arora said urging farmers and other protesters to not to oppose such projects. These types of projects will be benefiting the farmers in multiple ways as these plants use crop residual as raw material and collect the paddy stubble from their fields without putting any financial burden on them, he added. As many as 20 million tonnes of paddy straw is produced every year and the state frequently draws criticisim over paddy straw burning. Days after being named the BJP candidate from Pehowa in Kurukshetra district, Kamaljeet Singh Ajrana on Tuesday morning said he would not contest the October 5 Haryana assembly elections as he was being termed an outsider by the local party unit and did not get support from the Sikh community either. Kanwaljeet Singh Ajrana, who was replaced by Jai Bhagwan Sharma as the BJP candidate from Pehowa assembly segment on Tuesday. (HT Photo) Sensing the dissent in the Pehowa unit, the BJP promptly replaced him with Jai Bhagwan Sharma, popularly known as DD Sharma, as its nominee as it released its second list of candidates for the elections on Tuesday afternoon. A spokesperson of the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (HSGMC), Ajrana was earlier fielded in place of former state minister Sandeep Singh, who is facing charges of sexual harassment. Addressing the media at his Kurukshetra residence, Ajrana said he was grateful that the BJP high command had nominated him earlier but he could not muster support of the local unit. We as ticket aspirants met at Delhi and Pehowa several times, where it was decided to support each other when the list would be out. But in the past few days, there has been anger and dissent directed against me, including from a sarpanch who threatened to resign. I felt humiliated when members of my own community, who were also among the aspirants, protested against my nomination, he said. The BJP leader said at a Sikh Sammelan in Karnal on Sunday, the organisers demanded political representation of the community from mainstream parties. But when I was named, they got envious. I never sought their support but they started a propaganda against me. Im an Amritdhari Sikh and have been working for the community for 30 years, yet they defamed me. Considering all this, I wrote to the party high command on Monday night, withdrawing my name as a candidate. I was to file the nomination on Wednesday in the presence of Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal, minister Subhash Sudha and senior leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, but I was left with no other option, he said. Following his letter, Ajrana said senior party leaders reached out to him, but he was firm on his stand. He clarified that he is still with the BJP and will support any candidate that the party nominates from the seat. The development comes after Pehowa BJP workers demanded a local face be nominated last week. They said as loyal workers they felt betrayed by the decision to name a parachute candidate, overlooking the hard work of the committed cadre. The saffron party has been facing rebellion in most parts of the state by its leaders, including a sitting cabinet minister, former ministers and legislators for not giving the party ticket to them. Later in the day, BJPs state president Mohanlal Badoli addressed a press conference at Kurukshetra. When asked about Ajrana, Badoli said, Its his decision and the party respects it, following which new candidate was fielded. He added that the new candidate had earlier contested from Pehowa in 2014 and is a native of Kurukshetra. The Himachal assembly on Tuesday passed the Himachal Pradesh Electricity (Duty) Amendment Bill, introducing milk cess of 10 paise ( 0.1) per unit and environment cess ranging from 2 paise ( 0.02) to 6 per unit on the electricity consumption. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu during the assembly session. (Deepak Sansta/HT) The bill, introduced in the house by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday, provides that no milk cess will be levied and collected from the zero bill consumers. The amount of milk cess collected, according to the bill, will be utilised to promote the production and procurement of milk and upliftment of milk producers. The CM said milk cess has been proposed to strengthen the economy of milk producers while the levy of environment cess is aimed at keeping the environment clean to boost tourism. In order to strengthen the milk producers and upliftment of farmers; the cess is proposed to be levied. Further, in order to boost the tourism industry, a clean environment is required to be ensured in the state. Therefore, there is a proposal to levy environment cess on the consumption of electricity, it reads. The bill proposes, for small industrial power consumers 0.02 per unit will be levied as environment cess, and it will be 0.04 per unit medium industrial power consumers. The large industry and commercial consumers will be charged 0.1 per unit. Temporary electricity connections will also incur a 2 environment cess per unit. The most affected sectors will be stone crushers and electric vehicle charging stations, where 2 and 6 environment cess per unit, respectively, have been levied. The amount collected through environment cess, will be utilised to promote the generation of electricity through renewable energy; and protect the environment in the state. Currently, domestic consumers receive 125 units of free electricity, but the government plans to roll back this subsidy for taxpayers shortly. A father and son were beaten to death over an ongoing dispute over the ownership of a dog at Jeewan Singh Wala village in Bathinda late on Monday night. Police questioning residents after the double murder over a pet dog at Jeewan Singh Wala village in Bathinda district on Tuesday. (Sanjeev Singh/HT) The victims were identified as Mandar Singh, 55, and his son, Amrik Singh, 32. They were killed at their house by a group of people from the village, which is located on the Bathinda-Talwandi Sabo road. Mandars wife Darshan Kaur was also attacked, but she survived and was rushed to Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital. Bathinda senior superintendent of police (SSP) Amneet Kondal said two accused, Ekamjot Singh and Mandeep Singh, were rounded up around midnight. She said a first information report (FIR) was registered on Darshan Kaurs statement. The accused attacked the victims with lathis and both succumbed to head injuries. Investigation is on, she said. Baljit Singh, a relative of the victims, said Amrik had recently bought a dog but another family in the village objected, claiming that it had already paid for the pet. As tension escalated, villagers gathered to resolve the dispute between the two families. A villager said that the matter was not settled after which Mandar and Amrik were attacked. According to preliminary investigation, the accused reached Amriks house on Monday night and called him outside on the pretext of a conversation to settle the dispute only to attack him. On hearing his cries, his father rushed out to save him but was attacked, too, a police official said. New Delhi, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday dared Lt Governor VK Saxena to disclose the names of errant officials who did not carry out desilting work in the national capital. HT Image There was no immediate reaction from Raj Niwas. A day after the lieutenant governor ordered a probe into allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds in carrying out desilting work, Bharadwaj said in a press conference that as urban development minister, he repeatedly said there had been huge corruption on the pretext of desilting. "Desilting of crores of rupees was done only on paper, I have been saying this for several months. I am saying this again and again. I wrote to the chief secretary that a third party audit needed to be done," the minister said. Despite repeated written orders from a minister, a third party audit was not done, he alleged. Bharadwaj said he wrote to the chief secretary on May 20 and sought to know how much desilting work had been done by the public works department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, and the Delhi Development Authority, among others, what the target date was, and when the work would be completed. The chief secretary was asked to submit a report within seven days but he did not, Bharadwaj alleged. On June 5, the minister said he wrote to the chief secretary to remind him that 15 days had passed and he was yet to receive the report. Later, on June 13, the minister asked the chief secretary to send a list of drains where cleaning had been completed so that he could verify it. Even after this, desilting was not done, Bharadwaj claimed. On June 28, instructions were issued to the chief secretary that he had not conducted the third party audit. Their claims of desilting were false and there was huge corruption in desilting, the minister said. The lieutenant governor woke up on Monday and said two divisions southwest 1 and southwest 2 should be investigated, the A leader said. He should get the investigation done within 48 hours, whether it is done by the Central Bureau of Investigation, chief secretary, Anti-Corruption Branch, or he does it himself. The Delhi government is giving 48 hours to the lieutenant governor to announce the names of the officials who indulged in corruption worth crores of rupees and because of whom there was waterlogging in the national capital, Bharadwaj said. On Monday, Saxena ordered a probe by the Anti-Corruption Branch into allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds to the tune of nearly 80 crore by the public works department in carrying out desilting work in the Palam area. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday took a jibe at the opposition saying those who never contributed positively would inevitably feel distressed when progress occurs and they resort to spreading false propaganda on being exposed for their failures. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath pays tribute to a statue of freedom fighter Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his birth anniversary. (PTI Photo) We should question them about their actions when they were in power. Why was the recruitment process not transparent...why did the judiciary repeatedly have to intervene to halt the recruitment process, asked the CM highlighting that when his administration took office, there were 1.55 lakh vacant police posts, which were promptly filled within the designated timeframe. Additionally, 1.64 lakh teachers were recruited across various levels and 6.5 lakh youths secured jobs under his government. He said this in his address at the Lok Bhavan after distributing appointment letters to 647 forest guards, wildlife guards and 41 junior engineers under the recruitment process by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSC). Adityanath also shared that 40,000 more candidates will be recruited via the commission. Reflecting on the situation prior to 2017, the CM highlighted that among the 688 individuals appointed on Tuesday, over 124 were women. He flayed the recruitment practices before 2017, stating that fair recruitment was not possible, with widespread doubts cast on the commissions and boards of that time. Their work and selections were under suspicion, and many are still under CBI investigation. Those individuals did not operate with integrity, he said. Criticising the previous governments, Adityanath said: Before 2017, the governments had no policy for recruitment and made identity with bribery while appointments were made from the back door. The list of candidates were issued by different families. Even criminals might initially deny guilt, but when presented with evidence, they admit their mistakes. The public continues to reject them, demonstrating their disapproval of past practices. From the beginning of the recruitment process to the distribution of appointment letters, there has been no need for recommendations or bribery. You must have seen that there is no scope for any unfair means to influence the examination, and the government expects you to maintain the same level of integrity in your work, he said to selected candidates. Addressing the event, the CM said, We all know that currently the most problematic issue for the whole world is climate change. Uncontrolled and unscientific development has initiated a new challenge for humankind. Untimely rainfall, hailstorms and droughts are all examples of this. If forest guards, wildlife guards honestly do their work, then they will be playing a big role in reducing the effect of climate change. He emphasized that solar fencing should be prioritized in pockets with man-animal conflicts, explaining that when an animal encounters an electric shock, it will retreat, thereby safeguarding workers and farmers from harm. Highlighting the connection between human and animal lives, the CM stated, It is crucial to halt illegal activities such as cutting and mining. He also said that action be taken against hunters who cross borders into UP. He added, The UP government, in collaboration with the central government, aims to set up 100 bio-compressed units, with several already operational. The pollution control board and the new and renewable energy department should expand these efforts further. The CM also highlighted the state governments efforts to ensure a transparent appointment process, noting the implementation of the Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Examination Act-2024. The event was attended by minister of state (independent charge) Arun Kumar Saxena, minister of state KP Malik, principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and head of department Sudhir Kumar Sharma and forest corporation MD Sunil Chaudhary, among others. Man-animal conflict occurs due to reduction in forest area: Yogi The chief minister said that man-animal conflict occurs due to reduction in forest area. If forests burn, the environment will be damaged and landslides will occur. Not only wildlife, humans will also have to face the ill-effects of untimely climate change. Human-wildlife conflict occurs due to reduction in forest area, he said addressing a function to distribute appointment letters to forest guards/wildlife guards and junior engineers. Adityanaths statement assumes significance as it comes on a day when the fifth wolf was captured as part of the Operation Bhediya campaign in Bahraichs Mahsi tehsil to catch a pack of six wolves that have killed people. The CM also said that Terai districts, where these incidents have happened, are the areas where forests and agricultural lands are adjacent each other. If there is water in the forest, the animals come towards farms. If a person suddenly goes to the farm, the wild animals become violent. Electric and solar fencing should be done in the border areas, he said. The work is underway to install noise barriers along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor and so far, these barriers have been put up over 87.5 km of the route, according to National High Speed Rail Corridor Ltd (NHSRCL), which is implementing the ambitious project. In Gujarat alone, over 175,000 noise barriers have been installed, it said in a media statement. The high-speed train is expected to begin operations between Surat and Billimora in South Gujarat in 2026. For every kilometer of track, 2,000 noise barriers are being placed on each side, according to the statement. These barriers are designed to reduce the noise from trains and tracks during operation, it added. To meet the demands of this massive infrastructure project, three precast factories have been established in Surat, Anand, and Ahmedabad. These facilities are dedicated to the manufacturing of modular noise barrier elements, streamlining production and ensuring consistent quality. The primary purpose of these barriers is to mitigate noise generated by both the train and the civil structure during operations, as per the NHSRCL release. Each noise barrier consists of a concrete panel measuring 2 metres in height from the rail level and 1 metre in width, with an individual weight of approximately 830-840 kilograms, it added. Designed to reflect and distribute the aerodynamic sound produced by the train, particularly focusing on noise generated by the wheels on the tracks, these barriers play a crucial role in minimising the environmental impact of the high-speed rail system. Importantly, the design ensures that passengers views from the train remain unobstructed, preserving the scenic experience of the journey, it said. In areas where the viaduct passes through residential and urban zones, taller noise barriers measuring 3 metres in height will be installed. These enhanced barriers will feature an additional 1-metre translucent polycarbonate panel atop the standard 2-metre concrete base, providing extra noise protection in densely populated areas. The railway ministry has in the past said that the bullet train connecting Mumbai to Ahmedabad will become partly operational in 2026. Earlier this year in January, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 event in Gandhinagar that the high-speed train will begin operations between Surat and Billimora in South Gujarat in 2026. Hopes for reopening of the debt-ridden Riga sugar mill in Sitamarhi have revived after Karnataka-based Nirani Sugars Limited recently evinced its interest before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to re-run the factory, people familiar with the matter said. A defunct sugar mill in Bihar. (HT file) According to officials of the state sugarcane department, Nirani group has placed the highest bid of 86.5 crore before the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal). The Riga mills former owner, Dhanuka group, had shut down its operations in 2020 and insolvency proceedings were initiated in 2022-21. In a post on social media site X a few days ago, Janata Dal (United) member of Parliament from Sheohar, Lovely Anand, had said that the Nirani Sugars owner Murugesh R Nirani has promised that Riga sugar mill would be brought back in operations by December this year. Spread on 104 acres of campus, Riga sugar mill used to cater to around 50,000 farmers and engaged an equal number of supporting staff and workers for sugarcane crushing, processing and marketing of the product. State sugarcane commissioner Anil Kumar Jha said it was indeed heartening news to see smoke bellowing out the chimney of the closed factory. Our main concern was to ensure that the farmers, who are owed 51 crore in arrears by the sugar mill, get their payment within a year the mill is restarted. The state government was a party in the case at the NCLT and its appellate tribunal and contended that the mill is restarted, Jha said. In a statement, Nirani Sugars Limited said, We are proud to announce the acquisition of Riga Sugar Company Limited, located in Sitamarhi, North Bihar, India. As one of the nations most historic sugar factories, the unit embodies a rich industrial legacy. This acquisition aligns with Nirani Sugars Limiteds long-term vision of strengthening its presence in the agro-industrial sector, fostering sustainable and diversified growth, and promoting a circular economy that directly benefits farmers and supports the development of rural communities, while preserving the heritage of Indian sugar industry. The assets acquired by Nirani group include a sugar plant with a crushing capacity of 5,000 TCD (tonnes of cane per day), a distillery capacity of 45 KLPD (kilo litres per day) and a co-generation power plant with an installed capacity of 11 MW. Local residents are anxiously waiting for the revival of the sugar mill. The mill, which used to produce 5000 bags of sugar per day, today stands as an example of decline of industries in Bihar. It had workforce of 800 at the time of closure. Nearly 200 families lived outside and people of the area were attached to it directly or indirectly, said Niraj Jha, the chief security officer, who visits the closed mill every day. Our hopes are high from central government, said Nand Kishore Shah, a local resident, adding that many people have migrated out to earn bread and butter. In December last year, chief minister Nitish Kumar had directed the authorities concerned to take all possible steps for reopening of Riga sugar mill. After a month of disrupted services, it is time for normalcy to return to government hospitals in West Bengal. To that end, the Supreme Courts direction to doctors in the state, who have been on a protest since the August 9 rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hopsital, to return to work must be heeded. There is no denying that the doctors protest is wholly legitimate and just. The grisly rape and murder of the doctor at the government-run hospital in Kolkata exposed the punishing conditions that doctors face at work and the particular vulnerability of women doctors. Till the time the infrastructural and procedural deficiencies at the workplace are not addressed, and the doctors are not assured of their safety and security, their anxieties will remain and the administration shouldnt play these down. Such changes, of course, wont occur overnight, but the state has to demonstrate intent. Against this backdrop, the Supreme Courts direction to the West Bengal government to submit details of the steps taken to ensure the safety of medical professionals needs to be complied with urgently. Kolkata, India - Sept. 10, 2024: Hundreds of juniors doctors under West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF) banner marched towards Swasthya Bhavan demanding justics for the alleged rape-murder victim at RG Kar Hospital and resignation of Kolkata CP and several health officials in Salt Lake, Sector V, India, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) The other demand, for a credible investigation of the crime and justice for the victim, also needs to be taken seriously. The mishandling of the case by the state administration eroded not just the doctors faith in a fair probe but also that of the public at large. It will be hard for the doctors to put aside their distrust and return to work for the same administration that failed their colleague. The doctors insistence on continuing the agitation even after the apex courts direction needs to be seen in this light. Brutal crackdowns on protest marches and poorly concealed threats against absenteeism by the states ruling party leaders have stoked apprehensions of reprisal. While the top court has directed the state government to take no punitive action against doctors, there is perhaps a case for court-supervised monitoring to ensure this. The agitation, however, must end now, given the fallout for health services in the state. The government claims absenteeism has caused 23 deaths in the state; whatever the number, the vulnerable sections that need government-run health services the most must not become collateral damage in the stand-off. The case shone a spotlight on the doctors plight, and fostered public support for their demands. Their dignified stance of remaining politically neutral earned them respect. But both could quickly run out if the protests continue to impose a human cost. Australias international education landscape is undergoing significant changes, with the latest government figures showing the country currently hosts approximately 717,500 international students as of early 2024. What began with the shift from the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) to the Genuine Student (GS) requirement has now culminated in a cap on international student enrollments, limiting the intake to 270,000. Along the way, visa fees have doubled (710 AUD to 1,600 AUD), and minimum savings requirements for applicants have increased (24,505 AUD to 29,710 AUD) marking a series of reforms aimed at managing the rising influx of students. International students contributed to more than half of Australia's GDP growth last year. In 2022-2023, international education contributed nearly AUD 36 Billion to the Australian economy.(Shutterstock) These measures signal a broader effort by the Australian Government to ensure the sustainability of its migration and education systems. Australian Education Minister Jason Clare states that this limit on international student enrollment is intended to create "a better and fairer system." Let's first take a closer look at the reasons behind this change. Reasons for Australias recent student policy changes The international student enrollment cap set at 270,000 is further divided across different types of institutions. For Australian public-funded universities, the limit will be set at 145,000, which is close to the numbers from 2023. In the vocational education sector, there were 52,996 and 60,122 Indian students enrolled in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The total cap for this sector for all incoming international students is set at 95,000. Other private and non-higher education institutions will see an enrollment limit of 30,000 for the year 2025. There are about 10% more international students in our universities today than before the pandemic, and approximately 50% more in our private vocational and training providers, Education Minister Jason Clare stated during a press conference. It was also noted that the increase in the vocational education sector indicates a growing interest in work rather than in traditional academic study leading to missed opportunities for those that are actually interested in studying in Australia. This problem becomes even more serious when many international students prolong their stay in the country by enrolling in various courses, one after another, while they apply for permanent residency. The governments recent changes can be seen as an attempt to rectify and streamline the migration system. Net migration to Australia reached a record high with a 60% increase by the year ending September 30, 2023. International students contributed to more than half of Australia's GDP growth last year. In 2022-2023, international education contributed nearly AUD 36 Billion to the Australian economy. However, this increased influx of international students has placed excessive pressure on already tight labour and housing markets, prompting the Australian government to take these stringent measures. It is important to remember that no country will take drastic measures without a significant underlying issue. Australias Student Policy vs. Canada & UK Australia is not the only country tightening policies for international students. Canada has introduced a study permit cap of 360,000 earlier this year to manage the surge in student numbers and relieve pressure on housing and the job market. Similarly, the UK has implemented measures to limit international student numbers by restricting the ability of students to bring dependents, which led to a 16% drop in visa applications in 2024. These actions reflect a global trend of governments attempting to balance the benefits of international students with the challenges posed to infrastructure, labor, and housing markets. Canadas cap aims to reduce international students by 35% in high-demand areas like the Greater Toronto area, particularly in vocational and undergraduate programs. The UK has focused on limiting migration by targeting students with dependents rather than capping enrollment directly. Both countries are responding to the post-pandemic surge in student numbers but have not introduced sector-specific restrictions. In contrast, Australias approach is more targeted, with caps applied specifically to public universities and private vocational institutions. This strategy is expected to disproportionately affect large, research-intensive universities in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, making it more difficult for international students to gain admission to top institutions. Australia's sector-based caps go further than those in Canada and the UK, setting a new standard for government intervention in international education. Impact on Indian Students & Australian Universities' Response The enrollment cap will significantly impact Indian students. The reduced caps in different sectors especially in the vocational education and training sector may narrow options for students seeking courses linked directly to employment. As a result, Indian students may need to prioritise early applications and focus on public universities, where competition is high but opportunities are more abundant. This shift may compel students to focus more on public universities, where the competition remains intense but opportunities are broader. Additionally, with fewer spots available in private and non-higher education institutions, Indian students might need to carefully evaluate their study plans and apply early to secure a place. The changes reflect a broader strategy by the Australian government to manage migration and ensure that international students contribute meaningfully to the economy without overwhelming the labor and housing markets. The immediate impact of recent changes in Australias international higher education policies is evident in the significant decrease in visa approvals and dissatisfaction among top universities. Between January and April this year, 74,421 study visas were issued, marking a 30% drop from the 104,808 visas granted during the same period in 2023. The vocational education and training sector saw an even sharper decline, with a 69% decrease in visa grants, while the language training sector experienced a 56% drop. Considering how much international students contribute to the Australian economy this can be a big hit on the country. The University of Melbourne issued a statement acknowledging receipt of its indicative cap and is currently assessing the financial and other implications. Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell expressed concern, stating, "The cap on international students will have detrimental consequences for our University, the higher education sector generally, and the nation for years to come." The Group of Eight (Go8), which includes Australias leading research-intensive universities such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, and others, has criticized the cap as a bad policy, emphasizing its potential negative impact on the education sector. That said, its not all doom and gloom. While these changes may bring some challenges, they also open the door for a more balanced and sustainable system for international students. Australia is clearly focused on finding the right balance, and only time will tell how things pan out. For now, staying informed and planning will help students and universities navigate this evolving landscape. Lets see what the future holds! (Author Ankit Mehra is CEO & Co-Founder of GyanDhan, education financing marketplace. Views expressed are personal.) HP NEET UG Counselling 2024: Atal Medical and Research University, AMRU will release the provisional merit list for the second round of Himachal Pradesh NEET UG Counselling 2024 today, September 10. When released, candidates can check it on the official website at amruhp.ac.in. HP NEET UG round 2 provisional merit list today at amruhp.ac.in (Representational image)(Unsplash) As per the counselling schedule, the final merit list for the second round of Himachal Pradesh NEET UG counselling will be released tomorrow, September 11. After the final merit list is released, candidates can fill choice preferences of courses and colleges from September 12 to September 15 (11:59 pm). Provisional seat allotment result for the second round will be announced on September 18 and the final seat allotment result will be declared on September 20. Also read: NEET UG Counselling 2024: Over 600 new seats, 6000 virtual seats added for second phase, check details here Candidates who get a seat in the second round must report for joining the allotted college between September 24 and 26. The number of vacant seats for the third round will be displayed on September 27. Also read: What is adaptive learning? How it helps in preparing for NEET, JEE exams which have vast syllabus & intense competition Check the detailed schedule here for important dates for the third round and the stray vacancy round here. HP NEET UG Counselling 2024: How to check round 2 merit list Visit the official website for Himachal Pradesh NEET UG counselling at amruhp.ac.in. Open the HP NEET UG round 2 metit list link. Enter your credentials and log in. The merit list will be displayed. Check and download it. Save a copy of the same for future reference. For more information about HP NEET UG counselling, candidates are advised to visit the official website. Also read: RRB NTPC 2024: Official notification for 11,558 vacancies out, apply from September 14 HSSC Constable Recruitment 2024: The Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) will begin the online application process for 5,600 Constable vacancies today, September 10. Eligible candidates can submit their applications up to September 24 on hssc.gov.in. HSSC Haryana Police Constable Recruitment 2024: Registration for 5,600 vacancies from today at hssc.gov.in (HT File) Only those candidates who have qualified in the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for group C posts and meet other eligibility conditions can apply for this recruitment drive. Also read: HSSC Constable Recruitment 2024: 5600 vacancies announced, here's all you need to know before applying The commission will not charge any fee from candidates who apply for the Constable vacancies. HSSC Constable Recruitment 2024: Vacancy details The 5,600 vacancies are for three posts Category 1 (Male Constable, General Duty): 4,000 vacancies Category 2 (Female Constable, General Duty): 600 vacancies Category 3 (Male Constable, India Reserve Battalions): 1,000 vacancies. HSSC Constable Recruitment 2024: Eligibility criteria A. Educational qualification: The minimum educational qualification of a candidate should be Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board or institution. Studying Hindi or Sanskrit as one of the subjects in Class 10 is a must. Candidates will not get any extra credit for higher education. B. Age limit Candidates should be at least 18 years old and not more than 25 years old on September 1, 2024. Reserved category candidates will be given age relaxation as per government rules. Also read: CISF Constable Recruitment 2024: Registration begins for 1130 posts at cisfrectt.cisf.gov.in, direct link here HSSC Constable Recruitment 2024: Selection process The selection process comprises of Physical Measurement Test, Physical Screening Test and Knowledge Test. For PMT and PST, the commission will invite an adequate number of candidates based on their merit in the group C CET. After that, candidates equal to four times the number of vacancies (around 22,400) will be invited for the knowledge test. The Knowledge test will carry 94.5 per cent of the total weightage and will comprise objective-type, multiple-choice questions. Also read: BIS Recruitment 2024: Bureau of Indian Standards to fill 345 group A, B, C posts General category candidates must score at least 50 per cent marks and reserved category candidates need to score 40 per cent to be considered for selection. For more information about HSSC Constable recruitment 2024, candidates can visit the official website of the commission. Check the detailed notification here. Rajasthan State Open School has declared RSOS Result 2024. The Rajasthan open school results have been announced for the March-May examination. Candidates who have appeared for the Class 10 and 12 open school examinations can check the results through the official website of RSOS at rsosadmission.rajasthan.gov.in. RSOS Result 2024: Rajasthan Open School March-May results out, direct link here The official website reads, "March-May 2023-24 Result has been published by Rajasthan State Open School, Please Click on the "View Results" button to view result." To check the results, candidates will need their enrollment number, date of birth and captcha code. Follow the steps given below to check the marksheets. RSOS Result 2024: How to check Visit the official website of RSOS at rsosadmission.rajasthan.gov.in. Click on RSOS Result 2024 link available on the home page. A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the login details. Click on submit and your result will be displayed. Check the result and download the page. Keep a hard copy of the same for further need. For more related details candidates can check the official website of RSOS. For Indian students planning to study in the UK, understanding the cost of living is a critical aspect of the overall study experience. Among the many expenses to consider, accommodation is one of the most significant. Proper budgeting and planning for housing can make a substantial difference in the overall affordability of studying abroad. With diverse options available, from university-managed accommodations to private rentals, the cost of housing can vary widely depending on the city, type of accommodation, and personal preferences. Proper budgeting and planning for housing can make a substantial difference in the overall affordability of studying abroad.(Shutterstock) Overview of Student Accommodation Options 1. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSAs) are a popular choice among international students. PBSA buildings are designed specifically for students and typically come with modern amenities such as gyms, study rooms, communal lounges, and on-site security. The convenience and community feel of PBSAs make them appealing, but these benefits often come at a higher price. The cost of living in PBSAs can range significantly depending on the location and the facilities offered. 2. University-Managed Accommodation: University-managed accommodations are another option for students, especially those looking for convenience and a ready-made student community. These accommodations, often located on or near campus, usually include utilities and internet in the rent, simplifying the budgeting process. The cost of university-managed housing varies by institution but is generally more affordable than PBSAs, however it doesnt come with any amenities like study spaces or gyms. 3. Private Rentals: For students seeking more independence, private rentals are an option worth considering. Renting a flat or house independently or with other students offers flexibility in terms of location and living arrangements. However, it also comes with additional responsibilities and costs, such as utility bills, internet, and commuting expenses. Private rentals can be more economical, especially when shared with others, but they require careful management to avoid hidden costs. Comparison of Major UK Cities 1. London: London is renowned for its high cost of living, and student accommodation is no exception. The capital city offers a wide range of accommodation types, from PBSAs to private rentals, but prices are significantly higher compared to other UK cities. On average, students can expect to pay between 700 and 1,500 per month for accommodation, depending on the location and type of housing. 2. Manchester: Manchester offers a more affordable alternative to London, with average student accommodation costs ranging from 400 to 900 per month. The city is known for its vibrant student life and offers a variety of accommodation types from close-to-campus PBSA to out-of-town private rentals. 3. Edinburgh: Scotlands capital, Edinburgh, presents a middle ground in terms of accommodation costs. Students can find housing for around 500 to 1,000 per month. While slightly more expensive than Manchester, Edinburgh is still more affordable than London. The citys historical charm and academic reputation make it a popular choice for international students. 4. Birmingham: Birmingham is another city where students can find cost-effective living options. With average accommodation costs ranging from 400 to 800 per month, Birmingham offers a good balance between affordability and quality. Areas like Selly Oak and Edgbaston are particularly popular among students for their proximity to the university and reasonably priced housing. 5. Glasgow: Glasgow, often compared to Edinburgh, generally offers more affordable student housing, with average costs between 400 and 800 per month. Popular student areas include the West End and Hillhead, which provide a mix of housing options and a lively student atmosphere. 6. Leeds: Leeds is known for its affordability and availability of student housing. Students can expect to pay between 350 and 750 per month for accommodation. Areas like Hyde Park and Headingley are well-known for their student populations and affordable rents. Factors Influencing Housing Costs Several factors influence the cost of student housing in the UK. Location plays a significant role; accommodations closer to city centres and universities tend to be a higher price. The type of accommodationwhether PBSA, university-managed, or private rentalalso impacts costs, with PBSAs generally being the most expensive. However these come with more amenities like gyms, laundry facilities, and study rooms and a calendar of community events. Additionally, the length of stay can affect costs, with short-term leases often being more expensive on a monthly basis. Hidden Costs to Consider Beyond rent, students should be aware of hidden costs that can add up quickly. Utility bills, including electricity, gas, and water, can vary depending on the type of accommodation. Internet and Wi-Fi costs may not be included in private rentals, adding to monthly expenses. Transport is another significant cost, especially for students living farther from their university. Contents insurance, while not mandatory, is recommended to protect personal belongings. Lastly, council tax, though often exempt for full-time students, is an important consideration for those who do not qualify for exemptions. Tips for Budgeting and Saving on Accommodation Costs To manage accommodation costs effectively, students can consider several strategies. Sharing accommodation with other students can significantly reduce individual expenses. Booking accommodation early can also help secure better rates. When choosing a location, students should balance proximity to the university with affordable rent options. Additionally, utilising scholarships, grants, and student discounts for utilities and transport can ease the financial burden. (Author Maitry Upreti is Head of Business Growth at Vita Student. Views expressed are personal.) Airtel Africa Foundation on Tuesday launched the Airtel Africa Fellowship Program for undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar. Airtel Africa Foundation will extend financial aid to students at IITM Zanzibar through Airtel Africa Fellowship Program. Read details here, (Representative image) Notably, IIT Madras Zanzibar is the first-ever foreign campus established by an IIT, as informed in a press release. Through the fellowship program, support will be extended to deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras Zanzibar. Also read: LEAD Group launches TECHBOOK, envisages to transform traditional textbook-driven learning It is a maiden initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the release added. The program is aimed at supporting students from 14 African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Also read: Haryana Board Compartment Exam 2024: BSEH 10th, 12th supply exam registration date extended till September 18 As part of the initiative, 10 undergraduate students will be provided economic support for their entire course duration of 4 years, starting with an outlay of US$ 500,000. Students will be given 100 percent of their college fees (US$12,000) as per the course fee structure of the Institute for a 4-year program. Additionally, US$500 will be given to all eligible students to cover the living expenses cost. Commenting on the fellowship scheme, Zanzibars Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa highlighted that IIT Madras Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region as well as expressed his gratitude to Airtel Africa Foundation for providing access to high-quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent. Also read: Australias 270,000 enrollment cap: Whats next for international students? Dr Olusegun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, stated that he was pleased to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education. This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent. We look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection, Ogunsanya added. Likewise, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti stated that the education institute is committed to establishing a world-class campus in Zanzibar as well as expressed his delight that Airtel Africa Foundation was joining hands in its effort. The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed the seven students who were earlier granted admission to St Stephen's College to attend classes until further orders. In its order, the court said the seven students could attend classes but restrained Delhi University from making further allocationstothecollege. St. Stephen's College had approached the division bench of the Delhi High Court against an order passed by a single-bench judge directing the college to grant admission to seven students whose admissions were in limbo due to a dispute between the college and Delhi University (DU). (file image) The Court said in its order, The 7 students who have approached this court are permitted to attend the classes till further orders but the university will not make further allocation. The latest directive comes after St. Stephen's College approached the division bench of the Delhi High Court on September 9 against an order passed by a single-bench judge directing the college to grant admission to seven students whose admissions were in limbo due to a dispute between the college and Delhi University (DU). Also read: RBSE Rajasthan board supply results 2024 out at rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in, links to check Class 10th, 12th results On September 6, a bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed an order directing Stephens to admit the students and upheld the varsitys policy of allocating extra seats in the initial round, which was disputed by the college. Also read: AP EDCET seat allotment result for round 1 today at edcet-sche.aptonline.in, check details here The order was passed following a plea filed by seven students claiming that the college had neither accepted nor rejected their application despite completing all the formalities. The petitioners had stated that they were facing undue hardships without any fault of theirs. Consequently, the plea filed by Stephens painted a picture that the single judge misunderstood the intent and purpose of the over-allocation of seats in the initial rounds and violated its fundamental right to administer the college, by directing admission to the students. Also read: Schools, anganwadis in 2 Odisha districts to remain shut today over heavy rainfall warning Furthermore, the College had also claimed that Delhi University, as per CSAS provisions, could have allocated only one candidate under the category of the Single Girl Child in the BA Program, and instead allocated 10 candidates, which was impermissible and untenable. (With inputs from Shruti Kakkar) Shomie Das, a distinguished educator and the only individual to head three of Indias premier legacy schoolsMayo College, Lawrence School, Sanawar, and The Doon Schoolpassed away late at night on Monday, in Hyderabad, 10 days after his 89th birthday. Renowned educationist Shomie Das passed away late at night on Monday, in Hyderabad, 10 days after his 89th birthday. His passing follows closely the release of The Man Who Saw Tomorrow, a book celebrating his significant contributions to education. Dass exceptional career was marked by a commitment to fostering curiosity, self-discovery, and critical thinking. He graduated from St. Xaviers College, University of Calcutta, and the University of Cambridge before starting his teaching career at Gordonstoun School, where his students included Prince Charles. He served as the principal of Mayo College from 1969 to 1974, headmaster at Lawrence School, Sanawar, until 1988, and then at The Doon School. His tenure in these roles left an indelible impact on the educational landscape. Also read: UP Police Constable Answer Key 2024 releasing tomorrow at uppbpb.gov.in, check schedule and other details here Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor of Ashoka University and a personal acquaintance, lauded Dass visionary methods, saying, "Shomies ideas about education transcend the conventional notion of what education is about. He has never believed that education is only about doing well in examinations. His ideas go to the root of the wordLatin educere, to draw out." Mukherjee also said, "He is the only person I know who has been the head of three leading public schools in the country. His association with Doon School was particularly personal. His grandfather helped establish the school, and becoming its headmaster was a homecoming for him." Retired Major General BS Dhanoa, who first met Das as a 13-year-old in 1974, recalled, "A stylish well-dressed gentleman who genuinely cared for children and how they were educated. He left his mark among our class of 1980 and we revered him and Mrs. Das." Dhanoa highlighted Dass dedication, saying, "In our final year in 1979, he took all the school prefects, girls, and boys, on a lovely trek to Sangla Valley in Himachal and exposed us to the beauty of nature. His contacts across the academic world in India and abroad were extensive and he ensured that the potential he saw in his school kids was given the best chance to grow and prosper by placing our lot in the best colleges and institutions of higher study." Also read: Airtel Africa Foundation to extend financial aid to students at IITM Zanzibar through Airtel Africa Fellowship Program Shivraj Parshad, Senior Vice President of Avian WE and a former student of The Doon School, shared his personal experiences, "I remember Das keeping a close watch on me during school. When I faced bullying, he intervened to support me and even defended me against disciplinary actions from my housemaster. This intervention showed his deep understanding of the challenges students face." Parshad also recalled Dass humorous touch, noting, "He once wrote in my report card, 'Excellent, better than father, wonder where he gets it from.' My father, who was a friend of Das, was both amused and slightly embarrassed by this comment." Parshad says," He was an academician, and he was someone unlike an administrator, he understood the ethos of schools, education, and kids. He saw potential in kids beyond the prefecture of a student-master relationship. Naga Tummala, author of The Man Who Saw Tomorrow, reflected on Dass enduring optimism in his book, "Shomie is an incurable optimist. And if theres something I have learned from him, it is this. There is no point in being an educator without believing in the potential of our children, our future." Also read: LEAD Group launches TECHBOOK, envisages to transform traditional textbook-driven learning Dass legacy lives on through the many schools he helped shape and the countless lives he enriched. His approach to education, marked by a profound understanding of students beyond their academic achievements, will be remembered with great respect and admiration. As Mukherjee says, "He taught students to become good individuals and good citizens of India. More than seeing tomorrow, I think he was committed to tomorrow." Ishaan Khatter is basking in the success of his latest release, the Netflix show The Perfect Couple. The actor opened up about his personal life in a new interview with The Dirty Magazine, confirming that he is dating someone. Although he was not so eager to reveal the name or launch their name in public. When asked why, Ishaan shared what he has learnt after having been in relationships with actors in the past. (Also read: Ishaan Khatter wants to get married only once: 'I believe you can be monogamous') Ishaan Khatter said that he is not eager to launch his relationship in the public. What Ishaan said During the chat, when Ishaan was asked about whether he will be sharing details about his current relationship, the actor said, I like guarding my private life and I'll keep it that way, so no hard launches. I've been in relationships with actresses actors (he corrects himself) and I've been in a relationship with someone who is not as established as me so I'm very aware of how it affects the women Im with. But you can't control where you're gonna be seen, where you're gonna be photographed, when it's gonna come out, how it's gonna come out, what people are gonna say so Im a bit protective. He went on to add, I think I'm a good partner. Its not that I don't have my flaws, I think Ive been able to work on them from previous relationships and get better. My biggest flaw perhaps is being overly emotional. More details Ishaan is rumoured to be dating model Chandni Bainz. The two were first spotted in September last year. A paparazzo account posted a video in which Ishaan held Chandni's hand as they climbed down the stairs. He also escorted her to the car and opened the door for her. After she sat inside, Ishaan closed the door and went to pose for the paparazzi. Earlier, Ishaan was rumoured to be in a relationship with actor Ananya Panday. They starred in the film Khaali Peeli (2020). Fans can now see Ishaan in his Hollywood debut series The Perfect Couple, headlined by Nicole Kidman. The Netflix series is based on American author Elin Hilderbrand's novel of the same name. It is directed by filmmaker Susanne Bier. The actor, who has been announced as the face of Garnier India, recently caught up Hindustan Times, reflecting on his journey in Bollywood, and his love for music, at the Garnier Green Academy event in Singapore. On his career The actor made his debut with The Archies (2023), which also featured Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, and Suhana Khan. Now, he will be seen in Vasan Balas Jigra, which is slated to release in October this year. After my debut, I went on to do Jigra with Alia. I can talk about it now, which feels surreal. It has been an insane journey from my very first day on set, Vedang tells us. He adds, Working on The Archies was a dream come true at the time. And Jigra was an even bigger dream come true for my second film to be working with the likes of Alia and Vasan [Bala] sir. It has been a huge honour and a huge privilege. I am very excited for this project to come out and for the world to see. Further talking about his insane journey, Vedang exclaims, It has been 0 to 1000 to 2000. So I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to the things that are set to happen in the future. On tryst with fame Getting into the spotlight was something new for Vedang, and he is still trying to adjust to it. For me, there have been a lot of takeaways because most of these things have been new for me. Just the fact that I'm in the limelight is new to me, Vedang, adding, Even if one person on the street recognises me, it's absolutely new to me. Never in my life, I thought that that would be the case. All these things take some getting used to. Your life also changes. What I realised and has been my number one takeaway, is that always be yourself. Because there will be a lot of changes around you given the nature of the industry. You have to maintain your own. You can't forget your own identity amid all this, adds the actor, who is super happy to be the Gen Z icon of Garnier India, and is determined to work towards putting light on Green Beauty, for which he also went to the Garnier Green Academy in Singapore to understand the importance of sustainable skincare. He admits he is still getting used to attention, adding, It was shocking for many months. Now, after six months, I'm a bit used to it. On his love for music The actor is also inclined towards music. He gave a glimpse of the same through the teaser of Jigra in which he has sung a song, Ek Hazaron Main Meri Behna Hai. He shared that he hopes to continue his bond with music. It has always been a dream of mine (to create music) and it continues to be a dream of mine. If ever I get the time or the opportunity to, I would love to take some time out and make some interesting music and put it out there someday, he ends. Jigra releases in theatres on October 11. Blake Lively was embroiled in a lot of controversy as her hit film It Ends With Us rolled out in the theatres. The whole drama and negative attention caught the actress off guard and she was upset about it. The controversial drama began with rumours of a feud with co-actor and director of the film Justin Baldoni which put Lively under a microscope for the following weeks. She was criticised for her ways of promoting the movie as compared to Baldoni and her comments in interviews both new and old. Blake Lively was "upset" about the controversy and backlash she faced following the release of It Ends With Us. REUTERS/Mina Kim(REUTERS) Also Read: Selena Gomez calls Benny Blanco complete light in my life amid health concerns: Never been loved this way Blake Lively surprised by the It Ends With Us controversy A source revealed to People that Lively was pretty surprised at the backlash and drama which unfolded with the release of the film last month. The source revealed to the media outlet, She initially felt very vulnerable and upset. During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavourable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama." The source added that Lively felt out of control to her during the whole situation. However, she enjoys working and will continue to push forward projects that she's excited about." Lively portrayed the character of protagonist Lily Bloom as well she was the producer of the film. The film has since grown to become the highest-grossing film of the actress career so far. The rumours sparked on the films premiere night where Lively and Baldoni did not pose with each other. This was followed by the observation that the two were not seen again promoting the film together as well. Fingers were also pointed at the films marketing campaign which considered claiming they were misleading given the sensitive theme of domestic violence in the movie. Also Read: Lindsay Lohan's rare public sighting with husband Bader Shammas steals the show at the US Open Brandon Sklenar backs Lively amid drama While the controversy sparked with one co-star, Livelys other co-actor Brandon Sklenar came to her defence. Sklenar spoke against the negativity directed towards the women of the films cast. He wrote on Instagram, Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point." It Ends With Us cashed in $300 million at the box office, worldwide. The film is based on the book by Colleen Hoover of the same name. She also wrote a sequel to the book which Baldoni owns the right to turn into a film. However, the actor previously said that Lively should direct the sequel if it happens. Nothing has been confirmed about the making of the sequel. James Earl Jones who played as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga is no more. The actor has been praised on multiple occasions for his phenomenal impact on the film industry and his fans are dearly missing him in his absence. Star Wars team and Empire State Building pay tribute to James Earl Jones aka Darth Vader(Instagram) The news was also confirmed by Star Wars' official website and the Empire State Building Instagram and Twitter/X accounts, which paid the artist a heartfelt tribute. Fans all over Reddit also remembered the Star Wars and Empire State Building collaboration where an image of Darth Vader was lit up on March 21, 2024. What was posted by Star Wars' website and Empire State building? Today, Empire State Building posted a tribute to the late voice actor James Earl Jones on its Instagram and Twitter/X accounts. Both the posts captioned as, Rest in Peace Lord Vader. The image showed the building lit up in red colour, portraying the image of Darth Vader from the Star Wars dynamic light show which took place earlier this year. Fans were shocked to see the post and many expressed their sorrow over the sad news. The official Star Wars website also left a warm message regarding the death of one of their best actors. Jones had once said, I am so pleased to be a part of the whole legend. Even as an observer, and I am just an observer. I'm a special effect, you know, at best. However, the Star Wars team believed he didn't take enough credit for the impact he had in the making of the saga. While paying him tribute the team wrote, For all of us at Lucasfilm, and for countless members of the audience, James Earl Jones was far more than just an observer. He was the voice of the character at the center of our most beloved story, and he will remain in our hearts - and imaginations - forever." Also Read | From Darth Vader to Mufasa: Revisiting the legendary voice of late James Earl Jones through his iconic narration roles How have fans reacted to James Earl Jones' death? Fans on Reddit, Instagram, and Twitter/X have all been in mourning of the actor's death. A Redditor wrote, RIP one of the greatest voices in film industry. Meanwhile, many fans commented on Empire State Building's Twitter/X and Instagram post. A fan referring to the Star Wars light up wrote, You should definitely do that again. Another expressed, Some of our childhoods (mine) just died today. We'll miss you Drath, and Mufasa. RIP. A Star Wars fan commented about the collaboration and commented, That looks quality, as others have said, you should re run this tonight as a mark of respect. Also Read | Tom Holland, Zendaya's Spider-Man 4 to be helmed by Shang Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton: Report On Empire State Building's Instagram post someone noted, A beautiful way to honor James Earl Jones. Many also remembered sweet moments with the actor. An Instagram user recalled, He spoke at my college graduation in 1996 - and may the force be with you. RIP. Jennifer Garners immediate attention towards Ben Affleck amid divorce from Jennifer Lopez has put Garners relationship with her boyfriend John Miller in jeopardy. RadarOnline revealed that Miller and Garners relationship is on the rocks as the former felt neglected while the latter was busy consoling Affleck. Garner and Miller have been together since 2018 and rumours of engagement were also doing rounds until Affleck and Lopezs divorce came to light. Jennifer Graner's focus on Ben Affleck is straining her relationship with boyfriend John Miller.(AP) Also Read: Jennifer Lopez holds hands with Matt Damon during intimate chat; fans notice Ben Afflecks tattoo is gone Miller feels neglected as Garner helps Affleck An insider revealed to the media outlet, John is at the end of his rope with what he considers Jen's 'unfathomable' support for her ex-hubby while ignoring him in the process." Garner and Affleck spent almost a week together while they helped their daughter Violet settle into her dorm as she moved to Yale for college. An insider cited this close relationship as the reason for Lopezs sudden move to file for divorce on the second anniversary of their nuptials in Georgia. The insider said, J.Lo was making a point that she was humiliated by Jen and Ben's ridiculous closeness. Don't think John didn't feel the same way. John is still incredulous the woman he was close to marrying pushed him aside to focus on repairing her ex's love life. How is he supposed to feel?" Sources added that Miller understands that Affleck and Garner share a past but he also believes that it's time she starts living in the present. The reports from the media outlet also state that the Batman actor continues to blow up Garners phone as he navigates through the divorce and Miller believes Garner should instruct him to delete her number now. Meanwhile, Garner is also at a point where she wants to focus on her boyfriend and their relationship and let Affleck deal with his problems on his own. A source revealed, Garner realizes she may have overplayed her hand by putting John in second place in this dynamic. Now she's trying to woo him back and salvage the relationship." Also Read: Selena Gomez calls Benny Blanco complete light in my life amid health concerns: Never been loved this way Garners rock-like support for Affleck After the divorce from J.Lo, Garner has been there for Affleck like no one else has. RadarOnline previously reported that the two are said to be secretly back together after Afflecks divorce. The insider said to the media outlet, It started months ago. Just look at how happy they look. They've gotten a second chance at love." Affleck also values Garner more than ever since the divorce and believes he is incredibly lucky to have her in his life and has immense respect for the way she lives her life. The insider said, The way Jen's been there for Ben has only strengthened his belief that she was so good for him as a wife and partner. He just has so much respect for Jen and how she lives her life. Her constant comings and goings at Ben's rental, the fact he trusts her to just come in... the signs were definitely there for a lot of people." Jr NTR shared that he is nervous about the 'Devara: Part 1' release. The actor said that the film is his solo release after six years and his next film after 'RRR'. (Also read: Devara Part 1 trailer: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor film tells a tale of power and fear) Indian actor N. T. Rama Rao Jr. attends the trailer launch of his upcoming Indian Telugu-Hindi-language film 'Devara Part 1' in Mumbai on September 10, 2024. (Photo by SUJIT JAISWAL / AFP)(AFP) During the trailer launch of 'Devara: Part 1' in Mumbai, he shared that after 'RRR' this is his next film. I am very nervous because this is my next film post 'RRR'. Moreover, 'RRR' was with my co-actor Ram Charan but this is my solo release after six years so there is a lot of nervousness which is building but very happy to launch the trailer of 'Devara' in the city of Mumbai because the experience we had while promoting 'RRR' was just surreal. The acceptance of the North has shocked us all. I hope it's repeated with 'Devara'. The event was also graced by Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, director Koratala Siva and producers. 'Devara: Part 1' is an upcoming Telugu action drama film written and directed by Koratala Siva. Produced by Yuvasudha Arts and N. T. R. Arts, it stars NTR Jr alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor. While talking about the film NTR Jr shared, I will call it an action drama. It's high on action... Can't wait for the world to see. The last half an hour or the last 40 minutes of the film will rock you all." Expressing gratitude towards his fans, he said, "I also want to thank my fans for loving me always." Speaking about his Telugu debut Saif shared, "I am very excited. I remember my first shot at speaking Telugu and I had sweat running down my back, I was nervous. We come from the same country but our states are different to one another and going down there is a very exciting experience...I felt like a newcomer. I am very excited. I love the movie and what I did in the film. The South movie industry has given us so many incredible movies." In this new venture, NTR Jr takes on a dual role, playing both Devara and Varadha. His character is pivotal to the storyline, which revolves around a dramatic clash of wills in a coastal setting where power dynamics are in constant flux. The film's ensemble cast also includes Prakash Raj, Srikanth Meka, Tom Shine Chacko, and Narain. It is produced by Kosaraju Hari Krishna and Sudhakar Mikkilineni under the banners of NTR Arts and Yuvasudha Arts, with Nandamuri Kalyan Ram presenting it. The film will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi on September 27. (With inputs from ANI) Selena Gomez revealed an intriguing pitch she made for her character Mabel Mora in Hulu's popular series Only Murders in the Building, during an interview at the Variety Studio, presented by J Crew and Shark Ninja at the Toronto International Film Festival. Gomez disclosed that she suggested her character be the murderer in a future season of the show. (Also Read Selena Gomez calls Benny Blanco complete light in my life amid health concerns: Never been loved this way) Selena Gomez pitched her character Mabel as the murderer in Only Murders in the Building "I did pitch that," Gomez admitted during the interview with Variety. "I don't think it's going to work out, but who knows? You never know," she added. This year has been significant for Gomez, as she earned her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Mabel. Her performance has been widely praised. In addition to discussing her role in Only Murders in the Building, Gomez also joined her castmates from the musical Emilia Perez including Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, Edgar Ramirez, and Adriana Paz, to talk about the film's critical acclaim and Oscar buzz. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, received a combined Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, Gomez, a key figure in Only Murders in the Building, also serves as an executive producer, becoming the most nominated Latina producer in the category's history. She is only the third Latina nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, following Salma Hayek and Marlis Pujol. Celia D. Costas is the only Latina to have won in a top series category for her work on Angels in America in 2004. The fourth season of Only Murders in the Building premiered on August 27 on Hulu. In India, it is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar. When a young woman was gang-raped and left to die on the streets of New Delhi in 2012, a shocked and enraged India vowed that her death would not be in vain, that she would be avenged by not letting this happen to anyone else. Protests condemning the RG Kar case continue with doctors taking to the streets to demand justice and safety (Samir Jana/HT Photo)(HT_PRINT) The raped and murdered woman doctor in Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital is that anyone else. In India, men continue to rape women with impunity. In a corrupt, dishonest system, they know they can normally bribe their way out of it. This said, the Kolkata rape-murder case is about much more than correcting systemic corruption in India, or about demanding institutional accountability for what was done to a doctor that night, who happened to be a woman. Its puzzling that the Supreme Court of India, even as it takes suo moto cognisance of this case, regards it primarily as a matter of doctors safety, and not of womens safety. The rape-murder at RG Kar is about what was done to a woman that night, who happened to be a doctor. A womans safety is her right, and its about much more than installing CCTV cameras and high-tech security systems in hospitals or other work environments. After all, think about the lakhs of women in India whore raped in non-institutional places, in public spaces, or in domestic settingsincluding their own homes. Rape is primarily about power, predation and dominion: Men who rape women do so to feel powerful, in control and superior. Thats why they often rape in gangs and choose soft targets--girl children or, as in the RG Kar case, a young woman in deep sleep. Put another way, there exists a huge disparity of power between men and women across almost all spheres of life in India. Men rape to perpetuate this power imbalanceto demean and to oppress their female victims. And they often get away with it because of a patriarchal power structure--that largely understands, supports, condones, and shield its own kind--at the expense of the other. Its fallacious to couch rapeany rapeas primarily a matter of protecting women. For it leads to scare-mongering and controlling women, and to scaling back hard-won womens rights and liberties. And to exhorting women to talk, dress and behave appropriately so that they do no invite trouble from men. And to blaming them for not staying at home--for being too ambitious. And to shaming them for not being smart and strong enough to detect danger and defend themselves against their assaulters--with pepper sprays or martial arts or one tight slap or even guns and revolvers! Equally, to couch rape primarily as a matter of swiftly and severely punishing the perpetrators is not enough. The Kolkata rape case is about much more than the proper implementation of existing laws and policies to deal with sexual violence, or about making newer and stronger ones that are anti-rape. Those in power know this. But they play to the gallery, pass the buck, and serve their own self-interested agenda, rather than bring justice to the raped and killed woman per se. So, how can justice truly be served to a woman whos been raped and killed? What is justice, especially if finding and punishing the rapists isnt all there is to it? If deterring future perpetrators with the fear of the law isnt all there is to it? If justice is about more than retribution, if its about how we value people and things, then the first step is to appreciate that the blame and shame is also somewhat our owneven as its of the actual perpetrators. For ours is a society that routinely subordinates women and makes them to settle for less. Its a culture that regularly privileges men to the detriment of women. Men enjoy this privilege and advantage and wont give it up easily, or on their owndespite the lip-service. For gender justice to prevail, power must be seized and redistributed, because it wont be proffered just like that. Thats why real justice for the dead doctor is for women from all walks of life, and non-political affiliations, to continue protesting across India--to come out in her support, and to keep demanding deep social change. And, as that gets done, its for women to embody the deep social change they demand. Women win when women take care of each other. Justice triumphs when women unite and stand up for each other; when women empower other women instead of competing against each other; and when they raise boys/men who regard women as different but equal, and not the other. This article is authored by Nandita Patel, writer and public policy analyst, Mumbai. On September 8, actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were blessed with their first child, a beautiful baby girl. Soon after they shared the news on social media with their friends and fans, many well-wishers showered the comment section with love and blessings. Indian business mogul Mukesh Ambani even visited the new parents and their newborn daughter at Mumbais HN Reliance Hospital. Well, actor and controversy queen Rakhi Sawant has now extended warm wishes to the couple. In a viral video, she bought gifts for Deepika and Ranveers daughter. Rakhi Sawant buys gifts in Dubai for Deepika Padukone's newborn daughter In the clip, which she has also shared on her official Instagram handle, Rakhi excitedly says, Hey Ranveer Singh (blows kisses)! Deepika! Main maasi ban gayi, aakhir. Deepika, yaad hai Deepika Padukone, hum saath mein dance class kiye, saath mein career start kiye. Aap badi star ban gayi, biwi ban gayi, ab toh maa ban gayi. Rakhi goes on to buy dolls, a 3 in 1 baby carrier, a stroller and a baby blanket among other gifts from a mall in Dubai. She looks quite stylish with her blonde curls, dressed in a fitted animal print scoop neck t-shirt paired with black cargo pants. Of course, there were some trolls in the comment section who dropped nasty messages, such as: Ise kehte hai , begani delivery mein jobless Rakhi deewani, and, Deepika be like : Please mere ghar mat anna wahi se dekha do. But a majority of comments were from fans. For instance, one social media user gushed, Maturity is realising Rakhi has a golden heart! And she is spreading so much love around!! One day she will also get all this love back!!!, whereas another comment read: Rakhi Sawant Dil ki to bahut acchi hai sabka achcha karne ki sochti rahti hai per bichari ko koi nahin samajhta . Lauding her style, an internet user pointed out: She has become pretty and all snatched after her breakup, whereas another fan shared, saaf dil ki h yaar, sabke liye khush ho jati h. Well, we cant wait to witness Rakhis reunion with Deepika and Ranveer, as well as her pictures with their newborn baby girl. Love looks different on everyone. For Brad Pitt, it's an unabashed and unmissable throwback to the retro era. One common factor in all of his starkly wild pap fit pics? Girlfriend Ines de Ramon. Ines' easy breezy style seems to have crept its way into how Brad is re-hauling his wardrobe for the cool Fall months, albeit with a twist of snappy eccentricity. Brad Pitt's recent looks strongly hint at a complete wardrobe overhaul for the actor Earlier this week, Brad Pitt was spotted in New York with Ines by his side. We aren't at all sorry to say, that Brad actually completely outshone Ines' fleecy tan skirt co-ord in beige. How couldn't he in that buttery yellow, structured co-ord? The peaking white vest, the flared legs and the green tinted glasses somehow just worked together effortlessly. Brad truly does seem to be embracing his newfound streak of eccentricity. How do we know? Just look at this picture of him meeting Leonard DiCaprio in which the Fight Club alum is carrying his glasses in his mouth. Cool as a cucumber. The weekend before that, Brad added a touch of Pumpkin spice to his date night with Ines. While Ines kept it straight and simple in a black-on-black vest and trousers, Brad stole the show in his slinky oversized white button down paired with Burberry's Prince of Wales wool blend jacquard trousers, plaid-adjacent but not quite. Layered neckpieces and some ombre aviators wrapped up Brad's date night look. Earlier this month, Brad and Ines walked their first-ever red carpet together at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of the former's film, Wolfs. Though significantly sober in comparison to the looks he has been pulling off now, the flared black pants were certainly hinting at the wide-leg flare supremacy Brad now seemingly stands to advocate for. Several weeks back, Brad had gone on a trip to Iceland, riding his motorcycle with gay abandon. His love for a good popping, colourful ensemble, amply came through. Check out this moss green plaid button down, matching fleecy beanie and the uber cool two-toned biking trousers. We approve. We think Brad's sartorial renaissance is quite daring, and is serving a refined version of his Fight Club era. Do you agree? The defence ministry on Monday signed a contract with Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 240 aero-engines worth 26,000 crore for the Indian Air Forces Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft. IAF operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s and will get 12 additional fighters to make up for planes lost in accidents. (HT Photo) HAL will supply 30 AL-31FP engines every year from its Koraput facility in Odisha, with the delivery being completed in eight years. These aero-engines are expected to fulfil the needs of the IAF to sustain the operational capability of the Su-30 fleet for the countrys defence preparedness, the defence ministry said in a statement. The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the procurement on September 2. IAF operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s and will get 12 additional fighters to make up for planes lost in accidents. The engines will be built in Koraput from raw material stage with transfer of technology from Russia, and only some spares, forgings and castings are expected to be imported. By the time the deliveries are completed, the engines will have an indigenous content of up to 63%, the ministry said. The Koraput division has thus far manufactured and supplied 113 AL-31FP engines to IAF. HAL estimates that the air force will need around 900 engines through the lifecycle of the Su-30 fleet. IAFs Su-30s will also be upgraded by HAL at a cost of around 65,000 crore. It will involve equipping the fighters with the indigenous Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare suites, weapon control systems, avionics and new weapons. The engine order comes at a time when the state-run firm is grappling with a delay in the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, working towards finalising a deal for joint production of jet engines in the country, and awaiting contracts worth tens of thousands of crores for new fighter planes and helicopters. HAL is negotiating a deal with US firm GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India. The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington in June 2023 to produce 99 F414 engines for Indias future LCA Mk-2 programme. The joint production of the engines will help the country overcome a striking technology gap, lay the foundation for indigenous development of bigger jet engines and possibly open doors to exports. On August 30, HAL signed a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for the joint design, development and production of a new engine called Aravalli for the future 13-tonne Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) and its deck-based version. SAFHAL is a joint venture between French firm Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL. The helicopters could go into production with the new engine by 2031. This is a significant milestone in our Make in India campaign. It will strengthen aero-engine manufacturing in India and add momentum to our aim of Aatmanirbharta, defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday revealed that the wife of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital ex-principal Sandip Ghosh had two immovable properties without the permission of the West Bengal government. In an official statement, the agency shared details of the raids conducted by its Kolkata unit on September 6 at seven premises including the residence of Ghosh and his close relatives and associates in connection with the financial irregularities case. ALSO READ: RG Kar ex-dean Sandip Ghosh allegedly molested student in Hong Kong: Report The agency had initiated probe based on a first information report (FIR) by the CBI, ACB, Kolkata under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Ghosh and other related contractors. Ghosh, who was the principal of RG Kar Medical College where a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered last month, was arrested by the CBI on September 2. On Tuesday, he was sent to judicial custody till September 23. Dr Sandip Ghosh has been sent to judicial custody till September 23. He was under investigation for alleged corruption and financial irregularities at the college and hospital, following a directive from a single bench of the Calcutta High Court, which ordered the CBI to probe the matter. According to ED, Sandip Ghosh's wife Dr. Sangeeta Ghosh had bought two immovable properties without any proper approval from state government authorities. ALSO READ: Kolkata case: RG Kar ex-principal Sandip Ghosh's lavish bungalow under scrutiny after ED raids, says report The ED alleged that a post facto approval was granted to Sangeeta Ghosh to purchase the property by her husband Sandip Ghosh in 2021. During this period, Dr. Sandip Ghosh was posted in capacity of Principal of R. G. Kar Medical College and his wife was posted there as an assistant professor, the agency claimed. Sandip Ghosh's properties found during raid The ED said that during search operations, documents related to properties including a flat in Murshidabad, three flats in Kolkata, two homes in Kolkata acquired by Sandip Ghosh and his wife Sangeeta, along with documents related to a farmhouse owned by the couple were found. Various other incriminating documents and digital devices belonging to Dr. Sandip Ghosh were seized during the searches. These documents related to properties were seized based on the prima facie suspicion that those properties were purchased out of Proceeds of Crime, the ED added. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday lambasted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Sikhs, saying the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was setting a dangerous narrative by speaking about sensitive issues in the United States. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students at Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA.(PTI) Condemning the remarks, Puri said Rahul Gandhi's statements in the US were sinister. He accused him of spreading falsehood among Sikhs based abroad. "I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas," he said. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that took place during the Congress's rule, Puri said, "If there has been one time in our history when as a community we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi's family has been in the seats of power." "In 1984, a pogrom was carried out against the Sikh community. As many as 3,000 innocent people were killed. People were dragged out of their homes, tyres were put around them and burnt alive," he added. What did Rahul Gandhi say? In a gathering of Indian Americans in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on Monday, Rahul Gandhi said his fight was about whether Sikhs could go to gurdwara or not. "The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions, he said. Hardeep Singh Puri lambasts Rahul Gandhi He said Rahul Gandhi had been making statements on sensitive issues, which "involve our national identity, unity, the strength of our unity and diversity". "I think he is trying to set a new kind of narrative which I think is a dangerous narrative," he added. With inputs from PTI New Delhi A core group of about 5,000 highly trained police officers or cyber commandos who instantly respond to and prevent cyberattacks across the country will be ready in the next five years, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday while launching the special wing. Amit Shah also dedicated a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) to the country. (PTI photo) We will have 5,000 cyber commandos in five years. These commandos will respond to cyber threats swiftly, Shah said at the first Foundation Day of I4C, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. These commandos will handle IT infrastructure security, digital forensics and incident response, he added. The home minister termed cybersecurity as part of national security, and said that the countrys growth is not possible without ensuring cybersecurity. Shah inaugurated a suspect registry, or a centralised database of suspicious bank accounts and related identifiers that will be shared with banks and financial intermediaries in a secure manner, Vishal Dhiman, deputy director, I4C, said at the event. The database will be populated and accessed by banks, financial institutions and law-enforcement agencies that will also use it to strengthen risk-management. If the states/Union territories have data in silos, then it wont help us in the fight against cyber criminals who have no boundaries. The time has come that a common registry for suspects is there, Shah said, adding that all stakeholders will have to come together to deal with the menace. Explaining how the registry will work, an SBI assistant manager said that the system can be used to look up the details of any suspicious account or person. This will allow banks to trace suspicious transactions and related individuals in real time, a video played at the event said. The home minister launched two other portals that consolidate I4Cs existing activities -- the Samanvaya platform, a joint cybercrime investigation facilitation system and the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC). The Samanvaya platform is a web-based module that acts as one-stop data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, analytics, cooperation and coordination for LEAs across the country. Housed within I4Cs offices in New Delhi, CMFC aims to serve as a war room or coordination room to monitor high-priority cases involving large amounts of money. The CFMC is linked to the 1930 control rooms of the 36 states and UTs, Roopa M, director of threat analysis unit (TAU) of 14C, said. The Union home ministry approved of I4C as a central scheme within the ministrys Cyber and Information Security (CIS) Division with an outlay of 491 crore on October 5, 2018. Its primary objective was to establish a national-level coordination centre to address all issues related to cybercrime across the country. On 10 January 2020, I4C and National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) were inaugurated by Shah. Since July 1 this year, I4C has been functioning as an attached office of the home ministry. This means it is now a separate entity under the ministry, instead of a scheme or a project. Schemes and projects, unlike attached offices, are timebound and require approvals for their continuation. Amid the row over Kerala additional director general of police (Law and order) MR Ajithkumar allegedly meeting top leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan has alleged that the cop was deputed as a messenger at the behest of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to strike a quid pro quo deal with the RSS-BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. New Delhi, June 26 (ANI): Kerala Congress President K Sudhakaran and party leader VD Satheesan meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Monday. K Sudhakaran is on anticipatory bail in an alleged fraud case related to fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal. (ANI Photo) (Rahul Gandhi Twitter) Ajithkumar, a 1995-batch IPS officer, is reported to have held private meetings with RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and the outfits national executive member Ram Madhav on two separate occasions in May-June 2023. While the top cop met Hosabale on the sidelines of an RSS camp in Thrissur, he met Madhav, currently the BJPs election-in-charge in Jammu and Kashmir, at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. While the police officer has not publicly denied the meetings, the nature and context of the interactions remain unclear. Congress leader VD Satheesan, who told the media that he has concrete proof of the two meetings, has alleged that Ajithkumar was deputed as a messenger at the behest of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to strike a quid pro quo deal with the RSS-BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The message conveyed in the meeting was that it (CPM) would provide all help in opening the electoral account of the BJP in the state. In return, the party and the government it leads in the state should not be harmed, Satheesan alleged on Monday. Ajithkumar, responsible for law and order issues in the state, was also present in Thrissur when the festivities of the Thrissur Pooram, a cultural festival in the city, were disrupted in April this year due to alleged mismanagement of crowds by the city police, Satheesan claimed. At the time, the state government had responded by removing then city police commissioner Ankit Asokan. However, the Congress leader alleged that Ajithkumar played a key role in disrupting the festivities and making the environment favourable for the BJP candidate Suresh Gopi who went on to win the Lok Sabha election in Thrissur by over 60,000 votes. While the CPI(M) leadership has termed Satheesans allegations baseless, it promised that the government would investigate if there were lapses on the part of Ajithkumars conduct. Vijayan, who holds the home department portfolio, and Ajithkumar have not publicly responded to the charges. For 56-year-old Ajithkumar, who was appointed ADGP (L&O) in October 2022 replacing Vijay Sakhare who was deputed to the NIA, the political controversy couldnt have come at a worse time. The top IPS officer is already facing an inquiry by a panel headed by DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb on the complaint of LDF MLA from Nilambur PV Anvar. The MLA has raised grievous allegations against the officer including links with gold smuggling gangs, tapping phone conversations of ministers and even ordering murders. Another IPS officer, Sujith Das S, also allegedly connected to gold smuggling and illegal tree-felling, has already been suspended. In his only public reaction since the allegations by Anvar, Ajithkumar was quoted saying, I have petitioned the chief minister and the DGP for an investigation into the allegations against me. The office I hold precludes me from saying anything else. In June 2022, Ajithkumar was removed as director of the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (ACB) over criticism that an accused in the 2020 gold smuggling scandal was taken into custody without even issuing a notice. Also, Swapna Suresh, an accused in the case, had alleged that the police officer got in touch with a man who compelled her to withdraw the complaint she raised against the chief minister and his family. Delhi finance minister Atishi on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of conspiring to topple the Arvind Kejriwal-led government by imposing President's Rule through the "back door." Delhi finance minister Atishi during her press conference in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, September 8, 2024. ( HT Photo / Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) Her statement comes a day after the President's secretariat forwarded a memorandum from Delhi BJP MLAs to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for "proper attention," where they claimed Delhi was facing a constitutional crisis. BJP will get reduced to zero: Atishi Atishi said that if the BJP topples the AAP government, the people of Delhi would give a strong reply by electing AAP to win all 70 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections, reducing the BJP to zero seats. "BJP has a history of toppling democratically elected governments across the country through its "Operation Lotus," referencing similar situations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Manipur," Atishi said. ALSO READ- Delhi HC refuses to quash defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi: Attempt to defame BJP AAP govt violating constitution: BJP's Gupta Delhi's Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta on Monday asked the Kejriwal government to respond to the constitutional issues raised in the memorandum, accusing AAP of misleading the public and playing the "victim card." The BJP's memorandum, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on August 30, called for the dismissal of the AAP government over alleged violations of the Constitution. Gupta accused the Kejriwal government of failing to form the Sixth Delhi Finance Commission, leading to a "chaotic financial situation" in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. He also claimed that no assembly sessions have been held in the last five months and alleged that 11 CAG reports were being withheld by Minister Atishi, violating constitutional norms. "For the past five months, no files have been signed and no cabinet meetings have been held," he claimed. ALSO READ- Delhi minister Atishi directs PWD to not carry out demolition at Madrasi Camp Gupta claimed that Kejriwal, who is currently in judicial custody over the excise policy case, is attempting to run the government from prison. Saurabh Bharadwaj, another senior AAP leader, echoed Atishis remarks. "They (BJP) have their own President, MHA, LG and the delegation. If they decide, it (President's Rule) will happen. They all are one," Bharadwaj alleged. ALSO READ- Atishi claims ED will arrest her, 3 other AAP leaders if they don't join BJP Gupta countered that the AAP government has repeatedly violated constitutional norms and therefore has no right to stay in power. He said this is why the BJP has demanded its dismissal. (Inputs from PTI) The Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday lashed out at the ruling BJP-Sena-NCP government over the car accident allegedly involving state BJP chief's son. It looks like the home department has started a new project where people can crash their cars, kill people, then blame it on the driver and walk free. Political parties seem to have adopted a new trend for saving their own people after such accidents, Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar told news agency PTI. A police personnel near the damaged Audi owned by Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule.(PTI) Also read | Maharashtra BJP chief's son Sanket Bawankule flees after Audi hits several vehicles in Nagpur Wadettiwar asked why the number plate of Audi car was removed and hidden if the BJP leader's son was not involved. "Who would do such a thing to save a driver? This is unbelievable," he asked. The Nagpur police said the arrested driver was in an inebriated state and Sanket Bawankule was sitting next to him. Who allows a drunk driver to drive? Will the person sitting next to him remain calm?, the Congress leader asked while questioning the police claims. Wadettiwar alleged that Sanket was directly involved in the accident. He also demanded a thorough probe of the accident including scrutiny of the CCTV footage of the restaurant visited by BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule and his friends before causing the accident. The Congress leader also claimed that state BJP chief contacted the owners of damaged vehicles and offered to compensate them to save his son. Despite such attempts, the police took cognisance of the case only after the videos went viral on social media, he alleged. Wadettiwar was referring to allegations that a local MLA of Ajit Pawar's NCP tried to save the accused in Pune Porsche car crash case and leaders of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena tried to save a party member after his son's BMW was involved in a hit and run case in Mumabi's Worli. (With PTI inputs) Rescuers recovered the bodies of four more pilgrims as the search and rescue operation resumed at the site of the landslide on the Kedarnath highway in Uttarakhands Rudraprayag district on Tuesday morning, taking the toll from the incident to five. The rescue operation resumed on Tuesday morning. (HT PHOTO) The landslide hit a 150-metre stretch of highway between Sonprayag and Munkatiya on Monday evening. Officials said some more people may still be buried under the debris District disaster management officer Nandan Singh Rajwar identified those dead as Gopal, 50, Durgabai Khapar, 50, Samanbai, 50, from Madhya Pradesh, Nepals Titli Devi, 70, Bharat Bhai, 52, a resident of Gujarats Surat. He added the injured Jeevach Tiwari, 60, from Nepal, Manpreet Singh, 30, from West Bengal, and Chhagan Lal, 45, of Madhya Pradesh were undergoing treatment. Continuous falling of boulders and heavy rainfall disrupted the rescue operations. For the safety of the rescuers, the search and rescue operation was stopped in the [Monday] evening and resumed around 6.30 am, he said. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who offered his condolences to the families of those killed, said rescuers were immediately dispatched to the scene. The injured were immediately sent to Sonprayag through ambulance for treatment. Rahul Gandhi in US: Rahul Gandhi of the Congress continued his attack on ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi among people has vanished after the the results of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora at Dallas in Texas, USA.(PTI) Addressing an Indian diaspora event in Virginia's Herndon in US on Monday (local time), Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP and PM Narendra Modi spread so much fear and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, but everything vanished within seconds. Something has changed after the elections. Some people said Darr nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab' (We are not afraid anymore, the fear is gone now). It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear, and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, everything vanished within seconds. It took years for them to spread this fear and vanished within seconds," news agency ANI quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying at the event. In Parliament, I see the Prime Minister right up front and I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with God, thats all gone now, its is all history now, Rahul Gandhi added. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha also met with students at Georgetown University, followed by the diaspora event in Virginia. Rahul Gandhi will be in Washington for two days before heading back to Delhi., "The BJP doesn't understand that this country is of everyone... India is a union. In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union state, histories, tradition music and dance. They (BJP) say it is not a union, it is different," the Congress leader alleged. Watch the video here: Rahul Gandhi black spot in Indian democracy: BJP While the BJP has not officially reacted to Rahul Gandhi's latest assault on Modi, the party had launched a scathing attack on the Congress leader on Monday over his remarks in the United States's Texas, calling him a black spot in Indian democracy. Gaurav Bhatia, a national spokesperson of the BJP also accused Gandhi of trying to weaken Indian democracy with his remarks abroad, which he claimed was in accordance with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party during the UPA rule. "Everyone knows that Rahul Gandhi is an immature and part-time leader. But people have put a huge responsibility on his shoulders since he became the leader of opposition (in the Lok Sabha). "But I feel sad to say that Rahul Gandhi is a black spot in Indian democracy. He does not even know what to talk about when he visits a foreign country," Bhatia told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. He was replying to reporters' queries on Gandhi's remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at an event in the US. During an interaction at an event, Gandhi alleged, The BJP and the RSS believe that women should be restricted to a particular role. They should stay at home, they should cook the food, they should not talk too much and we believe that women should aspire to whatever they want to do. "The RSS believes that India is one idea. We believe that India is a multiplicity of ideas," he claimed during his address to the Indian American community. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said three months before the general elections, the Congress party's bank accounts were "sealed", leaving them with no funds for advertising or campaigning. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian Diaspora, at Dallas in Texas, USA. (PTI) We had no money to transport our leaders. I remember discussing with Mallikarjun Kharge and the treasurer, who had lost his confidence about what to do next. I said, 'dekhi jayegi, dekhte hain kya hota hai' (We'll see, let's see what happens) and that was the spirit with which we fought the election, said Rahul Gandhi said while addressing an Indian diaspora event in Virginia's Herndon in US on Monday (local time). Rahul Gandhi mentioned that this was the first time he had encountered such a situation, despite having contested elections since 2004. You have to understand what this fight is about. Its not just about politics; thats superficial, said the Congress leader. He added that the real issue is whether a person will still be allowed to wear his turban as a Sikh. He alleged that the RSS is promoting the idea that some states are inferior to others, that certain languages are inferior to others, and that some religions are inferior to others. In contrast, the Congress believes that people from states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, or Madhya Pradesh all have their own history, tradition, and language, and that every person is important, Gandhi said. He also continued his attack on ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi among people has vanished after the the results of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP and PM Narendra Modi spread so much fear and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, but everything vanished within seconds. Rahul Gandhi will be in Washington for two days before heading back to Delhi. He also met with students at Georgetown University, followed by the diaspora event in Virginia. Delhi's Patiala House Court granted interim bail to Sheikh Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, a member of parliament from Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla constituency, till October 2 in a terror funding case. Rashid has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after being arrested in 2017 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror-funding case. Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid His name cropped up during the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who was arrested by the NIA for allegedly funding terror groups and separatists in Kashmir. The agency had filed a chargesheet against several people, including Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in the case. Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in 2022 after he pleaded guilty to the charges. Rashid had moved the court seeking interim bail to campaign in the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections, scheduled to be held on September 18, 25 and October 1. Rashid's 2024 Lok Sabha poll victory Rashid defeated former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency earlier this year. ALSO READ: Omar Abdullah faces flak for sharing post linking Engineer Rashids Lok Sabha polls win to secession He had won the Langate assembly segment in 2008 and 2014 J&K elections. He unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Rashid leads the Awami Ittehad Party, but contested these elections as an Independent. People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday hit out at Rashid's party AIP, calling it a proxy of the BJP. I want to know that Rashid is in jail. (PDP founder) Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) took 50 years to form the party, we still do not have resources to field candidates everywhere. Who is behind his (Engineer's) organisation as their candidates are fielded everywhere, wherefrom is the funding coming? Wherefrom are they getting such courage to engage in hooliganism? PTI quoted Mufti as saying after PDP candidate from Shopian assembly segment Yawar Shafi Banday was injured in an alleged attack by the workers of the AIP. National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, 54, is leading the campaign of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)s oldest party for the first assembly elections in the region since it was stripped of its semi-autonomous status in 2019 with the nullification of Constitutions Article 370 and split into two Union Territories. A third-generation politician from the Abdullah family and a former chief minister, Omar Abdullah spoke to HT in Srinagar about the NC-Congress alliance, his poll pitch, independent candidates backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K), and why he is upbeat about his partys poll prospects. Edited excerpts: NC leader Omar Abdullah. (HT PHOTO) What is your sense of the electoral landscape ahead of the first phase of assembly polls on September 18? It is a mixed bag as all elections are. No election is entirely one-sided. Every party is trying to convince the voters that they are the best option. But, in terms of manifesto, roadmap, and agenda, the NC has set the benchmark. Other parties have either copied it or are using its criticism to appeal to their voters. We are in alliance with Congress which is not something we are used to. It was not the easiest thing for both parties. We had to give them seats where we were reasonably well-placed. The same is true for them as well. The last time the NC-Congress had a pre-assembly poll pact was in 1987. This [2024] election is also unique in recent times because the banned Jamaat-e-Islami [J&K] is openly backing and campaigning for independent candidates owing allegiance to it. This is a huge change from previous elections. Otherwise ever since I have seen politics here from 1996 onwards, Jamaat has been at the forefront of trying to stop people from voting. How will the Jamaat factor impact the electoral arithmetic of mainstream parties? Traditionally, the Jamaat vote has never come to NC. Despite their poll-boycott stance, wherever the Jamaat has covertly played a political part in the last three decades, its supporters have gone to parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Now, with Jamaat fielding its nominees, it will dent the PDP in a number of seats where Jamaat is the deciding factor, particularly in South Kashmir. Your campaign is centered on the promise to restore the dignity of J&K. How will you do that? In an immediate sense, our fight is to get back our statehood undiluted. That is the primary concern for the people today. What was done with regard to [Constitution]s Articles 370 and 35-A was an insult. But, an insult to the injury was heaped by reducing J&K to a Union Territory. All this was without any explanation whatsoever and with no benefit coming out of this. On a wider political fight for the special status of J&K which is part of NCs ideology, we are realistic enough to know that this is not going to happen with this assembly or this government at the Centre. But, we are going to keep the issue alive. It is a long struggle. Is Article 370 a poll issue? It is not a major issue. It will be unfair to people, who have been denied an elected government since 2018 and have suffered on account of poor administration, to make this election purely about Article 370. They also want to know what we will do to address a host of issues they face on a daily basis such as employment, education, health, electricity, water, and development. That is why our manifesto goes far beyond the political issue of autonomy. By making promises about J&Ks now-nullified special status, are you not giving the people false hope, knowing that this will never be back? At the end of the day what has happened to J&K is at the behest of the government and judgement of the Supreme Court [SC]. Those things are subject to change. They are not the word of God. In the future, there may be a government at the Centre willing to discuss our demand for autonomy. Tomorrow there could be a full bench of SC to adjudicate differently. We want to keep this issue alive in the hope that in the future, circumstances may change and allow us to revisit it. After the 2019 constitutional changes, you declared that you would not contest the assembly polls until the statehood is restored. What made you change the mind? My first instinct, and for the longest time the only instinct that I had, was that I would not contest. I did not have the best of things to say about either the UT [Union territory] assembly or whatever government was to be elected. The assembly we are electing now is far from the one we want or deserve. That said, I was made to realise by people, obviously far wiser than me and not necessarily connected to NC or politics.... They said if this assembly was not good enough for you, why do I want them to vote for it? And I genuinely had no answer. How do I go to voters and tell them to please elect my candidate but I do not want that status? That would have been hypocritical and wrong. This is not the assembly we are going to accept but it is through this assembly we will get back our statehood. Whom do you see as your main opponent? In Kashmir, it will probably be the PDP, and in Jammu the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party]. In a handful of seats, some odd independents or smaller parties will play a part. For all of Delhis attempts to cleanse the political landscape of mainstream parties or the so-called dynastic parties by propping all sorts of parties and individuals here, ultimately J&Ks politics will go back to NC, Congress, PDP, and BJP. Smaller elements will play a role on fringes. You say that independents are being encouraged to split the votes of mainstream parties. Who will gain from it? The biggest beneficiary of this will be the BJP which has said as much that if they fall short of numbers to form the government, they would get the help of smaller parties. The ones they are silent about but are open to doing business with are the Apni Party, Peoples Conference, Engineer Rashids party, and independents. A vote for independents is a vote for BJP. There are so many instances of the BJP weaning independents and overturning the peoples mandate. J&K will be no different. God forbid, if the people elect too many independents, they will go straight to the BJPs lap. What can be the X-factor in this election? Difficult to predict that at this stage. Jamaat could be one in the Valley. Three months earlier, we had an X-factor in the Baramulla Parliamentary election that nobody saw coming. I have not seen yet any signs of hawa [wave] that propelled a jailed Engineer Rashid to victory against me [in Lok Sabha polls]. But that does not stop an X-factor from emerging because we are still in the early stages of the campaign and there are a few days to go for the first phase of polling. The Engineer Rashid factor had caught fire at the fag end of electioneering. What is the larger significance of a separatist Jamaats electoral foray after 37 years? It will certainly make the elections more participative. One expects the Jamaat cadre would come out and vote. The NC cadres will not sit at home either. During the poll boycott times, the NC cadre was reluctant to vote because they feared the reprisals. That is not the case now. Given a history of tumultuous NC-Congress alliances, will it work this time? For us, a lot of impetus for this alliance was about the perception rather than the seats. In terms of seats, NC does not gain as much from the pact as Congress does. Allying with Congress became almost vital for us in light of a recent high court order that struck down an Enforcement Directorates case against my father [Farooq Abdullah]. Some of our political opponents went to town calling it evidence of an underhand deal between the BJP and NC. To convince the people that we are not hand in glove with the BJP and will go all out to defeat the party, an alliance with Congress became very important for us. We have an understanding regarding 84 of 90 seats. That we have managed to get this is not a bad thing. How do you respond to Union Home minister Amit Shahs charge that Congress and NC want to release separatists and terrorist sympathisers to destabilise J&K? What will we get by destabilising our state except for a tag of failure? On such a wild statement that we will allow militancy to come back, I would like to ask Shah, who believes in numbers, to look at the graph of militancy in six years when I was chief minister and compare it with the last five years of rule under Lt Governor. I would hazard a guess that in my time the graph was downward slopping, and in the last five years it is upward slopping. Today, Jammu is a troubled area which will be a big challenge for an elected government. The BJP needs to explain how they allowed a new life to militancy in Jammu. What is your prognosis for the alliance in Jammu which has been BJPs bastion? If the pattern of the voting in the last Lok Sakha polls is repeated, then the BJP is not as comfortably placed as it claims to be. Their vote share has gone down severely. In the 2019 Lok Sabha contest, they won both Jammu and Udhampur [seats] by 300,000 plus votes. In 2024, the margins were half of that. One hopes the Congress can win a good number of seats there. What is it like to spearhead your first assembly election with Farooq Abdullah passing on the baton to you? I have more support from my father now than I had in 2014. Then, he was in London for his kidney transplant and did not campaign. This time he is around and campaigning. I would say 75% is mine and 25% his. But, his share assumes much greater significance than mine. Who is the NCs chief ministerial face? That is like putting the cart before the horse. First, we will have to get a majority. Then we will talk about the chief minister. Germany should update its export control regime to foster greater defence cooperation with India and look at ways to ramp up bilateral trade and investments, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told a gathering of German ambassadors in Berlin on Tuesday. Jaishankar is in Germany on the second leg of a three-nation tour. (Dr. S. Jaishankar | Official X account) Jaishankar, who is in Germany on the second leg of a three-nation tour, called for enhanced cooperation in innovation and technology, especially AI, fintech and green technologies, and for close consultation between the two countries on global issues to build trust and confidence in their partnership. He travelled to Germany after visiting Saudi Arabia for the first meeting between foreign ministers of India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on Monday. After holding talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and other ministers, Jaishankar will travel to Switzerland. Also Read | At CII Conclave, Jaishankar lays out vision for stronger India-Mediterranean ties Addressing the annual ambassadors conference of the German foreign ministry, Jaishankar sought enhanced defence cooperation, especially as Indias private sector expands in this area. It will require export controls updating as well. We welcome the recent air exercises between India and Germany and await the impending ship visits to Goa, he said. Germany has some of Europes most stringent controls for defence exports, though it has relaxed these measures to allow sales of small arms to the Indian military and to bid for a massive submarine contract for the Indian Navy. The move has coincided with an overall revamp of Germanys defence policy. Noting that India is a nearly $4 trillion economy with 8% growth prospects for decades, Jaishankar said changes in the country and an easier business climate should motivate greater trade and investment. Our trade, currently at $33 billion, and mutual investment levels can surely do better, he said. He pointed to the importance of the Asia Pacific Conference of German business in New Delhi in October, set to be held alongside the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (ICG). The ICG, which is headed by the Indian premier and the German chancellor and meets every two years, will provide directions at a very crucial time on key issues, he said. Calling for technology to be given greater weightage in bilateral ties, Jaishankar said: We need to think digital, AI, fintech and clean-green technologies. The India-Germany green and sustainable development partnership is making progress as the two sides have concluded 38 agreements worth 3.2 billion euros. Jaishankar also called for close and continuous consultations on global issues to build the levels of trust and confidence which behoves our partnership. He noted that the number of Indian students in Germany has doubled to 43,000 over the past five years and said, But the flow of talent could be very much higher, constituting the kind of living bridge that we have with the US. This could be supplemented by understandings on skills mobility. Also read | Jaishankar on PM Modis 10-hour train ride to Ukraine: Could have done with Vande Bharat Foreign policy matters to Indias growth and creation of infrastructure since global technology, resources and best practices can make a difference, he said. When India engages Germany and the European Union (EU), this is a key consideration. For partners like you, it could mean both expanding markets and reliable supply chains, he added. In light of factors such as interdependence and limitations of national capabilities, India and Germany have to forge a partnership based on confidence and convergence. And that is why we believe Germany too should take greater interest in the Indo-Pacific, just as we in India seek to do in the Euro-Atlantic, he said. A key operator in an international gold smuggling network, who was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a 2020 case, has been brought by agencies from the UAE, people familiar with the development said on Tuesday. An Interpol red notice was issued against him, and he was geolocated in the UAE. (Representative file photo) Identified as Muniyad Ali Khan, the accused was involved in providing gold to his associates for smuggling it from Riyadh to India. An Interpol red notice was issued against him, and he was geolocated in the UAE. His return from there was coordinated by the Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Gold bars weighing around 18.5 kg were smuggled by a group of persons from Saudi Arabia to Jaipur international airport in July 2020. The NIA, which is investigating the case, filed a charge sheet against 18 individuals in the case including Khan in 2021. Also Read: Smugglers escape from Lucknow airport: Alleged kingpin nabbed Earlier, in April this year, another wanted accused Shokat Ali was returned from Saudi Arabia in the case. The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closely coordinated with NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau - Abu Dhabi for return to India from UAE of Muniyad Ali Khan, a key operator in an international gold smuggling network, a CBI spokesperson said on Tuesday. The NIA probe has revealed that Khan had allegedly conspired in illegal smuggling of gold bars from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia into India along with co-accused persons. He along with co-accused had provided gold bars to be smuggled from Riyadh to Jaipur, India, the spokesperson added. CBI on request of NIA had got Red Notice issued against the subject from Interpol on September 13, 2021, and which was circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking of the wanted criminal. The subject was geolocated in the UAE. He was returned to India on Tuesday and from Jaipur Airport, a team from NIA has taken over the subject, the spokesperson added. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Haryana assembly polls, indicating that its negotiations with the Congress for an alliance in the northern state had not succeeded. Haryana elections: AAP releases first list amid talks with Congress The list came days after the Congress announced 41 candidates for the October 5 elections. There are three days left for the nominations for the single-phase elections to close. We have to uproot the corrupt and arrogant government of Haryana and change the system AAP has already released a list of 20 candidates and soon the next list will be released, AAP Haryana chief Sushil Gupta said. Gupta refused to confirm directly if the possibility of an alliance with the Congress was over. AAP consistently made efforts and now very little time is left for the elections, so we released our list. Only three days for nomination are left, we have to line up the candidates. We have multiple candidates for each seat, he said. The Congress remained non-committal. We will see. Our list has also been released. The talks are going onpolitical parties take steps in their own interests, said party MP Deependra Hooda. Talks between the two parties who are partners in the broader Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, and fought the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana together began last Tuesday amid speculation that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had asked the state unit to formalise an alliance. But no major breakthrough could be achieved despite several rounds of discussions, even as senior Haryana Congress leaders indicated that they were against such a tie-up. To be sure, the AAP has never won any Lok Sabha or assembly seat in Haryana. Today, the list of 20 candidates has been released, more lists will be out soon, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh said. The AAP Haryana list which included Gurpal Singh from Naraingarh and Anurag Dhandha from Kalayat contained 11seats on which the Congress has already named its nominees. The Congress is looking to dethrone the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has ruled Haryana continuously since 2014. The Opposition is buoyed by its better-than-expected performance in the Lok Sabha polls, when the Congress and the BJP both won five seats. Discussions between the Congress and the AAP for the Haryana polls have been going on for over one week and until Sunday evening, both sides said talks were progressing in a positive direction and that they were hopeful of a good outcome. According to AAP functionaries, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party has sought to contest on 10 out of 90 assembly seats in Haryana, but the Congress is keen on offering only seven. AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, was not available for a comment. The last date of nomination for assembly polls is September 12. Polling in Haryana will take place on October 5 and the votes will be counted on October 8. A section of Haryana Congress leaders have expressed reservations over a tie-up with the AAP for the elections. Last month, Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda dismissed claims of forming an alliance and said the party is capable of contesting the elections on its own. We have an alliance with the Samajwadi Party too, but it is a central-level alliance, not state-based. We have no alliance here in Haryana. We have an alliance with all parties at the national level, but there are no such discussions at the state level. Congress is fully capable of contesting the elections alone, he said. The AAP said there was no point in discussing an alliance. The second list will also be released soon. We will contest the election with full force. We have held 45 rallies in (the last) 15 days, Sunita Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, Manish Sisodia.everyone is working hard, Singh said. Gupta said that the party continued to be a part of the INDIA bloc. We still are a partner of the INDIA bloc at the national level, he said. On Sunday, AAP MLA Somnath Bharti cautioned the party leadership against an alliance with the Congress. The BJP mocked both parties. The AAP and Congress wanted to contest the election together (in an alliance), but today we have learned that AAP has turned the Congress down (thenga dikha diya Congress ko) and released its list, said former state minister Anil Vij. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that the selection committee to appoint the chairperson and two members of the Haryana State Human Rights Commission cannot meet until the assembly elections have concluded. ECI secretary KP Singh on Monday directed the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Haryana to defer the meeting of the selection committee, which comprises the chief minister, Speaker of the legislative assembly, state home minister, and the state leader of opposition, all of whom might change depending on the state election results. Elections Haryana were announced by the Election Commission on August 16 and will conclude on October 10. (Representational image) This decision was taken after the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee on September 6 complained that the state was proceeding to consider and appoint the chairperson, member (judicial) and member (non-judicial). These positions have been vacant since last year. The CEO of Haryana had submitted a report to ECI in response to Congresss complaint on September 7. In response to a writ petition, the Punjab and Haryana high court, on April 5, had directed the state government to fill these positions within three weeks of the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections and lifting of the model code of conduct. This was not done and thus a contempt petition was filed and listed on July 8. Elections in the state were announced on August 16 and will conclude on October 10. The State government had sufficient time to comply with the direction of the Honble High Court in the matter after lifting of MCC on completion of General Election to the Lok Sabha, 2024. Now, also, the State Government has sufficient time to comply with the direction of the Honble High Court in the matter after completion of General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana, 2024. Accordingly, it is directed that the meeting of the Selection Committee be deferred till completion of General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana, 2024, the ECIs order said. Protesting doctors rejected West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's invitation for talks, vowing to continue their protest and cease work in response to the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College a month ago. Kolkata: Junior doctors holding their stethoscope shout slogans as they sit on a dharna after the police stopped their march towards Swasthya Bhawan in protest over RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, in Kolkata, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra) (PTI) Banerjee had invited the junior doctors for a meeting at the state secretariat on Tuesday to address the issue. "Your small delegation (maximum 10 persons) may visit Nabanna now to meet government representatives," an email sent by the states Health Secretary N S Nigam to the protesting medics said. State finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the CM was waiting, but a protesting doctor called the email an "insult," citing their demand for Nigams resignation and the limit on representation. Follow- Kolkata rape-murder case LIVE Restricting number of representatives is humiliating for us: Doctors "Restricting number of representatives for meeting with state govt officials to 10 humiliating for us," said agitating junior doctors. The doctors plan to continue their protest. "We are protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan, so what was the need of the Principal Secretary to communicate with us through e-mail? We are ready for dialogue. We have clearly conveyed our demands to all... We will continue to protest until our demands are fulfilled," said one of the agitating junior doctors in Kolkata. ALSO READ- Return our daughter first: Kolkata doctor's mother slams Mamata Banerjee's Durga Puja remark CM waited but nothing came from agitating doctors: Minister West Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that the Supreme Court had ordered the protesting doctors to resume work by 5pm. In response, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the government waited until the deadline. At 5pm, administrative officers decided that 10 doctors could meet the state's supreme authority. By 6:10 pm, an email was sent by the principal secretary, inviting them to 'Nabanna' (state secretariat). ALSO READ- Kolkata rape-murder: RG Kar hospital issues notice to 51 doctors for 'endangering democratic atmosphere' Till 7.30 pm, the CM waited but nothing came from agitating doctors. At 7.30 pm the CM left the premises of Nabanna. She has always been requesting junior doctors to return to their services. We find that agitating doctors have not returned to work, Bhattacharya said. Rahul Gandhi in US news updates: Rahul Gandhi of the Congress said he doesn't hate the Prime Minister Narendra Modi but only disagrees with his point of view. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, on Monday (local time) during his four-day visit to the US. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students at Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA, on Monday (local time), (PTI) Rahul Gandhi also said India essentially, is an idea of mixing and merging, while alleging that Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have the misunderstanding of seeing India as a bunch of separate things. Also Read | Darr nahi lagta ab': Rahul Gandhi's fresh attack on PM Narendra Modi, BJP in US' Virginia "India at heart, is a union of languages, traditions, histories, religion, everything... When you have lunch here, you get first course, second course. We don't get that, we get a thali, and everything placed in it... It's a jumble and every food has the same value. So this idea of mixing and merging is in India," Rahul Gandhi said. Also Read | Will drag him to court: BJP leader's warning to Rahul Gandhi on 'Sikh' remark When Indian people go to their religious places, they merge with their deity. This is the nature of India. The misunderstanding that the BJP and RSS have is they think that India is a whole bunch of separate things. So we don't need to redefine anything, it's already there, Rahul Gandhi said. On being asked about the idea of love in reference to his "Mohabbat Ki Dukaan" slogan, the Congress leader said he disagrees with Prime Minister Modi's point of view but doesn't hate him or consider him as his enemy. Also Read | 'Narendra Modi is psychologically trapped': Rahul Gandhi in US You will be surprised, but I don't actually hate Mr Modi. He has got a point of view, fine. I don't agree with his point of view but I don't hate him. In many moments, I empathise with him. I don't think like he is my enemy. He has a different point of view, I have a different point of view. I have empathy and compassion for what he is doing, Rahul Gandhi said. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha is currently on a four-day visit to the United States. He addressed the prestigious Georgetown University and another event in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC on Monday. Rahul Gandhi in US: 10 points Former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Tuesday revealed he was scared while visiting Lal Chowk in Jammu and Kashmir during his ministerial stint. At the launch of his memoir Five Decades in Politics, Shinde recalled his visit to the Valley in 2012. Before I became the Home Minister, I visited him (educationist Vijay Dhar). I used to ask him for advice. He advised me to not roam around but to visit Lal Chowk (in Srinagar), meet people and go around Dal Lake." That advice gave me publicity and people thought that here is a Home Minister who goes there without any fear, lekin meri fat'ti thi wo kisko bataoon? (but who do I tell that I was scared?) I told you this just to make you laugh, but an ex-Policeman can't speak like this, the former Maharashtra chief minister was quoted by ANI as saying. Shinde was appointed as India's home minister by then prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2012. Sushilkumar Shinde served as the Union home minister from 2012 to 2014.(PTI file) Shinde visited Lal Chowk in 2012 Shinde succeeded P Chidambaram as the Union home minister in 2012. During his visit, the Congress leader shopped at Srinagar's Lal Chowk. He also stopped at a Kashmir arts showroom in the J&K capital to shop for his family. Then chief minister Omar Abdullah also accompanied the Union minister. Shinde also visited the Clock Tower in Srinagar during his visit. The Clock Tower, also known as Ghanta Ghar, was built in 1978 at the request of former chief minister Sheikh Abdullah. When protests erupted in the Kashmir Valley during 2008 and 2010, there were occasions when the Pakistani flag was raised atop the tower. ALSO READ: In memoir, Congs Shinde blames RK Singh for Afzal hanging row Shinde's tenure as the home minister saw the trials and executions of 26/11 Mumbai attacker Ajmal Kasab and Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and the 2012 Delhi gangrape case. BJP reacts to Shinde's remark Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in an X post,"UPA era Home Minister Sushil Shinde admits he was scared of going to J&K They told me to go Kashmir and do Photo-op at Dal lake for me and UPA's Public image as Home Minister of India. But I was scared." Today Rahul Gandhi was comfortably seen doing Bharat Jodo Yatra & snow fight in Kasmir! But NC & Congress want to take back J&K back to days of terror !" The Congress destroyed the idea' of prime minister Narendra Modi in the recent Lok Sabha elections, according to Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the grand old party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LOP Rahul Gandhi exchange handshake in Lok Sabha on June 26. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV) There is a design element in the Congress party that has been in place since Mahatma Gandhi's time, and it has certain qualities as a political organisation that are very powerful. I was watching the elections, and there was a point when we sat down with the treasurer, who said, Look, your bank accounts are frozen. How are you supposed to fight an election if your accounts are frozen? We really didn't have an answer then. Gandhi said at Washington's Georgetown University. Yet, the Congress Party fought the election and essentially destroyed the idea of Modi. You can see this because, when you watch the prime minister in Parliament nowhe's psychologically trapped. He cannot come to terms with it; he is psychologically trapped, the Rae Bareli MP, on his maiden visit to the United States as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, added. Further, he remarked that politics in India has fundamentally changed.' Gandhi was probably referring to multiple U-turns taken by the ruling BJP as it no longer enjoys single-party majority in the Lok Sabha, where it now has 240 members in the 543-seat house, as against 282 seats in 2014 and 303 five years later. On the other hand, the Congress nearly doubled its tally, going from 52 in 2019 to 99. This meant that for the first time in 10 years, there would be an official Leader of Opposition, a post that went to Gandhi. The authorities on Tuesday imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West districts from 11 am amid protests over the last two days for handing over the unified command to the Manipur government to oversee security operations in the ethnic violence-hit state. Thousands of students took to the streets in Imphal on Sunday. (ANI) The violence between Meiteis and Kukis triggered in May last year escalated this month with the use of drones and rockets in attacks. A former soldier was killed after he accidentally crossed the buffer zone between the Meitei and Kuki areas late on Sunday night. At least nine people have been killed since September 1 in drone and long-range rocket attacks on Meitei villages. Thousands of students took to the streets in Imphal on Sunday and gave an ultimatum of 24 hours to the authorities to accept their demand of handing over the unified command to the state government. A team of Union home ministry officials, the state security adviser, and the army were handling the command. Opposition Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday demanded Manipur chief minister N Biren Singhs dismissal citing his demand for handing over the unified command to his government. He said Singh has set a record in shamelessly brazening out his rank incompetence. Kharge referred to drone and rocket-propelled grenade attacks and said this is now turning out to be a national security threat. He said the Union government must take full responsibility for the sensitive security situation. There should be a massive crackdown on all kinds of insurgent groups, with the help of the state forces, he said. The Supreme Court mandated and monitored Manipur Commission of Inquiry into ethnic violence must expedite its investigation. India on Monday made a strong intervention at the third meeting of the ad hoc work programme on the new climate finance goal, asserting that there should be no digressions from provision of finance to developing countries. COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babaye. (COP29) The Indian spokesperson said the new collective quantified goal is neither an investment goal nor a domestic mobilisation goal. The goal is for developing countries to be provided finance by developed countries and there should be no digressions from this, the Indian spokesperson said, at the meeting that began on Monday, in views that align with the Arab group, Like Minded Developing Countries, Alliance of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Alliance of Small Island States. A para, in the draft of the new climate finance goal, which talks of economic capacities, emission profiles and on how parties can contribute to the goal should be removed, India has said. HT reported last week that the UN has published a draft on the new collective quantified goal or a new climate finance goal for mitigation of climate change. The draft indicates that developing countries are expecting the new goal to be in trillions which will be contributed by developed countries for mitigation efforts in developing countries. But, the US has not defined a number or a timeline yet, and has said that it expects contributions from all sources including contributing parties. Under the UNFCCC principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities, developed countries that have historically contributed more to global greenhouse gas emissions are expected to take the lead in addressing the climate crisis. An option in the draft of the new finance goal has suggested recognizing the evolving needs and circumstances of the countries. Recognition that needs, priorities, national circumstances, economic capacities and emissions profiles are constantly evolving and dynamic, it said. According to the draft, the European Union suggested that collective goal can only be reached if Parties with high GHG-emissions and economic capabilities join the effort. We strongly object to this language, Indias spokesperson said, pointing to texts on economic capacities and emission profiles in the draft. She said that there are some parts in the draft text that are outside the Paris Agreement. We are not here to renegotiate the Paris Agreement as it appears that paras in current draft, she said, adding that there should be no compromise on the essence that developed countries respond to developing country needs through the goal without restricting their sovereignty in policy making and CBDR-RC. She added that the preamble should cite all relevant articles of United Nations Convention on Climate Change and Paris Agreement, given divergence in views of parties. China, which spoke before India, made similar interventions and said NCQG is not a domestic finance goal or an investment goal, and the mention of mobilization of $100 billion in 2022 remains unsubstantiated. India is standing firm in reminding wealthy nations that climate finance is not a business venture it is a moral and legal obligation. For too long, developed countries have dodged their responsibilities, neglecting the financial support owed to those least responsible for the climate crisis. Now, they seek to water down their commitments with private sector investments. Wealthy nations must stop evading their duty and commit to the public finance needed, now running into trillions, due to decades of their inaction and failure, said Harjeet Singh, Climate Activist and Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. According to the draft document, the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group, which includes India, expects at least $1 trillion mobilised by developed countries yearly from 2025 to 2030, with updates until 2035 based on evolving needs. The COP29 Presidency, meanwhile, has said its top priority is ensuring a fair and ambitious NCQG. The Presidencys top negotiating priority is the agreement of a fair and ambitious NCQG that takes into account the needs and priorities of developing country Parties. These meetings are a critical opportunity to make substantive progress in realising this ambition, said COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev in a statement welcoming parties and observers to the meeting on Monday. The US Department of State has partnered with Indias Semiconductor Mission, under the ministry of electronics and IT, to explore opportunities for expanding and diversifying the global semiconductor ecosystem, ANI reported. US and India join forces to strengthen global semiconductor supply chain(HT_PRINT) 'This collaboration, supported by the CHIPS Act's International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, aims to build a more secure and resilient global semiconductor supply chain. ALSO READ- Proposal to set up unit in India: Centre seeks more details from Israeli firm Tower Semiconductor Kurt Campbell, US deputy secetary of state, said that both nations are more aligned than ever, working together in sectors such as semiconductors, space, and artificial intelligence. Campbell added that the INDUS-X initiative will be a cornerstone of the US-India Critical and Emerging Technology (ICET) partnership, which accelerates cooperation in cutting-edge technologies. "Expanding our partnership with India is one of the most strategically important efforts we have taken in the Biden-Harris administration... As we said during Prime Minister Modi's official state visit last year, from the stars to the sea, no corner of human enterprise is untouched by the cutting edge work we are doing together. Successive administrations in Washington and New Delhi have invested time and political capital to bring this partnership to greater and greater heights," he said. ALSO READ- India, Singapore announce agreements on semiconductors, healthcare How will India benefit from this partnership? The partnership aims to strengthen defence innovation and increase operational coordination, technology sharing, and industrial cooperation between the two nations. Both governments have committed USD 1.2 million in funding for US and Indian companies under the INDUS-X initiative. ALSO READ- Semiconductor is basis of Digital Age, says PM Modi The initial phase will include an assessment of Indias semiconductor ecosystem, identifying infrastructure and workforce needs, with potential future joint initiatives to enhance the sector. This collaboration between the US and India is crucial for maintaining a robust semiconductor supply chain, essential for industries such as automotive and medical devices. The CHIPS Act, signed by US president Joe Biden in August 2022, allocated funding to boost semiconductor manufacturing and research in the US while strengthening partnerships with allies like India. India on Monday condemned acts of terrorism and hostage-taking and expressed deep pain at the continuing death of civilians in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with external affairs minister S Jaishankar backing calls for an early ceasefire. External affairs minister S Jaishankar at the India-Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh on Monday. (PTI) The conflict in Gaza figured in the maiden India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers meeting in Riyadh, which adopted a joint action plan to bolster collaboration in areas such as trade, security, energy, and food security as part of New Delhis outreach to key West Asian powers. While discussing international and regional issues, Jaishankar described the situation in Gaza as understandably our foremost concern. He reiterated Indias principled and consistent position based on an immediate cessation of hostilities and efforts to find a two-state solution. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians, he said. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible. Noting that India has consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution, he said New Delhi has contributed to building Palestinian institutions and capacities, provided humanitarian relief and increased support to UNRWA. Jaishankar co-chaired the ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and foreign minister of Qatar, which currently holds the presidency of the GCC ministerial council. The meeting was attended by foreign ministers of the six GCC member states and the GCC secretary general, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. The joint action plan for 2024-2028 includes joint activities in trade, security, health, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy and culture, the external affairs ministry said in a statement. The meeting decided more areas of cooperation can be included later in the plan based on mutual consensus. The GCC, Jaishankar said, has vital significance for New Delhi as the region constitutes the extended neighbourhood of India. He thanked the GCC members for taking care of the large Indian diaspora living in their countries. Jaishankar and his counterparts emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation in a wide range of areas, the statement said. The Indian government has focused on improving ties with all members of the GCC, which collectively host nearly nine million Indian citizens and are key suppliers of crude oil and gas. The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Jaishankar pointed to the significance of the India-GCC strategic partnership and said collaborative initiatives in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and people-to-people ties bolster economic growth within West Asia and India and contribute to a more stable and prosperous global economy. He also pointed to the close link between security and progress. Progress and prosperity require its concomitant security to also be strongerIn a world polarised by conflict and tension, we share a commitment to global peace, security, and stability, he said. While the GCC is a cornerstone of global energy supply, India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets. Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilising markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security, Jaishankar said. Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with his GCC counterparts and other leaders visiting Riyadh for related meetings. He met Brazils foreign minister Mauro Vieira and discussed G20, Brics and the Ukraine conflict. At a meeting with Kuwaiti foreign minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Jaishankar discussed ways to take forward bilateral ties through an early meeting of the bilateral joint commission. During a meeting with Saudi Arabias foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan, Jaishankar took stock of progress in the bilateral relationship and shared perspectives on global and regional issues. Look forward to welcoming him in India, he said on X. Jaishankar also met Bahrains foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Omani foreign minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and Qatari foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Regional developments, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, figured in most of these meetings. ... New Delhi: After the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the Predator drone deal on July 30, the Defence Ministry is soon to approach the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the much awaited acquisition to be signed next month. The Defence Ministry will now be approaching the Finance Ministry for expenditure approval. While the Ministry is silent on the process, it is learnt that the Cost Negotiation Committee (CNC) has wrapped up the final price for acquisition worth around USD 3.1 billion from US based General Atomics. The Defence Ministry will now be approaching the Finance Ministry for expenditure approval before getting the final stamp from CCS. The acquisition must be signed before October 31 or else there will be price revision on part of the manufacturer. The Modi government is purchasing 31 MQ 9B drones with air to surface missiles and laser guided bombs from General Atomics on a government to government basis. Out of the 31 drones, 16 will help the Indian Navy to ensure maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, eight will be with the Indian Army and the remaining eight will be with the Indian Air Force for tailored strike missions across the land borders. It is understood that the manufacturer briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his delegation on the capability and capacity of the drone during his visit to the US in August. The Predator drone has a proven record in the Middle-East and Afghanistan when it comes to precision bombing and taking out high value targets. While India has been operating two units of Sea Guardian, unarmed version of Predator, from INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu for maritime domain awareness with the platforms on lease from General Atomics. Even though the lease of the two surveillance drones expired in January 2024, the Indian Navy has extended the lease for another four years. The Sea Guardian drone provides real time maritime domain awareness from Sunda Straits in Indonesia to Suez Canal in the west and South Indian Ocean. With use of stand-off weapons like armed drones increasing as seen in Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, India needs to acquire this capability as non-asymmetric groups like Houthis and Hezbollah have also started using them for target international shipping and Israel respectively. The acquisition of armed drones has become a priority for India as China and its supplicant state Pakistan are operating CH-4 weaponized unmanned aerial vehicles with Beijing selling these platforms to Rawalpindi. India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday concluded agreements for the long-term supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and civil nuclear cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan explored opportunities to broaden cooperation to new areas such as AI and critical minerals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his arrival at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Monday. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo) The two sides also concluded agreements for the UAE to enhance its participation in Indias strategic petroleum reserves, for an Indian state-run firm to bring crude oil from Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 to India, and for Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to develop a food park in Gujarat. The Indian side rolled out the red carpet for Sheikh Khaled, effectively next in line after UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Crown Prince was accorded the protocol usually associated with visits by heads of state or government. Sheikh Khaled, also chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, was accompanied by a delegation that includes ministers, senior officials and business leaders. Modi and Sheikh Khaled discussed the multifaceted relations and avenues to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership to new and emerging areas, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X. The two leaders emphasised the need to explore new areas of collaboration, especially nuclear energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen, AI and cutting-edge technologies. Modi posted on X that he had fruitful talks on a range of issues with Sheikh Khaled. His passion towards strong India-UAE friendship is clearly visible, he said. Sheikh Khaled conveyed the wishes of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed for Indias further progress and prosperity. The 15-year agreement for LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited envisages the supply of one million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) from ADNOCs lower-carbon Ruwais gas project. This is the third such contract signed by India in a little more than a year to strengthen energy security. IOCL and GAIL earlier signed long-term agreements for 1.2 MMTPA and 0.5 MMTPA respectively with ADNOC. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NNPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is to enhance cooperation in operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants, sourcing of nuclear goods and services from India, and exploring mutual investment opportunities. It will also create a framework to share knowledge and expertise in all areas of nuclear energy development. Last week, the UAE announced the completion of the Arab worlds first nuclear power plant. Abu Dhabis Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will produce 40 terawatt-hours of electricity a year once its fourth and final reactor begins commercial operations. The MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) allows the UAE to ramp up its participation in crude storage in India and the renewal of an existing storage and management agreement. This builds on ADNOCs involvement in crude storage at ISPRLs Mangaluru cavern since 2018. India decided in 2004 to construct strategic petroleum reserves to ensure energy security. ISPRL has completed the filling of crude oil in underground rock caverns with a total capacity of 5.33 MMT at three locations, including Mangaluru (1.5 MMT). ADNOC has stored 5.86 million barrels of crude in the Mangaluru cavern. These reserves can be used in emergencies, such as serious disruptions in the global crude supply chain. The production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between ADNOC and Urja Bharat, a joint venture of IOCL and Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, is the first pact of its kind for any Indian company operating in the UAE. The concession allows Urja Bharat to bring crude oil to India, contributing to the countrys energy security. The MoU between the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) envisages the development of a food and agriculture park at Gundanpara in Ahmedabad district by the second quarter of 2025. During Sheikh Khaleds visit to Mumbai on Tuesday, there will the soft launch of work on the India-UAE virtual trade corridor (VTC) and the MAITRI interface to facilitate the VTC. People familiar with the matter said this VTC will be part of the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). Sheikh Khaled will also participate in the India-UAE Business Forum in Mumbai, a platform for business leaders and officials from both sides to brainstorm future cooperation in various areas. Modi and Sheikh Khaled expressed satisfaction at progress under the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in recent years and discussed opportunities to widen and deepen the partnership in all areas, the external affairs ministry said in a statement. They also acknowledged that the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the recent entry into force of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will provide impetus to the economic and commercial partnership. Sheikh Khaled, who is on his first visit to India since becoming crown prince last year, also met President Droupadi Murmu and discussed the historic and comprehensive ties between the two sides. Murmu expressed her gratitude to the UAEs leadership for hosting more than 3.5 million Indian nationals. Murmu said during Sheikh Khaleds visit, India and the UAE have expanded their forward looking partnership through several agreements in new areas of cooperation. Rahul Gandhi's ongoing visit to the United States saw him make yet another statement that could lead to a controversy back home, as he once again called India a union of states. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.(File Photo/PTI) Gandhi made the remark at a programme in the Washington DC metro area on Monday (local time). There, he stated that the US-based Indian diaspora has two identities that of the US and India. They (diaspora) can transfer the ideas back and forth, he said, according to ANI. You are the bridge between these two great unions. And you make us very proud because we understand what it meant for you to come here. We understand the difficulties and struggles you faced. But you came here with humility, respect, and affectionyou did not say that the United States is inferior to us, or that you hate the United States. You are proud of both India and the United States, the Congress MP added. The ex-Congress chief is on an unofficial visit to America, his first as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Parliament in India. Also, the Rae Bareli MP, who has been repeatedly criticised by the BJP for his describing the nation as a union of states, again cited the Constitution to hit back at the ruling party and its ideological mentor, the RSS. In the Constitution, it is written clearly India that is Bharat, is a union of states. It means a union of language, traditions, histories, music, or dance, he remarked. Further, Gandhi accused the RSS of considering certain states and communities as inferior to others. "Are we going to have an India where people can believe what they want to believe? Or one where only a few can decide what is going to happen?" he asked. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said that the institutional integrity of Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a robust market regulator has been tarnished by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The allegations triggered a political row with the Congress demanding a parliamentary probe into them. (ANI file photo) The institutional integrity of SEBI as a robust Market Regulator has been tarnished by PM @narendramodi to save his crony friends!, he posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. The development comes at a time when SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch has remained at the centre of a controversy weeks after US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch of having a stake in obscure offshore entities used in the Adani money siphoning scandal. The allegations triggered a political row with the Congress demanding a parliamentary probe into them. The Mega Modi-Adani Scam is being investigated by SEBI. SEBI Chairperson has multiple issues of conflict of interest. Congress party has now revealed numerous such instances, he wrote on X. Specifically asking two questions, Kharge continued to question the government on the shady financial dealings. 1. Did they deliberately appoint her to benefit their crony friends? Or were they unaware of the shady financial dealings? 2. Are SEBI orders on regulated companies, now, contingent on the CONSULTANCY FEES its chairperson receives through a shady company? Is this Na Khaunga, Na Khane Doonga?, Kharge asked. Also Read: Dekhi jayegi: What Rahul Gandhi told Mallikarjun Kharge on Congress frozen bank accounts Continuing his criticism, Kharge said the hard-earned money of ten crore stock market investors has been jeopardised. The hard-earned money of 10 crore stock market investors has been jeopardised by this MEGA SCANDAL choreographed by Modi ji!, he added. In 2023, Hindenburg accused the Adani Group of stock price manipulation. The US-based short seller alleged that Madhabi Puri, who is in charge of probing the allegations, had a stake in obscure offshore entities used for the purpose. Hindenburg Research cited documents from a whistleblower and alleged the Buchs held stakes in offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds via complex structures. It alleged that Dhaval Buch wrote to a Mauritius fund administrator to make him the sole person authorised to operate the accounts weeks before Madhabi Puri Buchs appointment as a whole-time SEBI member in 2017. The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a person in custody for one offence can still apply for anticipatory bail in relation to a different offence, asserting that the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution must be preserved unless explicitly restricted by law. The Supreme Court of India. (File photoi) The decision by a three-judge bench came as a response to legal uncertainty over whether an individual already incarcerated for one crime could seek protection from arrest in another. The judgment sets a crucial precedent for cases where individuals, already entangled in legal troubles, seek to protect their liberty against further arrests, underscoring the judiciarys role in ensuring that procedural fairness is upheld in every instance of criminal prosecution. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, held that there is no express or implied restriction in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) or any other statute that prohibits courts from hearing anticipatory bail applications in such situations. In the detailed judgment, the court underscored that restricting an individuals ability to seek anticipatory bail while in custody for another offence would run counter to the purpose of Section 438 of the CrPC (now replaced by a similar provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita). No restriction can be read into Section 438 of the CrPC to preclude an accused from applying for anticipatory bail in relation to an offence while he is in custody in a different offence, stated the court, adding that doing so would be against the purport of the provision and the intent of the legislature. The judgment, authored by justice Pardiwala, further highlighted that procedural fairness is essential in safeguarding personal liberty. The right of an accused to protect his personal liberty within the contours of Article 21 of the Constitution of India with the aid of the provision of anticipatory bail... cannot be defeated or thwarted without a valid procedure established by law, it held. The bench emphasised that such a procedure must be reasonable, fair, and non-arbitrary, in line with Article 14 (equality and equal protection) of the Constitution. In separate recent judgments, the Supreme Court has reiterated that bail is the rule, and jail an exception, even in cases filed under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The apex court has also cautioned subordinate courts to be careful while staying bail orders. The court was hearing an appeal against a 2023 judgment of the Bombay high court that had held a pre-arrest bail plea of an accused to be maintainable in a cheating and forgery case even though he was already in custody in a money laundering case. The 74-page judgment of the Supreme Court also delivered a strong critique of the argument that once a person is in custody for one offence, they no longer suffer the humiliation of being arrested for another. Each arrest a person faces compounds their humiliation and ignominy...The initial arrest itself often brings a wave of social stigma and personal distress, as the individual struggles with the implications of their legal predicament. When a subsequent arrest occurs, it intensifies this emotional and social burden, amplifying the perception of their criminality and reinforcing negative judgments from society, it said. The court also ruled out reading any additional restrictions into Section 438, which provides for anticipatory bail. It noted that Parliament has clearly outlined when anticipatory bail can be restricted, such as under Section 438(4) of the CrPC, which applies to specific laws like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The court should not try to read any other restriction as regards the exercise of its power to consider the plea for grant of anticipatory bail, said the court, warning against judicial legislation that might attempt to impose such limitations without a legislative mandate. The ruling also provided clarity on procedural aspects related to custodial arrests. The court explained that a person can be arrested in connection with a new offence even while they are in custody for another offence, provided that the proper legal procedures, such as obtaining a Prisoner Transit Warrant (PT Warrant), are followed. However, if an order granting anticipatory bail for the subsequent offence is obtained, the investigating agency cannot seek the remand of the accused for that offence. If an order granting anticipatory bail in relation to the subsequent offence is obtained by the accused, it shall no longer be open to the investigating agency to seek remand of the accused in relation to the subsequent offence, the court held. Concluding its ruling, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that Section 438 of the CrPC was introduced to protect personal liberty in a democratic society. The purpose behind incorporating Section 438 in the CrPC was to recognise the importance of personal liberty and freedom in a free and democratic country, the bench said. It added that the provision aligns with the fundamental principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The doctors and staff of the Araluguppe Mallegowda District Hospital in Chikamagaluru staged a protest and shut down the out patient department after a woman assaulted a doctor by grabbing his collar and throwing a shoe at him while he was on duty. A woman assaulted a doctor by grabbing his collar and throwing a shoe at him (File) Physician Venkatesh B S was on duty in the emergency ward when a person named Irfan, injured in a scuffle, was brought in for treatment. However, a disagreement broke out between the government hospital staff and the patient's relatives. When the doctor was examining Irfan, a group of people, who were the patient's relatives, gathered there and were making noise. When the doctor asked everyone else other than the patient to go out, an argument broke out, sources told PTI. When Venkatesh tried to control the situation, one of the patient's relatives, a woman named Taslim, got enraged and grabbed him by the collar and pulled him. She also took off her shoe and threw it at the doctor, sources said. Other doctors and staff of the hospital staged a protest by shutting down the outpatient department. They gathered in front of the district surgeons office and demanded immediate arrest of those who assaulted the doctor. After protests by the government hospital staff, the district surgeon's office sent a letter to the local police alleging abuse, assault, and threat to the life of the doctor by persons involved in the incident. He also demanded registering a case against the accused and extra security for the doctors on duty. Sharing the video of the alleged incident on 'X', BJP MLC CT Ravi said: Hon'ble Home Minister G Parameshwara should immediately arrest those who have committed such a despicable act, and take action to protect the medical staff. Chikkamagaluru SP, Vikram Amathe, told PTI that an FIR has been registered and the woman arrested. "We have convinced the Doctors who were protesting about (demanding) registering a case and making the arrest, and they have subsequently withdrawn the protest," he said. This comes as doctors across the country are demanding a central law to protect doctors in the workplace amid the outrage against the Kolkata rape and murder case. (With inputs from PTI) The Kerala high court came down heavily on the state government on Tuesday for its inaction in registering cases based on the findings of a report by the Hema Committee, which exposed the sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry, reported India Today. Members of Malayalam film fraternity stage a protest march after the release of the Hema committee report (PTI Photo)(PTI) The special division bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice CS Sudha, directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state to submit a report detailing actions taken by the government and refused to gag the media in this case. The high court criticised the government for lapses in action even though the Hema Committee had been formed in 2017 with the purpose of investigating sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry and its findings had been available to the government since 2019. We are primarily concerned with inaction of the state, including not registering FIRs... You have done nothing in 4 years except sit on the report, said the court. Also Read: National Commission for Women seeks release of full Hema Committee report After the 235 page report was made available to the public on August 19, several allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against powerful players of the Malayalam film industry have emerged. The entire Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) along with its 17-member executive committee was dissolved following allegations of sexual abuse made by several female actors against prominent Malayalam cinema figures, including director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh. Other popular figures in Malayalam cinema Jayasurya, Edavela Babu and Maniyanpilla Raju were also booked in sexual assault cases. While the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has formed a seven member SIT, the state has faced flak for the lack of material action against the alleged perpetrators. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, V D Satheesan, also criticised the government for their anti-women stance, saying, Why hasn't the government investigated the crimes revealed in the Hema Committee report? Why hasn't action been taken against those who committed crimes against women and children, despite laws stating that covering up sexual offences is a crime?, reported news agency PTI. Union minister Kiren Rijiju attacked fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, accusing him of misleading Indian Muslims and spreading "false propaganda" about the government's Waqf amendment bill. Union minister Rijiju accuses Zakir Naik of spreading false propaganda on Waqf bill. Naik, who is wanted in India for alleged money laundering and hate speech, has spoken out against the bill. In a post on X, he warned of its "evil repercussions" and urged his followers to submit objections to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives, replied the Union minority affairs minister. ALSO READ- Explained: What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024? The Waqf amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after a heated debate. While the government stated that the bill does not intend to interfere with mosques, the opposition has criticised it as targeting Muslims and attacking the Constitution. ALSO READ: Zakir Naik case shouldnt deter enhancing India-Malaysia relations: Malaysian PM The JPC has invited views and suggestions from the public, NGOs, experts, stakeholders, and institutions. Naik urged at least 50 lakh Indian Muslims to send their objections, warning that the bill would harm Islamic institutions and that allowing it to pass would bring "Allahs wrath" and the curse of future generations. This is an urgent call to the Muslims in India to stop this evil which breaches the sacred status of waqf, and has evil repercussions on the future of Islamic institutions. We will bear Allahs wrath and the curse of subsequent generations, if we allow this bill to pass, the religious preacher said in the social media post. ALSO READ- Waqf Amendment Bill: After Friday prayers, people scan QR codes, record their opinions ASI lends support to Waqf bill at JPC meet On Friday, the Joint parliamentary committee held meeting to examine the Waqf bill. During the meeting, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) gave a presentation, and stakeholders like the Zakat Foundation of India and the Telangana Waqf Board shared their views and suggestions. ASI asserted that over 120 of its protected monuments are claimed by different Waqf boards. The ASI also accused them of unauthorised constructions. Kolkata rape-murder case live updates: Hundreds of junior doctors under West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF) banner marched towards Swasthya Bhavan demanding justice for the alleged rape-murder victim at RG Kar Hospital and resignation of Kolkata CP and several health officials in Salt Lake, Sector V, India, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal defied the Supreme Court's orders to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday, September 10. Claiming that their demands were still unfulfilled, the doctors said that they would continue their cease-work protests until their demands are implemented. The doctors have called for the resignation of the states health secretary and director of health education....Read More The Supreme Court on Monday directed doctors on strike to resume work today at 5 pm, assuring them that they would not face any adverse actions, including punitive transfers. However, they also warned that if doctors did not return to work, they could not be held responsible for any actions taken against them. The Trinamool Congress also hailed the court's judgement. Latest Developments -After expressing disappointment over the top court's remarks, the junior doctors are marched to the health ministry's building in Kolkata to press ahead their demands. Objecting to the tenor of state government's invite for talks, the junior doctors refused to talk with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and vowed to continue their cease-work protest. -A CBI court extended the judicial custody of former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Dr. Sandip Ghosh till September 23 over financial irregularities case being probed by agency. -Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an official statement, shared details of the raids conducted by its Kolkata unit on September 6 at seven premises including the residence of Ghosh and his close relatives and associates in connection with the financial irregularities case. Jawhar Sircar on Monday alleged that the crisis in West Bengal following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was one of the reasons for his decision to resign from the Trinamool Congress and and Rajya Sabha. Jawhar Sircar (L) and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee (R). He said transferring the former principal of RG Kar Hospital, Sandip Ghosh was a reward that sparked the people's movement". He shared his disappointment over Bengal's ongoing issues, which pushed him to resign in hopes of getting noticed as he felt that concerns within a political party are often ignored. On August 9, a trainee doctor was found raped and murdered inside Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The police have arrested a man named Sanjay Roy for the crime. However, the hospital administration and the Kolkata police's role after the murder came under the scanner due to questionable decisions. I had already said in the statement. There are so many reasons, one of them is the crisis that Bengal is dealing with. The crisis has to be dealt properly, which is not happening. One of the reasons for my resignation is that I'm a misfit in politics. The best way of calling attention was the way I did it. If I did not take a step like this and make a request, no one listens in the political party, news agency ANI quoted Jawhar Sircar as saying. The 72-year-old bureaucrat-turned-politician, in his letter to Mamata Banerjee, announced that he would resign from the Rajya Sabha. Jawhar Sircar also criticised the state government over the handling of complaints against Sandip Ghosh, who allegedly tried to pass off the murder as a suicide. If action could have been taken on the complaints against the principal from the first day itself and suspended the principal, they would have lost half their strength...It was a reward by sending him to one place, and that started the movement. The situation was badly handled, Sircar said in the interview. Sircar added that the party continues to frame the situation as a political battle, which he acknowledged is not entirely wrong. However, he expressed that his concern isn't about the party's fight with the CPI(M) or BJP. His worry is about addressing the people's movement, which he believes is genuine. He added that treating people's movement as a conspiracy against the party is not the right attitude. Sircar's decision comes in the wake of the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, which has sparked nationwide outrage. WITH ANI inputs The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's administration has sent a notice to 51 doctors for promoting a culture of intimidation and endangering the democratic atmosphere of the institution. The state-run hospital, where a doctor was raped and murdered on August 9, has asked the doctors to appear before an internal probe panel on September 11. Research students and teachers stage a protest against the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital.(ANI) The notice said they would have to prove their innocence before the committee. The Special Council Committee of the RG Kar Hospital has banned them from the campus unless summoned by the panel. It has also prohibited their participation in college activities, reported PTI. The list includes senior residents, house staff, interns and professors. The state-run hospital made headlines after the woman was found in a semi-nude condition inside the seminar hall. The ex-principal of the hospital, Sandip Ghosh, is under judicial custody over financial irregularities. He has been under the scanner for allegedly trying to pass off the murder as a suicide. He also allegedly ordered renovation works near the crime scene. Thousands of junior doctors have been protesting in Kolkata since the rape and murder came to light. On Monday, the Supreme Court asked the doctors to return to work by 5 pm, on Tuesday. "If the doctors report for duty on or before 5 pm tomorrow then no adverse disciplinary action shall be taken against them. All complaints on safety and security shall be promptly attended to. However, if there is continuous abstaining from work then disciplinary action can be taken against them and they cannot be oblivious to the general concerns of the community whom they are intended to serve," said Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. With inputs from PTI Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday that the state government has formed a new delimitation commission to re-examine the number of districts and divisions, and also their boundaries, news agency PTI reported. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav (Twitter/@DrMohanYadav51) Yadav in a statement said the government has decided to undertake the exercise to improve people's access to public services. The districts have increased but there are many anomalies and discrepancies. Some people have to cover long distances to reach the district or divisional headquarters, the CM said in a statement. The chief minister said rationalising district and divisional boundaries would lead to "betterment of people". He added that districts like Sagar, Ujjain, Indore and Dhar face several difficulties due to their large size. Urging people to submit their suggestions to the commission, Yadav said the state government has already redefined the police station limits from the administrative point of view. A retired officer of the additional chief secretary-level, Manoj Shrivastava, has been given responsibility of the commission, the CM said. What is Delimitation? The process involves fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies, including the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), based on data after every decennial census. The Constitution of India mandates delimitation after each census. Article 82 mandates the readjustment of seats for the Lok Sabha, while Article 170 provides for the same exercise at the state level. The process is performed by a powerful body called the Delimitation Commission, appointed by the President of India at the central level. State governments also appoint a Delimitation Commission to adjust the boundaries of districts and divisions to improve administrative efficiency. The high-powered commission is headed by an officer appointed by the state government. Its orders have a force of law and cannot be called into question before any court in India. (With PTI inputs) Sanket Bawankule, son of the Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reportedly fled the spot after an Audi owned by him hit several vehicles in Nagpur on Monday, reported PTI. Maharashtra BJP president's son Sanket Bawankule fled the scene of a car crash after his Audi hit several vehicles in Nagpur.(@anjaya1905/X) The incident took place around 1am on Monday in the Ramdaspeth area of Nagpur, when five people including Sanket Bawankule, were returning from a beer bar in Dharampeth, news agency PTI reported. Two occupants of the car, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were detained, while Sanket and two others fled the scene. Also Read: 7 arrested in Maharashtra in Ferozepur triple murder case Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar were first taken to a tehsil police station and then transferred to the Sitabuldi police station for further investigation. Their medical examinations were still underway. An official from the Sitabuldi police station, told PTI, A case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. No action has been taken so far against Sanket Bawankule and the other two occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge. The medical examination of the driver and the other occupant includes blood tests for alcohol detection. Preliminary reports say that both Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar were intoxicated at the time of the crash, reported India Today. At 1am on Monday, the Audi first collided with the car of Jitendra Sonkamble, the complainant in the case. It also struck a moped, injuring the two people riding it. It hit several more vehicles near Mankapur area, including a Polo car at a T-point. The driver of the Polo chased the car down and stopped it near Mankapur bridge. The occupants of the Polo car also stopped Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar from fleeing. Arjun Hawre could be arrested at any moment, an official told PTI. We are checking the CCTV camera footage to ascertain the chain of events, after which further action on all aspects, including other occupants, will follow, he said. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule admitted the Audi was registered under his son Sanket's name. Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all, he said. Maharashtra assembly election: The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and NCP (led by Ajit Pawar), is currently negotiating seat-sharing for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly election. A report by NDTV, citing unnamed sources, claimed that the BJP might contest around 140 to 150 seats, while the Shiv Sena could contest 80 seats, and the NCP may vie for 55 seats. Three seats have been reserved for smaller allies. Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar in Nagpur. (PTI file) The developments comes even as Union home minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the top leaders of all three parties and promised each one a respectable number of seats in the coming assembly election. Amit Shah also told them to avoid public confrontation and put up a united show. HT has earlier reported that the BJP was insistence on contesting between 150 and 160 seats. In the event of this happening, only 128 to 138 seats will be left for the other two parties, a scenario which is unacceptable to the Shiv Sena and NCP. This alliance will face the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an Opposition coalition made up of the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and Sharad Pawar's NCP faction. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi won 30 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra, outperforming the Mahayuti, which secured 17 seats. 2019 Maharashtra election In the 2019 Maharashtra elections, the BJP and undivided Shiv Sena achieved a decisive victory, but later split over a leadership dispute, with Uddhav Thackeray forming a government with Congress and NCP. In 2022, a rebellion by Eknath Shinde resulted in the fall of Thackeray's government, leading Shinde to form an alliance with the BJP. BJP insiders told HT that the party was planning to contest around 160 seats, and give approximately 60 seats to Ajit Pawar and 70 seats to the Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP fought approximately 160 seats and won 105, said a senior BJP leader. So we will have to fight around 160 seats in the upcoming elections to win more than 100. While discussing the seat-sharing issue, it was made clear that the distribution would be respectful. Amit Shah assured everyone of personal intervention whenever required, confirmed Sunil Tatkare, state NCP president. Meetings with Amit Shah The NCP had two meetings with Amit Shah on Monday. The first meeting was held between Amit Shah, Eknath Shinde, and deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar at Mumbai Airport. The subject of discussion was schemes and their allocation of funds to the parties, files and proposals that were not getting approvals and pending funds from the Centre. In another meeting, the top leaders from the ruling parties discussed issues such as seat-sharing and internal conflicts. In this meeting, Shah expressed his displeasure at the attack by Shiv Sena ministers on the NCP. (With inputs from Faisal Malik and Saurabha Kulshreshtha) See more Get Current Updates on... Get Current Updates on India News Weather Today along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India. Get real-time updates on the Assembly Election 2024 Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a vitriolic attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States, saying the latter has been "psychologically trapped" since the general elections brought unexpected results for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Rahul Gandhi is currently on a tour to the United States. LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students at Georgetown University, Washington DC,(PTI) In an interaction, Rahul Gandhi said Congress fought the general elections with its accounts frozen. He said the party still managed to destroy what he called Narendra Modi's idea of India. "I was watching the (Lok Sabha) elections...At a point in the elections, we sat down with our treasurer, and he said, Look, the bank accounts are frozen. The Congress party fought the elections with their bank accounts frozen and destroyed the idea of Modi," he said. He claimed PM Modi has not been able to come to terms with the election results. "You can see it because when you see the prime minister now in Parliament... he is psychologically trapped, and he basically cannot come to terms, he cannot understand how this has happened," he added. In another jibe at PM Modi, Gandhi said he knew the former was blown apart when he claimed he can directly speak to God. "Halfway through the campaign, Modi didn't think that he was near 300-400 seats...We were getting information from regular sources, some of the intelligence agencies...it was very clear. There was this internal thing going on in the Prime Minister that I could see...he (PM Modi) was in Gujarat for many years, never faced adversity, and became Prime Minister of India. And suddenly, this idea started to crack," Rahul Gandhi said. "We knew when he said that I speak directly to God. We knew that there we had blown him apart...We saw it as a psychological collapse," he added. He said the opposition's INDIA bloc ensured that Modi's power collapsed. With 240 Lok Sabha seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single-largest party. However, they fell short of a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. With inputs from PTI, ANI Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said no state government in the country has ever made intervention in the film industry like that of Justice Hema Committee and it was possible in Kerala as the Left government is in power. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan addresses a press conference. (File image)(ANI) Those who had already given statements before the Hema Committee or those who had not, can lodge a complaint with the police and all such plaints would be examined thoroughly, he said. Referring to the recent brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor in West Bengal, he said the country is witnessing a raging debate on women security now. Women were being attacked in many states in the country, Vijayan said while speaking at a programme here. The Left veteran said the release of the accused in the Bilkis Bano case and the reception given to them by a right-wing outfit sent a wrong message to society. "At a time when such circumstances prevail at the national level, Kerala is going ahead with precise policies to ensure the safety and security of women," the Chief Minister said. As soon as some issues prevailing in the film industry were brought to the notice of the government, a decision had been taken to set up a committee led by Justice Hema, he said. Vijayan further said it should be noted that no other state in the country had ever made such an intervention in the film industry. "Only Kerala has made such an intervention. It is because the Left government is in power in the state," he said. The states, having similar facilities for the film industry or better than that of Kerala, are yet to make any such intervention like the Hema panel. Now, demands have cropped up in many states to set up panels on the model of Justice Hema Committee, the CM noted. Stating that other legal examinations are also now progressing in connection with the Hema panel report, he further said that an investigation system which assures to intervene in any such complaint is ready in the state. Kerala is different in that aspect, the CM added. Vijayan's statement came weeks after the publication of the Justice K Hema Committee report which shed light into the alleged exploitation and ill-treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case and its report revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry. Following the allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation cropping up against several actors and directors, the state government on August 25 announced the establishment of a seven-member special investigation team to probe them. Healthy competition among states is always welcome in a democracy, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday, accusing Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin of trying to pit states against each other to make a point about non-implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Pradhan, Stalin lock horns over central funds, NEP Pradhans comments came in response to the Tamil Nadu chief ministers allegations that the best performing states were being denied funds by the Union government under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for refusing to implement NEP. Stalin also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre of rewarding states that failed to meet educational objectives. Denying funds to the best-performing states for refusing to bow to the #NEP, while generously rewarding those who are not delivering on the objectives Is this how the Union BJP Government plans to promote quality education and equity? I leave it to the wisdom of our nation and our people to decide! Stalin said in a post on X. The DMK chief also shared a newspaper report that pointed out that the Centre has withheld SSA funds to at least five Opposition-ruled states, including Tamil Nadu, over the past year. The news report cited unwillingness of some states to accept NEP 2020 in its entirety as a possible reason for the withholding funds under the SSA a central scheme aimed at universalising access to school education, and improving the quality of school education from pre-primary to class XII. The report, in The Hindu, also referred to the better performance of these states on parameters such as bridging social and gender gaps, ensuring equity and inclusion in school education, promoting vocational education, ensuring school provisions, and training teachers. Responding to Stalins post, Pradhan wrote on X: Healthy competition amongst the states is always welcome in a democracy. However, pitting states against each other to make a point, goes against the spirit of the Constitution and the value of a unified India. He defended NEP 2020, saying the policy was formulated through wide range of consultations and has the collective wisdom of the people of India. The Union minister also posed a few questions to the Tamil Nadu chief minister over the latters opposition to NEP, pointing to various aspects of the model law that factor in regional considerations. Are you opposing education in mother tongue including Tamil? Are you opposing the conduct of exams in Indian languages including Tamil? Are you opposing the creation of textbooks and content in Indian languages including Tamil? Are you opposed to the holistic, multi-disciplinary, equitable, futuristic and inclusive framework of NEP? he questioned. Pradhan urged Stalin to prioritise the interests of Tamil Nadus students over political considerations and to implement NEP. Since education is a state subject under the constitution, states will have to adopt NEP for it to be implemented. The Union government has sought more details regarding a proposal from an Israeli firm, Tower Semiconductor, to set up a semiconductor unit in India, a senior IT ministry official said on Monday, adding the proposal is currently being appraised. The statement comes days after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 5 announced that the state cabinet has already approved a 83,947 crore (US$10 billion) semiconductor unit by Tower Semiconductor and Adani Group in Panvel. (HT Photo) Tower has submitted a proposal but they have to provide a detailed proposal. As they provide details, we will examine those things. That is under appraisal. We have sought information from them, Akash Tripathi, CEO of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), said at a press conference. The statement comes days after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 5 announced that the state cabinet has already approved a 83,947 crore (US$10 billion) semiconductor unit by Tower Semiconductor and Adani Group in Panvel. In his post on X, the senior BJP leader had claimed that the proposed project would create 5,000 new jobs. On Monday, Tripathi did not confirm whether Adani had also submitted a proposal or that Tower had partnered with Adani. A senior government official, however, told HT that Towers proposal was yet to be approved by the Centre. Neither of the two companies or the Centre has thus far acknowledged the statement from Fadnavis. The arguably presumptive announcement by the Maharashtra government has been seen as a tactic geared towards the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Meanwhile, the Cabinet nod for the Kaynes Semiconductor unit in Gujarat, which came through only on September 2, was delayed significantly because of the Lok Sabha polls that concluded in June, the senior official cited above said, declining to be named. Tripathi said 20 more proposals are in the pipeline in the India Semiconductor Mission. they are proposals for display fabs, for compound semiconductors, OSATs and other things. We hope that in future also we will get more investment in this sector. We need to look at developing the whole ecosystem for semiconductors. Only fabs will not suffice. Only OSATs will not suffice. We have this inkling that we need to support all the ecosystem components, he said. Tripathi explained that each proposal undergoes a thorough appraisal process at multiple levels. Each proposal is judged on basis of the probability of its success, the technology partners it has, the technology it uses, financial model, its financial viability to invest in the project, as well as its probable and potential customers, he added. Thus far, the Centre has approved five semiconductor unit proposals with a combined investment of 1,52,307 crore or US$18.15 billion. One of the projects approved in February 2024 CG Powers ATMP unit in Sanand, Gujarat, in partnership with Japans Renesas Electronics Corporation and Thailands Stars Microelectronics with an investment of 7,600 crore will start producing chips by the second quarter of 2026, Tripathi said. The CEO further said that since the inception of the semiconductor policy, the government has planned on supporting the industry for at least 10 years to help it mature. Out of the funds we had allocated, a lot of it has been committed [to the five projects] so we need to expand and we are working on it. We have this vision of supporting this industry for at least 10 more years, he said. Even after the industry matures, the government will continue to engage with the industry but the nature of engagement may differ. The Centre is also planning to bring incentives for manufacturing of semiconductor ecosystem components under one umbrella in the Semicon India scheme, he said. Thus far, the components of semiconductor manufacturing were supported through the Scheme for the Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS), which ended on March 31, 2024. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks on Durga Puja festivities were met with sharp criticism from the family of Kolkata rape and murder victim. The mother of the trainee doctor who was brutally raped inside the RG Kar Medical College, slammed Banerjee for asking the public to shift their focus from the protests to Durga Puja. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.(PTI) Dubbing the chief minister's remarks as insensitive, the doctor's mother said, Durga Puja is celebrated in my house too; my daughter used to handle it herself. But Durga Puja will never be celebrated in my house again. The light in my home is out. How can I ask people to return to the festival? Let her return our daughter first. If such an incident had happened in the Chief Minister's family, would she have said this?, the victim's mother told ANI. This comes after CM Mamata Banerjee encouraged people to "return to festivities" as Durga Puja nears and urged junior doctors to resume their duties as soon as possible. The victim's mother also refuted Mamata Banerjee's claim of not offering any money to the family of the doctor after her death. "The chief minister is lying. My daughter will not return. Would I lie in her name? The CM told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in our daughter's memory. I responded that I would come to her office to collect the money once my daughter gets justice," the victim's mother told ANI. She further asserted that her family will continue their movement until justice is served. The victim's cousin also said that Mamata Banerjee personally offered financial compensation to the family. "The chief minister herself offered financial compensation. She denied that money was offered by the police. I'm still saying with responsibility that the chief minister offered money," the cousin said. On August 9, the body of a postgraduate doctor was found inside the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College. The autopsy reports showed that she had been raped and murdered. The family of the doctor claimed that the Kolkata Police and the chief minister tried to offer them money after the victim's body was handed over to them, an allegation that the state government has denied. (With inputs from ANI) Ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh, who is currently in judicial custody for alleged financial irregularities, was accused of molesting a male nursing student in Hong Kong in 2017, according to a local news report now going viral. Former principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh escorted by security officials being taken to Alipur CBI Court in Kolkata (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) According to a report in Hong Kong's daily news media South China Morning Post, a male nursing student accused Sandip Ghosh of patting his left buttock and trying to touch his private parts. This incident occurred when the student was changing his clothes in the public hospital. HT cannot independently verify this information. At the time, Sandip Ghosh was taking part in a clinical attachment programme in Hong Kong, the report said. The nurse had told the court that Sandip Ghosh indecently touched him and asked, Do you like this? However, Ghosh argued that he had accidentally touched the male student's hip and said that the incident was a misunderstanding. The alleged assault took place on April 8 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei. As per an India Today report, citing sources in Kolkata, Sandip Ghosh mentioned in the Hong Kong news report is the same person who is now in CBI custody in connection with financial irregularities in the RG Kar College and Hospital, where a postgraduate doctor was brutally raped and killed last month. Sandip Ghosh has been at the centre of backlash over the Kolkata rape and murder case, as he was the principal of the college when the postgraduate doctor was killed. Ghosh also allegedly ordered a renovation of the area near the crime scene a day after the victim's body was found, leading to likely destruction of evidence. In a simultaneous probe being conducted by the Enforcement Directorate, Ghosh has been accused of financial irregularities in the college during his tenure as the principal, when he allegedly siphoned off funds. The body of a 31-year-old junior doctor was found in the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College on August 9, with the autopsy report showing signs of rape and murder. The victim's family accused the hospital authorities of trying to cover up the crime, initially telling the parents that their daughter died by suicide. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has sent Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, to judicial custody until September 23. Ghosh is facing charges related to alleged financial irregularities during his tenure. Former principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh escorted by security officials being taken to Alipur CBI Court in Kolkata, India, on September 3. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) The court also sent three othersGhosh's security personnel Afsar Ali and contractors Biplab Sinha and Suman Hazrato judicial custody until September 23. The CBI has stated that it may seek further custody if necessary. Follow- Kolkata rape-murder case updates Amid protests over the doctors rape and murder, the CBI continues to investigate both the financial irregularities and possible connections to the victims death. Kolkata rape-murder: Ex-principal Sandip Ghosh under scanner A month ago, the body of a woman medic, who was raped and murdered, was found at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Investigators are still struggling to uncover the events that led to the crime, which has revealed deeper issues within the hospital. ALSO READ- Kolkata rape-murder: RG Kar hospital issues notice to 51 doctors for 'endangering democratic atmosphere' The CBI took over the investigation from Kolkata Police on August 13, as ordered by the Calcutta high court. During the investigation, it was found that former principal Dr Sandip Ghosh had ordered the demolition of a restroom and toilet near the crime scene on August 10. The partial demolition by the PWD is suspected to have destroyed key evidence. ALSO READ- Kolkata rape-murder: Supreme Court gives 5pm deadline, disheartened doctors react | 10 updates As the investigation continued, more issues surfaced, including allegations of financial misconduct during Ghosh's tenure. A petition by Dr. Akhtar Ali, the former deputy superintendent, urged an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into Ghosh's alleged financial mismanagement. Dr. Ali suggested that the corruption might be connected to the doctors death, as the victim could have known about the misconduct and possibly threatened to expose it. On August 23, the Calcutta HC transferred the financial irregularities investigation from the states Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI. After several days of questioning, the CBI arrested Ghosh on September 2 for his involvement in financial irregularities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired the Semiconductor Executives Roundtable at his residence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs the Semiconductor Executives' roundtable ahead of Wednesday's Semicon India, in New Delhi, Tuesday.(PTI) During the huddle, the prime minister said that the coming time will be technology-driven, noting that semiconductor is the basis of the Digital Age, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. While stating that semiconductor industry will soon be the bedrock of everyone's basic necessities, Modi said that democracy and technology together can ensure the welfare of humanity." India is moving ahead on this path recognising its global responsibility in the semiconductor sector, the prime minister said. ALSO READ: Research should find localised solutions as per Indian needs: PM Modi During the roundtable, PM Modi spoke on pillars of development including development of social, digital and physical infrastructure, giving a boost to inclusive development, reducing compliance burden and attracting investment in manufacturing and innovations. The prime minister underscored that India has the capability to become a trusted partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain. ALSO READ: India, Singapore sign MoUs in semiconductors, digital tech as PM Modi meets his counterpart | Details Indias focus on developing globally competitive products': PM Modi While speaking on India's talent pool and the immense focus of the government on skilling, the prime minister said that Indias focus is to develop products which are globally competitive. India is a great market for investing in hi-tech infrastructure and said the excitement shared by the leaders of the semiconductor sector today will motivate the government to work harder for this sector, he added. PM Modi assured the leaders that the Indian government will follow a predictable and stable policy regime. With the focus of Make In India and Make for the World, Modi said that the government will continue to support the industry at every step. According to the PMO statement, the CEOs appreciated Indias commitment to the growth of the semiconductor sector and said that what has transpired today is unprecedented wherein leaders of the entire semiconductor sector have been brought under one roof. They talked about the immense growth and future scope of the semiconductor industry. They said the centre of gravity of the semiconductor industry is starting to shift towards India, adding that the country now has a suitable environment for the industry which has put India on the global map in the semiconductor sector, the statement added.ting were Professors from Stanford University, University of California San Diego and IIT Bhubaneswar. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury is in critical condition and currently on respiratory support at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, the party said on Tuesday. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury is in critical condition and currently on respiratory support at AIIMS New Delhi. (PTI) The 72-year-old politician is in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection, the party said in a statement. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition, which is critical at this time, the party added. Sitaram Yechury had been admitted to the hospital on August 19 for the treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. However, in an update on August 31, the CPI(M) released a statement saying that Sitaram Yechury was being treated for a respiratory issue by a team of specialist doctors. Yechury had also released a 6-minute video on August 22 on X (formerly Twitter), leaving a message after the passing of Buddhadev Bhattacharya, former chief minister of West Bengal. On August 23, he posted a message of solidarity between the CPI(M), Congress and NC in Jammu and Kashmir for it's upcoming assembly election. He had also been active on August 29 posting his condolences for the death of Abdul Ghafoor Noorani, who was his close friend. Yechury, who is also a member of the politburo of the CPI(M) had recently undergone cataract surgery. He is known for continuing the coalition-building legacy of former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet. He collaborated with P Chidambaram to draft the common minimum programme for the United Front government in 1996 and played a key role in the coalition-building efforts during the formation of the United Progressive Alliance government in 2004. In 1975, while still a student at JNU, he was arrested during the Emergency. He was also elected president of the JNU Students' Union three times in the span of a year 197778. With PTI inputs Tamil Nadu and the Union government on Monday sparred over the central funds being given to opposition ruled states with Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan rejecting chief minister MK Stalins accusation that the best performing states were denied funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme as they did not accept the National Education Policy (NEP). Dharmendra Pradhan rejected chief minister MK Stalins accusation that the best performing states were denied funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme as they did not accept the NEP (PTI) The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has opposed several facets of the NEP, especially its language policy, as it wanted to continue the two language policy of English and Tamil that has been followed in the state since the 1960s. Healthy competition among the states is always welcome in a democracy, Pradhan posted on X (formerly Twitter). However, pitting states against each other to make a point, goes against the spirit of the Constitution and the value of a unified India. NEP 2020 was formulated through (a) wide range of consultations and has the collective wisdom of the people of India. Pradhan was responding to a post from Stalin on X. Denying funds to the best-performing states for refusing to bow to the #NEP, while generously rewarding those who are not delivering on the objectives Is this how the Union BJP Government plans to promote quality education and equity? Stalin had questioned X on Monday. I leave it to the wisdom of our nation and our people to decide! In response to the post, Pradhan also raised a few questions on Stalins principled opposition to NEP. He asked if Stalin was opposing education, conducting exams, textbooks in mother tongue including Tamil. Are you opposed to the holistic, multi-disciplinary, equitable, futuristic and inclusive framework of NEP? Pradhan asked. If not, I urge you to prioritise the interests of the students of Tamil Nadu over your political gains and implement NEP. In response to Pradhans remarks, DMK spokesperson A Saravanan said: What the BJP has done is unpardonable. Education is a subject which is in the concurrent list. States have the right to accept or reject a proposal of the Union government in their best interest. Withholding funds meant for the state government just because TN does not want the harebrained schemes of the Centre is deplorable...DMK is against Hindi imposition. If the Centre has spent money equal amount for all the languages, then your questions may resonate. But not now. And your advice on regional languages are duplicitous. It is to wipe out English and bring in Hindi, he said. Stalin had previously on August 27 written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the release of pending funds for Tamil Nadu. Stalin said that the Centre appears to be linking the full implementation of the NEP in PM SHRI Schools as a prerequisite for releasing funds under the SS Scheme. He noted that while funds have been released to states that have signed MoUs, The states request to make minor modifications to MoU has not yet been accepted. Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, the state is yet to receive the first instalment of 573 crore allocated for this year and 249 crore from the previous year. Under the scheme, 3,586 crore was allocated for Tamil Nadu, with Centres share amounting to 60% which is 2,152 crore, for 2024-25. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday reiterated that the state government will implement the Uniform Civil Code before November 9. Apart from the anti-copying law, the state government has implemented laws like anti-conversion law, anti-riot, etc. With their implementation, today Uttarakhand has been identified across the country as a disciplined state with zero tolerance towards crime. The Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the state before November 9, 2024, ANI quoted Dhami as saying. ALSO READ: What is Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code Bill? Explained Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Uttarakhand's UCC bill The Dhami government introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill during a special session of the state assembly on February 6. The legislation was passed with a comfortable majority a day later. "The passage of the UCC Bill marked a "historic day" in the history of Uttarakhand," the chief minister was quoted by ANI as saying. The bill would cover aspects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. It is not the first time that Dhami has promised the UCC implementation by November 9. Last month, the CM had said,"We have taken many such decisions which were not implemented by the previous governments till date due to vote bank politics. The UCC (Uniform Civil Code) bill will be implemented soon. We have resolved to implement it before the 9th of November, in the state." PM Modi's secular civil code pitch During his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a secular civil code. "Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society. Therefore, I assert that it is time for the country to demand a secular civil code, the prime minister said. After 75 years of a communal civil code, it is crucial to move towards a secular civil code. Once this shift takes place, it will eliminate religious discrimination and will bridge the gap felt by ordinary citizens, Modi said. (With ANI inputs) The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife considered two controversial projects at its meeting on July 31, although the decisions, which will have a bearing on Goas Mollem wildlife sanctuary and the so-called Flamingo City in Kutch, Gujarat, have not yet been made public. Flamingo-City is a traditional breeding site for Flamingo in India. (Representational image) The two projects are the Goa Tamnar Transmission Project Limited for wildlife clearance and the proposal for use of 12.5907 ha from Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary for laying of 765 kV D/C transmission line from Khavda II-A (GIS) to Lakadia . The proposed transmission line passes through Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and its ecologically sensitive area and Banni Forest land which is identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. The area hosts a range of important flora and fauna particularly the higher diversity and densities of bird species and provides breeding sites for two species of Flamingos (Lesser Flamingo and Greater Flamingos). Flamingo-City a raised mud bed located in the north-central part of the sanctuary is a traditional breeding site for Flamingo in India. The Goa Tamnar project involves proposal for use of 27.092 ha of forest land from Bhagwan Mahaveer Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary according to the proposal. The sanctuary has tigers, gaurs, sambar deer, sloth bears and wild pigs according to the application. The decision of the standing committees on granting clearance to the project or minutes of meeting have not yet been made public. Union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav presided over the meeting. Around 7881 trees are likely to be cleared for the Mollem project. Of these 627 trees are 91-120 cm girth class; 189 trees are in 121- 150 cm girth class; and 79 trees are above 151 cm girth class. The state wildlife board has recommended the project for clearance as per agenda. The Goa wildlife board has observed: The proposal is recommended for wildlife clearance in larger public interest subject to compliance of mitigationmeasures and all suggestions included in this Inspection Report. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), as per the agenda, raised several red flags: The project involves felling of 7881 trees. Given the ecological importance of the fragile Western Ghats landscape and terrain complexities, this may have irrefutable negative ecological impact on landscape dynamics and micro-fauna assemblages. Ascertaining these impacts is beyond the scope of this assessment, it said while adding: Considering the ecological concerns associated with the project, SC-NBWL may constitute an expert committee comprising of the representatives from MoEFCC, NTCA, Wildlife Institute of India, Goa Forest Department.. causing a site appraisal before recommending the proposal for approval. Goa Tamnar Transmission Project Limited (GTTPL) project was envisaged by the ministry of power in 2015, at which time it was smaller (11.54 ha). NBWl approved the project subject to the developer meeting conditions imposed by the state wildlife department. But in 2021, a Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended that instead of clearing canopy of virgin forest cover along 10.5km corridor with 46m ROW in Goa, the proposed 400 Kv line should be drawn along the existing 220 Kv corridor line in Goa State after establishing 400 Kv corridor connectivity between Mapusa and Sangod and 220 Kv line between Sangod and Xeldem. This activity in fact is also part of the present project approved by CEA. This recommendation was accepted by the apex court in April 2022, effectively setting aside NBWLs 2020 clearance. The re-emergence of the project has worried environmentalists in Goa who successfully fought against the previous project. Clearance for the project, which stretches from Chhattisgarh to Goa crossing multiple states and environmentally protected areas, cannot be seen in isolation. Whether inside or outside protected areas, or inside or outside Goa, but needs to be seen together as a whole. The project will result in large scale cutting of protected forest in the Western Ghats as well as cut through the ecologically sensitive and protected areas. It is important to also note that Goas protected areas are being proposed as Tiger Reserves, with an ongoing case in the Supreme Court, said a statement from Amche Mollem campaign. Officials in MoEFCC said the minutes of the NBWL meeting have not been finalised yet. Accusing Mamata Banerjee of lying that parents of the Kolkata rape-murder victim were never offered money, the young doctor's mother asked why she would lie in her late daughter's name. Citizens took to the streets, forming a human chain, holding mobile torch for 9 minutes at 9 pm, demanding justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim in Kolkata, on Monday. (Samir Jana/HT) The chief minister (Banerjee) is lying. My daughter is not going to return. Would I lie in her name? She (the CM) told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in in our daughter's memory. I responded that I would collect the money once my daughter gets justice, the mother told ANI on Monday. The doctor's cousin also refuted Banerjee's assertion, saying with full responsibility that the Trinamool Congress supremo herself offered the financial compensation. Meanwhile, on the CM's appeal to people to return to festivities as the Durga Puja nears, the doctor's mother called the request inhuman. Durga Puja is celebrated in my house too; my daughter used to handle it herself. But it will never be celebrated in my house again. The light in my home is out. How can I ask people to return to festival? she said. If such an incident happened in the chief minister's family, would she have said this? the lady asked, referring to Banerjee's Durga Puja appeal. The victim's mother further declared that the movement for her daughter will continue until justice is served. The second-year postgraduate medical student was allegedly raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer of the city police, is the accused. Former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista has been in the news for the past couple of days because of his dramatic weight loss. The 55-year-old actor, who plays Drax in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, surprised fans with his extremely slim look at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Fans have been wondering how he achieved the feat. Dave Bautista's dramatic weight loss transformation. (Instagram, AFP) How did Dave Bautista lose weight? In an old interview on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Dave Bautista talked about his weight loss journey and the struggles. The actor revealed that he gained a lot of weight for his role in Knock at the Cabin. And to become fit and avoid being typecast into roles similar to Drax, he turned to jiu-jitsu when he decided to lose weight. Its the way I lose weight. I put on all this weight for Knock at the Cabin. I was really big, like over 300 lbs (approximately 136 kgs), he said. Dave Bautista gained weight for his role in Knock At The Cabin. But then he decided to train. I was struggling to lose the weight, so I brought a trainer my buddy Jason Manly over to Budapest with me while I was filming Dune, Bautista revealed. The actor added that he and his trainer did nothing but grapple, like for hours. He added, And so I started shedding the weight off, and I figured Ill just stick with it so Ill get my brown belt. According to the actor, he managed to lose 50 lbs (22.67 kgs) because of the martial arts training. Ive sacrificed a lot of muscle, but Im okay with it When Kelly Ripa stated that a lot of Bautista's weight is actually muscle weight because muscle weighs more than fat, the actor replied, "I was trimming down, and Ive sacrificed a lot of muscle. But Im okay with it because I just feel more comfortable. 'Girl Dinner' is a pop culture slang that gained traction on social media in 2023. TikToker Olivia Maher coined the term in a viral TikTok, where she shared a simple, uncooked meal of bread, cheese, grapes, and pickles, calling it girl dinner. She humorously compared it to a medieval peasant's dinner. Girl dinner is all about being resourceful and effective in whipping up healthy, low-effort meals.(Shutterstock) Since then, the internet has embraced the concept, showing their lazy, throw-together meals that involve little to no cooking. The term girl dinner is often used in videos of girl hangouts, where every person brings a themed charcuterie board. ALSO READ: From Vietnamese Pho to Italian Risotto: 5 heartwarming comfort foods from around the world you can easily make at home The appeal of girl dinner lies in its low effort, for those moments when you're too exhausted to prepare a full meal. Beneath all the spontaneous fun, it's also an unconscious rebellion against the traditional and patriarchal role of a woman, who's expected to cook elaborate meals and serve the members of the family. Girl dinner in a way is a liberation from the norm and embraces the spontaneity of cooking just for yourself. However, this minimal effort is sometimes misinterpreted, resulting in bizarre combinations like pickles, Oreos, chips, and energy drinks. ALSO READ: Love corn? From crispy cutlets to creamy soup, here are some creative recipes to try While cold coffee might seem like a chic and fancy way to end the day, girl dinner is about assembling something, but not just about anything. Even with minimal effort, it's important to have a balanced and sensible meal. Healthy Girl Dinners Greek yoghurt, fruit, and nuts Love a sorted girl dinner with no room for casualness that can jeopardise the next day with bloating or other gut problems. Greek yoghurt is your gut buddy, coming in with the probiotics to rescue upset gut. Its cool and calming. And with the addition of freshly cut berries and nuts, its a sober girl dinner that your health will thank you for. Sprinkle superseeds like flax seeds and chia seeds for brownie points. ALSO READ: Bake these gluten-free Oats and Almond Cookies once and you'll be hooked for life. Recipe inside Sandwich with greens Dice some cucumbers and leafy greens like lettuce, then season with salt and pepper. Place them between slices of bread, and voila, you have a sandwich. Enjoy it with cucumber water by adding chilled cucumber slices to the water. Add mint for a more refreshing taste. Cucumber and mint water act as natural detoxifiers. Egg Bhurji Egg bhurji is just an excuse for failed omlette flips, but girl dinner is not for torturing your gut with processed snacks. (Shutterstock) Despite being a cooked meal, egg bhurji is quick and can serve as a wholesome one-pot dish. Simply chop up some veggies, mix them with the eggs and seasoning, and cook. If you have leftover chapati, cut it into small pieces and add it to the mix. This dish is easy to prepare and provides balanced nutrients. The FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement, the origins of which date back to the early 2000s, initially emphasised on extreme saving to reach financial freedom and embrace early retirement. However, it has since evolved to also include people who wish to exit the work force on their own terms and at an age of their choosing as opposed to hustling for a paycheck all the way into their 60s. Redittor seeks suggestions on best cities to retire early; Netizens hail Hyderabad, Pune and Tirupati (Representational photo) One such adherent of this philosophy, a 38-year old male currently settled in the US, is seeking suggestions on Reddit for best cities to FatFIRE in India. FatFIRE is a FIRE retirement variation which involves higher levels of savings and passive income during retirement. I am planning to shift base to India in a year and continue working on my business for the next 4-5 years I prefer living in bigger spaces so any place where I can get a good 4,000-5,000 sq ft apartment or villa for 8-10 cr would be great, the social media user wrote. With a five-point checklist including bullets like good nightlife, infrastructure, quick commute, connectivity for international travel and moderate temperature, the Redditor is leaning towards Chandigarh and Goa. Internet community hails Tirupati, Vizag, Kochi Contrary to popular expectations of suggestions such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai or Bengaluru, netizens presented a strong case for offbeat destinations such as Tirupati in Tamil Nadu, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Kochi in Kerala, among others. Also Read: Bengaluru auto with flat-like window similar to a 1BHK in Mumbai makes headlines as X post goes viral Tirupati has good connectivity to Bangalore and Chennai and (a) 40 min flight to Hyderabad. It has access to 3 sea ports within (a) 2 hour drive and is a supply chain hub, one of the Redditors wrote. The social media user likened the popular pilgrimage site to Denver/Jacksonville in the US which is home to many retirees and boasts high tourism income and expensive real estate. Infra has developed a lot in (the) last 3 years. All new roads being made are mostly 100 ft roads. Master plan to connect many small villages and there are plans to have an Air cargo drop from north India and make it a supply chain hub for the south, the Redittor added. Also Read: Is 1.25 crore enough to buy a house in India? Bengaluru, Gurugram, Mumbai too expensive, enquires NRI on Reddit One social media user amongst those presenting a case for Kochi wrote: Kochi certainly fits your requirements. Kochi has better international connectivity than any other city except the top 3, good infra, both physical and social, metro is available, never gets above 38 (degree celsius) though a bit humid , Fort Kochi side gives the retro vibe , but many of Indias biggest shopping malls present. Hyderabad, Pune lead Tier I city recommendations Among Tier I cities, Pune and Hyderabad appeared as popular recommendations. Hyderabad. Excellent international connectivity. Advantage of being a capital city. Excellent weather for 9/12 months. Large influx of young crowd, so nightlife is great. Not as good as Mumbai or Bangalore though. Excellent roads in places that you will likely settle down and may commute to. To add to all this, a HUGE number of returnees from (the) US. So culturally, youll not feel out of place, one respondent to the post remarked. Also read: New parent seeks suggestions on buying versus renting home in Bengaluru; Redditors weigh in Another Redditor advocating in favour of Hyderabad wrote: Property prices are not crazy like Mumbai or Bangalore. Can buy/build a nice villa in a location that is 30 mins from the tech hub. Yet others presented a compelling case for Pune, highlighting the citys proximity to Mumbai and relatively more affordable yet quality lifestyle. Goisu Realty Private Limited, a subsidiary of Japanese real estate developer Sumitomo Realty & Development Company, has acquired a 8,054-square metre land parcel from The Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Limited in the city's Lower Parel area for 440 crore, property registration documents accessed through real estate data analytics platform Propstack showed. Sumitomo acquires 8,054 sq m land from The Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company for 440 crore in Mumbai. (HT Photo) (Representational photo) The deal is part of a larger agreement to acquire 22 acres in Worli for 5200 crore. This is a part of a two-phased deal inked with the Wadia Group entity last year for a 22-acre land parcel, CEO of Bombay Realty, Rahul Anand, told HT.com. It was a composite deal, sale of a 22-acre land parcel which was divided into two parts. One was the larger part which got over last year and the smaller part had some conditions which were linked to it, which we completed this year, he explained. Also Read: Japanese firm inks 80-yr lease with MMRDA for BKC plots Bombay Dyeing had approved the sale of the land parcel to Goisu Realty for 5,200 crore last year. While Bombay Dyeing had to surrender eight acres of land to the BMC and MHADA as part of the mill land policy, the developer received 82,000 sq m of space. This was the financial capitals largest land deal in terms of value. Goisu Realty has acquired the land parcel along with the associated floor space index on August 13, 2024 from Bombay Realty, the property development arm of Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company. As per the Deed of Transfer, the deal attracted a stamp duty of 26.45 crore and a registration fee of 30,000. HT.com's query to Sumitomo Corporation remained unanswered. More details on the deal The sale deed showed that the said plot was a part of a larger land parcel, a section of which measuring 5,726.32 square metre housed a commercial structure named Wadia Tower-A. The building comprising three basement levels, a ground floor, eight upper floors and a terrace was sold to Axis Bank in 2010. Also Read: Bombay Dyeing to sell 22-acre land in Worli to Japanese firm for 5,200 crore In another deal, Goisu Realty Private Limited had leased two adjoining plots of almost 3 acres in total in Mumbai's prime business district Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for 80 years for over 2,067 crore. In 2019, the Japanese firm had leased a 12,141 sq m land parcel in BKC from MMRDA for 2,238 crore. Also Read: Bombay Dyeing sells Worli building to Axis Bank for 782 crore Sumitomo Corporation was established in 1919 and is spread across Asia, Europe, America and Africa. It deals in infrastructure, realty, media, metal products, transportation and construction systems, minerals, energy and chemicals. Xi meets Spanish prime minister Xinhua) 08:03, September 10, 2024 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China. Xi asked Sanchez to convey his greetings to King Felipe VI. Recalling that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year, Xi said both sides have since maintained close exchanges and interactions at all levels and promoted high-quality cooperation in new areas. Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should adhere to the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and equal treatment, take a holistic and long-term view, and add new dimensions to bilateral ties. Xi also called on both sides to build long-term and stable China-Spain relations with strategic determination, and push bilateral relations to a higher level. Xi stressed that reform and opening up is a correct development path that China has found through long-term practice, and that it will be pursued steadfastly. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systematic arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, bringing new opportunities for deepening and expanding cooperation between China and Spain, he said. The two sides should work for mutual benefits by promoting development in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy, Xi said, adding that China hopes Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country. He urged joint efforts from the two sides to stay committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning, promote friendship between the two peoples, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in the fields of language education, youth, culture and tourism. As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is ready to work with the bloc to review successful experience in the development of bilateral relations and further promote the relations, Xi said. "China hopes that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in this regard." China and Spain are both countries with a sense of responsibility and mission, and both advocate multilateralism and free trade, Xi said. He noted that China is ready to expand cooperation with Spain in third-party markets in the Global South, and strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations, the G20 and other international organizations, aiming to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability and human progress. Sanchez conveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to President Xi. Spain and China enjoy time-honored friendship, and they have constantly developed and deepened their partnership on the basis of mutual respect, Sanchez said. During his visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in fields such as green development, demonstrating the huge potential and bright prospects of bilateral cooperation, he said. Spain hopes that the two countries will strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and new energy vehicles. Spain is willing to provide a sound environment for Chinese enterprises, Sanchez said. He noted that both Spain and China are committed to safeguarding world peace and multilateralism, and that China is a key force for world peace and development and plays an important, constructive role in resolving major international and regional issues. Spain views its relations with China from a strategic height, adheres firmly to the one-China policy, is willing to be a trustworthy partner of China, and looks forward to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and making greater contributions to the well-being of the two peoples, world peace and prosperity, Sanchez said. Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, opposes trade wars, and is willing to continue playing a positive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations, he said. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take a walk in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. Xi met with Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take a walk in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. Xi met with Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Nong Jiagui, a village teacher in Guangnan county, Yunnan province, for 38 years, has helped more than 100 rural students learn about the world outside of their isolated homes. In 1986, the 20-year-old became the first teacher in the "leprosy village", which was once an isolated treatment center for more than 180 leprosy patients and their families in the 1950s. Nong said he was welcomed by the anxious faces at the health center when he first arrived in the village. "At that moment, all I wanted to do was turn around and run. But when I saw the helplessness and disappointed faces of the elderly and the eager eyes of the children yearning for knowledge, I hesitated to leave," he recalled. With mixed feelings, he decided to stay. During the first class, the parents stood far away after sending their children to make the only teacher in the village feel comfortable, he said. Nong named the village Luosongdi, which means "peanuts" in the ethnic Zhuang language, the dominant crop of the village, so that the students could write down their families' addresses without anyone making a connection with leprosy when they registered at new schools. All school-age children were enrolled in the primary school after Nong came, and the village has become more open to the outside world. "As long as one child in the village needs me, I will keep on teaching," he said. The 58-year-old rural teacher was named one of the 2024 National Role Models for Teaching and Educating People along with 11 other outstanding educators ahead of this year's Teachers' Day, which falls on Sept 10 every year. China released new guidelines on advocating the spirit of educators and strengthening the building of a high-quality professional teaching workforce late last month, highlighting the cultivation of more high-quality professionals, especially in rural and less-developed areas. Multiple projects have been carried out over the past few years to promote the quality of the teaching workforce, including advancing tuition-free normal student education and drafting retired teachers to support western regions lacking educators. Vice-Minister of Education Wang Jiayi said the guidelines will ensure about 18.92 million teachers at all levels in the country become competent educators to further support the largest educational system in the world. Currently, China has 498,300 schools with 291 million students enrolled in formal education programs, and about 11 million students graduate from higher education institutes every year. The overall development of educational modernization in China is now ranked among the upper-middle tier of countries worldwide, according to the ministry. Another awardee Zhao Dongyuan, dean and a professor at the School of Chemistry and Materials Science at Fudan University in Shanghai, has dedicated more than 20 years of his career to creating a mesoporous polymer and carbon material. Mesoporous materials are widely used as adsorbents and catalysts in oil refineries, as well as the medical, biotech and other industries. Zhao's fundamental research has contributed to China's economic development through technological innovation and application. Meanwhile, the scientist continues to teach two regular chemistry courses a week to undergraduate students. A photo of him went viral online when he rushed to teach an undergraduate class, carrying a cloth bag, after receiving the first prize of the National Natural Science Award at the Great Hall of the People in 2021. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng said China has been promoting talent training programs in fundamental disciplines and implementing reforms in nurturing top talent to serve national strategy and socioeconomic development in recent years. Universities led the way in the National Science and Technology Awards last year, securing 75.5 percent of the National Natural Science Awards, 75.6 percent of the Technological Invention Awards and 56.5 percent of the Science and Technology Progress Awards, he said. In recent years, universities have achieved a series of major scientific and technological breakthroughs such as the reprogramming of human cells induced by small chemical molecules and the commercial operation of the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant. Since late 2018, nearly 70 million students have graduated from secondary and higher vocational institutions in China and contributed major projects such as the Shenzhou space missions and Beidou satellite network, according to the ministry. A total of 1,394 programs of the country's vocational education system trained talent for different sectors of the national economy, strongly supporting a full range of industrial categories, it added. China has so far established 33 Luban Workshops in 28 countries to help cultivate more professionals by integrating the education of Chinese language and vocational skills. More than 180 countries and regions are offering Chinese language courses, with 85 countries integrating Chinese into their national education systems, the ministry said. In addition, the establishment of the UNESCO International Institute for STEM Education in Shanghai and deeper engagement in high-level educational collaborations with world-class institutions have accelerated China's development into a major global education hub, it added. * HT Image About 60 countries including U.S. endorse 'blueprint' * China opts out, illustrating differences in view * Issue to be raised in October at UN General Assembly By Joyce Lee SEOUL, Sept 10 - About 60 countries including the United States endorsed a "blueprint for action" to govern responsible use of artificial intelligence in the military on Tuesday but China was among those who did not support the legally non-binding document. The Responsible AI in the Military Domain summit in Seoul, the second of its kind, follows one held in The Hague last year. At that time, around 60 nations including China endorsed a modest "call to action" without legal commitment. Government representatives said on Tuesday said this year's "blueprint" was more action-oriented, in keeping with advanced discussions and developments in the military such as Ukraine's rollout of AI-enabled drones. "We are making further concrete steps," Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans told Reuters. "Last year...was more about creating shared understanding, now we are getting more towards action." This includes laying out what kind of risk assessments should be made, important conditions such as human control, and how confidence-building measures can be taken in order to manage risks, he said. Among the details added in the document was the need to prevent AI from being used to proliferate weapons of mass destruction by actors including terrorist groups, and the importance of maintaining human control and involvement in nuclear weapons employment. There are many other initiatives on the issue, such as the U.S. government's declaration on responsible use of AI in the military launched last year. The Seoul summit - co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya and the United Kingdom - aims to ensure ongoing multi-stakeholder discussions not dominated by a single nation or entity. However, China was among roughly 30 nations that sent a government representative to the summit but did not back the document, illustrating stark differences of view among the stakeholders. "We also need to be realistic that we will never have the whole world on board," Defence Minister Brekelmans said. "How do we deal with the fact that not everyone is complying? ...That is a complicated dilemma that we should also put on the table," he added. The venue and timing for the next summit is still being discussed, officials said. At the UN General Assembly in October, South Korean officials said they plan to raise discussions about AI in the military domain based on the 'blueprint'. Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of Programme Security and Technology at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research said countries should engage with others in between summits to mitigate any risks. "The blueprint is an incremental step forward," he said. "By going too fast, too soon, there is a very high risk that many countries do not want to engage." This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The princess of Dubai is all set to launch a new line of perfumes, named Divorce," under her brand Mahra M1. Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum, the 30-year-old daughter of Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, shared a teaser of the product on Instagram this Monday. The princess of Dubai, Shaikha Mahra, has unveiled a new perfume called Divorce. (Instagram/@hhshmahra) Her post shows a black bottle engraved with the word Divorce" - seemingly a reference to her high-profile split. The accompanying video, released a day earlier, featured a montage of broken glass, black petals and a black panther. The launch of the Divorce perfume comes weeks after Sheikha Mahra publicly divorced her husband on Instagram. Dear husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife, the Dubai princess wrote in an explosive Instagram post in July 2024. Sheikha Mahra married Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, an Emirati businessman, in May last year. Her decision to divorce her husband through triple talaq on social media captured global attention, coming as it did just two months after they welcomed their first child together. The new line of fragrances is one of Sheikha Mahra's several business ventures. Who is Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Sheikha Mahra is one of the 26 children of Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the vice president, prime minister and minister of defence of UAE. He is one of the world's richest royals whose net worth stands between $14 to $18 billion. Sheikha Mahra is the daughter of Zoe Grigorakos, who is from Greece. Grigorakos and Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum are divorced. The princess of Dubai is active on Instagram and regularly shares updates for her 9.8 lakh followers. Experts on Monday said a Frenchman on trial for recruiting dozens of strangers to rape his drugged wife without her knowledge was a "self-centred" manipulator with a split personality. Police officers walk in the Avignon court house prior to the trial of Dominique Pelicot, in Avignon, southern France, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP) A court in the southern town of Avignon is trying Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old retiree, for repeatedly raping and enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily sedated wife in her own bed over a decade. Fifty other men, aged between 26 and 74, are also on trial for alleged involvement, in a case that has horrified France. The court proceedings -- which began last week and are running until December -- are open to the public at the request of Dominique Pelicot's ex-wife and victim. Gisele Pelicot, 71, made the request to raise awareness about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse. As the trial entered its second week, experts sought to illuminate the inner workings of a man who, up until the discovery of the abuse in 2020, had been viewed as a caring father and grandfather. He had meticulously documented the abuse between 2011 and 2020 on his computer, and was only discovered by chance when police seized it after he was caught filming under women's skirts in a local supermarket. Most of the alleged rapes took place in the Pelicot home in Mazan, a village of 6,000 people in the southern region of Provence - 'Split in his psyche' - Psychologist Marianne Douteau described Dominique Pelicot as a "quick-tempered" man, "who inspired fear" like the father he despised. After what she described as "mediocre" results in school, he became a worker in the nuclear sector before moving on to real estate, where he was only moderately successful. "The sexuality of Mister Pelicot appears modelled on his character: ordinary in public but within his couple, he had a tenacious sexuality, as seen in the swinging that his wife refused and which he compensated for by using porn chat websites," she said. Another psychologist, Annabelle Montagne, described him as being a "self-centred" man who tended to "consider other people as objects to manipulate, to lie to". He objectified his own wife by knocking her out with drugs, she said, saying raping her in such a state of unconsciousness could "be linked to fantasies of necrophilia". "Voyeurism was part of his psychosexual dynamic," she added. Montagne said a rape Pelicot claimed he suffered aged nine at the hands of a male nurse could have caused "a split in his psyche". Another expert had on Friday described him as having a "split" personality, drawing a comparison with the eponymous character in Gothic horror classic "Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde". Pelicot's sons David and Florian, his son-in-law Pierre P. and his brother Joel Pelicot, a retired doctor, were also to give testimony on Monday. Dominique Pelicot, who was excused from the courtroom on Monday over reported abdominal pain, is scheduled to speak on Tuesday afternoon. - Families harassed - Eighteen of the 51 accused are in custody, including Dominique Pelicot, while 32 other defendants are attending the trial as free men. The last one, still at large, will be judged in absentia. Most face up to 20 years in jail for aggravated rape. Lawyers of the co-defendents on Monday said they would be filing legal complaints over people sharing the personal details of their clients online, leading to threats against them and their families. "Personal information of the accused -- their identity, surname, name, profession and sometimes even pictures taken inside the courtroom -- have been shared on social media, in defiance of the basic rules of our law," said lawyer Isabelle Crepin-Dehaene, representing all their attorneys. "Children of defendants have been singled out at school. Wives and family members have been insulted. Defendants have received malicious phone calls, with attempts to break into their home," she added. A lawyer for the Pelicot family had called on Friday for "the utmost restraint on social media", saying the case was a "tragedy for all families" involved. Indian-origin teenager Agastya Goel, son of Stanford professor Ashish Goel, won his second gold medal at the recently-concluded International Olympiad in Informatics. Goel secured the fourth overall rank at what is generally considered to be the worlds toughest programming contest for high school students. Agastya Goel's father, Ashish Goel, is a professor at Stanford University. The 36th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) was held in Egypt this year. Agastya Goel won the gold medal at the programming contest with a score of 438.97 out of 600. Kangyang Zhou of China placed first with a staggering score of 600 out of 600. A total of 34 students won the gold at the International Olympiad in Informatics this year, including Kshitij Sodani of India with rank 21. For California-based Agastya Goel, this is the second gold medal he has won at IOI. His achievement was lauded on social media, with one X account comparing him to his father, Ashish Goel, who topped the IIT-JEE entrance test in 1990 and went on to have a storied career with companies like Twitter and Stripe. Agastya Goel just got his 2nd IOI Gold medal for the US, the hardest programming contest for high schoolers in the world. He was #4 overall. His father Ashish Goel was #1 of ~1M in the IIT exam 1990 in India and a PhD and CS algo professor at Stanford! Like father, like son, the X account wrote. What is the International Olympiad in Informatics? The International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is an annual competitive programming competition and one of the five International Science Olympiads. The competition was started in May 1989 by UNESCO. The contest is held over two days where contestants are presented with problems that test their computer programming/coding skills and problem-solving of algorithmic nature. Who is Ashish Goel? Ashish Goel is an American professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He was born in Uttar Pradesh and graduated with a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur in 1994, before moving to the United States to get his doctorate from Stanford. Ashish Goel's research covers a wide range of topics in computer science and computational social science, including computer networks, theoretical computer science, molecular self-assembly, algorithmic game theory, and computational social choice. He worked with Twitter in the companys early days, and has been credited for designing its monetisation model. Two unidentified individuals posing as crime branch officers have absconded with 5 lakh from a lawyer in Mumbai, said police. The Mumbai lawyer's brother contacted the police after he was scammed by men posing as crime branch officials. (Pixabay) The Khar police have registered a case against the perpetrators, who claimed themselves as crime branch officials and robbed the lawyer under the pretence of conducting an investigation. According to the Khar police, the victim, 37-year-old Tausif Sheikh, is a lawyer residing in Bandra. Sheikh lodged a complaint stating that his relatives are involved in a tourism business, handling tasks such as booking air and railway tickets and money transfers. The collected funds are deposited into the company's account. How did the scammers approach the lawyer? Sheikh's complaint details that his brother had given him 5.70 lakh to deposit into two customer accounts. Sheikh planned to deposit the money the following morning. After depositing 70,000 into one account via an ATM, Sheikh was approached by two men at the ATM entrance. The men claimed to be crime branch officials and demanded that Sheikh accompany them for questioning. According to the police, the impostors then forced Sheikh into a car, inspected his bag filled with money, and interrogated him about the cash. They subsequently drove him a short distance before abandoning him. Distressed, Sheikh returned home and informed his brother about the robbery. Upon learning of the incident, Sheikh's brother promptly reported the crime to the police. The Khar police have now filed a case against the two suspects and have commenced an investigation into the matter. In an earlier incident, an IT professional from Vasai lost 1.41 crore to criminals posing as law enforcement officers. The scammers placed the victim under digital arrest", claiming he was being investigated by the Intelligence Bureau in Bengaluru for a 500 crore scam. Street food in India is known for its endless creativity, but a recent viral video has sparked a heated debate online. A street vendor's latest invention, the rose pakoda, has divided netizens with reactions ranging from fascination to outright concern. A viral video of deep-fried rose pakodas sparks mixed reactions online, with concerns about health risks.(Instagram/@blessedindianfoodie) The viral video, shared on Instagram by page named Blessed Indian Foodie by Omniviam Media (@blessedindianfoodie), showcases a street food vendor whipping up an unusual snackrose pakodas. While the location of the stall remains undisclosed, the video has garnered over 61 million views since it was posted in July. The unconventional recipe The preparation of these rose pakodas is as unconventional as it sounds. The vendor begins by trimming the long stems and sepals of fresh roses. He then prepares a batter using gram flour, a mix of dry spices and water. Each rose is carefully dipped into the batter before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. The final product is served hot, looking like any other fried snack, but with an unexpected floral twist. (Also read: Onion coffee, anyone? Food blogger's bizarre experiment raises eyebrows. Watch viral video) Here's how internet reacted to viral video: While the video has certainly caught the eye of food enthusiasts, the reaction has been far from universally positive. The use of rosesoften grown with pesticides and fertilizershas raised serious health concerns among viewers. One user, Ankit Sood, commented, "These roses are cultivated for decoration purposes using heavy insecticides and pesticides. One should not even try to take the fragrance (which is also not there), let alone eat this. There are many varieties of roses, and this one (Dutch rose) is just for bouquets." Another user, Priya Rao, said, "I can't believe people are actually eating this. Do they know how harmful these chemicals are? This isn't just a weird snack; it's dangerous." However, not everyone was critical. Rajesh Kumar, a follower of the food blog, remarked, "At least the vendor seems to be maintaining hygiene. That's rare for street food." Rashmi Jha commented, Why roses? I mean, who thought of this? Im all for new food ideas, but this feels wrong. Others found the idea intriguing. Karan Mehta added, Its bizarre, yes. But Ive tried weirder things. Would give it a shot! Amrita Shah, however, had a simpler view: Just because you can fry something doesnt mean you should. (Also Read: Blue-coloured ghee rice: Viral food video gets mixed reactions. See how it's made) A nurse embarked on a stalking campaign after breaking up with her dentist boyfriend. Reportedly, 30-year-old Sophie Colwill got obsessed with 54-year-old David Pagliero and bombarded him with 1,000 calls in a day. She also put a tracking device in his car and eventually broke into his 1.35 million (Approx. 14 crore) home to wait for him in his bedroom. These details were revealed in the court, where Colwill pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress. After their breakup, a nurse launched a stalking campaign against her ex-lover, a dentist. (Unsplash/florenciaviadana) How did they meet? Pagliero met Colwill when he sought companionship after the death of his wife, reported the Mirror. In his victim impact statement, he said that initially, things about the nurse who used to work with him were "tonic and nice". However, the situation changed, and it became traumatic for him. What did Sophie Colwill do? After they broke up, Colwill placed a tracking device in the dentists car. In a statement to the court, he said he was constantly worried about being followed and wondering if she was hiding in bushes by his driveway. She also called him nearly 1,000 times in one day. Furthermore, she broke into his home and waited in his bedroom. Eventually, she fled through a window, however, not before having a tug of war with Pagliero while trying to snatch his mobile. Sophie Colwill was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. A five-year restraining order was also issued, which bans her from contacting Pagliero, including going near him, his home or his workplace. He reportedly urged the district judge to be "kind" with her. He also urged the court not to lock her up. "I never wanted that. But your actions wore me down," he told, as it was revealed in the court. Peter Seigne, defending, said that the nurse is left "fragile" by her experience. Reportedly, she is "incredibly distressed and finding it difficult to cope. Mangalore: A young girl rushed to save her mother, who got crushed under a speeding autorickshaw. In a now-viral video, the teenager is seen racing to pick up the three-wheeler after it hits her mother in an accident. After the incident made it to the headlines, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah also lauded the girl for her quick action. The teenager was seen rushing to save her mother after she collided with the autorickshaw. The video opens to show a woman and an autorickshaw colliding. The three-wheeler struck the mother down as she was crossing the street, reportedly to pick up her daughter from tuition classes. Before the auto hits her, it also crashes into a man at the petrol pump. (Also Read: Speeding MCD truck rams two-wheeler on MB Road, one killed) The girl raced to the scene and showed incredible bravery and composure. She quickly raised the autorickshaw to save her mother. The schoolgirl was also able to save the life of another passenger while doing this. People rushed to assist the woman and the girl as she checked on her mother. Watch the video here: How did CM Siddaramaiah react to the video? In an X post, he shared about the incident and said, "Recently, I have seen many times in the media that people who were supposed to rush to the aid of the victims were standing around and making videos on mobile phones at the accident sites, which made me worried about the future days. The action of this little girl seems to send a message to the entire society. Every second is precious for the victims of an accident, fire or heart attack. Don't forget humanity." (Also Read: Dashcam video from Bengaluru exposes woman faking accident by jumping in front of car) How did others react to the viral clip? An individual wrote, "That girl must be given some award. Instead of taking video, she immediately jumped to help. We need more youngsters like her." Another X user, Rajit, said, "Auto at fault for speeding. The woman is at fault for crossing the road with zero sense and not stopping. Everyone is at fault for picking her up after she got crushed. Call an ambulance, and DON'T move the patient in such situations unless they're in immediate danger. You could do more damage." "The girl deserves all the praise she can get," commented user Randheer Yadav. At least 40 people were killed and 60 were wounded in an Israeli attack on a tent encampment in southern Gaza, civil emergency authorities in the enclave have confirmed. The encampment was meant for displaced Palestinians. Gazas Civil Defence said that at least 20 tents in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis were hit in the attack carried out early Tuesday morning, September 10. At least 40 killed, 60 injured in Israeli attack on tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza (REUTERS/Hatem Khaled - representational image of a tent camp in Al-Mawasi area)(REUTERS) Al-Mawasi has for long seen Palestinians sleeping in tents after the coastal area was designated a safe zone by the Israeli army during its ground invasions of Khan Younis and Rafah. Al Jazeera Arabic reported, citing sources, that rescuers found craters of up to 9 metres (30 ft) deep at the tent camp while searching for survivors. Witnesses said they saw fires burning and Israeli reconnaissance planes circled overhead. According to a spokesperson for Gazas Civil Defence, it can be said after the initial assessment of the scene that this attack was one of the most heinous massacres in this frenzied war. It looks like a new Israeli massacre Israeli authorities said that had struck significant Hamas terrorists who were reportedly operating at a command and control centre located inside the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis. The terrorists advanced and carried out terror attacks against [Israeli army] troops and the state of Israel, the Israel Foreign Ministry said in an online statement. Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional means, it added. Hamas, however, has dismissed claims that its fighters were present in the area that was targeted. The group accused Israeli authorities of lying to justify their ugly crimes. The resistance has denied several times that any of its members exist within civilian gatherings or using these places for military purposes, Hamas in a statement. The Gaza civil emergency service reportedly said that the wounded victims included women and children. An official stated, "Our teams are still moving out martyrs and wounded from the targeted area. It looks like a new Israeli massacre. * Cousin of Israeli slain in captivity says military pressure is killing the hostages Protests in Israel demand a hostage deal, criticize government's approach * We fight for hostages lives, not for revenge, says Dickmann * Autopsy: Hostages shot in the head before Israeli forces arrived * Hamas blames Netanyahu for hostages' deaths by refusing ceasefire deal By Emily Rose JERUSALEM, Sept 10 - Gil Dickmann's worst nightmare came true when he was told his cousin Carmel Gat, who had survived 11 months in Hamas captivity, had been killed in a tunnel in Gaza just before Israeli forces arrived. "She was so close to hugging her father," Dickmann, 32, told Reuters outside the Israeli Knesset, where he was lobbying lawmakers to push for a dealto secure the hostages' release. "We failed as a country, we failed as a community." Gat's body and those of five fellow hostages were recovered by Israeli troops on Sept 1, triggering an outpouring of grief and mass protests among Israelis demanding a hostage deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said increased military pressure would ultimately bring the hostages home. An autopsy revealed that Gat and the other five hostages had been shot in the back of the head at close range, less than 48 hours before Israeli forces recovered the bodies in a tunnel under Gaza. "Military pressure kills the hostages," said Dickman. "We know that for a fact." Hamas has said in separate statements that Israel is responsible for killing the hostages, or that Netanyahu is responsible for killing them by obstructing a ceasefire agreement. Oct. 7 was the deadliest day for Israel in its 75 year history, with around 1,200 people killed and some 240 seized and taken as hostages into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas released 110 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in a hostage deal in November. Carmel Gat was taken hostage on October 7th, while staying at her parents' home in Kibbutz Be'eri, in southern Israel. Talks to bring the hostages back and end the fighting in Gaza, where Israel's campaign to crush Hamas has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 40,000 people according to Palestinian figures, have stalled. Esther Buchshtav, whose son Yagev was killed in captivity earlier this year, said on Monday at a meeting in Israel's parliament that a military investigation found her son had been executed by Hamas when soldiers came close to where he was being held. Dickmann has become one of the most recognisable faces in the movement to push for a hostage deal. He has appeared often on Israeli nightly news shows and clips have circulated widely on social media showing him in screaming matches with Israeli lawmakers and giving passionate speeches in Israel's Knesset. Last month, he went to Israel's southern border along with a group of hostage families who ran towards the border in an effort to gather sympathy for their cause. The high volume of protesters who demonstrated after Gat's death, Dickmann said, showed that the Israeli government is disconnected from the will of the people. "The Israeli people want life," Dickmann said. "We fight for the lives of the hostages. We don't fight for revenge." This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. * East Timor turns out in force for Mass with Pope Francis Vatican estimates at least 600,000 attend Mass, nearly half the population * Francis first pope to visit in 35 years, following John Paul II * East Timor one of 2 mainly Catholic countries in Asia * Excited crowds line streets in baking heat to see pontiff By Joshua McElwee DILI, Sept 10 - An estimated 600,000 people in East Timor, just under half its population, turned out in the baking heat on Tuesday for a Mass with Pope Francis at a coastal park synonymous with the country's long struggle for independence from Indonesia. Filling a wide, dusty area where Indonesian forces buried slain Timorese independence fighters, people arrived as early as 1 a.m. and sat on the ground, many braving the sun for hours in temperatures as high as 32 degrees Celsius . Many sheltered under umbrellas decorated in the white and yellow colours of the Vatican flag, while others carried signs asking for blessings and sang local melodies, in one of the largest ever turnouts as a proportion of a country's population for a Mass during a papal visit. Rev. Pedro Amaral, one of hundreds of priests celebrating the Mass, said he came with 800 of his parishioners from Zumalai, a village about 140 km away. "I am so happy because we never thought we would see the pope," said the priest. School teacher Jamie Belo, 60, said he left home 12 hours before Mass to secure a spot to see the pope. Former Portuguese colony East Timor is a half-island nation of 1.3 million people north of Australia and one of only two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia. The Vatican estimated 600,000 had gathered for Tuesday's Mass. Many in the crowd on the outskirts of Dili, the capital, appeared young, with mothers and fathers holding babies or keeping children around their legs. 'TEEMING WITH LIFE' East Timor, or Timor-Leste, lost at least 102,800 people in the 1975-99 conflict with Indonesia, according to the U.N. It now has a median age of 20, according to official estimates. "How wonderful that here in Timor-Leste there are so many children!" Francis said during his homily for the Mass, looking out over the crowd. "Indeed, you are a young country, and we can see every corner of your land teeming with life." In off the cuff remarks at the end of the event, Francis appeared to repeat earlier warnings about imposing Western liberal values on the rest of the world. Noting some Timorese beaches have crocodiles, he told the crowd: "Be careful of those crocodiles that want to change your culture, your history". The pope's stop in East Timor is part of an ambitious 12-day, four-country tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, his longest yet. It is likely the most Catholic country in the world, with the Vatican saying about 96% of Timorese are adherents to the faith. Cardinal Carmo da Silva, Dili's archbishop, expressed "profound gratitude" to Francis in remarks after the Mass. The pope's visit, he said, "marks a fundamental step in the process of building our country, its identity and its culture". Francis is the first pope to visit East Timor in 35 years, following John Paul II, whose appearance gave the country's independence movement an historic boost. Like Francis, John Paul also celebrated Mass at the Tasitolu, now a protected area and "Peace Park" that overlooks the waters of the island's northern coast. John Paul's Mass, held during the occupation, ended with a small chair-throwing melee between anti-government demonstrators and police officers. The late pope was unharmed. Francis' visit, held during the 25th anniversary of the vote for independence, at times resembled something more like an enormous party. Crowds gathered for kilometres in the streets around Dili throughout Tuesday to follow the pope's events, which also included a meeting with Catholic bishops at the cathedral and a visit with disabled children at a local Catholic school. The 87-year-old pontiff, using a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, was often rolled near the rope lines outside his events. People gathered around him, touched his hands, kissed his silver papal ring, or offered a tais, a traditional woven scarf, for him to wear. Dancers in feathered headdresses also played small drums. The Mass, the largest papal event since Francis' visit to Portugal last year for the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festival, featured readings in Portuguese, Tetum, and five other local languages. Francis is visiting East Timor until Wednesday as part of a tour that also included stops in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. He travels next to Singapore, before returning to Rome on Sept. 13. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. By Kate Abnett EU's von der Leyen delays announcement of new European Commission BRUSSELS, Sept 10 - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has delayed until next week the announcement of the jobs each EU country's representative will hold in her top team, the European Parliament said on Tuesday. Von der Leyen, a German conservative, had been expected to announce on Wednesday the portfolios for the 26 other members of her new Commission - confirming which countries' nominees will win powerful jobs leading European Union rulemaking on trade, competition and the green agenda. The Parliament said a late change to Slovenia's candidate had delayed the process. "The Commission has asked the European Parliament to postpone Present von der Leyens presentation to the COP on the composition of the future College until the list of nominees is complete," the Parliament said in a statement. The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, or COP, comprises the leaders of the different political factions in the assembly. A meeting with senior EU lawmakers to confirm the new jobs will now take place on Sept. 17, the statement said. Slovenia's government on Monday proposed Marta Kos as its candidate, after the country's initial pick Tomaz Vesel withdrew his candidacy last week. Countries faced an end-August deadline to name their nominees, but some have made late changes as von der Leyen has sought to add more women to the line-up. Most governments had ignored von der Leyen's request to send both a male and female nominee for their post. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. By Sam Tobin and Robert Harvey head of oil appears in UK court on bribery charges LONDON, Sept 10 - Glencore's former head of oil Alex Beard appeared in a London court on Tuesday to face bribery charges relating to the Swiss commodity trader's operations in Africa. Beard will plead not guilty, his lawyer said at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court. The 57-year-old is charged with two counts of conspiracy to make corrupt payments to government officials and officials of state-owned oil companies in Nigeria between 2010 and 2014, and in Cameroon between 2007 and 2014. Beard, who is the most high-profile commodity trader to have been charged in Britain for alleged corruption, joined Glencore in 1995 from BP, the biggest trading desk at that time, and was head of oil from 2007 until 2019, when he retired. He helped Glencore become one of the top three oil trading firms, trading as much as 7% of the world's oil in its heyday. Four other ex-Glencore employees Andrew Gibson, Paul Hopkirk, Ramon Labiaga and Martin Wakefield were also charged with making corrupt payments relating to Glencore's operations in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Gibson and Hopkirk indicated not guilty pleas through their lawyers. Labiaga and Wakefield did not indicate any pleas and were not required to do so. Gibson and Wakefield are further charged with conspiracy to falsify documents between 2007 and 2011. Another ex-Glencore employee, David Perez, has been charged with making corrupt payments and conspiracy to falsify documents. Perez did not indicate any pleas. Prosecutor Alexandra Healy said the alleged offences related to the West Africa desk of Glencore's London office. All six defendants' cases were sent to Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on Oct. 8. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Yemen's Huthi rebels have attacked scores of merchant ships off the country's coast over the past 10 months as part of a sometimes-deadly campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war. Hijacked, sunk, set ablaze: Yemen rebels' Red Sea attacks The Iran-backed Huthis' drone and missile strikes have targeted nearly 100 vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre, which is run by a Western naval coalition. Here are the most significant attacks by the Huthis, who say their campaign is aimed at ships linked to Israel and its Western allies the United States and Britain. However, Washington said early this year that dozens of countries had ties to the attacked vessels. The Huthis stormed and hijacked a vehicle-carrier, the Galaxy Leader, in November, detaining its 25 international crew who remain captive. The rebels later opened the ship as an attraction for Yemeni tourists who were invited to visit the captured vessel, which was by then flying Yemeni and Palestinian flags off the rebel-held province of Hodeida. The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader is operated by a Japanese firm but has links to Israeli businessman Abraham "Rami" Ungar. The Rubymar, a cargo ship carrying 21,000 tonnes of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertiliser, was hit by a Huthi missile on February 18, causing serious damage and forcing the evacuation of its crew to Djibouti. Less than two weeks later, on March 2, the Belize-flagged, British-registered and Lebanese-operated vessel went down south of the Hanish Islands, a Yemeni archipelago, in the first known sinking from the attacks. Three crew were killed and four wounded when a Huthi ballistic missile struck the True Confidence merchant vessel on March 6, the first fatal attack of the rebels' campaign. The Indian Navy rescued 21 of the crew aboard the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned ship, including 13 Filipinos, and took them to Djibouti. The ship, which suffered serious damage, was towed to the port of Al-Duqm in Oman. On June 12, the Huthis attacked the Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned merchant ship, killing a Filipino sailor. The vessel, hit off Hodeida, suffered serious flooding and was abandoned before it eventually sank. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the ship had "nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza". Huthi projectiles hit the Greek-flagged Sounion oil tanker carrying 150,000 tonnes or more than a million barrels of oil off Hodeida on August 21, causing a fire and cutting engine power. The crew, 23 Filipinos and two Russians, were rescued the next day by a French frigate serving with the European Union's Aspides naval mission. The Huthis later released a video of masked men detonating explosives on the Sounion, causing several fires on board. Last week, an operation by private companies to tow away the burning ship was abandoned for safety reasons. Surveillance flights spotted several fires onboard as recently as Saturday, said the Joint Maritime Information Centre, run by an international naval coalition. The United States and environmental group Greenpeace have warned of a potential ecological catastrophe involving four times more oil than the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska if the ship explodes or breaks up. am/ho/th/it/smw EXXONMOBIL This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. New Delhi, India and the Philippines will carry out a comprehensive review of their defence and strategic partnership on Wednesday with a focus on ramping up military ties against the backdrop of mutual concern over China's aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. India, Philippines to review defence ties, months after New Delhi supplies Brahmos missiles to Filipino military The two sides will deliberate on various issues relating to bilateral defence ties and regional security situation at the fifth meeting of India-Philippines joint defence cooperation committee to be held in Manila, officials said. The defence ties between the two countries have been on a significant upswing in the last few years. In April, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, in reflection of the growing military ties. The supplies came over two years India signed a USD 375 million deal with the Southeast Asian nation to supply the weapon systems. While Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane will lead the Indian delegation at the talks, the Filipino team will be headed by Senior Under Secretary in the Ministry of National Defence Irineo Cruz Espino. The meeting is taking place amid increasing tensions between China and the Philippines following an incident of violent clash between their maritime security personnel in the South China Sea nearly two-and-half months ago. "During the visit, the defence secretary will discuss ways to further consolidate defence cooperation between the two countries," an official readout said. The situation in the South China Sea will figure in the talks, officials said. There have been growing global concerns over China's sweeping claims of sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons. Several countries in the region including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims. India and many other democratic countries have been pressing for peaceful settlement of the disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS . "This visit of assumes significance as India and Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of India's Act East Policy," the defence ministry said in the readout. "Both the countries have a vigorous and multifaceted relationship which have expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security," it said. "They are committed to support each other towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in defence production," it said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, who faces a string of allegations in Switzerland and France, was found guilty of rape by a Swiss appeals court Tuesday, overturning an earlier lower court acquittal. Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan convicted of rape on appeal in Switzerland After being acquitted last year, a Geneva appeals court said it had found the 62-year-old former Oxford University professor "guilty of rape and sexual coercion" of a woman in a Geneva hotel 15 years ago. It sentenced him to three years in prison, two of them suspended, marking the first guilty verdict he has been handed. The verdict was slightly more lenient than the three years in prison half suspended requested by the prosecutor in the appeals case in May. "Our client is of course relieved, considering what she has had to endure for the truth to come out," the woman's lawyers Veronique Fontana and Robert Assael told AFP, hailing that "the truth has finally triumphed". Francois Zimeray, the lawyer who represented the woman during the first trial, meanwhile emphasised that the ruling "came at the cost of years of pain and hardship suffered with dignity by the plaintiff". "We have rarely experience such brutal proceedings." The ruling dated August 28 but only made public Tuesday was expected to be appealed at Switzerland's highest court. One of Ramadan's French lawyers, Philippe Ohayon, slammed the "many contradictions" in the judicial process. Ramadan, a charismatic yet controversial figure in European Islam, has always maintained his innocence. Ramadan's accuser, a Muslim convert identified only as "Brigitte", had testified before the court that he subjected her to rape and other violent sex acts in a Geneva hotel room during the night of October 28, 2008. The lawyer representing Brigitte said she was repeatedly raped and subjected to "torture and barbarism". Ramadan said that Brigitte invited herself up to his room. He let her kiss him, he said, before quickly ending the encounter. He said he was the victim of a "trap". Brigitte was in her forties at the time of the alleged assault. She filed a complaint 10 years later, telling the court she felt emboldened to come forward following similar complaints filed against Ramadan in France. The appeals verdict overturns a lower court finding last year acquitting Ramadan of rape and sexual coercion, citing a lack of evidence, contradictory testimonies and "love messages" sent by the plaintiff after the alleged assault. But during their appeal, Brigitte's lawyers alleged that Ramadan had exercised significant "control" over the woman, suggesting she had suffered something akin to Stockholm syndrome. The three appeals court judges pointed to "witness testimony, certificates, medical notes and private expert opinions consistent with the facts presented by the plaintiff". "Elements collected during the investigation have thus convinced the chamber of the guilt of the accused," the court said in a statement. Ramadan was a professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford and held visiting roles at universities in Qatar and Morocco. He was forced to take leave of absence in 2017 when rape allegations surfaced in France at the height of the "Me Too" movement. In France, he is suspected of raping three women between 2009 and 2016. His large defence team is fighting a Paris appeals court decision in June that the cases can go to trial. apo-bur/nl/rox This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Former government spokesman Katsunobu Kato declared his candidacy to become Japans next leader with a pledge to try and double individual incomes. Japan Leadership Race Field Grows to Eight With Kato Candidacy Kato is the eighth lawmaker to enter the race to become president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party at an election on Sept. 27. The leader of the LDP is all but assured of becoming prime minister because of the partys dominance in parliament. At a press conference on Tuesday, Kato, who has also served as health minister, said he would draw up a supplementary budget and aim to get it swiftly approved by parliament if he becomes prime minister. Kato is viewed as an outsider in the LDP leadership race among political analysts. He isnt among those that the public would most like to see as leader, recent surveys show. Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida surprised many by saying in August he wouldnt run in the election, ending his term after nearly three years as premier. Heres a look at some of the contenders to replace Kishida. Katsunobu Kato, 68 The seven-term lawmaker helped guide Japan through the Covid-19 pandemic, when the country fared better than most of its Group of Seven peers. Kato has not ruffled a lot of feathers in the ruling party, while playing key roles under the last three premiers. Before going into politics Kato was a Ministry of Finance official. Key policies: Shinjiro Koizumi, 43 The son of a former premier, Shinjiro Koizumi attracted attention in September 2023 for surfing off Fukushima to ease safety concerns following the release of treated wastewater from the wrecked nuclear plant. A former environment minister and proponent of renewable energy, Koizumi made headlines for becoming the first serving cabinet minister to take paternity leave. Koizumi is generally running first or second in polls asking voters who they would like to become prime minister. He declared his run on Sept. 6. Key policies Shigeru Ishiba, 67 A former defense minister, Shigeru Ishiba ranks high in voter surveys of popularity. In his last four tries at the top job, he has struggled to garner enough support from his fellow lawmakers to win the leadership race. In recent weeks, Ishiba has expressed support for the Bank of Japans normalization of monetary policy. He announced his candidacy on Aug. 24. Key policies: Sanae Takaichi, 63 A former heavy metal drummer turned hard-line conservative, Takaichi has cited former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration. Currently minister for economic security, Takauchi is among the leading contenders according to recent public opinion polls. She is a frequent visitor to Yasukuni Shrine, a site regarded by Japans neighbors as a symbol of past militarism. She announced her candidacy on Sept. 9. Key policies: Kono Taro, 61 A former foreign and defense minister with a combatative style, Kono lost to Kishida in the last leadership race due to a lack of backing from his parliamentary peers. Kono is in the middle of the pack in recent public opinion polls. Kono has softened his opposition to nuclear power in recent years. He asks that his name be written Japanese style, with his family name first. He declared on Aug. 26. Key policies: Toshimitsu Motegi, 68 A party heavyweight who recently said the BOJ should more clearly show its intention to normalize monetary policy, Motegi is currently in the LDPs No. 2 position. A former foreign minister, hes also a Harvard graduate and has a tough guy image within the party. He announced his run on Sept. 4. Key policies: Takayuki Kobayashi, 49 Kobayashi is considered part of the younger generation of potential leaders. He is a long shot to take over in 2024 but by running now he is letting LDP members and voters know he has his eyes set on eventually becoming premier. He declared his candidacy on Aug. 19. Key policies: Yoshimasa Hayashi, 63 Hayashi is from the dovish wing of the ruling party and a trusted lieutenant of Kishida. He ran unsuccessfully in the LDP leadership race in 2012 and is considered by many political analysts to be an outsider in this years election. Hayashi studied at Harvard University and spent most of the Kishida administration as foreign minister. He announced his run on Sept. 3. Key policies: Yoko Kamikawa, 71 Kamikawa is a Harvard graduate who ran her own consulting firm before entering politics. She is known for her efforts to promote women candidates, which is an uphill battle given that only about 12% of LDP lawmakers are female. Kamikawa has yet to declare. Key Policies: Other names listed as possible candidates include lawmaker Seiko Noda, who previously came up short on her bid to become the countrys first female premier, and Ken Saito, the minister of economy, trade and industry. With assistance from Isabel Reynolds, Yuki Hagiwara, Jon Herskovitz and Yui Hasebe. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Some of the six Hamas hostages who were recently found murdered, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, reportedly tried to defend themselves in their final moments before being shot. The bodies of the hostages were found in a tunnel in Rafah on August 31. A combination picture shows undated handout images of hostages Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, and Almog Sarusi (Courtesy of Bring Them Home Now/Handout via REUTERS) Besides Goldberg-Polin, the other slain hostages were identified as Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi. Their grieving relatives were told shocking details about their last moments during a briefing on the Israel Defense Forces investigation into the executions, Channel 12 News reported. Many of the six victims are believed to have tried to fight off their killers and struggled with those who shot them, the outlet reported. According to the report, forensic evidence showed that Hersh, Ori, Alex and Almog defended Eden and Carmel before they were murdered. Hostages were held in harsh conditions The families of the deceased hostages were briefed by IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. They were shown evidence from inside the tunnel and were informed that the six were held in harsh conditions after being abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The tunnel where the six were being held was just two people wide, and was too low for them to stand. No air vents, toilets or showers were there. On raiding the tunnel, the IDF found protein bars, a generator, a small flashlight and a chess set discarded there. Several notepads that were found have been given to the hostages families. The autopsies of the six hostages revealed that they were shot multiple times from close range, The Times Of Israel previously revealed. The IDF said that Hamas terrorists executed the hostages shortly before their bodies were found by troops. Security officials believe they may have been killed because Hamas terrorists were afraid that a hostage who was recently rescued alive would divulge details about where the other hostages were being held. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a hefty tax bill for their Montecito mansion, according to recent claims. The Sussexes purchased their lavish seven-bedroom home in California for an estimated 11 million four years ago. They were reportedly hit with a tax bill totalling 112,000 in 2023, which was paid in two instalments. At an Oprah Winfrey event, Meghan Markle described her current life with Prince Harry as a "chapter of joy". (Colombia Vice Presidency/Handout via REUTERS)(via REUTERS) This isnt the first time Sussexes has faced such a large property tax bill According to The Sun, in 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid 110,000 in property taxes, and in 2021, the amount was slightly less at 108,000 for their Montecito estate, located in an affluent neighbourhood in Santa Barbara County. This hefty tax bill news comes as King Charles III's younger son is reportedly seeking advice from people from his old life on how to make a return to the UK and spend more time there. ALSO READ| Princess Dianas family reportedly invited Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to UK for Insiders suggest that Harry is exploring ways to stage a comeback from his relative exile in the United States. Increased time in the UK could potentially help him mend his strained relationship with his father, King Charles. The tension between the father and son has been a topic of public interest since Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020. Prince Harry now seeks a rehabilitated role in Royal Family Speculation has grown that the duke might consider a rehabilitated role within the royal family. However, sources close to the couple have indicated that neither Harry nor Meghan is seeking a permanent move back to the UK from their current home in California. It was also reported that Prince Harry is seeking an apology from his estranged brother, Prince William, who will act as an olive branch of the royal family. Meanwhile, Over the weekend, the Duchess spoke about her life during an appearance at Oprah Winfreys book club event, held at Godmothers bookstore in Summerland, California. She referred to this period in her life as a chapter of joy and expressed the importance of gratitude and living with intention. ALSO READ| Kate Middelton looks remarkably well in new video that shows her personal side, expert says: Its worth noting' My intentionality is to enjoy this chapter and be able to love through every piece of this as best we can, Meghan said. The more you are able to look at your life and really, truly recognise and be able to be grateful for your lifeyou have to be grateful for all aspects of it. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched the Polaris Dawn mission from Kennedy Space Center at United states' Florida on Tuesday. The mission will last up to five days and will attempt a spacewalk, first by a commercial crew. SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches Polaris Dawn mission The crew will aim to fly higher than any previous Dragon mission and attempt to reach the highest Earth orbit ever. They will also be the first to test Starlinks laser-based communications in space. Falcon 9 will place Dragon in an elliptical orbit of 190 x 1,200 km, where it will orbit the Earth eight times before raising itself to an apogee of 1,400 km. This will be the highest humans have traveled in Earths orbit since the completion of the Apollo programme over 50 years ago. After six orbits at 1,400 km, Dragon will lower itself back to a 190 x 700 km elliptical orbit in preparation for the first spacewalk from Dragon. ALSO READ- Elon Musk reveals when SpaceX will launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars: If those landings go well Who are the crew members? Jared Isaacman, 41, a pilot and billionaire founder of Shift4, is leading and funding the Polaris mission, just as he did for his previous Inspiration4 flight with SpaceX in 2021. The exact cost of the missions is unknown, but it is expected to be in hundreds of millions of dollars. Isaacman is joined by Scott Poteet, 50, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, and two SpaceX engineers: Sarah Gillis, 30, and Anna Menon, 38. Isaacman and Gillis will conduct a spacewalk, tethered by an oxygen line, while Poteet and Menon stay inside the spacecraft. ALSO READ- This Bengaluru company is aiming to launch 'space habitat' by 2027, in talks with SpaceX This mission is the first in Isaacman's Polaris programme, which will include a future Crew Dragon mission and a flight on SpaceX's Starship rocket. The crew will also participate in scientific experiments to study the effects of space on the human body, building on previous research from astronauts on the International Space Station. * Three Israeli police killed in Sept. 1 West Bank shooting attack Israeli military confirms attack near Idna Tarqumiyah Junction * Shooting suspect killed by security forces in Hebron * Two Palestinian brothers killed by Israeli military near Jenin, Red Crescent says * Hardliner Smotrich call for stronger action against militants * Hamas praises attack, calls it a response to Gaza conflict By James Mackenzie and Ali Sawafta JERUSALEM, Sept 1 - Three Israeli police officers were killed on Sunday when their vehicle came under fire near the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials said, adding to days of violence in the Palestinian territory. Following the attack in the area of the Idna Tarqumiyah Junction, security forces surrounded a house in Hebron and killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out the shooting, the military said. Hundreds of Israeli troops have been carrying out raids across the West Bank since last Wednesday in one of their largest actions in the area in months, which Israel says is aimed at rooting out Iranian-backed Islamist militants. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported on Sunday that two Palestinian brothers had been shot by Israeli forces in the town of Kafr Dan, outside Jenin in the northern West Bank, where Israeli forces have been operating since Wednesday. The deployment of army and police units across the West Bank has underscored the heavy pressure facing Israeli security forces now fighting on multiple fronts, with little sign of a breakthrough in talks to secure a halt to the fighting in Gaza. "We are fighting on all fronts against a cruel enemy who wants to murder us all," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, also referring to six Israeli hostages killed in captivity in Gaza and whose bodies were recovered from a tunnel on Sunday. As he spoke, Israeli troops were still operating in Jenin, where the militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad said their fighters were engaged. HEAVY DAMAGE The operation, now in its fifth day, has caused heavy damage to infrastructure in the city and the adjacent refugee camp, a densely populated township, with multiple damaged houses and buildings and a mass of streets torn up by armoured bulldozers hunting for roadside bombs. At least 24 Palestinians, most claimed by Hamas or Islamic Jihad as their members, have been killed since the start of the Israeli operation. Israeli forces have made 110 arrests, according to the Palestinian prisoners association. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardline member of Israel's security cabinet, called for more action against Palestinian militants in the West Bank. "We need to do now what we didn't do that awful night and launch a pre-emptive strike and strike terrorism hard," he said, referring to Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. "We are committed to eliminating terrorism on all fronts," he said, speaking from the scene of Sunday's attack. At least 34 Israeli soldiers and civilians were killed in Palestinian attacks and clashes with Palestinian fighters outside Gaza and northern Israel in the period from Oct. 7 to the end of August, according to figures from Shin Bet, the Israeli domestic security agency. The figure does not include at least 47 Israeli soldiers and civilians killed in attacks by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah based in southern Lebanon, according to figures from Alma Research and Education Center, a think tank in northern Israel. At the same time, Israeli forces have killed almost 680 Palestinians, including armed fighters, stone-throwing youths and uninvolved civilians. Hamas, which is fighting a war with Israel in Gaza, praised the attack in the West Bank, but did not claim it, saying it was a "natural response to the massacres and genocide in the Gaza Strip". "We call on all those who carry weapons to direct their bullets at the chests of the occupiers who continue to commit massacres against our people in Gaza Strip," the statement said. Israel denies committing acts of genocide in the Gaza war, which was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 strike on Israel. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Toronto: As a key meeting with party MPs kicks off on Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is contending with signs of dissatisfaction within his caucus. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, speaks onstage during the premiere of Nutcrackers during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall, on September 05, in Toronto, Ontario. (AFP) On Monday, Liberal Party MP Alexandra Mendes told reporters that the feedback she has received from her constituents is that the PM needs to go. While she praised Trudeaus track record as PM, she told the French-language network Radio-Canada, I didnt hear it from two, three people. I heard it from dozens and dozens of people. Hes no longer the right leader. Earlier, New Brunswick MP Wayne Long has called from him to resign from the post before the next Federal election, which is scheduled for October 2025. The possibility of earlier elections has also grown more distinct with the New Democratic Party (NDP) withdrawing from the supply-and-confidence agreement with the ruling party that it had entered into in March 2022. With 154 seats in the 338-member House of Commons, the Liberals are back to minority status. Among the highlights of the caucus retreat in the resort town of Nanaimo in British Columbia will be the formal announcement that former Governor of the Bank of England, and earlier the Bank of Canada, Mark Carney, will enter the Government as a special advisor on economic issues. In a release issued on Monday, Trudeau said, Marks unique ideas and perspectives will play a vital role in shaping the next steps in our plan to continue to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class, and to urgently seize new opportunities for Canadian jobs and prosperity in a fast-changing world. In the recent past, Indo-Canadian MPs George Chahal from Alberta and Chandra Arya from Ontario have expressed concern over the direction of the party while continuing to proffer support to Trudeau. Those concerns expressed by MPs are driven by worries about their own survival in the next election since the Liberals have trailed their rival Conservatives by between 15 and 20 points in opinion polls taken over the past year, placing the latter in majority territory. By Yuliia Dysa and Anastasiia Malenko Ukraine says it could cut ties with Iran over missile deliveries to Russia KYIV, Sept 10 - Kyiv said on Tuesday it could cut ties with Tehran if Russia used ballistic missiles supplied by Iran to attack Ukraine, and it denounced any such delivery of the weapons as "unacceptable". Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia received the missiles from Iran 2-1/2 years after the full-scale invasion. He said he expected Moscow to use the weapons in the coming weeks. Iran has denied supplying the arms. Ukraine, which has already been grappling with an increase in Russian missile and drone attacks, has said there would be devastating consequences for its bilateral ties with Iran if reports of the missile supplies are confirmed. "I will not say now exactly what is meant by devastating consequences, so as not to weaken our diplomatic position. But I can say that all options, including the one you mentioned, are on the table," foreign ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said, when asked if Kyiv could cut ties with Tehran. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made no direct reference to Iran in his nightly video address, but pledged to coordinate a strong world-wide response to any power helping Russia and President Vladimir Putin. "I want to say to everyone in the world who still wants somehow to help Putin," Zelenskiy said. "We will do everything not just to defend our state and people, but to truly consolidate the world for strong responses to the incitement of war or any attempts to prolong it." Ukraine's allies, including the U.S., have said the delivery amounts to a substantial escalation and that they will impose further sanctions on Iran. While describing such sanctions as a "positive step", Ukraine's top presidential official, Andriy Yermak, said it would not be enough on its own. "We also need authorisation to use Western weapons against military targets on Russian territory, the provision of longer-range missiles, and the enhancement of our air defence systems," Yermak said on X. The Kremlin has yet to comment on Blinken's statements. On Monday, it said it was developing all-round dialogue with Iran. Ukraine downgraded ties with Iran in 2022 over Tehran's supply of unmanned Shahed attack drones to Russia, which Moscow troops have since used for regular long-range attacks. Until now, Iranian military support for Moscow has been most visible in the supply of those drones, which carry a smaller payload and are easier to shoot down because they travel at a fraction of the speed of ballistic missiles. Reuters reported in August that Russia expected a delivery of hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile from Iran and that dozens of troops had received training to fire them. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. MOSCOW -Ukraine struck the Moscow region on Tuesday in its biggest drone attack so far on the Russian capital, killing at least one woman, wrecking dozens of homes and forcing around 50 flights to be diverted from airports around Moscow. Ukraine strikes Moscow in biggest drone attack to date Russia, the world's biggest nuclear power, said it destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones as they swarmed over the Moscow region, which has a population of more than 21 million, and 124 more over eight other regions. At least one person was killed near Moscow, Russian authorities said. Three of Moscow's four airports were closed for more than six hours and almost 50 flights were diverted. Kyiv said Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, had attacked it overnight with 46 drones, of which 38 were destroyed. The drone attacks on Russia damaged at high-rise apartment buildings in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region, setting flats on fire, residents told Reuters. A 46-year-old woman was killed and three people were wounded in Ramenskoye, Moscow regional governor Andrei Vorobyov said. Residents said they awoke to blasts and fire. "I looked at the window and saw a ball of fire," Alexander Li, a resident of the district told Reuters. "The window got blown out by the shockwave." Georgy, a resident who declined to give his surname, said he heard a drone buzzing outside his building in the early hours. "I drew back the curtain and it hit the building right before my eyes, I saw it all," he said. "I took my family and we ran outside." The Ramenskoye district, some 50 km southeast of the Kremlin, has a population of around quarter a million of people, according to official data. More than 70 drones were also downed over Russia's Bryansk region and tens more over other regions, Russia's defence ministry said. There was no damage or casualties reported there. As Russia advances in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv has taken the war to Russia with a cross-border attack in Russia's western Kursk region that began on Aug. 6 and by carrying out increasingly large drone attacks deep into Russian territory. DRONE WAR The war has largely been a grinding artillery and drone war along the 1,000 km heavily fortified front line in southern and eastern Ukraine involving hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Moscow and Kyiv have both sought to buy and develop new drones, deploy them in innovative ways, and seek new ways to destroy them - from shotguns to advanced electronic jamming systems. Both sides have turned cheap commercial drones into deadly weapons while ramping up their own production and assembly to attack targets including tanks, energy infrastructure such as refineries and airfields. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has sought to insulate Moscow from the grinding rigours of the war, says the Ukrainian drone attacks are "terrorism" as they target civilian infrastructure - and has vowed a response. Moscow and other big Russian cities have largely been insulated from the war. Russia has hit Ukraine with thousands of missiles and drones in the last two-and-a-half years, killing thousands of civilians, wrecking much of the country's energy system and damaging commercial and residential properties across the country. Ukraine says it has a right to strike back deep into Russia, though Kyiv's Western backers have said they do not want a direct confrontation between Russia and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine about Tuesday's attacks. Both sides deny targeting civilians. Tuesday's attack follow drone attacks Ukraine launched in early September targeting chiefly Russia's energy and power facilities. Authorities of the Tula region, which neighbours the Moscow region to its north, said drone wreckage fell onto a fuel and energy facility but the "technological process" of the facility was not affected. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Monday it had summoned a senior Iranian diplomat to warn of "devastating and irreparable consequences" for bilateral relations if reports that Tehran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles were correct. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (AFP) A senior Iranian official denied the reports earlier on Monday, describing them as "psychological warfare". A European Union spokesperson described the information as "credible". CNN and the Wall Street Journal reported last week, citing unidentified sources, that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, as Moscow continues to wage war in Ukraine more than two and a half years after its 2022 invasion. The Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Telegram it had summoned Iran's charge d'affaires, Shahriar Amouzegar, and warned him in "harsh form" about the consequences for relations if delivery of the missiles was confirmed. Earlier, Brigadier Fazlollah Nozari, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, was quoted by the Iranian Labour News Agency as saying: "No missile was sent to Russia and this claim is a kind of psychological warfare." "Iran does not support any of the parties to the Ukraine-Russia conflict," Nozari said. Western and Ukrainian officials have dismissed such denials in the past, saying there is overwhelming evidence that Iran has supplied items such as Shahed drones to Russia. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano said in an email: "We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia." He said that if confirmed, "this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine". EU leaders had previously made clear they would "respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran" to such a step, Stano added. Another European official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. had shared information on the reported transfer with allies and was likely to make it public soon. "I cannot confirm the reports that the transfer has happened," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in Washington. Such a scenario would have a deleterious effects on both Ukraine and the Middle East, he added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had seen the report but that not all such reports were correct. "Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive ones," Peskov told reporters. Ukraine said last week that 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. Any Iranian transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would mark a sharp escalation in the Ukraine war, the United States said on Friday. That language was echoed on Monday by a NATO spokesperson, who said the Western military alliance was aware of the media reports but would not be drawn on whether they were accurate. "As Allies have stated previously, any transfer of ballistic missiles and related technology by Iran to Russia would represent a substantial escalation," the spokesperson said. Moscow has accused Kyiv's allies of escalating the war by providing weapons used in Ukraine's recent incursion into Russia's Kursk region, and has threatened to respond. Andrew Tate is presently subject to house arrest in Romania. Prosecutors are exploring more accusations against him in addition to the ones he is currently facing, such as having sexual relations with a juvenile and trafficking minors. Tate and his bother Tristan are being probed for trafficking over 34 women. Two British women have come forward with horrific stories of being strangled and raped by Tate, while one more woman has accused his younger brother Tristan of rape, claiming that he put his hands around her throat as he did so.(AP) Two British women have now come forward with horrific stories of being strangled and raped by Tate, while one more woman has accused his younger brother of rape, claiming that he put his hands around her throat as he did so. Tate accuser says he asked Am I a bad person? after raping her Speaking to BBC News, one accuser, who preferred to call herself Anna, stated that she went to Tate's house in Luton in 2013, a few days after dating him. He started kissing me... and he just looked up at the ceiling and said, 'I'm just debating whether I should rape you or not', she alleged. Out of the blue he just grabbed me by the throat, smashed me to the back of the bed, strangling me extremely hard. Following this, Tate allegedly raped Anna. According to her, Tate later sent her unsettling voice notes and texts regarding rape and other sexual assaults following the attack. Am I a bad person? Because the more you didnt like it, the more I enjoyed it, the controversial influencer said in a voice note. I love raping you, he texted her, as per Anna. Anna reported the suspected attack to Bedfordshire Police in 2014. Later, two more women made similar claims, prompting Hertfordshire Police to take up the investigation. The case was forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service in 2019, but it was determined that insufficient evidence existed to pursue charges. What are another woman's accusations against Andrew Tate? A woman who referred to herself as Sienna said she met Tate ten years ago. She recalled a horrifying second meeting with him following what she called a standard one-night stand during their first encounter. We went to my bedroom... and we started having sex. That was when he put his hands around my throat, she said. I was absolutely terrified... I just remember gasping for air. It was rape, the woman added. Andrew Tate strongly refutes the assertions. He said to the BBC last year, I know I've never hurt anybody and It's not in my nature to hurt people. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has sent Congress a classified report on its strategy for the war in Ukraine, three sources said on Monday, months after a June deadline mandated in a multibillion-dollar spending bill lawmakers passed in April. Biden's support for Ukraine is backed by Democrats and many Republicans in Congress. (AFP) A congressional aide said the long-awaited report had reached lawmakers on Monday and they had not yet had a chance to review it. Two other sources, requesting anonymity to discuss a classified matter, confirmed that it had been delivered. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Congress has approved nearly $175 billion of aid and military assistance for Ukraine and allied nations in the 2-1/2 years since Russia's full-scale invasion. After months of delay, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a $95 billion supplemental spending bill in April that included $61 billion in funding for Ukraine, as well as billions for Israel, civilians in conflict zones around the world and to "counter communist China" in the Indo-Pacific. As part of that bill, Congress asked the Biden administration to submit a detailed strategy for Ukraine by early June. Biden's support for Ukraine is backed by Democrats and many Republicans in Congress. Some Republicans, however, have criticized his administration for restricting how Ukraine can use U.S. equipment, for example by refusing to supply weapons that could strike targets deep inside Russia, for fear it would escalate the conflict. Weeks after the deadline passed with no report, some members of Congress said they were frustrated and would consider blocking further funding. In a statement emailed to Reuters in late August about the report, Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he supported assisting Ukraine but did not do so blindly. "Since the earliest days of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war on Ukraine, we have asked the Biden-Harris Administration for a strategy on how the U.S. and our allies can help Ukraine win the war," Risch said. "When they did not respond to our requests, we mandated in law that a strategy be sent to Congress, but the deadline has passed with no response. President Biden and VP (Kamala) Harris owe a strategy not just to us, but to the American people, and their dereliction suggests they dont have one or are afraid to share it." (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Kylie MacLellan and Daphne Psaledakis Blinken to discuss support for Ukraine in meetings with senior officials in London LONDON -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss efforts to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, as well as the response to the conflict in the Middle East, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other UK officials in London on Tuesday. In meetings with Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Blinken will also discuss issues including the Indo-Pacific region and the AUKUS defence pact between the U.S., Australia and Britain, the State Department said. The trip comes as a senior Iranian official denied reports that Tehran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, information a European Union spokesperson described as "credible". CNN and the Wall Street Journal reported last week, citing unidentified sources, that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, as Moscow continues to wage war in Ukraine more than two and a half years after its 2022 invasion. Thousands of civilians have died in the war, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced and cities and villages have become piles of rubble. Russian forces have been slowly advancing in eastern Ukraine. A month ago, Ukrainian troops launched their first major assault on Russian territory, capturing a swath of the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pleading for Western nations to supply more long-range missiles and lift restrictions on using them to hit targets such as airfields inside Russia. Blinken's visit to London also comes a week after Britain suspended some arms export licenses with Israel over equipment that could be used in the war in 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. While Blinken is in London, he and Lammy will open talks on a UK-US Strategic Dialogue to strengthen ties which deliver growth and security, the British government said. This will cover key elements of the UK-US relationship, including defence and security, Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and other global priorities, it added. "In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations," Lammy said in a statement ahead of the meeting. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. BRASILIA -Chinese troops will take part for the first time in Brazil's annual military exercises this week that also include U.S. forces, the Brazilian Navy said on Tuesday. Chinese troops to join Brazil's military drills with US forces Pentagon spokesperson Major Pete Nguyen said, however, U.S. and Chinese forces would not be training together at the Brazil's "Operation Formosa" exercises. "While the PRC are also present at the exercise, U.S. troops are not training alongside or with the PRC," Nguyen said. The PRC, or People's Republic of China, is the country's official name. China sent observers last year to the Operation Formosa exercises, but will have troops on the ground this year, the Brazilian Navy, which coordinates the drills, said in a statement. U.S. troops participated as well in 2023. "In Operation Formosa 2024 we have for the first time the participation of portions of troops made up of both friendly nations," the Navy said of the two superpowers present this year. It did not detail the size of their contingents. The Brazilian military will deploy 3,000 troops in the three-day exercises starting on Wednesday, and they will train using aircraft, tanks, armored and amphibious vehicles, artillery and missile and rocket launchers, it said. The exercises, which use live ammunition, take place outside the town on Formosa, located 80 km northeast of Brazil's capital Brasilia. Invited military personnel participate in workshops to exchange experiences, the Navy said, and observers from eight countries will attend the exercises, including Argentina, France, Italy, Pakistan and South Africa. The Pentagon's Nguyen said U.S. Marines were only at Formosa to train with their Brazilian partners. "By working side-by-side with our Brazilian counterparts, we are enhancing our collective ability to respond to regional security challenges," he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. BRASILIA, Sept 10 - Chinese troops will take part for the first time in Brazil's annual military exercises this week that also include U.S. forces, the Brazilian Navy said on Tuesday. Chinese troops to join Brazil's military drills with US forces Pentagon spokesperson Major Pete Nguyen said, however, U.S. and Chinese forces would not be training together at the Brazil's "Operation Formosa" exercises. "While the PRC are also present at the exercise, U.S. troops are not training alongside or with the PRC," Nguyen said. The PRC, or People's Republic of China, is the country's official name. China sent observers last year to the Operation Formosa exercises, but will have troops on the ground this year, the Brazilian Navy, which coordinates the drills, said in a statement. U.S. troops participated as well in 2023. "In Operation Formosa 2024 we have for the first time the participation of portions of troops made up of both friendly nations," the Navy said of the two superpowers present this year. It did not detail the size of their contingents. The Brazilian military will deploy 3,000 troops in the three-day exercises starting on Wednesday, and they will train using aircraft, tanks, armored and amphibious vehicles, artillery and missile and rocket launchers, it said. The exercises, which use live ammunition, take place outside the town on Formosa, located 80 km northeast of Brazil's capital Brasilia. Invited military personnel participate in workshops to exchange experiences, the Navy said, and observers from eight countries will attend the exercises, including Argentina, France, Italy, Pakistan and South Africa. The Pentagon's Nguyen said U.S. Marines were only at Formosa to train with their Brazilian partners. "By working side-by-side with our Brazilian counterparts, we are enhancing our collective ability to respond to regional security challenges," he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Donald Trump has emerged as the new favourite in presidential election betting odds against Kamala Harris ahead of the September 10 ABC debate. Following a narrow lead by the Democratic nominee, the former president regained the top spot for the first time since mid-August. As Tuesday's event marks the first time voters will see the two candidates together, the showdown is likely to either continue with the current betting odds or drastically shift the narrative again. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. August 20, 2024 and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., August 15, 2024 are seen in a combination of file photographs. REUTERS/Marco Bello, Jeenah Moon/File Photo(REUTERS) Trump regains lead in presidential election betting odds over Harris Trump's recovery comes after the Republican nominee fell behind on both polls and betting odds after the surge of support for Harris in mid-August. However, the tables quickly turned, with the former president taking the lead over Harris following a judge's decision to postpone the sentencing in his hush money criminal case until after the election. ALSO READ: Royal fans emotional over Kate Middleton's touching health update video, Going to watch this on a loop This comes after former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, endorsed Harris. The Cheneys decried Trump as a danger to the nation, with Sen. Bernie Sander lauding their decision to back the vice president. ALSO READ: Sen Bernie Sanders hails ex-VP Dick Cheney, daughter Liz for defending democracy by endorsing Kamala Harris Recently, Trump faced another hiccup in his campaign trail after giving incoherent answers on economic policy at an event for the Economic Club of New York. With the high-stakes debate just hours away, here are the election betting odds as of September 9 for the 47th president of the United States, according to USA Today: Bet 365 Donald Trump: -120 Kamala Harris: EVEN Bovada Donald Trump: -115 Kamala Harris: -105 BetOnline Donald Trump: -130 Kamala Harris: +110 Oddschecker Donald Trump: -110 Kamala Harris: +120 Elon Musk has recently criticized Vice President Kamala Harris over her national rent control policies and grocery store price hikes, likening them to policies that would harm the housing and food industries. Elon Musk slams Kamala Harris hours before the ABC's first presidential debate.(File Images) This comes just an hour before ABC's first Trump-Harris Presidential debate. Harris, in her ongoing campaign, has pledged to address corporate landlords who, she claims, unfairly raise rents on working families. When Im president, I will take on corporate landlords that unfairly raise rents on working families, she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Musk, however, expressed concern that her proposed solutions could lead to harmful national policies. On X, the Tesla boss took a jab at Harris: National rent control will destroy the incentive to build new housing, posting a picture of Harris laughing superimposed over an image of empty supermarket shelves. While drawing a parallel between housing and food pricing, Musk added, National food price controls on supermarkets, which only have a few percent profit margin, means empty shelves, just like Venezuela. ALSO READ| Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump: Where exactly they stand before their first Presidential debate Harris has also focused on grocery store pricing, promising to tackle what she referred to as price gouging by large chains. Her plan would impose price controls to prevent unsustainable increases in grocery prices, particularly for essential items. While this approach is intended to help working families, but several economists argue that such measures could have unintended consequences for the food industry, leading to supply shortages. This is not the first time Harris has come under fire from Musk Musk and former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. torched the VP for her past comments on regulating social media platforms. An old clip from a 2019 CNN interview resurfaced in which Harris criticized the lack of oversight on social media, stating, directly speaking to millions and millions of people without any level of oversight and regulation has to stop. Kennedy misinterpreted this statement as a threat to free speech, sharing the clip on X and accusing Harris of wanting to shut down platforms like X if they did not align with government-approved narratives. ALSO READ| ABC News' commitment to fact-checking is under a microscope as it prepares to host Donald Trump and Kamala Harris RFK further claimed that Harris would suppress free speech, stating, He [Musk] has lost his privileges. Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a privilege? Musk also joined the conversation, responding to the clip by saying, This is what she actually believes. Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and the Democratic Party (Kamala is just a puppet) wants to destroy it. Ahead of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris first presidential debate, prominent Republicans, including the Trump campaign and his VP candidate JD Vance, are spreading false claims that Haitian immigrants residing in Ohio city are consuming pets and local wildlife. Trump campaign, his supporters and VP candidate JD Vance have shared the false claim about Haiti migrants residing in Ohio in a bid to seek vote for the GOP presidential candidate.(X) The lurid and racist social media posts claim, without any proof, that Haiti migrants in Ohio are stealing pets and local wildlife such as ducks and geese to butcher them for food. An X account for the Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, shared AI-generated photos of Trump holding and rescuing kittens and ducks, framing him as the town's rescuer. Republican senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, posted an image of two cats hugging each other due to fear with the caption, Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants don't eat us. Here's what Trump campaign and Republicans are saying Vance, the Ohio Senator and Trump's vice presidential candidate, has been speaking out against Haitian migrants in Ohio for months. Targetting Harris ahead of the debate, he tweeted on Monday: Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? In his post, Vance provided a video of himself during a July Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee meeting, reading a letter from Springfield city manager Bryan Heck regarding the city's issues in providing housing to surging Haitian immigrant community. These reports were mostly based on social media posts shared by national figures such as Charlie Kirk and Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Heck called the claims against immigrants bogus, stating that they were diverting attention away from Springfield's real difficulties. In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes, he said in an email to The Hill. Also Read: Who are Harris vs Trump debate moderators? All you need to know about David Muir and Linsey Davis On Monday, the Trump team sent out an email slamming Harris for the disturbance in Springfield, claiming, It's all coming to your city if Kamala Harris is elected in November. It doesnt have to be this way. Beginning on day one, President Trump will begin the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history because hell always put America, and Americans, FIRST. Republican Dave Yost, Ohio's attorney general, declared in a press release on Monday that he would utilise the resources at his disposal to look at legal options to prevent the federal government from bringing an infinite number of migrants to Ohio communities. In order to assist the migrants, he said that his office will exhaust all possibilities. He further mentioned that the migrants were allegedly killing wildlife for food, was among other complainst received from the locals. Police have no reports of pet being stolen or killed According to Springfield News-Sun, police have received no reports in regards to pets being stolen and eaten. The false information regarding immigrants in Springfield is being spread by the Trump campaign, which has made immigration a focal point and linked Harris and Joe Biden to communities that are unprepared to receive migrants crossing the southern border. As per the police-managed frequently asked questions page, around 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians are lawfully residents of Springfield, Missouri, under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Erik Crew, a Cincinnati native of Springfield ancestry and a staff attorney for the Haitian Bridge Alliance, spoke out about the whole fiasco, stating that it is the same old anti-Black playbook that Ohio has been using for hundreds of years to sow division and hatred, particularly during election seasons. The fact is the rumors about Haitians in Springfield and pets have already been debunked, but we wont stop hearing them because certain people will want to keep spreading them as the election nears. The mother of a student of the Georgia school where a tragic shooting took place last week has said that the tragedy could have been avoided if officials had taken proper steps. Two students and two teachers died when 14-year-old student Colt Gray opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder on September 4. Nine others were injured. Georgia school shooting: Student's mom says institution failed them' (REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage)(REUTERS) They could have prevented these deaths and they didnt, Rabecca Sayarath told the Associated Press. The school failed them. Rabeccas daughter, Lyela Sayarath, is a junior at the school. She previously described Gray as pretty quiet and someone who never really talked. He wasn't there most times. Either he didn't just come to school or he would just skip class," the 16-year-old student told CNN after the shooting. What happened before the shooting? Lyela was sitting next to Gray in math class moments before the teen opened fire. She previously revealed that Gray left the math class at the start of the period, following which a female administrator came to the class to look for a student with the same last name and similar first name as Gray. However, that student was in the bathroom. When the student with the similar name returned, the administrator asked him to show her his bag and later concluded that he was not the person they were looking for. The teacher got a call from someone on the intercom asking for Gray. As the intercom buzzed a second time, the teacher saw Gray outside the classroom and replied, Oh, hes here. The doors automatically lock when shut, and Lyela saw Gray through the door, turning away. She then heard gunshots. He had entered another classroom and opened fire. Rabecca said it was the schools mistake to send an unarmed administrator to look for Colt Gray, and that one of Apalachee Highs armed school resource officers should have been sent instead. Rabecca said that she questioned Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith about Lyelas account at a news conference. Smith said in response, according to Rabecca, With all due respect, maam, I think your information is incorrect. Gray has been charged with four counts of murder. Although he has been charged as an adult, he will not face the death penalty if convicted as he is below 18 years of age. The victims have been identified as math teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Election data savant Nate Silver has said that Kamala Harris passed up a big opportunity with her running mate selection. In his Silver Bulletin newsletter on Sunday, September 8, the FiveThirtyEight founder wrote that the vice president blew one big opportunity to tack to the center with her selection of [Minnesota Gov.] Tim Walz rather than [Pennsylvania Gov.] Josh Shapiro. Kamala Harris blew one big opportunity with her running mate choice, expert claims (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)(REUTERS) Silver was responding to a New York Times/Siena College poll which showed that 47% of likely voters think Harris is too liberal. [Harris] is a more talented politician than she showed in 2019, and its shame that her campaign that year was run by people who seemingly thought Elizabeth Warren was a right-winger, Silver wrote. I think Walz was a decent enough pick on his own merits, but given an opportunity to offer a tangible signal of the direction her presidency was headed, [Harris] reverted to 2019 mode. Debates are often judged relative to expectations Many far-left Democrats were unhappy at the thought of Shapiro being a potential running mate choice, before Harris revealed her decision. This is because of Shapiros support for Israel. According to some critics, the criticism of Shapiro, who is Jewish, was rooted in antisemitism. Silver has now written that a tiny minority of progressives objected to Shapiro was an argument in Shapiros favor, if anything. Silver also noted that Harris is faring poorly among white voters without college degrees, rural voters, and older voters: the types of voters who are plentiful in Blue Wall states like Pennsylvania. Silvers model gave Donald Trump a 65% chance of winning Pennsylvania, as well as a 64.4% chance of winning the election. The Times/Siena poll was released two days before Harris and Trump are set to appear for their first debate. Silver believes the survey results might act as a wakeup call for the veep and those who back her. Debates are often judged relative to expectations as much as by the candidates actual execution, and if the race is perceived as a toss-up for Harris or even leaning Trump, her performance might be viewed in a more favorable light, Silver wrote. He added, And Harris will perhaps be more likely to avoid the counterproductive tendency toward risk aversion that she showed with the Walz pick. She should campaign like shes two points behind because if the Times poll is right, she is. Kamala Harris, the US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate, expects that her Republican opponent Donald Trump is going to lie, mislead and misinform during their first in-person debate on September 10. Reacting to Kamala Harris comments, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt issued a statement saying that the Democratic candidate will be the only person lying on that debate stage. (AFP) In a pre-recorded radio interview that aired on Monday, Harris said she is prepping for those untruths, as theres no floor for him in terms of how low he will go. We should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth, she asserted on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show when the host asked her about the plans to respond to the GOP leader's attacks and temperament during the ABC News hosted debate. Citing the playbook Trump employed with former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Harris remarked that she thinks the GOP rival will launch personal attacks during the discussion. These are some of Harris's initial remarks regarding her expectations for the outcome of her first presidential debate. Speaking at a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, the US VP stated she will concentrate on a message of togetherness during the debate. Its time to turn the page on the divisiveness, she declared in Pittsburgh. Its time to bring our country together, chart a new way forward. Also Read: Donald Trump claims Mark Zuckerberg made a surprising phone call following the assassination attempt: No way I can Trump campaign claps back at Harris Reacting to Harris comments, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt issued a statement saying that the Democratic candidate will be the only person lying on that debate stage. He went on to call her a far-left dangerous liberal. Tuesday's ninety-minute debate between Trump and Harris will be the first and maybe the last face off prior to the November 5 election. It offers the Democratic ticket a vital second shot. President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris as his replacement following his dismal performance in the June debate against Trump. After Harris launched her campaign, she seemed to be closing the polling difference that held over Trump and Biden. However, a new poll by The New York Times and Siena College showed Trump and Harris in a dead heat, with respondents expressing a need to learn more about the newly nominated Democratic candidate. GENEVA A Zurich city councilor has apologized and reportedly sought police protection against threats after she fired a sport pistol at an auction poster of a 14th-century Madonna and child painting and posted images of their bullet-ridden faces on social media. Swiss city councilor apologizes for firing gun at a Mary and Jesus poster Green-Liberal party Sanija Ameti, 32, put the images on Instagram over the weekend before quickly pulling them down. She later explained on social media that she had been practicing shots from about 10 meters and only found the poster as big enough for a suitable target. I apologize to the people who were hurt by my post. I deleted it immediately when I realized its religious content. I didnt think about it, Ameti wrote on X. Im incredibly sorry. The Zurich chapter of the Green-Liberal party said it has launched expulsion proceedings against Ameti with the national organization. Farner Group, a consulting firm where she worked, said in an email that it had decided Monday to terminate the employment relationship with Ameti. The images continued to circulate in Swiss media and online Tuesday. Daily 20 Minutes published a photo of Ameti standing in what looks like a stone-paneled crypt and pointing a large pistol. Another frame showed bullet holes in the haloed heads and faces of Mary and Jesus. The poster, an advertisement from auction house Koller, showed details of the work Madonna with Child and the Archangel Michael by 14th-century Italian painter Tommaso del Mazza that is set to go up for sale on Sept. 20. Associates, allies and her employer distanced themselves from the actions by Ameti, in particular ahead of Sept. 22 referendums on national and local issues including an initiative to better protect biodiversity in Switzerland, which the Green-Liberal party in Zurich supports. Kath.ch, a site of the media center for the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland, said Swiss bishops condemned the shooting by Ameti, in which she aimed at a picture of Mary and the baby Jesus. This hurts the religious sensibilities of many Catholics including their own. The site, using an expletive, said Ameti had triggered a storm of controversy. It said she had reached out to kath.ch by email and told it that she and her family placed themselves under police protection due to threats. Operation Libero, an advocacy group she co-founded that promotes free democracy, said she had asked for forgiveness and acknowledged her actions were absolutely stupid. The group called her actions wrong and inappropriate and said it supports religious freedom and opposes incitement. Reports said Ameti, a firearms aficionado and lawyer with expertise in cybersecurity, has carried out stunts in the past, including wearing military fatigues to an event alongside members of the populist Swiss People's Party and posting campaign posters in Albania, where her family hails from. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. * Top US, Chinese military brass hold first call to stabilise ties U.S., China seek to stabilise military ties, prevent misunderstandings * U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's responsibility include South China Sea, Taiwan Strait * U.S., Chinese troops join exercise in Brazil BEIJING, Sept 10 - The United States and China held theatre-level commander talks for the first time on Tuesday, Chinese authorities said, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea. Washington seeks to open new channels of regular military communication with Beijing since ties sank to a historic low after the United States downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year. Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army . The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's areas of responsibility include the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, two hot spots for regional tension that are also flashpoints in U.S.-China bilateral ties. Both sides had an "in depth exchange of views on issues of common concern," the Chinese defence ministry said in a readout. Paparo urged the PLA "to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond", the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that described the exchange as "constructive and respectful". He also stressed the importance of continued talks to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation. The call followed a meeting in Beijing last month between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's leading military adviser, at which the talks were agreed. U.S. and Chinese troops were also taking part in large-scale military exercises led by the Brazilian Armed Forces this week in the Brazilian city of Formosa in the state of Goias. American and Chinese troops had not trained side by side since 2016, when Beijing participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or Rimpac, led by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Most two-way military engagements between the U.S. and China were suspended for almost two years after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in August 2022. "I certainly worry about an unintended conflict between our military forces, an accident, an accidental collision," Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told the magazine Foreign Policy in an online interview. Later this week, the United States plans to send a senior Pentagon official to a major security forum in China. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. BEIJING -The United States and China held theatre-level commander talks for the first time on Tuesday, Chinese authorities said, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea. Top US, Chinese military brass hold first call to stabilise ties Washington seeks to open new channels of regular military communication with Beijing since ties sank to a historic low after the United States downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year. Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army . The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's areas of responsibility include the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, two hot spots for regional tension that are also flashpoints in U.S.-China bilateral ties. Both sides had an "in depth exchange of views on issues of common concern," the Chinese defence ministry said in a readout. Paparo urged the PLA "to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond", the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that described the exchange as "constructive and respectful". He also stressed the importance of continued talks to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation. The call followed a meeting in Beijing last month between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's leading military adviser, at which the talks were agreed. U.S. and Chinese troops were also taking part in large-scale military exercises led by the Brazilian Armed Forces this week in the Brazilian city of Formosa in the state of Goias. American and Chinese troops had not trained side by side since 2016, when Beijing participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or Rimpac, led by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Most two-way military engagements between the U.S. and China were suspended for almost two years after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in August 2022. "I certainly worry about an unintended conflict between our military forces, an accident, an accidental collision," Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told the magazine Foreign Policy in an online interview. Later this week, the United States plans to send a senior Pentagon official to a major security forum in China. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the House, claimed that former President Trump could skip the September 10 presidential debate with Kamala Harris out of cowardice. However, the Trump campaign insisted she's only trying to disseminate fake news. Donald Trump campaign brushed aside Nancy Pelosi's speculation that the former president would avoid the debate as fake news.(AP) Pelosi recently made an appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival, where she talked with journalist Kara Swisher on a range of subjects before signing copies of her most recent book. Blasting Trump during the conversation, Pelosi became more vehement when the journalist asked her about Tuesday's widely awaited ABC News Presidential Debate. Swisher questioned Pelosi about any guidance she would give the former president. You think hes gonna show up? quipped the 84-year-old Democrat, prompting the audience to burst into laughter. To this, Swisher asked if she knew something that I dont know? I know cowardice when I see it, the former speaker replied. Following this, Swisher stated that she considered Pelosi agreeing with ex-Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, who referred to Trump as a misogynist pig while sharing the same platform at a previous Trib Fest event. Isnt she wonderful? Pelosi responded. Also Read: Kamala Harris opens up about her first presidential debate preparation, says bracing for rival Trump's untruths Trump campaign reacts to Pelosi's remarks Trump campaign brushed aside Pelosi's speculation that the former president would avoid the debate as fake news. Calling Pelosi a liar and fraud, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told Fox News Digital said that the Democrat has no understanding what she is talking about. If she isnt busy giving herself fake titles to make herself feel better, shes peddling fake news because its the only thing shes ever done. All eyes are on ABC News, which will host this highly anticipated first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The 90-minute debate, which will take place on September 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will be facilitated by two seasoned journalists, David Muir and Linsey Davis. Two Delta Air Lines planes collided on a taxiway at Atlanta's airport Tuesday morning, with a larger plane knocking over the tail of a smaller regional jet. FILE - A Delta Air Lines jet leaves the gate, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)(AP) No injuries were reported and Delta said passengers would be rebooked on other flights. Atlanta-based Delta said the wing of a Delta Airbus A350 jet that was bound for Tokyo hit the tail of a smaller Bombardier CRJ-900 that was on an adjacent taxiway. The smaller plane, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, was preparing to take off for Lafayette, Louisiana. ALSO READ: Royal fans emotional over Kate Middleton's touching health update video, Going to watch this on a loop Jason Adams, a meteorologist for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, who is traveling to Louisiana to cover Tropical Storm Francine, recounted the moment of impact on social platform X. Well that was terrifying, Adams wrote. Taxiing out for the flight from Atlanta to Louisiana and another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. Were fine. No fire or smoke. Adams posted pictures of the tail of the smaller plane knocked on its side and laying on the taxiway. ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, fans ask if he will perform Drake diss track Not Like Us Delta said the wing of the larger plane was also damaged. Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said passengers from one plane were bused back to the terminal, while the other plane returned to a gate under its own power. Delta said it would cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board and other authorities to investigate. The Federal Aviation Administration says it is also investigating. Airport officials described disruptions to operations at the world's busiest airport as minimal. Ahead of the most crucial debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, ABC News has become the center of attention since it will host the highly-anticipated political showdown. ABC News David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Sept. 10.(Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty Images) David Muir and Linsey Davis, two experienced journalists, will moderate the 90-minute debate, which is scheduled to take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10. Who are David Muir and Linsey Davis? David Muir, the presenter and managing editor of ABC's World News Tonight, brings extensive experience to the moderator's chair. Throughout his career, Muir has covered various political events and interviewed foreign leaders, earning him a reputation for his sharp inquiries and calm attitude. His work as the chief anchor of ABC's evening newscast has established him as a recognizable figure to millions of Americans, making him qualified to handle the complexity of a presidential debate. Muir is known for her tremendous experience, having moderated four primary debates for ABC since 2015, three Democratic and one Republican. He has also taken interviews with Trump and Harris. Linsey Davis, primetime anchor for ABC News Live, will join Muir on the stage on September 10. Davis has developed a reputation for her astute reporting and knack to confront challenging issues openly. Davis also hosts World News Tonight on Sundays. She has moderated two Democratic primary debates during the 2020 elections. Also Read: Trump campaign lambasts fraud Nancy Pelosi for peddling 'fake news' ahead of his debate with Kamala Harris Will ABC News do live fact-checking? In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about fact-checking during presidential debates. CNN came under fire for failing to issue real-time corrections when Trump made misleading statements during his June debate against President Joe Biden, whose poor showing led to his departure from the White House run. In an interview with The New York Times, ABC News' political director, Rick Klein, explained the network's perspective on real-time fact-checking during the debate I don't think it's a 'yes' or 'no' proposition, Klein said, adding that We're not making a commitment to fact-check everything or fact-check nothing in either direction. He said that the aim is to keep the debate going and to facilitate a good solid conversation, which requires a variety of tasks such as asking questions, pushing the discussion ahead, and ensuring that it's courteous. Klein stated that the moderators' primary task will be to facilitate a discussion and provide a forum for candidates to effectively clarify their positions. Donald Trump intends the world to know that he would never have sexually abused Jessica Leeds, who accused the former president of assault and was a trial witness in a high-profile case against him. Jessica Leeds, responds publicly to Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trumps comments about her during a press conference, outside the Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 9, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid(REUTERS) She would not have been the chosen one, he told reporters during a press conference on Friday at Trump Tower in Manhattan, giving the impression that she didn't look well enough. Leeds was among the first female accusers of Trump's sexual assault during the 2016 presidential campaign. She claimed that in the 1970s, she was sitting next to Trump in first class on an airplane when he started making inappropriate advances. Leeds claimed that she made her way to the back of the aircraft after resisting Trump. Leeds responded to the GOP presidential candidate's comments in a press conference outside Trump Tower on Monday. She referred to him as a sexual predator and stated she is considering filing a lawsuit against him. Speaking to reporters on Fifth Avenue, she said, He assaulted me 50 years ago and he continues to attack me today. Leeds termed Trump's chosen one remarks really bizarre. She admitted, I must admit, I did laugh, when she heard the comment. It's a little spooky and a little difficult to process. He does seem to be kind of obsessed. But here I am. Who is Jessica Leeds? Leeds accused Trump of touching her inappropriately as they were seated next to each other in first class cabin on a flight in 1979. During the 2016 presidential campaign, she made her first public accusations against Trump, telling The New York Times that he groped her when they were seated next to each other on a flight to New York. Leeds provided the most detail about her account when she testified in federal court in Manhattan in the spring of 2023. This was in connection with the writer E. Jean Carroll's lawsuit for slander and sexual abuse. He was grabbing my breasts, she testified at Manhattan trial. It's like he had 40 zillion hands, and it was a tussling match between the two of us. Leeds, a businesswoman at that point, said that she encountered Trump at a charity event around two years later. He said, 'I remember you. You're that cunt from the airplane,' Leeds told the Carroll jury, referring to his interaction with Trump. Well, it was like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over my head. Also Read: White Stripes sue Donald Trump over use of 'Seven Nation Army' riff without permission Jessica Leeds urges Americans to not vote for Trump Leeds told reporters she is holding a press conference "because I believe it's important to remind voters." Recalling the flight encounter, she said, All of a sudden, this man started grabbing me and trying to kiss me. He had 47 arms like an octopus. According to her, she moved away from ger seat when Trump decided to put his hand up my skirt. Leeds stated during the press conference on Monday that she first came out with her allegations in order to correct the record after Trump refuted allegations of sexual assault against women during a presidential debate. Ahead of the 2024 election, she pleaded with Americans not to support Trump, stressing that We just cannot allow this person back into the White House. Trump's denial of her testimony on Friday would have opened a new opportunity for a defamation lawsuit. She told reporters that she is thinking about a lot of options because of his latest remarks. She, however, added, that no decision has been made yet. Venezuela's battered opposition is running out of options for challenging President Nicolas Maduro's claim to have won reelection. Opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia fled in exile to Spain over the weekend. The popular leader he stood in for at the polls, Maria Corina Machado, is in hiding. Other opposition figures have been arrested and Maduro is firmly in charge of the oil-rich nation -- showing no sign of yielding. Maduro's disputed win in the July 28 election is challenged not just by the opposition or historic geopolitical rivals such as the United States, but also by leftist allies of Venezuela such as Brazil and Colombia. The latter have come up empty-handed in their efforts to help find a peaceful solution to the crisis. Inside the country, chatter abounds about what the opposition calls a stolen election -- but people make their criticisms in whispers: no one wants to join the more than 2,400 people who have been arrested since the vote, including children, with some even accused of "terrorism." Maduro would be sworn in for a third term on January 10, and in the next four months, anything can happen. But for now, Venezuela looks like this: Maduro and other heirs of the late iconic socialist leader Hugo Chaves are closing ranks, the opposition is trying to somehow reorganize itself and the outside world is assessing how to confront a Maduro whom international sanctions and pressure have long failed to shake. The National Electoral Council, loyal to Maduro, proclaimed him the winner of the election with 52 percent of the votes. That means another six-year term in power for the former bus driver handpicked by Chavez to succeed him. The opposition published copies of voting records from polling stations, saying the data proves the claim of a Maduro win is bogus and that Gonzalez Urrutia won by a landslide. That act of publishing the results online has triggered a probe by the government and charges that the opposition engaged in conspiracy, usurping functions and sabotage. The government has meanwhile not released detailed voting records to back up its claim of victory -- it says it cannot, because the election tally system was hacked. Maduro insists he won and at least in public rules out any kind of negotiation with the opposition. "It is clear that the government is not seeking to yield, and to the contrary it is digging in," said Antulio Rosales, a political scientist and professor at York University in Canada. "It is a strategy of domination, of sweeping away everything," said Giulio Cellini, head of the LOG political consultancy. The goal, he said, is "to keep Maduro in place no matter what the cost is, because the cost of giving up power is even greater." After Venezuela's last election, in 2018, Maduro also claimed victory amid widespread accusations of fraud. With the support of the military and other institutions, he managed to cling to power despite international sanctions. Maduro has led the oil-rich but cash-poor country since 2013. His tenure, amid sanctions and domestic economic mismanagement, has seen GDP drop 80 percent in a decade, prompting more than seven million of the country's 30 million citizens to flee. Gonzalez Urrutia, a 75-year-old, little-known former diplomat -- until now -- said last week that he was not considering going into exile, as he has now done. But for many Venezuelans, his flight came as no surprise. He was under tremendous pressure, not just from a legal standpoint -- he defied three summonses to appear in court -- but also due to a rain of daily insults from Maduro, who called him "filthy," a coward and even a Nazi. Machado, the very popular leader of the opposition who was barred by Maduro-loyal courts from running for president, is now living in hiding. Many Venezuelans are now wondering if she too will flee into exile. Protests erupted right after the Maduro win was announced and in clashes with security forces 27 people died and nearly 200 were hurt. Experts say it is unlikely that the United States will react as firmly as Donald Trump did after Maduro's disputed win in 2018. Then, the US administration said it no longer considered Maduro to be president and recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido instead. The most recent US punishment came earlier this month, when it seized one of Maduro's planes, in the Dominican Republic. The United States is now expected to impose sanctions on individual members of the Maduro government. Pablo Quintero, also of the LOG consultancy, said that over the short and medium term, the Maduro government expects to govern in isolation. "They have trained for these kinds of situations and are willing to endure them in order to stay in power," he said. A wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia overnight killed a woman near Moscow, Russian officials said on Tuesday, the first time someone has been killed in a Ukrainian attack near the capital since Russia's military offensive began in 2022. The attacks came as the Russian army claimed to have made sweeping territorial gains in Ukraine, capturing a town and three villages in three separate areas of the eastern front. Russia's defense ministry said it had downed 144 Ukrainian drones from a barrage that also disrupted air traffic at Moscow's airports. A 46-year-old woman was killed and three other people hospitalized in a drone strike on the town of Ramenskoye, about 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Moscow, local governor Andrey Vorobyov said. In Ramenskoye, AFP reporters saw extensive damage to the 10th, 11th and 12th floors of a 17-storey apartment block in which the woman was reported to have been killed. A resident who lived on the 13th floor with his family told AFP the strike sent plumes of smoke into his apartment. "It became hard to breathe. It was scary, of course. We opened the windows so we could at least breathe because the smoke was coming from somewhere," said Dmitry, a 52-year-old sales manager. Lyubov Sbrodova, a resident of a neighboring apartment block, told AFP hostilities were getting closer to the Russian capital. Ukraine launched a cross-border attack into Russia's Kursk region last month. "It started in Kursk and has already reached us," the 33-year-old said. "Our authorities are not doing absolutely everything to keep our people safe," she added. Around a dozen residents of the building could be seen nearby, waiting to be allowed back in after firefighters put out a fire sparked by the drone strike. Russia's Investigative Committee said it had launched a criminal probe into what it called a "terrorist act". The Kremlin condemned the strike, which it said showed the need for Russia to continue its offensive in Ukraine. "We must continue the military operation in order to protect ourselves from such displays of this regime," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a daily call. The latest wave of drones came as Moscow claimed sweeping gains in eastern Ukraine, more than 30 months into its military offensive, and as Kyiv's forces pressed their incursion into the Kursk region. The Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday it had captured the town of Krasnogorivka, as well as three villages in different parts of Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk. Krasnogorivka, which had a population before the conflict of 16,000, is located in an area where the front line had remained relatively unchanged for weeks. Kyiv launched its Kursk offensive on August 6, aiming to force Russia to redeploy troops pressing forward in the east of Ukraine. But Moscow has appeared to intensify its attacks there. Russia has also kept up aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities further from the front line in recent weeks, including on key energy infrastructure. Three Russian drones were shot down above Ukraine's Sumy region overnight, the regional military administration said early on Tuesday. Air defenses were also activated around the capital, Kyiv. Ukraine has targeted Moscow and the surrounding region several times with drones since the start of Russia's Ukraine offensive in February 2022. But Tuesday's attack was the first time someone had died. A resident of a building near the strike in Ramenskoye told AFP she was sleeping when the drone hit. "We were asleep, of course. Suddenly my husband and I heard a rumble. We ran out onto the balcony. (We saw) smoke, and people running with their children," Natalia Inshutina, 48, told AFP. "Why are we having to live in fear now? When will it end?" she asked. As a result of the attack, four airports servicing Moscow -- including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo -- canceled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning, according to state media. Russia's defense ministry said it had downed 144 Ukrainian drones in nine regions, including 20 over the Moscow region. JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveils its first property in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. Located at the junction of Hai Ba Trung Street and Le Duan Boulevard, with a direct connection to the popular mPlaza Saigon, this 565-key, dual-tower property is nestled within District 1, the city's commercial and cultural hub. "JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon sets the stage for an unforgettable travel experience in the heartbeat of the city," said Mark Van Der Wielen, Multi-Property Vice President Vietnam and General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. "With its unparalleled location and facilities, underpinned by JW Marriott's distinguished approach to service and mindfulness, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon empowers every guest to achieve holistic well-being." An Urban Sanctuary JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon elevates the standard of hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City with luxurious amenities and inspiring spaces to help guests relax and recharge. The hotel is comprised of two separate towers; the 21-story hotel tower features 305 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, while the 31-story residential tower houses 260 exceptional one- to three-bedroom residential suites, all of which offer panoramic views of the city's skyline and Saigon River. This diverse accommodation collection makes the hotel the perfect choice for couples, families, corporate executives, and meeting delegates whether it be on short or extended breaks in Ho Chi Minh City. Culture and Connection Converge Vietnam's commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most dynamic destinations in Southeast Asia for corporate events. Meeting delegates can enjoy 1,200 square meters of premier conference and banquet space, including a grand ballroom, an expansive pre-function area, and six stylish meeting rooms. Professional planning and imaginative catering services will elevate each bespoke event. Meanwhile, the cultural treasures of District 1, such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace, offer an immersive journey into the city's storied history and heritage. Moments of Mindfulness While guests are not exploring the wonders of Ho Chi Minh City, they can indulge in holistic well-being through a selection of refined recreational facilities. Guests can immerse themselves in the elevated outdoor pool and soak up panoramic skyline views, exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or experience profound relaxation at Spa by JW - a sanctuary of serenity with seven treatment rooms, whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. Each tower is fitted with a rooftop pool and gym, ensuring all guests can unwind in privacy and experience ultimate tranquility. Nourishing the Body & Soul Guests can experience exceptional culinary delights with five distinct and vibrant dining destinations designed for every occasion. The property boasts an all-day dining restaurant that features open kitchens and live stations for guests to enjoy breakfast, healthy bites, or evening meals. An elegant Chinese dining destination and an authentic Italian ristorante will welcome guests for memorable lunches and dinners. In the sophisticated lobby lounge, guests are invited to socialize and enjoy sunset drinks. As part of the hotel's commitment in providing an exceptional hospitality experience, a multi-phase upgrade of guest facilities is planned. From refreshed public spaces, restaurants, and bars, and enhanced accommodation options, guests can expect an elevated stay experience post enhancement. For more information on the hotel and its amenities, and for reservations, please visit: www.jwmarriottsaigon.com Hotel website Billy Mark rounds out the hotel's culinary team structure and validates the property's positioning as the"World's Gathering Place". Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Billy Mark as the property's new Director of Food & Beverage. With a distinguished hospitality career spanning over 30 years, Mark brings a dynamic approach to culinary excellence that promises to elevate the dining experience for our hotel guests. Born in Germany into a multi-cultural family with a military background, Mark's upbringing catalyzed his appreciation for travel and different cultures. He spent his childhood living overseas and discovering a vast array of cultural flavors, while also being exposed to his mother's Indonesian background. Mark's extensive experience began at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL, where he contributed as a bartender and server before he was quickly promoted to Food and Beverage Manager. After dedicating six years to managing the resort's food and beverage program, Mark took on a variety leadership roles across renowned hotel brands including Hilton and Wyndham. In his new role, he will lead a talented team and spearhead all food and beverage opperations, including Gatherings by Sheraton, weekly presentations that showcase the hotel's wide range of F&B offerings. Throughout his career, Mark has worked under some of the best leaders in the industry. Guided by the wisdom of award-winning chef and mentor Fernando Salazar, Mark embodies "the relentless pursuit of excellence." His leadership is characterized by a continuous drive for innovation and quality, ensuring that every dining experience is nothing short of remarkable. Hotel Equities (HE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Kragnes as Vice President of Capital Services. Kragnes originally joined HE as part of their strategic partnership with National Hospitality Services (NHS) in 2023 and is now using his expertise to serve HE's clients on a broader scale. His skill set is a tremendous asset to the organization's strategic initiatives, particularly in navigating the complexities of capital markets and financing for the hospitality industry. With over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, Kragnes is well-positioned to drive value for HE and its stakeholders. His responsibilities as VP of Capital Services include securing capital for new developments, expansions, and renovations, as well as overseeing relationships with lenders and investors and promoting new opportunities for tactical growth. His role also involves providing guidance on investment strategies, mitigating financial risks, and ensuring long-term financial health for the organization. Kragnes' ability to secure favorable terms and structure deals that benefit both investors and property owners will bring significant value to the company's diverse portfolio of hotels. Kragnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and is a graduate of both the Commercial Lending School and the North Dakota School of Banking. His credentials extend beyond finance, as he is a licensed real estate agent and holds licenses in Property Casualty and Life and Health Insurance. Kragnes has also been an active leader in his community, serving as President of the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and the West Fargo Exchange Club. Stonebridge Companies, LLC ("Stonebridge"), a Denver-based innovative, privately-owned hotel management company boasting a diverse range of full-service, select-service, and extended-stay properties, announced today the promotion of Chris Cheney to Senior Vice President of Commercial Services. Cheney joined the company in 2007 and served as a General Manager at multiple assets from Alaska to Colorado before joining the corporate team in 2011 as Director of Revenue Management. In his new role, Cheney will oversee all aspects of our top-line operations, including Revenue Management, Sales & Marketing, and Digital Strategy. Cheney's current and past industry service and advocacy includes HSMAI Americas Board, HSMAI Greater Denver Chapter Board, Denver Tourism Improvement District Board, Marriott Revenue Management Advisory Board, Anchorage Commuter Rail Coalition, AHLA Consumer Disclosure Task Force, and numerous Customer Advisory Boards for key technology partners. He attended Friends University, majoring in International Business and minoring in Music. Starting college mid-year can be a unique adventure, filled with opportunities and challenges. If you're considering or about to begin your college experience in the winter or spring semester, you're not alone. Many students find themselves in this situation and go on to have successful and fulfilling college careers. In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to start college mid-year, the impact it may have, and practical tips to help you hit the ground running. When do most colleges start? Most colleges follow a traditional academic calendar that begins in late August or early September and ends in May or June. This fall semester is typically followed by a winter break, with classes resuming in January for the spring semester. However, many colleges also offer the option to start in the winter or spring semester, which usually begins in January or February. Starting college in the winter or spring can be advantageous for several reasons. For instance, it allows students who may have missed the fall deadline, taken a gap semester, or needed additional time to prepare for college, to begin their higher education without waiting an entire year. Understanding the typical start dates can help you plan accordingly and make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition into college life. How entering college mid-year affects students Starting college in the middle of the year can feel like a big deal. It's a great chance if you missed the fall semester or needed some extra prep time, but it can also be extra challenging in terms of making friends and settling into classes and college work. Students entering during winter or spring semesters often encounter a different campus dynamic, as they join an established cohort. It's all about jumping in, getting involved in campus life, and meeting new people. Making friends and connecting with teachers can really amp up your college experience. Knowing what to expect can help you tackle this new chapter like a pro! Benefits of starting college in the winter/spring in-take - an EHL perspective 1. Smaller class sizes Traditionally, fewer students enroll in the winter intake, which means smaller class sizes, and a more enriched learning experience. With fewer students, youll have more opportunities to contribute, ask questions and engage in discussions. Professors will also be able to dedicate more time to address individual needs, and tailor their teaching methods for your success. Additionally, smaller classes allow for closer collaboration with classmates, encouraging diverse perspectives and the development of interpersonal skills. 2. Enhanced networking With a smaller student population, youll have the opportunity to foster closer relationships and forge more meaningful connections with both your peers and faculty members. This intimate environment promotes a stronger support network, facilitates increased collaboration on projects and assignments, and creates a conducive atmosphere for building valuable professional connections that can benefit you throughout your academic journey and beyond. 3. Time for extra experience Embarking on your academic journey in the winter semester grants you a valuable gap-semester to pursue a part-time job or internship at a restaurant, hotel, or service-oriented company. This will help you jump-start your learning with practical experience and equip you with real-world insights, practical skills, and industry exposure. With some real-world industry experience under your belt during this full semester, not only will your learning be more relevant and meaningful, but youll gain a competitive edge on the job market. It's a win-win situation for your personal growth and future career prospects. 4. Improved job prospects We know the job market can be tough, especially for young graduates. The good news is that graduating in a non-traditional month may make your job search just that little bit easier - as youll stand out from the majority of students who complete their studies in the summer months. Being an off-season graduate raises your visibility to employers and increases your chances of landing your dream job. After high school, I set out to explore South America. I completed a bus road trip from Uruguay, through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador to finally end my journey in Colombia. I learned a lot about different cultures and became more grateful for the life that I live. Linkedin 5. Financial preparation Having these months within the winter session to work and save money can help you feel better financially prepared before your program kicks off. That way, you can enter the year with financial confidence, and dedicate your full attention to your studies knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to be prepared. It's a smart move that sets you up for success in your educational journey and beyond. 6. Broadens horizons Before diving into your studies, take the opportunity to travel, explore the world and learn new languages. Embrace your wanderlust, gain fresh perspectives, and immerse yourself in different cultures. This adventure will fuel personal growth, boost global awareness, and enrich your overall world view. By starting your educational journey with a global mindset, you'll bring a unique perspective to the classroom, making your learning experience even more dynamic and impactful. 7. Enhanced English proficiency Choosing a February intake gives you extra months post high school-graduation to concentrate specifically on enhancing your English skills. This approach reduces application stress, fosters your academic success, and better equips you for an increasingly English-dominant global workspace. A number of students choose to defer their application to February intake in order to take language courses in the US, Australia, England or Ireland. These extra months allow them to focus on English studies, giving them the opportunity to score a much better result at TOEFL, IELTS or C1 Advanced exams. Naomi Depaux-Corny, Senior Admissions Manager 8. A seamless transition If you're wrapping up high school at the end of the calendar year, the February intake might actually be perfect for you. Theres no need to wait, and you can dive right into your program after enjoying well-deserved month off of course! It's a seamless transition that ensures you make the most of your time and start your academic adventure on the right foot. Did you know that at EHL, the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management has two intake periods? With start dates in both September and February, we offer flexibility for future students to tailor their timeline according to their individual needs. The admissions criteria and the courses offered are the same for both intakes, so really - the choice is yours!' How to successfully start college in the middle of the year 1. Prepare academically Before starting college mid-year, review the course catalog and understand any prerequisites or course sequences. Contact academic advisors and professors for advice on your academic plan. Consider online courses or self-study to catch up on fall semester material. This proactive approach boosts your confidence for classes. 2. Get involved on campus Integrate socially by getting involved on campus. Attend orientation for mid-year entrants, join clubs, and participate in events. Building a support network of friends and peers enhances your college experience. Introduce yourself and engage with others. 3. Utilize campus resources Colleges offer resources for student success. Use academic advising, tutoring, career services, and counseling. These can guide and support your transition to college life. Know the library, study spaces, and other facilities available to you for a smoother transition. 4. Stay organized Starting mid-year requires organization to manage tasks and responsibilities. Use a planner or digital calendar for important dates and deadlines. Create a weekly schedule for studying, classes, and activities to balance academic and social commitments. 5. Seek out support Seek support from professors, advisors, and peers. If you're struggling, reach out for help. Colleges have systems to assist you with challenges. Build relationships with professors and advisors for mentorship throughout college. 6. Maintain a positive mindset Starting college mid-year can be challenging, but a positive mindset helps. Approach it with openness and adaptability. Celebrate achievements, however small, and remind yourself you belong in college. Your unique path offers unique opportunities and experiences. What makes EHLs bachelor program different?' As the worlds leading Hospitality Business School, EHL boasts award-winning hospitality training facilities, three campuses for a truly international learning experience, a world-class faculty and an alumni network that spans over 150 countries. But EHL is about much more than that. Its a world of endless possibilities. Students and parents are often surprised when they first set foot on campus because its not a typical university setting; its a dynamic business school with hospitality at its core. At EHL, our profound passion for the industry permeates every aspect of our educational approach, and we incorporate cutting-edge teachings with hands-on experiences and real-world simulations to shape ambitious students into future CEOs, entrepreneurs and leaders. And thanks to our reputation for delivering best-in-class training, EHL opens doors for extraordinary career opportunities both within the hospitality industry, and beyond. Our graduates are actively recruited by companies such as Apple, LVMH, LOreal, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, and Tesla, and 96% land a job within 6 months of graduating. Learn More About EHL How to land a place at EHL: Top tips from admissions officers 5 reasons to do a hospitality pre-college program How to thrive (not just survive) your first week at EHL FAQs from prospective EHL Bachelor students Ready to start college? Starting college mid-year offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. By understanding the impact of entering college at this time, preparing academically, getting involved on campus, utilizing resources, staying organized, seeking support, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can thrive in your college experience. Remember, every student's college journey is different, and starting mid-year is just one of many paths to success. If you're ready to take the next step and explore how you can make the most of your college experience, consider reaching out to academic advisors or joining student organizations that can provide additional support and guidance. Welcome to the adventure of college life, and here's to a successful and fulfilling academic journey! About EHL Group EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector. With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source Raffles Hotels & Resorts is proud to reveal The Butler Did It, the newest campaign from the luxury hospitality brand. The project, which brings together exceptional creative talent, celebrates the brands legendary Butler Service and its role in creating an inspiring and unexpected guest experience. Under the creative direction of Trey Laird, and shot by photographer Dylan Don, the images feature designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia, fashion icon Robert Rabensteiner, and model May Siu as quintessential Raffles guests while legendary model Tim Easton stars as the Butler. Rabensteiner also styled the campaign, which conveys a distinctive fashion-forward touch, and is set against the backdrop of Raffles Singapore, the brands flagship property known for its Butler Service since its opening in 1887. The statement-making initiative centres around the ability of Raffles butlers to anticipate guests' every need, and how before they even think to ask The Butler Did It. The campaign will launch globally across print, digital video, digital display, and paid social. With a vibrant aesthetic and sense of wit that is inherent to the Raffles brand, this bold campaign celebrates the hallmarks of the Raffles experience, including the ways our Butlers create magic at every turn. Through the lens of fashion and art, this talented team of creatives have captured the unexpected and inspiring interactions our guests enjoy while staying with us. While The Butler Did It is often the answer to whodunits throughout history, our campaign depicts the Butler as the hero of any occasion, no matter now unconventional. We hope our guests will now join us in saying The Butler Did It when experiencing a surprising moment of delight with Raffles. Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts. As the brand grows globally, with recent debuts in Jaipur, London, Boston, Doha, and Bahrain, the new international campaign invites guests to enter Raffles world of elegance and enchanted glamour. Through The Butler Did It the brand is focusing on one of the most significant parts of its guest experience. Trey Laird, the force behind some of the most innovative campaigns for many of the worlds iconic fashion and lifestyle brands, brings his recognisable sense of intelligence and style. Raffles is a heritage brand, but it delivers a modern guest experience that is full of warmth, with a playfulness and sense of whimsy. This was the spirit I wanted to evoke through The Butler Did It, allowing guests to imagine how a stay at Raffles might exceed their wildest dreams. Im grateful to the incredible creative talent that, through a shared passion for exceptional hospitality and culture in all its forms, brought this campaign to life in a way that is unique and distinct to Raffles. Trey Laird, Founder of TeamLaird. Robert Rabensteiner & Waris Ahluwalia at The Spa at Raffles Singapore Source: Accor Robert Rabensteiner at The Pool at Raffles Singapore Source: Accor Tim Easton & Robert Rabensteiner in the Palm Court Fountain at Raffles Singapore Source: Accor Waris Ahluwalia in a guestroom at Raffles Singapore Source: Accor Dress for Success Event PITTSFIELD, Mass. On Friday, Sept. 13 District Attorney Shugrue will host a Dress for Success event. The event is open to all people living in Berkshire County. It will take place from 11am to 3pm at the Pittsfield Holiday Inn, 1 West Street, Pittsfield. Dress for Success is an organization providing free professional clothing, training for job seekers, and working professionals. Over the past two years, the District Attorney's Office has coordinated clothing donations across the county. People can continue to donate their professional clothing at the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, 7 North Street Pittsfield. "I am proud to be hosting this event for a second year," District Attorney Shugrue said. "As a District Attorney I believe we must work in the community to support and advocate for all people, including those seeking a new start regardless of their background or circumstances." The Berkshire District Attorney's Dress for Success event has been made possible through the partnership with the following organizations: All-Ways Moving & Storage of Pittsfield and the Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts North Adams Sets Meeting on Notch Forestry Plan NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The city has set a public information session about controversial plans to log parts of the Notch Reservoir watershed. The forum will take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall. It will include representatives from Mass Audubon, New England Forestry Foundation, and the Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts, of which North Adams is a member. The city is set to implement a 2022 forest management plan around the reservoir to preserve its watershed, root out invasive species, promote sustainable growth and bring in some revenue. The 10-year plan apparently began as a way to improve culverts and stream crossings and it identifies key forest health threats and climate change risk factors in the 1,073-acre site. However, the Conservation Commission in July balked at plans to eradicate invasives through the use of chemical means and sharply questioned how access into the site would affect crossing streams and entry by prohibited vehicles. Nearly a dozen residents attended an August meeting of the commission to express opposition to the forest management plan, questioning the active need to "manage" the forestland and how the plan would affect the forest, trails and reservoir. Opponents organized as "Save Notch Forest Coalition" and started a petition on Change.org signed by more than a thousand people calling on Mayor Jennifer Macksey to halt the application and that a public meeting be held to better inform residents of what is happening. According to the plan, the "greatest health concern" is the dense canopy and lack of regeneration west of Notch Brook as that area has not been harvested in three decades. This is in contrast to the more recently logged eastern side. "Periodic timber harvesting in the future will focus on increasing the health of the forest by improving tree species and age class diversity, promoting biological diversity, and taking the necessary conservation measures for a clean water supply to the watershed," according to the plan. A communication from the mayor's office announcing the public forum says "each management practice was carefully selected for each unique section of the forest (each 'stand') with goals to ensure the future forest has improved biodiversity, climate change resilience, and ability to produce valuable local wood products that can substitute for fossil fuel-based products and support the local economy." Michaela Lee, a coalition member, said from their research this will be a "high grading" timber harvest practice to take out the very mature, more expensive trees. Their concern is it will become a "tree farm" that will affect the Bellows Pipe Trail, the wildlife and the water quality. "The damage that it could cause is just not worth it, in our opinion, and the many opinions of the professionals that we have reached out to," she said recently. "These woods mean a lot to me. ... it's so important to me that I'm willing to fight as much as I can and just keep repeating everything until something happens." MassDPH Reports Indoor Air Quality Test Results for Brayton NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program was asked by Superintendent Barbara Malkas to examine Brayton Elementary School to assess the presence of water damage and mold growth resulting from high relative humidity conditions that occurred during August 2024. Pertinent results of the inspection included: Air temperature was within the MDPH recommended range. Relative humidity was within the MDPH recommended range. Relative humidity measurements inside were all below outdoor measurements at the time of the test. Dew point was within a range of 53F to 57F in areas tested during the assessment. Floor and wall surface temperatures were within within a range of 65F to 75F. All floors and walls were above the dew point and were not wet by condensation. Once water damage remediation efforts have been completed, MDPH recommends the district take following actions: Continue to use vacuum cleaners equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which will remove residues of mold and mold spores from the environment. Continue to use air cleaners (purifiers) equipped with HEPA filters in classrooms below grade space (ground level). Ensure that all sink traps are wetted regularly to prevent water vapor backup into classrooms. Continue to examine equipment and supplies for either visible mold growth or odors. If found, discard and replace these materials. If relative humidity exceeds 70 percent, for extended periods of time, mold growth may occur due to wetting of building materials even in the absence of liquid water (ASHRAE, 2019). The school was inspected on Aug. 30, 2024. Last month, parents were notified that "due to intense heat and humidity this past summer, we've seen an increase in mildew, especially in one classroom that lacks windows" and that an "aggressive" remediation plan was in place. The School Committee on Monday heard a report from the consultant hired to evaluate air quality at Brayton Elementary School after the mold was found in a classroom. During the August inspection, IAQ staff conducted a visual inspection of ground floor areas. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured in each room. Surface temperatures of floors and walls were measured to determine if building components were at or below the dew point (the temperature where condensation will gather on a cold surface). The summer of 2024 had significant stretches of hot, humid weather, and the report noted that Massachusetts has experienced extreme weather conditions over the past several summers. According to the report, these conditions are challenging for buildings, particularly those without central air conditioning. The report indicates that the source of the water vapor causing damage in the school was a combination of high relative humidity during the preceding summer months and water vapor migration from dry drain traps in classroom sink drains. The report noted that heavy rain entering the North Adams storm and sewer system would "likely force water vapor and air back up [through] the sink drain system, which then caused condensation on stored materials and building components." At the time of the MDPH/IAQ visit, the district was in the process of undertaking remediation efforts, and these efforts were identified by MDPH/IAQ as being conducted in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings guidelines. The IAQ staff inspected all classrooms and examined all of the equipment being treated, including the OT/PT equipment that had originally prompted concern, and did not identify any visible mold, except in two guitar cases that were in storage. All affected items were disposed of immediately. These guitars had not been used by students this year. Based on the observations made during the visit, IAQ noted that it appeared that "most water-damaged materials were thoroughly dried and/or removed." Malkas has requested that Michael Feeney, Director of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program, present the report findings and recommendations to the School Committee. Mr. Feeney will address the School Committee at their regularly-scheduled meeting on Oct.1, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Brayton Elementary School library. In addition, Malkas has requested a general indoor air quality assessment from MDPH/IAQ following the completion of the remediation efforts, as recommended in the report. 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 Tributes are pouring in after it was announced that James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93. No cause of death has immediately been announced for the American actor, who was best known for voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in The Lion King. On social media, Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill made reference to the relationship between their Star Wars characters by tweeting: #RIP dad. He shared more in an Instagram post later, writing: One of the worlds finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. Hell be greatly missed. James Earl Jones death: Booming voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa dies aged 93 Star Wars creator George Lucas said in a statement: For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us...friends and fans alike. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy described Jones as one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television. Field of Dreams costar Kevin Costner shared a touching message on Instagram: That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so Ill just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams. If youve seen it, you know that this movie wouldnt be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a cornfield in Iowa. Im grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen. Rest in peace, friend. Disney CEO Bob Iger said: From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audience. 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 On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. The actor and television host LeVar Burton, best known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also paid tribute to Jones: there will never be another of his particular combination of graces. Star Trek star George Takei posted on X: A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us. James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honor his great body of work. Wendell Pierce, who played Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire, posted a moving tribute to Jones, who he said inspired him to act. This man was the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity, wrote Pierce. James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behavior in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once in a generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American culture. open image in gallery Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones and LeVar Burton helped lead the tributes to James Earl Jones after the actors death at age 93. ( Getty ) Rustin star Colman Domingo wrote on X: Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best. Bridesmaids director Paul Feig wrote: James Earl Jones will never die. His talent, work and influence will be with us always. RIP, Mr. Jones. On Instagram, Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer wrote: Im incredibly saddened to learn of #JamesEarlJones passing today. Legendary doesnt even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away. Also on Instagram, Star Wars: Ahsoka actor Rosario Dawson posted a collage of photos of Jones as a young man with caption: MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU Rest In Power King James THANK YOU. The Mandalorian star Diana Lee Inosanto described listening to that wonderful mid-Atlantic accent that he created for that infamous galactic villain while preparing for her audition in a heartfelt tribute on social media. This AMAZING MAN! Rest in Peace. James Earl Jones that talent, that human being that brought the world the iconic voice of Star Wars Darth Vader and so many other memorable characters. I remember during my preparation for auditioning for The Mandalorian, I would playback his scenes in the original Star Wars trilogy, and listen to that wonderful mid-Atlantic accent that he created for that infamous galactic villain hoping that I could capture just a tenth of what he brought. What Star Wars presence! Inspiration! What a gift of talent! Actor Chris ODowd shared a photo of himself on X with Jones with the caption: A voice that stopped you in your tracks. Rest easy legend. The Lion King Rob Minkoff also shared a photo of himself with Jones from 1993 on social media and wrote: Just learned of the passing of the great James Earl Jones. I was blessed to get to work with him. His portrayal of Mufasa was perfection. What a powerful man and actor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in power. American filmmaker Barry Jenkins shared a photo of young Jones on social media, while actor Lydia Cornell, who starred with Jones in the 1982 film Blood Tide, posted a tribute on X: Oh no!! I cant believe it!! I thought he was going to live forever. My costar from my first movie. Rest in peace James Earl Jones. Actor and television personality Garcelle Beauvais, who worked with Jones on Coming to America, posted on Instagram, writing: Words cannot express how sad this makes me! thank you for gracing us with your talent and your spirit! It was a pleasure to work and know you. Debbie Allen, who directed Jones in a 2008 Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, also shared a moving tribute on Instagram, writing: Today we lost our Big Daddy. #JamesEarlJones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him. We will forever speak his name and tell the great stories that will become Legend and Myth and seed generations to come. Steven Canals, known for co-creating Pose, posted a tribute on his Instagram stories, writing: What a career. Thank you for making the moviegoing experience so special. Rest In Power, Legend. The Color Purple star Danielle Brooks wrote: Rest in power to one of our giants. May we forever hold your voice in our hearts! Yvette Nicole Brown posted on X: Besides #StarWars, the first film I remember ever seeing was #Claudine. #JamesEarlJones is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesnt begin to cover it. Major League Baseball shared a video on X of Jones performing the national anthem at an All-Star game in 1993 and wrote: RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who memorably appeared in the iconic baseball movies Field of Dreams and The Sandlot. Kerry Washington posted on X: Your voice left an everlasting mark on film and theatre. Your roles shaped our imaginations. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Jones. Josh Gad shared an old photo of himself with Jones, writing that he was shattered by Jones' death. Shattered. There are icons and then there is this man. How do you remember someone who gave us some of the greatest stage and screen performances of all time? For so many of us, you defined our childhoods from Star Wars to Lion King, from Field of Dreams to The Sandlot, from Coming to America to Dr Strangelove. Thank you James for giving your life to art and filling our lifetimes with some of the best performances of any resume ever. It was an honor to know you and an even bigger honor to get to perform in a theatre with your namesake, he wrote. Viola Davis posted a video celebrating Joness life and career on Instagram and wrote: What. A. Life!!!! A life of electrifying EXCELLENCE!! You were the gold standard....the gravitas, the guts, sweat, strength, and vulnerability..... Every character was towering and heroic. You were anointed. Honored to have met you sir. Honored you graced this life and left this gift of artistry. Rest with the giants....May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Across a storied career on stage and screen, Jones received three Tony Awards, two Emmys and a Grammy. Even in death, Joness booming voice will live on. In 2022, he signed off on archival voice recordings to be manipulated for future iterations of Darth Vader with the use of artificial intelligence. David Prowse worked very hard to create the character Darth Vader. He is Vader. I just consider myself to be special effects, Jones said self-deprecatingly in his 1993 memoir. Thats how I approached it. I just sat there and had all the fun of playing my voice like an instrument. What an instrument it was. Read more about James Earl Jones here. 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 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Mark Hamill has led the tributes to his Star Wars co-star James Earl Jones, with a simple two-word message to the iconic actor, who has passed away aged 93. Jones was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the mid-1990s, a fact he made public in 2016 but no cause of death has officially been announced. The actor was best known for voicing Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy between 1977 and 1983 but had played the character more than a dozen times, most recently in the Disney + series Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jones wasnt just known for Star Wars and his distinguished career was also celebrated for his performances as Mufasa in The Lion King, as well as his live-action roles in the likes of Field of Dreams, Coming to America and Conan the Barbarian. LeVar Burton, Octavia Spencer and Wendell Pierce were amongst the top names to pay tribute to Jones but Hamills touching words struck a chord with Star Wars fans in particular. Hamill, who famously played Vaders son Luke Skywalker in the franchise, shared Varietys story on Joness death and said RIP dad in response. Mark Hamills tribute to James Earl Jones on X/Twitter ( Mark Hamill/X/Twitter ) 72-year-old Hamill did post a slightly longer tribute on Instagram writing: One of the worlds finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. Hell be greatly missed #RIP dad. Hamill has consistently called Jones dad on social media over the years, especially when wishing him a happy birthday. Its a touch that Hamill has also used for other actors who have played Darth Vader including David Prowse, Hayden Christensen, Jake Lloyd and Sebastian Shaw. Mark Hamill wishes James Earl Jones happy birthday on X/Twitter ( Mark Hamill/X/Twitter ) Unsurprisingly, Hamills tribute has tugged at the heartstrings of Star Wars with many thanking him and sharing their own heartache at the news of Joness passing. One fan wrote: This breaks my heart. This one hurts. He lived an amazing life and gave us all the voice of one of the most iconic characters for generations and generations to come. 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 Another said: As if I wasnt already shedding tears about James Earls death, now I see what Mark Hamill tweeted about him. A third added: Dang it. That got me in the 10 year-old me. While a fourth proclaimed: Cheers, everyone aged over 35s crying. Nice one. Elsewhere, Star Wars creator George Lucas said in a statement: For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us...friends and fans alike. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy described Jones as one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television. 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 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Is it justification enough for Speak No Evil to remake a 2022 Danish horror purely for the spectacle of a beefed-up, foaming-at-the-mouth James McAvoy hollering his way through The Bangless Eternal Flame with teary-eyed, yet distinctly murderous sincerity? In short, yes. James Watkinss rehash of Christian Tafdrups coolly sinister original, which goes by the same title in English, is the cleaner, tamer, and less daring of the two. Yet both films play up to their cultural peculiarities, and if youre willing to trade in the Nordic bleak for a little Anglo-absurdity, this new iteration has its own charms. The remake, for about two-thirds of its runtime, is largely identical in plot and dialogue. An American couple, Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy), on holiday with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), meet an English family Paddy (McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their mute son Ant (Dan Hough) who invite them back to their West Country farm. Paddy pressures the vegetarian Louise into having a bite of his recently slaughtered prize goose. Ciara disciplines Agnes for chewing with her mouth open and not eating her greens, right in front of her own parents. Louise and Ben look past the red flags up until its already too late. And while Watkins pulls the originals final punches, he instead swaps psychological horror for slasher chaos, which works particularly well with how believably pathetic and incompetent McNairy makes Ben, and how Louises increasing frustration tells the audience all they need to know about their marriage troubles. These people are nice enough that you want them to live, but also not so nice that it isnt entertaining to watch them, in a panic, try to hurl a quickly burning Molotov cocktail out of the window without setting themselves on fire in the process. Speak No Evil, in both iterations, deals out cosmic punishment to those who let their attachment to social niceties get in the way of their survival instincts, yet theres a palpable difference between the two. In the original, the Americans are Danish, and the English are Dutch. And while I confess to not knowing the intricacies of Danish-Dutch relations, the Danish couples inability to leave a bad situation stems largely from the fear of not wanting to appear gauche in front of two people otherwise presented to them as urbane, free-spirited intellectuals. The sinister vibes are issued almost purely through flat-toned passive aggression. Here, Paddy and Ciara (but mostly Paddy) are plainly awful from the start, but excuse themselves through the distinctly British conceit of jokes and banter, which leads the Americans to brush it all off as quaint eccentricity. Were in the country, our normal isnt their normal at all, Louise insists. Paddy and Ciaras farmhouse is one of those consciously messy country abodes, decorated with faux-humility that would successfully conceal their wealth if it werent for all the suspiciously expensive-looking artwork scattered about the place. While this might be a flashy, American production (courtesy of Blumhouse, behind the Insidious movies and Get Out), its also the distinctly observational work of a British writer-director. Gnarly: James McAvoy in Speak No Evil ( Universal Pictures ) And then theres McAvoy, delivering one of the most impressively repugnant performances of the year. Its a return to the animalistic id, certainly, of The Beast from M Night Shyamalans Split, but also a viscerally, uncomfortably familiar take on entitled masculinity delivered with a self-satisfied smile, as a gossamer cover to the violent rage below. Theres very little scarier than that. Dir: James Watkins. Starring: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, Scoot McNairy. 15, 110 mins. Speak No Evil is in cinemas from 12 September 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 Spider-Verse composer Daniel Pemberton has weighed in on claims that the majority of the new movie has been scrapped. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the third instalment of the critically-acclaimed animated superhero films, was due for release in March 2024. However, it was abruptly removed from the schedule with no explanation and no new release date. Reports from Vulture suggested that production had halted due to conflicts with finishing Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Work on the film was further delayed by the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which prevented voice actors from recording their dialogue. According to new reports by reputable film insider, Jeff Sneider, however, the film has now mostly been scrapped and is unlikely to be released for the next two to three years. Sneider suggested that Sony had discarded most of the mvoie for creative reasons and said that the team behind it were relieved by the decision. Due to the detailed animation sequences of the film, this would mean that the eagerly anticipated sequel and final instlament in the trilogy is unlikely to be released before 2027. Composer Pemberton has given a candid response to the reports, casting doubt on their veracity. Dont really ever want to weigh in on this sort of stuff BUT would you ever believe there could sometimes be stuff on the internet that might not always be particularly accurate? Hmmmm he said. open image in gallery ( Sony/Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ) His comments comes amid a backdrop of conflicts between Sony and Spider-Verse creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The pair had reportedly endured a heated fight over the budget for the spin-off series Spider-Noir, which led to the project not being renewed. The films have received critical acclaim including an Oscar nomination earlier this year, for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in the Best Animated Feature category. Shameik Moore, the 28-year-old actor who voiced Miles Morales (Spider-Man) in both the 2018 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its newest Oscar-nominated sequel, apologised for his candid reaction to losing the award after he said the team had been robbed. 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 Moore tweeted the word robbed after Hayao Miyazakis The Boy and the Heron was named winner of the category. open image in gallery Movie was critically-acclaimed for its detailed animation sequences ( Sony/Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ) Several X users called out Moore for his response, with one writing: Show respect to all nominees and winners and humble yourself. Moore quickly followed up in another tweet, writing: Respect to the winner. Its true, Im definitely a sore loser, but we didnt lose, Spider-Verse has impacted A LOT of lives. We may not have been acknowledged tonight but life goes on, and BEYOND.. yea get ready. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rapper Eminem will open the MTV Video Music Awards show this week, it has been announced, for the first televised performance of songs from his new album, The Death of Slim Shady. The Grammy-winning artist last opened the ceremony in 2010 when he performed Not Afraid, as well as a duet of Love the Way You Lie with pop star Rihanna. His most recent performance at the awards show was in 2022, when an NFT company presented his and Snoop Doggs avatars in a metaverse attended by the MTV audience. Eminem is up for eight awards this year, including Video of the Year, Song of the Summer, Best Hip-Hop, and VMAs Most Iconic Performance for his 2000 medley of Real Slim Shady and The Way I Am, for which he brought out a procession of more than 100 lookalikes dressed as him. Just one win would secure his status as the most decorated male artist in VMAs history, as he is currently tied with Phil Collins. With a total of 67 nominations over the course of his career, he is also just behind Madonna as the most-nominated artist of all time. This years awards show is being presented by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who will also perform on the night. open image in gallery Megan Thee Stallion is hosting the 2024 VMAs ( AP ) Taking place on 11 September at 8pm ET from the UBS Arena on Long Island, New York, the ceremony will host a number of performances including from Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Lenny Kravitz, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello and LL Cool J. Perry is being honoured with the Video Vanguard Award, whose previous recipients include Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Missy Elliott. Perry has won a total of five VMAs across her career including three in a single year, when she won Video of the Year (Firework), Best Collaboration and Best Special Effects (both for ET ft Kanye West), in 2011. open image in gallery Katy Perry is receiving the VMAs Video Vanguard Award ( AP ) Pop titan Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 10: eight for her Fortnight music video and a further two in the Artist of the Year and Best Pop categories. Her Fortnight collaborator Post Malone is the second most-nominated artist of the year, with nine. open image in gallery Taylor Swift and Post Malone in the Fortnight music video ( YouTube/Universal Music Group ) The 2024 VMAs were originally scheduled to take place on 10 September, but were rescheduled to avoid conflicts with the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy EastEnders will broadcast a live episode to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year with an interactive twist. The forthcoming live special will be the first time EastEnders has filmed a live installment since the shows 30th anniversary in 2015, in which Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) discovered his son Bobby (Elliot Carrington) had killed his sister Lucy (Hetti Bywater). For the 2024 live episode, EastEnders writers will give the power to viewers and allow audiences to determine the outcome of a love story. EastEnders executives are yet to reveal which characters will be involved in the plot. The experimental episode will air in February with cast and crew poised to portray whichever concluding scene is chosen by the public on the night. In a statement, EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that its a week full of drama and surprises. He continued: In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week. open image in gallery Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale on the EastEnders live episode in 2015 ( BBC ) Detailing how the live episode will work, Clenshaw explained: This time, as well as going live, we are adding an extra twist and for the very first time in the history of the show and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving the audience the power to have their say in choosing the outcome of one of our storylines. Whilst were still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever. News of the forthcoming special comes shortly after it was announced that a beloved EastEnders star would return to Albert Square for the soaps 40th anniversary after a 10-year hiatus. 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 open image in gallery Michael French will be returning to Albert Square for the shows 40th anniversary ( BBC ) Michael French plays David Wicks, the son of Pat Butcher and Pete Beale. During his last appearance on the soap in 2014, Frenchs character proposed to his childhood sweetheart Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), but missed the wedding after suffering a heart attack. Jackson who was left at the altar alone subsequently dumped David for the jilt and he left Walford for America. French will return to EastEnders for multiple episodes ahead of the shows 40th anniversary with BBC executives teasing a dramatic storyline for the star. In recent months, the show has seen comebacks from Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) and Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), with Tracy-Ann Oberman soon to return as Sharon Watts stepmother Chrissie Watts. Discussing her historic comeback, Oberman said: Chrissie Watts was such a great character to play a victim or a villain. She is a real fan favourite so, when [boss] Chris Clenshaw asked me to come back and revisit her and see what has happened in the last 19 years, I jumped at the chance. 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 }} Heavy gusts of winds swept through a central Chinese city, sending peoples laundry flying, after authorities artificially stimulated rainfall to break a severe heatwave. The unexpected winds of up to 122kmph in Chongqing, dubbed the "9/2 Chongqing underwear crisis", prompted speculation that cloud seeding was responsible for the scattering of laundry left out to dry in highrise apartments. Southwestern China has been suffering under an unusually late heatwave, with temperatures ranging between 35-40C, shutting down schools and delaying the start of the autumn season. In an attempt to break the heat, local authorities are reported to have stimulated artificial rain, a technique known as cloud seeding. Cloud seeding involves dispersing chemicals like silver iodide into clouds to trigger rainfall. In China, the authorities have admitted they used cloud seeding to generate rainfall, but maintain that it did not cause the subsequent strong winds. Nearly 200 cloud-seeding rockets were fired, resulting in rain. Zhang Yixuan, deputy director of the Chongqing Weather Modification Office, attributed the strong winds to naturally occurring convection. Residents remained sceptical, sharing their experiences on social media. "I just went out and it suddenly started to rain heavily and underwear fell from the sky, a resident named Ethele said on Weibo. Authorities in the UAE have denied that cloud seeding caused extreme rainfall in April 2024 ( Getty ) The incident sparked thousands of comments about the "underwear crisis". A hashtag suggesting "if you think you messed up at work, just think of the Chongqing Meteorological Bureau garnered 18 million engagements, reported The Guardian. First developed in the 1940s, cloud seeding has been utilised in over 50 nations worldwide, including China, the US, Australia, Thailand, and Russia, though its possible side effects remain poorly studied. Earlier this year the UAE was hit by a years worth of rainfall in just a few days, prompting speculation that the freak weather event was caused by cloud seeding, though experts cited global warming as a more likely contributing factor. Cloud seeding has long been met with scepticism, as many scientists question its overall effectiveness and potential unintended consequences. While there is limited understanding of the changes it can bring to weather such as altering wind patterns, a study in the United Arab Emirates has previously shown that cloud seeding operations led to an increase in urban flooding. In a separate development, Chinas Meteorological Administration conducted a cloud structure detection experiment in Xinjiangs Bayanbulak area from 29 August to 3 September, utilising a big drone to enhance cloud-seeding capacity and improve ecological conditions, Xinhua reported. The drone, with a 20.2m wingspan, can fly for up to 40 hours and cover 8,000km. According to Cai Miao, a staff member at the agency, the drones detection system enables precise identification of precipitation timing and conditions, boosting cloud seeding capacity. "Deploying drones in precipitation operations improves regional ecological environment, vegetation growth, and water conservation capacity," Mr Cai said. The Independent will be revealing its Climate100 List in September and hosting an event in New York, which can be attended online. 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 }} North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in a surprise speech on Monday that his country would exponentially increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons. In a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, Mr Kim said there would be no limit on the expansion of the countrys military prowess, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. It was Mr Kims first founding day speech since he assumed power in 2011, South Koreas unification ministry noted. South Koreas defence minister warned in July that Pyongyang could be considering conducting a nuclear test close to the US presidential election in November. North Korea has completed preparations to conduct a nuclear test when a decision is made, Mr Shin Wonsik said. North Korea on Monday unveiled a new mobile missile launcher with 24 wheels for the first time, indicating a new intercontinental ballistic missile development. Mr Kim had pledged a new policy to counter South Koreas attempt to boost trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan after the three countries signed a military training pact in July. Service personnel of the public security ministry pay tribute as they visit the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang ( AFP via Getty ) We are now perfectly carrying out the policy on building the nuclear armed forces, on increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression, Mr Kim said. He reiterated that North Korea was a responsible nuclear weapons state and characterised the new policy as a duty and right to existence. A strong military presence was needed to face the various threats posed by the United States and its followers, he added. This year, the leader said, the country secured wonderful military strength by making important achievements in national defence studies and production. He did not elaborate on the achievement. Mr Kim said North Korea was facing a "grave threat" from a US-led nuclear-based military bloc in the region. In Seoul, top defence officials of Japan, South Korea and the US met on Tuesday to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening trilateral cooperation and deterring North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, according to a joint statement released by the US State Department. Cho Chang-rae, South Koreas deputy defence minister for policy, and his US and Japanese counterparts condemned Pyongyangs recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles. They also agreed to hold a second trilateral military exercise, known as Freedom Edge, in the near term. North Korea last month said it had moved 250 new mobile launchers for ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to the frontline. The military also unveiled its new suicide attack drones, something South Korea said was happening for the first time. 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 }} India on Tuesday clarified that its first new mpox case involved the older strain of the virus and not the deadlier one linked to the current global health emergency. The health ministry said the mpox strain found in a young man who had arrived from an affected country was not from the current outbreak. It was the Clade 2 strain and not Clade 1 linked to the current public health emergency declared by the WHO. Clade 2 caused a public health emergency in 2022 but was deemed relatively mild. Clade 1 has a high fatality rate and a mutant strain of it, Clade 1b, has spread rapidly. India has not reported any case of the new strain yet, but has issued a national advisory to remain vigilant. The health ministry directed state governments to have senior officials review public health preparedness, especially at medical facilities. It was crucial, however, to guard against undue panic, the ministry added. A young male patient, who recently travelled from a country experiencing mpox transmission has been identified as a suspect case of mpox, the ministry said earlier. The patient, 26, from Hisar in the northern state of Haryana, was admitted in a Delhi hospital after testing positive for Clade 2. The case is being managed in line with established protocols and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country, the ministry said. Mpox generally causes symptoms of flu and lesions, posing higher risk to children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals ( Reuters ) The WHO last month declared mpox, previously called monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern, its highest alert level. It urged member states to support a $135m plan to combat the viruss spread following concerns from doctors about the new, deadlier Clade 1b strain which has affected several African countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Central African Republic. Sweden reported Europes first case of Clade 1b on 15 August. In Asia, Thailand reported the first such case on 22 August and Pakistan and the Philippines each reported suspected cases thereafter. 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 robotic mission to retrieve a sample of melted radioactive debris from Fukushima Daiichis reactor resumed on Tuesday, marking a crucial step in the decades-long decommissioning process. The pilot extraction operation has started, said Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) in a statement. A 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japans northeastern coast on 11 March 2011, killing about 20,000 people. When the tsunami struck, three of the six reactors at the Fukushima plant were active, causing them to melt down. The resulting debris is extremely radioactive, requiring Tepco to create special robots that can withstand the high levels of radiation. The extendable robot, nicknamed telesco, aims to collect a tiny fragment of the spent fuel debris, estimated to be around 880 tonnes, to inform future cleanup methods. The operation, initially delayed due to a technical issue, involves inserting the robot into the damaged reactor to collect a sample using a device equipped with tongs. The mission, resuming after three weeks, is expected to last around 14 days, with the robot operating remotely. The mission to collect a sample from the plant was supposed to start on 22 August, but it was delayed after workers found that the pipes used to guide the robot were in the wrong order and couldnt be fixed in time. Telesco is designed to collect a piece of melted fuel from inside of the Unit 2 damaged reactor. It can extend up to 22m to reach the target area. The mix-up, which Tepco called a basic mistake, triggered disappointment and raised concerns from officials and local residents. Industry minister Ken Saito ordered Tepco president Tomoaki Kobayakawa to conduct a thorough investigation of the cause and preventive steps before resuming the mission, stating, we must ensure that such a basic mistake does not happen again. The pipes were brought into the reactor building in July, but nobody checked them until the problem was discovered. The president of the plants operator, Tepco, admitted that the mistake was due to a lack of attention and communication between workers. The goal of the operation is to bring back less than 3g of fatally radioactive fuel that remain in three reactors. Experts highlight the significance of this operation, as the retrieved sample will provide vital data for developing future decommissioning methods and necessary technology. This sample will help us understand the condition of the melted fuel and how to remove it safely, said a nuclear expert. However, critics argue that the 30 to 40-year cleanup target set by the government and Tepco is unrealistic, with no specific plans for the full removal and storage of the melted fuel debris. The lack of a clear plan and timeline raises concerns about the projects feasibility, said a local resident. Additional reporting from agencies Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Queensland health department is getting praise online for its latest campaign to tackle a potentially embarrassing problem what to do when you need to poop at work. The campaign was launched on various social media platforms and received enthusiastic response everywhere. A video on Instagram, featuring the statement Its okay to poo at work overlaid on a montage of Lisa Frank images of dolphins, rainbows and unicorns and set to Neick Sanderss song Symphony, received over 25,000 likes and thousands of comments. The campaign on Facebook took a simpler approach. A post simply said: Pooing at work. Discuss. And discuss people did, as the post got over 5,000 likes and 3,600 comments. Despite the novel approach, the health departments messaging is fairly direct. The posts carry important public health messages in their captions, cautioning that ignoring your need to poop can lead to serious issues. Lots of people find it difficult to poo in public toilets. But were here to tell you its definitely okay to go number 2 at work! reads the caption. Consistently ignoring your need to poo can lead to stool getting stuck in your colon, haemorrhoids and other serious issues. So, its better to let it out than hold it in. If you find it extremely difficult to poo around other people, you might have parcopresis. Sometimes called poo paranoia, people with this condition have an overwhelming fear of being judged by others because of the sounds or smells associated with pooing. As a result, they may experience symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating or nausea. Along with the safety messaging, the health department gave tips so readers can have a stress-free public toilet poo. They include remembering that everyone poops and trying to visualise someone famous on the toilet (like Taylor Swift). Other suggestions include bringing a small fragrance spray into the toilet, avoiding eating foods that might trigger your bowels, and breathing deeply or doing a short meditation exercise to rid oneself of the anxiety. The health departments quirky messaging seemed to have landed well with its audience, with a Facebook user even suggesting, All workplaces should have a radio at a good volume in bathrooms. Do it on company time and get paid to poop, commented one Instagram user. In the words of the great Whitney Houston, its not right but its okay, said another. Several commenters recommended that the health departments social media manager be given a raise. Some users, though, were left unsure about what to do with the knowledge that Swift, like everyone else, poops. I dont know who the dedicated Instagram person is for QLD health but, my god, you are doing a great job and you need a pay rise, said one Instagram user. Another said: Did the government just put an image of Taylor Swift pooping in my brain? open image in gallery Most commenters responded enthusiastically to the campaign saying pooping at work means you get paid to poop ( Queensland Health/Instagram ) Dee Madigan, the founder and creative director of advertising agency Campaign Edge, described the health departments social media account as world-leading. Just starting to talk about it, everyone has those secret conversations with people. I think what it shows is a department where the staff feel not scared to do stuff like this because often government departments social media is so safe, its actually just bland and boring, she told The Guardian. It is actually a serious message, theyre just using social media in the correct way to deliver it Just because somethings a serious topic doesnt mean you cant use humour to get into it. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails 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 }} As bourbon fans flocked to the Wild Turkey visitors' center, sitting near the entrance was no ordinary greeter. Jimmy Russell, who has lived through so much of the distillery's rich history, was at his post as a goodwill ambassador, signing whiskey bottles, posing for photos and chatting up tourists about his favorite topics making bourbon and sipping it. For 70 years, the distillery in the heart of Kentucky's picturesque bourbon country has been Russell's home away from home. He learned his craft from a distiller who endured the dark days of Prohibition. Decades later, Russell was a key player in bourbon's revival creating some of the premium whiskeys that are cocktail staples and becoming a global front man for his brand and the bourbon sector. The 89-year-old Russell, known affectionately as the Buddha of Bourbon, marked his 70th anniversary at the distillery on Tuesday. For nearly a half-century, he was master distiller at Wild Turkey, putting him in charge of every step of production from distillation to bottling. I always said, The first day I have to come to work Im retiring, he said recently. That day still hasn't arrived. Russell is a beloved fixture at the distillery, nearly a decade after turning over master distiller duties to his son, Eddie. Both father and son are members of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and the next generation is building on their legacy. Bruce Russell, Eddie's son and Jimmy's grandson, works as associate blender, putting him at the center of creating new Wild Turkey products. The Russell family has a long history of being top executives heading the production and, in later years, the promotion of the brand. It also isnt uncommon for master distillers to have long careers with a distillery and later become brand ambassadors. But Jimmy's longevity puts him in a special class. The elder Russell teamed up with his son and grandson on a special project recognizing the family's whiskey-making tradition. Wild Turkey Generations was created by combining aged bourbons selected by each of them to reflect their own personal preferences. The bourbons were then blended to create the ultra-premium whiskey that had a limited release last year. I got to work on a project with him where all our names are on the bottle, Bruce Russell said. And that's super special for me. No longer part of the daily grind of bourbon making, Jimmy Russell still samples and offers his unvarnished opinion about some of the newest renditions of Wild Turkey being developed. But he typically spends time greeting tourists a few days each week at the visitors' center. His easy-going charm was on full display a couple of weeks ago as Mark and Donna Barton asked him to sign bottles of Wild Turkey they purchased in the gift shop. Eddie Russell topped it off by adding his signature. Heck yeah, this is going to go on display, Donna Barton said. Whether the couple from Princeton, West Virginia, drinks the contents of the signed bottles, or keeps them as unopened souvenirs, was up for discussion, Mark Barton said. We may crack it and have an ounce and then put it back up, his wife added. Jimmy Russell is a seasoned hand at charming and educating bourbon fans, having spent decades traveling the world to promote Wild Turkey. One big change through the years, he said, is the level of knowledge whiskey fans now have about their favorite bourbons. When I started, it was all whiskey, it didnt make any difference," Russell said. "Nowadays, people know every little drop, every little thing about it. When he started in 1954, he said, the distillery had a different name Anderson County Distilling and the operation was much smaller, with about 40 barrels of whiskey produced daily and stored in four warehouses for aging, when bourbon gets its flavor and golden brown color. Wild Turkey owned by the Italian-based Campari Group, which purchased the brand from French liquor company Pernod Ricard in 2009 now produces 700 to 800 barrels of whiskey daily, stored in nearly three dozen warehouses. The brand sells globally and its biggest overseas markets include Japan and Australia. A second distillery is being built at the Wild Turkey complex to keep up with demand. Unlike other distillery workers who typically stuck with one task, Russell rotated jobs early on, giving him the broader perspective that prepared him to take over as master distiller in 1967. As soon as I learned a job real well, theyd move me and put me on something else, Russell said. So Ive done everything here. His son Eddie, now 64, had the same extensive training when joining Wild Turkey in 1981. He wanted me to learn it from the ground up, the same way he had, Eddie Russell said. Within a couple of weeks, he said he knew it was home for me. Other lessons he learned from his father: putting maximum effort into the job and being a stickler for product consistency, he said. The number one thing I tell everybody that I learned from Jimmy was if you're going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all, Eddie Russell said. Kentucky distillers are a close-knit group, and another renowned bourbon baron, Fred Noe, a seventh-generation master distiller at Jim Beam, says Jimmy Russell has been a valued friend and mentor, especially after the death of Noe's father, famed master distiller Booker Noe. Russell and Booker Noe were close friends. When I took over for my father, Jimmy became a second father figure to me, guiding me as I stepped into the role of bourbon ambassador, Fred Noe said. "His friendship and passion for the industry he and my father loved shaped me into the man I am today. In Kentucky, where 95% of the world's bourbon is produced, the master distillers are treated as celebrities. If there was a Mount Rushmore of Kentucky bourbon, Jimmy Russell would be on it, said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers Association. You think about the names of him and his peers at the time, you're talking some of the most treasured, beloved and cherished names in the history of Kentucky bourbon, Gregory said. And they were doing this at a time when bourbon was not celebrated as it is today. They paved the way for the success of Kentucky bourbon today. Watching his son and grandson follow in his footsteps is what Russell treasures most. Thats what Im so proud of, to see what theyre doing, he said. "To see how far Eddies come along. Hes well-known everywhere now. Bruce is coming that way. His wife, Joretta, now 93, has been with him every step of the way, and Eddie Russell said she deserves credit for his father's longevity. The bourbon business wasn't discussed at home, as she made sure to keep her husband's work and home lives separate to help him relax, their son said. Jimmy and Dad are master distillers at work. But at home, grannys the boss, Bruce Russell said. Of all the questions fans ask him, one constant is: how does he like his bourbon? Jimmy prefers it neat without ice or a splash of water. However it's served, it should be sipped and savored, he said. Bourbons not something you sit and throw straight down," Russell said. "You sit and enjoy the flavor and taste of it. And Ive always said, you know one thing about bourbon, you drink when youre happy, you drink when youre sad. And his sense of humor hasn't dimmed. Asked to name his favorite bourbon, he replied: One of each. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The former head of food services for New York City public schools was sentenced to two years in prison on Monday for a bribery scandal that resulted in children being served chicken tenders contaminated with metal and bone. Eric Goldstein, the former school food chief, was sentenced in Brooklyn federal court along with three men who ran a vendor that had contracted with the city to provide school food Blaine Iler, Michael Turley and Brian Twomey. Iler was sentenced to one year and a $10,000 fine, Turley to 15 months and Twomey to 15 months and a $10,000 fine. All four men were found guilty of bribery, conspiracy and other charges after a monthlong trial in 2023. Eric Goldstein corruptly abused his high-ranking position of trust as a public official and pursued lucrative bribes at the expense of school children, many of whom rely on healthy meals provided by the New York City Department of Education, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. Peace said Goldstein prioritized lining his pockets with payoffs from his co-defendants to ensure that the defendants' food stayed in the schools even after plastic, bones and metal were found in the chicken. Messages seeking comment were sent to attorneys for Goldstein, Iler, Turley and Twomey. Goldstein oversaw school food as head of New York City's Office of School Support Services from 2008 to 2018. Iler, Twomey and Turley had a company, SOMMA Food Group, that contracted with the city to provide school food. Around the same time, the three men and Goldstein formed another company to import grass-fed beef. Prosecutors argued that the venture was a way to pay Goldstein off. Prosecutors said the largest bribe payment was made in the fall of 2016 after the city school system had stopped serving SOMMAs chicken tenders because an employee had choked on a bone in a supposedly boneless chicken tender. According to prosecutors, Iler, Turley and Twomey agreed on Nov 29, 2016, to pay a bribe Goldstein had asked for, and one day later Goldstein approved reintroducing SOMMAs chicken products into the schools. SOMMAs products were served in schools until April 2017 despite repeated complaints that the chicken tenders contained foreign objects, prosecutors said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails 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 }} El Salvador's military says the national police director, other high-ranking police officials and a fugitive banker were among nine people killed in a military helicopter crash in a rural part of the country. The cause of the crash on Sunday night is under investigation. It occurred after the banker, Manuel Coto, was captured in Honduras over the weekend and handed over to Salvadoran authorities at the border. Coto, the former manager of the COSAVI savings and loan cooperative, had been the subject of an Interpol arrest warrant and one of 32 people implicated in the embezzlement of more than $35 million by the cooperatives directors and employees. El Salvador's military in a post on X said the air force helicopter crash occurred in the area of San Eduardo, Pasaquina, La Union. It said the director general of the National Civil Police, Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, and two deputies were aboard. El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, said in a post on X that what happened cannot remain as a simple accident" and must be investigated thoroughly "and to the ultimate consequences. We will request international help. Bukele noted that Arriaza Chicas had led the governments fight against the gangs that once dominated daily life for much of the Salvadoran population. Bukeles harsh crackdown on the gangs and mass arrests of more than 80,000 people with little due process have been condemned by human rights organizations. 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 }} At least 40 people were killed and 60 wounded, local news agency WAFA said, in an Israeli strike early Tuesday that left craters up to 10 meters (32 feet) deep in a humanitarian area of the Gaza Strip. Gazas Health Ministry says over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count. The war has caused vast destruction and displaced around 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their Oct. 7 attack. They abducted another 250 and are still holding around 100 after releasing most of the rest in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire last November. Around a third of the remaining hostages are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: An Israeli strike on a humanitarian area in Gaza kills and wounds dozens, authorities say JERUSALEM Israels military conducted a missile strike early Tuesday that targeted a humanitarian area in the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians there, authorities said. Details about the strike in the Mawasi coastal community just west of Khan Younis that the Israeli military has designated as a humanitarian zone were not yet clear. The area is home to many Palestinians displaced by the Israel-Hamas war in which the Israeli military has devastated the enclave after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Footage circulating on social media showed deep craters at the site of the attack, the strewn ruins around it covered in shredded tents, a bicycle and other debris. Rescue workers used shovels to shift through the sand. Bystanders used their hands to dig, illuminated by mobile phone light. At least one crater at the site looked to be as deep as 10 meters (32 feet). The Israeli military described the strike as hitting significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command-and-control center, without immediately providing additional evidence. A Hamas statement called the Israeli claim a clear lie. Israel long has accused Hamas and other militants of hiding in civilian areas, putting local populations at risk. The Palestinian news agency WAFA said dozens were killed and wounded, without providing precise casualty figures. It described five missiles striking the area, cratering the ground. Israeli military stops aid convoy for 8 hours, UN agency says JERUSALEM The United Nations agency in charge of aid for displaced Palestinians said the Israeli military stopped a convoy for more than eight hours on Monday, despite it coordinating with the troops. The agencys head Philippe Lazzarini said the staffers who were held had been trying to work on a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza and Gaza City. The convoy was stopped at gun point just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff, he wrote on the social platform X. Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armoured vehicles. He said the staff and the convoy later returned to a U.N. base but it was unclear if a polio vaccination campaign would take place Tuesday in northern Gaza. UN Staff must be allowed to undertake their duties in safety + be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law," he wrote. Gaza is no different. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The vaccination drive, launched after doctors discovered 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. BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China. Xi asked Sanchez to convey his greetings to King Felipe VI. Recalling that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year, Xi said both sides have since maintained close exchanges and interactions at all levels and promoted high-quality cooperation in new areas. Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should adhere to the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and equal treatment, take a holistic and long-term view, and add new dimensions to bilateral ties. Xi also called on both sides to build long-term and stable China-Spain relations with strategic determination, and push bilateral relations to a higher level. Xi stressed that reform and opening up is a correct development path that China has found through long-term practice, and that it will be pursued steadfastly. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systematic arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, bringing new opportunities for deepening and expanding cooperation between China and Spain, he said. The two sides should work for mutual benefits by promoting development in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy, Xi said, adding that China hopes Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country. He urged joint efforts from the two sides to stay committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning, promote friendship between the two peoples, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in the fields of language education, youth, culture and tourism. As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is ready to work with the bloc to review successful experience in the development of bilateral relations and further promote the relations, Xi said. "China hopes that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in this regard." China and Spain are both countries with a sense of responsibility and mission, and both advocate multilateralism and free trade, Xi said. He noted that China is ready to expand cooperation with Spain in third-party markets in the Global South, and strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations, the G20 and other international organizations, aiming to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability and human progress. Sanchez conveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to President Xi. Spain and China enjoy time-honored friendship, and they have constantly developed and deepened their partnership on the basis of mutual respect, Sanchez said. During his visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in fields such as green development, demonstrating the huge potential and bright prospects of bilateral cooperation, he said. Spain hopes that the two countries will strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and new energy vehicles. Spain is willing to provide a sound environment for Chinese enterprises, Sanchez said. He noted that both Spain and China are committed to safeguarding world peace and multilateralism, and that China is a key force for world peace and development and plays an important, constructive role in resolving major international and regional issues. Spain views its relations with China from a strategic height, adheres firmly to the one-China policy, is willing to be a trustworthy partner of China, and looks forward to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and making greater contributions to the well-being of the two peoples, world peace and prosperity, Sanchez said. Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, opposes trade wars, and is willing to continue playing a positive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations, he said. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Doctors are taking the first steps to develop a vaccine for people with a condition that increases their risk of a number of cancers. Lynch syndrome is caused by a mutation in the gene that fixes mistakes in DNA when it is copied, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. An estimated one in 400 people in England have the condition, according to the NHS, although only 5% are aware they are living with it. Last year, the health service started rolling out a genetic test for Lynch syndrome. People with the condition have a higher risk of developing cancers of the bowel, womb and ovaries. About 1,100 bowel cancer cases in England each year are caused by Lynch syndrome and the condition is thought to increase the lifetime risk of the disease by 80%. Researchers from the University of Oxford could potentially design a vaccine that teaches the immune system of someone with the disorder to recognise and destroy cells before they become cancer. As part of the project known as LynchVax scientists will analyse cells from Lynch syndrome patients that are showing signs of becoming cancerous. They will use their findings to determine which parts of a pre-cancer cell can be attacked by the immune system and if a vaccine approach is likely to work. Simon Leedham, a professor of molecular genetics at the University of Oxford and honorary consultant gastroenterologist, said: People with Lynch syndrome are at very high risk of developing bowel cancer, womb cancer and other cancers so much so that they get invited to attend bowel screening appointments at a younger age than the rest of the UK population. LynchVax has the potential to reduce that risk. While our work is in its infancy, we are excited by the prospect of a vaccine that can potentially be used to prevent the multiple types of cancer that typically occur in people with Lynch syndrome and deliver tangible improvements in survival. Helen White, who is a member of the LynchVax patient public involvement group, added: As passionate advocates for involving people with lived experience in research, we fully endorse the plans to reach out to the wider Lynch syndrome community to gather their views on a cancer-preventing vaccine. This is a crucial step in preparing for future clinical trials. Cancer Research UK has awarded the LynchVax team 550,000. Cancer Research UK funded the team ( PA Wire ) Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: Cancer vaccines continue to show promise in helping to create a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Projects like LynchVax are a really important step forward into an exciting future, where cancers that occur in people with Lynch syndrome could potentially be prevented. This is one of many cancer vaccine projects Cancer Research UK is funding that we hope will reduce the number of cancer cases over the coming decades. It comes after analysis by the charity warned cancer deaths in the UK could rise by 17% by 2029 when compared with the last five years. It also estimates there will also be around 2.2 million new cancer diagnoses, a hike of 22%, during the same period. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Metabolic data from babies who died of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDs, could help predict the devastating condition, new research has revealed. SIDs is responsible for the sudden and unexpected deaths of approximately 3,500 infants every year in the United States, primarily in boys, with Black, Native American and Alaska Native infants twice as likely to die than white babies. Now, a study led by doctors in San Francisco have identified a correlation between certain signals, or biomarkers, in the metabolism of infants who died of SIDS. So, theres something about the way these babies are or are not breaking down and using things like fats and glucose that is, at birth, allowing us to identify those who are at the highest risk, lead study author and epidemiologist Dr. Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski told The Independent on Monday. The authors found that infants with lower levels of the biomarkers C-3 and elevated levels of C-14OH appeared to have a higher risk of mortality from SIDS. The biomarkers are enzymes of fatty acid oxidation, the process in which the body breaks down the building blocks of fat to produce energy. Several other biomarkers seemed to result in a reduced risk of SIDS when they were elevated. The feet of a newborn baby are seen on a bed. Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is responsible for the deaths of approximately 3,500 infants every year in the United States. Now, researchers across the country have identified certain metabolic biomarkers and SIDS. ( Getty Images/iStock/Miljan Zivkovic ) Co-author and neonatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rogers stressed that they dont yet know the specific contributing drivers to their observations likely a combination of environmental and biological ones but thats why more work needs to be done. But, this is such a strong signal, that it signals where this work can now proceed to hopefully get to prevention and/or treatment, she said. The preliminary findings, published last week in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, were based on the metabolic data from newborn screenings in California, comparing more than 350 infants who died from SIDS with similar infants who lived. The babies were born in the state between 2005 and 2011. The authors now want to look at other metabolic markers to see if there are more contributing factors. The end goal for such work could be major for future parents: a screening test or medication for SIDS. Thats still years away, however. But, critically, its also in the babies who have passed away. And, being able to look and being able to say to the parents, You did nothing wrong. This happened. I know it doesnt help bring your baby back to life, but research has now show that they may have been metabolically different at birth and were doing our best to better understand that so babies in the future have a better chance of surviving, said Dr Jelliffe-Pawlowski. Thats very different than parents who are left with the idea that they did this, right? Could they have done something to change it. A newborn baby holds its mothers finger in a hospital bed. Babies at high risk of SIDS may not be metabolizing glucose and fats in the same way at birth as those lower at risk. ( Getty Images/iStock/Ratchat ) Rogers added: If youve ever sat with a parent whos lost a child, if you could contribute anything to letting them not carry the guilt for the rest of their lives, you would do anything to give them that relief. To protect newborns, families should ensure healthy babies are placed on their backs to sleep, with no other people. Mothers should breastfeed, if possible, and avoid smoking. Inadequate prenatal care, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy, air pollution and structural racism play a role. The rate of SIDS declined following a related campaign in 1994, but stabilized in the 2000s. SIDS remains the leading cause of postneonatal mortality, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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 }} Watch as BBC bosses are questioned on the broadcaster's handling of the Huw Edwards scandal on Tuesday, 10 September. BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Chairman Dr Samir Shah CBE appeared before the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee to speak about the corporations future and its handling of the newsreader's case. The session began with questions about Edwards after the BBC admitted it was told that the former TV presenter had been arrested in November 2023 but continued to employ him for around five months until he left on medical advice. It comes after the 63-year-old pleaded guilty in July to charges of having indecent images of children, with seven of the 41 being of the most serious type, after he resigned from the corporation in April. Edwards, who spent four decades at the corporation, was responsible for leading coverage of historic events including Queen Elizabeth II's death. The BBC has said it has authorised the Executive to seek the return of salary paid to Mr Edwards from the time he was arrested in November last year, an estimated 200,000. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent 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 The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The UKs first professor of Black studies is facing a criminal investigation over a video in which he called right-wing commentator Calvin Robinson a house n*gro. Prof Kehinde Andrews was visited by three police officers at his Birmingham home on Wednesday morning and invited to attend a voluntary interview. In a video posted online in June, the academic argued that terms such as coconut, house n*gro, c**n and Uncle Tom are vital expressions of Black political thought that should be celebrated and not policed. But the comment Prof Andrews made about former GB News host Mr Robinson in the video has prompted a complaint to West Midlands Police. Kehinde Andrews: The fact this is a police issue just shows how little respect there is for Black political thought ( Supplied ) In the video, Prof Andrews went on to explain the origins of the term: Malcolm X popularised the idea of the house n*gro. Those people who, because of their relative privilege, relative connection to the master, tend to be deluded into believing theyre not slaves, he said. On the plantation, they live in the house... get slightly better conditions; theyre not catching hell from sunup to sundown. So, because of that, house n*gro starts to identify with the master... more than the master identifies with himself. The point of this is to say that house n*gros wrong. Because theyre treated slightly better, theyre missing the point theyre still slaves. This is love teaching from Malcolm. Hes calling out, saying You are still a slave, you are still suffering from racism (...). The whole point of it is to say were all in the same boat, were all catching the same hell but you cant see that because youve got the house n*gro mentality. When approached by The Independent, Mr Robinson declined to comment about Prof Andrews video and the investigation. However, he posted on Twitter/X that he had filed a complaint against Prof Andrews, adding that he believed the academic was racist. West Midlands Police told The Independent: Weve received a report of racist comments being posted online and were carrying out enquiries. There is no place for hate crime and well investigate any reports we receive. Prof Andrews, who teaches the UKs first undergraduate Black studies course at Birmingham City University, described the police probe as utterly ludicrous. A Black HR professional was interviewed under caution for sending a gif of Daffy Duck tap-dancing to a politician in May ( X/Twitter ) As I go to lengths to explain in the video, house n*gro is a political critique and has never been used as a racial slur, he told The Independent. The whole point is to remind those who think they have made it (...) that we are all still ex-slaves, colonial subjects, who will experience racism no matter how much they embrace the master (in modern times, this would be the nation, government, etc). Malcolm X uses it as an anti-racist metaphor to promote resistance, which is exactly what I did in the video. The fact this is a police issue just shows how little respect there is for Black political thought. The terms house n*gro and field n*gro have a decades-long history, with countless books including their use. It is deeply concerning that the police would want to haul in a professor to question me about my area of expertise. This would never happen if I were white or the work I do was given the respect it deserves. The police have a long history of criminalising Black and brown people, now we are seeing that converge with the wider attack on Black knowledge which is being erased from university, the closure of Black courses and more. The investigation follows a string of cases where Black and Asian people have faced prosecution for hate crimes after using specific language to criticise other people from ethnic minority communities. In March, The Independent first reported on the case of a Black man who was acquitted of hate crime charges after sending a raccoon emoji to Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty on social media. A Black HR professional was interviewed under caution for sending a gif of Daffy Duck tap-dancing to the same politician, as first reported by The Independent in May. Prof Andrews has said he will attend a voluntary interview later this month. The CPS 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 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 }} Senior managers at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill a further seven have apologised for the significant delay in alerting police to concerns over the now-convicted nurse. The former bosses at the Countess of Chester Hospital also accepted communication with the bereaved families could have been better. On the fifth day of the Thirlwall Inquiry, which is looking at the circumstances around the 34-year-olds offences, Kate Blackwell KC introduced and read parts of a statement issued on behalf of four of the senior bosses. They are former medical director Ian Harvey, former director of nursing Alison Kelly, former chief executive Tony Chambers and former director of people and organisational development Susan Hodkinson. Their statement revealed how they first became aware of colleagues concerns over Letby at the end of June 2016 - but due to a lack of evidence from their own inquiries, Cheshire Police were not informed until May 2017. Initial inquiries did not prove anything beyond Letby being on shift at the same time of the deaths, with neo-natal unit manager Eirian Powell judging the killer as being a good and competent nurse, senior managers said. Lady Justice Thirlwall is chairing the inquiry into the deaths at Liverpool Town Hall ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) However, Letby was removed from duties on the ward from 30 June 2016 as a precaution - and she would never return to the same role. Speaking to the inquiry on Friday morning, Ms Blackwell said the hospital bosses felt they needed to investigate the matter to gain potential evidence of wrongdoing before contacting Cheshire Police. Ms Blackwell said: This was a cause of a significant delay in contacting the police and for this, they [the managers] are truly sorry. But the reviews were commissioned in good faith, not to conceal the truth but to uncover it... on the issue of when such matters should be properly brought to the police in a hospital setting, guidance is overdue and such recommendations as the inquiry sees fit will be well appreciated. Ms Blackwell also addressed concerns from the families over a lack of communication, which was raised on Thursday by a solicitor representing seven groups of relatives after it earlier emerged in the inquiry that they were never aware of a link to a particular nurse. Peter Skelton KC said some families were kept in the dark over the collapses of babies and the concerns, and investigations that were being undertaken. Ms Blackwell told Fridays inquiry: [The issue of communication] has caused hurt and anxiety - and for this, the senior managers are deeply sorry. Lucy Letby was given 14 whole-life sentenced following her convictions ( PA Wire ) This was not done with the intention to deliberately attempt to cause anguish, nor was it to involve a conspiracy of dishonesty. At the time they believed they were providing the right level of information, they wanted to make sure that what they were saying was accurate. In hindsight, they could and should communicated far better than they did. A written statement on behalf of the four senior managers showed how the first suspicions over Letby were handled, with bosses initially becoming aware of concerns following the deaths of two babies on 23 and 24 June 2016. The increase in deaths on the neo-natal unit was also already under the radar of Mr Harvey and Ms Kelly. But a review found some of the deaths involved very sick babies that may have contributed to the number, the managers said in a statement. A further meeting on the issue in July 2016 highlighted Letby had been on shift when a number of the deaths occurred, but because she was a specialist practitioner she was more likely to be looking after the sickest infants, the managers said in their statement. Her bosses also raised no performance issues with her, and she was judged as being a diligent nurse with excellent standards. Despite concerns, Cheshire Police were not alerted to Letby until May 2017. She was arrested in July 2018 ( Getty Images ) Despite further concerns raised by colleagues in September 2016, the senior managers said a visiting review team from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health also did not raise concerns over Letbys involvement in the deaths. However, as revealed earlier in the inquiry, some members of the team claimed they were not alerted to the nurse before their arrival. They were also told by Mr Harvey that junior doctors had nicknamed Letby Nurse Death. In March 2017 the police had still not been alerted, with the hospital trust seeking legal advice on approaching the police. In hindsight, whilst done with the best intentions, this was unhelpful and led to a delay, the hospital bosses said in their statement to the inquiry. The inquiry further heard from a legal representative at the Care Quality Commission, which carried out a routine inspection at the hospital including the neo-natal unit, in February and March 2016. Jenni Richards KC, speaking on behalf of the CQC, said it was only told about concerns over Letby by the hospital following the publication of the report, and then on suspicions of criminal activity after police had been told. An opening statement was also provided to the inquiry on behalf of NHS England on Friday morning. Jason Beer KC, who represented the body, said it took too long for the hospital to contact Cheshire Police. The inquiry continues on Monday. 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 }} Child killer Lucy Letbys case could be the biggest miscarriage of justice in the history of the United Kingdom, the lawyer behind a bid to overturn her convictions said. Former nurse Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to end the lives of seven more between 2015 and 2016. Her attacks on babies at Countess of Chester Hospitals neonatal unit made her one of the countrys deadliest child serial killers. On Tuesday, a public inquiry began into how the former nurse was able to carry out her crimes, the conduct of staff at the hospital during 2015-16, and whether suspicions about Letbys behaviour should have been raised earlier. To follow todays public inquiry, see our live blog by clicking here Separately Letby has appointed a new barrister, Mark McDonald, who has told The Independent he was working unpaid, night and day, to compile fresh medical evidence to secure an appeal hearing. Last week he pulled together a team of 22 experts including statisticians, forensic pathologists and anaesthetists to review the evidence put before the jury at Letbys trial. [They told me] that the science, the medical evidence that was presented to the jury by the prosecution was unreliable, he told The Independent. He claimed to have the evidence of experts and whistleblowers to challenge Letbys guilty verdict. He said it would be for the benefit of the families of the babies, and not just Letby, if the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) deals with his upcoming request for an appeal efficiently and refer it to the Court of Appeal. It is not just right for Lucy Letby that they look at this as a matter of priority, but it is right for the families of those poor children that have died that they get a resolution, a final resolution to this, he said. A solicitor representing the families of six victims said news of a fresh appeal has caused upset among his clients as they turn their focus toward the inquiry. But Mr McDonald said: [They are] right to be angry. I understand that. I have got evidence. I have clinicians that have come forward, senior clinicians that are questioning evidence that has come before the jury. It would be remiss of me, it would be wrong of me, not to do something with it. Letby being arrested at her home. She has always maintained her innocence ( Cheshire Constabulary/PA Wire ) Mr McDonald has experience working on high-profile appeals. He still represents Michael Stone, who was convicted for a second time following the murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan in 1996. He has also represented Benjamin Geen, a nurse who was jailed for life in 2006 for murdering two of his patients. Green has had one application denied by the Court of Appeal, and one by the CCRC. Referring to Letby, he said: If I am right, and the convictions are unsafe, then this would be the biggest miscarriage of justice in the history of the United Kingdom. Someones got to do it. Im working pro bono, Im not going to be paid a penny for this ... Im doing this because I think theres an injustice here. McDonald said he was busy preparing a file to send to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, requesting a referral to the Court of Appeal ( Supplied ) Mr McDonalds appointment follows two attempts by Letby to appeal against convictions from the first trial, the latest being thrown out by three judges in May this year. The Court of Appeal is still considering an appeal for the conviction of attempted murder at the retrial this year. It follows a wave of questions about the evidence used to convict Letby, with a number of doctors, scientists and statisticians publicly challenging the evidence presented to jurors. A letter signed by 24 doctors, nurses and scientists to the health secretary, Wes Streeting, warned that important lessons could be missed at the inquiry from a failure in understanding and examining alternative, potentially complex causes for the deaths. Mr McDonald said he was now working through numerous court documents and boxes of evidence as part of his case to put to the CCRC the only route now for Letby to appeal against her convictions. He said statistical evidence was set to play a part in his argument. For example, a staff rota presented to the jury showed Letby was present at the 25 deaths or collapses for which she was charged, while other nurses were only present at a few of the incidents. However, jurors were not told about six more deaths and numerous other collapses at the unit during the 2015-16 period. He also claimed to have received evidence of the neonatal unit being understaffed and short on intensive unit beds. He said: There was a narrative of this trial, we know what that narrative was. It was very one-sided, and it was that she was guilty. I think that narrative now is changing and there are people that have come forward questioning whether or not this is a safe conviction. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The policing minister has admitted she does not know where 13,000 local police officers promised in Labours manifesto will come from. Before they were elected, the party pledged to take back our streets by deploying 13,000 more neighbourhood police, PCSOs and special constables to patrol communities. However, during an appearance at the annual Police Superintendents Association (PSA) conference, the new policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said she could not give specifics over whether the officers will be new recruits or existing staff. It comes as she announced the rollout of the dedicated neighbourhood police training program with the College of Policing at the event on Tuesday. Policing minister Diana Johnson appeared at the annual Police Superintendents Association conference ( PA Wire ) Asked whether the staff would be new recruits or repurposed existing staff, she responded: As weve only been in government for the last two and half months this is all being worked through. We made it very clear the commitment is to 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, PCSOs and specials as well. But all I can say to you is that work is very much ongoing at the moment. We are really keen to crack on with this and make it a reality. We cant tell you exactly what the breakdown of the numbers is going to be. Pressed again on the issue, she added: Yes I guess we have already got some officers doing neighbourhood policing but we will obviously need to have more officers to carry out our manifesto commitment. Her comments come after the president of the PSA Nick Smart hit out at years of underinvestment in policing in his annual address. Despite the previous government promoting the highest number of police officers ever, he insisted forces have seen an average increase of just six officers extra per year since 2010 as he stressed the need for investment in forces. The President of the Police Superintendents Association (PSA) Nick Smart ( Jason Bye ) Announcing the new national training program as a first step towards Labours goal of restoring neighbourhood policing, the minister said: Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue. There are thousands of incredible police officers and support staff doing an admirable job. But we have to face the reality that there are still too many victims of anti-social behaviour who feel that when they call the police, no one listens and no one comes. Our neighbourhoods and police forces have suffered enough after a decade of decline, and this government will help restore neighbourhood policing, with skilled, resilient and dedicated local cops. 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 }} Police chiefs will hit out at years of underinvestment in law enforcement today as they demand support for forces operating on shoestring in a broken criminal justice system. The president of the Police Superintendents Association (PSA), Nick Smart, is expected to call for the government to properly resource police with sustainable funding in his annual address at the police chiefs annual conference. He will tell policing minister Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE that forces are taken for granted as he questions where policing sits among national priorities. He will urge her to start a new relationship with police after widespread riots demonstrated the vital importance of policing. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson ( PA Wire ) In his first address as president, he will say: This is a time to lay a marker, and show us that things will be different, that we will no longer face year on year of underinvestment, our calls for change will not be ignored, and we will finally start to feel both valued and respected. No one knows policing better than your workforce. Let us help you get it right. Lets start afresh with a blank canvas for policing where the key stakeholders who know about policing your workforce, those who live it every day, are listened to. He is expected to push back at language used by politicians over policing numbers which do not reflect reality. Despite government promoting the highest number of police officers ever, he insists forces have seen an average increase of just six officers extra per year since 2010. The police chief will also stress the need for investment, not just in policing but right across the criminal justice system, which he describes as broken. He will say: We are doing all we can, and all we can is not enough, because we are operating on a shoestring. Victims are being failed in the most damaging way and this must change. The sheer frustration that colleagues at all ranks and in all departments feel at being unable to provide victims with the service they deserve is palpable. Police are doing all we can but are operating on a shoestring, a police chief will warn ( PA Archive ) In a series of demands, Mr Smart will ask the government to reinstate a Royal Commission into the criminal justice service which was promised by the Conservative government in 2019 but never delivered. He will also call for a definition of the police mission to prevent forces losing resources to deal with non-police matters. He will also highlight on the wellbeing crisis facing the police workforce and call for minimum standards of occupational health to be mandated and inspected on across policing. The annual address will be delivered to Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Fire and Policing, who will deliver a speech in response at the annual policing summit in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, on Tuesday. 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 }} There were jubilant scenes outside prison gates on Tuesday as hundreds of inmates were freed early in a desperate bid to stop jails from becoming completely full. Some of the 1,700 prisoners due to be released 40 per cent of the way into their sentence on Tuesday were filmed being sprayed with sparkling wine as they tasted freedom either days, weeks or months early, as jubilant crowds gathered outside Wandsworth Prison. Music could be heard playing at the gates of the south London jail in one clip, as people were seen joyfully reuniting with friends and loved ones. Around 1,700 prisoners were released on Tuesday ( EPA/Tolga Akmen ) Asked whether he felt rehabilitated, one 59-year-old departing inmate convicted of violent crime and named only as Mr T told reporters: Certainly not. There is no rehabilitation. No one talks to you, you just go in, lie down and 17 months later Im out ... Im not looking to reoffend, but, you never know. You can never say no. Another said: This is not a bonus for me, to be released like this, not knowing whats going on, only having housing for three months. A prisoner gives a thumbs up after being let out from HMP Pentonville early ( EPA/Tolga Akmen ) But there was elation among others walking through the prison gates. One convicted drug dealer, 20, told The Telegraph that his early release had made him a lifelong Labour voter, and said he was going to get lit to celebrate his early freedom after leaving HMP Isis, in southeast London. Condemning scenes of sparkling wine being sprayed as completely unacceptable, Downing Street said the early release scheme was the right thing to do to make sure we did not face a situation where criminality would be left unchecked on our streets because we didnt have enough prison places. A 25-year-old jailed for conspiracy to commit robbery told The Telegraph he was going to chill and work with his friends and partner after leaving prison, saying: Its a joke my actual release date was tomorrow. Its one day earlier, but Ill take it. Its sweet, isnt it? I didnt find out I was being released early until I got my papers through a few days ago. I kept my head down inside, got on with my stuff. I kept myself to myself didnt get in with any gangs. Im a good boy now. Im going to see my girlfriend, see my mates, and just chill and work. I aint going back in there. HMP Durham was another of the jails that saw people being freed ( PA ) The mass release which follows the last-minute early release of more than 10,000 people over the past year under emergency Tory-initiated schemes came on the same day that prisons chief inspector Charlie Taylor warned in his annual inspection that brutalising prison conditions are fundamentally undermining efforts to cut reoffending. With the crisis-stricken probation service now set to receive an influx of new cases to manage in the community, the Probation and Family Court staff union Napo expressed fears that it marked a ticking timebomb that could put public safety at risk. And speaking at the Police Superintendents Association annual conference, acting president Nick Smart warned that officers are once again being placed at the centre of a storm that is not their doing, with the prospect of arresting offenders who can then not be placed in prison, and dealing with the fallout from the thousands of criminals being released early today, many potentially without proper rehabilitation and release plans. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A cold and calculated killer sent Christmas cards on behalf of his landlady to cover up the fact he had murdered and dismembered her body before stashing her remains in a storage unit. Scott Paterson, 45, faces life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of Annette Smith at Luton Crown Court. Paterson admitted killing her in the home they shared in the village of Fairfield in Bedfordshire in November last year before leaving her remains just three miles away in a storage unit. He then hacked into her email account and sent Christmas messages and Moonpig cards to convince her family and friends she was still alive. When he was questioned by detectives on her disapperance, he claimed she had left their home in a car with an unknown woman, sparking a police appeal. Scott Paterson faces life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder ( Bedfordshire Police ) Three months then passed before concerns were raised by relatives and an investigation was launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. Detectives found her passport and clothing were still at the home along with her laptop which had sent the Christmas messages. When he was arrested, Paterson made a full admission to killing her and led police to the storage unit where her dismembered body was hidden. Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias who led the investigation said: Annettes death is tragic, and deeply saddening. Our thoughts remain with her loved ones. Patersons actions to conceal his horrific crime and later mislead Annettes family and friends with a false sense of assurance, reveals the nature of a very cold and calculated individual who has no place in our community. Uncovering Annettes death has required the finest level of police work, and I would like to commend the Major Crime Unit and supporting teams on their meticulous efforts over the last five months. Our hope is that this swift progression towards justice, provides some level of comfort to those affected by Annettes death. Paterson will be sentenced next month. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The mother of Ben Needham has begged for more men in their 30s to come forward if they dont know their parents after a Norwegian claiming to be the missing toddler was not a match. Ben was 21 months old when he went missing on the Greek island of Kos, where he was staying in a farmhouse with his grandparents. Police believe the boy from Sheffield died on 24 July 1991, as a result of an accident involving heavy machinery. But his mother Kerry Needham, who was working at a hotel on Kos at the time of his disappearance, insists he is still alive and believes someone on the holiday hotspot knows exactly what happened to her son. Bens mother Kerry Needham and his grandmother Christine (L) are seen outside the police station on the island of Kos, in Greece ( AFP ) She told The Independent that she never thought a Norwegian man was actually Ben. He contacted us through Bens Instagram page but he had already been in contact with South Yorkshire Police before asking for a DNA test, she said. He claims he was told by his grandmother that he was taken from Greece and travelled through Italy and eventually ended up in Norway where his parents brought him up. He has no photos of himself as a young child or a baby and his childhood wasnt very nice. He had been hidden away all the time. The 52 year-old mother urged other people to come forward and see if they were also a match for her missing son. Ms Needham said: We are asking anyone who is around 30 years old to come forward if they believe something is wrong with their upbringing. If they have no childhood photos or birth certificate. If they dont look like their siblings or parents- anything that seems odd in their life. Pieces of fabric found in search operation of 'slight interest' ( PA ) Now, after decades of searching Bens mother has moved to Turkey to be nearer the island where her son disappeared. On her gruelling 33-year search for answers, she added: I find my strength to carry on because Im determined to find the truth to what happened to Ben. Its extremely difficult at times but I will never give up. We are constantly receiving information from the public regarding Ben or people they think are Ben and we follow up this info using social media or physically go and find the person in question, unfortunately due to lack of financial resources this is getting more difficult to do. I believe there are lines of inquiries that can be followed up on Kos as thats where the answer lies. I believe someone on that island knows exactly what happened. To contact the family follow their official Instagram page. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The King intends to meet leading cancer experts during his upcoming trip to Australia, after undergoing treatment for the disease this year. Charles and Queen Camilla are due to undertake a tour of the Commonwealth nation and the island of Samoa between the 18th and 24th of October, in what will mark his first trip to both nations since becoming monarch. The programme is likely to be designed to afford him time to rest and recover from the many hours he will spend flying during his trip. Over the course of the trip, he will meet with two 'Australians of the Year', Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer and hear about their work in helping those affected by melanoma, one of the country's most common cancers. The 75-year-old king was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year, after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. He and Camilla will carry out a week of engagements He has since returned to public duties and has carried out a light calendar of engagements, while continuing to work on state matters from his desk. His daughter-in-law Kate has similarly undergone her own health scare this year, after revealing her cancer diagnosis in March, which was discovered after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January. In a highly emotional and personal video released on Monday, the Princess of Wales revealed that she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and hopes to return to light public duties in the coming months. Laughing and playing with her husband and three children at their Norfolk home, she said: "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. "The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything." While she participated in the Trooping the Colour parade over summer, Kate has remained largely out of the public eye while Charles has resumed front-facing duties since April. Kate has revealed this week that she has finished her chemotherapy treatment ( Will Warr/Kensington Palace/PA ) Although he withdrew from public events in the weeks after his diagnosis, the King continued with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings and his weekly sessions with the prime minister. It was announced in July that he and Camilla would embark on a tour of Australia at the invitation of the countrys government, and will see them carry out engagements in Sydney and Canberra. In Samoa, they will celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between the Pacific Island nation and the UK, and the couple are expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) 2024. The Chogm brings together delegations from 56 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: The Kings visit to Australia will be His Majestys first to a realm as monarch, whilst the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa is the first The King will attend as Head of the Commonwealth. In both countries, Their Majesties engagements will focus on themes designed to celebrate the best of Australia and Samoa, as well as reflecting aspects of the King and Queens work. The King and Queen will also attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Ben Birchall/PA) ( PA Wire ) Engagements in Australia will include a reception at Parliament House in Canberra, where they will be greeted by prime minister Anthony Albanese, with Charles giving a speech to leading politicians and community leaders. They will also visit the Australian War Memorial, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to learn about the centres efforts to tackle bush fires and tour the National Botanic Gardens. The king will then meet with oncologist Professor Long and pathologist Professor Scolyer, who are the co-directors of the Melanoma Institute Australia. They have led a team pinoeering in the use of use of immunotherapy treatment for melanoma, which was then adapted for brain cancer when Scolyer was diagnosed with it in June 2023. Meanwhile, Camilla is due to visit a library to learn about childrens literacy and join a discussion of domestic and family violence, with both royals attending a community BBQ in Sydney and meeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives. In Samoa, the king is due to visit a mangrove forest and a National Park to learn about the countrys biodiversity and sustainability, while his wife will visit a school and the Samoa Victim Support Group. For the last CHOGM staged by Rwanda in 2022, Charles deputised for Queen Elizabeth II but will now welcome the representatives as head of state. 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 }} Martin Lewis has hit out at council tax collection practices, comparing them to loan sharks. He also highlighted the fact that UK households can face a bill of around 1,600 for missing a 140 payment by three weeks. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a charity founded by Mr Lewis, said processes are driving unacceptable harms that disproportionately affect people with mental health problems. Mr Lewis said: Council tax collection practices are so aggressive theyd make the banks blush. The grotesque process couldnt have been designed better to accelerate distress for people in council tax debt, especially those with mental health problems. When someone misses a monthly payment, rather than asking: How can we help?, many councils say: Now you have to pay 12 times that its like a caricature of the worst loan sharks. The research, funded by abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, indicated that around two million people with mental health problems in the UK have fallen into a council tax trap missing one payment and then potentially facing rapidly escalating debt collection activity, fees and charges when some people may be too unwell even to open their post. Money and Mental Health said that, within three weeks of missing just one council tax payment, people may find themselves being hit with a final notice from a local authority requiring them to pay a full annual council tax bill within seven days. For an average UK household, this could mean a missed 140 payment results in a bill of around 1,600 three weeks later, the charity said. A council tax bill ( PA Archive ) People who fail to pay their full annual bills could also be hit with a liability order a letter that lets councils step up debt collection, including potentially sending in bailiffs. Debts can potentially be passed onto bailiffs just six weeks after the first missed payment, the charity said. Money and Mental Healths analysis indicates that people with mental health problems are more than twice as likely to be in council tax arrears than those without mental health issues. The charity highlighted the case of a 55-year-old woman who has borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. She described to researchers how she received a letter on Christmas Eve which had arrived late because of postal delays saying that she needed to pay her council tax bill by Christmas Day. She said: I was in meltdown. I ended up taking out more credit and took out a credit card with 40% interest just to be able to pay it off. The woman added: I was a mess, I couldnt do anything. Id already bought Christmas presents for the grandkids, but I couldnt spend any time with other family because I was so stressed. Money and Mental Health is campaigning for central Government to end the council tax trap and make collections fairer and more consistent. It wants the Government to change regulations which dictate how quickly local authorities chase missed payments. Council tax debt collection should be brought at least in line with consumer creditors, who often wait three to six months before demanding full repayment of an overdue debt, the charity said. The report added that the Welsh Government has capped charges for issuing liability orders at 70, but while welcome it is still too high, given that a third (34%) of people behind on council tax payments say they could not afford to pay any unexpected bill. It said local authorities should urgently look at their own debt collection practices. Some councils are already taking steps, for example by focusing on providing more support and advice to people in arrears. Aggressive council tax collection practices need to stop, consumer champion Martin Lewis has urged (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Archive ) Mr Lewis added: Rapidly piling on payment demands, court threats, charges and bailiff action isnt a fair or productive way to respond to someone missing a payment, either through limited funds, or personal life crisis. Its like councils are setting a trap for people who miss a payment that they have no hope of escaping from, and that needs to stop. Councils will recover just as much money, and keep their constituents financially and mentally healthier, by working with those who are struggling, signposting them to help, and working on repayment plans. Of course, councils have faced major budget cuts, and some are struggling to survive a policy challenge the new Government must address. Yet plugging budget gaps by ramping up punitive action on people in debt, a significant majority of whom have mental health problems, wont fix that. Thats why we also need central Government to change the rules and stop allowing councils to behave in a way no commercial lender would ever be allowed to. It is ironic that some of the council leaders who are ultimately responsible for overseeing this process, are likely among the most vociferous protesters against the harms of dodgy private sector debt practices and big financial institutions. So Id ask them to turn that focus on their own organisations. While central Government action is needed, while we wait for that, councils need to take a hard look at what they are doing and to mitigate the harms some are causing. Mubin Haq, chief executive of abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, an independent charitable trust, said: Piling debt onto people who are financially struggling not only risks further harm to their health and wellbeing, it may ultimately put further pressure on other parts of local authorities budgets, such as emergency discretionary assistance funds. The safeguards we have in place for mainstream lenders needs to be mirrored in the collection of council tax debt. A spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents 350 councils across England, said: Councils strive to ensure they have fair council tax collection policies and should always try to work with people who are struggling to meet their council tax bills. We agree that bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort and anyone having trouble paying their council bills should get in touch with their local authority for financial help and advice. Councils do have a duty to their residents to collect taxes so important services are not affected but realise that times are still tough for many low-income households. Record numbers are claiming a discount on their council tax, which is adding further pressure on this already underfunded vital local safety net. Without enough funding to provide council tax support to those who need it, it is almost inevitable that bills will continue to be forced up for those who can least afford to pay. A Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) spokesperson said: While the collection and enforcement of council tax is the responsibility of councils, we expect local authorities to be proportionate and sympathetic to those in genuine hardship when determining the most appropriate action to collect unpaid tax. 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 }} Martin Lewis has slammed local authorities for acting like the worst loan sharks in their approaches to council tax collection. In a scathing critique, the money expert said the practices used on people in debt were unfair and caused more difficulties for the most vulnerable. Among the grotesque measures Mr Lewis named are large cash penalties, court summons and bailiffs sent to homes, sometimes for those who misssed even a single monthly payment. He accused councils of setting a trap for those who are unable to pay, as they are forced to avoid legal action and keep up with costs, adding that they are hostile towards constituents, rather than looking to help them as they should. Aggressive council tax collection practices need to stop, consumer champion Martin Lewis has urged (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Archive ) Mr Lewis, the founder and chair of the charity Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said: Council tax collection practices are so aggressive theyd make the banks blush. The grotesque process couldnt have been designed better to accelerate distress for people in council tax debt, especially those with mental health problems. When someone misses a monthly payment, rather than asking how can we help, many councils say now you have to pay 12 times that its like a caricature of the worst loan sharks. The money guru called on the government to change the rules for council tax collection, making them more forgiving for low-income households. Currently, councils can order the full payment of a council tax bill within seven days of a missed payment, giving a household three weeks to pay the entire remaining bill for the year as much as 1,668. This, he added, is more severe than the legislation placed on commerical lenders, which are legally required to engage with consumers who missed payments and offer fair repayment options. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to meet with Martin Lewis to discuss Winter Fuel Payments (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire ) Mr Lewis acknowledges that the new Labour government must address the budget cuts faced by many local councils. Yet plugging budget gaps by ramping up punitive action on people in debt, a significant majority of whom have mental health problems wont fix that, he said. Thats why we also need central government to change the rules and stop allowing councils to behave in a way no commercial lender would ever be allowed to. A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: Councils strive to ensure they have fair council tax collection policies and should always try to work with people who are struggling to meet their council tax bills. We agree bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort and anyone having trouble paying their council bills should get in touch with their local authority for financial help and advice. The statement from Mr Lewis, a household name for his personal finance advice, comes after he criticised the government for its decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners. The money expert is due to meet with chancellor Rachel Reeves, urging her to rethink the measure before her October budget, with council tax collection also likely to be on his agenda. 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 }} Emily Maitlis has revealed Prince Andrews strange request after their Newsnight interview ended, as she reflects that it caused him to lose the respect of the nation. The former BBC journalist said the Duke of York had asked if they could spend more time talking about Pizza Express and his sweating, as he said they didnt include his alibi. Maitlis has spoken of her experience conducting the car crash interview, which examined the princes friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, ahead of the release of a new three-part drama, A Very Royal Scandal on Amazon Prime. She said: He wanted to talk about the fact that hed been at Pizza Express on the night in question. And it was a very complicated moment for us because, on the one hand, I knew that if he included some of the stuff that he wanted to talk about, for example the sweating and the Pizza Express alibi, it was not going to help his case, in fact, it was actually going to make it look worse. The Duke of York reportedly wished to speak more about his sweating and Pizza Express ( PA Media ) The BBC interview caused huge damage to Andrews reputation, and just days later he announced he would be stepping back from royal duties. Facing questioning from Ms Maitlis, he emphatically denied having sex with the then 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, saying he was in a Pizza Express in Woking with his daughters on the day of the said encounter. It also saw him discuss his connection with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a prison sentence for helping Epstein groom and abuse young girls at his various properties in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands. In February 2022, nearly three years after the disastrous 2019 interview, it was announced that the duke had paid an out-of-court settlement to Ms Giuffre, ending a civil case against him in the US. It accepted no liability and Andrew has always maintained his innocence and rejected wrongdoing. Reflecting on the impact of the interview, she said: "Prince Andrew, he lost his royal duties, he lost the ability to wear uniform, he lost the respect of the nation, and it became, I think, much more difficult for him in his place in the Royal Family," she said. Ruth Wilson plays Maitlis in the Prime Video three-part series ( PA ) "And on the other side, we dont know if Epsteins victims gained anything from that. We dont know if their lives materially changed," she added. "Theres been no trial. Theres been a settlement... but we havent had that sense of closure there," she said. She also revealed that a month after her interview, she was pulled aside by someone close to King Charles who told her: HRH was not happy with the interview. The King, who was Prince of Wales at the time, has not reinstated Andrews roles within the royal family and it was reported on Monday that he will have to pay his own costs if he wishes to remain in the Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor. Ms Maitlis added that since the interview, the shape of the monarchy has slimmed down, especially since the death of Andrews mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. A Very Royal Scandal is out on Prime Video on 19 September and stars Ruth Wilson as Ms Maitlis, and Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew. The journalist served as an executive producer on the series, which is being released just five months after the film Scoop, which also covers the disastrous interview, in April on Netflix. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be planning a third quasi royal tour this year after the success of their trips to Colombia and Nigeria. Despite having been carried out in their capacity as private citizens, the visits have many of the hallmarks of royal tours and have been used to highlight important, often charitable causes. The couples visit to Nigeria in May celebrated the 10th anniversary of Prince Harrys Invictus Games, which showcases the sporting talents of wounded, sick and injured service people. More recently, the Sussexs four-day visit to Colombia was designed to illuminate the countrys role as a beacon of culture and innovation. Now, an insider has told Hello! magazine ahead of Prince Harrys 40th birthday on 15 September, that the couple have set their sights on Lesotho or Botswana as potential next destinations. These locations are said to be of interest because it is where Harrys charity Sentebale operates, and it has been some time since he last visited the countries in 2019. Established in 2006, the Sentebale charity exists to help young people come to terms with aids and HIV diagnoses. The insider said: Thats his world, thats what hes used to and thats what he knows. He can still add value. The Sussexes shed a light on Colombian culture on their recent faux royal tour. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Harry will similarly engage with his world this month when he travels to New York on a solo visit his representatives said would advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives. Reflecting on Harrys life now that he is no longer a working royal, a friend said he and Meghan removed time pressure they faced within the monarchy and are free to use their profiles to promote causes on their own terms. He has longer to work things out now, an old friend added to the outlet. He and Meghan are not under any time pressure its all on their own terms. Meghan Markle did not join Prince Harry when he visited the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. ( Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation ) The magazine reports that Harry, who was once famed for his party-loving ways, will enjoy a low-key celebration with his wife and children when he turns 40 this weekend. He will then embark upon a weekend getaway with friends to mark the milestone birthday. Harrys low-key life in Montecito was attested to by neighbours, who told The Telegraph: They keep themselves to themselves. I havent seen Harry around much. Normally when you see him around here, hes walking his Labrador on the beach or on his bicycle followed by his security in a Range Rover. The Independent has reached out to a representative for the Sussexes for comment. 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 }} Overwhelmed probation officers have warned of a ticking time bomb for public safety as 1,700 inmates were freed early in a single day, in a desperate bid to stop the prison system from running out of space. With more than 10,000 early releases under Tory schemes over the past year having failed to make a dent in the rocketing prison population, justice secretary Shabana Mahmood announced in July that thousands of inmates would be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentence, instead of halfway through. Ms Mahmood warned the move was necessary to avert a total breakdown in law and order, and on Tuesday The Times revealed that Rishi Sunak had been urged by police chiefs prior to the election to immediately trigger the policy or face the prisons crisis being exploited by criminals, endangering public safety. While HM chief inspector Charlie Taylor said the new government had no choice but to free inmates early en masse, he repeated his warnings in December to The Independent that projections of a further 30 per cent rise in the prison population by 2028 would require a fundamental rethink of what prison is for. Warning in his annual report, published on Tuesday, that the brutalising conditions in prisons were fundamentally undermining any efforts to reduce reoffending and creating more victims of crime, Mr Taylor warned it was inevitable that some of those freed early would go on to commit further crimes. With the probation system already reeling from chronic staff shortages, low morale and excessive caseloads, probation union Napo warned on Tuesday that officers were worried about how they will be able to supervise the new influx of departing prisoners. Expressing fears that the scheme is just moving the problem from one place to another without properly assessing the risks to probation staff and the general public, Napo chief Ian Lawrence warned that offenders convicted of sexual and domestic violence offences were among those being released early. While both groups are among those excluded from the scheme, sexual offenders serving concurrent sentences involving a lesser crime are being freed under the scheme, Napo warned, while there are fears domestic abusers convicted of related offences like assault will have slipped through the net. Pressed in the Commons by Tory former prisons minister Ed Argar, Ms Mahmood criticised the sheer hypocrisy of talking about exclusions to this policy when the previous governments early release schemes had no exclusions relating to domestic abuse whatsoever. There were scenes of jubilation at prison gates as some departing inmates tasting freedom weeks or months early were sprayed with sparkling wine and greeted by loved ones. But the party atmosphere reported by multiple outlets was tempered, however, by those who feared ending up back behind bars was inevitable as a result of their sudden release into further uncertainty after months spent in violent, unpredictable and unproductive conditions. And they came in stark contrast to warnings from victims commissioner Baroness Newlove saying that some victims had been left unaware of their offenders early release. Citing a government source suggesting that hundreds of victims may not have been informed, The Times also reported that victim liaison units tasked with notifying people about offenders circumstances had been overwhelmed with calls in recent days, with a source saying: Its been absolute chaos were inundated with calls from upset victims. President of the Police Superintendents Association Nick Smart told the bodys annual conference that inmates were being set free without proper release plans and warned that the police would be left to deal with the consequences. He said: My colleagues are once again being placed at the centre of a storm that is not their doing, with the prospect of arresting offenders who can then not be placed in prison, and dealing with the fallout from the thousands of criminals being released early today, many potentially without proper rehabilitation and release plans. Will the public understand the position the police officers and the service are being put in here, or will we once again be viewed as a service getting it wrong? Asked whether he felt rehabilitated after his time in prison, one 59-year-old departing inmate convicted of violent crime and named only as Mr T told The Times: Certainly not. There is no rehabilitation. No one talks to you, you just go in, lie down and 17 months later Im out ... Im not looking to re-offend, but, you never know. You can never say no. Another told the paper: This is not a bonus for me, to be released like this, not knowing whats going on, only having housing for three months, he added. Telling MPs that the scheme was the start of the "rescue effort" for the justice system, the justice secretary said she had authorised probation directors to make use of alternative arrangements including budget hotels to ensure there isnt a gap in accommodation supply for offenders at risk of homelessness. Ms Mahmood added: On taking office two months ago, it was immediately clear that we had inherited a prison system at the point of collapse. That is why our emergency action, which will see certain offenders leave prison a few weeks or months early, has proved necessary. 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 }} Brutalising conditions in prisons are fundamentally undermining any efforts to reduce inmates risk of reoffending and creating more victims of crime, HM chief inspector Charlie Taylor has warned. In an annual report which one ex-governor said was unlike any he had seen in decades in its warnings of devastation behind bars, Mr Taylor said he had been alarmed to witness the growing consequences of ever-increasing pressure on prisoners and staff as a result of the current crisis. With 11 of the 39 jails inspected in the past year judged to be failing on safety, Mr Taylor warned that prisons are currently a lucrative market for organised crime gangs, with the ingress of drugs either over the wall or through the gate now a common cause of violence, bullying and debt. Charlie Taylor said many prisoners are simply being warehoused in squalor ( iStock/Getty ) In an appalling situation, just two out of 30 closed prisons were succeeding in offering inmates purposeful activity, Mr Taylor said, leaving people simply warehoused in squalor, surrounded by drugs and violence with their mental health needs unmet. Speaking as some 1,700 inmates are freed early on Tuesday to stop prisons becoming competely full, the chief inspector warned it was inevitable that some would reoffend, and said the breathing space bought by the scheme was not a solution to decades of underinvestment and inertia in a vital public protection service. Blaming a trend of longer sentences dating back to the 1990s and record numbers of remand prisoners due to the soaring courts backlog, Mr Taylor said the prison population is now projected to grow by as much as 27,000 an increase of 30 per cent by 2028. Warning against the idea that ministers can build their way out of the crisis, Mr Taylor echoed his call to The Independent in December that there is a pressing need for a much bigger conversation about who we are sending to prison, for how long and what we want prisoners to do while they are inside. He said: Prisons must be equipped to deliver the work for which they were designed: to reduce the risk of further offences being committed and more victims of crime created. Some 1,700 prisoners are being freed 40 per cent of the way into their sentence rather than 50 per cent on Tuesday ( Getty ) In their present state, the brutalising conditions faced by all those living and working within their walls fundamentally undermines any effort to achieve this. If we use them simply to warehouse people in squalor, surrounded by drugs and violence and failing to address their unmet mental health needs, what can we really expect when they are released? We need sustained, decisive action to make life safer not only within prison walls, but also for our communities when people are released. Mr Taylor warned that overcrowding, staff shortages and levels of violence were at the heart of the three urgent notifications issued to adult prisons Woodhill, Bristol and Bedford in the past year, with violence one of the most pressing concerns that inspectors raised in 14 of the 39 prisons inspected. Around a third of prisoners told inspectors it was easy to get illicit drugs, which was fuelling violence and deaths. Some 55 per cent of prisoners at HMP Hindley tested positive in mandatory drug testing, while 21 per cent of men said they had developed a problem with drugs since arriving at HMP Lindholme. In around a third of the mens prisons inspected, self-harm had increased significantly, and in some cases had doubled, while inspectors found that fewer than 15 per cent of acutely mentally unwell patients were being transferred to secure hospitals within 28 days, highlighting unacceptable suffering and irreversible harm to both prisoners and the prison staff caring for them in the meantime. Charlie Taylor warned of worrying shortfalls in preparing prisoners for release ( PA ) Despite large sums of money being spent on building new jails or cells in existing prisons, inspectors consistently found problems with prison infrastructure and an estate that was becoming increasingly dilapidated, with infestations of rats, cockroaches, flies and pigeons reported. And there were worrying concerns about shortfalls in preparing people for release, with staff shortages undermining public protection work and too many men and women continuing to be released homeless, inevitably leading to the swift recall to prison for many. Speaking to Sky News, former governor Ian Acheson said: Ive been in this game for a couple of decades ... I have never seen an annual report like this with references to devastation by the chief inspector. There are far too few [prison officers] looking after people with very high needs that are potentially very violent in environments that are awash with drugs, brutality and distress, said Mr Acheson, adding: Prisons are fundamentally unsafe at the moment, people dont want to work there. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said the report lays bare the stark reality in our prisons, and the dire situation we inherited, adding: This government will tackle the crisis head on and today, changes will come into force to prevent a total collapse of our criminal justice system that would leave the public less safe. If we had not acted when we came into office, there was a real risk that the courts would have been forced to delay sending offenders to jail and police left unable to arrest dangerous criminals. 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 }} Winter fuel payments will be stopped for millions of pensioners this winter as Labour pushes on with its plan to boost public finances by means-testing the cold weather benefit. The Labour government has been urged to review its decision affecting 10 million pensioners after the regulator Ofgem announced household energy bills will rise by 150 in October. Sir Keir Starmer has been warned the double hit will lead to disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes or living in vulnerable circumstances due to ill health. Labour now faces a challenge from trade unions over the measure at its annual conference in Brighton. Led by Unite and the Communication Workers Union (CWU), representatives are reportedly looking to force a debate and vote on the cut. While it would be embarrassing for the government if they were defeated, the vote would be non-binding and so unlikely to force the Sir Keirs hand. It comes just weeks after the prime minister faced a fresh rebellion in Commons as MPs were granted a vote on the measure. Members voted 348 to 228 to press ahead with cutting the payment, as 53 Labour MPs abstainined and one voted against. Rachel Reeves revealed the change amongst several cost-cutting measures in July, designed to plug the 22bn black hole in public finances which Labour argues was concealed by the previous government. Rachel Reeves announces her cost-cutting measures in Commons ( Reuters ) Pensioners have spoken to The Independent about how they face a bleak winter ahead due to the price cap rise and the introduction of means-tested winter fuel payments. Analysis shows energy bills this winter will be the highest on record for older people who previously received the winter fuel payment, worth up to 300. The winter fuel payment was introduced by Tony Blairs government in 1997, and expanded to all pensioners from 2000. The new change will now mean that only those in receipt of pension credit or other certain benefits will continue to receive them. The payment amount remains unchanged, at 200 for those aged between 66 and 79, and 300 for those over 80. Since announcing the measure, charities and campaigners have urged the government to reconisder. Research from Age UK shows that around 2 million vulnerable pensioners are likely to miss out, while money expert Martin Lewis has also said Labour should rethink the measure. Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said: An estimated two million older people, in all, will face an even steeper mountain to climb in paying their energy bills and staying warm and well when the weather chills. With pensioners also losing the cost-of-living payments theyve received over the last two years we simply cannot see how some of them will cope. She adds that lifting of Ofgems price cap for energy bills makes it even more obvious that making the winter fuel payment means-tested could be hazardous for some older people. If youve been affected by the change to winter fuel payments heres what you can do: Check if youre eligible for pension credit The first thing anyone affected by the changes to the winter fuel payment should do is check if theyre eligible for pension credit. If you are able to claim this benefit, it will now unlock the winter fuel payment for you. Research from Age UK shows that around 800,000 pensioners are missing out on the means-tested benefit. The charity recommends calling their helpline or using their handy benefits calculator to check their eligibility. To qualify for pension credit, you must be above state pension age currently 66 and on a low income. It will top up your weekly income to either: 218.15 if youre single 332.95 if you have a partner (shared jointly) This works out at 11,343.8 a year if single, or a shared income of 17,313.4 for two. Its crucial those who are eligible for the credit apply for it, as experts describe it as a passport benefit. Alongside the winter fuel payment, claiming pension credit can unlock housing benefit, support with mortgages, a free TV licence and help with NHS dental appointments. This can add up to thousands of pounds in additional support. However, the eligibility is not tapered: if you receive even 50 over the pension credit income, you will not qualify for this additional support. Age UK says there are around one million pensioners in this situation. A spokesperson said: Older people in this group often tell us they really struggle financially; the proposed change will make it even harder for them to afford to stay warm when it gets chilly. Means-testing WFP this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy decision, and one that will potentially jeopardise their health as well as their finances the last thing they or the NHS needs. Other support available if youre not eligible for pension credit: Attendance allowance Attendance allowance is a non-means tested benefit is designed to support pensioners who need daily living help. It offers a minimum of 3,700 a year, rising to 5644.6 depending on the level of support needed. To be eligible for the benefit, the claimant must have needed help or supervision for six consecutive months, even if none has been received. This means you need assistance with daily living, or someone to watch you to avoid danger to yourself. Money guru Martin Lewis recently launched a campaign to raise awareness of the benefit, which he says is going unclaimed by around a million eligible pensioners. Household support fund The household support fund is money given to all local councils to support vulnerable households in their area. Councils are free to allocate the funds however they feel is best. Some have provided cash grants, supermarket vouchers, or energy bill assistance. You will need to visit your local councils website to find out what help may still be available. To find out what support is available, the End Furniture Poverty charity offers a helpful assistance finder tool. Energy provider help Some energy suppliers are offering help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON and Octopus. You will need to contact your energy provider to find out if you are eligible. British Gas also offer a grant of up to 2,000 to customers of any energy provider. You will need to meet specific criteria to be eligible, and can apply on the British Gas Energy Trust website. Charitable grants If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There are a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances. However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and only be able to offer limited funds. Several charitable grants are available for older people, with some having additional criteria such as being disabled or ill and many more. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants which may be available to you. For the latest benefits and pensions payment dates and cost of living support, visit The Independents regularly updated guide 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 }} US secretary of state Antony Blinken gave the strongest indication yet that the Labour governments attempts to heal the relationship with the EU in the wake of Brexit have significantly improved relations between Washington and London. With Sir Keir Starmer set to fly to Washington DC this week to meet up with US president Joe Biden, there had been concerns that the so-called special relationship may have been cooled by David Lammys announcement that he was suspending 30 arms export licences to Israel. However, the two men insisted that they are working hand in hand, and united to condemn Iran after it was revealed that the country has been sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. Sources have suggested that Tehran is receiving nuclear technology in exchange. Mr Blinken said that the US would be imposing further sanctions on Iran, and it is understood that the UK will follow suit. US secretary of state Antony Blinken, left, and British foreign secretary David Lammy were speaking at a joint press conference in London ( PA Wire ) Secretary Blinken and the foreign secretary also insisted that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is 99 per cent there. The two also announced a joint trip to Ukraine as a symbol of support for the country. After strains between the previous Tory government and the Biden administration over Brexit, Mr Blinken made it clear that the attempts by Sir Keir to repair relations with the EU are strongly supported in the White House and the US Department of State. He said: The prime minister and David have made it a top priority to reset relations with Europe, including seeking closer cooperation through a wide-ranging UK-EU security pact. We fully support these efforts. Its good for the UK; its good for Europe; its good for the US, which benefits when our transatlantic allies are tied even more closely together. The secretary of state said that the relationship between the two allies goes beyond special, as it has been described in the past, adding: I like to call it essential. Essential to our nations, our people, and people well beyond our shores. Keir Starmer is set to make a second visit to the White House to meet with Joe Biden ( PA Wire ) He noted that President Biden is particularly pleased with the new UK governments commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process, an issue that proved problematic in his relationships with former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Mr Lammy hailed the trip to Ukraine as the first of its kind in a decade at a press conference in London alongside his American counterpart on Tuesday. Speaking to media in the Locarno Suite at the Foreign Office, Mr Lammy said the visit would be critical in allowing both men to listen to Ukrainian concerns and report back to their leaders. Its hugely important that were travelling together to hear from our Ukrainian counterparts and President [Volodymyr] Zelensky, their assessment of the situation on the ground, and their needs on the ground, Mr Lammy told journalists. Announcing sanctions on Iran, Mr Blinken said: The United States will be announcing further sanctions on Iran later today, including additional measures on Iran Air. We expect allies and partners will be announcing their own new measures on Iran as well. The US has warned Iran that sending weaponry to Russia to use against Ukraine would constitute a dramatic escalation. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles, and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians, he said. The Iranian ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles, allows Russia to target its arsenal further from the front line, he added. As with previous US intelligence findings, Iran has denied providing Russia with weapons to use in its war in Ukraine. Mr Lammy would not be drawn on whether Ukraine would be given permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on Russian soil something that Mr Zelensky has sought for a long time. It would ... be quite wrong to comment on the detail of operational issues in a forum such as this, because the only person who could benefit is [Russian president Vladimir] Putin, and we will do nothing to give him any advantage in his illegal invasion, Mr Lammy said. 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 }} Boris Johnsons former top aide Dominic Cummings has accused him of binning a solution to the current prisons crisis three years ago. In an extraordinary move thousands of prisoners are set to be released early on Tuesday to prevent the UKs jails running out of space. Mr Cummings said emergency action was taken in 2020 after the prime minister was warned that within just a few years the countrys prisons would be full. But Mr Johnson binned the measures in 2021, he added. The early release disaster is the opposite of shocking. It was predicted years ago and our Idiocracy has done it deliberately, he said. The UKs spending watchdog raised the alarm over prison capacity in 2020 Labour ministers have said they had no option but to free offenders, blaming the Tories for the state of the justice system. The policy will prevent the unchecked criminality that would erupt if the courts were no longer able to send criminals away because prisons are full, Downing Street has said. But the prisons watchdog has warned it is inevitable some of those released will reoffend. Around 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales are set to be let go, on top of the around 1,000 prisoners normally freed on an average week. Mr Cummings, who spectacularly fell out with Mr Johnson before he left Downing Street, said on X, former Twitter, that the then PM had been warned in 2020 that prisons would run out of space by winter 2023. We started emergency action. But he added that Mr Johnson binned that action just a year later, in 2021. Subsequent prime ministers Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss ignored the problem and refused to act, he said. The early release disaster is the opposite of shocking. It was predicted years ago and our Idiocracy has done it deliberately. When you see child abusers, killers and repeat rapists released early, remember *The system is working as intended*. Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnsons former top aide (James Manning/PA Images) ( PA Wire ) The National Audit Office warned in February 2020 that jails could run out of space by 2023. The chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has said that ministers had no choice but to do something about overcrowding because the bath was in danger of overflowing, and they either had to turn the taps off or they had to let some water out. But he also warned some of those released would be homeless, which could increase their risk of reoffending. Mr Taylors comments came as his annual report was released, in which he warned the number of prisoners is projected to grow by about 27,000 by 2028. The prison population reached a new record high of 88,521 on Friday and has risen by more than 1,000 over the last month. 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 }} A former leader of the UK Independence Party, dubbed the father of Brexit, has died aged 90. Jeffrey Titford began his political career as a Conservative councillor in Clacton before joining the Referendum Party, which went on to merge with Ukip. The former MEP became leader of Ukip for three years in 2000 before he briefly returned as acting leader in 2010. He held the post for three months before Nigel Farage took over in the run-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum. Mr Titford quit the Tory party in 1992 in protest over prime minister John Majors decision to sign the Maastricht Treaty. He described the treaty as the final straw, adding: I could see the writing on the wall and knew it was never going to work. I resigned from the Conservative Party and I was looking for a group which would say No, this is wrong. The Maastricht Treaty, signed in February 1992, formally created the European Union. He was one of the first to join the Referendum Party, standing in Harwich in the 1997 general election. He came fourth with nine per cent of the vote, before being elected to the European Parliament in 1999. A former leader of the UK Independence Party, dubbed the father of Brexit, has died aged 90 ( Wikicommons ) In 1999, he was elected to become one of eight MEPs representing the new East of England constituency when proportional representation was used for the first time in the European Parliament elections. Three Ukip MPs were elected to the European Parliament that year. At the time, he said: The polls have said that seven out of 10 people dont want to have anything to do with the Euro [currency] and nearly 50 per cent want to withdraw from the European Union. All it needed was a party to stand up for those two principles. Speaking to the BBC in 2008, Mr Titford said: If I can influence anybody into believing, as I do, that the EU is wrong for Britain, I shall have achieved my objective. In 2016, that objective was realised when the UK voted to leave the EU by 52 to 48 per cent - officially exiting the bloc in 2020 after three years of negotiations. A report from Cambridge Econometrics, commissioned by City Hall in January, claimed that the cost of Brexit to the UKs economy is 140billion. A former colleague and friend of Mr Titford, Stuart Gulleford, described him as a visionary and a democrat, who did not believe that EU membership provided a viable future for Britain as an independent, self-governing nation. He was one of the fathers of Brexit, he added. 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 }} Watch as Sir Keir Starmer addressed the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton on Tuesday, 10 September, after its president warned that a second wave of austerity will boost the rise of the far right in Britains left-behind communities. The prime minister is braced for backlash as he continues to back removing winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners. Labour's Cabinet is united behind plans to dramatically scale back the allowance, Downing Street has insisted amid mounting calls, including within party ranks, for the government to soften the policy. However, Sir Keir is likely to face a backbench rebellion in a House of Commons vote on Tuesday; some 17 Labour MPs have now signed a motion put forward by Neil Duncan-Jordan, one of the parliamentary partys newly elected members, calling on the government to delay implementing the cut. The motion has also been backed by six of the seven MPs who lost the party whip in July after voting against the Kings Speech over the governments refusal to abolish the two-child benefit cap. Labour insists the cut is necessary to help fill a 22bn black hole in this years budget left by their Conservative predecessors. Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary and current president of the TUC, has warned Sir Keir that his mandate for power is based on a collapse in support for the Tories not love for Labour. People are in despair, and thats how [far-right] elements have won support here in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, he warned. 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 }} Kemi Badenoch has regained momentum in the race to become the next Tory leader, while Mel Stride has been eliminated. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick won the second round of voting in the contest to replace Rishi Sunak, but Ms Badenoch picked up the most votes, narrowing the gap slightly. She also saw off a challenge from ex-home secretary James Cleverly, keeping him in third. Seen as the early favourite, Ms Badenoch appeared to stumble last week when she came second in the first round of voting. But she gained some ground on Mr Jenrick in the latest round, picking up six votes, the most of any contestant, to his five. The results of the second ballot saw Mr Jenrick receive the backing of 33 MPs, Ms Badenoch 28, Mr Cleverly 21, Tom Tugendhat 21 and Mr Stride 16. As the MP with the lowest number of votes, Mr Stride automatically leaves the race. The remaining four contenders will now proceed to the upcoming Conservative Party conference, which will be dominated by the contest. Badenoch at the launch of her Conservative Party leadership bid ( PA ) All four will give a speech during the week-long event in Birmingham. After that MPs will choose who to put forward to the final two, with rank-and-file party members making the final choice of leader, who will be unveiled on 2 November. After the vote, Ms Badenoch said she was grateful to be in the top two and pledged to use the conference to show she was a leader who has conviction, strength of purpose and the knowledge to rewire our broken political system. Mr Jenrick said the Tory party had to be painfully honest about the mistakes it made in power and bring forward the serious answers to the challenges facing the country. Mr Cleverly said he was proud to have made it through to the next stage, while Mr Tugendhat praised Mr Stride saying he had run a great campaign. A source in the Tugendhat campaign said they were confident the majority of Mr Strides votes would go to him. They said: Tom has all the momentum now going to Birmingham. Last month Mr Jenrick sparked outrage after he said that people shouting Allahu Akbar on London streets should be arrested immediately. As a minister, he also came under fire after it emerged that he ordered a Mickey Mouse mural at an asylum reception centre to be painted over. He resigned from Mr Sunaks government last year, accusing the then PM of not going far enough with his controversial Rwanda policy, to deport asylum seekers on a one-way ticket to the African country. Last week he made clear he still took a hardline on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Robert Jenrick topped the MP vote with the backing of 33 MPs ( PA ) The former home office minister, who has emerged as the leading candidate for the Tory right wing, hit out at claims from his rivals that he was looking for easy answers by saying he would call to leave the convention. He has claimed that reforming the ECHR would take decades and that if voters give the Tories a second look they will not give us another chance if they fail to fix the issue of immigration. Ms Badenoch launched her leadership campaign with a pledge to not shut up as she reignited a row with Doctor Who actor David Tennant about trans issues. The shadow housing secretary railed against the cultural establishment trying to keep Conservatives down and promised to take the fight to Doctor Who or whoever and not let them try to keep us down. In a video teeing up her leadership launch, she used a clip of the actor saying he wished she would shut up and that he hoped for a world in which the MP doesnt exist anymore. A Labour spokesperson said: The Tories whittled down a list of five people who played key roles in 14 years of chaos and decline, to four people who played key roles in 14 years of chaos and decline. Dame Priti Patel was eliminated in the first round of voting. 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 }} Around 16,000 people could not vote in the general election because of the photo ID requirements, a watchdog has found. Others were put off from going to the polling station entirely, it added. The Electoral Commission said the vast majority of voters were able to cast their ballots in Julys contest despite the need to show ID. But 0.08% of people who tried to vote in Great Britain were unable to do so, the watchdog said. Photo ID rules were brought in by Boris Johnsons government as part of the Elections Act 2022, as the then-government said they were necessary to combat the risk of in-person voter fraud. Mr Johnson was himself turned away from a polling station at the May 2024 local elections after forgetting to take a photo ID. The commissions analysis, compiling polling station data and public opinion research, found 0.25% of people were initially turned away, but two-thirds returned later with the necessary documentation. Polling for the commission also suggested that around 4% of people who did not vote in the election said their decision was related to the voter ID requirement. The evidence suggests that people from poorer backgrounds who did not vote were more likely to say it was because they did not have any accepted ID, the commission said. Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said: This was the first time all voters across the UK were required to show photographic ID at a general election, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully. However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting and we dont want to see any voters lose their say. Public awareness of the need for voter ID is high across the UK, but there are still groups of voters that are less likely to be aware of the need to show ID or that do not have an accepted form. Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process. The commission will review how our public campaigns and other work can continue to support the effective implementation of voter ID and minimise the barriers to voting. A dog waits outside a polling station as voters go to the polls ( Getty Images ) Labours election manifesto committed to address the inconsistencies in voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from voting. The commission called for the Government to review the list of accepted ID to identify any additional documents that could be added, such as the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card and the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, in addition to the Veteran Card. The watchdog called for a review of the voter authority certificate and consideration of whether it could be issued digitally to encourage greater take-up. And the commission also suggested registered voters with ID should be able to make an attestation to vouch for someone at a polling station without a suitable document. Separate figures compiled by the PA news agency, using data obtained from local authorities, shows how the margin of victory in some seats at the election was close to the number of people unable to vote. In the constituency of Poole, which Labours Neil Duncan-Jordan won by just 18 votes, 14 voters were recorded as not returning to polling stations after being turned away for not having the correct photo ID. Some 14 potential voters did not return to polling stations in Basildon & Billericay, where Conservative Richard Holden won by only 20 votes. In Cambridgeshire North West, where Labours Sam Carling won by 39 votes, six potential voters did not return after being turned away, while in Devon Central won by Mel Stride for the Conservatives by 61 votes 16 did not come back. Some of the data recorded at polling stations is likely to be incomplete or inaccurate, meaning the reported figures underestimate the impact of the photo ID requirements, the Electoral Commission said. As such, it is possible the outcome in Poole and other narrowly-won seats may have been different had the rules not been in place. There are also examples of constituencies reporting more than 100 potential voters not returning to cast a ballot, while others said every voter returned, pointing to inconsistency in how some of the figures were recorded. The commissions analysis of the impact on Julys general election was based on data collected by polling station staff and a YouGov poll of 5,863 adults between July 4 and 26. 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 }} Suella Braverman has been criticised for comments on the policing of a pro-Palestinian march in a report she herself ordered. The sacked home secretary should not have publicly lambasted the Metropolitan Police as she pressured the force to ban a pro-Palestinian march, a watchdog has found. Chief inspector of constabulary Andy Cooke said Ms Bravermans comments over the Armistice Day march in which she accused the force of bias and playing favourites in policing protests ultimately leading to her dismissal from government should have been delivered in private if deemed appropriate. In a report published on Tuesday, which Ms Braverman herself ordered, his findings also detail how police chiefs warned they were often subject to improper interference from significant political figures. It also called on senior politicians to take great care to make sure they are in possession of the full facts before making public statements that can have a detrimental effect on the public perception of police impartiality. Then-prime minister Rishi Sunak fired Ms Braverman amid the furore last year as she stood accused of stoking tensions ahead of protests in London and defied Downing Street by writing an unauthorised opinion piece for The Times newspaper. epa1096861 Police officers stand by the Cenotaph war memorial in London, Britain, 10 November 2023 ( EPA ) In it she said pro-Palestinian mobs were largely ignored, even when clearly breaking the law, while aggressive right-wing protesters are met with a stern response by officers, whom she accused of double standards. But the force said it had no legal powers to ban the march due to a lack of intelligence indicating any risks. More than 100 arrests were made after right-wing protesters clashed with officers, while some members of the large pro-Palestinian march were accused of using antisemitic slogans. Mr Cooke produced the report after Ms Braverman called on the watchdog to inspect police involvement in politically contested matters in September last year. After setting out the details of the Remembrance Day protests and her actions, the findings said: Forces and politicians alike should pay close attention to the risk of any improper political interference. This includes the risk of actual interference or perceived interference, whether that perception is accurate or not. Usually, such an intervention, if deemed appropriate, should be done in private. Making 22 recommendations for improvement to the Home Office, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing, Mr Cooke described the inspection as one of the most challenging the watchdog had carried out, requiring inspectors to navigate complex laws, regulations and relationships between politicians and police as officers are tasked with keeping the peace. He said: The operational independence of chief constables is a cornerstone of policing in the UK. And the exercise of democratic accountability and governance is also a fundamental element of policing. Chief constables must be held to account for how efficiently and effectively they carry out their duties. There is a delicate balance to strike between these equally important concepts. Chief officers told us that they often experience what they believe to be improper pressure or interference from significant political figures. We found that overt attempts to influence operational policing challenge the polices impartiality and could reduce public trust. Calling for a clear definition of operational independence for forces to follow, he added: Police chiefs, police and crime commissioners, mayors and senior politicians should pay close attention to the risk posed by improper political interference, whether actual or perceived. The 129-page report also highlighted an incident where Mr Sunak apparently backed down after initially severely criticising a police officer dealing with protesters. Mr Sunak told the BBC he was appalled by video footage of an interaction between a Jewish man and a police officer during a pro-Palestine protest in April, sparking calls for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to resign. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (Aaron Chown/PA) ( PA Wire ) Nine days later, when a longer clip was released of the interaction, showing that the officer had dealt with the confrontation reasonably, the then-prime minister declared he had confidence in Sir Mark. The report said: Senior politicians should take great care to make sure they are in possession of the full facts before making public statements that can have a detrimental effect on the public perception of police impartiality. It also found that some police and crime commissioners (PCCs) wrongly think that chief constables are their employees and must implement their police and crime plan. One officer said they received three to four emails a day from their PCCs office asking for an operational response to certain issues. Chief constables who need a contract extension to reach pensionable age are under increased pressure to keep PCCs happy, the report found. Many officers told the watchdog that local councillors and MPs had tried to influence operational policing. In one force, interviewees told us of an MP contacting a chief officer by telephone about the police response to a public demonstration that had blocked a road. The MP had told the officer that they would receive a call from the minister if they didnt get the road open, the report said. Another interviewee said that PCCs, MPs and councillors get an enhanced service because they have a direct line to senior officers. They claimed officers drop everything for them. Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council, said the report highlighted the complex balance faced by force leaders. Police and crime commissioners, MPs and other elected officials have a vitally important role in speaking up for and reflecting the views of the people who elect them. They also hold policing to account, he said. For that accountability to be effective, police officers must have independence in their operational decision making. We are a police service for every community and in taking decisions, policing must remain independent and empowered to keep the public safe without any undue influence. Mrs Braverman and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners have been approached for comment. A Government spokesperson said: Our police officers face challenges every single day and act without fear or favour to keep our streets safe, and it is vital they are supported. The Government strongly supports operational independence, which is the bedrock of our policing model. We welcome the report and will work closely with policing to consider the recommendations. 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 }} Three men have appeared in court accused of killing two women and feeding their bodies to pigs on their farm in a case that has outraged the public in South Africa. The men appeared in court on Tuesday in the northern province of Limpopo. The state wants them to remain behind bars until their trial is concluded. Farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier, supervisor Andrian Rudolph de Wet and employee William Musora face two counts of premeditated murder, one count of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Musora, a Zimbabwean national, also faces charges of being in the country illegally. It is alleged that in August, a truck belong to a dairy company dumped potentially expired goods at Olivier's farm, prompting the women, Locadia Ndlovu and Maria Makgatho, to trespass and try to collect the products. Both were shot and killed. A man with them was injured and crawled to a nearby road to scream for help. He told police, who found the women's decomposed bodies in a pigsty. Protestors demonstrate outside the court in Polokwane South Africa, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Several political parties protested outside Mankweng Magistrates Court, calling for the men to be denied bail and face the harshest possible sentence. The South African Human Rights Commission called on the public not to take the law into their hands in retaliation. Violent crimes on South Africa's farms have been a concern for years, including the killing of farmers by criminals and farmers' abuse of workers. The case will continue next month. 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 }} New York University freshman Barron Trump may have to face several professors who signed an open letter ahead of the 2020 presidential election, warning that his father poses a threat to the U.S. After leaving Trump Tower accompanied by a Secret Service convoy, Barron rang in his first day of college on Wednesday with a visit to the deans office before attending his first class at Stern School of Business, a source told the New York Post. JP Eggers, who became Sterns interim dean on July 1, was among 20 educators at NYU Stern who signed the October 2020 open letter to sound the alarm about the perils of a Donald Trump presidency to business leaders. The letter ultimately garnered more than 1,000 signatures from staff at top business schools across the US. Trump confirmed last week that son Barron would be attending New York Univeritys Stern School of Business ( AP ) Professor Deepak Malhotra of Harvard University, who authored the letter, claimed that Trump denigrates science, peddles in lies, incites violence, attempts to delegitimize the press, politicizes everything from the justice department to the CDC to the postal service, and seeks to undermine the integrity of American elections. It is time for business leaders to declare publicly what so many have been saying privately: that President Trump is unfit to lead and is a threat to the Republic, he urged. It is not clear where Eggerss political support lies ahead of the 2024 election in November. The Independent has contacted Eggers and the New York Universitys Stern School of Business for comment. The high school graduate kicked off his university life in New York last week ( AFP via Getty Images ) Barron graduated from West Palm Beach, Floridas Oxbridge Academy in May. After being accepted to a lot of colleges, Donald Trump confirmed last week that his youngest son would be attending the prestigious New York institution, where annual tuition starts at about $62,700 per year. Hes a very high aptitude child, but hes no longer a child. Hes just passed into something beyond child-dom. Hes doing great, he told the Daily Mail. The towering teen, who is billed at 6ft 7in, is expected to live off campus in Trump Tower, demanding a daily commute to campus. The presence of the former presidents son at the college will pose a unique security challenge to the Secret Service, former agent Paul Eckloff told The Independent last month. While aiming to provide Barron with an authentic university experience, agents are obliged to ensure the political scions safety. Lets say that a presidents child is at a party and someone tweets out their picture. Now, their location is broadcast on social media, and they could become a target. That can endanger everybody, Eckloff said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US 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 California woman, subjected to an hours-long cavity search while visiting her husband in prison, has won a $5.6million settlement, her attorneys said Monday. Christina Cardenas was stripped, X-rayed and forced to squat over a mirror while visiting her spouse, Carlos Eugene Cardenas, at the California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi in 2019, where he was serving time for armed robbery, according to The Los Angeles Times. Cardenas made the four-hour drive to the CCI facility and arrived at 8:30am on September 6, 2019 for a scheduled visit with her husband. She had attempted to visit a month earlier but it had been cancelled without notice, according to Cardenas' original complaint from June 2020. Christina Cardenas photographed with her husband, Carlos Eugene Cardenas, on an unknown date ( Allred, Maroko & Goldberg via AP ) The events that followed, according to the document, were described as "harrowing and unlawful". As she entered the facility, Cardenas was asked about contraband but told officials that she had not "brought anything in and denied consent to being searched. Oh wipe away your tears! one officer shouted at the visibly distressed Cardenas, according to the complaint. You know what you and your husband have been doing! She was then "unlawfully examined" by two female officers, who looked in her mouth, ears and hair, according to the complaint. Unable to find anything, the officers then subjected Cardenas to a strip search, during which she was forced to remove her clothing "piece by piece" until she was completely exposed, her lawyers said. She then had to squat over a mirror placed on the ground and cough. When no contraband was found, she was ordered to widen her legs and spread her own genitalia. It was only at this point that Cardenas, who was also denied water and access to a restroom, was allowed to get dressed, according to the complaint. Althought the most extensive, this was not the first time Cardenera was subjected to a strip search while visiting her her husband, having undergone one in a previous visit to marry him. She was then transported to Adventist Medical Center Tehachapi where she was restrained in handcuffs, forced to take a pregnancy test, X-Rayed and suffered "forceful penetration" as a male doctor used "grabbing motions with fingers" to examine her vagina and anus, according to the lawsuit. In the journeys to and from the medical center, she had to do a humiliating perp walk while still in handcuffs. She was then taken back to the CCI facility, where she was told her visit with her husband had been cancelled. "My motivation in pursuing this lawsuit was to ensure that others do not have to endure the same egregious offenses that I experienced," Cardenas said. Of the $5.6m settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will pay $3.6m, according to CBS News, and the rest will be paid by other defendants including two individual correctional officers, a doctor, and the Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital. The lawsuit settlement also requires California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to distribute a policy memorandum to employees that better protects the rights of visitors subjected strip searches, including ensuring the search warrant is read and understood by the visitor, that the visitor receives a copy of the warrant, that the scope of the warrant is read and understood by everyone involved, and the scope of the warrant is not exceeded. Cardenas is not alone in what she experienced from correctional officers, Cardeneras attorney Gloria Allred said, who added that she hopes this case will help to protect the rights of spouses and family members visiting their loved ones in prison. With additional reporting from the Associated Press 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 }} Southern Californias Line Fire has consumed more than 21,000 acres on Monday, forcing new evacuations and the deployment of the National Guard. The explosive blaze has forced thousands from their homes, with new orders in the communities of Angeles Oaks, Seven Oaks and Running Springs. Several school districts canceled Monday classes as a result of the blaze - which is less than 5 percent contained. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said Monday that Governor Gavin Newsom had activated the states National Guard to assist with security in evacuated communities. On Sunday, Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County. Firefighters watch as the Line Fire burns in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on Sunday. The fire has forced evacuation orders for thousands of Southern California residents. Several school districts canceled school on Monday. ( (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images) ) This will allow for the county and municipal law enforcement agencies to be used for active mandatory evacuations if that becomes necessary, the department said in a statement. The wildfire was not showing any signs of stopping by mid-Monday afternoon, although firefighters had made some progress by the early morning. The fire is 3 percent contained. People watch the smoke column of the Line Fire as it burns near Mentone, California, on Sunday. The fire is just 3 percent contained, but it continued to grow from Sunday to Monday, jumping past 21,000 acres. ( (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images) ) While extremely hot and dry weather has baked much of the region in the last week, bringing record temperatures in the triple digits, officials warned residents of thunderstorms in the area. The latest challenge has been those thunderstorms, and were just keeping up with them, Cal Fires Brent Pascua said, according to the local affiliate ABC 7 Los Angeles. Were making sure that we have our firefighters in all different directions, so if it switches directions like it did yesterday, were there to meet it. Firefighters work on the Line Fire on Sunday amid extreme weather and severe temperatures. Thunderstorms are expected to pose a challenge to firefighting efforts. ( (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images) ) Inclement weather is expected through the weekend, further challenging firefighting efforts. The Line Fire burned so hot last weekend that it created its own pyrocumulus clouds, which can create more winds and lightning strikes. The heat has also knocked out the power for nearly 17,000 customers in the state, according to tracker PowerOutage.US. With reporting from The Associated Press The Independent will be revealing its Climate100 List in September and hosting an event in New York, which can be attended online. 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 }} Controversial commentator Candace Owens has been suspended from YouTube after sharing her 2022 interview with Kanye West that claimed Jewish people control the media. The far-right commentator decried the move in an announcement on X, where she revealed shes been suspended from the platform for one week because the interview with the artist which was finally published last month violated the platforms hate speech policies. There will be no show today, or at all this week. Thats because @YouTube has issued me a strike and a one week suspension for my sit down with Kanye, she said. They also removed the interview as hate speech, as it was mass reported by Zionists. Their tactics never change. Sharing a screenshot of the notification she received from YouTube, the streaming giant said the episode violates our hate speech policies as it does not allow content containing conspiratorial claims that individuals or groups are evil, corrupt or malicious based on their protected group status. YouTube added in the notice: Specifically, the video in question contains claims that Jewish people control the media. YouTube said Owens violated its hate speech policies in her interview with Kanye West ( Getty Images ) Owens, who has almost 2.4 million subscribers to her channel, defended the episode. All who watched that podcast know that Ye was calm, and filled with lovespeaking about the world coming together to defeat evil, she said. 2.5 million people watched my debate with Rabbi Shmuley last week. The world knows why I am being targeted and frankly, I have never felt more confident that I am the right person for this to happen. Last week, Owens appeared on Piers Morgans Uncensored ,where she clashed with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, one of Americas most high-profile Jewish figures. On Tuesday, Rabbi Shmuley praised YouTubes decision to suspend Owens, branding her Americas antisemite. #AmericasAntisemite Candace Owens @realcandaceo continues to blame me for her suspension on @YouTube, he wrote on X. Thank you so much, Candace. I wear it as a badge of honor. Kanye West is facing a series of lawsuits linked to his antisemitic behavior ( Getty Images ) He added: I am so happy that, as promised, I demolished you in our @PiersMorgan debate, exposing all of your filthy lies about Jews, which mustve forced @YouTube to finally confront the dangerous incitement to violence against Jews that is your goal. West has admitted he was under the influence of alcohol while sending antisemitic tweets in 2022.The rapper faced intense backlash after writing on X that he was going death con 3 on Jewish people. Wests account was temporarily locked as a result and the tweet was deleted by the platform. I was drinking when I put up the DEFCON tweet, West said in the interview with Owens from 2022. DEFCON is an acronym that refers to the state of alert of Americas militaries. The rapper apologized to the Jewish community last year for the string of antisemitic remarks he made in the posts, which led to him being dropped by Adidas. West is currently facing a series of lawsuits linked to his antisemitic behavior. Other guests who have appeared on Owenss show include Andrew Tate, who is currently facing charges in Romania of human trafficking, forming an organized group to sexually exploit women, and rape. He denies the charges against him. Owens has also hosted conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. 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 mom of six died after she was hit by a stray bullet and her car crashed into a tree in Indiana. Kia Tidwell, 42, had been traveling eastbound on 1527 West 5th Ave, Gary, Indiana when she was struck by a bullet at about 8pm on Friday, police said. Gary Police Department was responding to a disturbance at a nearby McDonalds when they heard a loud noise near Lincoln Street. Officers said they attempted to approach a large group of people but shots were fired from behind the apartment building. Police said they were pinned down at their location when they heard several shots in the distance. The suspects in the restaurant altercation are alleged to have fled on foot. Ms Tidwell was declared dead at the scene. US media including CBS and ABC Chicago reported that Tidwell had been on the phone with her oldest daughter when she was shot in the head. The mother of six was killed after being caught by a stray bullet in Gary, Indiana on Friday evening ( GoFundMe ) Charlotte Tidwell, her mother, spoke at a police press conference on Tuesday: My daughter had just left my house. On her way Friday she stopped by, and she said she was going home to cook for her other children. Her youngest was not even five yet, and her granddaughter was two. No arrests been made and Chief Derrick Cannon, of Gary Police Department, said: There were multiple people there that witnessed this incident and we are asking the public to respond to this senseless and terrible act. The family took the stand in the news conference alongside Mayor Eddie Melton, who said: Enough is enough. This is a call to action for the community to step forward and figuring out what we can do collectively as a community so we can prevent this from happening again. Tidwell was part of a large family who are reeling from her loss. Tidwell had been travelling east on 1527 West 5th Ave, Gary, Indiana when she was shot in the head ( Gary Police Department ) A GoFundMe page , launched for her family, reads: She was a loving devoted mother who worked two jobs to keep her and her family afloat. She was no stranger to her childrens schools; helping and volunteering with sports. Everyone knew her, the loudest mom at the boys games. The one usually cooking for the team, traveling from one game to the next no matter how far she had to drive she was committed to seeing them to the next level. Many days with little or no sleep for her children was her life. Reporter Darius Johnson from CBS News described the atmosphere at Tuesdays news conference: This was one of the most gut-wrenching news conferences I have ever attended. It was full of emotion and thats because the person whos life was taken was loved by all. The mayors office said in a statement : As the family and our community mourn this terrible loss, we are urgently asking the public for their support in bringing forward any information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the people involved in this heinous act. If you have any information, please call Detective Roger Escutia directly at 219-755-3855, send an email to rescutia@isp.in.gov or use the anonymous Text to Tip line (219) 207-TIPS (8477). Any videos can be emailed to garypdrtcc@gary.gov. 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 }} The suspected Kentucky highway shooter sent a text vowing to "kill a lot of people" less than 30 minutes before he opened fire and wounded five on Saturday, according to his arrest warrant. Im going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least, Joseph Couch, 32, wrote in a message that he sent to an unidentified woman ahead of the attack. According the police filing, he also wrote:Ill kill myself afterwards The warrant states that the woman called 911 after receiving the alarming messages, and later showed police screenshots of the text on Sunday morning, according to CBS News. Joseph A Couch (pictured) is a suspect in the mass shooting along a highway in Laurel County, southern Kentucky on Saturday evening ( Laurel County Sheriff's Office/A ) The manhunt for Couch has continued into its fourth day on Tuesday after he allegedly opened fire on vehicles travelling on Interstate-75, about nine miles north of London, Kentucky. Authorities believe Couch fired from a cliff ledge next to Exit 49. Kentucky State Trooper Scottie Pennington assured the public, during a media briefing on Tuesday, that authorites are committed to resolving the situation as swiftly and safely as possible. Pennington said police believe Couch is still in the national forest, since there is no evidence to show he ever left. This is not a small areaThis is thousands and thousands of acres, he added. Police have described the area as an very unforgiving terrain with dense vegetation, cliffs, and mountains. The state trooper said time is crunched due to fog and the darkness in the woods, creating a harsh work environment for authorities. He also urged locals to suspend your activities in the area, like cocoon hunting, riding ATVs, canoeing down the Rockcastle River. Its a lot hotter today. I hope he doesnt have water. I hope he doesnt have food. I hope hes worn out and walks out of the woods, Pennington said. Laurel County Sheriff John Root added that they had collected evidence from his home, but declined to share any additional details. There are a lot of tips that are still under investigation, Pennington added. The shooting started at around 5:30pm on Saturday, and resulted in five people being taken to hospital with varying levels of injuries, according to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office. Some victims were so severely injured that deputies arriving on the scene drove them straight to an area hospital themselves. All five victims are reportedly in a stable condition. Police are searching for the gunman in very unforgiving terrain in the vicinity of where the shooting took place on the Kentucky interstate ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. ) Couch is considered armed and dangerous, and members of the public were urged not to approach him, and to call 911 if they spot him. A $25,000 reward is available for anyone who can provide information leading to Couchs arrest - comprised of donations from an anonymous donor, London Laurel County Crime Stoppers, and United Way of London. On Sunday afternoon, an AR rifle was found near the I-75 and in the vicinity of where the car was found. It was confirmed to have been legally obtained by its owner. Sheriff Root confirmed on Sunday that the primary weapon used by the shooter seems to have been an AR-15. As the search for Couch is ongoing, several Kentucky school districts have closed, with a few shifting to remote learning. Residents living near to the scene of the shooting reported taking extreme precautions while the manhunt is ongoing. We go home and lights go off, and we go upstairs and our doors stay locked, said local resident Brandi Campbell. One of Couchs Knox County neighbors, who remained anonymous, told WYMT that something unbenwost to him caused their relationship to sour. One day, apparently unprompted, he said that Couch reportedly pointed a gun at him and threw a rock at his dog. The incident occurred in front of the neighbors nine-year-old child. I tried reasoning with him but of course there was no reasoning with him, the unnamed neighbor said. I went and had a warrant for his arrest. After they picked him up I figure they would notify me. Never did notify me of a court date or nothing. Wasnt even notified of his release, after this man pointed a gun and threatened my life and my childs life. The neighbor said his dog died days later but its not clear if being hit by the rock was the cause. 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 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 Utah man has been arrested after slamming the head of a 4-month-old girl he was babysitting into an elevator wall, prosecutors say. Zachary Jarred Walton, 28, was looking after the young girl, who died in hospital on Friday morning, known in official documents as "S.S. Her mother, known as "S.R., was at work on August 25, according to a press release from the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office. The statement claims the defendant had babysat S.S. on and off for around two to three weeks before the horrific incident, with the probable cause arrest affidavit alleging that S.R. told police that she had left her children in Walton's care because "he is great with kids." He allegedly told police S.S. had slept for most of the day, but that she was awake and crying by the evening. Having decided to take her to the roof of the Road Home Shelter in Midvale, where he and the girl's mother lived separately, in an effort to calm her down, police claim he told officials he accidentally hit her head against the wall of the elevator twice. The Road Home Shelter in Midvale, where four-month-old girl was allegedly killed on Friday by Zachary Jarred Walton, 28, who had been baby sitting her. ( KTVU ) Walton subsequently changed his version of events, according to the affidavit, telling police he thought to himself: How do I get her to shut up. Officials claim Walton said he he saw the corner of the elevator and while cradling S.S. in his left arm, he smashed her head into the metal corner of the elevator. The affidavit details that this only made the baby cry harder, fanning the flames of Waltons frustration, so he consciously decided to hit S.S.s head against the metal corner of the elevator again. The document goes on to claim he explained to officials how he used significant force and even used his upper body weight to force S.S.s head onto the corner of the elevator. He allegedly said he asked himself what had I done when S.S. stopped crying and looked at him. "Video surveillance shows when the defendant got off the elevator at the roof, the infants head went limp, and he tried blowing in her face for around 17 minutes, as if he was trying to wake her up," the release said. "He took her down to the lobby, where she started to get medical attention and was eventually transported to the hospital." Examinations of S.S. at Primary Children's Hospital allegedly showed she had skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, and rib fractures. The affidavit called this level of injury "far outside the scope of what is seen in accidental falls or drops." The release goes on to say that some of the rib fractures were in the process of healing, and were approximately two to three weeks old, "indicating the baby had been maltreated on more than one occasion." When questioned on this particular detail, Walton allegedly claimed he squeezed her out of excitement and that he forced air out of her lungs, but didnt hear a crack. S.S. was at some point put on life support while at the hospital, but was taken off and died on Friday morning. Officials found a babysitting log at the shelter showing Walton had taken care of S.S. and her siblings a few times for around three weeks before the horrific incident, confirmed by the baby girl's mother according to the release. The Independent has contacted the Road Home Shelter for comment. Walton has been charged with one count of first-degree felony murder and two counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill urged people struggling to care for children to please ask for help. This infant death is a tragedy that could have been avoided. We are committed to seeking justice and accountability for this young child and her family, he continued. We appreciate the tireless work of Unified Police Detectives that helped put this case together and lead to these charges. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 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 Delta plane preparing to take-off from an Atlanta airport collided with a smaller jet and tore the aircraft's tail off on Tuesday. Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was departing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Tokyo when its wingtip hit the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526, bound for Louisiana, according to ABC News, citing the Federal Aviation Administration and Delta. The collision snapped off the smaller jet's tail. The planes collided at the intersection of two taxi lanes around 10:10 am local time, according to the FAA. There were no reported injuries on either plane. The FAA said it will investigate the collision. The collision reportedly did not cause any major disruptions at the airport. Plane with broken tail after collision between two aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday ( Atlanta News First ) There is minimal impact to airport operations, an airport spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News. Passengers from one of the aircraft are being bussed from the incident to the concourses. The second aircraft taxied under its own power to a concourse where passengers will deplane at their gate. After the incident, Delta released a statement saying that customers are being transported back to the terminal where they will be reaccommodated on alternate flights. Endeavor Air is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. On Tuesday, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker spoke at an industry press conference and said that some but not all airports were installing technologies intended to help prevent runway incidents like the Delta collision, Reuters reports. Weve started to deploy pretty simple off the shelf solution for controllers to get better situational awareness, Whitaker said saying close calls were down by more than half in the first half of the year. So theres progress, but we need to get better. Theres no excuse for that happening. Earlier this year a Delta pilots quick thinking prevented a potential four-plane collision at New Yorks JFK International Airport. Audio of the incident at JFK International Airport captured air traffic controllers clearing a Swiss Air flight for takeoff. The pilot, realising he would collide with several other planes, aborted his takeoff. The near-miss took place on April 17, and was subsequently investigated by the FAA. 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 }} Law enforcement on both sides of the US-Mexico border are desperately searching for a tiger which escaped from a zoo. The Bengal tiger, which weighs over 200lbs, got out of Quinta La Fauna zoo in Reynosa. The city is located close to the border and near the Texas city of McAllen. Seguridad Publica Reynosa Police Department shared photos of the escaped tiger but no details on how it managed to escape the zoo, according to El Financiero . Zoo employees first became aware that a tiger was on the loose after discovering its destroyed mesh cage at 8:30 am last Wednesday. The zoo has closed until further notice. The Bengal tigers whereabouts are unknown but officials confirmed a sighting along with animal tracks ( Seguridad Publica Reynosa ) Pictures shared by Mexican police force show the tiger hidden in shrubbery along with pawprints and the animals excrement. There are now fears that the male tiger has escaped Reynosa and could have crossed the border into Texas, the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office told KGBT-TV. Unverified posts on Facebook claim to have spotted the tiger in San Antonio, Texas. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Seguridad Publica Reynosa said: Continuing under the instructions of the mayor Carlos Pena Ortiz, in the Secretariat of Seguridad Publica Reynosa, we continue to work on locating the tiger that escaped from the fifth La Fauna. Mexican police warned the public not to try and catch the animal and remain cautious ( Seguridad Publica Reynosa ) Today, we managed to find footprints, as well as excrement of said animal. We ask the citizens to remember not to approach the cat, in case you see it. Reynosa police also advised the public do not try to catch it. Reynosa Environmental Protection Director Aaron de la Cruz told KRGV they spotted the tiger among trees on Saturday evening where they had set up animal traps near the zoo. The tiger was spotted in the shrubbery by police officials near the zoo on Saturday ( Seguridad Publica Reynosa ) De la Cruz told the news outlet that officers attempted to shoot the animal with a tranquilizer dart but the tiger was able to escape and hide amongst the trees. The animal has killed some hens, said KRGV. The Independent contacted Seguridad Publica Reynosa, the Mexican Federal Attorneys Office for Environmental Protection and Texas Environmental Compliance Division officials for more information as the tigers whereabouts remain unclear. 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 }} Reporters pressed a State Department spokesman for information about Israels investigation into the killing of an American woman whose family says she was shot in the head by an Israeli sniper on Monday but received no details from the Biden administration. Instead, Vedant Patel was unable to offer evidence for why Aysenur Eygis family should be confident in the pace or veracity of an Israeli-led investigation as journalists found no answers to questions about when an investigation would be completed, whether eyewitnesses would be interviewed, or whether the US would take any action to ensure that the truth came out. Patel was questioned on Monday at the State Departments daily news briefing about the killing of Eygi on Friday near Nablus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Tensions and violence in the occupied territory have skyrocketed in recent months as the Israeli military assault on Gaza has continued and Isareli forces have clashed with militants in neighboring Lebanon as well. In the West Bank, much of the violence has been fueled by a right-wing settler movement accused of violating international law and seizing land from Palestininian families. On Friday, that violence escalated during a protest and an American-born activist, Aysenur Eygi, was killed. An autopsy was carried out by local medical officials, who have told news outlets that Eygi was killed by a single bullet to the head. Patel was specifically asked at Mondays briefing about Presdent Joe Bidens vow that America would respond if a US citizen was targeted anywhere in the world. "What the president was talking about was a terrorist attack or a direct attack from a state or non-state actor, Patel responded. But the State Departments deputy spokesman would only repeat himself: The US government would not interfere in the process carried out by Israels government to determine what had happened, and he would not get ahead of that process in the coming days. Reporter: "The president said, 'If you harm an American, we will respond.' Does that apply in this case, or are we talking about a different standard?" Vedant Patel: "What the president was talking about was a terrorist attack or a direct attack from a state or non-state actor" https://t.co/Js67TpB6rF pic.twitter.com/iAIQqnZTHC HalalFlow (@halalflow) September 9, 2024 Patel was also asked by The Intercepts Prem Thakker how the US could instill confidence in an Israeli investigation given the lack of a conclusion in the official investigation into the killing of Hind Rejab, a six-year-old girl, and members of her family by Israeli forces in January. Rejabs death came after a vehicle carrying her and her family was fired upon by an Israeli tank; medical officials were also reportedly blocked from rendering aid. The State Department spokesman said only that the US would continue raising the issue of these investigations with Israeli officials. Our partners in Israel have indicated that they are conducting a process and they will make public their findings... Again, we expect that to happen as swiftly as possible, said Patel. His responses drew an angry rebuke from Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress and a member of the left flank of the presidents party. Dear Americans, If you are killed by the Israeli government, our country won't care, wrote the Michigan congresswoman. No one will be held accountable. It doesn't matter who you are, Israel can kill Americans and get away with it. Dear Americans, If you are killed by the Israeli government, our country won't care. No one will be held accountable. It doesn't matter who you are, Israel can kill Americans and get away with it. https://t.co/oUa8LRoWQo Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) September 9, 2024 Separately, national security council (NSC) spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House press briefing Monday that the president had not yet been in touch with the family of Eygi, as he had with other families of Americans affected by the war in Gaza including the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas militants. Eygis family said in a statement obtained by CNN that an Israeli-led investigation would not be sufficient to accurately determine the truth, and called on the Biden administration to launch an independent probe. We welcome the White Houses statement of condolences, but given the circumstances of Aysenurs killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate, read the statement reported by CNN. We call on President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of State Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a US citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties. 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 made a handsome profit from the sales of his last two books so hes released another, which critics are calling lazy and glorious gibberish. Save America a 300-plus-page photo book that promises to provide an unparalleled look into his four years and a roadmap for the future offers little new insight into the Trump administration, but instead relies on familiar ground to relay his usual talking points, reviewers say. Save America is also the name of Trumps super-PAC, and the captions mimic the wording and sentiments including awkward capitalization of his Truth Social messages. New York Magazine decried the photo book as lazy while the Washington Post described the captions as akin to a fascist Emily Dickinson. In one familiar refrain, Trump focused on crowd size in a caption beside a photo of his inauguration: Democrats tried to disparage Crowd size, knowing that this was the Largest Inaugural Crowd EVER See for yourself! Trump also appeared to use some phrases nearly verbatim from his campaign rallies when discussing immigration. The entire World is emptying out their Prisons, Insane Asylums, and Mental Institutions America is being turned into a DUMPING GROUND for the Hannibal Lecters of the Third World. We have to stop it now, he wrote. At a Wisconsin rally last week, Trump told the crowd: You take a look at the crime statistics, you take a look at the jail statistics, the jails are being emptied out. The mental institutions are being emptied out and insane asylumsA representative of people that are coming into our country. Dr Hannibal Lecter, he will have you for dinner. Trump also has a lot to say about his international friends and enemies in his book. Save America explains how the former president often appears more at ease with Americas adversaries than its allies, the New York Times wrote. The book, Save America, is at Barnes & Noble store earlier this month in Austin, Texas. Former president Donald Trump released the self-authored book detailing events from his term in office and the years following his presidency. ( Getty Images ) Ten pages are dedicated to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, despite his and Trumps infamous Twitter war threatening nuclear weapons on each others country. Also included is a strange tangent about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his mother. His mother was beautiful and wild, Trump wrote. In the 1970s, she would go clubbing with the Rolling Stones, but she was also somehow associated with Fidel Castro. She said he was the sexiest man Ive ever met, and a lot of people say that Justin is his son. He swears that he isnt, but how the hell would he know! Castro had good hair, the father didnt, Justin has good hair, and has become a communist just like Castro. Then theres Trumps musing on leaders at home. Trump includes photos of himself in the Oval Office smiling beside prominent Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both of whom sat on the Jan 6 House Select Committee investigating the former president and his allies after the Capitol riot. He accused Cheney of coming into the White House asking for baskets of goodies. Ultimately, I said NO. He also referred to the ex-Illinois Representative as Cryin Adam Kinzinger because other than a child, Ive never seen anyone cry so much! Trump also takes on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the tome, promising to throw the tech mogul behind bars if he does anything illegal during the 2024 election. Trump wrote: Mark Zuckerberg would come to the Oval Office to see me. He would bring his very nice wife to dinners, be as nice as anyone could be, while always plotting to install shameful Lock Boxes in a true PLOT AGAINST THE PRESIDENT. He continued: He told me that there was nobody like Trump on Facebook. But at the same time, and for whatever reason, steered it against me. We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election. In a post on X this weekend, Trump similarly promised prosecution and long term prison sentences for those who CHEATED in the 2020 election. There have been no findings of voter fraud during the 2020 election. After flipping through the massive book, the Washington Post brutally concluded: Any suspicion that Trump didnt write this book himself should be allayed by the presence of such glorious gibberish. Save America is published by Winning Team Publishing, a conservative literary outfit founded in 2021 by Sergio Gor and Donald Trump Jr. Winning Team has also published books by former Trump aide, Peter Navarro, conservative pundit Charlie Kirk, and rightwing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Save America comes after financial disclosures revealed that Trump earned significant royalties from his books, Letters to Trump and Our Journey Together, which raked in just under $5m. The books retail for $90 and $50, respectively. While Save America retails for $99, signed copies are going for $499. 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 }} As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump hit the stage tonight for the presidential debate, they will need to appeal to two main groups who may still be swayed: the undecideds, and the independents. By nature, independent voters can be hard to pin down. The term encompasses demographic groups from all walks of life, who dont have a strong allegiance to either the Republicans or the Democrats. For this reason, a nationwide picture of how independents will vote can be difficult to predict but statewide data can be more telling, as independent voters are shaped by similar local factors, dialogues, and policy issues. Among independents, Harris leads in all the swing states except Arizona, where Trump leads by a substantial +14 points. The figures are from a set of new polls by Morning Consult up to September 8. Who independent voters want as the next president varies significantly from state to state, with Harris lead in the swing states ranging from +20 points in Wisconsin, to just +5 in Pennsylvania. But there is more to independents than just swing states. In two overall Republican states, where Trump won the last two elections, the polls show that Harris has the support of independent voters. Trump has the lead in both Florida and Texas, by +2 points and +9 points. Yet when looking just at independent voters, the numbers switch up in favor of a Harris presidency; with a substantial +10-point lead for the Democratic candidate in Florida. Pennsylvania Tonights debate will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a state which has become a weekly pitstop for both presidential campaigns struggling to carve out a lead. Among independent voters, Harris is ahead, but by a smaller margin than other states (+5 points). Notably, 1 in 5 independent voters in Pennsylvania are undecided or voting for a third party presenting a major opportunity for either Harris or Trump to still swing the needle. The economy is overwhelmingly the top issue in Pennsylvania, according to a late August poll from Emerson College, more than most other states. And independent voters are even more likely than the average Pennsylvanian to view the economy as the top issue (58 per cent compared to 51 per cent). 13 per cent of independents also view threats to democracy as the main issue facing Pennsylvania, higher than the average voter. Arizona Arizona is the one swing state where Trump leads overall and among independent voters, according to Morning Consults polls. So what are the key issues that set this state apart? Though 27 per cent of Arizona independents believe the economy is the top issue, this is nearly half of the number in Pennsylvania, and lower than the overall state average. Instead, 1 in 4 independent voters (25 per cent) view immigration as the top issue, in line with the Arizona average (26 per cent). Arizona independents are more likely to view housing affordability as the top issue (16 per cent) than the average Arizonan (13 per cent), and are also more concerned about threats to democracy (11 per cent vs 8 per cent). Florida In Florida, independents seem to be voting substantially differently to the statewide trend. But the reason why is not so clear, according to an Emerson College poll from early September. On an issues-based level, Florida independents are slightly more likely to place abortion access as the top issue, with 11 per cent compared to 10 per cent. They are also less likely to be concerned about housing affordability (14 per cent, versus the statewide 17 per cent). In general, the economy is the top issue in Florida for a third of independent and statewide voters, followed by housing affordability, and immigration (11 per cent). It is difficult to say whether how exactly the profile of independent voters in Florida differs from local Democrats and Republicans. However, Harris has undoubtedly made real gains in Florida since Biden stepped down; and with Trump ahead by just +2 points, an independent swing to the left may be troublesome news for his campaign. 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 }} Around the time Kamala Harris was taking over the reins of the Democratic presidential ticket, a mysterious group reportedly began a smear campaign against her, paying social media influencers tens of thousands of dollars to promote posts, according to reports. In late July, a network of influencers who had been recruited to push conservative messages about Donald Trump or President Joe Biden throughout the summer, received an email requesting they make colorful sexual insults about Harris, according to Semafor. In return, they would be paid tens of thousands of dollars via Zelle, a digital payments network. The email, titled War Room Kamala Messaging was followed by a Zoom invitation from the person who organized the group, a man calling himself James Bacon. On the Zoom call, individuals kept their cameras off and did not identify themselves by name, the report noted. A network of influencers were reportedly paid tens of thousands of dollars to push negative rhetoric about Kamala Harris ( Getty Images ) However, Semafor reports that one person on the call was able to identify an individual who spoke up in protest of making sexual allegations about Harris and later left the call - disgraced Republican congressman George Santos. The unidentified person who participated in the calls claims Santos broke the usual anonymity to say he disapproved of the messaging which included comparing Harris to the Hawk Tuah girl - a woman who went viral for talking about sex - and other crude sexual allegations. Santos confirmed to The Independent that he was invited to the call and joined out of curiosity but was quickly taken aback by the organizers suggestions to call Harris a hoe and openly objected to it. He said the message the organizers provided was lewd, disgusting and unbecoming of the political process so he logged off. Nothing in this world would make me smear VP Harris or anyone running for office with slanderous sexual innuendos, its beneath the standards of what the American people deserve, Santos said. Former congressman George Santos told The Independent he was turned off by the messaging organizers from a mysterious group asked social media influencers to promote ( AFP via Getty Images ) If youre getting paid, I dont care how much it is. Nothing justifies calling a person running for President of the United States a hoe, he added. The former New York congressman said the call was the first time he was invited to the group by Bacon. The Independent has reached out to an email associated with a man named James Bacon for comment. It is unclear if the person behind the social media network is actually named James Bacon. A man named James Bacon who served as a former aide to Trump and has been an adviser to The Heritage Foundation, told Semafor he was unfamiliar with the social media influencer group. The individual who was on the call claimed Bacons voice at public appearance did not match the one on the Zoom calls. Days after the influencers received the email and call request, Santos said he was so bothered by it that he tweeted criticizing the talking points of the election, specifying conservative influencers talking about Kamalas sex life and race. Criticisms about Harriss sex life and history began swirling on social media around the time she replaced Biden at the top of the ticket. This included allegations of infidelity, using sexual relationships to advance her political career and more. In late August, Donald Trump reposted on Truth Social an unsubstantiated suggestion that Harris gave sexual favors in exchange for power. Four people who made posts or videos accusing Harris of sex-related improprieties around the time of the email being sent, denied involvement with the influencer network being paid to push similar rhetoric, Semafor reported. However, one individual who spoke with the news outlet said they were paid upwards of $20,000 for their work. Zelle receipts viewed by Semafor confirmed their information. This individual claimed the payments were connected to an anonymous, wealthy American, but offered no evidence to substantiate this claim, the report noted. The participant indicated the payments were connected to an unnamed wealthy American but there was no evidence linking them, per the report. Besides making sexual smears against Harris, the mysterious group also encouraged influencers to attack Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing Trumps New York criminal trial, accuse Biden of being weak and claim Democrats were weaponizing the government against conservatives. 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 }} Morning Joe hosts have mocked JD Vances cat obsession after the Ohio senator pushed a bizarre conspiracy theory that immigrants are stealing and eating pets. Vance is among the most vocal Republican voices peddling baseless claims that Haitians are roaming across his state to steal, kill, and finally devour cats and other domesticated animals. Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, Vance wrote on X on Monday. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. MSNBCs Morning Joe co-hosts took a swipe at the Republican vice presidential nominee for his xenophobic claims. In 2018 or 2020, the lie about immigrants and illegal immigrants, Katty, was that they were bringing leprosy to America, Joe Scarborough said on Tuesday morning. Which, of course, they were not. Now, its that they are eating your dogs. Morning Joe hosts discussed Vances latest cat-related comments on Tuesday morning ( MSNBC/Morning Joe/X ) Cats! co-anchor Katty Kay interjected, before quipping: Dont live in Ohio with a cat because it might get eaten, obviously After some back and forth about Mittens going to be dinner, the pair set their sights on the absurdity of Vances theory. The rumors appeared to have been sparked from a Springfield Facebook group after one local falsely claimed that Haitians were decapitating waterfowl in parks. Another wrote that cats and dogs were being carved up for consumption. The internet has since been ablaze with memes and AI-generated images of Trump cradling pet cats and ducks. Vances false claims were swiftly debunked by Springfield authorities, who confirmed that there have been no reports of pets being stolen and eaten in the community. Ohio senator faces criticism for his comments surrounding Haitian immigrants in his state ( Copyright 2024The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) This is absolutely ridiculous and scraping the bottom of the barrel. And JD Vance has been amplifying this, Kay continued. What is this guys obsession about cats? First he hates them, then he likes them, then hes trying to save them. I dont get it. Kay concluded: Maybe too many women like cats rather than JD Vance. Cat women. The senators latest cat-based backlash follows his resurfaced comments calling Democrat women a bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives who are making the country miserable too. He made the remarks in 2021 during a Fox News interview with Tucker Carlson, and has since faced flak in the wake of Harriss presidential run, with the vice president being a co-parent to her two stepchildren, Ella and Cole Emhoff. Vances penchant for all things feline stems further back than some of his most recent remarks, having selected his Secret Service codename as Bobcat. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A top Republican pollster says he has never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election than Donald Trump. Frank Luntz, a pollster and GOP strategist for the likes of ex-New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, posted on social media on Saturday to take the shot at the Republican nominee. I have never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election, Lutz wrote in response to Trumps promise to imprison his political opponents. Instead of talking about affordability and immigration security (the top public issues), Trump is once again screaming about prosecuting his opponents. Message to Donald: Focus on helping voters, not yourself, Lutz concluded. A Republican pollster said he has never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election than Donald Trump. He made the comment after Trump discussed prosecuting his political enemies. ( AP ) The pollsters statement was in response to an unhinged comment by the Republican nominee for president on his Truth Social platform on Saturday night. Trump went on a rant about election interference and, again, accused Democrats of cheating in 2020 without any proof. Therefore, the 2024 Election, where Votes have just started being cast, will be under the closest professional scrutiny and, 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. We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WONT! Please beware 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. The post was the latest from Trump claiming that he will be cheated out of the election - before the vast majority of ballots have even been cast. Trump posted over the weekend, without proof, that the 2020 election was stolen and that he will prosecute those involved after he is elected in 2024. ( Getty Images ) Earlier this month, the Republican Mayor of Mesa, Arizona, John Giles warned that if Trump loses, he and his allies will try all tactics to create doubts over the results. Theyll claim everything went wrong if they lose. Id be surprised if Trump doesnt try to foment insurrection if he loses the election, the mayor said. Other experts have warned that the MAGA loyalists are trying to raise doubts over the election, two months before its called. David Becker at the Center for Election Innovation and Research told The Guardian that a lot of false claims are masquerading as efforts to change policy to improve election integrity when in actuality theyre just designed to sow distrust in our system if Trump loses. This is all designed to manufacture claims that if Trump loses, the election was stolen and to sow discord, chaos and potential violence, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email 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 will go head-to-head with Donald Trump in less than a month as Americans cast their votes in the 2024 election. There have been a scarcity of national polls released since last weeks debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, but on average, Harris continues to lead Trump by a hairline; which hasnt changed substantially since mid-August. Yet a polling twist in Trumps home state of Florida shows a dwindling lead for the former president, according to a Republican pollster; particularly among young Floridians. Another noteworthy change in the polls came with Vance riding the wave of success from the vice presidential debate against Walz, to see a significant boost in his favorability, previously at record-low levels. While one new poll suggests that many Republicans may vote Democrat next month, how will Harris and Trump fare in November? Harris has a 2.6-point lead over Trump in the latest average of national polls, collated by FiveThirtyEight. On average, Harris has been marginally ahead of Trump in national polls for several weeks. Meanwhile, Trumps lead in Florida home to Mar-a-Lago, and several key Republicans has shrunk to just 2 percent. New figures from historically Republican pollster RMG Research show Trump with 50 percent of the vote and Harris with 48 percent, including those who are uncommitted but lean one way. In August, separate polls showed a shrinking lead in the sunshine state, but a still-substantial 5-point lead for Trump. This is a far cry from the reported 8-point lead for Trump over Biden in July. Vance wins the VP debate and a popularity boost Last weeks debate between Ohio senator Vance and Minnesota Governor Walz turned expectations on its head; with betting markets and pre-polls eyeing Walz as the presumed winner. Not only did Vance win the debate, but his performance appears to have done wonders for his public perception, which had been suffering for months. Our analysis before the debate found that Walz led Trump, Vance, and even Harris in terms of favorability. Vance received an +11 point boost in favorability from last weeks debate, according to the latest poll from YouGov. This leaves Vance in a neutral position, while voters had an overall -11 percent unfavorable opinion of him before the debate. Most interestingly, Vance improved his favorability by an astonishing +19 points among Democrats. Although, overall, he is still at a net -52 percent negative score among this group. Walz also received a more modest 3-point boost, reaching 15 percent favorability in YouGovs poll. Although Walzs performance was not debate-winning, he is still the most-liked candidate, and he even improved his favorability among independent voters following the debate. Among his own party, though, he lost approval from 7 percent of voters, still ending up at a net-positive position of 72 percent favorability with Democrats. Snap polls following the debate show that viewers were split on both candidates and Vance came out a few points ahead. A CBS/YouGov poll found that 42 percent of viewers considered Vance the debate winner, compared to 41 percent for Walz. However, Walz did emerge as more in touch with the average American, and more likely to share voters vision for America. For the full post-debate polling analysis, click here. Key issues for voters Regardless of political affiliation, the economy is the most important issue impacting how people will vote in this election. A poll from Redfield & Wilton Strategies, of 2,500 US adults up to September 26, shows that abortion is considered the second most important issue, for 37 percent of voters, followed by immigration at 34 percent. For Trump voters, however, these priorities are flipped. Over half (57 percent) of Trump voters view immigration as one of the biggest issues, amid border security tensions and recently debunked claims from Trump and Republicans about Haitian migrants. Interestingly, healthcare and abortion are tied as the next most important issues for Trump voters at 23 percent each. Though Trump has advocated for overhauling Obamacare, with unsuccessful attempts during his presidency, he was unable to outline an alternative healthcare policy at the September presidential debate. Meanwhile, abortion is front and center for Harris voters (55 percent), with Harris herself critical of abortion bans, following the overturning of Roe v Wade. Healthcare is also a top priority for Harris voters (40 percent), followed by housing (23 percent). Battleground states Recent polls from the swing states by Bloomberg/Morning Consult have Harris ahead by +3 points on average, ranging from neck-and-neck with Trump to a +7 point lead. The poll of more than 6,000 registered voters in the swing states was conducted from September 19-25, with margins of error ranging from 1 to 4 percent in each state. In Pennsylvania, which hosted the first Harris-Trump presidential debate, Harris has seen her lead increase from +4 points to +5 points since August. The state had previously been leaning towards Trump when President Joe Biden was on the Democratic ticket. Harris has the strongest 7-point lead over Trump in Nevada, with 52 percent of the vote to 45 percent. In Georgia, the two candidates are tied at 49 percent each, while Harriss 5-point lead in Wisconsin has shrunk to 3 points ahead of Trump. Harris is also 3 points ahead in Michigan and Arizona and 2 points ahead in North Carolina. While the economy remains the top issue for swing-state voters, the perceived competency gap is shrinking: 45 percent of swing-state voters think Harris can better handle the economy, slightly behind Trump at 49 percent. It is worth noting that separate New York Times polls earlier this month showed a lead for Trump in Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. This variation indicates that the swing states are still open to change before November. Who will vote? A YouGov/Economist poll has Harris with a three-point lead among registered voters, at 47 percent and Trump at 44 percent. The poll shows a wide 25-point margin for Harris among young voters, aged 29 and under. However, according to the same poll, the younger generations are also the least committed to voting, with 13 percent of the 18-29-year-olds surveyed saying they will maybe vote, while 3 percent will not vote or are still unsure. This amounts to 16 percent who are on the fence or not voting, higher than any other age group, and higher than the average of 9 percent. Just 65 percent of the 18 to 29-year-olds polled said they would definitely vote in November. This is in comparison to 77 percent of 30 to 44-year-olds, 85 percent of 45 to 64-year-olds, and 94 percent of the 65+ age group. Though the numbers may seem dismal, and represent a degree of hesitancy among younger voters, the overall picture is significantly more engaged than in 2020. The same YouGov/Economist poll at this stage in the 2020 presidential election showed that nearly a third of young people (27 percent) were not committed to voting in November, with 10 percent maybe voting and 17 percent definitely/probably not voting. Arizona: key issues In Arizona a historically Republican state that has 11 electoral college votes and flipped for Biden in 2020 polls have shown inconsistent leads for both Harris and Trump. The Trump campaign has made frequent stops in the state over the summer. In a state that borders Mexico, one in five (19 percent) of Arizona voters say that immigration is the most important issue affecting their vote, according to the same poll. This is second to the economy, which is the number one issue impacting voters statewide and nationwide. The majority (51 percent) of Arizona voters believe that Trump is better equipped to handle the top issues, which has flipped since August when Harris was slightly more trusted. This indicates that, despite the overall enthusiasm for Harriss debate performance, Arizona voters may favor Trump and his approach to key issues. As a generally Republican state, this is unsurprising. Demographics A separate poll from The New York Times and Siena College in September has Trump and Harris in a national deadlock, each at 47 percent of the vote among likely voters. This is a slight shift from the same poll in early September, which had Trump at +2 points ahead of Harris in a surprise result. The new poll, taken after the September debate and with 2,437 likely voters, had 67 percent of respondents saying that Harris performed well in the debate, compared to 40 percent who thought the same about Trump. Harris retains a strong lead among women (12 points ahead), while Trump enjoys a 14-point lead among men. In particular, Harris has improved her vote share among under-34s following the debate, with a 7 percent increase to 58 percent of the vote and a 21-point lead over Trump. Meanwhile, her lead within the 30-44 age bracket has shrunk, with Trump just 4 points behind; though Trumps margin in the 45-64 age bracket has also decreased to just 2 points. Make sense of the US election with The Independents experts in our exclusive virtual event Harris vs. Trump: who will make history? Reserve your space here. Among white, college-educated voters, the early September poll showed a 12-point preference for Harris. Following the debate, this group has seen the most substantial jump, with a 25-point lead for Harris at 61 percent of the vote. Interestingly, a pre-debate poll from The New York Times showed that nearly a third of voters (28 percent) felt they needed to learn more about Harris, compared to 9 percent who would say the same about Trump. However, the debate was helpful for Harris in that regard, as half of voters (50 percent) feel that they learned a lot about her during the debate, with just a third saying the same about Trump, according to The New York Times poll. CNNs snap poll following the first Trump-Harris debate showed that Harris managed to turn the tide with some voters. In the wake of the debate, more voters now believe Harris better understands the issues of people like them (44 percent) compared to Trump (40 percent). Before the debate, the opposite was true. Make sense of the US election with The Independents experts in our exclusive virtual event Harris vs. Trump: who will make history? Reserve your space here. 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 }} Police say they have not received any credible reports of immigrants harming peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio, as a racist rumor spread further by JD Vance continues to circulate. Donald Trumps running mate posted a video yesterday, in which he peddled the rumor immigrants were abducting pets and eating them, causing chaos in the town. Springfield Police Division said it was aware of the rumors but has no information to support them. In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, NBC reports. JD Vances post about the rumor has been viewed more than 8 million times ( AP ) Police added: Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic. In an apparent attack on Kamala Harris over her border and immigration policies, yesterday Vance wrote on X: Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? Vances debunked claim appears to have originated from a local Facebook group in Springfield which warned residents to be wary of the Haitian community and alleged that animals, including cats and dogs, were being carved up for consumption. The Ohio senators post has been viewed 8.2 million times and the rumor has also been peddled by billionaire Elon Musk, who reposted a claim on X that 20,000 Haitian immigrants were destroying Springfield. Musks post, which has been viewed 27 million times, said: Vote for Kamala if you want this to happen to your neighborhood! Trumps former presidential adviser and former New York mayor Rudy Giulianialso piled in on his Americas Mayor Live show streamed on X. This is crazy. This is ridiculous. Theyre Haitians and theyre eating domestic pets, the disbarred lawyer said. In the near two-hour rant, a producer off-camera prompts him to discuss the story about Haitian immigrants in Springfield. The producer says: Part of that is just a cultural difference, the producer says. Giuliani responds: I mean look, its not going to do much good if you take my little cat and tell me theres a cultural difference and kill it. Im gonna be kind of angry. How about you accept a civilized culture before you come here? If you eat cats and dogs youre not civilized. A spokesperson for the Vance campaign stood by the claims, telling NBC the senator received a high volume of calls and emails over the past several weeks from concerned citizens in Springfield. 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 }} Australian teenagers will need to verify their age on social media and gaming platforms under government plans to crack down on harmful content. Prime minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that protecting every child would be difficult, but told parents that the government has got your back. It is believed the age limit will be enforced for children between 14 and 16, with a final decision due to be made after the conclusion of an age-verification trial that finishes this week. The UK requires users to be at least 13 years old to post on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has more than four hundred thousands Instagram followers ( Independent ) Mr Albanese said: Were listening and determined to act to get this right. We know that technology moves fast. No government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat but we have to do all we can. Parents are worried sick about this. We know theyre working without a map no generation has faced this challenge before. The legislation is set to be introduced into parliament before the next election, which is likely to be held next year. A report commissioned by the South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas, which outlines a legislative framework for establishing a minimum age, is expected to inform the federal legislation. Mr Malinauskas favours setting the age at 14. The report, written by former High Court chief justice Robert French, includes a proposed draft bill on setting the age at 14 and requiring social media and other companies to establish parental consent before allowing children aged 14 or 15 to use their platforms. It calls on social media platforms to stop children in the restricted age category accessing their services and to set up appropriate technology and processes to prevent access. In support of the federal government, Mr Malinauskas said: The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm. This is no different to cigarettes or alcohol. When a product or service hurts children, governments must act. We will work closely with the commonwealth to implement this ban, which will be welcomed by parents across the country. The UK is trialling a similar scheme but it remains in its infancy and only applies to adult sites, not social media. It calls on companies to verify the ages of users using bank account, phone provider or credit card checks, or using facial ID technology. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An international manhunt has been launched for a man wanted in connection with a cowardly attack that saw a nine-month-old child doused in scalding hot coffee in Australia. A suspect emptied a thermos flask over the baby - named as Luka - while the youngster was enjoying a picnic with his parents in Hanlon Park, Brisbane, on 27 August, police said. Luka was left with serious injuries and was forced to undergo four surgeries and multiple skin grafts, his heartbroken mother told Australian media. Queensland Police has now released footage of a man - believed to have boarded a flight out of Sydney airport four days after the attack - fleeing the park in a plaid shirt and cargo shorts. The force added that the man must have been aware of police methodologies and had conducted counter-surveillance to escape the country as more than 30 detectives rush to find him. Baby Lukas heartbroken mother wants justice for her son - who was forced to undergo four surgeries and multiple skin grafts ( ABC News ) Lukas mother said she had been left with panic attacks and anxiety about being in public with her son and had no idea who the attacker was. It sounds like they were very, very close to catching him. This obviously means that were going to have to wait who knows how long to get justice for our son - its heartbreaking, she said. I will always have fear and anxiety being out in public with my son. Its affected my mental health for the rest of my life. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the case as one of the most complex and frustrating he had ever investigated. Although police now know the suspects name and destination, they have refrained from sharing further details to avoid jeopardising the ongoing search. A man wanted in connection with the attack was seen fleeing the park after the and has since fled Australia, police said ( Queensland Police ) Police did confirm that the suspect, who has been described as an itinerant worker, had travelled back and forth to Australia several times since 2019 and has lived in both New South Wales and Victoria. It took detectives five days for police to identify the individual who carried out what they described as a cowardly act. He was aware of what we do to find people. I was in the investigation centre when we put a name to the face, only for us to do a check-in 15 minutes and find out weve lost him, Det Insp Dalton said. The parents said Luka was in good spirits following the attack, but may take years to recover from the injuries he sustained. 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 }} Germany announced plans to impose tougher controls at all land borders to tackle irregular migration following a knife attack that left three people dead in Solingen. The controls within what is normally a wide area of free movement the European Schengen zone will start on 16 September and initially last for six months, interior minister Nancy Faeser said on Monday. A 56-year-old woman and two men in their 50s were killed and eight others suffered injuries in a knife attack in front of one of the festival stages in the citys central square, the Fronhof, in August. Isis claimed the attack, saying the suspect was a soldier of the Islamic State. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has been under pressure from the opposition far-right and conservatives to take stricter measures to control migration after a Syrian national was arrested for the knife attack. The government has also designed a scheme enabling authorities to reject more migrants directly at German borders, Ms Faeser said. "We are strengthening internal security and continuing our hard line against irregular migration," Ms Faeser said, adding that the government notified the European Commission and neighbouring countries of the intended controls. "We are doing everything in our power to protect the people of our country against these threats," she added. The AfD earlier this month became the first far-right party since World War II to win a state election in Thuringia in central Germany after campaigning heavily on the issue of migration. Polls showed that the issue was also voters' top concern in the state of Brandenburg, which is set to hold elections in two weeks. Mr Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are fighting to retain control of the government there, in a vote billed as a test of strength of the SPD ahead of next year's federal election. A backlash had been building in Germany ever since it took in more than a million people mostly fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria during the 2015 and 2016 migrant crisis, migration experts said. It reached a tipping point in the country of 84 million people after it automatically granted asylum to around a million Ukrainians fleeing Russias 2022 invasion even as Germany was struggling through an energy and economic crisis. Since then, the German government has agreed tighter deportation rules and resumed flying convicted criminals of Afghan nationality to their home country, despite suspending deportations after the Taliban took power in 2021 due to human rights concerns. Berlin last year also announced stricter controls on its land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Those and controls on the border with Austria had allowed it to return 30,000 migrants since October 2023, it said on Monday. Germany shares its more than 3,700km-long land border with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. Gerhard Karner, the Austrian interior minister, said his country would not take in any migrants turned away by Germany at the border. "There's no room for manoeuvre there," he told Bild newspaper. 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 captain of a migrant boat that capsized off Senegal over the weekend was arrested, local authorities said Tuesday, as the death toll rose to 26. Cheikh Sall, the owner and captain of the boat, turned himself in Monday, Amadou Diop, the districts prefect, told The Associated Press. The death toll of the capsizing rose to 26, Senegal's navy said on the social media platform X on Tuesday. The artisanal fishing boat left the town of Mbour, nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the capital Dakar heading to Europe on Sunday afternoon before capsizing a few miles (kilometers) off the coast. In recent years, the number of migrants leaving West Africa through Senegal has surged with many fleeing conflict, poverty and the lack of job opportunities. Most head to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa, which is used as a stepping stone to continental Europe. Since the beginning of the year, more than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands, 126% more than the same period last year, according to statistics released by Spains Interior Ministry. Last month, the Senegalese army said it had arrested 453 migrants and members of smuggling networks as part of a 12-day operation patrolling the coastline. More than half of those arrested were Senegalese nationals, the army said. In July, a boat carrying 300 migrants, mostly from Gambia and Senegal, capsized off Mauritania. More than a dozen died and at least 150 others went missing. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest in the world. While there is no accurate death toll because of the lack of information on departures from West Africa, the Spanish migrant rights group Walking Borders estimates the victims are in the thousands this year alone. Migrant vessels that get lost or run into problems often vanish in the Atlantic, with some drifting across the ocean for months until they are found in the Caribbean and Latin America carrying only human remains. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration 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 }} Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the daughter of Dubais ruler who recently ended her marriage via an Instagram post, has launched a perfume line called Divorce. Sheikha Mahra on Monday posted a picture of a matte black bottle with Divorce written on its front. Sheikha Mahra in July announced the end of her year-long marriage to industrialist Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, two months after welcoming their first child. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the post that went viral on Instagram, she accused her industrialist husband of being occupied with other companions. I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you, she wrote, seemingly using the centuries-old practice of Islamic divorce or triple talaq where Muslim men can divorce women by simply stating their intention three times verbally. Triple talaq is not an option for women under Islamic law, which says that women can only unilaterally seek divorce through a process called khula. This involves a married woman submitting a formal request to a court and citing a valid reason for initiating divorce proceedings. The short teaser of the luxury fragrance, launched under her Mahra M1 brand, featured a montage of scenes that included shots of her and the eyes of a black panther. On Monday, when her followers came across the post, several of them praised her. One social media user wrote in the comments: Do you see how Mahra is moving accordingly? Very demure, very quietly, very princessey (sic), she is not like most of you throwing tantrums or making videos online, no, she is very classy, very reserved, very standing on business. The very demure, very mindful phrase refers to a popular trend on TikTok and Instagram, popularised by TikTok content creator Jools Lebron. Another said: When women are done dealing with you, they are done. The princess has not yet revealed any details about the release date for the fragrance. The couple, who married in April 2023, have removed their wedding photos and unfollowed each other on social media as well. Her post announcing her divorce began with dear husband and concluded with Take care. Your ex-wife. The family of Sheikha Mahra or her husband have not made any public comment. The princess had sparked speculations over her marriage after she posted the picture of her daughter with a caption: Just the two of us. In a separate post, the princess also shared a message on Instagram honouring her father for his steadfast support. Dear Father, thank you for your support. Thank you for your love. Thank you for marking an era that justifies that there is justice for everyone. My respect and love, Mahra, she wrote. 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 }} Israeli airstrikes on a tent encampment housing displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza, killed at least 40 people and injured 60 in the early hours of Tuesday, the enclaves civil emergency service said. The camp in al-Mawasi was set up in a humanitarian zone designated by Israel. Gazas civil emergency service reported significant damage, with at least 20 tents catching fire and craters left by missiles. Forty people were killed and more than 60 injured while many are still under the rubble, the BBC quoted the operations director of the Gaza Civil Defence as saying. Eyewitnesses reported large explosions in al-Mawasi after midnight, with flames lighting up the sky. Khaled Mahmoud, a local charity volunteer, said that the strikes created three craters, each seven metres deep, and buried over 20 tents. Our teams are still moving out martyrs and wounded from the targeted area, a Gaza civil emergency official was quoted as saying by The Guardian. It looks like a new Israeli massacre. The Israeli military said it struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control centre embedded inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Younis. The terrorists advanced and carried out terror attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel, the statement said, referring to the Israeli Defence Forces. The Palestinian group said the occupations allegations of the presence of resistance fighters are a blatant lie. This is a clear lie that aims to justify these ugly crimes, Hamas said in a statement posted on the Telegram app. The resistance has denied several times that any of its members exist within civilian gatherings or using these places for military purposes. Rescue workers search for survivors after Israeli airstrikes on a tent encampment of displaced Palestinians in al Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, on 10 September 2024. ( Anadolu via Getty ) Pictures and videos shared on social media showed deep craters at the attack site, with the surrounding area littered with shredded tents, a bicycle, and other debris, according to the Associated Press. Rescue workers used shovels to sift through the sand, while bystanders, illuminated by cellphone lights, dug with their hands. The coastal al-Mawasi area has become overcrowded with tents as Palestinians have sought refuge there after the Israeli army designated it a safe zone during its invasions of the nearby cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. According to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, Israel has killed over 40,000 Palestinians in the territory since 7 October. Israel launched a ground and air offensive on Gaza after Hamas conducted an attack in southern Israel during which nearly 1,200 people were killed. The Israeli war has also displaced about 90 per cent of the population of Gaza at least once since the beginning of the war, according to a UN humanitarian agency. The Council on American Islamic Relations condemned the latest Israeli massacre of Palestinians in a so-called safe area in Gaza and accused the Benjamin Netanyahu government of being a far right genocidal force. The councils national executive director Nihad Awad was quoted in Al Jazeera as saying that Israels far-right genocidal government was using one-ton Biden bombs to massacre Palestinians as if they were sheep for the slaughter, not human beings deserving life and freedom. The US, under president Joe Biden, has supplied Israel with heavy weapons and funding through the war as well as diplomatic and strategic support. Additional reporting by agencies. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission launches from Nasa's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, 10 September. Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, retired Air Force colonel Scott Poteet, and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon will launch a mission on SpaceX's Crew Dragon to attempt the first-ever private spacewalk. It will be the spacecraft's fifth - and riskiest - private space mission so far. Last month, an attempt to launch was postponed hours before liftoff following a small helium leak in ground equipment on SpaceX's launchpad. The leak was fixed but the company's Falcon 9 was grounded by US regulators over a booster recovery failure during an unrelated mission, delaying the Polaris launch further. "Crew safety is absolutely paramount and this mission carries more risk than usual, as it will be the furthest humans have travelled from Earth since Apollo and the first commercial spacewalk!," Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, wrote on his social media site X. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Apple must pay back 13 billion (11bn) in unpaid taxes to Ireland, Europes top court has ruled. The decision by the European Court of Justice, which cannot be appealed, follows a lengthy legal battle between the worlds richest company and the EU Commission. The European Commission issued the order in 2016, saying that the iPhone maker benefited from two Irish tax rulings for over two decades that artificially reduced its tax burden to as low as 0.005 per cent in 2014. Apple had said the record EU tax order defied reality and common sense. Ireland, whose low tax rates helped it to attract Big Tech to set up their European headquarters, had also challenged the EU ruling. The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union sided with EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager. The Court of Justice gives final judgment in the matter and confirms the European Commissions 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover, the court said. Apple said in a statement that it was disappointmented with the ruling. The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US, a company spokesperson said. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal. The ruling comes the day after Apple launched a brand new iPhone, Apple Watch and other hardware at its biggest event of the year. Additional reporting from agencies. The AI iPhone is finally here. Apple might not like that description: there is a lot more to the iPhone 16 than artificial intelligence, it might argue, and besides every iPhone in recent years has included AI features. What's more, Apple doesn't particularly like the phrase artificial intelligence, preferring use "Apple Intelligence" as its branding and refer either to the features themselves or the precise technologies that underpin them, rather than the vague and voguish catch-all of AI. But whatever Apple might want you to call it, it is clear that this is the year when artificial intelligence will be the iPhone's biggest selling point, and the year in which the iPhone was built specifically to power those AI features. And whether Apple wants it or not, the success of this year's release and perhaps Apple's plan for its future depends on the success of those AI tools. The iPhone 16 could be one of Apples biggest product releases in its history. (At least literally: the new handset has gained a couple of millimetres in height and width, and is therefore the largest iPhone ever made.) It could define the companys success: does the world want AI, and does it want Apples version of it? Despite not much wanting to use the phrase, Apple seems to agree at least that a large part of the story of this year's phones are their AI features. Tim Cook said as he first introduced the phones that they were designed "from the ground up for Apple Intelligence", and the event included a long section that delved deep into the mechanics of the technology and how Apple has built it to preserve privacy and security. That focus on safety seems smart: Apple Intelligence arrives at a time when consumer concern about the threat of artificial intelligence seems particularly high. That could be a danger for the iPhone 16. But it could also be helpful for Apple, which has made a business out of turning otherwise worrying technologies into ones that people are ready to welcome into their home, in part through a careful focus on trust and security. The trouble for the iPhone 16 is that Apple Intelligence is not here yet: it won't actually be released until October, and even then will be explicitly marked as an early beta version and only available in US English. It is not yet clear when it will release in the EU, where it has been delayed over a fallout with regulators. (The UK will get it earlier an unexpected consequence of Brexit, and a break with tradition that has seen Apple treat Britain as being part of the bloc until now.) Even then even when it has rolled out fully and more broadly Apple has said that it considers the launch of Apple Intelligence other than be only the beginning, and has suggested that this release is about building a foundation for future advancements as much as anything else. Apple Intelligence is more than just futuristic, it is a promise for the future. This sense of waiting for something exciting might be why the reaction to the new phone was a little mixed after the event on Monday; your view on the new phones depends not only on how you look at them, but also when you are thinking about them. Today, they are a relatively modest, evolutionary upgrade; soon, they could be the first device to launch with a technology that some promise will be as transformative as the smartphone itself, or even more. Apple didn't seem to make the decision to make this the year of the AI iPhone entirely on its own. It has been offering AI upgrades in just about every recent iPhone and software update, though it preferred to use the word machine learning. But the clamour among shareholders, commentators and others was getting almost impossible to ignore, and Apple Intelligence arrived in June. Apple has proposed a different version of the future this year. Last June, it announced the Vision Pro augmented reality headset; this year, it was released in the US and then other countries including the UK. Now, AR appears to have been a little overshadowed by AI; both technologies face much the same danger, in the risk of being pushed onto users before either they or the tech is ready, and rejected as a result. Both Apple and its iPhone 16 have now staked their fortunes on artificial intelligence; a technology that promises both threats and safety, ease and bother. Like it or not, this is the AI iPhone. But now it's time to find out whether customers really do like it or not. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sony has announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, with powerful new hardware that it says will improve both new and old games. The new console concentrates on a big three of features, said Mark Cerny, Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PS5. Those are a bigger GPU, advanced ray tracing and upscaling of games that uses artificial intelligence. Currently, many PlayStation games ask users to choose between a performance with responsive graphics and a fidelity mode that allows games to look more detailed, and Sony says that most players choose performance. The new console was built to try and ensure that players dont have to choose between the two, allowing for both high frame rates and detailed games. The upgraded GPU means that the console as 67 per cent more compute units than the current PS5, and 28 per cent faster memory. That can allow games to render up to 45 per cent faster, Sony said. The advanced ray tracing which uses new technology to show light as if it is really falling and reflecting within a space means that light can be drawn at up to three times the speed of the current console. And the AI-driven upscaling uses machine learning technology to add new detail into games, Sony said. That and other technologies mean that even some PlayStation 4 games will get better performance, with a technology Sony calls Enhanced Image Quality. But many new games will be specifically updated to make use of the extra performance, and they will get a PS5 Pro Enhanced to indicate that they are taking advantage of the new console. It will be available on 7 November, and will cost $699.99. It takes its design from the PS5 Slim. ( PlayStation ) It has three black fins around halfway down the body, and comes in the same black and white colour scheme and design that has marked out the PlayStation 5 models since the first was released in 2020. The height is the same as the original PS5, and the width is the same size as the new slimmer one, which Sony said was to ensure it could accommodate higher performance specs. The PS5s menus and the look of the user interface will be the same as the existing console. It does not include a disc drive, though an external one can be used. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Several passengers flying on a small plane sustained injuries after it skidded off the runway in Indonesia's remote Papua province. At least 42 passengers, including a baby, were on board the ATR-42 aircraft when the incident took place at an airport in the Yapen Islands regency. The Trigana Air plane, flying to Jayapura, the capital of Papuan province, was carrying six crew members as well. The aircraft skidded as it was taking off in the Southeast Asian archipelago. The incident took place at 8.35am local time on Monday, Trigana Air deputy area manager Irwan Rochendi said. "Praise God everybody survived and has been taken to a hospital for a health checkup, local police chief Ardyan Ukie Hercahyo was quoted as saying by AFP. "We are investigating the incident and coordinating with related parties to ensure this will never happen again." The aircraft slipped from the left side of the runway towards the south for about 20m, said Captain Lalu Yuniza, the airline's director of safety, security and quality. "We are still waiting for any information from the pilot about how and why the plane skidded," he was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying. The plane suffered damage from the accident, he added. All passengers were evacuated safely, authorities said. The incident left the passengers with injuries as well as trauma, according to a local search and rescue agency. The airline has suffered over a dozen serious incidents since it started operations in 1991, according to the Aviation Safety Network. A Trigana Air flight crashed in Papua in 2015, killing all 54 people on board. A former police officer attempted to kill his ex-girlfriend by deliberately driving a car through her office window, shocking CCTV footage from 2022 shows. William McBurnie, 57, was almost three times the legal limit when he deliberately mounted the pavement and smashed through the glass window of the funeral directors in Jedburgh where his former partner Zoe Turnbull, 46, worked. She and her mother Beverley, 71, survived by pinning themselves against the walls. McBurnie, from Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty to attempted murder at the High Court in Livingston on Monday, 9 September. The Irish Government and Apple will learn first thing tomorrow whether just over 13bn that has been sitting in an escrow account for the past six years can be released to the tech giant or if the landmark legal case is going back down the line to be heard all over again. The 13bn Apple tax money was set aside after the European Commission had concluded in 2016, following an investigation, that Apple had enjoyed selective advantages over other Irish-based companies for decades in other words, a sweetheart tax deal. The money is the Commissions estimate of back taxes Apple should previously have paid, so if that view is backed by the courts, Ireland will keep the money. Both Apple and the Irish Government insist there was never such a deal and have been fighting a legal action through increasingly senior courts. The ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the EUs top court, could be the end of the line if the European Commission loses. But the signs are the case may well be sent back to be reconsidered by the lower-ranked EU General Court meaning further potentially lengthy delays. The original case was taken by commission competition chief Margrethe Vestager, and was part of a wider drive against profit-shifting by large (mainly US tech) multinationals, using the blocs state aid rules. The Apple crux of the case is the commissions finding that so-called tax rulings issued by the Irish Revenue Commissioners between 1991 and 2007 allowed the tech giant pay a tax at rates that got as low as 0.005pc in one year. Apple has always said it paid its taxes in full but that they weren't necessarily owed where the EU thought. The Irish Government view is that tax rulings are a normal part of business, giving corporations clarity around the tax due on often complex structures, but dont change what is owed. Ireland and Apple contested the decision and in 2020 the EUs General Court ruled in their favour. The Commission appealed to the higher ECJ, which will deliver the ruling. The case is a landmark one, both because of the size of the contested tax bill and what it says about where intellectual property-related profits should be booked and taxed. But there is a strong chance the main issue will not be resolved by the ECJ. Last November, the advocate general of the ECJ, Giovanni Pitruzzella, said the 2020 ruling against the EU, won by Apple and Ireland, should be set aside and referred back to the courts for a new decision on the merits. The advocate general is an important official at the ECJ who helps guide complex cases through the court. Their opinions are not binding on judges but they do tend to shape the decisions that get handed down. If the judges agree with Mr Pitruzzellas assessment, Ireland and Apple face an entirely new court case back at the General Court, adding years to a dispute that has already gone on for most of a decade. Apple tax money wont have any impact on Budget 2025, says Jack ChamberFinance Minister says it will be months before Ireland receives its 13bn windfallGovernment says it will respect ruling of European Court of JusticeApple has said it is "disappointed" with the decision.EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager described it as a big win for European citizens and tax justiceLabour calls for state housing body to be founded with the money to avoid future housing shortages It will be months before Ireland receives its 13bn Apple windfall, according to Finance Minister Jack Chambers. The money will have no impact on Budget 2025 as the parameters for that have been already set, however, a number of other countries may first make claims on the amount. Meanwhile, it has emerged Ireland has spent 10m so far fighting the case at EU level. Ireland is required to recover more than 13bn in back taxes from Apple, following a decision of Europe's top court. The 13bn has been sitting in an escrow account for the past six years. The 13bn Apple tax money was set aside after the European Commission had concluded in 2016, following an investigation, that Apple had enjoyed selective advantages over other Irish-based companies for decades in other words, a sweetheart tax deal. The money is the commissions estimate of back taxes Apple should previously have paid. The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and Revenue will now review the escrow fund. Itll be a number of months away, so the NTMA have to carry out an assessment with Revenue and it has to be finalised to what the amount will be, said Minister Chambers. He said the Government will set out shortly how many months it will take but declined to say if it would be before Christmas. Minister Chambers said the Government will then decide what to do with the funds but said the money is a once-off. Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe insisted Ireland is not a tax haven. I remain confident that we have always used tax policy in a way that is fair and implemented by the Revenue Commissioner that is impartial to all taxpayers, he said. I believe and am confident that is the case. He said other multinational companies are very large employers in Ireland, who already pay a large share of Irish tax receipts. Both ministers insisted there is no preferential treatment by the Irish Government of any multinational company. Minister Donohoe said for Ireland not to have taken legal action to EU level over the windfall several years ago would have shown that we dont have confidence in our tax system. Minister Chambers said he met with Apple several months ago and said the company was very committed to Ireland. Speaking at the launch of Culture Night 2024 in Dublin Castle, Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin said the Government needed to take time to decide what the windfall should be used for. The Government absolutely accepts the judgement. I think we need to take the time to study the detail of it, Minister Martin said. When it comes to the money itself, my understanding is that it wont be handed over for several months yet. I think what we have to do in that time is to take time to study that judgement and more importantly take time to consider how best to invest that money, she added. Asked if she welcomed the judgement, the minister said it was welcome that it has finally come to a conclusion. Thats important. In this day and age in 2024, were in a very different tax regime here in Ireland and thats to be welcomed too. But the main thing is that we accept it and the focus now is on how best to invest that money, she said. Earlier the Government said that it will "respect the findings" of Europe's top court, but added: "The Irish position has always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers." An Apple representative said the company was "disappointed" with the decision. Read more 13 things the Irish government could do with the 13bn in tax it gets from Apple The ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the EUs top court, threw out an earlier ruling by a lower court. The original case was taken by commission competition chief Margrethe Vestager, and was part of a wider drive against profit-shifting by large (mainly US tech) multinationals, using the blocs state aid rules. The Apple crux of the case is the commissions finding that so-called tax rulings issued by the Irish Revenue Commissioners between 1991 and 2007 allowed the tech giant pay a tax at rates that were as low as 0.005pc in one year. Apple has always said it paid its taxes in full but that they weren't necessarily owed where the EU thought. The Irish Government view is that tax rulings are a normal part of business, giving corporations clarity around the tax due on often complex structures, but dont change what is owed. Ireland and Apple contested the decision and in 2020 the EUs General Court ruled in their favour. The Commission appealed to the higher ECJ, which delivered Tuesdays ruling. The ECJ said today that the General Court had erred when it ruled that the Commission had not proved sufficiently that the intellectual property licences held by two companies in the Apple Group, Apple Sales International (ASI) and Apple Operations Europe (AOE) and related profits, generated by sales of Apple products outside the United States, should have been allocated, for tax purposes, to the Irish branches. The case is a landmark one, both because of the size of the contested tax bill and what it says about where intellectual property-related profits should be booked and taxed. Last November, the advocate general of the ECJ, Giovanni Pitruzzella, said the 2020 ruling against the EU, won by Apple and Ireland, should be set aside and referred back to the courts for a new decision on the merits. The advocate general is an important official at the ECJ who helps guide complex cases through the court. Their opinions are not binding on judges but they do tend to shape the decisions that get handed down. However, this time around the ECJ judges opted to effectively throw out the lower courts reasoning and find in favour of the original case taken by the Commission. A spokesperson for Apple said it was disappointed at the decision. "This case has never been about how much tax we pay, but which government we are required to pay it to. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal, they said. "Apple is proud to be an engine of growth and innovation across Europe and around the world, and to consistently be one of the largest taxpayers in the world. The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US. We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case, they added. Ms Vestager described the Court of Justice ruling on the Apple tax case as a big win for European citizens and tax justice. The Court of Justice confirmed the decision from 2016 by the European Commission, said Ms Vestager, who is due to step down from her role later this year. "Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid, which Ireland now has to recover, she said, adding that the decision made today was final. They had artificially lowered taxes paid by Apple in Ireland since 1991. The Commission considered this to be a misapplication of Irish tax rules and ordered Ireland to recover up to 13bn from Apple. These tax rulings attributed the bulk of taxable profits of two Irish subsidiaries of Apple to what was a state-less head office. She said the head offices existed only on paper. As one example, in 2011 one of Apples Irish subsidiaries recorded profits of approximately 16bn. Of these, thanks to the tax rulings, only 50m were taxable in Ireland so the subsidiary paid less than 10m of taxes in Ireland in 2011, an effective tax rate of 0.05pc of these overall annual profits, Ms Vestager said. She pointed out that the Apple situation could no longer arise today. Ireland changed corporate tax-resident rules to prevent Irish incorporated companies from being state-less for tax purposes, she said. A positive change was that Ireland has become much more diligent in auditing" tech companies. "The next thing that will have to happen is that the unpaid taxes that have been in this escrow account will have to be released to the Irish state, she concluded. What they will do with it, of course, is completely up to them. Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash said Finance Minister Jack Chambers should next week address the Dail on the impact the windfall will have on Irelands corporation tax system and industrial policy. Mr Nash said a legacy for society and economy should come as a result of the windfall and a State construction company built with the money to avoid future housing shortages. The Government also should consider investing substantially in offshore wind to develop the sustainable energy we require. This is a huge opportunity for this country to get things right that we got so badly wrong in the past, he said. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly wouldnt be drawn on how he would spend the 13bn. Asked on RTEs News At One how he would spend the additional money, Mr Donnelly said it would be a matter for both Government and the Oireachtas to discuss. Id get in an awful lot of trouble if I started making a pitch for that. Lets remember that this money is one-off funding so its not for hiring more doctors or nurses, this is money you could use for capital projects, he said. He said any government could put that kind of money to good use and options for how it could be used include infrastructure or paying off the national debt. On whether the legal case was worth fighting, Mr Donnelly said it was important for the country to send a message while remaining aligned with the European Union. I think Ireland needed to send a very strong message internationally, a strong message to the corporations who are here employing so many people and paying so much tax, and a strong message to those looking to invest in Ireland, that we stand over the decisions made, he said. We are competitive, we need to remain competitive and at the same time we are in line with what the EU is doing in terms of global tax policy. Europe faces an existential challenge Real disposable incomes have grown almost twice as fast in the US as in the EU since 2000 and the European Union is now facing an existential challenge, according to a major new report by former European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi. The European Commission tasked the highly regarded Italian technocrat to write a report on how the EU can remain competitive at a time of increased global friction, and as it looks to green and digitalise the economy. The blistering findings make grim reading for the incoming Commissioners, due to take office in the coming weeks. Growth has been slowing down for a long time in Europe, but weve ignored (it), Mr Draghi said. Now we cannot ignore it any longer. Now conditions have changed: World trade is slowing, China is actually slowing very much and is becoming much less open to us... weve lost our main supplier of cheap energy, Russia. Leaders in EU member states are likely to back calls for greater investment but will be wary of recommendations for structural changes that reduce the power of individual countries within the bloc. The Draghi report argues the stakes are high, saying a wide gap in GDP has opened up between the EU and the US, driven mainly by a more pronounced slowdown in productivity growth in Europe. European energy bills are multiples of what US consumers and businesses pay. Europes households have paid the price in foregone living standards. On a per capita basis, real disposable income has grown almost twice as much in the US as in the EU since 2000, the report says. Mr Draghi who famously said the ECB would do whatever it takes for save the euro at the height of the sovereign debt crisis says massive investment, faster decision making and greater coordination is needed to keep pace economically with the US and China. The conditions that had allowed EU exporters to expand around the world are changing, Europe is the most open economy in the world so when our partners dont play according to the rules, we are more vulnerable than others, Mr Draghi told a news conference. He said an extra 750bn to 800bn per year needs to be invested, up to 5pc of GDP, to pull the economy out of its slump and that spending must be better coordinated including major institutional changes to streamline decision making by scrapping national veto rights and pooled responsibility for borrowing to boost capital. It will require refocusing the work of the EU on the most pressing issues, ensuring efficient policy coordination behind common goals, and using existing governance procedures in a new way that allow member states who want to move faster to do so, the report said. If the political and institutional conditions are met, these projects would also call for common funding, the report said, citing defence and energy grid investments as examples. EU growth had been persistently slower than that of the United States in the past two decades and China was rapidly catching up. The former central banker said the bloc needed to boost innovation and bring down energy prices while continuing to decarbonise, reduce its dependencies on others, notably China for essential minerals, and increase defence investment. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Monday, Mr Draghi said the future of the EU is in doubt. "For the first time since the Cold War we must genuinely fear for our self-preservation," he said in Brussels. "And the reason for a unified response has never been so compelling and I am confident that in our unity we will find the strength to reform." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who tasked Mr Draghi with delivering the report, will need to decide how much of his recommendations to pursue. The report comes as European leaders are increasingly aware of the loss of competitiveness against the bloc's main rivals, partly due to Europe's energy dependency and lack of raw materials. Meanwhile, the EU continues to be hampered by the inability of its telecom and defence industries to harness economies of scale and be better prepared for a more nimble security stance. The EU has also failed so far to push forward on a roadmap to lower the barriers of its capital markets to mobilise billions of euros across its borders needed to accelerate the development of clean technologies to meet its ambitious green targets, or to create the next generation of technology champions. Mr Draghi pitched a rewriting of the bloc's competition policy rulebook so that more money can be pumped into Europe's key industrial sectors, and pressed regulators to adopt a more creative approach to vetting mergers which could lead to the approval of more high-profile deals. He called for the EU's merger watchdogs to take into account the pro-innovative effects of certain deals, which could offset any negative risks to competition. He also gave a boon to the telecom sector, supporting greater consolidation across Europe in a sector where competition regulators have historically feared that fewer players would lead to worse outcomes for consumers. Additional reporting, Reuters European competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager has described the Court of Justice ruling on the Apple tax case as a big win for European citizens and tax justice. Europes highest court ruled today that the company must pay the Irish government 13bn in taxes. The Court of Justice confirmed the decision from 2016 by the European Commission, said Ms Vestager, who is due to step down from her role later this year. The 13bn Apple tax money was set aside after the European Commission concluded in 2016, following an investigation, that Apple had enjoyed selective advantages over other Irish-based companies for decades. The money is the Commissions estimate of back taxes Apple should have paid to the Irish government. "Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid, which Ireland now has to recover, she said, adding that the decision made today was final. They had artificially lowered taxes paid by Apple in Ireland since 1991. The Commission considered this to be a misapplication of Irish tax rules and ordered Ireland to recover up to 13bn from Apple. These tax rulings attributed the bulk of taxable profits of two Irish subsidiaries of Apple to what was a state-less head office. She said the head offices existed only on paper. The ECJ said today that the General Court had erred when it ruled that the Commission had not proved sufficiently that the intellectual property licences held by two companies in the Apple Group Apple Sales International (ASI) and Apple Operations Europe (AOE) and related profits generated by sales of Apple products outside the United States, should have been allocated, for tax purposes, to the Irish branches. As one example, in 2011 one of Apples Irish subsidiaries recorded profits of approximately 16bn. Of these, thanks to the tax rulings, only 50m were taxable in Ireland so the subsidiary paid less than 10m of taxes in Ireland in 2011, an effective tax rate of 0.05pc of these overall annual profits, Ms Vestager said. She pointed out that the Apple situation could no longer arise today. Ireland changed corporate tax-resident rules to prevent Irish incorporated companies from being state-less for tax purposes, she said. A positive change was that Ireland has become much more diligent in auditing" tech companies. "The next thing that will have to happen is that the unpaid taxes that have been in this escrow account will have to be released to the Irish state, she concluded. What they will do with it, of course, is completely up to them. The Central Bank has been called on to reverse plans to disband its consumer protection division. Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher said the idea the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) will not have a standalone consumer protection unit is simply unacceptable and must be reversed immediately. Last week the Irish Independent revealed the Central Bank is disbanding its consumer protection division from next January. The director of the unit is moving to another job and will not be replaced. 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. Mr Kelleher is a member of the European Parliaments economic and monetary affairs committee, which deals with financial consumer protection issues at European level. He was commenting after the Central Bank confirmed its consumer protection unit would be closed and its functions dispersed across the entire organisation. This is a bad move by the Central Bank. For years, I have been highly critical of the CBIs commitment to consumer protection, Mr Kelleher said. Under the Central Bank Act 1942, which underpins the Central Banks operations, it is clear that legislators intended consumer protection to be on equal footing with financial stability and financial regulation. Frankly, dispersing the consumer protection function throughout all departments will, I believe, result in a lower commitment to the protection of consumers engaging in banking or financial activities. Mr Kelleher said he had previously written to the Central Bank when he claimed it was clear to him that consumer protection interests were not being given enough attention or due consideration. If the consumer protection unit is subsumed and its functions dispersed among other units, with other competing interests, it is naive to think that consumer protection will be given the due attention and priority it deserves. He said the banking and financial services lobby network is considerably larger and better resourced, as well as having greater interaction with the Central Bank on a day-to-day basis, than those working to protect the consumer rights of customers. Mr Kelleher said he will be raising this matter with the deputy governor of the Central Bank, Derville Rowland, when he meets with her in Strasbourg. He said Finance Minister Jack Chambers should also look into whether the Central Bank is adhering to the mandate given to it by the Oireachtas. The Central Bank 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, the regulator insisted 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 although its organisational structure was changing, its statutory mandate remains unchanged. Ireland will have the highest taxes and levies on petrol and diesel in the EU when the carbon tax rises in Budget 2025. Stock image Motorists will be hoping the recent massive fall in the cost of crude oil will keep price increases at the pumps down. Crude-oil prices are now at a 14-month low amid a darkening economic backdrop globally and a glut of the product in the market. Consumer groups called on petrol and diesel distributors and retailers to keep their prices low to reflect the fall in crude prices. However, carbon tax is due to be hiked on petrol and diesel on Budget day, October 1. This will mean Ireland will have the highest taxes and levies on petrol and diesel in the EU. Brent crude prices are down from $93 a barrel this month last year to close $73 at present, a 22pc fall. This is the lowest level for Brent since June last year. Weaker-than-expected employment figures in the US have lessened demand for oil globally. And the market is seeing strong supply after the US released seven million barrels of oil from its strategic supplies recently. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 10th This was in advance of plans by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) to restrict supply. However, Opec subsequently pulled back from this threat, leaving an extra six million barrels in the market, according to Kevin McPartlan of Fuels for Ireland, which counts fuel groups Applegreen, Emo Oil and Circle K among its members. Consumers Association of Ireland chairman Michael Kilcoyne said there was a wide variety of prices for petrol and diesel around the country. This shows that some garages are overcharging and need to reduce their prices. Pump prices go up very fast when crude goes up, but they are slow to come down, he said, as he called on distributors and retailers to pass on lower crude prices to motorists. But Mr McPartlan said crude costs were only one element of the prices paid at the pumps. We also need to consider refining costs, additions of advanced, synthetic and biofuels to reduce emissions, shipping and transport, he said. He said Irish motorists pay more tax on transport fuel than any other country in the EU. In fact the majority of the pump-price is made up of excise duty, carbon tax, Vat and other government levies. If we want to discuss the affordability of petrol and diesel, we need to seriously review how we tax them. He called on Finance Minister Jack Chambers to establish an expert group to undertake a comprehensive review of tax on energy for transport and heating. The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue during a trade mission to China Minister Charlie McConalogue is confident there will be a successful outcome for the Irish dairy sector following a surge in trade tensions between the EU and China. Cow kill is up by 10pc but factories stand firm on quotes for cattle Helping to hold prices steady despite the sharp increase in numbers is the fact that beef exports for the first half of 2024 were valued at 1.3bn, a 1.3pc increase over the corresponding period last year. Photo: Damien Eagers Prime cattle supplies are set to tighten for the last quarter of this year and into early 2025, according to Bord Bia. And while the cow kill is up 10pc for the year to date, an improving milk price and some improvement in grass supplies may see farmers holding back on culling cows and keep throughput levels behind those of the last quarter in 2023, it says. It comes despite a surge in factory intake numbers over the last three weeks by around 5,000 culminating in last weeks kill being over 37,500. Factories yesterday were standing firm on quotes of 5.00-5.05/kg for bullocks and 5.05-5.10/kg for heifers. Helping to hold prices steady despite the sharp increase in numbers is the fact that beef exports for the first half of 2024 were valued at 1.3bn, a 1.3pc increase over the corresponding period last year. This value increase has been driven by a 5pc increase in the volume of exports. Analysts predict that because Irish factory prices now lag behind both Britain and the EU, the possibility of further increases in both value and volume cannot be ruled out in the coming months. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 10th According to a Bord Bia spokesman, the prime cattle kill is back almost 14,000 head [-1.7pc] at 813,000hd during the first 34 weeks of the year. A further tightening in prime cattle supplies is expected in the last quarter of the year with a reduction in cattle availability on farm. A firm live export trade is expected to contribute to this tightening in supplies with good numbers of forward store cattle continuing to leave the country on a weekly basis. The UK remains the dominant market for Irish beef, valued at 616m and accounting for 47pc of beef exports in value terms during the first half of the year. Exports to the EU account for 46pc, to the value of 598m. Despite a disappointing barbecue season, the trade has held up well. Feedback indicates that while steak sales through major retailers have been struggling, this has been counteracted for by a firmer forequarter trade, the Bord Bia spokesman added. The strength of the factory trade is also reflected in current mart prices, with top-end continental bullocks last week making 3.18-3.24/kg. Returns also show heavy Angus and Herefords as continuing to sell from 2.80-3.00/kg, with forward and factory-type Friesians generally making 2.44-2.50/kg. With factory and Northern exporters very active for manufacturing beef along the border, Dowra, Ballymahon and Ballyjamesduff saw prices for cull cows in the region of 3.00/kg last week. Highly productive New Zealand composite breeds are not eligible for the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) as a result of strict genotyping rules, a breeder in Meath has said. Tefrom breeder John Keely in Dunderry said it is impossible for his sheep to comply with the scheme due to his continual introduction of new genetics and the refusal by Irish authorities to acknowledge existing data from New Zealand. SIS participants must buy a ram that has been genomically tested via Sheep Ireland. Lowland rams must be 4 or 5-Star on the replacement or terminal index. Tefrom sheep are a composite developed in New Zealand in the late 1980s to improve the Romney sheep with the introduction of Texel genetics for meat yield and disease resistance, and East Friesian genetics for milk and fertility. With Sheep Ireland I wont get any sensible scores for my Tefrom. I spoke with the geneticist there and he said it would take 10 years, Mr Keely said. Im going to be bringing in new genetics every couple of years and Id have to start from scratch every time, so its not going to work. Mr Keely records his sheep on Sheep Improvement Ltd, New Zealands breeding programme. In the last 30 years the Kiwis have halved their ewe flock but the lamb meat production per ewe has doubled. Sheep Ireland is governed by the Department and sheep breeders and I dont think they want to see New Zealand sheep coming in, Mr Keely continued. Tefrom are in the UK and they are flying there. They have them under Signet, their breeding programme and they will accept the New Zealand figures. I did this for myself and then Im selling just the top 10pc of the ram lambs. I dont really want to knock Sheep Ireland and I think its a difficult situation for some of their managers, but you can see because they have no farmer input into it there is an effect if its just sheep breeders. John is selling his Tefrom genetics to other commercial sheep flocks in Ireland, at 600 for ram lambs and 700 for hogget rams. Sheep Ireland did not respond to a request for comment. Climate Action and Sustainable Development and Drama, Theatre and Film Studies are set to be added to the Leaving Cert curriculum. Students going into fifth year from the 2025/26 academic year will be able to able to take the new subjects. The two new subjects will be offered on a phased basis, initially by 100 select schools who applied to be a part of phase one. In March 2022, Education Minister Norma Foley requested a review of the senior cycle from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Leaving Cert subjects were reviewed and redeveloped as part of a wider plan to revamp the Leaving Cert, a plan that has led to the introduction of the two new subjects. It is the first time new subjects have been added to the Leaving Cert curriculum since Physical Education and Computer Science were introduced in 2020. "These subjects will offer students a new learning experience and avenue to demonstrate their talents and develop key competencies, Minister Foley said. I am sure the latest new subjects will be equally successful and I want to wish the best of luck to the 100 schools around the country who have been selected to be in the first group of schools to offer the subjects from next year. The review will also see updates made to seven existing subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business, Ancient Greek, Arabic and Latin. These updates will be brought in for 2025/26. The Department of Education has said Climate Action and Sustainable Development aims to develop students capacity for informed and meaningful action for a just and sustainable world as they engage with key sustainability challenges including the climate crisis. "Students will be empowered to build their understanding of a number of interconnected core concepts and principles related to climate action and sustainable development. As part of the subject, students will take part in visits and outdoor learning, including local ecosystem projects, campaigning on sustainability issues and community outreach. Drama, Film and Theatre Studies aims to promote creativity and encourage creative risk-taking as a basis for learning through immersive experiences. "Students will have the opportunity to cultivate informed thinking through learning supported by creative and critical processes. Schools taking part in phase one of the rollout will be provided grants by the Department of Education for 2025/26 and 2026/27 to cover the associated costs of both subjects. breaking | Kyle Hayes overtook nine cars at high speed, court told, as he's banned from road The star Limerick hurler told the garda who stopped him he didnt realise he was speeding and had run out of road, the court heard Kyle Hayes outside court today (Pic: Provision) David Raleigh Tue 10 Sep 2024 at 16:15 Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes has been convicted of dangerous driving at Mallow District Court. A minister who defrauded his church of 10,000 and a grieving parishioner of 1,000 has been jailed for six months. As he sent Adrian Robert McLaughlin to prison, Judge Patrick Lynch KC told the now-former reverend that he abused the trust of his congregation and regarded the parish as if it was a personal fiefdom. The 50-year-old father-of-two was convicted of defrauding 10,000 from St Colmans Parish Church in Dunmurry, Co Antrim, on a date between October 15 and November 30, 2016. The jury at Craigavon Crown Court also found him guilty of defrauding a parishioner, who had just lost her husband, of 1,000 between September 24 and October 31, 2016. McLaughlin, who, despite the jurys verdicts, continues to maintain his innocence, was back in court on Tuesday where he was handed a 12-month sentence, which was divided equally between prison and licence. Before imposing the term, Judge Lynch, who was sitting in Belfast Crown Court, outlined McLaughlins offending. He revealed that McLaughlin, from Church Avenue in Dunmurry, had been the minister of St Colmans Church of Ireland since 2014. In January 2016, a fire at the church caused extensive damage and a fund was set up to help with the restoration costs. Over the period from August to November 2016, the church didnt have a treasurer and cheques issued from the churchs accounts required two signatures one of which was McLaughlins and the other from a nominated individual. On October 16, 2016, McLaughlin approached the nominated individual and asked him to co-sign a cheque for 10,000 which he said was to purchase a replacement organ. In November 2016, a member of the congregation took up the position of treasurer. When she examined the churchs books, she observed that the cheque stub for the 10,000 transaction bore the name Northern Ireland Organs Limited. It later emerged that McLaughlin had instead made the cheque out to himself. Regarding the 1,000 fraud, Judge Lynch said this was handed to McLaughlin by a parishioner whose husband had just passed away. She made the donation on the understanding that the money would be used to purchase memorial items in honour of her deceased husband, which were to be positioned in the church. Rev Adrian McLaughlin with his pet cat in 2016 On this occasion, McLaughlin requested that the payee line be left blank. Instead of purchasing the memorial item, McLaughlin filled in his own name and pocketed the 1,000. Despite the offences being committed in 2016, they were not detected until 2018, with McLaughlin interviewed by the PSNI in 2020. Following what Judge Lynch described as an acrimonious split from his wife, McLaughlin is now the soul carer of their two teenage children. During his trial, McLaughlin claimed the allegations of fraud against him were false and were mounted by his ex-wife and a cabal of parishioners who had taken her side when the marriage broke down. These claims were rejected by the jury, who in June found him guilty on two charges of fraud by abuse of position. At Tuesdays sentencing, Judge Lynch spoke of the degree of trust placed in McLaughlin in his position as a minister. He also spoke of the affect McLaughlins offending had on the congregation in particular the widow he defrauded and the nominated individual who co-signed the cheque for 10,000. Judge Lynch said he had read victim impact statements made by both parishioners. In her statement, the widow spoke of her upset at being lied to by McLaughlin, who she said was someone my late husband and I trusted. The judge commented: The sense of hurt and disappointment oozed from every sentence of her statement. In his statement, the parishioner who co-signed the 10,000 cheque said the allegations of fraud and McLaughlins actions resulted in him and his family leaving St Colmans Church in November 2019. He said: After a lifetime of belonging to the community of St Colmans, this is a huge wrench for all of us, and its still sometimes difficult for me to believe this has happened. Prior to passing sentence, Judge Lynch said he had taken into consideration defence submissions made by Richard McConkey KC. These included the delay in bringing the case to court, the impact and hardship a prison sentence would have on McLaughlins two children, and his previous good character. Judge Lynch said it was frequently and unfortunately the case that relatives of criminals suffer as much, or even more, as the offender, but that this has to be balanced against the harm done. Saying McLaughlin was in a position where a high degree of trust was reposed in him, the judge said McLaughlin was cavalier with that trust and that he almost regarded the parish as if it was a personal fiefdom. The 12-month sentence was then imposed and, as McLaughlins two children sat in the public gallery, he was placed in handcuffs and led into custody by prison staff. Numerous examples of racist slurs levied at workers were described at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference on Organising for anti-racist trade unions and workplaces A fast-food restaurant manager hung a picture of a monkey in the workplace and used it to harass black workers, a conference has been told. In another incident, a supervisor targeted and sexually harassed a young Polish women at a food processing company, while another manager referred to workers as rats. Numerous examples of racist slurs levied at workers were described at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference on Organising for anti-racist trade unions and workplaces. It was also revealed that some public servants in government departments had not signed up for mandatory training to combat racism. Presenting the results of research based on interviews with workers in healthcare, education and other sectors, Dr Lucy Michael said the incident in the fast-food outlet was not a massive outlier. She said racism was endemic in Irish workplaces north and south of the Border and had become a lot more overt, while management was slow to address it. You dont see it in the fast-food outlet because its not in front of you, the customer, she said at the conference that took place in the Gresham Hotel in Dublin. Its in the back room. Its in the staff room, in spaces where staff are together. She said a rise in online harassment and misinformation had led to a real expansion of racial slurs in the workplace. Thats the thing that for me is so new, is we really see things being reported about managers using racism and misinformation to control workers that are the most vulnerable and to isolate them from other workers and undercut them, she said. When asked about the worst cases she has come across, she spoke of a worker who was significantly demoted after tackling a racist shoplifter. The other case was a care worker in a care home in Northern Ireland who was accused of assaulting a patient, she said. She said it emerged that the patient had repeatedly made allegations against workers from ethnic minorities. Other incidents described in the new research include an employee who experienced racist comments and references to their skin colour and genitals by colleagues. An employer set up single-ethnicity production lines in a meat processing plant to keep the workforce divided along ethnic lines, it said. A public sector worker claimed it took their employer a year-and-a-half to address an incident in which a co-worker mocked their accent over the phone. A worker, who was the only foreigner on a management team, claimed they were excluded from social gatherings and later handed a termination letter without due process. Ms Michael said the Governments implementation report on the National Action Plan against Racism says several departments had to cancel mandatory anti-racism training due to a lack of updake. That for me, when I read thatthat for me was a wake-up call. Newly-appointed Special Rapporteur on Racism Ebun Joseph spoke of her disgust over online comments about Olympic sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke. Dr Joseph said: I posted up on Twitter and LinkedIn that Oh shes the fastest Irish woman. Oh my God, the vitriol that came out. Like, shes a kidyou dont attack her like that. The Department of Children was contacted for a response. Onshore wind projects are earmarked for sites in Kilkenny, Tipperary, Limerick and Donegal Almost 30 new solar and wind projects have been successful in the latest auction for renewable electricity contracts. Four onshore wind farms and 23 solar farms have secured contracts to produce electricity equivalent to the needs of 500,000 homes. They were among 43 projects that entered the auction under the latest Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction. The onshore wind projects are earmarked for sites in counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, Limerick and Donegal. Approved solar farms will be in counties Kildare, Meath, Carlow, Wicklow, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Roscommon and Kerry. Conall Bolger, chief executive of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA), welcomed the results. Every megawatt of new renewable capacity is a victory in the battle against climate change, he said. However, he said there were challenges ahead in getting the projects built and operating, including delays in strengthening the electricity grid to carry the power. He also said Ireland remained an expensive country to build solar and this was reflected in an auction price that, for consumers sakes, should have been lower. Noel Cunniffe, chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland, called for faster decisions on planning applications as renewable energy projects must have planning permission in order to enter a RESS auction It is also critical to ensure that national efforts to speed up the delivery of renewable energy projects are not impeded by county councils across Ireland amending County Development Plans to block the development of new wind farms, he said. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said the auction results were a significant boost to Irelands target of having 80pc renewable electricity by 2030. Accelerating delivery of renewable energy will help to protect Irish households and businesses from high fossil fuel prices, he said. We need a stronger pipeline of onshore wind and solar energy projects coming through our planning system and connecting to our grid. The average price struck in the auction for wind projects was 90.47 per megawatt hour and for solar, 104.76. If operators achieve less than those prices on the open market, the State will make up the difference but if they achieve higher prices, they must return the difference. The successful projects promise 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of power. Government targets are to have 9GW of onshore wind, 8GW of solar and 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The country currently has just over 6GW in total. One in 30 people aged between 40 and 80 years have glaucoma, according to researchers. Stock image Scientists in Dublin have developed a new gene therapy to treat the eye disease glaucoma. Glaucoma is described as the silent thief of sight and affects half a million people in Ireland. It can lead to loss of vision if not diagnosed and treated early. The team in Trinity College Dublin offer hope to people with the progressive debilitating eye condition It is not possible to reverse any loss of vision that occurred before glaucoma was diagnosed, but treatment including eye drops, laser procedures and surgery can help stop sight getting worse. The scientists in Trinity found their work on gene therapy led to significant benefit in animal models, and in human cells derived from people with glaucoma. The therapy protected key retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that are important in vision and improved their function in an animal model of glaucoma. In human retinal cells, delivery of the gene therapy increased oxygen consumption and production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a source of energy, indicating enhanced cell performance, the research published in the International Journal of Molecular Genetics said. First author Dr Sophia Millington-Ward, research fellow in Trinitys School of Genetics and Microbiology, said: Glaucoma is a complex group of optic neuropathies and a leading cause of blindness. In Europe, roughly one in 30 people aged between 40 and 80 years have glaucoma, and that rises to one in 10 in people over 90, so this is a really common condition that badly needs new treatment options. It is a multifactorial condition with many different risk factors, which adds to the complexity of treating it. Current glaucoma treatments focus on the use of topical eye drops, surgery or laser therapy. However, the outcomes are variable, with some patients not responding or suffering serious side effects. The need for better treatment options has inspired and motivated us to continue developing gene therapies, and we are delighted with the promise it is showing. The new gene therapy uses an approved virus to deliver an enhanced gene (eNdi1) developed by the Trinity team. The therapy was designed with the aim of boosting mitochondrial activity mitochondria are cellular energy generators responsible for ATP production and reducing damaging reactive oxygen species. Jane Farrar, research professor in Trinitys School of Genetics and Microbiology, is the senior author of the research article. She said that developing broadly applicable gene therapies for large numbers of patients is particularly important, given high development costs associated with each therapy and here we have highlighted this therapy has real potential for boosting mitochondrial function in glaucoma. The researchers said that the next focus is translation of the studies towards the clinic and patients, while involving many additional steps. The same team previously showed their therapy offered promise in treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). And the Trinity team was also recently involved in founding Vzarii Therapeutics to speed up the future development of the dry AMD and glaucoma gene therapies towards human clinical trials. Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike on a crowded tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the war in Muwasi, Gaza Strip. Photo: AP Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin has condemned the latest bombing which has killed 40 people in Gaza, and said the level of violence there is the worst the UN Secretary General has ever seen. The Government has appointed High Court judge Paul Gilligan to have talks with thalidomide survivors, it has emerged. It is expected that following engagement with the survivors that a report will be compiled and sent back to government. The move has been welcomed by the Irish Thalidomide Association who have been in a long battle for acknowledgement and compensation. Thalidomide was a drug that was given to mothers to treat morning sickness during pregnancy from the late 1950s before it was withdrawn in most countries in 1961. It was still available in Ireland in 1964. Thalidomide caused serious deformities in children and others did not survive pregnancy, birth or their early years. The Irish Thalidomide Association said the appointment of the judge would bring 63 years, many wasted years of our campaign, to an end. This looks like it will be different. We look forward as part of that process to a fair offer and a fair deal on all the issues we have campaigned on. We think that position is reasonable considering the indications and promises made by the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste at our survivors meeting. There is no time left now, they said. Survivors of the thalidomide scandal were left with life-long disabilities due to the morning sickness . Earlier this summer they rejected a letter of sympathy from the Government, expressing their devastation after their decades-long battle for justice. Thalidomide was a drug made in Germany in 1953 and was hailed for treating morning sickness in pregnant women but it left hundreds of thousands of babies dead or with missing or deformed limbs before being withdrawn in Ireland in 1962- nine months after other countries. Spokesperson Finola Cassidy said earlier this year the Government statement and offer of an enhanced medical and other supports package last week "fell far short of everything we were working for, for so many years, and our parents before us." Another survivor Kieran Lyons described it as an "insult disguised as an apology after waiting a lifetime to be acknowledged." The organisation's chairman John Stack said: If the drug was withdrawn when it should have been, I would not have been harmed. Im one of the youngest." Around 40 survivors live in Ireland but only 28 are acknowledged here. The survivors said that thirteen Taoisigh have "abandoned the thalidomide mothers of Ireland and their catastrophically disabled children. Thalidomide, even just one tablet, caused malformations to limbs, ears and internal organs. The number of suicides in the country fell last year to 302, down from 548 in 2018, provisional figures indicate. The 2023 figures from the Central Statistics Office do not take into account possible later registered deaths but they signal a falling trend in suicides in the last six years. It comes as World Suicide Prevention Day today is marked by highlighting actions that can help us to start a conversation, spread a message of hope and save more lives from suicide in Ireland. John Meehan, HSE Assistant National Director and Head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention, said: We hope that on World Suicide Prevention Day, and every day, people can build their confidence and knowledge to talk safely and sensitively about suicide. We ask people share Lets Talk About Suicide with their friends, families and in workplaces and communities. At any time in our personal or professional lives, any one of us might encounter a person who is in distress, or who needs a listening ear. It is important we all feel prepared for such conversations whenever they arise, be able to recognise the signs that a person is struggling, and feel confident in asking about suicide, when we need to. Meanwhile psychotherapist Thomas McCann, one of the first male Travellers in Ireland to be awarded a PhD said his community is frustrated because Government awareness of the Traveller suicide crisis has not translated into action. Dr McCann is a founder of the Traveller Counselling Service, a community-based counselling service for the Traveller community. Recommendations have been made and reports have been published, but this has not created the change which is so urgently needed. The lack of any real action has a negative impact on Traveller mental health. The long-quoted figure of the Traveller suicide rate being six times that of the settled population is almost certainly underestimated by now. Social media has become a constant in our lives in the intervening years. Its negative impact on vulnerable young Travellers cannot be understated and has been directly linked to our growing rate of youth suicide, Dr McCann said. He echoed calls that racism and exclusion of Travellers must be addressed to reduce unjustifiable suicide rates in the Traveller community. The call was made by the Galway Traveller Movement (GTM) for a National Traveller Mental Health Strategy. Helplines: If you have been affected by the contents of this article, click here for more information. Suicide prevention charity Pieta House has called on the Government to provide an immediate investment of 3.5m to keep services running sustainably into 2025 and beyond. To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the charity called for suicide prevention to be made a national priority and outlined several measures that could be introduced. They included a zero-tolerance policy towards long wait times for young people in a mental health crisis and 1.4m in funding for suicide prevention services for people aged 25 and under. The charity said 60pc of its clients in 2023 were under 25 and suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34. It has also called for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the next government, a role it said would save lives and ensure a clear focus on improving mental health supports. In a statement for the launch of Pietas annual report for 2023, CEO Stephanie Manahan said the charity continues to rely largely on the generosity of the general public. Our focus on financial sustainability remains a priority as Pieta services continue to rely on the generosity of the people of Ireland to support the continuity of our services, she said. While we continue to engage with the HSE on funding, there is still a major lack of state funding for suicide prevention services across the country. "We are dedicated to focusing on this underfunded area, raising awareness to challenge the stigma surrounding suicide and the lack of funding for related services. Ms Manahan also paid tribute to the late RTE journalist Charlie Bird, who died in March following a battle with motor neurone disease. Bird raised millions for Pieta House and other charities when he climbed Croagh Patrick as part of his Climb with Charlie fundraiser in 2022. A man who shared our commitment to our purpose was the incredible Charlie Bird. His impact through his fundraising and his awareness raising made an extraordinary difference to Pieta and to the support for services for people in crisis and need. "We were heartbroken when he died in early 2024 and will never forget his impact and message of hope. More than 11,000 people received support from Pieta House last year across intervention and bereavement counselling, and counselling over phone and video calls. More than 27,000 calls and 75,000 texts were answered, while the charity provided more than 50,000 hours of free counselling. The annual Darkness Into Light event, the charitys single largest source of income, raised 4.7m in 2023, up from 3.8m. The funds raised in 2022 came following a record high for the event the year prior. 109,000 people took part in walks across Ireland and 14 other countries. The report included feedback from people who had availed of Pietas services, who described the support they received as life-saving. "The helpline was a lighthouse in a very tough, lonely, dark time. Someone who listened, didnt judge, showed kindness and empathy. I am so deeply grateful for all the help Pieta offered me, one caller said. Legislation being drafted by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on both environmental and public health grounds Vapes are expected to be targeted with significant tax increase in the Budget next month. Photo: Getty Speaking as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly brings a memo to the Cabinet today seeking the ban on disposable vapes, he said around 13pc of people between the ages of 12 and 17 have vaped in the last 30 days and action needs to be taken in relation to that. Bright-coloured disposable vapes with exotic tobacco flavours would be banned under legislation being drafted by Minister Donnelly. The legislation will crack down on the thousands of different flavoured vapes available. He also wants to place restrictions on colours and imagery on packages to ensure they are not aimed at younger people. Vapes are expected to be targeted with significant tax increase in the Budget next month. Photo: Getty The legislation we published earlier this year takes a number of measures aimed at protecting children, said Taoiseach Simon Harris. "I welcome the fact that Minister Donnelly is bringing forward the proposal today that will also ban single use vapes, because what we're seeing in our towns and our villages and our cities right across the country is now the littering of the vaping as well as the health concerns too. Minister Donnelly said seeking Government agreement to draft the new piece of legislation to take action on vaping is really aimed at protecting children, and accused the vaping industry of cynically targeting children with flavours and colourful packaging. There would be a ban on some of the colour around the packaging and the products themselves, and restrictions on point of sale as well, said Mr Donnelly. In my view these companies are very cynically targeting children. There's over 15,000 flavours. We know some of them are targeted at children. We know a lot of the colouring and the packaging is targeted at children and young people, and really, we want to say, if you're an adult obviously you'll make your own decisions on this, but we want to make sure that we keep children safe, so I'll be seeking Government agreement on that, he said. The new legislation would result in significant restrictions on vapes and see the introduction of a complete ban on the sale, manufacture or import of single-use or disposable vapes in Ireland. The proposed ban is being drafted on both environmental and public health grounds. Mr Donnelly told RTEs News At One people are almost assaulted by very in-your-face advertising for vapes in newsagents and petrol stations. Weve already brought in a ban on selling vapes to anyone under the age of 18, this is the next step forward, he said. Were starting with one flavour, which is tobacco flavour. There are six countries in the EU with a ban on flavours. Most of them either have one, which is tobacco, or two which is tobacco and menthol. That list can be amended by secondary legislation by the Health Minister. Responding to concerns from the vape industry that a ban on disposable vapes would create a black market for them, Mr Donnelly said the products are an environmental scourge. We see them on the buses, we see them on the streets, we see them around the bins. Adults will still be able to buy vapes. The disposable vapes in the main are used by young people, theyre used by children. They are an environmental hazard. Will some people bring them in and choose to sell them? Sure, there are black markets to some extent in all manner of products. From a health, child protection and environmental perspective, its the right thing to do. Mr Donnelly said he expects legislation banning disposable vapes to be in hand within six to nine months and there is a chance it could be done before the next general election if the Government goes the full-term. So-called single-use vapes are relatively inexpensive and are often an impulse purchase in shops and disproportionately used by younger people who often experiment with them, a Department of Health source said. They also are a scourge on the environment, including littering and being incorrectly disposed of in bins and there are public health concerns that the devices could be resulting in the release of toxic compounds into the environment. The Minister is concerned vapes sold in this country contain the maximum permitted allowed levels of nicotine (20mg) and on their own are not an effective means of quitting cigarette smoking. The sale of all nicotine inhaling products to under-18s is already banned and a range of other curbs on advertising, pop-up shop sales and a ban of sale from vending machines will start next year. It is also expected vapes will be targeted with a significant tax increase in the Budget on October 1. Separately, Mr Donnelly will update the Cabinet on the projected increases in the number of GPs that will be working in Ireland over the coming years. The Minister is expected to say there has been an 80pc increase in GP training places during the Coalitions term in office. He will outline new figures estimating the current level of just over seven GPs per 10,000 population will increase to between nine and 10 per 10,000 in the coming years. A career as a GP is now deemed more attractive in Ireland as evidenced by over 1,300 applications for the 350 training places this year, a Department of Health source said. Mr Donnelly will also tell colleagues that the recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme, with over 120 GPs signing up. There is increasing pressure on GPs with more than half of people living in Ireland eligible for free GP care, including those with a full medical card and those with a GP visit card. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has sought fresh legal advice on a damning report about the abuse carried out by paedophile doctor Michael Shine. The minister asked Attorney General Rossa Fanning to examine previous legal advice given to a previous government after it was presented with a report on Shines abuse of young boys in Co Louth. The Irish Independent understands Mr Donnelly also asked officials in the Department of Health to review the files on the matter, and is keen for the report to be published, if possible. The report, known as the Drogheda Review, was carried out by retired High Court judge TC Smyth in 2009 and he recommended that it should not be published on the basis it could prejudice civil or criminal cases. The then attorney generals advice at the time supported this position. Shine served three years in prison for indecent and sexual assault of seven boys that took place between 1971 and 1992. He was released from prison in February 2022. Dozens of civil cases have also been taken against the Congregation of the Medical Missionaries of Mary, which ran the hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, where Shine worked. In the wake of a number of victims of Shine going public last month, Mr Donnelly decided to revisit the issue of whether the 2009 report could now be published and asked officials to seek a fresh legal opinion from the Attorney Generals Office. Last month, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he would consider whether it was appropriate to launch a public inquiry into the abuse carried out by Shine. He said the Government will reflect on calls for a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuse by the prolific abuser. I think the victims request that we would now take stock of where we are now at, and as a Government, to consider these matters, is something we will now reflect on, he added. The comments came after four men, Gerard Murray (53), Ian Armstrong (60), Larry Torris (40) and Cian Murray (68), spoke to the The Journal about their sexual abuse at the hands of the convicted paedophile doctor when he worked in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Labour Party TD Ged Nash, who represents the Louth constituency, previously called for a commission of investigation to be established by the Government after it emerged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to follow up on 25 additional claims made against the doctor. Clinton McCormack died in hospital five days after Co Wicklow gun attack Gardai have arrested three people suspected of providing logistical support to the hit team that targeted a father of three in Wicklow last year. Clinton McCormack (44) was shot several times by two masked gunmen while carrying out work at a housing development in Delgany on December 14 last. Mr McCormack died five days later after suffering a cardiac arrest in hospital. He also had an undiagnosed brain tumour. Yesterday morning, gardai arrested three suspects as part of the major investigation involving detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Two men and a woman, all in their 30s, were detained on suspicion of enhancing the capability of a criminal organisation to commit a serious offence. Sources said that the trio allegedly gave logistical support to the hit team before and after the shooting. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 10th This is an ongoing inquiry and these three are believed to have been involved in the sourcing of cars and mobile phones used for this shooting, a source said. The victims teenage son was also assaulted during the attack. The suspects in custody are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at garda stations in Co Wicklow. In January, a man in his 40s was arrested and questioned about a 2007 black Ford Focus hatchback linked to the shooting. Gardai believe that the gun attack on Mr McCormack was ordered by a north Wicklow drugs gang that made a previous attempt to murder him. Mr McCormack survived an attempt on his life in 2016 when a hitman approached him outside his Wicklow home. On that occasion, the gunmans weapon jammed. A struggle ensued and Mr McCormack managed to remove the attackers balaclava before he fled. Eoghan OConnell was later jailed for 12 years for attempted murder. At an opening of Mr McCormacks inquest last month, the Coroners Court heard that establishing the cause of death was extremely complex. Dr Crona Gallagher told a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court that the results of a post-mortem examination showed that the deceased suffered a hypoxic ischaemic brain injury (lack of oxygen to the brain) as well as acute swelling of the brain. The coroner said Mr McCormack also had an in-hospital cardiac arrest due to multiple gunshot wounds as well as a brain tumour. Timothy OBrien: Seven ways Kamala Harris can get under Donald Trumps skin in big debate that kicks off at 2am Irish time Vice-president will face off against her opponent hoping to banish memory of the disastrous, faltering display by Joe Biden, writes Timothy OBrien Former US president Donald Trump said he plans to allow Kamala Harris to speak without interruption during their presidential debate. Photo: Bloomberg Timothy OBrien Washington Post Tue 10 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Donald Trump advised Hillary Clinton during their second presidential debate in 2016 that he would set the US justice department on her if he was elected. We can't run the risk of more people being attacked and maimed by dangerous dogs. Photo: Getty How many pet dogs are there in Ireland? I tried to hazard a guess on the basis that nearly everyone seems to be trailing a lead these days. Oscar Wilde memorably said he could resist anything except temptation. The great Gaelic writer and journalist, Breandan O hEithir, almost half a century ago, wrote the epic novel, Lig Sinn i gCathu, its title a brave and deliberate pun on the opposite injunction to that in the Lords Prayer, pleading with God not to lead us into sin. Yes, temptation can be fun, while also being replete with danger, also part of the spice of the attraction. All such factors must be kept in mind now, since our national political discourse is all about efforts to bribe the voters with their own money. Right now, the national coffers are full, this time bloated by an excess of fickle, multinational firms tax revenues, with the bulk of it coming from a handful of international companies. The independent economic experts repeatedly warn that this excess revenue is subject to change for very many reasons. Older readers will remember comparable warnings in the years 2006-2008, and recall that similarly bloated tax revenues, at that stage from a soon-to-end building boom, swiftly ebbed away, leading to Ireland being put under three years of EU and international economic supervision in the quest for realistic remedies. It was all a grim time for an elderly generation who suffered through years of sluggish economic performance because they believed in the ideal of national independence. The resilience and good faith of the Irish people led to the sacrifices to take us out of that grim time, while many political leaders made tough decisions, and some paid a price in voter popularity. It was a reminder of the adage of former European Commission president and friend of Ireland, Jean-Claude Juncker, that tough remedies after the 2008 international crash were easy to identify. But re-election hopes of politicians dishing out such tough economic remedies were much harder to divine. This countrys burgeoning population, added to by an influx of migrants, has led us to many legitimate demands for better services, neglected over many years. People who suffered in the past deserve more welfare supports. Housing remains the core challenge for Government and demands still more and more investment in struggling efforts to play catch-up. We will have a general election this autumn, or it might drag into next spring. For the average citizen the timing difference is not even marginal, as only a short few months separate the putative dates. What is far more important to the average voter is to keep a focus on how viable and tenable, in the medium to longer term, are blandishments being offered in an election auction for support. We must remember that international political and economic shocks can cause huge, unwonted knock-on effects in our small, open economy. Thus, the message to Irish voters is look, listen and learn. Pose the rhetorical question: Do we want to return to the economic boom and bust cycle taking us back to the grim years 2010/2011? Keep the obvious answer in mind as you assess politicians blandishments from all sides in the coming weeks. Gisele Pelicot, who waived her right to anonymity, speaks to the media outside court in Avignon last week. Photo: AP In scenes likened to a horror movie, 51 men have gone on trial in the French city of Avignon, where they are all accused of sexually assaulting the same woman over a 10-year period. One of the men is 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot, who stands accused of repeatedly drugging and raping the woman, recruiting an unknown number of men to participate, and filming the abuse. The woman in question is his wife, Gisele Pelicot (72). The case has sent shockwaves across the country: not just due to the horrific nature and scale of the crimes, but because of Ms Pelicots decision to face her husband - who has admitted to the crimes - and the numerous other defendants head-on with the eyes of the public watching. Today on The Indo Daily, Rory Tevlin is joined by Paris-based freelance journalist Catherine Field, to examine the opening days of the trial. The TD said disposable vapes are a blight on our environment Cork North-Central TD Padraig OSullivan has welcomed proposals brought to cabinet by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly that would ban the sale of disposable vapes. Minister Donnellys proposals would also restrict the sale of flavoured vapes, which often appeal to children, and ban point-of-sale advertising displays in shops other than specialised outlets that only sell vapes. Deputy OSullivan said disposable vapes are a blight on our environment. They are hazardous if not recycled properly and they can be seen littered across the country, in all of our communities, in even the most remote locations, the Fianna Fail TD said. "For both environmental and public health reasons, banning disposable vapes is a hugely important step that will protect younger people in particular, who often impulse by them in shops and experiment with them." Deputy O'Sullivan said he welcomed the legislation aimed at tackling advertising displays, packaging and flavours, as these are targeted at younger people. "The bright colours and imagery used to promote flavoured vapes are used to attract young people into impulse purchases. By introducing plain packaging for vapes we will reduce their appeal to youth and non-users, and by banning point of sale advertising displays we will reduce 'gateway' vaping among young people, he said. "The efforts of Minister Donnelly to tackle the scourge of youth vaping must be applauded. My party colleagues and I in Fianna Fail recognise that nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and we are acting to make these products less accessible to our young people and to remove them from their everyday lives." Residents in an apartment complex in Smithfield are living in conditions they describe as crazy, battling sewage smells, dampness, mould and a lack of clean water. In recent weeks, complaints have escalated from tenants in the Marmion Court complex near Queen Street, with residents forming a committee to highlight the deteriorating living conditions. Many feel their calls for help have been ignored by Dublin City Council (DCC), leading to a growing sense of frustration. Kathy McCauley has detailed the daily struggles she and other residents face as they have been forced to buy bottled water. You turn on the tap and you get sewage smells. Theres brown water. You cant drink it. People are buying bottled water just to get by, she said. "Its freezing cold, and people are finding mould near childrens beds. Its black, green, like something youd see in the Liffey. Its really bad. You try and put a nail in the wall to hang a picture, and the whole wall crumbles, she added. Residents complain of health concerns due to the conditions, with frequent hospital visits for children with respiratory issues, including pneumonia. With help from local councillors such as Christy Burke, Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon and Independent councillor Malachy Steenson, residents have been pushing for solutions. Meetings with local representatives have resulted in some progress, with DCC acknowledging the existing issues and promising to address the water situation, with water tanks expected to be delivered soon. However, many residents feel the conditions violate basic living standards and more urgent action is required. We pay rent and maintenance fees, yet nothing gets done. The place is falling apart. It would be better to move everyone out and demolish it, Kathy said. Theyve left it for so long now, the issues in here, theres so much work and money that would have to be spent. It would just be better to move the people out and pull this place down. The problem is theres a stigma against us. People think were just sitting on welfare and that couldnt be further from the truth. We pay rent, we pay a maintenance fee, and yet this is how were treated, she added. While some councillors suggest demolition and rebuilding as the only long-term solution, a number of long-time residents are reluctant to leave their homes. Residents are calling for DCC to take urgent action, not only to provide clean water but to address the structural and safety concerns that have plagued the flats for years. Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam said the refurbishment of the flats roughly 25 years ago didnt address the fundamental problems in the complex. Theres serious dampness, windows are unable to open, rain getting into bedrooms, and metal balcony railings rusting, he said. We dont need any more assessments; I want to see a water tanker provided to the residents so that they have fresh drinking water. My own view, ultimately, is that I think we should be looking at the demolition and rebuild of Marmion Court, but thats without seeing the details of the assessment work. This is a quality-of-life issue with basic services not available at the moment. Now that the residents themselves are organised, I think this provides further impetus to come up with a clear, long-term plan. Not just to fix the short-term issues, but to decide whats going to be done with Marmion Court, he added. Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment. This article was amended on October 4 to include Cllr Steensons name as playing a role in the committee Residents near Dublin Airport will join an international day of protest against night time flights Residents in north county Dublin are joining an international demonstration against night time flights this Friday. The International Day for the Ban on Night Flights at Airports is taking place in countries such as Australia, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands. The demonstration in Dublin will be held from 5pm on Friday at the junction of the R108 and Kilreesk Road near the North Runway at Dublin Airport. Dr Niamh Maher, who lives in St Margarets with her husband and two young children, says the family is suffering because of aircraft noise. Following complaints about night flights, a planning enforcement notice by Fingal County Council was issued to Dublin Airport in July 2023. This restricted the number of night flights to 65 between 11pm and 7am. The High Court subsequently issued a stay on the enforcement order, and Ms Maher says not much has changed since. Night flights shouldnt be occurring because of the significant impact they can have on anybody thats been exposed to those levels of noise, even when theyre asleep, she said. Night flights affect your health, particularly cardiovascular health, and if someone already has pre-existing conditions, it can make it worse. However, airport operator daa said there are currently no night time flights on North Runway between 11pm and 7am, other than in exceptional circumstances. The number of night time flights on South Runway depends on a variety of factors. Daa says it has proposed managing night time noise through an annual noise quota, which aligns with international best practice and encourages the incentivisation of newer, lower emission and lower noise aircraft at night. North Dublin resident Dr Niamh Maher According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual average night exposure to noise should not exceed 40 decibels, corresponding to the sound from a quiet street in a residential area. Persons exposed to higher levels over the year can suffer from mild health effects such as sleep disturbances and insomnia. Ms Maher claims the current noise levels are over 55 decibels which is impacting 4,500 people in the area surrounding Dublin Airport. Its not just a not in my backyard mentality... Its affecting so many people, you cant turn a blind eye to it, she added. She said that the demonstration on Friday is an indicator that this isnt just a local issue, but that its happening in many major airports globally. A report from the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) last month revealed a sharp rise in the number of people near Dublin Airport exposed to high noise levels at night. Those experiencing noise above 55 decibels between 11pm and 7am increased from 1,533 in 2019 to 4,465 in 2023. Read more DAA boss predicts ECJ will intervene in Dublin Airport passenger-cap row Despite this, the number of people classified as highly sleep disturbed dropped by 31pc compared to 2019, while those highly annoyed by the noise fell by 38pc. In response to queries, daa said it is very aware that airport operations have an impact on local communities and works hard to minimise this. Our job is to operate a major international airport and ensure Ireland has the connectivity it needs with the world, a daa spokesperson said. We have to strike a balance between this and the needs of those living close to the airport. Thats always going to be difficult, but we are constantly working to minimise the impact and listen to community feedback. We welcome ANCAs review of our progress against the long-term objectives theyve set and are encouraged to see significant reductions in the number of people categorised as highly annoyed (-38.3pc) and highly sleep disturbed (-31pc) in 2023 vs 2019. There is further progress to be made in some categories where the number of people impacted has increased vs 2019. However, much of this can be attributed to population growth in overflown areas during this time. Also, new houses built in these areas are required to include insulation measures, which ANCAs review doesnt take account of. The review also notes that some mitigation measures proposed by daa and approved by ANCA in 2022 have not been implemented yet due to an appeal to the planning authorities. Daa is eager to progress with these measures including providing insulation to more than 600 eligible homes as soon as there is an outcome from the ABP process (known as the North Runway Relevant Action). Daa will now take time to review the full contents and conclusions of the report, the spokesperson added. Baalbec Take Away in Kilmallock faces closure order after HSE inspection reveals poor hygiene, pest risks, and inadequate food preparation conditions A part of a Limerick takeaway has been hit with a Closure Order following a damning inspection by Environmental Health Officers from the Health Service Executive (HSE), according to a report issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Baalbec Take Away, located on Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock, was among eight food businesses across Ireland to be served with a Closure Order in August due to breaches of food safety legislation. Issued under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020, the order targeted the takeaways outdoor area used for potato peeling and preparation. At Baalbec Take Away, the report revealed the absence of a handwashing basin for food handlers in the potato preparation area, and the improper storage of the potato peeler in an outdoor shed, with no protection from contamination. Additionally, the door to the potato preparation area was poorly fitted, allowing pests easy access. There were also large gaps in the walls and ceiling of the preparation space, with signs of plants and trees growing through the ceiling. Other concerns included the lack of appropriate wall coverings, with open concrete exposed, and an unfinished floor unsuitable for food preparation. The general standard of cleanliness was described as poor and maintenance in the potato preparation area was described as very poor. Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, warned that there is a legal responsibility for food businesses to act responsibly and ensure the food they provide to their customers is safe to eat. Whilst most food businesses follow high food safety standards and are compliant with food law, inspectors continue to encounter cases where consumers health is put at risk through a failure to comply with food safety and basic hygiene requirements. "These non-compliances are avoidable, and we have zero tolerance for any food business that does not comply with its legal requirements. Food businesses have a legal requirement to ensure the safe supply of food and it is unacceptable that basic procedures like handwashing, cleaning, robust pest control measures and storing food correctly at the appropriate temperature are not being properly followed. Food businesses must do better. The Closure Order will remain listed for three months after a business has rectified the violations and is deemed to have met the required safety standards. An artist's impression of the view from Market Square onto Rafter Square as part of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First plan. While plans for major changes to the layout of Enniscorthy town centre received no support at a special meeting of local councillors last week, it seemed there had been a change of heart at the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council. The plan to drastically alter road layouts and pedestrianise parts of Market Square was met with some vocal opposition from some locals and business owners, who held strong reservations, in particular, about the removal of parking spaces and traffic from the square. It was also stressed, however, that the application forms a vital part of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First plan, which hopes to attract upwards of 20 million in much-needed funding from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to transform the town. The plan for the town focuses on three main areas Market Square, the Castle Heritage Quarter and Templeshannon with some councillors feeling that the latter was being put on the long finger once again. Amid high tensions, the outcome of last weeks special meeting was that the Enniscorthy councillors as a whole stated that they could not support the plan in its current guise. A week is a long time in politics, and it seems that the councillors had received assurances in the interim as the Part 8 planning application came before the full council for approval on Monday. We need to put our best foot forward here in terms of attracting URDF funding, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe told the members. Noting some of the concerns, he said that the current plan allowed for the retention of as much parking as possible. With demolition works having begun on the old Murphy Floods site in the town centre, he noted that this site would return a minimum of 20 parking spaces while a significant retail offering is sought for the site. Mr Taaffe also stated that there is a commitment for regeneration in the Templeshannon area". He said that the council had already taken charge of the swimming pool and he said there is an agreement on all sides that, as a local authority, we need to invest in Templeshannon. He also directly referenced plans for the Castle Quarter and said that he would return with proposals for the members by November. "This Part 8 (planning application) is the first step forward in a plan for the town centre, he concluded. "We need to maximise our chances of significant funding for the town. Cathaoirleach of the Enniscorthy Municipal District Aidan Browne noted that this had been an incredibly difficult decision for the local councillors. Cllr Aidan Browne "Its been a long week, he said. What weve been given is a guarantee that the loss of 104 parking spaces is now down to 43. We need town centre parking. Proposing the council move forward with the plan, he said: I know not everyone will be happy with this, but we have to make a decision for the good of Enniscorthy. "Im happy weve received a commitment from the executive on Templeshannon, as well as the Castle Quarter. Accentuating the positives, Cllr Browne said that the new layout would provide another opportunity for Enniscorthy. "The creation of bus spaces in the town centre also gives us the opportunity to have a proper town bus service for the first time. Enniscorthy is a town of 12,500 people. It's one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland. We need services like this. "We need to make Enniscorthy beautiful. When re-elected back in June, Independent councillor Jackser Owens used his first interview to state that he would not be voting for the removal of parking spaces from Market Square. He was also vociferous in his opposition to the plans, even in the past week. Despite this, he told the meeting: I agree with everything that Cllr Browne has said. It has been a long week," he said. But getting the parking spaces in Murphy Floods was important. We need money and we need to bring the town back to the way it was. Im delighted to support it. Before confirming his support for the plan, Fine Gael councillor Cathal Byrne wished to point out what had changed in the past week. "The difference from what was discussed last week is that we now have a commitment that all available resources will be utilised to maximise our application for URDF funding. Cllr Byrne also welcomed commitments on Templeshannon. "There is a big feeling on the east side of our town that they have been forgotten, he said. That feeling is justified. But we now have a very important opportunity to secure funding that will be important for both sides of town. While he now represents the Kilmuckridge LEA, Cllr Paddy Kavanagh recalled two abysmal applications for funding for the Templeshannon area in years gone by. He wondered where the east side of town fell in the list of priorities for the town centre first plan. "I would see all three elements of the project moving together, Mr Taaffe said. "Market Square will be first to go to planning, then the Castle Quarter. Between now and the end of the year, well try to develop a plan for Templeshannon. "The idea is to apply for URDF funding for all three together and the timeframe for that will depend on when applications for funding open up. The Part 8 planning application which was brought before the council allowed for revised street layouts and public realm improvements to Castle Hill, Castle Street, Church Street, Court Street, Weafer Street, Spout Lane, Catheral Street, Main Street, Barrack Street and Island Road to incorporate pedestrianisation, revised on-street parking zones, increased pavement widths, landscaping and active travel measures. It was the recommendation of the Chief Executive and council planners that the application be sent forward to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Enniscorthy Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne proposed this and it was seconded by Cllr Jackser Owens with no dissenting voices from the chamber. Former RTE presenter Brian Dobson was the special guest at the annual Kennedy tea party, offering some great insights into the media industry, and recounting fascinating stories from his time as a journalist and broadcaster. Being interviewed by Dunbrody visitor centre CEO, Sean Connick in front of 200 people in a marquee at the JFK Arboretum, Mr Dobson spoke of his positive upbringing in Dublin, adding that getting into journalism was an early ambition of his. Having got involved in a radio programme, he caught the journalism bug and ended up working with Radio Nova, which was then a pirate radio station. Having gotten a job with BBC Northern Ireland, he found himself presenting news. "We used to get the news from RTE and would transcribe it. We did some original journalism also, he said. Mr Connick recalled the proliferation of pirate radio stations in Ireland at the time, including Radio New Ross. Mr Dobson said he started covering big news event like the collapse of the government in Ireland in 1982 following a a budget. He said competition from pirate stations helped RTE to up its game. Having been head-hunted by RTE, he became a presenter and reporter in 1987. I thought I would do a few years and move onto something else. Suddenly its 37 years later and you are collecting your pension! When asked his preference between radio and TV, Mr Dobson seemed to indicate a bigger gra for radio because of its immediacy and impact at delivering news. With radio, all you have to do is get someone on the other end of the phone. TV is far more complicated and needs a lot more resources," he said, adding that TV is what made him a household name. "It gave me my profile with the viewing public and I spent most of my RTE career on TV." Among the highlights of his career was covering the Good Friday Agreement and the Queen's visit. These are moments in our history or moments in another countrys history where a page has turned and a new chapter has opened. 9/11 was one of those, the Good Friday Agreement also and the royal visit was a very exciting occasion and transformational in terms of relations between Britain and Ireland. The economic crash here was a slow motion change, he said, adding that when the troika arrived there was a sense of loss of national sovereignty. Mr Dobson said moments of hope in the world are the stories that stay with him most, moments like the landmark South African election in 1994. These were achievements of politics and politicians. This all gives me hope that there can still be a resolution to political conflicts. I think we should still show respect to politicians; the politicians who try to achieve these breakthroughs. He said the vast majority of politicians are in politics to improve their communities. On the RTE scandal, Mr Dobson said his colleagues and the viewers were grievously failed by the organisations leadership. He said there is now uncertainty among staff as job losses are expected at the national broadcaster. There is a feeling of betrayal and being let down. I have a lot of confidence in Kevin Bakhurst as he is clear-sighted and knows RTE. Describing social media as a minefield of misinformation, he said: I think there is such a vast volume of material out there, I think people will look to get information that is relevant to them and that they can trust. I am less concerned about people getting their information on their phone or laptop; it's about getting the right source of this information. Traditional media organisations are not perfect and mistakes are made, but the intention is to deliver reliable information. Dont write us off just yet! Describing the news cycle as relentless, he said: The idea of turning on the radio at 1 for your news is gone. Youre turning it News at One on for extra night so we have to change the material we present to audiences, but the generational thing is a huge challenge. I can see the traditional format of news programming fade as we all move on to the next stage. Mr Dobson said covering so many stories causes the brain to empty out every day, so journalists often forget a story they had worked hard on days previously. He said the legacy of John F Kennedys presidency was transformative for Irish, American relations, adding that the Kennedy story of the story of the 'enormous power of emigration. Concluding, Mr Dobson said when President's Biden's tenure ends, it could mark a weakening of this relationship, as he was a president who always remembered his Irish roots. A combination of his sporting achievements, his outstanding entrepreneurship and his notable philanthropic efforts over the years have combined to see Wexford man Liam Griffin put forward for an honorary doctorate from the South East Technological University (SETU). An inspirational figure, tales of Griffins speeches to the All-Ireland winning Wexford team of 1996 have become the stuff of legend and even spawned a Laochra Gael documentary on TG4 in recent years. However, its not just the events of 28 years ago that will see the Rosslare man receive his honorary doctorate. Mr Griffin is also being honoured for his entrepreneurship in scaling The Griffin Hotel Group into a multi-million-euro company, operating three flagship hotels in the south east Monart Destination Spa, Ferrycarrig Hotel and Hotel Kilkenny. He is also being recognised for his philanthropic support of community organisations and charities over the years. In total, five people will be conferred with honorary doctorates from the university this year. Alongside Mr Griffin will be Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association; legendary horse trainer Willie Mullins; educator and humanitarian Sr Brigid Reynolds and Eamonn McEneaney, former Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures. Embodying the values that SETU aims to promote, the candidates nomination followed a rigorous process of selection by students, staff, and alumni of SETU with the final decision made by the SETU Governing Body. Announcing the 2024 recipients, Chairperson of the SETU Governing Body and Chancellor of the University, Professor Patrick Prendergast said, SETU is committed to celebrating excellence and recognising outstanding achievements of people in the south east, and further afield. We are proud to acclaim those who make important and lasting contributions to society. The five honourees are an inspiration to us all and we are proud that they have accepted to become part of our university community. In recognising all the nominees for their outstanding contribution to society, we are delighted to announce that an honorary degree will be conferred on the candidates at the autumn 2024 conferring ceremonies, Prof Prendergast concluded. Meanwhile, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, congratulated the candidates, stating that it was the highest and most prestigious honour that SETU could bestow. These awards align with SETUs mission to place education, creativity, and talent at the core of our regions economic, social, and cultural growth, she said. "They also reflect our ambitions to position SETU as a leading technological university on both a European and global scale. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the five nominees on their upcoming conferral. Taoiseach Simon Harris visited Temple Carrig secondary school in his hometown of Greystones, on Monday, September 9, to mark a special moment as one million students have now availed of a programme in biotechnology education spearheaded by the Amgen Foundation. The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) is a global initiative dedicated to advancing biotechnology education and the Greystones school is one of the leading schools involved in the programme in Ireland. Since its introduction in 2014, ABE has empowered over 23,700 students and trained more than 215 science teachers across 175 secondary schools in Ireland. Globally, the programme has now reached over one million students across 16 countries. Taoiseach Simon Harris said: For 10 years, students right across the country have been introduced to the excitement of scientific discovery thanks to this excellent initiative. The importance of this experience to students cannot be understated, with many students getting their first taste of biotech from the Amgen Biotech Experience, he continued. I am delighted to be joined with Amgen CEO Bob Bradway and Chair of the Amgen Foundation Emily Razaqi here in Wicklow today. Their dedicated and generosity has enriched the scientific experience for thousands of our students and I want to pay tribute to them for that, he added. Addressing students, Mr Bradway encouraged them to seize the opportunity. Remember, every great scientist started somewhere often in a school just like this one, with a teacher just like your own Dr Cathcart and with a curiosity about how things work, he said. Through ABE, students in Ireland and across the globe are gaining hands-on experience with professional-grade scientific equipment. The programme offers practical lessons in DNA analysis, gel electrophoresis and genetic engineering, helping students connect classroom theory to real-world scientific challenges. As part of the celebration, four teachers in Ireland, including Dr Cathcart of Temple Carrig school, will share a bursary of 20,000 to help advance science education in their schools through the ABE program. These include training for teachers ahead of the new Leaving Cert biology specification in 2025/2026 and the introduction of ABE for deaf and hard of hearing students. Ruby Gilligan (6) and Michael OBrien (7) celebrating Tesco Ireland doubling the number of DEIS primary schools nationwide receiving supports from its Stronger Starts schools programme. Seven Wicklow schools will receive free fresh food packs as part of Tescos expanded Stronger Starts Food programme. As children across the country return to primary school after the summer holidays, Tesco Irelands Stronger Starts Food is back and ready to lend a helping hand. Earlier this year, Tesco Ireland doubled the reach of the Stronger Starts Food programme and now provides weekly free fresh food packs to 240 DEIS primary schools and 5,400 children throughout Ireland, including seven schools in Wicklow. Each food pack contains a mix of seasonal fruit and vegetables, including products like fresh apples, onions, potatoes, and carrots, and is delivered to those who need it. Tesco Irelands Stronger Starts Food has grown rapidly in recent years. It began as a pilot programme in 2021, providing food parcels to children in 40 DEIS schools. Key Irish food producers, and longstanding Tesco supplier partners Country Crest, Keelings and Dole are also a vital link in the chain to ensure these families get the support they need. Rosemary Garth, communications director at Tesco Ireland, said: With Stronger Starts Food, our aim is to help make a positive change within our communities. Every child deserves the chance to thrive and have access to fresh, nutritious food. With children returning to primary schools, were delighted to now be back providing free, fresh food packs to 240 DEIS primary schools and 5,400 children throughout Ireland, helping children and their families to make and create meals at home. The vital role Wicklow Cancer Support plays in the Wicklow town community, and surrounding areas, was emphasised on by the large attendance as the charity celebrated its 20th anniversary with friends and supporters at Wicklow Golf Club. Formed in 2004, Wicklow Cancer Support provides practical and emotional support before, during and after treatment, to individuals and families affected by a cancer diagnosis in Wicklow town, Rathnew, Ashford, Glenealy, Brittas Bay, Barndarrig, Redcross, Newtownmountkennedy, Kilcoole, Newcastle and the surrounding areas. Up to 80 people attended their 20th anniversary night. Wicklow Cancer Support chairperson Mary Heaslip said: There were guests present who used to be clients and are now Wicklow Cancer Support volunteers, and vice-versa. The night was a celebration to mark our 20th anniversary, but also to thank all the people who have supported us down the years through fundraising and organising different events on our behalf, and who continue to fundraise for us. The support we get from the local community is unbelievable and both local groups and individuals have been so generous. Our expenditure from the end of June of 2023 up to May of this year was 157,072, and that wouldnt have been possible without all the generous support and donations we receive. Wicklow Rotary Club organise the remembrance tree each Christmas, which we benefit from, and one of the Rotary members recently said to me that they dont have to tell people who Wicklow Cancer Support are because they already know about us. Wicklow Cancer Support was formed in 2004 after Jenny Dunne had two friends suffering from cancer, and when she tried to help them, she discovered practical and emotional needs which were not being met. She received great assistance from Kathleen Kelleher of Greystones Cancer Support as she went about establishing Wicklow Cancer Support. The original trustees were Jennifer Dunne, Tina Ferguson, Irene Winters, Ciara Furlong, Martina Keenaghan, Siobhan Delahunt, and Tim Nelligan. Fundraising to provide services was supported by the local community and businesses and the first centre opened its doors on Mortons Lane, with Professor John Crown officially opening the premises. In 2014 they moved to their current premises on Abbey Street. All the services provided by Wicklow Cancer Support are free of charge, including transport to and from hospital engagements. Over 30 volunteers give up their time to pick clients up from their homes, bring them to their appointments and return them to their homes. Wicklow Cancer Support covers drivers fuel costs. They also have an art group and womens group and provide chair yoga, massage and reflexology, mediation and mindfulness, play therapy for children and bra fittings to avoid the need for a trip to Dublin. Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy also started this year. Over the 12-month period leading up to May 31, the transport service provided by Wicklow Cancer Support made 1,166 return trips. During the same period they provided 134 counselling sessions and 120 massage, reflexology and alternative therapy sessions. 320 people attended the art group, 188 attended chair yoga, 249 attended the womens group and 70 attended the mediation and mindfulness sessions. Keith Symes from Wicklow-based food producer Pure Bea, winner of the Grow with Aldi 2024 programme. Wicklow-based food producer Pure Bea will have their rapeseed oil stocked in 162 Aldi stores across Ireland after being crowned one of this years Grow with Aldi programme winners. Based in Hawkstown near Wicklow town, Pure Bea is run by farmer Keith Symes, who produces naturally blended, low-calorie rapeseed oil that is tasty, flavoursome and rich in nutrients like vitamin E and omega 3 making it ideal for home cooking. Pure Bea was chosen as a winner of the Grow with Aldi programme following a nationwide call out that saw emerging food and drinks producers from all over the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland apply to take part. In May, 27 finalists were chosen to have their products go on sale in Aldi stores nationwide as part of a specialbuy promotion, with three winners ultimately coming out on top. With Pure Bea securing a specialbuy contract, it will cement their business presence on the Irish retail scene and see their products stocked in 162 stores nationwide. The winning producers come from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with products including cinema-quality popcorn and candy floss, tasty garlic mayonnaise and healthy, heart-friendly olive and sunflower oil spray and rapeseed oil spray. All three winners products will be on shelves for a period in Aldi stores nationwide from September 12, allowing Aldi customers to discover the finest Irish artisan food at unbeatable prices, with the products returning to Aldi shelves as specialbuys at various times throughout 2025. I am thrilled to have been chosen as one of this years winners of Grow with Aldi, Keith Symes of Pure Bea said. This show of support is such a boost for a small business, and I am tremendously grateful to Aldi and Bord Bia for taking a chance on Pure Bea. The entire process has been an incredible experience, and were excited to bring our products to a much larger audience for them to try. Undertaken in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is now in its seventh year and is a leading developmental platform for Irish suppliers. The programme provides invaluable industry mentorship and retail guidance, aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of small to medium-sized Irish businesses. Since its inception in 2018, Aldis initiative has invested over 10 million, propelling Irish-made products to new heights. Amanda Holden has railed against the confinement of big cats at zoos by getting locked into a small cage in central London to demonstrate the restrictive living conditions. The TV star was among a number of famous faces including presenter Kirsty Gallagher and actress Jenny Seagrove who were held captive in cages in Londons Leicester Square. The protest was organised by wildlife charity Born Free in a bid to highlight how some animals such as lions, tigers and cheetahs are in inadequate living spaces, unnatural social groupings, and distressing proximity to prey animals in zoos across the UK and Europe. Kirsty Gallacher demonstrating the restrictive living conditions big cats in confinement experience (Matt Crossick/PA) Speaking about the confinement of big cats, Holden told the PA news agency: I still cant believe in this day and age, with the empathy that we have and the causes that we have, that were still seeing caged big cats. Its nuts. She added: Im all about conservation, so thats very important, but I think seeing zoos still containing beautiful wild creatures that should be running free needs to stop. I understand that theres an educational side, that people learn from observing these beautiful creatures, but their captivity is not a good thing to be teaching or educating our children. Theres a million other ways that we can study animals. She encouraged others who felt passionately about the issue to speak to their local zoos and to educate their children about animals living the wild. After being held in the cage, she said it doesnt feel great as she is used to be being able to do what she wants as a free woman. The cages containing the celebrities were fitted with zoo-style signage which gave information about the human species and a Did You Know? facts section. The protest comes alongside the release of a new report by the charity which claims that more than 3,000 big cats being held in zoos across Europe and the UK face a myriad of issues. It also compares how small the average enclosures are for different big cats in comparison to their natural range in the wild. Co-founder and trustee of Born Free Dame Virginia McKenna said: It is distressing to see the conditions of big cats living in captivity, where these creatures are restricted to spaces many orders of magnitude smaller than those in which they have evolved to roam. In our new report, we are challenging the global zoo industry to phase-out big cat captivity and cease breeding animals destined for a life in an enclosure. We hope the public will join us. As part of its campaign, the charity is calling on the Government to implement key recommendations including stopping breeding programmes, ending the import of big cats from other countries, banning visitor interactions, the introduction of mandatory enclosure size regulations and separating big cats from prey species. China's victory in poverty reduction resonates particularly in Africa, where many nations view China's efforts as a source of inspiration in their own quests to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. by Writers Lu Jiafei, Ye Shuhong BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- During his recent talks with Comorian President Azali Assoumani here in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up a Chinese TV series that has resonated deeply in both China and Africa. Known internationally as Minning Town, the series carries the more poetic Chinese title, Shan Hai Qing, which means "Friendship Across the Mountains and the Sea." This title reflects the spirit of cooperation between China's coastal and mountainous regions in their shared battle against poverty. Set in the 1990s, the TV series is based on real-life events in Xihaigu, a remote and impoverished area in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The series depicts the relocation of villagers from the barren mountains to a more hospitable area called Minning, located near the Yellow River, with assistance from east China's Fujian, a wealthier coastal province in eastern China. It is an epic example of China's arduous journey against extreme poverty, and such experiences have significantly shaped its development model and worldview. Having successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty, China has acquired firsthand knowledge of the transformative impact of poverty alleviation on a country's development and long-term stability. This experience has also strengthened China's belief that eradicating poverty is not only a domestic priority but also a global imperative. The show's popularity in Africa highlights the growing cultural exchange and deepening development ties between China and African nations. It is also emblematic of China's experience in poverty alleviation. China's victory in poverty reduction resonates particularly in Africa, where many nations view China's efforts as a source of inspiration in their own quests to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. One example of China's commitment to helping African countries tackle poverty is the transfer of Juncao technology, often referred to as the Chinese hybrid grass technology. Originally developed in China, this innovative technology uses a type of hybrid grass to cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms, while also serving as animal feed and a natural method for controlling soil erosion. In the TV series based on true stories, Juncao technology helps the resettled farmers of Minning Town develop the mushroom industry and get rid of poverty. Juncao technology has been introduced to various African countries, where arable land is limited and food insecurity is prevalent. China's commitment to helping African countries address the thorny issue of poverty extends beyond technology sharing. Through targeted investments, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, China is helping African nations develop the infrastructure, industries, and human resources needed to break the cycle of poverty. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is one of the key channels through which this support flows. By building critical infrastructure such as railways, highways, and energy projects, China is not only improving connectivity across Africa but also creating opportunities for economic growth and employment, helping African countries integrate into global supply chains. China's anti-poverty efforts in Africa are also manifested in education and healthcare initiatives. By investing in schools, vocational training centers, and healthcare facilities, China is working with African nations to build the foundation for long-term human capital development. This focus on education and health not only improves the well-being of the locals but also equips individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to escape poverty. In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Thursday, Xi said that China stands ready to work with Africa to implement 10 partnership action plans in the next three years to jointly advance modernization. These measures are specifically designed to help Africa combat poverty and foster development by focusing on areas such as trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, and agricultural advancement. The plans will also emphasize improving livelihoods, enhancing connectivity, promoting green development, and strengthening health systems, all aimed at lifting communities out of poverty and driving modernization across the continent. As China and Africa move forward together, this enduring friendship stands as a testament to their shared vision: a future where the mountains of poverty are leveled, and the seas of opportunity are navigated hand in hand, leading to a horizon of shared growth and development. Star Wars creator George Lucas has led tributes to beautiful human being James Earl Jones following the actors death aged 93. On Monday, his long-time agent Barry McPherson confirmed the veteran actor, best known for being the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, had died. Joness voice was also lent to the likes of Mufasa in Disneys 1994 film The Lion King, various audiobooks and to CNN for its This is CNN tagline. During his career, he won a host of awards including Emmys, Tony Awards, a Grammy and was given an honorary Oscar. In a statement released following Joness death, Lucas called Jones an incredible actor and a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being, he said. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of usfriends and fans alike. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said: James Earl Jones is one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television. 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 menacing baritone he brought to Darth Vader will forever be beloved by fans and regarded as one of the great villainous performances in cinema. His commanding presence on screen, and warm personality off-screen, will be greatly missed. Disney chief executive Bob Iger credited the indelible mark the actor left on generations of audiences. He said: From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. On behalf of all of us at Disney, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Joness fellow Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker, wrote on social media #RIP dad with a broken heart emoji. American actor Kevin Costner, who starred alongside Jones in the 1989 baseball film Field Of Dreams, paid tribute on Instagram. Alongside pictures of the pair from the movie, Costner wrote: That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so Ill just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field Of Dreams. If youve seen it, you know that this movie wouldnt be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa. Im grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen. Rest in peace, friend. 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 Wire star Wendell Pierce hailed him as the living embodiment of artistry, integrity, creativity, and dignity in a post on X, formerly Twitter. He added: James Earl Jones is the sole reason I became an actor. He stirred a vocation in me that gave voice to my unsung heart songs. By example, he led me on the exploration of my own personal humanity and the study of human behaviour in others and the intangible, ever-present soul. He was a once-in-a-generation talent that has left an enormous legacy in American culture. In his tribute on X, Star Trek star George Takei said: A great spirit and boundless, unique voice has left us. James Earl Jones has passed, and he is returned to the great beyond. James Earl Jones (Katie Collins/PA) We are all the lesser for his loss, and we collectively mourn his passing and honour his great body of work. Levar Burton, who also featured in Star Trek, wrote on X: James Earl Jones there will never be another of his particular combination of graces. Happy Days actor Henry Winkler said Jones set an example for how to live and work with power and grace, adding: Rest well. We loved and love you. Irish actor Chris ODowd posted an image of himself with Jones alongside the caption: A voice that stopped you in your tracks. Rest easy legend. 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 statement on X from CNN read: We are deeply saddened to hear of Jamess passing. He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace and decorum. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James. Our thoughts are with his family. The Duke of York, speaking for the first time about his links to Jeffrey Epstein in an interview with BBC Newsnight's Emily Maitlis. PA Photo. Emily Maitlis has revealed Prince Andrews strange request after their Newsnight interview ended, as she reflects that it caused him to lose the respect of the nation. The former BBC journalist said the Duke of York had asked if they could spend more time talking about Pizza Express and his sweating, as he said they didnt include his alibi. Maitlis has spoken of her experience conducting the car crash interview, which examined the princes friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, ahead of the release of a new three-part drama, A Very Royal Scandal on Amazon Prime. She said: He wanted to talk about the fact that hed been at Pizza Express on the night in question. And it was a very complicated moment for us because, on the one hand, I knew that if he included some of the stuff that he wanted to talk about, for example the sweating and the Pizza Express alibi, it was not going to help his case, in fact, it was actually going to make it look worse. The BBC interview caused huge damage to Andrews reputation, and just days later he announced he would be stepping back from royal duties. Facing questioning from Ms Maitlis, he emphatically denied having sex with the then 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, saying he was in a Pizza Express in Woking with his daughters on the day of the said encounter. Virginia Giuffre claimed she was paid $15,000 to have sex with Prince Andrew. Photo: US Department of Justice/PA It also saw him discuss his connection with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a prison sentence for helping Epstein groom and abuse young girls at his various properties in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands. In February 2022, nearly three years after the disastrous 2019 interview, it was announced that the duke had paid an out-of-court settlement to Ms Giuffre, ending a civil case against him in the US. It accepted no liability and Andrew has always maintained his innocence and rejected wrongdoing. Reflecting on the impact of the interview, she said: "Prince Andrew, he lost his royal duties, he lost the ability to wear uniform, he lost the respect of the nation, and it became, I think, much more difficult for him in his place in the Royal Family," she said. "And on the other side, we dont know if Epsteins victims gained anything from that. We dont know if their lives materially changed," she added. "Theres been no trial. Theres been a settlement... but we havent had that sense of closure there," she said. Duke of York Prince Andrew She also revealed that a month after her interview, she was pulled aside by someone close to King Charles who told her: HRH was not happy with the interview. The King, who was Prince of Wales at the time, has not reinstated Andrews roles within the royal family and it was reported on Monday that he will have to pay his own costs if he wishes to remain in the Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor. Ms Maitlis added that since the interview, the shape of the monarchy has slimmed down, especially since the death of Andrews mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. A Very Royal Scandal is out on Prime Video on September 19 and stars Ruth Wilson as Ms Maitlis, and Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew. The journalist served as an executive producer on the series, which is being released just five months after the film Scoop, which also covers the disastrous interview, in April on Netflix. Motorcycle gang Hells Angels are back as they take flight with the Kinahans Thousands of prisoners are set to be released early on Tuesday after the prisons watchdog warned it is "inevitable" some will reoffend. Around 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales are expected to be let go on Tuesday before their sentences are served in a bid to cut overcrowding, in addition to the around 1,000 prisoners normally freed each week. Military research centre allegedly targeted in strike People inspect damage in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Masyaf, Syria yesterday. Photo: Reuters At least 18 people, including five civilians, were killed on Sunday in Israels airstrike on Syrias Hama countryside, Syrian state media reported. It is the deadliest Israeli attack reported by Syrian authorities since the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus was hit in April, which sparked a barrage of drones and missiles from Tehran in response. Irish soldiers tell families they may not be able to come home at end of tour as Israel digs in around UN base in Lebanon Troop withdrawal was not based on security situation Kamala Harriss campaign has hit out at Donald Trumps deal with the Taliban in retaliation to the damning Republican report on the Biden administrations withdrawal from Afghanistan. A day before the first presidential debate, House Republicans released a scathing report into the US exit from Afghanistan in August 2021, which left behind an estimated 100,000 partners of the US government, while 13 American soldiers and 170 civilians were killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul. New Delhi: The Congress party on Tuesday raised concerns over the Adani Group's decision to set up a subsidiary in China for project management services, claiming that this move could endanger India's national security and territorial integrity, media reports said. The party contended that these risks are yet another addition to the sacrifices India has allegedly made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "special friendships." Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a statement condemning the Adani Groups plans to invest in China, warning that this decision could pose a threat to Indias national security. With the Adani Group planning to invest in China, it appears that the clean chit to China is all set to become a letter of support, the Congress leader said in a press statement. A most favoured business group has been the controversial instrument of the non-biological PM's foreign policy. Here is our statement on Modani's latest initiative abroad. pic.twitter.com/siQ6SOYy2u Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 10, 2024 The national partys criticism follows reports, based on a regulatory filing, that the Adani Group has established a subsidiary in China to engage in supply chain solutions and project management services. It was a flat-out lie that eroded the sanctity of the position, and it enabled the Chinese to deny the reality of their infringement on and continued occupation of Indian territory, Ramesh said in a statement. Since then, it has also underpinned the governments inattention to the risks of uncontrolled Chinese imports, investments, and immigration, he said. With the Adani Group planning to invest in China, it appears that the clean chit to China is all set to become a letter of support, the Congress leader said. First, it is to be noted that the governments economic policy making towards China has always been inadequate, partly because the non-biological PMs clean chit has precluded more aggressive action, Ramesh said. Across the world, governments have taken strong corrective action against uncontrolled Chinese imports through tariffs and anti-dumping investigations, he said. Ramesh stated that while other governments are developing strategies to reduce economic reliance on China, the Indian government has shown a lack of focus in its approach, despite the security threat from Chinese forces at the border. He pointed out that although TikTok has been banned, imports from China have increased significantly, with the Economic Survey of India 2024 arguing for Indias integration into Chinas supply chain. He also alleged that the government has expedited visas for Chinese workers and promoted Chinese investments. Even before Adani directly invested in China, the government was napping at the wheels, Ramesh claimed in his statement. Second, the Adani Groups previous operations in China and East Asia have been highly suspicious. Chang Chung-Ling, a Taiwanese businessman, has served as director on several Adani Group firms. In 2017, a ship owned by Chung-Lings family was caught smuggling oil to North Korea in a violation of UN sanctions it emerged that the smuggling ships operation were partly financed by a firm owned by Shanghai Adani Shopping Company, he alleged. This Shanghai Adani Shipping Company has done business with Adani Global and the Chung-ling owned Hi Lingos, alongside another firm called Adani Shipping (China) Company (aka Dalian Adani Shipping). Remarkably, none of these firms which appear to be implicated in globally illegal activities have been acknowledged as Adani subsidiaries so far, he said. Adanis China operations On September 3, Adani Groups flagship company Adani Enterprises disclosed in an exchange filing that its Singapore-based subsidiary created a wholly-owned entity, Adani Energy Resources (Shanghai) Co (AERCL), in Shanghai, China, on September 2, 2024. AERCL is incorporated to carry out the business of providing supply chain solutions and project management services, it said without providing details. The new subsidiary was established by Adani Global Pte (AGPTE), a step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL). AEL manages the conglomerate's operations across sectors such as mining, roads, airports, data centers, and water infrastructure. AERCL has been incorporated and registered under the laws of Company Law of the People's Republic of China on September 2, 2024, the filing said. AERCLs business operations have not started yet. New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to launch an electric vehicle with a 500-km range, powered by a 60-kilowatt-hour battery, along with several similar models, according to MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi on Tuesday, said a Moneycontrol report. The company also aims to significantly increase exports by 2030. "We will have a high-specification EV with a high-range of the order of 500 km and powered by a 60 Kilowatt-hour battery. We will have multiple such products," Takeuchi said at the 64th annual session of industry body SIAM in New Delhi, reported Moneycontrol. To build customer confidence, Maruti will export these EVs to markets such as Europe and Japan. Domestically, Maruti intends to incorporate a variety of technologies in its vehicles to reduce carbon emissions. "On top of that, we will come up with a range of solutions for our EV customers to remove their concerns on owning an EV. We will use the strength of our network to give confidence to the customers for after-sale support," Takeuchi added, according to Moneycontrol. In addition to electric and strong hybrid cars, the company is exploring models based on biofuels and hydrogen, as well as other powertrain options, to lower oil consumption and CO2 emissions. "Though there are many countries in the world who are using the power of biofuels, I think India can quickly become world's number one in biofuels and the rest of the world can start learning from India," he stated. "Given the size and the unique context of India, we need not copy solutions from the rest of the world," Takeuchi said, Moneycontrol reported. Takeuchi stated that Maruti is aiming for a significant increase in its overseas shipments by 2030, predicting that the automaker's exports will experience "multiples of growth" in the coming years. Takeuchi stated that India should aim for a larger share of global trade, and Maruti Suzuki is targeting "multiples of growth" rather than just percentage increases, the report said. He underscored that Marutis exports have tripled over the past four years and are expected to triple again in the next six years. The company has already started exporting some vehicles to Japan, including its first SUV, the Fronx, with a shipment of over 1,600 vehicles recently sent from Gujarat's Pipavav port, according to the Moneycontrol report. Between FY21 and FY24, MSI's exports rose by 1,85,774 units. Photo courtesy: wikipedia.org New Delhi: Lockheed Martin, a U.S.-based defence company, has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd to strengthen their collaboration on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter project, media reports said. This announcement follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent visit to the United States, where both countries agreed to enhance defence cooperation. The agreement outlines a framework for future business opportunities, including the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of 12 C-130Js, as well as other global Super Hercules aircraft. Subject to approvals from the U.S. and Indian governments, the agreement includes provisions for expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India, with the goal of producing aircraft for the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, according to Tata Advanced Systems, reported PTI. If Lockheed Martin is awarded the MTA contract, it will set up additional production and assembly facilities in India. Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems, Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, was quoted as saying by PTI. "The current announcement is also significant as it marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms," he said. "This teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems further demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to a self-reliant India and the degree of confidence that exists in our relationships with our partners in India and the Indian industry at large," he added. Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd have a long-standing partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL) joint venture. TLMAL was set up in 2010 and has manufactured over 220 C-130J empennages till date, the Tata Advance Systems said. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video Nagpur/IBNS: An Audi car owned by Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule rammed several vehicles on a busy road in Nagpur as captured on CCTV footage, media reports said. In the 14-second video footage, the car is seen edging past a crossing, hitting a car and then a bike. The bike riders were injured. The crash took place at 1 am. Five people were in the luxurious car. Three including Sanket managed to escape. Two others including the driver were arrested. One of the vehicles which was hit by the Audi car chased the accused and stopped them at Mankapur Bridge. Chandrashekhar Bawankule has admitted the car was registered under his son's name and the probe should be conducted in an impartial manner. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal junior doctors, who are on ceasework demanding justice for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, are marching to the administrative building of state's Health and Family Welfare, Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake area. The march is held a day after the Supreme Court asked the junior doctors to resume work by 5 pm, post which the state government will not be restrained from taking action against the protesters. In a counter, the junior doctors demanded the resignations of a few state health officials, Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal and justice for the victim. The junior doctors said they will resume work only when the demands are met. In the Supreme Court hearing on Monday, the advocate representing the junior doctors claimed the protesters are not confident to resume work over the threats they are still receiving. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said no action will be taken against the junior doctors if they resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday. The CJI said the court will not be able to restrain the state government from taking action if the junior doctors continue with their protests. "We can record that if doctors resume to work, no adverse action but if they do not resume work as doctors then we cannot restrain state govt from taking actions," he said. The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal claimed in the hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework. In the previous hearing held last month, the CJI had urged the junior doctors to resume work restraining the government from any action against them. Photo courtesy: Rahul Gandhi FB Washington/IBNS: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has drawn a taunt from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after he talked during his ongoing US visit about religious freedom in India citing Sikh examples, media reports said. Speaking at an event in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi said, "The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban...whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. That's what the fight is about, and it's not just for Sikhs, but for all religions" In a jibe soon after the remarks, Union Minister Hardeep Puri said, "I think he needs to do some serious introspection. The Sikh community is a proud and hardworking community but they are also emotional. He has tried to set a misleading narrative." "I have been wearing a turban and a kada for over sixty years and no one asked me why... I never had a problem," he said. He reminded Rahul Gandhi of the 1984 riots and said the only time India's Sikhs faced persecution was when his family members like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were in power. He said Rahul Gandhi is doing this purposely and not because of his political immaturity. He is deliberately trying to incite the Sikhs outside India who are not aware of how Sikhs live in India, Puri said. BJP national spokesperson RP Singh said as quoted by India Today, "In 1984, 3,000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair chopped, and their beards shaved. He doesnt mention that this happened when the Congress was in power." Backing Rahul Gandhi, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said as quoted by India Today, "Since when has BJP become synonymous with India? There should be no misunderstanding that criticising the BJP is the same as criticising India. The anti-Sikh riots had erupted in different parts of the country following Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh security guards in the wake of the army operation in the Amritsar Golden Temple to flush out terrorists. The pogrom claimed at least 3,000 lives across the country. According to US-based Human Rights Watch, successive Indian governments failure to prosecute those most responsible for killings and other abuses during the 1984 anti-Sikh violence highlights Indias weak efforts to combat communal violence. A diasporic revival of Sikh separatist Khalistan movement by banned organisations like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has kept the Indian government on its toes in recent years with the secessionists receiving political support from governments like Canada leading to souring of ties with New Delhi. The Khalistan movement, backed by countries like Pakistan and some foreign powers, seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs by establishing an ethnoreligious sovereign state called Khalistan, had reached its zenith in the late 1980s and led to the Operation Bluestar in Golden Temple, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards and an anti-Sikh riot across India. Junior doctors are protesting close to the Swastha Bhavan in Salt Lake. Photo Courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS Thousands of junior doctors are protesting close to the Swastha Bhavan (the administrative building of the state's Health and Family Welfare) in Salt Lake area on Tuesday to demand justice for the rape and murder of a medic in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The deadline set by the Supreme Court for doctors to join their duty ended at 5 pm. The doctors, who are on a casework demanding justice for the Kolkata medic, had set a counter deadline of 5 pm for the state government to accept their demands. They said they would rejoin work only after their demands are met. The junior doctors demanded the resignations of a few state health officials, Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal and justice for the victim. A junior doctor told media: "We need to clean the dirt in the Swastha Bhavan." Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Tuesday sent arrested former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh judicial custody till September 23. The former principal is facing alleged financial irregularities during his tenure. In the Supreme Court hearing on Monday, the advocate representing the junior doctors claimed the protesters are not confident to resume work over the threats they are still receiving. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said no action will be taken against the junior doctors if they resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday. The CJI said the court will not be able to restrain the state government from taking action if the junior doctors continue with their protests. "We can record that if doctors resume to work, no adverse action but if they do not resume work as doctors then we cannot restrain state govt from taking actions," he said. The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal claimed in the hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework. In the previous hearing held last month, the CJI had urged the junior doctors to resume work restraining the government from any action against them. In image junior doctors protesting outside Swastha Bhawan| courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS Kolkata/IBNS: The Bengal government has written to the junior doctors, who are protesting against the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, inviting them to participate in a discussion. The email came as the thousands of junior doctors are protesting close to the Swastha Bhavan (the administrative building of the state's Health and Family Welfare) in Salt Lake area on Tuesday to demand justice for the rape and murder of a medic in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The deadline set by the Supreme Court for doctors to join their duty ended at 5 pm. The doctors, who are on a casework demanding justice for the Kolkata medic, had set a counter deadline of 5 pm for the state government to accept their demands. In the email to the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front, the government has asked the doctors to come for a discussion and end the month-long standoff. However, the doctors have refused the proposal, saying the email came from the health secretary, one of the people whose resignation is among the demands by the protesters. "The email has come from the health secretary and this is insulting to us," the protesting doctors said. During Monday's hearing, the Supreme Court had said that if the doctors did not return to work by 5 pm this evening, it would give the state clearance for action. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that she would prefer to settle the impasse through dialogue and not action against the doctors. The protesting doctors said they would rejoin work only after their demands were met. The junior doctors are demanding the resignations of a few state health officials, Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal, and justice for the victim. The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal had claimed during Monday's hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework. In the previous hearing held last month, the CJI had urged the junior doctors to resume work restraining the government from any action against them. All inside image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS Protest in Toronto is part of the global agitation against the RG Kar rape and murder incident. Photo: Organisers Scores of protesters from the Bengali diaspora community in Toronto gathered at Queens Park on Sunday (Sept 8) evening with placards, banners and resolve as they shouted slogans demanding justice for the rape and murder of the junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The agitationists of the Toronto chapter of the global protest over the gruesome crime gathered around 5 pm in the evening and formed a human chain. They performed and demanded safety of women and doctors in India and in West Bengal in particular. In a statement the protesters said the rape and murder of the junior doctor at the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Aug 9 have sent shockwaves across the globe. "The victim was brutally raped and murdered with all the vicious intentions yet unknown. A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime, but many questions remain unanswered from the ongoing investigation. It has been 30 days since the horrific incident and despite the Supreme Court taking charge of the case as Suo Moto, there have been no concrete developments in the investigation yet," they said. "Often women are blamed for being assaulted and are expected to sacrifice freedom and opportunities in exchange for their safety. We stand in solidarity with the ongoing protest in Kolkata demanding justice for the deceased and raising our voice for womens security," they said. This is the Toronto chapter of the Global protest across 120+ cities in 19 countries. The participants formed a human chain around Queens Park to symbolize unity and solidarity with the victim. The protest included performances such as songs and recitations. (Reporting by Suman Das) Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's call to return to festivals quitting the month-long protests against the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has reignited public fury with the protesters pledging to keep the embers of the outrage burning. "One month has passed. I would request all people to return to puja and festivals. I would also appeal to the CBI to deliver justice quickly," said Mamata Banerjee on Monday at an administrative meeting on Durga Puja, which unlocks the door of the line of festivals in the last quarter of the year. The Chief Minister, who herself inaugurates an end number of puja marquees, several of which are run by her own party colleagues, passed the remark apparently emboldened by the Supreme Court order asking the junior doctors, who are on ceasework demanding justice, to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday. "It's a plain tactic to divert people's attention from the demand for justice. How can she be so shameless to talk about festivity when people of different ages are crying for justice? How can she be so insensitive?.." says one Bimal Roy sipping coffee at the iconic Indian Coffee House in Kolkata's College Street area minutes after the traditional cafe station switched off lights and lit candles in solidarity. Mamata's renewed enthusiasm for Durga Puja comes after she faced an unrivalled protests from the public without any political affiliations over the rape-murder incident, where her police are accused of covering up or not following the rule book. Though the ruling party (Trinamool Congress) spokespersons are defending the Kolkata police, the judiciary, which is also facing the brunt now, pulled up the administration on a number of actions including the demolition work near the crime scene. Indrani Maity, who joined a city rally all the way from Haldia, trashed the Chief Minister's appeal saying, "Our daughter (the victim) is yet to get justice. We will enjoy and get back to festivity only when justice is delivered." "Rapists are protected as they are core voters of her party. The government will topple if she goes against them," says an angry gentleman who preferred to remain anonymous. Soon after the Chief Minister passed the remark, the victim's mother said it's up to people whether they will return to festivity, but it's all over for her in life. "If people return to festivity, it's their choice entirely... Durga Puja will not be the same for me," she says and adds in the same line, "Would she (Chief Minister) have said the same thing if something similar had happened to someone from her own family?" The public mood on ground is not well defined from what has transpired on social media, where several pro-government posts are flooded with comments aiming at the incumbent. Mamata's 'Utshobe firun' or 'return to festival' appeal was outrightly rejected by scores of users who wrote 'Utshobe firchina' or 'not returning to festival'. The appeal to call off the state government's mega Durga Puja carnival, which is held with much pomp and grandeur at Red Road every year, has landed on Facebook. Senior journalist Supratik Sengupta writes, "Let there be Durga Puja but call off carnival this year." Amid public outrage over Mamata's remark, a section of people are out of sorts over the sluggish move by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Supreme Court, which has been accused by some of spending more time on the movement than probe outcomes in its third hearing on September 9, a day more than a month since the crime was committed. "Justice should be delivered quickly. A one-week time till the next hearing is only diluting the process. I feel the delay will not deliver justice because the Centre and State will strike an understanding by that time," says Mrinal Kanta Saha and adds, "I oppose the court's direction to the junior doctors to resume work. If they get back to work, the entire movement will fall flat. The movement must go on till justice is delivered." "I couldn't find anything substantial in the latest hearing. Our movement will escalate if the court hearings proceed in this manner," says Ayushi, a medical student. (Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS) Representative image/ credit: IBNS File Imphal/IBNS: Amid fresh violence in Manipur, the state government has banned mobile internet services in five districts to prevent the spread of fake news and concocted posts following last week's drone attack, media reports said. The internet ban would remain in force for five days. Amid the Manipur government imposed a curfew in Imphal, thousands of students staged protests in the state capital for the second day on Tuesday against the drone and missile attacks. The protesters continued their agitation even as security forces fired tear gas shells in the air. The students met Governor Lakshman Acharya and placed their six-point demand. The governor has assured them of taking up their demands with the Centre and the state. The Centre, meanwhile, sent two fresh battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to the state. This is an addition to 2000 troops already stationed in Manipur, which has been witnessing violence since May last year. All institutions under the Higher and Technical Education Department have been closed along with other government as well as private colleges till Sept 12. The Manipur University has already postponed exams for various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The students have been holding protests objecting to the move. The army, Assam Rifles, and other security forces have conducted joint operations across various districts and recovered substantial quantities of arms and ammunition. State police chief IK Muviah informed the media that they are likely to hand over all the evidence in the drone bombing case to the central probe agencies, for further investigation of the case. Photo Courtesy: UNRWA Israeli strikes hit a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza which left at least 40 people dead, media reports said quoting Hamas-run Civil Defence authority on Tuesday. "Forty people were killed and more than 60 injured, while many are still under the rubble," the operations director of Hamas's civil defence authority told the BBC. Local residents told the British media that three strikes targeted tents housing displaced people in the humanitarian zone of al-Mawasi tents housing displaced people in the humanitarian zone of al-Mawasi Eyewitnesses told the BBC large explosions rocked the al-Mawasi area shortly after midnight and flames could be seen rising into the sky. Khaled Mahmoud, a volunteer for a charity who lives near the site of the strikes, told the British media he and other volunteers rushed to help but were stunned by the scale of the disaster. "The strikes created three craters seven metres deep and buried more than 20 tents," Mahmoud said. Meanwhile, The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed as quoted by media that it struck Hamas terrorists who were operating within the command-and-control center embedded inside the humanitarian area in Gaza. Hamas, however, has rejected the claims. Hamas said dozens of unarmed civilians, most of whom were children and women were killed in the strike, reported CNN. Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told CNN that Palestinians in the area were not warned of the strike in advance. There were more than 200 tents of displaced people at Al-Mawasi area, Bassal said Meanwhile, Monday would have marked the start of the new school year in Gaza, but the ongoing war continues to deprive hundreds of thousands of children of this fundamental right, UN agencies have warned. Almost 625,000 children in the enclave have already lost an entire school year following the 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on communities in southern Israel and the ensuing Israeli military operation in Gaza. They are now joined by more than 45,000 six-year-old children poised to enter first grade, elevating the risk of a second year without any classroom education, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said No graduations With every school shuttered since October last year, there was no graduating class in the Strip the first such occurrence in decades, UNICEF noted. About 39,000 students missed their final year of school and could not take the Tawjihi exams. For older children, the disruption extends beyond missed education opportunities. Without schooling, young people are at an increased risk of exploitation, child labour, early marriage, and other forms of abuse. Most importantly they are at risk of dropping out of school permanently, the agency said. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash The Australian government has said it will introduce legislation this year to enforce a minimum age for access to social media and other relevant digital platforms. The government cited safety and mental and physical health of young people behind taking the decision. An official press release issued by PM Anthony Albanese's office said: "A Commonwealth-led approach to this important social issue will ensure Australian children are better protected from online harms and parents and carers are supported." Federal legislation will be informed by engagement with States and Territories through National Cabinet and draw upon recent work by former Chief Justice, Robert French. "It also builds upon the Albanese Governments work to address online harms for young people," the statement said. Albanese said the use of social media is doing social harm and even taking kids away from 'real friends'. Australian young people deserve better and I stand with them and with all Australian parents in protecting our kids," the PM said. The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount," he said. Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said: "We will continue to engage experts, young people, advocates and parents through the age assurance trial which is an important aspect of this journey." As per Statista website, the number of internet users in Australia is forecast to exceed 23.3 million by 2025. Critics have argued the proposed move poses a risk to privacy. Daniel Angus, professor of digital communication at Queensland University of Technology, slammed the proposed ban and called it 'reckless'. In the LinkedIn page, Angus wrote: "The Australian federal government's reckless decision this morning to impose an age ban on youth using social media before the joint inquiry into social media in Australia has even issued a proper interim report from hundreds of expert submissions shows utter disregard for evidence-based policy." "This knee-jerk move undermines the joint inquiry and deliberative democratic principles and threatens to create serious harm by excluding young people from meaningful, healthy participation in the digital world, potentially driving them to lower quality online spaces, and removing an important means of social connection," the post further said. Ukraine's drone attack in Moscow leaves a person read. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Ukraine carried out its biggest drone attack on Moscow which left at least one woman dead, media reports said. The attack left multiple homes destroyed and even forced over 50 flights to be diverted from the airports located around the Russian capital. Russia, the worlds biggest nuclear power, said it destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones as they swarmed over the Moscow region, which has a population of more than 21 million, and 124 more over eight other regions, reported CNN. Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov told Sputnik news agency that a 46-year-old woman was killed in the attack in Ramenskoye town. "According to updated information, three people were injured in the house on Sportivny Proyezd. All of them were hospitalized in Ramenskoye Hospital. A 46-year-old woman died (earlier it was reported that a 9-year-old child died, this information was not confirmed)," Vorobyov said on Telegram as quoted by the news agency. Meanwhile, a senior official with the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement on Friday that continued Russian attacks across Ukraine this recently made for a tragic start to the new school year. 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. . 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. Mr. 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. U.S. Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil. File photo from Facebook/Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil California/IBNS: A U.S. female senator, accused of coercing her former chief of staff into sexual acts, had introduced a bill against sexual assault in the California Senate shortly after firing him for allegedly rejecting her advances. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil highlighted the widespread issue of sexual assault and violence in the U.S. while advocating for her proposed legislation. "April is National #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, and I am leading the charge with Senate Bill 268 - my bill will address a critical gap in the state's criminal justice system by reclassifying the rape of an intoxicated person as a violent felony," she wrote on X. April is National #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, and I am leading the charge with Senate Bill 268 my bill will address a critical gap in the state's criminal justice system by reclassifying the rape of an intoxicated person as a violent felony. DETAILS: https://t.co/5jKLIaXlYG pic.twitter.com/p5pNC92PXS Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (@AlvaradoGilSD4) April 12, 2024 She noted in the video that a sexual assault occurs every 73 seconds in America and that the crime impacts individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. "If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please know that it is not your fault," Alvarado-Gil said in the video, asking citizens to help "end sexual violence". The bill, which aimed to classify the rape of an intoxicated person as a violent felony and to impose harsher penalties for sex crimes, was approved by the Senate on Aug. 31. Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil has been accused of compelling her married former staffer into a sex-based quid pro quo relationship, which allegedly resulted in severe back and hip injuries for him. Interestingly, the senator who represents California's 4th State Senate district in the California State Senate, was elected in 2022 as a member of the Democratic Party, but switched to the Republican Party on August 8, 2024. Chad Condit, the woman senator's former chief of staff and son of ex-Congressman Gary Condit, reportedly filed a lawsuit against Alvarado-Gil last week. The lawsuit claims that the California Senator pressured him into performing explicit acts during work-related travel. The legal action against Alvarado-Gil also includes allegations of creating a hostile work environment. Condit's suit details that during their last interaction, the senator allegedly requested oral sex in the confined space of a small car, which led to a back injury and resulted in three herniated discs and a collapsed hip. This was a sex-based quid pro quo relationship of unwelcome advances and sexual behaviours coupled with punishment and flexing of power, the lawsuit charges. A few days ago, Sobhita Dhulipala announced her engagement to South actor Naga Chaitanya, much to the delight of her followers. Fans of Sobhita have one more reason to celebrate now. What is it, you ask? An OTT release date for her film Love, Sitara has been announced! The film, which explores "love, heartbreak, and self-discovery," will soon be available on a major OTT platform. Love, Sitara will be released on Zee5 on 27th September 2024. Plot So far, what we know about the plot is that as per Prokerala, Love, Sitara is a touching and funny story that explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and love. The film attempts to enthrall viewers with its blend of clever humor and poignant storytelling, providing a rich and captivating visual experience. More information about a detailed description of the film is awaited. Cast and crew Love, Sitara has been directed by Vandana Kataria. The film stars Sobhita Dhulipala, Rajeev Siddhartha, Sonali Kulkarni and others. The upcoming movie is being produced by Ronnie Screwvala. Trailer Love, Sitara's trailer was released on Zee5's social media accounts a few days ago and it has impressed all binge-watchers. Taking to the comment section, people lauded the concept and said they cant wait to watch it after it releases. Sobhita on the other hand, had shared a lenghty caption while sharing the trailer. She explained what the film has to offer. She also explained how they shot this in Kerala amid challenges that came during Covid lockdowns. Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanyas engagement Last month, Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya tied the knot in a private ceremony. Nagarjuna, the father of Naga Chaitanya, released the first images from the ceremony. He wrote, "We are delighted to announce the engagement of our son, Naga Chaitanya, to Sobhita Dhulipala, which took place this morning at 9:42 a.m. We are overjoyed to welcome her into our family. Congratulations to the happy couple! Wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness. God bless! 8.8.8. A beginning of infinite love." For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Directed by Kim Sang-man, the film Uprising has its OTT release date set. Uprising transports viewers to a turbulent post-war Joseon period, following the lives of two former friends who now stand in opposition to one another. In the newly released teaser, Cheon-yeong aspires to become free of servitude and regain his position, but when Jong-ryeo's family disregarded their promise to set him free, their friendship soured. The film stars Gang Dong-won, Park Jeong-min and a few others. Uprising will be released on Netflix on 11th October 2024. Plot As per the streaming platform, Uprising is a compelling story that follows the lives of two former friends who become enemies: an enslaved person with exceptional martial prowess who fights to escape an unfair servitude, and his master, a member of the most powerful military family in Joseon. The story is set during a turbulent period in the aftermath of war in the Joseon era. Cast and crew Uprising is directed by Kim Sang-man. It has been written by Shin Chul and Park Chan-wook. The film stars Gang Dong-won as Cheon-yeonng, Park Jeong-min as Jong-ryeo, Kim Shin-rock, Jin Sun-kyu, Jung Sung-il and Cha Seung-won as King Seonjo. As the steamer puts it, the celebrated South Korean filmmakers ask viewers to journey back in time to the Joseon dynasty, the last imperial period in Korean history, with their new feature film Uprising. The teaser has left a lot of people impressed. A lot of people wrote about how the glimpse looked epic and it will be worth waiting for. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. It seems like people have a lot more to say about Salman Khan's love life than he does! While the actor often dodges the million-dollar question with his wit and sense of humour, an astrologer has now come forward with the real reason why the Bollywood superstar isn't getting married. Surprisingly, his revelation has sent the internet into a meltdown. Fans are responding with jokes. Astrologer reveals why Salman Khan isn't getting married Astrologer Sundeep Kochar who aims to "change lives through meaningful insights" revealed to Pinkvilla Hindi Rush that Salman Khan has come close to getting married many times. This prediction is right as Salman had himself admitted on Koffee With Karan that he was engaged to Sangeeta Bijlani and was caught cheating right before their marriage. The wedding cards were printed and the invitations were sent out but the actress refused to get married to Khan. Are Mood swings the reason behind Salman Khan's single status? Comment byu/itsmenandini from discussion inBollywoodShaadis Furthermore, after looking at his charts, the astrologer said that it is difficult to handle Salman Khan as the Bollywood superstar has extreme mood swings, which makes it difficult for people to handle him. As his insight went viral, fans had hilarious reactions. "Bhoi ne bola hai mere saare kaam Mera driver karta hai," one of the users wrote. "When you can get any girl you want," said another one. "Bhoi: that's why I have driver," a third user said. Salman Khan 'lacks the courage to get married' Salman Khan's father Salim Khan once revealed why his son remained unmarried at the age of 58. "He easily enters into relationships, but he lacks the courage to get married," he revealed in a 2019 interview and added, "He wants the woman he marries to be dedicated to her husband and children, just like his mother was. She should cook meals for the children, help them get ready, and ensure their homework is done. However, this is not easy in todays times." Also Read: Salman Khan's confession 'I'm below average actor' has fans saying 'at least he is self-aware' For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut was spotted in Mumbai at a casting director's office. Wearing a gorgeous cream coloured chikankari suit, Kangana was seen smiling for the paparazzi as she arrived in Mumbai with her Y-security. The actor was seen for the first time after her movie Emergency got postponed. Prior to that, she was seen promoting the movie on multiple news channels. For many who thought, Kangana will be quitting Bollywood after joining politics are surprised to see her visit the casting director. Today, the actress looked relaxed, radiant and fresh as she walked into the filmmaker's office. The actress sold her pretty bungalow in Pali Hill in Mumbai. As per a report in Zapkey, Kangana sold her house for Rs 32 crore to a Hyderabad company. It was reportedly bought for Rs 20 crore. Yes, it is the same place Kangana which BMC demolished in 2020. The corporation claimed she had constructed her bungalow on some areas of illegal land. Kangana is all set to work with producers Babita Ashiwal and Adi Sharmaa in their film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, a cinematic tribute to the unsung heroes. The movie promises to resonate deeply with audiences, inspiring a sense of hope, courage, and resilience. Her current film Emergency has been delayed at censor board. The film, features Kangana as Indira Gandhi and was set for September 6 release. However, protests from Sikh organizations regarding its portrayal of historical events are being looked at. The final date of the film is not out yet. For more such stories on celebs and fashion, follow us on Indiatimes lifestyle. Global icon Priyanka Chopra attended the Kering Foundation dinner in New York today. This foundation is a private fund raising event that works towards ending the violence against children and women. Priyanka is already associated with UNESCO, India as their brand ambassador. She also works for several health organisations in India that help to serve sick children. Apart from being a fantastic actor and a fashion queen, Priyanka sure knows how to be a responsible citizen as well. Taking to her Instagram account, Priyanka Chopra wrote, "A whirlwind trip to spend a very meaningful evening with old friends and new. The #CaringForWomenDinner, on its third year was as incredible as its hosts. Thank you to the most wonderful human, Salma Hayek Pinault and the very charismatic Francois-Henri Pinault for including me." In the series of pictures, Priyanka Chopra can be seen posing with Kim Kardashian, Jessica Chastain, Julienne Moore, Naomi Watts. She further writes, "This dinner was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when like minded people come together for a shared purpose. It was about more than just raising awareness, it was about taking decisive action to end violence against women and create a world where women can live without fear. Congratulations to the beneficiaries. Thank you for the wonderful work you do everyday. @girleffect @itsonus @nnedv All proceeds from the dinner will be directed towards deserving organisations." Credit: Priyanka Chopra/Instagram Icons from across the globe came together for a wonderful charity dinner where all proceeds from the event will be directed to the deserving companies. For the high profile star studded dinner, Priyanka stunned in a black lacey satin dress. Looking smoking hot, PC let her tresses open in beautiful curls. Lets just say, this is her best fashion look in a really long time. On the work front, PC will be seen in The Bluff, a movie on pirates which has been shots in large parts of Australia. In yet another bizarre twist of events, Dubai princess Shaikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, who divorced her husband in an Instagram post in July, has launched her new perfume called 'Divorce'. The princess' latest release has sent the internet into a frenzy with many bringing their savage sense of humour to the comment section. Prior to the launch of the perfume, the 30-year-old daughter of the Dubai ruler had posted a teaser featuring dark petals, a panther and shattered glass, with the caption, "MAHRA M1", which is the name of her brand. Check out the post below: After teasing the netizens with her new release two days ago, Shaikha Mahra finally launched the perfume yesterday through her social media. Captioning the post, " DIVORCE By Mahra M1", she posted a photo of the perfume's sleek black bottle featuring its name. As soon as she launched her new perfume, netizens took to the post's comment section to share their views. Understanding the assignment, people on the internet clapped back at her husband with their savage and hilarious comments. While one user wrote, " I wonder how it smell like? Betrayal?" Another commented, " I'm sure it smells like freedom" And a third added, " Whats the notes? Lying, cheating, deceit & narcissistic?" Credit: Instagram | Internet reacts to the 'Divorce' perfume Shaikha Mahra had given an 'instant' divorce to her industrialist husband Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in July 2024 in a public Instagram post. The duo had tied the knot in May 2023 and their daughter was born a year later. For the unversed, Sheikha Mahra is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the vice president, prime minister, and minister of defence of the United Arab Emirates. For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich sounds of Punjab as legendary artist Gurdas Maan hits the road for an all-India tour. Known for his deep connection to Punjabi folk and cultural music, Gurdas Maan is bringing his much-loved songs and his latest album, "Sound of Soil," to three major cities: Delhi, Ludhiana, and Indore. Read More: From Diljit Dosanjh to Karan Aujla, 7 big upcoming music concerts in Delhi NCR Gurdas Maan's India tour The tour kicks off in Delhi on September 14, 2024, at the Vegas Mall in Sector 14 Dwarka. With the vibrant city as his backdrop, Gurdas Maan promises an evening filled with soulful melodies and high-energy performances. The tour continues to Ludhiana on September 21, 2024, at the Omaxe Royal Residency, where fans can look forward to a night of traditional Punjabi tunes and captivating stage presence. Finally, on September 28, 2024, the tour wraps up in Indore at the Phoenix Citadel Mall, offering fans one last chance to experience the magic of Gurdas Maan live. Each show will showcase the essence of Punjabi culture, blending folk music with Indian classical influences. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness a musical icon in action, performing his most cherished songs in a setting that celebrates the essence of Punjab. Tickets start at 999, and the performances are suitable for ages 16 and up. With each concert expected to last around four hours, its an experience you wont want to miss. Secure your tickets now and be part of the "Sound of Soil" journey with Gurdas Maan! For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. Bollywood diva Sonam Kapoor is in Dubai with her girl gang and we're hooked to her Instagram updates. The actress to off to the golden city with her sister Rhea Kapoor, fashion designer Shehlaa Khan, celebrity photographer Karishma Karamchandani and restauranteur Samyukta Nair. Kapoor shared highlights of her 36 hours in Dubai that featured the girls exploring the city's streets, tasting gourmet food, posing for fun pictures and relaxing. It also featured Sonam Kapoor on the makeup chair getting ready for a shoot and then delivering a speech for the opening of her friend Nair's new restaurant in Dubai. Sonam Kapoor shares glimpses of her 36-hour Dubai trip She captioned her Instagram reel as, "Pack-up, jet off, laugh, eat, repeat 36 hours in Dubai with this incredible gang for Sams restaurant opening! So grateful for the barrels of laughs, happy tummies, and picture-perfect memories. These girls make great things truly spectacular! #DubaiDiaries #FriendshipGoals #GirlsTrip #MemoriesToCherish". Take a look at the video below: Read More: Sonam Kapoor turns Mumbai streets into her runway in monochrome outfit With the glimpses Kapoor shared, it almost feels like the actress' time in Dubai was a roundup of fashion, friends, food, love and laughter. On the professional front, Sonam recently shared that she will start shooting for her next film Battle for Bittora which is based on best-selling author Anuja Chauhan's 2010 book with the same name. The rights to the book were acquired by sister and celebrity fashion stylist Rhea Kapoor and will be produced under the Anil Kapoor Films Company label. Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former Hollywood producer, who has been convicted of multiple sexual assault charges, has undergone emergency heart surgery in a New York hospital. Craig Rothfeld, Weinsteins prison consultant, said that the 72-year-old is recovering from emergency heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital but remains in a lot of pain. CREDIT: REUTERS Harvey Weinstein has not been feeling well Hes in the ICU recovering from a heart procedure thats all the updates we have, Rothfeld told The New York Post. Rothfeld said Weinstein had not been feeling well for several weeks and was worsening by the day. Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said they requested that jail officials immediately move Weinstein to Bellevue "based on his complaints to us regarding chest pains." CREDIT: REUTERS Harvey Weinstein's fall from grace Once considered one of the most powerful names in Hollywood, Weinstein's downfall started in 2017, when several female actors came forward accusing him of sexual assault, some even dating back to the 1970s. Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone. The flurry of allegations gave rise to what became the #MeToo movement, which has since spread across the world. He was sentenced to 49 years in jail on various charges of sexual assault, but in April this year, a judge overturned the New York rape convictions, for which he was sentenced to 23 years' imprisonment. However, Weinstein continued to be in jail due to another rape conviction, for which he was awarded 16 years' imprisonment. CREDIT: REUTERS Weinstein has been in and out of hospital This is not the first time Weinstein has been admitted to Bellevue Hospital since his rape convictions. In July, he was hospitalised with COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs, his representatives said. After his February 2020 conviction, Weinstein left court in an ambulance and detoured to Bellevue, complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure. He later had a stent inserted to unblock an artery. After his sentencing a few weeks later, he returned to the hospital with more chest pains. He later tested positive for COVID-19 just days after being transferred to a state prison near Buffalo. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Tech giant Apple has taken a massive dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of its next-generation iPhone the iPhone 16 series. The newest iPhones will come equipped with what Apple calls 'Apple Intelligence'. According to Apple CEO, the iPhone 16 has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. CREDIT: APPLE What is Apple Intelligence? First revealed at WWDC, Apple Intelligence is a large language model (LLM) that can improve existing apps and features on iPhones. According to Apple, Apple Intelligence marks a new era for its personal assistant, Siri, which will now be able to understand requests that are less than eloquently delivered, walk users through specific tasks within the iPhone, and gain on-screen awareness of actions taking place on the phone. Also read: Apple launches iPhone 16 series with Apple Intelligence AI, new AirPods, Apple Watch Features of Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence also comes with features including reverse image search with text recognition to add the details of an event to your calendar from a photo or pull information about a restaurant directly from a photo of it. CREDIT: REUTERS Which iPhones will get Apple Intelligence? Apple Intelligence will be made available with iOS 18.1, and is compatible with all iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Some of the iPhone 15 series, including the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are also likely to get Apple's new AI features. Languages which Apple Intelligence will be offered Initially, Apple Intelligence will be launched in English in the US, followed by more languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, before the end of 2025. Apple once again plays catch-up with Android While Apple Intelligence could be a game-changer for iPhones, it should be noted that most of Apple's newly promised AI features are already available in the Samsung Galaxy S24 released in January and the Google Pixel 9 that came out last month. CREDIT: APPLE How Apple Intelligence was created Unlike other LLMs, Apple did not build its Apple Intelligence from the ground up, and most of the heavy-lifting will be done by ChatGPT. Apple joined hands with OpenAI to deeply integrate the ChatGPT chatbot into its Siri for the latest iPhone 16 series. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Every now and then, you might stumble upon a self-proclaimed baba dishing out life advice on social media. Recently, it's a 'Pookie Baba' stealing the spotlight with his adorable antics and witty comebacks. But hold on, there's a new player in towna 10-year-old kid baba who's also going viral. This has left people on the internet wondering: is it really that easy to fool 1.4 billion people? The latest baba is 10-year-old Abhinav Arora, a devoted follower of Lord Shri Ram. His father, author and TED speaker Tarun Raj Arora, shared that Abhinav embraced the spiritual path at the tender age of three. Since then, he's been passionately sharing stories and praises of Shri Ram, as reported by ABP Live. Abhinav's spiritual videos have gained a strong following on social media, where fans lovingly call him 'Bal Sant' (Child Saint). At just eight years old, he was recognised by Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari at the Global Indian Conclave and Awards as India's Youngest Spiritual Orator. Last month, actor Anupam Kher met with Abhinav and shared a clip of their interaction, expressing his admiration for the young boy's profound knowledge of Sanatan. The kid baba has been in the spotlight for a while, but recently he sparked a heated debate on the social media platform X. It all started when a user posted a video of him, captioned, "Look how easy it is to fool a country of 1.4 billion people." Lol. Look how easy it is to fool a country of 1.4 billion people. They are clearly paid to do this nautanki still people fall for it. Motu kid would fail 6th std but gives life lessons to adults. pic.twitter.com/Rj0XPvelAr Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) September 9, 2024 Reactions poured in, with some defending the young boy against the criticism, while others were quick to call out the act. One comment read, "How can anyone not see through him? Kid talking like an adult spewing AI responses like he's sitting in an interview," while another said, "Looks like a scamster at this age only." Someone else pointed out the irony, saying, "We'll laugh, share, argue over it, but deep down, we'll all be waiting for the next 'Motu' to drop some 'knowledge' on us. Yes, because if there's one thing we Indians love more than our masala, it's taking life lessons from anyone with a microphone or a viral video, regardless of their credentials." And then, there were those questioning the parenting behind it all: "What is going on, who is the father of this baby. Why they are ruining the childhood of a children?" So, what do you think? Is the kid baba a prodigy sharing wisdom beyond his years, or is it troubling to witness a kid thrust into the spotlight, potentially losing out on a normal childhood? To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Indians from Kerala worldwide recently came together to celebrate Onam, the vibrant harvest and cultural festival that holds a special place in their hearts. However, a video of an Onam celebration in Canada, shared on Instagram, has stirred controversy and received a wave of criticism on social media. Check out the video here: In the video captured at Toronto's Dundas Square, a vibrant celebration of Onam, the cherished Kerala harvest festival, was showcased with a prominent 'Maha Onam' sign and a lively crowd. While the festival appeared to be a joyful affair, it has sparked a heated debate online, drawing mixed reactions. The comments section quickly filled with criticism, not only from Canadians but also from members of the Indian community in Canada. Some voiced their disappointment, with one commenter stating, "I am an Indian from Kerala living in Canada, and I didn't come all this way to see such events here." Another lamented, "Our Canada is ruined," while a third added that this was an embarrassment to all Mallus. A few comments took a more drastic stance, with one suggesting, "Why should we bring our culture into foreign countries? All cultural activities from Punjab, Kerala, Gujrat, Tamil Nadu etc should be banned from Canada..I am from Kerala, India and really ashamed of the amount of racist comments." Several criticised the event's organisation, claiming it displayed "zero civic sense" and was merely a "fake cultural show-up." Yet, others defended the celebration, pointing out that the event was held in an area known for cultural festivities and had obtained the necessary permits. "This is not like other people taking speakers and dancing in the middle of the side walk," one user explained. CREDIT: BCCL | Representational image On Reddit, discussions continued, with some accusing the Indian community in Canada of being reluctant to integrate into Canadian culture, thus facing backlash. However, others countered this view, arguing, "Celebrating the culture of the country where you are from doesn't mean you are not loyal to the one you are living in. On the argument of hate to the Indian community due to not integrating, a lot of the hate is due to the rising xenophobia in Canada." Further, a commenter reflected on the broader issues, stating, "I do not actually blame the Indians themselves because the Trudeau government has made our immigration system a pathetic joke." They point out that the Canadian administration's immigration policies have resulted in overpopulation, strained infrastructure, and heightened xenophobia. What's your opinion on this? To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. A Reddit user recently took to the platform to share an intriguing travel encounter from a hike in the Himalayas. While exploring the scenic trails, they stumbled upon an old man engrossed in reading an enormous book. However, it wasn't just the size of the book that caught the user's attentionit was what the man was reading that truly blew their mind. Check out the post here: The user shared a fascinating encounter from a hike in the Himalayas a few years back. They came across an old man engrossed in a massive book. Curious, they sat down to chat and tried to make sense of the familiar-looking Urdu script. When they asked about the book, the man smiled and revealed it was the Bhagavad Gita, over a hundred years old. "Totally blew my mind at what a different India existed not too long ago," the user wrote. The old man went on to explain how much of the past was written in Urdu and how times have changedperhaps not for the better. How did people react? In the comments, many users reflected on Dara Shikoh's legacy, noting that much of the Urdu translations of Hindu texts, like the Bhagavad Gita, occurred during his time. One commenter remarked, "India could have been much different from the current state, had Aurangzeb had not assassinated Dara Shikoh." Credit: Wikipedia | Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh Another wondered about the alternate history, saying, "Wonder how would India look if this guy ruled instead of his dumbass brother." Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Shah Jahan and the designated heir to the Mughal throne, known for his liberal views and interest in religious syncretism. However, when Shah Jahan fell ill in 1657, a war of succession broke out among his sons. Aurangzeb, Dara's younger brother, was a skilled military leader with strong orthodox support. He defeated Dara in the Battle of Samugarh, captured, and executed him in 1659. Aurangzeb then imprisoned Shah Jahan and defeated his other brothers, securing his position as the Mughal Emperor from 1658 to 1707. Aurangzeb's policies have been seen to be more orthodox and conservative, particularly in contrast to his predecessors like Akbar and Dara Shikoh, who were known for their more inclusive and liberal approaches to governance and religion. Another commenter highlighted the value of the old man's book, stating, "That book belongs in a museum. Its more than worth its weight in gold." To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Eid Milad Un Nabi, also called Mawlid al-Nabi, is a significant Islamic festival that marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last prophet sent by Allah. This holy festival is celebrated with great devotion by Muslims worldwide. It falls in the third month of the Islamic calendar, Rabi ul Awal, which follows the months of Muharram and Safar. In 2024, Eid Milad Un Nabi will be observed on 16th September. In India, it is a gazetted holiday, and Muslims across the globe celebrate it with immense joy and reverence. History of Eid Milad Un Nabi The origins of Eid Milad Un Nabi date back to the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, which was initially a day of mourning to mark Prophet Muhammad's passing in 632 CE. However, during the 13th century, this day transitioned from mourning into a celebration of the Prophet's birth. This shift represented a new way of honouring the Prophets life, focusing on his valuable teachings and the inspiration he brought to the Muslim community. The Fatimid Caliphate officially recognized the day as a public celebration in the 10th century. They initiated gatherings with prayers, poetry, and public recitations praising the Prophet. Over time, Eid Milad Un Nabi became a widely celebrated event across the Islamic world, evolving into a festival marked by processions, charity events, and communal meals. Significance of Eid Milad Un Nabi 2024 Credit: Freepik Eid Milad Un Nabi 2024 holds immense significance for Muslims. It is a day for reflecting on the life of Prophet Muhammad and his teachings, which highlighted compassion, kindness, and justice. Muslims view him as the ultimate example of righteousness, and his teachings continue to guide their lives. The festival is also an opportunity for Muslims to express their love for the Prophet. They attend special prayers at mosques, read the Quran, and engage in acts of kindness and charity. By doing so, they strengthen their connection with the Prophet and their faith in Allah. How is Eid Milad Un Nabi 2024 Celebrated? Muslims worldwide prepare for Eid Milad Un Nabi 2024 by decorating their homes, streets, mosques, and marketplaces with colourful lights and green flags, symbolising Islam. On the day, they dress in new clothes, offer special prayers, and seek the blessings of Allah. Women prepare traditional dishes like Sheer Khurma and Sevaiyan to share with family and friends. Many visit prominent religious sites, such as Haji Ali Dargah, Jama Masjid, Nizamuddin Aulia, and Ajmer Sharif, to offer prayers and seek blessings. Charity and donations are also important parts of the festival, as Prophet Muhammad encouraged acts of kindness and generosity towards the poor. Children celebrate with enthusiasm, often asking for Eidi from their elders, while families gather to share stories about the Prophets life and teachings. This makes Eid Milad Un Nabi a joyous occasion that brings families and communities together. Eid Milad Un Nabi 2024 is a day of immense spiritual importance for Muslims. It allows them to honour Prophet Muhammad, reflect on his teachings, and renew their commitment to living by his principles of kindness, compassion, and faith. From grand celebrations in public spaces to intimate gatherings at home, the festival is a beautiful reminder of the Prophets profound impact on the world. By participating in the Eid Milad Un Nabi 2024 celebrations, Muslims not only pay homage to the Prophet but also strengthen their bond with their faith, family, and community. (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. While the Greek exports to Turkey were down, the balance of Greek imports from Turkey during the same period amounted to $2.31 billion, compared to $1.88 billion in the first half of 2023, showing an increase of 22.8%. A British couple who have visited the Greek island of Rhodes over 100 times has been awarded the municipality's highest honorary distinction, a platinum plaque. Alexander and Gail Conn have been travelling to Rhodes since the 1990s, visiting the island four to five times each year. Their deep love for the island has led them to forge lifelong friendships with locals, including businessman Michalis Diakoulas, who accompanied them at the award ceremony. The couple has always stayed at the Lindos Blue Sky hotel and has now decided to purchase a home on the island due to their frequent visits. "Rhodes is the choice of our hearts and souls, and this is the Rhodes we want to share with our fellow countrymen," said Alexander and Gail Conn, expressing their gratitude to the Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism, Giorgos Toppos, for the honour bestowed upon them. The award recognizes the couple's unwavering commitment to Rhodes and their contribution to the island's tourism industry. Their dedication to the island serves as an inspiration to others and highlights the enduring appeal of Rhodes as a destination for visitors from around the world. iefimerida.gr An 87-year-old British pensioner has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after trying to suffocate his wife with a pillow. The pensioner, identified as George Thompson, was appearing before an Athens prosecutor on Monday following the incident, which occurred early Sunday in his flat in Paleo Faliro. Authorities said a neighbor called the police after Mr. Thompson sought her help. Mr. Thompson reportedly believed his wife, Peryl Thompson, wanted to end her due to her deteriorating health and severe dementia, which had left her bed bound for years. However, his attempt to fulfil her wish failed. He couldn't do it, said a senior police official. He just barely went to cover her, and his wife fell unconscious. He then ran to get help from his neighbour. Mrs. Thompson was immediately taken to a local state hospital where she is recovering. The couple had retired in Greece decades ago, according to neighbors. The incident has raised questions about the challenges faced by elderly individuals and their families in caring for loved ones with dementia. As the population ages, cases of elder abuse and neglect are becoming increasingly prevalent. iefimerida.gr The Greek government is working with Romania and Bulgaria to find a permanent solution to the soaring power prices in southeastern Europe. Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis has criticised the current unified EU electricity market , stating that it is not functioning effectively for the region. While Greece has benefited from low-cost renewable energy sources like solar and wind, it has experienced periodic price spikes during the summer months when demand for air conditioning is high. These price surges are exacerbated by the limited power supply from other interconnected countries. Skylakakis emphasised that power links between central and southeastern Europe are insufficient to prevent extreme price fluctuations. He called for a revised model for the EU electricity market, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to send a letter to the European Commission outlining these concerns this week. In a joint initiative, the Greek, Bulgarian, and Romanian energy ministers are proposing a permanent intervention mechanism to address extreme price spikes in the region. This mechanism would be activated whenever southeastern Europe becomes isolated from the rest of the European energy market. The Greek government has already taken steps to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs, including extending a windfall tax on energy companies and providing power subsidies to consumers. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has pledged to continue these measures until European authorities address the underlying issues. iefimerida.gr The Hellenic Shipowners Association welcomes Mario Draghis report The Future of the Competitiveness of the European Union, published n Tuesday , which recognizes the strategic role of shipping in defending European Travlos: We will work with our European partners to secure shipping and Europes interests - Greeces Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis, has firmly dismissed any potential obstacles to the planned electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus , asserting that the project is fully compliant with international law . This statement comes in response to concerns raised by Dimitris Natsios, leader of the NIKI party , during a parliamentary session Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline has dissociated itself from the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Ajaero on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Abujas Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a Trade Union Congress meeting. Following his arrest, Omotade Makinwa, the spokesperson for the airline issued a statement debunking the media reports insinuating that the labour leader was arrested over a petition by the airline. Advertisement According to Makinwa, the reports have created negative publicity for the airline. He explained that even though the airline submitted a petition in May 2023, when the NLC disrupted the airlines operation during the unions conflict with the Imo State Government, the police did not act on the petition. Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC. READ ALSO: Foreign Airlines Conspiring To Crush Us Air Peace CEO Alerts It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On May 3, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State Government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State Government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states. In response to this disruption, Air Peaces legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the police failed to take prompt action. Over a year later, Makinwa said the Nigerian Police decided to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president. Meanwhile, Air Peace and the NLC reached an amicable resolution, which led the airline to withdraw its petition. The operatives of the Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun Corps, have arrested no fewer than 21 suspected criminals, including kidnappers. Parading the suspects on Tuesday at the headquarters of the command in Akure, the state commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said that the culprits were apprehended at different locations across the state. Akogun added that among the suspects were two kidnappers, identified as Umaru Mohammed and Ahmadu Illiyan, who were arrested at the point of receiving ransom for the victims earlier abducted. Advertisement He said: Today we are parading 21 suspected criminals that were picked up in various local government areas of the state. Among those paraded today were suspected kidnappers who around the places where ransom were paid, were picked up and are already giving us useful information. READ MORE: Amotekun Corps Detains Suspect For Alleged Defilement Of Minor In Osun We also have those who specialize in kidnapping and stealing of okada from innocent okada riders. They will ride behind them, hit them with heavy weapons, steal and dismembered their bike. We were able to apprehend the master mind who came all the way from Benin ( Edo State) for the operation and serious manhunt is going on for his accomplices. We have Olanusi Adurayemi and Kabiru Mustapha, who are armed robbery suspects; then Umaru Mohammed and Ahmadu Illiyan suspected kidnappers. So the 21 suspects are profiled and ready to proceed to court after investigations.The operatives of the Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun Corps, have arrested no fewer than 21 suspected criminals, including kidnappers. The Department of State Services (DSS) has granted administrative bail to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero. A top official of the Union confirmed the release of the NLC President. Advertisement The Comrade President has just been released. He was released at about 11.10pm, a labour leader said, as stated by Vanguard. Also, Omoyele Sowore, pro-democracy activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, announced his release in a post on Monday night. READ ALSO: Prosecute Anyone Behind Invasion Of SERAPs Office Falana To Tinubu BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail, he wrote on X Recall that Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. Several organisations, civil society groups, activists and prominent individuals had condemned Ajaeros arrest and demanded his immediate release. The NLC had on Monday warned that Ajaero be released before midnight or they decide next line of action. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor, has faulted the Federal Governments decision to give the states share of rice palliative to All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts to handle. In a post via X on Monday, the NNPP leader described the action as a derailment of democracy. The Federal Government distributed rice palliatives to 35 states through their governors, except Kano State, where the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, was made the chairman of an expanded committee for the palliative sharing. Advertisement READ ALSO: Channel Your Energy Into More Effective Means, Not Protest Kwankwaso To Nigerian Youths For the last one week I have been in Kano, and sadly I noted with great disappointment the Federal Government distribution of rice palliative to 35 states all through their governors, except Kano State in the whole federation. Kanos share was handed over to APC stalwarts to handle. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and driving partisanship too far. I call on Mr. President to immediately halt this naked derailment of democracy. I have also noted with great concern that within a span of just two weeks, three different state directors of DSS were posted and reposted out of Kano, and we are still counting. Without doubt, this is negatively affecting the security of Kano State, he wrote. The post however generated backlash with several X users alleging that the former Kano state governor has been silent over more pressing national issues like. The Lagos State Government has detained eight individuals for open defecation in the Berger area of the state. The action comes after the state administration issued repeated warnings about the unsanitary practices in the state. Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the arrests of the eight men in a video posted on the X platform on Monday. Advertisement He stated that the arrest was made by personnel from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, whose vehicles have been stationed in the area since the state government began cleaning the median along the Berger part of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The median had been heavily damaged by faeces and urine, making the environment unpleasant for the public. READ MORE: Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin Donates N2.5m To Woman Who Gave Birth To Sextuplets Last month, the authorities cleaned up the median and promised to penalise anyone who violated it. Wahab wrote, During a monitoring and enforcement operation last (Sunday) night by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps Task Force team, eight individuals were arrested at Berger for open defecation and urination. In late August, nine people were discovered participating in open defecation in the vicinity and arrested by Task Force officials. SEE BELOW: A Nigerian content creator has expressed grievances after he was attacked in the night by suspected armed robbers in the Isolo area of Lagos State. In a post shared on Tuesday via X, the victim, @iiampsticks said his iPhone 15 Pro was taken from him. According to him, the sum of N2.6 million was also withdrawn from his bank account. Advertisement READ ALSO: Two Policemen, Driver Killed As Gunmen Attempt To Abduct Delta Lawmakers Wife Sharing photos of the debit transaction details, he wrote : I was robbed at jakande estate isolo lagos state yesterday at about 7pm, with a gun. They took my iphone 15 pro and withdrew the sum of 2.6 million from my kuda account. They took everything I worked for . Please helpppp (sic). There was panic in Kaduna communities on Monday, as flood wreaked havoc in Kafanchan and other villages in Jemaa Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the devastating disaster left two children dead and over 1,000 residents were displaced. Advertisement The Vice Chairman of Jemaa Local Government Area, Mrs. Christy Usman, who made the disclosure, on Monday, said that the incident followed heavy rainfall in the area some days ago. According to her, the Kaduna State Flood Assessment Committee led by the Chief of Staff to Governor Uba Sani, Sani Kila, has visited the area to assess the impact of flooding in the southern part of the state. READ MORE: Two Killed As Flood Destroys Anambra Community She said that the flood has affected the people of Jemaa council economically, expressing happiness that Governor Uba Sani has responded positively by sending the committee chaired by the Chief of Staff, Malam Sani Kila to assess the impact of the flood. Mrs. Christy said: We are happy that the governor is reacting to the plight of the people. We know, with this visit, compensation is coming and relief is coming for the victims of the flood disaster. Apart from farm lands washed away by the flood, over 1,000 people were affected. From a canal here in Kafanchan, two children were reported to have been taken away by the flood. Many residents of Bornos state capital have been forced to leave their houses, over the flooding of Maiduguri Zoo, popularly known as Sanda Kyarimi Park, located in the city centre. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the majority of the affected regions are situated within the Jere Local Government Area. It was gathered that the flood started around 1 a.m. on Tuesday and has displaced many families living around Lagos Street, Modugari, Gwange, Monday Market, and a few other places. Advertisement One of the residents in Maiduguri, identified as Kabiri Sani told PUNCH that the zoo was flooded this morning, and was sure that animals would escape. READ MORE: Borno: NAF Air Strikes Neutralizes Several Terrorists, Destroys Logistics Facilities He said: Early this morning, i left Wulari to Polo, while passing through the zoo area, with the water level i saw, i was shocked and i began to fear because i know the caliber of wild animals in that zoo. Another resident living in Gwange, who identified herself as Salamatu Mohammed, said that she and her family have been displaced and are currently forced to leave the environment because of the news that the zoo was already flooded. Salamatu said: I left immediately I was able to rescue my properties and myself. I cannot stay in that area because I am sure that animals are currently outside. Further speaking on the situation, another resident, Bilyaminu Yusuf, said: We are in a serious situation. Lagos Street is flooded, and we had to flee to Galtimari Primary School, leaving most of our belongings behind. No fewer than three yet to be identified persons have been killed, when suspected thugs, stormed the Isionye community, located at Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was gathered that the hoodlums, who injured five people, posed as land buyers and lured their victims to the land, where they launched the attack. A source, who refused to reveal his identity, told PUNCH on Tuesday that the incident took place late on Monday, caused panic in the community due to the multiple gunshots fired by the attackers. Advertisement He said: Unknown gunmen stormed our community in Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government, this evening and killed several people. They arrived in a Sienna vehicle, pretending to be land buyers. No one suspected they were heavily armed with guns and machetes until they reached the land and started shooting. READ MORE: Two Killed As Flood Destroys Anambra Community In the process, both the people who took them to the land were shot, while passers-by and other residents, who fled at the sound of the gunfire, sustained various injuries. Also confirming the horrible incident on Tuesday, Anambra State Police spokesman, ASP. Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the police had recovered the vehicle abandoned by the armed attackers, adding that investigations were underway to identify the perpetrators. He said: The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an investigation into the murder of three people and the serious injury of five others on Monday, 9 September 2024, at 2 p.m. at Isionye land, a boundary between Enugu Ukwu and Nawfia. Preliminary information revealed that the victims were lured to the land by individuals through a phone call under the guise of a land transaction, and were then attacked with guns and machetes. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has called for calm, as police operatives have recovered the abandoned Sienna vehicle used by the murderers. The testimonies of the injured victims, who are currently receiving treatment in hospital, are aiding the investigation, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue. For Owusu Ansah, art has been an exceedingly generous muse. Every since his hands touched clay as a young boy in Ghana, his talent was undeniable to his instructors and family. Art has also been a fiercely demanding muse for Ansah, interfering with marriages and forcing him to forgo the financial comfort of commercial appeal and instead create thought-provoking sculptures. Advertisement But Ansah, 66, has found peace and financial security of sorts, using his artistry to restore stained glass an ancient craft that once found its greatest use illustrating biblical stories in churches. In February, when a vandal smashed three of the historic glass windows dating to 1889 at Mother Bethel AME Church, the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler called on Ansah, one of the citys few master stained glass artists, to repair the damage. Ansah said working on stained glass windows requires a combination of artistic talent, as well as technical and engineering skills, not often found in a single person. READ MORE: What an act of vandalism shattered, acts of generosity restored at Mother Bethel AME Church The translucent tiles were each a rectangle of a single green, blue, yellow, or orange. Recreating them was straightforward for Ansah. When I say it was not challenging, I mean it was simple cutting. It was easy. There was no painting of images involved. Thats what made it basic. Because Mother Bethel is a National Historic Landmark, Ansah said one of the most significant challenges was matching the new with the old the texture of the glass, the tile color, and the lead used to keep the glass in place to maintain historic accuracy. The other was the decay he discovered. The wooden frames were coming apart after 100 years. For Ansah, the work on the historic windows provided a small bit of local attention that has escaped him since leaving Ghana in 1979 to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Coming to Philadelphia to study art A member of the Ashanti tribe and one of 28 siblings, Ansah remembers like it was yesterday the first time he got his young hands on a lump of clay and made a sculpture of one of the rabbits his father raised. Even untrained, he was able to capture the likeness an early indication of his artistic gift. There seemed to be no doubt that his immense talents would carry him far. But talent did not mean an easy path forward. He lived up to his name, which means strong-willed and determined. At every step, Ansah had to be tenaciously polite to get needed art supplies and access to the art classes he required, refusing to take no for an answer. He found ways to get his work in front of people by sending them unsolicited portraits of themselves, too realistic to ignore. On the advice of a tourist in his hometown of Kumsai, the second-largest city in Ghana, Ansah applied to and was accepted by PAFA. He knew little of the school and nothing of Philadelphia when he arrived on Jan. 4, 1979, welcomed by a bitter winter coldness he had only read about. I registered for the Spring semester, so I thought it would be spring, he said, laughing at the memory. Man, was it shocking. And he had no doubts that his talent and belief in excellence would take him far. At first, it did. A master artist but not a household name In 1983, the year he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from PAFA, Ansah was commissioned to create a bust of Russell S. Gideon, a Seattle-based pharmacist, community activist, and a Prince Hall freemason. When African Americans were excluded from joining existing Masonic organizations, they founded Prince Hall Freemasonry in 1784. Ebony magazine annually hailed Gideon as one of the nations 100 most influential Black citizens, in part because of his leadership role with the freemasons. A year before Gideon died, a bust by Ansah was commissioned and placed in the Masonic Cathedrals Hall of Fame at 1514 Fitzwater St. He has also sold his sculptures to collectors. I sold $10,000 worth of artwork, he said. In 1984, PAFA awarded him a traveling scholarship, the second Black person in the schools history to attain that honor, he said. I went to Ghana. I wanted to to go home. Ansah received a Master of Fine Arts from PAFA. In 1997, he had an art exhibit at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. But slowly, the flurry of post-graduate activity and fame dwindled. Rarely is Ansah given artistic credit for the stained glass and other works he creates. Right now no one knows me, he said recently at his studio in Germantown. He has restored stained glass windows at Canaan Baptist Church, The City School, Greater Mount Olive AME Church, and The Church of St. Andrew and St. Monica. A self-taught master craftsman in stained glass and etched glass, he worked for over 20 years at stained glass shops and become chief designer for the now-closed Philadelphia Art Glass. In addition to restoring old windows, he prepares many etched-glass retirement plaques for local fire departments. Celebrating the restored stained glass windows When youre doing the restoration, its like waking up the dead, Ansah said in an interview about his work at Mother Bethel. Ansah is in the midst of raising money to build a museum to house his sculptures and other artwork back in his hometown. In Philadelphia, it is his work to restore old windows that hell be best remembered for windows that for centuries have provoked awe within sacred spaces, even as their creators remained anonymous. READ MORE: A church sold its old stained glass windows for $6,000. It turned out they were rare Tiffany glass. In May, Mother Bethel celebrated the restoration of its stained windows, which had been purchased by former slaves. We really want this to be a beacon. What would it look like every night when you drive by, and youre like, what is that? Tyler said at the rededication ceremony. Its a stained glass window, a church, and the hope is that what we will ultimately do is continue to inspire. As parishioners stare at the windows, which will last another 80 to 100 years, most will likely forget the artists name but not the impact of his work. Friends of the Tanner House gather outside 2908 W. Diamond St. Philadelphia, the former home of Henry O. Tanner, the first African American artist to gain international acclaim. This house has historic recognition. The G & R Contractors, LLC, will start work on Phase one of the project on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Read more The Friends of the Tanner House has published a report about its yearlong project of engaging with the community on how ordinary residents might influence future programs and activities at the Tanner House once it is revitalized. Located at 2908 W. Diamond St. in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia, the Tanner House was the childhood home of internationally acclaimed artist Henry Ossawa Tanner and his extraordinarily accomplished family members. In 2021, however, the city declared the house could be demolished because it was unsafe. The Inquirer first reported on the dangerous conditions at the house, which is a National Historic Landmark. Advertisement The Friends of the Tanner House (FOTH) then organized and launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for emergency stabilization repairs in February 2022. The report, Annunciating a Community Cultural Platform with Holistic Preservation, discusses how the FOTH reached out to various community organizations and sought ideas from community residents in the neighborhood surrounding the Tanner House. The project was funded by a $150,000 Mellon Foundation Humanities-in-Place grant to the FOTH and the Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design. READ MORE: Once the center of the Black intellectual community in Philadelphia, the Henry O. Tanner House could be demolished The grant allowed us the opportunity to build grounded awareness for our dream of revitalizing the Henry Ossawa Tanner House and making it a distinctive community-accessible cultural asset reflective of gifts and brilliance we witnessed in the Black cultural ecosystem of North Philadelphia, said Christopher R. Rogers, co-coordinator of the FOTH. For love to thrive in our neighborhood ... From May 2023 through June 2024, the FOTH sponsored projects led by either its artist-in-residence, Qiaira Riley, or other community partners, including: The Peoples Dispensary, a workshop on holistic healing inspired by the life of Tanners sister, Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, a medical doctor who started a nursing school at Tuskegee Institute. Ceramic Altar Building, a workshop inspired by the artists parents, Sarah Elizabeth Miller Tanner and Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, about the role of religion and spirituality in fights for freedom. Tanners mother fled enslavement on the Underground Railroad as a child, and Tanners father helped found freedmens schools for formerly enslaved Black people. A community cleanup day organized by the FOTH, the Blues Babe Foundation, and Tree House Books, which focused on cleaning up the 2900 block of West Diamond Street. Tree House Books donated books to children, and a luncheon at the Blues Babe Foundation followed the event. Community surveys asked people to list What activities should bring people together? and What histories should we learn about as a community? Among the answers about activities were: storytelling, block parties, sports, and art. The histories listed in one survey were: The true history of our people, Queer histories, Organizing histories, and Neighborhood histories. The FOTH also connected with 30 organizations when it launched its Community Partner Network. The importance of preservation Currently, a second phase of stabilization work is underway. Rogers said this phase, to secure a rear wall, is needed before FOTH can go forward with the design-development planning necessary for its full revitalization. He said he would love to have that design plan ready by 2026, when there will be attention on Philadelphia for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Tonnetta Graham, president of the Strawberry Mansion CDC, whose organization is working to revitalize the John Coltrane House, said it is important for community groups to work together. We are excited about having an opportunity to have another space that we can call our own, Graham said. The synergy around trying to get the Coltrane House, the Dox Thrash House, and the Tanner House [revitalized] has been building. Its important of us to be able to share ideas. For Amber N. Wiley, who was the director of the Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites during the last year, the work of the FOTH has been remarkable. Wiley said that for most people, the history of historic preservation work has been to focus on the building itself, or on the remarkable contributions of a single individual. But the focus of the Tanner House project has been to seek out how the house will meet the needs of the community in the future. And it is also recommending that the historical designation be changed to include the Tanner family, not only the artist. Sometimes its all about the glass and the brick and the wood and the windows, Wiley said. How will the person access this? How will the person feel in this space? For me, it was important to understand the societal influences and underpinning the history underneath. For me, it was important to understand the societal influences and underpinning the history underneath. Amber N. Wiley Tanners father, the Rev. Benjamin Tucker Tanner, moved his family to Philadelphia when he became editor of the Christian Recorder, the AME church newspaper that published national political news in addition to church news. Benjamin Tanner bought the house on Diamond Street in 1872, when the artist was 13 years old. Benjamin Tanner was elected a bishop in the AME church in 1888. On Tuesday night, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is presenting a panel discussion called Restoring Black Heritage Sites: Challenges and Opportunities that will feature Rogers of the FOTH; Jillian Pirtle, CEO of the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society; and Janice Sykes-Ross, executive director of the Paul Robeson House & Museum. The discussion will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Cosmopolitan Club, 1616 Latimer St., Philadelphia. It is part of the Preservation Alliances Fall Speaker Series: Preserving Philadelphia. Preregistration is required. Wallace Peeples, better known as Wallo267 on social media, is a motivational speaker, podcaster, and influencer. His memior, "Armed with Good Intentions," releases on Sept. 10. Read more Two decades of incarceration and a lifetime of hardship made Wallace Peeples realize his greatest defense was a loaded mind, not a loaded gun. Peeples, better known as Wallo267 on social media, is a motivational speaker, podcaster, and influencer. Growing up in Nicetown, he bounced in and out of juvenile centers, before being arrested and convicted for a string of armed robberies and served a total of 20 years in the Pennsylvania prison system. But instead of faltering under the strain of imprisonment, Wallo reprogrammed his mind and vowed to change course. If he didnt, he knew there would be no breaking away from the continuous cycle of incarceration. Advertisement While incarcerated, Wallo learned the inner workings of social media from friends and family who made the two-hour commute to visit him in state correctional institutions across the state. He built a following by posting motivational pictures on a contraband phone. On Feb. 18, 2017, Wallo walked out of the State Correctional Institution of Coal Township with a renewed sense of purpose and over 50,000 Instagram followers. Now, he has millions of social media followers and a hit podcast, Million Dollaz Worth of Game, with his cousin Gillie Da King, where he has hosted cultural figures like 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, and Mike Tyson. And this week, his new memoir, Armed with Good Intentions, hits the shelves. When you come from the ghetto, sometimes you find yourself trying to steal the American dream, and its a lot you have to go through, he said. Its just a journey trying to make it out of the jungle. Most of the homies and the people I grew up with didnt make it out. They died as teenagers. For me to be 45 years old and still operating within culture and society, thats major. We talked to the social activist and motivational speaker about his evolution from life in incarceration to being a social change-maker, the nostalgia of hot scrapple and grits in the morning, and the power of vulnerability. His memoir, Armed with Good Intentions (Simon & Schuster), releases Sept. 10. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. How does it feel to have your life story on bookshelves? It feels good to open up to people who have supported me for so many years. I think its great to see that Im just like everybody else. I go through ups and downs in life. I cry, I hurt, and I laugh. Some people would think once success happens that youre not normal like everybody else. This book is about human connection. Its bringing people into my world, with all the struggles, ups and downs, and just trying to win coming out of the ghetto. Why did you write the book now? I put out a motivational book that was self-published [in 2020], but I felt like there was more. As you start to level up, you have to time-stamp some things. When youre dealing with big-time publishing houses like Simon & Schuster, its not always about when you want it. You have to always think like, Man, I guess its meant to happen when its meant to happen. Some things we just cant control. What was it like? I have a lot of stuff going on in my mind based on my journey and my experiences because Ive been in these streets since birth. And for me to be operating in a different world now, theres just so much that people dont know. It will take a lifetime to tell them though. Sometimes you can show somebody something, but you have to go through it in order to feel it. I try to share what I can, but sometimes its not that easy. Was looking back difficult? I look at my life differently than most people. From the time I was 11 years old, I was never free for more than a year before getting out of prison at 37. Being out this time is the longest of my life. I spent all that time incarcerated, getting out, and then getting arrested at 17 and spending all that amount of time. Ive only been out seven years, so Im living that life. It was an emotional roller coaster. When youre reminiscing about these moments, you have to live in them sometimes. Nobody remembers your life how you remember your life. You remember how you were feeling, and the emotions that came with the ups and downs. The wins and the falls. Its really deep and just wild. You were labeled a kid who lacked self-confidence, accountability, and discipline during one of your stints at a juvenile facility. What inspired you to add it to the book? So many people are going to look at this book who have been labeled by society, family, coworkers, or whoever. But its important to never count yourself out. The majority of the time, it doesnt matter what someone says about you. But as much as it doesnt matter, it can paralyze you for life. Somebody can sit there and judge you, and they dont even operate in your circumstances. They dont know anything about you. You start the book by saying quotes like The road to hell is paved with good intentions didnt mean anything to you when you were young. What does it mean now? I always had a good heart somewhere, but my environment had me on a different mission because I had to be a part of what was going on. You grew up eating scrapple and grits. Is that still a go-to? Nah, that was a long time ago when I was a kid. My grandma used to make it and it was unbelievable. But if you look up scrapple, its like a bunch of parts from an animal mixed up. Man, its like ear, tongue, and feet. When I was young, it was everything. It tasted good back then. Justin Mohn talks to reporters as he's led out of the Bucks County Justice Center on Tuesday. Mohn, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting and beheading of his father. Read more Justin Mohn plotted the murder of his father, Michael, for more than a month, Bucks County prosecutors said Tuesday. He ordered survival gear and other supplies from Amazon, wrote out a to-do list outlining plans to shoot and behead his father, and jotted down specific directions so he could avoid detection on toll roads on his way to Fort Indiantown Gap, where he fled after the killing, prosecutors said. Advertisement First Assistant District Attorney Edward Louka said Mohn, 32, planned the crime with precision, attacking his father in the Levittown home they shared. He shot him in the head with a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun he had had purchased a day earlier, then used a kitchen knife and a machete to sever his fathers head, which he later displayed in a viral YouTube video in which he spouted antigovernment rhetoric. Michael Mohn, 68, a retired civil engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers, was targeted in part because of his work for the federal government, Louka said. Mr. Mohn, based on his beliefs, was making a call to arms to achieve the aims he believes in, Louka said after the hearing. He did that through violence. The violence was the murder of his father, who, its no coincidence, was a federal employee. Mohn, for his part, told reporters in impromptu comments Tuesday outside the Bucks County Justice Center that he killed his father while attempting to make a citizens arrest. He said his father had to die because of his connections to the government. I and a lot of other people around America believe the federal government has betrayed America, theyre destroying the country, and we have to do something to take the country back, Mohn said. [My father] was a federal employee and betrayed me, he added. I was trying to perform a citizens arrest and he resisted that citizens arrest. Its lawful to use deadly force in that event. At the hearing, Magisterial District Judge Charles Jonas held Mohn for trial on charges including first-degree murder, abuse of corpse, and robbery. Jonas dismissed one of three counts of terrorism, citing a lack of evidence. Mohns attorney, Steven Jones, discounted the call to arms Mohn made in the Jan. 30 video in which he professed to command a national network of militias and encouraged their members to kill federal employees and take over federal buildings. He was espousing this online in a weird diatribe that didnt speak to anyone, Jones said. Clearly it didnt, because no one rose up to follow him. After the shooting, Mohn tried to cut his fathers head off with a kitchen knife, but resorted to a machete with an 18-inch blade when the knife proved ineffective, according to testimony. Mohn wrapped the severed head in plastic and filmed a video in his bedroom in which he called his father a traitor and railed against the federal government. A blood trail later led investigators to the elder Mohns dismembered corpse, still in the homes bathroom. His head was in a basement bedroom, inside a stock pot. After the killing, Mohn stole his fathers car and drove to Fort Indiantown Gap, where he was arrested for trespassing on the National Guard base there. He told police he wanted to speak with the general in command at the base, in an attempt to recruit him to his quest to overthrow the federal government, according to testimony Tuesday. Mohn later repeated that plan in prison letters to various elected officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, and podcast host Joe Rogan. Mohn will be arraigned in county court in October. Matthew Branning (left) and Michael Stark, seen here at a press conference announcing their disappearance in October 2021, worked together at a company in Silverdale. Read more It took a Bucks County jury a half-hour on Monday to convict a Royersford man of first-degree murder for kidnapping, robbing, and killing his coworker in October 2021. Michael Stark, 50, was sentenced afterward to life in prison for the death of Matthew Branning, whom he had befriended while working at Enchlor Inc., a company in Silverdale that manufactures and assembles water-treatment systems for countries outside the U.S. Advertisement Deputy District Attorney Matthew Lannetti told jurors during Starks five-day trial that the case was similar to a puzzle. There was not one smoking gun, but a lot of pieces of evidence that when you put them together and step back, there was no argument what happened, he said. Starks attorney, Craig Penglase, did not return a request for comment. The two men were last seen working together Oct. 15, 2021, according to evidence presented at trial. Later that night, a security camera at a local BB&T Bank branch recorded Branning, 50, withdrawing $500 from an ATM, with another person visible in the backseat. Lannetti said that person was Stark, who he said had become desperate after losing a second job and struggling with a negative bank balance. Stark, the prosecutor said, had forced Branning to withdraw the money. Starks DNA was later found on the cars steering wheel. I think at that point, he decided there was no going back, and he killed Matthew, Lannetti said. The evidence is overwhelming that thats what happened. Cell-phone data from Brannings phone, as well as toll information, showed his 2002 Lexus sedan traveling into New Jersey and to Cape May. That was the last trace of Branning that investigators found. The next day, on Oct. 16, Brannings sister filed a missing-persons report with the Perkasie Borough Police Department. She was concerned that her brother had not returned home from work the previous day, according to court records. Investigators traced Brannings Lexus on a path to New Jersey. They learned that his bank account was used at a gas station in Somers Point at 7:05 p.m. later that day. Branning and Starks cell phones were tracked to a Wawa in Cape May two hours later, where Stark was seen on surveillance footage making a purchase at 9:27 p.m. Branning was not seen in that footage. Stark then drove north and then west on the Atlantic City Expressway. He wasnt seen again until Nov. 13, 2021, when he was spotted at a Michigan pawn shop. Brannings Lexus was recovered in Falls Church, Va., in December 2021. Stark was arrested in April 2022 in Wayne County, Mich., on a warrant out of Monroe County, about two hours north of Philadelphia, for failing to show up in court on charges of resisting arrest and drug possession. Brannings body was later found in a gully in Maryland, but he was not identified until May 2023, two months after Stark was charged with his murder. Lannetti, the prosecutor, said Starks family was happy with verdict but still struggles with a loss that will never be filled. By all accounts, Matthew was a generous, kind human being, who wouldve done anything for anyone, including, his sisters said, the defendant. After years of culture-war battles that brought national attention to the Central Bucks School District, its new superintendent wants to focus on something thats been conspicuously absent from much of the debate: education. Conversations about teaching and learning and student achievement have been missing, not just in Central Bucks but in a lot of districts, for a long time, said Steven Yanni, who left his role leading Lower Merion after less than a year to take over Central Bucks where he lives in July. Advertisement By shifting the emphasis, Yanni, who also previously served as superintendent of the Upper Dublin and New Hope-Solebury districts, thinks he can help reunite or at least lower the temperature in a community that has faced bitter divides over pandemic policies, LGBTQ issues, and the Israel-Hamas war. I think as a nation, we need to get back to a point where we can disagree and not hate each other, said Yanni, who was selected by the Democratic-led school board following last years abrupt resignation of Abram Lucabaugh. In an interview last week, Yanni, 44, laid out some of his plans including rolling out guidelines for staff to create classroom environments where we can address really hard topics, topics where theres inherent conflict, and not let it explode. He also weighed in on other issues, like why he doesnt think schools should ban cell phones. What are your priorities? My overarching goal for this year is to make sure that were all moving in the same direction that we communicate really clearly, internally and externally, that our staff and students feel physically and psychologically safe. The last couple of years, all across the country, things have been really tumultuous. And so really hearing from staff, and students What makes you proud about Central Bucks? What are the things we absolutely should keep doing and what are the things we can maybe let go of? In leaving Lower Merion, youre working closer to home. Are there aspects of the job in Central Bucks that particularly appealed to you? I was in Upper Dublin for six years, and then was really flattered when I got recruited from Lower Merion. People were like, why did you leave Lower Merion so soon? Im like, there was nothing wrong this was to have the opportunity to live in a place and lead the school district. Right after my hiring was announced, my picture was in the paper and I was at Wawa on a Saturday morning, and someone was like, Is that our new superintendent? I truly love what I do, so when Im at the grocery store, and someone wants to talk to me about the district, I dont look at that as a negative thing. Theres been a lot of unrest in Central Bucks in recent years, maybe more so than in any other district in the region. Why do you think you can solve this? Im a relationship person first. I really think that even when were at odds, theres still a lot of common ground. I feel like Ive always been good at identifying that common ground. We all want our kids to be successful at school, we all want our kids to be successful out of school. If we keep that at the forefront, and keep the politics at the door, I think were going to be successful. Im not going to judge anything that has happened prior. I have told people I can only control what happened July 1 forward, right? Were having a series of conversations with kids throughout this fall to find out what the student experience is where are the groups of students that are feeling marginalized? Why are they feeling marginalized? And we can put some structures in around those places. One of the things that were working on with our staff especially with the election coming up which is going to be divisive no matter what political party youre affiliated with is how do we have conversations with kids? To you, something might be a political symbol. For me, its a symbol of belonging. And how do we take each others perspectives? The district has also been accused of tolerating antisemitism, including in a federal civil rights complaint. There have also been Muslim students who say they feel discriminated against. How do you plan to address those issues? Were actually working through the final stages of the federal complaint. I think one of the things that were going to need to do as a district is adopt a real definition of antisemitism. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition I think is quite good because what accompanies it are contemporary examples of antisemitism. When its not as overt, its really hard to detect. So we have to do some real education around that. Were talking about Islamophobia as well. And some of our Muslim students were saying Dr. Yanni, we feel like sometimes our voices arent heard as much because were such a small population of the district. Whether theres one Muslim student or theres 1,000 Muslim students, you still matter. Youve talked about needing to define the boundaries of speech for students and staff. Central Bucks was criticized by the ACLU previously for prohibiting teachers from advocating to students on political and social policy issues. How do you reconcile those two things? We all enjoy First Amendment freedoms, and while we enjoy those, theyre not absolute. And so as educators I can teach you about different political parties, but I cant stand up and say, Im a Libertarian, and you should be When we went to school, we probably didnt know our teachers political viewpoints, because that wasnt the world we lived in. Anymore, to say that schools have to be totally agnostic, its just not realistic. Were in a 24-hour news cycle. So helping staff understand where their boundaries are, helping students understand where their boundaries are so many times drama ensues just because people dont know where the line is. The district is looking at changing its public comment policy. Whats the intent? Board meetings are in the public, not for the public. We are a $400 million organization. The work that we do at the board table is really important. What I would really like at our monthly meetings is for there to be a period of public comment that is agenda items only, then move into the business of the board, and then say, OK, after that, then we can have public comment on any topic. Im not accusing anyone in Central Bucks when I say this, but in other districts, Ive had people grandstanding. What do you think of the push to ban cell phones in schools? We are no cell phones in our elementary and middle schools. High school, cell phones are not allowed during instructional time, but theyre allowed during lunch and learn and other times. There are some school districts that are locking cell phones in pouches. Im never going to agree to that, and Ive already had to agree to disagree with some community members that think thats a good idea. I also dont want to be the cell phone police, because I love TikTok, and you can put this in there. Thats where I get my cooking tips and cleaning tips. And the TikTok shop is really good. Like, theres some good deals. We owe it to our kids to not create artificial environments. Were going to respect you enough for you to have your cell phone with you, but were going to enforce some real clear boundaries. Chris Steveline and his daughter Abby Steveline together at Furness High School on Sept. 3. He is a legendary teacher at the school and Abby is a new colleague, a first year biology teacher there. Read more When Abby Steveline was growing up, shed sometimes spend days off from school and at her dads workplace, Furness High in South Philly. Chris Steveline was a popular math teacher, the kind of educator students remember. Abby liked sitting in classrooms, testing out a camera that took student photos, snapping her own photo, and then blowing it up on the computer screen while the adults laughed. Advertisement It was super cool, she said. She never dreamed that someday shed be her dads colleague, but thats her new reality. Last month, Ms. Steveline joined the Furness faculty as a biology teacher, working alongside Mr. Steveline, the administrative jack-of-all trades, who is technology coordinator and works to make sure all Furness students are on a pathway to graduation. That got the wheels spinning Chris Steveline is a product of the Philadelphia School District. He graduated from Parkway West, back when it was still a school without walls on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Many people in his Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood attended West Catholic, and his brother did, too, but his parents didnt have enough money to send Chris there as well. Ninth grade wasnt my best, said Chris Steveline. I was a little angry. But Stevelines teachers didnt write him off, and things smoothed out for him. Parkway prized student-teacher relationships, and that was a lesson for him. Having those teachers deal with my crazy self the patience and stick-with-it-ness they showed, that got the wheels spinning a little bit as to how I could give back, he said. Steveline worked for a time in the hotel industry, but eventually, he made it to where he was supposed to be: in a classroom, specifically a math room at Furness, on South Third Street between Mifflin and McKean. Furness is a tight-knit, diverse neighborhood high school known for educators who stick around and students who feel safe and respected. More than half of the schools pupils are English language learners from countries all over the world. Steveline never wanted to work anywhere else. Theyre going to have to burn me out of here, he said. Im not going anywhere. Abby Steveline was a toddler when her father came to Furness. She said that for a time, she wanted to become a teacher, then cycled through other career ambitions, including a scientist and a physical therapist. But eventually, she came back around: At Kutztown University, she studied biology, secondary education, and English as a second language. She graduated in May. This past spring, Abby Steveline saw a social media post during her lunch break when she was student teaching at Muhlenberg High School in Berks County: Furness High needed a biology teacher for the 2024-25 school year. She emailed the principal right away. Abby Steveline, who attended Upper Darby High School, imagined herself teaching at a school like Furness. Ive heard so much over the years about so many good people, so many good experiences, she said. I wanted to be a part of a building where everybody has everybody, you never struggle alone. Everyone is supportive here, and everyone stays for 20 or 30 years. Theres so much diversity within teachers themselves. Its refreshing, and something that I really wanted to be a part of. Chris Steveline had no idea the school was even looking for a biology teacher, but when he heard, he walked into the office. I said, My kid applied, and youre going to hire her, right? They laughed, he said. (Abby Steveline had to go through the districts process and interview like everyone else, but amid a national teaching shortage where science teachers are in particularly short supply, its no surprise she had her pick of schools.) To say he is thrilled to work with his daughter is an understatement. Its the greatest thing ever; its awesome I come in smiling every day now, he said. All of our kids want to come to school to learn. The teachers here are just phenomenal. They work so hard, and they work together. We have a really good ESL program here. Its a great community to help a brand-new teacher learn and grow. This is Mr. Steveline The office phone rang. This is Mr. Steveline, how can I help you? he asked. There was a pause. Abby Steveline isnt quite sure what to call her father at work, so she mostly defaults to not calling him anything. Hey, whats up, she said finally, letting her familiar voice identify to her father who was calling. She had students who had Chromebook issues. No problem: He had her send them down to his office so he could troubleshoot in person. But, ever a dad, Chris Steveline couldnt let that story go as they reminisced about it a few days later. School phones can be complicated to get used to, and he was going to needle his kid. Remember, I had to help you figure out how to use the phone? he said to his daughter. She smiled, ducked her head; being a 22-year-old who lives and works with your dad at your first real job takes some getting used to. Theyre carpool buddies now, Chris Steveline gleefully says, but sometimes they bicker over what to play on the radio. Its weird; Ill see him in the hallway, and I dont know what to say, she said. He refers to all his colleagues by their last names. When she walked past him one day, he kept it up. Hey, Steveline, he said, then paused. That was weird. The school year is young, but Abby Steveline so far loves teaching, the thrill of her own classroom, her students energy and enthusiasm. And so far, the students who have figured out that their biology teachers dad is that Mr. Steveline are delighted, just like she is. The kids put two and two together. They say, Oh, my gosh, your dads here, she said. Its odd, but its also nice and fun. PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein will leave the system in October for a new job. Read more The chancellor of Pennsylvanias state university system will leave in October to begin a new job at Baker Tilly, an international accounting and advisory firm that does a lot of work in the higher education sector, Baker Tilly announced Tuesday. Daniel Greenstein, who had announced his impending departure in July, will join the companys higher education advisory practice, focusing on prioritizing improved student outcomes and long-term institutional sustainability by optimizing operations, aligning academic portfolios with market needs and effectively leveraging technology and data analytics, the company said. Advertisement Greenstein, 64, said in an interview Tuesday that he was interested in working on a national platform. Probably about a year ago, its one of those sort of moments when you wake up in the middle of the night and realize, crap, Im not the 28-year-old that I always think I am, he said. That coupled with the growing sense of urgency around higher education really kind of got me thinking. I believe in this industry. I cant imagine a future without it, especially on the public side, and its in trouble and needs help. And I want to help in whatever years remain to me. Greenstein, who has led the 10-university Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education since 2018, starts his new role Nov. 1. He said he will continue to live in Harrisburg and work out of the Philadelphia office. READ MORE: The chancellor of Pa. s state school system is leaving to work nationally Dans experience, visionary leadership and passion for advancing equity in education align perfectly with our mission to help our clients achieve student and institutional success, said Vicki Hellenbrand, Baker Tillys managing principal of government and public services. The system has done business with Baker Tilly, Greenstein said. They have a pretty big footprint in higher education generally, he said, a lot of it in audit and risk management. During his tenure, Greenstein, who was paid $485,030 annually, has been successful in getting increases in state funding for the system, most recently a 6% hike that boosted funding by $35 million, and developing working relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. In 2022, the system received an increase of more than 15%, equal to $75 million, in basic state funding, the largest one-time increase since the system was founded in 1983. PASSHE notably has not had a tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students during Greensteins tenure as he hammered on the need to improve affordability. Fees have increased. Greenstein has called the long-standing tuition freeze the single most important thing weve done. Greenstein also oversaw the controversial merger of six of the systems universities into two new entities as part of a system redesign and led PASSHE through the pandemic. But enrollment, which began to decline in 2010, has continued to slide under his watch, as has enrollment at many other universities in the region. The system enrolled about 102,000 students when he took over in 2018, and this past year, enrollment stood at 82,688. The system has not released enrollment numbers for the current school year. Greenstein came to PASSHE from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation the philanthropic organization that has doled out millions to spur improvement in higher education. He had been a senior adviser there and previously led the Seattle-based foundations post-secondary-success strategy for six years. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, he previously had served as a vice provost in the University of California system. Pennsylvanias state system includes Cheyney, West Chester, Shippensburg, East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Millersville, Indiana, Slippery Rock, Commonwealth, and PennWest Universities. Baker Tilly describes itself as an advisory, tax, and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the worlds leading financial centers New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Its higher education practice ranges from effective risk management and innovative strategies to compliant fiscal reporting and operational controls, the company said. Police and protesters on the University of Pennsylvania campus in May. Read more The University of Pennsylvania announced Tuesday it will no longer make institutional statements in response to world events, except those that have direct and significant bearing on University functions. The new policy, similar to those unveiled in recent months at Harvard University and Haverford College, comes after a tumultuous year at Penn that included the resignation of its president and a multiweek Gaza solidarity encampment that was taken down by police. Advertisement It is not the role of the institution to render opinions doing so risks suppressing the creativity and academic freedom of our faculty and students, Penn administrators wrote in a statement emailed to the campus community. The university will issue messages on local or world events rarely, and only when those events lie within our operational remit. In the last few years, Penn issued statements responding to a range of local and world catastrophes. The university condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. University leaders called the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade a threat to basic human rights in a June 2022 statement and celebrated the jury conviction of Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd, in an April 2021 statement. The new rules likely would preclude any of those kinds of statements issued by the university in the future. Messages take sides Penns full policy, published on its website under the heading Upholding Academic Independence, lays out the dilemma increasingly roiling major universities: Issuing statements on political and social issues is often meaningful to those it addresses, and the practice increased during the social isolation of the pandemic. But doing so also puts the university in an obvious bind, one that Penn said is made worse by the fact that these events across the world are almost limitless. Responding to one issue inevitably highlights issues and groups that receive no message omissions that carry their own meanings, however inadvertent, Penn administrators wrote. In many cases, messages take sides, or may appear to, on issues of immense significance or complexity. Messages left for representatives of Penn Hillel and Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine were not immediately returned. Proponents of the idea of so-called institutional neutrality see it as a way to maintain vibrant debate on college campuses, allowing students and faculty freedom to express their own ideas and opinions without the interference of the institution. In a campuswide email accompanying the policy, interim president J. Larry Jameson expressed that hope: By quieting Penns institutional voice, we hope to amplify the expertise and voices within, he wrote. But critics see the position first popularized by the University of Chicago in 1967 to avoid taking a stance on the Vietnam War as a way for institutions to duck moral responsibility on controversial issues. After Harvard announced its own similar decision in May, Lara Jirmanus, a physician and clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School, called it a bureaucratic sleight of hand in an interview with the Boston Globe. Every decision at a university is highly political, Jirmanus said. From what is taught, to who gets tenure, to how Harvard invests its $50 billion endowment. Haverford College recently announced that its president would also no longer issue presidential statements except about matters that directly impact Haverford or higher education. Even while saying that the new policy will rely on a hard line between those world issues that have a direct bearing on the university and those that dont, Penn administrators acknowledged that such a distinction is far from clear and will probably be hashed out in real time. No established lines separate what is or is not of direct concern to University operations, the new policy says, so we expect occasional disagreement about where those lines are drawn. New owner Rob Passio (center) and worker Vince Lombardi, grandson of the founder, slice chicken cutlets at Lombardi's Prime Meats, 1801 Packer Ave. Read more Rowhouse South Philadelphia was once sprinkled with family-owned corner butcher shops. One by one, theyve dropped off, as business has shifted to supermarkets and discount clubs. Though delis have picked up some meat business, the ranks of butchers are down to Espositos in the Italian Market, Dads All-Natural Stuffings in West Passyunk, and Lombardis Prime Meats in Packer Park. When Vince Lombardi decided to retire this summer after more than 60 years in the meat business, his store which he opened in 2001 did not go dark. Advertisement Commercial business broker Nancy Alperin of Maxwell Realty knew Rob Passio, who in 2014 took over another butcher shop whose owner was retiring: Giuntas Prime, Charles Giuntas stall in Reading Terminal Market. I knew the synergy was there, she said. A few phone calls later, Passio owns Lombardis. The narrow shop is known for its chicken cutlets, meticulously sliced six to a pound. Its refrigerators and freezers are stocked with prepared foods and staples. Passio, 49, a native South Philadelphian who lives with his family five blocks away, said he wants to keep what Lombardi has created but add a few contemporary products to the shop wagyu beef will soon join the meat case which sits in front of a sound barrier shielding the block from eastbound traffic whizzing along I-76 bound for the Walt Whitman Bridge. Passio started in the business as a delivery boy for a butcher. He came up through the ranks as a manager for Genuardis and Costco, and I got bored, he said. Thats when he took over Giuntas. In addition to Lombardis and Giuntas, Passio also owns an interest in Butchers Pantry, a prepared-foods stall that opened in Reading Terminal in 2022. Lombardis staff has remained, including the founders grandson, also named Vince Lombardi, 32. I started working here every Saturday in high school, freshman year, Vince Lombardi said. My dad [Anthony] wouldnt let me come right in. He wanted me to justify my degree because I went to college. He said he worked in supply-chain management for an insurance company in Center City for five years, but decided that the butcher shop was more to his liking. Asked what inspired the purchase of Lombardis, Passio thought a moment: Challenge, legacy, neighborhood, family name. Thats pretty much it in a nutshell. Janice Nevin is chief executive of ChristianCare, Delaware's largest health system. It plans to build two micro-hospitals in Delaware County. Read more ChristianaCare, Delawares largest health system, is considering Aston Township as the location for one of the two micro-hospitals the nonprofit system plans to build in Delaware County, according to the township. The location is near the intersection of North Turner Way and Dutton Mill Road, across from IceWorks, a skating facility, according to a notice on the Aston Township website, first reported by the Delaware County Daily Times. Advertisement In February, ChristianaCare announced the plan for the two micro-hospitals in Delaware County. It is also turning the former Jennersville Hospital in western Chester County into a micro-hospital. All three hospitals are part of a partnership between ChristianaCare and Emerus Holdings Inc., a Texas company that specializes in such facilities. ChristianaCare is actively exploring site locations for our two neighborhood hospitals in Delaware County, Pa. Aston Township is one of the sites under serious consideration, ChristianaCare said in a statement Friday. Its not clear where the second hospital might go. Micro-hospitals, also called neighborhood hospitals, must have an emergency department that is always open, but typically only have 10 inpatient beds for short-term stays. They are gaining popularity as a way for health systems to expand their reach in areas that cant support a full-scale hospital. Discussions between the township and ChristianaCare are in the early stages, Township Manager Bill DeFeo said Monday. They are just starting to get their information together to present to the township. A key step is a conditional-use hearing to determine if a micro-hospital meets all the zoning and criteria of the site. If we get all the necessary approvals, it would definitely be a big addition to our township, DeFeo said. The hospital would serve not just Aston, which had a population of nearly 17,000 in 2020, but also Upper and Lower Chichester, and some of Boothwyn, DeFeo said. A micro-hospital at the Aston location, about four miles west of Crozer-Chester Medical Center, could put additional financial pressure on the for-profit Crozer Health. Its owner, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., is trying to sell the system to CHA Partners, a New Jersey company that would convert Crozer back into a nonprofit. ChristianaCare previously tried to acquire Crozer Health, but abandoned the effort in 2022. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy is among the blockbuster drugs for diabetes and weight loss at the center of a legal fight playing out in Philadelphia federal court. Read more You dont often see a science day in a Philadelphia courtroom. But thats exactly what happened last week in a potentially ground-shifting legal fight brought by patients against the manufacturers of blockbuster drugs for diabetes and weight loss. At the heart of the case are the drugs in question: Ozempic, Wegovy, and others that work in a similar way. The drugs which help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce body weight have been hailed as a miracle, and become a hot commodity, used by 1 in 8 U.S. adults, according to a recent poll. Advertisement Now, some patients are suing Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturers of the medications, claiming they were not adequately warned of the potentially serious side effects of the medication. The drug companies disagree. Dozens of such cases from across the nation have been consolidated for a future courtroom showdown in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. To explain their positions, each side had to first present the science behind Ozempic and similar drugs at the United States District Courthouse at Sixth and Market Streets. How do Ozempic and drugs like it work? The drugs largely mimic the effect of a hormone that acts on many parts of the body. For instance, the hormone known as GLP-1 triggers the pancreas to produce insulin, which moves glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream and into the cells, where it can be used for energy. As a result, multiple drugs in this class called GLP-1 receptor agonists have been approved to treat diabetes. But drugs that mimic the GLP-1 hormone also act on other parts of the body, making them key tools for weight loss. They affect the digestive tract, slowing down the time it takes for the stomach to empty after eating, which can make people feel full for longer. They also appear to have several effects on the brain, including reinforcing the feeling of not being hungry. There is also emerging evidence that the drugs impact the kidneys and cardiovascular system; one, Wegovy, was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent heart attack and stroke in people who are overweight or obese. Most of the drugs included in the case are GLP-1 receptor agonists. One, Mounjaro, acts on GLP-1 receptors and another receptor (GIP); the two hormones are similar but exhibit some key differences. The science behind the need In the Philadelphia courtroom, both sides agreed on one thing: These drugs treat conditions for which there is a desperate need. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3 in 4 U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. This places them at increased risk of a host of medical conditions, which can have a dramatic effect on life span. Extreme obesity, for instance, can take away 14 years of a persons life. Meanwhile, 1 in 10 U.S. adults has diabetes, which is often associated with obesity and comes with its own list of life-threatening complications, as high levels of sugar in the blood can damage the bodys organs, including the kidney, nerves, and heart. The science behind the lawsuit The patients suing Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly claim that the drugs increase the risk of serious, long-lasting digestive problems, about which they were not properly warned. At science day, representatives for the plaintiffs argued that the drugs effect on the stomach put them at risk of a complication known as gastroparesis, in which the stomach slows down to the point where it becomes paralyzed. Gastroparesis can lead to pain, nausea, and vomiting, and cause life-threatening malnutrition by depriving people of key nutrients. They cited a number of studies showing people who took GLP-1 receptor agonists were more likely to develop gastroparesis and other problems such as bowel obstruction. Paul Pennock, an attorney at Morgan & Morgan representing the plaintiffs, said the companies did not do enough to communicate these risks. The information on the drug labels was not really ringing a lot of alarm bells in terms of what was happening to people out there, he told the court. Representatives for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, in turn, argued that the side effects described by patients were well known. The slowing of the emptying of the stomach is part of why the drugs work, they said but if this effect becomes intolerable, patients can stop taking the drugs, and the problem will disappear. The research on gastroparesis is problematic, the companies argued. The condition is rare but has common symptoms (pain, nausea, and vomiting), so is often overdiagnosed. One 2023 paper they cited found that, among more than 300 people diagnosed with gastroparesis, more than 80% had been misdiagnosed. And among patients with legitimate gastroparesis, a significant number develop the condition from diabetes itself, not the drugs that treat diabetes. These drugs have been the subject of dozens of rigorous trials, and produced more than 10 years of real-world evidence from millions of patients who have taken them, Mark Premo-Hopkins, an attorney at Chicago firm Kirkland & Ellis representing Eli Lilly, told the court. There is no reliable evidence that these drugs cause the long-lasting damage alleged by the plaintiffs, he said. John Dougherty (center) arrives at the federal courthouse in Reading for his sentencing hearing in July. Read more Former labor leader John Dougherty and his codefendants must pay nearly $1.7 million back to the union he led for nearly three decades, a federal judge has ruled. In an order Monday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl said Dougherty must reimburse Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for money he and others were convicted of draining from its coffers between 2010 and 2016 as well as for nearly $1.1 million in legal expenses the union incurred during the eight-year FBI investigation into their crimes. Advertisement But Dougherty, who was sentenced to six years in federal prison in July, wont have to pay it alone. Under a schedule set out by the judge, Dougherty will be jointly liable with six other convicted former union officials, employees, and allies for portions of that debt. That means that they will all make payments on parts of that sum corresponding to the severity of their crimes until the total amount is satisfied. For instance, Dougherty and former Local 98 president Brian Burrows who is serving a four-year sentence at a federal prison camp in Lewisburg, Pa. are both on the hook for the $1.1 million in union legal fees. But Burrows will only have to pay up to just over $471,000 of that amount. Dougherty, as the ringleader of the embezzlement scheme, is responsible for the full sum, less any payments Burrows makes first, Schmehl ruled. Meanwhile, Dougherty is on the hook for more than $590,000 to cover the money he and the others stole from the union. But Burrows and their five codefendants will also make some payments toward that sum. Both Dougherty and Burrows had objected to many of the legal bills Local 98 turned in to the court for reimbursement. And in a statement Tuesday, Doughertys lawyer Greg Pagano balked at the fact that only his client and Burrows had been ordered to cover the unions legal bills. It should be shared by all [seven] defendants including Anthony Massa, he said, referring to the New Jersey contractor who had been charged alongside both men and accused of improperly billing Local 98 for hundreds of thousands of dollars of home renovations he provided to union officials. Massa pleaded guilty and testified against Dougherty and Burrows, incurring their wrath throughout their trial. He was sentenced to probation last month. And in the end, Schmehl concluded Monday that repayment from Dougherty and Burrows was warranted for work done to provide union officials with legal representation, to gather documents and business records subpoenaed by federal prosecutors, and to prepare Local 98 employees who served as witnesses in Doughertys and Burrows trial last year as well as for other related expenses. Several union staffers testified during the six-week proceeding, at which the government accused Dougherty, Burrows, and the other officials of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in Local 98 cash on the home renovations, pricey restaurant meals, travel expenses, groceries, and other home goods. And though Dougherty and Burrows maintained their innocence, both men were convicted. READ MORE: Johnny Doc spent thousands on his friends and family with Local 98 money. Heres what he bought. A spokesperson for Local 98, now run by business manager and Dougherty rival Mark Lynch, declined to comment. Dougherty is set to report to federal prison on Sept. 24 to begin serving his sentence for both the embezzlement case and separate bribery charges on which he was convicted alongside former City Councilmember Bobby Henon during a 2021 trial. Philadelphia police Marine Unit investigate a car in the Schuylkill River near the reviewing stand parking lot early Wednesday morning last month. Read more Search crews pulled a car out of the Schuylkill on Tuesday morning after it plunged into the water off Kelly Drive. Its at least the third time a car has gone into the water from Kelly Drive in a month. Shortly before 2:40 a.m., police responded to a report of a person in the river at Kelly and Brewery Hill Drives, authorities said. Police were told a white SUV had gone into the Schuylkill. Advertisement It was unclear if anyone was in the car when it went into the water, but crews were still scouring the river Tuesday morning. A white Honda SUV was located shortly before 8:45 a.m., but nobody was inside, said Sgt. Eric Gripp, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department. The Jeep is at least the third car in a month that went into Schuylkill after veering off Kelly Drive. Last month, the driver of a four-door sedan turned away from Kelly Drive, plunging the car into the Schuylkill, police said. The car went into the river around 3:45 a.m. near the Girard Avenue Bridge, and rescue crews located the vehicle hours later, police said. Later in the month, a Range Rover went into the Schuylkill near the Strawberry Mansion Bridge after the car was accidentally shifted into gear, police said. The couple inside the car were able to get out of the vehicle and swim to safety. A 23-year-old man was shot Tuesday afternoon on the subway platform of SEPTAs 15th Street Station in Center City near City Hall, and a suspect was taken into custody after a foot chase, police said. Shortly before 3:30 p.m., the man was shot on the westbound platform at 15th Street Station. He was transported by SEPTA police to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition with several gunshot wounds. Advertisement At least one other person, a teen, injured a leg while running away and was transported to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, police said. Police responding to the shooting chased a suspect and made an arrest near 16th and Arch Streets. A gun allegedly dropped by the person during the foot pursuit was recovered by police. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said the shooting happened when a confrontation erupted among a small group on the platform. There were some punches thrown, and within seconds, one male took out a gun and fired. One male was struck by a bullet in the leg. That is the only injury we have reported at this time, Busch said in an email. Police said the man who was shot was being held at the hospital as a prisoner pending the investigation. SEPTA ran shuttle buses through Center City until just after 4:30 p.m., when officials said service on the Market-Frankford Line had resumed. The shooting occurred Tuesday as police increased their presence in Center City, anticipating crowds and protests, ahead of the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Metal fences are installed along Market Street on Independence Mall Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, as preparations continue for Tuesday when former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debate at the National Constitution Center. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Hi, Philly. Its set to be a sunny Tuesday, with high temps around 80. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will be in the city tonight (maybe youve heard?) and theres plenty to say about the events significance. But if youre looking for a way to make the political tension go down a little easier, may we suggest our presidential debate bingo or Philly-themed debate drinking game? Advertisement In other news, skaters from far and wide are finding community at a Northeast Philly roller skating rink. Lets get into it. Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Philly is once again the center of the national political spotlight as the presidential debate comes to the National Constitution Center. Itll be a night packed with symbolism and from the mayor to the Mummers, Philadelphians are ready to welcome the candidates. Harris and Trump take the stage at 9 p.m. You may be eager to crack a cold one around that time. Columnist Stephanie Farr offers you the (very unserious) presidential debate drinking game, Philly edition. For example: If someone recycles Bad things happen in Philadelphia, chug. Enjoy with a Citywide Special for best results. For a drier and/or family-friendly option, theres also presidential debate bingo. One of the candidates references the birthplace of democracy or gives an obviously rehearsed zinger? Someone mispronounces a name or mentions Project 2025? With a free space, you might have just won. Heres what else to be aware of today: The National Constitution Center is a history museum dedicated to celebrating and analyzing the U.S. Constitution. Its hosted several important events and ceremonies over its 21 years, including the 2008 Democratic presidential primary debate. City officials are warning of traffic and road closures throughout the day and until the event area is cleared likely Wednesday. Protests and other actions are expected from groups including the Philly Palestine Coalition, the Pro-Life Coalition of Pa., and PETA. Follow along with the latest at Inquirer.com. What you should know today Where do roller-skating enthusiasts find their peers? For many, its the neon-colored Philly Skateplex on Roosevelt Boulevard. The four-decade-old rink attracts skaters of all skill levels from around the region and far beyond. Diehards credit the space and roller skating in general with connecting them to people they now consider family and in one community leaders case, saving his life. Plus, its super fun. The best of us fall, and the best of us get the biggest bruise, one young skater said. Its awesome. We love bragging about who got the biggest bruise. The Inquirers Sabrina Iglesias and Erin Reynolds skate it out with the Philly Skateplex community. Trivia time One of tonights debate moderators, ABC news anchor Linsey Davis, is from the Philadelphia area. Where did she grow up? A) West Chester B) Lancaster C) New Hope D) Moorestown Think you know? Check your answer. What were... Delighted by: This story of Furness High Schools father-daughter teaching duo. Finally visiting: Meetinghouse and My Loup, just recognized on Bon Appetits 2024 best new restaurants list. Reading: Columnist Mike Sielskis heartbreaking report from the Gaudreau brothers funeral. Unscramble the anagram The once-local band slated to headline this falls Philly Music Fest WHAT AXE ACHE Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Justine Philyaw, who solved Mondays anagram: Sonia Sanchez. The acclaimed writer, who was named Philadelphias first poet laureate in 2012, turned 90 yesterday. Cultural institutions across the city will celebrate her all month. Photo of the day Personally, I think its a bit early to acknowledge the Halloween season, but I know plenty of folks disagree. Have a great Tuesday! Ill see you back here tomorrow. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. The National Constitution Center on Independence Mall in Philadelphia will host the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 10. Read more All eyes are about to be on the National Constitution Center, a history museum in Philadelphia. On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will face off in a highly anticipated debate at the center. For the first time, a presidential debate between the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates will occur not at a university or commercial venue, but at a museum. Advertisement Although much of the media attention flocks to the candidates, the decision to host the debate at a history museum is a meaningful one. Amid rampant misinformation, extreme polarization, and culture wars that pit neighbor against neighbor, the 2024 candidates will tackle our most urgent issues and policies right in Americas Town Hall. This is a signal. Americans are desperate for reliable information and context, but trustworthy sources are few and far between. In contrast to the internets black hole of hot takes, sneaky sponsored content, and algorithms that push us further to the extreme, museums allow us to make up our own minds using primary sources. Wheres our public square today? In fact, museums are one of the few institutions that remain trusted by Americans 96% of us, regardless of political affiliation, approve of lawmakers supporting museums. This museum, of course, is unique. The National Constitution Center is a go-to source for expertise on one of our most complex primary sources: the U.S. Constitution itself. Politicians routinely invoke the Constitution as a political tool or to slam their opponents. But when less than two-thirds of Americans can name all three branches of government, do most of us even get the reference? How can we interpret candidates use of the Constitution or adherence to it if we arent familiar with it ourselves? READ MORE: Heres why teaching the Constitution is important for students and for society | Opinion The differences in how former President Trump and Vice President Harris have engaged with this historic document could not be more stark. Trump has repeatedly challenged the interpretation of the Constitution. For example, against claims that he violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars the president from engaging in an insurrection, the former president said he only vowed to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution but did not have to support it. As a prosecutor and as vice president, Harris tends to invoke the document as the basis for the rule of law, whether during the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh or in a reflection on the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, calling on Americans to unite in defense of our democracy in order to form a more perfect union. The rest of us, living normal lives off the campaign trail, need to decide what this document means for us. READ MORE: The most important takeaway from presidential debates? Its time to end them. | Opinion At this inflection point rife with division and decreasing pride in our country we are grappling with what it means to be American, how our ideals have been realized or remain out of reach, and if there is hope left for us. For some, our founding documents guide us forward. For others, old promises have fallen woefully short. Either way, primary sources, and the scholarship and conversations they inspire, remind us that our history has never been a consistent march toward a predetermined outcome. Congress adds amendments to the Constitution. How we vote changes. How we debate changes, election to election. There have already been 27 different versions of the American flag. History is still being discovered, collected, and interpreted to inform us today. Our shared spaces, too, are evolving. The American Revolution was fomented in coffee shops and around kitchen tables. Wheres our public square today? Where can we imagine a future we feel proud of? As we continue to retreat into our own echo chambers online, museums are the third spaces weve been looking for and this debate proves it. Perhaps the institutions that make room for nuance and complexity in our history are just the right place for meaningful conversations about where our country is going. History, and our knowledge of it, will be the backdrop for two candidates wrestling with the future. Will we make America great again or are we not going back? In Philadelphia, this conversation will continue beyond the debate. For example, the week after the presidential debate, Eastern State Penitentiary is hosting a Democracy For All program. The museum is kicking off its weeklong program with a workshop from Youth250, the only youth-led initiative commemorating Americas 250th birthday in 2026. Surely we must use our countrys history to inform whats next and because of our museums and archives, each of us has the power to go straight to the source. Cameron Katz is the head of content and partnerships at Made By Us, a nationwide effort from hundreds of history museums, including the Smithsonian and National Archives, to support young adults in their civic learning and participation. Every U.S. presidential election plays to three separate audiences: American voters, Americas allies, and Americas enemies. For the most part, voters focus on questions of domestic policy, but the focus of the other two audiences is dramatically different. For our allies, its a question of Americas reliability as a partner in the defense of liberal democracy; for our enemies, its a search for Western vulnerability. Advertisement Thats why I, a longtime conservative activist and senior member of the Republican congressional leadership, believe electing Kamala Harris and not electing Donald Trump is the most important decision voters will make in November. Our fellow democracies want to know, Are you with us? Our authoritarian enemies want to know if, as Trump has signaled, were fine with them doing whatever they want. READ MORE: Trump learned nothing from his foreign policy failures. Now he wants to try again. | Trudy Rubin Domestic policy matters, though its effects are often short term. Tax rates and spending priorities ebb and flow with each election cycle; Congress does one thing, the next Congress something else. But in the realm of foreign policy, and defense policy, which is derived from it, the stakes are greater because wrong steps can be disastrous and irreversible. The rule of law is paramount. Treaty obligations cannot be shrugged off because of presidential whim. In the international arena, trust is the coin of the realm, and Trumps word is worthless. If he were president, no ally could feel comfortable believing whatever words come spilling out of his mouth because he is a man who lies instinctively and does not feel bound by either law or custom. In the international arena, trust is the coin of the realm, and Trumps word is worthless. Some events overseas draw our attention: The war in Gaza following Hamas murderous Oct. 7 assault on Israeli civilians has created an ever-escalating death toll. Russias attempt to seize control of Ukraine has destroyed cities and killed thousands. But those wars are not the sum of the issues the next American president and Congress will face. China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran present an increasingly united authoritarian front opposed not only to the West but to the very concept of liberal democracy: honest elections, impartial justice, individual and collective liberties. China and North Korea, in particular, have increased their lethality; in Chinas case, manyfold. And their rulers are not coy about their authoritarian aims, just as Trump is not coy about his. All they need to succeed is a weak and incompetent American administration, susceptible to greed and flattery. Trump is supportive of Vladimir Putin because he thinks Putin likes him. He is in thrall to Kim Jong Un for the same reason. Putin is a former KGB agent; spy services, including our own, specialize in analyzing the best approach to turn a target threat, temptation, and in a case like Trumps, overweening flattery. When Trump purports to represent the United States, our allies roll their eyes, and our enemies wink and smirk. They see the little man with the big ego and rub their hands together in joy. READ MORE: To serve his country, Donald Trump should leave the race | Editorial But what about Harris? Is she tough enough? Ask the people she put behind bars. Ask the corporations that lost $20 billion, believing they could hoodwink or outmuscle the prosecutor from California. Ive known Harris for nearly 20 years. I brought her, as a young district attorney, into a program where she engaged in bipartisan conversations with other elected officials about everything from human nature to the balancing of individual rights and community obligation, about choosing between irreconcilable good outcomes and whether compromising or holding the line would produce the best outcome. I traveled with her for meetings with top political, military, business, and civic leaders in China, India, Egypt, Israel, and Jordan, and with Arab leaders in Ramallah and Amman. She listened, questioned, challenged, and refused to accept double-talk or brush-offs. What she did hammering evasive witnesses in the Senate is what she has always done. Kamala Harris is someone Western leaders will acknowledge as a peer. Understanding the challenges of foreign policy is the single most important responsibility of a president of the United States. Part of that responsibility requires the ability to work with Congress, which has the final word on most foreign policy decisions. Harris, in Congress, knew how to work across the aisle; Trump sees members of another party as his personal enemies. Trump brags that he doesnt read the briefing; he has no need to, he knows who likes him. That utter disregard for Americas interests and security is shocking. The United States needs someone who will stand up to bullies, not snuggle up to them. Kamala Harris is someone Western leaders will acknowledge as a peer not a boastful, unread, unserious seeker of applause. Tyrants pose ever-increasing challenges to the United States and its allies. In this moment, we need a serious person with the intelligence to keep the West united in defense of democracy and who, unlike Trump, will put America first. Mickey Edwards was chair of the House Republican Policy Committee and a founding trustee of the Heritage Foundation. Neo-Nazis, alt-right, and white supremacists march the night before the 2017 "Unite the Right" rally through the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. Read more The United States and the world were forever changed by the terror attacks 23 years ago that killed nearly 3,000 people, brought down the World Trade Center, damaged the Pentagon, and saw passengers give their lives to stop a fourth hijacked plane that ultimately crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pa. The traumatic events shocked Americans and united the country much like the bombing of Pearl Harbor did in 1941. But the bonds of fellowship and common purpose did not last after the shocking events of Sept. 11, 2001. Advertisement More than two decades after, the anniversary brings promises to never forget. Indeed, the many innocent lives lost deserve to be remembered. So does the valor of the first responders who gave their lives trying to help others. It is also worth remembering what else has been lost along the way. READ MORE: Racism, bias, and xenophobia: How Trumps bigoted views foster division and abase the presidency | Editorial The so-called Global War on Terror launched in response to the attacks resulted in two long conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan that cost hundreds of thousands of lives and more than $8 trillion in tax dollars. The first casualty of war was the truth. Elected officials, starting with then-President George W. Bush, lied about the rationale for invading Iraq, while the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, remained at large for nearly a decade. While some plots have been foiled, global terrorism continues. Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated many of the mistakes America made after Sept. 11 by waging a ruthless war in Gaza with no clear endgame, killing thousands of innocent women and children and sparking a humanitarian crisis. Global terrorism has risen across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The horrific war crimes and targeted attacks by Russia on hospitals and schools in Ukraine amounts to terrorism. Here at home, occluded by all the global confrontations, there has been a sharp rise in domestic terrorism. There were 231 incidents of domestic terrorism between 2010 and 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Since 2020, the number of FBI domestic terrorism investigations has more than doubled. Since 2010, nearly every state has experienced at least one incident of domestic terrorism. Nearly every incident has involved an assault rifle. The killers are usually white males, including some born after 9/11. In 2016, 49 people were killed at a nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in the deadliest attack against LGBTQ people in U.S. history. In 2017, one person was killed and 28 others were injured during a rally of white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va. In 2018, 11 people were murdered in a synagogue in Pittsburgh in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. In 2019, 23 people were killed and 20 others were injured in a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, by a gunman who wrote a manifesto that cited a supposed Hispanic invasion. In 2022, 10 people were shot and killed in a grocery store by a white gunman in a racially motivated attack in Buffalo, N.Y. The 19-year-old white gunman, who was driven by hate, pleaded guilty to murder and domestic terrorism. The killings underscore the assessment by Homeland Security that white supremacists here pose the same terror threat as ISIS to the United States. The entire country watched the threat play out during the attack at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned the insurrection as domestic terrorism. READ MORE: Donald Trump fails the test of accountability | Editorial Then-President Donald Trump was impeached for inciting the attack. He was also criminally indicted for efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which spurred the insurrection. After Trump supporters breached the Capitol, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) correctly said, There is a domestic enemy in the White House. That domestic enemy is once again running for president with the support of white nationalist groups who Trump called my people. Indeed, a man dressed in Ku Klux Klan robes attended a rally for Trump on Sunday in Connecticut. It was not the first time such extremists turned out for Trump. In just 20 years, America went from defending itself from a foreign terrorist group to a sharp rise in domestic terror. Instead of winning the war against violent extremists, a domestic enemy is knocking on the door of the Oval Office. On this anniversary of Sept. 11, we should never forget that Trump is incapable of defending the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Thats because Trump is the enemy within. Gov. Josh Shapiro arrives in the spin room at the Pennsylvania Convention Center following the debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Read more Gov. Josh Shapiro spent debate night as a key surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at the Harris-Walz campaigns debate watch party and appearing in the spin room. After Kamala Harris prosecuted the case against Donald Trump tonight, they remember, Shapiro told reporters in the spin room following the debate in Philadelphia. They remember the chaos. They remember the way he ripped away peoples fundamental freedoms, particularly womens freedoms in this country. Advertisement As the popular governor of a key battleground state, the Montgomery County native has emerged as a top cheerleader for the Harris campaign. His prominence on debate night signaled that hell continue in that role through Election Day. Im going to continue to go out and talk about the person Ive known for nearly 20 years, a person I think, who is incredibly well-prepared to serve as the 47th president of the United States, someone whos going to be great for Pennsylvania, Shapiro said. Speaking to a large gaggle of reporters in the Pennsylvania Convention Center beside a skinny blue SHAPIRO banner marking his place in the crowd of surrogates, Shapiro argued that former President Donald Trump did little to win over undecided voters. For Donald Trump to have any shot, hes got to stop creating others in our society and attacking other people, Shapiro said. Look, Ive been someone who he has attacked in the past. Obviously he continues to attack the vice president. Thats not helping him convince people who are undecided that he has the steadiness, that he has the sort of compassion and the ability to unite people in a way that allows us to move our country forward. Shapiro also credited Harris with baiting Trump into some moments where he lashed out or repeated lies on stage. You know this guy cant stay focused on anything which is what makes him very very dangerous, Shapiro said of Trump. Harris bringing up his rallies and supporters who leave early touched on a nerve, Shapiro said. Pointing out a fact like that insults him because hes only thinking about himself. Hes not thinking about the American people. Still, the swing state governor who was under consideration to be Harris running mate said he still predicts an extremely close race in Pennsylvania. Getting those last couple of yards to get into the end zone is really, really tough. The good news is, what Kamala Harris did tonight, showing Donald Trump to be the chaotic figure that he is laying out her vision for this commonwealth and this countryI think shes got the wind at her back, and I think she helped herself in a big way tonight. Earlier in the evening, Shapiro appeared at the Harris campaigns watch party at Cherry Street Pier in Old City before the debate began at the National Constitution Center. Once a top contender for the job of Harris running mate, Shapiro has been on the campaign trail to stump for the vice president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom Harris ultimately chose as her No. 2, the moment that pick became official, delivering a speech at the Philadelphia rally where Harris and Walz debuted as a ticket. Shapiro is no stranger to attacks from Trump as the former president has unleashed several verbal incursions against the governor, even after he was passed over as Harris running mate. Trump called Shapiro a highly overrated Jewish governor on Truth Social after Shapiros primetime speech at the Democratic National Convention, adding that Shapiro has done nothing for Israel. Trumps running mate, JD Vance, has repeatedly suggested Shapiro wasnt chosen as Harris running mate because of his Jewish faith. In response, Shapiro said Trump was obsessed with him and that the former president was promoting antisemitic tropes. Jewish elected officials care about a whole lot of things like how we give our kids a great quality education, how we make sure our streets are safe, how we create opportunity, Shapiro said. And yeah, we care about Israel, too. But last I checked the job of the governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania did not involve foreign policy with Israel. This image released by ABC shows Linsey Davis on the set of "ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis." (Jeff Neira/ABC via AP) Read more Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will be in Philadelphia on Tuesday for their long-awaited presidential debate and a South Jersey native is co-moderating the event. Tuesdays debate at the National Constitution Center follows weeks of back-and-forth between the Harris and Trump campaigns. The two candidates last week agreed to a set of guidelines that include muting microphones when they are not speaking and not including a live audience at the event. Advertisement Moderating the ABC-hosted debate will be World News Tonight managing editor and anchor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor Linsey Davis of Moorestown, Burlington County. The debate will serve as the first between Harris and Trump. Its also the first since CNNs June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, whose disastrous performance ultimately contributed to his decision to not seek reelection, leading to Harris becoming the Democratic candidate. Here is what you need to know: Who is Linsey Davis? Davis is a 1995 Moorestown Friends School graduate who grew up in Moorestown and Medford. She went on to earn a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and a masters degree in communications from New York University. But South Jersey still feels like home, she told SJ Magazine in 2019. Moorestown Friends School, she told the publication, is where she became interested in journalism. As a student, she participated in a program that had her and her classmates go to KYWs studio in Philadelphia and sit in on a broadcast. Following stints at WJRT-TV, a Flint, Mich.-based ABC station, and Indianapolis NBC-affiliated WTHR-TV, Davis joined ABCs NewsOne service as a New York-based correspondent in 2007. She would go on to report for many of the networks flagship programs including 20/20, Good Morning America, and Nightline before being named the anchor of World News Tonight Sunday in 2021. Davis also anchors ABCs streaming program ABC News Live Prime, a role she took over just before the pandemic began in 2020. Since entering journalism, Davis has earned two Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award. She has also authored several childrens books, including Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before, How High Is Heaven?, and One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different. Who is David Muir? A Syracuse, N.Y., native, Muir is a 1995 Ithaca College graduate who began his journalism career at the Syracuse-based CBS affiliate WTVH-TV in the mid-1990s. He went on to work at Boston-based ABC affiliate WCVB through 2003. That year, Muir joined the staff at ABC News as an anchor for World News Now and World News This Morning. By 2014, he was named as the anchor and managing editor of ABC World News, serving as the successor to beloved former anchor Diane Sawyer. Muir has won four Emmys and earned 25 total nominations, according to his IMDb page. What are the rules of the debate? ABC last week released the list of agreed-upon rules for Tuesdays debate. Harris and Trump will be allocated two-minute answers to questions; two minutes for rebuttals; and one extra minute for follow-ups, clarifications, and responses. Additionally, Trump and Harris will not be able to ask questions of each other. The debate is slated to last 90 minutes and will include two commercial breaks, ABC said. Neither candidate will give an opening statement, and closing statements will be limited to two minutes. A full list of rules is available on the ABC website. How can I watch the debate? ABC will telecast the debate live starting at 9 p.m., and it will be available for livestreaming via ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Viewers can also watch the debate on the ABC website and the ABC app on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The network will also air Race for the White House, a pre-debate special, starting at 8 p.m. on all its platforms. The storefront at 244 S. 22nd St. where Zahra Saeed wants to open a coffee shop. Read more Zahra Saeed wants to open a little French-style cafe called La Maison Jaune in Fitler Square, bringing a dose of caffeine, a communal gathering place, and a public restroom to this Center City neighborhood. The storefront at 244 S. 22nd St. bears a recent sign boasting of silver repairs, and a more antiquated advertisement for meats and provisions. It is a few storefronts down from Pizzata, the popular sourdough New-York-style slice and pie place. The business will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will not have a kitchen, although Saeed hopes to partner with rotating pastry chefs. Advertisement But due to a quirk of municipal law, Saeed must get permission to move forward from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). That provides a venue for oppositional neighborhood residents to vent their frustration, and try to stop her from opening. I honestly didnt think anything of it, because itll be super cute and a nice place for people to hang out, said Saeed, who owns the building. I thought everybody would be excited about it. Although Saeeds property is zoned for neighborhood commercial use and indeed has hosted small businesses for decades a food-related business that has seating or takeout needs a special exception from the ZBA. Although small-business groups and city planners have sought to change this provision of the zoning code, City Council has not supported reform. Saeeds case is slated for consideration Sept. 25, but first she had to present to a meeting of the Center City Residents Association (CCRA), which handles zoning matters for Fitler Square. During that neighborhood meeting earlier this month, most members of the public who attended denounced her business idea. Opponents argued that small businesses degraded the quality of life in Fitler Square. They feared a cafe would attract rodents, that customers would throw coffee cups on the sidewalk, and that delivery trucks would clog bustling 22nd Street. The amount of trucks, its noise, its traffic, its danger, because people want to zip around the trucks, said Marina Brownlee, a community resident, noting congestion around other neighborhood coffee shops. I think it would really be a terrible blow to our very special neighborhood. Although most neighborhood residents who attended the meeting spoke against the cafe, CCRAs zoning committee did not oppose the project. While the Fitler Square Neighborhood Association does not consider zoning matters, its president, Ben Keys, said that neighborhood residents he has heard from are baffled by the opposition. Its certainly the talk of the playground, said Keys. Its part of a broader discussion about all these barriers in place that make it so difficult to start a small business in Philadelphia. The Sept. 25 zoning board result will be determined, in part, by the degree of community opposition in evidence at the meeting. While neighborhood sentiment alone doesnt always determine ZBA action, it can influence an institution that has long been plagued by concerns about opaque and uneven decision making. Saeeds zoning lawyer, Vern Anastasio, said he is confident he can make her case. But he acknowledges that having to go before the board at all means there is risk. Researchers at Boston University have found that attendees at neighborhood meetings, and hyper-local boards like the ZBA, tend to oppose the projects in question. People who dont mind change are less likely to show up. I anticipate the board will approve the special exception, because we will make the case that this little coffee shop is not going to adversely impact neighbors, said Anastasio. But Ive lost special exception cases because of the overwhelming number of people who testify of how horrible a proposed use is going to be. It does happen. Before Saeed decided to open a cafe, she sought a tenant for the ground-floor commercial space. But most of the applicants wanted to open the kind of smoke-and-vape related shops that have become the scourge of neighborhood groups across the city. Saeed did not want to bring what she considered a nuisance business to the neighborhood, and decided to start the cafe instead. But, ironically, if she had rented to a smoke shop it would not have needed permission from the zoning board. We were getting a really heavy influx of people that were inquiring about smoke shops, but this is a family neighborhood, said Saeed. I thought I was coming from a good place. Given this evidence of widespread unethical practices, one must question what further proof is necessary to prompt a government inquiry into these serious issues, said Shandiman, who also runs a brokerage business involved in the strata sector. Our customers and communities play a vital role in helping secure a greener future for Australia and New Zealand. We must also play our part, and we are accelerating our efforts to understand and manage our own climate impact, seeing first-hand the effect climate change is having on our customers and direct business operations, he said. At Gallagher Bassett, our people are driven by our mission to help the people, clients, and communities we serve, so this partnership aligns closely to the core of our culture and company, he said. Commenting on the appointment, McKenna said: The launch of our life sciences offering under Pranavs direction marks another exciting milestone in the growth story of AXIS North America. This expansion into the niche life sciences industry practice area is a natural progression of our ambitions to be the leading specialty carrier in our chosen markets. The need for robust risk mitigation strategies has never been greater, and insurance can play an important role. By leveraging the vast amounts of claims, incident, and threat information data we have and translating that into actionable guidance and advising on elevated always on resilience for a range of cyber and technology risks, we can help clients to better navigate the risks they face today. Broking network giant Steadfast Group, which has been expanding across the US through its recent acquisition of ISU, has released a response to a news program in its native country of Australia that has alleged its brokers mislead strata insurance customers. We refute the allegations made and are disappointed that important information has been selectively presented, said an ASX announcement released by the giant brokerage. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has reported that Francine could intensify into a hurricane before making landfall, affecting areas from Texas to the Florida Panhandle. Brokers should ensure that clients, particularly those in these regions, understand the importance of being prepared and having the right insurance coverage. Residential property continues to be the biggest source of the claims. Of the 19,973 total, 12,814 came from residential property, which is made up of homeowners, dwelling, mobile homeowners, and commercial residential. The majority (10,411) of the residential property claims were from the homeowners segment. The program, now in its third year, provides $50,000 grants to 20 small business owners, with the funds designated for the purchase of commercial vehicles. The initiative seeks to support the growth of small businesses, which represent 99.9% of US businesses, according to data from the Small Business Administration. However, its important to use these tools as part of best practices in portfolio management, like those promoted by regulatory bodies and Lloyds of London in their regulatory capability matrix, to promote more than one view of risk, Brew said. Phil Taylor (pictured above) will lead the new division as head of specialty reinsurance. Taylor, who brings over 25 years of experience in underwriting and broking, has previously held roles at Everest, Liberty Specialty Markets, Novae, and Aon. His focus will be on expanding TMKs global specialty reinsurance portfolio, with his official start at the company scheduled for early 2025. "The launch of EverPeak on the Attune platform underscores our commitment to providing agents with a diverse range of insurance solutions tailored to their clients' needs," said Brennen Grone, director of sales at Attune Insurance. This post is part of a series sponsored by AgentSync. Insurance producers are expected to be upstanding citizens, and for good reason. Theyre responsible for helping consumers select and purchase some of the most important products a person can buy. This is why every state department of insurance has rules about the types of conduct that can get a licensed insurance producer into hot water resulting in consequences like losing their license, financial penalties, and even criminal prosecution. For a comprehensive look at all the ways a producer can lose their license, refer to this article. And, for more information on how each state deals with new criminal charges and convictions that come up for already-licensed producers, see our coverage here. But what about administrative actions? While they may not sound as serious as criminal charges, theyre still a very real, potentially career-ending, concern for any insurance producer who faces them. Read on to learn more about what state administrative actions are and what steps a licensed producers required to take if they face one. What are administrative actions in insurance? Administrative actions are disciplinary actions that a state department of insurance may take against a licensed insurance producer and/or a business entity such as an insurance agency. Administrative actions can range from monetary fines and penalties to suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew an insurance producers license. A producer or insurance agency generally ends up facing administrative action as the result of violating state insurance regulations that govern their conduct. Again, refer to the list of the standard 14 reasons (although some states have added others) that a producer may lose their license: Any of these reasons can be grounds for an administrative action. Who enforces administrative actions for insurance producers? Each state department of insurance is responsible for enforcing its rules and bringing administrative action against insurance producers or licensed business entities that violate them. Each states department or division of insurance has the authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and impose penalties they deem appropriate to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the insurance market. According to chapter 17 of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) State Licensing Handbook, states should take many factors into consideration when determining whether to impose administrative action on a producer. These considerations include: For nonresident producers, if the producers resident state or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) already took action against the producer If the administrative action may indicate that the producer could be a danger to consumers If the charge is one involving dishonesty, theft, financial fraud, or another type of act thatd warrant immediate license suspension or revocation to protect consumers If circumstances warrant asking the producer to voluntarily surrender their license Whether the producer reported the action appropriately or failed to do so Whether the producer had previous criminal or administrative actions taken against them and didnt disclose them during their insurance application background check How do state departments of insurance find out about administrative actions taken against a producer? If a producers resident state is the one taking administrative action in the first place, then the state department of insurance is already well aware of the action. Producers become responsible for reporting administrative actions taken by other states or jurisdictions when they occur outside the producers resident state. In such cases, a producers resident state may find out about the actions if: The NAICs Personalized Information Capture System (PICS) notifies a state department of insurance that a nonresident producer didnt previously disclose a criminal charge or administrative action A producer sends a letter to the state department of insurance to inform it that theyve had an action taken against them by another state or by FINRA The state department of insurance gets notice from the states department of justice that the producer has been arrested or convicted Conversely, producers are also responsible for reporting actions taken by their resident state to any other states theyre licensed in. Well get more into how producers can do this later. Administrative vs. criminal actions Criminal charges or convictions are different from administrative actions, but not entirely separate. That is, having the former can greatly impact getting the latter. Put another way, an administrative action can be the consequence of a producer committing a crime. It can also be a penalty for doing something that violates insurance-industry-specific codes of conduct, even if the violation isnt a criminal offense. If a licensed insurance producer is charged with a crime, theyre responsible for reporting the charge to their resident state department of insurance, as well as to the DOI in their nonresident license states. They also need to keep the DOIs appraised of the outcome of the charges, whether thats a conviction or acquittal, as the result impacts the states decision about letting the producer maintain a license. If the producers found guilty of the crime, not only do they face criminal penalties, but they can also face administrative action from their resident and nonresident states departments of insurance. In some cases, the administrative action is the penalty for violating an insurance regulation. While the act the producer committed may be against the law, its possible the consequences are strictly insurance-license related and not anything like a prison sentence. Who does a producer need to report administrative actions to? According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners State Licensing Handbook, producers must report administrative actions to any state in which theyre licensed. For some producers this may be a small list, while for others its 50 states and even some U.S. territories. Section 17 of the Producer Licensing Model Act (#218) requires a producer to report, to all states in which the producer is licensed, any administrative action taken against the producer in another jurisdiction or by another governmental agency in this state within 30 days of the final disposition of the matter. Producers are also required to report any criminal prosecution of the producer taken in any jurisdiction within 30 days of the initial pretrial hearing date. Reporting administrative actions is extremely important, and if a producer fails to do so, they can face further disciplinary actions, including losing their license across multiple states. In some situations, depending on the offense, a producer might not have any chance of keeping their license and continuing to sell insurance. However, its always better to be honest with each state department of insurance and make the case for why you should be able to keep your license, rather than intentionally failing to report an action. How does a producer report an administrative action? All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have adopted the NAICs Producer Licensing Model Act (PLMA), which dictates that producers have 30 days to report both criminal and administrative actions taken against them to any state in which they hold a license. While each state has different ways a producer can go about doing this, the simplest and most efficient way is to use the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) Attachments Warehouse Reporting of Actions. When a producer uploads documentation to the Attachments Warehouse Reporting of Actions section, the information is sent to any state where the producer holds a resident or nonresident license. By using this method, a producer can quickly and easily fulfill their reporting requirements by uploading documentation into one place and letting NIPR distribute it to each state. Protect your agency or carrier from unintentional compliance mishaps with always up-to-date information on administrative actions (and a lot more) While AgentSync cant keep producers from breaking the rules, it can make sure producers who arent ready to sell policies dont do so. We do this with a daily two-way sync with the industrys source of truth, which includes up-to-the-day details on any producer with administrative actions in any jurisdiction. Having always-accurate data on every producer can stop noncompliant sales before they happen. This can save insurance carriers and agencies both money and reputational harm. If youre interested in seeing how your organization can take advantage of automated and streamlined producer compliance that includes transparent knowledge of any compliance risks based on accurate data straight from the source of truth, get a demo to learn more. The landlord for a fire-damaged building leased to a Red Lobster restaurant is blaming the restaurants insurer for causing it to lose out on $1.2 million in fire insurance claims payments to repair the property. RL New Brunswick Owner LLC, which leased an East Brunswick, New Jersey property to Red Lobster, claims Zurich American Insurance Co. breached its insurance contract and was negligent for not including its name as a loss payee on two claims checks it issued to the Red Lobster after a fire in August 2022 damaged the property. The Zurich insurance policy for Red Lobster provided coverage for damage to the property up to $6,774,326. RL New Brunswick says that it was listed as loss payee on the policy as required under the lease with Red Lobster. In November 2022, Zurich issued a claims check to Red Lobster in the amount of $1,000,000 for fire damage to the property. Then In May 2023, Zurich issued a second claims check to Red Lobster for $242,411.64. Despite its being a loss payee on the policy, RL New Brunswick says it was not named on either settlement check. According to the complaint, RL New Brunswicks not being named on the checks allowed Red Lobster to avoid using the proceeds to repair the fire-damaged property. The complaint alleges that Red Lobster deposited the settlement checks into its Wells Fargo bank account, comingling the insurance funds with its other assets around the time it was experiencing financial difficulties. Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2024 and all of its assets were then converted into assets of the bankrupt estate. After the bankruptcy filing, Red Lobster was prohibited from using insurance settlement proceeds to repair the property. Had it been named as a loss payee, RL New Brunswick says it would have been able to direct that the funds be used only to repair the property as required under the lease. Zurichs alleged failure amounts to a breach of contract and negligence, according to the lawsuit, which seeks compensatory and consequential damages, legal costs and attorneys fees, and further relief as the court deems just and proper. The complaint was originally filed against Zurich on August 1 in state court. Zurich has yet to answer it but did have the suit removed from state court to federal district court in New Jersey on September 5. On September 6, Red Lobster Management LLC announced that it had received court approval of its Chapter 11 plan. As part of the Chapter 11 plan, RL Investor Holdings LLC will acquire the Red Lobster restaurant chain. RL Investor Holdings LLC represents funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC along with co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch. The acquisition is anticipated to close before the end of September. According to the approved Chapter 11 plan, Damola Adamolekun will become chief executive officer of the reorganized company. Adamolekun is the former CEO of the global restaurant chain P.F. Changs. Red Lobster is slated to continue to operate as an independent company, with 544 locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. Topics Lawsuits Carriers Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced yesterday that one week before a trial is to begin, the city reached an $80 million settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals to resolve the citys claims over the firms role in fueling Baltimores opioid epidemic. Teva will make an initial payment of $35 million by years end and pay the remainder by July 1, 2025. Today, the city announced that it has also reached a settlement with Walgreens. The settlement with Teva was the fourth for the city in connection with its ongoing litigation against opioid distributors and manufacturers and brings the citys recoveries from opioid defendants to $322.5 million. It follows settlements with Allergan and CVS for $45 million each, as well as a $152.5 million settlement with Cardinal Health. The city said that as part of the Walgreens settlement, it agreed to not disclose the specific terms of the agreement for 30 days. However, the city said the total of settlements has now reached $402.5 million, an increase of $80 million from the total before the Walgreens deal. The full terms of the Walgreens agreement will be made public on October 3. The case against the remaining defendants Johnson & Johnson, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen is expected to proceed to trial on September 16. The city has pursued the cases after deciding to opt out of the national settlement. In 2021, Cardinal Health and three other companies McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Johnson & Johnson reached a global settlement with nearly every other state and municipality. Under the terms of the national settlement with Teva, the city would only have received $11 million paid over 13 years. Instead, in this settlement, the city will receive more than seven times that amount in less than a year. In total, not counting todays Walgreens settlement, the city has secured more than three times the total amount it would have received from all available global settlements with opioid defendants. Per the agreement, the city has promised to allocate the monies to education and outreach efforts about the 988 suicide and crisis system, the Penn North Recovery Center, and BMore Power and to the ongoing opioid epidemic in Baltimore. Nothing can undo the harm that they caused or bring back the lives lost, but we are determined to implement these resources in a way that helps move our Citys fight against this epidemic forward, said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. It is my hope that these funds will help save lives and ensure that fewer families and communities have to endure the pain of losing loved ones to opioid overdose. City Solicitor Ebony Thompson praised the work put in the case by the citys outside counsel, Susman Godfrey, and its internal law department team, saying the work has paid off for the city. The lawsuit alleges that major manufacturers spent billions to market their products as safe, effective pain relievers rather than as addictive pills meant for short-term use to treat acute pain. The city seeks to force the manufacturers and distributors of these opioids to assist in efforts abate the effects of this epidemic. The suit claims that hundreds of Baltimore citizens continue to die every year of opioid overdoses, which is more than from homicides, while tens of thousands more suffer from the effects of opioid use disorders, including struggling to hold jobs and additional health problems. Topics Lawsuits Melvin Appointed President and CEO, BMS Re, US BMS Re, the specialty reinsurance arm of global broker BMS Group headquartered in New York City, appointed Brad Melvin president and chief executive officer, BMS Re, U.S., effective November. Melvin will lead BMS Re US operations. He previously held executive leadership and client development roles at Gen Re, CNA Financial, and, most recently, at AON Reinsurance Solutions, where he was president of the U.S. regional insurer group and global insurance vertical leader. He has also been a member of AON Res global executive committee and leadership team and AON corporations executive leadership team. Melvins appointment is subject to regulatory approval. In the interim, Group CEO Nick Cook and Andrew Wheeler will continue to lead the business, supported by the U.S. EXCO and Group COO Chris Brook. AXA XL Names Rawal Chief Underwriting Officer for Middle Market, Canada AXA XL, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, appointed Arti Rawal as chief underwriting officer, middle market, Canada. Rawal leads the newly established middle market team in Canada and reports to Matthew Waters, head of middle market, Americas. She is based in Toronto. Rawal joins AXA XL from Zurich Canada, where she was vice president, middle market, for the Ontario region. With more than 20 years experience in the industry, Rawal has served in a variety of roles and lines of business including construction, excess/surplus and middle market in the U.S. and Canada with CNA Insurance and Travelers Canada. Rawal will work closely with Alex Barker, who was named chief underwriting officer, large commercial, Canada, earlier this year. QBE Canada Appoints Fenn as Multinational Underwriting Manager QBE Canada, headquartered in Toronto, appointed Caroline Fenn to the newly created role of multinational underwriting manager. Fenn most recently served as assistant vice president and executive underwriter at Liberty Mutual Canada. Previous roles include vice president and underwriting manager for Aon Risk Solutions. Based in Toronto, Fenn facilitates the placement of multinational programs across various underwriting teams and product lines within the Canadian branch. She also manages and oversees multinational placements across all lines of business where QBE Canada acts as the servicing office. Topics USA Commercial Lines Business Insurance Underwriting Canada AXA XL Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is for the first time going international with an expansion into Canada. The reciprocal exchange will start serving high net worth clients in Ontario with homeowners insurance through select brokers. Future products include automobile coverage in Ontario, with planned expansion to other provinces in the future, PURE said. PURE is new to Canada, but weve been serving high net worth members in the U.S. for almost 20 years, said Martin Leitch, CEO. With this expansion, we are able to offer coverage solutions to existing Canadian PURE members who have trusted us to protect their U.S. interests and to reach new members who have not yet experienced what it means to be a PURE member. Currently, PURE is one of the top insurers in the high net worth space in the U.S., offering coverage in all 50 states for high value homes, automobiles, collections, watercrafts, personal excess liability, fraud, cyber and flood to more than 100,000 policyholders, or members. Members get broader coverage than often found in the homeowners market, as well as a thorough home risk assessment, PURE said. Topics Canada The unique, evolving and often volatile nature of cyber risks has always lurked beneath the surface as the cyber insurance premium climbed in recent years. The recent CrowdStrike software failure underscored the dormant threats posed by aggregation risk, and the potential for significant and far-reaching losses that span industries and reach across lines of insurance coverage. As for magnitude, Delta Air Lines alone has estimated that its 5,000 canceled flights related to this recent CrowdStrike event will cost it $500 million. CrowdStrike exemplifies the kind of aggregation risk that the industry is worried about. One security bug or a software flaw has the potential to bring down businesses such as airports, airlines, financial institutions or even software companies. The interconnectedness of systems was in full display and demonstrated how businesses can be brought to a standstill abruptly and on a large scale. This incident is likely going to impact multiple insurers. While insurers across the board rely heavily on models to estimate this type of cyber-related exposure, one might reason that the severity of such a large-scale systemic event until now may have left some of these models untested. Its also provided a stark reminder of the key role that reinsurance has to play in cyber coverage as a backstop. Cyber insurers rely heavily on reinsurance, with about 50% of cyber premiums ceded to reinsurers. Reinsurers provide insurers with capital relief, earnings stability, and more importantly, valuable underwriting partnerships. Delta Air Lines represents just one of the affected companies in this recent incident, but this illustrates the potential for widespread ransomware attacks or major data breaches to generate substantial, or even outsized claims. Reinsurance enables insurers to maintain a more stable financial position, ensuring they have the capacity to meet their obligations to policyholders even in the face of significant losses. Any pullback by reinsurers to limit their own capacity on cyber coverage will certainly flow downstream to primary insurers and possibly limit primary insurers appetite for cyber insurance. A similar scenario is playing out in the U.S. property insurance market amid increasing weather-driven losses. The systemic nature of cyber risks poses another significant challenge. Unlike traditional property risks that can often be limited by geography or line of business, cyber risks can spread rapidly across borders and industries. A single vulnerability in widely used software, such as CrowdStrike, or a coordinated cyberattack can result in simultaneous losses for multiple policyholders. This interconnectedness amplifies the potential for large-scale losses and necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated approach to risk management. Preferred Risk-Transfer Solutions Quota share reinsurance remains a common risk-transfer mechanism in the cyber insurance segment. Under this approach, the primary insurer and the reinsurer share premiums and losses in proportion to agreed-upon terms. This is straightforward distribution of risk is particularly attractive for those in need of cyber coverage, especially when the complexity and variability of risks necessitate clear and manageable reinsurance solutions. In addition to quota share arrangements, another option involves aggregate stop loss and event covers. This approach provides protection to insurers when their aggregate losses exceed a predetermined threshold. This type of coverage is particularly valuable in managing the cumulative impact of numerous smaller claims, which can add up to significant losses over time. Event covers provide protection against specific catastrophic scenarios. These are designed to respond to defined events, such as a major cyberattack affecting multiple policyholders. Insurance-Linked Securities Insurance-linked securities (ILS) are another emerging trend in the cyber reinsurance market. ILS provides another means for insurers to transfer risk to the capital markets, offering an alternative source of capacity and risk management. The ILS markets appetite for cyber may be driven in part by the general perception that these risks are assumed to be short-tailed in nature and generally uncorrelated with the broader financial markets. However, it should be noted that to date there have been very few large-scale cyber cat events to test this market hypothesis fully. In December of 2023, a flurry of 144a cyber bonds were issued totaling about $415 million. So far in 2024, there has been one small private placement of a $14 million cyber bond by Hannover Re, which covered cloud outages for the first time and one 144A cyber bond of $160 million by Beazley. Growing Investor Demand We do expect more cyber bonds in the future since some of the issued bonds so far were upsized, signaling investor demand. Its important to note that the average loss multiples for cyber bonds appear to be at least twice that of natural catastrophe bonds, indicating that investors may be expecting much higher spreads on cyber bonds to cover modeling risk and perhaps to include a novelty premium. Its important to note that cyber risks are constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. This dynamic environment makes it challenging for insurers and reinsurers to accurately assess and price risk. The emergence of new threat vectors, such as those enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning, further complicates this task. Reinsurers must continuously adapt their models and strategies to keep pace with these developments, requiring significant investment in research and technology. Good cyber practices have proven beneficial to both insureds and insurers. These practices have led to a steady decline in the segments loss ratio, despite a sharp increase in ransomware attacks in 2023. The future of cyber reinsurance will depend on the industrys ability to leverage technology, innovate and even collaborate on risk management. As the digital age and its complexities continue to mature, reinsurance has a key role to play by offering some guardrails on the path forward. Topics Reinsurance A hospitalized patient in Missouri was infected with bird flu despite having had no known contact with dairy cows or other animals associated with an ongoing outbreak, health officials said Friday. This is the 14th person in the U.S. sickened with bird flu since March, when the virus was detected in cows, after infecting wild birds and mammals worldwide. One other person was infected in 2022. The risk to the general public remains low, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said in a statement. No unusual flu activity has been detected in the U.S., including in Missouri, officials said. The latest case was confirmed after the person, an adult, was hospitalized on Aug. 22 with other medical conditions, officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said in a statement. The person tested positive for influenza A, and CDC officials later confirmed it to be bird flu. The person received antiviral medication and has since recovered and gone home, health officials said. Its not clear whether the hospitalization was caused by the bird flu infection or the persons existing health conditions, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the Missouri health department. Health officials didnt release the persons name, age or hometown. No close contacts of the person have been infected, CDC officials said. The case raises questions about how the person was exposed to the virus. All the previous U.S. infections were among people who worked around cows and poultry. Bird flu has been detected in nearly 200 dairy herds in 14 states, but not in Missouri, according to the Agriculture Department. Bird flu has also been found in commercial and backyard flocks and in wild birds. The person did not report drinking raw milk, which can contain live virus, Cox said. The investigation is continuing, officials said. Its the first case detected through routine influenza surveillance rather than through targeted efforts to identify people infected with bird flu through exposure to infected cows and poultry, officials said. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Missouri 35 journalists from 31 African countries have been impressed by Chongqing's efforts to preserve traditional culture in their visit to the city after covering FOCAC summit in Beijing. #GLOBALink Hawkins Inc., a chemical manufacturer based in Camanche, Iowa, will pay $51,158 in civil penalties and purchase equipment for local emergency responders to resolve alleged violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The company manufactures, distributes, and sells industrial chemicals, including bleach. During a May 2023 inspection, EPA determined that Hawkins Inc. qualified as a large quantity generator of hazardous waste but failed to meet the requirements of a facility producing that much waste. These included accumulating hazardous waste for longer than 90 days; failing to prepare a contingency plan to respond to emergencies; and failing to make arrangements with local emergency responders in the event of a release or threat of a release of hazardous waste. Because the company failed to meet these requirements, it was operating as an unpermitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility. In response to the inspection findings, Hawkins Inc. agreed to take the necessary steps to return its facility to compliance. This settlement demonstrates EPAs commitment to protecting communities from releases of hazardous waste, especially those already burdened by historical pollution, said EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad. The Agency is also committed to leveling the playing field for companies that comply with federal law. Hawkins Inc.s settlement with EPA includes the purchase of approximately $38,610 in emergency response equipment to be issued to the Clinton County Emergency Management Unit, Camanche Volunteer Fire Department, Davenport Hazmat Department, and Camanche Police Department. Source: EPA Topics Iowa Pollution Manufacturing LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) Every other day Lois Malvo waits for her son to bring six buckets of water from a spigot in the backyard. He then bathes his 78-year-old mother using water heated on the stove and washes her with a spray pump he bought online. Its been four years since hurricanes Laura and Delta decimated Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana, and Malvo is still without plumbing. Unable to afford repairs without federal funds she fears will never arrive, Malvo lives in a crumbling home where the floor sags and wires poke from the ceiling. In the midst of peak hurricane season, recovery continues at a creeping pace in a community the Weather Channel once called Americas most weather-battered city. Some residents in Lake Charles, a mostly Black city where one-fifth of the population live in poverty, are still stuck in similar conditions. They fear theyve slipped through the cracks, even as some have been approved for federal funds but face a nearing deadline to close on their award or risk losing it. Some homeowners are caught in legal limbo with insurance companies they say gravely underestimated their damage. And others still cant find housing after the hurricanes destroyed apartment complexes and neighborhoods. Its very, very frustrating to live like this, Malvo said. Sometimes Im so down I just feel like giving up. State of Lake Charles Hurricane Laura tore through Lake Charles in August 2020 as one of the most powerful storms to strike Louisiana. Six weeks later, Hurricane Delta followed the same destructive path. Evacuated residents returned home from the storms to catastrophic damage. The hurricanes inflicted an estimated $22 billion in damage throughout the U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center, with Louisiana taking the brunt of the hit. Delta and Laura were also blamed for causing 49 direct deaths nationwide and in the Caribbean. Today there are signs of rebuilding and growth in parts of Lake Charles. But other areas appear frozen in time. Students learn in modular classrooms outside a still-unusable high school. A 22-story office building, once a city icon, remains an abandoned eyesore and is slated for demolition. FEMA-issued blue tarps covering damaged roofs have disintegrated to tatters. Federal funding delays Residents waited years for substantial federal funding as Congress dealt with another crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasnt until 2022 a year and a half of struggle later and months after Louisiana grappled with more disasters, flash flooding and Hurricane Ida barreling into Louisianas southeastern coast communities that financial relief homeowners longed for was announced. Of that, $1 billion was allocated to Louisiana Restore; the states program tasked with distributing federal funds to homeowners impacted by natural disasters. More than 8,000 homeowners affected by Laura and Delta completed the first step to qualify. About 60% were invited to apply based on factors like the extent of their homes damage, according to Restores assessments. Tasha Guidry organized grassroots efforts, assisting dozens of people to qualify for Restore. Guidrys home was rebuilt by Restore, but like other residents The Associated Press interviewed, she acknowledged it was a tedious process. A lot of our people gave up because they didnt understand how to navigate the process, she said. Restore received 3,935 applications from homeowners impacted by Laura or Delta. About two-thirds were offered funding, totaling $201 million. So far, $91 million has been distributed among 1,444 homeowners. Some 1,400 others were rejected, and a few thousand werent approved to apply. Another 440 homeowners approved for Restore funding have just two months left to close on their award or risk losing it. Rejection reasons vary from having FEMA-assessed damages less than $3,000, carrying a certain level of insurance, homeowners being unable to account for prior recovery money they received or missing documentation. In total, 80% of the programs $1 billion fund has been earmarked to homeowners impacted by the 2020 or 2021 hurricanes. About $169 million, in funds for affected residents, have not been allocated by the state. Insurance woes Terra Hillman lives in the backyard in a FEMA trailer that she calls a sardine can while her damaged brick home is rotting away. The insurance company paid her about $30,000 despite the estimated $300,000 in damage to her home. And shes received notice that shes violating local ordinances by remaining in the trailer.. I dont really know how much more I can take it, she said. The hurricanes resulted in more than 200,000 residential property claims filed in Louisiana, according to data from the state Department of Insurance. Insurers paid out at least $5 billion in claims to homeowners. According to a report by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Laura alone caused an estimated $17.5 billion in damage to Louisiana. Residents and officials say insurance companies have made recovery harder for Lake Charles. Some homeowners were forced into litigation to get fair deals. Others couldnt afford the time or cost of a court battle, settling for a fraction of what they believe theyre owed. As claims mounted, a handful of companies declared bankruptcy or fled Louisiana, shifting tens of thousands of claims to the states bailout program. Louisianas insurance crisis continues, with fewer companies doing business in the state, resulting in higher premiums. Housing crisis The hurricane damage left affordable housing in short supply. None of the citys 463 public housing units are currently livable and hundreds of Section 8 houses were lost, according to Ben Taylor, executive director of the Lake Charles Housing Authority. Many like Ramona Breaux and her two children, were forced to leave. Breaux, 60, went to live with relatives in Houston after her rented, subsidized home burned down. I want to come home, said Breaux. The citys population dropped an estimated 6.2% from 2020 to 2023, the 12th steepest decline in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said the city is doing what it can. New housing developments expected to be finished next year should leave the city with more rental units than it had before the storms. Post-hurricane trauma The hurricanes left residents grappling with trauma and anxiety. Darleen Wesley and her family spent years living in a home with boarded up windows and a leaking roof while battling their insurer in court. Theyre finally back in their home after living in a backyard workshop during construction. But her daughter panics when it thunders. Wesley tries not to think about what might happen when the next hurricane hits. And then Im right back where I started, she said. How do I prepare for this again? Photo: A truck drive through floodwaters in a neighborhood in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, after Hurricane Delta Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Louisiana Hurricane Tropical Storm Francine is set to become a hurricane Tuesday as it churns toward Louisiana after shifting east, forcing some oil drillers to halt production but following a path that will likely avert key natural gas export plants. On its current track, Francine will skirt liquefied natural gas facilities clustered around the Texas-Louisiana border, including Cheniere Energy Inc.s Sabine Pass terminal, as it makes landfall as a hurricane Wednesday. With top winds of 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour, the storm is currently about 395 miles south-southwest of Cameron, Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 7 a.m. Houston time. Overall, Francine will likely cause $5 billion in damage and losses if it hits at Category 2 strength, said Chuck Watson, a disaster modeler with Enki Research. There is a chance it will weaken as it comes ashore, which would drop losses to about $1 billion. If Francine gathers steam, it will be the third hurricane to hit the US mainland this year. Francine will likely become a hurricane today, with significant strengthening expected before it reaches the coast, Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist at the center, wrote in his forecast. Francines winds are expected to top out at 100 mph, making it a Category 2 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Sabine Pass to Grand Isle, Louisiana. Storm surge warnings are in place from High Island, Texas, near Houston, to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Chevron Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp. and Shell Plc are among companies taking measures like evacuating workers from vulnerable installations, suspending drilling activities and shutting in some wells. Gas supply to US LNG export plants was down 3.2% Tuesday from a day earlier. Overnight, Francines winds remained stable, which seems to be putting a cap on the upside intensity risk, said Matt Rogers, president of Commodity Weather Group LLC. It still has to cross some warm water that provide fuel for strengthening, but Francine also faces wind conditions that could damage the storms structure and limit its power. Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard declared Port Condition Yankee at Houston, Galveston and other key Texas harbors, a warning that rough weather is expected within 24 hours. One upside to Francine as it moves ashore is that it will bring much-needed water to the parched Mississippi River, where low water levels have threatened to roil shipments of everything from corn to gasoline. The hurricane center is tracking two other disturbances in the central Atlantic Ocean with the potential to become tropical storms. Both are hundreds of miles or more from populated areas. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Louisiana Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged lawmakers to weigh ideas on providing condominium owners with relief ahead of a Jan. 1 deadline that requires condo buildings to be inspected and repaired in the wake of the Surfside condo collapse that killed 98 people in 2021. At a roundtable discussion and a news conference Monday, the governor hinted that a special session of the Legislature could be called to address the big expenses facing condominiums and associations, according to news reports. The deadline, imposed by a 2022 law that brought major reforms to Floridas lax condominium reserves funding and repair rules, requires structures to have an engineer inspect buildings and calculate the cost of critical repairs. But many condo owners and associations, who also are facing higher insurance premiums, have said the new costs will force them to move. DeSantis suggested the Jan. 1 deadline may need to be pushed back, or that the state could offer low-interest loans to condo owners or associations. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, in August rejected the idea of a special condo session, but the governor could call one later this year. He said the issue cannot wait until spring, when the regular, 2025 session of the Legislature begins, the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. The governor did not mention potential property insurance law changes to help condominiums. But others in the condo world have discussed the idea of condo associations forming their own captive insurance companies. State law already allows three or more condominiums to form captives, if approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Those familiar with the idea have said that discussions have been underway for months, but so far, little has materialized. People are trying to solve this problem. Theyre trying to figure it out, said John Cadden, managing principal at Condominium Advisory Group, based in Chicago. But, he cautioned, forming captives would require a large capital investment, something many condo owners and associations in Florida do not have at the moment. Related: Are Captives the Answer for Uninsured HOAs? Utah Opens the Door Top photo: FILE -The Champlain Towers South condo building on July 4, 2021, in Surfside, after the collapse. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) Topics Florida CRC Group, a wholesale specialty insurance distributor, has added new faces to its team. Davon Fields has joined CRCs Birmingham, Alabama, office as a broker. He recently was vice president with an insurance brokerage. Donnie Waters was named senior team leader in the groups Tampa office. He has more than 20 years experience in the industry and was recently a managing partner with a wholesale brokerage, CRC said in a news release. CRC, headquartered in Birmingham, said the moves will expand its ability to assist retail agencies. Casino company Wynn Resorts Ltd. has agreed to pay $130 million to federal authorities and admit that it let unlicensed money transfer businesses around the world funnel funds to gamblers at its flagship Las Vegas Strip property. The publicly traded company said a non-prosecution settlement reached last weekd represented a monetary figure identified by the U.S. Justice Department as funds involved in the transactions at issue at the Wynn Las Vegas resort. In statements to the media and to the federal Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said the forfeiture wasnt a fine and findings in the decade-long case didnt amount to money laundering. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath in San Diego said the settlement showed that casinos are accountable if they let foreign customers evade U.S. laws. She said $130 million was believed to be the largest forfeiture by a casino based on admissions of criminal wrongdoing. Wynn Resorts said it severed ties with all people and businesses involved in what the government characterized as convoluted transactions overseas. Several former employees facilitated the use of unlicensed money transmitting businesses, which both violated our internal policies and the law, and for which we take responsibility, the company said in a statement Saturday to The Associated Press. In its news release, the Justice Department detailed several methods it said were used to transfer money between Wynn Las Vegas and people in China and other countries. One, dubbed Flying Money, involved an unlicensed money agent using multiple foreign bank accounts to transfer money to the casino for use by a patron who could not otherwise access cash in the U.S. Another involved having a person referred to as a Human Head gamble at the casino at the direction of another person who was unwilling or unable to place bets because of anti-money laundering and other laws. The Justice Department said one person, acting as an independent agent for the casino, conducted more than 200 money transfers worth nearly $18 million through bank accounts controlled by Wynn Las Vegas or associated entities on behalf of more than 50 foreign casino patrons. Wynn Resorts called its agreement with the government a final step in a six-year effort to put legacy issues fully behind us and focus on our future. The SEC filing noted the investigation began about 2014. It did not use the name of former CEO Steve Wynn. But since 2018, the parent company has been enmeshed with legal issues surrounding his departure after sexual misconduct allegations against him were first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Wynn attorneys in Las Vegas did not respond Saturday to messages about the company settlement. Wynn, now 82 and living in Florida, has said he has no remaining ties to his namesake company. He has consistently denied committing sexual misconduct. The billionaire developer of a luxury casino empire in Las Vegas, Massachusetts, Mississippi and the Chinese gambling enclave of Macao resigned from Wynn Resorts after the reports became public, divested company shares and quit the corporate board. Last year, in an agreement with Nevada gambling regulators, he agreed to cut links to the industry he helped shape in Las Vegas and pay a $10 million fine. He admitted no wrongdoing. In 2019, the Nevada Gaming Commission fined Wynn Resorts a record $20 million for failing to investigate claims of sexual misconduct made against him before he resigned. Massachusetts gambling regulators fined the company and a top executive $35.5 million for failing to disclose the sexual misconduct allegations against Wynn while it applied for a license for its Encore Boston Harbor resort. The company made no admissions of wrongdoing. Wynn Resorts agreed in November 2019 to accept $20 million in damages from Wynn and $21 million from insurance carriers to settle shareholder lawsuits accusing company directors of failing to disclose misconduct allegations. The Justice Department said Friday that as part of its investigation, 15 people previously admitted money laundering, unlicensed money transmission or other crimes, paying criminal penalties of more than $7.5 million. Wynn Resorts noted in its statement that its non-prosecution agreement with the government did not refer to money laundering. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. SAN DIEGO, CA., September 10, 2024 Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc. is pleased to announce its new carrier relationship with DB Insurance Company. Together we have introduced a new admitted homeowners program in the state of New Jersey. DB Insurance Company has been in business since 1962, getting their start in their home country of South Korea. They began writing business in the United States in 2006. DB is highly rated by A.M Best, having a financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and holds an A+ (Stable) rating by S&P. DB Insurance it excited to be working with Arrowhead General to offer a new homeowners program to the state of New Jersey said Nathan Kim, general manager New York branch. Arrowhead has distributed homeowners insurance in New Jersey since 2000. We are excited to partner with DB Insurance Company to bring an admitted, A+ rated capacity to New Jersey and to also resume writing property business in the state, said Mark Corey, president of Arrowheads Personal Property Program. The homeowners program is available for dwellings located throughout New Jersey. For agency appointments and additional information, please contact Lauri Thum at 760-710-6827 or lthum@arrowheadgrp.com or visit our website, https://www.arrowheadgrp.com/products/personal-property/ About Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc. Headquartered in San Diego, Arrowhead General is one of the largest national insurance program managers for commercial and personal products in the U.S., with a $2.1 billion written premium in 2023. Arrowheads relationships with over 20 top-ranked insurance carriers provide stability for its nationwide network of agents. Arrowhead is part of Arrowhead Programs, a division of Brown & Brown Inc. (NYSE: BRO). Media Contact: Lauri Thum lthum@arrowheadgrp.com 760-710-6827 Topics Carriers New Markets New Jersey Homeowners Vancouver, British Columbia - September 5, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GREAT ATLANTIC RESOURCES CORP. (TSXV:GR; FRA: PH02) (the "Company" or "Great Atlantic") is pleased to announce its wholly owned subsidiary, Golden Promise Mines Inc., has begun the 2024 exploration program at its 100% owned Golden Trust Property, located within central Newfoundland and 1 km north of the Valentine Gold Mine of Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB). Gold Soil Anomalies: 2020 & 2022 Reconnaissance Sampling The 2024 program at Golden Trust consists of prospecting and rock - soil geochemical sampling. Work is planned in areas not previously explored by the Company and in areas of gold soil anomalies identified by the Company during 2020 and 2022 exploration programs. Great Atlantic identified gold soil geochemical anomalies during 2020 and 2022 reconnaissance level soil sampling programs in multiple areas within the northern region of the Golden Trust Property. Analytical high values for these samples included 52 parts per billion (ppb) gold and 72 ppb gold, both samples within an approximately 350 meters long target area in the northwest region of the property (see Company news releases of January 27, 2021, and February 17, 2023). The 2024 program will include prospecting and rock - soil geochemical sampling in the northern region of the property, the objectives to further define target areas for future gold exploration and locate sources of gold soil anomalies in this region of the property; and reconnaissance level prospecting and rock geochemical sampling +/- soil geochemical sampling to identify target areas in other regions of the property. Great Atlantic Resources / Golden Promise Mines Inc. Central Newfoundland Gold Properties This news is paid advertisement/ news disseminated on behalf of/issued on behalf of Great Atlantic Resources The Golden Trust Property (2,400 hectares) is relatively under-explored. Great Atlantic management have not found any reports of diamond drilling within the property. Key points for the Golden Trust Property include: Located 1 km north of the Valentine Gold Mine of Calibre Mining Corp. and approximately 44 km southwest of Great Atlantic's flagship Golden Promise Property. Located within the prospective Victoria Lake Supergroup which hosts numerous epigenetic gold & volcanogenic massive sulfide occurrences Located within the Exploits Subzone of the Dunnage Zone and east of a major (Appalachian-scale) collisional boundary, and suture zone. Government till samples (2008) returned elevated to anomalous values for gold in various regions of the Golden Trust Property. Readers are warned that mineralization at the Valentine Gold Mine and Golden Promise Property and elsewhere within the Exploits Subzone is not necessarily indicative of mineralization within the Golden Trust Property. The 2020 and 2022 soil samples referred to in this news release were analyzed by Eastern Analytical Ltd. The samples were analyzed for gold by fire assay - atomic absorption (AA) and for 34 elements by four acid - ICP-OES. Great Atlantic is independent of Eastern Analytical Ltd. The 2020 and 2022 exploration programs at Golden Trust were supervised by a Qualified Peron. David Martin, P.Geo. (New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador), a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and VP Exploration for Great Atlantic, is responsible for the technical information contained in this News Release. On Behalf of the board of directors "Christopher R Anderson" Mr. Christopher R. Anderson President CEO Director 604-488-3900 - Office Investor Relations: 1-416-628-1560 IR @ GreatAtlanticResources.com About Great Atlantic Resources Corp.: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in the resource-rich and sovereign risk-free realm of Atlantic Canada, one of the number one mining regions of the world. Great Atlantic is currently surging forward building the company utilizing a Project Generation model, with a special focus on the most critical elements on the planet that are prominent in Atlantic Canada, Gold, Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Cobalt, Antimony and Tungsten. This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration drilling, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Great Atlantic Resource Corp. 888 Dunsmuir Street - Suite 888, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3K4 Great Atlantic Resource Corp. (TSXV: GR) is a featured mining stock on Investorideas.com More info on GR at Investorideas.com Visit: https://www.investorideas.com/CO/GR/ Disclaimer/Disclosure: GREAT ATLANTIC RESOURCES CORP. (TSXV.GR) is a paid featured mining stock on Investor Ideas. More info:Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer and disclosure info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp September 10, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off each other in a debate for the first time in the race for the White House on November 5, investors will be scouring for clues on policy which could impact their portfolios. One of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations, deVere Group, says this is a pivotal moment for US and global investors to position themselves to seize opportunities and mitigate potential risks to their wealth. "The US election will have far-reaching implications on sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), defense, and traditional energy," says deVere CEO Nigel Green. "Investors must be prepared for a Harris victory, which would push clean energy, housing support, and cannabis stocks into the spotlight, or a Trump win, which would benefit sectors like oil, defense, and cryptocurrency." Harris has championed a transition to greener energy, making her presidency a tailwind for renewable energy companies. Similarly, the electric vehicle sector is poised for growth, benefiting from favorable regulatory and tax policies. Her stance on China trade relations is another critical element for investors. "While the US-China relationship has been fraught with tensions in recent years, a Harris administration is expected to take a more measured approach, hopefully avoiding the escalatory rhetoric seen under Trump. "This could be a positive sign for companies with large Chinese exposure, like Tesla and Apple, as well as chipmakers such as Nvidia and Qualcomm," notes Nigel Green. Harris' commitment to housing is another area for investors to focus on. Her proposed policies include down-payment support for first-time homebuyers and tax incentives for builders working on affordable housing. "As such, homebuilders may see a surge in demand under a Harris administration, providing excellent opportunities for growth in the housing sector." Should former President Donald Trump secure victory in the November election, a shift in focus is probable toward traditional energy sectors. "Trump's commitment to rolling back regulations on oil production and exploration would likely benefit companies like Exxon and Chevron. "On the other hand, clean energy and EV companies, which have seen a favorable policy environment under the Biden-Harris administration, could face headwinds. Companies in these sectors may experience market volatility if Trump repeals existing tax credits for EV buyers." Defense contractors are another group of companies that stand to gain from a Trump victory. Historically, Republican administrations have prioritized defense spending, and investors could see stocks in this sector surge as defense budgets potentially expand. Trump's changing stance on cryptocurrency is also noteworthy. "After years of skepticism, the former president has now embraced digital assets, pledging to make the US the 'crypto capital of the world. Therefore, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, can be expected to gain further traction under a pro-crypto administration." Given the potential for market volatility, investors should consider the following strategies ahead of the debate. "There will be clear winners and losers - and these will become more evident from the outcome of this evening's debate." While certain sectors will benefit depending on the outcome, diversifying portfolios across industries can help mitigate risk and capture gains, no matter who wins. Amid heightened volatility which elections bring, some investors may want to consider allocating assets to safe havens such as gold or Treasury bonds to hedge against near-term market fluctuations. With uncertainty surrounding the election and markets jittery from external factors, this presidential debate is a crucial moment for investors to reassess their strategies. "Whether it's capitalizing on clean energy's continued rise under Harris or betting on the resurgence of traditional energy and defense under Trump, now is the time for investors to be vigilant and preparing to rebalance their portfolios should to be necessary to do so," says Nigel Green. More Info: Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp The seeds of Matt Coopers success as a broadcaster were sown at an early age, when he was a schoolboy at St Josephs NS in the Mardyke, Cork. I remember there was a couple of us who had a pretend radio station that we used to do during breaks when we were in second or third class. I was listening a lot to radio at home with my parents, and I was reading newspapers avidly from an early age. I always had that desire to be a journalist. However, Cooper, who grew up an only child on the Lee Road in Cork, was initially dissuaded from pursuing journalism as a career. I got diverted for a little while, as I was told that I would never get into journalism without knowing somebody. My father was a confectioner in the Marina Bakery and would get on his bicycle to go to work at half-past five every morning. I think he would have wanted me to have learned a trade after my Inter Cert, as it was back then, but I was hopelessly ill-equipped for anything of that kind. I did a commerce degree in UCC but in my final year, I started to focus and I knew that deep down, what I wanted to be was a journalist. I was able to use my commerce degree to move into business journalism. Matt Cooper in 1998. Picture: Mark Kelleher The childhood game of pretend in St Josephs eventually became reality for Cooper in 2002, when he left his role as editor of the Sunday Tribune to take over from Eamon Dunphy as presenter of The Last Word on Today FM. I remember my last day editing the Sunday Tribune, November 9, 2002, because it was the same day my third daughter Millie was born. I was taking a big chance because I loved newspapers, and I loved the Sunday Tribune, and the people I was working with. But it allowed me to move to a medium which has prospered over the last couple of decades and it has given me enormous enjoyment to put a programme together every day and bring it to listeners. There may have been an element of destiny in his eventual career as a broadcaster, but his success wasnt a certainty from the start. Did I think Id get to 21 years? Not when I started out initially, and to be honest, I think a lot of other people didn't think Id ever get near 21 years. So Im sort of glad that I stuck it to them as well, he laughs. Since January, Cooper has been hosting a podcast, Path to Power, with former politician Ivan Yates, who he worked with previously on The Tonight Show on Virgin Media. The show will be going live at the Opera House this Friday as part of the Cork Podcast Festival as well as Cooper and Yates discussing the political issues of the day at home and abroad, the show will also feature some heavyweight political guests. Cooper says Path to Power was inspired by the hugely successful The Rest Is Politics podcast, hosted by former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell and ex-Tory politician Rory Stewart. In the middle of last year, I was in bed with covid, which developed into pneumonia. I must have been somewhat delirious at the time because I started thinking about doing an Irish version of The Rest is Politics. So from my sick bed, I texted Ivan, and in fairness, he immediately jumped at the idea. He says that contrary to a lot of what we hear about attention spans shrinking, the explosion in audio content triggered by the advent of podcasts highlights how many people are hungry for intelligent current affairs output. Im fascinated by the way that podcasts have developed as not an alternative to radio, but as an add-on. Its amazing the amount of people who are out there who want that depth. This belief that people want shorter pieces in newspapers I dont necessarily agree. They'll read a long piece if it's well-written and interesting enough. "What podcasts show is that for a sizeable part of the population, they want to hear things examined in detail and in depth, but also in an enjoyable fashion. That's what I think Ivan and myself have managed to do with the Path to Power podcast to bring people into serious issues and discussion, but do it in a way that is entertaining and engaging. Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates are at Cork Opera House. We are constantly hearing that we have reached peak podcast but the appetite for audio seems to be stronger than ever. There are a lot of podcasts that wont pay their way, and maybe they are hobby projects for people, in the way that in the early years of the internet, blogs were all the rage. So I think the numbers of podcasts in time will possibly fall away. It's a question of putting together a good enough offering to engage and attract people, says Cooper. While Campbell and Stewart may be the template, theres another podcasting power couple nearer home that Cooper aims to emulate. My ambition is to be as popular as Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally. I have an individual podcast as well, an interview series called Magnified, and at Electric Picnic a couple of years ago I did an interview with Miriam OCallaghan in one of the tents, there might have been 100 people at it. And then I went over and watched Vogue and Joanne, and there were thousands of people there, they were spilling out of the tent. I thought, oh my God, theres definitely something in this podcast game if they get that many people to go see their stage show. "That said, I was quite taken aback when I saw one of their props was an inflatable male doll. I cant imagine two men ever getting away with, or wanting to get away with, having an inflatable female doll on the stage with them. And I can guarantee you, Ivan or myself will not have that in the Opera House. According to Cooper, Path to Power has been doing strong numbers and the plan is to add a second weekly edition for subscribers. It is one of the most listened to podcasts in the Irish market. Im very comfortable with the numbers that we have achieved, he says. As for whether the traditional medium of radio can survive as more people listen to streamed content, Cooper believes that both can continue to co-exist as long as people are still engaging with news and current affairs. I'm actually quite surprised and very happy to be told by younger people that theyre listening to the podcast, although I'm a little bit worried that they're not telling me that they're listening to the radio. So, I keep trying to encourage them to listen to the radio as well. Overall, Im happy to hear that people want to be engaged, and that they are interested. So if they're listening to radio, listening to podcasts, reading newspapers, reading websites, then thats for the good at least they're engaging with the issues. Path to Power with Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates, is at the Olympia in Dublin on Weds, Sept 11; and also as part of Cork Podcast Festival, at Cork Opera House, on Saturday, Sept 13. See corkpodcastfestival.ie ONCE the school year recommences in September, I brace myself for the inevitable wave of calls and emails from parents concerned for their childrens psychological and emotional wellbeing. Without fail, its my busiest month of the year as a psychotherapist because the commencement of the new school year brings a wave of anxiety for many children and families. Anxiety is a significant issue for Irish children. The 2019 My World Survey 2 found the number of young people in Ireland suffering from anxiety had doubled from 2012, when the first survey took place. It is reasonable to assume anxiety levels have grown since the pandemic, with demand for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services increasing by 33% between 2020 and 2021, while 21% more cases were seen during the same period. Returning to school after an unstructured summer of freedom can stir up deep emotional responses, particularly in those who have experienced anxiety in the past. While some level of nervousness in the first few days is natural and to be expected, persistent or intense feelings of worry often signal a more profound challenge. Childhood anxiety related to a return to school can manifest in various ways, including difficulty sleeping, stomach aches or irritability on school nights, or the avoidance of school altogether. Children experience anxiety relating to school for many reasons, and these can include academic pressures, social concerns, fear of new routines, or separation from their parents or caregivers. When I meet a child who is experiencing school-related anxiety, I ask if the source of their worries is: A. The level of difficulty of the school work; B. The peer group and social environment; C. The teachers of the staff in the school community; D. A fear of leaving the safety at home. In some cases, the child will say it is all the above, but usually, some aspects of school life are more concerning than others, offering an insight into where they might need support. Worries are often amplified if the child has previously struggled with anxiety in school. Many parents describe how children seem to integrate over a school year. However, the same fears and worries can re-emerge when September rolls around again. The incidence of school avoidance has been rising in recent years, although not always associated with anxiety. A report by the Centre for Social Justice in Britain found that during the final term of 2022, absence levels increased by 50% compared to when the pandemic first caused a rise in autumn 2020. I would estimate that similar patterns are evident here in Ireland. There is little doubt that post-pandemic transitions added layers of complexity, with children and families still grappling with the aftereffects of social isolation, hybrid learning, and lingering health fears. Changing routine anxiety So why do children experience an increase in anxiety at the start of the school year? Dramatic changes in routine are a possible cause. The return of early wake-up times, homework, and busy extracurricular schedules may feel overwhelming. Some argue that the summer break is too long and contributes to the difficult transition back to school and the school routine. However, gradually returning to the full school schedule might be a more advisable solution. Primary schools with shorter days in the first week after the summer see the benefits for students. And a small intervention like a no homework for September initiative might also ease a child back in. Academic pressure is another reason children worry at the start of the school year. While I understand the rationale for getting them focused for the year ahead, especially in a state exam year, histrionics about these exams importance are unhelpful. I have heard of students being told in the first week back that they only have 30 more Fridays before your Leaving Cert exams and similar statements. While I have no doubt these warnings are aimed at complacent students, it tends to be the diligent and concerned ones who take these statements on board. Concerns about school performance, fear of failure, and perfectionism have become more evident in recent years. These are common sources of anxiety for students who worry they will not live up to expectationseither their own or others. While a few years ago, it was not unusual to hear students expressing worry in September about their potential performance in the Junior or Leaving Cert exams, more recently, young people Ive spoken to describe a similar level of distress when they talk about their performance in first and second year. Navigating the social dynamics of the school environment is another source of school anxiety. Many children fear making friends, fitting in, or facing potential bullying. The most protective aspect for a child navigating the school environment is a sense of belonging and connection. We need to see the potential value of these relationships over the longer term and include more opportunities for children to mix and connect. Prioritising interpersonal opportunities over academic outcomes will pay dividends in the longer term. Separation anxiety is an explanation for school avoidance. Its especially true for younger children who are very attached to their parents or caregivers. The intensity of this relationship means that being apart from their attachment figure during the school day can trigger deep-seated anxiety. This response is common among children who have faced disruptions in their early school experiences or after long breaks from in-person education. Since the pandemic, I have seen many more cases of separation anxiety in older children and teens who missed out on critical developmental opportunities. Create a sense of security So, how can you support a child who is experiencing anxiety about attending school? Understanding the root of a childs anxiety is the first step to addressing it. This requires open communication, encouraging the child to talk about their feelings and listening without judgment so they feel supported. This approach might seem simple, but many parents struggle with it. For example, if a child tells a parent they dont want to go to school because they find it too hard, many will jump in with comments like, but you are really bright, you are well able for school work. While this is well intended, it often dismisses their worries and causes the child to shut down. If the parent can hold off jumping in with solutions or counterarguments, they have a far better chance of their child feeling heard and opening up. As anxiety is essentially the fear of the unknown, it is crucial to create some predictability. Establishing a consistent routine at home can provide a sense of security. Things like setting regular times for meals, sleep, and activities can seem somewhat superficial. Still, they can go a long way to reducing a childs anxiety by making life more predictable. While the school environment can be difficult to influence or control, you can always help the child feel better equipped to manage these challenges. I have recently started breathing exercises and breathing work with young clients. I have heard others speak positively about mindfulness or visualisation techniques, which can also assist children in managing their anxiety in moments of stress. Encouraging positive self-talk can also help children reframe their thoughts when worry sets in. Celebrate the small successes, whether its finishing a piece of homework or getting through a tough school day, and remind children that effort is more important than flawless performance. Despite making interventions, anxiety can persist in some cases and become unmanageable without additional help. School counsellors and therapists can offer support and guidance, helping children and parents navigate severe anxiety. However, this is rarely a quick fix and may require considerable effort from the school, parents, treating clinician, and child to overcome. Empathy goes a long way in this challenging process. While its best to avoid long periods where a child does not go to school, as this can create more significant problems in the longer term, parents and teachers need to remember that anxiety is not something a child can snap out of; its a real and overwhelming experience that requires patience, understanding, and support. By validating their feelings, equipping them with coping strategies, and providing consistent reassurance, we can help children manage their anxiety and attend school. It is not about eliminating fear from their school lives but learning to manage it in a way that allows them to grow and learn. If you have been on social media in recent days, you may have seen posts calling for a two-day boycott of the banking app Revolut in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Here's why: On August 20, the Bank of Israel issued Revolut a unique identification code, enabling Revolut to allocate payment account numbers to its customers. Essentially, the Bank of Israel code allows Revolut to connect to the local payment schemes in Israel. What did the Bank of Israel say exactly? In a statement, the bank said: "The Bank of Israel hereby announces the issuance of an identification code to a second global fintech company that has chosen to operate in Israel as a participant in a controlled payment system Revolut Ltd". The bank went on to say Revolut "is operating along the 'international outline' published by the Bank of Israel, which enables access to the payment systems based on a foreign licence from a recognised country, as well as on meeting additional conditions". Contrary to some posts and articles online, the Bank of Israel's announcement does not mean Revolut will be "opening" in Israel soon. What has the reaction been? Since the Israel-Hamas war began last October, nearly 41,000 people have been killed in Palestine, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. On Tuesday, Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli strike on a humanitarian zone in the south of the territory killed 40 people and wounded more than 60 others. Revolut had some 2.7 million users here as of the end of 2023 a 20% customer base rise compared to the previous year. Ireland is among the most pro-Palestinian nations in Europe, and Irish politicians have been vocal on the world stage in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. As such, the Bank of Israel's announcement was met with some significant criticism online here. In a widely shared post, Dublin-based Palestinian activist Dr Abdullah Al Bayyari urged people in Ireland to refrain from using or even opening the app on September 9 and September 10. He called for those wishing to take part in the boycott not to complete transactions with Revolut online or in shops, to temporarily freeze their Revolut cards, to remove funds from APR savings accounts, and to avoid selling stocks, cryptocurrency or commodities on the app. In a subsequent post, he also suggested people email Revolut directly and outline why they were joining in the boycott. How popular is Revolut in Ireland? Revolut's popularity in Ireland has grown substantially since the firm launched its services here in 2015. The company boasted some 2.7 million users here as of the end of 2023 a 20% customer base rise compared to the previous year. The fintech firm also reported a more than 50% annual rise in the number of Irish companies using Revolut Business in 2023. It officially began operating as a bank in the Republic of Ireland in March 2022, and it began offering personal loans that same year. In July 2023, it launched its car insurance offering in Ireland, in partnership with insurer AIG. In May of this year, it started offering instant-access savings accounts. And the firm recently announced it has plans to launch a mortgage product in Ireland from next year. What has Revolut said about the boycott? Revolut has not officially commented on the calls for the boycott. Watch: First landings at Cork University Hospital brand new helipad Test landings started taking place at Cork University Hospital newly built helipad after years of wait and delays, it's hoped that the helipad will be ready to receive patients from next week onwards. A 41-year-old Cork man spat into a shopkeepers face when he was being deflected from shoplifting at the premises and he was jailed today for five months as the victim described the offence as the lowest of the low. Daniel Walsh, of 15 Charles Daly Road, Ballyphehane, Cork, who has mental health problems compounded by alcohol, pleaded guilty to assaulting the shopkeeper. An out-of-hours GP service in Cork and Kerry has been ordered to pay over 15,600 in compensation to a former receptionist over its failure to follow fair procedures in sacking her. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that there was a repeated and serious failure by Southwest Doctors on Call to apply fair procedures in the manner in which it had dismissed the receptionist, Karen Doherty. The WRC said fair procedures were neither understood nor applied by the company, which is better known as SouthDoc, and that the sanction it applied to Ms Doherty was entirely disproportionate given her otherwise clear employment record. Ms Doherty told the WRC that she was unclear about the reason why her employment as a part-time receptionist was terminated. She claimed the companys patient experience manager Catherine OSullivan was particularly harsh to her while the companys HR manager Una Houlihan told her she was not good at her job. Ms Doherty, who said she was a single mother who had worked since she was 14, also complained that a grievance she had raised was never investigated. She had felt there was no point in appealing the decision to dismiss her as she believed the company had already made up its mind. Meetings Asked about numerous meetings to discuss her performance, Ms Doherty acknowledged there had been an issue one month when she felt under pressure. Lawyers for SouthDoc claimed Ms Doherty was dismissed on grounds of persistent poor work performance. Ms Houlihan gave evidence that the company had taken various approaches to address the complainants performance, including both formal and informal methods such as peer support and structured meetings in which her recorded calls were reviewed. She estimated about seven separate meetings with Ms Doherty were held. The WRC heard the receptionist had a disciplinary meeting with Ms OSullivan and Ms Houlihan on October 10, 2022. Ms Houlihan claimed Ms Doherty made a number of allegations against Ms OSullivan at the meeting instead of responding to issues that had been highlighted by the company. She said the receptionist had failed to respond to a letter to have the seriousness of the matter discussed before a deadline set by SouthDoc, although it subsequently got a reply that her trade union representative was speaking on her behalf. The WRC heard she was dismissed on November 1, 2022 just over two years after starting work with the company on the basis that her employment had become untenable. During cross-examination, Ms Doherty accused the witness of nitpicking over her calls and claimed her performance did not warrant disciplinary action. Ms Houlihan claimed she would have rescheduled meetings with the receptionist if she had been aware that Ms Doherty was upset and stressed about the timing of them. She accepted SouthDoc had not responded to the grievances raised by the receptionist on October 10, 2022, as the purpose of the meeting was disciplinary. WRC ruling In her ruling, WRC adjudication officer Una Glazier-Farmer said it was clear from the evidence that SouthDoc had not followed fair procedures at any stage of the disciplinary process. Ms Glazier-Farmer said that no disciplinary procedures had been furnished in evidence, even though there was a reference to a policy in an unsigned contract of employment before the WRC. She said it was also entirely unclear what were the allegations against Ms Doherty which had caused confusion. It is understandable that the complainant herself was bewildered as to what exactly she was being accused of, said Ms Glazier-Farmer. She also observed that SouthDoc had provided no supporting evidence about the allegations or summary notes of the meetings with her or of the disciplinary stage. In addition, Ms Glazier-Farmer said there was no evidence about the call evaluation sheets, agreed actions, or minutes of meeting being shared with Ms Doherty. While it was surprising that no notes of the disciplinary meeting existed, the WRC official said there was a concerning letter from Ms Houlihan which made very serious findings against the receptionist which should have been more appropriately dealt with under the grievance procedure. Ms Glazier-Farmer said the threatening tone of the letter and the description of the meeting could only be described as chaotic. She said the lack of response from Ms Dohertys union representative was also concerning, particularly since there were glaring procedural issues. The WRC said the lack of an investigation report by SouthDoc was highly questionable as she noted there was no finding of gross misconduct against Ms Doherty. Ms Glazier-Farmer noted Ms Houlihans reasoning for the dismissal was based on drawing our own inferences from a letter that the HR manager had written herself. She said there was a very real concern that Ms Houlihan, in unfairly drawing her own inferences, may also have been influenced by her exchanges with a meeting with Ms Doherty on October 10, 2022. The WRC said the fact that the HR manager did not see any difficulty in having an involvement in both the investigation stage and the decision to dismiss the receptionist was further evidence of SouthDocs failure to carry out a fair and objective disciplinary process. It awarded the complainant compensation of 15,609, representing a financial loss of 65 weeks pay. Gardai and emergency services arrived at the scene of a fire at a house in Mahon, Cork City, on Tuesday evening. Four units from Cork City fire brigade attended to the fire in Lakelands Crescent, which began at approximately 8.15pm. Neale Richmond is looking for the start as a minister for kite-flying. Currently, the Dublin Rathdown TD is a junior minister, but at the rate he is going he will surely be a shoo-in for a seat at the top table should Fine Gael be returned to government. Once there, perhaps a new portfolio could be created to accommodate his penchant for flying kites full of colour. Neales latest kite required a neck like a jockeys nether regions to get the damn thing off the ground and onto a media gust of air. At the weekend, he told the Sunday Times his party intends to increase the stamp duty on purchases of 10 or more homes from 10% to 20%. This is a tax designed to discourage vulture funds from block-buying houses which squeezes out first-time buyers. The 10% rate of stamp duty was introduced in May 2021 in response to a number of media reports of funds bulk-buying housing estates. Now, Neale wants the rate hike, a measure he says comes from a strong personal opinion, included in the budget. And if its not by a Fianna Fail finance minister he will push to have it in Fine Gaels election manifesto. So there. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. In various parts of the country, such as Jack Chambers West Dublin, there must have been a danger on Sunday morning of senior politicians choking on their cornflakes. Jack is Neales senior minister and nominally the man charged with crafting the budget. Nobody told him this was coming. In a functioning coalition, Neale could have popped out next door to Jacks office and said: Listen, lad, I have a great idea here to throw into the pot for the budget. Instead, he ran to the media with his idea. Was he afraid Jack might hunt him? In January this year, Sinn Fein brought forward a private members bill to increase the rate to 17%, which was rejected by the Government. Now we have Fine Gael robbing the Shinners clothes and attaching them to Neales kite. When Sinn Fein's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty was interviewed by RTE, he was angrier than usual. This is a desperate attempt ahead of an election to try to get the electorate to forget the damage they have done with vulture funds buying up properties under the noses of first-time buyers, he said. He has a point. Vulture funds, as they are termed, were invited into the country in the wake of the economic crash in 2008. After Fine Gael and Labour came to government in 2011, then finance minister Michael Noonan saw fit to incentivise these funds to buy up the excess property that was floating around without a home. Without the funds, there would have been far less chance of returning to a functioning housing market. Noonan made no apology for his policies. Vulture funds, he told an Oireachtas Housing Committee meeting in 2014 were aptly named because vultures provide a very good service in the ecology through cleaning up dead animals that are littered across the landscape. In the years that followed, as the vultures grew fat, he was repeatedly castigated by political opponents for this image. Yet, he had a valid point as the funds served the State well in those early years of recovery. Sinn Fein's housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin says funds charging extortionate rents is distorting the housing market. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie The problem was that once the mutually beneficial arrangement became lopsided, with the vultures feeding hungrily on a soaraway rental market, Fine Gael failed to act. As with other elements of the housing crises through the years 2014-19, the government left well enough alone, afraid to do anything that might discommode outside investors. This continued until the situation could no longer be ignored. In 2021, in response to media reports of bulk buying of a housing estates in Maynooth, Co Kildare, and Hollystown in North Dublin, the Government brought in the 10% rate. That did little to put a stop to the funds gallop. Over the following three years, bulk-buying continued to have a major impact on first-time buyers. The Government did not set the rate high enough, Sinn Fein's housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin told the Dail. Instead, what the government will do is refuse to make the change, homes will continue to be sold to funds, they will charge extortionate rents and this will continue to distort our housing market. So it has turned out. And now, up pops Neale Richmond with a proposal, as if this is an example of Fine Gael taking on the big boys, even if their Fianna Fail colleagues dont agree with him. To be fair to the man, he kept a straight face in the RTE interview on Sunday as he set out his personal opinion on this brave new way forward. Neale Richmond has form in reaping some success with his kites of many colour. Last May, when summers promise still held good, he flew one calling for an increase in the threshold at which inheritance tax kicks in. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins At the very least, any such kite-flying should come with an apology for the long and torturous road that has brought us to this point through his partys mishandling of housing, certainly up until they gratefully handed the portfolio over to Fianna Fail in 2020. Neale Richmond has form in reaping some success with his kites of many colour. Last May, when summers promise still held good, he flew one calling for an increase in the threshold at which inheritance tax kicks in. Currently, a legacy of 335,000 can be left to an offspring before tax kicks in. Typically, three siblings would have to inherit a family home worth more than 1m before the exchequer would receive a penny in tax from a windfall that accrued largely due to runaway property prices. That was too much for Neale. He wanted the threshold raised and the smart money now says it will be brought up to 400,000, at a cost of 20m, a nice chunk of money effectively transferred from those in need to those in clover. Expect a similar result with this weeks kite, and expect also Fine Gael honchos will look seriously into the nearest camera and tell the nation they have always stood with first-time buyers against those evil funds. Roll on the budget and election and maybe we will then get back to relatively normal politics. You make peace with your enemies, not your friends, former Israeli prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, used to say. His enigmatic remark still echoes, decades later, as sharp divisions arose in Israel over how to resolve the war in Gaza. The massive demonstration which took place on Saturday night, in Tel Aviv, had one single overarching objective, that of getting Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude a deal for the release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. Organisers claim that half a million were present in Tel Aviv and another quarter of a million took part in other protests across Israel. The demonstrations proved that Hamass psychological war, waged primarily through using the hostages, has shifted Israeli public opinion dramatically against the Israeli governments position on the ceasefire talks. In the meantime, the US is making one final effort to get its bridging proposals across the line. According to Israeli media sources there are only two outstanding issues to be resolved: Israeli demands for an IDF presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and Hamas demands for Israel to release high security Palestinian detainees. The Philadelphi Corridor is the 14km long, 100m wide, strip between Egypt and Gaza, established in 1979, as part of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. According to the treaty the IDF is excluded from the Philadelphi Corridor. Mr Netanyahu insists the IDF needs to maintain a presence in the corridor, to stop Hamas getting resupplied with weapons via Egypt. The presence of the IDF in the corridor is a violation of the treaty, unless, of course, Egypt were to agree to temporary modifications. In his much televised media briefings this week, Mr Netanyahu made the case for preventing movement of military supplies across, and under the corridor. His main point was that only an IDF presence in the corridor could guarantee Israels security. Leaks from his own negotiating team insist that there is no need for an IDF presence in the corridor. Moreover, on Friday, on the eve of the big demonstrations, Netanyahu was undermined further by the former Shin Bet chief, Nadav Argaman, who said the smuggling of military hardware into Gaza took place at Rafah Crossing Point, and not in the Philadelphi Corridor itself. There is speculation, in the Palestinian and Qatari media, on Hamass efforts to get high security detainees released; most of these were detained by the Israelis in the West Bank. The release of high profile prisoners, not necessarily Hamas people, would be a big boost for them, among the West Bank population. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the IDF needs to maintain a presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, to stop Hamas getting resupplied with weapons via Egypt. File picture: Julia Nikhinson/AP Hamas will be seen to have succeeded where Fatah and the Palestinian Authority has failed. One such high profile prisoner is Fatahs Marwan Barghouti, jailed by the Israelis since 2002 on five counts of murder, which he denies. If released, he could be a candidate to replace the present leader, Mahmoud Abbas. On the other hand, if the list to be freed includes too many hardcore fighters with Israeli blood on their hands, Netanyahus government could collapse. The Israeli right wing includes politicians with really extreme views, on Gaza, that are rarely mentioned in the Western media. Hamas has called for an insurrection in the West Bank and recent IDF operations there can be seen in this light. On the one hand, it shows the Israeli government will deal ruthlessly with West Bank resistance to its occupation and also protect Israeli settlers. At the same time, it sends a message, that, in extremis, Israel could turn Jenin, Tulkarm, and other towns into another Gaza. Hundreds killed in the West Bank Since the war in Gaza started, more than 600 Palestinians and 23 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank. The most recent incidents include a 13-year-old Palestinian girl killed on Friday in her home, after a firefight broke out when armed Israelis civilians entered her village. Also on Friday, a US-Turkish pro-Palestinian activist, Aysenur Ezai Eygi, was shot in the head and killed, allegedly by a sniper when IDF opened fire on protesters. On Sunday morning a truck driver crossed from Jordan to the West bank and shot dead three Israeli civilian security guards at the Allenby Bridge Crossing with Jordan. Also known as King Hussein Bridge, it is very familiar to Irish military observers, who served with UNTSO (UN Truce Supervision Organization), when travelling on duty from Jerusalem to Amman and Damascus. Further north, Hezbollah rocket attacks and Israeli air attacks continue at the southern Lebanon Border. On Sunday Israel conducted airstrikes against alleged Iranian fighters positions in Syria, killing 18 people. The threat of an Iranian retaliation to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismael Haniyah, remains. The key to avoid a widening of the overall conflict, lies in getting a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. In this regard, the latest proposals have been put to Hamas by Egypt and Qatar. The US is expected to present its revised proposals to Israel shortly. The delay is attributed to the US wishing to see Hamass reply to the proposal first. For a ceasefire to take place in Gaza, whether temporary or permanent, there should be a clear agreement in advance on a huge range of detail. The first and obvious step is that the guns go silent, and all activities, that gives a military advantage in a designated area, should also cease. There should be no advance forward of the ceasefire line and no reinforcement by belligerents. The disengagement of opposing forces in contact should be effected as soon as possible; the longer opposing forces are in direct contact, the greater the risk of a ceasefire unravelling. Of course, the Philadelphi Corridor is just one piece of the security requirements for Gaza and should not be taken in isolation. There is an alternative option to an IDF presence, that is, an international security mission. A street damaged during an IDF military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin earlier this month. Picture: Majdi Mohammed/AP The mandate for such a mission will need to address the security concerns of both belligerents, in this case, Israel and Hamas. It will need to address the security of the Gazan population, its diminished infrastructure, its health system, and humanitarian relief operations. Once the list of tasks have been identified, the structure of such a mission can be tailored to meet the security requirements. Such a security mission could follow similar models which have worked elsewhere. If agreement can be achieved in the UN Security Council, the core of the mission could be a UN peacekeeping/peace making force, supported by unarmed military observers and UN civil police. UNTSO, the oldest peacekeeping mission is already in Israel and the four surrounding Arab countries and could form the nucleus of the unarmed military observers. If there is no agreement in the UN, there is also the model of the MFO (Multinational Forces and Observers) in Sinai back in the early eighties. Where there is only partial agreement on UN involvement, a hybrid model might be deployed, with the UN, and for example, the EU, taking on different tasks. The point is that there are many options available to implement a ceasefire agreement, once its parameters are agreed. As we await the decisions on the latest initiative, the death toll in Gaza is about to reach 41,000. Dorcha Lee is a retired army colonel and defence analyst At what point does a humanitarian crisis become a catastrophe? Almost five months on since the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan in Paris, where leaders around the world gathered to mobilise public attention, funds, and humanitarian access for the crisis caused by civil war, the world remains largely indifferent to the level of suffering in Sudan. Former president and Chair of the Elders Mary Robinson said it best when she declared: "What is happening in Sudan is appalling, but what is even more appalling is the lack of the worlds attention" at our Sudan emergency briefing earlier this week. Mary Robinson speaking at an emergency briefing on Sudan organised by Dochas. Picture: Julien Behal Over 500 days of relentless conflict have devastated the country and created the largest humanitarian catastrophe in the world. Famine has been declared in the huge Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur and it is thought to have spread throughout the country. The level of destruction to lives and property is unprecedented. Over 15 years ago, I lived and worked in Nyala, the capital of south Darfur, home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people who had fled there during the conflict in the early 2000s. Then, people struggled with accessing basic services including healthcare, and sought protection from the atrocities that had been inflicted on them during the last war. Now, this once bustling market town has been decimated, with 80% of infrastructure destroyed, and the population is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The same can be said across Darfur and in towns throughout Sudan. People dying of hunger The enormity of the crisis in Sudan is hard to comprehend. As a result of ongoing conflict, blockages to humanitarian aid, displacement and destruction of services, people are dying of hunger, with famine declared in North Darfur. This is the first official famine declaration anywhere for many years. We know for certain that people, many of them children, are dying from hunger in Sudan. More than 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out, including two million people who have crossed into neighbouring countries. Picture: AP/Marwan Ali In total, 26 million people are in danger due to the devastation of conflict and hunger. Nine million children are food insecure. More than 700,000 children under five are at risk of dying from starvation. We are in a race against time to prevent a widespread famine from taking hold. Many have been forced to flee repeatedly, with little access to shelter, income and basic necessities. More than 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out, including two million people who have crossed into neighbouring countries. Civilians particularly women and children are suffering horrific forms of abuse. Abductions, rape, sexual exploitation and other types of gender-based violence continue unabated. Reports of indiscriminate attacks, killings and other atrocities are gruesome hallmarks of this conflict. Gender-based violence An estimated 6.7 million people are currently at risk of gender-based violence in Sudan, mostly women and girls, and particularly those who are displaced. Gender-based violence has become yet another weapon of war that is being used along with the restriction of access to food, water and healthcare. Widespread heavy rains and flooding have swept across the country in recent weeks, causing further displacement, injuries and death. Picture: AP/Marwan Ali Widespread heavy rains and flooding have swept across the country in recent weeks, causing further displacement, injuries and death and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This is a crisis of historic proportions. A full-scale aid effort is needed. As we mark 16 months of the devastating conflict, the international community, including Ireland, must do more to amplify the urgency of this crisis at all levels before it is too late. The people of Sudan cannot afford to wait any longer. We must use all efforts to bring about an end to the hostilities through an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive peace process. Accelerated coordinated diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to push for unfettered humanitarian access using all crossline and cross-border routes from Chad and South Sudan. Crisis of 'epic proportions' Nearly six months ago, the UN under secretary Rosemary DiCarlo stated that this is a crisis of "epic proportions". Yet today, the reality is that the Sudan humanitarian appeal is just 41% funded of the $2.7bn agreed at the Paris conference. Donors, including Ireland, need to step up. Funds need to be pledged generously and disbursed quickly. At the United Nations General Assembly this month, Ireland must call for peace, protection and an urgent end to suffering. A full scale political effort is needed to end hostilities and allow for unfettered humanitarian access. Ireland should call for the full respect of obligations to protect civilians, healthcare workers and facilities, humanitarian workers, journalists, the sick and wounded, and children. We are now in a situation where it will take more than a generation to rebuild Sudan to its pre-war state. Picture: AP/Marwan Ali As co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Action against Conflict and Hunger, Ireland should continue to highlight the use of starvation and gender-based violence as weapons of war in Sudan and ensure it remains a key issue on the agendas of the UN General Assembly and Security Council. We are now in a situation where it will take more than a generation to rebuild Sudan to its pre-war state. The international community must act swiftly and decisively for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, that upholds the rights of the Sudanese people. Dochas, the Irish Network for International Development and Humanitarian organisations, is calling on the Irish Government in the strongest terms to do all that it can for the people of Sudan. We believe Ireland has a critical voice, and our voice needs to be heard at the highest level in New York. Our commitment to reaching those left furthest behind, and highlighting the need for peace, justice and ending hunger is needed now more than ever. The Israeli military has released video footage of a Gaza tunnel where it says six hostages were recently killed by Hamas. The video shows a low, narrow passageway deep underground that had no bathroom and poor ventilation. The discovery of the hostages bodies last month sparked a mass outpouring of anger in Israel and the release of the new video could add to the pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas to bring the remaining hostages home. They were here in this tunnel in horrific conditions, where there's no air to breathe, where you cannot stand Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday the footage of the Gaza tunnel had been shown to the hostages families, and that it was very hard for them to see how their loved ones survived in those conditions. Rear Admiral Hagari revealed the video in a nationally televised press conference after visiting the tunnel himself. He said the tunnel was reached by a shaft buried under a childs bedroom in a home in the southern Gaza town of Rafah. The tunnel was about 20 metres (70ft) underground and stretched about 120 metres. In the video, a hunched-over Rear Admiral Hagari, unable to stand upright in the narrow arched passageway, describes the conditions as extremely humid and difficult to breathe. He showed bottles of urine, a bucket that appeared to have served as a makeshift toilet, a chess board and ammunition for an automatic rifle believed to have been used by the captors. They were here in this tunnel in horrific conditions, where theres no air to breathe, where you cannot stand, he said. The six included Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, a native of Berkeley, California, whose parents led a high-profile global campaign seeking his release. From top left, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, from bottom left, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat (The Hostages Families Forum via AP) Mr Goldberg-Polin lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the October 7 attack that sparked the war in Gaza. In April, Hamas issued a video that showed him alive, sparking protests in Israel. The army identified the others as Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; Alexander Lobanov, 33; and Carmel Gat, 40. Three of the six including Mr Goldberg-Polin had reportedly been scheduled to be released in the first phase of a ceasefire proposal discussed in July, further fuelling anger when they were found dead. Pathology tests on the bodies of the six, who were found by the military in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Saturday, August 31, showed they had been killed sometime on the night of August 29, Rear Admiral Hagari told reporters. Rear Admiral Hagari said Israeli soldiers found evidence indicating the hostages and at least two captors had been there for more than a few days. Mattresses, clothes, assault rifle magazines and shells were also found, as was some food, mainly energy bars and tuna. There were blood stains on the floor, he said. Rear Admiral Hagari said the army had killed two militants trying to run away from a complex of tunnels on Friday near where the hostages were found and that there was a probability that the two had been those who killed the hostages. People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday (Ariel Schalit/AP) DNA tests were being carried out to verify this, he added. Hamas kidnapped about 250 people during the October 7 attack. More than 100 were released during a brief ceasefire in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Eight have been rescued by Israeli forces, while Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages who had escaped captivity in December. Israeli authorities say 101 hostages remain in captivity, including 35 who are believed to be dead. If there had been a deal on time, Carmel would be sitting here Shai Dickman, the cousin of Ms Gat, one of the hostages who was found dead in the tunnel, told Israels Channel 13 TV that the government should move immediately to reach a deal to bring home the remaining hostages. There are still people living like this, she said, holding back tears. If there had been a deal on time, Carmel would be sitting here. Hamas has offered to release the hostages in return for an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants. But negotiations on a ceasefire have failed to produce any deal. 09/10/2024 Seven student contributors to Jacksonville State University's student-run news outlet, The Chanticleer, and the student-run radio station, WLJS 91.9 FM, have been named finalists for Pinnacle Awards by the College Media Association. The Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence in student contributions in news and media production on college campuses. This year, student members working with WLJS 91.9 FM are finalists for Best Audio Newscast (Tanner Kughn), Best Audio Sportscast (Hayden Coker), and Best Audio Promotion or PSA (Aidan Cathey, Katie Cushing, Cassie Peterson). On the print news side, The Chanticleer contributors are in consideration for Best Feature Story (Anna Barrett), Best Profile (Madeline Ricard), Best Feature Story (Maddie Reid), and the organization is up for Website of the Year (jsuchanticleer.com). Dr. Chris McCollough, Professor of Public Relations and Advertising and The Ayers Family Endowed Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication at Jacksonville State University, commented on the growing body of accomplishments from the student contributors at both outlets: Our student staffs have helped ensure that students who make the time to engage with student media on our campus are gaining industry-relevant experience and building an industry-ready portfolio. He added, Their hard work is leading to a growing body of award-winning accomplishments, which complement and elevate the value of their education here in the Department of Communication and at Jacksonville State University. The announcement of seven finalists reflects growth in accomplishment from both outlets since the 2023 award year, when student staff members with The Chanticleer had four finalists for recognition in the student news competitions, winning three awards. The College Media Association, founded in 1954, has long been dedicated to supporting and recognizing excellence in student media. Competing in the Division II category for news and audio, Jacksonville State Universitys students are up against top media programs at institutions such as Vanderbilt University, Hofstra University, and Loyola Marymount. In the PSA category, they are competing with submissions from programs like Michigan State, Syracuse University, and the University of South Carolina. Both WLJS 91.9 FM and The Chanticleer maintain editorial autonomy and are run by students, with faculty advisory support from the Department of Communication and its Student Media Advisor, Ben Cunningham. Students, regardless of major, are encouraged to engage with Jacksonville State University's student media outlets as contributors or to work as part of the paid senior staff. Becoming involved not only offers real-world experience but also opens doors to national recognition, just like the students named as Pinnacle Award finalists this year. Interested students can stop by the Department of Communication or visit our student media offices to learn more about how to get involved. By Nader Habibi, Brandeis University | (The Conversation) The current phase of fighting in the Middle East began almost a year ago, with the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and the subsequent pummeling of Gaza by Israel. But to many academics, foreign policy experts and international observers, what is taking place is also the latest episode in the decadeslong conflict commonly referred to as the Arab-Israeli conflict. The experience of the past 11 months has led many experts on the region like myself to reassess that term. Is Arab-Israeli conflict an accurate reflection, given that the active participants are no longer just Arabs and Israelis? Should we retire that term for good now that the conflict has widened, drawing in the United States and Iran and potentially Turkey and others in the coming years? How it all began The Arab-Israeli conflict began after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1922. In what is now Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, but was then the Palestine mandate under British rule, sporadic disputes over land ownership led to violence between the Jewish and Palestinian Arab communities. When Israel declared independence in 1948, the conflict expanded into an interstate war between Israel and several Arab countries Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. Hence it was named the Arab-Israeli War by both the media and political leaders at the time. This name remained accurate for several decades as the conflict remained geopolitically and geographically confined to the Arab countries and Israel. After the initial 1948 war, the unresolved conflict resulted in several other wars between Israel and Arab countries. Some oil-exporting Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, also became indirectly involved by providing financial support for the front-line Arab states and declared oil embargoes against the West during the 1967 and 1973 wars. Iraq was also directly affected by this prolonged conflict in the 1980s when Israel destroyed its nuclear facilities. Subsequently Iraq targeted Israel with missiles several times in 1991 during the first Gulf War. Going beyond the Arab world The phrase Arab-Israeli conflict isnt heard as much these days, but its still commonly in use, including by the United Nations, the United States government, media outlets and many scholars of the region. Usage of Arab-Israeli conflict has declined in recent years However, reference to Arab-Israeli conflict obscures the active role of several other participants, particularly in recent decades. The U.S. diplomatic support for Israel began with President Harry Trumans decision to be the first to recognize the new state in May 1948. This was followed in the 1960s by an increase in U.S. military and financial support during Lyndon Johnsons presidency. Substantial U.S. arms transfers to Israel also occurred in September 1970 when, at President Richard Nixons request, Israel mobilized its forces to save King Hussein of Jordan from a Palestinian uprising aided by Syrian forces. In the following decades, however, the role of the U.S. has expanded into direct involvement in air defense operations against missile and drone attacks against Israel. The U.S. Army air defense units, for example, were used to defend Israel against Iraqs scud missile attacks as early as the 1990-91 Gulf War. This U.S. participation has been in evidence since the Oct. 7 attacks, too. In the months after the attacks, U.S. operations have been conducted against missile and drone attacks launched toward Israel by the Houthis in Yemen and by Iran. By all accounts, the U.S. military support for Israel has played a crucial role in Israels military superiority over its neighbors. Therefore, an appropriate name for the broader conflict, I would argue, should reflect this active U.S. participation. On the Arab side of the conflict, too, the adversaries of Israel are no longer limited to Arab nations. Iran is now an active participant; Tehran not only provides military support for groups hostile to Israel, including Hamas, Houthis and Hezbollah, but it has had direct military exchanges with Israel during the current Gaza war. Furthermore, Iran and Israel have been involved in covert operations and cyberwars against each other for the past 15 years, which have only intensified since the Israel-Hamas war. Risk of Turkish involvement? And with no resolution to the current fighting in sight, the chances of widening the conflict further shouldnt be dismissed. Two possible scenarios that can widen this conflict are a serious escalation between Israel and Iran, and the active participation of Turkey. The intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the resulting high casualties have escalated tensions between Israel and Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and politicians from various Turkish political parties have been very vocal in their criticism of Israels military operations. Public anger and anti-Israeli sentiments in Turkey have reached high levels, partly as a result of the extensive coverage of the carnage and human suffering in Gaza. There is even a small possibility that an unexpected event, such as an encounter between the Israeli navy and a Turkish ship approaching Gaza to defy Israels naval blockade, might lead to a military exchange between Turkey and Israel. While the likelihood of such an exchange remains small, a military escalation between Israel and Turkey could also be triggered by a major Israeli operation in Lebanon, according to some experts. Turkeys Erdogan meets Iranian Leadership, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024 The MENA-ISRAME conflict? Almost a year into the latest phase of fighting in the Middle East, it is clear that the label Arab-Israeli conflict no longer reflects the facts on the ground. But Israeli-Palestinian or Gaza-Israeli fail to take into account the growing number of countries that have a stake or an active role in the fighting. Indeed, in the course of the current Gaza conflict, people have been killed in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran. Similarly, the list of belligerents includes Hamas and Israel, but also a plethora of Iran-backed militias across the Middle East and the Arab Peninsula. So where does that leave us? A more accurate title for the ongoing hostilities needs to better reflect all the major participants. On one side, we have several nonstate actors and governments from across the Middle East and North Africa, or MENA, as the region is commonly called. On the other side we have an Israel heavily reliant on the U.S. for its military prowess and protection, and a United States that is fully committed to the security of Israel. I believe any name for the conflict should acknowledge the U.S. participation. So, in my opinion, it is better to call this the MENA-ISRAME conflict in which ISRAME is constructed by combining the first three letters of Israel and America. I acknowledge that it is a bit of a mouthful and unlikely to catch on. But a name that reflects the larger set of participants in the Arab-Israeli conflict is nonetheless needed. It will increase awareness of the destruction, suffering and financial burden that it has inflicted on all the involved countries over its lifetime. By doing so, it might increase the willingness of the world community, especially the active participants, to put more efforts toward finding a solution that can bring the MENA-ISRAME conflict to an end. Nader Habibi, Henry J. Leir Professor of Practice in Economics of the Middle East, Brandeis University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Al Jazeera Arabic reports that the Israeli occupation army committed yet another massacre on Monday evening, targeting a tent encampment of internally displaced refugees in the al-Mawasi area of the district of Khan Yunus in the south of the Gaza Strip. Civil defense said that 40 persons were killed, and another 60 injured. The bodies of the dead were still being recovered. Powerful flames swept through the tents, burning up at least 20 of them. The rockets left impact craters 9 meters / yards deep. There were some 200 tents at al-Mawasi, so ten percent were burned up by these air strikes. The civil defense spokesman said that entire families had vanished into the sand during the bombardment, adding that early estimates indicate that we are confronting one of the ugliest massacres since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza. The spokesman said that the Israeli air force had used heavy missiles in its raid on the tents of the refugees. The Israeli military justified the killings in what they had designated a safe zone on the grounds that it included a Hamas command center. As I have pointed out before, what the Israeli military likely actually means is that their drones, using biometric data, identified a couple members of the al-Qassam Brigades in the area and struck at them without regard to civilian casualities. The Israeli rules of engagement allow up to 20 civilian deaths per militant killed, so a death toll of 40 might indicate that two members of the al-Qassam Brigades were taken out. No civilized military has such a permissive ROE when it comes to civilian casualties. The extremist Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to kill all 30,000 members of the al-Qassam Brigades in revenge for the October 7 attacks. It is not permitted, however, in the international law of war to simply murder enemy combatants who are not armed and not engaged in battle, and who are surrounded by civilians. Since October 7 was planned and executed by a small cadre of perhaps 3,000 elite commandos, it is possible that many rank and file Qassam Brigades members did not even know about it. In a statement, Hamas denied that any of its gunmen were in the area of the airstrike. Almost all of the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza have been expelled from their homes repeatedly by the Israeli military, which has turned virtually the entire territory into refugee settlements. Ironically, 70% of Gaza families were made refugees in 1948 from their homes in Beersheba and elsewhere in southern Israel, so they have now been chased from their homes once again by the Israelis who had occupied their original domiciles in 1948. All Palestinians have been made like Jesus in Matt 8:20 : Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the Israeli military has ordered Palestinians out of parts of northern Gaza where it was earlier agreed there would be a military pause so that children would receive polio shots. Only about a third of the children who must be vaccinated have been, with the Israeli air force pausing bombing runs in the morning and the early afternoon for makeshift vaccination centers, but resuming them in the late afternoon and evening. This procedure discourages families from gathering for the shots and endangers the health workers administering them. Only half of the necessary medicines are now available in the Strip, with insulin supplies running very low, which is a death sentence for those with diabetes. OCHA says that Israeli aerial and ground assaults persist throughout the Gaza Strip, inflicting additional civilian casualties, expulsions, and razing of residences and other non-military infrastructure. Ground maneuvers, especially in Beit Hanoun, southwestern Gaza City, eastern Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and both east and south Rafah, with intense combat, are also still being reported, along with Palestinian rocket launches toward Israel. Between the afternoons of September 5 and 8, according to Gazas Ministry of Health (MoH), the Israelis killed 94 Palestinians in Gaza and 307 were injured. From October 7, 2023, to September 8, 2024, at least 40,972 Palestinians were killed and 94,761 sustained injuries, as reported by the MoH in Gaza. OCHA reports these Palestinian casualties at the hands of the Israeli military for this past Friday through Sunday: On 6 September, six Palestinians, including four women, were reportedly killed and five others injured when a residential building was hit near Bader Mosque in Az Zaytoun area, in Gaza city. On 6 September, seven Palestinians were reportedly killed when a house was hit in An Nuseirat Refugee Camp in northern Deir al Balah. On 6 September, five Palestinians were killed, including two women and two unidentified corpses recovered in pieces, and at least 10 others were injured when an apartment was hit in Al Yarmouk street, in central Khan Younis. On 7 September, five Palestinians, including two children and two women, were reportedly killed, and others injured, when a house was hit in Al Bureij Refugee Camp in northern Deir al Balah. On 7 September, at least eight Palestinians, including a boy, were reportedly killed and others injured in western An Nuseirat Refugee Camp, in northern Deir al Balah. On 7 September, six Palestinians, including two children and three women, were reportedly killed and others injured when a house was hit near the entrance of Al Bureij refugee Camp, in northern Deir al Balah. On 8 September, five Palestinians including the Deputy Director for the Civil Defence (PCD) were reportedly killed and others injured when their house was hit in Jabalya. According to the PCD [Palestinian Civil Defense], the number of PCD staff killed so far has risen to 83. Bonus Video added by Informed Comment: 40 killed, 60 wounded In Israeli Strike On Al Mawasi: Gaza Civil Defense | Dawn News English Base case resource ounces and grades have increased materially from our February 2023 estimates Indicated Primary Mineral Resource: 12.1 million ounces at 1.08 g/t Au, up 8% and 9% respectively Inferred Primary Mineral Resource: 10.3 million ounces at 1.04 g/t Au, up 45% and 13%, respectively Primary Resource reported above a 0.50 g/t Au cut-off grade In addition, a significant oxide resource exists 0.9Moz at 0.49 g/t Au (indicated), up 43% and 23% Soil geochem and historical hard rock mines strongly suggest that Dolphin-Cleary mineralization remains open to the west and southwest another 1.5 km. The current resource footprint is 1.5 km east-west. Dolphin/Cleary is just one of the target areas within the 13km long, road-accessible project. The 2024 drill program at Golden Summit is ongoing with two drills operating additional assay results pending VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Freegold Ventures Limited (TSX: FVL) (OTCQX: FGOVF) ("Freegold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an updated mineral resource estimate for the Golden Summit Project. The revised estimate incorporates data from the 2023 drilling program and the initial two holes of the 2024 program, representing a significant milestone in our exploration and development activities. CutOff Au g/t Classification Au g/t Tonnes Ounces OXIDE 0.15 Indicated 0.49 59,414,000 937,000 0.15 Inferred 0.45 3,252,000 47,000 PRIMARY 0.5 Indicated 1.08 346,304,000 12,050,000 0.5 Inferred 1.04 308,311,000 10,306,000 UNDER PIT 0.75 Indicated 1.29 2,867,000 119,000 0.75 Inferred 1.34 22,900,000 986,000 Mineral Resources for the primary resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t gold and constrained within an open pit shell using a gold price of US$1,973/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$14/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 72% gold recovery, and a 45 pit slope. Tonnes and ounces rounded to the nearest thousand. Comparison Sept 2024 and Feb 2023 Resource Estimates Indicated Primary Resource - Open Pit Inferred Primary Resource - Open Pit Oxide Indicated Moz gpT Cutoff Grd Moz gpT Cutoff Grd Moz gpT Cutoff Grd Feb-23 11.1 0.99 0.5 7.1 0.92 0.5 0.7 0.39 0.15 Sep-24 12.1 1.08 0.5 10.3 1.04 0.5 0.9 0.49 0.15 Change 8 % 9 % 45 % 13 % 43 % 26 % The updated resource is the result of primarily infill drilling, upgrading areas considered waste in the February 2023 drill program due to lack of drill density. Ounces and grades increased materially in all categories considered within an open pit context. It is expected that further infill drilling may also positively impact stripping ratios when a mine plan is optimized. Freegold's 2024 drill program is focusing on the west and southwest of the existing resource where soil geochemistry, found to be a strong indicator, and historic gold mines have outlined two logical corridors that extend approximately 1.5 km; in context, Golden Summit's current resource occupies a 1.5 km east-west footprint. The current estimate is based on a gold price of $1,973, which reflects the three-year trailing average. Even though the 2024 resource estimate uses a higher gold price than the $1,792 in 2023, this is balanced by a lower recovery rate (72% vs. 90%). Previously, the 2023 resource plan considered using CIL (carbon-in-leach) and oxidation to process the sulphide flotation concentrate for higher recoveries. However, positive test results released earlier this year indicate that a significant portion of the mineralization is non-refractory and can be processed using much less costly gravity and CIL. Although the recovery is projected to be lower, the overall operating and capital cost savings would more than compensate and simplify the project substantially. The 72% recovery used for the resource is believed to be conservative. The reported test work showed recovery rates of up to 87.5%, with an average recovery of 77% using gravity and CIL, based on 5,100 kg of material and eight composites. Furthermore, initial indications are that mineralization to the west, where our 2024 drill program is concentrated, achieves higher recoveries. Additional optimization work and metallurgical samples from four large-diameter drill holes completed will be used for further metallurgical testwork. The latest resource estimate shows an increase in the resource size and a notable improvement in grade. The discovery cost remains exceptionally low at under $4.00 per ounce. Golden Summit has a substantial resource and presents an excellent development opportunity due to its proximity to robust infrastructure - road accessibility, proximity to a supply centre, and available labour force, all of which are expected to contribute to lower operating costs. Additional drilling will focus on improving the ore quality and outlining a smaller, higher-grade starter pit within the deposit as the project moves towards pre-feasibility to reduce operating and initial capital costs. The updated resource's results demonstrated this approach's success with its increase in overall resource grades at the various cut-offs. Trade-off studies will be conducted to optimize the overall economics and balance improved recovery rates with capital and operating costs as the project progresses. Additional metallurgical work is also in progress, and four large diameter (PQ) boreholes have been drilled this year. These will undergo a comprehensive suite of metallurgical tests to assess various processing methods to improve recoveries and further reduce the project's risks. Since 2020, Freegold has completed over 123,000 meters of drilling and established Golden Summit as one of North America's largest undeveloped gold resources. The 2023 drill program at Golden Summit discovered higher-grade mineralization on the western side of the existing resource. In 2024, the plan is to continue drilling on the portion west of the Dolphin/Cleary deposit and extend exploration drilling further to the west. The 2024 drilling program at the Golden Summit project is progressing well; additional assay results are expected to be reported shortly. The table below displays the specific cut-off grades within and below the current $1,973 pit. CutOff Au g/t Classification Au g/t Tonnes Ounces OXIDE 1.00 Indicated 1.73 4,745,000 265,000 1.00 Inferred 1.77 127,000 7,000 0.75 Indicated 1.35 8,430,000 366,000 0.75 Inferred 1.17 359,000 14,000 0.50 Indicated 0.97 17,324,000 541,000 0.50 Inferred 0.84 919,000 25,000 0.40 Indicated 0.81 24,758,000 647,000 0.40 Inferred 0.72 1,322,000 31,000 0.15 Indicated 0.49 59,414,000 937,000 0.15 Inferred 0.45 3,252,000 47,000 PRIMARY 1.00 Indicated 2.07 99,704,000 6,628,000 1.00 Inferred 2.01 82,640,000 5,352,000 0.75 Indicated 1.55 174,604,000 8,694,000 0.75 Inferred 1.49 151,918,000 7,271,000 0.50 Indicated 1.08 346,304,000 12,050,000 0.50 Inferred 1.04 308,311,000 10,306,000 0.40 Indicated 0.92 461,582,000 13,711,000 0.40 Inferred 0.88 426,343,000 12,003,000 0.15 Indicated 0.66 778,574,000 16,609,000 0.15 Inferred 0.62 752,540,000 14,960,000 UNDER PIT 1.00 Indicated 1.89 1,193,000 73,000 1.00 Inferred 1.82 11,605,000 677,000 0.75 Indicated 1.29 2,867,000 119,000 0.75 Inferred 1.34 22,900,000 986,000 0.50 Indicated 0.84 7,958,000 216,000 0.50 Inferred 0.87 61,179,000 1,720,000 0.40 Indicated 0.66 14,765,000 313,000 0.40 Inferred 0.71 100,288,000 2,282,000 0.15 Indicated 0.35 64,264,000 720,000 0.15 Inferred 0.41 290,423,000 3,826,000 Mineral Resources for the primary resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t gold and constrained within an open pit shell using a gold price of US$1,973/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$14/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 72% gold recovery, and a 45 pit slope. Tonnes and ounces rounded to the nearest thousand. The mineral resource estimate (MRE) was carried out using ordinary kriging of three-meter composites. The MRE was constrained by two lithological domains, Intrusive and Schist, that were further constrained by a 0.2 g/t gold gradeshell. Hard boundaries were used for the Intrusive and Schist domains so that only composites from each domain were used for the estimation of block grades within that domain. An Oxide domain was flagged within the upper portion of the Schist domain after the estimation process. Composite grades in the Intrusive domain were capped at 20 g/t gold and those within the Schist domain were capped at 90 g/t. Cumulative frequency curves were used to determine capping levels. The estimate was carried out in a single pass with a minimum of four and a maximum of 12 composites, with a maximum of two per drill hole, required for a grade to be interpolated into a block. Blocks were classified as Indicated or Inferred. Indicated blocks are based on a minimum of eight and a maximum of 12 composites within 100 meters of a block. Inferred blocks are based on a minimum of four and a maximum of 12 composites within 300 meters of a block. A maximum of two composites per drill hole was permitted in both categories. In addition to the ongoing drill program, metallurgical, baseline environmental, cultural resource, and wetland studies are underway. A plan map showing the locations of the 2024 drill holes - exploration and metallurgical holes can be found here: Click Here A sample quality control/quality assurance program has been in place throughout the program. Drill cores were cut in half using a diamond saw, with one-half placed in sealed bags for preparation and subsequent geochemical analysis by ALS Laboratories. Core samples were prepared in ALS's facility using the PREP-31BY package. Each core sample is crushed to better than 70 %, passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, US Std. No.10) screen. A split of 1kg is taken and pulverized to better than 85 % passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh, US Std. No. 200) screen; a portion of this pulverized split is digested by Four Acid and analyzed via ICP-AES (method code ME-ICP61). Fire Assay analyzes all samples with an AAS finish, method code Au-AA23 (30g sample size) and over 10 g/t are automatically assayed using a FA Grav method, Au-GRAV21. Additional Au screening is performed using ALS's Au-SCR24 method; select samples are dry-screened to 100 microns. A duplicate 50g fire assay is conducted on the fine fraction, and an assay is conducted on the entire oversize fraction. Total Au content, individual assays, and weight fractions are reported. Analytical and assay procedures are conducted in ALS's North Vancouver and Reno facilities. A QA/QC program included laboratory and field standards inserted every ten samples. Blanks are inserted at the start of the submittal, and at least one blank every 25 standards. Qualified Person and Technical Information The MRE, with an effective date of September 9, 2024, was prepared by Tetra Tech Canada. Greg Mosher, P. Geo and Maurie Marks, P.Eng of Tetra Tech Canada are "Qualified Persons" for the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate as defined in NI 43-101 and are considered to be "independent" of Freegold for the purposes of NI 43-101. Greg Mosher and Maurie Marks have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information herein regarding the Golden Summit project. Greg Mosher visited Golden Summit on November 11 12, 2022. Greg Mosher and Maurie Marks visited the project on September 12, 2023. The full technical report, which is being prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Tetra Tech Canada, will be available on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.com) under the Company's issuer profile within 45 days from this news release. Alvin Jackson, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration and Development of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation of this news release and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained herein. About Freegold Ventures Limited Freegold is a TSX-listed company focused on exploration in Alaska. Through leases, it holds the Golden Summit Gold Project near Fairbanks and the Shorty Creek Copper-Gold Project near Livengood. Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements as to planned expenditures and exploration programs, potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, the completion of an updated NI 43-101 technical report, and any other future plans. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of exploration programs. See Freegold's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31st, 2023, filed under Freegold's profile at www.sedar.com, for a detailed discussion of the risk factors associated with Freegold's operations. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. Reactions to the spread of COVID-19 continue to lead to, among other things, significant restrictions on travel, business closures, quarantines, and a general reduction in economic activity. While these effects have been reduced in recent months, the continuation and re-introduction of significant restrictions, business disruptions, and related financial impact, and the duration of any such disruptions cannot be reasonably estimated. The risks to Freegold of such public health crises also include employee health and safety risks and a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations in geographic locations impacted by an outbreak. Such public health crises, as well as global geopolitical crises, can result in volatility and disruptions in the supply and demand for various products and services, global supply chains, and financial markets, as well as declining trade and market sentiment and reduced mobility of people, all of which could affect interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk, and inflation. As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Freegold has implemented a COVID management program and established a full-service Camp at Golden Summit to attempt to mitigate risks to its employees, contractors, and community. While the extent to which COVID-19 may impact Freegold is uncertain, it is possible that COVID-19 may have a material adverse effect on Freegold's business, results of operations, and financial condition. VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Black Mammoth Metals Corporation (TSXV: BMM) (OTC: LQRCF) ("Black Mammoth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Antelope Creek Gold Corporation ("Antelope Creek"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Mammoth, has consolidated most of the prospective ground at South Ravenswood ("Ravenswood") and at Callaghan, both Carlin- type gold districts located in central Nevada, 30 kms NW of Austin and 24 kms NE of Austin respectively, which includes the acquisition of a substantial related data package. Antelope Creek has signed a binding letter of intent (the "LOI") dated August 30, 2024 to acquire the Raven property at Ravenswood from an arms-length vendor (the "Vendor") consisting of 153 lode claims (3140 acres or 1270 hectares) and has staked 20 lode claims (413 acres or 167 hectares). Together with its' current claims, the Company's claims position at Ravenswood is approximately 2650 hectares or 26.5 square kilometers, virtually all contiguous, subject to royalties and to the signing of a final agreement with the Vendor. Antelope Creek has acquired the Vendor's Callaghan property also through the LOI consisting of 120 lode claims (2479 acres or 1003 hectares), has signed an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated September 6, 2024 with Nevada Select Royalty ("Nevada Select") to earn a 100% interest in the Charlie property consisting of 10 lode claims (206 acres or 83 hectares) and has staked 17 lode claims (351 acres or 142 hectares). Together with its' current claims, the Company's claims position at Callaghan is approximately 1604 hectares or 16 square kilometers, also subject to royalties and to the signing of a final agreement with the Vendor. Raven Property- North: There are multiple drill-ready shallow (30 to 200 meter deep) Carlin targets at Raven North within the highly prospective lower plate Paleozoic Roberts Mountains Formation ("Srm") underlying geochemical anomalies in upper plate rocks and is located within an erosional window (the Ravenswood Window) that exposes Srm in outcrop. Both the Raven North and South areas are distal to a Cretaceous granodiorite stock which is at the center of the district and is not part of the Company's claims position. Drill target areas that have been identified at Raven North include: Monocline Target- is located at a prospective intersection of high-angle structures and lower plate stratigraphy where a gold anomaly in rocks occurs within upper-plate greenstones overlying a faulted limb of monocline. Pediment Target- is the offset extension of the Monocline Target across a range-bounding fault where the structures may represent reactivated feeder structure. Western Target- South is an untested gold soil anomaly in upper plate rocks with lower plate rocks at shallow depths at an intersection between two low-angle faults. Western Target- North is also an untested gold soil anomaly in upper plate rocks with lower plate rocks at shallow depths. Raven Property- South: A deep gold mineralized body hosted by upper plate Ordovician calcareous siltstone, defined by 36 holes over a 1250-meter strike length. Potential for expansion in Srm that underlies the upper plate host rocks. Callaghan and Charlie Properties: Drill targets have been delineated through mapping, geochemistry and geophysics in Cambrian-Ordovician lower plate rocks within the Callaghan Window. Mineralization is associated with normal faults and anticlinal fold hinges where there is widespread decalcification, jasperoids, gold and pathfinder anomalism (As-Hg-Sb-Tl). Charlie Target- NNW-SSE anticline in Cambrian rocks intersects a NE-SW high angle normal fault where jasperoids and decalcification developed within the platy limestone (lower Cambrian) in the fold hinge. There is an excellent correlation of the suite of indicator elements, gold, arsenic, and antimony, with the high angle fault and the overall geological setting. Gold mineralization is within shallow holes (deepest hole is 90 meters) where lower plate favourable host stratigraphy expected to persist until about 365 meters. The best drill intersection was hole GV86-4 with 1.5m of 10.3 g/t Au at 53m of depth drilled by Lucerno Resources in September 1986. The reasonably shallow targets at Charlie have been poorly tested by historical work. Delta Target- comprises a conceptual fault sliver of platy carbonate rocks (host unit at Charlie target) untested by historical drilling. There is gold and pathfinder anomalism in jasperoids and decalcified and silicified carbonates over more than 2 km strike length. Host rocks are interbedded Cambrian limestones and phyllites that appears to be excised by an east-dipping normal fault at surface; postulated to exist at depth. Acquisition Terms (in USD): Vendor- LOI Under the terms of the LOI, Antelope Creek may purchase the Raven and Callaghan properties from the Vendor in exchange for the payment of claims fees ($54,600 total fees- paid). The Vendor will also retain an NSR royalty on these properties. Certain claims with an existing royalty interest will be subject to an additional 0.5% NSR royalty while unencumbered claims will be subject to a 1.0% NSR royalty, of which 0.25% can be repurchased prior to commercial production for $500,000. Nevada Select- Option Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Antelope Creek may purchase the Charlie property by making an aggregate of $20,000 in payments within 36 months ($5,000 at signing- paid). A cash payment of $150,000 within 90 days of a 43-101 compliant maiden resource declared. Nevada Select retains a 2% NSR. There are no work commitment amounts, finder's fees or share compensation in connection with the LOI or the Option. Mark J. Abrams, CPG #11451, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and director of Black Mammoth, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as Mr. Abrams, the Company's Qualified Person, has not prepared nor verified the historical information. About Black Mammoth Metals Corporation: In 2024, Black Mammoth Metals has acquired a 100% interest in the America Mine gold property, San Bernardino, CA, the Quito gold property, Lander County, NV, and the Callaghan gold property, Lander County NV. At the Company's 100% owned, 1,213 hectare (2,997 acre) Happy Cat gold property, Lander County, NV, an approximate 4 square kilometre area is identified as being hydrothermally altered. Structural modelling suggests the density of the alteration and its' density contrast relative to the host rock is typical to that of alteration zones present at other Carlin-type deposits in northern Nevada. The alteration encompasses an area where northerly trending high-angle faults intersect indicated NW-trending re-activated faults that are known to be of age and orientation as ore-controlling faults occurring at other Carlin-type deposits. The Company intends to prioritize drill targets within the alteration area. Black Mammoth also has a 100% interest in the Blanco Creek gold property in the Elk Creek Mining District, central Idaho, which hosts three historic underground mines along 3,550 meters (11,644 feet) of strike on the north-east trending regional Blanco Shear Zone. Exploration by two previous operators identified a geological target for the Blanco Creek property in the order of 1.70 to 2.48 million tons, grading 0.20 to 0.33 oz/ton Au (1.54 to 2.24 million tonnes, grading 6.85 to 11.31 g/tonne Au); see the Company's press release dated February 14, 2017. Black Mammoth cautions investors to note the potential quantity and grade of the geological target are conceptual in nature. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the geological target as mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101, and it is uncertain if future exploration will result in the target being delineated as mineral resources. On behalf of the board, "Dustin Henderson" Dustin Henderson, BBA President & CEO This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the Company's completion of the Transaction and related transactions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include that the requisite corporate and TSXV for the Transaction may not be obtained; that the Company or IDA Mining, as applicable, may be unable to satisfy any or all closing conditions necessary for the completion of the Transaction; and other risks that are customary to transactions of this nature. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MONTREAL, Quebec, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Troilus Gold Corp. (Troilus or the Company, TSX: TLG; OTCQX: CHXMF; FSE: CM5R) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chantal Lavoie to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Lavoie is a Professional Mining Engineer who brings over 35 years of experience in mining operations, permitting, construction, and executive leadership across various global mining regions, including Quebec. Chantal Lavoie, a native of Chicoutimi, Northern Quebec, has a distinguished career in both open-pit and underground mining, holding senior management and executive roles with some of the worlds largest mining companies, including Manager of Underground Division for Barricks Goldstrike Project as well as COO for De Beers Canadian mining operations during the construction of the Snap Lake and Victor mines. He previously served as the CEO for Crocodile Gold Corp., COO for Dominion Diamond Corporation and most recently served as the COO of the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) for five years until his recent retirement. Mr. Lavoie holds a bachelors degree in Mining Engineering from Universite Laval, Quebec. Justin Reid, CEO of Troilus Gold, commented, We are very pleased to welcome Chantal to our Board. His extensive operational experience, coupled with a strong background in permitting and construction, will bring a wealth of knowledge that is directly relevant to our current and upcoming stages of development. We look forward to leveraging Chantals insights and leadership as we continue to advance the Troilus Project into a cornerstone gold-copper operation for Quebec and North America. About Troilus Gold Corp. Troilus Gold Corp. is a Canadian development-stage mining company focused on the systematic advancement of the former gold and copper Troilus Mine towards production. Troilus is located in the tier-one mining jurisdiction of Quebec, Canada, where it holds a large land position of 435 km in the Frotet-Evans Greenstone Belt. A Feasibility Study completed in May 2024 supports a large-scale 22-year, 50ktpd open-pit mining operation, positioning it as a cornerstone project in North America. For more information: Caroline Arsenault VP Corporate Communications +1 (647) 407-7123 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the impact of the appointment on the Company.. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, continue, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Troilus to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Troilus will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, currency fluctuations, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Troilus to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: there being no assurance that the exploration program or programs of the Company will result in expanded mineral resources; risks and uncertainties inherent to mineral resource and reserve estimates; the high degree of uncertainties inherent to feasibility studies and other mining and economic studies which are based to a significant extent on various assumptions; variations in gold prices and other metals, exchange rate fluctuations; variations in cost of supplies and labour; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing mining projects; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental and other risks of the mining industry, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Companys latest Annual Information Form, its technical reports and other continuous disclosure documents of the Company available under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Troilus has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Troilus does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - New Destiny Mining Corp. (TSXV: NED), (the "Company" or "NED") provides a further update on its 2024 drilling program at the Treasure Mountain project, near Princeton, BC. Figure 1. Map showing the location of hole TMN-08 (blue circle) at the Jim Kelly area. The red dashed line shows the projection of the Jim Kelly vein, and the blue dashed arrow shows the orientation of the drill hole. The inset photo shows the Jim Kelly vein sampled from the historic workings that consists of coarse pyrite within a quartz vein (vein width 8-10 cm). The drill rig has moved to the Jim Kelly target area. This target was chosen as previous work had identified a set of veins that have historically been mined. Jim Kelly is a gold vein target where a 2018 grab sample yielded 11.3 g/t gold. Hole TMN24-08 aimed to test the extension of this vein along strike to the north (see map above). Figure 2. Photo of core from hole TMN24-08 showing part of the interval of the silicified zone with pyrite (yellow box) and the photo shows a close-up (red box). The interval of this silicified zone goes from 70.24 to 83.2 m (12.96 meters in core length). Hole TMN24-08 intersected a 12.96 meter interval of a highly silicified zone with disseminated pyrite (see yellow boxes on photo below from 70.24 to 83.2 meters including some intervals of cross-cutting andesitic dikes. The zone is interpreted as an expression of the mineralization found at the Jim Kelly workings, extending 60 meters towards the north. Additionally, hole 8 also intersected from 66.07 to 68.77 m a zone with disseminated pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite with net textured sulfides in a silicified mafic intrusion (see photo below). The next hole will test the extension of the Jim Kelly vein at depth. Figure 3. Photo of core (NQ) from hole TMN24-08 showing a close-up of the interval from 66.07 to 68.77 m, that shows pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite in a micro-net texture within a mafic intrusion. The Treasure Mountain property covers 10,819 hectares and is located 38 km west of the Copper Mountain mine at Princeton in southern BC. Targets on the property include critical minerals in porphyry copper-moly deposits, and gold-quartz vein and polymetallic silver-rich vein deposits. Map showing Treasure Mountain property and targets for 2024 Readers are cautioned that historical records referred to in this News Release have been examined but not verified by a Qualified Person. Further work is required to verify that historical records referred to in this News Release are accurate. Dr. Mathew Ball, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and consultant to the Company, approved the technical information contained in this News Release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, the Company's information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Such statements include statements regarding the completion of the proposed transactions. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon several factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of gold and other metals, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals, and the Company will be able to obtain required licenses and permits. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks including that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; that environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous; that the Company may not be able to raise additional funds when necessary; fluctuating prices of metals; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; operating hazards and risks; and competition. There can be no assurance that economic resources will be discovered or developed. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, equipment failures, litigation, competition, fees charged by service providers and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Alpha Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: ALEX) ("Alpha" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Tim Livesey has been appointed as an Independent director to the Company's board of directors. Mr. Livesey has over 30 years of professional exploration, project development and mining experience in gold and base metals across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. His extensive career covers both technical and executive management in the industry. He has managed significant projects across the globe for companies such as Anglo-American PLC and Barrick Gold Corporation and held executive and board level roles across junior, mid-tier and senior companies. Whilst working for Barrick, Tim's roles included Exploration Manager for Europe & the Middle East, Project Director at Reko Diq in Pakistan (from the initial due diligence visit to delivering the Feasibility study in 2010) and latterly as CEO of Reko Diq management company, Tethyan Copper and Managing Director for Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he has served as CEO of Oriole Resources PLC, where he took the Company into Cameroon, publishing Cameroon's first JORC compliant resource and discovering a new gold district in Africa. He brought on board a significant mining partner to fund the programmes on two of the eleven licenses granted in this new frontier for gold exploration, before moving on to new ventures. Mr. Livesey is a graduate of the University of Newcastle with an Honours degree in geology, he is a Fellow of the Geological Society and a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Michael Hopley, President of Alpha Exploration, commented: "I warmly welcome Tim as an independent member of the Alpha board of directors and I look forward to working with him and benefiting from his extensive wisdom and experience, gained over the past 30 years of working in the mining and exploration business." About Alpha Alpha (TSXV: ALEX) is an exploration company that is rapidly advancing a number of important gold and base metal discoveries across its 100% owned, large (771 km2) Kerkasha Project in Eritrea. Alpha has discovered over 20 different prospects on the Kerkasha license but the priority is the newly discovered Aburna Gold Prospect, an exciting new gold discovery where recent drilling has established a high-grade discovery with grades including 18m @ 15.33 g/t Au, 16 m @ 14.07 g/t Au, 9 m @ 10 g/t Au and 23 m @ 6.74 g/t Au. An aggressive 8,000 meter drilling programme was started at Aburna this summer. The Anagulu Gold-Copper Porphyry prospect includes recent drilling intersections of 108 m @ 1.24 g/t Au and 0.60% Cu and 49 m @ 2.42 g/t Au and 1.10% Cu within a porphyry unit mapped over at a >2 km strike length. The Company has also advanced the Tolegimja volcanogenic massive sulphide copper-zinc-gold prospect and over 17 other gold prospects since listing in 2021. The Company is managed by a group of highly experienced and successful professionals with long track records of establishing, building and successfully exiting a number of world class gold and base metals discoveries in Eritrea and across the wider Arabian Nubian Shield. For further information go to the Alpha webpage at www.alpha-exploration.com or contact: Qualified Person All scientific and technical information in this press release, including the results of the Aburna drill program and how these results relate to the ongoing exploration at the Kerkasha Project has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Michael Hopley, President, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha and a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Cautionary Notes This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future dataset interpretations, sampling, plans for its projects (including the Anagulu prospect), surveys related to Alpha's assets, and the Company's drilling program. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Alpha has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions and the price of gold and other minerals. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Although management of Alpha believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to Alpha's financing efforts; risks associated with the business of Alpha given its limited operating history; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to exploration activities; those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Alpha does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Including 1.15 meters of 687 g/t Ag, 33.6% Pb and 3.2m of 88.5 g/t Ag, 2.4% Pb, 4.0% Zn TUCSON, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Western Alaska Minerals the "Company" or "WAM") (TSXV:WAM) is pleased to provide an update of the 2024 discovery at the Warm Springs ("WS") Target on its 100% owned Illinois Creek project in western Alaska. Highlights: Silver-zinc-lead replacement style mineralization has been intersected at Warm Springs, analogous to that encountered along the WPC trend (Table 1): Including 1.15 m @ 687 g/t Ag, 33.64% Pb Including 3.2 m @ 88.5 g/t Ag, 2.39% Pb, 4% Zn 2024 drilling has identified a major area of multi-phase mineralization including alteration and brecciation in the Warm Springs Target area. Large footprint: drilling indicates the area of alteration at Warm Springs is 720m north south. Copper and gold mineralization, resembling the nearby Illinois Creek Mine resource, has also been intersected (see News Release August 29, 2024). Click here to watch Technical Advisor, Dr. Peter Megaw and Project Geologist, Sage Langston-Stewart, describing the large-scale potential and implications from the initial drill results at the Warm Springs discovery. Assays from only two of nine drill holes at Warm Springs have been received to date (IC24-0004 and IC24-0005). The Company will provide a detailed assessment once all data is analyzed. Table 1. Table of highlight intercepts from drill hole IC24-0005. Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) IC24-0005 212.60 213.75 1.15 0.226 687 33.64 0.10 IC24-0005 318.60 326.60 8.00 0.194 12.9 2.06 0.49 including 318.60 319.30 0.70 0.035 94.1 6.79 0.36 IC24-0005 352.20 355.41 3.21 0.020 88.5 2.39 4.00 All intercepts are core length and are close to true width. Core recovery averaged 70.0% for reported intercepts. Table 2. Coordinate locations and angles for drill holes IC24-0005 Hole Easting Northing Angle Azimuth TD (m) IC24-0005 555150 7101159 -60 000 358.75 Figure 1: IC24-0005 Galena zone: 212.6-213.75m Warm Springs Target Summary The 2024 drilling program has discovered a new "finger" or "spoke" of the Illinois Creek CRD system (see Fig 4), transforming Warm Springs from a promising geophysical target into a confirmed, large-scale prospect. Initial assays reveal distinct mineralization zones, including high-grade gold-copper and silver-lead-zinc, in thin intervals. These results validate our exploration model and underscore the project's potential. Figure 2. Warm Springs 555150E Cross Section depicting upper gold-copper zone associated with massive pyrite + arsenopyrite and intense silicification and brecciation. A lower silver-lead-zinc zone is associated with recrystalized ankerite. The alteration and mineralization zone is 720 meters wide north-south. Technical Discussion Drilling reveals multiple mineralization pulses in a large CRD hydrothermal system, containing gold, copper, silver, lead, and zinc. The alteration and mineralization zone is 10 times larger than Waterpump Creek, suggesting potential for a large CRD-style deposit. Exploration continues to delineate the system zone by zone. Warm Springs displays an upper zone intense silicification, brecciations associated with massive to semi-massive pyrite associated with gold-copper mineralization and a lower zone of recrystalized ankerite associated with sphalerite (zinc) and galena (lead) mineralization. This contrasts with Waterpump Creek which displayed an upper zone of sphalerite and galena, and a lower zone of semi-massive pyrite associated with a vertical structure. Early (circa 1982) work by Anaconda* identified the Warm Springs siliceous breccia in Illinois Creek and drilling this year has shown this zone of brecciated silica, pyrite and arsenopyrite extends 720 meter north-south as depicted in Figure 2. "The Warm Springs drilling results this season are truly significant," explained WAM CEO Kit Marrs. He continued, "The results validate our hypothesis that the Illinois Creek CRD system has the potential to be huge. This first discovery of gold-copper mineralization associated with large thicknesses of silicification, multiple pulses of brecciation and mineralization and zones of massivepyrite tells us that, as we predicted, we are getting close to the center of the CRD system. We are on to something with very large scale. At Warm Springs we now have both scale and intervals of high-grade mineralization, a winning combination. And this is just the start." Photos of Warm Springs drill core from drill hole IC24-0012 (see Figures 3A, 3B and 3C) show the intensity of the silica brecciation, examples of the massive to semi-massive pyrite zones, and coarse-grained sphalerite and galena associated with ankerite. Although the degree of mineralization will be determined by the assays, the strength of the hydrothermal system is self-evident by the degree and multiple pulses of brecciation, alteration and mineralization. *See footnote at the bottom of release for link to disclosure. Figure 3A: IC24-0012 shows coarse-grained red sphalerite in the recrystalline ankerite stage Figure 3B: Drill core from IC24-0012 shows coarse-grained red sphalerite in the recrystalline ankerite stage with galena Figure 3C: Upper Zone in IC24-0012 shows massive pyrite and semi-massive pyrite breccia CRD Characteristics: Figure 4: "Spokes", "Arms", or "Fingers" are key characteristics in carbonate replacement deposits. The left map shows the IC project, with the Illinois Creek Au-Ag-Cu resource interpreted to be proximal to the system's heat source, or driver. Waterpump Creek's distal Ag-Zn-Pb deposit aligns with the scale of world-class CRDs like Tintic and Santa Eulalia. Maps are to the same scale. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Drill core samples were transported from site to the ALS Minerals laboratory in Fairbanks, Alaska for sample submission. The samples were then shipped to ALS Minerals in Reno, Nevada, for sample preparation. Analysis of samples were completed at both the Reno and the ALS Mineral's North Vancouver laboratories, which are certified under ISO 9001 and accredited under ISO/IEC 7025. The gold content is determined by fire assay of a 30-gram charge with an AA finish (Au-AA23). Silver, lead, copper, and zinc along with other elements are analyzed by ICP-MS utilizing a four-acid digestion (ME-MS61). Over-limit samples for silver, lead, copper, and zinc are determined by using either an ore grade four-acid digestion and ICP-ES finish (ME-OG62) or ore-grade titration analysis (VOL50 or VOL70) for very high-grade samples. Control samples consisting of certified reference samples, duplicates, and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol. Qualified Person The Qualified Person who reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release is Andrew West, Certified Professional Geologist, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. West is the Vice President for Western Alaska Minerals with a MS in Geology and 30 years of experience in mineral resources, mine, and exploration. He is a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG CP-11759). His review verified the technical data disclosed, including geology, sampling, analytical and QA/QC data underlying this news release, including reviewing the reports of ALS, methodologies, results, and all procedures undertaken for quality assurance and quality control in a manner consistent with industry practice. About WAM Our mission is to advance a mineable and scalable CRD, ultimately reshaping the mineral landscape of western Alaska and establishing a new CRD district. WAM's CRD system encompasses a 373K oz AuEq NI 43-101-compliant indicated and 152K oz AuEq Inferred resource* at the past producing Illinois Creek gold-silver mine*, and the Waterpump Creek high-grade silver-lead-zinc deposit with an inferred resource estimate of 74.9Moz at 980 G/T AgEq*, open to the north. Within the same CRD system sits the Honker gold vein prospect. Twenty-five kilometers northeast of the Illinois Creek CRD lies the Round Top copper and the TG North CRD prospects. All prospects were originally discovered by Anaconda Minerals Co. in the early 1980's. WAM's 100% owned claims and uplands mining lease cover 73,120 acres (114.25 square miles or 29,591 hectares), approximately 45 km east of an ocean barge-compatible section of the Yukon River. Since 2010, WAM, along with its precursor company, Western Alaska Copper & Gold, reassembled the Anaconda land package and has been engaged in exploring the district. Headquartered in both Alaska and Arizona, WAM brings together a team of seasoned professionals with a shared vision of pioneering new frontiers in mineral exploration. Our strategic approach is underpinned by cutting-edge technology, innovative techniques, and a deep understanding of the geological intricacies of the region. *For Technical Report disclosure visit https://www.westernalaskaminerals.com/projects/ for detailed information. On behalf of the Company "Kit Marrs" Kit Marrs President & CEO Phone: 520-200-1667 For further information please contact: Vanessa Bogaert, Director of Corporate Communications/IR at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or visit our website at: www.westernalaskaminerals.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to market conditions, metal prices, and risks relating to general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact Information Vanessa Bogaert Director, Corporate Communications This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 604-721-7773 Kit Marrs CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 520-237-1475 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Canter Resources Corp. (CSE: CRC) (OTC Pink: CNRCF) (FSE: 6O1) ("Canter" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has completed Phase II Geoprobe drilling at its Columbus Lithium-Boron Project ("Columbus" or the "Project"), located near Tonopah, Nevada. Geoprobe Phase II Program Highlights: Deepest Hole to Date : Hole CB24-010G reached the greatest depth of the two programs at 124 feet ( 37.8 metres) , identifying three distinct aquifer zones. This hole is located 2.91 kilometres north of the northern-most hole from Phase I, extending the exploration footprint significantly (see Photo 1). : Hole CB24-010G reached the greatest depth of the two programs at 124 feet ( , identifying three distinct aquifer zones. This hole is located of the northern-most hole from Phase I, extending the exploration footprint significantly (see Photo 1). Halite Bed Continuity : Multiple holes encountered the halite marker bed, indicating continuity across a notable strike length. This discovery is significant, as the presence of crystallized salts and borates points to past brine activity in the basin and provides evidence of basin stability during a mature phase of its geological cycle (see Photo 2). : Multiple holes encountered the halite marker bed, indicating continuity across a notable strike length. This discovery is significant, as the presence of crystallized salts and borates points to past brine activity in the basin and provides evidence of basin stability during a mature phase of its geological cycle (see Photo 2). Brine and Water Sampling Success : The program resulted in successful collection of brine samples from all five holes, advancing the Company's ability to assess the subsurface chemistry and resource potential. : The program resulted in successful collection of brine samples from all five holes, advancing the Company's ability to assess the subsurface chemistry and resource potential. Extended Brine Zones : The program encountered brine zones extending >750 metres west and >500 metres east of the Phase I central grid, further confirming the lateral extent of the brine-bearing formations (see Figure 1). : The program encountered brine zones extending and of the Phase I central grid, further confirming the lateral extent of the brine-bearing formations (see Figure 1). Cost Savings: The Company achieved its primary objectives (i) collecting brine samples east and west of the original grid, (ii) reaching a third aquifer zone deeper than Phase I and (iii) collecting larger samples suitable for multi-element analysis with five (5) drill holes (instead of up to 10), with the program coming in approximately 60% under budget. "We are pleased to have accomplished our primary objectives for a fraction of the planned Phase II budget, preserving capital for follow-up work that will be guided by an updated model that will benefit from the 20 drill holes and comprehensive geochemical dataset generated from these first two phases of drilling," commented Canter CEO, Joness Lang. "We expect brine assay results in September and select sediment assay results the following month." Photo 1: Collecting brine sample from CB-24-010G at 124 feet (37.8 metres) Regional drill hole CB-24-010G was located nearly three (3) kilometres to the north of the northern-most drill hole location from Phase I. This Phase II drill hole reached the greatest depth of the Geoprobe campaigns with three brine samples collected at 44.9, 75.1 and 124 feet (13.7, 22.9 and 37.8 metres, respectively). Photo 2: Halite material at approximately 100 feet (30 metres) from drill hole CB-24-040G Discovery of Halite/Borate Bed at Columbus Basin The Phase II program encountered a halite bed in multiple drill holes (see Photo 2), with water samples collected immediately above the halite bed. The discovery of a thin halite/borate crystalline bed in shallow Geoprobe holes at the Columbus Basin sheds light on the region's geological processes and mineralization potential. This crystalline layer likely formed as ancient lake waters evaporated, leaving behind concentrated salts and minerals. Over time, the brine reached saturation levels, causing halite (sodium chloride) and borates to precipitate and form a crystalline bed. Subsequent sediment deposition preserved these layers, which were uncovered in recent drilling. Implications for Lithium and Boron Exploration This halite/borate bed indicates the presence of an evaporite environment, highly favorable for lithium and boron concentrations. The crystallization of salts and borates points to past brine activity in the basin, suggesting that similar lithiumenriched brines could be present at depth. Moreover, this bed can serve as a key stratigraphic marker, aiding in correlating geological units and refining exploration targets. Figure 1: Plan view map showing Phase I and Phase II locations Brine assay results will be released once received, vetted and interpreted. Select sediment samples will be sent to the lab for assay in the coming weeks with solid assay results expected in early Q4/2024. For more information about boron and lithium, please visit the Company's Boron 101 and Lithium 101 pages on the website. Qualified Person (QP) The technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Eric Saderholm P.Geo, Director and Technical Advisor of Canter Resources, a Qualified Person (QP), as defined under National Instrument 43- 101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Canter Resources Corp. Canter Resources Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company advancing the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA and the Beaver Creek Lithium Property in Montana, USA. The Company is completing a phased drilling approach at Columbus to test highly prospective brine targets at varying depths for lithium-boron enrichment and plans to leverage the Company's critical metals targeting database to generate a portfolio of high-quality projects with the aim of defining mineral resources that support the technology and domestic clean energy supply chains in North America. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Horizon Copper Corp. (TSX-V: HCU) (OTCQX: HNCUF) ("Horizon Copper", "Horizon", or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a revolving credit agreement with National Bank of Canada and The Bank of Nova Scotia allowing the Company to borrow up to US$30 million (the "Revolving Loan"), with an additional uncommitted accordion of up to US$20 million, for total availability of up to US$50 million. The Revolving Loan has a term of four years, maturing in September 2028 and is extendable subject to approval by the lenders. Horizon intends to use the Revolving Loan for future asset acquisitions, its funding requirements related to the development of the Hod Maden project, and general corporate purposes. The amounts drawn on the Revolving Loan are subject to interest at SOFR plus a variable spread of between 2.50%3.75%, and the undrawn portion of the Revolving Loan is subject to a standby fee of between 0.56%0.84% per annum, both of which are dependent on the Company's leverage ratio. Under the terms of the credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain a leverage ratio of less than 4.0x, excluding all existing debt held by Horizon's strategic growth partner, Sandstorm Gold Ltd. "We are pleased to expand our financing capabilities with this new Revolving Loan," commented Erfan Kazemi, Horizon's President & CEO. "This credit facility, coupled with our existing cash reserves, improves Horizon's financing flexibility as we look to grow the Company and continue to invest in the development work at Hod Maden." ABOUT HORIZON COPPER Horizon Copper is a premier copper company holding a portfolio of unparalleled copper assets including a 1.66% net profits interest on the Antamina copper mine, exposure to the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine through a 24% equity ownership in Entree Resources Ltd., and a 30% interest in the copper-gold Hod Maden project. Horizon plans to actively grow its portfolio of assets with a focus on copper projects. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although Horizon believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Horizon is not a guarantee of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to the use of the Revolving Loan including future asset acquisitions and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Horizon disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The securities referred to in this press release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required under securities laws. Further information concerning risks, assumptions and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in Horizon's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), as well as subsequent filings that can also be found under the Company's profile. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2024) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of Properties (the "Property") from an arm's length party (the "Vendor") located in the Matheson area, east of Timmins, Ontario. The Matheson portfolio, consisting of four (4) properties (Highway, Tax, Hewitt, and Munro), increases the Munro-Croesus Property ("Munro-Croesus" or the "Project") to 10,411 ha (104 km2), a 12% increase (Figure 1). This adds substantial exploration potential across this relatively underexplored yet highly prospective section of the Timmins Gold Camp. The Properties are contiguous or proximal with Munro-Croesus and are host to multiple high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold occurrences. "Acquiring this portfolio of properties is another strategic addition to our Munro-Croesus Project," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "It offers excellent potential for additional mineral discoveries adjacent to our emerging Argus Zone and GM discoveries, including key ground on trend to the west along the Pipestone Fault. We believe that there is significant untapped opportunity for both high-grade and bulk-tonnage discoveries on these properties that have seen little to no work in a very long time. In our view, the work completed to date has only scratched the surface of the Properties' potential, and we look forward to designing and implementing a drill program in the near future." Highlights of the Properties: A large (1,150 ha) portfolio of properties (Highway, Tax, Hewitt, and Munro) ( Figure 2) contiguous and proximal to Munro-Croesus, McEwen Mining's Black Fox Mine Complex, Mayfair Gold's 3.5 Moz Au Fenn-Gib Deposit and STLLR Gold's >12.0 Moz Au Golden Highway project 1 . The Highway property includes two known gold-bearing structures: the 50-140m wide and 1,400m long east-west striking Flipper Zone; and the L15 Zone (the NE-SW trending faulted extension of the Flipper Zone). Historic drilling at the Flipper Zone returned 1.0 grams/tonne gold ( " g/t Au ") over 42.6m and 1.3 g/t Au over 28.8m , including 10.8 g/t Au over 1.5m, while drilling at the L15 Zone returned 6.0 g/t Au over 1.0m 2 . At the Stewart-Abate zone on the Highway Property, an old, inclined shaft (37m deep) was sunk during 1915-1941 era and returned a 52 tonne bulk sample grading 24 g/t Au . Historical drilling returned 9.6 g/t Au over 1.2m , along with grab samples of up to 13.5 g/t Au 2 . Drifting at the 20m level followed the main quartz-carbonate-pyrite-chalcopyrite vein (with rare visible gold and molybdenite) within a sheared diorite body for 67m at an average width of 1.8m and grade of 10.6 g/t Au 2 . The prospect has not been explored for at least 25 years. The Hewitt property is situated on a northeast-trending secondary fault splay to the Painkiller Fault and contains gold-bearing mineralization with grab samples yielding 15.7 g/t Au, 5.6 g/t Au, 4.8 g/t Au, and 2.5 g/t Au 2 . Year-round access to the properties is provided via the paved Highway 101 and secondary roads. Transaction Details The consideration to be paid by the Company to the Vendor for the Property is $150,000 cash and 750,000 common shares of Onyx. The Vendor will also retain a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Property, which includes a buydown of half of the NSR royalty (1% NSR) for $1,000,000 and a right of first refusal to purchase the residual royalty. In addition, for a period of 15-years from the closing date of the agreement, if a cumulative mineral resource exceeding 1,000,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories is defined on the Property the Company shall make a one-time bonus payment of $1,000,000 to the Vendors. Figure 1 - Munro-Croesus Property Location With Newly Acquired Properties Figure 2 - Munro-Croesus Property Top Gold Targets (New Targets are Highlighted in Yellow) About the Munro-Croesus Project The Munro-Croesus Project is located along Highway 101 in the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction. This large, 100% owned land package includes the past-producing Croesus Gold Mine, which yielded some of the highest-grade gold ever mined in Ontario. Extensive land consolidation from 2020-2024 has unified the patchwork of patented and unpatented mining claims surrounding the Croesus Gold Mine into one coherent package (Figure 1) and enhanced the exploration potential of the Project. The Project covers 104 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of major gold-bearing structural breaks. Bulk-tonnage gold deposits located in the immediate region include the Fenn-Gib gold project being developed by Mayfair Gold Corp. that contains an Indicated Resource of 3.38 Moz at 0.93 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 157 koz at 0.85 g/t Au, and the Tower Gold Project being developed by Moneta Gold Inc. that contains an open pit Indicated Resource of 4.46 Moz at 0.92 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 8.29 Moz at 1.09 g/t Au1. About the Timmins Area Gold Properties Onyx owns 100% of each of its three Timmins properties. The Munro-Croesus Gold Project is located approximately 75 km east of Timmins, proximal to the Porcupine-Destor and Pipestone Faults, and approximately 2 km northwest and along trend of Mayfair Gold Corp.'s multi-million-ounce Fenn-Gib gold deposit. Mining occurred intermittently at Munro-Croesus between 1915 and 1936. The Golden Mile 140 km2 property is located 9 km northeast of Newmont's multi-million-ounce Hoyle Pond deposit in Timmins. The Timmins South 187 km2 property is located to the south and southeast of Timmins and surrounds the Shaw dome structure. About Onyx Gold Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration. Qualified Person and Quality Assurance Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp. "Brock Colterjohn" President & CEO For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact: Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO or Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications Fenn-Gib Gold Project and Tower Gold Project mineral resources compiled from public sources and are provided for general information purposes. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in adjacent properties and they are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties or any potential exploration thereof. The Company cautions that none of the historical results from the Property, including drill results and underground sampling results from the 1915-1941 era, have been verified. Assay methods and sampling techniques are not disclosed in the historic reports and the QP has been unable to verify any of the historical technical information in this release. Historical results discussed herein are presented more generally as an indication of the potential of the Property to host gold-bearing systems and this information is not necessarily indicative of additional mineralization occurring on the Property. Forward looking information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results including the new high-grade vein structure at the Munro Croesus property described above, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM) (OTC PINK:GGDCF) (Frankfurt:W9F) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Hratch Jabrayan as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jabrayan, who has extensive experience in the global mining sector including more than seven years with Dundee Precious Metals, has also joined the Galloper Board of Directors. Mr. Mark Scott, who has resigned from the CEO position, commented: "Hratch brings to Galloper impressive skill sets, a valuable global network, a proven industry and business track record, and a dynamic leadership approach. This will enable the Company to fully exploit the unique opportunities it has and build value for shareholders. It has been my pleasure to serve as CEO since Galloper's inception nearly three years ago, helping take the Company public in March of this year. I am very excited and confident in Galloper's future with Hratch taking the reign. He's a fresh face to investors in the junior gold market and I wish him the best of success." Video Profile - Mr. Hratch Jabrayan Click on the following link to learn more about Hratch: https://vimeo.com/1007433600/031f977268 Hratch Highlights: Oversaw the global mining and metals division for Florida-based, globally operating USC Consulting Group ("USC") from 2022 to until his recent resignation; With USC , spearheaded operational readiness for a Canadian-owned gold entity in Europe as it advances toward production of ~150,000 ounces per year while continuing a major exploration program featuring 17 drill rigs; With USC , optimized the management operating system to enhance profitability of a producing gold mine in Eastern Europe; CEO of Armenian Gas and Power Enterprises 2018-2022; Seven years with Dundee Precious Metals (2011-2018) where he advanced the company's interests in Armenia and globally while overseeing all internal and external operational aspects for Dundee Precious Metals Kapan ; Twelve years with AFI International Group Inc. (1998-2010) where roles included National Vice-President, Mining Operations and Risk Mitigation, and National Vice-President, Strategic Business Solutions; Keynote speaker at numerous international conferences for the past 17 years. Hratch commented: "I'm thrilled to lead Galloper Gold and I thank Mark and the entire board for this special opportunity. The team at Galloper has done a fantastic job assembling assets in Newfoundland highlighted by the Glover Island Project surrounding a known historic gold deposit. Glover Island presents an extraordinary opportunity that we will pursue vigorously as we differentiate ourselves in the junior gold sector." Galloper Gold wishes to thank Mark Scott for his valuable contributions as CEO and looks forward to his continued input as a director of the Company. GALLOPER GOLD ANNOUNCES GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS Galloper announces the granting of an aggregate of 1,750,000 stock options of which 1,500,000 will be granted to directors and officers of the Company with an exercise price of $0.12 per share, which will expire after 2 years and shall vest quarterly over the coming 12 months. A total of 250,000 stock options have been granted to consultants with an exercise price of $0.12, which shall vest quarterly over the coming 12 months and will expire after 24 months. The stock options are subject to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, applicable securities laws and the terms of the Corporation's equity incentive plan. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Hratch Jabrayan CEO and Director Galloper Gold Corp. Company Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: 778-655-9266 Investor Relations: MarketSmart Communications Tel: 877-261-4466 Acknowledgment - Newfoundland & Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Program Galloper Gold acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Galloper Gold Corp. Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its Glover Island and Mint Pond properties, each prospective for gold and base metals. The Glover Island Property consists of 532 mining claims totaling 13,300 hectares while Mint Pond consists of 499 claims totaling 12,475 hectares. For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the proposed property purchase transaction and acquisition of additional claims, the provision of IR services by the Consultant, and the grant of stock options. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks, including the risk that the property purchase transaction may not be completed as expected or at all, or that the option grants may vary. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC, FSE: E770 the Company or Yukon Metals), is pleased to provide an update from ongoing reconnaissance fieldwork on its 715-hectare Star River Project, located 50 kilometres (km) due south of Ross River, Yukon. Initial results of the prospecting program include assays for 41 of 164 samples (Figure 6). Samples in this release were taken from Lap 10, F2, F3, and Key 35 showings. Two new (unnamed) mineralized rock float train areas were discovered this season (Figure 1). Significant silver values were uncovered, with 15 samples assaying elevated silver values exceeding 100 g/t, including 3 samples above 1500 g/t Ag, two of which occur in a newly discovered float train (Figure 1) and one from the historic F3 showing. One sample assayed over 10,000 g/t Ag and is pending over limit assay. In addition, six samples taken from Lap 10, F2, F3 and Key 35 areas showed elevated gold values ranging from 0.92-6.93 g/t Au. Rory Quinn, President & CEO stated, We are thrilled with the spectacular assay results received from this initial batch of samples, including one sample of over 10,000 g/t Ag and another at over 4200 g/t Ag. The team have been hard at work sampling and mapping various areas of the property and have found compelling evidence of mineralization across multiple areas, in both outcrop and float. The Time-Domain electromagnetic (TDEM) survey was completed in August and the gravity survey is underway, the results of which will provide significant data relative to the potential continuity between these multiple showings. TDEM on southern portion of claim block was completed in August with data processing currently in progress. A gravity ground geophysics survey is ongoing. While the geophysics has been underway, geologists on-site began the inaugural prospecting and mapping program following up on preliminary geophysical anomalies and prospecting and mapping around historical showings. Two new exposures of mineralization were also uncovered in a central portion of the claim block adding to the previously reported mineralized showings in assessment reports. Vision Quest, a Yukon First Nations-owned exploration contractor working closely with Yukon Metals, completed ground preparation for the geophysical program and successfully commissioned a temporary 10-person camp on the claims permitted under a Class 1 Notification on the claims. New Mineralization Occurrences Two new areas of galena-siderite mineralization were identified in the central portion of the claim block between historic M2 and Blazed Tree showings (Figure 1). Samples returned 4,210 g/t Ag and 0.26 g/t Au and greater than 10,000 g/t Ag and 0.72 g/t Au (Table 1) on the western occurrence. These samples occur as float downslope from steep outcrops, follow up work is needed to identify the outcropping source. Table 1- Sample results from mineralization found in the central portion of the claim block. Over limit assays pending. Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140057 0.722 >10,000 165 7,310 >200,000 >10,000 2,060 Float K140058 0.262 4,210 45 3,990 >200,000 4,620 8,940 Float K140059 0.063 1,290 33 2,370 >200,000 1,745 25,900 Float Figure 1- Locations of new mineralized float in the central portion of the claim block Lap 10 Showing An exposed outcrop of mineralization at the Lap 10 showing (Figure 2) was continuously chip sampled across an exposure of 10m (K140067 to K140073). Mineralization occurs within a lensoidal to tabular shear zone within a highly oxidized quartzite unit. Four discrete 10 to 30-cm wide galena-siderite veins occur within this outcrop within broader disseminated mineralization. Historical surface and underground mapping traced galena veins in this area across a strike of 137m, much of which is currently obscured by surface rock sloughing over the Lap 10 exposure. Table 2- Outcrop chip samples across Lap 10 showing area. Over limit assays pending. Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140067 1.035 1,165 1,485 917 >200,000 967 695 Outcrop K140068 0.230 113 958 407 47,400 140 617 Outcrop K140069 0.139 101 1,375 407 34,400 111 1,540 Outcrop K140070 0.084 175 1,015 848 46,400 252 4,020 Outcrop K140071 0.064 603 244 878 >200,000 536 2,330 Outcrop K140072 0.433 1,095 1,240 437 >200,000 1,180 765 Outcrop K140073 0.052 405 159 568 170,000 288 603 Outcrop Figure 2- Lap 10 showing and mineralized quartzite outcrop inset photo. F2 Showing The F2 showing is located around a closed adit drifted in the late 1960s. Mineralization taken from outcrop is hosted within a variably oxidized quartzite unit approximately 12m wide and consists of silver and gold in galena-bearing veins and quartz-arsenopyrite veins. Several float samples were also taken in this area including material from the adit spoil pile. Table 3- Sample results from F2 zone. Over limit assays pending. Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140063 0.107 3 346 85 210 26 170 Float K140064 0.003 0 10 2 77 11 15 Outcrop K140075 0.568 14 974 205 687 1,365 21 Outcrop K140076 0.061 3 226 11 519 66 9 Outcrop K140077 0.916 310 1,210 328 172,000 >10,000 7 Float K140078 0.747 129 3,030 228 68,000 844 60 Float K140078B 0.336 118 2,120 233 43,600 743 44 Float K140079 0.458 1,410 1,150 342 >200,000 1,425 130 Float K654504 0.094 2 1,285 163 462 93 96 Float K654505 1.320 2 2,070 35 67 21 13 Outcrop K654551 0.095 28 518 80 15,250 213 58 Float K654552 4.020 6 >10,000 169 1,885 223 32 Float K654553 0.067 1 3,220 7 38 12 21 Float Figure 3- Location of samples taken near historic F2 showing. F3 Showing Outcrop near the F3 showing consists of a small oxidized manto located stratigraphically above a black shale unit in a creek. The exposed manto is approximately 2m wide and 20m long before its exposure disappears under surficial sediments. To the south, a ~5m thick sheared subvertical NS trending fault hosts galena-siderite mineralization. Table 4- Sample results from F3 zone. Over limit assays pending. Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140065 0.129 35 758 69 19,200 81 67 Outcrop K140066 0.035 4 53 33 227 20 101 Outcrop K140083 0.057 2 8 4 107 11 36 Outcrop K140084 0.048 2 261 11 433 3 526 Float K140085 0.003 2 29 77 267 18 20 Outcrop K140086 0.174 1,665 854 6,710 >200,000 5,940 2,040 Outcrop K140087 6.930 35 >10,000 263 6,410 278 306 Float K140088 0.007 18 34 33 4,950 39 82 Outcrop Figure 4- Location of samples taken near historic F3 showing. Key 35 A massive pyrite vein sampled from the historic Key 35 showing hosts elevated gold in an exposure of subcrop and nearby float. Additional exploration is planned in this area in the future to further examine the nature of gold mineralization. Table 5- Samples taken at old dozer push at historic Key 35 showing. Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140054 0.012 1 111 3 149 14 10 Float K140055 1.610 7 2,790 7 690 41 6 Subcrop K140056 0.046 2 1,910 38 189 39 149 Subcrop About the Star River Project Yukon Metals owns 100% of the Star River base and precious metals project accessible by road from the Robert Campbell Highway and former Ketza Mine haul road. The project is host to multiple showings of polymetallic carbonate replacement mineralization and quartz-sulphide veins first discovered in the 1950s (Figure 5). Remnants of underground and surface workings using historical exploration techniques are visible around much of the property and tied together with previously established access from the Ketza Mine road. Figure 5. Star River Project Location Map Figure 6- Location of rock samples received in relation to historic showings. Sample Methodology Rock samples were sent to ALS Minerals for analysis with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and analysis in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Samples were prepared by crush to 70 % passing 2mm, 250g split pulverised better than 85% passing 75 microns (Prep-31A). Pulp samples were analysed for 34 elements by four acid digestion and ICP-AES (ME-ICP61). All samples were analyzed for gold by fire assay and AAS with a 50g nominal sample weight (Au-AA24). Samples over 1500 g/t Ag were assayed by 50g sample fire assay with gravimetric finish (Ag-GRA21). Over limit assays are pending. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Helena Kuikka, P.Geo., as the Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). About Yukon Metals Corp. Yukon Metals is well financed and represents a property portfolio built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family, the prospecting team behind Snowline Golds portfolio of primary gold assets. The Yukon Metals portfolio consists primarily of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc assets, with a substantial gold and silver component. The Company is led by an experienced Board of Directors and Management Team across technical and finance disciplines. Yukon Metals is focused on fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukon's local communities, while simultaneously enhancing stakeholder value. Our strategy centers around inclusivity and shared prosperity, offering both community members and investors the chance to contribute to, and benefit from, our ventures. The Yukon The Yukon ranks 10th most prospective for mineral potential across global jurisdictions according to the Fraser Institutes 2023 Survey of Mining Companies, and is host to a highly experienced and conscientious local workforce, fostered by a long culture of exploration coupled with deep respect for the land. Recent major discoveries with local roots such as Snowline Golds Rogue Project - Valley Discovery, demonstrate the Yukons potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities. YUKON METALS CORP. Rory Quinn Rory Quinn, President & CEO Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information about the incremental release from escrow of the Consideration Shares, the resumption of trading of the Common Shares and the Companys future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the incremental release from escrow of the Consideration Shares; the resumption of trading of the Common Shares; and other risks and uncertainties. See the section entitled Risk Factors in the Companys listing statement dated May 30, 2024, available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. CALGARY, Canada September 10, 2024 TheNewswire Pambili Natural Resources Corporation ("Pambili" or the "Corporation") (TSX-V: PNN) is pleased to announce that underground drilling has begun at its Golden Valley Mine (GVM) in Zimbabwe. Shengela (Private) Limited (Shengela) has been engaged to complete the underground drilling program (Program) at GVM. An initial 600m of diamond drilling will be completed with the objective of identifying the extension of the orebody previously mined at GVM along with possible parallel zones to the north of the existing orebody. Shengela will use a Meter Eater drilling rig to produce AXT (30 mm) core from up to six holes, with a maximum depth of 100m per hole (Figure 1.). Figure 1. Plan of Underground Drilling Holes relative to historic workings at GVM. The Companys initial objective is to test the down dip continuity of the ore body at GVM through holes EADD001 to EADD003 which will be drilled in a fan at a -45 angle. Pambili expects that at least one of these holes is likely to intersect the orebody in the footwall at approximately 25m downhole. Pambilis secondary target is a NW-trending shear that was interpreted from airborne geophysics. The shear appears to be located 25 to 30m north of the underground workings. An initial scout hole (EADD004) will be drilled at a +5 angle and, depending on the results obtained from the core, two further holes (EADD005 and EADD006) are planned on either side of the scout hole. The following schematic shows the location and direction of the planned holes relative to the historic workings at GVM: Figure 2. 3D representation of the planned DD holes at GVM relative to the orebody (red), the shear (transparent grey), and the existing mine workings. Pambilis drilling program is designed to identify a production resource rather than a code-compliant mineral resource estimate, so sampling and testing will only be conducted on any mineralized zones intersected by each hole. Assays of such intersections will be submitted to an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited commercial metallurgical assay laboratory in Zimbabwe on a hole-by-hole basis to minimize the time taken to get the full assay results. Pambili expects the assay results from each hole to help guide the direction of subsequent drilling. For example, if the Companys first hole shows promising mineralization, the direction of the third hole may be adjusted from the initial plan to determine the extent of that mineralization. Jon Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Pambili Natural Resources, commented: The gold grades encountered from our sludge drilling holes around the periphery of GVMs historic development support our belief that, in the absence of geological data, historical mining simply stopped once the mineralized zone was mined out. Regional geology suggests the Bulawayo greenstone belts exhibit pinch and swell structures and Pambilis drilling program is geared towards identifying the next swell. This could have the potential to provide a near-term source of ore to fund operations at Golden Valley. This will provide the Company with a strong foundation while we look to complete a surface drilling programme at GVM to identify a code-compliant mineral resource. Were looking to forward to continuing to advance our understanding of GVMs gold potential as the drill bit begins turning, and will provide results as and when we are able. About Pambili Natural Resources Corporation Pambili Natural Resources Corporation is a natural resources exploration and development company (www.pambilinrc.com) currently active in Zimbabwe and in the province of Alberta. For further information, contact: Pambili Natural Resources Corporation Jon Harris (CEO) T: 403 277 4421 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information Forward-looking statements - Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words such as believes, may, likely, plans, or similar words. Forward- looking statements included in this news release include statements with respect to work to be done on the Golden Valley mine in Zimbabwe. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Corporation, including, but not limited to the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, and dependence upon regulatory approvals. The Corporation does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions or circumstances other than as required by applicable law. VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Power Metals Corp ("Power Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV: PWM) (FRANKFURT: OAA1) (OTCQB: PWRMF) is pleased to provide an exploration update on its ongoing Phase II 2024 drill program (the "Program") at its 100% owned Case Lake property (the "Property"). The second program of 2024 at Case Lake with Major Drilling is progressing with the first 841 meters for eleven (11) diamond drill holes completed of the planned 2,500-meter program. The Phase II drilling program is currently ahead of schedule, we anticipate the program to be completed in early October at Case Lake to test several high-priority cesium targets. WEST JOE Phase II drilling at West Joe continues to delineate and extend pollucite and spodumene mineralization at West Joe. PWM-24-207 to PWM-24-213 intersected 2-20% pollucite and 2-15% spodumene in consistent pegmatites that are 2-8m thick (Figure 2). Exploration holes PWM-24-214 to PWM-24-217 also intersected similar pegmatites with spodumene mineralization and will await final assay results to confirm cesium and/or pollucite mineralization. The first batch of samples from West Joe have been submitted to SGS Canada for analysis. The Company commenced Phase II drilling at West Joe in late August and has completed eleven (11) diamond drill holes to date for a total of 841 meters. West Joe (Figure 1) is a highly-fractionated cesium rich pegmatite system that has displayed known pollucite mineralization, associated to high-grade cesium. Previous drilling completed between 2017 and 2024 identified high-grade cesium mineralization that contains up to 24.7% Cs 2 O (Press release reported in June 2024). Target areas at West Joe currently remain open at depth and along strike to the east, and additional drilling is planned to test the down plunge extension of West Joe to the east in September before the drill moves to Main Zone to test cesium-rich targets, with the remaining 1,700 meters of drilling to be completed in approximately 14 holes. Haydn Daxter, Power Metals CEO commented "We are extremely pleased with the current progress to date for our Phase II Drilling Program at Case Lake. The team continues to unearth high grade cesium intercepts at West Joe from drilling to date and we look forward to our first round of assay results. We anticipate drilling to be completed in early October and assays results to commence later in the month." METALLURGICAL TEST WORK The Company has continued to advance its Metallurgical test work with SGS Laboratories in Canada, currently over 80kg of material has been sent to SGS to commence the test work in the production of cesium chemicals. At the same time the Company has dispatched over 60kg of material to Tomra Australia to conduct ore sorting and mineral separation on cesium from West Joe (Figure 3). This metallurgical test work will continue into October as the Company continues to de-risk the cesium mineralization of West Joe. Johnathan More, Chairman of Power Metals commented "I am extremely pleased with the current progress of our 2024 Phase II Drilling Program at Case Lake from the team on the ground. The Company remains fully funded for exploration drilling and test work as we continue to develop a clear path for the high-grade pollucite mineralization at West Joe." About SGS SGS is the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 98,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,650 offices and laboratories working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. SGS is independent of the Company. About TOMRA TOMRA Sorting provides a broad portfolio of sensor technology that enables precise detection and classification of individual particles. TOMRA has three test centers located in Hamburg (Germany), Sydney (Australia), and Johannesburg (South Africa) focused on mining, each providing different testing possibilities. TOMRA is independent of the Company. Case Lake Property The Case Lake Property is located 80 km east of Cochrane, northeastern Ontario close to the Ontario - Quebec border. The Property consists of 585 cell claims in Steele, Case, Scapa, Pliny, Abbotsford and Challies townships, Larder Lake Mining Division. The Property is 10km by 9.5km in size with 14 granitic domes. The Case Lake pegmatite swarm consists of six spodumene dykes known as the North, Main, South, East and Northeast dykes on the Henry Dome, and the West Joe dyke on a new dome, collectively forming mineralization trend that extends for approximately 10km (Figure 4). Power Metals have completed several exploration campaigns that have led to the discovery and expansion of new and historic spodumene bearing LCT pegmatites at Case Lake. The Company has drilled a total of 19,607 meters of core between 2017 and 2024 at the Property. The Case Lake Property is owned 100% by Power Metals Corp. A National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report has been prepared on Case Lake Property and filed on July 18, 2017 (Figure 4). Pelletier Property The Pelletier Property is located 50km south of Hearst, northeastern Ontario close to a network of forestry roads. The Property consists of 337 mineral claims that account for a total of 7000 hectares in Franz, Roche, Scholfield, and Talbot townships in the Porcupine mining division. The Pelletier Project is characterized by LCT prospective S-type pegmatitic granites intruding into metasedimentary and amphibolite of the Quetico at or near Archean terrane boundary between the Quetico and Wawa sub-provinces (Figure 4). Decelles Property The Decelles Property contains 669 claims, covering 38,404 hectares of LCT prospective ground near the mining centers of Val-dOr and Rouyn-Noranda, approximately 600km from Montreal. Power Metals acquired the Decelles and Mazerac properties from Winsome Resources in 2023 in a deal that allowed Winsome to increase its stake to 19.59% (Refer to press release announced on August 24, 2023). The geology of Decelles property is part of the Archean Pontiac sub-province where S-type LCT prospective, pegmatite bearing, granitic Decelles Batholith intrudes into metasedimentary units of the Pontiac Group. Spodumene and Beryl bearing pegmatites have been reported historically within the Pontiac sub-province in association with S-type garnet-muscovite granite. The Decelles property is adjacent to Vision Lithium's Cadillac property where discovery of high-grade lithium pegmatites was reported in 2022 (Figure 4). Mazerac Property The Mazerac Property is located approximately 30 km east of Power Metals' Decelles property near well-established mining camps in the Abitibi region of Canada and is accessible by network of mining-grade forestry roads. The Mazerac property contains 259 claims that cover 14,700 hectares of LCT prospective ground near the mining center of Val-dOr and Rouyn-Noranda. The regional geology of Mazerac is similar to Decelles where S-type LCT prospective, pegmatite bearing, granites of Decelles Batholith intrude into metasedimentary units of the Pontiac Group. Spodumene and Beryl bearing pegmatites have been reported historically within the Pontiac sub-province in association with S-type garnet-muscovite granite (Figure 4). Pollucite and Cesium Pollucite is a rare mineral that hosts high grade cesium and is associated with highly fractionated, rare element pegmatites. The main source of cesium known globally is pollucite (Cs,Na)(AlSiO)2HO, (https://www.gov.mb.ca/iem/geo/industrial/pollucite.html). Currently the Tanco mine in Manitoba, Canada is the only operating cesium deposit and holds over 60% of the known reserves globally. Scientific and Technical Disclosure The scientific and technical disclosure included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Amanuel Bein, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Power Metals, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Power Metals Power Metals Corp. is a diversified Canadian mining company with a mandate to explore, develop and acquire high quality mining projects. We are committed to building an arsenal of projects in both lithium and high-growth specialty metals and minerals. We see an unprecedented opportunity to supply the tremendous growth of the lithium battery and clean-technology industries. Learn more at www.powermetalscorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Johnathan More, Chairman & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations, including the use of funds raised under the Offering. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, Power Metals assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to several factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The TSXV has neither reviewed nor approved the contents of this press release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV: KDK) (OTCQB: KDKCF) (FSE: 5DD1) (the "Company" or "Kodiak") is pleased to report the first drill results from the fully funded 2024 drill program at its 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia. Assay results from the Company's first hole drilled at the Adit Zone (MPD South) as well as four exploratory holes at the Belcarra Target (MPD North) are presented herein. Highlights - Adit Zone Kodiak's maiden drilling at the Adit Zone intersected high-grade mineralization in the near- surface , confirming and extending the copper-gold-silver porphyry system observed at surface and in shallow historic drilling (Figure 1) . The Adit Zone remains open in several directions. , confirming and extending the copper-gold-silver porphyry system observed at surface and in shallow historic drilling . The Adit Zone remains open in several directions. Hole AXE-24-007 is the best hole ever drilled at Adit based on grade x width, intersecting 357 metres assaying 0.43% Cu, 0.02 g/t Au and 10.05 g/t Ag (0.46% CuEq*) from 89 to 446 metres downhole. based on grade x width, intersecting downhole. All intersected mineralization is within 200 metres of surface due to the slope of the topography in the area (Figures 2 to 4) . due to the slope of the topography in the area . Drill Hole AXE-24-007 also contains several higher-grade intervals (Figures 2 to 4) : 0.69% Cu, 0.04 g/t Au, 20.41 g/t Ag (0.76 % CuEq) over 156 metres from 89 to 245 metres 1.24 % Cu, 0.02 g/t Au, 5.36 g/t Ag (1.13% CuEq) over 21 metres from 206 to 227 metres 0.54 % Cu, 0.01 g/t Au, 2.55 g/t Ag, (0.49% CuEq) over 51 met res from 347 to 398 metres : Weathered hydrothermal breccia with high-grade silver assayed 0.66% Cu, 0.03 g/t Au, and 840 g/t Ag over 3 metres within a wider 13 metre high-grade interval assaying 1.74% Cu, 0.03 g/t Au and 194.98 g/t Ag (2.77 % CuEq) from 151 to 164 metres (Figure 4) . within a wider from 151 to 164 metres . Drilling at Adit is targeting coincident copper-in-soil and 3D induced polarization (3D IP) chargeability anomalies that suggest the Adit Zone is part of a larger porphyry system (Figure 2). The current drilling is designed to establish controls on near surface copper oxide and sulphide mineralization at Adit, while extending this zone to depth and along strike. Additional drill holes are being completed, with assays pending. Claudia Tornquist, President and CEO of Kodiak said, "Adit is the third sizeable high-grade zone drilled by Kodiak at MPD to date, in addition to the Gate and West Zones. We are thrilled with our first drill results from Adit, which successfully extended shallow mineralization from historic drilling and demonstrate that this zone is significantly larger than interpreted in the past. The success at Adit is particularly important because the high-grade mineralization is shallow, which enhances its future economic potential. Adit is also interpreted to be part of a larger porphyry system that extends over 3 kilometres and includes the Mid, South and 1516 Zones. The Adit Zone is still open in multiple directions, and we expect results from further holes from this zone. The majority of this year's results are still outstanding, and our shareholders can expect ongoing news flow over the coming months." Figure 1: 2024 Target Location Map - MPD Project, Southern BC. Figure 2: Adit Zone plan map showing historic and Kodiak drilling to date, and the new 2024 hole reported herein as a yellow trace with assays. Bar graphs showing downhole copper (green) and gold (red) values for the Kodiak drilling. Background is colour-contoured copper-in soil data. Figure 3: Adit Zone east-west long section at 5502800mN (looking north). Background is colour contoured 3D IP Chargeability (SJV Geophysics, 2005). Results from hole AXE-24-007 in Table 1. Adit Zone Drilling The Adit Zone is located on the MPD South claims. The Company's first holes at Adit are targeting coincident 3D IP chargeability and copper-in-soil anomalies. The anomalies are located at the northern end of a geophysical-geochemical trend on the west side of the Summers Creek fault that links the Adit, Mid and South Zones and suggests these mineralized zones are part of a large copper system (Figure 2). Historic drilling at the Adit Zone has been carried out since the 1960's, with the majority of the work involving shallow percussion drill holes. The occurrence is a 500-metre-wide alteration zone characterised by shallow (surface to 125 metres), well-developed supergene leaching with copper oxides overprinting earlier potassic altered intrusive host rocks. Previous interpretations suggested that Adit was structurally bounded at depth and along major faults, however recent work by Evrim Resource Corp. in 2018 (drill hole 18-04 in Figure 3) and Kodiak's current drilling observed significant copper sulphide mineralization beyond the oxide zone and the interpreted structures. Kodiak's maiden hole at Adit (AXE-24-007) was an inclined hole, drilled eastward down slope, through and below historic drilling (Figure 3). The purpose of the 2024 drilling is to confirm reported historic grades and determine the extent and geological controls of the porphyritic intrusive suite and complex alteration system at Adit. Initial results from AXE-24-007 confirm the phased nature of the mineralization, exhibiting a zoned suite that includes Cu-Ag-Au (+/-Mo, Zn, Pb) (Figure 4, Tables 1 and 2). High-grade copper mineralization was noted in both oxide and sulphide mineralization facies, with sulphides dominating at depth. Figure 4: Examples of core from 2024 drilling at the Adit Zone, hole AXE-24-007: a) Strongly oxidized andesite breccia with pyrite-malachite in veinlets at 49 m; b) Hydrothermally altered diorite breccia with chalcopyrite-malachite-azurite-sphalerite in 13 m high-grade interval assaying 1.74% Cu, 0.03 g/t Au and 194.98 g/t Ag from 150.5 to 164 m; c) Massive chalcopyrite-pyrite in quartz flooded porphyritic dacite breccia at 222 m in 21 m interval assaying 1.24% Cu, 0.02 g/t Au and 5.36 g/t Ag from 206 to 227 m; d) Disseminated chalcopyrite-pyrite in diorite with late quartz stringers hosting chalcopyrite-molybdenum at 393 m in 51 m interval assaying 0.54% Cu, 0.01 g/t Au, 2.55 g/t Ag and 0.03% Mo from 347 to 398 m Belcarra Target Drilling The Belcarra Target lies 400 metres south of the Gate Zone, midway between the Gate and Man Zones. Drilling in 2024 was designed to test multiple targets including: 3D chargeability and conductivity anomalies, copper-in-soil, copper in historic rock / trench samples and the coincident VRIFY AI Epsilon area of interest (Figure 5). Drill holes MPD-24-003 and 004 were drilled to the northwest to test a 300-metre-wide copper-in-soil and conductive geophysical anomaly that coincides with the interpreted extension of the Gate Zone fault. Drilling confirmed copper mineralization within this target. Hole MPD-24-004 intersected a 34-metre-wide zone of clay-sericite altered fault breccia with Cu-Au-Ag mineralization as sulphide veining or replacement features (Tables 1 and 2). Hole MPD-24-003 did not reach the targeted depth or Gate Zone fault due to ground conditions. Drill holes MPD-24-001 and 002 were drilled eastward to test the separate VRIFY AI Epsilon area and a 3D chargeability anomaly present at depth. Both holes intersected pyrite-dominated sulphide mineralization within altered diorite / andesite host rocks, without significant copper. Figure 5: Belcarra Target plan maps showing 2024 Kodiak drilling. Holes reported herein are yellow traces with assays. Bar graphs showing downhole copper (green) and gold (red) values. Background is colour contoured copper-in soil data (left) and 3D IP chargeability (right). Table 1: Weighted assay intervals for 2024 drill holes AXE-24-007 (Adit Zone) and MPD-24-004 (Belcarra Target). See Figures 2, 3 and 4 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval** (m) % Cu Au g/t Ag g/t %CuEq* Adit Zone AXE-24-007 89 446 357 0.43 0.02 10.05 0.46 includes 89 245 156 0.69 0.04 20.41 0.76 includes 151 164 13 1.74 0.03 194.98 2.77 and includes 206 227 21 1.24 0.02 5.36 1.13 and includes 347 398 51 0.54 0.01 2.55 0.49 Belcarra Target MPD-24-004 117 151 34 0.13 0.32 0.94 N/A includes 138 151 13 0.20 0.81 1.94 N/A * Copper equivalent grades (%CuEq) are for comparative purposes only. No metallurgical work has been done at the MPD Project to date and metal recoveries used in equivalency calculations are assumed from information on comparable deposits and/or mines. Metallurgical recovery assumptions are: 88% for copper, 67% for gold and 68% for silver. Metal prices used in equivalency calculations are solely for relative weighting factors. Metal prices of US$4.10/lb copper, US$2,200/oz gold, and US$26/oz silver, using the formula: %CuEq = Cu % x 88% rec. + (Au g/t x 0.78) x 67% rec.) + (Ag g/t x 0.0092) x 68% rec.) **Intervals are downhole drilled core intervals. Drilling data to date is insufficient to determine true width of mineralization. Table 2: 2024 MPD Drill Collar Information Hole ID Easting (UTM Z10) Northing (UTM Z10) Elevation (m) Azimuth (degrees) Dip (degrees) EOH (m) Target Reported AXE-24-007 678346 5502790 1257 75 -50 533 Adit 2024-09-10 MPD-24-001 680964 5514420 1152 100 -50 551 Belcarra 2024-09-10 MPD-24-002 680964 5514420 1152 60 -50 611 Belcarra 2024-09-10 MPD-24-003 680964 5514420 1152 310 -50 202 Belcarra* 2024-09-10 MPD-24-004 680964 5514420 1152 310 -60 504 Belcarra 2024-09-10 * Drill hole did not reach target depth. Over 8,500 metres have been completed to date in the 2024 drill program. Regional exploration at the MPD Project is ongoing and includes a 2000 sample soil geochemistry program and 25-line kilometres of 3D Induced Polarization (3D IP) surveying to advance new targets identified by Kodiak and follow up several VRIFY AI areas of interest and historic soil anomalies. MPD is a large land package (226 square kilometres) located near several operating mines in the southern Quesnel Terrane, British Columbia's primary copper-gold producing belt. The project is located midway between the towns of Merritt and Princeton, with year-round accessibility and excellent infrastructure nearby. QA/QC Procedures All core samples were sent to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) in North Vancouver, BC for preparation and analysis. ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. HQ and NQ size core was split and sampled over approximately 1.5 to 3.0 metre intervals depending on core size. Samples were analyzed using ALS's Fire Assay Fusion method (Au-AA24) with an AA finish for gold and by a 48-element four acid digest ICP-AES analysis (MS61) with additional analysis for Ore Grade Elements (ME-OG62) and Ore Grade Cu (Cu-OG62). Results were reported in parts per million (ppm) and converted to percent (%), or grams per tonne (g/t) when applicable. In addition to ALS Laboratory quality assurance- quality control (QA/QC) protocols, Kodiak implements an internal QA/QC program that includes the insertion of sample blanks, duplicates, and standards in the field. Jeff Ward, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical information contained in this release. Kodiak believes historic results referenced herein to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time. However, the Company has not independently verified, or cannot guarantee, the accuracy of this historic information. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kodiak Copper Corp. Claudia Tornquist President & CEO About Kodiak Copper Corp. Kodiak is focused on its 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA that have been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits. The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Terrane in south-central British Columbia, Canada, a mining district with producing mines and excellent infrastructure. MPD has all the hallmarks of a major, multi-centered porphyry system. Kodiak made an initial discovery of a high-grade porphyry centre of significant size at the Gate Zone and has since successfully outlined multiple kilometre-scale mineralized zones across the large MPD property. With more target areas yet to be tested, Kodiak continues to systematically explore the project to build critical mass and demonstrate MPD's district-scale potential. The Company also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Kodiak's founder and Chairman is Chris Taylor who is well-known for his gold discovery success with Great Bear Resources. Kodiak is also part of Discovery Group led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement) This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) ("Riverside" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the core drilling company and related equipment has arrived at the Cecilia Project ("Project") in Sonora, Mexico. Drilling will commence for the planned 2,500m, 8 drill hole program and will initially test 3 target areas at the Project. All funding with partner Fortuna Mining is in place and permits are in hand to carry forward this next phase of gold - silver exploration. Drill Program Highlights 2,500m planned drill program for a total of 8 holes Drilling Cerro Magallanes breccia and dome margin with the potential to drill through the dome if warranted Drilling East target where former small scale mine workings and adits move along 4 sub-parallel vein structures of quartz containing silver grades up to over 250 g/t Ag (June 6, 2017 press release) Myra vein targets will be the first of several Mesa targets to be drilled and tested beneath an area that returned surface channel vein samples of up to 3 g/t Au (October 2, 2018 press release) If meters allow, to drill the Mesa Fault target along the southeast portion of the Cecilia district tenure where past chip sampling has returned gold values up to 4 g/t Au (September 21, 2020 press release) Budget of USD$800,000 for this phase of drilling "We are excited to begin the drill program at the Cecilia project with our partner Fortuna Mining," stated John-Mark Stude, CEO of Riverside Resources. "We announced the agreement with Fortuna Mining in March and have spent the past six months incorporating the results from a recent airborne magnetic survey and extensive geochemistry and mapping into our past project databases and have designed an initial drill program to test three of the highly prospective targets for the project. Concurrent to the commencement of this drill campaign, our teams will collaborate on a plan to define at least four other targets in anticipation of a follow-on drill campaign as well as potential follow up drilling on these initial three. The team at Riverside has spent several years methodically advancing exploration programs at the Cecilia Project and working with a strong partner like Fortuna Mining helps take this project through the next stage of exploration and hopefully towards a major discovery." During the recent summer field season the exploration targets were advanced with the results from a broader property-wide airborne magnetic survey which covered the complete property being integrated with an earlier detailed magnetic survey of the central Cerro Magallanes putting it into context with the full 80 km project area. The drill program will begin with core drill testing of the Agua Prieta Breccia target on the east side of the Magallanes Dome along the contact zone of the rhyodacite dome and volcanic tuffs. The plan is to drill an angle hole up to 800m to cross the breccia features where surface gold mineralization has returned up to > 1 ounce / ton gold (September 21, 2020 press release) and shallow drill holes of 24.2m @ 1.51 g/t Au (April 15, 2021 press release) (Riverside, CED-21-005, 2021) have been intersected. Figure 1: Geologic map with targets for Cecilia Project Figure 2: Assay samples from this current summer 2024 field program with purple >1g up to 13 g/t Au. Labeled samples selected higher grade assays clustering in target areas shown on geologic map Figure 1. About the Cecilia Project: Riverside Resources has undertaken comprehensive exploration efforts at the property, including drilling activities that have yielded significant gold intercepts. Notably, drill results have intersected near surface promising intercepts such as 24.2m @ 1.51 g/t Au (April 15, 2021 press release) within the rhyodacite dome, showcasing the property's gold at shallow depths which also has been mined in over a dozen locations including some substantial small scale underground prospect mining. Further drill planning will look to explore for potential larger high grade targets at depths along these intercepts. One distinguishing aspect of this project is the potential to preserve a fertile dome system. The Magallanes Target, situated at the central part of the project, exhibits interaction within extensive NE and NW structures, presenting a compelling opportunity for the discovery of epithermal gold-silver style mineralization and breccias at the margin of the dome and potentially inside feeder structures as breccia pipes in the dome. This geological scheme of the Cecilia Project resembles the Tertiary-age rhyolite systems, like the La Pitarrilla Ag-Pb-Zn project (~800M oz AgEq*) and Fresnillo's San Julian Ag-Au Mine (~350M oz AgEq**), both situated in Durango, Mexico in the similar Sierra Madre Volcanic Province to Cecilia. *Mineral Resource estimate for the Pitarrilla Ag Pb Zn Project, Durango, Mexico, SSR Mining, March, 2023. **Obtained from Fresnillo public presentation, Hermosillo, October, 2016. Qualified Person & QA/QC: The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the Cecilia Project was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources focusing on the work in Sonora, Mexico, who is responsible for ensuring that the information provided in this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The resource information for SSR Mining and Fresnillo is from their corporate public disclosure and has not been reviewed by Riverside Qualified Person. Samples from the exploration program discussed above at the Cecilia Project were taken to the Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico for fire assaying for gold. The rejects remained with Bureau Veritas in Mexico while the pulps were transported to Bureau Veritas laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada for 45 element ICP/ES-MS analysis using 4-acid digestion methods. A QA/QC program was implemented as part of the sampling procedures for the exploration program. Standard samples were randomly inserted into the sample stream prior to being sent to the laboratory. About Riverside Resources Inc.: Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $5M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside's own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com. ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC. "John-Mark Staude" Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Five mixed-race women demanding reparations from Belgium after being taken from their mothers in Congo 70 years ago took their fight to a Brussels appeals court Monday. The women, now in their 70s, accuse the country of crimes against humanity over a colonial-era practice that saw them forcibly placed in an orphanage. The five women say they were torn from their families, brought up in a convent, mistreated and then abandoned when the Belgian Congo gained independence in 1960. Their lawyers argue this was part of a "policy of racial segregation and abduction instituted by the colonial state". Surrounded by relatives, the women huddled together on a front-row bench in the court Monday to hear the opening arguments of their appeal. "Mixed-race (children) were taken away because they represented a danger to the colony," said Michele Hirsch, a lawyer for the five. The case is the first in Belgium to shed light on the fate of biracial children born in the former Belgian colonies (DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi), who are thought to number around 15,000, though there has never been an official count. Most of the children born of a union between a black woman and a white man were not recognised by their father and were not allowed to mix with either whites or Africans. As a result, many were placed under state guardianship and put in orphanages usually run by the Catholic Church. The women's lawyers -- who are demanding initial compensation of 50,000 euros ($55,200) -- say they also suffered from "identity theft". The case was dismissed at first instance in 2021 as the Belgium state successfully argued that too much time had passed since the alleged wrongdoing. The court also pointed out that the notion of crimes against humanity did not exist under Belgian law until 1999. Belgium apologised to the mixed-race descendants of its white colonists in 2019. The appeal is expected to last two days. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vowed Monday to remain in Venezuela, a day after her colleague and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia took up asylum in Spain claiming post-election repression. "I have decided to stay in Venezuela and take part in the struggle from here while he (Gonzalez Urrutia) does it from abroad," Machado, who is in hiding, told reporters via videoconference. Gonzalez Urrutia, 75, arrived in Madrid late Sunday after weeks in hiding following a July 28 presidential election the opposition insists he won but was claimed by incumbent Nicolas Maduro. "We all know that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the elected president of Venezuela... whether he is in Venezuela or anywhere else in the world," said Machado. The fact that he is now abroad "does not change anything: legitimacy is maintained, the strategy is the same," she insisted. After his arrival in Spain, Gonzalez Urrutia said he had decided to leave "so that things can change and so we can build a new stage for Venezuela." Machado had said he left the country because "his life was in danger." "Only the policy of dialogue will enable us to reunite as compatriots," Gonzalez Urrutia wrote in a letter addressed to Venezuelans and posted on social media network X. "I have taken this decision thinking of Venezuela and that our destiny as a country cannot, must not, be that of a conflict of pain and suffering." Gonzalez Urrutia had replaced Machado on the ballot at the last minute after she was prevented from running by institutions loyal to Maduro, which are accused by observers of human rights violations. Venezuela's regime-loyal National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the election winner but the opposition cried foul and much of the international community has refused to accept the result. - At risk of prison - Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez Urrutia, who Maduro has said belongs behind bars along with Machado. She remains mostly in hiding but has led a handful of anti-Maduro protests since the disputed vote. Gonzalez Urrutia left Venezuela after ignoring three successive summons to appear before prosecutors, having argued that doing so risked his freedom. Prosecutors had opened an investigation against Gonzalez Urrutia for crimes related to his insistence that he was the rightful election victor. Charges include usurpation of public functions, forgery of a public document, incitement to disobedience, sabotage, and association with organized crime. He risks a prison sentence of 30 years. The charges stem from the opposition publishing its own tally of polling-station-level ballots cast, which it says showed Gonzalez Urrutia winning about two-thirds of votes. Venezuela's electoral authority has said it cannot provide a breakdown of the election results, blaming a cyber attack on its systems. Observers have said there is no evidence of such hacking. Post-election violence in Venezuela has claimed 27 lives and left 192 people wounded, while the government says it has arrested about 2,400 people. The office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague said Monday it was monitoring "current developments" in Venezuela on top of an ongoing probe of crimes against humanity possibly committed by government forces during opposition protests in 2017, in which more than 100 people were killed. The office said in a statement it was "analyzing information... regarding allegations of crimes that may fall within the jurisdiction of the Court." Human Rights NGOs on Monday urged the United Nations to alter the mandate of an international fact-finding mission on Venezuela to include investigating the post-election violence. "Venezuelans are facing a violent crackdown on voters and protesters, political leaders, journalists, human rights defenders and other actual or perceived alleged opponents of the Maduro administration," the groups said in a joint appeal. "By renewing the mission's mandate, governments would send a clear message to perpetrators that the international community is committed to holding them accountable for their international crimes and ongoing human rights violations," they added. After Venezuela's last election, in 2018, Maduro also claimed victory amid widespread accusations of fraud. With the support of the military and other institutions, he managed to cling to power despite international sanctions. Maduro's tenure since 2013 has seen GDP drop 80 percent in a decade, prompting more than seven million of the country's 30 million citizens to migrate. In October last year, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) suddenly announced he was withdrawing all charges against Maxime Mokom, former Central African Republic (CAR) minister of Disarmament, during the process of confirming the charges against him, before the judges had a chance to say yes or no to his potential trial. At the time, we wrote Mokom has been released from prison. But the details that have now emerged during his application for compensation show how very twisted the route out of the Scheveningen detention unit can be. The files available on the court website have been redacted to within an inch of their lives to make sure there is no indication about where Mokom tried to go, where he is now, or even where his family is. But the detailed emails going back and forth make up eight separate annexes. In one surreal exchange, who gets to ride in the car to the hotel where Mokom is being held is under discussion. Mokom was not initially thrown into the road by the ICC, as Mokom himself told the court, but was placed instead in a legal fiction as described by the Registry representative Marc Dubuisson known as the ICC bubble. This is how someone who has to leave the detention unit, as ordered by the court, is looked after by the court because there is no state available to which the former detainee can go. The legal fiction, outlined Dubuisson, is that a hotel room is in fact part of the ICC. No one except, as in this case, their birth country usually wants an international former detainee. So they are stuck in a legal limbo that stops them from coming under the rules of the host state, the Netherlands, who could arrest them as an illegal immigrant who has arrived in the country without documentation. And so instead, they are in that bubble, while the court tries to find them a new home. Back in the CAR, Mokom had been tried in absentia and sentenced to life or hard labour depending on your sources. So Bangui was out of the question. Mokom says who failed him Mokom is claiming prosecutorial, judicial and administrative negligence, reminded the court presiding judge Miatta Maria Samba. Shes heading what is known as ad hoc Article 85 Chamber, named after the specific provision in the courts Rome Statute governing compensation for wrongful arrests. Anyone who has been the victim of unlawful arrest or detention shall have an enforceable right to compensation, it reads. She's flanked by judges Keebong Paek and Beti Hohler. Hohler has worked at the court for many years but was only recently elected as a judge. Paek is also one of the new cohort of trial judges, sworn in in March this year. Judge Samba summarised Mokoms application and the three grounds it comprised. The first was that he was the target of a wrongful prosecution because of the Office of the Prosecutors failure to acknowledge or identify exculpatory evidence. Secondly, Mokom alleged failure of Pre-Trial Chamber and the Appeals Chamber to provide timely decisions twice which caused him irreparable harm. Finally, administratively, he alleged he was subject to unlawful detention twice: from the day of his application for interim release on 14 November 2022 and his actual release in October 2023 during which he was not granted provisional release because no state were parties willing to facilitate that; then when he was confined to a hotel after the proceedings terminated. Mokom is asking for 2,850,000 euros in compensation for himself and an additional 500,000 for the harm caused his family. The procedural history is long and detailed around the period of the withdrawal of charges until Mokoms departure to a destination undisclosed. But some key points emerged during the day-long hearing on September 9. He spent 43 days in a hotel. His movements were restricted. Everyone judges, administrators and lawyers possibly even the states involved, even though they did not appear in court, felt they did their jobs. But theres nothing in the courts regulations to deal with this situation well. And the agreement The Netherlands has with the court on the movement of witnesses and detainees also doesn't fully encompass what was happening. Who was told what when, why Mokoms lawyers werent fully informed, what the Registry said to the host state and back is part of the dispute between the parties but its redacted. Are international tribunals able to function well? So why report on these proceedings when they rely on limited documentation and hop in and out of closed sessions? Its emblematic of the many issues the ICC faces, where cases take too long to come to court, detainees are arrested long after the alleged crimes, procedures in Mokoms case, for example, deciding who would represent him are tedious, and instructive on whether these international tribunals are in fact able to function well. Handicapped, is how Philippe Larochelle, Mokoms lawyer, described the court in that it couldnt perform what he described as the normal functions of a criminal court. On the case against his client, Larochelle described the prosecutors work in the CAR as highly unreliable because, he said, their office is working hand in hand with one of most corrupt regimes of the planet. The result of proximity with the countrys president, known as le soleil in CAR, said Larochelle, was that the prosecutor is blinded by the sun. If the Office of the Prosecutor go after Russian president Vladimir Putin and they are trying to go after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I hope these warrants are more solid than what they had for Mokom, or they will be in far more serious trouble, he told the court. Larochelle also spent much of his allotted time needling at the prosecutions decision to withdraw charges. If they had had exculpatory evidence among the 30,000 plus documents disclosed to the defence in the end, then why did it take them five years to work that out, he asked. He waved around the Office of the Prosecutors code of conduct and quoted large chunks relating to fairness. In good faith Helen Brady, a prosecution appeals counsel, told the court that Mokoms team were clearly more than capable of analysing the material themselves and that Mokom had benefited from a robust and prepared defence. But the standard of evidence for an arrest warrant, and that for a confirmation hearing, was different from the prospect of a successful conviction, she told the court. The decision to drop the case was a forward-looking assessment, she said, made in good faith because, as outlined by the prosecutor, several witnesses insider witnesses were no longer available. Further information about issues of cooperation, investigation and the prosecutors strategy were not going to be forthcoming because they are protected and not required by the court, she said. She agreed though that her offices disclosure of material to the defence had not been perfect. For the Registry, Dubuisson said it was not clear exactly on what basis Mokom was making his claim against the court. Article 85, he outlined, does not only deal with compensation for wrongful arrest. In its third paragraph it refers to exceptional circumstances, where the Court finds conclusive facts showing that there has been a grave and manifest miscarriage of justice. But Dubuisson said there was no reason to provide compensation on either basis. Instead, he described how much effort the Registry had put into finding a solution but one cannot ask the registry to endlessly contact states. The judges of the Pre-Trial Chamber themselves decided it must ultimately come to an end, he said. Mokom himself addressed the court. He talked about how his freedom of movement was restricted because he is now applying for asylum in an unnamed state. I suffer morally and physically, he said. He also described how the ICC Registry had put up big notices advertising his confirmation of charges hearing in the CAR suggesting my charges would be confirmed. Now these allegations are stuck to my skin, he said. I am a Central African great criminal, this will never leave me. The court has ruined this mans life, concluded Larochelle. Matt Johnson left, and Deragh Campbell pictured on the Toronto set of the film "Matt and Mara." Its star Matt Johnson and director Kazik Radwanski say Canadian filmmakers arent taking nearly enough risks. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO James Michael Chiang A noise camera pilot project for B.C. will be discussed at the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, Kelowna Coun. Gord Lovegrove says. The devices would be used by police to take pictures of excessively noisy cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - A senior official at the Adani Group was reportedly sneaked into the parking garage after local staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport turned hostile and chased him away. According to local staff at JKIA, the senior official who is now the General Manager of Security Services at JKIA has started receiving intelligence reports on the countrys security situation despite him being a foreigner. The Kenyan General Manager in charge of security services at JKIA has been rendered jobless after the senior official from the Adani Group forcibly took over his office amid protests. This comes even as the High Court granted the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) permission to file a judicial review challenge to the Kenya Airports Authority's (KAA) decision to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Adani Group for 30 years. The court, sitting in Milimani and presided over by Justice J. Chigiti, issued a conservatory order on Monday, halting all further action on the proposed lease until the case is fully resolved. This stay order came as a relief to many concerned parties, including the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which has strongly opposed the Adani proposal. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Renowned Nairobi lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, has urged President William Ruto not to allow Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to lead a rebellion against his government. For the past few weeks, Gachagua has been making public statements in churches and at rallies that challenge the government. In a social media post on Monday, Ahmednasir advised Ruto to learn from former President Uhuru Kenyattas mistakes in handling a rebellious deputy president. According to Ahmednasir, Uhuru made a costly mistake by failing to deal firmly with Ruto when he was his deputy in the Jubilee government. "H.E. Ruto must learn from the mistakes of Uhuru. Just like Uhuru made many costly mistakes and was extremely clumsy in addressing the open rebellion of his deputy, William Ruto, William Ruto must not make the same mistakes all over again," Ahmednasir wrote on X. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 9, 2024 - Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has met with Azimio MCAs in a bid to avert his looming impeachment. Kileleshwa Ward MCA, Robert Alai, is reportedly drafting a motion to impeach Governor Sakaja over allegations of gross misconduct, misappropriation, and looting of public funds. To save himself, Governor Sakaja reportedly met former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his Opoda Farm in Kisumu over the weekend, where he pleaded with him to urge opposition MCAs to shelf the impeachment motion. On Monday, Sakaja left tongues wagging after he met with Azimio MCAs in a closed-door meeting where the media was barred. Im the one who sent the invite to the Azimio MCAs. The agenda is not about the impeachment talks, the governor knows it because he is the one who invited us for the meeting, Majority Whip Moses Ogeto said when asked what was the agenda of the meeting. An MCA who attended the meeting revealed that Sakaja promised to "grease the hands" of the MCAs in exchange for stopping the impeachment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - President William Ruto and his state house cartels have suffered an immense blow after the High Court stopped the Indian Firm, Adani Group, from taking over the operations of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and 14 other airstrips in Kenya. The court, sitting in Milimani and presided over by Justice J. Chigiti, issued a conservatory order on Monday, halting all further action on the proposed lease until the case is fully resolved. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Kenya Human Rights Commission(KHRC) argued in their submissions that the decision to lease Kenya's busiest airport to a foreign private entity was made without adequate consultation or transparency, a claim that Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and other respondents must address in their responses, which are due within the next few days. The substantive hearing will decide whether the lease agreement, which has raised concerns about national sovereignty and job security, can be continued or terminated entirely. The lease cost of JKIA is worth Sh 250 billion and some of President William Ruto's allies have allegedly already pocketed billions in kickbacks KAA Chairman Caleb Kositany is reported to have purchased a brand-new Range Rover worth Sh 50 million using the kickbacks, while Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and wheeler-dealer Jayesh Saini are reportedly swimming in money from the secretive deal, which President Ruto was fully aware of. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo has predicted a bright political future for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite him being labeled a tribal bigot for urging unity among Mt Kenya region residents. In a statement on her Facebook page, Millie Odhiambo, an opposition MP, noted that Gachagua has undergone significant changes since he was appointed Deputy President in 2022. The outspoken MP, listed three things that Gachagua is lately doing that are worth observing First, Millie commended Gachagua for refusing to promise Trans Nzoia residents things he could not fulfill. "Many politicians want to be applauded and praised for their actions. "We then end up over- promising and not delivering... I rarely make promises in my own constituency but when I do, I have to know that I have resources for it and give timelines," Millie said. The long-serving lawmaker also praised Gachagua for "listening to the ground," a phrase commonly used to describe engaging with and serving the electorate. "He made a U-turn and started listening. "Right now in Central Kenya, his star is bright. "Listening and hearing are two different things. "Many leaders hear, few listen. In listening, you wear the other person's shoes. "Empathy is a big part of listening. Humility is a big part of listening. "Teachable spirit is a big part of listening," Millie added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - The race to replace former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as ODM party leader has kicked off with a section of Nairobi County delegates endorsing Siaya Governor James Orengo for the coveted position. In a meeting chaired by Nairobi County ODM chair George Aladwa, all the 17 branch officials who attended the meeting exuded their confidence in having the Siaya governor at the helm of the party. Raila Odinga is set to relinquish the seat as he continues to seek the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship position. The partys central management committee is expected to hold a meeting to deliberate on the impending changes. There will be a vacuum for the position of the party leader after the exit of Raila Odinga so we were proposing the Governor of Siaya, James Orengo, to be considered for the position of ODMs party leader, Aladwa asserted. We as delegates from Nairobi have agreed unanimously to support Governor Orengo to succeed Raila Odinga. On her part, the chairperson of ODMs women's league Catherine Okoth called on the party leader to consider more women for party positions. We are asking our party leader to appoint more opportunities for women to lead in our party. So that our female members can work for the party, she urged. The move comes as various factions within the party position themselves to succeed ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is eyeing the AU Chairmanship post in February 2025. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - DCI Operations Support Unit detectives have arrested Julius Kirimi Muthuri and a German National Richard Olaf Heinig at Red Ruby Hotel along Ojijo Road in Parklands. The two individuals are suspected of having scammed a Swiss National over Ksh 52 Million and were ready to fleece him more before the lynx-eyed detectives pounced on them. The victim fell into the hands of the two scammers after he was informed by his ailing father who had worked in Ghana that about twenty years ago, he acquired some property in Ghana which he later sold and left the proceeds under the custody of a trustee in Ghana. In pursuit of this treasure, he connected with a Ghanaian lady namely Mamee Efua Esong who was the translator during the transaction, and proceeded to contact and meet her in the year 2020. This lady claimed to be familiar with his father's earlier transactions and confirmed to him that the proceeds of the sale of the property were available to the tune of USD 62.8 million but the same needed a special purpose company for ease of transfer. The Swiss national was tricked into registering a company that was to be used to transfer the money to his home country but not before paying taxes and facilitation money to the scammers in Ghana, Dubai, Tanzania, Uganda, and later Kenya all in a bid to have his father's consignment move to Switzerland. While in Kenya, he was introduced to Mr. Richard Olaf Heinig who would later enjoin Mr. Julius Muthuri Kirimi in November 2023 who claimed to own Lawsam Security Company which was hired to transport and store the cargo which was allegedly inspected and stored in a Nairobi airport where he would later be denied access to the containers forcing him to part with approximately USD 400,000 to the suspects in facilitation fees. After spending a fortune, he realized that he had been scammed and he filed a complaint at the Kenyan Mission in Switzerland. The matter was referred to the DCI through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs where the investigations leading to the arrest of the scammers were commenced. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations sends a strong warning to anyone whose mission is to reap where they have not sown, that their days are numbered The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Outspoken Nairobi-based lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, has urged President William Ruto to deal decisely with his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, before he 'destroys' him. According to Ahmednasir, known in social circles as the 'Grand Mullah,' Gachagua and some Mt Kenya leaders have initiated a rebellion against the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government. Ahmednasir argued that even though the president cannot fire his deputy, Ruto should consider using the parliamentary process to impeach the second in command. He pointed out that, unlike Uhuru, Ruto currently has the numerical strength in the parliamentary party enough to oust Gachagua. However, Ahmednasir suggests that, given the potential political consequences of impeaching Gachagua, Ruto should consider confronting and dealing decisively with his deputy. Unlike Uhuru, Ruto (for the time being) has the numbers in parliament. Of course, removing Gachagua brings to the fore many problems for Ruto, but just like Uhuru made mistakes in failing to confront Ruto head-on and deal with him decisively, Ruto must learn from history and not make the same mistake, Ahmednasir stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has stated that it is ready to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for undermining his boss, President William Ruto, and also promoting tribalism. The impeachment motion is being prepared by Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichungwah and has the backing of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson Cecily Mbarire. Reacting to the development, Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma stated that the Orange party is prepared to support the motion to impeach Gachagua for undermining the presidency and promoting tribalism in the Mt Kenya region. The numbers and the mood in Parliament is currently very good for real action. Let us make history. Ngoja ngoja huumiza tumbo, Kaluma wrote on his X page. Kalumas remarks come hours after a section of leaders from Mt Kenya East endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary, Prof Kithure Kindiki as their spokesman. The leaders, who were from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, stated that they have dumped Gachagua and they would now be listening to Kindiki. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - President William Ruto has promised to construct 40,000 affordable houses to help settle families that were moved from riparian reserves in Nairobi County. This is even as the president lied to the victims that he would give each one of them Ksh10,000 to help them get by. The victims, many of them aged citizens, revealed that the government incentive of Ksh10,000 which was to help them seek alternative housing amenities did not reach them. "Ruto should know that Mathare people are also humans. Why should we sleep out as animals? Wanjiru Kirangu, an aged resident, told the media. While speaking in Kibra during an inspection tour of the housing construction projects, Ruto revealed that the houses will be used by the citizens contrary to the reports that they were not set to benefit from the housing project. According to the Head of State, the government will construct the 40,000 units to settle those who were displaced by the government-led demolitions targeting those who were staying along the river banks. "Here in Nairobi, we are soon announcing the construction of 40,000 units to help settle those who were displaced by the government from the flood risk areas, Ruto stated. However, without wading into the stalemate, Ruto maintained that the government gave the affected victims the Ksh10,000 incentive as promised. "We will give them a settlement just as we had given them an incentive of Ksh10,000 to help them relocate, he argued. The Kenyan DAILY POST Stronger cooperation between different entities and regions, as well as a continuous flow of capital into emerging industries, are crucial to the facilitation of technological innovation, which serves as a major driver for China's high-quality economic growth, according to officials and industry experts. Their remarks were made during the 17th Pujiang Innovation Forum, which started on Saturday in Shanghai. This year's forum, jointly held by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai municipal government, was themed "Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future Toward an Open Environment for Scientific and Technological Innovation". A 10-billion-yuan ($1.4 billion) Shanghai Future-oriented Industries Fund was launched during the opening ceremony of the forum. Projected to promote disruptive innovation, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary innovation, as well as cutting-edge, platform-based technologies, the fund will focus on the health, information technology, manufacturing, energy, space and material industries, according to the Shanghai government. The fund will also connect to the industrial fund of funds for Shanghai's three pioneering industries of integrated circuits, biomedicine and artificial intelligence to form a fund cluster. In this way, a complete technology innovation investment system will be developed in Shanghai, facilitating early-stage technology incubation and industrial integration, the city's government said. During his speech delivered at the opening ceremony, Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, said the city will advance international cooperation on major scientific issues in areas of life and health, new energy and human development. Shanghai will also better integrate into the global innovation network and participate in global governance in areas such as AI. Xie Min, director-general of the department of policy, regulation and innovation at the Ministry of Science and Technology, said during the forum that innovation centers in China will be better guided to break barriers in terms of geography, administration and markets. As a result, innovation capabilities will be better coordinated, retaining the distinctive strengths of different centers while addressing shortages. China will also step up cooperation on a global scale by facilitating the free flow of various innovative elements, he said. Liu Dongmei, Party secretary of the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, explained that the national-level technology innovation center, which covers a larger area, should focus on applied research to support the development of key industries and high-quality development. A regional technology innovation center may cover one province or several adjacent provinces. Such a center focuses on the application of technologies by making the most of its resource endowment, she said. According to Liu, the Yangtze River Delta region has set up a model regional innovation center. The region accounts for over 30 percent of China's research professionals, patents and fiscal expenditures for technology development, and it contributes nearly half of the country's technology income from the international market. Shanghai has played an important role in improving the region's innovation capabilities, she said. The next round of technology reform will be more complex, dealing with sectors such as brain science, quantum technology, synthetic biology, aerospace and controlled nuclear fusion, according to Mi Lei, founding partner of venture capital investor Casstar. The development of these technologies, which cover various disciplines, will take longer and require significant investment. Long-term capital is of greater importance against that backdrop, Mi said. Ge Liang, deputy general manager of the technology finance department at Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, said investing in companies focused on hard technology at an earlier stage has been more frequently emphasized in the market. But it is not an easy task, as there are various uncertainties regarding technological innovation. shijing@chinadaily.com.cn Tuesday, September 10, 2024 President William Rutos Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei seems to be drunk with power. This is after MPs accused him of arrogating himself powers of the National Police Service Commission by transferring police officers indiscriminately. The MPs, led by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany and Kisumu East counterpart Shakeel Shabbir, accused Koskei of sabotaging the security of the country by transferring police officers with political intentions. According to the MPs, Koskei has been transferring police officers from the constituencies without following due process despite not being in charge of the transfers. They, as a result, asked Koskei to instead focus on issues of policy at the national level and leave alone the issues of police transfers to the concerned authorities to deal with it. Stop interfering, stop bothering yourself with the issues of the constituencies, deal with the issues at the national level, Keitany stated. The MPs claimed that the actions of the Head of Public Service have contributed to instability in security within their constituencies. We need the security situation in Aldai to be stable. It has been stable and we are not going to allow you to use your office to come and interfere, Keitany argued. Kitany revealed that Koskei occasioned the transfer of all officers within a station in her constituency after being convinced by a friend to act on issuing the orders. Shabbir noted that it was unfortunate for a whole security team to be moved at once terming the move as having acted as a hindrance to them in delivering on their work. It does not make sense for a whole security team to be moved on the complaints of a certain person. Allow us to work, Shabbir added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Morara Kebasos civic education rally at Kiawara market in Nyeri County was on Sunday temporarily disrupted as a fire engine attempted to drive through the crowd that he was addressing during his tour to reinspect government projects in Mt Kenya region. Kebaso shared the video clip in which he revealed that someone might have been on a mission to undermine his engagements with the locals. According to the vocal critic of the President William Ruto regime, the move by the driver of the fire engine was a calculated one with an intended objective, noting that his team was, however, not moved by the act and instead continued with their engagements. The vehicle was headed nowhere to do nothing and even left the tarmac to follow us into the market center where we were discussing issues of national importance. It kept reversing and speeding towards us like a charging bull. Kebaso revealed. According to video footage, the vehicle bullied its way through the crowd leaving the road where it should have followed, exposing its likely intention of disrupting the rally that was organized by Kebaso. From the footage, the fire engine charged at the crowd with flashing lights but no siren to send a warning of any emergency rescue that it would have likely been on, raising speculations about the safety concerns it posed to the people. The lawyer, however, dismissed the approaching engine challenging the driver for failing to act during the recent fire tragedy that hit Hillside Endarasha Academy. ''Lets see whether they will hit me. When we wanted you to come put off the fire, you were not there. It is now that you want to hit me with the engine, Kebaso charged at the driver. Kebaso was recently forced to cancel his tour slated for Mt Kenya region over security concerns, noting that he had received threats to his life. Watch the video below Someone decided to send a fire engine to come and disrupt our meeting with the people at Kiawara market. The vehicle was headed no where to do nothing and even left the tarmac to follow us into the market centre where we were discussing issues of national importance. It kept pic.twitter.com/kW9DHxfF3c Morara Kebaso Snr (@MoraraKebasoSnr) September 9, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his former Deputy Governor John Barorot are a worried lot after a Nakuru Court ordered their arrest Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege ordered the arrests of the two after they failed to appear in court to testify in the ongoing Ksh1.1 billion Finland Education Programme scandal. Additionally, two other individuals linked to the case were also subjected to arrest warrants. The scandal, which has drawn public attention, involves allegations of misappropriated funds intended for a collaborative education project with Finland. The case has been marred by delays and non-compliance by key figures who were expected to provide crucial testimony regarding the mismanagement of funds. The Senior Principal Magistrate issued arrest warrants for five individuals, including two who were previously bonded by the prosecution but failed to appear in court. The arrest orders were extended to Hillary Ruto, Stephen Lel, and Edwin Lel. Additionally, the court has summoned two key witnesses, Mercy Tarus and Joel Koech, to testify. These witnesses are crucial in the case against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and two others who are charged with the misappropriation of finances in the Finland saga. This fund was initially earmarked for an overseas education scholarship intended for needy children. The testimony of Tarus and Koech is expected to play a pivotal role in the proceedings, shedding light on the alleged financial misconduct. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Renowned social media personality, Wairimu Kimani, has vowed to take legal action against one of her longtime friends who recorded a phone conversation of her gossiping about Bishop Kiengei with Dama and leaked it online. The US-based social media personality confronted her friend and demanded to know why she invaded her privacy and recorded her conversation with Dama. Wairimu reminded her nosy friend that recording a private phone conversation is a crime in the U.S. and informed her that lawyers have taken up the case. Wairimu revealed that Dama is devastated after the audio went viral on social media and tainted the image of Bishop Ben Kiengei. Check out a conversation between Wairimu and her friend who leaked the audio. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed Kenyans' worst fears, suggesting that President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government may have been deceiving the public all along. This is after he urged them to 'stop the lies' and just work for Kenyans for the good of the country. Speaking at ACK St.Patrick's Kayole Church, Nairobi County, Gachagua noted that Kenyans are supreme and they deserve to be listened to without discrimination and respected. The Deputy President noted that Kenyans are very intelligent and they can easily access information stating, "The time for lying to Kenyans is over." He urged Kenya Kwanza leaders to listen to the views of Kenyans and how they want to be governed instead of forcing some things on them. "Good leadership is listening to the people, getting their views and aspirations. "I want to encourage leaders to please, listen to the people and align with their aspirations. Also, be truthful. "Kenyans are intelligent and can no longer be cheated," Gachagua stated. "Many people have a problem with me because, for a long time, government people are used to lying to the public, they are not used to the truth. "Kenyans are very intelligent, you can no longer cheat them, and they know everything. "The time for lying to Kenyans is over," he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Renowned social media personality, Wairimu Kimani, has broken her silence after she was accused of leaking an explosive audio of JCM church matron Damaris Dama badmouthing Bishop Kiengei and exposing him badly. Wairimu alleges that the phone conversation she had with Dama was recorded by one of her friends who had visited her. She had allegedly put her phone on loudspeaker when she was badmouthing Bishop Kiengei with Dama in the presence of her two friends. One of her friends recorded the conversation without her knowledge. Wairimu claims she is devastated after being betrayed by her friend who allegedly leaked the audio online. Check out her post. The Kenyan DAILY POST. About midway through my pediatric residency program at a well-known childrens hospital on the East Coast in the mid-1990s, I found out what was wrong with me. I told the chief of the pediatric emergency department, a Jewish woman, that I had finally learned the name of a device after I had patients use it many times. I knew what it was for, but I hadnt learned its name. It was a peak flow meter. The name finally stuck in my head. Thats because you are subhuman, she told me firmly. She was not joking. She really believed that. During my time there, this attending physician humiliated one of her pediatric emergency fellows because he had dared to support a family who had fired their incompetent pediatricianan arrogant, short-tempered, vain man who brought a lot of business to the hospital. So, I suppose I should have expected a rude comment from her. But I admit to not expecting what she actually said. Subhuman. As in what Adolf Hitler called Jews, the Roma, Slavic people, and anyone else not fitting his Aryan identity. I have mild cerebral palsy, manifesting as a left-sided hemiplegia, and I had eight surgical procedures as a child and teenager to address them. These orthopedic procedures, the earliest of which were experimental back in the 1960s (I was a guinea pig for muscle transfers and tendon release techniques developed at the New York Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City), allowed me to discard heavy leg braces and achieve some use of my left hand. Zakia Nouri et al. published a research letter in JAMA Open in 2021 that estimated 3.1 percent of practicing physicians had a disability, with 28.4 percent having mobility issues. (I would likely have been considered in that group.) The author acknowledged that physicians with disabilities are likely to face discrimination, just as physicians who are women or of racial or ethnic minorities do. Dr. Lisa Meeks, a researcher at the University of Michigan Medical School and an expert on disabilities and medical education, discussed harmful stereotypes applying to physicians with disabilities in a program published by the American Association of Medical Colleges. As a physician with a physical disability, I know something about this. Medical school Prior to my admission to medical school, I had worked in banking and aerospace. Then I moved to the East Coast and started my medical education. My physical handicap is obvioustheres nothing to hide. I walk with a slight but noticeable limp. In medical school, I could suture slowly and had difficulty intubating because I could not fully use my left hand. I sometimes had difficulty drawing blood if the patients veins liked to collapse, but I could perform a spinal tap decently if someone else held the collection container. And I knew I was not going to be a surgeon. My classmates took one look at my disability, and I became radioactive, even more so because I liked to ask questions in class, and they were convinced that my asking questions added material to the exams. That such childish nonsense seemed to prevail was disturbing to me, but the primary issue was my disability. The consequence was that any notion of we are in medical school now, we are bonding through our shared struggle and will become physicians together quickly went into the garbagefor me, that is. If a classmate entered a room, it was empty unless someone besides me was in it. Actually, a good day was one when my classmates looked through me, and I was invisible. Many days, however, saw vulgar curses leveled at mesexual vulgarities, wishes shouted that I would drop dead or drop out, go to hell, and constant and repeated shut up, keep your mouth shut, no one wants your opinion, over and over again. When my classmates went to work on the student yearbook while I stayed in the orthopedic clinic to learn how to treat a high ankle sprain, they cursed at me for answering the professors question, What did you do this afternoon? with I learned how to treat a high ankle sprain, because they feared it would expose their unauthorized absence from the clinic. I had a lot of difficulty with gross anatomy and histology (microscopic anatomy). The Dean of Students was a psychiatrist; he ordered neuropsychologic testing for me, which determined that I had, allegedly, near-genius verbal IQ but very, very slightly (by five points) less than the average spatial IQ. My pathology professor pointed to a scar at my internal capsule as the source of a mild learning disability for 3-D shapes and topography. The stroke during early infancy, or perhaps in utero, that caused my cerebral palsy had also given me a mild learning disability, and medical school was challenging me to succeed despite it. Male students ignored me or answered me rudely when I wanted help with studying, although one did help me one time. When I told a woman student, privately, that I knew she was failing physiology and that I would help her pass the course if she would help me with neuroanatomy, she gave me graphic instructions on what sex act I should perform on myself and clearly indicated I was not to approach her ever again. (She subsequently failed her courses and was suspended from medical school for two years; I barely passed the neuroanatomy course). Another woman student refused a similar offer from me because, she explained, she was concerned that our other classmates would think she was my girlfriend, and that was unacceptable. She also made it clear that I was to stay far away from her at all times. Cooperation during clinical rotations was non-existent. During one internal medicine rotation, the fourth-year student (subintern), who was a Black woman, and I were assigned to the same patients. As far as I could tell, she performed her work competently and conscientiously, but she refused to collaborate with me or even talk to me. She stayed silent if we were in a patients room together, ignoring me, and refused to discuss any cases with me. I was acutely aware of overt racism during certain rotations; in one, I witnessed a white second-year medical resident telling us it was our duty to throw poor Black patients out of the hospital as soon as possible to save taxpayers money. I treated this woman student with respect, and to her, apparently, I was an inanimate object. Socially, things were no better. I had an assigned roommate in student housing. My roommates friends included the president of my student class. They would sit in our shared kitchen, and the president described in graphic detail his sexual conquests, including a woman who sat near me in class. They confronted me about my teetotaling and demanded I get drunk with them. They would light paper airplanes on fire and launch them out of our living room window, calling them Challenger missions, after the space shuttle disaster of 1986. What they didnt know, though, was that I was a software engineer at Hughes Aircraft Companys Space and Communications Group in El Segundo, CA, in 1986, and two of the Challengers mission specialists were my extended colleagues. I didnt know them personally, but I created supply chain management software on a mainframe computer that helped them construct and test satellites, and they sat at the other end of the supply chain from where I sat. It would have done no good to tell my drunken, immature medical school classmates any of this, of course. One time, a classmate suggested I tag along while a group barhopped. I was still trying to make overtures to classmates, so I agreed to go. Since I dont drink alcohol, I nursed Cokes to stay awake while I watched my classmates become thoroughly inebriated and stumble from one bar to the next. On the way back to student housing, a woman student, who was confident I was a disgusting, horrible creature from the sewer, couldnt walk without help, and I was the only sober person near her, so she leaned against me, and I held her up as we walked back to student housing. I made sure she got safely into the building and to her apartment. The next day in class, I was invisible to her again. How did I get through? First, I had decided that no one could dictate to me whether I finished medical school except me. I didnt know there was an imposter syndrome back then, but I applied a kind of backward logic to my ostracism: These students were trespassers in my medical school, and while I could not banish them, I would survive without them. Second, the faculty made clear they supported me and wanted me to succeed. They offered tutoring when I needed it. There were times when I wasnt sure I could pass all the courses, but I studied day and night, repeating a failed histology course during the summer. When I graduated, the Dean of Students personally congratulated me and said my achievement was remarkable. I never saw or spoke to my classmates again after medical school, with one exception. When I returned to my alma mater to hood a woman graduate who was two years behind me, I ran into the woman who had so vulgarly condemned me for offering to help her with physiology. I shook her hand and heartily congratulated her on her graduation; she told me she was very excited to graduate and relieved to finish medical school. I asked her why she had said vile things to me when we were classmates. She said, very calmly, I had no right to say those things to you, and Im very sorry. But I didnt yet know I was subhuman. Pediatric residency training When I matched to the pediatric residency program and began training there, I thought to myself that I was in for a much better experience. I was wrong. I was well-prepared to work hard, but I discovered I had a problem with organization. My being a scattershot affected my work, my preparation, and caused problems for myself and other residents. It reduced the time I had to study. The pace and volume of work were very high, and I had to learn to organize myself better. I accepted responsibility for this and knew it would take time for me to fix the problem. My fellow pediatric residents were, on the whole, supportive, and they respected my work ethic and abilities. However, I slowly became aware the associate residency director was not. The previous year, he had used a relatively minor incident as an excuse to throw a resident with cerebral palsy out of his program, and, I was to learn, he was gunning for me next. As my work improved, the rewards did not come. The associate residency director ridiculed me in front of my peers, nurses, and patients. He picked his favorite pet residents; if they made mistakes, his attitude was that they were outstanding young doctors who were learning; if I made a mistake, he elevated it to a crime. He encouraged other faculty to be cruel to me as well. Some resisted the invitation, but some did not. He told me I was a problem to be nipped in the bud. The chief of the pediatric ICU and another intensivist told me I was mediocre and should switch to psychiatry. When a pediatric nurse, who also had cerebral palsy, and I left the hospital in an ambulance to pick up a transfer at an outlying hospital, we heard, there goes the Special Olympics as we walked to the ambulance. We tended to a mortally stricken toddler with meningococcemia who had been left alone by the emergency room attending at that hospital. He was going into shock, and I needed to hydrate him, but his one IV line was inadequate. Neither staff there nor I could get another IV started due to collapsing veins, so I used a spinal needle to start an intraosseous line and successfully started another drip. I began antibiotic therapy, and the thoroughly competent, dedicated, and inspiring nurse and I worked to keep the patient stable during the ambulance ride back to the childrens hospital. Upon our return, we transferred a stable patient to the ICU. He would not remain stable for long; he crashed soon thereafter. We understood he was dying, but we felt very sad that we could not do more. The intensivist started additional IV lines, and when he pulled my needle out of the childs leg bone, he clearly indicated by the look on his face that he was disgusted with me and repelled by me, even though I had actually done exactly what I was supposed to do in those circumstances. He also insisted on recording that the child had crashed in the ambulance, which was false, just so he could document that this was somehow my fault. Later, he admitted that the child would have died even if I had had access to a Star Trek beam me up Scotty science-fiction transporter that would have put the child in the PICU in ten seconds. My previous experience in banking, aerospace, and consulting had helped me build customer service skills that were very transferable to medicine, and I generally had an excellent rapport with nurses and patients (and parents). I was able to help de-escalate conflicts that threatened to interfere with patient care. When a politically favored resident won praise from a family, she was recognized for it. I was ignored. On the other hand, an intensivist screamed at me that I had ruined a familys experience because I had brought pastries into the pediatric ICU for staff just as he was counseling a family whose child had died (suitably exaggerating the incident from molehill to mountain status). The associate residency director denied me opportunities for leadership and to supervise other residents. He put me in an enforced parking spot. There were other punishments for me. I was punished for not finishing work because I washed my hands between patients in the Neonatal ICU, where my fellow residents did not (though we all used gloves). I continued working as hard as I could to better myself. My research was selected for presentation at a county pediatric society meeting. I guest-edited an edition of an in-house pediatric journal, consistently sought tougher and more complex cases to challenge myself, and, thanks to years of retail banking experience, was far more diplomatic and effective with difficult parents than even some attendings were. When a mother threatened to sue the hospital because a woman pediatric ICU attending had abused her verbally and ignored her during the formers daughters hospitalization (the doctor particularly enjoyed abusing me too), I intervened privately and persuaded her not to take any action. I told the mother that I would not defend the ICU attendings inexcusable behavior, but her technical handling of her child was correct, and demanding that her child be transferred to another hospital at that point was dangerous. This mother calmed down, and I promised to keep her informed. I later told her that once the child was sufficiently stable, she could find excellent care at a different hospital, likely without the arrogance she encountered at ours. Ive always felt that if you find someone in need in front of you, you find a way to handle it. You dont do it to impress anyone; you do it because its your obligation to the world, and youll feel good going home that night. When an adolescent patient pined for his father (who was abroad) and shrimp scampi for his birthday, I couldnt bring his father to him, but I could bring the shrimp scampi. The opportunity arose to leave the hospital for 30 minutes to collect a large portion of this dish from a take-out restaurant. Because the cook had not sealed the container properly, I wound up wearing some of the sauce, but my patient didnt care. He dove into his favorite dinner with gusto. On a night off, I intervened on the local public transportation system to get a pregnant woman who had fallen to an emergency room before she gave birth, resulting in well-deserved commendations for the police officers who worked hand-in-glove with me and a very nice thank-you letter from their commander. On another night, I forced a mentally ill man out of an intersection where he was playing chicken with cars and called 911 several times, fruitlessly; when he ran across a street that divided one city from another, I called a sergeant directly and persuaded him to send officers across the boundary to help me. They drove him home to his concerned family. That counted for nothing at the childrens hospital. I would have done it ten times over because it was the right thing to do. While on duty as the on-site subhuman in the pediatric emergency room, I sprinted out to the parking lot to intercept a woman who had taken her convulsing child to her car against medical advice. I ordered her back into the ER and took her keys as she tried to start her car; she punched me in the mouth. I had to physically restrain her until police arrived. No ER attending physician or nurse helped me. They came out only after the officers and I had the situation completely under control. I helped persuade the woman to cooperate and stop fighting by telling the very sympathetic and supportive police sergeant that I would not press charges if she agreed to allow emergency treatment to resume. He handled her with grace and diplomacy, and I was proud to work with him. He made my day. I received silence from the ER attending physicians. After all, I was subhuman. Late in my third year, the associate residency director told me definitively that I was not going to graduate from the residency program because my performance was unacceptable. I would need to be on probation for several extra months. Given his past behavior, I understood that he was preparing to cancel my career. It was quite ironic, therefore, that a physical confrontation with the chief of the pediatric intensive care unit during that last year of residency started a cascade of events that guaranteed my graduation. One day, the pediatric ICU chief recklessly endangered the safety of a first-year resident who had lost consciousness and fallen. He refused to examine him or to refer him to the emergency room. I witnessed this and became enraged. With the help of other residents, I put the unconscious intern on a gurney and announced I was taking him to the ER. The PICU chief stood in my way and said he was the senior doctor there and would make the decision. I charged at him with the gurney; startled, he quickly got out of the way, and I got the resident checked into the adult emergency room. When I returned to the PICU, I found two other first-year residents crying. I asked them what was wrong. They had overheard the PICU chief insulting and denigrating the unconscious resident, laughing in conversation with another PICU attending. I reported the incident to a senior physician executive and to the chief residents, who corroborated the incidents details. With one stroke, the PICU physicians opinion of me didnt count anymore. When the associate residency director informed me again that I was not going to graduate, I told him firmly but calmly that I would be forced to defend my interests if he continued unlawfully harassing me. He raised his voice to me and asked, Oh, youre going to sue me? I replied that I would use whatever means I deemed necessary to protect my interests and my career, and I was not obligated to discuss that with him. I would act as I saw fit. He threatened me that if I challenged his authority, I would regret the day I ever became a resident. But he had finally overstepped his bounds, and I did not have to sue. A dozen attending physicians told him to stop, and when, during a residency promotions committee meeting, he again proposed to put me on probation or fire me, not a single person supported him. The war was over; I had won. But he had one last parting gift. At the risk of sounding a little arrogant myself, I believe I earned an invitation to serve as chief resident. But he didnt have the integrity required to acknowledge anything I accomplished. His letter to me read to anyone with a modicum of intelligence, Dr. Aryel, you are still a hopeless idiot, and your graduation is an act of charity on our part. Then he did something much worse. Frustrated that he couldnt make an example of me, he turned instead to a woman intern with a hearing impairment. He and the exceptionally cruel chief of the pediatric ER tortured her and destroyed her career. I know they enjoyed doing that. After residency My wife, a pediatric neurologist, rescued the first resident with cerebral palsy and persuaded a different residency program to accept him; he graduated and became a pediatrician. Regretfully, the woman intern, coincidentally a victim of domestic violence, could not respond to my wifes efforts on her behalf. Notwithstanding my subhuman status, I resolved to do the best I could for my profession and my community. I made, and later was recognized for, notable contributions to the expansion of public transportation. I joined the National Disaster Medical System (the medical equivalent of the National Guard) and over a little more than three years, was cited twice for outstanding service. I was later offered a command in the western U.S. but declined because my wife and I were headed for a different city. I was a key subcontractor to Real-Time Disease Surveillance (RODS), the first automated bioterrorism and epidemic surveillance system in the United States, and co-edited and coauthored the first textbook to describe the principles and practices of this new branch of data science. It was required reading during the first few years of graduate programs at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, and Johns Hopkins. President George W. Bush personally visited the RODS laboratory. In 2000, I earned an MBA and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. In 2006, I was the lead quality consultant on a project to help New York City improve patient outcomes from an $825 million mental health budget. In Reno, I ran a practice that was, essentially, an outpatient pediatric ICU and handled many chronic and rare diseases as well as child abuse and neglect. The practice was recognized as a top performer and won awards for quality of medical care, vaccinations, and community service. In 2019, the practice was recognized for achieving the highest HPV vaccination rate in Nevada and the second highest in the United States. Not bad for a subhuman. Ron M. Aryel is a pediatrician. 10:00 | Lima, Sep. 10. In this regard, the Cabinet member underlined that Peru's foreign policy remains solid and firm, and continues to coordinate with other countries in the region so as to promote the recovery of democracy and the protection of fundamental rights in that country. "We are a country that respects the rule of law, the institutional framework, and the Constitution. We will never side with dictators or dictatorial governments," he stated during his participation at Congress' Foreign Affairs Commission on Monday. Likewise, the minister noted that the Peruvian Government does not recognize the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela. "The (electoral) records have not been shown, and it is not that Peru requests this, it is mandated by Venezuelan law. That constitutes fraud and is why we do not recognize it, because we cannot materially recognize that electoral act and the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela," he indicated. "What Peru has always done is to abide by and scrupulously respect international law, which states that the declaration of a president-elect is the exclusive authority of the electoral body of the country where the election was held," he pointed out. The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the stance expressed before Congress regarding the serious situation in Venezuela is shared by the Peruvian President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and other high-ranking officials. The hearing of a murder case against Molly Katanga, the widow of slain businessman Henry Katanga, is set to resume Tuesday morning before the High Court in Kampala. Justice Isaac Muwata will preside over the trial, which is expected to continue with testimony from the forensic expert, Andrew Mubiru Kizimula. Mubiru previously informed the court that his examination of Henry Katangas murder weapon revealed DNA matching that of the widow, the deceased himself, and one of their daughters, Patricia Kakwanzi. The dominant DNA was that of the widow, with the deceased and their daughters DNA being minor. On August 28, 2024, Mubiru, the police acting forensic director, presented the results of the DNA analysis conducted on exhibits submitted to the laboratory by police during the investigation. He confirmed to the court that most of the blood samples recovered from door handles, the master bedroom, the balcony area, and the ceiling belonged to Molly Katanga. Henry Katanga was murdered on November 2, 2023, at his family home on Mbuya Chwa 2 Road in Kampala district. The widow, Molly Katanga, is jointly charged with her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanzi, the family shamba boy, George Amanyire, and a male nurse, Charles Otai. High Court Judge Alex Ajiji has dismissed a request by nine people accused of participating in the kidnap and murder of Kampala businesswoman Susan Magara to have him step aside from hearing the case. The suspects claimed that Judge Ajiji was biased against their lawyers, preventing them from adequately representing their views. In his ruling, Judge Ajiji rejected these claims, stating that the suspects were merely attempting to delay the trial. He noted that the case had been ongoing for several years and that the their (suspects) tactics were hindering the pursuit of justice. The nine suspects, including Lubega Yusuf, Wasswa Hussein, Sali Muzamir, Kyewolya Abubakar, Kisalita Muhammad, Kato Hassan Miro, Bukenya Ismaeal, Buvumbo Musa Abasi, and Nakandi Hajjarah, are accused of kidnapping Magara in February 2018 and demanding a ransom of 200,000 US dollars (Shs700 million) from her family. Despite receiving the ransom, the suspects allegedly went on to murder Magara in Wakiso district. According to the prosecution, the suspects met at Usafi Mosque in January 2018 to plan their crime. They allegedly targeted Magara and kidnapped her from Lungujja as she was returning home. The suspects are accused of holding Magara captive at Amir Bukenyas home in Konge II Makindye, where they cut off her two fingers to pressure her family to pay the ransom. After receiving the ransom, they allegedly suffocated Magara with a plastic bag. The trial has heard testimony from 22 witnesses and is scheduled to continue on September 11, 2024. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has praised the former CDF, the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, for his significant contributions to Ugandas stability and security. Addressing the opening of the three-day Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024 at the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday, Gen Kainerugaba highlighted the late generals pivotal role in regional peace efforts. These efforts culminated in Uganda being the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union mission. Remembering and honouring Gen Aronda is important because it symbolises commitment to national service, security, and peace. His leadership and reforms have had a lasting influence on Ugandas defence forces and on our civil administration, Muhoozi said. The event, themed Celebrating the life of General Aronda Nyakairima, a paragon of revolutionary sacrifice, pan-Africanism, patriotism, courage, and an accomplished freedom fighter, will run for three days. President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday reiterated his call for Ugandans to embrace transformation, which he believes will drive the countrys development. Speaking at the inaugural Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024 at the Commonwealth Resort in Munyonyo, Wakiso District, President Museveni urged all Ugandans to participate as entrepreneurs or employees, producing goods or services that can generate income. We identified three problems and these are; lack of prosperity, lack of strategic security, and thirdly the failure to use clear brotherhood of the African people. Prosperity comes from every adult participating in the production of a good or service that is then sold, Museveni said on Tuesday. The event, themed Celebrating the life of General Aronda Nyakairima, a paragon of revolutionary sacrifice, pan-Africanism, patriotism, courage, and an accomplished freedom fighter, will run for three days. It may come as a surprise to you that insects are among the strongest animals in the natural world when it comes to animals that can carry far more than their own body weight. 1. Dung Beetle (1,141x Body Weight) " " Dung beetle. Beata Whitehead / Getty Images The dung beetle is the world's strongest insect, capable of pulling a staggering 1,141 times its own body weight. That's similar to an average person pulling about six double-decker buses. Advertisement Despite being tiny insects, dung beetles exemplify how smaller animals can exhibit incredible strength, rolling dung far larger than their own bodies. Although dung beetles aren't the prettiest creatures, they fulfill a very important purpose in ecosystems, breaking down manure into valuable materials for different life forms. 2. Rhinoceros Beetle (850x Body Weight) " " Rhinoceros beetles. Francesco Carta fotografo / Getty Images Rhinoceros beetles can lift up to 850 times their own weight and use their immense power to fight off rivals and carry objects far heavier than themselves. These strong animals are known for their impressive size, even relative to other large insects; the species can weigh as much as 3.5 ounces (99 grams). 3. Leafcutter Ant (50x Body Weight) " " Leafcutter ants. Tim Flach / Getty Images Leafcutter ants carry objects 50 times their own body weight with their powerful jaws, a display of brute strength that's astonishing when you consider their tiny size about the length of a pencil eraser. Herbivores, these insects climb trees and navigate rugged terrain, carrying their massive loads back to their nests. 4. Gorilla (4x Body Weight) " " Gorilla. Kevin Schafer / Getty Images With muscular arms and the incredible strength to lift more than four times its own weight, the gorilla is the strongest mammal proportional to its size. An adult gorilla can stand nearly 6 feet tall (1.8 meters) and weigh up to 400 pounds (181 kg). This remarkable strength is not just in the endangered animal's arms but throughout its entire muscular structure, enabling it to move heavy objects with ease. 5. Eagle (2x Body Weight) " " Harpy eagle. Kevin Schafer / Getty Images The eagle, the strongest bird in terms of carrying ability, can lift and fly with prey about twice its own body weight. The harpy eagle, which has a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) can lift up to 40 pounds (18 kg). This remarkable power, combined with their powerful legs and wings, allows eagles to snatch and carry off prey, even in flight. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Catherine Martin has appeared to rule out challenging Roderic OGorman for leadership of the Green Party. In June, Eamon Ryan and Ms Martin stepped down from their respective roles as leader and deputy leader of the party. Following contests, they were replaced by Mr OGorman and Senator Roisin Garvey respectively. Ms Martin had not entered the leadership race. Asked at the time if she would never seek the top job, she said: Never say never and Ive made it clear that its just at this point at time. According to the Green Partys internal constitution, another leadership contest must take place no later than six months after the election of a taoiseach following a general election. This could potentially leave other members of the party who did not enter the previous leadership race to put their name forward following the general election. Asked on Tuesday if Mr OGorman should be worried about her challenging his leadership following the election, Ms Martin said: I think Minister OGorman, I was only saying it to him today, is doing a fantastic job as leader. And I have full confidence that he will be re-elected and be leader beyond the general election. I look forward to working with him, its an absolute pleasure to work with him. Were long-time friends. Culture Minister Catherine Martin (top right) with a range of performers and artists at Dublin Castle for an event promoting Culture Night (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Ms Martin was speaking to reporters at an event to promote Culture Night next Friday September 20th. The Culture Minister said: Culture Night is a really special night in our cultural calendar where we get an opportunity to embrace the vibrant and diverse cultural offerings right across the country the bonus being that everything is free. Over 1,700 events from from circus, to samba, to music, to gigs, to workshops its really a celebration of our culture and I think everyone gets to experience it. Elsewhere, the third year of the Arts Councils book-gifting project Read Mor will see a works from Irish and Irish-based authors being delivered for free to all prisons nationally, in recognition of those who cannot attend other Culture Night events. Vivienne Clarke The sale of disposable vapes will be banned in Ireland under measures being brought to the Cabinet by the Minister for Health. The Government is expected to approve measures to ban the sale, manufacture or import of single-use or disposable vapes in the country. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly also wants to place restrictions on colours and imagery on packages and the devices themselves to ensure they are not aimed at younger people. Disposal of the devices has been a problem in recent years and there are public health concerns that failure to properly recycle the vapes, which include batteries, could be resulting in the release of toxic compounds into the environment. There is also concern that the products sold in Ireland contain the maximum permitted level of nicotine, and are therefore not an effective means of quitting cigarette smoking. A ban on the sale of vaping products and e-cigarettes to people aged under 18 came into effect in Ireland last year. The Minister of State for Public Health, Colm Burke, said the proposed new measures would introduce serious restrictions on the sale of vapes but it would be a step by step process. Mr Burke told Newstalk radio that there needed to be a change to the way in which nicotine inhaling products were sold. He said the proposed law will also include regulations about packaging and point of sale display. The disposal of vaping products will also be covered in the measures. Mr Burke added that he understood specific regulations would be brought in about flavoured vaping products. Its about making it less attractive, he said. The main drive behind the regulations was that many people who used vaping products subsequently moved on to smoking, he said. Ireland was one of a number of countries in Europe introducing such regulations, he said. It was a response to the increasing number of people using nicotine inhaling products. It was important to come up with a response as Ireland had done when it introduced the smoking ban, he added. The search has begun for the next Harry, Ron and Hermione and perhaps they could hail from Co Kildare! HBO has opened a casting call for the Golden Trio ahead of its upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Theyre looking for children who will be aged between 9 and 11 in April 2025 and are a resident of Ireland or the UK. Actors are asked to submit two short videos, including a short poem or story but nothing from Harry Potter! Please prepare a short poem or story of your choosing. It can be from your favourite book, a poem that you love, a monologue from a play or something youve created yourself. Please, nothing from Harry Potter. Please use your own accent. 30 seconds maximum! they advise. The second tape should be a short video telling us a bit about yourself, including your date of birth, height and where you live. In addition, please describe any family member, friend or pet that you are particularly close to. Please use your own accent. One minute maximum! The deadline for submissions is 31 October. The show will be filmed in the UK during 2025-26. According to Variety, the upcoming series is expected to span seven seasons, adapting each book in J.K. Rowlings best-selling fantasy book series. A Kilkenny councillor has called upon regional Oireachtas members from all parties to lobby Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to progress the N24 Waterford to Cahir scheme. For months now, the project has been stalled at the Options Selection stage, the second of four scheduled planning stages. We need to get all the TDs and councillors together at a meeting and it needs to happen as soon as possible, said Cllr Pat Dunphy at this months meeting of Piltown Municipal District. They need to lobby the Transport Minister to get this back on track. It worked before for other schemes. His sentiments were echoed by fellow councillors, who raised the importance of the issue locally. READ NEXT: Major update on greenway section running through Kilkenny Cllr Fidelis Doherty took issue with the scheme and others like it (including the N25 Waterford to Glenmore) being pushed out. Movement has to happen, she said. Do we go into another year and then another decade without movement? Cllr Tomas Breathnach brought up the merits of bringing the issue up to the regional assembly. The points raised by the councillors were noted by Acting Director of Services, Denis Malone. The existing N24 road within this section has a variable cross-section and a high incidence of junctions and accesses. These factors contribute to limited overtaking opportunities and unstable traffic flow along the existing route. This impacts the overall journey on the existing N24 whilst also impacting severely on more sustainable transport modes and opportunities in the urban centres it serves. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Ireland is required to recover more than 13 billion euro in back taxes from Apple, following a decision of Europes top court. The European Court of Justice (CJEU) decision restores a 2016 European Commission ruling that Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, which would be illegal under EU state aid rules. Ireland and Apple, which say the correct amount of tax was paid, fought the commission on the matter and in July 2020 the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision. However, the European Commission subsequently appealed against that decision to the CJEU, saying the lower courts ruling was legally incorrect. On Tuesday, the CJEU agreed the General Court had erred in its decision and ordered the judgment should be set aside, restoring the commissions original ruling. The Irish Government has long defended its treatment of the US technology giant while Apple said it had received no state aid. The commissions original position was that tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple in 1991 and 2007 substantially and artificially lowered the tax paid by the iPhone manufacturer in the country since the early 90s, in a way which did not correspond to economic reality. As a result, competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said Ireland had granted illegal tax benefits which enabled the company to pay substantially less tax than other business over many years. The investigation found Apple had paid an effective corporate tax rate of 1% on its European profits in 2003, down to 0.005% in 2014, 50 euro for every one million euro of profit. The process involved Apple recording almost all sales profits of two Irish incorporated companies to a head office, which the commission said only existed on paper. The companies, fully owned by Apple, held the rights to use the firms intellectual property to manufacture and sell its products outside North and South America. The commission said this situation allowed Apple to avoid taxation on almost all profits generated by sales of its products in the entire EU single market. It said this was due to Apples decision to record all sales in Ireland rather than in the countries where the products were sold. The findings were disputed by the Irish State, which said all tax owed had been collected, and Apple, which had come under scrutiny in the US for its tax practices years earlier. At the time, Apple chief executive Tim Cook branded the EU findings political crap, maddening and untrue. The company maintains it paid taxes on the profits in question in the US. The Irish Government, which was also used to defending a low 12.5% corporation tax rate, said Europe had overstepped the mark in attempting to dictate tax laws and enforce retrospective taxes decades later. Ireland and Apple fought the commission on the matter and in July 2020, the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision. The General Court found the commission had not shown there was an advantage deriving from the adoption of the tax rulings. However, the commission subsequently appealed the decision to the CJEU, with Ms Vestager saying the lower courts ruling contained errors of law. On Tuesday, the CJEU said it confirms the European Commissions 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover. In the interim, the 13.1 billion euro has been held in an escrow fund pending the outcome of the case. An Apple representative said the company was disappointed with the decision. This case has never been about how much tax we pay, but which government we are required to pay it to, they said. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal. Apple is proud to be an engine of growth and innovation across Europe and around the world, and to consistently be one of the largest taxpayers in the world. The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US. We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case. Social media is causing young Aussies social harm says Anthony Albanese, but several experts disagree with the plan to ban their access to the platforms. Children up to the age of 16 may be banned from accessing social media under a federal government proposal. Source: Getty Images. The Albanese governments commitment to a social media ban for young people by the end of the year has drawn criticism from adolescent and social media experts who say a blanket ban will not address the harm young people are suffering online. The proposed federal ban follows the South Australian plan this week to force social media companies to deny access to children 13 years or younger. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday a national response to the problem is needed, and said the federal government would put forward a bill that would set an age limit for access to social media platforms, likely between 14 and 16. He conceded banning younger people from social media is not an easy thing to do, but is necessary to protect young Australians. We know social media is causing social harm, we know that if we can get our youngest Australians off these devices, then it can make a positive difference for them, Albanese said on Tuesday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he wants to force the big tech companies to restrict access to social media for young Australians. Source: AAP Images Funding digital literacy better than a blanket ban, internet expert says But Professor Tama Leaver, internet and social media expert at Curtin University, says the proposed ban, which at this stage we know little about how it will work, is not the answer. The proposal of a ban suggests all social media is harmful, and that is demonstrably untrue, Leaver told Yahoo News. There are many benefits of social media for young people. He said bullying is a problem for young people online but rather than banning them from using social media he said they need to be taught the social skills to deal with bullying. Leaver would like to see government funding poured into digital literacy to help younger people with the challenges they face on line. What about education rather than a ban? What about empowering parents with the tools needed to protect young people? Social media bans will prevent young people participating fully in a digital world, infringing on their rights, and not allowing them to flourish as digital citizens. Experts say banning youngsters access to social media is a band-aid solution to a complicated problem. Source: Getty Images Social media ban for young Aussies 'a band-aid response' Lisa Given, Professor of Information Sciences at RMIT University, said a ban on social media for young people is premature and is not supported by clear evidence. Children need to gain the necessary skills to navigate online worlds, including social media, and banning them from these platforms is not the solution, she said. Given says young people would find a way around bans, and echoing the views of Leaver says involving parents and teachers plays a key role in developing the digital literacy needed to safely navigate social media platforms. The Australian Association of Psychologists director Carly Dober says a ban distracts from the real issues at hand. Its a band-aid response to a very complicated and deeply entrenched issue, she told AAP. She said it also overlooks the benefits online spaces can offer to young people, especially those from marginalised communities. LGBTQI people, refugee youth, disabled youth they find community in different spaces if their experience at school or in their communities isnt so welcoming, Dober said. What happens for those young people who are then locked out of their valuable online communities? with AAP Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The Faroe Islands is quite unlike what most travellers imagine when they think of a European island. During the cold weather, when most Aussies think about travelling to a European island, they dream of Santorini, Ibiza and Capri. But out of the public eye on a little-known Danish island locals have engaged in a local practice that would send most tourists packing. New details have emerged following a bloody incident on Friday when an estimated 156 dolphins, including five calves, were driven into the shore and slaughtered on the Faroe Islands. Its the first major event of its kind since locals killed 1,428 Atlantic white-sided dolphins in front of children in 2021, resulting in calls to boycott the islands to pressure government to end the practice. While cruise ships continued to travel to the autonomous archipelago, which sits between Scotland, Iceland and Norway, in 2023 they were confronted with scenes that left some British tourists in shock. Many complained after witnessing the slaughter of pilot whales as they tried to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Related: Faroe Islanders defend butchering 78 dolphins in front of cruise ship tourists Surprise response to mass dolphin slaughter Whats different about Fridays incident is that it has left many Faroese responding by questioning aspects of the slaughter, known in the local language as the Grindadrap. Some have expressed concerns that unlike the regular slaughter of pilot whales, which are themselves a large oceanic dolphin, killing more traditional-looking dolphins is not part of their tradition. We dont have a tradition of killing Atlantic white-sided dolphins, and I dont understand why we should do it now, one Faroese person wrote on social media. I believe the overall joy from them would be much greater if we, who live by the fjord, could watch them, another wrote. Pictures taken after the slaughter are hard to look at. Dolphins can be seen with their heads almost hacked off, lined up along the shore, and the ordinarily crystal clear waters have been turned bright red with blood. While some Faroese claim killing dolphins is a tradition, critics argue the practice is cruel. Source: Captain Paul Watson Foundation Denmark arrests activist campaigning against whale and dolphin slaughter Many Faroese maintain they have a right to kill whales and dolphins as a traditional food source, comparing it to land-based hunting in other western countries. But critics say the large numbers killed are unsustainable and argue the slaughter methods prolong suffering and are cruel. The Grindadrap is regularly monitored by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK, which has called on the Danish government to outlaw the practice. However it has so far resisted calls to do so, and when the groups founder Captain Paul Watson set foot on its territory last month, it arrested him on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan, another whaling nation. The groups COO Rob Read has called for the Danish government to release Watson, warning he will most likely die in jail if hes extradited to Japan. Responding to the most recent dolphin slaughter on the Faroe Islands he said locals have access to supermarkets and modern conveniences, and should move away from hunting. Tradition is simply being used as an excuse, much the same as in other nations who have used tradition as an excuse for things such as fox hunting and bull fighting, he said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A young man with "quite a good job" has admitted that despite living at home with his parents to save, he was only able to get on to the property ladder as they recently sold the family home. It's an increasingly familiar story for many young Aussies. "I'm in a very lucky position that I am able to get some money for them to help," he told Q&A. "But if I wasn't, it would be near impossible." Yahoo Finance contributor David Koch recently wrote a defence for the much-maligned Baby Boomer community, who are expected to pass on around $3.5 trillion of their wealth to younger generations in the next 20 years. He dropped a stat we found very interesting. Koch said the Bank of Mum and Dad is now "the sixth biggest home lender in Australia" in aggregate. That's a considerable expectation placed on the shoulders of older Australians and has been backed up by Australian Housing Monitor research, which found parents are helping 40 per cent of first-home buyers. Thats up from 15 per cent in the 1980s. Millions of Australians waiting for an inheritance said they would rather get their slice of the family pie before their loved one died. But millions more think they won't get anything. So have you, or will you be able to benefit from funds handed down from your parents? Let us know below. Major new Bali ban expected as island buckles under foreigners and tourists Foreign tourists carry their surfboard as they walk along the popular Kuta beach. Source: Getty It's one of the most popular destinations for Aussie tourists, but the Indonesian island of Bali is buckling under the weight of its own popularity with new a ban being flagged by authorities. The local government has been cracking down on bad behaving tourists in recent years, as well as introducing a new tourist levy earlier this year to tax foreign travellers and use the money to preserve the natural environment. But much more drastic measures are required, according to local government officials, who have revealed a moratorium is set to be placed on the construction of any new hotels, villas and nightclubs in some areas of the island. The expected ban is the most decisive action the government has taken as it grapples with the overdevelopment of land, preserving the indigenous culture and trying to improve the quality of local jobs. The government has previously said about 200,000 foreigners lived in Bali, contributing to problems such as crime, overdevelopment and competition for jobs. Hermin Esti, a senior official at the Co-ordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, told Reuters on Monday the government had agreed to set the moratorium, although the exact timeline was still being discussed. Senior ministers were quoted in local media saying the moratorium could stretch for up to 10 years. Bali's interim governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya said he suggested the moratorium in four of Bali's busy areas to the central government, taking aim at over-development for commercial purposes, such as hotels, villas, and beach clubs. Government figures show 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived through Bali airport in the first half 2024, making up 65 per cent of total foreign arrivals in Indonesia by air. There were 541 hotels in Bali in 2023, the figures show, up from 507 in 2019. Foreign tourists walk past a front loader as it removes debris from a dirty Kuta beach near Denpasar on Indonesia's resort island of Bali. Source: Getty Moratorium comes amid tourist crackdown Foreign arrivals in Bali have surged since it reopened for tourism in the wake of the pandemic, meaning there's been no shortage of videos of misbehaving tourists that often go viral, angering residents and sparking harsh responses from social media users in Indonesia. Officials in Bali have introduced a number of measures aimed at aligning tourist behaviour with cultural expectations, according to Quentin Long, Managing Director at Australian Traveller Media. "There's been a lot of disrespectful behaviour in Bali," he told Yahoo News in July. "You get people not being dressed appropriately in temples or taking inappropriate selfies, having too many cocktails and being basically drunk and treating locals disrespectfully. Driving while intoxicated on mopeds, you name it, it happens in Bali." Since May last year, tourists have been handed a 'Dos and Don'ts' list the moment they arrive in Bali to outline the expected behaviour of travellers. Last week, officials from the Ministry of Tourism said travellers could soon face new restrictions including a ban on taking selfie photos at some of Balis most sacred sites. with Reuters Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CMHHY Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $14.76 and last traded at $14.76, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $14.76. China Merchants Port Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $14.76 and its 200 day simple moving average is $13.54. Get China Merchants Port alerts: China Merchants Port Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be issued a $0.2821 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 25th. China Merchants Port Company Profile China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited, an investment holding company, operates as a port operator in Mainland China, Brazil, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and internationally. The company operates through Ports Operation, Bonded Logistics Operation, and Other Operations segments. It engages in the container, and bulk and general cargo terminal operation; logistic park operation, ports transportation, and airport cargo handling; and property development, holding, and investment activities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Merchants Port Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Merchants Port and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Copper Mountain Mining Co. (TSE:CMMC Get Free Report) dropped 1.2% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$2.44 and last traded at C$2.49. Approximately 1,603,544 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 24% from the average daily volume of 1,292,865 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.52. Copper Mountain Mining Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of C$533.81 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.58, a P/E/G ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 2.77. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.36. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$2.49. Copper Mountain Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Copper Mountain Mining Corporation engages in the mining, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It explores for copper, gold, and silver deposits. The company holds 75% interests in the Copper Mountain mine comprising 135 crown-granted mineral claims, 145 located mineral claims, 14 mining leases, 12 fee simple properties, and seven cell claims that covers an area of approximately 6,354 hectares located to the south of Princeton, British Columbia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Copper Mountain Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copper Mountain Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 582,736 shares of the energy producers stock after purchasing an additional 21,618 shares during the period. Royal London Asset Management Ltd.s holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $66,653,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cardinal Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips during the 4th quarter worth approximately $13,468,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC grew its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 2.2% in the first quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 9,697 shares of the energy producers stock worth $1,234,000 after purchasing an additional 212 shares during the period. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. increased its stake in ConocoPhillips by 5.6% in the first quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 26,083 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $3,320,000 after purchasing an additional 1,390 shares in the last quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,021,000. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 19.1% during the 1st quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 28,601 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,640,000 after purchasing an additional 4,578 shares in the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: ConocoPhillips Trading Down 0.4 % NYSE:COP opened at $105.60 on Tuesday. ConocoPhillips has a 52 week low of $102.27 and a 52 week high of $135.18. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $111.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $116.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.33. The firm has a market cap of $122.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.22. ConocoPhillips Cuts Dividend ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The energy producer reported $1.98 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.96 by $0.02. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 20.81% and a net margin of 18.18%. The company had revenue of $14.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.96 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.84 earnings per share. ConocoPhillipss revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were paid a dividend of $0.58 per share. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. ConocoPhillipss payout ratio is 26.27%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently weighed in on COP. Barclays upped their price target on ConocoPhillips from $158.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Argus upgraded ConocoPhillips to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, June 7th. Susquehanna cut their target price on ConocoPhillips from $154.00 to $147.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $142.00 to $132.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 5th. Finally, Bank of America restated a buy rating and set a $147.00 price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Friday, June 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $143.24. View Our Latest Report on ConocoPhillips Insider Buying and Selling In other ConocoPhillips news, Director Timothy A. Leach sold 55,500 shares of the businesss 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 transaction, the director now directly owns 455,909 shares in the company, valued at $49,288,321.99. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.34% of the stock is owned by insiders. 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. Featured Stories 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. By Yi Whan-woo Woori Investment Securities is facing obstacles in bolstering growth as a newcomer in the industry, especially amid the latest financial scandal that rocked its parent company, Woori Financial Group. The brokerage house is highly interested in additional M&As to catch up with competitors fast, after it was launched early last month through a merger between the groups affiliate, Woori Investment Bank, and Korea Foss Securities. Under the circumstances, industry sources said Tuesday that Woori Investment Securities can be restricted from acquiring other companies if Woori Financial Group is held legally responsible for inappropriate loans offered to family members of the groups former Chairman Son Tae-seung. The financial regulators stipulate that a firm can be denied in carrying out M&As if inappropriate business practices are found at its controlling stakeholder. And Woori Financial Group, which fully owns a 100 percent stake in Woori Investment Securities, has been criticized for failing to properly oversee Woori Bank concerning the aforementioned loans. The groups flagship affiliate, Woori Bank allegedly provided inappropriate loans worth 35 billion won ($26.3 million) to business owners and firms connected to relatives of Son from 2020 to January this year. Moreover, Woori Investment Bank allegedly offered a separate loan worth 300 million won to one of Sons family members in November 2018 without observing legitimate procedures, according to the latest revelation from Rep. Shin Chang-sik of the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party. The case apparently will dent the credibility of Woori Financial Group as well as Woori Investment Securities, said Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ), a Seoul-based civic activist group. Woori Investment Securities additional M&A plans appear to be jeopardized unless the scandal concerning the groups former chairman is resolved. The sources said the inspection planned for October by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) can also negatively affect Woori Investment Securities. The inspection will target Woori Financial Group and its subsidiaries to find out whether they have been faithfully observing lending and business practices. The financial watchdog is not likely let M&As take place until it completes the inspection, the CCEJ said. Another minus factor on Woori Investment Securities M&A plans comes from its practice of issuing promissory notes. While the company took over that service from Woori Investment Bank, it is supposedly not eligible for carrying out the work as the financial rules state that a corresponding companys equity capital should be more than 4 trillion won. But the equity capital of Woori Investment Securities is only 1.5 trillion won. The company additionally has sought support from Woori Bank and other group affiliates to spur growth. For instance, it has planned to form a joint fund worth 2 trillion won with these companies to invest in blue-chip project financing deals and to secure 30,000 high-net-worth individuals in the next two years by using the network of the group's 20 million customers. The head of the financial watchdog on Tuesday called for banks to curb a continuing rise in household lending. Lee Bok-hyun, chief of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), made the call in a meeting with the heads of 18 banks. "Should we fail to keep household debts at a proper level in the future, it may lead to increased economic burden by expanding market volatility and working as an obstacle to economic growth," Lee told the meeting. Tuesday's meeting follows reports that household loans extended by local lenders grew at a record pace in August. Lee noted household loans extended by all financial institutions increased by 9.5 trillion won ($7.06 billion) last month, up from 5.2 trillion won the previous month and 4.2 trillion won in June. "Also, local banks have a very high dependence on real estate-related loans, causing concerns of a drop in their fiscal soundness in case of a decline in housing prices," Lee said, noting home-related loans currently make up more than 78 percent of all household loans extended by banks. The FSS chief called on the local banks to voluntarily tighten their household loan screening to this end. "Government regulations on household loans are the minimum criteria that need to be observed, and so I believe banks need to voluntarily strengthen their risk management efforts," he said. (Yonhap) One particular finding in the preliminary necropsy has baffled those know knew the world-famous white whale. After Hvaldimir was discovered in Norway wearing a harness reading equipment of St Petersburg he became a worldwide celebrity. Source: Marine Mind/Jrgen Ree Wiig, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries Hvaldimir the Russian spy whale was mysteriously found dead just over a week ago. As those who knew the world-famous beluga continue to mourn his loss, the preliminary results of his necropsy have been released, sparking a sensational response. One specific detail in the findings sparks more questions than it answers, mirroring the strange circumstances of the friendly whale's first appearance in 2019, when he was discovered in Norwegian waters wearing a harness inscribed with equipment of St Petersburg", sparking theories he was a trained Russian whale. While Hvaldimir had appeared to be in good body condition prior to his death, the preliminary results released by the police indicate he had no food in his stomach, and his internal organs were collapsing. But one detail that's particularly baffled those who have monitored the whale is the discovery of a 35 cm stick inside his mouth. One possible explanation for the stick's presence is that locals would often try to play fetch with him, and there were reports in 2021 of locals placing objects in his mouth to see how hed react. But its also possible he simply picked it up to entertain himself while swimming alone. Sebastian Strand who founded Marine Mind, a non-profit group that advocated for Hvaldimirs welfare and regularly monitored him at sea, told Yahoo News on Monday (local time) the results were not a huge surprise except for the stick. [I] did not know of that before today. But I also never looked in his mouth, he said. Was Hvaldimir the Russian spy whale shot? Before the release of the necropsy, non-profit group One Whale and local animal rights campaigners NOAH, raised suspicions Hvaldimir had been shot, and filed a police report detailing their concerns. The tiny round circles on his body that appeared to resemble bullet holes created the suspicion immediately after his death, but others with knowledge of the whale told Yahoo at the time they suspected they were marks from birds pecking at the whales flesh. There appears to be no direct evidence Hvaldimir was harmed by humans, and police have now ruled out that he was shot and reported most of the wounds were superficial. While one wound was slightly deeper, they dont believe it could have impacted his vital organs. After the necropsy was released, One Whale and NOAH did not appear to be convinced by its findings, and responded in a joint statement saying, Questions remain regarding the marks on Hvaldimir's body that appear to resemble gunshot wounds. Instead of addressing these concerns, the police have cited the discovery of a stick in the whales mouth as a point of focus. They maintain a satisfactory explanation has not been provided as to what caused the marks, and offered a Norwegian krone 50,000 ($6,900) reward for anyone with information that could prompt the reopening of the police investigation. One Whale and NOAH have offered a reward to anyone who has information that could reopen a police investigation into Hvaldimirs death. Source: One Whale Whale advocate plans to mourn Hvaldimir's death Before Hvaldimir was found dead, his future in Norway was being fiercely debated. One Whale had been working with local authorities on a plan to relocate the whale to waters closer to Russia, citing concerns about his welfare. But more than 70 scientists and conservationists had signed a letter opposing the idea, arguing it put his life at greater risk, and warning he may not adapt to new surroundings. What happens with Hvaldimir's body now is yet to be decided. The final necropsy is two weeks away, and it is expected to elaborate in detail on the preliminary findings. An exhausted and heartbroken Strand told Yahoo News he plans to take the opportunity to rest and mourn the whale's death. [Im] still crushed and now that things are winding down, Im going to take some days to allow myself to actually mourn, he told Yahoo on Monday night (local time). Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. By Baek Byung-yeul The 27th Bucheon International Comics Festival (BICOF) will be a celebration where cosplayers can freely showcase their character costumes with expanded events and international participation. "BICOF is now in its 27th year and has grown into a festival representing Korea. Excluding film, there aren't many content-related festivals in the nation, but BICOF seems to have established itself as one of Korea's leading content festivals," Shin Jong-chul, president of the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON), which hosts the festival, said Tuesday. "Through the previous festivals, our event has become a mecca for cosplayers. Many cosplayers recognize BICOF as a festival where they feel the most comfortable. This year, we will add more events for cosplayers to enjoy and also expand the room for illustrators to participate." BICOF has been an event promoting the Korean "manhwa," or comics, industry and providing festivities for comic enthusiasts since its first run in 1998. This year's BICOF will be held at the Korea Manhwa Museum and the surrounding area in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, from Oct. 3 to 6. As the president mentioned, this year will feature more events for cosplayers, including an international cosplay festival with teams from 14 countries participating in the Gyeonggi International Cosplay Festival. The president revealed that this year's festival slogan is "Manhwa! Wide Open," aiming to create broader connections, especially as comics integrate with other forms of technology and art. "We are living in an era of convergence where AI is opening a new age. We adopted the slogan 'Manhwa! Wide Open' with the purpose of allowing many people to have expansive interactions centered on manhwa," Shin said. As Korea's manhwa gains increasing popularity in the global market, the festival aims to strengthen international exchanges as well. "To mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy, we held an exhibition about Korea's manhwa in Italy this March. As part of this exchange, Italian comics will be exhibited during the festival in Bucheon," Shin said. Additionally, a manhwa market will connect Korean creators with international buyers, facilitating global market expansion. "Also, this year, we will reopen the international comics market that was disconnected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this, foreign buyers will connect with Korean creators. We expect actual transactions of Korean comics will be held during the festival," Shin said. "We've been exchanging with countries in Southeast Asia and North America, so many buyers from those countries will come. Buyers from Saudi Arabia and India will also attend." Read More 26th Bucheon Int'l Comics Festival to highlight AI and global collaboration The festival will also include talks and signing events with creators of award-winning comics, including Seoire and Namon, authors of "Jeongnyeon," which won the Grand Prize of the 2024 Bucheon Comics Awards. The president expressed his hope that this festival would foster the global expansion of Korean manhwa. "Many people have expressed concerns about the declining number of original Korean webtoons (online comics) due to the increasing number of manhwa adaptations from popular novels. Also, manhwa production companies are facing financial difficulties. In light of these challenges, we must redouble our efforts to reach global audiences (through this festival)," Shin said. Pyongyang unlikely to conduct nuclear tests, ICBM test launches before US election: experts By Kwak Yeon-soo North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns rare speech on Foundation Day was intended to present him as a leader of the people in response to devastating floods earlier this summer and bolster internal unity, analysts said, Tuesday. In a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the nation to government officials on Monday, Kim expressed satisfaction with the country's economic performance in the first half and vowed to implement the 20X10 Regional Development policy, which entails building factories in 20 cities and counties within a decade according to the plan. On the issue of flood recovery efforts, Kim said North Korea has drawn up prospective and irreversible measures to prevent future natural disasters, adding that crop production is expected to be good despite the impact of floods in northern Jagang Province and North Pyongan Province. Kim vowed to redouble efforts to boost the Norths nuclear capabilities to deter any threats by the United States and its allies, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Tuesday. South Koreas unification ministry noted that it is unusual for Kim to give a speech on Foundation Day, raising speculation that his recent address may have replaced his usual speech at the Supreme Peoples Assembly (SPA) meeting. SPA sessions are usually held in January and September, but the North has yet to convene a meeting for the second half of this year. This was the first time Kim delivered a speech marking Foundation Day. His speech seemed to be aimed at calming public sentiments, aggravated by the flood damage, and pressing officials to produce major achievements before the end of the year, a senior unification ministry official said on condition of anonymity. North Korea hasnt announced any plans to convene an SPA session yet. I think it still hasnt sorted out changing the countrys constitution to redefine South Korea as the No.1 hostile state. Experts said Kim seems to be facing growing pressure after the devastating floods. Kims surprise speech is aimed at bolstering internal regime strength. Its evident that he is having a hard time governing and he feels pressured from worries that his people might be upset or swayed by this kind of difficulty, said Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University. Kim is trying to project an image of a leader overcoming the disaster as he seeks to bolster internal unity in the face of flood damage and its economic impacts, said Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. However, experts said chances are low for North Korea to conduct nuclear or ICBM tests before the U.S. election. Earlier this week, the KCNA released a photo of Kim inspecting what appeared to be a 12-axle missile launch vehicle, which would be the largest the country has shown so far, during a visit to a munitions plant. This sparked speculation that the North could be developing a new ICBM that is bigger than its current Hwasong-17 ICBM, which is launched using an 11-axle vehicle. North Korea is making empty threats to the U.S. Kim has stressed the defensive nature of the Norths nuclear program. It's just an image of a missile launch vehicle, not a multiwarhead missile. Most of all, it wants to be acknowledged as a nuclear state by negotiating with the next U.S. administration, Cho said. Lim echoed the view, saying that North Koreas immediate task is recovery from the floods. The government plans to invest 5 trillion won ($3.7 billion) through 2030 to help enhance the education environment of medical schools following the sharp increase in their admissions quotas. The plan was announced by the education ministry after the combined admissions quota for 2025 was increased by 1,500 seats across medical schools nationwide in the first such hike in 27 years. As part of the investment starting in 2025, 1,000 full-time professors will be added to state-run medical schools by 2027, including 330 positions next year. Around 150 billion won will be funneled to expanding education facilities and equipment at state-run medical schools, while 172.8 billion won will be offered as low-interest loans to private medical schools looking to upgrade their environments. The investment also includes substantial financial support for general university hospitals, including 82.9 billion won to construct additional classrooms and research facilities and 167.8 billion won to enhance research capacity in medical services in remote regions and essential medical fields. By 2028, clinical training centers will also be established in all state-run university hospitals to provide medical students and training doctors with education in a hospital-like environment, the education ministry said. (Yonhap) The health ministry announced a decision Tuesday to extend financial support for hospitals struggling with staff shortages to have them hire 400 medical staff members to ease deepening concerns about a health care crisis. Hospitals have been forced to cut back on surgeries, outpatient treatment services, and emergency room operations, as a majority of trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February in protest of the government's plan to drastically increase the medical school admissions quota. Concerns have mounted over further medical service disruptions ahead of the Chuseok holiday. "The government will swiftly provide funds to hospitals to have them hire 400 new doctors, nurses and other medical staff," senior ministry official Jung Yoon-soon told a press briefing. In detail, 160 doctors and 240 nurses would be employed for short-staffed hospitals nationwide, which is expected to require 3.7 billion won ($2.75 million) per month, the ministry said. It will be provided first to medical institutions experiencing serious staffing problems and emergency care centers, the official said. The government also plans to designate 15 "major" emergency centers nationwide out of 136 regional entities to have them actively accept patients with serious cases and those in need of emergency treatments. Health insurance payments to hospitals will be raised temporarily for the holiday, the ministry said. As part of the medical system reform, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has vowed to increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 seats per year over the next five years or so to address a shortage of doctors, and it finalized a hike of some 1,500 students for next year. But doctors demand the government cancel the quota hike plan for next year and 2026 and have talks about the possible adjustment of the medical school seats for 2027 and afterward. They 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. (Yonhap) By Kim Hyun-bin Korea and Kazakhstan are strengthening their cooperation in education, following a recent visit by Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek. Nurbek led a delegation of Kazakhstan's university presidents to participate in the Global Education and Innovation Summit 2024 in Korea on Aug. 27 and 28. The event, marking the launch of the Global Education and Innovation Alliance, aimed to foster international partnerships in education and research. Key agreements were signed during the summit, highlighting the deepening academic ties between Korea and Kazakhstan. Among them was a notable memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed for joint research in metallurgy and industrial technology. Nurbek also signed an MOU to enhance collaboration in science and technology and academic exchanges between the two nations. The visit also featured discussions between Satbayev University President Meiram Begentayev and Sungkyunkwan University President Yoo Ji-Beom, resulting in an agreement on dual degree programs. One of the visit's highlights was Nurbek's talks with Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho. The two leaders discussed the current state of educational cooperation, identifying key areas for future growth. A successful collaboration between Korkyt Ata University and SeoulTech in establishing an AI school was praised as a model partnership. Concluding the visit, the Ministry of Education signed an MOU with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, reinforcing their commitment to continued cooperation in education. Korea launched the third round of talks for a comprehensive economic partnership with Mongolia on Tuesday that focuses on stronger cooperation on trade and supply chains, Seoul's industry ministry said. The third official round of negotiations for the bilateral economic partnership agreement (EPA) began on the day in Ulaanbaatar for a four-day run, as the two sides have agreed to clinch one that aims to boost overall economic cooperation and ensure stable supply chains, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The initial round of official talks was launched in December 2023. During the latest meeting, the two sides plan to discuss 13 segments, such as goods, services, investment and digital trade, as well as ways of enhancing cooperation on stable supply chains and joint responses to climate changes. "Mongolia is a crucial economic partner as it can help Korea diversify its overseas markets and stabilize supply chains. We will strive to lay the groundwork for stronger, extensive economic cooperation," Seoul's chief negotiator Ryu Peob-min said. An EPA is meant to establish a mutually beneficial trade network with partner nations beyond a simple market opening, though it covers a smaller scope of areas compared with a traditional free trade agreement. (Yonhap) A U.S. defense official is set to attend trilateral defense talks with her South Korean and U.S. counterparts and a meeting with U.N. Command (UNC) member states in Seoul this week, a Pentagon spokesperson said Monday. Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Cara Abercrombie will co-chair the Defense Trilateral Talks with her counterparts and lead the U.S. delegation to the South Korea-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting set for Tuesday (Korea time), according to Lt. Col. Garron Garn. Abercrombie is also set to deliver remarks at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, an annual international security meeting set to take place Wednesday and Thursday. "During her trip, Ms. Abercrombie will take steps to deepen trilateral cooperation between the United States, the ROK, and Japan; take actions to develop a positive future vision for the United Nations Command in collaboration with current member states; and highlight the importance of expanding defense industrial cooperation while also protecting critical technologies," the spokesperson said in a release. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. A series of defense talks this week are set to proceed as Seoul has been striving to secure international cooperation to help address North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats. (Yonhap) A senior U.S. diplomat said Tuesday that Seoul and Washington would consider exploring additional scenarios of North Korean nuclear threats in future sessions of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), the allies' key deterrence dialogue body. Last week in Washington, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins participated in the latest EDSCG session, where participants had their first discussions based on North Korean nuclear threat scenarios to explore effective diplomatic and defense measures to counter such threats. Jenkins, who is in Seoul to attend an international forum on the responsible military use of artificial intelligence (AI), noted that both sides appreciated the scenario-based discussions. "I can't go into the details of the actual scenarios, but what I can say is that both the U.S. and the ROK recognize the value of these exercises. We may consider doing more in the future," she said on the sidelines of the second summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM), held at a hotel in Seoul. ROK stands for the official name of South Korea. Jenkins emphasized the U.S. "ironclad" security commitment to Seoul, responding to questions about the possibility of another North Korean nuclear test. "I think the important thing is that we continue to make it very clear that our commitment to the ROK remains ironclad," she said. At last week's EDSCG meeting, South Korea and the U.S. said they are not ruling out the possibility of North Korea conducting major provocations, like a nuclear test and an intercontinental ballistic missile launch, near the U.S. presidential election in November. At the inaugural REAIM summit in The Hague in February of last year, 55 states endorsed a final declaration outlining nine specific principles for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in armed forces. Jenkins highlighted the increasing global interest in military AI, noting that the number of participants endorsing the declaration "is an indication of the international community's real interest in AI and the military." "AI has many positive applications, such as assisting with decision-making and reducing casualties," she said. The second summit is expected to conclude with a new declaration titled "Blueprint for Action," to be released later in the day. Jenkins further expressed hope that more stakeholders, including additional countries, would participate in ongoing efforts by the U.S. to operationalize these principle at the working level. "What we're doing now is not only having working groups start implementing actions on these three topics, but we're also continuing to engage with countries to bring more participants on board," she said, referring to the three topics accountability, oversight and assurance. (Yonhap) Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen voiced satisfaction with Helsinki's purchase of South Korean K-9 self-propelled howitzers as his country is considering buying a range of other South Korean defense products and technology. "We are really happy about it. We are satisfied with the capabilities that it provides for us," Hakkanen told a group of reporters in Seoul on Monday on the sidelines of the Korea-Finland Innovation Forum meant to explore dual-use technologies in the defense and private sectors. "We are now kind of assessing all the products, the technology, what the South Korean industry can provide." Finland is one of the nine countries, including six member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), outside of South Korea that use the K-9 howitzer. Finland first signed a deal in 2017 to purchase 48 used South Korean howitzers over a seven-year period and modify them before deployment. While the Finnish defense chief did not provide further details on potential acquisitions, he said the swift delivery time and high quality of South Korean defense products could make them appealing for European nations seeking to beef up their defense capabilities not too late. "Europe ramped down its whole defense industry after the Cold War. Now it's been ramped up, but it will take several years," he said. "Time is the key. That's why South Korea is known. You can do high quality, fast." Hakkanen's remarks came as a slate of European nations are looking to beef up their defense spending in the face of changing security circumstances, most notably triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland, which borders Russia and joined NATO in 2023 amid the ongoing war, saw its defense budget account for 2.41 percent of its total GDP in 2024. Not only is the figure higher than the NATO guideline of 2 percent but significantly higher than the 1.45 percent the country logged in 2014. While noting the similarities between South Korea and Finland, as high-tech countries with democratic societies and market-oriented economies, Hakkanen said nuclear and renewable energy are some other sectors where the countries could further work together outside of the defense sector. But what could open a "new phase" for another level of bilateral cooperation would be cooperation in security, he said. "Russia, Iran, North Korea and China are playing really a big game together, and if you look at history, dictators are not vanishing anywhere, they are getting worse," he said. "That's why democratic countries, even though we are situated at a long distance from each other, we have to play together." "Of course, one thing is that we joined the NATO, and South Korea is a partner for NATO," Hakkanen said. Asked about whether South Korea should provide lethal weapons in support of Ukraine in the ongoing war, the Finnish defense chief said such weapons could be crucial for the survival of an independent country, making note of Finland's own history. "When Finland was attacked by Stalin in 1939, some countries said we can give you financial aid, but that didn't help because we needed guns and ammos," he said. "That's why we feel the Ukrainians' pain from our history, that we have to give them what they need to defend themselves. But every government does their own assessments." (Yonhap) By Lee Hyo-jin A monument honoring Adm. Son Won-il, a Korean War veteran who played a key role in the success of the Battle of Incheon, has been erected in Incheon, according to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The unveiling ceremony took place on Tuesday near Gyeyang Bridge along the Gyeongin Ara Waterway, the ministry said. The event was held ahead of the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Incheon, which falls on Sept. 15. The military operation, also known as Operation Chromite, is regarded as the major turning point in the 1910-53 Korean War, as it enabled South Korean forces to recapture Seoul from North Korean control. According to the ministry, the sculpture was designed as a photo zone where visitors can take pictures while learning about Sons achievements. Known as the father of the Republic of Korea Navy, Son played a crucial role in establishing the Navy. On Nov. 11, 1945, he founded the Liberation Army Corps, the precursor to the ROK Navy, and on Sept. 5, 1948, he became the inaugural Chief of Naval Operations. During the Korean War, the admiral led the Navy to victories in key battles, including the Battle of Okpo and the Battle of the Korea Strait. He also served as the highest-ranking South Korean military commander during the Battle of Incheon, which was led by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur. In recognition of his contributions during the war, Son was awarded the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit in 1953. I am deeply moved and proud that a sculpture honoring my father has been installed in Incheon, Son Myung-won, the admirals son, said at the unveiling ceremony. The ministry added that the monument is part of its Hero Road project, which aims to install 10 sculptures commemorating Korean War heroes in major cities nationwide this year. This is the third installation, with seven more planned to be installed before the end of the year. Jordan Knight, the founder of Migration Watch Australia, was due to appear on the program where he'd planned to raise the issue of immigration in Australia. Jordan Knight, the founder of Migration Watch Australia, claims he was banned from asking a question about immigration on the ABC's Q&A program, hosted by Patricia Karvelas (pictured). Source: X/Jordan H Knight and ABC Australia's housing shortage and record overseas migration rates have once again been brought into question with a campaigner against high immigration hitting out at the ABC. He claims the national broadcaster banned him from addressing the issue while appearing on Q&A this week. Jordan Knight, the founder of Migration Watch Australia, who works for independent MP Rod Roberts in the NSW Parliament, claims he was "chosen to read out a question" on Monday night's program, "only for them to call and cancel last minute". He claims the reason was to do with the question he'd planned to ask the panel which on Monday night included Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, shadow housing minister Michael Sukkar, Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally and the ABC's finance commentator Alan Kohler about whether or not the high number of international students was worsening Australia's rental crisis. Guest banned from asking about high intake of foreign students The 30-year-old shared the detailed question on social media on Tuesday. "Australia has more foreign students than Great Britain and almost as many as the United States," Knight's submitted question said. "Meanwhile, we have record low rental vacancy rates, people are paying 50 per cent of their wage on rent." "My question is this," it continued. "Does the panel believe that housing Australians is more important than educating foreign students? And if so, will they further reduce the number of foreign students in the country to 50,000, in order to free up housing for Australians?" Was chosen to read out a question from the audience for tonights Q+Aonly for them to call and cancel last minute. Which is greatly disappointing. Funnily enough, despite the ABC already running a 10-minute attack piece on me (likely not the last), I still would like nothing pic.twitter.com/4dmrLhCoDM Jordan H Knight (@jhk_______) September 9, 2024 ABC questioned over 'disappointing' decision Taking to X on Tuesday, Knight said it is "greatly disappointing" that he was not allowed to ask a question as an audience member, especially since Greens volunteer Sophia Redjeb was reportedly allowed to ask a question when appearing on the show last week. She reportedly suggested that international students were being unfairly blamed for the housing crisis. An ABC spokesperson reportedly claimed the situations with Knight and Redjeb were different. Knight "is a paid staffer" whereas "Redjeb was interning for the Greens". "Q+A doesn't take questions from paid political staffers," they told Daily Mail Australia. However, Knight implied it's hypocritical. "Really makes you wonder," he posted on Tuesday. Knight was supposed to ask a question to the panel on Monday night's Q&A (pictured: host Patricia Karvelas). Source: ABC International students the 'main contributor' to arrivals in Australia The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the countrys population grew by 2.4 per cent in 2023. While the annual natural increase was at 106,100 people, it was outstripped by a boom in net overseas migration (NOM), with more than 737,000 people arriving in the country. "People arriving on temporary visas, such as international students, were the main contributor to the arrivals, with the number of departures remaining low as the cycle of arrivals and departures have not yet returned to typical pre-pandemic patterns, ABS head of demography Beidar Cho said of the numbers late last year. International students accounted for some 283,000 out of 737,000 arrivals in 202223, according to Home Affairs' migration trends data. Meanwhile, of the 2,463,244 people in Australia on a temporary visa in 2023 an increase of 533,831 people (27.7 per cent) from 2022 568,753 were granted student visas in Australia. In 22-23, citizens from India, China and Nepal made almost half (41.9 per cent) of all student visa grants. Currently, there are roughly 810,960 international students enrolled in Australian universities. Is immigration to blame for the housing shortages? While immigration is often blamed for contributing to the current housing crisis, Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather has previously said he did not believe migration was the primary cause of the housing crisis. He pointed instead to the "tens of billions of dollars" the government doled out to property investors, a lack of rent caps and chronic underinvestment in public housing. The current government has plans to slash the total migration intake over the coming years, in an attempt to reduce pressure on the stretched housing sector. Treasury is forecasting the figure will decline to 395,000 in 2023-24, before tapering off even further to 260,000 in the coming financial year. with NCA Newswire Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Participants at a summit on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military fields Tuesday called for maintaining human control for reliable military use of AI and preventing its use from spurring the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The call was made in a joint declaration adopted following the two-day Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference, hosted by Korea, a multilateral gathering for discussions on building the governance for the use of AI in the military fields. "Appropriate human involvement needs to be maintained in the development, deployment and use of AI in the military domain, including appropriate measures that relate to human judgment and control over the use of force," the "Blueprint for Action" declaration, released by the foreign ministry, showed. "We stress the need to prevent AI technologies from being used to contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and emphasize that AI technologies support and do not hinder disarmament, arms control and nonproliferation efforts," it said. This year's REAIM conference brought together some 2,000 government officials and private experts from 90 countries to explore ways to address the military use of AI in terms of benefits as well as potential risks. The meeting gained attention as risks of the misuse of AI have raised serious concerns, such as the potential for an arms race. The declaration stressed that humans remain responsible and accountable for the use and effects of AI applications in the military domain. The importance of human involvement should apply to "all actions critical to informing and executing sovereign decisions concerning nuclear weapons employment, without prejudice to the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons," it said. The participants in the declaration called for establishing appropriate safeguards to make sure the AI applications are reliable and trustworthy, and reduce the risks of malfunctions or "unintended consequences," such as those from data, algorithmic and other biases. It also noted that possible high-impact applications in the military domain deserve policy attention, including AI-enabled weapons, AI-enabled decision-support systems for combat or cyber operations. This year's REAIM conference was co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya and Britain. The inaugural session took place in The Hague in February last year. (Yonhap) Seoul hosts 2nd defense ministerial meeting with UNC member states By Lee Hyo-jin South Korea and member states of the United Nations Command (UNC) pledged a united front against North Korea's threats during a defense ministerial meeting in Seoul, Tuesday. The meeting, co-hosted by the South Korean and Canadian defense ministries, was the second of its kind. It followed the inaugural session held in November 2023, which commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953. This years session underscores the South Korean governments efforts to make the gathering a regular event. In his opening remarks, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun emphasized that the meeting would serve as "a stern warning" to North Korea, while sending "a strong message of solidarity" to like-minded nations. "Seventy years ago, under one flag, U.N. forces protected South Korea from the illegal aggression of communist North Korea. After the war, thanks to the support of those nations, South Korea has developed into a model of a free democratic society," Kim said. "The UNC is one of the three key pillars that safeguard South Korea's security, along with our military's overwhelming defense posture and the South Korea-U.S. alliance," he added. Kims speech was followed by a keynote address from Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair, who expressed concerns about the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. "We are united in condemning the expanding military cooperation between North Korea and the Russian Federation. Their deepening ties undercut the U.N. Security Council's efforts to address the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs which threaten stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader Indo-Pacific region," Blair said. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. The ceremony also included a speech by Nils Hilmer, a state secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Defense. Germany joined the UNC in August, marking the first expansion of the multinational force in over a decade. The last expansion was in 2013 when Italy was reinstated as a member. "Germany's membership in the United Nations Command is a clear signal of German solidarity in the region and of our support for the stability on the Korean Peninsula...Germany is more than willing to cooperate with all those who want to champion this multilateralism, an important core element of the German governance guildlines on the Indo Pacific," Hilmer said. With Germanys addition, the 18 UNC member states now include Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States. South Africa did not send a delegation to this years meeting, according to the organizers. During the closed-door discussions that followed, attendees assessed the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and reviewed the progress made by South Korea and UNC member states, according to Seouls defense ministry. The discussions focused particularly on the growing threats posed by the deepening military cooperation and arms trade between Russia and North Korea, as well as on coordinating responses to those concerns. According to the defense ministry, unlike last years session, which was mainly attended by diplomatic missions in Seoul, this years meeting saw increased participation from member states, including two ministerial-level and six vice ministerial-level officials. The second consecutive gathering of UNC states comes as the Yoon Suk Yeol administration seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S.-led U.N. command, aiming to reinforce its role as a deterrent against North Koreas increasing military provocations. A key aspect of Yoons defense policy is fostering solidarity with like-minded nations to counter Pyongyangs threats. The UNC was established in July 1950 under a U.N. mandate to support South Korea against North Korean aggression during the 1950-53 Korean War. After the war, it has focused on managing the Armistice Agreement. While South Korea is not a member of the UNC, it serves as the host country. Pyongyang has long called for the dissolution of the command, denouncing it as a U.S.-led multinational war tool. The North Korean regime labeled last years UNC gathering in Seoul as a dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression. By KTimes A dog owner in his 40s was fined for assault after he refused to leash his pet during a walk and reacted violently when confronted. According to the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division on Monday, a 45-year-old man, identified as A, was recently sentenced to a fine of 3 million won ($2,250) for assault. In December last year, A was walking his dog at Hangang Park in Gangnam District, Seoul, when he encountered another dog owner, a man in his 20s, identified as B. When A's dog, which was off-leash, almost got into a fight with B's dog, B requested that A put his dog on a leash. When A ignored the request, B began filming the scene with his smartphone. In response, A tried to stop him by grabbing B's hand. B warned, "Touching someone is assault," but A, unable to control his anger, grabbed B by the collar and pushed him. Although A admitted to his actions, he argued that it did not constitute assault. However, judge Park So-jung ruled, "Assault refers to any exercise of force on a person's body, and such use of force implies the application of physical power that causes bodily pain." Under the Animal Protection Act, dog owners are required to use a leash or harness of no more than 2 meters when outside with their pets. The first violation results in a fine of 200,000 won, the second a fine of 300,000 won and the third a fine of 500,000 won. If a failure to comply with safety measures causes bodily injury to a person, the owner may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won. In the case of a fatal accident, the owner could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. Suspects use deceptive tactics like fake refunds to exploit and evade detection By KTimes A woman in her 30s, identified as A, planned to attend g.o.d. member Son Ho-young's fan meeting concert on March 23 and 24 to celebrate the 25th anniversary since his debut, but her attempt to secure tickets turned into a nightmare. She managed to get a ticket for the first day but failed to secure one for the second day. Disappointed, she came across a post on social media from a vendor claiming to have tickets available for the second day and decided to inquire further. The vendor quoted a price of 150,000 won ($113), 30,000 won more than the original price of 121,000 won. Suspicious that the markup was relatively small, A hesitated, but felt reassured when the vendor showed her an ID. She transferred the money. However, the vendor then claimed a 2,000 won fee had been deducted and asked her to send 152,000 won, promising to refund the 150,000 won after deducting the fee.This was followed by repeated requests to "meet the minimum refund amount" to get her money back. The "minimum amount" kept increasing from 1 million won to 2 million won, and eventually up to 10 million won. In just a few hours, A broke her savings and even took on debt, transferring a total of around 62 million won, but received nothing back. "I was desperate to get back the money I had already sent," A tearfully recalled. "I realized too late that it was a scam. Total losses estimated at 3.8 billion won What was once a straightforward scam of taking money and disappearing has evolved into something as malicious as voice phishing, as shown in A's case, and is now a recurring issue at major concerts and events. Victims suspect this is an organized crime operation. Based on the account holder's name, B, and their methods, victims discovered that B and several others were conducting similar scams across various platforms around the same time. The screenshots claiming "account errors" and the repeated demands to "meet the minimum refund amount" were identical. Currently, there are about 4,800 victims gathered in KakaoTalk open chat rooms, and the total losses are estimated to be around 3.8 billion won. The scammers also boldly use the victims' identities for further crimes. C, a 22-year-old attempting to buy a concert ticket for a K-pop concert, was contacted by the vendor at dawn, claiming, "There's been an accidental deposit; please return the money." Seeing 180,000 won in her account, C immediately transferred it back, only to receive a call from the police the next day for a witness investigation. The transferred amount turned out to be another victim's money. It appears the scammers use this method to avoid account tracing. Another victim, D, 25, who had provided their phone number and ID to the scammers, found their account on a secondhand trading platform suspended after someone reported it for fraud. According to a post on the National Assembly's public petition site, the scam, which began on March 5 this year, involved 301 names and 1,826 accounts. Although it's hard to be exact, as some victim accounts were also used, it is evident that the perpetrators created multiple accounts per person. Rising losses, slow investigation As the number of victims grows rapidly, identifying the suspects remains challenging due to the nature of cybercrime, causing police investigations to drag on. The police are struggling because the transactions mainly occur on social media, many involve "borrowed name" accounts and the account holders are scattered across the country. Victims are left to share information and prevention tips among themselves as a means of self-defense. The Seoul Gwanak Police Station, which received complaints in July, is investigating some of the suspects on charges including organized crime. Kim Song-yi, an attorney from Lawoffice Discovery representing the victims, said, "The criminals exploit the fact that law enforcement often does not actively pursue small-scale fraud cases, resulting in numerous victims. Swift investigations to apprehend the core members of these criminal organizations are essential to prevent similar crimes in the future." This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. Two former Samsung Electronics officials arrested for stealing the chip giant's trade secrets and human resources to build a copycat chip plant in China have been transferred to the prosecution for possible indictment, police said Tuesday. The two are identified as the chief of Chengdu Gaozhen (CHJS), surnamed Choi, 66, and the Chinese company's chief plant designer, surnamed Oh, 60, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) said. Choi previously served as an executive at Samsung Electronics and the predecessor of SK hynix, while Oh was a senior researcher at Samsung. Choi, who set up a joint semiconductor company with a Chinese local government in September 2020, is accused of leaking and misusing Samsung's core memory semiconductor technologies after recruiting a large number of Korean chip experts, including Oh. Choi allegedly stole core technologies developed by Samsung with a goal of manufacturing 20-nanometer DRAM semiconductors and produced basic products in April 2022. Oh is accused of playing a key role in the alleged technology theft after moving to CHJS. The SMPA estimated the economic value of the leaked Samsung technologies at 4.3 trillion won ($3.2 billion). The police agency said it was also investigating whether there were additional technology leaks by other former Samsung employees who moved to CHJS. (Yonhap) Prosecutors have summarily indicted Suga of K-pop superband BTS on charges of driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol, officials said Tuesday. Late at night on Aug. 6, police officers found Suga trying to get up after falling off his electric scooter under the influence of alcohol near his residence in the Hannam neighborhood of the Yongsan district. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.227 percent, far exceeding the 0.08 percent threshold, which is subject to the revocation of a driver's license. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office said the 31-year-old artist, whose legal name is Min Yoon-gi, has been summarily indicted. A summary indictment, used for minor offenses, requests the court to impose a fine or confiscation through an expedited process without a full trial. The Road Traffic Act stipulates a prison sentence of between one and two years or a fine ranging from 5 million won ($3,719) to 10 million won for drunk driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or above. But for drunk driving with an alcohol level of 0.2 percent or higher, the law stipulates a heftier punishment of a prison sentence between two and five years, or a fine ranging from 10 million won to 20 million won. (Yonhap) An electric bike caught fire while being charged at a convention center in the southeastern port city of Busan, but sprinklers helped put out the flames, officials said Tuesday. The blaze occurred at 10:15 p.m. Monday at an underground parking lot at Bexco, an exhibition and convention center in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to the local fire service. The fire was brought under control thanks to the sprinkler systems and firefighters extinguished the remaining flames about 10 minutes later by soaking the e-bike and battery in water. No casualties were reported, but it caused some 2 million won ($1,487) of property damage. Firefighters suspect the detachable battery of the e-bike could have started the fire. The fire caused no disruptions to events to be held at Bexco, including K-ICT Week and the 2024 Korea Maritime Mobility Safety Expo. (Yonhap) The 2024 International Conference on Narcotics (ICON) is set to kick off in Seoul on Tuesday, seeking to strengthen international cooperation between investigative agencies of each country to crack down on drug-related crimes, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) said. The two-day conference will be held at Sebitseom Island in southern Seoul, with the attendance of about 200 officials from 32 countries, including the U.S., Vietnam, Australia and Cambodia, and four international organizations, the agency said. The KNPA has hosted the ICON since 2010 to reinforce the global cooperative system related to drug crimes among investigative agencies around the world. The participants are also expected to share information on drug crime trends and methods in each country and major drug criminals to be arrested, the agency said. Notably, the KNPA and 13 Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and India, and the ASEAN Chiefs of Police plan to newly launch the Asian Narcotics Crime Response Alliance, a consultative body intended to directly and swiftly share drug-related information among members. (Yonhap) The health ministry on Tuesday launched an online counseling service for those with suicidal thoughts as part of effort to address the serious mental health problem, officials said. The app Madlan, which means an online friend who listens to you, provides consultation services round-the-clock starting on the day, according to the ministry. The service is also available via mobile messaging app KakaoTalk, it added. The government has already operated the "109" suicide and crisis hotline to prevent suicide. Korea reports the highest suicide rate among member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In 2020, the number of suicides per every 100,000 Koreans came to 24.1, compared with 38 OECD member nations' average of 11.3. Last year, 13,770 people took their own lives in Korea, up 6.7 percent from a year earlier, government data showed. (Yonhap) Local gov'ts urge greater autonomy for more effective policy implementation By Jung Da-hyun Mayors and governors of 17 cities and provinces nationwide convened, Tuesday, for a meeting organized by the Governors Association of Korea (GAOK) to discuss strategies aimed at tackling the nations declining population and the growing threat of rural extinction. Local government leaders underscored the importance of regional development as a driving force for national progress, calling for greater autonomy and expanded rights for local administrations. Under the theme "Korea's Future Finds Answers in the Regions," leaders from metropolitan and provincial governments gathered to share policies and initiatives, exploring joint solutions to tackle the nations pressing demographic and regional challenges. The conference, modeled after the annual general meeting of the United States National Governors Association, marked the first such gathering since the establishment of the GAOK. Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, chair of GAOK, emphasized that addressing issues like economic and social disparities caused by the concentration in metropolitan areas, including Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, requires a regional approach. "The key to resolving various problems, including regional economic and social imbalances, lies within the regions themselves," Park said. "We hope todays conference will mark a significant step toward local autonomy and balanced regional development, fostering stronger cooperation between central and local governments." The conference was attended by 12 city and provincial governors, delivering speeches addressing responses to population decline, local economic challenges and regional policy initiatives. South Chungcheong Province Gov. Kim Tae-heum stressed that childbirth and child-rearing should not be seen solely as personal matters, but as responsibilities that the nation must share. "The province is making significant efforts to support young families by providing housing and introducing policies like a four-day workweek for parents of young children in the provincial government," Kim said. He also urged the central government to consider recognizing unmarried cohabiting couples as a family unit, similar to a policy in France. "Some couples want to raise children but feel burdened by the traditional marriage system," he said. "It's time to recognize diverse family structures to address the nations population decline." Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon outlined the city's policies on housing and education support, highlighting them as key areas in addressing the declining birthrate. "Housing costs and education expenses are consistently cited as the two biggest factors discouraging people from having children," he said. He also called on the central government to grant more autonomy to local governments, arguing that decentralization would enable more effective policy implementation. "Aside from diplomacy, military and security, local governments should have greater authority, including the power to enact laws and set budgets," Oh said. The GAOK also issued a joint statement outlining strategies to address three of the nations most pressing challenges: the low birthrate and aging population, the worsening threat of rural extinction and regional economic contraction. All 17 city and provincial governors signed the declaration. The association highlighted the growing crisis of regional economic decline and rural depopulation, driven by the outflow of young people from rural areas. To address these issues, the local government leaders agreed to commit to strengthening local autonomy and fostering closer cooperation between the central and local governments. The Canberra man argues people should be cautioned first before receiving a fine for what was deemed an 'unsafe' road act. A Canberra-based driver was 'outraged' for receiving a fine for parking in the opposite direction of traffic. Source: Facebook An Aussie driver has vented his "outrage" after being fined for parking out the front of his house, an act he thought should've attracted only a warning rather than an on-the-spot penalty. The Canberra-based man, who said he recently moved back to the city from Melbourne, copped the penalty for parking in the opposite direction of traffic. He argued the fine was "an abuse of resources" and questioned its legality. "[It's] revenue raising, as this street is very quiet, not near a school or town centre, not in a built-up high pedestrian area," he wrote in frustration this week. "I had no idea I had a fine. I received a text message from Access Canberra saying I had to pay it in two days I thought it was a scam so I looked into it. Turns out, I actually did get one, and I was very confused as to why. Fast forward a bit and I receive an email saying they won't withdraw the fine as I 'reverse parallel parked unsafely in the opposite direction of traffic'." He claimed that "a licence plate recognition van got me in this predicament", which he said he thought were only meant to be used near schools, in built-up high pedestrian areas and near town centres "none of which is the case here". It's an offence to park in the opposite direction of traffic in all Australian jurisdictions. Source: Reddit Posting an image of the park that attracted the fine, which was later sent to him by Access Canberra, the man announced he was considering taking the matter to court, and asked for advice from locals. Aussies weigh in as driver asks for help in challenging fine Quickly, many pointed out that despite stopping outside his own home, the park was clearly in breach of the law. Though some empathised with the situation. "Society is pretty sad when they have to fine you like this. Feeling nothing but empathy for you," a woman said. "Bottom line is that you were parked illegally, got nabbed and basically dont have a leg to stand on in court. Learn from it, pay the fine and move on," somebody else said. "You can't fight this, no jurisdictions in Australia allow parking the wrong way on the street like they do in England, so you can't claim ignorance from moving from Melbourne," wrote a third. "It's always been the law here, your reflectors won't work at night facing the wrong way and people could clip your car in poor lighting. Going to court will cost more money and you'll definitely lose." Legislation clear in ACT when it comes to parking offences When it comes to the legislation, Access Canberra states that drivers on ACT roads "have a responsibility to make sure they follow all the road rules". "Some examples of where it is illegal to stop or park your car are: across any passage, thoroughfare, entrance, driveway or foot crossing, anywhere other than in a marked bay in a car park marked into bays, on footpaths or nature strips and on the wrong side of the road, and not in the direction of traffic," it said. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, an ACT Government spokesperson condemned the park. "When parallel parking, a motorist must park a vehicle in the direction in which traffic could legally travel on the side of the road the vehicle is parked," they told Yahoo. "This rule seeks to prevent motorists from positioning their vehicles in dangerous places on the road or driving on the wrong side of the road. The infringement associated with parking in the opposite direction of traffic is $137." In the territory, as of July 1, 2023, parking fines ranged from between $128 and $640. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Tuesday denounced Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun for their decision to skip an interpellation session at the National Assembly. The interpellation session on foreign affairs, unification and security affairs, initially set for 2 p.m., was eventually postponed to 7 p.m., with the opposition parties demanding the ministers' attendance. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) explained that both ministers had valid reasons for their absence, including attending the second Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference. The PPP administrative office also claimed their absence from the plenary session had already been approved by both parties beforehand. The DPK, however, argued that the ministers were using the REAIM conference as excuses to avoid attending the session. Lawmakers of the DPK and the minor Rebuilding Korea Party issued a statement earlier in the day, calling it a "disgrace" for the Assembly to hold an "interpellation session on diplomatic, unification and security affairs without the foreign and defense ministers." During the session, the rival parties are likely to clash over the controversial appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as the new director of the Independence Hall of Korea. Kim recently came under fire for his previous remarks that appear to justify Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. With just two months until the U.S. presidential election, lawmakers are also expected to ask the ministers about issues surrounding U.S. protectionism, Indo-Pacific strategy and relations with China. On Seoul-Tokyo ties, the DPK will likely take issue with the potential risks of contaminated water released over the past year from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage listing of an old Japanese mine complex linked to wartime forced labor. (Yonhap) Doctors should step forward for talks to end medical crisis Amid a medical crisis that has dragged on for more than seven months, a minor but significant development has taken place. The government has made a slight adjustment to its stance on increasing the medical school admissions quota. Both the ruling party and the presidential office have indicated their openness to re-evaluating the matter from the ground up, including the option of postponing the quota increase planned for the 2026 academic year. Just days earlier, the administration had ruled out the possibility of revisiting the issue of 2026. On Monday, the usually contentious relationship between the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was momentarily put aside, as both sides sought to bring the medical community into a four-way dialogue. The move follows the worsening gridlock in medical services, which is severely impacting hospitals. Additionally, a disturbing "blacklist" of doctors currently working in emergency rooms has appeared online. Such actions must be halted immediately. However, the medical community remains opposed, stating that it will participate in the talks only if the admissions quotas for the 2025 and 2026 academic years are canceled. Where, then, is the sense of professional responsibility to help achieve a resolution? Since last Friday, the PPP floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho has indicated that the ruling party is willing to reconsider issues from scratch, including or "starting with" the proposed expansion of the admissions quota for the 2026 academic year. The presidential office has supported this stance. Following this, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon proposed the establishment of a four-way consultative body to facilitate discussions. The medical community, including the Korean Medical Association, is demanding the cancellation of the expanded admissions quota for 2025 and 2026 and proposes that discussions on the issue be postponed until 2027. This demand poses a challenge, especially for 2025, as medical schools began receiving Monday applications for rolling admissions, which represent about 67 percent of the incoming freshman class. The education ministry has said the quota increase for the 2025 academic year is irreversible. The medical community should take part in the four-way talks. There are divided opinions on the issue among the government, political parties, doctors, trainee physicians, medical school professors, and students. Engaging in these discussions presents a slim but potential opportunity to achieve a consensus. Reforming the medical sector is one of President Yoon Suk Yeol's four key initiatives with plans to increase the enrollment quota for five years from 2025. However, the administration must address its inconsistent messaging across different government ministries, which has led to confusion. The latest shift in position indicates that the administration is now open to discussing issues including the proposed increase in the admissions quota for the 2026 academic year, provided the medical sector presents a reasonable alternative. The medical sector's resistance is not unusual, as it has exhibited similar patterns during past reform attempts, such as those in 2000. A key development at the government is its readiness to revisit the issue. The medical community should take advantage of this opportunity, using the government's openness to either advance their position or negotiate adjustments. Since February, approximately 12,000 trainee doctors have protested the expansion of the medical school admissions quota, leading to a decline in the number of emergency rooms in operation. On Monday, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service statistics found that the number of cancer surgeries between February and June fell by 16.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Stories of patients being turned away from emergency rooms are appearing more frequently. The medical crisis is worsening, and with the long national holiday of Chuseok approaching, the administration and politicians are confronted with an urgent need for action. The medical community should display more flexibility. Doctors' demands for the president to issue an apology and dismiss both the minister and the deputy minister of health and welfare are issues that can be addressed once all concerned parties reach some basic level of agreement. By Kim Sung-woo According to "Clean Electricity Breaks New Records; Renewables on Track for Another Strong Year" published by BloombergNEF on Aug. 27, 40 percent of the world's electricity produced in 2023 came from zero-carbon energy sources: solar and wind contributed almost 13.9 percent, whereas hydro power and nuclear power accounted for 14.7 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively. On a separate note, Brazil and France currently generate more than 75 percent of their energy based on carbon-free energy sources, while India and Mexico are under 25 percent, showing a wide gap among different countries. There is no question about the energy sector being a key industry to any country, and the ability to secure low-price and stable supply of energy is critical to companies. On the top of that, now carbon-free energy is becoming increasingly important as various stakeholders in society demand electricity generated from carbon-free energy sources. For example, key stakeholders associated with companies, such as investors and consumers, would like the companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions so as to determine how rigorous companies are in combating climate change. The recently published Climate Disclosure Standards, in fact, incorporated these demands. With the disclosure obligation now in place, companies have no choice but to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions amounts reflecting the proportion of carbon-free energy use. Moreover, to meet the stakeholders demands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, companies would likely need to increase their use of carbon-free energy. Let's take the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) as an example. Starting this year, the CSRD mandates not only EU companies but also offshore companies to submit reports on various sustainability-related items. Among those items to be reported, the greenhouse gas emissions amount must be calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol, an internationally recognized methodology. To be more specific, companies' greenhouse gas emissions should be classified into Scope 1 (direct emissions from sources that are controlled orowned by the companies, e.g. emissions from their manufacturing facilities), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from the use of electricity) and Scope 3 (indirect emissions from supply chain), and the absolute emissions should be calculated and disclosed. Moreover, Scope 2 emissions, which are affected by use of carbon-free energy sources, should be classified into location-based and market-based emissions as defined in the GHG Protocol: the location-based emission volume is calculated by using the power emission coefficient of the country or region where the company is located, whereas the market-based emission volume is calculated by using the emission coefficient of the other party to the power purchase contract, along with the renewable energy use certificate. Companies can reduce the emissions amount they should report, if their electricity use depends, in large part, on carbon-free energy. If, by contrast, the companies does not utilize carbon-free energy sources for their electricity, the amount of emissions to report would likely increase. From a company's standpoint, the emissions amount to report depends on how much carbon-free energy is used by power plants that supply the companys electricity. Korea is also preparing for mandatory disclosure. The Korea Sustainability Standards Board (KSSB) had prepared draft sustainability disclosure standards based on the standard for sustainability disclosure published by the IFRS Accounting Standards Board (ISSB), and had received public comments thereon until the end of last month. In addition, the draft standards also adopted the GHG Protocol for the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions, but alternative calculation methodology the government proposed may be also utilized. Under the governments alternative methodology, companies must report their greenhouse gas emisssions in absolute amounts for Scope 1 and Scope 2, while companies are required to report only emissions that fall under major categories for Scope 3. In particular, Scope 2 defines indirect greenhouse gas emissions as emissions generated from electricity, steam, heating or cooling purchased or acquired and used by companies, and requires location-based emissions to be disclosed in the companys report. A challenge is that Korea has a relatively difficult environment to increase use of carbon-free energy, compared to other countries. This is due to the lack of natural energy sources such as wind and solar energy, lack of hydroelectric power generation, difficulty in reaching consensus among local residents when it comes to building power infrastructure in their areas, isolation of its power grids from other countries and the discrepancies between locations of the power supplying facilities and locations of power demand. Under these circumstances, companies face hardships and limitations in increasing the level of carbon-free energy in the power grids that supply electricity to the companies. The "Carbon Neutrality Status Survey" conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in late March 2024 on about 390 companies in Korea, which are regarded as large amount emitters, well-supports this observation: as two primary reasons for gaps between Korea and other advanced countries, the companies responded "carbon-free energy infrastructure" (72.8 percent) and "financial support such as subsidies and tax benefits" (67.2 percent). Now that the mandatory climate disclosure system is starting to affect the companies bottom lines, and that carbon-free energy is rising as a key to the new disclosure system, Korean society should think about how to resolve the challenges faced by the companies in transitioning to this new disclosure regime. Kim Sung-woo, head of Environment & Energy Research Institute at Kim & Chang, is a member of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth. Kia, Korea's second-largest automaker, and its labor union have reached a tentative wage deal, according to the company Tuesday. The two sides reached an agreement during the ninth round of wage and collective bargaining negotiations held at the company's plant in Gwangmyeong, south of Seoul. The agreement includes a 111,200 won ($83) increase in monthly basic pay, in addition to a bonus package and issuance of company stocks. They also agreed to hire 500 additional manufacturing employees by next year. With this, Kia successfully concluded wage negotiations without any labor disputes for the fourth consecutive year. The deal is now subject to a vote by union members, scheduled for Thursday. (Yonhap) Alibaba Group's AliExpress said Tuesday it will step up marketing campaigns in Korea with an aim of securing more than half of online shopping platform users in Korea within three to five years. In a press conference held in Hangzhou, AliExpress Korea Chief Executive Ray Zhang announced the target for the Korean market, which is dominated by local e-commerce giant Coupang. The Chinese e-commerce retail platform has aggressively promoted about 150 million products at competitive prices since last year for a bigger share in the Korean e-commerce markets. As of August, AliExpress had ranked third in terms of number of monthly active users with 6.69 million, following Coupang's 13.38 million and 11Street's 7.68 million. Given the country's e-commerce users reach around 34 million, AliExpress is targeting to attract 17 million in the following several years through marketing and facility investments, a company spokesperson said over the phone. AliExpress said it will be able to announce detailed plans on its logistics center in Korea in the first half of next year. "We will join hands with a Korean company to build the logistics center equipped with advanced smart technologies," the CEO said. In October, AliExpress launched the K-Venue marketplace to allow small and medium-sized Korean firms to sell home appliances, food and beverages, and other daily necessities. The Korean companies are allowed to pay no commissions to AliExpress until December for "mutual growth," the Chinese platform said. In recent years, Chinese e-commerce platforms, including PDD Holdings' Temu and AliExpress, have been aggressive in their marketing to woo customers in Korea away from bigger local rivals, represented by Coupang. (Yonhap) KEPCO chief condemns rumormongers, criticizes local authorities By Ko Dong-hwan Repeated delays in the countrys power line expansion projects, aimed at enhancing electricity supply in response to growing demand, have largely been attributed to local residents objections fueled by unsubstantiated rumors and a lack of cooperation from local governments trying to appease discontented constituents, according to the chief of the countrys state-run utility company. The belief has been reinforced by Hanam City's disapproval of the Korea Electric Power Corp.'s (KEPCO) yearslong joint plan with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, to upgrade and expand its over 40-year-old substation in the Gyeonggi Province city southeast of Seoul. The project is intended to boost power supply throughout the capital region, where semiconductor mega-clusters are being planned. On Aug. 28, KEPCO CEO Kim Dong-cheol said one of the primary reasons for the repeated delays in such projects is the disapproval of local residents. The residents, according to KEPCO, typically argue the projects would impede local city development, emit hazardous electromagnetic waves, drop land value and ruin local scenery claims that are unfounded, according to Kim. Additionally, they demanded that the project be repealed or the power cables be buried underground. Kim also cited the unwillingness of elected local officials to cooperate with KEPCO as another reason for the delays. Mayors or governors can pressure KEPCO by withholding support for various legal procedures the company must follow for each project, which includes selecting locations, conducting environmental tests and obtaining necessary licenses. According to KEPCO, local governments have been uncooperative in various administrative steps by either simply not responding or by deliberately postponing their responses. Such a loose process has delayed each and every step of the legal procedures for power line expansion by up to three years from site survey to environmental test, approval from the central government, site acquisition, restitution for local residents and local authority's approval for license issuance. Many of KEPCOs past projects were completed after being delayed for five years or longer from their initial schedules due to local authorities disengagement with each project, according to Kim. Dangjin City in South Chungcheong Province remained aloof from KEPCOs 345-kilovolt (kV) power line construction project between the city and Asan in the same province, delaying site selection and postponing business license issuance. It delayed the projects completion in overall by 12 years and six months. The city also delayed KEPCOs another project between Dangjin and Songsan in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, by seven years and six months. Siheung in Gyeonggi Province and Hoengseong County and Hongcheon County in Gangwon Province each caused delays of five years and six months, and Jangseong County in South Jeolla Province caused a delay of six years and five months, all using the similar tactics. Kim said that the delays often result in legal disputes and waste of professional workhours, trillions of won in financial costs, unstable power supply to large-scale industrial complexes and limited connection to renewable energy resources concentrated along the countrys southern coast. For example, due to the delayed Dangjin-Asan and Dangjin-Songsan power line expansion projects, low-cost power generation tools remained unfeasible from 2016 until 2022 and generated an extra cost of 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) for Dangjin Coal-Fired Power Complex and Taean Thermal Power Complex Division, both along the countrys west coast, to generate more electricity during the same period. Electromagnetic wave fear To Kim, Hanam Citys disapproval of KEPCOs substation expansion project on Aug. 21 was an extension from the past when local residents staged a protest against new utility facilities in their neighborhoods because of unproven rumors, mainly fears of electromagnetic waves, and led local authorities to protect their voices. My office is at KEPCO Art Center in Seoul which is right next to a local substation. Other employees are also working there. And weve been just fine (health-wise), Kim said, criticizing those fearmongers who claim the new Hanam substation will contaminate its surroundings with electromagnetic waves. There are over 100 substations in Seoul alone, which means almost every household is within 1 kilometer from any of those facilities but this poses no problem. We'll launch an administrative litigation against Hanam City in September. It'll take about a year to settle the issue. Kim said that electromagnetic waves from substations, if the facilities are distanced by 100 meters or farther, affect humans in a degree a washing machine or a refrigerator does. KEPCO also cites Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute's data from 2007 which stated that electromagnetic waves from a substation or a power line distanced at least 100 meters is measured 0.2 microtesla (T) which is less than TV (0.4T), vacuum cleaner (1.42T), microwave (3.82T) and electric mattress (6.31T). It added that intensity of electromagnetic waves emitted from a power line of 154kV, 345kV or 765kV are only 0.12 to 1.8 percent of the countrys national standards. Scientists agree on the safety of electromagnetic waves from substations. Some of them also think that local residents are objecting to substations not out of fear of the electromagnetic waves but because of other outcomes not in favor of their personal interests like possible devaluation of land or properties. Ju Munno, executive director at the electrical apparatus research division under the state-run Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, said that modern indoor substations self-block electromagnetic waves emitted from inside so that passersby outside the building are hardly affected by them. "Electromagnetic waves' strength is determined by the source's power and distance. The farther the wave travels, its intensity drops drastically. Same with electric mattresses or microwaves which emit stronger electromagnetic waves than how much people are affected around substations. Outside substations, electromagnetic waves are weaker than those inside an ordinary household. Besides, indoor substations are built so well nowadays people don't even notice them on streets," Ju said. "To persuade local residents, KEPCO must invite them to the site at the beginning phase of the project and show them in person how much electromagnetic waves are being emitted from there. Without this step, it's difficult to earn the public's trust." The industry ministry implemented the guideline on electromagnetic waves from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which in 1998 defined 83.3T as the safety standard for human. While Japan, Norway and Turkey mitigated the standard by raising it to 200T, Korea, Switzerland and Italy remain at the original standard. Kim also cited a joint research conducted by the World Health Organization which was joined by 54 countries and eight international organizations from 1996 to 2007. It dismissed the previously proposed relation between electromagnetic waves' extremely low frequency and human illnesses, saying that the correlation is negligible. Christopher Columbus, to win favor from natives in a land he had discovered during his journey, correctly predicted a lunar eclipse (using astronomical charts created by Abraham Zacuto) and successfully persuaded the natives who were unaware of such astronomic knowledge to provision him and his crew with food," Kim said. "This kind of ignorance shouldn't be acceptable now. Unionized workers of SK hynix, the world's second-largest memory chipmaker, has voted against a tentative wage agreement with the company, industry sources said Tuesday. Some 70.6 percent of 204 representatives of SK hynix manufacturing workers' union at Icheon and Cheongju operations voted to reject this year's tentative wage deal between the company and the labor union, according to the sources. Last week, the company and its union for manufacturing workers had tentatively reached an agreement on a 5.7 percent pay raise, along with an increase in medical payments. The union originally demanded an increase of 8 percent in basic salary, citing the chipmaker's better-than-expected performance. Last year, SK hynix implemented a 4.5 percent pay raise while facing a slump in the global chip market. The company said it will discuss further negotiation schedules with the union after waiting for the outcome of another vote by unionized office workers. SK hynix had reached the same tentative wage agreement with both the manufacturing and office workers' unions. (Yonhap) By Ko Dong-hwan POSCO is boosting its steel supply for the worlds first hyperloop facility, as Hardt Hyperloops testing center in the Netherlands has completed its initial construction phase and is set to progress to the next stage, according to the company, Tuesday. A hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system that uses magnetic levitation and low-pressure tubes to send pods carrying passengers or cargo at high speeds. POSCO has supplied 352 tons of PosLoop 355 steel with a diameter of 2.5 meters for a 450-meter-long hyperloop test lane in Veendam in the Netherlands. The steel, 27 percent lighter than Hardt initially requested, is the worlds first steel designed for hyperloop tubes. PosLoop has 1.7 times higher vibration absorption than general steel and possesses excellent seismic performance, enhancing stability, according to the company. A ceremony in celebration of the completion of the hyperloop test lane was held, Monday, and the event featured high-profile guests, including Jens Gieseke, a member of the European Parliament, Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands and Hardt Hyperloop CEO Bertrand Van Ee. Some 300 members of the European Hyperloop Center (EHC), a subsidiary project of the Hyperloop Development Program jointly being pursued by Hardt and the Dutch government, also joined the event. The EHC is equipped with a testing tube and research facilities for the technologies standardization and further innovation. Phase B of the project an additional 2.7-kilometer tube is scheduled for completion by 2027. It will enable the hyperloop to reach its maximum speed of 700 kilometers per hour, taking it one step closer to commercialization. POSCO has agreed with Hardt to continue supplying specialized steels for the new test tube. POSCOs partnership with Hardt began in 2022 when POSCO International acquired a 6.1 percent stake in the company through an investment, securing rights to supply the steel. The company signed a deal with the Dutch firm the following year to cooperate not only on Phase B but also on future hyperloop projects across Europe and the Middle East. POSCO stated that although flights and ships will remain essential for passenger and freight transport in the era of carbon neutrality, travel between megacities will increasingly depend on hyperloop technology, which offers greater energy efficiency and speed. It is POSCO's mission to prepare for the rising demand for new steels that will build the future public transports, a POSCO official said. Samsung Electronics' production at a key plant in southern India was disrupted for a second day by hundreds of employees striking for higher wages on Tuesday, as top executives sought to resolve a rare episode of labour unrest. Korea-based Samsung, India's biggest consumer electronics company, counts the country as a key growth market, competing with the likes of LG Electronics to make everything from televisions and refrigerators to smartphones. The strike-hit plant in Sriperumbudur, the smaller of Samsung's two Indian factories, employs around 1,800 people and makes electronic products rather than smartphones. But it still contributes 20 percent to 30 percent of Samsung's annual $12 billion revenue in India, said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. Posters saying "Indefinite Strike" went up outside the factory near the city of Chennai, where hundreds of workers in company uniforms set up tents to shade themselves from the heat. Union leader E. Muthukumar told Reuters "the strike will continue for a third day" on Wednesday. About half of the factory's daily production was affected when many workers stayed away on Monday, and the protesters continue to press their demands for higher wages, better hours and most importantly want Samsung to recognise the formation of a union backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions group. Shares in Samsung closed 1.9 percent lower in Seoul, versus the benchmark KOSPI's 0.5 percent fall. Samsung's Southwest Asia CEO, JB Park, and other senior executives are visiting the factory to find a resolution, people with direct knowledge of the situation said. Park oversees the India market for Samsung from Gurugram, near New Delhi. Samsung did not respond to a request for comment. Muthukumar said no settlement had been reached during the discussions on Tuesday with Samsung management. Tamil Nadu labour secretary Veera Raghava Rao said that negotiations between workers and management are ongoing, but there is no indication yet when the matter will be resolved. A spokesperson for Samsung India said on Monday that it actively engaged with workers "to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations". Around 800 workers signed a register outside the factory to record their protest. The strike comes ahead of India's festive season when consumers buy gifts or items for personal use, lured by discounts offered by manufacturers. "A strike at this point puts a spanner in Samsungs production ramp-up ahead of the all-important festive season sales beginning October," said Prabhu Ram, a vice president at Cybermedia Research. In Korea, the 36,500 members of Samsung Electronics' biggest worker union who have been demanding higher wages and benefits, held a strike for several days in July and August. In late July, however, Samsung said the action did not disrupt production there. In India, its workers are demanding equal remuneration for those with the same length of experience, according to at least half a dozen employees who spoke on condition of anonymity. "If they (Samsung) had given us a living wage and treated us with respect, we wouldn't have thought of joining a union," said one worker outside the factory, who declined to be named fearing reprisal from the company. Their concerns were backed by some Indian political leaders who attended Tuesday's protest. One poster outside the factory exhorted state labour officials not to support management, advising instead: "Discuss and solve demands from the labour union with union officials." (Reuters) By Park Jae-hyuk Samsung SDI has decided to follow in the footsteps of LG Chem and other Korean chemical companies by selling its struggling industrial film business amid fierce competition with Chinese rivals. The electronic materials and battery manufacturing unit of Samsung Group said Tuesday that it will sell its polarizer film business to Chinas Wuxi Hengxin Optoelectronic Materials for 1.12 trillion won ($833 million). Under the contract signed that day, Samsung SDI will hand over its operations for polarizer film production and sales in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, once the antitrust authorities approve the deal. The Korean firm will also transfer the entire stake in its Wuxi subsidiary in China to the buyer. Our board of directors agreed to sell the polarizer film business to enhance the competitiveness of our electronic materials division, Samsung SDI said in its regulatory filing. Our electronic materials division will focus on materials for semiconductors, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and batteries to enhance competitiveness and maximize synergy with the battery business through continuous investment. Since their Chinese competitors started supplying low-priced industrial films used for LCDs and other IT products, Korean industrial film producers have faced worsening profitability. Decelerating demand for IT products has also sparked Korean firms to stop producing industrial films. Last year, LG Chem sold its polarizer divisions to two Chinese companies for 1.1 trillion won. Following the deal, the company redeployed its employees and carried out a voluntary redundancy program. SKC also sold its polyester (PET) film division to Hahn & Company for 1.6 trillion won in 2022, despite the fact that the chemical firm started its business in the 1970s with the production of PET films. After the acquisition, the private equity firm changed the names of the companies spun off from SKC to SK Microworks and SK Microworks Solutions. Read More Petrochemical firms tighten belts to improve profits Last month, Kolon Industries spun off its money-losing PET film business to set up a joint venture between its spun-off company and SK Microworks. Kolon Industries holds an 18 percent stake in the joint venture, while SK Microworks owns the remaining 82 percent. Despite racking up thousands in fines for her antics, Perth-based animal rights activist Tash Peterson turned heads for her latest stunt aimed at David Jones. Controversial vegan activist Tash Peterson has turned heads again in Perth's CBD this week in another blood-soaked demonstration. Source: Instagram A vegan activist renowned for her brazen and eccentric stunts has again attracted attention outside of a popular Australian department store after protesting the sale of animal skin while wearing a bikini covered in fake blood. Perth-based animal rights activist and social media personality Tash Peterson took to Hay Street in the city's CBD on Monday to demand David Jones stop selling animal products, in a joint demonstration with PETA. Stunned customers watched on as Peterson walked down the busy strip dripping with artificial blood, calling for the retail giant to cease selling leather products, while detailing a list of offences she was recently charged with as a result of a previous demonstration. "I was convicted of three criminal offences as a result of protest I did at a restaurant who [sic] banned all vegans," she said. "I was fined $2,500 and ordered to do 30 hours of community service. "Just last week, I was convicted with two more offences, criminal damage and disorderly conduct, for pouring fake blood all over a butcher store... I was fined over $2000." Peterson was also blocked from leaving the state of WA for a period of six months as a result, which she branded "absurd". Peterson is known her controversial protesting, which has attracted both heated criticism and praise from the public. Source: Instagram Activist calls on David Jones to stop selling animal products In the video, Peterson is seen walking down Hay Street, donning a microphone with fake blood dripping form her mouth, speaking to the camera as shoppers go about their day in the background. "David Jones abuse and murder animals for their skin," she can be seen yelling from a podium. "Animals are not jackets, bags and belts, they are people who feel pain. These animals are brutally tortured, abused and murdered, they're skinned alive, to be turned into your jackets...this is the largest holocaust in history," she claimed. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Peterson stood firm on her stance. "Non-human animals are brutally tortured, abused and murdered for their bodies. Crocodiles, snakes and other animals are often skinned alive to be turned into clothing and fashion items," she told Yahoo. Numerous investigations have revealed rampant cruelty inside the wild animal skins industry. One PETA Asia investigation documented snakes being cruelly confined and then bashed over the head with hammers whilst still alive. Meanwhile, ostriches are often egregiously abused before their throats are slit right in front of their frightened flock mates. "David Jones sell brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci who murder animals for their skin. David Jones has BLOOD on their hands and so do you if youre not vegan." Tash Peterson known for controversial protests Monday's protest comes after Peterson pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly behaviour and criminal damage for a similar stunt at another Perth shopping centre in December. Peterson's other high-profile demonstrations previously included her pouring fake blood on the glass of a butcher's and two separate incidents at Fyre restaurant in Connolly in 2023. "Let me be clear, I will never stop speaking up for the most oppressed victims on this planet," she said in the video from Monday's stunt, adding she believed police had "infiltrated" her "circles" to "gather information" about her activism. "The police are putting in massive resources in attempt to stop me from protesting for animal rights," she claimed. Online, some followers applauded Peterson for making a stand. "Tash should be getting awards for all that she does! Who is as loud as her for animal rights?" one woman wrote in response. "You are one of the most influential people in Western Australia. Thank you for everything that you do to save the animals," echoed a second. However others on the platforms where her content was posted were far less sympathetic. "For community service, maybe you should work on a few farms. Youd quickly realise that they arent as bad as the minority that you portray to your viewers," one commenter said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Operation of outdated passenger jets main cause of frequent delays for T'way Air By Lee Min-hyung T'way Air is facing increasing criticism for frequent flight delays and inadequate compensation to customers, which is apparently due to the airline's use of outdated A330-200 passenger jets. The company has been making all-out efforts to expand into Europe after taking over four routes from Korean Air: Frankfurt, Rome, Barcelona and Paris. The deal was part of a precondition concerning Korean Air's approval from the European Commission for its acquisition of Asiana Airlines. However, the ambitious move hit a setback after the airline's passenger flight from Paris to Incheon was delayed by around 21 hours on Aug. 28. The airline is facing criticism for offering lower-than-expected compensation to more than 100 passengers. According to the airline, it decided to offer compensation of 180,000 won ($133.95) to its economy-class passengers. Passengers say that they can seek compensation under a European Union (EU) rule. Per the regulation, any passengers who take a flight from a member country of the EU can receive financial compensation of up to 600 euros, equivalent to over 880,000 won, for flight delays of more than three hours. The airline, however, is mired in a series of similar controversies after its flight from Gimpo to Jeju Island was delayed for some five hours on Sunday morning due to airplane defects. The company also operated the same type of aircraft. Earlier, T'way rented five A330-200 aircraft from Korean Air for its European routes. Industry officials cited T'way Air's operation of old A330-200 aircraft as the key reason for its frequent delays. "Typically, passenger jets are considered outdated when they reach around 15 years of service, but most of the aircrafts T'way Air received from Korean Air are nearing that age," a local airline official said on condition of anonymity. Following the continuous delays, T'way Air CEO Jeong Hong-geun is tasked with regaining customer trust, rather than pushing for its external growth focused on an increase in sales. Starting with the route to Paris, T'way Air is scheduled to launch routes to Barcelona in Spain in September and Frankfurt in Germany the following month. It also started operating routes to Rome in August. "We need to grow to become a more reliable airline by meeting thorough safety standards," he told its employees in an online post. The airline suffered an operating loss, hit by the prolonged high exchange rates and oil prices, posting 21.5 billion won in the second quarter. The company sees the successful launch of the upcoming European routes as a critical growth driver for the second half of 2024. Jeong, a sales expert, led the company to become Koera's second-largest budget airline by sales in 2023. According to the company, it generated record annual sales of 1.34 trillion won last year, surpassing Jin Air and rising to clinch second spot after Jeju Air. The operator of Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant said it will start a trial removal of highly radioactive debris from Tuesday after an earlier attempt was suspended. Thirteen years after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Fukushima-Daiichi in one of the world's worst nuclear accidents, around 880 tons of extremely hazardous material remain inside its reactors. Removing the debris is regarded as the most daunting challenge in the decades-long project to decommission the plant. "We have finished the work to thoroughly check the steps. The trial retrieval (of debris) will resume from September 10," a Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) official told a news briefing on Monday. On August 22, Tepco originally planned to start its first trial removal of the debris, aiming to collect just three grams (0.1 ounces) of it for analysis and to decide its next steps. But the company had to stop the work after detecting a technical problem involving the installation of the necessary equipment. Three of Fukushima-Daiichi's six reactors were operating when the tsunami hit on March 11, 2011, sending them into meltdown in what became the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. The debris inside those reactors has radiation levels so high that Tepco had to develop specialized robots able to function inside. (AFP) Germany's government announced plans to impose tighter controls at all of the country's land borders in what it called an attempt to tackle irregular migration and protect the public from threats such as Islamist extremism. The controls within what is normally a wide area of free movement the European Schengen zone will start on Sept. 16 and initially last for six months, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Monday. The government has also designed a scheme enabling authorities to reject more migrants directly at German borders, Faeser said, without adding details on the controversial and legally fraught move. The restrictions are part of a series of measures Germany has taken to toughen its stance on irregular migration in recent years following a surge in arrivals, in particular people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government is seeking to seize back the initiative from the opposition far-right and conservatives, who have seen support rise as they tap into voter worries about stretched public services, integration and security. "We are strengthening internal security and continuing our hard line against irregular migration," Faeser said, noting the government had notified the European Commission and neighboring countries of the intended controls. Recent deadly knife attacks in which the suspects were asylum seekers have stoked concerns over immigration. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a knife attack in the western city of Solingen that killed three people in August. The AfD earlier this month became the first far-right party since World War Two to win a state election, in Thuringia, after campaigning heavily on the issue of migration. Polls show it is also voters' top concern in the state of Brandenburg, which is set to hold elections in two weeks. Scholz and Faeser's center- left Social Democrats (SPD) are fighting to retain control of the government there, in a vote billed as a test of strength of the SPD ahead of next year's federal election. "The intention of the government seems to be to show symbolically to Germans and potential migrants that the latter are no longer wanted here," said Marcus Engler at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research. Test for Europe A backlash had been building in Germany ever since it took in more than a million people mostly fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria during the 2015/2016 migrant crisis, migration experts say. It reached a tipping point in the country of 84 million people after it automatically granted asylum to around a million Ukrainians fleeing Russia's 2022 invasion even as Germany was struggling through an energy and economic crisis. Since then, the German government has agreed tighter deportation rules and resumed flying convicted criminals of Afghan nationality to their home country, despite suspending deportations after the Taliban took power in 2021 due to human rights concerns. Berlin last year also announced stricter controls on its land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Those and controls on the border with Austria had allowed it to return 30,000 migrants since October 2023, it said on Monday. Faeser said a new model would enable the government to turn back many more but it could not talk about the model before confidential negotiations with the conservatives. The controls could test European unity if they lead to German authorities requesting other countries to take back substantial numbers of asylum seekers and migrants. Under EU rules countries in the Schengen area, which encompasses all of the bloc bar Cyprus and Ireland, are only allowed to introduce border checks as a last resort to avert threats to internal security or public policy. Germany shares its more than 3,700-km-long (2,300 miles) land border with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner told Bild newspaper on Monday that his country would not take in any migrants turned away by Germany at the border. "There's no room for maneuver there," he said. The measures may not immediately result in many more migrants being turned away at the border, but they could result in more returns to other European countries down the line, as well as acting as a deterrent, said Susan Fratzke at the Migration Policy Institute. The number of asylum applications in Germany already fell 21.7 percent in the first eight months of the year, according to government statistics. (Reuters) Colombia, host nation for this year's United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference, was the deadliest country for environmentalists and land rights defenders in 2023, with a record 79 killed, according to UK advocacy group Global Witness. The number of murdered environmental activists was the highest Global Witness has ever recorded for a single country in any given year since it started monitoring such killings in 2012, it said in its annual report published on Monday. "The figure is really chilling," Laura Furones, senior adviser to Global Witness' land and environmental defenders campaign, said, adding that the report's findings were conservative and figures likely incomplete. Globally, 196 environmentalists and land activists were killed in 2023, Global Witness said, with Latin America overwhelmingly leading the way, accounting for 85 percent of the slayings. The findings on Colombia are a sharp contrast to promises from the government of President Gustavo Petro, who took office in 2022 and has pledged to end the country's 60-year conflict and pursue environmental justice for communities. Peace processes with various armed groups - which are sometimes implicated in environmentalists' killings - have faltered, and though deforestation fell to a 23-year low last year, the environment ministry has warned of an increase in 2024. It is "dishonorable" to top the Global Witness list, Colombia's government said in a statement late on Monday. "The national government recognizes the serious situation that is derived from socio-ecological conflicts associated with drug trafficking, extractavist practices connected to illicit economies and the reconfiguration of the armed conflict," the government added. Colombia was also the deadliest country for environmentalists in 2022, according to Global Witness, when at least 60 were killed. "The figure is very embarrassing for us in the country," said Astrid Torres, coordinator for Somos Defensores, a Colombian human rights group. Torres said the issue was not just the responsibility of the sitting government but also of state institutions, such as prosecutors and local authorities. A spokesperson for Colombia's government said it was working on a response. Last year a Reuters investigation found that murders of environmentalists in Colombia resulted in long-lasting negative effects on conservation and that some municipalities where activists were killed saw significant spikes in deforestation. At an event to launch the COP 16 agenda in Bogota in July, Colombia's vice president, Francia Marquez a winner of the Goldman Environmental prize for activism in 2018 - said the conference would honor those killed. "It fills my heart with emotion to see this dream that was held for so many years by environmental leaders, many who are not with us today, who were sadly murdered in our country," she said. "This global event is a tribute to those voices." (Reuters) Pope Francis was set to hold one of the biggest masses of his papacy on Tuesday in East Timor, with more than half of the country's 1.3 million people expected to attend. The 87-year-old pontiff landed to a rock star welcome Monday in capital Dili, where tens of thousands of jubilant devotees lined the streets, screaming and waving flags as he drove through the seaside city. "I am so happy for everyone in East Timor. Now I want to see Papa Francisco here, and give my present to Papa Francisco. I am so emotional," said Mary Michaela, 17, who said she would attend the pope's Tuesday mass. The pope has so far appeared in good health during the gruelling 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific that has taken in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and will conclude in Singapore. On his first day in East Timor he addressed the country's leaders, hailing a new era of "peace" since independence in 2002, but called on them to prevent abuse against young people in a nod to recent Catholic church child abuse scandals. But the main event of his trip to the Catholic-majority country will be the mass in Dili's wetland area of Tasitolu. Tens of thousands had already gathered there early on Tuesday, holding yellow-and-white umbrellas with the Vatican logo to protect themselves from the beating sun. "I am grateful I can join this Holy Mass regardless of my age. I don't know if I would still be able to come if the Pope visited even a few years later," said 49-year-old housewife Felicidade do Rosario. Around 300,000 people have officially registered for the mass, but hundreds of thousands more are expected outside, bringing an expected total of between 700,000 and 750,000, according to the Vatican and organizers. The sheer number of people caused at least one local telecom company to inform customers their signal would be affected by the pope's visit. In 2023, around a million people congregated in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital Kinshasa for Pope Francis' visit. The record is still held by Philippine capital Manila in 2015 where more than six million people are believed to have gathered to see Francis. Cost criticism In a speech to the Catholic faithful at a cathedral in Dili, Francis called for the "perfume of the Gospel" to be spread against alcoholism, violence and a lack of respect for women. The rest of the pope's schedule on Tuesday includes meetings with Jesuits and children with disabilities. "It is a pride to us. It is a blessing of God to us, the people in this land," said Atanasio Sarmento de Sousa, a 46-year-old member of the committee organizing the pope's visit. Thousands of people were already packing the streets on the pope's route to his first meeting early on Tuesday. It is only the second papal visit to the country, where around 98 percent of the population is Catholic, since John Paul II. East Timor's capital had a $12 million makeover before the visit and that includes $1 million spent on the pope's altar, where he will sit on stage next to a crucifix. The cost has courted some criticism as East Timor is one of the poorest countries in the world. Rights groups also say some makeshift homes were demolished in preparation for the mass in the area where it will be held. The government says they were erected illegally. Authorities have also relocated street vendors in areas where Francis will travel, prompting further censure on social media. One street vendor Januario Soares, 40, told AFP several days ago police arrived at his stall selling second-hand clothes and attacked him and others. "They came to take the goods we were selling, then they immediately used violence on us," he said. But others who had travelled to see the pope were more optimistic about the occasion. "There are still many problems that need to be taken care of, but the pope has come here to bring joyful news," said Felix Kosat, an Indonesian Catholic priest. "So let's make changes." (AFP) EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager scored two major wins on Tuesday as Europe's top court backed her crackdown against Apple's Irish tax deal and Google's anti-competitive practices in two landmark cases. Vestager, who ends her term in November, has made a name for herself going after Big Tech's tax arrangements with some EU countries and attempts to stifle smaller rivals. The court victories could embolden her successor to take a similar tack. The EU antitrust chief cheered the judgments. "Today is a huge win for European citizens and tax justice," she said on X of the Apple ruling, also praising the Google judgment as a big win for digital fairness. The European Commission in 2016 ordered Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($14.4 billion) in back taxes to Ireland, saying that the iPhone maker benefited from two Irish tax rulings for over two decades that artificially reduced its tax burden to as low as 0.005 percent in 2014. The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union sided with Vestager. "The Court of Justice gives final judgment in the matter and confirms the European Commission's 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover," judges said. They said Apple's two units incorporated in Ireland enjoyed favourable tax treatment compared to resident companies taxed in Ireland which are not capable of benefiting from such advance rulings by the Irish tax authorities. Apple, which said it paid $577 million in tax, 12.5 percent of the profit generated in the country, in line with the tax laws in Ireland in the period 2003 - 2014 covered in the EU investigation, said it was disappointed with the ruling. "The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the U.S.," Apple said. Ireland, whose low tax rates helped it to attract Big Tech to set up their European headquarters, had also challenged the EU ruling, saying its tax treatment of intellectual property transactions is in line with other OECD countries. Still, it has cooperated in an overhaul of global corporate tax rules and did the once unthinkable by dropping its opposition to giving up its prized 12.5 percent corporate tax rate. But its tax take from multinational firms has actually increased since. The Court also threw out Alphabet unit Google's appeal against a 2.42 billion euro fine levied by Vestager seven years ago, the first of a trio of hefty fines meted out to the company for various anti-competitive practices. "In the light of the characteristics of the market and the specific circumstances of the case, Google's conduct was discriminatory and did not fall within the scope of competition on the merits," judges said. Google voiced disappointment with the ruling. "This judgment relates to a very specific set of facts. We made changes back in 2017 to comply with the European Commission's decision," a spokesperson said. The Commission fined the world's most popular internet search engine in 2017 for using its own price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals. Google has racked up 8.25 billion euros in EU antitrust fines in the last decade. It has challenged two rulings involving its Android mobile operating system and AdSense advertising service, and is now waiting for the judgments. It is also fighting against EU antitrust charges issued last year that could force it to sell part of its lucrative adtech business after regulators accused it of favouring its own advertising services. Both rulings are final and cannot be appealed. The cases are C-465/20 P Commission v Ireland and Others and C-48/22 P Google and Alphabet v Commission (Google Shopping). There are also ongoing investigations into IKEA brand owner Inter IKEA's Dutch tax arrangement in a case dating from 2017, Nike's Dutch tax agreement, and Finnish food and drink packaging company Huhtamaki's Luxembourg tax deal. (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. Law enforcement agencies experience a growing number of calls for service involving individuals in crisis, often with significant mental health needs. These calls can be very complex and time-consuming for officers to resolve, redirecting resources away from public safety concerns and violent crime. To respond to these challenges, law enforcement agencies are increasingly seeking support from behavioral health professionals. Cayuga County recognizes the need for cross-system approaches, which led to police-mental health collaborations, including crisis intervention teams, co-responses with mental health professionals and mobile crisis intervention teams. These are important steps to equip law enforcement officers with training, tools and support to improve responses to individuals with mental health needs. What is a crisis intervention team? CIT programs are community-based collaborations between law enforcement, the mental health system and consumer and family advocacy groups. CIT programs create connections between these groups and aim to improve outcomes in encounters involving mental health issues. Through collaborative community partnerships and intensive training, CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis, and ensures officer and community safety. There are CIT programs in over 2,700 communities nationwide. Benefits include improved officer attitude and knowledge about mental illness, reduced time officers spend on mental health calls, and freeing up law enforcement resources for public safety. (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness.) Who is involved in the Cayuga County CIT? Both police and mental health personnel are involved in the local CIT program. The Cayuga County CIT program meets monthly and consists of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, Auburn Police Department, New York State Police, 911 dispatch, Cayuga County Mental Health, Cayuga Counseling Services, and mobile crisis teams. CIT training in Cayuga County Crisis intervention team training consists of 40 hours of education and scenario training and is designed for law enforcement officers who have an interest in, volunteer for, and are screened for suitability to participate in specialized mental health crisis training. The training is co-facilitated by representatives from law enforcement and the mental health system. Through this training, law enforcement agencies will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence related to interactions with individuals in emotional distress. They will also learn about diversion resources in their communities, to enhance their ability to connect individuals to appropriate treatment as an alternative to arrest, whenever possible. Earlier this month, a law enforcement and mental health professional co-facilitated a CIT training for multiple regional agencies. Sgt. Nicole Stewart (Cayuga County Sheriffs Office) has completed the MPTC instructor development course for police officers and is certified to teach Fundamental Crisis Intervention Skills for Law Enforcement (previously known as the Police-Mental Health Recruit Curriculum). I am certified to teach Fundamental Crisis Intervention Skills for Law Enforcement. Community agencies who presented at the training included the Cayuga County Office for the Aging, Nicks Ride 4 Friends, Families Access to Services Team, mobile crisis, Helio Health Crisis Stabilization Center, Auburn Community Hospital's Behavioral Health Unit, family peer and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Congratulations to the following individuals who completed the course: Hunter Lawrence, deputy sheriff, Cayuga County Sheriffs Office Valerie Stephens, deputy sheriff, Cayuga County Sheriffs Office Adam Bacon, deputy sheriff sergeant, Cayuga County Sheriffs Office Dejanee Nisbitt, probation officer, Cayuga County Probation McKenna Androsko, Cayuga County emergency service dispatcher Megan McCaleb, police officer, Auburn Police Department Michaela Baim, police officer, Auburn Police Department Stephen Bennett, police officer, Auburn Police Department Jennifer Chapman, police officer, Colgate University Ernstz Cyprien, police officer, Colgate University Matthew Jones, police officer, Syracuse Airport Stefanie Hamm, police officer, Geddes Police Department Michael York, police officer, Geddes Police Department Bryce Rumfelt, police officer, Seneca Falls Police Department Brad Pearson, police officer, Syracuse University Public Safety Andrew Kratz, police officer, Syracuse University Public Safety Susan Thompson, police officer, Dewitt Police Department Rebecca Bishop, police officer, Dewitt Police Department Alex Fratini, police officer, Dewitt Police Department Beijing (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Motor announced on September 9 that automotive designer Ramon Ginah has joined the company as design director at its Shanghai design center. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor Ginah brings 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, having previously worked with renowned brands such as Maserati, Ferrari, Great Wall Motor, and XPENG. Ginah spent over a decade at Alfa Romeo, where he contributed to key projects including the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, Giulietta, Giulia, and the New Duetto. His extensive experience in European and Chinese automotive design is expected to enhance Dongfeng Motor's design capabilities. You Zheng, Deputy General Manager of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, recently disclosed that the company will reach the milestone of producing its 60 millionth vehicle in September. Moreover, sales of new energy vehicle under Dongfeng Motors wholly-owned brands are projected to approach 900,000 units this year, with a target of reaching one million units annually by next year. In the first eight months of this year, Dongfeng Motor sold a total of 1,198,249 vehicles, representing a 7.14% dip year-on-year. However, the automakers new energy vehicle sales jumped 21.2% year on year to 220,529 vehicles. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 10, ONTIME, the mobility service platform backed by GAC Group, obtained the qualification for demonstration applications (operations) of intelligent connected vehicles in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. Photo credit: ONTIME This marks the official launch of ONTIMEs mixed commercial operations of human-driven ride-hailing and autonomous Robotaxi services in Hengqin. Users can now book rides through the ONTIME app, where the platform intelligently matches users with either human-driven vehicles or autonomous Robotaxis based on factors such as wait time and distance. Additionally, users can directly order Robotaxi services via the "Autonomous Driving" option on the ONTIME app or WeChat mini program, with ONTIME dispatching its Robotaxi fleet to provide the service. ONTIME began developing and commercializing its Robotaxi operations in 2021, independently creating an open Robotaxi operation technology platform. As of December 31, 2023, ONTIME's Robotaxi fleet had grown to 281 vehicles, making it the largest among Chinese ride-hailing platforms. The Robotaxi service has accumulated 20,080 hours of operation, covered 545 pick-up/drop-off spots, and completed 450,699 kilometers of safe trial operations. ONTIME's Robotaxi services are now available in Nansha, Qianhai, and Hengqin areas, three major Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation platforms. The successful commercial operation in Hengqin demonstrates ONTIME's commitment to advancing Robotaxi services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, supporting the region's smart transportation development and high-quality growth. Rodrigo Prieto, the visionary cinematographer behind cinematic hits like 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Barbie,' and 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' is making waves with his directorial debut, a highly anticipated adaptation of Juan Rulfo's literary masterpiece, Pedro Paramo. This iconic 1955 novel, celebrated for its magical realism and profound exploration of life, death, and memory, is a monumental task for any filmmaker. Prieto, who has long been captivated by Rulfo's enigmatic narrative, describes the adaptation as both a professional challenge and a personal journey. "This novel has haunted and intrigued me since childhood," Prieto reveals. "It combines a unique flavor of fear with deep cultural roots. Working on this project has allowed me to explore these themes with a remarkable cast and crew." The story follows Juan Preciado (played by Tenoch Huerta), who ventures to the ghostly town of Comala in search of his estranged father, Pedro Paramo (Manuel Garcia Rulfo). What begins as a quest for family becomes a surreal confrontation with the town's spectral past. Prieto has assembled an exceptional team for his debut: Gustavo Santaolalla provides the haunting score, while Eugenio Caballero and Anna Terrazas deliver evocative production design. The film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was met with acclaim, setting the stage for its Netflix release in November. During a TIFF Q&A, Huerta lightened the mood with a witty remark, "If you didn't quite get the story, don't worry-it's Mexico. Even we struggle to understand our country sometimes." For Prieto, directing Pedro Paramo is a dream realized and a tribute to Rulfo's legacy and his own roots. His extensive experience as a cinematographer, including collaborations with Martin Scorsese, uniquely equips him to bring Rulfo's dark, mystical world to life on screen. Mexican sensation Carin Leon continues to captivate audiences, this time with a fresh take on Johnny Cash's classic, Man in Black. Released on digital platforms, Leon's rendition has been met with widespread acclaim, further solidifying his status as a standout artist in Latin music. Leon's version of Man in Black marries Cash's somber country vibes with traditional Mexican instrumentation, showcasing his versatile talent. Fans have praised the song, highlighting Leon's seamless blend of English and Spanish, and his ability to breathe new life into a timeless classic. Comments on social media celebrate his bold musical choices and his impressive range. Johnny Cash's original Man in Black, released over 50 years ago, was a powerful commentary on social issues of its time, reflecting Cash's stance against the division and polarization caused by the Vietnam War. The song's lyrics and Cash's choice to dress in black symbolized his solidarity with marginalized and oppressed communities. Leon's rendition aims to capture this essence while connecting with today's audiences, bridging past and present with a resonant, heartfelt tribute. About Johnny Cash Johnny Cash, born February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, and passing away September 12, 2003, in Nashville, Tennessee, remains one of the most influential figures in country music history. Known as "The Man in Black" for his trademark attire, Cash's extensive catalog includes timeless hits such as Hurt and Personal Jesus and Redemption song. His music continues to inspire and influence artists across genres, making Leon's cover a meaningful homage to a true legend. We are sure that the new version of this song, with the unique style of Carin Leon will be a real hit and we would not be surprised if her fans ask for it in one of the upcoming concerts she will give as part of her 'Boca Chueca Tour'. Lawrence Stroll, the owner of the Aston Martin racing team, has announced the major signing that could change the paths of Formula 1: Adrian Newey, the aerodynamics wizard, is the new technical director of the Silverstone team. It's the most exciting news in Formula 1. As rumored, Newey will join our F-1 team. He has the passion and desire to win. He is a competitor. He is the best engineer, announced the Canadian tycoon from Silverstone. I felt like I needed a new challenge. Lawrence Stroll is very persuasive Adrian Newey I felt like I needed a new challenge. At the end of April, I made my mind up after talking to Mandy, my wife, while sailing around the world. I am flattered that many teams have approached me, but the passion, commitment, and enthusiasm of Lawrence Stroll are very persuasive, commented the 66-year-old British engineer, who is leaving Red Bull after 19 years (he joined the energy team in 2005)." Decided to put an end to Red Bull on an April weekend. I wanted to have a clear mind. My wife was part of the debate on where to go. By the end of June, I felt I had to continue to be involved in the design of the racing car; it's my motivation, what gets me up every morning, stated the aeronautical engineer. Lawrence Stroll announced that Newey is joining Aston Martin as a shareholder and technical partner, as well as the head of car design, although he did not specify for how long. Adrian is the missing piece. He will be full-time with Formula 1, bringing his leadership to our team, stated the magnate, who assumed that Newey will be the technical head of the new car working full-time, not as an advisor. He will be released from Red Bull in March 2025, so he can start working at Aston Martin in the 2026 car, the year in which a new era in F1 begins with the new technical regulations that will come into force. It is in the face of this new regulatory landscape that Aston Martin will try to break the current hierarchy and stand out with the leading car, as Red Bull did in its day with Adrian Newey at the helm (they dominated in the 2010-13 quadrennium) and Mercedes in the hybrid era. For me it is going to be an incredible opportunity to work with him, from whom you can learn so much Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso, present at the Silverstone event, welcomed Adrian Newey, who had always been a rival in his more than 20 years in F1. We have been fighting for many years in Formula 1, but Adrian has been an inspiration. Lawrence's ambition is taking shape with this team, this factory, this new wind tunnel, and now the signing of Adrian. For me, it will be an incredible opportunity to work with him, from whom you can learn so much, commented the Asturian. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 5, BYD, in partnership with local distributor Pilatus Group, held a grand launch event in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, unveiling three new all-electric car models for the local market: the Yuan PLUS (known internationally as the BYD ATTO 3), the SEAL, and the DOLPHIN. BYD Zambian Launch Event These vehicles, including an SUV, hatchback, and sedan, are designed to meet the growing demand in Zambia for green, efficient, and smart mobility solutions. All three models are equipped with BYD's cutting-edge Blade Battery technology, ensuring superior safety and long-lasting range. First BYD showroom in Zambia To boost brand visibility and engagement, BYD has placed large billboards at Lusaka International Airport and along the airport expressway. Additionally, the first BYD showroom in Zambia has officially opened at Foxdale Court Mall, one of the country's most eco-friendly shopping centers, which also houses Zambia's first 60kW fast charging station, offering added convenience for electric vehicle owners. Steve Chang, BYD's General Manager for South Africa and Regional Director for Southern Africa, emphasized the company's commitment to leading green development through technological innovation and supporting the growth of Africa's electric vehicle industry. Introducing these three models in Zambia marks a significant step forward for us in this market, bringing cutting-edge products to local consumers, Chang said. BYD's electric vehicle presence now spans 10 countries and regions across Africa, showcasing the company's global commitment to driving the green mobility revolution. Looking ahead, BYD plans to expand its operations in other African nations and accelerate the establishment of more service centers to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles in the region. Editors Note: This story first appeared on Armchair Lehigh Valley and is being published on lehighvalleylive.com as part of a partnership with the website, which aims to give voters factual information in a nonpartisan way to help them make informed decisions at the polls. Armchair Lehigh Valley is run by publisher Katherine Reinhard and editor Robert H. Orenstein, two longtime journalists who formerly worked at The Morning Call in Allentown. Learn more about Armchair Lehigh Valley and subscribe here. With the presidential election just 60 days away, Republicans have further narrowed their voter registration gap with Democrats in the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania while the number of people registering as independents has been keeping pace with the GOP. As of Aug. 26, Democrats led Republicans by 37,508 voters in Lehigh and Northampton counties, a thinner margin than their 40,319 gap on April 22, the day before Pennsylvanias primary was held, state data shows. The story is the same at the state level, where, as of Aug. 26, there were 3,908,854 Democrats and 3,556,628 Republicans, a 352,226 gap that shrunk by nearly 44,000 since April 22, state statistics show. Meanwhile, the number of statewide voters listed as having no affiliation typically called independents climbed by 57,212 to slightly more than 1 million. In the Lehigh Valley, their number grew by 3,608 to 75,783 between April 22 and Aug. 26. The GOP slightly outpaced independents at the state level with their number growing by 57,674. They added 3,577 voters in the Lehigh Valley between April 22 and Aug. 26. Statewide, Democrats have added 13,877 voters since April. In Lehigh and Northampton they grew by 766. LEHIGH COUNTY REGISTERED VOTERS *Democrats: 112,391 +555 Republicans: 87,399 +1,886 No affiliation: 41,254 +2,073 Third Party: 7,960 +16 Total: 249,004 +4,530 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY REGISTERED VOTERS Democrats: 96,140 +211 Republicans: 83,624 +1,691 No affiliation: 34,529 +1,535 Third party: 10,524 -34 Total: 224,817 +3,403 *As of Aug. 26 Source: Pennsylvania Department of State The tallies for no affiliation and the Republican Party were lifted, in part, by changes in automatic voter registration enacted by Gov. Josh Shapiro last fall. Instead of opting in to register to vote, qualified residents seeking to renew or get new vehicle registrations must opt-out of joining voter rolls. From Sept. 19, 2023, to Aug. 26, state statistics show that 50,136 Pennsylvania residents chose no affiliation or a third party when filling out vehicle registration forms. Republicans were second with 47,952 while 43,194 chose the Democratic Party. The Republican successes in automatic voter registration come as party leaders filed a federal lawsuit challenging Shapiros authority to change the process. A judge dismissed the lawsuit in March, and the 27 state lawmakers appealed the ruling to the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. No hearing has been held yet. The group also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case promptly. The court in June denied that request and scheduled a conference among the parties for Sept. 30. Both the GOP and the Democratic Party gained members in Lehigh Valley since 2023, when both parties suffered a combined 8,766 year-over-year registration loss, as often happens during municipal election years. While Republicans steadily added new members in ensuing months, Democrats lost 305 members in Lehigh and Northampton from April 22 through July 22 with all but 81 coming from Northampton. The party turned around the losses after Democratic President Joe Biden ceded the partys nomination on July 21, backing Vice President Kamala Harris. Democrats added 1,070 voters to their rolls in both counties between July 22 and Aug. 26. That gave them a net gain of 766 since April. I would absolutely say that the uptake in registering to vote and enthusiasm increased in Democratic voters would be likely attributable to Biden dropping out and the party nominating Harris, Sarah Niebler, a professor of political science at Dickinson College, said. That energizes the people that likely were not energized before. Still, Republicans surpassed the Democrats with 1,464 Republicans registering in the two counties between July 22 and Aug. 26. Joe Vichot, chair of the Lehigh County Republican Committee, attributed the uptick to automatic voter registration, dissatisfaction with the various legal cases against Trump and the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. He said Bidens withdrawal and Harris emergence as the Democratic nominee has only increased the publics anxiety and has forced them to get active. On a local level, Vichot said his party has increased outreach, holding registration and mail-in ballot drives at senior living centers, reaching out to high school seniors and having a presence at Latino festivals and back-to- school events. Berwood Yost, the director of the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at Franklin & Marshall College, said that the Republican gains follow a historical pattern. Its not unusual to see changes in registration that advantage the party out of power, Yost told Armchair. For instance, when George Bush back in 2008 started to become unpopular, you saw Democratic voter registration improving and Republican registration bouncing the other direction. And since probably 2012, the Democratic advantage has started to shrink. In addition to voters reacting against the party currently in power, theres a lag between voter partisanship and formal registration, Yost added. Some of the newly registered members of the GOP have likely identified as Republicans for years, but only recently registered as such. Meanwhile, the Lehigh Valley had 94,272 registered as no affiliation or third party members on Aug. 26, a number that is about 17,000 more than the entire population of the city of Bethlehem. There were 18,484 third party members as of Aug. 26, a loss of about 28 members since April. Yost said the numbers in the no affiliation and third party categories reflect a dissatisfaction with the way our politics and our governance works. Niebler added that joining a third party or no party is a way to express disillusionment with the two-party system, especially in a closed primary state like Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is such a closely contested battleground that those independent voters will likely be the margin of victory in November, Yost said. That means any candidate must assiduously court voters outside their party to clinch a victory in the battleground, he said. Lori McFarland, chair of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee, agreed. Looking at the new registration numbers, Dems and Republicans appear to be neck-and-neck with Democrats still outnumbering Republicans. The key is to look at the number of new voters registering as Independents. Those are the voters Im sure both sides will be targeting, she said. The second suspect in a home-invasion robbery a year ago in Nazareth was taken into custody last week, and he is also charged with murder in New Jersey. Damian L. Bass, 19, of the first block of North Ninth Street in Easton, was arraigned Thursday in the Nazareth case on felony burglary, robbery and related charges, according to court records. District Judge John Capobianco ordered Bass held without bail, due to the murder case in New Jerseys Monmouth County, the records say. The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office on Friday said Bass, who once lived in Fanwood, Union County, had been arrested Thursday in Pennsylvanias Pocono Mountains in the Effort section of Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County. Members of the Scranton-based U.S. Marshals Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force and the Brooklyn-based U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force took Bass into custody, according to a news release from the prosecutors office. Bass is charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses in connection with a shooting last month at the NJ Transit train station in Monmouths Long Branch, authorities said. Police found the victim, James Hailey, 43, of Newark, on Aug. 26 at 7:39 p.m. after they were called to the station for a report of a shooting. Hailey was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead an hour later, the prosecutors office said. An investigation involving members of the MCPO, New Jersey Transit Police, and Long Branch Police Department resulted in Bass being identified as a suspect, and he was charged with first-degree Murder and two related weapons offenses the next day, the prosecutors office release states. Monmouth Prosecutor Raymond Santiago thanked various municipal, county, state, and federal partners who have worked with us so seamlessly in helping manage this investigation and making this arrest. This arrest was made possible through close coordination between law enforcement agencies and good, solid police work, stated NJ Transit Police Deputy Chief Andrew Crowe. I want to thank all of the agencies involved for their diligence on this investigation, which shows that those who commit acts of violence on our public transit network will be brought to justice. In the Nazareth home invasion, Bass is accused of restraining a victim with a firearm and threatening her to shut up or Ill blow your head off, borough police allege. It occurred shortly before dawn Sept. 14, 2023, in the boroughs first block of East Prospect Street, court records say. Bass and two co-conspirators fled with items from the home worth a combined $4,171, according to police. Nazareth investigators obtained arrest warrants in January for the arrest of Bass and a co-defendant in the alleged robbery, 20-year-old Jahqie J. Dorisme, who was arrested last month. Police have not publicly identified the third alleged perpetrator. Bass and Dorisme were both sent to Northampton County Prison and face preliminary hearings scheduled for later this month to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the county Court of Common Pleas. Bass also faces extradition to New Jersey, pending proceedings to be held in Monmouth County Superior Court, the prosecutors office there said. Court records were not immediately updated with attorney information for Bass. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. All charges have been dismissed against a Philadelphia man accused of stabbing a man to death and raping his girlfriend during a 2013 home invasion robbery, authorities said. Thomas Delgado, 50, was facing 34 charges, including felony criminal homicide; rape; robbery; burglary, kidnapping; criminal conspiracy and related offenses. At the start of Mondays preliminary hearing, Bucks County Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Rees dropped two of the charges rape and conspiracy to commit rape against Delgado, citing lack of sufficient evidence. District Judge Regina Armitage at the end of roughly three hours of testimony, dismissed all but two charges, in which Delgado at that point still faced felony receiving stolen property and felony conspiracy to commit theft charges. A daredevil billionaire rocketed back into orbit Tuesday, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk and venture farther than anyone since NASAs Apollo moonshots. Unlike his previous chartered flight, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman shared the cost with SpaceX this time around, which included developing and testing brand new spacesuits to see how theyll hold up in the harsh vacuum. The mission is the first of three commercial spaceflights scheduled under whats being labeled the Polaris Program. Isaacman is founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments Inc., a publicly traded integrated payments and commerce technology business with its corporate headquarters at 3501 Corporate Parkway in Center Valley, Upper Saucon Township. Lehigh Valley residents posted to social media images of the SpaceX vehicle in flight following liftoff from Floridas eastern coast. On Facebooks Everything Easton group, one member posted video of the rocket speeding toward space with a caption capped by a UFO emoji reading: Anyone else catch a glimpse of this in the sky earlier today? This video was taken at 5:33am from Forks Township. Meteor? UFO? Whatever it was, it was cool. A member of Easton PA Post, also a private Facebook group, posted images of the rocket in flight with the text: Just saw this flying from my window in Forks. It was quite interesting when it separated from the light behind it. If all goes as planned, the mission will mark the first time private citizens conduct a spacewalk, but they wont venture away from the capsule. Considered one of the riskiest parts of spaceflight, spacewalks have been the sole realm of professional astronauts since the former Soviet Union popped open the hatch in 1965, closely followed by the U.S. Today, they are routinely done at the International Space Station. Isaacman, along with a pair of SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, launched before dawn aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center. The spacewalk is scheduled for Thursday, midway through the five-day flight. A billionaire has rocketed back into orbit, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk. Unlike his previous chartered flight, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman shared the cost with SpaceX this time around. pic.twitter.com/NmdmgH02yg The Associated Press (@AP) September 10, 2024 But first the passengers are shooting for way beyond the International Space Station an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), which would surpass the Earth-lapping record set during NASAs Project Gemini in 1966. Only the 24 Apollo astronauts who flew to the moon have ventured farther. The plan is to spend 10 hours at that height filled with extreme radiation and riddled with debris before reducing the oval-shaped orbit by half. Even at this lower 435 miles (700 kilometers), the orbit would eclipse the space station and even the Hubble Space Telescope, the highest shuttle astronauts flew. All four wore SpaceXs spacewalking suits because the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurized for the two-hour spacewalk, exposing everyone to the dangerous environment. Isaacman and SpaceXs Sarah Gillis will take turns briefly popping out of the hatch. Theyll test their white and black-trimmed custom suits by twisting their bodies. Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a pool ladder. There will be no dangling at the end of their 12-foot (3.6-meter) tethers and no jetpack showboating. Only NASAs suits at the space station come equipped with jetpacks, for emergency use only. Pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceXs Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk from inside. Like SpaceXs previous astronaut flights, this one will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast. Were sending you hugs from the ground, Launch Director Frank Messina radioed after the crew reached orbit. May you make history and come home safely. Isaacman replied: We wouldnt be on this journey without all 14,000 of you back at SpaceX and everyone else cheering us on. At a preflight news conference, Isaacman refused to say how much he invested in the flight. Not a chance, he said. SpaceX teamed up with Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs, said William Gerstenmaier, a SpaceX vice president who once headed space mission operations for NASA. Were really starting to push the frontiers with the private sector, Gerstenmaier said. Its the first of three trips that Isaacman bought from Elon Musk 2 1/2 years ago, soon after returning from his first private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021. Isaacman bankrolled that tourist ride for an undisclosed sum, taking along contest winners and a childhood cancer survivor. The trip raised hundreds of millions for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Spacesuit development took longer than anticipated, delaying this first so-called Polaris Dawn flight until now. Training was extensive; Poteet said it rivaled anything he experienced during his Air Force flying career. As SpaceX astronaut trainers, Gillis and Menon helped Isaacman and his previous team as well as NASAs professional crews prepare for their rides. I wasnt alive when humans walked on the moon. Id certainly like my kids to see humans walking on the moon and Mars, and venturing out and exploring our solar system, the 41-year-old Isaacman said before liftoff. Poor weather caused a two-week delay. The crew needed favorable forecasts not only for launch, but for splashdown days later. With limited supplies and no ability to reach the space station, they had no choice but to wait for conditions to improve. By MARCIA DUNN Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Barattas office warned Tuesday of a cyber-scam under investigation that is targeting local residents. Potential victims receive an email with a photo of their home taken from Google Maps, with the sender alleging to have disconcerting footage of the recipient through spyware that was installed on the phone, according to a news release from Barattas office. The recipient is pressured into scanning an attached QR code to send money in the form of cryptocurrency or the footage will be released to all contacts stored on the victims phone, the release states. This scam is a form of extortion known as Sextortion, the release continues. This is a cyber scam that tries to blackmail victims with the threat of releasing incriminating photos and/or videos of their victims. Though these scammers will claim to know all of your personal information, this footage does not exist and no one should send these scammers any form of payment. Baratta recommends anyone who receives this or a similar message to contact local law enforcement authorities. If you do not wish to file a report, the email can be deleted, the release states. It is not recommended to respond to these emails. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. An exhibition from Laois photographers is returning to Mountmellick library this October. This is the second exhibition held by the 'Shutterbugs', a group of independent photographers from Laois and surrounding areas. Founder of the Shutterbugs, Liam Healion said that he originally founded the group with the intention of photographers to explore their creativity, outside of the constrictions within a camera club. "We're a small group of excellent photographers, with most of us having no affiliation with camera clubs," explained Mr Healion. "What's great about the exhibition is that there's no theme or specific subject, photographers are free to exhibit a range of works that explore their own styles. "When you join clubs, they can have rules and regulations and don't necessarily encourage photographers to develop their own style. "That's really the idea behind the Shutterbugs, we want photographers young and old to explore their own creativity," explained Mr Healion. "The aim is to accommodate individuality, even beginners who are shy about showing their talent, we're about encouraging photographers young and old, free from constrictions." "This year's exhibition may have some portraits, some still lifes, there will be a wide mix," explained Mr Healion. "There will be some local scenes from around the county, and some from abroad. We would love to encourage people to come up and see what we have to showcase," he said. Shutterbug members are expected to showcase five to six photos each, with around forty photographs expected to be on display. "We will also be displaying four beautiful pieces from Portuguese photographer Diogo Silva," Mr Healion explained. "They're beautiful black and white pieces taken during the winter time, early in the morning in Lisbon," he said. Mr Healion originally chose the name 'Shutterbugs' as it aptly describes the personality of the group. The group often travel abroad to take photographs, in locations such as Lisbon, Istanbul and Bratislava. "We organise the exhibition during the summer and once it's over, we fly away until we reappear the summer after for next year's exhibition!" Mr Healion said. To take a good photograph, Mr Healion explained that it's more than just pointing and clicking a camera. "People have to develop the understanding between the relationship between aperture, shiutterspeed and the iso, the sensitivity of the sensor in the camera," he explained. "A photo is all about light. People think the camera just can see and capture things. But the camera doesn't, its all about light," he said. "When taking a photo of a person or an animal- anything with an eye, focus on the eye," Mr Healion advised. To see some of the amazing photos from the Shutterbugs, join Mr Healion and his fellow photographers at Mountmellick library on Tuesday October 1 at 6:30pm. At half past seven, the group invite all to join them at Notions coffee shop, where coffee and cake will be provided by the Shutterbugs. The Ballyroan community rolled out the red carpet on Wednesday last as distinguished guests and church leaders made the trip to the village to celebrate the work of Sue Ryder and mark her centenary. USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY The event marked the coming together of the local community with the charitys UK roots in a special Ecumenical service celebrated by local clergy Rev Patrick Harvey and Rev Fr. Paddy Byrne. The congregation included the very active Ballyroan Development Group, special guests Reverend Rob Pestell and colleagues from Sue Ryder UK who represented the Anglican Church, Rev. Olivia Williams Church of Ireland, Tullow, and Avril Hogan of the Methodist Church Carlow. Sue Ryder Ireland was established by former TD and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Charles McDonald, who is the Irish branch's Life President, in 1979 with the Ballyroan facility officially opened in 1984. Speakers on the day included Charles McDonald, Chairperson Seamus OConnor and Secretary Seamus McWey who welcomed the distinguished guests and spoke about establishing and developing the Irish operations as the charity fast approaches its 50-year milestone. Following the Ecumenical service, attendees toasted the day with a fine meal and also treated their guests to a rendition of the Skies Oer Ballyroan. Sue Ryder Ireland champions independent living and provides a secure, comfortable home to 295 residents across their six residential care homes in Ballyroan, Portlaoise, Carlow, Nenagh, Holycross and Dalkey. They also have 26 charity shops across southern Ireland, with all profits from the shops going towards capital development. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 5, Dongfeng Motor officially launched its DONGFENG BOX model in the bustling Kowloon district of Hong Kong at the Olympian City Mall, the automaker announced via WeChat on Monday. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor The debut also featured other popular new energy models such as the VOYAH DREAM and DONGFENG 007, marking Dongfeng Motor's formal entry into the Hong Kong market. The company aims to offer Hong Kong residents more convenient, eco-friendly, and intelligent mobility solutions. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor Dongfeng Motor has established advertising across key areas of Hong Kong and opened POP UP showrooms in Tsuen Wan and Wan Chai, with a joint showroom in Kowloon Bay also ready to serve customers. By the end of 2024, Dongfeng Motor plans to open a 2,000-square-meter user center in Yuen Long, providing sales, delivery, and after-sales services to fully meet consumer needs. The DONGFENG BOX targets markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In the first half of this year, the BOX made appearances in European markets including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. According to the company, the European-specific BOX began production in July, with the first batch of 2,000 units being shipped to Europe. Recently, right-hand drive versions of the BOX were showcased in Southeast Asian markets such as Nepal and Malaysia. Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty has assured the public that "our schools today are safe places" following the publication of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders. The Bishop said he is "appalled at the depravity of abuse outlined" in it. "Like everyone, I have been reading through the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders and I am appalled at the depravity of abuse outlined in that report. "It is not easy reading. Behind every sentence, paragraph and page is someone who as a child suffered hugely in the very place where they should have felt safe. I commend the survivors and their families who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share their story. "While we have become accustomed to reports in recent years, it is worthwhile to bring all of them together to help us appreciate and seek to respond to the extent and seriousness of this epidemic that has plagued Irish society for far too long. Church schools should always lead by word and above all by example on how to look after children in their care and particularly children with special needs. "I realise schools in the diocese, at both Primary and Post Primary level, feature in the Report. I know this is very upsetting to current staff, students and families. As Bishop, I want to assure everyone of the robust safeguarding protocols that permeate every aspect of school life today. "I also know for survivors and victims, the assurance of these safeguarding protocols, by no means lessens the pain and suffering caused in the past. I know that apologies can be just empty words to those who have experienced such trauma and to their families who are their constant companions on this difficult journey. However I want to express heartfelt sorrow and to promise that as Bishop I will do my utmost to ensure that the work of safeguarding continues to be a priority in our diocese. The Diocese supported the work of the Scoping Inquiry and will continue to do so. "Our schools today are safe places but we must continue to be vigilant to ensure policies and procedures which have been put in place for the safeguarding of children will continue to be fully implemented. Anyone with concerns is invited to speak with the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person on 085 8021633. A major upheaval of the tobacco industry has taken place as the Government approved the introduction of legislation to ban the sale of flavoured vapes. On Tuesday September 10, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly sought approval before Cabinet for a draft laws that would ban disposable vapes and limit the vape flavours currently available. The legislation would prohibit the sale, manufacturing and import of disposable vapes in Ireland. This effort is to reduce the amount of young adults currently vaping, which is currently at an all-time high. Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State, welcomes Government approval today to legislate to ban the sale of disposable vapes. "For public health reasons, banning disposable vapes is a hugely important step that will protect younger people in particular, who often impulse buy them in shops and experiment with them," Minister Fleming said. Pictured: Sean Fleming TD. "The proposals would also restrict the sale of flavoured vapes, which often appeal to children, as well as ban point-of-sale advertising displays in shops other than specialised outlets that only sell vapes. " It is welcome that the legislation will tackle advertising displays, packaging and flavours, as these are targeted at younger people," he said. " The bright colours and imagery used to promote flavoured vapes are used to attract young people into impulse purchases. " Disposable vapes are also a blight on our environment. They are hazardous if not recycled properly and they can be seen littered across the country, in all of our communities, in even the most remote locations," said the TD. "Fianna Fail in Government recognise that nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and we are acting to make these products less accessible to our young people and to remove them from their everyday lives," Minister Fleming finished. Since December, the sale of vapes to under 18's has been banned. Yet simultaneously, the number of teenagers vaping has never been higher. Figures from Foroige Sligo show that one in every three teenagers aged 13-16 are addicted to nicotine vapes, having never smoked cigarettes beforehand. One in five (23%) of 10-12 year olds are currently vaping. In comparison, a 2022 study by the Health Research Board (HRB) found that of children aged 9-18, only 4% of boys and 5% of girls report that they are current tobacco smokers. The HRB study shows that e-cigarette use is about twice as common as tobacco smoking. A Laois shop that has lost tens of thousands of euro due to theft this year announced it will no longer be a creche for teenagers. Owner of McSorleys Drive Centra on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise, Martin McSorely, described the last 18 months as an absolute nightmare and said he would like to see parents held responsible for the actions of their children. Theft and antisocial behaviour is threatening the viability of his Laois store and causing great difficulty for his staff, Mr McSorley explained. He said the youngsters have smashed toilets, abused staff and broken benches outside the shop. Last month a decision was taken to close the in-store seating in the evenings and a notice was posted on the shops social media. It read: Our teenage creche is now closed. Im sorry but due to the constant rowdy behaviour, abuse to staff and vandalism we are now closing our seating area and toilets to the public at 7 pm every evening of course in genuine situations we will try to assist but no teenagers will be allowed to hang around the site anymore or sitting in our seating area like the local club. If these are your teenagers then you should be ashamed and please ask them to stay away from our site. We have plenty of CCTV to back up the behaviour we have had to tolerate we will no longer tolerate it. If this continues, we will happily publish photographs CCTV and your face all instant are now being reported to the guards. Mr McSorley operates nine stores including the Laois shop. He has five in Wexford, one in Carlow, one in Longford and another in Sligo. He has seen a rise in both theft and antisocial behaviour in all of his stores since the lockdown was lifted but he said the Portlaoise store is his most troublesome. Mr McSorley was keen to point out that it is a tiny minority of local teenagers that are causing the difficulty in his store. Since posting the online message he has been contacted by customers who are supportive of his message. Antisocial behaviour is driving customers away but theft has emerged as another major problem. Mr McSorley was eager to point out that the thefts were being committed by people of all ages but he said there were also teenagers involved. He said stocktakes in the first two quarters of the year indicated losses in the tens of thousands of euros in both quarters. How is that sustainable? We seriously have to decide whether we continue trading or not, he said. The last 18 months has been an absolute nightmare, Mr McSorley said. We are being robbed by kids from the age of 10 to god knows what age, he remarked. He said there are gangs of 15 or 16 youngsters arriving at a time on bicycles. There is a group of four teenagers in particular who he said were causing mayhem in the shop. Mr McSorley doesnt believe the issue was one solely for gardai. He thinks there is a need for education and he says parents should be held liable for the actions of their children. Parents should be held responsible for what their kids do, he insisted. He said the children will continue to break the law as they dont feel there is any come back They take everything. They clear out the minerals, they clear out our sweets, they even order out of the deli and make off, he revealed. I think the guards are stretched. It is not that they do not want to help us. They are really stretched in what they can do. It is hard, he said. Mr McSorley has recently upgraded his cameras and security but he says GDPR(General Data Protection Regulations) makes it very difficult for shopkeepers who want to name and shame culprits. The GDPR is holding my hand and stopping me from being able to police my business. We are being threatened with slander. It cant be that way. It is not fair, he said. CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance Jackie Carroll recently joined a delegation from Chambers Ireland who called for additional resources for gardai to tackle retail crime in a pre-budget submission to Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Minister Jack Chambers. She said retailers in Portlaoise have an excellent relationship with local gardai. She commended the Portlaoise Business Watch scheme. The scheme, which is run by Gardai in Portlaoise Community Policing under Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan and Superintendent Eamon Curley in partnership with Laois Chamber Alliance, was launched last November. Gardai were contacted by the Leinster Express/Laois Live in relation to the criminality and antisocial behaviour in Portlaoise on Friday, August 30. They have yet to respond to the query. Major accessibility upgrades are due to take place at Maynooth Station later this month. Iarnrod Eireann / Irish Rail, the works are due to commence on Monday, September 23, 2024. The works will include: The provision of a new footbridge over the railway, which will feature two 13 person lifts. Remedial works to platform 1 and 2. Redesign and marking of existing accessible car parking spaces adjacent to the station building. Upgrade of station lighting adjacent to the station building and new footbridge. Improvements to accessible wayfinding signage and installation of tactile signage; including a tactile map at the station entrance. Provision of help points and induction loops, connecting to the existing public address system. Amendments to the ticket desk in the ticket office Significant upgrade to the toilet facilities. Irish Rail also said: "During the construction period, carparking at the station will be reduced. "The southside carpark will be taken over for the construction compound reducing overall car parking capacity at the station by 21 per cent. "It is anticipated that the construction will be completed by Autumn 2025 and the southside car park will be restored for customer use." Irish Rail further said: "Separate to this, a number of stations in Kildare will see their lifts upgraded as part of the nationwide Big Lift programme. "Works on the lifts at Hazelhatch & Celbridge (platforms 1 and 5) are nearing completion and Newbridge will be completed by year end. "Funded by the National Transport Authority, an integral element of Iarnrod Eireanns ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services. "Bridge works at Little Island and Banteer in Cork were completed this year and work is underway at bridges at 10 more stations. "In total, 52 stations across the network will have seen lift improvement or replacement works between 2020 and 2024 under The Big Lift programme, delivering a significant improvement in lift availability and reliability for mobility impaired customers. "The companys Disability Users Group provides direct input from disability representative bodies and users of rail services in developing accessibility programmes and projects." Lastly, Irish Rail also said that under DART+, the new DART+ fleet arriving from 2024 and entering service from 2025 will have a retractable step at every door to address the gap between the train and the platform. "This will facilitate independent access for the vast majority of mobility impaired customers," Irish Rail added. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have reported that eight Closure Orders were served on food businesses during the month of August for breaches of food safety legislation. The closure orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE), pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. Some of the reasons for the closure orders in August included evidence of ongoing rodent infestation with droppings found in kitchen area; failure to implement adequate pest control measures; dead cockroaches found in traps and flies in the deli area; inadequate regular and thorough cleaning and uncovered bins filled with food waste. A build-up of dirt on used catering equipment and on the floor was also found in some businesses, along with a lack of basic hygiene provisions - such as hot water, soap, and drying facilities for staff - food not stored at correct temperature; a lack of food allergen information available for customers and a failure to implement an appropriate food safety culture. Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, warned that there is a legal responsibility for food businesses to act responsibly and ensure the food they provide to their customers is safe to eat. Whilst most food businesses follow high food safety standards and are compliant with food law, inspectors continue to encounter cases where consumers health is put at risk through a failure to comply with food safety and basic hygiene requirements." Two closure orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on Jazz Chinese Restaurant in Coolock Village Shopping Centre, Dublin 5, and on Freshly Chopped & Neat Pizza on Main Street, Fairview, Dublin 3. Three closure orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on Letterkenny Kebab and Pizza/East Ocean takeaway in Donegal, Cafe India in Tullamore, Offaly and Divine Catering (domestic kitchen) in Nenagh, Tipperary. Closure orders were also served to Akanchawa Honey Pot in Blanchardstown and Al Huda Grocery in Summerhill in Dublin under the same EU legislation. Baalbec Take Away in Kilmallock, county Limerick was also served with a closure order under EU regulations for their "closed outdoor area used to accommodate the potato peeling and preparation". "These non-compliances are avoidable, and we have zero tolerance for any food business that does not comply with its legal requirements," Dr Byrne continued. "Food businesses have a legal requirement to ensure the safe supply of food and it is unacceptable that basic procedures like handwashing, cleaning, robust pest control measures and storing food correctly at the appropriate temperature are not being properly followed. Food businesses must do better. Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAIs website at www.fsai.ie. Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month from the date the Order was lifted. 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 highly regarded St Patricks Community Hospital in Carrick-on-Shannon will be holding a family fun day on Sunday, September 15. Funds raised from the event will go towards the Patient Comfort Fund. The Patient Comfort Fund supplies equipment and amenities needed to enhance patients comfort, as requested on individual needs. The family fun day will kick off at 1pm and wrap up at 4pm. All events will be held indoors within the hospital. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, and hair braiding for children, along with an owl display. The Leitrim Male Choir will perform, alongside the Leitrim Ladies All-Ireland Champions who will also be in attendance and Airc Damhsa Culture Club. A raffle will be held with a variety of prizes such as hotel breaks, meals and vouchers. Tickets for the raffle will be on sale for 5 on the day, or from any hospital staff member. A car wash supported by Carrick-on-Shannon Fire Brigade will also take place from 1pm until 4pm on the GAA grounds of Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada. The family fun day promises to be a fantastic event for all ages with plenty of activities to enjoy while supporting a great cause. Two Leitrim natives have organised an online fundraiser for Ide, an infant who is sadly battling for her life after suffering bleeding to her brain shortly after birth. Joan Regan and Tommy O'Dowd have organised the GoFundMe for the baby, with the funds going to parents Claire Kenoy and Micheal Lavin as well as their twin baby girls and two young sons. On the 23rd February earlier this year, Claire, who was pregnant with twins, was rushed to Sligo General Hospital for an emergency C-Section. Claire and Michael's twin girls were born that day after just 28 weeks of pregnancy, with newborn girls Ide and Frankie weighing just 1.2kg and 760grams respectively. The babies were quickly transferred to the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, and on only her second day of life, Ide suffered a significant grade 4 bleed on her brain, giving her mere hours to live. In the next few weeks, the newborn bravely battled through kidney failure, suspected sepsis and brain surgery. Shortly after, Ide's family received more devastating news - Ide had meningitis, and her life expectancy was "days to weeks" according to family friend Joan. Her family took her home from Dublin, and her twin sister Frankie was transferred to NICU Sligo, where she spent 5 weeks in recovery. Seven weeks after her birth, Ide was showing incredible will to survive, despite the extreme difficulties of living with hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. The family brought Ide to Temple Street where fluid was drained from her brain, but the operation took a huge tole on young Ide and her parents almost feared the worst, so the difficult decision was made to take her back home to be with her siblings. 2 months later, Ide is now in Temple Street where she has undergone three extensive brain surgeries in the past two weeks and is awaiting another before she can return home. An online fundraiser was launched by close friends of the family, who explained how difficult the situation has been for Ide, Claire and Michael. "This little girl's desire to live is inspirational, and they feel incredibly lucky to have her here with them," family friend Joan explained. According to Joan, Ide's father Micheal, who is self-employed, has been unable to return to work as his daughter's life hung in the balance every day, and he was scared to miss her passing. "Ide and Frankie's lives have been amazing but very difficult, especially financially, and the future is still uncertain," Joan explained. The fundraiser has raised over 40,000 for the family, which is hoped to lift some of the financial burden from the family. The fundraiser can be found here. READ NEXT - Seamus O'Rourkes Leaning on Gates: The witty and gritty of rural life Manorhamilton-based business Merenda Limited has been named Business All-Star Leitrim Enterprise of The Year 2024 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. The family business established in 1984 provides top-notch wood veneer and laminated products as well as edge banding services to clients across a range of sectors nationally and internationally. The companys dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and customer satisfaction has set them apart in the competitive manufacturing market. The title Business All-Star Leitrim Enterprise of The Year 2024 comes in recognition of Merendas outstanding innovation, customer service, and contribution to the Irish economy. This accolade also recognises Merendas exceptional contributions to the wood veneer and laminated products sector, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to customers across various industries. I am delighted to recognise Merenda Limited for its outstanding performance in the business, said Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of AIBFs Adjudication Board. This marks a notable second consecutive year of such esteemed recognition, honouring Merendas continued excellence and leadership in the woodworking and decorative solutions industry. From its foundation, Merenda has carved out a niche in the creation of high-quality wood veneer products, serving both national and international markets. Ronan Haslettes strategic foresight and commitment to sustainability have propelled Merenda beyond conventional boundaries, establishing it as a benchmark for innovation and quality in the industry. Ronans dedication to the advancement of sustainable practices is evident in Merendas operational protocols, including the significant reduction of waste and the implementation of Energy-efficient Processes. We are deeply honoured to be named Business All-Star Leitrim Enterprise of The Year 2024 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation, said Ronan Haslette. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions. We are committed to continuing our journey of growth and sustainability, supporting our local community, and contributing positively to the Irish economy. "The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by," said Kapil Khanna, Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation. We evaluate a companys background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. "The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics. Merenda Limiteds recognition as Business All-Star Leitrim Enterprise of The Year 2024 exemplifies the companys unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the woodworking industry. This accolade not only highlights Merendas remarkable achievements but also reinforces its position as a leader in the sector. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to advancing its high standards, fostering growth, and making a positive impact within the community and beyond. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Florida Street Takeover Dorks Get Busted Even with a tough new law giving police and prosecutors the tools necessary to really sock it to street takeover participants and spectators, a big group coordinated one in a Tampa, Florida residential neighborhood and got busted. While there were hundreds in attendance, police were able to nab ten of them, hitting each one with criminal charges. 10-year-old steals his moms car and drives 200 miles away. The event was held late on August 31 and spread chaos quickly. One man said cars were driving across his front lawn, tearing it up, and one even hit his house. Others recounted how they saw kids with guns as law enforcement descended on the neighborhood and started chasing down suspects, running into fleeing cars to stop them from getting away. ADVERTISEMENT In other words, the scene was absolute turmoil. But it sounds like that was the case before cops showed up. Just the nature of the chaos shifted once the bust began. According to Tampa news station Fox 13, the youngest of the ten arrested by police were two 17-year-olds. Reportedly, many of the people who were in attendance for the takeover event came from out of town, word spreading through social media as often happens. Because hundreds or more of people can just suddenly show up in a location, it can be difficult for police to mobilize a response, let alone catch most of the takeover participants. The kids know this and purposely try creating as much chaos as possible so they can get away. Its essentially a big game to them. We bet nobody living in that neighborhood feels a bit of sympathy for the takeover crowd, even if maybe before they did. When this stuff ends up right on your front lawn it hits different, especially when your property is damaged and your life is put in jeopardy. Image via Fox 13 Tampa/YouTube Follow The Auto Wire on Google News. Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will today seek approval from the Cabinet on the ban of the sale of disposable vapes in Ireland. In the proposed legislation, there is a complete ban on sale, import or manufacturing of single-use/disposable vapes in Ireland. These disposable vapes were originally brought in as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes have seen a remarkable increase in popularity in recent years, especially in younger people and those who have not smoked cigarettes before. Additionally causing damage to the environment as they are being incorrectly disposed of and through littering. The Minister for Health, has been outspoken on the dangers of single-use vapes, having said on NewsTalk this year, "There is a lot of public support to clamp down further on vapes. My view rightly or wrongly. The colourings, the flavourings, I think is very cynically targetting young people, including children. Following legislation to ban the sale of vaping products to those under 18, which came into effect this past year, Minister Donnelly wants to also place restrictions on colours, and imagery found on the packages of vapes. And he has concerns that single-use/disposable vapes contain the maximum permitted levels of nicotine, containing 20mg of nicotine in the devices. Volatus Aerospace Inc. Receives Approval for BVLOS Flights Without Visual Observers for Its DroneCare Commercial Project TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV:FLT)(OTCQX:TAKOF)(FRA:ABB)?formerly Drone Delivery Canada ("DDC", "Volatus" or "the Company") today announced that it has received approval by Transport Canada to conduct drone cargo operations beyond the visual line of sight of the pilot (BVLOS) using ground-based technology to detect and avoid conflict with other aircraft on its DroneCare hospital route from Milton to Oakville in the Greater Toronto Area. "This is a critical step forward in our mission to provide safe, reliable and efficient drone cargo services to communities everywhere. When this delivery program began, eight people were required to conduct this operation. As the project has evolved, we have been able to reduce the mission requirements from eight people to three, dramatically improving the commercial viability of this program. Without the key support received from Transport Canada in working towards this groundbreaking authorization, this may not have been possible," said Greg Colacitti, Director of Operations. "We strongly believe that drone delivery has the potential to revolutionize the way essential goods and services are delivered, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting industry." "This is a significant achievement not only for our company but for the entire drone delivery sector," said Glen Lynch, CEO for Volatus. "With BVLOS flights and dangerous goods transportation authorization, we can now take a giant leap forward in transforming the way healthcare supplies are transported, ensuring faster delivery times and enhancing overall patient care." This milestone follows a January 9th, 2024 release from Drone Delivery Canada announcing partial BVLOS operations. Drone Delivery Canada Corp. acquired all of the shares of Volatus Aerospace Corp. in a merger of equals that was announced on August 30, 2024 (August 30 Merger of Equals) and subsequently changed its name to Volatus Aerospace Inc. Background - DroneCare Program Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) launched the 'Care By Air' project in November 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, initially partnering with Halton Healthcare and McMaster University to transport essential medical supplies across hospitals in Ontario. Over time, this initiative evolved into the 'DroneCare' service, providing a more scalable solution for healthcare logistics. Key milestones include receiving approval from Transport Canada to transport dangerous goods and operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The project reached a significant point in January 2024, with the commercial operation of the DroneCare route, which reduced the number of field personnel and enabled the safe transport of critical healthcare materials such as patient samples. This evolution highlights DDC's expanding capabilities in healthcare logistics, driven by technological advancements and regulatory approvals. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With deep technological and subject matter expertise and over 100 years' worth of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides meaningful aerial solutions for end users across various industries using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS or drones). We are committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through innovative, real-world aerial solutions. Explore our services and connect with us at http://www.volatusaerospace.com or https://dronedeliverycanada.com/ to learn more about how we can support your operational goals. Media Contact: Danielle Gagne Head of Marketing and Communications [email protected] Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding: (i) the anticipated benefits of, and estimated revenue to be generated by, the master service agreement; (ii) the business plans and expectations of the Company; and (iii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs of management as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the anticipated benefits and revenues of the master service agreement to the Company; the commercialization of drone flights beyond visual line of sight and potential benefits to the Company; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in the Company's Annual Information Form under the section "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. TSXV: FLT SOURCE: Volatus Aerospace Corp. 10 septembre 2024 a 07:45 View the original press release on accesswire.comCommunique envoye leet diffuse par : Global Pharmaceutical Excipients Market to Register Growth at a CAGR of ~6% by 2030 | DelveInsight The pharmaceutical excipients market is expanding rapidly due to increased demand for pharmaceutical production driven by investments, recent advancements in pharmaceutical research and development, and the rising number of excipient development activities by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. These factors are anticipated to fuel the market growth for Pharmaceutical Excipients from 2024 to 2030. LAS VEGAS, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading pharmaceutical excipients companies' market shares, challenges, pharmaceutical excipients market drivers, barriers, trends, and key market pharmaceutical excipients companies in the market. Key Takeaways from the Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Report As per DelveInsight estimates, North America is anticipated to dominate the global pharmaceutical excipients market during the forecast period. is anticipated to dominate the global pharmaceutical excipients market during the forecast period. In the functionality segment of the pharmaceutical excipients market, the binders category had a significant revenue share in the year 2023. Notable pharmaceutical excipients companies such as BASF SE, ADM, DuPont, Croda International PLC, Kerry, Roquette Freres, Ashland, Innophos, Associated British Foods PLC, The Lubrizol Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Air Liquide, DSM, Merck KGaA, Eastman Chemical Company, Clariant, Clyzo, Inc., SPI Pharma, Lavina Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, Freund Corporation, and several others, are currently operating in the pharmaceutical excipients market. and several others, are currently operating in the pharmaceutical excipients market. In November 2023 , IFF's and BASF's Pharma Solutions divisions collaborated to bring IFF's leading product brands in pharmaceutical excipients to BASF's Virtual Pharma Assistant platform - ZoomLabtm. The platform is a science-based digital technology developed to quickly and accurately forecast the appropriate excipients required for the production of new pharmaceutical formulations, thereby overcoming formulation problems. ZoomLabtm, powered by BASF's unique technology, helps formulators accelerate formulation design by predicting the most effective excipients for a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient. It also allows customers to create adjustments, with a variety of substances to choose from, including IFF's well-known high-quality excipients. divisions collaborated to bring IFF's leading product brands in pharmaceutical excipients to BASF's Virtual Pharma Assistant platform - ZoomLabtm. The platform is a science-based digital technology developed to quickly and accurately forecast the appropriate excipients required for the production of new pharmaceutical formulations, thereby overcoming formulation problems. ZoomLabtm, powered by BASF's unique technology, helps formulators accelerate formulation design by predicting the most effective excipients for a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient. It also allows customers to create adjustments, with a variety of substances to choose from, including IFF's well-known high-quality excipients. In October 2023 , Clariant announced new additions to its portfolio of high-performing pharmaceutical ingredient solutions to support the evolution of safe and effective medicines. Clariant launched three new VitiPure excipients allowing for a multitude of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) formulations and administration routes. To read more about the latest highlights related to the pharmaceutical excipients market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Report Pharmaceutical Excipients Overview Pharmaceutical excipients are non-active ingredients used in drug formulations to aid the production, stability, and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products. They serve a variety of functions including acting as binders, fillers, preservatives, and stabilizers, thus ensuring the drug maintains its intended quality throughout its shelf life. Excipients can be critical in optimizing the release profile of the active ingredient, enhancing the drug's solubility, or improving the taste and appearance of oral medications. The choice of excipient can influence the overall safety and efficacy of the medication, making their selection and testing a crucial aspect of drug development. Moreover, excipients are not merely inert substances; they can also play a role in modifying the drug's release and absorption in the body. For example, in controlled-release formulations, excipients can help regulate the rate at which the active ingredient is released into the bloodstream, providing therapeutic benefits over an extended period. The compatibility of excipients with the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and their potential interactions are rigorously evaluated to avoid adverse effects and ensure patient safety. Consequently, excipient selection is a complex process that balances functionality with regulatory requirements, ultimately aiming to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the drug while minimizing risks. Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Insights In 2023, North America led the pharmaceutical excipients market and is expected to maintain this dominance throughout the forecast period. This is largely due to the expanding pharmaceutical market, increased investments in R&D within the industry, and ongoing product development in the region. The growth of the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with rising R&D investments, is expected to boost demand for pharmaceutical excipients used in manufacturing, creating a favorable growth environment for the market in the coming years. Additionally, in January 2022, Lubrizol Life Science (LLS) Health, a global frontrunner in pharmaceutical research innovation, launched Apisolex in the United States. This new solubility-enhancing excipient for parenteral medications addresses solubility issues that traditional excipients or production methods cannot overcome. Overall, these factors combined are projected to propel the North American pharmaceutical excipients market throughout the forecast period. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the pharmaceutical excipients market, get a snapshot of the Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Outlook Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Dynamics The pharmaceutical excipients market is a dynamic sector influenced by various factors driving growth and evolution. Excipients, the inactive substances used in drug formulations to facilitate the delivery and effectiveness of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), are experiencing increased demand due to the rising global prevalence of chronic diseases. As pharmaceutical companies innovate with new drug formulations and delivery systems, the need for sophisticated excipients that enhance drug stability, solubility, and bioavailability is growing. Regulatory pressures and stringent quality standards also play a critical role in shaping the market dynamics. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA have stringent guidelines for the safety and efficacy of excipients used in pharmaceutical products. These regulations drive pharmaceutical manufacturers to seek high-quality excipients that comply with global standards, thereby ensuring patient safety and product effectiveness. As regulations evolve, there is a continuous push for innovation in excipient formulations to meet these rigorous standards. Technological advancements are another key factor influencing the market. The development of novel excipients through advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, is opening new avenues for drug formulation. These innovations allow for the creation of excipients with enhanced performance characteristics, such as improved controlled release profiles and targeted delivery. This technological progress supports the growth of the pharmaceutical excipients market by offering more effective solutions for drug development and delivery. Market dynamics are also shaped by the increasing trend of personalized medicine. As the industry shifts towards tailored therapies that cater to individual patient needs, there is a growing demand for excipients that can be customized to suit specific drug delivery requirements. This trend is driving the development of new excipient materials and formulations that can address the diverse needs of personalized medicine, thereby fueling market growth. Lastly, the global nature of the pharmaceutical industry impacts the excipients market. The expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug consumption in emerging markets, coupled with the need for cost-effective excipient solutions, is reshaping market dynamics. Companies are increasingly focusing on expanding their presence in these regions to capitalize on the growing demand and to address the unique challenges associated with local regulatory requirements and market conditions. Get a sneak peek at the pharmaceutical excipients market dynamics @ Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Dynamics Analysis Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 2021?2030 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market CAGR ~6% Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Size by 2030 ~USD 14 Billion Key Pharmaceutical Excipients Companies BASF SE, ADM, DuPont, Croda International PLC, Kerry, Roquette Freres, Ashland, Innophos, Associated British Foods PLC, The Lubrizol Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Air Liquide, DSM, Merck KGaA, Eastman Chemical Company, Clariant, Clyzo, Inc., SPI Pharma, Lavina Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, Freund Corporation, among others Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Assessment Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Segmentation Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Segmentation By Type: Organic Chemicals, Inorganic Chemicals, and Others Organic Chemicals, Inorganic Chemicals, and Others Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Segmentation By Application: Oral, Parenteral, and Topical Oral, Parenteral, and Topical Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Segmentation By Functionality: Fillers, Binders, Coatings and Colorants, Flavouring Agents, Preservatives, and Others Fillers, Binders, Coatings and Colorants, Flavouring Agents, Preservatives, and Others Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Segmentation By Geography : North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of World : , , , and Rest of World Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOL's Views, Analyst's View Which MedTech key players in the pharmaceutical excipients market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Pharmaceutical Excipients Companies Table of Contents 1 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Report Introduction 2 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Executive Summary 3 Competitive Landscape 4 Regulatory Analysis 5 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Key Factors Analysis 6 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Porter's Five Forces Analysis 7 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Layout 8 Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Company and Product Profiles 9 KOL Views 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight 12 Disclaimer & Contact Us Interested in knowing the pharmaceutical excipients market by 2030? Click to get a snapshot of the Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Trends Related Reports Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast ? 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key API companies, including Aurobindo Pharma, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Pfizer Inc, Novartis AG, BASF SE, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Lupin Ltd, Viatris, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Merck KGaA, AbbVie Inc., Bristol Myers-Squibb Company, Cipla Inc, Divi's Laboratories Limited, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Albemarle Corporation, Orion Corporation, Fidia Farmaceutici s.p.a., AstraZeneca, among others. Drug Discovery Market Drug Discovery Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast ? 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key drug discovery companies, including Existencia, Evotec, Curia Global, Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings., GenScript, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Charles River Laboratories., WuXi AppTec, Dalton Pharma Services, Oncodesign, Jubilant Biosys Ltd., IBM Corporation, Numedii Inc, Deep Genomics, NVIDIA Corporation, Pharmaron, Domainex, TCG Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Cloud Pharmaceuticals Inc, Alphabet Inc (DeepMind), among others. AI in Drug Discovery Market AI in Drug Discovery Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast ? 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key AI in drug discovery companies including IBM Corporation, NuMedii Inc, Deep Genomics, NVIDIA Corporation., Atomwise Inc., Cloud Pharmaceuticals, Inc, among others. Drug Delivery Devices Market Drug Delivery Devices Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast ? 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key drug delivery devices companies, including Pfizer, Inc, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Novartis, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 https://www.delveinsight.com/medical-devices Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP 9 september 2024 at 17:46 News published onand distributed by: Boyden France Names Global Leader, Francois Nouri, Partner PARIS, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden , a premier global leadership and talent advisory firm, has named Francois Nouri Partner. Based in Paris, Francois joins the partnership's growing Executive Search team in France, assisting the firm's suite of clients with the recruitment of top-tier executives, including Board members, C-suite, and senior management. Pierre Fouques Duparc , Managing Partner, Boyden France, comments, "Francois brings a proven approach to executive search at Boyden, seamlessly integrating an evidence-based, data-driven methodology with an intuitive understanding of the human element. His breadth of experience is known throughout the industry and across sectors, and we're thrilled to welcome him to our global partnership." Francois is a global leader with more than two decades of experience in human resources and executive search across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, technology, and consumer products. Drawing on his extensive experience in human resources, Francois has a keen understanding of the needs of HR teams and business leaders. He expertly combines quantitative data with qualitative insights to ensure that each candidate is not only a professional fit but also aligns with the company's culture. Most recently, Francois held the role of Global Head of Talent, Performance and Assessment for Philip Morris International. Additionally, he has served as HR Director, Talent and Development for Microsoft and Head of Group HR Solutions for Societe Generale. Beyond this, Francois has served as an industry expert, speaking at the Decideurs RH Conference (2024) and U-Spring Conference in Paris (2024). Francois Nouri adds, "Boyden has a highly respected reputation in our industry, due to its deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative culture, and commitment to high-touch client service. Having been on the other side of the desk, I understand the expectations HR leaders and business executives have when working with a talent recruitment firm. I'm excited to bring that knowledge to Boyden ? and, by extension, to our clients." About Boyden Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve clients' needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes' America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2024. For further information, visit www.boyden.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9930b5e-7b50-493a-9c7f-a976102c00d2 10 september 2024 at 03:00 News published onand distributed by: Accenture Invests in EMTECH to Modernize Central Bank Operations Accenture (NYSE: ACN) announced that it has invested in EMTECH, a global financial technology company that provides software-as-a-service platforms to help central banks streamline, connect and modernize their processes and operations. This investment, made through Accenture Ventures, will support EMTECH in its efforts to transform central banks' financial and technology infrastructure and make it easier for central banks to regulate and supervise fintechs in an increasingly digital economy. Like Accenture, EMTECH works with financial institutions to solve pressing challenges, such as testing new banking applications, meeting regulatory criteria, accelerating payments and settlement times, and driving financial inclusion for the unbanked and other parts of society that have been excluded. Accenture will integrate EMTECH products for digital cash, regulatory sandboxes, and compliance into the company's core banking transformation services. The investment in EMTECH comes as the number of fintechs steadily increases, the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, and many central banks look to update their payments systems to facilitate faster payments and explore developing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). "With constant innovation and digital disruption across financial services, the need for central banks to reinvent how they operate to stay ahead of the industry has never been greater," said Oliver Reppel, a managing director in Accenture's Banking practice. "Our investment in EMTECH will enable Accenture to help central banks modernize their payments systems, enhance their supervisory capabilities and develop the critical infrastructure needed for tokenization and central bank digital currency." "This investment and collaboration are the result of a shared vision to guide banks in modernizing their infrastructure and processes for the era of tokenization," said Carmelle Cadet, co-founder and CEO of EMTECH. "Successful digital transformation at this scale is a major undertaking that requires cutting-edge technology and industry expertise. That's why we're delighted to have Accenture not only investing in our mission but also ready to unlock opportunities with banks across the globe." This investment reflects Accenture's ongoing commitment to providing historically underrepresented entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and connections to Accenture clients and ecosystem partners. This support will help drive new advancement and economic opportunities for underrepresented business owners and leaders. "Underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs are making important strides in technology innovation but often face challenges with access to capital, connections and resources," said Dujon Smith, global lead for Accenture's development program focused on underrepresented founders. "We are proud to invest in EMTECH and help usher in further change and support through mentoring, community engagement and business growth opportunities." EMTECH will also join Accenture Ventures' Project Spotlight, an engagement and investment program for startup companies that create or apply disruptive enterprise technologies. Project Spotlight offers extensive access to Accenture's domain expertise and its enterprise clients, helping startups harness creativity and deliver on the promise of their technology. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services?creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent and innovation led company with 750,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise, and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Accenture Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients succeed and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners, and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com. About EMTECH EMTECH provides software, data and services that connect central banks to other regulators and financial services providers. EMTECH's platforms power regulatory data exchange, compliance, supervision, currency issuance and currency movement in financial markets. The company is founded and led by a former IBM Blockchain Executive, Carmelle Cadet. For more information visit the EMTECH website. Copyright 2024 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and its logo are trademarks of Accenture. 10 september 2024 at 06:00 News published onand distributed by: Nevada Lithium Drills Best Hole to Date at Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, Nevada; Intersects 5,105 ppm Lithium and 16,100 ppm (1.61%) Boron over 518 ft (158 m). Extends High-Grade Lithium and Boron Mineralized Zone by 1,135 ft (346 m) to a Total Length of 3,730 ft (1137 m) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. (CSE: NVLH; OTCQB: NVLHF; FSE: 87K) ("Nevada Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the core assay results for its first diamond drill hole from the 2024 drill program at its 100% owned Bonnie Claire lithium project (the "Project" or "Bonnie Claire"), located in Nye County, Nevada. BC2401C was drilled to 2,807 feet (856 m) and intersected the northeast continuation of the high-grade Lithium and Boron mineralized zone. The 518 ft (158 m) intercept is the thickest +5,000 ppm lithium interval drilled to date. Nevada Lithium's CEO, Stephen Rentschler, comments: "Results from the first hole of our 2024 drilling program (2401C) are tremendous, extending a zone of high-grade Lithium and Boron that remains open in three directions. Our final hole of the 2023 drilling program (2303C) set a very high bar for expectations, but the 2401C results have clearly exceeded them. The high-grade Lithium and Boron zone we first identified in hole 2203C now extends over 3,700 ft., (1137 m). Only a few months ago, we were thrilled to report intercepts such as 4,221 ppm Lithium and 1.50% Boron over 560 feet (171m) in 2303C (See Company News Release dated May 22, 2024). Now we can report even higher grade Lithium and Boron results (5,105 ppm Lithium and 1.61% Boron over 518 feet (158m)) over very similar intercept lengths. 2401C is also the first hole where we have encountered greater than 100 continuous feet (30m) of mineralization averaging over 6,000 ppm Lithium". He continued, "We have recently finished our second hole at Bonnie Claire, 2402C, which is an in-fill hole designed to start the migration of our resources to measured and indicated status. We expect to receive assays from this hole in three to four weeks. The results from both 2401C and 2402C will then be included in an updated mineral resource estimate that will become part of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). While extremely happy to report these results to the market, we remain confident that this deposit has yet to reveal its best to us." Highlights: BC2401C tested the high-grade Lithium and Boron mineralized zone an additional 1,135 ft (346 m) to the N-E is the best hole drilled to date at Bonnie Claire. Deeper step-out drilling continues to find higher grade mineralization. The lower mineralized zone averages 3148 ppm Li and 0.96% B over 1500 ft (457 m), including a subinterval of 518 ft (158m) at 5,105 ppm Li and 1.61% B. BC2401C is the first hole to contain over 100 continuous feet (30 meters) averaging over 6,000 ppm lithium. Hole BC2401C was a 1,135 ft (346m) step-out and further confirms the continuation of deep mineralization discovered in BC-2301C and confirmed in BC2303C. Six holes have now intersected strata with +3,000 ppm mineralization with the widest intercept of 1,500 feet (457 meters) in intersected in BC2401C, the furthest east intercept. It is anticipated that the lateral extent of this +3,000 ppm mineralized zone will expand through further drilling. The high-grade Lithium and Boron mineralized zone has now been traced 3,730 ft (1,137 m) in length and remains open in several directions. The upper mineralized zone averages 973 ppm over 420 ft. Work continues to evaluate the potential for open-pit mining of the upper mineralized zone at Bonnie Claire. BC2401C's 518 ft (158 m) of 5,105 ppm Lithium is the thickest intercept yet above 5,000 ppm Lithium and continues to indicate higher grades to the north and east. The same interval has a weighted average Boron assay of 1.61%, indicating the high-grade Boron mineralization also continues to the northeast. The highest assay in BC2401C is 6,880 ppm Lithium from 2,565 ft (782 m) to 2,585 ft (788 m). In the upper mineralized zone, assays include 1,341 ppm Lithium over 217.5 ft (66 m) within a broader interval of 973 ppm Lithium over 420 ft (128 m) from 27 ft (8 m) depth. Sample assays are announced herein for Hole BC2401C with results presented in Table1 Drill Hole From (ft)* To (ft) Interval (ft) Li (ppm) B (%) Comments BC2401C 27 447 420 973 0.14 Upper Zone Including 169.5 387 217.5 1341 0.25 1307 2807 1500 3148 0.96 Lower Zone Including 1767 2767 1000 4194 1.37 Including 2127 2645 518 5105 1.61 Including 2465 2585 120 6092 1.90 *Results presented in feet (ft). Drill Hole From (m)** To (m) Interval (m) Li (ppm) B (%) Comments BC2401C 8 136 128 973 0.14 Upper Zone Including 52 118 66 1341 0.25 398 856 458 3148 0.96 Lower Zone Including 539 843 304 4194 1.37 Including 648 806 158 5105 1.61 Including 751 788 37 6092 1.90 ** Results presented in meters(m). 1Intervals presented are core length Results & Interpretation Results from BC2401C confirm lateral continuity and the potential for additional high-grade Lithium and Boron intercepts of the deep mineralization first encountered in BC2301C and BC2303C. This lateral continuity is illustrated in cross-section A-A' (Figure 1). BC2401C is the furthest hole northeast thus far and continues the trend of increasing grade in this direction. Highlights include: BC2401C is the most mineralized hole drilled at Bonnie Claire to date, and the first to intersect greater than 100ft width of >6,000 ppm mineralization. This hole steps out from and extends the lower high-grade zone by some 1,135 ft (346m) and remains open in several directions. It can be anticipated that the lateral extent of the high-grade lower zone will expand from further step-out drilling. Work continues towards an update of the resource and PEA incorporating this current round of drilling. Figure 1: Cross-sectional grade shell comparison from drill holes BC2201C, BC2203C, BC2301C, BC2303C, and 2401C Figure 2: Drill collar location map of holes BC2201C, BC2203C, BC2301C, BC2303C, and BC2401C, with section line A-A' Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) A Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocol following industry best practice was incorporated into the program by Nevada Lithium. Drilling was conducted by Major Drilling. Core was transported by Major from the collar location and received by Nevada lithium staff at the Company storage facility in Beatty, NV. The facility is only accessible to Nevada Lithium staff, and remains otherwise locked. Received core was logged and cut at the Facility by Nevada Lithium staff. Logging and sampling included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates and certified reference material (CRM) MEG Li.10.12 and OREAS 750 into sample batches at an insertion rate of approximately 10%. All core samples collected were transported by Company staff to ALS USA Inc.'s laboratory in Reno, NV. for sample preparation. Sample preparation comprises initial weighing (Code WEI-21), crushing QC Test (CRU-QC), pulverizing QC Test (PUL-QC), fine crushing at 70% <2mm (CRU-31), sample split using Boyd Rotary splitter ((SPL-22Y), pulverizing up to 250g 85% <75 m (PUL-31), crush entire sample (CRU-21), Pulp Login LOG-24) and a crusher wash (final crusher wash between samples (WSH-21). Samples were shipped to ALS Vancouver laboratory in Burnaby BC, where the samples were analyzed using 48-element four-acid ICP-MS (ME-MS61) and B/Li N 2 O 2 Fusion - ICP-AES high-grade (ME-ICP82b) procedures. Standards, duplicates and blanks in the drill results to date have been approved as acceptable. The standards performed well (100% within 95% confidence limits for lithium and boron) as did duplicates (R2 0.9705) and all blanks (average 17ppm Li, <0.02%B). About Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on shareholder value creation through its core asset, the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, located in Nye County, Nevada, where it holds a 100% interest. Bonnie Claire has a current NI 43-101 inferred mineral resource of 3,407 million tonnes (Mt) grading 1,013 ppm Li for 18.372 million tonnes (Mt) of contained lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), at a cut-off grade of 700 ppm Li2 The PEA for Bonnie Claire indicates a Net Present Value (8%) of $1.5 Billion USD (after tax) using $13,400 USD per tonne LCE and after-tax IRR of 23.8%. With an LCE price of $30,000 USD per tonne, the Net Present Value (8%) of the Project is $5.9 Billion USD (after tax) and an IRR of 60.3%2. For further information on Nevada Lithium and to subscribe for updates about Nevada Lithium, please visit its website at: https://nevadalithium.com/ QP Disclosure The technical information in the above disclosure has been reviewed and approved by the designated Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, Dr. Jeff Wilson, PhD, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration for Nevada Lithium. Dr. Wilson is not independent of Nevada Lithium, as he is Vice President of Exploration for Nevada Lithium. 2See Preliminary Economic Assessment NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, Nye Country, Nevada authored by Terre Lane, J. Todd Harvey, MBA, PhD, Hamid Samari, PhD and Rick Moritz (Effective date of August 20, 2021, and Issue date of February 25, 2022) (the "PEA" or the "Preliminary Economic Assessment") as summarized in Nevada Lithium's news release dated October 13, 2021, which are available on Nevada Lithium's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment represent forward-looking information. This economic assessment is, by definition, preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the Preliminary Economic Assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. "Stephen Rentschler" Stephen Rentschler, CEO For further information, please contact: Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. Stephen Rentschler CEO and Director Phone: (647) 254-9795 E-mail: [email protected] Media Inquiries: E-mail: [email protected] Find Nevada Lithium on Twitter The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to matters that identify future events or future performance. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "could", "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the performance of the Project and results of the 2023 Exploration and Development Plan (including, without limitation, its mineral resources, current claims and its ability to utilize global lithium needs); and the performance of lithium as a commodity, including the sustained lithium demand and prices. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, Nevada Lithium has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation: market fundamentals that result in sustained lithium demand and prices; the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of Bonnie Claire in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of Bonnie Claire; the Project containing mineral resources; and Nevada Lithium's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Nevada Lithium's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Nevada Lithium believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Nevada Lithium. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements are the following: operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Project; estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital; future prices of precious metals and lithium; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays or the inability of Nevada Lithium to obtain any necessary approvals, permits, consents or authorizations, financing or other planned activities; changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities; risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on Nevada Lithium's business; as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Nevada Lithium's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of Nevada Lithium filed with the Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under Nevada Lithium's profile on the SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialized, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Nevada Lithium has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Nevada Lithium does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. 10 september 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: South Pacific Metals Announces New OTCQB Marketplace Listing Under SPMEF South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSX-V:SPMC)(OTCQB:SPMEF)(FSE:6J00) ("SPMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its common shares have commenced trading on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol "SPMEF." "South Pacific is making significant headway with exploration efforts across PNG's Kainantu District, and it's the right time to increase our investor visibility and accessibility to U.S. capital markets," said Michael Murphy, Executive Chairman. "Having recently released exceptional surface trenching results at our Osena Gold-Copper Project, including an 8.82 g/t gold sample, we continue to press forward with project exploration. Our SPMEF listing will help to facilitate easier trading access and broaden our U.S. investor trading base, resulting in greater liquidity. We're very pleased to initiate the OTCQB listing process." The OTCQB is the premiere marketplace for developing U.S. and international companies that are committed to providing a high-quality trading and information experience for their U.S. investors. The OTCQB quality standards provide a strong baseline of transparency as well as the technology and regulation to improve the information and trading experience for investors. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information for the Company directly by visiting the Company's website at www.southpacificmetals.ca or by visiting www.otcmarkets.com. About South Pacific Metals Corp. South Pacific Metals Corp ("SPMC") is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in the heart of Papua New Guinea's proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,000 km land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick Gold, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio projects: Anga, Osena, Kili Teke and May River. Immediately flanking K92's active drilling and gold producing operations to the northeast and southwest, SPMC's Anga and Osena Projects are located within the high-grade Kainantu Gold District - each having the potential to host similar-style lode-gold and porphyry copper-gold mineralization as that present within K92's tenements. Kili Teke is an advanced exploration project situated only 40 km from the world-class Porgera Gold Mine and hosts an existing Inferred Mineral Resource with multiple opportunities for expansion and further discovery. The May River Project is located adjacent to the world-renowned Frieda River copper-gold project, with historical drilling indicating potential for a significant, untapped-gold mineralized system. SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V:SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB:SPMEF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE:6J00). For further information, please contact: Michael Murphy, Executive Chairman and CEO South Pacific Metals Corp. Tel: +1 604-428-6128 Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available to the Company, including SPMC's strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There is no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements may involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because of the context of the statements, including such words as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "plans", "may", "estimates", or words of a similar nature. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: formulation of plans for drill testing; and the success related to any future exploration or development programs. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company's projects, prices for metals remaining as estimated, currency exchange rates remaining as estimated, availability of funds for the Company's projects, capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), no labour-related disruptions, no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production, all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner, and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices, fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar), operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration, inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards, the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations, legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration, increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel, the availability of additional capital, title matters and the additional risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. SOURCE: South Pacific Metals Corp. 10 september 2024 at 08:00 View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by: ServiceNow Infuses New AI Capabilities Into Purpose-built Industry Solutions With the Now Platform Xanadu Release ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the AI platform for business transformation, today announced new AI-powered, purpose-built industry solutions in its Now Platform Xanadu release. The expansion of Now Assist into industry solutions for telecom, media, and technology, financial services, the public sector, and more allows organizations to recognize the value of GenAI, fast. For example, Now Assist for Banking integrates with ServiceNow Disputes Management, Built with Visa, to help drive productivity and boost customer loyalty through GenAI-powered dispute resolution. In addition, ServiceNow launched new Retail Operations and Retail Service Management solutions to unify a retailer's ecosystem?its store associates, store leadership, customers, headquarters employees, and field technicians?to deliver consistent and connected experiences across every channel, and in the store. ServiceNow is meeting the demand for purpose-built solutions with its single platform and industry-specific data models, transforming customer service and experiences for organizations such as BT, Sunoco, Ignyte, and Blackhawk Network. "The era of ?one-size-fits-all' is over. Organizations today demand solutions designed to meet the distinct digital transformation needs of their business," said Blake McConnell, senior vice president and general manager of Industry Products at ServiceNow. "ServiceNow is partnering with customers across industries to build solutions that can quickly and effectively help solve their specific challenges, all enabled by the AI-powered Now Platform. By focusing our capabilities on chronic industry issues, customers can see faster time to value and greater impact from their investments." "By strategically implementing GenAI across core areas, organizations across industries can unlock new levels of productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, driving sustainable growth," said Ritu Jyoti, group vice president and general manager at IDC. "ServiceNow's integration of GenAI into its industry solutions shows the company's commitment to customer-centric innovation." Harnessing the power of Now Assist across industries According to the ServiceNow Customer Experience Trend Report, 77% of leaders across industries either have or are planning to deploy GenAI to improve customer service operations, helping reduce costs, case volume, resolution times, and customer effort. This comes at a critical time when poor customer service can be the difference between lost and loyal customers. According to the research, nearly 70% of customers say they're likely to switch brands based on a poor customer service experience. The expansion of Now Assist into ServiceNow's industry offerings brings the Now Platform's leading GenAI capabilities to telecom, media, and technology, financial services, public sector organizations, and more to power better experiences for customers and agents alike: Now Assist for Telecom, Media, and Technology (TMT) includes new capabilities in the Xanadu release that help agents quickly understand service problems and resolve issues fast with GenAI, contributing to a better overall customer experience. Customer service issues in the telecom industry can be costly and cause a myriad of issues including customer churn, reputational damage, and lost productivity. Now Assist for TMT use cases address these challenges head on. Service problem and test summarization use GenAI to create easy-to-read summaries of technical issues and test results, facilitating faster handoffs and diagnoses to help agents quickly solve customer issues. Resolution note summarization helps save time by creating clear, concise resolution summaries that keep customers informed and aid future cases. includes new capabilities in the Xanadu release that help agents quickly understand service problems and resolve issues fast with GenAI, contributing to a better overall customer experience. Customer service issues in the telecom industry can be costly and cause a myriad of issues including customer churn, reputational damage, and lost productivity. Now Assist for TMT use cases address these challenges head on. Service problem and test summarization use GenAI to create easy-to-read summaries of technical issues and test results, facilitating faster handoffs and diagnoses to help agents quickly solve customer issues. Resolution note summarization helps save time by creating clear, concise resolution summaries that keep customers informed and aid future cases. Now Assist for Financial Services Operations (FSO) provides banks and insurers with critical GenAI capabilities to boost agent productivity and improve customer experiences. Now Assist for Banking delivers GenAI-powered solutions for onboarding, service, and operations. The Xanadu release includes dispute summarization, integrated with ServiceNow Disputes Management, Built with Visa, which provides agents with concise summaries for complex card dispute cases so they can quickly action and resolve disputes, speeding card service resumption and boosting customer loyalty. Now Assist for Insurance helps insurers improve customer experiences and loyalty with GenAI-powered claims resolution and servicing. Claims summarization uses GenAI to equip agents with case context in a concise, digestible format. This improves response times, minimizes the need to ask customers repeat questions, and reduces mistakes across the various teams handling a claim through transparent and consistent data. provides banks and insurers with critical GenAI capabilities to boost agent productivity and improve customer experiences. Now Assist for Public Sector Digital Services (PSDS) helps everyone involved in fulfilling a service request quickly understand and get up to speed on complex cases related to critical government services, such as providing nutrition assistance, housing, transportation, and medical care. With Now Assist for PSDS, government employees working on a case can access relevant case history through AI-generated case summaries and start making informed decisions on how to proceed. This means constituents and businesses can get the support and assistance they need in a timely manner. These updates build on ServiceNow's commitment to delivering GenAI capabilities that are purpose-built to help solve unique industry needs. Earlier this year, ServiceNow announced Now Assist for Government Community Cloud (GCC), which is now generally available and helps government agencies better serve the public while maintaining high security and compliance standards. ServiceNow also recently launched Now Assist for Telecommunications Service Management (TSM) to boost agent productivity, speed time-to-resolution, and enhance customer experiences. Expanding the Now Platform into retail to enable connected, efficient experiences Despite the increasing influence of e-commerce, 72% of total U.S. retail sales are projected to happen in physical stores by 20281, making the in-store experience essential. However, frontline associates and managers spend a significant amount of time on non-customer related issues. They're bogged down by manual tools and siloed operations, leading to excessive time spent logging information into old systems and less time selling on the store floor. Retail Operations and Retail Service Management are new solutions available in the Xanadu release that unify a retailer's ecosystem?its store associates, store leadership, customers, headquarters employees, and field technicians?to deliver consistent and connected experiences across every channel, as well as in the store. Retail Operations empowers frontline managers and store associates to seamlessly handle day-to-day in-store tasks, like reporting a broken POS system or performing daily store-open and -close checks, by leveraging AI and automation to improve self-service. Associates can request help, view the status of requests, and complete tasks quickly from one easy-to-use interface, freeing up their time to serve customers. Field technicians can service support requests through seamless integration between Retail Operations and Field Service Management. Managers can assign tasks and access clear, up-to-date information on store performance and trends, with data shared across all levels of leadership to make smarter decisions. empowers frontline managers and store associates to seamlessly handle day-to-day in-store tasks, like reporting a broken POS system or performing daily store-open and -close checks, by leveraging AI and automation to improve self-service. Associates can request help, view the status of requests, and complete tasks quickly from one easy-to-use interface, freeing up their time to serve customers. Field technicians can service support requests through seamless integration between Retail Operations and Field Service Management. Managers can assign tasks and access clear, up-to-date information on store performance and trends, with data shared across all levels of leadership to make smarter decisions. Retail Service Management brings ServiceNow Customer Service Management capabilities to retailers, allowing customers to easily submit requests in-store and online while enabling headquarters teams to resolve both customer and store support issues from a single system. Built on the Now Platform, Retail Operations and Retail Service Management enable two-way communication and visibility between stores and company headquarters, helping enhance staff productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences. What our customers and partners are saying: Sunoco "Sunoco is steadfast in its commitment to innovation and serving local communities. To do this successfully, we need technology partners that can help us boost productivity, lower spend, and improve customer experiences," said Jen Holman, director of strategic sourcing & capital planning at Sunoco. "The newly released Retail Operations solution will help us modernize our repair and maintenance operations, enabling us to streamline appointments to reduce spend, optimize processes to reduce friction, and free up our employees to focus more on helping customers. We're thrilled to see how we can continue to partner with ServiceNow to drive employee and customer satisfaction." Ignyte "Now Assist for PSDS and our partnership with ServiceNow has changed the way we deliver government services at Ignyte," said Jason Stanis, chief technical officer at Ignyte. "Through summarization, our playbooks reflect the most relevant aspects of each case, ensuring that anyone working on it?regardless of when or where they entered the process?can instantly access the necessary history and status. This has been crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring prompt, appropriate service delivery to our clients. The seamless collaboration among multiple agencies and personnel, enabled by Now Assist for PSDS, demonstrates our commitment to excellent public service." BT Group "At BT Group, we're on a digital transformation journey to drive savings, efficiency, and improve experiences for customers and agents alike," said Hena Jalil, managing director, business chief information officer at BT Group. "This includes partnering with ServiceNow to improve service management and trialing GenAI to transform customer experiences. We're already seeing the results. In our Now Assist pilots, we've found that agents can understand and summarize complex cases faster than ever, boosting productivity and reducing the time to serve." Blackhawk Network "At Blackhawk Network, efficient and accurate case handling is central to our success as a financial services organization," said James Moreno, manager of cardholder disputes and negative balance management at Blackhawk Network. "By leveraging Visa and Mastercard integrations and disputes eligibility rules available with FSO, we hope to increase the speed and precision of how we handle complex cases, such as gift card and incentive card disputes, for increased customer satisfaction and improved employee effectiveness. We also look forward to the AI-driven summarization features with Now Assist for FSO that will further help streamline our workflows and reduce processing time and errors. We're proud to leverage innovative technology to set new industry standards and better deliver for our customers." Availability Retail Operations and Retail Service Management are generally available to all customers in the ServiceNow Store today. Now Assist for TMT, Now Assist for FSO, and Now Assist for PSDS are available to all customers in the ServiceNow Store today. Now Assist is generally available in ServiceNow's US Government Community Cloud (GCC). Additional Information Read about additional news from ServiceNow today: ServiceNow bolstered its Now Assist GenAI portfolio and added new AI innovations to enhance productivity and employee collaboration. ServiceNow announced its vision to integrate Agentic AI into the ServiceNow platform to power 24/7 productivity at massive scale with AI agents. ServiceNow unveiled new data enhancement capabilities to unlock value with ultra-scale and performance. ServiceNow released additional capabilities designed to boost collaboration and efficiency for developers, IT teams, and employees. About ServiceNow ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is putting AI to work for people. We move with the pace of innovation to help customers transform organizations across every industry while upholding a trustworthy, human centered approach to deploying our products and services at scale. Our AI platform for business transformation connects people, processes, data, and devices to increase productivity and maximize business outcomes. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward looking statements" about the expectations, beliefs, plans, and intentions relating to its innovations announced with the Now Platform Xanadu release. Such statements include statements regarding future product capabilities and offerings and expected benefits to ServiceNow. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, ServiceNow's results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements made. ServiceNow undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include: (i) delays and unexpected difficulties and expenses in executing the product capabilities and offerings, (ii) changes in the regulatory landscape related to AI and (iii) uncertainty as to whether sales will justify the investments in the product capabilities and offerings. Further information on factors that could affect ServiceNow's financial and other results is included in the filings ServiceNow makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. 2024 ServiceNow, Inc. All rights reserved. ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other company names, product names, and logos may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. 1 Forrester, The Future of the Digital Store, October 24 2023 10 september 2024 at 09:10 News published onand distributed by: Brixton Metals Acquires Infill Claims to its Thorn Project Near the Past Producing Golden Bear Mine VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the "Company" or "Brixton") is pleased to announce it shall acquire one hundred percent interest in mineral claims totaling 6446 hectares or 64.4 square kilometers within the Thorn Project, not previously controlled, located north and northwest from the past producing Golden Bear Mine. Deal Terms Under a Purchase and Sale Agreement with arm's length private Vendors, Brixton shall pay the Vendors CAD$75,000 and issue 1,250,000 common shares of Brixton upon Exchange approval; Brixton shall grant the Vendors a one percent Net Smelter Royalty Return ("NSR") where Brixton holds the right to buydown 50% of the NSR, half of 1% for CAD$1,000,000 prior to commercial production. Chairman and CEO, Gary R. Thompson, stated, "We are excited to further consolidate the Thorn Project by adding more gold potential to the copper porphyry district play. Several gold geochemical anomalies have been identified adjacent to and on trend with a past producer of high-grade gold. Follow up exploration work is planned on these newly acquired claims to define drill targets." Figure 1. Thorn Project Location Map with Gold Geochemistry. Please see link for an interactive map of Gold Geochem and Drilling for the Thorn Project here: https://app.mininghub.com/sh/A0c138c6 Discussion As shown in Figure 2, several gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies have been identified and appear to be open for expansion. The newly acquired claims are located north and northwest from the past producing Golden Bear Mine. Figure 2. Gold-in-soil Geochemistry on the Newly Acquired Mineral Claims. Previous operators include Chevron, Homestake, North American Metals and Decoors Mining. Historic rock samples collected returned 284 sample greater than 20 ppb Au with a high of 124.85 g/t gold and 77.47 g/t silver from the Shoulder Zone collected by Homestake 1991 (Hamilton, 1994). In 1984, Chevron collected a rock grab from the Spire Zone that returned 14.00 g/t gold (Bruaset, 1984). The Honk Showing is a shear hosted quartz-pyrite vein along a north-trending splay of the Ophir Break returned 18.07 g/t gold and 64.80 g/t silver from a rock grab sample (McBean, 1990). Limited drilling has returned mixed results. One of the best values obtained from drilling was 1.1 g/t gold and 30.3 g/t silver over 4.0m from drillhole R90-7 (Allen, 1990). Gold was mined from the Golden Bear Mine from 1990-2001 and is currently held by Newmont Corporation and the site is under remediation and reclamation. The Golden Bear deposits, located south and southeast from these newly acquired claims, are Carlin-type and low sulphidation type gold deposits. The 1987 Reserve Estimate for the Bear Main Zone, which was one of six deposits, was proven and probable of 1.2 MT at 12 g/t gold. Source: https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=104K++079 On October 17, 1994, the owners of the Golden Bear Mine announced the discovery of the Grizzly zone where it had drilled 27 g/t Au over a true width of 3.9m and a 15.5m intersection grading 14.4 g/t Au. Source: The Northern Miner news publication, 1994. Gold mineralization in the mine area is structurally controlled as north-south to northwest structures. A major north to northwest trending fault, known as the Ophir Break Zone, extends through the area for over 10km and is defined by areas of intense fracturing with abundant slickensides, areas of carbonaceous and siliceous black siltstone and gouge, and linear quartz-iron carbonate-pyrite- listwanites and quartz-dolomite alteration zones. Mineralization consists of pyrite, trace arsenopyrite and scorodite, native gold, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, stibnite and tetrahedrite. Pyrite occurs as late-stage veinlets and as earlier breccia matrix filling, fragments within breccias. Source: https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=104K++079 These newly acquired claims do not contain any reserves or resources and are considered early-stage exploration targets for its high-grade underground potential. There are no assurances that future work will define resources or reserves. Qualified Person (QP) Mr. Gary Thompson, P.Geo., is Chairman and CEO for the Company who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Thompson has verified the referenced data but not the analytical results disclosed in this press release and has approved the technical information presented herein. About Brixton Metals Corporation Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixton's flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA, which is optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc., the Langis-HudBay silver-cobalt-nickel Project in Ontario and the Atlin Goldfields Project located in northwest BC which is optioned to Eldorado Gold Corporation. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com . On Behalf of the Board of Directors Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO For Investor Relations inquiries please contact: Mr. Michael Rapsch, Senior Manager, Investor Relations. email: [email protected] or call Tel: 604-630-9707 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Links: https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Figure-1_10Sept2024.png https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Figure-2_10Sept2024.png 10 september 2024 at 09:30 News published onand distributed by: Air Kerala.com Eyes Takeoff by March 2025: Officials Meet with Civil Aviation Minister and DGCA Authorities Air Kerala.com, a promising airline based in Kerala, is on track to commence operations by March 2025, following a pivotal meeting between its management and India's Civil Aviation Minister Shri: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This key meeting saw discussions surrounding the airline's operational strategies and regulatory requirements as Air Kerala.com prepares to take flight. Zettfly Aviation Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Air Kerala.com, has recently appointed Mr. Harish Kutty as the airline's CEO. "We are thrilled to have Mr. Harish Kutty lead Air Kerala.com as CEO. His vast experience in the aviation industry will be crucial in realizing our vision of taking to the skies by March 2025," said Mr. Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Air Kerala.com. During the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Kinjarapu Ram expressed his full support for the airline's ambitious plans, stating, "The Government is ready to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the airline secures its approvals and launches successfully. This marks a significant milestone for India's aviation industry." The Minister further praised Air Kerala.com's Chairman, Mr. Afi Ahmed, for his extensive experience in the travel and tourism sector. "Mr. Afi Ahmed's expertise will be instrumental in enhancing Kerala's tourism and aviation landscape," he added. In addition, Mr. Ayub Kallada, Vice Chairman of Air Kerala.com, highlighted the airline's focus on improving cargo and perishable goods transportation between Kerala and other regions. He also discussed future plans for introducing seaplane services to boost regional tourism in Kerala. Mr. Harish Kutty presented the airline's commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and top-tier service during the meeting with the DGCA and Minister. He outlined a roadmap for route expansions, market share growth, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at securing Air Kerala.com's place as a premium airline. The DGCA and other officials at the meeting commended Air Kerala.com's dedication and assured full support for the airline's regulatory approval process. With ambitious plans backed by a strong leadership team and the support of government authorities, Air Kerala.com is well on its way to becoming a leading player in the aviation industry by March 2025. *Source: AETOSWire 10 september 2024 at 13:30 News published onand distributed by: Peter Ferraro The Nissan Skyline has accumulated quite a fan base over the years in no small. part due to the power and performance of its GT-R variant but here in the United States, it's largely been forbidden fruit. The R34-generation model that has grown to iconic status only became street-legal in America this year, sending plenty of fans into a tizzy as they work to import the Skyline of their dreams. But it hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. One enthusiast, for example, is fighting with the commonwealth of Massachusetts over registering his Skyline because the state claims his car is, in fact, not legal for street use. The trouble in large part comes down to Massachusetts's apparent desire to ban Japanese Kei cars and trucks the smallest category of highway-legal vehicle sold in Japan, from its roads, as the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) claims they're unsafe to use on public highways. No matter how one might feel about that, it's clear the R34-gen Nissan Skyline isn't anywhere close to a diminutive Kei-class car but despite that, owner Peter Ferraro is in the midst of convincing the state that his car is, in fact, federally legal. Peter Ferraro Kei cars that are 25 years old or older, like all such quarter-century-plus passenger cars and trucks not originally certified for U.S. roads, are legal to own in the USA under the feds' so-called 25-year import rule. For reasons Massachusetts isn't making abundantly clear, the state is trying to fight that for Kei cars and, it seems, lumping in other vehicles from Japan. Ferraro said he was told that his car's registration was denied because the NHTSA indicates cars like his are "mainly for off-road use." ADVERTISEMENT Even though Ferraro says he included his NHTSA approval for the imported car in his registration paperwork, he claims the clerk who denied his registration told him that "we do not register any Japanese vehicles." (Interestingly, the RMV also denied a 1997 BMW 5 Series in July, suggesting a broader issue.) Story continues Ferraro says he talked to a Massachusetts state senator about this, who thanked him for pursuing the matter. "Our office is currently drafting a letter to the RMV and the Secretary of Transportation formally requesting a determination on this matter and asking for a timeline for the determination," the senator's office told Ferraro. "Our office is also in an ongoing discussion about filing legislation dependent on their decision." You Might Also Like The windows of a raised historic house are boarded up as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Francine along the Louisiana coast on Sept. 9, 2024, in Lafitte, Louisiana. CHRIS GRANGER / AP Tropical Storm Francine strengthened Monday, September 9, in the Gulf of Mexico and was forecast to make landfall as a hurricane this week in Louisiana, where evacuation orders were quickly issued in some coastal communities and residents began filling sandbags in preparation for heavy rains and widespread flooding. Francine, the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, was expected to become a hurricane shortly, the US National Hurricane Center in Miami said Monday night. The storm was already being felt in Mexico, where drenching rains closed schools as the storm gathered strength in the Gulf. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry urged residents "not to panic, but be prepared" and heed evacuation warnings. Forecasters said Francine's landfall in south Louisiana was expected Wednesday afternoon as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 96 to 110 mph (155-175 kph). Francine is taking aim at a Louisiana coastline that has yet to fully recover since hurricanes Laura and Delta decimated Lake Charles in the region in 2020, followed a year later by Hurricane Ida. Over the weekend, a 22-story building in Lake Charles that had become a symbol of storm destruction was imploded after sitting vacant for nearly four years, its windows shattered and covered in shredded tarps. 'Potential for dangerous, life-threatening inundation' Francine's storm surge on the Louisiana coast could reach as much as 10 feet (3 meters) from Cameron to Port Fourchon and into Vermilion Bay, forecasters said. "It's a potential for significantly dangerous, life-threatening inundation," said Michael Brennan, director of the hurricane center, adding it could also send "dangerous, damaging winds quite far inland." He said landfall was likely somewhere between Sabine Pass on the Texas-Louisiana line and Morgan City, Louisiana, about 220 miles (350 kilometers) to the east. Louisiana officials urged residents to immediately prepare while "conditions still allow" for it, Mike Steele, spokesperson for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, told The Associated Press. He warned Francine could rapidly intensify. Residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, began forming long lines as people filled gas tanks and stocked up on groceries. Others filled sandbags at city-operated locations to protect homes from possible flooding. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for seven remote coastal communities by the Cameron Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. They include Holly Beach, a laid-back stretch dubbed Louisiana's "Cajun Riviera," where many homes sit on stilts. The storm-battered town has been a low-cost paradise for oil industry workers, families and retirees, rebuilt multiple times after past hurricanes. Shelter in place in New Orleans In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to prepare to shelter in place. City officials said they were expecting up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) inches of rain, gusty winds and "isolated tornado activity" with the most intense weather likely to reach New Orleans on Wednesday and Thursday. Read more Subscribers only El Nino is ending, but the planet will continue to overheat The hurricane center said Francine was last about 145 miles (235 kilometers) south-southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande, and about 425 miles (690 kilometers) south-southwest of Cameron, with top sustained winds of about 65 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour). It was moving north-northwest at 7 mph (11 kph). The storm was expected to move in north-northeast motion through Monday evening and then accelerate to the northeast beginning Tuesday before nearing the upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines Wednesday. Smoke rises as the Line Fire burns on September 9, 2024, near Yucaipa, California. MARIO TAMA / AFP Bulldozers, helicopters and airplanes As wildfire continues to spread east of Los Angeles, southern California mountain community residents are mulling whether to stay and protect their homes or leave. Cal Fire spokesperson Rick Carhart said the fire led at least 6,000 people to evacuate. "We're dealing with triple-digit temperatures and hard-to-reach steep areas where there has not been fire in decades, or in recorded history, so all that vegetation has led to significant fuel loads," Carhart said. Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, which issues evacuation orders, said nearly 5,000 homes fell under the existing orders and nearly 17,000 more were under evacuation warnings. The blaze threatened thousands of home and commercial structures as it burned along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. As of Monday morning, it was 3% contained. Firefighters were using bulldozers, helicopters and airplanes Monday to control a rapidly spreading blaze that broke out near a remote-controlled airplane airport in Orange County southeast of Los Angeles. The fire spread to about 3 square miles (7.8 square kilometers) in only a few hours. In Northern California, a fire measuring less than a square mile (2.6 square kilometers) started Sunday and burned at least 30 homes and commercial buildings and destroyed 40 to 50 vehicles in Clearlake City, 110 miles (117 kilometers) north of San Francisco, officials said. Roughly 4,000 people were forced to evacuate by the Boyles Fire, which was about 10% contained Monday morning. Read more Subscribers only California's Park Fire has become the state's seventh-largest wildfire in less than 72 hours The fires are among the most dangerous of the many burning in various parts of California. Smoke rises from the Bear fire as pictured from Reno, Nevada, on September 3, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media. PAULINE WOOLDRIDGE / PAULINE WOOLDRIDGE VIA REUTERS A blaze so hot it creates thunderstorm-like weather systems About 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) outside Reno, Nevada, the uncontained Davis Fire grew to about 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) after igniting Sunday afternoon. An emergency declaration issued for Washoe County by Gov. Joe Lombardo on Sunday noted that about 20,000 people were evacuated from neighborhoods, businesses, parks and campgrounds. Parts of south Reno remained under the evacuation notice on Monday, firefighters said, and some homes, businesses and traffic signals in the area were without power. The Southern California blaze burned so hot Saturday that it created its own thunderstorm-like weather systems of pyrocumulus clouds, which can create more challenging conditions such as gusty winds and lightning strikes, according to the National Weather Service. The Reno fire is roughly 480 miles (770 kilometers) to the northeast of the blaze in the San Bernardino National Forest, where firefighters worked in steep terrain in temperatures above 100 degrees (38 Celsius), limiting their ability to control the blaze, officials said. State firefighters said three firefighters had been injured. Evacuations were ordered Saturday evening for Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, areas east of Highway 330 and other regions. Redlands Unified School District canceled Monday classes for roughly 20,000 students, and Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County. Read more Subscribers only The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record globally Beatrice Zavarro, lawyer of defendant Dominique Pelicot, speaks to journalists in the courthouse in Avignon on the sidelines of Dominique's trial, on September 10, 2024. CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP A Frenchman being tried for recruiting strangers to rape his drugged wife will be back in court to testify on Wednesday after being admitted to hospital, the presiding judge at his trial said. The hospital admission on Tuesday of Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old retiree accused of repeatedly raping and enlisting dozens of strangers to abuse his heavily sedated wife, had sparked speculation that the trial may be adjourned, but the presiding judge said the trial could now continue as planned. The judge, Roger Arata, said he had been handed a medical certificate saying that Pelicot was fit to resume his ordinary daily activities and his state allowed the transfer from his prison cell to the courtroom. The 71-year-old retiree has been on trial since last week for repeatedly raping and enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily sedated wife in her own bed between 2011 and 2020. Fifty other men, aged between 26 and 74, are also on trial for alleged involvement, in a case that has horrified France. His ex-wife and victim Gisele Pelicot, 71, says she was troubled by strange memory lapses for years until police uncovered the abuse by chance after he was caught filming up women's skirts in a local supermarket. The main defendant, who has admitted to the charges against him, had been scheduled to be questioned on Tuesday afternoon, but on Monday appeared frail, leaning on a cane and the glass side of the dock, and was excused from court over what his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said was abdominal pain. Zavarro said that her client was in no way "evading" his trial. "He has always said he would be present and testify. It's essential," she added. Pelicot must be present But based on the doctor's note, Arata said on Tuesday that now "nothing will change" for Wednesday's agenda, and Pelicot would be questioned "during the breaks" scheduled in the original program. Experts on Monday had described Pelicot as a self-centered manipulator with no empathy and a split personality. The main accused's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro had said that her client had been looking forward to "explaining" what he did. The family's attorney Stephane Babonneau said it was "absolutely necessary that Mr. Pelicot be treated medically and be able to attend the debates." Gisele "Pelicot and her children do not wish to be heard without him being present," he added. Until a decision on whether or not to suspend the trial, an investigator and an IT expert were to speak to the court on Tuesday. Pelicot kept meticulous records of the abuse of his wife, discovered after police seized his computer and other equipment. Most of the alleged rapes took place in the Pelicot home in Mazan, a village of 6,000 people in the southern region of Provence. His daughter Caroline Darian, 45, has said her life was "literally turned upside down" when she heard of the alleged abuse. Naked photomontages of her had also been found on his computer. The couple's two other sons are still due to speak. Former film producer Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court for a pretrial hearing, following his overturned sex crimes conviction, in New York City, July 19, 2024. KENA BETANCUR / AFP Jailed ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein underwent an emergency medical procedure at a New York City hospital on Monday to remove fluid from his heart and lungs after he complained of chest pains over the weekend, his representatives said. Weinstein, 72, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan from the Rikers Island jail complex late Sunday "due to severe medical conditions," his publicist Juda Engelmayer and prison consultant Craig Rothfeld said. "We can confirm that Mr. Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today," Engelmayer and Rothfeld said. Weinstein was out of surgery as of Monday afternoon and is in recovery, they said. Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said they requested that jail officials immediately move Weinstein to Bellevue "based on his complaints to us regarding chest pains." In one email, Aidala said, he told them: "This guy is going to die on your watch if you don't do something." News of Weinstein's hospitalization was first reported by ABC News. In and out of Bellevue Hospital since April Weinstein has been in and out of Bellevue Hospital since returning to Rikers Island from state prison in April after an appeals court overturned his 2020 rape and sexual assault convictions and ordered a new trial. In July, he was hospitalized with Covid-19 and pneumonia in both lungs, his representatives said. After his February 2020 conviction, Weinstein left court in an ambulance and detoured to Bellevue, complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure. He later had a stent inserted to unblock an artery. After his sentencing a few weeks later, he returned to the hospital with more chest pains. He later tested positive for Covid-19 just days after being transferred to a state prison near Buffalo. In 2021, when Weinstein was being extradited to California for prosecution on rape charges there, his lawyers disclosed a litany of afflictions, including diabetes, coronary artery disease, anemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, chronic leg pain, arthritis, and eye ailments that had severely degraded his vision. At recent court hearings, he has used a wheelchair. Read more Harvey Weinstein begs for 'mercy' as he is sentenced to 16 years for another rape "As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers from a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment," Engelmayer and Rothfeld said Monday. The state's Court of Appeals found that the judge in the 2020 trial unfairly allowed testimony from women whose claims against Weinstein weren't part of the case. Last week, prosecutors disclosed that they've begun taking steps to potentially charge him with up to three additional sex assaults. They said they've started presenting evidence to a grand jury of up to three previously uncharged allegations against Weinstein two sexual assaults in the mid-2000s and another sexual assault in 2016. A vote on a potential new indictment was expected soon. Most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement At the same time, British prosecutors said last week they were dropping two charges of indecent assault against Weinstein in 2022 because there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction." Read more British prosecutors halt criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein Weinstein has denied that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone. He remains in custody in New York while awaiting a retrial in Manhattan that's tentatively scheduled to begin November 12. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing September 12. Weinstein became the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement, which took root in 2017 when women began to go public with accounts of his behavior. Read more Subscribers only Back on trial, Harvey Weinstein faces an additional 60 years in prison At the original trial, Weinstein was convicted of forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 and rape in the third degree for an attack on an aspiring actor in 2013. Those allegations will be part of his retrial. Weinstein's acquittals on charges of predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape still stand. After the retrial, Weinstein is due to start serving a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles, authorities said. Weinstein was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022. Read more Subscribers only Despite a bumpy road, the #MeToo movement has changed America James Earl Jones accepts the special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the 71st annual Tony Awards in 2017, in New York. MICHAEL ZORN / MICHAEL ZORN/INVISION/AP James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, The Lion King and Darth Vader has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning, September 9, at home. The cause was not immediately clear. The pioneering Jones, who worked deep into his 80s, won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. He cut an elegant figure late in life, with a wry sense of humor and a ferocious work habit. In 2015, he arrived at rehearsals for a Broadway run of The Gin Game having already memorized the play and with notebooks filled with comments from the creative team. He said he was always in service of the work. "The need to storytell has always been with us," he told The Associated Press then. "I think it first happened around campfires when the man came home and told his family he got the bear, the bear didn't get him." Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in Field of Dreams, the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit The Great White Hope, the writer Alex Haley in Roots: The Next Generation and a South African minister in Cry, the Beloved Country. 'I am your father' He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader ("No, I am your father," commonly misremembered as "Luke, I am your father"), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in Disney's animated The Lion King and announcing "This is CNN" during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the Great American Documents audiobook. "If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor, if you pounded the payment in these streets looks for jobs, one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones," Samuel L. Jackson once said. Some of his other films include Dr. Strangelove, The Greatest (with Muhammad Ali), Conan the Barbarian, Three Fugitives and playing an admiral in three Tom Clancy blockbuster adaptations The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. In a rare romantic comedy, Claudine, Jones had an onscreen love affair with Diahann Carroll. Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958's Sunrise At Campobello and would win his two Tony Awards for The Great White Hope (1969) and Fences (1987). He also was nominated for On Golden Pond (2005) and Gore Vidal's The Best Man (2012). He was celebrated for his command of Shakespeare and Athol Fugard alike. More recent Broadway appearances include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, The Iceman Cometh, and You Can't Take It With You. As a rising stage and television actor, he appeared in As the World Turns in 1965, becoming one of the first African American actors in a continuing role in a daytime drama. He performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival Theater in Othello, Macbeth and King Lear and in off-Broadway plays. 'Not long after, I began to stutter' Jones was born by the light of an oil lamp in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Jan. 17, 1931. His father, Robert Earl Jones, had deserted his wife before the baby's arrival to pursue life as a boxer and, later, an actor. When Jones was 6, his mother took him to her parents' farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him. "A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood," Jones wrote in his autobiography, Voices and Silences. "The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter." Too embarrassed to speak, he remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly. Teacher and student worked together to restore the boy's normal speech. "I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating acting," he recalled in his book. At the University of Michigan, he failed a pre-med exam and switched to drama, also playing four seasons of basketball. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theater Wing program for young actors. Father and son waxed floors to support themselves while looking for acting jobs. True stardom came suddenly in 1970 with "The Great White Hope." Howard Sackler's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play depicted the struggles of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, amid the racism of early 20th-century America. In 1972, Jones repeated his role in the movie version and was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor. Jones' two wives were also actors. He married Julienne Marie Hendricks in 1967. After their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart, best known for her role as Stacey Erickson in the CBS police drama "Paris," in 1982. (She died in 2016.) They had a son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983. In 2022, the Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed after Jones, with a ceremony that included Norm Lewis singing Go the Distance, Brian Stokes Mitchell singing Make Them Hear You and words from Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Tribute from fans and collaborators Famous fans and collaborators are paying tribute to the award-winning actor: "One of the world's finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He'll be greatly missed," said actor Mark Hamill, who played Vader's son Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies, in a statement to The Associated Press. "James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being," said Star Wars creator George Lucas, in a statement to the AP. "That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy," wrote actor Kevin Costner, who starred in Field of Dreams with Jones, on Instagram. "James Earl Jones will forever be remembered as The GOAT. It was truly a privilege to direct him and a Blessing to be loved by him," said actor and dancer Debbie Allen, who directed Jones in the 2008 Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, on Instagram. The company's logo is seen at a Nestle plant in Konolfingen, Switzerland September 28, 2020. ARND WIEGMANN / REUTERS Nestle's water subsidiary, which produces brands such as Perrier, will pay 2 million to close French probes over illegal wells and treatment of mineral water, prosecutors said on Tuesday, September 10. The prosecutor in the eastern town of Epinal, Frederic Nahon, said the non-prosecution agreement was the "biggest concerning the environment signed in France to date." The deal ends preliminary probes into the use of wells without authorization and fraud for filtering its mineral waters a practice that is illegal in France where mineral waters are supposed to be natural. Read more Subscribers only The challenges facing Nestle's new CEO: Returning to strong growth and managing sensitive issues 1.1 million on environment projects The Swiss group, whose water brands also include Vittel and San Pellegrino, will in addition spend 1.1 million over two years on projects to restore the environment in several French towns where it operates. The prosecutor said the non-prosecution agreement was justified as Nestle had cooperated with the probe, had brought its practices into compliance and there were no public health consequences. The deal, "while sanctioning the unauthorized activities that were found, encourages a faster conclusion, remediation of the environmental damage and compensation of several parties," he said. Read more Subscribers only 'Sanitary quality' of Nestle mineral waters is not guaranteed, confidential report shows A local environmental group welcomed the deal but consumer groups criticized it. "It's a scandalous decision which sends a very bad message about a climate of impunity: Nestle Waters can deceive consumers around the world for years and get away with it by pulling out its checkbook," said Ingrid Kragl, a fraud expert at Foodwatch. TOKYOA recent survey conducted by Iroha, the sister brand of the leading Japanese adult pleasure brand TENGA, has revealed that 41% of American women have experienced pain during penetration. The survey, conducted by OnePoll, also found that almost half (48%) kept the issue to themselves and only 46% sought a solution to the problem. For some, the pain is temporary while for others, it can be long-term While there are many reasons those with vulvas might feel pain during sex from vaginismus, and performance anxiety, to vaginal dryness, the survey revealed that 18% of women from America have frequently experienced pain during penetrative sex while nearly half (51%) experienced pain now and again. For some women, this pain is only a temporary problem while for others, it can be long-term. Two-thirds of American women feel anxious about sex Whether it's feeling insecure about sexual performance, what they look like to their partners, or a past traumatic experience, sexual anxiety is multi-layered and complex, according to Iroha. The survey found that 66% of American women felt anxious regarding sex due to a lack of self-confidence; 49% of American women were anxious due to inexperience or not having had sex in a while and 32% of American womens sexual anxiety stemmed from a past traumatic experience. On top of that, 19% of American women felt anxious about sex due to concerns about penis size, the survey said. Rika Adachi, Global Marketing Manager at Iroha, says, Anxiety around sex is a very common problem and can show up in a number of different ways such as a difficulty to get aroused or feel interested in sex. What is however clear is that there are many reasons why someone might struggle with sexual anxiety which can even include the stress of modern living or the expectation that you must be having mind-blowing sex all the time. "The main point to consider is the importance of communication. Communication can not only make you more comfortable, but it can also help you identify the root of your sexual anxiety and help you work toward a more fulfilling sex life. Nearly half of American women suffer in silence For many who experience pain during penetrative sex, there can also be feelings of stress and shame which can lead to feeling isolated, according to Iroha. Indeed, of those who had experienced pain with penetrative sex, nearly half (48%) of US women have not talked to someone. However, of those who did try to seek a solution to painful penetrative sex, 67% said that the treatment worked, the survey found. Intimidated by size and shape Sex toys and masturbation are a great way to help feel less stressed, and even prevent anxiety, but the plethora of options can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to insertable pleasure items, according to the survey. The survey discovered that 23% of American women felt concerned or overwhelmed about the idea of using a sex toy; and 23% of American women who have used sex toys before felt intimidated by the size of sex toys on the market. The Iroha koharu is the Japanese pleasure brand's first slim and compact self-pleasure product that lowers the hurdle for those who might be new or curious about insertable pleasure. With its non-threatening design, the company said it will appeal to those who might feel anxious about using an insertable pleasure toy as well as those who would like to feel more comfortable with penetration and have a desire to explore self-pleasure. Rika Adachi says, This survey sheds light on the significant number of women who have experienced pain with penetrative sex. However, what is more alarming is the number of women who are suffering in silence. By opening up the conversation, we hope more women will feel comfortable speaking with either a medical professional or a close friend, to know that they are not alone and that there are options available to them. The Iroha koharu is available here. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close THE 2024 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) winner, Sean OSullivan, from Colaiste Chiarain, Limerick will travels to Katowice, Poland to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists 2024 (EUCYS) this week. Seans BTYSTE winning project, titled VerifyMe: A new approach to authorship attribution in the post-ChatGPT era, will be on display again at the EUCYS, from September 9 to September 14. An Taoiseach Simon Harris met with Sean at Government Buildings, Merrion Street Upper, Dublin recently to wish him good luck before he officially represents Ireland at one of the biggest and most important student science fairs in the world. Each year, the EUCYS showcases the best of scientific achievement in the European Union and beyond, and over the past 34 years Ireland has had an exceptional track record in this competition, having won 17 first place prizes. READ MORE: Limerick man releases new Celtic Rock history collection, As I Roved Out Managing Director at BT Ireland, Shay Walsh, said: Not only is BT Ireland very proud to be custodians of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, but each year our winners play an important role representing Ireland at one of the most important STEM events in Europe. I would like to wish Sean the very best of luck at this years EUCYS. His project demonstrates the exceptional talent and amazing project ideas on display at the BTYSTE, and were really looking forward to cheering him on as he represents Ireland at EUCYS. Winners of the BTYSTE 2023, Liam Carew and Shane OConnor, took home the runner-up prize at EUCYS 2023, and Sean is looking forward to competing against 250 young scientists from nearly 40 countries throughout the EU, as well as guest projects from the United States and beyond. DREAMS of a special school in the region became a reality recently with the first day of classes taking place at Limerick Community Special School. The new school located in Mungret, established under the patronage of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board opened its doors to an initial 30 students. These include children with a moderate general learning disability and complex needs, and children with autism and complex needs from four to 18 years of age. The Department of Education made the announcement regarding the new school last December, following consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NSCE) around the creation of four new special schools throughout Ireland including Limerick. These new schools have been created to address the increasing number of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Commenting on the new schools first day, Acting Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Donncha O Treasaigh, said: This new school provides a wonderful opportunity for children to be supported and to benefit from the various different types of interventions and therapies that will be able to help them with their growth and development. We are really thrilled for the parents and families and the children who will be coming to the school. READ MORE: New chief executive of Limerick Chamber revealed Speaking on the first day, Principal Deirdre Bourke said: Were delighted that the old is meeting the new here at Mungret College between the lovely 100-year old building and these beautiful modern modulars, its a great space for children. We have a beautiful sensory room, a lovely hall and kitchenette for Home Economics, we have a music teacher on-site, and six very experienced special class teachers with huge varied experience. We also have a large SNA team and an assistant psychologist one day a week, which means we can give hands-on support to parents and families to meet their goals for their children to flourish into the future. One of the parents at the school, Sinead Sheehan from the Old Singland Road in Limerick, spoke about her sons first day: Its just a sense of relief, Cillian was facing no school, he finished up in Cappawhite National School where he was in an ASD unit, a fantastic facility and then the journey came to a halt. So, without this today hed be sitting at home not getting an education and not interacting with his peers and not reaching his potential. It just means the world to us today. Its amazing what theyve done in such a short period of time, the facilities, the staff themselves, the classrooms, the outdoor spaces, its just a wonderland for the children and were so grateful. Another parent, Sinead Kennedy from Corbally in Limerick, spoke about her son who is at the start of his education journey: Michael just started Junior Infants and it took so much stress from us knowing that hes going to be going to a school that is tailored to his needs and is going to help him thrive. So, its a great journey for us to be starting out on. Everything here is so carefully thought out according to our childrens needs. Theres a beautiful sensory room where they can go and chill out, the classrooms have little quiet areas and its just all the little details that will make this experience so much better for our children. To find out more about Limerick Community Special School, visit limerickcss.ie. MORE than 70 Culture Night events are set to get underway this September in Limerick, all of which are free of charge. Thousands of people are expected to attend the free events on the one-day festival of Friday, September 20. Culture Night takes place across the country, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts. "Limerick, with its medieval roots, historical landmarks and a thriving arts scene, is a hub for historical exploration and contemporary cultural experiences." Limerick communities, artists and creatives are preparing a diverse programme of free Culture Night events with the support of the Arts Office at Limerick City and County Council. READ MORE: RTE 2FM presenter Jenny Greene to return to Limerick Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said: Limerick people share an enthusiasm for enjoying, celebrating and promoting creativity and culture. Culture Night Limerick is an opportunity to show appreciation for the immense talent that exists locally, bringing a vibrancy to our streets and towns. It is a demonstration of the energy of creativity and the pride we have in our artistic strengths and cultural identity. Join in the fun as we broaden our cultural horizons! In county Limerick, exhibitions and performances are taking place. Get up close and personal with the Book of Kells in Knockainey, there are Friday Club Capers in Rathkeale and Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock has music, poetry and stories from a Seanchai. In Limerick city, there is a Drum and Dance Workshop at Wickham Way, an Organ Recital at St Johns Cathedral, Limerick Hands on Harps at the Milk Market, and you can celebrate the heart of the traditional Irish pub at Mother Macs. A special Celebration of Youth Culture will take place at Lava Javas Youth Cafe in Glentworth Street. The Hunt Museum is hosting a night of glitz and glamour with Toraiocht Taisce. A live music concert hosted by S ionna at King Johns Castle will feature the best of local and national live electronic music. Culture Night at Dance Limerick boasts a celebration of hip-hop culture and dance taster classes. Limerick arts officer at Limerick City and County Council, Etain McCooey, said: Culture Night is always great fun. It is a night to celebrate the cultural, artistic and creative communities of our region by inviting existing and new audiences into our galleries, museums, workshops, libraries and studios. All events are free and open to all, so why not attend a range of diverse activities and events, and try out new arts and cultural experiences? Information on all Culture Night events in Limerick can be found here. All events are free of charge, but some venues may require advance booking. A CASTLETROY firm has been acquired by Ireland's largest insurance broker. Gerry O'Mahony Insurances, which is based near the Kilmurry Roundabout, is being taken over by Arachas. Marking its 20th year in business, Arachas has 12 offices around the country including at Riverpoint in Limerick city centre. It's the third acquisition for the firm this year. Gerry OMahony Insurances was established 35 years ago by Gerry OMahony and serves Castletroy and its surrounds. It specialises in personal and commercial products. READ MORE: Green Limerick: Active Travel work ready for the new school term Day-to-day business operations are managed by Gerrys two sons and former Munster rugby players Barry and Ronan. Post-acquisition, Ronan OMahony will stay on in a business development role. The remaining four staff members will join Arachas following the transaction, bringing the total number of Arachas staff in the region to 50. Daniel Hennessey, regional director for Arachas Mid-West said: "We are delighted to welcome the team at Gerry OMahony Insurances to Arachas. An impressive brokerage with first-rate services, they will fit in seamlessly here as their values match our own. As the heart of the Mid-West, Limerick is a key location for us and our ambitious growth strategy and we look forward to working with Ronan and the team." Gerry O'Mahony added: "I am proud to see OMahony Insurances become part of the Arachas family. Over the past 35 years, we have built a trusted and reliable service for our community in Castletroy and beyond. Joining forces with Arachas not only ensures continuity for our loyal clients but also brings enhanced resources and opportunities for growth. I am confident that our clients will continue to receive the highest standard of service and that this new chapter will bring exciting prospects for both our team and our valued customers." FINE Gael has selected sitting TD Kieran ODonnell and Senator Maria Byrne to run in Limerick City at the next general election. At a selection convention in the Castletroy Park Hotel this week, members picked the two politicians who also formed the party ticket back in 2020. Back then, Ms Byrne survived seven counts before her transfer got Mr ODonnell across the line. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kieran O'Donnell TD (@kieranodonnell_lk) Northside councillor Olivia OSullivan missed out at the convention which was chaired by Senator Garret Ahearn. READ MORE: Limerick insurance firm brokers deal with national company Party members in Limerick County are expected to choose their candidates shortly, with Minister Patrick ODonovan expected to be joined by newly elected councillor Noreen Stokes. Mr O'Donnell said: I am seeking re-election to Dail Eireann because I want to build on the progress of the past four years and work for more and improved services. Senator Byrne added: Through my time as a Senator, I have had the privilege of working hand-in-hand with the people, businesses, and community organisations that make our city and the wider Mid-West region thrive. This September, dance artists Isabella Oberlander and Fearghus O Conchuir are bringing a duet of sweaty dancing, fabulous strangeness, abundance, transforming naked bodies, sparkling visual design and gorgeous garments to Dance Limerick. Whats not to love? Tearmann Aiteach / Queer Sanctuary dances a welcoming space that supports flourishing, solidarity and spritely sparkle. It has grown out of Fearghus and Isabellas separate practices as artists of different genders, generations and nationalities. Since coming to Ireland over 15 years ago. Isabella has collaborated with a range of feminist and queer artists, often in visual arts and performance Fearghus has been making work for the past thirty years often engaging with the politics of sexuality, such his major work, The Casement Project. Together with a group of queer artists and allies ranging from their twenties to closer to sixty (Fearghus!), theyre using the joy of dancing to welcome what hasnt always fit in. Their influences are from the club, from the lake, from the forest, from the silly and the fierce. Fearghus and Isabella say about bringing the work to the Limerick stage We're thrilled to bring this piece to life and share it with audiences in Limerick and beyond. We hope we have crafted a space where movement and connection spark transformation, and we invite the audience to an immersive experience that is joyful and maybe a little challenging. Fearghus and Isabellas dancing together celebrates whats possible - sweaty physicality, fabulous strangeness, abundance, transforming naked bodies and asks what different arrangements of support and desire are available between these multilingual, multi-faceted queer bodies and others. Created in collaboration with a team of queer artists and allies including Gregor Pituch (costumes), Choy-Ping Ni Chleirigh-Ng (interactive design), Gearoid O hAllmhurain (lighting), and Luke Pell (dramaturg). Where conservative ideologies are narrowing our experiences, Tearmann Aiteach / Queer Sanctuary explores possibilities and potential. Audiences are invited to watch, and if they fancy, to dive in and dance. As part of their research into Tearmann Aiteach / Queer Sanctuary, Isabella and Fearghus collaborated with Dance Limericks Pride Dance Project throughout 2024, offering workshops for the participants in which they tested some of the concepts and materials that are part of this piece. A large group of participants came together to explore movement involving extensions and connection, in a warm playful space where everyone found their own style. Performance Details Title: Tearmann Aiteach / Queer Sanctuary Venue: Dance LimerickDates: Saturday 14th SeptemberTime: 7:30pmTickets: 15/12 Booking: https://dancelimerick.ie/event/tearmann-aiteach-queer-sanctuary/ Also touring: Dance Cork Firkin Crane from Friday 10th Saturday 11th October. Info https://dancecorkfirkincrane.ie/tearmann-aiteach-queer-sanctuary/ New Delhi: Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that automakers could get a revenue boost by embracing vehicle scrapping. "Automakers can see an 18-20% increase in sales if they invest in vehicle scrapping and fitness centres," Gadkari, Union minister for road transport and highways, said while speaking at the annual gathering of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). He urged manufacturers to provide an at least 3% discount on new purchases when customers scrap their old vehicles. With nearly three crore end-of-life vehicles, Gadkari said the scrapping policy offers a win-win opportunity for the industry and the government. "By scrapping vehicles, automakers can reduce the cost of components by 30%-40% and improve profit margins," he said. He pointed out that in developed markets like the US and Europe, vehicle scrapping has led to an additional increase of 9-12% in sales. Also read | India wants to restrict Chinese dumping of circuit boards. Automakers resist Currently, 63 operational scrapping centres and 78 fitness centres have been established, and more are likely to come up. "We have already invested 10,000 crore in scrapping infrastructure, and this will create 35,000 new jobs while reducing steel imports by 65 lakh tonnes," Gadkari said. Some automakers have agreed to offer up to a 3% discount on scrapped vehicles, but they have emphasized that the success of the policy depends on developing a comprehensive network of fitness centres than on the discounts themselves. Focus on sustainability, reducing pollution Gadkari reiterated that the automotive sectors role is crucial in achieving India's goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2070. Citing that the transport sector contributes 30-40% of air pollution in the country, he said, "We need to protect our citizens from air pollution at any cost." He urged automakers to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels to reduce emissions. Also read | New fuel efficiency proposal for automakers signals an EV future for India The two-wheeler segment accounts for 56% of EV sales, and the overall market is expected to touch 1 crore annual sales by 2030, creating 5 crore jobs, he said. The evolving EV finance market is estimated to reach 4 trillion by then, he said. Changing consumer preferences Gadkari also highlighted a shift in customer expectations. "Consumers are no longer cost-centric; they are quality-centric," he said, encouraging manufacturers to focus on design, quality, and technology innovations. "This is a big change in the mindset of people, and automakers need to adapt to this by providing high-quality, well-designed vehicles." He also underscored the importance of crash testing facilities in ensuring vehicle safety and boosting exports. Gadkari said India plans to enhance its Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) by including ratings from one to five stars, similar to the global standards. This will foster healthy competition among Indian original equipment manufacturers and ensure that vehicles made in India meet international safety standards. Investments in alternative fuels, tech The minister encouraged the automotive industry to explore alternatives such as biofuels, ethanol, and CNG to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He cited Brazils success in biofuel production and how India is emerging as a leader in the G20 alliance for biofuels. "CNG vehicle markets have grown from 750 stations in 2014 to over 4,500 stations today, showing our progress in this sector." The development of domestic lithium-ion battery production will also be vital for reducing costs and positioning India as a potential exporter of this critical component in the future, he said. PATTAYA, ThailandJordan Jay of Fantasi is this week's guest on "Adult Site Broker Talk." Jordan Jay is the Digital Marketing Manager at Fantasi and joined the company in January of this year. Jordan has a business degree. The degree included various marketing modules, which is how he discovered his passion for Digital Marketing. For the first ten years of his career, Jordan worked in-house for various professional services companies, including an accountancy firm and an online education company. Although passionate about digital marketing, he found these roles extremely boring, leading to burnout and a loss of passion for the job. Jordan knew he needed a change. When he began searching for a new role, he sought an industry that excited and interested him. The adult industry was not on his radar, and he never expected to work for an adult platform. The transition from professional services to the adult industry was challenging, but working for Fantasi has restored his passion for the job. Fantasi, an adult content subscription platform, launched in October 2023. Inspired by the popularity of TikTok, Instagram reels, and OnlyFans, Fantasi combines the best elements of these platforms into one unique concept. Users are greeted with a short video that plays automatically, with the option to swipe for the next one. This short-form video format and 'never-ending scroll feed' address the growing demand for quick, engaging content. Fantasi has attracted many successful adult content creators by focusing on authentic and relatable content. By choosing the content creator route, Fantasi has populated its platform with exclusive and diverse content. Initially targeting Asian creators and users, Fantasi is now well-established in these markets and aims to become one of the world's leading adult content subscription platforms. You can follow them on X: @fantasione. Bruce, the adult site broker, host of the show, and CEO of Adult Site Broker said: I had a great conversation with Jordan. It was interesting to hear from someone new to our industry and about a new approach to a content platform. Adult Site Broker helps people buy and sell websites in the adult space. Contact them on their website at adultsitebroker.com. Jordan Jay's episode is available on "Adult Site Broker Talk" now at adultsitebrokertalk.com. North India is a region that suffers from severe air pollution, particularly during winters. This condition is primarily a result of the widespread land application of burning paddy stubble. About 14 million tons of stubble are burnt every year, emitting harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Burning not only deteriorates the environment but also creates serious health hazards, accounting for over 90,000 deaths that could otherwise have been prevented annually. This surge in the levels of AQI, often crossing 400 during winters, severely impinges on the health of the people, especially the vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Equally disastrous is the environmental consequence, as about 40 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases are emitted, adding to global warming and climate change. ASQI's Stubble Removal Incentives Trust ASQI's intervention opens choices for farmers in sustainably managing the crop residue to address economic and environmental challenges through a three-pronged approach: 1. Financial Incentives: ASQI provides Rs. 1,500 to 3,000 per acre to farmers to adapt eco-friendly methods of stubble disposal. The farmers can also in some cases, sell the collected stubble at Rs. 3,000 to 5,000 per acre and thus turn the hazardous practice into a new source of income. 2. Creating a Value Chain for Stubble: Collected stubble is then reused in various industries, ranging from biofuel to biodegradable packaging and animal feed. Thus, while this reduces atmospheric pollution, it also contributes to the development of a circular economy. 3. Transparent Process: The whole process, starting with the removal of stubble up to the time of making payment, would fall within the ambit of satellite monitoring. Accountability gets ensured this way, along with the timely disbursement of incentives, due to which the rules of the program become obligatory. ASQI's approach to put an end to stubble burning ASQI's Ambitious Goal This season, ASQI proposes to make over 2,00,000 acres of farmland stubble-burning-free, enjoining 50,000 farmers in the process. The initiative will be taken on a large scale to cover 1 million acres next season and will go a long way in making farming in India more sustainable. ASQI's approach is not just a ban on stubble burning; instead, it focuses on converting agricultural waste into valuable resources, opening better avenues for greener futures. Create a Healthier Future with ASQI The investment in ASQI improves air quality and public health by encouraging sustainable agricultural methods. Donations fund financial incentives for farmers and, simultaneously, the reduction of GHGs. ASQI provides Decarbonization and SDG Certificates in return for the contribution by donors towards this cause. It helps the donor organization's ESG disclosures, demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship. Let us join hands to contribute towards a difference in this war against air pollution and climate change. Log on to www.asqi.in for further information, or write to us at connect@asqi.in. On Monday, Apple chief Tim Cook introduced the companys latest lineup of iPhones, calling them the first iPhones designed for AI from the ground up". While this isnt the first-ever smartphone with native AI features, Apples history of impacting and shaping consumption of technologies can make this a seminal moment for generative AI for the masses. Whats the big deal about iPhone 16? In June, Apple showed generative AI for its phones. At the time, it restricted the features rollout to only its top-tier Pro iPhones. On 9 September, Apple brought its AI features to its entire new iPhone lineup, which is important because Apple is one of the worlds biggest consumer technology companies. Last year, IDC estimated that Apple sold over 234 million iPhones worldwide, with nearly 10 million of these in India. Globally, its active user base is estimated at over 1.3 billion people, nearly 16% of the worlds population. This scale means Apple massively impacts how any technology is perceived. How does it link up with Apples past? In 2001, Apple launched its iPod music player and iTunes digital music platform. These proved seminal in the history of the global music industry, creating the world of online music streaming as we know today. A similar moment occurred in 2007, when the late founder Steve Jobs unveiled its iPhone with a touchscreen interface. The device created the modern smartphone industry, in turn wiping out erstwhile market leaders Nokia and BlackBerry in the course of a decade. The companys focus on design is closely aped across industries, which gives it the pedigree to also bring generative AI into the mainstream fold. Arent there other AI phones already? Yes. Google has already launched two successive generations of AI-first Pixel phones since last year. Samsung, one of the worlds largest electronics conglomerates, has also launched three lineups of AI-specific smartphones since January this year. Others, including Chinas BBK Electronics, which retails brands such as OnePlus, Vivo, and Oppo, are also in hot pursuit of AI in smartphones. Market experts believe natively integrated AI features will be a part of most new smartphones by the end of 2025. So, why does AI hinge upon Apples success? Apples scale and influence in global consumer markets tilts the scales in Apples favour. Generative AI, while creating immense global hype, is yet to become all-pervasive among users and businesses alike. With nearly one in every seven people globally touted to use an Apple product, the iPhone maker offers a ready-made platform for the world to get used to AI. Also Read: Apple Intelligence will come to iPhone, iPad, and Mac soon. But theres a catch Experts of semantics and behaviours state that the iPhone could help AI break into the habit of how we use gadgets. This can turn AI from a buzzword to a mainstream technology that we become reliant upon. Is it fair to compare music with AI? Yes, but the biggest counter-argument is that while music and touch-based phone screens were essential, generative AIat least in its current formis assistive at best. Experts argue that most generative features are surplus, making it unfair to be compared with something as all-pervasive as music. However, on the other side, the evolution of consumer habits are heavily based on conveniencethe rise of Indias quick commerce industry being an ideal example. Were also still in the early days of generative AI. In the long run, and with voice interfaces steadily rising, it can become essential in more ways than one. Also read: Macbook Air vs iPad Air: Choosing the right work machine (Bloomberg)- Apple Inc. lost its court fight over a 13 billion ($14.4 billion) Irish tax bill, and Google lost its challenge over a 2.4 billion fine for abusing its market power, in a double boost to the European Unions crackdown on Big Tech. The EUs Court of Justice in Luxembourg backed a landmark 2016 decision that Ireland broke state-aid law by giving Apple an unfair advantage. In another victory for the EUs antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, the same court ruled that Google illegally leveraged its search-engine dominance to give a higher ranking to its own product listings. Vestager who is just weeks away from departing the Brussels-based European Commission after two terms made Apple and Alphabet Inc.s Google top targets after taking up her role in 2014. The Apple decision was by far the biggest in her decade-long campaign for tax fairness, which has also targeted the likes of Amazon.com Inc. and carmaker Stellantis NVs Fiat. Vestager has argued that selective tax benefits to big firms are illegal state aid that are banned in the EU. The court ruled on Tuesday that a lower court win for Apple should be overturned, because judges incorrectly decided that the commissions regulators had made mistakes in their assessment. Also Read | iPhone 16 launch: Top Apple products discontinued this year What does this ruling mean? The ruling is a boost for EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, whose mandate in Brussels is about to end after two terms. In 2016, Vestager sparked outrage across the Atlantic when she homed in on Apples tax arrangements. She claimed that Ireland granted illegal benefits to the Cupertino, California-based company that enabled it to pay substantially less tax than other businesses in the country, over many years. She ordered Ireland to claw back the 13 billion sum, which amounts to about two quarters of Mac sales globally. The money has been sitting in an escrow account pending a final ruling. We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the general court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case, an Apple spokesperson said. Separately, a Google spokesperson said that the company is disappointed with the court judgment on its appeal and that a 2017 offer to remedy the EUs concerns helped to generate more clicks for other shopping services. The EUs focus on Google paved the way for global scrutiny, from the US to the UK. The EU hasnt merely targeted the firms search dominance. Its shopping case was the first round in a trio of fines that led to penalties totaling more than 8 billion. The EUs competition watchdogs are hoping that the conduct of Silicon Valley will be definitively fixed by sweeping new regulation that came into effect last year the Digital Markets Act. Among other dos and donts it forces Big Tech players to refrain from favoring their own services over rivals an obligation inspired by the blocs near decade-long tussle with the tech giants search dominance. While it is a negative outcome for Ireland, which had claimed it had not given any tax advantages to Apple or other tech companies to set up there, given how long the case took to reach completion, it is now unlikely to have much of an impact for the country that is a well established hub for the European headquarters of a large number of major tech companies. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook previously blasted the EU move as total political crap. The U.S. Treasury has also weighed in, saying that the EU was making itself a supra-national tax authority that could threaten global tax reform efforts. Then President Donald Trump said Vestager hates the United States because shes suing all our companies. The Apple decision was by far the biggest in Vestagers decade-long campaign for tax fairness, which has also targeted the likes of Amazon.com Inc. and carmaker Stellantis NVs Fiat. Vestager has argued that selective tax benefits to big firms are illegal state aid that are banned in the EU. At issue in Tuesdays case were two tax deals with the Irish government in 1991 and 2007. Those agreements allowed Apple to mis-attribute Irish profits to a head office that only existed on paper, according to the EUs assessment. In turn, this resulted in a massive reduction in tax bills. The EUs antitrust arm argued the break Apple received was anti-competitive, amounting to illegal state aid. The case landed at the EUs top court after Vestager contested Apples win at a lower tribunal in 2020. Judges at the blocs General Court found EU state aid watchdogs made several errors. Since then, the Dane has suffered several more tax defeats but she took comfort from the fact that judges backed her approach to using state-aid rules to attack unfair arrangements. Apple was one of the first US tech giants to set up in Ireland, as a result of its deliberately low corporate tax rate in the 1980s and early 1990s, designed to attract foreign investment. The company set up its European headquarters outside the southern city of Cork in 1980 and now employs around 6,000 in the country. Corporate history is full of great products that floppedBetamax, Commodores Amiga computer and Aston Martins 1974 Lagonda car. For the Airbus A220, avoiding a similar fate seems like a constant struggle. The durability problems affecting jet engines have hit this aircraft hard, forcing airlines to cancel flights and ground crews. RTX-owned Pratt & Whitney has said that many of its PW1500G turbofans, which were supposed to last 20,000 flight cycles, should be sent to the shop at 5,000. Some are being sent in before 600 cycles. According to August estimates by analytics firm IBA, 15% of global A220s are grounded and another 42% are of the age that suggest inspections have happened or are due. The A220 should be the pride and joy of the aerospace industry. It is the only clean-sheet" single-aisle plane built in recent yearsthe A320 and Boeing 737 designs go back to 1986 and 1966, respectivelyand was a bold attempt by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier to break the commercial-jet duopoly. When it entered service in 2016, it was called the CSeries and sported a lightweight airframe full of composite materials, large windows and a redesigned cockpit. It reduced fuel burn per seat by 25% and became beloved by pilots and passengers alike. The smaller version of the jet, the A220-100, carries between 110 and 120 passengers, allowing mainline carriers such as Delta Air Lines and Swiss International Air Lines to replace old regional planes with a more premium experience. The larger variant, the A220-300, is in a class of its own: Its roughly 170 seats make it ideal for flag carriers in small European countries, such as Latvias airBaltic, that previously relied on less-efficient, shortened variants of the A320 and the 737. Startups use it to open whole-new markets for thinner, budget point-to-point routes: Breeze Airways, created in 2018 by JetBlue Airways founder David Neeleman, flies it between underserved city pairs such as Providence-Denver and Charleston-Cincinnati. However, its development was troubled from the start. On top of delays and cost overruns, Bombardier struggled to compete in sales with two incumbents that pulled out every trick in the book. Boeing, for example, launched a dumping petition in 2017. The Canadian company went bankrupt and, despite being bailed out by the government, had to transfer control of the CSeries for a bargain price. Orders boomed in 2018, as Airbus rebranded the plane as the A220, and then in 2022 and 2023, as postpandemic travel bounced back. Now, cancellations are outpacing orders. EgyptAir, which flies in a hot and dusty region harsh on aircraft, got rid of its 12 A220s earlier this year. Cyprus Airways, relaunched in 2017, made a big bet by doubling its fleet with two brand-new A220s, only to see both of them affected by engine troubles. It still took delivery of an A220 last week, leased by Florida-based Azorra, which retains confidence in the model and was the buyer of EgyptAirs jets. Nevertheless, the Cypriot airline has stepped away from a second delivery and terminated discussions on a speculative order. Tasos Michael, Cyprus Airwayss executive chairman, said the jet shouldnt be sold until the problems are solved or manufacturers offer more support. This will slow the process of the aircraft becoming more mainstream," he said. To be sure, engine woes are widespread. The A320neo and Embraers E-Jet E2likely the main competitor to the A220have had similar problems with their geared turbofans. GE Aerospaces engines have had some durability issues, too. Those affected are being offered some solutions: Pratt & Whitney has given a stash of surplus engines to some carriers, such as Delta and Air France. Others, such as airBaltic, also receive constant on-the-ground support from engineers. Nevertheless, scarcity of parts and lengthy repair-shop waiting lists mean that there is no quick fix. Some of the overhauls to the A220s engines are particularly lengthy: A whole-new combustor design wont be rolled out until 2027. And recent experience has taught airlines to distrust timelines. The headache for Airbus is that it needs to reach and sustain a production rate of 14 A220s a month in order to break even on them, up from about six currently. The plane could theoretically play a key role in the future: A way to take even more market share from Boeing could be to build a larger A220 variant to go toe-to-toe with the 737 and replace the A320neo for something more optimized for the booming medium-haul market. But it is hard to devise a strategy around a jet that is experiencing engine problems and uncertain demand. Eventually, the quality of the design may trump everything else. Still, the A220 epitomizes the predicament of a Western aerospace industry that has sometimes been overly reliant on refitting old technology. Even when companies get the product right, getting it to take off has been a struggle. American electronics manufacturer Jabil has announced plans to invest 2,000 crore in a new facility in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. The project is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs, bolstering the state's industrial sector. The agreement was signed on September 10 in the United States, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in attendance. Jabil, a key supplier to tech giants like Apple, Cisco, and HP, joins several major electronics manufacturers operating in the state. Also Read | Tata Electronics signs tech pact with US chip firm for Dholera fabrication plant Chief Minister Stalin shared on X, "Key investments secured for Tamil Nadu's industrial progress! A significant investment of 2,000 crore at Tiruchirapalli by Jabil, a global leader in EMS. This will create 5000 jobs and create a new cluster for electronics manufacturing." With Jabil's arrival, Tamil Nadu now hosts all major Apple suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics. Government sources state that this development "will transform Trichy and create a new electronics cluster." In addition to Jabil's investment, Chief Minister Stalin announced expansion plans by Rockwell Automation, which will invest 666 crore in Kanchipuram, adding 365 new jobs. An agreement with Autodesk was also signed to enhance youth skills and support MSMEs and startups, further strengthening the state's industrial ecosystem. Other developments in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin also signed an MoU with Eaton, a global leader in power management, for a 200 crore expansion of its R&D and engineering center in Chennai. On August 31, 2024, the state government inked a deal with Ohmium to set up a new manufacturing plant in the Chengalpattu district. This facility will focus on producing electrolysers and green hydrogen, with an investment of 400 crores and the creation of 500 new jobs. Stalin noted that this agreement was a critical step toward fostering a green energy ecosystem and supporting sustainable development, as per ANI. Additionally, on August 30, 2024, meetings were held with senior executives from tech giants Apple, Google, and Microsoft to discuss potential investments in Tamil Nadu. A separate MoU was signed with Google to establish artificial intelligence (AI) labs in the state, further boosting the regions technological capabilities, ANI reported. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Tuesday stayed the insolvency proceedings against Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Ltd., a subsidiary of Essar Group. The proceedings had been initiated following an NCLT order based on a petition from Greka Green Solutions (India) Ltd, which claimed an unpaid amount of 24.38 crore (about $2.96 million). The appellate tribunal stayed the order of the NCLTs Ahmedabad bench and issued a notice to Greka Green on a petition filed by Pankaj Kalra, the suspended director of Essar Oil and Gas Exploration. The next hearing has been scheduled for 6 November. During the hearing, Kalras counsel argued that a settlement agreement specifying a final installment payment had been made before the insolvency petition was filed, and contended that the insolvency petition overlooked this settlement. He said that Essar Oil and Gas Exploration, with a turnover of 8 billion and 425 employees, should not have had its insolvency petition admitted without considering the settlement agreement. The NCLAT noted the submissions and stayed the tribunal order. Also read | IBC tale of delay: Speed up insolvency resolution for this reform to shine Mohit B Adatiya, director at NPV Insolvency Professionals Pvt Ltd, has been appointed as the interim resolution professional (IRP) in the case. He said, As an interim resolution professional, we have taken over the control of the assets of the company at Mehsana and Raniganj and are complying with the law. All the processes required under the IBC (insolvency and bankruptcy code) have been complied with. "We are getting full cooperation from the erstwhile directors and the management of the company. Their appeal has been heard by NCLAT, a notice has been issued and in we are awaiting the written order," he added. Essar Group said in a statement, We welcome the NCLAT's decision of suspending the [insolvency proceedings] against Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Ltd. Our commitment to honouring our financial mandates remains steadfast." "We are a profitable company with revenues of 870 crore and an operating profit of 625 crore. The suspension will allow us to maintain our focus on our core operations and ensure that our business activities continue without disruption, the company added. Case history The Ahmedabad bench of NCLT had initiated insolvency proceedings against Essar Oil and Gas Exploration on 6 September. It appointed Mohit Bipinchandra Adatiya as the interim resolution professional (IRP) to manage the companys affairs until a committee of creditors (CoC) was formed. The tribunal upheld the claim, saying the debt was valid, exceeded the threshold for insolvency applications, and arose from operational expenses acknowledged by Essar. Previous judgments supported the admission of insolvency proceedings in cases where settlement agreements were breached. The dispute dates back to a contract signed on 2 December 2013 by Essar Oil Limited (EOL) and Greka Green Solutions for drilling services. EOL transferred its contract obligations to Essar Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Ltd on 19 June 2017. A subsidiary InMobi Pte Ltd launched five years ago to diversify its core ad tech business is taking centre stage as Indias first unicorn prepares for not one but two public share offerings. Glance, which InMobi launched in 2019 as a preloaded feature to deliver content directly to Android lockscreens, currently reaches 450 million smartphones in markets including India, Southeast Asia and Japan. Its next target: one billion lockscreens in 3-4 years. Glance earned its own unicorn stripes four years ago. The consumer tech unit, which is majority owned by InMobi but also backed by Google and Jio Platforms, is expected to turn profitable next fiscal year, setting the stage for co-founder and chief executive Naveen Tewari to list it separately. That would be after InMobis IPO, though. The 17-year-old company plans to file draft papers for an initial public offering of the shares of its profitable ad tech business later this year or early next year, for a listing in the second half of 2025-26, Tiwari told Mint in an interview. InMobi has decided to move its corporate headquarters from Singapore to India ahead of the IPO. We are rapidly expanding into new regions for Glance. As these new regions become live and reach a maturity level, it will achieve scale and turn profitable," said Tewari. One billion screens Glance remains an unconsolidated subsidiary of InMobi; meaning, the units balance sheet remains separate from its parents. Earlier this year, Glance entered the US market. InMobi believes the US and Japan will prove to be high-margin markets; currently, it makes revenues on advertising on Glance, but as it enables commerce in these regions, it expects to achieve the scale to hit profitability, Tewari said, preparing the ground for Glance to go public on its own. An average Glance consumer spends around 19 minutes on the locked screen, and sometimes makes purchases. So far, the company has commercialised Glance only in India and to an extent in Indonesia. Glance launched in the US earlier this year and a partnership with a US company later this month is expected to give the company a major boost. That number (of customers with Glance) will get to a billion lock screens in the next three years. We are going to generate content on the locked screens in a way that has never been done before," Tewari said. He expects that as Glance turns profitable thanks to the high-margin US market, it could become even larger than the core ad-tech business. The growth paths for both units remain crucial, however, even as the company evolves from being an adtech business to a consumer-focussed advertising and commerce business. Lock screen content Glance raised external capital for the first time in September 2019, securing $45 million from US venture capital firm Mithril Capital backed by Peter Thiel. It turned a unicorn in December 2020, when it raised an additional $145 million in a round led by Google and Mithril. In August 2021, Jio Platforms invested $200 million in Glance. Currently, InMobi owns nearly 60% in Glance, while Jio Platforms, Google and Mithril own the rest. Also read | Why InMobi is banking on app-less consumption, AI-driven user platforms InMobis core ad tech business enables third-party consumer businesses to advertise on other platforms, for which it takes a fee. This business has grown in fits and starts over the last four years, in part because of the pandemic outbreak. In FY19, the ad tech business reported revenues of $374 million, but its revenues dropped in subsequent years. The business, however, has remained profitable. Bikash Chowdhury, chief marketing officer for InMobi and Glance, said the company expects the Asia-Pacific market to be a key growth driver. In the past 18 months or so, I think the larger narrative just at a macro level is that in 2020, covid-19 happened, and then businesses came online. At InMobi, the nature of the business is demand-driven," Chowdhury said. As the economy grows, our business also starts to see growth. What has happened is post-pandemic, as businesses have arrived at a new normal, so you are not getting the massive growth that you were seeing in 2021-22 possibly. So, InMobi as a business is also following that." In FY21, InMobi clocked revenue of $202 million and profit of $49 million, which grew to $275 million and $50 million in FY22, and $281 million and $41 million in FY23. In FY24, its revenue growth is expected to be over $300 million, a person with knowledge of the company said. Growth track Chowdhury said InMobi continues to grow. There is a slackening as compared to 2021 and 2022, but the revenue is not dipping. 70-80% of our revenue comes from North America and that continues to grow. APAC, which historically, has not taken off in the programmatic side of the business, which is the more advanced form of advertising, has been somewhat slow, not for InMobi, but for the industry." However, expanding scale may not be a cakewalk for InMobi, as for other digital advertising and commerce firms, as the global landscape for digital advertising shifts. Companies now spend 7.7% of revenue for marketing, down from 9.1% in 2023 and 10.5% in 2019, found a Gartner survey of 395 CMOs in North America and Europe. Alongside, European regulators have cracked down on the use of user data for targeted advertisements, making it harder for businesses like InMobi. However, the growth of the digital advertisement business looked promising, an industry expert said. The market sentiment analysis for digital advertising exhibits different trajectories for different sectors. While the short-term sentiments look muted, the long-term outlook remains positive, projecting a robust recovery within the next few years," said Mukesh Kumar, associate partner at Redseer. Bigger acquisitions InMobi will make bigger acquisitions in the future, Tewari said, adding that the company is cash-rich". In the past, we acquired smaller assetssub $100 million, maybe sub-$75 millionin size. Going forward, we will be looking at acquiring larger companies," Tewari said, adding in future, it will likely make deals somewhere around $500 million to a $1 billion". Unless it is a tech-specialised company, smaller companies may not be relevant to InMobi. A larger company is more likely to make a difference to InMobi, within a two-year framework. Also read | InMobi unit Glance goes Live to lure more users on its lock screen Currently, we dont have an advertising stack for (digital) TV. It makes more sense for us to acquire instead of building it out," Tewari said. Similarly, it may look at other areas within advertising stacks. He declined to comment on whether the acquisitions will be before its planned IPO or after. Change of DNA InMobi gets a fee when it arranges advertisements on Glance, like other third-party apps. Thus as Glance becomes bigger, some of the benefits will accrue to the parent as well. The ad tech business, where SoftBank is an investor, has been profitable since 2016, reporting a 25-30% margin since then. Glance reported a loss of around $100 million in FY23, which is expected to halve or narrow to around $70 million in FY24. It reported revenues of around $40 million in FY23, which is expected to cross $100 million in FY24. Unlike the core ad tech operation which is a business-to-business entity, Glance reaches customers phones directly, which raises the potential to tap them for its advertising business. The best internet companies have a consumer business and an advertising business," Tewari said. The shift was difficult It was like a DNA change," Tewari said of the change from ad-tech to consumer and commerce business. And those kind of DNA changes are quite hard to pull off. In a systematic way, we had to build the DNA of a consumer business, we had to build the DNA of a commerce business; we already had advertising." Tewari, however, said that the core business has recovered from covid and will grow at 25-30% annually. Some of his optimism is also because InMobi has scaled up investments in Glance. InMobi also acquired video platform Roposo in 2019, ecommerce company Shop 101 in 2021, and gaming company Gambit in 2022. It equipped Shop 101 with Roposo at the backend to present customers with a shopping experience on its video platforms. This platform sees six million transactions a month, fetching annual revenue of around $50 million, Tewari said. This revenue flows to Glance. Not without challenges Both Glance and Roposo drive InMobis reach to hundreds of millions of consumers, helping the platform capture their behaviours, how they interact, communicate across languages, building richer social profiles, their on-device habits and more, which are great hooks for original equipment manufacturers, creators and above all the advertisersits core target audience to drive top dollar for the ads," said Neil Shah, partner and vice president of research at Counterpoint Research. But there are multiple challenges to this transition, Shah pointed out. Challenges for InMobi stem from scaling the platform against the likes of bigger advertising competitors Meta, Google and others. These companies have multiple properties with greater scale, deeper integrations and advanced AI capabilities with Llama and Gemini respectively to make their platforms, engines more automated and intelligent," he said. Also read | We are trying to redefine consumption on mobiles The second challenge is how InMobi expands the platform to other geographies and segments, he said. Thirdly, there are other integrated players with greater scale and similar ambitions in terms of Jio, which could be a partner as well as its biggest competitor in future. Fourthly, with the company looking to go public next year, it would be interesting to see how its R&D and earnings stack against global giants such as Meta, Google, TikTok and Affle." Currently, most of the commerce around Roposo and Glance is around apparel, gadgetry and a lot of quirky products with an average price of 800-900", Tewari said. A key priority for Tewari now is to get the companys artificial intelligence strategy right. The company is in the process of tying up with a large US AI-led tech company, which will power its next version of Glance in the US. Crucially, most of the content developed on Roposo is done by artificial intelligence, lowering the cost of content creation. The cost of a creator is too high to build a sustainable business unless you are Tiktok or, of course, Facebook or (the likes). And we said, we are going to go after creating content through machines." Operations at Samsung Electronics' plant in southern India were disrupted for a second day on Tuesday by hundreds of employees striking for higher wages, in a rare episode of labour unrest for the South Korean company. The strike at India's biggest consumer goods company comes ahead of the festive season, when sales of electronics items boom, bought by consumers as gifts or for personal use. Samsung competes with LG Electronics and domestic brands. The plant is one of two factories in India, which Samsung counts as a key growth market. Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said it contributed 20% to 30% of the company's annual revenue of $12 billion in the South Asian nation. Posters reading "Indefinite Strike" went up outside the factory in Sriperumbudur near the city of Chennai, where hundreds of workers in company uniforms set up tents to shade them from the heat. "We are striking for the second day," said union leader E. Muthukumar. About half of the factory's daily production was affected when many workers stayed away on Monday, and the protest continues to press their demand for higher wages, better working hours and company recognition for the union. Also Read | Deadly chemical leak at Samsung plant in S. Korea Samsung India did not respond to a request for comment. On Monday, a spokesperson said it actively engaged with workers "to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations". Samsung employs about 1,800 workers at the plant, which makes items such as refrigerators, washing machines and televisions, while a bigger plant in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh turns out smartphones. In South Korea, the 36,500 members of Samsung Electronics' biggest worker union who have been demanding higher wages and benefits, held a strike for several days in July and August. In late July, however, the company said the action did not disrupt production there. In India, its workers are demanding equal remuneration for those with the same length of experience, according to at least half a dozen employees Reuters spoke to on condition of anonymity. Venture capitalist John Hering was 21 years old when he turned a publicity stunt into a billion-dollar startup. He lurked in the crowd outside the 2005 Academy Awards and clandestinely scanned the cellphones of arriving celebrities. As expected, he found security holes that exposed the superstars to hackers. Hering touted his findings, drawing national attention to a cybersecurity outfit that he and tech-savvy friends started while at the University of Southern California. After falling short of broader success, Hering turned his promotional talent to a singular questearning a favored seat beside Elon Musk atop the tech worlds Mount Olympus. To win Musks attention, and ensure access to funding rounds of his startups, Hering and Alexander Tamas, a German tech financier, have essentially committed their venture firm, Vy Capital, to serving the worlds richest man. Such venture giants as Valor Equity Partners and Sequoia Capital also have invested large sums, but none are as far out on a limb as Vy Capital. More than half of its $8 billion in reported assets is parked in Musks startups. Hering, 41 years old, donates most of his working hours to aiding Musk startups and holds company ID badges to grant him entry. In June, he gave $500,000 to America PAC, a pro-Trump super PAC that Musk created with his allies and Republican donors. There are very few investors at any point in history, for any company, who are willing to go sleep in a tent or sleep in a trailer or sleep at a factory or leave a vacation at a moments notice to go try to solve problems," said Shaun Maguire, a Sequoia partner. Yet Hering and Vy Capital have done just that, said Maguire, who shares an office with the firm in Los Angeles. John is my office mate, so I know where he is every day," he said. Two, three days per week, he is on a last-minute flight to help an Elon company." On a 2022 investor call, Musk singled out Hering for his work with tunnel-building startup Boring Co., and he rewarded Vy Capital with the largest investment for its latest funding round, $300 million. Months later, the firm put $700 million toward Musks Twitter takeover, behind only Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Sequoia Capital and a Saudi prince. This spring, Musks new AI startup, xAI, raised $6 billion, valuing it at $24 billion. Vy Capital was one of the largest investors and helped xAI set up a data center in Memphis. For all their efforts, neither Hering nor Tamas holds a board seat at any of Musks companies. The latest results of their abiding faith havent been promising, either. Eight years since Borings founding, it has only one tunnel open to the public and has struggled to win new customers. The social-media platform X has been bleeding users and advertisers since Musk took control. Last fall, its valuation fell to $19 billion from $44 billion, resulting in a roughly $400 million paper loss for Vy Capital. Yet for two men working overtime to join the proverbial lunch table with Silicon Valleys popular crowd, Vy Capitals investments have paid other rewards. After Vy Capitals first SpaceX investment, Tamas grew close to Steve Jurvetson, one of the rocketmakers directors and a close Musk friend. The two men met up at the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert, and Tamas was the best man at Jurvetsons 2019 wedding in the French Alps. Hering, a USC dropout, fared even better. This article is based on interviews with dozens of investors and people close to Tamas and Hering, as well as investment filings and other public records. Tamas and Hering, through a spokesperson, declined to comment. Musk didnt respond to requests for comment. Highfliers After Herings Academy Awards caper, he spent seven years as chief executive for cybersecurity startup Lookout, which he co-founded with college friends. He gained experience hobnobbing with venture capitalists and raised more than $100 million. Lookout fell short of the success Hering had hoped for, and he stepped down as chief executive in 2014. He pitched his Silicon Valley connections to Tamas, who made a killing from an early Facebook investment and had moved to a mansion in Dubai. Tamas, 47, was born in a small town in Romania, where his father, a political dissident, was imprisoned under the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. The family fled to West Germany when Tamas was 2. In 2006, Tamas joined Goldman Sachs and covered European internet companies, including the Russian webmail service Mail.ru. Moscow-based tech investor Yuri Milner persuaded Tamas to join his venture firm DST Global in 2008. Tamas helped land a $200 million investment in Facebook the following year, as well as lucrative deals with Airbnb and Alibaba. He is Yuri Milners human supercomputer," wrote the venture-capital leaders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz about Tamas in 2011. Hes on speed-dial for everyone trying to build the most successful, highest-scale, global Internet companies today." Tamas started Vy Capital in 2012 and set his sights on tech companies around the world. He described to investors his vision of building a firm similar to Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, attracting such big-name backers as Facebook executive Javier Olivan and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Vy Capitals largest investor was Hillhouse, the Chinese private-equity giant led by Lei Zhang. After efforts to launch a hedge fund failed, Tamas turned to the emerging U.S. tech startup scene, centered in Silicon Valley. Tamas bought a home near Stanford University in Atherton, Calif., one of the nations most expensive locales. In 2015, Tamas hired Hering to run Vy Capital with him. Hering, the son of an investment banker and an interior designer, grew up in Newport Beach, Calif. He studied public policy at USC and left in 2006 without a degree, according to the university. After joining Vy Capital, Hering set to work building its brand. He got Musks attention in 2015, after former colleagues at Lookout became the first to hack a Tesla Model S. Hering emailed Musk about the hack before publicizing the feat that summer. Hering moved Vy Capital to a San Francisco office shared with Valor Equity Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm and major Musk investor. Hering already knew Valor co-founder Antonio Gracias, who sat on the boards of Tesla and SpaceX, and he believed Gracias could help the firm. His instincts were right. Gracias helped Vy Capital clinch its first ties with a Musk companya $20 million investment in SpaceX at a $15 billion valuation. Valor also invested in Herings new cybersecurity startup, Redacted. Hering believed Vy Capital needed a way to stand out from its big-name rivals. He and Tamas decided on a private club at a landmark address. The firm secured a lease on the 59th floor of the Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in San Francisco. Hering hired John Terzian, founder of luxury hospitality chain The h.wood Group, to design an 18,000-square-foot facility that would include a cafe, bar and lounge. Marketing materials for the club, named 59, listed a $1 million initiation fee and $60,000 in annual dues for a chance to congregate with the worlds leading thinkers," a pitch that fell flat among the crowd that Hering and Tamas sought to impress. Hering tried to get Sam Altman, then the chief executive of the noted Silicon Valley VC firm Y Combinator, to lease part of the 59th floor for his new startup OpenAI, as well as become a founding member of 59. Altman turned him down. After failing to draw enough interest, Vy Capital gave up on the club. Seat at the table Hering searched for ways to gain Musks favor. In 2016, he heard talk that Musk intended to launch a brain-implant startup called Neuralace. He asked his staff to buy the domain names for neuralace.com and neuralace.ai with the intention of offering them to Musk. He never got the chance. Musk named the company Neuralink. Hering had his Musk breakthrough in 2017. Gracias brought him to the Hawthorne, Calif., campus of SpaceX and introduced him around. He became a frequent guest and offered his assistance to Starlink, a project that SpaceX hoped would provide global internet service. Hering spent his own money on recruiters to help Starlink find engineers. Hering also sent Pablo Mendoza, formerly a Goldman Sachs investment banking associate, to work on-site at SpaceX, where Mendoza created financial models and business plans for Starlinks global rollout. As of late last year, Vy Capitals first venture fund had put $147 million into SpaceX, valuing its stake at $1 billion, the firms top-performing investment. Hering perfected a formula to demonstrate his loyalty at Musk startups, spending long hours on-site to observe and advise, offering help with recruiting and providing investment money as needed. He prepped Mendoza to substitute for him, bouncing the 30-year-old between California and Texas for Musk-related work. After finishing at SpaceX, Mendoza moved to Bastrop, Texas, to help out at Boring. Then Mendoza moved to San Francisco to join Musks transition team at Twitter, discussing cost-cutting plans with Musk, at all hours. During the renegotiating of office-space costs, according to a lawsuit filed by former Twitter employees, Musk told Mendoza during a 4 a.m. conversation that he would pay rent only over [his] dead body." After a few months, Mendoza returned to Texas to continue his work with Boring. This year, he was called back to San Francisco to help with Musks xAI startup. Vy Capital has ended up looking little like the venture firm its founders had imagined. It remains largely unknown and has had few major hits outside of Musks companies. Tamas sold his house in Atherton and relocated to Italy in 2022, taking a back seat at the firm. He and Hering have told investors they intend to wind down the venture-capital business entirely. Hering, though, finally landed a spot in Musks orbit. Musk and his brother Kimbal Musk went to Herings 2022 wedding in Venice. Hering also vacationed with Musks family and friends, including a ski trip to the Revelstoke resort in British Columbia with Kimbal and Musk cousins Lyndon Rive and Peter Rive. Kimbal Musk and the Rives didnt respond to requests for comment. This spring, Musk held a video call with investors about his plans for xAI, including setting up data centers to train cutting-edge AI models. Hering sat next to Musk during the call, the only investor in the room. Alexa Corse contributed to this article. Write to Berber Jin at berber.jin@wsj.com and Rolfe Winkler at Rolfe.Winkler@wsj.com Europe has at last realised it has a problem with economic growth. Duh. Can it now find a solution? A report published on September 9th by Mario Draghi, a former president of the European Central Bank and prime minister of Italy, and the continents unofficial chief technocrat, is an attempt to do just that. Over almost 400 pages, Mr Draghi outlines a plan to overhaul Europes economy. Ursula von der Leyen, the recently re-elected head of the European Commission, is keen to act on his advice. Even Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and X, as well as a frequent opponent of the EU, has applauded his critique". The report follows another, published in April, by Enrico Letta, another former Italian prime minister, which looked at the single market. Both focus on how to make Europe more competitive. The authors want to boost innovation, increase funding for riskier ventures (commercial, financial or scientific) and exploit Europes scale by bringing together hitherto fragmented markets. In short, they want to make Europe a bit more European, which in these areas at least is smart. The questions are as follows: Will countries be willing to see integration in sensitive sectors such as defence? Will they be able to overcome the narcissism of small differences? And will they be willing to spend as required? Although Europe has long been poorer than America, its citizens used not to mind too much. Americans had too many guns and they had coq au vin. But as Mr Draghi lays out with urgency, the world around Europe has changed, making the continents lack of growth and innovation a threat to its way of life. The EU has reached a point where, without action, it will have to compromise either its welfare, the environment or its freedom," he writes in an guest article for The Economist. Mr Draghis case is supported by a number of developments, including that the rest of the world is no longer playing by what the EU considers the rules. Led by America and China, countries are using protectionist policies to give their own firms an edge. Europe fears it will lose out economically if its companies cannot compete. It also risks becoming dependent on foreign supply-chains that China wishes to dominate, such as for rare earths, or to which a future American administration could one day restrict its access, perhaps in a crisis, such as for advanced tech. Another is that Europes decline is becoming more painful. In 1995 European productivity was 95% of Americas; today it is less than 80%, which is a big enough gap for holidaymakers to notice. In frontier tech, such as artificial intelligence, Europe now looks set to fall further behind. And as this tech spreads to more and more sectorsthink of self-driving carsEuropes potential for innovation will further decline. Pricey energy will make it still harder to lure cutting-edge firms in the future. On top of this, Europes failure to exploit its scale is becoming more of a problem, as other countries make the most of their own size. In the 1980s, when the single market was taking shape, Italys economy was about as big as Chinas and Indias combined," notes Mr Letta. It hardly seemed to matter if industries such as defence, energy, finance and telecommunications were national affairs. No longer. What can Europe do? Mr Draghi concentrates, most of all, on boosting innovation, arguing that it should become a tool of first resort". For this to happen, he suggests that countries will have to pool research decision-making and funding, while agreeing to lift spending. He favours the creation of European Advanced Research Projects Agencies (ARPAs), based on the famed American agency of the same name, which played an important role in the creation of technologies including GPS and the internet. He also wants to spend big on world-leading research institutions" via a competitive process. Next comes support for risk-takers. Bank funding is readily available to established firms with assets to post as collateral and revenues to service debt. It is less suited to younger firms with neither, and with uncertain prospects. Yet in Europe three-quarters of corporate borrowing comes from banks, compared with just a quarter in America. Deeper and more liquid capital markets are thus essential for growth, agree the two ex-prime ministers, in a message being echoed increasingly widely by both national leaders and bosses. The green deal wont work without capital-markets union," says Christian Sewing, chief executive of Deutsche Bank. Creating such a union means overcoming fragmentation, such as 27 different approaches to insolvency. It also means moving from unfunded public pension systems to better funded, market-based schemes.. According to New Financial, a think-tank, pension assets come to just 32% of European GDP, against 173% in America. We need a cultural change on how we fund businesses, given all the investment required. In this regard, we also need regulatory changes in Europe to allow growth to be financed," Mr Sewing argues. Mr Draghi suggests creating a European supervisor for capital markets, similar to Americas Securities and Exchange Commission. On regulation more broadly, Mr Draghi is careful not to challenge the basic economic insight that competition is the surest spur to innovation. But he does point to changes in tech and markets, arguing that regulators should be better staffed, faster to move and willing to take impact on future innovation and supply-chain resilience into account. Perhaps, for instance, Alstom and Siemens, two European train-makers, should have been allowed to merge in 2019, to better compete against Chinese firms. He also wants European state aid to be less fragmented and more focused on common continental interests. Mr Draghis report has been well received by Europes powerbrokers and thinkers, and will continue to be until it comes to implementation. Take something that ought to be relatively uncontroversial: the creation of a competitive process for funding world-class research institutes. When Germany introduced a similar scheme in the 2000s, most of the money ended up in two prosperous southern states. As a consequence, the programme was quickly adjusted to make sure that every region benefited. Similarly, Americas ARPA thrived in the absence of red tape. It is hard to imagine European governments overcoming their instincts in either case. Many of Mr Draghis planssuch as the creation of a single capital-markets supervisoralso require power to be transferred away from national governments. Such a step would help to remove all the hidden barriers in Europe," argues Nicolas Veron of Bruegel, a think-tank, but neither national regulators nor many market participants would want such a strong European supervisor." Governments like to have sway over their countries most important companies. Each head of government wants the CEOs of the national energy firms, banks or telecom companies on speed dial, in case of crises," says Mr Letta. In his analysis of individual industries, Mr Draghi is keen to create cross-European markets where none yet exist. In telecoms, for instance, he wants to make mergers easier, to boost investment. Yet Margrethe Vestager, the commissions departing competition chief, is strongly opposed to this idea. Telecoms is probably the worst example of the need for scale," says Zach Meyers of the Centre for European Reform, another think-tank. Fewer operators would mostly mean higher prices and lower quality, but not more investment. Moreover, plans to reform competition rules in the name of sovereignty or resilience may embolden the wrong people. Mr Draghi also spends too little time considering why more market-minded countries, such as the Netherlands and the Nordics, which are small even by European standards, are home to innovative tech firms. Or why Germany, after at last liberalising its planning regime, is seeing renewables take off without European help. Then there is money. According to commission estimates, to meet Mr Draghis plans 750bn-800bn a year extra in spending would be required, taking the share of investment in the continents GDP from 22% to 27%an unprecedented increase after decades of decline. If the past is any guide, four-fifths of this would have to come from the private sector, which is not going to happen even if the capital-markets union is a roaring success. That leaves debt-funded EU spending, which Mr Draghi says would be useful, but stops short of seeking outright. He knows that northern European leaders have little to no appetite for another batch of debt. Never in the past has the scale of our countries appeared so small and inadequate relative to the size of the challenges," Mr Draghi writes. And he is correct. Now he faces a far harder job than analysing those problems: he must convince national governments to give up power. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com 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 Syndication: The Des Moines Register As much as WWE fans love pro wrestling, watching a three-hour show on a weekly basis can often feel like a chore. On Monday, those fans who have been hopeful that WWE Raw will return to its two-hour format got their wish, with the pro wrestling giant announcing that its flagship show will air from 8-10 p.m. ET beginning on Oct. 7. The move, however, will only be temporary, culminating with the final episode of Raw on the USA Network on Dec. 30. BREAKING: #WWERaw will be on @USANetwork from 8pm ET to 10pm ET starting on Monday, October 7th and through the rest of 2024 culminating with the @USANetwork finale on Monday, December 30! WWE (@WWE) September 10, 2024 After originally launching as a one-hour show in 1993, Raw moved to two hours in 1997, with the occasional special episode extending to three hours. On July 16, 2012 Raws 1,000th episode the show made the permanent move to a three-hour format, where it has remained ever since. Most WWE fans seemingly prefer the two-hour format, as it makes for an easier watch (and earlier bedtime). The irony of Raw moving to two hours now is that WWEs product is arguably as hot as its ever been and one could argue that, if anything, the company currently doesnt have enough airtime to adequately feature all of its marquee talent and storylines. Along those lines, its unclear whether Raw will be returning to its three-hour runtime when it officially moves to Netflix in January. But according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletters Dave Meltzer, the decision to move to two hours through the remainder of the year was made by USA Network. The basic situation is that it was a USA Network call, not a WWE call, Meltzer said on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio. Im not sure why. According to the WrestleVotes account, which frequently shares WWE-related scoops, Raw could even have a fluid runtime on Netflix. Regarding the news of RAW switching to 2 hours for the rest of the year, Ive heard that many production and social staff who work behind the scenes found out in real time, just like the rest of us. As for what this means for 2025 and Netflix, one source said WWE is eagerly WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) September 10, 2024 Having aired on USA Network since 2005, WWE announced earlier this year that it had reached a deal to move its flagship show to Netflix at the start of 2025. With its current deal with USA originally set to expire in the fall, WWE reached an agreement for Raw to remain on USA which is set to become the new home of WWE SmackDown next week throughout the remainder of the year and its likely not a coincidence that the two-hour format will kick in at the same time as WWEs extension with the network. [WWE on X] Squeezed by an economic downturn and a rapidly aging population, China took a step toward raising its unusually low benchmarks for when people should retire. China has one of the lowest retirement ages among major economies, letting women retire as early as 50 and men at 60policies unchanged since the 1950s. Beijing has long said it wants citizens to work longer, but has repeatedly put off any policy changes for fear of social pushback. The urgency has grown as the country confronts a decline in births and a shrinking workforce. The National Peoples Congress, Chinas top legislative body, said Tuesday that it is reviewing a draft law to gradually delay mandatory retirement ages." But even as it announced the move, Beijing didnt unveil any details. Intense state-media coverage about the step indicated the government is testing the waters for how it will be received as unemployment is high among young people and local governments are short of funds for public services, including pension payments. The government emphasized that the implementation will be gradual. Gradual implementation of the policy means that the scale of the labor force released to society in the short term will not be too large, and the overall impact on the job market will be limited," the official Xinhua News Agency cited Yuan Xin, deputy head of the China Population Association, as saying. Many young Chinese are seeing a higher retirement age as inevitable. Some state-owned companies have held internal briefings about the plan in recent years. Still, a hashtag about the plan gained heated discussions on Chinese social media. A few users said their posts commenting about the announcement have been scrubbed from Weibo, a Chinese microblogging platform. Leaders have been well aware of the need to delay retirement ages. In its economic blueprint unveiled in 2021, Beijing said it would raise retirement ages in a flexible manner through small-step adjustments" by the end of 2025. Like in many countries, including France and Russia, attempts to raise the retirement age have drawn protests. In 2015, Chinese officials promised they would raise the retirement age in small, gradual steps and only after consulting the public. State researchers suggested raising the retirement age by three months every year. Even so, the move elicited strong pushback. Some analysts said the government could raise retirement ages for women first, bringing them level with that for men. Until now, women in blue-collar jobs in the state sector have retired at 50, while women in other jobs have worked till 55. The private sector has more flexibility and people can generally work later. Now, local governments are running low on money just as a wave of retirees hits. China has already cut medical benefits for some retirees. Policy changes in various Chinese provinces and regions have sharply curtailed the amount of money that citizens, especially the elderly, can receive for medical care, prompting public anger and protests. By 2050, the United Nations projects 31% of Chinese will be 65 or older. By 2100, the share will be 46%, approaching half of the population. In the U.S., the share is expected to be 23% and 28%, respectively. Chinas working-age population, defined by the Chinese government as people between 16 and 59, fell to 865 million last year, or 61% of the total population, official data showed. That was down from 907 million in 2016, or 66% of the total population. Meanwhile, the average life expectancy in China has almost doubled over the past seven decades, to 78.6 in 2023 from about 40 in the early 1950s, when the current retirement system was introduced. China is now seeing its version of baby boomers"those born after China emerged from devastating starvation in the early 1960sretiring in droves. Slowing economic growth, driven by a property downturn and slumps in private investment, adds a sense of urgency. Even with government subsidies, by 2035 Chinas state-led urban pension fund will run out of money accumulated over the previous two decades, leaving it to rely entirely on new workers contributions, according to projections made in 2019 by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government think tank. The fear now is that there wont be enough workers to support an aging population. Beijing has touted certain economic benefits from the silver-hair" economy, such as the needed expansion of nursing homes. However, retirees in China tend to not be major consumers, so sluggish demand and the financial strains of eldercare could further weigh on economic growth. Write to Liyan Qi at Liyan.qi@wsj.com Chinas paramount leader, Xi Jinping, contains multitudes. His economic philosophy touts both self-reliance and openness. His vision of policymaking embraces top-down design, but also bottom-up experimentation. During the covid-19 pandemic, he urged local officials to eliminate infections (which often required lockdowns) and promote growth (which required mobility). His recent call to cultivate new productive forces entails championing cutting-edge technologies, but without neglecting traditional industries. Communists are taught to believe in the power of contradictory forces, as Trivium, a consultancy, once put it. So Mr Xi will expect his comrades to cope. For others, Mr Xis priorities can be baffling. Take the two unshakeables, one of his favourite slogans, which has been heard a lot in the past year or so. This refers to the Communist Partys unshakeable commitment to both the state-owned economy and private enterprise. The pledge, sometimes translated as the two unswervings or the two unwaverings, first appeared under Mr Xis predecessors. It was reaffirmed in 2013 when his party promised to unwaveringly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector. And it will no doubt feature at the forthcoming third plenum, a twice-a-decade meeting devoted to long-term reforms, which will take place from July 15th-18th. But what does the formula mean? At first blush, each unshakeable seems to be in contradiction with the other. Almost 867,000 firms in China have some degree of state ownership, according to Franklin Allen of Imperial College London and co-authors. Real resources, unlike party slogans, are scarce. Any land, labour or capital used by Chinas state-owned enterprises (SOEs) ceases to be available to scrappier private firms. A commitment to one form of ownership must surely come at the expense of the other. Certainly, the fortunes of Chinas private firms have wavered. Their share of investment reached 59% in 2014, according to official figures. But that percentage has since dropped. At the end of last year, it was just 50%. Instead of support, Chinas private entrepreneurs have suffered fines, detentions and crackdowns. Three years ago, private firms accounted for 55% of the market value of Chinas top-100 listed firms, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a think-tank. By the end of last year, that figure was 37%. But the two unshakeables are more compatible than they appear. Although private firms are more likely to thrive in the absence of SOEs, the reverse is not always true. Private competitors often make state-owned rivals better: more efficient and responsive to market demands. Since Chinas leaders cannot forswear state ownership, they want to make the most of what remains of it. They value private enterprise in part because the force of its example and the threat of private competition can help whip SOEs into shape. The private economy has not weakened the state-owned economy, but has improved the efficiency of state-owned enterprises and stimulated their vitality, argued Teng Tai, director of Wanbo New Economic Research Institute, a think-tank, at the launch of his new book on the private sector in Beijing. Private firms fear that SOEs will crowd them out: the state advances, the private sector retreats, as the Chinese sometimes put it. But since the global financial crisis of 2007-09, the private sector has often retreated of its own accord, in response to market downturns, not state advances. In these cases, investment by state-owned vehicles, including local-government infrastructure firms, has filled the gap in demand left by a cowed private sector. Last month Yang Jing of the Institute of Marxism within the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences argued that SOEs provide ballast and play the role of stabiliser. The labour, land and capital absorbed by such enterprises is not being denied to private firms if they were never going to use it. Private firms can benefit from SOE investment. Links between industries are like a giant spiders web, points out Xiaohuan Lan of Fudan University. He cites BOE Technology Group, which evolved out of a state-owned maker of vacuum tubes. Its emergence as Chinas leading maker of digital displays helped break a foreign stranglehold to the benefit of downstream private enterprises making televisions and phones. Im from the Chinese government, and Im here to help The partys unshakeable commitment to private ownership is also of a peculiar kind. Elsewhere governments show support for private enterprise by getting out of the way. In China, by contrast, the partys commitment to the private sector includes a pledge to guide it. This can range from subsidies to regulatory restrictions. It can also work through party organisations within private firms that have grown in number and influence. In 2020 the party urged such organisations to direct members of private firms. Arm their minds and guide their practice with Xi Jinping Thought, it said, and increase their political, ideological, and emotional identification with the Communist Party of China. Party officials have repeatedly said that private entrepreneurs are our own people. That may be reassuring to businessfolk who fear being vilified as greedy, unpatriotic or corrupt. But the gesture of solidarity is double-edged. It implies that entrepreneurs must mouth party platitudes and actively practise the core socialist values. Entrepreneurs cannot be their own people. In the early 2000s prominent businesspeople joined the party hoping it would be a vehicle for their commercial ambitions. But it has become increasingly clear that the party sees private firms as a vehicle for its own objectives. Officials are not indifferent to private enterprise. The partys unshakeable commitment to the sector is sincereeven if many entrepreneurs may wish it were less so. For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in economics, finance and markets, sign up to Money Talks, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter. Ideally Marianne Korkalainen's high school in Rautavaara, a tiny town in eastern Finland, would enrol at least 20 new pupils each year. This autumn, her shrinking municipality will send her only about 12. But Ms Korkalainen, the head teacher, has a plan: she intends to invite half a dozen youngsters from poorer countries to help fill her empty seats. Eager adolescents from places such as Myanmar, Vietnam and Tanzania will swap their tropical cities for her snowy bolthole. They will receive a Finnish education, at Finnish taxpayers expense. School-age populations are shrinking in lots of European countriesand in Finland, faster than most. By 2030 the country could have nearly 10% fewer children aged 4-18, according to EU projections. By 2040 their ranks might be smaller by a fifth. This spells trouble in particular for rural schools, which suffer both from having few births and from migration to the cities. Hundreds have shut their doors in recent decades. Some now offer local youngsters bungs, such as free driving lessons and small cash scholarships", in the hope of keeping them around. The idea of giving vacant desks to foreigners is newer, and has been propelled by a Finnish startup. Finest Future sells Finnish lessons to eager beavers in Asian, African and Latin American countries. Those who achieve decent proficiency are referred to willing schools. By the end of this year, the firm will have helped import around 1,500 foreign pupils. But it says its goal is ultimately to supply Finlands upper secondary schoolswhich educate about 110,000 students in totalwith around 15,000 new faces each year. Already some small schools are taking in more foreign pupils than Finnish ones. The scheme competes, in part, with expensive boarding schools in countries such as Britain. In theory, the savings youngsters derive from free tuition in Finland justify the inconvenience of having to learn a language not many people speak. So does the prospect of a free Finnish university place, a few years down the line. Schools approve because, under current rules, the central government coughs up per-student funding for each newcomer, just as if they were Finnish. Settlements in the sticks value the young blood. In the long run all Finns benefit, argues Peter Vesterbacka, Finest Futures co-founder, an entrepreneur who helped build the Angry Birds" brand for Rovio, a games company. Finlands total population of 5.5m will start declining within the next decade. The country struggles to attract high-skilled foreign workers (about 9% of its inhabitants were born abroad, one of the lowest rates in Europe). Mr Vesterbacka reckons that foreigners who turn up when they are teenagers, who learn the language, and who are educated in the Finnish system are far more likely to stay, and to succeed, than adults who are targeted later through skilled-worker programmes. He reckons they bring much more money into the country than the government must spend on their instruction. The question is how far these arguments will keep winning out as the scheme expands. At the moment, high schools require no special permission from the central government to bring in Finnish-speaking foreigners, provided they have vacant spots. That could easily change. The education ministry in Helsinki has made it clear that it dislikes funding places for kids from other countries. And focusing spending on fewer, bigger schools might serve Finnish children much better than propping up small ones, even if country-dwellers find that a wrench. Whatever happens next, Finlands experiment is likely to supply other shrinking school systems with valuable lessons. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com The federal measures the Canadian government has adopted to reduce foreign student inflows are set to have a more dramatic impact than expected. A report by The Globe and Mail, citing an analysis by ApplyBoard, projects that the approvals of international study permits will fall by almost half in 2024. India has long been a leading source of international students, but the number of students opting to study in Canada has seen a sharp slump this year. In the first half of this year, approvals of study permits from India halved, the report said. Also Read | Canada drops police clearance rule for international students The federal measures the Canadian government has adopted to reduce foreign student inflows are set to have a more dramatic impact than expected. A report by The Globe and Mail, citing an analysis by ApplyBoard, projects that the approvals of international study permits will fall by almost half in 2024. India has long been a leading source of international students, but the number of students opting to study in Canada has seen a sharp slump this year. In the first half of this year, approvals of study permits from India halved, the report said. Recently, Gabriel Miller, the president of Universities Canada said that he expects universities to see at least a 45 per cent decline in international enrolments this fall. Universities Canada is a lobby group that represents nearly 100 institutions. ApplyBoard has forecast that study permit approvals by the end of 2024 may drop to the mid 200,000s, the level last seen in 2018 and 2019. In December last year, Canadas immigration minister, Marc Miller, announced that foreign students must prove they have at least $20,000, more than twice the earlier required amount, to qualify for Canadian study permits. Also Read | Indian students can explore these 6 study destinations in Europe Additionally, in January this year, the minister said that the number of foreign students in Canada would not further grow for the next two years. On Monday, ApplyBoard chief executive officer and co-founder Meti Basiri said that the Canadian governments announcement of higher financial requirements for studying in Canada is deterring some international students. International students deferring applications The report said many international students are pausing or deferring applications to come to Canada to study or apply to other locations. The report said Canada has fallen to third place as a preferred study destination, with more students now opting for the United States, Germany, and France. No U.S. college is better at improving the financial futures of its graduates than the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings. While the overall college rankings consider factors like student experiences and graduation rates, the best-salaries list looks only at metrics related to graduate earnings and return on investment. Prestigious private colleges and universities occupy the upper tier of the list, with Stanford University placing No. 2 and Princeton University, which topped the overall rankings, coming in at No. 3. In total, private universities claimed 36 of the top 50 spots on the salary list. Beyond MIT, other colleges with robust STEM programs also finished strong: Georgia Tech landed fourth, the California Institute of Technology sixth and Harvey Mudd College seventh. The Missouri University of Science and Technology, the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Michigan Technological University also landed in the top 15. (You can see our overall ranking of the best colleges in the U.S., with links to the fullBest Salaries rankingand rankings focused on student experiences, value and schools impact on their students social mobility,here, along with the methodology behind them all.) Behind the rankings The criteria for the best-salaries list are twofold. To secure a top position, colleges need to put graduates on lucrative pathways at the beginning of their careers and keep the price of attendance in check. When measuring financial success, the Journal and research partner Statista looked at income data 10 or 11 years after students entered college, combining that raw earnings data with the extent to which those earnings outpaced expected salaries, which were modeled on research done by the Brookings Institution. To gauge affordability and return on investment, the Journal drew on research from public-policy think tank Third Way, analyzing how long it would take for the salary premiums that graduates earn over the salaries of comparable high-school graduates to cover the estimated total cost of a four-year degree. Top-ranked MIT excels in each facet of the ranking. Two-thirds of a schools score on the salary list comes from graduatesmedianearly-careerearnings, and MIT graduates have the highest median, $133,793, of any ranked school.The school is also in the top 3% of ranked schools on the value list, the cost/benefit analysis that makes up the remaining third of the score. Part of what sets MIT apart from other schools for Chris Martinez, a sophomore studying electrical engineering and computer science, is the success stories from alumni, who he says have been surprisingly easy to get hold of when he makes networking calls. In Martinezs conversations with them, he says, they all tended to hark back to their time at the university and their classes there as a catalyst for what helped them get ahead. It always seems like MIT set them on their path, the way they talk about it," Martinez says. At MIT, paths to successful careers often stem from in-class experiences. Former MIT students contacted for this story were generally quick to credit influential professors and their classroom methods, such as teaching critical thinking. Sam Florin, a senior studying math with computer science, says, I think its a very analytical student body, a very intellectually curious group of people. If you work around a lot of MIT people, you run into people with similar ways of tackling problems." View Full Image Graphic: WSJ A culture of entrepreneurship At Stanford, meanwhile, students point to its culture of entrepreneurship and the pipeline into tech companies as one reason why its graduates see success early in their careers. Its not uncommon for a Stanford kid to graduate and instantly land a $200,000-plus job at some tech company in the area," says Daniel Sun, a rising senior studying physics, math and music while also working on a coterminal masters degree in applied and engineering physics. For Emily Suh, a rising junior studying public policy, the entrepreneurial spirit on campus and the extent to which students collaborate were a differentiation point for Stanford, especially as they relate to career success. There are always people advertising their startups and offering doughnuts if you sign up for their app," says Suh. People are always looking for people to start projects with." Suh interned with the U.S. Agency for International Development this past summer doing data analytics. She notes that Stanford students can apply for grants to do unpaid internships like she did in 2023 with the American Bar Association, which allowed her to get valuable public-service experience on her resume without having to sacrifice paid work. She says the public-policy program at Stanford also routinely offers resources about how to best market yourself to nonprofits and other public-service organizations. While many of the colleges at the top of the list are household names, looking just at salary outcomes for graduates surfaces lesser-known colleges, too, that are greatly increasing the financial prospects of students. For Cylan Burns, whos on track to graduate from No. 9 Missouri University of Science and Technology in December with a degree in engineering management, enrolling in the college was an easy choice, in part because he could see the positive outcomes of graduates. I wanted in-state tuition, and Im from Missouri, so the choice is kind of obvious because S&Ts the best for engineering in Missouri and, Ive heard, the nation," Burns says. Burns has held three internships and traveled to South America twice to complete rainwater and pipeline systems evaluations with the universitys Engineers Without Borders chapter. Im not really worried about getting a job just because I have that experience," says Burns. I feel like theyve set me up really well for success." Kevin McAllister is a Wall Street Journal reporter in London. He can be reached at kevin.mcallister@wsj.com. A wave of drones targeted Russia overnight, including Moscow, in one of the largest such attacks on Russias territory since the start of its war with Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday it had shot down 144 drones, almost half of them in the western border region of Bryansk, as well as across Moscow and the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have staged an incursion in recent weeks. At least one woman died and three people were hospitalized, according to Russian authorities, after residential buildings in a Moscow suburb caught alight during the assault, which also forced the temporary closure of three of the capitals airports. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv. The mass drone assault appeared to mark an escalation of a recent push by Kyiv to take the war deep inside Russia, including Moscow where residents have been largely insulated from the effects of armed conflict, now in its third year. Last month, Ukrainian forces swept across the border into Russias Kursk regionthe first foreign invasion of Russian territory since World War II. The incursion dealt a humiliating blow to President Vladimir Putin, putting his manpower-stretched military in a bind and forcing the evacuation of 130,000 civilians from more than 400 square miles of Russian territory. A few days later, Kyiv fired more than 150 drones at oil refineries and power plants across much of Russia, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said was part of a strategy to conclude the conflict by making the Russian public feel the war the same way Ukrainians do. Despite the recent Ukrainian salvos, which have punctured Putins aura of invincibility and rattled many Russians, the Kremlin leader has sought to portray a business-as-usual attitude. End-of-summer activities have continued largely as normal in the Russian capital. An increased level of repression and laws to crush all opposition to the war make it difficult to accurately gauge public sentiment about the conflict. Video aired on Russian state television Tuesday showed flames bursting through the upper-floor windows of a multistory residential apartment building in Moscows Ramenskoye region, around 30 miles from the Kremlin. A spokesman for Russias aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said on the Telegram messaging app that Moscows Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Vnukovo airports had resumed operations after dozens of flights had earlier been grounded. Night strikes on residential areas cannot be associated with military operations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday. The Kyiv regime continues to demonstrate its true nature. These are enemies. We must continue the military operation in order to protect ourselves from such manifestations of such a regime." In Ukraine, opinion polls show that support for some kind of negotiations with Moscow has been creeping upward since Ukraines counteroffensive last year failed to retake significant territorythough a majority of Ukrainians still say they want to keep fighting to retake all Russian-occupied land. Bank holidays: This week and the next has a mix of regional holidays, festivals and the weekend in between, which means that some banks in India could stay closed for six days in a row between September 13-18. However, since not all holidays are observed pan-India, it would be wise to check first-hand with your local bank branch or app notifications for a confirmed holiday schedule. Overall, all public and private banks in India will be closed for at least 14 days in September 2024, including weekend holidays for second and fourth Saturdays and the Sundays, besides religious and regional festivals. It is thus advisable to plan your bank visits accordingly. 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. Also Read | Bank Holidays in 2024. Check the full list here Bank Holidays in a Row 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 Also Read | Are SBI branches near you open today? Read here Besides these, the next week also offers a long weekend in some states with holidays on September 21 (Shree Narayana Guru Samadhi Kerala), September 22 (Sunday pan-India), and September 23 (Heroes Martyrdom Day Haryana). Later in the month, the fourth Saturday and last Sunday of the month September 28 and 29, are also listed holidays. Past Holidays this month: September 1 (Sunday), September 7 (Ganesh Chaturthi) and September 8 (Sunday). How Are Bank Holidays in India 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. India Incs quest to bring employees back to office after the pandemic has been arduous. Now, companies are enlisting law firms to draft watertight contracts that leave no room for ambiguity. New employment agreements specify the number of hours that a remote employee must stay available" in front of the laptop or on calls. Some companies include the office address as their only workplace, besides adding confidentiality conditions to restrict remote work. At the same time, they are easing the leave policy to soften the blow by including breaks to take care of pets and prepare for weddings. Also read | Tech workers on the bench stare at uncertainty as projects thin out "Clients are making sure that work from home is not assumed by employees as a matter of right. Attendance at the office cannot be perceived as kind of an interim arrangement, and employers sense that insistence on working from home can lead to instances of habitual absenteeism," said Anshul Prakash, partner, employment labour & benefits at law firm Khaitan & Co. The companies, he said, are setting out the eligibility for employees who can be allowed to work from home. Employees got hooked on to remote work during the pandemic and incentives nudging them to return to the office have yielded mixed results. Remote logins require even more approvals than before. Indias largest software services provider Tata Consultancy Services Ltd has linked salary hikes to office attendance. Those not opting to work from the office have received lower salary hikes. LTIMindtree Ltd decided to deduct leaves for those not regular at the workplace. Not working for managers "The employment policies are getting changed because the freedom to let employees decide is not working out for managers. They need guardrails," said the HR head of an IT firm who did not want to be named. Although the firm has remote work options, the executive said some of these clauses have been adopted from US firms. "There are different contracts for those working remotely in the US, where hours during which the employee has to be available are mentioned," the HR head said. After the pandemic, these contracts started coming into India." Also read | Making capital costlier in relation to labour may help generate more jobs It is not just working hours but even leaves are getting more defined as different generations in the workforce have a diverse outlook towards benefit. To the existing categories of sick, casual, maternal and privilege leaves, some firms are adding paternal, pet-parenting, adoption, IVF treatment and menstrual leaves, besides sabbatical policies. "Certain clients have even considered providing marriage preparedness leave where an employee will be given some time to prepare for his or her wedding, which could include flexible working hours, and the option to work from hometown for some time," Prakash of Khaitan & Co. said. Overtime concerns Companies are also concerned that the time employees work beyond their regular hours could be claimed as overtime pay. Law firms have asked their clients to require employees to seek prior approval to work more than the regularly scheduled hours to comply with the overtime provisions, where applicable. Deepti Thakkar, leader of employment and HR laws at Nishith Desai Associates, said, the law firm has seen clauses around excessive working hours. Managers have a responsibility to ensure that working hours are kept within reasonable limits and will monitor working hours for this purpose," Thakkar said. Workers themselves also have a duty to ensure that they are not working excessive hours and inform their manager directly if they consider that they may be doing so." Data protection clauses While no-poaching pacts are informal, companies are inserting data protection clauses in contracts. According to Thakkar, such a clause typically states: "Accessing company information from outside of the home country is strictly prohibited unless specifically arranged. When travelling, please check with the compliance and security teams before your trip for guidance." Also read | E-commerce is impacting Indian jobs and consumer welfare According to law firms, most of their US-based clients that provide information technology and consulting services from India have already started incorporating the clauses in their policies. There are other companies who do not include these conditions in the job contracts but inform the employees separately since such changes fluctuate based on management decisions. "Most companies we serve do not explicitly outline leave policies or hybrid/remote work arrangements in their employment contracts," said Sunil C, Country Manager for Adecco India. Instead, these details are usually communicated to employees after they join the company." Banks have completed the techno-economic evaluation (TEV) of Vodafone Idea and it is in discussions for landing the 35,000-crore additional financing required for its capital expenditure needs, the company said. Vi is in active discussions with banks to secure debt funding. A key milestone in this process was the completion of the independent techno-economic evaluation initiated by the banks. This has been completed. The TEV report has always been a standard requirement from the banks, and while it was conducted previously, this time it was updated, said a spokesperson in response to queries from Mint. The banks sought the evaluation from a leading consultancy to establish the telecom companys creditworthiness and the quantum of loans that could be extended to it, said an executive aware of the process. Also Read: Call waiting: How Vi can claw its way back However, Vi did not mention whether the banks had agreed to the loan. Vi has sought funds from public sector non-banking financial companies Rural Electrification Corporation and Power Finance Corporation, according to a report in The Economic Times on Tuesday. Vi is yet to respond to queries on the matter. In talks with a consortium of banks The No. 3 carrier by subscribers has been in discussions with a consortium of banks led by State Bank of India for raising 25,000 crore in term loans and another 10,000 crore in non-fund based loans or bank guarantees. The loans will form part of the 55,000 crore capex plan it has sketched out for the next three years, for spending on building its 4G network and launching 5G services in key circles. Also Read: Vodafone Idea allots shares worth 2,075 cr to group entity The move follows the telco raising 18,000 crore through a follow-on offer in April, which is part of a 24,000 crore fund raise through equity. Vi chief executive officer Akshaya Moondra had told analysts last month during the Q1 earnings call that equity raise was the first ask from the banks for debt funding, and once that was done, it hoped to close the discussion with banks. The debt from banks and financial institutions reduced by 4,550 crore during the last one year. At present, Vis bank debt is 4,650 crore. At 10 Sep 11:11 today, Bharat Heavy Electricals shares are trading at price 263, 0.34% up from the previous closing price. Sensex is trading at 81656.74, up by 0.12%. The stock has hit a high of 267.85 and a low of 262.3 during the day. On the technical front, the stock is trading above the 300 days SMA & lower than the 5,10,20,50,100 day SMA. The stock will have support at 300 days SMA & face resistance at 5,10,20,50,100 days SMA. The SMA values for the stock are given below : Days Simple Moving Average 5 277.83 10 286.58 20 291.36 50 303.00 100 294.38 300 251.65 The classic pivot level analysis shows that on a daily time frame, the stock has key resistances at 265.77, 269.58, & 273.37, whereas it has key support levels at 258.17, 254.38, & 250.57. Till 11 AM today, the volume traded on NSE & BSE for Bharat Heavy Electricals was 1.38% higher than the previous trading session. Volume traded is an important indicator along with price to study trends. Positive price movement with higher volume suggests a sustainable upmove, and negative price movement with higher volume might be an indication of further decline in prices. Overall, as per Mint technical analysis, The stock's continued downtrend suggests a bearish trend is underway. From a fundamental analysis perspective, the company has a ROE of 1.16% . The median 1-year forecasted upside in this share is at 15.52% with a target price of 222.1875. The company has a 63.17% promoter holding, 8.96% MF holding, & 9.10% FII holding as per filings in the june quarter. The MF holding has decreased from 9.55% in march to 8.96% in june. The FII holding has increased from 8.76% in march to 9.10% in june quarter. Maharashtra-based PN Gadgil Jewellers (PNG), a prominent player in the organized jewellery market, kicked off its three-day initial public offering (IPO) on Tuesday, aiming to raise a substantial 1,100 crore. The price band has been set at 456 to 480 apiece, with a fresh issue component of up to 850 crore, which will be used to fuel expansion in Maharashtra and reduce debt. With a robust brand and a multichannel approach, PNG is well-positioned to capitalize on India's growing appetite for jewellery. However, market analysts urge caution, pointing out that the sector carries inherent risks, especially for new investors. Outpacing competitors An analysis of key financial metrics among leading jewellery retailers reveals that PNG has outperformed its competitors across several critical performance indicators. Between FY22 and FY24, the company reported a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54.6% in revenue and 39.8% in operating profit (Ebitda). This growth significantly surpasses industry heavyweights like Kalyan Jewellers, Senco Gold, and Thangamayil Jewellery, underscoring PNGs ability to capture market share and propel sales growth. Read this | Are Indias top 3 jewellery stocks breaking out? These charts hold a clue. Revenue per store is another area where PNG excels. At 169.7 crore per store, PNGs sales are far higher than Kalyan Jewellers ( 77.3 crore), Senco Gold ( 33 crore), and Thangamayil Jewellery ( 63.8 crore). Post-IPO, PNG Jewellers aims to expand its store count to 60-65 in Maharashtra within two years, solidifying its position as the state's number one player," said Saurabh Gadgil, managing director of PNG Jewellers, in an interaction with Mint. This growth will be accompanied by a focus on consolidating its presence in metros, tier 1, and tier 2 cities, with a target of growing its top line to 12,000- 13,000 crore." PNG's working capital efficiency is another key differentiator, with 51 working capital days, compared to Kalyan Jewellers 131 days, Senco Golds 160 days, and Thangamayils 112 days. This leaner working capital cycle improves cash flow and reduces financing costs. Also read | Is Bajaj Housing Finance IPO a gateway to India's growing housing market? Additionally, PNG enjoys superior profitability, boasting a return on equity (RoE) of 28.9% and a return on capital employed (RoCE) of 27.3%. In comparison, Kalyan Jewellers posts an RoE of 14.2% and RoCE of 15.7%, Senco Gold trails with 13.3% and 12.5%, while Thangamayil Jewellery registers 25% and 20.3%. Regional concentration and expansion woes While PNG has enjoyed significant financial success, its regional concentration may limit its growth potential in the long run. Currently, all of PNGs stores are concentrated in western India, particularly in Maharashtra. In contrast, competitors like Kalyan Jewellers and Senco Gold have a more geographically diverse presence across the country. However, it has ambitious expansion plans. "Looking ahead, the company plans to expand to neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh over the next five to seven years, with a goal of becoming the largest player in western and central India," Gadgil highlighted. Despite its aggressive expansion plans, PNG's closure of four stores during FY23-24 has raised concerns. While Gadgil attributes this to strategic relocation efforts, investors may be worried about the company's ability to maintain its growth trajectory. "We closed some stores, but it was a strategic relocation to better locations, often with smaller store sizes. This aligns with our larger objectives, ensuring we remain relevant in a changing market," Gadgil added. According to Master Capital Services, a financial services firm, to improve its stores efficiency metrics, the company is analysing and focusing on aligning its expansion plans with regional sales forecasts, site visibility, demographics, accessibility, foot traffic, addressable market, lease rentals, etc. Also read | FirstCry IPO: Cracking the baby business code Moreover, the company does not own the trademark for their flagship PNG" brand and pays royalty fees which has remained consistent at 5.9 crore for the past three years, as per the red herring prospectus. Rising costs and slow demand Meanwhile, the global jewellery market is facing headwinds with consumption down nearly 19%, year-onyear during the April-June period, the World Gold Council data revealed. India's consumption too took a hit as record gold prices weighed heavily on Indian gold jewellery demandfalling 17% during the same period. This volatility underscores the inherent risks associated with the sector. "Caution is advised for investors, given the volatility in the gold market. While gold remains a hedge against economic uncertainty, the jewellery segment may face pressure on profit margins in the near term," noted Atul Parakh, chief executive of Bigul, an online investment firm. A sound, balanced approach is advisable, considering both gold's safe-haven status and the challenges approaching gold-related industries," he added. However, the PNG's management remains optimistic and has implemented strategies to mitigate risk. "Margins in our industry primarily come from making charges, with our current gross margin at the store level standing at 13-14%. We intend to mitigate gold price risks through strategic hedging using gold metal loans and leveraging the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)," Gadgil explained. Also read | How Tanishq broke into the bridal jewellery market in India Going forward, lower gold import duties are poised to revive jewellery demand in India, especially ahead of the festival season. Opportunities in a growing market Opportunities abound: Western India's jewellery market is booming, with Maharashtra leading the charge and expected to reach $16.9 billion by 2027-28. Moreover, the Indian jewellery market is undergoing a significant transformation, with organized retail gaining significant ground. The market share of organized players is projected to increase from an estimated 38% in 2023-24 to 43% in the next four years. PNG Jewellers looks well-placed to capitalize on the shift in consumer preferences towards branded and organized retailers: it plans to leverage its existing customer base of over 3 million to boost engagement and customer loyalty. IPO Review: The mainboard space has been experiencing a surge in initial public offerings (IPOs) this September, signalling the onset of a lively festive season in the primary market. Between September 1, 2023 and September 6, 2024, a total of 87 listings (equivalent to 81%) have taken place on the mainboard, resulting in 71 stocks experiencing gains and 17 becoming multibaggers. Experts opine that the continuance of the IPO momentum hinges on several economic and market factors, such as the outcome of the forthcoming US elections, global economic conditions, and sustained economic growth in India. This week, four mainboard IPOs, including Bajaj Housing Finance IPO, Tolins Tyres IPO, Kross IPO, and P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO, have opened for subscription. All of them have been fully booked and oversubscribed. September is expected to be the biggest month for IPOsin 14 years, with around 16 businesses expected to hit the market, according to experts. This spike is being driven by robust secondary markets and strong investor demand; recent IPOs have seen strong returns. Investors who are considering applying for investment opportunities or are still deciding which one is preferable can find the experts' opinions on each of them here. Also Read | PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO gets fully subscribed within few hours of issue opening Here's what expert says Mohit Gulati, the CIO and managing partner of ITI Growth Opportunities Fund Mohit Gulati shared some fascinating perspectives, delving into each of them extensively. Starting with Tolins. Gulati explained that it is a company with high Return on Equity (RoE) and Return on Capital Employed (RoCE), and strong distribution that leads to healthy margins. Its valuation seems reasonable in this market, so I recommend subscribing to it. From a long term perspective its a stock to hold vs dump on listing gains. Talking about Kross IPO, Mohit highlighted that Kross has shown strong performance over the past few years in the commercial vehicle sector. In my view, the issue is fully priced, so there might be limited upside for investors in the long term. I would wait for some pullback before considering entry at slightly lower levels. Subscribe to the issue for purely listing gains. When it comes to P N Gadgil Jewellers, Gultati, who is from Pune, mentioned that they have been familiar with this brand for many years. Mohit said that it's amazing to see a 6th generation family-run business enter the market. From a valuation perspective, I think the issue is priced well compared to its peers. "It seems like a good option for listing gains, but for the long term, I would prefer Senco over P N Gadgil," highlighted Gulati . Moving on to the big one of the week - Bajaj Housing Finance. It benefits from the strong franchise of the Bajaj Group. The market has established that this group, with its ability to use AI ahead of time, underwrites well, and is supported by a strong recovery mechanism. It is possibly the best Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) play in India. I would be surprised if anyone on the street avoids this IPO, said Mohit Gulati. Also Read | Tolins Tyres IPO: Issue subscribed over 3 times so far on Day 2 Arun Kejriwal, the founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services Simplifying each of them, Arun Kejriwal said that Bajaj Housing Financing is a non-deposit housing financing firm and that Punjab National Bank Housing Finance is its closed opponent. It is without a question one of the best among the others. When speaking about Tolin Tyres, Kejriwal stated that the firm produces tread rubber in addition to new tyres. The company's biggerbusiness in the United Arab Emirates is tread rubber, and it is the only company operating in the country. Further, Arun elaborated, saying that the third business is Kross, which manufactures axles and suspensions for agricultural machinery and medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles (M&HCV). Fourth, P N Gadgil Jewellers is a jeweller with larger volumes but lower margins. This brand is native to Maharashtra and is available in all 39 locations. Arun straightforwardly stated that comparing the four companies among themselves is like comparing apples and oranges, so it's not possible. From a market perspective, if I have to pick one out of the four, undoubtedly, Bajaj Housing Finance IPO would be the choice. Moreover, if one is looking to generate profit and doesn't necessarily need to choose the best, there are two companies with small issue sizes, one being trade-to-trade, i.e., Tolin Tyres. Trade-to-trade signifies high-risk, high-return companies. However, it will be dependent on the subscriptions and response the company receives. Kross has a minimal presence in exports with only around 8 crores in revenue numbers as of March 2024, which is currently the driving force for the company. The company foresees a significant focus on exports in the future and has already received orders for some products that have been validated, with expectations for this to be reflected in the upcoming years. Apart from Bajaj Housing Finance, there are opportunities to choose where one wants to generate profits. Prashanth Tapse, Research Analyst, Senior Vice President of Research at Mehta Equities To make things easier for investors, Prashanth Tapse has placed each one in a certain order. According to Tapse, among the four IPOs, Long-term investors find Bajaj Housing more appealing because of its solid business plan, excellent asset quality, and AAA paper. This offer also allows investors to participate in one of the top participants in the housing financing market in India. The second-best deal appears to be from P N Gadgil Jewellers Ltd., which is the second-largest organised jewellery market participant in Maharashtra and is well-known among the clients it has serviced to this day as a household name in fashion jewellery. Kross IPO was ranked third by Tapse, which also described it as a diversified and niche player with a focus on producing and supplying trailer axle and suspension assemblies as well as a variety of forged and precision products. The company's tagline, SUBSCRIBE WITH RISK, refers to the company's aggressively priced near-term triggers, based on FY24 earnings. Tolins Tyres Ltd is a mid-sized maker of new tyres and tread rubber that has established itself as a significant provider of tyre retreading solutions across India and sold to 40 international countries, according to Prashanth, the fourth IPO offer. With the slogan of SUBSCRIBE WITH RISK, he suggests that investors who are willing to take a chance should save their money for the long run since the value, which is based on FY24 results, looks to be fully priced in the short term triggers. Mrs Bectors Food QIP Success: Mrs Bectors Food Specialities Limited has successfully raised 400 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP), according to an exchange filing on September 10. The company issued 25,80,645 new equity shares at 1,550 per share, which includes a premium of 1,540 per share. This capital-raising move has increased the company's paid-up equity share capital from 58.81 crore to 61.40 crore. Also Read | Mrs Bectors Food shines as green shoots of rural demand emerge Mrs. Bectors Food share price was trading in green, up 4.28 per cent, at 1,778.55, on September 10, at 11:19 am. The company enjoys a market capitalisation of 10,460.98 crore. Mrs Bectors Food's stock price is around 3.8 per cent away from its 52-week high of 1,848.90 which it hit on September 6, 2024. The Fund Raise Committee of the company approved the allotment on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The issue price represents a 1.77 percent discount to the floor price of 1,577.85 per share, as determined by SEBI regulations. Who were the investors? Among the major investors, the Government of Singapore emerged as the largest participant, acquiring 18.49 percent of the newly issued shares. Other significant investors included Manulife Global Fund - India Equity Fund (5.54 percent), The Prudential Assurance Company Limited (8.39 percent), and Arisaig Asia Fund Limited (9.12 percent). Several mutual funds also participated in the QIP, with SBI Multicap Fund and DSP funds each securing 6.25% of the issue. Aditya Birla Sun Life Trustee Private Limited, Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, Axis Mutual Fund, and Invesco India funds also made notable investments, each acquiring between 5.75% to 6.25% of the total shares issued. The company's disclosure to the stock exchanges stated, "Pursuant to the allotment of Equity Shares under the QIP, the paid-up equity share capital of the Company stands increased from 588.17 million consisting of 5,88,17,474 Equity Shares of face value of 10/- each to 613.98 million consisting of 6,13,98,119 Equity Shares of face value of 10/- each." Also Read | Mukul Agrawal portfolio: PTC Industries approves floor price for QIP This capital raised is expected to strengthen Mrs Bectors Food Specialities Limited's financial position and support its growth initiatives. The company's shares are listed on both the BSE and the National Stock Exchange. Shares of ITI Limited jumped over 8 percent in intra-day trading on Tuesday, September 10, following the company's announcement that it had secured a significant order worth 300 crore for the supply and installation of solar streetlight systems in Bihar. This order is part of the ongoing efforts by the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Authority (BREDA) to enhance rural infrastructure using renewable energy. ITI Limited, a leading telecom manufacturing company and the countrys first PSU post-independence, confirmed that BREDA had awarded it the contract to supply and install 1,00,000 solar streetlight systems. This order adds to the 80,000 solar streetlights ITI is already delivering in Bihar under BREDAs projects. Also Read | Suzlon Energy stock jumps 5% as Morgan Stanley says NTPC order to boost earnings The stock jumped as much as 8.4 percent, reaching an intra-day high of 306.75, approaching its peak of 384.35 recorded in January this year. ITI shares have climbed over 146 percent from their 52-week low of 124.50 in September last year and have risen 127 percent in the past year. Despite this impressive growth, the stock has seen a relatively modest increase of just about 1 percent in 2024 year-to-date (YTD). Order win According to ITI Limited, the solar streetlight systems will be installed in districts including Gopalganj, Siwan, Samastipur, Purnia, Araria, Gaya, Darbhanga, Patna, Katihar, and Khagaria. These systems, manufactured at ITI's Naini Plant, which has been producing solar panels for six years, include essential components such as Solar PV Modules, Solar Batteries, LED Luminaries, and Mounting Structures. BREDA will oversee the installations to ensure they meet the projects quality and sustainability standards. Rajesh Rai, Chairman and Managing Director of ITI Limited, expressed his delight at continuing the collaboration with the Government of Bihar for solar streetlight systems. With this additional order, we have established ITI as a reliable solar systems provider striving for a greener tomorrow, Rai remarked, highlighting the companys growing reputation in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, ITI recently secured its first order for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from the State Election Commission of West Bengal, marking another milestone in the expansion of its company's product portfolio. Indian stock market indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open higher on Tuesday tracking gains in global peers The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a positive start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 25,030 level, a premium of nearly 37 points from the Nifty futures previous close. On Monday, the domestic equity market indices ended higher amid buying in heavyweights. The Sensex rose 375.61 points to close at 81,559.54, while the Nifty 50 settled 84.25 points, or 0.34%, higher at 24,936.40. Nifty 50 formed a reasonable positive candle on the daily chart, after the formation of a long bear candle on Friday. Technically, this pattern indicates an emergence of buying interest after a small downward correction. The immediate support of 20-day EMA (Exponential Moving Average) has been regained at 24,900 after violating below it in the previous session, said Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities. Also Read | Indian stock market: 6 key things that changed for market overnight According to him, the short-term trend of Nifty 50 remains weak, but the market is showing signs of sustainable upside recovery after a small downward correction. He said Nifty 50 needs to cross above the hurdle of 25,150 levels to consider a possible trend change towards up. Heres what to expect from Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty today: Nifty OI Data Analysing the Nifty Open Interest (OI) data, Mandar Bhojane, Technical analyst at Choice Broking said the highest OI on the call side was observed at the 25,200 and 25,300 strike prices, while on the put side, the highest OI was at the 24,500 strike price. Nifty 50 Prediction Nifty witnessed a reasonable upside bounce from the lows on September 9 and closed the day higher by 84 points. Technically, Nifty remains a sell on rise as long as it remains below 25,100. On the higher end, the 25,000 - 25,100 range may act as crucial near-term resistance, where sellers could re-enter. On the lower end, support is placed at 24,800 - 24,785, below which selling might increase, said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. Praveen Dwarakanath, Vice President of Hedged.in noted that Nifty 50 bounced from its weekly support at 24,770 levels today showing signs of recovery. However, Nifty was weaker compared to Bank Nifty throughout the day. On the weekly chart, the RSI negative divergence is still intact, suggesting Mondays bounce can be a dead cat bounce. Option writers data for the present weeks expiry shows increased put writing, however, the September expiry shows a short covering of In the Money (ITM) puts and increased writing in ATM calls, indicating a possible bearishness to continue, Dwarakanath said. Meanwhile, according to Aditya Agarwal, Head of Derivatives and Technical at Sanctum Wealth, the short term outlook for markets remains weak and pullback towards 25,000 / 25,080 levels can be used to book profits in trading long positions and create fresh shorts. Also Read | Shares to buy or sell: Chandan Taparia recommends three stocks to buy today A close below 24,750 can put additional pressure on the index and can drag it towards 24,600 / 24,520 levels, Agarwal said. Amid the ongoing market situation, VLA Ambala, Co-Founder of Stock Market Today believes that the Nifty index could expect support levels around 24,970 and 24,720, whereas resistance could be between 25,050 and 25,180 in todays session. Bank Nifty Prediction Bank Nifty index rallied 540.95 points, or 1.07%, to close at 51,117.80 on Monday and formed a Piercing Line candlestick pattern at a daily timeframe near its 20- and 50-day EMAs. On the higher side, Bank Nifty will find strong resistance around 51,200 / 51,500 levels and can see profit booking around those levels. Only a close above 51,800 will change short term outlook in the index and in that scenario, it can move towards 52,280 / 52,460 levels, said Aditya Agarwal. On the lower side, he believes, 50,400 - 50,100 will act as a strong support zone for the index. Bank Nifty bounced from its weekly support at 50,400 level today showing signs of recovery. On the daily chart, RSI is yet to show signs of momentum on the upside although a strong 1% move came today. As suggested by ADX in the last update on the weekly chart there was no clear direction, indicating a possible recovery from the fall seen today, said Praveen Dwarakanath Option writer's data for the present week's expiry saw short covering in ITM calls, and writing in OTM puts, however, in the September expiry short covering was seen in OTM calls as well, which looks like an exit in shorts due to today's recovery. No significant writing was seen in ITM puts, indicating no big bullishness in the Bank Nifty, he added. Pradhin share price was locked in at 5% upper circuit of 50.77 apiece on the BSE Tuesday after the company announced the import of aromatic chemicals from Thailand, in its largest ever order. Pradhin stock price hit upper circuit for the second straight session. The company said it will import Aromatic Chemicals from Python Chemical Company Ltd, Thailand. The order value is 400 crore and is the largest order in the companys history. The order represents a significant step forward in Pradhins strategic growth and expansion into new markets. The imported chemicals will be sold to major perfume factories located in Kannauj, the company said. The Company anticipates that this transaction will open new avenues for growth. Based on the demand and profitability of this chemical in the Indian market, Pradhin Ltd. plans to explore the possibility of importing other complex chemicals in the future. This strategic move aligns with our ongoing efforts to diversify our product offerings and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Indian chemical industry, Pradhin Ltd said in a BSE filing. The company believes this venture will not only strengthen its foothold in the aromatic chemical sector but also pave the way for future collaborations with global suppliers, thereby boosting its business prospects and shareholder value. Pradhin share price history Pradhin share is a penny stock and is up over 7% in one month. The microcap stock has given more than 21% returns year-to-date (YTD). At 11:10 am, Pradhin shares were still locked at 5% upper circuit at 50.78 apiece on the BSE. The company has a market capitalisation of 18.53 crore. Premier Energies share price saw a 12 per cent decline on Tuesday's trading session to record-high to 1,267.95 per share, after the stock continued to rally for eight session straight. The stock started the day on a positive note, however, turned red during the intraday day session. Since listing, the Premier Energies shares have surged as much as 181 per cent over the IPO price of 450. Such spectacular profits, however, were quickly followed by a wave of profit booking at the counter, which caused it to plunge more than 6 per cent into the sea of losses. Premier Energies' stock price was 1,140.50 on the NSE at 1:25 PM. What's behind the rally? Notwithstanding this, the company's prognosis is still positive. Also, the business just secured a 215 crore order. With a complete 5-year guarantee, the Uttar Pradesh Department of Agriculture granted the contract for the supply, installation, and commissioning of 8,085 solar water pumping systems throughout the state's districts. By March 2025, the order is expected to be finished. A draft set of guidelines for an authorized list of solar cell models and manufacturers (ALMM) was also announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) over the weekend, raising expectations that the company will profit from it starting in April 2026. The company produces integrated solar cells and panels, offering a product range that includes cells, solar modules, monofacial and bifacial modules, as well as EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and O&M (Operations and Maintenance) solutions. Premier Energies' promising growth prospects have attracted significant attention from institutional investors. High-profile names like Blackrock, Nomura, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, DSP India, Morgan Stanley, HDFC Mutual Fund, ICICI Mutual Fund, and PNB Paribas all participated in the company's IPO anchor book, further fueling its post-listing rally. Extending their bullish trend for the fourth consecutive trading session, shares of Sarveshwar Foods, an emerging player in the agri-food sector based in Jammu, surged another 10 percent in today's intra-day trade, reaching 11.70 per share. This latest increase has propelled the stock to a cumulative gain of 37 percent over the past four sessions and a remarkable 114 percent year-to-date. The company processes and markets branded, and unbranded basmati and non-basmati rice in the domestic and international markets, with operations based out of Jammu. What's fueling the rally? The recent rally in Sarveshwar Foods' stock is attributed to the company's announcement of new strategic partnerships with non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). This move is designed to enhance financial support for farmers, who are a crucial part of the companys supply chain. These collaborations aim to provide essential financial resources, allowing farmers to invest in modern agricultural practices and infrastructure. By connecting NBFCs with farmers, Sarveshwar Foods seeks to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem and ensure a stable and growing supply chain. Also Read | Suzlon Energy stock jumps 5% as Morgan Stanley forecasts NTPC order boost Under the new arrangement, Sarveshwar Foods will act as an intermediary, facilitating connections between NBFCs and farmers. The financing will be handled directly between the NBFCs and the farmers, with no financial obligation falling on Sarveshwar Foods. These partnerships would be a vital part of Sarveshwar Foods Limiteds long-term strategy to strengthen its supply chain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted supplies. We are driven by the belief that the growth and well-being of all associated with Sarveshwarincluding farmers, partners, and the broader communityare integral to our mission, the company said in its Monday filing. Also Read | Penny stock East West Freight Carriers surges 4% after strong FY24 report Healthy performance in June quarter Sarveshwar Foods reported revenue from operations of 233.05 crore in Q1 FY25, marking a 24 percent year-on-year growth compared to 187.68 crore in the same period last year. This growth was driven by an increased supply of rice and the expansion under the Bharat Rice Scheme by the Government of India. Additionally, the company secured a major export order worth approximately USD 6 million through NAFED during the quarter. Its EBITDA rose to 13.31 crore, up from 11.10 crore in Q1 FY24. Net profit improved by 6 percent, reaching 3.09 crore, compared to 2.90 crore in the same period last year. During the quarter, the company was awarded a prestigious contract by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in Jammu and Kashmir to supply premium steamed basmati rice to the renowned pilgrimage destination. The company also completed the acquisition of 100 percent of Green Point Pte Ltd, a wholesaler of groceries such as cereals, sugar, edible oils, sauces, and dairy products. This acquisition is expected to boost Sarveshwar's business and expand its international presence. F&O ban list:The National Stock Exchange (NSE) banned trading in seven stocks on Tuesday, September10, in the futures and options (F&O) segment as they exceeded 95% of the market-wide position limit (MWPL). However, these stocks will be available for trading in the cash market. The NSE updates the list of securities in the F&O ban for trade every day. Also Read | Stocks to buy: Anand Rathi chooses these two shares as emerging picks for Sep F&O ban list today Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, Balrampur Chini Mills, Bandhan Bank, Biocon, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals, Hindustan Copper, and RBL Bank are the seven stocks on the NSE's F&O ban list on September10. The NSE said the derivative contracts in these securities crossed 95% of the market-wide position limit and have been placed in the stock exchange's ban period. All clients/members shall trade in the derivative contracts of said security only to decrease their positions through offsetting positions. Any increase in open positions shall attract appropriate penal and disciplinary action, the NSE statement said. Also Read | Shares to buy or sell: Chandan Taparia recommends three stocks to buy on Tuesday No new positions are allowed when the stock exchanges place F&O contracts in a particular stock in the ban period. On September 9, benchmark Sensex bounced back from early lows to close higher by nearly 376 points, snapping its four-day losing run following a rally in blue-chips ICICI Bank, HUL and HDFC Bank. The 30-share BSE Sensex rebounded 375.61 points or 0.46 per cent to settle at 81,559.54. The index opened lower and hit a low of 80,895.05 points in early trade due to weak global trends. Later, it recovered from lows and jumped 469.43 points or 0.57 per cent to hit the day's high of 81,653.36. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy The NSE Nifty went up by 84.25 points or 0.34 per cent to finish at 24,936.40 after three days of fall. The Indian government confirmed the first case of Mpox on Monday, raising alarms over the transmission of the virus in the country. The development coincides with the prevalence of other infectious and vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, etc, raising concerns about rising medical costs. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the clade 1 variant of Mpox, a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024. However, the Union Health Ministry confirmed that the Mpox patient in India was infected with the clade 2 variant, which is not part of the current public health emergency. As the risk of Mpox outbreak persists, let's understand how health insurance plans provide financial immunity against such diseases. Also Read | High Mpox Vaccine Price to Pose Key Hurdle in Africa Order Talks Is a standard health insurance plan enough for Mpox? According to health experts, most basic health insurance plans cover Monkeypox medical expenses as it is classified as an infectious disease.Since Monkeypox is classified as an infectious disease, the costs associated with hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and treatment are typically included under the standard provisions of comprehensive health insurance policies. However, it's always advisable to review your specific policy details or consult with your insurer to confirm the extent of coverage, said Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance. Also Read | Why GST Council cannot ignore the health insurance row Soaring hospitalisation costs for viral infections From doctor consultations to medical tests, a common treatment for viral infections has become expensive, especially in metro cities. The cost of treatment increases significantly if there is a hospitalisation. The cost of treatment for severe viral infections can exceed 10- 15 lakh, especially in private hospitals in major cities, said Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance, Policybazaar. He also recommended that individuals residing in metro cities opt for health insurance with a sum insured of 1 crore. Individuals may encounter additional expenses that they may need to pay out-of- their pockets. These include co-payments, deductibles, sub-limits etc. To address these potential costs, we recommend reviewing your policy terms & conditions thoroughly and exploring additional riders or add-ons in case you want to avoid these, said Ajay Shah, Head Distribution, Care Health Insurance. Should you buy a specific infectious disease cover? Specific infectious disease covers or vector-borne disease riders can enhance the benefits of a standard health insurance policy by providing additional benefits. A common infectious disease like dengue or malaria may also lead to longer hospitalisations. Policyholders may face the additional challenge of losing their jobs due to prolonged illness. To help mitigate this financial burden, riders or add-on covers can be highly beneficial. These optional benefits can be attached to an existing health insurance policy. For example, a hospital cash rider offers a daily cash allowance during hospitalisation, helping to cover unexpected expenses, noted Rakesh Jain. Also Read | Points To Keep In Mind While Buying Health Insurance For Parents However, due to their low popularity, the market offers fewer options for specific infectious disease covers or riders. In the past, companies had tried specialised insurance products to treat diseases caused by mosquitoes (malaria/dengue), but they could not attract good numbers of customers due to lack of interest for a policy which is needed for few weeks in a year, said S K Sethi, co-chair, BFSI Committee at PHDCCI. Comprehensive coverage and telemedicine services Experts also urge people to opt for a comprehensive health insurance policy that covers pre- and post-hospitalisation fees, as well as other costs such as out-of-hospital care charges, ambulance charges, ICU rates, etc. Underlining the need for adequate sum insured cover, Parthanil Ghosh, Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, advices insurance buyers to check the insurance company's claim payout ratio for better reliability and efficient claim processing. He also advocates opting for a policy that offers telemedicine services. Various insurers are also using telemedicine, another facet of Medtech, to ensure healthcare accessibility, which becomes crucial in case of quarantine or when visiting a doctor physically is not feasible, Parthanil Ghosh added. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe (Bloomberg) -- Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was disappointed but not surprised that the Liberal-National opposition had rejected his compromise offer on Reserve Bank reforms and he may turn to minority parties in search of a deal. Well consider the next steps, Chalmers told a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. All options are on the table, but my preference hasnt changed. I prefer a bipartisan outcome in the senate. The treasurer said he would prefer to negotiate with the minority Greens party than abandon the proposed changes to the central bank altogether. The overhaul of the RBA includes splitting its board into a new monetary policy committee and governance board and requires amendments to the RBA Act. Chalmers has sought the backing of the opposition to pass the bills in order to avoid dealing with minority parties that might seek more radical changes. The opposition has demanded all current board members be transferred to the monetary policy committee to avoid giving Chalmers the opportunity to make a lot of new appointments. The treasurer, in contrast, wanted current directors to have the option of joining either the committee or the governance board. Chalmers last month announced a compromise under which the government would allow everyone on the current RBA board to go on the monetary policy committee unless they indicated in writing a willingness to switch to the governance board. The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday that Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor rejected the compromise, saying it still leaves open the option for a stitch up of the RBA board. The dual board framework was originally intended to be in place by mid-2024, but differences between the Labor government and center-right opposition delayed passage of the bills. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Very few people who live near the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment opted out of a $600 million class action settlement despite residents' reservations about whether the deal offers enough, so lawyers argue the agreement should be approved later this month. The lawyers who negotiated the deal with Norfolk Southern on behalf of everyone affected by the disastrous February 2023 derailment said only 370 households and 47 businesses in the 20-mile (32-kilometer) radius around the derailment opted out of the property damage payments. That includes only 82 opt-outs from households within 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of the crash who were promised $70,000 for property damage. People who lived at the outer edge of the area will only receive a few hundred dollars if a federal judge approves the settlement after a Sept. 25 hearing. Altogether, 54,925 claims had been filed as of last week, and that number should be close to the final total because there was an Aug. 22 deadline to submit forms. It is deeply satisfying that this community overwhelmingly supports this settlement," the plaintiffs' lawyers said in a statement. This result would not have been possible without their resolve and determination to hold Norfolk Southern accountable. A separate payment of up to $25,000 for personal injuries was more controversial because residents were required to give up any right to sue in the future if they develop cancer or other serious ailments. But some 97% of East Palestine residents still signed onto that. Some residents have complained that even though the lawyers have said this settlement is bigger than any other derailment settlement, the payments still aren't enough to compensate them for all their suffering. Many people don't like the fact that aid payments they have received from the railroad will be deducted from any settlement they ultimately receive. One of the key concerns for those objecting to the deal is that the contamination left behind after hazardous chemicals spilled and burned after the train crash could be worse than they know. That's why they filed a motion asking the judge to order the lawyers to release all the tests their expert did in the community. The plaintiff's lawyers said in their motion that they can't release those tests because it would violate the terms of the settlement. They tried to reassure the community that they did extensive research to make sure the settlement was adequate by interviewing some 70 people and reviewing nearly 1.35 million pages of documents. A separate federal settlement between the government and the railroad will ensure that Norfolk Southern pays for the cleanup that is still ongoing and for long-term medical monitoring of residents and tests of groundwater. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed early this summer that the derailment was caused by an overheated wheel bearing that wasn't caught in time by trackside detectors. Investigators also said they determined that officials never needed to blow open five tank cars containing vinyl chloride and burn the plastic ingredient because those tank cars weren't going to explode. Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who is under treatment for a severe lung infection at the Delhi AIIMS, is under respiratory support, CPI said. He is on respiratory support. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring his condition, which is critical at this time, CPI said in an official release. Yechury, 72, was admitted to the AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. The hospital did not reveal the exact nature of his ailment. Yechury had recently undergone cataract surgery. Who is Sitaram Yechury? Sitaram Yechury joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1975, a year after becoming a member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI). He was arrested during the Emergency while still a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and served as president of the JNU Students' Union three times between 1977 and 1988. Yechury and Prakash Karat are credited with strengthening the leftist presence at JNU. The 72-year-old leader is recognized for upholding the coalition-building legacy of former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Notably, he co-drafted the common minimum programme for the United Front government in 1996 with P. Chidambaram and played a significant role in forming the United Progressive Alliance government in 2004. Recently, Yechury launched a sharp critique of the Union government. He said, Modi led ND alliance govts decision to induct 45 lateral entry officers of the rank of Jt. secys/ Directors/ Dy. Secys across 24 ministries is a clear attempt to infiltrate RSS personnel to further its agenda to subvert our Constitutional Scheme. Delhi Patiala House Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to Engineer Rashid, a member of parliament from Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla constituency, till October 2 in a terror funding case. The Delhi court relieved Sheikh Abdul Rashid, aka Engineer Rashid, after he moved the court seeking interim bail to campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Rashid's brother, Khurshid Ahmad, is a candidate from the Rashid-led Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2024. He is running from the Langate assembly constituency in North Kashmir. Rashid had been a two-time MLA from the Langate constituency before winning Lok Sabha polls against the former chief minister of the erstwhile state, Omar Abdullah, in 2024. The Patiala House Court has deferred its decision on the regular bail application to Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Engineer Rashid has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a 2017 terror-funding case. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls Earlier in August, the Election Commission announced the three phases of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The first voting phase will be conducted on September 18, the second phase on September 25, and the third phase on October 1. The last date for making nominations for Phase I ended on August 27, while the last date for withdrawing candidatures was August 30. Polling for Phase I will be held on September 18. The last date for making nominations for Phase II is September 5, while the last date for withdrawing candidatures is September 9. Polling for Phase I will be held on September 25. The last date for making nominations for Phase II is September 12, while the last date for withdrawing candidatures is September 17. Polling for Phase I will be held on October 1. Kolkata doctor rape case: RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's former principal Sandip Ghosh and three others were remanded to judicial custody till September 23 in case relating to financial irregularities. Sandip Ghosh was taken from CBI Special Court, flanked by heavy security after he was attacked by an angry mob during his last court hearing. The court also sent his security personnel Afsar Ali and two alleged associates, contractors Vendors Biplab Sinha and Suman Hazra, to judicial custody till September 23. The CBI told the court that it would seek their custody again if required. Ghosh was arrested by the CBI on charges of financial irregularities on September 2 amid protests over the rape and murder of the doctor at the RG Kar MCH. On September 3, the court had sent him to eight days in CBI custody. Outraged by the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the Kolkata hospital a month ago, doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday continued their protest over the incident. They are seeking feedback from the CBI regarding the motive behind the RG Kar rape and murder incident, disciplinary action against Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal, and assurance about the safety and security of doctors and health staff in West Bengal, among other issues. Doctor Aniket Mandal, president RDA, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, said that doctors will not resume work until their demands are accepted. We also want normalcy, but our demand is legitimate, so the state should accept this demand and if it is accepted, then only we will resume work. Our demand is the arrest of all culprits, a disciplinary action committee formed by the health ministry, and suspension of Sandip Ghosh, Mandal told ANI. The Utter Pradesh Police on Tuesday said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also joined the ongoing investigation into the conspiracy to derail the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express in Kanpur on Sunday night, which was averted by a loco pilot who brought the express train to a screeching halt after it hit an LPG cylinder on the tracks. The UP Police said following the recovery of explosive powder, bottles of petrol and matchboxes at the incident site at the initial investigation hinting at a sabotage bid, a high-level team from the NIA has rushed in to join the investigations. "A team from the NIA, led by a woman IPS officer of the 2012 batch has started investigating the site where the LPG cylinder was found placed on the railway tracks," news agency PTI quoted a senior Kanpur police officer as saying "The NIA officials have started gathering details about the incident. They are also undertaking a survey of the entire area around the railway tracks (where the LPG cylinder was found)," Rajesh Kumar Singh, DCP West Kanpur, said. Kanpur police saidADG Railways (GRP) has also arrived to help in the ongoing probe. "The NIA officials... asked the police to make a survey of railway tracks in the large areas believing it might be helpful in getting breakthrough into the case," the police said. Police officials said an FIR had been registered, and multiple teams have been formed by agencies, including the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the NIA, to investigate the matter. Six people arrested The Kanpur Police said after the preliminary investigationthey have detained asix people, including two local history-sheeters, in connection with the case. The police further said they have formed a Special Investigation Team to study, if there are any similarities with the recent Sabarmati Express derailment in Kanpur. "An attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express by placing the LPG cylinder on the tracks," the police said. The train remained at the incident site for about 20 minutes and was again stopped at the Bilhaur station for a check. Efforts were being made to identify the culprits. A 30-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped incident in the Nalasopara area of the Palghar district of Maharashtra. As reported by ANI, citing Achole Police Station, Following her complaint, the Achole police station registered a case under sections 64, 70(1), and 351(2) of the BNS. The police have arrested Narendra Morya (31), Prakash Singh (26), and Panchraj Singh (35) in connection with the case. Moreover, the accused were presented in court and have been remanded to police custody for five days. Earlier on September 7, a 44-year-old rickshaw driver allegedly molested a 15-year-old girl going to school in a rickshaw in Mumbai's Borivali area. The driver fled from the spot when the girl protested, said police. MHB police registered a case and started searching for the absconding accused and arrested him on Friday after five days from the Nalasopara area of Palghar district, added the police. The Manipur government on Tuesday imposed a temporary ban on mobile internet in the state after imposing curfews in at least three districts preventing people from coming outside their houses, amid ongoing protests demanding the restoration of peace in the strife-torn state. Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government said in its order to curb/temporarily suspend internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the State for five days from Tuesday (September 10, 2024) 3 pm to Sunday (September 15, 2024) 3 pm. There is an imminent danger of loss of life and or damage to public and private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquility and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted to the public through social media and messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services, said an order issued by Home department on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the administration imposed indefinite curfew in at least three districts Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal of Manipur from 11 am on September 10, a day after student protests demanding the restoration of peace rocked Imphal Valley. Protesters have been demanding action against insurgents accused of using "improvised" projectile weapons and drone attacks last week during recent incidents of escalation in violence. "To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public or private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities,' the order added. Schools Shut Too The department of Higher and Technical Education, Manipur, also released an order on Tuesday amid the chaos involving students agitations demanding government action to save Manipur from external aggressors. Also Read | Manipur violence: Indefinite curfew imposed in Imphal amid renewed violence "In continuation of the government order on September 8, it has been ordered that all the government colleges, aided colleges, private colleges under the Higher and Technical Education department, Manipur shall continue to remain closed on Wednesday till Thursday, the order said. Another order issued on the same day by Education (Schools) declared extension of closure for all schools till Thursday. Schools have been closed since Saturday in the wake of escalating violence. Fresh Violence rocks Manipur Last week, fresh violence eruptedin the state resulting in the death of six people in states Jiribam district. Suspected Kuki insurgents targetted Nungchappi village, located 229 km from state capital Imphal, resulting in the death of 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha. The attack followed a rocket-propelled bomb assault in Moirang town. During the clashes in the remote Thangbuh village on Sunday night, a 46-year-old woman was killed after getting caught in a clash between two armed groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. Also Read | Manipur govt seeks control of Unified Command amid fresh violence in state Then on Monday night, women in Imphal took to the streets, staging a torchlight protest. The demonstrators marched through the streets of the violence-hit state, holding torches and posters while shouting slogans in Imphal's Thangmeiband. Manipur Violence: As fresh clashes erupted in the North Eastern state of Manipur, the state government directed all government and private colleges to remain closed on 11 September, Wednesday and 12 September, Thursday. The directive comes after more than 40 students were injured during confrontations with security forces as they attempted to march toward the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, on Tuesday. The demonstration aimed to press for the removal of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the security advisor to the state government. Manipur Protests On Tuesday, thousands of students and female protesters gathered to advance towards the Raj Bhavan on BT Road but were intercepted by security forces near the Congress Bhavan. The protesters, who were chanting slogans and hurling stones and glass marbles at the police, prompted the deployment of tear gas shells to control the situation, according to a police officer. In addition to this, students from Manipur University held a protest rally where they burned an effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Their protest later moved towards the state secretariat but was halted at Kakwa in the Imphal West district. The students are demanding the removal of the DGP and the state security advisor, accusing them of failing to effectively manage the law and order situation in Manipur. Internet ban, curfew in Manipur An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Imphal East and West districts, restricting residents from leaving their homes, while prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS are in effect in Thoubal. Also Read | Manipur violence: Schools shut today and on September 10 In response to escalating student protests, the Manipur government has suspended internet services statewide for five days to prevent the spread of images, hate speech, and videos via social media. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, continued his criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the public has dissipated following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On his US visit, to address the Indian diaspora, Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP in Herndon, Virginia, on Monday (local time). The leader alleged that the BJP and PM Modi had created an atmosphere of fear by creating pressure on small businesses through various agencies. He claimed that this fear had disappeared almost instantly after the election results were announced. Something has shifted since the elections. Some people said Darr nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab' (We are not afraid anymore, the fear is gone now), said the leader at the rally. Rahul Gandhi took a further jibe by stating how the BJP and PM Modi managed to instill so much fear over a period of years. The fear however, no longer stands, as it just vanished within seconds, said Gandhi, reported ANI. In Parliament, I see the Prime Minister right up front and I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with God, thats all gone now, its is all history now, further added Rahul Gandhi. Why is 'Mr Modi's idea all history Rahul Gandhi hinted at how Modi had attempted to create a towering impression of himself during the polls. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, PM Modi led Bharatiya Janata Party had campaigned along the lines of Abki baar 400 paar". The BJP Had expected to cross the majority mark by winning 400 seats. The Election results, declared on June 4, 2024, however, revealed otherwise. The BJP failed to get majority, and ended up winning 240 seats. Meanwhile, the Congress jumped to 99 seats, with the Opposition garnering a total of 293 seats, thus weakening BJP's claims. RaGa meets students at Georgetown University Rahul Gandhi also met with students at Georgetown University before attending the diaspora event in Virginia. He will also spend two days in Washington before returning to Delhi. The Lok Sabha Opposition leader further alleged that BJP fails to understand the Constitution of India, which states Bharat is a union state. Also Read | BJP releases 6th list of 10 candidates for J&K Assembly elections "The BJP doesn't understand that this country is of everyone... India is a union. In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union state, histories, tradition music and dance. They (BJP) say it is not a union, it is different," the Congress leader alleged. A video footage of an Audi car belonging to Sanket Bawankuleson of Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankuleallegedly ramming several vehicles on a busy road in Nagpur has has emerged. In the 14-second video clip, the luxury car can be seen hitting a car and then a bike. In the high-profile case, five people were present in the car when it allegedly crashed at around 1 am in Nagpur on Monday. Three of the occupants, including Sanket, managed to escape from the accident spot while the driver and one of their friends were arrested. According to media reports, Sanket Bawankule and his three friends were returning from a beer bar. Nagpur police have sent the blood samples of the arrested persons for examination. The collision left two people riding the bike injured. The car hit several other vehicles and the occupants of one such car chased the Audi and stopped it near Mankapur bridge, news agency PTI reported citing an unnamed police official. "The incident occurred in front of Centre Point Hotel. A car had fled after hitting two other cars and a bike. A case has been registered and two accused have been arrested," said Inspector Anamika Mirjhapure at the Sitabuldi Police Station. "The duo was taken to Tehsil police station, from where they were handed over for further probe to Sitabuldi police. The medical examination of driver Arjun Hawre and occupant Chittamwar is in progress. Driver Hawre could be placed under arrest at any time," the Nagpur police said. Meanwhile, Nagpur DCP said that Maharashtra Sanket Bawankule has confessed that he was present in the car when it allegedly hit several vehicles in Ramdaspeth area. Also Read | Sitaram Yechury critical; on respiratory support at AIIMS Earlier on Tuesday, Maharashtra BJP chief said that proper action should be taken against the culprits after a speeding luxury car allegedly hit several vehicles in Ramdaspeth area. Amid the rising number of road accidents and consequent deaths worldwide, India leads the list of countries. This has sparked concern for Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, who pointed out measures to make roads safer for motorists and pedestrians. Speaking at the Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)'s 64th annual conference in Delhi on 10 September, Gadkari requested all stakeholders to concentrate on reducing accidents, reported HT Auto. Also Read | Auto industry contributes nearly 15 per cent to total GST, says SIAM President Earlier too, Gadkari had spoken on the need for safer roads all across India. On Tuesday, the Union Minister requested the motor vehicle manufacturers to set up driving schools, ensuring those in control of automobiles are aware of local rules and regulations. "There are nearly 53 accidents and 18 deaths every hour in the country. Just imagine. 45 per cent of the accidents because of two-wheelers, 20 percent in pedestrians," HT Auto quoted Unioin Minister Nitin Gadkari as saying to OEMs during SIAM's annual event. He urged the OEMs to contribute to bringing the accident numbers down. "I really request you all to take interest in starting driver-training schools. Then we can train good drivers and it can be really positive solution. Working on faulty signage: The Union Minister admitted that his department is working faulty roads and signage. He underlined the need for safer vehicles and highlighted NCAP's importance. "Bharat NCAP will ensure healthy competition between manufacturers to have safer vehicles for customers," he said. The mother of the deceased trainee doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of dishonesty regarding financial compensation. On Monday, she refuted the Chief Minister's denial, asserting that Banerjee did offer monetary assistance after her daughter's death. What did victim's mother say? The Chief Minister is lying. My daughter will not return. Would I lie in her name? The Chief Minister told us we would receive money and suggested we create something in our daughter's memory. I responded that I would come to her office to collect the money once my daughter gets justice, the victim's mother told ANI. Earlier, CM Mamata Banerjee denied offering any money to the family of the deceased trainee doctor, who was raped and murdered in Kolkata. I have never offered money to the deceased doctor's family. This is nothing but slander. I only told the deceased doctor's parents that if they wished to do something in their daughter's memory, our government would support them. Kolkata Commissioner of Police, Vineet Goyal, offered to resign following the RG Kar protests, but we need someone knowledgeable in law and order as Durga Puja approaches, she said. The victim's cousin also said that the Chief Minister personally offered financial compensation to the family. The Chief Minister herself offered financial compensation. She denied that money was offered by the police. I'm still saying with responsibility that the Chief Minister offered money, the cousin said. CM Banerjee also encouraged people to return to festivities as Durga Puja nears and urged junior doctors to resume their duties as soon as possible. In response, the victim's mother expressed that this request seemed inhuman to her. "Durga Puja is celebrated in my house too; my daughter used to handle it herself. But Durga Puja will never be celebrated in my house again. The light in my home is out. How can I ask people to return to the festival?" she said. She further questioned, "If such an incident had happened in the Chief Minister's family, would she have said this?" The mother of the deceased second-year postgraduate medical student from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College has vowed to continue her advocacy until justice is achieved. The student was tragically raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of the college on August 9. On Monday, the Supreme Court instructed that no action be taken against doctors who return to work by 5 pm on Tuesday, amid ongoing proceedings related to the case. However, the court also warned that if doctors do not comply, the court will be unable to prevent the state government from disciplining them for further absences. IAF rape case: A Srinagar-based female flying officer in the Indian Air Force has lodged a police complaint accusing a senior Wing Commander of rape. An FIR has been registered at Budgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir, where both officers are stationed in Srinagar. The IAF has stated their cooperation with the investigation, saying, "We are aware of the case. Local police station Budgam has approached the Indian Air Force in Srinagar in this matter, and we are fully cooperating with the local authorities," according to NDTV report. IAF Officer raped by senior Srinagar According to the media report, the female IAF officer detailed harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture over the past two years. She recounted an incident from a New Year party on December 31, 2023, where her senior allegedly took her to his room under the pretense of delivering a gift. She claimed the Wing Commander told her his family was not home and then forced her into oral sex despite her repeated pleas to stop. Finally, I pushed him and ran away. He said that we would meet again on Friday when his family leaves, the NDTV report quoted the complaint filed by the IAF officer. She expressed her struggle to process the event and her fear of reporting it, citing previous discouragement. "I was afraid and didn't know what to do as there were instances before also wherein I was discouraged to report. He visited my office post this incident... He behaved as if nothing happened and there was no sign of remorse in his eyes," she said. IC probe stopped to hide mistakes After receiving advice from two other women officers, the female IAF officer filed a complaint. She alleged that a Colonel-rank officer was appointed to investigate and that the Wing Commander was made to sit with her twice in January. The IAF officer objected to the Wing Commander's presence and claimed the investigation was closed to "hide mistakes of administration." The officer further alleged that her complaint was not properly addressed by the internal committee, which she accused of bias. According to NDTV report, the IAF officer criticised the delay in her medical examination and the committees lack of thoroughness. The IAF officer aslo alleged that directrions had come froom higher ups to keep the result as neutral. "Everyone was aiding the sexual offender," she added. IAF officer alleges mental harassment The IAF officer also reported being denied leave requests and a different posting, and said she is forced to interact with her abuser while facing daily harassment from authorities. The Internal Committee concluded in May that the incident was inconclusive due to a lack of eyewitnesses. BJP leader in Tamil Nadu has accused the driver of School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh of being involved in the sexual assault of a college student, along with his friends. The leader also claimed that the accused blackmailed the victim using a video of the assault. He further alleged that the state police are attempting to cover up the crime, while Chief Minister MK Stalin is trying hard to divert public attention from School Education Minister and his misdeeds. Kolkata rape-murder case Highlights Vice President of Tamil Nadu BJP, Industrial cell, Selva Kumar, took to X and made the allegations and wrote, Another diversionary tactic from CM himself. Tamil Nadu CM is trying hard to divert public attention from School Education Minister and his misdeeds. School Education ministers @Anbil_Mahesh driver and their friends sexually abused a college girl, took video of that crime, used that video to blackmail the girl and forced themselves on her multiple times. The victim went to Police Superintendents office and complained about this, since ministers driver is involved no action taken so far. May be the police superintendent is busy covering up these crimes According to earlier investigation by India Today TV, it was found that, on September 3, a 17-year-old girl filed a complaint with the District Superintendent of Police, claiming that she had been gangrapped. While speaking to the media, the girl further claimed that the supposed accused and his friends had used a video of the encounter to blackmail her, threatening to release the film online if she didn't comply with their demands. Top news on Sept 10: A host of developments, updates, and events are expected in India and internationally on September 9 in the markets, political, financial and general spheres. We take a look. Nifty 50 closes above 25,000, Sensex nears 82,000; IT stocks drive rally The Indian stock market extended its gains for the second consecutive trading session on Tuesday, buoyed by a rally on Wall Street overnight amid hopes of a potential Fed rate cut next week. IT and pharma stocks led the surge, with the Nifty IT stocks rising 5%, fueled by optimism over rate cut and a positive outlook from domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal. Mid-cap and small-cap indices outperformed the benchmark, with the Nifty 50 gaining 0.42%, to close above the 25,000 mark at 25,041 points. Read More IT services cos to report operating profit margin at 22% in FY25, revenue growth muted Information technology (IT) services companies are likely to report muted revenue growth at four to six per cent in the current fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) for a second consecutive year. Despite the challenges, domestic credit rating agency ICRA projects the sector's operating profit margin (OPM) to remain healthy at ~22 per cent in FY2025, with attrition levels having declined considerably and expected to stabilise over the near term. Read More Aditya Ultra Steel IPO subscribed 4.34x on Day 2 so far; check GMP, subscription status, other key details to know The initial public offering (IPO) subscription period for Aditya Ultra Steel started on Monday, September 9, and will bewrapped up on Wednesday, September 11. With a face value of 10, the prices for the Aditya Ultra Steel IPO range from 59 to 62 per share. At least 2000 of those shares are up for bid, and there are multiples of those shares available. The company manufactures TMT bars, a type of rolled steel product, under the Kamdhenu brand, primarily for the building and infrastructure development industries. Using a rolling machine and reheating furnace, the firm turns billets into TMT bars. Read More Vision Infra Equipment Solutions IPO booked 66.73x on Day 3 so far; check GMP, subscription status, other key details Vision Infra Equipment Solutions' initial public offering (IPO) subscription period commenced on Friday, September 6 and will conclude on Tuesday, September 10. The prices for the Vision Infra Equipment Solutions IPO fall within the range of 155-163 per share, with a face value of 10. There are multiple shares available, and a minimum of 800 shares are open for bidding. Established in 2015, Vision Infra Equipment Solutions offers services related to airports, smart cities, irrigation, structures and industries, mining, railroads, etc. Read More Kolkata rape-murder case: Doctors cease work to continue despite SCs 5 pm deadline: Our demands are unfulfilled The junior doctors in West Bengal announced their decision to persist with their strike action, seeking justice for the RG Kar hospital trainee doctor who was raped and murdered. This comes despite the Supreme Court's directive for them to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday. Read More A 45-year-old woman was killed when a speeding truck ran over her in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district on Tuesday, police said. Maya Devi, a resident of Bharatpur village, was crossing the road in the morning when a speeding, unidentified truck ran over her, killing her on the spot, Station House Officer (SHO) Arvind Kumar Rai of Thariyaon police station said. Also Read | CCTV footage shows Maharashtra BJP chiefs son car ramming vehicles in Nagpur After the accident, several other vehicles passed over the body, further dismembering it, the SHO said. Kolkata doctor rape case: RG Kar Hospital's former principal, Sandip Ghosh's name, has surfaced in a 2017 sexual assault case involving a student male nurse in Hong Kong. A report has surfaced in which the 45-year-old Indian government doctor Sandip Ghosh has been accused of patting the left buttock of the male nurse, and trying to touch their private parts. The CBI is probing Sandip Ghosh for alleged financial irregularities. According to Hong Kong's daily news media My News report, Sandip Ghosh had indecently assaulted the student nurse and asked him, Do you like it? Mint could not independently verify whether Sandip Ghosh, mentioned in the Hong Kong case, is the former principal of RG Kar Hospital. Sandip Ghosh in Hong Kong According to the report, Sandip Ghosh, an Indian government doctor, participated in a clinical attachment program in Hong Kong when the incident occurred. On April 8, 2017, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong's Kowloon, a student nurse accused Sandip Ghosh, an orthopaedic doctor, of sexual assault. Ghosh claimed the situation was a misunderstanding, explaining that he accidentally touched a nurse's hip while demonstrating how to address a dislocated shoulder by pulling on his arm. Denying the nurse's allegations, Ghosh recounted that he had said, "Do it like this. Sandip Ghosh pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault at the Kowloon City Court. Defence counsel David Boyton argued that the accusation was a "convenient excuse" for the nurse's tardiness and suggested a misunderstanding due to Ghoshs accent. The nurse admitted to being late frequently but denied any misinterpretation. Also Read | Sandip Ghosh ordered renovation near crime scene at Kolkata hospital: Report Sandip Ghosh stated he sought help for a recurrent shoulder dislocation that morning and claimed no ill intentions. Dr Wilson Li, a defence witness, confirmed that Ghosh had a history of shoulder dislocation, supported by his MRI scan and Indian medical records. Hong Kong Court acquits Sandip Ghosh Asia Times reported that the Kowloon City magistrate's court acquitted Sandip Ghosh. The magistrate accepted Ghoshs explanation and his recurrent shoulder dislocation condition, and the misunderstanding that might have arisen due to the victim misinterpreting the defendants English accent, the article stated. Also Read | Sandip Ghosh moves SC challenging HC order for CBI probe into graft case The South China Morning Post noted that the case curtailed Ghosh's stay. Due to the lawsuit, the hospital stopped his posting and therefore he actually only worked there for a few days, the newspaper reported. Kolkata Doctor Rape Case: Sandip Ghosh The West Bengal government-run RG Kar Hospital's former principal Sandip Ghosh has been under fire after a 31-year-old PG trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the medical institute on August 9. The victim's parents have alleged that the hospital authorities had initially ruled out their daughter's death as suicide. The CBI has probed if Sandip Ghosh had orchestrated the manipulation. RG Kar Hospital's former deputy superintendent, Dr Akhtar Ali, lodged multiple complaints of financial irregularities at the establishment during Sandip Ghosh's tenure as principal. The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, stayed the proceedings in the criminal defamation complaint against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor over a scorpion sitting on a Shivling comment that he had made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. The Supreme Court issued notice on the petition, which is returnable within four weeks, and has stayed the proceedings. According to a report by PTI, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and R Mahadevan was hearing the matter. The Congress MP had moved the SC against the Delhi High Court's order issued on August 29, 2024, rejecting Tharoor's plea to quash the defamation case. The Delhi HC had held that Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor's scorpion on Shivling" remark in 2018 defamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of the BJP Party. A person named Rajeev Babbar filed a criminal complaint against Shashi Tharoor on November 2, 2018. He had claimed that the Congress MP's statement hurt his religious sentiments. He had further described Tharoor's statement as intolerable abuse and absolute vilification of the faiths of several people, according to LiveLaw. Scorpion sitting on Shivling In October 2018, at the Bangalore Literature Festival, Shashi Tharoor referred to an unknown Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader, comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. The Congress leader had termed it as an extraordinarily striking metaphor. Advocate Mohammed Ali Khan, who represented Shashi Tharoor, said that his client had merely quoted from an article published in the Caravan Magazine in 2012, which contained the remark reported Live Law. Khan further observed that if the same remark had not been defamatory in 2012, how could it become so in 2018? I don't know why somebody has taken objection to this. Responding to Khan, Justice Roy stated that the scorpion remark could also point out the invincibility of the person. He further added that a metaphor could be interpreted in a number of ways. Junior resident doctors in West Bengal vowed to continue their strike on Tuesday despite the Supreme Court directive ordering them to resume work by 5 pm. The doctors are protesting the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, demanding heightened security and justice for the victim. The protesting doctors want CCTVs installed and increased security on the hospital premises. They have also demanded that all people involved in the crime be caught and punished. We want our demands to be met by 5 pm, regarding CCTVs and security. We also demand that rapists and murderers be caught. If our demands are not fulfilled, we will continue to protest against the health department, said Dr Sumit Singh, one of the protesting doctors, speaking to PTI. The protesters are also demanding the resignation of the state's health secretary and the director of health education. The junior doctors have been on strike for over a month. The West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court that as many as 23 people have died since the doctors went on strike. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked people to return to festivities as Durga Puja nears and asked junior doctors to resume their duties. It has been one month (since August 9). Now, I request for everyone to return to preparations for Durga Puja, come back to the festive mood, Mamata Banerjee told at the press conference, on September 9, 2024. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee admits postponing Kolkata police chiefs resignation The Kolkata doctor rape and murder case has taken a political turn. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar, on September 8, wrote to Mamta Banerjee stating that he is resigning from the Rajya Sabha due to corruption by a section of leaders of the party and lack of action against them. The BJP reacted to Sircars resignation, saying it exposed the dirt, corruption and dictatorial attitude within the party. The victim's mother, too, accused Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering compensation to them. On Monday, she refuted the Chief Minister's denial, asserting that Banerjee did offer monetary assistance after her daughter's death. On Friday, in a televised statement before Independence Day celebrations, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized that "no country is truly independent if it tolerates threats to its sovereignty," referring to the country's decision to impose a ban on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. This recent action by the Brazilian government has sparked widespread discussion in the international community. On the surface, this appears to be a controversy about freedom of speech, but in reality, it involves a struggle between national sovereignty and multinational corporations. According to relevant reports, the Brazilian Supreme Court made this decision mainly because X failed to comply with the court's previous orders, including not appointing its legal representative in Brazil within the specified time limit. Furthermore, the platform did not take adequate measures against the spread of fake news, hate speech and anti-democratic rhetoric. This decision reflects the Brazilian government's determination to maintain national stability, prevent political polarization and protect democratic institutions. It was made based on the requirements of Brazilian domestic law. However, Western countries, especially the US, have hyped this as a freedom of speech issue. This reaction, while seemingly concerning norms of free speech, is about protecting the interests of US multinational corporations. Beneath the guise of freedom of speech lies the greed of capital. This brings to mind economist Thomas L. Friedman's view that "No two countries that both have a McDonald's have ever fought a war against each other." The error in this view lies in treating the institutional norms of Western countries, including free speech norms and rules, as universal standards. Promoting these so-called universal norms globally would benefit the expansion of Western multinational corporations and the colonization of ideas. Respect for a country's sovereignty first involves respect for its laws. Brazil's decision pertains to regulating social media platforms, which encompasses both the boundaries of free speech and the management of these platforms. Brazil has punished X in accordance with its laws, rather than based on a "potential security threat," an excuse often adopted by Washington. The country wants to ensure that multinational companies like X can operate legally in Brazil without undermining its stability and economic order. It's worth noting that while X is a social media platform, this doesn't mean it should enjoy privileges that other businesses do not. Any enterprise wishing to operate in another country must comply with local laws and regulations. This principle applies to all industries, and social media platforms are no exception. In the current context of dramatic changes in global geopolitics, the importance of national sovereignty is becoming increasingly prominent. This trend is evident in Brazil, as well as globally and in Western countries. Global geopolitics is resisting the international flow of capital and the transnational expansion of enterprises. The Brazilian government's decision reflects the attitude of an emerging power when facing multinational tech giants. It demonstrates that even in the internet age, nations still have the power and responsibility to regulate businesses operating within their borders to protect national interests and citizens' rights. This approach is not a suppression of free speech but a preservation of national sovereignty. At the same time, this incident highlights the challenges facing global internet governance. As social media platforms' influence continues to grow worldwide, balancing the protection of freedom of speech with the maintenance of national security has become a common challenge for governments. Countries may adopt different strategies based on their political, cultural and legal traditions. The critical point is that the laws of each country must be followed. When discussing global issues, it's essential to think beyond Western centrism and ensure that every country's laws, legal system, sovereignty and cultural norms are fully respected. - Global Times The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has notified 51 doctors for promoting a culture of intimidation, hampering the democratic atmosphere of the institution. These doctors will appear before the enquiry committee on September 11. The list comprises senior residents, house staff, interns and professors. A report by PTI, citing the hospital notice, said the doctors have to prove their innocence before the committee. The Special Council Committee of RG Kar Hospital has decided to restrict the access of these 51 doctors to the hospital premises unless the enquiry committee summons them. Additionally, participation in college activities is prohibited, it added. The R G Kar Hospital has been in the news after the tragic death of a postgraduate trainee doctor at its premises on August 9. The junior doctors have been protesting since then. The deceased doctor was reportedly raped and murdered while on duty. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and protests. The protesting doctors have claimed that they will continue to cease work to get justice for the rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar hospital. On Sunday, people hit the streets of Kolkata demanding justice for the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. The mother of the post-graduate trainee whose body was found in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 said she had one child, and now all the protesting doctors are her children. On Monday, the Supreme Court asked all the protesting doctors to return to work by 5 pm on Tuesday. If the doctors do not adhere to the top court ruling, the state government can take disciplinary action against those protesting, the Supreme Court said. Amid renewed violence in Manipur , a total curfew has been announced in Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal districts of Manipur from 11 am today i.e. September 10. The prohibitory orders were imposed in three districts of Manipur, a day after student protests demanding the restoration of peace in the strife-torn state rocked Imphal Valley. Also Read | Manipur govt seeks control of Unified Command amid fresh violence in state As per the order, the movement of persons belonging to essential services such as Health, PHED, Municipal Officials/ Staffs, Power, petrol pumps, functioning of Courts, to and fro movement of flight passengers, and Media personnel shall be exempted from the curfew. The orders from the two Imphal districts came in the wake of students planning to intensify their protests demanding the removal of the DGP and security advisor to the state government for their alleged inability to deal with the law and order situation in the state. Similarly, in Thoubal, restrictions were enforced after a student protest on Monday reportedly turned violent, resulting in a police officer being shot in the thigh, allegedly by someone within the protesting group. Earlier yesterday, the Director of School Education had directed schools in Manipur to remain shut on September 9 and 10 amid escalating violence and unrest in the state government by Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led BJP government. In continuation of this office order of even number dated the 6th September 2024, all schools of the state, government, government aided, private and central schools, will stay closed on September 9 and September 10, 2024, reads the notice. Fresh violence in Manipur Last week, fresh violence erupted in the state resulting in the death of six people in states Jiribam district. Suspected Kuki insurgents targetted Nungchappi village, located 229 km from state capital Imphal, resulting in the death of 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha. The attack followed a rocket-propelled bomb assault in Moirang town. During the clashes in the remote Thangbuh village on Sunday night, a 46-year-old woman was killed after getting caught in a clash between two armed groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. Then on Monday night, women in Imphal took to the streets, staging a torchlight protest. The demonstrators marched through the streets of the violence-hit state, holding torches and posters while shouting slogans in Imphal's Thangmeiband. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Tuesday that Rahul Gandhi is against reservation for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. The Congress leader's prejudice against the provision, the saffron party said, came out in the open during his interaction with students of Georgetown University in the United States of America. The BJP's accusation came after Rahul Gandhi told the students at the university that the Congress would think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place, which he said is not the case right now. Responding to Gandhi's comments, BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Rahul Gandhi, who pleads and claims to be saving the Constitution, has said in America that he (his party) will scrap reservation when the conditions so warrant a fairness." "With this, the prejudice against reservation which Rahul Gandhi has in abundance got reflected in America," Prasad was quoted as saying in a PTI report. He alleged that the Congress leader's campaign to save the Constitution and save reservation is nothing but a 'charade'. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha is on a three-day tour of US. Prasad said that former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were also against providing reservation to the members of the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He also targeted the opposition INDIA bloc and asked DMK chief M K Stalin, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and leaders of the Left parties to break their silence on Gandhi's remark. "I want to warn (people) that if the Congress tries to tamper with the provision of reservation in any way or scrap it, the BJP will vehemently oppose it," he said. During the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Congress-led opposition INDIA bloc had launched a fierce campaign against the BJP alleging that the saffron party would change the Constitution and end reservation if voted back to power. Constitution not in danger until PM Modi is alive Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also slammed Rahul Gandhi over his remarks saying that there was no need to go outside India and talk about reservations, adding that as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is alive, there is no threat to the Constitution. "I think reservation in India will end when people from the bottom come up, here everyone should get economic justice along with social justice. When Rahul Gandhi goes outside India, he talks against India. There is no need to go there and talk about reservations. The Constitution is not in danger. As long as Prime Minister Modi and we are alive, there is no threat to the Constitution," Athawale told news agency ANI. Also Read | Bharat Jodo Yatra introduced idea of love in politics: Rahul Gandhi in Texas It is said that opposition camp's pitch on the issue of reservation was one of the key reasons behind the BJP ending up winning 240 seats in Lok Sabha Elections 2024. "We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place. And India is not a fair place," Gandhi, the Raebareli MP said in the US. "When you look at the financial numbers, tribals get 10 paise out of 100; Dalits get 5 out of 100, and OBCs get a similar number. The fact of the matter is that they're not getting participation," he said. Prasad said it was not an off-the-cuff comment. "It's a well thought out strategy and conspiracy" of the Congress to scrap the provision of reservation on getting such an opportunity, he alleged, adding, "The Congress is anti-reservation. It opposes the interests of Dalit, Adivasi and OBCs." Rahul Gandhi's campaign to save the Constitution is nothing but a charade. Prasad alleged that Gandhi is on a mission mode to "demean, degrade and insult" India whenever he goes abroad referring to the remarks the Congress leader made abroad so far. "His love for China also becomes visible," the BJP leader added. Kolkata rape-murder case: Amid massive protests against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks to the public to return to Durga Puja (mood) has ignited widespread criticism. It has been one month (since August 9). Now, I request for everyone to return to preparations for Durga Puja, come back to the festive mood, Mamata Banerjee told at the press conference, on September 9, 2024. Let her return our daughter Mamta Banerjee's remarks drew a sharp response from the victim's parents. What about our festivities when we have lost our daughter? Let her return our daughter. Would she have said the same had this happened in her family? the parents asked, reported PTI. The deceased victim's parents further said that they had always celebrated Durga Puja with their daughter and called out Mamata Banerjee for her insensitive comments. We celebrated Durga Puja with our daughter, we will not celebrate Durga Puja or any other festival for years to come. Her remarks are insensitive, the parents said, according to a PTI report. Opposition parties in Bengal slam Mamta Banerjee BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in Bengal Assembly, asked if the Chief Minister considered people her puppets. He further claimed that Durga Puja festivities were yet to begin, as the demon had not been slayed. (Do you think) they will stand, sit, celebrate and stop protests when you ask them to? The Pujo fortnight has not started yet, the demon is yet to be slayed. Be patient, the Mother's power has awakened, it will cleanse Bengal [sic], he said in a post on X. The BP State President, Sukanta Majumdar, also responded strongly, asking if Mamata Banerjee thought of Bengal residents as slaves. What does she think? She will decide when people will stop the protests? questioned Majumder, according to sources. RG Kar rape, murder case It has been one month since the RG Kar rape-murder case happened on August 9, 2024. Protests have erupted ever since, with doctors going on strikes. (Bloomberg) -- Southwest Airlines Co. is requiring all of its pilots to undergo additional training at its Dallas base after a series of flight incidents this year triggered an enhanced safety review by US regulators. The one-day sessions are intended to foster discussions among aviators about specific events and working together as a flight crew to appropriately manage risks, according to a company memo seen by Bloomberg. The carrier plans to bring its personnel to a training facility at its headquarters starting in November. Over the past few months, we have seen an increase in safety events the memo said, noting that meaningful work is underway to address these events and advance our safety. The US Federal Aviation Administration in July launched an audit of the carrier following multiple flight safety incidents. In April, a Southwest flight plunged to within 400 feet of the ocean off Hawaii. Two other flights one in June in Oklahoma City and one in July in Tampa, Florida also flew unusually low, while an aircraft took off from a closed runway in separate lapse. The FAAs review of Southwest and a similar inquiry into United Airlines Holdings Inc. underscore a heightened focus on safety after multiple carriers experienced headline-grabbing incidents this year. Most notable was a January near-catastrophe in which a door covering blew off a Boeing Co. 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines shortly after takeoff. Before the FAA began its review, Southwest had formed a team including regulators, airline leaders and pilot union members to identify areas of improvement in its safety management system. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- SpaceX is openly criticizing what it sees as unacceptable delays in the licensing process for the next launch of its Starship rocket, saying US government approval is going to take months longer than it originally expected. In a lengthy update posted on its website Tuesday, SpaceX said it expects to receive a license from the Federal Aviation Administration in late November to launch the fifth test flight of its Starship rocket. The FAA previously communicated a mid-September approval time frame, SpaceX said. An FAA representative didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. SpaceX released its update as Kelvin Coleman, the head of the FAAs Commercial Space Transportation office, testified at a House hearing on how to better streamline the rocket launch licensing process. In response to a question about the pace of approval, Coleman addressed Starship specifically. Missions change. Technologies on the vehicles change, which require a modification to the license, Coleman said, later adding: It is the company that is pushing mission-by-mission approvals. Thats what the pace is about. SpaceX has said that the vehicles it needs for its fifth Starship launch have been ready since August. The upcoming test launch will see Starships main booster attempt to come back to the launch site after taking off, where it will be caught by SpaceXs launch tower. Subscribe to Business of Space: The inside stories of investments beyond Earth, from satellite networks to moon landings. Delivered weekly. The Elon Musk-led company said the reason for the delay wasnt due to a new safety concern but is driven by superfluous environmental analysis. Unfortunately, instead of focusing resources on critical safety analysis and collaborating on rational safeguards to protect both the public and the environment, the licensing process has been repeatedly derailed by issues ranging from the frivolous to the patently absurd, SpaceX said. In August, CNBC reported that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) had sent a notice of violation to SpaceX, warning that the company had violated environmental regulations by repeatedly releasing pollutants. The warning was in regards to SpaceXs water deluge system, a massive fountain underneath Starships launch mount that releases water to mitigate damage from the powerful blast during liftoff. CNBC also reported that an investigation by TCEQ found that SpaceX had operated the water deluge system multiple times without permitting for wastewater discharge. In its post, SpaceX criticized the CNBC story and pushed back on the notion that its water deluge system releases pollutants. It uses literal drinking water, SpaceX wrote. Outflow water has been sampled after every use of the system and consistently shows negligible traces of any contaminants, and specifically, that all levels have remained below standards for all state permits that would authorize discharge. SpaceX also argued that it always operated the water deluge system with a permit. However, the company had been operating under a more general permit for much of the last year. The company applied for a more specific wastewater discharge permit in July, months after the Environmental Protection Agency sent SpaceX a separate notice of violation, CNBC reported. When the EPA issued its Administrative Order in March 2024, it was done before seeking a basic understanding of the facts of the water-cooled steel flame deflectors operation or acknowledgment that we were operating under the Texas Multi-Sector General Permit, SpaceX wrote. (Updates with new details from fourth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com NASA has given the green light for next month's launch of the Europa Clipper mission, set to explore Jupiters moon Europa, following a review of the spacecraft's resilience to intense radiation, on September 10. This approval, announced on Monday, comes after concerns were raised earlier this year regarding the reliability of the spacecraft's transistors. Similar issues with electronics had surfaced in other missions, prompting NASA to expedite testing ahead of the tight October launch window, as per PTI. The Europa Clipper mission, which costs $5 billion, aims to determine whether the ocean believed to exist beneath Europas icy surface could support life. With a launch scheduled for October 10 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, NASA has a three-week window to send the spacecraft on its journey. If missed, the mission would be delayed for over a year, waiting for the next ideal planetary alignment. The spacecraft must use gravitational assists from both Mars and Earth to reach Jupiter, as per PTI. Jordan Evans, the project manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, confirmed that the mission had addressed the concerns about transistor degradation. The transistors, found throughout the spacecrafts circuits, are expected to suffer wear and tear from Europa's intense radiation. However, Evans explained, "They should recover during the three weeks between each encounter," referring to the 49 planned flybys of the moon. Testing over the past four months involved teams from various labs working non-stop to ensure the spacecrafts systems could handle the harsh environment. According to Evans, the team now has high confidence we can complete the original mission for exploring Europa as planned. We are ready for Jupiter, as quoted by PTI. Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary has sparked a debate with his blunt remarks on people's spending habits, particularly regarding expensive coffee and food orders. Stop buying coffee for $5.50. You got to work and spend $15 on a sandwich what are you, an idiot? O'Leary said in a video clip posted on Instagram. "It costs 99 cents to make a sandwich at home and bring it with you. You start to add that up every day; it's a ton of money. Most people, particularly working in metropolitan cities, are just starting on their job, making their first $60,000, piss away about $15,000 a year on stupid stuff, and that's what they should stop doing, he added. Also Read | 8 reasons why coffee is good for you Earlier, Chris Ellison, the managing director of Mineral Resources, opined against flexible working hours and said that the industry could not afford it. Ellison also does not want staff to leave the office to buy coffee. According to reports, about 80 per cent of Americans consume at least one cup of coffee at home. Many Americans who enjoy coffee are interested in bringing the atmosphere of a coffee shop into their homes with coffee makers. An average American household spends nearly $75 on coffee yearly for domestic use. Also Read | Instant Coffee Affinity Takes Robusta Beans From Stepchild to Favorite This number rises yearly as premium coffee and speciality brewing techniques become popular. According to reports, around 12 per cent of Americans go to coffee shops every day, whereas about 36 per cent go to a coffee shop once a week. On average, Americans spend $21.3 on coffee shops every week, which is more than brewing coffee at home. Apart from big players such as Starbucks, speciality coffee shops are also gaining popularity among youngsters. Andrew Tate Controversy: I should rape you or not, horrific messages by Andrew Tate, currently detained on charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, have surfaced. Two British survivors have accused the social media influencer and kickboxer Andrew Tate of rape and strangulation. The Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, are facing legal troubles in Romania, having been detained on charges of human trafficking and sexually exploiting underage individuals. Also Read | Andrew Tate to be tried in court in Romania on charges of rape and trafficking The two British woman have accused Tate brothers of raping' and strangulating them. The women have reported being strangled and raped by Andrew Tate, while another woman has alleged that Tristan Tate raped her, also using strangulation as a means of control. According to a BBC report, the woman revealed messages that Andrew Tate had sent her. A woman who dated Andrew Tate in 2013, identified only as 'Anna,' has detailed a harrowing experience of sexual coercion. She told the BBC that Tate, with chilling indifference, contemplated whether or not to rape her. Im debating whether I should rape you or not, one of the rape survivors told the BBC. The women came forward with detailed accounts of abuse dating back over a decade, during the time Andrew Tate was residing in Luton. He started kissing me and he just looked up at the ceiling and said, Im just debating whether I should rape you or not. Out of the blue he just grabbed me by the throat, smashed me to the back of the bed, strangling me extremely hard, Anna said. The influencer also sent her texts about enjoying the violence he inflicted. The more you didnt like it, the more I enjoyed it, he said in a voice note to the victim. He also wrote in a text message, I love raping you. Also Read | Andrew Tate granted release from house arrest awaits trial for human trafficking Another woman, Sienna, said that she met Tristan Tate in 2014 and was strangled to unconsciousness during sex. I was absolutely terrified. I just remember gasping for air It was rape, she said. He kept raping her even after she regained consciousness, Sienna added. The recent allegations against Andrew Tate are part of a broader pattern of similar claims. Numerous women have reported that Tate employed manipulation and control to entrap them in abusive situations. According to the BBC, at least five women in the UK have alleged that Tate strangled them during sexual encounters. In response to these claims, Tate denied the allegations in a 2023 interview, stating, I know Ive never hurt anybody. Its not in my nature to hurt people. The biggest US banks would face a 9% increase in capital requirements a dramatic retreat from the original plan after regulators agreed to sweeping changes to a proposed package of rules, according to people familiar with the matter. The original plan by the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency had called for a 19% jump in the capital that the eight US global systemically important banks, including Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., must hold as a cushion against unexpected losses and financial shocks. Sharp reductions to the capital mandates are more likely to appease banks, which unleashed one of their fiercest lobbying campaigns after the proposals introduction last year. The drafted revisions could also help Fed Chair Jerome Powell meet his goal of drawing broad support from the central banks board. Powell has made it clear to banks that he also wants to avoid a lengthy legal battle. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr plans to preview the changes in a speech Tuesday. The three regulators are expected to release up to 450 pages of revisions as soon as Sept. 19, Bloomberg reported last week. The capital overhaul first announced in July 2023 is tied to Basel III, an international accord that started more than a decade ago in response to the global financial crisis of 2008. The Fed later floated a dramatically weaker version of the plan to other regulators, alarming some agency officials. That weaker version had suggested an overall capital increase as low as 5% for a broad group of US banks, down from roughly 16% in the original proposal. The plan to be outlined on Tuesday will likely be subject to a 60-day comment period, and final adoption might not take place until well into next year, Powell has said. Banks will almost certainly request an extension to the 60-day timeline, said Jeremy Kress, a former Fed bank-policy attorney who now teaches business law at the University of Michigan. But thats only one risk. Even if the agencies were to finalize a rule before Inauguration Day, a Trump win could jeopardize its implementation, Kress said. A Republican-controlled Congress could overturn the rule through a Congressional Review Act resolution, or the banking agencies could delay the compliance date and eventually repeal the rule. Theres no guarantee that individual banks will be satisfied by the smaller overall capital hikes, as industry members have cited a wide range of concerns from how trading risks are treated to how the proposals interact with annual stress tests. But firms may be reticent to mount a legal challenge on their own. It is highly unlikely that a solo bank would step out on its own against the pack, said Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, a financial risk and bank consultant who previously worked at the New York Fed. That may likely prove unhelpful for that lender. With assistance from Katherine Doherty and Sally Bakewell. Gaza-Israel War: Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has hailed India's global role and its manifestation in West Asia when asked if New Delhi could play a role in resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. On Tuesday, Azar noted that it was up to India to decide on mediating and resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. He mentioned the great relations between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Also Read | SC dismisses PIL seeking gag order to halt arms export to Israel over Gaza war Speaking about India's influence, Azar added, The initiative we saw last year of the growing bonds between India and the UAE and how they have been concluding agreements that would allow India to connect better to the Gulf. The statement comes as India and the UAE ink a pact that provides a framework for providing services for operating and maintaining nuclear plants in the emirate. It serves as a hub to connect east and west, Azar commented. Also Read | At least 40 dead in Israeli airstrike on humanitarian zone in Gaza strip India's policy towards Palestine has been longstanding and consistent. According to an official statement by the Indian government, India has supported a negotiated two-state solution towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. On the ongoing Gaza war, India condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 by the Hamas fighters. India also condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict Also Read | Hamas releases heartbreaking new video of slain US-Israeli hostage amid Gaza war We have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy", read an official statement by MEA. * Justice Department alleges Google stymied competition in online ad tech * Google denies allegations, citing competition in apps and connected TV * Trial to feature witnesses from Google, competitors and publishers By Jody Godoy ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept 9 - Alphabet's Google sought to dominate all sides of online advertising technology by controlling competitors and customers, a Justice Department prosecutor said as trial began in the tech titan's latest antitrust showdown in Alexandria, Virginia on Monday. Prosecutors say Google has largely dominated the technological infrastructure that funds the flow of news and information on websites through more than 150,000 online ad sales every second. Google used classic monopoly-building tactics of eliminating competitors through acquisitions, locking customers into using its products, and controlling how transactions occurred in the online ad market, Julia Tarver Wood, an attorney with the Justice Department's antitrust division, said in an opening statement. "Google is not here because they are big, they are here because they used that size to crush competition," she said. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema is hearing the case without a jury, and will issue a ruling after the multi-week trial concludes. The Justice Department and a coalition of states based their case on "ancient history" from a time when Google was still working on making its tools able to connect to competitors', said Google's lead attorney Karen Dunn. Google's tools are now interoperable with its rivals, and the company faces competition from technology companies including Amazon.com Inc and Comcast as digital ad spending shifts to apps and streaming video, she said. The case is "like a time capsule that if you broke it open you would find a BlackBerry, an iPod and a Blockbuster Video card," she said. Dunn compared the allegations to claims that Google defeated in the recent search monopoly case. Dunn left the courtroom after delivering the opening statement. She is preparing Vice President Kamala Harris for a televised debate with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday. At trial, prosecutors are seeking to show Google used dominant positions in technology for publishers and advertisers to keep them from using other tools and undercut bids placed through competitors' products. Tim Wolfe, an advertising executive at Gannett, testified on Monday that the company has used Google's publisher ad server for around 13 years, and that there are no other realistic options. If Brinkema finds that Google broke the law, she would later consider prosecutors' request to make Google sell off, at minimum, Google Ad Manager, a platform that includes Google's publisher ad server and its ad exchange. Shares in Alphabet were down 1.7% in the afternoon. According to research by stock analyst Wedbush, Google's ad tech tools accounted for $20 billion, or 11% of the company's gross revenue in 2020 and around $1 billion, or 2.6%, of operating profit that year. Ad Manager represented 4.1% of revenue and 1.5% of operating profit in 2020, according to Wedbush research and analysis of court documents. More recent figures were redacted from court documents. The case is one of several challenging alleged Big Tech monopolies. The Justice Department won a ruling against Google last month in another case over its dominance in online search, and is separately suing Apple. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is pursuing cases against Facebook parent Meta Platforms and Amazon. Israel proposed giving Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar safe passage out of Gaza in exchange for the group freeing the hostages it holds and giving up control of the strip, a senior official said, even as doubts deepen about the two sides ability to reach any cease-fire accord. Im ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him, Israel hostage envoy Gal Hirsch said in an interview Tuesday in the Bloomberg News Washington bureau. We want the hostages back. We want demilitarization, de-radicalization of course a new system that will manage Gaza. Hirsch said he put the offer of safe passage on the table a day and a half ago and declined to characterize the response so far. He reiterated that Israel would also be willing to release prisoners it holds as part of any deal. Hirsch described the offer as part of an effort to come up with new solutions as prospects for a cease-fire look more and more dim. The US, Qatar and Egypt are working to present Israel with a new cease-fire proposal, but Hirsch said Hamas has so far sought to dictate terms rather than negotiate. Its unclear whether Hamas would accept the proposal for Sinwar to leave Gaza, especially given Israels history of operations targeting operatives abroad. Israel hasnt taken responsibility for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran. But Iran has said the killing Haniyeh was slain in a bomb blast at a Tehran guest house was Israels handiwork. Adding to the stakes, Israelis see Sinwar as both the mastermind of the Oct. 7 attacks that triggered the Hamas-Israel conflict and a symbol of Palestinian armed struggle. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done in the past, Hirsch compared Sinwar to Hitler. In parallel, I must work on plan B, C and D because I must bring the hostages back home, Hirsch said. The clock is ticking, the hostages do not have time. Further adding to doubts around the safe-passage idea, Hirsch vowed what he called a Munich-type response to target those who killed six Israeli hostages in late August. That was a reference to the years-long assassination campaign Israel launched after Palestinian militants killed 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. There will be a price for these murders, Hirsch said of the recent hostage deaths. Israeli leaders have floated the idea of exile for Hamas leaders before. In May, Netanyahu told the podcast Call Me Back that the idea of exile is there, we have always discussed it, but I think the most important thing is that they surrender. If they lay down their arms, the war is over. Also Tuesday, Israel offered new details of the six hostages captivity, providing journalists with video footage of the tunnel where they were kept. The space was about 100 yards long and just over five feet high. It was very humid and hard to breathe in, Israel Defense spokesman Daniel Hagari said. He said Israeli forces found a makeshift toilet, bottles of urine, mattresses, energy bars and tuna fish that showed the hostages had been in the cramped space for some time. The hostages were shot using two different weapons and died protecting each other, he said. Hagari echoed Hirschs remarks, saying Israeli forces would hunt down those responsible. On Tuesday, the Hamas-run health ministry said 19 people were killed in an overnight airstrike on Mawasi, near the city of Khan Younis. About 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza. The Iran-backed groups fighters killed about 1,200 people and abducted 250 during the Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel that touched off the conflict. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union. With assistance from Ethan Bronner and Galit Altstein. Israel is still interested in normalizing diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, Economy Minister Nir Barkat said, even after plans were derailed by the Oct. 7 assault and the war with Hamas. Asked if Israel wanted to restart talks with Saudi Arabia, Barkat told Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power, I believe so. He said Israel wants to expand the Abraham Accords, which were signed under the Trump administration and established ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. I see how the Saudis and other moderate Arab states, including potentially Indonesia and others, are waiting to have a window of opportunity to enter and expand the Abraham Accords we bless it, Barkat said. Its in our best interest, its in their best interest, its in Americas best interest to align with the moderate Arab states, he added. They write big checks. Theyre interested in collaboration and integrating with the West. And we are the gateway for that. Before the war, the US was engaged in efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, in part to help form a regional bulwark against Iranian influence. Iran backs Hamas as well as the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, both designated as terrorist organizations by the US. But those efforts fell apart after the Oct. 7 attack in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and took about 250 hostages, sparking a war that, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has led to some 41,000 Palestinian deaths and prompted outrage from Arab capitals. With assistance from Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu. The race for Japans next leader might lack the dire rhetoric seen in the US election warnings that choosing the wrong candidate will result in the country ending democracy or ushering in communism. But its a mistake to dismiss the contest for leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, who will by default become Japans next prime minister, as unimportant. At stake is the future of a party that has defined postwar stability in one of the worlds most important economies. That Japanese politics fails to incite the drama seen on the other side of the Pacific is a feature, not a bug. But its not one that will endure forever. To remain relevant, the LDP needs to reinvent itself for a new generation. After three years of near-constant scandals under outgoing leader Fumio Kishida, lawmakers are getting desperate. Kishida wasnt responsible for revelations around the Unification Church and political funding, but neither was he powerful nor savvy enough to recast these narratives. The misconduct has chipped away not just at his own popularity but at the partys support. Faced with such drops in the past, party elders have closed ranks around an experienced candidate. But this time, the LDP wants to rebrand itself with a free-for-all race. Party advertising has dubbed the contest The Match, complete with a poster more suited to a wrestling Royal Rumble and a dramatic slogan: Who do the times demand? Already, seven politicians have declared their candidacies, more than any previous election under current rules. Another three more may join before campaign sprint officially begins; the vote itself is set for Sept. 27. Its not just sheer numbers: The defining element of this election is the LDPs willingness, born of its desperation, to turn to figures who previously would have been rejected as too inexperienced or unconventional. The party needs a candidate untouched by the recent scandals and untainted by association with the current administration. The biggest beneficiary has been Shinjiro Koizumi, the 43-year-old political scion seen by many as the de facto frontrunner. Ever since entering politics in 2009 hes has been touted as a future leader. His father, Junichiro Koizumi, a former leader who enjoyed sky-high approval ratings when he took over, cautioned him on running before he turned 50. But the younger Koizumi evidently sees this as his best chance. Hes off to a strong start. On Friday, he delivered an impressive performance at a press conference announcing his candidacy, smartly batting away aggressive questions about his supposed low intellect. He also deftly drew on elements of his fathers best work, recalling his catchphrase of reform without sacred areas. Despite being a fourth-generation politician, Koizumi would nonetheless represent a dramatic shift. Hed be the youngest leader in the countrys history, and with his camera-ready good looks and TV-friendly family, including his two young children with celebrity wife Christel Takigawa, he would visually represent the cleanest break lawmakers could hope for. Questions remain, however, over his inexperience. The most senior position he has ever held was environment minister. That rawness has led him astray before, with a series of verbal gaffes that have spawned online memes about his supposed vacuousness. These concerns might instead open the door for Shigeru Ishiba, who is similarly popular with the public but boasts deep experience in multiple senior positions. It will be the fifth and, he says, final time for Ishiba to compete in a leadership race. Taro Kono, another perennial leadership contestant, is running but this time struggling in public opinion polls. Takayuki Kobayashi, a rising voice from the partys young conservatives, was an early mover and win or lose, will have boosted his profile. Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a longtime ally of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, became the latest to announce her candidacy on Monday. She would represent not just a return of the right wing, but also make history as the countrys first female prime minister. The more centrist Yoko Kamikawa could also make that claim, though has yet to secure enough nominations. Its telling that in this race the candidates with the most traditional experience Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi or LDP number two Toshimitsu Motegi are languishing in the polls. While the public doesnt decide who wins, with a general election at most just over a year away, it seems unlikely someone with little popular backing will get the nod. In any case, its a mistake to think that the only issue on the line is the ruling partys election prospects. The candidates have often radically different takes on everything from the role of fiscal spending, monetary easing and higher taxes to the countrys use of nuclear power and its relationship with China. Japans leaders can and do make powerful changes to the arc of history, not just for the country itself, but for the region. Consider how the political situation in Asia might change if a Prime Minister Koizumi, Takaichi or Kobayashi were to visit Yasukuni Shrine; the likes of Ishiba and Hayashi have more pragmatic, or even pro-China, leanings. The premier must be able to relate with the public, but also will have much practical work to do. The economic plans put on display by most candidates have so far been flimsy. A new leader wont only have to come up with something better but may also have to tackle a relationship with a second Donald Trump administration in the US, this time without Abes support. So many candidates complicate the electoral math and make it likely that no candidate will secure a majority. That means much depends on which two make it to a probable runoff. Its still possible that a less exciting compromise campaigner could slide in and triumph. But party members should listen to the drumbeat for change. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Gearoid Reidy is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Japan and the Koreas. He previously led the breaking news team in North Asia, and was the Tokyo deputy bureau chief. /opinion A day after Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced that she had completed her course of chemotherapy, reports arrived that King Charles came to Kate Middletons side to lend his support ahead of her announcing cancer diagnosis. King Charles who revealed he was also battling the illness back in February had travelled on 21 March from London to Windsor to spend time with his ailing daughter-in-law, reported The Royal Observer. "It is highly unusual for just the two of them to sit down together like this. The King had already been made aware that the woman he calls my beloved daughter-in-law had cancer... The King left his lunch feeling very emotional," TRO quoted a royal insider as saying. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter. There is no doubt there is a lot they can share and can use each other for support during their own deeply personal cancer battles, the insider added. Ever since Kate shared the details about her health on Instagram on 22 March, the Prince and Princess of Wales have received well wishes from across the globe. The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness message, TRO quoted a spokesperson for the royal couple on 23 March. The spokesperson further added, They are extremely moved by the publics warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time. Kate completes chemotherapy: On 9 September, Kate Middleton the 42-year-old wife of Prince William took to Instagram and announced she had completed her course of chemotherapy following a shock cancer diagnosis earlier this year. "I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," Kate, as she is often called, said on Instagram. Catherine in her Instagram video wrote, The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. She added, With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Kate's upcoming plans: Speaking about her next plans, Kate said that she is willing to undertake a few more public engagements in the coming months when she can. "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can," Kate said. The princess last appeared in public for the mens final at Wimbledon in July. Pope Francis is making an Asia-Pacific tour thats about more than spreading the word or connecting with the devout. It is a run-through for the ultimate prize the Roman Catholic Church covets: a visit to China. By some estimates, the worlds second-largest economy is on track to have the biggest population of Christians by 2030. The pope has been keen to engage with the Chinese Communist Party, which has historically controlled the appointment of bishops in the country, independent of the Vatican. This has led to worries of a schism, one of the many reasons the pontiff wants to unify Chinas Catholics. His overtures come despite the nations worsening track record on religious freedoms. Any future outreach cant downplay these concerns, or compromise the Vaticans diplomatic relations with Taiwan, one of the few remaining examples of recognition that the self-ruled island which Beijing claims as its own still has. No pope has ever visited China, and the Holy See doesnt have official diplomatic relations with it, despite pursuing closer ties over the last few years. The trip is being viewed as a way to engage with Beijing, but that shouldnt discount the importance of Franciss current tour to four Asian nations, many of which have sizeable Catholic populations: Indonesia Papua New Guinea , Timor-Leste and Singapore home to almost 400,000 Catholics, or 7% of the population, many ethnically Chinese and the last leg of his historic voyage this week. Still, China is watching very closely. The Communist Party is officially atheist, and forbids its members from having a religion. But that dogma has evolved over time and the current constitution, adopted in 1982, states that ordinary citizens enjoy freedom of religious beliefs. What this means in practice, though, is that all faiths are under President Xi Jinpings control. His Sinicization program, introduced in 2015, stipulates religious groups must adapt to socialism, by integrating their beliefs and customs with Chinese culture and political ideology. So in other words, you have the right to worship but with Chinese characteristics. This is not the China of the past, there is no systematic enforcement of atheism now, Michel Chambon, research fellow at the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore, told me. The party is not interested in how you celebrate Mass. Officials just want to ensure that Catholic networks cannot be mobilized against them. The relationship between the church and China is complex. Religion was essentially banned during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 70s, but flourished in the 1980s after the country entered an era of economic reforms. Roughly 2% of Chinese adults, or about 20 million people, self-identify with Christianity, according to the 2018 Chinese General Social Survey. Protestants account for roughly 90% of those, while the remainder are mostly Catholics. A 2022 US State Department report pointed to some 10 million to 12 million Catholics, noting that many have to practice their faith in secret, away from the scrutiny of officials. Those who refuse to join the governments Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association or pledge allegiance to the party were harassed, detained, disappeared or imprisoned, it found. Reaching out to the faithful is one reason behind the Vaticans overtures to China, but its also about winning hearts and minds among believers divided into two groups: one under a state-controlled church, and the other that worships in underground churches whose bishops are not approved by Chinese authorities. The Holy See has been fighting a battle with Beijing about who gets to appoint bishops, and in 2018 reached a compromise candidates recognized by both would be appointed. For the Vatican, it was a way to bring more Chinese Catholics into the fold, but some high-profile figures in the Church, including the now retired Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, worried it had ceded too much power. At the time, Zen told Bloomberg that the pontiff was too optimistic about the Chinese government, and warned closer ties will have tragic and long-lasting effects, not only for the Church in China, but for the whole Church. His remarks were prescient. In 2022, Zen was fined after being found guilty on a charge relating to his role in a relief fund for Hong Kongs pro-democracy protests in 2019, which he denied. Taiwan is a pressing dilemma. The Vatican is among 12 diplomatic allies the island still has left. There are concerns these loyalties could shift, as the Holy See attempts to improve ties with Beijing. Regular meetings between Chinese clergy and their counterparts in Rome, a trend toward normalizing relations, and even discussions about setting up a stable presence by the Vatican in China, all point to an upgrading of that relationship. Beijings efforts to switch international allegiances away from Taipei have been remarkably successful. Getting the Vatican on side would be a high-profile victory, but the Church has consistently maintained that it would never abandon Taipei. It is conceivable, given its religious authority, that it could have spiritual ties with both, and some Taiwanese have even asked the Holy See to press for dual recognition. China wont make that easy, given its animosity toward the island. The Vatican wants to bring all Catholics in China under its umbrella, but that cannot mean a compromise on issues of religious freedom, or a downgrading of its relationship with Taiwan. The Holy See is the islands only diplomatic ally in Europe. A pope has never visited there, despite enjoying diplomatic ties for several decades. Casting aside Taiwan for growth in China would seriously damage the Churchs credibility as an upholder of spiritual principles. The Vatican should be transparent about its agreements with Beijing rather than compromise to get deeper access in the country. Consistently voicing concerns about the treatment of the oppressed a key moral value should be part of any dialogue with the Communist Party. As adherence to spirituality declines in the West, growth in the number of faithful will most likely come from Asia. Sacrificing principles for progress is not the way. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China. Previously, she was the BBC's lead Asia presenter and worked for the BBC across Asia and South Asia for two decades. /opinion By Tim Hepher and David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Sept 10 - The head of aerospace and defense giant RTX sounded the alarm on global supply chains in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and warned that finding qualified labor for in-demand jet industry production lines remains a "huge" challenge. "The supply chain has not recovered," Executive Chairman Greg Hayes told the Global Aerospace Summit hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Aerospace bosses attending one of the industry's key annual events warned of ongoing disruption as high demand clashes with parts and labor shortages. The head of France's Safran said aerospace was reeling from a succession of shocks, from an exodus of labor during the pandemic to problems with supplies of raw materials and higher energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. All this comes as the industry faces high demand for new planes and engines at the same time as repair shops compete for similar parts to keep older planes flying, as airlines mobilize all the capacity they can to serve a rebound in air travel. "We are in a period where there has never been such a tension between very strong demand and a supply chain that has been under pressure and suffered many shocks," Safran CEO Olivier Andries said, adding he expected more of this in 2025. Geopolitical tensions also loom over the industry. Hayes said RTX is reviewing its options when it comes to its Chinese suppliers in the event of any sudden worsening of current tensions, adding that RTX is making sure it has dual sources for all of its key components. "We're also trying to minimize the geopolitical risk by saying - OK, we've got 2,000 suppliers in China today. What happens if, and we don't know what that if is - what happens if and how are we going to deal with that?" Hayes said. "So we have been actively working again, not to pull suppliers or not to pull out of China, but to make sure that we have alternatives if we know something bad does happen." A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would prompt the U.S. government to impose sanctions on China that could significantly impact U.S. companies. RTX halted purchases from Russian suppliers after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. RTX has 14,000 suppliers worldwide. "We monitor them every single day, not just for their delivery performance and quality, but also for their financial health and their staffing," Hayes said. "Today, it's still a huge challenge to find qualified folks to work on some of these products and that is I'm afraid not gotten better nearly as quickly as demand has recovered." Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been very close to his late mother, Diana -- Princess of Wales who died 27 years ago. During his last visit to Britain to attend Lord Robet Fellowes' memorial service on 29 August, Harry the youngest son of Princess Diana and now King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) chose to stay with his uncle, Charles, Earl Spencer. Charles Edward Maurice Spencer is the 9th Earl Spencer, happens to be late Princess Diana's younger brother and runs Althorp House where the late princess is buried. "Harry visited the grave when he was in Althorp," The Royal Observer quoted a friend of the Spencer family as saying. "Its a very special place for all the family but especially Harry. It was a significant part of his motivation for staying there," the report added. Reports in May claimed that Prince Harry allegedly turned down his father, King Charles III's offer to stay with him during his trip to the UK. Harry chose to stay with his mother's side of the family. Harry reportedly did not speak a single word at the remembrance service like his elder brother Prince William. Why did Harry choose Althorp? One of the primary reasons the rebel Prince chose to stay at Althorp during the one-time future queen's death anniversary which passed on 31 August 1997, could be his willingness to visit his mother's grave on that date. According to details, late Prince Diana was buried on a small island inside of a pond which is only accessible by a rowboat. The place is not open for the general public. However, a shrine of the iconic royal sits near the pond for the masses to pay respect. "I couldnt say what the ins and outs were, but what I can tell you is that Prince William is a decent guy," TRO quoted and insider as saying. "He would understand that his brother wanted to be there and that [his invitation] would be a matter for the Spencer family," the report added. By Sriparna Roy Sept 9 - Summit Therapeutics shares soared as much as 75% to a record high on Monday as a study in China showed some lung cancer patients on the company's experimental drug had better survival rates than those on Merck's blockbuster Keytruda. The drug developer said on Sunday invonescimab study showed patients lived a median of more than 11 months without a progression in the disease, a statistically significant improvement over Keytruda, the world's biggest selling drug. The additional data is from a late-stage study conducted by Summit's partner Akeso, initial results from which were announced in May. Summit's stock price has since surged more than four times. The shares closed at $19.14 on Monday, boosting the company's market value by over $5 billion to more than $13 billion. Merck's shares closed 2.1% lower at $115.41. Analysts, however, downplayed worries around Keytruda facing a challenge from Summit's drug as it remains years away from the market. J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott said the data does not meaningfully alter their view on Keytruda, which is due to go off-patent in the coming years. Summit did not disclose details about the global trial it plans to start next year. Those trials are crucial as U.S. lawmakers have often doubted studies conducted in China. The FDA had in 2022 declined approval for treatments from Eli Lilly and Hutchmed that were tested only in China. Citi analyst Yigal Nochomovitz said data from the global study will be needed to validate the result and if favorable, "invonescimab could dethrone Keytruda and become the new standard". The therapy is an antibody designed to block a protein called PD-1, which helps the body's immune system to fend off cancer. Keytruda also targets the same protein. Sexual abuse in Malayalam film industry: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, September 10, came down heavily on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government for failure to act on the findings of Hema Committee report, saying it has nothing but sit on the report for four years. The high court said it was taken aback by the inaction of the state government and directed the police to go through the entire report and take action if any offences are made out in the report. The high court also directed the state government to handover the sealed report to SIT. Why was the State government inactive till now even though it got the report in 2019? You have done nothing in 4 years except sit on the Hema Committee report," the Kerala High Court said in its remarks. When the report revealed such a malady in the system, what is the bare minimum that the state government should have done? We are taken aback by the lack of action by the State government. It is one thing to assure the confidentiality of the women who spoke to the committee and even those who have been accused may have the right to privacy. But dehors of this, when such issues are revealed in the report, shouldn't there be some action from the government? ... Why has the government done nothing till now? ... It is obligatory for the State to act on this. Silence is not an option, Bar & Bench quoted the high court as saying. The high court bench, comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and CS Sudha, also expressed concern over the problems faced by the women in general. What are you doing to address the problems faced by women in society? ... The bias against women in society is historic, knowingly or unknowingly. That is the mindset that has to change but that can only happen by citizens making the change internally, it said. The court has directed SIT to not hold any press conference regarding the Hema Committee report, adding that there should be no media trial on the sexual abuse cases in Malayalam film industry. Also Read | Malayalam actor Charmila accuses producer of sexually abusing her 27 years ago What were the findings of the Hema Committee report? The Hema Committee report was formed by the state government after the 2017 after a petition that issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry should be studied. The Hema Committee report, which documents instances of sexual harassment, casting couch practices and exploitation of women in the cinema industry, was submitted in 2019 and published in August 2024. Sarjapura is a small town lying at the very edge of the expanding Bengaluru metropolitan sprawl. It is geographically closer to the town of Hosur than to the centre of Bengaluru. Reaching it by car from Bengaluru airport can sometimes take close to three agonizing hours. The drive from the proposed airport in Hosur is expected to be far more convenient. Also read: What India needs to create successful economic zones Many of these facts will be known to readers. The reason they are being mentioned here is that Sarjapura is in Karnataka while Hosur is in Tamil Nadu, an example of how economic agglomerations are increasingly spilling across the administrative boundaries of states, creating a new challenge not just for city planners but also for Indian federalism. Another example is the growth of the privately-developed Sri City in Andhra Pradesh, which is also very close to the border with Tamil Nadu, and just 75km away from Chennai. A milder version of this challenge has been the growth of our cities outside their administrative boundaries. My colleagues at Artha Global had nearly a decade ago used satellite data to show how many cities, big and small, have spilled outside their formal limits, engulfing not just suburbs, but also smaller settlements that continue to be mistakenly identified as villages in our official statistics. Much of this spatial growthin Mumbai, for examplewas still within the confines of a state. That is no longer a given. Flashback to 1955. The Indian government had responded to an upsurge of subnational demands by setting up a committee to suggest ways to reorganize Indian states. India eventually accepted the system of linguistic states, but the committee had also considered the idea that administrative units could be made to conform to natural economic regions." This option was rejected because economic regions change shape over the years, and would thus be an unstable basis for a federal design. And a common language would be a more powerful binding force than economic exchange. Also read: Shrinking informal economy rings alarm bells for jobs in India The report was written at a time when the Indian economy was largely a collection of regional economies. Even most large business houses did not have a national footprint. A report on industrial licensing by economist R.K. Hazari in 1966 showed that business groups tended to invest in the regions their promoter group came from. The pattern of public sector investment was designed to break such regionalism. A lot has changed since then. The growth of the Indian economy has expanded the footprint of Indian businesses and made many of them national, if not international. The old economic regions have also changed, creating a new economic geography that differs from what is described in old school textbooks, with textile mills shown mostly in Mumbai and old public-sector steel towns marked out on the national map. But more important is the fact that economic regions are no longer boxed in by state borders. It is likely that two changes have supported this trend: the gradual build-up of road and rail infrastructure since work started on the Golden Quadrilateral and the introduction of Indias Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. The first has gradually brought down the cost of moving goods, while GST has done away with excise posts at state borders that hindered internal trade. The bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will likely create even tighter economic integration between the areas around these two cities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, respectively. Better roads as well as an integrated national market have made it easier for companies to build national rather than regional supply chains. In a paper published in July 2023, Bibek Debroy and Devi Prasad Misra showed that internal trade appears to be growing at twice the pace of growth of GDP (gross domestic product)" and that this enhanced economic integration is attributable to the transpiration efficiency gains that have accrued after the introduction of the GST." The growth of urban agglomerations beyond state borders should be seen as part of this process of economic integration. The immediate question is of managing such urban economic zones that are not entirely under the jurisdiction of one state government. Supporting their growth through more investments in physical and social infrastructure as well as integrated urban planning will require a new form of cooperation between the concerned states. There is another challenge that may arise only in the future, but which has implications for Indian federalism. What if people living in a cross-border urban agglomeration find that their economic incentives are better aligned with others living in the same economic zone across the border rather than with people from distant districts of their own state? This is not a live issue right now, but worth pondering. Earlier this month, there was an interesting idea proposed on X by Saurabh Chandrathat Bidar, a town in north Karnataka, needs better connectivity to Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, so that Bidar could become like Hosur or Sri City, connected to a dynamic business hub across the state border. Bidar is 140km from Hyderabad but 675km from Bengaluru. It is the same underlying logic. We should expect more of such cross-border integration of economic activities as well as urban growth. It is an inevitable result of the harmonization of Indias internal market. How to manage such areas could become a trickybut hopefully not heatedissue for Indian federalism in the years ahead. Ashwani Bhatia, a whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), has raised concerns about the surge in initial public offerings (IPOs) by firms looking to list on the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) platform of stock exchanges. Bhatia noted that recent events have highlighted a lack of sufficient checks and balances: It appears that the due diligence expected from chartered accountants, exchanges and merchant bankers may be inadequate. This follows Sebis advisory on investing in companies listed in the SME segment of stock exchanges. It seems that some SME companies and their promoters have been making post-listing announcements that create a favourable impression of their companies and generate positive sentiment among retail investors. This allows promoters to offload their shares at inflated prices. While issuing an advisory is a step in the right direction, expecting those in the business of selling shares to carry out due diligence in a way that will help prospective investors only reveals a weak understanding of history. Individuals involved in selling shares are incentivized to maximize the sale price by crafting a narrative to support it, regardless of whether the companys business model or earnings justify it. History illustrates this. There was the Mississippi Bubble in France in 1720, followed by the South Sea Bubble in the UK the same year. The UK also saw a railway mania in the 1830s and 1840s. In the roaring 1920s in the US, its stock market boomed until it crashed, leading to the Great Depression. Then there was the dotcom bubble of the 1990s. Closer home, numerous IPOs launched in 1994 saw their promoters vanish with the funds that were raised. Almost all these bubbles and manias involved questionable activities and the sale of shares at extremely high valuations. Consider the South Sea Bubble. Walter Bagehot in Lombard Street: A Description of the Money Market details the dubious purposes for which businesses sought to raise funds: To make Salt Water Fresh For building of Hospitals for Bastard Children For trading in Human Hair For a Wheel of Perpetual Motion." But the most audacious was: For an Undertaking which shall in due time be revealed." We no longer live in the 18th century and such blatant fraud is not usually possible today. However, in the 1990s, merchant bankers did inflate the value of many dotcom companies with barely any business prospects, projecting a prosperous future to sell retail investors these shares at excessive valuations. If merchant bankers had made a habit of refusing such deals, much of the dotcom bubble might never have occurred. Of course, no merchant banker ever went to jail for selling shares priced too high. If they had, the concept of company shares being listed and investors bearing limited liability may not have taken off and capitalism as we know it would never have existed. A similar scenario has unfolded in India in the 2020s. Shares of several venture capital-funded firms with minimal business models have been sold to investors at extremely high valuations. Part of this dressing up involves presenting improved figures in the lead-up to an IPO. Chartered accountants and merchant bankers play a crucial role in producing numbers that make these companies appear much stronger than they actually are. Of course, this is only part of the story, as the supply of shares being sold through IPOs also depends on their demand. In fact, investors typically buy stocks only after a substantial market rise. This trend appears to be occurring in the SME IPO space as well. Over the last decade, more than 14,000 crore has been raised through IPOs of companies on the SME platform. Of this, 6,000 crore was raised in 2023-24, with some IPOs in 2024-25 being oversubscribed hundreds of times. As Bagehot wrote: The fact is that the owners of savings rush into anything that promises speciously, and when they find that these specious investments can be disposed of at a high profit, they rush into them more and more." So, the sellers of shares merely take advantage of this behaviour. This risk is inherent in the system of limited liability as it exists. This is not to suggest that those in the business of selling shares only deal with companies that have dubious business models. If that were the case, the stock market would never have created so much wealth. Indeed, the alternative to the current system would be to revert to the old way of controlling capital issues, where a finance ministry bureaucrat would determine how many shares a company could issue and at what price. This was abolished in 1992 and returning to it is clearly not an option. So, where does this leave us? In an ideal world, those selling shares would perform thorough due diligence, given that when a bubble bursts and investors lose money, they are unlikely to return to investing soon, which would affect their earnings. However, that is a concern for the future, and who knows when that tomorrow will come. Until then, there is easy money to be made. Indeed, sometimes what appears to be a flaw in the system is actually a feature and the principle of caveat emptor is often understood only in hindsight. Should India establish a sovereign wealth fund (SWF)? What would the benefits be, and what are the potential risks? Unlike nations with current account surpluses that fund their SWFs, India does not have this advantage. So, is the country ready for such a fund? If so, who should manage it? SWFs are not esoteric entitiesunlike fanciful notions such as flying saucers or a woolly mammoth cloned from permafrost DNA. They have been around since the 19th century, when Texas set up the Permanent School Fund and the Permanent University Fund. Many resource-exporting nations, including small phosphate-exporting Micronesian states, have used SWFs to stabilize their financial systems. The largest SWF, Norways Government Pension Fund-Global, was established in 1990 to preserve and grow the countrys oil revenues from the North Sea. Today, the fund manages $1.7 trillion and holds stakes in 9,000 companies across 70 countries. Although labeled a pension fund, it transfers its returns to the government, which can spend only the expected annual returns. Singapores Temasek Holdings and GIC Pvt Ltd are well-known in India, having invested in companies like Bharti Airtel Ltd, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and DBS, the Singapore-based lender that received the Reserve Bank of India's permission to acquire the troubled Lakshmi Vilas Bank. Indias National Infrastructure and Investment Fund is an associate member of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds, which includes around 90 SWFs managing over $8 trillion in assets. Read this | Sovereign funds flock to India with mega moneybags even as FIIs, PEs remain wary Following the global financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged the creation of a forum for SWFs, hoping they would serve as stabilizing forces in the turbulent world of global finance. Around two dozen SWFs, along with the IMFs International Monetary and Financial Committee, collaborated to develop a set of guidelines known as the Santiago Principles, named after the Chilean city where the final drafting meeting took place. These principles emphasize transparency, governance, regulatory compliance, and financial stability while balancing risk and reward, providing a reassuring framework. For India, an SWF would allow the country to actively manage a portion of its foreign exchange reserves rather than passively investing them in US, EU, or Japanese government securities. Every country with foreign exchange reserves typically invests them in secure assets, with US government bonds of varying maturities being the most favoured. However, one key lesson from the 2007-09 global financial crisis was that when these supposedly secure US treasuries flooded the market, the security vanished. Yields in the US were artificially suppressed, driving reckless capital allocation into risky areas, including Ninja loansoffered to borrowers with No Incomes, No Job, or Assets. These loans were used to create home mortgages that were bundled, securitized, and sold to investors, mixed with more creditworthy loans and derivatives, ultimately becoming collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) that credit rating agencies happily labeled as investment-grade. After the financial collapse, China, which held the largest forex reserves, realized that relying solely on foreign government debt was unwise. In response, they launched the Belt and Road Initiative, financing infrastructure projects in developing countries through Chinese loans to secure diplomatic goodwill. China also created a few SWFs as part of this strategy. For India, an SWF would allow the country to actively manage a portion of its foreign exchange reserves rather than passively investing them in US, EU, or Japanese government securities. Such an investment could achieve multiple goals, including generating higher financial returns than sovereign debt, supporting external projects funded by Indian foreign aid, and securing access to strategic technologies related to energy transition, carbon dioxide removal, advanced materials, synthetic biology, space applications, and quantum computing. While most SWFs are funded from their sovereign's own assets, India's foreign exchange reserves are largely composed of unabsorbed capital inflows, not current account surpluses, making them liabilities rather than assets. Should India, therefore, create an SWF from these liabilities? Should anyone invest using borrowed capital? The answer is a resounding yesif the return on investment significantly exceeds the cost of capital. This logic applies to an SWF funded from national liabilities as well. India's forex reserves have long been sufficient to cover nine months or more of imports, with six months import cover being considered financially prudent. The excess reserves present an opportunity: to channel this capital into the real economy more efficiently and to allocate a small portion to create an SWF. This fund could be deployed across various jurisdictions and sectors, providing India with a strategic leverage point. Structuring the SWF What should the structure of the fund look like? One proposal suggests creating a holding company for all public sector enterprises, leveraging its balance sheet to raise additional capital, and using this entity as the SWF. However, this approach is flawed. More here | Guess who will back India's first sovereign wealth fund First, such a body would be unwieldy, with its board burdened by the dual task of managing the boards of public sector units (PSUs) while also overseeing new SWF acquisitions. This would dilute the effectiveness of the SWF. Additionally, this structure would weaken the accountability of public enterprises to any single cohesive authority. Currently, PSUs are answerable to their respective administrative ministries and parliamentary standing committees. While the constraints of this relationship have been criticized, the critical aspect of accountability has received less attention. The IL&FS crisis is a stark reminder of how 'professional management with Indian characteristics' can falter. A better approach would be to adopt a structure similar to Singapores Temasek or GIC, both owned by Singapores central bank. The SWF should focus clearly on acquiring stakes in companies, articulating Indias strategic interests, monitoring global currency and financial trends, and hedging against risks. This should be the SWFs primary function, not a task relegated to a bureaucratic department. The main challenge will be ensuring ethics and integrity in managing the fund, once it is created. The SWF should be managed by professionals, with a remuneration structure that incentivizes long-term performance, free from political interference, and supported by a robust whistleblower policy. Ideally, the SWF should have two lines of accountability: one to the central bank/finance ministry and the other to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, ensuring it remains insulated from political pressures. There is little reason not to create an SWF, and strong reasons to do soespecially to secure benefits that only come with shareholding in strategic industries abroad. Anticipation of a cut in the 18% goods and services tax (GST) levied on life and health insurance premiums hit a fresh peak on Monday, as news emerged of a likely consensus at the GST Council on offering such relief. The applicable rate could be reduced to 5%, a slab meant for merit items, although a final decision was reportedly held off for the Councils next meeting. Any agreement is a good sign, given that this body is chaired by the Union finance minister but has members from states that dont always see eye-to-eye with the Centre. Yet, such news also reminds us of how far Indias GST regime has veered from its conceptual principles. A key benefit of this momentous tax reform was supposed to be a drastic reduction in the scope for policymakers to fiddle with rates, so that the system is kept insulated from the advocacy of lobby groups. Ideally, we shouldve had a single rate for most items, with merit and demerit slabs for a few items that clearly deserve distinctive treatment. Insurance would be in a grey zone by this reckoner, arguably. But then, since many other taxables seem out of place in their assigned slabs, its best to look at the bright side of it: cheaper risk cover. Haryana News: Bharatiya Janata Party's Haryana vice president and Brahmin face from Gurugram, GL Sharma joined Congress, along with many of his supporters, on September 8, dealing yet another blow to the saffron party grappling with dissent and resignations ahead of the October 5 assembly polls. Prior to that, at least two ministers in the Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government in Haryana resigned amid rebellion within the BJP ahead of assembly polls. The revolt was reported after the saffron party released on September 4 its first list of 67 candidates for the elections. A week later, there is a possibility of a review of the candidates in some of the 67 seats, according to a report in the Indian Express quoting anonymous party insiders. Though there is no confirmation of the review, but the report, quoting sources, said that the saffron party is not ruling out the possibility given the scale of discontent in the party over the last few days. There is nothing unprecedented in the review of some candidates names. It has been happening in the past too. Nothing can be said as of now but this is a possibility, a source said said the report. It also says that some withing the BJP are not very keen on a review. "Changing names in a list already announced also comes with its own set of problems and does not portray the party to be confident about the elections, another leader said in the Indian Express report. Turncoats over loyalists Among the Haryana BJP leaders who revolted over ticket distribution include state Energy Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and Minister of State for Social Justice Bishamber Singh Balmiki. The two ministers resigned from the government even as Chief Minister Saini attempted to pacify them. The grudge expressed by the rebels is that the party has preferred turncoats over loyalists in ticket distribution. The list of 67 names released on September 4, saw the BJP dropping eight sitting MLAs, including the two ministers. The 90-member Haryana Assembly will go to the polls on October 5. The results will be declared on October 8. Also Read | Mahavir Phogat snubs Vinesh Phogat joining politics, contesting Haryana Polls Chautala contested the 2019 Assembly polls in Haryana as an Independent candidate after the Congress denied him a ticket. He joined the BJP after resigning as an MLA, in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections 2024. He was later inducted into the Cabinet. He contested the Lok Sabha polls from Hisar but lost to Congress leader Jai Parkash. He announced his decision to resign as Minister as well as from the primary membership of the BJP after meeting his supporters in Rania. BJPs Ratia MLA Lakshman Napa and former Badhra MLA and Charkhi Dadri president Sukhvinder Sheoran, have also resigned from the party. Laxman Napa has also joined the Congress party. 'BJP has adopted Congress culture' BJP OBC Morcha state president Karan Dev Kamboj has also quit BJP after being ignored in Indri seat in Karnal district. "Me and my family have been part of BJP since the Jan Sangh days. I worked with dedication and now the party has adopted the Congress culture," Kamboj told media. Former state ministers Kavita Jain and Savitri Jindal have also rebelled. Jain reportedly cried in front of her supporters after being denied the party ticket from Sonipat. The BJP has fielded Nikhil Madan, a former Congress member, from the Sonipat seat. Jindal, mother of industrialist and BJP MP Naveen Jindal, wanted a seat from Hisar but the BJP chose Kamal Gupta, instead. Resentment in Jammu and Kashmir too The BJP faced resentment and resignations of its leaders from Jammu and Kashmir over ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly polls in the Union Territory. Me and my family have been part of BJP since the Jan Sangh days. I worked with dedication and now the party has adopted the Congress culture. Jammu and Kashmiris all set to hold its first Assembly elections for the 90-member assembly in a decade to elect a government after over six years of Central rule. While Kashmir has 47 seats, there are 43 seats in Jammu. Two-and-a-half years into the war, with tens of thousands dead and Russia advancing in the east, some Ukrainians are asking a question that had until recently been taboo: Is it time to try to negotiate? Opinion polls show that support for some kind of negotiations with Moscow has been creeping upward since Ukraines counteroffensive last year failed to retake significant territorythough a majority of Ukrainians still say they want to keep fighting to retake all Russian-occupied land. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hopes to use the territory Kyiv has seized in Russias Kursk region as leverage for a peace deal. But one key group remains particularly skeptical about any deal with Russia: the military. One recent survey found that only 18% of veterans and active-duty members of the military believed Ukraine should seek to end the war through negotiations, the lowest of any demographic group in the study. Fifteen percent of soldiers and veterans said they would join an armed protest if Kyiv signed a peace treaty that they didnt agree with. Theres war fatigue in Western society, and certainly in Ukrainian society," said Col. Andriy Biletskiy, the commander of one of Ukraines largest brigades. This is not the most optimistic moment for Ukraine, but no military catastrophe has occurred. This war is not lost." In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Biletskiy said it wasnt his place to weigh in on what an appropriate peace settlement would be, which he called a political question. But he said he decided to speak publiclysomething he has rarely done since the start of the invasion in February 2022in response to the shifting national mood, which he said was hurting the motivation of troops at the front. The 45-year-old is a polarizing figure, a former commander of the volunteer Azov Battalion, some of whose members have espoused ultraright ideologies and used symbols including swastikas. Biletskiy, who calls himself a conservative, denies ever having any Nazi ideas or affiliations. The U.S. recently lifted a ban on military aid to the unit. In Ukraine, Biletskiy is also influential, especially within the military: A former member of parliament and founder of the 3rd Assault Brigade, which is among Ukraines most highly regarded military units. From a military perspective, he said, Ukraine didnt need to seek a cease-fire. Though Kyiv has suffered some defeats over the past year, he called them relatively minor, adding that Russia still had many problems of its own: A poorly trained fighting force and lack of lower-level officers has meant that most of its advanceslike the capture of the eastern city of Avdiivka earlier this yearcome with massive casualties. Ukraine can recapture at least a very significant part of the territories," he said. I see a huge danger in stopping the war at random." Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to peace talks, but only on terms that Ukraine has previously dismissed as unworkable. In interviews, troops and veteransmany of whom have been fighting since Russia first covertly invaded eastern Ukraine in 2014expressed skepticism about pausing the conflict. Many were convinced that Putin would only use a break in combat to retool Russias military, then invade again. Others said the sacrifice of fallen comrades would have been in vain if Ukraine simply agreed to surrender territory to Russia. Ivan Panchenko, a 42-year-old veteran who began fighting in 2014 and was discharged following a battlefield injury last year, said he would oppose any plan that surrendered Ukrainian territory. Russia has violated dozens of international treaties over the past 30 yearsan agreement with them is worthless," he said. If we want a peace that will last a long time, we need to hurt them as much as possible." Though polls show that the general public also remains skeptical of deals with Putin, manyespecially younger peopleare ready to accept an imperfect peace to stop the war. Alla Pronina, a 33-year-old schoolteacher in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, said she began to reconsider the possibility of negotiations after last years counteroffensive. Now, with her husband away fighting, she is willing to give up all the territory Russia currently occupies in exchange for peace. Where can we go with this war?" she said. Officially, such statements remain taboo. After a Russian missile struck a childrens hospital in Kyiv last month, Nastya Umka, a popular Kyiv blogger, posted to her roughly 600,000 followers on Instagram that there was no need to restore Ukraines 1991 borders and blamed politicians for the protracted conflict. People want peace," she wrote. Soon after, Umka said, Ukraines domestic intelligence agency, the SBU, called her in to speak. Umka declined to comment on what happened. Still, Volodymyr Dubovyk, director of the Center for International Studies in Odesa, Ukraine, said the shifting public opinion has given Zelensky an opportunity to forge some kind of deal. The very fact that people appear to be more ready to have negotiations with Russia is a big change," Dubovyk said. But he added that any cease-fire came with significant political risk: It would probably be seen by a lot of Ukrainians as a bad deal." Yet, continuing the war presents its own political challenges for Zelensky. Ukrainian brigades on the eastern front are desperately short of men and weaponry. Continued support from the U.S. may depend on the results of the election in November. Earlier this year, Zelenskys government lowered the age of conscription from 27 to 25 in an effort to address the manpower shortage. However, many of those who are being drafted are older, less fit and less motivated than those who volunteered at the outset of the war, according to military commanders. One 37-year-old soldier fighting in the east said men who had just arrived in his unit from a training center were deployed to trenches the next day, where he expected them to take heavy casualties due to the lack of experience. Were still following the Soviet instructions on the training groundnot paying attention to the things you really need in war, like medical training," the soldier said. Many soldiers fighting in the east say a divide has opened between those who are fighting and those in the countrys major cities, who pay little attention to the war, like in the years from 2016 to 2022, when the front line was nearly frozen. In Dnipro, just a few hours from the eastern front, bars and cafes are full of young men sipping coffees or beers, as though there were no war. I dont understand why society pretends nothing is happening," said one 45-year-old major fighting in the east. The government has created circumstances where those who are really motivated wont accept agreements that give territory away. But those who arent fighting will make decisions. Its painful." Biletskiy said it is natural for those not fighting to live normally. We cannot dress a nation of 37 million people in green and send them to the front," he said. We cannot stop life." Still, he said that many of the Ukrainian militarys problems could be addressed by improving training for new recruits. His own brigade, he said, has no issues with manpower shortages, because it is known as a unit where troops will receive proper training before they are sent to the trenches. When a person is poorly trainedwhen he does not know what will happen in the war, how he will perform his task, save his life or his comrade-in-armsthen he is afraid, and this is normal," Biletskiy said. A trained soldier is much less afraid." Isabel Coles and Ievgeniia Sivorka contributed to this article. Write to Ian Lovett at ian.lovett@wsj.com Taking a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday said that Kumar had apologized with folded hands for the Janata Dal-United joining the BJP-led NDA alliance to form the government in the state. Tejashwi said that all the RJD MLAs had witnessed when Nitish Kumar asked for forgiveness. The RJD leader also ruled out future alliances with the Nitish Kumar-led JDU. Hamare ghar jab aaye to haath jodkar maafi maang rahe the. He had asked for forgiveness in front of all the MLAs, they were all witnesses. How many times in the House has he apologised with folded hands, saying that he had made a mistake and that he will not join the BJP now? Tejashwi said. His oath has no value. No one trusts him, as he may change his mind anytime. Twice we took pity on him and gave him life and both times he showed his real form. This time there is no meaning, he added. Also Read | Major Reshuffle in Bihar: 41 IAS officers transferred from current post Aiming to strengthen the RJD, Tejashwi Yadav launched the Aabhar Yatra on Tuesday, September 10. He said: Today is the first day of our journey. We have come for the Karyakarta Darshan and Samvad program. We aim to communicate with the party workers and listen to them. We will listen to the advice of the workers on how to expand the party and how to strengthen the party and will work in that direction. The party will be strong only if the workers are strong. Speaking on the issue of law and order situation in Bihar, the RJD leader said: Murders are happening continuously. Criminals have become unbridled and they are not afraid of the police. Nitish Kumar's reputation has completely ended. He is not able to maintain law and order. Everyone is worried. Bank robberies and kidnappings are happening every day. CM is not interested in controlling crimes. They have a false notion that everything is going well. Their only job is to abuse the opposition. Haryana Assembly Polls: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday announced second list of 9 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Haryana even as the party's alliance plans with the Congress party derailed. Overall, AAP has announced the names of 29 candidates fielded in Haryana so far. Haryana is voting in single phase on October 5. The votes will be counted on October 8. The names announced on Tuesday include Rita Bamania from Sadhaura seat, Hawa Singh from Indri, Chhatar Pal Singh from Balwala, to name a few. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party and the Congress party two parties, part of Opposition's INDIA bloc, have, for now, decided to contest the election to the 90-member Haryana assembly separately, as talks have failed failed to reach a consensus on seat-sharing. Haryana News: Overall, AAP has announced the names of 29 candidates fielded in Haryana so far. On Monday, AAP released first of list of 20 candidates for the October 5 polls in Haryana. AAP's Haryana chief Sushil Gupta said that the party will field candidates on all 90 seats. "AAP has only one goal, to uproot and throw out this corrupt BJP government. BJP has turned Haryana into the crime capital," Gupta told news agency PTI on Tuesday. Congress has released 41 names Congress has already released three lists of candidates for Haryana polls comprising 41 names. On September 6, the Congress released its first list of 31 candidates for Haryana Assembly elections. The second list of Congress candidates with9 names was released on Sunday. One name was released separately. AAP wanted to contest on at least 10 seats, but the Congress wasn't willing to spare more than three for the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, according to sources. The AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been holding talks with Deepak Babaria of Congress over a prospective alliance. Chadha on Sunday said that both the parties are hopeful for a successful outcome. The Congress on Monday night released its third list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress party, which is contesting the three-phased assembly polls in alliance with the National Conference, has fielded state working president Raman Bhalla from RS Pura-Jammu South, Chaudhary Lal Singh from Basohli, and former NSUI chief Neeraj Kundan from Bishnah (SC) seat. In all, the Congress has declared a total of 34 candidates for the assembly polls beginning September 18. In all, the Congress has declared a total of 34 candidates for the assembly polls beginning September 18. The National Conference and the Congress have finalised the seat-sharing formula and will contest 51 and 32 seats, respectively. There will be a friendly contest on a few seats. Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. While the first phase of voting is scheduled on September 18, the other two round will be held on September 25 and October 1. The votes will be counted on October 8. The election, first in over a decade, is expected to witness a multi-cornered fight for the 90 seats across the erstwhile state. While the National Conference and the Congress are fighting the elections in an alliance, the People's Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the two other major players. Besides Bhalla, Singh and Kundan, the Congress fielded Irshad Ab Gani from Langate, Haji Abdul Rashid Dar from Sopore, Irfan Hafeez Lone from Wagoora-Kreeri, Summit Mangotra from Udhampur West, Mool Raj from Ramnagar (SC) Kajal Rajput from Bani and Manohar Lal Sharma from Billawar, among the 19 candidates announced Monday. The party also fielded Thakur Balbir Singh from Jasrota, Rakesh Choudhary Jatt from Hiranagar, Yashpal Kundal from Ramgarh (SC), Krishan Dev Singh from Samba, TS Tony from Bahu, Yogesh Sawhney Balbir Singh from Nagrota, Thakur Manmohan Singh from Jammu West and Mula Ram from Marh (SC). Last week, the Congress released its second list of six candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, fielding JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra from Central Shalteng. Before that, the party had named nine candidates. Amid the uproar made by Congress LoP Rahul Gandhi about the Sikhs, the BJP challenged him to repeat his statements in India and promised to file a case and drag him to court if he did. BJP leader RP Singh slammed Rahul Gandhi, recalling the massacre of 3,000 Sikhs in Delhi during Congress rule. 3000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi; their turbans were taken off, their hair was chopped off and beard was shaved...He (Rahul Gandhi) doesn't say this happened when they (Congress) were in power...I challenge Rahul Gandhi to repeat in India what he is saying about Sikhs, and then I will file a case against him and will drag him to court, RP Singh told ANI. Gandhi family has a lot of hate against Sikhs Meanwhile, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the statement made by Rahul Gandhi on Sikhs and said that such statements made by him are not new. The Gandhi family has a lot of hate against Sikhs. No one can even think of removing our turbans, gurudwaras...He is demeaning a community for political gains...He is spreading confusion and trying to divide the country to gain power...He wants support from China, Pakistan and the USA that's why he is making these kinds of statements abroad, said Sirsa. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the Congress partyis scared that its propaganda of lies will be exposed. Today, if there is fear anywhere, it is within the Congress party. When a woman in Congress talks about casting a couch, she is suspended by the party. All Congress workers are fearful today because its high command is only protecting rapists or standing with a rape-accused alliance. Today, the Congress party is scared that their propaganda of lies stands exposed. People elected PM Modi-led BJP in 2014, 2019 and Modi-led NDA in 2024, Bhandari said. Earlier on Monday in Virginia, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said that fight is about whether a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and would be able to visit a Gurdwara. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. Fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether...he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," he said. Rahul Gandhi, currently on a visit to the US, arrived in Dallas on Sunday. During his trip, he interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and addressed members of the Indian diaspora in both Dallas and Virginia. Congress has defended Rahul Gandhi's Turban remarks during his visit to the United States, saying the party MP has spoken the truth. Reacting to the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said it only wants to spread religious paranoia. Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said is the truth, he said. Pramod Tiwari said, RSS and BJP want to divide the society on the basis of religion and caste. They want to divide the nation and spread religious paranoia. Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said is the truth. This comes amid a row created by Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the United States, where he said that today the fight in India is whether a Sikh person will be able to wear his turban, kada, and visit Gurdwara. The BJP leaders claimed that the former Congress chief was "defaming India" with his comments. Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Congress leader KC Venugopal said, The Modi bubble has burst. His politics of fear has failed, and nobody takes him or his band of cheerleaders seriously. Rahul ji has time and time again warned about the BJP-RSS dangerous politics of hatred and division. His entire mission has been to bring in love, respect and humility in public discourse, and foster the idea that India is a country where multiple ideas and identities co-exist. The BJP-RSS is the single biggest threat to this inclusivity. Reacting to the BJP's charges, Congress media and publicity department chief Pawan Khera said, the BJP or Narendra Modi should not have this misunderstanding that condemning them is like condemning India. Since when has the BJP become 'Bharat'. If the BJP is criticised, then it is seen as criticism of Bharat, Khera said. "They criticise India's ancestors, founding fathers across the world. We will criticise their policies, raise questions over. It is our job. What objection do they have in it?" Khera added. Kherafurther said, "When the PM says on foreign soil that people were ashamed to be born on Indian soil, what was that? When he speaks against (Jawaharlal) Nehru abroad, what was that?" Chinese tech giant OnePlus has officially confirmed the release of its highly anticipated OnePlus 13 flagship smartphone, set to be unveiled next month. The announcement was made by Louis Lee, President of OnePlus China, who revealed that the upcoming device will likely be powered by Qualcomm's latest innovation, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, as reported by GSM Arena. This launch marks a notable moment for OnePlus, as it will be one of the first smartphone manufacturers to introduce a flagship device so soon after the debut of Qualcomms newest chipset, which is expected to be announced in mid to late October. The timing of the OnePlus 13's release highlights the companys focus on keeping pace with the latest advancements in mobile technology. The OnePlus 13 is expected to deliver substantial performance improvements, particularly in gaming. According to recent benchmarks, the phone has demonstrated the ability to support gameplay at 120 Hz on demanding titles like Genshin Impact, showcasing the devices superior gaming capabilities and overall power. The initial launch is set for China, likely timed to coincide with the countrys major shopping holiday, Singles Day (11.11), on November 11. A broader international rollout is anticipated to follow in early 2025. In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, OnePlus China president Louis Lee hinted at the OnePlus 13's release in October, further fueling anticipation among global tech enthusiasts. According to Android Authority, industry insiders are predicting the OnePlus 13 will feature a 6.8-inch micro-curved display with a 2K resolution and LTPO technology, similar to its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. While the screen setup may not see dramatic changes, the integration of Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to bring significant enhancements across performance, battery efficiency, and gaming, making the OnePlus 13 a major player in the upcoming generation of smartphones. (With inputs from ANI) 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! Being proactive, the district reshared a video that was made over a year ago trying to get the message across to parents and students that their words do matter. Grief over Gaza and qualms over US election add up to anguish for many Palestinian Americans For months, many Palestinian Americans have been contending with the double whammy of the rising Palestinian death toll and suffering in Gaza and their own governments support for Israel in the war Most students in a Georgia district return to class nearly a week after a school shooting Many students in Georgias Barrow County headed back to class six days after a school shooting killed two teachers and two students at Apalachee High School northeast of Atlanta The funeral took place on Monday last, September 2, following requiem mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mullahoran of Eamonn Fagan, Killykeen, Kilnaleck. Eamonn passed away peacefully in the exceptional care of the staff at Blackwater House, Monaghan surrounded by his devoted family on Saturday, August 31. Eamonn was the youngest of ten children of James and Margaret Fagan, Publicans, Kilcogy. He attended the local national school there and later the Technical School in Granard. PICTURES | Dedication of Longford students recognised at presentation of Cnoc Mhuire Granard awards He emigrated to England in the late 1960s and here his technical education came to the fore when he took up construction work in London where he was regarded as a very diligent worker. On June 24, 1972 Eamonn married the love of his life Maureen Gaffney in Mountnugent church and in 1976 they came home and built their lovely home in Killykeen. Also read: Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married! Longford couple tie the knot in Kenagh ceremony Being an industrious man he had the foresight to set up his own business in aluminium and uPVC which was very much in demand at the time in construction. His business was very successful making windows, doors and conservatories which he ran for many years. Eamonn also had a keen interest in flying and at his funeral symbols presented included an aviation headset, a wooden airplane crafted by his son Emmett and a certificate awarded to him after he completed a sky-dive on his 60th birthday, symbolising his love of adventure. He also loved a game of darts in the local pubs while enjoying a pint with his neighbours and friends and discussing the affairs of the day. Also read: Tributes paid to energetic Longford nun who worked as a teacher and principal in Los Angeles Eamonns real passion in life was his wife and family whom he adored and cherished. Tragically in January 1997 Eamonn and Maureens only son Emmett was killed in a car crash which was a severe blow to the whole family. Sadly, life was never the same for Eamonn afterwards as the special bond he had with his son was now broken. Eamonn was also predeceased by his parents James and Margaret, brothers Micsin, Willie, Joe, and Jim, sisters Babs, Lil and Sheila. In later years Eamonn experienced ill health, particularly in the last twelve months and like everything else in his life he fought to the bitter end sadly taking his last breath on August 31. Also read: Commemorative plaque unveiled as Mullahoran national school celebrates 50th anniversary Eamonns remains reposed in his home on Sunday afternoon where large crowds came to pay their respects to a true entrepreneur and a gentleman. During his life Eamonn took a keen interest in all parish activities especially GAA where four of his grandsons currently play for our underage teams and a Guard of Honour from the Club met his remains as they arrived at the church on Monday morning where once again a large congregation attended for the mass offered by Fr Joe McGrath. Burial followed to family plot in the local graveyard alongside his beloved Emmett. May his soul rest in peace. We extend our sincere sympathy to his beloved wife Maureen, his daughters Tara (Pete), Orla and Leanne (Connie), cherished grandchildren Kyle, Emma, Emmett, Diarmuid, Daire and Ultan, brother Sean and sister Mary Agnes brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends. PROPERTY WATCH | 'Exceptional residence' on the market for 395,000 in Longford The world's first respite centre for those who suffer from Prader-Willi syndrome has opened in Laois at the weekend. The centre, named Ait Shona, will provide families affected by the debilitating condition with an opportunity for some much needed respite but will also give those who suffer from the syndrome a chance for some supervised independence. Around 120 people in Ireland have been diagnosed with the disease that can see them suffer from anxiety, depression and and uncontrollable urge to eat. Speaking on Newstalk earlier this week, chairman of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Ireland (PWS), Rory Tierney, spoke candidly about his own struggles with the syndrome. At just a couple of weeks old, Rory's son Henry was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition following concerns from doctors that he had very low muscle mass and felt "limp". "It's a whole of life condition with no cure that needs constant management", said Rory. Following a very hard year or two of getting to grips with Henry's diagnoses, Rory and his family got involved with PWS. "They helped us with resources and information because there's so much on Google that isn't accurate. "There's a group of parents in Ireland who are very knowledgeable about Prader-Willi syndrome and that's where we get our energy and support." Rory spoke about how this condition affects not just Henry, now 12, but the whole family. "Life revolves around food management and keeping his anxiety levels low", said Rory, "When he grows older, he'll never be able to manage." Because of these uncontrollable impulses, Henry is "always in a constant state of anxiety", with his energy levels, emotions and behaviours being hard to manage. Henry has a younger brother Billy, 4, who Rory says can find it confusing and hard at times as he doesn't understand his older brothers condition. Trips outside have to be carefully managed as Henry can experience outbursts of crying or shouting which can be stressful for the family. Their kitchen door at home also has to be locked with food restricted to keep Henry's food anxiety under control. "It's important to point out", Rory adds, "These behaviours are not Henry, it's the syndrome controlling him." Henry and his dad Rory at the opening of the new respite centre in Laois at the weekend The new centre opened in Laois will give sufferers like Henry and his family, some much needed time respite, which Rory and his family have been looking for "for many years". "It will give primary care givers a rest, breaks, a recharge from restrictions of the syndrome. "It's important to remember - this isn't people trying to get away from their children...it can be so debilitating for families. "Just to give a sibling some normality but also for Henry a chance for a holiday, supervised independence and a pathway to residential services." Also speaking on the show was Lynsey Moorhouse, Regional Operations Manager with Resilience Healthcare which manages the new centre in Laois, "We are really excited", said Lynsey. "It's a holiday house where people can come for a much needed break with their peers, while also giving families the respite they need. "We worked with the association, the HSE and the Government members to make this house a reality. "The excitement on Saturday here in Laois was just palpable, it was amazing." Ms Moorehouse the centre will be a place for people who suffer from Prader-Willi syndrome to be able to spend time with their peers and friends but also professionals who understand their condition and support their needs. "It allows them to have fun and not worry or feel anxious about whether the people around them understand their challenges." It allows them to have fun and not worry or feel anxious about whether the people around them understand their challenges. You can listen to the full interview here Nassau County and Tunnel to Towers Foundation to Unveil Plans to Combat Veteran Homelessness on Long Island Local News By Chris Boyle Published: September 10 2024 Tunnel to Towers will tear down a former motel in Island Park and build a new 42-unit apartment complex. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recently joined representatives from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to announce Plans to Combat Veteran Homelessness on Long Island. Nassau County has donated property at 3915 Austin Blvd in Island Park, a former motel, to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to build new housing for homeless veterans. Tunnel to Towers will tear down the existing structure and build a new 42-unit apartment complex. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: September 10 2024 Adell Hardwick was convicted of Predatory Sexual Assault and three counts of Rape in the First Degree; Defendants DNA matched samples collected after three violent rapes that occurred between 2015 and 2020. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Queens man was convicted today after a bench trial of raping three women in Hempstead between 2015 and 2020. A DNA swab taken from the defendant after his arrest for a rape in 2020 linked him to the other two violent crimes. Adell Hardwick, 36, was convicted today after a bench trial before Judge Teresa Corrigan of three counts of Rape in the First Degree (a B violent felony); Predatory Sexual Assault (an A-II felony); and three counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree (a B violent felony). He was acquitted of one count of Predatory Sexual Assault. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2024. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison. This defendant is a serial rapist with a long history of violent crimes, said DA Donnelly. He used his knowledge of Hempstead to identify secluded and abandoned areas and violently, forcibly raped women he had just met. The bravery of these women in coming forward to police after the defendants monstrous attacks led to the collection of DNA samples that together were the linchpin to his prosecution and to finally seeing justice for what they endured. My Cold Case Unit will continue to doggedly pursue leads and reevaluate evidence to solve these crimes. DA Donnelly said that, on January 25, 2015, the defendant approached a 42-year-old woman and walked with her to an abandoned house at 194 Main Street in Hempstead. The defendant raped the victim in the house. After a struggle, she was able to get away and contacted police. The victim was taken to Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) after the assault where a DNA swab was collected during a sexual assault examination. On June 4, 2019, the defendant approached a 51-year-old woman who was meeting with friends at Denton Green Park in Hempstead. After her friends left, the defendant grabbed the woman and dragged her into the bushes where he raped her. The victim was able to escape and contacted police. She was brought to NUMC where a sexual assault examination was conducted, and a DNA swab was collected. On January 30, 2020, the defendant approached at 55-year-old woman on the street in Hempstead and forced her into an abandoned garage. The defendant violently strangled the victim, raped her, and fled the scene. The victim contacted police and was immediately brought to NUMC for an examination where a DNA sample was collected. The defendant was arrested on April 23, 2020, for the January attack by detectives with the Nassau County Police Departments Special Victims Squad. A buccal swab obtained after the defendants arrest was compared to the DNA samples retrieved after each of the incidents and positively identified the defendant as the attacker. US Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers sit on the ramp of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. (DVIDS, US Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Andrew J. Moseley/Released) US military bases in the Persian Gulf confront two problems. The first is the growing missile and drone capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The other is that some Arab partners restrict the Pentagons ability to use the bases as needed and may even wield the bases as political leverage to influence American foreign policy. In response, in addition to improving air and missile defenses, Washington should replicate elsewhere in the region vital military capabilities at large Persian Gulf bases housing US forces, especially any capabilities located at Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar. That will better protect US service members, bolster deterrence, and make it more difficult for some regional partners to use Americas military presence as leverage against Washington. Many US servicemembers in the Middle East are stationed at bases along the Persian Gulf in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the eastern part of Saudi Arabia. Examples include Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Maintaining a forward military presence in the Persian Gulf is vital to securing American interests, but these bases are squarely within range of Irans increasingly formidable arsenal of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Making matters worse, Iran and its proxies have repeatedly demonstrated in recent years that they are able and willing to use all three of these types of weapons systems to target US and partner forces in the region. Iran has the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the region, with at least eight types of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), all of which are capable of striking US bases along the Persian Gulf from Iranian territory. Ballistic missiles are particularly dangerous, as their high speed makes them more difficult to intercept compared to cruise missiles or drones (once detected). Most of Irans SRBMs employ solid propellants, meaning that they require less time to prep prior to launch and can be fueled and stored for longer periods of time. In January 2020, Iran launched its first-ever direct ballistic missile attack from Iranian territory at US positions. The attack took place in Iraq at Ain al-Asad and Erbil, featuring 16 SRBMs (Fateh-313s and modified Qiams) launched by Iran. The barrage injured more than 100 US military personnel and is a preview of the damage that US bases might sustain if a full-scale conflict with Iran erupts. Indeed, as Irans long-range strike capabilities and risk tolerance grow, Tehran has been more willing to conduct overt and attributable attacks, including from its own territory. Iran and its terror proxies have also made prolific use of drones in the region, firing hundreds at US, Israeli, and Arab forces over the past several years. A drone was responsible for the tragic Tower 22 attack on January 28, 2024, which killed three US servicemembers and injured at least 34 others. Iran has made less use of cruise missiles compared to ballistic missiles or drones but used them, for example, in the 2019 Abqaiq-Khurais attack, which temporarily disrupted over half of Saudi Arabias oil production. Cruise missiles were also part of Irans first-ever direct attack on Israel in April, with Tehran launching 30 Paveh-class land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs) that feature turbojet engines. While the US military has systems that can intercept Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, a full-scale conflict with Iran could stretch interception capacity to its limits, with some Iranian weapons slipping through even a well-developed integrated air defense system (IADS). THAAD, Patriot, M-SHORAD, C-RAM, Coyote, fighter jets, and future Indirect Fire Protection Capability systems could defend US bases but may be overwhelmed in some instances by massed Iranian attacks. In such a scenario, US bases along the Persian Gulf might take heavy damage in the initial phase of a major conflict with Iran, inflicting many casualties and degrading US capabilities. Unfortunately, the problems associated with select US military bases in the Persian Gulf region do not stop there. Some partners periodically restrict the ability of the US military to use bases in the region for certain missions. Qatar and Kuwait reportedly restricted the use of bases for operations against Iran, and the United Arab Emirates reportedly restricted the Pentagon from using bases to launch strikes on Iranian proxy groups. There is also a danger that governments that host US forces in their countries could use that military presence as political leverage against Washington. This would have detrimental effects on other aspects of US national security, incentivizing Washington to look the other way when it comes to troubling behavior by the host government for fear of losing access to the military base. Tens of thousands of American service members have been stationed at or deployed through Al Udeid over the years. And Doha has shrewdly recruited many American universities to establish satellite campuses in Qatar. Many of these service members and students who have spent time in Qatar may not know that Doha is a known terror finance hub and has provided safe haven to the Taliban and Hamas. One wonders whether Washington has softened its approach toward Doha on these and other issues for fear of restrictions on the use of Al Udeid or being asked to vacate the base altogether. Such restrictions can be annoying in peacetime and deadly in wartime. For example, Turkeys refusal to allow the United States to use Incirlik Air Base for strikes during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, in which the United States had invested billions of dollars, made military operations more difficult and put the lives of US troops at greater risk. So, whats to be done? The answer is to not vacate key bases in the Persian Gulf unless forced to do so. That would leave American interests insufficiently protected and create a vacuum that Americas adversaries would fill. Instead, Washington should add additional air and missile defense capability and capacity at these bases. As the threat from Iranian missiles and drones increases, that will protect American lives and bolster deterrence of Tehran. But that is not enough. Congress should also press the Pentagon to replicate elsewhere vital military capabilities that currently reside solely or primarily at large, vulnerable bases on the Persian Gulf near Iran, especially at Al Udeid. Alternatives should include a number of smaller bases in the region beyond the range of some Iranian capabilities. Bases such as King Fahad Air Base, King Faisal Air Base (both of which hosted combined US and Saudi operations in 2021), and Yanbu Port on the western coast of Saudi Arabia are beyond the range of SRBMs fired from Iran and may be suitable candidates. Admittedly, they are within range of Iranian medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) and some cruise missiles and drones, but Iran likely has far fewer MRBMs, and based on their recent combat record, they have high failure rates, although that capability is likely to mature in the future. The additional time that cruise missiles or drones would need to arrive at more distant targets allows for more time to successfully detect and intercept them. That is best exemplified by the fact that no cruise missiles or drones fired at Israel by Iran on April 13-14 entered Israeli airspace. To be sure, relocating some assets west would, in some cases, move US forces closer to the Houthis, who have, thanks to Iranian support, their own missile and drone capabilities that are quickly evolving. The Houthis are the only proxy of Iran to possess and to have used MRBMs. But the scale and severity of the Houthi threat is smaller compared to the threat emanating directly from Iran. Replicating critical capabilities at bases farther from Iran will improve resiliency and ensure that combat operations can continue even when damage is sustained by bases along the Persian Gulf. To be sure, this is not a new problem, as the United States built an alternate Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) located in South Carolina for use in the event that the CAOC at Al Udeid was knocked out. Additionally, the ability to operate from a greater number of dispersed bases supports the Air Forces Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept in which air forces flex from major regional bases to non-traditional operating sites to increase survivability and continue operations during high-intensity combat. This would have major benefits in the Middle East, as Iran would likely heavily target major airbases in the initial stages of a conflict. In addition to operational and deterrence benefits, replicating capabilities can reduce the amount of political leverage over the United States these bases confer to a host government. If Qatar and other Arab countries know that the United States has ready-to-go alternatives for military bases elsewhere, Washington can pursue policies toward the respective government more aligned with American interests without being concerned about losing access to any one base. That could induce some partners to reconsider some of their policies and approaches that are at odds with US interests. In short, replicating military capabilities farther from the most lethal Iran-based weapons creates targeting problems for adversaries, enhances the resilience of US forces, helps insulate US defense posture from political risk, and may provide additional deterrent effects vis-a-vis Iran. The dependence of US forces on Al Udeid makes any capabilities at that base with insufficient redundancy a particularly suitable candidate for replication elsewhere. Congress, therefore, should press the Biden administration to inventory the operational risks associated with the current basing posture, identify capabilities in the Persian Gulf region where replication elsewhere is most needed, task the Pentagon to provide a plan to reduce those vulnerabilities, and then press the administration to implement that plan without delay. The United States has vital interests in the Middle East to protect. Washington should ensure US forward-deployed troops are sufficiently protected and do not rely on single points of failure at any one base. Washington should also ensure that it does not permit any host government to transform US military bases from assets to liabilities. If any partner attempts to do so, this plan will ensure Americans have options. Ryan Brobst is a senior research analyst for the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where Bradley Bowman serves as CMPPs senior director and Behnam Ben Taleblu is a senior fellow. Follow Brad on X @Brad_L_Bowman. Follow FDD on X @FDD and @FDD_CMPP. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focused on national security and foreign policy. IDF troops fighting in the Zeitoun area. (IDF photo) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike targeting three Hamas commanders who had moved their operations to the humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip, the IDF said on September 10. Hours later, the IDF stated another strike targeted the commander of Hamas Tel al-Sultan Battalion, which is part of the Rafah Brigade. These airstrikes are among other recent operations aimed at eliminating Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad commanders and destroying their remaining command-and-control centers in Gaza. The IDF has targeted Hamas commanders consistently after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. When the war began, the group had an estimated 30,000 fighters in 24 battalions, divided into 140 companies. By January, the IDF assessed it had killed 50 Hamas company commanders, 19 battalion commanders, and two brigade commanders. By July, the IDF assessed it had eliminated 150 company commanders, 20 battalion commanders, and six brigade commanders, along with approximately 14,000 Hamas fighters. By August, the total fighters eliminated increased to 17,000, but some of Hamass command and control centers remain functional, even after those unprecedented losses. Based on recent IDF strikes, the remnants of Hamass command and control centers appear to be concentrated in schools, mosques, and areas within the humanitarian zone. Others are in Khan Younis and the central camps area around Deir al-Balah, with some likely in northern Gaza, as well. The humanitarian zone is on the coast west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. It was established in October, before Israels ground offensive, when the IDF first called on civilians to move to this zone. The humanitarian zone remained relatively free from airstrikes until the IDF carried out a strike targeting Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif in July. Deif had gone to the humanitarian zone to meet Rafa Salama, Hamass Khan Younis Brigade commander. Both were killed in the strike. In late August, the IDF called on some civilians to leave an area of the humanitarian zone adjacent to Deir al-Balah because of the presence of Hamas and the IDFs desire to operate there. It is within this context that the IDF carried out the strike overnight between September 9 and 10 that targeted several Hamas commanders in the humanitarian zone. The IDF said intelligence indicated Hamas was operating a command and control center embedded inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis. Among the terrorists struck was Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, Head of Hamas Aerial Unit in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the terrorist Osama Tabesh, Head of the Observation and Targets Department in Hamas Military Intelligence Headquarters, and Ayman Mabhouh, another senior Hamas terrorist, were struck during the operation. The IDF said the commanders were directly involved in the execution of the October 7th Massacre and have been recently operating to carry out terror activities against the IDF and the State of Israel. After the airstrike, Hamas authorities in Gaza claimed 40 people had been killed, but later revised this number to 19 deaths. The IDF has accused Hamas of spreading false and inflated death toll figures. Hours after the strike in the humanitarian zone, the IDF carried out another strike on a Hamas commander. In the strike, the commander of Hamas Tel al-Sultan Battalion, Mahmoud Hamdan, and three additional company commanders from the battalion were eliminated, the IDF stated. Footage published by the IDF showed both strikes. In another operation targeting a Hamas command-and-control center, the Israeli Air Force hit a mosque in Bureij in central Gaza. The command and control center was used by Hamas terrorists to plan and conduct terrorist activities against IDF troops and the State of Israel, the IDF said. The three strikes against three different aspects of Hamass command and control illustrate the IDFs current tactics in Gaza. The IDF controls two corridors governing movement in Gaza and is seeking to target what remains of the groups leadership. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Hamas no longer exists as a military structure. It has been ground down into smaller parts, significantly reducing its capabilities. It remains to be seen if this situation continues or if Hamas can replace some of the commanders and structure it has lost in Gaza. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and executive branch state agencies have filed a lengthy protest to the federal Bureau of Land Management's new Resource Management Plan which, among other actions, takes most federally owned coal out of development by 2040. The plan would also restrict about 44% of federally owned oil and gas from being developed in the state, and put some smaller restrictions or oversights on rights-of-way (access for potential infrastructure development), grazing and the development of other federally owned minerals outside of coal and oil. It would also promote more areas for recreation and includes a number of new objectives focusing on animal and plant conservation. This year marked the first update to the RMP since 1988. The state alleges that the plan breaks multiple laws in how it classifies tracts of land and minerals, and would indirectly impact state and private resource development, as well as other projects. The plan could infringe on the state's environmental regulatory authority too, the protest said. Mineral ownership in North Dakota is similar to a checkerboard, with contiguous parcels owned by federal, state and private parties. A frequent complaint from state and industry officials is that when federal agencies halt or slow down mineral development on federal land, the checkerboard nature makes nearby development on state and private land much harder. The state also argues that the BLM's plan makes developing resources such as rare earth elements and geothermal energy more challenging. State geologists have recently found high concentrations of rare earth elements and other critical minerals in North Dakota's coalbeds. These minerals are key elements of technologies from cellphones to magnets and are needed for building out green energy technologies. Most are not produced in the U.S., but there is a bipartisan push to develop a domestic supply for national security purposes. The plan does not directly take coal with rare earths out of development as long as the coal is not burned. But the state said not being able to burn the coal as an energy source after the rare earths are extracted could make their development less economic. Comments came from the North Dakota Industrial Commission, the state Public Service Commission, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Trust Lands, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The plan could be subject to a lawsuit. Burgum earlier this year urged a legislative committee to allocate more money during the next legislative session so the state can sue the feds over environmental regulations, something the state has regularly done as a response to federal actions from agencies under the Biden Administration. When the BLM's plan first came out, two state-based environment and conservation groups expressed support for it, but industry groups opposed it. The plan was released last month. Comments from the general public closed on Monday. Burgum will have an extra 30 days to address how the plan could conflict with state policies, an appeal process reserved for governors. The BLM declined comment on the state's protest. The agency owns 58,500 acres of above-ground land, but has the title to over 4 million acres of subsurface minerals in North Dakota -- mostly coal that is already out of development potential. When the plan came out, the agency said it was needed to address land use changes that came as a result of the oil boom while adjusting for new technologies, policies and scientific information made available since 1988. Apples big September event (tagline: Its Glowtime) gave us a lot to chew on. The company introduced new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, the Apple Watch Series 10 with the first design change in a long time, two new AirPods 4 models, and an update to AirPods Max. As usual, the company left some details out of its hour-and-a-half presentation or glossed over some of the things you should probably know. Theres not enough time to cover everything, after all. Today is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! Our editorial team lists the best tech deals here. ] Here are some of the interesting details weve uncovered while digging into the specs and features of these new products. All iPhone 16 models have Wi-Fi 7 It wasnt announced but it did appear on the features card in the presentation: iPhone 16 (regular and Pro) has Wi-Fi 7 support. Whats it good for? Better speed, less wireless congestion, and lower latency. In other words, better-performing Wi-Fi, more often. You probably dont have a Wi-Fi 7 access point yet, but when you do, your new iPhone will be ready for it. You can read more about Wi-Fi 7 here. The iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts a long time. Apple promised longer battery lifethe longest ever, in fact. Is that an hour more? Six hours more? 12 percent? They didnt say. The spec sheets give us some idea, though. We go into the expanded battery life specs for all the iPhone 16 models in this article, but the short answer is: You should get a good hour or so of battery life in typical daily useand if youre upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro Max, youll get a whopping four hours more of use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will last hours longer than the previous model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will last hours longer than the previous model. Macworld The iPhone 16 Pro Max will last hours longer than the previous model. Macworld Macworld Youll have to wait for the coolest feature A lot of the things Apple talked about are not coming when the products launch. Many are coming in software updates later this year, and others are even further away. Weve talked about how Apple Intelligence is a staged release, starting with some features in iOS 18.1 (coming in October) and more in iOS 18.2 and 18.3. Its a big selling point of the iPhone 16, and it wont be there right when the phone drops. That also goes for the new Visual Intelligence feature, where you long-press the Camera Control to get AI-powered info on whatever youre looking at. Apple spent a couple of minutes showcasing the feature, so you may have missed that little bit at the end where Craig Federighi said, Its coming to the Camera Control later this year. Those new hearing test and hearing aid features for the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro? Also coming later this year. AirPods Max has a 5-year-old chip Apple finally updated the AirPods Max, but youll notice that Apple isnt calling this the second-generation AirPods Max or AirPods Max 2. This is more like when Apple updated the second-gen AirPods Pros charge case from Lightning to USB-Cits a little different but mostly the same. it mainly means that AirPods Max arent getting the newer H2 chip thats in the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4. Nor did it get a new design or new features. All new buyers will get are new colors and a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging purposes only. But youll still need to pay $549 for the pleasure. The AirPods Max look new but they have the same old chip. The AirPods Max look new but they have the same old chip. Apple The AirPods Max look new but they have the same old chip. Apple Apple Faster Wireless charging has caveats Apple announced faster wireless charging for the iPhone 16s, but there are some requirements. Qi2 charging and regular MagSafe charging is limited to 15 watts. If you have a 30W USB-C power adapter and one of the new MagSafe chargers, only then can you charge wirelessly at up to 25W. At least the charger now comes in both 1-meter and 2-meter versions (for $10 more of course). Old bands still work with the new Apple Watch The new Apple Watch Series 10 features a new design that is thinner, lighter, and a little bigger with a larger display and more rounded edges. Apple didnt specify this in its presentation, but the connection points to bands havent changed. All (or most) of those Apple Watch bands youve collected over the years will work just fine with the Series 10. The Apple Watch Series 10s new design still supports old bands. The Apple Watch Series 10s new design still supports old bands. Apple The Apple Watch Series 10s new design still supports old bands. Apple Apple Wheres JPEG-XL? A rumor stated that Apple may support the superior JPEG-XL format in the new phones, but it was absent from Apples presentation. According to MacRumors, code in iOS 18 suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro will support capturing images in JPEG-XL (in addition to all the other expected formats). Strange that its not on Apples spec sheet, so we wouldnt count on this one until Apple officially announces it. No mmWave 5G outside the U.S. All four iPhone 16 variants support those super-fast (and super short-range) mmWave 5G networking in the United States, but Apple is still not expanding support for this aspect of 5G to other countries. There are mmWave networks in Japan, Singapore, Australia, and other countries in limited locations, but the new iPhones will not support them. Sub-6GHz 5G networks are supported all over the world, however. Emergency SOS via satellite is still free When Apple unveiled Emergency SOS via Satellite with the iPhone 14 in 2022, it promised two years of free service. Then last November, Apple extended the service for an extra year, until November 2025. With the iPhone 16, the service is still available for free for two yearsbut at some point, the bill will come due. Apple has never said how much it will cost, but with several new featuresincluding sending photos and videothere might be sticker shock. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. MONTPELIER The Vermont Arts Council announces more than half a million dollars in grant awards to 86 Vermont organizationsfrom arts nonprofits to arts schools, museums to makerspaces, from libraries to community art centers, and more. All are helping to expand arts access through specific programs or are bringing year-round, high-quality arts programs and services to Vermonters across the state. Without the generous support provided through the arts grant, our mentorship program would not have the ability to engage our wider school community in our work and our learning, said Dave Paarlberg-Kvam who teaches at the Sustainability Academy, an elementary school located in the Old North End of Burlington. The school was awarded an Arts Project grant to support research, artwork, installation, and a public event to showcase how the Vermont dairy industry is connected to the students and families of the school. The grants are a part of two programs: Arts Operating and Arts Project. Local organizations receiving grants: * GNAT-TV, Manchester Center. $3,000 Arts Project Grant to support filmmakers in creating documentaries or episodic TV series to be broadcast on GNAT-TV. * Rupert Village Trust, Rupert. Arts Project Grant, $3,010 to support a series of three ukulele workshops and performances for the community. * Shakespeare in the Woods, Pawlet. Arts Project Grant, $4,000 to support the final week of Shakespeare in the Woods 2024 Season. * Threshold Collaborative, North Bennington. Arts Project Grant: $4,000 to support a theatrical reading to celebrate the creation of a second anthology by the Voices of St. Josephs Orphanage Writers Group. Support for arts projects that bring people together and funding for unrestricted operating grants that allow organizations to fulfill their missions are essential for a thriving creative sector. We are proud to support Vermonts cultural organizations as they work to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities through shared arts experiences, said Vermont Arts Council Executive Director Susan Evans McClure. Arts Operating Grants provide unrestricted, general operating funds to arts organizations that offer year-round, high-quality arts programs and services that support the Councils mission to cultivate and advance the arts and creativity throughout Vermont." A total of $420,000 in funding was awarded to 60 organizations, the highest amount ever awarded, thanks to an anonymous fundholder of the Vermont Community Foundation. The Council awards three-year and one-year Arts Operating grants. In 2023, the Council awarded three-year operating grants of between $8,000 and $9,000 per year to 40 Vermont organizations. With this years funding, these organizations are beginning the second year of the three-year grant. This years funding also supports 20 organizations with one-year grants, which are between $3,000 and $4,000. Applications for one-year funding were evaluated by an external panel based on the quality of arts programming, community and audience responsiveness, and organizational capacity. One-year grants were awarded to a broad variety of organization types (theaters, museums, community art centers, art schools, makerspaces, and more) and artistic disciplines (visual arts, fine crafts, film, theatre, music, literary arts, and more). In addition to the support of an anonymous fundholder of the Vermont Community Foundation, the program is supported through the State of Vermont and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about the Arts Operating Grant and a list of recipients, visit https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/find-a-grant/organizations/arts-operating/ Arts Project Grants support nonprofits, municipalities, and schools in their efforts to add vibrancy to Vermont communities through projects that provide equal and abundant access to the arts and cultural activities. It also includes projects that re-envision public spaces, strengthen community identity through the arts, and addresses issues related to the impact of recent flooding. Grant awards range from $2,500 to $4,000. Under the Arts Project Grant program, a total of $98,700 in funding was awarded to 26 organizations. Grant proposals were evaluated by an external panel based on the quality of arts programming and project management. Among this years projects are a documentary film by teens, an art installation and public event to showcase a theme of the Vermont dairy industry, backdrops for an upcoming exhibit about the American Revolutionary War in Vermont, and a theatrical reading to celebrate the creation of a second anthology by the Voices of St. Josephs Orphanage Writers Group. The program is supported through the State of Vermont and the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the Vermont Community Foundations Arts Endowment Fund. For more information about the Arts Project Grant and a list of recipients, visit https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/find-a-grant/organizations/arts-project/ In the category of Cultural Facilities Grants, the following local orgranizations are listed in the 2025 grant funding round: * Bennington Museum: $20,000 to support HVAC updates in the historic church gallery. * Dorset Players: $17,779 to support the replacement of auditorium speakers and related sound equipment. * Oldcastle Productions, Bennington: $24,000 to support the installation of audio, visual, and lighting equipment. * Park-McCullough Association, Inc., North Bennington: $13,854 to support the installation of fire-stopping between the basement and first floor and four de-humidification units. About the Vermont Arts Council: The Vermont Arts Council envisions a Vermont where all people have access to the arts and creativity in their lives, education, and communities. Engagement with the arts transforms individuals, connects us more deeply to each other, energizes the economy, and sustains the vibrant cultural landscape that makes Vermont a great place to live. Since 1965, the Council has been the state's primary provider of funding, advocacy, and information for the arts in Vermont. Learn more at www.vermontartscouncil.org Actor Jason Momoa promoted his vodka company by visiting Boston rooftop bars and talking with fans Monday. More than 100 people joined Momoa for afterwork beverages at View Boston atop the Prudential Center on Monday, Sept. 9. Guests heard the origin story of Momoas vodka brand, Meili Vodka before the Game of Thrones star passed around shots and took selfies with fans. @masslivenews Actor or bartender? Jason Mamoa was in Boston promoting his vodka brand and gave fnas a chance to try it for themselves! @Jason Momoa @View Boston original sound - MassLive News Momoa and his co-founder Blane Halvorson, who Momoa said has designed costumes for the actors roles in Aquaman and Frontier, first sought out to start Meili Vodka nine years ago. First, Momoa said, they needed to find the best water source as vodka makes up roughly 60% of the alcohol. The duo tested water sources from Antartica to Greenland before landing on a source in Montana, which was brought to the duos attention by Halvorsons father. Its one of the cleanest water sources in Montana and theres only two on this continent where the EPA does not have to test it or filtrate it anymore, Momoa explained. It is so pure and clean. Momoa described the vodka as having a sweeter, less salty taste than other vodkas and encouraged people to drink it warm so they could get the full experience. But the actor did say it could be enjoyed cold or in your favorite cocktail. Bottles retail for $20-$24. Stratus, the bar inside View Boston, was packed with fans who were clearly excited to try the vodka. At one point, a fan shouted that the liquor was sexy like you guys, referring to Momoa and Halvorson. Its sexy like us, Momoa shouted back in agreement. It tastes good. It looks good, Momoa added. The actor then descended from View Boston to further promote Meili Vodka at Nautilus Pier 4 and the Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel in Seaport. Momoa will continue his Boston by performing with his band Oof TATATA at Memoire inside Encore hotel and casino. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets can be bought online. Two Worcester men were indicted on murder charges in connection with the deaths of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter, who police found shot in a car in March, officials said. Dejan Belnavis, 27, of Worcester, and Karel Mangual, 28, of Worcester, were indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury last week on two counts each of murder in connection to the deaths of Chasity Nunez, 27, and her 11-year-old daughter Zella Milton, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. said in a statement. Worcester police responded to Englewood Avenue on March 5 and found Nunez and Milton shot inside their car, the statement said. They were both brought to the hospital where they were pronounced dead. Mangual was arrested on March 7 and first charged in Worcester Central District Court with armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license, county prosecutors said. But, on March 12 his charges were upgraded to murder. Mangual has been held in custody since he was arrested. Belnavis was taken into custody in San Diego, California, after a motor vehicle stop on March 11, prosecutors said. Belnavis was brought back to Massachusetts on March 29 and was arraigned in Worcester Central District Court on two murder charges, prosecutors added. Hes been held without bail since his arrest. Belnavis and Mangual are expected to be arraigned in Worcester Superior Court on Sept. 11, the district attorney said. A 42-year-old man who pleaded guilty to human trafficking charges in 2016 and was later granted a new trial on those charges is now accused of raping a woman on Sunday, according to prosecutors. Anthony Dew, of Dorchester, pleaded guilty to five counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude in June 2016 and was subsequently sentenced to eight to 10 years in prison. But in 2023, the Supreme Judicial Court vacated his plea, finding that Dews right to a fair trial was violated. The court found that an attorney appointed to represent Dew, a Black Muslim, had openly posted about his vitriolic hatred of and bigotry against persons of the Muslim faith; his unabashed anti-Muslim rants were matched only by his equal scorn for and racism against Black persons. Dew now faces a charge of aggravated rape, after prosecutors say he beat and raped a woman in Boston over the weekend. Boston police went to Evelyn Street in Mattapan at around 2:12 a.m. on Sept. 8, where they found a woman bloodied and screaming. The woman had her jeans pulled down to her ankles and a T-shirt covered in what appeared to be blood pulled up, according to a statement from Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office. Police saw the womans face covered in blood and she was spitting up blood clots. As officers approached the woman, she screamed, he raped me and pointed to an apartment. She told police the man who attacked her living in that apartment and raped and beat her as she gained and lost consciousness, according to the statement. The woman sustained contusions and abrasions all over her body and had swelling and bruising to her mouth, jaw, and both her eyes, Haydens office wrote. She was brought to a hospital for treatment. Prosecutors say Dew arrived while first responders were processing the scene and became verbally combative with police. Officers saw Dew with multiple scratches to his hand and face. Police arrested Dew based on the womans description of her assailant, Haydens office said. This was a terrible, violent attack, and one likely to have lasting emotional and physical impacts on the victim, Hayden said in the statement. We will do everything we can to assist her now and as the case moves forward. The first step is to hold her attacker accountable for his intolerable conduct. An Edgartown man pleaded guilty Monday in Boston federal court in connection with robbing a bank on Marthas Vineyard, federal authorities said. Miquel Antonio Jones, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, and one count of armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. He is scheduled to be sentenced to prison on Dec. 2, the statement said. Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023, and more charges were added in a superseding indictment in April 2023. Jones met Omar Johnson, Tevin Porter and Romane Clayton on Marthas Vineyard on Nov. 16, 2022, to plan a robbery, federal prosecutors said. Jones pointed out the bank theyd rob and gave the others dark-colored clothing and plastic masks that made them look like old men. On Nov. 17, 2022, Porter, Jones and Johnson forced their way into Rockland Trust Bank in Tisbury through the back door, federal prosecutors said. The men had two semi-automatic handguns and were wearing the clothes and masks that Jones gave them. When they were in the bank, one of the men held a gun to a bank workers head and forced them to open the bank vault and stole about $39,100, prosecutors said. The banks workers were duct-taped and tied up with plastic zip ties while their personal items were searched, prosecutors said. The robbers also demanded access to one of their vehicles. Jones, Porter and Johnson left the bank in a workers car, picked up Clayton outside of the bank and drove to the Manuel Correllus State Forest, where they left the vehicle in a parking lot, prosecutors said. They fled in another vehicle that Clayton left there for the men to escape. Porter and Clayton left Marthas Vineyard together on a ferry the morning of Nov. 17, prosecutors said. But, Johnson and Jones drove to a local farm connected to Jones landscaping job to get rid of the robbery equipment, officials said. At the farm, they buried the two guns used in the robbery and burned the rest of the equipment, including the masks, prosecutors said. After they got rid of the evidence, Jones went to his home, where he hid the nearly $39,100 that he stole from the bank in his bedroom under a bureau, prosecutors said. Johnson left Marthas Vineyard and met up with Porter and Clayton in Woods Hole and then left to go to Johnsons home in New Hampshire, prosecutors said. Johnson and Porter have both pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, Levy said. Clayton is scheduled to plead guilty on Thursday, Sept. 12. A Lawrence man who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of a woman who lived in his apartment building has been charged with murder in her death, the Essex County District Attorneys Office confirmed Tuesday. Cristian Montero, 35, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 37-year-old Carol Flaz-Burgos, the district attorneys office said. Flaz-Burgos, a 37-year-old mother of two, was reported missing on Aug. 31, the district attorneys office said previously. State troopers found her body in a wooded area of Haverhill on Sept. 3 after an intensive multi-day search. Authorities arrested Montero last week on charges of witness intimidation and misleading a police investigation in connection with Flaz-Burgos disappearance, the district attorneys office said. At the time, authorities expected him to be charged with murder in the coming days. Flaz-Burgos was last seen leaving her home at 590 Broadway around 9 a.m. on Aug. 31, the district attorneys office said. The investigation into her disappearance eventually led authorities to the area around Kenoza Lake in Haverhill where a K-9 unit located her body. So far, authorities have said little about the relationship between Flaz-Burgos and Montero or a potential motive in her killing. Montero is set to be arraigned on the murder charge on Wednesday in Lawrence District Court, according to the district attorneys office. The race between two Democratic contenders for the Cambridge-based 25th Middlesex District is heading for a recount. Cambridge election officials will recount votes across all of the districts six wards to determine if incumbent state Rep. Marjorie Decker or labor organizer Evan MacKay won, the Boston Globe reported. City officials announced Thursdays recount on Monday. The recount will be held on the Russell Youth Centers second floor at 9 a.m., and will be open to the public, the 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, according to unofficial results. Cambridge election officials also released a new tally of votes that included hundreds of hand-counted votes, which bumped Decker ahead of MacKay with her 41 votes, the Globe reported. MacKays campaign also formed a recount fund account on Monday to cover any legal and other costs tied to the recount. MacRay initially declared victory on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Decker consultant Jay Cincotti said MacKays declaration was irresponsible, the Globe reported. By Friday, Sept. 5, their campaign filed a petition asking for a recount, a Cambridge Election Commission official told the Globe. 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. 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. SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket Tuesday morning, sending four people, including a billionaire, into orbit, with the aim of testing new space suits manufactured by the company. Residents of Massachusetts caught a glimpse of the vessel after its launch in Cape Canaveral, Florida just before 5:30 a.m. People from East Longmeadow to Hardings Beach in Chatham were able to see the launch flying in the early morning sky. The Polaris Dawns crew includes tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who is splitting the cost of the mission with SpaceX, as well as two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot. If all goes as planned, it will be the first time private citizens conduct a spacewalk, but they wont venture away from the capsule. Considered one of the riskiest parts of spaceflight, spacewalks have been the sole realm of professional astronauts since the former Soviet Union popped open the hatch in 1965, closely followed by the U.S. Today, they are routinely done at the International Space Station. The crew is attempting to go further into space than any mission aside from those that flew to the moon. Polaris Dawn is set to spend 10 hours at an altitude of around 870 miles, an area filled with extreme radiation and riddled with debris. They will then reduce the oval-shaped orbit by half. Even at this lower 435 miles (700 kilometers), the orbit would eclipse the space station and even the Hubble Space Telescope, the highest shuttle astronauts flew. All four wore SpaceXs spacewalking suits because the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurized for the two-hour spacewalk, exposing everyone to the dangerous environment. Isaacman and SpaceXs Sarah Gillis will take turns briefly popping out of the hatch. Theyll test their white and black-trimmed custom suits by twisting their bodies. Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a pool ladder. At a preflight news conference, Isaacman CEO and founder of the credit card processing company Shift4 refused to say how much he invested in the flight. Not a chance, he said. SpaceX teamed up with Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs, said William Gerstenmaier, a SpaceX vice president who once headed space mission operations for NASA. Its the first of three trips that Isaacman bought from Elon Musk 2 1/2 years ago, soon after returning from his first private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021. Isaacman bankrolled that tourist ride for an undisclosed sum, taking along contest winners and a childhood cancer survivor. The trip raised hundreds of millions for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The Associated Press contributed to this reporting. HAMPTON BEACH, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu came to the aid of a contestant choking on a lobster roll at a seafood festival eating contest, using the Heimlich maneuver after the man signaled for help. The contestant, Christian Moreno, recovered and resumed eating at the competition on stage Sunday. Moreno was one of six participants at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival contest. They had 10 minutes to eat as many lobster rolls as they could. The New England sandwich is traditionally stuffed with lobster, celery and mayonnaise and served on a hot dog-style bun. Im shooting for at least 20, Moreno, of Nashua, said in a video account before the contest started, saying he studied competitive eater Joey Chestnut of hot dog-contest eating fame. Moreno was at the end of a long table, close to where Sununu was watching on the side of the stage after speaking to the crowd a bit earlier. Standing, Moreno had downed about two lobster rolls when he started choking and tapped his chest, video showed. Sununu rushed out a short time later, put his arms around Moreno and started abdominal thrusts. He said he got in four or five compressions before first responders took over and assisted in dislodging the food. Im just glad I paid attention in my high school health class, the Republican governor said in a statement Monday. His office said it was the first time he had performed the Heimlich maneuver. Moreno, who didnt have his glasses on, wasnt aware it was the governor who had helped save him. My counter came up to me and, like, made a joke. And was like, Oh, like, I bet nobody else can say that theyve gotten the Heimlich from the governor before. And I looked at him, was just like, that was, that was the governor? Moreno told WMUR-TV. Moreno recovered and went back to the contest. He didnt win, but he did consume nine lobster rolls in all. A New Hampshire man was sentenced after federal prosecutors said he harassed a reporter who wrote a story about sexual and other misconduct allegations by a New Hampshire businessperson in 2022. Michael Waselchuck, 36, of Seabrook, N.H. was sentenced to 21 months, or 1.7 years, in prison with three years of supervised release, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and using a facility of interstate commerce in April. Waselchuck was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023, the statement said. He was later indicted with three other people: Eric Labarge, Tucker Cockerline and Keenan Saniatan. In March 2022, a New Hampshire Public Radio, or NHPR, journalist published an online story about allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former unnamed New Hampshire businessperson, federal prosecutors claimed. A second NHPR journalist contributed to the story. In response to the story, Labarge who is close to the New Hampshire businessperson Cockerline, Waselchuck and Saniatan started to harass and intimidate the reporters and their families, prosecutors added. Around May 18, 2022, Labarge asked Cockerline to vandalize the first reporters home in Melrose and the first reporters parents home in Hampstead, N.H. using brick and red spray paint, prosecutors said. Cockerline, in turn, got Waselchuck to vandalize the first reporters Melrose home. On the evening of May 20, 2022, Cockerline spray-painted a slur in large red letters on one of the garage doors of the first reporters parents home in Hampstead and left a brick on the ground near the front door, according to prosecutors. A couple of hours later, Waselchuck threw a brick through the window of the first reporters Melrose home and painted the phrase, JUST THE BEGINNING in large red letters on the front of the house, the prosecutors added. Labarge and Saniatan both pleaded guilty and are awaiting their respective sentences, the prosecutors said. Cockerline was sentenced to 27 months, or 2.25 years, in prison with three years of supervised release in August. Prosecutors from the Karen Read trial are reviewing data from an embattled Massachusetts State Police troopers work phone and computer to determine how it impacts Reads case and other high-profile cases. The Norfolk County district attorneys office received an extraction of suspended Trooper Michael Proctors work cell phone and content from his work cloud account from state police on Aug. 29 and Sept. 4, prosecutors disclosed in a court filing in the Read case last week. The data contained sensitive information about other ongoing investigations, prosecutors wrote, so they are working on how they will determine what if any information could be part of the discovery process in Reads or other cases. Prosecutors wrote that a preliminary review of the data (and an assumption about the kind of information they expect to find) includes: information about open investigations surveillance video from unrelated investigations personal identifying information and/or medical information of individuals involved in unrelated investigations location data of Proctor and third parties. Releasing the entire extraction report outside of law enforcement is anticipated to jeopardize open investigations, compromise the privacy and safety of civilians, and thus be contrary to the interests of justice, Norfolk prosecutors Adam Lally and Laura McLaughlin wrote in their filing. Read more: Credibility questioned in other cases for suspended trooper in Karen Read trial Reads murder trial ended with a hung jury on July 1, and hours later, the Massachusetts State Police announced that Proctor would be relieved of duty and transferred out of the homicide detective unit within the district attorneys office. On July 8, state police suspended Proctor without pay after a duty status hearing. An internal affairs investigation remains ongoing, authorities previously said. Read, 44, of Mansfield, was charged with the murder of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, 46. She pleaded not guilty and the prosecution said shortly after the mistrial they intend to retry Read. Proctors testimony drew widespread criticism for his derogatory text messages about Read, revealing information about the investigation in its early stages to friends from high school and expressing his wish that Read kill herself. The troubling testimony and suspension could be a factor in Reads second trial set for January 2025 but its also become an issue in other high-profile cases. In a Sept. 6 court filing in the case of Brian Walshe, a Cohasset man charged with his wife, Ana Walshes, killing and dismemberment of her body, prosecutors wrote that Proctor had a prominent role in the investigation. In January of 2023, Trooper Michael Proctor was designated as the case officer in the missing person and murder investigation of Ana Walshe by the Massachusetts State Police, Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Greg Connor wrote. Norfolk prosecutors, however, do not plan to call Proctor to testify in the Walshe trial, according to Connor, citing Proctors testimony in the Read trial. Connor wrote that (Proctor) was subject to cross-examination relating to alleged conflicts of interest, communications with non-involved civilian persons regarding the Read case, and statements regarding the defendant from which defense counsel argued a bias could be found. The Norfolk district attorneys office placed Proctor on the so-called Brady list, which is for law enforcement officials who are under suspension or investigation and whose credibility is subject to questioning. In one such case (unrelated to Reads), a judge agreed with defense counsel that the Norfolk district attorneys office must search Proctors phone extraction for bias in that investigation. Judge Peter Krupp in Suffolk Superior Court made the ruling in the case of Julius Hammond-Desir, a Maynard man charged with murder after a fatal shooting at a South Shore Plaza in 2022, according to court filings. The Norfolk district attorneys office is also considering hiring an outside firm to examine Proctors phone and cloud data to determine what information is relevant to various court cases, court filings show. An 18-year-old man was arrested in Dorchester Monday afternoon on a warrant charging him with murder in connection with a fatal shooting inside a home in the Boston neighborhood last month, police said. Manuel Guerrero, of Dorchester, was taken into custody around 12:06 p.m. on Monday at 1758 Dorchester Ave., Boston Police said in a statement. Guerrero is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court in Dorchester on the murder charge as well as charges of home invasion, carrying a firearm without a license and assault to murder firearm - armed. On Aug. 11 at around 6:36 p.m., Boston Police went to 5 Trent St. in Dorchester for a report of two people shot. Police found two men with gunshot wounds inside the home. Both were brought to the hospital, where one, Leudis Mejia Sanchez, 49, of Dorchester, was pronounced dead. From business taxes and energy costs to child care and housing, life in Massachusetts isnt cheap. Throw in a traffic-clogged commute, and you have the recipe for a real headache. And the commonwealth is paying the price as it loses residents to other states with less expensive and more tax-friendly climes. Thats the bottom line of a sprawling new report that puts the Bay State in the bottom tier of states for its economic competitiveness across some two dozen different indicators. The analysis by the Boston-based Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation comes as policymakers on Beacon Hill seek to stem that population loss, and even as agreement on Democratic Gov. Maura Healeys signature economic development bill remains frustratingly out of reach. Springfield Symphony Hall and downtown skyline.Nicole Simmons/MassLive There is broad consensus that Massachusetts needs to compete with other regions, states, and countries in order to succeed, Doug Howgate, the think-tanks president, wrote in a summary accompanying the document. But the questions remain: what factors determine our competitiveness and what states pose the largest threats to our economic success? Howgate continued. The report examines the states competitiveness across four, broad-based categories: Its economic health; its population and labor force; its business, employment, and investment climate; and its resident life. The analysis also compared Massachusetts against its economic and regional competitors. In the case of the former, those states included California, Florida, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Those locales also are the most common destinations for fleeing Bay Staters. In the case of the latter, it was Massachusetts New England neighbors Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Massachusetts ranks in the bottom 10 of all states in about 40% of those metrics, according to the report. And among those metrics some themes emerged, the reports authors wrote. "From business taxes, energy costs, and childcare, to housing, and the length of workers commute times, Massachusetts is asking more from its residents than the vast majority of other states, they concluded. When it comes to the states notoriously high energy bills, for instance, Massachusetts residents pay 17% more than New Yorkers. And those bills are more than double the cost of energy bills in North Carolina and Texas, the analysis found. The report also found that cost pressures are acting like a vice on the Massachusetts population, which cut across both lower-income and high-wage earners, each of whom were leaving the state for their own reasons. For lower-wage families, housing and child care costs were the big drivers, according to the report. And high-wage earners, some of whom have to contend with the states Millionaires Tax, were more likely to leave Massachusetts than any other income group, the analysis found. And thats seen in the numbers. The state ranked 45th nationwide for its domestic out-migration in 2023, the foundations analysis noted. Combine that with the fact that Massachusetts has experienced the third largest decline in its labor force since 2018, and the increasing stakes of competition for talent become clearer, they continued. But it wasnt all doom and gloom. The state finished in the top 10 in a little more than a quarter (25%) of those same metrics, benefiting from its educational attainment, high wages and productivity, and its ability to attract international immigrants. "These strengths speak to the states longstanding recipe for economic competition: a positive feedback loop between an educated populace, industries that rely on highly skilled labor, and a strong quality of life, the reports authors wrote. And while those big-picture weaknesses and strengths are not new, the mobility of talent and investment, combined with an aging population, pose new and emerging threats to Massachusetts competitiveness, the reports authors wrote. "If Massachusetts is going to be serious about improving our competitiveness and enhancing what our state offers to residents and employers, we need to start with a shared understanding of where we stand and where we want to go, Howgate, the think-tanks president, wrote. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump meet Tuesday in Philadelphia for their first, and perhaps only, televised debate of this accelerated campaign season. The rhetorical showdown between Harris, the Democratic nominee, and Trump, the Republicans standard-bearer, comes on a political playing field that looks dramatically different from the way it did just two months ago. Thats when President Joe Biden faced resounding calls to leave the field after a faltering performance against Trump in their debate in Atlanta. The Delaware Democrat initially held out, only to make the historic choice in July to abandon his reelection bid and endorse Harris. In a moment, a race that had felt like an endless slog suddenly became a sprint. And an electorate that had made clear it was dreading a Trump-Biden rematch was energized particularly among Democratic voters. With that in mind, here are three, big things to watch for during the debate, which airs at 9 p.m. on ABC stations nationwide. It also can be seen on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. Its about the viral moments The latest New York Times/Siena College poll of likely voters showed Trump with a statistically insignificant 48%-47% lead nationwide. That means the race is all about reaching that slender portion of the electorate that is still undecided. That was 5% of the respondents to the new poll. But they might not be watching, according to one analyst. Both Trump and Harris will need a viral moment that will be talked about in school parking lots and corner pubs, UMass Amherst political science professor Ray La Raja told MassLive. For Harris, that means drawing Trump out on issues, such as abortion rights, that will turn off these undecided voters, La Raja said. The Times/Siena College poll highlighted genuine concerns among voters on attacks on reproductive rights under a future Trump administration. While has said he believes abortion is a matter best left to the states, nearly half of respondents (49%) said they believe the Republican will try to pass a nationwide ban, compared to 43% who said he will not. Trump, meanwhile, will need to make Harris look equivocal and unsure about issues like immigration and the economy, La Raja said. The Vibes. The Vibes. If issues are important in a campaign and they are the way voters feel about a candidate often is determinative. Think JFKs youth compared to Richard Nixons 5 oclock shadow in their famed confrontation in 1960 or the way Ronald Reagan turned concerns about his age into a punchline during his 1984 debate against Walter Mondale. And the race between Harris and Trump has been all about the vibes. Trump has to avoid his usual ramble and word salad response, veteran Western Massachusetts political consultant Tony Cignoli told MassLive. His base doesnt care about that. But the voters he needs to move want to see a competent commander-in-chief. Trump usually gets so amped up for any debate, Ill be watching to see his demeanor, political consultant Matt L. Barron said. Does he come out thumping his chest like a gorilla and shaking his testosterone all over the vice president as he stalks her around the stage invading her space like he did with Hillary Clinton? Barron continued. Hes so undisciplined. Can he rein in the macho overkill and look presidential? For Harris, the debate is all about [showing] voters that her campaign is about us, and our futures and our freedoms, Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairperson Steve Kerrigan said. Harris will not squander this debate on the silly side of Trumps antics, Kerrigan continued. She will talk to us about us and our future. And when she does that, shell win not just the debate, but the election. Julie Hall, a former Attleboro city councilor, U.S. Air Force vet, and one-time congressional candidate, told MassLive that shes looking for Trump to be the leader that we can support. I want him to command the floor, Hall, who also was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, continued. I want him to act with professionalism. I hope his leadership will show through. Asked whether she worried Trump might default to his signature slash-and-burn style, Hall said she hoped the former president could disagree without being disagreeable. He likes to shoot from the hip. Thats what people like about him. But he doesnt have to do it with disrespect, she said. I think thats what we want from our leaders. Location, location, location The literal and symbolic importance of the debates Philadelphia location is tough to miss. Pennsylvania put Biden over the top in 2020, and with it, Harris historic election as the nations first woman, and first woman of color, vice president. With its 19 electoral votes, the road to the White House runs through the Keystone State. And its working-class communities near Scranton and outside Pittsburgh are must-wins for both candidates. Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016. And he needs the commonwealth if he hopes to prevail this year, Hall observed. These folks are going to have to appeal to the workers. its the workers who pay taxes. If we dont have taxes and dont pay taxes, we cant fund programs, she said. When you listen to the debate, thats what you have to think in your head, Do you want your money to go to that program? I think its pretty simple. Its also a key moment for Harris, who holds a slender 49-48% advantage over Trump in Pennsylvania, according to the Times polling averages. More than 60% of respondents to Sundays poll said the next president should be a major change from Biden. Only a quarter said Harris was that change, while 53% said they believed that of Trump, according to the poll. Harris needs to introduce/re-introduce herself to voters, and she needs to deliver a positive plan for the future, Bob Peters, of Lexington, who was a Democratic National Convention delegate, said. Harris also needs to forcefully [maintain] the contrast between a hopeful of America [that] stands in great contrast with the limited vision that Donald Trump offers, Peters continued. And both candidates have to make their case in the 90 minutes allotted to them on Tuesday night. When someone walks up to 13 Stars Hot Sauce in the Rhode Island building at The Big E, the conversation might start with talking about hot sauce called The Dragons Breath or Nuclear Option. But when founder Sean Maloney meets a veteran or first responder, those conversations often transcend the casual small talk of a fair. And thats the goal. We have a lot of individuals that will come to the booth and the waterworks go. People will just open up. Theyll tell me their life story, those things that theyre struggling with, Maloney said. Maloney understands all of this on a personal level. He served for the United States Air Force and was deployed to Djibouti, Africa and Germany. And he has dealt with his own post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It just kind of clicks when you have other individuals that ... have gone through the trenches, especially the mental health aspect of it, and can just open up and not have to bottle it up anymore, Maloney said. When talking about something as difficult and often stigmatized as mental health, there can be a fear of judgement or appearing weak, Maloney said. But, he added, that is the exact opposite of what it is. It takes strength to be able to open up about your mental health and those demons. About 17 veterans die by suicide each day, according to a 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention report. And about half of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with a mental disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) and 63% of those diagnosed with SUDs also met criteria for PTSD, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Sometimes that first conversation is a little bit easier when talking to another veteran over hot sauce. [This] is my purpose in life. Thats the simplest way I can put it, Maloney said. Its an absolute blessing every day being able to be an advocate for those individuals, help other individuals get to that mental health that they need ... and at least get you towards those right resources, so you can get the absolute help that you need and deserve. And the passion doesnt stop with Maloney. It is also behind each item sold. A portion of all items sold through 13 Stars Hot Sauce is added to its project fund to help veterans and first responders. When the funds are big enough, money is given to a partnered non-profit. 13 Stars Hot Sauce was started by Sean Maloney and helps other veterans.Sean Maloney How it started 13 Stars Hot Sauce didnt come together until after Maloney came back from deployment. But his love for hot sauce has been with him forever. His mother used to crave all things spicy when she was pregnant with him. The cravings were so intense, she would go to Taco Bell just to eat the hot sauce packets, he said laughing. I was a chili head before birth, he said. Then, when he was about 12 years old, his doctor told him he had high blood pressure from all the spicy food he was eating. It was the point where I was putting it on pancakes in the morning, on my eggs, and just literally everything, every single meal had hot sauce on it, he said. During his deployment in 2018, he began realizing that our time on this planet is forever fleeting. He wanted to make sure what he did was important. So, he began reading entrepreneurship books and listening to podcasts. When he came back, he still wasnt exactly sure what to do. But he began making hot sauce in the backyard with a friend whose parents grew various peppers. He said they were mostly bad. But at least one hot sauce was really good. They began offering it to friends and family. Then they had strangers try it for free at a New England Patriots game. Everyone loved it. The only problem? The original creation hadnt been made with the intention of selling it, so the recipe wasnt written down. It took them another six months to recreate the good batch. Once Maloney returned from another deployment in 2019, he was ready to launch his new business featuring his love for hot sauce and passion for helping the community. How hot can you handle? Sometimes after Maloney tries a new flavor attempt, he has to sit there for 5-10 minutes because I cant taste anything else right now because its too hot. But when it makes it to the sales floor, the hot sauces are balanced with heat and flavor so youre not just blowing your butt off for no reason, youre really able to appreciate the flavorful vials that were pushing forward into the sauces. With the exception of one item the Lone Star Challenge. The challenge is to eat one chocolate star. Only, that chocolate star is crafted from the planets most scorching peppers, Ocean State Pepper Companys Devils Dust. Every single person that ends up eating it, I can remember their face, Maloney said. The challenge started at The Big E four years ago as a way to bring in crowds and tell them about their mission. Every $20 chocolate star purchased helps supports Pets for Vets, which pairs veterans with shelter dogs. The dogs provides the Veteran with unconditional love and support, easing stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety, the website states. Its my favorite day of the year when we get to go cut a check towards them, Maloney said. 13 Stars Hot Sauce was started by Sean Maloney and helps other veterans.Sean Maloney Fair food combinations Maloney has tried a number of combinations with his hot sauces. For example, the Mean Green, he said, goes well with tacos, while Big Red One goes well with Bloody Marys. A few fair food options can be improved with his hot sauce, Maloney said. First, popcorn. Open it up, pour hot sauce in there, and then close up the bag and shake it up, he suggested. Next, hot sauce lovers need to try it on a baked potato from The Big E. The Connecticut and Maine potatoes are really good, really, really good with Big Red One, he said. I do that every single year. Finally, end with The Dilly Dilly Dog, which is a huge pickle with a hot dog stuffed inside and then deep fried in corn dog batter. That thing is really good with Nuclear Option, he said. Dont believe him? He said hes willing to let people try it for free just bring your food to his booth in the Rhode Island building. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you are not alone. HOLYOKE This year, Holyoke High Schools Dean Tech students are looking professional and feeling good, thanks to a complete uniform overhaul that includes new button-downs to scrubs and boots, all for free. This school years au-gratis gear is because of the combined efforts of Holyoke Public Schools Career and Technical Education Director Joel McAuliffe, a grant and the good graces of the Red Wing Shoe Co. SPRINGFIELD U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal says Vice President Kamala Harris has a great opportunity Tuesday night in her first, and possibly only, debate with Republican Donald Trump. I think this is a great chance for her to introduce herself to the American people, Neal said of the Democratic candidate for president. I think one of the things that shows up in polling is that clearly, everybody has made up their minds about the former president. But the question here is Is this is an opportunity for her to define herself? I think it is. Neal, D-Springfield, the senior member of the congressional delegation from Massachusetts, is a top member of House Democratic leadership, was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and has already stumped for the Harris-Walz ticket in up-for-grabs Lincoln County, Maine. Dispatches from the state linked to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act are never good news. The 1988 law requires employers to provide a 60-day notice of layoffs affecting 50 or more employees. The point is to give workers a jump on preparing for the life changes and dislocations that come with job losses. Thats why the acronym is WARN. AMHERST With construction already underway, the University of Massachusetts Amherst will be celebrating Tuesday the start of its new $43 million School of Public Health and Health Sciences Hub, which is expected to reach completion next year. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 9 a.m. outside of the Totman Gymnasium at 30 Eastman Lane, according to a statement from the university. Leaders from UMass, including Chancellor Javier Reyes along with state and local officials are expected to appear. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy concluded a two-day mission to Port Sudan, where they reaffirmed WHOs commitment to reaching all Sudanese in need and called on the international community to urgently act to end the extreme health and humanitarian crisis. During their visit, Dr Tedros and Dr Balkhy met with Sudanese leaders, including Lt. Gen. Abdul Fatah Al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudans Transitional Sovereignty Council; Deputy Chairman of Sudans Sovereignty Council Dr Malik Agar; and Federal Minister of Health Dr Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim Awadallah. The discussions centered on the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict and the critical need for unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that life-saving aid reaches all those in need, regardless of their location. The international community has seemingly forgotten about Sudan and is paying little heed to the conflict tearing it apart, with serious repercussions for the region, Dr Tedros said during a press conference held today in Port Sudan. That is why I have come to Sudan. I am here, with my sister Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director, to meet with the wide range of partners involved in the response, and to call for urgent and scaled up action to provide more resources, more access to humanitarian aid, and more security to health workers and the patients they serve. He added: We are calling on the world to wake up and help Sudan out of the nightmare it is living through. We must not fail the people of Sudan. Much of Sudans health system has been devastated by the conflict, with more than 100 attacks on healthcare facilities in the over 500 days of conflict leading to significant casualties among health workers and patients. The insecurity has forced many health workers to flee with their families, worsening the shortage of medical staff. This exodus has further weakened the health systems ability to provide essential services, leaving many Sudanese without access to critical care. The high-level WHO mission included a visit to a nutrition stabilization center supported by WHO, where Dr Tedros and Dr Balkhy saw firsthand the impact of the malnutrition crisis gripping Sudan. Currently, 3.6 million children are acutely malnourished, with 730 000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated food insecurity, making it increasingly difficult to deliver essential nutrition and health services to vulnerable populations. At an internally displaced persons camp, Dr Tedros and Dr Balkhy saw the difficult living conditions the people face. The camps residents are struggling with a lack of food, medicine, and clean water, exposing them to heightened risk of disease outbreaks and other health threats. The daily risks include threat of gender-based violence, particularly against the estimated four million women and girls at risk due to the ongoing conflict. Dr Balkhy emphasized the critical need to respect the sanctity of healthcare, in line with international humanitarian law. Sudans health infrastructure is in ruins, with many facilities destroyed, looted, or abandoned. To rebuild and stabilize the health system, there must be significant investment not only in restoring facilities but also in strengthening the health workforce, Dr Balkhy said. She linked this to the broader economic aspect, noting that without a functioning health system, the economic recovery and future stability of Sudan are at risk. Following the mission, Dr Tedros and Dr Balkhy underscored the need for concerted international action both to advance peace and provide the necessary short- and long-term aid. Our priority is to ensure that every Sudanese in need receives the assistance they require, wherever they are in the country. This will only be possible through sustained peace, substantial investment in health infrastructure, and full, unimpeded access for humanitarian efforts across Sudan by whatever means needed, including both cross-line and cross-border from neighbouring countries. The only way forward is peace, for which the warring parties themselves have the greatest responsibility, with support from the international community. The world must not look awaythis crisis demands our immediate and collective response. The conflict has left some 25 million people more than half of the countrys population in dire need of humanitarian aid. Of these, 14.7 million require urgent assistance for a range of life-saving support, for which the humanitarian sector has requested US$ 2.7 billion, which is less than half of the funding required. WHOs current funding gap for the Sudan health crisis is concerning, with only 24% received out of the total WHO ask, severely limiting the ability to address the crisis. The high-level visit also included the inauguration of the new premises of WHOs office in Port Sudan, expanding WHOs ability to reach people affected by the crisis. North Dakota's Department of Environmental Quality is urging state residents to take precautions against wildfire smoke from the western U.S. and Canada. "Based on current weather patterns, residents across the state may experience intermittent smoke over the next few days," DEQ said in a Monday statement, adding that residents -- especially those with respiratory conditions -- should consider staying inside or limiting prolonged outdoor activities when smoky conditions exist. Another tip is to set air conditioning units and car ventilation systems to recirculate to prevent drawing in outside air. Air quality ratings can be found at fire.airnow.gov. Bismarck and many other sites in the state had a rating of "moderate" on Monday afternoon. That means conditions could impact "unusually sensitive" people. Smoky skies have been an off-and-on issue in the Northern Plains the past two summers. Wildfire smoke has been linked to health complications including asthma, heart disease and other respiratory illnesses. Information on wildfires and air quality is on the state DEQ website, at bit.ly/3OhrD7E. Wildfire smoke patterns can be found at bit.ly/3Wjcd5f. Mayo is home to a hothouse in the Rounders sport: Breaffy has had an extraordinary year so far. The ladies', men's and mixed teams made it to the senior All-Ireland final. The Breaffy Ladies team had an outstanding campaign. They kicked off their season with a commanding 11-4 win over Erne Eagles, followed by another 11-4 victory over Glynn Barntown, thanks to solid batting and fielding. They continued their unbeaten streak in tough conditions against Cuchulainn Rounders, securing a 10-3 victory to stay top of the standings. A dominant 21-7 win over Kevins Hurling & Camogie highlighted their strong batting and teamwork. In a tight game against Limekiln, Breaffy broke away in the fifth inning to win 18-4. The All-Ireland Semi-Final was their toughest challenge yet, but the ladies showed great resilience, securing a dramatic 18-17 win with a final run as daylight faded, clinching their spot in the final. Ladies captain Majella Haverty said Its been a great season so far and to have three teams in three All Ireland finals is a great privilege for the club. For the ladies team, we have gone unbeaten so far this season and hope to continue that run come Sunday. The team has done the work and is ready to go out and give it all in Sundays final. Ladies co-managers Colm Jordan, Seamus Lunn and JP Gibbons said about the final test Our ladies are back to defend their All-Ireland title, its been another amazing year for them." The Breaffy Men's team had a remarkable journey to the All Ireland Final, showcasing resilience and determination. Their campaign began with a tough defeat against Erne Eagles (21-7), but they bounced back with a solid win over Glynn Barntown (16-12). A crucial victory against reigning All Ireland champions Carrickmacross Emmets (15-14) followed, demonstrating their grit under pressure. They continued their winning streak with a narrow victory over Cuchulainn Rounders (18-17) and a hard-fought win against Limekiln (13-12). Against Michael Glavey's, Breaffy displayed excellent fielding to secure a comfortable 10-3 win. In the All-Ireland Semi-Finals, Breaffy Men made their first final in nearly 30 years, sealing the victory with a clutch performance in the final innings, securing their place in the final. Seamus Lunn, one of the mens team managers, had this to say about the historic achievement 2023 was a breakthrough year for Breaffy Senior Mens team reaching the semi-final for the first time in years. 2024 brought the team one step forward reaching the men's final for the first time since 1995. Breaffy lost their first game of the year to Erne Eagles (their opponents in the final) but then went on to win their remaining 5 group game and their semi-final against Limekiln. The main characteristics of the Breaffy Seniors Men team this year have been composure and resilience. This was evident in abundance as the team came from behind on no less than four occasions to win matches with their last batting. These battling characteristics are likely to be called on again if they are to succeed against a very experienced, quality Erne Eagles side. The captain, Victor del Rosal, expressed his pride in how the team have performed so far this year "I'm very proud of the men's team. Players and managers have put in the work. We've won 7 out of 8 games so far, playing smart, giving it all on the pitch and staying calm under pressure. Now we hope to bring it home for Breaffy and Mayo." And last but definitely not least, the Breaffy Mixed team had a strong journey to the All-Ireland Final, overcoming various challenges along the way. Their campaign began with a narrow loss to Erne Eagles (17-13) in a closely contested match. However, they bounced back with a tight 7-6 win over Glynn Barntown, holding firm in the final moments. Against Carrickmacross Emmets, Breaffy dominated, winning 11-6 with excellent fielding throughout. They continued their form with a commanding 12-4 victory over Cuchulainn Rounders, highlighted by Jamie Murphy's impressive one-handed catch. Another solid performance saw them beat Kevins Hurling & Camogie Club 10-4. Despite a setback against Limekiln, where they struggled with batting and lost 12-4, they rebounded in style with a 21-4 win over Michael Glaveys, driven by a 14-run first inning. In the All-Ireland Semi-Finals, after a restart due to a technicality, Breaffy pushed through for a hard-fought 14-6 victory, securing their place in the final. Colm Jordan, captain of the mixed team, is looking forward to the challenge ahead Our mixed team are where we wanted to be at the start of the year, in the final. It's been an exciting journey with some ups and downs along the way. But were where we want to be, were up against strong opposition on Sunday but know that if we bring our best, were a match for anyone. We will enjoy the build-up and give it our all. Breaffy go onto meet Limekiln Rounders in the All-Ireland Final, the Dublin team have gone unbeaten this season. In the round robin stages when the two teams met, Breaffy werent at the races, if they perform to their abilities in the final, they are more than capable of reversing the result. So upcoming Sunday will be memorable event for the Breaffy Rounders community with three teams in the national final. THE partners of the Corrib Gas Field in north Mayo have announced plans to develop a sustainable energy plan to explore the potential for establishing a renewable energy hub at the Bellanaboy site. Corribs Joint Venture partners, Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited and Nephin Energy Limited, announced the launch of the Atlantic Energy @ Corrib initiative. This initiative aims to develop a sustainable energy plan for the Bellanaboy facility and since the announcement was made in August, the Corrib partners claim the Atlantic Energy @ Corrib initiative has made significant strides. The project has advanced through the technical and economic screening of various development options, assessing how best to repurpose the field and its infrastructure from natural gas to renewable energy production. These screenings, conducted by international engineering consultants, evaluated a range of energy projects, including wind energy, hydrogen, and hydrogen-related derivatives. Building on these findings, the Corrib partners are now assessing the economic viability and undertaking more detailed investigations to determine the most feasible path forward. This next phase focuses on the commercial and technology feasibility assessments of the various projects under consideration. This will involve engaging with local, government and industry stakeholders. Vermilion and our partners Nephin Energy are excited about the progress of the Atlantic Energy @ Corrib initiative, said Jarlath Trench, Managing Director of Vermilion Ireland. The Corrib facility presents numerous advantages for Irelands energy transition and the economic development of the West of Ireland. These include its substantial brownfield footprint in Northwest Connacht, direct access to the Gas Networks Ireland gas transmission network, proximity to significant onshore and offshore wind energy potential, and an experienced workforce with a proven track record in the safe operation of one of Irelands largest pieces of energy infrastructure, he said. The Corrib Gas field is Ireland's sole indigenous source of natural gas and currently, the field contributes approximately 20 percent of Irelands annual natural gas requirement. Tom OBrien, Group Chief Executive of Nephin Energy added: At Nephin Energy, we are dedicated to fostering sustainable energy solutions for Ireland as evidenced by this initiative and the recent creation of our new business Nephin Renewable Gas. Projects like Atlantic Energy @ Corrib will not only support Ireland's energy transition but also bring long-term benefits to the communities in north Mayo. The progress we've made with the AtlanticEnergy@Corrib initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. We look forward to continuing our work with all stakeholders to harness the full potential of the Corrib Gas Field infrastructure, transforming it into a cornerstone of Irelands renewable energy future, he said. A Donegal taxi driver who sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman passenger while bringing her to Derry has been jailed at the local Crown Court. Paul Bryan (63) of The Bungalow, Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal admitted two charges of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault that occurred on October 22, 2017. Before passing sentence Judge Neil Rafferty KC told the young woman that she had been totally vindicated by the defendant's guilty plea. READ NEXT: Jeremy Kyle Show guest distraught after recording, landlady tells inquest He read from her personal statement in which she said she was not a victim but a survivor. In her statement she said: "I was a victim for a few hours, I am a survivor for seven years." The judge also apologised for the delay in the case and said he understood how that had "put your life on hold." He told the young woman that this was "a horrible incident that did not define her". Turning to the facts if the case the judge said that on October 22, 2017 the young woman had gone to Letterkenny with friends and had consumed alcohol. She had become separated from her friends and decided to get a taxi to take her back to Derry. She flagged a taxi down outside a night club and there were witnesses who saw her entering the vehicle. On the journey back to Derry, Bryan sexually assaulted the woman and behaved "inappropriately." In his first interview Bryan said there had been sexual activity but claimed it was consensual but later admitted the offences. Judge Rafferty said that there were "significant aggravating factors" in the case including the fact Bryan was a taxi driver and there was a breach of trust in that he had taken advantage of a young woman who was "extremely vulnerable due to her age and alcohol." He said the incident had had "a significant effect" on the young woman's life and she had been entitled to think she was safe in a taxi. He described the case as one of "high harm and high culpability" and sentenced Bryan to four years with half of that to be served in custody and half on licence. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offender's Register for a period of 10 years and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed for the same period. Just try and imagine, that the man who wrote this was, stone deaf. Not only, could he imagine what it would sound like, he would never get to hear it performed by an orchestra. That is dedication, and utter genius. To be that driven. But it is so sad, at the same time. People use the word genius nowadays, so flippantly, but this is what true genius is. *** Ode to Joy Ode an die Freude, Beethoven Sympony 9 (Choral) 4th German lyrics & English Translation https://youtu.be/Ah__4g01y_M?si=bWCGNMgXFqxwIMYo (Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan) *** "Ode to Joy" (CC: English Closed Captions) Beethoven Symphony No. 9 - Mvt. 4 - Daniel Barenboim (Conductor) /West-Eastern Divan Orchestra 7,075,756 views Aug 24, 2012 Prom 18: Beethoven Cycle -- Symphony No. 9, 'Choral' Friday 27 July 6.30pm -- c. 7.55pm Royal Albert Hall Anna Samuil (soprano) Waltraud Meier (mezzo-soprano) Michael Konig (tenor) Rene Pape (bass) National Youth Choir of Great Britain West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Daniel Barenboim (conductor) ** Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, 4th movement | Paavo Jarvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen *** Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" in the final movement of Symphony No. 9 is an emotional masterpiece for several reasons: Universal Message: The theme of brotherhood and unity, as expressed in Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy," resonates deeply. It speaks to humanity's shared struggles and hopes, making it a timeless anthem of optimism and connection. Triumph Over Adversity: Beethoven composed this symphony while completely deaf, and it's seen as a triumph of the human spirit over personal and physical limitations. This story adds a profound emotional layer to the music. Musical Power: The movement builds from quiet anticipation to an explosive chorus, blending voices and instruments in a way that stirs both joy and awe. The grandeur of the orchestration and the choir's crescendo evoke powerful emotions. Cultural Significance: "Ode to Joy" has been used in many pivotal moments of history, symbolizing freedom, unity, and peace. Its emotional weight is often tied to these larger contexts of human experience. Hearing it at 00:55:51 might coincide with a particularly intense moment in the piece, amplifying the emotional impact. *** Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy" ("An die Freude" in German) was written in 1785 and later revised in 1803. The poem celebrates the idea of universal brotherhood and the unity of mankind through joy and love. Schiller envisioned a world where all people, regardless of class or nationality, are united by common human values and shared happiness. Its most famous adaptation is in the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, where Beethoven set Schiller's words to music. The "Ode to Joy" section, sung by a full choir, exudes a spirit of triumph, peace, and unity, making it a symbol of hope and harmony across the world. The poems themes align with ideals of enlightenment and humanity, making it a timeless and powerful piece of literature, especially when paired with Beethovens music. Here is the English translation of Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy": Ode to Joy Joy, beautiful spark of divinity, Daughter of Elysium, We enter, drunk with fire, Heavenly One, your sanctuary! Your magic binds again What custom strictly divided; All men become brothers, Wherever your gentle wing rests. Whoever has achieved the great feat Of being a friend's friend, Whoever has won a lovely woman, Let them join in our rejoicing! Yes, even if only one soul Calls theirs on the earth! And whoever cannot, let them steal away Weeping from this fellowship. All creatures drink of joy At nature's breast; All good, all evil Follow her trail of roses. She gave us kisses and wine, A friend, proven in death; Pleasure was given to the worm, And the cherub stands before God! Gladly, as His suns fly Through the glorious order of Heaven, Brothers, run your course, Joyfully, like a hero to victory. Be embraced, you millions! This kiss is for the whole world! Brothers, above the starry canopy There must dwell a loving Father. Do you fall prostrate, you millions? World, do you sense your Creator? The poem celebrates joy as a force that unites humanity and connects it to the divine. The imagery of nature, friendship, and the divine emphasizes universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony. **** Here is the original German text of Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy" (An die Freude), as used by Beethoven in his Symphony No. 9: Ode to Joy (An die Freude) Freude, schoner Gotterfunken, Tochter aus Elysium, Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligtum! Deine Zauber binden wieder Was die Mode streng geteilt; Alle Menschen werden Bruder, Wo dein sanfter Flugel weilt. Wem der groe Wurf gelungen, Eines Freundes Freund zu sein; Wer ein holdes Weib errungen, Mische seinen Jubel ein! Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund! Und wer's nie gekonnt, der stehle Weinend sich aus diesem Bund. Freude trinken alle Wesen An den Brusten der Natur; Alle Guten, alle Bosen Folgen ihrer Rosenspur. Kusse gab sie uns und Reben, Einen Freund, gepruft im Tod; Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, Und der Cherub steht vor Gott! Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen Durch des Himmels pracht'gen Plan, Laufet, Bruder, eure Bahn, Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen. Seid umschlungen, Millionen! Diesen Ku der ganzen Welt! Bruder, uber'm Sternenzelt Mu ein lieber Vater wohnen. Sucht ihn uber'm Sternenzelt, Uber Sternen mu er wohnen. This is the version Beethoven set to music, though some verses are omitted in the symphony's performance. The poem expresses themes of joy, unity, and divine presence. *** https://youtu.be/X6s6YKlTpfw?si=OyPoK9Au4E9P3_QB Beethoven - Symphony No.9 (10000 Japanese) - Freude schoner Gotterfunken @hal5626 2 years ago This is a traditional event that has been going on in Japan for 40 years. At the end of every year, 10,000 people gather in the hall of Osaka Castle to sing the Ninth Song. All participants spend a year attending lessons in preparation for this day. Then, sing prayerfully and confirm that singing can help you communicate with others. I'm happy that this video has reached people all over the world. Danke! @pinkpaprika8410 1 year ago By the time Beethoven composed this, he was fully deaf, so he never actually heard it in his life, except in his own mind so if he was listening from heaven, he must have been dancing with joy to hear this. Im also impressed by the singers perfect pronunciation of German, as its not an easy language to pronounce for Japanese native speakers. @isabelwaltsgott6942 2 years ago (edited) I'm a musician from Germany who also was part of the Gewandhaus choir and singing this sinfonie, and I'm so touched by this video. the commitment of the conductor.. I honestly cry every time I watch the ending, you can tell how much this Sinfonie means to the conductor. He is just amazing and gives all his heart. Also the big choir. They learned all the german words, they applied to be in the concert. ? Musicians all over the world are simply the same, music just overcomes all the differences. ? 'Alle Menschen werden Bruder' (all people become brothers and sisters), it says in the Sinfonie. And it's right. And I'm so happy to see how music can unite us all, from Asia to Europe, to America.? 'Alle Menschen werden Bruder' (all people become brothers and sisters), it says in the Sinfonie. And it's right. @hae74700 3 years ago The first performance of Beethoven's 9th in Japan was done by the German POWs of WW1 in the Bando POW camp in Naruto city, 30 minutes drive from my hometown. Later, it has become our tradition that Beethoven's 9th be played in every year-end in many cities throughout Japan. The POWs in Bando were permitted to go out of the camp quite freely and they interacted with the local people. Many of the Germans were common people such as bakers, carpenters, mechanics, farmers ... Some taught their professional skills to the local people. So Baumkuchen has become one of our favorite sweets. They were earning money by teaching, doing jobs or selling the products from the firms and factories of the camp. Some of them became richer than the local people. Some were amateur musicians and taught playing musical instruments to the locals. The German musicians formed an orchestra. After the signing of the peace treaty, the governor of the camp, Colonel Toyohisa Matsue (), made a speech to the Germans, "Now there is no friend and foe...". The orchestra played Beethoven's 9th for the people in and out of the camp. All POWs being men, the female chorus part had been arranged for men. On Nov. 27th 2011, the German president Christian Wulff visited the camp site and paid floral tribute to the cenotaph of the POWs who died during the interment. The cenotaph has been taken care of by the local people. Today, one of the biggest meat product manufacturers in Japan has its roots in what the locals learnt from the German POWs. The heritages of the German POWs are now deeply rooted in our country. Beer, sausage, Baumkuchen ... and Beethoven's 9th. **** https://youtu.be/Qpq-N2eYE5w?si=ZRNEY8wNJ02qwBBT Evangelion: Beethoven's 9th Symphony 4th Movement "Ode to Joy" by MCO ft. Seiji Ozawa (LIVE) Movime 3.78K subscribers 451, 280 views Oct 5, 2022 Featured Videos Fourth Movement from Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral' (Excerpt) Composed by: Ludwig van Beethoven Conducted by: Seiji Ozawa Live performance with the one of the greatest conductors of all time Seiji Ozawa conducting Mito Chamber Orchestra ! 00:00 Presto. Allegro assai ('Ode to Joy'; excerpt); 06:53 Choir 13:53 3EM27 Evangelion EP24 BGM Shinji vs. Kaworu scene theme, from Neon Genesis Evangelion OST Enjoy our playlist: Neon Genesis Evangelion Soundtrack (L... Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral" Recorded: 2017-10-15 Soloists : Rie Miyake (Soprano), Mihoko Fujimura (Mezzo-Soprano), Kei Fukui (Tenor), Markus Eiche (Baritone) Chorus : Tokyo Opera Singers (Chorus Master: Toshiaki Murakami) SEIJI OZAWA Born in Shenyang, China (then Mukden, Manchuria) in 1935, Ozawa studied conducting at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo in the 1950s under Hideo Saito (1902-74). In 1959, he placed first in the International Besancon Competition for Young Conductors. After apprenticing under the tutelage of Herbert von Karajan (1908-89), he went on to serve as assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under Leonard Bernstein (1918-90). Thereafter, he successively served as musical director for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), among others. Since 1992 Ozawa has led the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, which was renamed the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival in 2015. He has also been avidly instructing budding musicians at such places as the Seiji Ozawa Ongaku-juku. In 2011, he won the 23rd Praemium Imperiale in Honor of Prince Takamatsu, a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association. In 2015, he became the first-ever Japanese recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors award in the United States. In 2016, his recording of Ravels LEnfant et Les Sortileges (The Child and the Spells), with the Saito Kinen Orchestra under his direction, won the Grammy award for best opera recording. Also, he was awarded honorary membership of the Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) in 2010, and of the Berliner Philharmoniker (Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra) in 2015. In 2013, he became the new director general of Art Tower Mito (ATM), succeeding Hidekazu Yoshida (1913-2012), the first person to hold that position. Excerpt from Beethoven Symphony No. 9 - Seiji Ozawa & Radek Babora?k - Mito Chamber Orchestra () Video www.arttowermito.or.jp/mco/en/archive/single.php?id=article_1428 ?????? ???????? 9 Soundtrack from: Neon Genesis Evangelion (Anime Series) Evangelion: Death and Rebirth The End of Evangelion Air/ Rebuild of Evangelion Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone : Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance : Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo :Q Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time ?:|| Home-video releases: EVA 1.11 1.11 EVA 2.22 2.22 EVA 3.33 Q3.33 EVA 3.0+1.01 / 3.0+1.11 Super Robot Wars #SeijiOzawa # #Beethoven #evangelion #neongenesisevangelion #nge #shirosagisu **** Okay , Ludwig , with your beautiful, powerful music, you made me think deeply of God in the realm beyond the stars and of our eternal life with him beyond this mundane material existence , and by doing so, you brought tears to my eyes. Mission accomplished wonderfully , better than any preacher I have ever met could do so. Thank you , and I hope to see you there. *** by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 9, 2024 Verizon is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit by record labels that seek to hold the telecom responsible for copyright infringement by broadband subscribers who allegedly shared music on peer-to-peer networks. When people do bad things online, their internet service providers are not typically the ones to blame, Verizon argues in papers filed last week with U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Garnett in the Southern District of New York. This lawsuit claims otherwise, the telecom adds. Verizon's papers come in response to a lawsuit brought in July by Universal, Warner and Sony, which claimed that Verizon facilitated infringement by failing to disconnect subscribers suspected of sharing music online. The record companies alleged that Verizon ignored notices about subscribers who allegedly shared thousands of tracks, including music by The Rolling Stones, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and 50 Cent. advertisement advertisement Instead of taking action in response to those infringement notices as the law requires, Verizon ignored plaintiffs notices and buried its head in the sand, the labels claimed in their complaint. Verizon counters in a motion seeking dismissal of the case that even if those allegations were proven true, they would show only passive inaction. Contributory infringement requires culpable action, not passive inaction, Verizon argues. Verizons mere failure to cut off subscribers internet access -- no matter how many emails asked it to -- did not materially contribute to their infringement, it adds. The company points to the Supreme Court's recent decision in a lawsuit accusing Meta, YouTube and X, formerly Twitter, of facilitating terrorism by failing to remove terrorists' posts. The court ruled in May 2023 that the social media companies' alleged failure to take down content didn't establish liability for aiding and abetting terrorism. Verizon now says the same logic should preclude liability for its alleged failure to disconnect alleged file-sharers. The telecom acknowledges in its motion that record labels have won damage awards or settlements from other internet service providers accused of failing to terminate subscribers, but says those outcomes were erroneous. The labels filed this lawsuit because the same playbook has worked against others, Verizon writes, adding that prior rulings against internet service providers were wrong then and are even less persuasive now. In one closely watched case, Cox Communications was found liable for copyright infringement on the theory that it failed to terminate service to suspected file-sharers, and was ordered to pay $1 billion in damages. Cox appealed to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which left in place a finding that Cox contributed to infringement, but said the company should have a new trial regarding damages. Cox recently asked the Supreme Court to intervene in that matter. by Danielle Oster , September 9, 2024 Northwestern Mutual is attempting to reach Americans anxious about navigating confusing economic times with a brand promise to deliver A Better Way To Money. The campaign ads, running across streaming and social media channels, show series of scenarios demonstrating how Northwestern Mutual can help with financial planning for small businesses and families, leading into the message, See the difference the right advisor makes and the new A better way to money tagline. The campaign was informed by a year of qualitative and quantitative research to inform its strategy. "Our research shows that 75% of Americans say they may be missing something important when it comes to their financial plan and nearly the same percentage of people feel like they can do better when it comes to their finances," Northwestern Mutual CMO Lynn Teo said in a statement, citing Northwestern Mutual Consumer Financial Blind Spots research from February 2024. advertisement advertisement The company is also introducing a new visual brand identity with the campaign, which will appear on its website, social channels; and in influencer content, and local print, paid, and digital ads. The optics feature refreshed hues of sky and navy blue, yellow, white and off-white, a contemporary photographic style, hand-drawn visual elements and a proprietary font, according to an announcement. Additionally, the campaign includes a sizable content marketing component withA Better Way To Money podcast, which will unfold across eight episodes featuring Northwestern Mutual and other industry experts, as well as pop culture figures, including an episode featuring comedian and social media influencer Kat Stickler, who boasts more than 12 million followers. Sticklers episode explains how she's planning for her own financial future as a single mother and entrepreneur who recently purchased a home. Other episodes will focus on relatable topics like negotiations when taking on a new job, the gig economy and financial intimacy, per the company Northwestern Mutual is one of a number of brands in the sector to introduce messaging and ad campaigns centered around financial literacy -- or what some in the financial services industry have called financial wellness to combat financial anxiety and confusion, including Allys Money Roots campaign and its recent partnership with mediation app Calm, and NerdWallets Fact Check Your Finances campaign. "We are the inheritors of the Sakyamuni dharma. We should be devout and reverent to our own Buddha dharma. We must remember the earnest teachings of the Tenth Panchen Master Temple to be like a temple and the monk to be like a monk, carry forward the fine tradition of Tibetan Buddhism's patriotism and love of teaching, and promote the healthy inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism. This is the responsibility and obligation of our inheritors of Tibetan Buddhism." Recently, the Panchen Erdeni Quejijeb went to the Lading Temple, Baigang Temple, and Changmeijian Temple in Shigatse City, Xizang, to worship Buddhism and preach scriptures, encouraging monks and other people to shoulder the burden of their family business, inherit Tibetan Buddhism healthily, set an example, and bravely challenge the Tanzanian. Lhundrup Rinpoche, as the most influential living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism, is able to come to Lhundrup Monastery to preach and pass on teachings, which is not only exciting but also touching and grateful. Lhundrup Jinpa, a monk who has been studying and living at Lhundrup Monastery for 36 years, said that the arrival of Panchen Lama Rinpoche is a great joy for Lhundrup Monastery, and the temple has made sufficient preparations to welcome Rinpoche's arrival. On that day, the decoration of the Lading Temple was newly renovated. After the arrival of the Panchen Lama and his delegation, the Dharma chant and the Dharma snails played together on site. Lunzhu Jinba and the monks held a grand welcoming ceremony in front of the temple. Subsequently, guided and escorted by high monks holding incense burners and umbrellas, the Panchen Lama stepped onto the throne in the main hall and imparted the "Three Main Teachings" to the temple monks, offering blessings and distributing alms. With the support and assistance of the Party and the government, the temple has successively rebuilt the main hall and the Qiangba Buddhist Hall on the original site. Currently, the monks in the temple have guaranteed their studies and lives, and all Buddhist activities in the temple follow traditional rituals and regulations. As monks, we must strictly abide by the precepts, study the classics, continuously promote the sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism, and contribute our own strength to the inheritance and development of Tibetan Buddhism Losangpa said that today we are very happy to welcome Panchen Lama as we wish. Rinpoche will also be preaching and spreading the Dharma in the temple, which is a great encouragement and blessing for us monks to devote ourselves to practicing and enhancing our practice. by Ray Schultz , September 9, 2024 Jamie Heller, a 20-year veteran of The Wall Street Journal, is joining Business Insider as editor in chief. Heller has led the Journals global business and technology coverage. It has been wonderful getting to know Jamie over the past few months, writes CEO Barbara Peng, She is sharp and passionate and believes deeply that journalism is a team sport. Heller is a fan of Business Insider. I subscribed several years ago because I had to it is that good., she says. Now, I am beyond excited to lead this tremendous publication to new heights. She adds: Every day I've worked at The Wall Street Journal has been an honor. I am in awe of the journalism it does, and am forever grateful to all of my colleagues over the years and around the world. by Fern Siegel , September 10, 2024 Ogilvy has promoted Fiona Gordon to Global CEO of advertising, reporting to Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO of Ogilvy. She also joins the agencys global executive committee. Since 2021, Gordon has been CEO of Ogilvy UK. She oversaw all aspects of the agency's operations, including advertising, customer experience, PR-influence, health and consulting. During her tenure, Ogilvy UK secured major new business wins, such as Molson Coors and Valeo Foods UK, the maker of snack brands Kettle Chips and Rowse Honey. Prior to leading Ogilvy UK, her roles included Chief Client Officer for Ogilvy EMEA and WPP UK Team Lead for Walgreens Boots Alliance. From 2011-2015, she served as Group Chairperson of Ogilvy Singapore, resulting in the agency being named SE Asia Agency of the Year and SE Asia Agency Head of the Year. advertisement advertisement Unilever, American Express, GSK, Singtel and Mondelez are some of the accounts she has led. Devika said: Fiona is a proven champion of creativity, trusted partner to many of our top clients, and passionate steward of the founder culture that makes Ogilvy shine. She leads with both her head and her heart, inspiring those around her with her vision and her unwavering belief in the power of the talent she works with. Gordon's promotion follows the news that WPP acquired New Commercial Arts (NCA), an independent creative and customer experience agency. NCA will extend the agencys reach in the UK market. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 10, 2024 Meta Platforms is asking a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who claims the social platform wrongly displayed ads that misappropriated his identity to sell CBD gummies. In a motion filed late last week, Meta says it is protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which immunizes web companies from liability for material created by outside advertisers. All of plaintiffs claims against Meta are barred by Section 230, the social media platform argues in papers filed with U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Williams in Wilmington, Delaware. Huckabee's complaint, according to Meta, acknowledges that the third-party advertisers -- not Meta, which merely owns the Facebook platform on which the third-party advertisements appeared -- were responsible for creating the challenged advertisements, the company adds. advertisement advertisement The complaint also acknowledges that Meta played no role in the advertisements content and had no knowledge that the advertisements were false before they were published, the company contends. Meta's papers come in response to a lawsuit brought by Huckabee in June, when he sued Meta over the ads. Among other claims, he said Meta violated an Arkansas right-of-publicity law that gives people the right to control the commercial use of their names and images. Because Meta approved and maintained advertisements that unauthorizedly used and exploited plaintiffs name, photograph, and likeness, plaintiff is now wrongly associated with the CBD industry and marijuana use, Huckabee alleged. His complaint referenced several fake ads, including one that linked to a phony Fox News site. While Section 230 broadly protects web publishers from lawsuits, it has an exception for material that infringes intellectual property rights. Huckabee contended in his complaint that his claims against Meta fall within that exception, arguing that his right to control the commercial use of his image is an intellectual property right. In 2021, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals accepted that argument in another lawsuit involving Meta. In that case, the court said news anchor Karen Hepp could proceed with a claim that Meta violated her right-of-publicity by hosting a dating ad with her photo. Life is sometimes what you make out of it, and on other days it is literally how you navigate with what is given to you. Lets see what the Universe wants you to know today and navigate your day accordingly: Aries Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Those who have been searching for their loved ones since a long time, and were only ending up being dissatisfied, can expect something unusual today. Your social life can be seen heating up. On the professional front, things will turn out to be in your favour as acknowledgement seems to await your presence. Maintain distances from things which have the potential to weigh you down. Trust yourself and things will be all fine. Your Lucky color is White. Your Lucky number is 45. Taurus Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock There is a possibility that you may lose someone for whom you had eternal feelings. This loss will be huge and unbearable for you. Have faith and try to distract yourself from this. On the professional front, a colleague will try to influence your decision making power, so be wise enough to handle such situations. Try to impart your time with positive people around you and you will feel much better. Your Lucky color is Brown. Your Lucky number is 26. Gemini Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock On the professional front, collaborations are on the menu. So, if you have been thinking of collaborating with someone then its a great time. Things will turn in your favour and will even bless you with a huge amount of profits in the near future. Good news from a family member is on the menu. Health wise, you are likely to incorporate some healthy activities in your routine, which shall help you in rejuvenating your health. Your Lucky color is Pink. Your Lucky number is 43. Cancer Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Tensions on the domestic front may have an impact on your efficiency at the workplace. This will make you feel sad and unhappy. So in order to resolve your issues you have to stay calm and if things don't change for something better then you have to make some hard steps in both personal as well as professional life. Students are likely to receive some good news with respect to their academic fields. Your Lucky color is Peach. Your Lucky number is 5. Leo Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Today you are likely to hear some unexpected news regarding your work. This news will be big enough to shatter you. If you are an employee, then you will find yourself fighting a rearguard action against your superiors who will be planning to kick you out of the company. Talking about your love life, it will be full of complications. You may enter into an argument with your partner, which will just add misunderstandings between the two of you. Your Lucky color is Light Blue. Your Lucky number is 40. Virgo Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Today you will come across a bunch of new faces. But do not trust them in one go and caste a sheep's eye to know their real intentions to get into your life. Have control on your tongue as you may ask someone to suck a lemon today. Well, this will be a reaction of an action, but still watch out for your tone. Talking about your professional life, it will be full of surprises and soon you will be awarded with a promotion. Your Lucky color is Silver. Your Lucky number is 12. Libra Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock The day will begin with a slow start but by the end you will be all charged up to attend a gala-affair. Your professional life will be as happening as personal and you will be sharing a good connection with both your partner and your superiors. Avoid over stressing yourself and life will become much easier for you. In all, it's a great day to cherish your fortune and to concentrate on giving your best. Your Lucky color is Black. Your Lucky number is 34. Scorpio Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Today you will be parting your time with your superiors thereby, strengthening the informal relation with them. Love life seems to gain some strength after a sweet gesture of your loved ones towards you. Some past unresolved issues may knock back on the domestic front; this is likely to add on to your tensions. Try to maintain a light environment at home and give each other some time. After all, time is a great healer. Your Lucky color is Magenta. Your Lucky number is 23. Sagittarius Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock The day will not be as smooth as you expected it to be. Hurdles and obstacles will come in your way of achieving those targets of yours. But do not give up due to this. And, remember strong is the one who faces all the challenges even in harsh times. With respect to your love life, your family may raise an objection. Share your long term ideas with them and they will surely understand it. Health conditions will be in your favor. Your Lucky color is Golden. Your Lucky number is 42. Capricorn Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Avoid investing your money in expansion purposes, as the time is not right for you. You will only incur losses if you will invest your hard earned money at this stage. Instead, opt for investing money in the real estate sectors; at least your money will get locked. Health wise, avoid over stressing yourself. Love life will be better than ever before. Your Lucky color is Brown. Your Lucky number is 1. Aquarius Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 shutterstock Today you will feel lazy, the whole day. To get rid of this laziness and drowsiness, incorporate some physical activities in your daily routine and life will become much simpler for you. Pamper your kids and surprise them with a Goodie bag. The warmth behind that smile will have the power to encourage you to work to the best of your abilities. Financially, you will be strong enough to incur your own expenses. Your Lucky color is Red. Your Lucky number is 5. Pisces Horoscope Today - September 11, 2024 Retitled as Caressed for distribution to the United States (with the addition of titillating nudity), Sweet Substitute comes from Canadian director Larry Kent, who was no stranger to courting controversy. His first film, The Bitter Ash, received severe backlash from censors and he made Sweet Substitute in 1964 as a follow-up that has a lighter story, but just as controversial in its frank depiction of sex and sexuality. Tom (Bob Howay) is a bright student with a whole boring life planned ahead of him. Hes a shoo-in for a scholarship. He intends to become a high school teacher with a stay-at-home wife who will spend all of her time homemaking. For him, he sees that perfect wife in Elaine (Angela Gann). Even though he has no money of his own, no car, no job and is staying at home with his parents while he focuses on his studies, he buys her a ring. They have the whole thing planned out. After he finishes school, after they secure this, after they do that, theyll get married. The problem, you see, is that Tom is absolutely obsessed with sex. All he wants to do is get laid. Its what he thinks about practically every waking minute of every day. Because of it, his studies are suffering, he might lose out on his coveted scholarship and then, poof, there go his dreams of being a teacher with a wife and four kids. Elaine wont put out. Shes a good girl. She wants to wait until marriage, and that wont be for a few more years yet, with the courses at school that Tom has to complete before they get married. Kathy (Carol Pastinsky), has no such hangups. Shes a free spirit who wants to have a life, a career, and do it all after spending a year traveling abroad. He decides to stay, briefly, with her, to lose his virginity, to hopefully squash this obsession he has, and go right back to good girl Elaine so that they can begin their life together. What winds up happening is far from what Tom imagines and it reveals a cruelty to himself he never thought possible. Hes not the nice guy he wants everyone to believe he is. Hes a shitty person who wants what he wants and will use threats of force to get what he wants. The ending of the film is in a happy moment, tinged with irony. The smiling couple, a freeze frame, that we all know is a bitter deception. Sweet Substitute is a fascinating look at a convergence of film eras all happening at once. Its reminiscent of those panicky 1950s exploitation movies, the short films you might see lampooned before the main feature in an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. It also has a handheld guerilla filmmaking aesthetic you might see in the nudie cutie, or roughie exploitation films of the era, from Doris Wishman or Roberta Findlay. But the odd thing about Sweet Substitute is that its not an exploitation film at all. Its a pretty standard character-driven drama that just has a much more frank depiction of sexuality that non-exploitative features of the day rarely had. Filmmaking was changing, and before major films of the era shifted gears, we witnessed the first movements through independent filmmakers armed with low budgets, cameras and a whole lot of chutzpah. Later, major films would follow suit and wed witness a complete change in what was considered acceptable for audiences of the cinema. Sweet Substitute has a real-world grittiness that looks and feels like Scorseses freshman effort, Whos That Knocking at My Door, and even set the stage for films that adopted a type of European neorealism in their narratives. Its fascinating to witness these kinds of films and the impact that they had on the artform and the industry. The acting is good. The dialogue is good. The premise is intriguing. Its interesting to see where the story goes, and the ending is a gut punch. Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray Sweet Substitute comes to Blu-ray courtesy of OCN Distribution with a single Region-A locked Blu-ray disc that contains the film and special features, housed in a case with a reversible slipcover (one side is under its original title Sweet Substitute, the other side under its U.S. title of Caressed), and an in-depth booklet containing an interview with artist Sonja Arntzen, who designed the title sequence, and a comic reimagining of the film illustrated by Rick Trembles. UK lifting equipment provider Hudson Lifting is pleased to announce the opening of their sixth depot in Birmingham! This new location in Marston Green marks the companys first entry into The Midlands and is set to reinforce its position as a key and expert lifting equipment supplier in the UK. The Birmingham depot will offer an extensive range of material handling solutions from their cornerstone products, including lifting, hoisting, hauling, and jacking equipment. In addition, the depot will provide other services such as sales, inspection, repairs and testing. The newly refitted 5000 sqm depot includes open-plan office space, storage space and workshop areas, giving Hudson Lifting the perfect platform to expand their business into the region. Matt Rudd, Depot Manager, said: Weve been looking forward to this moment, and the opening of our Birmingham depot is a major step forward for Hudson Lifting. Expanding into the Midlands is a fantastic opportunity for us, and were thrilled to become a part of this vibrant region. Our new depot will enable us to deliver exceptional service and support to local businesses, offering a wide range of material handling solutions tailored to their needs. We cant wait to see what the future holds and how we can contribute to the success of businesses across the Midlands. Jeff Hudson, Managing Director comments: "We have had a busy year, launching three new depots in a short space of time and theres likely more to come!. All of the team's hard work and planning is very visible, and we couldnt be more proud of what weve accomplished together. Were excited to bring our services and solutions closer to our Midlands customers and continue delivering the quality, expertise and reliability Hudson Lifting is known for." 60 years on, MHM Editor Neil Faulkner analyses the epic guerrilla struggle behind the Cuban Revolution of 1959. For four tense years, at the height of the Cold War, an impoverished Caribbean sugar-island found itself at the centre of global politics. The Cuban Revolution of January 1959, the Bay of Pigs Invasion of April 1961, and the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 were events of worldwide significance. All three of these events were, in very different ways, remarkable military collisions. Marking the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, we take a detailed look at this epic struggle against the odds. The Battle of Santa Clara was the largest pitched battle of the entire insurgency and the final decisive clash between the fidelistas the guerrilla revolutionaries and the batististas the army of the military dictatorship. Santa Clara is representative of the entire conflict, which involved a seemingly impossible victory against the odds. The guerrillas were outnumbered ten to one, and were equipped only with small arms, whereas the soldiers were defending a series of strongpoints with an armoury of heavy weapons. This imbalance was characteristic of the war as a whole. Only 20 or so guerrillas survived a military ambush a few days after their initial landing in December 1956. At that moment, the Batista regime had tens of thousands of soldiers under arms and an arsenal of advanced Western weaponry, including artillery, tanks, and warplanes. Yet, not much more than two years later, the victorious fidelistas entered Havana. The military power of the politico-social movement unleashed by the Cuban Revolution was evident again at the Bay of Pigs. However misconceived and mismanaged as a military operation, the speed and ease with which the incursion was liquidated despite the surprise landing in a remote region, the serious fighting was over within three days is further testimony to the inner strength of the Cuban popular movement.This raises important questions about the relationship between morale and materiel in modern warfare. On the other hand, the US was largely successful in containing the Cuban Revolution and preventing it from turning into a Latin American conflagration, and this, as Che Guevara fully understood, meant not only isolation but also impoverishment for Cuba which remains, after 60 years of US blockade, and especially since the collapse of the Soviet empire in 1989, crippled by underdevelopment and poverty. This is an extract from a 15-page special feature on the Cuban Revolution in the February issue of Military History Matters. To read the full analysis, get a copy of the issue from your local Barnes & Noble or W H Smith, or click here to subscribe to the magazine and have it sent straight to your door every month. Taylor Downing delves into the weird world of Stanley Kubricks Cold War black comedy. After making his First World War epic Paths of Glory (see MHM 40), Stanley Kubrick directed two movies, Spartacus (1960) again with Kirk Douglas and Lolita with Peter Sellers (finished in 1961). Then, during the early 1960s, he became fascinated by the escalating tension of the Cold War. In the spring of 1960 the Russians shot down an American U2 spy plane and captured its pilot and all his cameras. In the Presidential election of that year the Cold War loomed large, as the Americans (wrongly) feared a missile gap in which the Soviets had more nuclear missiles than they did. In 1961, a CIA supported invasion of Cuba backfired and the ultimate Cold War symbol, the Berlin Wall, was built. Behind this growing tension was the macabre shadow of the thousands of nuclear weapons accumulated by the Soviets and the Americans and the possibility that they would one day be used, possibly by accident, resulting in nuclear Armageddon. By the early 1960s the Americans kept 12 B-52 bombers fully armed with nuclear weapons constantly airborne on patrol ready to strike at targets within the Soviet Union, in an operation known as Chrome Dome. Kubrick read avidly about the mechanics of the nuclear threat and subscribed to journals and magazines about military weapons. Then he read a novel by a British writer, Peter George, who had been a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF but who had become thoroughly disillusioned with the whole concept of nuclear deterrence and mutually assured destruction. The novel Two Hours to Doom (Red Alert in the US) imagined a scenario in which a commander of an American air base became depressed after being diagnosed with a fatal illness and ordered his B-52 bombers to attack targets inside the Soviet Union. The commander sealed his base knowing that an attacking force would soon arrive to try to discover the recall code that only he knew. In the War Room under the Pentagon, the American President and his chiefs of staff eventually decided to help the Russians shoot down the B-52 bombers but agreed with the Soviets that if a Russian city was bombed, Strategic Air Command would itself bomb Atlantic City. In the end the only bomb that got through the Russian defences landed in open country and there was no need to nuke Atlantic City. The book ended on an optimistic note, with the American and Russian leaders agreeing they must avoid such risks in the future. Preparing to film Kubrick purchased the film rights to the book for the laughably low sum of $3,500. Peter George flew to New York where he started to work with Kubrick on writing a screenplay based on his scenario. The script remained totally serious but Kubrick began to think that maybe a subject as awesome as global nuclear destruction needed a different approach and perhaps the only way to treat something on this scale was through humour. Kubrick started to prepare for filming and began casting just as the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolded bringing the real possibility of a nuclear conflagration into the headlines. At this point Kubrick met Terry Southern, a freelance Texan writer with a penchant for surreal black comedy. Kubrick decided to ask him to work on the script and with Kubrick he transformed the film into a nightmarish comedy satire. The film could not be made in the United States so Kubrick decided to film in London at Shepperton Studios. Columbia Pictures provided the finance but were convinced that the success of Lolita was largely down to Peter Sellers so they made it a condition of their involvement that Sellers not only star in the film but play several roles in it. Kubrick and Southern decided to turn this to their advantage and cast Sellers in four roles: an RAF liaison officer, the melancholy American President, his sinister German security adviser, and as the gung-ho Texan pilot of a B-52. In the end Sellers found the multiple roles too demanding and could not or would not master the Texan accent so an American rodeo cowboy named Slim Pickens was cast as the B-52 captain. There are three principal sets for the film: the air base, the B-52 interior, and the War Room. Kubrick chose as his set designer the German-born Ken Adam who had just designed the magnificent sets for the first James Bond movie Dr No. In particular Kubrick loved the set of the evil scientists laboratory and asked Adam to expand on this for the War Room, the central location where American President Merkin Muffley would meet with his chiefs of staff. Adams set had at its centre a huge round table lit from above by a circuit of hanging lights creating a sinister glow over the proceedings. On the walls were giant maps of the Soviet Union with flashing lights to represent the path of American aircraft. Steven Spielberg later described it as the best set ever designed. Accuracy meets humour The US Air Force provided no assistance to the film of any sort and so Kubrick and Adam had to invent what the interior of a B-52 cockpit looked like by using technical manuals. They managed this with such accuracy that bomber crews later thought they had somehow infiltrated an American B-52 base. It is this combination of total realism and grotesque humour that gives Dr Strangelove much of its haunting appeal. The film opens with footage of B-52s flying over the Arctic icecaps and refuelling in mid air cut to the song Try a Little Tenderness. At Burpleson Air base, RAF liaison Group Captain Lionel Mandrake is quietly checking the station computers when the story unravels. The base commander, General Ripper, played by Sterling Hayden with superb paranoia, believes that the Soviets have tried to add fluoridisation to the water supply and have polluted the precious bodily essences of the American people. So he has sent the go codes to his B-52s on airborne alert to attack targets in the Soviet Union. In the next main location, the cabin of a B-52, the crew are listlessly whiling away the long, tedious hours on patrol. The captain, Major King Kong, reads Playboy while the radio operator plays with a deck of cards like a Mississippi gambler. As the radio bursts into life it sends the code that tells the crew that they must now set their course for a target inside the Soviet Union. As they slowly convince themselves this is for real they head off for Russia and nuclear annihilation to the tune of When Johnny Comes Marching Home. The imbecilic Major Kong puts on his Stetson and tells the crew Therell be some important promotions an citations when we come through this. The film now comes to its third and final principal setting. General Buck Turgidson, played beautifully by George C Scott, is the chief of the US Air Force, and is loosely based on the legendary, bullish commander General Curtis Le May. Kubrick later said that if you confront a man in his office with a nuclear alarm, you will have a documentary. Confront him in his living room and you have a drama. But if he is in the lavatory, you have a comedy. So when the call comes through that a squadron of B-52s are en route for the Soviet Union, Turgidson is emerging from the john. His mistress played by Tracy Reed is tanning herself in a bikini under a sun lamp. Reluctantly, Turgidson announces he has to leave her to report to the War Room. Then we are introduced to the central Ken Adam set which contains enough to make it feel real and enough to make it look like a surreal fantasy. No fighting in the War Room The staff gathered in the War Room are told what has happened and debate what to do. General Ripper suggests the launch of the B-52s offers an opportunity to destroy the Soviet Union at last. The risk to America will only be 10 to 20 million people killed, tops. The bald headed President Muffley, played by Sellers, refuses. He emerges as the sanest person present in a War Room filled with insanity. The Russian ambassador is called in. This figure, played by Peter Bull, is based on Anatoly Dobrynin, the long-standing Soviet ambassador in Washington who had provided Kennedy with secret back door access to the Kremlin during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Turgidson spots the ambassador taking photographs of the War Room with a camera hidden in a match box and physically tackles him leading to one of the most exquisite lines in the film, when the President approaches them and says emphatically, Gentlemen, you cant fight in here, this is the War Room. The action moves forward rapidly. The US army is tasked with capturing the sealed off air base where General Ripper shoots himself rather than reveal the recall codes. From Rippers doodlings, Mandrake calculates what the recall code is but only has access to a public phone box to communicate the vital code. As no one has any cash for the phone, a sceptical Colonel Bat Guano played by Keenan Wynn, has to shoot open a Coke machine. As the world faces nuclear annihilation Guano tells Mandrake Youll have to answer to the Coca Cola company for this. Meanwhile, in the War Room, President Muffley has the most surreal conversation of all when he calls the Russian premier on the hot line. There had been a hot line between London and Washington in the Second World War but a direct phone link between Washington and the Kremlin had only been installed after the Cuban Missile Crisis. With everyone listening in, the President talks calmly with the premier, Dmitri, who it turns out to be drunk and takes some time to understand whats happening. As though talking to a child, Muffley tries to make it clear, Now, Dmitri, you know weve always talked about the possibility of something going wrong with the BombThe BOMB, Dmitri, the hydrogen bomb They try to shoot down the B-52 force but only one missile connects and merely puts out the radio system of Major Kongs aircraft. As the recall code suggested by Manddrake is used, the B-52s turn about except for Kongs plane which is unable to receive the signal and carries on. Doomsday The Soviet leader makes it clear that they have just installed a Doomsday Machine that automatically launches a full nuclear retaliation if the Soviet Union comes under attack. No human intervention can prevent this. This was an idea Kubrick picked up from a book by Herman Kahn, On Thermonuclear War. The film now introduces the most bizarre and absurd character of all. Partly based on Edward Teller, the man behind the hydrogen bomb, and partly on Werner von Braun, Hitlers rocket scientist who had gone to the States to lead the American race to the moon, but mostly the invention of Kubrick and Terry Southern, Dr Strangelove is played with mad intensity by Sellers. In a wheelchair, he has a gloved right arm that functions uncontrollably and repeatedly goes into a rigid Heil Hitler salute. He even refers to the President as Mein Fuhrer. The weird doctor calls for a selection of men and some of the most beautiful and fertile women to be sent underground to re-people the earth once the nuclear Armageddon has passed. Meanwhile, Major Kong finds his hydrogen bomb has stuck in the bomb bay of his B-52. Ken Adams had a problem with this scene as no one knew what a hydrogen bomb looked like. He imagined it like a large, sleek Second World War bomb which Kong goes on to set it free and ride to earth shrieking as though on a rocking bronco. Kubrick had scripted and shot an entire sequence in the War Room in which everyone engages in an elaborate custard pie fight. He agonised whether to leave this in or not but eventually edited it out. The final shots of the film are of the ultimate image of the Bomb, one mushroom cloud after another as the Doomsday Machine automatically ignites a nuclear holocaust. On the soundtrack we hear Vera Lynn singing Well Meet Again. The US Air Force asked the film to state that such a sequence of events could never happen. We know, of course, that in the Cold War there was no nuclear accident. Although we are only now coming to realise quite how close the world came. But Dr Strangelove is the ultimate black comedy detailing how human systems can suffer from human failings, and how, when nuclear weapons are at stake, the endgame is extinction. That surely is still relevant more than twenty years after the end of the Cold War. OPERATION CHROME DOME In the 1950s the US estimated that they would have between four and six hours notice of the approach of Soviet bombers. With the advent of missile technology at the end of the decade this was reduced to a matter of minutes. So an entirely new defensive structure was created. The US built a new Ballistic Missile Early Warning System with three linked radar tracking stations at Thule in Greenland, Clear in Alaska, and at Fylingdales Moor on the east coast of England. The signals picked up on these three radars were sent back to a giant computer system that would plot any incoming missile and predict its incoming trajectory and impact point. This was co-ordinated by the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) in Colorado Springs who would instantly inform the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in their command bunker at Omaha, Nebraska. From 1961, SAC kept at least 12 giant B-52 bombers constantly airborne on patrol, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to be able to strike at targets inside the Soviet Union with only a few minutes notice. This was known as Operation Chrome Dome. Each bomber refuelled in mid air and flew on 24 hour patrols either on a northern route around the Arctic or a southern route around the Mediterranean, within easy striking distance of the Soviet border. Each B-52 was armed with three or four thermonuclear weapons and carried a series of codes with pre-assigned targets across the Soviet Union. Only a tiny number of people had access to the go-codes as they were known but President Eisenhower at the end of his presidency authorised B-52 station commanders to use the go-codes in the event of some sort of decapitation strike that had knocked out Washington or the political leadership. The B-52 that appears in Dr Strangelove was flying one of these 24 hour patrols circling over the Arctic. The purpose of Chrome Dome was to signify to the Soviets that if they launched a missile attack against the United States then massive nuclear retaliation would be immediate and this fact alone would deter the Soviets from ever launching an attack. The system was known as Mutual Assured Destruction abbreviated to MAD. BOMBS AWAY WITH CURT LE MAY In the Second World War, Curtis Le May commanded a B-17 Flying Fortress unit flying bombing missions over Germany from England and he helped to shape the policy of strategic bombing. In 1944 he transferred to the Pacific where he directed the American B-29 Superfortress night bombing campaign against 67 Japanese cities which resulted in fire storms and some of the highest casualties of any wartime bombing. His policy was summed up as Bombs Away with Curt Le May. In 1948 Le May took charge of Strategic Air Command (SAC), the US Air Forces nuclear strike force. He transformed SAC into a well trained force of men who felt themselves to be an elite within the American military. By 1952, SAC had identified 6,000 targets within the Soviet Union, ranging from military bases to nuclear installations, oil fields, and communication centres. This kept up the need for more and more nuclear weapons and the stockpile rose from 298 atomic bombs in 1950 to 27,100 thermonuclear bombs by 1962. Throughout the 1950s approximately 40% of all American defence expenditure went on the air force. At the end of the decade, Le May set up Operation Chrome Dome with B-52s on constant airborne alert. In 1961, Le May became Chief of Staff of the US Air Force and as such adopted a consistently belligerent line. In the Cuban Missile Crisis he urged President Kennedy to bomb the Soviet missile sites on the island. Kennedy resisted his pressure and Le May concluded the President was a coward. In the mid-1960s he advocated the heavy bombing of North Vietnam which President Johnson agreed to. He retired in 1965 and in the presidential election of 1968 stood as the running mate of right wing candidate Governor George Wallace. Le May was usually guarded in his public comments but was accused of having said that the US should bomb the Soviet Union back into the Stone Age. He denied this. The character of General Turgidson in Dr Strangelove who argues that the President should let the B-52 bombers attack the Soviet Union and risk a few million American casualties is loosely based on Curtis Le May. Marine Corps veteran Arturo Gamboa can't stop smiling. It wasn't always like this. For most of his life, the 65-year-old Gamboa grinded his teeth, and because the former corporal lacked dental insurance, he figured nothing could be done to fix his worn-down and cracked teeth. Then he discovered Everyone for Veterans, a nonprofit that connects eligible military veterans and their spouses to dentists in their communities for free oral care. "One of my sons used to make fun of me, because my teeth were so worn out," Gamboa, who lives near Denver, told Military.com. "They were so little, especially the front ones, but he laughed and said, 'I can't give you shit about that anymore.' They look great." Everyone for Veterans (or E4V) was founded in 2017 by Theresa Cheng, now a retired periodontist in Washington state. Cheng's advocacy for this cause actually dates back to 2008, when she read about a severely wounded veteran whose mother quit her job to help care for them. Cheng began by holding free dental days for military caregivers. Once she realized that not all veterans receive dental benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, she expanded the service to eligible service members. Dr. Theresa Cheng founded Everyone for Veterans, which helps eligible military veterans and their spouses find comprehensive dental care, in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Theresa Cheng) To meet E4Vs threshold for care, a veteran must have served for at least two years, be honorably discharged, show proof of a financial hardship and be less than 100% service-connected disabled. Along with filling out the application form, a veteran also must submit their DD214 paperwork, a VA disability award letter from this year (even if they are rated at 0%) and, if a veteran's spouse is applying, a marriage certificate. If accepted, the process of linking a veteran to a dentist in their area begins. E4V does not handle urgent dental cases, but it can help address bridges, crowns, dentures, fillings, implants and root canals, et al. Since 2008, nearly 900 veterans and their spouses have had their oral issues through the efforts of Cheng and then E4V. In all, 654 dentists nationwide have volunteered with E4V, the organization's data shows. Cheng, who sold her practice in 2014, told Military.com that many former service members who turn to E4V are like Gamboa and either can't afford dental insurance or have little coverage. "They couldn't even buy a dental insurance plan from the VA, and they could not afford to take care of their mouth," Cheng said. "They may just take care of that tooth that hurts, then they pay whatever the difference is with their insurance for that extraction. From a dental perspective, that doesn't provide them with good oral care. They still had other infections in their mouths. "That was the thing that I would find so discouraging. They're never able to take care of their mouth completely." More than 1.9 million vets are eligible for comprehensive dental care through the VA, with more than 750,000 of them, or nearly 40%, receiving treatment through a VA dental clinic or community care services, the department told Military.com. More than 147,000 vets are enrolled through the VA Dental Insurance Program, which provides discounted private dental insurance for eligible veterans and their family members. With two in five veterans considering the state of their oral health as fair or poor, the issue of veterans being plagued by dental problems is not new -- and it doesnt appear to be going away. "We really show them the love of the community," Cheng said. "This is what veterans are telling me. I really believe that [we] emotionally and mentally really help them with, 'I'm not forgotten in my community, and there's hope with humanity.' It's not just taking care of their teeth. It's really a bigger thing than that." Because of an influx of applications that must be vetted and a limited network of volunteer dentists -- there might not be one near where a veteran lives, for example -- vets who turn to E4V should prepare for a potentially long wait. While Cheng said the average time it takes to connect a vet to a dentist is a few months, the organization's website warns that lag could run for two years. Marine Corps veteran Arturo Gamboa shows off his new teeth after they were fixed by a volunteer dentist with Everyone for Veterans, a nonprofit that provides free comprehensive oral care for eligible veterans and their spouses. (Photo courtesy of Arturo Gamboa) Gamboa, who had his teeth fixed in May and June, said it took about a year before he saw a dentist. "They did a great job, there's no doubt about it," Gamboa said. "... I've never been too big about looks, but I look good with my teeth, I'll tell you." Veterans can mail their application to Everyone for Veterans, P.O. Box 1081, Issaquah, Wash. 98027-004181, or email it to info@everyoneforveterans.org. Any dentists interested in volunteering can do so on the organization's website. Want to Know More About the Military? Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. Two men were arrested last week in connection to shootings at Air Force security personnel and the gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland last month, law enforcement officials in Texas have announced. Joseph Jimenez, 19, and Ricardo Samaniego, 18, were identified as the alleged suspects connected to the shootings near the base, known as JBSA, according to the San Antonio Police Department's Public Information Office. Both were arrested and charged with deadly conduct with a firearm, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said during a press conference Wednesday. "Video evidence was found indicating Jimenez and Samaniego acted together to drive the stolen car around and fire multiple rounds into the direction of multiple houses in a near field by JBSA," McManus said during the press conference. Read Next: US Military Warnings of Dire Situation in Afghanistan During Withdrawal Ignored, House GOP Report Finds The alleged crime happened early in the morning Aug. 17, McManus said. Suspects fired at the gate and the Air Force security personnel sometime after 2 a.m. and then once more around 4 a.m. The base entrance was shut down for several hours due to the incident, but no military personnel were injured in those shootings, The Associated Press previously reported. Shell casings and a vehicle seen in the area of the base that matched one stolen in the early morning of Aug. 17 were recovered by San Antonio Police, McManus said. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said during a press conference Wednesday that the Sheriff's Office got involved in the case when there was a report of another shooting that occurred later in the evening on Aug. 17 during a child's birthday party. Salazar said several suspects, including Jimenez, were playing with a gun when Samaniego was hit by gunfire while holding an infant. The child was not injured. Salazar said a shell casing from that incident was linked to the shootings at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Authorities tied that casing to a handgun that had been modified with a "switch," the Bexar County sheriff said during the press conference. Salazar said his agency has charged Jimenez with deadly conduct and is "awaiting federal indictment for the illegal switch." The FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations assisted with the investigation, McManus added. It's possible that more federal and state charges could be pending related to the alleged crimes, he added. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is home to more than 24,000 active-duty service members, 10,000 Department of Defense civilians, and 11,000 contractors and family members, the base states on its website. Related: Shootings Reported at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Between Guards and Passing Vehicle Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis will step down at the end of this year, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday. Ivey had called for Davis to resign last week because of what she described as mishandling of applications for federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Davis called the governors claims inaccurate and declined to resign. Ivey scheduled a meeting for Tuesday of the State Board of Veterans Affairs, which she chairs, to ask the board to fire Davis. During a meeting Monday with Ivey and her senior staff, Davis agreed to resign effective Dec. 31, 2024, the governors office said in a press release. Caring for our countrys veterans is something I have been passionate about throughout my life, and especially throughout my tenure as lieutenant governor and now as governor, Ivey said in a statement. Alabama veterans are a priority for the Ivey Administration, and we cannot let anything stand in the way of their care. Our meeting with Commissioner Davis today was respectful, frank, and informative, with both sides gaining new perspective and insight about the challenges each of us face in fulfilling our respective roles. I appreciate Commissioner Daviss record of service as Commissioner, and I appreciate him doing the right thing for our state and the future of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. As I have said before, we have important work to continue doing, and I want to see nothing get in the way of us remaining focused on the thing that truly matters here improving veterans care. The ADVA issued a statement on behalf of Davis, who is a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and has led the ADVA since 2019: Today, Commissioner Kent Davis had a very cordial and informative meeting with Governor Ivey and her senior staff. This matter has been resolved to the mutual benefit of all parties and we are looking forward to the dedication of the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise on Friday. The governor cancelled Tuesdays special meeting of the State Board of Veterans Affairs. Ivey will work with members of the board to prepare to hire a new commissioner when Davis resignation takes effect at the end of the year, according to the press release from her office. Some of the top leaders in the Alabama Legislature spoke out in support of Iveys call for Davis to be removed from the job. The governor, in a letter to Davis calling for him to step down, cited what she said were unjustified delays and a general inability to manage $7 million in grant funds from ARPA for veterans services. She said the problems jeopardized the states ARPA obligations and nearly prevented veterans service providers from receiving needed funds. The governor also wrote that Davis did not cooperate and collaborate with other state agencies, which she said was a crucial part of his job. The governor released a letter from Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell to Davis cancelling an interagency agreement between the ADVA and the Mental Health on managing the ARPA grant funds because of problems Boswell described that she said put her agency at risk of negative audit findings. Davis issued a statement on Friday disputing what he called inaccurate claims and said none of the actions by the ADVA jeopardized Alabamas use of the ARPA funds. We have continuously been transparent in our departments mission and day-to-day operations in our service to Alabamas 400,000 veterans, Davis said in the statement Friday. This includes earlier this year when ADVA attempted to work with members of the Governors staff, cabinet and the Department of Finance regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds. In August, Davis filed an ethics complaint against Boswell, according to Lagniappe. The Ethics Commission dismissed the complaint, according to Alabama Daily News. Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton said the allegations in the complaint, even if true, would not violate the ethics law. Ethics complaints are not public records under Alabama law. Ivey called the complaint entirely frivolous. Last week Ivey also announced she had removed Col. John Kilpatrick from his position as a member of the State Board of Veterans Affairs. Kilpatrick, in a statement through the Military Officers Association of America, said the following: My appointment to the Board was a result of my position as President of the Alabama Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America. Members of the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs serve at the pleasure of the Governor. It was my honor to serve our Veteran community as a member of the Board, and Im proud of the work I did on behalf of Alabama Veterans. I will continue to work every single day to improve access to high quality health care for Alabama Veterans and their families. 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark's promotion to lead Army forces in the Pacific and receive a fourth star is being held up in the Senate by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., the senator and his office confirmed Tuesday. Tuberville is attributing the move to concerns over what role Clark, who currently serves as the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, may have played in the initial secrecy surrounding Austin's hospitalization earlier this year. "He should have been the one that told the White House and commander in chief, 'We got a problem, the secretary of defense is in the hospital in pretty bad shape.' But he didn't and so that's a show of non-leadership," Tuberville told reporters Tuesday. His office also provided a statement to Military.com confirming the hold. Read Next: 13 Troops Killed in Abbey Gate Bombing Awarded Congressional Gold Medal Several Years After Attack The hold, first reported by The Washington Post, pauses Clark's career and once again revives the controversy and unanswered questions over Austin's choice to keep a critical medical diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization a secret from all but his inner circle. When asked about Tuberville's move on Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder urged the Senate to confirm all military nominees but stressed that Clark was a highly qualified officer. "He's exactly the kind of leader that we need in our priority theater," Ryder said, also noting that Clark "was nominated for this critical position because of his expertise and his strategic level experience." While Clark is not a highly visible military officer, he is notable because he was Austin's senior military assistant when the defense secretary underwent elective prostate cancer surgery on Dec. 22. Then, a week later, Austin was admitted to intensive care after he developed severe complications. None of that information was made public or conveyed to the White House for days. In the days following the Pentagon's public acknowledgment of the hospitalization, it became clear that a group of officials close to Austin knew about the hospitalization but waited days to inform President Joe Biden, Congress and the American people. Pentagon spokesman Ryder told reporters in the days that followed that a series of issues -- including Austin's chief of staff coming down with the flu and his own failure to ask follow-up questions -- were to blame for the public and key government officials being unaware the defense secretary was sidelined at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. The incident sparked a pair of investigations, as well. One was ordered by Kelly Magsamen, Austin's then-chief of staff and one of the key people who appeared to be at fault for the White House, Congress and the National Security Council being left in the dark. It found that there was no "indication of ill intent or an attempt to obfuscate" -- a conclusion that outraged congressional Republicans. Magsamen resigned from her position in June, but Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters her departure had nothing to do with the incident but rather that she had "earned some well-deserved time off." A separate investigation by the Pentagon's inspector general, launched in January, appears to still be ongoing. Tuberville said he is awaiting the results of the IG investigation to see what it says about Clark's role in the incident. Whether he lifts his hold after the IG report is released depends on its findings, the senator said. "If it comes out and says, 'He did it for this reason,' and I disagree with it, well, we're not going to let him have that promotion," Tuberville said. "I got an open mind. I got nothing against him. We need a strong military. We're in tough times right now, and I hate that we have to do this. But come on, get the IG report and get it out and let us look at it." The move by Tuberville has echoes of a similar block the Alabama senator placed on all general and admiral promotions in the military for most of 2023, eventually holding up more than 450 officers. Tuberville was attempting to force the Pentagon to reverse its policy of covering travel and leave for service members who seek reproductive care, including abortions. Amid growing pressure from fellow Republicans, Democrats and military families, Tuberville dropped the blockade in December without winning any change to the abortion policy he was protesting. His latest hold differs in that it is targeted at a single nominee over an issue specifically tied to the nominee, rather than a blanket hold over a political issue the nominees have no say in. But the hold still elicited frustration from Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I. "Lt. Gen. Clark is a very distinguished Army officer, and he has been evaluated by his superiors and considered qualified for the job," Reed told reporters Tuesday. "I don't think there's any deleterious information against him. I think he should be confirmed. This is another hold not based on the quality of the individual military person, but a political agenda." Clark's nomination was advanced out of the Senate Armed Services Committee in July, two weeks after the nomination was sent over by the White House. While a hold cannot prevent a nominee from being confirmed, it means the Senate cannot approve the promotion under the fast-track procedures it normally uses for military officers and must employ its limited floor time for procedural votes on the nomination. Asked whether the Senate would vote around Tuberville's hold to confirm Clark, Reed did not rule out the possibility. "I think we have to get him confirmed because, again, playing politics with military promotions is not appropriate," Reed said. When asked how long Gen. Charles Flynn, the man Clark is slated to replace, can remain at his post as the commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, Ryder said he didn't want to "get into timelines." "We as a military are used to managing leadership of our commands throughout the world," Ryder added. Related: 'What You've Done Is Embarrass Us': Republicans Rip into Austin at First Hearing Since Hospitalization The governor of Okinawa decried reported crimes and alleged sexual assaults by American service members on the island and a lack of transparency from the military during a visit to the U.S. on Tuesday. Denny Tamaki told a gathering of reporters in Washington, D.C., that the incidents -- three in total revealed this summer -- have caused great pain to the community. Moreover, Tamaki said his office found out about the majority of those recent cases through media reports, not from the U.S. military. "We were very, very shocked, because we indirectly knew of this information," Tamaki said through a translator. "We cannot just leave the training itself to the military side and not know what is going on. And at the same time, we, as Okinawa prefectural government, we need to assure our citizens that we are actually protecting their lives and safety." Read Next: Congress Bestows Highest Honor on Troops Killed in Abbey Gate Bombing, with Politics in Background Tamaki's visit to Washington was just a few days separated from a report that a third U.S. service member, a 20-year-old unidentified U.S. Marine, had been accused of sexually assaulting and harming a woman in June, according to Stars and Stripes. "The Marine Corps is aware of an allegation of criminal misconduct by an Okinawa-based Marine, and we are fully cooperating with all appropriate authorities during the ongoing investigation," 1st Lt. Owen Hitchcock, spokesman for III Marine Expeditionary Force, told Stars and Stripes. "The alleged behavior does not reflect the core values of the U.S. Marine Corps, nor does it represent the conduct of the overwhelming majority of Okinawa-based Marines." The Marine Corps did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Military.com. That case has been passed along by Okinawa Prefectural Police to the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office, Stripes reported. Two other cases have been publicized this summer. In July, Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington, 25, pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December, according to local media reports. Additionally, Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton, 21, allegedly tried to choke and sexually assault a woman in the western part of Okinawa in May, Military.com previously reported. Tamaki, who described the cases as "despicable and heinous," said that the incidents involving Washington and Clayton were not directly shared with the Okinawa government. "This ... information sharing system did not function at all," he told reporters. When news of the two alleged assaults went public, the vice governor of Okinawa made a strong protest and appealed to the U.S. Air Force, and he made a protest to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for not conveying the information. It is not clear whether the third case involving the Marine was shared with Okinawa officials in a more timely manner. Tamaki said his office was aware of the case but had not yet shared it publicly because the victim wanted to keep the case out of the media, and an indictment had not yet been delivered by the court system. In July, Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, responding to the media reports, said in a statement that "liberty policy for all forces in Japan is currently being thoroughly reviewed, with the aim of fostering consistent policies across U.S. forces in Okinawa." It is not yet clear what permanent policies have been changed since that statement. The three cases have reopened historic wounds between the U.S. and the local communities in Okinawa, Japan. In 1995, three service members rented a van, kidnapped a 12-year-old Okinawan girl, and proceeded to beat and rape her. While the three were convicted and sentenced to incarceration in Japanese prison, the case led to protests and legal reforms related to the legal rights of service members facing crimes in the country. Under the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, service members are often turned over to the military when accused of committing crimes against Japanese locals and can be tried by the military justice system, instead of the local judicial system. Tamaki has called for a review of the terms of that agreement related to information sharing with his office and a more fair justice system. "When heinous crimes as such do occur, it does state in the Status of Forces Agreement that the U.S. side will cooperate with the Japanese side," Tamaki said. "But the actual fact is that this only happens in favor of the U.S. military side. So, therefore, that is why we continue to mention that a fundamental review of the Status of Forces Agreement is necessary." Related: Airman Accused of Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Japanese Minor on Okinawa WASHINGTON Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the U.S. would hold talks on Ukraines use of Western long-range weapons against Russia, after confirming Moscow had received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran. Were going to look and to listen to Ukraines request to lift restrictions on its use of long-range missiles, Blinken said Tuesday at a press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London, signaling the U.S. is open to altering its position. The two diplomats will travel to Kyiv on Wednesday, before UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday, when Blinken said the missile issue will also be discussed. The U.S. currently opposes Ukraine using the weapons inside Russian territory, previously citing concerns about possible Russian escalation in response. Blinken said Iran had transferred a shipment of its Fath-360 missiles to Russia, defying months of warnings from the U.S. and its allies not to do so. The transfer represents a deepening involvement by Tehran in Russias war in Ukraine. The governments of France, Germany and the UK issued a joint statement condemning Irans move as a direct threat to European security. Moscow would likely use the missiles on Ukrainian territory within weeks, Blinken said, confirming a Bloomberg report last week that the transfer of the weapons had taken place. The U.S. and its allies would be announcing measures against Tehran imminently, Blinken said, including on its flag carrier Iran Air. The state-owned airline flies to 17 international destinations including Frankfurt, London and Rome in Europe, as well as Istanbul and Dubai closer to home, according to its website, with a fleet of 17 aircraft including Airbus, Boeing and ATR models. Its already sanctioned by the U.S. Ukraines foreign minister summoned the Iranian charge daffaires on Monday over reports of the weapons transfer to Russia, which Iran has denied. Irans ballistic missiles would give the Kremlin extra flexibility in its ability to attack Ukraine, Blinken said, warning the war had entered a critical moment. He also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of weaponizing energy and electricity ahead of an intense fall fighting season. The trip to Kyiv will be Blinkens fifth since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The joint visit with Lammy comes after Ukraines invasion of Russias Kursk region, which has left allies and partners both impressed and worried about the long-term tactical and strategic implications. The UK has previously indicated it is open to Ukraine striking military targets inside Russia with Britains Storm Shadow missiles. However, Lammy would not be drawn on his position at Tuesdays press conference, insisting it wasnt the right forum to have that discussion. The Biden administration has so far vetoed the use of its long-range ATACMS missiles in Russia. Separately, Blinken also called on Israel to turn down the temperature in its war against Hamas in Gaza. He said it was in everyones interests for a cease-fire there to be agreed. ___ 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Title: Learn How toGoogle (Account Switch-Up: How to Change Your Default Google Account Effortlessly) Hey there! Have you ever wondered how to switch your default Google account? It can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and mindset, you can easily achieve this conversion. Firstly, lets talk about why its important to switch over to Google. Google is the go-to platform for online shopping, search engine, social media, email, and more. By switching over to Google, youll be able to access all of these services from within your own account, without having to constantly log into another device or service each time you use them. Next, lets talk about how to make the process easier. One way to make the transition smoother is by taking advantage of the Account Switch-Up feature on Google. This feature allows you to switch out of your old account and into a new one that matches your preferences and needs. There are several options available, such as changing to a different email address or a different username. Once youve chosen your preferred option, click Switch to switch your Google account into that one. Another way to simplify the process is to take advantage of Googles Cloud Domains feature. This allows you to create a virtual domain name (VLD) on Google that can be used to host your website or other digital assets. Once youve created your VLD, you can link it to your Google account using the Google Links option. This will allow you to easily access your Google account from your VLD, without having to switch out of your old account. Additionally, consider using Googles Script editor feature to modify your Google account settings. With this tool, you can add custom functionality to your Google account, such as changing your email signature, creating custom domains, or even launching your own business page. These modifications will help you personalize your Google account and make it easier to manage your online presence. Finally, keep in mind that switching over to Google isnt always an easy decision. It takes some trial and error to find the perfect balance between flexibility and convenience. But if youre willing to put in the effort, youll soon see the benefits of making the switch to Google. (Account Switch-Up: How to Change Your Default Google Account Effortlessly) So, what are you waiting for? Start switching over to Google today and experience the convenience and flexibility of online shopping with just one clicks! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com) Title: Understanding the High Costs of Importing a Samsung Phone to Kenya A Global Look (Import Insight: The Cost of Bringing a Samsung Phone from the US to Kenya) As an international business traveler, you often face a trade dilemma when deciding on which country to import goods from or hire someone to handle your imports. In this article, we will explore how expensive it is to bring a Samsung phone from the United States to Kenya. At first glance, importing a Samsung phone would be a cost-effective solution for many individuals or businesses. However, the reality is that importing a device from another country can be expensive, and the cost can range anywhere from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The high cost of imported electronics is not limited to smartphones alone. For instance, its not uncommon for clothing brands to import their fashion clothes from countries such as Japan or Italy, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per item. Similarly, luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi can also import their vehicles from other countries at a higher price than those of their own production. Another factor to consider is transportation costs. Traveling to and from Kenya is highly costly due to its rugged terrain, vast distances, and unpredictable weather conditions. This means that customers need to pay extra money to cover transportation expenses, which can add up quickly over time. In addition to transportation costs, there are other factors to consider when choosing to import goods into a new country. These include customs duties, taxes, and regulations that may impact your ability to obtain the products you want. For example, if you import electronics from Taiwan, you may be required to pay higher taxes in China, which can affect your profits. Additionally, some companies operate in countries where labor laws are strict and may be more difficult to work with. (Import Insight: The Cost of Bringing a Samsung Phone from the US to Kenya) Overall, while importing a Samsung phone from the United States may seem like a convenient option for short-term purchases, it can be costly over time. By taking the time to research the cost of importing electronics into a new country, you can make informed decisions that will help you maximize your profits and minimize your costs. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com) Title: Apple and Microsoft: What Makes Them Different? The Worlds Most Important Technology Companies (Tech Titans: Which Makes More , Apple or Microsoft?) Tech Titans: Which Makes More, Apple or Microsoft? As tech giants continue to dominate the global market, both companies have emerged as trailblazers in their respective industries. But which one makes more? Its hard to say, but one thing is certain Apple and Microsoft are at the top of the list. According to recent reports, Microsoft has seen significant growth since its inception, particularly in the realm of virtual reality technology (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Its proprietary operating system, Windows, has become an essential part of many peoples daily lives, while its gaming industry has attracted millions of loyal fans around the world. On the other hand, Apple has always been at the forefront of technology innovation, starting from the early days of the iPhone and then continuing with each major product line over the years. Its revolutionary operating system, macOS, has become an integral part of many users smartphones, making it difficult to compare apples to other mobile platforms. In addition, its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and library of third-party apps make it an even more appealing choice for businesses and individuals alike. Another key factor that influences the outcome of this debate is the broader context and market conditions. While Apple and Microsoft are each important players in their respective markets, their success is influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, cultural trends, and societal needs. (Tech Titans: Which Makes More , Apple or Microsoft?) In conclusion, the answer to this question lies not in the dominance of either company, but rather in their ability to adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of the curve. Both Apple and Microsoft have made significant contributions to the world of technology, but their relative success is determined by various factors, including their competitive advantages, user preferences, and the market dynamics. As the world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these two companies will adapt and shape the future of technology. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com) Hunting groups are taking to federal court in Michigan to accelerate their efforts to loosen protections for the gray wolf. A trifecta of bear hunting associations in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin joined the U.S. Sportsmens Alliance Foundation, a national advocacy group, to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and top federal officials on Monday, Sept. 9, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The groups allege the feds have violated their mandatory duty under the Endangered Species Act to make findings on two petitions they filed seeking to remove protections or downgrade protected status for certain wolf populations, including those that roam the Great Lakes region. The top predator remains federally endangered across many of the lower 48 states despite numerous efforts to remove certain populations from the list a step opposed by some environmental groups who have taken to court to block delisting, resulting in shifting status and constant legal fights over the creatures status that have dragged out over decades. A spokesperson for the U.S. FWS declined to comment on the new lawsuit. The hunting groups had previously warned the feds they would sue. Unsurprisingly, the agency has asked us on multiple occasions to refrain from bringing this suit. But we will never refrain from holding agencies accountable to their statutory mandates to scientifically manage wildlife, said Michael Jean, litigation counsel at the Sportsmens Alliance Foundation, in a statement. The foundation, the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, the Upper Peninsula Houndsmen Association and the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association filed two petitions with the FWS in June 2023. One requested the delisting of gray wolves in western Great Lakes states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, plus areas in adjoining states. Once nearly eradicated in Michigan and other parts of the country because of species persecution and state-sponsored bounties, the population has rebounded, far surpassing federal recovery benchmarks for over two decades, according to the groups 16-page legal complaint. Michigan wildlife officials said the U.P. gray wolf population reached a 14-year high in 2024, with experts saying the wild canine population of an estimated 762 members is stable. The hunting groups claim wolves have killed their dogs, and rising numbers have coincided with a drop in bear numbers, the lawsuit states. Deer hunters have also blamed wolf predation for sparse herds in the states northern reaches, and some farmers worry about impact on livestock. But some environmental organizations, like Defenders of Wildlife and The Humane Society of the U.S., have fought efforts to delist gray wolves in court, arguing their rebound from the brink of extinction is a conservation success story. Read more: 200 miles apart, U.P. farms model divide in Michigan wolf hunt debate The Sportsmens Alliance says its current legal strategy represents a pathway out of the litigation morass that has strangled effective wolf management for nearly 20 years. Its second petition requests the feds downgrade partially recovered and rapidly growing West Coast wolf populations in western Washington, western Oregon and California from endangered to threatened, while continuing to protect wolves in the lower 48 states that are not part of an established population group. But, the hunting groups say, the FWS has failed to make required 90-day and 12-month findings on whether the two petitions are warranted. In written responses to the groups, the agency said the petitions are among its outstanding workload and the review will be completed as soon as possible. But the Endangered Species Act is crystal clear in its petition process and the deadlines are not optional, said Sportsmens Alliance Foundation Associate Litigation Counsel Torin Miller in a statement. The groups lawsuit requests the court order the FWS to make the findings within a reasonable timeframe and publish them. As of Tuesday, Sept. 10, the federal agency had not filed a legal response to the claims. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and FWS Director Martha Williams are also named as defendants. In early 2024, federal officials announced they would develop a first-of-its-kind national gray wolf recovery plan, while leading a new effort to gather perspectives around wolves status. Courts have invalidated five out of six rules finalized by the FWS around the species, citing in part a failure to consider how delisting any particular population would affect their recovery nationwide, they said. The species remains federally protected in much of the continental U.S. after a ruling by a federal judge in 2022. An appeal to that ruling is still pending with a decision not likely until fall of 2025, according to the Sportsmens Alliance. The last legal wolf hunt in Michigan happened in 2013, during one of the periods the species was delisted. CLARKSTON, MI - They havent performed together in around 20 years. The Marley Brothers, all five of them, have reunited and are coming to Michigan this month. Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian kicked off their The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour this past weekend with three concerts in Vancouver, Ridgefield, WA and Auburn, WA. The 22-date tour takes them to Pine Knob in Clarkston on Thursday, September 19. Tickets can be purchased here. The 26-song setlist includes numerous songs from their father, including Get Up, Stand Up, I Shot the Sheriff, Three Little Birds, Jamming, Buffalo Soldier and Is This Love. Between the five of them, Marleys sons have 22 Grammy Awards with Julian winning the most recent one in 2024 for Best Reggae Album. Here are the remaining shows on their tour: ROYAL OAK, MI - The first gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo in its 96-year history finally has her name. After asking the public for help in naming the infant, the young gorilla, born on August 8, 2024, is now known as Motema (pronounced MO-TEM-A), meaning heart in Lingala language. The Detroit Zoo asked the public to vote for one of five names with each vote requiring a monetary donation to the SAFE gorilla (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Thank you to everyone who voted, the Detroit Zoological Society wrote on its social media channels. Your donations help support gorilla conservation efforts all around the world. Come see Motema and the rest of the gorilla troop today. Motema is now the fifth gorilla to call the Detroit Zoo home. The infant joins the troop with mother Bandia and father Mshindi, along with 20-year-old Tulivu and 11-year-old Nayembi. Related: Shroom shops sprout in Tree Town, advertising psychedelic experience ANN ARBOR, MI A festive annual celebration of psychedelic plants and fungi known as Entheofest is returning to the University of Michigan campus. The fourth-annual free event is scheduled to take place Sunday, Sept. 22, on the Diag, honoring Mother Earths sacred plant medicines, organizers announced. Similar to the Hash Bash marijuana festival that happens on the Diag each April, Entheofest is in large part a shroom fest and some attendees wear mushroom-themed attire. Mushroom-themed attire and displays were abundant at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News But beyond psilocybin or magic mushrooms, Entheofest more broadly celebrates the anniversary of Ann Arbors decision four years ago to decriminalize all entheogenic plants and fungi, including ayahuasca, ibogaine, mescaline, peyote and other plant-based compounds with hallucinogenic properties that are deemed illegal under state and federal law. City Councils September 2020 resolution declared it the citys lowest law enforcement priority to investigate and arrest anyone for entheogenic plants and fungi. A dealer known as Mr. Bear shows one of his Tidal Wave mushrooms at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Council members said then their primary interest was in the medicinal and therapeutic benefits, saying non-addictive psychedelics can help address drug addiction, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and other conditions. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, who is once again on the speakers list for Entheofest this year, has taken a similar stance against prosecuting anyone for the natural substances. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit assures attendees they don't have to fear prosecution for entheogens at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News While sales and consumption of psychedelics typically occurs at Entheofest, its not officially condoned and event organizers ask attendees to refrain from such activity while on campus and to remain mindful of the university space and others around. We dont condone the sale of any plant medicines or mushrooms on campus during Entheofest at all. Its prohibited by the university and it doesnt make for a safe space for people there who are wanting to celebrate these medicines, said Entheofest organizer Jim Salame. Its not about sales that day. Its about education. Inside the 2023 Ann Arbor psychedelic shroom fest at the University of Michigan Salame said hes excited about this years festival lineup, which includes several speakers, including various decriminalization activists, state Sen. Jeff Irwin, incoming County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer, County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi and Dr. George Mashour, founding director of the Michigan Psychedelic Center at UM, who will be the keynote speaker. Various drug policy reform organizations are expected to have tables set up as usual. UMs Student Association for Psychedelic Studies is the student group sponsor for the festival, billed as a free-speech event to mobilize and motivate decriminalization throughout Michigan, with activism, art, music and education. The crowd at the third-annual Ann Arbor psychedelic plant and shroom festival known as Entheofest on the University of Michigan Diag on Sept. 17, 2023. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Other speakers include author and neurobiologist William Leonard Pickard, UM researcher Kevin Boehnke, SAPS President Emily Berriman, spiritual leader Mariela Perez-Simons, triathlete Brandon Hillaker and more. The main event is scheduled to run from 1:11-4:20 p.m., with pre-show activities and performances including a yoga session by Ann Arbors Red Yoga at 10 a.m. and a sound bath at 11 a.m. The speeches start at 1:11 p.m. and will conclude just after 4 p.m. with a performance by the Tamerrian Institutes ancient African martial arts warriors. A free afterparty with food and drinks for purchase will take place at the Rabbit Hole underground bar on First Street, with live music performed by members of the Mighty Swells and Grateful Dead cover band Deadicated. Find out more at Entheofest.org. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Two Ottawa County commissioners who lost in the August Republican primary have filed to run as write-in candidates for the November election. District 9 Commissioner Roger Belknap and District 1 Commissioner Gretchen Cosby both have filed notifications with the Ottawa County Clerks Office. Their names will not appear on the November ballot, but a voter may write-in the candidates name. Belknap and Cosby both are affiliated with the ultra-conservative political platform known as Ottawa Impact and took office in January 2023. RELATED: Far-right Ottawa Impact group loses county board majority in Aug. 6 election Commissioners tied to Ottawa Impact have supported several controversial initiatives since early 2023, including dissolving the countys diversity and inclusion office and attempting to fire the countys health officer. In the Republican primary, Cosby lost to Jim Barry, 2,951 votes to 5,059 votes. Belknap lost to Phil Kuyers, 2,997 votes to 4,075 votes. The District 9 vote totals were solidified following an Aug. 29 recount requested by Belknap. In the recount, Kuyers picked up five additional votes, widening his margin of victory over Belknap. RELATED: Ottawa Impact commissioner loses recount for Republican primary Cosby on Tuesday, Sept. 10, confirmed she would be a write-in candidate. She said she believes her primary loss was influenced by crossover Democratic voters who voted on the Republican side of the ballot. In November, those voters will not be voting Republican because every county commission seat is contested by a Democratic candidate. According to the Ottawa County Clerks Office, the only other person to file for write-in candidacy is Scott Muellerleile. Muellerleile also is running in District 9. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. GRAND RAPIDS, MI An attorney representing a woman charged with murder in connection to her malnourished toddlers death wants investigators barred from making any remarks to the media about the case. Brooklynne Rae Davis, 24, faces counts of open murder and first-degree child abuse after one of her 19-month-old twins was found starved to death in an apartment filled with lice, bedbugs and feces. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Bethany Christian Services has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan alleging the state discriminated against Bethany by denying bids for contracts over its religion-based hirings. The Grand Rapids-based organization, which has helped refugees in Michigan since 1962, said state organizations have now refused to contract for refugee-settlement services based on Bethanys hiring practices. Mark Blocher, far right, joins members of Christian Healthcare Centers at the groundbreaking of its third clinic in Holland Township on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at 9640 Adams St. (Ehren Wynder | MLive.com)Ehren Wynder GRAND RAPIDS, MI The owner of a gun that was later confiscated from a 7-year-old boy at a Grand Rapids elementary school has pleaded guilty in her criminal case. A trial against Chelsea Jassman Berkley, 31, was set to begin this week in Kent County Circuit Court. JACKSON, MI Chaos was king at the Optimist Ice Area as first responders from throughout Jackson County rushed to the venue for a report of an active shooter. Police charged through the doors as a group of teens, screaming and appearing bloody, burst through and ran to the parking lot begging for help from firefighters and paramedics arriving at the scene. Alongside the arriving first responders were several panicking parents desperately trying to find their children and attempting to force their way into the arena. Fortunately, there was no active shooter, and the teens and parents were actors. This was part of a three-day training for Jackson County first responders at the ice arena, 1300 W. North Street, meant to be as realistic as and chaotic as possible. For the first time in over five years, police, firefighters and paramedics gathered starting Monday, Sept. 9, for the joint exercise on reacting to an active shooter and mass casualty event. It continues through Wednesday. This is something I feel we have needed training on for quite some time, said organizer Hunter Keith, a Jackson firefighter of more than three years. We have been fortunate Jackson has never had an active shooter event, and I hope it stays that way, but we need to be ready for the worst if it does. A training event of this magnitude was not previously feasible due to timing and manpower constraints, Keith said. Keith said the shooting that killed three students at Michigan State University in February 2023 inspired him to put together the training event, attended by every agency in Jackson County including Jackson Community Ambulance and the Jackson Disaster Assistance Response Team or J-DART. Related: One year after a mass shooting, MSU community stands as Spartans together We do active shooter training similar to this quarterly, but its not to this level of involvement, Jackson County Sheriffs Sgt. Kyle Ruge said. Being the sheriffs office, we would respond to a situation like this no matter where it was happening in the county. Im really pleased to see how everyone handled the training scenario today. Id give it an A+. The event started with a real alert from Jackson County Central Dispatch calling police and rescue crews to the scene. Police arrived first to clear the area while fire crews and paramedics started staging outside to triage and treat those who escape the building or are dragged out by officers. More than 50 students from the Jackson Career Center, learning to be first responders themselves, volunteered to play the roles of victims, bystanders and shooter. Students acting as wounded victims wore faux blood-stained clothing and had realistic wound makeup applied to the their bodies. To add to the chaos for the training, we had one student play the part of an innocent good Samaritan with concealed pistol license inside the area while other volunteers were acting as parents trying to get inside, Keith said. Its another layer of these kinds of tragic situations that both police and us have to know how to handle should something like this ever happen here. Additionally, units on the scene were still on call for real emergency situations during the exercise, forcing some units to leave during the first day. Its just another one of the those things you dont think about until it happens, Jackson Assistant Fire Chief Joe Smith said. If everyone is out at a mass casualty event, emergencies dont just stop when we are busy. We still need to respond to others who need help. Communication is key here. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI -- On a typical weekday in Kalamazoo Townships police department, eight employees sit in a space built in 1977 to accommodate four people. Employees squeeze past each other. Equipment wont fit in designed storage areas. Employees in the florescent-lit office must tune out the chatter of conversations that seep though the movable walls. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI After defeating Republican challenger Rich Cutshaw in the August primary, Michigans House minority leader will face another test in November. Incumbent Republican State Rep. Matt Hall will square off with Democrat Austin Marsman in hopes of securing what would be his fourth term as a state representative. The University at Buffalos new senior associate vice president for economic development, Per Stromhaug, held a lot of titles while at SUNY Binghamton for the past decade, including Money Man for the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, a partnership of Binghamton University, SUNY Broome and federal, state and local partners that helps high-tech businesses grow and succeed in the region. The Koffmann incubator is a startup support hub and workspace in downtown Binghamton that has "graduated" 32 new companies since its founding in 2017, created 667 jobs and generated $405 million in economic impact, according to its website. Stromhaug is hoping to have the same effect on programs such as UB Cultivator, which assists startup founders in their companies' earliest stages by providing mentorship, investments and other resources to transform their innovative ideas into viable, scalable businesses. His leadership in connecting university talent and assets to entrepreneurs, businesses and the community will be foundational to drive Western New Yorks growth in artificial intelligence, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and more, Venu Govindaraju, UB's vice president for research and economic development, said in announcing Stromhaug's hiring last week. Stromhaug replaces Rick Gardner, who helped UB launch Cultivator in 2022 and returned to his native Colorado in late 2023. To date, more than 50 startups have participated in Cultivator, and several have received investments of $100,000 each. Stromhaug will oversee UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships, which operates a range of programs that help market UB-generated innovations, support area founders and fill gaps in Buffalo Niagara's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The BEP team leads UBs technology transfer activities to license and commercialize UB research, oversees the university's incubators and startup programs such as Cultivator, and builds pathways between faculty and students to companies in the region and state to address workforce gaps, Govindaraju said. Stromhaug will also oversee operations for UBs Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics and its Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences, helping match New York companies with experts, wet labs, office space, shared equipment and funding to accelerate research and development. Stromhaug, who has a PhD in cell biology and an MBA, had worked at Binghamton University since 2013. He most recently served as associate vice president for innovation and economic development, helping the university and region develop its capabilities in battery innovation and manufacturing. Stromhaug also won hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grant funding for Binghamton University, a huge goal for UB as it seeks to reach $1 billion in federal grant funding by 2030. He helped Binghamton win $113 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Empire State Development for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge to start the New Energy New York initiative to build a nationally leading battery innovation and manufacturing ecosystem. He also helped secure $15 million with potential to be extended to $160 million from the National Science Foundation for Binghamton to become one of 10 inaugural Regional Innovation Engines. And he landed one of 31 national tech hub designations for the New Energy New York program, as well as $6 million from NSFs Accelerating Research Translation program. Stromhaug also oversaw the Small Business Development Center for the Southern Tier and the Trade Assistance Adjustment Center for New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. He secured Binghamtons partnership in the University Technology Licensing Pool, the first of its kind university patent pool aimed at streamlining licensing of patents to industry. I am extremely excited to take on this role at UB, Stromhaug said. UB has a strong and growing research portfolio and is a national leader in multiple fields. The Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships team has done a tremendous job translating UB innovation into community benefits, and I look forward to joining the team and helping to grow economic development efforts further. Prior to Binghamton, Stromhaug worked for the SUNY Research Foundation coordinating technology commercialization across the SUNY system. From 2003 to 2010, he was an assistant professor of cell biology at the University of Missouri, leading a lab that conducted research on molecular and cellular biology of intracellular transport and organelle biogenesis. Before that, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Michigan, the University of Florida and the Norwegian Cancer Society. He earned his bachelor of science in chemistry and biochemistry, a master of science in cell biology and a PhD in cell biology from the University of Oslo in Norway. He earned his MBA from the University of Missouri. THE LATEST Josh Allen's latest national commercial shows his growing marketability. A big Southern Tier wind project wants big tax breaks. A pair of Niagara Falls tourism projects got the green light. The last two local LL Flooring stores are closing. Delaware North days running concessions at Highmark Stadium are running down, but the company isn't playing out the string. Are those grocery store scales accurate? Maybe. Or maybe not. The City of Buffalo wants the owners of the AM&A's building to pay up for emergency road repairs. Then it gets complicated. The Aurubis plant in Buffalo has been sold to a German company. TechBuffalo has a new leader. What's new in food at Highmark Stadium this season? The City of Buffalo plans to make emergency repairs to fire-ravaged buildings in the Cobblestone District. A report recommends regional approach to boost businesses along I-90 corridor. The Urban Institute report said small businesses need more support to overcome obstacles. ICYMI Five reads from Buffalo Next: 1. Canadian trade is a big deal for the Buffalo Niagara region - and there are efforts afoot to make it even bigger. 2. Bitwise crashed and burned, but its local executive helped build a similar but smaller initiative to train tech workers anyway. 3. Orchard Park officials hope proposed zoning law changes will spur development around the new Buffalo Bills stadium. The new Buffalo Bills stadium will be protected by Florian, an AI-enabled incident command platform from Buffalo tech startup 3AM Innovation. 4. Ever wonder what it's like to go on a three-minute shopping spree? It takes hours of preparation, and get ready to run. 5. Orchard Park officials are working on plans to capitalize on development opportunities around the new Buffalo Bills stadium. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Barclays (LON:BARC Get Free Report)s stock had its overweight rating restated by equities research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note issued on Monday, Digital Look reports. They presently have a GBX 270 ($3.53) price objective on the financial services providers stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price points to a potential upside of 20.54% from the stocks previous close. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on BARC. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 280 ($3.66) price target on shares of Barclays in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a report on Wednesday, June 19th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Barclays from GBX 260 ($3.40) to GBX 250 ($3.27) and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, June 13th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a report on Monday, September 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 335 ($4.38) target price on shares of Barclays in a report on Tuesday, May 21st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Barclays presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 276 ($3.61). Get Barclays alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Barclays Barclays Trading Up 1.4 % Insiders Place Their Bets LON BARC traded up GBX 3.15 ($0.04) during trading hours on Monday, hitting GBX 224 ($2.93). 20,646,806 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 64,720,984. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 223.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 205.29. Barclays has a 1-year low of GBX 128.12 ($1.68) and a 1-year high of GBX 241.80 ($3.16). The firm has a market cap of 32.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 861.54, a PEG ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.40. In related news, insider Dawn Fitzpatrick purchased 5,259 shares of Barclays stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 210 ($2.75) per share, for a total transaction of 11,043.90 ($14,442.13). In related news, insider Dawn Fitzpatrick purchased 5,259 shares of Barclays stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 210 ($2.75) per share, for a total transaction of 11,043.90 ($14,442.13). Also, insider Anna Cross sold 53,422 shares of Barclays stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 203 ($2.65), for a total value of 108,446.66 ($141,815.95). Company insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock. About Barclays (Get Free Report) Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armadale Capital Plc (LON:ACP Get Free Report)s stock price was up 11.6% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 0.30 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.30 ($0.00). Approximately 9,401,387 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 514% from the average daily volume of 1,530,247 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.27 ($0.00). Armadale Capital Stock Up 12.4 % The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 41.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.23. The company has a market capitalization of 1.98 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -29.80 and a beta of 1.14. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 0.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 0.59. Armadale Capital Company Profile (Get Free Report) Armadale Capital Plc, an investment company, focuses on natural resources projects in Africa. It holds 100% interest in the Mahenge Liandu Graphite project located in Tanzania. The company was formerly known as Watermark Global Plc and changed its name to Armadale Capital Plc in July 2013. Armadale Capital Plc was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Esher, the United Kingdom. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Armadale Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armadale Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A judge Tuesday adjourned a detention hearing for the man charged with setting the Old Pink bar on fire and ordered a mental health and competency evaluation of him. John W. Burns, 40, faces a federal charge of maliciously damaging and destroying the bar at 223 Allen St., on June 17. Man charged with setting Old Pink on fire A Buffalo man who reportedly got into a confrontation at the Old Pink bar with other patrons the night the legendary Allentown tavern was destroyed by flames has been charged with setting the blaze. John W. Burns, 40, was charged with maliciously damaging and destroying the bar at 223 Allen St. on June 17, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Burns remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being held in the Chautauqua County Jail. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder expressed concern about Burns mental state at the suspects initial court appearance on Friday, when the judge learned that Burns called a suicide crisis hotline Thursday. At that court proceeding, Assistant Federal Public Defender Erin Ryan said there was no actual attempt by Burns to kill himself. But at Tuesdays court proceeding, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Antoine said Burns had put a bag over his head in a suicide attempt. Information was scarce at last weeks court proceeding, Antoine said, and a lot more information has come forward. The judge said that revelation fortified his concern about Burns mental state. So the question has shifted from whether Burns should be released or detained as his case proceeds to whether he is competent to assist in his defense, the judge said. I dont want a cloud of doubt hanging over this case, Schroeder said. Its my hope and intent by having this evaluation we can have that cloud disappear. 'There's a hole': Regulars grieve after beloved dive bar Old Pink burns "There's a hole," said Eric Van Rysdam, a DJ at the Old Pink since 1990. "It's not like the bar closed or got sold, but just in a couple hours, it's gone." The Chautauqua County Jail has personnel able to conduct mental health evaluations, but may need to seek an outside expert on the the issue of mental competency as it relates to Burns understanding the court process, according to U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services. Ryan did not specifically request a mental competency evaluation of Burns, but rather sought a short delay for an assessment to see if he can be treated at an in-patient program. I dont have a concern about his ability to understand the proceedings at this point, Ryan told the judge. Antoine said the government is open to a mental evaluation of Burns. Right now, we have to decide this mental competency issue in context of due process, Schroeder said. Its my obligation and responsibility to make sure Im satisfied that the defendant is not put in a situation where he is not able to assist in his defense because of his mental situation, Schroeder said. The judge scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 19. An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in an affidavit filed in court that Burns was identified by acquaintances as the man caught on a security video walking around outside the Old Pink just minutes before the fire was discovered at 5:32 a.m. A former security guard at the Old Pink told the agent that he had a confrontation at the bar with Burns earlier that night after female patrons complained to him about Burns behavior. The former security guard told authorities he asked Burns to leave, and Burns attempted to fight him, so he slapped Burns and knocked him over. Burns told the former security guard: Ill be back ... , Ill burn that bitch down and Aint nobody going to have a job, according to the affidavit from ATF Agent Robert Grunder. Approximately two hours later, the restaurant was engulfed in flames. On the security video provided to authorities by employees of the Old Pink, Grunder said it appears that the suspect started the fire with a light blue propane-plumbers torch. Buffalo Fire Department investigators recovered a light blue propane-plumbers torch near the origin of the fire, he noted. The video shows the suspect carrying two white garbage bags to the rear of the Old Pink building before walking away from the area at 5:21 a.m. Shares of DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $124.92. Several research firms have recently weighed in on DTE. Barclays raised their target price on DTE Energy from $123.00 to $128.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. StockNews.com upgraded DTE Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, August 11th. KeyCorp upped their target price on shares of DTE Energy from $117.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, May 20th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH assumed coverage on shares of DTE Energy in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $131.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of DTE Energy from $114.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Get DTE Energy alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on DTE Energy Institutional Investors Weigh In On DTE Energy DTE Energy Price Performance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DTE. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of DTE Energy by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,632 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $292,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. ASB Consultores LLC boosted its stake in DTE Energy by 4.9% during the second quarter. ASB Consultores LLC now owns 2,179 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $242,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. Center for Financial Planning Inc. increased its position in shares of DTE Energy by 2.2% during the first quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 4,972 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $558,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. TIAA Trust National Association raised its stake in shares of DTE Energy by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 3,771 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $423,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares during the period. Finally, S.A. Mason LLC lifted its holdings in shares of DTE Energy by 10.5% in the 2nd quarter. S.A. Mason LLC now owns 1,120 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $124,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.06% of the companys stock. DTE Energy stock opened at $124.62 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.40, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.67. The companys fifty day moving average price is $119.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $114.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.69. DTE Energy has a 1 year low of $90.14 and a 1 year high of $127.59. DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The utilities provider reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.22. DTE Energy had a net margin of 11.18% and a return on equity of 12.18%. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.65 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.99 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that DTE Energy will post 6.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. DTE Energy Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.27%. DTE Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 66.78%. About DTE Energy (Get Free Report DTE Energy Company engages in the utility operations. The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to various residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan. It generates electricity through coal-fired plants, hydroelectric pumped storage, and nuclear plants, as well as wind and solar assets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for DTE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DTE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lane & Associates LLC boosted its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 105.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,034 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after purchasing an additional 3,611 shares during the quarter. Lane & Associates LLCs holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $250,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. United Services Automobile Association increased its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 98.9% during the 2nd quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 1,261,706 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $44,942,000 after acquiring an additional 627,388 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Natural Resources during the second quarter worth approximately $746,000. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in Canadian Natural Resources during the second quarter worth approximately $253,000. Connable Office Inc. raised its stake in Canadian Natural Resources by 91.5% during the second quarter. Connable Office Inc. now owns 23,892 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $851,000 after purchasing an additional 11,414 shares during the period. Finally, Pacific Heights Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 100.0% in the 2nd quarter. Pacific Heights Asset Management LLC now owns 320,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $11,392,000 after purchasing an additional 160,000 shares during the last quarter. 74.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently commented on CNQ shares. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research note on Tuesday, June 11th. StockNews.com lowered Canadian Natural Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Raymond James raised shares of Canadian Natural Resources to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Natural Resources has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.50. Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 0.8 % NYSE:CNQ opened at $33.49 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $35.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $36.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.09 billion, a PE ratio of 13.34 and a beta of 1.51. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 12 month low of $29.45 and a 12 month high of $41.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.59. Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The oil and gas producer reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $7.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.19 billion. Canadian Natural Resources had a return on equity of 22.09% and a net margin of 18.05%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.43 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 2.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian Natural Resources Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.384 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $1.54 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.59%. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 61.35%. Canadian Natural Resources Profile (Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Zinc Co. (TSE:CZN Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 9.1% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$0.12 and last traded at C$0.12. 122,370 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 21% from the average session volume of 154,194 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.11. Canadian Zinc Stock Up 9.1 % The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 867.15. The firm has a market capitalization of C$43.93 million and a PE ratio of -3.24. The businesss 50-day moving average is C$0.12. Canadian Zinc Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Zinc Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and development of natural resource properties in Canada. The company's principal project is the Prairie Creek mine, a zinc-lead-silver property located in the Northwest Territories. It also owns a mineral land package in central Newfoundland, which comprises lead, copper, silver, gold, and zinc deposits. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Zinc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Zinc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) had its price target raised by research analysts at Citigroup from $262.00 to $298.00 in a research report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the insurance providers stock. Citigroups target price indicates a potential upside of 16.46% from the companys current price. RNR has been the subject of several other reports. StockNews.com downgraded RenaissanceRe from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on RenaissanceRe from $257.00 to $240.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of RenaissanceRe from $265.00 to $267.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Barclays assumed coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $287.00 price target for the company. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of RenaissanceRe from $251.00 to $248.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $272.60. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on RNR RenaissanceRe Stock Down 1.1 % RenaissanceRe stock traded down $2.95 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $255.88. The company had a trading volume of 61,537 shares, compared to its average volume of 330,296. The stock has a market cap of $13.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.65, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.38, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. RenaissanceRe has a 1 year low of $188.24 and a 1 year high of $261.62. The business has a fifty day moving average of $234.89 and a 200 day moving average of $229.16. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The insurance provider reported $12.41 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.88 by $1.53. RenaissanceRe had a net margin of 25.38% and a return on equity of 27.74%. The firm had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.93 billion. On average, sell-side analysts expect that RenaissanceRe will post 39.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at RenaissanceRe In other news, EVP David E. Marra sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $230.00, for a total transaction of $230,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 85,544 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,675,120. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other RenaissanceRe news, EVP David E. Marra sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.00, for a total transaction of $230,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 85,544 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,675,120. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Robert Qutub sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $224.56, for a total transaction of $561,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 73,915 shares in the company, valued at $16,598,352.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On RenaissanceRe Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Riverview Trust Co purchased a new position in RenaissanceRe in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of RenaissanceRe in the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Rise Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in RenaissanceRe in the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new position in RenaissanceRe during the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. acquired a new position in RenaissanceRe during the first quarter worth about $34,000. 99.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. RenaissanceRe Company Profile (Get Free Report) RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S. See Also Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 2.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,606 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 331 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $4,272,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. New Millennium Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN bought a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, First Financial Corp IN bought a new stake in shares of Constellation Brands during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Constellation Brands Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of NYSE STZ opened at $250.89 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $45.72 billion, a PE ratio of 18.70, a P/E/G ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.88. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 12-month low of $227.50 and a 12-month high of $274.87. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $246.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $253.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. Constellation Brands Announces Dividend Constellation Brands ( NYSE:STZ Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 3rd. The company reported $3.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.46 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $2.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.67 billion. Constellation Brands had a net margin of 22.70% and a return on equity of 23.72%. Constellation Brandss revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.91 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 13.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 14th were paid a $1.01 dividend. This represents a $4.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 14th. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.10%. Insider Buying and Selling at Constellation Brands In other Constellation Brands news, EVP Kaneenat Kristann Carey sold 977 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total value of $254,997.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 2,706 shares of the companys stock, valued at $706,266. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CFO Garth Hankinson sold 13,583 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total transaction of $3,259,920.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 11,702 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,808,480. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Kaneenat Kristann Carey sold 977 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total transaction of $254,997.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 2,706 shares in the company, valued at $706,266. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 16,414 shares of company stock valued at $3,982,922. Corporate insiders own 12.19% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently issued reports on STZ. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $310.00 to $311.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 5th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $308.00 price objective on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $320.00 to $307.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a hold rating and set a $265.00 price objective on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Constellation Brands presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $296.78. Get Our Latest Report on Constellation Brands Constellation Brands Profile (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Comerica (NYSE:CMA Get Free Report)s stock had its overweight rating restated by equities research analysts at Stephens in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $58.00 target price on the financial services providers stock. Stephens target price suggests a potential upside of 1.08% from the companys previous close. Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on CMA. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on shares of Comerica from $69.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on Comerica from $48.00 to $45.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. Barclays reduced their price target on Comerica from $59.00 to $56.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Comerica from $58.00 to $56.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com cut Comerica from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $55.73. Get Comerica alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on CMA Comerica Price Performance Shares of Comerica stock traded up $1.94 on Tuesday, hitting $57.38. The company had a trading volume of 189,064 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,175,163. Comerica has a 52 week low of $37.40 and a 52 week high of $58.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.96. The company has a market cap of $7.61 billion, a PE ratio of 11.41 and a beta of 1.23. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $54.03 and a 200-day simple moving average of $52.11. Comerica (NYSE:CMA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.49 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by $0.30. Comerica had a return on equity of 15.01% and a net margin of 12.15%. The company had revenue of $1.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $812.79 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.01 EPS. Research analysts expect that Comerica will post 5.05 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Christine M. Moore sold 2,545 shares of Comerica stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.51, for a total value of $146,362.95. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,605,104.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.19% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Comerica A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Comerica during the second quarter worth $449,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its stake in Comerica by 200.9% in the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 32,400 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,654,000 after purchasing an additional 21,631 shares in the last quarter. LHM Inc. increased its stake in Comerica by 45.3% in the second quarter. LHM Inc. now owns 43,740 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,264,000 after purchasing an additional 13,640 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp bought a new position in shares of Comerica during the second quarter worth $318,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. increased its position in shares of Comerica by 400.0% in the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 2,500 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $128,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.74% of the companys stock. About Comerica (Get Free Report) Comerica Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services. The company operates through Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, Wealth Management, and Finance segments. The Commercial Bank segment offers various products and services, including commercial loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, payment solutions, card services, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services, and loan syndication services for small and middle market businesses, multinational corporations, and governmental entities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Comerica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Comerica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lowered its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 12.4% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 264,979 shares of the companys stock after selling 37,593 shares during the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $145,004,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 21.2% in the 2nd quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 103 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares in 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 valued at $207,000 after buying an additional 19 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.9% in the first quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,134 shares of the companys stock worth $1,122,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. Unionview LLC boosted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% during 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 grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.9% during the 2nd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 308 shares of the companys stock worth $169,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the period. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IVV opened at $549.32 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $474.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $552.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $533.99. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52-week low of $411.02 and a 52-week high of $568.24. 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. Featured Stories 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. Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 196,179 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,363,000. Polaris makes up 2.2% of Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Lantz Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Polaris by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Lantz Financial LLC now owns 14,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,480,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. JLB & Associates Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Polaris by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. JLB & Associates Inc. now owns 24,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,917,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Polaris by 14.5% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,331 shares of the companys stock valued at $133,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Polaris by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $586,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Polaris by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 16,120 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,262,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.06% of the companys stock. Get Polaris alerts: Polaris Trading Down 0.6 % NYSE:PII opened at $78.86 on Tuesday. Polaris Inc. has a 12 month low of $71.90 and a 12 month high of $109.35. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $80.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $84.80. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56. The company has a market capitalization of $4.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.56, a PEG ratio of 7.04 and a beta of 1.51. Polaris Dividend Announcement Polaris ( NYSE:PII Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.27 by ($0.89). Polaris had a return on equity of 26.38% and a net margin of 3.98%. The company had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.18 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.42 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Polaris Inc. will post 3.79 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be given a $0.66 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.35%. Polariss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 38.71%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PII has been the subject of several research reports. DA Davidson raised shares of Polaris from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $87.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Polaris from $86.00 to $83.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Polaris from $86.00 to $85.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. KeyCorp lowered their price target on shares of Polaris from $105.00 to $90.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of Polaris from $95.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $89.18. View Our Latest Report on PII Polaris Company Profile (Free Report) Polaris Inc designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; and moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PII? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Polaris Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polaris and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Interstate Bank cut its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 25,761 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 441 shares during the quarter. First Interstate Banks holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $2,677,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ABT. Encompass More Asset Management grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Encompass More Asset Management now owns 3,002 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $312,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the period. Wynn Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 3,427 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $390,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC now owns 5,396 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $613,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc now owns 8,290 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $942,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Addison Capital Co raised its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 5.4% during the first quarter. Addison Capital Co now owns 1,950 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $222,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 2.3 % Shares of NYSE:ABT opened at $116.43 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $202.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.27, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. Abbott Laboratories has a 12 month low of $89.67 and a 12 month high of $121.64. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $108.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.65. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data 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. The business had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates 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% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.08 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 15th were paid a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 68.54%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on ABT shares. Barclays increased 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. Edward Jones cut shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Evercore ISI dropped 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 report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 price objective for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned 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 Stock Report on ABT About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The 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 Stories 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. Hiddenite Capital Partners LP lessened its holdings in shares of Summit Materials, Inc. (NYSE:SUM Free Report) by 29.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 60,000 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 25,000 shares during the quarter. Summit Materials accounts for 0.7% of Hiddenite Capital Partners LPs portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest position. Hiddenite Capital Partners LPs holdings in Summit Materials were worth $2,197,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of SUM. Choreo LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Summit Materials in the 2nd quarter valued at about $382,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Summit Materials during the second quarter valued at approximately $154,000. Quest Partners LLC bought a new position in Summit Materials during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Norden Group LLC grew its position in shares of Summit Materials by 31.0% in the 2nd quarter. Norden Group LLC now owns 19,859 shares of the construction companys stock worth $727,000 after acquiring an additional 4,701 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Summit Materials by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 34,382 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,259,000 after acquiring an additional 1,540 shares during the last quarter. Get Summit Materials alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes SUM has been the subject of a number of research reports. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Summit Materials from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $47.00 price objective on shares of Summit Materials in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Summit Materials from $55.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Summit Materials in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Summit Materials from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $49.00 target price for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Summit Materials presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $47.40. Summit Materials Price Performance Shares of NYSE:SUM opened at $35.65 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $6.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.92 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 2.62 and a quick ratio of 2.01. Summit Materials, Inc. has a 12 month low of $29.98 and a 12 month high of $44.89. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $38.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $39.59. Summit Materials (NYSE:SUM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 5th. The construction company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.14 billion. Summit Materials had a return on equity of 7.00% and a net margin of 8.06%. The companys revenue was up 58.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.71 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Summit Materials, Inc. will post 1.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Summit Materials Company Profile (Free Report) Summit Materials, Inc operates as a vertically integrated construction materials company in the United States and Canada. It operates in three segments: West, East, and Cement. The company offers aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete, asphalt paving mixes, and concrete products, as well as plastics components. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Summit Materials, Inc. (NYSE:SUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Summit Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Summit Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. William Howard & Co Financial Advisors Inc cut its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report) by 4.5% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 17,171 shares of the companys stock after selling 804 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 3000 ETF makes up about 4.9% of William Howard & Co Financial Advisors Incs holdings, making the stock its 5th largest holding. William Howard & Co Financial Advisors Incs holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF were worth $5,301,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of IWV. Financial Connections Group Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $37,000. Tidemark LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the 4th quarter worth $41,000. Denver PWM LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $42,000. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $44,000. Finally, ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $47,000. Get iShares Russell 3000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 3000 ETF Stock Performance Shares of IWV stock opened at $311.17 on Tuesday. iShares Russell 3000 ETF has a 52-week low of $233.54 and a 52-week high of $322.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.25 billion, a PE ratio of 24.59 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $312.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $302.96. iShares Russell 3000 ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 3000 ETF, formerly iShares Russell 3000 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the United States equity market, as represented by the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. grew its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 4,615.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 400,772 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 392,272 shares during the quarter. Pfizer accounts for about 1.4% of LGT Fund Management Co Ltd.s portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $11,214,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in PFE. Olistico Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Pfizer during the second quarter worth $25,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC grew its position in Pfizer by 100.0% in the first quarter. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC now owns 1,200 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. acquired a new position in Pfizer during the second quarter worth about $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PFE has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. UBS Group raised 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 America raised shares of Pfizer from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays increased their price target on Pfizer from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Monday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.54. Pfizer Trading Up 2.9 % NYSE:PFE opened at $29.40 on Tuesday. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $25.20 and a 52 week high of $34.62. 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 firms fifty day moving average is $29.08 and its 200-day moving average is $28.07. The firm has a market cap of $166.60 billion, a P/E ratio of -489.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 0.68. 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. Pfizer had a negative net margin of 4.66% and a positive return on equity of 8.42%. The business had revenue of $13.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.96 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.67 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.71%. Pfizers payout ratio is currently -2,799.53%. 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Malaga Cove Capital LLC lowered its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 3.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,435 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 359 shares during the quarter. Malaga Cove Capital LLCs holdings in Brookfield Asset Management were worth $397,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Choreo LLC bought a new position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $239,000. Legacy Bridge LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management in the second quarter worth $52,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 5,033.8% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 7,136 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $270,000 after buying an additional 6,997 shares during the period. Chicago Capital LLC acquired a new position in Brookfield Asset Management in the 2nd quarter valued at $540,000. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. bought a new position in Brookfield Asset Management in the 2nd quarter worth $96,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.41% of the companys stock. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Brookfield Asset Management Stock Up 3.4 % NYSE BAM opened at $42.22 on Tuesday. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a twelve month low of $28.35 and a twelve month high of $44.38. The stock has a market cap of $18.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.09, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.57. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $40.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.19. Brookfield Asset Management Dividend Announcement Brookfield Asset Management ( NYSE:BAM Get Free Report ) (TSE:BAM.A) last issued its earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The financial services provider reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $916.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.16 billion. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 92.37% and a net margin of 51.29%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.28 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.42 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.60%. Brookfield Asset Managements payout ratio is presently 140.74%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently commented on BAM. CIBC lifted their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. StockNews.com lowered Brookfield Asset Management from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. They issued a hold rating and a $43.00 price objective for the company. Scotiabank dropped their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $46.00 to $45.50 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brookfield Asset Management has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $42.46. Read Our Latest Stock Report on BAM Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Monaco Asset Management SAM grew its holdings in B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG Free Report) by 29.6% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 800,000 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 182,815 shares during the period. B2Gold comprises about 0.3% of Monaco Asset Management SAMs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest holding. Monaco Asset Management SAMs holdings in B2Gold were worth $2,160,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in shares of B2Gold during the 2nd quarter worth about $6,912,000. Equinox Partners Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of B2Gold by 31.6% during the 2nd quarter. Equinox Partners Investment Management LLC now owns 6,032,986 shares of the companys stock worth $16,185,000 after purchasing an additional 1,450,000 shares during the last quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. bought a new position in shares of B2Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at $472,000. Cadence Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of B2Gold by 34.9% in the 2nd quarter. Cadence Wealth Management LLC now owns 229,370 shares of the companys stock valued at $619,000 after purchasing an additional 59,297 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its holdings in B2Gold by 94.7% in the second quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 86,040 shares of the companys stock worth $232,000 after purchasing an additional 41,850 shares in the last quarter. 61.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get B2Gold alerts: B2Gold Stock Up 1.9 % Shares of NYSE BTG opened at $2.70 on Tuesday. B2Gold Corp. has a 12 month low of $2.34 and a 12 month high of $3.46. The company has a market cap of $3.54 billion, a P/E ratio of -89.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 1.14. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.82. The company has a current ratio of 2.93, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. B2Gold Dividend Announcement B2Gold ( NYSE:BTG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.08 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $492.57 million during the quarter. B2Gold had a positive return on equity of 8.01% and a negative net margin of 7.44%. Sell-side analysts expect that B2Gold Corp. will post 0.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.04 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $0.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.93%. B2Golds payout ratio is -533.16%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BTG has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. CIBC boosted their price target on B2Gold from $3.40 to $3.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on B2Gold from $3.50 to $4.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 12th. Cormark lowered shares of B2Gold from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. StockNews.com raised shares of B2Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, August 17th. Finally, Cibc World Mkts upgraded shares of B2Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, B2Gold has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $3.75. Read Our Latest Research Report on B2Gold About B2Gold (Free Report) B2Gold Corp. operates as a gold producer company. It operates the Fekola Mine in Mali, the Masbate Mine in the Philippines, and the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia. The company also has an 100% interest in the Gramalote gold project in Colombia; 24% interest in the Calibre Mining Corp.; and approximately 19% interest in BeMetals Corp. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BTG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for B2Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B2Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report)s stock had its neutral rating reissued by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $105.00 target price on the financial services providers stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 8.67% from the stocks current price. A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company cut Morgan Stanley from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $99.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Citigroup raised their price target on Morgan Stanley from $98.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Morgan Stanley from $91.00 to $108.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Oppenheimer lowered shares of Morgan Stanley from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Morgan Stanley currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $101.73. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MS Morgan Stanley Stock Down 1.6 % Shares of NYSE:MS traded down $1.56 on Tuesday, hitting $96.62. 7,551,989 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,262,398. The firms 50-day moving average is $100.77 and its 200 day moving average is $96.08. The company has a market capitalization of $157.02 billion, a PE ratio of 17.54, a P/E/G ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.37. Morgan Stanley has a 1-year low of $69.42 and a 1-year high of $109.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.96, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.78. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.17. Morgan Stanley had a return on equity of 11.85% and a net margin of 10.17%. The firm had revenue of $15.02 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.32 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.24 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Morgan Stanley will post 7.03 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity at Morgan Stanley In related news, insider Mandell Crawley sold 3,500 shares of Morgan Stanley stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.25, for a total value of $368,375.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 43,224 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,549,326. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Morgan Stanley news, Chairman James P. Gorman sold 200,000 shares of Morgan Stanley stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.06, for a total value of $21,012,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 150,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,759,000. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Mandell Crawley sold 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.25, for a total value of $368,375.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 43,224 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,549,326. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 252,000 shares of company stock worth $26,546,370. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Morgan Stanley A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Lazari Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter valued at about $526,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter worth $14,731,000. Clear Rock Advisors LLC raised its position in Morgan Stanley by 2.2% in the second quarter. Clear Rock Advisors LLC now owns 25,783 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,506,000 after purchasing an additional 563 shares during the last quarter. Brown Financial Advisors bought a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the second quarter worth $1,958,000. Finally, Dana Investment Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Dana Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 33,597 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,265,000 after acquiring an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.19% of the companys stock. About Morgan Stanley (Get 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. See Also 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. North West (TSE:NWC Free Report) had its price target lifted by Royal Bank of Canada from C$40.00 to C$47.00 in a report published on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. NWC has been the subject of a number of other research reports. CIBC raised their price objective on North West from C$43.00 to C$44.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, June 6th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on North West from C$41.00 to C$44.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 6th. Finally, TD Securities lifted their price target on shares of North West from C$52.00 to C$59.00 in a research note on Friday. 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 data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$49.80. Get North West alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NWC North West Trading Up 0.9 % Shares of NWC stock opened at C$51.15 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.64. North West has a 1 year low of C$29.85 and a 1 year high of C$51.48. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$44.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$41.26. The company has a current ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 60.00. North West (TSE:NWC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 4th. The company reported C$0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.71 by C$0.02. North West had a net margin of 5.25% and a return on equity of 19.76%. The company had revenue of C$646.49 million for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that North West will post 3.3409536 EPS for the current year. North West Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a $0.40 dividend. This is a positive change from North Wests previous quarterly dividend of $0.39. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.13%. North Wests payout ratio is currently 58.39%. Insider Buying and Selling at North West In other news, Director George Mcconnell Daniel sold 5,665 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$42.54, for a total transaction of C$240,989.10. In other news, Director George Mcconnell Daniel sold 5,665 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$42.54, for a total transaction of C$240,989.10. Also, Senior Officer John King sold 5,230 shares of the stock in a transaction 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. Company insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Articles 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. Private Management Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report) by 9.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 1,178 shares of the credit-card processors stock after purchasing an additional 102 shares during the quarter. Private Management Group Inc.s holdings in Visa were worth $309,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Westend Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Visa during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Livelsberger Financial Advisory acquired a new position in Visa in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. POM Investment Strategies LLC raised its stake in Visa by 970.0% during the 2nd quarter. POM Investment Strategies LLC now owns 107 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Visa during the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, TruNorth Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Visa by 211.9% in the 2nd quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 131 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.15% of the companys stock. Get Visa alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on Visa from $325.00 to $300.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $297.00 target price (down previously from $305.00) on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on shares of Visa from $335.00 to $330.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Macquarie restated an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Visa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Visa presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $309.54. Visa Stock Performance NYSE:V opened at $285.61 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.37. The firm has a market cap of $520.47 billion, a PE ratio of 31.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $266.97 and a 200-day simple moving average of $273.12. Visa Inc. has a 1-year low of $227.78 and a 1-year high of $290.96. Visa (NYSE:V Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The credit-card processor reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $2.42. Visa had a return on equity of 51.94% and a net margin of 54.72%. The company had revenue of $8.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.92 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.16 EPS. Visas revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Visa Inc. will post 9.92 EPS for the current year. Visa Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.73%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. Visas payout ratio is 23.24%. Insider Buying and Selling at Visa In related news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 8,620 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $276.37, for a total transaction of $2,382,309.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $148,687.06. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.19% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Visa Company Profile (Free Report) Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding V? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Provident Investment Management Inc. reduced its position in Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 447,549 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 5,781 shares during the quarter. Edwards Lifesciences comprises about 3.8% of Provident Investment Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 16th largest position. Provident Investment Management Inc. owned approximately 0.07% of Edwards Lifesciences worth $41,340,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Andra AP fonden boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 125.9% in the 2nd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 83,800 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $7,741,000 after buying an additional 46,700 shares in the last quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 239,639 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $22,135,000 after buying an additional 2,006 shares in the last quarter. Invesco LLC boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco LLC now owns 3,039 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $281,000 after buying an additional 207 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC lifted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 550.4% in the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 24,977 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,260,000 after purchasing an additional 21,137 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wedbush Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 18,889 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,745,000 after purchasing an additional 285 shares in the last quarter. 79.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently issued reports on EW shares. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $105.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $91.00 to $76.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $105.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Daiwa Capital Markets raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Truist Financial downgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $110.00 to $82.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $81.10. Edwards Lifesciences Stock Performance Shares of EW opened at $65.71 on Tuesday. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a one year low of $58.93 and a one year high of $96.12. The company has a 50-day moving average of $74.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $83.98. The stock has a market cap of $39.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.32, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 3.71 and a quick ratio of 2.87. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.65 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 24.55% and a return on equity of 22.35%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.66 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.7 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Edwards Lifesciences In other news, VP Daveen Chopra sold 1,250 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.95, for a total value of $87,437.50. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 29,333 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,051,843.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.08, for a total transaction of $330,400.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 46,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,101,530.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Daveen Chopra sold 1,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.95, for a total transaction of $87,437.50. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 29,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,051,843.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 16,250 shares of company stock worth $1,321,988 over the last ninety days. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Edwards Lifesciences (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prudential PLC raised its stake in The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report) by 28.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 96,115 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 21,069 shares during the period. Prudential PLCs holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group were worth $9,663,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of HIG. Bailard Inc. grew its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 19,378 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,948,000 after buying an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC grew its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 3,736 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $385,000 after buying an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 28.8% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 519 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 34.4% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 473 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Avantax Advisory Services Inc. grew 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 valued at $468,000 after buying an additional 122 shares in the last quarter. 93.42% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Hartford Financial Services Group alerts: The Hartford Financial Services Group Price Performance Shares of HIG stock opened at $116.91 on Tuesday. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $68.82 and a twelve month high of $117.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.29, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.93. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $107.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $102.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The Hartford Financial Services Group Announces Dividend The Hartford Financial Services Group ( NYSE:HIG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The insurance provider reported $2.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.24 by $0.26. The Hartford Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 21.20% and a net margin of 11.44%. The business had revenue of $6.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.02 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.88 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 10.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be issued a $0.47 dividend. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 3rd. The Hartford Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio is 21.36%. The Hartford Financial Services Group announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program on Thursday, July 25th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.30 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the insurance provider to repurchase up to 10.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have weighed in on HIG. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $109.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on 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. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $112.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Bank of America dropped their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $113.00 to $111.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Nine 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat, The Hartford Financial Services Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $111.94. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on HIG Insiders Place Their Bets In other The Hartford Financial Services Group news, EVP Michael R. Fisher sold 4,088 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.47, for a total value of $414,809.36. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,503,582.46. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. About The Hartford Financial Services Group (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. Featured Articles 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. Prudential PLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report) by 27.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 128,755 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 28,049 shares during the quarter. Prudential PLC owned approximately 0.05% of iShares MSCI Japan ETF worth $8,786,000 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 EWJ. Continuum Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 25,739 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,756,000 after buying an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 5,357 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $344,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the last quarter. Verger Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Verger Capital Management LLC now owns 38,939 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,657,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares during the period. SOL Capital Management CO grew its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. SOL Capital Management CO now owns 10,070 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $718,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,287 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $449,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Japan ETF Trading Up 1.8 % Shares of NYSEARCA EWJ opened at $69.33 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $16.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.63 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a twelve month low of $57.20 and a twelve month high of $72.32. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $69.32 and a two-hundred day moving average of $69.02. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday. Several other research analysts also recently issued reports on RIO. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Citigroup lowered shares of Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, May 20th. Berenberg Bank lowered shares of Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 27th. HSBC raised Rio Tinto Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised Rio Tinto Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Rio Tinto Group Rio Tinto Group Trading Up 0.5 % Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend Shares of RIO opened at $60.02 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.70. The company has a market cap of $75.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.42, a PEG ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 0.66. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $63.99 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $65.81. Rio Tinto Group has a 52-week low of $59.35 and a 52-week high of $75.09. 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 issued a dividend of $1.77 per share. This represents a yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 16th. Rio Tinto Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 49.51%. Institutional Trading of Rio Tinto Group Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC bought a new stake in Rio Tinto Group in the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 55.4% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 415 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the period. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, LifeSteps Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 19.33% of the companys stock. Rio Tinto Group Company Profile (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. See Also 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. SIR Capital Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DK Free Report) by 37.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 876,133 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 237,734 shares during the period. Delek US makes up approximately 2.2% of SIR Capital Management L.P.s holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. SIR Capital Management L.P. owned approximately 1.37% of Delek US worth $21,693,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of DK. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Delek US by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 620,957 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $16,021,000 after acquiring an additional 13,238 shares in the last quarter. Versor Investments LP bought a new position in shares of Delek US during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $406,000. Teacher Retirement System of Texas bought a new position in shares of Delek US during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $395,000. Jump Financial LLC increased its position in shares of Delek US by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 113,092 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,918,000 after purchasing an additional 2,325 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in shares of Delek US by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,139,059 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $106,790,000 after purchasing an additional 59,537 shares during the last quarter. 97.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Delek US alerts: Delek US Stock Performance Shares of Delek US stock opened at $18.76 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $21.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.57. The company has a market capitalization of $1.21 billion, a PE ratio of -15.13 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50. Delek US Holdings, Inc. has a 52 week low of $18.75 and a 52 week high of $33.60. Delek US Increases Dividend Delek US ( NYSE:DK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.92) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($1.42) by $0.50. Delek US had a negative return on equity of 4.53% and a negative net margin of 0.69%. The business had revenue of $3.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.31 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.00 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Delek US Holdings, Inc. will post -2.87 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 19th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $0.255 per share. This is an increase from Delek USs previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $1.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.44%. Delek USs dividend payout ratio is presently -82.26%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on DK. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Delek US from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. TD Cowen cut their target price on Delek US from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Scotiabank cut their target price on Delek US from $27.00 to $25.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 12th. StockNews.com downgraded Delek US from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Delek US in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. They issued an underperform rating and a $19.00 price objective on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $25.70. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Delek US Insider Transactions at Delek US In other news, CEO Avigal Soreq purchased 5,651 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $20.42 per share, with a total value of $115,393.42. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 188,881 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,856,950.02. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Richard J. Marcogliese acquired 2,750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 12th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $23.99 per share, for a total transaction of $65,972.50. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 42,863 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,028,283.37. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Avigal Soreq acquired 5,651 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The shares were bought at an average price of $20.42 per share, with a total value of $115,393.42. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 188,881 shares in the company, valued at $3,856,950.02. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock. Delek US Profile (Free Report) Delek US Holdings, Inc engages in the integrated downstream energy business in the United States. The company operates through Refining, Logistics, and Retail segments. The Refining segment processes crude oil and other feedstock for the manufacture of various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, asphalt, and other petroleum-based products that are distributed through owned and third-party product terminal. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Delek US Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delek US and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Xinyuan Real Estate (NYSE:XIN Free Report) in a research report released on Saturday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the financial services providers stock. Xinyuan Real Estate Stock Performance Xinyuan Real Estate stock opened at $2.76 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.85, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.28. Xinyuan Real Estate has a one year low of $1.92 and a one year high of $4.26. Get Xinyuan Real Estate alerts: About Xinyuan Real Estate (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Xinyuan Real Estate Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in residential real estate development and construction in the People's Republic of China, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The company develops residential projects, such as multi-layer apartment buildings, sub-high-rise apartment buildings, high-rise apartment buildings; auxiliary services and amenities, such as retail outlets, leisure and health facilities, kindergartens, and schools, as well as office, mixed-use, and commercial properties. Receive News & Ratings for Xinyuan Real Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xinyuan Real Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:NBY Free Report) in a report released on Friday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Trading Up 2.7 % NBY stock opened at $0.46 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $2.24 million, a PE ratio of 0.00 and a beta of 0.73. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals has a 12-month low of $0.36 and a 12-month high of $44.80. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $1.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.75. Get NovaBay Pharmaceuticals alerts: NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:NBY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 13th. The company reported ($1.37) EPS for the quarter. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals had a negative net margin of 91.86% and a negative return on equity of 744.33%. The company had revenue of $2.40 million for the quarter. Equities analysts forecast that NovaBay Pharmaceuticals will post -0.17 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On NovaBay Pharmaceuticals NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Company Profile A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals stock. Armistice Capital LLC bought a new stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( NYSE:NBY Free Report ) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 718,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $147,000. Armistice Capital LLC owned 11.01% of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals at the end of the most recent reporting period. Institutional investors own 23.25% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, develops and sells eyecare, skincare, and wound care products in the United States and internationally. It offers Avenova Spray, a solution for removing foreign materials, including microorganisms and debris from skin around the eye, such as the eyelid; and wound care products, which are used for cleansing and irrigation as part of surgical procedures, as well as treating certain wounds, burns, ulcers, and other injuries under the NeutroPhase and PhaseOne brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equities research analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of TRX Gold (NYSE:TRX Get Free Report) in a research note issued on Sunday. The firm set a hold rating on the stock. Separately, HC Wainwright reiterated a buy rating and issued a $1.40 target price on shares of TRX Gold in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Get TRX Gold alerts: Get Our Latest Report on TRX Gold TRX Gold Price Performance Shares of TRX Gold stock opened at $0.38 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $0.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.42. TRX Gold has a 52 week low of $0.31 and a 52 week high of $0.49. TRX Gold (NYSE:TRX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $10.15 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.50 million. TRX Gold had a negative return on equity of 3.84% and a negative net margin of 3.06%. On average, equities analysts predict that TRX Gold will post 0.01 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On TRX Gold A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in TRX Gold stock. Integrity Wealth Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of TRX Gold Co. (NYSE:TRX Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 291,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $113,000. Integrity Wealth Solutions LLC owned approximately 0.10% of TRX Gold at the end of the most recent quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.06% of the companys stock. About TRX Gold (Get Free Report) TRX Gold Corporation engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral property interests in the United Republic of Tanzania. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds interests in the Buckreef gold project that comprises a single Special Mining License covering an area of 16.04 square kilometers and 12 Prospecting Licenses covering 98.19 square kilometers located in north-central Tanzania. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TRX Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TRX Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush upgraded shares of Toast (NYSE:TOST Free Report) to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, Zacks.com reports. Wedbush also issued estimates for Toasts Q1 2025 earnings at $0.06 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $0.10 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.11 EPS and Q4 2025 earnings at $0.09 EPS. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on TOST. Mizuho upgraded shares of Toast from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $21.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $30.00 target price on shares of Toast in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Toast from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated a market perform rating and issued a $26.00 target price on shares of Toast in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered shares of Toast from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $28.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Toast currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $28.22. Get Toast alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TOST Toast Trading Up 1.4 % Shares of TOST opened at $23.62 on Friday. Toast has a 12 month low of $13.77 and a 12 month high of $27.90. The firms 50 day moving average is $24.90 and its 200-day moving average is $24.38. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.89 billion, a PE ratio of -47.24 and a beta of 1.75. Toast (NYSE:TOST Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.04. The business had revenue of $1.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.22 billion. Toast had a negative net margin of 3.10% and a negative return on equity of 11.27%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 27.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($0.19) earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Toast will post -0.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CRO Jonathan Vassil sold 1,541 shares of Toast stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.00, for a total transaction of $36,984.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive now owns 33,312 shares of the companys stock, valued at $799,488. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, CRO Jonathan Vassil sold 1,541 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.00, for a total transaction of $36,984.00. Following the transaction, the executive now directly owns 33,312 shares in the company, valued at $799,488. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, President Stephen Fredette sold 3,810 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.64, for a total transaction of $97,688.40. Following the transaction, the president now owns 2,847,315 shares in the company, valued at $73,005,156.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 418,352 shares of company stock valued at $10,526,982 over the last quarter. Insiders own 13.32% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Toast A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in Toast by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 35,968 shares of the companys stock valued at $927,000 after purchasing an additional 421 shares in the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC increased its position in Toast by 1.0% during the first quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 43,357 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,080,000 after acquiring an additional 436 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC increased its position in Toast by 3.1% during the first quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC now owns 16,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $416,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in Toast by 8.4% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 6,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $174,000 after acquiring an additional 520 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank increased its position in Toast by 10.9% during the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 6,167 shares of the companys stock valued at $154,000 after acquiring an additional 607 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.91% of the companys stock. About Toast (Get Free Report) Toast, Inc operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States, Ireland, and India. The company offers software products for restaurant operations and point of sale, such as Toast POS, Toast now, multi-location management, kitchen display system, Toast mobile order and pay, Toast catering and events, Toast invoicing, Toast tables, and restaurant retail; and hardware products, including Toast flex, Toast flex for guest, Toast go 2, Toast tap, kiosks, and Delphi by Toast. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Toast Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toast and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC lowered its holdings in Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE:TM Free Report) by 87.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,468 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,996 shares during the quarter. Balentine LLCs holdings in Toyota Motor were worth $301,000 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. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Toyota Motor in the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. POM Investment Strategies LLC grew its position in shares of Toyota Motor by 292.1% in the 2nd quarter. POM Investment Strategies LLC now owns 149 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. raised its stake in Toyota Motor by 113.9% during the 2nd quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 169 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Toyota Motor in the first quarter valued at $45,000. Finally, Field & Main Bank boosted its stake in Toyota Motor by 300.0% in the second quarter. Field & Main Bank now owns 180 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.48% of the companys stock. Get Toyota Motor alerts: Toyota Motor Stock Performance Shares of TM opened at $176.04 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $188.99 and its 200-day simple moving average is $213.66. Toyota Motor Co. has a 12-month low of $159.04 and a 12-month high of $255.23. The firm has a market cap of $237.20 billion, a PE ratio of 6.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Toyota Motor ( NYSE:TM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $6.35 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.01 by $2.34. Toyota Motor had a net margin of 10.70% and a return on equity of 14.28%. The company had revenue of $75.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $72.48 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $7.05 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Toyota Motor Co. will post 17 EPS for the current year. Separately, Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Toyota Motor in a research report on Friday, June 14th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TM Toyota Motor Company Profile (Free Report) Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE:TM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vantage Financial Partners LLC lowered its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 8.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,530 shares of the companys stock after selling 401 shares during the quarter. Vantage Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $206,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Albion Financial Group UT increased its position in Altria Group by 49.1% during the 1st quarter. Albion Financial Group UT now owns 2,767 shares of the companys stock valued at $121,000 after purchasing an additional 911 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,027,886 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,960,000 after purchasing an additional 16,541 shares during the last quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Altria Group by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. now owns 5,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $260,000 after purchasing an additional 399 shares during the last quarter. &PARTNERS purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 1st quarter valued at $556,000. Finally, Bridgefront Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth about $982,000. Institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on MO. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Bank of America boosted their target price on Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Barclays upped their price target on Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Monday. UBS Group boosted their target price on Altria Group from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.67. Altria Group Stock Performance Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $54.29 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $92.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.32, a PEG ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $39.06 and a fifty-two week high of $54.95. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $50.31 and a 200 day moving average of $46.15. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its 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 net margin of 42.25% and a negative return on equity of 232.55%. The company had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.31 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 EPS for the current year. Altria Group Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.52%. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. Altria Groups payout ratio is 82.01%. Altria Group 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. Read More 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. Vision Capital Management Inc. decreased its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 1.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,194 shares of the companys stock after selling 116 shares during the period. Vision Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $5,608,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. FRG Family Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% in the second quarter. FRG Family Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,745 shares of the companys stock worth $7,918,000 after buying an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. Andra AP fonden raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 52.9% in the 2nd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 63,300 shares of the companys stock worth $57,311,000 after acquiring an additional 21,900 shares during the last quarter. Sachetta LLC lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 34.5% in the 2nd quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 230 shares of the companys stock valued at $208,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bright Futures Wealth Management LLC. now owns 1,136 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,029,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Global X Japan Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth $2,139,000. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of LLY opened at $908.39 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $895.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $829.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52 week low of $516.57 and a 52 week high of $972.53. The stock has a market cap of $863.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 133.78, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $1.28. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 67.52% and a net margin of 18.86%. The company had revenue of $11.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.83 billion. On average, analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.57%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 76.58%. Insider Activity In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 1,441 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $915.02, for a total value of $1,318,543.82. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 97,367,369 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $89,093,089,982.38. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders have sold 661,900 shares of company stock worth $604,721,602 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Guggenheim upped their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $884.00 to $1,030.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 16th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $1,000.00 target price (up previously from $892.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $885.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $725.00 to $1,025.00 in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $961.76. Read Our Latest Research Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. 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 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. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) had its price objective dropped by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $34.00 to $33.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an underweight rating on the auto manufacturers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective indicates a potential downside of 26.88% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and issued a $53.00 price target on shares of General Motors in a report on Tuesday. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $55.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Bank of America restated a buy rating and issued a $75.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of General Motors from $58.00 to $54.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of General Motors from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $55.27. Get General Motors alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on General Motors General Motors Stock Performance General Motors stock traded down $2.27 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $45.13. 4,881,093 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,369,327. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $46.29 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $44.88. General Motors has a twelve month low of $26.30 and a twelve month high of $50.50. The firm has a market cap of $51.49 billion, a PE ratio of 5.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.18. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $3.06 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.67 by $0.39. General Motors had a net margin of 6.22% and a return on equity of 15.77%. The company had revenue of $47.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.13 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.91 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that General Motors will post 9.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Motors announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, June 11th that allows the company to repurchase $6.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the auto manufacturer to repurchase up to 10.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Activity at General Motors In other news, EVP Rory Harvey sold 2,302 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.31, for a total value of $108,907.62. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 10,356 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $489,942.36. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Paul A. Jacobson bought 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $44.11 per share, with a total value of $1,102,750.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief financial officer now directly owns 261,872 shares in the company, valued at $11,551,173.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Rory Harvey sold 2,302 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.31, for a total transaction of $108,907.62. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 10,356 shares of the companys stock, valued at $489,942.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On General Motors Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in General Motors during the second quarter valued at about $13,924,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new stake in shares of General Motors during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its position in shares of General Motors by 469.6% in the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 570,775 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $26,517,000 after acquiring an additional 470,568 shares in the last quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in General Motors in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,407,000. Finally, Invst LLC grew its position in General Motors by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Invst LLC now owns 20,960 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $978,000 after purchasing an additional 913 shares in the last quarter. 92.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About General Motors (Get Free Report) General Motors Company designs, builds, and sells trucks, crossovers, cars, and automobile parts; and provide software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The company operates through GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial segments. It markets its vehicles primarily under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Baojun, and Wuling brand names. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / Local by Staff reporter The High Court freed eight Gokwe residents on US$200 bail each yesterday.The eight were arrested on 16 August for expressing disapproval of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assumption of the SADC Chairmanship.The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) alleged that police in Gokwe have arrested 12 individuals for allegedly participating in an anti-government demonstration.The group reportedly voiced their opposition to President Mnangagwa and his government, particularly regarding his recent appointment as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).According to the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, the suspected members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) were detained at Chitekete Police Station in connection with a flash protest that took place at Gokwe Centre on August 15, 2024.It is alleged that among those arrested are the two wives of Tawanda Siampongo from the Gokwe-Kabuyuni constituency, who were taken into custody after the police failed to find their husband.In a viral video, the leader of a group of activists, who identified himself as Givemore Chuma, said:"SADC must not be used to sanitise President Emmerson Mnangagwa's illegitimacy. This is what we are saying as the inhabitants of Gokwe. We are holding these demonstrations to send out a clear message."It has been common knowledge through the years that people from Gokwe are backward, but today we have taken the first step in sending the message that we are not supporting the conferment of the SADC chairmanship to Mnangagwa."He must leave the office. No one voted for him to power. What lessons does SADC intend to impart to citizens across the region?"It is unfair to reward election theft in such a manner. What we appreciate is the fact that Advocate Nelson Chamisa won this election and he is the one who deserves the chairmanship."I am not the one who is saying this. I am just the spokesperson on behalf of Zimbabweans and the people of Gokwe."If he (Chamisa) is not the one to take the helm then we have to take it to the street on the 17th of August. The Constitutions Section 59 allows us to demonstrate."ZANU PF has made it clear that power in Zimbabwe will not be transferred through the ballot. We need a democratic government in Zimbabwe. The ruling party has failed for the past 44 years. Abhishek Sahu covers HR and Education (Careers) at Moneycontrol. He can be reached at Abhishek.Sahu@nw18.com and @Abhishek44sahu. Follow us on: Karnataka PSI Exam 2024 Likely to Proceed as Scheduled Despite Appeals for Postponement OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Rajasthan Open School Results 2024 OUT: RSOS announces results for class 10, 12 exams; direct link here OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Alia Bhatt to make her debut at Paris Fashion Week 2024 You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Follow us on: Mumbai has a date with Oscar awardee Giuseppe Tornatore at a festival of Italian classics OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Allianz to sell stake in Indian road operator Interise to Canadas Omers The increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and mental health issues has driven companies to focus on comprehensive wellness strategies. To empower individuals to take control of their health,evidence-based therapies. Established in 2021, the company caters to a distinctive combination of naturopathic and functional medicine approaches to address lifestyle and autoimmune concerns. This Kochi, Kerala-based clinic, led by seasoned practitioners, empowers individuals to attain optimal wellness through personalized programs and consultations."From my childhood experiences witnessing my mother's remarkable recovery from autoimmune and cardiac conditions through naturopathy, despite the scarcity of hospitals offering such services and the challenges we faced with fasting therapy, preparing nutritious meals, and sourcing natural herbs, my interest in this field has evolved significantly. Today, by integrating naturopathic and functional medicine modalities with modern technology, we achieve optimal results more efficiently and conveniently", sharesSAKYA Health offers services and solutions tailored to suit various company sizes and employee needs, including health workshops on different topics, both onsite and virtual, and a Dis-Ease Reversal Program program available virtually and on an outpatient basis. They also offer inpatient care at their, Functional Medicine Hospital and Fertility Centre in Malayattoor, Cochin, and provide health retreats at various locations. These services address lifestyle diseases, autoimmune conditions, and infertility, with a particular focus on the high incidence of infertility among corporate employees, which is an area of specialization for them. Their Dis-Ease Reversal Program provides a comprehensive approach to not only alleviate symptoms but also reverse chronic health conditions by promoting true healing. This program includes evidence-based strategies such as a nutrient-dense diet, targeted supplements, physical activity, stress management, improved sleep, and naturopathic treatments. The aim is to achieve optimal health by addressing root causes and enhancing overall wellbeing through holistic interventions. "Our virtual platform enables weekly interactions with patients to support, monitor, and implement lifestyle changes while introducing treatment protocols gradually, ensuring continuous support. Furthermore, our hospital, equipped with advanced treatment modalities and staffed by skilled professionals, delivers these therapies effectively", says Dr. Manu. The company crafts its wellness programs, aiming to educate, motivate, and empower participants throughout 312 months based on individual health needs. A dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (ND) provides personalized care to clients, offering continuous support and guidance through weekly consultations to maintain progress and motivation. For corporate clients, SAKYA Health delivers extensive support during and after the program, offering personalized wellness plans, regular health assessments, and access to a team of Naturopathic and Functional Medicine experts. Educational workshops, seminars, and webinars further enhance employees' understanding of health and wellness. After the program, ongoing support is available through followup consultations, maintenance plans, and access to wellness resources and the community. The customization begins with thoroughly assessing an organization's health culture, employee demographics, and wellness goals, allowing SAKYA Health to create bespoke plans utilizing evidence-based practices and targeted interventions. SAKYA's approach to wellness is comprehensive, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health through tailored programs designed to prevent and reverse lifestyle disorders. Their team of skilled practitioners utilizes evidence-based practices, targeted nutritional and herbal therapies, and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure optimal health outcomes and enhanced productivity, setting them apart from traditional wellness consultancies. Futuristic, SAKYA Health plans to collaborate with leading companies to develop health retreats and programs that integrate naturopathic and functional medicine principles with practical wellness strategies. Their goal is to equip employees with the tools needed to improve well-being, boost productivity, and foster a healthier work environment, ultimately empowering them to manage their health and contribute to a more resilient workforce. Follow us on: Falling crude oil prices: OMCs may wait for a few weeks before deciding on fuel price cut: Experts Follow us on: India to double vehicle scrapping centres, fitness test points, yet it needs more: Gadkari Follow us on: Bajaj Housing Finance IPO Day 2 Today: Should you subscribe? GMP jumps further, issue fully booked on day 1 OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Solar panel maker Saatvik may go public next fiscal, plans Rs 1,500 cr capex Follow us on: ITI Ltd share price jumps nearly 9% on bagging order from Bihar govt worth Rs 300 crore Follow us on: Pharma stocks gain on GST tax cut on cancer drugs, passage of draft US Biosecure Act OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Premier Energies sees sharp profit booking after 8-day bull run; slips over 12% from record high Follow us on: Relief for Sebi, NSE, BSE as SC sets aside Bombay HC order of Rs 80 lakh fine to Mehtas: Report 8 2024 :, , , , , , 1906 . 1955 , . 1958 . . 1972 . 1996 . 2005 7,6 , 50.000 . OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All The coming booster for Indian pharma stocks: US Biosecure Act OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All PE, VC-driven deals to face enhanced competition scrutiny under new rules Follow us on: Assets of MF industry top Rs 65 lakh crore for first time, equity funds see Rs 38,239 crore inflows in August Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning Follow us on: Private equity investments in real estate back in play amid more focus on data centres, logistics 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: What will happen to Club Vistara points, vouchers after Air India merger? 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Fight in India if a Sikh can wear turban, says Rahul Gandhi in US; BJP says will drag him to court First Mpox case confirmed in India: All about the public health emergency, reasons for vaccine delay in Africa OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All GST council meeting: Here's what will get cheaper Follow us on: Haryana Polls: AAP names nine candidates in second list amid stalemate in seat-sharing talks with Congress Follow us on: India for stricter Rules of Origin in auto sector under India, UK trade agreement Follow us on: India, Philippines to review defence ties, months after New Delhi supplies Brahmos missiles to Filipino military Follow us on: Jaishankar: India is not closed to business from China Follow us on: Lok Sabha polls not free or BJP wouldn't have reached 240 seats: Rahul Gandhi in US Follow us on: Maharashtra BJP chief's son flees after Audi races out of pub and crashes into multiple vehicles in Nagpur Follow us on: Mahayuti closes in on seat-sharing agreement in Maharashtra as Amit Shah intervenes Follow us on: Massive student protest in Manipur; curfew in 3 dists after conflict escalates in Imphal Morning Scan: All the big stories to get you started for the day The rift between state Sen. John McGuire and Republican Party officials in Virginias 5th Congressional District widened further over the weekend after the Republican nominee failed to attend the districts GOP committee meeting in Farmville on Saturday. McGuires no-show at the gathering, which has traditionally served as a critical opportunity for candidates to solidify party support for their congressional bids, prompted the committee to withhold funding for his campaign and urge him to provide the panel with important contact information as well as details on event planning and related activities. In a letter to the campaign dated Sept. 6, Rick Buchanan, the districts GOP chair, reminded McGuire that under the Republican Party of Virginias Party Plan, the committee shall have general supervision over all district campaigns and shall cooperate with the State Central Committee in conducting statewide campaigns. Buchanan also notified McGuire that he had appointed a subcommittee of three party unit chairs to work with your campaign to obtain, assimilate and distribute this information to all units within the 5th District so that efforts can be made to ensure success in November. Sean Brown, a campaign spokesman, told the Virginia Mercury in a text message that McGuire was unable to attend Saturdays committee meeting because he had already committed to door-knocking events with the campaign of former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and an appearance with volunteer firefighters. Brown said that he and Bri Simon, McGuires campaign manager, attended the committee meeting on the candidates behalf. He declined to comment further. During a closed portion of the meeting, the committee voted to allot $8,000 to pay for Trump campaign signs in the district, but it denied McGuires campaign any additional funding. One of the reasons I believe for why the committee was hesitant was that John McGuire is nowhere to be found, he has not shown up at any unit meetings, Buchanan told the Virginia Mercury Monday. Since the primary election he has only been to two unit meetings in Campbell County and Albemarle County out of 24 units. In contrast, U.S. Rep Bob Good, the incumbent who McGuire defeated in the June 18 primary election, met with all 24 unit chairs within weeks of first winning his partys nomination in 2020. But the disconnect between McGuire and the districts party leadership predates the primary election. Just days after Trump formally endorsed McGuire in late May, 25 Republican officials advised the former president in an open letter to rethink his endorsement and to instead consider backing Good. Congressman Bob Good has championed America First policies by introducing legislation to codify policies defunding chain migration and requiring that immigrants are self-sufficient. He also offered multiple bills that would build upon Trumps regulatory relief for businesses across the country, the letter reads. Good who has not formally conceded to McGuire even after an additional review of the results of the recount that he had requested after the primary confirmed the former Navy SEALs victory remains popular among some in the district who have since launched an effort to urge voters to write in the incumbents name in the Nov. 5 election. While it remains doubtful that this effort will split the Republican vote in a way that would hand the Republican-leaning district to Gloria Witt, the Democratic nominee, its a sign of the unease that many Republicans still feel about McGuire, who they say has made little effort to unify the party and campaign districtwide. McGuire seems to be running a fairly strange campaign, in my opinion, he does not seem very interested in doing the traditional things campaigns do, David Richards, a political science professor at the University of Lynchburg, told the Virginia Mercury. Perhaps the thinking is that in a district that rates a plus-seven to the Republican advantage, he does not need to reach out very much. This may work out for him, but there is always a risk, and he needs to be sure he gets all of the Republican voters behind him lest Witt sneak in with a solid Democratic base that could win against a split GOP base. While McGuire on Monday made several campaign stops in the district with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Hung Cao, the Republican U.S. Senate nominee trying to unseat Democrat Tim Kaine, Buchanan said that his committee is being kept in the dark about the campaigns efforts. Theres not a single thing on the district calendar of any events that he is doing, hes not returning phone calls from the committee chairs who are trying to get him to come, and hes not calling me or anybody that I know of. Were very concerned, because I just dont know what hes doing. On Saturday, he couldnt plan to spend 15 minutes addressing us in Farmville, which is in the very center of the district? Buchanan brushed off concerns that the committees support for McGuire is only lukewarm because most of the unit chairs remain supporters of Good. There is only one mission that all of our units have, and that is to get Republicans elected, Buchanan said. John McGuire is the Republican candidate. We have trained and organized to do just that, and build our networks around getting out the vote and manning the polls. But where is John? I dont know where John is today, I have no idea. This story was originally published in the Virginia Mercury. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Mpox less deadly, not second Covid-19, expert Epidemiologist tells News18 Politician-real estate nexus: Why an amended land law has become a flashpoint between BJP and Opposition in Goa Follow us on: Vice Chiefs of Indian Army, IAF, Navy take to skies in joint military air exercise Tarang Shakti Follow us on: Was scared to visit J&K as home minister, says Cong's Sushil Shinde; BJP hits back Javier Blas is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. He previously was commodities editor at the Financial Times and is the coauthor of "The World for Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earths Resources." Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. US will leave Europe to its fate. But when and how? The pressure to cross-sell products is rising in banks and that has many consequences. Employees who meet these targets are generously rewarded with foreign trips and other perks. Those who arent often become the targets of humiliation Over the weekend, I was talking to a banker working at a new age private sector bank. For most part of our conversation, he was narrating the mounting pressure on bank branches, particularly mid-level and junior employees, to cross-sell insurance products. Why are young bankers leaving the profession so soon? USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept A national bus tour will be making pit stops in Virginia this week to highlight Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs commitment to reproductive rights policy. The tour will tout the Democrats' promises to voters, such as Harris plan to sign into law a bill to restore federal abortion protections, should Congress send one to her desk if she becomes president, while Walz will stand ready to cast a tie-breaking vote in the U.S. Senate if need be. With , the tour across the commonwealth comes as early voting begins in Virginia next week and less than two months until Election Day. Earlier this year, while President Joe Biden was still seeking reelection, he and Harris had kicked off their campaign in Virginia on the platform to restore Roe. The new bus tour will stop in all 50 states, including its three Virginia pit stops. A representative for the Harris-Walz campaign in Virginia said that more details on the time and exact locations will be announced soon. The stops in Virginia will feature rallies led by elected leaders to include prominent Virginia Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Jennifer McClellan and Abigail Spanberger, the latter of whom is running for governor. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts will also join them. Featured speakers include Amanda Zurawski, who is part of a lawsuit against the state of Texas for being denied an abortion amid her pregnancy complications, and Louisiana resident Kaitlyn Joshua, who shared the story of being denied care for a miscarriage at the Democratic National Convention last month. The tour plans to highlight the differences between the Harris-Walz campaign and that of former President Donald Trump and his running mate Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance. The substantially shifted national landscape surrounding abortion access has changed in recent years after the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had protected abortion federally for decades. Trumps appointees to the court had upheld Roe as federal law during their confirmation hearings before ultimately ruling to undo it. As states now set their own laws on access or restrictions something Trump has touted and claimed credit for Democrats point to growing uncertainty around access to birth control or family planning measures such as in vitro fertilization. Several states have since voted to enshrine abortion protections into their constitutions a process Virginia Democrats hope to kickstart next year or have drafted laws to protect other reproductive rights. Congressional Democratic campaigns along with the Harris-Walz campaign also point to outlines in a Heritage Foundation guidebook called Project 2025 that entails employing a long-dormant federal law to further restrict abortion medication and mailing of abortifacients. Critics and reproductive rights advocates have said this could pave the way for a national ban. As we crisscross the country, we are driving that contrast home to red and blue voters and independents, Harris-Walz campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. The [tour] will drive home for voters that this threat to our fundamental freedoms touches every American. Best cities to find a job in the US Samsung stings Apple after iPhone 16 launch with a 2022 tweet: 'Let us know when it folds' Follow us on: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris brace for fiery US presidential debate: 6 things to watch out for Is there a hidden planet beyond Pluto? Scientists hope to spot a new member of solar system soon Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 632 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, bonuses for our guest bloggers. Yves here. BRICS boosters may seen the plans to advance barter trading between China as a sign of success in the two countries escaping US sanctions. Actually, its the reverse. Barter trade is a practice that is generally reserved for countries that have not had sufficient success in sanctions evasion by other means. Its very inefficient and grifting friendly. Youll see in the article below that Russia is attempting to put in place a lot of procedures. That is presumably to prevent more than minimal cheating. Now it may be that these trades are intended primarily as a backup mechanism and are not expected to represent a lot of volume even if all the kinks are worked out. But if not, it says that the US/EU sanctions are working enough to impose extra costs and hassle on Russia counterparties. Recall that the US has been frustrated at the degree to which Russia has been able to keep exporting despite what the US and Europe intended to be crippling sanctions. The US has tried to close some of the mechanisms that Russias buyers were using. One was imposing secondary sanctions, as in sanctioning parties in third countries, such as Chinese banks, that were handling Russia-related payments. That did not stop all Chinese banks from dealing with Russia, but did lead the biggest banks to pull back. It seems unlikely that the smaller fry can fully make up for the loss of this capacity. From Business Insider on September 1: Chinese state banks have halted transactions with Russia over fears of getting entangled in US sanctions, but smaller financial institutions are taking their place, Reuters reported on Friday. Some smaller local Chinese banks are still processing payments with Russia because they do not have global businesses to worry about. However, they lack the necessary IT systems and staff to handle cross-border transactions and even need to send hard copies of documents to and from Russia to get them stamped and signed, an anonymous banking source told the news agency. Despite the difficulties, Russia a major commodity exporter is still receiving payments for its raw materials exports, such as oil and grains, another banking source told Reuters. Its payments for Chinas key technologies exports are also still getting through. However, small Russian companies like those in the consumer goods trade are not so fortunate. Big Chinese state banks are cutting off transactions with Russia en masse, and billions of yuan in transactions are in limbo hitting small firms hard, anonymous sources close to the government told Reuters. The Kremlin has acknowledged the issues with trade payments and said its working with China on solutions. Reuters story followed recent news from Russian media about hurdles that local companies were having with Chinese banks. But banks dealing with Russia have been winding their business with the country since December, when the US approved secondary sanctions targeting financial institutions that were helping Russia. Moscow is now rushing to set up alternative payment systems , including crypto , to facilitate trade. The Business Insider piece also mentions that Russia and China were even having to consider resorting to barter. A 2001 story in the Washington Post about the infamous commodities trader/tax evader Marc Rich gives an idea of how he made a fortune from arranging big barter trades for sanctioned countries like South Africa, Iran, and Libya. Admittedly this was not Richs only lucrative line of work. Some extracts from the story to give a flavor: The list of countries that Rich has traded with reads like a compendium of rogue states: Iran during the hostage crisis, apartheid-era South Africa, Slobodan Milosevics Yugoslavia, North Korea, Moammar Gaddafis Libya, the Soviet Union under Leonid Brezhnev. But it was in the former Soviet Union that he made his biggest mark. According to traders familiar with his operations, he had been active during the Soviet era, courting officials at Raznoimport, the state monopoly for commodity trading, and selling the Soviets zinc, a strategically important metal. After the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, these relationships helped Rich become for a time the single most important Western trader in Russia. Marc Rich was way ahead of the big international corporations, said Vladimir Kvint, a leading expert on Soviet and Russian business practices at Fordham University in New York. He was one of the initiators of barter trade with the former Soviet Union. He bought oil, aluminum, cobalt at domestic Russian prices, and then sold it at world prices, which were often 10 to 15 times higher. Many in the pro-BRICS/anti-globalist commentariat harbor great hopes for a new currency or new payments mechanism coming out of the big BRICS leaders summit at the end of October. I would not be so optimistic. Multi-party negotiations are complex and payment plumbing involves a lot of nerdy details. The idea that seems both further and feasible to execute in the not-too-distant future is a messaging system for bi-lateral trade. But that wont solve the secondary bank sanctions problem. Originally published at Reuters; cross posted from InfoBRICS Russia and China may begin using barter trading schemes, three trade and payments sources told Reuters, with two expecting deals involving agriculture as soon as this autumn, as Moscow and Beijing try to limit using banking systems monitored by the United States. Bilateral payment delays were high on the agenda when President Vladimir Putin visited China in May and although workarounds have emerged, such as using small, regional Chinese banks whose activities are harder for Washington to detect, payment issues remain. Barter trading would allow Moscow and Beijing to circumvent payment issues, reduce the visibility Western regulators have over their bilateral transactions, and limit currency risk. Russia is developing regulations for barter trading and the Russian sources Reuters spoke to are working on the assumption that China is doing the same. The sources, who requested anonymity due to the non-public nature of the information, are all closely involved in bilateral trade. A top manager at a large Russian bank said a barter scheme was being prepared, but refused to disclose details. One source who works in payments said a trade with Russia exporting food products was under discussion. Russias industry and trade ministry and Chinas commerce ministry did not respond to questions about the commodity barter trade. BARTER HISTORY China and Russia have a history of barter deals. In 2019, China agreed to trade palm oil worth nearly $150 million from Malaysia for construction services, natural resources products, and civilian and defence equipment. In 2021, a Chinese company exported auto parts worth $2 million to Iran in exchange for pistachios. Barter deals between Moscow and Beijing were common before the Soviet Union collapsed and continued into the 1990s, but the deals now under discussion would be the first in around 30 years, the sources said. I remember in the early 1990sthere were barter deals between China and Russia back then, said Kyle Shostak, deputy board chairman at Qifa, a Chinese-Russian company seeking to ease bilateral trade woes with digital settlements. Then, due to the development of the banking sector, the whole business, the whole trade between Russia and China completely switched to bank settlements. Shostak said Qifas platform would be ready to facilitate barter trading when regulations were fully in place. Russias economy ministry published a document in February advising Russian companies how to conduct barter transactions and pointing out pitfalls to avoid. The 15-page document includes a step-by-step guide for calculating costs and customs duties, explains the requisite accounting requirements and provides contract templates for the different kinds of barter trades bilateral, multilateral and tolling, where a factory is used by a third party for example. The document describes barter trades as a good way to avoid international settlements and cash. Russias economy ministry did not respond to questions about the document or planned barter trades with China. Barter trading offers a way out of huge payment problems with both sanctioned and civilian goods, said a Russian government source, lamenting that Putins trip to China has not improved prospects as hoped. There are political things that need solving, but despite our boss visit to China, they havent been, the person said. A different source at a Russian industrial firm said metals exports from Russia in exchange for machines from China were being discussed between companies. OPEN BOOK The transparency of more conventional trading means is a deterrent to bilateral China-Russia trade, as is Russia and Chinas lack of a direct payments mechanism, the sources said. Global financial messaging system SWIFT remains an option for non-sanctioned banks, but it is an international banking system that is completely transparent to our friends, among them, the Americans, a payments intermediary told Reuters. They are closely watching this open book. So, the less SWIFT is used for carrying out interbank operations between Russian and Chinese banks, the calmer it is. The Bank of Russias System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS) and Chinas CIPS payment platform are not fully linked yet. Today there is still no IT-airlock that would link these two systems, so the bridge is still either SWIFT or through remote banking services which are available in almost every banks software, the payments intermediary said. Russias Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has previously talked up a BRICS Bridge payments system, which would link member countries financial systems. Progress has been slow. A Reuters source close to the project said the launch of settlements in digital currencies using this bridge would not come before 2028. Thanks to the generosity of over 600 members of the Naked Capitalism community, weve met our first hurdle, our critical budget for IT support and defenses, the second supporting the comments section, and the third, funding to continue our expanded Links section, at an increasing pace. Many of you responded to our 2024 Double Your Donations challenge, which produced a hefty upsurge. And we are excited to see even more new donors than in years past. Even so, our overall dollar totals are a bit behind where wed like to be, even with the average donation amount being ahead of last year. 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Wed also like to send monetary thanks yous to Thomas Neuburger and other writers whose work we post here. We thought wed share some supportive reader messages. From Ghost in the Machine I have sent $200. I visit Naked Capitalism each day and like others have commented, while the news is dire, it is a psychological salve to read comments from others who see it too. Naked Capitalism will certainly receive more from me in the coming months, likely in angry response to some outrageous violation of the 1st or 4th amendment. And Leftist Mole: Naked Capitalism is my morning read here on the left coast while my relatives all display maddening TDS and spew Russiagate nonsense. Your site is keeping me sane and grounded in reality as our beautiful country circles the drain politically and for the poor and working class in every way. And from barefoot charlie: What just amazes me about NC is that it keeps getting better. 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Chinese monkeypox vaccine gets green light for clinical trials 08:07, September 10, 2024 By Wang Xiaoyu ( Chinadaily.com.cn A domestic monkeypox vaccine candidate developed by Chinese drugmaker Sinopharm received clearance from the top drug regulator for clinical trials on Monday, representing the nation's first experimental dose to win the trial approval, said the company. The vaccine candidate is created by Shanghai Institute of Biological Products administered by Sinopharm and is expected to play an important role in preventing and controlling monkeypox infections, said the company in a statement released on Monday afternoon. In China, a vaccine candidate typically goes through three phases of clinical trials before gaining market approval. The process can take years and even decades, but the National Medical products Administration, China's top drug regulator, has launched a number of accelerated or streamlined channels to facilitate applications of novel drugs and vaccines or those in urgent need. According to the company, the new drug is a replication-deficient vaccine based on a strain called MVA. The description is the same as Jynneos, the world's first monkeypox vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States in 2019. The company said it has accumulated rich data on the vaccine's safety and efficacy through preclinical studies and production methods for the vaccine are deemed reliable and stable. "In nonhuman primate models, the vaccine can generate good immune protection against monkeypox virus," it said. There is currently no approved monkeypox vaccine in China. Globally, a few vaccines have been approved in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan and Russia. The World Health Organization said on Aug 14 that the monkeypox outbreak in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern its highest form of alert. Previously in July 2022, the WHO declared a global emergency but then lifted in May 2023 because of a sustained decline in international cases. So far, more than 120 countries and regions across the world have reported over 100,000 confirmed infections and 226 related deaths. China classified monkeypox as a Class B infectious disease on par with COVID-19 and AIDS in September of last year. The nation reported the first imported case in September 2022 and the first domestic case in June 2023. As of the end of July, China reported 2,567 confirmed cases. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Net zero pledges EVAPORATE: 96% of Big Corporations walking away from climate commitments About 96 percent of Big Corporations that have announced major climate investment pledges are quietly stepping away from these significant commitments On Sept. 1, a report by Jo Nova revealed that a staggering 96 percent of major corporations are quietly stepping away from their climate commitments. Many of these companies, which once made bold promises to curb carbon emissions, are now backtracking on their goals. Google and Microsoft, once seen as leaders in the push for carbon neutrality, have seen their emissions skyrocket Google by 50 percent and Microsoft by 29 percent over the last few years. Despite their pledges to reach net zero emissions by 2040, both companies have stopped highlighting their environmental efforts suggesting a retreat from their ambitious targets. (Related: There is no climate emergency: Around 1,500 scientists and professionals oppose net zero CO2 policy.) AIG, one of the largest insurance companies in the world, initially gained praise for its decision to stop insuring some of the most polluting fossil fuel projects. However, the company is now facing an investigation in the United States Senate for allegedly continuing to support carbon-intensive energy projects, contradicting its earlier promises. Lawmakers argue that AIGs actions do not align with the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit the rise in global temperatures by limiting carbon emissions. The retreat of Google, Microsoft, AIG and other major corporations is part of a broader pattern. Amazon has also rolled back its goal to cut emissions from half of its shipments by 2030. Shell, a major oil company with a long history in the energy sector, has abandoned its plan to invest in global carbon-offset projects, like forest preservation. BP, another oil giant, has significantly scaled down its commitment to cut emissions by up to 40 percent by 2030 citing the financial benefits of sticking with fossil fuels. As more big companies quietly distance themselves from their climate promises, it raises concerns about the sincerity and effectiveness of their commitments to addressing global warming. Climate investments falling significantly short of public pledges Many big corporations have made bold promises to embrace sustainability, but new research from L.E.K. Consulting reveals that these commitments often fall short. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of alignment within leadership teams. According to the survey, 58 percent of executives report significant disagreements on how to prioritize immediate business needs against future ESG (environmental, social and governance) objectives. This internal conflict is compounded by a lack of effective tools to measure progress only 27 percent of companies have any enterprise-wide ESG key performance indicators in place and a mere three percent have a comprehensive set. Without clear metrics, it is difficult for companies to track their progress or tie executive bonuses to ESG performance, which makes it harder to stay committed to sustainability targets. External alignment with stakeholders is another significant challenge. About 34 percent of executives pointed out a lack of strategic alignment with external partners, while 33 percent cited internal cultural issues as a barrier to advancing their ESG goals. The lack of necessary skills and mindset within the organization further complicates decision-making and accountability. When asked about the areas where their organizations are least prepared to achieve ESG goals, 43 percent of executives highlighted weaknesses in reward and incentive frameworks and 40 percent mentioned a lack of the right culture and leadership engagement. Other challenges include a shortage of required skills, insufficient progress in understanding climate-related financial risks, and difficulties in integrating ESG factors into capital allocation. Despite significant investments in sustainable products and services, the survey shows that many companies are still not making enough headway. Nearly half of the executives admitted that their current offerings do not fully support a sustainable future reflecting the broader struggle to meet the lofty promises made in the name of sustainability. Watch this clip from MSNBC that talks about whether major companies are truly living up to their climate pledges. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Climate change lawsuits gaining in popularity as climate alarmists try to protect their profit stream. Air New Zealand DROPS absurd Net Zero 2030 climate goal. ESG investing in "net zero" climate agenda "must be stopped," says Republican agriculture commissioners, or food inflation and FAMINE will follow. Sources include: ClimateDepot.com BusinessWire.com Budget.Senate.gov Sustainability.AboutAmazon.com [PDF] Bloomberg.com Edie.net LEK.com [PDF] Brighteon.com Christians who betrayed their faith and pushed abortion-tainted COVID-19 vaccines should repent for perpetuating mass murder Vaccines are widely regarded in the medical community as being synonymous with science. These biologics are so highly worshiped; their necessity and historical impact cannot be questioned not by parents, healthcare providers, or the media. Parents who question vaccines are often dismissed from pediatric offices and denied healthcare for their children. Healthcare providers who question vaccines are often stripped of their license and/or fired from their position. Moreover, the media parrots vaccine industry propaganda, elevating vaccine science to an authoritarian orthodoxy that demands obedience and forever compliance. Many Evangelical Christians tend to fall in line with the vaccine narrative. During the implementation of communism in 2020, many Christian churches fearfully and cowardly closed their doors. Some churches eventually opened their doors back up, only to mass vaccinate their community with abortion-tainted vaccines. Christians must realize that vaccines are made from the most brutal, calculated types of abortion There is nothing scientific, nothing honorable about harvesting a childs organs in utero to mass produce a biological product that comes with some grandiose promise of immunization. But this is exactly the history of vaccination: these biologics are developed from child sacrifice -- from strategic abortions that seek specific organs and tissues. Christians who learn about the history of vaccines should repent and begin rebuking this sordid industry. In order to obtain the organs and cell lines for mass production of vaccines, the most unethical forms of abortion are necessary. This is a cold reality for most people to fathom especially Christians, who want to comply with authority and believe that everything will work out for Gods glory. During these strategic abortions, healthcare providers work to preserve the childs biological functions in utero to meticulously harvest their organs and tissues so the body parts can be kept in the best condition possible. Theres nothing scientific, moral, or ethical about these organ harvesting procedures. A pro-life organization named CHOICE42 produced a video titled Its OK. This video tells the true stories of women who are coerced to give their child up to the altar of science. The video shows how the babies are delivered live and then dissected on the operating table. The video tells all, how the organs are strategically harvested and how fetal cell lines are manufactured from these horrors, so that vaccines can be mass produced. The latest COVID-19 vaccines, for instance, were developed from the HEK-293 fetal cell line. The term fetal cell line is a fancy term that disguises the horrid trail of organ harvesting that takes place to procure the organs necessary for vaccine manufacture. These cell lines are predicated on the brutality of evacuating a baby from a mother and cutting that baby apart, limb by limb, tissue by tissue. One of the babies of the HEK-293 fetal cell line was dissected alive at Leiden University in the Netherlands in 1972. Under the direction of Dr. Alexander van der Eb, this little girl was slain after having her organs removed one by one. The little girl was not sedated before she was picked apart, because this would have disrupted her biological functions. Christians commonly support abortion and mass murder by pushing vaccines When Evangelicals shuttered their churches, reinforced fear in their communities, and converted their campuses to COVID-19 vaccination centers, they supported abortion and the brutality of child sacrifice, while perpetuating the mass injury and murder of the COVID-19 vaccines. Today, children are being injected with these products, and some are suffering and even dying from these shots, as the curse of vaccines continues to mar humanity. When Evangelicals pressured their brothers and sisters to get the COVID-19 vaccines because its an act of love, they gave their soul away, falling into the clutches of a false savior. When Evangelicals, motivated by fear and cowardice, segregated one another over an abortion-tainted product, they sold their soul to the devil. Yet, with so many chances to repent for misleading their congregants, most of these Evangelical churches and Christian societies continue to keep their mouths shut about the whole debacle. Prideful, many Christians will not confess or repent for obeying false authorities and falling for this deception. In this act of pride, many Christians have not only given away their conscience, dignity, and health, but also their faith. Sources include: Lifesitenews.com NaturalNews.com Youtube.com Cbruk.org USAToday.com OpenVAERS.com Arizona city SUED for arresting resident who merely voiced concerns during public comments portion of council meeting The city of Surprise in Arizona got sued for arresting a resident who just voiced out concerns during the public comments portion of a council meeting. According to YourNews, the lawsuit filed in federal court in Arizona alleges that officials in the city violated the U.S. Constitution and state laws designed to protect free speech. The complaint was filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and listed residents Rebekah Massie and Quintus Schulzke as plaintiffs. The lawsuit argues that the city's Council Criticism Policy, which bans residents from lodging complaints or criticisms against city officials during council meetings, clearly violates the First Amendment. The policy also allegedly violates the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as the Civil Rights Act of 1871. The lawsuit also emphasizes that the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently upheld the rights of citizens to criticize public officials, something FIRE describes as "one of the most precious of the liberties safeguarded by the Bill of Rights" in its filing. It seeks a court order to overturn the unconstitutional policy and prevent the city from enforcing it in the future. Moreover, the lawsuit seeks compensatory, nominal and punitive damages along with attorneys fees. Defendants in the lawsuit include the city of Surprise, its Mayor Skip Hall and Officer Steven Shernicoff of the Surprise Police Department. City officials aren't immune to criticism by We The People The lawsuit stemmed from an Aug. 20 city council meeting where Massie was arrested for criticizing a city official. During the meeting, she voiced out her opposition to a proposed salary hike for Surprise City Attorney Robert Wingo. According to YourNews, the city attorney is already one of the highest-paid officials in the Phoenix region with his annual salary of $265,000. Massie voiced out her concerns during the portion of the council meeting designated for public comments. Her criticism centered on Wingo's pay increase, as she believes he has failed to comply with the Constitution, state law and his professional duties. But Hall abruptly cut Massie's remarks short, citing the Council Criticism Policy. (Related: Arizona residents drive entire Maricopa County Board of Supervisors out of meeting after serving them for TREASON.) "Oral communications during the City Council meeting may not be used to lodge charges or complaints against any employee of the City or members of the body, regardless of whether such person is identified in the presentation by name or by any other reference that tends to identify [them]," the policy states. However, Arizona state law explicitly allows the public "to criticize members of a public body during a public comment period" with this stipulation bolstering the plaintiffs' case against the city. Hall warned that Massie's remarks were prohibited, to which she accused him of violating her First Amendment rights. The mayor continued to dismiss her speech and eventually ordered Massie to be escorted out of the meeting and put under arrest. She was later charged with trespassing. "Surprise's sudden move to arrest dissidents and enforce the Council Criticism Policy is casting a cloud of fear over the city," the lawsuit stated. It also accused Hall of abusing his power to "suit his own whims," disregarding the constitutional rights of residents like Massie. Schulzke, Massie's co-plaintiff in the case, expressed concerns about speaking out at future meetings. He fears that he could suffer the same fate as Massie and be arrested for merely exercising his constitutional rights. "The case, which highlights nearly a dozen alleged constitutional violations by the city and its officials, is expected to draw significant attention as it proceeds through the courts," YourNews ultimately remarked. "The outcome could have broader implications for how public criticism is handled in government meetings across the country." Head over to BigGovernment.news for similar stories. Watch this video about Ryan Messano, a Sacramento resident arrested for exercising his free speech rights during a meeting of the city council. This video is from the Children Are NOT Sex Toys! channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Chicago's Black community slams city officials over $51 million fund for migrants. America's first all-Muslim city council just got exposed for participating in mass voter fraud. Members of Scottsdale Unified School District served surety bonds of $1 million EACH over child abuse, segregation, inappropriate materials. Sources include: YourNews.com Brighteon.com CNN pushing NOTHING BURGER conspiracy theory Russia, Russia, Russia again to prepare America for the Left NOT certifying a Trump victory It begins again. The ultimate conspiracy theory brought to you by the Fake News Industrial Complex owned and operated by the Leftist Communist insurgents who have taken over the American government and mass media. Because it certainly isnt 100 million Americans pointing out the fact that Kommie Kamala is another Leftist puppet and bad actor about to claim a false POTUS victory, it must be those pesky Russians. Today, the Counterfeit News Network (CNN) is running the script, saying the U.S. government is getting ready to accuse the Russians of sustained meddling in the 2024 election, according to their sources that they simply dont name. Its another circle jerk of fake sources where the Leftist media quote each other and the shilling presstitutes (pundits and reporters who all read the same Obama script from their teleprompters). This is all to prepare the American people for mass election denial, the same offense theyve falsely imprisoned hundreds of innocent patriots for, without trial, from the January 6th insurrection at the Capital 4 years ago. Remember, not a single American was ever charged for collusion with Russia during the 4-year hoax the Left made up out of thin air Talk about a sustained campaign. The Russia-Trump-Collusion hoax just kept going and going, like the Energizer bunny rabbit. Fake news spent countless hours covering it, and newspapers printed millions of copies of their shilling rags about the big lie. It was expensive, extensive and absolutely one hundred percent fake, like the dossier and the impeachment grounds. Special counsel Robert Muellers witch hunt was worse than a group of Neanderthals on a mission to find sasquatch. The whole disinformation and misinformation campaigns were to silence the Right from exposing all the incompetencies and lies of the Left, just like right now. The Democrats are letting everyone know up front they will be censoring EVERYTHING thats true about Kamalas incompetencies and lies and blaming again those pesky Russians. The far-Left Democratic Party and their Deep State cohorts figured that the Russia-Trump-Collusion story was perfectly believable, like some Hollywood movie called Red Dawn. After all, the biggest lies are the ones more likely to be believed, especially if you repeat them a million times. Every Leftist news channel, whether national or local, regurgitated the same fake script for the braindead Leftist base of stage 5 TDS sufferers to gobble up like HFCS-loaded candy corns on Halloween. Get ready to supersize your NOTHING BURGER with some Russian-made "special sauce" on top. Anyone caught saying the Russia collusion story wasnt true was labeled a conspiracy theorist, a Right-wing extremist, a domestic terrorist, an enemy of the state. If you posted any sentence, meme, video, article or blog that uncovered the hoax, you got censored, blackballed, shadow-banned, outright banned and if you were running an online business, you got bankrupted for it. Get ready for more of the same. Here comes Russia-Russia-Russia 2.0 on steroids. Orange Man Bad and Putin is his best friend, again. Must attack Russie with nuclear missiles and all-out censorship to stop them from stealing the election for Trump by ruining Kommie Kamalas reputation. Sure. It's all fodder for the Fake News Industrial Complex of America and the Left preparing to NOT certify the Trump landslide victory that's coming. Tune your apocalypse dial to Preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving and thriving through the Democrat-led government aggression that comes at us every day now. #RussiaCollusionHoax2.0 Sources for this article include: Censored.news NaturalNews.com Israeli police intelligence chief steps down amid wave of high-profile resignations across the countrys military and security establishment The chief of Israel's police intelligence division announced his resignation from the unit on Sept. 4. Israel Police Deputy Chief Dror Assaraf's decision follows a recent spate of resignations across the country's military and security establishment, as the country faces conflict on multiple fronts. Assaraf informed newly appointed Police Commissioner Daniel Levi of his intent to step down on the same day right before the news was announced to the public. The resignation is seen in the context of extremist Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir's who is in charge of the prison system and police controversial role in blocking the promotion of several senior officers, Assaraf among them. (Related: Israel goes ballistic over six captives shot dead while justifying its own mass slaughter of 40,000-plus civilians in Gaza.) Earlier this year, concerns were raised by Israels High Court over a law passed in December 2022, which expanded Ben-Gvirs control over the police system. Hebrew-language news outlet Maariv noted that Ben-Gvir's use of these expanded powers involved the appointment of a new police commissioner, which triggered a wave of resignations due to officers either opting to leave after realizing their chances of promotion had been impeded or they were asked to retire. Many other major Israeli military and security officials leaving their posts Assaraf's departure marks the fourth high-profile resignation within Israel's security forces in recent days. The day before Assaraf announced his departure, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Commander of Ground Forces Command Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai announced his resignation, citing "personal reasons," after just three years in the role. He is reportedly planning to pursue other significant positions within the army. Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, commander of the IDF Intelligence Corps' elite Unit 8200, is expected to announce his resignation soon. Unit 8200 recently came under scrutiny after its headquarters was targeted by Hezbollah in a retaliatory strike in late August. Other recent major resignations include: Brig. Gen. Amit Saar, head of the Research Department of the IDF's Directorate of Military Intelligence. His resignation is reportedly unrelated to his unit's failure to predict the Oct. 7 attack and is instead related to an illness Saar is dealing with. Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, former director of the Military Intelligence Directorate. Unlike, Saar, Haliva's resignation is connected to his apparent inability to foresee Hamas' large-scale raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Brig. Gen. Avi Rosenfeld, commander of the Israeli Ground Forces' Gaza Division. Rosenfeld is being held responsible for the IDF's failure to protect Israeli military bases and settlements on Oct. 7. "Aleph," the designation for the head of Shin Bet's Israel's internal security service Southern District. Aleph stated that he was leaving as he took responsibility for his unit's failure to avert Oct. 7. Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar has indicated his desire to resign after the current conflict with Hamas. Lt. Col. "A.," the designation for the intelligence officer of the IDF's Gaza Division. His resignation is similarly driven by the intelligence breakdown leading up to Oct. 7. These high-level departures are occurring at a critical time, as Israel grapples with the possibility of a multi-front conflict in Gaza with Hamas, in northern Israel with Hezbollah, and in the occupied West Bank as the Israeli military escalates operations against multiple Palestinian militant groups in the region, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Watch this news clip from the BBC of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begging his country's forgiveness over the recent deaths of six Israeli hostages. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel launches a series of large-scale military operations in West Bank. Israeli trade union goes on NATIONWIDE STRIKE, putting pressure on Netanyahu to secure ceasefire deal. Israelis flood streets in protest against Netanyahus stalling of Gaza ceasefire deal. Sources include: TheCradle.co TRTWorld.com TimesOfIsrael.com IsraelNationalNews.com Brighteon.com More Christians were murdered in Soviet gulags than Jews in Nazi concentration camps why is the anti-Christian holocaust never taught in history books? When most people think about past genocides, they more than likely recall the six million Jewish people who are said to have died at the hands of the Nazis in Germany during World War II. Did you know, though, that throughout known history, about 70 million Christians have been murdered for their faith to become martyrs? Todd M. Johnson wrote a paper for a class at Notre Dame in 2012 that contains a demographic assessment of Christian martyrdom around the world. It turns out that far more Christians have died for their faith than Jews have for theirs. One would think, based on Western history books, that Jews have endured the worst of the worst throughout time, but that title actually belongs to the tens of millions of Christian martyrs who paid for their faith in Christ with their lives. "Throughout Christian history, across all traditions of Christianity, and in every part of the world, some 70 million Christians have been murdered for their faith and hence are called martyrs," Johnson writes. "The English word 'martyr' is derived from the Greek martyrs, which carries the meaning 'witness' in English. In New Testament usage, it meant 'a witness to the resurrection of Christ.' This witness resulted so frequently in death that by the end of the first century, martyrs had come to mean a Christian who witnessed to Christ by his or her death. This enlarged meaning has become the accepted norm throughout church history." (Related: Did you know that many Jewish people in Israel oppose Benjamin Netanyahu's war in Gaza and want it to stop?) What is a martyr? The world's three major Abrahamic religions, as they call them Christianity, Judaism and Islam use the word martyr to describe adherents who die prematurely as a result of their religious beliefs, which in the case of Judaism can also mean historical ethnic identity. There are five major elements of what it means to be a martyr in the Christian context, according to Johnson: 1) They must be believers in Christ. 2) They must have lost their lives. 3) They must have prematurely departed their earthly bodies. 4) They must have died early in situations of witness, meaning because of their faith in Christ. 5) They must die prematurely as a result of human hostility as opposed to natural or accidental deaths, i.e., a car crash, natural disaster, or other "act of God." The reason why this full definition is important to understand is because it will put into context what Christians have endured throughout history compared to what Jews have endured and still are enduring in some areas of the world. Anyone who puts his or her faith in Christ is a Christian by definition who takes on that witness and all existential threats that come along with it. A Christian, simply by living life and walking with God through Christ, is hated by the world. More often than not throughout history, Christians have overwhelmingly died for their faith as Christianity is incompatible with this world and its many gods. Judaism, by comparison, is more of a mixed bag. There are people who claim to be Jews by heritage and blood that also feel as though they are "chosen" based on their ethnic identity to live superior lives. There are also Jewish converts, seeing as how Judaism is also a religion. During the holocaust, Jews were targeted based on their ethnic identity, as well as because of serious problems that were sweeping Germany that some blamed on Jewish presence. The conflict ultimately led to one of the most extreme purges of Jewish identity in history, as well as the subsequent creation of the modern Jewish state of Israel where many Jews have since migrated. There is a segment of Jews that believes persecution of Jewishness is inherent to the Jewish faith much in the same way that Christians are persecuted for putting their faith and identity in Christ. "One who is killed because he is Jewish, even though he is not given any choice, is considered a martyr," said Rabbi Kaplan, this being why the Jews who died during the holocaust are largely considered to be martyrs. "Martyrdom thus establishes the veracity of our faith more dynamically than anything else, since one must accept the Torah as absolute Truth to be martyred for it. This commandment applies to all Jews, even children." More Christians died in Soviet prison camps than Jews who died in holocaust Westerners have grown accustomed to hearing about the six million Jews who perished in the holocaust, but what most people seem not to know is that many more Christians during that same time period died at the hands of the Bolsheviks in the Soviet Union. Between 1921 and 1950, upwards of 15 million Christians died in Soviet prison camps. Another five million died between 1950 and 1980. Here are some other examples of Christian genocide throughout history: 1) In 1214, Genghis Khan murdered four million Christians. 2) In 1359, Tamerlane destroyed the Nestorian church, murdering four million Christians in the process. 3) Between 1929 and 1937, Joseph Stalin murdered 2.7 million Orthodox Christians. 4) In 1560, Conquistadors murdered two million Christians. 5) In 1925, the Soviets murdered 1.2 million Roman Catholics. 6) In 1258, Hulaku Khan captured Baghdad and massacred 1.1 million Christians. 7) In 1214, Genghis Khan sacked the Diocese of Herat, murdering one million Christians in the process. 8) And finally in 1939, Nazis executed at least one million Christians in the death camps alongside Jews. More related stories can be found at RealHistory.news. Sources for this article include: ND.edu NaturalNews.com Netanyahu derailing every attempt at ceasefire, peace in the Middle East No matter what Hamas agrees to as far as ceasefire terms are concerned, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that there will beto end the war entirely. Netanyahu is insistent that Israel needs to maintain an indefinite military presence in Gaza, which critics say will only jeopardize the release of all remaining Israeli hostages. Suddenly, it is no longer about rescuing the hostages at all but about Netanyahu keeping his war intact for self-serving political reasons. Officials from the Biden regime say they have been working on ways to try to convince Netanyahu to work more closely with Hamas to get the hostages released, but those efforts hit a major roadblock after the bodies of six hostages were discovered in an underground Gaza tunnel over the weekend. Joe Biden still claims his people are "very close" to proposing a "final" hostage deal that will ultimately satisfy both sides, but Netanyahu could be a tough shell to crack as he refuses to withdraw Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Philadelphi corridor, a 14-kilometer (roughly nine-mile) strip of no man's land between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. According to Netanyahu, the only way for Israel to win the war in Gaza and defeat Hamas once and for all is for Israel to maintain a military presence in the Philadelphi corridor. (Related: The Israeli military is killing Israel's own hostages in its reckless attacks on Gaza targets when will the carnage finally end?) Netanyahu suddenly wants Philadelphi corridor under Israeli control Those who were hopeful about a peace deal going through are discouraged by Netanyahu's rigid position. One source familiar with the discussions in Washington confirmed to CNN that Netanyahu is doubling down against any attempt at a ceasefire, no matter the terms. "This guy [Netanyahu] torpedoed everything in one speech," the source is quoted as saying. The Philadelphi corridor has become a major point of contention in the ongoing peace talks as negotiators learned that Netanyahu wants it as part of the deal. This contradicts the proposal Israel put forth back in May that made no mention of Philadelphi. Netanyahu continues to alter the terms of the deal Israel forged with the help of Qatar, Egypt and the United States earlier this year. Now, suddenly, the Philadelphi corridor has become a "non-negotiable" component of any ceasefire agreement. According to Hamas, Israel is the one prolonging negotiations by constantly issuing new demands after already agreeing to different ones. Lead Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya told the media that the situation is basically a stalemate now because neither Israel nor Hamas is willing to give up control of the Philadelphi corridor. The most recent things Netanyahu said about his ceasefire terms are so different than what he was saying earlier this year that even the families of the Israeli hostages are upset at him. Opposition leader Yair Lapid is also upset at Netanyahu, who he says is putting "unfounded political spin" on the negotiations. In Lapid's opinion, Netanyahu's new condition "has no relation to reality." The Hostages Families Forum commented on Netanyahu's most recent remarks as well, stating that the prime minister "does not intend to return the hostages" as he originally implied was the point of his war in the first place. Like most politicians, Netanyahu has his own agenda that has nothing to do with rescuing hostages or bringing about peace. The people of Israel are learning this as they take to the streets in protest against his rule of terror. The same is likely true about Hamas as well. Neither side can "win" apart from some kind of supernatural solution appearing in the final hour. This seems to be right about where we are now in the prophetic timeline, so stay tuned. The latest news about the situation in the Middle East can be found at IsraelCollapse.com. Sources for this article include: TimesOfIsrael.com NaturalNews.com Russia claims to have destroyed two concealed U.S.-made HIMARS systems near the border with Kursk Russia has reportedly destroyed two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) supplied by the United States to Ukraine . These missile systems were reportedly found while concealed in Ukraine's northern Sumy Oblast and were specifically targeted due to their participation in Kyiv's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast. Moscow's Defense Ministry announced on Sept. 4 that it had captured footage of the strike that eliminated the two HIMARS systems. The attack took place at night near the village Khrapivshchyna, around 15 miles from the border with Kursk Oblast. The footage shows vehicles moving under the cover of trees in a forest area south of the settlement, followed by a missile strike that resulted in a significant explosion. The strike also reportedly destroyed a U.S.-supplied M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and two Ukrainian support vehicles, and killed or wounded up to 20 soldiers. Third parties and military analysts have confirmed that the strike was conducted by a Russian Iskander-M OTRK short-range ballistic missile. Monitoring of the footage indicated multiple explosions after the initial missile strike, suggesting that the HIMARS and MLRS ammunition detonated, helping to destroy the U.S.-supplied weapons. Russian sources are indicating that the Sumy Oblast has seen massive activity as a primary staging point for Armed Forces of Ukraine units in Kyiv's incursion into neighboring Kursk Oblast in Russia. Ukrainian officials have described the operation as an attempt to create a "buffer zone" on Russian soil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this week that he aims to retain these territories as part of his broader strategy for victory. Meanwhile, Russian sources are claiming that Ukrainian borderlands have become another "cemetery" for military equipment, weapons and launchers transferred by Kyiv's Western allies. Over a month, Russia has claimed the destruction of eight HIMARS and two MLRS just in Sumy Oblast. HIMARS ineffective due to Russian jamming The HIMARS units supplied to Ukraine by the U.S. has been described as completely ineffective on the battlefield due to persistent Russian jamming, according to a classified Ukrainian weapons assessment reviewed by The Washington Post. This report highlights ongoing issues with some of Americas most advanced weapon systems. (Related: Russia's jamming technology reducing accuracy of U.S. weapons in Ukraine to just 10%.) The assessment revealed that Kyiv has had to halt or reduce the use of certain U.S.-supplied weapons due to targeting problems caused by Moscows electronic warfare capabilities. One source indicated that the HIMARS sometimes misses its target by more than 50 feet. In addition to the HIMARS, the report noted that Russian jamming is also affecting the effectiveness of Excalibur GPS-guided artillery shells. The assessment claims that Excaliburs precision has diminished, challenging its previously held reputation for "one shot, one target." The Russian Defense Ministry has asserted that U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets are no longer considered a major threat. According to the ministry's statement, Russias Buk-M1 surface-to-air missiles are capable of targeting the advanced American weapon with "sniper accuracy." The Buk-M1 is noted for its high accuracy and has a striking range of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles), making it a significant counter to Western-made missiles. Watch this short clip of the drone footage proving that American-supplied HIMARS launchers in Sumy Oblast were destroyed. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukraine closing in on deal with U.S. for new advanced long-range missiles that could strike deep into Russia. Russian official warns U.S. will face WORSE CONSEQUENCES for backing Ukraine's strikes on Kursk. IAEA blames Ukraine for drone strike at Kursk nuclear power plant, warns of "nuclear incident" risk. Russia allegedly just destroyed three U.S.-made high-tech HIMARS missile systems in Ukraine. NO MATCH: High-tech Western weapons USELESS against Russias superior jamming technology. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com En.TopWar.ru TheDefensePost.com Brighteon.com Russias missile strike on Ukrainian military institute kills 51, wounds 271 At least 51 people were killed and 271 wounded in one of the deadliest missile strikes of the war when Russia hit a Ukrainian military institute in Poltava on Sept. 3. Two ballistic missiles struck the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies in the Pechersk neighborhood of Kyiv in what has become the deadliest single Russian attack of the year. Photographs posted on social media showed the bodies of young men lying among the debris, with a large building heavily damaged in the background. Reuters has not yet verified the images. (Related: Ukraine launches HUNDREDS of drones targeting energy infrastructure in Russia, including a major oil refinery in Moscow.) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it "barbaric" and the perpetrators "Russian scum." He vowed that those who orchestrated the attack would face justice and immediately ordered an investigation into the attack, which caused the building of the Military Institute to collapse. In his nightly address, Zelensky updated the death toll to 51, adding that rescuers were still working to save those trapped under the rubble. Everything is being done to save as many lives as possible, he said. The ballistic missiles used in the attack, which are capable of hitting targets hundreds of kilometers away within minutes, left little time for victims to take cover after the air raid sirens sounded. According to Ukraines foreign ministry, this contributed to the heavy casualties. First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a "stunning tragedy for all of Ukraine" on X, and emphasized the loss at both the military institute and a nearby hospital also hit in the attack. Some Ukrainians posted worried messages on the military institutes Facebook page, seeking information about their loved ones. Ukraine's defense ministry confirmed that one of the institutes buildings had been partially destroyed in the strike, leaving many people trapped under the rubble. Rescuers managed to save 25 people, 11 of whom were pulled from the debris, and search and rescue operations continued throughout the night. Russia escalating drone and missile strikes against Ukraine Russia has ramped up its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine in recent months, nearly three years into the war. Last week, Ukraine endured its most intense bombardment so far with over 200 drones and missiles targeting critical energy infrastructure throughout the country. This was followed up on Monday, Sept. 2, with a barrage of cruise and ballistic missiles that caused widespread explosions. Ukraine responded to last week's attack with over 158 drones targeting Russian energy sites. This attack even succeeded in damaging an oil refinery in Moscow and a power station nearby. Over the past month, fighting has intensified as Russian forces have advanced in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces mounted their first large-scale cross-border assault into Russia. Moscow has vowed to retaliate for the incursion into Russia's Kursk region. This escalation marks a significant intensification of hostilities, with both sides increasing their use of drone and missile attacks. Zelensky reiterated his call for Western nations to provide more air defense systems and allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. "We keep telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Air defense systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere," Zelensky said. He added that "long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not sometime later." He warned that every day of delay in receiving those weapons would lead to more casualties. Watch this short clip from Fox News discussing how Ukraine is reeling from the deadly Russian strike against the Military Telecommunications Institute. This video is from the Vampire Slayer channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zelensky: Ukraine plans to hold Kursk region INDEFINITELY. Ukraine closing in on deal with U.S. for new advanced long-range missiles that could strike deep into Russia. NATO reaffirms stance of not directly engaging Russia despite Ukraine's pleas. Western Europe's industrial collapse to accelerate in 2025 if Kyiv proceeds with major pipeline cutoff. Kyiv's Russia incursion plan required Western intel, meaning the U.S. knew in advance what Ukraine was going to do. Sources include: Reuters.com KyivIndependent.com Brighteon.com Documents reveal INFILTRATION by Beijing operatives in Canadas 2019 and 2021 federal elections Shocking documents from a federal inquiry have revealed that operatives from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have infiltrated and even interfered in Canada's 2019 and 2021 federal elections. According to the documents, CCP agents have served as poll workers for Elections Canada in 2021. A sworn affidavit by former Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Alleslev of the Conservative Party of Canada, filed with the Canadian Parliament's Foreign Interference Commission (FIC), said at least half of the Chinese Canadian constituents in the Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill riding (electoral district) knew foreign operatives were operating at polling stations. Her Chinese Canadian constituents reportedly feared voting for her over potential worries about "repercussions against themselves or their family members both in Canada and in China." The affidavit also revealed that certain individuals took the threat seriously, given that these CCP agents were monitoring polling stations to keep an eye on voters. However, Alleslev did not let Elections Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections know about these issues while on her campaign because of her experience with the agency's "lack of clear process, unresponsiveness and inaction on other matters." (Related: Election interference: Independent presidential candidate Cornel West says Kamala Harris tried to bribe him to drop out, offering him cash and work.) This interference caused Alleslev to lose the 2021 election to MP Leah Taylor Roy of the Liberal Party. But she isn't alone in this predicament as other MPs have accused Elections Canada of being slow to respond to similar complaints. The?FIC assembled to investigate the alleged interference by China, Russia and other foreign states or non-state actors, "including any potential impacts, to confirm the integrity of, and any impacts on, the 43rd and 44th general elections (2019 and 2021 elections) at the national and electoral district levels." The commission was led by Justice Marie-Josee Hogue, who had earlier announced that she and her lawyers would remain "impartial" and would not be influenced by politics. Back in January, Hogue said she would do her best to "uncover the truth whatever it may be." Trudeau insists Beijing interference didn't impact election results The FIC which is currently on break and plans to resume regular hearings this month has reported suspicious activity in 13 ridings. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself has praised China's "basic dictatorship," naming it as his second favorite country after Canada. In April, he told the official inquiry that the results of the last two elections were not affected despite Beijing's interference. Trudeau has never outright said whether he was ever told by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) that CCP agents' actions were in breach of the nation's Elections Act. Several months ago, CSIS Director David Vigneault testified under oath that he warned Trudeau several times that CCP agents were targeting Conservative MPs a claim the prime minister denied. Back in May of this year, CSIS warned in its annual report that China used deceptive methods in its attempts to influence policy-making at all levels of government as well as in academia and the media. The security agency added that these activities, which are aimed at advancing China's national interests, can potentially "undermine Canada's democratic process and its institutions." China continues to dismiss the charges. When asked for its comments about the CSIS report, the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa shared that "China has never and will never have any interest in interfering in Canada's internal affairs," citing a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visit CommunistChina.news for similar stories about China and the CCP. Watch the video below to find out how Canada is spying on the United States. This video is from the GoneDark channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Elections Canada UNABLE TO REFUTE allegations that CCP agents infiltrated the 2021 federal election. Supreme Court partially upholds Arizona law requiring documentary proof of citizenship for state-level voter registration. MP Han Dong resigns from Trudeau's Liberal Party following allegations questioning his loyalty to Canada. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com Creating an effective inventory system for your prepper supplies As a prepper, it can be easy to forget that it's important to keep your stockpile organized. If this is one of your problems while juggling different prepping projects, you can organize your supplies by creating an effective inventory system. Keeping an organized stockpile ensures that you know where things are when you need them, which means you can save time looking for supplies that you need during emergencies. (h/t to ValleyFoodStorage.com) Must-haves for an organized prepper stockpile A basic prepper pantry should have an assortment of food supplies such as beans, grains, canned or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables and herbs and spices. Look for food with a long shelf life and buy items that your family won't mind eating a lot of during emergencies. Here are some of the recommended categories of things in your pantry besides food: Water Aside from a variety of nutritious food, water is a must-have for your prepper pantry because you may face certain emergencies where your municipal water source becomes unsafe or unreliable, or your well dries up. If possible, invest in stackable and sturdy water containers for your prepper pantry. You should also look into resources to collect, filter and treat water. Another option is to set up a rainwater collection system on your homestead to harvest water. Other alternatives include having different methods for treating water, like boiling, iodine tablets and UV water filters. (Related: Budget-friendly tips to up your prepper game.) Clothing The right kind of clothing can help you stay warm in cold weather. This means that you should also have clothing prepped in your prepper pantry for quick evacuations. If you think you may need to bug out, you should also have spare clothing packed for each family member's bug-out bag. Always consider the time of the year and the different seasons when packing your clothing into bug-out bags. If it is cold outside, pack proper clothing that will help you stay warm and dry. Medical supplies When disaster strikes and someone becomes sick or injured, you may not have access to the nearest hospital or emergency medical services. Having a cache of medical supplies could be the difference between common ailments and injuries developing into something worse in a survival scenario. Aside from first aid kits, you also have a supply of essential prescriptions and other over-the-counter medications. If you have babies or pets, include medications or supplements that they may need to stay healthy. Emergency supplies and tools Besides food and water, you will also need other supplies during emergencies. There may also be tools you want to have access to in case something breaks and you need to fix it. Before SHTF, prepare these emergency supplies and tools: Fire extinguisher Flashlights and lanterns Spare batteries (for flashlights and small tools) A survival radio Various power tools (such as a drill, hammers, a saw, etc.) Screwdriver and wrench set Survival gear Things can happen very fast during emergencies. If you need to bug out and you don't have a bug-out location in mind, you will need to set up shelter outdoors. Here are some essential survival items to keep in your prepper pantry: Camp stove and extra fuel Firestarting items/kit Fishing and hunting gear Tent and tarp Water filter Tips for organizing your pantry and stockpile Prepper pantries should be checked regularly so you can restock items that are running out or use up supplies before their expiry date. Keep your supplies organized and keep your food rations and supplies up to date. Here is a list of ideas that can help you organize your prepper pantry: Store similar items together Having specific locations for similar items and using the same labels helps keep your pantry organized. As you add more items to your pantry, keep similar items together so you can locate supplies easily if you are in a hurry. First in, first out When you restock your pantry, place recently purchased items behind the older items. This ensures that you use up the older items first and avoid dealing with expired foods or products. Store the most used items at eye or hand level Frequently used items such as food should be accessible. On the other hand, you can keep things that hardly get used in less convenient areas. Use sturdy but removable labels In an emergency, you need to be able to quickly and clearly see where all items are located. Use clear, visible labels to stay organized. Store heavier items on the bottom Keeping heavier items on the bottom of shelves reduces the risk of heavy objects falling. This also makes it easier to lift or move heavy items. Having at least one years supply of food, water and other essential survival items is crucial, but you need to keep your items organized so you don't waste time looking for what you need when you need it. Where to purchase lab-verified supplies for your stockpile The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you prepare for any emergency. That's why were proud to introduce items such as Mini-Bucket Organic Almonds, Freeze-Dried Organic Banana and Fair Trade Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee. Considered one of the worlds most popular raw nuts, organic almonds are healthy snacks full of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Health Ranger Select Organic Raw, Unpasteurized, Non-Irradiated Almonds are exactly how almonds should be, complete with a wholesome flavor and a wealth of nutrients that have earned these nuts their title as a superfood. Our premium almonds contain no sugar, chemical flavoring, hydrogenated oils, or added sodium and are not treated with preservatives. Our Mini-Bucket Organic Almonds are imported from trusted vendors in Italy and are not fumigated with PPO. They are raw, unpasteurized and non-irradiated. They are vegan, non-China, non-GMO and are certified organic and Kosher. They are also meticulously lab-tested for heavy metals, microbiology and glyphosate to ensure that you get only the cleanest, high-quality almonds from clean sources. Known for their tasty flavor, natural sweetness, and rich nutrient content, bananas are the edible fruits that grow on the Musa spp. tree. However, like most other fruits, bananas don't stay fresh for very long. To extend the shelf life of fresh bananas, they can be carefully freeze-dried to retain maximum nutrition. Loaded with potassium, vitamin C and a variety of important nutrients, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Diced Bananas allow you to savor the delicious flavor and nutritional benefits of fresh bananas all year round. Sourced from premium banana plants grown by our trusted suppliers under strict organic standards, these diced bananas undergo a careful freeze-drying process that preserves the original taste, texture and nutrients of our premium bananas. Lastly, you should stock up on freeze-dried instant coffee. This premium product is made of tiny granules of brewed coffee extract that have been carefully chilled until frozen at specific temperatures, broken down into small fragments and finally dried under vacuum conditions. The tiny coffee granules left behind by this process can then easily be rehydrated by adding water. This makes instant coffee the best way to store coffee and continue to get your coffee fix during an SHTF scenario. The Health Ranger Store is thrilled to bring you our specialty Fair Trade coffee in a convenient and easy-to-prepare format. With a much longer shelf life than regular coffee, Health Ranger Select Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee delivers a bold and exquisite flavor of medium roast coffee that you can enjoy immediately. Just add hot water, stir and your instant coffee is ready to drink. Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more high-quality supplies for your prepping needs. You can also go to FoodSupply.news for tips on how to build an organized food stockpile before SHTF. Click on this link and try a recipe for a Toasty Coconut Protein Latte. Watch the video below for a video of this recipe. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Debunking the TOP 5 MYTHS about emergency food storage. Top canned foods with the longest shelf life. Top 6 types of preppers: Learn more about them before SHTF. Essential skills for urban prepping: How to prepare for emergencies in a city environment. Sources include: ValleyFoodStorage.com HealthRangerStore.com 1 HealthRangerStore.com 2 HealthRangerStore.com 3 HealthRangerStore.com 4 HealthRangerStore.com 5 Brighteon.com Time to rebel: We are now entering the total censorship stage of global tyranny The authoritarian regimes of the past century have all followed a pattern of events that is generally predictable. Almost every totalitarian government has been inspired by the ideologies of the political left. Meaning, increasingly bigger government, socialist control of resources, the melding of bureaucracy and corporate entities, demands for social justice, collectivist propaganda, the abandonment of individual merit for the sake of the state and the greater good, Marxism not just from an economic standpoint but also a cultural standpoint, and finally, the adoption of Futurism. (Article by Brandon Smith republished from Alt-Market.us) Futurism is, in my view, the key to all modern authoritarianism. Its a philosophy that has been present at the birth of nearly every major despotic government in recent memory and its the root of leftist ideology today. Futurists argue that history is, for the most part, dead weight. They believe that every notion of heritage, the lessons of the past, the ideals and principles of our forefathers are all irrelevant. Futurists think nothing is sacred and all new ideas are superior to all old ideas. Therefore, they claim, any society that clings to (or conserves) the old ways needs to be dismantled because it is holding humanity back from progress. In other words, anyone promoting or defending traditional norms must be silenced in the name of progress. I suspect most people reading this at least intuitively understand the monstrous nature of this belief system. The very structure of futurism is based on a lie The idea that all change is good and that any oppression committed in the name of change is justified. The Process Of Tyranny In this process of tyranny there are usually stages of escalation. The first stage is the exploitation of existing social divisions to create an enemy that the rest of the population can be convinced to rally against. This is not to say these divisions arent legitimate, they often are. In our era of multiculturalism globalists have been inviting many groups of people into the west that are simply incompatible with western values and morals. They will not assimilate and they will only cause conflict, which is the very reason why political puppets continue to keep our borders open. These divisions can be exploited to create conflict and chaos, which is then used by governments as an excuse to crack down on their political enemies. In the US and EU its conservatives, the very people that are trying to defend the historical ideals of our respective nations, that are being labeled public enemy #1. We are the ever present bogeyman of the 21st Century. Its not only because we defend the heritage and principles that helped to create the greatest civilization in the history of the world (western civilization). Its also because because we keep talking about uncomfortable truths. The futurists rely on disinformation in order to spread their Utopian philosophy and they can only continue to survive by silencing all other contrary ideas. All futurist regimes eventually turn to mass censorship in order to function. They cannot stand in the light of truth, so they must keep the people in perpetual darkness. Slow At First, Then All At Once There are many readers who will argue that weve been in this stage for decades now. I would argue that we havent seen anything yet. Weve only been living under covert censorship. The pandemic lockdown effort was the moment of the shift when Democrats and Big Tech companies began to openly demand that counter-information be suppressed. Though, most of that censorship was still under the table. Meta CEO and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg recently admitted that the Biden Administration pressured Facebook behind the scenes to censor Covid-19 information that was contrary to the government narrative. This is highly unconstitutional and criminal. Biden and Harris should be up on impeachment charges and, in my view, anyone involved should face prison time. Will that happen? Probably not. This brand of censorship is insidious, but rigging algorithms to hide search results or booting people off of social media is not exactly the same as creating laws to intimidate or punish those that speak out. Thats the stage were entering right now; the open mass censorship era has arrived. In Brazil, leftist authoritarians have shut down Elon Musks X (formerly Twitter) because Musk has refused to institute their censorship model on his social media site. To Musks credit, he has been willing to lose Brazils business and stand by his principles. The developments in the UK are another blatant example, with the government now trying to hunt down and imprison people for the most minor of actions (a British teen was recently put in prison for two years for merely flying a British flag near a Mosque). Anyone who stands against multiculturalism (and futurism) risks being arrested and thrown in a cage. UK authorities have suggested that Elon Musk should be charged and that other Americans should be extradited for promoting conservative values on immigration or arguing in favor of British protests. Were just pointing out that theres only two ways this can go: Either the British people rebel and violently overthrow the globalist puppets in their own government, or, they will become slaves living in fear within their own country. It sounds truly insane; all of this drama over basic free speech rights, but this is the world we are now approaching and leftists are happily supporting the transition. Mass Censorship Is A Path To Inevitable Rebellion Musk has stated that he believes X will eventually be shut down in the US should Kamala Harris gain the presidency in the November election, and Im inclined to agree. Look at what the establishment did to social media newcomer Parler when they started gaining traction; the elites simply shut down their ability to function efficiently on the web grow their user base. Under a Harris regime they will feel emboldened to go even further. The rhetoric of the Democrats is quite clear They are anti-free speech and they view certain ideas as a threat to our THEIR society. For example, the far-left New York Times published an article this week that gave credence to mass censorship, including the Brazilian governments decision on X. They highlight the positives of giving Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes sweeping online censorship powers. They described this move as an effective solution to the vexing problem of right-wing threats to Democracy. They fall just short of institutionally endorsing the censorship of X and even ask if Brazil perhaps went too far (obviously the answer is yes), but at the same time they suggest that this trend is a new normal that Big Tech companies will have to navigate. And, their article insinuates that if Musk wants to counter government censorship demands he should do it through civil courts instead of defying such tyranny directly. In other words, they argue Musk doesnt have the right to stand against them. Frankly, a rebellion doesnt need to ask for permission to rebel. The New York Times also had a lot to say about the problem of freedom and the US Constitution in an article titled The Constitution Is Sacred. Is It Also Dangerous? They again try to tie the events of January 6th to the necessity of censorship, promoting the false narrative of an attempted insurrection in which no one was armed and no one was killed (except one of the conservative protesters). The Times asserts that the danger of the constitution is that it gives the public the freedom to vote for a person like Trump. An act which they claim allows for the documents own destruction. The true irony is that Trumps popularity would be non-existent if it wasnt for the political lefts constant attempts to institute a socialist dystopia that erases the Bill of Rights. Nothing happens in a vacuum and these people never take responsibility for their own behavior. They spent three years ignoring the constitution in the name of medical authoritarianism over a virus with a tiny median Infection Fatality Rate of only 0.23%. Then they started gaslighting the public about how conservatives are a threat to democracy. I argue this is not the new normal, its a recipe for war in the US, Europe, or both. Globalists know full well that rebellion is coming but I dont think most leftists truly appreciate how at risk they are if they continue down this path. Its not going to go well for them. Rebellion is ALWAYS on the minds of the elites. In a way, they want it, but they want it in small doses that are easy to manage. They want a terrorist enemy they can use to frighten the public into supporting martial law, but what happens if too many in the public join that rebellion? What globalists and leftists are truly afraid of is large scale rebellion that they cant control. The kind of rebellion that could end with the elites on the chopping block. They will do anything to avoid widespread revolution which is why theyre willing to take the risk of open mass censorship today. They know what is coming and theyre moving to mitigate the spread of anti-globalist views as much as possible before things get out of hand. I believe its too late for them. Read more at: Alt-Market.us Highly evolved polio strain that infected Chinese boy suspected to have leaked from same Wuhan lab as COVID Another deadly virus is in circulation after the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in communist China "leaked" a new deadly strain of polio called WIV14 that infected a young boy in China's Anhui province. A paper from France's Pasteur Institute suggests that this new "highly evolved" strain of polio was more than likely developed at the WIV. It is said to be 99 percent similar to the Saukett A strain of polio used in laboratory settings and in vaccine production. Dr. Mael Bessaud, who led the research, says WIV14 probably came from the WIV or another facility that handles polio. The only other possible origins of WIV14 include a natural reservoir or another lab. (Related: Did you know that polio vaccines are responsible for unleashing RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] into the population?) U.S. taxpayer dollars must stop flowing to communist China If WIV14 did come from the WIV, then this is just more evidence that lab safety protocols at one of China's highest security-level biosafety facilities is sorely lacking and in desperate need of reform before another Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) is unleashed upon the world. U.S. taxpayer dollars also need to stop being sent to the WIV to continue this type of research. Thanks to Tony Fauci and other career criminals, the WIV has been on the dole of U.S. taxpayer-funded grant money for many years, which it uses to develop deadly bioweapons. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also sends cash to the WIV to fund projects aimed at enhancing the virulence of avian flu, as one example. The claim is that manipulating viruses to make them more deadly will help researchers to develop "cures" in the form of more vaccines and pharmaceutical drugs. The same study found that Peter Daszak, the Fauci-linked researcher whose EcoHealth Alliance group was accused of participating in the Wuhan lab leak of COVID, continued to receive cash from the U.S. government up until this year. Daszak used that money to tinker with exotic viruses sourced from bats, pangolins and other wild animals. The only reason Daszak is no longer on the U.S. taxpayer dole is because Rep. Brad Wenstrup's (R-Oh.) Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic successfully argued that Daszak was non-compliant with the grant terms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in that he completely disregarded the warnings not to conduct gain-of-function research, which is illegal on U.S. soil. "The findings underscore the shocking unsafe state of global virology research," said Dr. Richard Ebright, a Harvard-trained molecular biologist, to the DailyMail Online about the research. WIV14 is believed to have evolved from a well-preserved strain of polio collected back in the 1950s for use in vaccine production. Somehow, it leaked from its source and infected a young child and it could still be out there circulating. The close proximity of the WIV to the Anhui province where the WIV14 case was reported strongly suggests that the WIV is responsible for the release of this deadly new bioweapon. The World Health Organization (WHO) counted 125 positive samples of polio in Afghanistan last year, located to the west of China, along with 34 more -- so far -- in 2024. Afghanistan, Pakistan and even Gaza are said to be among the most prominent places where new strains of polio are appearing. In 2022, polio reemerged in the United States for the first time in more than a decade. According to reports, it was detected more than 70 times in New York's sewage. However, that could just be vaccine shedding. It sounds as though it might be time to shut down the Wuhan Institute of Virology for continuing to build and "leak" deadly viruses into the world. Learn more at Plague.info. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com DailyMail.co.uk Hunter Biden PLEADS GUILTY to all nine federal tax charges, avoids trial but will no doubt be pardoned by his father Presidential son Hunter Biden on Thursday, Sept. 5, has pleaded guilty to all nine federal tax charges brought against him by Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss. Weiss charged Biden in federal court in Los Angeles with three felonies and six misdemeanors concerning around $1.4 million in owed taxes that have since been paid. The indictment against him argued that Biden "engaged in a four-year scheme" to not pay the federal taxes, owed through 2016 to 2019 and to evade being assessed for how much he owed for tax year 2018 "when he filed false returns in or about February 2020." (Related: State Department report shows Hunter Biden sought the government's help for Ukrainian gas company Burisma.) Weiss claims that the money he should have paid in taxes was instead spent on "drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes." In furtherance of this years-long scheme, Weiss accused Biden of subverting "the payroll and tax withholding process of his own company, Owasco PC, by withdrawing millions" from the company "outside of the payroll and tax withholding process that it was designed to perform." Hunter initially pleaded not guilty to the tax charges. His case was set to begin jury selection on Thursday when Abbe Lowell, his attorney, said that the president's son intended to switch his plea to guilty. The decision shocked the court, with federal prosecutor Leo Wise telling the court "This is the first we are hearing about this." Hunter remains free on bond. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16. Prosecutors blindsided by Hunter Biden's sudden decision to plead guilty Sources indicate that Biden's decision to plead guilty is "not a done deal" for the presidential son and that it is currently just an offer the defense has put forward. Biden's decision to switch to a guilty plea also came after prosecutors objected to an earlier attempt to enter what is known as an "Alford plea," which is when a defendant pleads guilty because of the overwhelming strength of the evidence against him or her while maintaining their innocence. Lowell attempted to put forward the possibility of an Alford plea, telling the judge that Biden "will agree that if he went to trial there's evidence to convict beyond a reasonable doubt." However, Wise countered that this is not good enough, and told District Court Judge Mark Scarsi, who is overseeing the trial, that such a plea "is not in the public interest. It's contrary to the rule of law and we think it's an injustice." "Hunter Biden is not innocent. Hunter Biden is guilty," Wise added. "I want to make it crystal clear: The U.S. opposes an Alford plea." When this failed, Lowell attempted to get the court to agree to Biden entering what is known as an open plea, where a defendant pleads guilty to all charges and leaves the fate of their sentencing in the hands of the judge without an agreed-upon recommendation from prosecutors. "Mr. Biden will agree that the elements of each offense have been satisfied," said Lowell. Scarsi had Biden sworn in to enter the plea, a long process that had Wise reading the entire 56-page indictment in open court. When the reading was done, Scarsi asked Biden: "Do you agree you committed every element of every crime in counts one through nine in the indictment?" "Yes," Biden responded, before pleading guilty to all nine charges against him. The plea spares Biden from a public trial, with prosecutors reportedly having prepared over two dozen witnesses to testify against him, some of whom were expected to offer very embarrassing and salacious testimony about his spending and drug use. Hunter faces a maximum penalty of 17 years in prison. His sudden guilty plea will likely be considered, among other factors, and he will likely spend far less than the maximum time behind bars. Watch this news segment from ABC News discussing Hunter Biden's decision to plead guilty to all tax charges in a last-minute bid to avoid a public trial. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zuckerberg admits to censoring Americans, Hunter Biden laptop story under Biden-Harris "pressure." Hunter Biden illegally acted as FOREIGN AGENT, fresh evidence shows. Hunter Biden DROPS lawsuit against Fox News hours after president announces withdrawal from race. Bombshell report: CIA collaborated with Joe Biden's 2020 campaign to downplay Hunter Biden's "laptop from hell" scandal. Ukrainian company Burisma used as "vehicle to launder taxpayer money," lawyer says. Sources include: FoxNews.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.com ENVIRONMENTAL TERRORISM: Israel bombards southern Lebanon with TOXIC white phosphorus shells Israel hit southern Lebanon with the controversial white phosphorus shells on Sept. 6. The shelling, which occurred in the area between Tal Nahas and Al-Hamams toward the Marjayoun plain, resulted in fires breaking out. Additionally, Israeli jets struck a residential home in the town of Al-Dahaira on the same day. (Related: Israel once again dropping WHITE PHOSPHORUS on Gaza in war crimes assault.) Earlier that morning, Hezbollah used a suicide drone to target Israel's Mayaan Baruch military site. The escalation follows an increase in Israeli military threats against Lebanon. The Israeli military announced that its Yiftah Brigade had conducted drills simulating a ground invasion of Lebanon, navigating "mountainous routes" and "complex terrain." Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich further fueled tensions by calling for increased military action against Lebanon. On September 5, Smotrich argued that Israel must confront what he termed the "monsters of terror" in Gaza and Lebanon, asserting that a war with Lebanon was inevitable and would be complex but necessary. His statements came amid ongoing conflicts and have heightened concerns about the potential for further escalation. On August 25, Hezbollah retaliated against the killing of its senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut in late July, which also resulted in civilian casualties, including children. In response, Hezbollah targeted two Israeli military and intelligence sites near Tel Aviv using drones, alongside launching hundreds of rockets at sites in the Golan Heights and Galilee to overwhelm Israel's Iron Dome defense system. One of the key targets near Tel Aviv was the headquarters of Israels Unit 8200, a major intelligence unit. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah dismissed Israeli claims of preemptive thwarting of the attack as "Hollywood" narratives. The Israeli military has imposed strict censorship on details surrounding the incident. Expert: White phosphorous dropped by Israel on Lebanese soil remains toxic longer Meanwhile, Abbas Baalbaki, an environmental chemistry researcher at the American University of Beirut, has been analyzing white phosphorus remnants dropped by Israel on Lebanese soil for nearly six months and found that it remains toxic longer. Despite being collected over a month after the attack and expected to be inactive, the samples unexpectedly ignited during testing, emitting toxic fumes that caused severe health symptoms for Baalbaki and his colleague. This incident suggests that white phosphorus remains dangerously active and toxic for much longer than previously known. Lebanese experts are raising alarms about the long-term environmental and agricultural damage caused by Israeli use of white phosphorus, which they argue is part of a strategy to make southern Lebanon uninhabitable. White phosphorus has severely impacted agriculture, destroying thousands of olive trees and burning large areas of land. With over 91,000 people displaced and ongoing attacks, the situation is dire, exacerbating Lebanon's existing economic crises. Local researchers and officials argue that Israel's actions amount to environmental terrorism and psychological warfare aimed at creating a wasteland to drive out civilians and render the land infertile for future generations. Learn more about the conflict in Israel at IsraelCollapse.com. Watch this report from Al Jazeera discussing Hezbollah's recent missile barrage involving over 200 rockets aimed at military installations in Israel. This video is from the channel Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hezbollah unveils vast tunnel network capable of launching missiles. Hezbollah unveils SECRET MISSILE BUNKER in Southern Lebanon amid rising tensions with Israel. Experts warn Oct. 7 attack would look like a picnic compared to when Hezbollah launches major assault on Israel. Sources include: TheCradle.co Aljazeera.com Judge temporarily blocks implementation of White Houses latest student debt forgiveness scheme A judge has temporarily blocked the implementation of the White House's latest student debt forgiveness plan , just days after seven Republican-led states filed a lawsuit to halt it. On Sept. 3, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota and Ohio sued the Department of Education to block the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris from providing full or partial debt relief to certain student borrowers. For instance, borrowers who owe more than their original loan amount could receive up to $20,000 in interest forgiveness, while low-income borrowers and those enrolled in income-driven repayment plans might see all accrued interest canceled. Single borrowers earning $120,000 or less, and married couples earning up to $240,000, could qualify for full interest cancellation. The most costly aspect of the new plan is forgiving accrued interest, which could benefit up to 26 million borrowers and is estimated to cost $62 billion over the next decade. The states argued that the department lacks the authority to implement such debt forgiveness. They noted that this could lead to the unlawful forgiveness of $73 billion in student debt almost instantly. The total estimated cost of the plan is $146.9 billion over 10 years. This could negatively impact state economies and entities managing federal student loans. Additionally, the Republican state attorneys general claimed they had obtained documents that the department had been actively preparing to roll out the new plan even before its official approval. "Through cloak and dagger, the department has thus finalized a rule with a rollout plan that is maximally designed to forgive tens or hundreds of billions of dollars without any judicial review and is designed to boost the incumbent Democratic presidential candidate two months before the election," the lawsuit stated. "Defendants' unusual decision to ask people to confirm whether they want to opt out of a program before it is even published created concern that defendants are planning to unlawfully rush out the third mass cancellation rule to cancel as much debt as possible, creating a fait accompli before anybody has time to challenge the action." Moreover, the states sought to block any future actions by the administration before they were fully implemented. They argue that quick intervention is necessary because it becomes nearly impossible to reverse the action once loans are forgiven. "It does not matter how many rules [the education secretary] breaks in the process, so long as he forgives billions of dollars in debt before the courts stop him," the states argue in their filing. Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia J. Randal Hall ruled in favor of the states on Sept. 5. "This is especially true in light of the recent rulings across the country striking down similar federal student loan forgiveness plans," Hall wrote in his decision. He issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the department from moving forward with the plan until a hearing scheduled for Sept. 18. The rule could impact an estimated 27.6 million borrowers if finalized. Missouri attorney general hails the decision as the court sided with them The lawsuit marks the third major challenge to the proposed plans, following previous lawsuits that have temporarily halted attempts to forgive billions in student loans. In June 2023, the Supreme Court struck down the administration's initial plan which sought to cancel up to $20,000 in federal student loans for eligible Americans. The move was expected to benefit approximately 43 million borrowers. Subsequently, a revised plan was introduced, only to face another nationwide preliminary injunction. The injunction put the revised plan on hold. (Related: Biden administration SUED over student debt forgiveness plan.) Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey hailed the decision. "Today is a huge victory for every working American who won't have to foot the bill for someone else's Ivy League debt," he said. "We successfully halted their first two illegal student loan cancellation schemes; I have no doubt we will secure yet another win to block the third one. They may be throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, but my office is meeting them every step of the way." Visit DebtCollapse.com for more stories about student loans. Watch this clip from Fox Business detailing how Biden's new Supreme Court-subverting student loan forgiveness plan could cost American taxpayers over $475 billion over the next 10 years. This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden administration "forgives" another $7.4 billion in student debt for 277,000 borrowers, effectively transferring that debt to U.S. taxpayers. Biden defies Supreme Court on student debt cancellation, absurdly claims theres no cost to taxpayers. DEBT REVOLUTION? Tens of millions of student loan borrowers stage "massive student debt strike." Taxpayer money going down the drain: Biden circumvents SC decision, cancels $72M in student debt. Biden's budget request for fiscal 2025 includes $12 billion for student loan forgiveness. Sources include: Reuters.com CNBC.com InsideHigherEd.com Brighteon.com Dr. Malone explains how COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer in latest congressional hearing discussing vaccine injuries In a recent congressional hearing led by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, Dr. Robert Malone, a prominent critic of COVID-19 vaccines, explained how COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer by DESIGN . Modernas mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is actually a biological weapon that contains billions of DNA fragments that pose cancer risks. Malone suggests that the vaccines which were pushed onto tens of millions of people worldwide may carry potential health hazards that were not previously disclosed to the public. Dr. Malone lambasts Moderna and Pfizer for pushing vaccines with known cancer risks Dr. Malones statements were made during a hearing titled Injuries Caused by COVID-19 Vaccines, where he detailed findings from Modernas patent and independent research into the vaccines composition. According to Dr. Malone, Moderna's patent acknowledges that RNA is preferable to DNA for vaccine use due to the risks of "insertional mutagenesis," which can activate oncogenes or inhibit tumor suppressor genes. Moderna has a patent on the use of RNA for vaccines, which explicitly states that RNA is superior to DNA due to the risks associated with DNA, Dr. Malone said. However, despite this, their mRNA vaccine has been found to contain billions of DNA fragments. Dr. Malone criticized Modernas vaccine production process, arguing that the DNA contamination results from the method used to manufacture the RNA vaccine. Moderna uses DNA to create RNA, and then they degrade the DNA. Unfortunately, their purification process does not fully remove the degraded DNA, he explained. In addition to Moderna, Dr. Malone claimed that Pfizers mRNA COVID-19 vaccine also contains similar DNA contaminants. He pointed to researchers from the United States and Canada, who conducted independent analyses of unopened vaccine vials. The researchers discovered DNA fragments in the vaccines, including sequences from the Simian Virus 40 (SV40), a virus associated with cancer. As Malone points out, these sequences are known to cause DNA damage, birth defects, and potential cancer development. Moderna and Pfizer have both responded to these claims by asserting the safety and efficacy of their vaccines. Moderna maintains that their vaccine meets all safety standards, and Pfizer has similarly defended the purity of its vaccine. Both companies have emphasized that their vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and review by regulatory agencies. However, the FDA has dismissed reputable, third-party laboratory findings on DNA contamination of the vaccines, ignoring the repercussions these findings have for public health. However, Moderna and Pfizer already knew that DNA is a contaminant in their vaccines. The FDA even allowed Pfizer to change their manufacturing process to make way for this undisclosed cancer nightmare. The very design of the mRNA vaccines requires the use of DNA to make the RNA. These companies know that the process of degrading the DNA leaves room for error, contaminating vaccine supplies with billions of fragments of cancer-causing DNA. The risk of insertional mutagenesis from this process is well known. This contamination can activate oncogenes or inhibit tumor suppressor genes, leading to aggressive cancers and new cancer diagnoses in younger people. Related: New studies add to growing body of scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to cancer. Researchers shocked to find DNA contamination in COVID vaccine vials Dr. Phillip Buckhaults, a cancer genomics expert, spoke about these findings earlier in the year in front of the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Ad-Hoc Committee on the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Buckhaults, who has a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology, studies how genes cause cancer. He and his team specialize in detecting foreign pieces of DNA in places where they can incorporate or interfere with healthy genetic expression. "The Pfizer vaccine is contaminated with plasmid DNA. Its not just mRNA, its got bits of DNA in it." Prof. Buckhaults said in front of the South Carolina Senate committee. Prof. Buckhaults retrieved a vial of Pfizers covid-19 vaccine from a colleague who was working with the vaccination program in Columbia, South Carolina. Professor Buckhaults sequenced all the DNA from those vials. He was shocked to see the DNA in the final samples. He said, "You can kind of work out what it is and how it got there and Im kind of alarmed about the possible consequences of this both in terms of human health and biology." Sources include: Expose-News.com X.com NaturalNews.com Brownstone.org NaturalNews.com Nebraska Supreme Court greenlights hearing of a pro-abortion ballot initiative On Sept. 5, pro-life advocates filed a brief with the Nebraska Supreme Court, alleging a pro-abortion ballot measure violates state law . This is in connection to the courts giving the green light to a constitutional challenge against the state's abortion expansion ballot initiative in August. The abortion expansion ballot measure proposes amending the Nebraska Constitution to prevent the state from protecting unborn babies from abortion until the point of fetal viability, or when the life and health of the mother is at stake. However, to legally appear on voters' ballots in November, the measure must address only a single subject. Thomas More Society attorneys argued in the brief that the ballot initiative contains "remarkably misleading terms" and is "unconstitutionally riddled with separate subjects," in violation of the Nebraska Constitution's Single Subject Rule. The petition also seeks to roll back numerous popularly supported laws regulating abortion. The language of the proposed amendment would effectively repeal more than 50 years of laws the state has passed and have wide-reaching effects on many other fields of medicine, the conservative non-profit argued. The existing laws include the state's dismemberment abortion ban and the parental notification requirement for abortions on minors. Laws requiring physician involvement, physician availability for postoperative care, care of born-alive aborted infants, care of post-viability aborted infants and detailed informed consent requirements, will effectively be repealed if the abortion expansion ballot initiative is accepted by voters. The brief further argues that the abortion initiative opens the determination of viability to a large number of non-physician "health care practitioners." Under current Nebraska law, "health care practitioners" include not only physicians, but also psychiatrists, pharmacists, nurses of varying degrees, and many others. The pro-life advocates asked the state Supreme Court to hear their challenge to the law and they were granted only 15 minutes to state their case for why the ballot measure either satisfies or violates the criteria laid out in Nebraska state law. Meanwhile, Protect Our Rights, the lobbying group behind the ballot measure said that the ballot measure is needed to give Nebraska residents the power to control their bodies, health and future. On the other hand, Priests for Life stands with the Thomas More Society in this fight. "We stand in strong support of the Thomas More Society, with whom we have worked closely for decades," said Priests for Life National Director Frank Pavone. "If Nebraska's lawmakers and citizens were able to have an honest debate about abortion, this amendment would fail at the ballot box. But abortion advocates are never honest about what it is they are promoting that is, the brutal death of an unborn child." The organization added that abortion advocates have been able to lie about abortion for far too long. "We can't let them continue to get away with it," it continued. States that outlawed abortion Abortion is one of the major talking points in the ongoing presidential election campaigns. Decisions as to who is going to be cast in the ballots are largely relative to where the state stands on this issue. Vice President Kamala Harris has promised to "restore" abortion rights federally while former President Donald Trump has said recently he will leave the issue to states. Some states are also voting in referendums specifically on abortion. (Related: Trump says he'll VOTE NO on Florida's pro-abortion amendment.) The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and rescinded the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022. That decision returned control over the procedure back to individual states. Some states have enacted total bans, while others protect the procedure throughout pregnancy. As of August, 17 states have outlawed nearly all abortions, banning the procedure at six weeks of pregnancy or earlier. Some have narrow exceptions for cases of rape, incest or the health of the mother. These states, including Texas, Florida and Alabama, are under Republican control with many clustered in the American South. Another eight states allow some access to the procedure. These states bar abortion sometime between 12 and 23 weeks of pregnancy. The other 25 states, plus the District of Columbia, protect abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Nine of these states, as well as D.C., go even further and do not restrict abortion based on gestational duration. Abortion bans cover both surgical and medication abortion, meaning healthcare providers in these states are prohibited from prescribing abortion pills. But in some cases, abortion medication has been used to circumvent these bans. Some medical professionals in abortion-friendly states have begun prescribing the pills and sending them by mail to patients in restrictive states. Abortion itself will be also on the ballot in several states. Eleven states, including Florida, Arizona, Maryland and Nebraska, have confirmed referendums on abortion access for November. Abortions.news contains similar stories. Watch the video below that talks about Arizona residents voting for abortion rights in November. This video is from the Trending News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: FETUS LIVES MATTER: Kommie Harris and Walz are both radical abortion extremists who support genocide by killing 3rd term fetuses and babies on their day of birth (op-ed). Tim Walz left EIGHT babies who survived botched abortions to DIE, government data shows. Arkansas Supreme Court confirms radical pro-abortion amendment WON'T APPEAR on November ballot. Dems, pro-abortion organizations turn to ballot initiatives to enshrine abortion rights into state constitutions. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com CDN.Prod.Website-Files.com ThomasMoreSociety.org NorfolkNERadio.com BBC.com Brighteon.com Fire Away: Florida State Rep. Randy Fine celebrates Israel killing an American citizen Jewish Florida State Rep Randy Fine (R) reacted to news that Israel killed an American peace activist in the occupied West Bank by celebrating and encouraging the Jewish state to "fire away" and kill even more. (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) On Friday, Israel killed Aysenur Eygi, 26, "with a bullet to the head" while she was taking part in a protest against Jewish settlement expansion (which ostensibly aligns with official US government policy opposing such settlements). A Jewish witness from the Israeli paper Haaretz said she did not pose any threat whatsoever when she was shot. Rep. Fine cheered her murder, writing Friday evening on X: "Throw rocks, get shot. One less #MuslimTerror ist. #FireAway." The post was flagged by X and Fine's account was temporarily suspended for a few hours before being fully restored. Eygi's family issued a statement on Saturday calling on the Biden administration to launch an independent investigation into her killing. From The Guardian, "Aysenur Eygi's family demand independent inquiry into West Bank death": Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military, Eygis family said in a statement. 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. The group on Saturday dismissed claims that ISM activists threw rocks at Israeli forces as false and said the demonstration was peaceful. Aysenur was more than 200 metres away from where the Israeli soldiers were and there were no confrontations there at all in the minutes before she was shot, ISM said. In 2023, Rep. Fine worked together with Gov. Ron DeSantis to pass the harshest hate crime bill in America to jail Floridians for passing out "anti-Semitic" flyers. Hate speech laws about to be passed in Florida under FAUX conservative governor Ron Desantis. Penalty for having the wrong opinion? 3rd degree felony and 5 years in jail! pic.twitter.com/Bi3ThOOwB7 Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) March 2, 2023 Though Fine has spent over a year now demanding "anti-Semites" be jailed for "hate speech" criticizing Jews and Israel, he himself regularly calls for genocide on social media and celebrates the slaughter of Palestinian babies. [Warning: Graphic] Earlier this week, Fine celebrated Jewish vigilante groups patrolling the University of Toronto. More Jewish vigilante groups roaming the @UofT campus today. This one calling themselves J Force. https://t.co/rh6FRugSQVpic.twitter.com/AHLhtREuOF Samira Mohyeddin ????? (@SMohyeddin) September 6, 2024 "More of this!" Fine said, adding "#FearAway." Two weeks ago, Fine accused Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie (R) of anti-Semitism for saying members of Congress should not be allowed to be dual citizens. This guy is just gross. Who in Congress is a dual citizen? I think we all know the slur he is tossing around. The real question is why certain Florida politicians choose this bigot to hang around with. https://t.co/ngs7RTjwDn Rep. Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) August 19, 2024 In the wake of October 7th, Fine gave a speech championing Israel's war on Gaza and noted how Jews are "a people that has been kicked out of every place we've ever lived." "We are a people that has been kicked out of every place we've ever lived for 2000 years," Fine said. "Every. Single. Place." "We are a people that has been kicked out of every place we've ever lived for 2000 years. Every. Single. Place." - Jewish Florida State Rep. Randy Fine. The question is WHY? pic.twitter.com/qedXtX9wSk Way of the World (@wayotworld) December 3, 2023 Read more at: InformationLiberation.com CLOCK IS TICKING U.S. warns Israel: U.S. aircraft carriers will not be able to stay in West Asia area forever Washington has warned Israel that U.S. naval forces cannot remain deployed indefinitely in the West Asia region to protect the country, according to a report by Channel 13 on Sept. 6. This comes amid ongoing concerns over the potential for a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The report indicated that the U.S. sent a message urging Israel to reduce tensions with Hezbollah and Iran, as the presence of U.S. aircraft carriers in the area is temporary. "The aircraft carriers will not be able to stay in the area forever," the report quoted. Fears of a full-scale regional war have escalated since Israel's assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in late July. Hezbollah retaliated by launching a large-scale missile and drone attack on northern Israel on August 25. The day after the Hezbollah strike, the U.S. Department of Defense announced an extended deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region, signaling continued U.S. support for Israel. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized Washington's commitment to Israel, especially in the face of threats from Hezbollah and Iran. The Theodore Roosevelt carrier arrived in early July, followed by the Abraham Lincoln in mid-August. These deployments replaced the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which had already seen its deployment extended multiple times earlier in the summer. (Related: Pentagon sends nuclear submarine, aircraft carrier to Middle East in anticipation of Irans retaliation against Israel.) While Iran has not yet retaliated for the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh, negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange continue to face hurdles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted a ceasefire agreement, insisting on maintaining a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and retaining the option to continue hostilities after a potential prisoner swap. Meanwhile, families of U.S.-Israeli soldiers held by Hamas are urging the White House to consider negotiating directly with the Palestinian resistance to secure their release. This option is reportedly under discussion among White House officials. U.S. deploys additional troops to West Asia Last August, the U.S. deployed 3,000 additional troops to West Asia, citing perceived threats from Iran to commercial shipping in the region. The additional troops, composed of personnel from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived aboard the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall. The warships entered the Red Sea via the Suez Canal on August 6. The move follows earlier U.S. announcements of increased military presence in the Persian Gulf, including additional fighter jets, citing security concerns. The U.S. claimed that Iran seized or attempted to seize over 20 ships in the Persian Gulf over the past two years, including an alleged attempt in July to capture two oil tankers. Iran has pushed back against these accusations, stating that its actions are aimed at maintaining security in the Persian Gulf and preventing illegal trade. Tehran refuted claims of attempting to seize two ships in July, asserting that one of the ships had collided with an Iranian vessel, injuring five crew members. Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, criticized the U.S. military buildup, arguing that U.S. forces in the region have historically served U.S. interests rather than providing security. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any U.S. attempt to seize Iranian vessels would be met with reciprocal action, according to General Ramezan Sharif, the IRGC spokesperson. Head over to WWIII.news for more stories about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Watch this commentary of Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart about Iran's impending attack on Israel. This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Iran threatens to "wipe out" U.S. bases in Middle East amid tensions with Israel. Russia sends powerful vaunted missile systems to Iran for Middle East war. TruNews: Endgame of Israel-Iran conflict is an ALL-OUT WAR in the Middle East. Sources include: TheCradle.co Brighteon.com USDA colluding with China to build bird flu BIOWEAPON with gain-of-function research The United States government is once again colluding with communist China to build a deadly bioweapon, this time from circulating strains of avian flu. The White Coat Waste Project (WCW Project) recently obtained Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) documents showing that U.S. taxpayer money is being funneled to a Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) laboratory on mainland China that is tampering with bird flu through highly controversial gain-of-function research. Before the proof came out, career politician Tom Vilsack, who currently holds the title of secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), lied under oath by claiming that the U.S. is not colluding with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to build more deadly bioweapons. Back in March during an exchange with Congressman Ben Cline, Vilsack vehemently denied any notion of "collaboration" taking place between the CCP and Washington. Vilsack said all U.S. data has been "basically walled off," the suggestion being that the Chinese government has no access to it. "It's really not a collaboration per se," Vilsack said. "To my knowledge, there is not [data] sharing ... all of this is basically walled off, so everything we're doing stays with us; it doesn't necessarily go to the UK or to China." (Related: Did you know that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation gave $9.5 million to the University of Wisconsin Madison to develop a new form of H5N1 bird flu that is transmissible to humans?) Vilsack's department ignored Congressional request for information To verify Vilsack's claims, Congress wrote him a follow-up letter a few weeks after the exchange with Cline requesting further information about the matter. As you might expect, Vilsack's department never responded. It took diligent sleuths at the WCW Project to file FOIA requests allowing them access to the 2021 grant application the USDA under Vilsack signed called "U.S.-UK-China Collab: Predictive Phylogenetics for Evolutionary and Transmission Dynamics of Newly Emerging Avian Influenza Viruses" that proves Vilsack to be a liar. Said document shows that American researchers employed by the USDA traveled to China and disclosed all of the information that Vilsack claims was "walled off." So much for being the "most open and transparent administration in American history." It turns out that Vilsack flat-out lied about the very real collaboration that took place between Washington and China to develop a bird flu bioweapon. He also lied about U.S. taxpayers footing the bill for this bioweapon. "Tom Vilsack is a liar who perjured himself and should be prosecuted for it," writes Ben Bartee for Armageddon Prose. "More importantly, the milking of the public treasury to engineer dangerous new pathogens particularly in offshore and opaque Chinese labs, given recent history should be a non-starter, no exceptions." As usual, the American public is completely in the dark about what is happening with their own tax dollars. More COVID-like bioweapons are being built in the background while the world waits for another "pandemic" to emerge as promised. "This is not just malfeasance: it is complicit, treasonous evil," a commenter wrote about these developments. "The CCP / global cabal death cult will duke it out for ultimate power once they have killed off 80 percent of the population." "The puppet regime put into power by our fraudulent 2020 election is poised to drive the final nail into our collective coffins (quite literally) with the 2024 election. They are flaunting their confidence by presenting the two most moronic clowns ever to be run up the preverbal flag pole as candidates to run this nation. It is the ultimate FU to the citizens and sheep here in the USA, designed to show us useless eaters / breeders that they can and will force anything down our throats, because we seem to lack the will to stop them." More related news about the threat of Chinese bioweapons can be found at Plague.info. Sources for this article include: ArmageddonProse.substack.com NaturalNews.com Sarfraz Hajee is a private investor and attorney with an extensive background, founding, managing, and advising several private funds and businesses over the last fifteen years. In 2011, he co-founded his first private fund. He later partnered with some industry professionals in 2015 to co-found GHS Investments, LLC, which invests its partner's capital into high-potential businesses. In addition to advising these start-ups and small businesses, he advises individuals and nonprofits on operational, social, and legal issues. A graduate of Binghamton University with a J.D. from The Boston University School of Law, Sarfraz has leveraged his experience in business and law to support those who are less fortunate. Sarfraz largely directs his philanthropic efforts towards the underprivileged in rural areas, specifically orphans, as he lost a parent at a young age and empathizes deeply with the pain and challenges of growing up without one. Primarily across East Africa and Asia, much of these efforts involve giving them access to education, housing, and clean waterthe lack of which is a leading cause of death among children. Born in Kenya and growing up in Tanzania, Sarfraz recalls visiting remote Tanzanian villages as a kid and observing the challenges faced by people living in remote areas. In the 21st century, it's hard to imagine life without the internetlet alone water. Yet, a water crisis persists. According to a 2023 UNICEF report, 1 in 3 childrenor 739 million worldwidelive in areas exposed to high or very high water scarcity. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southern Asia, and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, 436 million children are exposed to extreme water vulnerability, a combination of severe water scarcity and inadequate drinking water services, putting their health and well-being at significant risk. Sarfraz highlighted that access to water in rural areas is rapidly declining due to issues like agricultural runoff, deteriorating infrastructure, contaminated wells, ineffective water treatment facilities, and drying or polluted private and community wells. Sarfraz supports projects and organizations giving these populations clean water, along with food, housing, and education. Sarfraz places emphasis on working with organizations that are financially responsible with their resources and mission. Domestically, Sarfraz's impact extends beyond clean water. He is committed to empowering young people and the underserved in various ways, including advising people facing social and economic issues (e.g., marital disputes, mentorship, bullying, employment). "My upbringing, some great mentors and my beliefs have led me to identify philanthropy as a key component to leading a balanced lifeI feel fortunate to have the opportunity and aspire to do more in the near future," Sarfraz said. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. For network professionals who are looking to advance their careers and demonstrate to employers that theyve reached another level of career-boosting and salary-lifting expertise, it could be time to consider pursuing certifications in AI and AIOps (artificial intelligence for IT operations). The demand for AI skills is growing along with salary expectations. As many as 92% of employers believe their IT departments will be the biggest beneficiaries of AI, and theyre willing to pay an average of 47% more for IT workers with AI skills. However, nearly three in four said that they cant find the talent they need, according to a survey conducted by Access Partnership and Amazon Web Services. Similarly, AI and machine learning specialists top the list of fast-growing jobs, according to the World Economic Forums Future of Jobs report. Organizations identified skills gaps and an inability to attract talent as the key barriers preventing industry transformation. Rajasthan CM meets S. Korean investors, says govt aspires to build long-term partnership R ajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, while inviting South Korean investors to explore investment opportunities in the state, delineated his government's agenda of doubling the state's economy from the current $180 billion to $350 billion in the next 5 years. Leading a high-level delegation, CM Sharma is in Seoul for his first international investors' meet ahead of the upcoming 'Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit', scheduled to be held in December. He told investors on Monday that "the state is constantly improving processes and policies to provide 'ease of doing business' in the state". Exhorting the startups, innovators and members from South Korea's top business groups, to do business in the state, CM Sharma said, "The Government of Rajasthan is not looking at South Korea as a source of investment only, but also aspires to build a strong and long-term partnership across sectors with the business leaders of South Korea. As part of our investor-friendly initiatives, my government will soon launch a slew of new policies that will enhance the business-friendly climate in the state including the new Industrial Policy, Export Promotion Policy, MSME Policy and One District One Product (ODOP) Policy." Apart from the investors' meet, the CM also held one-on-one meetings with senior officials of several big South Korean companies and associations from key sectors such as Infrastructure, Chemicals, Startups and Tourism among others. This includes meeting the senior officials of POSCO International, SG Corporation (asphalt concrete manufacturer), GS E&C (firm working in the renewable energy and battery storage space), Hanwha Solution (chemicals), and Jeonbuk Creative Economy Innovation Center (JCCEI) which works as the incubator for startups. Several investors present at the meet have expressed interest in making investments in the state. Officials of POSCO International and SG Corporation, who met the CM together, expressed interest in setting up an asphalt manufacturing unit in Rajasthan and offered to make "better roads" in the state with their products. They also shared their expectations from the government, with respect to subsidies, infrastructure services, raw material procurement and other requirements. A special meet was also organised to showcase the potential of Rajasthan's tourism sector, including showcasing the nine UNESCO sites, forts and palaces, forests and wildlife, fairs and festivals, wedding destinations and 'Palace on Wheels' -- a heritage train that tours international tourists around the best destinations of the state. Addressing a special tourism roadshow, CM Sharma said that both India and South Korea have a lot in common in terms of culture and festivals. "I am here as a representative of Rajasthan, and I invite you all to invest in our land of heritage and culture. Today, Rajasthan is one of the fastest-growing economies in India, equipped with exceptional infrastructure, connectivity, and facilities. My government is ready to support you at every step of your investment journey. Together, we can build a bright future for Rajasthan and further strengthen the friendship between our two great countries," he said. Amit Kumar, India's Ambassador to South Korea, said, "Rajasthan is emerging as a promising investment and trade destination in India. The state is committed to fostering a conducive regulatory environment for business expansion. The upcoming 'Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024' will provide an ideal platform for exploring new business ventures in the state." The high-level delegation that travelled along with the CM comprises his deputy Prem Chand Bairwa, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Shikhar Agarwal, and Principal Secretary (Industries and Commerce) Ajitabh Sharma among others. The investors' meet was organised with the help of the Indian Embassy in South Korea and the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK). The state government will host the 'Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024' from December 9 to 11 in Jaipur. Rajasthan CM meets S. Korean investors, says govt aspires to build long-term partnership Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani to shoot for 'War 2' romantic song in Italy B ollywood stars Hrithik Roshana and Kiara Advani will be shooting a romantic number in Italy for the upcoming action War 2. The Italy schedule is scheduled to start from September 18 and will last for almost 15 days. "When you have two of the most good-looking actors in the Indian film industry paired for the first time, you need to give audience songs that will present them in their hottest best. War 2 is going to do exactly that with Hrithik and Kiara as the two are headed to Italy to shoot a massively mounted romantic number that will be shot for around 6 days!" said a source. The source added that after Hrithik and Kiara paint Italy red with romance, they will also be shooting some action and drama sequences for the remaining schedule before flying back to India. "Not one image of Kiara and Hrithik from War 2 are out in media, so the YRF production is going to pull all stops to hope that nothing leaks. It will be a coup if any image comes out because the anticipation to see anything from War 2 and especially Hrithik and Kiara's pairing is sky high," shared the source. The source further said that a battalion of security has been locally hired to comb these secret locations in Italy prior to the team's arrival. "Everyone is tight lipped about the cities that Hrithik and Kiara are heading to but it seems like they will visit 2/3 cities to film this gorgeous song sequence. It will be steamy and sizzling is the word on the street. This pairing has certainly got people super excited," said the source. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, "War 2" is set to release on August 14 next year. Joining Hrithik, is the pan Indian superstar NTR Jr in the film. Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani to shoot for 'War 2' romantic song in Italy Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Massive wildfires rage in US: California National Guard to support firefighters C alifornia Governor Gavin Newsom announced the activation of the California National Guard to assist nearly 2,000 firefighters in battling a massive wildfire in California's San Bernardino County. The fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Line Fire has scorched at least 23,600 acres (about 95.5 square km) with only 3 per cent containment as of Monday, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for over 11,000 people and putting more than 36,000 structures at risk, said Newsom in a news release on Monday. "As the Line Fire continues to pose a threat to San Bernardino communities, we're pouring resources into this incident aggressively by deploying more air and ground support through the California National Guard," Xinhua news agency reported quoting Newsom. "This is on top of nearly 2,000 firefighters, nearly 200 engines, and air assets we already have tackling this fire," he added. "California stands with these communities and has their backs." The California National Guard will deploy four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for water bucket-dropping operations, and two C-130 aircraft with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems -- a portable fire retardant delivery system, according to the news release. The fire, which broke out on Thursday, has grown exponentially in size over the weekend due to soaring temperatures and critically dry vegetation amid a record-setting heat wave in California. Newsom declared on Saturday a state of emergency in San Bernardino County to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire. "Fire activity on the Line Fire was moderated in the upper elevations in the overnight hours but remained active in the thermal belts. The fire made short, intense runs in the slopes and the lighter fuels which allowed for growth," said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. At least five school and college districts in the region were closed for students and staff on Monday due to the impacts of the ongoing Line Fire, with more school districts being closed based on the assessment of conditions within their areas, said the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory for a large part of California. "Based on satellite and webcam imagery, widespread smoke is over San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties," said the agency. PM 2.5 levels may reach the "Very Unhealthy" level or higher on Sunday night and Monday morning in southern Orange County, the Inland Empire, the San Bernardino Mountains, and surrounding areas, the agency warned. Another wildfire called the Bridge Fire broke out on Sunday in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, nearly 100 km west of the Line Fire. The blaze has scorched over 1,250 acres (about 5 square km) with zero containment in the past 24 hours. The Roblar Fire, which started on Saturday in San Diego County, has charred 950 acres (about 4 square km) with 25 per cent containment so far. Massive wildfires rage in US: California National Guard to support firefighters Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Centre would allow MP to procure Soyabean under PSS: Agriculture minister Chouhan U nion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the government would procure Soybean at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which is Rs 4,894 per quintal. Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan said the Modi Government is committed to providing all help to the farmers and several schemes have been introduced in the last few years. Speaking about the procurement of soybean in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said the Centre was ready to help if the state government needed it. Chouhan said that the state governments in Maharashtra and Karnataka have requested for the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for procurement of Soyabean and the Centre had given its nod. "If the Madhya Pradesh government demands, we would allow the PSS scheme here too. We are in touch with the Madhya Pradesh government, and there is some delay in the Soyabean crop getting ready for sale," Chouhan said, talking to reporters in Bhopal on Tuesday. The PSS is a Union government program that aims to protect farmers from economic losses by procuring crops at the MSP when prices fall below that level. The PSS applies to notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra. The minister's assurance that the Centre would allow the Madhya Pradesh government to procure Soyabean crop under the PSS scheme could be a big relief for the farmers of the state. Also, Chouhan's statement came at a time when the Opposition Congress is pushing for the price of Soybean crop to be increased to around Rs 6,000 per quintal. Notably, Madhya Pradesh has recently occupied the top position with Soybean production of 5.47 million tonnes. Its contribution to the total Soybean production of the country is 41.92 per cent. Data suggest that the area under Soybean production in Madhya Pradesh increased by 1.7 per cent in 2023-24 as compared to 2022-23, which has resulted in an increase in its production as well. Centre would allow MP to procure Soyabean under PSS: Agriculture minister Chouhan Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Army, NDRF join rescue operations in flood-hit Kakinada district I ndian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the rescue and relief operations in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday while heavy rains in the north coastal region inundated villages and damaged crops over thousands of acres. The Indian Army relief column, which was deployed in flood-hit Vijayawada for the last few days, has moved to Kakinada. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also moved from Vijayawada to Kakinada. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were also being deployed in Kakinada and other inundated parts of north coastal Andhra. Eight mandals (administrative divisions) in Kakinada districts were flooded due to heavy rains over the last two days. Breach to the Eluru canal near Rajupalem village after the opening of the gates of Yeleswaram reservoir caused the flooding. Agriculture crops over thousands of acres in Kakinada district were damaged. Agriculture fields in Yeleswaram, Kirlampudi, Peddapuram, Gollaprolu and Pithapuram mandals were inundated. Farmlands on both sides of Gollaprulu-Pithapuram national highway were submerged. SC Peta in Rajupalem of Kirlampudi Mandal also remained inundated. The flood level slightly receded in Yeleswaram reservoir on Tuesday. The water storage in the reservoir was 23 TMC against its full capacity of 24.11 TMC. The inflow in the reservoir was 30,000 cusecs while the outflow was 22,000 cusecs. In the East Godavari district, several villages were inundated due to a breach of a canal in Srinrangapatnam. Water entered the houses, damaging household belongings. Affected people fear that the situation may get worse if the flow increases from upstream. Meanwhile, the overflowing Eluru canal has damaged the Anakapalli-Visakhapatnam highway, disrupting the traffic. The Met Office predicted heavy rains in north coastal Andhra on Tuesday under the impact of a deep depression which crossed the coast near Puri in neighbouring Odisha. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has been camping in flood-hit Vijayawada for the last 10 days to monitor relief operations, reviewed the situation in north coastal Andhra. He has given responsibilities of each district to the ministers concerned and asked them to continuously monitor the situation and keep him informed. Army, NDRF join rescue operations in flood-hit Kakinada district Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Will train 5,000 cyber commandos to combat cybercrime: Amit Shah I n a major effort to tackle cybercrime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled several key initiatives on Tuesday, including launching a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre, a web-based module as a comprehensive data repository and portal for sharing cybercrime information, and deploying 5,000 "cyber commandos". The Home Minister announced that the government aims to train 5,000 cyber commandos over the next five years to strengthen cyber defences across India. Four major cyber platforms have been introduced -- the Suspect Registry, Cyber Commandos, Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre, and the Coordination Platform. He emphasised the importance of creating a Cyber Suspect Registry at the state level, which will serve as a crucial database in the fight against cybercrime. The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre will integrate police, financial institutions, and other relevant agencies onto a single platform, while the Coordination Platform will enhance collaborative efforts to address cyber threats. With the rise in digital transactions, Amit Shah underscored the necessity of robust digital security measures. He highlighted recent legislative advancements, including the Indian Judicial Code, which aims to bolster cybersecurity. Acknowledging the evolving nature of cyber threats, including new types of fraud emerging from younger perpetrators, and stressing the need for a comprehensive prevention strategy, he said that, to this end, the government has established joint teams at several locations including Mewat, Jamtara, Guwahati, and Ahmedabad, to combat cybercrime more effectively. Addressing the first foundation day celebration of I4C, he stated: "The reach of cyber criminals knows no bounds. Therefore, a national-level suspect registry encompassing all states is very important for preventing future crimes." Beginning September 10, I4C will also launch a nationwide awareness campaign, utilising over 72 TV channels, 190 FM stations, and various cinema halls to promote the '1930' helpline number. Shah urged all state governments to support this campaign. He asserted that cybersecurity is crucial for the country's progress and is an integral part of national security as well. Will train 5,000 cyber commandos to combat cybercrime: Amit Shah Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! US presidential debate: Kamala Harris, Trump to face off in 90-minute encounter T he first, and possibly the only, debate between US Vice-President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival in the 2024 White House race, former President Donald Trump, takes place in Philadelphia in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday night. It starts at 9 a.m. US Eastern time (6.30 a.m. IST). The debate will run live for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. Although ABC News is hosting the debate, it will be simulcast on most other channels in the US such as CNN, Fox News, CBS, MSNBC, NBC and C-Span, the free live TV station. They have their own special programming scheduled for before and after the debate. ABC News' 'World News Tonight' anchor and Managing Editor David Muir and ABC News Live "Prime" anchor Linsey Davis will moderate the debate. The rules will be the same as in the June debate between President Joe Biden and former President Trump. There will be no live audience to cheer or boo the debaters. There will be only Harris and Trump, the debaters, and Muir and Davis, the moderators. One key rule that the Harris camp tried hard to was the muting of the microphone of the candidate after they were through with the allotted speaking time. Harris's camp wanted the microphones to be left on for the entire duration of the debate because Trump has a tendency to interrupt and talk over the other person as he did famously in the first debate with Biden in 2020. Trump stood his ground and, the muting rule stayed. The candidates will not make opening statements. Each of them will get two minutes to respond to questions from the moderators, two minutes for rebuttals, and one minute for follow-on responses. Each of them will be given a pen and notepad and bottled water and they cannot interact with aides during commercial breaks. In a coin flip held virtually on September 3, Trump won and chose to offer his closing argument last - both will get two minutes each for their final statements - and Harris selected the right podium position on the screen, otherwise called stage left. The candidates will enter the stage from the sides after the introductions by the moderators, who will seek to enforce the rules including those about the time. The candidates will not be permitted to ask questions of each other. And they will be allowed to bring props of written notes. US presidential debate: Kamala Harris, Trump to face off in 90-minute encounter Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Stakes high for both Harris and Trump in US presidential debate (Preview) U S Vice President Kamala Harris will on Wednesday (6.30 a.m. IST) face the most significant 90 minutes of her political career when she debates her Republican rival in the 2024 race to White House, former President Donald Trump. Millions of Americans will tune into the ABC News debate to hear from her and see her as they weigh her sudden elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket around 50 days ago, when President Joe Biden dropped out after a dismal performance in the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle against the same Republican nominee who will stand at an adjacent podium in a studio debate in Philadelphia. Harris remains a relatively unknown figure in US politics despite her vice-presidency, which is in its fourth year, and two prior years as a member of the US Senate. She has a chance to define herself in the debate, or be defined by Trump, who is a veteran of presidential debates, this one being his seventh, including three against Hillary Clinton in 2016, two against Biden in 2020, and one in 2024. On the other hand, this will be Harris' first presidential debate. Trump will try to use the debate to end a particularly rough few weeks after Biden's exit on July 21. Harris has wiped out the massive lead Trump had over Biden in polls and has consistently outraised him having galvanised the Democratic party, which had no enthusiasm for Biden, and independent voters yearning for a change from the two old men in the fray until then. Biden is 81 while Trump is 78. Harris and Trump are tied with the former President holding a slim edge in the most recent poll published on Sunday by The New York Times. But it's Harris who is either in the lead or tied with the former President in seven battleground states. The June debate between Biden and Harris was watched by 30 million Americans. Even if the same number of people tune into the upcoming debate, both Harris and Trump will have the audience they need to buttress their claims to the country's top political job and portray the other person as not qualified for it. Harris is known to be a combative debater and had shaken up the Democratic primaries by condemning fellow candidate for the nomination in 2019, Biden, for working with segregationists in the Senate and for opposing aspects of mandatory busing for school desegregation. And in the vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence, she had scored a viral-video moment telling Pence, "Mr Vice-President, I am speaking." Trump has said Harris was "vicious" and "horrible" with Pence and that put down may be playing on his mind. Trump is also a combative debater and can get rough. His advisers would like to see him focus on the three key issues where Republicans have an advantage -- the economy, immigration, and global chaos. But they will not hold their breath about when Trump decides to go off the issues and launch personal attacks, which is unlikely to endear him with the independent voters. Trump is likely to face questions on abortion as he has sought to thread the needle on a sensitive issue. While his MAGA base is stridently opposed to abortion, independent voters, whose support he will need to win the elections, and some Republicans favour exceptions of varying degrees. He has tried to support exceptions for rape and incest and mother's help, saying he wants the issue to be settled by the states. Harris has her own set of issues on which she has evolved. Fracking, for instance. She had once supported banning fracking. But she doesn't any more. The difference between then and now is Pennsylvania, a battleground state crucial to win the White House race. Support for fracking is very high in this state -- it supported 121,000 jobs, and guaranteed billions in royalties for 200,000 landowners whose land was used for extracting natural gas through fracking. Harris will be watched closely also because she has not made many unscripted public appearances. She has not done a single press conference and sat down for only one media interview in which she shared the limelight, and the responsibility, with her running mate Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota. Trump, on the other hand, has done several press conferences and does an interview almost every day. Stakes high for both Harris and Trump in US presidential debate (Preview) Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Police have arrested a 14-year-old from Champaign, and the teen is currently in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center. However, the investigation is still ongoing. A consortium led by Xavier Niel-owned investment company NJJ Holding completed the acquisition of Ukrainian operator Lifecell from Turkcell for US$524.3 million, with aims to merge it with fixed telecom and pay TV provider Datagroup-Voila. The transaction was completed after closing fulfilment conditions and gaining all required regulatory approvals. The combined provider will serve 10 million mobile subscribers and four million residences in Ukraine. US private equity from Horizon Capital, which is part of the consortium, said in a statement that the group will merge Datagroup-Voila with Lifecell to create a converged telecom platform for expansion, growth and investment. Next steps for the new entity will be signing loan documents to gain a US$435 million joint financing package from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation. Both institutions received board approvals to dish out the loan, which will be used by the consortium to launch an investment programme to upgrade networks, acquire licenses, equipment, and expand fixed and mobile infrastructure in Ukraine. Current CEO of Datagroup-Voila, Mykhaylo Shelemba, will lead the Lifecell-Datagroup-Voila Group as chief executive. Meanwhile, Voila Executive Chairman, Pierre Danon, will continue on as Non-Executive Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Lifecell announced in a seperate statement today that CEO Ismet Yazici will depart from the operator after a seven year tenure. Xavier Niel, NJJ Holding and Iliad Group Founder, said: I am pleased to announce the completion of this landmark French investment in Ukraines telecom sector, which we believe will provide significant and tangible benefits to customers, the market, and to the country. The closing of this landmark transaction will serve as a signal to others that Ukraine offers compelling opportunities, and that the time to invest is now. The consortium gained regulatory approval to acquire Datagroup-Voila earlier this year. "At the 50th class reunion, I grew a beard, thinking it would be a great diversion. You know, hoping that classmates who hadnt seen me for a long time would say: 'Oh, youve grown a beard, a great beard,' not noticing that Id gained even more weight, lost even more hair and grown funny brown spots on my head and face." Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) can be trained to detect lung disease in premature babies by analyzing their breathing patterns while they sleep, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. The study was presented by Edgar Delgado-Eckert, adjunct professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Basel, and a research group leader at the University Children's Hospital, Switzerland. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a breathing problem that can affect premature babies. When a newborn's lungs are undeveloped at birth, they often need support from a ventilator or oxygen therapy treatment which can stretch and inflame their lungs, causing BPD. But identifying BPD is difficult. Lung function tests usually require an adult to blow out on request - something babies cannot do - so current techniques require sophisticated equipment to measure an infant's lung ventilation characteristics. As a result, BPD is one of only a few diseases that is typically diagnosed by the presence of one of its main causes, prematurity and respiratory support. ANNs are mathematical models used for classification and prediction. In order to make accurate predictions, an ANN needs to first be trained with a large amount of data, which presents a problem when it comes to BPD. Until recently, this need for large amounts of data has hindered efforts to create accurate models for lung disease in infants, because it is so difficult to assess their lung function. But there is an alternative. We can measure a baby's breathing while they sleep. All this needs is a soft face mask, with a sensor that can measure the air flow and volume entering and leaving the infant's nose. This equipment is cheap and available at any clinical facility. Such measurements of several consecutive breaths - what we call tidal breathing - can yield large amounts of good quality sequential flow data. We wanted to try and use this data to train an ANN to detect BPD. Edgar Delgado-Eckert, adjunct professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel Professor Delgado-Eckert's team studied a group of 139 full term and 190 premature infants who had been assessed for BPD, recording their breathing for ten minutes while they slept. For each baby, 100 consecutive regular breaths, carefully inspected to exclude sighs or other artifacts, were used to train, validate, and test a type of ANN called a Long Short-Term Memory model (LSTM), which is particularly effective at classifying sequential data such as tidal breathing. The team used 60% of the data to teach the network how to recognize BPD, 20% to validate the model (to ensure it wasn't too fixed on the training data), and then fed the remaining 20% of the data to the model, unseen, to see if it could correctly identify those babies with BPD. The LSTM model was able to classify a series of flow values in the unseen test data set as one that belonged to a patient who was diagnosed with BPD or not with 96% accuracy. Professor Delgado-Eckert added: "Our research delivers, for the first time, a comprehensive way of analyzing the breathing of infants, and allows us to detect which babies have BPD as early as one month of corrected age the age they would be if they had been born on their due date by using the ANN to identify abnormalities in their breathing patterns. "Our non-invasive test is less distressing for the baby and their parents, means they can access treatment more quickly, and may also be relevant for their long-term prognosis" The team now hope to investigate whether the model could also be used to test babies just a few weeks after birth, to analyze lung function and predict symptoms in older, school age children, and to test for other conditions, such as asthma. Professor Angela Zacharasiewicz is Chair of the ERS Paediatric Asthma and Allergy Group and Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Klinik Ottakring, and was not involved in the research. She said: "Testing the function of the lung in premature babies using new techniques will improve therapeutical decision making. The earlier we can confirm BPD in a premature infant, the quicker we can make an informed decision about the best form of respiratory support to give them during their first weeks of life. It could also allow for the earlier planning of follow-up assessments and potential interventions, reducing stress for parents and their children. "This research shows the huge potential AI has in simplifying this process. This technique could be used for testing larger numbers of babies and could also be applied to other diseases, such as asthma. "It's exciting to see how AI tools like these can potentially support our health services." People who started smoking under the age of 18 are more likely to experience respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and phlegm, in their 20s, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. The study also found that the majority of young smokers had taken up the habit before they turned 18, and that the more cigarettes they smoked overall, the higher the risk of respiratory symptoms. Researchers say the study highlights the risks to children and teenagers from smoking, and shows how rapidly the effects of tobacco can be seen. This is important since, in Europe, an estimated 16.7% of males and 11.2% of females aged between 15 and 24 are daily smokers. The research was presented by Dr. Linnea Hedman, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at Umea University, Sweden. Researchers recruited 3430 eight-year-old children in northern Sweden and asked them to fill in questionnaires annually until they turned 19 and again when they reached the age of 28. Overall, 22% said they were daily smokers at some point during the study. Of those who said they smoked, 29% started smoking when they were 15 or under, 35% started smoking when they were 16 or 17, and 35% started at 18 or older. The researchers took into account other factors that can affect lung health, such as a family history of asthma or growing up in a home where others smoke. They found that smoking more cigarettes overall increased the risk of respiratory symptoms by the age of 28, with one 'packyear' increasing the risk by around 10% compared to non-smokers. A packyear is the equivalent of smoking one pack of 20 cigarettes per day for one year. Starting smoking under the age of 18 increased the risk of respiratory symptoms by the age of 28 by around 80% compared to non-smokers. In people who took up smoking at 18 or later, the risk was around 50% higher than non-smokers. The most common respiratory symptoms were wheezing, phlegm and coughing. In our study we found that smokers are very likely to have taken up the habit before they turned 18 and those who did start early were more likely to be suffering with breathing problems, especially wheezing and phlegm. These symptoms were also more common the more cigarettes people smoked. One explanation for our findings could be that children and teenagers who started smoking earlier continue to smoke for a longer time and therefore suffer with more symptoms. It could be that exposure to tobacco smoke at a young age increases the risk of respiratory symptoms because the lungs are still developing and more vulnerable to damage. This study shows that it does not necessarily take decades to develop respiratory symptoms from smoking; we can already see a significant association in young adulthood." Dr. Linnea Hedman, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at Umea University, Sweden Dr Hedman and her colleagues will continue to monitor the people taking part in the study. They are now measuring the participants' lung function to understand how exposure to tobacco smoke influences their respiratory health in the longer term. Professor Des Cox is a member of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee and consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine at Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland and was not involved in the research. He said: "Across Europe and the rest of the world, there are still a significant number of children and teenagers smoking cigarettes. We need regulations and support to help children and young people avoid or quit smoking. "At the same time, we're starting to see more and more children and teenagers vaping. It's too early to know exactly what this is doing to their lungs. What we do know is that nicotine is highly addictive and the earlier you start, the longer you continue to use nicotine products. "We want children and adults to breath clean air. That's why the European Respiratory Society warns that all nicotine and tobacco products, including vapes and cigarettes, are highly addictive and harmful. We want the next generation to have a tobacco- and nicotine-free childhood." Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to develop asthma and vice versa, according to an analysis of data on 17 million people being presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, Spain (9-13 September). The results of the study, by researchers in Taiwan, underscore the importance of screening for asthma when T2D is diagnosed and for T2D when asthma is diagnosed. "The global rates of asthma and type 2 diabetes, both of which are common health issues, are on the rise," says Dr. Nam Nguyen, of the College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, who led the research. "These conditions negatively impact an individual's quality of life and are expected to create an increasing medical and economic burden. However, the evidence linking the two and the mechanisms behind this connection remain unclear, highlighting the need for comprehensive research into their association." To explore the connection and the potential contributory factors, Dr Nguyen conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research on the topic. Four medical journal databases were extensively searched for studies that looked at the connection between asthma and T2D. The meta-analysis included data on 17 million individuals from 14 studies conducted in a diverse range of continents and countries, including Europe (UK, Finland, Denmark), America (USA), and Asia (Korea, Singapore, China and Israel). The majority of the participants were middle-aged, ranging from 50 to 70 years old. The results showed that asthma and diabetes have a reciprocal relationship: individuals with asthma are 28% more likely to develop T2D than those without asthma and individuals with T2D are almost twice as likely (83% more likely) to develop asthma than those without T2D. This suggests that the two conditions may have some of the same underlying causes or have other factors in common. Further analysis indicated that several factors, including hypertension and dyslipidaemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats such as cholesterol), appear to be associated with an increased risk of both asthma and T2D. Asthma severity was associated with a higher risk of T2D, with the risk increasing in line with severity. However, asthma duration was not associated with T2D risk. Changes in people's voices recoded on a smartphone can signal a serious flare up in symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a pilot study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a serious and long-term lung condition. According to the World Health Organisation, COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. A flare-up in symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and coughing, is known as an exacerbation. During an exacerbation patients may need extra treatment or hospitalization, and their risk of dying increases. However, if treatment can be given at a very early stage, these risks are far lower. The study was presented by Ms. Loes van Bemmel, a researcher in the department of respiratory medicine at Maastricht University Medical Centre in the Netherlands. After an exacerbation, patients report a lower quality of life, their lung function can decline, and patients are at an increased and prolonged risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. It's vital to detect exacerbations as early as possible so appropriate treatment can be given. Unfortunately, it has proved difficult to detect exacerbations at their onset, since symptoms usually start when patients are at home. Patients and their families have told us that there are voice changes before and during exacerbations. We wanted to see if we could record patients' speech at home and analyze these recordings for early signs of an exacerbation." Ms. Loes van Bemmel, researcher, department of respiratory medicine at Maastricht University Medical Centre in the Netherlands Twenty-eight people with COPD took part in the research. Researchers asked them to record their voices via a smartphone app every day for 12 weeks. They recorded themselves saying "aah" for as long as they could manage with one breath, then either reading a short paragraph of a story or answering a question. Participants also completed a daily questionnaire to gauge their COPD symptoms. During the study, there were 16 occasions when a patient experienced a flare-up of symptoms. Researchers analyzed the voice recordings and looked for changes that coincided with symptom flare-ups. They found that patients' voices became higher pitched when an exacerbation was imminent. They also found more 'jitter' in patients voices when an exacerbation was beginning. Jitter is when a voice sounds breathy or hoarse. Ms van Bemmel said: "There were clear differences between patients' recordings on a normal day and on the first day of an exacerbation. This confirmed our hypothesis that speech changes significantly, even at the very beginning of an exacerbation. "These are preliminary results, so our findings need to be validated in larger numbers of patients with COPD. If we are able to do this, it would pave the way for early detection and diagnosis of exacerbations in the home environment. This would enable patients to manage these events themselves at home. "While every disease is different, speech analysis could potentially help in other respiratory diseases as well. We suspect there are speech biomarkers for many respiratory diseases." Ms van Bemmel and her colleagues are now planning research to build on their findings. In partnership with researchers at Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, the team will co-create a mobile app with people living with COPD. The SPEAK app will be used by patients to detect exacerbations via speech signals and give support for treating symptoms in the home. At the same time, the researchers are looking into ways to responsibly collect, store and analyze speech data so that the privacy of the speaker is maintained. Professor Frits Franssen is Secretary of the ERS assembly on respiratory clinical care and physiology, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Maastricht University Medical Centre, Netherlands, and was not involved in the research. He says: "COPD is a common and serious condition. When symptoms flare up, it can lead to a long-term deterioration in health and can even be fatal. If we spot these exacerbations early and give treatment, we know that serious complications can often be averted. At the moment, that means the patient or their family deciding something is wrong then seeing a doctor for assessment and tests. "This research is interesting because it suggests that the early signs of a COPD exacerbation can be picked up via changes in a patient's voice recorded on a smartphone. This finding needs to be tested in a larger study. If it can be validated, this could lead to a quick and efficient system to alert a patient and their doctor that treatment is needed. Because it works via a smartphone, voice analysis could be used by anyone, at anytime and anywhere. This could ultimately save money, time and patients' lives." Surgeons at NYU Langone Health performed the first fully robotic lung transplant in the nation. The procedure marks a new milestone in surgical innovation and patient care, making NYU Langone only the third program in the world to use a robotic system in a lung transplant surgery. Stephanie H. Chang, MD, associate professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and surgical director for the Lung Transplant Program, part of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, led the minimally invasive procedure to transplant a man's right lung, using the da Vinci Xi robotic system at each stage. She created small incisions between the ribs on the right side of the chest and then used the robotic system to remove the lung, prepare the surgical site for implantation, and implant the new lung. The second lung was done through an open incision on the patient's left side. "This approach to lung transplantation requires smaller incisions for the patient and is an overall less invasive approach compared to the traditional open chest procedure," said Dr. Chang, who was joined by two colleagues in her department, Travis C. Geraci, MD, assistant professor, and Eugene A. Grossi, MD, the Stephen B. Colvin, MD, Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery. "The goal is to reduce pain, improve recovery time, and provide a better hospital experience for our patients." Being able to continue innovating in the interest of delivering lifesaving organs to our patients is what makes our transplant programs truly unique. The dedication to advancing transplantation is shared across all disciplines and partners of NYU Langone, and seeing patients walk out of here every day with the ability to live a longer life is what motivates each of us." Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, the H. Leon Pachter, MD, Professor of Surgery, chair of the Department of Surgery, and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute The NYU Langone Transplant Institute performed 76 lung transplants in 2023 and was rated best in the nation for lung survival after transplant and getting patients off the waitlist fastest by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, a national quality tracker overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "We are grateful to have some of the most talented surgeons in the world, who break barriers and push the boundaries of what is possible for our patients," said Ralph S. Mosca, MD, the Henry H. Arnhold Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery, professor in the Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pediatrics, and co-director of the Pediatric Congenital Heart Program at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone. "This latest innovation is a watershed moment in lung transplantation surgery for our country and just the beginning of a new era in patient care." Last year, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital performed the first fully robotic lung transplant in the world. In 2022, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles performed the first-ever robot-assisted lung transplant by using the robotic system for the final implantation stage. NYU Langone is the first center in the nation to use the robotic system at every stage of lung transplantation. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause an array of adverse mental health effects, but physical side effects are also common. A new study conducted with Persian Gulf War female military personnel demonstrates that women with probable PTSD are twice as likely to experience early menopause and related health consequences. Results of the study will be presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Chicago September 10-14. Commonly reported symptoms of PTSD include anger outbursts, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Physically, PTSD can also be responsible for serious headaches and body aches. The unique psychological and environmental stressors from serving in the Gulf War have been shown to create a type of PTSD experience. Most notably are military sexual trauma, sexual assault, and/or sexual harassment during military service. Gulf War deployment has been singled out because of its link to health difficulties not found in non-deployed veterans of the same era. These include Gulf War Illness which is characterized by joint pain, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, rashes, and mood symptoms speculated to be the result of environmental exposures to burn pits and oil fires. In the new study involving more than 2,000 Gulf War deployed and Gulf War-era women veterans, researchers sought to address gaps in understanding the relationship between military exposures and early menopause and evaluate the type of impact these stressors could have on a woman's menopause symptom burden and, more specifically, confirm if they could underlie premature ovarian aging. Early menopause, which is described as menopause prior to age 45, is of concern because of its link with a number of negative health consequences, such as fertility loss, premature mortality, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, and depression. After adjusted analyses, probable PTSD was shown to be associated with early menopause. In fact, women veterans with probable PTSD at baseline had almost two-fold odds of early menopause. There were no significant associations between Gulf War deployment, Gulf War exposures, Gulf War illness, or military sexual trauma and early menopause. This work adds to the growing body of literature implicating PTSD in adverse menopause and reproductive health outcomes across the lifespan. One possible explanation is that PTSD is indicative not just of trauma but of symptom burden, possibly prolonging the biological sequalae associated with the stressful event." Caitlin Elizabeth Haas, lead researcher, San Francisco VA Health Care System More detailed results will be discussed at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society as part of the presentation entitled "Military Exposures and Early Menopause: Findings from the Gulf War Cohort Study." "This study, among other things, highlights the need for healthcare professionals to thoroughly review their patients' histories and be aware of any external stressors that could impact their menopause experience and related symptoms," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. Both Caitlin Haas and Dr. Faubion are available for interviews prior to the Annual Meeting. Thailands National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) reportedly plans to auction off spectrum in the 2100 and 2300-MHz bands early next year to enable telcos to upgrade to 5G-Advanced and 6G. The NBTC made the announcement on Friday as part of its broader spectrum management roadmap between 2025 and 2030 to facilitate evolution to 5G-A and 6G. According to newspaper The Nation, NBTC commissioner Somphop Purivigraipong said the auction would be scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. While the overall roadmap covers a number of bands in the ranges of 3300-4000 MHz and 6.425-7.125 GHz, Somphop said the NBTC would focus on the 2100 and 2300-MHz bands first, as there is more immediate demand for it from telcos. The 2100 and 2300-MHz bands in question are currently held by state-owned National Telecom (NT), but its licence for both will expire in September 2025, along with its licence for 850-MHz spectrum. According to the Bangkok Post, NT had asked the NBTC for an extension, but telcos True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS) have been lobbying the commission to put the 2100 and 2300-MHz bands up for auction, as they need it for 5G-A and 6G. Somphop said the new licences for the 2100 and 2300 MHz bands will be good for 10 to 15 years, and that the starting price would not be high, the Nation report said. Somphop also defended the NBTCs plan to recall spectrum in the 3500-MHz band currently being used by digital TV broadcasters as part of its roadmap. Under the plan, the 3500-MHz spectrum auction is scheduled for 2027, with the winning bidders able to utilise it in 2029 when the digital TV licences expire. The Association of Digital Television Broadcasting has formally opposed the plan, but Somphop said that the 3500-MHz band is more suitable for mobile networks under the guidelines of the International Telecommunication Union, the report said. However, Somphop also said the NBTC would take into consideration whether telcos were investing in their networks in preparation to use the band as they get closer to the auction date, the report added. Electronics manufacturer Jabil is set to establish a new plant in Tamil Nadu with an investment of approximately Rs 20 billion ($238.2 million), the states industries minister announced on Tuesday. US-based Jabil, a supplier for Apple, is set to establish a manufacturing plant near Tiruchirapalli after signing an agreement in Chicago. Tamil Nadu Minister T R B Rajaa shared on social media platform X that the project is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs. This expansion aligns with Apples broader strategy to deepen its focus on India. As Apple looks to diversify beyond China, its suppliers, including Jabil, are playing a key role in strengthening the companys footprint in the Indian market. India is emerging as a key manufacturing hub, Reuters quoted Matt Crowley, executive vice president for global business units at Jabil, as saying. Our expansion in India will enable Jabil to meet and grow with the future needs of our customers and complement our existing facility in Pune, he added. Tamil Nadu has signed a Rs 6.66 billion agreement with Rockwell Automation to expand the companys manufacturing operations in the state, according to Chief Minister M K Stalin. Additionally, an agreement of undisclosed value has been signed with Autodesk. With Jabils entry into manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, the state now hosts several major Apple suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, Tata Electronics, and Corning. Jabil, which also supplies companies like Cisco and HP, has made one of the first significant investments in Trichy, aiming to develop a new electronics cluster similar to those in Sriperumbudur and Hosur, spurred by Tata Electronics presence. Shares of packaged snack companies, Bikaji Foods, Gopal Snacks & Prataap Snacks, jumped as much as 9 per cent during the trading session on Tuesday, September 10 as the government of India has slashed GST rates of namkeen and savoury products in its latest GST council meeting held on Monday, September 9. In its 54th GST Council meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the GST rate on ethnic snacks or packaged namkeen products has been reduced prospectively to 12 per cent from 18 per cent earlier. However, the FM stated that snacks made using the extrusion process would be taxed at 18 per cent. Un-fried or uncooked snack pellets will be taxed at 5 per cent. The GST rate of extruded or expanded products, savoury or salted (other than un-fried or un-cooked snack pellets, by whatever name called, manufactured through process of extrusion), falling under HS 1905 90 30 to be reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent at par with namkeens, bhujia, mixture, chabena (pre-packaged and labelled) and similar edible preparations in ready for consumption form which are classifiable under HS 2106 90, the Ministry of Finance notification read. To also clarify that the reduced GST rate of 12 per cent on extruded or expanded products, savoury or salted (other than un-fried or un-cooked snack pellets, by whatever name called, manufactured through process of extrusion), falling under HS 1905 90 30 is applicable prospectively, the notification read. Shares of Gopal Snacks Ltd surged 8.5 per cent to Rs 354 on Tuesday, commanding a total market capitalisation of more than Rs 4,300 crore. The scrip had settled at Rs 326.30 on Monday. Gopal Snacks offers a variety of snack products including ethnic snacks like namkeen, gathiya and more. Prataap Snacks Ltd, the company which sells its products under the Yellow Diamond brand, surged more than 8 per cent to Rs 877.10 during Tuesdays session. The total market capitalization of the company jumped more than Rs 2,000 crore. The scrip had settled at Rs 811.70 on Monday. Bikaji Foods International Ltd rose 7.67 per cent for the day to hit Rs 899 mark, merely shy of its 52-week high at Rs 901. The total market capitalization of the company stood close to Rs 22,000 crore. The counter had settled at Rs 834.95 in the previous trading session on Monday. Sebi on Monday lifted restrictions imposed on 16 entities, including some former employees of Infosys, in a case pertaining to alleged insider trading activities in IT major shares. The regulator also directed that the prohibition slapped on six entities Amit Bhutra, Bharath C Jain, Capital One Partners, Tesora Capital, Manish C Jain and Ankush Bhutra through the interim order, along with the confirmatory order, will stand vacated with immediate effect, bringing an end to the matter. I deem it fit to vacate the directions issued vide the interim order read with confirmatory order against noticees 2 to 7 and dispose of instant proceedings against all the noticees. The interim order and the Confirmatory Order in respect of the noticees have already been quashed by the SAT vide its order dated April 25, 2022, Sebis whole-time member Ashwani Bhatia said in the 57-page final order. The case originated after Sebi identified suspicious trading patterns around the financial results announcements of Infosys for four quarters, covering from December 2019 to September 2020. The preliminary investigation pointed to violations of the regulators insider trading norms by various entities. In its interim order in May 2021, Sebi imposed restrictions on several individuals and entities, including Pranshu Bhutra, Amit Bhutra, Bharath Jain, and other entities, prohibiting them from securities markets. Pranshu Bhutra was senior corporate counsel of Infosys and Venkata Subramaniam VV was senior principal, corporate accounting group, Infosys, while Capital One and Tesora Capital were the two partnership entities. Thereafter, Sebi issued a show cause notice to Bhutra alleged to have access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) because of his frequent interactions with Subramaniyam and Sunil Kumar Dareshwar. It was also alleged that Pranshu Bhutra had passed the UPSI to Amit Bhutra who then passed this information to the other noticees. Sebis WTM Bhatia said the material available on record is not sufficient for sustaining the allegation that Venkat had communicated the UPSI to Pranshu. Once the allegations against Pranshu that he had access to UPSI fail, the allegation that Pranshu had communicated the UPSI to Ankit Bhutra cannot be sustained. As a consequence of the same, the allegations against all other noticees do not stand, he added. In addition, the markets regulator noted that the orders against Noticees 1 and 8 Pranshu Bhutra and Venkata Subramaniyam VV had already been quashed by the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on April 25, 2022. Further, the regulator acknowledged the SATs decision and included this in its final ruling and directed that any funds impounded from Noticees 2 to 7, which were deposited in escrow accounts pursuant to the interim orders, should be released along with any accrued interest. With the disposal of the case, no further actions or penalties will be imposed on any of the 16 noticees. Asias longest drive-in beach at Muzhappilangad in Kannur, Kerala is undergoing a renovation. Public Works and Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas has announced that Muzhappilangad Beach, recognised as Asias largest drive-in beach, will receive renovations and be unveiled as a New Year gift to Kerala. This announcement was made during the Ministers recent visit to the beach, which is currently undergoing refurbishment as part of the Dharmadam-Muzhappilangad Comprehensive Tourism Development Project. During his visit, the Minister inspected the ongoing construction, which includes a three-star hotel complex being developed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). He noted that 70 percent of the work is complete and emphasised that the construction is being executed to world-class standards. The beautification project for Muzhappilangad beach is expected to cost Rs 233 crore. This unique beach allows you to drive your car along the shoreline. Muzhappilangad beach is also renowned for its natural beauty. In addition to the drive-in experience, various other amenities are being developed here, including walking paths, playgrounds, kiosks. There will be facilities for adventure activities such as water sports, parasailing, power boating, and microlight flights. Muzhappilangad Beach is located just 7 km from Thalassery Town, which is well-connected to major towns and cities across Kerala. The nearest railway station is Kannur, situated 15 km away, with numerous express trains from major cities in the state arriving daily. The closest airport is Karipur International Airport, located 100 km from the beach, offering connectivity to major cities in India and international destinations. The speed limit on the beach is restricted to 30 kmph to ensure safety for all visitors; exceeding this limit can result in a fine. There is a nominal entry fee of Rs 30 to access the beach by car. One of the most significant events is the annual Beach Festival, held every April. This festival is a highlight of the local tourism calendar, attracting visitors from near and far. During the festival, the beach comes alive with a variety of exciting activities. After a third-year BTech student was found dead in his hostel room on Monday, protests erupted across the campus. This was the second such death on the campus in a month and the fourth case this year. The deceased was a 21-year-old student hailing from Uttar Pradesh, studying Computer Science and Engineering at the IIT. Several students gathered in front of the admin building to protest against the students death. The protesters allege academic pressures led to the students death and claimed that the deceased was unable to meet the 75 per cent attendance requirement due to which he was not allowed to appear for the exams. Thousands of IIT Guwahati students gathered in front of the admin building to protest against the death of a student. This is the second death within a month.The institute said it is working closely with the Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. pic.twitter.com/O5d8M7tYme Rokibuz Zaman (@ROKIBUZZAMAN2) September 9, 2024 Another suicide case within a month in IIT Guwahati campus after Saumyas case .This is a matter of concern and investigation where the authorities should pay attention .These incidents made a vigorous effect on students of IITG which outraged as protest. Akshit Katiyar (@Akshit9981) September 9, 2024 @IITGuwahati student protestsreason why 3rd year student committed #suicide.he had health issues and wasnt able to fulfill 75% attendance criteria and here comes the great professor who didnt allowed him to sit in examinationsattendance>>students lyf pic.twitter.com/Z8hb7zI3c6 aman (@aman1291965) September 9, 2024 IIT Guwahati issued a statement on Monday stating that students well being is their top priority. IITG is deeply saddened to report the loss of a student from our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the students family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time, a spokesperson said. We encourage our student community to reach out to our support networks. IITG reaffirms its commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment for all students, the spokesperson added. IITG remains dedicated to prioritising the mental health and well-being of our student community during these challenging times, he added. A 23-year-old from Uttar Pradesh who was studying MTech at IIT Guwahati was found dead in her hostel room on August 9. While Sourav Kumar, a first-year B-tech student died by suicide on April 10. The deceased who was studying computer science at the institute allegedly died by hanging himself in his hostel room. While the exact cause was unknown, sources had suggested academic pressure and some personal reasons might have played a role. with PTI inputs DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSMSSB) has rolled out the exam schedule for the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Graduation Level 2024. Candidates who applied for the examination can view and download the schedule by visiting the official website of RSMSSB atrsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in. The RSMSSB test will be conducted in four phases across two days, September 27 and 28. The examination will be held in two separate shifts, morning and evening. The morning shifts will start at 9 AM and run until noon, and the evening shift will be held between 3 PM and 6 PM. The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Service Selection Board conducts the RSMSSB CET exams for graduation and Level 12 recruitments. The board will soon announce the release date for the admit cards on the official website. RSMSSB CET 2024: Exam Schedule September 27 Phase I (Morning): 9 AM to 12 PM Phase II (Evening): 3 PM to 6 PM September 28 Phase III (Morning): 9 AM to 12 PM Phase IV (Evening): 3 PM to 6 PM RSMSSB CET 2024: Heres How To Download Exam Schedule? Step 1: Log on to the official website of RSMSSB at rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Step 2: On the homepage, search for and click on the CET (Graduation Level) 2024 exam schedule link. Step 3: Upon clicking, the exam schedule will be displayed on the screen. Step 4: Check the exam dates and save a copy of the exam schedule. RSMSSB CET 2024: Exam Pattern The RSMSSB CET question paper will include 150 multiple-choice questions worth 300 marks. Candidates will have three hours to complete the exam. As per the marking scheme, candidates will get two marks for each correct answer, and there is no negative marking for incorrect or blank answers. The exam encompasses questions related to General Science, History, Polity and Geography of India, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Geography, History, Culture and Polity of Rajasthan, General English & Hindi and Mental Ability and Reasoning, Basic Numerical Efficiency. The BJP will contest on seven of the 24 constituencies going to polls in Jammu & Kashmir in the first phase, leaving many seats vacant, apart from fielding just 24 candidates of the 47 seats in the Valley. While the saffron party was clear that it would back candidates from like-minded parties, now, the BJP has fielded a candidate against Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference chief Sajjad Lone, whom the party had supported in Baramulla during the Lok Sabha polls. This makes one wonder if BJP is banking on smaller and irrelevant parties like Aman Aur Shanti Tehreek-e-Jammu and Kashmir, All Jammu and Kashmir Liberal Democratic Party, and Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Peoples Front to contain National Conference (NC) and PDP in the Valley. The answer, however, is no. Instead, what the BJP is betting on this assembly election are Independents that form nearly 44 per cent of the total candidates in the fray in the first two phases. THE ARITHMETIC The BJP is betting big on Independents many of whom have militant strands with some backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami to contain NC and PDP. In the first two phases, there are roughly 145 Independents in the fray. Late on Monday night, the Election Commission announced that 27 candidates have withdrawn their names without specifying which party they filed their nominations from. Without the clarity, it is safe to say the count of Independents remains at 145, which is nearly 44 per cent of the total candidates in the first two phases. In the first phase alone, there are 92 Independents out of 219 candidates, which makes it 42 per cent Independents in just the first phase. In the last assembly elections in J&K a decade ago, the Independents formed 31 per cent of the total candidates. BJPs plan of action seems to be working, with Omar Abdullah who was defeated in this years Lok Sabha election by jailed separatist Rashid Engineer crying foul. On Saturday, while addressing an election rally, Abdullah said: They want to target only one person the National Conference candidate from Ganderbal. Abdullah is fighting the assembly election from Ganderbal. WHY SHOULD NC & PDP WORRY? While there may be 145 Independents in the fray in the first two phases, the worry for Abdullahs and Muftis is further compounded by giant killer Engineer Rashids Awami Ittehad Party which has finalised 18 candidates so far and plans to announce a total of 35-40 names across North Kashmir Rashids main base and Central Kashmir. After Rashid secured 4,72,481 votes from Baramulla in this Lok Sabha election, Omar Abdullah certainly wont be dismissive of AIP candidates as a fringe. However, his real worry remains the 44 per cent Independents. In Ganderbal alone, Omar Abdullah is facing at least seven Independents. Of those seven, the one who may weigh heavily on Abdullahs mind is Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati. Barkati is a jailed separatist who has filed his nomination from the Ganderbal seat, just like Tihar-confined Engineer Rashid did from Baramulla earlier this year. The nomination papers were submitted by one Adil Nazir Khan on behalf of Barkati on the last day of filing papers for the second phase, taking Abdullah by surprise. Barkati, a cleric who is currently in jail for his role in instigating violent protests during the 2016 unrest in the Valley following the killing of Burhan Wani, is seen to be a more hard-line option for the voters of Ganderbal than Abdullah. According to the chargesheet filed in a court earlier this year, Barkati is an active ideologue, promoter and supporter of the terrorist-secessionist nexus who hatched a criminal conspiracy with others, including his family members, to facilitate, aid, incite, advise, advocate and promote terrorist and secessionists. No wonder, Abdullah reacted sharply to his nomination, saying: There is no other politician Delhi wants to silence but me because when I talk, I represent your sentiments and our lost respect. In a post-2019 scenario, where Kashmir has lost its right to call itself a state, this would be the first chance for silent Kashmiri voters to exercise their franchise. Rising from political obscurity since 1987 the watershed moment that kickstarted a long spell of terrorism in the erstwhile state the Jamaat, though still banned, is politically back. The organisation has decided to field three of its former members Dr Talat Majeed, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, and Nazir Ahmad as Independents for the first phase and back Ajaz Ahmad Mir, who is fighting as an Independent after being denied a ticket by PDP. For the uninitiated, the Valleys largest indigenous militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen called itself the armed wing of Jamaat. If Independents backed by Jamaat fight it out electorally, mainstream Kashmiri political parties like the NC and the PDP or national alternatives like the Congress will have very less to offer, both in terms of hard-line legacy and consistency, ending up vastly dividing the votes of the Kashmir Valley. As the BJP hopes to win the bulk of Jammu seats if not replicate its 2014 performance of 25 seats, a divided House in Kashmir will deny frontrunner NC as well as PDP any chance for a Kashmir sweep, resulting in a hung assembly that suits the BJP better. Jammu and Kashmir is all set to witness its first polls after the abrogation of Article 370 and what makes the elections even more special is a Kashmiri Pandit woman contesting for the first time after more than three decades of the communitys exodus from the Valley. Daisy Raina, a Kashmiri Hindu who left the Valley in the 90s after militancy broke out, is the only candidate fielded by the Republican Party of India (Athawale) a BJP ally. Raina will contest from the Rajpora assembly seat in Pulwama district, which was once a terror hotbed in South Kashmir. The 56-year-old, who left her corporate job in New Delhi and moved to Kashmir in 2020 to fight the sarpanch elections from Trichal, shared her journey with News18 as she interacted with locals in the Valley. Moving through an apple orchard in Pulwama, Raina is occasionally greeted by those who know her. Pain for Kashmir brought me here. It doesnt matter whether I win or lose, she told News18 during a door-to-door meeting. Raina said her interaction with the youth of Kashmir forced her to contest the assembly elections. She was elected as sarpanch unopposed after which she worked on the ground to know the reality of the erstwhile state. I love Kashmir. I felt the innocent people of this land were used for many reasons. I kept explaining to the people of my community that not all can be blamed for our exodus. Maybe a poor person was lured for violence. I feel people will accept me in this election. After my daughter got married and my responsibilities were over, I told my husband that I want to return to Kashmir, she told News18. Raina explained that during her tenure as sarpanch, she frequently interacted with young people who had grown up amid violence. I feel we need to speak to the youth who witnessed violence their entire childhood. They only saw bullets, hartals, and internet shutdown. We need to ask the youth why they were lured by violence, she says. Recalling her childhood in Kashmir, Raina says: In the 90s, my parents told me we have to leave. It was January when we shifted to Jammu but I always dreamt of Kashmir. I used to dream about my room and a chinar tree adjacent to our house. Raina said her husband was initially not on board with her decision to return to the Valley but she urged him to make the move as she wanted to work for the people of Kashmir. My husband was concerned about the security situation here but I came back and worked as a sarpanch. A lot of work has been done by the BJP in J&K but I dont understand why people dont accept the party in the Valley, she said. Raina also believes the violence in the 90s was orchestrated to separate Hindus and Muslims and create hate between the communities. I have received love from the Muslim community. Youth wanted me to contest and raise their issues. Earlier, I was criticised by Hindus for my speeches but now, they are convinced about my work, she said. Confident that Muslims will vote for her and ensure her victory, Raina said people had realised that we were used. Our youth is impacted now and they want to move on. I want to end the distance between the two communities while advocating for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, she told News18. The northern state of Haryana is extremely crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) fortune in the coming times as it is all set to fight the Congress in the forthcoming assembly polls. The party, which is yet to announce its list of star campaigners, is banking on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had a stint with Haryana during his pracharak days in the RSS. The saffron party is likely to propose 4 to 5 rallies of the Prime Minister in the poll-bound Haryana. Sources have told Network18 that the Prime Minister will tour Haryana for his first rally on September 14, slated to take place at Kurukshetra. Apart from this, his other rallies in the run up to the elections will be in Palwal, Sonipat and Hisar. The BJP state leadership is convinced that through these rallies, the Prime Minister will be able to cover the entire state, which is divided into various zones. Sources further said that the party may deploy multiple leaders from across the country for elections. However, in the seats that are bordering Uttar Pradesh, there has been a demand that some tall leaders from that state be asked to campaign in Haryana. Those aware of the developments have told Network18 that the biggest demand in terms of rallies in the state is from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Given his plain speak, his focus on Hindus and his proven government performance, the demand for Yogi has been on the rise, a source said. List of Candidates On Tuesday, the BJP will release its second list of candidates after having declared 67 out of the 90 assembly seat candidates earlier. The remaining list is likely to have the names of around 21 more candidates. The BJP is in talks with Gopal Kandas party and is likely to give them one to 2 assembly seats. So essentially, the BJP will field 88 out of 90 candidates in total, an office bearer told Network18. As per the first list of 67 candidates, the BJP has changed nine candidate seats. Keeping the key issue of winnability in mind, the party will announce its seats. After Congress announced wrestler Vinesh Phogat as their candidate, many within the BJP ranks thought of the possibility of pitting her sister Babita Phogat against her. Neither Babita nor Yogeshwar Dutt have been able to win the elections earlier, and it is unlikely that they stand a chance to win. We will not waste a seat just to make a political point, a source told Network18, hinting that these players may not be given an assembly ticket this time around. To arrive at the list of candidates, BJP leaders including national leaders have been assessing the ground situation for the past 18 months. The party has also relied on multiple surveys before coming up with a list of candidates. These lists were first shortlisted at the state level, then brought to the core committee meeting, and then further came to the central election committee meeting for finalisation. Corruption, Dynasty Politics, Farmers Issues to be Highlighted As far as the issues to focus on are concerned, the BJP has been relying heavily on local issues and the impact of the local leadership. While the Congress has not been able to declare its CM candidate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to the state, declared that Nayab Singh Saini would be the partys CM face. This nervousness of the Congress party and their internal fight between the senior Hooda and Kumari Shailja has exposed the Congress design. A party which never spoke about parivarwaad or dynasty continues to be riled up in the same debate, a BJP Leader told Network18. Among other issues that the BJP will focus on will be the corruption of the Congress party and its continuity. The party, in its campaign, will highlight how Bhupinder Singh Hooda was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate on his corrupt rule along with a member of the Gandhi family. The corruption story is not over for the Congress party. In its desperation, the Congress party has awarded tickets to even those candidates who are currently jailed or are facing enquiry on corruption matters, the leader added. Development has taken centre stage under the Modi government and for the state government, which has been in power for the last decade, thats a story that the BJP will want to tell the people of the state. This is not like a government of the Congress, which worked on the development only of Rohtak and it was called Rohtak Sarkar, but it is the government which has worked for the entire state. That is why it was called Pradesh ki Sarkar, the leader added. On the other issues that the BJP will highlight in the state are how there was Sabka Saath and Sabka Vikas, and not appeasement of a certain community or a certain caste. The Congress party has used the Jat sentiment for its vote bank. Even Dalits were used to secure their votes, but nothing was done for their upliftment, a BJP leader said. Among the other demands from the people in Haryana, the state government has announced permanency in government jobs. As far as the farmers welfare is concerned, this is the only state across the entire country where MSP has been given for all the 24 crops. Recently, a package of Rs 1,200 crore was announced to cover up for the damages caused to the crops. In fact, a rate of Rs 2000 per hectare would be provided in such a situation. This only shows that our government has been committed to the cause of the annadata, the BJP leader added. A subsidy on gas cylinders is being provided for the public and the tubewell bills will also be waived off, the state leaders will highlight during the campaign. The Chief Minister has been available to meet anybody and everybody right around the clock and that actually speaks about the kind of leadership and support that the people of the state can rely on. It is also important to highlight this, a source said adding that this would be a government working on a mission mode. The BJP, which is almost ready with its manifesto, known as the Sankalp Patra, may also add a number of measures as its commitment for the people of the state. The vision document of the BJP is likely to be released in the third week of September. The state of Haryana will go into elections in a single phase on October 5, 2024. The strength of the Haryana assembly is 90 seats. The BJP first came into power in the state in 2014, and then repeated its victory in 2019. The saffron party is seeking its third term in office in the upcoming polls. This time, with the anti-incumbency of 10 years, staring in its face and several challenges including farmer protests, agitation by wrestlers, anti-Jat sentiment and a not so formidable state leadership, the BJP is facing a stiff challenge from the grand old party, Congress. In 2014, the BJP, after coming to power, had made Manohar Lal Khattar its CM and he was given a second term in 2019. But a few months ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha election, he was removed as the CM and brought to the Centre to fight Lok Sabha elections. He is currently a cabinet minister in the Modi government with crucial portfolios like Power and Urban Development. The US media, comprising The New York Times, CNN and The Wall Street Journal, has been accused of sanewashing presidential candidate Donald Trumps speeches. In an article published on September 9, the Columbia Journalism Reviews Jon Allsop argues that many reporters are sanewashing Trump. What Does Sanewashing Mean? Sanewashing is a term that has been around about four years and refers to making extremism seem less extreme. One of the posts on Urban Dictionary defines sanewashing as attempting to downplay a person or ideas radicality to make it more palatable to the general public. The term was coined by The New Republics Parker Molloy. Rather than reporting controversial or nonsensical statements as they are, journalists often sanitise the content, reframing it in a way that downplays extremism or chaos. The idea behind journalists sanewashing Trump has something to do with that old desire to project a false equivalence or balance between two leading candidates, as per Jon Allsop. Five Times When Media Sanewashed Trumps Speeches Trumps CDC Visit During Pandemic During his visit to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Trump not only asked about Fox News ratings, but also insulted then Washington Governor Jay Inslee and ranted about his attempt to extort Ukraine into digging up dirt on Joe Biden and downplaying the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the US. But the NYT headlined it as Trump Says People Have to Remain Calm Amid Coronavirus Outbreak. This made it seemed that Trumps words and actions were sensible for a large number of Americans who did not watch his speech live. Debate with Kamala Harris Trump wrote on Truth Social claiming that he had reached an agreement for a debate with Comrade Kamala Harris. In the post, he had used words like nastiest, unfair and fake news to describe newscasters ABC and CNN debate. He also called Joe Biden crooked in the post. CNN described the rambling, insult-laden text as Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced he has reached an agreement to participate in a September 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, noting that the rules will be the same as the last CNN debate, which seemed to work out well for everyone. The CNN downplayed the tone of Trumps post, making it sound sane. Endorsement of John F Kennedy Jr. Trump has supported John F Kennedy Jr., who has made baseless claims that Covid-19 vaccine causes autism, by saying a panel of top experts would investigate what is causing the decades-long increase in chronic health problems and childhood diseases. In its write-up, however, The New York Times omitted Trumps mention of autism, and simply wrote that Mr. Trump said that, if elected to a second term, a panel of experts working with Bobby would investigate obesity rates and other chronic health issues in the United States. By removing the word autism, the NYT took a nod towards the anti-vaccine rhetoric. At Moms for Liberty Event Trump spread a theory that your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation, referring to transition-related surgeries for trans people. Instead of highlighting this baseless claim, The New York Times focused his appeal to conservative moms but did not mention the conspiracy theory mentioned by him. Shark Attacks and Hannibal Lecters Cannibalism Trump rambled about a series of bizarre topics, including fending off shark attacks with an electric device and making references to Hannibal Lecters cannibalism during a 2023 speech in Las Vegas. Rather than pointing out the absurdities in Trumps statements, The Associated Press headline read: Trump Complains About His Teleprompters at a Scorching Las Vegas Rally. The New York Times headlined its story thus: In Las Vegas, Trump Appeals to Local Workers and Avoids Talk of Conviction. CNNs headline: Trump Proposes Eliminating Taxes on Tips at Las Vegas Campaign Rally. These types of headlines led readers to believe that Trumps speech was far more coherent than it actually was. Is Sanewashing a Good Journalistic Practice? Sanewashing goes beyond mere sanitisation and distorts reality. By doing so, the media has normalised Trumps erratic behaviour and spread misinformation by shielding public from the full text of his actual speech. Its creating a dangerous disconnect between reality and reported news, fostering an environment where extreme rhetoric becomes normalized and conspiracy theories gain unwarranted legitimacy, according to The New Republic. It wont remain just a Trump problem since other politicians will observe medias willingness to soften and reframe inflammatory statements, which could degrade political discourses. Thus, media not only fails to inform but also participates in the erosion of shared reality, where the truth becomes harder to discern. How to Combat Sanewashing? Journalists need a paradigm shift in political reporting. Instead of finding rationality in incoherence, Molloy from The New Republic says, journalists should simply present politicians words and actions as is, complete with fact-checks. This would mean rethinking the traditional notions of objectivity that often leads to misrepresentation and false equivalencies. With US Presidential Election almost two months away, it is important that the voters are truly informed, not just placated with sanitized versions of reality. Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) said on Monday that it has connected more than 100 rural base stations in Nigeria to Starlinks LEO satellite network, which has resulted in a 45% boost in traffic on those sites. AMN and SpaceX signed a commercial deal in July 2023 under which Starlink would provide satellite backhaul connectivity for AMNs remote base stations across Africa. The first AMN base station in Nigeria was fitted with a Starlink terminal in April this year in the rural village of Yebu. Since then, over 100 base stations in other villages have been connected to Starlink, and AMN said in a statement it expects to double that number before the end of the year. AMN said that traffic has increased by approximately 45% across all sites using Starlink backhaul, and that some sites are processing more than 25,000 voice minutes per day. AMN also partly credited the traffic boost at those sites to its software-defined AMN Radio Node (ARN) technology, which enables the base stations to support up to five simultaneous carriers in either 2G+3G or 2G+4G configurations. The combination of software-defined ARNs and LEO satellite backhaul enables AMN to boost base station capacity remotely with no change to the existing hardware on the site, AMN said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has alleged that the Centre was withholding funds from Opposition-ruled states for the Samagra Shiksha Scheme (SSS) and criticised the new National Education Policy (NEP). He cited a news report, which he shared on X (Twitter), that said some top-ranked states were being denied funds by the Centre for the education scheme. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded to Stalins allegations by criticising him for creating divisions among states over the implementation of NEP. Though Pradhan acknowledged healthy competition among states, but warned against pitting states against each other to make a point, in a statement on X. What Is It That The TN Government Is Opposed To? It has much to do with the Opposition states unwillingness to implement the Centres PM-SHRI scheme, and more so for the words PM and NEP in essence. Even as the Tamil Nadu government has been opposed to several facets of the NEP, including three-language formula and teaching in mother tongue, and was one of the Opposition-ruled states, which had not accepted the PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme until early this year, it was in July that it gave an undertaking to the education ministry saying that it is ready to sign an MoU with the Union government to implement PM-SHRI, News18 has learnt. According to officials in the know, when the draft was sent to the Tamil Nadu governments education department for the said MoU, it came back as a modified document seeking to remove the word NEP from it. They gave an undertaking with regard to implementing the PM-SHRI scheme and sign an MoU with the government for the same, but with a rider that NEP be removed from it. The MoE (Ministry of Education) responded by requesting the state education department to accept it as a whole since PM-SHRI is a tool to showcase the objectives of NEP and hence, cannot be removed from it, said an official familiar with the matter. TN government officials said they have not received funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme (SSS) for the first quarter of this year so far. They have been told by the ministry that since funds under SSS are for entire funding for school education, of which PM-Shri is a part, they cannot receive the funds unless they implement all objectives under the scheme. PM-SHRI is a scheme that aims to develop exemplar model schools that provide leadership to other schools in every block in each district across the country. The scheme was announced in the Union budget 2022, seeking to develop 14,500 PM-SHRI schools across India, which will showcase each of the objectives envisaged in the NEP, 2020. NEP outlines objectives for pre-primary, primary, secondary and senior secondary education in schools such as setting up of Bal Vatikas, teaching in mother tongue at primary stage, a three-language formula (one foreign and two Indian languages), introduction of vocational education and developing skills in the senior stages, among others. Many of the Opposition-ruled states have been opposed to the new policy since it came out in 2020. Also, since education is a subject in the concurrent list, states are not bound to accept the national policy. How SSS and PM-Shri Are Linked Samgara Shiksha Scheme is an overarching programme for school education to implement the Right to Education (RTE), Act 2009. The Centre is supposed to fund 60% of the scheme while states have to bear 40% of the expenses under the scheme except for the northeastern states and Union Territories (without a legislature), which have a larger share of central funding. It includes funding for teachers salaries and all other expenses for school activities. Since SSS was designed in 2018 by the BJP government and the NEP was developed in 2020, the former was aligned with the New Education Policy in 2021. A draft regarding this was sent to all states, and according to ministry officials, none of the states raised any objection to it then. In 2022, the PM-SHRI scheme was announced and incorporated under the SSS. States are required to confirm their participation in PM-SHRI by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the education ministry. Five Opposition-ruled states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab are yet to sign the MoU with the education ministry until now. While Tamil Nadu and Kerala had indicated that they are willing to implement the scheme, they are yet to do the same. Until early this year Delhi, West Bengal and Punjab had outrightly refused to implement the scheme, following which SSS funds were stopped to these states. Some of these states like Delhi and Punjab already follow similar schemes such as Schools of Excellence and Schools of Happiness. Reportedly, these three states were not given funds under the scheme for the last financial years October-December and January-March quarters as well as for the current years April-June quarter. Delhi & Punjab Agree To Sign MoU, West Bengal Says No Facing fund crunch, the Punjab government had said last month it is ready to implement the PM-SHRI scheme and will be signing an MoU with the ministry soon. Similarly, a few days ago, the Delhi government told the ministry that it will be implementing the scheme and sign the document for the same, News18 has learnt. Both Delhi and Punjab governments are led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Both, Delhi and Punjab governments have agreed to signing of the MoU recently. Punjab has even identified schools for the same, said a second official in the know. However, the West Bengal government is still to come on board. Officials said they sought to remove the word PM from the scheme in order to implement it, but nothing has come formally from the state education department on this. As India gears up to introduce Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that will replace the FASTag system, a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said owners of private vehicles with GNSS will be able to drive up to 20 km on national highways without paying any toll. The toll will be only charged if the driving distance on national highways is more than 20 km, as per the new notification National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024. A driver, owner or person in-charge of a mechanical vehicle other than National Permit vehicle who makes use of the same section of national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, shall be levied a zero-user fee up to twenty kilometers of journey in each direction in a day under Global Navigation Satellite System based user fee collection system and if the distance travelled is more than twenty kilometers, then fee will be charged for actual distance travelled, the order issued by the ministry said. What are the revised national highways fee rules? Rule 6 of the 2008 regulations has been altered to create exclusive lanes at toll plazas for vehicles with GNSS devices, eliminating the need for them to stop for manual toll payment. The ministry clarified that vehicles not registered in India or those without functioning GNSS devices will continue to be charged standard toll rates. What is the Global Navigation Satellite System? The GNSS will effectively end the use of FASTags while eliminating the need for toll plazas on national and state highways. It further claims to streamline the process as there would be no need to purchase a FASTag sticker and validate it. The GNSS-enabled tags will transmit location and speed data of the relevant vehicle to the centralized system. This will calculate the toll based on the distance travelled and speed at which this distance was covered at. Digital image processing records highway coordinates, while CCTV cameras installed on gantries ensure compliance by verifying vehicle positions, enabling seamless toll collection. The system will initially be rolled out on key highways and expressways. The On-Board Units (OBUs) or tracking devices will be available through government portals, similar to FASTags. They will need to be externally installed on vehicles, though manufacturers may begin offering vehicles with pre-installed OBUs. The toll charges will be deducted from the linked bank account based on the distance driven. According to MoRTH, as of March 2024, more than 98% of user fee payments are made through FASTag at Toll Plazas. What Can be the Challenges? While India has the capability to embrace digital technologies, significant infrastructure upgrades will be needed to make the transition to the GPS-based toll system. India has about 6.67 million km of road network, which is the second largest in the world. Meanwhile, the total toll length in the country has risen from 25,996 km in FY19 to 45,428 km as of November-end of FY24. Toll length stood at 29,666 km in 2019-20, 34,071 km in 2020-21, 38,315 km in 2021-22 and 42,595 km in 2022-23. The replacement of current FASTag infrastructure with the new system may potentially lead to higher toll costs for drivers. Road Accidents in India At the 64th annual conference in Delhi on September 10, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari urged all stakeholders to focus on reducing road accidents in India. There are nearly 53 accidents and 18 deaths every hour in the country. Just imagine. 45% of the accidents because of two-wheelers, 20% in pedestrians, HT Auto quoted Gadkari as saying to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) during SIAMs annual event. The India Status Report on Road Safety 2024, prepared by TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, analysed road safety in India, using data from FIRs from six states and audits of state compliance with Supreme Court directives on road safety governance. It highlights disparities in road traffic deaths across states, including the vulnerability of motorcyclists and high rate of fatal crashes involving trucks. In 2021, road traffic injuries were the 13th leading cause of death in India and the 12th leading cause of health loss (measured in Disability-Adjusted Life Years, or DALYs). In six states (Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh), road traffic injuries ranked among the top 10 causes of health loss, according to a report by The Hindu quoting the TRIP Centre analysis. Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh recorded the highest death rates, at 21.9, 19.2, and 17.6 per 1,00,000 people, respectively. In contrast, West Bengal and Bihar had the lowest rates, at 5.9 per 1,00,000 in 2021. Six states Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities in India, the report said. Most common victims of road accidents were pedestrians, cyclists and motorized two-wheeler riders, while trucks are responsible for highest proportion of impacting vehicles, as per the report. The report highlighted that most states lack basic traffic safety measures such as traffic calming, markings, and signage. Where Does India Stand in Global Road Governance? The report points out comparison between India and developed countries such as Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. In 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident than someone in these countries. By 2021, this figure had soared to 600%, indicating a sharp rise in road fatalities, the report added. Given that two-wheeler riders, cyclists, and motorcyclists represent the majority of road fatalities, the report questions whether better-equipped vehicles with more advanced safety features are the solution. Ajith Singh Nagar and Jakkampudi are two of the worst-hit areas by the floods in Andhra Pradeshs Vijayawada. Until now, 26 NDRF, 22 State Disaster Response Forces and two Navy teams have been deployed in search and rescue operations. The South Central Railway cancelled 339 trains and diverted 181 others given the floods on September 4. Gedela Harikrishna of Vijayawada paid tribute to the victims of this natural calamity through the sand sculpture to bring peace to the souls of those who lost their lives. He urged the people to come forward and help the people in need. While talking to Local18, Harikrishna said that such calamities are caused due to the pollution caused by people leading to the destruction of nature. Recalling the devastating landslides in Wayanad, sand artist Harikrishan said that the Wayanad disaster was not forgotten by many when the Vijayawada floods swept the houses of the citizens. Governments and people should not collectively do things that harm the environment. They are already helping all those affected by this calamity in any way they can. More people should come forward and help those who have lost everything in this calamity. said Gedela Harikrishna. Gedela Harikrishna called human service- A God service. He urged everyone to help the victims a little bit to shed light on their lives. The unexpected arrival of the flood in Vijayawada has created havoc in Andhra Pradesh. From infants to senior citizens, everyone suffered due to this flood. Some people are struggling with not having clean water to drink or good food to eat. This natural calamity threw everyone off the road causing irreparable damage to small traders. People were clueless about the sudden measures required to save themselves from the flood. They reached the high apartment areas and anxiously waited for the water level to recede. It took three days for the roads to become water-free. The government and voluntary organizations showed their humanity by visiting the flood-affected areas and offering help to whomever they could. A fascinating laser show happened at the Victory at Sea Memorial on RK Beach Road in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. According to Local 18 Telugu, this laser show happened to commemorate the war victories of the Eastern Naval Command and the Indian Navy. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation organised this show in association with the Eastern Naval Command. This laser show impressed everyone. Greater Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Commissioner P Sampath said that this show was organised on Beach Road in Visakhapatnam so that tourists and locals could see it. The Eastern Naval Command and GVMC are planning to perform the laser show at the Sea Memorial every week. As per the GVMC commissioner, the wonderful achievements that happened in history will be presented to Visakhapatnam natives and tourists every week through a laser show in English and Telugu. The accomplishments of the Indian Navy in 1971 and the obstacles faced by the people are being witnessed through this laser show. The show explains to the people how the Indian Navy used to operate in the past and how many victories it has achieved so far. Most of the tourists and city dwellers arrived at Visakhapatnam on September 9, evening in the evening to witness the laser show. The GVMC commissioner P Sampath said that this show will instill a patriotic feeling and knowledge in the natives who arrive at Visakhapatnam. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam Rajesh Pendharkar also talked about this laser show. Rajesh said that the Eastern Naval Commands victories will be displayed on the Victory at Sea Memorial Stupa in the coastal area of Visakhapatnam through this laser show. As per Rajesh, the audience will get to know how the Navy operated in the past when they had less technological equipment. Now, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief said that they will show how the detailed procedures of the Indian Navy. He requested everyone to come and watch this show. In the laser show, there were many mesmerising visuals of the 1971 war depicted on the memorial which looked an interesting sight to watch. The memorial was lit with pictures of helicopters, the Indian flag, etc. An elephant caused a ruckus in Hamiltonganj, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal after consuming the Handia. It is also known as Hadia and is a traditional rice beer that traces its roots back thousands of years in the tribal regions of India. According to Local 18 West Bengal, the elephant was spotted standing straight in the area adjacent to the forest. It was evident as per the local reports that the elephant did not know to go in which direction. The terrified local natives finally reported to the forest department because of the fear of how the drunken elephants could cause damage to their locality. The Hamiltonganj Range Office of the forest department was also scared of the giant animal. The Forest officials reached the spot but could not manage to make the elephant reach the forest. As seen in the Local 18 visual, the unarmed officials watched the elephant from a distance and didnt even go near to control the animal somehow. According to the Press Trust of India report, a similar incident happened in 2022 when 24 jumbo elephants enjoyed mahua, a traditional country liquor. They then slept for hours in an Odisha forest. The natives of a nearby village living near Shilipada cashew forest in Keonjhar district discovered this sight. At that time, they went inside the forest to prepare the liquor. They found that a herd of elephants had already devoured the water fermented with the intoxicating mahua flowers and were in deep sleep. We went into the jungle at around 6 am to prepare mahua and found that all the pots were broken and the fermented water was missing. We also found that the elephants were sleeping. They consumed the fermented water and got drunk, Naria Sethi, a villager, told PTI. Can Elephants Get Attracted to Alcohol? A scientific study conducted by Steve Morris from the University of Bristol found the answer affirmative to this question. The study said that elephants are attracted to alcohol but its not possible to become drunk by eating marulas. Marula tree is a deciduous tree growing up to 18 m tall. They grow on various types of woodlands on sandy loam soils. Congress MP from Inner Manipur A Bimol Akoijam on Tuesday wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah expressing deep anguish over the unprecedented violent crisis in Manipur and called for corrective measures such as ensuring that the security forces act decisively to rein in the violence. In his letter to Shah, Akoijam also called for thoroughly investigating the allegations of involvement by illegal immigrants, foreign elements and illicit drug mafia in the present crisis. He wrote that the current situation in Manipur evokes memories of the partition of India in 1947, which is especially painful given the governments recent efforts to commemorate August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, and said Shah would also have been deeply hurt if the same were to happen to Gujarat. It is distressing that such a severe crisis has unfolded under the present administrations watch, he said. It pains me to bring this reminder to you that this violence has led to the loss of precious human lives in hundreds and about 60,000 people have been rendered homeless. Just as I write this letter, not only thousands of those internally displaced persons (IDPs) are still languishing in relief camps under deplorable conditions but this unprecedented violence has also remained unabated to date, Akoijam said. In fact, the violence has further taken a dangerous turn, with the loss of lives and property as a result of aerial attacks, reportedly involving weaponised drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and rockets/missiles, the Congress MP said in his letter to Shah. Besides, there have been reports of extortion and other forms of crime. Consequently, the livelihoods of the people and the economy of the state in general have also been severely affected by prolonged violence and lawlessness, he said. I often wonder whether such a violent crisis would have been allowed to linger for so long if it had involved the so-called mainstream or mainland India (such as in states like UP, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra). Indeed, I deeply regret that the lives of the people in Manipur do not seem to matter to this government of India, of which you are a prominent leader, Akoijam said. I am sure that you would have been deeply hurt if the same case were to happen to Gujarat, your own home state, like any other Gujarati would have understandably felt, he said. Akoijam called for immediate corrective measures and other necessary steps to restore peace and normalcy in the state of Manipur. He urged Shah to ensure that the security forces act decisively and judiciously to rein in the violence. Investigate reports of the units of security agencies/forces acting in a partisan manner during the ongoing crisis, and take steps to address trust deficits and ensure accountability if the allegations are found to be true, he said in his letter to Shah. Akoijam called for rejecting the exclusivist identity politics which is fuelling the crisis by firmly and categorically declaring that administrative reforms can be entertained only to ensure that public goods and services are delivered effectively and fairly to the people, rather than reinforcing exclusivist identities that create divisions in society and polity. Akoijam also called for the inquiry committee, established in June 2023 and headed by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba to complete its work and release its findings without further delay. He urged Shah to take concrete steps to address the suffering of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and ensure their resettlement in their original homes with dignity and well-being. He called for restoring the free movement of goods and people on the highways with full security by implementing measures, including the deployment of adequate armed forces. Additionally, as the economy of Manipur has been devastated by this violence, urgently address the issue of fiscal relief, including tax exemptions, with the relevant ministry, he said. Akoijam also called for thoroughly investigating the allegations of involvement by illegal immigrants, foreign elements and illicit drug mafia in the present crisis. If found to be true, take necessary steps to check and repel such involvement, he added. The Congress MP said necessary institutional and judicious measures are needed to delineate citizens from non-citizens in the state. Akoijam also called for a review of existing policies and measures with armed groups, particularly the controversial Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Kuki armed groups in the state, to ensure that such measures do not become a breeding ground for violence and illegal activities. He also batted for initiating dialogue among the people and healing processes to address the trauma caused by this unprecedented tragedy in the state. Akoijams remarks come amid an escalation of violence in Manipur. The state government on Tuesday suspended internet services in five valley districts amid intensified agitation by students. The decision was taken to curb the use of social media for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video, the state home department said in a notification. Also, prohibitory orders were imposed in three districts of Manipur. An indefinite curfew, preventing people from coming outside their houses, was clamped in Imphal East and West districts, while prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS were imposed in Thoubal. Clashes between Meitei and Kukis have left over 200 people dead and thousands homeless since May last year. A woman flying officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has accused a Wing Commander of rape and harassment in Jammu and Kashmir. An FIR has also been registered against the officer at Budgam police station. In a statement, the IAF said the Budgam Police Station approached the concerned Air Force station for the investigation. The IAF is cooperating in the investigation. We are aware of the case. The Air Force Station in Srinagar was approached by the local Budgam police station on the subject. We are fully cooperating towards this case, a senior IAF official said. The victim in her complaint said that that she has been suffering harassment, sexual assault and mental torture over the past two years, NDTV reported. According to the complaint, the Wing Commander allegedly sexually assaulted the Flying Officer in his room during a New Year party at the officers mess on December 31, 2023. The victim further said that she was afraid to lodge the complaint. There were instances before also wherein I was discouraged to report. He visited my office post this incident He behaved as if nothing happened and there was no sign of remorse in his eyes, she added. The woman officer further said that she reached out to two other women officers and they guided her to file a complaint. The FIR was lodged in Police Station Budgam on Sunday under Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to rape by a person in a position of trust or authority. Earlier in 2021, an IAF woman pilot complained that she was sexually harassed by her Flight Commander in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kandahar hijack incident has been generating curiosity among the public ever since Netflix started streaming the IC814 The Kandahar Hijack mini-series based on the infamous 1999 incident in which a passenger flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was taken over by militants. Amid some controversy over how much of the series is fiction, some details from the actual hijacking saga have resurfaced in the public domain. A particularly sensational piece of information was the presence of a rich businessman aboard the flight that took off from Kathmandu with 176 passengers. However, the hijackers had no clue about the passengers real identity. Read More: IC814: What Happened to the Plane After the Hijack Saga? No one among the passengers had any clue about this high-profile passenger who was sitting with them. This passenger was Roberto Giori, a Swiss-Italian businessman. According to a Time report, Giori was one of the richest businessmen in Switzerland at that time. He was the owner of De La Rue, a UK-based company which had control of over 90% of the worlds currency-printing business. De La Rue used to print currency notes of more than 70 countries in the world. According to a report by The New Indian Express, Roberto Giori was on his way back from Kathmandu after spending a holiday with his partner Christina Calabresi. Some reports even claim that Gioris presence in the hijacked flight played a very important role in creating international pressure on India during the talks. Read More: IC814: Ajit Doval Brought Back This Souvenir from Kandahar But Did Not Keep It According to reports, Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked for eight days. The hijackers had demanded $200 million from the Indian government in exchange for the release of the hostages. They also demanded the release of several terrorists held by the Indian government. One of them was Masood Azhar, who later founded the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. India had to release three terrorists Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar and Masood Azhar in exchange for the hostages. Masood Azhar is believed to be the mastermind of the 2019 Pulwama attack. His militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed has carried out several terrorist attacks in India. In a huge wallet scam, a company, operating from Gurugram, has duped people to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore. In an investigation conducted by CNN-News18 against the company called TalkCharge, it was found that staggering returns were being offered to users in just a few months in the name of cashback. The victims have alleged that its a scam worth Rs 5,000 crore. Operations of the said company were stopped in April 2024. CNN-News18 spoke to the victims of the ponzi scheme run by TalkCharge, founded by Ankush Katiyar in Gurugram. One of the victims, Ramavtar Sharma from Rajasthans Dausa, said he could have never imagined that his hard earned money and all his savings would be looted. His faith in the app was such that he expected only dividends and no losses. He said he even took loan from banks to invest money into the app, adding that he feels like dying now. The app that promised to increase investment multi-fold is believed to have duped hundreds across the country. It boasts of almost 2 million downloads despite its abysmal ratings, which was the number one red-flag. How TalkCharge Lured Users And Then Trapped Them Initially launched as a prepaid payment service provider, TalkCharge promised users lucrative cashback offers, attracting many to invest significant amounts from earning a cashback of Rs 1,666 on a deposit of Rs 4,999 to earning a whopping Rs 7,50,000 cashback in the bank account by depositing just Rs 59,999 in the TalkCharge wallet. The victims now say that trusting TalkCharge was their lifes biggest mistake. There were multiple e-wallet options available to customers back in 2017 and TalkCharge decluttered their choices with cashbacks more than the market standards. The company also survived the turbulent Covid times. Everything went well till 2023, when the company launched some big money offers. Once a users trust was gained, it was easy to lure them to invest more. In July 2023, the company started charging 20 per cent convenience fees, which was unusual in many ways. In August 2023, the company launched a promo code no fees with a tag of Rs 1,49,999 to get away with the 20 per cent convenience fees and make withdrawals smoother. And then, in January 2024, the fraudulent transactions began. Customers said that a payment made to the vendor was successful but the biller didnt receive the money. In March 2024, withdrawals and services on the application stopped completely. The total wallet balance including my and my family members money was Rs 1.19 crore. If I dont get this money back, Ill have to face a lot of challenges. I have four kids, old-aged parents, a younger brother. I am the sole earning member of the family. Banks have also started calling me since I am not being able to pay my EMIs, Sharma said. The app has managed to dupe people from all walks of life. From a small shop owner in Rajasthan to the CFO of a multinational conglomerate, all fell prey to the lure of quick money. During the course of investigation, CNN-News18 managed to get it touch with over 800 victims from all across the county. The masterminds of this scam were using several ways to dupe users. Shivani Maheshwari, the co-founder of this app, is the venture capitalist of many new startups. If you read about her background, she has never worked in any company before TalkCharge. On what basis did she manage to invest crores in startups, another victim Abhishek Mani questioned. There are multiple complaints and FIRs against the promoters of TalkCharge across India. CNN-News18 managed to access an FIR lodged with the Economic Offences Wing of Gurugram Police. As per the FIR, its not just Ankush Katiyar, but co-founder Shivani Maheshwari is also being probed, and so are some employees of TalkCharge. Initially, they were offering a business model like any other wallet app. But later when they started giving offers against deposits, thats where things started going wrong. That scheme itself was faulty because on a deposit of Rs 5,000, they were offering a 50 per cent cashback, which was not practical, said Anil Rawal, IRS(Retd). When CNN-News18 began its investigation, Ankush Katiyar was at large. After pressure from the victims and in between the investigation by Gurugram Police, on September 4, Katiyar was arrested by the Delhi Police in the national capital. Katiyar and others have been booked under Sections 120-b, 420 of the IPC and The Haryana Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishment Act, 2013. Multiple complaints have been filed with RBI, SEBI, Income Tax and the GST department, but no response has been received so far from any of these authorities. But the scam has raised pertinent questions Do we have enough regulatory mechanisms? Are agencies able to effectively enforce the law? A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Tuesday sent former principal of Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh and his four aides to judicial custody till September 23 in a case linked with alleged financial irregularities. The anti-corruption branch of the central agency arrested Ghosh and his aides last week in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the medical establishment during his tenure as the principal of RG Kar institute. Afsar Ali Khan, personal bouncer of Ghosh, and two vendors who used to supply materials to the hospital Biplav Singha and Suman Hazara were also arrested by the CBI. The CBIs Special Crime Branch is probing the case of rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital which took place on August 9. He body was found in the seminar room on the fourth floor of the medical facility. Meanwhile, the anti-corruption wing is questioning Ghosh in financial irregularities case. Charges against Ghosh The hospitals former deputy superintendent Dr Akhtar Ali had lodged complaints of financial irregularities on multiple counts at the establishment during Ghoshs tenure as principal. In his plea before the high court, Ali accused Ghosh of illegal sale of unclaimed corpses, trafficking of biomedical waste and passing tenders against the commission paid by medicine and medical equipment suppliers. Ali also alleged that students were pressured to pay amounts ranging between Rs 5 and 8 lakh to pass exams. The CBI had earlier named Ghosh in the FIR the agency has filed in connection with its probe. The FIR was lodged after the CBI took over the probe from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) following directions of the Calcutta High Court which the West Bengal government had initially formed following the alleged rape and murder of a woman medic on August 9. The agency has slapped Section 120B of IPC (criminal conspiracy) read with Section 420 IPC (cheating and dishonesty) and Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) which covers unlawful acceptance of gratification by a public servant. Ghosh served as principal of RG Kar Hospital from February 2021 to September 2023. He was transferred from the medical establishment in October that year but inexplicably returned to that position within a month. Ghosh was removed from his chair at RG Kar Hospital after the crime came to light and reinstated in the same position at the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital within hours by the Mamata Banerjee government. Later, he was asked to go on an indefinite leave in the wake of massive protests and pending the corruption inquiry. (With inputs from agencies) The man indicted for first-degree murder in the death of Milo Warnock faces additional charges of tampering with evidence and persistent violator sentencing enhancement for previous convictions. James M. Johnson, 33, was indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder and destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence, both felonies, according to court documents. The indictment states that Johnson on Dec. 10 in Ada County allegedly killed Warnock by using force or violence and/or by inflicting one more blunt force impacts and/or injuries. The charge also states that Johnson and Warnock were both incarcerated at the time of the alleged crime, according to court documents. The concealment of evidence indictment states that on the same day of the alleged murder, Johnson also allegedly destroyed, altered or concealed blood or evidence by wiping the blood evidence and attempted to clean up the evidence where the death took place. The indictment states that Johnson allegedly knew that the blood and blood evidence would be used in a criminal investigation and he was trying to prevent it from being discovered, according to court documents. The indictment was signed Aug. 17 by the presiding grand juror of Ada County, according to court documents. Warnock was a 1996 Lewiston High School graduate who died after being assaulted Dec. 10 at the Idaho State Correctional Institution in Kuna, Idaho. Johnson was Warnocks cellmate, according to documents from Warnocks family. Warnock was serving a 2-10 year sentence for a felony DUI charge and had been sent to the maximum security part of the prison after an issue with his medication resulted in an infraction. Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankul on Tuesday responded to the incident where his son Sankets luxury car hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday in the Ramdaspeth area of Nagpur and assured that there will be an impartial investigation in the case. Speaking to reporters about the incident, Bawankule admitted the Audi car was registered in the name of his son Sanket. Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias, he added. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all, the senior BJP leader said. The remarks came after his sons luxury car rammed into several vehicles, after which the driver was arrested and his medical examination was underway, a police official said. There were a total of three persons in the car including driver Arjun Hawre, Ronit Chittamwar and Sanket Bawankule at the time of the accident, sources claimed, adding that the driver was arrested and his blood samples were sent for medical examination. According to the Sitabuldi police station official, the Audi car first collided with complainant Jitendra Sonkambles car at 1 am and then with a moped, leaving two youths riding it injured. The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards the Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near the Mankapur bridge, he said. A senior officer said a case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. Hawre (the driver) was placed under arrest and his blood samples were sent for testing to check if he was driving under the influence of alcohol, the official added. The official said the occupants of the Audi were returning from a beer bar in Dharampeth when the incident occurred, adding the medical examination would include blood tests for alcohol detection. Sources claimed that both the occupants, Ronit and Sanket had recorded their statements in the police station after being served a notice. Further investigation is underway, said an official. Thackeray Sena Levels Big Allegation Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that Sanket was swapped with the driver after the incident to save him from the arrest. Those who are the sons of powerful people dont even have their names in the FIR. After the accident, Sanket was swapped with the driver. Maharashtra BJP chiefs son was drunk and he is being saved. Two people have been injured but Sankets name didnt make it to the FIR. The recovery of tails of sophisticated rockets from Manipur after recent drone and hi-tech missile attacks has led to serious questions about availability of weapons from Myanmar, working of state police and security forces, and new insurgent groups from Bangladesh, according to top intelligence sources. Sources said drones were sighted in November 2023 when the airport airspace reported drones and two Indigo flights were diverted and one flight took off after three-hour delay. The biggest problem which cant be ruled out is that the Kuki groups are known for using long-range weapons from China, Pakistan or Korea," said sources. ALSO READ | Amid Fresh Violence in Manipur, Govt Implements Last Months Decision of Replacing 2 Assam Rifles Battalions With CRPF | EXCLUSIVE Serious concerns about the role of Assam Rifles were raised in May 2023, when they blocked the police station with armoured vehicle as riots broke out and free run was given to Kukis. Almost 5,000-6,000 cadres of retired Assam Rifles are ready to join Kuki groups," said sources. WAR-LIKE STORES PROVIDING UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLIES? On April 29 this year, the Assam Rifles acted on specific intelligence and recovered war weapons from Mon districts of Nagaland, which is close to Myanmar. These weapons included mortar, satellite phones, pistols and tubes, among others. The use of drones and missiles suggests that war-like stores are available to Kuki Zo militants and uninterrupted supplies are coming from the Myanmar border. These groups have got training possibly from Myanmar Kuki Chin. These weapons are quite sophisticated and experts are needed to make them. Also, you need specialised training to fire these missiles as you need to assess trajectory and calculate wind speed," said sources. POLICESPEAK The Manipur Police dismissed the claims of Lt. Gen P C Nair, a retired DG of Assam Rifles, in a recent media interview that no drones or rockets have been used in the attacks. He had also labelled Manipur Police as a Meitei Police", indicating their alleged partisan role in the ethnic strife. Speaking to reporters, IGP (Administration) K Jayanta Singh said, The statement is an immature one and seems to be his personal view and not of the force (Assam Rifles). We strongly dismiss it. There is evidence of drone and hi-tech missile attacks. Drones have been recovered. Tails of sophisticated rockets fired on civilian areas have been recovered. Despite such evidence, it is very unfortunate that a distinguished commander would make such statements." IGP (Operations) I K Muivah said, We want to clarify on the statement that there is no Manipur Police but Meitei Police or Kuki Police. We want to dismiss that." ALSO READ | Internet Shut In Manipur For 5 Days Amid Violence, Student Agitation On the drone attacks, Muivah said, We have clarified in official media handles in connection with the drone bombings and we stand by it." On the ongoing student protests, Muivah said, We appeal to the students not to indulge in violence and to conduct it in a peaceful manner." Screenshots are being taken for documentation for those who instigate violence and spread false messages with false pictures as it creates panic and confusion, he said. A police personnel was hit by a bullet fired from protesters in Thoubal on Monday, he said. TOP CRPF OFFICIALS IN MANIPUR The government, meanwhile, sent senior Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials to Manipur. This is a priority. The CRPF is better equipped and handling all conflict zones across the country," according to top government sources. Amid fresh wave of violence, the decision to send two battalions of Assam Rifles out of Manipur, which was made last month, has been initiated. The two battalions of Assam Rifles are set to move out of Manipur. An official communication regarding the movement was issued on Monday. More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May last year. At least eight persons have died and over 12 injured in a fresh wave of violence, which included drone and missile attacks. With PTI Inputs In the wake of a number of cases where Indians were caught at Doha International Airport for allegedly carrying narcotic substances, the Embassy of India and Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), an organisation that works under the aegis of the diplomatic mission, organised an online seminar on Tuesday to highlight Qatars rules on restricted substances. The officials who hosted the seminar urged Indians to observe due caution and follow Qatars laws while travelling to the country. Senior officials from the Indian embassy said the seminar was aimed at raising awareness about Qatars rules and regulations regarding banned narcotics and the import of restricted psychoactive and psychotropic drugs and substances. There are roughly over eight lakh Indians staying in Qatar of which about half are from the state of Kerala. A number of Indians are caught as they are used as carriers by those running narcotics syndicates. They are caught and then have no immediate family members to help them in the legal hassle. At any given time there are about 50-60 such cases involving Indians who eventually land in jails of Qatar, an official from the seminar said. The seminar was addressed by the ambassador of India to Qatar, Vipul, first secretary Eish Singhal, and ICBF president Shanavas Bava. In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted Qatars rules for bringing restricted and other medicines into the country and the prohibition on bringing narcotic substances. He urged Indians to observe due caution and follow Qatars laws while travelling to the country. Singhal presented some case studies in which Indians received prison sentences for carrying narcotics or restricted drugs. In some cases, those sentenced claimed that they had been handed over a packet by agents when they travelled to Qatar and the packet was found to contain prohibited or restricted items when they landed, he said. The ICBF president also spoke on the issue and requested civil society organisations including those in India to spread awareness about the strict laws in Qatar on consumption or trafficking of drugs and prohibited substances. He also underlined assistance extended by the Embassy of India and ICBF to Indian prisoners such as legal counselling and some financial assistance in emergencies. The seminar was also attended by Indian community members and stakeholders from Doha and India among others. A study published in the prestigious international science journal Nature has conclusively proven the immense health benefits that came out of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Parameswaran Iyer, former Secretary and the man who led the Mission from 2016 to 2020, told News18 in an exclusive interview. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not only the brain behind the Mission but also our communicator-in-chief It was a programme led by the PM, overseen by the PM, and I think the results speak for themselves, Iyer told News18 from the US where he serves as Executive Director, World Bank for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Iyer, a former IAS officer, was brought from the World Bank by the Modi government in 2016 to lead the Swachh Bharat Mission. According to a new study published in the prestigious international science journal, Swachh Bharat Mission may have saved lives of 60,000-70,000 children every year in India. The study analysed the falling child and infant mortality rates since 2014 when the Mission was launched. Iyer had led the Mission for five years. I fully agree with the results of this study, in terms of significant reduction in infant and child mortality due to Swachh Bharat Mission. We always knew that provision of toilets and access to sanitation had significant health impacts apart from economic impacts and the dignity and security of women. But this study in a peer-reviewed journal brings out very rigorously the health impacts. That is a huge number of lives saved, Iyer told News18. He said that when the programme started, the government intuitively knew, and there was some evidence, which showed that access to safe sanitation decreases infant mortality. There was a direct connection of lack of sanitation and lack of water with increase in diarrhoea deaths, and most vulnerable were children and infants below five years. This study has conclusively proven it. We knew that access to sanitation would help reduce childhood stunting, Iyer said. PMs Vision, Says Iyer PM Modi was the first and only world leader who put sanitation and reducing open defecation very firmly on the national development agenda, Iyer said. It was a programme led by PM, overseen by the PM, and I think the results speak for themselves, Iyer told News18. He recalled August 15, 2014, when Modi made the dramatic announcement from Red Fort and said everyone was taken aback that PM of India is talking about toilets and open defecation in his Independence Day speech. It was an inflection point in Indias journey in eradicating open defecation apart from the announcement, PM followed through on the implementation. It was a bold announcement. You can see the results today, Iyer said. He said Modi missed no opportunity to address the nation on this issue, including in Mann Ki Baat, when he would cite examples of ordinary people turning this programme into a Jan Andolan. It was his inspirational leadership that went down to the chief minister and DMs; the PM, CM, DM as we say in UP cadre which was the magic formula. Unquestioningly, PMs eye for communication and impact was the key, Iyer said. He cited how the PM termed a toilet as an izzat ghar a symbol of womens dignity. He oversaw the programme in great detail. He explained how the country would benefit, he galvanised the entire council of ministers, the apparatus and most importantly, he repeatedly emphasised that it was to be a Jan Andolan, not a sarkari exercise. How it needed to go to villages and communities, who should own the programme, taking out Gaurav Yatras when particular villages became open-defecation free all this was his brainchild, Iyer told News18. Other Benefits Iyer said there were multiple spin-off benefits of Swachh Bharat Mission. One benefit was economic, which we learnt through a study done by UNICEF. It said that in every open defecation-free village, each individual household could save Rs 50,000 a year on account of avoided medical fees and the time saved, he said. However, according to Iyer, the health benefit has been one of the most significant ones. We did the ABC align with the PMs big vision, build belief amongst ourselves that it could be done, and communicate. In a federal system, cooperation of states was key as they aligned with the PMs vision. Young DMs took charge and there was a sense of excitement, he added. Mpox cannot be termed the second Covid-19 and is not comparable to coronavirus in terms of lethality or being a hidden danger, former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar told News18 as the country detected the first case of Mpox in the latest global upsurge. Allaying the fears of facing one more pandemic, the countrys top epidemiologist said there is no reason to panic. The death rate of this infection is low, and it is relatively easy to identify a case because lesions appear on the skin after three to five days of fever, Gangakhedkar said, while applauding the Union governments efforts to zero in on the case at the earliest. On Monday, the Union Health Ministry confirmed the first case of Mpox in India as a travel-related infection. Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of Mpox virus of the West African clade 2 in the patient. This case is an isolated case, like the earlier 30 cases reported in India from July 2022 onwards, and is not a part of the current public health emergency (reported by WHO) which is regarding clade 1 of Mpox, the ministry said. Gangakhedkar, who was the face of Indias apex medical research agency during government briefings on Covid-19, told News18: This world is a global village and disease-causing germs can travel across. But, we picked up this case early which shows the strength of our surveillance mechanism at airports. If we keep on isolating quickly and do an efficient contact tracing followed by isolation, there is no reason to panic at all. Much lighter, no comparison with Covid-19 According to the scientist, Mpox is not comparable to Covid-19 which, he believes, was a greater threat. In Covid-19, our enemy was invisible. Even the carrier of the virus would not know that they are transmitting the virus to vulnerable people. The virus in that case was airborne but, in Mpox, the disease is visible through skin lesions and is transmitted via direct contact with secretions, he said. Gangakhedkar also pointed out that people above the age of 45 are likely to have received the shot of smallpox vaccine which protects them from acquiring the infection. This means the younger population remains susceptible to this infection and we know their bodies are generally stronger and more resilient to combating illnesses. He added: The population above 40-50 years was at risk of Covid-19 and, in this case, they are the ones who are most likely safe due to prior vaccination. Dont Hide Lesions, Visit A Doctor Immediately The only word of caution from the epidemiologist is Dont hide any lesions or boils on the skin that appear after fever. He said: Go and get that lesion checked by your doctor. The doctor is more likely to tell you that it is not Mpox but you shouldnt hide it and end up passing infection to your near and dear ones. Overall, there is no reason to panic or hide infection, said Dr Gangakhedkar, who was involved in the prevention and control strategies against the HIV epidemic in India. Opposition lawmakers had a war of words with Bharatiya Janata Party MPs in a meeting of Parliaments Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday over summoning Madhabi Puri Buch, chairperson of market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The development came to light after a senior member of Parliament from Trinamool Congress, Professor Saugata Roy, wrote a letter to the chairman of the committee, Congress Lok Sabha lawmaker KC Venugopal. Roy urged Venugopal to summon the SEBI chief suo moto to the meeting which was scheduled for Tuesday because, he said, the working of the regulatory body and activities involving Buch and her conduct recently were of urgent public importance. However, sources said BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in the meeting cited parliamentary rules to contend that such a demand to summon an authority like this was not allowed. Dubey argued that the PAC can only examine the finances of the government with respect to various ministries, etc, but cannot examine the functioning of a regulatory board and its staff. To summon an office bearer of the SEBI would require the committee to get permission from the government of India itself, he said. The functions of the Committee, as enshrined in Rule 308(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, include examination of accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament for the expenditure of the Government of India, the annual finance accounts of the Government and such other accounts laid before the House as the Committee may think fit. In scrutinising the Appropriation Accounts of the Government of India and the Report of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, says the rule cited by Dubey. It further states, An important function of the Committee is to ascertain that money granted by Parliament has been spent by Government within the scope of the demand. The implications of this phrase are that (i) money recorded as spent against the grant must not be more than the amount granted, (ii) the expenditure brought to account against a particular grant must be of such a nature as to warrant its record against the grant and against no other, and iii) the grants should be spent on purposes which are set out in the detailed demand and they cannot be spent on any new service not contemplated in the demand. The functions of the Committee extend beyond the formality of expenditure to its wisdom, faithfulness and economy. The Committee thus examines cases involving losses, nugatory expenditure and financial irregularities. When any case of proved negligence resulting in loss or extravagance is brought to the notice of the Committee, it calls upon the Ministry/Department concerned to explain what action, disciplinary or otherwise, it had taken to prevent a recurrence. In such a case it can also record its opinion in the form of disapproval or pass strictures against the extravagance or lack of proper control by the Ministry or Department concerned. Another important function of the Committee is the discussion on points of financial discipline and principle. The detailed examination of questions involving principle and system is a leading and recognized function of the Committee. The Committee is not concerned with questions of policy in the broad sense. As a rule, it expresses no opinion on points of general policy, but it is within its jurisdiction to point out whether there has been extravagance or waste in carrying out that policy. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) GC Murmu, who was also present before the committee on Tuesday, agreed with the BJP MPs arguments. Sources earlier indicated that the Congress MPs in the committee had hinted that they would summon the SEBI chief and question her in particular on the functioning of the regulatory body after the grand old party unearthed some controversies around Buchs appointment. In the meeting, Jharkhand MP Dubey also contended that Parliament functions on set norms and procedures. He also reminded other colleagues that the PAC is one of the oldest committees. During the argument, PAC chairperson Venugopal agreed that the decision of the committee would be final. Madhabi Puri Buch has been facing allegations of conflict of interest. A Hindenburg report first highlighted this, and it was later picked up by the Congress, which did several press conferences, challenging her appointment. She has faced questions about her as well as her husbands connections with businessman Gautam Adani. So far, the SEBI chief has categorically denied all the allegations. Crew members caught a passenger smoking mid-air inside the lavatory on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Pune. Police booked the 38-year-old man after the plane landed at the Pune International Airport on Monday (September 9). According to the police, the incident took place on an Indigo flight from Delhi to Pune that landed after 1 am. The passenger is a resident of Delhis Okhla Vihar, police said. The flight crew informed the ground staff about the incident soon after the aircraft landed, and the passenger was handed over to the police. An FIR was registered at the Vimantal police station on the basis of a formal complaint by a security executive of IndiGo. We have booked the passenger and have issued him a notice to be present before us for the investigation when summoned, a police officer was quoted by The Indian Express. The FIR said the flight attendants detected smoke inside a lavatory around 12.30 am, half an hour before the flight was to land. They recovered parts of the cigarette from the dustbin and seized the lighter from the passenger. A case was registered under Section 25 of The Aircraft Rules, 1937, and Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts endangering the life or personal safety of others. Seven years ago, former RG Kar hospital principal Dr Sandip Ghosh landed in deep trouble in Hong Kong over a misunderstanding with a male nursing student that led to sexual harassment charges against him. In 2017, Ghosh was acquitted in the molestation case in the city that he was visiting for a two-month clinical exchange programme. But, this was cancelled in a few days due to the alleged incident and subsequent trial. He is now in jail for alleged financial corruption when he was the principal of Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and has been linked to the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at the premier medical institution. Ghosh, however, underwent trial and was acquitted in the case in Hong Kong. According to a report published by South China Morning Post, his name matches that of an Indian orthopaedist who appeared in a Hong Kong court in 2017 over allegations he molested a male nursing student at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Yau Ma Tei hospital). SCMP quoted a medical sector source saying he only briefly worked at the Yau Ma Tei hospital. Due to the lawsuit, the hospital stopped his posting and therefore he actually only worked there for a few days, the source told the newspaper. Both The Post and News18 could not immediately confirm if Ghosh is doctor involved in the indecent assault case. But, SCMP has detailed news reports about the trial from 2017. The report said Ghosh was acquitted on one count of indecent assault. He could not resume his position before the trial was over. After the trial was completed, the original period of time he was supposed to stay was also finished, the source added. The report further said the exchange programme was arranged by an international orthopaedic organisation to allow doctors from developing countries to learn in hospitals in more advanced economies, such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Patted my buttock and tried to touch my private parts In 2017, during the trial, the male nursing student told the court that the Indian doctor, purportedly Ghosh, patted his buttocks two to three times and tried to touch his genitals while the two were in the changing room. Ghosh, who has been named in the SCMP reports, said he only pulled on the students arm to help fix his dislocated shoulder. He testified that the whole incident was a misunderstanding as he had only touched the nurses hip by accident. Back then, his lawyer had also suggested that the nurse had misunderstood Ghosh due to his strong accent, but the student had disagreed. Reports said the alleged assault took place on April 8, 2017, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei. It was documented by the defence lawyers that Ghosh had suffered a shoulder dislocation in the weeks preceding the alleged incident and his medical history of the condition. If theres one country in the world with whom Indias ties are steadily on the rise, it is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the last decade, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has managed to unlock a potential that leaders before him never paid attention to. In 2015, he was the first Indian Prime Minister make a visit to the UAE in three decades, and since then, the two nations have never looked back. The UAEs leadership is now making sure to build a strong foundation even for the future of this relationship. The President of the Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan has invested a lot into ties with India, and now hes making sure that the next generation of the countrys leadership does too. His son, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled, met with the Indian Prime Minister on Monday. He is being groomed as the next-gen leader of the Emirates, and part of that effort is to continue his fathers legacy with respect to India. Lets break down why soaring of ties between these to countries is a big deal. From trade to temples, and even an IIT campus in Abu Dhabi theres a lot to unpack. First things first who is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi? His name is Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He comes from the ruling House of Al Nahyan and hes the next in line for the leadership of the UAE. This is his first visit to India as the Crown Prince and the focus of his meeting with PM Modi entailed trade and strategic ties. As a result of their talks, the two nations have signed five agreements pertaining to nuclear energy, LNG, petroleum and food parks. This visit is important because its the Crown Princes chance to strengthen ties with India at a time when both the countries are growing fast, not just in terms of trade, but in technology, education, and even culture. Just recently, Sheikh Khaled inaugurated an IIT campus in Abu Dhabi. This is the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) where some of Indias best scientific minds and engineering professionals come out of. This is huge because its not just about education, its about positioning the UAE as a global hub for tech and innovation. Its also a sign of how India and the UAE are going beyond just business and oil; theyre investing in future generations and knowledge-sharing. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi visited the UAE for the inauguration of a Hindu temple. It was a major event, but heres the thing, this wasnt just a one-off event. Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed have built a really strong personal relationship. Whats interesting is that before Modis first visit as the Prime Minister in 2015, no Indian PM had been to the UAE in 34 years. Thats a huge missed opportunity, especially when you consider the size of the Indian diaspora there. This personal connection has really taken the relationship to a whole new level. This bonhomie has instilled trust and goodwill between the two nations like never before. And it shows. The stunning BAPS temple in the UAE is one example. This magnificent temple complex has been constructed right in the heart of the Arab world. Built at a cost of $84 million on a sprawling 27-acre site, the land for the temple was generously donated by the Emirati President himself. PM Modi inaugurated the temple and expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed al Nahyan for making it all possible. During his address to the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, Modi shared how, when he first requested the idea of building a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, MBZ instantly agreed. The Emirati leader not only approved the idea, but also instructed that the temple be built with grandeur. As a result, the temple not only serves its religious purpose, but also stands as a symbol of religious freedom a first-of-its-kind in the region. This was unthinkable in the past for a leading Islamic Arab nation to pave the way for such progress. What else has come out of this bromance? A lot, actually. Trade between India and the UAE has skyrocketed, and its not just about oil anymore. India and the UAE signed a huge trade dealing 2022 called CEPA the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Its made it easier to trade goods, services and investments, and its been a game-changer. In 2022, bilateral trade hit over $84 billion, and its only going up from here. Were seeing new opportunities in areas such as fintech, green energy and infrastructure. The UAE has emerged as one of Indias most significant trading partners, ranking just behind the USA and China. It has become Indias third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. On the flip side, India is the UAEs second-largest trading partner, accounting for 9% of its total foreign trade and an impressive 14% of its non-oil exports. When it comes to investments, the UAE holds the position of the 7th largest investor in India. To put things into perspective, India-UAE trade, which stood at a modest $180 million per year back in the 1970s, has skyrocketed to a remarkable $84.84 billion in FY23 a clear indicator of how the relationship has evolved over the decades. The relationship isnt just about business theres also growing defence and strategic cooperation. The UAE and India have been working together on things such as anti-terrorism efforts and joint military exercises such as the Desert Cyclone and Desert Knight military exercises. Its not just about making money; its about keeping each other safe and stable, especially in a region as complex as the Middle East. They share a compressive strategic partnership, a step higher than just strategic partnership. Together, they are part of the I2U2 strategic grouping, which is also called the middle-eastern Quad, along with Israel and the US. Such geopolitical alignment enhances the two nations strengths. Another interesting thing about the UAE is its cultural tolerance. The recent Hindu temple inauguration was significant, especially in a country where the majority of people follow Islam. The UAEs leadership has been progressive about embracing different religions and cultures, which makes it a great place for the 3.5 million Indians living there. Thats right 3.5 million! This is three times more than the population of Emiratis, which stands at 1.15 million. Forming 30% of the countrys population, Indians are the largest expat group here and have made extensive contributions to nation-building. Composed of a large labour force, skilled professionals, industrialists and business people, the Indian community in the UAE is massive, and theyre a big part of why the ties between these two countries are so strong. And its not just the UAE. PM Modi has been building bridges all across the Middle East. India now has strong ties with other Arab powers like Saudi Arabia too. These countries are looking to diversify their economies move away from oil and Indias market, tech skills and huge labour force make it a key partner in that transition. As the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi wraps up his visit, its clear that the India-UAE relationship is not just business as usual. Its growing deeper, more strategic, and more collaborative. Whether its education, defence, or culture, this partnership is setting the stage for the future. And with forward-thinking leadership on both sides, were likely to see even more exciting developments in the years to come. The Abhiyan Sangh of Kamalpur Purvan Para, located under Dhantala police station in Nadia, has captured significant attention by creating what they claim to be the worlds largest Durga idol. The organisers state that the idol will stand over 111 feet tall, making it the tallest Durga idol globally. Efforts are already underway to have this grand puja registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. The construction of the idol began with the Khuti Puja on the 1st of Boishakh. Initially, the idol is crafted using bamboo and clay, and later it is segmented into smaller parts with fibre castings. These fibre sections are then assembled to create the massive structure. The project is being carried out by a team of 30 individuals, including four expert artists. The puja is being held on approximately 13 acres of land, and the organisers claim that around twenty local clubs, along with residents from two nearby villages, are deeply involved in making this event a success. They stress that this is not just a local Kamalpur puja but rather a celebration for all of Bengal. The event will be supported by around 500 volunteers to assist visitors and ensure a smooth darshan of the idol. The organisers highlight that this puja has become a source of pride and passion for rural Bengal. Every afternoon, approximately 400 to 500 people visit the site to witness the idols construction, turning the area into a bustling hub of activity. On top of that, vendors have set up shops selling food and other items, adding to the festive atmosphere. Besides, Radhikapur village, located in the Kaliaganj subdivision of Uttar Dinajpur district in West Bengal, India is currently in the headlines. According to Local 18 Bengal, Durga Puja, a major festival of Hinduism was celebrated in this village in a unique style. The natives living in this village situated on the India-Bangladesh border started celebrating the festival 500 years back. The Radhikarpur Zamindar Jagdish Chandra Roy Bahadur started organising the puja in the then-undivided Dinajpur. At that time, the puja was celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm by firing cannon balls. After the partition, this custom ended. Despite the ending of this unique custom, the locals continue to celebrate the Durga Puja celebrations every year. Two cement blocks, weighing one quintal each, were found placed 1 km apart on railway tracks between Saradhana and Bangadh villages in Rajasthans Ajmer late on Sunday night. Two Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) officials quickly informed the police and helped avert derailment. According to official sources and the first information report (FIR), the two DFCCIL employees, Ravi Bundela and Vishwajeet Das, filed an FIR as soon as they found out about the blocks at 10:36 pm and police reached the location in no time. Upon arrival, police officials found two broken cement blocks placed at a distance of 1 km on the sides of the railway tracks. Subsequently, DFCCIL and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) jointly patrolled the area and found no suspicious activities nearby. The incident came to light hours after the Kalindi Express, travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, hit a gas cylinder placed on the track in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, but an accident was averted. On Monday, the Uttar Pradesh Police detained nearly 12 people for questioning in connection with the case. According to reports, the cylinder was thrown nearly 50 metres away due to the impact of the collision. The cylinder was reportedly placed near the crossing of Munderi village between Barrajpur and Bilhaur stations on the Kanpur-Kasganj route. After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday stirred a massive controversy with his remark on the state of religious freedom in India, citing the example of Sikhs, during an event in the US, the BJP slammed the former for setting a dangerous narrative on the foreign soil. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, He (Rahul Gandhi) speaks without knowing the facts. There are some sensitive issues which include our unity and diversity which has a dangerous narrative. He reprimanded the Congress leader for remarks on Sikhs in India and claimed that the community was scared of wearing turban and kada during the 1984 riots under the Congress regime. In 1984, 3000 innocent people were killed. They were dragged out of the house. These are all documented facts about this. The only time Sikhs felt anxiety and a sense of insecurity was during Rajiv Gandhis time (1984), said the Union Minister. He further added that he travelled across the country with a turban and had never faced or seen issues to what Gandhi referred in the US. Stepping up the offensive against the Congress leader, Puri asserted that his language matches the tone of Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is wanted in India on terror charges. Rahuls language is quite similar to the fugitive from our law who lives in New York, Pannun.is he meeting him? What Rahul Gandhi Said On Sikhs? Addressing the members of the Indian diaspora in Virginia, Gandhi said that the fight in India is about whether a person, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and would be able to visit a Gurdwara. While interacting with a member of the Indian community, Gandhi further asked his name and then said that the fight was about whether he would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India. First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whetherhe as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions. Will Drag Him to Court BJP leader RP Singh said that hes exploring ways to file a case against Gandhi for making the controversial statement. I will file a case against him. I will drag him to court, Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Three thousand Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair was chopped off and beard was shavedHe (Rahul Gandhi) doesnt say that this happened when they (Congress) were in powerI challenge Rahul Gandhi to repeat in India what he is saying about Sikhs, he added. #WATCH | Delhi: 3000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair was chopped off and beard was shavedHe (Rahul Gandhi) doesnt say that this happened when they (Congress) were in powerI challenge Rahul Gandhi to repeat in India what he is https://t.co/fOnkpaWW0V pic.twitter.com/kUJPpkC2ak ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 The 1984 anti-Sikh riots erupted following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards. Thousands of Sikhs were killed, with Delhi being the most affected, followed by Kanpur. Defaming India On Foreign Soil Gandhi embarked on his first three-day visit to the US as a leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha on Sunday. Attending several seminars and community-based meetings, the Congress leader raised several issues related to India including unemployment and the ideological influence of the RSS in the country. BJP was quick to respond to Rahul for his comments on RSS and unemployment, with agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan saying he was the leader of the opposition and accountable to the country, but he has been going abroad and spoiling the image of the country, which is a crime akin to treason. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday asked controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to not mislead the Muslims in India. The minister also said the people of the country have a right to have an opinion. Rijijus remark came after an X post by Naik, wherein the preacher asked the Muslims in India to stand together to defend the sanctity of Waqf and reject the Waqf Amendment Bill. Naik also said at least five million Muslims in India should send their rejection for the bill. Save Indian Waqf Properties, Reject The Waqf Amendment Bill! Lets stand together to defend the sanctity of Waqf and ensure its preservation for future generations, Naik tweeted. This is an urgent call to the Muslims in India to stop this evil which breaches the sacred status of waqf, and has evil repercussions on the future of Islaamic institutions. We will bear Allahs wrath and the curse of subsequent generations, if we allow this bill to pass. Stop the evil or bear its liabilities in this life and in the Hereafter! Say no to the Waqf Amendment Bill! (sic), his post read. At least 5 million Muslims of India should send their rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill. As Muslims of India, we will be held accountable if we do not prevent the Muslim Waqf properties from being taken away from the Ummah, Zakir Naik posted. Save Indian Waqf Properties, Reject The Waqf Amendment Bill!Lets stand together to defend the sanctity of Waqf and ensure its preservation for future generations. Abu Bakr narrated that he heard the messenger of Allah (pbuh) say, If people see some evil but do not change it, pic.twitter.com/D5wGui7rl9 Dr Zakir Naik (@drzakiranaik) September 8, 2024 Resharing his post, Rijiju, on his official X handle, wrote, Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives, he added. Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives. https://t.co/3W3YwtyJjI pic.twitter.com/LwV9Jh1YTg Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 10, 2024 THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to reform the registration process for Waqf properties through a centralised portal. It has been referred to a joint parliamentary panel. According to the presentation by the ministry, the Waqf Board made claims between 1970 and 1977 on 138 properties that were acquired for building New Delhi by the British government. A total of 341 sq km of land was acquired to build the national capital region and due compensation was paid to the affected persons, a claim that was contested by the members. The members also wanted the government to ascertain whether the claims by the Waqf Board on properties in Delhi were made after following the due process laid down in the Waqf Act of 1954. India has land borders with many nations (Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and Myanmar) and a maritime border with Sri Lanka. These nations each have their distinct appeal, cultural history and natural wonders. They also offer distinct civilisations and experiences. This means that a traveller can have many fascinating travel opportunities here. Here are some specifications regarding each adjacent nation: Nepal It may surprise you to know that eight of the top fourteen highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, are located in Nepal. Now it would make sense to you why Nepal is at the top of every adventure travellers wish list. However, theres no need to fear if mountain climbing isnt your thing. Nepal is still a great place to visit. Thats because the culture and history of this little landlocked nation are extraordinarily rich. In addition, national parks such as Bardia and Chitwan are must-visit destinations for animal lovers. Bhutan Bhutan, our neighbour, is a truly inspiring place. It is not just committed to protecting its cultural legacy and natural environment; it also places a high value on its peoples well-being. Its no surprise that the country has a Gross National Happiness Index, a one-of-a-kind way to assess the countrys development. The best part is that Indians do not require a visa or a passport to enter Bhutan. You can enter Bhutan if you have a valid government ID. Pakistan Pakistan, a country rich in history and culture, is located to the west of India. Pakistan provides a variety of experiences, from the busy streets of Lahore to the historic metropolis of Karachi. The Wagah Border Ceremony is a must-see, offering a fascinating peek into the two countries unique relationship. China India has a border with China, which is known for its vast landscapes and old civilisation. The Tibetan region of China is particularly appealing, with views of the mighty Himalayas and the tranquil serenity of settlements like Lhasa. While visa rules necessitate careful planning for travel to China, the cultural and ecological delights that await you make the effort worthwhile. Bangladesh The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, which is defined by rich plains, forms Indias eastern boundary with Bangladesh. We also share the Sundarbans mangrove forest, which is the worlds largest. Every wildlife and nature enthusiast dreams of being able to explore the Sundarbans. The beaches at Coxs Bazar are breathtaking. The MV Ganga Vilas, the worlds longest river cruise, begins its journey in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, then travels through Dhaka and the Sundarbans. Myanmar Indias northeastern border meets with Myanmar. It is considered one of the most offbeat locations in Asia. The scenery varies from lush flora to rugged terrains. Myanmar has a large Tamil-speaking community. This country has a lot to offer history buffs, from imperial architecture to tranquil temples and beautiful lakes. However, current cultural and political unrest makes it unsafe at the moment. Sri Lanka Even though India and Sri Lanka do not share a land border, our maritime boundary is intriguing. The Gulf of Mannar, which connects Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka, is one of the most biologically diversified locations. The Nadigar Sangam, officially known as the South Indian Artistes Association, has organised a committee to hear complaints about sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry. Actress Rohini has been appointed as the chairperson of the committee. According to sources, the internal complaints committee, which was created in 2019, has been enhanced. Recently, Rohini encouraged women to file complaints. The impact of the Hema Committee findings has reached the Tamil cinema industry as well. In the recent 68th general meeting of the Nadigar Sangam, which was held at Kamarajar Auditorium in Teynampet, Rohini asked not to talk about sexual issues in the film industry in front of the media. The actress stated that women in the film industry who have issues should address them before the committee rather than in front of the media. She said, The Nadigar Sangam will ensure all measures to ensure legal aid to the victims of violence. A separate email and phone number will be arranged for the internal grievance redressal cell. Complaints can be lodged through this. The complaints will be handed over to the cyber police. If found guilty of sexual assault, the offenders will be banned for five years. The meeting was also attended by key figures, including Nadigar Sangam President M Nassar, General Secretary Vishal, Treasurer Karthi, Vice Presidents Ponvannan and Karunas. Actor Nassar said that an internal complaints committee, created in 2019, has been strengthened, with Rohini appointed as its chairperson. The committee is tasked with addressing and resolving complaints related to sexual harassment, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken against offenders. Recently, the Nadigar Sangam association decided to make the internal complaints committee more effective during a meeting held last week. This move underscores the organisations determination to create a safer and more supportive environment for all members of the film industry. The Nadigar Sangams most recent efforts demonstrate an increasing commitment to combating and eliminating sexual harassment, offering a more accountable and responsive framework for dealing with such severe concerns. Stree 2 actor Aparshakti Khurana opened up about a shocking power play in Bollywood in a recent interview. Without taking names, Aparshakti, who is actor Ayushmann Khurranas brother, revealed that a lead actor from one of his films told the producers to keep him off the stage at the trailer launch. Aparshakti, who had an amazing time on set with the cast and crew, was surprised by this snub on such a big day. We all saw the filmwhich had turned out very wellbefore the trailer launch. We all liked the film, but on the day of the trailer launch, the actor told the producer three minutes before, that Aparshakti shouldnt be on the stage, you can call all the other actors, he said. Aparshakti Khurana shared how he flew in from Amritsar, where he was shooting, specifically to attend the films trailer launch in Mumbai, only to be publicly snubbed by the lead actor in front of everyone. I was all dressed up, I like doing that, and I stood right near the aisle. Someone from the PR team informed me that some last minute changes are there and I will be introduced separately. I kept waiting, the entire trailer launch got over, people left. Ive reached a stage where I can least have a say, he recalled. Meanwhile, the actor has been dominating headlines courtesy his comment on the alleged PR game that he thinks has left fuelled the credit war at the centre of Stree 2. After Stree 2 hit a huge Rs 60 crore in India, fans of Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao started arguing over who deserved more credit for the films success. Things heated up when Aparshakti Khurana made a comment that caught everyones attention. In an interview with Zoom, Aparshakti hinted at the drama, saying, If I comment on this, it will go far, but it was his remark calling Shraddhas credit a PR Game that really fueled the fire. A Bengaluru court on Monday extended the judicial custody of Kannada superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and the 15 other accused in the fan murder case to September 12. Darshan was produced before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate from Ballary prison, while his partner and prime accused in the case Pavithra Gowda was produced from Bengaluru Central Prison through video conference. The other 15 accused were also produced before the court from their respective prisons as their judicial custody ended Monday. ACP, Vijayanagar, Chandan Kumar submitted 60 fresh pieces of digital evidence against the accused to the court. Sources said that Darshan will move a bail petition following the submission of the charge sheet in the case against him. The Karnataka High Court is likely to take up the bail plea of Pavithra Gowda on Monday once the trial court decides the matter, and the other accused, including Darshan, also plan to move the court. Meanwhile, sources say Darshan is seriously considering moving a plea before the court seeking to restrict media houses from airing or publishing the details of the charge sheet in the fan murder case. Sources also said Darshan tried to get the upright Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar, who has a good track record in dealing with high-profile cases and not bending to pressure, replaced with some influential persons who support him. However, the Congress government had told those lobbying for this that it is impossible to replace the SPP in the present circumstances as it would reflect on the reputation of the government. The government had to face flak as photos showing how Darshan and his associates were given luxury treatment inside the Bengaluru Central Prison surfaced. Nine officers, including two jailers, were suspended for the lapse and Darshan and his associates shifted to other district prisons. The police investigation into this case has revealed that the prison staff had made arrangements for Darshan, sources said. Meanwhile, two pet dogs, a Belgian Malinois and a French Bull, have been shifted from Pavithra Gowdas residence to Darshans residence in Bengaluru. The neighbours had approached an animal welfare group over the pet dogs kept at Pavithra Gowdas house where no one was residing. The dogs are doing well at Darshans residence, stated Harish, a member attached to the Prani Daya Sangha. Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and his associates are in the dock for the gruesome murder of Darshans fan, Renukaswamy in Bengaluru on June 8. Renukaswamy was kidnapped from his hometown, Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, kept in a shed, and tortured to death. After he died, 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 police had submitted a 3,991-page charge sheet against Darshan, his partner, and 15 other accused to the court in the case recently. The trailer of Devara: Part 1 was unveiled today and it sees Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan locking horns and sharing screen space for the first time. At the trailer launch held in Mumbai, Saif, who plays Bhaira in the film, described his character as an anti-hero. Speaking about getting him aboard the magnum opus, Tarak revealed that the decision was nudged by Saifs performance in Vishal Bhardwajs Omkara where he played the menacing Langda Tyagi. Most parts of Devara: Part 1 was shot in Hyderabad and for Saif, working with Tarak was one of the best experiences of his career. What impressed Saif the most about the RRR star is how he deals with his stardom. Talking about it, he said, Taraks a very easy-going person who wears his stardom lightly, which I like. Offset, hes a very friendly and welcoming person. We shared a good, lovely laugh even on the first day. He visited me in my van while I was waiting for a shot, which made me feel very comfortable. South stars are known for how their hospitable nature. Earlier, Shruti Haasan had spoken about how her Salaar co-star Prabhas brought home-cooked food for her and made her feel special. And Tarak did the same for Saif during their shoot. He invited me to his home and offered to cook food. Hes one of the most hospitable people Ive worked with. Hes a really, really nice and very down-to-earth guy, the Adipurush and Sacred Games actor stated. Drawing comparisons between Taraks off-screen and on-screen persona, Saif pointed out, But when I saw him shooting on set, he seems to grow in stature and becomes a larger-than-life person in front of the camera, which is a very great star quality to have. And after the cut, he goes back to being a normal and fun person. It has been so nice working with him. Devara: Part 1 marks Saifs debut in the Telugu film industry. And though it was a challenge to learn Telugu, he chose to dub his dialogues. Commenting on the support he received from Tarak for the same, he said, He has also been very patient [with me] as it was a new language for me and he was so supportive. Looking into his eyes and saying dialogues never made me feel anything except confident. But thats not to say that he wasnt nervous about shooting for this project, the experience of which made him feel like a debutant. I had a bit of sweat running down my back and I felt nervous in a very different way. We come from the same country but our states are really different from one another. Going down there was a very exciting experience. It was very kind of Tarak and (Koratala) Siva ji to want me in the movie because movies made in the south recently have been mind-blowing. And to get the chance to act in a film like this made me feel like a newcomer. I love the movie and what Ive done in it, he shared. Devara: Part 1 also stars Janhvi Kapoor and is set for a release on September 27 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam languages. Diljit Dosanjhs highly anticipated Dil-Luminati Tour is gearing up to captivate audiences in India, following successful tours across North America, Australia and New Zealand. The India tour will span 10 cities, promising to entertain lakhs of fans and potentially set a new milestone in the music industry. Pre-sales for the early bird tour tickets kicked off on September 10 at 12 PM and were sold out within 2 minutes, according to a Hindustan Times report. The pre-sale tickets were available exclusively to HDFC Pixel Credit Card holders, who enjoyed early access 48 hours before the general public, along with a 10% discount. The lowest ticket for the show cost Rs 1,499. These were for the Silver (seating) area, while the Gold (standing) area seats were priced at Rs 3,999. According to the report, by 12:10 pm, the lowest ticket price in the Silver (seating) area had increased to Rs 1,999. Gold area seats were then priced at Rs 4,999 for Phase 1 and Rs 5,999 for Phase 2. Apart from the Silver and Gold categories, tickets were also available for the Fan Pit category, initially priced at Rs 9,999 during the first sales phase. As the sales progressed into the second phase, the Fan Pit tickets cost about Rs 12,999. The actual sale is expected to begin on September 12 at 1 pm. The Dil-Luminati Tour India is set to kick off on October 26 at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. After Delhi, Diljit will head to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Chandigarh and Guwahati. Diljit Dosanjh shared his enthusiasm in a note shared by the Saregama team. He said, Bringing the Dil-Luminati Tour to India is a dream come true. After the incredible journey abroad, performing in my homeland feels like coming full circle. The love and energy Ive felt from fans around the world have been extraordinary, but theres something uniquely special about performing here, where it all began. India, get ready, because Punjabi ghar aa gaye oye! Were going to make history togetherI can promise you a night youll never forget! On his official Instagram handle, Diljit shared an image of himself with the caption, DIL-LUMINATI INDIA TOUR Year 24. Find Your Nearest City In The List Bro. AA GEYA DOSANJHANWALA. Before India, Diljit is set for his tour in Europe this month. He will hold concerts in Paris, England, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. Anubhav Sinhas IC184 The Kandahar Hijack introduces a new generation to an old tragedy in Indian history. The re-telling of the infamous hijacks story has piqued the nations interest and the Indian officials involved in the negotiations are recalling the ordeal. In a recent chat, the chief of the R&AW at the time, AS Dulat, recalled how Ajit Doval felt regret after the negotiations. In the show, Ajit Dovals character is played by Manoj Pahwa under a different name. In an interview with Barkha Dutt, Dulat recalled his meeting with the hostage negotiators after they returned. He said, He (Doval) would regret it because he was Advani jis protege. Their thinking was alike. As Advani ji felt, Ajit would also have felt that When asked if LK Advani was against agreeing to the hijackers demands and handing over the three terrorists, including Masood Azhar, Dulat said, Yes, but youre pitchforked into that. What do you do? You have a job to do, and you do it. Ajit would do any job, hes a thorough professional. Mentally, he wouldve thought, Yeh kya ho raha hai, kyun ho raha hai (What is happening, why is it happening)? He said, These guys were in quite a hole in Kandahar, and I could feel for them. They were four of our best guys; Ajit, Nehchal Sandhu from the IB, and there was CD Sahay and Anand Arni from the R&AW I could appreciate and understand that this thing isnt going to be easy. It was going to be a tough time, because we had no relationship with the Taliban, and our relationship with Pakistan was possibly in one of its bad periods. Dulat said that he received a call from Doval six days after the negotiations began and mentioned they might not be safe. Recalling Dovals phone call on December 30, Dulat said, (He implied) that negotiators themselves might not be safe, and that it was getting out of their hands. The main thing was to whittle down these demands. We knew that there would be demands, and the main demand, we knew from day one, would be Masood Azhar. The list went down from 105 to three, and when that happened, it was on December 30, around the time of a crucial Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. I think Ajit knew in Kandahar that there was this meeting, and he called me and said, Please resolve kariye, jaldi kariye, because we dont know whats going to happen here. The Taliban is saying either you resolve this matter or get the hell out of here, he concluded. The show is currently streaming on Netflix. With Australians losing billions of dollars to scams each year, the need for effective countermeasures has never been more urgent. Baidam and Infoblox have risen to the challenge by creating a revolutionary new service designed to disrupt the operations of scam websites. This industry-first capability comes as the Australian Competition & Consumer Commissions (ACCC) National Anti-Scam Centre reported that Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams including investment, identity theft, and online shopping scams in 2023. Fraudulent websites targeting Australians with investment scams were a major factor, leading the Government to boost work by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to identify and take down investment scam websites. Baidam CEO Jack Reis says fraudulent domains are a rising threat for any organisation from sole traders to major enterprises but indigenous and regional businesses could be particularly vulnerable to internet fraud. The ACCC report highlighted First Nations people reported almost double the number of scams in 2023 compared with 2022. There are parts of Australia where the internet is very new, or not available yet at all, said Reis. Its one of the most important resources we can bring to the bush, but lack of experience and education on cybersecurity and online scams can leave indigenous people and businesses more vulnerable. Together with Infoblox, were committed to helping organisations across Australia maintain a secure and trustworthy online presence and quickly mitigate the impact of fraudulent or lookalike websites. Baidam Takedown Services operate out of the companys Gundan Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Brisbane, Australias first Indigenous designed and managed SOC. The centre was opened by Minister for Cyber Security Clare ONeil and was built using an Indigenous co-design methodology. Baidam provides training and experience that offers pathways for First Nations people to become cyber leaders. The takedown service weaves together Infobloxs validation, mitigation, monitoring and reporting features by using DNS to track, identify, confirm and remove websites way quicker than the typical industry response time, which can range from months to never. Infoblox leverages rapid escalation, its DNS and threat intelligence expertise, backed by its relationships with Australian and global internet service providers (ISPs), telcos, and domain administrators to achieve this. This service can also track and remove stolen proprietary information including access credentials, personally identifiable information, and credit card data from online forums or fraudulent hosts. Further, it can confirm the existence of potential malware and remove malicious files from organisations legitimate websites. Infoblox Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Scott Morris says that internet fraud can be the spark that ignites other malicious activity, including ransomware, as stolen credentials taken through fake websites, imitated multi-factor authentication (MFA) and phishing campaigns that are often used to conduct these attacks. Were seeing internet fraud playing a more prominent role in how cybercriminals infiltrate organisations in Australia, said Morris. Our takedown service helps companies neutralize fraudulent domains impersonating them for criminal activities. While blocking malicious domains should be a priority for every user, this takedown service lets companies become proactive in defending their good name and customers. Were incredibly proud to work alongside Baidam as one of the nations most trusted cybersecurity providers to reduce these risks. Baidams Infoblox-supported Takedown Services are available across Australia now. Organisations can purchase or pre-purchase packs of takedowns for current or future suspected fraudulent websites and domains. For more information on Baidam Takedown Services, click here. For more information on Infobloxs domain mitigation services, click here. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Lovebirds Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth are in the USA. They recently had the opportunity to meet Apple boss, Tim Cook, at the big launch of the iPhone 16 series, which was held at Apple Campus. The couple shared a post on Instagram, describing their experience as unforgettable and magical. Apple had its Its Glowtime event where the company launched its newest iPhone 16 with enhanced features and newer better designs as well as other state-of-art devices. Along with the photos, the actors shared, What an unforgettable, magical experience thank you sweetest kindest most most venerable #TimCook. Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth continued by saying they had experienced something very special during the last two days. The last two days have been very special for both of us, surrounded by mind- bending brilliance, epic creativity, peak technology and aesthetics max. But most most most special of all was meeting the people who make the Apple ecosystem the Apple family. Kind creators, warm and loving genius innovators, brilliant minds with the most expansive and inclusive hearts. Our minds are charged and our hearts are full, their caption further read. In the photos, the duo is seen smiling with Tim Cook while holding the newly launched iPhone. In another shot, they are captured engaging in conversation with him. Earlier, Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth shared glimpses of the Apple launch event on their official Instagram account. One picture features the couple posing adorably for the camera, while another shot highlights them proudly displaying their event passes. Aditi opted for a peacock blue off-shoulder pantsuit, and Siddharth went dapper in a blue blazer coupled with a white shirt. Both gave such a touch of glam with black shiny shades. Alongside the pictures, they captioned their post, First time ever at an #applekeynote. Two Apple fans on an adventure lets go. Aditi also posted inside videos from the event on her Instagram Stories. Siddharth can be heard saying, Hi, were at the Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple Park in Cupertino, California for the Apple Keynote. Its going to be crazy. Aditi is seen smiling and standing close to Siddharth. Siddharth and Aditi made their engagement news public on Instagram in March. In addition to the text, one can see that the duo is flaunting their engagement rings. Aditi added in the caption bar wrote: He said YES. Engaged. Ishaan Khatter, fresh off the success of his Netflix series The Perfect Couple, recently opened up about his personal life in an interview with The Dirty Magazine. The actor confirmed that he is currently dating someone, but hes not ready to reveal their identity just yet. In the interview, Ishaan spoke candidly about his decision to maintain privacy when it comes to his romantic relationships. When asked why hes choosing not to share more details about his relationship, Ishaan explained, I like guarding my private life, and Ill keep it that wayso no hard launches. Reflecting on his past experiences, Ishaan admitted that dating someone in the public eye comes with its own set of challenges. Ive been in relationships with actresseswell, actorsand Ive also dated someone who wasnt as established as I am. Im very aware of how that affects the women Im with. He went on to elaborate on the lack of control over when and where a couple might be spotted or photographed, adding, You cant control where youre gonna be seen, where youre gonna be photographed, or how its gonna come out. So, Im a bit protective. His comments hint at a more cautious and considerate approach to maintaining a balance between his personal life and the pressures of being a public figure. In addition to discussing his current relationship, Ishaan also shared his thoughts on family and long-term commitments. I do think of having a family and kids. Im simple like that, he said, revealing his hope for a one and done approach to love and marriage. I believe you can have one partner and be monogamous. Ive had my fair share of experiences in my 20s, but now I feel the need to respect the sacredness of that commitment. Ishaans role as Shooter Dival in The Perfect Couple has earned him praise, with fans loving his portrayal of the grooms best friend and childhood companion. The series, based on Elin Hilderbrands bestselling novel, stars Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning, and Eve Hewson, among others. Next, Ishaan will appear in The Royals, further cementing his place as a rising star in both Indian and international projects. Jeremy Renner recently shared alarming footage and images of the Davis Fire, which came dangerously close to his home near Lake Tahoe on Sunday, September 8. In an earlier interview in August, Renner confirmed that his primary residence is in Nevada. The Avengers actor took to Instagram to show the fast-approaching wildfire that forced him to evacuate his property near Reno, Nevada. He posted a photo showing thick smoke covering the mountains and captioned it evacuated along with several prayer hand emojis. Renner also tagged the location as Reno Tahoe and added a fire emoji to his post. One of the photos clicked from his driveway, revealed huge clouds of smoke and flames near his home. A fire truck was visible, stationed at his property. Renner reportedly confirmed that both he and others were safely evacuated as the Davis Fire prompted a state of emergency, leading to the evacuation of 14,000 people in Washoe County. When the wind shifts, its either really good or really bad, Renner wrote in another shot of the wildfire. The 53-year-old actor assured his followers that he and others had safely evacuated. Over a picture of local firefighters from Washoe County, Renner wrote, Everyone is evacuated and safe. Now for Mother Nature, and thanked the emergency crews for their hard work. He tagged Truckee Meadows Firefighters in his post. Renner also shared two videos, one showing a plane dropping red fire retardant over burning trees, and another of a fire truck driving past a large cloud of smoke moving toward the road. On X, he posted, Reno Tahoe fires. Real close to our community. Stay safe out there. The Davis Fire reportedly destroyed 14 structures and burned 6,500 acres. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency on September 8, informing, This afternoon, I declared a state of emergency due to the Davis Fire. State agencies are working diligently to support local partners as we mitigate and eliminate this fire together. This afternoon, I declared a state of emergency due to the #DavisFire.State agencies are working diligently to support local partners as we mitigate and eliminate this fire together. Please continue to listen to the guidance of local authorities and exercise caution. pic.twitter.com/nJIjwyJRT0 Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) September 8, 2024 The wind-driven fire forced the evacuation of thousands in Washoe County, and as of Sunday night, the blaze remained 0% contained. Meanwhile, California is dealing with 14 active wildfires, including one in the San Bernardino Mountains that has burned over 20,000 acres. Jr NTR admitted he is nervous about Devaras release. The actor, during the trailer launch in Mumbai, said that Devara is not only his first release since RRR but it is also his first solo release as the Telugu leading star after six years. This has built up his nervous energy. However, he added, he is eager to see showcase the trailer and film for fans. Devara also stars Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, marking their first Telugu films. I am very nervous because this is my next film after RRR. RRR was with my co-actor Ram Charan but this is my solo release after six years so there is a lot of nervousness which is building but very happy to launch the trailer of Devara in the city of Mumbai," Jr NTR said at the trailer launch. The last time Jr NTR was in Mumbai for promotions, it was for RRR. Recalling his experience at the time, Tarak said, The experience we had when we were promoting RRR here was surreal. The acceptance of North has shocked us all and I hope it repeats with Devara." Watch the Devara Trailer Launch below: Directed by Koratala Siva, Devara Part 1 will unfold in two parts. The magnum opus is produced by Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts, and presented by Nandamuri Kalyan Ram. The film is set to release on September 27, 2024, in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. The films narrative is an action-drama, promising a captivating experience for audiences across India. Earlier this year, Jr NTR spoke about the film and said people will be proud of it. Discussing the film at the Tillu Squares success event, he said, I dont know if this is a bit too much but Ill say it anyways. Im wearing a shirt today and this shirt has a collar." After a small pause, Jr. NTR added, Even if Devara is delayed by a few days, I guarantee you that Devara will be a film that will make all of you raise your collars in pride. We are working hard and will continue to work hard to deliver the best for our audience." Mukesh Ambani visited Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in hospital on Monday night days after the couple became proud parents to a baby girl. In a video that surfaced on social media, Mukesh Ambanis car was seen arriving at the HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai where Deepika is currently admitted. Reportedly, the business tycoon congratulated the couple and blessed the newborn. Earlier in the day, Ranveer Singhs sister Ritika Bhavnani was seen making her way to the hospital. The new bua chose to stay away from the media as she headed to meet the baby girl. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Deepika and Ranveer were blessed with a baby girl on September 8. Taking to Instagram, they shared a post that read, Welcome baby girl. Several Bollywood celebrities showered love on the couple and their little princess. Alia Bhatt took to the comments section and dropped a series of heart emojis. Priyanka Chopra also sent her love. Nick Jonas congratulated the couple as well. Katrina Kaif also sent her love to the couple while Sara Ali Khan wrote, Ranveer and DeePee congratulations on your baby girl!!! Only joy and bliss to both of you . Kareena Kapoor wrote, Congratulations mommy and daddy from saifu and BebooGod bless the little angel . Last month, News18 Showsha exclusively reported that Deepika, who was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, is likely to take a small break from work till March 2025. 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, an insider told us. Meanwhile, on the work front, Ranveer Singh will soon be seen in Singham Again. He also has the much-awaited Don 3 in his pipeline. Farhan Akhtar directorial will alsostar Kiara Advani in the lead. Rahul Bose, who will be next seen in Berlin with Aparshakti Khurrana, is one of the most versatile actors. He has made a special place in the hearts of his fans. But recently he recalled a shocking experience he faced on his debut film set. Rahul mentioned that he was not offered a chair to sit on the sets but directors relatives were given. And since then he has been getting his chair. Speaking to The Lallantop, Rahul said, I was not given a chair to sit in my first film. I was the lead actor. I have never struggled; I went straight from the stage to playing the lead role, and the film had no heroineit was just me. Yet, I was never given a chair on set. Sometimes I would sit on a road divider or a parapet, as if it was no problem, but other people always had chairs. The producer, his sister, his uncleeveryone got a chair, except me. After enduring several days of this treatment, Rahul decided bring his own chair to the set. I went to a restaurant, and they had a fancy version of the chair that was on set. It cost Rs 10,000 about 30 years ago, but I got my own chair. Since that experience, I always bring my own chair to the set because I never want to go through that humiliation again, he added. Coming to Rahul Boses next, Berlin is a thriller film and also stars Ishwak Singh, Aparshakti Khurrana and Kabir Bedi among others. Aparshakti Khuranas upcoming film Berlin has been making the right kind of noise at the international film festivals. Now, his film is all set to have an Australian Premiere at the 15th edition of the esteemed Indian International Film Festival of Melbourne. Berlin is slated to narrate a story about a deaf-mute young man who is accused and arrested by the bureau for being a spy. The film, with an intriguing plot, promises to take the audiences on a rollercoaster of misunderstandings and curiosity. The legendary writing duo, Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan have worked with the three biggest superstars of Indian cinema Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. Of the three legends, Javed Akhtar said Rajesh Khanna was the most difficult to work with as he was surrounded by yes men all the time. Speaking to the SAM YouTube channel, Javed Akhtar recalled, Those were the times when a child born in India would say Rajesh Khanna first and then mumma, papa. But it was a short period. There came a time when we realised that it would be difficult for us to work together. He was surrounded by so many people, so many sycophants and yes men, it was difficult to work with him. He continued, So, we parted ways. We became friendly, and we did a film also much later. But the kind of films that we were writing, and the kind of films that we had in our mind, were much more suitable for an actor like Amitabh Bachchan. Salim-Javed collaborated with Amitabh Bachchan for several films, including superhits like Sholay, Don and Agneepath. The writers contributed significantly to Amitabhs success and even established his angry young man image. He was not a superstar at that time, to say the least, but he was an unbelievably good actor. He was the man who we felt would be able to play our Vijay, Javed said. Javed Akhtar said, If youre working with actors like Amitabh Bachchan or Dilip Kumar, you know that you can put the weight on the actor, and the actor will carry it. Sometimes, when you feel that the actor has limited talent, you make the scene easier for him. But these actors could carry anything. Amitabh Bachchan, you give him any scene and hell do it with competence. You give him any line and hell make it natural Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan wrote 24 films together and of those, 22 were hits. They were the most in-demand writing duo and even charged more fees than the leading actor. Their films include Haathi Mere Saathi, Andaz, Seeta aur Geeta and Kranti among others. Spider-Man is set to swing back into action! With Jon Watts stepping away from the Spider-Man franchise, theres been a flurry of speculation about who will steer the next chapter of Peter Parkers journey. Among the names being discussed, Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is emerging as a frontrunner to direct Spider-Man 4. According to a Variety report, Cretton is in preliminary talks to helm the film, promising to inject new energy into the collaborative project between Sony and Marvel Studios. While Sam Raimi was the first director to helm the OG Spider-Man trilogy, Marc Webb took over the Amazing Spider-Man movies, and Jon Watts directed the Tom Holland-starring ones. Destin Daniel Cretton will be the fourth director to take on a Spidey solo feature. Sony and Marvel are yet to comment on the development. On the other hand, Cretton, who has been a part of the Marvel family for a while, co-created the upcoming Wonder Man miniseries and is also developing a sequel to Shang-Chi. The production for Spider-Man 4 is currently a priority for the studio, the report adds. What To Expect In Spider-Man 4? After 2021s Spider-Man: No Way Home saw Doctor Stranges magic spell that made the world forget Peter Parkers identity, it seemed to have wrapped the three-film trilogy starring Tom Holland. While reports suggest that Holland has been roped in for the fourth film, details about the project have not been revealed yet. In June 2023, the actor told The Hollywood Reporter, The first few meetings were about, Why would we do this again? And I think we found the reason why. On the other hand, Sony producer previously teased that No Way Home might not be the final film as both studios are committed to continuing with Hollands Spider-Man, mentioned a Screenrant report. Amid this, another speculation continued about Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguires possible return to the fourth one. Clearing the air, Garfield told IndieWire, I mean, like the internet is a big place. I think there are a lot of people who will just say anything to get clicks. So you might have been duped, Im afraid. Sikandar, starring Salman Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala with direction by AR Murugadoss, has been dominating the headlines. Now, according to a new report in Bollywood Hungama, leads Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna will head to Europe by the end of this year to shoot a few songs. Pritam has composed two chartbusters for Sikandar and producer Sajid Nadiadwala plans to shoot it on a big scale in Europe. The recce is presently underway and the exact locations will be locked soon. Sajid is confident to deliver a chartbuster album with Salman Khan and Pritam, yet again after Kick, a source told the portal. The source added that Sajid Nadiadwala also plans to shoot some key scenes in Europe, along with the two songs.The schedule is being planned at the moment, but as promised before, Sikandar is the biggest film bankrolled by Sajid Nadiadwala till date. Salman Khan as Angry Young Man in a lavishly mounted action entertainer by AR Murugadoss, the source further added. A dance number and a romantic song are in order. The source added, Its a dance number and a romantic ballad. The film was announced this Eid and is slated for release next Eid. Not long back, Pinkvilla exclusively reported that Salman Khan has resumed filming despite a rib injury, with a photo of him recently going viral on social media. According to the portal, the films team is currently working on a meticulously designed set depicting Dharavi and Matunga, costing around Rs 15 crore. The shooting schedule will last 45 days before the crew moves to a palace in Hyderabad for the next phase. Despite his injury, Salman Khan is committed to his role and performing with full dedication. Sikandar also represents AR Murugadosss highly anticipated return to Hindi cinema after an eight-year hiatus following Akira (2016). This film also reunites Salman Khan with producer Sajid Nadiadwala, a duo known for their blockbuster successes such as Kick, Judwaa, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Maharashtra is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in full swing. Celebrities are coming out to seek the blessing of Lord Ganesha. Today, Sunny Leone along with her husband Daniel Weber was spotted visiting Lord Ganesha in Mumbai. The couple opted for traditional outfits as they were papped in the city. The photos have also gone viral on social media. In the photos, Sunny Leone is seen wearing a pink colour Anarkali while Daniel opted for yellow kurta and white pajama. Both are looking very happy as they pose for the camera. Earlier, Varun Dhawan along with Atlee were also spotted visiting Bappa. He walked barefoot to seek blessings. The photos and videos of celebrities visiting the lord are going viral on social media. Take a look here: Sunny Leone is one of the most popular actresses in the Hindi film industry. Over the years, she has been able to make a name for herself in Indian cinema through her acting and dancing skills. Sunny Leone has had a long journey in Bollywood. People love her for her outspoken nature. Apart from that, the actress also has a great social media presence. She is quite active there and is often spotted sharing pictures from her photoshoots. Sunny Leones work is not just limited to Bollywood; she has been working in the Malayalam and Bhojpuri film industries as well. The actress has managed to gain a fan following all over the country. Sunny Leone came into the limelight after her stint in the fifth season of Bigg Boss. She was a wildcard entrant to the show and received a lot of love from the audience. Later, she ventured into acting and got an opportunity to work as a lead in Jism 2. Sunny has been a popular name in the television world as well. She has been hosting various seasons of MTVs popular couple show, Splitsvilla. She has also showcased her fantastic dancing skills and given some of the biggest hits to Bollywood. As per reports, she charges around Rs 23 crore per song. Sunny Leone is set to be seen in his upcoming film UI. The film is directed by Upendra while it is produced by Sreekanth KP and Naveen Manoharan. It also features several famous actors like Murli Sharma, P Ravi Shankar, Sadhu Kokila, Achyuth Kumar and Indrajit Lankesh. The cinematography is done by HC. Venu while the music of the film is composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath. As Australian businesses face challenges from a sluggish domestic economy, the advice is to tap into thriving export markets in Asia. We are seeing a continued surge in consumer spending power across Asia thanks to the rapidly rising middle class the growth potential is staggering, says Asialink Business CEO Leigh Howard. With the right insights and strategies, Australian businesses can make informed decisions and capitalise on these opportunities by tapping into our regions dynamic economic future, he adds. Mr Howard shares five tips for doing business in Asia: Understand the Relationships: Cultural intelligence is key to effective communication and building trust. While virtual modes of engagement increase, core cultural values remain an important factor in international business. Not understanding this can lead to missed opportunities, delays and lost engagements. Cultural intelligence is key to effective communication and building trust. While virtual modes of engagement increase, core cultural values remain an important factor in international business. Not understanding this can lead to missed opportunities, delays and lost engagements. Secure Strong Connections: Strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, clients, and other stakeholders are fundamental. The strength of business relationships can determine the ability to gain credit, procurement, and contracting. Understand what makes the market unique: Understand the distinct business culture and landscape. As individual markets grow, their preferences become increasingly distinct. Understand the distinct business culture and landscape. As individual markets grow, their preferences become increasingly distinct. Be Local : Customise your products to match local needs and preferences. Positioning, labelling, and market channels matter. : Customise your products to match local needs and preferences. Positioning, labelling, and market channels matter. Risk & Return: Doing business overseas involves a range of new risks from economic, political and regulatory, but lucrative returns are on offer. Do your homework to maximise outcomes.\ Asian AI market will outpace the global AI industry The Asian artificial intelligence industry has skyrocketed over the past years, becoming the major player in the global AI landscape. Since 2020, the entire market has more than doubled, growing faster than European, North American or the global market, and there are many reasons for that. China, South Korea, and Japan have implemented national AI strategies and invested heavily in AI research and development, helping cities like Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul become global innovation hubs. Asian AI startups have also played a significant role in the industrys growth, attracting huge attention from VC investors. This surge in interest followed heavy investments in AI research and development from tech giants like Tencent, SoftBank, Alibaba, and Samsung, which have paved the way for an AI startup ecosystem in the region. Furthermore, Asia boasts some of the worlds top universities and research institutions producing skilled AI professionals, while its workforce is trained in AI technologies, helping it retain its position as the global AI leader by the end of a decade. According to a Statista survey, the Asian AI industrys revenue will skyrocket by 351% and hit $298.4 billion by 2030, outpacing even the global AI markets growth, which is expected to surge by 349% in this period. The North American and European AI industries will also see smaller growth rates, with their revenues jumping by 346% and 349% in the next six years, respectively. The Statista data also showed that Asia will see the biggest user growth in the AI space, with the total number of people using AI tools rising by 150% to 180 million in 2030. Still, that is nearly 60 million short compared to the North American market, which is expected to see its AI user base jump by 115% to 268 million in this period. Europe will also have more AI users by 2030 than Asia, roughly 229 million, or 134% more than this year. As part of an initiative to support Australian businesses and kickstart exports to the region, Asialink Business will launch its Doing Business Guides this week, an essential resource for exporting to, or investing in Asia. The series will cover 14 key Asian markets by the end of the year with the guides for Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and India already published. The freely available Doing Business Guides series provides Australian businesses with an economic overview and business culture. It maps out how to enter each Asian market and offers the practicalities of doing business in each country. To find out more visit www.asialinkbusiness.com.au Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Tom Holland is swinging back into action and this time, it is finally official. After months of speculation, our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is set to return for a fourth installment, with some new yet familiar faces behind the scenes. Actor Tom Holland has reportedly confirmed that he will be slipping back into his Spidey suit, continuing his fan-favourite portrayal of Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and keeping the successful Marvel-Sony partnership going strong. This exciting news also puts an end to any uncertainty about Hollands future with the Spider-Man franchise, especially following the blockbuster global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. The upcoming Spider-Man 4 will see Destin Daniel Cretton in the directorial chair. He is also the maker of popular films like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Holland hinted at the teams excitement for the next chapter. The first few meetings were about, Why would we do this again? And I think we found the reason why, Holland shared, teasing that the new film might also bring something fresh to Peter Parkers journey. Although plot details for the upcoming film Spider-Man 4 are still under wraps, the dramatic ending of No Way Home, in which Peter Parkers identity is completely erased from public memory, offers plenty of narrative opportunities for the next film. Production for the fourth part is reportedly set to begin early next year and there are already high hopes for the new direction. According to The Pop Verse, plans for a fourth Spider-Man movie with Tom Holland have been in the works ever since Holland hinted in a 2023 interview that he had found the reason why hed be coming back to the iconic role. During that same interview, he also revealed some hesitations about reprising Peter Parker, saying, Theres a bit of a stigma about the fourth one in all franchises. I feel like we hit a home run with our first franchise and theres a part of me that wants to walk away with my head held high and pass the baton to the next lucky kid that gets to bring this character to life. Despite these concerns, Holland is returning, making him the second Marvel superhero to headline a fourth solo film, with Chris Hemsworths Thor being the first. Returning writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers will be working on the script, with Marvels Kevin Feige and former Sony head Amy Pascal once again producing. With the cast and crew preparing for another major release, franchise fans can expect even more surprises and excitement in this next chapter of Spider-Mans journey. The Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack started streaming on August 29 and has received amazing reviews so far. The series directed by Anubhav Sinha features an ensemble cast, with Vijay Varma playing Captain of the hijacked airplane. Although the show has been embroiled in controversy since its release, it still managed to acquire a massive viewership. Vijay recently compared its success with the box-office Tsunami and also congratulated the director for making a superhit series. Vijay Varma shared a photo of himself wearing his costume as the captain in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The actor wore a black uniform with yellow stripes on the sleeves and buttons on the front. Vijay posed in his uniform against the backdrop of a plane. His post also included a snap of the OTT viewership estimates where the series is at the top followed by other latest releases. In the caption, he wrote, If this was a theatrical youd hear words like BOXOFFICE TSUNAMI, THUNDERSTORM and AVALANCHE to describe the success. But since its just a world class show.. Id like to call it The Sweetest Drizzle. Thank you to our lovely audience. Mubarak ho Anubhav Sinha saab.. aapko SUPERHIT hua hai. Anubhav Sinha reacted to Vijay Varmas post and noted. Aur aapko zindabad hua hai. Among others, Rajkummar Rao also commented, Its a Tsunami brother and you are the silent toofan. Rajkummars wife, actress Patralekhaa, played the air hostess in the series. Following the release, Vijay Varma had also written a thank you note to director, Anubhav Sinha, as well as the actual Captain Devi Sharan, for their courage. Sharing pictures with both of them, He wrote, Only Captains.Thank you Anubhav Sinhaa sir for being the best captain of the ship (director) and for giving me the opportunity to play Captain Devi Sharan. Both the captains have called and given me a lot of love for the portrayal.. and so has the audience, peers and friends. Blessed and how!Apne kaam se jab pyaar ho na.. toh kaam nahi dikhta, zimmedari dikhti hai. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is based on true events that took place during the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814. On December 24, a plane flying from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked and made to land in Taliban-controlled territory in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The flight remained there for a week until December 31. The miniseries is based on the book Flight into Fear: A Captains Story by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury. It consists of six episodes and also stars Manoj Pahwa, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur and others. Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his path-breaking acting performances and singing talent, recently wowed the audience at a concert hosted at the AIIMS Patna. The actor set the stage on fire with his rendition of the iconic Bhojpuri track Lollipop Laagelu. His vibrant singing and energetic dance moves enthralled the crowd who gladly participated and cheered him on. Several videos from the Dream Girl actors concert at AIIMS Patna are now surfacing on social media. In one such clip, Ayushmann can be seen singing Lollipop Laagelu, while the audience is seen grooving on the track and cheering for the actor. Apart from this, he also performed his hit tracks like Mera Mann, Mitti Di Khushboo, Kahani Suno and Mere Liye Tum Kaafi Ho. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Unique Patna (@unique_patna4) Taking to Instagram, Ayushmann on Monday dropped a montage video from his AIIMS Patna concert. Last night same time. I witnessed the medicos having a blast at my gig. Thank you AIIMS Patna, the caption read. The clip was attached to Ayuhmanns hit single Akh Da Taara. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) Talking about his look, the actor looked dapper as he wore a black vest and shiny jacket that he paired with matching black pants. To complete his outfit, Ayushmann opted for black shades. On the work front, Ayushmann was last seen in the comedy film Dream Girl 2. Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, the film also starred Ananya Panday, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee, Anu Kapoor and Vijay Raaz in significant roles. The film was a hit and garnered appreciation from fans. It was a sequel to the 2019 comedy film Dream Girl. As per reports, he will next be seen in an upcoming untitled film with actress Sara Ali Khan. Helmed by Aakash Kaushik, the film is backed by Karan Johars Dharma Productions and is believed to be an action-comedy. Further details about the project are yet to be revealed. Apart from this, Ayushmann is expected to join Maddock Films horror comedy universe. He will be seen in the upcoming Vampires of Vijay Nagar opposite actress Rashmika Mandanna. However, an official confirmation from the makers is awaited. In August 2022, following the release of a report by then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, which asserted that Chinas treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity, many countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa and Asia, reacted in a perplexing manner. Rather than maintaining a neutral stance on the reported atrocities, Pakistan spearheaded a coalition of 70 nations in opposing the UN Human Rights Councils perceived interference in Chinas domestic affairs about a month after the reports publication. Notably, this coalition included 14 Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. In October of the same year, a UNHRC vote to discuss the report was unsuccessful, as several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Qatar, the UAE, and Somalia, voted against it. These nations were joined by nearly all but three African countries in the Council. In contrast, when former Gambian Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou presented a case to the international rights body in 2019 against Aung San Suu Kyi for her treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, he received strong backing from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which comprises 57 Muslim countries, including 27 from Africa. Chinas deliberate strategy to revise the global order is rooted in its advocacy of a strict interpretation of Westphalian sovereignty, which prioritises non-interference in domestic affairs over universal human rights. This principle, adopted at the June 2018 Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference, has been a driving force in Chinas foreign policy. To achieve its goal of reforming international institutions and norms, Beijing has focused its efforts on the Global South, particularly Africa and Asia, which together constitute 55 per cent of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly. Chinas tactic has been to construct an alternative force of numbers rather than relying on the individual influence of a single country. This trend has resulted in a large number of Global South countries backing China and echoing its stance on sovereignty, even if it means disregarding universal human rights. In recent years, China has steadily increased its financial and personnel contributions to global and multilateral development institutions. A report from 2020 indicated that China ranks second, behind the United States, in assessed contributions to both the UNs regular and peacekeeping budgets. Additionally, China has strategically focused on leveraging the representational power of the Global South within the UN. It positions itself as the leader of the developing world, ready to challenge the Wests frameworks regarding human rights, the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), and imposed liberalism. By emphasising principles such as non-interference, development, South-South cooperation, and the use of multilateral institutions, China claims to advocate for the interests of the Global South. However, the emerging solidarity between Beijing and various African and Asian nations is not solely based on ideological alignment. Beijings dependence on African nations in international forums dates back to the 1971 UN General Assembly debate concerning the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) admission to the UN and the expulsion of Taiwan, a development significantly influenced by African votes. For over three decades, Chinas foreign minister has prioritised visits to Africa at the start of each year, underscoring its gratitude and deep interest in the continent. Currently, only one African nation, Eswatini, recognises Taiwan, while the remainder adhere to the one China principle. Furthermore, bilateral and collective agreements between African countries and China emphasise mutual cooperation in global governance matters. With the backing of the African Union, China successfully passed its first resolution in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), titled The Contribution of Development to the Enjoyment of Human Rights. Three years later, another resolution proposed by China was adopted, supported by all but one African member. These resolutions reflect Chinas attempt to legitimise an alternative vision of human rights, centred on state-led economic development and the principle of non-interference. In fact, several African nations even supported Chinas unsuccessful attempts to defund human rights monitors and NGO observers during the 2018-19 UN budget discussions. Unsurprisingly, in recent years, very few African countries have endorsed draft resolutions at the UN that criticise Chinas policies regarding Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet. One significant factor contributing to the solidarity among authoritarian regimes is their collaboration on human rights issues, which serves to bolster their political stability and international legitimacy. In West Asia, the challenges related to women, political dissidents, and religious and ethnic minorities present complex dilemmas that these governments often address through the principle of non-interference. Consequently, they endorse Beijings narrative regarding Xinjiang, framing it as a matter of terrorism, extremism, and separatism. This was exemplified in 2023 when the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited Xinjiang and publicly commended the activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the region. Moreover, economic considerations also drive this emerging South-South cooperation. For many West Asian countries, following decades of Western intervention, China is viewed as a more dependable partner, having recently become the primary foreign investor in the region. Chinese economic and strategic influence has surged, particularly after the Arab Spring and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and is expected to grow further following the US withdrawal from the region. For Africa, the situation is somewhat more complex. Under President Xi Jinpings vision of the Great Rejuvenation and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the continent has become a central focus of Chinas economic and infrastructural efforts. As the largest bilateral trade partner and creditor for Africa, Chinas extensive no-strings-attached lending practices towards vulnerable African nations have resulted in many becoming economically entrapped or reliant on Beijing. Consequently, Beijings economic initiatives towards these nations and its promotion of South-South development cooperation represent a strategic effort to establish itself as a hegemonic power within the evolving global order. This dual strategy of fostering economic dependence among susceptible countries while simultaneously empowering authoritarian regimes has proven advantageous for China as it gradually ascends the ranks of global influence. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The Majhi Ladki Bahin Family Visit Campaign, spearheaded by Eknath Shinde, is set to commence across the state on Tuesday, September 10, with the Maharashtra chief minister personally visiting 15 families to raise awareness about 10 major government schemes. The campaign was announced during a press conference at Varsha on Monday. Shinde said Shiv Sainiks will visit 15 families every day to spread awareness about the governments initiatives, targeting not only those who have benefited from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana but also those yet to avail its benefits. A new app dedicated to the campaign will also be launched on Tuesday. Ahead of the official start, Shinde held a virtual meeting with Shiv Sena ministers, MPs, MLAs, and grassroots activists to plan the state-wide rollout. The 10 government schemes that will be the focus of the campaign are Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lek Ladki Lakhpati Yojana, Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana, Annapurna Yojana, Free Higher Education Scheme for Girls, Mukhyamantri Vayoshri Yojana, Tirtha Darshan Yojana, Agriculture Pump Power Bill Waiver Yojana, Labour Welfare Yojana and various schemes for womens self-help groups. The objective is to ensure that all families are well-informed about these schemes and participate in them. The government also seeks to assist those who havent received benefits, and provide guidance on enrolling in other initiatives. Focus on Women and Economic Growth This campaign is about giving, not taking from the people, said Shinde. He also announced an extension for the registration of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana until September 30, 2024. So far, nearly two crore women have applied for the scheme, with 1.69 crore already receiving direct financial aid. The chief minister emphasised the central role of women in the states economy, noting: Women are the backbone of the economy, managing household finances and driving economic growth. The stronger Maharashtras economy becomes, the greater the benefit to the nation. He praised the states leadership in sectors such as industry, infrastructure, agriculture, and investment, adding that Maharashtra had regained momentum after a period of lagging behind under previous governments. Welfare Commitment and Digital Support Shinde highlighted that over five crore citizens have benefited from various government schemes, including the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, with its coverage limit recently increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Reaffirming the governments dedication to uplifting farmers, labourers, women, youth, workers, and senior citizens, he reiterated the administrations commitment to inclusive development. Shinde, while reflecting on Shiv Senas philosophy, said: Our guiding principle, taught by the Hindu heart emperor Balasaheb Thackeray, is that 80 per cent of our work should be for social causes and 20 per cent for politics. Every Shiv Sena member follows this principle. Controversy has a way of travelling. And if it is Rahul Gandhi, the journey seems inevitable. In his first visit abroad as the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Gandhi has once again stoked controversy. While he focused on many issues such as the need for caste census and denial of constitutional rights, two issues have brought his visit in the news for all the wrong reasons. ALSO READ | Dangerous Narrative: Rahul Gandhis Sikh Remark In US Sparks Massive Row, BJP Sends Him 1984 Reminder First, he questioned the entire electoral process by saying that the Election Commission (EC) was dictated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the phases and planning of the poll schedule. His close aide Sam Pitroda, too, said the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) were being hacked and both told the people that if the EC was non-partisan, the results would have been different. Critics would say that it denies legitimacy to the fact that the Modi government has been sworn in for the third time. But countries such as Pakistan and China who have scant regard for Indian interests, but need lessons in democracy, would have a reason to smile. What comes as a bigger shocker is Gandhis comments on Sikhs. Speaking in the US, Gandhi said, The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India, whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada in India, or will be able to go to the gurdwara. Thats what the fight is all about. It is not just for Sikhs, but for all religions." Predictably, the BJP has reminded the Congress and Gandhi about the 1984 Sikh riots. The problem with Gandhis comments is that they seem out of sync with the reality of the 1984 horrors. One of the reasons why Dr Manmohan Singh was chosen as the PM was also because he was a Sikh. And the Congress top leadership felt that this would assuage the Sikhs who were upset with the Congress over the 1984 riots. #WATCH | Delhi: "3000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair was chopped off and beard was shavedHe (Rahul Gandhi) doesn't say that this happened when they (Congress) were in powerI challenge Rahul Gandhi to repeat in India what he is https://t.co/fOnkpaWW0V pic.twitter.com/kUJPpkC2ak ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 Dr Singh had apologised on the floor of the house, which was echoed by the Gandhis as well. But the presence of Jagdish Tytler at Congress events has given enough ammunition to the BJP to questions on the remorse" of the Congress over the riots. Gandhis strategy is to show that the BJP divides people on religious and caste lines. Each time Gandhi questions the electoral process and accuses the PM of running a government of hatred", he seeks to show the Congress as the only one who can provide an alternative to the BJP. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently touring the United States, stirred up a fresh controversy at an event with a comment about the condition of the Sikh community in India. While addressing a gathering in Washington DC where, according to government sources, many pro-Khalistan Sikhs were in attendance, Rahul justified SFJs global Khalistan Referendum campaign when he stated: Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurdwara. Now, Sikhs for Justice co-founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has come out in support of the Congress leaders stance. Rahuls statement on existential threat to Sikhs in India is not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history of what Sikhs have been facing under successive regimes in India since 1947 and also corroborates SFJs stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan, the separatist leader said in a statement. Government sources cited this as another outcome of the Congress MPs imprudent behaviour. This happens when you start speaking without briefing and out of turn, a source said. Speaking against the country outside gives momentum to people like Pannun. No Sikh is unhappy in India and internal matters will be resolved internally. Earlier, union minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned Rahul Gandhis comments and asserted that his language matched the tone of Khalistani separatist Pannun, who is wanted in India on terror charges. Rahuls language is quite similar to the fugitive from our law who lives in New York, Pannun.is he meeting him? said the minister. BJP Reacts Responding to Rahuls remarks, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, The Congress party is once again in alliance with terrorists. Rahul Gandhis statement about turbans has no support within the country, but terrorist organizations outside the country are supporting his statement. The Congress party is shamelessly accepting this support and has not yet denounced it. Defence Minister Rajnath said, The kind of misleading, baseless, and factless things the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi, is saying during his foreign tour are extremely shameful and hurt the dignity of India. He has said that the Sikh community in India is not allowed to wear turbans in gurdwaras, they are being prevented from behaving according to their religion. This is completely baseless and far from the truth. The entire country recognises and respects the great role played by the Sikh community in protecting the culture of India, he added. Rahul Gandhis remark in the United States, questioning if Sikhs will be able to wear their turban and kada or be able to go to a Gurdwara in the BJP-led regime, flies in the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sporting the Sikh turban himself on many occasions and visiting prominent Gurdwaras in the country. Wearing a Sikh turban, PM Modi had visited Takhat Sri Harminder Ji Patna Sahib in Bihar this May. He also engaged in cooking and serving Langar on the occasion. At election rallies in Punjab this year, in Patiala and in Jalandhar, PM Modi was again seen sporting a Sikh turban while addressing the crowds. Before this, two years ago, the prime minister hosted a Sikh delegation at his residence while sporting a turban. The same year, Modi wore a Sikh cadet turban at a rally of the National Cadet Corps in Delhi. In 2019, the prime minister wore a Sikh turban while visiting Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. BJP leaders have been left astounded by Gandhis comments, citing how the saffron partys top leader has led by example in respecting Sikh culture. Sikhism is rooted in principles of equality, justice, and compassion. Central to Sikhism is Seva. This morning in Patna, I also had the honour of taking part in Seva. It was a very humbling and special experience, PM Modi had said after his visit to the Patna Sahib Gurdwara this year. BJP leaders also cite the landmark move of the prime minister to declare December 26 every year as Veer Bal Diwas. On January 9, 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, PM Modi announced that December 26 will be observed as Veer Bal Diwas to mark the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singhs sons Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor is cited by the BJP as another historic move under the Modi regime to respect sentiments of the Sikh community. Pattern in Rahuls Comments? BJP leaders, in fact, see a pattern in Rahul Gandhis comments that target the Modi government over the issue of Sikhs. Last year in February, while speaking at Cambridge University, Rahul Gandhi had pointed at a Sikh youth in the gathering and claimed that PM Modi considers him a second-class citizen in India. In a virtual action-replay of the same, Rahul Gandhi, while in the US now, again pointed at a Sikh youth in the gathering to claim that the fight in India was to ensure Sikhs can wear their turban and kada in India and be able to go to a Gurdwara. The BJP has strongly attacked Gandhi over the latest comments, terming them a step to create a divide. Union minister Hardeep Puri pointed out that the only time Sikhs had to be remove their turbans was during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the Congress regime. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday faced what his rivals interpreted as an awkward moment during an interaction with students in the US over the meaning of I.N.D.I.A., a coalition of opposition parties that came together to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. During an interaction event at US Georgetown University, a student referred the opposition bloc as INDI Alliance, prompting a correction by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha who said that it is INDIA Alliance. Its not INDI alliance. Thats a BJP framing, its INDIA alliance, Gandhi said. Elaborating further, the former Congress chief said the INDI Alliance word is used by the BJP and added that the whole idea of the INDIA Bloc was to tell the people during Lok Sabha elections that India is being attacked. The student then asked Gandhi, Whats the last word stand for?. He replied, Alliance. The student further asked, Wouldnt it redundant to say INDIA alliance? Then Gandhi said, No. its not. The whole idea of the alliance was to put across to the people that India is being attacked. And it was very successfully. Generally people in India say INDIA alliance but BJP people say INDI alliance. Over two dozen parties came together under the banner of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or INDIA bloc to fight the Lok Sabha elections and reduced BJPs strengthen to 240 seats from over 300 seats in 2019. The same student also mentioned that Congress could not agree on seats sharing with alliance partners with Trinamool Congress during the elections and it entered into an agreement with Hinduvta-based Shiv Sena (UBT). When asked if Congress would be able to run a government with such divided coalition as they cannot seem to agree on anything other than removing Narendra Modi from power, Gandhi said, We agree on a lot. We agree that the constitution of India should be defended. Most of us agree on the idea of caste census For you to say we dont agree, I think is inaccurate. The second thing is all coalitions are negotiations. Certain amount of too and fro will always take place. This is natural and there is nothing wrong in it. We have successfully run governments using coalition. We are pretty confident that we can do it again. BJP Takes Dig At Rahul Gandhi BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala took a dig Rahul Gandhi while sharing the video. Owned & how!Student: Indi alliance does it agree on anything except of removal of PM Modi Rahul : incoherent stuff.. incoherent stuff.. by the way it is I.N.D.I.A alliance not INDI.. thats a BJP framing.. Student: What does A stand for? Rahul: Alliance Student: pic.twitter.com/mkmihnUnAy Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 10, 2024 BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said it took a student on foreign soil to tutor third-time fail Rahul Gandhi that it is I.N.D.I Alliance and not I.N.D.I.A Alliance. It took a student on foreign soil to tutor Third Time Fail Rahul Gandhi that it is I.N.D.I Alliance and not I.N.D.I.A Alliance. The video should be watched by other darbari journalists too, who insist on calling it I.N.D.I.A Alliance/Block and I dont mean Rajdeep Sardesai alone. pic.twitter.com/BHnBVYdnn1 Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 10, 2024 The BJP came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US about the Sikh community, saying the Congress leader is trying to create a dangerous narrative by speaking on sensitive issues abroad. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here that Gandhis remarks were sinister in nature as he tried to spread falsehood among the members of the Sikh community living abroad to eke out a living and do not have much connection with India. I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas, the BJP leader from the Sikh community said. Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde said he was scared to visit the iconic Lal Chowk in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar during his stint as the Union home minister. While this got him a lot of publicity and people thought he was moving around without fear, he was scared throughout, he said. Shinde was advised by educationist Vijay Dhar not to roam around much but make it a point to visit Lal Chowk and Dal Lake in Srinagar, and interact with people during his visit to the Valley in 2012. Before I became the home minister, I visited him (educationist Vijay Dhar). I used to ask him for advice. He advised me to not roam around but to visit Lal Chowk (in Srinagar), meet people and go around Dal Lake. That advice gave me publicity and people thought that here is a home minister who goes there without any fear, lekin meri fatti thi wo kisko bataun (but who do I tell that I was scared)? I told you this just to make you laugh, but an ex-policeman cant speak like this he was quoted by news agency ANI, during the launch of his memoir Five Decades in Politics written by journalist-author Rasheed Kidwai. #WATCH | Delhi: At the launch of his memoir 'Five Decades of Politics', Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde says, "Before I became the Home Minister, I visited him (educationist Vijay Dhar). I used to ask him for advice. He advised me to not roam around but to visit Lal Chowk (in pic.twitter.com/MJ4QhrKbwa ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 Shinde was appointed the Union home minister in the then Manmohan Singh-led government in 2012. His tenure witnessed the trials and executions of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Ajmal Kasab and 2001 Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru, as well as the 2012 Delhi gangrape case. During his visit to Kashmir in 2012, he was accompanied by Omar Abdullah, the then chief minister of the erstwhile state. He had stopped at different spots in Srinagar, including Lal Chowk and an arts showroom for shopping as well as the Ghanta Ghar. Apart from being the chief minister of Maharashtra from 2003 to 2004, Shinde has held some of the highest offices in the country, including the Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2006 and the Union home minister from 2012 to 2014. He was also the UPAs vice-presidential candidate in 2002, and in the party he served as general secretary. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who was also present at the book launch, praised him for his positive demeanour saying he went about his business with an ever-present smile on his face and did his work quietly. He argued that this quality of Shinde is rather rare in todays time when some people, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are all talk and no action. He (Shinde) has amazing patience. I, frankly speaking, get angry very easily, and cant stop myself when I see injustice happening anywhere. But not him, Shinde ji is ever smiling. To have that kind of attitude for 50 years is very difficult and he managed to do that. Not for nothing, he became chief minister, home minister, governor and achieved so much in his life, he added. Rahul Gandhi comfortably seen doing Bharat Jodo Yatra today With the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir Shindes comments ignited a response from the BJP, which said he admits he was scared of going to J&K. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the National Conference and the Congress for wanting to take J&K back to days of terror. UPA era Home Minister Sushil Shinde admits he was scared of going to J&K They told me to go Kashmir and do Photo-op at Dal lake for me and UPA's Public image as Home Minister of India. But I was scared" Today Rahul Gandhi was comfortably seen doing Bharat Jodo Yatra & snow pic.twitter.com/ly4Nx1bLQQ Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 10, 2024 UPA era Home Minister Sushil Shinde admits he was scared of going to J&K. They told me to go Kashmir and do Photo-op at Dal lake for me and UPAs Public image as Home Minister of India. But I was scared. Today Rahul Gandhi was comfortably seen doing Bharat Jodo Yatra & snow fight in Kasmir! But NC & Congress want to take back J&K back to days of terror ! Poonawalla wrote on X. Question: what is more difficult than exile in a foreign country where ones life must begin again in an unfamiliar land? Answer: torture and imprisonment in ones native county. The 135 political prisoners who were imprisoned in Nicaragua and were released to Guatemala on September 5 now know both realities. The United States secured their release from prison on humanitarian grounds, and Guatemalas President Bernado Arevalo generously agreed to welcome them. The former prisoners are being offered the opportunity to apply for lawful ways to rebuild their lives in the United States or other countries. At a press briefing in Guatemala, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Eric Jacobstein said, It was an incredible, emotional experience to greet the individuals on the tarmac here as they took steps to reclaim their lives and freedom. He noted that the former prisoners had had an extremely difficult time in Nicaragua and that [they] came off the plane saying, God bless America, God bless Guatemala. Among the released prisoners are 13 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based religious organization, as well as human rights defenders, Catholic lay people, students, and journalists. They make up the latest of several tranches of political prisoners the Ortega-Murillo regime has sent into exile in recent months. The first group consisted of 222 dissidents released to the United States in February 2023 all of whom were stripped of their citizenship. In January 2024, the regime released revered Catholic Bishop Rolando Jose Alvarez and 15 other clergy members and handed them over to the Vatican. Since 2018, when protests broke out throughout the country against the 11-year rule of President Daniel Ortega, the regime has violently suppressed and attempted to silence its critics. That suppression has not ceased. Two reports this year, one by the U.S. State Department on human rights in Nicaragua, and one by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, testify to ongoing arbitrary arrests, mistreatment of detainees, and intimidation of political opponents. We urge the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Nicaragua, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement. The Nicaraguan people want and deserve a restored democracy where all can exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, free from fear of persecution or reprisal. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday condemned Rahul Gandhis recent comments about the Sikh community in the US, calling them irresponsible and demanding an explanation from Gandhi. In an interview with CNN-News18, Puri asserted that he has never encountered any issues faced by Sikhs in India or abroad. Rahul Gandhi needs to be asked where he is getting these ideas from, he questioned. The senior BJP leader criticised the Congress leader for making outlandish statements while abroad and highlighted a dark chapter in history. 3,000 Sikhs were murdered in cold blood when Rahul Gandhis father was in power, Puri said. Puri, who is the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, also expressed concern that Gandhis comments might be interpreted as aligning with fringe elements in the US. On Monday, while addressing a gathering of Indian Americans in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of devaluing certain religions, languages, and communities in India. First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial, Gandhi said as he asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. What is your name, brother with the turban, he asked. The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions, said Gandhi, who is on a four-day visit to the US, which began September 7. Earlier today, in a press conference, Puri described Gandhis remarks as sinister, accusing him of spreading falsehoods among Sikhs living abroad who may not have strong ties to India. I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas, the BJP leader from the Sikh community said. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that happened during the Congress rule, Puri said, If there has been one time in our history when as a community we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhis family has been in the seats of power. In 1984, a pogrom was carried out against the Sikh community. As many as 3,000 innocent people were killed. People were dragged out of their homes, tyres were put around them and burnt alive, he said. That was the only time in history when Sikhs faced a problem for their turbans as they faced an existential threat after Rajiv Gandhis statement that when a big tree falls, the earth shakes, Puri stated. (With inputs from PTI) Union home minister Amit Shah inaugurated four cybersecurity initiatives in Delhi on Tuesday: the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), Cyber Commandos, Samanvaya portal, and Suspect Registry. In his address at the first foundation day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Shah emphasised that without cybersecurity the nations progress is not possible in this era. While technology is a blessing for us, as we use it for various purposes including economic ones, there is also a threat from technology, he said. That is why I believe that cybersecurity is not only restricted to the digital world but is also a crucial aspect of national security. In fact, he added, without cybersecurity, national security is not possible. I want to speak more about the Suspect Registry. In a nation like ours, states have suspects in silos. Since states have their own jurisdictional areas, if each state creates its own suspect registry, it will also be limited to that jurisdiction. Therefore, this registry should be at the national level, the minister said. The minister also urged I4C to use artificial intelligence to identify the modus operandi of cyber fraudsters from the data in the Suspect Registry. Today, the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre has been inaugurated, he said. Financial institutions, telecom companies, international service providers, and police agencies will now have a single platform to enhance cybersecurity. The CFMC has been established at I4C in New Delhi, with representatives from major banks, financial intermediaries, payment aggregators, telecom service providers, IT intermediaries, and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in states and union territories. They will collaborate for immediate action and seamless cooperation to address online financial crimes. The CFMC will serve as an example of cooperative federalism in law enforcement. The ministry has decided to train 5,000 Cyber Commandos over the next five years, a programme first discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative will establish a special wing of trained Cyber Commandos in states/UTs and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) to counter cyber threats in the country. Trained Cyber Commandos will assist states, UTs, and central agencies in securing the digital space. Amit Shah also launched the Samanvaya Platform (Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facilitation System), a web-based module designed as a one-stop portal for data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, and a cooperation and coordination platform for law enforcement agencies across the country. Samsung is likely to get many people excited about the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. The South Korean giant is being tipped to return to its 2022 strategy in which it invested heavily in Snapdragon CPUs for its flagship Galaxy S series, according to a report. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset will likely be used in all three speculated Galaxy S25 models: the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the companys foldable flagship phones may use Exynos instead of Qualcomm CPUs. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is scheduled to be released in January 2025. According to the South Korean website Hankyung, Samsungs choice to equip the next-generation Galaxy S handsets with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip is driven by the need for high power to run generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) applications. The company unveiled its AI, Galaxy AI, earlier this year with the Galaxy S24 series, but the next years version is expected to deliver increased functionality and better optimisation all of which would necessitate more power. Samsung is likely to rely on Qualcomms forthcoming technology to make the Galaxy S25 series more powerful than its predecessor. Earlier, Samsung was said to be working on a unique processor that could handle AI functions, but later reports stated the plans had reached a stumbling block. According to another source, Samsung intends to use a 3nm Exynos chip in the Galaxy S25 series. It was also reported that Samsung was exploring employing MediaTek CPUs in its future flagship devices. Because Samsung has not officially announced which CPUs will power the Galaxy S25 series, readers should treat reports about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip with caution. Meanwhile, the flagship phones, typically scheduled for the latter half of the year, may employ Samsungs in-house CPUs. The next generation of Galaxy Z foldable smartphones is expected to include the Exynos 2500 chip, which is presently in development. This could signal a significant shift in Samsungs flagship phone strategy. While Samsung has alternated between employing Exynos and Snapdragon chips in its Galaxy S series phones, the foldable phones have always employed high-end Snapdragon processors. One nurse recently came into the spotlight after stalking a dentist. She attached a tracking device to his car and even broke into his home; the nurse has been spared a prison sentence. Sophie Colwill, 30, bombarded David Pagliero with up to 1,000 calls in a single day and managed to break into his home, where she waited for him in his bedroom before escaping through a window. A court heard Colwill worked with Pagliero, 54, at the Smile Dental Centre in Exeter, Devon, which bills itself as The Gentle Dental Centre. When Paglieros wife died, he sought company in Colwill, but they split up and Colwill became obsessed. She followed the dentist in his car to various locations such as a petrol station when he went to buy petrol. The father-of-two drove to a local shop called Darts Farm near his home in Exeter and saw Colwill open his car after leaving it and he thought she must have a spare key. Mr Pagliero was forced to leave his car in the car park because he believed he was being followed by her. When he returned to his vehicle, Colwill was back there, the court heard. Details of how Colwill entered the 1.35 million (Rs 12,51,05,850) five-bedroom detached house near Exeter were not given in court last week. Colwill was sentenced on Thursday but Mr Pagliero urged the district judge to be kind and not lock her up. Instead, she was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended from work for 12 months, and a five-year restraining order banning her from contacting Mr Pagliero or entering his home or dental surgery. Prosecutor Alistair Verheijen said Colwill gained entry to the dentists home and a tug of war ensued when the defendant tried to take his mobile phone. Colwill then escaped through a window. She also harassed him by telephone, calling him 965 times in a single day and more than 1,000 times the next day. Mr Verheijen said: The calls didnt stop. Apple has launched the new iPhone 16 in the Apple Glowtime Event 2024 at its Cupertino Park, California headquarters on Monday, September 9. And social media users kept up with the tradition as they responded with memes. While a few gave an honest review of the phone, others joked about how the company just moved its camera to make it look different from the previous versions. Some even shared memes that they made in 2021 and are still relevant. Many even shared the evergreen Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man meme. This person gave an honest review of the newly-launched iPhone 16. Internet famous Xavier Uncle posted something after the launch of iPhone 16 that will leave you laughing hard: iphone 17 pro leaked: pic.twitter.com/TlCXQ102DB Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) September 9, 2024 Check out what this X user posted: Tim: Unveils the iphone 16 with 0.5 mm thinner design People: Can't wait to spend 1000$+ to fit it slightly better in my pocket.#AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/FhVQOt9nI4 Rajatendu Dey (@rajatendu_dey) September 9, 2024 Another aptly shared this where one can hardly find any difference between iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. I take the camera and move it further to the right, is what an X user shared while taking about the new phone launched by Apple. This Internet user said, 19-20 ka hi to fark hai, while talking about new iPhone. Apple launches iPhone 16 and the meme continues, said yet another X user while reacting to the new iPhone. Apple lanca o iPhone 16 e o meme continua pic.twitter.com/wtY9ljTqs0 Fante (@manicacagoiano) September 9, 2024 Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a video ahead of the launch event. Alongside, he wrote, Welcome to the new era of iPhone! Built for Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 lineup delivers a powerful, personal, and private experience right at your fingertips. And with the new Camera Control, youll never miss a moment. About iPhone 16 The Apple iPhone 16 series introduces the powerful A18 Bionic chip, designed on the Arm V9 architecture, to support a range of new AI capabilities under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence. One of the standout features is its 48 MP Fusion camera, capable of shooting 4K video at 120 frames per second the highest of any iPhone to date allowing users to capture incredible slow-motion footage. Starting at $799 for the iPhone 16 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, the new models will be available starting September 20. Customers in over 58 countries, including India, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the UAE, the UK, and the US, can pre-order these devices beginning at 5:30 pm IST on Friday, September 13. A young girl in Varanasi pulled off a bold scooter theft in broad daylight. The girl, who was in school uniform, convinced the owner of the vehicle to hand over the keys under the pretence of needing to move it aside. What followed next is no less than a plot straight out of a film where she calmly started the scooter and rode off. A CCTV footage of the daring heist that happened in Varanasis Kabir Nagar is all over the Internet. Read| After Bengaluru, Thief Steals Bags from Tata Nexon in Tamil Nadu. Victim Shares CCTV Footage Kindly take urgent action on the theft of my friend Sarikas scooty in Varanasi. Requesting your intervention to resolve this at the earliest. Attaching the newspaper clip for reference, wrote an X user while sharing the CCTV footage online. As per the complaint that the victim filed in Bhelupur Police Station, the incident occurred around 9:30 am when a young girl approached the victim, requesting the keys to her scooter, claiming she needed to move it aside to carry some items upstairs. The victim trusted the girl and handed over the keys and asked her neighbour to keep an eye on her. Moments later, the girl began moving the blue TVS Jupiter scooter, only to unexpectedly take off with it. Also Read| Bengaluru Heist: Thieves Break Windows of Cars, Steal Laptops and Valuables in Broad Daylight The CCTV footage shows the young girl in school uniform moving the scooter aside, before cautiously turning it around and riding off with it. Earlier, miscreants in Bengalurus Indiranagar used a special tool to break into cars parked on a busy street and stole laptops and valuables in broad daylight. While one thief distracted the guard, the other smashed windows of cars with a special device and quickly made off with their loot. In yet another incident, a software engineer in Tamil Nadu fell victim to a brazen theft in broad daylight. The software engineer shared the CCTV footage with News18.com where a thief can be seen breaking the window of the car and quickly making off with his loot. Two unidentified people posing as crime branch officials stole Rs 5 lakh from a Mumbai lawyer. The Khar police have filed a case against the culprits, who impersonated crime branch agents before robbing Tausif Sheikh while conducting what appeared to be an inquiry. According to Khar police, the 37-year-old victim is a lawyer who lives in Bandra. Sheikh filed a complaint, reported news agency ANI. Sheikh said that his relatives run a travel agency and money transfer services. He occasionally helped them, including transferring funds into the firms bank account for money transfers. According to Sheikhs complaint, on September 7, his brother gave him Rs 5.7 lakh to deposit into two clients accounts. Sheikh intended to make the deposit the following morning. However, after depositing Rs 70,000 into one clients account, two men approached Sheikh at an ATM entryway. They claimed to be from the Crime Branch and requested that Sheikh accompany them for questioning. The Khar police said that the imposters then forced Sheikh into a car, examined his bag and questioned him about the money. They threatened to file a complaint against him but later said they needed to make multiple arrests and would be quite busy. They then asked him to exit the van at Santacruz before fleeing with his money. Sheikh, distraught after the robbery, returned home and informed his brother about the incident. Upon hearing what had happened, Sheikhs brother immediately reported the theft to the police. In addition to cheating, the Khar Police have also charged the accused duo with impersonation. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the location where the lawyer was detained to identify the vehicle registration number and track down the suspects. The lawyer described the two accused to the police as being around 5.5 feet tall and in their 30s. One was wearing a blue shirt and jeans, while the other was dressed in a white shirt and khaki pants. The Khar police have filed a case against the two individuals and have initiated an investigation into the incident. With its rental prices among the highest in the country, Mumbai comes with several challenges to consider when deciding to rent a property. House hunting in the city often seems like a vague trade-off, where people have to contend between living close to their workplaces in a cell-sized room and a spacious flat thats hours away. Perhaps this is why a hybrid employee chose to live in hotels instead of renting a room in Mumbai. Neil Borate, who works as the Editor of Personal Finance at LiveMint, in his latest LinkedIn post shared why he decided to stay in hotels and Airbnbs whenever he visits the city. Borate also shared a list of his personal favourites, explaining the conveniences. Each week, I divide my time between Pune (my home) and Mumbai (for work). After some struggles, Ive given up on renting in Mumbai. I go for Airbnbs and hotels instead," he wrote. He went on to mention the hotels he prefers, including The Sea Green Hotel on Marine Drive, The Strand near Radio Club and The Westend Hotel near Churchgate. Borate specifically highlighted the key features of the hotels and their locations. If you book these, dont come with expectations of modern hotels. You will generally get metal keys instead of key cards. There wont be gyms, pools, or any other fancy amenities. Instead, enjoy the great location and history all around you," he concluded. The post reached out to many people who took to the comment section and shared their own views. While some were unsure about the idea of spending Rs 5,000 per night to be affordable, others opened up about their experiences during hotel stays. A user said, I must be out of touch with reality or have a long way to go because ~5k per night sounds far from affordable to me," while another commented, So you spending a lakh per month on hotels? Like someone above, I am also wondering about the cleanliness, staff behaviour and quality of food. I feel they have plummeted in budget hotels." Explaining to one of them, Borate wrote, I spend about 2 nights a week in Mumbai. Not always in hotels. Sometimes Airbnbs at half the price. So no, I dont spend a lakh a month on hotels. Probably 40k, which is close to a 1 BHK rental anyway. " Another user added, Loved this, Neil. I spent about 2 months in the Westend Hotel when I first came to Bombay (as it was then)." One noted, A typical and authentic Puneite will always prefer environmentally friendly surroundings and will choose comfort over luxury, and these traditional hotels that meet the basic concepts of comfort will be the ones to go for." Lee Thiam Wah has become the latest entrant to the billionaire club in Malaysia after having started his journey selling snacks at a roadside stall. The 60-year-old is the founder of 99 Speed Mart, the largest mini-market chain in the country with over 2,600 stores. Lee Thiam officially became a billionaire on Monday, September 9, after his company floated its initial public offer (IPO) in Kuala Lumpur. This is Malaysias biggest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in seven years, raising $531 million (Rs 44.61 billion). At the IPO price of 1.65 ringgit (Rs 31.79) per share, Lee Thiams wealth was approximately $3.3 billion (Rs 277.15 billion) as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bank Muamalat chief economist Mohd Afanizam Abdul Rashid told This Week In Asia: Foreigners have been buying our (99 Speed Mart) stocks. Rashid continued by saying that the increase in net purchases by foreign investors, which came to 2.5 billion ringgit (Rs 48.14 billion) in August and 1.4 billion ringgit (Rs 26.98 billion) in July, serves as proof of this. It comes at a pivotal time for Southeast Asias capital markets as well as Malaysias IPO scene, according to Mohit Mirpuri, a senior partner and fund manager at Singapore-based SGMC Capital Pte Ltd, who spoke with Bloomberg. About Lee Thiam Wah: Lee Thiam Wah was born in 1964 at Klang, one of several urban centres that fringe the hundred-kilometre distance between Kuala Lumpur and the coast of the Malacca Strait. His father was a construction worker while his mother was a hawker. The couple had 11 children and struggled to make ends meet. Lee Thiam Wah had to drop out of school after 6 years due to financial constraints in the family. His first retail store, a legalised roadside food booth, was out of compulsion. At a young age, he was stricken with polio and was paralysed from the waist down for the rest of his life. In a 2012 interview with Forbes, Lee mentioned, Nobody would hire me due to my physical limitations. I have to help myself. Lee started with a grocery shop in 1987 and by the year 1997, he was managing eight stores under the trade name Pasar Mini 99 where his wife Ng Lee Tieng began her career as a purchasing executive. Before the IPO process, the couple was the only shareholder in the company. The company is the biggest chain of such stores in Malaysia in terms of market share. 99 Speed Mart commands a 40% share in the mini-market segment and 11.7% of the total count of grocery stores in Malaysia, as stated in the IPO documentation reviewed by Bloomberg. Chief Executive Officer Lee will continue to lead the firm. According to Fortune, the majority of Lees net wealth comprises the 99 Speed Mart business, dividend payments, and proceeds from stake offload in the IPO. In addition, he owns interests in several closely held companies, one of which is the only Burger King franchise in Malaysia. According to regulatory documents cited by the publication, he temporarily became one of Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd.s largest individual owners last year with an approximately 5% holding. People from many countries come over to explore Delhi and go back with happy memories. However, it was not a happy excursion for a woman tourist from Singapore who visited the national capital with her friend. Recently, a travel vlogger from Singapore took to Instagram to share a video of their ugly experience in Delhi. The vlogger shared three tips that tourists should avoid in Delhi. The video has left the internet worried after recounting her unpleasant experience. In the video, the vlogger listed three things to avoid in Delhi. First, she shared, Do not take a taxi in the middle of the night. While sharing her experience in the video, she said, We arrived at night and took a taxi since we couldnt get an Uber from the airport. The driver asked for 200 rupees more at the end of the trip, even though it was a pre-paid taxi, and dropped us at a different location. Second, she shared, Do not give your contact number to a rickshaw driver. She stated, When we visited Jama Masjid, we met a rickshaw driver and gave him our number, we spent quite some time with him, thinking we should pay him around Rs 1000, which is double the price of an Uber. But he demanded Rs 6000. While sharing the third tip, the vlogger stated, Do not bring only a credit card instead of cash. Cash is more common in India than credit cards. When it comes to street vendors cash is always preferred. The video was shared on an Instagram account @travelswithsyl. Also Read: 30-year-old Nurse, Obsessed With Doctor, Gets Arrested For Breaking Into His House Watch the viral video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travels with Syl | Solo Travel Diary! (@travelswithsyl) Also Read: Chinese Company Fired Employees After They Were Get Caught Kissing In The Office The clip was shared a few days ago. Since being shared, the video has accumulated 2 million views and numbers are still increasing. Many social media users expressed concern in the comments section. I live in Delhi. Always do Uber for anywhere. Anything else is just unsafe, wrote a person. They always do this with tourists, added a second. The United States is concerned with threats to religious freedoms in Pakistan. Freedom of religion is deeply interlinked with the freedom of expression, association, movement and assembly, said U.S. Agency for International Developments Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Asia Bureau, Anjali Kaur, in a United States Commission on International Religious Freedom panel. Where religious freedom protections are absent, we find conflict, instability and terrorism. USAID's work in Pakistan supports a more resilient, gender equitable, inclusive and prosperous nation, she said. According to the U.S. Department of States 2023 International Religious Freedom Report, Pakistans constitution includes severe blasphemy laws and barring minorities such as the Ahmadi groups from identifying as Muslim. There are several reports of religious minorities facing violence and abuse from both authorities and mobs in the country. The United States has engaged the Pakistani government to urge progress on blasphemy laws and laws concerning Ahmadi Muslims, better protect members of religious minority communities, and encourage interfaith respect. The U.S. Government has also urged Pakistan to conduct full and transparent investigations into violent incident s against members of religious minority groups to hold those responsible fully accountable, said Deputy Assistant Kaur. To further inclusivity in Pakistan, USAID is taking a community-based approach. These efforts include building resilience and stability and addressing the specific drivers of radicalization by undermining the legitimacy and attraction of violent extremist organizations in conflict affected areas, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Kaur. For example, the Building Peace in Pakistan project, implemented by the United States Institute of Peace, strengthens digital news platforms and amplifies the voices of marginalized populations. It has worked in over 600 schools, universities, and madrassas to promote peace, social cohesion and tolerance for diversity through social action projects, policy seminars, awareness sessions, community dialogs and meetings. The projects subjects range from providing skills and knowledge to student leaders and universities to training magazine editors to counter hate speech, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Kaur. USAID will continue to work to help Pakistan create mechanisms for political representation and constructive dialog between the civilian government and citizens, activities that build relationships and trust across sectarian, tribal and religious lines, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Kaur. They're all necessary to generate confidence in coexistence and a shared vision for Pakistan's future. Youtuber IShowSpeed found himself in a precarious situation while attempting to drive a tuk-tuk in Thailand. A tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled motorised vehicle commonly used by locals to traverse, was being demonstrated to him when he accidentally put it in gear, causing it to accelerate rapidly. As the vehicle picked up speed, IShowSpeed lost control, leading to a crash into a wall, where he hit his head on the roof of the tuk-tuk, leaving him visibly shaken. In a video that is doing rounds on social media, IShowSpeed can be seen struggling as the tuk-tuk jerks forward. Despite his frantic efforts to stop it, the vehicle continued to accelerate and just before the crash, he was heard shouting to stop it. Oh s**t, Oh s**t Wait, hold on. Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! he screamed. After the crash, he quickly jumped out of the tuk-tuk, kneeling on the ground and holding his head in pain. IShowSpeed loses control and crashes a tuk tuk in Thailandpic.twitter.com/CesFSecZ03 Dexerto (@Dexerto) September 9, 2024 Shortly after the crash, it was revealed that IShowSpeed had accidentally driven the tuk-tuk into a temple wall. The monks from the temple invited him to offer prayers and apologise. In a circulating video, IShowSpeed can be seen respectfully joining his hands and bowing before the monk in apology. He is also seen explaining to the monk what went wrong while he was attempting to drive the tuk-tuk. Speed prays & apologizes after crashing into their temple pic.twitter.com/3OHJyTFxdK 4KT WHO YOU HATE (@royal_bobby24) September 9, 2024 The Youtubers accident became a viral sensation online, racking up more than 4.5 lakh views so far. The video also sparked a variety of reactions from social media users. Heres how people reacted: One user commented, Theres no way that was an accident. Intentionally crashing a tuktuk into a temple for content is pretty low. There's no way that was an accident. Intentionally crashing a tuktuk into a temple for content is pretty low. (@UnpleasantAlex) September 9, 2024 Another added, Loses control? There was no control to begin with. He actively started accelerating into a wall. Loses control?There was no control to begin withHe actively started accelerating into a wall Gearloe (@Gearloe) September 9, 2024 Speed is wilding out already this era gonna be lit, someone else remarked. Speed is wilding out already this era gonna be lit Ishowclipz (@Ishowclipzzz) September 9, 2024 A person quipped, He lives by his name! SPEEEEEED. He lives by his name!SPEEEEEED Pseudo (@pseudo_eth) September 9, 2024 IShowSpeeds need for speed finally met its match a Thai tuk-tuks brakes! Who knew slowing down could be so hard? another comment read. IShowSpeed's need for speed finally met its match a Thai tuk-tuk's brakes! Who knew slowing down could be so hard? (@kathwanaye) September 9, 2024 The streamers first day in Thailand was quite eventful. While riding an elephant, he nearly encountered another accident. As the elephants handler directed it to stand on its hind legs, the sudden movement threw IShowSpeed off balance, causing him to fall when the animal came back down. its Speeds first 10 minutes in Thailand and he almost fell off a Elephant while riding it pic.twitter.com/hv73i3frOW Mahatma Gandhi (Parody) (@GandhiAOC) September 9, 2024 The content creator is in Thailand as a part of his ongoing Southeast Asia tour, following his recent trip across European countries. An under-trial man in France who allegedly drugged his wife several times and raped her as well as arranged for dozens of other men to rape her led twin lives as a caring family man and a highly dangerous sexual deviant, a court heard. The defendant, identified as 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot, allegedly invited strangers he met online at home to rape his wife in Mazan, southern France, over nine years. The woman was so heavily tranquilised that she was never aware of the repeated abuse, her counsel claimed. They revealed that Pelicot would secretly sauce up her dinner with high-dose anxiety-reducing drugs to make her unconscious after going to sleep. Police identified at least 92 rapes committed by 72 men. The authorities caught and charged 50 of them who are now facing trial alongside the husband. Most of the strangers had backgrounds as civil servants, paramedics, prison guards and truck drivers, claimed reports. Husband Showed Signs of Paraphilic Deviance A court in the nearby city of Avignon on Monday heard from psychiatrists who claimed to have evaluated Pelicot, a retired electrician. Several reports claimed that he showed signs of paraphilic deviance in which he had a strong desire to commit sexual acts on non-consenting victims. Medically, Paraphilia proves to be a condition where a persons sexual gratification depends on extreme sexual behaviour towards fulfilling the desires. The 71-year-old husband reportedly revealed during interrogation that he enjoyed pleasure in seeing his wife touched by strangers. The experts compared him to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, stating that he had a twin character allowing him to act like a family man in the day. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that he will press Israel to make fundamental changes after the military acknowledged its fire likely killed a US citizen activist in the occupied West Bank. After an initially measured response to Fridays death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi pending a fact-finding exercise, Blinken said that the United States would raise her death at senior levels with its key ally. The investigation, and eyewitness accounts, make clear that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified, Blinken told reporters on a visit to London. No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views, he said. In our judgement, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement. We have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. Its not acceptable. It has to change. Blinken renewed concern about the lack of repercussions for Israeli settlers who have attacked Palestinians in the West Bank as war rages in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Eygi, who was 26 and also held Turkish citizenship, was killed as she attended the site of weekly demonstrations against Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law but supported by right-wing members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government. Still pushing ceasefire The Israeli military said it had found that it was highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF (Israeli army) fire. It added that the fire was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. It still said that Eygi was killed during a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tyres and hurled rocks towards security forces at the Beita Junction. Eygi was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian organisation, which on Saturday dismissed claims that ISM activists threw rocks at Israeli forces as false and said the demonstration was peaceful. The United Nations rights office had earlier said Israeli forces killed Eygi with a shot in the head. The mayor of Beita, the Palestinian official news agency Wafa and her family also reported that Israeli soldiers killed her. Turkey said she was killed by Israeli occupation soldiers, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a fierce critic of Israel despite his countrys ties with the country condemning Israel as barbaric. The United States is the crucial supporter of Israel, providing billions of dollars in weapons and diplomatic support. Blinken also has been at the forefront of efforts to seek a ceasefire in the 11-month war. He acknowledged that very hard differences remained, but said that all sides would benefit from a deal that would turn down the temperature in Gaza. Its clearly in Israels interest, he said. Speaking next to Blinken, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy voiced outrage at an Israeli strike in a designated safe zone that officials in Hamas-run Gaza said killed 40 people. Israel said it targeted a Hamas command centre. Were meeting at a critical moment a critical moment for securing a ceasefire in Gaza, with the shocking deaths in Khan Yunis this morning only reinforcing how desperately needed that ceasefire is, Lammy said. Latest death The United States has maintained its support for Israel despite repeated concern over the deaths of US citizens. The State Department said last month that it would not impose sanctions on an Israeli unit involved in the death of a Palestinian-American grocer, Omar Assad, who died after being handcuffed, gagged and blindfolded in the cold. The department said that Israel had already taken remedial action. In 2022, the United States said it did not have evidence that Israel deliberately killed Shireen Abu Akleh, a prominent Al Jazeera journalist who held US citizenship. After US President Joe Bidens disastrous performance in the June debate, not only there were calls of him being replaced but there was also a deeper fear in the minds of Democrats. Would they be able to stop Donald Trump from making a comeback and taking control of the Oval Office? The former US president looked all set for a possible win, with polls favouring him over Biden and a failed assassination attempt on his life further boosting his ratings, but Bidens dropping out and endorsing Kamala Harris, the US vice-president proved to be a gamechanger. Harris, who only jumped into the race after President Biden quit in July, has rapidly transformed herself from a little-noticed vice president into a serious contender. However, the polls show she has not made a major breakthrough, leaving the race a toss-up. The latest polling confirms that Trump retains locked-in support from about half of voters, despite the Republicans historic status as a convicted felon and his role in instigating the unprecedented attempt to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Harris arrived at 4.40pm (2040 GMT) Monday in the eastern city of Philadelphia where the debate takes place, while Trump is not due to touch down until hours before Tuesday evenings clash on ABC News. How Prepared Are They Harris spent the weekend cloistered in a historic hotel in downtown Pittsburgh where she focused on honing crisp two-minute answers, per the debates rules. Meanwhile, Trump has publicly dismissed the value of studying for the debate. The former president is choosing instead to fill his days with campaign-related events. Kamala Harris has honed an aggressive but calibrated approach to debates. She tries to blend punch lines with details that build toward a broader narrative. Tuesdays presidential debate will put the Democratic vice presidents skills to a test unlike any shes faced. Donald Trump appears to be a seasoned adversary as he will participate in his seventh general election debate since 2016 for an event that will be seen by tens of millions of viewers just as early voting in Novembers election starts around the country. The two candidates have never even met before, and the debate is set to be a contrast in styles between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon who has targeted Harris with racist and sexist insults. What Outcomes Are Trump And Kamala Expecting The 59-year-old Harriss honeymoon after replacing the aging Joe Biden at the top of the ticket appears to be fading, with polls showing she needs to reach out to voters who dont know much about her policies. She addressed the growing pressure late Sunday when her campaign put out a policy page, touching on subjects from unions and cost-of-living issues to health care. Trump, 78, will be under pressure to rein in his insults and aggression as he goes up against a mixed-race candidate vying to be the first female president in US history. Both will know the high stakes of what is so far the only scheduled debate in the shortest election campaign in modern US political history. The most recent polls show the race remains on a knife-edge. A New York Times/Siena poll on Sunday found that Trump is leading Harris nationally by 48 to 47 percent, well within the margin of error. An ABC News poll/Ipsos poll on Monday showed Harris leading Trump 50 to 46 percent. Underlining that the Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that Russia and Ukraine have to negotiate and if they want advice, India is always willing to give it. Responding to questions at the Annual Ambassadors Conference of the German Foreign Office in Berlin, Jaishankar also said that India is not closed to business from China, but the issue is in which sectors the country does business with Beijing and on what terms. On the Russia-Ukraine war, he said, We dont think this conflict is going to be resolved on the battlefield. At some stage, theres going to be some negotiation. When there is a negotiation, the main parties Russia and Ukraine have to be at that negotiation. His remarks came a day after he held a useful conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the India-Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers meeting in the Saudi capital on Monday. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modis visits to Russia and Ukraine, he said the Indian leader has said in Moscow and Kyiv that this is not an era of war. We dont think youre going to get a solution out of the battlefield. We think youve got to negotiate If you want advice, we are always willing to give it, he said, adding countries have differences, but conflicts are not a way to resolve them. Jaishankar also said that the Quad has been a very successful experiment. India is a member of QUAD a four-member strategic security dialogue that also includes the US, Japan and Australia. China regards Quad as an alliance aimed at containing its rise and is bitterly critical of the grouping. He said India, the US, Japan, and Australia located at four different corners decided to work together. And thats how we revived the Quad. It is one of the major diplomatic platforms to which India is committed, he said, adding that the grouping focuses on cooperating on maritime security to HADR operations, connectivity etc. Jaishankar also indicated that India will continue to do business with China. We are not closed to business from China Its the second-largest economy in the world. Its a premium manufacturer. So theres nobody who can say, I wont do business with China. I think the issue is, which sectors do you do business and on what terms? So, its far more complicated than a black and white binary answer, he said. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin named India among the three countries he is constantly in touch over the Ukraine conflict, saying they are sincerely making efforts to resolve it. Speaking at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Putin said, If there is a desire of Ukraine to carry on with the negotiations, I can do that. His remarks came within two weeks after Prime Minister Modis historic visit to Ukraine, where he held talks with President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We respect our friends and partners, who, I believe, sincerely seek to resolve all issues surrounding this conflict, primarily China, Brazil and India. I constantly keep in touch with our colleagues on this issue, Putin was quoted as saying by Russias TASS news agency. Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov last week told the Izvestia daily that India could help in establishing a dialogue on Ukraine. Underlining the existing highly constructive, even friendly relations between Modi and Putin, he said the Indian Prime Minister can lead the line on getting first-hand information from the participants in this conflict, as he freely communicates with Putin, with Zelenskyy, and with the Americans. Modi on August 23 visited Ukraine, where he conveyed to President Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an active role to restore peace in the region. In his interaction, Jaishankar underlined that India has changed enormously in the last decade and added that it is today a nearly USD 4 trillion economy that has 8 per cent growth prospects for decades further to come. Our trade is currently at USD 33 billion and mutual investment levels can surely do better. The changes in India and easier business climate should serve as a motivation, he said. Whether it is green and clean energy, sustainable urbanization or new and emerging technologies, our cooperation contributes to a better world. As we enter the age of AI, of electric mobility, of green hydrogen, of space and semiconductors, the case for our collaboration only becomes stronger, he said. Whether it is the volatility of pandemics, climate events, conflicts or coercion, there is a growing interest in forging more reliable and resilient supply chains. Similarly, the digital era requires trusted partners and secure data flows. When it comes to international peace and stability, those with shared values and convergent interests must collaborate in defence and security, he said. He called for greater cooperation in innovation and technology, AI, fintech and clean/green technologies. Defence cooperation must be given greater thought, especially as the Indian private sector expands in that domain. It will require export controls updating as well, the minister said as he welcomed the recent air exercises between India and Germany. Our Green and Sustainable Development Partnership is making sure and steady progress. We have concluded 38 agreements to the tune of 3.22 billion Euros. It only underlines the potential in this area, especially for green hydrogen and green ammonia, he said. He said that 43,000 Indian students are studying in Germany. But the flow of talent could be very much higher, constituting the kind of living bridge that we have with the US. This could be supplemented by understandings on skills mobility, he said. He called for close and continuous consultation on global issues, saying this is necessary to build the levels of trust and confidence which behoves our partnership. There is a basis today for talking about multi-polarity, though this is still a work very much in progress. From Indias perspective, we see the European Union and Germany as one of key players in this emerging scenario. The strategic awareness that has perhaps grown in recent years in this region is therefore of considerable interest to us, he said. In a globalized existence, instability anywhere has consequences everywhere, he said, adding that it is untenable therefore for major nations to limit their horizons. Spoke of Indias significant transitions in infrastructure, digital, skills, technology and energy sectors. Highlighted emerging challenges and opportunities of todays world, and the need for a stronger India-Germany partnership based on shared values and interests, Jaishankar later said in a post on X. South Africa has announced a new scheme under which the Department of Home Affairs will process group visa applications for tourists coming into the country along with tested and approved tour operators from India and China registered with the department. Aimed at attracting tourists from India and China to visit the top tourist destinations of the country, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) is expected to come into force in January 2025. The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme is aimed at helping the country to become a major tourist destination. Currently, Indian tourists account for only 3.9% of all international tourist arrivals to South Africa. It is expected that the initiative will have the same success as the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which has significantly streamlined the visa process for businesses seeking to attract critical skills. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has directed that a similar approach be taken to improve efficiency for tourists from countries like India and China. Tourists coming in from countries like India and China prefer to travel in large groups and the new visa system is designed to meet this need. The visa applications under TTOS are handled by a dedicated team of adjudicators, ensuring speedy and reliable processing. This new scheme aims to eliminate several obstacles that have hampered South Africas tourism potential. The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Presidency and Operation Vulindlela, is focused on addressing this unacceptable economic underperformance by removing barriers to tourism from these critical markets. Minister Schreiber said that studies have shown that increasing tourism by just 10 percent per year could increase the countrys annual economic growth by 0.6 percent and create tens of thousands of new jobs for South Africans. Schreiber hoped that the TTOS project would enable home businesses to flourish. TTOS is seen as an interim measure to promote tourism, but we are moving at a pace to digitally transform Home Affairs. Our vision is to enable a fully automated process to deliver tourist visa benefits digitally, to tourists worldwide, he said. TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi visited Las Vegas today (Sept 9) to anno. . . TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT MET Group is proud to announce that the company's Swiss subsidiaries have been honoured as a Top Employer in Switzerland for 2024. This is a. . . Chief Photographer Dave Kidd was born in Rapid City but spent a good chunk of his life living in several different states while his father served in the United States Air Force. During this time, he also lived in Turkey for a little more than two years (1989-1991) where he was able to experience the people and culture. Around 1996, Daves family moved back to Rapid City to be closer to family and has lived here ever since, becoming a 2000 graduate of Stevens High School. In 2004 Dave began his career in media as photojournalist in Rapid City. Over his 12-year career he has covered stories all over the Hills ranging from human interest pieces to breaking news. In 2015 he joined the NewsCenter1 team as a photojournalist and in the spring of 2016 accepted the position of assignment editor. In the fall of 2019 Dave accepted a new roll in the position of Chief Photographer with NewsCenter1. During his spare time, Dave enjoys taking trips to the Black Hills National Forest for a scenic drive or hike with his wife Autumn and daughter Ella. Dave also enjoys doing landscape and nature photography. Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard, dubbed "Canada's Jeffrey Epstein" by the country's media, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The 83-year-old, who was found guilty in November of sexually assaulting three women in their 20s and a 16-year-old girl, was given credit for time served, meaning he has just under seven years left to serve, though he could be eligible for parole in two years, the CBC reports. Toronto Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein described Nygard as a "sexual predator" and a "Canadian success story gone very wrong," reports the BBC . "He used his wealth and his power to commit four sexual assaults," the judge said. During the trial, the women testified that Nygard assaulted them in the private bedroom suite at his Toronto office after he lured them to the building with promises of work in the fashion industry or help with their careers. The attacks happened between the late 1980s and 2005. The judge said the fact that Nygard "didn't moderate or change his behavior" was an aggravating factor, as were his manipulation and degradation of the women, his lack of empathy, and the age of the youngest victim. Nygard has been in custody since his arrest in 2020, and his lawyers called for a shorter sentence, saying a long prison term would be "crushing" in light of his age and declining health. The judge said that if he imposed a lighter sentence, it would send the message that rich and powerful men who prey on women could "escape culpability" if they "hold off the day of judgment long enough," the CBC reports. Nygard has more days in court to come. The AP reports that he faces sexual assault and sex trafficking charges in Montreal, Winnipeg, and the US. (More Peter Nygard stories.) The man accused of shooting at vehicles on Interstate 75 in Kentucky, injuring five people, said in a text message that he planned to "kill a lot of people," according to court documents. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Joseph Couch, 32, told his ex-wife, "I'm going to kill a lot of people," adding, "Well (I'm going to) try at least." In a follow-up text, he vowed: "I'll kill myself afterwards." The messages were sent less than 30 minutes before Couch allegedly started shooting at drivers in a rural area around 75 miles south of Lexington on Saturday. Police say at least 12 vehicles were hit. As the manhunt in a rugged area near the small city of London continued Monday, Couch was charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault, NBC News reports. Officials say he legally bought an AR-15-style rifle and around 1,000 rounds of ammunition in London on Saturday morning. The rifle was found near Couch's vehicle. The US Army said Couch served as a combat engineer in the Army Reserve from March 2013 to January 2019. The Army said he was a private when he left and had no deployments, the AP reports. London Mayor Randall Weddle said Monday that relatives told investigators Couch was struggling with PTSD, reports NBC News. He said Couch is believed to be hiding out in rough, heavily wooded terrain that includes an old salt mine cave. People should keep in mind that Couch "has a military background," the mayor said. "So when you hear a helicopter and it's blacked out, he knows to hide, or he hears the thrum." More than a dozen school districts in southeast Kentucky canceled classes on Monday. "We're not going to quit until we do lay hands on him," said Laurel County Sheriff John Root. (More Kentucky stories.) A stunning gold and carnelian necklace displayed at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts for four decades is heading back "to its rightful home," per Smithsonian . The museum has returned the 2,500-year-old necklace to Turkey, from which it was likely stolen in 1976. Jewelry taken from Turkey's Bintepeler archaeological site show clear similarities to the necklace acquired from a London dealer in 1982. The museum says it knew only that the necklace came from a likely gravesite in Asia Minor. At the time of purchase, it wasn't unusual for museums to acquire artifacts "without really probing more deeply into its ownership history," Victoria Reed, the museum's senior curator for provenance, tells the Boston Globe . Around 2015, an anonymous scholar reported the necklace's beads and fittings were nearly identical to those of artifacts excavated from Bintepeler in 1976 and displayed at Turkey's Archeological Museum of Manisa. Because Bintepeler had been excavated following reports of looting, the MFA investigated and determined its necklace may have come from the same site. "It seems that the elements that made up our necklace were probably smuggled out of the country and then strung together to form this piece of jewelry," measuring just eight inches long, Reed says, per CBS News. Artnet sees the museum's admission as "a welcome level of transparency to the deaccessioning process as many museums in the US and Europe reckon with increased pressure to repatriate stolen objects." The MFAwhich returned a child's ceramic coffin to a Swedish museum in Aprilreached a deal with Turkey's Ministry of Culture to have the necklace returned, and government representatives picked it up "in a special protective case," per CBS. It's "a symbolic moment that sends a strong message to the world, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the protection of cultural heritage," says Hilal Demirel of the culture ministry. (Meanwhile, Egypt wants Germany to hand over its Nefertiti bust.) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza, stating it is the worst destruction he has witnessed in his tenure of over seven years. Offering UN monitoring for any ceasefire, Guterres highlighted that ongoing violence and massive displacement of Gaza's population require immediate international attention. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the UN's limited role due to Israel's likely resistance to UN involvement. Highlighting a ceasefire's urgency, Guterres remarked on the unprecedented suffering in Gaza. The conflict, triggered on Oct. 7 by Hamas' attacks on Israel, has led to over 40,900 Palestinian deaths and significant displacement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized UN humanitarian efforts and rejected external pressure for a ceasefire, stating, "No one will preach to me." Guterres stressed the necessity of a two-state solution, despite Netanyahu's opposition. "Is it possible ... [to] have 5 million Palestinians living there without any rights?" he questioned, referencing apartheid. He argued that mutual respect and equality are crucial for peace, emphasizing that a two-state framework is essential for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. story continues below Word Count: 166 (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) An Israeli strike on a crowded tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others early Tuesday, Palestinian officials said. Israel said it targeted "significant" Hamas militants, allegations denied by the militant group. It was among the deadliest strikes yet in Muwasi, a sprawl of crowded tent camps along the Gaza coast that Israel designated as a humanitarian zone for hundreds of thousands of civilians to seek shelter from the Israel-Hamas war, the AP reports. The Civil Defense, first responders operating under the Hamas-run government, said it recovered 40 bodies from the strike and was still looking for people. It said entire families were killed in their tents. An Associated Press camera operator saw three large craters at the scene, where first responders and displaced people were sifting through the sand and rubble with garden tools and their bare hands by the light of mobile phones. They pulled body parts from the sand, including what appeared to be a human leg. Attaf al-Shaar, who was displaced from the southern city of Rafah, said the strike happened just after midnight and caused a fire. "The people were buried in the sand. They were retrieved as body parts," she told an Associated Press reporter at the scene. (Israeli strikes are continuing despite an urgent polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.) An estimated 600,000 peoplenearly half of East Timor's populationpacked a seaside park Tuesday for Pope Francis' final Mass, held on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed 35 years ago during the nation's fight for independence from Indonesia. The remarkable turnout was a testament to the overwhelmingly Catholic Southeast Asian country and the esteem with which its people hold the church, which stood by the Timorese in their traumatic battle for freedom and helped draw international attention to their plight. Francis delighted them on Tuesday, staying at Tasitolu park until well after nightfall to loop around the field in his open-topped popemobile, with the screens of the crowd's cellphones lighting up the evening. "I wish for you peace, that you keep having many children, and that your smile continues to be your children," Francis said in his native Spanish, per the AP. Other papal Masses have drawn millions of people in more populous countries, such as the Philippines, and there were other nationalities represented at Tuesday's Mass. But the crowd in East Timor, population 1.3 million, was believed to represent the biggest turnout for a papal event ever, in terms of the proportion of the national population. The Tasitolu park was a sea of yellow and white umbrellasthe colors of the Holy See flagas Timorese shielded themselves from the afternoon sun awaiting Francis' arrival. Francis was following in John Paul's footsteps during his visit to cheer on the nation two decades after it became independent in 2002. East Timor, known also as Timor-Leste, remains one of the poorest countries, with some 42% living below the poverty line, according to the UN Development Program. But the Timorese are deeply faithfulsome 97% are Catholic, ever since Portuguese explorers first arrived in the early 1500s. (More Pope Francis stories.) The Mining Minds podcast has a new studio where podcast guests will be surrounded by mining history as they sit down to share their stories from their adventures in the world of mining. It was more than five years ago that Dino Brunson, his brother Derek Grover, and some others were thinking about starting a business and hit on the idea of doing a podcast on mining. They did some research and saw there really wasnt much in the vast podcasting world that covered the rich territory they were thinking of miners getting together to talk about their lives in mining. They put a lot of work into bringing it all together and setting up their sound studio, and they hosted their first Mining Minds podcast in March 2019. But their studio was in the garage of one of their homes in Spring Creek, Nevada, and that didnt really match their vision of where they wanted to welcome their guests who came to talk about mining. We wanted to level up, Brunson said during a drive to Spring Creek this summer to look at the new studio. We wanted to have a better facility, more of an attraction for people to come in, so its more of an event to come into the studio. And to have more of a professional setting. They started to build the studio in its own building in Spring Creek just before last Thanksgiving, and they finished the work in April. Grover and I, we did all the work ourselves framing, insulation, electrical, all the finish work, Brunson said. They had some people lined up to come out and put shotcrete and wire on the walls of the studio to give it the feel of an underground mine, but the schedules didnt line up, so Brunson and Grover ended up modifying their plans and carrying on with the work. They scaled back the shotcrete, but they did some, and as Grover pointed out, Dino learned to do shotcrete by hand. Im pretty thankful that we did it all ourselves, because its I dont know now its ours, Brunson said. The new studio has two rooms. The entry area is a mining memorabilia room, and the studio is set up to give the feel of an underground mine. The new studio As they developed their plans for the studio, Brunson saw a picture online and thought, This is how we need it to look. They went with hardwood on the walls and the arched ceiling, and they built an arched area with shotcrete and wire on one side of the room. The feel we are going for is professional, rustic, but you still get that mine setting, Brunson said. It took us a little bit to finish it out, but I think it turned out well. Before the Elko Mining Expo in June, the Mining Minds crew held an open house at the new studio for past guests of the podcast. The feedback that weve gotten so far is definitely two thumbs up, Brunson said. I think its something that we can showcase now, something that were a bit more proud of than the other studio. The other studio got us going, and well always be grateful for that, but The supports on the walls of the new studio are one of the contributions they received while they were working on their project. As we were building this out through our network of people, one of our friends called us up, Brunson said. He was working over at Rio Tinto. He was like, Hey, there are some old steel sets that are out here just rusting away. Would you guys use these at the studio? And Im like, Oh, heck yeah. So the steel sets that youll see are the support for the underground from the original underground mine at Rio Tinto Salt Lake. The bolts and plates in the shotcrete area of the studio are from the Pumpkin Hollow Mine near Yerington, Nevada. A few years ago one of the Mining Minds guests made a big Mining Minds logo, which they had on display in their old studio, and for their new studio they epoxied the logo into the table that people gather around to talk about their mining experiences. The new studio is quite high tech, with cameras set up for videos of the podcast, so that they can start a Mining Minds YouTube channel. People will also be able to watch videos of the podcast on Spotify. There is a big screen on the shotcrete wall, where they can bring up a search if they are fact-checking something during a podcast discussion. The only artwork in the studio is a drawing of Brunsons and Grovers father, Timothy Grover, high on the wall across from the table, listening in on the mining discussions. Our podcast has always been a tribute to him, Brunson said. In the other studio, we had a large photo of him, and he was always watching over our podcast. After he passed away, weve got a buddy in Sacramento that drew that for us with chalk, and so we wanted to put that up in here. The memorabilia room When podcast guests first come into the studios memorabilia room, they can start out by brassing in. The old brass-in board on the wall is from the original Chukar Mine which was near Carlin, Nevada. Guests get two round pieces of brass that their name has been stamped onto. They keep one, and hang the other one on the board, so that the brass board is a record of all the people who have been on the podcast. Grover said they have been populating the board with brass for each of the people who have been guests on the podcast in the past. So its a lot of brass to pound individually. After brassing in, and perhaps a stop at the small bar, guests can spend some time looking around at all the mining memorabilia and geological artifacts in the room, while Brunson and Grover share the stories behind what they are seeing. Weve had a lot of people, I would say major Nevada influencers in the mining industry, give us stuff, Brunson said. The Mining Minds team has gathered more mining memorabilia than they are able to fit into the room, so they may occasionally rotate some of the items in and out. So if guests come on the podcast more than once, they may see some different mining items every time they come back for another conversation. High on one wall of the memorabilia room there is a large panoramic picture of the open pit at the Goldstrike Mine north of Carlin. You can see that it is four large photographs taped together, and there is some writing on the picture pointing out some of the features of the site. Mining Minds got the photo from Vern Goglio, who was a guest on the podcast in January, and who was a miner and manager at Barrick for more than 25 years. The panoramic photo was on display at Goldstrike when Barrick was in the process of acquiring the mine in the mid-1980s. When Barrick was buying the property, they were doing an executive tour of the property, and this was hanging at the overlook, Brunson said. The story is that it started to rain, and Vern asked his boss, Hey man, its starting to rain. This is going to get ruined. What do you want to do with it? He said, Either roll it up and throw it away or take it home and do whatever you want. So Vern rolled it up and hes had it ever since. And when we told him what we were going to do for the studio, hes like, Ive got some stuff for you. So we went and got it laminated. We wanted to make it a focal point of the studio. Pointing out an item on one of the shelves, Brunson said, This old hot rod right here, I got this from a woman, she was a teacher in Ely, Nevada for a long time. This is a sluice box, she told me, from the 1890s. Its from her great grandfather. He was a rancher or a ranch hand in Lovelock, and he pushed cows, but he always liked to prospect. So hed throw that over the back of his horse and prospect as he was pushing cows. She gave us some pretty cool things, Brunson said, pointing out a nearby item. This little Nevada piece came from the smelter in McGill, from the old Kennecott mine in Ely. What they did back in the 70s, when theyd pour, the splatter would fall on the ground and the guys would put that in their lunchbox and take it home and make ashtrays out of it. So thats what this is. Brunson said the woman said her sons didnt seem to want her old mining memorabilia, and it would probably end up in the garbage someday. So Im like, How about this? Ill keep it, and if they ever want it back, they can have it, Brunson said. Moving on down the shelves, Brunson said, Weve got some pretty cool pieces as far as geology. Weve got some Michigan copper. Weve spent the last couple months collecting. This is actually timber from the Green River mine in Wyoming. This is what they used to support the underground with. Pointing to another photo, Brunson said, This is kind of where it all started for us. This is a picture of the Bullfrog Mine in Beatty. Thats where we moved down to in the 80s. Thats where our dad started work for Barrick. Sharing stories When Brunson and Grover started the podcast, the plan was to put out a new episode every Wednesday. But everyone involved with the podcast had jobs and families, and they found it takes quite a bit of time to get each podcast episode put together, and their podcast release episode became quite sporadic. The bottleneck for us is the editing process, Brunson said. Being able to sit down and talk to somebody for a couple hours, we can do that all week long. But the editingGrover does all the editing, and hes got four boys. But recently, to get back to a more regular schedule for the podcast, they have transitioned to having Grover work on the podcast full time, along with offering some business development consulting services through Mining Minds. They have a lot of plans for the podcast, including traveling to some mine sites across the country. Were going to start being a little bit more mobile, to actually be on site, Brunson said. They plan to start talking about more mining regions and minerals than they have in the past. Brunson said that when they started Mining Minds, it was sometimes difficult to get people to agree to come on the podcast. The mines were telling their employees, You will not go on that show, because they thought it was just going to be a mine bashing session. We were like, no, we dont want to bash the mines. We want to highlight the industry. We want to be able to influence people from a positive light. Were trying to help attract people to what we do. People have now learned more about the podcast, and the Mining Minds crew has talked to lots of people involved in many different aspects of the mining industry, from underground face miners, to executives like Barrick CEO Mark Bristow. The evolution has been phenomenal, Grover said. Its gone from, We dont know what the hell were doing, to, Man, we want to be part of what these guys are doing. Brunson told the story of a podcast listener who came to see him the previous day at the Elko Mining Expo. He said, Hey, I listened to Sam Fagas podcast. Is she here? Samantha Faga, the external affairs superintendent for Kinross Nevada, was on the Mining Minds podcast in May. Brunson told the podcast listener that Faga was at the Kinross booth. He said, If you dont mind, I want you to introduce her to me. And Im like, Okay, cool. So I introduced them and said, He wants to pass along what he thought about your podcast. And he broke down crying. He said, I want to let you know how impactful it was. Your story was amazing. I just wanted to let you know that youre an amazing person. Shes crying, at the Kinross booth theyre hugging. And Im like, Wow. And I looked at her and I just said, I couldnt have delivered his message. But it was cool to know that people are listening, and the stories that are coming out of here are that impactful. Yeah, it was pretty cool, Grover said. And every little piece of this is kind of fun, Grover said, because you never know what youre going to get into. We dont go in with a plan. I think weve gotten better at asking questions, for sure, and listening. But its been cool. Its been fun. Ukraine has reportedly launched its biggest drone attack on the Russian capital since war erupted between the countries two and a half years ago. Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday that 144 Ukrainian drones were shot down around the country amid a wave of overnight attacks. "Half were in the western border region of Bryansk, 20 were in Moscow, and 14 were over the Kursk region," the BBC reports. A 46-year-old woman was killed and 12 others injured, two critically, in Ramenskoye, 30 miles southeast of Moscow, where high-rise apartment buildings erupted in flames, per Al Jazeera . "I looked at the window and saw a ball of fire," one area resident tells Reuters . Dozens were evacuated, according to reports. Additionally, "three of Moscow's four airports were closed for more than six hours and almost 50 flights were diverted," CNN reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading a war effort that has killed thousands of civilians and damaged many residential properties in Ukraine, says the Ukrainian drone attacks targeting residential buildings are "terrorism." "There is no way that nighttime strikes on residential neighborhoods can be associated with military action," Kremlin rep Dmitry Peskov says, per Reuters. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians. Kyiv says it destroyed 38 of 46 Russian drones launched overnight in cities including Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, Kharkiv, and Poltava. Putin vows more attacks in response to the drone attacks. Peskov says they show the need to continue the war "in order to protect ourselves," per the BBC. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who's set to travel to Kyiv this week, says Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran and "will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine," per the Guardian. He says the move, to result in new sanctions on Iran, "threatens European security" and represents "a dramatic escalation" by Iran and Russia. France, Germany, and the UK also condemned the shipments in a joint statement Tuesday. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate in prime time Tuesday night, and pretty much every major media site has its own list of things to watch. A sampling ahead of the 90-minute showdown in Philadelphia, which begins at 9pm ET on ABC: Harris: The former prosecutor is known as a "sharp debater," per the Washington Post, but she "needs to avoid being drawn into an ugly back-and-forth with him." As Democratic strategist Tim Hogan puts it: "You have to parry his attacks and you have to push back, but you also don't want to get stuck there." She has never been in a debate against a rival who likes to throw so many figurative punches, and she'll need to keep her cool. The former prosecutor is known as a "sharp debater," per the Washington Post, but she "needs to avoid being drawn into an ugly back-and-forth with him." As Democratic strategist Tim Hogan puts it: "You have to parry his attacks and you have to push back, but you also don't want to get stuck there." She has never been in a debate against a rival who likes to throw so many figurative punches, and she'll need to keep her cool. Trump: Politico sees Trump's standing with female voters as the "weak spot" in his campaign, and its analysis suggests he'd do well to avoid personal attacks because of that. But similar to the Post advice for Harris, the Politico piece warns that Trump also must keep his cool. "She's going to try to bait him," a person close to the former president tells the outlet. "I mean, the lines are almost predictable, right? So the question is does he take it or not." Israel acknowledged on Tuesday that it was "highly likely" one of its soldiers fired the shot that killed 26-year-old American citizen Aysenur Eygi last week. The development prompted what the Washington Post describes as an unusually harsh criticism of Israeli tactics by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The American: Eygi, a recent graduate of the University of Washington, was born in Turkey but grew up near Seattle. She was fatally shot Friday while attending a protest against the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, reports NBC News. Eygi was there as a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement, a pro-Palestinian activist group. The likelihood of a strike at Boeing seems to be increasing as factory workers express dissatisfaction with a contract offer arranged by their union. The proposal includes 25% wage hikes over four years and a guarantee that union members in Washington will build the company's next new airplane. However, Jon Holden, president of the union local that represents 33,000 workers, believes he doesn't have the votes, stating, "The response from people is, it's not good enough." Workers within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers plan to vote on the Boeing offer on Thursday. If the deal is turned down, a strike could commence as early as Friday. Employees have taken to social media to voice their displeasure and staged protests at the Everett, Washington plant, with chants of "Strike! Strike! Strike!" during lunch breaks. Boeing did not immediately comment on the situation. While a strike would not directly disrupt airline flights, it would halt production, preventing Boeing from delivering jets to airlines. The tentative agreement, revealed on Sunday, failed to meet the union's initial demands, which included 40% pay increases over three years and reinstatement of traditional pensions. Holden conveyed to union members that the recommendation to accept the offer came because there are no guarantees of better terms post-strike. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com The High Criminal Court has commenced the trial of a 33-year-old Asian man accused of murdering a fellow Asian man who managed gambling accounts. The alleged motive behind the brutal crime was a massive gambling debt incurred by the accused, who lost a staggering 1,700 dinars. The accused, who is currently outside Bahrain, is facing a multitude of charges including premeditated murder, robbery, fraud, and money laundering. The prosecution alleges that the accused, driven by a desire to recoup his losses, meticulously planned the murder. He repeatedly visited the victim's residence, observing his routines until he found the opportune moment. On January 23, 2024, the accused entered the victim's home while he was alone, bound his hands and feet with electrical wires, and then strangled him with a piece of cloth. It is alleged that the accused then used the victim's phone and bank account details to fraudulently withdraw 628 dinars. He also stole the victim's belongings and money after physically assaulting and torturing him. Furthermore, the accused is charged of gaining unauthorised access to the victim's bank accounts and transferring funds. He is also charged with money laundering, attempting to legitimize the proceeds of his crimes through various transactions and purchases. A witness, a fellow countryman of the accused, testified that he visited the victim's residence on the day of the murder to repair and collect a refrigerator. Upon returning to deliver the refrigerator later that day, he found the victim bound and lying on the floor, prompting him to call for help. Another witness, a friend of the accused, stated that the suspect had borrowed money from him and had once asked him to drop him off near a residential complex. This witness confirmed that the victim managed gambling accounts and that the accused was a regular customer who deposited between 100 to 150 dinars monthly. He revealed that the accused had lost all his bets, totaling 1,700 dinars, over a period of 11 months. The court has adjourned the trial until September 24th, with the accused being summoned to the police station in his place of residence. Image used for representational purpose only TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com The Cabinet of the Kingdom of Bahrain yesterday approved a new law to regulate the fishing, exploitation, and protection of marine resources. Given Bahrains long history and tradition involving marine resources, proposals for regulating marine wealth have seen contentious debates in the lower and upper house of the Parliament in the recent past. This has culminated in Mondays decision by the Cabinet, which was based on a memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding a draft law amending the decree-law that regulates the use of marine wealth. After extensive debates, the Shura Council, which is Bahrains upper legislative body, had in March this year voted in favour of a law to protect the Kingdoms sea and marine resources. Through the law, the Shura Council had unanimously voted for amending a 2002 law, titled Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law. This legislative decree had outlined the overall legislative framework regulating the exploitation of fisheries and other marine resources and identify the responsibilities of the competent authority. Among its provisions were an outright ban on foreigners from practising commercial fishing. It had also specified that commercial fishing should not be carried out without a license issued by the competent authority. Even when a licence is obtained for commercial fishing, the law had stipulated that a Bahraini caption should be onboard. The only exception as per the law was for fishing for the purpose of carrying out research or scientific studies, but that too needed the approval of the minister concerned. Protecting marine wealth In the 2002 law, steps to protect marine wealth were also outlined, which included a ban on catching of larvae or small marine organisms, sea turtles, seabirds, and other mammals or tamper with their places of origin and reproduction. Key amendments Through the proposed amendments, the Shura Council had called for a ban on foreign vessels fishing in Bahraini waters so as to prevent overexploitation and to protect dwindling fish populations. Local owners were also to face stricter controls, needing authorization for any modifications to their vessels. As per Shuras Public Utilities and Environment Affairs Committee, suchstrict measures were needed as overfishing has become rampant, leading to the destruction of marine habitats and pushing species to the brink of extinction. The amendments would help in rejuvenating Bahrains marine ecosystem, the committee had argued. Further amendments sought for included bans on reclamation of dying fishing grounds without proper licensing and tighter rules for the sale of fishery products. Fish farms The amendments had also encouraged the development of fish farms to offset pressure on natural stocks, with government support to local fishermen in the form of technical guidance and financial aid. Opposing voices at the Shura Council had highlighted the potential impact on tourism, particularly foreign fishing cruises. However, a majority of the Shura Council had supported the amendments, stating that it would be a bold step in reversing environmental damage and will ensure the future of the Kingdoms fisheries industry. With the Cabinet nod for a detailed regulation, the bane of overfishing that had been devastating Bahrains waters are set to abate, giving a boost to long-term sustainability of the marine ecosystem. Hopes high for swift return of five Bahraini travellers detained in Yemen, says MP Hanan Hopes high for swift return of five Bahraini travellers detained in Yemen, says MP Hanan TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com MP Hanan Fardan has expressed hope for the swift return of five Bahraini travellers currently detained in Yemen. The detainees, who were on a tourist trip, inadvertently entered a military conflict zone in the Yemeni province of Marib due to getting lost. Fardan, following a meeting with the Yemeni Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Dr Ali Hassan Al Ahmadi, highlighted the tireless efforts of the Bahraini Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bahraini Embassy in Saudi Arabia in ensuring the safety and secure return of the citizens. The Kingdom is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens, wherever they may be, stated Fardan. The government and all citizens stand in solidarity with the families of these young men, eagerly awaiting their safe return home. Fardan expressed gratitude to the Yemeni Ambassador for his follow-up on the matter and assurance regarding the health and safety of the Bahraini youths. Efforts She also thanked the Bahraini Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Shaikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa, for the embassys and its security attaches diligent efforts in this regard. New videos and teacher lesson plans officially launched TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - According to the Fidelity Young Canadians Study in partnership with Ipsos, 78% of young Canadians aged 15-17 reported it is important for them to learn about budgeting and managing their money. To help them in this goal, Fidelity Investments Canada ULC (Fidelity) is launching new content in its Money Gains video series, a library of free, engaging videos that help students learn the ABCs of investing. Back to school: learn the ABCs of investing with Fidelitys Money Gains (CNW Group/Fidelity Investments Canada ULC) First launched in 2023, Money Gains is designed with grade 9 and 10 students in mind but can also be a helpful resource for parents and educators who want to support students' investing journey. The series is available in both English and French on fidelity.ca and YouTube. What's new 2 new videos have launched just in time for back to school: learn all about topics like getting advice versus investing yourself, and the fees associated with investing. More videos to come in the weeks ahead! Lesson plans for Ontario educators to bring Money Gains into their classrooms. The plans can be used with Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (BEM1O), Launching and Leading a Business (BEP2O), Grade 9 Mathematics (MTH1W), and Career Studies (GLC2O), and are available in English and French. "Learning to invest wisely is a foundational skill for our young people," said Diana Godfrey, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Fidelity. "We know that teens are increasingly looking for investment advice on social media, so it's really important that we provide them with credible information that gives them the tools to make good financial decisions, rather than telling them what to invest in. That's what our goal is with Money Gains." "The world of investing is exciting, but can also be daunting," said Kelly Creelman, Senior Vice President, Products and Marketing, Fidelity. "Money Gains starts with the basics so teens can gain confidence in their investing knowledge and learn to save for their life goals whether that's saving for a vacation, postsecondary education, or their first home. We're excited to offer our expertise as a firm to support young people, parents, and educators in this journey." With the Ontario's government's recent announcement about adding a financial literacy graduation requirement in Grade 10, Money Gains is an opportunity for students to level up on their investing knowledge. Fidelity is supportive of the government's increasing focus on financial literacy and seeks to be an industry partner in this goal. Fidelity's work in the financial literacy space goes beyond Money Gains. One of the ways Fidelity is committed to enhancing financial literacy is through the efforts of its Charitable Giving Committee. Education is one of the committee's six areas of impact and by supporting charities such as Pathways to Education, the Toronto Public Library, and the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, to name a few, we help provide individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial well-being. Get more insights Tune into today's special episode of the Upside at 12:30 p.m. ET for an engaging conversation on investment literacy and insights about young investors, and hear from personal finance expert Robin Taub, Fidelity Learning Design Consultant Ravina Gill, and BGC Canada's Amy Terrill. About Fidelity At Fidelity Investments Canada, our mission is to build a better future for our clients. Our diversified business serves financial advisors, wealth management firms, employers, institutions and individuals. As the marketplace evolves, we are constantly innovating and offering our clients choice of investment and wealth management products, services and technological solutions all backed by the global strength and scale of Fidelity. With assets under management of $253 billion (as at September 6, 2024), Fidelity Investments Canada is privately held and committed to helping our diverse clients meet their goals over the long term. Fidelity funds are available through financial advisors and online trading platforms. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, brokerage fees and expenses may be associated with investments in mutual funds and ETFs. Please read the mutual fund's or ETF's prospectus, which contains detailed investment information, before investing. Mutual funds and ETFs are not guaranteed. Their values change frequently, and investors may experience a gain or a loss. Past performance may not be repeated. Find us on social media @FidelityCanada www.fidelity.ca Listen to FidelityConnects on Apple or Spotify SOURCE Fidelity Investments Canada ULC For more information, please contact: Chris Pepper, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Fidelity Investments Canada ULC, M: (416) 795-7762, E: [email protected] OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - In honour of International Literacy Day, Canada's Premiers announced the recipients of the 20th annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award and celebrated the Award's milestone anniversary. Presented in each province and territory, the Award recognizes exceptional achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. The recipients of the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award are: County of Lethbridge Community Learning Council Alberta Maureen Kehler British Columbia Ayni Ahmed Manitoba Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador Murray Grasse New Brunswick Martine Cadieux New Brunswick NWT Literacy Council Northwest Territories Mary 'Lorenda' Harper Nova Scotia Patrick Woodcock Nunavut Kayla Dufault Ontario Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI Prince Edward Island Sylvie Heon Quebec nehiyawak Language Experience Saskatchewan Denis Vachon Yukon "On behalf of Canada's Premiers, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Awards for your outstanding work in advancing literature and education," said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and Chair of the Council of the Federation. "Thanks to your dedication and hard work, countless Canadians have access to essential literacy skills that will help set them up for long-term success at their workplace and in their communities. Your contributions are deeply appreciated." Premiers recognize the importance of literacy in enabling participation as a full and active citizen in all areas of society. Created in 2004, the Award celebrates adult learners who undertake literacy training, as well as the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy, including family, Indigenous, health, workplace, and community literacy. The Award is presented to learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations, and businesses in each province and territory. Over the past 20 years, the Award has highlighted the importance of literacy across the country, and how it brings people together to not only create a more prosperous life for themselves, but also contribute to Canada as a whole. Each Award recipient receives a certificate, signed by the Premier of their province or territory, as well as a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion. The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipients County of Lethbridge Community Learning Council Alberta The County of Lethbridge Community Learning Council (CLCLC) has provided adult literacy programs to the region since 2015. Staffed by only two people, Melanie Patenaude and Roxanne Samoleski, CLCLC is a key learning organization in the area, particularly in the provision of English Language Learning (ELL). Patenaude and Samoleski work collaboratively with the community to support adult learners in overcoming barriers to learning. CLCLC works with newcomers and Low German Mennonites to learn English, navigate Canadian society, and engage with the larger community. Employers recognize the value of helping their non-English speaking employees learn English, in one case paying Spanish-speaking staff to attend ELL classes. CLCLC exemplifies inclusion through its approach to strengthening communities by innovative, collaborative, ELL and literacy programming. Maureen Kehler British Columbia Maureen Kehler is a longtime literacy practitioner and champion whose vision and innovative leadership has had a positive, far-reaching impact on literacy work throughout B.C. Through encouragement, problem-solving, and collaboration, she leads Decoda Literacy Solution's network of literacy outreach coordinators. Her extensive contributions enable work at the grassroots level to support learners in 400 communities, as they develop the skills they need to grow and thrive. What distinguishes Maureen is her unwavering commitment and understanding of how literacy can help people. As a catalyst for positive change, she continues to raise awareness and strengthen connections between community organizations, businesses, and government. Advocating for literacy as a human right, Maureen continues to have a positive lasting impact on B.C.'s literacy community. Ayni Ahmed Manitoba Ayni Ahmed always wanted to attend school, but as the oldest of seven children, never had the chance. Arriving in Canada in 1984 as a refugee from Ethiopia, she had to forgo her dreams due to family and financial responsibilities. In 2022, while running a successful Ethiopian bakery with her family, Ayni returned to school at LiteracyWORKS Inc. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving her literacy skills while being an active community member, parent, and business owner. Ayni encourages her classmates every day and is a true leader and a friend: Returning back to school as an adult has brought me so much joy. I have become a happier and more confident person because, against all odds, I am pursuing my dreams. Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador The Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (LDANL), based in St. John's, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities across Newfoundland and Labrador. LDANL offers a wide range of services, including adult tutoring, support groups, screening, and community outreach programs, all aimed at promoting awareness, providing resources, and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with learning disabilities and their supporters. Working closely with schools, educators, healthcare professionals, and the community, LDANL strives to enhance understanding and support for individuals with learning disabilities, empowering them to achieve their full potential. LDANL, known for its positive impact, collaborative spirit, and innovative practices, continues to make a difference in the lives of diverse learners and vulnerable populations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Murray Grasse New Brunswick Murray Grasse's tenure as a teacher with Central Valley Adult Learning Association for over a decade has been marked by passion, tireless effort, and a desire to empower learners. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his students not only grasp the content but also understand its practical applications in real-life situations. His teaching is tailored to meet the diverse needs of his learners. He creates personalized lessons for students needing support, recognizing that each learner's journey is unique. From a former student: If I had a teacher like him in high school, I would not have fallen through the cracks. Murray is conscientious and diligent. If you don't understand something the first time, he will rephrase it until you understand. He gave me time and space to figure out my mistakes, so I had a chance to know what was wrong. I never felt like I was left hanging. Martine Cadieux New Brunswick Martine Cadieux is a mother, elementary school teacher, educational leader and advocate for reading and literacy in New Brunswick's Francophone School District Sud. She encourages reading among children; not only those who are French-speaking, but also English-speaking children wanting to learn the French language, and all the people around her. A jovial and passionate person, she makes you want to embark on the world of children's literature. During her maternity leave and the pandemic she created La boite de Mme Martine on social media, hosted 120 story hours for children virtually, and led dance classes and story hours for toddlers. Her passion, commitment and remarkable work have earned her two prizes: the Prix Education en Francophonie internationale and the Prix Anime ta francophonie. NWT Literacy Council Northwest Territories The NWT Literacy Council (NWTLC) is a dynamic learning organization with highly skilled staff who work in Family Literacy, Adult Literacy, Youth Literacy, Indigenous Languages and Literacy, and non-formal English Language and Literacy for immigrants. The Council was founded in 1990. Since then, the board has consciously chosen to promote and support literacy in all the NWT's official languages and to support communities in their community-based literacy initiatives. All the Council's programs provide information, training and resources to community members interested in or working in literacy in general and adult literacy in particular. Since 1996, Family Literacy has been a cornerstone project of the NWTLC, supporting community development through the Family Literacy Training Institute, community literacy projects and special events. The Council has recently moved to include a direct delivery approach with programs such as Skills for Success offering pre-employment skill development integrated with cultural connections, and supported job training. Mary 'Lorenda' Harper Nova Scotia Mary 'Lorenda' Harper returned to school after years of working in a factory cafeteria. Despite initial fears, especially about math, she enrolled in Colchester Adult Learning Association (CALA) and passed all five GED tests, including math, in 2023. At CALA, Lorenda is known for her active participation. Her curiosity and determination create a positive energy in the classroom, inspiring others to participate more actively. Lorenda's instructors describe her as "a model of adult learning principles, problem-focused, self-motivated, and excited to learn." Post-GED, Lorenda continues to learn and most recently went back for Digital literacy courses. Beyond academics, Lorenda volunteers with Girl Guides and MADD Canada, contributing to her community. Patrick Woodcock Nunavut Patrick Woodcock has worked with United for Literacy in Iqaluit (formerly Frontier College) for almost 2 years. Mr. Woodcock has worked tirelessly to develop a formal literacy program for incarcerated Nunavummiut. Patrick works four days a week at Nunavut's minimum-to-maximum security Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility (formerly Baffin Correctional Centre) and three days a week at the Nunavut Women's Correctional Centre, where he teaches people one-on-one. Not only does he help them improve their reading and writing skills, but he has also taught history, geography, math and other courses. When a person is released, Mr. Woodcock continues to work with them at Uttaqivik Community Residential Centre (the halfway house in Iqaluit) or within the community. In addition to his work as a literacy leader, he also acts as a character reference for incarcerated clients needing to travel between Iqaluit and other communities in Nunavut or elsewhere. Kayla Dufault Ontario Kayla is the definition of resiliency and perseverance. After a challenging childhood, she dropped out of high school to marry and have a child. She worked minimum wage jobs but always knew education was the key to a brighter future. In 2016, Kayla enrolled in the Academic Upgrading program at Sault College to earn her grade 12 equivalency and start college. However, she would have to stop and re-enroll several times for personal reasons. In 2020, she took a cook job in a long-term care home, putting her education on hold until 2023 when she returned to finish her grade 12 equivalency and enroll in the college's culinary arts program. This led to a full-time job, employer sponsorship of her culinary program, and upcoming promotion. Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI Prince Edward Island For over a decade, the Employment and Skills Team at the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island (MCPEI) has been helping Indigenous people across PEI by offering adult education and training opportunities of all kinds. Starting in 2014 with a Workplace Essential Skills Program in Lennox Island First Nation, MCPEI's Indigenous-led Employment and Skills Team has shared encouragement and increased skills among adult learners by prioritizing a safe and accessible learning environment, meeting participants where they are, and adapting and being responsive to community needs. The level of consistency and support has been met with much appreciation by participants, Indigenous communities, and the province as a whole, and has empowered countless participants to overcome barriers and trauma and to find meaningful employment. Sylvie Heon Quebec At 54 years old, Ms. Sylvie Heon, single mother of three children, is an example of courage and determination. Aspiring to a better future, she returned to studies at the Rimouski-Neigette Training Centre in the fall of 2023. Thanks to her efforts, she made spectacular progress in her learning, which has enabled her to increase her independence. Involved as a volunteer with an organization that helps victims of intimate violence, she is also a source of pride for her children, and her story shows that despite the obstacles, all dreams are possible. Based on her life experience and thanks to the support of the core team, she will pursue university studies in the psychosocial field. Her engagement and her perseverance will certainly allow her to achieve her goals. nehiyawak Language Experience Saskatchewan The nehiyawak Language Experience (nLE) has been a leading organization in the preservation and enrichment of Cree language and literacy in Saskatchewan for two decades. They have provided language experience and education to thousands of individuals coming not only from across North America but other continents. What sets them apart is their commitment to integrating Cree values and worldviews into the curriculum, fostering not only language proficiency but also cultural pride and identity. Their community development philosophy is based on three elements: access, affordability and education. nLe's origin is in Sturgeon Lake First Nation, SK and it is here that they founded a Multifaceted Language Revitalization Project. They engage in language revitalization research and contribute to the restoration of Cree literacy through workshops, presentations and community projects. Notably, nLE has hosted summer literacy immersion camps since 2004, that provide hands on experiences in land-based learning, reinforcing cultural connections and language skills. Their programs have been described as medicine contributing to therapeutic nourishment and healing. Denis Vachon Yukon Denis bravely nominated himself for this award in the hopes of inspiring others. A determined individual, Denis persevered through a difficult childhood that didn't support his literacy needs. He returned to school as an adult and learned to read and write in French. With support from L'Arbralettre in Quebec and his classmates, he would eventually receive his high school diploma, two additional diplomas, and a certificate in mycology. Today, Denis continues his pursuit of literacy in the Yukon. He spends two hours each day studying English vocabulary and conversation at Yukon University. He is an avid volunteer and previously dedicated more than 450 hours in a single year to a non-profit organization in Whitehorse. Talking about the challenges he faced, Denis said, "Being illiterate is an extremely difficult reality and a handicap one carries every day." He hopes his story will inspire others who face literacy barriers to never stop pursuing their dreams. SOURCE Council of the Federation Secretariat For more information: Paola St-Georges, Manager, Events and Communications, Council of the Federation Secretariat, (343) 961-5811, [email protected] MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - CIMA+, one of the largest private consulting engineering firms in Canada, is proud to unveil its new brand image, which adopts an organic aesthetic reflecting its commitment to sustainable development. After a thorough self-assessment, CIMA+ collaborated with the creative communication agency Archipel to refine its visual identity to better represent the values of the company and its employees. CIMA+ UNVEILS ITS NEW BRAND IMAGE (CNW Group/CIMA+) "CIMA+ enjoys an enviable reputation in the industry, particularly in Quebec. As the firm focuses on growth across Canada, it was important for us to adopt a brand image that would allow us to reach the new markets we are targeting," said Denis Thivierge, President and CEO of CIMA+. "A strong brand is a strategic necessity that helps us stand out and position ourselves in an ever-evolving industry: our revamped brand image better represents who we are today and will position us favourably in our growth projects across Canada," added Steeve Fiset, Chief Strategy Officer at CIMA+. CIMA+'s new brand image is based on its values, mission, and purpose, particularly its commitment to excellence, collaboration, and its dedication to contributing to building a sustainable future. About CIMA+ CIMA+ provides complete consulting engineering services in the areas of Energy and Resources, Infrastructure, Transportation, Buildings, Project Management, Operational and Digital Technologies (including Telecommunication Systems), and Earth and Environment. The search for excellence has been part of our DNA since our founding in 1990, and our teams draw on decades of experience acquired across Canada to deliver quality projects that meet our clients' expectations. This commitment to excellence and quality has allowed CIMA+ to rank among the largest private consulting engineering firms in the country. Today, with over 35 offices across Canada, CIMA+ employs more than 3,200 people, most of whom share ownership in the company. Our multidisciplinary team is driven by a shared passion to deliver sustainable solutions that make our world a better place. From our Board of Directors to the communities we serve, our commitment to people is evident in our drive to innovate, in the projects we carry out and in every action we take. More information on cima.ca SOURCE CIMA+ For more information: Andreanne St-Pierre, Senior Director--Marketing and Communications, [email protected], 514-348-0891 Regulators such as the FDA do not consider aging to be a disease, and they only approve treatments for specific diseases, largely using the World Health Organizations International Classification of Diseases as the basis for what is and is not a disease. The TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) trial came into being as a way to convince the FDA to approve a treatment on the basis of endpoints that approximated aging, rather than a disease. The world Health Organization (WHO) describes aging as a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity. In fact, the WHO recently included aging associated decline in intrinsic capacity as a disease code in the 11th edition of International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The general door is slightly open. The FDA indeed agreed with the TAME trial design, and so in principle anyone else with deep pockets could now adopt the same approach if they wanted to stand behind a treatment for aging. The biotech industry and those who fund it are highly conservative, however. Companies working on therapies that can in principle slow or reverse aspects of aging have all chosen to pick one or more specific age-related diseases, and quietly plan for off-label use following approval, as it is unlikely that they could otherwise have convinced investors to back their clinical and regulatory development. The TAME trial remains incompletely funded. Metformin is a poor choice of treatment. It was selected because it is so very widely used, for so long, and with such an abundance of safety data. Rapamycin is more effective. We may be a few well-designed studies away from FDA acceptance of aging as a drug target. Heres what we could expect: * The market for regenerative therapies will expand to nearly the entire adult population. Regenerative therapy companies targeting the biological process of aging are currently limited to addressing specific diseases or medical conditions to obtain FDA approval. Drugs or therapies that get to market are typically limited in approved use for one disease; approval for additional diseases often comes years later. * Removal of the disease-specific regulatory barriers would make regenerative therapies available as preventative care solutions. Work to develop medicines that could prevent many diseases is going far slower than it should be, because aging is not recognized as a medical condition. Therapies that target the process of aging itself will enjoy a nearly unlimited market, compared to therapies with the same mechanism that target a single disease. What is the TAME Trial? The Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) Trial is a series of nationwide, six-year clinical trials at 14 leading research institutions across the country that will engage over 3,000 individuals between the ages of 65-79. Wake Forest University School of Medicine will be the coordinating center. These trials will test whether those taking metformin experience delayed development or progression of age-related chronic diseasessuch as heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Delaying Multimorbidity is the Target The aging definition team settled on incident multimorbidity as the endpoint for the trial that would become TAME. Multimorbidity means suffering from two or more of the supposedly independent diseases of aging at once. More than two thirds of Americans over the age of 65 have two or more chronic diseases, and half of those who have at least two have four or more. And the prevalence of multimorbidity rises exponentially with age, just as individual diseases of aging do. IF a single therapy were to delay the onset of any of several seemingly-independent diseases of aging plus death from any cause, the risk of which is increased by multimorbidity and accelerated by aging it would put the lie to the very idea that these diseases truly are independent. In the process, it would mark the therapy as a credible anti-aging drug. The TAME team had considered this carefully, and had designed a simple multimorbidity composite score to serve as the trials endpoint. The trial would track how long it took people taking either metformin or placebo to be newly diagnosed with some particular disease of aging (selected from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or cognitive disease). The analysis would be based on the delay in developing each additional diagnosed disease (or death), rather than simply whether the volunteers developed one or more of them (or not) over the course of the trial. Importantly, while the subjects in the trial will not have diabetes or a recent cancer diagnosis, they may be at elevated risk (over and above their ages) for diseases of aging based on conventional risk factors, such as being prediabetic (but not full-on diabetic); overweight (but not obese); or having high LDL cholesterol or blood pressure. IF a candidate longevity therapeutic (metformin in this case, or a future candidate in a trial modeled on the TAME template) delays the onset of these diseases, it would likely be for a reason that doctors could not cover by just managing the usual [risk factor] suspects. Instead, the reason for the delay would presumptively be that the drug was impacting aging. Espeland MA, Crimmins EM, Grossardt BR, Crandall JP, Gelfond JA, Harris TB, Kritchevsky SB, Manson JE, Robinson JG, Rocca WA, Temprosa M, Thomas F, Wallace R, Barzilai N; Multimorbidity Clinical Trials Consortium. Clinical Trials Targeting Aging and Age-Related Multimorbidity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2017 Mar 1;72(3):355-361. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glw220. PMID: 28364543; PMCID: PMC5777384. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store here on Monday, saying that China is willing to work with Norway to promote the continuous development of friendly cooperation. Xi asked Store to convey his greetings to King Harald V. Xi said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two peoples have respected, appreciated and learned from each other, forging a valuable friendship. Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation is consistent with the will of the two peoples, the fundamental interests of the two countries, and a global trend of maintaining closer ties among countries to share weal and woe, Xi said. He noted that today's world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, which are testing whether the international community can make the right choice. China will continue to follow the path of peaceful development. By further deepening reform in an all-round way and advancing Chinese modernization, China will inject stability and certainty into a world fraught with changes and turbulence and create more opportunities for the common development of all countries, Xi said. Xi noted that the two countries' economies are highly complementary and have seen fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. He called on the two sides to expand practical cooperation in fields such as environmental protection, energy transformation, maritime affairs and shipping, agricultural and fishery products, and electric vehicles. He also called for intensified exchanges of personnel and strengthened cooperation in such areas as education, culture, tourism and winter sports. Xi noted that China and Norway share broad consensus on maintaining world peace and security, addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity and countering other global challenges. He said China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Norway at the United Nations and on other multilateral platforms, practice true multilateralism, and promote an equal, orderly, multipolar world and an economic globalization that benefits all. China hopes that Norway will play a positive role in promoting the sound development of relations between China and Europe, he added. Store conveyed King Harald V's cordial greetings to President Xi. Store said that Norway respects China's sovereignty, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to continue to work with China to respect each other's core interests and major concerns. Store said China's development is full of vitality and has significant successful experience. Norway looks forward to expanding cooperation with China, especially in such fields as green development, climate change, maritime affairs and shipping, agriculture and fishery industries, new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence, he said. Noting that Norway supports free trade, Store said the country is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China under multilateral frameworks such as the G20, and supports strengthened cooperation between Europe and China. The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other hotspot issues. Xi stressed that China encourages and supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and will continue to promote peace talks and play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement. Xi voiced the hope that all parties will work together to accumulate favorable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis through dialogue. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Editor: GSY Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China. Xi asked Sanchez to convey his greetings to King Felipe VI. Recalling that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year, Xi said both sides have since maintained close exchanges and interactions at all levels and promoted high-quality cooperation in new areas. Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should adhere to the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and equal treatment, take a holistic and long-term view, and add new dimensions to bilateral ties. Xi also called on both sides to build long-term and stable China-Spain relations with strategic determination, and push bilateral relations to a higher level. Xi stressed that reform and opening up is a correct development path that China has found through long-term practice, and that it will be pursued steadfastly. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systematic arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, bringing new opportunities for deepening and expanding cooperation between China and Spain, he said. The two sides should work for mutual benefits by promoting development in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy, Xi said, adding that China hopes Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country. He urged joint efforts from the two sides to stay committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning, promote friendship between the two peoples, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in the fields of language education, youth, culture and tourism. As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is ready to work with the bloc to review successful experience in the development of bilateral relations and further promote the relations, Xi said. "China hopes that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in this regard." China and Spain are both countries with a sense of responsibility and mission, and both advocate multilateralism and free trade, Xi said. He noted that China is ready to expand cooperation with Spain in third-party markets in the Global South, and strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations, the G20 and other international organizations, aiming to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability and human progress. Sanchez conveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to President Xi. Spain and China enjoy time-honored friendship, and they have constantly developed and deepened their partnership on the basis of mutual respect, Sanchez said. During his visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in fields such as green development, demonstrating the huge potential and bright prospects of bilateral cooperation, he said. Spain hopes that the two countries will strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and new energy vehicles. Spain is willing to provide a sound environment for Chinese enterprises, Sanchez said. He noted that both Spain and China are committed to safeguarding world peace and multilateralism, and that China is a key force for world peace and development and plays an important, constructive role in resolving major international and regional issues. Spain views its relations with China from a strategic height, adheres firmly to the one-China policy, is willing to be a trustworthy partner of China, and looks forward to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and making greater contributions to the well-being of the two peoples, world peace and prosperity, Sanchez said. Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, opposes trade wars, and is willing to continue playing a positive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations, he said. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take a walk in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. Xi met with Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take a walk in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. Xi met with Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Editor: GSY Sun Slacks Ties to Saturn According to the laws of gravity, what goes up must come down. Karma laws say what goes around comes around. The solar position to Saturn indicates that in both cases, its the timeframe that provides the variable that keeps things interesting. This week sees you sending more fascinating, unique, warm and loving energy into the world. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are sensitive to the energy of the unseen world. Youll experience a psychic tug from someone with a need so intangible that neither of you will figure out what it is until its actually fulfilled. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Fantasies are like a gym for your creative mind, giving it a way to move freely, stretch out and lift exciting ideas to the light of conception. When you let yourself be limitless in that realm, you give yourself more to work within this one. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You really want to understand someones choices. Knowing why they did what they did might not change how you feel, but it will help you process your emotions so you can move on and grow from here. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Since the person you want to be is actually who you are now with a few different skills and habits, theres no need for self-rejection, only care and guidance toward the most effective way to tackle your aims. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Youll be touched with the gift of cosmic clarity. Youll focus on the one area of life that, when cleaned up, will favorably affect every other area. Furthermore, youll understand just what you need to do about it. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Maybe your circumstance isnt exactly optimal, but whose is? You wont waste time comparing because you cant possibly know the inside of anyone elses situation. You will instead brainstorm improvements to your own scene. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Youve committed to one thing, but for whatever reason, your mind is now protesting with the most interesting excuses. Dont give it too much room to protest. Fulfill your obligation. Right makes might. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Enlightenment by definition cant be heavy. Chances are whats good for your spirits wont involve serious lectures, convoluted language, precious hierarchy or a mess of rules. It might be as natural as a laugh. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It is futile to rage against human nature. For all its imperfect (or nonexistent) logic, and rules inconstant as they are inane, perhaps its most peculiar quality is that it tends to prevail. For this reason, it will be better to work with yours than fight it. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You might be right, but youll benefit from doubt anyway. Try and debunk your own theories just to see how sound they are. Youll avoid arrogance, and therefore the fall that usually comes to those who forget to wonder if theyre wrong. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Not every debt should be immediately paid back. When people give because they need to contribute, it can cheapen the experience to reciprocate directly with anything other than gratitude. Consider paying it forward instead. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Even as the master of your fate and the captain of your soul, none can change the facts of certain circumstances. You recognize the complexity of your standing and try not to judge what others do with the lot they were given. TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Sept. 10). This year, your relationships get increasingly aligned with the person you want to be. Your personal life will resonate with more support, galvanizing you to do your best work in the world. More highlights: Family brings a lively whirl of plot twists, milestones and celebrations. It will be easier than ever to fulfill your health and fitness goals. Gemini and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 2, 22, 18 and 1. CELEBRITY PROFILES: Colin Firth suggests, I dont think you can ever be a perfectionist in a world thats imperfect. But Virgos usually give it the good college try, as evidenced in Firths case by Oscar-winning performances, spot-on accents and fluency in several languages. Firth is a Virgo with natal Venus in Libra, suggesting that he is, like so many of the characters he plays, charming, loyal and driven by principles of love and justice. Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and ebook. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM It started last month when Donald Trumps campaign used the White Stripes song Seven Nation Army without permission. And on Monday, it continued with Jack White posting a screenshot on Instagram showing he was suing Trump. The White Stripes have become just the latest band to sue Trump for using their music. An image White posted shows that he and his former White Stripes bandmate, drummer Meg White, are suing Trump and Margo Martin, Trumps deputy director of communications, in the Southern District of New York. This machine sues fascists, Jack White said, sharing evidence of the lawsuit. Martin used the Grammy-winning 2003 White Stripes song Seven Nation Army in a video posted to social media. Dont even think about using my music you fascists, White said in a previous Instagram post responding to that video. Have a great day at work today Margo Martin. And as long as Im here, a double f--- you DonOLD for insulting our nations veterans at Arlington you scum. You should lose every military familys vote immediately from that if ANYTHING makes sense anymore. While the Whites (who were formerly married) are reacting to the Trump campaign using the song in August, this isnt the first time Trump used the same White Stripes song. Seven Nation Army also played during events for his 2016 campaign. Jack Whites post about the lawsuit came just hours before he performed at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City (see video below) Monday night. (The White Stripes split in 2011 and Jack White released his sixth solo album, No Name, in July.) Jack White and Meg White are not the only ones who have fought Trumps use of their music. Post contains profanity The family of Isaac Hayes (he died in 2008) filed a lawsuit against Trump for using the Sam & Dave song Hold On, Im Comin, which Hayes co-wrote, at rallies. A judge ordered Trump to cease doing so. In August, Celine Dion also objected to the confounding use of her hit song My Heart Will Go On from the Titanic soundtrack at Trump and JD Vance rallies (THAT song? read a statement from her management team). The Foo Fighters spoke out against the bands 1997 song My Hero being played at a Trump rally in August when Trump introduced Robert F. Kennedy. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. A United Airlines flight attendant based in Newark has filed a lawsuit against the airline, claiming she was harassed and labeled a snitch online for reporting safety violations involving her coworkers. Ingrid Raganova, 52, of Newark, claims in court papers she was singled out and disciplined for more than two years for reporting safety issues, FAA violations and airline policy violations she witnessed on many flights, according to the lawsuit In addition, none of these reported events were properly investigated by the defendants (United Airlines), as the parties involved never received any calls or inquiries from management or human resources, states the suit, filed Aug. 20, in New Jersey Superior Court. A spokesperson for United Airlines on Monday declined to comment on the lawsuit. Raganova, who is based at United Airlines main hub in Newark, has worked for the company for more than 27 years, the suit says. The coworkers Raganova complained about retaliated against her by making baseless and fabricated reports that placed her unjustifiably close to potential termination, alleges the lawsuit. Raganova says in the suit she reported in written statements and emails flagrant violations she witnessed that put passengers and employees at risk. The complaints included a coworker who texted during takeoff, another who wore earbuds and watched videos on his cellphone in a jump seat during a flight, and a gate agent in Los Angeles who closed an aircraft door without authorization in a rush to try and force the flight to take off faster. This gate agent did not consult the crew, per United Airlines policies and procedures, to see if it was safe and appropriate to close the door, the suit alleges. The aisles were still filled with passengers luggage and the overhead bins were clearly open as passengers were all over the aircraft still attempting to stow their luggage before taking their seats, the suit states. Instead of investigating Raganovas complaints, airline supervisors and the companys human resources department punished her, the suit alleges. Raganova claims she was demoted from a management position of international purser to regular flight attendant, a disciplinary action that lasted 18 months, lowered her wages and placed her employment at risk, the suit says. Supervisors also continued to ignore her emails and written communications about the violations on flights, according to the suit. In March 2023, Raganova took a flight from Lisbon, Portugal, to Newark as a first-class paying passenger and was met with a flight attendant who refused to serve her and called her names, according to the lawsuit. Raganova did not know the attendant. The lawsuit says Raganova reported the flight attendant, and continued to report safety and policy issues, along with FAA violations only be harassed on social media as a result. Raganova claims she discovered on June 1 that a mass social media posting was sent out to more than 25,000 airline employees labeling her a snitch. The post, which is included in the lawsuit, contains a photo of Raganova over her name and the words, Snitch Alert. She likes to report flight attendants and harass. She has a report of reporting other FAs. Since the posting, Raganova claims she has been subjected to an extremely toxic work environment and met with hostility on almost every flight she has to take. Raganova claims she has overheard other flight attendants say things such as we have to get rid of these senior mamas, making reference to Raganovas age. Raganova is paralyzed with fear from the hostility from people she has never met, the suit says. In addition to United Airlines, Raganova is suing two coworkers, and up to 100 employees whose identities are currently unknown to Raganova or her attorneys. The lawsuit accuses United Airlines of failing to investigate Raganovas complaints and taking adverse employment actions against her, in violation of the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act. The suit also alleges that Raganovas demotion, comments about her age, and the alleged hostile work environment constitute a violation of New Jerseys anti-discrimination laws. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. What do you do when you brokered and touted a deal to bring a French art museum to Jersey City, but the state withdrew millions in support when the finances didnt add up? Thats the position Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop found himself in two months ago, and now, hes found a lifeline in the form of one of the regions most powerful families in real estate. Three men were charged with dealing drugs in Secaucus after a narcotics investigation, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Over the course of the investigation, more than 150 grams of cocaine and approximately 20 grams of MDMA, or ecstacy, were recovered by the prosecutors offices Narcotics Task Force. Nelson Villegas-Rios, 33, of Lyndhurst, was charged with three counts of distribution (cocaine/MDMA), three counts of conspiracy to distribute (cocaine), possession with the intent to distribute (MDMA) and possession with the intent to distribute (MDMA). Anthony Scaramucci barely lasted long enough as communications director for Donald Trump to warm his coffee in a White House microwave, but the long-time Republican venture capitalist has spent the past several years warning the country about the dangers of another Trump term. On Tuesday, hours before Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump met in what it likely to be their only debate, Scaramucci a member of Harris debate team forecasted the election. Ill make a prediction here, Scaramucci told MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace on Deadline White House. This is a lot like the Reagan election [in 1980]. The polls were very tight until the narrative emerged. I think the Vice President will do a great job [in the debate], and once that narrative emerges, youre going to see her take a wide lead over former president Trump. Most polls have shown Harris ahead nationally by one to three points, although a New York Times/Siena College poll released this week gave Trump a one-point edge. Harris is leading or even in most of the swing states. Scaramucci said he expects Harris margins to widen after the debate. Trump, he said, can feel the election slipping away. He knows that the jig is up, Scaramucci said. Hes getting painted into the corner. He knows theres an impending sentencing in the state of New York. He knows hes down. Hes behind in the polls. Thats why hes lurching for greater publicity, saying more outlandish things. He added that the debate is the breakout opportunity for her, and I would imagine shes going to go up big and stay up big until we get to election day. Harris is going to contrast herself, the realism of her campaign, the can-do execution nature to her personality vs. the sort of discombobulation and the degradation that weve been seeing [from Trump]. Scaramucci said that former Republicans, military leaders and business leaders have added to the momentum by coming out against Trump and for Harris even though Trump has promised retribution if he wins. Anyone who has warned against Trump or supported Harris could be in jeopardy, Scaramucci said. Im a Vice President Harris donor, and he said last week hes going to jail people that donated to her campaign, Scaramucci said. So this is all this crazy, illogical attention-seeking by him, because he knows that hes up against it. Threatening military tribunals and prison for his political opponents, staging a coup and committing crimes makes Trump the most un-American presidential candidate in modern times, Scaramucci said. We have to defeat him, and so were going to be out there explaining that to the American public over the next two months. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump will face Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in what could be a campaign-turning debate on Tuesday in a tight presidential race. With nearly every poll within the margin of error and swing states threatening to be decided by just a handful of votes, the stakes are high as Harris introduces herself to a good portion of the electorate and lays out her agenda, while Trump tries to convince voters that he deserves another term after being voted out in 2020. At 78, Trump is mounting his third run for the Oval Office as the oldest presidential candidate in history. Voters already have seen how a debate can change the course of history: After a dismal debate performance against Trump in June, President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris, who has electrified the Democratic base and built a coalition that includes many independents and Republicans while erasing a substantial lead Trump had held on Biden. Still, the race is neck-and-neck and, with less than two months remaining until election day, could swing either way, depending on the debate. How to watch the debate The debate, which will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and air on ABC, will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis. The debate will start at 9 p.m. Eastern and last for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. Viewers can watch without cable via livestream on Disney+ and Hulu. Also: NBC News will stream the debate at NBCNews.com and on the NBC News app. You can also watch for free on NBC News Now via YouTube and Samsung TV Plus. PBS News will livestream on its PBS News YouTube channel. The UKs Sky News will stream on its YouTube account. Fox News will stream live via its YouTube account. Some networks will also be streaming live on their social media accounts such as Facebook, TikTok or X. What are the rules? After some haggling between the Harris and Trump campaigns and ABC News, both campaigns have agreed to the rules. The moderators will be the only ones asking questions, and the candidates will not be allowed to ask each other questions. The most contentious issue had been whether a candidates microphone would be muted while their opponent is speaking. While the mics were muted in the Trump-Biden debate because Trump repeatedly had interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace in the 2020 debate, Harris campaign had pushed for the microphones to be live at all times. They wanted her to interject and Trump to be heard if he tries to talk over her. But the mics will be muted when the other candidate is speaking. Each candidate will have two minutes to answer a question and two minutes to respond to the other candidate. They will also have an additional minute for follow-ups, clarifications, or responses, the rules state. The debate will begin immediately with questions. There will be no opening statements. The candidates will be given time for a two-minute closing statement. Like the June debate, there will be no audience. What do the latest polls say? The New York Times/Siena latest poll, released Tuesday, gives Trump a one-point national edge over Harris, 49-48%, while nearly every other poll has shown Harris slowly building a slight national lead while also surpassing Trump in many of the crucial swing states. The latest CBS News estimates of seven battleground states and Nebraskas second congressional district mostly show Harris leading or tied with Trump. But where Harris polls ahead of Trump, its by a small margin: Wisconsin Harris 51-49% Nevada Harris 50-48% Michigan Harris 50-49% Arizona Harris 50-49% Pennsylvania Tie 50-50% North Carolina Tie 49-49% Georgia Trump 50-49% Nebraska 2nd Harris 51-46% What are the major issues of the debate? Harris will want to focus on Trumps botched handling of the pandemic, which led to hundreds of thousands of lives lost and the crash of the economy during his term; Trumps stacking of the Supreme Court, which led to the overturning of reproductive rights; the explosion of the national debt during his four years; his criminal convictions, multiple indictments, two impeachments, and an insurrection he orchestrated and did not try to stop after losing the election. Harris also likely will attack his inability to pass an immigration bill while killing a current bill that could have solved many immigration issues. She will also point to her plan to help middle-class families with a multi-pronged opportunity economy. Trump, on the other hand, will try to paint Harris as the immigration czar who allowed border crossings to soar; he will describe her as a former prosecutor from a liberal city, San Francisco, who was soft on crime; insist shes inexperienced; and point out issues, like fracking, on which her position has changed. As war rages in the Middle East and Ukraine, Trump will insist America and the world were safer while he was in the White House. Harris will point out that Trump wants to cut military aid to Ukraine and dissolve NATO at the behest of Russian president Vladimir Putin. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Just one day after a New York Times/Siena poll handed former president Donald Trump a one-point national lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in a tightly contested presidential race, a NPR survey released Tuesday, only hours before a crucial debate, showed astonishing numbers for Harris. The Democratic nominee holds a 50-point margin with Black voters over Trump, and shes leading by a shocking 20 points with white college-educated voters. Overall, 49% say they prefer Harris, and 48% say they are leaning toward Trump. White college-educated voters is a group President Joe Biden won by only 3 points in 2020, according to exit polls , NPR said. And they are among the most likely to vote 94% said they are definitely voting. In the NPR survey, Harris does exceptionally well with white college-educated women, but shes also doing well with white college-educated men. Trump won the group by 3 points in 2020, but Harris leads by 10 with those men in the NPR survey. White voters without degrees are one of Trumps strongest core groups, but they are about 10 points less likely to say theyll definitely vote than white voters with degrees. When it comes to favorabiliity, 47% have a positive view of Harris, 46% have a negative one. For Trump, 45% have a favorable impression while 50% have an unfavorable one. Between the vice-presidential running mates, Democrat Tim Walz is +4 in his favorability rating (40% to 36%), while Republican JD Vance continues to be under water by 10 points (34% to 44%). In the New York Times/Siena College poll, Trump leads Kamala Harris by a point 48% to 47%. It was the first major poll in weeks to put Trump ahead, but the poll historically has leaned toward Trump. In that poll, Trump leads among men, voters age 45 and older and white people, particularly white people without a college degree, where he holds a 36 percentage point advantage. Harris maintains her lead with women, voters younger than 44 and non-white voters with and without a college degree. She holds a 64 percentage point advantage over Trump among Black voters. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. As part of Donald Trumps nationwide effort to undermine the 2020 presidential election, 84 fake electors across seven states signed false electoral certificates claiming that Trump won the election in their states. As of today, fake electors from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada have been charged with crimes, and remaining fake electors in New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have not been charged yet although Wisconsin has brought charges against Trump campaign advisers. Still, J.D. Vance, Trumps vice presidential running mate, said on Tuesday that had he been vice president, he would have violated the Constitution and recognized the fake electors, throwing the 2020 presidential election into chaos and creating a Constitutional crisis. I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors and let the country have a debate about what matters and what kind of election we had in those states, Vance said. Thats what I would have done. Ive said it many times. Mike Pence, Trumps vice president, defied Trump and certified the election and has since declared Trump unfit to serve as president. Rioters at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, chanted that they wanted to hang Pence, whom they saw as a traitor. Pence had to flee the Capitol under security before returning to finish the job. President Trump asked me to put him over the Constitution, Pence said. But I chose the Constitution, and I always will. ... Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be president of the United States. Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, who has pledged to do everything in my power to keep Trump out of the White House, investigated the fake elector scheme as co-chair of the Jan. 6 House Select Committee, pounced on Vances comments. Lets be clear: This is illegal and unconstitutional. The American people had voted. The courts had ruled. The Electoral College had met and voted. The Governor in every state had certified the results and sent a legal slate of electors to the Congress to be counted. The Vice https://t.co/8OVgVLh8Ol Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) September 10, 2024 Lets be clear: This is illegal and unconstitutional, Cheney tweeted. The American people had voted. The courts had ruled. The Electoral College had met and voted. The Governor in every state had certified the results and sent a legal slate of electors to the Congress to be counted. The Vice President has no constitutional authority to tell states to submit alternative slates of electors because his candidate lost. That is tyranny. Our institutions held on Jan 6 because Mike Pence refused to violate his oath to the Constitution. Trump picked JD Vance because Vance will do whatever Trump wants, including violating the Constitution. They are both far too dangerous to serve. Its our duty to stop them. Cheney and her father, Dick Chaney, vice president under president George W. Bush, have said they will vote for Kamala Harris. The two are lifelong Republicans. Former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi put it this way: To paraphrase: Q: Would you have committed a felony? A: Sure. Said CNN anchor Jim Scuitto: The normalization within the GOP of Trumps attempt to overturn the 2020 election, which remember was rejected by both Democratic and Republican election officials, is remarkable and deeply concerning for this years vote. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Former First Lady Melania Trump has some questions about the assassination attempt of her husband. She posted a video that hints at a conspiracy theory to assassinate former President Donald Trump and questioned why police didnt arrest the 20-year-old man who nearly killed the former president before he had a chance to shoot at him during a speech in Pennsylvania. The attempt to end my husbands life was a horrible, distressing experience. Now, the silence around it feels heavy. I cant help but wonder: Why didnt law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There is definitely more to this story. And we need to uncover the truth, Melania Trump. In her latest video to promote her book, Melania Trump suggests that there was a conspiracy involving law enforcement to assassinate her beloved husband. pic.twitter.com/213dEbYSx1 Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) September 10, 2024 The gunman in the assassination attempt searched online for events of both Trump and President Joe Biden, looked up information about explosives over the last five years and eyed the Pennsylvania campaign rally where he opened fire last month as a target of opportunity, a senior FBI official said Wednesday. Investigators who have conducted nearly 1,000 interviews do not yet have a motive for why the man shot at Trump during a July campaign rally but they believe that he conducted extensive attack planning, including looking up campaign events involving both the current president and former president, particularly in western Pennsylvania. The FBI analysis of his online search history reveals a sustained, detailed effort to plan an attack on some event, meaning he looked at any number of events or targets, Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Pittsburgh field office, told reporters last month in the latest in a series of briefings on the investigation. Once a Trump rally was announced for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, He became hyper-focused on that specific event and looked at it as a target of opportunity, Rojek said. Crooks internet searches in the days leading up to the rally included queries about the grounds where the rally was held, Where will Trump speak from at Butler Farm Show? Butler Farm Show podium and Butler Farm Show photos. In the 30 days before the attack, the FBI says, the shooter did more than 60 internet searches related to Biden and Trump, including seeking the dates of both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously revealed that one week before the shooting, Crooks did a Google search for How far away was Oswald from Kennedy? Melania Trumps video comes on the heels of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meeting for the first time face-to-face Tuesday night for perhaps their only debate, a high-pressure opportunity to showcase their starkly different visions for the country after a tumultuous campaign summer. The event, at 9 p.m. Eastern in Philadelphia, will offer Americans their most detailed look at a campaign thats dramatically changed since the last debate in June. In rapid fashion, Biden bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and both sides chose their running mates. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. UPDATE: Here is link to magic numbers through Saturday, Sept. 28 games * * * NEW YORK It was another good night for the New York teams on Monday. The Yankees started a homestand with a 10-4 win over the Royals and extended their AL East lead to 1.5 games with the Orioles taking a 12-3 beating from the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Mets won 3-2 in Toronto to move into sole possession of the last National League spot with the Braves losing 1-0 at home to the Reds. SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE YANKEES NEWSLETTERS RESTORING THE GLORY The Guardians stretched their AL Central lead over the Royals to 3.5 games with a 5-3 road win over the White Sox, who fell to 33-112. Also in the NL, the Phillies took over the best record in the league with a 1-0 win over the Rays at Citizens Bank Park and the Dodgers losing to the Cubs 10-4 at Dodger Stadium. Heres a look at magic numbers plus the remaining schedules for the contenders through Monday, Sept. 9, along with playoff matchups if the postseason began on Sept. 10: AL EAST Standings: First in AL East. Lead second-place Orioles by 1.5 games. Magic number to clinch AL East: 17 Magic number to clinch playoffs: 9 Games remaining: 18 (12 home, 6 road). Yankees schedule: Sept. 10-11: Royals (2) Sept. 12-15: Red Sox (4) Sept. 17-19: at Mariners (3) Sept. 20-22: at Athletics (3) Sept. 24-26: Orioles (3) Sept. 27-29: Pirates (3) BALTIMORE ORIOLES (82-63) Standings: Second in AL East. Trail first-place Yankees by 1.5 games. First in AL wild-card standings. Lead Royals by 3 games for first wild card. Lead Mariners, Red Sox and Tigers by 8.5 games for third AL wild card. Magic number to clinch playoffs: 10 Games remaining: 17 (6 home, 11 road). Orioles schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Red Sox (2) Sept. 13-15: at Tigers (3) Sept. 17-19: Giants (3) Sept. 20-22: Tigers (3) Sept. 24-26: at Yankees (3) Sept. 27-29: at Twins (3) BOSTON RED SOX (73-71) Standings: Third in AL East. Trail first-place Yankees by 10 games. Tied with Mariners and Tigers for fourth in AL wild-card standings. Trail Twins by 3 games for third AL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 16 Games remaining: 18 (8 home, 10 road). Red Sox schedule: Sept. 10-11: Orioles (2) Sept. 12-15: at Yankees (4) Sept. 17-19: at Rays (3) Sept. 20-22: Twins (3) Sept. 23-25: at Blue Jays (3) Sept. 27-29: Rays (3) TAMPA BAY RAYS (71-73) Standings: Fourth in AL East. Trail first-place Yankees by 12 games. Seventh in AL wild-card standings. Trail Twins by 5 games for third AL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 14 Games remaining: 18 (6 home, 12 road). Rays schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Phillies (2) Sept. 12-15: at Guardians (4) Sept. 17-19: Red Sox (3) Sept. 20-22: Blue Jays (3) Sept. 24-26: at Tigers (3) Sept. 27-29: at Red Sox (3) AL CENTRAL CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (82-62) Standings: First in AL Central. Lead second-place Royals by 3.5 games. Magic number to clinch AL Central: 15 Magic number to clinch playoffs: 10 Remaining games: 18 (13 home, 5 road). Guardians schedule: Sept. 10-11: at White Sox (2) Sept. 12-15: Rays (4) Sept. 16-19: Twins (4) Sept. 20-22: at Cardinals (3) Sept. 24-25: Reds (3) Sept. 27-29: Astros (3) KANSAS CITY ROYALS (79-66) Standings: Second in AL Central. Trail first-place Guardians by 3.5 games. Second in AL wild-card standings. Lead Twins by 2.5 games for second AL wild card. Lead Mariners, Red Sox and Tigers by 5.5 games for third AL wild card. Magic number to clinch playoffs: 13 Remaining games: 17 (6 home, 11 road). Royals schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Yankees (2) Sept. 13-15: at Pirates (3) Sept. 16-18: Tigers (3) Sept. 20-22: Giants (3) Sept. 24-26: at Nationals (3) Sept. 27-29: at Braves (3) MINNESOTA TWINS (76-68) Standings: Third in AL Central. Trail first-place Guardians by 6 games. Third in AL wild-card standings. Lead Mariners, Red Sox and Tigers by 3 games for third AL wild card. Magic number to clinch playoffs: 16 Remaining games: 18 (11 home, 7 road). Twins schedule: Sept. 10-11: Angels (2) Sept. 13-15: Reds (3) Sept. 16-19: at Guardians (4) Sept. 20-22: at Red Sox (3) Sept. 24-26: Marlins (3) Sept. 27-29: Orioles (3) DETROIT TIGERS (73-71) Standings: Fourth in AL Central. Trail first-place Guardians by 9 games. Tied with Mariners and Red Sox for fourth in AL wild-card standings. Trail Twins by 3 games for third AL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 16 Remaining games: 18 (12 home, 6 road). Tigers schedule: Sept. 10-12: Rockies (3) Sept. 13-15: Orioles (3) Sept. 16-18: at Royals (3) Sept. 20-22: at Orioles (3) Sept. 24-26: Rays (3) Sept. 27-29: White Sox (3) AL WEST HOUSTON ASTROS (77-66) Standings: First in AL West. Lead second-place Mariners by 4.5 games. Magic number to clinch AL West: 15 Magic number to clinch playoffs: 15 Remaining games: 19 (10 home, 9 road). Astros schedule: Sept. 10-12: Athletics (3) Sept. 13-15: at Angels (3) Sept. 16-18: at Padres (3) Sept. 19-22: Angels (4) Sept. 23-25: Mariners (3) Sept. 27-29: at Guardians (3) SEATTLE MARINERS (73-71) Standings: Second in AL West. Trail first-place Astros by 4.5 games. Tied with Tigers for fourth in AL wild-card standings. Trail Twins by 3 games for third AL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 16 Remaining games: 18 (12 home, 6 road). Mariners schedule: Sept. 10-11: Padres (2) Sept. 12-15: Rangers (4) Sept. 17-19: Yankees (3) Sept. 20-22: at Rangers (3) Sept. 23-25:at Astros (3) Sept. 27-29: Athletics (3) TEXAS RANGERS (70-74) Standings: Third in AL West. Trail first-place Astros by 7.5 games. Eighth in AL wild-card standings. Trail Twins by 6 games for third AL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 13 Remaining games: 18 (6 home, 12 road). Rangers schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Diamondbacks (2) Sept. 12-15: at Mariners (4) Sept. 17-19: Blue Jays (3) Sept. 20-22: Mariners (3) Sept. 24-26: at Athletics (3) Sept. 27-29: at Angels (3) NL EAST Standings: First in NL East. Lead second-place Mets by 7 games. (Phillies won season series with Dodgers 5-1) Magic number to clinch NL East: 12 Magic number to clinch playoffs: 12 Remaining games: 18 (8 home, 10 road). Phillies schedule: Sept. 10-11: Rays (2) Sept. 13-15: Mets (3) Sept. 16-18: at Brewers (3) Sept. 19-22: at Mets (4) Sept. 23-24: Cubs (3) Sept. 27-29: at Nationals (3) Standings: Second in NL East. Trail first-place Phillies by 7 games. Third in NL wild-card standings. Lead B Braves by 1 game for third NL wild card. (Mets, Braves season series tied 5-5) Magic number to clinch playoffs: 18 Remaining games: 18 (7 home, 11 road). Mets schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Blue Jays (2) Sept. 13-15: at Phillies (3) Sept. 16-18: Nationals (3) Sept. 19-22: Phillies (4) Sept. 24-26: at Braves (3) Sept. 27-29: at Brewers (3) ATLANTA BRAVES (78-66) Standings: Third in NL East. Trail first-place Phillies by 8 games. Fourth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 1 game for third NL wild card. (Braves, Mets season series tied 5-5) Magic number for playoffs elimination: 18 Remaining games: 18 (10 home, 8 road). Braves schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Nationals (2) Sept. 13-16: Dodgers (4) Sept. 17-19: at Reds (3) Sept. 20-22: at Marlins (3) Sept. 24-26: Mets (3) Sept. 27-29: Royals (3) NL CENTRAL MILWAUKEE BREWERS (82-61) Standings: First in NL Central. Lead second-place Cubs by 8.5 games. Magic number to clinch NL Central: 11 Magic number to clinch playoffs: 11 Remaining games: 19 (10 home, 9 road). Brewers schedule: Sept. 10-12: at Giants (3) Sept. 13-15: at Diamondbacks (3) Sept. 16-18: Phillies (3) Sept. 19-22: Diamondbacks (4) Sept. 24-26: at Pirates (3) Sept. 27-29: Mets (3) CHICAGO CUBS (74-70) Standings: Second in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 8.5 games. Fifth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 5 games for third NL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 14 Remaining games: 18 (10 home, 8 road). Cubs schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Dodgers (2) Sept. 10-12: at Cardinals (3) Sept. 13-15: at Rockies (3) Sept. 16-18: Athletics (3) Sept. 19-22: Nationals (4) Sept. 23-25: at Phillies (3) Sept. 27-29: Reds (3) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (72-71) Standings: Third in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 10 games. Sixth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 6.5 games for third NL wild card. Magic number for playoffs elimination: 13 Remaining games: 19 (10 home, 9 road). Cardinals schedule: Sept. 10-12: Reds (3) Sept. 13-15: at Blue Jays (3) Sept. 16-19: Pirates (4) Sept. 20-22: Guardians (3) Sept. 24-26: at Rockies 3) Sept. 27-29: at Giants (3) NL WEST LOS ANGELES DODGERS (86-58) Standings: First in NL West. Lead second-place Padres by 5.5 games. . (Dodgers lost season series with Philles 5-1) Magic number to clinch NL West: 13 Magic number to clinch playoffs: 12 Remaining games: 18 (8 home, 10 road). Dodgers schedule: Sept. 10-11: Cubs (2) Sept. 13-16: at Braves (4) Sept. 17-19: at Marlins (3) Sept. 20-22: Rockies (3) Sept. 24-26: Padres (3) Sept. 27-29: at Rockies (3) SAN DIEGO PADRES (81-64) Standings: Second in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 5.5 games. First in NL wild-card standings. Lead Braves by 2.5 games for third NL wild card. Magic number to clinch playoffs: 17 Remaining games: 17 (6 home, 11 road). Padres schedule: Sept. 10-11: at Mariners (2) Sept. 13-15: at Giants (3) Sept. 16-18: Astros (3) Sept. 20-22: White Sox (3) Sept. 24-26: at Dodgers (3) Sept. 27-29: at Diamondbacks (3) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (80-64) Standings: Third in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 6 games. Second in NL wild-card standings. Lead Braves 2 games for third NL Wild Card. Magic number to clinch playoffs: 18 Remaining games: 18 (11 home, 7 road). Diamondbacks schedule: Sept. 10-11: Rangers (2) Sept. 13-15: Brewers (3) Sept. 16-18: at Rockies (3) Sept. 19-22: at Brewers (4) Sept. 23-25: Giants (3) Sept. 27-29: Padres (3) CURRENT POSTSEASON MATCHUPS AL WILD CARD SERIES (best-of-3) Yankees (1), Guardians (2) byes Twins (6) at Astros (3) Royals (5) at Orioles (4) NL WILD CARD SERIES (best-of-3) Phillies (1), Dodgers (2) byes Mets (6) at Brewers (3) Diamondbacks (5) at Padres (4) Note: Higher seed will host all games (from Oct. 7-9). Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Norman Bouisse, 76, left, and Jeremy Adam, back left, one of the captains for the 100-foot trawler Master Brandon, work at tying one of six extra lines around a piling in their attempt to batten down their boat in anticipation of Hurricane Francine along the Louisiana coast in Lafitte on Monday, September 9, 2024. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune) CHESTERTON A parent and child were treated for smoke inhalation after re-entering their home during a kitchen fire to search for their cat, the local fire department reported. The two were taken to the nearby Northwest Health-Porter hospital and the family's cat was later found safe, officials said. Area residents warned of solicitors showing up after dark "If you do not feel comfortable with the person at your door or you wish to confirm their identity, we suggest that you call 911 and we will gladly have an officer respond to confirm that the person is legitimate," according to police. Chesterton firefighters report being called out around 2:30 p.m. Sunday to the kitchen fire on South 15th Street. Firefighters said they arrived to find smoke wafting out of the front door and entered to extinguish the fire. The parent and child had initially left the residence, but reportedly returned inside in search of their cat. The fire department said none of the smoke detectors in the rental property were functioning. Area liquor store employee shot to death during dispute, police say The shooting occurred around 6:45 p.m. during the dispute between the 50-year-old male victim and the offender, Glenwood Police Chief Derek Peddycord said. "We please ask residents to evacuate to a safe meeting place when a fire starts and not re-enter the structure to search for animals or retrieve personal belongings," Chesterton Fire Chief Sean ODonnell said. "Once the Fire Department starts, we will do all we can to rescue residents pets." Chesterton town code requires all landlords to certify every January that at least two functioning smoke detectors are installed in their rental properties, the town reported. The cause of the fire has been ruled unintentional. HIGHLAND Police warn of the potential for scams as several local residents reported unknown people showing up at their doors after dark this past week and offering various services. "They reported these incidents to the police, but we were unable to locate the subjects at that time to verify that this was a legitimate employee of any particular business," according to Highland police. Region man threatening 'everyone is about to die today' had loaded gun, cops say The accused then ran back inside the house, locked the door and the SWAT team was called due him having a gun and yelling threats of everyone dying. Solicitors are reportedly forbidden from visiting homes in the town after dark. "We are unaware of any crimes having occurred from these events, however, we wanted to be responsible and let our residents be aware," police said. "We strongly suggest that if a solicitor comes to your door, that you always try to keep a locked door between you and that person. Try to speak through a locked storm door or window." Area liquor store employee shot to death during dispute, police say The shooting occurred around 6:45 p.m. during the dispute between the 50-year-old male victim and the offender, Glenwood Police Chief Derek Peddycord said. "If you do not feel comfortable with the person at your door or you wish to confirm their identity, we suggest that you call 911 and we will gladly have an officer respond to confirm that the person is legitimate," according to police. Highland has an ordinance restricting solicitation hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. GLENWOOD An employee was shot to death Monday evening during an argument inside Emporium Liquors at 339 E. Glenwood Lansing Road, police said. The shooting occurred around 6:45 p.m. during a dispute between the male victim and the offender, Glenwood Police Chief Derek Peddycord said. Region man threatening 'everyone is about to die today' had loaded gun, cops say The accused then ran back inside the house, locked the door and the SWAT team was called due him having a gun and yelling threats of everyone dying. The deceased was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Naveen Singh, 52, of Chicago Heights. "There is no risk to the community at this time related to this incident," Peddycord said. The shooting is being investigated by Glenwood police and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Person stabbed, gun fired Sunday at Region church, police say "During the incident, another female retrieved a firearm from her vehicle and discharged one shot into the air in an attempt to stop the stabbing and ongoing fight," police said. On Friday, an employee of the Star Budz Canna Cafe, a marijuana dispensary at 3420 Ridge Road in Lansing, was shot in the back during a robbery, police there reported. The employee sustained a non-life-threatening injury and police are seeking help from the public in identifying the masked gunmen. There is no reported link between the two shootings. The United Steelworkers union and steelmakers, including U.S. Steel and Indiana-based Steel Dynamics, are seeking tariffs on imports of corrosion-resistant, flat-rolled steel products. Corrosion-resistant steel, or CORE, is used in cars, appliances and construction. It's hot-rolled or cold-rolled steel that's been coated in zinc, aluminum or paint so it doesn't corrode when exposed to the elements. The USW, Fort Wayne-based Steel Dynamics, U.S. Steel and other steelmakers seek tariffs on imports from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. CORE imports from these nine countries almost doubled from 690,000 tons in the first half of 2023 to 1.35 million tons in the first half of 2024, said USW International President David McCall. These imports are destroying good union jobs in the United States and causing harm to U.S. companies." In particular, imports from Vietnam almost quadrupled from 122,000 to 468,000 tons, McCall said. Vietnam is ramping up its steel industry and exports at the expense of U.S. workers, and we cant repeat the mistakes with Vietnam that weve made with China in the past. The United States consumes an estimated 22 million tons of corrosion-resistant steel per year and the USW wants to ensure it's manufactured in the United States. In a strong economy with strong steel demand, the U.S. industry is only operating at 77% capacity utilization this year and has seen sharply reduced profits compared to 2022 and 2023, McCall said. Once again, the U.S. has become the dumping ground for excess steel capacity, and the USW will stand up against any unfair trade that hurts American workers. The Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission will decide whether antidumping and countervailing duties are warranted. The domestic steel industry said surging imports are posing a risk. The ITC will conduct an investigation and hold a trial-like hearing in which both sides can argue their case. "Steel Dynamics has invested $3.7 billion in our steel divisions since June 2019, including investments in a new state-of-the-art 3.0-million-ton electric arc furnace flat rolled steel mill, four flat rolled galvanizing lines with Galvalume capability, and three flat rolled paint lines. Corrosion-resistant flat rolled steel is a strategically important product to the domestic steel industry, and the restoration of fair trade is critically important," said Steel Dynamics Senior Vice President, Flat Roll Steel Group Christopher A. Graham. Angela Zepeda X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, brings on former Hyundai chief marketing officer Angela Zepeda as its global head of marketing. Zepeda is the first person to hold that post since Elon Musk took over the company. She left Hyundai shortly after it split its marketing department into creative and performance divisions and eliminated the chief marketing officer role. Zepeda has also served as SVP, managing director at INNOCEAN USA and president, CMO at Lowe Campbell Ewald. Angela brings incredible experience and expertise, understands how to grow a brand globally and is exactly the right person to lead X's marketing as we accelerate our innovation, said X CEO Linda Yaccarino. (L-R) MaryJo Fitzgerald, Jordan Band Global Gateway Advisors promotes MaryJo Fitzgerald to head of West Coast and Jordan Band to managing director and partner. Fitzgerald was previously chief of staff and partner at the firm, helping to grow its tech practice and leading engagements with stakeholders. Before joining Global Gateway Advisors, she served on IBMs AI team and was PR & corporate communications manager at Glassdoor. Band most recently served as the firms head of corporate and public affairs, playing a key leadership role in its crisis and issues management work. Before that, he was a VP at BerlinRosen and worked at Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Sam Grobart Blue Owl Capital, an asset management firm offering alternative investment solutions in private credit, GP stakes and real estate, names Sam Grobart managing director for content strategy. Grobart joins the firm from Goldman Sachs, where he had been VP, content, overseeing a team of editors, writers and producers, in addition to consulting on content initiatives in investment banking, markets and wealth management. He also served as membership editor at Quartz, and has held senior editorial positions at CNN, Businessweek, Money, the New York Times (where he was personal technology editor) and the Wall Street Journal. At Blue Owl, Grobart will help support its marketing and commercial efforts thorough creating insights and analysis for clients and the general public. Joseph Leslie Golin appoints Joseph Leslie as VP, global AI learning & development, a newly created role. Leslie most recently served as VP, global LMS lead at Publicis Groupe, where he led strategy and operations for a global AI learning management system serving over 100,000 employees. Before joining Publicis in 2018, he was director, education and training at Belvedere Trading. At Golin, Leslie will drive the design, development and delivery of multi-modal AI training programs. In addition to expanding AI training, he will implement a data-driven AI readiness assessment framework to measure employee aptitude and development. "Joseph's appointment marks a significant step in our AI transformation journey," said Golin chief AI officer Jeff Beringer. "His extensive experience in equipping global teams with AI skills makes him ideal to help every Golin employee harness AI's potential to supercharge our work and results. An Offaly restaurant was served with a Closure Order by the HSE in August for a number of breaches of Food Safety Legislation. Cafe India on Harbour Street in Tullamore was served with the Closure Order on Monday, August 19 and the Closure Order was lifted on Wednesday, August 21. A number of reasons for the closure were listed in the Closure Order. According to the Closure Order, there was evidence that articles, fittings and equipment coming into contact with food were not effectively cleaned and disinfected. There was evidence that cleaning and disinfection was not taking place at a frequency sufficient to avoid any risk of contamination. According to the Closure Order, three containers of unlabeled cooked chicken were found in the under counter fridge and in both freezers and it adds that the lack of adequate labelling poses a risk of contaminated food being placed on the market which is a risk to public health According to the Closure Order, items were stored in the external yard and were not protected from the risk of contamination including an uncovered box of tomatoes and an open container of cream which was in use was noted to be past its use by date. According to the Closure Order, there was no evidence to demonstrate that the food workers were trained in food safety commensurate with their duties or in the application of the HACCP principles. The food workers demonstrated poor food safety knowledge when questioned. It adds that food handlers that are inadequately trained or instructed in food safety can pose a risk to food safety According to the Closure Order, written allergen information was not provided to consumers for the traditional Indian desserts on the menu adding that there was no allergen information available to consumers on the online ordering platform. The Closure Order can be viewed in full on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland website by clicking here. Ireland will respect an order to recover more than 13 billion euro in back taxes from Apple, following a decision of Europes top court. The European Court of Justice (CJEU) decision restores a 2016 European Commission ruling that Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, which would be illegal under EU state aid rules. Ireland and Apple, which had long argued the correct amount of tax was paid, fought the commission on the matter and in July 2020 the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision. However, the European Commission subsequently appealed against that decision to the CJEU, saying the lower courts ruling was legally incorrect. On Tuesday, the CJEU agreed the General Court had erred in its decision and ordered the judgment should be set aside, restoring the commissions original ruling. The Irish Government said it will respect the findings, but added: The Irish position has always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers. An Apple representative said the company was disappointed with the decision. This case has never been about how much tax we pay, but which government we are required to pay it to, they said. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal. Apple is proud to be an engine of growth and innovation across Europe and around the world, and to consistently be one of the largest taxpayers in the world. The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US. We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case. In the interim, the 13.1 billion euro has been held in an escrow fund pending the outcome of the case. The money, with interest, is due to be returned to the Irish exchequer. However, other member states may make claims that they are owed a share of the total. The commissions original position was that tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple in 1991 and 2007 substantially and artificially lowered the tax paid by the iPhone manufacturer in the country since the early 90s, in a way which did not correspond to economic reality. As a result, competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in 2016 that Ireland had granted illegal tax benefits which enabled the company to pay substantially less tax than other businesses over many years. An EU investigation found Apple had paid an effective corporate tax rate of 1% on its European profits in 2003, down to 0.005% in 2014 50 euro for every one million euro of profit. The process involved Apple recording almost all sales profits of two Irish incorporated companies to a head office, which the commission said only existed on paper. The companies, fully owned by Apple, held the rights to use the firms intellectual property to manufacture and sell its products outside North and South America. The commission said this situation allowed Apple to avoid taxation on almost all profits generated by sales of its products in the entire EU single market. It said this was due to Apples decision to record all sales in Ireland rather than in the countries where the products were sold. The findings were disputed by the Irish State, which said all tax owed had been collected, and Apple, which had come under scrutiny in the US for its tax practices years earlier. At the time, Apple chief executive Tim Cook branded the EU findings political crap, maddening and untrue. The company maintained that no state aid had been received and that it had paid taxes on the profits in question in the US. The Irish Government, which was also used to defending a low 12.5% corporation tax rate, argued that Europe had overstepped the mark in attempting to dictate tax laws and enforce retrospective taxes decades later. Ireland and Apple fought the commission on the matter and in July 2020, the General Court of the European Union annulled the decision. The General Court found the commission had not shown there was an advantage deriving from the adoption of the tax rulings. However, the commission subsequently appealed the decision to the CJEU, with Ms Vestager saying the lower courts ruling contained errors of law. On Tuesday, the CJEU said it confirms the European Commissions 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover. Ms Vestager described the finding as a huge win for European citizens and tax justice. Risk-sharing agreement between two institutions to support expansion of local businesses The EBRD relaunches its Risk-Sharing Facility in Azerbaijan with local partner bank Local businesses to benefit from the new 15 million facility Agreement to boost the lending capacity of AccessBank The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has relaunched its Risk-Sharing Facility (RSF) in Azerbaijan by partnering with AccessBank to share risk in loans provided to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under the RSF agreement, the EBRD and AccessBank will each provide up to 15 million to share the risk of loans that AccessBank will make to local companies. It is expected that the EBRD will share up to 50 per cent of the risk on individual loans, allowing AccessBank to expand its lending to a greater number of companies, most of which are smaller businesses that would not otherwise have access to such financing. In addition, the facility will help AccessBank diversify its funding sources, improve the maturity profile of its balance sheet, and compete with larger players in the local banking sector. Elisabetta Falcetti, EBRD Managing Director for Turkiye and the Caucasus was present at the signing ceremony at AccessBank headquarters. She said: It is great to be in Baku, marking the relaunch of the RSF facility with the project teams. We are glad that further to increased financing to Azerbaijani businesses, this agreement will allow AccessBank to acquire new financing techniques and know-how for efficient SME financing across the country. David Tsiklauri, AccessBanks Chairman of the Management Board, said: We are proud to announce that the EBRD has relaunched its RSF programme in Azerbaijan with AccessBank. We are delighted about this collaboration with the EBRD, which will allow us to expand access to financing for SMEs, thereby contributing to the growth of entrepreneurship and the overall economic development of Azerbaijan. The RSF is a strategic framework under the EBRDs Small Business Initiative, which is dedicated to growing and developing the private sector in the EBRD regions. The RSF enables the Bank to share the risk on partner banks loans to eligible enterprises that need working capital, helping those SMEs to grow and become more competitive. To date, the EBRD has partnered with 42 local financial institutions, facilitating more than 425 RSF sub-loans to small and medium-sized enterprises with a combined value of more than 1.07 billion. AccessBank is a commercial bank that specialises in supporting Azerbaijans SMEs and has been offering them affordable financial services since 2002. The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in Azerbaijan. The Bank has invested more than 3.7 billion in 190 projects to support the countrys economic diversification. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan Guseyn Guliyev, Trend reports. During the meeting, the parties welcomed the positive dynamics of the development of trade, economic and investment relations based on warm, trusting relations between the heads of the two states. Thus, by the end of 2023, trade turnover increased by 26.5%. There are 230 enterprises with the participation of Azerbaijani capital in the fields of trade, mechanical engineering and metalworking, finance and insurance, real estate transactions, energy, services, jewelry production, food and light industry operating in Uzbekistan. A solid portfolio of large mutually beneficial investment projects is being implemented on a reciprocal basis. Measures to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan in August of this year in such sectors as urban infrastructure development, industrial production, chemical industry and IT were discussed. A unanimous opinion was expressed on the importance of building partnerships between the business circles of the two countries and developing interregional cooperation. In this context, readiness to take the necessary measures to support business circles and further strengthen cooperation in priority sectors was confirmed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Liberation Front of French Colonies has issued a statement addressing the French Foreign Ministry's declaration regarding a travel warning to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "Although the French Prime Minister has not yet formed his government, the actions of the outgoing Minister of the Interior and the alarming warnings from the French Foreign Ministry regarding Azerbaijan do not surprise anyone. The next step by the government will undoubtedly be a complete ban on 'French citizens' visiting the mentioned country. This decision contradicts 'human rights' and the 'free movement of people and goods' and will be entirely illegal. The actions of the French state have only one goal: to prevent the Baku Initiative Group from continuing to carry out the mandate given to it by the Non-Aligned Movement under the United Nations framework. The mission of the Baku Initiative Group is to put an end to colonialism in the world. France fully understands that its international image is deteriorating the root cause being the Baku Initiative Group's efforts to inform the international community about how the territories of the organization's member countries have been occupied by the 'country of human rights' (France) and how it has acted, and continues to act, against indigenous peoples. The Kanak people's current situation (New Caledonia) is a vivid example of this. The organizations of the Liberation Front in Frances last enslaved colonies oppose these methods of a country in political decline, which does not hesitate to resort to the crudest and most undemocratic tactics to maintain its colonies. The goal here is to retain its position among the great naval powers, while safeguarding interests that allow it to continue its existence. We'll continue to work with the Baku Initiative Group within the framework defined by the UN, or with any other partner we deem necessary to finally gain independence and protect the interests of our peoples!" the statement said. The statement was signed by 14 leaders of political movements in territories under French control. To recall, this July, leaders of political parties and movements fighting for the independence of French colonies held their first congress in Baku and established the Liberation Front of French Colonies. Officials from 17 colonies of France and the Netherlands signed the final declaration on the establishment of the Liberation Front and approved its charter. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel IUSF convenor Madushan Chandrajith arrested during protest Posted by Editor on September 10, 2024 - 4:40 pm Madushan Chandrajith, the Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), and several others were arrested by the police during a protest near the Colombo Fort Railway Station this afternoon (September 10). The protest was held against the proposed National Education Policy Framework, the establishment of private medical colleges, and the rising cost of living. An Election Commission official arrived and informed the protesters that protests or marches are not allowed during the election period. Despite this, as the protesters were about to start their march, the police arrested the IUSF Convener. Later, as the police dispersed the protest, several other protesters were also arrested. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The bilateral meeting between Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani was held in Batumi, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. Furthermore, it was noted that at the meeting with the participation of representatives of both countries, Irakli Chikovani, welcoming the guests, emphasized the important role of the meetings of the heads of the two states in the development of ties between Azerbaijan and Georgia. Expressing satisfaction with his visit to the neighboring and brotherly country, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov emphasized that, as in many areas, ties between the two countries in the military sphere are constantly developing. The Azerbaijani Defense Minister mentioned that holding mutual visits and meetings in various formats is a clear example of the high level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia. At the meeting, the prospects for military cooperation between the two countries were discussed, and there was a detailed exchange of views on increasing the intensity of joint exercises. Also, it was noted that both countries support the territorial integrity adopted at the international level. Afterward, the sides discussed issues of ensuring peace and security in the region, new prospects for cooperation in the military, military-technical, and military-educational spheres, as well as other issues of mutual interest, the information notes. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The ancient bazaar in Aleppo, Syria, has been restored and is open for business once more. The long alleyway of shops was severely damaged after the US-sponsored mercenaries of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), and their Al Qaeda allies, fought savage battles against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) beginning in the summer of 2012. Aleppo is the industrial capital of Syria, and business is in the DNA of the residents. The UN recognizes Aleppo and Damascus as the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. When the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim prophet Abraham traveled through Aleppo on his way west, he stopped to milk his cow, and the city became named Haleb, a form of the Arabic word for milk. The locals call their town Haleb still today, even though Abraham made his journey some 9,000 years ago. Aleppo is the western form of the name Haleb. Many sections of the bazaar, also referred to as the 'souk', and other medieval structures in the ancient city were destroyed, ruined, or burnt due to fighting in 2012. Al-Madina Souk is the covered bazaar in the heart of Aleppo within the walled medieval section of the city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Considered to be the longest-covered historical market on earth, it stretches about 13 kilometers. Imported silk from Iran, spices from India, and Chinese goods all arrived on the camels of the Silk Road caravans. The iconic olive oil soap is one of the staple items sold there. The restored row of shops, encompassing four souks, stretches for about 100 meters (330 feet) across the Old City. Three other souks of a total of 37 have been restored in previous years, with the funds coming from both public and private sources. The FSA and Al Qaeda destroyed the bazaar, even though it had no military value or connection to the Syrian government in Damascus. They destroyed it to break the soul of the city. Its destruction successfully tore apart the social fabric, and the city of industry was brought to its knees by the US-NATO attack on Syria for regime change. Aleppo merchants began to formulate their options as to how they could survive the war that raged until December 2016, when the SAA defeated the FSA and Jibhat al-Nusra. The terrorist remnants were bused to Idlib under a surrender deal, and are there and holding the residents under occupation. Ongoing street protests in Idlib have demanded the fall of the terrorist leader, Muhammed al-Julani, formerly of Al Qaeda, Jibhat al-Nusra, and ISIS, but calling his group today Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Many Aleppo merchants, some with long unbroken ancestral ties to Aleppo spanning thousands of years, migrated to Turkey and Egypt where they opened restaurants, shops, and factories. Some have since returned to Aleppo as conditions for Syrians abroad became difficult. If it took 9,000 years to make Aleppo, it took just a few years of armed conflict to destroy parts of the city. The eastern residential section was devastated after the FSA, and the Al Qaeda branch in Syria, Jibhat al-Nusra, embedded themselves among the poor eastern neighborhoods, which did not resist the invaders because they had no weapons to fight back. Wedad Muhammed, a resident of eastern Aleppo, told me they all went to sleep one night, and the next day they woke up under the occupation of armed fighters. The FSA, despite its complete support by the administration of US President Obama and VP Joe Biden, insisted on Radical Islamic ideology to be obeyed by the residents. Women had to wear chin-to-floor black cloaks and black head scarves and were not allowed to work in shops where the clientele might be men. Wedad recalled being stopped in the street by the FSA. They accused her of adding decorations to her cloak. She innocently explained the cloak was ready-made and she had not added any embellishment to it. The decoration in question was some sequins stitched to the cuffs. Men who smoked cigarettes in public were beaten, and if you voiced criticism of the FSA or their allied terrorists, you faced being put in prison. One of the complaints currently in Idlib is over the imprisonment, torture, and killing of those opposed to the rule of al-Julani and his terrorists. The western sections of Aleppo tried to live life but were daily bombarded by rockets fired indiscriminately from the fighters in eastern Aleppo. The fighters seeking to overthrow the government, to create an Islamic State in Syria, were not targeting SAA positions exclusively. They were targeting Syrian civilians, and this is why the armed opposition was hated in Syria because their war targeted the people, not the government. The armed wing of the Syrian Opposition was not a grass-roots band of freedom fighters. They lost the war, and the Damascus government survived billions of dollars being spent to overthrow them. The Obama war on Syria proved unsuccessful, and no American goals were achieved, despite the US taxpayer throwing billions of their hard-earned income at the project which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and created the largest refugee crisis in modern history. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Keep in mind that the man who first made his reputation -- The Apprentice aside -- and his fortune as a real estate developer has remarkably few plans to develop anything (housing included) that would help most Americans. Count on one thing, though: he'll continue the major tax cuts he passed in his first term for -- of course! -- the distinctly more than well-to-do, while he has his eye on freeing Wall Street from further financial regulation. No surprise there. And this in a country where, as TomDispatch regular Liz Theoharis and Cedar Monroe (author of the new memoir Trash: A Poor White Journey) suggest today, housing space of every sort is desperately needed and the unhoused are both growing in numbers and about to suffer ever more painful fates. (That's thanks, at least in significant part, to the recent decision of the six conservative Supreme Court justices in Grants Pass v. Johnson essentially making it a crime to simply sleep outside when you have no place else to go.) In that context, give Kamala Harris some credit, since she's put a spotlight on this country's housing crisis -- and yes, there is one! -- and is talking about acting to "end America's housing shortage" by pouring government money into new housing in a country where the median home price now tops $400,000. She hopes to spur the construction of at least three million new homes, while offering some genuine help in buying (or renting) that housing at reasonable prices (even if not ones most of the homeless in this country could possibly afford). Talk about a nightmare and a half, just check out Theoharis and Monroe today on the ever more horrifying homeless crisis in this country, which few politicians of any party care to truly face, and what to make of it. Tom Where Can We Live? The Homeless Crisis in America By Cedar Monroe and Liz Theoharis In 2019, a group of homeless folks were living on a deserted piece of land along the Chehalis River, a drainage basin that empties into Grays Harbor, an estuary of the Pacific Ocean, on the coast of the state of Washington. When the city of Aberdeen ordered the homeless encampment cleared out, some of those unhoused residents took the city to court, because they had nowhere else to go. Aberdeen finally settled the case by agreeing to provide alternative shelter for the residents since, the year before, a U.S. court of appeals had ruled in the case of Martin v. Boise that a city without sufficient shelter beds to accommodate homeless people encamped in their area couldn't close the encampment. Indeed, for years, homeless people on the West Coast have had one defense set by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. In Martin v. Boise, it ruled that criminalizing people who had nowhere else to sleep was indeed "cruel and unusual punishment." However, a group of homeless folks in Grants Pass, Oregon, who had been fined and moved from place to place because they lacked shelter, took their case all the way to the Supreme Court. And in June, it ruled against them, overturning Martin v. Boise and finding that punishing homeless people with fines and short stints in jail was neither cruel, nor unusual, because cities across the country had done it so often that it had become commonplace. Dozens of amicus briefs were filed around Grants Pass v. Johnson, including more than 40 friends of the court briefs against the city's case. The Kairos Center for Religions, Rights & Social Justice (to which the authors of this piece are connected) submitted one such brief together with more than a dozen other religious denominations, historic houses of worship, and interfaith networks. The core assertion of that brief and the belief of hundreds of faith institutions and untold thousands of their adherents was that the Grants Pass ordinance violated our interfaith tradition's directives on the moral treatment of the poor and unhoused. One notable amicus brief on the other side came from -- be surprised, very surprised -- supposedly liberal California Governor Gavin Newsom who argued that, rather than considering the poverty and homelessness, which reportedly kills 800 people every day in the United States, immoral and dangerous, "Encampments are dangerous." Wasting no time after the Supreme Court ruling, Newsom directed local politicians to start demolishing the dwellings and communities of the unhoused. Since then, dozens of cities across California have been evicting the homeless from encampments. In Palm Springs, for instance, the city council chose to demolish homeless encampments and arrest the unhoused in bus shelters and on sidewalks, giving them just 72 hours' notice before throwing out all their possessions. In the state capital of Sacramento, an encampment of mostly disabled residents had their lease with the city terminated and are now being forced into shelters that don't even have the power to connect life-saving devices (leaving all too many homeless residents fearing death). The Sacramento Homeless Union filed a restraining order on behalf of such residents, but since Governor Newsom signed an executive order to clear homeless encampments statewide, the court refused to hear the case and other cities are following suit. In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, such acts of demolition have spread from California across the country. In August alone, we at the Kairos Center have heard of such evictions being underway in places ranging from Aberdeen, Washington, to Elmira, New York, Lexington, Kentucky, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania -- to name just a few of the communities where homeless residents are desperately organizing against the erasure of their lives. Cruel but Not Unusual However unintentionally, the six conservative Supreme Court justices who voted for that ruling called up the ghosts of seventeenth-century English law by arguing that the Constitution's mention of "cruel and unusual punishment" was solely a reference to particularly grisly methods of execution. As it happens, though, that ruling unearthed more ghosts from early English law than anyone might have realized. After all, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, peasants in England lost their rights to land they had lived on and farmed for generations. During a process called "enclosure," major landholders began fencing off fields for large-scale farming and wool and textile production, forcing many of those peasants to leave their lands. That mass displacement led to mass homelessness, which, in turn, led the crown to pass vagrancy laws, penalizing people for begging or simply drifting. It also gave rise to the English workhouse, forcing displaced peasants to labor in shelters, often under the supervision of the church. To anyone who has been or is homeless in the United States today, the choice between criminalization and mandated shelters (often with religious requirements) should sound very familiar. In fact, Justice Neil Gorsuch, who delivered the majority opinion in the Grants Pass case, seemed incredulous that the lower court ruling they were overturning had not considered the Gospel Rescue Mission in that city sufficient shelter because of its religious requirements. In the process, he ignored the way so many private shelters like it demand that people commit to a particular religious practice, have curfews that make work inconceivable, exclude trans or gay people, and sometimes even require payment. He wrote that cities indeed needed criminalization as "a tool" to force homeless people to accept the services already offered. In addition to such insensitivity and undemocratic values, Gorsuch never addressed how clearly insufficient what Grants Pass had to offer actually was, since 600 people were listed as homeless there, while that city's mission only had 138 beds. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A 14-year-old Vancouver high school student was attacked while walking to school on Monday in a possible kidnapping attempt, sheriffs officials said. The 14-year-old girl was at Northeast 76th Street and 112nd Avenue around 8:15 a.m. when a man wearing a face mask emerged from behind some bushes, grabbed at her and tried to put a piece of fabric over her face, Clark County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. The girl, who was walking to Heritage High School, was able to break free from her attacker and ran to the school several blocks away. Police said she appeared to be uninjured after the attack. Sheriffs officials describe the suspect as about 5-foot-9 and slender, with light brown skin and black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing oval-shaped glasses, a black hoodie over a black T-shirt and black cargo pants. The sheriffs office asks anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack and saw someone matching the suspects description to contact Det. Lawrence Zapata at lawrence.zapata@clark.wa.gov . Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. Another lawsuit has been filed against Medfords Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in the case involving a former nurse accused of giving patients non-sterile tap water instead of intravenous fentanyl. In a Sept. 6 filing in Jackson County Circuit Court, an attorney for 63-year-old Candi Kay Palomares says former Asante nurse Dani Marie Schofield diverted fentanyl prescribed to Palomares for the severe respiratory distress that brought her to Asantes intensive care unit on March 26, 2023. The suit seeks $116 million for Palomares pain and suffering, future medical expenses and lost wages. Days after Beaverton police found the body of nurse Melissa Jubane and arrested her neighbor on allegations of murder, more details about the case are coming to light. Jubane, 32, had just married her fiance less than two weeks earlier in Hawaii and had been home for little over a day when she went missing. Police responding to an online shooting threat confronted two teenagers with guns outside of a Vancouver high school on Monday, officials said. Mekhi J. Parker and Azaviar D. Johnson, both 18, were arrested on suspicion of first-degree attempted assault, unlawful possession of a firearm on school property and making a felony threat, the Vancouver Police Department said in a statement. Officers were tipped off to an online shooting threat directed at a specific student at Mountain View High School, police said. Two Vancouver police officers arrived at the school at around noon and saw Parker and Johnson approach the campus. Both teens had loaded guns when officers apprehended them, police said. Police said that neither suspect is a student at Mountain View High School and that there are no other suspects at this time. Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. A man is on the run in a repainted ambulance after he was charged with molesting children in Oregon and Alabama, police said. The Wasco County Circuit Court in eastern Oregon on Thursday issued a warrant for the arrest of 39-year-old Adam Renk after he was indicted on charges of first-degree unlawful penetration, first degree sodomy and first degree sexual abuse. The victim or victims were under the ages of 14, according to court records. Renk also is accused of child sex abuse and torture of an 11-year-old in Mobile, Alabama, according to a statement from the Oregon State Police. Police detectives started investigating Renk after a minor reported being abused. The abuse occurred around June 1, 2020, police and court records say. The victims in Oregon and Alabama arent related, police said. Adam Renk, 39, fled Alabama after being charged with child sexual abuse an torture. He is indicted in Oregon charges of first-degree unlawful penetration, first degree sodomy and first degree sexual abuse.Courtesy of Oregon State Police Renk fled Alabama on Aug. 7 after he posted bond ahead of his scheduled trial, police said. He was last seen leaving the state in a Ford ambulance that has been repainted with two-toned white over gray. The cars Oregon license plate number is 353JWK, according to the Oregon State Police. U.S. Marshals Service officers and Alabama and Oregon law enforcement are looking for Renk. Its not known whether hes in Oregon, but he has ties to Oregon and Wasco County, Oregon State Police said. Police are asking for the publics help in finding him. Renk is 6-foot-1, weighs 175 pounds and has blue eyes and brown hair, police said. Officials ask anyone with information about Renk or his whereabouts to contact the Wasco County Sheriffs Office at 541-506-2580 or Oregon State Police Det. Cassie Bantz through dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by dialing *OSP (*677) on a mobile phone. Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. The Israeli military said Tuesday an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers, drawing a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and her family. Israel said a criminal investigation has been launched into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who was taking part in a demonstration against settlements in the Palestinian territory. Doctors who treated Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship, said she was shot in the head. Blinken condemned the unprovoked and unjustified fatal shooting when asked about the Israeli inquiry at a news conference in London, and said the U.S. would make clear to its ally that such actions are not acceptable. No one no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest, he said. Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank. Eygis family in the U.S. released a statement saying we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling. During Fridays demonstration, clashes broke out between Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli troops firing tear gas and ammunition, according to Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting of Eygi. Pollak said the violence had subsided about a half hour before Eygi was shot, after protesters and activists had withdrawn several hundred meters (yards) away from the site of the demonstration. Pollak said he saw two Israeli soldiers mount the roof of a nearby home, train a gun in the groups direction and fire, with one bullet hitting Eygi. Israel said its inquiry into Eygis killing found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. It expressed its deepest regret at her death. International Solidarity Movement, the activist group Egyi was volunteering with, said it entirely rejects the Israeli statement and that the shot was aimed directly at her. 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. Israel says it thoroughly investigates allegations of its forces killing civilians and holds them accountable. It says soldiers often have to make split-second decisions while operating in areas where militants hide among civilians. But human rights groups say soldiers are very rarely prosecuted, and even in the most shocking cases and those captured on video they often get relatively light sentences. The Palestinian Authority held a funeral procession for Eygi in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday. Turkish authorities said they are working on repatriating her body to Turkey for burial in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, as per her familys wishes. Eygis uncle said in an interview with the Turkish TV channel HaberTurk that she kept her visit to the West Bank secret from at least some of her family members. She said she was traveling to Jordan to help Palestinians there, he said. She hid the fact that she was going to Palestine. She blocked us from her social media posts so that we would not see them, Yilmaz Eygi said. The deaths of American citizens in the West Bank have drawn international attention, such as the fatal shooting of a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in 2022 in the Jenin refugee camp. Several independent investigations and reporting by The Associated Press determined that Abu Akleh was likely killed by Israeli fire. Months later, the military said there was a high probability one of its soldiers had mistakenly killed her but that no one would be punished. In January 2022, Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American, died of a heart attack after Israeli troops at a checkpoint dragged him from his car and made him lie facedown, bound, temporarily gagged and blindfolded. The military ruled out criminal charges and said it was reprimanding one commander and removing two others from leadership roles for two years. The U.S. had planned to sanction a military unit linked to abuses of Palestinians in the West Bank but ended up dropping the plan. The deaths of Palestinians who do not have dual nationality rarely receive the same scrutiny. Human rights groups say Israel military investigations into Palestinians deaths reflect a pattern of impunity. BTselem, a leading Israeli watchdog, became so frustrated that in 2016 it halted its decades-long practice of assisting investigations and called them a whitewash. Last year, an Israeli court acquitted a member of the paramilitary Border Police charged with reckless manslaughter in the deadly shooting of 32-year-old Eyad Hallaq, an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalems Old City in 2020. The case had drawn comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in the United States. In 2017, Israeli soldier Elor Azaria was convicted for manslaughter and served nine months after he killed a wounded, incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron. The combat medic was caught on video fatally shooting Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, who was lying motionless on the ground. That case deeply divided Israelis, with the military saying Azaria had clearly violated its code of ethics, while many Israelis particularly on the nationalist right defended his actions and accused military brass of second-guessing a soldier operating in dangerous conditions. By JACK JEFFERY Associated Press Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. A daredevil billionaire rocketed back into orbit Tuesday, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk and venture farther than anyone since NASAs Apollo moonshots. Unlike his previous chartered flight, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman shared the cost with SpaceX this time around, which included developing and testing brand new spacesuits to see how theyll hold up in the harsh vacuum. If all goes as planned, it will be the first time private citizens conduct a spacewalk, but they wont venture away from the capsule. Considered one of the riskiest parts of spaceflight, spacewalks have been the sole realm of professional astronauts since the former Soviet Union popped open the hatch in 1965, closely followed by the U.S. Today, they are routinely done at the International Space Station. Isaacman, along with a pair of SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, launched before dawn aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. The spacewalk is scheduled for Thursday, midway through the five-day flight. Astronauts from left, mission specialist Anna Menon, pilot Scott Poteet, commander Jared Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis arrive at the Kennedy Space Center for an upcoming private human spaceflight mission at Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.AP Photo/John Raoux But first the passengers are shooting for way beyond the International Space Station an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), which would surpass the Earth-lapping record set during NASAs Project Gemini in 1966. Only the 24 Apollo astronauts who flew to the moon have ventured farther. The plan is to spend 10 hours at that height filled with extreme radiation and riddled with debris before reducing the oval-shaped orbit by half. Even at this lower 435 miles (700 kilometers), the orbit would eclipse the space station and even the Hubble Space Telescope, the highest shuttle astronauts flew. All four wore SpaceXs spacewalking suits because the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurized for the two-hour spacewalk, exposing everyone to the dangerous environment. Isaacman and SpaceXs Sarah Gillis will take turns briefly popping out of the hatch. Theyll test their white and black-trimmed custom suits by twisting their bodies. Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a pool ladder. There will be no dangling at the end of their 12-foot (3.6-meter) tethers and no jetpack showboating. Only NASAs suits at the space station come equipped with jetpacks, for emergency use only. Pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceXs Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk from inside. Like SpaceXs previous astronaut flights, this one will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast. Were sending you hugs from the ground, Launch Director Frank Messina radioed after the crew reached orbit. May you make history and come home safely. Isaacman replied: We wouldnt be on this journey without all 14,000 of you back at SpaceX and everyone else cheering us on. At a preflight news conference, Isaacman CEO and founder of the credit card processing company Shift4 refused to say how much he invested in the flight. Not a chance, he said. SpaceX teamed up with Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs, said William Gerstenmaier, a SpaceX vice president who once headed space mission operations for NASA. Were really starting to push the frontiers with the private sector, Gerstenmaier said. Its the first of three trips that Isaacman bought from Elon Musk 2 1/2 years ago, soon after returning from his first private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021. Isaacman bankrolled that tourist ride for an undisclosed sum, taking along contest winners and a childhood cancer survivor. The trip raised hundreds of millions for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Spacesuit development took longer than anticipated, delaying this first so-called Polaris Dawn flight until now. Training was extensive; Poteet said it rivaled anything he experienced during his Air Force flying career. As SpaceX astronaut trainers, Gillis and Menon helped Isaacman and his previous team as well as NASAs professional crews prepare for their rides. I wasnt alive when humans walked on the moon. Id certainly like my kids to see humans walking on the moon and Mars, and venturing out and exploring our solar system, the 41-year-old Isaacman said before liftoff. Poor weather caused a two-week delay. The crew needed favorable forecasts not only for launch, but for splashdown days later. With limited supplies and no ability to reach the space station, they had no choice but to wait for conditions to improve. Read more ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. On September 10, the opening ceremony of the Eternal Brotherhood III multinational joint special forces exercise was held at the Orda training range in the Turkistan region of Kazakhstan, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. According to the Ministry of Defense, representatives of the Armed Forces of Jordan and Kyrgyzstan have been invited as observers to the exercise held with the participation of special forces of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Pakistan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan. The objective of the exercise is to ensure operational interoperability in the activities of control bodies and units, improve the practical skills of military personnel, exchange experience, and enhance professional abilities. According to the plan, tactical, fire, mountain, parachute, and sniper training will be conducted with special forces units. At the end of the exercise, special forces units will fulfill the tasks as part of a combat training operation to detect and neutralize illegal armed detachments in a human settlement. Up to 300 special forces personnel from 6 countries take part in the Eternal Brotherhood III multinational exercise, which involves armored vehicles, army aviation, and UAVs. A gonzo journalist prosecuted for her role in a clash with Proud Boys at an Oregon City park three years ago was sentenced Monday to 14 days in jail and three years of probation. Alissa Azar, 33, was led out of the Clackamas County courtroom with her arms behind her back, her wrists in handcuffs, bringing to a close the case against the livestreamer with admitted antifascist sympathies. Her friends and supporters, who filled several benches in the gallery, called out we love you and you are not alone as Azar was led away by county sheriffs deputies. A jury last month convicted Azar of felony riot after a five-day trial that spotlighted press freedoms in a social media age. Her lawyer argued that Azars role as a gonzo journalist made her a target of right-wing groups, while the state said Azar had crossed the line from an observer to a partisan and inflamed tensions that day. Gonzo journalism is written in the first person and reflects a particular point of view. The state sought a 30-day jail sentence with unusually strict probation terms that included impromptu searches without a search warrant if authorities believed Azar had strayed from her probation requirements. She played a lead role in amplifying, promoting and organizing a violent brawl in a public park, Deputy District Attorney Josh Cutino said. She admitted that she would do it again and the message from our community should be clear that violence of this sort should not be tolerated. Azars lawyer, Lauren Regan, asked for probation and requested that Circuit Judge Todd Van Rysselberghe downgrade her clients felony charge to a misdemeanor. She disputed Cutinos characterization of Azars leadership role, calling it just factually, 100% wrong. Ms. Azar was there as a journalist, Regan said, and Azars social media posts were no different than those of the hundreds and thousands of people who posted about the protest between black-clad antifascist demonstrators known as antifa and far-right Proud Boys. Regan said the organizers were Proud Boys and that Azar was attacked that day by a large man. Ms. Azar never wants to repeat what happened to her, Regan told the court. However, she does not intend to give up her career in journalism. She does continue to report on these events. She is just trying, with experience, to keep herself more safe. Regan called a lone witness during the sentencing hearing. Gerald McCorkle Jr. described himself as a supporter of Azar and said he has known her since 2020. He testified that he followed Azars reporting during protests and that her work reflected his own observations. He said he showed up at the June 18, 2021, brawl in Clackamette Park with a message of love. I would not have been there if it werent for Alissas journalism, he told the court. Cutino seized on McCorkles statements during a brief cross-examination, drawing out that Azars social media post drew participants to the event that day. McCorkle acknowledged that Azars posts prompted him to attend. She was one that I saw and one that I trusted, McCorkle said. Videos, including from a police drone, captured the brawl. Both sides squared off near a pavilion in the park, exchanging blows and bursts of chemical spray once left-wing activists set an American flag on fire and right-wing activists charged in. Azar unleashed mace twice during the brawl, but prosecutors said her involvement ran deeper, including posting a flyer promoting the upcoming demonstration online and calling on her comrades to never stand back and stand by. As the two groups gathered in the park, police officers tried to seize a pile of handmade foam shields, but Azar stepped forward and said she was watching them for a friend, according to body-worn camera footage played in court. After an initial baton push by Proud Boys forced their opponents away from the picnic shelter, Azar raised her hands and led a second charge, Cutino said during the trial. Azar told the judge on Monday that she worried a jail sentence would separate her from her young son and ailing grandmother. She said the violent clash prompted her to consider how to more safely navigate my job as a reporter. Being attacked, severely injured and prosecuted for a felony was and is never my intention, she said. Van Rysselberghe kept Azars felony charge and barred her from possessing guns, rocks, paint-filled balloons and other potential weapons while at any public gathering, whether lawful or unlawful. He also rejected Cutinos request that authorities be allowed to search Azar, her home and computer, whenever they suspected she had violated her probation. Van Rysselberghe said he considered multiple factors in deciding Azars sentence. He pointed out her lack of a criminal record and that she had been injured during the clash with fascists. He said she dedicates time and energy to support democracy and disadvantaged members of society. However, he also looked at her use of social media to promote a counterprotest, her misuse of a public park to clash with fascists, placing innocent people at risk. Ms. Azar continues to deny being a participant in the riot and acknowledges only that she played a minor role, Van Rysselberghe said, adding that Azar had shown no empathy for members of the public who were visiting the park that day. Ms. Regan, is your client prepared to go into custody today? he asked. As much as a person can be, she replied. The judge concluded the hearing. Good luck to you, he told Azar. Outside, Azars supporters spilled onto Main Street, where a brief skirmish erupted between one of them and a man holding a video recorder. Oregon City Police Capt. Joseph Pagano said officers arrested Natalia Goudvis, 26, on allegations of harassment and second-degree disorderly conduct. Goudvis, he said, had a Massachusetts drivers license. She was booked into the Clackamas County Jail. -- Noelle Crombie is an enterprise reporter with a focus on criminal justice. Reach her at 503-276-7184; ncrombie@oregonian. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. Leaders of Multnomah Countys homelessness services agency reported Tuesday that they helped 5,477 people become housed in the past year, a 28% increase over the previous year. They also said they met a requirement that Metro set for them to spend at least 75% of proceeds from the voter-enacted Metro homelessness tax. The target was part of a corrective action plan to address underspending and stalled efforts at the homelessness agency. As recently as last spring, Multnomah County officials running the Joint Office of Homeless Services, which is funded in part by the city of Portland, had significantly underspent proceeds from the homeless services tax. The county has made significant progress since then, said Dan Field, director of the Joint Office. Still, the agency has $113 million in unspent Metro homelessness funds, which will be rolled over to next years budget. By no means is this a victory lap, Field said, referring to the rosy report. This is not a mission accomplished moment. Were simply trying to acknowledge the distance weve traveled in building a sustainable homeless response department while still acknowledging the very serious work that lies ahead of us. Of the people newly housed from July 2023 through June 2024, more than half 58% identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color, according to the report. And 87% of people whose housing subsidy ran out in 2023 stayed housed 12 months after the subsidy had expired, the report said. While the Joint Office spent more than 80% of its budget in a majority of spending categories, it spent just 75% of the funds it received from the Metro homelessness tax. The office spent only about half 54% of the Metro tax funding it had available for capital projects in fiscal year 2024. And it spent just two thirds of the money it had available for long-term rent assistance. A slide from the Joint Office of Homeless Services year-end report for fiscal year 2024.Joint Office of Homeless Services, Multnomah County The underspending this year meant that fewer shelter units were produced than in the previous year. Just 267 of 487 planned units were actually built, though several hundred more should be ready soon, said Kanoe Egleston, a program directory at the Joint Office. Egleston promised an update on those units in October. However, two other efforts to connect unhoused people with permanent housing exceeded expectations. More than 200 households were helped through Move In Multnomah, a program meant to move people immediately from the streets or temporary shelter into housing. And more than 300 people moved into housing with the help of Housing Multnomah Now, which was initially aimed at housing people camping in some of the roughest parts of downtown. Thats a sharp rally from earlier this year. As recently as February, reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive.com tallied just 37 people who had been housed as a result of the program. The goal of housing 300 people by this June was a reset after a rocky start meant county leaders had to adjust their timeline and change their target population. The homelessness services agencys goals for 2025 include expanding permanent housing services, adding shelter capacity and increasing the number of people who leave shelters to go to a permanent home. Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards congratulated Joint Office leaders on the progress they had made but also pushed them to stay focused on reducing the number of people still living outside. She said she makes a habit of looking at Portlands unsanctioned camping maps and said shes seen little difference between last year and this year in the number of sites reported by members of the public. If were continually chasing a bigger problem, but not making progress (on unsanctioned camping), the community is going to call into question whether were actually successfully making progress, Brim-Edwards said. Note: This story was updated on Sept. 11 to reflect the correct percentage increase of people the countys homeless services agency housed this past year over the previous one. The county originally provided an incorrect figure. Lillian Mongeau Hughes covers homelessness and mental health for The Oregonian. Email her with tips or questions at lmhughes@oregonian.com. Or follow her on X at @lrmongeau. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The first presidential debate of 2024 between Democratic nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take place today at 6 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 10 with a live broadcast on ABC, and streaming free on demand. This showdown will mark the first time Trump and Harris have met in person for a debate. If you dont have cable already, you can still watch the first Harris-Trump debate live for free with Fubo , or see more free streaming options for the debate provided below. Can I watch the debate on demand if I missed the live broadcast? Yes, you can watch the debate on demand with a free trial of Fubo (free trial), or on ABC News YouTube feed where the debate should be available on demand shortly after the broadcast. What TV channel is the Harris vs. Trump debate on tonight? What: 2024 Harris and Trump presidential debate When: Tuesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT) TV Channel: ABC You can find out more about which channel ABC is on in your area by using the channel finders here: Comcast Xfinity, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice. How to watch streaming live online, or on TV: The 2024 presidential debate is streaming live for FREE on Fubo (free trial), with Hulu (one month free trial, then $7.99/month). If youre out of free trials, you can sign up for Fubo for as low as $79.99/month. If you are out of free trials, you can also watch live for free streaming the debate on ABCs YouTube feed starting at 6 p.m. PT: Where is the presidential debate happening? Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet today in Philadelphia at The National Constitution Center for what is expected to be their first and only debate prior to the election taking place this November. How long is the Harris and Trump presidential debate? Who is the host? The debate is set to be 90 minute in length and will be hosted by ABCs David Muir and Linsey Davis with no live audience present. You can watch it live for free with a trial of Fubo or stream it after it airs. Who are the presidential running mates of 2024? Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, is running as the Vice President for Kamala Harris and J.D. Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, is running as the Vice President for Donald Trump. Who is leading the polls, Harris or Trump? Harris has been preparing for the debate with mock debates while Trump is reviewing policy to prepare. Current information from The New York Times shows that Harris is leading by a small margin. Will there be other debates between Harris and Trump? As of now, this debate is the only one that both Harris and Trump have agreed to so far. Trump has originally proposed three debates, so this would mark his second of the year. At this point, Harris has only agreed to todays ABC debate. You can watch this one live with a free trial of Fubo. What will the rules of this debate be? The weeks leading up to the debate have seen the two sides sparring over the rules. Harris campaign pushed for microphones to be on throughout the debate, while Trump said his campaign agreed to the same rules that were in place for the first face-off. When he and Mr. Biden met, microphones were active only when a candidate was speaking. Muted microphones ultimately prevailed after Harris campaign accepted the rules set forth by ABC, though it warned she will be fundamentally disadvantaged by the format. Who is running for president in 2024? In addition to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, independent party members Cornel West, Jill Stein, and Chase Oliver are running. Australian police officers are now working with international authorities in an ongoing manhunt for a man who allegedly threw boiling coffee on a baby in Queensland. The man, identified only as a 33-year-old foreign national, reportedly poured scalding coffee on nine-month-old boy Luka in an unprovoked attack at Hanlon Park in Brisbane. The incident left the child with severe burns to his back, chest, chin, and neck. An off-duty nurse took the baby to her apartment where they ran his burns under cold water before rushing him to the hospital. He has since undergone multiple surgeries and skin grafts to treat the burns, CNN reported. Ongoing International Manhunt Following the incident, Queensland Police (QPS) said the suspect fled by foot and took a cab to the city center. He then drove by car to New South Wales before flying out of the country from Sydney Airport on Aug. 31, nearly four days after the attack. Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton did not disclose which country the 33-year-old fled to. However, he noted that they are now working with foreign authorities to capture the man. "The man has since left the county and Queensland Police are working with national and international partner agencies to progress this investigation further," the QPS said in a statement. Who Is the Suspect? Authorities have not released the man's identity to avoid jeopardizing the investigation. Dalton only described the 33-year-old as an "itinerant worker" who has entered Australia on various work and holiday visas since 2019. The 33-year-old is believed to have last entered the country in January 2022. Police have visited several addresses in New South Wales and Victoria where the man lived. Dalton said they have also spoken to the suspect's colleagues. Queensland Police have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect. When caught, he will face charges over acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm. The charge carries a possible life sentence, per BBC News. It is currently unclear what led the 33-year-old to throw hot coffee at Luka. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Baku Olympic Stadium to inspect the ongoing preparations for COP29, Trend reports. Assistant to the President Anar Alakbarov reported to the head of state on the progress of getting the COP29 venue ready for the event. The President was also informed about construction activities within the stadium's 49-hectare Blue Zone, including venue design, guest services, transportation logistics in the capital, and accommodation arrangements. The briefing also covered the developments in the 8-hectare Green Zone. It was noted that all necessary measures are in place to ensure that COP29 is hosted with excellence in Azerbaijan, with the required infrastructure being put in place. President Ilham Aliyev gave instructions and directives regarding the work to be carried out. I attended the funeral this morning of my friend James Brown Allen, who passed away recently in his ninety-eighth year. In my experience, the faith-filled funeral services of good people are among the best and most inspirational of meetings, and this one was no exception. Neal Lambert, like the Allens a resident of the Jamestown Assisted Living Center, was the first speaker. They had known each other since the days when, as young men, they had worked in the lodge at the Grand Canyon. His appreciation addressed Jim directly, and movingly. J. Michael Allen, one of Jims sons, delivered the eulogy. I will return to it again in just a moment. The third speaker was Thomas G. Alexander, who succeeded Jim as the holder of the prestigious Lemuel Hardison Redd Jr. Chair in Western American History at Brigham Young University and who, like me and my wife, was a member with Jim of the Gadianton Polysophical Marching and Chowder Society, our monthly reading group. It was another excellent talk, devoted to a considerable degree to Jims academic and professional achievements including, for example, his co-founding of the Mormon History Association and to Jims ecclesiastical service. I cant do justice to any of the talks, so I wont attempt to do so. But it was an excellent funeral, and it was fun for me to see and to chat with a number of long-retired BYU colleagues and historians. But I said that I would return briefly to Mike Allens talk, and I will do so now. A couple of years ago, Mike told the congregation, one of the family gave Jim a small edition of Marcus Tullius Ciceros essay On Old Age (De Senectute), which the famous Roman politician, orator, and philosopher wrote when he was roughly sixty-two or sixty-three years of age. Strictly speaking, the full title of the essay is Cato Maior de Senectute (Cato the Elder on Old Age), with Cato Maior as the title and De Senectute as the subtitle, but the subtitle has become much more popular. As with many of Ciceros writings, the essay is addressed to his friend Atticus. In order to lend more heft to his thoughts on aging and death, though, Cicero wrote his essay as if it were the voice of the much-admired Roman hero Marcus Porcius Cato (234-139 BC), a staunchly conservative soldier, senator, historian, and farmer, a defender of Roman virtue against Hellenism, from an earlier generation. As Cicero sets the essay, Cato is approaching his eighty-forth birthday, and the elder statesman addresses Scipio Aemilianus (aka Scipio Africanus the Younger) and Gaius Laelius Sapiens , who were impressed at how well he was handling the challenges of advanced age and the certainty of impending death. Presumably, though, the sentiments expressed by Cato are actually those of Cicero himself. Mike says that, when a copy of On Old Age was presented to his father, his father responded as if the title were a kind of accusation. They agreed afterwards that he would probably never read it. And, sure enough, when they began to go through some of his books they found that the little volume of Cicero still looked pristine and untouched. Until they opened it. It was heavily annotated, with passages underlined and marked with asterisks, and with marginal commentary. One of the most heavily marked passages was the following (though it may or may not have been in this 1923 translation from the Loeb Classical Library). The reference to a Cato within the text is to a son who predeceased Cato the Elder; Cato was a family name: Really, Scipio, I am carried away with the desire to see your father, and yours too, Laelius, both of whom I honoured and loved; and, indeed, I am eager to meet not only those whom I have known, but those also of whom I have heard and read and written. And when I shall have set out to join them, assuredly no one will easily draw me back, or boil me up again, as if I were a Pelias. Nay, if some god should give me leave to return to infancy from my old age, to weep once more in my cradle, I should vehemently protest; for, truly, after I have run my race I have no wish to be recalled, as it were, from the goal to the starting-place. For what advantage has life or, rather, what trouble does it not have? But even grant that it has great advantage, yet undoubtedly it has either satiety or an end. I do not mean to complain of life as many men, and they learned ones, have often done; nor do I regret that I have lived, since I have so lived that I think I was not born in vain, and I quit life as if it were an inn, not a home. For Nature has given us an hostelry in which to sojourn, not to abide. O glorious day, when I shall set out to join the assembled hosts of souls divine and leave this world of strife and sin! For I shall go to meet not only the men already mentioned, but my Cato, too, than whom no better man, none more distinguished for filial duty, was ever born. His body was burned by me, whereas, on the contrary it were more fitting that mine had been burned by him; but his soul, not deserting me, but ever looking back, has surely departed for that realm where it knew that I, myself, must come. People think that I have bravely borne my loss not that I bore it with an untroubled heart, but I found constant solace in the thought that our separation would not be long. I was impressed with this passage (I quit life as if it were an inn, not a home. For Nature has given us an hostelry in which to sojourn, not to abide), and with Jim Allens attraction to it. As his son Mike reminded the congregation, Jim too was acquainted with grief. He had, of course, lost both parents. Two years ago, he lost his wife, Renee, although it might truly be said that he had already lost her to Alzheimers disease several years before. And, nine years ago, he had lost his daughter Kathleen. It can easily be seen how Cato the Elders confident anticipation of reunions beyond the veil of death would have spoken to him. Posted from Moab, Utah Burning burning burning burning O Lord Thou Pluckest me out O Lord thou pluckest T. S. Eliot, the Waste Land Jan and I live in the land of smog and dreams, also known as the Los Angles basin. After a quarter of a century out of state, mostly living in New England, our retirement plan gradually became returning home to California. Specifically to be near Jans mom, who lives in Tujunga at the far north eastern edge of the metroplex. At first we lived in Long Beach. During those eight years we noticed how mom lives in a pretty hot fire zone. I have a vivid memory of her being evacuated in the face of threatening fire and spending a weekend with us in our little condo. After eight years her needs advanced enough that we left the coast and moved in with her. Mostly its been fine. Although as to fires, well, theyre a thing. A few weeks ago we kept a close eye on a fire in the mountains about a mile, maybe a tad more from us. Fortunately, it was quickly contained. But that half day with those helicopters racing above us, kept us checking for any evacutation. Considering this has brought to mind the Adittapariyay Sutta, the so-called Fire Sermon. It really seemed just about perfect in our moment. This moment with so many fires of so many sorts. T. S. Eliot who echos part of the Fire Sermon in his magisterial poem the Waste Land famously opines how it can be counted as comparable in importance to Jesus Sermon on the Mount. With a caveat or two I think this is profoundly true. The Fire Sermon isnt a long text. In Nanamoli Theras English translation we get the entire thing in four hundred and twenty-five words: Thus I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living at Gaya, at Gayasisa, together with a thousand bhikkhus. There he addressed the bhikkhus. Bhikkhus, all is burning. And what is the all that is burning? The eye is burning, forms are burning, eye-consciousness is burning, eye-contact is burning, also whatever is felt as pleasant or painful or neither-painful-nor-pleasant that arises with eye-contact for its indispensable condition, that too is burning. Burning with what? Burning with the fire of lust, with the fire of hate, with the fire of delusion. I say it is burning with birth, aging and death, with sorrows, with lamentations, with pains, with griefs, with despairs. The ear is burning, sounds are burning The nose is burning, odors are burning The tongue is burning, flavors are burning The body is burning, tangibles are burning The mind is burning, ideas are burning, mind-consciousness is burning, mind-contact is burning, also whatever is felt as pleasant or painful or neither-painful-nor-pleasant that arises with mind-contact for its indispensable condition, that too is burning. Burning with what? Burning with the fire of lust, with the fire of hate, with the fire of delusion. I say it is burning with birth, aging and death, with sorrows, with lamentations, with pains, with griefs, with despairs. Bhikkhus, when a noble follower who has heard (the truth) sees thus, he finds estrangement in the eye, finds estrangement in forms, finds estrangement in eye-consciousness, finds estrangement in eye-contact, and whatever is felt as pleasant or painful or neither-painful- nor-pleasant that arises with eye-contact for its indispensable condition, in that too he finds estrangement. He finds estrangement in the ear in sounds He finds estrangement in the nose in odors He finds estrangement in the tongue in flavors He finds estrangement in the body in tangibles He finds estrangement in the mind, finds estrangement in ideas, finds estrangement in mind-consciousness, finds estrangement in mind-contact, and whatever is felt as pleasant or painful or neither-painful-nor-pleasant that arises with mind-contact for its indispensable condition, in that too he finds estrangement. When he finds estrangement, passion fades out. With the fading of passion, he is liberated. When liberated, there is knowledge that he is liberated. He understands: Birth is exhausted, the holy life has been lived out, what can be done is done, of this there is no more beyond.' That is what the Blessed One said. The bhikkhus were glad, and they approved his words. Now during his utterance, the hearts of those thousand bhikkhus were liberated from taints through clinging no more. Talk about a ring of fire. And I think Eliot is right. The Adittapariyaya Sutta is an amazing summation of the Buddhas wisdom. As significant in its way as Jesus famous sermon on that mount. I suggest the Fire Sermon is a koan. Not as a non sequitur as that word koan has come to mean in our popular culture. Nor as a thorny problem as used by those more sophisticated in Zens terminologies. But, in the sense of the authentic Zen tradition, where a koan is a pointer to a profound truth and with that an invitation into our own most intimate encounter. Here with the Adittapariyaya Sutta we have a clear pointer to a fundamental truth about who and what we are, and a most intimate invitation. We have a koan. We have, in fact, the only koan. With that heres the secret pointing of the koan. Heres the invitation of the koan. It is all passing, as a fire burns and leaves nothing but ash, and even that ash will blow away with the first breeze. Nothing is permanent. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. However, thats not quite it, either. It is easy to think the call is to put out the fire. And thats it. Sadly, a common enough response among the Buddhist community. But also, sadly, missing the point. It is actually a bit messier. Really a lot messier. And with that an invitation into a great mystery. Rather, as a way in, heres a question. What if we step into the fire full on? What if we allow the fire to consume us completely? Without reservation? Without hesitation? Without clinging? Just the fire. Burning. Burning. Thats the koan. Burning burning burning burning O Lord Thou Pluckest me out O Lord thou pluckest So, just a bit more. In T. S Eliots poem the critical point begins with those four words: burning burning burning burning. I think everyone of us should be able to feel that. The pain. The anguish. The longing. All the things that mark our lives from the moment of birth to the moment of death. Just this. And, theres something more. Just a little bit. Like the Oxs tail in that lovely koan. With it all, the loss and the pain, at the very same time, the very same time, every moment of passion, of joy, of happiness. Burning. Burning. A ring of fire. Now, in Eliots poem there is a turning to the divine, an appeal to the great other. But for me interestingly, deeply interestingly, that line quickly moves from a simple appeal to a greater power, to a higher power, to something rather more mysterious: to a simple call. Like that call to Amida. Like that call to Jesus. And beyond either name, to just a calling. Just a call. Something which in a moment loses any sense of self and other, where I am forgotten, where all is forget, where even the divine other is forgotten. Instead just a call. Just our heart revealed with no extra. Maybe its just a surrender. Perhaps its just a letting go of any clinging to any particular thing. Whatever. Just this. Just the burning. Burning. Burning. Burning. Just this. A ring of fire. Our suffering. And, our salvation. All of it. Just as it is. Just this. Just this. (image of a woman leaping through a ring of fire at an exhibition of pencak silat.) The smart home makes many things more convenient within your own four walls, but also creates a number of additional technical problems not least with regard to the security of your own data. The market for smart home solutions is divided into two large groups: One includes control systems that are permanently installed by certified tradespeople. The other group includes components from various manufacturers that can be easily retrofitted by non-professionals and transform simple lights or thermostats into smart devices. With the latter devices, there are a whole range of annoyances that most users dont think about when buying. This short guide shows firstly how you can minimize the risks before you buy, and secondly how you can find and close weak points in existing devices. Forced to use the cloud? Best to switch off Many manufacturers force customers to allow their devices to connect to the internet because this is the only way to control them from any location. For example, the devices from Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi (Mi Lamp and fans) can only be controlled via a smartphone app (unless you use the switches on the devices, but you dont need a smart home for that). Unfortunately, setting up the app and therefore using voice assistants such as Alex or Google Home is mandatory. Open VAS (also included with Kali Linux) analyzes the local network and all devices for vulnerabilities and configuration errors. Open VAS (also included with Kali Linux) analyzes the local network and all devices for vulnerabilities and configuration errors. IDG Open VAS (also included with Kali Linux) analyzes the local network and all devices for vulnerabilities and configuration errors. IDG IDG It is therefore hardly surprising that the Shodan search engine can also be used to easily gain insights into other peoples rooms thanks to unsecured and rarely updated webcams. It is advisable to read the reviews before making a purchase and to pay attention to such a compulsion to use the cloud. There should be no need for this within your own four walls. With alternative bridges such as the Raspbee or Conbee, control is also possible without the cloud (provided the device is compatible). And you should always ask yourself whether a function is actually needed: If youre looking for convenient temperature control for heating or ventilation, you dont necessarily need a function that recognizes via smartphone that you are approaching the building (which can only be achieved by connecting via the internet). When we talk about security risks here, we are not just talking about the security of the data within your own network. If hijacked devices in the network belong to a botnet, they can no longer be used, not to mention all the legal complications. The Shodan search engine produces astonishing results. Inadequately secured webcams often allow people to look into other peoples homes. The Shodan search engine produces astonishing results. Inadequately secured webcams often allow people to look into other peoples homes. IDG The Shodan search engine produces astonishing results. Inadequately secured webcams often allow people to look into other peoples homes. IDG IDG Wi-Fi? A question of connection Security risks can be minimized by choosing the right hardware and its connectivity. At first glance, devices that connect to Wi-Fi seem convenient. Although an app is usually required to set this up, it is only used to store the network key in the device. However, using Wi-Fi also exposes the devices to all the attacks that attackers use against a wireless network. In the descriptions of their devices, manufacturers only emphasize the convenience and ease of setup. References to the standard used tend to remain hidden. Devices that follow a different standard, such as Zigbee, are better than having countless devices in the house that connect to the homes own Wi-Fi. Tip: If it absolutely has to be Wi-Fi (because you have already purchased the lamps or radiator controls), you can isolate the components in a separate network. The Fritzbox, for example, has an additional guest network that can be used for these devices. The router as a weak point In all efforts to achieve greater security for IoT devices within your own four walls, you should always prioritize the router. This is where the biggest vulnerabilities are usually hidden. These include forgotten port authorizations that you created once to try something out. In addition to the port shares, also pay attention to protocols that are particularly frequently exploited by attackers. These include UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), for example. UPnP makes it easier for devices within a network to find each other and establish connections. However, if a device (and its firmware) is allowed to set up port sharing independently, it is conceivable that this simple protocol can also be accessed externally. This is then easy prey for any bot. The best strategy for hardening the network is to consistently start from a blacklist. Switch off all external connections to devices that are not absolutely necessary for functionality. In short: Everything that is not needed should also be switched off. Transparency through your own platforms Every manufacturer recommends a separate app for controlling the devices. With a large number of devices, this is anything but smart and convenient in the long run. Apples Homekit or Google Home and Alexa aim to rectify this, at the cost of no longer being able to take care of potential vulnerabilities. Security-conscious users with expertise can use applications such as Open HAB, Domoticz, or iobroker to put together a customized environment that is easier to maintain, offers more transparency, and also enables cross-device processes. Detect and close vulnerabilities Tools such as Open VAS usually provide unique CVE numbers for vulnerabilities found, which you can then use to search for patches and possible solutions. Tools such as Open VAS usually provide unique CVE numbers for vulnerabilities found, which you can then use to search for patches and possible solutions. IDG Tools such as Open VAS usually provide unique CVE numbers for vulnerabilities found, which you can then use to search for patches and possible solutions. IDG IDG If you want to find out about potential vulnerabilities in the devices and systems you use, you need security solutions. Open VAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System), which is available under the commercial label of the company Greenbone, is one such vulnerability scanner. You can install it on your system via Docker or from the source code. Alternatively, you can use the well-known Kali Linux distribution, which also has the scanner on board. Scanning takes a while, but at the end you will receive a comprehensive and graphical report to recognize existing vulnerabilities. Each vulnerability is characterized by a unique CVE number. You can then find out about possible damage and can also search for patches on the internet. On the other hand, it is more difficult to detect possible ongoing attack attempts or anomalies in the network. On the one hand, you need a tool that scans the data packets and points out possible problems. Secondly, knowledge of protocols and network traffic is required in order to interpret the results correctly. Under Kali Linux, for example, you can install the Suricata program, which enjoys an excellent reputation. However, the actual work only begins after installation, which is beyond the scope of this article. The Ghana Police Service, on 8th September 2024, arrested four suspects in connection with a violent attack that resulted in injuries to three persons at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra. The suspects, Latif Bako, Ebenezer Ewuzie, Stephen Owusu and Ebenezer Adjei, along with others, on Saturday, 7th September 2024, attacked and inflicted machete wounds on the victims during a Homowo festival at Oyarifa. The victims together with suspect Ebenezer Adjei who also sustained injuries, are currently receiving medical attention. Suspects Latif Bako, Stephen Owusu and Ebenezer Ewuzi are in custody assisting Police investigation, while efforts are underway to get the other accomplices currently at large arrested to face justice. "We would like to assure the public that anyone who disturbs the peace will be arrested and taken through the due process of the law." Police said. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Fidelity Bank, Ghana's largest privately-owned Ghanaian bank, has reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to the advancement of healthcare infrastructure in Ghana with a substantial donation to the Presbyterian Health Service, Agogo Hospital. This generous donation was made in response to a passionate appeal from the hospital to renovate its CT Scan room, ultimately enhancing the quality and efficiency of its services. The Agogo Hospital, operated by the Presbyterian Health Service, is the second largest hospital in the Ashanti Region and serves as a referral centre for a catchment population of approximately 500,000 people. It has undergone a recent upgrade to a secondary facility, necessitating renovations across its service points to align with the new status. For years, patients in and around Asante Akyem Agogo requiring advanced diagnostics for their conditions have been compelled to travel to Kumasi and Accra. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the critical role the Agogo Hospital plays in providing essential healthcare services to the community, Fidelity Bank swiftly stepped forward to offer support. This generous contribution supported the renovation of the CT Scan Room, elevating the standard and efficacy of the service while prioritizing the safety and comfort of both patients and staff. This initiative also represents a crucial step forward in their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services to the local community. Julian Opuni, Managing Director at Fidelity Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, and we are delighted to support the Agogo Hospital with this donation, as part of our commitment to supporting healthcare delivery in Ghana. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, and we are proud to partner with institutions like the Presbyterian Health Service that share this vision. We hope that this donation will help the hospital provide better service to their patients and communities. In response to Fidelity Bank's generous support, Rev. Ezekiel Amadu Daribi, the General Manager of Presbyterian Health Services, Agogo, shared his heartfelt appreciation, affirming that Fidelity Bank's timely assistance will play a pivotal role in their ongoing endeavours to improve their facilities as well as contribute to the overall well-being of their patients and the community at large. We called on Fidelity Bank for financial support. They answered our call favourably by giving us the needed money to meet the deadline we had set for ourselves. Having a complete diagnostic centre in the near future which would include MRI, renal, CT scan, endoscopy, ultrasound amongst others, the attainment of this height would push the agenda of attaining Tertiary status closer than ever. We also call on successful private individuals, to partner us to expand our services, as well as those who are interested in easing our accommodation pressure, he said. Fidelity Bank's continued dedication to fostering sustainable healthcare solutions is a testament to its core values of integrity and community service. The bank remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ghana's healthcare ecosystem and endeavours to forge enduring partnerships for the betterment of society. 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 One of the arms of Government, the Judiciary, has been called upon by the Catholic Bishops Conference, to remain impartial in adjudicating potential electoral disputes ahead of the December 7 elections. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference, maintaining integrity, impartiality, and fairness in the adjudication of electoral disputes is a major recipe for maintaining peace after the December 7 Presidential Elections. Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President for the Catholic Bishops Conference, emphasised the role played by the judiciary in safeguarding the democratic process, particularly during elections. Elections in Ghana have usually been characterised by high expectations which turns into high tensions with potentials of sparking electoral disputes. In his address, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of the Catholic Bishops Conference made it clear that the judiciarys role in handling any future electoral disputes should be marked by utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law. According to him, public confidence in the judiciary is paramount, particularly in times of electoral uncertainty, where the decisions of the courts have far-reaching implications for peace, stability, and the future of the country. He said, We appeal to the judiciary to continue upholding justice with fairness and impartiality. In the event of electoral disputes, we trust that the judiciary will address them with the utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law. The judiciarys role in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process cannot be overstated. The call for judicial impartiality in dealing with electoral disputes is stemmed from previous electoral contentions which saw the two major political parties going to court. It is recalled that, the New Patriotic Party went to court in 2012 as a way of contesting the electoral results which later went in favour of the National Democratic Congress. Similarly, the NDC also went to court in 2020 over their disatisfaction of the electoral results declared by the Electoral Commission. These occurrences have tested Ghanas democracy through the adjudication by the Judiciary. 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 At the China-Ghana Business Forum in Shenzhen, China, on September 7, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made a compelling case for increased Chinese investment in Ghana. Addressing a gathering of Chinese business leaders, the President emphasized the longstanding relationship between Ghana and China, as well as the significant investment opportunities available in sectors ranging from manufacturing to agriculture and green energy. Opening his speech with a Chinese proverb, "If you want to walk far, walk with someone," President Akufo-Addo symbolized Ghanas desire to walk hand-in-hand with China on the path to long-term economic progress. He stressed Ghana's determination to learn from China's success and deepen ties with its business community for mutual prosperity. He highlighted the robust trade relations between Ghana and China, noting that China has been Ghanas largest trading partner since 2015, with bilateral trade reaching $9.23 billion in 2023. He commended Chinese companies for their investments in key sectors such as construction, energy, agriculture, and ICT, attributing Chinas growing presence in Ghana to the nation's stability, security, and favourable investment environment. Reflecting on global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the President underscored how these events exposed structural weaknesses across Africa. He called on the business community to partner with Ghana to create resilient, climate-conscious, and diversified economies capable of withstanding future global shocks. According to him, international cooperation will be essential in building economies that thrive despite global disruptions. President Akufo-Addo also highlighted Ghana's progress under his administration, noting the government's efforts to foster a business-friendly environment since 2017. He pointed out that Ghanas economy grew rapidly between 2017 and 2020, with an average annual GDP growth rate of 7%. Despite setbacks from the pandemic and geopolitical challenges, the President expressed optimism about Ghanas return to strong economic growth. He further elaborated on the governments Ghana CARES Obaatampa Programme, a comprehensive economic revitalisation plan aimed at addressing the challenges caused by the pandemic. The programme seeks significant private sector investment in key areas such as agriculture, agro-processing, housing, and healthcare. He invited Chinese businesses to participate, emphasising the importance of partnerships in rebuilding the economy. How to validate your 2024/2025 National Service registration: A step-by-step guide President Akufo-Addo also showcased various government initiatives aimed at boosting industrialisation and economic development, including the "Planting for Food and Jobs" initiative, the development of Ghana's automotive sector, and efforts to build integrated bauxite and iron industries. These projects are part of Ghanas broader strategy to transition from an exporter of raw materials to a value-added, industrialised economy. He spoke about Ghanas unique position as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, which offers immense opportunities for businesses to access African markets. The President highlighted Ghanas potential to become a strategic hub for regional trade and investment, describing the country as a gateway to the continent. In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo reiterated that Ghana is an ideal destination for Chinese investment, offering a stable regulatory environment, favourable fiscal policies, and abundant natural resources. He urged Chinese investors to seize the moment, stressing that Ghana's doors are open and its markets are ready for meaningful partnerships. With a renewed commitment to fostering strong ties between Ghana and China, the President expressed optimism about the future, noting that deeper collaboration would create shared prosperity for both nations. Let us seize this moment to forge stronger ties, build lasting partnerships, and create shared prosperity for the people of Ghana and China, President Akufo-Addo concluded, thanking the Chinese business community for their continued interest in Ghana. Source: graphiconline.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 wife of the Vice President, Samira Bawumia, has appealed to Ghanaians to vote for Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia who will listen and address their demands to better their living conditions. Mrs. Bawumia was speaking in Tumu where she paid a courtesy call on the Tumu traditional council as part of campaign to solicit votes for her husbands bid to become president. Addressing a gathering of Chiefs and people of Tumu Hajia Samira said the election was about a choice of a caring and listening leader to steer the affairs of the country to benefit all. She said Sissala East was one of the priority areas of Dr Bawumia if voted into office, the reason he (Bawumia) donated pick-up vehicles to some Senior High Schools. She said, I am also here to add to the good works that he has been doing, as a dutiful wife who knows the good thing that is coming to get to you to join me and my husband with prayers for us to succeed together. She urged them to Vote for Dr Bawumia and Amidu Chinnia Issahaku, as the parliamentary candidate for the Sissala East to ensure a greater number of MPs for the party. At the Tumu community centre, over 500 fulbe community and other party supporters were addressed by Mrs. Bawumia where she called for support for Dr Bawumia during the December 7th elections. She called on the Muslim community not to allow this chance to pass them by in making one of the presidents of Ghana for the first time. Today its Dr Bawumias time, tomorrow could be your turn, so dont sit on the fence, lets support him, she said. She advised the Fulbe community to look at her and educate their children to become like her since it is the school that has uplifted her image to be where she was today and support her husband to be successful for all of them to be inspired for others to follow. The leader of the Fulbe community in Tumu, Mr Dicko Abdula Hamid who doubles as the NPP chairman of the Fulbes, said most of the Fulbe who were born in Ghana had been prevented from having the Ghana card and it is a challenge affecting them and appealed to the second lady to resolve it for them. The fulbe chief of Tumu, Mamudu Alkuri Mahama led a prayer for Mrs. Bawumia and requested for the Fulbes to be supported to perform Hajj. Source: graphiconline.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 Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has advocated the repeal of Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits Ghanaians with dual citizenship from becoming Members of Parliament (MPs). He explained how the valuable international exposure and expertise they had would help the legislative process. "The international exposure and expertise of Ghanaians with dual citizenship would significantly contribute to Ghana's development. "It's time to repeal this restrictive law and tap into the skills and perspectives of our diasporan citizens," Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu, who is also a High Court Judge, said. Speaking at a fundraising dinner in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States of America, the Dormaahene highlighted the significant economic impact of diasporan remittances and the right of diasporans to shape Ghana's laws and policies. The event was to raise funds for a dialysis centre in Sunyani, the Bono regional capital. Event, pledges The fundraiser was organised by the Council of Bono and Ahafo Citizens in America (COBAANA) and brought together esteemed guests, dignitaries and diasporan Ghanaians. The COBAANA is a non-profit organisation promoting Ghana's welfare and development, with the Dormaahene as the life patron of the association. A notable highlight of the event was the pledge by the President and Chief Executive Officer of World Medical Relief, Dr George V. Samson, to donate $5 million worth of medical equipment and medicines to the dialysis centre in Sunyani; a pledge of $50,000 from the Executive President of Nick Holdings, Dr Nick Danso-Abiam; as well as other pledges by the Dormaahene, and the Bono Regional House of Chiefs. Investment, support Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu emphasised the crucial role of diasporans in driving national development and called for inclusive governance and diaspora investment. He encouraged diasporans to invest in Ghana's mining sector and assured them of his willingness to provide land for investment to foster economic growth. "I urge Ghanaians abroad to pool resources and invest in our mining sector, ensuring that revenue from gold and other resources drive development and growth. "I'm willing to provide land for investments that foster economic collaboration and growth," the Dormaahene said. Silver jubilee Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu also extended an invitation to celebrate his silver jubilee and the Dormaa Kwafie festival in December 2024. "Let's work together to promote national development, international cooperation and cultural exchange," the Dormaahene said. "I invite you all to join me in celebrating my silver jubilee and the Dormaa Kwafie festival." The Dormaahene was accompanied by the Omanhene of Suma Traditional Area, Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong II, and the Queen mother of Chiraa, Nana Yeboaa PeneI II, who is also the Benkumhemaa of Dormaa. Source: graphiconline.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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The newly appointed non-resident ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Maldives, Elchin Huseynli, presented his credentials to President Mohamed Muizzu on September 9, the statement of the Azerbaijani Embassy in the Republic of Maldives said, Trend reports. Receiving the diplomat after the official credentials presentation ceremony, President Muizzu congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in his work. He expressed satisfaction with the state of friendly relations between the two countries and noted that there is a great potential for further expansion of ties. Ambassador Huseynli conveyed to President Mohamed Muizzu the greetings of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Expressing gratitude for the greetings, President Muizzu, in turn, asked to convey his greetings to the head of our state. During the discussion, it was noted that mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Maldives is successfully continuing in bilateral and multilateral formats. The information was provided on the global initiatives implemented by Azerbaijan during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019-2023, the work done on the institutional development of the organization, and humanitarian and financial assistance provided to more than 80 countries, including developing small island states such as the Maldives. The Ambassador brought to attention that as the host of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to be held in Azerbaijan in November, our country pays special attention to the challenges faced by developing small island states against the backdrop of climate change, makes maximum efforts to reach an agreement that meets their needs and priorities, and provides broad support at the national level. President Muizzu highly assessed the efforts of Azerbaijan as the host of COP29 and stated that he accepted the invitation of the President of Azerbaijan to participate in the Summit of World Leaders in Climate Action and will join this important event at the global level. During his visit to the Maldives, Ambassador Huseynli also met with the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim, and Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim. The meetings exchanged views on ties in the fields of politics, economy, tourism, air transportation, culture, and education, as well as issues related to COP29, and discussed future steps. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has denounced the brutal killing of a senior member of the main opposition party Chadema, who was kidnapped, beaten and doused with acid. On Friday, Mohamed Ali Kibao, 69, was forced off a bus by suspected security agents while travelling from the country's biggest city, Dar es Salaam, to his hometown Tanga. His body was found in Ununio, the waterfront district of Dar es Salaam, local media reported. The post-mortem found that Mr Kibao had been severely beaten and had acid poured on his face, party chairman Freeman Mbowe told the AFP news agency. President Samia condemned the brutal acts and called for an investigation into the murder. I have ordered the investigation agencies to bring me detailed information about this terrible incident and others like this as soon as possible, she said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Our country is a democracy, and every citizen has the right to live, she added. The United States Embassy in Tanzania voiced their support for an independent, transparent, and prompt investigation into the killing of Mr Kibao. Mr Kibao's killing comes amid concern by the opposition and rights groups of a clampdown on political activity. We cannot allow our people to continue disappearing or being killed like this. The lives of Chadema leaders are currently at risk, Mr Mbowe told AFP. Mr Kibao was a retired military intelligence officer and joined Chadema in 2008. He will be buried on Monday in the Darigube district of Tanga city. The killing of Mr Kibao has sparked widespread condemnation across Tanzania, with many asking the government to take action over reports of several other people being abducted and killed. The US Embassy in Tanzania said: "Murder and disappearances, as well as last months detentions, beatings, efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of elections, should have no place in a democracy". Last month senior Chadema leaders, Mr Mbowe and his deputy Tundu Lissu, were arrested after they attempted to hold a youth rally. Police banned the rally, saying it was intended to cause violence. In July, an artist was accused of burning an image of President Samia and sentenced to two years in prison. Many people fear Tanzania could be returning to the repressive rule of late President John Magufuli, despite his successor Ms Samia lifting a ban on opposition gatherings and promising to restore competitive politics. In August, Human Rights Watch said the increase in arrests of opposition activists was a "bad sign" with the 2025 presidential elections around the corner. Source: BBC 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 Oil and Gas mogul and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Veros Petroleum Limited, Yahya Tarek Diab has won the Best Among Equals Award, the ultimate prize at the just-ended 8th edition of the 2024 Forty Under 40 Awards held at Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, on Friday, September 7, 2024. On the same night, he won the Oil and Gas Personality of the Year Award, sponsored by FeDems Constructions. The prestigious accolades were in recognition of his outstanding dedication and commitment to building the Oil and Gas industry as well as being a highly respected company advocating for best business practices in numerous sectors of the African Economy. Interacting with the media after receiving the prestigious honors, Yahya Tarek Diab expressed gratitude to his family, particularly his beloved father, his friends, and his unwavering staff for their dedication to improvement and the provision of excellent service. According to him, the award reflects his stunning leadership qualities and exceptional dedication to providing quality Oil and Gas services. "There are two classes of people, those who make things happen and those who watch things happen. This is indeed a confidence booster for all the team players at Veros Petroleum. This is going to encourage us to keep working hard always. I dedicate this trophy to my committed clients across the globe ", he noted. The award is an initiative from Xodus Communications Limited with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry which seeks to identify, honour and celebrate a cross-section of the nations most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty from a wide range of industries. The iconic awards scheme was attended by dignitaries such as the Presidential Candidate of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, the diplomatic corps, government officials and traditional institutions. ABOUT YAHYA TAREK DIAB (CEO, VEROS PETROLEUM LIMITED) Mr. Yahya Tarek Diab, founder of Veros Petroleum and Ghanas youngest licensed oil and gas entrepreneur, has rapidly expanded his company, employing so many Ghanaians and establishing a Fuel station retail network reach across almost every region in the country. His success is attributed to early opportunity recognition and a commitment to high-quality products and corporate social responsibility. 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 At least 21 people have been killed and more than 70 others wounded by shelling at a busy market in south-eastern Sudan, a doctors' union says. The Sudan Doctors Network said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were responsible for the attack in the city of Sennar on Sunday, condemning it as a "massacre" of civilians. It happened a day after Sudan's military rejected a proposal by UN experts to send in an international force to protect civilians. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million have fled their homes since civil war broke out between the army and the RSF last April, making it one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Several rounds of peace talks brokered by Saudi Arabia and the US have failed to end the conflict. The RSF controls most of the capital, Khartoum, much of Kordofan state and most of Darfur - where it is accused of using rape as a weapon of war, and targeting the Masalit people and other non-Arab communities in a campaign of ethnic cleansing. It has not succeeded in capturing Sennar city from the army. In June, it seized most of the wider state of Sennar, which analysts say is strategically important because of its position close to Ethiopia and South Sudan and its rich agricultural production. Both sides in Sudan's conflict - the army and the RSF - are accused of committing atrocities against civilians. "Harrowing" discoveries made by the UN in a fact-finding mission "may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity" by both sides, it said last week. This was angrily rebuked on Saturday by the foreign ministry which is loyal to army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. "The Sudanese government rejects in their entirety the recommendations of the UN mission," it said, calling the UN Human Rights Council behind the fact-finding mission "a political and illegal body". The RSF has not commented. A UN arms embargo in Darfur has not stopped new weapons pouring into the hands of Sudan's warring parties, says Human Rights Watch. The campaign group says it has seen footage which appears to prove that fighters are using recently acquired armed drones, anti-tank guided missiles, truck-mounted rocket launchers and more - originating from China, Iran, Russia, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In Sudan's ongoing power struggle, the army counts Egypt and Saudi Arabia among its supporters whereas the UAE is said to back the RSF - although it strongly denies this. Led by Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, the RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militia which was accused of genocide against non-Arab communities in Darfur in 2003. In recent months it has sought to boost its international profile and seek legitimacy as a political player by sending delegates to peace talks in Switzerland that were snubbed by the army. Source: BBC 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 reiterated the destructive impact of illegal mining, popularly known as "galamsey," on the nations environment, particularly water resources. Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association's (GBA) annual conference held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday, September 9, the Asantehene urged the legal fraternity to take decisive action against the environmental crisis. Otumfuo emphasised the urgency of addressing the devastation caused by galamsey, highlighting the direct threat it poses to Ghanas water supply. "Galamsey is an environmental enemy for the nation," he declared. "What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk?" he questioned. He challenged the legal community to set aside time during the conference to form a panel to examine the worst-affected areas and deliberate on how laws should be reshaped to tackle this critical issue. The Asantehene further underscored the legal ramifications of environmental damage, drawing a parallel between deliberate poisoning of a water source and the contamination caused by galamsey activities. If an individual poisoned the water supply of a community, he would face severe consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply, knowing fully well it can kill? Otumfuo questioned. He lamented the state of Ghanas rivers, citing a personal encounter with the severely polluted River Pra. While I was going to Cape Coast, I stopped over the River Pra and what I saw was so embarrassing. If as a nation we live for this to happen to us, we have to fight this no matter what. He therefore called for a united front from various sectors of society, including the legal, medical, and academic communities, to confront the galamsey menace. He stressed, This issue now requires the collective effort of all sections of society. To do nothing is no longer an option. The Asantehene's call comes at a time when galamsey continues to wreak havoc on Ghanas environment, particularly its water bodies. The rampant use of mercury and other harmful chemicals by illegal miners has led to widespread pollution, threatening the health of entire communities and putting the nation's water supply at risk. Source: graphiconline.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 Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has highlighted Ghana's significant strides in road infrastructure development, positioning the country as a leader in Africas road network expansion. Speaking at the 2024 FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference in Geneva, the Minister emphasized that Ghanas substantial investments in road infrastructure have resulted in impressive outcomes, contributing to national growth and development. Citing data from the World Bank, Hon. Asenso-Boakye noted that Ghanas road densitymeasured as kilometers of road per 100 square kilometersstands at 32.8, nearly double the African regional average of 17 kilometers. This, according to the Minister puts Ghana in a favourable position, with its road network coverage far exceeding the continent's standard. "Our rural accessibility rate is also commendable, with 63% of our population living within two kilometers of all-weather roads, compared to the regional average of just 47%," Asenso-Boakye stated during the two-day conference, which brought together global leaders, experts, and innovators in infrastructure development. Strategic Investments in Infrastructure The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to road infrastructure, underscoring that approximately 18% of this years national budget from government sources has been allocated specifically to road development. This level of investment demonstrates our dedication to building a robust and sustainable road network that benefits all Ghanaians, he said. We see road infrastructure not only as a backbone of national development but as a catalyst for improved livelihoods and economic growth. He pointed out that since the implementation of key road projects, the frequency of trips to health facilities in various communities has surged by 180%, illustrating enhanced access to essential healthcare. Furthermore, in some areas, average household incomes have tripled, underscoring the economic benefits of improved transportation links. Economic and Social Impact Hon. Asenso-Boakye further explained that vehicle waiting times have been nearly eliminated in several instances, enhancing transportation efficiency. He added that, the most significant impact has been the reduction in travel time to health facilities by about 60%, enabling citizens to access critical healthcare services faster. "Our investment in roads has also strengthened the economic vitality of our country, improving connectivity and the overall quality of life for Ghanaians," he remarked, adding that the government's efforts have been strategic, focusing on roads that enhance both national and regional integration. Commitment to Sustainable Infrastructure Looking ahead, the Minister emphasized Ghanas focus on building infrastructure that is sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious. "We are incorporating eco-friendly practices, using durable materials, and ensuring that our projects are resilient in the face of climate change," he said. Hon. Asenso-Boakye stressed the importance of education and workforce development to sustain Ghanas infrastructure growth, announcing that the government has prioritized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at the high school level. This initiative aims to build the technical expertise needed to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects in the future. Our goal is to ensure that Ghana not only meets the infrastructure needs of today but also secures the future by equipping our youth with the skills necessary to maintain and expand upon this progress, he concluded. Ghanas achievements in road infrastructure, as outlined at the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference, demonstrate the nation's resolve to enhance its transportation network, promote economic development, and improve the quality of life for its people. 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 Stakeholders in the African sub-region have been urged to strengthen their capacities in the fight against cybercrime while harnessing the vast potential of the digitisation evolution. Director of International Affairs at the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation, Kwame Baah Acheamfuor, in a keynote address on behalf of the Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, at the plenary session of the 2024 ITU Interpol Cyberdrill for the Africa region in Accra said strengthening Cyber security could create a safer and a more secure future for the sub-region. She said in recent years, Africas digital landscape has increasingly become a target for cybercriminals, who persist in exploiting the continents vulnerabilities and underscores the severity of the challenges in the cyber space per the 2024 interpol report. The International Telecommunication Union, ITU-INTERPOL CyberDrill for the Africa Region is aimed at enhancing and assessing the cybersecurity readiness and resilience of African CERTs/ CSIRTs and National Cybersecurity Centres. It was aimed at promoting the adoption of international cybersecurity standards and best practices in the Region; facilitate regional collaboration and knowledge sharing on cybersecurity issues and support international cooperation in combating cybercrime. According to her, statistics available indicate that cybercrime has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry, with threats such as Business Email Compromise (BEC), Phishing, Banking Trojans and Stealers, Crime-as-a service and Cyber extortion becoming increasingly prevalent. She said such issues with dire financial implications were not only confined to governments or IT departments but is existential threats to collective security, economies, and future of every one across the globe. The Minister stated that the ITU, Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 rated Ghana third in Africa, with a score of 86.69%, acting as a reliable benchmark for measuring the governments commitment to cybersecurity on a worldwide scale. She said based on ITUs framework, which focuses on legal measures, organisational and technical measures among others, Ghana has reviewed its National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy which has been approved by cabinet and expected to be outdoored next month. 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 The Alliance for the Restoration of Civil Rights has intensified its call for significant changes within the Ghana Police Service (GPS), particularly urging the dismissal of Superintendent Augustine Offei, Commander of the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit. Their argument centers around allegations that Offei has failed to effectively respond to critical reports of violent crime, which, according to William Kofi Yirenkyi, the Alliance's convenor, undermines public trust and compromises community safety. Yirenkyi emphasized that the lack of action on vital information regarding criminal activities has allowed violent crime to persist, further eroding confidence in the police force. The groups demands for a comprehensive review of the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit, along with broader reforms in the GPS, highlight the need for systemic change to enhance the units effectiveness in combating serious crime. The Alliance's stance reflects wider concerns about the responsiveness, accountability, and integrity of law enforcement in Ghana. The persistent image of the Ghana Police Service as corrupt and untrustworthy, as mentioned by Yirenkyi, casts a shadow over the entire nation and fuels public dissatisfaction. He further stressed the importance of ensuring that leadership within the force is composed of competent and accountable individuals who can restore public confidence and uphold the safety of communities. While dismissing figures like Superintendent Offei may bring immediate relief, Yirenkyi pointed out those actions would only serve as temporary fixes reforms, he argued, are essential for the GPS to improve its long-term ability to maintain law and order, especially in areas plagued by armed robbery and violent crime. In his final remarks, Yirenkyi warned that without such changes, the police forces ability to safeguard the public would remain in question. He stressed that the Ghana Police Service must not only be seen to be taking action but must also undergo significant restructuring to meet the unless deeper, systemic issues like corruption, inadequate training, and resource shortages are addressed. Comprehensive expectations of a public that increasingly demands greater accountability and effectiveness. Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom 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 performance audit report conducted by the Auditor-General has exposed safety issues and regulatory shortfalls in the country's inland water transport sector. The report, covering 2019 to 2023, highlights the alarming frequency of accidents on the country's waterways, resulting in significant loss of lives and properties. In all, 23 watercrafts made up of fishing and transport crafts were involved in accidents which claimed 34 lives and properties worth millions of cedis during the period. This is in spite of the GH94.77 million spent in the last four years by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to implement safety measures on inland waterways. This was discovered in the latest performance audit report on the safety of inland water transport on the Volta Lake in 2024. The report blamed the prevailing safety and regulatory concerns on the country's waterways to the inactiveness of GMA to monitor and address the challenges. Waterway transport Inland water transport (IWT) is a mode of movement of people and goods by means of watercraft such as pontoons, river ferries, boats and canoes along waterways such as rivers, lakes and canals. It accounts for approximately five per cent of the countrys transport system. It is the major source of transport for people on islands and along river bodies in the country. The most prominent inland waterway in the country is the Volta Lake which traverses the south to the north, with rivers such as Pra, Ankobra and Afram, also providing services. Report by the GMA indicates that 1.1 million passengers and farm produce, including fishes, amounting to 112,000 tonnes are transported on the Volta Lake annually. However, IWT operations have been characterised by accidents resulting in casualties that diminish the safety and attractiveness of the system. Audit purpose The Auditor-General, in line with Article 187 (2) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 13 (e) of the Audit Service Act 2000, (Act 584), commissioned the audit on the safety of inland water transport in the country. It was to determine whether GMAs safety protocols were ensuring safety of passengers and goods transported on the inland waterways. The audit covered the period 2019 to 2023 and was carried out from January to March 2024. It was carried out at GMAs office in Accra, Bono East, Oti and Volta regions. The team also visited Adawso landing site in the Eastern Region, where GMA and Naval Task forces, had no presence to assess the level of compliance with the safety protocols. Safety practices The GMAs standard safety practices require watercraft owners and operators to use their crafts for the purposes for which they are designed, that is watercraft designed for fishing should not be used to transport passengers. "We observed during our visit to the selected landing sites between March 4 and 22, 2024, that 17 watercrafts designed for fishing which are not allowed to transport passengers were being used to transport a total of 115 passengers and goods on the inland waterways," the report said. It was also observed that the fishing crafts were not employed for commercial transport purposes but rather used to convey people to markets on designated days. The GMA officials and the Naval Task Force explained that they allowed that to happen because it was their main means of transport along the waterways. The operators were allowed to transport a maximum of six persons on a fishing craft irrespective of the size of the family. However, some carried more than six persons. Accidents The report further revealed that the fishing watercrafts involved in more accidents, causing loss of lives and goods than the transport watercrafts. In all, 16 fishing crafts and seven transport crafts capsized, resulting in the deaths within the audit period. It came out that the authority failed to effectively monitor watercraft operators, thus allowing fishing vessels to transport people and goods without adhering to safety guidelines, contrary to their intended purpose. In their response, the GMA accepted the recommendations of the report and said they had developed a draft Inland Water Regulation waiting for approval of Parliament to regulate activities in the inland water bodies and impose sanctions for infractions. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The flagbearer of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has concord with Chiraahene, Barima Mintah II in calling for peace after the election results are declared by the Electoral Commission after the December 7 elections. According to the former President John Mahama, the sanctity of the December election is largely dependent on the Electoral Commission, adding that, the election must not be sacrificed since the Commission has an oversight responsibility in ensuring that fairness and transparency is attained. Posting on his official X page on Monday, September 9, 2024, Mr. Mahama said, I agree with Nana Chiraahene, Barima Mintah Afari II that the sanctity of the December election must not be sacrificed as the Electoral Commission has the responsibility to guarantee that sanctity. Mr. Mahamas comment comes on the wheels of a recent visit to Chiraa in the Bono region, where the Chiraahene, Barima Mintah Afari II, called on the Electoral Commission to ensure that every form of post electoral violence is avoided by maintaining a posture of transparency, fairness and integrity. However, the NDC has called for an independent forensic audit of the voters register with reasons being alleged discrepancies found in the register during the just ended voters exhibition exercise. John Mahama wrote, our repeated calls on Jean Mensa and the Commission to ensure fairness and free elections continue to be rebuffed, but as Nana Chiraahene stated, the Commission must be careful to avoid plunging this country into chaos due to its avoidable mistakes and actions. The call for a forensic audit of the voter register is not a demand of the NDC alone. It is a legitimate demand from all peace-loving Ghanaians who desire a free, fair, and peaceful election on December 7. The demand for the audit must and should unite us all in our quest for electoral integrity. 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 Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, NPP Vice Presidential Candidate, has described Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's bold solutions for the mining sector as a "game changer" and asked stakeholders in the sector to embrace these solutions. According to him, these bold solutions will usher in a golden age for Ghanaian-owned small-scale mining and create wealth and jobs while promoting responsible and sustainable mining. Addressing the Chiefs and people of two key mining constituencies in the Western Region, Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor, on Sunday, September 8, 2024, as part of his constituency campaign tours, Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized that the NPPs primary objective is always to manage Ghana's mineral resources to benefit the people as well as stimulate economic growth without compromising the environment. NAPO, as he is affectionately called, added Dr. Bawumia's bold solutions which shall include formalizing, regularizing and regulating environmentally sustainable small-scale mining will ultimately ensure a more responsible mining practices while assisting small-scale mining companies to grow into larger enterprises through capacity building and access to financing for equipment acquisition. I can assure you that next NPP government under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will establish, in collaboration with the private sector, a Minerals Development Bank to support the mining industry. We will also set up a pension scheme for small-scale miners like we have done for cocoa farmers. We have the credibility when we say we are going to do this because we have done it before, he assured. In respect of formalizing the mining sector, the vice presidential candidate said they will license all miners doing responsible mining and create Districts Mining Committee which will include the Chiefs. The Committee will provide temporary licenses to the miners and as long as they mine within the limit of their licenses, there will be no seizure or burning of excavators. He stressed emphatically that there will be no mining in water bodies. The NPP Running Mate urged the people to vote massively for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to become the next President of Ghana and implement his bold solutions. He also rallied support of the residents in Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor constituencies for his party's parliamentary candidates, Barbara Oteng Gyasi and John Kobina Sanie respectively. 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 Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has discussed international security issues with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha during a phone talk, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend. The parties engaged in a discussion regarding the ongoing cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, along with matters pertaining to regional security. The Ministry said that Minister Bayramov warmly congratulated his colleague on his appointment as the foreign minister of Ukraine and wished him success in his work. It was noted that the mutual respect and support between the two countries, as well as cooperation based on the norms and principles of international law, are a source of satisfaction. Sybiha expressed gratitude for the congratulations and voiced hope for further strengthening of the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine. He also expressed thanks for the humanitarian aid provided by Azerbaijan in connection with the security situation around Ukraine, particularly Azerbaijan's support in the restoration and reconstruction of infrastructure in Irpin city and demining activities. The phone talk also featured an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Confusion and uncertainty engulfed the rerun of the Walewale constituency parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party held on Monday, 9th September. The Electoral Commission (EC) has subsequently declared the election as null and void. The chaotic scene occurred when an individual, Kamara Bawa, believed to be an agent of one of the two contestants, snatched ballot papers during sorting, resulting in some ballots being destroyed. Athough counting is yet to be done, both candidates are claiming victory. Peacefmonline.com can confirm that the ruling party will now have to decide on the next course of action regarding who represents the party in the constituency for the December parliamentary election, since the primary was an internal party event. The first election which was held in January this year was annulled by the High Court in Tamale after it found electoral breaches which included impersonation. The incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hajia Lariba Abudu, filed a suit against her contender, Dr. K. B. Mahama, claiming he was wrongfully adjudged winner. The rerun following the court order which was yesterday, was fraught with another controversy after the agent for one of the candidates reportedly disrupted the process. Kamara Bawa is alleged to have sensed defeat of his candidate during counting of the ballots, thereby causing chaos by interrupting the electoral process. He is said to have scattered the boxes during sorting of ballots, which commenced around late afternoon. Bawa reportedly grabbed several ballot papers and attempted to flee, but was apprehended by the police, who fired warning shots to restore order. The ballot papers were subsequently taken to the police station, where party officials and the EC considered whether to continue counting. After reviewing the damaged ballots, the EC decided to nullify the election results. Meanwhile, police have since detained Kamara Bawah for causing damage to the ballot papers, and security has been reinforced within Walewale and surrounding areas to maintain order The party is now tasked with fixing a new date for the election before the deadline for filing nominations at the end of the week. 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 Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh has called for a peaceful election on December 7 to help sustain the developmental gains chalked over the years. He said the country could only be properly developed in an atmosphere of peace and unity, indicating the strongest need for the citizenry to commit themselves to peace. In this regard, Dr Prempeh, who is popularly known as Napo, stressed the need for the citizenry to jealously protect the peace that is being enjoyed in the country now. Nicknamed as Napo in political circles, he particularly charged the revered chiefs and religious leaders in the country to lead the crusade to ensure peaceful polls. According to him, the 1992 constitution, which has ensured the successful election of presidents through the ballot box, has put Ghanas name on the global map. Ghanas name is being hailed all over the globe because we have proven to be a giant in democratic rule in Africa and the world at large, and this is positive for us all. Another general election is looming, and as we have been able to do in the previous elections, we should all contribute to make the election very peaceful, he said. According to Napo, traditional and religious leaders are highly respected in the country, so they should use their unique positions in society to ensure a peaceful election. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice presidential candidate was addressing chiefs and religious leaders at Kwapong in the Asunafo South District in the Ahafo Region on Tuesday. Napo also appealed passionately to the various political parties to desist from violent activities, especially as electioneering campaigns gather momentum. We should preach about our policies and plans to develop the country and nothing else. We should desist from the politics of insults and insinuations as it can trigger violence. We should also be mindful of the fact that we have one Ghana, and after the elections, we shall unite as one people to develop our dear country, Napo advised politicians. He expressed concern over incidents of violent acts in the Ahafo enclave, which he said poses threat to national peace and urged the security agencies to act decisively. According to him, the security agencies should crack the whip on any individual or group of people, who would be apprehended for working to destabilize the country. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The former Frog Switch property on East High Street in Carlisle is closer to being purchased. The Real Estate Collaborative, an affiliate of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation has entered into an agreement to purchase the property. Last August, the Real Estate Collaborative, signed a letter of intent. The organization says that it is purchasing the 26.7 acre project for redevelopment purposes. The purchase agreement provides for a due diligence and equipment removal period, with closing expected to occur by the end of May. Terms of the agreement werent disclosed. This is a significant opportunity for the REC and the Carlisle Community, Andrew Notarfrancesco, chair of the Real Estate Collaborative, said in a news release. We are committed to the transformation of the site and creating a landmark opportunity for redevelopment. The future of this site is incredibly bright. The Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Co. The 125-year-old business ceased production on June 30, 2023. The company manufactured manganese steel castings for crushing machines used in the mining industry. The Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Co., which once had employed 240 people in Carlisle as recently as 2008, had 30 employees when it closed. In 1898, John Hays bought the Carlisle Manufacturing Company, which became The Frog, Switch and Manufacturing Company nine years later. The company had been run primarily by Hays and his descendants since its inception. The company initially manufactured frogs, switches and other railroad components, The Frog, Switch and Manufacturing Company said in a news release last year. A frog is a special section of rail that allows a train to cross over or to switch tracks. By the end of the 1960s, railroad parts were phased out and more profitable crushing and grinding wear parts were introduced. Frog, Switch was for many decades a dominant player in the North American aggregate and mining industries as a supplier of parts for rock crushers. During the companys last 15 years, it gradually decreased operations, and production lines were shuttered. In recent years, the company has operated a single vacuum mold line in its foundry, which serviced mining customers in the Mesabi Iron Range of northern Minnesota. First LL Flooring, formerly Lumber Liquidators, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed 94 stores. Then it said it couldnt find a buyer, so it was selling all of its more than 400 stores. And now it has reversed course, and says it has found a buyer and 219 stores will remain open. The company has signed an agreement with F9 Investments, which will acquire 219 stores, inventory in those stores and in the companys Sandston, Virginia, distribution center, LL Floorings intellectual property and other company assets. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of September, subject to approval by the bankruptcy court and other closing conditions. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with F9 Investments for a going-concern sale following significant efforts by our team and advisors to preserve the business and maintain ongoing operations, Charles Tyson, president and CEO of LL Flooring, said in a news release. As we move through the court-supervised process toward the approval and completion of this transaction, we remain committed to continuing to serve our valued customers and working closely with our vendors and partners. I continue to be appreciative of the ongoing focus and efforts of our associates to provide the best experience for our customers. The 219 continuing stores that are part of the asset purchase agreement, along with the companys online platform, are open and continuing to serve customers with few changes to store operations and policies. LL Flooring also continues to work with Hilco Merchant Resources to assist the company in store closing sales at 211 of its locations, including the recently initiated 117 store closings and the 94 store closings already in process that had been previously announced on August 11. These locations will remain open and serving customers through the store closing process. Nine locations in Pennsylvania are closing including a store in Springettsbury Township, York County. Another college is offering tuition discounts to state employees. Elizabethtown College will offer a 15 percent discount on all undergraduate and graduate programs within the School of Graduate & Professional Studies for state employees and their spouses and dependents. The agreement includes more than 25 eligible state agencies. We recognize and appreciate the immense value that Commonwealth employees provide to Pennsylvania residents, Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said in a news release. Through this agreement, were honored to give back to these individuals and their families with the exceptional educational opportunities our School of Graduate and Professional Studies provides adult learners to excel in their careers. The tuition discount will apply to Elizabethtown Colleges School of Graduate and Professional Studies undergraduate and graduate-level programs, as well as the micro-credentialing platform Etown Edge, which offers over 300 affordable courses through self-paced modules across a variety of fields. Pursuing additional education to advance your career is a tremendous commitment, Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver said in the news release. It takes hard work and sacrifice to balance the demands of job, school, and family and be successful. Working with Pennsylvanias higher education institutions to make tuition more affordable is one way we can support employees and their families on this journey. We are pleased for Elizabethtown College to join us in making these opportunities possible. The state also has agreements with several other colleges to offer tuition discounts including Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Peirce College, PennWest and York College of Pennsylvania. By Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press NEW YORK James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, The Lion King and Darth Vader has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New Yorks Hudson Valley region. The cause was not immediately clear. The pioneering Jones, who in 1965 became one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama (As the World Turns) and worked deep into his 80s, won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. He cut an elegant figure late in life, with a wry sense of humor and a ferocious work habit. In 2015, he arrived at rehearsals for a Broadway run of The Gin Game having already memorized the play and with notebooks filled with comments from the creative team. He said he was always in service of the work. The need to storytell has always been with us, he told The Associated Press then. I think it first happened around campfires when the man came home and told his family he got the bear, the bear didnt get him. Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in Field of Dreams, the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit The Great White Hope, the writer Alex Haley in Roots: The Next Generation and a South African minister in Cry, the Beloved Country. He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (No, I am your father, commonly misremembered as Luke, I am your father), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disneys The Lion King and announcing This is CNN during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the Great American Documents audiobook. If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor, if you pounded the pavement in these streets looking for jobs, one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones, Samuel L. Jackson once said. FILE - James Earl Jones, left, greets the press along with his wife Cecilia, center, and son Flynn, right, at the premiere of "The Lion King" in Los Angeles, June 12, 1994. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tara Farrell, File)AP Some of his other films include Dr. Strangelove, The Greatest (with Muhammad Ali), Conan the Barbarian, Three Fugitives and playing an admiral in three blockbuster Tom Clancy adaptations The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. In a rare romantic comedy, Claudine, Jones had an onscreen love affair with Diahann Carroll. LeVar Burton, who starred alongside Jones in the TV movie Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones, paid tribute on X, writing, There will never be another of his particular combination of graces. Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958s Sunrise At Campobello and would win his two Tony Awards for The Great White Hope (1969) and Fences (1987). He also was nominated for On Golden Pond (2005) and Gore Vidals The Best Man (2012). He was celebrated for his command of Shakespeare and Athol Fugard alike. More recent Broadway appearances include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, The Iceman Cometh, and You Cant Take It With You. As a rising stage and television actor, he performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival Theater in Othello, Macbeth and King Lear and in off-Broadway plays. James Earl Jones in his dressing room at the Hanna Theater after performance in "Master Harold and the Boys." (Chris Hartman / The Plain Dealer) Cleveland Plain DealerCleveland Plain Dealer Jones was born by the light of an oil lamp in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Jan. 17, 1931. His father, Robert Earl Jones, had deserted his wife before the babys arrival to pursue life as a boxer and, later, an actor. When Jones was 6, his mother took him to her parents farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him. A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood, Jones wrote in his autobiography, Voices and Silences. The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter. Too embarrassed to speak, he remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly. Photo of actor James Earl Jones, February 2008. (Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger)SL Teacher and student worked together to restore the boys normal speech. I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating acting, he recalled in his book. At the University of Michigan, he failed a pre-med exam and switched to drama, also playing four seasons of basketball. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theater Wing program for young actors. Father and son waxed floors to support themselves while looking for acting jobs. True stardom came suddenly in 1970 with The Great White Hope. Howard Sacklers Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play depicted the struggles of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, amid the racism of early 20th-century America. In 1972, Jones repeated his role in the movie version and was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor. Jones two wives were also actors. He married Julienne Marie Hendricks in 1967. After their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart, best known for her role as Stacey Erickson in the CBS police drama Paris, in 1982. (She died in 2016.) They had a son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983. FILE - James Earl Jones poses with his honorary Oscar at the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died at age 93, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)AP In 2022, the Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed after Jones, with a ceremony that included Norm Lewis singing Go the Distance, Brian Stokes Mitchell singing Make Them Hear You and words from Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. You cant think of an artist that has served America more, director Kenny Leon told the AP. Its like it seems like a small act, but its a huge action. Its something we can look up and see thats tangible. Citing his stutter as one of the reasons he wasnt a political activist, Jones nonetheless hoped his art could change minds. I realized early on, from people like Athol Fugard, that you cannot change anybodys mind, no matter what you do, he told the AP. As a preacher, as a scholar, you cannot change their mind. But you can change the way they feel. Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits By Kate Payne, The Associated Press/Report for America TALLAHASSEE, Fla. State police are showing up at Florida voters homes to question them about signing a petition to get an abortion rights amendment on the ballot in November, and a state health care agency has launched a website targeting the ballot initiative with politically charged language. Critics say theyre the latest efforts by Floridas Republican elected officials to leverage state resources to try to block the abortion rights measure, moves which some Democratic officials argue could violate state laws against voter intimidation. Ron (DeSantis) has repeatedly used state power to interfere with a citizen-led process to get reproductive freedom on the ballot, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told reporters on Monday. This is their latest desperate attempt before Election Day. The ballot initiative known as Amendment 4 would enshrine abortion rights in Florida law. If approved by 60% of voters, the procedure would remain legal until the fetus is viable, as determined by the patients health care provider. Isaac Menasche, one of nearly a million people who signed the petition to get the measure on the ballot, said a law enforcement officer knocked on his door last week in Lee County in southwest Florida to ask him about signing it. The officer said the questioning was part of an investigation into alleged petition fraud, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Im not a person who is going out there protesting for abortion, Menasche told the newspaper. I just felt strongly, and I took the opportunity when the person asked me to say, Yeah, Ill sign that petition. Critics say the investigation is a brazen attempt to intimidate voters in the countrys third-largest state from protecting access to abortion and the latest in a series of efforts by the governors administration to target Amendment 4. FILE - People listen as President Joe Biden speaks about reproductive freedom on April 23, 2024, at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, file)AP Amendment 4 was placed on the ballot by nearly one million Floridians around the state and across party lines who believe that people, not politicians, deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions, Lauren Brenzel, the director of the Yes on 4 campaign, said in an email. But the State will stop at nothing to keep in place their near-total abortion ban. Florida law currently bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. Speaking at a press event Monday in South Florida, DeSantis defended police visiting the homes of petition signers, and a separate move by a state health care agency to create a website targeting the ballot amendment, saying both are aimed at making sure Novembers vote is fair. DeSantis signed a law in 2022 creating a state police force dedicated to investigating voter fraud and elections crimes. Voter fraud is rare, typically occurs in isolated instances and is generally detected. He said elections police are going to the homes of people who signed the petitions that got Amendment 4 on the ballot not to intimidate them, but because questions have been raised about the legitimacy of the signatures. He said the police have found evidence that some of the supposed signatures were from dead people. Anyone who submitted a petition that is a valid voter, that is totally within their rights to do it, DeSantis said. We are not investigating that. What they are investigating is fraudulent petitions. We know that this group did submit on behalf of dead people. A deadline in state law to challenge the validity of the signatures has long passed, but county-level election administrators across Florida say they have been receiving requests from state officials to turn over verified petition signatures as part of a state probe. Mary Jane Arrington, a Democrat who has served as the Supervisor of Elections in Osceola County in central Florida for 16 years, told The Associated Press she had never received a request like this one before. Arrington said she didnt know what to make of the states request to review signatures her office had already verified. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gestures as he answers questions after a roundtable discussion at the Roberto Alonso Community Center, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Miami Lakes, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)AP These are ones that we deemed the petition valid, both in completeness and in their signature matching what we had on file for the voter, Arrington said. They said they were investigating signature petition fraud. The states elections crime unit has opened more than 40 investigations into paid petition gathers working for the Amendment 4 campaign, according to a letter that Deputy Secretary of State Brad McVay sent to the Palm Beach County supervisor of elections that was shared with the AP. Judges have tossed out previous criminal cases brought by the controversial Office of Election Crimes and Security. Meanwhile, a state health care agency launched a new website last week targeting Amendment 4, with a landing page proclaiming that Florida is Protecting Life and warning Dont let the fearmongers lie to you. DeSantis said the page created by Floridas Agency for Health Care Administration is being paid through a budget the department has to do public service announcements. He said the page is not political but is giving Floridians factual information about the amendment. Everything that is put out is factual. It is not electioneering, DeSantis said at the news conference, adding, I am glad they are doing it. Florida is one of nine states where measures to protect abortion access have qualified to go before voters in 2024. Florida Republicans have been using various other strategies to thwart the state abortion ballot measure. Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody attempted to use the state Supreme Court to keep abortion off the ballot. Later, abortion rights advocates criticized a financial impact statement meant to be placed on the ballot beside the proposed amendment as an attempt to mislead voters. The state Supreme Court ruled in August to allow the language to remain on the ballot. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups and GOP allies across the country are using an array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives aiming to protect reproductive rights. These tactics have included legislative pushes for competing ballot measures that could confuse voters and monthslong delays caused by lawsuits over ballot initiative language. Nebraskans, for example, are awaiting rulings from the state Supreme Court on three lawsuits aimed at keeping abortion off the ballot. And the Missouri Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday in an appeal of a lower court ruling that an abortion rights campaign did not meet legal requirements to qualify for the November ballot. Associated Press writers Christine Fernando in Chicago, Geoff Mulvihill in Philadelphia, and Terry Spencer in Fort Lauderdale contributed to this report. Kate Payne 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. By Joe Kovac Jr., The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS) FITZGERALD The grandfather of the 14-year-old Georgia school shooting suspect blamed the teens home life and father for creating an environment that led to last weeks violence that left two teachers and two students dead. Charles Polhamus, speaking to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday, said he largely blamed his grandsons father, Colin Gray, following Wednesdays deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. His grandson, Colt Gray, has been charged with four counts of felony murder. Prosecutors say more charges are forthcoming. Me personally, I totally blame the father, said Polhamus, whose daughter is Colt Grays mother. He just as well shot these people as far as Im concerned. Because I dont particularly think my grandson would have been the way he was except the environment that he lived in. Colin Gray, 54, was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children on Sept. 5, a day after four people were shot to death and nine injured. These charges stem from Mr. Gray knowingly allowing his son, Colt, to possess a weapon, GBI Director Chris Hosey said during a news conference announcing the charges. Warrants obtained Monday indicate Colin Gray was charged with two counts of second-degree murder relating to the death of students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14. He faces the involuntary manslaughter counts stemming from the deaths of teachers Ricky Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie, and the two students. The warrants allege Colin Gray provided his son a gun with knowledge that he was a threat to himself and others. Polhamus said he is not trying to absolve his grandson. Im damn sure not sugarcoating anything, Polhamus said. They both need to pay a full price. People gather at the flagpole outside the entrance to Apalachee High School on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Winder, Ga., a day after deadly shootings at the school. (AP Photo/Sharon Johnson)AP Polhamus and his family have lived in Fitzgerald in Ben Hill County for at least four decades. Its where Marcee Gray, Colts mother, grew up. She has a criminal history dating back 17 years, including allegations of an attack on her mother in November. Marcee Gray, 43, has faced prosecution in Barrow, Fulton and Forsyth counties, accused of domestic violence, drug possession, property damage and traffic violations. She has also faced civil fraud claims related to a vehicle purchase and was in jail in Ben Hill County as recently as April, according to publicly available court filings. Charles Polhamus spoke to the AJC from the steps of his familys South Georgia home, which sits in a pine-shaded neighborhood. The end of the family driveway bears a novelty street sign: God-It-Made Blvd. Charles Polhamus is known in the community as an accomplished pole-vaulter who competed nationally. At age 40, he tried to make the 1984 U.S. Olympic team, but he did not make the team. Hes known for having taught local students and young people the sport for years. His family has been thrust into the national media spotlight since Wednesdays shooting. Its certainly been hard on the whole family, he said, adding that my faith is the only thing that keeps me from going off the deep end. And (my faith) doesnt make me any better than anybody else. But it will let me and my family survive. Polhamus said he believes the environment his grandson grew up in is what caused him to lash out. (Home) environment affects everybody, he said. And it affects children and it affects families. We live in a society now that doesnt teach respect and responsibility. We just dont. I hate it. He told the AJC hes been bombarded by reporters seeking interviews but that hes done talking to the press about the shooting. I really cant do this now, he said. Ive done 20 of these (interviews) and really dont want to do any more. Its bad enough what Im going through. Its bad for everybody. Its not just bad for my daughter. By Eugene Garcia and Olga R. Rodriguez, The Associated Press HIGHLAND, Calif. Days of triple-digit temperatures fed a wildfire in the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles Monday as another blaze in a recreational area south of Reno, Nevada, forced thousands of residents to flee. In California, the so-called Line Fire threatened some 36,000 home and commercial structures as it burned along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Los Angeles. As of Monday morning, the blaze had charred about 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) of grass and brush and blanketed the area with a thick cloud of dark smoke. It was 3% contained. In Northern California, a fire measuring less than a square mile (2.6 square kilometers) started Sunday and burned at least 30 homes and commercial buildings and destroyed 40 to 50 vehicles in Clearlake City, 110 miles (117 kilometers) north of San Francisco, officials said. Roughly 4,000 people were forced to evacuate by the Boyles Fire, which was about 10% contained Monday morning. The fires are among the most dangerous of the many burning in various parts of California. About 20 miles outside Reno, Nevada, the uncontained Davis Fire grew to about 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) after igniting Sunday afternoon. It originated in the Davis Creek Regional Park in the Washoe Valley and was burning in heavy timber and brush, firefighters said. An emergency declaration issued for Washoe County by Gov. Joe Lombardo on Sunday noted that about 20,000 people were evacuated from neighborhoods, businesses, parks and campgrounds. Parts of south Reno remained under the evacuation notice on Monday, firefighters said, and some homes, businesses and traffic signals in the area were without power. Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water around a scorched garage as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)AP The Southern California blaze burned so hot Saturday that it created its own thunderstorm-like weather systems of pyroculumus clouds, which can create more challenging conditions such as gusty winds and lightning strikes, according to the National Weather Service. The Reno fire is roughly 480 miles (770 kilometers) to the northeast of the blaze in the San Bernardino National Forest, where firefighters worked in steep terrain in temperatures above 100 degrees (38 Celsius), limiting their ability to control the blaze, officials said. State firefighters said three firefighters had been injured. Evacuations were ordered Saturday evening for Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, areas east of Highway 330 and other regions. Running Springs resident Steven Michael King said he had planned to stay to fight the fire and help his neighbors until Sunday morning, when the fire escalated. He had prepped his house to prevent fire damage but decided to leave out of fear smoke could keep him from finding a way out later. It came down to, which is worse, being trapped or being in a shelter? King said outside an evacuation center Sunday. When conditions changed, I had to make a quick decision, just a couple of packs and it all fits in a shopping cart. Joseph Escobedo said his family has lived in Angelus Oaks for about three years and has never had to evacuate for wildfire. His family, with three young children, was among the remaining few who hadnt left as of Sunday afternoon. Smoke is seen from the advancing Line Fire through a car window in Mentone, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)AP Its kind of frightening with the possibility of losing your home and losing everything we worked really hard for, Escobedo said as his family packed up the essentials to escape. Its hard to leave and not be sure if youre gonna be able to come back. The affected area is near small mountain towns in the San Bernardino National Forest where Southern California residents ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Running Springs is on the route to the popular ski resort town of Big Bear. Redlands Unified School District cancelled Monday classes for roughly 20,000 students, and Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County. On Sunday, another blaze sparked amid searing heat in Southern Californias Angeles National Forest. The blaze burning north of the city of Glendora, in Los Angeles County, was 820 acres and uncontained Monday. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department ordered visitors at a campground and residents of an adjacent river community to evacuate, the U.S. Forest Service said. Firefighters battle the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)AP Wildfires were burning across the West, including in Idaho where fire managers were preparing for an active day, with warm, dry and windy conditions expected Monday and even more challenging conditions Tuesday. The Boulder and the Lava Fires are burning in western Idaho. In central Oregon, firefighters were dealing with a number of blazes that prompted evacuation warnings, including one west of Mount Bachelor on the Deschutes National Forest that was estimated around 80 acres in size. Associated Press reporter Kathy McCormack in New Hampshire contributed to this story. Pennsylvania voters will now have the chance to watch at least two debates, and possibly a third, between U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick. The two candidates will debate on Oct. 15 in Philadelphia on 6abc after McCormick said Monday that he had agreed to it. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan has forwarded several complaints to local electoral commissions for further review, a source in the CEC told Trend. According to the source, the decision was announced during todays CEC meeting. Some complaints received by the CEC have been directed to district election commissions. However, a complaint concerning the Bilesuvar electoral district was returned to the applicant due to the expiration of the filing deadline. Complaints related to the Binagadi-Garadagh electoral district, the Jabrayil-Gubadli electoral district, and the Surakhani electoral district have been sent to their respective district electoral commissions for examination. To recall, the snap parliamentary election was held in Azerbaijan on September 1. A total of 112,749 local observers were registered, including over 65,000 representatives of political parties. There were 598 international observers from 51 organizations and 69 countries. Among the 990 registered candidates, 305 represented 25 political parties, while 371 were party members but were not nominated by their parties. In total, 676 candidates were affiliated with political parties. Construction is underway on the installation of a center barrier that will prevent left turns from being made along a dangerous section of Route 22/322. Weather permitting, the barrier construction near Clarks Ferry Bridge will last about two weeks. Once thats done, people heading toward Harrisburg from State College will no longer be able to make a left turn into businesses along westbound Route 22/322, including Red Rabbit, Sheetz, and the Pilot truck stop. But it is a sorely needed change. When PennLive polled readers in December, they agreed that the stretch of road from Clarks Ferry Bridge to Route 11/15 in Perry County was one of the most dangerous intersections in central Pennsylvania. PennDOT reported there were 371 crashes along this stretch of road between 2011 and 2021, with many of these crashes most likely happening when trying to turn into one of the businesses. Two percent of those crashes were fatal and 45% of them involved injuries. Approximately 55% of those crashes took place between Clarks Ferry Bridge and Red Rabbit restaurant. PennDOTs crash analysis tool showed that an additional 57 crashes took place in 2022 and 2023 between the intersection with Route 147 in Dauphin County and the intersection with Routes 11/15 in Perry County. Of those crashes, 30 involved injuries. There were no fatalities. An aerial view of Route 22/322 from Clarks Ferry Bridge to 11/15 in Duncannon, Pa., in December 2023.Jimmie Brown | jbrown2@pennlive.com Construction of the median is part of the ongoing Clarks Ferry Improvement project with work on the bridge itself scheduled to start in 2026. People traveling toward Harrisburg who want to access businesses on the opposite side of the road will need to exit at Route 147, then get back on Route 22/322 going westbound. People traveling toward State College will need to exit at Route 11/15 south, then get back on Route 22/322 heading back toward Harrisburg in order to access Rutters and other businesses on that side of the road. Left turns onto Route 849 will be allowed, but left turns from Route 849 to Route 22/322 will still be restricted. A juvenile was taken into custody for the school shooting threat that led the Susquenita School District district to cancel all classes on Monday. Perry County District Attorney F. Clay Merris said in a press release that the source of the threat was a juvenile with a known connection to the school district who was identified and arrested by Pennsylvania State Police. Pa. State police-Newport responded to an online threat of a school shooting at approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday, they said in a release. The investigation led to the cancellation of all classes Monday. Appropriate charges will be filed by the Pennsylvania State Police in addition to the school district taking disciplinary action, police said. Susquenita School District Superintendent Dr. Jon Fox sent updated information to the parents telling them that school will return to normal operations on Tuesday, according to the state police release. Anyone with information about the online threat is asked to call state police at 717-567-3110. All students across Pennsylvania will pause for moment of silence on Wednesday to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It will be the first in what is now a mandated annual observance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the nation that left 2,996 people dead in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill in June that instructs public and private schools to hold the moment of silence. The new law also directs the state Department of Education to identify and make available, starting next year, a model curriculum to teach students about the significance of what transpired that day. On 9/11, Islamic terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, flying two into the World Trade Center, leading to the collapse of the Twin Towers, and one into the Pentagon. A fourth plane was likely en route to the U.S. Capitol when passengers fought back, forcing the plane down in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Cumberland Valley School District Superintendent Mark Blanchard said the principals in all district schools will read a prepared statement to introduce the moment of silence, and teachers have been given material to use in the event students have questions. Following its past practice, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School in Harrisburg will observe the day with the playing of Taps, followed by a moment of silence and then a prayer, principal JoAnn Cantos said. West Shore School District will hold a moment of silence in the morning with individual building principals deciding how to prepare students for learning about the event and any lessons about it, said spokesman Bradon Long. Mechanicsburg Area School District schools will honor the lives lost on 9/11, but each building will do it in their own age-appropriate way, said spokeswoman Tracy Panzer. The bill requiring schools to observe the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil passed unanimously in the House and Senate. According to the education department, it is Pennsylvanias only statewide moment of silence mandate on schools. The department shared educational materials its making available. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Luzerne County, although several lawmakers going back to 2006 had offered legislation to encourage or require an observance of the day. Haddock was mayor of Avoca, a small borough 150 miles from New York City, at the time of the attacks. He said he vividly recalls the day and phone calls from the FBI and Secret Service advising the borough to patrol the local airport and be on the lookout for any unusual activity. You wouldnt think a small town like Avoca would possibly be a target, he recalled thinking that day. It was scary. But students in school today werent born when the horrific events of that day occurred and they may not be aware of the heroic acts of passengers and emergency responders that saved untold numbers of lives. That fact was not lost on the lawmakers who cited that as a reason for making it a law. They saw it as a way to ensure future generations of Americans understand the days significance. 9/11 was the darkest day in our nation since Pearl Harbor, said Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin County, who introduced legislation similar to Haddocks bill that passed the Senate last year. Yet, its shocking to me that this defining moment in our history has gone generally unnoticed each year in public schools and receives no mention in the state academic standards for history, civics and government. He said: This legislation ensures that this defining moment of our generation is not forgotten and reminds us of the precious lives lost that day as well as the families they left behind. We made a promise more than 20 years ago to never forget what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. This bill honors that promise. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York County, separately had offered legislation requiring the state education department to develop model curriculum about 9/11. She looks forward to that material being made available to schools next year. As we reflect on another anniversary of 9/11, its more important than ever to ensure students understand the profound impact of that day as well as the events leading up to and following that somber day in American history, Phillips-Hill said. Haddock, who is in his first term, said he takes pride in this being his first piece of legislation to become a law. He said he was aware some schools have held voluntarily observances of the day. This measure now ensures that happens everywhere. New York is among the states that have passed a similar law. It was just a striking moment for all Americans, Haddock said This bill will help make sure people dont forget America was attacked on our soil. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. By CHRISTINE FERNANDO and LINLEY SANDERS, The Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) For Christopher Pugh, the 2020 election was a turning point. He already distrusted the government. But as he watched Fox News coverage in the immediate aftermath of the election and read posts on Twitter, the social media platform now known as X, that distrust grew. He now believes the falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen and trusts few people other than former President Donald Trump to deliver him news about election results. I trust Donald Trump, not the government, said the 38-year-old Republican from Gulfport, Mississippi. Thats it. While most Americans trust government-certified election results at least a moderate amount, Republicans are more likely to trust Trump and his campaign, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts. Americans also are heading into the November election with concerns about misinformation. Many have low trust that the information they receive from presidential candidates particularly Trump, but also Vice President Kamala Harris is based on factual information. Trump continues to lie about the outcome of the 2020 election, saying it was rigged against him even after dozens of his court challenges failed; reviews, recounts and audits in battleground states all affirmed President Joe Bidens win; and Trumps own attorney general said there was no evidence of widespread fraud. Despite no evidence of any widespread fraud, a 2023 poll found that most Republicans believe Biden was not legitimately elected president. As Trump runs as the Republican candidate for the third time, he also is signaling that he can only lose through widespread fraud. Over the weekend he threatened to prosecute those involved in unscrupulous behavior this election should he win in November. The only way they can beat us is to cheat, Trump said at a Las Vegas rally in June. The recent findings from the AP-NORC survey show that a significant chunk of Trumps supporters might be more inclined to believe what he says about the upcoming election results than they are to trust government certifications of election results. About two-thirds of Republicans trust Trumps campaign at least a moderate amount to provide accurate information about the results of the 2024 election, while only about half say the same about the official certifications of results, the survey found. By contrast, about 9 in 10 Democrats trust the government certification at least a moderate amount, and an overwhelming majority, 82%, also have at least a moderate amount of trust in Harris and her campaign. Most Americans around 7 in 10 trust the government certifications of election results at least a moderate amount, according to the survey. Majorities also trust national and local TV news networks, as well as local or national newspapers, to provide accurate information about the outcome of this years presidential election. Danielle Almeida, a 45-year-old Democrat from Briarcliff Manor, New York, said she trusts government-certified election results and finds it alarming that some Americans dont. In order to have a democracy, we have to trust the system and the results of our elections, she said, adding that she thinks Trump does not care about fact-checking because he believes his supporters dont care, either. Americans are less likely to trust the campaigns overall compared to sources such as the government and the media but they have a higher level of trust in Harris and her campaign than in Trump and his campaign to provide accurate information about the outcome of the election. About half have at least a moderate amount of trust in Harris and her campaign. By contrast, about 4 in 10 have at least a moderate amount of trust in Trump and his campaign. Some Republicans distrust of election results started far before the 2020 election. Richard Baum, 60, a conservative independent from Odessa, Texas, said his suspicions began in the 2000 U.S. presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. After Bush won by a slim margin, hanging chads became an unlikely symbol of a disputed presidential election as small anomalies common in elections ballooned into major national controversies. There was some stuff there that didnt seem right that made a lot of doubts in my mind about if you can trust the government, Baum said. Baum said he would trust election results only if voting took place on only a single day, early voting and mail-in ballots were banned, and photo IDs were required at all polling places. Many Americans doubt the veracity of both presidential candidates campaign messages, but skepticism about Trumps campaign is higher, the USAFacts/AP-NORC survey found. About 6 in 10 Americans believe that Trumps campaign messages are rarely or never based on factual information, compared to 45% who say that about Harris campaign messages. Many Americans also say its hard to discern fact from fiction when it comes to the candidates. Slightly less than half of Americans say its very easy or somewhat easy to find factual information about the candidates and their positions, and only about one-third say its easy to know if what candidates are saying is true or not. About 6 in 10 Americans say its easy for them to understand the difference between fact and opinion when it comes to information about the upcoming presidential election, but only about 4 in 10 say its easy to know whether information is true or not. The poll of 1,019 adults was conducted July 29-August 8, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points. By Jonathan D. Salant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) WASHINGTON The Keystone State will be awash in presidential candidates this week. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, is leaving Pittsburgh Tuesday afternoon after days of preparing for Tuesdays debate and heading for Philadelphia. Former President Donald Trump, her Republican opponent, is to arrive this afternoon in Philadelphia as well. The debate starts at 9 p.m. from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. On Wednesday, Harris and President Joe Biden will mark the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by visiting all three sites where the terrorist-hijacked planes crashed: Shanskville, Pa., the site of the Flight 93 memorial; Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site in New York City; and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. On Friday, Harris has campaign events scheduled in Johnstown and Wilkes Barre. Trump is to be in Pennsylvania again Sept. 23, when he is scheduled to address the Protecting America Initiative in Smithton, Westmoreland County. The anti-China groups senior advisers are Richard Grenell, who served as acting director of national intelligence under Trump, and former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., who was one of the former presidents strongest backers on Capitol Hill. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. On September 10, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yasar Guler, and the Minister of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, held the trilateral meeting, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The meeting noted that for centuries the peoples of 3 countries have been living in conditions of good neighborhood and friendship, and even today mutual relations between the leadership of the heads of state and government are developing. It was stated that cooperation based on mutual trust is of great importance in terms of ensuring the happy future and well-being of our people. In the trilateral meeting, the importance of joint efforts in combating the challenges of the modern era, the factors that may threaten the security of the region, and the mutual implementation of activities in this field were emphasized. The Defense Ministers highlighted the importance of expanding the scope of trilateral and bilateral joint exercises and the exchange of mutual experience. It was emphasized with confidence that the development of tripartite cooperation in the field of defense will contribute greatly not only to the countries but also to the establishment of sustainable peace, stability, and security in the region. At the meeting, new perspectives of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational, and military-medical spheres were discussed. A detailed exchange of views on many topics of common interest was held. At the end, a protocol on the conclusion of the trilateral meeting was signed, and a press conference for media representatives was held. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Casino di Campione Partners with Sisal & PokerStars to Launch Poker Room and Live Events Copy link Italy has long been prominent in pokers international landscape. The European Poker Tour (EPT) made seven stops in Sanremo between 2008 and 2014 and hosted EPT Campione in 2012. Now, the flames of Italys poker legacy are being reignited, thanks to a new partnership between Casino di Campione and Sisal S.p.A., which will bring the renowned PokerStars brand back to the forefront of live poker events in the country. Agreement Outline; More Details Coming Soon The agreement, signed on September 10, 2024, sees Sisal, a leading Italian gaming operator and part of the Flutter Group, joining forces with PokerStars to establish a dedicated poker room and host live tournaments at Casino di Campione. The collaboration marks a significant step in reviving Italys role as a top poker destination, with PokerStars drawing on its 20+ years of expertise in organizing world-class live events. Under the terms of the four-year deal, which includes an option for a three-year extension, PokerStars will enhance its brand presence by creating an "always-on" poker room at the casino, ensuring a regular schedule of live poker tournaments. More details on the poker rooms official opening and the first events are expected in the coming months. Casino di Campione will become PokerStars' third managed poker room, joining The Hippodrome Casino in London and the PokerStars Live Poker Room at Okada Manila. Casino Campione Hosts EPT Campione, 2012 Cedric Billot, Director of Live Event Operations at PokerStars, said: We look forward to kicking off the partnership with Campione and offering the best poker experience to our passionate Italian audience. We are extremely proud to be announcing this agreement, having worked hard to get here, but this is just the beginning of an important chapter for the PokerStars brand in Italy. We will work together with the local Sisal team to make this a successful partnership and offer an epic experience. Casino di Campione, located on the scenic shores of Lake Lugano in Como, has been a hub for poker players across Europe. Chairman of Casino di Campione, Mario Venditti, highlighted the importance of this new relationship: With the poker tournaments, Casino di Campione starts again with the competitive events that qualify its offer, enlivening the calendar of one of Europe's most important gaming houses. This is a further step forward in the development of the company's activity, which will undoubtedly increase its visibility. Continuing Strategic Collaborations In August, Julien Liarte, PokerStars' Live Events Senior Business Development Manager for Europe, told PokerNews that the company is actively expanding its footprint by forming strategic collaborations with other major poker tours. By partnering with renowned venues like Casino di Campione and working in tandem with experienced operators like Sisal, PokerStars is creating exciting opportunities for local and international poker players. This new venture is expected to boost Italy's poker scene by offering top-quality live events. Share this article From Third-Shortest Stack to Champion: Entaotoma Wins the 888poker Mystery Bounty Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link Brazil's "Entaotoma" sat down at the 888poker $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event sixth from eight in chips. Armed with 25 big blinds, they weren't particularly short, but its challenging to think they seriously fancied their chances of walking away with a victory, especially as the top two stacks held 138 big blinds between them. However, tournament poker is a funny old game, and two hours after the first cards were pitched, "Entaotoma" emerged victoriously from the final table with a $8,154 payout and the title of champion. This week's $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event saw 970 entrants fight it out at the 888poker online poker tables. Although "Allejo7" saw their tournament end in 55th place for $140, they took home the largest prize of the event courtesy of pulling a $10,000 mystery bounty from its golden envelope. "BrownBrit" and "ivanascasubi" banked $3,000 bounties, with the former also opening a $1,000 score before busting in 29th. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 DrDreddly United Kingdom 4,303,825 86 2 Ramlalb14 Trinidad & Tobago 2,614,840 52 3 pactamah23 Germany 1,918,302 38 4 nice1baby United Kingdom 1,372,614 28 5 GodBleefe7 Brazil 1,366,302 27 6 Entaotoma Brazil 1,252,270 25 7 0nlyBet Cyprus 1,163,318 23 8 Pavelsport Ukraine 558,529 11 Only ten minutes passed at the final table before the first casualty was confirmed. "Pavelsport" sat down with 11 big blinds, but that stack had dwindled to a shade over six big blinds. They open-shoved with ace-ten from middle position only for "0nlyBet" to re-shove with pocket queens in the cutoff. "0nlyBet" reshoved to isolate, which had the desired effect. The queens flopped a set, and "Pavelsport" was gone. Despite winning that pot, "0nlyBet" was the next player heading for the rail. The hand after the elimination, "0nlyBet" min-raised to 120,000 with king-queen of diamonds, "pactamah23" three-bet to 360,000 from the next seat along with king-jack of clubs, and the initial raiser jammed for 1,376,847 in total. "pactamah23" used most of their timebank before calling off half of their stack. Their call was rewarded with a jack on the turn, enough to reduce the player count by one. Exclusive PokerNews 888poker Freeroll Passwords for September 2024 Find the passwords Sixth place went to Brazil's "GodBleefe7" in a hand that reshaped the direction of the final table. Chip leader "DrDreaddly" min-raised to 160,000 in late position with pocket deuces, "GodBleefe7" three-bet to 880,000 in the cutoff, and "Entaotoma" min-four-bet to 1,600,000 in the small blind with pocket jacks. "DrDreaddly" got out of the way, but "GodBleefe7" called off the 160,052 they had behind. The jacks held on a queen-high board, busting "GodBleffe7" and bolstering the stack of "Entaotoma" to around 38 big blinds. The final five became four when "Ramblalb14" of Trinidad & Tobago ran out of steam. The Trinidadian was second in chips at the start of the final table action, but nothing seemed to go right for them. Their exit hand was a continuation of their running bad, with them turning top pair in a single raised pot that was a button versus big blind scenario. "pactamah23" set "Ramblalb14" all in on the river, they called, and were shown pocket aces. By this stage, "Entaotoma" was the chip leader and was playing aggressively while picking up hands and running well, a deadly combination. They improved their tournament-leading stack and bounty haul when they raise-called a 12 big blind shove from "pactamah23" with ace-ten of hearts and came from behind to beat the dominating ace-queen of clubs. They then dispatched "DrDreaddly" in a massive pot that saw "DrDreaddly" four-bet shove with pocket tens only for "Entaotoma" to snap them off with pocket queens. That hand gifted the champion-elect a colossal 11,541,566 to 3,008,434 chip lead over "nice1baby." Although neutrals wished for an epic comeback from the trailing player, it was not meant to be. A few hands into heads-up, "nice1baby" open-shoved with king-nine of spades for ten big blinds, and "Entaotoma" called with ace-three of diamonds. Both players made a pair on the flop, "Entaotoma's" being a pair of aces. The turn and river bricked for the at-risk player, and they headed for the exits in second place, leaving "Entaotoma" to become the latest 888poker Mystery Bounty Main Event champion. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Entaotoma Brazil $849 $7,305 $8,154 2 nice1baby United Kingdom $498 $5,340 $5,838 3 DrDreaddly United Kingdom $245 $3,925 $4,170 4 pactamah23 Germany $351 $2,885 $3,236 5 Ramblalb14 Trinidad & Tobago $491 $2,135 $2,626 6 GodBleefe7 Brazil $298 $1,590 $1,888 7 0nlyBet Cyprus $192 $1,195 $1,387 8 Pavelsport Ukraine $245 $905 $1,150 Keep Tabs on 888poker MTTs with the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar The PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar is a free-to-use tool built into the PokerNews website that enables you to find upcoming and in-play multi-tables tournaments on poker sites like 888poker, PartyPoker, and PokerStars. By using the intuitive filters, you can narrow down your search and find the perfect 888poker tournament for you, your bankroll, and your needs. Share this article Morning Consult released a ton of new tracking poll data showing that Donald Trump is not leading Kamala Harris in a single swing state. Here is how it looks in the swing states: Heres the respective reach states among LVs: FL: Harris 47%, Trump 49% MN: Harris 51%, Trump 44% TX: Harris 43%, Trump 52% VA: Harris 52%, Trump 42%https://t.co/YHYHfirRw1 Cameron Easley (@cameron_easley) September 9, 2024 There is also a red state red alert as Trump is only up by two points in red state Florida. If Trump were to lose Florida, the election would be over. Trump cant lose a single red state or he will lose the election. Harris is leading in enough battleground states to win the election if these were to hold. If Vice President Harris wins Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the election will be over. Trump was at one time dreaming of flipping blue states, but now there isnt a single blue state that looks like an easy flip while now having to defend Florida and North Carolina. The numbers in total suggest that this will be a close election, but Kamala Harris looks to have more ways to win and more campaign upside. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. The New York Times has finally put into print the reality that Donald Trump is old, rambling, and incoherent. Peter Baker of The New York Times wrote: At 78, former President Donald J. Trump exhibits more energy and speaks with more volume than President Biden does at 81, but he, too, has mixed up names, confused facts and stumbled over his points. Mr. Trumps rambling speeches, sometimes incoherent statements and extreme outbursts have raised questions about his own cognitive health and, according to polls, stimulated doubts among a majority of voters. The issue has been propelled back into the campaign by some of Mr. Trumps recent public performances, most notably a meandering, hard-to-follow answer to a question on child care at the Economic Club of New York last week. Asked how he would help American working families stressed by the cost of taking care of children, Mr. Trump wandered through a thicket of unfinished sentences, non sequitur clauses and confusing logic that tied the answer to tariffs on imports. Baker went on to list several of Trumps most incoherent moments when he was not making sense, confusing names and appeared to be in mental decline. Donald Trump is nearly 80 years old. His father had Alzheimers. It is a legitimate concern to be worried about Trumps age. The problem for Donald Trump is that he was able to hide his age-related decline by keeping the focus on Joe Biden . Now that Biden is out of the race, the focus will be on Trump. The ex-president avoided debating his younger opponents during the Republican primary, but he couldnt avoid Vice President Harris. The New York Times has been relentlessly focused on Joe Bidens age, but Trumps decline has become so pronounced that even the Times had to address it. On debate eve, it is now Donald Trump who is facing the reality that he is too old and incoherent to be president. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov today received Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdullah Muhammad Almauidi in connection with the completion of his diplomatic activity in the country, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. According to the information, issues on the agenda of cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the meeting. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed gratitude to Ambassador Abdullah Muhammad Almauidi for his efforts to develop cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kuwait and wished him success in his future activities. It was noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with friendly and brotherly Kuwait, and the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation over the years is gratifying. Furthermore, the importance of intensification of activity of the joint cooperation commission between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Kuwait towards further development of bilateral cooperation covering various spheres, including economy, trade, investment, tourism, etc. was emphasized . Notedly, the increasing dynamics of reciprocal visits between our peoples is a logical outcome of our connections at the governmental level. In particular, the UN, the Organization of Islamic collaboration, and the Gulf Cooperation Council were highlighted as crucial frameworks for maintaining mutual support and collaboration. Throughout Azerbaijan's nearly 30-year occupation of its territory, Kuwait supported Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and this was highly appreciated. Ambassador Abdullah Muhammad Almauidi expressed gratitude for the reception on the occasion of the completion of diplomatic activity in our country, as well as good wishes, and expressed confidence that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kuwait will continue to develop. The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest at the meeting. GREENVILLE Greenville has moved close to completing the sale of a prime property that has housed its Municipal Court since the 1940s, opening up a void for what could become yet another major mixed-use development downtown. City Council gave initial approval Sept. 9 for the city manager to sell the 2.66 acre property at 426 N. Main St. for $4 million. Those proceeds will be used to pay back some of the costs for the citys Public Safety Complex on Halton Road, which is expected to open this fall. That complex, situated in a building that previously housed the Fluor Daniel company, will absorb a host of city departments, including city court, which officials said needed to relocate from the old Municipal Courthouse because of poor conditions. The courthouse site lacks adequate parking and flooded after a sewer backup in 2021. The city expects to close on the sale by the end of this year, City Manager Shannon Lavrin said. The property is zoned for the most-intense mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly building scales, and it has no density restrictions, according to the Greenville Development Code. It presents a rare downtown redevelopment location close to Academy Street, McPherson Park and Springwood Cemetery. Last month, a redevelopment proposal, at the former "Baby Bi-Lo" site right across the street though with zoning less-favorable to denser development, was shot down by city planning staff for what they said amounted to the developer trying to circumvent affordable housing incentives in the city's code. In anticipation of the Tuesday, Nov. 5, General Election, the Charleston Area League of Women Voters, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce and The Summerville Journal Scene have announced a candidate forum for the Dorchester District Two School Board election. This e Read moreDD2 candidate forum set for Oct. 10 I have probably mentioned John Gerard before, but I can do it again. Gerard (1545-1612) was what we would call an herbalist," in addition to working at least for part of the time as a surgeon." At this time, medicine was absolutely tied in with a knowledge of plants, for the obvious reason Read moreMystery Plant: The lettuce weed BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Azerbaijan has no obligations to release war criminals and representatives of the separatist junta regime, the spokesperson for Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizada, said regarding the Armenian Prime Minister's remarks against Azerbaijan during his speech at the Yerevan Forum on September 10, Trend reports. Meanwhile, it was noted that Azerbaijan has so far, adhering to the principles of humanism, handed over all prisoners of war to Armenia. However, the fact that after Azerbaijan returned the prisoners of war (POWs), they were subjected to mass arrests and persecution by the Armenian state caused particular surprise in the context of this state's 'care' for its citizens, Hajizada said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 15:02:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 748 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The large wholesaler and retailer of surplus building materials and home improvement products has revamped and upgraded its online presence and brand identity.PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /AAA Distributo r, one of the nation's largest distributors of flooring, kitchen and bath products, is proud to announce the launch of its redesigned website and refreshed brand identity as part of its new directional change for online expansion. The remodeled website elevates the home improvement experience with a new look - for a new era - that reflects the company's evolution and forward-thinking approach."We are thrilled to introduce our new website and refreshed brand identity to our valued customers," said Michael Neal, President of AAA Distributor. "These updates are a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible experience for our customers." The revamped website, www.aaadistributor.com , features a clean, contemporary design and user-friendly interface that lets customers find the products and services they need using advanced search and filtering options. It makes for a seamless browsing experience that saves customers time and effort.The product catalog is now more comprehensive, with more detailed information, including high-quality images, specifications, and customer reviews, on a wide selection of home improvement products from kitchen and bathroom fixtures to flooring and high-quality cabinets.Furthermore, customers can request free 3D design services online to help them make informed decisions for their home improvement projects, in addition to a new educational resources section that offers expert advice, how-to guides and inspirational ideas.The new website features an improved mobile experience with a responsive design that ensures it is accessible and functional on all devices, including desktops, tablets or smartphones, to provide customers with a consistent experience."The new website is designed to be a comprehensive resource, and the brand refresh reflects our dedication to staying at the forefront of the home improvement industry," said Neal. "We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with excellence and innovation." AAA Distributor also has a new, updated logo and visual elements that mirror a modern and dynamic approach, reflecting the company's upward growth trajectory and commitment to innovation. The compelling brand messaging demonstrates its dedication to maintaining high-quality standards and augmenting customer satisfaction as an industry leader.Additionally, the rebranding endeavor provides a uniform and consistent brand experience across all marketing materials, social platforms and store locations. These changes mark a new era for AAA Distributor. For more than 15 years, the large wholesaler and retailer has provided customers with enhanced experience, exceptional service and quality products.In addition to its primary site at www.aaadistributor.com , the distributors of flooring, kitchen and bath products provide supplementary websites on products in stock and that can be shipped nationwide:Philadelphia's warehouse, www.usadistributor.com , specializes in kitchen design with a kitchen visualizer, products and brands.Dallas' warehouse, www.sbmtx.com , concentrates on doors and offers a selection of interior, kitchen and barn-style doors and exterior fiberglass or iron doors.Spokane's warehouse, www.uglyduckwarehouse.com , offers free 3D design and premium products ranging from doors, kitchen and bath, flooring and windows. RTAHQ.com spotlights kitchen and bath products and exterior iron and fiberglass doors. www.aaadoors.com focuses on a variety of interior, barn and exterior doors. www.allcabinets.com examines all cabinet brands carried by AAA Distributor.Headquartered in Philadelphia, AAA Distributor designs and imports its own proprietary product line, LessCare, which includes cabinetry, vanities, bath furnishings, plumbing supplies, flooring and fixtures. The company's industry expertise, considerable product range, and priority service are available at one of its three locations: Philadelphia, Dallas, and Spokane. Combined, they offer more than half-a-million square feet of in-stock products open to the public.Check out AAA Distributor's new website at https://aaadistributor.com About AAA DistributorAAA Distributor is a distributor, wholesaler, and retailer of kitchen, bathroom and flooring home improvement and remodeling products. Headquartered in Philadelphia, its large showroom (120,000 square feet) in Philadelphia offers samples, displays, and free 3D design services with the assistance of 12 full-time interior designers. AAA designs and imports its own proprietary product line, LessCare, which includes cabinetry, vanities, bath furnishings, plumbing supplies, flooring and fixtures. In addition to warehouse locations in Philadelphia, Surplus Building Materials in Dallas and The Ugly Duck Warehouse in Spokane, AAA Distributor has showrooms in the southeast and northeast U.S.Contact InformationBuse KayarMedia and Content Managerbuse.kayar@issuerdirect.com SOURCE: AAA DistributorView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 18:01:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 347 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 August event drew over 500 attendees in Huntington Beach, CaliforniaLADERA RANCH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / ALKEME, a Top 35 Insurance Brokerage, recently concluded its third annual ALKEME Week in Huntington Beach, California from August 21-23, 2024. The highlight of the week was the CarrierVerse event, which brought together over 75 carriers, 40 ALKEME agency partners, and more than 500 attendees.ALKEME Insurance Hosts Successful Third Annual ALKEME Week and CarrierVerse Event August event drew over 500 attendees in Huntington Beach, CaliforniaCarrierVerse was designed as a platform for ALKEME producers and partners to connect with carrier partners and learn about new products and offerings. The event facilitated valuable networking opportunities and knowledge sharing within the insurance industry."We're thrilled with the success of our third ALKEME Week and the tremendous turnout at CarrierVerse," said Nathan Morris, Chief Operating Officer at ALKEME. "This event has become an essential forum for industry professionals to collaborate and stay informed about the latest developments in insurance." ALKEME Insurance extends its gratitude to the event sponsors:Diamond Sponsor:AmwinsPlatinum Sponsors:BBSIFirst Insurance FundingRT SpecialtyGold Sponsors:Capital Premium FinancingLiberty MutualUFG InsuranceState Compensation Insurance FundAmTrust FinancialThe strong support from these industry leaders contributed significantly to the event's success and underscores the importance of CarrierVerse in the insurance community.ABOUT ALKEMEALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 47 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 40 locations in 19 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal one of the top 35 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #5 fastest growing broker. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an ever-changing insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information.Contact InformationJosh BenvenisteMarketingjbenveniste@ alkemeins.com SOURCE: ALKEME InsuranceView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 12:15:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 434 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The addition of Walsh Law, whose attorneys hold significant leadership roles in multiple mass tort actions nationwide, expands Anapol Weiss's national presence with offices now in Philadelphia, Scottsdale, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, and Minneapolis.PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Anapol Weiss, a 45-year-old personal injury and mass tort litigation firm headquartered in Philadelphia, has expanded its nationwide presence with the addition of award-winning trial attorney Alexandra Walsh and her Walsh Law team.Alex Walsh Law Joins Anapol Weiss (Left to Right) Patrick Huyett, Paige Boldt, Alex Walsh, William Smith, Holly Dolejsi"Alex and her team of extraordinary attorneys are leading, among other litigations, two of nation's most consequential mass tort actions: Social Media addiction and injury and Uber driver sexual assaults. Her addition expands our ever-growing depth and commitment to our causes," said Anapol Weiss managing shareholder Thomas Anapol.Walsh has a national reputation as a first-chair trial lawyer, earning accolades from the American College of Trial Lawyers, Law360, and New York Law Journal's Verdict Hall of Fame (for her billion-dollar jury award in a federal securities fraud action). A Stanford Law graduate, Walsh once clerked for current U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer."We are thrilled to join the powerful litigation team at Anapol, which for decades has fought with passion and integrity for all of its clients," said Walsh. "I am incredibly excited to be part of the firm's very bright future." The addition of Walsh Law is Anapol Weiss's third significant expansion in 2024, following the addition of Richard Golomb and former prosecutor Kristen Gibbons Feden. Feden successfully prosecuted Bill Cosby in 2018 and, in 2023, secured two verdicts totaling more than $32M in a single day. Anapol Weiss shareholder Kila Baldwin, who joined the firm in 2023, has won nearly $200M in jury awards for transvaginal mesh clients and in June 2024 teamed with firm shareholder Larry Coben to win a $20.7M product liability verdict for a badly burned motorcycle driver.About Anapol WeissAnapol Weiss, a majority-female-owned award-winning personal injury and mass tort law firm, is headquartered in Philadelphia and serves clients all over the United States. Over the years, the firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of people injured by defective drugs and medical devices, medical malpractice, auto accidents, toxic materials, product defects, and other complex personal injury matters. https://www.anapolweiss.com Contact InformationMichelle FishburneDirector of PR and Media Strategymichelle@ esquiredigital.com 919-247-0384Kila BaldwinShareholderkbaldwin@ anapolweiss.com 215-608-9645SOURCE: Anapol WeissView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 04:51:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 451 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 9, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilSeptember 30, 2024to 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.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of ABR and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-abr/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court bySeptember 30, 2024 .About the LawsuitArbor 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 Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 14:00:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 707 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 This acquisition creates the first fully integrated print and digital marketing ecosystem, setting a new standard for marketing effectiveness by amplifying precision, potency, and ROI through in-house collaboration.SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Artisan Colour, a leader in commercial printing and color management, today announced its acquisition of MarComm, a digital marketing agency known for its sophisticated cross-channel strategies and advanced integration techniques.Artisan Colour Artisan Colour Logo"This acquisition brings together two industry leaders with distinct, complementary specialties under one roof, creating a unique synergy that sets us apart from other print-digital partnerships," said Doug Bondon, CEO and Founder of Artisan Colour.Integrating MarComm's digital marketing team will dramatically expand Artisan Colour's capabilities, infusing the company with specialized knowledge in digital strategies and technologies."We're setting a new standard for marketing effectiveness by offering a first-of-its-kind marketing ecosystem where print and digital channels amplify each other to increase the precision, potency, and ROI of marketing efforts," said John Passante, Vice President and Founder of Artisan Colour.In-House Integration: The Key DifferentiatorUnlike other print and digital mergers, this acquisition's strength lies in the in-house integration of specialized services."Having our digital marketing team work side-by-side with Artisan's print and technology specialists allows for real-time collaboration and agile campaign development," explained Tyler Holliday, the former CEO of MarComm and new Vice President of Growth at Artisan Colour.Solving Fragmentation ChallengesThe key to effective integrated print and digital marketing requires a deep understanding of when, where, and how to use each medium. This means understanding the specific moments where print can amplify digital efforts and vice versa.However, businesses have had to juggle multiple vendors for their print and digital needs, often resulting in disjointed strategies, inconsistent branding, wasted resources, and lackluster results.Artisan Colour's acquisition of MarComm offers a solution to the challenge of fragmented print and digital marketing efforts by offering a level of marketing effectiveness and expertise that was previously unattainable."Our industry has long needed a solution to bridge the gap between print and digital marketing. While integrated print and digital strategies have been around for years-such as QR codes and variable data printing-their effectiveness requires strategic planning and digital marketing expertise that commercial printers have notoriously lack in-house," said Aaron Kilby, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Artisan Colour. "Businesses are no longer looking for separate print and digital marketing vendors. They actively seek a new breed of marketing partner who can offer seamlessly integrated print and digital strategies, ensure data is leveraged across channels, and optimize every touchpoint to drive better results. By joining forces with MarComm, Artisan Colour is now that partner." Specialized Service OfferingsThis acquisition allows Artisan Colour to provide businesses with a streamlined yet highly customizable menu of digital marketing services alongside the company's commercial printing, direct mail, marketing fulfillment, and color management services.Digital marketing strategy.CRM implementations and integrations.HubSpot ecosystem solutions.Web design and development.SEO and content marketing.Social media management.These services are further enhanced by Artisan Colour's expertise in color management, ensuring accurate, consistent, and true-to-life branding across all marketing channels."This is the future of marketing, and we're excited to lead the way alongside Artisan Colour," said Holliday.Trevor Underwood, Vice President of Digital Marketing at DECRA Metal Roofing, expressed his excitement about the acquisition as well. "DECRA has worked with both MarComm and Artisan Colour, and the results have been extraordinary. Artisan Colour pours the same level of craftsmanship, quality, and precision into print that MarComm pours into digital marketing. Now, with both partners under one roof? Our growth potential is limitless." About Artisan ColourFounded in 1998, Artisan Colour is a discerning color house and award-winning digital commercial printer located in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a team of dedicated professionals, Artisan Colour is committed to achieving incredible color accuracy and upholding core values of integrity, enthusiasm, excellence, professionalism, and respect.For more information about Artisan Colour and its expanded services, please visit artisancolour.com.Contact InformationMichelle BursonDirector of Marketingmichelle.burson@artisancolour.com (949) 887-3536Aaron KilbyVice President of Sales and Marketingaaron.kilby@artisancolour.com (480) 948-0009 SOURCE: Artisan ColourView the original press release on newswire.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The regular meeting of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan was held under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov on September 10, 2024, Trend reports. The minutes of the commission's meeting dated September 9, 2024 were first approved. Then, the appeals received by the Central Election Commission in connection with the extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani Parliament held on September 1, 2024, were considered. At the meeting, which was promptly covered by media representatives, detailed information about the appeals was first presented. It was emphasized that representatives of international observation missions, media representatives, and interested subjects were provided with all opportunities for close participation in the process of comprehensive, objective, and transparent study of the appeals and information received. To more effectively ensure the electoral rights of citizens, after a broad discussion by the members of the commission of the appeals submitted to the meeting within the terms and following the procedure stipulated by the legislation, appropriate decisions were made. The Central Election Commission also considered current issues at the meeting. 16:19 The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan is currently holding a meeting to address key matters related to the recent snap parliamentary election, Trend reports. The agenda items for the session include reviewing and approving the minutes from the September 9th CEC sessions. To recall, the snap parliamentary election was held in Azerbaijan on September 1. A total of 112,749 local observers were registered, including over 65,000 representatives of political parties. There were 598 international observers from 51 organizations and 69 countries. Among the 990 registered candidates, 305 represented 25 political parties, while 371 were party members but were not nominated by their parties. In total, 676 candidates were affiliated with political parties. PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 14:00:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 274 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Baylin Technologies Inc. (TSX:BYL) today announced that it will be presenting, and participating in 1x1 meetings, at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 in association with Small Cap Discoveries on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 3 P.M. (Local Time -PST). Chief Executive Officer, Leighton Carroll, will be hosting the presentation and answering questions at the conclusion.To access the live presentation, please use the following information:Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 in association with Small Cap DiscoveriesDate: Wednesday, September 25, 2024Time: 6PM Eastern Time (3PM Pacific Time)Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3056/51111 If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with Baylin Technologies, and attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024, please make sure you are registered here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup 1x1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver.The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2024 website is available here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations ("webcasts") will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda": https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda News Compliments of AccesswireFor further information contact:Investor Relations:Kelly Myles, Marketing and Communications DirectorBaylin Technologies Inc. . kelly.myles@baylintech.com About BaylinBaylin Technologies Inc. is a leading, diversified, global wireless technology company. Baylin focuses on research, design, development, manufacturing and sales of passive and active radio frequency products, satellite communications products, and supporting services. Baylin aspires to meet its customers' needs and anticipate the direction of the market. For further information, please visit www.baylintech.com SOURCE: Baylin Technologies Inc. via PlanetMicroCap LLC PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 16:02:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 534 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Sixth Phase of Legends South Master-Planned Community Receives Key Approval From the City's Plan CommissionCAMDEN, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /The Michaels Organization, a national leader in residential real estate, and its Evanston, Iillinois-based partner Brinshore Development, announced today that the sixth phase of its Legends South master-planned community is set to move forward after receiving a key approval from the Chicago Plan Commission. Located at 4520 S. State Street in Chicago's Grand Boulevard neighborhood, the development is the latest phase in the comprehensive revitalization of what was once the site of the Robert Taylor Homes public housing towers.Legends South Phase A3 Rendering of the Next Phase of Legends South, Courtesy LBBA and Brock Architecture"We are thrilled to be able to continue adding to the ongoing renaissance of this important neighborhood while bringing more high-quality affordable housing to Bronzeville," said Greg Olson, Regional Vice President of Development at The Michaels Organization. "We are grateful to this community, Alderwoman Pat Dowell, the Chicago Housing Authority, and the City for their continuing support." "The Bronzeville neighborhood, with its rich history, is an optimal location for new affordable housing opportunities," said Richard Sciortino, co-founder and principal at Brinshore Development. "We are excited to begin the next phase of Legends South and continue being an integral part of this community." Designed by LBBA and Brook Architecture, the new apartment community will offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, across two separate buildings. Additionally, the development will include 3,600 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and various community amenities.Complementing the apartment homes will be a small plaza at the intersection of State Street and 45th Street, designed to foster community gatherings and enhance the neighborhood's public space. The development also includes 47 parking spaces.The other phases of Legends South, which Brinshore-Michaels first began developing in 2005, include Mahalia Place, Hansberry Square, Savoy Square, Coleman Place, and Gwendolyn Place. Combined, these communities currently offer over 600 mixed-income rental units as well as green spaces and a variety of amenities.The $40 million project is being funded through a combination of Tax Credit equity, City of Chicago soft funds, private loans, Chicago Housing Authority loans, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).About The Michaels OrganizationMichaels is a national leader in residential real estate, offering full-service capabilities in development, property and asset management, construction, and investment. Serving more than 200,000 residents in more than 600 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Michaels is committed to crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and to creating Communities That Lift Lives.About Brinshore DevelopmentBrinshore Development, LLC is an experienced real estate development firm with 30 years of expertise based in Evanston, Illinois. As an industry leader, Brinshore excels at creating diverse teams to transform the most complex development challenges into well-designed and vibrant communities. Brinshore's current portfolio includes more than 10,000 affordable rental housing units valued at more than $1.3 billion in 15 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visitwww.brinshore.com Contact InformationLaura ZanerVice President, Michaels Corporate Marketinglzaner@ tmo.com 856-988-5983; 856-630-1540SOURCE: The Michaels OrganizationView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 17:35:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 661 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Firm honored for ongoing commitment to innovation in fintech and financial services communicationsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Caliber Corporate Advisers(Caliber), a leading marketing and communications agency for fintech and financial services, was recognized on the annual Fast Company Best Workplaces for Innovators list . Now in its sixth year, the Fast Company program honors organizations and businesses that demonstrate an inspiring commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels.Caliber was recognized on Fast Company's 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators: Communications and Public Relations list for its role as a technology-forward agency, fostering a culture of innovation among its employees and clients in the fintech, financial services, insurtech, proptech and real estate sectors."In an increasingly competitive agency landscape, Caliber remains committed to identifying and developing innovative ways to better serve both our client partners and our team members," saidGrace Keith Rodriguez , CEO of Caliber and member of the Fast Company Impact Council. "We understand that to truly provide value to all of our stakeholders, we must continue to push the boundaries of what a traditional marketing and communications agency looks like. We're honored to be recognized by Fast Company for our dedication to innovation, and are grateful to our team and client partners who have made this possible." From its technology-forward approach to research and reporting, to the development ofEvent Analyzerin partnership with The Financial Revolutionist as a platform to support clients in making data-driven decisions about their conference and event strategies, Caliber continues to prioritize innovation as a key differentiator and growth driver."Since our inception, innovation has been at the forefront of everything we do at Caliber," saidHarvey Hudes , founder and chief innovation officer. "Our goal has always been to imagine an enhanced agency experience. We continue to evolve by investing in workplace efficiency, helping our clients make more informed communications and marketing decisions, and deploying enhanced analytics to showcase the impact we make for our clients." To be considered for the 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list, companies from a variety of industries submitted an application and responded to questions about their current projects, investments, company-wide programs and workplace culture, among other things. Fast Company editors evaluated every application and conducted additional research to generate a score for each company. A separate judging panel then reviewed the top 125 companies to reach a consensus on the overall winners. Applications for specific categories were judged solely by Fast Company editors.To see the complete list, including standouts by category, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list Earlier this year, Caliber was recognized by the Financial Times as one of theFastest Growing Companies in the Americasfor a second consecutive year, in addition to ranking as one of O'DwyersTop Financial PR Agencies .About Fast CompanyFast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online atwww.fastcompany.com About CaliberCaliber is a leading marketing and communications firm exclusively focused on fintech and financial services, insurtech and insurance, proptech and real estate.Caliber provides best-in-class strategy and execution of messaging, public relations, content, social media and digital advertising to help clients tell their stories and achieve their business objectives.The firm serves a global client base with a fully remote team spread across the U.S. and Europe. As a people-first agency, the firm has an unparalleled commitment to culture and inclusion and has been honored as an Inc. Magazine Best Workplace. Caliber also has been recognized as a Financial Times Fastest Growing Company and a PRWeek ranked PR firm. To learn more about Caliber, including how to join our team, visitcalibercorporate.comand follow us onLinkedInandX .Media Contact:Ryan HallCaliber Corporate Advisersryan@ calibercorporateadvisers.com SOURCE: Caliber Corporate Advisers PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 07:03:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 986 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited ("Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group", the "Group" or the "Company"; SEHK stock code: 1929), the leading Chinese jeweller built on nearly a century of trust and innovation, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new concept store in Hong Kong.This revitalised retail presence and elevated customer experience marks a significant milestone for the Group as it continues to deliver on the multi-year brand transformation announced in April 2024.Celebrating Legacy, Delivering a Contemporary Retail ExperienceThe new concept store meticulously showcases Chinese culture and exquisite craftsmanship, paying homage to the values which are deeply rooted in Chow Tai Fook's brand. At the dawn of the brand's 95th anniversary, the new concept store is a celebration of Chinese history and design, while infusing modernity across the collections and overall customer experience.Located at 42-46 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong, the reimagined store delivers an evolved, end to end customer experience. Embracing a gallery-like aesthetic, the concept store showcases the jewellery collections as treasures, while allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in the contemporary allure of Chinese heritage and design."The new store opening in Hong Kong marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution and contemporising of the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery brand. We take immense pride in unveiling a space that epitomises modern elegance while embracing our rich heritage, a story that began in Guangzhou in 1929," said Ms. Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group."Through this new concept store, the launch of our five-storey Shanghai flagship store in 2025 and the reimagined retail spaces to follow, we are delivering on a commitment to bring Chinese culture and craftsmanship to the global customers. The new concept store masterfully translates our legacy into contemporary jewellery, inviting customers to immerse themselves in the intricate allure of our creations." Transformative Retail ExperienceThe new concept store, occupying 2,880 square feet of prime retail space on Queen's Road, Central - one of Hong Kong's most iconic and historically significant streets- is designed to provide an immersive retail journey.The store's interior, crafted in collaboration with renowned designer Ms. Sue Loughry, has a collection-based layout and prominently features the iconic Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red' as its signature colour. The colour palette reflects the brand's Chinese heritage and cultural significance of red in Chinese tradition.Sue brings over 30 years of experience in luxury retail design in Asia. Her career, deeply rooted in the world of luxury and retail architecture, is marked by a commitment to precision and creativity. Her deep expertise and unique vision have significantly shaped the luxury retail industry."Designing the store involved a complete brand reimagining, to invoke emotions of comfort and discovery in the customer," Sue said. "We removed physical barriers to create an alluring atmosphere, with dedicated associates offering a bespoke experience for customers." Distinctive wall features and graceful curves create a spacious and stylish atmosphere, while soft lighting and elegant wooden accents elevate the presentation of Chow Tai Fook's jewellery, inviting patrons to perceive the pieces as true works of art in a welcoming environment.Celebrate With UsThe Group cordially invites everyone to celebrate this milestone for Chow Tai Fook Jewellery. Discover and experience the future of jewellery at the concept store in Central.To enhance the celebratory experience, the Group is excited to launch an in-store exhibition from 10 to 24 September, showcasing selected artifacts that are steeped in history and reaffirming the Group's commitment to showcasing Chinese artistry and cultural heritage to the world.Details:Location: 42-46 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong KongOpening Hours: 10:15 - 19:00Photos / CaptionsThe new concept store prominently features the iconic Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red' as its signature colour.Distinctive wall features and graceful curves create a spacious and stylish atmosphere, while soft lighting and elegant wooden accents elevate the presentation of Chow Tai Fook's jewellery, inviting patrons to perceive the pieces as true works of art.Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group LimitedFounded in 1929, the Group's iconic brand "CHOW TAI FOOK" has become an emblem of tradition, celebrated for its bold designs and an unwavering attention to detail. Building upon a rich heritage and a foundation of trust, the Group is not only widely recognised for honouring traditions but also for fostering deep, meaningful connections with a diverse customer base through its products. The Group's long-standing commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has been integral to its success over time and has become synonymous with excellence, value and authenticity.As a leading Chinese jeweller, the Group believes in blending contemporary cutting-edge designs with traditional techniques to create jewellery that can be passed down from generation to generation. Every collection is thoughtfully conceived and crafted to reflect the stories of our customers, celebrating the special moments in their lives. Committed to growing alongside our customers, the Group embraces a spirit that aspires to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into the fabric of their lives.Offering a wide variety of products, services and channels, the Group's brand portfolio comprises the CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand with curated retail experiences, and other individual brands including HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, SOINLOVE and MONOLOGUE.The Group is committed to delivering sustainable long-term value creation for its stakeholders by enhancing the quality of earnings and driving higher value growth. With an extensive retail network of nearly 8,000 stores across China as well as multiple locations globally, and a growing e-commerce business, the Group is implementing targeted online-to-offline ("O2O") strategies to strengthen its competitiveness in today's omni-channel retail environment.Media Enquiries:Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group LimitedHaide NgAssociate Director, Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsTel: (852) 3115 4402Email: haideng@ chowtaifook.com Acky ChanSenior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsTel: (852) 3115 4403Email: ackychan@ chowtaifook.com SOURCE: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 20:01:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 384 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BOZEMAN, MT / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / CMG Home Loans, the retail division of well-capitalized privately held mortgage banking firm, CMG Financial, announced today the hire of Area Sales Manager, Corey McGuire. A skilled mortgage professional, McGuire has formidably grown purchase share in the Montana region, leading successful teams for over 35 years.Prior to joining CMG, McGuire spent over 12 years at Mortgage 1 Inc as a Senior Loan Officer/Business Development Specialist. He served homeowners in Montana and surrounding states, providing honesty, integrity, and transparency with white-glove customer service. McGuire's extensive experience in the mortgage industry equipped him with a deep understanding of diverse loan products and a keen ability to tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. His expertise in navigating complex transactions and commitment to fostering long-term relationships has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the communities he serves. McGuire comes highly endorsed in several areas of mortgage lending, including Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and Bond Loans."I'm excited for this opportunity and this next step up in my career," said McGuire. "I made this decision to benefit my realtors, homeowners, and potential recruits in the mortgage industry. CMG's company motto is: Every Customer. Every Time. No Exceptions. No Excuses!' That's exactly what I will continue to do and strive for." "We are thrilled to have Corey join the Mountain West Division of CMG as an Area Sales Manager," added Ryan Hatleli, Divisional Sales Manager, Great Plains/Mountain West. "His energy and passion for the mortgage industry will be an asset to CMG and the clients that he serves." About CMGCMG Mortgage, Inc. (NMLS #1820) is a well-capitalized mortgage bank founded in 1993. Founder and CEO, Christopher M. George, was Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2019. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels including retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. CMG is widely known through the mortgage banking and housing markets for responsible lending practices, industry and consumer advocacy, product innovation, and operational efficiency.Contact InformationAnnaugh MadsenSenior Copywriteramadsen@ cmgfi.com (667) 260-6360SOURCE: CMG Home LoansView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 15:30:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 491 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LEWISBURG, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Airiam, a leader in cyber risk management and resilience announced today that industry veteran Mike Gately has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Revenue. Leveraging his experience in this newly established role, Mike will oversee the development of sales strategies and revenue growth, leading Airiam to market and improving Airiam's sales processes and methodologies. With a career of over 25 years in the technology industry, he has a proven track record of driving significant growth by focusing on the cyber risk and resilience needs of clients.Mike Gately, Airiam's new Senior Vice President of Revenue Profile image of Mike Gately, Airiam's new Senior Vice President of RevenueAiriam delivers best-in-class cybersecurity and resilience solutions to mid-market and small businesses in need of cyber expertise and recovery. Airiam boasts over 20 years of experience and a unique combination of managed IT services, managed security services, managed resilience services, and incident response, all delivered with the goal of lowering risk and increasing resiliency for our customers. With offices in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Maryland, Airiam's commitment to customer service and responsiveness is the core differentiator from other service providers."We are thrilled Mike has joined the Airiam team," said Kuk Yi, Airiam's Chief Executive Officer. "His proven track record of driving growth and fostering strong customer relationships will further accelerate the advance our business. He brings with him a unique combination of leadership skills, strategic market insight, and deep industry expertise. As Airiam continues to expand its reach, Mike's leadership will not only drive our sales strategy, but his intense customer focus will enable us to tailor our services to meet the growing needs of the marketplace and further develop our competitive edge." Prior to joining Airiam, Mike spent 25 years in senior sales and delivery roles at several technology-focused and security companies. His time as the Vice President of Sales at CipherTechs/Cybermaxx, a leading tech-enabled security services provider, was marked by significant achievements in revenue growth, client acquisition, and team development.Mike added, "Airiam's commitment to customer service and innovation corresponds with my own objectives. I am excited to join Kuk and the entire Airiam team as we work together to grow the business by expanding our customer base and partnering more deeply with our current clients." For more about Airiam and its service offerings, visit www.airiam.com or email us at info@ airiam.com About Airiam:Airiam provides businesses with best-in-class managed IT, managed cybersecurity, managed resilience, and incident response solutions. With a mission to provide products and services that minimize cyber risk and maximize business productivity, our daily goal is to help businesses become cyber resilient. As featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and more, Airiam's services are scalable, agile, and robust to address the cyber risk and resilience needs of businesses.Contact InformationVivian LeeMarketing, Airiammedia@ airiam.com (240) 492-7756SOURCE: AiriamView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 17:07:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 313 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Dril-Quip, Inc. ("Dril-Quip" or "the Company") (NYSE:DRQ) 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. Dril-Quip filed a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC on July 8, 2024. The Company's filing disclosed it had "became aware of an error in the classification of certain inventory write-downs from 2021." The Company added, "after considering the recommendations of management and discussion with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm[,] the Audit Committee of our board of directors ("Audit Committee") concluded that the consolidated financial statements for the Affected Period should no longer be relied upon due to the error described above. Any previously issued or filed reports, press releases, earnings releases and investor presentations or other communications describing the Company's consolidated financial statements and other related financial information covering the Affected Period also should no longer be relied upon." 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.comOffice: 310-301-3335info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 14:01:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 736 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Elektros (OTC PINK:ELEK) ("Elektros" or "the Company"), an emerging leader in the electric mobility industry, announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) engaging Next Realm AI as lead project manager around renewable energy solutions for the data center industry. Next Realm AI will lead focus on strategic partnerships for renewable energy solutions around solar power and advanced battery storage, with Lithium from Elektros' mining operations to create a sustainable energy ecosystem for AI data centers.The global AI market is projected to reach $1,597.1 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 38.1% from 2022 to 2030 (Allied Market Research). This explosive growth is expected to drive a significant increase in energy consumption, with data centers potentially accounting for up to 13% of global electricity demand by 2030 (Nature).Next Realm AI will also help develop Elektros' advisory board and AI governance policies, gathering experts from renewable energy and AI fields.Tom Bustamante, Founder and CEO of Next Realm AI, stated, "With AI workloads driving unprecedented energy demands in data centers, we're leveraging Elektros' lithium resources to develop sustainable power solutions. Our focus is on advanced battery technologies and AI-driven power management systems to address both energy efficiency and computational performance. This collaboration aims to set a new standard for sustainable AI infrastructure, balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship." Data Center Power:Renewable sources like solar and wind, coupled with Elektros' lithium-based battery storage, can power AI data centers, reducing carbon footprint and costs.Energy Management:AI-driven smart grids utilizing Elektros' lithium storage can optimize renewable energy distribution, balancing load and enhancing overall system reliability for data centers.Edge Computing:Distributed renewable systems with efficient lithium batteries can support remote edge AI devices, enabling applications without relying on traditional grids.About Next Realm AINext Realm AI is a New York based innovation lab and consulting firm focused on commercial development of next generation technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, quantum computing. https://nextrealm.aiAbout Elektros, Inc.Elektros (OTC PINK:ELEK) is a vertically integrated sustainable energy company focused on lithium mining, electric vehicle charging, solar energy storage, and power supply for AI data centers. We are at the forefront of the clean energy transition, driving innovation in mobility and energy technologies to combat the global climate crisis and deliver transformative user experiences. www.elektros.energy Follow of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElektrosenergyCautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis release contains "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in demand for Elektros, Inc.'s products, the introduction of new products, the Company's ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company's liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, and other information that may be detailed from time to time in Elektros Inc.'s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Examples of such forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding future sales, costs, and market acceptance of products as well as regulatory actions at the State or Federal level. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Elektros Inc., please refer to the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov . Elektros, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.CONTACT: Elektros, Inc. IR and Media InquiriesEmail: ElektrosInc@ gmail.com SOURCE: Elektros, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 16:16:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 383 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Epique continues meteoric path as a rising force in the industryHOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Epique Realty is proud to announce its selection as a semi-finalist in the third-annual Exhibit Brokerage Brand Awards for 2024, hosted by Maxa Designs and T3 Sixty. From hundreds of submissions, the judges narrowed the list down to six companies in four regions across the US making Epique Realty one of twenty-four leading brokerage brands in America, further solidifying its position as a rising force in the industry.A panel of esteemed industry leaders and judges will now select the top three companies from each of the four regions, with the winners to be announced live at the T3 Tech Summit in New Orleans on September 30. This annual event serves as a hub for innovation and networking for MarTech leaders in residential real estate.Josh Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of Epique Realty, expressed his excitement: "To be recognized from hundreds of top brokerages across America is truly an honor. We are grateful to the judges and industry leaders for this distinction, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating with all of the honorees and attendees at the awards ceremony." "The third-annual Exhibit Awards and national competition showcases our dedication to inspiring, expanding, and enhancing storytelling and visual communications within the real estate industry, driving brokerage brands to unprecedented levels of success," said James Wong, Founder and CEO of Maxa Designs."At T3 Sixty, we are committed to fostering innovation and excellence across the real estate sector. Partnering in the Exhibit Brokerage Brand Awards allows us to recognize and celebrate those brokerages that are setting new standards in branding and design," said Travis Saxton, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at T3 Sixty.About Epique RealtyEpique Realty is more than just a brokerage; it's a movement. Epique is dedicated to empowering agents to thrive and succeed through incomparable technology, astonishing benefits, support, and resources. With its focus on inclusion, innovation, and integrity, Epique Realty is transforming the real estate landscape, one success story at a time.#BeEpique Contact InformationBarbara SimpsonPR & Communicationsbarbara@ epiquerealty.com (281) 773-7842Contact InformationBarbara SimpsonPR & Communicationsbarbara@ epiquerealty.com (281) 773-7842Related ImagesSOURCE: Epique Realty PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 20:33:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1031 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Galway Metals Inc. (TSXV:GWM)(OTCQB:GAYMF) (the "Company" or "Galway Metals"), is pleased to provide a corporate update for 2024. With the London P.M. Fix price of gold this year over 20% higher, now sitting over US$2,500 (just over CDN$3,400) on a per ounce basis, the Company remains focused on advancing its Canadian gold assets that include the flagship Clarence Stream gold project in New Brunswick ("Clarence Stream") and the past-producing Estrades zinc-copper-lead-gold-silver mine in northwestern Quebec ("Estrades") approximately 25 km east of the Casa Berardi gold mine operated by Hecla Mining Company. Projects like Clarence Stream and Estrades, located in excellent political jurisdictions, with good infrastructure supporting existing National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") estimated mineral resources, will garner the bulk of investor interest.Robert Hinchcliffe, President and CEO of Galway Metals stated, "With gold prices recently reaching multiple all-time highs, we look to continually improve the economics of our key projects as described below, through further mineral resource expansion and exploration drilling, updates to mineral resource estimates incorporating the results of additional drilling and higher metal prices and programs designed to improve project metallurgy and reduce costs. In addition, we continue to make personnel changes at both the project level and corporately at the management and Board level, in an effort to better prepare the Company to capitalize on these improved market conditions, while also providing robust news flow for investors." We are looking to make new gold discoveries at Clarence Stream and add high quality ounces to the existing NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate:On the back of raising $4.5 million earlier this year, we presently have two drill rills running at our flagship Clarence Stream gold project. In total, we have drilled 29 holes (mostly in the South Zone), aimed at adding high quality ounces to our existing NI 43-101 estimated mineral resource and an additional 15 exploration holes focused on the potential for a new discovery. Assay results for these 44 drillholes are pending. It is expected that the Company will add a third drilling rig over the next month or so.Updated the NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate at Estrades Using 38% Higher Gold Price and 13% Higher Zinc Price expected Early Q4 2024The Estrades project is a precious metal rich VMS deposit on the Casa Berardi trend, that is primarily a Au-Zn deposit, located 25 km east of the Casa Berardi gold mine operated by Hecla Mining Company. With the significant increase in the price of gold, the gold component of the overall estimated mineral resources has become much more important to the overall project economics. As a result, the Company has engaged SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. to update the NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate. The update will include 42,099 metres of drilling completed since the 2018 Technical Report supporting the current mineral resource estimate. It will also incorporate the results of metallurgical test work that is currently underway and be reflective of increases in metal prices.Metallurgical Testing Program Underway for the Estrades Project with results expected imminently:Galway Metals has selected Base Metal Laboratories to perform the Estrades metallurgical testing program, which will be designed and directed by Mr. Ken Roberts, Principal Metallurgist with KJRoberts Metallurgical Services. The key objectives of the program are to improve the recoveries of the payable metal units for Cu, Pb, Zn, Au and Ag as well as identifying opportunities for reducing the projected capital expenditures and operating costs for the Estrades Project.Metallurgical Testing Program Underway for the Clarence Stream Gold Project:Galway Metals has engaged Mr. Steve Haggarty, P. Eng., Managing Director of Haggarty Technical Services Corp, to advance the Clarence Stream process flowsheet definition, with an emphasis on gold recovery, using an integrated approach expanding on previously completed studies. The Company is also using McClelland Labs in Nevada to examine the metallurgical characteristics of composite samples from the North, South, and Southwest zones. The current metallurgical testing program follows work previously completed on the North and South zones.Clarence Stream Gold Project - Promotions In Recognition For Dedication and Excellence:Earlier this year, Galway Metals promoted Jesse Fisher to Project Manager and Rob Richard as Exploration Manager and head of exploration at the Clarence Stream gold project:Jesse Fisher has worked for Galway Metals for four years and has been promoted to Clarence Stream Project Manager, because of his excellent geological and management skills. Prior to joining the Company, Jesse worked as a Mine Geologist for Trevali Mining Corp. at the Caribou Mine, Exploration Geologist with Osisko Metals Inc. in the Bathurst Mining Camp, North American Nickel at the Maniitsoq Nickel Project, and with Crone Geophysics in North Africa and Greenland. Jesse is a Professional Geologist (P. Geo.) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick and obtained his Bachelor of Science at the University of New Brunswick.Robert Richard has worked for Galway Metals for five years and has been promoted to Exploration Manager at Clarence Stream. Rob has extensive mineral exploration and prospecting experience, which included working on gold and base metal projects in New Brunswick and Ontario, diamond projects in northern Saskatchewan, uranium deposits in Nunavut, and IOGC deposits in Nova Scotia. The majority of Rob's career has focused on managing exploration projects in New Brunswick, including the Nash Creek and Nepisiquit base metal deposits in the Bathurst Mining Camp. Mr. Richard obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of New Brunswick.Changes to the Board of Directors:In an effort to better support the advancement of Galway Metals and the Company's projects, the Company continues to re-assess the skills needed at the Board level and accordingly added the following directors:Mr. Peter Gula joined the Board of Galway Metals on February 15, 2024, having assisted management during the previous couple years on internal scoping studies for the Estrades Project. Mr. Gula brings a wealth of experience from all phases of the mining project life cycle, from preliminary economic assessment through to the commissioning of mines, and ultimately the management of operations. He has held key leadership roles in mine management, production, technical services, and project management. Mr. Gula's career includes a 30 BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The statements made by the Armenian Prime Minister during his speech at the Yerevan Dialogue forum on September 10 regarding both the draft peace agreement and the Trilateral Statement dated November 10, 2020, are a distortion of realities, the spokesperson for Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aykhan Hajizada said regarding the anti-Azerbaijani statements made by the Armenian Prime Minister during his speech at the forum, Trend reports. According to him, the Armenian officials' call to sign a draft peace agreement with the deletion of unagreed provisions, thus trying to postpone the solution of the existing problems in bilateral relations to the next stage, is unacceptable. We once again remind that no matter in what form the Armenian side intends to sign the peace agreement, the main condition for signing the real and sustainable peace agreement is ending the continuing territorial claim of Armenia against Azerbaijan that is enshrined within its multiple legal and political documents, first and foremost in the Constitution of Armenia that openly refers to the Declaration of Independence of Armenia calling for reunion of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. When it comes to claims that there are territorial claims against Armenia in the Constitutional Act of Azerbaijan, we reemphasize that an attempt to draw parallels and balance the Constitution of Azerbaijan and the Constitution of Armenia will not yield any results. Unlike the Constitution of Armenia, the Constitutional Act on State Independence of 1991 and the Declaration of Independence of 1918 referred to in the Constitution of Azerbaijan do not contain any territorial claims against Armenia. The reference by the Armenian side to the provision in the draft peace agreement that neither party may invoke its domestic legislation for not implementing its obligations under the peace agreement to support the statement that the territorial claim in its Constitution is harmless is null and void. We reiterate the well-known fact that no international agreement can have a superiority over the Constitution. As for the Prime Ministers statement that Azerbaijan and Armenia recognize each others territorial integrity within the framework of the Almaty declaration, we would like to remind the fact that the country represented by the Prime Minister grossly violated this obligation and occupied the territories of Azerbaijan. In the issue of opening up communications, the Prime Minister of Armenia once again misinterpreted the obligations they had undertaken. Paragraph 9 of the trilateral statement clearly states the obligations of Armenia and how to organize control over transport links. In general, as a country that, following the signing of the trilateral statement contrary to her obligations, continued its military activities in the territories of Azerbaijan and did not withdraw the Armenian armed forces from the territories of Azerbaijan until September 2023, Armenias claim about alleged obstruction of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, ethnic cleansing against local Armenians, and non-return of prisoners of war is a distortion of a reality. At the same time, the presentation of the migration of Armenian-origin population to Armenia and other countries after the 2023 anti-terror measures is another slander campaign. Regarding the return of prisoners of war, Azerbaijan does not have any obligation to release war criminals and representatives of the separatist junta regime. Adhering to the principle of humanism, Azerbaijan handed over each of the prisoners of war to Armenia. However, the mass arrests and persecution of prisoners of war by the Armenian state after they were returned by Azerbaijan caused special astonishment in the context of this states care for its citizens. We call on the Armenian side, which continues aggressive slanderous rhetoric against our country using various platforms, to stop delivering statements that harm the prospects of peace,'' he noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 14:01:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 580 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /GMV Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "GMV") (TSXV:GMV)(OTCQB:GMVMF) is pleased to announce that it has commenced drilling at its Daisy Creek lithium/uranium project in Lander County, Nevada. The Company has engaged Nevada-based Harris Exploration Drilling and Associates Inc. to commence its initial drill program at the Daisy Creek project. Harris Exploration has decades of successful drill exploration experience spanning across the Americas on all types of projects.Ian Klassen, President, remarked "We are pleased to be drill testing the Daisy Creek project and to be doing so with Harris Exploration, a highly reputable and experienced company that is very familiar with this type of geology". The Company's initial reverse circulation drill program will be approximately six holes from six different set ups totaling ~3500 feet. The program is designed to test the most prospective lithium targets as defined by the most recent geophysical, field work and historical information.Dr. D.R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geo., P.Eng. is the Q.P. for this release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical content of this release and has approved its content.About GMV Minerals Inc.GMV Minerals Inc. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing precious metal assets in Arizona. GMV, through its 100% owned subsidiary, has a 100% interest in a Mining Property Lease commonly referred to as the Mexican Hat Property, located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The project was initially explored by Placer Dome (USA) in the late 1980's to early 1990's. GMV is focused on developing the asset and realizing the full mineral potential of the property through near term gold production. The Company's NI 43-101 resource estimate (Inferred) is 36,733,000 tonnes grading 0.58 g/t gold at a 0.2 g/t cut-off, containing 688,000 ounces of gold. In 2023, GMV acquired a total of 165 lode claims covering 3,408 acres in Lander County, Nevada where it is exploring highly prospective claims for lithium.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS___Ian Klassen, PresidentFor further information please contact:GMV Minerals Inc.Ian KlassenTel: (604) 899-0106Email:Klassen@ gmvminerals.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: GMV Minerals, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 19:00:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 508 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The report suggests that workers could do more to take full advantage of these accounts.OAK BROOK, IL / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Inspira Financial, a leading provider of health, wealth, retirement, and benefits solutions, today released a first-of-its kind study that examines the behavior of individuals who own both a health savings account (HSA) and a limited purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA). The key finding shows that employees with both an HSA and an LPFSA contribute more to their HSAs compared to those who only have an HSA. But based on distribution activity, workers are not fully taking advantage of these accounts and their tax saving benefits.Inspira partnered with Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) to examine its databases of nearly 300,000 HSA and FSA account holders and to understand behaviors around the usage of HSAs and LPFSAs."There's a clear message here: HSAs and LPFSAs can help workers realize tax savings, stretch health care dollars further than they otherwise could, and be better prepared for health care in retirement - but only when they are used together strategically," said Michael Eldredge, HSA Product Manager at Inspira. "We see an opportunity for employers to better position their employees for short- and long-term health care spending and saving success by pairing an LPFSA with an HSA and putting an education plan in place so employees know how these benefits can work together." The study shows account holders who have both LPFSAs and HSAs are more actively engaged with their workplace benefits compared to those without LPFSAs. Regardless of the reason for their higher engagement, these workers are well-positioned to maximize tax savings.However, contributions do not tell the entire story. Approximately 30% of employees with access to both an LPFSA and an HSA do not withdraw any funds from their LPFSA. The lack of distributions is concerning, as it could mean that these accountholders aren't getting the full benefits of their company's LPFSA. The report further breaks down this trend while offering suggestions for employers to take action."One approach that organizations can take is to suggest that workers can avoid withdrawing money, for dental and vision expenses, from their HSAs by participating in their employer's LPFSA offering. Although employees with an HSA cannot also have a health care FSA, they can still open an LPFSA if it's available through their employer," Eldredge said.Read the full report###About Inspira FinancialInspira Financial provides health, wealth, retirement, and benefits solutions that strengthen and simplify the health and wealth journey. With more than 8 million clients holding over $62 billion in assets under custody, Inspira works with thousands of employers, plan sponsors, recordkeepers, TPAs, and other institutional partners - helping the people they care about plan, save, and invest for a brighter future. Inspira relentlessly pursues better outcomes for all with our automatic rollover services, health savings accounts, emergency savings funds, custody services, and more. Learn more at inspirafinancial.com Contact InformationCasey BurkePublic Relations Managercasey.burke@inspirafinancial.com SOURCE: Inspira FinancialView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 15:02:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 489 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Instawork honors businesses across the country offering flexible and supportive work environmentsSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Instawork, the leading flexible work platform that connects local workers with thousands of businesses, today announces the launch of its Best Places for Flexible Work awards. This first-of-its-kind awards series is designed to honor businesses that have excelled in offering outstanding economic opportunities for hourly workers.Instawork Awards 2024 Instawork logo with description of awards programThe hourly workforce is the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce, with more than 80 million hourly workers ensuring that almost every industry runs smoothly. The ability to choose when and how to work is particularly motivating for more than 75% of flexible workers who are the sole earners in their households.Each category of this new award series highlights a unique and important aspect of providing flexible and supportive work environments for hourly workers:The Best Place for Flexible WorkAwards recognize businesses that provide an outstanding work environment characterized by flexibility and support. These businesses have set themselves apart by fostering a culture where adaptability and worker satisfaction are paramount.The Economic Opportunity Awards acknowledge businesses that demonstrate a commitment to workers by providing ample and reliable work opportunities.The Hiring Heroes Award celebrates businesses that are dedicated to supporting workers who have served our country by providing regular and meaningful work opportunities to active, reserve, or veteran military members.To see a full list of award recipients and for more information about the awards series, please visit: https://www.instawork.com/Partner-Awards "We believe that businesses investing in the hourly workforce are the backbone of a thriving economy," said Kira Caban, Head of Strategic Communications at Instawork. "This new awards series is not just about recognition; it's about celebrating the significant contributions and innovative practices of businesses across the country. By shining a spotlight on these exemplary businesses, we hope to inspire others to prioritize flexibility and worker satisfaction, ultimately raising the standard for hourly work environments across the country." This new awards series kicks off during National Staffing Employee Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of temporary and contract workers across the nation. This provides a unique opportunity to recognize these workers who ensure businesses and industries across the country continue to thrive.About InstaworkFounded in 2016, Instawork is the leading flexible work app for local, hourly professionals. Its digital marketplace connects thousands of businesses and more than six million workers, filling a critical role in local economies. Instawork has been featured on CBS News, the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CNN, and more. Instawork helps businesses in the food & beverage, hospitality, and warehouse/logistics industries fill temporary and permanent job opportunities in more than 50 markets across the U.S. and Canada. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.Contact Information:Kira CabanHead of Strategic Communicationspress@ instawork.com SOURCE: InstaworkView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 11:00:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1043 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to report the completion of its program of mapping, sampling, and IP surveys at the consolidated HWY 37 and LGM projects in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia.HighlightsIP surveys were completed at the Mary-ME porphyry, and Hank-Williams porphyry-epithermal areas totalling 14.14 line km.Mapping was completed at the Mary, ME, Hank, Williams, Rainbow, Ridge, Goat and Grizzly targets in addition to several unnamed areas of interest.The addition of porphyry-epithermal expert Dr. Stephanie Sykora to the technical advisory board.Historical drill core from the Mary, Rainbow, Hank, and Williams zones was reviewed.The planned ZTEM survey was delayed due to equipment issues and weather delays at other projects and is expected to begin at the HWY 37 project this week.Machine learning with VRIFY AI is currently underway and results will be released once 2024 data is integrated into the exploration model.The BC Geological Survey spent a week on site as part of a porphyry research initiative that will include future age dates.Dustin Perry, CEO states "After spending a week on site this year visiting all of the porphyry-epithermal centers on the project, I am even more encouraged by the tremendous discovery potential of this large land position in the prolific Golden Triangle, Additionally, after working with Stephanie the last two field seasons we are thrilled to have her join our advisory board. Her wealth of global experience in copper-gold systems will be a significant asset as we advance our projects in the Golden Triangle." Dr. Stephanie Sykora, states "After two field seasons working with Kingfisher on their HWY 37 project, I am encouraged to see the potential in their large land package, which shows various styles of mineralization in prospective terrain that hasn't yet been fully explored. It is exciting to be part of the progress with a dynamic, young team that is discovery driven." Dr. Stephanie Sykora is a seasoned exploration geologist with over a decade of global experience working with major and junior companies. She has a PhD degree in Geology from the University of Tasmania (CODES), Australia where she studied the giant Lihir (Ladolam) alkalic epithermal gold deposit in Papua New Guinea, under supervision of Professor David Cooke and Dr. David Selley.Dr. Sykora currently works as an independent consultant, and via OreQuest Consultants Ltd., with various companies in Canada, USA, Mexico and worldwide. She has held positions at First Quantum Minerals in South America, Australia, and globally for generative porphyry copper exploration, and at Teck Resources in BC, Canada in porphyry exploration at Highland Valley Copper. Her expertise includes field mapping, technical evaluations, project generation, structural geology, and porphyry-epithermal systems. Dr Sykora has published several articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as various scientific communications for earth sciences.HWY 37 Project and LGM Project SummaryThe contiguous HWY 37 and LGM projects cover 630 km2 within the prolific Golden Triangle and are host to porphyry, epithermal, and VMS mineralization spanning from the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic.The Grizzly Cu-Au porphyry system is inferred to be the oldest at the project (Late Triassic). Previous workers identified pseudoleucite-bearing volcanic host rocks, a unique rock type also present at the world class, alkalic Galore Creek deposit (Teck/Newmont) located 50 km to the west. Historical trenching at Grizzly returned 0.74% Cu and 1.09 g/t Au over 38 m.Texas Creek intrusions (Early Jurassic) are the most widespread at the projects with a span over 25 km in a NE to SW trend with widespread geochemical anomalies and alteration. Mary, Williams, Rainbow, and Hank alteration systems are all related to these intrusions which also drive mineralization at the Sulphurets District (KSM, Treaty Creek, and Brucejack) and the Snip-Iskut District. The Company notes that mineralization on nearby projects or metal districts is not indicative of mineralization on the HWY 37 or LGM Projects.Figure 1: Regional Overview Map - HWY 37 and LGM Projects 2024 Exploration ProgramThe 2024 field program was designed to refine drill targets across the HWY 37 and LGM projects. A focus was placed on new interpretations of the controls on mineralization across a broad area through detailed geological mapping by Dr. Stephanie Sykora. A total of 214 rock samples were taken by Kingfisher geologists, 296 geological field stations collected, and 14.14 line km of IP surveys were surveyed over 4 lines (Figure 2).The BC Geological Survey spent 7 days studying intrusions across the project area as part of a regional porphyry research initiative. Results from the 2024 exploration program will be released once they are received and interpreted.The ZTEM survey which was planned for earlier in the summer has been delayed due to equipment and weather issues at other nearby projects. Despite this, the survey is planned to begin this week.Figure 2: 2024 Exploration Program Hank-Williams TrendMapping at the Hank-Williams Trend focused on improving the understanding of the structural controls to mineralization in areas prospective for drilling. Surface mapping also identified an expanded extent of hydrothermal alteration of roughly 6 x 6 km of quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP).Two IP lines were completed to extend coverage to the south and north of historical surveys. The southwestern line (3.2 km) is designed to test below an area concealed by young (post-gold) rocks and to characterize the Rojo Grande target. The northeastern line (5.7 km) spans the known Williams porphyry deposit, across the Hank epithermal deposit, and southeast past the limit of historical drilling for over 2.5 km. This line is designed to outline porphyry targets below the known Hank epithermal system, to generate a fingerprint of the Williams deposit on the same line.Figure 3: The Hank Deposit within the Hank-Williams Trend Mary TrendOne 3.2 km IP line is designed to outline the trend of mineralization at an optimal azimuth not completed on previous surveys and provide information to drill target the Mary Root Zone and the deeper extents of the Mary deposit. The line will also include the DM porphyry to the northeast, which returned 0.28 g/t Au and 0.21% Cu over 223.3 m from 16 m depth (BC-06-03) and the Cliff porphyry to the southwest, which was drill tested with two holes in 2023 with the best intercept returning 0.11% Cu over 114 m (M-23-001).Mapping and sampling in the area outlined a ~600 m-long zone of stockwork and sheeted veins th PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 10:30:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 449 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAKE WORTH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Luxury senior living has a new name in Palm Beach County, Florida, now that The Arbor Company has added another Florida senior living community to the Arbor family - The Arbor at Lake Worth.The Arbor at Lake Worth Formerly known as Mariposa, the community is located at 9130 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL.The Arbor Company has more than 35 years of luxury senior living management experience and has assumed management of the community, which will continue to offer independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments."This community already has a great reputation in the Palm Beach County area. Our Arbor team is excited to continue to build upon that strong foundation," said Judd Harper, president of The Arbor Company. "We look forward to welcoming the residents and staff into the Arbor family and continuing to provide them with the best possible care and support." The Arbor at Lake Worth joins eight Florida communities already managed by The Arbor Company. The Arbor at Delray, an Arbor community which opened last year, has quickly built a reputation as the premier senior living community in the Delray area. The Arbor at Lake Worth is now poised to bring that same level of service and care to seniors searching for senior living in the more northern parts of Palm Beach County.The Arbor Company's approach is to provide residents with a balance of engagement and support in comfortable and inviting community environments. Certified as a Great Place to Work, Arbor also focuses on supporting the professionals who work in the community, including growth opportunities and market-leading pay and benefits, such as tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance.The community's amenities include Spanish-style architecture, sunny terraces, fountains, and outdoor living spaces, a salon, library, theater, pool, and auditorium, as well as a gym with the capability to provide on-site therapy and rehabilitation for residents.In addition to tasty and beautiful chef-prepared meals, residents at The Arbor will experience an award-winning dining program focused on engagement and creating meaningful moments. Additional services and amenities such as regular housekeeping, personal linen, laundry, and concierge services will be offered. Scheduled transportation services are also available for off-site activities and appointments."We're excited to get started," said Judy Rotenberg, Executive Director of The Arbor at Lake Worth. "Our team is dedicated to creating a vibrant community where seniors can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle." Additional information about The Arbor at Lake Worth is available at ArborLakeWorth.com or by calling 561-898-9801.Contact InformationChris Harpermedia@ arborcompany.com 678-725-1955SOURCE: The Arbor CompanyView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 14:01:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 512 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Industry veteran to bring world-class customer success, support and industry expertise to serve company's rapidly growing customer baseNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Optimal Dynamics, the pioneer in artificial decision intelligence for trucking companies, is proud to announce the appointment of Ron Lazo as Chief Customer Officer. Lazo, an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics software sector, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of driving customer success and operational transformation.Ron Lazo Chief Customer Officer at Optimal DynamicsThroughout his career, Lazo has led and delivered large-scale technology programs to assist companies with accelerating digital transformation, significantly improving process efficiency, strategy execution, profitability and overall satisfaction for customers. Lazo's expertise spans multiple facets of the logistics and transportation sectors, including transportation management and procurement, carrier management, fleet optimization, warehouse management, and supply chain visibility. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Professional Services at Manhattan Associates for over 20 years, where he spearheaded professional services engagements and operational improvements for top-tier organizations.In his new role as Chief Customer Officer at Optimal Dynamics, Lazo will focus on driving value and success across the company's rapidly expanding customer base. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the entire customer lifecycle- from implementation to ongoing support- and ensuring customers achieve optimal results from the Optimal Dynamics platform. Lazo will lead Optimal Dynamics customer-facing functions, including Professional Services, Implementation, Customer Success, and Product Support teams."I'm thrilled to join Optimal Dynamics, the clear industry leader in decision automation, at such a pivotal time," said Lazo. "The company's cutting-edge technology and innovative approach present an incredible opportunity to drive even greater value for our customers. I'm eager to further customer success by fueling organizational transformations and unlocking new levels of efficiency via automation." Daniel Powell, CEO and Co-founder of Optimal Dynamics, emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to transforming the logistics industry and delivering a best-in-class customer experience. "Ron's leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale the business and build upon our stellar track record of innovation and customer success," Powell added. "His deep industry knowledge and customer-focused approach will help ensure that our clients get maximum value from our platform." Attendees of the McLeod User Conference, taking place September 22-24 in Charlotte, NC, can meet Lazo at the Optimal Dynamics booth (#307) to learn more about how the company is driving transformation in the logistics industry.About Optimal Dynamics Optimal Dynamics is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art decision intelligence solutions to the transportation industry. The byproduct of 40 years of R&D at Princeton University, the company leverages its proprietary decision intelligence engine to deliver a comprehensive operating system to automate and optimize strategic and operational decisions for truckload operators. Optimal Dynamics is headquartered in New York City and is backed by marquee investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, The Westly Group and Activate Capital. Learn more at www.optimaldynamics.com Contact Information Erica FrankVP of Marketingefrank@ optimaldynamics.com 917-382-4431SOURCE: Optimal DynamicsView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 08:03:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1062 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Negotiations on Share Purchase Agreement ("SPA") and ancillary documents successfully concludedSPA has been signed, subject to customary closing conditions and approval of the TSXVCompany will reassume 100% ownership of its flagship Anza Gold Project in Colombia with no upfront paymentsOrosur will become operator of the Anza Gold ProjectLONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or the "Company") (TSXV:OMI)(AIM:OMI) is pleased to announce that further to its news release of March 25, 2024, negotiations of the terms of a definitive binding SPA and ancillary documentation have been successfully completed. The SPA has now been duly executed and, on the closing of the transaction, the Company will have 100% ownership of the Company's flagship Anza Gold Project ("Anza Project") in Colombia. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and the approval of the TSXV.About the Anza ProjectAnza is a gold exploration project, comprising granted exploration licences and applications for exploration licences in the prolific Mid-Cauca belt of Colombia.The Anza Project has been the subject of an Exploration Agreement with Venture Option ("Exploration Agreement") with Minera Monte Aguila S.A.S. ("MMA"). MMA is itself a 50/50 joint venture between Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico"). MMA is the current operator of the Anza Project.The Anza Project is located 50km west of Medellin and is easily accessible by all-weather roads and boasts excellent infrastructure including water, power, communications as well as a large exploration camp.Since the Company acquired the Anza Project in December 2014, almost 48,000m of drilling has been undertaken, mostly on the central APTA prospect where a high-grade body of gold mineralisation had been discovered. The most recent drilling activities were at Pepas in the north of the Anza Project areas where three holes returned excellent results, the best being 150.9m @ 3g/t Au from surface (hole PEP001, announced on September 6, 2022). On reassuming operatorship of the Anza Project, the Company's initial focus will be on the Pepas discovery.The Company has been on site for some time with its technical staff having established a base at Pepas in order to commence necessary socialisation programs, permitting and logistical planning. This will allow the Company to expeditiously ramp up its exploration activities.Terms of the AcquisitionUnder the SPA, Orosur's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Waymar Resources Ltd., will purchase all of the issued shares of MMA from wholly owned subsidiaries of Newmont and Agnico resulting in Orosur regaining 100% ownership of the Project (the "Acquisition"). No cash is payable up front, with all consideration deferred and wholly contingent upon commercial production from the Anza Project.The agreed consideration is the NSR Royalties (as defined below) in an aggregate amount of 1.5% on all future mineral production, plus the Fixed Royalties (as defined below) of an aggregate amount of US$75 per ounce of gold or gold equivalent ounce for the first 200,000 gold equivalent ounces of mineral production (the "Fixed Royalties").Completion of the Acquisition is subject to customary conditions including the approval of the TSXV. Further details on the Terms of the Acquisition are set out below.Related Party TransactionAs a substantial shareholder in Orosur, Newmont is considered to be a related party of the Company (as defined in the AIM Rules for Companies) and, accordingly, the Acquisition constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to AIM Rule 13. The board of directors of Orosur, having consulted with SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP, the Company's Nominated Adviser, considers that the terms of the Acquisition are fair and reasonable insofar as the Company's shareholders are concerned.Newmont owns 14.2% of the outstanding common shares of Orosur and owns 50% of the shares of MMA and accordingly the Acquisition constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and Policy 5.9 of the TSXV Corporate Finance Manual. An exemption from the requirements for a formal valuation of the transaction under MI 61-101 is available pursuant to Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 because the Company's common shares trade solely on the TSXV. Orosur intends to rely on an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of each of (i) the NSR Royalties and the Fixed Royalties, and (ii) the shares of MMA, do not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, subject to acceptance of the use of this exemption by the TSXV.In evaluating and approving the SPA and the Acquisition, the board of directors of the Company considered and relied upon a number of factors, including the following: (i) the opportunity for no cash payment on closing to acquire MMA's 51% earned interest in the Anza Project, (ii) the opportunity to effectively accelerate MMA's dilution of its 51% earned interest in the Anza Project without requiring the significant expenditure on the Anza Property by Orosur that would have been required under the joint venture agreement, (iii) that the Acquisition includes a number of new applications for licences thereby increasing the potential landholdings held by the Company, (iv) the fairness of the Acquisition to the shareholders of Orosur, (v) the fact that the consideration to indirectly acquire MMA's interest will only be payable if and when the Anza Project reaches commercial production, (vi) the ability to buy back a portion of the NSR Royalties and the right of first refusal in favour of Minera Anza should Newmont and Agnico seek to sell their NSR Royalties to a third party, and (vii) the ability to resume operatorship of the Anza Project as a 100% owner and the ability to seek potential partners for part or all of the Anza Project. The board of directors of the Company was unanimous in its approval of the SPA and the AcquisitionThe purpose of the Acquisition is to acquire 100% of the Anza Project through the indirect acquisition of MMA's 51% earned interest with no cash payment at closing and to reassume operatorship of the Anza Project.Orosur CEO Brad George commented:"We are thrilled to be finally getting Anza back - an exciting project at an exciting time in the precious metals space. In anticipation of successful completion, we had PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 20:40:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 350 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Prismo Metals Inc. ("Prismo" or the "Company") (CSE:PRIZ)(OTCQB:PMOMF) announces that, pursuant to the Company's long-term incentive plan, it has granted a total of 1,275,000 stock options (the "Options") to certain directors and officers of the Company and 200,000 Options to certain consultants of the Company. The Options are each exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") at an exercise price of $0.205 for a period of five years. The Options will vest over one year, with one-third of the Options vesting every three months.The Company has also issued an aggregate of 525,000 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to certain directors and officers of the Company. Each RSU entitles the holder to be issued one Common Share on vesting. The RSUs will vest over one year, with one-third of the Options vesting every three months.The Company has further granted an aggregate of 275,000 stock appreciation rights (the "SARs") to certain directors and officers of the Company. Subject to vesting, each SAR entitles the holder to receive the number of Common Shares of the Company equal to the difference between $0.205 and the closing market price of the Common Shares on the settlement date, for a period of five years from the date of grant.About Prismo Metals Inc.Prismo (CSE:PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia).Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTubePrismo Metals Inc.1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6Contact:Alain Lambert, Chief Executive OfficerSteve Robertson, President steve.robertson@prismometals.com Jason Frame, Manager of Communications jason.frame@prismometals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Prismo Metals Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 09:00:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 755 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Strategic partnership seamlessly combines Tumelo's pass-through voting technology with Proxymity's digital voting platform and global reachLONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Proxymity, the leading digital investor communication platform, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Tumelo, global specialists in pass-through voting. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in Proxymity's mission to enhance shareholder communications, enabling better corporate governance and increased engagement between corporates and investors.Proxymity Logo Proxymity LogoThe collaboration will leverage Proxymity's award-winning, cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled transparency, efficiency, and accuracy to the proxy voting process. Proxymity's platform, trusted by the world's largest financial institutions and over 80% of the FTSE 100, offers real-time digital connectivity, ensuring unmatched accuracy and transparency in investor communications globally.By integrating Tumelo's powerful pass-through-voting infrastructure, Proxymity will enable institutional and retail investors in pooled funds to directly vote their shares, offering an enhanced level of engagement and influence in corporate governance. Tumelo, known for its innovative and scalable voting technology, has been a trusted name in the field since 2018, providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each investor.This partnership will bring together Proxymity's innovations in proxy distribution, vote execution and confirmation. Together with Tumelo's state-of-the-art voting capabilities, the partnership offers an interoperable connectivity that benefits asset managers and asset owners without adding any additional operational complexities. This integration will provide Proxymity's clients with the ability to leverage Tumelo's scalable voting technology, ensuring more inclusive and transparent shareholder participation.Dean Little, Co-Founder and CEO, Proxymity, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Tumelo to allow investors to benefit from the combination of Tumelo's pass-through voting technology with Proxymity's proven proxy voting capabilities. This collaboration underscores our commitment to transform shareholder communications for the benefit of the entire ecosystem. Together, we are setting a new standard for transparency and efficiency in the industry." Georgia Stewart, CEO, Tumelo, added: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Proxymity, enabling investors to customise voting and ensure their voices are consistently represented across their portfolios. With Proxymity providing the infrastructure and Tumelo the customisation, this partnership shows the immense potential for leaders in stewardship to harness new voting technology for better outcomes." This partnership will be available across Proxymity and Tumelo's clients, including Proxymity's work with leading global custodians, including Citi Bank, BNY Mellon, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan and State Street.This partnership not only provides Proxymity with a competitive edge over other operators in the space but also reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the field of shareholder communications.ENDSNotes to EditorsFor more information, please contact:Sapience Communications: Richard Morgan Evans / Alice Lim / Ase Anifowose0203 327 8422 | proxymity@ sapiencecomms.co.uk About Proxymity:Adopted by 83% of FTSE 100 companies, Proxymity connects the world's ecosystem of issuers, intermediaries, and investors digitally in real-time, bringing unprecedented transparency, efficiency, and accuracy to traditional paper-based processes. Trusted by the world's largest financial institutions, Proxymity's ground-breaking technology has also been recognised industry-wide, with recent awards including GC Magazine's "FinTech of the Year 2024" and "FinTech of the Year (Asia) 2023" FSTech's "Most Disruptive Technology in FinTech".Our solutions give public companies confidence that their AGM/EGM agendas are transmitted as "golden source" and provide institutional investors with the time to research and vote on corporate decisions, as well as actual digital confirmation that their votes have been received. The digital-native platform, built on highly scalable technology, provides full compliance with the latest regulations such as the Shareholder Rights Directive (SRD II).Proxymity promotes enhanced environmental, social, and governance (ESG) by improving communication between issuers and investors while making it easier for intermediaries to provide efficient, timely and compliant client service.The company is backed by a global consortium of the industry's most influential financial institutions, representing seven of the world's top 10 Global Custodians managing over $200 trillion in assets under custody (BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, Citi, Computershare, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Borse, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Mediant, State Street).For more information, visit www.proxymity.io About Tumelo:Tumelo is a global specialist in pass-through voting, providing innovative solutions that enable institutional and retail investors in pooled funds to vote their shares. Since 2018, Tumelo has been at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art voting products that adapt to each investor's unique needs, trusted by major financial institutions worldwide. Tumelo recently completed its Series A funding round, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.Contact InformationAlice LimPR Teamalim@ sapiencecomms.co.uk +442033278422SOURCE: Proxymity LimitedView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 09:00:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 539 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATIONRECOMMENDED ACQUISITION OF CENTAMIN PLC BY ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI PLCPERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Summary and highlightsThe Boards of AngloGold Ashanti and Centamin are pleased to announce that they have agreed the terms of a recommended acquisition of Centamin (the "Transaction"). Centamin is an established gold producer, whose flagship Tier 1 asset is the Sukari gold mine ("Sukari"), which is Egypt's largest and first modern gold mine, as well as one of the world's largest producing mines. Since production began in 2009, Sukari has produced over 5.9 million ounces of gold.Under the terms of the Transaction, Centamin Shareholders will be entitled to receive:for each Centamin Share:0.06983 New AngloGold Ashanti Shares; and$0.125 in cashThe terms of the Transaction value each Centamin Share at 163 pence based on the Closing Price of US$28.80 per AngloGold Ashanti Share and a :US$ exchange rate of 1:US$1.3080 on 9 September 2024 (being the last Business Day before the date of this Announcement) (the "Offer Value").This represents a premium of approximately:36.7 per cent. to the Closing Price of 120 pence per Centamin Share on 9 September 2024 (being the last Business Day before this Announcement); and37.6 per cent. to the 30-day volume-weighted average Centamin share price as of 9 September 2024, based on the 30-day volume-weighted average share price of AngloGold Ashanti as at the same date. This date represents the last Business Day before this Announcement.The Offer Value implies Centamin's entire issued and to be issued share capital is valued at approximately 1.9 billion or US$2.5 billion.In addition, eligible Centamin Shareholders will be entitled to receive and retain the interim dividend of US$0.0225 per Centamin share in respect of the six-month period ended 30 June 2024 (the "Centamin Interim Dividend"), scheduled to be paid on 27 September 2024, as declared in the Centamin HY24 Results announced on 25 July 2024.Immediately following Completion, it is expected that AngloGold Ashanti Shareholders will own approximately 83.6 per cent., and Centamin Shareholders will own approximately 16.4 per cent., of AngloGold Ashanti's enlarged issued share capital, with Centamin Shareholders benefiting from up-front cash returns, alongside upside exposure to the sector through ongoing participation in a larger and more diversified combined group with an enhanced capital markets profile and greater trading liquidity.AngloGold Ashanti has received from the Centamin Directors irrevocable undertakings to vote in favour of the Scheme and the Centamin Resolutions in respect of a total of 2,184,515 Centamin Shares in aggregate, representing 0.188 per cent. of Centamin's total issued share capital.Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the full announcement text:This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Centamin PLC BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad continues to keep the ball rolling in Baku, igniting lively discussions and fruitful exchanges, Trend reports. The second day of the forum will feature discussions on topics including: "The Development of Data Science as a Priority in Azerbaijan," "The Role of Mathematical Models in Predicting and Assessing Human Impact," "Echoes of the Azerbaijani Newspaper Published from Nineteen-Eighteen to Nineteen-Twenty," "Modern Approaches to Azerbaijan-Turkiye Scientific and Educational Collaboration," "Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis in Arab Sources," "Features and Prospects of Scientific Cooperation Between Azerbaijan and Russia," and "The Activities of DAAB in Virtual Space." The event will also be a melting pot of ideas, where participants, grouped by scientific disciplines, will put their heads together to come up with game-changing strategies for DAAB. These plans will be built upon the priorities identified in previous sessions and the issues tackled in reports by higher education leaders. Organized by the Association of Azerbaijani Scientists Worldwide with support from the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, the forum is set to conclude on September 11. More than 80 Azerbaijani scientists from all corners of the globe are taking part in the forum, with a grand total of approximately 200 scientific heavyweights in the mix. As part of the forum, participants will hit the road and pay a visit to the cities of Shusha and Khankendi, with the goal of putting their know-how and expertise to good use in the reconstruction of the liberated territories and getting into deep discussions with the faculty of Karabakh University. The forum brings together Azerbaijani experts from different nations, helps them meet local researchers, and promotes information and experience sharing. Will be updated PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 19:00:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 767 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /Spare, the leading provider of mobility operations software, today announced the successful completion of its Series B funding round, raising $42 million CAD. The funding round was led by Inovia Capital, a longtime partner and lead investor from Spare's Series A. Other previous investors, including Kensington Capital and Nicola Wealth, also participated.Spare Founders Josh Andrews, Kristoffer Vik Hansen & Alexey Indeev Photo of Spare founders Josh Andrews, Kristoffer Vik Hansen and Alexey Indeev (L-R)This new funding will enable Spare to meet the growing demand for innovative transit solutions, particularly in the paratransit sector. As the population ages, the need for efficient, flexible, and responsive transportation services has never been more critical. Spare's solutions are designed to offer this flexibility and efficiency. The capital will be used to expand Spare's global reach, allowing more agencies to serve their riders better while accelerating the development of its AI-driven platform."We're incredibly grateful for Inovia's continued support as our lead investor since day one; their guidance has been instrumental in our growth and success," said Spare CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen. "We're also grateful for the ongoing commitment from Kensington Capital and other strategic investors who have helped push the industry forward. This capital allows us to serve more riders, providing the paratransit community with the great consumer experience they deserve. By harnessing advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, we will further improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for transit agencies, ultimately enhancing the rider experience, especially for the most vulnerable in our society." "This funding round will accelerate Spare's mission to make transit more accessible by enabling the freedom of mobility," said Hugues Lalancette, Partner at Inovia Capital. "We continue to be impressed with their world-class product and momentum they've built with partners and are confident that this significant investment will help them continue to develop AI-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of transit agencies." Spare has recently announced significant partnerships with transit agencies, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in the Bay Area, and GoDurham ACCESS in North Carolina. These agencies use the Spare Platform to power their demand response services, whether ADA-paratransit or microtransit. Spare operates in eight of the 10 largest cities in the United States.One of the pioneering projects in the paratransit sector has been with CapMetro Access in Austin, Texas, where Spare helped modernize and transform its paratransit services from a decades-old legacy system. This collaboration has set a benchmark for similar services across the country, demonstrating the potential of technology to enhance transit accessibility."Spare has been instrumental in helping CapMetro Access transform our paratransit service, making it more efficient and responsive to our community's needs," said Art Jackson, VP of Demand Response at CapMetro. "Their innovative platform and dedicated support have allowed us to offer a more equitable transit solution, paving the way for future enhancements and expansions." With a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, Spare is the leading provider of demand response transit software. It empowers transit agencies worldwide to deliver efficient, flexible, and responsive transportation services. Focusing on innovation and customer success, Spare's AI-driven platform is transforming the way cities move."As early supporters from the Series A round, we've seen Spare evolve from a promising startup to a key player in the transit space," said Dylan Freeze, Director at Kensington Capital. With this new funding, we're eager to see Spare drive further innovation and empower more transit agencies to deliver flexible, efficient, and modern services." ##About SpareSpare specializes in providing transit agencies with the technology to modernize ADA-paratransit systems and launch microtransit services. The company focuses on enhancing transportation access for underserved communities, offering a comprehensive suite of software tools tailored to meet each agency's unique requirements. Spare has powered over 15 million rides globally and partners with top agencies such as DART (Dallas), PSTA (Pinellas County), AC Transit/BART (Oakland), CapMetro (Austin), and Winnipeg Transit. For more information, visit www.sparelabs.com About Inovia CapitalInovia Capital is a venture capital firm that partners with founders to build impactful and enduring global companies. The team leverages an operator-led mindset to provide founders with multi-stage support, mentorship, and access to a worldwide network. Inovia manages over US$2.5B with operations in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco, and London. For more information, visit www.inovia.vc Contact InformationLynda Chaulynda@ sparelabs.com 519-498-0175Isabelle Audetteiaudette@ inoviacapital.com 514 835-8212SOURCE: SpareView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 04:50:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 414 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 9, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 15, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 15, 2024 to July 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Stellantis and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-stla/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 15, 2024 .About the LawsuitStellantis and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 25, 2024, the Company announced its first half 2024 financial results, disclosing disappointing news, including "[n]et revenues of 85.0 billion, down 14% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to the decline in volume and mix; net profit of 5.6 billion, down 48% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to lower volume and mix, headwinds from foreign exchange and restructuring costs; adjusted operating income of 8.5 billion, down 5.7 billion compared to H1 2023, primarily due to decreases in North America." On this news, the price of Stellantis' shares fell from a closing price of $19.60 per share on July 24, 2024 to $17.66 per share on July 26, 2024.The case is Long v. Stellantis N.V., et al., No. 24-cv-06196.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 15:02:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 449 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) today announced its new associate membership with Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA). This partnership will bring SBS' premier election management services to over 150 public utilities in 10 western states and Canada. This membership marks an important step in SBS' continued commitment as a governance partner to cooperatives.Survey & Ballot Systems Logo"We're excited to partner with NWPPA," said Paul Bordson-Nolle, Sales Manager at SBS. "Running secure, efficient, and fair elections is crucial to the success of co-ops. Our expertise in the cooperative industry positions us as a resource to NWPPA and its members to deliver transparent, unbiased elections." NWPPA serves the interest of public power in the Greater Pacific Northwest. Its membership is comprised of western public utilities and associate members who support the utility industry. NWPPA's ability to connect utility and associate members is mutually beneficial. It provides a connection to industry-relevant products, services, and new technologies while also offering a means to network directly with key professionals and collaborate to keep this industry at the leading edge.As a member, SBS will:Participate in NWPPA eventsCollaborate with members to solve election and nomination challengesConsult on how to implement governance best practicesWith over three decades of experience, SBS is the leading third-party election services provider, managing hundreds of secure co-op elections annually. With SBS' onsite, hybrid and online voting solutions, cooperatives can enhance the integrity, security and transparency of their elections. With world-class security, proven data management processes, and dedicated support, SBS ensures co-ops can boost member participation and maintain the integrity of their elections and annual meetings.About NWPPA:Founded in 1940, Northwest Public Power Association is a regional association of over 150 public/people's utility districts, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and Crown corporations in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and British Columbia. NWPPA also serves the networking needs of over 350 associate members who are allied with the electric utility industry. As NWPPA is a not-for-profit membership organization, once a utility joins, all employees of that utility may participate in the associations' programs. Visit nwppa.org to learn more.About Survey & Ballot Systems:Since 1990, Survey & Ballot Systems has set the standard in election management, working with the world's top member-based organizations to facilitate and manage their voting and governance needs. By providing traditional paper ballot elections, online voting solutions, hybrid voting systems, live virtual voting software, digital nominations, and survey solutions, SBS stands as the trusted third-party election partner for over 800 organizations, including nearly 300 cooperatives. Learn more at surveyandballotsystems.com Contact InformationTina FehrMarketing Specialisttfehr@ surveyandballotsystems.com 952-974-2300SOURCE: Survey & Ballot SystemsView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 15:02:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 674 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The firm was honored by COLOR Magazine, Best Companies Group, and IPA as an industry leader in 2024ROCHESTER, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 /The Bonadio Group has once again been included on INSIDE Public Accounting's (IPA) annual Top 100 list, rising to the 42nd spot from #43 in 2023. Additionally, the firm has been recognized as a 2024 Best Companies Group Inclusive Workplace in collaboration with COLOR Magazine. Companies are selected for these honors based on peer and employee survey responses, financial health, and their commitment to fostering an equitable culture."Our consistent rise in the ranks of IPA's Top 100 List and national recognition as an Inclusive Workplace highlights the effectiveness of our efforts to continuously advance our offerings, grow our footprint, and maintain a purpose-driven culture,'" said Bruce Zicari, CEO and Managing Partner of the Bonadio Group. "Our people are at the core of our success, and these recognitions are the direct result of their commitment to upholding what differentiates our firm." These recognitions join a growing list of 2024 accolades for the firm, including being named #41 on Accounting Today's Top 100 Firms list. The Bonadio Group was also recognized as a Top Firm serving the Mid-Atlantic region by Accounting Today, a 2024 USA TODAY Best Place to Work and a 2024 Greater Rochester Chamber Top 100 Fastest-Growing Privately Owned Company.This year, the IPA 500 firms list was determined by assessments of U.S. net revenues and an estimated 629 responses by accounting firms to its annual IPA's Survey and Analysis of Firms. The organization also considers firms' overall growth, regional comparisons, five-year trends, profitability, and compensation for partners and staff to determine rankings and provide the most comprehensive examination of the accounting profession each year.Best Companies Group and COLOR Magazine select their annual Inclusive Workplace honorees based on each company's commitment to inclusive work environments and accomplishments in employee engagement, retention rates, and brand recognition. Utilizing a data-driven approach, the organizations assess candidates through comprehensive surveys and data analysis that evaluate each company's culture as it pertains to inclusion, belonging, psychological safety, community, and purpose. Recipients of this recognition have shown significant commitment to ensuring all their employees feel included, heard, and valued, and serve as beacons of inclusive culture within their respective industries.For more information on The Bonadio Group, please visit www.bonadio.com About The Bonadio Group The Bonadio Group is a nationally ranked Top 50 CPA firm and the largest independent provider of accounting, assurance, tax, and consulting and advisory services in Upstate New York. The firm maintains several offices across New York State and has grown its national footprint to include offices in Vermont, Virginia, and Texas. Its expert team of industry-leading professionals serve as trusted advisors to clients of all sizes, helping businesses and organizations reach their short- and long-term goals. The Bonadio Group is committed to delivering top-tier client service, providing continuous community support and creating an unparalleled employee experience. For more information, visit www.bonadio.com About INSIDE Public Accounting & the IPA 500 INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) is a leader in practice management resources for the public accounting profession that include: the monthly practice management newsletter, the annual national practice management benchmarking reports and corresponding reports and training. IPA has assisted firms across North America grow and thrive since 1987. The one-of-a-kind IPA 500, recognizing the top U.S.-based accounting firms, is the most comprehensive list of North American public accounting firms available. IPA annually ranks the largest public accounting firms in the U.S. based on participating firm's net revenues - from the multi-billion-dollar U.S.-based Big 4 to the $3.8 million firm. Ranking data is captured through IPA's annual practice management survey and analysis of firms. IPA is the survey leader in data collection for the profession, with more of the largest 600 firms participating than any other survey today and a 92% return rate of participating firms.About Best Companies Group Best Companies Group is an independent research firm specializing in identifying and recognizing the best workplaces all around the world.###MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Ksanznak(585) 402-1916lksanznak@ mower.com SOURCE: The Bonadio Group PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 15:01:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 691 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / The Human Trust and Dionysus Health announce a special luncheon focused on "The Future Is Hers: Investing in Women's Health," to be held on September 17, 2024, at the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations. This high-profile event will bring together leading voices in mental health, technology, and entrepreneurship to address critical issues affecting women's health worldwide.Dionysus Digital Health Company LogoJesse Draper, founder of Halogen Ventures, will deliver the keynote address. As a pioneering investor and advocate for women in technology, Draper will share insights on the intersection of women's entrepreneurial pursuits and mental health, emphasizing the importance of supporting women-led businesses.Dr. Vivienne Ming, a renowned neuroscientist and entrepreneur, will speak on the challenges and opportunities in addressing postpartum depression, providing evidence-based strategies for improving maternal mental health.Dr. Andrea Cubitt, a leading researcher in women's health, will tackle pressing issues within the world of women's mental well-being and the need for robust protections.As the Permanent Representative of the Bahamas at the United Nations, distinguished diplomat Stan Smith will deliver the closing remarks at this luncheon discussing gender equality and the need to empower women."Today, more than ever before, technologies like AI are opening up new possibilities to transform women's health and drive towards gender equality," stated Andrea Cubitt, CEO & co-founder at Dionysus. "At the same time, we need to open a much more vigorous dialog and create a real sense of urgency to address the increasing threat of AI to facilitate technology-mediated harassment targeted to women and vulnerable minority groups. These approaches are being used to discourage women from running for office and can create very real mental health hazards for female leaders around the world. We hope that this kick-off meeting will be a watershed moment to align the efforts of responsible corporations, investors and philanthropists to come together to start to create a moment to fight back." Discussion Topics:Investing in Women's Futures: Supporting Entrepreneurial Pursuits and Mental Health. Exploring the unique mental health challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and the crucial resources needed to build resilience and drive their success.Postpartum Depression: Addressing the stigma and barriers to treatment and highlighting innovative approaches to support new mothers and their mental health.Inclusivity in Technology: Advancing Inclusion and Innovation. Examining the role of gender in the tech industry and the essential strategies needed to foster an inclusive environment that drives innovation and equitable opportunities for all.This luncheon will provide an opportunity for leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to unite in shaping strategies that empower women to secure their bright futures. Attendees will benefit from expert insights, engage in impactful discussions, and play a key role in creating a future where every woman has access to the health care and support she deserves.About The Human TrustThe Human Trust is a data trust that believes that no mother should have to choose between a life-saving test and the privacy of her own body. The nonprofit supports the global initiative for postpartum depression and early childhood development.About Dionysus HealthDionysus Health is a cutting-edge company that has invented the first-ever epigenetic technology for precision mental health, including the first biological test for postpartum depression. By addressing the unique health challenges faced by women, Dionysus aims to improve the well-being of women worldwide.About Halogen VenturesHalogen Ventures is a leading venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage, female-founded consumer technology companies. With a mission to champion women entrepreneurs, Halogen Ventures is committed to driving innovation and fostering the success of women-led businesses across various industries.For more information and tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-luncheon-to-discuss-womens-mental-health-tickets-976872731637?aff=oddtdtcreator or contact Conor Arevalo at carevalo@ charitybrands.com Press Contact for UN Security Clearance: Press representatives must have UN security clearance prior to the event. For more information, please contact Conor Arevalo at carevalo@ charitybrands.com . A press room will be available from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the day of the event.Contact InformationConor ArevaloAccount Assistantcarevalo@ charitybrands.com (305) 302-8889SOURCE: Dionysus HealthView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-10 17:09:09 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 10, 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: 2024-09-10 20:00:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 496 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WyoTech, a leading automotive, collision/refinishing, diesel, and welding trade school, speaks to the deficit of trades workers in America and how Gen Z is responding.LARAMIE, WY / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / The trades industry is seeing an interesting shift in trends compared to years past. While the need for trades workers across the board is dire, the upcoming generation of college-age men and women are considering alternatives to traditional four-year university education and exploring trade school in droves, causing enrollment in trade training programs to skyrocket - giving Gen Z the nickname of the "toolbelt generation." There has been a significant push for high school graduates to attend a four-year university to be considered " successful." This stereotype implying that a four-year education is necessary to build a career has led to a deficit in the number of tradespeople. Tradesmen are retiring without an upcoming generation to fill their shoes.According to a New American Study, 54% of Gen Z agree that many well-paying, stable jobs are available for a person with only a high school diploma or GED. The study showed 56% of Gen Z agree it's easier to find a well-paying, stable career with some technical education without a certificate or degree, and 88% agree it's easier with a technical certificate. This information, coupled with the cost of public university, supports that there is good reason families are considering trade programs.WyoTech's president, Kyle Morris, discusses the right education for the benefit of our kids and future workforce. "Having a clear understanding of career outcomes and goals for college-going students is important as the cost of education continues to rise. If being a doctor, dentist or psychologist is your career path, university is a good path. If working with your hands and building infrastructure is of interest, there is a great opportunity for decades to come in the trades. It's critical to have an upcoming generation who is willing to take on trade jobs as the previous generation retires." As reported to the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges) in 2023, WyoTech graduated 804 students, presenting an 85% graduation rate - a significant increase from the 77% graduation rate reported in 2018. According to the same report, 458 students were hired in the industry as reported in 2023, a 77% employment placement rate (rates are calculated based on students eligible for hire, not the amount who graduated). WyoTech hosts its largest class this fall, bringing the student population to an all-time high since 2018. High graduation and employment placement rates show the significant opportunity ahead for the "toolbelt generation," as schools like WyoTech continue highlighting an alternative path to career training in America.About WyoTechWyoTech is a technical school founded in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1966. WyoTech provides nine-month training programs that focus on hands-on experience, preparing students for careers as technicians in the automotive, collision and refinishing, welding, and diesel industry.Contact InformationIsabelle MathisMarketing Managerimathis@ wyotech.edu SOURCE: WyoTechView the original press release on newswire.com The Chairperson of UBA Group and Founder of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has called for comprehensive reforms in Nigerias power sector, security infrastructure, and youth investment as pivotal elements to stimulate long-term economic growth. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) 17th Annual Conference, in Abuja, he outlined strategic ways to address Nigerias fundamental economic challenges. In his address, Mr Elumelu emphasised that without reliable electricity, Nigerias industrial and social development would remain constrained. He argued that power is the cornerstone of any growing economy, affecting everything from hospitals and schools to businesses. Nigeria cannot industrialise, our youth cannot be educated, without ensuring our abundant natural resources are translated into plentiful, robust power for all, he stated. Mr Elumelu urged the government to prioritise investments that would enable the country to harness its natural resources effectively and ensure consistent electricity access for the entire population. Addressing security, he described the current situation as a national crisis, pointing out the detrimental impact that insecurity has had on agriculture, commerce, and foreign investment. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He called for decisive action to restore peace, enabling citizens to engage in farming and business without fear. Our people deserve to go to their farms unhindered, live peacefully, and conduct their lives and businesses without fear; it is the fundamental right of every citizen, he said. He also warned that without creating opportunities for the younger generation, the country risks losing its most talented individuals to other nations. He urged the government and private sector to foster an environment that allows young Nigerians to thrive. We face a choice: either we offer our young a future where opportunity is outside Nigeria, or we create a Nigeria where value and wealth creation can take place at home, he said, adding that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would be crucial to catalysing the countrys progress. Banking sector challenges Mr Elumelu also spoke on the critical role of Nigerias banking sector in facilitating economic development. While acknowledging the sectors success over the past few decades, he said that challenges such as regulatory burdens and high compliance costs continue to stifle innovation. He called for a more collaborative approach between government, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions to ensure the sector remains a driving force for growth. The transformation of our banking sector is one of Nigerias success stories, but there is more work to be done to ensure it continues to support the aspirations of all Nigerians, he said. Mr Elumelu reiterated the importance of collective action in addressing Nigerias challenges. Achieving economic growth requires the collective efforts of all Nigerians, he said, underscoring the need for a united approach to ensure the countrys sustainable development. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print FBN Holdings Plc on Tuesday explained the rationale behind the sale of it merchant banking business to EverQuest Acquisition LLP. The Holding company also listed its other entities and businesses not included in the sale. Adewale Arogundade, acting company secretary of the Holdings, made the clarification in a notification sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) in Lagos. A divestment involves a company selling off a full or partial stake of its assets through sale, exchange, closure, or bankruptcy, often to improve the companys value and obtain higher efficiency. Many companies use divestment to sell off peripheral assets, enabling their management teams to regain sharper focus on the core business. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FBN Holdings had, on Friday, informed the NGX of the sale of a 100 per cent equity stake in its wholly-owned subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Ltd., to EverQuest Acquisition LLP. It said the sale and purchase agreement, which aligns with its strategy to optimise its portfolio within the group, was subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities. Mr Arogundade said that the divestment pertains solely to FBNQuest Merchant Bank and has no impact on the continued operations or strategic positioning of other subsidiaries within the group. READ ALSO: FBN Holdings sells merchant banking subsidiary FBN Quest We wish to clarify that all other entities and businesses listed below are not included in the divestment and they remain subsidiaries of FBN Holding and are well integrated into the groups strategic focus. 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 These entities are: FBNQuest Capital Ltd., FBNQuest Asset Management Ltd., FBNQuest Trustees Ltd., FBNQuest Funds Ltd., and FBNQuest Securities Ltd., he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Metropolitan Police in the UK has sparked controversy with its unconventional advice to Nigerian wives living in the country. The UK Police urged Nigerian wives to handle marital disputes amicably and with love during a church service at Divine Restoration International Church in Camberwell, London, on Sunday. The advice handed down by the UK Police in a two-minute, twenty-second viral footage obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday ignited online debate. The counsel comes against the backdrop of recent reports of Nigerian wives in the UK reporting their husbands to the police for various reasons, including domestic violence, child abuse, criminal activity, and cultural misunderstandings. Speaking in fluent Yoruba, the policeman, believed to be a Nigerian, who his colleagues supported, urged the women to avoid being negatively influenced by the society. The police officer said: We all pray never to see our childrens graveyards; Nigerians have always prayed to leave children behind, but today, it seems the opposite is happening. We must change our mindset, especially women who feel their husbands are unimportant. They should return to their roots. You see, that man (husband), even if he isnt contributing much, just being at home sometimes makes a difference. As a woman, there are times when you may want to talk to your child, and they might not listen to you, but they will listen to their father. But if youre a mother on your own, the child might not obey you. However, when the father says stop, the child will obey. Even if the man isnt doing much, try as much as possible to manage it. Though theres little room for management, how we build our homes sometimes matters. Some women feel men are insignificant because of the circumstances we find ourselves in. We are here because we want to help people back in Nigeria, but if you look at some of them back home, they are looking better than you, and dont think if you dont send money to them, youll die. Please, take care of your husband. 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 Furthermore, the police urged the women to prioritise their homes and not allow the influences of society to undermine their marriages. Women, think about your home, and if you allow the society we live in to corrupt us, it becomes a problem. Weve got to work together and make it work. We, the police, are here to help you; were not your enemies but your friends. If you have any problems, discuss them with us, and we can give you advice, the police said. Rationale Analysing the trending video on TVCs Journalists Hangout, Mayor Akinpelu, Publisher of Global Excellence Magazine, said peer influence is a significant factor in the rising trend of women using the police to evict their husbands from home. He further noted that this phenomenon is becoming increasingly common in Europe and America because of the growing empowerment of women in the regions. They believe that, especially when kids are involved, the woman is in a better place to care for them. So, they give up all privileges against the man. Its worse in America than in the UK. When you get to London, or when you get to the UK, you realise that there are a lot of single mothers; the reason is that when you have a problem with your husband, you can call the police. The police will tell the husband to move out of the house, and then the woman will start collecting benefits from the government to take care of the kids. Sometimes, its even better for a woman not to have a husband because she collects a lot of money on each child, and even if she has a child that has health challenges, maybe a Down syndrome or something, she collects more money. So, thats part of the problem, he noted. Mr Akinpelu also said the UK system is biased against men, noting that this systemic bias has led to a significant number of Nigerian men being incarcerated. He said, A Nigerian man would leave America to his village in the South-east to pick a wife, believing that the woman is a fresh person, and he doesnt want to deal with the women in America because they wont listen to him. Then he takes the lady to America; maybe he is a security man trying to make ends meet, but he decides to send the lady to school. Most nursing schools and the medical profession in America are well-paid, especially nurses. The woman graduates from nursing school and starts earning better than the guy. And then when the lady starts attending those cultural associations, maybe Nigerian associations from this state or from that state, they will meet other women. They will say, this is America. Dont allow any man to tell you anything. This is America. You have every right in this country. And thats how it works. So when they have issues or issues at any time, the lady calls the police. The police will come and say no matter what happens, they will ask the man to move out before investigating anything. If couples have issues, they ask the man to move out first. According to him, despite eviction, the men are still responsible for domestic payments, while the women receive financial support from the government. When the man moves out, if things get serious, the woman can complain that hes harassing her. They will give the man a restriction order not to be some kilometres around that premises. Meanwhile, the man will continue paying the mortgage for the house they sent him out from. So it gets to a stage where the man gets frustrated and then just kills the woman. It happens a lot in America. The man will just get frustrated and kill the woman. But what I want to say is that Nigerian women in Europe and America should know that no matter how long they stay there or carry the passports of those places, they are not from there. So the women need to look at Nigeria culture and how we do things. Im not saying that marriage is perfect in Nigeria, but we have mechanisms to resolve differences between couples. If there is a problem between couples, their family members will come and try to convince you and all that. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. In Baku, the International Youth Forum "Supporting environmental policy through young leaders" has opened its plenary session, Trend reports. The forum is playing host to 24 young leaders from 18 countries, along with over 60 leaders of youth organizations from Azerbaijan, representatives of government agencies, experts, and other guests. Environmental issues, climate change, fighting it, and expanding eco-volunteering will be discussed in panel discussions with their Azerbaijani colleagues by active youth leaders, youth NGOs' heads, specialists, and experts from France, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkiye, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The discussions will also include delving into opportunities for cooperation, swapping experiences, and building connections to push the green economy and environmental participation, garnering international public support for COP29, and spreading the word about Azerbaijan on a global scale. In addition, there will be meetings with officials from government institutions, NGOs, and coalitions. At these meetings, calls for continued active participation in these areas will be talked over. To note, the forum is supported by the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the "Azerbaijan Democratic Student Youth Organization" public association, and the National Council of Youth Organizations. The forum will keep going until September 13. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Nollywood actress Sharon Ooja has narrated how God revealed her husband, Ugo Nwoke, to her while filming in the desert. In June, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Sharon revealed she met and got engaged to her husband, in less than six months. In March, the actress revealed that she had a private civil wedding ceremony with her husband. However, it wasnt until June that she announced her traditional marriage and white wedding on Instagram, which took place in Abuja. Sharon, during a service at Harvesters International Church led by Pastor Bolaji Idowu, which was posted on YouTube Sunday, said faith played a pivotal role in her meeting and getting married to Nwoke. She said: I had a conversation with Pastor Bolaji Idowu. About six years ago, he asked me, So, what do you want in a man? I said, Someone that would take care of me, he replied, Youre looking for money, and thats not what God wants for you. It would help if you worked on yourself, and I didnt understand that. I was filming in the desert last year and had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit. I remember the Holy Spirit telling me, Leave your burdens here on the ground where they will never grow. Its not fertile ground. So I prayed and told God that I was ready. The Bible says, He traps the wise in the snare of their cleverness. I thought I was wise, and God stripped me of everything. Then He gave me the best husband in the world. Gods intervention Furthermore, the 33-year-old attributed her meeting and getting married to her husband to divine intervention. 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 Benue-born actress stated that following a conversation with her pastor about getting married, her relationship with God deepened and grew stronger. Before I married, I was one of those girls who felt like I was playing God. I would think I knew it all. People feel you should get everything because youre a beautiful girl. You can do this, and you can do that. Several times, I would converse with God and say, You have given me work, you have given me financial stability, and there is just one thing I am looking for. I want to tell one person here today, or as many people, both men and women, that when I was asking God, I was in despair. I said, God, whatever it is you give me, Ill climb the stage and testify. Its been months, and Ive been basking in a beautiful marriage, and I forgot to come back here. A few days ago, something told me, Youve not kept your promise, and youre a child of God. You must come back and encourage somebody. Today, my name is Sharon Nwoke, and I want to say thank you, Jesus, for what youve done for me. Encouragement Sharon, who rose to fame for her role as Shalewa in the web series Skinny Girl in Transit, encouraged the congregation to trust in God. She noted that she faced numerous challenges before eventually getting married. Additionally, the actress urged those who are trusting God for something significant not to give up or be swayed by others opinions. Sharon added that God answered her prayer for a husband after six years of persistent prayer. I dont know who it is today that is looking for something from God. He is true. He is real. And in mans eyes, you must look foolish for Him to look wise. So trust God today. Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. Connect with Him directly. Thats what I will tell you. My testimony today is that God answered me and exceeded my expectations maritally. Thank you, Pastor Bolaji, for being so good to me, praying for me, and caring when I cried. When I was single, I would call Pastor B, crying. Im sure many young girls here can relate to what Im talking about. I talked with Pastor B about six years ago, and he asked me, So, what do you want in a man? I said, Someone who would take care of me. He replied, Youre looking for money, and thats not what God wants for you. It would help if you worked on yourself, and I didnt understand that, she added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says there are 55 confirmed cases of Monkey-pox (Mpox) in Nigeria. The centre made this known via its official website, noting that the 55 cases were confirmed from the 935 suspected cases across 39 local government areas in 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The agency stated that no death has been recorded from the disease so far this year, adding that 70 per cent of the reported cases were males, while 30 per cent were females. It pointed out that the age distribution of confirmed Mpox cases revealed that 19 cases were recorded in ages 0-10, eight cases in ages 11-20 and 12 cases in ages 21-30. Additionally, eight cases were recorded in ages 31-40, seven cases in ages 41-50, and one case in an individual aged 50 and above. The NCDC gave the breakdown of the confirmed cases in the various states to include eight from Enugu, six from Bayelsa, six from Akwa Ibom, five from Cross River, three from Delta, three from Benue and three from Plateau. Others are: Osun (two), Imo (two), FCT (two), Anambra (two), Rivers (two), Abia (two), while Lagos, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Edo, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Oyo, Kaduna, and Niger had one case each. 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 NCDC explained that since September 2017, 4,752 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT, with 1,141 confirmed cases (24.0 per cent) from 35 States and the FCT with 17 deaths. Males (~70 per cent) are predominantly affected. The Nigerian public health agency noted that the National Mpox multi-sectoral and multi-partner Emergency Operation Centre has continued to coordinate responses across the country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus similar to smallpox, though generally less severe, characterised by symptoms such as fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can spread from animals to humans, as well as between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency in August, while the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, acting under its mandate to address significant public health threats, also declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental security on 13 August While DR Congo is at the epicentre of the outbreak, Mpox has been reported in at least 13 African countries, with Guinea recently confirming its first case. The virus has also been detected in Pakistan, the Philippines, Sweden and Thailand. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Acting Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Murtala Kankia, says poor budget funding and inadequate staff members have crippled the fight against corruption in the country. He said this during the inauguration of a new department focused on the proceeds of crime recovery and management department, held on Tuesday in Abuja. One of our major challenges in the fight against corruption is the lack of sufficient funding and manpower, the CCB chairperson said. We are responsible for overseeing asset declarations across all public offices, including those in the 36 states and 774 local government areas. However, the resources currently allocated to us are woefully inadequate. Our capital budget is around N173 million, which is far from enough to conduct thorough verifications of asset declarations, both domestically and internationally. The chairman explained that the CCBs staff has dwindled over the years, further straining its operations. When the Bureau was established in 1979, we had about 1,008 employees. Due to resignations, retirements, and deaths, we now have fewer than 800 staff members. This number is insufficient to cover our extensive mandate, which includes not only the federal capital territory but also all ministries, departments, and agencies across the federation, he lamented. In addition to funding and manpower constraints, the chairman highlighted the bureaus dire lack of office space. 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 are currently operating from the Federal Secretariat Complex, which doesnt provide adequate accommodation for our offices and equipment. We also rent a small apartment in Asokoro and some states, but this is not enough, he said. Sleeping giant The CCB was established by the Nigerian constitution with vast anti-corruption mandates. It has the powers to ensure compliance of public officers with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers detailed in the constitution. Accepting and keeping custody of asset declarations made by public officers from the local, state, and federal governments is only a fragment of its responsibilities under the constitution and its enabling law. It has the power to prosecute public officers for breach of any aspect of the codes, including failure or improper declaration of assets, bribery, among other violations. It is the only body with the mandate to prosecute such breaches at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). However, many view the CCB and the CCT as nothing more than a tool of political oppression often deployed by the federal might against real or perceived adversaries. President Bola Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, is among political figures that the CCB has previously charged at the tribunal for a breach of the code. The incumbent National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has also been charged at the tribunal. Many others like them have been charged at the tribunal at the height of their opposition or hostility towards the administrations in power at various times. Most of the cases, including the two mens, were struck out without trial. Why CCB cant fulfil its mandate Mr Kankia stressed that the bureaus ability to fulfil this mandate is being undermined by its resource limitations. Our mission is to receive, examine, investigate, verify, and prosecute cases of asset declaration violations. But without adequate funding, our ability to gather intelligence, conduct investigations, and provide the necessary training for our staff is severely hampered, Mr Kankia said. The chairman emphasised that the inauguration of the new department, which aligns with the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, marks a critical step forward in the CCBs anti-corruption mission. This new department will strengthen our relationship with other agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Together, we will make a stronger push against corruption, he said. In his remarks, the Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen, who chaired the event, hailed the creation of the new department as a major milestone in Nigerias anti-corruption efforts. The department must foster a culture of integrity and professionalism, ensuring that its operations are beyond reproach and that its outcomes are measurable and impactful, he said. Mr Imasuen also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the new department and other law enforcement and financial institutions. In a goodwill message, the chairman of the ICPC, Musa Ali, underscored the significance of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which provides a legal framework for asset recovery in Nigeria. With POCA, we now have the means to recover and manage these assets, but there are still challenges, he said. Mr Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also pointed to the broader challenge of recovering assets hidden outside Nigeria. Asset recovery is not just about identifying stolen funds but also bringing them back to where they can be used to benefit the public, Mr Ali emphasised. He said the CCBs success in combating corruption hinges on its ability to collaborate with both local and international bodies. Mr Ali also highlighted the importance of whistleblower protection in the fight against corruption. Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing corrupt practices, but without adequate protection, they are vulnerable to reprisals. The CCB should advocate for stronger laws to protect whistleblowers and ensure that their reports are thoroughly investigated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Terrorists on Monday kidnapped two nurses and two patients from the Primary Healthcare Centre in Kuyallo community in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A resident, Ishaq Usman, said the attackers turned on the health facility after their plan to abduct students of the Government Day Secondary School in the community failed. A source in Birnin Gwari town told PREMIUM TIMES that when the terrorists, locally called bandits, invaded the school around 9 a.m., they found no students. Another source, Musa Alhassan, a leader of the local vigilante group, confirmed the incident to reporters in Kaduna. The community lies on the Birnin Gwari-Funtua highway, about 60 kilometres from Birnin Gwari town. The police spokesperson in Kaduna, Mansir Hassan, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), did not respond to phone calls to comment on the incident when our reporter reached out to him Monday evening. But PREMIUM TIMES saw an internal security memo from one of the security formations stationed in the troubled region confirming the attack. 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 Non-state armed group suspected to be bandits or terrorists carried out an attack in a hospital abducting two nurses and an unspecified number of patients in the aforementioned location and time. Sources indicate that the armed suspects stormed the area on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically during the attack. Initial reports suggest that the gunmen first targeted the nearby Government Day Secondary School, but finding it empty, they turned their attention to the healthcare facility, the security report explained. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP), led by Julius Abure, was removed based on a 2018 court judgement and an agreement facilitated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), according to a resolution reached at a party meeting in Umuahia, Abia State. At the meeting, convened by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, the group resolved to dissolve the Abure-led NWC and appointed a 29-member caretaker committee, headed by a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, with Darlington Nwakocha, a former senator, as secretary. However, Mr Abure and his supporters have rejected the decision, describing it as illegal. PREMIUM TIMES obtained the details of the 4 September meeting, which contained the basis for the removal of Mr Abure and the NWC. It was signed by Mr Otti and Peter Obi, the partys presidential candidate for the 2023 election. According to the resolution, a judge, Gabriel Kolawole, on 20 March 2018, ordered the party to conduct an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by Ward, LG, and State congresses within a year. INEC subsequently brokered a settlement in 2022. In compliance with the judgement, the party agreed to conduct the congresses and national convention within a year but postponed it due to the 2023 general elections. According to the Otti-led group, Mr Abure, in March 2024, held a convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, without complying with the courts directive. They, therefore, stated that non-compliance with the court directive created a vacuum in the leadership of the party. 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 You will recall that the Labour Party has had a leadership crisis in recent times, culminating in the de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC effective June 2024. This is subsequent to the settlement brokered by INEC on 27 June 2022. This settlement was founded on the consent court judgement by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on 20 March 2018. A major part of the settlement states that an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by Ward, LG, and State congresses, shall be convened not later than one year after signing the terms of settlement. Because of the 2023 election, the implementation of this agreement was deferred by one year to 2024. By March 2024, the Abure-led NWC organised a convention in Nnewi without first organising Ward, LG, and State congresses. This fell short of the standards and the spirit of the terms of settlement as stated above. In light of all these, a leadership vacuum arose in the party. In a similar manner, the National Executive Committee membership got depleted, leaving fewer than ten members standing, the resolution reads in part. Composition of the caretaker committee The 29-member caretaker committee comprises representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), members from the National Assembly, members elected into state assemblies, governorship candidates in the last election, representatives of the Trade Union Congress, and others. Members of the caretaker committee, tasked with midwifing a new leadership for the party within 18 months, include Abdulwaheed Omar, Theophilus Ndubuaku, Chris Uyot, Victor Umeh, Neda Imasuen, and Ireti Kingibe. Others are Afam Ogene, Seyi Sowunmi, Sunday Umeha, Donatus Matthew, Esosa Iyawe, Ken Pela, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Jonathan Asake, Edward Pwajok, Edosa Richard, Harrison Oghara, Augustine Okezie, and Clinton Amadi. Mohammed Misau, Austin Jonah, Sansa Omalara, Edwin Sajo, Nike Oshola, Aishat Madijie, Ugoeze Onwubiko, and Dominic Essie are the other members. Crisis The Labour Party, which has been in existence for several years, became a major opposition party last year after its presidential candidate, Mr Obi, led the party to third position in the general election. The party has been in crisis for a long time, with different groups claiming ownership. Before the election, a faction led by Lamidi Apapa fought for control of the party against Mr Abure, but lost out. Months ago, there was a fallout between Mr Abure and the NLC, which led to the NLC picketing the partys national headquarters. The NLC, led by the chairperson of its Political Commission, Theophilus Ndubuaku, had demanded the resignation of Mr Abure, whom it said was not properly elected. While Mr Obi had initially posed as neutral in the struggle, he later backed the NLC. In the same vein, the Apapas group teamed up with Mr Abure. The national convention was later held in Nnewi, Anambra State, where Mr Abure was re-elected as the partys national chairperson. However, the NLC rejected his election, describing the exercise as illegal. Both the NLC and TUC boycotted the convention, leaving their slots in the executive vacant. It is illegality, a nullity. The whole exercise was a charade. Nothing can legitimise such brazen impunity, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah had said. The two labour unions, however, attended the meeting convened by Governor Otti on Wednesday and nominated representatives to the new caretaker committee. It accused Mr Abure of proposing a secret national convention in Umuahia, where he would be re-elected as the national chairperson of the party to continue running the party as a sole administrator. With the recent development, it appears the party has now been fully divided into two. On Monday, the dissolved Abure-led convened a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja. The meeting said that Mr Otti, who convened the Umuahia meeting, did not have the power within the partys Constitution as provided in Article 14 (4) (B) to do so. It also said there would be no automatic ticket for Peter Obi, Otti and other party-elected members at all levels. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Barkindo Mohammed, has said the situation in flooded Maiduguri town is terrible as President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday expressed concerns over the disaster and directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit the beleaguered city. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that water from Alau Dam, which collapsed early Tuesday morning, submerged many areas in the town with thousands of displaced residents left scouting for safer places. The recent heavy downpour recorded across the state has also led to serious flooding in Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa and Jere LGAs. Mr Mohammed said the agency was conducting rescue operations and distributing sandbags in Maiduguri. Just now, we went for a rescue and proceeded to distribute sandbags in Gozari. As I am talking to you now I am trapped; we came to rescue some people and we are now trapped with my staff, he said in Maiduguri on Tuesday. Meanwhile, hundreds of people were in the streets with nowhere to go while some could be seen lying or sitting under tree shades with their families. Musa Abbas, with a family of two women and six children, said he had nowhere to go as his brothers were residing in the Bulumkutu area that needed one to cross the bridge. 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 bridge is now submerged; I cant cross and my brothers can only come for me. We will sleep here and continue to pray the rain wont come, Mr Abbas said. Apprehension On Friday, residents along the banks of River Yedzaram in Maiduguri had expressed apprehension that the river had overflown its banks. Also disturbing to the residents was a report that the Alau Dam was filled to capacity and would be opened to discharge the excess water into the river any moment. As of Friday, some buildings and farmlands along the river had been submerged in Gwange Ward of Maiduguri, while a stream known as Ngaddabul that also passes through the town had overflowed and the water submerged some buildings and farmlands in Maduganari ward. We are in distress and afraid that more rainfall or release of excess water from the dam can spell more doom for us. Already, some places like the Customs area, College of Agriculture and 505 Estates are experiencing serious flooding from the rivers, Mustapha Ali, a resident of Gwange, said. Abubakar Ibrahim of Bulabulin ward said some residents of the ward had started moving out of the area. The flooding from the river is expanding in the Bulabulin area and people have started moving out, Mr Ibrahim said. On Thursday, the Secretary to the state government, Bukar Tijjani, when he led a team to the Alau Dam to assess the situation of the dam, assured Maiduguri residents that the state government was working with the Chad Basin Development Authority, handlers of the dam, on safety measures. Dam Collapse However, after the dam broke down and caused a flood that submerged many homes, the state commissioner for information and internal security, Usman Tar, called for immediate evacuation early Tuesday. Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties. The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank, Mr Tar said. He also urged the residents of the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage. The flood submerged residential quarters, roads and bridges, making many areas in the metropolis inaccessible. A NAN correspondent, who went round the metropolis, reports that the flood submerged strategic areas including parts of the Shehu of Borno Palace, Maiduguri Central Market and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Other areas badly hit included the GRA, Maiduguri Zoo, College of Nursing, College of Agriculture and School of Health Technology. Many residents were seen evacuating basic items to areas considered relatively safer, with some youths erecting sandbags to prevent water from entering their quarters. The state government is yet to issue official figures of casualties, but it has ordered the closure of public and private schools for two weeks. Animals escape from zoo Residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno, trying to escape flooding are now thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo have started coming out. An ostrich and a crocodile escaped as the flood rages on, raising fears that others like elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo might find their way out at any moment. While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified person. The ostrich had been wandering. When contacted by NAN, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Ayuba Peter, said the incident took them unawares. Mr Peter said roads around the area had been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores. Meanwhile, a source in the zoo told NAN that about 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who could not escape due to their locked facility, were dead, while others like snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood. Tinubu expresses concern, directs Shettima President Tinubu on Tuesday expressed concern over the flood and extended condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that lost their means of livelihood. The Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said this in a statement. The worst flood in recent decades, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas. Tinubu assures Gov. Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people, said Onanuga. He said the President ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the flood victims, and remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time. The president also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to immediately visit Maiduguri over the flood in the state capital. Mr Shettima disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference (CIBN). After this meeting with the consent of the President, I will rush to Maiduguri. The whole city has been overtaken by floods. It is not peculiar to one part of the country. We are facing these challenges right from Bayelsa to Sokoto. Be rest assured that the President has the nation at heart and will do whatever it takes to salvage the state of affairs, he said Mr Shettima expressed the sympathy of the administration to all the victims of flood disasters nationwide. I want to use this forum to commiserate with the people of our great nation over the flood disasters we are recording all across the length and breath of this nation, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), an umbrella body of university lecturers in Nigeria, has imposed fresh sanctions on the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, over what it described as the failure of the authorities to recall its unjustly dismissed leaders on the campus seven years after. ASUU, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Lagos zone and signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Adelaja Odukoya, listed the fresh sanctions to include prohibition of any of its members to relate officially with the institution either as an external examiner or for conference or sabbatical purposes. The union also accused Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State of being behind the failure of the authorities to resolve the crisis seven year after, alleging that the governor unilaterally barred the institutions governing council from implementing its resolution to recall the sacked lecturers. The affected lecturers include the then Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the universitys chapter of ASUU, Isaac Oyewumi and Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, respectively,. The rest are Tony Dansu, Adeolu Oyekan, and Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare, also members of the executive committee of the union on the campus. Sanctions According to the statement, the fresh sanctions are just part of the steps being taken by the union to ensure the recall of the sacked lecturers, insisting that their dismissal was unjust and illegal. Also, all members of our union have been prohibited from having anything to do with LASU or its members of staff until further notice. There will be no external examination, conferences, sabbatical exchanges and any other form of collaboration whatsoever with LASU. This marks the first in a series of steps we intend to take in ensuring justice for our members, the statement reads in part. 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 ASUU said the sanctions which had earlier been imposed on the university during the administration of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the university, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, were lifted following the emergence of Mr Fagbohuns successor and the incumbent VC, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. The union said following the institutions authorities commitment to an amicable resolution of the matter it caused the lecturers to withdraw their cases against the university from court. It has become clear that the good faith exhibited by our union by relaxing the implementation of its sanctions against LASU under the new administration is being taken for granted by the powers that be in Lagos State. It is also tantamount to a betrayal of trust to have caused a pause in the resolution of the cases through the courts with the promise of an out-of-court settlement, only to freeze the same process at the very point of implementing the decision of the Governing Council. It is a tactic to delay the wheels of justice and impose further, needless suffering on our members, the union further noted. Sanwo-Olus alleged culpability According ASUU, Mr Sanwo-Olu, in his capacity as the Visitor to the university, has been indifferent to the plight of the dismissed lecturers, despite repeated appeals. It said instead of the governors intervention, he has allegedly orchestrated the continued victimisation of lecturers. Between then and now, ASUU has made several appeals to Governor Sanwo-Olu as the Visitor to LASU to release the White Paper of the visitation, and also lift the inexplicable embargo on the recall of our unjustly dismissed comrades, based on their exoneration by the Governing Council, the union said. The union added that the good faith exhibited by its Union by relaxing the implementation of its sanctions against LASU under the new administration is being taken for granted by the powers that be in Lagos State. It is also tantamount to a betrayal of trust to have caused a pause in the resolution of the cases through the courts with the promise of an out-of-court settlement, only to freeze the same process at the very point of implementing the decision of the Governing Council. It is a tactic to delay the wheels of justice and impose further, needless suffering on our members. ASUU wrote: Based on what we know, the Governing Council (of the university), on the 23rd of February 2022 considered the report of its Committee on Grievances and concluded that the dismissals were unjust. It ordered the immediate reinstatement of the five officers of ASUU. The following day, however, news went around that the University Administration had been directed from Alausa (Government Secretariat) to put the implementation of the decision of Council on hold. The alleged reason was that the issues were also presented before the Visitation Panel set up by the Visitor. The Panel completed its work in February 2022 and submitted the report in September of the same year. Between then and now, ASUU has made several appeals to Governor Sanwo-Olu as the Visitor to LASU to release the White Paper of the visitation, and also lift the inexplicable embargo on the recall of our unjustly dismissed comrades, based on their exoneration by the Governing Council. Unfortunately, the position of the Visitor has been that of indifference. The questions that require answers at this point include: what are the offences of the ASUU leaders against Governor Sanwo-Olu, especially in LASU? Whose interest is Governor Sanwo-Olu protecting by preventing these men and woman from returning to their duty posts? How does the Governor relate this unconscionable deprivation of the means of livelihood of ASUU-LASU leaders with his labour-friendly mantra? The union, therefore, urged the governor to release the White Paper on the report of the visitation panel to the university, saying the public whose tax money was deployed to assign the task to the panel deserves the right to know the details of the reports. Backstory The five affected lecturers were dismissed for various reasons by the management of the university in 2017 and 2018, leading to open conflict between the union and the management of the university. Upon the completition of the five-year tenure of Mr Fagbohun as VC and the assumption of office of Mrs Olatunji-Bello, steps were taken by the new governing council to reinstate the dismissed lecturers. However, while the governing council announced their reinstatement in February 2022, it, within 24 hours, rescinded the decision, placing embargo on its implementation until further notice. However, ASUU has accused the governor of being responsible for the rescission of the decision, questioning the rationale behind the decision. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings indefinitely. The meetings, initially scheduled for 11 and 12 September, have now been suspended without a new date fixed. Additionally, the party did not provide any reason for the postponement. Felix Morka, the spokesperson for the party, announced the postponement on Monday in a statement. Members of the National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are hereby informed that the National Caucus and National Executive Committee meetings scheduled to be held on 11 and 12 September 2024, respectively, have been postponed. New dates for the meetings will be communicated in due course, the statement said. It was being speculated that the meetings were being convened to decide the fate of the partys National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. Last week, the National Secretary of the party, Ajibola Bashiru, tried to defuse the situation by stating that the meetings were not in any way meant to discuss the political future of the chairman. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, assumed the position last year. He replaced former Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Adamu. However, some members of the party from the North Central zone have been agitating for the return of the chairmanship position to the zone. Besides, Mr Ganduje is facing trial in court over alleged corruption that stemmed from his tenure as governor. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, monitored the commissions mock accreditation exercise on Tuesday in Benin ahead of the 21 September governorship election in Edo State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the mock accreditation took place at two polling units in Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas of the state. Speaking shortly after the mock accreditation, monitoring and inspection of INEC local government offices, Mr Yakubu said that the mock accreditation was intended to test run the integrity of the systems ahead of the election. Mr Yakubu stated that the visit to Edo was a routine activity the commission embarked on on the eve of a major off-cycle election. This is a readiness assessment visit to Edo, and the purpose is to visit some of the local government areas. We have visited Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas to assess the readiness in terms of the level of preparation, the materials received so far and how they are preparing for the election in the next 11 days. We have already visited two centres to observe a mock accreditation exercise intended to test run the integrity of our systems ahead of the election, both for voter accreditation as well as uploading of the results. 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 observed, and so far, so good in terms of readiness of our local government offices for the election and also in terms of the technology we are deploying for the election, INEC is ready, he said. He assured the public of a free, fair, and credible election and added that INEC was not a political party. The responsibility of choosing the next governor for Edo is entirely in the hands of Edo voters. Our appeal to all registered voters in Edo is to come out to vote for the party of their choice and the candidate of their choice. The commission will ensure the protection of the integrity of the process and uphold the choice made by the electorate, he added. He expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the three INEC local government offices visited. He added that he would meet with the electoral officers in all 18 local government areas to harvest their concerns and respond to them ahead of the election. He used the opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders, including the security agencies, political parties, candidates, observers, and media, to cooperate with the commission, stressing that the election was a multi-stakeholder activity. He noted that funds needed for the conduct of the Edo elections had been made available to the state, and the state had made the funds available to the local government areas. Speaking further, the INEC chairperson explained that enough backup Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were to be deployed for the election in case any malfunctioned. We have an inner backup. For instance, all the machines we use for the mock in 12 polling units across three senatorial districts in Edo will not be used for the election. So, the BVAS machines to be used for the election are different from BVAS for the mock. Similarly, the BVAS that are going to be used for training will not be deployed for the election. According to him, for the off-circle election, there are enough BVAS to go round. The INEC chairperson was accompanied on the inspection by Resident Electoral Commissioner, Edo, Anugbum Onuoha, and the National INEC Commissioner, supervising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, Rhoda Gamus. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Edo State Government said it extended the resumption date for schools to ensure the safety and well-being of children across the state. It will be recalled that on 7 September, the state government announced the indefinite postponement of school resumption, citing a hike in fuel prices as the reason. The resumption of both public and private schools was initially scheduled for 9 September. The All Progressives Congress, the major opposition party in Edo, had criticised the governments decision, calling it expensive political gimmickry. At a news conference on Tuesday in Benin, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, explained that the extension reflected the governments deep commitment to protecting children from the potential dangers associated with rising fuel prices. In light of recent developments, we have extended the school resumption date to safeguard our childrens safety and well-being. This decision was also influenced by intelligence reports indicating that some groups had imported armed thugs, posing a threat to the peace and stability of Edo. 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 will not take any chances with our childrens safety. We are keeping them at home until the situation is diffused, Mr Nehikhare said. He said that the activities of some people, which included shooting innocent people, raised significant concerns for the governments peacekeeping efforts. Mr Nehikhare further stated that such actions appeared to be part of a desperate strategy to instigate a state of emergency and discredit the ruling Peoples democratic Party in the state. The commissioner assured the public that despite the extended break, mechanisms were in place to address any learning loss once schools resume. Our commitment to quality education is steadfast, and we will work diligently to recover any lost instructional time, he added. He reiterated that the governments top priorities remained the safety and education of Edo children, promising to protect communities and ensure secure learning environments. Mr Nehikhare urged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and stability across Edo during these challenging times. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The enrollment process for students at Azerbaijans Karabakh University will begin on September 15-16, Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev announced, Trend reports. "Since this is the university's first academic year, the first week will be an orientation period. Classes will officially start on September 23. This practice will also be adopted at the Turkish-Azerbaijani University," Amrullayev told the media. Amrullayev also mentioned that the student registration is in the home stretch thanks to some extra scholarships. "Registration for 99 percent of students has been completed, with no refusals. Each student will receive a scholarship. Additional scholarships ranging from 100 to 150 manats ($58 to $88) will be provided once the academic year begins. Additionally, some private companies have joined the initiative to offer extra scholarships to students," he added. The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has sent its condolences to the government and people of Niger State on the death of 48 people and several livestock in the petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday along the Bida-Agaie-Lapai Highway in the state. NGF chairman and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, conveyed the message through a statement he signed on Tuesday. The NGF specifically commiserates with the families of the victims, prays for the repose of their souls, and wishes safe recovery for those injured in the accident. The Forum says the incident again underscores the need for all road users to prioritise safety at all times. The NGF similarly expresses its firm solidarity with the governments and people of Borno and Yobe States as flooding ravages parts of and displaces thousands of residents of Maiduguri city and Jere (both in Borno) and some local government areas of Yobe. The heavy flooding resulted from the collapse of the dike and overflow of the Alau Dam in Borno State. The NGF stands with the governments and residents of the affected areas on this natural disaster, commending the swift efforts of the Federal Government and the states authorities to bring immediate succour to the victims, the statement 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed shock over the sudden death of the Trust Television Correspondent deployed to the state Government House, Owerri, Ajibade Awofeso. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that Mr Awofeso passed on in his sleep on Saturday in Lagos. Prior to his death, the deceased also represented the Galaxy Television in the state. He was a one-time Internal Auditor of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo Council, between 2022 and 2024. In a statement issued in Owerri and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the governor stated that the news of his unexpected passing is not only hurting but devastating. It added, I have received with rude shock the reported sudden death, weekend in Lagos, of the Galaxy Television Correspondent in Imo State, Mr Ajibade Awofeso. He regretted that the deceased did not only die in his prime at 40, but left behind an equally young family of four children, wife, aged mother and other dependants. 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: Two journalists die same day in Akwa Ibom He was a hardworking, committed, dutiful and God-fearing journalist, who plied his trade responsibly, ensuring that he did not compromise on the ethics of the media profession he belonged, he added. On behalf of my family, the Government and good people of Imo, I commiserate with the Awofeso and Nwaiwus families, the media community, particularly the Correspondents Chapel, NUJ and all friends and associates of Ajibade, over this huge loss. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants his soul eternal rest, Amen, the governor stated. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, on Tuesday, joined the party in Edo to mobilise votes ahead of the states 21 September governorship election. Speaking at the different campaign locations, Mr Obi urged voters in the state to come out in large numbers to cast their votes for the partys candidate, Olumide Akpata. Mr Obi said that Mr Akpata would provide the change the state needed to move forward. He said: We want change, mama, papa and pikin come 21 September, 2024 vote for Akpata. He said that the party would reduce the current hardship being felt in the state. On his part, Mr Akpata said that he was the best candidate in the governorship race. He said: 21 Sept is freedom day, come out and cast your votes for the winning party. 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 Addressing the party members at the end of the campaign, Mr Akpata commended their support and urged for unity. Quarrel is too much, everyone should do his homework. You saw what unity did for us today. The turnout was massive and we are sure of victory. I didnt come to the party to settle quarrel, or come to this ward today to settle quarrel, and come to that ward to settle trouble tomorrow. I am not in for that. We are the winning party and we are not ready to fight. We are here to win the election, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the campaign train took off from the LP secretariat at Sakponba Road through Ring Road, Oba Market, Mission Road, New Benin Market, and New Lagos Road to Ikpoba Hill. The partys faithful defied the rains to mobilise for votes ahead of the election. Also on the campaign train are human rights Activist Aisha Yesufu, the Edo LP Deputy Governorship candidate, Yusuf Kadiri, among others. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said that the state government has not started implementing the new minimum wage because it was awaiting the federal governments template. The governor said this on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital, at a thanksgiving service in honour of his principal secretary, Lyna Ocholor, who retired from civil service. Mrs Ocholor is also a former clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly. Mr Oborevwori said the state did not want to make mistakes in computing the consequential adjustment to the new minimum wage. He thanked the state assembly staff for their support during his (Oborevwori) days as speaker of the 6th and 7th assemblies. We are waiting for the chart of the new minimum wage because we dont want to make any mistake, he said. While congratulating Mrs Ocholor on her successful retirement from civil service, the governor said that the assembly staff never went on strike during his time as speaker. I am very happy to be in your midst today. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the staff of this assembly. I could remember on the 11th of May, 2017 when I took over as Mr Speaker, it was tough but the good thing is that none of the staff went on strike for the six years I was speaker. 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 What I want to say is that anywhere you are working, be good. Anything you are doing, be good. As a civil or public servant, you must do what you will be remembered for. If you check this state, Mrs Ocholor is one of the outstanding clerks, and I want to thank all of you for supporting her. I want to urge you to continue to give Mr Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, and other principal officers of this assembly the same support that you people gave to us in the 6th and 7th assemblies. The House of Assembly is a learning curve. You cannot pass through this place and remain the same. My prayer is that all of us will end well in Jesus name. I want to specially appreciate Mr Speaker and other officers of the House of Assembly for the peaceful synergy with the executive, Mr Oborevwori said. In her remark, Mrs Ocholor thanked Governor Oborevwori and the staff of the assembly for supporting her throughout her tenure as clerk of the House. She said she could not have succeeded without their support and cooperation. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued public alerts, warning Nigerians against the use of a popular bar soap and some drug products. The NAFDAC warning follows separate alerts issued by the countries where the products were manufactured. The agency, which issued the warning via fresh posts on its X handle on Monday, said the soap product was found to contain chemicals that could harm human reproductive organs and unborn children, and cause skin sensitisation. The affected products, according to NAFDAC, are Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap manufactured in Germany and some unregistered drug products that originated from the Philippines. However, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently confirm if all of the products are in the Nigerian market. On Dove Soap Tagged public alert number 035/2024, NAFDAC said the soap reportedly contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) content According to NAFDAC, the affected Dove soap is produced in Germany with batch number 81832M 08, and has been recalled by the German authorities due to chemical impurity. 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 product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it is said to contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) which is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child and may cause skin sensitisation. As a result, a ban on the marketing of the product has been placed by some regulatory and public authorities, in the EU, the agency said in a statement which had earlier been published on its website on 30 August and reposted on X on Monday. NAFDAC gave the product details as Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap with the product brand as Dove and country of manufacture as Germany with Bar Code Number 8000700000005, and categorised as Cosmetics. Meanwhile, NAFDAC also listed other Dove products that have been recalled in other countries, and warned Nigerians against using them. Unregistered drug products Also, in its post on Monday, NAFDAC listed 13 drug products already flagged by the authorities in the Philippines, cautioning importers, distributors and marketers against bringing them into Nigeria, even as it advised consumers to be wary of them. The press release which was reposted on Monday by NAFDAC had earlier been issued by the agency on 22 August. It noted that the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had warned against the purchase and use of the unregistered drug products. The agency listed the affected products as Niaosu Ruangao, Compound Bismuth Subnitrate Tablets, Cimetidine Injection 2ml:0.2g Ampoule, OTC Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrups, Jingxin Pharmaceutical Roxithromycin Capsules 0.15g, Lean Slim Appetite Suppressant Strong Capsule 30s, Lean Slim Appetite Suppressant Mild Capsule 30s, and Dianne 35 Cyproterone acetate 2.00 mg/ Ethinylestradiol 0.035 mg Sugar-Coated Tablet. Others are Androcur Siproteron asetat 50 mg Tablet, Androcur TM (Cyproterone acetate) 50 mg Tablet, Testoviron Depot (Testosterone enanthate) 250 mg, 1mL Ampoule, Climen Estradiol valerat/Siproteron asetat 2mg+2mg/1mg Kapli Tablet, and Elleacnelle Siproteron asetat 2000 mcg/Etinilestradiol 35 mcg Kapli Tablet. NAFDAC noted that the Philippines authorities said the drug products had not gone through the registration process of the FDA and have not been issued with proper authorisation in the form of Certificate of Product Registration. Thus, the FDA cannot guarantee their quality, safety and efficacy. Therefore, consumption of such violative products may pose potential danger or injury to health. Risk statement NAFDAC warns that the illegal marketing of unregistered medicines or falsified drug products poses a risk to the health of people, since by not complying with the process for marketing authorisation, legal importation, distribution or sale, the safety, quality and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed. The administration of the falsified or unregistered injection products may cause harm to patients or lead to fatal consequences such as death, the agency said in the statement. These products are obviously not registered by NAFDAC and not available in the NAFDAC database. It is important to ensure that they are not smuggled into the country through informal markets. NAFDAC therefore implored importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale or use of the falsified or unregistered medicinal products. Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of adverse drug reaction, substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng, it further noted. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A committee set up by Nigerias Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, will meet on Wednesday with the representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the issues fuelling the unions threat of another strike. The planned meeting is part of the governments efforts to avert lecturers strike in public universities. ASUU Vice President, Chris Piwuna, a professor, disclosed this to our reporter on Monday. He said the union met with the government last week to discuss pertinent issues. He added that some ASUU members will be meeting with the committee to address certain grey areas, noting that the meeting would not be between Mr Mamman and the leadership of ASUU but with selected members to interface with the committee set up by the minister. Just like our president informed us, we had a meeting with the government last week and we listened to the government on what theyve done. But there are areas that need to be looked at and thats where this committee will hopefully clarify, he said in a telephone interview. Mr Piwuna did not provide specifics as to the work of the committee, noting that it would be better if the work of that committee is concluded, perhaps the president will be able to speak on them. Background Mr Mamman, a professor, set up the committee after his first meeting with ASUU following a 21 day strike notice issued by the union last month. 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 its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Ibadan on 18 August, ASUU asked the governments to address all the outstanding issues hindering the development of the nations universities which informed its prolonged strike in 2022. The union rejected what it described as the slow pace of the intervention by the education minister in resolving the issues which include the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement. The union is also protesting the continuous use of a centralised payment platform, the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), for the payment of its members salaries. Though Mr Mamman said in December that the university has been excluded from the payment platform, ASUU insists that its members are still being paid with what it described as News IPPIS, which it said is the same as the platform it rejected. After the initial meeting, the spokesperson for the education ministry, Folasade Boriowo, told PREMIUM TIMES that the strike had been averted as both parties met again on 6 September to continue negotiation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Maxwell Opara, a lawyer to the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said the labour leader informed the State Security Service (SSS) about his trip to United Kingdom for an official engagement. He said the SSS had invited Mr Ajaero a couple of days ago via a telephone call but that he told the secret police that he would honour the invitation on Monday 16 September upon his return from the UK to Nigeria. They (SSS) invited him on the phone. He told them that he was engaged with the World Trade Union Congress. He had committed to meeting with the SSS on Monday when he returns from the UK, Mr Opara told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Monday. Mr Ajaero was arrested earlier on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way to the UK. In a statement, the NLC said he was billed to address the global gathering of workers on behalf of Nigerian workers at the TUC in the European country. NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, who signed the statement, said condemned Mr Ajaeros arrest. The arbitrary arrest of Joe Ajaero shows an escalating crackdown on human rights and restrictions on civic space by the government of President Bola Tinubu, the statement 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 Alleged plot to sack Ajaero Mr Opara accused the Nigerian government of attempting to undermine Mr Ajaeros advocacy and his leadership of the NLC through his arrest. According to the lawyer, the arrest is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the NLC presidents efforts on behalf of Nigerian workers. Mr Opara criticised the SSS for allegedly misrepresenting Mr Ajaeros schedule, accusing the government of deliberately attempting to remove the labour leader from office and replace him with somebody more aligned with its interests. The government wants to push him out, Mr Opara said. The SSS claimed Mr Ajaero was invited, despite his clear communication about his availability. This is a deliberate attempt to disrupt his work. The timing and nature of this arrest suggest an effort to weaken Mr Ajaeros influence and consolidate control over the labour movement, he added. The SSS could not be contacted for comment because its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, was recently redeployed and has not been replaced. The NLC, TUC and the Amnesty International have since demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Ajaero, who had been invited twice by the police in the last few weeks. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The State Security Service (SSS) has released the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, after detaining him for about 15 hours on Monday. The SSS released him at about 11 p.m. on Monday but seized his passport. He was released to his lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, from Falana and Falana Chambers after 15 hours of detention since his arrest at about 7 a.m. on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Confirming Mr Ajaeros release, Mr Abubakar told PREMIUM TIMES Monday night that the labour leader was released to him as his lawyer. He said the secret police tasked him with presenting him for further interrogation whenever the need arose. The NLC President, Joel Ajaero, has returned to his home, he said. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ajaero was arrested at the airport in Abuja on Monday while trying to catch a flight to the United Kingdom to attend an event of the World Trade Union Congress (WTUC). Mr Ajaeros detention sparked widespread criticism of President Bola Tinubus administration, including from Amnesty International, which demanded an unconditional release of the labour leader on Monday. 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 NLC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Benson Upah, also said Mr Ajaeros arbitrary arrest depicted an escalating crackdown on human rights and restrictions on civic space by the government of President Bola Tinubu. Another of Mr Ajaeros lawyers, Maxwell Opara, condemned the arrest in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. He said the labour leader had informed the SSS about his trip to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. The lawyer said the SSS had invited Mr Ajaero a couple of days ago via telephone call but that he told the secret police that he would honour the invitation on Monday, September 16, upon his return from the UK to Nigeria. They (SSS) invited him on the phone. He told them that he was engaged with the World Trade Union Congress. He had committed to meeting with the SSS on Monday when he returned from the UK, Mr Opara told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Monday. Mr Opara accused the Nigerian government of attempting to undermine Mr Ajaeros advocacy and leadership of the NLC by arresting him. According to the lawyer, the arrest is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the NLC presidents efforts on behalf of Nigerian workers. Mr Opara accused the government of plotting to remove the labour leader from office and replace him with somebody more aligned with its interests. The government wants to push him out, Mr Opara said. The SSS claimed Mr Ajaero was invited, despite his clear communication about his availability. This is a deliberate attempt to disrupt his work. The timing and nature of this arrest suggest an effort to weaken Mr Ajaeros influence and consolidate control over the labour movement, he added. The NLC and Mr Ajaero have been having a running battle with the Nigerian government. The police have invited him on two occasions, one of which involved the 70-year-old British socialist Andrew Wynee, who runs a bookstore in the Labour House building, where the NLC headquarters is located. Citing Mr Wynnees connection with the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests held across many states in August, the Nigerian government declared him wanted last week over an alleged attempt to topple President Bola Tinubus government. Mr Wynne has dismissed the allegation, maintaining that protests are not treason as alleged by the government. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On 2 September, the Nigerian government declared wanted a British socialist, Andrew Wynne, after accusing him of leading an attempt to topple President Bola Tinubus administration and plunge the nation into chaos under the guise of the Augusts nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. Mr Wynne is known by many aliases including Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, most of which were nicknames from his socialist ideology. The Nigerian Police Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also accused Mr Wynne, 70, of establishing two businesses in Nigeria as a cover for his subversive activities. The businesses are the Iva Valley Bookshop, located in the Labour House building in the Central Business District of Abuja, and the Stars of Nations Schools in Karshi Lokotiye, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The police said they possessed evidence that Mr Wynne financed and issued directives and operational guidance for an unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. He mobilised and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilise the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that will instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government, Mr Adejobi, the police spokesperson, said. To build a case against him, the police, through the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), hunted for evidence wherever it could be. On 19 August, about nine days after the #EndBadGovernance protests ended, the IRT dispatched letters to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nasarawa State government, requesting information about Mr Wynne, his bookshop and the Stars of Nations School. PREMIUM TIMES has now obtained a set of documents the police received concerning the Stars of Nations School. 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 police submitted the documents to the Federal High Court in Abuja as part of the proof of evidence to support the charges filed against the 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters. The defendants, arraigned on 2 September, were accused of collaborating with Mr Wynne to topple President Tinubus administration and levy war against Nigeria. #EndBadGovernance protest, allegations against Briton For days in early August, Nigerians held a nationwide protest against bad governance and the rising cost of living attributed to President Tinubus flagship economic policiesthe controversial removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. The protests turned violent and led to the destruction and looting of government and private properties in many Northern Nigerian cities. Some individuals were also spotted in Kano and Kaduna waving the Russian flags. On multiple occasions, the police fired teargas at protesters, and on two occasions in Abuja, live ammunition at peaceful protesters and journalists covering the protests at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium. The police arrested over a thousand protesters, 10 of whom are currently facing charges of treason. The government said it was investigating individuals behind the Russian flags, leading to multiple arrests, including tailors who sewed the flags and Polish nationals on an academic visit at the Bayero University Kano. Accusing Mr Wynne of plotting to topple Mr Tinubus government, the police declared him wanted and obtained a court order for his arrest alongside two Nigerians Lucky Obiyan and Abdullahi Musa accused of being the Britons collaborators. Extensive enquiries In the letter addressed to the CAC Registrar, the police requested the certified true copies of registration details for both the Iva Valley bookshop and the Stars of Nations school and any document that may be relevant to this investigation. The police also asked the Commissioner for Education in Nasarawa State to confirm whether or not the Stars of Nations school is registered and approved by relevant education authorities in the state. Also furnish this office with all registration details, if any, reads part of the letter signed by Adamu Muazu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police. The police also wrote to the chairperson of the EFCC, asking him to confirm if the school is registered with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCMUL). It also asked the Comptroller General of the NIS to provide the police with the details of Mr Wynnes passport, his travel history from inception of arrival into Nigeria, and any other information relevant to this investigation. If the federal institutions replied to the police requests, their replies were not contained in the court documents PREMIUM TIMES has obtained so far. Status of Stars of Nations school However, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Educations detailed reply was obtained by this newspaper. The ministry furnished the police with documents about the school, including inspection reports. The Stars of Nations Secondary School is owned by Helen Batubo. In an interview with Channels TV, she said that she got married to Mr Wynne last year. The school, located at 10 Sabon Awotapy village, Lokotiye, Karu Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, was established in February 2021. It is close to Orozo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education approved the school in November 2021. The approval, contained in a letter by the ministrys Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Abdulkareem Bala, approved that the school could begin academic activities for the 2021/2022 academic session. The Hon Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology has approved the establishment of Stars of Nations (Secondary), No. 10 Sabon Akowotapy Village, Lokotiye with effect from 2021/2022 academic session, part of the letter seen by this newspaper reads. In July 2023, the school wrote to the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education seeking approval for a Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) centre. Ms Batubo signed the letter as the schools proprietress. This recognition is being sought to be effective from the 2023/2024 academic year, Ms Batubo wrote in the letter, listing the facilities available in the school. However, the inspection report by the Quality Evaluation Office of the states education ministry named Omolara Dada as the school proprietress. The July 2023 inspection report, which contained the list of staff, students, and facilities in the school, also named Patricia Bolu-Uffoegbunye as the principal. Meanwhile, a review of the Stars of Nations School website revealed that Mr Wynne was named the chair, while Ms Dada was named an administrator. Ms Batubos name was not listed as a member of staff of the school in the staff disposition list contained in the quality evaluation report. The police described Ms Batubo as the principal of the Stars of Nations School. Ms Galadima, the Deputy Director at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education in charge of Quality Assurance, cleared the school in a reply to the police enquiry on 20 August. After meeting all the stated requirements, she confirmed that the school was approved for establishment in 2021. After careful perusal of our records, it was discovered that Stars of Nation Schools, having met our requirements, was granted approval for the establishment of a Secondary School on 11 November 2021 at No 10 Sabon Akwotapy village, Lokotiye, Karshi Development Area of Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, as contained in the attached copy, the ministry wrote. Denial Mr Wynne denied any wrongdoing in a statement he issued on the day he was declared wanted. He described the Nigerian governments resort to repression of the protesters as a sign that it was frightened by the protests. The mass protests over #EndBadGovernance and #EndHunger frightened the government. But rather than addressing the peoples demands, the government turned to repression, he wrote. He noted that there were widespread killings and detention of protesters during the demonstrations. He called the charges instituted against the 10 protesters in the case, which also named him a conspirator, ridiculous. In Abuja, the authorities have attacked the so-called leaders and organisers of the protests. Ten people face ridiculous charges, including treason, mutiny and levying war against the state, Mr Wynne wrote. About Mr Wynne Mr Wynne, a British citizen and longtime resident of Nigeria, possessed the Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN), a copy of which the police have obtained. All legal residents of Nigeria are required to have the NIN to register a telephone line and open bank accounts, among other things. According to his profiles on the internet, Mr Wynne is an accountant and public finance management expert with experience in sub-Saharan Africa. Mr Wynne is also an Honourary Associate Professor at the University of Leicester, the university confirmed to TheCable. The role is unpaid, and Mr Wynne is not a permanent staff member. In an interview with Channels TV, Ms Batubo said she married Mr Wynne last year after a seven-year friendship. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, are on high alert as flood has submerged many homes following the alleged breakdown of Alau Dam that has been filled to capacity for the past one week. A statement in the early hours of Tuesday by Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, titled Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents , called for immediate evacuation. Mr Tar, a professor, said, Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties. The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank. Mr Tar also urged the residents of the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the last time the dam had such a problem was in 1994, resulting in unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri when almost half of the town was flooded. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Baku is buzzing with excitement as it hosts a conference dedicated to education professionals throughout September, Trend reports. The event has attracted a who's who of attendees from all walks of life, including Azerbaijans Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, university rectors, lawmakers, and various officials from the Ministry of Science and Education. Attendees also include the Director of the State Agency for Preschool and General Education Eshgi Baghirov, Deputy Director Narmina Huseynova, and the Acting Head of the Baku City Education Department. The conference featured school principals, leaders of preschool and extracurricular education institutions, educators, and media representatives. Prior to the official proceedings, attendees paid heartfelt tributes at the Alley of Honor, honoring the legacy of national leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva with floral arrangements. They continued the tribute at the Alley of Martyrs, commemorating those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans sovereignty and unity. Amrullayev announced that the enrollment process for students at Azerbaijans Karabakh University will begin on September 15-16. "Since this is the university's first academic year, the first week will be an orientation period. Classes will officially start on September 23. This practice will also be adopted at the Turkish-Azerbaijani Universitys We're waiting that the student registration is in the home stretch thanks to some extra scholarships. Registration for 99 percent of students has been completed, with no refusals. Each student will receive a scholarship. Additional scholarships ranging from 100 to 150 manat ($58 to $88) will be provided once the academic year begins. Additionally, some private companies have joined the initiative to offer extra scholarships to students," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says those found guilty of corruption should not get State pardon. Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,said this at a roundtable meeting organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state Attorneys General (AGs) on Monday in Abuja. In a statement by the AGFs spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the minister solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the states Attorneys General in the fight against corruption. I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of Prerogative of Mercy to serve as a deterrent to others, he said. He advised them to eschew nepotism, political witch-hunting, rivalry, and bigotry in the fight against corruption just because they want to please their governors. Your legal opinions on cases must be based on facts as practised in advanced countries. We should not give in to public sentiments as in Nigeria, we are polarised along political lines. 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 AGF also stressed that there should be no basis for rationalising corruption or crimes in the country. He advised anti-graft agencies to conduct thorough investigations of cases before arresting suspects to avoid media trials. The minister urged the agencies get their facts before summoning anyone for questioning. Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Do not do shoddy jobs and dont be quick to say we have caught a big fish. If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year and you are thorough, it is alright, he added. Also stop filing bogus counts of charges against defendants just to generate frenzy in the public against the suspect. Nobody wants a 50-count charge, make it five or six and be sure in order to get suspect in, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that the detention of its leader, Joe Ajaero, is illegal, an affront to rights of workers and democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression. Adeyanju Adewale, Deputy President of NLC, said this in a communique at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Congress on Monday in Abuja. Mr Adewale said that the detention of Mr Ajaero was an attack not just on the NLC leadership but on the rights of all workers and citizens to organise, protest and express themselves freely. He alleged that the detention was also an attempt by the state to scuttle the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage. It would be recalled that the NLC president was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ajaero was released late on Monday after spending 15 hours in SSS custody. Mr Adewale said that after extensive deliberations, NAC unequivocally condemned Mr Ajaeros detention without any legal warrant or justification. 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 NLC notes with grave concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action.. The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today (Monday). The Council reiterates that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal, and his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labor movements voice in Nigeria. The Congress therefore places all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. NAC-in-session, therefore, summons an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) by 9:00 a.m, tomorrow, Sept. 10 to take compelling action to engage the current forces of retrogression, he said. He added that the NLC will not stand by while these rights are trampled upon. NAC in session demands the immediate implementation of the New National Minimum Wage which has been signed into Law. We also demand the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/Litre. The NAC also urged the Nigerian government to reverse this dangerous trend of authoritarianism and lawlessness, which threatens the countrys democratic fabric. NLC will not waver in its duty to protect the rights of workers and the freedom of all Nigerians, he said.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The outgoing President of the 78th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Dennis Francis, has described the session as eventful as three resolutions on the Gaza conflict were among the achievements recorded. Mr Francis told journalists on Monday in New York that a milestone declaration to accelerate investment in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was also one of the achievements of the session. Speaking on the eve of the end of his mandate, Mr Francis described his year at the helm of the UNs main policy-making body as an honour of lifetime. This has been a truly eventful session, he said. The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN member states, and the veteran diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago. The session made Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability the watchwords for Mr Francis presidency. It began with the adoption of a landmark political declaration at the SDG Summit in September 2023, which the General Assembly endorsed in its first official action of the 78th session, bringing urgency to our efforts to fulfil the SDGs, 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 Separate High-Level Meetings on three health-related issues pandemic prevention, preparedness and response; boosting universal health coverage, and stamping out tuberculosis also ended with political declarations. The High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, meanwhile, led to a resounding consensus on the need to reform the global financial architecture with a view to matching our Sustainable Development ambitions for 2030 with the necessary resources for implementation, he added. The General Assembly also commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December with an informal plenary meeting and award ceremony for recipients of the UN Human Rights Prize. Mr Francis convened the Assemblys first-ever Sustainability Week, held in April, focused on issues such as tourism, transport, infrastructure and energy, while a flagship event on debt sustainability highlighted the concerns of countries in special situations. The Week was devoted to building momentum for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, held in May in Antigua and Barbuda, and the Summit of the Future, which begins next week in New York, and to catapulting global efforts to achieve sustainable development. Throughout, we were reminded of the central responsibility to build sustainable peace, the lynchpin of success on any other pillar of the UNs work, Francis said. He added that following the horrifying escalation of violence in the Middle East, the General Assembly took bold action to resume its 10th Emergency Session. In line with the Uniting for Peace resolution, which the Assembly adopted in 1950, the body can convene an emergency special session within 24 hours should the Security Council fail to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Francis said the Assembly adopted three important resolutions in this regard. The first called for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations, while the second demanded an immediate ceasefire and that all parties comply with their international organizations, as well as the release of all hostages and ensuring humanitarian access. The third resolution determined that the State of Palestine is qualified for UN membership and recommended that the Security Council consider the matter favourably. These demands by the Assembly represent the will of the international community, and as I have routinely said on several occasions I reiterate these demands, forthrightly, here today. It is time for the violence in Gaza to stop, he said. Mr Francis also expressed pride in his administrations work on gender and youth. This included re-establishing the Advisory Board on Gender Equality and frequent engagement with young people, whether at UN Headquarters or elsewhere in the world. The outgoing Assembly president also pointed to another major achievement during his administration: raising greater awareness of the threat posed by sea-level rise. He said Heads of State and Government will take up the issue later this month, with a view to giving specific directions for future work. Asked if he was optimistic or pessimistic about the UNs ability to be a key player, given challenges such as the Middle East crisis, the war in Ukraine and the climate emergency. Im optimistic about the future of the UN for a number of reasons, he responded. Because there is no other organisation on this planet like the UN that has the capacity or the commitment to do what the UN does. It simply does not exist anywhere else. He highlighted the UNs power to convene 193 countries who can discuss their problems and concerns in a rational, civil manner in the search for solutions. 79th Session The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) will open on Tuesday, with the theme Unity and Diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development and human dignity, everywhere and for all. Former Prime Minister of Cameroon Philemon Yang, was elected in June to serve as President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. Algerias Permanent Representative to the UN, Amar Bendjama, was elected Vice-President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly and will represent the African Group alongside his peers elected from other regional groups. The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 SDGs. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has disagreed with a former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who accused the federal government of partisanship in the distribution of palliatives and posting of the Director of State Security Service (SSS) in Kano. In a statement shared on Monday on his verified X handle, Mr Kwankwaso said he was disappointed that the federal government, unlike in other states of the federation, handed over palliatives meant for Kano State to the opposition APC in the state. For the last week, I have been in Kano, and, sadly, I noted with great disappointment the Federal Government distribution of rice palliative to 35 states all through their Governors, except Kano State in the whole federation. Kanos share was handed over to APC stalwarts to handle. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and driving partisanship too far. I call on Mr President to immediately halt this naked derailment of democracy, Mr Kwankwaso stated. The former governor also accused the federal government of politicising security in the state by allegedly posting and reposting directors of the State Security Service (SSS). I have also noted with great concern that in just two weeks, three different State Directors of DSS were posted and reposted out of Kano, and we are still counting. Without a doubt, this is negatively affecting the security of Kano State, Mr Kwankwaso 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 Reaction But in a swift response through a statement, the APC chairperson in the state, Abdullahi Abbas, said the federal government was committed to reducing hardship in the country, but the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) administration in Kano was frustrating the efforts. Mr Abbas said President Bola Tinubu approved several palliative measures for poor households and vulnerable individuals, but those assigned to distribute them in Kano were allegedly diverting the resources. The APC chairperson accused senior NNPP government officials of involvement in the diversion. The APC chairperson called on Mr Kwankwaso to instruct his anointed governor, Abba Yusuf, to investigate those incidents and ensure that the perpetrators account for the missing palliatives and face prosecution. He also accused Mr Kwankwaso of being economical with the truth when he said that the distribution exercise was solely left to the APC. Mr Abbas said the federal governments reconstituted committee included members of various political parties, including the NNPP, PDP, and IPAC. He said the committee worked out detailed modalities for the distribution of palliatives. Mr Abbas said the committees operation was to prevent diversion and ensure that the beneficiaries were truly the needy members of the public. The APC chairperson also defended the posting and reposting of SSS directors, saying Mr Tinubu did this to ensure that only diligent heads of security agencies were posted to Kano. The APC chairman observed that throughout the two-term administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano remained relatively peaceful, with no incident of violence. But the prevailing insecurity in the state is the handiwork of the NNPP government, which encouraged and supported violent youth, the APC said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The House of Representatives has directed the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) to account for about N10 billion expended on the failed subsidiaries of the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST). Bamidele Salam, Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the resumed investigative hearing of the committee. No reasonable Nigerian will believe that N10.4 billion was spent to register the two companies. These companies eventually folded up one year after takeoff, he said. This came months after the Senate ordered the recovery of the N10 billion released to NIPOST to kick-start the two subsidiaries. The Senate subsequently ordered the winding up of the subsidiaries. In April, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) invalidated the two subsidiaries on allegations of irregular practices. Mr Salama said the companies NIPOST Transport and Logistics Ltd. and NIPOST Property reportedly took off in May 2023 and folded up through a Presidential directive in May 2024. Imam Rilwan, the BPE Head of Finance and Accounts who stood in for the Director-General of the Agency Ayodeji Gbeleyi, told the House committee on Monday that of the said amount, N10 million was given to the two companies for their take off. He said that about N400 million was given to the BPE to prepare the ground for the takeoff of the companies. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said the issue of registering the two companies for NIPOST was approved in 2017. This, he said, paved the way for BPE to expend about N423 million in registering and carrying out other activities for the eventual takeoff of the companies. He said when the money was eventually released in 2023 the bureau had to recover its money, adding that the N423 million given to the BPE was used to rent office accommodation among other essential services. He said while the bureau paid rent for the two companies from 2022, the companies took possession of the offices in May 2023, while they folded up in May 2024. He said all property belonging to the two companies had been officially handed over to NIPOST management. Responding, Mr Salam said spending money from the government coffers before the money was released was a violation of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. Mr Salam, however, directed the Director-General of BPE, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, to personally appear before the committee on 11 September at noon with all relevant documents relating to the transaction. Background PREMIUM TIMES reported that in 2021, the federal government unveiled plans to restructure the NIPOST by dividing it into three separate and sustainable subsidiary companies: a property company, a microfinance bank, and a transport and logistics company. Subsequently, in May 2023, the Ministry of Finance disbursed N10 billion as initial capital to kick-start the restructuring programme. A Government Integrated Financial Management System document obtained from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation gave the breakdown of funds allocation. It showed that the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) received N600 million, NIPOST Transport & Logistics Services Ltd received N5.5 billion, NIPOST Properties & Development Company Ltd received N3.5 billion, and a contingency fund for the Bureau of Public Enterprises received N400 million. However, trouble began when it was revealed that the primary shareholders in these government entities were individuals. Upon examining the records of CAC incorporated entities as of 8 November 2023, it was discovered that certain individuals, including Alex Okoh, the Director-General of BPE, and Alex Adeyemi, a deputy director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), possessed ownership rights to one million shares each in these entities. Also, Yahaya Maimuna, the Chairperson of the NIPOST Board of Directors, was identified as holding a significant controlling interest in the subsidiaries, with a total of eight million shares. Seeing this, the Senate of the National Assembly Resolution No 54 of 30 December 2023, asked the relevant anti-graft agencies to probe the subsidiaries accordingly. It also asked for the recovery of the N10 billion. In January, the Senate asked the Corporste Affairs Commission (CAC) to immediately wind up and deregister the subsidiaries for allegedly being created illegally by the BPE. Winding-up In April, based on the Senate resolution, the CAC invalidated the incorporation certificates of two NIPOS subsidiaries due to irregular procurement practices. It added that they were created through improper procurement methods, leading to the revocation of their certificates. The general public is hereby informed that the Commission, sequel to its powers contained in Section 41 (7) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 3 of 2020, revoked the Certificates of incorporation of the below-mentioned companies because the same was improperly procured. These companies are NIPOST Transport and Logistics Services Company Ltd RC 1673881 and NIPOST Properties & Development Company Ltd RC 1673971. By virtue of these revocations, the Companies are deemed to be dissolved and their assets and liabilities transferred to the Nigeria Postal Service under the Nigerian Postal Services Act Cap N127 LFN 2004, the CAC notice read. Before the revocation of its incorporation certificates, the operational status of these entities was inactive, and they had no physical presence. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Edo State have confirmed the arrest of the Chairperson of Esan West Local Government Area of the state, Collins Aigbogun, over alleged political violence in the area. The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, confirmed the arrest to reporters on Tuesday in Benin. He said Mr Aigbogun had, however, been moved to Abuja by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) over the matter. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo had sent a petition to the inspector general of police, accusing Mr Aigbogun of being involved in political violence in the Illeh community. Mr Edwin-Iwo said Mr Aigbogun was brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the command on Monday by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area upon police invitation. Yes, he was invited, and he reported himself to the police, and we later discovered that he has other criminal charges against him. What happened was that he brutalised somebody in the course of an altercation between himself and other party members. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He was invited, and the DPO in the area brought him to the State CID, where it was discovered that earlier, before now, he had other charges against him. Our men from FID came and said that the man had earlier been wanted and there was now a need for them to take him along so that they can investigate his matter. That was how he was moved to Abuja. The whole thing is being investigated, and I hope that at the end of the day, if there is nothing against him, he will be brought back to Benin, he said. On the commands readiness for the 21 September governorship election in the state, the police commissioner warned non-state actors to stay away from the election. READ ALSO: Police arrest drug trafficking suspects in Akwa Ibom We are going to create an environment where we will have a free and fair election and make the environment enabling so that anybody can walk freely without any molestations or intimidations. I want to reemphasise, as the INEC has done earlier, that non-state actors are not supposed to carry arms and are not part of the election at all. So, all that we are doing now before the election is to make sure that we clear all illegal arms as much as we can. The operation is ongoing and I have operatives virtually in all the local government areas now, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Management of Air Peace Airlines has expressed concerns over the alleged involvement in the recent arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by Nigerias secret police, SSS, on Monday. On Monday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ajaero was arrested at the airport in Abuja while trying to catch a flight to the United Kingdom to attend an event of the World Trade Union Congress (WTUC). The detention of the NLC leader has sparked widespread criticism of President Bola Tinubus administration, including from Amnesty International, which called for his unconditional release on Monday. After about 15 hours of detention, Mr. Ajaero was eventually released late Monday to his lawyer, Abubakar Marshall of Falana and Falana Chambers. Mr Ajaeros arrest by the SSS marks the latest episode in NLCs ongoing battle with the Nigerian government. Before Mondays incident, the police had invited him on two occasions for questioning related to an investigation involving Andrew Wynne, a 70-year-old British socialist who operates a bookshop within the NLCs headquarters in Abuja. The police alleged that Mr Wynne, linked to the organisers of last months #EndBadGovernance protests, was plotting to overthrow President Tinubu and incite chaos. They have since declared him a wanted person. In addition, while Mr Ajaero was in SSS custody on Monday, some media reports expanded the case against him to include a petition filed by Air Peace about a year ago, alleging that he led NLC to disrupt the airlines operations. Air Peace expresses worry over reigniting petition In response, Air Peace, in a statement issued Monday by its spokesperson, Omotade Makinwa, debunked assertions of having any live case of Mr Ajaero. The airline argued that Mr Ajaeros arrest does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC. 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 Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC, the statement said. It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On 3 May 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State Government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State Government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. It added that the unlawful disruption of its services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states. According to the statement, in response to the disruption, Air Peaces legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. However, it said despite repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the police failed to take prompt action. Over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president, Air Peace said. Before this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations, the statement said. Mr Wynne, who seems to be central to the case against Mr Ajaero, has dismissed the treason allegations levelled against him. The socialist, who appears to have left Nigeria, insists that participating in protests does not constitute treason, contrary to the governments claims. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Despite the killing of protesters by law enforcement officials, as well as the arrest and detention of journalists and activists, the Nigerian government says the incumbent Bola Tinubu administration does not abuse human rights. The government was responding to criticisms by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom following the arrest and temporary detention of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero. The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation, Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to President Bola Tinubu, wrote in a Tuesday statement. Mr Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Abuja airport and prevented from travelling to the UK for the TUC conference. He was later released on Monday night. Mr Onanuga argued that Mr Ajaeros arrest was justified and accused the labour leader of refusing to honour a law enforcement agencys invitation. The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation, Mr Onanuga wrote. He then claimed that there are no human rights violations by the Nigerian government. 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, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria, he wrote. However, contrary to Mr Onanugas claims, PREMIUM TIMES and other media organisations and human rights groups have documented several cases of human rights abuses by security agencies under the Tinubu administration. These include the killing of many protesters and passersby during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest as well as the arrest and detention of several journalists and activists. The #Endbadgovernance protesters were mostly young Nigerians expressing their grievances on the high cost of living, food shortages, and government mismanagement. Many marchers called on President Tinubu to address systemic corruption and reverse controversial economic reforms that he passed last year. The protests turned violent and led to the destruction and looting of government and private properties in many Northern Nigerian cities. On multiple occasions, the police fired teargas at peaceful protesters and journalists covering the protests at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium. Over a dozen protesters and passersby were killed by security officials during the protests. President Tinubu has yet to acknowledge the killings or authorise an investigation. The police also arrested over a thousand protesters, 10 of whom are currently facing charges of treason. After more than one year in office as Nigerias president, Amnesty International said Mr Tinubu has failed to uphold human rights in the country. In a document titled, Nigeria: Human Rights Agenda 2023, the group said rights to freedom of expression and media freedom are routinely violated under the current administration. Referencing instances where security forces threaten, arrest and detain journalists and human rights defenders, Amnesty International said attacks on journalists are at a record high. In the last eight months, more than 40 Nigerian journalists have faced a form of harassment while carrying out their constitutional duties. Officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), under the leadership of Inspector General (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, were the most prominent perpetrators, accounting for nearly half of the verified cases of harassment. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is working tirelessly to mitigate the devastating impact of recent flooding on its facilities in Maiduguri, Borno, particularly the Medium Security Custodial Centre. The Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Umar, an assistant controller of corrections, attributed the flooding to the overflow and collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that water from the collapsed dam has submerged various wards in the town, displacing thousands of residents seeking safer alternatives. Mr Umar assured the public that the NCoS was taking necessary measures to ensure public safety, contrary to initial reports. Our officers and men are working around the clock to ensure a smooth and secure transfer process As the agency responsible for inmate safekeeping, we are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety, including evacuating inmates to safer facilities, ensuring smooth operations, and collaborating with sister security agencies to provide support and assistance to those affected. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Umar appreciated the support and guidance from the Presidency and the Vice Presidents visit to Maiduguri to assess the situation. He assured the public that the NCoS was committed to maintaining order and ensuring public safety during this challenging time. NAN reports that the last time the dam experienced a similar issue was in 1994, resulting in unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri, with almost half of the town submerged. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern about the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The worst flood in recent decades has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam. While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the president called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas. President Tinubu assured Governor Babagana Zulum that the federal government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people. READ ALSO: Animals flooded out of zoo as flood devastates Maiduguri He ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims. The president remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time. 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 Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) September 10, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad has continued with a panel discussion titled "Building a global academic network: new approaches to the development of local universities and research institutes", Trend reports. The panel discussion was moderated by Masud Afandiyev, an honored scientist, chair of the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists based in Germany, professor at the Technical University of Munich, and the first Azerbaijani scientist to receive the Humboldt Prize, a doctor of physical and mathematical sciences. The discussion included the evolving role of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad in coordinating the activities of universities and research institutes in Azerbaijan with the international academic community, a model for the involvement of the Chinese scientific diaspora, as well as opinions from Azerbaijani scientists abroad on implementing a similar model in Azerbaijan. Rector of the Baku Higher Oil School, Elmar Gasimov, was the first to speak, addressing the importance of collaboration between Azerbaijani universities and scientists living abroad. He emphasized Azerbaijans efforts to nurture successful youth and provided details on the reforms being carried out at the university, expressing interest in closer cooperation with scientists overseas. Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction Gulchohra Mammadova highlighted the adaptation of Azerbaijani universities to Western standards and the importance of joint conferences. She stressed that forming effective partnerships with Western science could significantly boost collective efforts. Acting Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry, Vazeh Asgarov, spoke about ongoing projects and collaborations with foreign universities. Rector of Baku State University, Elchin Babayev, emphasized that the forum serves as a stable and enduring platform for collaboration, describing joint efforts in academic preparation. Baku Engineering University's rector Yagub Piriyev highlighted the importance of collaboration with international educational institutions while discussing ongoing projects. Besides, rector of Nakhchivan State University, Elbrus Isayev, stressed the importance of establishing research groups within universities. He mentioned ongoing collaboration between Nakhchivan State University and the scientists participating in the event. The panel discussion concluded with an exchange of ideas. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The people of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed joy following the provision of electricity to nine Ogoni communities for the first time in eight years. The communities of Gbam Bonue, Kereken Boue, and Nyorkwiri Boue, among others, have been in a total blackout since 2016, which has severely affected local economic and social activities. Hundreds of excited residents of these agrarian communities poured into the streets. Many described the restoration of power as a miracle. We endured prolonged darkness The Paramount Ruler of Gbam Boue community, Neeka Daasang, expressed disbelief at the return of power after years of darkness, noting that the development would enhance growth and revive local trade. We have endured prolonged darkness that has drastically hindered development, business, and security. The restoration of power to the community will usher in development and rejuvenate commerce in the area. We are delighted with this historic achievement that has given us something to hope for again, he stated. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Daasang praised Khana Caretaker Committee Chairperson Marvin Yobana for his swift action after just three months in the office. Victor Oko-Jumbo, the speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, lauded Mr Yobana for his dedication to improving the living conditions of the Khana people. Mr Oko-Jumbo commended Mr Yobana for clearing the backlog of electricity bills owed to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company. He described the chairperson as an exemplary leader who has set a high standard for others to emulate. This demonstrates the Khana chairmans focus on governance and the needs of the Khana people, he said. Mr Oko-Jumbo affirmed that local government council elections would be held on 5 October despite calls for postponement. How we did it Council chairperson Mr Yobana, the Khana Local Government Caretaker chairperson, explained that after being appointed, his administration initiated the Rural Electrification Rehabilitation Project to end the years his people spent in darkness. He wondered why residents had been allowed to live in darkness for so long under successive administrations. After assuming office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged us to address the needs and aspirations of our people. Later, we brainstormed on how to use our lean resources at our disposal to alleviate the sufferings of people of the area. This led to the decision to embark on the rural electrification rehabilitation project to restore electricity to long-neglected areas, he said. Mr Yobana commended the Boue and Gwara communities for protecting existing electrical infrastructure despite the prolonged lack of power. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen have murdered three persons after luring them to a location in Anambra State ostensibly to buy a parcel of land. The incident happened at about 2 p.m. on Monday at Isionye, a suburb of Enugwu-Ukwu Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state. The area is a boundary between Enugwu-Ukwu and Nawfia, another community in the council area. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday night. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said apart from the slain victims, five others were seriously injured in the attack. Preliminary information reveals that the victims were lured by some individuals through a phone call to the land in the guise of a land transaction and attacked them with guns and machetes, he said. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Nnaghe Obono, has ordered an investigation into the attack and murder of the victims. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Ikenga said the police chief also appealed for calm in the area. He said police operatives have recovered an abandoned Sienna vehicle used by the attackers. Also, the testimonies of the injured victims who are currently receiving treatment in the hospital are aiding the investigation while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue, the police spokesperson stated. Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES reports that youths in the Enugwu-Ukwu have been accusing some community leaders of engaging in unauthorised sale of lands in the area. In 2020, for instance, some of the youths protested the alleged unauthorised sale of some parcels of land in the Isionye Area of the community. Worsening insecurity Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Anambra State with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities. The latest attack occurred barely a week after gunmen attacked the Headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state. The Nigerian government has accused Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied their involvement in the attacks. IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Offset8 Capital Limited, a proprietary asset management firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, has announced the signing of a financing transaction with iRise, the recipient of the NDC Investment Award at COP28 for Best Forestry Initiative in Africa. Regenerating the warm heart of Africa - Malawi With the project now well underway, Offset8 and iRise reported to the Government of Malawi on the progress of iRise's Climate and Community Transformation Program, which focuses on restoring 6,000 hectares of degraded land in Malawi, deploying over 140,000 clean cookstoves, and improving food security. At the heart of this initiative is a large-scale reforestation effort, with plans to plant 6 million indigenous trees and prevent the deforestation of over 4 million trees, all crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity resurgence, and soil regeneration. Across Africa, over 3.7 million people die prematurely each year due to harmful cooking practices. 91% of Malawians rely on firewood and charcoal, leading to serious health issues and widespread deforestation. By providing clean cookstoves to local communities free of charge, the project directly improves public health and reduces deforestation. Climatic shocks have severely reduced agricultural productivity among Malawi's farming-dependent population. In response, the iRise program enhances food security by producing an additional 3,000 tons of maize annually to feed 25,000 people and supports subsistence farming for 5,000 people. The project is expected to create 300 permanent and multi-year jobs and seasonal work for 1,500 people. This comprehensive program integrates reforestation, clean cooking, and sustainable agricultureinto a synergistic solution. Each component strengthens the others, creating a holistic approach that meets the diverse needs of local communities. Combined, these efforts could positively impact the lives of 150,000 people in Malawi. Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi stated, "I am pleased that Malawi is becoming a destination of choice for carbon financing, and we welcome this program to Malawi". The project was issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) by the Government of Malawi. The LOA allows carbon credits issued by the project to be traded under Article 6 of the United Nations Paris Agreement. Offset8 has observed significant international interest in the project from companies in Switzerland, which signed an Article 6 agreement with Malawi, and in Japan and Singapore, with increasing demand for high-quality carbon credits. Jules Maitrepierre and Ivan Mozharov, Offset8's co-founders, shared, "We are proud to support iRise for its holistic approach addressing the needs of local communities and its commitment to the ICVCM's Core Carbon Principles, ensuring environmental integrity." Alex Pettefer, CEO of iRise, and Jason Rosamond, the architect behind iRise's solution, stated, "Offset8's ability to structure tailored financing and leverage a global network make them an ideal partner to amplify our impact in Malawi while respecting the local context." Offset8 Capital Limited, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM, acted as a financial advisor to Offset8 Holding Limited that will finance the project. Video - https://youtu.be/LeMZ8kHUEhk Media Team media@offset8capital.com +97128124183 The acquisition will combine Shaker's elegant project management approach to transaction management with AccountTECH's back-office accounting solution, darwin.Cloud BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AccountTECH , the only web-based, multi-tenant accounting solution for the real estate industry announces the acquisition of transaction management upstart, Shaker .io. AccountTECH is trying to help our clients more easily display the value they provide to agents, sellers and especially, buyers. Shaker.io technology enables real estate brokerages to effortlessly highlight the full extent of their work for agents, sellers, and especially buyers. By automating personalized SMS messages and emails, Shaker.io keeps all parties informed throughout every stage of the transaction. Sellers, buyers, and agents also get both a mobile app and a website that deliver real-time updates and ensure transparency, and increase engagement. This innovative tool empowers AccountTECH clients to showcase their value by maintaining continuous communication that feels personal. To consumers, it's as if the agent and staff are messaging them every step of the waywhile in reality, automated workflows are delivering these tailored messages. "To agents, sellers, and buyers, Shaker.io presents as a simple, beautifully designed, easy to use app. But 'under-the-hood', it is a powerful application that has a lot of functionality that our clients have been looking for," states Mark Blagden, CEO and founder of AccountTECH. "Our customers work hard on compliance. They need tools that can make compliance easier by proactively helping them gather the documents they need for the file. At the same time, they need a better way to make buyers and agents understand how much work they are doing on their behalf. We have been watching the evolution of Shaker.io for a while and are excited by all the things our clients can do with this technology. To most users, Shaker appears as a compliance and communication app - but at AccountTECH, we see it as a Project Management tool. We are already using it to create agent onboarding work-flows and marketing design work-flows." "We've always known that we have a unique and powerful platform - and in 2023 we were named to T3's Top Tech 200 [an annual identification of the residential real estate brokerage industry's best-in-class tech products]," stated Chris Lucas, CEO/Founder of Shaker. "Our focus, initially, was on the real estate teams market, but we wanted to serve larger brokerages from the start. This merger allows us to continue to serve our current teams market but provides exposure to the large, multi-company enterprises that are AccountTECH's specialty." The Shaker.io acquisition is also allowing AccountTECH to test out a theory they developed in 2022 to enhance interoperability between all real estate software programs . AccountTECH has a long history of being committed to integration with all the great software programs like dotLoop or SkySlope - as well as franchise & MLS systems. Helkyn Coello, VP for Software Development says, "With Shaker, we are experimenting on ourselves to see if we can prove that it's possible to create real-time data-sharing between separate programs that address and eliminate the inherent inefficiencies found in traditional API technology for integration ." Details of the transaction were not disclosed but Shaker and AccountTECH will continue to operate and serve their current customers while they combine the two software programs for full, real-time integration expected for release in Q4, 2024. About AccountTECH For over 25 years, AccountTECH's team of real estate accountants and software engineers have been building tools that increase the efficiency of brokerages. Their latest flagship product is darwin.Cloud - a 4th generation evolution of their popular back office accounting software. The team is constantly adding automation and integrations towards the goal of single-point-of-entry. Their motto is: data entry can happen anywhere, but everything winds up in darwin. In their work with clients, partners and each other, they bring integrity to every interaction and every line of code. About Shaker Shaker, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, is a collaborative transaction management platform for real estate teams, brokers, and agents. It is the first transaction platform built exclusively for real estate teams that helps streamline and enhance the entire home buying & selling process from first meet to lasting client relationships. Amongst transaction management and productivity benchmarks, Shaker's software provides a simple, transparent communication channel that brings clients into conversations like never before, jumpstarting a referral engine that propels agents and teams to achieve greater success. AccountTECH www.accounttech.com (978) 947-3600 For sales inquiries, please contact: Theresa Hurt [email protected] (978) 710-0071 Shaker www.shaker.io (317) 523-8238 For sales inquiries, please contact: Chris Lucas [email protected] (317) 523-8238 SOURCE AccountTECH NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ION, a global leader in trading, analytics, treasury, and risk management solutions for capital markets, commodities, and treasury management, announces that Advantage Futures has successfully migrated to ION's cleared derivatives trade processing platform, XTP. Advantage Futures ranks among the industry's highest volume futures commission merchants, processing over 5.3 billion contracts since the firm's launch in 2003. Known for reliable connectivity to exchanges worldwide, execution services, and a commitment to advanced technology, Advantage Futures serves a diverse client base, including professional traders, institutional clients, exchange-traded funds, foreign and domestic non-clearing futures brokers, hedge funds, and individual traders. After using the same post-trade technology platform for decades, Advantage Futures sought a flexible, modern solution that could provide extensive automation across clearing and settlement workflows. XTP will allow the firm to scale its business even further and create a more efficient, unified experience for clients with real-time visibility of positions, commissions, fees, margins, cash flows, and risk. ION's continued investment in XTP's capabilities has helped it onboard a rapidly growing number of futures commission merchants and global banks. Joe Guinan, Chairman and CEO of Advantage Futures, said: "In the two decades since founding Advantage Futures, we've expanded from a small boutique to among the industry's highest volume clearing firms serving some of the world's high-volume traders. As we continue to scale the business, we prioritize giving clients best-in-class, customized technology to seamlessly navigate an increasingly complex market. Having successfully completed the migration to ION's XTP, we now deliver real-time data and automation capabilities, meeting client needs to process ever-growing trade volumes quickly and efficiently." Francesco Margini, Chief Product Officer for Cleared Derivatives, ION Markets, said: "We are very pleased about our partnership with Advantage Futures, one of the industry's highest volume clearing firms. The transition from their legacy back-office solution to XTP was completed in record time, leveraging ION's established methodology and tools developed to manage large and complex migration projects. The Advantage-XTP rollout demonstrates ION's proven track record in bringing new products to the market and the strong discipline required for a timely and successful delivery to customers." About ION ION provides mission-critical trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics and insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporate organizations. Our solutions and services simplify complex processes, boost efficiency, and enable better decision-making. We build long-term partnerships with our clients, helping transform their businesses for sustained success through continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/ About ION Markets ION Markets provides transformative technology and solutions to financial institutions dealing in asset management, cleared derivatives, equities, fixed income, FX, and secured funding. Our award-winning end-to-end solutions simplify clients' operations by automating the entire trade lifecycle, providing tools to manage risk, and maximizing access to liquidity, while giving real-time access to critical information for timely operational decisions and execution on a global scale. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/markets/ About Advantage Futures Advantage Futures is among the highest volume clearing firms in the futures industry with a diverse client base. The Chicago-based firm processed over 325 million contracts in 2023. Advantage clients are domiciled in 64 countries, territories, and jurisdictions and can access over 20 futures exchanges around the world. Advantage operates an agency model brokerage and does not trade for its own account; thereby avoiding a conflict of interest by not competing with client trading. Advantage hosts servers and other technology equipment and provides technology-related services for clients. For more information, visit https://www.advantagefutures.com. All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners. SOURCE Wall Street Systems Delaware, Inc. Pimentel: Statement of Support on DepEd's Partnership with iamtheCODE to Teach Coding to Female Highschool Students Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III supports the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Sonny Angara, and iamtheCODE, founded by its visionary leader, Lady Marieme Jamme. "This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the coding and digital skills of female high school students across selected schools in the Philippines," Pimentel said on Wednesday. "By focusing on our young women, we are not only providing them with opportunities to thrive in the digital economy but also promoting gender equality in the tech industry," he stressed. Pimentel has long been an advocate for integrating coding into the curriculum. He filed Senate Bill No. 79 to incorporate age-appropriate computer programming into the enhanced basic education curriculum. "It would be timely for the Senate Committee on Basic Education to prioritize this measure. I firmly believe that teaching students how to code will not only improve schools' performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics but also equip students to be globally competitive in the 21st century," Pimentel said. Pimentel said that this initiative by DepEd and iamtheCODE is a commendable effort to provide the youth with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Binance is on the lookout for ways to speed up the incubation of new ventures that will shape not only the future of the cryptocurrency industry but also the broader financial landscape, Binances Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan said at the "Chain Reaction 2024" forum in Baku, Trend reports. Conlan emphasized the importance of education in the digital asset and technology sectors at the "Chain Reaction 2024" forum during the panel titled "From Inception to Innovation: The Cryptocurrency Market Journey." "We have discussed with the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and concluded that in the world of digital assets, education plays a crucial role. Its not just about drawing more people into the field but also about helping them understand how to enter the market safely and knowledgeably. Safety and awareness are key to successful activity in any financial market, and digital assets are no exception. Like any other financial product, trading in cryptocurrencies comes with risks and volatility," she stated. Conlan noted that these topics have been the talk of the town in the industry lately. "What we must focus on is building a long-term ecosystem while educating people to stay calm, conduct their own research, and understand their investments. This approach will help overcome challenges and unlock the true value of digital assets," she added. Reflecting on her experience over the past two years, Conlan highlighted Binances commitment to leading the industry. "Binance has added over 40 million users since January, indicating sector expansion. Our goal is to double this number by year's end. It took seven years to reach 200 million users, and we predict 100 million more in 2024. This shows industry longevity. Compliance and transparency are also priorities for Binance, with 220 marketing staff and 1,000 compliance staff working every day to establish a secure blockchain ecosystem. Its crucial for us to support the next generation of Web3 companies and invest in them through initiatives like BNB Chain and Binance Labs. We continue to explore ways to accelerate the incubation of new businesses that will define the future of both the crypto industry and finance as a whole," said Conlan, stressing Binances dedication to fostering innovation. Conlan noted that Binance's worldwide user base surpassed 220 million. She noted that technology and institutional interest have made cryptocurrency mainstream. "Recent key developments include the approval of cryptocurrency ETFs, which has opened the doors for significant financial flows from traditional institutions. Technological innovations such as Layer 2 solutions and cross-chain platforms like Polkadot and Cosmos are also major drivers," she noted. Moreover, she stated that Apple, PayPal, and Goldman Sachs are incorporating cryptocurrencies into their business structures. "Alongside market growth, we face significant challenges, including reputational risks and the need for clearer regulation," she added. WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation's leading suicide prevention organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, commends the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for finalizing new rules to strengthen mental health parity enforcement. This new rule will help the federal government fully enforce the bipartisan Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which requires insurance providers to cover mental health care and substance use treatment at parity with services for physical health. By promoting full compliance, this rule will both lower costs for patients and help support mental health care providers. "Upwards of 90% of individuals who ultimately die by suicide were living with a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death, although these conditions often go undiagnosed or untreated. This rule represents a landmark step towards ensuring that all people have affordable access to mental health and substance use treatment," said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. "The publication of the rule, during (NSPM), is a timely reminder that preventing suicide begins with preventing barriers to care." AFSP provided comments during the proposed rulemaking emphasizing the importance of strengthening enforcement, and more than 700 Volunteer Advocates submitted their own stories about the importance of parity to them and the challenges they face in getting access to mental health and SUD treatment. We are pleased that the new requirements require health insurance companies to demonstrate with data that people seeking MH/SUD care have the same access to in-network services and strengthen the accountability tools available to oversight agencies. This rule is particularly important for individuals living with substance use disorder. According to the CDC, 21% of people who die by suicide have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1% or higher. This rule will help improve insurance coverage of substance use disorder, helping individuals afford treatment. We commend the Biden administration taking this important step to ensure greater equity and help prevent suicide. To learn more about our policy priorities page please visit https://afsp.org/public-policy-priorities/. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states including Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), announced today the classification of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) as a Category 2 (C2) center under UNESCO's auspices. The announcement was made during the third edition of the Global AI Summit, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The classification underscores the pivotal role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in advancing international and regional cooperation in AI policies, ethics, and research. It also highlights the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. This recognition affirms the Kingdom's dedication to supporting the global mission of harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity, with a focus on developing countries. It also enhances the Kingdom's role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since its inception two years ago, ICAIRE has been actively involved in regional and global initiatives in AI. This includes supporting AI research and development, promoting awareness of AI ethics, coordinating policy development related to AI, and supporting capacity-building efforts in the field. At the Global AI Summit, ICAIRE organized an interactive session in collaboration with the International Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI Movement). Representatives from the three UNESCO Category 2 Centers (C2C) and UNESCO itself participated in discussions on enhancing AI's role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, reviewing ethical standards, and UNESCO's efforts in this area. Notably, Saudi Arabia was an early adopter of UNESCO's recommendations on AI ethics, endorsed by 193 countries in November 2021. SDAIA presented the principles of AI ethics at the second edition of the Global AI Summit in September 2022. The decision to classify ICAIRE as a Category 2 Center (C2C) followed a Cabinet decision on July 25, 2023, approving the establishment of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence to be headquarter in Riyadh, where it will operate with legal personality and financial and administrative independence. Media contact: [email protected] Demo showcased company's - and perhaps the world's - first ever delivery between two autonomous devices CARMEL, Ind., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In what was reviewed as a "super cool" demonstration last weekend, a winner of last weekend's ARTOMOBILIA received his trophy by drone delivery to an Arrive AI mailbox. What neither he nor other attendees realized was that the transaction was fully automated. Arrive logo Automated Delivery: drone to Arrive AI smart mailbox Arrive AI has delivered food, beer and other items in past demonstrations in Indiana and across the country, but in each of those actions, a human being was fully engaged in piloting the drone and operating mechanics to lower the package into the mailbox. This time, a human pressed a button and the machines did all the work. "This is a big deal - an Aha! Moment, if you will," said Arrive AI CEO Dan O'Toole. "It really shows you our vision of a push-button, human-free delivery system, and it went off without a hitch." The demonstration took place at the Carmel Arts and Design Center. Robert Johnston, Arrive AI's technical product manager, input the Arrive AI mailbox's (Arrive Point) coordinates into the drone's mission management system. When it was time for the delivery, the drone operator pressed a single button, initiating the fully autonomous flight. The drone flew to the Arrive AI mailbox, authenticated through an application programming interface (API) that it was the correct delivery point and delivered its package via winch. The system used GPS and an ArUco marker (similar to a QR code) to identify the mailbox and also triggered the mailbox to open. An infrared locking system stabilized the drone, ensuring precision delivery as the parcel was lowered. Once the delivery was confirmed by the mailbox, the drone withdrew the winch and returned to its home base. "Everyone in the crowd was impressed, but I don't think they understood how impressive this delivery actually was," O'Toole said. "They might have thought our team was a little bit more excited than we should have been, but we knew we had just witnessed a technological breakthrough." In the future, when an Arrive Point mailbox is installed at an address, its GPS coordinates will be stored in Arrive AI's cloud-based database. The "push of a button" operation will be seamlessly managed through apps and delivery services, optimizing autonomous delivery for a range of users. Arrive AI is working to refine this precision delivery process, working toward a fully autonomous, human-free delivery system. About Arrive AI: Arrive AI's patented last mile (ALM) platform enables drone-based and human mail delivery to and from a physical smart mailbox, while providing tracking data, smart logistics alerts, and advanced chain of custody controls to secure the last-mile delivery for all shippers, delivery services, and autonomous delivery networks. Arrive AI makes the exchange of goods between people, robots, and drones frictionless, efficient, and convenient through artificial intelligence, autonomous technology, and interoperability with smart devices including doorbells, lighting and security systems. Learn more details about the company's patents here. See videos of the smart mailbox in action here. Media Contact: Cheryl Reed 317-446-5240 [email protected] SOURCE Arrive AI GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Navigating the path to college can feel overwhelming for high school students and their parents. Fortunately, school counselors like Kristin Schumacher-Smith of Grand River Preparatory High School, are here to help guide families through the process. Here's how Schumacher-Smith and her National Heritage Academies (NHA) colleagues support students on their path to higher education. Helping Students Discover Their Worth One of the primary roles of a high school counselor is to help students recognize their potential and find their unique path. This isn't just about steering students toward college or a career; it's about helping them discover what will truly make them happy and successful. Encouraging your child to connect with their counselor can be the first step in discovering what they're passionate about and find ways to help them achieve their dreams. Addressing Common Concerns It's natural for students to have questions and concerns about their future. Many feel pressured to attend college immediately, even if they're not sure what they want to study. Schumacher-Smith reassures families that it's normal for students to take their time. "It's okay not to have everything figured out right away," she notes. "Sometimes, exploring options like community college or even taking a gap year can provide valuable time to decide." Guidance on College and Career Choices If your child isn't sure about their career path, starting at a community college can be a more affordable way to explore different interests without the pressure of a four-year university. Dual enrollment is also a great option. "We offer dual enrollment, which is way cheapersometimes even freeand it's a great way to get those general education requirements while you're still in high school," Schumacher-Smith shares. School counselors can help with these decisions, offering guidance on everything from college applications to financial aid. They provide one-on-one meetings to help your family navigate the process, so encourage your child to take advantage of these resources. Encouraging Research and Advocacy When it comes to choosing a college, research is key. Schumacher-Smith encourages students to take the initiative to learn about their options before meeting with a counselor. "Students should spend some time researching their interests and potential careers," she suggests. "It's not just about finding the right fit but also about understanding what's required to achieve their goals." Making Applications Stand Out College applications are more than just a list of grades and test scoresthey're an opportunity for students to show who they really are. Personal essays play a crucial role in this process. "Colleges want to see who you are beyond your GPA and test scores," Schumacher-Smith explains. "A well-written personal essay can make a big difference. It's your chance to show what makes you unique and why you'd be a great fit for their institution." Encourage your child to take their time on their essay and remind them that their counselor is available to help with ideas and edits. About National Heritage Academies: National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. SOURCE National Heritage Academies Los Angeles Gallery Continues to Welcome Record-breaking Multigenerational Crowds to Experience LA's Beloved Chicano Culture Through the Lens of the Exhibition. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BEYOND THE STREETS extends their celebration of ESTEVAN ORIOL & TEEN ANGEL due to overwhelming support from the Los Angeles Community. Dedicated to You has drawn crowds from all over the city, spanning all ages, emphasizing the importance of Chicano and local representation. Thanks to its deep LA roots and Oriol's brilliant photography, the show will continue to display a unique and often overlooked part of Los Angeles through Sunday, October 27th. With the support of Guayaki Yerba Mate, many more locals and travelers alike will have the chance to view the exhibition and absorb the rich history of this vibrant community. Estevan Oriol "LA FINGERS" TEEN ANGEL'S With over 10,000 viewers, the exhibition has been a resounding success. Dedicated to You has brought a multigenerational audience to the gallery to view the strikingly authentic and deep works from Oriol's illustrious career. The exhibition has undoubtedly captured the city's heart and soul, resonating with a broad audience. Not only does the show highlight Oriol's photographic achievements, but it also celebrates the impact of Teen Angel on his work. Teen Angel's Magazine, with every issue, acted as a cultural beacon, uniting communities and forging lifelong friendships. The show pays tribute to the late Teen Angel, founder of the magazine, who passed away in 2015 but left an indelible mark on arts and culture. The exhibition's curation results from a meticulous exploration of Oriol's extensive archive, a process involving countless hours of delving into his vast collection and visual legacy. Each chosen image underscores Oriol's exceptional ability to reveal the beauty in often-overlooked landscapes, fostering a deep appreciation for Los Angeles' rich and transcendent history. This careful selection process alongside Oriol's relatable and breathtaking work has made the exhibition an undeniable success. The extension of Dedicated to You also creates space for more related events at the gallery. Not only will more people have the opportunity to experience the heart of Los Angeles through Oriol's eyes, but there will also be opportunities to attend events, signings, exclusive product releases, and more community-driven experiences. BEYOND THE STREETS Founder Roger Gastman is delighted by the Los Angeles engagement and support, saying "It's incredible to see Oriol's work is reverberating so deeply with viewers of all ages. It's a testament to the raw nature of his photography, his real portrayal of the city we all love so much, and the community's desire to see a culture we don't often see represented in galleries and institutions. Estevan Oriol and Teen Angel together bring storied histories, and I'm so glad to see they resonate with a larger audience." The BEYOND THE STREETS gift shop adds a unique curated shopping experience for attendees. Exclusive merchandise and printed matter will be available within the gallery gift shop including an extensive apparel collection, sculptures, prints, and the first release from Teen Angel's Magazine in decades in the form of a 64-page special issue with Estevan Oriol, featuring a compilation of new and archived material. There will also be special events throughout the run of the show, including exclusive Polaroid portraits taken by Estevan Oriol himself at the end of September. More information at www.beyondthestreets.com Media Inquiries: Hijinx Arts | Heidi Johnson | [email protected] | 323.204.7246 SOURCE BEYOND THE STREETS Life insurance carrier honored with regional business award for sixth year in a row CANTON, Mass., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal (BBJ) has named Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, a national provider of insurance solutions for individuals and at the workplace, an honoree in its annual 2023 Corporate Citizenship Awards, a recognition of the region's top corporate charitable contributors. Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, along with the other nominees, was recognized at the BBJ's 19th Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards on Thursday, September 5th, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston.1 Boston Mutual Life ranked #83 on the list. The Business Journal annually publishes the list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. This is the sixth consecutive year that Boston Mutual Life has been recognized with the BBJ Corporate Citizenship Award. Boston Mutual Life gives back through its corporate citizenship program, Making An Impact, which celebrated its sixth anniversary this past May. In total, since its launch, the program has contributed almost 1,200 volunteer hours, 800 donations, and more than $1.5 million to a variety of charitable causes across the country, including in Massachusetts and Nebraska, where it has corporate offices. Boston Mutual Life honored for 6th year in a row in annual Corporate Citizenship Awards for charitable contributions. Post this "It is with honor that we present our list of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts companies who gave $100,000 or more to Mass.-based in charities in 2023. Collectively, they gave more than $362 million in cash contributions a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need. We are proud to celebrate these organizations who give both money and time to make Boston a stronger and better place for all," said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. This year 96 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year as noted above. "It is an honor to be recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Top Charitable Company for the sixth year in a row," said Paul A. Quaranto, Jr., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. "As a mutual life insurance company, giving back is a key part of who we are. It's this spirit of mutuality that inspires our employees' passion for supporting worthy causes where we live and work, and we look forward to continuing these efforts." The Boston Business Journal is the region's premier business media organization, one of 44 markets owned by American City Business Journals. For marketing and sponsorship opportunities, contact the Business Journal today. To learn more about Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, please visit https://www.bostonmutual.com/. For more on Boston Mutual Life's corporate citizenship program, please visit https://www.bostonmutual.com/about-us/making-an-impact/. About Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company Founded as a progressive life insurance company in 1891, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company is a national carrier that provides insurance solutions designed for working Americans and their families, as well as enrollment and billing options at the workplace. With offices based in Canton, Massachusetts, and Omaha, Nebraska, as a mutual company, Boston Mutual Life is dedicated to acting in the best interests of its policyholders, producers, employees, and its communities. For more information, please visit www.bostonmutual.com or contact your Boston Mutual Life representative. Follow the company on Facebook ( /BostonMutualLifeIns ), LinkedIn ( /company/boston-mutual-life-insurance ), or Instagram ( /bostonmutuallifeinsurance ). Media Contacts Meredith D'Agostino Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company [email protected] (800) 669-2668 x276 Boston Mutual Life News Desk: [email protected] 1 "BBJ announces the state's most charitable companies," Boston Business Journal. July 16, 2024 SOURCE Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buyers Edge Platform, the leading software and analytics company providing data-driven insights and technology to the foodservice industry, announces its acquisition of My Purchasing Partner in the UK. This acquisition marks another significant step in Buyers Edge Platform's rapid expansion across Europe, following the acquisitions of The Full Range and Delta Procurement in the UK and S&F-Gruppe in Germany earlier this year and Svenska Krogare in Sweden last year. These acquisitions align with Buyers Edge Platform's broader strategy to create the largest Digital Procurement Network in Europe, mirroring their success achieved in the US. Through strategic acquisitions, new country partnerships, and organic growth initiatives, Buyers Edge Platform is set to transform procurement, offering exceptional value to foodservice businesses across Europe. John Davie, CEO of Buyers Edge Platform, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, "We're seeking the best and most powerful GPOs in each country in Europe and My Purchasing Partner enables us to grow further in the UK, as we continue our mission to revolutionize procurement practices and empower businesses across the continent." Ray Treacy, Founder of My Purchasing Partner, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, saying, "From the very first conversation with Buyers Edge Platform, it was clear we shared the same vision and values. We are both people-focused businesses that always put the customer first. Combining our UK market knowledge with Buyers Edge Platform's technology and buying power will create the perfect environment to help our customers to thrive. We are excited to have joined the most powerful network in the foodservice industry and to share the opportunities this brings." Daniel Wilson, President of Buyers Edge Platform Europe, added, "MPP is a fantastic addition to the Buyers Edge Platform Family. Ray, Steve Quinn, Terry Swift, Sam Tippins, and the great team at MPP have created one of the most successful GPOs in the UK. We look forward to supporting their continued growth." Buyers Edge Platform has now completed 5 European acquisitions since January 2023. About My Purchasing Partner MPP are the fastest growing purchasing company in the UK. The company delivers a wide range of services to the contract catering, healthcare, hospitality and leisure markets including food and non-food procurement, planning and consulting. MPP caters to diverse sectors including schools and colleges, senior care, hospitals, leisure centres, hotels and restaurants. Their sterling reputation stems from a commitment to enhancing client purchasing efficiency while fostering strong supplier relationships. About Buyers Edge Platform Buyers Edge Platform is the leading software and analytics company providing data-driven insights and technology to the foodservice industry. We connect entities throughout foodservice and empower them to run their businesses more efficiently by leveraging data and analytics. Buyers Edge Platform's mission is to drive the foodservice industry from manual to automated with programs that benefit all stakeholders across the supply chain. Visit BuyersEdgePlatform.com to learn more. Buyers Edge Platform recently announced a $1.1B recapitalization with a consortium of leading financial partners. Buyers Edge Platform intends to leverage the new funds to support the execution of its continued growth initiatives, including platform innovation, strategic M&A, and European expansion. Media contact: Ryan Gerding for Buyers Edge Platform [email protected] 913-602-8531 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1870895/BEP_Logo.jpg KISSIMMEE, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology is thrilled to announce the addition of Shanice Baker, APRN, to their esteemed team of healthcare providers. Shanice brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for women's health to the practice, further enhancing the comprehensive care offered to our patients. Shanice Baker, APRN Shanice Baker is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with seven years of extensive experience in cardiology and labor and delivery at local hospitals. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Shanice moved to Kissimmee, Florida, at the age of 12 with her family. From a young age, she demonstrated a profound dedication to healthcare, beginning her journey as a patient transporter at a local hospital. Her commitment to the field led her to pursue higher education, earning an Associate of Science in Nursing from Valencia Community College in 2016 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seminole State College in 2021. Shanice's desire to expand her impact on patient care drove her to achieve a Master's degree specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University. During her studies, she discovered her true calling in women's health, a field where she now excels and feels deeply passionate. "Joining Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology is an exciting milestone in my career," Shanice shares. "My approach to healthcare is deeply rooted in giving back to the community and providing care that feels like family. I am dedicated to positively impacting my patients' lives and striving for excellence in women's care." Her impressive career includes roles at Advent Health Orlando Cardiac PCU and Advent Health Celebration Labor and Delivery, as well as various travel nursing assignments. Additionally, Shanice has served as a Clinical Instructor at Valencia College, further demonstrating her commitment to educating and empowering future healthcare professionals. In her personal life, Shanice has been happily married to her best friend for 13 years, and together they share three children. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, family gatherings, and shopping, balancing her professional dedication with a fulfilling family life. Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology is confident that Shanice's expertise, compassion, and dedication to women's health will significantly benefit our patients and the community we serve. We invite you to join us in welcoming Shanice Baker, APRN, to our practice. For more information about Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology and our services, please visit CelebrationOBGYN.com. About Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology At Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology, we recognize that every patient has a unique health history. Our primary objective is to help women maintain optimal physical wellness under our medical guidance. Our skilled team of board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and physician assistants is dedicated to providing exceptional care. We have three locations to serve you better throughout Central Florida and strive to accommodate our patients' schedules with flexible appointment times and professional care. Contact: Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology 410 Celebration Place, 208 Celebration, FL 34747 Phone: (407) 566-2229 Website: CelebrationOBGYN.com Media Contact: Nicole Meyer Marketing Coordinator Celebration Health & Wellness (407) 902-1742 [email protected] SOURCE Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology The firm is ranked No. 18 in Financial Planning's '2024 IBD Elite' list ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Centaurus Financial, Inc. has been named one of the top U.S. independent broker/dealers by Financial Planning, based on revenue. Its "2024 IBD Elite" list, the news service writes, proves that small and medium-size firms will be able to weather whatever financial storms are ahead. Small and medium-size IBDs are "evolving to meet the demands of financial advisors and their clients, in some ways more quickly and effectively than the largest conglomerates," FP writes. That's certainly true of Centaurus, which is ranked at No. 18 for the second year in a row. "One of the things I love about Centaurus is that we're No. 1 to them," says Representative Mark Woodfield, who's been with Centaurus since 2008. Centaurus representatives are all independent. "They're working for us," Woodfield says. "It is truly a family where people are sharing ideas, trying to help other people succeed." Woodfield exemplifies the loyalty representatives feel toward Centaurus. He's been with the firm for 16 years, but even representatives who have joined the broker/dealer more recently feel positive about their experience. Juliet Magee is a CFP with Milestones Financial Services in Annapolis, Maryland. The firm joined Centaurus in February 2023. The transition was a major undertaking, Magee says. "Centaurus helped us a lot with organizing what we needed to address to prepare for that transition. They worked with us to make it easier for us to get the data in an expedited manner." She added, "We've been really happy with Centaurus." Centaurus continues to maintain its standing in the top 25 of independent broker/dealers in the U.S. Total revenue in 2023, the last year for which figures are available, was $202.5 million. About Centaurus Financial Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Centaurus Financial, Inc. is a national independent financial services company registered and licensed to offer securities, investment advisory services and insurance products. Centaurus Financial is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Centaurus Financial is registered as a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). For more information about Centaurus Financial, please visit centaurusfinancial.com. Contact: Maryanne Dell [email protected] SOURCE Centaurus Financial, Inc. Chipotle's Mexican-inspired, tender Smoked Brisket returns to the menu after three years. Fans can experience Smoked Brisket with a $0 delivery fee offer* for a limited time. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced Smoked Brisket is back on the grill at participating restaurants in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. Smoked Brisket has remained a top requested menu item for Chipotle to bring back among fans on social media since it was first introduced three years ago. Chipotles Mexican-inspired, tender Smoked Brisket returns to the menu after three years. "We are listening to our guests and bringing this fan-favorite menu innovation out of the vault after three years," said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer. "This premium protein is sure to delight guests looking to taste the difference of brisket prepared the Chipotle way." For guests trying Smoked Brisket for the first time, Nevielle Panthaky, Vice President of Culinary, recommends a Smoked Brisket Burrito Bowl with white rice, black beans, fresh tomato salsa and cheese. Sourced, Seasoned, Smoked, Seared, Spiced, and Sauced Chipotle's Smoked Brisket is not a standard brisket experience. Classic culinary techniques are leveraged to develop rich layers of flavor that pair perfectly with the brand's real, fresh ingredients. Made with Responsibly Raised beef, the menu innovation is seared on the plancha and seasoned with spices, including smoked serrano chili pepper and chipotle chili pepper. The protein is hand-chopped into tender, juicy bites and finished in a savory brisket sauce made with smoky chili peppers. Prepared in small batches throughout the day for freshness, Smoked Brisket is a whole new way for fans to experience their go-to order at Chipotle. For video assets of Smoked Brisket, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJwQ3fvhVx8. $0 Delivery Fee Offer Chipotle will offer a $0 delivery fee offer on all Smoked Brisket orders placed through the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca from Thursday, September 12 through Sunday, September 29 in the U.S. and Canada. *$0 Delivery Fee Legal Terms Higher menu prices are charged for delivery; additional service fees applied at checkout as well, except on orders from California locations. Available September 12 through 29, 2024 only, within Chipotle's delivery areas from participating U.S. and Canada locations, during normal operating hours for such locations. Order must include at least one entree with Smoked Brisket to qualify. Minimum order $10 USD/ $12 CAD maximum order $200 USD/ $200 CAD, each excluding tax and fees. Deliveries and redemptions are subject to availability. Offer is not valid on catering or Burritos by the Box orders. Redemptions of Chipotle Rewards and other promotional offers may be included in a qualifying delivery order but do not count towards satisfaction of minimum purchase requirements. Valid only on Chipotle websites or the Chipotle app; not valid on orders placed via third-party delivery platforms. Chipotle reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply; void where prohibited. About Chipotle Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,500 restaurants as of June 30, 2024, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Kuwait and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on Fortune's Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine's Most Influential Companies. With over 120,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.chipotle.com. SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. With a 14 percent rise from the same time in 2019, Azerbaijan set aside 4.32 billion manat ($2.54 bln.) for pension payments in the first eight months of 2024, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan told Trend. According to the Ministry, pensions for the elderly averaged 525 manat ($308), while the average monthly pension amount across the country climbed by 13 percent to 491 manat ($288). Additionally, the last eight months have seen the granting of 27,000 more pensions. Since the introduction of digital pension applications in 2019, a total of 129,000 pensions have been processed through an electronic system. OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) today announced the completion of the previously disclosed divestiture of its Better Health Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) business in its entirety to an affiliate of Piping Rock Health Products, LLC. The divested business includes the Natural Vitality, NeoCell, Rainbow Light and RenewLife brands, relevant trademarks and licenses, and associated manufacturing and distribution facilities in Sunrise, Florida. This transaction reflects Clorox's commitment to continue evolving its portfolio to reduce volatility and accelerate sales growth, as well as structurally improve its margin, in service of driving more consistent and profitable growth over time. About The Clorox Company The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) champions people to be well and thrive every single day. Its trusted brands, which include Brita, Burt's Bees, Clorox, Fresh Step, Glad, Hidden Valley, Kingsford, Liquid-Plumr and Pine-Sol can be found in about nine of 10 U.S. homes and internationally with brands such as Clorinda, Chux and Poett. Headquartered in Oakland, California, since 1913, Clorox was one of the first U.S. companies to integrate ESG into its business reporting. In 2024, the company was ranked No. 1 on Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for the second consecutive year. Visit thecloroxcompany.com to learn more. CLX-F SOURCE The Clorox Company HONG KONG, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) announces today that it has drilled a natural gas well in the ultra-deepwater Liwan 4-1 structure in the Pearl River Mouth Basin. The well was tested to produce 430,000 cubic meters per day of absolute open flow natural gas, marking the first major exploration breakthrough in ultra-deepwater carbonate rocks offshore China. The well is located in Baiyun Sag, the largest hydrocarbon-rich sag in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, about 300 kilometers southeast of Shenzhen with a water depth of nearly 1,640 meters. The well was drilled to a vertical depth of nearly 3,000 meters, completed at a depth of nearly 4,400 meters, and encountered gas pay zone of approximately 650 meters in the horizontal section. The well has revealed promising exploration prospects in the ultra-deepwater Globigerinid limestone in China, and effectively promotes the natural gas exploration process in Baiyun Sag. Mr. Xu Changgui, Chief Geologist of the Company, said, "Previously, exploration in China's ultra-deepwater areas mainly focused on clastic rocks. The success of this well has, for the first time, revealed the enormous potential of carbonate rocks in China's ultra-deep waters, marking significant breakthroughs in both exploration understanding and operational techniques. In addition, this discovery is close to the existing production facilities of Liwan3-1 gas field, which could be utilized to develop the new discovery, thereby, enabling economic and efficient development of natural gas resources in the deep waters of the Pearl River Mouth Basin." End Notes to Editors: More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com. *** *** *** *** This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, macro-political and economic factors, changes in the tax and fiscal regimes of the host countries in which we operate, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, environmental responsibility and compliance requirements, the Company's price forecast, the exploration and development activities, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations. *** *** *** *** For further enquiries, please contact: Ms. Cui Liu Media & Public Relations CNOOC Limited Tel: +86-10-8452-6641 Fax: +86-10-8452-1441 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Bunny Lee Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group Tel: +852 3150 6707 Fax: +852 3150 6728 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE CNOOC Limited HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- College Consensus, a leading authority in education rankings, has unveiled its 2025 list of the best online MBA programs in the United States. This comprehensive ranking aims to provide prospective graduate students with the most well-rounded and insightful guide to the top online MBA programs in the nation. Best Online MBA The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) has emerged as a popular and crucial path for business professionals looking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current positions. With this growing need for flexible, high-quality education, College Consensus offers a meticulously curated ranking based on a unique methodology that aggregates data from multiple, well-regarded sources. A Robust and Unique Ranking Methodology What makes College Consensus' ranking particularly useful is its comprehensive approach. By combining data from five highly respected ranking sourcesForbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fortune, U.S. News & World Report, and The Financial Timesthis ranking presents a thorough evaluation of each program's quality, reputation, and value. Each program's score is based on an average of its performance across these platforms, creating a Consensus Score that reflects a more balanced perspective than any single ranking can provide. "The world of business education is more dynamic than ever, and it's important for prospective students to make informed decisions," says Tammie Cagle, Business & MBA Editor at College Consensus. "Our approach offers students a holistic view of their options, ensuring they understand the relative strengths of each program." Top 40 Online MBA Programs for 2025 Of the forty schools included in the ranking, the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business) took the top spot, with programs at the University of Virginia (Darden School of Business), Cornell University (SC Johnson College of Business), UC-Berkeley (Haas School of Business), and Duke University (Fuqua School of Business) rounding out the top five. Other schools making the list include (in alphabetical order): Arizona State University (W.P. Carey School of Business) (W.P. of Business) Boston University (Questrom School of Business) (Questrom School of Business) Carnegie Mellon University ( Tepper School of Business) ( of Business) Case Western Reserve University (Weatherhead School of Management) (Weatherhead School of Management) CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College (Zicklin School of Business) (Zicklin School of Business) Emory University (Goizueta Business School) (Goizueta Business School) Georgetown University ( McDonough School of Business) ( of Business) George Washington University (School of Business) Indiana University ( Kelley School of Business) ( of Business) Michigan State University ( Eli Broad College of Business) ( of Business) New York University ( Leonard N. Stern School of Business) ( of Business) Ohio State University ( Max M. Fisher College of Business) ( of Business) Rice University (Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business) (Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business) Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business) (Cox School of Business) Texas A&M University (Mays Business School) (Mays Business School) Texas Christian University ( Neeley School of Business) ( of Business) Tulane University (A.B. Freeman School of Business) (A.B. of Business) University of California, Irvine ( Paul Merage School of Business) ( of Business) University of California, Los Angeles ( Anderson School of Management) ( of Management) University of Florida ( Warrington College of Business) ( of Business) University of Georgia ( Terry College of Business) ( of Business) University of Maryland, College Park ( Robert H. Smith School of Business) ( of Business) University of Michigan ( Stephen M. Ross School of Business) ( of Business) University of Minnesota ( Carlson School of Management) ( of Management) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School) (Kenan-Flagler Business School) University of Pittsburgh (Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business) (Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business) University of Rochester (Simon Business School) (Simon Business School) University of Southern California ( Marshall School of Business) ( of Business) University of Tennessee, Knoxville ( Haslam School of Business) ( of Business) University of Texas at Dallas ( Naveen Jindal School of Management) ( of Management) University of Utah ( David Eccles School of Business) ( of Business) University of Washington ( Michael G. Foster School of Business) ( of Business) University of Wisconsin-Madison (Wisconsin School of Business) (Wisconsin School of Business) Washington University in Saint Louis (Olin Business School) in (Olin Business School) William & Mary ( Raymond A. Mason School of Business) About College Consensus College Consensus is a college ratings website that combines respected student and expert reviews to give prospective students a clear picture of the best schools in the country. The unique approach combines rankings from well-known outlets with student opinions to offer a fair and balanced consensus of a school's reputation. Media Contact: Jeremy Alder [email protected] (919) 698-3709 Social Media: Facebook - @collegeconsensus Instagram - @collegeconsensus Twitter - @CollegeConsens SOURCE College Consensus As the newest member of the Country family, Shooter joins industry pioneers Kraig Fox, Gary Vaynerchuk, Jamie Feaster, and Rama Mayo to lend his eye to the brand's product development and to take a leadership role in the company's burgeoning artist ambassador program. Born into country music royalty as the son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, Shooter Jennings has carved an illustrious career spanning three decades and multiple genres, producing music for widely acclaimed artists like Brandi Carlisle, Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses, Marilyn Manson, Yelawolf, Tanya Tucker, and The Turnpike Troubadours. Jennings is also a resident at the famous Sunset Sound Studio 3, which has been home to the birth of over 200 Gold records, including hit albums for Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Prince, the Rolling Stones, and Guns N' Roses. "Shooter's legendary career enables us to connect with some of the most recognizable talent in the world," says Country CEO & Co-Founder Jamie Feaster. "Together, we aim to put music, art, and soul at the center of our brand and help inspire the next generation of artists." Reflecting on his lifelong passion for cannabis, Shooter Jennings expressed excitement with the opportunities presented by the Country partnership. "After decades as a cannabis connoisseur, I'm thrilled to join the Country band," remarked Shooter. "I know I've experienced Country sparking creativity in my own process over the last six months." The proprietary strain, Snake Mountain, was developed through a close collaboration between Country's cannabis experts and Shooter Jennings to build a preroll blend that inspires creativity and "unleashes your wild side." The new blend is available now at select retailers including MMD, The Woods, Erba and The Plant. Country's full line of products can be found at dispensaries across California. For locations, visit Country Cannabis Store Locator . About Country Country is an award-winning lifestyle cannabis brand and a pioneer of "Light Cannabis." Known for introducing the market's first smokable light cannabis, Country has rapidly established itself as a leader in crafting accessible and reliable experiences for consumers of all experience levels. Country's mission is simple: create great tasting cannabis products that help folks win the day. Learn more at countryranch.com. About Shooter Jennings Shooter Jennings has been a dynamic force in the music industry for nearly twenty-five years, blending country, rock, and beyond while consistently pushing the boundaries of genre and creativity. He has carved his own path with an extensive and diverse body of work, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to artistic innovation. Jennings' debut album, "Put The O Back In Country," released with Universal Music Group and produced by Dave Cobb, set the stage for his groundbreaking career. His concept album "Black Ribbons," featuring Stephen King, delved into a dystopian narrative with a compelling mix of rock and electronic music. In 2016, he paid homage to electronic music pioneer Giorgio Moroder with the meticulously crafted "Countach (For Giorgio)." Jennings hosts the widely acclaimed Electric Rodeo on Sirius XM's Outlaw 62 channel and runs his own influential label, Black Country Rock. His prowess as a producer is evident in his Grammy-winning collaborations with Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker, and his work with artists like Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses, Yelawolf, and the Turnpike Troubadours. His contributions extend to prestigious soundtracks and scores, including Netflix's "The Punisher," "The Ranch," and "Chasing Whiskey: The Untold Story of Jack Daniel's." Jennings' work has also featured in high-profile projects such as Jaguar commercials & other major projects. As "Put The O Back In Country" approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, Shooter Jennings continues to be a versatile and influential figure in the music industry, celebrated for his relentless pursuit of creative excellence. Media assets found here SOURCE Country MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DALBAR, the source for financial services market research, announced the results of three 2024 studies on digital experiences for plan sponsors. The annual Plan Sponsor Website Ranking takes a holistic look at online resources offered to plan sponsors. Meanwhile, focused studies on Self-Service Reporting and Plan Sponsor Plan Dashboards delve more deeply into the specific functionality of reporting tools and dashboards. Recognized Leaders Principal Financial Group and TIAA secured top spots in the Plan Sponsor Website Ranking, demonstrating excellence in functionality, usability, and behavior-centric support. Principal Financial Group also stood out for its innovative Retirement Wellness Score tracker and interactive charts, while TIAA was recognized for robust financial wellness resources and its Plan Sponsor Calendar housed directly on the dashboard. and secured top spots in the Plan Sponsor Website Ranking, demonstrating excellence in functionality, usability, and behavior-centric support. Principal Financial Group also stood out for its innovative Retirement Wellness Score tracker and interactive charts, while TIAA was recognized for robust financial wellness resources and its Plan Sponsor Calendar housed directly on the dashboard. John Hancock was lauded for its multi-faceted and informative analytic reports, merging best practices in data visualization and user experience. It also provides context-specific support, facilitating more seamless utilization of the platform. was lauded for its multi-faceted and informative analytic reports, merging best practices in data visualization and user experience. It also provides context-specific support, facilitating more seamless utilization of the platform. Lincoln Financial and Nationwide were recognized for their robust training and support resources, enabling plan sponsors to navigate complex reporting systems and maximize their use of available tools. Lincoln Financial also received praise for its well-organized dashboard design and clear labeling, while Nationwide was noted for its exceptional customization options and effective use of color-coding. The firms recognized in these studies have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of plan sponsors and administrators. About DALBAR DALBAR is the source for independent financial services market research dedicated to raising the standards of excellence in the financial services industry. Focusing on audience behavior and communications, DALBAR provides research, ratings, and benchmarking that empower financial firms to create impactful and meaningful connections with their clients. SOURCE DALBAR, Inc. David Davis discusses the importance of cybersecurity for lawyers at the CBA National Immigration Law Conference. MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- David Davis, a lawyer specializing in privacy and immigration law, recently delivered an insightful presentation at the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) National Immigration Law Conference in Montreal, Quebec. Speaking to an audience of legal professionals, Davis shared his expertise on the critical topic of cybersecurity for lawyers, focusing on the growing importance of data protection in the legal field. In his presentation, Davis highlighted the increasing cybersecurity threats facing the legal industry and emphasized the need for law firms and individual practitioners to adopt robust data protection measures. He provided practical guidance on safeguarding client information, managing cyber risks, and navigating the complex regulatory environment surrounding data privacy. His talk underscored the unique challenges that lawyers face in maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive information in an era of sophisticated cyberattacks. "As legal professionals, we have a duty to protect our client's confidential information," said Davis. "With the rise of cyber threats, it is more important than ever for lawyers to be proactive in implementing strong cybersecurity practices and staying informed about the latest developments in data protection." Davis's presentation was met with great enthusiasm, prompting engaging discussions among attendees about the future of cybersecurity in the legal profession. His insights were particularly relevant in the context of immigration law, where the handling of sensitive personal data is a daily occurrence, making robust cybersecurity measures vital. The CBA National Immigration Law Conference is one of the premier events for immigration lawyers in Canada, bringing together experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in immigration law. Davis's participation underscores his commitment to advancing the legal profession's understanding of cybersecurity and privacy issues. David Davis, the lawyer who founded the Davis Immigration Law Office in Manitoba, earned his GPLLM from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. He is an avid philanthropist and shares his resources and time with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Yazidis of Manitoba, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, and Knowles Centre Inc., where he served on the Board of Directors. Mr. Davis is currently part of the Ben Gurion University Board of Directors and a guest lecturer. For more information on David Davis, please visit https://www.internetsocietymanitoba.ca/team/david-h-davis. Press Contact: Media Relations (415) 326-4475 https://daviddavislaw.com/ SOURCE Davis Immigration Law Office BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Davis Square Capital ("DSC") is pleased to announce its role as the exclusive placement agent for Headlight Partners' inaugural investment in "Project Nimble," a leading FinOps and cloud infrastructure management platform. Headlight Partners inaugural transaction was successfully completed as an independent sponsor. Davis Square Capital raised the majority of the capital for the oversubscribed transaction within 30 days. "We are honored to have served as the exclusive placement agent for Headlight Partners and to have played a key role in the success of closing the firm's inaugural transaction," said Andrew Sillari, Managing Partner at Davis Square Capital. "This achievement reflects our continued commitment to partnering with well-pedigreed private equity sponsors investing on a deal-by-deal basis. Keith Whitney, Managing Partner at Davis Square Capital added: "It was a pleasure working alongside the Headlight Partners team to fund and close the transaction in record time." Headlight Partners' Founder and Managing Partner, Jack Zollicoffer expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Davis Square Capital's exceptional expertise and dedicated support have been instrumental in bringing this important project to fruition. Their ability to understand our needs and connect us with the right investors was invaluable." The transaction marks another significant milestone in Davis Square Capital's continued focus on raising capital on behalf of leading independent sponsors. Since its founding in 2018, DSC has been providing capital raising and strategic advisory services to well-pedigreed private equity sponsors investing on a deal-by-deal basis. By leveraging its extensive network of capital providers and innate expertise working with Independent Sponsors in a deal-by-deal transactional framework, Davis Square Capital was able to assist Headlight Partners with the successful closing of Project Nimble in an otherwise challenging capital raising environment. For more information about Davis Square Capital and its services, please visit www.davissquarecapital.com, LinkedIn, contact [email protected]. About Davis Square Capital Davis Square Capital is a veteran co-founded placement agent focused exclusively on lower middle market private equity. Since its founding in 2018, DSC has been providing capital raising and strategic advisory services to well-pedigreed private equity sponsors investing on a deal-by-deal basis. Davis Square Capital specializes in working with newly formed and emerging Independent Sponsors emanating from leading North American private equity firms that have deep sector expertise, proven investment track records, and a differentiated approach to sourcing and value creation. DSC works with sponsors across the healthcare, industrial, manufacturing and software sectors with acquisition targets ranging from $20M to $250M in enterprise value. About Headlight Partners Headlight Partners is a growth equity investment and operating firm that partners with leading B2B software entrepreneurs in the lower middle market. Davis Square Capital is affiliated with Compass Securities Corporation. Securities are offered through Compass Securities Corporation. Member FINRA/SIPC. 50 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 105, Braintree, MA, 02184; T: 781-535-6083. The information provided by Davis Square Capital is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. The content is not intended to offer or solicit the purchase or sale of any securities, and any investment decisions should be made based on individual financial circumstances and in consultation with a qualified financial advisor. Davis Square Capital's affiliation with Compass Securities does not imply any endorsement of Davis Square Capital's services or investment recommendations. While Davis Square Capital and Compass Securities are committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and compliance, no assurance can be given that any investment strategy or recommendation will be successful or that any investment will achieve its intended objective. SOURCE Davis Square Capital Pre-medication regimen showed an infusion-related reaction rate of 22.5 percent with intravenous RYBREVANT, a three-fold reduction from 67.4 percent historically seen with standard IRR management SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) today announced results from the open-label Phase 2 SKIPPirr study, which evaluated additional prophylactic strategies to reduce the incidence of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) with intravenous (IV) RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions (ex19del) or L858R substitution mutations. The study, which included 40 patients, showed that prophylaxis with 8-mg dexamethasone taken for two days prior to the first infusion met the primary endpoint of incidence of IRRs at Cycle 1 Day 1 (C1D1), with an all-grades IRR rate for IV RYBREVANT of 22.5 percent.1 This represents a three-fold reduction in the incidence of IRRs compared to standard management of IRRs with IV RYBREVANT, where historic data has observed an all-grades incidence rate of 67.4 percent.1,2 Data were presented as a mini-oral presentation at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC).1 "These data offer important insights that may help improve the patient experience with intravenous amivantamab treatment," said Gilberto Lopes, M.D., associate director of global oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and presenting author.* "This study shows us that an easily accessible approach of an increased dose regimen of dexamethasone as a pre-treatment prophylaxis can potentially help lower IRRs. It is encouraging to see a three-fold decrease in IRRs, when comparing the rates in SKIPPirr to historical data." In the study, patients received an at-home regimen of oral dexamethasone, taking an 8-mg dose twice daily on the two prior days and one hour prior to receiving IV RYBREVANT. The RYBREVANT treatment was combined with LAZCLUZE (lazertinib). All IRRs were Grade 1 or 2 with no patients requiring hospitalization due to IRRs. There were no Grade 3 or higher IRR events reported. The safety profile of RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE with prophylactic dexamethasone at the initiation of treatment is consistent with previous studies, showing no significant increase in adverse events. The most common IRR-related symptoms observed in the study were nausea (8 percent), dyspnea (5 percent) and hypotension (5 percent).1 "Reducing the risk of IRRs is a critical aspect of improving the overall treatment experience for patients receiving intravenous RYBREVANT and oral LAZCLUZE," said Mark Wildgust, Ph.D., Vice President of Oncology Global Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "Incorporating oral dexamethasone into the treatment regimen suggests we can help mitigate this risk, with the goal of allowing patients to continue their therapy with fewer interruptions." Additional studies are ongoing to evaluate prophylactic strategies to reduce IRRs for patients receiving IV RYBREVANT. For more details and to view an infographic summarizing the study's findings and dosing regimen, click here. About the SKIPPirr Study SKIPPirr (NCT05663866) is a Phase 2 study evaluating RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE in patients with EGFR-mutated (Ex19del or L858R) advanced NSCLC after disease progression on osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy. All patients received oral LAZCLUZE and IV RYBREVANT. The study used a Simon's 2-stage design to evaluate different preventive treatments across four groups. The first group received dexamethasone (4 mg) orally, taken twice daily on the day before treatment, for a total of two doses. The second group was given a higher dose of dexamethasone (8 mg), taken orally twice daily on the two days leading up to treatment and the morning of infusion (5 doses total). The third group received montelukast (10 mg) orally, starting four days before treatment and continuing through the day of treatment, totaling five doses. Lastly, the fourth group was treated with a single dose of methotrexate (25 mg), administered as a subcutaneous injection between days 7 and 3 before the treatment. The primary endpoint of the study is incidence of IRRs at C1D1.3 About RYBREVANT RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw), a fully-human bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and MET with immune cell-directing activity, is approved in the U.S., Europe, and in other markets around the world as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.4 RYBREVANT is approved in the U.S., Europe, and in other markets around the world in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and pemetrexed) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. RYBREVANT is approved in the U.S. in combination with LAZCLUZE (lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. A marketing authorization application (MAA) and type II extension of indication application were submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking approval of LAZCLUZE in combination with RYBREVANT based on the MARIPOSA study. In November 2023, Johnson & Johnson submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. FDA for RYBREVANT in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who progressed on or after osimertinib based on the MARIPOSA-2 study. This indication was approved in Europe in August 2024. In June 2024, Johnson & Johnson submitted a BLA to the U.S. FDA for the subcutaneous formulation of RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE for all currently approved or submitted indications of IV RYBREVANT in certain patients with NSCLC. A submission for the extension of the RYBREVANT marketing authorization (line extension) was also submitted to the EMA seeking approval for this indication. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for NSCLC prefer next-generation sequencingbased strategies over polymerase chain reactionbased approaches for the detection of EGFR exon 20 insertion variants. The NCCN Guidelines include: Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT ) plus lazertinib (LAZCLUZE) as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. 5 ) plus lazertinib (LAZCLUZE) as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT ) plus chemotherapy as a Category 1 recommendation for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NCSLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations who experienced disease progression after treatment with osimertinib. 5 ) plus chemotherapy as a Category 1 recommendation for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NCSLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations who experienced disease progression after treatment with osimertinib. Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT ) plus carboplatin and pemetrexed as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, or as a Category 2A recommendation for patients that have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy and have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. 5 ) plus carboplatin and pemetrexed as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, or as a Category 2A recommendation for patients that have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy and have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) as a Category 2A recommendation for patients that have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy with or without an immunotherapy and have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive NSCLC.5 In addition to the Phase 2 SKIPPirr study, RYBREVANT is being studied in multiple clinical trials in NSCLC, including: The Phase 3 MARIPOSA (NCT04487080) study assessing RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE versus osimertinib and versus LAZCLUZE alone in the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution mutations. 6 in combination with LAZCLUZE versus osimertinib and versus LAZCLUZE alone in the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution mutations. The Phase 3 MARIPOSA-2 (NCT04988295) study assessing the efficacy of RYBREVANT (with or without LAZCLUZE) and carboplatin-pemetrexed versus carboplatin-pemetrexed alone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution NSCLC after disease progression on or after osimertinib. 7 (with or without LAZCLUZE) and carboplatin-pemetrexed versus carboplatin-pemetrexed alone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution NSCLC after disease progression on or after osimertinib. The Phase 3 PAPILLON (NCT04538664) study assessing RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin-pemetrexed versus chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. 8 in combination with carboplatin-pemetrexed versus chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. The Phase 3 PALOMA-3 (NCT05388669) study assessing LAZCLUZE with subcutaneous amivantamab compared to intravenous amivantamab in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced or metastatic NSCLC. 9 The Phase 2 PALOMA-2 (NCT05498428) study assessing subcutaneous amivantamab in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors including EGFR-mutated NSCLC. 10 The Phase 1 PALOMA (NCT04606381) study assessing the feasibility of subcutaneous administration of amivantamab based on safety and pharmacokinetics and to determine a dose, dose regimen and formulation for amivantamab subcutaneous delivery. 11 The Phase 1 CHRYSALIS (NCT02609776) study evaluating RYBREVANT in patients with advanced NSCLC. 12 in patients with advanced NSCLC. The Phase 1/1b CHRYSALIS-2 (NCT04077463) study evaluating RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE and LAZCLUZE as a monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. 13 in combination with LAZCLUZE and LAZCLUZE as a monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. The Phase 1/2 METalmark (NCT05488314) study assessing RYBREVANT and capmatinib combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. 14 and capmatinib combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The Phase 1/2 PolyDamas (NCT05908734) study assessing RYBREVANT and cetrelimab combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. 15 and cetrelimab combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The Phase 1/2 swalloWTail (NCT06532032) study assessing RYBREVANT and docetaxel combination therapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC. 16 and docetaxel combination therapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC. The Phase 1b /2 OrigAMI-1 (NCT05379595) study assessing RYBREVANT monotherapy and in addition to standard-of-care chemotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. 17 /2 OrigAMI-1 (NCT05379595) study assessing RYBREVANT monotherapy and in addition to standard-of-care chemotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. The Phase 1b /2 OrigAMI-4 (NCT06385080) study assessing RYBREVANT monotherapy and in addition to standard-of-care therapeutic agents in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.18 For more information, visit: https://www.RYBREVANT.com. About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Worldwide, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, with NSCLC making up 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancer cases.19,20 The main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.21 Among the most common driver mutations in NSCLC are alterations in EGFR, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase controlling cell growth and division.22 EGFR mutations are present in 10 to 15 percent of Western patients with NSCLC with adenocarcinoma histology and occur in 40 to 50 percent of Asian patients.21,22,23,24,25,26 EGFR ex19del or EGFR L858R mutations are the most common EGFR mutations.27 The five- year survival rate for all people with advanced NSCLC and EGFR mutations treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is less than 20 percent.28,29 EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are the third most prevalent activating EGFR mutation.30 Patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations have a real-world five-year overall survival (OS) of eight percent in the frontline setting, which is worse than patients with EGFR ex19del or L858R mutations, who have a real-world five-year OS of 19 percent.31 RYBREVANT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION4,32 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion-Related Reactions RYBREVANT can cause infusion-related reactions (IRR); signs and symptoms of IRR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, nausea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting. The median time to IRR onset is approximately 1 hour. RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE can cause infusion-related reactions. In MARIPOSA (n=421), IRRs occurred in 63% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 5% and Grade 4 in 1% of patients. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 54% of patients, and IRRs leading to dose reduction of RYBREVANT occurred in 0.7% of patients. Infusion-related reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT occurred in 4.5% of patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE. RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed In PAPILLON (n=151), infusion-related reactions occurred in 42% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, including Grade 3 (1.3%) adverse reactions. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 40%, and 0.7% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT. RYBREVANT as a Single Agent In CHRYSALIS (n=302), IRR occurred in 66% of patients treated with RYBREVANT. Among patients receiving treatment on Week 1 Day 1, 65% experienced an IRR, while the incidence of IRR was 3.4% with the Day 2 infusion, 0.4% with the Week 2 infusion, and cumulatively 1.1% with subsequent infusions. Of the reported IRRs, 97% were Grade 1-2, 2.2% were Grade 3, and 0.4% were Grade 4. The median time to onset was 1 hour (range 0.1 to 18 hours) after start of infusion. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 62% and 1.3% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT due to IRR. Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and infuse RYBREVANT as recommended. Administer RYBREVANT via a peripheral line on Week 1 and Week 2 to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion reactions during RYBREVANT infusion in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt infusion if IRR is suspected. Reduce the infusion rate or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity. Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis RYBREVANT can cause severe and fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis. RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE In MARIPOSA, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 1.0% and Grade 4 in 0.2% of patients. There was one fatal case (0.2%) of ILD/pneumonitis and 2.9% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE due to ILD/pneumonitis. RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed In PAPILLON, Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, all patients required permanent discontinuation. RYBREVANT as a Single Agent In CHRYSALIS, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT, with 0.7% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. Three patients (1%) discontinued RYBREVANT due to ILD/pneumonitis. Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). For patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, immediately withhold both drugs in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed. For patients receiving RYBREVANT as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, immediately withhold RYBREVANT in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed. Venous Thromboembolic (VTE) Events with Concomitant Use of RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE can cause serious and fatal venous thromboembolic (VTEs) events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The majority of these events occurred during the first four months of therapy. In MARIPOSA, VTEs occurred in 36% of patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 10% and Grade 4 in 0.5% of patients. On-study VTEs occurred in 1.2% of patients (n=5) while receiving anticoagulation therapy. There were two fatal cases of VTE (0.5%), 9% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of RYBREVANT, and 7% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of LAZCLUZE; 1% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of RYBREVANT, and 0.5% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of LAZCLUZE; 3.1% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT, and 1.9% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of LAZCLUZE. The median time to onset of VTEs was 84 days (range: 6 to 777). Administer prophylactic anticoagulation for the first four months of treatment. The use of Vitamin K antagonists is not recommended. Monitor for signs and symptoms of VTE events and treat as medically appropriate. Withhold RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE based on severity. Once anticoagulant treatment has been initiated, resume RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider. In the event of VTE recurrence despite therapeutic anticoagulation, permanently discontinue RYBREVANT and continue treatment with LAZCLUZE at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider. Dermatologic Adverse Reactions RYBREVANT can cause severe rash including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), dermatitis acneiform, pruritus, and dry skin. RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE In MARIPOSA, rash occurred in 86% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 26% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 556 days). Rash leading to dose interruptions occurred in 37% of patients for RYBREVANT and 30% for LAZCLUZE, rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients for RYBREVANT and 19% for LAZCLUZE, and rash leading to permanent discontinuation occurred in 5% of patients for RYBREVANT and 1.7% for LAZCLUZE. RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed In PAPILLON, rash occurred in 89% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, including Grade 3 (19%) adverse reactions. Rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 19% of patients, and 2% permanently discontinued RYBREVANT and 1.3% discontinued pemetrexed. RYBREVANT as a Single Agent In CHRYSALIS, rash occurred in 74% of patients treated with RYBREVANT as a single agent, including Grade 3 rash in 3.3% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 276 days). Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 5% of patients, and RYBREVANT was permanently discontinued due to rash in 0.7% of patients. Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred in one patient (0.3%) treated with RYBREVANT as a single agent. Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment with RYBREVANT or LAZCLUZE in combination with RYBREVANT. Advise patients to wear protective clothing and use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Alcohol-free (e.g., isopropanol-free, ethanol-free) emollient cream is recommended for dry skin. When initiating RYBREVANT treatment with or without LAZCLUZE, administer alcohol-free emollient cream to reduce the risk of dermatologic adverse reactions. Consider prophylactic measures (e.g. use of oral antibiotics) to reduce the risk of dermatologic reactions. If skin reactions develop, start topical corticosteroids and topical and/or oral antibiotics. For Grade 3 reactions, add oral steroids and consider dermatologic consultation. Promptly refer patients presenting with severe rash, atypical appearance or distribution, or lack of improvement within 2 weeks to a dermatologist. For patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue both drugs based on severity. For patients receiving RYBREVANT as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity. Ocular Toxicity RYBREVANT can cause ocular toxicity including keratitis, blepharitis, dry eye symptoms, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, visual impairment, ocular itching, eye pruritus, and uveitis. RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE In MARIPOSA, ocular toxicity occurred in 16% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 or 4 ocular toxicity in 0.7% of patients. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT and continue LAZCLUZE based on severity. RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed In PAPILLON, ocular toxicity including blepharitis, dry eye, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, and eye pruritus occurred in 9%. All events were Grade 1-2. RYBREVANT as a Single Agent In CHRYSALIS, keratitis occurred in 0.7% and uveitis occurred in 0.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT. All events were Grade 1-2. Promptly refer patients with new or worsening eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal models, RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of RYBREVANT. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LAZCLUZE and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LAZCLUZE and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Adverse Reactions RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE For the 421 patients in the MARIPOSA clinical trial who received RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, the most common adverse reactions (20%) were rash (86%), nail toxicity (71%), infusion-related reactions (RYBREVANT, 63%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), stomatitis (43%), edema (43%), VTE (36%), paresthesia (35%), fatigue (32%), diarrhea (31%), constipation (29%), COVID-19 (26%), hemorrhage (25%), dry skin (25%), decreased appetite (24%), pruritus (24%), nausea (21%), and ocular toxicity (16%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased albumin (8%), decreased sodium (7%), increased ALT (7%), decreased potassium (5%), decreased hemoglobin (3.8%), increased AST (3.8%), increased GGT (2.6%), and increased magnesium (2.6%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE. Serious adverse reactions occurring in 2% of patients included VTE (11%), pneumonia (4%), ILD/pneumonitis and rash (2.9% each), COVID-19 (2.4%), and pleural effusion and infusion-related reaction (RYBREVANT) (2.1% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE due to death not otherwise specified (1.2%); sepsis and respiratory failure (1% each); pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and sudden death (0.7% each); cerebral infarction, pulmonary embolism (PE), and COVID-19 infection (0.5% each); and ILD/pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cardiopulmonary arrest (0.2% each). RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed For the 151 patients in the PAPILLON clinical trial who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, the most common adverse reactions (20%) were rash (90%), nail toxicity (62%), stomatitis (43%), infusion-related reaction (42%), fatigue (42%), edema (40%), constipation (40%), decreased appetite (36%), nausea (36%), COVID-19 (24%), diarrhea (21%), and vomiting (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased albumin (7%), increased alanine aminotransferase (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), decreased sodium (7%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased magnesium (2%), and decreases in white blood cells (17%), hemoglobin (11%), neutrophils (36%), platelets (10%), and lymphocytes (11%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 37% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed. Serious adverse reactions in 2% of patients included rash, pneumonia, ILD, pulmonary embolism, vomiting, and COVID-19. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7 patients (4.6%) due to pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, cardio-respiratory arrest, COVID-19, sepsis, and death not otherwise specified. RYBREVANT as a Single Agent For the 129 patients in the CHRYSALIS clinical trial who received RYBREVANT as a single agent, the most common adverse reactions (20%) were rash (84%), IRR (64%), paronychia (50%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), dyspnea (37%), nausea (36%), fatigue (33%), edema (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), constipation (23%), and vomiting (22%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (2%) were decreased lymphocytes (8%), decreased albumin (8%), decreased phosphate (8%), decreased potassium (6%), increased alkaline phosphatase (4.8%), increased glucose (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), and decreased sodium (4%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients who received RYBREVANT. Serious adverse reactions in 2% of patients included pulmonary embolism, pneumonitis/ILD, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, pneumonia, and muscular weakness. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients (1.5%) due to pneumonia and 1 patient (0.8%) due to sudden death. LAZCLUZE Drug Interactions Avoid concomitant use of LAZCLUZE with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Consider an alternate concomitant medication with no potential to induce CYP3A4. Monitor for adverse reactions associated with a CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions, as recommended in the approved product labeling for the CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate. Please read full Prescribing Information for RYBREVANT. Please read full Prescribing Information for LAZCLUZE. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.janssen.com/johnson-johnson-innovative-medicine. Follow us at @JanssenUS and @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Janssen Global Services, LLC are Johnson & Johnson companies. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw) and LAZCLUZE (lazertinib). The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Global Services, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Global Services, LLC nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. ### *Dr. Gilberto Lopes has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work. See the NCCN Guidelines for detailed recommendations, including other treatment options. The NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC provide recommendations for certain individual biomarkers that should be tested and recommend testing techniques but do not endorse any specific commercially available biomarker assays or commercial laboratories. The NCCN Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by licensed practitioners. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. _____________________________________ 1 Lopes G, et al. Preventing Infusion-related Reactions with Intravenous Amivantamab: Primary Results From SKIPPirr, a Phase 2 Study. IASLC WCLC 2024. September 10, 2024. 2 Park K, Sabari JK, Haura EB, et al. Management of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) in patients receiving amivantamab in the CHRYSALIS study. Lung Cancer. 2023;178:166-171. 3 ClinicalTrials.gov. Premedication to Reduce Amivantamab Associated Infusion Related Reactions (SKIPPirr). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05663866. Accessed September 2024. 4 RYBREVANT Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. 5 Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.9.2024 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. Accessed September 2024. 6 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and LAZCLUZE Combination Therapy Versus Osimertinib in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (MARIPOSA). Available at: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04487080. Accessed September 2024. 7 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and LAZCLUZE in Combination With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Compared With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Patients With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Osimertinib Failure (MARIPOSA-2). Available at: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04988295. Accessed September 2024. 8 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Combination Amivantamab and Carboplatin-Pemetrexed Therapy, Compared With Carboplatin-Pemetrexed, in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Characterized by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Exon 20 Insertions (PAPILLON). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04538664. Accessed September 2024. 9 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of LAZCLUZE With Subcutaneous Amivantamab Compared With Intravenous Amivantamab in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PALOMA-3). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05388669. Accessed September 2024. 10 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PALOMA-2). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05498428. Accessed September 2024. 11 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Subcutaneous (SC) Administration for the Treatment of Advanced Solid Malignancies (PALOMA). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04606381. Accessed September 2024. 12 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab, a Human Bispecific EGFR and cMet Antibody, in Participants With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (CHRYSALIS). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02609776. Accessed September 2024. 13 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of LAZCLUZE as Monotherapy or in Combination With Amivantamab in Participants With Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (CHRYSALIS-2). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04077463. Accessed September 2024. 14 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and Capmatinib Combination Therapy in Unresectable Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (METalmark). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05488314. Accessed September 2024. 15 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Combination Therapy With Amivantamab and Cetrelimab in Participants With Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PolyDamas). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05908734?term=polydamas&rank=1. Accessed September 2024. 16 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Combination Therapy With Amivantamab and Docetaxel in Participants With Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (swalloWTail). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06532032?term=Swallowtail&intr=amivantamab&rank=1. Accessed September 2024. 17 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Monotherapy and in Addition to Standard-of-Care Chemotherapy in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (OrigAMI-1). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05379595?term=NCT05379595&rank=1. Accessed September 2024. 18 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Alone or in Addition to Other Treatment Agents in Participants With Recurrent/ Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (OrigAMI-4). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06385080?term=OrigAMI-4&limit=10&rank=1. Accessed September 2024. 19 The World Health Organization. Cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer. Accessed September 2024. 20 American Cancer Society. What is Lung Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed September 2024. 21 Oxnard JR, et al. Natural history and molecular characteristics of lung cancers harboring EGFR exon 20 insertions. J Thorac Oncol. 2013 Feb;8(2):179-84. doi: 10.1097/JTO.0b013e3182779d18. 22 Bauml JM, et al. Underdiagnosis of EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutation Variants: Estimates from NGS-based Real World Datasets. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore. 23 Pennell NA, et al. A phase II trial of adjuvant erlotinib in patients with resected epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 37:97-104. 24 Burnett H, et al. Epidemiological and clinical burden of EGFR exon 20 insertion in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic literature review. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore. 25 Zhang YL, et al. The prevalence of EGFR mutation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget. 2016;7(48):78985-78993. 26 Midha A, et al. EGFR mutation incidence in non-small-cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma histology: a systematic review and global map by ethnicity. Am J Cancer Res. 2015;5(9):2892-2911. 27 American Lung Association. EGFR and Lung Cancer. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/biomarker-testing/egfr. Accessed September 2024. 28 Howlader N, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2016, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2016/, based on November 2018 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site. 29 Lin JJ, et al. Five-Year Survival in EGFR-Mutant Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with EGFR-TKIs. J Thorac Oncol. 2016 Apr;11(4):556-65. 30 Arcila, M. et al. EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: prevalence, molecular heterogeneity, and clinicopathologic characteristics. Mol Cancer Ther. 2013 Feb; 12(2):220-9. 31 Girard N, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes for patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and common EGFR mutations. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore. 32 LAZCLUZE Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc. SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Hot trends include cybersecurity rules, shareholder engagement, and sustainability efforts CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DFIN, a leading risk and compliance company, today released its annual Guide to Effective Proxies. The 12th edition of the comprehensive and widely used guide aims to help companies transform their proxy statements into more effective communications tools for modern-day investors while complying with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. This year's guide features proxy statements from DFIN clients who have raised the bar with their disclosures, in the process creating heightened investor expectations across industries. The guide offers insights and best practices for companies aiming to highlight board diversity, new cybersecurity disclosures, ESG initiatives, and more. To demonstrate how to navigate and utilize the guide, DFIN will host a webcast on September 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Register for the webcast here. "DFIN continues to innovate the annual proxy statement, helping over one-third of all U.S. companies produce informative and eye-catching disclosures that appeal to a wide range of discerning stakeholders," said Craig Clay, President of Global Capital Markets at DFIN. "Our annual guide is the ultimate resource for companies looking to showcase their business through proxy statements, and we are proud of our clients who consistently set the standard as examples of excellence." Notable disclosure trends highlighted in the guide include: Board Diversity : Companies are humanizing boards by using expertly designed charts, graphs, and photographs to highlight board diversity metrics and accompany relevant facts delivered in traditional narrative. : Companies are humanizing boards by using expertly designed charts, graphs, and photographs to highlight board diversity metrics and accompany relevant facts delivered in traditional narrative. Cybersecurity Rules : Companies are disclosing material cybersecurity incidents and the processes used to manage cybersecurity risks and disclosing company leadership's role in assessing and managing those risks. : Companies are disclosing material cybersecurity incidents and the processes used to manage cybersecurity risks and disclosing company leadership's role in assessing and managing those risks. Shareholder Engagement : Companies are creating proxies with stylish designs highlighting governance wins and performance charts showcasing shareholder engagement throughout the year. : Companies are creating proxies with stylish designs highlighting governance wins and performance charts showcasing shareholder engagement throughout the year. Sustainability Efforts (ESG) : Companies are increasingly transparent about their impact on the environment, sharing new ways to present related risks and opportunities, transition plans and commitments, metrics, and targets. : Companies are increasingly transparent about their impact on the environment, sharing new ways to present related risks and opportunities, transition plans and commitments, metrics, and targets. Universal Proxy Rule: Companies are reimagining director bios to highlight each individual director's unique contributions to the board. "DFIN reviewed over 1,000 client proxies when creating this year's guide and compiled best-in-class, practical examples intended to help companies comply with new and forthcoming regulations and impress increasingly demanding investors," said Ron Schneider, Director of Corporate Governance Services at DFIN. "Companies continue to raise the disclosure bar, increasing investor expectations." DFIN clients develop innovative proxy statements with ActiveDisclosure, which helps them create advanced page designs and content layouts and visualize data with tables, charts, and graphs that make the corporate story come to life. One of ActiveDisclosure's many advantages is that it seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office, enabling teams throughout the company to link source data from existing excel spreadsheets to maintain data accuracy. Additionally, ActiveDisclosure enables easy track changes and commenting, which helps teams collaborate quickly and effectively. To learn more about ActiveDisclosure for proxy statements and shareholder communications, visit: dfinsolutions.com/products/activedisclosure Download DFIN's Guide to Effective Proxies and register for the webcast demonstration to learn how to best navigate and use the guide. About DFIN DFIN is a leading global risk and compliance solutions company. We provide domain expertise, enterprise software, and data analytics for every stage of our clients' business and investment lifecycles. Markets fluctuate, regulations evolve, technology advances, and through it all, DFIN delivers confidence with the right solutions in moments that matter. Learn about DFIN's end-to-end risk and compliance solutions online at DFINsolutions.com, or you can also follow us on Twitter @DFINSolutions or LinkedIn. SOURCE Donnelley Financial LLC Grid improvements producing record-breaking reliability ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy's year-round grid-strengthening work and advanced technology help keep Florida communities resilient and better protected against disasters such as hurricanes. "Regardless of when and where the next storm strikes," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, "Duke Energy is ready, and we encourage our customers to take this time to reassess and communicate their emergency response plans with their families, friends, neighbors and employees." According to the National Hurricane Center, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is Sept. 10, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October. Hurricane Debby, a powerful Category 1 storm, made an early landfall in Florida's Big Bend on Aug. 5. Duke Energy's Storm Protection Plan, including its advanced self-healing technology and year-round infrastructure work, is making a difference when it comes to improving reliability. During Hurricane Debby, the company's self-healing technology saved more than 12.5 million minutes of customer total outage time and automatically restored more than 62,000 customer outages. While a self-healing system can't repair the physical damage to the power line that a human crew must repair, it can reduce the number of customers affected by a power outage by up to 75% and can often restore power in less than a minute. More than 76% of Duke Energy Florida customers are served by this technology. These investments enabled Duke Energy Florida to quickly restore power for 93% of its customers within 24 hours after Hurricane Debby made landfall. "Throughout the year and across the 35 counties we operate in, Duke Energy teams are upgrading thousands of poles and wires, managing trees and vegetation, strategically placing outage-prone lines underground, enhancing substations and installing smart, self-healing technology that can automatically detect power outages and quickly restore power when an outage occurs," said Seixas. During hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Idalia, self-healing technology helped save more than 200 million outage minutes for Duke Energy Florida customers. Approximately 48% of Duke Energy Florida's primary power lines are underground and better protected from wind damage. The company will continue to install underground cable in areas that are identified as the most outage-prone areas. Teams have completed more than 4,000 miles of maintenance trimming on Duke Energy Florida's distribution lines and 600 miles of planned work on the transmission side. Over the past three years, more than 40,000 poles have been hardened through the Storm Protection Plan. Additionally, the company is expanding capacity of the electric grid by building new substations, expanding existing substations and installing new or larger circuits to provide reliable service in the growing state. Duke Energy has completed optimization of 12 substations, with another 50 in flight in Florida . "We understand this work can be invasive and disruptive during blue sky days," Seixas continued. "We appreciate our customers' patience as our teams work to protect and improve the service that you, your homes, businesses, schools, public safety facilities and hospitals rely on every single day." In addition to making improvements and upgrades to its systems to enhance its storm readiness as well as support the rapid growth of our Florida communities, Duke Energy also credits its rapid response to decades of lessons learned and key collaborations with first responders as well as federal, state and local emergency management agencies. For more information on the company's storm response during Hurricane Debby, visit https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/grid-investments-enable-quick-response-to-hurricane-debby. For tips on how to prepare for severe weather, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear. More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Audrey Stasko Media line: 800.559.3853 Twitter: @DE_AudreyS SOURCE Duke Energy BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Before the commencement of COP29 in Baku this November, Turkmenistan is set to publish the first results of funding the initial phase of establishing a regional climate technology center in the country's capital, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko said, Trend reports. He made the remark during a panel discussion titled "Economic development of Turkmenistan and its investment potential" at the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024) in Ashgabat today. "It is time for ambition, and this forum is a great example of what we can achieve together. The key challenge for the Central Asian region is climate change. No country can tackle this problem alone. Thats why we highly appreciate the forward-thinking efforts of the Turkmen government, which, with UN support, is creating a regional climate technology center in Ashgabat for Central Asia. This center is right up our alley for todays forum, as its focus on climate mitigation technologies is hand in glove with the transition to 'green' energy. It will be a springboard for cultivating eco-friendly energy banking initiatives, enhancing expertise in implementing top-notch strategies for climate change mitigation, and spreading this know-how throughout the region. Turkmenistan has announced that it will finance the center during its initial phase, and before COP29 in Baku, we'll learn more about the progress of its creation. I look forward to working with Turkmenistan on these important initiatives as we strive to shape a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable future for the country and the region," Shlapachenko added. The TIF 2024 in Ashgabat from September 10-11 attracts investment to the country's economy. The Ministry of Finance and Economy, Foreign Ministry, and Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry organize it. The meeting features top worldwide firms and organizations discussing hydrocarbon investment, the TAPI pipeline, gas chemistry, energy, construction, and transport. The program includes parallel thematic sessions featuring experts from UN specialized agencies, S&P Global Commodity Insights, and the World Trade Organization. Meanwhile, an exhibition showcasing the country's economic achievements is underway. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Upgraded formula delivers durability and protection for life's "uh-oh" moments. CLEVELAND, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch Boy Paints is providing homeowners and DIYers with yet another simple solution with the launch of its new and improved Platinum Plus paint with Stain-Shield technology now with new Anti-Scuff formula. The latest upgrade enhances the already consumer-loved Platinum Plus product by offering a luxurious, durable, and scrubbable finish that serves as a simple paint solution for homeowners, while also providing enhanced durability and protection against life's "uh-oh" moments with a new Anti-Scuff formula for defense against everyday wear and tear. Dutch Boy Paints Platinum Plus with Stain-Shield technology now features a new Anti-Scuff formula, enhancing the already consumer-loved product by providing a luxurious, durable, and scrubbable finish that serves as a simple solution for homeowners seeking long-lasting protection against everyday wear and tear. The improved Platinum Plus retains its well-known Stain-Shield technology that customers appreciate, delivering exceptional washability and scrubbability while significantly increasing resistance to scuffs. This heightened durability makes it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a lasting, protective paint solution for high-traffic areas. Furthermore, this formula delivers the high-quality performance expected from luxury paints, all while maintaining an accessible price point. "Our goal at Dutch Boy Paints is to continually refine our products to simplify the painting process and meet our customers' evolving needs," said Julie Fisher, Product Manager at Dutch Boy Paints. "The new Platinum Plus formula exemplifies this commitment by retaining the luxurious finish and durability that our consumers came to know and love while introducing the Anti-Scuff formula. This addition ensures that walls not only look beautiful from the start but also maintain their appearance over time, making it a simple paint solution for a beautiful home, even in the busiest areas." Key Enhancements of New and Improved Platinum Plus New Anti-Scuff Formula : Improves the paint's durability by significantly enhancing its resistance to scuffs, giving homeowners the peace of mind that their surfaces can withstand messes, spills, and all of life's "uh-oh" moments, from playful kids to unexpected mishaps. : Improves the paint's durability by significantly enhancing its resistance to scuffs, giving homeowners the peace of mind that their surfaces can withstand messes, spills, and all of life's "uh-oh" moments, from playful kids to unexpected mishaps. Now Available in Matte Sheen: Now available in matte, this new sheen offers a subtle shine, effectively concealing minor imperfections while providing a durable, scrubbable surface that is suitable for all the same areas of the home as the original flat finish. Along with the new features, Platinum Plus continues to offer its trusted benefits, including: Stain-Shield Technology for washability and scrubbability Extreme hide and stain blocking, delivering one-coat hide in over 800 colors No-prep, no-prime 1 feature for easy application on most surfaces feature for easy application on most surfaces Provides a mildew-resistant finish GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low-chemical emissions Available in Matte, Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss sheens, the new and improved Platinum Plus formula continues to deliver the premium performance customers expect while providing enhanced protection against everyday wear and tear. These enhancements ensure that Platinum Plus remains a top choice for discerning homeowners who demand both quality and value in their paint selections. The new and improved Platinum Plus with Stain-Shield Technology and Anti-Scuff Formula is available exclusively at Menards in the brand's award-winning Twist & Pour containera unique, easy-to-hold, easy-to-open, and easy-to-pour container with a built-in spout. 1No-prep, no-prime feature enables Platinum Plus coating to be applied directly over sound, non-peeling, previously painted glossy surfaces or uncoated drywall, plaster, masonry and non-bleeding wood without the need to sand or prime. About Dutch Boy Paints Founded in 1907, Dutch Boy Paints continues to be an industry leader in delivering innovative and high-quality products and packaging solutions and is one of the most recognizable brands in the market over 100 years later. In recent years, a new vitality, youthfulness and the promise of Simple Solutions have continued to shape the brand. Heritage and trust have been brought to life with energy and empowerment, inspiring DIYers and paint enthusiasts for generations to come. For more information, visit dutchboy.com. About Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group offers innovative products to meet customers' paint and coatings needs. The group manufactures products under well-known brands such as Valspar, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Purdy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's WaterSeal, Cabot, Dupli-Color and many more. Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. SOURCE Dutch Boy Paints ZUG, Switzerland, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EasyLife 365, a trusted provider of governance solutions for Microsoft 365, is thrilled to announce that its two key products- EasyLife 365 Collaboration and EasyLife 365 Mail - have achieved certification through the Microsoft 365 App Compliance Program. Both products are available on AppSource and the Teams Store. Since their launch, we have been focused on ensuring that both EasyLife 365 Collaboration, an all-in-one governance solution for Microsoft 365 Collaboration Tools, and EasyLife 365 Mail, a governance tool for managing shared, equipment, and room mailboxes as well as distribution lists, remain trustworthy and secure for their users. Now, with two Microsoft-certified apps on AppSource, EasyLife 365 is proud to highlight that both products are fully GDPR-compliant and adhere to the highest security standards, including ISO 27001 and ISO 27017. Aligned with Modern Collaboration Architecture (MOCA), this certification ensures our customers benefit from enhanced data protection and a reduced risk of security breaches, safeguarding their operations and preserving their reputation. Focused on security and compliance, EasyLife 365 is dedicated to removing chaos and complexity from the work environment and helping to ensure users to fully leverage their Microsoft 365 collaboration tools. Our solutions are designed to automate lifecycle management, oversee B2B guest management, and enhance security, while ensuring compliance across various Microsoft 365 applications, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Teams. With EasyLife 365 solutions, users can: 01. Maintain a Clutter-Free Workplace: Ensure a tidy and organized digital workspace. 02. Optimize Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks to free up time and boost productivity. 03. Ensure Continuous Compliance and Data Security: Effortlessly adhere to industry standards and policies through automation. 04. Accelerate Processes: Integrate seamlessly into your workspace for efficient results. Reduce IT Burden: Minimize support requests and lighten the burden on IT departments. 05. Focus on What Matters: Shift attention from chaotic asset management to critical activities. "Our certification on Microsoft AppSource reinforces our commitment to providing secure, compliant, and efficient solutions that simplify governance for our users," said Patrick Lamber, CEO of EasyLife 365. "Our apps are available on both AppSource and the Teams Store, allowing users to easily explore functionalities, read reviews, and seamlessly integrate the applications into their existing workflows." Giovanni Mezgec, Vice President, Modern Work + Business Applications Field & Partner Marketing, Microsoft Corp. said, "We're happy to welcome EasyLife 365 to Microsoft AppSource and the Teams Store, which gives our partners great exposure to cloud customers around the globe. Microsoft AppSource offers partner solutions such as EasyLife 365 Collaboration, Mail and Meet from EasyLife 365 to help customers meet their needs faster." About EasyLife 365 Founded by seasoned Microsoft specialists, EasyLife 365 transforms the way you collaborate within the Microsoft 365 environment. Our suite of innovative apps brings order to the chaos of today's workplaces, boosting productivity along the way. For more information, visit www.easylife365.cloud. Cansu Aygun Marketing Specialist [email protected] +41 71 444 04 04 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500441/EasyLife_365_Logo.jpg Unified Approach Aims To Improve Food Safety and Meet Traceability Rule Requirements EWING, N.J., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight prominent food industry organizations have united to form the "Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration" to enhance industry-wide awareness of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (U.S. FDA's) Food Traceability Rule, which implements Section 204(d) of the U.S. FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Participating organizations include: Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), FMI The Food Industry Association (FMI), GS1 US, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). The Collaboration will share clear, concise messaging and resources that enable industry to take action in preparing for FSMA Rule 204, which was published in November 2022. FSMA Rule 204 mandates a comprehensive tracking and tracing system for certain high-risk foods listed on the U.S. FDA's Food Traceability List (FTL), including fresh produce and leafy greens, deli salads, certain types of seafood and more. The Collaboration will provide a forum where business and government officials can come together to educate industry and potentially help ease the burden of compliance. Recognizing the imperative for a collective response, the Collaboration is founded on core principles, including operational effectiveness through collaboration, traceability for enhanced food safety, standardized data collection, and widespread training and education initiatives. The Collaboration prioritizes the enhancement of awareness and understanding of emerging traceability technologies to help ensure the safety and integrity of the food supply chain. Through united efforts, the Collaboration promotes acceleration of industry-wide compliance with FSMA Rule 204. For more information about the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration and to access combined resources and future educational opportunities from all participating organizations, visit Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration. Food Industry Leaders Demonstrate Support "As state and local agencies, AFDO members are often on the front lines, receiving critical information during foodborne illness outbreaks," said Steven Mandernach, Executive Director, AFDO. "We are committed to collaborating with all partners, including industry, to successfully implement FSMA Rule 204 traceability requirements. By working together, we can enhance food safety, ensure efficient traceability and protect public health across the entire supply chain." "Food safety is the single most important issue that food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers focus on every day," said Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, FMI The Food Industry Association. "FDA's FSMA Rule 204 is the most significant regulation the food industry has ever faced and will demand tremendous investments for recordkeeping, data management and systems changes. This Collaboration demonstrates our collective commitment to sharing information and working together to ensure the food supply chain has the resources and clarity it needs for compliance." "Compliance with FSMA Rule 204 presents a significant challenge for U.S. and foreign agri-food interests, as it imposes unprecedented recordkeeping requirements and necessitates the adoption of advanced traceability technologies," said Angela Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Market Development, GS1 US. "By convening food safety, supply chain logistics and data management experts across many food segments, the new Collaboration aims to share best practices for meeting Food Traceability Rule requirements." "IFT's Global Food Traceability Center has played a critical role in food traceability for many years and now, with the window to FSMA Rule 204 compliance quickly closing, organizations need our guidance more than ever," said Blake Harris, Technical Director, IFT's Global Food Traceability Center. "Since the FSMA Rule 204 announcement, we have created a series of educational resources that will be essential to food organizations on their complicated compliance journey to help boost organizational traceability awareness." "It is critically important for manufacturing companies serving the food-away-from-home marketplace to meet FSMA Rule 204 compliance requirements," said Phil Kafarakis, President & CEO, IFMA. "The continued strength of consumer spending for food-away-from-home mandates that manufacturers exceed consumer expectations for safe, flavorful and portable meals that go beyond FSMA Rule 204 compliance." "Foodservice distributors are deeply committed to providing safe food products to their customers and are highly skilled in tracking and tracing the volume and variety of food they distribute," said Mark S. Allen, President & CEO, IFDA. "Collaborating with supply chain partners is key to enhancing food safety and advancing goals set forth under FSMA Rule 204." "Implementation of FSMA Rule 204 requirements is a cross-industry challenge," said Ed Treacy, Vice President of Supply Chain, IFPA. "This collaboration will ensure that the resources created and education offered to our collective members are coordinated and aligned." "FSMA Rule 204 underscores the significance of understanding how the broader supply chain interacts with farmers, extending beyond just fresh fruits and vegetables," said Ted McKinney, CEO, NASDA. "While the value of traceability is widely recognized, its effectiveness in enhancing food safety and public health will hinge on its practical application. Therefore, effective education, particularly in the early stages of this initiative, is crucial." About the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration Organizations About Association of Food & Drug Officials The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) is a well-recognized national organization that represents state, territorial, and local food protection regulatory agencies including all the agencies that regulate produce, manufactured foods, and retail foods. The Association's principal purpose is to act as the leader and a resource to state, territorial, and local regulatory agencies in developing strategies to resolve and promote public health and consumer protection related to the regulation of food, medical products, and cosmetics. About FMI The Food Industry Association As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services to amplify the collective work of the industry. About GS1 US GS1 US helps enable companies to power their supply chains to deliver safe, consistent, authentic, and trusted experiences. Best known as a source for UPC barcodes, GS1 is a not-for-profit, global data standards organization that creates a common language for companies to identify, capture, and share trusted data that links their physical and digital supply chains. Millions of businesses around the world power commerce with GS1 Standards. Learn more at www.gs1us.org . About Institute of Food Technologists The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of over 11,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world's greatest food challenges. IFT's Global Food Traceability Center conducts applied research; develops resources, tools, and training; and offers customizable services to help industry, regulators, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) implement end-to-end, event-based, interoperable traceability to solve challenges and create opportunities across the supply chain. For more information, go to www.ift.org/gftc. About International Foodservice Distributors Association The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is the premier trade association representing foodservice distributors throughout the United States and globally. IFDA members play a crucial role in the foodservice supply chain, delivering 33 million cases of food and related products to more than one million professional kitchens daily, including restaurants, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, U.S. military and government facilities, hospitals and care facilities, hotels and resorts, and other foodservice operations that make meals away from home possible. This vital industry generates $382 billion in sales, employs 431,000 people, and operates 17,100 distribution centers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. About International Foodservice Manufacturers Association The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) is a trade association founded in 1952. IFMA empowers, nurtures, and connects an inclusive and diverse $1.3 trillion food-away-from-home ecosystem of manufacturers, distributors, operators, and others. By sharing insights, fostering best practices, and developing networking and educational opportunities through events, IFMA informs and instructs its members, and motivates change to improve both individual organizations and the foodservice industry at large. About International Fresh Produce Association The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member's prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. About National Association of State Departments of Agriculture NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org. SOURCE GS1 US DETROIT, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- El Car Wash, the Official Car Wash of the Detroit Lions and Florida's largest express car wash company, announces the opening of its newest location in Brighton, Michigan. Located at 8680 W Grand River Ave, in front of Meijer, the new location marks the company's first location in the state of Michigan. Known for its outstanding service, El Car Wash operates 48 other locations in Florida. "We are a company that was founded in Florida but our roots run deep in Michigan. Our executive team, development team, investors, partners, field staff and more are made up of Michigan alumni. As we continue to grow our footprint in the state, we are happy to be bringing our first carwash to the Brighton community" said Justin Landau and Geoff Karas, co-CEOs of El Car Wash. "We're eager to offer the residents of Michigan an unparalleled car wash experience and show them the customer service and quality that separates El Car Wash from the competition." The new El Car Wash will be a state-of-the-art facility featuring a range of amenities that provide customers with the best car cleaning experience in Michigan. The Brighton location will feature leading wash technology and an environmentally conscious water reclamation system that cleans and reuses water during certain parts of the washing process. Post wash amenities include self-serve vacuum stations equipped with free towels, window cleaner, and compressed air and more. El Car Wash will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, the El Car Wash facility will offer both license plate recognition technology and RFID technology to allow for a more efficient wash experience for all customers. Members of their Unlimited Wash Club will enjoy the convenience and speed of exclusive automated lanes and a quick, hassle-free experience. "We are thrilled to serve the Brighton community as part of our Michigan growth" said David Van Ittersum, Regional Manager for El Car Wash. "We are eager to demonstrate our commitment to providing a quality wash using best-in-class products and amenities via our dedicated and friendly teams. We are eager to show Brighton our dedication to the community through impactful partnerships and charitable ties." El Car Wash will continue to grow in the Detroit Metro area, as they plan to open a location in Madison Heights before year-end, with sites in Warren, Novi, Troy and more scheduled to open in 2025. To celebrate the grand opening and showcase the company's community dedication, El Car Wash will host a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, September 13th, from noon to 4 PM. The event, in partnership with the Brighton Police Department and Brighton Area Fire Authority, will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and members of the Detroit Lions Organization. For more details, follow El Car Wash on Instagram at @elcarwash or text BRIGHT1 to 22322. About El Car Wash Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Miami, El Car Wash is Florida's #1 express car wash operator, and soon to be the leading operator in Michigan. El Car Wash's partnership with Warburg Pincus in 2022 has fueled its growth trajectory, with over 50 operating sites and a pipeline of 50 more. They are revolutionizing the car wash experience by offering an unmatched customer experience, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, and embracing eco-friendly practices. Their affordable unlimited wash programs, extensive customer amenities, and innovative services set them apart. They pride themselves on providing a fantastic work environment for their employees and maintaining a strong commitment to community involvement. El Car Wash's neurodivergent and veteran employment programs are a few of the many reasons El Car Wash is an employer of choice. Through meaningful sports partnerships and active community involvement, they are committed to making our local areas shineboth on and off the road. For additional announcements, including new store openings and special promotions, follow El Car Wash on Instagram @elcarwash or visit www.elcarwash.com. SOURCE El Car Wash CLEVELAND, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Encore Clinical Holdings Corp is excited to announce the expansion of its wound care business into Kentucky effective July 2024. As the largest provider of wound care in Ohio, this strategic expansion of Encore Clinical Holdings' footprint significantly increases the volume of patients served, with providers now seeing an average of 8,000 wounds per week across Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The expansion drives the innovative, technology-driven model, offering benefits such as cost savings for facilities and patients, maintaining facility census, improving patient outcomes through clinical stewardship, and providing accurate documentation for reimbursement purposes. Encore Wound Care Kentucky partner, Tyler Burke has been recognized as an outstanding entrepreneur of several healthcare businesses and he has put together an outstanding team of clinicians and management, who are committed to delivering exceptional care and results. This acquisition aligns with Encore Clinical Holdings' mission to provide superior outcomes for patients and enhance the services offered to facility partners. Neall French, a shareholder at Encore Holdings Corp, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and expansion, stating, "Tyler has built great companies in healthcare, and we are fortunate for the opportunity to work with him and his team to continue to broaden the very successful Encore Wound Care business model. We have the team and resources in place to bring superior outcomes and results to our patients and facility partners." Tyler Burke, shareholder at Encore Wound Care Kentucky "We are beyond excited to bring Encore's innovative technology and progressive clinical treatments to the Commonwealth. There is a gap in our market for comprehensive and patient centered care and we intend to fill that gap. We are confident that with team of successful healthcare professionals we have assembled, we will continue to bring the same unparalleled service and superior clinical outcomes that have allowed Encore to become the leader in each market it services. " This expansion represents a landmark moment for Encore Clinical Holdings Corp, reinforcing its commitment and mission to delivering high-quality wound care and expanding its services to meet the growing needs of patients across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and beyond. About Encore Wound Care Encore Wound Care offers a diverse team of Advanced Practice Providers dedicated to addressing the specific needs of long-term care patients. With a focus on clinical expertise and a commitment to evidence-based practices, we drive exceptional patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life. Our understanding of long-term care regulations integrated with proprietary software technology provides an added layer of clinical support and documentation for patients with complex medical needs. CONTACT: ENCORE HOLDINGS CORP. Craig Waters, Chief Financial Officer O: (440)652-8748 [email protected] www.encoreclinicalservices.com SOURCE Encore Clinical Services Collaboration brings together tools and services for priority-based budgeting, strategic planning and performance management, in line with Rethinking Budgeting guidelines VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Envisio , a strategy and performance management software company, and Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL), a leading provider of integrated software and technology services for the public sector, today announced a strategic partnership to rethink local government budgeting and improve community outcomes by embedding strategic priorities into the budgeting process and tracking and reporting on priority-based budgeting (PBB) results. Both Envisio and Tyler are committed to advancing the Rethinking Budgeting initiative put forward by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and created in partnership with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC). Envisio and Tyler team members have been key contributors to the Rethinking Budgeting recommendations, helping to shape the improved budgeting "operating system" for local government, now formally adopted by GFOA. In collaboration with GFOA, they helped to develop a readiness assessment to support local governments in understanding and initiating steps to rethink their budgets. Local governments increasingly recognize the need to modernize decades-old, line-item budget processes. Post this This partnership enables Tyler to act as a reseller of Envisio in combination with Tyler's Priority Based Budgeting solution furthering its commitment to improving local government budgeting. Local governments increasingly recognize the need to modernize decades-old, line-item budget processes to increase responsiveness to changing community needs. PBB, budget transparency, and alignment with strategic plans are core to budget transformation. PBB encourages government organizations to look at their resource flow and align budgets with goals, ultimately supporting better outcomes and increasing public understanding of how taxpayer dollars are spent. But progress against goals must be measured and managed to ensure outcomes are achieved and results are visible to residents and local government leaders. "At the heart of Rethinking Budgeting is the ability for local governments to reallocate resources based on strategic priorities, tie those budget allocations to an actionable plan, measure results, and then adjust where necessary," said Stefan Baerg, Chief Revenue Officer at Envisio. "Envisio provides a powerful framework for organizations to execute their outcomes-focused budgets and a platform to share their results with residents to foster engagement and trust." By connecting Tyler's priority-based budgeting program and allocation data with Envisio's strategic plan and performance management tools and services, local governments can now align their resources with strategic priorities, drive results, and grow transparency with staff, elected officials, and residents. "Everything leads back to the budgetit's the foundation for a community's ability to enhance its outcomes," said Chris Fabian, Tyler's senior director of product strategy for ERP Budgeting. "Priority Based Budgeting complements Envisio by embedding strategic priorities into the budgeting process, while Envisio amplifies the impact of priority-based budgeting by managing, tracking and showcasing the results. This partnership offers a complete, end-to-end solution for local governments committed to driving meaningful, measurable change." About Envisio Envisio is the most widely used strategic planning and performance management solution in local government. Cities, counties, school districts, and public sector organizations use Envisio to execute plans, measure and report on performance, make evidence-based decisions, and build trust and transparency with their communities. More information on Envisio can be found at envisio.com . About Tyler Technologies, Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) is a leading provider of integrated software and technology services for the public sector. Tyler's end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate efficiently and transparently with residents and each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler's solutions transform how clients turn actionable insights into opportunities and solutions for their communities. Tyler has more than 44,000 successful installations across 13,000 locations, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Tyler has been recognized numerous times for growth and innovation, including on Government Technology's GovTech 100 list. More information about Tyler Technologies, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com . CONTACT: Stacey Hartmann, [email protected] SOURCE Envisio By Hanna Greenblott, Senior Consultant HOUSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Even with incredible scientific progress, cancer remains the second highest leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.) and one of the highest causes of death worldwide. To accelerate and bolster the great innovations made in therapeutics, diagnostics, and patient care, the Biden-Harris administration has reignited the Cancer Moonshot initiative. This program, introduced by then-Vice President Biden in 2016, is vigorously dedicated to reducing the fatality of cancer diagnoses, improving the lives of people living with cancer, and effectively eradicating cancer as we know it today. As part of the Cancer Moonshot mission, the Biden-Harris administration has offered funding opportunities for programs developing tools for cancer prevention, screening, and other innovations in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) in particular has published funding opportunity solicitations seeking advancements in cancer research. Most notably, ARPA-H unveiled the Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in Oncology (POSEIDON) initiative. This program aims to drastically shift the current landscape of cancer detection through innovative, synthetic biology-based approaches. The program is designed to develop over-the-counter Multi-Cancer-Early Detection (MCED) tests that could identify over 30 types of solid tumors at Stage I, thereby increasing the likelihood of effective treatment and survival. Leveraging the latest advancements in synthetic biology for sensor and synthetic reporter designs, POSEIDON aims to create cost-effective, accessible, and accurate testing methods that could fundamentally alter cancer care and prevention. In addition to POSEIDON, several of ARPA-H's Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) focus areas highlight the federal government's interest in cancer-specific programs. For instance, the Health Science Futures (HSF) ISO is currently seeking innovative research programs that enable revolutionary advances in medicine and healthcare. HSF is looking to fund programs that are developing breakthrough technologies, transformative tools, platform systems, and other revolutionary technologies. The HSF ISO specifically highlights a desire to fund cancer programs that fit the aforementioned areas of interest. Solution summary submissions are due by March 3, 2025. Cancer programs can also seek funding through ARPA-H's Proactive Health Office (PHO). This funding opportunity is designed for programs that are developing solutions to improve the health span and health outcomes of Americans prior to the onset of disease and/or the development of diminished quality of life from illness. PHO areas of interest include novel prevention, detection, and prophylactic treatment methods; population-level approaches to increase the adoption of prevention and wellness behaviors; and system innovation for the delivery of proactive health outcomes. By funding programs that feature these areas of interest, PHO seeks to develop proactive health safety measures that greatly improve the lives of Americans. PHO is soliciting solution summaries until March 3, 2025. The Scalable Solutions Office (SSO) at ARPA-H has put out a call for solution summaries for projects, including those with a cancer-driven focus, that endeavor to improve the scalability and affordability of health care solutions, bridge gaps in underserved areas, and extend remote access to expertise by developing location-specific interventions, telemedicine solutions, and mobile health clinics. SSO encourages submissions that focus on rapid innovation and the use of partnerships, as well as flexible distribution networks and streamlined manufacturing processes. Similarly, solution summaries for this solicitation are due March 3, 2025. With Cancer Moonshot, cancer initiatives have taken center stage and funding opportunities are available for programs that are ready to rise to the challenge. If your company has considered applying for ARPA-H funding, your federal funding journey starts here. EverGlade Consulting is a national consulting firm that helps organizations win and manage federal awards. We offer services ranging from Pursuit, Proposal and Post-Award support to comply with federal regulations at agencies including BARDA, ASPR, NIH, DTRA, JPEO, DOD, DIU, DOE, and DARPA. For additional information see the link below. https://everglade.com/cancer-moonshot-and-the-arpa-h-cancer-funding-landscape/ CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE EverGlade Consulting Everpeak has already enabled workers' comp coverage impacting thousands of hard-working Arizonans PHOENIX, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EverPeak Insurance, a leading solution for workers' compensation insurance, announced its official launch in the state of Arizona. EverPeak specializes in serving small businesses and those in hard-to-place industries that often face challenges in securing timely and accessible workers' compensation coverage, a trend that has been increasingly prevalent across the United States. EverPeak Insurance, committed to providing accessible coverage for hard-working businesses. "We recognize the struggle businesses can face in obtaining affordable and accessible insurance, and we're committed to making a difference," said Vlad Stojanovic, VP and chief operating officer at EverPeak Insurance. "Our focus on Arizona's small business community and hard-to-place industries is a direct response to this growing need for accessible coverage." EverPeak has already enabled workers' compensation policies for more than 200 hard-working businesses. A wide range of Arizona businesses are well suited for EverPeak, including those in the janitorial, landscaping, construction, and hospitality sectors. EverPeak's arrival in Arizona comes at a crucial time, as the state's economy thrives with small businesses at its core. By providing accessible workers' compensation insurance, EverPeak helps support the continued success of these businesses, fostering overall economic vitality in the state. EverPeak is built for small to medium-sized businesses and welcomes established and new ventures. EverPeak workers' comp insurance is available exclusively on Attune. With over 400 straight-through class codes, agents can quickly generate quotes and bind policies on the Attune platform in seconds, all backed by A-rated underwriting companies. EverPeak's experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized service and tailored insurance options that cater to each client's specific needs, ensuring that businesses have the coverage they need to protect their employees and their bottom line. About EverPeak Insurance EverPeak Insurance is a workers' compensation insurance solution offering comprehensive coverage and market-leading service for businesses across the United States. With an approach to care based on Pinnacol Assurance's 100+ years of industry-leading underwriting, claims and risk management experience, we cover the hardest-working businesses because we work hard too. EverPeak Insurance offers skilled protection for businesses with the toughest risks and partners with insurance agents who strive to offer the best protection to those businesses that need it most. Learn more at everpeakinsurance.com. Media Contact: Liz Johnson Director, Public Relations 720.939.7238 (mobile) [email protected] SOURCE EverPeak Insurance "The Gold Standards of The Ritz-Carlton Brand inform our proprietary methodology." Post this "The top one percent of Ritz-Carlton leaders around the world identified 10 distinctive, non-negotiable behaviors that drive a culture of excellence for this immersive course," said Ms. Joiner. "The content is enriched with a six-month roadmap designed to meet the participant's personalized objectives among other actionable takeaways." Leading Employee Excellence is guided by Ritz-Carlton facilitators that bring the leadership philosophies of The Ritz-Carlton Brand to life with lively firsthand experiences, powerful videos, and engaging discussions that attract like-minded attendees from diverse industries. The course is intended for leaders responsible for shaping strategies and managing the career development of others and is relevant to all industries. "The Gold Standards of The Ritz-Carlton Brand inform our proprietary methodology, are the foundation of our learning experiences and the heart of our Mystique," said Ms. Joiner. "We're delighted to present Leading Employee Excellence as the pathway to learn from an industry legend." Leading Employee Excellence is offered as a full-day onsite experience with the option to attend either October 22 or 23, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, a 400-acre luxury resort only minutes from DFW. Breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon breaks, and a networking reception complete the agenda. Attendance is limited to preserve an intimate environment for elevated learning. The cost is $2,495 per person. Visit Leading Employee Excellence for course details, registration and optional hotel accommodations. About The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center (TRCLC) is a global consulting and advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations create exceptional employee and customer experiences that drive competitive advantage. An extension of The Ritz-Carlton Brand, TRCLC leverages methodologies and best practices to unlock a sustainable business transformation founded on a culture of excellence. With onsite and virtual solutions ranging from immersive courses and interactive workshops to strategic advisory offerings, thousands of clients have engaged TRCLC as a trusted source to refine service excellence and deliver some of the biggest launches, innovations, and transformations across industries worldwide. Visit www.ritzcarltonleadershipcenter.com for information and join the conversation on LinkedIn. Press Contact [email protected] The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center Contact [email protected] SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center Fan-Favorite Fast Casual Brand on Course for a Record-Setting Year of Franchise Expansion New franchisees Imrit Chattrath and Jasdeep Singh (Puget Sound Bites, Inc.) sign a 10-unit deal to bring the first Freddy's restaurant to the Seattle market (Puget Sound Bites, Inc.) sign a 10-unit deal to bring the first Freddy's restaurant to the market Franchising veterans Mike and Steven Young (MLY Investments) sign a 3-unit deal covering West Central Illinois and East Iowa (MLY Investments) sign a 3-unit deal covering West Central Illinois and New franchisee Peter Labib signs 4-unit deal in North New Jersey signs 4-unit deal in New franchisee Frank Fayyaz (ARF Restaurants LLC) signs 4-unit deal in Austin, Texas market WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (Freddy's) is spreading its roots in a number of key markets across the country with four separate development deals that will build the brand's presence across Washington, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey, and Texas. These deals are being individually spearheaded by a mix of both current and new Freddy's franchisees and will add a total of 21 restaurant locations to the franchise system. Freddy's Exterior Among these deals, Freddy's is planning its first restaurants in Washington State, coming at the hands of Imrit Chattrath and Jasdeep Singh of Puget Sound Bites, Inc., who signed a 10-unit development agreement for the Seattle market. While in the Midwest, Mike and Steven Young the father/son team behind MLY Investments have signed on to introduce three new restaurant venues in Rock Island and Knox County, Illinois, as well as Des Moines, Iowa. The deal adds to their already extensive portfolio of 10 open locations between Iowa and Illinois, with another 15 in development across the Midwest. "Our new journey with Freddy's has been driven by a deep belief in the brand's values and premium quality menu items," said Imrit Chattrath. "Their commitment to excellence solidified our decision to invest with them. We're eager to deliver that exceptional Freddy's dining experience to all the guests in our new markets." Additionally, the Freddy's team awarded a franchise license to Peter Labib, who plans to bring four locations to Monmouth County, New Jersey. Frank Fayyaz of ARF Restaurants, LLC, also secured a development deal for another 4 locations around Austin, Texas. "There's no greater testament to the value of Freddy's franchise opportunity and the unique dining experience we bring guests across the country than the continued investment that our existing franchisees make in the brand," said Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer. "We are enthusiastic about our future expansion and the chance to introduce Freddy's to more communities with the help of both new and seasoned franchisees." Freddy's has over 530 restaurants in 36 states, with another 130+ locations in development for 2024 and 2025. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy's, visit freddysfranchising.com . ABOUT FREDDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 500 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy's ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 23 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 67 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and No. 36 on Yelp's 50 Most Loved Brands. For more on Freddy's, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram . For more information about development opportunities, visit freddysfranchising.com . Media Contact: Conner Gossel, [email protected], Fishman Public Relations, (937) 545-9812 SOURCE Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Azerbaijan places high importance on transitioning to green energy, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Democratic Student and Youth Organization, Asif Askerli emphasized at the International Youth Forum "Supporting Environmental Policy through Young Leaders" in Baku, Trend reports. "Azerbaijan is not only exporting oil and gas but is also making efforts to develop green energy, a green economy, and a green philosophy," Askerli stated. Environmental issues are a big deal all around the world, he said, and that's why delegates from all over the world have gathered in Baku to talk about them. Askerli pointed out that Azerbaijan is putting pedal to the metal in its transition towards a green economy, making it a top dog on the national agenda. Civil society and young leaders from all corners of the globe are joining forces in the battle against climate change. The forum, which runs until September 13, is a melting pot of 24 young leaders from 18 countries and over 60 Azerbaijani youth organization leaders, government representatives, experts, and other guests. It's a real gathering of minds and a meeting of the hearts. Panel discussions will bring together a bunch of movers and shakers, bigwigs from different corners of the globe, such as France, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkiye, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The forum addresses environmental issues, climate change, eco-volunteering, and opportunities for collaboration and networking in promoting the green economy and environmental engagement. Topics also include international support for COP29 and the dissemination of global information about Azerbaijan. Meetings with officials and NGO coalitions will focus on calls to continue active efforts in these areas. The forum, backed by the Youth Foundation of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Democratic Student and Youth Organization, and the National Council of Youth Organizations, will be going strong until September 13. NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GenNx360 Capital Partners ("GenNx360"), a New York-based private equity firm investing in middle market business services and industrial companies is thrilled to announce the promotions of Rishi Verma from Principal to Partner and Peter White from Vice President to Principal. Ron Blaylock, a GenNx360 Founder and Managing Partner said, "Rishi has been a very valuable member of our GenNx360 team and a pillar at the firm. He has distinguished himself as a leader and earned this promotion. It is an acknowledgement of the deep value he has created for our Limited Partners." Whitsons Culinary Group CEO, Paul Whitcomb commented, "Rishi has been a beacon of inspiring leadership, consistently guiding our team with strategic vision and a calm, reassuring demeanor. His exceptional financial acumen, combined with his talent for simplifying complex topics, has been instrumental in helping us achieve exponential growth. I am proud to call Rishi both a business partner and a friend. I am confident that he will continue to drive success for both GenNx360 and Whitsons with the same dedication and expertise." "During Peter's tenure at the firm his contributions have added significant growth and value to our portfolio companies. He has been on an accelerated track, and this is a well-deserved promotion", said Mr. Blaylock. GenServe CEO, Fred Smagorinsky said, "Peter is among the best investment professionals I have worked with in my 17+ years running PE-backed businesses. In addition to understanding our business, being incredibly insightful, and on top of every detail, Peter has been great on both a professional and personal level. The GenServe team, including and especially myself, not only have the greatest respect for him but we genuinely like and trust him. I have been doing this a long time and that is not always the case." Mr. Blaylock added, "Rishi and Peter's work are a testament to how we engage with our portfolio company management teams efficiently to create value. It highlights why GenNx360 has been chosen as one of the Top 50 PE firms for Executives for the last two years." About GenNx360 Capital Partners GenNx360 Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on acquiring middle market industrial and business services companies. GenNx360 invests in companies with proven and sustainable business models in expanding industries, with the objective of implementing value-enhancing operational improvements to accelerate growth, deliver efficiencies and generate strong financial returns. Target industries include industrial machinery and components, business & industrial services, automation & industrial technology, packaging products, equipment services, environmental services, and food ingredients/equipment/services. GenNx360 was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in New York City. www.gennx360.com For media inquiries about this press release, please contact: Alicia Francis, Head of Investor Communications GenNx360 Capital Partners Email: [email protected] | Tel: 929.287.6107 SOURCE GenNx360 Capital Partners Blankfactor is a U.S.-headquartered product engineering firm specialized in Payments, Capital Markets, Wealth and Retirement, and Fintech in North America and the UK, with extensive experience in card issuing, merchant acquiring, and securities finance. Blankfactor has grown rapidly by leveraging highly specialized consultants coupled with deep vertical expertise in the financial services sector. The company also holds extensive expertise in AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Snowflake, and Databricks MIAMI, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native technology services company, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Blankfactor, a U.S. based IT services consulting firm specialized in Payments, Banking, and Capital Markets with a successful track record across the Financial Services industry and extensive experience in card issuing, merchant acquiring, and securities finance. The company specializes in delivering consulting-led product engineering, data engineering, and enterprise AI solutions. Completion of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals. Founded by Michael Wear and Melody Pak, Blankfactor has grown rapidly since its kick-off in 2016 through strategy-led product engineering with deep vertical knowledge. Blankfactor also holds profound expertise within the cloud ecosystem with AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Snowflake, and Databricks. Leveraging its effective balance of U.S. and Global delivery, the company currently develops solutions for some of the strongest brands in the financial sector, including six out of the top ten payment processors and many of the world's largest banks and asset managers. Headquartered in Miami, Blankfactor's offices in the U.S., U.K., Colombia, Romania, and Bulgaria are home to more than 450 technology professionals with talent ranging from COBOL to AI. Blankfactor's speciality is in outcome-based delivery, and its consultant-engineers are subject matter experts who offer both domain expertise and the hands-on execution necessary to deliver business-critical solutions. "Blankfactor brings incredible experiences and best practices within the financial services space, which is a key vertical for Globant. As AI develops and impacts industries, we want to expand Globant's visions and knowledge in order to provide a continuously evolving service to our clients," said Martin Migoya, Co-Founder and CEO of Globant. "I have always admired Globant as a model of execution at scale in digital transformation, with exceptional talent around the world. With the scale and depth of Globant, I'm looking forward to achieving greater outcomes for our clients," said Michael Wear, Founder and CEO of Blankfactor. "Blankfactor is a great organization with world-class clients and has an exceptional track record, delivering specialized value propositions in a crucial industry for our corporate roadmap. They join Globant to consolidate the Payments Studio in North America at a special moment when the Financial Services industry is undergoing a massive reinvention," said Nicolas Kaplun, Chief Business Officer of Globant in North America. "Blankfactor's consulting-led engineering capabilities, combined with Globant's scale and breadth of services, delivers a winning combination for our current and future clients," said Asif Ramji, Chairman of Blankfactor. "We are thrilled to welcome such a talented group of professionals with the passion and capability to dream as big as Globers do. They are a perfect fit for our current expansion strategy," said Martin Umaran, Co-Founder and Chief Corporate Development Officer of Globant. Company founders Michael Wear and Melody Pak will continue at the helm, and Blankfactor management and their respective teams look forward to supercharging their scale and impact with Globant, while remaining true to Blankfactor's singular focus on consulting-led digital execution for the financial services industry. _____________ About Globant At Globant, we create the digitally-native products that people love. We bridge the gap between businesses and consumers through technology and creativity, leveraging our experience as an AI powerhouse. We dare to digitally transform organizations and strive to delight their customers. We have more than 29,100 employees and are present in 33 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like Google, Electronic Arts, and Santander, among others. We were named a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) and a Worldwide Leader in CX Improvement Services (2020) by IDC MarketScape report. We are the fastest-growing IT brand and the 5th strongest IT brand globally (2024), according to Brand Finance. We were featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford . . We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord. Contact: [email protected] Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates. For more information, visit www.globant.com . This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The expectations related to the businesses of Globant and Blankfactor may differ from their actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward looking statements as predictions of future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "believe," "may," "will", "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "expect," "predict," "potential," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, expectations with respect to the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside of the control of Globant and Blankfactor and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the ability of the parties to complete the proposed acquisition; (2) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the acquisition are not satisfied in a timely manner or at all, (3) the risk that disruption from the transaction materially and adversely affects Blankfactor's business and operations; (4) restrictions during the pendency of the transaction that impact Blankfactor's ability to pursue certain business opportunities or other strategic transactions; (5) Globant's ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, (6) costs related to the proposed acquisition, (7) Globant's ability to successfully grow Blankfactor's business; (8) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed acquisition; (9) the ability of Globant to retain and hire key Blankfactor employees; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations, (11) the demand for Blankfactor's services together with the possibility that Blankfactor may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (12) other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other risk factors included in subsequent reports on Form 6-K. Because of these uncertainties, you should not make any investment decision based on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/959011/Globant_logo_actualizado.jpg PITTSBURGH and LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare providers and their patients usually don't realize how much healthcare marketing helps them both. "The breakthrough for healthcare services comes from systematic referral source marketing, which is about reaching, connecting, and engaging with prospective referral sourcessomething that is not yet common practice," says Dave Mastovich, CEO and founder of MASSolutions, a strategic marketing consultancy. Healthcare Marketing Expert Dave Mastovich Unveils Strategies to Enhance Patient Care and Drive Industry Growth Dave Mastovich In his new book, No Bullsh!t Marketing, 17 Contrarian Ways to Increase Referrals for Healthcare Services (2024, Indie Books International), Mastovich begins by outlining the six target audiences that matter in healthcare marketing and why it's important to listen to each one. "My definition of real marketing is finding out what your current and prospective customers want, developing it, giving it to them when and where they want it, at a price they're willing to pay, and then telling them about it again and again," says Mastovich. He says the problem is that most marketing focuses on the last part, telling people about it over and over again. Instead, healthcare service providers should approach six key target groups with a tailored approach: Current customers. This group includes patients of healthcare providers, members in health plans, residents in care facilities, and others who are directly receiving healthcare services. Communication here is focused on trust building, providing health education, and encouraging retention and positive word-of-mouth. Prospective or potential customers: These are the individuals actively seeking healthcare options. It's crucial to understand their needs and concerns to effectively position your services as their best choice. Engage with them and show them that their needs are your priority. Current employees: Your healthcare professionals and support staff are the backbone of service delivery. Engaging them is crucial and involves internal communication that fosters a supportive culture and recognizes their hard work and dedication. Potential employees: Given the competition for top talent in healthcare, attracting potential employees means showcasing an attractive culture, clear career progression, and the value of their work toward a greater mission in the community. Current referral sources: These are the partners who trust you enough to refer patients to you, such as other physicians, healthcare organizations, social services, and case managers. Your communication with them must reaffirm your commitment to quality care and keep them informed on your latest services and successes. Potential referral sources: A systematic marketing approach is needed with people who can refer to you. Articulate unique selling points and demonstrate successful outcomes to engage potential referrers. Mastovich says the field of healthcare services marketing offers every organization the opportunity to flourish and expand. Employees are the first line of brand ambassadors. The goal is to turn employees into de facto members of your marketing team and to recruit new talent that also values the company's culture. "The key is cultivating an environment so enriching that they feel compelled to tell others about what they do and leaving is the last thing on their minds." Mastovich states that with successful referral resource marketing, healthcare services practices have replaced the attitude that "We have always done it this way" with "We do it this way because it works, is efficient, and puts our patients first.' His experience is that healthcare marketing helps patients, providers and the bottom line all at the same time. "The growth of healthcare services is directly tied to how well providers are informed about available offerings. Without ongoing referral source marketing, many healthcare practitioners might miss the chance to prescribe services that could benefit their patients. When providers are aware of these options, they can better serve their patients, and in turn, help the service providers grow," says Mastovich. "It enhances patient care and drives success for all involved." Known for driving growth through innovative marketing solutions and creative storytelling, Mastovich is a prolific content creator featured in over 200 media outlets. His blog and podcast have over 500 episodes. "Challenging the status quo became my modus operandi," says Mastovich. "No bullsh!t marketing is about having the courage to dismantle the machinery of mediocrity and replace it with something extraordinary." Mastovich operates MASSolutions between Pittsburgh, PA, and Long Beach, CA offices. His commitment to marketing excellence and memorable storytelling inspires businesses to achieve their full potential. About Indie Book International Indie Books International was founded in 2014 to serve as an independent publishing alternative for experts and authorities to help create impact and influence. Contact Henry DeVries [email protected] 619-540-3031 SOURCE Dave Mastovich VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Horizon Copper Corp. (TSX-V: HCU) (OTCQX: HNCUF) ("Horizon Copper", "Horizon", or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a revolving credit agreement with National Bank of Canada and The Bank of Nova Scotia allowing the Company to borrow up to US$30 million (the "Revolving Loan"), with an additional uncommitted accordion of up to US$20 million, for total availability of up to US$50 million. The Revolving Loan has a term of four years, maturing in September 2028 and is extendable subject to approval by the lenders. Horizon intends to use the Revolving Loan for future asset acquisitions, its funding requirements related to the development of the Hod Maden project, and general corporate purposes. The amounts drawn on the Revolving Loan are subject to interest at SOFR plus a variable spread of between 2.50%3.75%, and the undrawn portion of the Revolving Loan is subject to a standby fee of between 0.56%0.84% per annum, both of which are dependent on the Company's leverage ratio. Under the terms of the credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain a leverage ratio of less than 4.0x, excluding all existing debt held by Horizon's strategic growth partner, Sandstorm Gold Ltd. "We are pleased to expand our financing capabilities with this new Revolving Loan," commented Erfan Kazemi, Horizon's President & CEO. "This credit facility, coupled with our existing cash reserves, improves Horizon's financing flexibility as we look to grow the Company and continue to invest in the development work at Hod Maden." ABOUT HORIZON COPPER Horizon Copper is a premier copper company holding a portfolio of unparalleled copper assets including a 1.66% net profits interest on the Antamina copper mine, exposure to the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine through a 24% equity ownership in Entree Resources Ltd., and a 30% interest in the copper-gold Hod Maden project. Horizon plans to actively grow its portfolio of assets with a focus on copper projects. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although Horizon believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Horizon is not a guarantee of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to the use of the Revolving Loan including future asset acquisitions and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Horizon disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The securities referred to in this press release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required under securities laws. Further information concerning risks, assumptions and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in Horizon's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), as well as subsequent filings that can also be found under the Company's profile. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Horizon Copper Corp. The company is proud to announce the new partnership with Gilmedica S.A.S. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science, the fastest growing professional skincare brand in the US, is proud to announce their new partnership with Gilmedica S.A.S. to represent its products in Colombia. Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science is currently distributed in 17 international markets and is excited to expand into the Colombian market. For over 45 years, Gilmedica S.A.S. has been distributing aesthetic equipment, devices, and skincare products to leading dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic physicians throughout Colombia. With 10 offices nationwide, Gilmedica S.A.S has penetrated over 90% of all aesthetic medical practices and clinics in Colombia, making it a leader in the aesthetics market. "Luis Gil and his team are among the most respected teams in the aesthetic industry in Colombia. They command the attention of prominent aesthetic surgeons and physicians who will establish Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science as a leading brand in the Colombian professional skin care market. We are excited to launch the Hydrinity skin care products in this very important market together with Gilmedica S.A.S.," stated Brent Nixon, COO of Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science. The Colombian skin care market is projected to generate a revenue of US$602M by 2024 and has seen the highest aesthetic, derma and cosmetic industry growth among Latin American countries in recent years, propelling it into the ranks of the world's top 10 nations in the industry*. Relative to their population sizes, Colombia has already surpassed Brazil in aesthetic treatments, and projections show Mexico will also exceed the Brazilian market in the near future**. "Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science has established itself as a market leader in the US, and we are confident with our 45+ years of expertise and prestige physician relationships, we will make Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science a leading brand in the Colombian skin care market," said Luis Fernando Gil, President of Gilmedica S.A.S. "We are very excited to be working with such an exclusive and clinically proven product line which has already begun to demonstrate its demand in the Latin American Market." For more information about Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science, visit on Instagram, Facebook, or hydrinity.com. For more information about Gilmedica S.A.S., visit on Instagram, Facebook or gilmedica.com. A bout Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science: Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science, the fastest growing professional skincare brand in the US, began as a regenerative medicine company developing advanced wound care products and drug delivery systems for oncology and hematology patients. Since launching in 2022, Hydrinity has become the leader in hyaluronic acid technology introducing clinically backed formulations that contain patented injectable-grade hyaluronic acid and proprietary technologies able to penetrate deep into the dermal layers of the skin. Today, Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science is available in over 2,500 professional practices and is rapidly expanding. About Gilmedica S.A.S.: Gilmedica S.A.S. is dedicated to distributing aesthetic equipment, devices, and skincare products to leading dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic physicians throughout Colombia. With over 45 years of experience in the health sector, Gilmedica S.A.S. has contributed to Colombian health through high-quality technological products, patient safety and cost efficiency in services. Today, Gilmedica S.A.S. provides medical equipment and technology which can equip a medical institution by almost 90% allowing them to offer a comprehensive technical service guaranteeing the same support for all of its equipment and meeting clients needs in a reliable and assertive manner. *Statista Market Insights, March 2024 **Chameleon Pharma Consulting Group, ISAPS 2022, OECD & Open Sources For media inquiries, please contact Rebel Gail Communications Stephanie Channell | Elana Trachtman [email protected] | 212.675.8555 SOURCE Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science This celebration of Massachusetts' Tough Tech leadership is organized by The Engine CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This October, you'll find hundreds of leaders gathered on both sides of the Charles River, working to solve the world's toughest challenges while building community, resources, and momentum. Organized by The Engine with presenting sponsor J.P. Morgan, Tough Tech Week cements Massachusetts as the premier hub for Tough Tech innovation. Participants will get to know the city's thriving ecosystem of science and engineering-backed venture activity, supported by our research institutions and deep bench of talent. The week is anchored around the seventh annual Tough Tech Summit , produced in partnership with Engine Ventures. Organized by The Engine with presenting sponsor J.P. Morgan, Tough Tech Week in Boston (Oct. 7-11, 2024) will gather inventors, investors, and innovators for five days of collaboration and connection. Tough Tech Week will showcase climate, biotech, pharma, robotics, AI, quantum computing, advanced systems, and other transformative technology being developed and commercialized right here in the Commonwealth. The week is a collaboration across our vibrant ecosystem and brought to you by the collective efforts of partner organizations, universities, and companies. Community-based events will convene Tough Tech researchers, startups, investors, corporate leaders, government, and other ecosystem members across all of Boston and Cambridge. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panels, pitch sessions and demo days, founder discussions, workshops, live podcast events, and industry-specific gatherings. Get Involved Whether you're a founder, investor, researcher, enthusiast, or another member of this ecosystem, there's a place for you at Tough Tech Week. Join us in driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs and building a resilient future. Visit toughtechweek.xyz to RSVP to posted events and submit your own event to the growing list of activities. Highlights include: ( Monday, Oct 7 ) Tough Tech Week Kickoff with GE Vernova : Join GE Vernova leadership and Yvonne Hao , Massachusetts' Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, for a Tough Tech Week Kickoff Event at GE Vernova's Cambridge world-headquarters. : Join GE Vernova leadership and , Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, for a Tough Tech Week Kickoff Event at GE Vernova's world-headquarters. ( Monday, Oct 7 ) Investing in Tough Tech with ven^x : An event featuring a diverse set of perspectives on the nuances of Tough Tech investing, hosted by Boston's first collaborative deep tech VC hub. : An event featuring a diverse set of perspectives on the nuances of Tough Tech investing, hosted by first collaborative deep tech VC hub. ( Monday, Oct 7 ) Financing First-of-a-Kind Tough Tech Projects: A panel of experts from The Engine and HSBC Innovation Banking discussing best practices in financing innovative technologies and de-risking the process of getting ideas out of a lab, into a factory, and into the world A panel of experts from The Engine and HSBC Innovation Banking discussing best practices in financing innovative technologies and de-risking the process of getting ideas out of a lab, into a factory, and into the world ( Tuesday, Oct 8 ) Breakthrough Energy Fellows Investor Breakfast: An invite-only gathering of Breakthrough Energy Fellows and key climate tech investors, this event will provide an opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities within the tough tech ecosystem. Space and coordination generously supported by J.P. Morgan and Cambridge Consultants. An invite-only gathering of Breakthrough Energy Fellows and key climate tech investors, this event will provide an opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities within the tough tech ecosystem. Space and coordination generously supported by J.P. Morgan and Cambridge Consultants. (Tuesday & Wednesday, Oct 8-9 ) Tough Tech Summit : A gathering of thought leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers for a two-day summit co-hosted by Engine Ventures and The Engine. : A gathering of thought leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers for a two-day summit co-hosted by Engine Ventures and The Engine. ( Tuesday, Oct 8 ) Climate Tech Cocktails Party at The Grand : Convening the climate tech community and our supporting ecosystem to accelerate momentum in Boston . : Convening the climate tech community and our supporting ecosystem to accelerate momentum in . ( Thursday, Oct 10 ) Activate Demo Day & Tech Showcase: Activate Demo Day in Boston is an in-person, hands-on investor expo where Activate Fellows present their cutting-edge innovations to investors, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, marking their transition from groundbreaking research to impactful market-ready technologies. Join Us in Boston Experience the dynamic Tough Tech ecosystem firsthand. For startup founders, investors, researchers, and the Tough Tech curious, Tough Tech Week offers a platform to engage with the forefront of technology and innovation. Visit ToughTechWeek.xyz to learn more about events, RSVP, and get updates as the agenda evolves; and follow the action on LinkedIn . Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, J.P. Morgan, as well as The Engine's partners and Tough Tech Week event hosts: Activate | Arrow Electronics | Breakthrough Energy Fellows | BXP | Cambridge Consultants | Climate Tech Cocktails | Commonwealth of Massachusetts | CSC Leasing | Dacon Corporation | The Engine Ventures | Eppendorf | GE Vernova | Greentown Labs | Hilti | HSBC Innovation Banking | Kendall Square Association | LabCentral | Marsh McLennan Agency | MassINC | MilliporeSigma | Mintz | MIT Museum | MIT Open Space Programming | Museum of Science | New England Network Solutions | Thermo Fisher | Triumvirate Environmental | ven^x About The Engine The Engine was built by MIT to support and accelerate any and all Tough Tech companies solving the world's most challenging problems, as they move from research breakthroughs to commercial impact. The Engine provides the critical infrastructure, programs and ecosystem early-stage Tough Tech companies need to thrive. Learn more at www.engine.xyz . Media Contact: Jacqui Miller +1 (978) 314-3146 [email protected] SOURCE The Engine In its latest resource, Info-Tech Research Group offers security leaders insights to seamlessly align their security strategies with broader business objectives. This innovative approach addresses the pressing need for proactive measures, ensuring organizations are not just reactive but strategically prepared for emerging challenges. By integrating comprehensive risk management with core business goals, the blueprint empowers leaders to strengthen their defenses while driving business growth. TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As organizations face an unprecedented surge in cyberthreats, the need for robust security risk management has never been more critical. Traditional manual risk management methods are increasingly inadequate, often failing to deliver the timely and comprehensive insights required to navigate today's complex digital environment. Recognizing these challenges, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest blueprint, Assess and Manage Security Risks, offering organizations a scalable, integrated process to effectively assess and manage security risks. The timely resource provides security leaders with the necessary tools to enhance their security posture and stay ahead of evolving threats. Info-Tech Research Group's "Assess and Manage Security Risks" blueprint outlines a step-by-step approach for organizations to develop effective security threat and risk assessments. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) "A mature security risk management practice is a critical component of a comprehensive and risk-aware information security program. What is often missed is that successful security risk management also enables innovation," says Michel Hebert, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "It not only reduces the residual risk associated with technology use to an acceptable level for the organization but also empowers it to make informed decisions about taking the right risks." Info-Tech's newly published resource highlights the major challenges organizations face in managing security risks. One common issue is the inability to equip development teams with the tools and expertise needed to conduct their own risk assessments effectively. Security leaders also often struggle to provide timely and accurate risk assessments, which are critical for informed decision-making. Additionally, integrating security risks into broader enterprise risk management programs remains a significant hurdle, limiting visibility and comprehensive oversight. "A key challenge with traditional approaches to security risk management is that threat and risk assessments are often too unwieldy to offer complete and real-time insights for decision-making," explains Hebert. "The key function of security risk management is timely triage, distinguishing between risks that require immediate action and those that can be addressed later. If processes can't do that, then they will fail." The data-backed resource from Info-Tech advocates for a dynamic strategy for assessing and managing security risks. The firm underscores the importance of security leaders collaborating with business owners, ensuring they are directly involved in the risk management process. This partnership is crucial for aligning security efforts with broader business objectives. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, organizations can create a more integrated and strategic approach to managing security risks, ultimately strengthening their ability to anticipate and mitigate potential threats. In the Assess and Manage Security Risks blueprint, Info-Tech outlines a step-by-step approach for organizations to develop effective security threat and risk assessments: Define the Scope: Identify assets that need protection and the environment in which they operate. Assess Valuation: Determine the value, operational importance, and sensitivity of each asset and its role in compliance with regulations. Identify Threats: Recognize potential threats to each asset, including cyber, physical, or internal threats. Assess Vulnerabilities: Analyze the vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the identified threats. Analyze and Evaluate Risk: Assess the likelihood and potential impact of each threat exploiting a vulnerability. Prioritize Security Risks: Prioritize security risks and allocate resources to the most significant risks first. Treat Risks: Implement preventive, detective, or responsive security controls. Monitor and Review: Continuously assess the effectiveness of controls, update new threats and vulnerabilities, and adjust the threat and risk assessment accordingly. Info-Tech's comprehensive resource equips security leaders with the insights to transform their approach to managing security risks. By adopting this dynamic approach organizations can improve decision-making, reduce the frequency and impact of security incidents, and better align security strategies with overall business objectives. As cyberthreats continue to evolve, this blueprint provides a timely resource for strengthening security postures and safeguarding digital assets. For exclusive and timely commentary from Michel Hebert, an expert in Info-Tech's security and privacy practice, and access to the complete Assess and Manage Security Risks blueprint, please contact [email protected]. Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Conference Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or to gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact [email protected]. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected]. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X. SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group To unlock new business opportunities and enhance customer experience, this collaboration will leverage Proximus Group's DI and CPaaS solutions. BRUSSELS and BENGALURU, India, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, and Proximus Group, Belgium's leading digital services and communication solutions provider, today announced a strategic collaboration to help unlock new business opportunities. The new strategic collaboration will focus on a joint go-to-market approach that will use best-in-class products of Proximus' International affiliates, including Route Mobile's Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) and Telesign's Digital Identity (DI) solutions. This combined with Infosys digital services will drive innovation in omnichannel customer engagement and AI-driven digital assistants for their customers. The collaboration will enhance digital security by providing robust DI and fraud protection solutions, ensuring trusted communication online. Antonietta Mastroianni, Chief Digital & IT Officer at Proximus, said, "We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing collaboration with Infosys. By leveraging Infosys' global reach and our expertise in CPaaS and DI Solutions, the collaboration will drive innovation and deliver superior customer experiences for our joint customers. We are confident that our mutual deep expertise and proven track record will be instrumental in this two-way partnership." Rajdip Gupta, Route Mobile CEO, said, "I'm enthusiastic about this partnership. Combining Route Mobile's product leadership in CPaaS with Infosys' excellence in digital services, is bound to make a difference for customers. It also proves that Proximus Group is on track to realize its international growth ambition and is unlocking significant synergies through collaboration of its international affiliates BICS, Telesign and Route Mobile." Christophe Van de Weyer, Telesign CEO, said, "We all know digital fraud is on the rise. This partnership with Infosys will make it easier for enterprises to integrate our digital identity portfolio into their fraud prevention and engagement platforms to deliver the highest levels of trust to their end users. It supports Proximus Group's ambition to become the worldwide leader in digital communications by enabling trustworthy engagements globally." Upendra Kohli, Executive Vice President Communication, Media and Technology (Americas & Europe) at Infosys, said, "We are excited to build upon our long-standing relationship with Proximus through this expanded collaboration. Infosys' strong capabilities in digital services combined with Proximus Group's expertise in CPaaS and DI solutions will redefine omnichannel customer engagement and AI-driven digital assistants for the industry." The collaboration between Infosys and Proximus allows both companies to strengthen their leadership in digital offering and accelerate their innovative solutions to business and residential customers in Belgium and abroad. Both companies are excited about the opportunities ahead and are confident that their mutual expertise will unlock significant synergies and benefits. About Proximus Proximus Group (Euronext Brussels: PROX), headquartered in Brussels, is a provider of future-proof connectivity, IT and digital services, operating in the Benelux and global markets. The Group is actively engaged in building a connected world and in ensuring the trustworthiness, security and sovereignty of digital services, to the benefit of society. Proximus has the ambition to build the #1 gigabit network for Belgium and plays a central role in creating inspiring digital ecosystems, while fostering an engaging culture and empowering ways of working. Building upon these strengths, Proximus aims to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable digital society, delight customers with an unrivalled experience and achieve profitable growth both locally and internationally to deliver long-term value for stakeholders. In Belgium, Proximus' core products and services are offered under the Proximus, Mobile Vikings, Scarlet and Proximus NXT brands. The Group is also active in Luxembourg (Tango and Telindus Luxembourg) and in the Netherlands (Telindus Netherlands). The Group's international carrier activities are managed by BICS, a leading international communications enabler, one of the key global voice carriers and the leading provider of mobile data services worldwide. With Telesign and Route Mobile, the Group also encompasses fast-growing leaders in digital communications and digital identity, serving the world's largest internet brands, digital champions and cloud native businesses. With 11,654 employees, imbued with Proximus' Think Possible mindset and all engaged to offer a superior customer experience, the Group realized an underlying Group revenue of EUR 6,042 million end-2023. For more information, visit www.proximus.com & www.proximus.be. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/4364085/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys James Drury III's innovative leadership in corporate governance earns prestigious Crain's recognition CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JamesDruryPartners is proud to announce that James Drury III, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, has been named a Crain's Chicago Business 2024 Notable Leader in Accounting, Consulting & Law. This recognition honors professionals who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership within their industries and made significant contributions to the greater Chicago business community. JamesDruryPartners Under Drury's visionary leadership, JamesDruryPartners has become an industry trailblazer and trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies, guiding them through the complexities of today's dynamic business environment. His strategic direction has set new standards in shaping governance frameworks, helping companies to navigate regulatory challenges and achieve long-term success. A hallmark of JamesDruryPartners is its flagship service, BoardSelect, a program that strategically positions CEOs and other C-level executives to secure corporate board seats tailored to their professional objectives. Over the years, hundreds of BoardSelect clients have successfully joined the boards of top U.S. corporations, including many in the Fortune 500. In addition to board placements, JamesDruryPartners specializes in traditional director search and recruitment, revitalizing boards for IPOs and spinouts, and conducting selective CEO searches. Through meticulous director assessments and board evaluations, JamesDruryPartners ensures that boards operate with strength and agility in a constantly evolving business landscape. "I am deeply honored to be recognized by Crain's alongside such an accomplished group of leaders," said Drury. "This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire JamesDruryPartners team and our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative governance solutions that drive our clients' success." Crain's 2024 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law acknowledges professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, excellence, and lasting influence in their fields. The full list of honorees will be featured in a special issue of Crain's Chicago Business and online at chicagobusiness.com on September 9th. About JamesDruryPartners JamesDruryPartners was founded in 2001 and offers board advisory services to firms in the U.S. and select countries abroad. Its practice encompasses services that range from traditional director recruitment, board evaluation and benchmarking, director assessment, and its most innovative offering, BoardSelect, which has advised over 400 highly qualified executives in optimizing their corporate board appointments. With revenues ranging from $1 billion to $250 billion, corporate clients of the firm span all industry sectors and include many Fortune 50 companies. For more information, visit www.JDruryPartners.com. Media Contact Info: Interdependence Public Relations for JamesDruryPartners (973) 303-3237 [email protected] SOURCE JamesDruryPartners STONY BROOK, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Do Americans support further development of artificial intelligence? Jason Jeffrey Jones Productions surveys Americans on this question and publishes updated results every day. So far, the results are affirmative; Americans want more AI. Explore the latest results at https://jasonjones.ninja/social-science-dashboard-inator/jjjp-ai-daily-dashboard/ About the Dashboard AI Support Increased on 2024-09-05. AI Support by Political Party Over Time. Dr. Jason Jeffrey Jones, a computational social scientist with a keen interest in public perceptions of technology, developed the dashboard as part of his research for an upcoming book, Thinking Machines, Pondering Humans. The dashboard allows him - and the public - to observe how attitudes toward AI evolve over time. "Americans' views on AI are like stock prices - they fluctuate day to day," said Dr. Jones. "But overall, support for AI has increased since the start of data collection earlier this year." How It Works Every day, a random sample of American adults are asked how much they agree with the statement: I support further development of artificial intelligence using a seven-point scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. This approach provides dynamic, real-time snapshots of public opinion. Key Findings The survey contains several other questions. One asks about political party affiliation. The data point to an intriguing set of conclusions. Initially, Democrats showed stronger support for AI development than Republicans. However, Republican support has grown at a faster rate, closing the gap. "As of today's data, there is a reliable interaction between party affiliation and time," Dr. Jones said. "Republicans' agreement that AI should be further developed has caught up with that of Democrats. If the trends continue, Republicans will soon be the stronger supporters." Future Directions Dr. Jones says he will use other questions to probe possible relationships between AI support and individuals' risk preferences and their tendency to trust others. For now, he says, "The project is an example of 'nowcasting' in social science - in other words, estimating how people are feeling in real time." Dr. Jones hopes others are inspired by the work and push it further. To promote transparency, replication, and collaboration, he makes the data he observes publicly and freely available for download, and he is building a platform others can use to run their own surveys. You can learn more about Dr. Jones on his website: https://jasonjones.ninja/ Jason Jeffrey Jones Productions sponsors and publishes rigorous, replicable computational social science research. Find out more at https://jasonjones.ninja/jason-jeffrey-jones-productions/. Media Contact: Jason Jones 216-409-0835 [email protected] SOURCE Dr. Jason Jeffrey Jones BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Turkmenistan is solidifying its position in the region by demonstrating economic stability and predictability, creating new opportunities for German-Turkmen cooperation, said Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy Michael Harms sharing his insight during a panel discussion on "Economic Development and Investment Potential of Turkmenistan" at the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024) in Ashgabat, Trend reports. "Turkmenistan is a major Silk Road hub and economic powerhouse in Central Asia. While the country's energy resources drive its economy, its predictable regulatory environment helps industry grow," Harms stated. He highlighted several critical areas for German-Turkmen cooperation, including energy, transportation, decarbonization, and infrastructure development. "Energy resources and raw materials provide a strong basis for future collaboration, particularly as an alternative to supplies from Russia, enhancing the significance of Turkmenistan and the region," he added. Harms also drove home the point about the significance of logistics, highlighting that initiatives like the New Silk Road, the Belt and Road Initiative, the EU Global Gateway, and the Middle Corridor are the real deal, with the latter acting as a fresh link between the EU and Asia. Despite Turkmenistans fossil fuel wealth, Harms pointed out the significant potential of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which should not be overlooked in the pursuit of decarbonization. Additionally, he praised Turkmenistans efforts in water resource management and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in agriculture and water resources. Harms also commended Turkmenistans healthcare system and expressed pride in the contribution of the German healthcare model. Finally, he stressed that education is crucial for sustainable development, with a skilled and educated workforce being essential for progress. Regional collaboration will play a key role in achieving these goals. The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024), taking place from September 10 to 11, serves as a significant platform for attracting investment to the countrys economy. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, features representatives from leading international companies and organizations. Key focus areas include investment in the hydrocarbon sector, the TAPI project, gas chemistry, electricity, construction, and transportation. The program includes parallel thematic sessions with experts from UN specialized agencies, S&P Global Commodity Insights, and the World Trade Organization, along with an exhibition of economic achievements. JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma has recognized Joseph Nackashi, vice chair of ICE Mortgage Technology Intercontinental Exchange Inc., as a Beta Gamma Sigma 2024 Business Achievement Award winner. Joe Nackashi is a Jacksonville University alumnus and vice chair of ICE Mortgage Technology Intercontinental Exchange Inc. "Joe Nackashi embodies the pinnacle of ethical leadership and dedication to service, reflecting the values we strive to instill in our students at Jacksonville University," said Tim Cost, president at Jacksonville University. "His remarkable achievements bring pride to our institution and help inspire future generations of business leaders. We congratulate Joe on this well-deserved recognition and remain grateful for his continued support and contributions to our university and community." Some of the past recipients include Christopher Gheysens, CEO, Wawa, Inc. and Michael Neidorff, chairman and CEO, Centene Corporation. Beneficiaries of the Business Achievement Award are selected for significant accomplishments that have advanced the field of business, a community and/or humankind and for acting as exemplars of ethical business leadership and values, including honor and integrity as well as the pursuit of wisdom, earnestness and service. "There is no finer role model for our students in the Davis College of Business & Technology than Joe Nackashi," said Davis College Dean Dr. Barbara Ritter. We're proud that he is an alumnus and grateful he continues to share his wisdom with Jacksonville University and the Davis College." Nackashi, a Davis College of Business and Technology Executive Advisory Board member, was nominated by the Jacksonville University Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter. "I'm honored and grateful to Beta Gamma Sigma for this tremendous honor," Nackashi said. "I have lived the American dream. I've been blessed to spend my entire career helping to build an end-to-end mortgage ecosystem that would simplify and accelerate the dream of homeownership for others. None of us succeeds alone. I'd like to thank my family, my colleagues at Intercontinental Exchange and, of course, my wonderful friends at Jacksonville University, for nominating me." Nackashi began his career with a predecessor company to Black Knight, where he spent over 30 years. He progressed through the ranks to be president and then Black Knight Inc. CEO. In 2015, Joe and three fellow Dolphin alumni Bryan Hipsher, Tom Peterson and Shelley Leonard were instrumental in Black Knight's initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. Nackashi credits JU's Executive MBA program and the lasting connections he made during the program for his climb to the top of one of the country's largest fintech companies. He currently serves on the Executive Advisory Board for JU's Davis College of Business & Technology. Nackashi has been instrumental in generating community support for the college's Executive MBA program. As of 2023, he also serves on the Jacksonville University Board of Trustees. Under Nackashi's leadership, Black Knight's commitment to sustainability is organized around supporting people, minimizing environmental impact, protecting privacy and enhancing oversight. Establishing a diverse and inclusive workplace focused on employee development is key to their commitment. The success of promoting these values was seen in recognition as a "Best Place to Work" for disability inclusion and LGBTQ equality. Today, Nackashi is the vice chair of ICE Mortgage Technology, where he oversees the company's overall vision and direction. As their leader, he has a laser focus on ensuring the company continues to provide innovative software, data and analytics services to drive efficiencies in the mortgage lending and servicing and real estate industries, as well as the capital and secondary markets. Founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma is the international business honor society for schools accredited by AACSB. Inducted as students, BGS members go on to serve in critical leadership roles in corporate, entrepreneurial, government, nonprofit and academic sectors. Notable members include Nobel Prize winners, Olympians, inventors, CEOs of major global companies and nonprofit organizations, deans of leading business schools, and others who are making the world a better place at all levels of contribution through social enterprise, service, and leadership. The JU Davis College of Business & Technology is the only triple-accredited private college in all of North Florida and South Georgia, with AACSB, ABET and AABI accredited programs. Its mission is to empower students to achieve sustainable career success with a high quality, relevant and applied educational experience that is delivered by faculty committed to advancing the individual development of each student. Media Contact: Joanna Norris, PR/Marketing Director (904) 534-6926 [email protected] SOURCE Jacksonville University Stenders will leverage L Catterton's expertise and network to accelerate its international expansion RIGA, Latvia, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm, today announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Stenders, a premium bath and body care company founded in Latvia in 2001 that now has a presence in 20 countries across the world. The transaction positions Stenders to accelerate its international expansion across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US, on the back of secular tailwinds in the sector. Consumer trends such as a heightening focus on holistic wellbeing, increasingly sophisticated bath and body care rituals, and rising preferences for products made from natural ingredients have been propelling a shift towards premium offerings. This shift has been galvanizing growth for Stenders, given the brand's standing as a bath ritual expert steeped in Latvia's unique bath culture, which dates back centuries as a practice to not only wash the body, but relax and cleanse the mind. Drawing from its deep Latvian heritage, Stenders crafts high-quality products inspired by the natural environment in northern Europe and celebrates 'me time'. It currently has a portfolio of over 400 products which are meticulously developed with a focus on safety, sustainability, and functionality; made in Latvia using natural ingredients; and packaged using fully recyclable materials. Their aroma, texture, efficacy, provenance, and manufacturing location have therefore been lauded by customers across markets. Underpinned by its broadening customer base, Stenders' revenue has risen by around 20% annually over the past four years. Sales are generated through its omnichannel presence spanning more than 300 stores across the world, major e-commerce platforms, and its website. Significantly, it has been able to clock robust same-store-sales growth and maintain healthy unit economics amid its expansion as the brand enjoys high conversion and repurchase rates. Scott Chen, a managing partner at L Catterton, commented, "Consumers are progressively 'trading up' in the bath and body care market and we expect the trend to persist as they further gravitate towards such premium products like they have with facial skincare and hand care. Having brand values and stellar products which resonate with its target customers, Stenders has been able to astutely capitalize on this shift. There is still ample headroom for further growth and we look forward to partnering with Stenders' management team to realize our shared goals." Stenders chief operating officer Kristine Grapmane added, "This partnership will unlock the next stage of growth for us. L Catterton has a proven track record of creating value for its portfolio companies and we are keen to tap into its insights, operating know-how, and network as we continue to expand across various geographies. Our focus will be on enlarging our presence, further enhancing the productivity of our stores, augmenting our e-commerce business, optimizing our manufacturing efficiency, and attracting talent." L Catterton has extensive experience building brands in the beauty and personal care space across the world. Current and past investments in the sector include Ci FLAVORS, ELEMIS, ETVOS, Function of Beauty, The Honest Company, Maria Nila, Marubi, MERIT, Nutrafol, Oddity (the parent company of Il Makiage), SUGAR Cosmetics, TULA, and many others. About L Catterton L Catterton is a market-leading consumer-focused investment firm, managing approximately $35 billion of equity capital across three multi-product platforms: private equity, credit, and real estate. Leveraging deep category insight, operational excellence, and a broad network of strategic relationships, L Catterton's team of more than 200 investment and operating professionals across 17 offices partners with management teams to drive differentiated value creation across its portfolio. Founded in 1989, the firm has made over 275 investments in some of the world's most iconic consumer brands. For more information about L Catterton, please visit www.lcatterton.com. About Stenders Stenders is a premium bath and body care company founded in Riga, Latvia in 2001. Inspired by the natural environment in northern Europe, its products are made in Latvia using natural ingredients and include bath bombs, foams, and salts; body butter, creams, lotions, oils, scrubs, and yoghurts; as well as hand creams and lotions. These are sold in approximately 300 stores spanning 20 countries across the world, and are also available online via its website and major e-commerce platforms. For more information about Stenders, please visit www.stenders.com. CONTACTS L Catterton Julie Hamilton (U.S.) [email protected] +1 203 742 5185 Bob Ong / Bonnie Gan (Asia) [email protected] / [email protected] +65 6672 7619 / +86 10 8555 1807 Stenders [email protected] SOURCE L Catterton Asia LeafLink selected from more than 1,000 companies evaluated by Fast Company CEO of LeafLink, Artie Minson, joins Fast Company Impact Council NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LeafLink, the nation's largest cannabis wholesale platform, announced today that it has been named to Fast Company Magazine's 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list in the banking, finance, and fintech category. LeafLink was selected from more than 1,000 companies that were evaluated by Fast Company. LeafLink, the nation's leading wholesale cannabis marketplace, was recognized as an innovator that's helping transform the cannabis industry with tools to improve efficiency and drive growth. Since 2016, the LeafLink team has been at the forefront of driving innovation in the cannabis industry, reshaping how businesses connect and transact. As the first to launch a wholesale cannabis marketplace and the first to offer a B2B advertising solution in the space, LeafLink continues to push boundaries with cutting-edge solutions. These new tools include digital payment options like Direct Pay and Payment-on-Sell-Through (PoST) that are designed to build trust between wholesale buyers and sellers and reduce the industry's reliance on cash. With the July 2024 acquisition of Dama Financial , a leading cannabis banking platform, LeafLink aims to empower businesses with access to secure, compliant financial solutions elevating industry standards to match those of more established sectors. "Cannabis is one of the most complex industries I have ever worked in," said Artie Minson, CEO of LeafLink. "Operators in our industry need to be commended for their dedication to learning and mastering so many facets of running a business in an emerging industry. We're humbled and honored to be recognised with this award. Our teams are relentlessly passionate and committed to solving our industry's biggest challenges. We will continue to make LeafLink a rewarding place to be if you're hungry to make a positive impact on the industry." LeafLink CEO Artie Minson also recently joined Fast Company's Impact Council. Artie joined LeafLink in 2022 as president and chief operating officer and was named CEO last year. He previously held executive positions with WeWork, Time Warner Cable, and AOL. Contact: [email protected] About LeafLink Founded in 2016, LeafLink is the wholesale cannabis industry's leading B2B technology platform helping thousands of customers in 30 markets buy, sell, pay and ship orders. LeafLink believes that better access to modern financial services will propel the industry towards sustainable growth. In July of 2024 LeafLink announced the acquisition of leading cannabis banking platform Dama Financial and was also awarded Green Market Report's Best Cannabis Fintech . SOURCE Leaflink PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Liguori Academy, a Pennsylvania private independent high school created to disrupt the boundaries of the traditional education system, has been selected out of over 2,000 applicants as a Semifinalist amongst America's most innovative educational organizations for this year's Yass Prize. This highly regarded recognition is awarded to education providers with operational and instructional methods that are Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless. "At Liguori Academy, we ensure that if traditional education systems inadequately meet the diverse needs of students, that this limitation does not hinder a student's ability to succeed," says Founder and President Michael Marrone. "Through our outstanding programs and systems of support, we bridge gaps and empower our students with Boundless Love and Opportunities to achieve their fullest potential." Considered the "Pulitzer Prize for Education Innovation," the Yass Prize is a dynamic effort, which aims to elevate, support, and expand educational organizations that strive to make a significant impact on students' learning experiences. Liguori Academy not only offers social-emotional learning, postsecondary support, and a rigorous academic curriculum, they also incorporate an employer informed curriculum to build a career connected learning environment. All Liguori students receive a college and career ready education to ensure every student graduates with more than just a just a diploma. Established in 2021 by Janine and Jeff Yass, The Yass Prize strives to diminish education inequalities and pivot to more impactful ways to spend resources improving student lives. The Yass Prize is committed to growing a network of educators who are ready to bring and share their ideas into the 21st century. Inspired by the life of Alphonsus Liguori, Liguori Academy provides a transformative experience serving some of Philadelphia's most resource challenged youths, denying no qualified applicant admissions due to financial need. As the only school selected in Philadelphia by The Yass Prize, Liguori Academy has demonstrated remarkable success since opening in 2016 and has plans to continue this growth in the future. About Liguori Academy: Founded in 2016, Liguori Academy is a private independent high school built on the foundation of disrupting the traditional education system. With a focus on preparing students for a career and college, Liguori Academy seeks to redefine and enhance the conventional approach to high school education. Serving students from the lowest-income areas in Philadelphia, Liguori Academy meets one hundred percent of students' financial and educational needs. The financial sustainability of Liguori Academy is attributable in large part to our institution's donors and benefactors, as well as Liguori's participation in the PA EITC/OSTC tax credit programs. To learn more about Liguori Academy, to donate, or to enroll, please visit: www.liguoriacademy.org Media Contact Gabby Bond [email protected] (443) 750-8113 SOURCE Liguori Academy Biggie Muffins are over 2x the size of classic Little Bites muffins and feature eight muffins per pack! HORSHAM, Pa., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The iconic mini-muffin brand is going BIG for its 25th birthday with the launch of its NEW Little Bites Biggie Muffins! For years, fans asked for more muffin, and now Little Bites Snacks has answered the call. Available in two delicious flavors Feelin' Chocolate Chippy and Bring On The Party Cake the new muffins are over twice the size of the classic Little Bites Muffins, and deliver a deliciously satisfying snacking experience reminiscent of childhood in every big, delightful bite. Little Bites Biggie Muffins Little Bites Biggie Muffins are available in a bigger-than-ever format, with the same familiar taste. Little Bites Biggie Muffins come in two exciting new pack sizes: eight muffins that are individually wrapped in four twin packs or a single-serve 4-pack designed for convenience. Biggie Muffins are easy to enjoy as a delicious snack any time of the day just toss them in a bag, stash them in the desk snack drawer, or enjoy at home with a cup of coffee or tea. These muffins are portable and delightfully tasty, providing that warm and comforting hug when adulting gets tough! "Our fans grew up with the classic Little Bites muffins in their childhood lunchboxes, after school, and on sidelines. Biggie Muffins have allowed us to provide fans of all ages that perfect bite of nostalgia, now in a bigger size, just like them!" said Moira Flood, Marketing Director for Little Bites Snacks. "Biggie Muffins are the perfect snack for those with busy lives who crave a moment of sweet indulgence. We're so excited for our fans to try them for the first time!" Embrace the little things that bring the most joy with Little Bites Feelin' Chocolate Chippy Biggie Muffins! Biggie Muffins are made with real chocolate, no artificial colors and no high fructose corn syrup, ensuring a wholesome snacking experience. The rich chocolate chip flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth, while the larger size ensures that each bite can be savored. Little Bites Bring On The Party Cake Biggie Muffins take the fun to the next level! Free of high fructose corn syrup and featuring a fluffy vanilla base and colorful sprinkles, these muffins create a joyful combination that will make any moment feel like a party. Biggie Muffins are the latest innovation in the brand's line of easy, pre-portioned pouches filled with delicious baked snacks. At 270 calories per serving, Little Bites Biggie Muffins are ideal for on-the-go snacking, whether you're daydreaming on your commute home or need a pick-me-up at your desk. Because sometimes you want to grow upbut sometimes you don't. Little Bites Feelin' Chocolate Chippy Biggie Muffins and Little Bites Bring On The Party Cake Biggie Muffins are available for purchase now. For more information, visit the Little Bites Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and littlebites.com. About Bimbo Bakeries USA Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Artesano, Ball Park, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Little Bites, Marinela, Mrs. Baird's, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann and Thomas'. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 33 countries. SOURCE Entenmanns Little Bites Snacks Experience Unmatched Ease of Use and Efficiency with the World's Most User-Friendly Commercial Embroidery Machine at Printing United 2024 WESTMINSTER, Colo., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Melco International, a global leader in commercial embroidery technology, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Melco SUMMIT, the most advanced and easiest-to-use commercial embroidery machine on the market. This groundbreaking machine will make its debut at Printing United 2024, offering attendees the first look at a product designed to revolutionize the embroidery industry. Introducing the Melco SUMMIT: The Ultimate User-Friendly Commercial Embroidery Machine The Melco SUMMIT is engineered for peak performance, boasting an industry-leading stitch speed of 1500 stitches per minute and a fast color change motor, drastically reducing production time for complex, multi-colored designs. With its durable construction and 16 needles, the Melco SUMMIT is designed to meet the demanding needs of commercial embroidery businesses while providing unrivaled precision and efficiency. "Our goal with the Melco SUMMIT was to create a machine that not only meets the demands of today's embroidery professionals but also anticipates the future of the industry," says Dale Sanders, CEO of Melco International. "The Melco SUMMIT's advanced features and intelligent design make it the ultimate tool for businesses looking to maximize productivity and deliver top-tier results." The Melco SUMMIT is part of Melco's broader vision of creating the world's first intelligent commercial embroidery system. With features like Acti-Feed automatic thread tensioning, laser alignment, and a built-in barcode scanner, the SUMMIT offers an intuitive and streamlined workflow that minimizes manual intervention and maximizes output. The machine's 10.1" full HD touch screen provides an easy-to-use interface that gives operators complete control while ensuring accuracy and consistency across every project. In addition to the hardware, Melco's intelligent software solutions interconnect, complement, and enhance the SUMMIT's capabilities, offering the user a seamlessly integrated embroidery production and fulfillment system. The integration with Melco DesignShop and cloud-based Fusion and EFS software services allows for seamless design creation, real-time previews, and effortless file management. The proprietary OFM file format simplifies the production process, enabling operators to load designs directly onto the machine via barcode scanning, further boosting efficiency and reducing the potential for errors. Attendees of Printing United 2024 in Las Vegas, NV, from September 10-12, will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the Melco SUMMIT in action and experience firsthand the next generation of embroidery technology. Melco's team of experts will be on-site to provide demonstrations and answer any questions about the machine's capabilities and how it can transform embroidery businesses. For more information about Melco International, the Melco SUMMIT, or to schedule a demonstration at Printing United, please visit www.melco.com. About Melco International, LLC Melco International, LLC. is an embroidery technology and direct sales organization, focused on the development of hi-tech commercial embroidery machines and software. Founded in 1972, Melco was one of the first to develop computerized embroidery technology. With customers ranging from Fortune 500 apparel manufacturers to small independent businesses, Melco's machines are sold to entrepreneurs, businesses, enterprises, and embroidery production facilities of all types, all over the world. While based in the United States and headquartered just North of Denver, Colorado, Melco is also an international organization with distribution and training centers in dozens of countries. You can follow Melco on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelcoInternational, Instagram: @melcousa and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/melco-embroidery-systems. To learn more about Melco, visit www.melco.com. Click here for more details about our booth at: https://pru24.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=2161. SOURCE Melco International Advancing global supply chain transparency and supporting circular business models through cutting-edge technology. BOZEMAN, Mont., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- mesur.io, a leader in traceability and supply chain solutions, has been recognized as one of 13 winners in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Traceability for Circularity Challenge. The program is funded by Accenture and supported by 11 ecosystem partners who want innovative solutions that provide business insights on value chain data and support new circular business models for everyday materials and consumer goods. mesur.io is honored to be named an "UpLink Top Innovator" as part of WEF's prestigious challenge. 'The Intelligence Standard for Modern Supply Chains,' mesur.io's winning submission, addresses critical challenges that circular business models face. These challenges include traceability, data collection, and economic viability. By focusing on resolving these challenges, mesur.io continues to be the intelligence standard for ethical and sustainable supply chains by offering real-time monitoring and secure data exchange across electronics, textiles, and food production industries. The solution helps business leaders track the lifecycle of materials, meet regulatory requirements, and adopt sustainable practices. "mesur.io's foundation lies in our commitment to deploy next-generation intelligence technologies and adhere to global standards like those set by W3C and IETF. Because our AI is built on these rigorous standards, mesur.io preserves privacy, improves interoperability, and illuminates tamper-evident supply chain information. This allows our customers to build resilient, transparent, ethical supply chains. Our collaboration with US CBP showcases how these innovations support a more secure and responsible global supply chain," said Mike Prorock, Founder and CEO of mesur.io. "Our ability to participate in the World Economic Forum's program means that we not only advance our technology capabilities but also contribute to a global movement to address the economic realities of sustainability," added Liz Isley, Director of International Trade at mesur.io. "Supporting circular business models enables companies of all sizes to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace, ultimately fostering economic growth and resilience." About mesur.io mesur.io is a leading provider of traceability and supply chain solutions dedicated to enhancing supply chain operations' transparency, security, and efficiency. With a focus on global standards and ethical practices, mesur.io supports stakeholders throughout the supply chain, assisting them in making informed decisions and achieving greater sustainability and profitability. Media Contact: Liz Isley, [email protected] SOURCE mesur.io MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Walgreens has joined Pulse by NABP, the new digital platform from National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) that will bring visibility to the drug supply chain and protect patients from counterfeit or substandard prescription medications. Walgreens will use Pulse to assist with Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliance and to help ensure its prescription medication suppliers are appropriately licensed. DSCSA is a federal law that was enacted in 2013 to improve the safety of the pharmaceutical supply chain and to help prevent harmful drugs from entering the market. The law requires all members of the pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure they are doing business with trading partners that are authorized in accordance with federal law. Walgreens will use Pulse to assist with DSCSA compliance and protect patients from counterfeit prescription medications. Post this Pulse will help ensure that only legitimate and authorized trading partners can provide medications to Walgreens' patients. "Walgreens is committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients," said John Colaizzi, PharmD, FNJPhA, vice president of pharmacy practice at Walgreens. "Joining Pulse will be an additional DSCSA compliance tool that will help Walgreens ensure that the medications our patients take are legitimate." "We are pleased to welcome Walgreens to Pulse," said Lemrey "Al" Carter, PharmD, MS, RPh, executive director/secretary of NABP. "Walgreens' participation in Pulse will help to strengthen the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain and help protect Walgreens' patients." NABP is rolling out the Pulse platform to certain users in the supply chain. After this initial onboarding, NABP will provide free registration on the Pulse platform for any member of the prescription drug supply chain to facilitate interoperability, as required by DSCSA. Learn more about Pulse and DSCSA compliance at https://pulse.pharmacy. About NABP NABP is the independent, international, and impartial 501(c)(3) nonprofit Association that assists its state member boards and jurisdictions in protecting the public health. NABP was established in 1904 to assist the state boards of pharmacy in creating uniform education and licensure standards. Today, we help support patient and prescription drug safety through examinations that assess pharmacist competency, pharmacist licensure transfer and verification services, and various pharmacy accreditation and inspection programs. About Walgreens Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. True to its purpose of "more joyful lives through better health," Walgreens has a more than 120-year heritage of caring for communities and providing trusted pharmacy services, and today is playing a greater role as an independent partner of choice offering healthcare services that improve care, lower costs, and help patients. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Walgreens is proud to serve nearly 9 million customers and patients daily. The company's pharmacists are playing a more critical role in healthcare than ever before, providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for some of the nation's most underserved populations. Walgreens offers customers and patients a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms designed to deliver high-quality products and healthcare services. Within the U.S. Healthcare segment, Walgreens portfolio also includes businesses in primary care, multi-specialty, post-acute care, urgent care, specialty pharmacy services, population health and provider enablement. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE National Association of Boards of Pharmacy WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is excited to announce key updates and milestones as the organization progresses through 2024, underscoring its sustained growth, sustainability, and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and their families with learning disabilities and attention issues. New Board Members Announced NCLD is pleased to announce the addition of three distinguished new members to its board of directors: Dr. Scott Gaynor - Serving as the Head of School at Stephen Gaynor School for 30 years, Dr. Gaynor has dedicated his career to supporting children with learning disabilities. He has a doctorate in education from Columbia University Teachers College and a Master of Business Administration from New York University Stern School of Business, and he has also served as an adjunct professor at Bank Street College Graduate School of Education. Gaynor's extensive board experience includes roles with the New York State Association of Independent Schools and Rodeph Sholom School. Passionate about empowering students, Dr. Gaynor believes in the unlimited potential of children with learning disabilities and is committed to helping them understand their unique learning styles and advocate for themselves. Serving as the Head of School at Stephen Gaynor School for 30 years, Dr. Gaynor has dedicated his career to supporting children with learning disabilities. He has a doctorate in education from and a Master of Business Administration from Stern School of Business, and he has also served as an adjunct professor at Graduate School of Education. Gaynor's extensive board experience includes roles with the Association of Independent Schools and Rodeph Sholom School. Passionate about empowering students, Dr. Gaynor believes in the unlimited potential of children with learning disabilities and is committed to helping them understand their unique learning styles and advocate for themselves. Jamie Williamson , EdS - As the Head of the Windward School, a premier institution for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, Williamson brings over 20 years of experience to NCLD. He is a strong proponent of partnership and collaboration within schools, aiming to empower students, families, faculty, and staff. He frequently speaks at conferences and events, covering dyslexia, ADHD, parenting, and resilience. His work is driven by a commitment to providing comprehensive support for families and children with learning disabilities. As the Head of the Windward School, a premier institution for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, Williamson brings over 20 years of experience to NCLD. He is a strong proponent of partnership and collaboration within schools, aiming to empower students, families, faculty, and staff. He frequently speaks at conferences and events, covering dyslexia, ADHD, parenting, and resilience. His work is driven by a commitment to providing comprehensive support for families and children with learning disabilities. Claudia Koochek - Head of School at Westmark School, Greater Los Angeles's leading independent school for students with language-based learning differences, Koochek has over 35 years of experience in LD education. A passionate advocate for neurodiverse students, Claudia has developed teacher training initiatives, led innovative curricula, and collaborated with researchers to enhance educational strategies. She co-founded the Dyslexia Center at UCSF, focusing on early interventions and instructional strategies for children with dyslexia. Koochek's dedication to creating educational opportunities for all learners has made her a trusted mentor and resource for educators, professionals, and families. Additionally, NCLD welcomes Elle McGovern as its board's third young adult advocate for a 15-month term, elected by peers within the Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC). This role integrates the perspectives of young adults with learning disabilities into NCLD's initiatives. Succeeding Alondra Gonzalez , McGovern will play a crucial role in representing young adults within NCLD's governance. As a liaison between YALC and the board, McGovern will bring valuable insights from her experiences and those of her peers. This appointment underscores NCLD's commitment to inclusive leadership and ensures young adults have a meaningful voice in shaping policies and initiatives that impact their lives. Introducing the Family Leadership Council NCLD is taking a significant step forward in enhancing advocacy for parents and families by introducing the Family Leadership Council. This initiative marks a major advancement in NCLD's ongoing commitment to empowering parents and families. This newly formed group, composed of dedicated parents and caregivers, will deepen students' and families' understanding of school and community support systems. Collaborating closely with NCLD's Young Adult Leadership Council and Professional Advisory Board, the Family Leadership Council will drive the organization's work in federal and local advocacy. By harnessing the voices of those directly impacted by learning disabilities, the Council will inform and influence policies, initiatives, and strategies. This collaborative endeavor emphasizes the increasing influence of families in shaping the landscape of learning disability advocacy. Welcoming New Staff Members To propel its mission forward and advance the disability rights movement, NCLD has welcomed four new staff members: Dr. Laura Stelitano , Director of Research & Programs , Director of Research & Programs Dr. Maura Pavalow , Director of Organizational Health , Director of Organizational Health Nick Boerum , Director of Development , Director of Development Alicia Martinez , Development Manager NCLD is set to continue its trailblazing efforts with a packed agenda for the second half of the year. Highlights include the highly anticipated State of Learning Disabilities Report, focusing on young adults, the inaugural LD Summit this fall, and the 2024 Annual Benefit. These events and initiatives reinforce NCLD's dedication to advancing research, advocacy, and support for the learning disability community. To learn more about NCLD, its research, and programming, visit ncld.org . About NCLD The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that individuals with learning disabilities have the support, tools, and resources they need to succeed in school, work, and life. Established with a commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity in education, NCLD engages in advocacy, research, and the development of innovative programs to empower individuals with learning disabilities. Through collaboration with educators, policymakers, and the broader community, NCLD transforms systems and policies to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Learn more at ncld.org . SOURCE National Center for Learning Disabilities WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Press Club, the world's leading professional organization for journalists, has chosen Zora Shakhan of Pickerington, Ohio, as the recipient of its Lewis Scholarship for fall 2024. The scholarship provides housing and a $4,000 stipend to support a student journalist of color interning at a media outlet in Washington, D.C. Shakhan has accepted a fall internship with SiriusXM in Washington, D.C. A rising senior at Wittenberg University, she impressed the scholarship team with her outstanding academic background, strong work samples, and passion for innovative storytelling. This summer, Shakhan served as an editorial intern at Cox Enterprises in Springfield, OH, where she covered local news, including the Clark County Fair, Pride, and other notable community events. "I envision a career in journalism where I can amplify underrepresented voices and challenge prevailing biases," Shakhan wrote in her application essay. "I aim to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared humanity." Shakhan is studying communications, digital media, and journalism. Her work in campus media includes social media strategy for the Office of Communications and as lead marketer for the Why Witt Podcast. She is also a tutor at the campus Writing Center. She serves as media and PR chair for Shades of Pearls, a minority female organization that brings together African American and Hispanic women at Wittenberg University. Recommendation letters from Shakhan's professors and academic advisors praised her work ethic, professionalism, and leadership acumen. "Zora has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow," said Karen L. Gerboth, vice president of marketing and communications at Wittenberg University. "She has demonstrated thoughtfulness, resourcefulness, creativity, and a willingness to tackle any task assigned to her." The Lewis Scholarship was established in 2022 by the family of former Washington correspondent Robert "Bob" D.G. Lewis. It is awarded to one undergraduate student journalist of color each fall, spring, and summer semester. Students must secure a journalism internship in Washington, D.C., to be eligible, along with other requirements. The Lewis Scholarship program furthers Bob and Jacqueline Lewis's work to improve accessibility to experiential learning opportunities in the nation's capital for students of color. This partnership, administered through the National Press Club Journalism Institute, extends the Lewis' commitment to increasing representation in Washington, D.C., to include news media, adding to their work founding and operating the Washington Intern Student Housing program and the HBCU National Center. "Zora is a rising star who is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone and take on new challenges," said Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club. "We are excited to have her here in D.C. this fall as she takes the next step in her media career." National Press Club scholarships are administered by its nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute. Click here to learn more. Support the Institute's student-focused programming with a donation today. For press inquiries or questions about the National Press Club scholarship programs, contact Beth Francesco with the National Press Club Journalism Institute at [email protected]. SOURCE National Press Club Journalism Institute BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Multi Solutions LLC has been granted a perpetual license for the right to carry out activities of a payment organization by the decision of the Board of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) from August 28, 2024, a source in CBA told Trend. The license was issued in compliance with the law On Payment Services and Payment Systems. Evaluation of other organizations that applied for a license to provide payment services is currently ongoing, the statement of the CBA says. To note, to date, thirteen entities have obtained licenses to operate in this sector. The brand's $150,000 donation to No Kid Hungry and community-centered initiatives help provide nourishment and essential supplies to families and students across the country PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nature's Bakery, known for its top-selling Fig Bars and plant-based snacks, continues its ongoing dedication to long-term, sustainable hunger relief with a $150,000 donation to No Kid Hungry and a series of initiatives supporting Hunger Action Month this September. The company's efforts demonstrate its commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting children's nutrition programs across the United States. Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign held each September aims to raise awareness about hunger in the United States and inspire individuals and organizations to take action. This cause aligns closely with Nature's Bakery's core mission to nourish families and enable them to thrive, and inspired the brand to deepen its community impact. In honor of Hunger Action Month, Nature's Bakery has donated $150,000 to No Kid Hungry , a leading campaign dedicated to ending childhood hunger. This financial support can help provide 1,500,000 meals to children and support various hunger relief initiatives.* "With over 13 million children in America living with hunger, our core belief is that children must feel nourished to flourish; this has driven our desire to partner with No Kid Hungry for a third consecutive year," said Steve Gardiner, CEO of Nature's Bakery. "Nutrition is essential for students to learn, focus, and thrive. The stark reality that 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. could face hunger this year has motivated us to take further action to help provide children with the nourishment they need to succeed." "The support from partners like Nature's Bakery is what fuels the critical work of No Kid Hungry," shared Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships Allison Shuffield of Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. "Especially during this critical time as millions of kids head back to school, we are grateful that together we can make sure every child has the meals they need to thrive." In addition to the monetary donation, Nature's Bakery is involved in local food distribution efforts in the communities where they operate. The brand recently donated over 75,000 snack bars to the Utah Food Bank, Northern Nevada Food Bank, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and St. Louis Food Bank, to distribute essential food supplies to those facing food insecurity. Recognizing the importance of supporting educational environments, Nature's Bakery is donating 2,000 45-piece school supply kits and 8,000 snack bars to local schools where the company has offices and baking facilities, which includes Reno and Carson City, NV; Hazelwood, MO; Pasadena, CA; and Salt Lake City, UT. These contributions will enhance student's learning experiences and ensure they have the necessary resources for academic success. Additionally, Nature's Bakery is proud to sponsor the Utah Food Bank's Mobile Pantry Program through the 2025 academic year. The program provides consistent access to nourishing food for families and children in Salt Lake City. Nature's Bakery also organized its annual volunteer day at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, demonstrating their continued commitment to community service. Employees will come together to assist with food sorting and packaging, supporting local efforts to combat hunger. "I'm proud to work for a company that's committed to serving and supporting families," said Wanda White, Hazelwood Site Coordinator at Nature's Bakery. "Our mission to nourish families and enable them to thrive drives us every day - and we're just getting started." *Donations help support programs that feed kids; No Kid Hungry does not provide individual meals. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar . About Nature's Bakery Nature's Bakery believes simple, wholesome snacks are the best fuel for active, joyful lives. Founded in 2011, they soft bake the goodness of real, wholesome ingredients like sun-ripened fruit and hearty whole grains into snacks that are plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO Project Verified. Thoughtfully baked to make better-for-you snacking a deliciously easy choice that appeals to the whole family, Nature's Bakery products include Whole Wheat Fig Bars, Gluten Free Fig Bars, Fig Bar Minis, Oatmeal Crumble bars, and Brownie bars. Nature's Bakery products are sold nationally at 100,000 stores including Target, Walmart, and Costco and can also be purchased directly at the Nature's Bakery website and through Amazon. For more information about Nature's Bakery, please visit naturesbakery.com or follow along on Instagram , TikTok and Facebook . About No Kid Hungry No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. Join us at NoKidHungry.org. SOURCE Nature's Bakery H2 Organizer's companion app, MiChamba, will allow for onboarding, documentation storage, payroll, and communication with managers via mobile app Western Growers, WAFLA, and Scaroni Family of Companies are partner organizations at launch AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology platform H2 Organizer officially launched today with agriculture staffing solution partners throughout the United States. This robust software will revolutionize seasonal worker management creating a seamless experience for employers and H-2 visa workers to save time and maintain compliance. "MiChamba" is a mobile application that integrates H2 Organizer to better connect H-2 visa farmworkers with their sponsoring employers. MiChamba translates to "my work" and is a common reference to having legal papers for employment in the United States. It is available to workers through their employers with plans to expand availability in the future. H2 Organizer and MiChamba have a multitude of features, including: New Technology Platform to Help Farmers and Seasonal Workers Post this Digital onboarding - Simplify onboarding and training of H-2 and domestic workers. Real-time locator - Track worker locations in real-time to optimize logistics. Compliance software - Automatically track and alert on compliance issues and dates. Pay cards - Provide secure, instant access to earnings with digital pay cards. - HR platform - Centralize all HR processes for H-2 visa workers in one platform. Progressive discipline - Document issues easily by using the integrated progressive discipline workflow tools. Messaging - Enable seamless, multilingual communication between employers and workers. Adhoc paperwork - Manage unexpected and discipline forms with flexible, on-demand templates. Calendar - Create events for workers, and show expiration dates of documents and deadlines. "We built H2 Organizer to solve the challenge of having multiple technology platforms to manage an operation. Now growers can use one platform with an array of tools to manage incidents, process payroll and even deliver onboarding training," said Cesar Martinez, Chief Strategy Officer of H2 Organizer. "Farm workers prefer to communicate via mobile phones, so we developed a companion app, MiChamba, to give them a tool to streamline various services, like storing documents and communicating with management all in one spot. There is nothing like this on the market." Designed by H2 visa experts with decades of experience in the industry, H2 Organizer will provide employers tools to stay in compliance. "When it comes to being investigated by DOL Wage and Hour, one of the areas where many employers failed was producing credible records to prove their compliance with the program. Adding technology to help H-2A employers stay organized and in compliance is a great tool, especially when designed by a company that has deep roots in the H-2A program and understands its challenges," said Ruben Lugo, former Regional Agricultural Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. While some platforms attempt to manage the entire process, H2 Organizer leaves the H-2 petitions and visa filing to trusted organizations, like WAFLA, Western Growers, and Scaroni Family of Companies where skilled professionals can track and navigate visa applications and an ever-changing regulatory environment. "Turning over your human resource management to AI is not worker-focused, but H2 Organizer is a people-centered solution for our members to streamline onboarding and communication with their employees," said Enrique Gastelum, CEO of WAFLA. "We are proud to deliver innovative solutions to our members that can leverage technology without losing the personal touch of key H-2 service providers and employers. We are excited to offer H2 Organizer." Partnering organizations WAFLA, Western Growers, and Scaroni Family of Companies serve thousands of members and help place tens of thousands of temporary workers on farms throughout the American West. "The H2 Organizer is a game-changer for Western Growers members navigating the complex, paper-heavy H-2A program," said Jason Resnick, SVP and General Counsel at Western Growers. "It streamlines everything from managing job orders and petitions to digitizing the entire onboarding process, allowing workers to complete their documentation in their native languages on their mobile devices. By automating compliance workflows and offering features like audit trails and automatic reminders, H2 Organizer helps employers stay organized and audit-ready. It's an efficient, user-friendly solution that eliminates manual data entry and keeps everything in one accessible place." "We are proud to work with the H2 Organizer team. They have taken a problem solving approach to create a robust solution. Having a comprehensive and transparent tool that can meet the needs of recruiters and employers is really accomplishing something special," said David Scaroni, partner at Scaroni Family of Companies. For more information on H2 Organizer or to schedule a demo, visit our website at www.h2-organizer.com . About WAFLA WAFLA, the Worker and Farmer Labor Association, is a nonprofit membership organization comprising family farms and seasonal employers throughout the United States, predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. We assist our members in finding employees to meet their workforce needs. We are the largest organization of our kind in the country. We lead by treating people with dignity and respect. www.wafla.org About Western Growers Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers' members and their workers provide over half the nation's fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America's fresh organic produce. About Scaroni Family of Companies Scaroni Family of Companies includes Fresh Harvest, a premier labor staffing provider to the agricultural industry in the Western United States. As one of the agricultural pioneers of the imperial valley, with four generations, the legacy spreads over four states and Mexico. It is a representation of innovation, dedication, and resilience and has the passion to innovate to solve the challenges of the agricultural industry. SOURCE H2 Organizer Battlefield-Tested Astra A-PNT Solution Commercially Available Now HOUSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OneWeb Technologies, Inc., a pioneering provider of innovative and secure commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) solutions, today announced the commercial availability of its Astra solution designed to ensure seamless LEO SATCOM connectivity and operational performance when GPS/global navigation satellite signals (GNSS) are unavailable or compromised. Astra became commercially available earlier this month. OneWeb Technologies Battlefield-Tested Astra A-PNT Solution Commercially Available Now. Astra is the first packaged solution consisting of a software-defined outdoor receiver with access to A-PNT broadcast service to enhance connectivity resilience available in the market. The Astra receiver processes PNT signals from GNSS and other alternate sources and frequency bands. This advanced capability enables continuous connectivity and situational awareness even in very harsh spectrum-contested campaigns by adversaries. In fitting with the military's Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communications plan considerations, Astra establishes options for resilient communications capabilities and ensures the continuity and success of critical missions. "Astra is a game-changer for defense users operating in difficult environments," said Kevin Steen, President and CEO of Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies." Astra A-PNT ensures that mission-critical operations can continue seamlessly -- enhancing both connectivity and situational performance -- by providing a reliable alternative to traditional GPS/GNSS." Astra's key features include: Pairs with a non-GNSS A-PNT broadcast services, such as Iridium Identifies the best source of PNT, and produces an output signal compatible with the standard GPS L1 interface Maintains robust PNT resilience in GNSS-challenged environments globally For more information about Astra and its capabilities, contact OneWeb Technologies. About Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc are a commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) services provider, offering resilient fixed and mobile solutions to the U.S. government and its allies. We operate in combination as a wholly owned independent U.S. proxy company and subsidiary of Eutelsat Group. Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc provide consultative and customer-first solutions with access to a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 600+ satellites and a global fleet of 35 geostationary (GEO) satellites. The company has a long-standing record of meeting the mission requirements of U.S. government customers through our technical achievement, operational excellence and service commitment. Learn more at https://eacowt.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). SOURCE OneWeb Technologies The Swedish startup celebrates its 30th year in business with launch of CMS 13, bringing the best of SaaS to its PaaS offering STOCKHOLM, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimizely, the leading digital experience platform (DXP) provider, today kicks off Opticon 2024 in Stockholm, the first leg of its annual global event to showcase its vision for the future of digital marketing. In a year marked by significant growth and innovation, Opticon 2024 will bring together 1,200 technology, business and marketing leaders to celebrate in the city where the company's journey began 30 years ago. Nodding to the magic of Optimizely One's seamless suite of tools, this year's Opticon theme is "Welcome to Onederland," a world crafted exclusively for marketers because happy marketers lead to happy customers. Optimizely Announces CMS 13 Through Opticon's engaging keynotes, masterclasses, hands-on workshops and demo booths, attendees will witness first-hand how Optimizely is making the lives of marketers better. Since launching Optimizely One, the industry-first marketing operating system at Opticon San Diego in 2023, Optimizely has experienced hypergrowth by expanding its best-in-class solutions with user-friendly tools across its platform: Optimizely has surpassed $400M in annual recurring revenue (ARR), with a notable 21% year-over-year growth in multiproduct ARR. in annual recurring revenue (ARR), with a notable 21% year-over-year growth in multiproduct ARR. Over 150 customers have gone live on Optimizely CMS since the beginning of 2023marking a more than 20% year-over-year increase. In July, Optimizely launched its new SaaS CMS to provide unparalleled flexibility to marketers to choose between SaaS and PaaS solutions depending on their organizational and business needs. Optimizely recently introduced a CMS and CMP integration, enabling marketers to create better content faster and collaborate more effectively with reduced complexity. To give marketers what they desire most the power of choice Optimizely today announces the launch of CMS 13. This latest version will help marketers manage increasingly complex content supply chains with new tools, including Optimizely's latest SaaS CMS features such as Visual Builder and Optimizely Graph upgrades, enhanced DAM integration, Admin Center improvements with intuitive UI updates and Headless vs. PaaS optionality. While Optimizely has broadened its portfolio with cutting-edge solutions in experimentation, ecommerce, DXP and content management, the company remains firmly grounded in its core CMS heritage. Through ongoing enhancements and refinements to its industry leading PaaS solution and introduction of its SaaS solution, Optimizely continues to build on the legacy it established three decades ago. "This year's Opticon is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 30th anniversary right here in Stockholm, where it all began," said Alex Atzberger, CEO of Optimizely. "In our journey from a Swedish CMS startup to a multi-solution global DXP leader, we never deviated from our focus on innovation and making life better for marketers. Our best-in-class solution portfolio and customer base has never been stronger, so we can't wait for the next 30 years of customer-driven innovation." The Stockholm event has come to life thanks in part to Diamond sponsor Valtech and Gold sponsors Contentsquare and Epinova. To learn more about how Optimizely powers the entire marketing lifecycle, visit www.optimizely.com. About Optimizely Optimizely is on a mission to make the lives of marketers better with Optimizely One, the world's first operating system for marketing teams. Optimizely One combines industry-leading solutions across content management, content marketing, experimentation, commerce and personalization, powering every stage of the marketing lifecycle through a single, AI-accelerated workflow. With the flexibility of a fully composable platform, Optimizely is proudly helping global brands like H&M, Salesforce, Zoom and Toyota create content with speed, launch experiments with confidence, and deliver experiences of the highest quality. Learn more at optimizely.com. Optimizely and Optimizely One are the trademarks of Optimizely North America Inc., and are registered (or registrations are pending) in the US, EU, UK and other countries. All third-party trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference purposes. SOURCE Optimizely LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle CloudWorld -- Oracle and Anduril are partnering to bring Anduril's Lattice, an open and extensible software platform for command and control (C2), to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and OCI Roving Edge Infrastructure globally. Anduril will also pair its Menace hardware systems with OCI to enhance operations in connected and disconnected mobile command and control environments. Together, Oracle and Anduril will provide secure mission capabilities across the globe from the datacenter to the tactical edge, and at all classification levels. Anduril will deploy Lattice on Oracle Cloud Isolated and National Security Regions, which are Oracle's air-gapped cloud infrastructure for mission-critical, classified defense, and intelligence workloads. Lattice will also be available in Oracle Cloud Regions, Oracle EU Sovereign Cloud, and Oracle Government Clouds in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. "Anduril's partnership with Oracle will provide more global capabilities for our customers," said Tom Keane, senior vice president, Anduril. "Oracle Cloud provides the global infrastructure, price performance, and data sovereignty that mission customers need to deploy scalable, autonomous, and force-multiplying technology to the far edge." Deploying Lattice across Oracle's distributed cloud will enable warfighters real-time understanding, automated decision advantage, dynamic machine tasking, and human-on-the-loop automation. Anduril has also integrated OCI Roving Edge Infrastructure into the Menace family of expeditionary hardware C4 solutions. Running across Oracle's distributed cloud, Menace will enable warfighters to deploy, manage, and operate mission applications in disrupted, disconnected, intermittent and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments. "Public sector and defense customers operate in the real world, where deployable hardware interacts with humans and creates effects in the most complex environments imaginable," said Rand Waldron, vice president, Oracle. "Anduril's Lattice on Oracle Cloud ties together those physical systems with the world's best cloud services, data management, and AI infrastructure on a hyperscale global network, across an airgap or in the field." Oracle is the only hyperscaler capable of delivering AI and a full suite of 150+ cloud services across dedicated, public, sovereign, and hybrid cloud environments, anywhere in the world including air-gapped infrastructure on classified networks. With OCI's sovereign and government cloud offerings, customers can meet regulatory, security, and performance requirements while getting the full benefits of the cloud and AI. Anduril supports operations with the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Homeland Security, the Australian Defence Force, the UK Ministry of Defence, and other partners around the world. Powered by Lattice, Anduril solutions provide integrated, persistent awareness, security, and command and control at the tactical edge across land, sea, and air. About Oracle Distributed Cloud Oracle's distributed cloud delivers the benefits of cloud with greater control and flexibility. Oracle's distributed cloud lineup includes: Public cloud: Hyperscale public cloud regions serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here. Hyperscale public cloud regions serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here. Dedicated cloud: Customers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region, while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate U.S., UK, and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for U.S. national security purposes. Each of these products provide a full cloud and AI stack that customers can deploy as a Sovereign Cloud. Customers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region, while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate U.S., UK, and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for U.S. national security purposes. Each of these products provide a full cloud and AI stack that customers can deploy as a Sovereign Cloud. Hybrid cloud: OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries. OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries. Multicloud: Options including Oracle Database@Azure, Oracle Database@Google Cloud, HeatWave MySQL on AWS and Microsoft Azure, Oracle Interconnect for Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Interconnect for Google Cloud allow customers to combine key capabilities from across clouds. About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com. About Anduril Industries Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice, an AI software platform that turns thousands of data streams into a real-time, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. For more information, visit www.anduril.com. About Oracle CloudWorld CloudWorld is where our customers and partners can see the latest innovations in cloud technology, discover methods for getting the most business value from AI today, and explore ways to increase productivity and efficiency through automation. You'll learn from experts and your peers who build and use the applications, cloud infrastructure, databases, developer tools, and AI services that help solve complex business challenges in every industry. Join us to develop new skills and see new capabilities in action. Register now at oracle.com/cloudworld or follow the news and conversation at oracle.com/news and https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle/ Trademarks Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing. SOURCE Oracle Oracle Intelligent Data Lake will include open data formats, a unified catalog, and modern developer experiences for building rich data intelligence solutions LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle CloudWorld Oracle today announced its plans to deliver Oracle Intelligent Data Lake as a foundational component of the Oracle Data Intelligence Platform. Organizations can more easily use data from diverse sources in a unified experience by combining orchestration, data warehouses, analytics, and AIall within the Oracle Data Intelligence Platform, powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). The planned addition of Intelligent Data Lake will expand the capabilities and reach of Oracle's Data Intelligence Platform, which also includes deep integration with Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse, Oracle Analytics Cloud, HeatWave, AI services, and third-party servicesenabling organizations to address all their data requirements. Oracle Intelligent Data Lake is expected to enter limited availability in 2025. Intelligent Data Lake is being designed to include an open data lake with a unified developer experience, including a data catalog capability, Apache Spark and Apache Flink for data processing, and a Jupyter Notebook for data analysis and visualization. With these combined services, customers will be able to build a data lake, connect and extend analytical applications with real-time data from any source, inventory assets, transform data, and create end-to-end data orchestrationwith unified governance and security. This will help customers ensure that data is secured with fine-grained, role-based access control policies, eliminate data silos, and enable analytical applications to provide more accurate answers for better decision-making. Additionally, for Oracle Data Intelligence applications customers, Intelligent Data Lake will offer zero copy integration with seamless sharing of the catalog and data from all of Oracle's Data Intelligence Apps. "With the addition of Oracle Intelligent Data Lake to Oracle Data Intelligence Platform, we're delivering an all-in-one solution that will enable organizations to integrate and analyze structured and unstructured data for a more complete view of their business," said T.K. Anand, executive vice president, Oracle Analytics. "This will help customers simplify data management, eliminate multiple point solutions, and take advantage of the latest AI innovations and advanced analytics capabilities to drive their business forward." Oracle Data Intelligence Platform can enable organizations to seamlessly integrate and analyze data from diverse sources. For example, a global retail company can unify structured data, such as sales transactions and inventory levels, with unstructured data, including customer reviews, social media sentiment, and images from in-store cameras, into Oracle Intelligent Data Lake. A retailer can then use Oracle Analytics Cloud to quickly build new retail analytics dashboards assisted by AI to discover emerging seasonal trends, understand store foot traffic, optimize stock levels in real-time, and personalize marketing campaigns. This will all occur within a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use platform designed to enhance operations, accelerate insights, and enable users to make better business decisions. Key features of the Oracle Data Intelligence Platform will include: Generative AI-powered experiences: Will enable organizations to leverage powerful generative AI-powered features to streamline workflows and enhance productivity by simplifying code generation to deliver conversational analytics and facilitate the creation of dashboards with minimal technical expertise. Will enable organizations to leverage powerful generative AI-powered features to streamline workflows and enhance productivity by simplifying code generation to deliver conversational analytics and facilitate the creation of dashboards with minimal technical expertise. Improved data integration: Will enable data professionals to combine all first and third-party data, whether structured or unstructured, to reduce laborious administrative tasks involving cleaning, governing, and securing data. This will help customers boost productivity and operational efficiency, address large-scale data workloads, and lower costs. Will enable data professionals to combine all first and third-party data, whether structured or unstructured, to reduce laborious administrative tasks involving cleaning, governing, and securing data. This will help customers boost productivity and operational efficiency, address large-scale data workloads, and lower costs. Native integrations with Oracle portfolios and open source standards: Will help users by providing native integrations with Oracle's data, analytics, and AI portfoliosincluding Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse and Oracle Analytics Cloudas well as with open source standards such as Kafka, Delta Lake , Iceberg, and Parquet. This will enable organizations to benefit from new insights based on raw, detailed, or third-party data stored in Oracle Intelligent Data Lake. Oracle Analytics Cloud AI Assistant In addition, Oracle announced the availability of the Oracle Analytics Cloud AI Assistant, which translates natural language into actions. It bridges the gap between an analyst's vision and its realization on the canvas. The Analytics Cloud AI Assistant understands the context of a user's question because it features a built-in large language model (LLM) optimized for analytics conversations and tasks that recognizes the Oracle Analytics workbook and datasets. Optionally, customers can bring their own LLM for a flexible user experience. The Analytics Cloud AI Assistant streamlines workflows and enhances productivity, enabling analysts to focus on data insights instead of mastering tools. Oracle Autonomous Database Innovations Oracle also unveiled new innovations to Autonomous Database, including Select AI with RAG support, GPU support for OML Notebooks offload, and new no code "drag and drop" tools as part of Data Studio. Additional Resources About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com. About Oracle CloudWorld CloudWorld is where our customers and partners can see the latest innovations in cloud technology, discover methods for getting the most business value from AI today, and explore ways to increase productivity and efficiency through automation. You'll learn from experts and your peers who build and use the applications, cloud infrastructure, databases, developer tools, and AI services that help solve complex business challenges in every industry. Join us to develop new skills and see new capabilities in action. Register now at oracle.com/cloudworld or follow the news and conversation at oracle.com/news and linkedin.com/company/oracle. Future Product Disclaimer The preceding is intended to outline our general product direction. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract. It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. The development, release, timing, and pricing of any features or functionality described for Oracle's products may change and remains at the sole discretion of Oracle Corporation. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer Statements in this article relating to Oracle's future plans, expectations, beliefs, and intentions are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. Many factors could affect Oracle's current expectations and actual results, and could cause actual results to differ materially. A discussion of such factors and other risks that affect Oracle's business is contained in Oracle's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including Oracle's most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q under the heading "Risk Factors." These filings are available on the SEC's website or on Oracle's website at oracle.com/investor. All information in this article is current as of September 10, 2024, and Oracle undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events. Trademarks Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing. SOURCE Oracle BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pathlight Capital LP ("Pathlight") is excited to announce the appointment of Doug Nicholson as Managing Director. In this role, Nicholson will collaborate with the originations team to source new transactions. Doug Nicholson joins Pathlight from JPMorgan Chase, where he served as a Portfolio Manager in the Chief Investment Office for over 15 years. At JPMorgan, he headed the group's investing in Non-Mortgage Securitized Credit across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. His expertise includes sourcing and overseeing CLOs backed by private credit and broadly syndicated loans, as well as ABS backed by a range of consumer receivables, including auto loans, personal loans, and student loans. "We are delighted to welcome Doug to our team," said Dan Platt, CEO of Pathlight. "His extensive experience in closing complex transactions and his deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in continuing our platform's growth, enhancing our senior secured lending networks and expanding into new sectors." Nicholson added, "I am excited to join the Pathlight team and its first-class group of professionals. After meeting Dan and the team, it is evident that my experience investing in structured credit will be a great addition to Pathlight's thoughtful and innovative approach to asset-based lending as the private credit markets evolve and expand. I am eager to contribute to Pathlight's continued growth." About Pathlight Capital Pathlight is a $2.6B private credit investment manager that provides asset-based loans secured on a first or second lien basis against tangible and intangible assets. Pathlight offers creative financing solutions to allow management teams to access incremental liquidity for the purposes of funding working capital, refinancing, growth, acquisition, dividend and turnaround strategies. The information presented in this release is the opinion of Pathlight Capital LP and does not reflect the view of any other person or entity. The above is for information purposes and should not be construed as an investment recommendation. SOURCE Pathlight Capital Interactive Session Debuts September 17, 2024, at NSC Safety Congress & Expo CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Professionals focused on maximizing employee safety and performance will gather at the National Safety Congress (NSC) Expo September 13, in part for the unveiling of "Psychologically Safe Workplaces: What Can We Agree On?", a "transformative organizational culture session dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and performance," says keynote presenter Scott Hoesman, CEO and founder of inQUEST Consulting. The 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo is the world's largest annual safety professional gathering, to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 13-19, 2024. Nakia J. Green, Senior Partner, and Scott Hoesman, Founder and CEO of inQUEST Consulting, bring over 25 years of combined expertise to their mission of creating a world where workplaces work for everyone. A keynote presentation by Hoesman and co-presenter Nakia J. Green, senior partner at inQUEST, will introduce their comprehensive three-part session, designed to build environments where employees can thrive. Following the keynote, a panel featuring NSC member employers will discuss current challenges and advancements in workplace safety. The keynote culminates with an audience participation session where attendees will develop actionable strategies to implement psychological safety in their organizations. Green and Hoesman offer more than 25 years of expertise in creating inclusive workplaces. "The session is inspired by the principles of psychological safety, a concept popularized by Harvard Business School's Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Amy Edmondson," adds Danata Andrews, vice president of client development at inQUEST. "Those principles underscore the importance of creating environments where employees feel safe to express themselves and learn from mistakes, which is essential for enhancing motivation, engagement, and innovation at work." "As workplaces grow increasingly diverse, ensuring employees can thrive in a supportive environment is essential to the future of work," adds Green. "Our goal is to create spaces where all employees, regardless of their title, role, background or identity, can have difficult conversations constructively." "This year's congress can be pivotal in underscoring the interconnectedness of psychological and physical safety, fostering a comprehensive, inclusive culture of safety," says Hoesman. "Our structured session includes three interconnected parts, each designed to build upon each other with tailored, actionable content." Sign up now to attend our transformative session at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo and begin advancing your professional development and enhancing your organizational culture. Visit congress.nsc.org to learn more and click here to register. About the National Safety Council According to the NSC, the National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate. The organization works to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing on the workplace and roadways. For more information, visit www.nsc.org About inQUEST Consulting Founded in 2011, inQUEST Consulting is committed to creating workplaces that work for everyone. Specializing in tailored strategies across diverse industries, inQUEST provides expert guidance in organizational culture, leadership assessment and development, talent structuring, change management, communications support, and inclusive practices. inQUEST serves startups, regional organizations, and Fortune 500 corporations. www.inquestconsulting.com Danata Andrews 708.259.9371 [email protected] www.inquestconsulting.com SOURCE inQUEST Consulting The High-Grade portion of the Lion Zone one continues to the west, with a shallower plunge than what was previously anticipated, as shown by holes PN-24-69 to PN-24-074. The Lion Zone is present at depth, as shown by holes PN-24-063 toPN-24-068, expanding its footprint deeper by another 150m vertical. Ground-based geophysics is underway at Lion Zone and new targets from the consolidated gravity and EM surveys interpretation are anticipated to be available when drilling resumes mid-October, after the traditional month long "Moose Break". "Our 2024 summer drilling program had two objectives: (1) Grow the Lion Zone and (2) Establish a process designed by Dr. Steve Beresford to maximize our ability to explore the project on a systematic basis, using approaches he used successfully with First Quantum, MMG, and IGO. I am very pleased to report success in accomplishing these objectives. The first results you will note in our Lion Zone growth and in the pictures below. The second will come in our planned fully funded 30,000 meter winter drill program. The Lion Zone, and indeed Nisk overall, is blossoming into what we believe will be a world-class polymetallic discovery. We look forward to building on this summers hard work and success into what we feel will be a company defining winter program," stated CEO Terry Lynch. The Company's 2024 summer drill program is currently focussed on drilling systematically the Lion Zone using a 50 to 75 m square grid approach, which allows a better understanding of the internal distribution of the high-grade polymetallic mineralization within the zone. Three areas have been successfully tested so far: A- the area directly below the zone (holes PN-24-063 to -068), expanding the zone by 150 m vertically, B- the west boundary (PN-24-069 to -071), where the zone appears to be thicker and more massive in nature, and C- below the known west boundary, following the interpreted plunge of the zone (see Figures 1 and 2 below). With the new holes considered, the Lion Zone now shows a footprint reaching 350 m laterally and 450 m vertically, representing a significant increase in size. Assays from several promising holes are now in at the laboratory and the Company expects to report on these by late September. The thickness of the massive chalcopyrite zone remains the same, ranging from up to 5-10 meters true width in the core of the zone to less than 1 meter laterally. Figures 3 to 5 below present cross-sections through the Lion Zone area drilled this summer. It is noticeable that most of the new drillholes are close to being perpendicular to the zone, yielding close to true thickness intersections. The figures also present observed sulphides mineralization in the core. "This new information now allows us to anticipate a much shallower westward plunging chute within the Lion Zone that will benefit both short-term drilling costs and eventually, assuming commercialization, reduce operating costs. As Terry mentioned, we are achieving our two objectives of growing the Lion Zone and establishing an exploration process that incorporates geologic, geophysical, and geochemical data collection. We believe analysis and interpretation of this data will set us up for an aggressive winter exploration program. We look to extend the Lion Zone, and we hope to discover other Lion Zones and find what we believe will be the big brother extensions to Nisk Main, somewhere under the Lion Zone," commented Ken Williamson, VP Exploration. Qualified Person Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the high-grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine. The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits. In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. The Company is in the process of reorganizing these assets in a related vehicle, through a Plan of Arrangement that will be presented to Power Nickel shareholders of record for their approval. To obtain Power Nickel's Corporate Presentation, please use the link below: http://powernickel.com/corporate_presentation.pdf For further information, readers are encouraged to contact: Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to close the private placement or the second Nisk option or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. SOURCE Power Nickel Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) is proud to announce that seven of thirteen Coalition Partnership Empowerment (COPE) coalitions who attended CADCA's new Opioid Coalition Academy have been awarded the prestigious Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant from the Office of National Drug Control Program. This funding will provide each coalition with $125,000 annually for five years, amounting to a total of $625,000 per coalition and bringing a substantial $4,375,000 investment into Arkansas's cities and counties. Moreover, coalitions will have the opportunity to apply for a second five-year term of funding, doubling the potential total to an impressive $8.75 million. DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community to address local substance use problems. As demonstrated by independent evaluations, the DFC Support Program significantly reduces substance use amongst youth, the target population. "This is a phenomenal achievement by ARORP, COPE, and CADCA, which shows the power of possibilities that we realize in partnership. These seven community-based coalitions just became self-sustainable with this Federal recognition. All involved in the training, education, and equipping of these seven coalitions should be extremely proud," says CADCAs President and CEO, Major General (Retired) Barrye L. Price. Coalitions that received DFC Grants: Prevention-Awareness-Youth-Support (PAYS) Coalition ( Mountain Home, AR ) ) Sebastian County Opioid Task Force ( Fort Smith, AR ) ) The Opioid Prescription Drug and Synthetics Coalition (O.P.P.S.), formerly Healing in the Hood ( Blytheville, AR ) ) Newton County Partners in Prevention Coalition ( Jasper, AR ) ) Greene County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition ( Paragould, AR ) ) Amazing Angels Coalition ( Lake Village, AR ) ) Carroll County Hometown Health Coalition (Green Forrest, AR) Through the COPE project, ARORP utilized city and county opioid settlement dollars to provide 13 coalitions $25,000 each to develop their coalition in preparation to apply for the DFC grant. With an initial investment of $536,607.00 from ARORP, this funding represents a remarkable return and a major step forward in combating substance abuse in Arkansas. For more information about ARORP and the COPE coalitions, please visit ARORP.org or contact [email protected]. ABOUT THE DFC PROGRAM: Created in 1997, the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program funds community-based coalitions that engage multiple sectors of the community to prevent youth substance use. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of environmental strategies to address local substance use problems. DFCs involve local communities in finding solutions and help youth at risk for substance use recognize that most of our nation's youth choose not to use substances. As demonstrated by independent evaluations, the DFC Support Program significantly reduces substance use amongst youth, the target population. ABOUT ARORP: The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), an initiative of the Arkansas Municipal League and the Association of Arkansas Counties, represents an unprecedented, united front between the representatives of local government to abate the loss of life caused by the opioid epidemic in Arkansas communities. The Partnership oversees the strategic disbursement of opioid settlement dollars at the city and county levels and works to reduce overdose deaths through prevention, treatment, enforcement and recovery. ARORP's message is simple: be bold, stand together and commit to abating opioid misuse and addiction in Arkansas. To learn more and submit a request for funding, visit ARORP.org. ABOUT CADCA: CADCA is the premier prevention association equipping coalitions with tools, knowledge, and support to create positive change in their communities. CADCA's vision is safer, healthier, and stronger communities everywhere. Through our work we have built a network of more than 7,000 coalitions across the United States and over 28 countries. At the core of CADCA's creation is the belief in the effectiveness and efficiency of local coalitions as catalysts for drug-free communities globally, combating substance misuse through the implementation of comprehensive strategies for community change. SOURCE CADCA BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Russia is ready to share its experience and support the development of Turkmenistan's transportation infrastructure, the deputy minister of economic development of Russia, Dmitry Volvach, said at a panel discussion on Economic Development of Turkmenistan and its Investment Potential within the framework of the Investment Forum of Turkmenistan (TIF 2024) in Ashgabat, Trend reports. Russia is ready to support the development of Turkmenistan's transport infrastructure by offering its experience in modernizing railroads and creating seamless multimodal logistics services as part of investments in promising sectors of the country's economy. This support is particularly relevant given Turkmenistan's unique geographical location at the crossroads of key Eurasian transportation routes. This location allows Turkmenistan to use the advantages of a major transit hub, providing the shortest route from Europe to the Persian Gulf and contributing to the dynamic development of transport and logistics links between Central Asia and the Caspian region, he said. Dmitry Volvach also pointed out that one of the key areas for further cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan is the use of the potential of special economic zones. He emphasized that the Russian experience, including memoranda with the Iranian Trade and Industrial Zone and cooperation with partners from Azerbaijan, opens up opportunities for inviting Turkmenistan to work together in this area. To note, the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024) is being held in Ashgabat from September 10-11 and serves as an important platform for attracting investment into the country's economy. The organizers are the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The forum is attended by representatives of leading international companies and organizations. The main focus is on attracting investments in the hydrocarbon sector, the TAPI project, gas chemistry, electric power, construction, and transportation. The program includes parallel thematic sessions with the participation of experts from UN specialized agencies, S&P Global Commodity Insights, and the World Trade Organization. In parallel, there is an exhibition of economic achievements. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RAC Leadership, a prominent leadership development firm based in Southern California, has established the RAC Leadership Award for Applied Organizational Psychology at Fielding Graduate University. This prestigious award is designed to support one outstanding doctoral student pursuing a degree in Organizational Development and Change (ODC) within the Southern California region. The RAC Leadership Award will provide financial support for research that aligns with the core values of RAC Leadership, specifically: Application Research that emphasizes practical results, relevance, and measurable impact within the field of organizational development. Research that emphasizes practical results, relevance, and measurable impact within the field of organizational development. Relevance The focus on current or emerging topics that reflect the dynamic nature of organizational psychology. Eligible candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to advancing the field of organizational psychology through innovative research that can drive meaningful change in organizations. This award represents RAC Leadership's dedication to fostering academic excellence through philanthropy and supporting the next generation of leaders in organizational development. "This award is more than just financial support; it's an investment in the future of our industry," said Mike Herron, Managing Principal of RAC Leadership. "By supporting innovative research that addresses real-world challenges, we aim to empower the next generation of organizational leaders. We believe that the knowledge and insights generated by these emerging scholar-practitioners will not only advance the field of organization development but will also create lasting, positive impacts on businesses and communities throughout Southern California and beyond." The RAC Leadership Award also aligns with Fielding's core mission and values. "This award is a remarkable opportunity for our doctoral students in the Southern California area to bridge academic research with practical, real-world impact," said Patrice E. Rosenthal, Ph.D., Program Director of Human and Organizational Development at Fielding. "By focusing on applied organizational psychology, this award will enable our students to address pressing issues in today's workplaces, from leadership dynamics to organizational change. RAC Leadership's commitment to supporting this work underscores the importance of innovative, actionable research that can lead to tangible improvements in the way organizations operate." The award application will be available to students this fall. Learn more about Fielding's Human and Organizational Development Ph.D. program and more: fielding.edu/school-of-leadership-studies. Learn more about Fielding Graduate University at www.fielding.edu. Learn more about RAC Leadership at www.racleadership.com. For 50 years, Fielding Graduate University has been educating leaders, scholars and practitioners for a more just and sustainable world. An accredited nonprofit leader, we combine facetoface and online learning, delivering graduate education that fosters individual development, community collaboration and societal engagement. Taught by faculty representing a breadth of scholarship and practice, our rigorous curriculum offers courses and degrees in psychology, leadership, and education for professionals living and working anywhere in the world. Learn more at fielding.edu. SOURCE Fielding Graduate University Seven emerging life science startups from South Carolina to Taiwan to receive guidance, mentoring and business-focused curriculum modules taught by industry experts including Charles River Labs, Deloitte, Eli Lilly, Maynard Nexsen, Medpoint, Inspire Agency and more GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SCbio, in partnership with The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), has selected seven emerging life sciences companies to participate in the inaugural SCbioDrive Accelerator cohort. "We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional cohort of oncology and neuroscience companies to SCbioDrive," said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. "With participants hailing from South Carolina, Boston, New York, Florida, and even as far as Taiwan, this is a testament to the global appeal and momentum our state is generating in the life sciences sectorespecially in areas we're becoming known for in the state: oncology and neuroscience. By bringing together these world-class innovators, we're not only advancing critical scientific breakthroughs but also shining a spotlight on South Carolina as a hub for life sciences innovation and collaboration." A semiannual program, SCbioDrive will lead seven seed-stage life sciences companies through an eight-week hybrid program designed to advance their platforms and technologies through expert business curricula, industry guidance and mentorship all at no cost. "To support innovation anywhere is to help deliver for patients everywhere, and partnering with SCBio to launch their own accelerator is one way that MassBio is able to do that, and I'm thrilled to see the first cohort of companies selected to participate," said MassBio CEO and President Kendalle Burlin O'Connell. "The Drive programs empower startups and founders at a crucial juncture in their growth, and what I love to see is what they are able to do next armed with business know-how, seasoned mentors, and access to our global network." These startups will participate in business-focused curriculum modules taught by experts including Charles River Labs, Deloitte, Eli Lilly, Maynard Nexsen, Medpoint, Inspire Agency and more. The program will end in November with a Demo Day in Charleston, S.C., where cohort companies will present to a curated group of potential investors and industry leaders. SCbioDrive Fall 2024 Cohort Booster Biosciences ( Melrose , M.A.) leverages novel biological models developed at Harvard Medical School to discover the mechanisms of resistance and engineer optimal therapeutics. Their portfolio of patented therapeutics targets resistance to conventional and immuno-oncology drugs. leverages novel biological models developed at to discover the mechanisms of resistance and engineer optimal therapeutics. Their portfolio of patented therapeutics targets resistance to conventional and immuno-oncology drugs. Cell BioEngines Inc. ( New York, N.Y. ) is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing allogeneic 'off-the-shelf' stem cells and their derived therapies as 'drugs' for human disease treatment. Its lead product is currently in Phase 1 trials for the treatment of hematopoietic neoplasms not curable with available therapies. is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing allogeneic 'off-the-shelf' stem cells and their derived therapies as 'drugs' for human disease treatment. Its lead product is currently in Phase 1 trials for the treatment of hematopoietic neoplasms not curable with available therapies. Define Therapeutics Inc. ( Arlington , M.A.) discovers and develops innovative therapeutics for tough-to-treat prostate cancers, such as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Define plans to develop an orally available small molecule intended primarily for CRPC and NEPC in the clinic but can also be further explored for other cancer indications. discovers and develops innovative therapeutics for tough-to-treat prostate cancers, such as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Define plans to develop an orally available small molecule intended primarily for CRPC and NEPC in the clinic but can also be further explored for other cancer indications. Jaya Biosciences Inc. ( Greenville, S.C. ) is developing CNS-directed gene therapies for genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and frontotemporal dementia. Jaya's platform is based on the groundbreaking discovery that carriers of loss-of-function mutations in genes for lysosomal enzymes have an increased risk of neurodegeneration, including early onset of symptoms. is developing CNS-directed gene therapies for genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and frontotemporal dementia. Jaya's platform is based on the groundbreaking discovery that carriers of loss-of-function mutations in genes for lysosomal enzymes have an increased risk of neurodegeneration, including early onset of symptoms. RephImmune Biotechnology ( Taipei, Taiwan ) is a preclinical-stage startup specializing in fully self-innovated engineered cellular immunotherapy to combat solid tumors. RephImmune is developing a novel cell therapy called RACE to provide late-stage cancer patients, who are running out of treatment options, with a low-dose, single-administration treatment that is more efficient, safer, and long-lasting. Unlike convention CAR-T, RACE offers a more potent and balanced immune response by bypassing conventional T cell signaling pathways. is a preclinical-stage startup specializing in fully self-innovated engineered cellular immunotherapy to combat solid tumors. RephImmune is developing a novel cell therapy called RACE to provide late-stage cancer patients, who are running out of treatment options, with a low-dose, single-administration treatment that is more efficient, safer, and long-lasting. Unlike convention CAR-T, RACE offers a more potent and balanced immune response by bypassing conventional T cell signaling pathways. Torpedo Bio ( Charleston, S.C. ) is developing technology to address the unmet need of efficacious and safe cellular immunotherapy for solid tumors, specifically pancreatic cancer. Current chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have had outstanding results in liquid tumors, such as leukemias and lymphomas. Unfortunately, liquid tumors are only 10% of total cancer cases and CAR T cells do not work well for solid tumors, such as lung cancers. Torpedo Bio's approach is to use engineered anti-tumor regulatory T cells, which have the potential to be a much-needed efficacious and safe treatment for lung cancer and other solid tumors. is developing technology to address the unmet need of efficacious and safe cellular immunotherapy for solid tumors, specifically pancreatic cancer. Current chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have had outstanding results in liquid tumors, such as leukemias and lymphomas. Unfortunately, liquid tumors are only 10% of total cancer cases and CAR T cells do not work well for solid tumors, such as lung cancers. Torpedo Bio's approach is to use engineered anti-tumor regulatory T cells, which have the potential to be a much-needed efficacious and safe treatment for lung cancer and other solid tumors. Vova Ida Therapeutics Inc. (VIT) (Jupiter, F.L.) is developing disease-modifying treatments for age-related neurodegenerative disorders. VIT's lead program is at the IND-enabling stage and focuses on restoration of neuronal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide homeostasis and cell recovery. VIT's preclinical data and clinical development plan are supported by use of proximal biomarkers that show target engagement and that are relevant to disease pathogenesis. To learn more about the SCbioDrive Accelerator Program, visit scbio.org/scbiodrive. About SCbio SCbio is South Carolina's member-driven economic development organization exclusively focused on building, advancing and growing the life sciences industry in the state. SCbio represents more than 1,000 organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals across the state and supports and advances organizations in multiple arenas including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, digital health, research and medical labs, bioscience distribution, bio-ag and more. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, visit www.SCbio.org. SOURCE SCbio RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) today launched a pioneering initiative to advance ethical artificial intelligence research and applications. This major announcement was made on the sidelines of the third edition of the Global AI Summit, currently underway in Riyadh. Developed in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the groundbreaking project determined to set a new standard in the global AI landscape, emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to responsible innovation. The High-Level Ministerial Segment on AI Ethics and Governance will be organized at the Global AI Summit (GAIN) 2024. The program promotes the sharing of knowledge and best practices for integrating ethical standards into the development of artificial intelligence. It also aims to provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the ethical maturity of AI systems, facilitate collaboration to advance research and ethical applications, and promote responsible AI on a global scale through impactful deliberations and harmonization of strategies. The initiative targets a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, researchers, academics, AI developers and engineers, corporate leaders, business managers, decision-makers, and research and academic institutions. It aims to create a platform for discussing the future of AI and exploring how modern applications can empower policy development, enhance research environments, foster business growth, and influence various aspects of life. A key focus of the project is to promote the ethical and responsible development and use of artificial intelligence in alignment with national values. The session will shed light on key initiatives at the international level led by participating countries, and global fora. Insights from the first countries that are translating the ethical principles in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI into actionable policies through its implementation tool, the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) will be featured. Almost 60 countries are already participating in the RAM exercise, assessing legal reforms and policies, as well as the social, cultural, economic, educational, scientific and infrastructural dimensions in relation to AI. The initiative also reflects the unveiling of Saudi Arabia's Country Report, developed through UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology, an implementation tool of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Collaboration on a regional and sub-regional level enables countries to form alliances and jointly address challenges and opportunities unique to the region. For effective implementation of UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, UNESCO also relies on regional policy platforms. On this occasion, the results of implementing the UNESCO Recommendation through the Readiness Assessment Methodology in Saudi Arabia will be unveiled. The newly-launched program is part of a collaborative effort to advance AI systems, develop ethical standards that guide the use of AI applications, and ensure these technologies align with religious, human, and moral values, while safeguarding family and societal well-being. It also reflects SDAIA's commitment to working with international institutions to promote the ethical use of AI and achieve shared goals in developing data and AI strategies that support societal growth and sustainability. As the responsible body for the development of data and artificial intelligence technologies in the Kingdom, SDAIA encourages relevant authorities to implement ethical best practices in alignment with Saudi societal values and ethics. It also supports the promotion of research and policymaking that foster investment in the field, while advancing data-driven economies and artificial intelligence on a global scale. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seal Security, a leading provider of open source vulnerability and patch management solutions, has been authorized by the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Program as a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA). As a CNA, Seal Security will collaborate closely with open source communities to enhance security awareness by responsibly vetting, documenting, and disclosing vulnerabilities through the creation and assignment of CVE Records. These records are then published to the CVE List, a centralized database that serves as a critical resource for cybersecurity professionals worldwide. By leveraging CVE Records, security teams can quickly identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats, thereby strengthening their organizations' overall security posture against emerging cyber risks. "Becoming an authorized CVE Numbering Authority reinforces Seal Security's commitment to helping organizations maintain robust security," said Itamar Sher, CEO of Seal Security. "Beyond publishing CVE Records to provide consistent descriptions of vulnerabilities, we aim to help organizations secure these open source vulnerabilities, positively impact the open source security community, and ultimately keep our customers safe, secure, and productive." In addition to creating and assigning CVE Records, Seal Security proactively leverages the CVE List to identify and remediate open source vulnerabilities. By providing standalone security patches, we ensure seamless and predictable fixes for vulnerabilities in both application code and images. Currently, Seal Security's repository offers over 300 cryptographically signed, sealed packages with 2,500+ unique patches across seven programming languages: Python, Go, C# (.Net), JavaScript, Java, C, and C++. The solution also supports patching base container and virtual machine images based on RHEL, CentOS, and Fedora. About the CVE Program The mission of the CVE Program is to identify, define, and catalog publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities. There is one CVE Record for each vulnerability in the catalog. The vulnerabilities are discovered then assigned and published by organizations from around the world that have partnered with the CVE Program. Partners publish CVE Records to communicate consistent descriptions of vulnerabilities. Information technology and cybersecurity professionals use CVE Records to ensure they are discussing the same issue, and to coordinate their efforts to prioritize and address the vulnerabilities. About Seal Security Seal Security is redefining open source vulnerability remediation by providing standalone security patches that ensure seamless and predictable fixes for vulnerabilities in both application code and images. By backporting security fixes and creating fully compatible versions of open source packages, Seal enables security teams to apply patches independently of R&D involvement. This approach decouples security fixes from feature upgrades, centralizes the replacement of all vulnerable package instances across all CI pipelines, and automates and scales the vulnerability remediation processes. Our solution is trusted by several organizations, including Fortune 100 companies and some of the largest software vendors. To learn more visit seal.security Contacts Judith Wahnon [email protected] SOURCE Seal Security NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Globus Medical, Inc. ("Globus" or the "Company") (NYSE: GMED). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Globus and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On August 13, 2024, in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Globus disclosed 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." Following disclosure of the FDA's warning letter, Globus's stock price fell $5.73 per share, or 7.84%, to close at $67.32 per share on August 13, 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 numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ), relating to its proposed merger with Marcum, LLP. Under the terms of the agreement, it is anticipated that approximately half of the transaction consideration will be paid in cash, and the remainder in shares of CBIZ stock. Click here for more information: https://monteverdelaw.com/case/cbiz-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: Do you file class actions and go to Court? When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders? What cases did you recover money in and how much? About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC Smithfield is proud to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore with this protein donation. Post this "Smithfield is proud to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore with this protein donation, and the community and our volunteers really stepped up to collect an incredible supply of nonperishable items," said Brendan Smith, chief marketing officer at Smithfield Foods. "We're honored to partner with the Norfolk Tides on this initiative to help fight food insecurity in our area." The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore serves eleven cities and counties across Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore, where one in 10 neighbors are food insecure or living with hunger. With the help of hundreds of community organizations and pantry partners, the foodbank provided more than 20 million nutritious meals last year. With one in five children in the U.S. experiencing food insecurity, hunger remains a serious issue in many communities, especially during summer months and the back-to-school season. "The support Smithfield has provided for Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is remarkable, from bringing the food drive initiative to us to providing much-needed center-of-the-plate protein," said Chris Tan, president & CEO, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. "Smithfield has been a huge supporter of the local community in so many ways and we're thankful for their partnership." "Being a part of the Smithfield Hunger Relief Night at the Norfolk Tides and hosting this incredible food drive shows how well our community bands together," said Joe Gregory, general manager, Norfolk Tides. "We're proud to partner with Smithfield to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore." Smithfield's hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein all 50 U.S. states since 2008. Smithfield donated nearly 28 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs across the U.S. in 2023 and has pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025. About Smithfield Smithfield isn't only a leading provider of high-quality pork products. We're a leading provider of the most important part of any meal: premium, high-quality meat. And we take our meat duties seriously. After all, the rest of the meal is just a side dish. Smithfield products were first introduced in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, by people who lived for the love of meat. Today, the Smithfield brand stands for craftsmanship, authenticity, and pure passion as we continue to give meat-lovers across the country the deliciousness they crave: our classic bacon, slow-smoked holiday hams, hand-trimmed ribs, marinated fresh pork, smoked meats, and even more meaty magic. All Smithfield products not only meet our customers' high flavor standards but also meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. All while being produced right here in the USA. To learn more about the Smithfield portfolio of products, please visit www.Smithfield.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formally known as Twitter). Smithfield is a brand of Smithfield Foods, Inc. About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. About Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore Since 1981, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has proudly provided more than 400 million meals to our neighbors in need. Serving eleven cities and counties where one in ten neighbors are food insecure, we play a vital role in the fight against hunger by collecting, storing, and distributing nutritious food. In addition, we focus on long-term solutions towards self-sufficiency by addressing the root causes of hunger. Our mission is supported by a dedicated network of volunteers, generous donors, and compassionate community partners. Together, we strive to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. To learn more, visit foodbankonline.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok. SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc. "1 of 1" Positions the Brand as Curators of The Unique; Connecting the World's Most Distinctive Homes with the Most Extraordinary Lifestyles NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotheby's International Realty today announced the launch of its new brand advertising campaign "1 of 1." The campaign celebrates the unique features of each home Sotheby's International Realty represents and positions its real estate advisors as "curators of the unique," who match the world's most characterful homes with buyers who appreciate their potential. By adopting the notion of "1 of 1," which typically refers to something one-of-a-kind, Sotheby's International Realty showcases homes for a new era of luxury. This approach is defined by the company's keen eye for a home's special attributes and the unique experiences and lifestyles they offer. This campaign builds on the brand's strategy to connect with an emerging affluent generation of buyers that values individualism and self-expression. "In an era where luxury is defined by unique experiences and lifestyles, Sotheby's International Realty stands as the authority," said Brad Nelson, chief marketing officer for Sotheby's International Realty. "Our '1 of 1' campaign encapsulates our philosophy that each home is original and offers a distinct way of living. Our clients view their living space as the ultimate form of self-expression. We're not just selling homes, each property we represent is a gateway to an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind lifestyle." The creative inspiration for the campaign draws on the curatorial nature of the brand's heritage with Sotheby's auction house and its own global network by framing homes inspired by global windows of the world. The "1 of 1" campaign was developed by creative transformation company, venturethree. "We want people to feel they are joining forces with an iconic brand, one that has a lifestyle of its own and is also closely aligned to their individual values. We're aiming to capture a new world of luxury for an emerging luxury audience, for whom the feel of the experience is as important as the level of service. We've kept the campaign authentic to the very special DNA of Sotheby's International Realty, while also making it modern and aspirational," said Philip Orwell, chief executive officer for venturethree. The new campaign has been transcreated into several languages allowing flexibility for the campaign to be localized by each of the brand's more than 1,100 offices in 83 countries. "1 of 1" will consist of a seven-figure advertising media spend and will be featured across a global portfolio of media partners spanning video, digital, social and print. The campaign will be advertised with The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Dwell, Architectural Digest, Nikkei, Google, as well as key social channels such as Facebook, and Instagram, and more. "Taking advantage of the magnetic ability of luxury homes to engage people across different platforms, the new campaign was created to be innately social, bringing out the uniqueness of each property and positioning Sotheby's International Realty as the global leader in luxury real estate," said Jodie Mclean, venturethree's head of partnerships US. To learn more about Sotheby's International Realty, visit www.sothebysrealty.com. Sotheby's International Realty Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans more than 1,100 offices located in 83 countries and territories worldwide, including 48 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Anywhere Real Estate Inc. entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com. The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. venturethree venturethree is a global creative transformation company, imagining new futures and making them real. Operating from London and New York, for 25 years they have been strategic and creative partners to ambitious leaders in many different industries worldwide. Rachel Colletta Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications Sotheby's International Realty 212-606-4134 [email protected] SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty Arian Simone and Elizabeth Gore to Headline SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stella Foundation proudly announces the 11th Annual Women's Venture Summit (WVS), set to take place in San Diego from September 2527, 2024. This year's summit, a cornerstone event in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will spotlight two trailblazing leaders, Arian Simone (CEO and Founding Partner of the Fearless Fund) and Elizabeth Gore (President and Co-Founder of Hello Alice), to discuss their landmark legal battles supporting women and founders of color. Women's Venture Summit 2024 Keynote Speakers WVS 2024 is more than just a conference; it's a movement aimed at bridging the persistent gap between female founders and investors. The summit features a dynamic agenda filled with transformative workshops, insightful panels, and the much-anticipated pitch competition. Since its inception, WVS has facilitated over $200 million in fundraising for women-led companies, becoming a crucial catalyst for change in the entrepreneurial landscape. Elizabeth Gore and Arian Simone, two powerhouse advocates for women entrepreneurs, will be at the forefront of this year's summit. Their discussion will delve into their respective legal battlesElizabeth Gore's victory with Hello Alice and Arian Simone's ongoing fight with Fearless Fundto highlight the challenges and triumphs of supporting women and founders of color. "Over the last year, I have come to know Elizabeth as we continue to preserve and expand our organizations," said Arian Simone, CEO and Founding Partner of the Fearless Fund. "We have become sisters united in our experiences as well as our cause. I am thrilled to discuss our journeys to this point, why we each started this vital work, and where the future must take us." "The best entrepreneurs thrive during times of crisis. They use ingenuity to find opportunities when others throw in the towel," said Elizabeth Gore, President and Co-Founder of Hello Alice. "A black swan event, when navigated with creativity, can bring new perspectives that lead to profitability. I am excited to highlight this at Stella's Women's Venture Summit and discuss how these moments can reshape the future of entrepreneurship." WVS is designed for aspiring women investors, seasoned founders, and community partners who are committed to advancing the role of women in the entrepreneurial world. Attendees will gain access to a network of brilliant, high-achieving women, share insights, and make meaningful connections that can lead to groundbreaking deals. "As we approach the 11th Annual Women's Venture Summit, I'm filled with immense pride and excitement for what we've built," says Flossie Hall, CEO of Stella. "By bringing together female founders and investors, we're not only breaking down barriers but also creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact on our communities and economy. Together, we're rewriting the rules and shaping a future where women are at the forefront of innovation and investment." The three-day summit will commence with a Fireside Chat featuring Silvia Mah, PhD, Founder & Chairwoman of Stella, and Lolita Taub, General Partner at Ganas Ventures. The agenda includes keynote addresses from industry leaders including Sylvia Kwan (Ellevest), Kelly Ann Winget (Alternative Wealth Partners), and Bailey DeVries (SBA). Panel discussions and workshops will cover a range of critical topics, including Personal Finance Best Practices for Early-Stage Founders, How to Support Your Founders Beyond the Check, Structuring Funds: Mapping Out Your Thesis, Strategy, and Financials 101, Breaking Into VC and Angel Investing, and Funding Beyond VC: Exploring Alternative Financing Options. "Women investors have the unique power to transform the startup ecosystem by channeling capital into the hands of women founders and emerging fund managers," says Dr. Silvia Mah, who founded Women's Venture Summit & Stella Foundation over a decade ago. "By doing so, we not only fuel the success of high-performing businesses but also pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous economy. When women invest in women, they activate a cycle of empowerment, innovation, and wealth creation that reshapes the future for generations to come." This year's summit also marks the 10th Annual Women's Fast Pitch, a premier national competition that shines a spotlight on innovative women-led ventures. Six exceptional finalists, selected from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants and 24 semi-finalists, will vie for over $50K in grants, investments, and in-kind services. The Women's Venture Summit is proudly supported by sponsors including The Impact Seat Foundation, Cooley, Comcast, Ad Astra Ventures, BMO, Dell, Knobbe Martens, Phoenix Fund Services, HVM Communications, Snell & Wilmer, Teknos, and UBS. To view the full agenda and secure your spot at this transformative event, visit Women's Venture Summit. General admission tickets start at $499.00, and VIP tickets are available starting at $799.00. Follow the summit on social media @wearewvs. About Stella Foundation: Founded in 2012, Stella connects women founders and investors to the right resources at the right time in their journeys. From ideation to funding to exit, women founders and investors look to Stella for its powerful constellation of support made up of an inclusive community, curriculum, access to capital events including the annual Women's Venture Summit, advisory services and funding opportunities. For more information, contact https://stella.co/. Media Contact: Laura Henson HVM Communications [email protected] 917-539-7812 SOURCE Stella Foundation HOUSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellus Capital Management, LLC ("Stellus") announced today that its affiliates provided debt financing and an equity co-investment in support of DFW Capital Partners' ("DFW") investment in B&A (the "Company"), a leading information technology systems integrator on behalf of government agencies. Headquartered in McLean, Va., B&A provides solutions through six primary service offerings: Cloud Migration & Modernization, Agile DevSecOps Delivery, Application Transformation, Data Science & Analytics, Human Capital Management, and Operations & Enablement. With the support of DFW, B&A is well-positioned to achieve its long-term objectives of enhancing its technical service offerings, investing in strategic growth initiatives, and pursuing new market opportunities. "We were immediately impressed by B&A's management team and the Company's remarkable 30+ year history of providing high quality information technology modernization services. B&A's ability to grow alongside the nation's most critical government agencies and evolve through technological change in the industry highlights their deep commitment to customer success. We are thrilled to partner with the B&A team and support them in navigating the next chapter of their growth story," said Doug Gilbert, Partner at DFW, adding, "We also appreciate the support and partnership provided by Stellus during the transaction process and we look forward to working together to accelerate B&A's growth." "We are excited about the opportunity to partner with DFW and the entire B&A team," said Colin Baker, Managing Director at Stellus, adding, "we believe the Company's comprehensive service offering, along with DFW's experience in the sector, will position B&A well as they continue to scale." SOURCE Stellus Capital Management, LLC 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. Solving the EV charging speed challenge, including technical and commercial active traction with 15 leading global OEMs, StoreDot's extreme fast charging (XFC) battery is now delivering a seamless charging of just 10 minutes with no accelerated battery degradation IRVINE, Calif. and HERZLIYA, Israel, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- StoreDot, the pioneer in extreme fast charging (XFC) silicon battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), announces that its prismatic battery cell charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes without compromising on the battery's health and range, solving the charging speed challenge. StoreDot's battery addresses the main barrier to mass EV adoption by eliminating charging anxiety and is available for immediate integration by OEMs. A graph showing StoreDot 10-minute charging (10-80%) achieved with prismatic battery cells Over half of survey respondents from the U.K. and Germany are hesitant to switch to EVs due to lengthy charging times, despite nations investing in expanding charging infrastructure to meet growing demand and curb CO2 emissions. After years of double-digit growth, declining interest combined with slower sales growth by late 2023 puts the EV industry at risk of losing momentum if it doesn't secure fast-charging battery technology to ease consumer anxiety. StoreDot announced it had successfully assembled its first-ever prismatic cells earlier this year, and now thanks to the ongoing agreement with leading automotive manufacturer Flex|N|Gate, it has proven its XFC battery technology is production-ready at a scale to satisfy global demand. The sample cells tested had an 80Ah (amp hour) capacity, demonstrating the ability to charge 10-80 percent in 10 minutes without overheating, paving the way for developing 160Ah cells that align with customer requirements. Powered by its detailed cell design and an experienced engineering team, StoreDot's XFC cells enable 100 miles of charge in five minutes, and its team is working to reduce the charge time to four minutes by 2026. Despite halving the charging time compared to other premium fast-charging models, StoreDot's batteries uniquely show no accelerated degradation due to fast charge. StoreDot has partnered with 15 OEMs to extensively test its production-ready silicon XFC battery cells, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing EV architectures to fit any manufacturer strategy. StoreDot's unique design combines high energy density, which is critical for high-performing EV batteries, robust reliability, and the same price trajectory as standard battery solutions, enabling manufacturers to build more affordable EVs. "This milestone not only demonstrates our ability to work closely with EV OEMs to customize the XFC technology to their specific format, it also showcases the success of our partnership with Flex|N|Gate in scaling up our prismatic cells," says Amir Tirosh, COO of StoreDot. "Together, we've taken a giant leap forward in EV battery innovation, offering OEMs our game-changing XFC technology in the prismatic format many prefer. This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration in revolutionizing the EV industry, bringing us significantly closer to our vision of making extreme fast charging a reality for millions of drivers worldwide." "We are thrilled about the collaboration with StoreDot, including this groundbreaking technology," says Guido Benvenuto, Flex|N|Gate Vice President of Global Sales. "Producing these high-performance prismatic cells at our facility demonstrates the success and strength of our manufacturing capabilities in this space and our commitment to advancing EV battery manufacturing technology. This is a significant step forward in our shared mission to accelerate electric vehicle adoption by addressing one of the most critical challenges charging time." About StoreDot StoreDot is the pioneer and world leader of extreme fast charging (XFC) electric vehicle batteries that overcome the critical barriers to mainstream EV adoption range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by innovating and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, optimized by Artificial Intelligence algorithms, enabling the charging of an EV in under 10 minutes the same experience as refueling a conventional combustion engine car. Through its '100inX' product roadmap, StoreDot's battery technology is delivering 'Range on Demand': 100 miles charged in 5 minutes in 2024, 100 miles charged in 4 minutes in 2026, and 100 miles charged in 3 minutes by 2028. StoreDot's strategic investors and partners include BP, Daimler, VinFast, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Ola Electric, Samsung, TDK, and its manufacturing partner EVE Energy. For more information, visit: https://www.store-dot.com/ About Flex|N|Gate Privately held Flex|N|Gate Group is controlled American industrialist Mr. Shahid Rafiq Khan. The Flex|N|Gate Group is a leading manufacturer and supplier of parts, components, sub-systems, and systems for the automotive industry with a global platform of 77 integrated manufacturing, product development and advanced product engineering facilities. The group employs a global team of over 26,000 individuals. Founded in 1956, it ranked as one of America's Best Large Employers by Forbes magazine in both 2021 and 2022. Flex|N|Gate Group companies operate facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and Argentina. Flex-N-Gate's headquarters are located in the United States. Flex|N|Gate Group products are found on the world's leading automotive badges, including: Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Citroen, Dacia, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Genesis, GMC Truck, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Navistar International, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Polestar, Range Rover, RAM, Renault, Rolls-Royce, SEAT, Skoda Auto, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Flex|N|Gate Group designs, manufactures and supplies the global automotive industry with complete advanced bumper assemblies, mechanical components, assemblies and systems, exterior painted plastic trim, interior plastic, stamped body-in-white, complex welded structural assemblies and advanced forward, in-vehicle and rear lighting for the light vehicle market. Flex|N|Gate Group's achievements are consistently recognized within the automotive industry. In 2022, Automotive News ranked FNG North America's 7th largest supplier (31st largest globally). Repeated industry accolades over the last fifteen years include the following awards:(a) Ford World Excellence; (b) GM Supplier of the Year; (c) Toyota Excellent Quality Awards; (d) Nissan Supplier Diversity Award; (e) Subaru Excellence Awards, (f) Stellantis Supplier of the Year North America; (g) VW Excellence in Development Award. Contact: Ofir Sever [email protected] +972542394241 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501775/StoreDot_Prismatic_cells.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501776/StoreDot_Logo.jpg SOURCE StoreDot ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, announced that its products and solutions were chosen to equip a PV project on the Greek island of Kimolos, constructed for the Municipality of Kimolos by Zillion EPC. The project provides sustainable energy, supporting among others the production of clean water via the desalination of seawater for the needs of the inhabitants and numerous visitors of the island. The 100kWp photovoltaic system in Kimolos is installed near the new desalination unit of the Municipality of Kimolos with a capacity of 220 m3/day, (average consumption of water per person is 0.1440 m3/day*) and connects to the low voltage network of the grid, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the station. The project consists of 238 units of 420W PV modules. As the environmental conditions in Kimolos can be quite harsh, including gusting winds, high temperatures, high levels of humidity, and a salty environment, Zillion opted for Sungrow's SG50CX-P2 string inverters, renowned for their efficiency and reliability. These inverters are compatible with high-power modules (+500Wp) and have smart O&M functions, while they have a robust design certified with IP66 protection and C5 anti-corrosion level. For the communication of the system, the COM100E smart communication box by Sungrow was chosen, providing flexible, reliable and easy operation, along with a high level of protection due to the IP66 design. The products have been delivered via Krannich Solar Greece, Sungrow's official distributor. Kimolos lies on the southwest of the island group of Cyclades with a distance of approximately 85 nautical miles to the southeast of Piraeus, the biggest port of Greece. With an area of 34.4 square kilometers, according to the latest census (2021), just over 810 inhabitants live there, a number that increases to many thousands during the summer period, as this beautiful destination attracts tourists from all over the world. The increased number of people, in combination with climate change, poses a significant challenge for the water supply to the island, especially during the summer months. One solution is the desalination of seawater, a well-known, but also energy-intensive practice that is deployed to address water scarcity globally. Almost one-fifth of the world's population lives in areas of water scarcity. It is predicted that many regions in the EU especially, southern European Member States - will face severe water scarcity by 2050, when water demand is expected to increase by up to 30%**. Desalination can significantly alleviate this problem, while the use of clean energy for this process can provide a sustainable solution. "Implementing this project was a true challenge for us, primarily due to its geographical location and the difficulties in connecting with the mainland during the winter when the construction took place. Additionally, the specific positioning required for the panels demanded careful planning," said Mr. Vasileios Ziogos, Founder and Head Engineer of Zillion. "Nevertheless, the uniqueness of the project and its purpose inspired us to proceed with dedication and determination. By selecting equipment of exceptional quality and reliability, we are confident in its excellent and seamless operation." "As Sungrow continues to expand its footprint in Greece, we are proud to support projects like the Kimolos PV installation, which directly contribute to the sustainability and resilience of local communities," said Mr. Dimitrios Galanos, Sungrow Country Manager Greece and Cyprus. "Providing reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions for this project, we're not only helping to meet the energy demands of the water desalination facility but also paving the way for a greener future. At Sungrow, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and advanced technology to enable a more sustainable world." * European Environment Agency: https://www.eea.europa.eu/signals-archived/signals-2018-content-list/articles/water-use-in-europe-2014 **EU Blue Economy Observatory: https://blue-economy-observatory.ec.europa.eu/eu-blue-economy-sectors/desalination_en About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 27 years. As of June 2024, Sungrow has installed 605 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the most bankable Asian energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 170 countries, supported by a network of 490 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit www.sungrowpower.com. Media Contact: Mina Zhang +86-55165327878*8259 [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501424/Sungrow_Kimolos_desalination_PV_project_image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2439560/Logo_Sungrow_Logo.jpg NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Tatiana Marin is thrilled to announce the release of her tenth book, Under the Essence of the Heart. This latest work is a poignant collection of poems and life reflections that delves deeply into themes of love and nostalgia, inviting readers to explore the nuanced tapestry of human emotions. Tatiana Marin Tatiana Marin Under the Essence of the Heart is a journey through the various stages of life, capturing the balance between personal experiences and universal truths. Marin's new collection features a selection of evocative pieces that have been drawn from her extensive body of work in Spanish. This rich tapestry of literature offers a deep look into the diverse facets of human existence, reflecting Marin's unique ability to resonate with readers on an emotional level. "Under the Essence of the Heart is a labor of love and determination. It is an attempt to distill the profound and often fleeting moments of our lives into something tangible and relatable," says Marin. "Through this collection, I hope to evoke a sense of shared humanity and allow readers to find their own reflections in my words." Tatiana Marin, a nationalized American who has made several contributions to the literary world, has consistently bridged cultural and linguistic boundaries with her work. Born with an early passion for art and literature, Marin emigrated to the United States, where she has since dedicated herself to her craft. Her literary career spans across multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and French, reflecting her broad and inclusive artistic vision. Marin's previous works have garnered acclaim in both the U.S. and Spain, and her poetry is known for its lyrical and evocative style. Her verses are a beautiful blend of delicacy and strength, immersing readers in a reflective and nostalgic atmosphere. Through her carefully chosen words and vivid imagery, Marin conveys deep emotions and awakens the senses, drawing readers into a space where they can empathize with the characters and experiences she weaves on the page. Under the Essence of the Heart is available for purchase on Amazon and with Barnes & Noble in English and French in over 40 thousand bookstores worldwide. For those interested in exploring the depths of Marin's poetic universe, this collection promises to be a moving experience. About Tatiana Marin Tatiana Marin is a celebrated author known for her evocative poetry and insightful reflections on love, life, and human emotion. With works published in Spanish, English, and French, Marin's writing transcends borders and languages, offering a universal appeal through its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. She resides in the United States and continues to contribute to the literary world with her poignant and introspective works. For media inquiries, review copies, or interviews with Tatiana Marin, please contact: Tatiana Marin (305) 755-2645 Find Tatiana on Social Media: Instagram YouTube Website SOURCE Tatiana Marin Martin brings nearly two decades of financial services experience to the new role CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TradingBlock, a provider of custom trading technology solutions for institutions, individuals and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), today announced the appointment of Michael Martin as Vice President of Market Strategy. Martin brings more than 18 years of financial services industry experience to the new role, where he will lead TradingBlock's marketing, content development and investor education initiatives across the company's three business lines. "We are thrilled to welcome Michael to TradingBlock to support our next stage of growth and address the surging demand for customizable trading technology that meets traders whether they be institutional, individual or RIA where they're at," said TradingBlock Founder, President and CEO Jere Wickert. "Michael's expertise, diverse background and visionary approach will be instrumental in helping us seize new market opportunities." Over the course of his career, Martin has evolved from a licensed options broker to a leader in content strategy. Before joining TradingBlock, he was the Head of Content for tastytrade's Digital Assets division, where he spearheaded initiatives that boosted brand visibility and engagement on platforms like tastylive, tastycrypto, DailyFX and Luckbox Magazine. Martin previously worked as an options broker at thinkorswim by TD Ameritrade, where he also wrote the TD Ameritrade Market Newsletter. He holds Series 3, 4, 7 and 63 securities registrations, and his expertise spans the options markets, volatility analysis, equities and digital currencies. Martin's work has appeared in numerous outlets, including the Financial Times. "I'm excited to be joining TradingBlock at such a pivotal moment in the company's history," Martin said. "The financial services technology landscape is rapidly evolving, which not only presents exciting challenges but myriad opportunities as well. I look forward to creating impactful content that speaks to investors and drives engagement and conversions for TradingBlock's impressive platform." About TradingBlock TradingBlock is a comprehensive trading technology platform and prime brokerage solutions provider launched in 2003 and headquartered in Chicago. Made for the way you trade, TradingBlock offers highly customizable trading tools across three lines of business serving small institutions, hedge funds and asset managers, sophisticated individual traders and independent RIA firms. When it comes to building, implementing and supporting custom trading technology, TradingBlock provides customers with a top-tier development team that can meet their unique and evolving demands. TradingBlock is a member of FINRA, SIPC and NFA. For more information, visit tradingblock.com. Media Contact Brandon Blackwell Haven Tower [email protected] 424-317-4868 SOURCE TradingBlock BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TransMedia Group said it was retained by Witch Hunt News to take new strains of modern-day witch hunters out of presumably dark closets and into the open. TransMedia said it will publicize what Witch Hunt News ascertains to be false and defamatory reporting about individuals and businesses including major figures such as former President Trump who often uses the term "witch hunt" in describing his prosecutorial adversaries. "Is Trump's right about being the target of a witch hunt or is there clear evidence stories about him are based on facts, is what Witch Hunt News intends to probe, and we intend to promote their findings," said TransMedia Group president Adrienne Mazzone. Witch Hunt News is a publication dedicated to shedding light on dark corners in communications, including whether calling negative reporting a "witch hunt" is justified just because it's hurtful, tarnishes reputation or alleges criminal activity. "The test is how appropriate, fair and accurate is the evidence supporting such a charge as corruption or dishonesty," said Mazzone. Currently the publication is probing the veracity of 16 newspaper articles about Michael Mota, an entrepreneur in Rhode Island whose lawyer Peter Ticktin has filed a lawsuit charging most of the accounts were "false and defamatory." "We intend to bring to media attention what Witch Hunt News not just believes, but has proof, are purposeful efforts by certain media to damage reputations with false and defamatory reporting or reckless disregard of facts," she said. "It's time all corners of journalism play fair and concentrate on utmost accuracy when making charges that someone or some organization is operating unfairly or illegally," said Mazzone. "If there's proof, we need to see it in the pudding, the reporting." TransMedia Group is a full-service, international public relations firm serving clients in a broad range of industries since 1981, receiving numerous awards and recognitions for its PR campaigns on behalf of some the largest corporations in the country. Contact: Adrienne Mazzone, [email protected] SOURCE TransMedia Group MEXICO CITY, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More and more people are prioritizing their health and well-being through experiences that allow them to disconnect from everyday stress. This can be part of their daily activities or something they seek out while traveling. According to Virtuoso Travel Week 2023, 94% of travelers are incorporating wellness and self-care into their trips. To indulge in the spirit of relaxation, the hotels and resorts in Mexico from the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio offer a variety of experiences and activities for those looking to reconnect with themselves. Ojo de Liebre SPA, Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos Located on the most important avenue in Mexico City, The St. Regis Mexico City has developed a map with a scenic route featuring the best spots in the area for those who prefer running or walking. This is an excellent way to explore the city while residents and travelers maintain their exercise routines. For those travelers who prefer to keep up with their gym routine, The St. Regis Spa offers natural energizing drinks to enjoy after their workout. Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City will feature a series of rituals incorporating ancient ingredients. The new in-room service called "Ritual mis raices" resembles a Temazcal; it begins with a cleansing of copal and herbs to clear the aura and retain vital energy, followed by a body detox with a facial mask and a full-body detox with white clay. The ritual ends with a traditional massage using herbal compresses and a blended tea of green tea, marigold, and copal. At the end of July and August, they will offer the "Ritual Alma de Cacao," which includes a ceremony led by a shaman, a body cleansing with powdered cacao, a relaxing massage with spheres of pure cocoa butter, and a nourishing mask with cocoa cream. At W Mexico City, residents and guests can escape their routine with the Cosmic Experience, a ritual guided by a shaman that includes an energy cleansing with bowls and a moon oracle reading. For those looking to restore their mind and body, Temazcal Healing offers guided meditation with pre-Hispanic instruments. Both experiences include access to the wet areas. The hotel will also offer a summer promotion that includes a 60-minute massage and brunch on Saturdays from 2:00 to 10:00 pm, or if you prefer to attend on a Sunday, brunch is available from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel and Spa is the ideal place for a relaxing weekend getaway. Visitors can book a spa treatment or spend a day at the pool for an additional daily fee. The spa offers 50- and 80-minute body massages inspired by natural elements such as earth, air, and fire. They also have a holistic obsidian experience, body wraps, prenatal therapy, and four-hand massages. Couples can book reflexology or shiatsu therapies, or even the signature treatment: Secreto de Cleopatra. In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center is a paradise for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers an all-inclusive plan that allows guests to enjoy unlimited food and drinks while taking in an unmatched view of the sea. As part of its activity offerings, the hotel provides yoga classes every Tuesday and Thursday. To celebrate International Relaxation Day on August 15, the hotel will offer a guided meditation session accompanied by a quartz bowl concert. During Wellness Weekend from September 20 to 22, they will offer Hatha yoga classes, a CrossFit session, and gentle yoga, as well as personalized training in their gym. Located in the sought-after Riviera Nayarit, W Punta de Mita is the perfect setting to reconnect and enjoy a wellness-centered environment. It currently offers its W Retreat series (W Retreats), which includes wellness experiences like classes with renowned fitness personalities and ice therapies to boost your body's energy. If guests are looking to integrate a single activity, the resort offers sound therapies every Friday and a monthly cacao ceremony to help nourish the soul. They also offer morning yoga classes or even surfing lessons for guests to learn how to master the waves. At AWAY Spa, guests will find all kinds of treatments, with one of the most iconic being the Hikuri Journey, inspired by the ancestral journey of the local Wixaritari (Huichol) community. Meanwhile, The St. Regis Spa at The St. Regis Punta Mita offers signature treatments that focus on the health of the body and mind. The anti-burnout therapy includes a massage with white jade stones, which help release tension and negative emotions. The treatment is accompanied by vetiver and lavender aromas, known for their relaxing effects. Other notable treatments that promote energy flow include the Abhyanga massage, a personalized treatment incorporating essential oils used in Ayurvedic medicine, as well as sound therapies with Tibetan bowls. The resort also offers yoga classes, cacao ceremonies, and Temazcal experiences. Located at an exclusive spot in Los Cabos, Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers its guests the wonders of its Alkemia Spa, a vibrant oasis in the middle of the desert. At this facility, the most discerning guests can find a variety of classes, ranging from Pilates to restorative yoga. For those looking to optimize their exercise routine, the fitness center offers HIIT classes or glute and core workouts. The Reserve also offers healthy options like poke bowls, salads, and vegetable Vietnamese rolls. For those seeking treatments, we recommend The Harmonizing Ritual, inspired by the power and symbolism of the full moon. The treatment begins with a foot bath ceremony using healing basalt stones with grounding crystals. During the massage, a Kansa wandan ancient Indian tool known for calming the nervous systemis used to draw infinity cycles over the body, creating a hypnotic rhythm that helps release any tension. Jasha Spa is another incredible wellness sanctuary located within the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. The resort offers a menu of treatments and massages that promote the well-being of its guests. In this space, it is recommended to take the Ritual of the Four Winds, which is inspired by the four elements of nature. Through specialized movements and the application of native healing herbs, the physical and energetic body is rebalanced. Also located on the Baja California Peninsula is Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort in Los Cabos, which not only has a complete wellness offering at its modern Ojo de Liebre Spa but also features two suites focused on wellness and relaxation. These suites are equipped with a double massage bed, steam room, heated seats, meditation visors, and halotherapy, providing comprehensive body therapies that balance the body's alkalinity through an immersive experience. In southern Mexico, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa offers its guests the best way to start their days with intention. Every day at 7:00 a.m., a Sunrise Yoga session is held where guests can practice yoga with the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. During the summer, Sens-yah Spa will offer a package that includes a personalized massage and after-sun treatment. Guests can also opt for the 50-minute relaxing massage package and a 30-minute refreshing facial. Guests and visitors can immerse themselves in a state of fulfillment with these Marriott Bonvoy experiences, which also earn points towards accessing exclusive experiences through its loyalty program. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.marriott.com SOURCE Marriott International JINAN, China, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- During the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) held from September 7-10, 2024, in San Diego, California, updated findings from the Phase II clinical trial (INTELLECT study) were presented. The study assessed the efficacy and safety of Qilu Pharmaceutical's iruplinalkib tablets (Qixinke) in treating patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive crizotinib-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The highlights were showcased in a poster presentation. Iruplinalkib, a next-generation ALK/ROS1 kinase inhibitor formulated by Qilu Pharmaceutical, was approved by NMPA in June 2023 for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who had disease progression after treatment with crizotinib or who were intolerable to crizotinib. In January of this year, iruplinalkib was approved for the first-line treatment of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. The trial is led by principal investigator, Prof. Yuankai Shi from the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College. The results of the study were published in BMC Medicine in 2023. Updated data with an extended two-year follow-up were presented during the WCLC. A total of 146 subjects were enrolled in this study. As of December 29, 2023, the median follow-up time was 42.41 months, revealing a median overall survival (OS) of 41.79 months. The investigator-evaluated objective response rate (ORR) was 63.7%, while the disease control rate (DCR) reached 94.5%. Additionally, the median duration of response (DoR) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were reported to be 14.06 months and 14.55 months, respectively. According to the RECIST v1.1 evaluation criteria, the ORR and DCR in the subgroup with CNS metastasis at baseline (90 patients) were 55.6% and 93.3%, respectively. Both the median DoR and median PFS were 17.25 months, while the median OS stood at 43.01 months. Based on RANO-BM criteria, intracranial complete response (CR) was achieved in 17 (18.9%) of the 90 patients with CNS metastasis at baseline. Among the 42 subjects with measurable intracranial lesions at baseline, the intracranial objective response rate (iORR) was 64.3% while the intracranial disease control rate (iDCR) reached 95.2%. The safety profile was characterized by a 93.8% (137 cases) incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), with 30.8% (45 cases) being grade 3 or 4. The most common TRAEs included elevated aspartate aminotransferase (45.2%), hypercholesterolemia (37.7%), and increased alanine aminotransferase (37.0%). No new safety signals were identified. Long-term follow-up results from the INTELLECT study demonstrated that iruplinalkib provided an OS benefit with no new safety signal in patients with ALK-positive crizotinib-resistant advanced NSCLC. References: 1. Shi Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of iruplinalkib (WX-0593) in ALK-positive crizotinib-resistant advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients: a single-arm, multicenter phase II study (INTELLECT). BMC Med. 2023;21(1):72. 2. Shi Y, et al. Iruplinalkib (WX-0593) Versus Crizotinib in ALK TKI-Naive Locally Advanced or Metastatic ALK-Positive NSCLC: Interim Analysis of a Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3 Study (INSPIRE). J Thorac Oncol. 2024;19(6):912-927. SOURCE Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent survey of 1,000 travelers, more than 1 in 5 (22.8%) said they have used artificial intelligence (AI) to plan or assist with travel, representing more than a 40% increase since last September. The survey was conducted by Matador Network, a leading travel publisher and creator of the travel genius GuideGeek. A similar survey from Matador Network in September of 2023 found that only 16% of travelers had used AI to plan and assist with travel. GuideGeek The new survey also found that more than one third (34.4%) of all travelers say they are likely to use AI to plan or assist with fall travel. The vast majority (82.7%) of travelers using an AI tool to find inspiration and book trips reported being satisfied with the experience. Of travelers who have used AI to assist with travel planning: 71.1% said AI helped them find activities or attractions 57.8% said AI saved them time while planning 39.6% said AI helped them find exciting new destinations 23.5% said AI helped them adjust plans quickly 22.2% said AI helped them stay within budget "Travelers and travel companies alike are continuing to realize the vast array of use cases for GenAI in planning and booking travel," says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. "GuideGeek is an open-ended platform that can help travelers discover new destinations, plan entire itineraries, hunt for bargains, or make a quick pivot in the middle of a trip." Travelers don't need to download a new app or create an account to use GuideGeek instead, they can send their travel queries for the AI through the message function on WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook Messenger. "We used GuideGeek to find activities on Swiss National Day in Switzerland," says Anna from South Carolina. "We were unsure about business closures or festivals in the area and were able to make the most of our one day in Zurich!" Previous surveys from Matador Network found that families with children, LGBTQ+ travelers and travelers with disabilities are adopting AI tools for travel at faster rates than average. "AI has transformed how I plan trips with my 10-year-old son, who has high social anxiety," says Jamie from Michigan. "The possibilities are endless, but what I appreciate most is how AI can pinpoint destinations that offer the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and minimal social pressure. It's like having a personalized travel guide that ensures our trips are both enjoyable and stress-free." The benefits of natural language AI for travel are now being realized by destination marketing organizations (DMOs, or tourism boards) as well. Custom versions of GuideGeek have recently been launched by DMOs around the world such as DiscoverGreece.com, the Aruba Tourism Authority and Visit Reno Tahoe. These AI assistants prioritize information from the DMO in their responses, in addition to drawing on GuideGeek's more than 1,000 integrations for travel data. About Matador Network Matador Network is the world's No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers. With more than 16 million followers across social media, Matador has become a leading travel brand through its production of article features, city guides, creator-first content and original videos. Matador is the top-ranking travel brand on TikTok and its videos are viewed more than 140 million times per month. It has content distribution deals with American Airlines, Hearst Media and GSTV, and works with brands like Ford, REI, Samsung, YETI, Southwest Airlines, Visit California and Microsoft. Fast Company named Matador Network a 2024 Most Innovative Company in recognition of its revolutionary AI travel genius GuideGeek. matadornetwork.com Media Contact: Jason Simms 860-661-2350 [email protected] SOURCE Matador Network The cloud robotics company welcomes ABB as part of its Manufacturing Automation Platform. MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vention, the company behind the cloud-based Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP), is proud to announce its collaboration with ABB Robotics, confirming the compatibility between the Vention Manufacturing Automation Platform and ABB GoFa cobot family. Clients of Vention and ABB will benefit from seamless integration between both the company's technology, from the design stage of robotic cells, up to their operations on the factory floor. Vention Logo As part of the Vention ecosystem, ABB will gain access to a broader range of DIY automation clients, while Vention will enhance its offerings with ABB's robotics solutions. The mutually beneficial relationship will expand market reach and innovation for both companies. Enhanced Automation Capabilities with ABB GoFa CRB15000 Series The ABB GoFa robots, now available on the Vention marketplace, provide manufacturers with proven cobots with payload ranging from 5 kg, 10 kg, and 12 kg. Renowned for their safety, ease of use, and performance, ABB GoFa robots are designed to work alongside humans in various applications, from assembly, and welding, to material handling and inspection. ABB GoFa robots, enhanced by the power of Vention Manufacturing Automation Platform ABB GoFa robots are now compatible with the entire Vention platform, including MachineBuilder (design), MachineLogic (robot programming), MachineAnalytics (operations monitoring & data) and Remote Support (on-demand support). Such compatibility will provide ABB clients with one of the most intuitive user experiences, from design to operations of robot cells. In addition, the ABB GoFa robots will be available later in 2025 for Vention's innovative Rapid Series application line. Quotes from Leadership: Vention "We are thrilled to welcome ABB to the Vention ecosystem. ABB and Vention have a multi-year track record of collaboration across Europe and North America spanning multiple business areas from Electrification to Robotics and Discrete Automation. This collaboration enhances our ability to provide democratized and powerful automation solutions" says Etienne Lacroix, founder and chief executive officer, Vention. ABB Robotics "Partnering with Vention represents a significant step forward for both companies. This collaboration combines ABB's advanced cobot portfolio with Vention's expertise in application design and deployment. By merging our hardware and software capabilities, we are making robotic automation more accessible and easier to integrate for businesses of all sizes. Our joint efforts will address key industry trends and help companies improve their operations, making workplaces safer and more efficient," says Andrea Cassoni, Head of Collaborative Robotics, ABB Robotics. About Vention Vention helps some of the most innovative manufacturers automate their production floors in just a few days through a democratized user experience. Vention's digital Manufacturing Automation Platform allows clients to design, automate, deploy, and operate automated equipment directly from their web browsers. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with an office in Berlin, Vention's 300 employees serve 4,000+ customers on five continents and 25 manufacturing industries. For more information, visit vention.com or follow us on LinkedIn. *MachineMotion, MachineLogic, MachineCloud, and Vention are trademarks of Vention Inc. About ABB Robotics ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company's solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB's more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501182/Vention_Inc__Vention_and_ABB_collaborate_to_bring_cobot_automati.jpg AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vooglam, a leader in stylish eyewear, is celebrating its 7th anniversary from September 10 to September 24, 2024. Over the past seven years, Vooglam has gained a loyal customer base through its distinctive designs and commitment to providing stylish, functional eyewear. This anniversary marks a significant milestone for the brand, and it will be celebrated with a range of exclusive promotions, activities, and events. Anniversary Promotions Vooglam Celebrates 7th Anniversary To mark this milestone, Vooglam is rolling out a series of irresistible offers for customers, ensuring that everyone can join in on the celebration: Free Shipping on Orders Over $59 : Customers placing orders above $59 will enjoy free shipping. Customers placing orders above will enjoy free shipping. Up to 90% Off: Exclusive discounts of up to 90% off on select frames, making it easier than ever to update your eyewear collection. Exclusive discounts of up to 90% off on select frames, making it easier than ever to update your eyewear collection. Buy One, Get the Second Frame for Free: A fantastic "Buy One, Get One" offer on frames, allowing customers to mix and match their favorite styles. A fantastic "Buy One, Get One" offer on frames, allowing customers to mix and match their favorite styles. Exclusive Discounts on Orders: Spend $70 and get $7 off. Spend $90 and get $10 off. Spend $150 and get $20 off. Spend and get off. Spend and get off. Spend and get off. Exclusive New User Discount: First-time customers will receive a $10 off coupon applicable site-wide. A highlight of the anniversary event is the Flash Sales, where select eyewear will be available for as low as $1. These special flash offers will be held throughout the celebration, providing customers with special deals on fashionable eyewear. All promotions are a reflection of Vooglam's commitment to providing exceptional value and style to its global community of eyewear lovers. Interactive Events and Fun Activities Beyond the discounts, Vooglam is making its anniversary celebration interactive and fun. Customers can participate in the Anniversary Claw Machine, a thrilling online game where they have two chances to win exclusive prizes, including stylish canvas and pouch bags, with a 100% chance of winning each time. On social media, Vooglam invites its community to participate in a birthday celebration by using the hashtag #HBDvooglam. By sharing their wishes in their stories and tagging Vooglam, participants will be entered into a giveaway, where seven winners will be selected from every 30 entries to receive a pouch bag. Additional social media events and giveaways will be announced during the anniversary period. Looking Back at 7 Years of Vooglam Reflecting on the brand's history, Vooglam's Director Alvin remarked, "This anniversary is a testament to the loyalty and support of our customers. We are proud of what we've achieved together over the past seven years and are excited for what the future holds. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to offering stylish, high-quality eyewear." Since its inception, Vooglam has focused on creating eyewear that balances fashion and functionality, with a wide variety of frames that cater to diverse styles and preferences. The brand's commitment to quality and customer service has helped it grow a strong, loyal customer base. Join Vooglam's 7th Anniversary Celebration Vooglam's 7th anniversary is more than just a celebration of its past achievements it's an opportunity to look forward to the future of fashion and eyewear. From September 10 to September 24, customers can take advantage of special promotions, enjoy interactive activities, and connect with Vooglam through social media. To learn more about the anniversary offers and events, visit Vooglam or follow Vooglam on social media for updates and announcements. About Vooglam Where eyewear becomes an expression of you. Explore our fashion-forward designs that empower self-expression and celebrate individuality, making every pair a statement piece. SOURCE Vooglam FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ELECTRIC VEHICLES EXPO AT AUTOMECHANIKA, September 10th-14th CET, it is the first time for Geely Holding Group to lead its brands to participate in overseas expo. At the expo, VREMT, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, will exhibit its comprehensive lineup of 800V battery, motor and electronic control products, showcasing Geely's core strategic products and China's new energy technology. VREMT Founded in 2013, VREMT specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, sales and after-sales service of power batteries, electric drive systems, charging systems, and energy storage systems. VREMT plays a key role in ZEEKR's independent development and production chain. At the expo, VREMT will showcase its 800V golden battery, battery cell, high-performance 800V SiC four-motor drive system, and 800V ultra-fast liquid-cooled charging platform-HPC-V3, highlighting its cutting-edge battery, motor and electronic control technology and accumulation. The second-generation 800V golden battery boasts the world's fastest production charging rate, recharging from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes. This allows for "5 minutes of charging, 2 hours of high-speed driving." Additionally, with a 3-second pulse discharge rate up to 22C, it delivers instantaneous power for high-performance vehicles, ensuring stable operation under low temperatures and low battery conditions. The battery also meets the highest global safety standards, equipped with eight thermal protection technologies and tested against three extreme safety benchmarks, ensuring its reliability. The 800V battery cell features next-generation "lithium-ion acceleration technology," with upgrades in anode, cathode materials, and electrolyte. This enhances energy density, conductivity, and safety, providing robust support for the 800V golden battery. VREMT's high-performance 800V SiC four-motor drive system delivers the world's highest power and torque density four-motor distributed electric drive system with a peak output of 930kW and a peak torque of 1280Nm in production. The NDE12 front dual-motor, with its unique parallel structure, optimizes space while minimizing resonance for improved NVH performance. The rear NDE33 dual motor weighs only 141kg,18% lighter than competitors, with a power density of 4.4kW/kg, making it a global leader. At the expo, VREMT will also exhibit its 800V ultra-fast liquid-cooled charging platform-HPC-V3, the highest single-gun output power liquid-cooled charging pile in the world. The ultra-fast charger V3 features a modular multi-gun structure, with the maximum output voltage of 1000V, the maximum current of 800A and single-gun peak power of 800kW. Users can replenish energy in as fast as 10 minutes. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501448/VREMT.jpg PHOENIX, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- West77 Partners, a prominent real estate investment and development firm based in Bellevue, Washington, and Salt Lake City, Utah, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new office in the greater Phoenix market. This expansion marks a strategic move for West77 Partners as it continues to grow its presence in key markets across the United States. The decision to establish an office in Phoenix comes as West77 Partners expands into the area with a pipeline of multiple LivAway Suites extended-stay hotels. Wasatch DC Builders, an affiliated general contracting company of West77 Partners, will serve as the contractor for these projects, three of which are currently being bid and scheduled to break ground later this year. The new office location will allow both companies to focus on the growth of LivAway Suites in the greater Phoenix MSA while expanding their footprint within the region. "This expansion into the Phoenix market solidifies our commitment to developing best-in-class extended-stay properties throughout the United States," said Dan Barrett, President of West77 Partners & Wasatch DC Builders. "We see great potential for growth and success in this market, and we are excited to bring our expertise and resources to support this vision." West77 Partners' vision includes breaking ground on 50 LivAway Suites hotels by the end of 2026, with plans to develop up to 12 locations within the greater Phoenix MSA alone. According to Barrett, West77 Partners has over half of these future locations' sites under contract and plans to break ground on a handful by year-end. With Wasatch DC Builders' track record of completing projects under budget, this partnership aims at delivering high-quality developments that exceed expectations while maintaining cost-effectiveness. As one of the industry's leading firms specializing in real estate investment and the development of extended-stay hotels, West77 Partners' latest move underscores its commitment to creating innovative solutions that deliver value for investors while enhancing the communities it serves. To learn more about West77 Partners, visit www.west77partners.com. About West77 Partners West77 Partners is a real estate investment and development firm with offices in Bellevue, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm sources and places debt and equity for the acquisition and development of real estate through its investment group and key lending relationships. The company is able to successfully manage outcomes for its investors via West77 Partners' vertical integration of services, including acquisitions, design & entitlement, construction management, asset management, and investment sales. West77 Partners is a strategic investor, developer, and manager of best-in-class properties throughout the United States. About LivAway Suites Based in Salt Lake City, LivAway Suites is a new hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don't, with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation for developers, by developers, LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved ROI. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com. SOURCE West77 Partners The unveiling of White Castle's new beef and cheese-packed sandwich is well-timed as new Mintel research indicates that consumers are planning to purchase more frozen snacks COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle, the originator of the Slider and the first in the industry to transform restaurant quality food into a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) mainstay is now doubling down on its innovation with the introduction of the new Double Cheese Slider in the freezer aisle! White Castle maintains that when you have a microwave, you have a Castle, and that is true as the CPG Slider pioneer brings another craveable taste to consumers coast-to-coast. White Castle, the first to transform restaurant quality food into a CPG mainstay, unveils a new Double Cheese Slider! Post this White Castle is unveiling a brand-new Double Cheese Slider for retail freezer aisles, doubling down on its commitment to bringing quality food at a friendly price to customers nationwide. White Castle is unveiling a brand-new Double Cheese Slider for retail freezer aisles, doubling down on its commitment to bringing quality food at a friendly price to customers nationwide. White Castle is unveiling a brand-new Double Cheese Slider for retail freezer aisles, doubling down on its commitment to bringing quality food at a friendly price to customers nationwide. With the new Double Cheese Slider, White Castle is offering consumers an exciting option, when eating out isn't possible, as the first fast food hamburger chain to introduce a double cheeseburger in retail. The Double Cheese Slider, available now in select retailers and expanding to many more before year end, features the same premium, restaurant-style taste with double the 100% beef, melty cheese, steam-grilled goodness, and a middle bun designed to capture and lock in the one-of-a-kind flavor. "The new Double Cheese Slider delivers big White Castle taste with the convenience of enjoyment in the comfort of your home," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. "When you have a microwave, you have a Castle, and the Double Cheese Slider is the perfect new product that will represent the White Castle brand in freezer aisles across the country." White Castle constantly embraces feedback from its passionate fans, affectionately known as Cravers. A consensus from those consumers and insights from market analysis played a role in the decision to introduce the Double Cheese Slider to expand White Castle's CPG portfolio. According to a recent Mintel Frozen Snacks Report, 25% of consumers intend to purchase even more frozen snacks with 46% citing that this change is due to their opting to eat at home more. White Castle is helping consumers find tasty, affordable snack and meal options that satisfy their Crave by introducing another restaurant menu item in the freezer aisle. "We are never one to shy away from leading the industry into new ways to keep consumers fed with exciting and flavor-packed concepts," said Richardson. "For current and future cravers, our new Double Cheese Slider provides even more of the flavor you crave, and all for a tasty price so you can enjoy restaurant quality deliciousness in the comfort of your home." White Castle first delivered its iconic Sliders to Cravers via retail stores in 1987, when it launched its retail division, the first fast-food chains to do so. In the 37 years since the Slider's retail debut, Cravers have warmed up more than 6.5 billion frozen Sliders. Offerings that began with frozen Original Sliders have since expanded to include Classic Cheese Sliders, Chicken Breast Sliders, Chicken & Cheese Sliders and Jalapeno Cheese Sliders. White Castle, ever devoted to the quality and flavor of its food, owns and operates its own bakery, meat processing and retail manufacturing facilities. The retail manufacturing plant in Vandalia, Ohio, near Dayton, completed an expansion in fall of 2022 to increase capacity to deliver the very same one-of-a-kind taste to frozen food aisles that can be found in White Castle restaurants. About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time" (2014, The Original Slider) and Thrillist's "Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger" (2019, Impossible Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work Certification for an extraordinary four consecutive years spanning 20212024. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the Craver Nation loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle System, Inc. Press Release September 10, 2024 STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS "CHIZ" G. ESCUDERO ON THE ALICE GUO ISSUE I commend President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for acting decisively and with dispatch with respect to his promise to the nation that "heads will roll" in connection with the embarrassing escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. I do not believe Alice Guo's assertion that no other Filipino helped her for I am of the belief that there were other personalities, possibly officials in government other than the Bureau of Immigration, who helped her. However, non-Filipino actors who helped her escape should also be held to account, including the ones she had mentioned. That they are allegedly "not here" should not stop us from trying to get them, especially Alice Guo's financiers and bosses. I tend to believe that there are credible threats to her life, but it would depend on the extent of her revelations and if she will tell the whole truth. Senator Tolentino raised a very good legal issue but it's for the courts to decide, given the pendency of the case thereat, and for Alice Guo's lawyers to raise as part of her defense. What is interesting is why haven't her lawyers raised this and why hasn't she posted bail. It's as if Alice wanted, or is at least in agreement, for this case to be filed against her. 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 Rafah, Sep 10 : High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has condemned the Gaza crisis as "human-made" and stressed the need for a political resolution during his visit to Egypt's Rafah border crossing with Gaza. "What is happening just on the other side of this wall is not a crisis created by nature... it is a human-made crisis," Borrell told reporters on Monday. He said the crisis began with an "attack by Hamas almost one year ago", but added that "one horror cannot justify another horror". The EU foreign policy chief described the situation in Gaza as "a massive violation of human rights", noting that only a fraction of aid trucks waiting at the border are entering Gaza daily, Xinhua news agency reported. "Today, 1,400 trucks (are) waiting to enter. On a good day, maybe 50 will come in. In Ramadan time, they were 600 per day," he said. The EU diplomat stressed the need for a political solution, saying that "to feed someone with a dinner tonight, in order to be killed tomorrow, is not exactly the solution." He called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an end to bombing. Earlier, Borrell met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to discuss the Gaza situation and its regional impact. The Rafah crossing, the main entry point for aid into Gaza and an evacuation route for those in dire need of medical treatment, has been closed since May 7 when Israel said it took control of the Palestinian side. Israel has been conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Around 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing conflict, according to the health authorities in Gaza. Chennai, Sep 10 : The AIADMK will hold a high-level meeting of its senior leaders at the party headquarters here on Tuesday to chalk out the strategy for protests against the "deteriorating law and order" situation in Tamil Nadu. According to party sources, the AIADMK is planning a series of agitations across the state and the party's senior leadership will finalise the strategy and dates for it during Tuesday's meeting. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has recently lashed out DMK-led state government over the "increasing incidents of crimes and back-to-back murders" in the state. On September 8, six murder incidents were reported in the state, after which Palaniswami hit out at Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, claiming that the CM was busy in photoshoots in the US without having any concern about the trauma faced by the people of the state who voted him to power. Palaniswami on Monday said that the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state is the result of the poor management of the Home Department by CM Stalin. Citing recent murder state BSP chief K. Armstrong's murder, the former CM also said that even politicians have "no security" in Tamil Nadu. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK ) founder S. Ramadoss has also criticised the ruling DMK over the law and order situation in the state. In a statement on Monday, the PMK leader said that most of the murders are taking place under the influence of alcohol and drugs and demanded the state government to take strong measures to curb crime. Seoul, Sep 10 : Kia has ranked first among automotive brands operating in India in terms of overall customer experience, the South Korean company said on Tuesday, citing local industry data. Toyota and Tata Motors came in second and third, with 45.83 per cent and 44.35 per cent, respectively. According to Kia, the company ranked first, with a score of 45.84 percent, in the overall customer experience index survey conducted by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations of India (FADA) recently, reports Yonhap news agency. FADA is a reputable trade group in India with about 15,000 dealer members, collaborating with the local government and car manufacturers to release various market data. The survey, conducted for the first time this year, gathered responses from over 8,000 participants, focusing on sales experience, service experience and product experience. A Kia official said the survey results reflect the company's efforts to provide a satisfying experience to all customers since the establishment of the Indian subsidiary. Meanwhile, Kia India logged domestic sales of 22,523 units in August, a 17.19 per cent YoY growth compared to the 19,219 units sold in the corresponding month of the last year. The new Sonet gained traction, with 10,073 units sold, informed the company. Meanwhile, Kia set a new record in terms of monthly electric vehicle (EV) sales per brand in August, thanks to the successful market debut of the company's new EV3 model. According to auto industry tracker aCarIsYoua, the number of newly registered EVs produced by Kia last month totalled 6,398 units. The figure represents a 250 percent surge from last year and a 58.7 percent jump from the previous month. New Delhi, Sep 10 : More than 250 companies from 24 countries are set to participate in the 'Semicon India 2024' event in Greater Noida from September 11-13, showing the country's growing presence in this critical sector, the government has said. According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, these companies span the entire semiconductor supply chain, from equipment manufacturers to fabs, presenting a significant opportunity for business-to-business interaction and forging new partnerships. Akash Tripathi, CEO of the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) said the mega event will provide a platform for all major semiconductor supply chain players. "In India, with the ongoing construction of the five semiconductor projects, the need for all ecosystem components is paramount. 'Semicon India 2024' provides the perfect environment for the business-to-business interactions and partnerships to take place," Tripathi noted. Recognising the need for a robust and comprehensive policy framework, India has developed policies to support every segment of the semiconductor ecosystem, not just focusing on fabs but also including packaging, display wires, OSATs, sensors and more. "Our first major project with Micron was approved at nearly Rs 22,000 crore, and Tata's joint venture with Taiwan's Powerchip in Dholera is another shining example," Tripathi said. Currently, there are five such proposals, with a total combined investment nearing Rs 1.52 lakh crore. Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, underscored India's unique advantages in becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse, highlighting the country's strong foundation in design capacity, a large talent pool, and the backing of world-class educational institutions as key factors positioning the country for success in the semiconductor sector. Meanwhile, the US has announced a new partnership with India to explore semiconductor supply chain opportunities, which will include a "comprehensive assessment" of India's existing semiconductor ecosystem, regulatory framework, workforce and infrastructure needs. That will serve as the "basis for potential future joint initiatives" to strengthen and grow this critical sector. Last week, India signed a semiconductor ecosystem partnership with Singapore during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is working on new products that may be sold through AccessBank, EBRD Managing Director for Turkiye and the Caucasus Elisabetta Falcetti told reporters, Trend reports. Falcetti pointed out that this is the first Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) agreement signed by the EBRD in Azerbaijan. "This mechanism will allow us and AccessBank to share the risks of the bank's key clients. As a result, we will significantly increase access to financing for Azerbaijani SMEs that need loans to implement their investment programs, innovations, and business growth," she emphasized. Falcetti also pointed out that this collaboration will be a game-changer for AccessBank, as it will bring a whole new level of strength and resilience by adding a risk-sharing mechanism from the EBRD. Talking about future collaboration with AccessBank, the managing director expressed high hopes for taking their partnership projects to the next level. "The EBRD is already working on new products that may be implemented through AccessBank," she added. According to her, this is the EBRD's second go-round with a bank in Azerbaijan. "We hope to sign another credit line with the bank by the end of the year, which will further diversify the EBRD's cooperation with the country's financial institutions," she concluded. To note, the EBRD and AccessBank have signed a 15 million euro agreement for co-financing companies in Azerbaijan. Further details on the topic can be found in the interview with Chairman of the Board of AccessBank Davit Tsiklauri. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel United Nations, Sep 10 : Denouncing the political discord in the Security Council affecting peacekeeping operations, India has called for making its permanent membership more representative, especially with Africa's participation. Making his first address to the Security Council on Monday, newly-appointed India's Permanent Representative to the UN Parvathaneni Harish said, "The lack of political unity in the Security Council, often witnessed in recent years, has negatively impacted UN peacekeeping. The Security Council needs to be more representative of today's realities- particularly in the permanent category." Because more than half of the Security Council's work is focused on Africa, "India has been consistently calling for greater representation of Africa" as demanded by the continent's nations. In their Sirte Declaration, named for the Libyan city where it was made, and the Ezulwini Consensus reached at the valley in Eswatini, the African nations demanded two permanent seats and three more elected seats at the Security Council. Participating in the debate on strengthening peacekeeping operations, Harish said the Council should also consider authorising African Union-led peace support operations. Harish noted that India is the largest contributor to peacekeeping, having deployed more than a quarter million troops in more than 50 missions over the last seven decades. He said that "it is important for major troop-contributing countries to be actively involved in the decision-making process" to deal with the challenges that arise from the "lack of clarity in the mandates" from the Council. Harish drew the Council's attention to the increasing risks peacekeepers face from "asymmetric threats, ranging from landmines to IEDs (improvised explosive devices)". He said peacekeepers should be equipped adequately to deal with the threats. "Technology and innovation are critical to enhance efficiency", he said. The General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by India to create a "Memorial Wall for Fallen United Nations Peacekeepers". "It is now time to move forward with the establishment" of the memorial honouring the more than 4,000 Peacekeepers who have made the supreme sacrifice," he said, noting that 182 Indian peacekeepers have died "upholding the cause of international peace and security". Earlier, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the under-secretary-general for Peace Operations, also referred to the geopolitical dissensions at the Council eroding support for peacekeeping. "As geopolitical tensions have mounted, including here in this Council, and amid shifting global and regional dynamics, peacekeeping operations are increasingly unable to rely on member states to act in a strong, unified manner to support peacekeeping efforts or the political processes they are mandated to support," he said. "Peacekeeping missions are increasingly confronting drivers of conflict that have no borders, such as transnational organised crime, the illegal exploitation of natural resources, and the impact of climate change," he said outlining the rising challenges. Non-state actors - terrorist and rebel groups - "engaged in these illicit activities are also weaponizing cheap technologies such as improvised explosive devices and drones and are propagating disinformation and hate speech", Lacroix warned. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Patna, Sep 10 : After a welcome gate collapsed in front of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cavalcade in Belchi block here, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh has ordered an inquiry into the matter. The District Magistrate also expressed his anger over the lapses in the installation of the welcome gate. A letter has been sent to the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) and the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of the Barh subdivision instructing them to investigate the incident thoroughly and submit a report within 24 hours. "That incident was a serious lapse and needed a thorough investigation. We have instructed the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) and Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) to conduct a joint investigation and submit a report within 24 hours," Singh said. The mishap occurred in the Barh subdivision, where the Chief Minister inaugurated a new Block Development and Circle office. When Nitish Kumar was returning, a makeshift gate collapsed in front of his convoy, creating panic among the officials and others at the spot. This incident has highlighted concerns over safety protocols at public events, especially those involving high-profile figures like the Chief Minister. The investigation ordered by the district magistrate is expected to clarify the circumstances leading to the gate's collapse and address any negligence that may have occurred. Even after this incident, the Chief Minister continued with his scheduled visits. On Monday, the Chief Minister visited the Belchi block as part of a broader tour across the state, where he inaugurated and inspected several key infrastructure projects. The Chief Minister inspected the ongoing construction of a major bridge on the Ganga River, which is expected to improve the connectivity in the region. He also inspected Bakhtiyarpur Mokama's four-lane road and Maranchi Primary Health Centre. His visit highlights the Bihar government's continued focus on infrastructure development in flood-prone areas, particularly the Mokama region. Last month, a man sent an e-mail threatening to blow up the Chief Minister's office here, after which the accused was arrested. Moscow, Sep 10 : Flights were delayed at three major Moscow airports after a drone attack in the Moscow region on Tuesday, the state media reported. According to information on Vnukovo Airport's online departure board, 30 outbound and 11 inbound flights were delayed, and two flights were cancelled at the airport, Xinhua news agency reported quoting TASS. Affected flights include those bound for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Astana, Yerevan, Istanbul and others. Flights from Grozny to Moscow and those from Moscow to Abu Dhabi were cancelled. Delays were also reported for both departing and arriving flights at Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports. Earlier on Tuesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that Russian air defence forces had shot down seven drones that were flying toward the city. Kolkata, Sep 10 : Investigating the rape and murder of a junior doctor in state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital here last month, CBI has decided to interrogate the videographer of the post-mortem of the victim. Sources aware of the development said that the necessity of interrogating the videographer arose after the investigating officials noted the lackadaisical manner in which videography of the process of post-mortem was done, omitting important factors in the process. Sources added that by interrogating the videographer, the investigating officials want to be clear whether he performed the assignment as per the usual video-recording procedure followed in such cases or did it in that casual manner under anybody's instruction. The investigating officials also believe that the interrogation of the videographer as well as those present at the time of post-mortem can reveal some crucial links in the matter that can establish the deep-rooted conspiracy behind the ghastly rape and murder. The investigating officials are also questioning the family members of the victim and her close family associates to have a clear idea of the circumstances under which her body was cremated in haste, ignoring the wish of the parents to preserve the body for some time. In fact, the office of Governor C. V. Ananda Bose, in a statement issued on Monday night, has raised some questions on the nature of the initial investigation carried out by Kolkata Police before the matter was handed over to CBI, one of which was the "hurried disposal of the body ignoring the wishes of the parents to retain it at least that day." CBI officials believe that had the body been retained, a second post-mortem would have been possible which could have been extremely handy in the investigation process since more details could have then surfaced. Bhopal, Sep 10 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the government would procure Soybean at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which is Rs 4,894 per quintal. Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan said the Modi Government is committed to providing all help to the farmers and several schemes have been introduced in the last few years. Speaking about the procurement of soybean in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said the Centre was ready to help if the state government needed it. Chouhan said that the state governments in Maharashtra and Karnataka have requested for the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for procurement of Soyabean and the Centre had given its nod. "If the Madhya Pradesh government demands, we would allow the PSS scheme here too. We are in touch with the Madhya Pradesh government, and there is some delay in the Soyabean crop getting ready for sale," Chouhan said, talking to reporters in Bhopal on Tuesday. The PSS is a Union government program that aims to protect farmers from economic losses by procuring crops at the MSP when prices fall below that level. The PSS applies to notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra. The minister's assurance that the Centre would allow the Madhya Pradesh government to procure Soyabean crop under the PSS scheme could be a big relief for the farmers of the state. Also, Chouhan's statement came at a time when the Opposition Congress is pushing for the price of Soybean crop to be increased to around Rs 6,000 per quintal. Notably, Madhya Pradesh has recently occupied the top position with Soybean production of 5.47 million tonnes. Its contribution to the total Soybean production of the country is 41.92 per cent. Data suggest that the area under Soybean production in Madhya Pradesh increased by 1.7 per cent in 2023-24 as compared to 2022-23, which has resulted in an increase in its production as well. Gaza, Sep 10 : At least 40 Palestinians were killed and more than 60 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday. "Israeli warplanes launched rockets at tents housing displaced Palestinians at the entrance to Muwasi in Khan Younis, causing widespread destruction and resulting in numerous casualties," Palestinian medics told Xinhua news agency. Dr Mohammed Al-Mughair, director of supply at the Civil Defense, confirmed that rescue teams had recovered 40 bodies and come to the aid of more than 60 injured individuals. He said that the bombardment created craters up to nine meters deep, suggesting the Israeli use of explosive missiles. "We are facing one of the most horrific massacres committed in this war," he lamented. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders operating from a hidden command centre in a humanitarian area of Khan Younis. These individuals, he said, were involved in planning and executing "terrorist operations" against the army and Israeli civilians. Adraee added that the army took extensive measures to reduce civilian casualties. Hamas has not yet commented on these reports. Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others taken hostage. Visakhapatnam, Sep 10 : Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the rescue and relief operations in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday while heavy rains in the north coastal region inundated villages and damaged crops over thousands of acres. The Indian Army relief column, which was deployed in flood-hit Vijayawada for the last few days, has moved to Kakinada. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also moved from Vijayawada to Kakinada. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were also being deployed in Kakinada and other inundated parts of north coastal Andhra. Eight mandals (administrative divisions) in Kakinada districts were flooded due to heavy rains over the last two days. Breach to the Eluru canal near Rajupalem village after the opening of the gates of Yeleswaram reservoir caused the flooding. Agriculture crops over thousands of acres in Kakinada district were damaged. Agriculture fields in Yeleswaram, Kirlampudi, Peddapuram, Gollaprolu and Pithapuram mandals were inundated. Farmlands on both sides of Gollaprulu-Pithapuram national highway were submerged. SC Peta in Rajupalem of Kirlampudi Mandal also remained inundated. The flood level slightly receded in Yeleswaram reservoir on Tuesday. The water storage in the reservoir was 23 TMC against its full capacity of 24.11 TMC. The inflow in the reservoir was 30,000 cusecs while the outflow was 22,000 cusecs. In the East Godavari district, several villages were inundated due to a breach of a canal in Srinrangapatnam. Water entered the houses, damaging household belongings. Affected people fear that the situation may get worse if the flow increases from upstream. Meanwhile, the overflowing Eluru canal has damaged the Anakapalli-Visakhapatnam highway, disrupting the traffic. The Met Office predicted heavy rains in north coastal Andhra on Tuesday under the impact of a deep depression which crossed the coast near Puri in neighbouring Odisha. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has been camping in flood-hit Vijayawada for the last 10 days to monitor relief operations, reviewed the situation in north coastal Andhra. He has given responsibilities of each district to the ministers concerned and asked them to continuously monitor the situation and keep him informed. Bengaluru, Sep 10 : Reacting to talks of senior Congress leaders indulging in hectic lobbying in New Delhi to stake claim for the post of chief minister in Karnataka, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated on Tuesday that he was not lobbying for the top job. Home Minister Parameshwara also mentioned that Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil has gone to New Delhi for work related to his department. "I, too, would go to New Delhi if there is work related to the Home department," Parameshwara maintained. Parameshwara emphasised that discussing the chief minister's post was unnecessary and that it was not right to say that he had gone to New Delhi to lobby for the post. "I am not lobbying for the CM's post," he clarified to reporters. Talking about a letter being written to the high command by senior Congress leaders to issue gag orders on the talks of change of CM, the Home Minister maintained that he had himself stated many times that the discussion on change of CM was unnecessary. Incidentally, Parameshwara had earlier maintained that he was not a sage to refuse the offer of chief ministership. Reacting to the NIA charge sheet in the Rameshwaram cafe bomb blast case mentioning that the terrorists had planned to bomb the BJP office, he stated that the NIA was investigating the case and they have mentioned that the arrested accused had plans of causing an explosion at the Bengaluru BJP office. Parameshwara said that he was not aware of the other details mentioned in the charge sheet. When asked about information given in the charge sheet related to the Renukaswamy murder case involving jailed Kannada superstar Darshan being revealed, he said that the charge sheet was not a confidential document and that it was natural for information to come out after it is submitted to the court. The Home Minister further said that the court does not consider public statements and that the case would proceed based on evidence and documents. "Let's see what the verdict of the court would be", Parameshwara added. Sydney, Sep 10 : The bodies of two children were found in a house west of Sydney while a woman was hospitalised under police guard on Tuesday. Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said officers were called to a house in Faulconbridge - approximately 77 kilometres west of Sydney's central business district in the Blue Mountains region - at 12:40 p.m. local time due to concerns for the welfare of a woman and two children, reports Xinhua news agency. The bodies of two boys, aged 9 and 11, were found inside the home by a family member and a 42-year-old woman was taken to hospital under police guard in a stable condition. NSW Police said in a statement that officers from the area and the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad are investigating the circumstances of the deaths. "There is no ongoing threat to the community. Police are not looking for anyone else," the statement said. Srinagar, Sep 10 : The brother of Parliament convict Afzal Guru has decided to fight the J&K Assembly elections from the north Kashmir Sopore constituency. Ajaz Ahmad Guru, brother of Afzal Guru, will contest the Assembly elections as an Independent from the Sopore Assembly seat. He took voluntary retirement from the J&K government's Animal Husbandry Department in 2014 and has been working as a contractor since then. "I will submit my nomination papers for the Sopore Assembly seat today or tomorrow," he said. Thursday (September 12) is the last day for filing nominations for the Sopore Assembly seat. He told reporters, "When everyone is contesting elections, why shouldn't I? I have a different ideology from my brother, but I will fight for those youth who have been arrested in fabricated cases by police, including my son, Shoiab who was arrested nine months ago by police in a fabricated case." "When Engineer Rashid's son, Abrar Rashid campaigned for his father. Why can't I speak for my son who is studying in Pune? I will prove my son didn't do anything wrong," he added. He said he will not only champion his son's case but also all other "innocent people who are in jail on false charges". Afzal Guru was hanged in Tihar jail on February 9, 2013, after being convicted for the 2001 Parliament attack. His mortal remains were buried inside the jail complex and not handed to the family. His wife, Afshan Guru lives separately in Baramulla town. "Since my ideology is different, I will not seek votes in the name of my brother. It is my belief that every political leader has betrayed the people of Kashmir. Some in the name of 'Azadi', some self-rule and some did it in the name of autonomy", Ajaz Guru said. Sopore has been represented in the J&K legislative Assembly thrice by hardline separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani till the Jamaat-e-Islami boycotted elections at the beginning of the terror violence in the state in 1990. The constituency has been considered the hotbed of separatist sentiment in Kashmir. In the Lok Sabha elections, however, Sopore voters registered 44 per cent voter turnout. Jamaat has also fielded its ex-members in south Kashmir districts since the organisation cannot as such participate in elections because it was banned in 2019 by the Union Home Ministry. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The ball is rolling on the first day of the Chain Reaction 2024 forum in Baku, Trend reports. The crux of the event revolves around blockchain, Web3, artificial intelligence, and digital assets. The first day will feature the following panels: "Diving into the digital and metaverse economy," "Crypto leading innovation in digital finance," "Crypto Capital: How Switzerland is transforming into Europe's digital asset leader?", "Blockchain utility: Where do governments & enterprises see value in the technology", "Creating an integrated innovation ecosystem," "Leveraging AI to enhance organisational productivity," "State of the crypto market; What is the driving factor?" as well as presentations themed "How banks are transititioning from Web 2 to Web 3" and "Web 3 driving change in fixed income". A leader in the advisory sector at EY, Mohammad J. Sear, shared his insights into the digital economy. He explained that there are two primary types of digital businesses. "For me, the digital economy encompasses businesses that emerged and operate exclusively in the digital age, which did not exist before. When we talk about 'digital' and IT, these terms are often confused and used interchangeably. Many so-called 'digital strategies' are actually just IT strategies dressed up in a more fashionable term. But the true digital economy is something new, a development that has transformed our approach to business in the online space. It affects how we consume information and interact with each other," he said. Sear identified two main types of digital businesses: pure digital companies and digital hybrid companies. He cited Netflix as an example of a purely digital company, noting how it revolutionized the content market by offering a new business model based entirely online. In contrast, he described Uber as a digital hybrid company, which operates in a digital space but provides physical services. The CEO of 4SIM Azerbaijan, Fariz Jafarov, discussed the countrys efforts to advance its digital economy. "We started developing a digital economy strategy for Azerbaijan last year. It is now complete, and we have identified over 50 major initiatives to be implemented by 2030. These initiatives aim to enhance skills, modernize infrastructure, and digitalize businesses within the 'Industry 4.0' framework. We are also preparing to introduce major AI language models in Azerbaijan," he stated. Jafarov outlined plans for extensive investments in continuous citizen education, digital transformation programs for 650 companies, and collaborations with universities to create a major next-generation technology center in Azerbaijan. Additionally, he highlighted Azerbaijan's role as one of 22 countries hosting a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), reflecting its active participation in the World Economic Forum. The Chief Marketing Officer at Binance, Rachel Conlan, emphasized the importance of education in the digital assets and technology sectors. "We have discussed with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy that education plays a crucial role in the digital asset world. It is not just about attracting more people but also helping them understand how to safely and intelligently enter this market," she noted. Conlan stressed the need for building long-term ecosystems and preparing individuals for future challenges in the digital asset space. She also highlighted Binances commitment to innovation and its efforts to accelerate the incubation of new businesses shaping the future of both the crypto industry and the broader financial sector. The "Chain Reaction 2024" forum will run for two days, featuring further discussions and presentations on emerging digital trends and technologies. Kathmandu, Sep 10 : As many as 7,223 people committed suicide in Nepal in fiscal 2023-24, a latest data released by the Nepal Police revealed on Tuesday. This staggering number, averaging 20 suicides every day, highlights an alarming mental health crisis affecting a broad range of people, including farmers, students, housewives, and unemployed youth, the country's leading newspaper The Kathmandu Post reported. Nepal, which was ranked seventh globally for suicide rates by the World Health Organization in 2014, has seen a troubling rise in deaths by self-harm in recent years. The latest statistics reveal that over 40 per cent of the suicides were from farming backgrounds, with 5,556 farmers taking their own lives. Students made up 15.4 per cent of the total (2,128), while 11.6 per cent were housewives. Despite this, the specific reasons behind these suicides remain unclear. "The suicide rates among farmers, students, housewives, and unemployed youth are very high compared to other groups," said Dr Ashish Dutta, a senior police official, told The Kathmandu Post. He emphasised the need for a detailed study to identify the underlying causes. The WHO, quoting a National Mental Health Survey in 2020, mentioned that nearly 80 per cent of people in Nepal need mental health care but do not get it. According to data obtained from the Nepal police, the average annual increase in suicides in the country between 2015 to 2020 was 7.2 per cent which increased to 14 per cent in 2021. "Considering the severe absence of mental health services and resources for a large part of the population in Nepal, the WHO country office in Nepal in consultation with programme managers, mental health experts, and civil society organisations, developed a concept paper with two strategic recommendations," the WHO stated. "The first is a short-term one to operationalize a National Suicide Prevention Helpline Service to provide crisis support- followed by a long-term strategy to establish a National Resource Centre for suicide prevention in the National Mental Health Hospital to lead a multi-sectoral response," it added. As per the recommendations, the Ministry of Health and Planning (MoHP) agreed to establish the National Suicide Prevention Helpline Service at the Mental Hospital in Langankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal, the only government hospital in the country currently capable of treating patients with mental health issues. In May 2021, a dedicated four-digit phone helpline number also became fully functional as WHO provided technical and financial support to run the suicide prevention hotline service round the clock and the Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation (TPO) Nepal provided operational support by recruiting and training counsellors and psychologists to answer the phones and counsel callers. Dhaka, Sep 10 : Bangladesh is planning to send 20,000 Rohingya refugees annually to the US, aiming to move a total of 200,000 over the next decade, according to Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. Speaking on Monday, Hossain acknowledged that while the number may seem small, it offers hope for a substantial long-term solution. The resettlement initiative is currently in a pilot phase, with a few hundred refugees being relocated at a time. To date, around 2,500 Rohingyas have been selected, and the process is being expedited. The Rohingya crisis began on August 25, 2017, when Myanmaras military launched a violent crackdown on the Rohingya population in Rakhine State, forcing them to flee to Bangladesh and other neighbouring nations like India. Within months, 750,000 Rohingyas sought refuge in Cox's Bazaras Ukhiya-Teknaf region, joining 400,000 who were already in camps, Bdnews24 reported. Under international pressure, Myanmar's then-government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, agreed to repatriate the Rohingyas by the end of that year, formalising the arrangement in a bilateral agreement with Bangladesh in September 2017. However, repatriation efforts faltered in 2019 due to a lack of trust in Myanmar's assurances, and the process was further disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation worsened when Myanmaras military junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, ousted Suu Kyi in February 2021, complicating repatriation efforts. With civil conflict ongoing in Myanmar and new Rohingya arrivals reported, repatriation talks remain stalled. Despite these challenges, the US government has been gradually resettling Rohingya refugees since December 2022, with about 2,500 already relocated. Hossain emphasised that while repatriation is currently unfeasible, stability is essential for any future process, and international cooperation will be crucial for resolving the crisis. Kolkata, Sep 10 : Thousands of doctors, medical students and representatives from the nursing fraternity from all over the state on Tuesday marched towards the Swastha Bhavan, the West Bengal health department headquarters at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, in support of their demands on the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder case. The fresh demands of the protesting representatives of the medical fraternity include the suspension of the state health secretary, state director of health services and director of medical education. The march started from Karunamoyee crossing, also in Salt Lake and slowly approached the Swastha Bhavan, which has been wrapped under security cover by the Bidhannagar City Police, under whose jurisdiction the state health department headquarters comes. "Our protest march today is not just condemning the ghastly tragedy at R.G Kar. We are also protesting against the total lawlessness going on in all the state-run medical colleges and hospitals in the state under the patronage of people like Sandip Ghosh and his gang," said a protester. Ghosh, the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar, has already been arrested by CBI on charges of financial irregularities at the hospital. Some of his confidant doctors have been suspended by the state health department and the state medical council. The main allegation against these suspended doctors is that they created a "threat culture" in the state-run medical colleges and hospitals using their clouts in the ruling dispensation. The protest march is being carried out despite an observation by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Monday that unless the junior doctors return to duty by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the apex court will be unable to intervene if the state government initiates any proceedings against them in the matter. Echoing the observation of the apex court, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too, earlier in the day issued an appeal to the junior doctors to rejoin duty. However, unnerved by the deadline articulated by the apex court in its observation and the statement of CM Mamata Banerjee asking the protesting junior doctors to be back on duty, the latter have announced their stand of continued protests in the matter. New Delhi, Sep 10 : As Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs, their turbans and kadas sparked a political storm, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday gave a strong rebuttal to the charges and also taunted the Congress leader over his 'lack of knowledge'. Hardeep Singh Puri, while speaking to the press at BJP headquarters, severely criticised Rahul Gandhi for making 'falsified' allegations and accused him of setting a dangerous narrative on foreign soil. "Rahul Gandhi speaks without being aware of the facts. He is making baseless, falsified and unfounded statements and it amounts to a dangerous narrative setting exercise," the Union Minister pointed out. He further said that the only time when Sikhs felt frightened and scared of wearing kadas and turbans, was during the Congress regime under Rajiv Gandhi, when organised pogroms and genocide took place against the Sikh community. "In 1984, more than 3000 innocent people were killed. They were dragged out of their homes. The Sikhs felt highly insecure during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure (1984). All these are documented facts," said the Union Minister. Further, punching holes in Rahul's claims of 'Sikhs not having religious freedom', the Union Minister said that he has travelled across the length and breadth of the country and never faced such 'discrimination'. The Minister also took potshots at Congress MP's knowledge of the matter and said that he should first 'educate himself' before disseminating such hollow claims. He said that he was appalled at the LoP's eagerness for dishing out lies in an attempt to mislead the next generation. "Congress MP is not only running the country down on foreign soil but also making a mockery of his own intelligence. People can see through his dangerous narratives," he said. The Union Minister also lauded the Modi government's efforts in restoring the honour and glory of the Sikh community and also addressing their long-pending demands including Kartarpur Sahib. "PM Modi always displays a deep respect for Sikhism and dons dastar while bowing head at Gurudwara sahib. All demands of the Sikh community have been met under the Modi government," he said. While interacting with the members of the Indian community in Virginia, Rahul Gandhi said that the fight in India was not about politics but about religious freedom and regional identities. The Congress MP asked a person his name and said that the fight was about whether he, as a Sikh, was going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and be able to visit a Gurdwara or a Tamilian allowed to speak in his language. He said that the fight is not about politics. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? ... brother ...with the turban... Balinder Singh ...The fight is about whether ... he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India... or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India... or he as a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," he added. Tokyo, Sep 10 : Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday over a cautious investor sentiment and position adjustments ahead of upcoming key events both at home and abroad. Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, declined for the sixth straight trading day by ending down 56.59 points, or 0.16 per cent, from Monday to close the day at 36,159.16. The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 3.19 points, or 0.12 per cent, lower at 2,576.54, Xinhua news agency reported. Market watchers here noted that the investors took quite a wait-and-see attitude ahead of several key events set for Wednesday, including the release of the US Consumer Price Index for August. Some local analysts predicted that the stocks tend to decline in September and October before the US presidential race due to uncertainty about the outcome. Position adjustments by some investors were also seen as a response to events such as policy meetings to be held by the US and Japanese central banks next week. On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by pharmaceutical, marine transportation, and precision instrument issues. Advancing issues slightly outnumbered declining ones by 802 to 787, with 54 issues remaining unchanged. Jaipur, Sep 10 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday visited Seoul Technical High School on the second day of his visit to South Korea and Japan and witnessed student-oriented initiatives promoting innovation and creativity. During his visit, CM Sharma met the school's Principal Jobok Lee and other school officials, teachers and students. CM Sharma also visited the Advanced Technical Centre built inside the school, interacted with the students and experienced the highly advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology being taught in the classrooms. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said that focussing on skill development helps people get employment and opens up avenues for career progression. On this occasion, the Rajasthan chief minister also said that there was no dearth of opportunities in the state and the school authorities can consider setting up a similar institute in Rajasthan. To further strengthen mutual relations, he invited the school officials and students to visit Rajasthan and said, "Padharo Mhare Desh. (You are invited to our state)." CM Sharma is in Seoul leading a high-level delegation for his first international investors' meet ahead of the forthcoming 'Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit' scheduled to be held in December. He told investors on Monday that "the state is constantly improving processes and policies to provide ease of doing business." Exhorting startups, innovators and members from South Korea's top business groups, to do business in the state, CM Sharma said, "The Government of Rajasthan is not looking at South Korea as a source of investment only, but also aspires to build a strong and long-term partnership across sectors with the business leaders of South Korea. "As part of our investor-friendly initiatives, my government will soon launch a slew of new policies that will enhance the business-friendly climate in the state, including the New Industrial Policy, Export Promotion Policy, MSME Policy and One District, One Product Policy." The CM also held one-on-one meetings with senior officials of several big South Korean companies and associations from key sectors such as infrastructure, chemicals, startups and tourism among others. This includes meeting the senior officials of POSCO International, SG Corporation (asphalt concrete manufacturer), GS E&C (firm working in the renewable energy and battery storage space), Hanwha Solution (chemicals), and Jeonbuk Creative Economy Innovation Center (JCCEI) which works as the incubator for startups. New Delhi, Sep 10 : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), is hosting the Yerevan Dialogue from September 9-11, 2024 in the capital of Armenia. This event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including heads of state, academics, and students, to address pressing global issues ranging from climate change and conflict to technology and health. The Dialogue will be inaugurated by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, on September 10. Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Armenia, will also participate in the inaugural session. This gathering will feature representatives from over 60 countries, including ministers, former heads of state and government, journalists, and experts. Notable attendees include Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Luxembourg; Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary; Davit Karapetyan, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Armenia; Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour, Qatar; Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, India; and Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Republic of Armenia. Over three days, conversations will be centred around five key themes -- The Emerging International Order, Connectivity, Green Transitions and the Future of Energy, Digital Societies as Stable and Safe Economic Engines and The Future of Work. With more than 170 participants from across the globe, the Yerevan Dialogue will bring the worldas debates to Armenia, fostering fresh ideas, solutions, and perspectives. Armenia has emerged as the fastest-growing economy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It is leveraging its strategic position and rich cultural heritage to address contemporary challenges and forge new partnerships. Ranchi, Sep 10 : Employees of the Jharkhand Secretariat Service have gone on a three-day mass leave starting Tuesday demanding promotions and creation of new posts at various levels. Their action has led to a temporary halt in operations at the Secretariat and the Directorate, with the mass leave to continue until September 12. Praveen Toppo, Secretary in the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Official Language, had previously engaged in discussions with the Jharkhand Secretariat Service Association regarding the demands. However, the negotiations failed to break the deadlock. Following the association's call, officials, including branch officers, assistant branch officers, undersecretaries, deputy secretaries, and joint secretaries have joined the mass leave. As a result, work at various offices in Ranchi, including those in Project Building, Nepal House, FFP, and MDI Building, has nearly ceased. Although some Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Jharkhand Administrative Service (JAS) officers reported for duty, they could do nothing due to the absence of subordinate staff. The protesting officials also held a demonstration in front of the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Official Language in support of their demands. Secretariat Service Association President Dhruv Prasad said that Chief Minister Hemant Soren had earlier assured the creation of new Deputy Secretary and Joint Secretary posts to facilitate promotions. Despite a state government resolution on employee promotions, Secretariat Service officers have not benefited from these changes, he said. The Associationas General Secretary Siddharth Besra emphasised that the government must address their legitimate demands, as he warned that if there is no positive response by the end of the three-day mass leave, further actions will be considered. The union had previously staged protests in June over similar issues. Suva, Sep 10 : The first ever Drugs and Social Issues Taskforce meeting, targeting drugs and other related social problems in Fijian schools, has been held in Suva. While addressing stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca said children are the future leaders, who must be protected and educated well to make good decisions, Xinhua news agency reported. Kuruleca said children took drugs for several reasons that included peer pressure, while some out of curiosity, and others just experiment using drugs, reported Fijivillage on Tuesday. She said these reasons can be a platform to analyse and diagnose the root cause and discuss possible strategies to address the drug use problem. The permanent secretary also emphasised the need to protect Fijian children from this drug scourge and related health and social issues. Kolkata, Sep 10 : Representatives from the medical fraternity in large numbers reached the Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the West Bengal Health Department in Salt Lake near here, and started a sit-in demonstration outside the main gate in support of their demands, as they continued their stir against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month. When the protesters led by junior doctors from the state-run medical college and hospitals reached the gate of Swasthya Bhavan, they found the main gate of the building locked with a huge police force guarding the building. The protesting doctors said their sit-in will continue unless their main demands are met, which include suspension of the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and the Director of Medical Education. On Monday, the Supreme Court had said that doctors in West Bengal protesting against the R.G. Kar rape-murder must resume their duties by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, failing which the state government will be authorised to initiate disciplinary action against them. However, unnerved by the Supreme Court ultimatum, hours later the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon. The protesters on Tuesday include junior and senior doctors, medical students, and representatives from the nursing fraternity. Some of their family members have also joined the protest in solidarity. "Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday made an appeal to return to festive mode ahead of Durga Puja (October 9-13). But the question of celebrations does not arise at all this year. The Chief Minister's appeal was highly insensitive," said one of the protesting junior doctors. A unique feature of Tuesday's protest is that many of the protesters were seen carrying replicas of different human organs, like eyes and brain. Echoing the observation made by the apex court on Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday morning issued an appeal to the junior doctors to rejoin duty. Reacting to the appeal, a protesting doctor said, "Whether we will join or not work depends on whether the state government accepts our demands." BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) member nations will make a joint call for climate action at COP29, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) told Trend following the experts' 3rd meeting of the Climate Change Working Group held in Baku. According to the bank, COP29 events will present the climate solutions of the CAREC Program in November. "During the November climate summit in Baku, CAREC member countries will issue a joint call for enhanced efforts in combating climate change," the bank pointed out. The primary goal of the CAREC Program, organized by ADB in 1997, is to promote economic cooperation among the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and South Asia. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Bengaluru, Sep 10 : Popular Kannada film actor Dhruva Sarja's manager has been arrested and released on bail in connection with an assault case, sources stated on Tuesday. According to police, Dhruva Sarja's Manager Ashwin was arrested by the Banashankari Police, in connection with the assault of Dhruva Sarja's gym trainer Prashanth Poojary. Gym trainer Poojary was apparently close to Dhruva Sarja, who had developed a close bond with his trainer and this enraged Sarja's manager Ashwin and Nagendra, Sarja's driver, police said. Both came together and hatched a plan to attack Poojary. They planned to attack Prashanth Poojary through the other accused persons in the case, Harsha and Subhash. The duo attacked Poojary on the night of May 26. Later, the investigations led to the questioning of the accused and the role of Nagendra and Ashwin came to light. The police stated that Nagendra, who worked as the driver for Sarja and is also his childhood friend, got encouraged by Ashwin to plan and carry out the attack. The assault on Poojary took place on the night of May 26 by Harsha and Subhash, both residents of Kanakapura town in the outskirts of Bengaluru. The assault was monitored by Nagendra, police said. Sarja's manager Ashwin's plot to attack Poojary came out later. To avoid direct involvement, Harsha and Subhash were asked to carry out the attack. Upon investigation, Ashwin's role was suspected, and he was arrested by Banashankari Police. Ashwin was later released from after obtaining bail. Dhruva Sarja had gifted a luxury Toyota Fortuner car to Ashwin last year on his birthday. While further investigation is on, the development has stirred a debate in the Kannada film industry which is still recovering from the shock of the fan murder case involving jailed superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 others. Los Angeles, Sep 10 : Documentary 'The Bibi Files' was screened at the ongoing edition of the Toronto International Film Festival after a court in Jerusalem rejected a petition by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to block the screening of the documentary. The documentary was made after piecing together thousands of hours of leaked footage which included several police interrogations that were recorded between 2016 and 2018 leading to Netanyahu's indictment in November 2019 on corruption charges. The leaked footage was never released in Israel due to the country's Privacy Laws. The directors of 'The Bibi Files' - Alexis Bloom and Alex Gibney - were able to get the leaked footage in early 2023 much before the Hamas attack on Isreal on October 7. "Around the time Netanyahu was trying to change the role of the judiciary in Israel, it appeared to me that he was trying to elude the prosecution against him. So, it was something larger than just a record of the questioning about the trial," Alex Gibney told France 24. The Israeli PM's ongoing corruption trial involves three cases, listed as 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000. Case 1,000 involves alleged bribery and breach of trust over expensive gifts to Netanyahu and his wife by Israeli Hollywood billionaire Arnon Milchan and Australian tycoon James Packer in return for alleged political favours. Case 2,000 involves negotiating in favour of the owner of the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth against a rival newspaper, allegedly in exchange for favourable coverage. Case 4,000 also pertains to alleged bribery and breach of trust over a "reciprocal deal" for positive media coverage, this time with the then-owner of the popular Walla news site. Netanyahu has maintained that all the allegations against him are baseless and an attempt by his rivals to persecute him and his family. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Maruti Suzuki India on Tuesday said the automaker is geared up to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) with a range of 500 km per charge in January next year. The leading automaker announced this on the sidelines of the annual session of industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in the national capital. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said that the company will will have a high-specification EV with a high-range of the order of 500 km and powered by a 60 Kilowatt-hour battery. Maruti Suzuki India will also export EVs to markets like Europe and Japan. The mid-size SUV, likely to be called eVX, is estimated to be priced above Rs 15 lakh, as per reports, and will take on rivals like Tata Curve.ev and Mahindra & Mahindra's Born EV lineup. Takeuchi said the automaker will come up with a range of solutions for its EV customers to remove their concerns on owning an EV. The company will use the strength of its network for after-sale support. "We are going to provide a complete ecosystem for the customers and solve for range anxiety, lack of EV infrastructure and residual value of EVs," according to the company. Last month, Maruti Suzuki India said as India aspires to become "Viksit Bharat" by 2047, it will introduce electric cars in the next few months towards a sustainable mobility future. R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, said the company will be introducing electric cars in the next few months. "While electric car use increases, customers should be encouraged to buy cars using strong hybrid technology, or CNG or ethanol and biogas. Pure petrol and diesel car use should be minimised," Bhargava noted. The domestic automotive industry has crossed Rs 20 lakh crore mark in FY24 and has the potential to be worth $1.6 trillion (about Rs 134 lakh crore) by 2047, driven by electric vehicles (EVs), according to industry leaders. Mumbai, Sep 10 : Actor Sohum Shah made the screening of the re-release of his film "Tumbbad" even special by surprising his fans. Mumbai, Sep 10 (IANS) Actor Sohum Shah made the screening of the re-release of his film "Tumbbad" even special by surprising his fans. Sohum attended the 'Tumbbad' screening on Monday and expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans for their love, stating that they are the reason the film has returned to the big screen six years after its original release. He shared a video on social media featuring Sohum at the screening. He is heard saying: "Humne apne logo ke liye film banayi hai". He credited the audiences for the film's re-release in theatres. For the caption, he wrote: "A heartfelt thank you to each and every one who relived the magic of Tumbbad! Advance booking open now! Experience the magical world of #Tumbbad once again in cinemas from 13th September 2024." "Tumbbad", which released in 2018, is a Hindi-language folk horror film directed by Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi as the creative director, and Adesh Prasad as the co-director. It is written by Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi, the film was produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah and Amita Shah, starring Sohum Shah in the lead role as Vinayak Rao. The film, which has a cult following, traces the story of his search for a hidden 20th century treasure in the Indian village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra. Sohum made his first appearance on screen in 2009 with the film "Baabarr", where he essayed the role of an antagonist and in 2012 with the National Award-winning film "Ship of Theseus". He has also featured in films such as "Talvar" and "Simran". New Delhi, Sep 10 : Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), on Tuesday criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his controversial remarks on Sikhs' religious freedom in India, accusing the Congress MP of having "old mentality". Interacting with the Indian community in Virginia during his ongoing US trip, Rahul Gandhi said, "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. The fight is about whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a 'kada' in India. Or if a Sikh will be able to go to the gurdwara. That's what the fight is about, and not just for him, for all religions." Dismissing the LoP's concerns, Lalpura told IANS, "He has an old mentality, which is why he makes such statements. Since 1947, the promises made by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to protect the Sikh community were not fully fulfilled, and many agitations took place because on this issue." The NCM Chairman also emphasised that since the BJP came to power (in 2014), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken "at least 30 significant measures for the Sikh community, which were previously unthinkable". Addressing the Congress leader's mention of the turban, Lalpura said, "Rahul Gandhi should know that among the only three Field Marshals in India's history, two were from minority communities -- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh." "Minorities in India are not only protected but are thriving. Many from minority backgrounds, including Sikhs, have held the highest offices, including the President of India. We don't just ensure their equality, but also focus on their progress," Lalpura said. He also also criticised Rahul Gandhi for "thinking like his ancestors", accusing the Congress of betraying the Sikh community. "The victims of the 1984 Sikh massacre began receiving justice only after PM Modi took office. Many high-profile Congress leaders involved in the killings are now facing justice, with some already in jail." "For Sikhs, India is the safest place on Earth where we are prospering. Rahul Gandhi should not have made such remarks," Lalpura concluded. Sanna, Sep 10 : Houthi military spokesperson Yayha Saree said on Tuesday that Yemen's air defence systems have shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper over Saada province. "The US drone was shot down when it was spying and taking hostile measures over Saada in northwest Yemen", Saree was quoted as saying by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. Saree went on to say that the US drone was the second the Yemeni forces have downed during the past 72 hours. The Yemeni spokesperson also hailed the anti-Israel operation carried out by Maher al-Jazi, the 39-year-old Jordanian citizen who had killed three Israelis at the border crossing between West Bank and Jordan on Sunday. Saree noted that Yemen will continue its military operations against Israel until the regime ceases aggression against Gaza and lifts the siege of the Strip. From the outset of the war in Gaza, the resistance groups in Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, and Yemen have been carrying out anti-Israel operations in support of the Palestinian people and in order to reduce pressure on the "resistance" in Gaza. On September 4, the US Central Command said that its naval forces had destroyed a missile system of the Houthi group in Yemen. "In the past 24 hours, US Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen," it said in a post on social media platform X. "It was determined this system presented an imminent threat to US and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region," it said without providing further details. This was the third Houthi missile system destroyed by the US military strikes over the past two days, according to the USCENTCOM. Meanwhile, residents in the Yemeni central province of Ibb reported on social media platforms that a fighter jet launched an airstrike targeting the Houthi-controlled Al-Hamzah military installation in the province on Tuesday. The Houthi group, which controls Ibb and several other northern provinces, including the capital, Sanaa, did not comment on the incident. The Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks targeting what it called "Israel-linked" ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November last year to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In response, the US-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has since January, conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. New Delhi/Srinagar, Sep 10 : Delhi's Patiala House Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to incarcerated Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid till October 2. Engineer Rashid had moved a special application seeking bail in the Patiala House Court, so that he could campaign for candidates of his party, Awami Itihad Party (AIP), given the Assembly elections in J&K. Additional session's judge, Chander Jit Singh, while granting interim bail to Engineer Rashid said, "I am granting him bail till October 2, he will have to surrender on October 3." The court had asked the NIA to file objections to Engineer Rashid's bail plea. After the NIA filed objections, the judge reserved the judgment which he delivered on Tuesday. Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid, who was arrested by the NIA in 2019 in a terror funding case, remained lodged in Tihar Jail. Engineer Rashid fought the Lok Sabha elections from jail and his son and supporters campaigned for him in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency. He defeated former J&K chief minister and vice-president of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah by a margin of 2.05 lakh votes. Peoples Conference (PC) President, Sajad Gani Lone ended up third in the Baramulla Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, Engineer Rashid was granted parole so that he could be sworn in as a member of the Lok Sabha. He represented the Langate Assembly constituency of Kupwara district twice in the J&K Legislative Assembly. Chandigarh, Sep 10 : BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday demanded the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government to come clean on why the registration of an FIR in the R.G. Kar rape and murder case was delayed by 14 hours. In a statement, Chugh said the Mamata government has been trying to scuttle the investigation in one way or the other, as he asked why the post-mortem report was missing from the challan filed by the police in the case. The Chief Minister, he claimed, has seriously botched up the investigation in the case to shield some police officers. Chugh also said that Banerjee's attempt to cover up the investigation in the entire case was itself aa criminal acta that has infuriated the doctors across the country along with the people of Bengal. "Mamata Banerjee's negligence and wrong-doings have worsened the situation, depriving justice to the victim's family. It is most reprehensible that parents of the victim have levelled such a serious allegation that they were offered money to settle the case out of court," Chugh said. The BJP leader also said that "instead of being the 'Rakshak', the Bengal Chief Minister has become a 'Bhakshak'", which is very alarming for the state. "Apart from being the Chief Minister of West Bengal, she also holds the Home and Health and Family Welfare portfolios. Mamata Banerjee should take responsibility for her misdeeds and immediately resign from the post of Chief Minister so that this case can be investigated impartially," Chugh said. The BJP leader also said that the Chief Minister created impediments in the investigation and tried to tamper with the evidence to save her "favourite" Kolkata Police Commissioner and then Principal of R.G. Kar Medical College, Sandeep Ghosh. "BJP demands polygraph test for Mamata Banerjee and the Kolkata Police Commissioner and scanning of their call records along that of Sandeep Ghosh. The investigation report should be made public so that the victim and her family get justice, and the truth comes out in front of the country. Mumbai, Sep 10 : Former minister and NCP-SP legislator Eknath Khadse on Tuesday said that he is not keen to rejoin the BJP as some senior leaders are against his joining the party. "Some BJP leaders said that they will not support my entry into the party. Those who are speaking against me now were working under my leadership when I built the BJP over 40 years ago in the state," said Khadse. He added that all the leaders who are opposing his entry now have grown up under his leadership in the state. "But today they are protesting for some unknown reasons. No problem. I am also not very keen to join the BJP now. Most likely, Girish Mahajan and Devendra Fadnavis also oppose my entry. Girish Mahajan has repeatedly commented against my entry into the party. The BJP must clarify who holds the command, state leaders or J.P. Nadda," said Khadse. Earlier, Khadse said that he had not received any formal invite to rejoin the BJP which he left in October 2020 and joined the NCP (united) under the leadership of Sharad Pawar. "I have not joined the BJP yet. I am still in the Sharad Pawar group. I had resigned from NCP but the party president has not accepted my resignation. I never requested to join back the BJP. I was advised by the senior office bearers of the BJP that I should join back the party," Khadse said some days back. He said that when he visited Delhi, the BJP leaders asked him why he needed time and asked him to join the party soon. "I met J.P. Nadda along with Vinod Tawde and Raksha Khadse. At that time, he put a muffler around my neck and said that you joined back the party. But that entry was opposed by some leaders of the state. That is why my entry into BJP was stopped," he said. He said that he decided to leave NCP-SP after discussing with Sharad Pawar and Jayant Patil. "But they did not accept my resignation and Sharad Pawar asked me not to resign as a member of the state Legislative council. My entry into the BJP is blocked due to two leaders. I will now remain NCP-SP and work for the party," he said. Khadse claimed that despite the introduction of a slew of welfare and development schemes by the MahaYuti government, the Maha Vikas Aghadi has an edge ahead of the upcoming Assembly election. "The Maha Vikas Aghadi will come back to power following the election as there is resentment against the MahaYuti government," said Khadse. Seoul, Sep 10 : North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced on Tuesday that the country is implementing a policy to exponentially increase its nuclear arsenal, local media reported. In a speech marking North Koreaas founding anniversary on Monday, Kim emphasised the need to enhance the nation's nuclear capabilities and readiness. He stated that a robust nuclear force is crucial for protecting the stateas security rights and addressing threats from the United States and its allies, Bdnews24 reported quoting the state media KCNA. Kim described the current security environment as a "grave threat," attributing this to what he views as a US-led nuclear military bloc in the region. He emphasised North Korea's ongoing efforts to bolster its nuclear and missile capabilities amid rising regional tensions. In response to Pyongyangas actions, South Korea's Deputy Defence Minister for Policy, Cho Chang-rae, along with his US and Japanese counterparts, condemned North Korea's recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems and missile tests. The three officials, meeting in Seoul, reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation to maintain regional peace and counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. They announced plans for a second trilateral military exercise, named Freedom Edge. Additionally, South Korea is scheduled to hold a defence ministerial meeting with members of the United Nations Command (UNC) on Tuesday. The UNC, which is led by the US commander in South Korea, plays a key role in monitoring the heavily fortified border with North Korea. Last month, Germany became the latest to join the UNC in South Korea helping police the heavily fortified border with North Korea and has committed to defend the South in the event of a war. North Korea has criticised the UNC as an "illegal war organisation" and viewed Germanyas participation as escalating regional tensions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The meeting of representatives of the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) and the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has been held, Trend reports via AERA. The meeting was attended by AERA Chairman of the Board Samir Akhundov, DEA representative Simon Fle Nielsen, as well as specialists from both sides. The parties exchanged views on the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the transition to green energy. In addition, information was provided on relevant electricity market rules in both countries, the information reads. To note, Azerbaijan plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy balance to 30 percent by 2030. The issue of integration of electricity from renewable energy sources into the general power grid is one of the most important for the successful implementation of green energy plans. Kolkata, Sep 10 : A special court in Kolkata on Tuesday sent controversial former Principal of R.G Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh and three others to judicial custody till September 23 in the financial scam case, amid protests by some woman advocates. As the hearing was on, a group of women advocates protested outside the courtroom against Ghosh. Some of them even demanded that the former principal of R.G. Kar, where a junior doctor became a victim of ghastly rape and murder last month, should be hanged. One of the protestors even threw her shoe towards Ghosh. The others sent to judicial custody are Afsar Ali, Suman Hazra, and Biplab Sinha. While Ali is the personal bodyguard of Ghosh, Sinha and Hazra are vendors supplying medical equipment to the medical college and hospital when Ghosh was at the helm of affairs. On Tuesday, the counsel for the CBI did not seek an extension of the agencyas custody for the four accused in the case of financial irregularities in R.G. Kar. According to him, the evidence collected by the investigating officials in the matter has been sent for digital cloning Since the process of getting the report of digital cloning is time-consuming, the CBI does not want to keep the four accused in the case in its custody till that time, the counsel said. However, he added that fresh custody for seven days will be sought by the CBI after the report of the digital cloning comes. However, the special judge said that whether the plea for fresh CBI custody will be granted or not by the court will depend on the circumstances prevailing then. The CBI counsel also told the court that during the course of the investigation, agency officials have secured several incriminating documents that substantiate the involvement of Ghosh and some of his close associates in the financial irregularities. He also said that electronic gadgets like mobile phones, laptops and hard discs that have been seized are being examined as they can link the accused persons with the alleged scam. That process of examination will take some more time, he said. Tokyo, Sep 10 : A former accountant of a faction within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Tuesday received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for five years, for underreporting income from fundraising events. Hitoshi Nagai, 70, was responsible for accounting in the faction previously led by Toshihiro Nikai, a former LDP secretary-general. The Tokyo District Court issued the verdict on Tuesday, following Nagai's admission of guilt during his initial hearing in June, reports Xinhua news agency. According to the indictment, Nagai failed to report about 380 million yen (US$2.7 million) in income and expenditures over five years up to 2022. Despite his actions, Nagai's defence argued that he was not motivated by personal gain, which contributed to the court's decision to suspend the sentence. At the end of last year, the LDP's slush fund scandal unfolded, and five major factions, including Nikai's, were suspected of paying kickbacks to member lawmakers who sold fundraising party tickets above their quota without recording the amount as revenue in its political fund reports. Local media reports showed that prosecutors earlier this year indicted 11 individuals, including accountants and lawmakers, on suspicion of failing to report political funds. Islamabad, Sep 10 : A neutral expert, appointed by the World Bank, will hear India and Pakistan's arguments at The Hague from Tuesday, on the latter's complaints against the 330-MW Kishenganga and 850-MW Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The two-day proceedings, taking place from September 10 to 11, will seek to address the tensions between the two countries, particularly regarding the Kishenganga projectas potential impact on Pakistanas downstream water supply, Geo News reported. Federal Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza is leading his country's delegation which comprises officials from the Attorney Generalas Office, the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), and an international legal team hired by the government. The discussions revolve around the hydropower projects being constructed by India on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, both of which are governed by the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has expressed a preference for the case to be resolved by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), while India favours the involvement of a neutral expert to make the final decision. Although Pakistan is participating in both forums, India has chosen to boycott the PCA, questioning its competence under the Indus Waters Treaty. In July 2023, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected Indiaas six objections including the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration to listen to the case. It declared that the court is competent to consider and determine the disputes outlined in Pakistanas Request for Arbitration. In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintained that "Indiaas consistent and principled position has been that the constitution of the so-called Court of Arbitration is in contravention of the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty" and that a "Neutral Expert is already seized of the differences pertaining to the Kishenganga and Ratle projects". "The Neutral Expert proceedings are the only Treaty-consistent proceedings at this juncture. The Treaty does not provide for parallel proceedings on the same set of issues," it said, adding that "India cannot be compelled to recognize or participate in illegal and parallel proceedings not envisaged by the Treaty". However, during the latest proceedings in July 2024 by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Pakistan requested to address the interpretation and application of the Indus Waters Treaty to certain design elements of Indian run-of-river hydroelectric projects. The NE earlier met on February 27-28, 2023, to finalise the rules of procedures on how to advance the legal fight on the designs of both projects. Pakistan has raised three primary concerns regarding the design of the Kishenganga project, arguing that the projectas pondage capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters should be reduced to one million. Additionally, Pakistan has called for adjustments to the intake and spillway designs. Similar objections have been raised about the Ratle Hydropower project, with Pakistan opposing Indiaas proposed pondage and freeboard levels. Islamabad is concerned that the current design will reduce the water flow of the Chenab River, negatively affecting irrigation in Pakistanas Punjab region. These disagreements reflect a broader dispute over the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical agreement that regulates water-sharing between Pakistan and India. The outcome of these proceedings is expected to have significant implications for future water-related cooperation between the two nations. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the need to identify and remove obstacles in the research ecosystem of the country. He said this while chairing the first meeting of the Governing Board of the newly-formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg earlier on Tuesday. The foundation was established under the ANRF Act of 2023, to regulate all research and development in natural sciences establishments in India. The first meeting focussed on discussion about India's Science and Technology landscape and redesigning of research and development programmes. "Research should focus on finding new solutions to existing problems," he said, emphasising the need to find localised solutions to global problems. He called on the research community to set "big targets, focus on attaining them and doing path-breaking research". The Prime Minister also discussed the "need for upgradation and standardisation of institutions", to create a dashboard to easily track the ongoing research and development in the country and also suggested preparing a list of domain experts on the basis of their expertise. "The scientific community of the country should have faith that there will be no dearth of resources for their endeavours," said PM Modi, while stressing on the need for scientific monitoring of utilisation of resources. Further, he suggested grading of Atal Tinkering Labs, and discussed the need for research "in environment change, battery ingredients for EVs, lab-grown diamonds". The governing body also decided to launch a programme to "pair universities where research is at a nascent stage with top tier established institutions in mentorship mode". Meanwhile, the ANRF is expected to "launch programmes in select priority areas like EV mobility, advanced materials, solar cells, smart infrastructure, health and medical technology, sustainable agriculture, and photonics". The meeting also decided to launch Centres of Excellence to support interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences. ANRF acts as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy. The meeting of the foundation also deliberated upon redesigning of research and development programmes. The ANRF has been established to promote research and development and also foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India's universities, research institutions, and R&D laboratories. Over the years, it seeks to launch programmes based on solution-focussed approach in mission mode in select priority areas. The meeting also discussed several areas of strategic interventions of ANRF which include global positioning of India in key sectors, aligning R&D with national priorities, promoting inclusive growth, capacity building, driving scientific advances and innovation ecosystem, as well as bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications through industry-aligned translational research. The Governing Body also directed the ANRF to align its strategies with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047. Aden, Sep 10 : The Houthi group in Yemen reported on Tuesday that an airstrike, allegedly carried out by US and British forces, has resulted in casualties at a school in the southwestern province of Taiz. According to the Houthis-controlled Masirah TV, an airstrike targeting Al-Janad School in the Taiziyah district of Taiz province resulted in casualties among female students. The Houthis did not release specific numbers of those killed or injured. A Houthi military official, speaking to Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity, said two US-British airstrikes hit a primary school in the Taiziyah district in Taiz, killing two female students and injuring six others. The US-British coalition has not yet commented on these airstrikes. This reported incident occurs amid rising regional tensions. Since November 2023, Houthi militants in Yemen have been targeting international shipping near the country's coastline to show support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In response to the Houthi maritime attacks, the US-led naval coalition in the region has intensified its military operations, conducting strikes on Houthi military sites. Mumbai, Sep 10 : Best known for his role as 'Tappu' in the longest running sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' (TMKOC), actor Bhavya Gandhi, will be now seen as a psychotic antagonist Prabhaas in the show 'Pushpa Impossible'. A new threat enters Pushpa (Karuna Pandey) and her familyas life with the entry of Bhavya. His character as a psychotic antagonist is set on seeking revenge and destruction and this marks a significant departure from his previous innocent and mischievous role as Tappu, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Talking about the same, Bhavya said: "Stepping into the role of Prabhaas is a delightful experience for me as I am playing a negative character for the first time and this role is very different from playing the innocent Tappu from 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'." "Prabhaas is unpredictable and deeply troubled, with a calm exterior that masks intense inner turmoil, making him dangerously fascinating. Returning to television with such a complex character on home channel Sony SAB is incredibly exciting for me," he added. A person with a twisted nature and erratic behavior, Prabhaasas calm demeanor is his most unnerving trait. He doesnat raise his voice, but there is an underlying tension that makes people uneasy around him. He might be charming and polite at one moment, but he can turn cruel and scathing the very next. His unpredictability keeps those around him on the edge, never knowing when his mood will shift. He seeks revenge against Ashwin, who confronts him after Prabhaas trolls his sister Rashi. 'Pushpa Impossible' airs on Sony SAB. Meanwhile, 'TMKOC' features Dilip Joshi as Jethalal, Nitish Bhaluni as Tipendra, Sachin Shroff as Taarak, Sunayana Fozdar as Anjali, Munmun Dutta as Babita Krishnan Iyer, Sonalika Joshi as Madhavi Aatmaram Bhide, Palak Sindhwani as Sonu, Monaz Mevawalla as Roshan, among others. Kolkata, Sep 10 : The deadline set by the Supreme Court on Monday for the protesting junior doctors in West Bengal to join duty by 5 P.M. on Tuesday has expired and they are continuing with their demonstration. The doctors are protesting against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Instead of rejoining duty the protesting doctors have continued their indefinite sit-in- demonstration in front of Swastha Bhavan, the state health department headquarter at Salt Lake. On Monday a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court observed that unless the junior doctors return to duty by 5 P.M. on Tuesday, the apex court would be unable to intervene if the West Bengal government initiates any proceedings against them in the matter. Echoing the observation of the apex court, state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too, earlier in the day issued an appeal to the junior doctors to rejoin duty. However, the junior doctors who had announced their decision to continue with the protests on Monday night itself, marched to the state health department headquarters on Tuesday afternoon. The junior doctors, who were accompanied by their seniors, medical students and representatives from the nursing fraternity, were stopped near the entrance of the building. Unable to march forward, they began their dharna right there on the street and the protest was continuing till the time of filing of the report. The fresh demands of the protesting representatives of the medical fraternity include suspension of the state health secretary, state director of health services and director of medical education. State health department sources said that although a message was sent from the office of the state health secretary to the demonstrating doctors to send a small delegation to his office to discuss the demands, the latter rejected the proposal and insisted that the health department officials come to the demonstration spot for discussions. However, the protesting junior doctors denied receiving any communication from the state health department. New Delhi, Sep 10 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday chargesheeted the CEO of a Laos-based 'Long Sheng Company' in the high-profile human trafficking and cyber fraud case having an international footprint. Sudarshan Darade was arrested by NIA Mumbai in June this year and has been named in the chargesheet as a key culprit in the case. He is the sixth accused to be chargesheeted in the case, and the third, after Jerry Jacob and Godfrey Alvares, to have been arrested. "A large amount of incriminating material has been recovered from Darade's mobile phones. Darade has also revealed details to NIA regarding another wanted accused, Sunny Gonsalves, as well as foreign nationals Niu Niu and Elvis Du, who are still absconding. NIA is following up on the information to get leads on the absconders," the investigation agency stated. NIA investigations have revealed that Darade's company, based in Bokeo province of Laos, was actively involved in the racket relating to trafficking of youth to the Golden Triangle Laos PDR via Bangkok on the pretext of job offers. The company would conduct WhatsApp interviews and send appointment letters to the youth, who, on reaching the destination, were forced to commit online crypto currency frauds. On Darade's instructions, Jacob would arrange for the transportation of the Indian youth to the Golden Triangle Laos. "Shocking details of the investigation show that refusal by the trafficked youth to engage in the cyber fraud in the Golden Triangle led to starvation and lashing in locked rooms. Some youth were even given electric shocks if they failed to meet their targets of befriending prospective victims on social media," the agency said. NIA mentioned that it remains in constant touch with the identified/rescued victims to gather information about others involved in the racket, and is also spreading awareness among youth about the dangers of engaging with unverified international companies for employment even as further investigations are continuing in the case. On August 31, the Indian Embassy in Laos announced that it has successfully rescued 47 Indian nationals who were trapped in cyber-scam centres located in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo province. While 29 individuals were handed over by the Laos authorities following a crackdown on illegal activities in the SEZ, the remaining 18 approached the Embassy directly, seeking assistance. In a post on X, the Embassy explained that its officials travelled from capital Vientiane to Bokeo where they coordinated with local authorities to facilitate the rescue. The rescued individuals were then transported back to Vientiane, where they were provided with accommodation. The Embassy then completed all necessary procedural requirements with the Laos authorities for the repatriation of these individuals. As many as 635 Indians have been rescued from similar situations in Laos and have safely returned to India. The Embassy has issued multiple warnings advising Indians considering job offers in Laos to exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough due diligence to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. The Embassy has highlighted that many of these fake job offers involve positions such as "Digital Sales and Marketing Executives" or "Customer Support Service" roles, which are fronts for call-centre scams and cryptocurrency frauds. These offers are often facilitated by agents based in Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India, who recruit Indian nationals with promises of high salaries, hotel bookings, return air tickets, and visa facilitation. Bhopal, Sep 10 : BJP MLA and Madhya Pradesh Assembly's former Pro Tem Speaker Ramashwar Sharma responded sharply on Tuesday to the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in the US about the BJP and the RSS. Speaking with IANS, Sharma criticised Gandhi, suggesting that he should demonstrate loyalty to India if he wishes to succeed in politics. He argued that criticising oneas own country while abroad is akin to airing dirty laundry in public. The BJP MLA stressed that the BJP and RSS view all Indian states as integral parts of the nation and treat them with respect. He emphasised that the BJPas primary commitment is to ensure India's unity, regardless of whether the party remains in power. He accused Congress of endangering national pride while asserting that the BJP never divides the country based on caste, language, religion, or region. Sharma also reflected on the sacrifices of Indian freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil, Khudi Ram Bose, Rani Lakshmi Bai, and Shivaji Maharaj, who fought and died to protect India. He noted that the countryas pride is upheld by citizens willing to defend its honour, including those stationed at the borders. He criticised Gandhi for allegedly flattering foreign governments, accusing him of praising China, Pakistan, and now the US, while failing to show sufficient respect for India. Citing Gandhias Italian heritage and his identity as Sonia Gandhias son, he argued that if Gandhi was involved in Indian politics, he should follow the example of his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and show unwavering loyalty to the nation. Sharma condemned Gandhias actions, claiming they attempted to destabilise the Indian government and foster separatism. He asserted that the BJP stands by the nation and its citizens, regardless of their religion or region, and will continue to do so. He criticised Gandhias mindset, accusing him of seeking to create division and unrest in India. New Delhi: To truly grasp the significance of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, one must understand the role of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is a manifestation of this bodhisattva, who has chosen to incarnate again and again to guide sentient beings toward enlightenment. This connection between the Dalai Lama and Avalokiteshvara is not a mere title bestowed by political authorities, but a spiritual role determined by aeons of karmic accumulation and the Dalai Lama's personal vow to serve the Tibetan people. As such, the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is a matter of spiritual continuity, one that transcends the material concerns of any temporal government. The Lotus Sutra, a key Mahayana scripture, emphasises that bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara, have complete autonomy in choosing how and when they will manifest. The process of finding the next Dalai Lama is rooted in this belief, and any attempts to impose secular regulations onto this sacred tradition violate the principles of both Tibetan Buddhism and broader Mahayana Buddhist teachings. Autonomy of religious practice One of the most central tenets of Buddhism is the autonomy of the spiritual path, which allows for personal and communal freedom to explore one's own karma, samsara (cycle of birth and rebirth), and ultimate liberation. The Chinese government's insistence that the Dalai Lama's reincarnation follows their laws contradicts this principle. The Vinaya Pitaka, a foundational text of Buddhist monastic law, highlights the importance of allowing monks and religious practitioners the freedom to maintain their spiritual practices without interference from the secular authorities. The Buddha himself cautioned against the interference of kings and rulers in spiritual matters. In the Cakkavatti-Sihanada Sutta (The Lion's Roar on the Turning of the Wheel), the Buddha warned rulers to refrain from imposing their will on the spiritual community, noting that such actions would result in harm both for the ruler and for society. When spiritual matters are subordinated to political ends, as China seeks to do with the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, both the integrity of the religion and the spiritual welfare of the people are compromised. Dalai Lama's position and role of compassion The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has made it clear that he may choose to end the line of reincarnation, especially if he believes that his succession could be manipulated for political gain. In numerous speeches and writings, the Dalai Lama has emphasised that reincarnation must serve the well-being of the world and Tibetan people and that any manipulation by external forces would undermine the core values of compassion and service that he upholds. The Kalama Sutta, often referred to as the Buddha's Charter of Free Inquiry, supports the Dalai Lama's stance. The Buddha, addressing a group of sceptics, encouraged them to rely on their own wisdom and to reject teachings or ideas that do not lead to the welfare of oneself and others. The Dalai Lama's decision to potentially end his lineage, or to reincarnate in a manner that cannot be controlled by the Chinese government, reflects this principle of prioritising the welfare of Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhism over the demands of a secular state. Golden Urn: A secular interference Beijing's assertion that the Golden Urn system should play a role in the Dalai Lama's reincarnation is a clear example of how political authorities have historically attempted to exert control over religious traditions. The Golden Urn was introduced by the Qing Dynasty in 1793 as a way to influence the selection of high-ranking Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. However, even at the time, many Tibetans rejected this process as illegitimate, relying instead on traditional spiritual methods to identify reincarnations. Interestingly Dalai Lama's institution was formed in 1405 (he took his getsul, vows) much before the introduction of the Golden Urn by the Chinese emperor as a tool of political intervention. Chinese authorities must read the history of Tibetan Buddhist Tulku reincarnation history and stop religious expansionist motives. The Dalai Lama himself has denounced the use of the Golden Urn, stating that it is a political tool, not a legitimate religious practice. The Mulamadhyamakakarika (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way) by Nagarjuna, a foundational philosopher in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasises that the ultimate nature of reality transcends worldly concerns and conventions. The use of the Golden Urn, which seeks to impose a secular authority over the deeply spiritual process of reincarnation, is a blatant violation of this principle. Sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism China's efforts to "sinicise" Tibetan Buddhism, by aligning it with socialist principles and placing it under state control, not only distort the core teachings of Buddhism but also threaten the survival of Tibetan culture and religion. The Buddhist teachings, as outlined in the Dhammapada, highlight the dangers of greed and power. The text states: "Victory breeds hatred. The defeated live in pain. Happily, the peaceful life, giving up victory and defeat." This verse serves as a reminder that attempts to dominate and controlwhether through military force or political manipulationlead only to suffering. The Chinese government's campaign to control Tibetan Buddhism through sinicisation violates this teaching by turning a sacred tradition into a tool for political power. One of these is the Chinese State Religious Affairs Bureau Order No 5, which states that a reincarnation application must be filed by the temple before recognising a Tulku. Before this, an order was issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 1991 which emphasised party control over religion. These contradictions of the peaceful, non-violent philosophy espoused by Tibetan Buddhism stand in stark contrast to the political strategies of domination and control being employed by the state. Defending the sacred integrity of reincarnation The Chinese government's attempt to control the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is a violation of the spiritual autonomy that is central to Tibetan Buddhism and the broader Buddhist tradition. Rooted in centuries of spiritual practice, the process of finding the next Dalai Lama is sacred and should remain free from political interference. The teachings of the Buddha, as found in key texts like the Kalama Sutta, the Lotus Sutra, and the Vinaya Pitaka, emphasise the importance of allowing religious practitioners the freedom to follow their spiritual paths without interference from secular authorities. Ultimately, the decision regarding the Dalai Lama's reincarnation should rest with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Buddhist community, guided by the principles of compassion, wisdom, and service that have defined the Dalai Lama's life and teachings. (Dr. Chandan Kumar is an Assistant Professor at Delhi University. He is an expert in Buddhist history and diplomacy, with a deep understanding of the religious and geopolitical intersections of Buddhism, contributing to both academic scholarship and policy discussions on Buddhism's global influence.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. C4IR Azerbaijan intends to finance the training of 200,000 people next year, Executive Director of C4IR Azerbaijan Fariz Jafarov said during a panel discussion on "Immersion of digital and meta-universe economies" at the "Chain Reaction" 2024 forum, Trend reports. Coursera is a significant component of our professional growth and retraining program. Over the past year, we supported 10,000 free online trainings. Our goal next year is to train 200,000 people through over 8,000 educational sessions, he said. Jafarov noted that big players like Google, Meta, and Amazon, along with top-notch universities like Stanford, Yale, and Michigan, will join forces to dish out the courses. These programs will be part of the formation of a digital talent pool for Azerbaijan, he added. Bhopal, Sep 10 : The Madhya Pradesh government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to celebrate Prime Minister Minister Narendra Modi's 74th birthday on September 17 with the launch of 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign. A proposal in this regard was approved by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday. According to sources, the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign will run from September 17 to October 2, the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. "The state-wide campaign would be known as 'Swachhata Hi Seva'. A presentation in this regard was given during the Cabinet meeting," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Under this campaign which will be run in social and religious places, government offices, schools, colleges, gram panchayats and urban bodies, the public will be made aware of the importance of cleanliness. Notably, September 17 also marks two years of 'Project Cheetah', India's ambitious attempt to introduce African cheetahs in the wild in the country where the species was officially declared extinct in 1952. On September 17, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs brought from Namibia into the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur district, marking the world's first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.. Project Cheetah is directly monitored by the National Tigers Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Under the translocation project, 20 cheetahs were brought to India in two batches -- eight from Namibia and 12 from South Africa. Now after two years, there are 12 cheetahs born on Indian soil. At present, there are 24 cheetahs at Kuno -- 12 adults and 12 cubs. Chennai, Sep 10 : The Legal Coordination Committee for Tamil Nadu Government Doctors (LCC) has come out against the claims made by the state health minister that a consensus has been arrived on the salary demands of the doctors. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the committee's President, Perumal Pillai, charged that Health Minister Ma Subramanian's statements on a consensus being arrived at regarding the salary demands of government doctors were misleading and would only deepen the existing discontent among them. The LCC leader said that unlike other states, Tamil Nadu has not adjusted doctors' salaries to match those of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. In the statement, the LCC urged the Health Minister to implement pay band four as per Government Order (G.O.) 354, which was issued in 2009 during the DMK's previous tenure. He said that this order mandates that state government doctors' salaries must be aligned with those of Central government doctors. In the statement, Perumal Pillai criticised the government for issuing GO 194 by the DMK government as "a divisive move" and said that this was not sought by the doctors. Perumal Pillai also stated that doctors had provided huge support to the state government during the COVID-19 pandemic and while the Karnataka government fulfilled its obligations in recognition of the medical staff's contribution, the Tamil Nadu government had failed to do the same. Perumal Pillai also stated that the Health Minister's purported statement of resolving the matter regarding the salary through several rounds of talks was not correct. IANS aal/rad New Delhi, Sep 10 : Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday defended Rahul Gandhi for the remarks he made during his interactions with the members of the Indian community in the US, saying the BJP is showing signs of nervousness because the Leader of Opposition has spoken plain truth. "The 'Modi bubble' has burst. His politics of fear has failed, and neither he nor his supporters are taken seriously anymore. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly highlighted the dangerous divisiveness promoted by the BJP and the RSS. His mission is to promote love, respect, and humility in public discourse, advocating for a diverse India where multiple ideas and identities coexist," Venugopal said on Tuesday. He added, "It is also doubly hypocritical for the BJP to complain about the statements made by Rahul Ji in the US, when the PM does not miss a single chance to repeat his hackneyed 'nothing happened in the 60 years before 2014' line - which is truly an insult to the collective efforts of multiple generations of Indians who made our country great." Venugopal also advised the BJP to approach criticism constructively rather than reacting with baseless outrage when confronted with uncomfortable truths. On Monday, Rahul Gandhi addressed the student community at the Georgetown University in Washington, where he discussed Congress' stance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visions. Rahul Gandhi emphasised that while he disagrees with PM Modi's perspective, he harbours no personal hatred towards him. "The politics in India has fundamentally changed. We don't share PM Modi's vision, and we challenge it," the Congress MP said. Rahul Gandhi also reflected on Congress' struggles, including frozen bank accounts, but highlighted their efforts to counter the Modi government. "I don't hate Mr. Modi. I disagree with his point of view, but I don't see him as an enemy. I approach him with empathy and compassion," he reiterated. The BJP has criticised Rahul Gandhi's comments as damaging to India's international reputation, with some party leaders even terming his remarks 'treasonous'. Beirut, Sep 10 : A Hezbollah member was killed, and two civilians were wounded on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate, killing Mohammed al-Shaer, a Hezbollah military official. The attack also damaged a nearby civilian car, injuring two people inside, according to the sources, Xinhua news agency reported. They added that a civil defence ambulance had transported the injured to a hospital in the Bekaa region of Lebanon. According to the sources, Israeli drones and warplanes carried out five raids on Tuesday dawn on three border towns and villages in Lebanon, destroying five homes and damaging about 12 others. The official Lebanese National News Agency said Israeli warplanes launched several raids after midnight on the city of Naqoura and its outskirts, the Hamoul Plain, and the Mountain of al-Labouneh. It added that Israel carried out an airstrike on the village of Aita al-Shaab, damaging property and infrastructure, especially electricity and water networks. "The enemy also fired flares at night over the border villages adjacent to the Blue Line. The surveillance and drone flights continued throughout the night and into the morning over the city of Naqoura and the villages of Yarine, Aita al-Shaab, Bayt Lif, and Rmeish and the municipality of al-Jibbain," it said. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas's attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward Lebanon. New Delhi, Sep 10 : The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, on Tuesday recommended the appointment of three judicial officers as Madras High Court Judges. The recommendation for the appointment of judicial officers R. Poornima, M. Jothiraman, and Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete as HC judges was made on April 23 this year by the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues. Poornima, who is known for her integrity, joined the judicial service as a district judge in 2011 and served in various capacities, said the SC Collegium, adding that "the inputs provided by the Department of Justice in the file indicate that the candidate enjoys a good personal and professional image and that nothing adverse has come to notice against her integrity". Jothiraman, who is presently working as Registrar General of the Madras High Court, joined the Judicial Service as a district judge in February 2011. The SC Collegium said that the consultee-colleague has found the candidate suitable for appointment as he is an honest, upright and balanced judge. Dr Clete, who joined the judicial service as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) in 1995, was promoted to a district judge in 2013. "Her elevation would enhance the representation of minorities on the Bench of the Madras High Court. Our consultee-colleague is of the opinion that the candidate has sufficient experience and knowledge and she is suitable to be elevated as a Judge of the High Court," noted the SC Collegium. The SC Collegium stated that it found the three judicial officers "suitable for appointment", bearing in mind the views of the consultee-judge, conversant with the affairs of the Madras High Court, the report of the Judgment Assessment Committee and the assessment made by the Centre in the file. "We have also taken note of the fact that the above proposal involves non-recommendation of some senior judicial officers. Cogent reasons have been recorded by the Collegium of the High Court for not recommending their names. We are, therefore, in agreement with the High Court Collegium for overlooking them," it added. "The Collegium resolves to recommend that (i) Ms R Poornima, (ii) Shri M Jothiraman, and (iii) Dr (Smt) Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete, Judicial Officers, be appointed as Judges of the Madras High Court," read the statement uploaded on the website of the apex court. The Supreme Court Collegium on Tuesday had also recommended that five additional judges of the Madras High Court be appointed as permanent judges. Pune : , Sep 10 (IANS) As the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections loom closer, another third-generation scion of the formidable Sharad Pawar clan gets ready to flex political muscles in the family fortress of Baramati. The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar is likely to field his grandnephew Yugendra Pawar from Baramati where he may be pitted against his uncle, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, or his younger son Jay Ajit Pawar on his political debut. Indicating another Pawar-versus-Pawar battle in the offing, and with the blessings of Sharad Pawar, NCP(SP) Working President Supriya Sule plus other kin, Yugendra kick-started his 'Swabhiman Yatra' from the Maruti Temple in his native Kanheri in Baramati. In a gap of barely six months, Baramati could be torn in a tussle between two Pawars Yugendra from the NCP(SP) side and Ajit Pawar or son Jay from the NCP banner after the 'bhabhi-nanad' war in the Lok Sabha polls. The 'nanad' Supriya Sule convincingly vanquished Ajit Pawar's wife and her Bhabhi, Sunetra, and breezed into the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive time. Interestingly, in the LS polls, Yugendra and his father Shrinivas Pawar had not only slammed Ajit Pawar for breaking the undivided NCP founded by Sharad Pawar 25 years ago, but also campaigned vigorously for Supriya Sule. Not only was the NCP divided in July 2023, even the close-knit Pawar clan members were at odds against each other, and the ordinary folks in Baramati had a tough time choosing between the daughter (Supriya) and the daughter-in-law (Sunetra) in the hotly-contested LS polls. In a brief media interaction, Yugendra - who completed his higher studies from the US - said that during the Swabhiman Yatra, he would travel to many villages, go house to house and interact with the people, understand their grievances and issues. "I have started the Swabhiman Yatra after seeking the blessings of Sharad Pawar Saheb and Supriya-tai. Pawar Saheb has always advised us to remain close to the people and I am doing just that," said Yugendra. To a query, he nodded his head and spontaneously said that he would also seek the blessings of his uncle Ajit Pawar for his upcoming political journey, as he embarked on a tour of many of the 200 villages in Baramati, that would take around a fortnight. Yugendra also recalled how Sharad Pawar Saheb had taught them to refrain from making any personal attacks in politics, to always keep family and politics separate, and this political legacy continued from the times of Yeshwantrao Chavan. However, on Ajit Pawar's recent strong statements, Yugendra diplomatically brushed aside queries saying "he is my uncle, and I would not like to make any comments." Yugendra, reputed to be a good organiser with a cool demeanour like his grand-uncle, is popular as 'Yug' among his friends and family. He studied in Mumbai and Pune, and then graduated in finance and insurance from Northeastern University, Boston. He is connected with the Vidya Pratisthan, the chain of educational institutions founded by Sharad Pawar, heads the Baramati Taluka Kustigir Parishad and works as a CEO in one of the companies in the Sharayu Group, headed by his dad. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Mumbai, Sep 10 : A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Mumbai, the state BJP on Tuesday announced the constitution a Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state to be headed by former Union Minister Raosaheb Danve. Mumbai, Sep 10 (IANS) A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shahas visit to Mumbai, the state BJP on Tuesday announced the constitution a Management Committee for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state to be headed by former Union Minister Raosaheb Danve. Assembly elections in Maharashtra are likely to be held in the second half of November, which the ruling MahaYuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP will contest together to take on the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP). The BJPas move comes at a time when the party has already launched a plan to reach out to over 99,000 booths across the state to step up its connect with the voters by promoting a slew of welfare and development schemes launched by the MahaYuti government. Danve told reporters that the committee consists of three co-convenors, heads of committees at various levels, along with special invitees and ex-officio members. According to Danve, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde, Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar, former Union Minister Narayan Rane, former state Minister Ganesh Naik, and former Union MoS Hansraj Ahir have been appointed special invitees in the election management committee. BJP office-bearers Randhir Savarkar, Vikrant Patil, Madhavi Naik, Vijay Chaudhary, and Sanjay Kenekar have been named ex-officio members. "Party workers are charged up with a resolve to strive for the formation of the MahaYuti government once again in the state," Danve said. "The poll management committee has been formed with an objective to further strengthen the booth-level organisation. Conventions are being held at the state, district and taluka levels to plan for the Assembly elections. Committees have been formed at various levels under the Assembly Election Management Committee. "State President of the Scheduled Caste Morcha Dilip Kamble, General Secretary of the Morcha Ashok Nete, and party legislator Shrikanth Bharatiya have been appointed as co-convenors of the committee," Danve informed. Danve also announced the heads of several panels that will work in close coordination with the election management committee. Accordingly, state Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar will head the manifesto committee; Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil will head the social liaising committee; BJP MLA Pankaja Munde will be in charge of the committee for outreach to women; Vijaya Rahatkar will head the committee for outreach to farmers; Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan will lead the committee for outreach to beneficiaries of various government schemes; while Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil will be in charge of the committee for outreach to youth. BJP leader in the Legislative Council, Pravin Darekar, will head the committee for outreach to the cooperative sector; the committee for media will be headed by BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar; Union MoS Muralidhar Mohol will head the committee for outreach to urban and rural local bodies; while the committee for outreach to SCs will be led by former legislator Bhai Girkar, among others. Danve also said that Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan has been appointed the campaign coordinator for the MahaYuti. Meanwhile, former MP Kirit Somaiya in a letter to state BJP chief Bawankule has expressed regret and inability to work as a member of the election management committee. "I thank Maharashtra BJP President for appointing me as a member of the campaign committee. I express my regret and inability to do the same. I have written to the state BJP chief that for the last five-and-a-half years, I have been working as an ordinary member of the BJP. I would continue to do the same as an ordinary member, and not join the campaign committee," Somaiya said. Moscow, Sep 10 : Russian President Vladimir Putin will again not attend this year's high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly as the US is not a suitable host and "does not fulfil its obligations", it was announced on Tuesday. Moscow, Sep 10 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin will again not attend this yearas high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly as the US is not a suitable host and "does not fulfil its obligations", it was announced on Tuesday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian leader has no plans to go to New York for the event. "He hasnat gone there in recent years. The US is a country that doesnat fulfil its obligations as a host country of the UN headquarters in the best way. So, itas probably not the best place to travel right now," he said, RT reported. The last time the Russian President personally addressed a UN General Assembly session was in 2015, while in 2020 he delivered a pre-recorded speech at the event. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is slated to attend the UN General Assembly session, which opens on Tuesday and will end on September 30. It will culminate with a week of high-level events between September 23 and 27, which will feature attendance by numerous world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Ukraineas Vladimir Zelensky is also expected to attend and deliver a speech on September 25. After the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the US imposed sanctions on numerous top Russian officials, including President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov. However, under the 1947 Headquarters Agreement between the US and the UN, Washington is obliged to grant diplomats and representatives of member states immunity and unimpeded access to UN headquarters. Russian officials have on numerous occasions accused the US of failing in its UN obligations, pointing to long delays in issuing visas to Russian diplomatic personnel. In April 2023, the US also declined to grant entry to Russian journalists accompanying Lavrov to UN headquarters, with officials in Washington accusing them of spreading "propaganda". Lavrov had denounced the decision, claiming that the US "had done something stupid" and showed "what its sworn assurances about protecting freedom of speech, access to information, and so on are really worth". New Delhi, Sep 10 : Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Tuesday took a swipe at Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's repeated reference to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his speeches while on a trip to the U.S., saying theta this gives enough hints of him developing a 'soft corner and liking' towards the Hindutva outfit. Pramod Krishnam, speaking to IANS, said that the Congress MP should follow in the footsteps of former President Pranab Mukherjee and pay a visit to RSS headquarters. "This would not only open his mental faculties but would also help in understanding the organisation and also its wide array of humanitarian works that it undertakes from time to time," said Krishnam. Former Congress veteran Pramod Krishnam's criticism of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) came over the latter's tirade on the Sangh. Rahul, addressing a gathering of several Indian Americans in Herndon, a Virginian suburb of Washington DC, said that RSS has a 'habit' of looking down upon one state over the other and also discriminating among languages. Highlighting the party's fight against the injustices, Rahul said: "RSS is saying that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages. Certain religions are inferior to other religions. Certain communities are inferior to other communities. This is what the fight is about...that is the ideology of the RSS." Pramod Krishnam also reprimanded Rahul Gandhi over running down his own country and for disparaging remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while being on foreign soil. "Rahul has every right to criticise the Prime Minister in the country. But, rebuking him in a foreign land amounts to insulting and denigrating the chair. He must understand that when he slams a country's Prime Minister on foreign soil, he is casting aspersions on the whole country, he is showing the 140 crore population in a bad light," Krishnam said. He also demanded that the Congress MP apologise for speaking ill about the country and elected representative while being in a foreign land. Bhubaneswar, Sept 10 : Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Tuesday informed the state Legislative Assembly that at least 55 tigers and 41 elephants have died during the last ten years in the state. Answering a question asked by BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Singh Khuntia said that 48 leopards and seven Royal Bengal tigers have died in the state during the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24. The minister further stated that poachers have killed 23 wild cats including two tigers and 21 leopards during the above period in the state. Similarly, four leopards died of electrocution while five leopards were killed in road and rail accidents between 2014-15 and 2023-24. He also informed the house that six big cats died due to other mishaps such as drowning, infighting or falling off from hills. As many as five leopards died of different diseases while four leopards and one tiger died of natural causes during the above period in Odisha. The reason for the deaths of seven big cats during the above can't be ascertained. Singhkhuntia in his reply also informed that no tiger census was carried out in the state during the year 2000. The pugmark census done in 2002 found the presence of 173 royal Bengal tigers in the jungles of Odisha. However, the Union government adopted the Camera Trap Technique for the first time in 2006 for an all-India tiger estimation which tracked 45 tigers in Odisha. "This estimation was done through the Camera Trap Technique which is completely different from the pugmark census done earlier so the results of both the techniques cannot be compared," the minister informed. He also said that All Odisha Tiger Estimation, 2024 found 27 tigers in the state which includes 24 tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve, one each in Keonjhar, Paralakhemundi and Hirakud wildlife divisions in Odisha. Besides, eight tiger cubs were tracked during the tiger estimation in Odisha in 2024. Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district was found to house 27 of the adults (14 female and 13 males) and all of the cubs, the report released February 26, 2024, revealed. One adult male each was sighted in the Hirakud Wildlife Division, Paralakhemundi Territorial Forest Division and Greater Similipal tiger landscape, the analysis showed. The minister while answering another question also informed the house that as many as 41 elephants were killed by poachers in the state during the period from 2013-14 to 2023-24. The minister also said that 719 jumbos died for various other reasons including electrocution, accidents etc. in the state during the above period. As many as 1145 persons were killed following attacks by the elephants across the state between 2013-14 and 2023-24. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 10. KazMunayGas (KMG, the national oil and gas company) and SOVICO Group (a leading investment group in Vietnam) have discussed projects for the production of sustainable aviation fuel, KMG told Trend. Discussions on this topic took place between the Chairman of the Board of KMG Askhat Khassenov and the Chairman of the Board of the Vietnamese company Nguyen Thanh Hung. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to create special groups between KazMunayGas and SOVICO Group for a more detailed study of the issues discussed. In August last year, during the official visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Vietnam, a memorandum of understanding was signed between KMG and SOVICO. The document opened the door to cooperation in the fields of geological exploration, aviation fuel supplies, and other areas. According to the concept of low-carbon development at Samruk-Kazyna (Sovereign Wealth Fund), the share of SAF consumption by the airline will gradually increase: 5 percent by 2040, 15 percent by 2050, and 25 percent by 2060. In addition to this, KazMunayGas' three large oil refineries are ready to produce Jet A-1 aviation fuel, which will allow it to be blended with SAF in the future. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has a backup plan to speed up the transition to new fuel. Previously, Kazakh Air Astana Airlines and PetroChina International Kazakhstan (engaged in wholesale supplies of petroleum products) signed a Memorandum of Strategic Partnership. As part of the document, the parties intend to cooperate on the supply of jet fuel as well as work on creating infrastructure and transitioning to Jet A-1. Washington, Sep 10 : The first, and possibly the only, debate between US Vice-President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival in the 2024 White House race, former President Donald Trump, takes place in Philadelphia in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday night. It starts at 9 a.m. US Eastern time (6.30 a.m. IST). The debate will run live for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. Although ABC News is hosting the debate, it will be simulcast on most other channels in the US such as CNN, Fox News, CBS, MSNBC, NBC and C-Span, the free live TV station. They have their own special programming scheduled for before and after the debate. ABC News' 'World News Tonight' anchor and Managing Editor David Muir and ABC News Live "Prime" anchor Linsey Davis will moderate the debate. The rules will be the same as in the June debate between President Joe Biden and former President Trump. There will be no live audience to cheer or boo the debaters. There will be only Harris and Trump, the debaters, and Muir and Davis, the moderators. One key rule that the Harris camp tried hard to was the muting of the microphone of the candidate after they were through with the allotted speaking time. Harrisas camp wanted the microphones to be left on for the entire duration of the debate because Trump has a tendency to interrupt and talk over the other person as he did famously in the first debate with Biden in 2020. Trump stood his ground and, the muting rule stayed. The candidates will not make opening statements. Each of them will get two minutes to respond to questions from the moderators, two minutes for rebuttals, and one minute for follow-on responses. Each of them will be given a pen and notepad and bottled water and they cannot interact with aides during commercial breaks. In a coin flip held virtually on September 3, Trump won and chose to offer his closing argument last - both will get two minutes each for their final statements - and Harris selected the right podium position on the screen, otherwise called stage left. The candidates will enter the stage from the sides after the introductions by the moderators, who will seek to enforce the rules including those about the time. The candidates will not be permitted to ask questions of each other. And they will be allowed to bring props of written notes. Kohima, Sep 10 : The Nagaland government has convened the all-important consultative meeting to deliberate the long pending Naga political issue here on September 12, officials said on Tuesday. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio would preside over the important meeting, called by the stateas Home Department. A senior official of the Home Department said that both the Deputy Chief Ministers -- T.R Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton, state Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, the Deputy Speaker, all the Ministers, members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from Nagaland, all MLAs, all the state Advisors, Chief Secretary, along with other senior officials of the state government would be present in the meeting. The official said that the meeting - to be held at the state banquet hall - Chief Ministeras residential complex in Kohima, more than 45 NGOs, civil society organisations, including influential Eastern Nagaland Peoplesa Organisation, Konyak Union, Lotha Hoho, Naga Mothersas Association, Eastern Nagaland women organisation, various Gazetted Officersa Association, Naga Studentsa Federation, Gaon Bura (village head) Federation and All Nagaland College Students Union will participate. According to the official, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland government last week decided to hold consultative meetings with apex and influential tribal bodies and civil society organisations on taking forward the Naga Political Issue. The decision was taken during a PAC meeting held in Kohima in the presence of the Chief Minister and the two MPs of the state. The Nagaland government constituted the PAC on the Naga Political Issue in November last year to facilitate an early solution to the long-pending issue. The PAC members include MLAs of eight prominent political parties, including the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), BJP, Nationalist Congress Party, Janata Dal (United) National Peopleas Party and the Congress Lok Sabha Member from the state, S. Supongmeren Jamir. In a significant political development, Jamir, who is also the state Congress chief, wrested Nagaland's sole Lok Sabha seat from the ruling NDPP, defeating its candidate Chumben Murry in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Union government signed the vital Framework Agreement with the dominant Naga outfit, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), in 2015 and also signed the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups in 2017. More than 90 rounds of meetings were held between the government and the Naga groups over the decades-old unresolved Naga political issue. The NSCN-IM has remained unyielding on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas as well as integration of Naga-inhabited areas spread over four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, besides Myanmar. --IANS sc/dan Hyderabad, Sep 10 : Kondareddypalli is set to become the first fully solar-powered village in Telangana. The state government has started the official process to promote the village in Nagarkurnool district as a model for 100 per cent solar-powered habitations in the state. On the direction of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, a team of officials on Tuesday began a door-to-door survey in the village. Southern Telangana Power Distribution Company Chairman & Managing Director of Musharraf Farooqui, Nagarkurnool District Collector B. Santhosh, Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TGREDCO) Vice Chairperson and Managing Anila, Company Director (Commercial) K Ramulu, along with other department heads toured the village. The team interacted with the locals mainly farmers and public representatives. The official team briefed local people about the pilot project to promote the village as a fully solar-powered panchayat. A total of 1,451 electricity consumers are registered in the village. They comprise 499 domestic electricity consumers, 66 commercial, and 867 agricultural consumers. As part of the implementation of the pilot project, the government launched a house-to-house survey. Based on the survey report, the government will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and finalise the installed solar power capacity in the village. Last year, TGREDCO had selected Mukhra (K) village in Adilabad district for a pilot project, under which every house was to have a subsidised solar power plant. The gram panchayat had also purchased two solar panels and integrated them with the State grid. The panels generate 6 kilowatts (KW) of power which is more than sufficient for street lamps. The solar energy also powers the water plant, school, Anganwadi centre and the village panchayat building. The gram panchayat is saving Rs 10,000 every month. Mukhra (K) also bagged the national-level Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh award in 2023. Hyderabad, Sep 10 : The Telangana High Court on Tuesday made it clear that Ganesh idols made of only clay and eco-friendly material may be immersed in the Hussain Sagar Lake. The court directed authorities to implement its order issued in 2021, banning the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in the lake. It reiterated that PoP idols should be immersed only in artificial ponds set up by the municipal authorities. The High Court direction came while hearing the petition of Venu Madhav, who claimed that the government committed contempt by not implementing the Court orders for three years. The petitioner had also brought to the notice of the court that the authorities were deploying heavy cranes at Hussain Sagar for immersion. He also argued that heavy cranes pose a danger to Tank Bund. The court, however, found fault with the petitioner for filing a contempt petition against the government in the eleventh hour. The division bench headed by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe directed that guidelines issued in 2021 should be implemented. As per the guidelines, PoP idols should not be immersed in natural water bodies. Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have put up flex banners at Hussain Sagar declaring that idol immersion is not allowed on Tank Bund as per orders of the Telangana High Court. The authorities are also erecting barricades to implement the court orders. Ganesh festivities began on September 7 and they will culminate with a massive immersion procession on September 17. Thousands of idols from various parts of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and the outskirts are immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. Lakhs of people attend the annual procession. Meanwhile, reacting to police and GHMC banners, BJP MLA Raja Singh said this had created confusion and fear among devotees. He said this issue had also come up in the past. He demanded the Chief Minister and GHMC Commissioner to clarify if not in Hussain Sagar, where should the idols be immersed. The MLA said that since Hussain Sagar was already polluted due to sewage and chemical effluents, the argument that immersion of idols pollutes the water is baseless. He claimed that the government and GHMC get profit from the material used for making idols as the same are retrieved from the lake a day or two after the immersion. Kolkata, Sep 10 : Henceforth, no one in the West Bengal Cabinet other than Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will give reactions on the twin issues of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, and the protests over the incident by junior doctors in the state. As per sources, Chief Minister Banerjee has given strict instructions to her Cabinet colleagues on this count during a meeting at the state secretariat Nabanna on Tuesday which was chaired by her. Also, the party spokespersons have been asked to refrain from making any comment on the issue till further instructions from the Chief Minister, the sources added. At the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Banerjee also stressed that the task of setting up five additional fast-track POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) courts will have to be completed at the earliest. The sources also said that the Chief Minister has directed her Cabinet colleagues take more responsibilities of their respective ministries and departments. It is learnt that amid the continuing protests by the junior doctors against the ghastly rape and murder of the trainee doctor, Chief Minister Banerjee has decided to convene a meeting of all the principals and medical superintendent-cum- vice principals (MSVPs) of the state-run medical college and hospitals on September 12. The sources said all the district magistrates, police superintendents, police commiserate heads, and chief medical officers of different districts have been asked to be present at the meeting. The meeting will discuss the security measures that will have to be put in place in the state's medical colleges immediately to prevent R.G Kar-like incidents from occurring in the future, the sources said. Meanwhile, protesting representatives of the medical fraternity, including senior and junior doctors, medical students and members of the nursing community continued their sit-in demonstration outside the Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake near here, which is the headquarters of the state Health Department. The protesting doctors said their sit-in will continue unless their main demands are met, which include suspension of the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and the Director of Medical Education. On Monday, the Supreme Court had said that doctors in West Bengal protesting against the R.G. Kar rape-murder must resume their duties by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, failing which the state government will be authorised to initiate disciplinary action against them. However, unnerved by the Supreme Court ultimatum, hours later the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon. Ramallah, Sep 10 : Israeli authorities on Tuesday reopened a major crossing between the West Bank and Jordan in both directions after two days of closure, according to Palestinian sources. Israel reopened the Allenby Bridge crossing, known to the Palestinians as Karama Bridge, east of Jericho, in both directions, Director of the Karama Border Crossing police, Mustafa Dawabsheh, told Xinhua news agency. Dawabsheh added that the crossing will be open to travelers only, noting that it will remain closed to commercial trucks. Israeli state-owned Kan TV news confirmed that the crossing has been reopened to travelers only, while remaining closed to cargo traffic. Israel shut down the crossing following a shooting attack that killed three Israelis on Sunday near the crossing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that a driver approached the Allenby Bridge from the Jordanian side in a truck, exited his vehicle, and opened fire on Israeli security guards, leaving three dead at the scene. The attacker was shot dead by Israeli forces. Jordan's Interior Ministry said on Sunday that initial investigations showed the shooter was a Jordanian national and the incident was an individual act. The shooting occurred amid frequent Israeli raids in the West Bank and an 11-month war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Ankara, Sep 10 : After several years of mass flamingo chick deaths caused by climate change-induced drought and water misuse in central Turkey's Lake Tuz, conservation efforts have improved conditions for the country's largest flamingo population, local activists and scientists said. As the second largest lake in Turkey and an important stopover for migratory birds, Lake Tuz, or Salt Lake in Turkish, is also a destination for tourists and bird watchers from both Turkey and abroad. "There is improvement in the region for the birds," said Fahri Tunc, an activist and local wildlife photographer, noting the number of live flamingo chicks has increased over the past two years, with around 4,500 chicks surviving this year. Tunc, also the president of the Bird's Eye View of Nature and Ecology Association, explained that in some parts of the lake, drought continues to affect nesting activities. But thanks to conservation efforts, other areas had offered good nesting grounds for the chicks. "The chicks have grown and will soon depart for warmer lands," he said, though he lamented that the lake is overall still reeling from severe drought, partly due to nearby farmers diverting water resources to their fields and digging wells for water-intensive crops. Over the past two years, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has been conducting the Lake Tuz protection studies project for endangered species, Xinhua news agency reported. Ahmet Karatas, a scholar from Turkey's Nigde Omer Halisdemir University who coordinates the project, said conservation efforts for the nestlings have proven successful in the lake. "Our region is one of the driest places in TArkiye... Thanks to some measures and the ministry's efforts, water was brought into the area," the scholar told the semi-official Anadolu Agency, noting that the conservation project pumps water to nesting areas through a four-km solar-powered pipeline, which is crucial for providing water to nestlings during the hot and dry months of the summer. In late August, Environment Minister Murat Kurum shared images of the region on social media, saying, "We are taking care of Anatolia's most sensitive guests" through the project, which has successfully prevented the mass deaths of flamingo nestlings because of dehydration. Moscow, Sep 10 : Russia on Tuesday launched "Okean-2024 (Ocean-2024), its biggest naval drill in recent times, set to be held simultaneously in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas, President Vladimir Putin announced, as he called for the country to be ready for any scenario amid "growing geopolitical tensions". The aim of the drills is to assess the combat readiness of the Russian Navy and the Air Force, as well as to check their interoperability, he said as he joined the opening of the exercise via video link. The manoeuvres, involving more than 400 battleships and submarines as well as auxiliary vessels, some 120 aircraft and over 90,000 personnel, will include complex operations involving high-precision weapons launch simulations, Putin said at a meeting that was attended by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, RT reported The drills would employ the experience the Russian troops had gained during the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kiev, he said China is also taking part in the Russian drills, with four vessels and 15 aircraft of the People's Liberation Army joining the exercise, Russian Navy chief, Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev, said. Representatives from 15 other nations were also invited to the drills as observers, according to Putin. Moscow plans to "pay special attention to strengthening military cooperation with friendly nations", he said, noting that this gains "particular importance against the background of the growing geopolitical tensions". Claiming the US is "trying to maintain its global military and political dominance at any cost", Putin said it is using Ukraine in a bid to inflict a strategic defeat upon Moscow, but with its "satellites", has also built up a military presence in Europe, the Arctic and the Pacific under the pretext of "containing" Russia and China. He noted that the US and its allies openly speak about their plans to deploy short and medium-range missiles to the islands in the Western Pacific and some nations located in the region. "The US seeks to get a sizable military advantage through its aggressive actions and thus break the existing security architecture and the balance of power," he said, warning such actions "provoke the arms race." "Russia must be ready for any potential scenario," the President said, adding that the armed forces should provide reliable security to both Russia's sovereignty and its national interests. New Delhi, Sep 10 : Why did Rahul Gandhi say what he did during his ongoing sojourn to the US? It is not a million-dollar question nor even worth a guessing game because the answer is clear - it is about the power game. New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Why did Rahul Gandhi say what he did during his ongoing sojourn to the US? It is not a million-dollar question nor even worth a guessing game because the answer is clear it is about the power game. His interaction with the students and the faculty of Georgetown University in Washington DC and a day earlier with the members of the Indian community in Virginia, can be taken as case studies as to how Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are working in a planned manner to rake up caste, community, religion, region, state and ethnicity differences. In Virginia, Rahul Gandhi asked a person his name and said that the fight was about whether he, as a Sikh, was going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and be able to visit a Gurdwara. Then, while pointing to the crowd, he said people from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala were there and what if a Tamilian was not allowed to speak his language how would he feel. In one stroke he tried to stir religion and regional feelings by suggesting to the US audience that religious and linguistic minorities in India are facing discrimination. "This is your history, your language, your tradition. Your entire imagination is in these words," the Congress leader said in a sophisticated manner. He said that it is a fight about all religions, regions and ethnicities. In Washington DC, Rahul Gandhi made a strong pitch for the caste census. He said that the caste census was now an "unstoppable idea" and the critical question of whether 90 per cent of our population was meaningfully represented in India's institutional structure -- economy, government, education -- demanded an answer. When a student asked him whether there were other better ways to strengthen institutions at the grassroots level than caste-based reservation, the Congress leader presented her with numbers of the participation of various castes in the governance. He said: "... there are 78 bureaucrats who run the government... secretaries to the GoI ... they make financial decisions .. if you add up Dalits, OBCs, and tribals they come to 73 per cent... Out of 78 people, there is one tribal...there are three Dalits, three OBCs and a minority ... 90 per cent of India has less than one per cent...We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place and India is not a fair place ... that way it is a problem..." Rahul Gandhi's aggressive posture on caste politics, however, contrasts his party's stance on the sensitive topic since Independence. In fact, his party and his political dynasty had always stayed away from caste rhetoric. In 1951, PM Jawaharlal Nehru had opposed the caste census. Nehru had written on June 27, 1961, "I dislike any kind of reservation, more particularly in service. I react strongly against anything which leads to inefficiency and second-rate standards". This was mentioned by FM Sitharaman while replying to the discussion on the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament. Indira Gandhi put the report of the Mandal Commission, which was ordered by the Janata Party government in 1977, in cold storage even though it was submitted in 1980. The same year, she coined a slogan to counter caste-based parties -- "Na jaat par na paat par, mohar lagegi haath par (Vote for Congress and not on caste and community lines)". Rajiv Gandhi also ignored the Mandal Commission report. When the then Central government implemented it, the Late PM had termed it as an attempt to divide the country on caste lines. During his speech in the Lok Sabha on September 6, 1990, Rajiv Gandhi said, "The Prime Minister (V.P. Singh) does not have the guts to stand up and say whether he believes in a casteless society or does not believe in a casteless society. It is very sad. Sir, Raja Sahib is putting the caste into our society, once again. He is ensuring that caste does not go out by this action and by sticking to his guns on this issue of caste." The late PM had insisted on a casteless society. "Our goal today must be a casteless society. Let us be clear about that" But, almost 34 years later, his son Rahul Gandhi is invoking caste, religion and ethnicity differences to find the formula to break the BJP and come back to power. Congress has been out of power for the past 10 years and has faced decimation in several states. But, being in the INDIA bloc has benefitted the party greatly and this was seen in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when it won 99 seats. Rahul Gandhi and his team after several hits and trials have zeroed on the caste-religion politics, which they believe is the only way to break the BJP's spell and beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And this is going to go more aggressive now. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 10. Kia car plant in the Kostanay region of Kazakhstan will be launched in October 2025, said General Director of the enterprise Kim Dae-Ki, Trend reports. He made the remark during a visit by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the plant, the construction of which began in October 2023. "The first test vehicle is expected to roll off the assembly line in July next year. The plant will be launched in October 2025, and at the initial stage, the car company plans to produce the Sorento model. The updated Sportage model will be produced from January 2026," he said. Tokayev was also informed that the plant's design capacity is approximately 70,000 cars per year. The plant will create 1,500 permanent jobs. It is planned to use technological solutions that ensure high efficiency and environmental friendliness of production. It will be a modern, automated enterprise equipped with 70 robots on the welding, painting, and assembly lines of cars. The cost of the project is $200 million, of which about 80 percent is direct foreign investment. Noteworthy that, during the visit, Tokayev was also presented with a project to create a cluster of components next to the new plant. Construction of the Localization Center has already begun. Kia is pulling out all the stops to bring in global suppliers of components and spare parts for cars. Hyderabad, Sep 10 : Telangana has been awarded for its outstanding contribution to the development of the Cyber Crime Analysis Module under the Samanvaya Platform for fighting cyber crimes. This prestigious award, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the 1st Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre on Tuesday in New Delhi. Shikha Goel, Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau and Devender Singh, SP, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau received the award on behalf of the state. The recognition by the Union government highlights Telanganaas key role in advances in cybercrime analysis by integrating data, establishing crime links and identifying criminal networks to enhance law enforcement coordination across the country, according to an official release. This recognition emphasises the stateas contributions to modernising cybercrime detection and prevention. The award also honours the efforts of the Cyber Security Bureau, led by Shikha Goel and supported by Devender Singh, SP and their team, for developing the Cyber Crime Analysis Module and elevating the Samanvaya Platform as a critical tool. Director General of Police Dr Jitender has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shikha Goel and Devender Singh and the entire team. Meanwhile, Cybercrime Police in Hyderabad have refunded Rs. 1.09 crore to the victims in two cases. The victims were cheated by the cyber fraudsters on the pretext of investment in trading and promising substantial profits. A 52-year-old private employee had complained that the cyber fraudsters cheated him on the pretext of trading in an institutional account, promising substantial profits, and made him transfer Rs. 1,22,26,205 to the bank accounts provided by the accused. In the second case, the victim was cheated on the pretext of investment in Goldman Sachs Securities and was made to transfer Rs. 32.10 lakh to the bank accounts provided by the accused. The investigating officers had taken up the matter with the banks to freeze the amount. On the court orders, Rs. 1,09,10,000 was refunded to the victims. Kochi, Sep 10 : Hours after the Kerala High Court's special division bench on Tuesday pulled up the Pinarayi Vijayan government for its attitude towards women in the wake of the Justice Hema Committee report recommendations, the Congress and the BJP also slammed it for sitting silent on the report and not taking any action. The special bench of Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C.S. Sudha, set up by Acting Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque last week to hear matters related to the Hema Committee report, was unsparing of the government in its first-ever sitting. "Why was the state government inactive till now even though it got the report in 2019?" Justice Nambiar asked. Reacting to the court's criticisms, Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan said all that they have been saying right from August 19 has now been said by the High Court. "The report that was idling with the Vijayan government clearly mentions how women and minors were exploited and this government did nothing and this is a criminal act. Moreover, the SIT formed is only probing the revelations made by people after the report came out, when what they should have actually done was to have probed the findings in the Hema Committee and that was what we said and was reiterated by the High Court too. This clearly shows the flawed attitude of the Vijayan government," the Congress leader said. State BJP President K.Surendran said the Vijayan government should apologise to the women in Kerala for its inaction on the Hema Committee report. "The High Court statement is a slap on the face of Vijayan. No previous Kerala government would have ever taken such a negative approach to the women in our state by siding with the accused. Right from the time the report was published, the Vijayan government was playing hide and seek and now everyone has understood the attitude of the Vijayan government towards women," he said. The Justice K Hema Committee was set up by the Kerala government in 2017 and the report was submitted to the state government in 2019 but it was after a long-drawn legal battle the report was finally released on August 19, leading to numerous former actresses opening up with allegations of sexual harassment by several prominent industry figures. Based on the complaints, the Kerala Police have so far registered FIRs against 11 people, including 10 from the film industry. Those who are in the dock include actor-turned-CPI-M legislator Mukesh Madhavan, Nivin Pauly, Siddique, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, Maniyanpilla Raju, directors Ranjith and Prakash, and production executives Vichu and Noble. Mukesh, Ranjith, and Raju have, by now, secured relief from the court. Jaipur, Sep 10 : An official of the Rajasthan government said on Tuesday that several South Korean firms have expressed their interest in exploring opportunities in Rajasthan. He said that this includes several leading South Korean firms including Samsung Healthcare, LX International, Orion Corporation, Hyosung Corporation as well as Korean Stone Association. The official informed that Samsung Healthcare expressed its interest in collaborating with Rajasthan's Medical and Health Department to provide AI-based new healthcare devices, while Orion Corporation, which has an existing manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, discussed its growth plans for the state. He said that LX International, another South Korean firm, showed interest in mining opportunities in the state for limestone (steel grade), silica, gypsum, lignite, rare earth minerals and renewable energy etc. He added that another leading South Korean firm Hyosung Corporation was keen on exploring ways to localise carbon fibre production in India. "Cooperation between the Korean Stone Association and the Centre for Development of Stones, a Rajasthan government entity, are also being explored," he said. The official added a delegation from the Korean Stone Association is set to visit Rajasthan in October and they were also invited to India Stone Mart 2026, which will be held in Jaipur in February 2026. A delegation led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is on a two-day visit to South Korea to explore investment opportunities for the state. On Tuesday, the delegation also partook in a roundtable interaction with the representatives of the Korean Stone Association, in which technological cooperation, purchasing/distribution, and export of the stones produced in Rajasthan were discussed. The delegation also toured the Seoul Technical High School to explore the collaboration between South Korea and Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation on imparting skill training to the youth of Rajasthan. During the visit to the school, Chief Minister Sharma witnessed the remarkable initiatives fostering student innovation and creativity, advanced technical centres at the school, interacted with students, and experienced the highly advanced AI tech being taught in the classrooms. "The focus on imparting skill development is key to providing employment to the youth. The knowledge gained by practical implementation of the skills and vocational training makes the youth more dynamic and hands-on in addition to the theoretical understanding. I welcome this esteemed institution to visit Rajasthan and set up an institution in the state," the Chief Minister said. Jaipur, Sep 10 : An official of the Rajasthan government said on Tuesday that several South Korean firms have expressed their interest in exploring opportunities in Rajasthan. He said that this includes several leading South Korean firms including Samsung Healthcare, LX International, Orion Corporation, Hyosung Corporation as well as Korean Stone Association. The official informed that Samsung Healthcare expressed its interest in collaborating with Rajasthan's Medical and Health Department to provide AI-based new healthcare devices, while Orion Corporation, which has an existing manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, discussed its growth plans for the state. He said that LX International, another South Korean firm, showed interest in mining opportunities in the state for limestone (steel grade), silica, gypsum, lignite, rare earth minerals and renewable energy etc. He added that another leading South Korean firm Hyosung Corporation was keen on exploring ways to localise carbon fibre production in India. "Cooperation between the Korean Stone Association and the Centre for Development of Stones, a Rajasthan government entity, are also being explored," he said. The official added a delegation from the Korean Stone Association is set to visit Rajasthan in October and they were also invited to India Stone Mart 2026, which will be held in Jaipur in February 2026. A delegation led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is on a two-day visit to South Korea to explore investment opportunities ahead of the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024, which will be held in Jaipur in December. On Tuesday, the delegation also partook in a roundtable interaction with the representatives of the Korean Stone Association, in which technological cooperation, purchasing/distribution, and export of the stones produced in Rajasthan were discussed. The delegation also toured the Seoul Technical High School to explore the collaboration between South Korea and Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation on imparting skill training to the youth of Rajasthan. During the visit to the school, Chief Minister Sharma witnessed the remarkable initiatives fostering student innovation and creativity, advanced technical centres at the school, interacted with students, and experienced the highly advanced AI tech being taught in the classrooms. "The focus on imparting skill development is key to providing employment to the youth. The knowledge gained by practical implementation of the skills and vocational training makes the youth more dynamic and hands-on in addition to the theoretical understanding. I welcome this esteemed institution to visit Rajasthan and set up an institution in the state," the Chief Minister said. Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10 : Amid the controversy over Kerala Police's ADGP, Law and Order, M.R. Ajith Kumar's meetings with RSS leaders, questions are being raised if Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is shielding the official even when a section of his CPI-M and the ruling LDF's second biggest constituent CPI is determined to see his ouster and subsequent action against him. This issue is going to be taken up by the CPI at the Left Democratic Front meeting on Wednesday, while another ally, the Kerala Congress-Mani is also upset about the way things are transpiring. But on Tuesday at a party meeting, Vijayan slammed a section of the media for "propagating falsehoods" of the never-existing RSS-CPI-M tie-up. "Those who know of things are aware of the number of lives of the CPI-M cadres which RSS activists took. When these are all known, I fail to understand why baseless canards are being put out. These things are being said when all of you know who was the person who said they will give protection to RSS offices in the state, he said, in an indirect attack on state Congress President and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran). Those who are crying for the blood of Ajith Kumar also include Left-supported Independent legislator P.V. Anvar, who accused the top police officials of engaging in undesirable activities which included tapping of telephones of politicians, supporting gold smuggling and other activities. He also likened him to fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim. But what sent the whole issue snowballing into a major controversy was when Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan revealed that Ajith Kumar had met RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale in Thrissue in May last year and termed him an "interlocutor between the RSS and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan". As this became the talking point, there came the further revelation that Ajith Kumar, along with a Chennai-based businessman, met another top RSS leader Ram Madhav at a hotel in Kovalam here. Soon The Congress was out in the streets demanding the suspension of Ajith Kumar and soon came statements from a few CPI-M leaders like newly-appointed Left convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan and also CPI-M politburo member A.Vijayaraghavan who expressed hope that Vijayan will do what was required. State CPI Secretary Binoy Viswam on Tuesday continued his tirade against Ajith Kumar over his meetings with RSS leaders, a day after his party's national Secretary D. Raja went hammer and tongs against the police official and categorically reiterated that they wish to know why these meetings took place. Washington, Sep 10 : US Vice President Kamala Harris will on Wednesday (6.30 a.m. IST) face the most significant 90 minutes of her political career when she debates her Republican rival in the 2024 race to White House, former President Donald Trump. Millions of Americans will tune into the ABC News debate to hear from her and see her as they weigh her sudden elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket around 50 days ago, when President Joe Biden dropped out after a dismal performance in the first presidential debate of the 2024 cycle against the same Republican nominee who will stand at an adjacent podium in a studio debate in Philadelphia. Harris remains a relatively unknown figure in US politics despite her vice-presidency, which is in its fourth year, and two prior years as a member of the US Senate. She has a chance to define herself in the debate, or be defined by Trump, who is a veteran of presidential debates, this one being his seventh, including three against Hillary Clinton in 2016, two against Biden in 2020, and one in 2024. On the other hand, this will be Harris' first presidential debate. Trump will try to use the debate to end a particularly rough few weeks after Biden's exit on July 21. Harris has wiped out the massive lead Trump had over Biden in polls and has consistently outraised him having galvanised the Democratic party, which had no enthusiasm for Biden, and independent voters yearning for a change from the two old men in the fray until then. Biden is 81 while Trump is 78. Harris and Trump are tied with the former President holding a slim edge in the most recent poll published on Sunday by The New York Times. But it's Harris who is either in the lead or tied with the former President in seven battleground states. The June debate between Biden and Harris was watched by 30 million Americans. Even if the same number of people tune into the upcoming debate, both Harris and Trump will have the audience they need to buttress their claims to the country's top political job and portray the other person as not qualified for it. Harris is known to be a combative debater and had shaken up the Democratic primaries by condemning fellow candidate for the nomination in 2019, Biden, for working with segregationists in the Senate and for opposing aspects of mandatory busing for school desegregation. And in the vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence, she had scored a viral-video moment telling Pence, "Mr Vice-President, I am speaking." Trump has said Harris was "vicious" and "horrible" with Pence and that put down may be playing on his mind. Trump is also a combative debater and can get rough. His advisers would like to see him focus on the three key issues where Republicans have an advantage -- the economy, immigration, and global chaos. But they will not hold their breath about when Trump decides to go off the issues and launch personal attacks, which is unlikely to endear him with the independent voters. Trump is likely to face questions on abortion as he has sought to thread the needle on a sensitive issue. While his MAGA base is stridently opposed to abortion, independent voters, whose support he will need to win the elections, and some Republicans favour exceptions of varying degrees. He has tried to support exceptions for rape and incest and mother's help, saying he wants the issue to be settled by the states. Harris has her own set of issues on which she has evolved. Fracking, for instance. She had once supported banning fracking. But she doesn't any more. The difference between then and now is Pennsylvania, a battleground state crucial to win the White House race. Support for fracking is very high in this state -- it supported 121,000 jobs, and guaranteed billions in royalties for 200,000 landowners whose land was used for extracting natural gas through fracking. Harris will be watched closely also because she has not made many unscripted public appearances. She has not done a single press conference and sat down for only one media interview in which she shared the limelight, and the responsibility, with her running mate Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota. Trump, on the other hand, has done several press conferences and does an interview almost every day. New Delhi, Sep 10 : As the country geared up to organise the three-day 'Semicon India 2024' conference, top CEOs of semiconductor companies on Tuesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying he has inspired not just India but the entire world. Top CEOs and representatives of various organisations met PM Modi at his official residence in the national capital, including SEMI, Micron, NXP, PSMC, IMEC, Renesas, TEPL, Tokyo Electron Ltd, Tower, Synopsys, Cadence, Rapidus, Jacobs, JSR, Infineon, Advantest, Teradyne, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Merck, CG Power, and Kaynes Technology. Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI said that PM Modi's leadership is exceptional, has no parallel and has inspired not just India but the entire world. According to Kurt Sievers, CEO of NXP Semiconductors, he is yet to meet a political leader with such deep expertise in the semiconductor industry as PM Modi. Bob Pragada, CEO of American international technical professional services firm. Jacobs said what PM Modi is doing to elevate India on the global scale "is not only what India needs but what the world needs". Luc Van Den Hove, CEO of Imec, the global centre for cooperative R&D in the semiconductor industry, said he is very impressed with the leadership shown by PM Modi "which shows a very strong commitment and dedication to make India a powerhouse in the area of semiconductor technology". PM Modi chaired the Semiconductor Executives' Roundtable at his residence on the eve of the three-day 'Semicon India 2024' event, stressing that the semiconductor is the basis of the Digital Age and the day is not far when the semiconductor industry will be the bedrock for even our basic necessities. The Prime Minister emphasised that democracy and technology together can ensure the welfare of humanity and India is moving ahead on this path recognising its global responsibility in the semiconductor sector. PM Modi underscored that India has the capability to become a trusted partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain. With the focus on 'Make In India' and 'Make for the World' initiatives, the Prime Minister said the government will continue to support the industry at every step. Bengaluru, Sep 10 : Fifteen Congress leaders wrote to the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday seeking gag orders on the Karnataka Congress leaders indulging in issuing statements on the change of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "More than six leaders including senior ministers are issuing statements claiming the post of Chief Minister instead of fighting against BJP and JD-S. Many of our leaders and workers are getting demoralised and losing hope in government and the party," said a letter signed by former minister B.L. Shankar, the Chairman of Guarantee Implementation Committee H.M. Revanna, KPCC General Secretary C.S. Dwarakanath and others. "Similarly, the people of Karnataka are slowly losing their hopes in our party and the government because of infighting and reckless statements of our leaders. The state government's administration has been hampered to a great extent," the statement maintained. "Therefore, we humbly appeal to your esteemed office to take note of the statements issued by the said leaders and warn them and also direct them not to issue such damaging statements in future in the interest of Congress party and the State of Karnataka," the leaders stated. The letter further stated that the people of Karnataka have been very happy and supporting the party to a great extent. The BJP and JD-S have taken it very seriously and want to destabilise our elected government in Karnataka. "All of a sudden they have taken up the issue of MUDA against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Even though there is no role of Siddaramaiah. They have managed to get sanction from the Governor of Karnataka under Section 17 (A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act." "In this background, the BJP and JD-S party leaders jointly have been vehemently demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from his post." A copy of the letter has also been sent to AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. Imphal, Sep 10 : Amid escalating violence and students' protests in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to provide two battalions of CRPF (around 2,000 personnel) to deal with the prevailing situation in the strife-torn northeastern state, officials said on Tuesday night. A senior police officer said that the two battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will come to Manipur from Telangana and Jharkhand and will deployed in the tribal-dominated areas of the state, including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. According to the police, Manipur already has over 60,000 personnel from the Army, Assam Rifles, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including CRPF and the Border Security Force (BSF). Sources said that two Assam Rifles battalions were withdrawn from Manipur for operational duties in Jammu and Kashmir and some other parts of the northeast. On Monday, thousands of tribals belonging to the Kuki-Zo community came out on the streets in Kangpokpi district protesting the reported removal of the two Assam Rifles battalions from Kangpokpi and Churachandpur. A Manipur police officer told the media on Tuesday that the investigation into the bombings using drones would be handed over to the central investigating agencies, adding that the police are collecting various pieces of evidence in connection with the case. "We have already recovered the bomb fragments which have been sent to the forensic lab for testing to find out the chemicals used in them," he said. The Manipur Police also appealed to the students to protest peacefully and democratically, warning them about the false information being spread on social media. "Some vested interest groups are instigating violence on social media. We are closely monitoring the social media posts and action would be taken as per law. False, concocted and pre-planned messages and fake videos posted on social media creates panic and confusion, leading to deteriorating law and order situation," the officer said. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (Operations), I.K. Muivah, has strongly denied a retired security official's reported comments that "there is no Manipur Police but only Meitei Police or Kuki Police". Briefing the media, Muivah said, "It was an immature statement by the retired security official. Manipur Police comprises people from different communities, including Nagas, Meiteis, Manipuri Muslims, and non-Manipuris. There are also Christians, Muslims, and Hindus in the force." Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Tuesday suspended mobile internet services in five districts and closed educational institutions till September 12 in view of the students' protests triggered by escalating violence in different districts of the state. Defying the curfew, over a thousand students staged protests in Imphal for the second day on Tuesday even as security forces lobbed teargas shells and fired in the air to disperse them. A Manipur Police statement said that in the follow-up action during the students' protests, several people including police personnel sustained minor injuries and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. A Raj Bhavan statement said that representatives of students met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday evening and submitted a memorandum. The student leaders urged the Governor for taking up appropriate steps for fulfilling their demands, which included restoring peace and normalcy, curbing militant activities, and protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur. "While giving a patient hearing to the students, the Governor said they are the future of our nation. He assured them of taking steps in the best interest of the students and the people of Manipur," the statement said. Earlier on Tuesday, the authorities reimposed curfew in three districts -- Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal -- apprehending fresh trouble in the capital city and its adjoining areas. Recently, Manipur BJP legislator Rajkumar Imo Singh, who is the son-in-law of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, said in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the presence of around 60,000 central forces personnel in Manipur is not yielding peace, thus it's better to remove such forces who are mostly present as "mute spectators". New Delhi, Sep 11 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday released its third list of candidates, comprising 11 names, for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The candidates named in the list are Col Rajendra Rawat for Hathin assembly seat, Mahender Dahiya (Jhajjar), Rajesh Saroha (Rai), Amar Singh (Nilokheri), Satish Yadav (Rewari), Bheem Singh Rathi (Radaur), Amit Kumar (Israna), Manjeet Farmana (Kharkhauda), Pravin Guskhani (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), Naresh Bagri (Kalanaur), and Suneel Rao for Ateli. Earlier in the day, the AAP also released its second list, which named nine candidates. On Monday, it released the first list of 20 candidates. The announcement follows the failure of the seat-sharing talks between AAP and Congress. Previously, both parties had come up together for the Lok Sabha polls in Haryana but contested separately in neighbouring Punjab. Amid reports of disagreements over seat-sharing between the two parties, Haryana AAP chief Sushil Gupta on Tuesday said the party would contest all 90 seats in the state. Punjab Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka said that it is not the alliance that has broken, "rather it is the arrogance of AAP leaders which has been shattered". "We do not need any alliance. When one expects more than what one deserves, this will be the result. In fact, the alliance is not broken; their arrogance is. There is no top leadership in AAP. Raghav Chadha says one thing, Sanjay Singh says something else. Their party leaders lack coordination. I believe thatas why they make different statements. It is their arrogance that has been shattered. I do not think AAP has any vote bank in Haryana," said Verka, who represented the Amritsar West Assembly constituency twice between 2012 and 2022. The last date for filing nomination papers is September 12. Voting for the 90-member Legislative Assembly will be held on October 5 and counting will be taken up on October 8. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 10. A series of agreements were signed in Kyrgyzstan following the International Economic Forum "Issyk-Kul 2024," Trend reports. Business representatives from Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Uzbekistan, and several other countries participated in the forum. Discussions focused on cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture, industry, healthcare, education, hospitality, architecture and construction (engineering), information technology, logistics, and international transportation. The following documents were signed as a result of the forum: -Memorandum of cooperation between the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Kyrgyzstan in the Chuy region and Zhongji Kaiyuan Industrial Development (Xinjiang) Co. Ltd., concerning investment and the construction of an integrated foreign customs warehouse. -Memorandum of merger between Baidoujia Shijiangzhuang and China Asia Automobile Service Co. -Memorandum of cooperation between the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan and Huahe International, aimed at finding an investor for the construction of the Kazarman hydropower plant. -Memorandum of cooperation between Vorontsovka Lux LLC and the Shandong Province Medical Innovation Platform. -Memorandum of cooperation between the government of Linyi city and the Tokmak city mayors office. -Memorandum of cooperation on the construction of a building materials manufacturing plant between BNBM Building Materials Central Asia LLC and Imperial Stroy Trade LLC. -Memorandum of cooperation between the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan and Nanjing Huajin Bureau Asset Management Co. "Kyrgyzstan places special emphasis on attracting investments as a key factor for sustainable economic growth and development. Attracting international and private investments is considered a priority task, as it contributes to infrastructure modernization, the development of strategically important sectors, the creation of new jobs, and the improvement of the population's quality of life. To achieve these goals, the country's leadership is actively working on creating a favorable investment climate by implementing necessary reforms and legislative initiatives," said Talantbek Imanov, Director of the National Investment Agency under the President of Kyrgyzstan, at the opening of the forum. London, Sep 11 : Around 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales are set to be released early, as part of a government scheme to reduce overcrowding in prisons. This is in addition to the around 1,000 prisoners normally released each week. According to official figures from last week, the prison population in England and Wales surpassed 88,500, reaching a record high while leaving only about 1,000 free spaces in prisons. The early release policy is one of the short-term measures in the government's plans to ease pressure on prison capacity, especially following the recent riots in the wake of the Southport stabbing in July, which had further strained prison resources, Xinhua news agency reported. Those being released early are prisoners serving sentences of less than five years. They are now eligible for release on license after serving 40 per cent of their sentence, down from 50 per cent under the previous law. Although the policy does not apply to those serving sentences for certain sexual, violent, domestic abuse, terrorism and national security offences, it has raised some worries. Baroness Newlove, the victims' commissioner for England and Wales, said that the situation is "distressing for many victims who rightfully expect offenders will serve the sentence handed down by the court." "I am concerned about the impact of these early releases on victims' confidence in our justice system," he said, adding that some victims have been left "unaware" of their offender's early release. Despite the government's pledge to exclude certain domestic abusers from the scheme, some victims have been notified of their abusers' release. "I worry that it might not be possible for every victim to be notified of their abuser's release and I fear they may be left blindsided, without the time to seek vital support and guidance," the Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said, adding that there is "no justice" in allowing such offenders to be released early. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said this was "the only option left on the table" as the alternative would have been to "allow the prison system to collapse and therefore to allow law and order in this country to collapse." She blamed the last government, saying they "dodged difficult decisions and left our prisons in crisis." According to the government's short-term measures to quickly free up prison spaces, around 5,500 offenders will be released in two tranches over two months, with the second batch scheduled for release on October 22. The government has also planned to accelerate the building of new prisons. However, even with new prisons being built, the Institute for Government has projected there could be a shortfall of 8,000 prison places by 2028. Washington, Sep 11 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday emphasised that there is a need for India and the US to cooperate now to present to the world an alternative to China's "non-democratic production vision". Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence in the bipartisan support the India-US relationship enjoys in both countries and said he sees "continuity" in the Congress government's approach to India-US ties and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's. "I don't see ourselves changing direction very much from what he's doing". By the same token, he said he does not think Vice-President Kamala Harris' approach to the relationship is any different from her Republican rival for the White House former President Donald Trump's. The Leader of the Opposition, who is on a three-day US visit, held a wide-ranging discussion at Washington DC's National Press Club. His trip started on Sunday in Dallas, Texas. Earlier on Tuesday, the Congress leader met a group of US lawmakers at Capitol Hill that included Indian American members of the House of Representatives Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar, firebrand progressive Congresswoman Ilhan Umar and senior Congressman Brad Sherman. Asked about the state of India-US relations at the press club event, Rahul Gandhi said there were two aspects to it. Defence cooperation is one, and he expressed satisfaction with the status. "But then the second is what I touched on just now, which is (that) China has placed in front of us a vision for production and prosperity in a non-democratic environment," he said. "What is our response? Are we simply going to just sit there and say, okay, China can be the producer of the world and we're not going to do anything? Or do we have a response? What is our response to the Belt and Road, right?" China's Belt and Road Initiative traps needy countries by funding developments through extremely predatory funding mechanisms that compromise their independence and sovereignty. He added: "I don't see one. So to me, that's really where US and India cooperation needs to go. How can we provide a democratic vision of production, of manufacturing that actually works to the rest of the world? And I think both countries bring different things to the table, and I think there's a huge opportunity there." The Congress leader also took questions on domestic politics and pushed back strongly against one about how he would like to see the US put pressure on Prime Minister Modi. He said, "The fight for democracy in India is an Indian fight. With all due respect, it (has) nothing to do with anybody else. It's our problem, and we'll take care of it." Stuart Applebaum will end his distinguished 52-year career in publishing at the end of September, when he will retire as EVP emeritus of corporate communications at Penguin Random House and parent company Bertelsmann's longest-tenured employee. The announcement was made in a letter to PRH employees by Nihar Malaviya, PRH CEO, and Claire von Schilling, EVP and director of communications and social responsibility for the publisher. Known to virtually everyone in the book business, Applebaum began as a publicist at Knopf before joining Bantam Books in 1975, where he soon played a major role in developing the mass market blockbuster movie tie-in to Jaws. Seven years later, Applebaum helped shift Bantam from its focus on mass market paperbacks into a major hardcover publisher when he joined Bantam executives Alberto Vitale and Jack Romanos to convince Lee Iacocca, then something of a pop culture star as chairman of Chrysler, to write his memoir. The blockbuster success of Iacocca led to more memoirs and hardcover bestsellers at Bantam. In their letter, Malaviya and von Schilling credited Applebaum with developing media campaigns that increased the sales and readership for books by such high profile people as Maya Angelou, former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, Barbara Cartland, Nora Ephron, Frederick Forsyth, Jonathan Kellerman, Jerzy Kosinski, Judith Krantz, Robert Ludlum, Tom Robbins, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., and Gore Vidal. As successful as Applebaum was as a publicist savant, in 1986 he was named the official spokesperson for the recently merged Bantam Doubleday Dell and became if not the first communication directors of a publishing company then one of the first. In that position, he oversaw the media and public outreach when BDD, owned by Bertelsmann, bought Random House in 1998, and played a similar role when Random House merged with Penguin Random House in 2012. Applebaum was appointed to his current position in 2014, where he continued to help guide PRH's corporate communications efforts. "It has been reassuring, especially when we have a high-stakes issue, to know that Stuart can advise us and help solve it," Malaviya and von Schilling wrote. "But his contributions to our community go beyond communications. He also has been an incredible mentor to countless individuals over the years, including former assistants of his who went on to be publicity executives across the industry." Applebaum has also been quietly active in philanthropic circles. Through the Stuart S. Applebaum Giving Foundation, he has made donations to arts, book, health, Judaic, and library organizations. In his own letter to colleagues announcing his departure, Applebaum recalled some of the incidents throughout his career in communications of a sort that will sound familiar to publicists today. "I still remember tangling, solo, on the phone, with Roy Cohn over the provenance of the Iacocca acquisition. (He abruptly stopped calling)," he wrote. "Losing my beloved author Shirley MacLaines luggage on her book tour in the Cleveland airport (the airline eventually found it). Standing by haplessly as General Schwarzkopf got splattered with fake red blood by a protestor at his Seattle Costco memoirs signing (we beefed up security). My 50-year Passion Project: Riding the river with Kathy, Beau, Angelique, and Louis LAmour, for decades best known somewhat dismissively as a writer of popular paperback westerns, as he gradually became acknowledged as one of Americas most widely read #1 bestselling hardcover novelists, and whose death, in 1988, made page one of the New York Times." Applebaum added, with typical generosity, "But my enjoyment from the challenge of publicizing our books, and speaking up for our company, doesnt fully explain why I have stuck around here for more than a half-century. Simply put, its because of you, my dear colleagues. Working with you every day not only gives me structure and routine. It motivates me to accomplish more better, as I try to rise to your level of excellence and achievement." As early as 1997, PW, in its 125th anniversary issue, deemed Applebaum the "king of his profession." Applebaum's ties to PW run deep; his interest in publishing began, he has told a number of PW staffers, when he started reading the magazine as a teenager at the Queens Library, and sources say he "has never missed an issue since." PW joins those congratulating Stuart for an unmatched publishing career and good health in the coming years. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 10. The Japanese company MurooSystems Corporation will invest up to $100 million in projects to build small hydroelectric power plants and a solar power plant in Kyrgyzstan, the statement of Kyrgyzstan's Energy Ministry said, Trend reports. According to the ministry, during the working trip of Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev to Japan, an investment agreement was signed between the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan and MurooSystems Corporation on the implementation of the project for the construction of two small hydropower plants on the Chon-Kemin River with a total capacity of 2425 MW. The memorandum was also signed on the implementation of an investment project for the construction of a photovoltaic solar plant with a capacity of up to 100 MW in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan. The purpose of the memorandum is the intention of the investor to build a solar photovoltaic station with a capacity of up to 100 MW at its own expense or with the attraction of credit financing. The Japanese company plans to invest up to $100 million in these projects. Furthermore, Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev together with representatives of MurooSystems Corporation visited a small HPP in Japan, where he familiarized himself with the technology of concrete dam construction, materials used, and construction methods. One of the purposes of Minister Ibrayev's trip was to plan the construction of a concrete dam for the Kambarata-1 HPP. Over the past month, Ukraine has boasted of seizing approximately 500 square miles of the Russian Kursk region, marking the first time that Ukraine has directly attacked and seized Russian territory since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. However it is unclear how this offensive will create favorable conditions for a negotiated settlement. President Zelensky explained that the cross-border incursion into Kursk is step one of a four stage plan for peace. He continued by explaining that the second direction is [securing] Ukraines strategic place in the security infrastructure of the world [the] third direction is the powerful package of forcing Russia to end the war in a diplomatic way, and the fourth direction is economical. Ukrainian leadership seems to forget that the enemy always gets a say, even at the negotiating table. The second pillar outlined by Zelensky appears to be an allusion to Ukraines long-stated objective of joining NATO. Realistically, it's unclear how this would result in peace between Russia and Ukraine, when Russian leadership has repeatedly called admitting Ukraine into NATO a red line. As for the other two pillars, it's unclear how they will be implemented because neither the Ukrainian government nor the Biden administration has publicly outlined a strategic end state for the war and terms that would actually result in peace. While President Biden has argued that the United States will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, that is not a specific strategy, nor is it a clear indication of what winning looks like. Without a clear strategic framework, the flow of strategy from operations to tactics is murky at best. To make matters worse, directly attacking Russia stretches Ukrainian resources and manpower thin. While Ukraine recently received a $60 billion cash infusion from the United States, its unclear if another will come anytime soon. Reports have also surfaced that some Ukrainian men on the front lines are poorly trained and refuse to fire their weapons at their enemy. Although Ukraine recently lowered the age of conscription, young men have gone into hiding to avoid the draft. If fighting age men do not want to fight in the war, how will the Ukrainian government restore the morale that is necessary to drive its continuation? On the other hand, Russia seems to have an untapped reserve of eligible men to continue the fighting. General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of U.S. European Command explained during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the Russian army has grown by 15 percent since the invasion of Ukraine, and that the Russian army has grown far faster than initial estimates. Its clear that Ukraine risks losing the initiative like it did in 2022. In 2022, Ukraine achieved a string of victories against Russia. This would have been the time to come to the negotiating table and sue for peace. Drunk on the victories of 2022, some neo-conservatives mistakenly called for regime change in Russia while Ukrainian and American leadership continued to push for more war. No one clearly articulated what winning looks like. Then, the war evolved into one of attrition, a grinding conflict with no end in sight. Now that Ukraine has seized Russian territory, American leaders should not indulge in talk of regime change, or similar arguments that are symptomatic of victorys disease, a phenomenon that occurs when one side becomes arrogant or complacent after a string of victories. Although some have openly advocated for regime change in light of Ukraines recent victories, regime change could directly threaten negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. To put it bluntly, why would Russian President Vladimir Putin come to the negotiating table if he knew that Americans wanted his head? If the goal of diplomatic negotiations is peace, its also unclear how regime change would achieve that goal. Its unwise to think that the next guy in line will be any more sympathetic to Ukraine or the United States, and removing Putin from the equation could actually serve to radicalize Russias next leader. When discussing regime change, people also like to pass over the fact that Russia has nuclear weapons. Would Putin use his arsenal of nuclear weapons if his power is credibly threatened? Pursuing regime change isnt the only symptom of victorys disease. More commonly, a leader will press forward without a clear strategic end state, or continue to change the terms of victory. Unfortunately, Ukraine runs the risk of falling victim to victorys disease simply because its not clear what feasible strategic end state they would like to achieve. Although Ukraine has launched a daring offensive into Kursk, there is no reason to assume that this will make Moscow more willing to negotiate an end to the war. We should all hope that the fighting will end and that negotiations for peace will take place soon. Unfortunately, without a clear and realistic strategy, hope may be all that we have. Demri Scott Greggo is a Contributing Fellow at Defense Priorities. Instagram / Jonathon Johnson By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/10/2024 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Press Release September 10, 2024 CHIZ CALLS ON INCOMING BI CHIEF TO EXPEDITE REIMBURSEMENT OF OFFLOADED PASSENGERS Senate President Chiz Escudero is serving notice to the incoming Immigration Commissioner to rush the reimbursement of the expenses incurred by thousands of passengers who missed their flights due to unnecessary delays brought about by the pre-departure procedures of the Bureau of Immigration (BI). "'Ber' months na, pero ni isang kusing wala pa ring nabayaran sa kahit isang paseherong naperwisyo," Escudero said. "Ang bilis mag-offload, ang bagal naman mag-download ng reimbursement," said Escudero, who previously raised this issue during the hearing on the BI's spending plan for 2024. It was Escudero who introduced a special provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act that mandated the reimbursement of passengers who were left behind by their flights after being subjected to lengthy interrogation by immigration personnel for one reason or another. The funds will be drawn from the unutilized collections of the BI that are returned to the Bureau of Treasury. Despite the "clear instructions" of the GAA, the Senate President said the agencies involved in its implementation are seemingly dragging their feet on this matter. "Hanggang ngayon wala pang guidelines," said Escudero, quoting Department of Justice officials who responded to his query on the implementation of the special provision during a recent hearing on the 2025 budget plan of the agency. He said this delay "will surely hound the BI" if non-payment remains unresolved by the time the Senate starts its plenary debates on the 2025 national budget in November. "In the guise of fighting human trafficking, many have been unfairly and arbitrarily denied their right to travel, their fate at the hands of 'gods' at the airport gate," Escudero said. In 2022 alone, 32,404 Filipino passengers were not allowed to proceed with their flights. Out of the total, only 472 were found to be victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment. "The almost 32,000 offloaded passengers could fill 177 narrow-body Airbus jets. Sa dinami-dami ng pinerwisyo niyo dahil sa hinalang biktima sila ng human trafficking, kakarampot lang ang lumalabas na totoong may kaso. There's something wrong with this picture," Escudero said. Many of the passengers who were unable to board their flights ended up incurring additional expenses for rebooking their flights, hotel reservations and food. "I have personally heard of the plight of OFWs returning to their legal jobs abroad with little money left in their pockets--with some becoming instant refugees in their own land because some of their countrymen deemed them unfit for travel," he said. He said this kind of profiling, which requires a "job interview-kind of questioning and presentation of credentials" has no place in our immigration system. Escudero said BI should consider the fact that travelers have already been vetted by their destination countries when they apply for visas to enter their respective jurisdictions. "Hayaan nating 'yung bansang kanilang pupuntahan ang tumingin at magtanong: Meron ka bang pambayad sa hotel? May insurance ka ba? Dahil bago sila inisyuhan ng visa hiningi na lahat 'yan ng mga embassies," Escudero said. He said the country cannot have two immigration regimes "where moneyed fugitives escaping the law are escorted to waiting private jets and yachts, while ordinary folks have to go through the wringer on the mere suspicion of being unfit for travel." Escudero said the Senate remains supportive of the BI especially on how to strengthen the country's borders and upgrade facilities that will bolster security while improving the overall traveler experience. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 10. It has been advised that Tajik citizens temporarily abstain from traveling to Russia, Tajikistan's embassy in Russia told Trend. The agency pointed out that the recommendation is subject to the ongoing enforcement in Russia of the strict scrutiny of foreign citizens entering the country at road and air checkpoints. Noteworthy that, on September 5, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry also advised similarly. To note, Russia is tightening its migration policy. A bill was introduced to the Russian State Duma on July 31 to ban migrant workers from medical, pharmaceutical, and school and pre-school jobs. Legislation was needed to prevent low-skilled migrants working in Russia from bringing their families. Electric two-wheeler (e2W) maker Ather Energy has submitted preliminary papers to the Securities and Exchange Board of India to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). Photograph: Kind courtesy Atherenergy.com According to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), the IPO will comprise a fresh issue of equity shares valued at Rs 3,100 crore, alongside an offer for sale of 22 million equity shares by its promoters and investor shareholders. Ather plans to use the funds raised from the IPO to establish an e2W factory in Maharashtra. The 3.0 factory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) will be built on a 95-year leased property, with a total production capacity of 1 million e2Ws annually upon the completion of both phases. The first phase, funded via IPO proceeds, is expected to be completed by March 2027, with a capacity of 500,000 e2Ws. However, the company notes potential delays, cost overruns, and disruptions due to factors such as weak market demand, labour issues, technological changes, and regulatory hurdles. Ather also mentioned the need to comply with numerous government approvals, as failure to meet deadlines or regulatory requirements could result in fines, penalties, or the loss of the lease. Part of the IPO proceeds will also be allocated to research and development, marketing initiatives, infrastructure, production activities, and other general corporate purposes. The firm s loss widened for at least the second consecutive year in 2023-24 (FY24), reaching Rs 1,060 crore, up from Rs 864 crore the previous year, according to the DRHP. Ather is the second e2W company seeking to go public after Ola Electric Mobility floated its Rs 6,145 crore IPO in August. Ola Electric was valued at $4 billion, while Ather Energy has been valued at $2.5 billion, according to a Reuters report. Ola Electric's shares jumped 20 per cent on their trading debut, hitting the upper circuit. Ola, the largest e2W seller in India by unit numbers, accounted for 35 per cent of total e2W registrations in FY24. It is seen as having a head start over its competition if the market shifts towards electric vehicles, which are considered the future of mobility. According to RedSeer, e2W penetration in India is expected to expand from 5.4 per cent of domestic two-wheeler (2W) registrations in FY24 to 41-56 per cent of domestic 2W sales volume by 2027-28 (FY28). The Indian e2W industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11 per cent, reaching a size of $35 billion (Rs 2.8 trillion) to $45 billion (Rs 3.6 trillion) by FY28, according to the consultancy firm. While Ather is preparing for its public debut, it has also highlighted potential cybersecurity risks associated with its e2Ws and internal networks. In its DRHP, Ather acknowledged the possibility of unauthorised access to its systems, which could lead to major consequences. Although the company claims to have implemented robust security measures and has not experienced substantial cybersecurity breaches in the past, it cautioned that future attempts by hackers could target its networks, e2Ws, and data systems. Despite having cybersecurity insurance, Ather stressed that the coverage might not be comprehensive enough to protect against all potential losses. Ola's DRHP also emphasised the company's reliance on various insurance policies to cover risks such as cybersecurity, terrorism, fire, accidents, and business interruptions. While Ola maintains insurance that it believes is typical for its industry and covers a sizeable percentage of its assets (ranging from 89.73 per cent to 98.26 per cent in recent years), the company acknowledges that the coverage may not be adequate for all potential losses or liabilities. The policies contain exclusions and limitations, and some risks are either uninsurable or not covered on commercially acceptable terms. 'Don't be surprised if the Census forms come with a caste box.' 'I will be surprised if it doesn't. It will be a point conceded to Rahul Gandhi and his allies,' asserts Shekhar Gupta. IMAGE: People cling onto a crowded train as it leaves Ghaziabad railway station. Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational reasons. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters The 'C' word that has just popped up in our national headlines refers to what should have been routine -- the Census. As we know, however, these haven't been particularly routine times in our political history. In the past decade, many old rules have been reinvented, some buried, and many put in cold storage. One of those was the decennial Census. The news that the Narendra Modi government is finally making preparations for the long-delayed decennial Census of 2021 leads us to examine a larger reality, represented by three more Cs. If this government is Modi 3.0, we could call this its 3C trap. The first indication of its significance is that the Census is finally being planned. The three Cs are, of course, caste, coalition and the Constitution. For a decade, the Modi machine could take all three in its stride. The caste-based parties in the Hindi heartland had been decimated and Modi's rise was held out as the Bharatiya Janata Party's commitment to backward and lower castes. The BJP fielded a large number of Other Backward Class candidates, gave us an OBC prime minister, a Dalit President, and then one from a tribal community. The Congress had never given Indian non-elites such wide and powerful representation, all in one decade. The Modi-era BJP had the caste and the underclass issues safely locked in its electoral closet. That Modi era no longer exists. To understand the return of caste, witness the double-quick retreat on lateral entry into civil services. Sixty three officers had been recruited through the same route over the past five years and protests, if any, were tossed with contempt. This time, just a few tweets from Opposition leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi, resulted in an immediate, even panicky, withdrawal. This summer's setbacks in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the BJP think-tank has concluded, were mostly caused because of the old, wide scheduled/backward caste coalitions coming back together alongside the Muslims. The Muslims the BJP can and will do nothing about. If at all, you've seen its key leaders, especially chief ministers, targeting them even more aggressively, hoping to bring the Hindus back under its large tent. The last thing it wants to be seen doing now is to let the resurgent Opposition build further on the theme that the BJP and the Hindutva forces cater to upper caste elites. And by implication, not to all Hindus. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi pays respect to the Constitution of India as he arrives for the National Democratic Alliance parliamentary party meeting at Samvidhan Sadan, June 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Lateral entry will make a comeback, but now with pre-allocated quotas. It will beat its purpose. This will take away the 'pick-and-choose' discretion that the Congress, non-BJP coalitions and even the Janata Party government (1977-1979) used in the past. So smudged is this now that even the prospect of getting, say, a finance secretary from outside, as a minority government (under P V Narasimha Rao) did with Montek Singh Ahluwalia, is now over. The BJP is so scalded by the caste cauldron that it won't touch that hotpot even with gloved hands. That's why we need to watch the progress on the Census closely. Since our decennial Census started in 1881, it's been held every decade. It was missed only in 1941: There was a World War on. The 2021 edition was delayed because it was the year of the second Covid wave. The fact, however, is that even until Covid came, there wasn't a rustle in the Census machinery. It was widely believed that the Modi government would take its time. Just about 10 months before these general elections, the government inaugurated with much fanfare the new Census office building: Janganana Bhawan. You can see it across the road from New Delhi's familiar landmark, the Taj Mahal hotel on Mansingh Road. But while the fancy new 'bhawan' came up, there was zero buzz that a Census was on the way. It was widely accepted that the BJP does not feel particularly bound by the idea of following the British-era tradition of a decennial Census. It could wait for a more opportune time. Opportune, in this case, was a time close to the next deadline for delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. IMAGE: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge along with Opposition MPs hold copies of the Constitution of India while staging a protest at Parliament House, June 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Let's try and understand it better. Delimitation was seen as too divisive an issue to touch, given that population growth patterns vary greatly among states, especially among the coastal, economically and socially progressive states and the Hindi heartland. A delimitation at any point will result in the relative share of the states with high birth rates going up and that of the states more responsible on population growth decline. This could create instability, regional rivalries and centrifugal pressures. That is why successive governments have been kicking this can down the road. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's was the last. In 2001, his government moved a Constitutional amendment pushing the delimitation by 25 years. It was to be based on any Census held after that, or say, after 2026. It is possible -- and plausible -- that the BJP would have liked to wait until then when it had its third majority and was headed for a fourth. That ended this June 4. Railroading a politically fraught delimitation is no longer an option. It makes no sense, therefore, to delay the Census forever and be asked embarrassing questions, especially in Parliament. In the last session, Rahul Gandhi asserted that he will make sure a caste census is held within this House. And here was the BJP not even talking of the long delayed 2021 Census. This was now politically unsustainable. And don't be surprised if the Census forms also come with a caste box. I will be surprised if it doesn't. It will be a point conceded to Rahul Gandhi and his allies. The other side of the coin is, one of the main Opposition weapons would then be rendered obsolete. IMAGE: Modi in conversation with Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar during the National Democratic Alliance parliamentary party meeting at Samvidhan Sadan, June 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The other two Cs are hyphenated with the first. It was the caste compulsions that alarmed the BJP's coalition partners over lateral entry. There's no way the two Bihar partners, for example, can expect to survive the state elections next year if their government is seen to be finding a way around reservations. Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena may be silent, but he's more paranoid, having suffered severely in the Lok Sabha election. Finally, the Constitution. The prime minister was the first to acknowledge the new reality when he bowed to it as this Lok Sabha first convened. Until the election campaign, there were boasts and arguments for major amendments once the target of 400 seats or thereabouts was achieved. Besides others, even the BJP candidate in Ayodhya had spoken about it. There were debates also on whether the Supreme Court's 13-judge Constitution Bench's order defining the Basic Structure and holding it sacrosanct was 'relevant' any more. Among the deprived castes and classes, this was read as an attack on reservations. Of course, the Opposition spread this vigorously too; and why wouldn't they? The upshot now is that the Constitution has been elevated to an unalterable scripture that it never was. It needs to be amended from time to time as the economy, society and politics evolve. It has been amended 106 times. The history of these amendments would show you that mostly these were carried out with a wider consensus, after taking at least some of the Opposition on board. Is a Modi government in its third edition willing to do so? Without consensus, it will be too scared to touch the Constitution. The final point, then, is that these three Cs will drive the BJP to a fourth: Consensus. And if it isn't willing to embrace that, it will be a setback to governance. By special arrangement with The Print Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya on Tuesday refused to take up the responsibility as "communication chief with the Election Commission of India for Maharashtra assembly polls", stating that he should have been consulted beforehand. IMAGE: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Photograph: ANI Photo In a letter to Raosaheb Danve, chairman of the party's state election campaign committee, the former Mumbai MP termed the treatment given to him as 'insulting'. "It is wrong to appoint me as communication chief with the Election Commission of India for Maharashtra assembly polls without even discussing it with me. I disapprove of it, but you can appoint someone else for that position," read the letter. "I am not a member of this committee, and I request you and the state president (Chandrashekhar Bawankule) not to treat me such insultingly," Somaiya added. The letter also touched on a period in the past when the BJP, then in alliance with the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, had to sideline Somaiya as he had targeted the Shiv Sena continually over alleged corruption in the Mumbai civic body. Having won in 2014, he was denied Lok Sabha ticket in 2019, as well as in 2024. "I have been working as a humble party worker since February 18, 2019, when BJP leaders directed me to leave the joint press conference because of Uddhav Thackeray's insistence. I took the responsibility of exposing various corrupt practices of the then Uddhav Thackeray government and also survived three near-fatal attacks, but I did my duty," he said. "I am satisfied with the affection I have received from you during these last five and a half years. I will continue to work for the party in the upcoming assembly elections," Somaiya added. The former Mumbai MP later also posted a message on X, saying, "I thank BJP Maharashtra for appointing me as Member of Campaign Committee and expressed Regrets and inability to do the same. I am still an active and ordinary member of the BJP and will continue to do so, but I will not join the committee." When asked for comment, state BJP chief Bawankule said, "Somaiya is our senior leader. It is a rule in the BJP that we do not ask anyone, we delegate responsibilities. The party did not discuss with me whether I wanted to become state chief or not. I was made state chief directly." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the results of the general elections in India this summer destroyed the "idea of Modi" and the "fear" created by the prime minister vanished, becoming "history". IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaks with students at the Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Photograph: @INCIndia/X The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha is currently on a four-day visit to the United States. He addressed the prestigious Georgetown University and another event in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC on Monday. Addressing the event, Gandhi said the Lok Sabha elections were not fought on a level playing field and claimed that the ruling coalition led by the BJP had collapsed, breaking "right down the middle". Asserting that things have changed after the Lok Sabha results were announced, Gandhi said, "The fear created by Modiji vanished in a second. It took years to cultivate that fear, a lot of planning and money was involved but it took only a second for it to evaporate." Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed a government for the third consecutive time after the Lok Sabha elections this year, however, the BJP did not get a majority on its own. "I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi-- 56-inch chest, direct connection with God -- that's all gone, its history now," Gandhi said. He also claimed the ruling coalition had collapsed and was broken "right down the middle". It's not just the prime minister, it's deeper than that. What has happened in India is that the coalition that brought Mr Modi to power has collapsed. It's broken right down the middle," he said. "So you'll see in these elections that they will struggle. Because the basic idea that Mr Modi is running a government for the people of India is gone, he added. Alleging that the Lok Sabha elections were not fought on the same footing, Gandhi said, "I don't see it as a free election. I see it as a heavily controlled election." "I don't believe that in a fair election, the BJP would come anywhere near 246 seats. I would be surprised," he said, asserting that the party had a "huge financial advantage". "The Election Commission was doing what they wanted. The entire campaign was structured so that Mr Modi could carry out his agenda across the country, with different designs for different states," Gandhi claimed. "The Congress party fought the elections with their bank accounts frozen and has basically destroyed the idea of Modi. You can see it because when you see the prime minister now in Parliament...he is psychologically trapped, and he basically cannot come to terms, he cannot understand how this has happened," he said. Responding to a question, Gandhi said that halfway through the campaign, Prime Minister Modi didn't think he would get anywhere near 300 or 400 seats. I think early on he realised that this thing's going wrong. We were getting inputs from regular sources...It was pretty clear that they were in trouble, he said. So, there was this internal thing going on in the prime minister that I could see. And psychologically, how is this now happening? Because he's a person, as you know, he was in Gujarat for many years, never faced political adversity, then prime minister of India. Suddenly, this idea started to crack, Gandhi said. We knew. When he said that I speak directly to God, we knew that we had actually blown him apart. And that the psychology had gone. So people think that, well, this was the prime minister sort of saying that, look, 'I'm special, I'm unique, and I talk to God'. But that's not how we saw it. Internally, we saw it as a psychological collapse, what happened here? How is this thing not working? he said. "Now that idea has been replaced," he said. While talking to students at the prestigious Georgetown University, Rahul said that the Congress Party will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place, which is not the case right now. "We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place. And India is not a fair place," Gandhi told students at the university in Washington, DC in response to a question on reservation and how long it would continue. "When you look at the financial numbers, then tribals get 10 paise out of 100 rupees; Dalits get 5 rupees out of 100 rupees, and OBCs get a similar number. The fact of the matter is that they're not getting participation," Gandhi said. "The problem is that 90 per cent of India is not able to play. Go through the list of every single business leader in India. I've done it. Show me the tribal name. Show me the Dalit name. Show me the OBC name. Out of the top 200, I think there's one OBC. They're 50 per cent of India. But we're not treating the symptom," he said. "That's the problem. Now, it (reservation) is not the only tool. There are other tools," he said. "There are many people who come from the upper caste who say, look, what have we done wrong? Why are we being punished? So, then you think about increasing dramatically the supply of some of these things. You think about decentralising power. You think about involving many more people in the governance of our country. You think of opening up. With all due respect, I don't think any of you are ever going to become Adani or Ambani. There's a reason for that. You can't. Because those doors are closed. So the answer to people in the general cast is you open those doors," Gandhi said. When asked about the Uniform Civil Code, Gandhi said he would comment on it only after he knows what is BJP's proposal. "The BJP is proposing a uniform civil code. We haven't seen it. We have no idea what they're talking about. For us to comment on it doesn't make sense. When they pull it out, then we'll have a look and we'll comment on it," he said. Gandhi also said members of the INDIA coalition had differences but agreed on a lot of things. We agree that the Constitution of India should be defended. Most of us agree on the idea of the caste census. We agree that two businesspeople, namely Adani and Ambani, shouldn't run every single business in India. So, for you to say that we don't agree, I think, is inaccurate, he said. Second thing is that all coalitions... A certain amount of to and fro will always take place. That is perfectly natural. There's nothing wrong with it. We have run governments again and again which have been successful using coalitions. So we are pretty confident that we can do it again, he said. Gandhi, who arrived in the US on Saturday, interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and youths in Dallas, Texas. He also plans to meet lawmakers and senior officials of the US government in Washington DC. The Bharatiya Janata Party came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the United States about the Sikh community, saying the Congress leader is trying to create a "dangerous narrative" by speaking on "sensitive issues" abroad. IMAGE: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri addresses a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi . Photograph: @HardeepSPuri/X Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here that Gandhi's remarks were "sinister" in nature as he tried to spread falsehood among the members of the Sikh community living abroad to "eke out a living" and do not have much connection with India. With his remarks, the Congress leader has attacked the country, its legal system and electoral system, he said. "I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas," the BJP leader from the Sikh community said. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that happened during the Congress' rule, Puri said, "If there has been one time in our history when as a community we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi's family has been in the seats of power." "In 1984, a pogrom was carried out against the Sikh community. As many as 3,000 innocent people were killed. People were dragged out of their homes, tyres were put around them and burnt alive," he said. That was the only time in history when Sikhs faced a problem for their turbans as they faced an existential threat after Rajiv Gandhi's statement that when a big tree falls, the earth shakes, Puri said. "In the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, many of my friends shed their turbans and got clean shaven out of fear because they were attacked," he added. Addressing a gathering of several hundred Indian Americans in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on Monday, Gandhi accused the RSS of considering some religions, languages and communities of being inferior to others and said the fight in India is about this and not about politics. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial," Gandhi said as he asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. "What is your name, brother with the turban," he asked. "The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions," said Gandhi, who is on a four-day visit to the US, which began Saturday. Hitting out at the Congress leader, Puri said Gandhi, of late, has been making statements on sensitive issues, which "involve our national identity, unity, the strength of our unity and diversity". "I think he is trying to set a new kind of narrative which I think is a dangerous narrative," he said. "I think this is far more sinister because Rahul Gandhi was trying to spread a false narrative while speaking in front of those, who belong to my community and are trying to eke out a living in the US with hard work and honesty. Because they do not have much connection with the country (India)," he added. Dismissing Gandhi's remarks, Puri said the Modi government has gone out of its way to address the issues concerning the Sikh community. "I don't think Sikhs have felt safer and more honoured at any time in our history after 1947 as they do today," he said. Puri also said, "In the last 10 years, every time Prime Minister Modi goes to a gurdwara, he wears a turban." All outstanding demands of the Sikh community, including the Kartarpur Sahib corridor and Veer Bal Diwas, have been met "upfront", he said, adding, "The sentiment in the government is that even on the remaining issues, whether they are related to farmers or etc, we are happy to sit, talk and resolve them." Puri also slammed Gandhi for his remark on the Lok Sabha polls, saying when the Congress leader mentioned his party's bank accounts being frozen, he should have also said why the accounts were frozen. Asked if there was a conspiracy in Gandhi's remarks about Sikhs, Puri said, "I see a dangerous narrative-setting attempt here. This by itself shows limited or flawed understanding and a desire to create mischief." "It could also be that he is appealing to groups which have a sense of alienation to come out and create other problems. Whether this is a larger conspiracy, we will find out," he said. "One of the things that has been pointed out to me is that the language he uses and the language a fugitive from our law living in New York uses is remarkably similar. We will find out whether he has been meeting him or not," Puri added. Asked if any complaint will be lodged against Gandhi or any move be initiated to remove him as the LoP, the minister said he is trying to dent the image of the country and in the process, he is spoiling his own image. "I will not file any complaint personally," he said. BJP leader R P Singh intervened and said he will file a complaint in court against Gandhi if he makes such statements in India, saying the Congress leader makes such remarks in foreign countries or in Parliament to protect himself from legal actions. "But you can file a case against him even if he has said something outside the country," Puri pointed out. "You look into it and decide. This press conference is not the (platform) for decision-making," he told Singh. On this, Singh said, "Then he is surely going to face it." The police arrested the driver of a luxury car, owned by Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket, after it rammed into multiple vehicles in Nagpur, an official said on Tuesday, as the ruling coalition faced attack over the crash from the opposition which sought an impartial probe. IMAGE: A view of the Audi car that hit several vehicles including a two-wheeler in Nagpur, September 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X The Audi car, which hit several vehicles in the Ramdaspeth area in the early hours of Monday, had five occupants, including Sanket Bawankule, who was not at the wheel at the time of the crash, which left two persons injured, according to the police. The person driving the high-end car, Arjun Hawre, was arrested on Monday night and later released on bail (at the local police station), a senior police official told PTI. After the accident, a case of rash driving and other offences were registered on a complaint of Jitendra Sonkamble, whose vehicle was hit by the Audi car, he said. The occupants of the Audi car were returning from a beer bar in Dharampeth when the crash took place, the official said, adding medical examination of the occupants will include blood tests for alcohol detection. "We are checking CCTV footage to know the chain of events, after which further action on all aspects, including other occupants, will follow," he said. After the accident, Hawre and one more occupant - Ronit Chittamwar - were apprehended by the police. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a former state minister, has admitted the Audi car was registered in the name of his son Sanket. "The police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all," the senior BJP leader insisted. The accident snowballed into a major controversy ahead of the assembly polls with the opposition accusing the Mahayuti government, in which the BJP is a constituent, of trying to save the senior politician's kin by blaming the driver for the accident. Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Sanjay Raut attacked deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the accident, saying he was not fit to head the home department. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut claimed Sanket Bawankule was at the wheel and sought to know why his name was not included in the first information report. "According to our information, the son of Chandrashekhar Bawankule was allegedly drunk. His car crashed into six other cars, injuring four persons, two of whom are fighting for their lives in a hospital in Nagpur," the Rajya Sabha member claimed. The Sena-UBT leader alleged attempts were made to whitewash the case. "Bawankule's son hit his car twice (into other vehicles), but the CCTV footage was removed as usual. If the car is registered in the name of either BJP state president Bawankule or his son, why was the number plate removed? The prince (Bawankule's son) was driving the car. But when the accident took place, it was shown that the driver (another person) was at the wheel. It is an attempt to whitewash the case," Raut claimed. Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the assembly, demanded an impartial probe in the case. He said BJP leaders were "high on power and money". Wadettiwar said a new precedent is being set in Maharashtra where the owner of the car will "kill" people and blame it on the driver and make him a scapegoat. "It is said the car was racing at 150 kmph. Fortunately, no one was killed in the accident. It has become clear Bawankule's son drove the vehicle at a high speed which led to the accident," the Congress leader alleged. Wadettiwar claimed police destroyed evidence to absolve Bawankule's son of alcohol consumption. "It has also become clear that police have tried to save the accused," he said. There should be a thorough probe, including scrutiny of the CCTV footage of the restaurant that Sanket Bawankule and his friends visited before the accident, demanded Wadettiwar. Hitting back at the opposition, Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, said it was not right to politicise the matter simply to target his party colleague Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Fadnavis said the police are probing the case and have also registered an FIR. "All the facts have been brought out by the police. It is not right to do politics just to target Bawankule," the deputy chief minister added. Elsewhere, BJP leader Raosaheb Danve said the "culprit" in the incident will face action and law will take its course in the matter. "Whoever is the culprit in this case, he will face action and punishment as per law. It is true that the car involved in the Nagpur accident is (registered) in the name of Sanket Bawankule and he was in that car. Let the law take its own course," said the former Union minister. Police have arrested the driver of a luxury car, owned by Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket, after it hit several vehicles in Nagpur city, an official said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule admits that the Audi car was registered in the name of his son Sanket. Photograph: @cbawankule/X The person driving the Audi car, Arjun Hawre, was arrested on Monday night and later released on bail (at the local police station), a senior police official told PTI. "No action has been taken so far against Sanket Bawankule and two other occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge," an official from Sitabuldi police station said on Monday. After the incident took place in the early hours of Monday, a case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Jitendra Sonkamble, whose vehicle was hit by the Audi car, he said. The occupants of the Audi car were returning from a beer bar in Dharampeth when the incident took place, the official said adding the medical examination will include blood tests for alcohol detection. "We are checking the CCTV footage to ascertain the chain of events, after which further action on all aspects, including other occupants, will follow," he said. The car owned by Sanket hit several vehicles in Ramdaspeth area, after which Hawre and one more occupant - Ronit Chittamwar - were apprehended by police. The luxury car first collided with complainant Sonkamble's car and then with a moped, leaving two youth riding it injured, the official said. "The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near Mankapur bridge. Two occupants, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were stopped by those in the Polo car," he said. The duo was taken to Tehsil police station, from where they were handed over for further probe to Sitabuldi police, he said. After the incident, Chandrashekhar Bawankule admitted the Audi car was registered in the name of his son Sanket. "Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all," the senior BJP leader said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said Devendra Fadnavis was not eligible to head the Maharashtra home department. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut claimed evidence has been removed in the case and that till BJP leader Fadnavis remains the home minister, there will not be any fair probe in any case in the state. "According to our information, the son of BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule was allegedly drunk and seriously injured two persons in Nagpur. Surprisingly, his name was not mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR), and the car's number plate was removed after the accident," he claimed. If Devendra Fadnavis, who also hails from Nagpur, fails to lead the home department effectively, then he is not eligible for such a position, the Rajya Sabha member said. "The car is registered in Bawankule's name, yet all the evidence has been removed," Raut claimed. "As long as Fadnavis is the home minister and Rashmi Shukla is the director general of police, there will never be any fair investigation in any matter in the state," he added. Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal defied a Supreme Court order, asking them to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday, and said they would continue with their protest till their demands were fulfilled and the rape and murder victim of the RG Kar Hospital was given justice. IMAGE: Junior doctors raise slogans as they take part in a protest rally demanding justice for the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim, at Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata, September 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo As the medicos continued to protest for the 32nd day on Tuesday, demanding the removal of the Kolkata police commissioner and several top state health department officials, the state government said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the protesters, inviting them for a meeting at the secretariat to resolve the impasse over the incident. However, the protesting doctors said the mail for the meeting was from the state health secretary, whose resignation they were seeking, and termed it as "insulting". They also said that restricting the number of representatives to attend the meeting to 10 was "humiliating". The top court on Monday directed the protesting resident doctors to resume work by 5 PM on Tuesday, observing that if "there is continued abstention from work, there may be a likelihood of adverse action". Meanwhile, the RG Kar hospital authorities issued notices to 51 doctors, including to senior residents and professors, accusing them of fostering intimidation and disrupting the institution's democratic atmosphere, and summoned them to an inquiry committee on September 11. Asserting that their demands were not met, the protesting doctors defied the apex court's order and said they would continue with their 'cease work' till their demands were fulfilled and the rape and murder victim of the RG Kar Hospital was given justice. "We had asked the state government to remove the Kolkata police commissioner, health secretary, director of health services, and the director of medical education by 5 pm (Tuesday). We are open to discussion," one of the protesting doctors said. The junior doctors began their strike on August 9, hours after the body of the female trainee was found in the seminar room of the hospital. Since then, the protest has escalated, leading to disruptions in healthcare services at state-run hospitals across West Bengal. The state government claimed in the Supreme Court that the strike has resulted in the deaths of 23 patients and has severely impacted the healthcare delivery mechanism. During the day, the protesting doctors marched to 'Swasthya Bhavan' -- the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake -- and staged a sit-in outside the office building to press for their demand. The protesters carried brooms and a model human brain while marching towards 'Swasthya Bhavan' in a symbolic bid to "clean up" the state health sector and make the top brass "think" about the plight of the doctors. Taking exception to the 'language of the email,' the agitating junior medics rejected the CM's invitation for talks at the state secretariat to resolve the impasse over the RG Kar hospital issue. "The language of the communication is not only disrespectful to us doctors, it's downright insensitive. We find no reason to reply to this mail," Dr Debasish Halder, a leader of the protesting doctors who organised a sit-in before the state health department headquarters at 'Swasthya Bhavan' in Salt Lake, said. Our protests and our 'cease work' will continue," he asserted, indicating yet another night-long sit-in before the state health headquarters. Addressing the media shortly after 7.30 pm from 'Nabanna', Bengal's Minister of State for Health, Chandrima Bhattacharya, claimed that the chief minister had taken a 'positive approach' by extending her olive branch to the agitating medics. "The email was sent to the official ID of the Junior Doctors' Front at around 6.10 pm. The chief minister was waiting for the doctors' delegation to come for the meeting. She left her office at 7.30 pm since there was no response from the protesters," Bhattacharya said. In a late evening development, the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri issued a notification, expelling five third-year MBBS students for allegedly threatening officials and other students. "They are also required to vacate the hostel and leave the medical college premises," it said. Also on Tuesday, Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was sent to judicial custody till September 23 by a special CBI court in connection with a financial irregularities case. His security personnel Afsar Ali, medical equipment vendor Biplab Singha, and pharmacy shop owner Suman Hazara, were also remanded to judicial custody until September 23. The accused were previously in CBI custody for eight days, but the investigators did not seek an extension of their remand. "The CBI has already secured large amounts of digital evidence on the alleged crime. We need time to analyse that evidence. We do not need the accused in police custody immediately, but we may seek their custody again later if required," the agency's counsel stated in court. Chaotic scenes unfolded at the Alipore Court premises when Ghosh and the others were produced before the judge. Women lawyers shouted slogans against Ghosh and attempted to block the courtroom exit. They also demanded that the accused "be hanged" for their alleged involvement in abetting the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. The police sought the help of the central paramilitary forces to control the situation. Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury's condition is "critical" and he is on respiratory support at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, his party said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Sitaram Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS on August 19 for the treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo The 72-year-old Yechury is being treated for acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU in AIIMS, it said in a statement. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors is closely monitoring the condition of Yechury, which is critical at this time, the party said. Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS on August 19 for the treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 10. The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed an agreement on international road transportation of passengers and cargo with Estonia, Trend reports. According to information, this is stated in the decree of the President of Uzbekistan, On approval of the international agreement. Under the document, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan was appointed as the competent body responsible for the implementation of this international treaty. The Cabinet of Ministers and heads of relevant ministries and departments after the entry into force of the international treaty in the prescribed manner will monitor the implementation of its provisions. To note, the agreement between Uzbekistan and Estonia was signed on January 29, 2024, in the framework of the investment forum "Europe - Central Asia: transport interconnectivity" in Brussels. The implementation of the agreement will make it possible to develop and expand the geography of road transportation, diversify routes, and carry out all types of international road transportation by national carriers of the two states. Tear gas shells were fired as student and women demonstrators on Tuesday clashed with security forces during the agitators' attempt to march towards the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the Manipur government, officials said. IMAGE: Security personnel disperse student protesters during their march to Raj Bhavan demanding the removal of DGP and security advisor to the Manipur government in Imphal. Photograph: ANI Photo Hundreds of students, who have been camping at Khwairamband Women Market since Monday, tried to march towards the Raj Bhavan along the BT Road but were stopped by security forces near the Congress Bhavan. Manipur University students also staged a protest rally and burnt the effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Manipur government has clamped curfew in Imphal East and West districts and prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS in Thoubal in view of the student protests. A court in Surat on Tuesday remanded to two-day police custody, 23 out of 27 persons arrested on charges of rioting and attempt to murder after staging a protest against the detention of six minors for pelting stones at a Lord Ganesh pandal in the city. IMAGE: Police officials bring the accused of stone pelting at Idol of Lord Ganesha Pandal to court demanding a remand of 14 days, in Surat, Gujarat, September 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The protest was staged outside a police outpost in Surat and turned violent, causing injuries to some cops on Sunday. The police produced the 27 accused in the court and submitted an application, seeking their 14-day remand to carry out investigation to find out whether rioting was part of a pre-planned conspiracy. Judicial Magistrate First Class JP Prajapati, who heard the plea, remanded 23 accused to police custody for two days and sent four others to jail under judicial remand due to their prevailing health conditions. All these accused were arrested on Monday evening on charges of attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, unlawful assembly, rioting, destruction to property, and produced before the court on Tuesday evening. In his application, inspector of Lalgate police station, KV Patel, said he needed to keep them in 14-day remand for interrogation and carry out thorough investigation into the incident to find out whether rioting was part of a pre-planned conspiracy. An idol of Lord Ganesh was damaged after some minors allegedly threw stones at a pandal during the ongoing Ganpati festival in the south Gujarat city. After half a dozen minors were detained in connection with the stone-pelting incident which took place in Saiyedpura locality on late Sunday night, a mob gathered at the Lalgate police station outpost to protest the action. The mob comprising 200 to 300 people pelted stones, leaving two policemen with head injuries, while some other cops suffered minor wounds, according to the police. The police told the court said they wanted to find out whether there was a mastermind behind the rioting who was trying to disturb communal peace in the city. The accused needed to be kept in custody for two weeks for identity parade and questioning, inspector Patel said. He contended the police wanted to find out how the mob got hold of such a large number of stones when there was no construction site in nearby areas, and whether they came to the police station armed with stones. Three different FIRs were registered at the Lalgate police station in connection with the attacks on the Ganesh pandal and the police outpost. Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ravinder Raina, seeking re-election from Nowshera assembly constituency of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, is facing a major challenge from his former party colleague Surinder Choudhary. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacts with Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina (left) during the launch of the party's manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024, in Jammu, September 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo A former MLC, Choudhary is fighting the elections on a National Conference ticket and enjoys the Congress support. There are three more candidates in the fray from the Nowshera constituency, including from the People's Democratic Party and the Bahujhan Samaj Party. The Nowshera constituency is among the 11 assembly segments in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts in Jammu region going to polls in the second phase along with 15 seats of central Kashmir districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam on September 25. A total of 239 candidates are left in the final poll fray from these 26 constituencies. Among the 79 contestants in the second phase from Jammu, there are 28 independents including two ex-ministers, a former judge and two women candidates. The contest will also witness relatives fighting against each other from two seats and some turncoats including two former ministers -- Choudhary Zulfikar Ali and Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari. All eyes are set on the Nowshera seat which was won by Raina in the 2014 assembly polls when he defeated his nearest rival Surinder Choudhary, then a PDP member, by over 9,500 votes. It was for the first time that the BJP won from the seat. Nowshera had traditionally remained a Congress bastion winning it for eight consecutive terms from 1962 to 2002 before losing the seat to the NC in the 2008 elections. Choudhary quit the PDP in March 2022 and joined the BJP within a week. However, he left the BJP and joined the NC on July 7 next year, levelling serious allegations of "corruption and familism" against Raina who responded by serving him a defamation notice for "baseless allegations with the sole aim to defame my reputation within the party and the masses". In Budhal (ST), the main contest is expected between BJP's Choudhary Zulfkar Ali and his nephew and NC candidate Javed Choudhary. Ali, a former minister, had won the seat twice in 2008 and 2014 elections on PDP ticket before joining Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Party in 2020. He joined the BJP just before the party announced its first list of candidates for the J&K polls. The BSP and PDP had also fielded their candidates for the seat. The fight in Sunderbani-Kalakote is between Thakur Randhir Singh (BJP) and Yasuvardhan Singh (NC) who are brother and son of former NC MLA Rashpal Singh respectively. There are nine other contestants in the fray including a woman candidate Pinty Devi and PDP's Majid Hussain Shah -- a lone Muslim face from the seat. A triangular contest is on the cards in Rajouri (ST) among Vibodh Gupta (BJP), Iftikhar Ahmad (Congress) and independent candidate Mian Mahfooz, a prominent spiritual leader. PDP's Tasadiq Hussain and four others are also trying their luck from there. Gupta's candidature initially triggered a revolt with former MP and minister Choudhary Talib Hussain jumping the fray as a rebel candidate but later withdrew his candidature. In Thanamdni (ST), a multi-cornered contest is likely among six contestants including former minister Shabir Khan (Congrss), former MLA Qamar Choudhary (PDP), retired bureaucrat Iqbal Malik (BJP) and former judge and NC rebel Muzaffar Ahmad Khan. In Surankote (ST) constituency of Poonch district, former minister Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, who joined the BJP in February after the Centre granted ST status to his Pahari community, is facing challenge from Shahnawaz Choudhary (Congress) and NC rebel Choudhary Akram who had won the seat in 2014 assembly polls. There are five other candidates including PDP's Javaid Iqbal contesting from the seat. Among nine contestants in Mendhar (ST), NC leader Javed Rana who had won the seat in 2002 and 2014 elections is locked in a three-cornered contest with PDP's Nadeem Khan, son of former MLA Rafeeq Khan, and Murtaza Khan, a former MLC who joined the BJP last month. Eight candidates are contesting in Poonch-Haveli seat but the main contest is expected between former MLAs Aijaz Jan (NC) and Shah Mohammad Tantray (Apni Party). The BJP has fielded Choudhary Abdul Gani, also a new entrant to the party. The three assembly segments of Reasi including the newly created Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat are likely to witness interesting battle with two former Congress ministers fighting as Independents this time. Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, who joined Ghulam Nabi Azad-led DPAP in September 2022, is fighting as an Independent from Vaisho Devi seat after he was denied ticket by the Congress despite expressing his desire to return to the party. While the Congress has fielded Bhupinder Jamwal from the seat, former MLA and senior BJP leader and former MLA Baldev Raj Sharma's presence makes it a triangular contest even as the total number of candidates in the fray from the seat is seven. The BJP overcame a rebellion by the party workers after it initially announced Rohit Dubey as its candidate before withdrawing the list. Former minister Aijaz Khan, who shifted from the Congress to the Apni Party in 2022, is also fighting as an independent candidate from Gulabgarh (ST) and is facing challenge from NC's Khursheed Ahmad and new entrant to BJP Akram Khan. Aijaz Khan had won Gool-Arnas constituency three times in 2002, 2008 and 2014. A direct contest is expected between former MLA Mumtaz Khan (Congress) and Kuldeep Raj Dubey (BJP) from Reasi constituency, where a total of seven candidates including independent woman candidate Diksha Kaluria are in the fray. 'Initially, I didn't think much of him. But when I walked alongside him, I realized he has what it takes.' Abhijit J Masih reports from the Rahul Gandhi event in Virginia. All photographs videos: Abhijit J Masih for Rediff.com IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi in Virginia. 'Stand for Something' read a sign on the back of car parked at the Hilton Dulles in Virginia, the venue for the community event hosted by the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. The car, sporting a Virginia license plate, belonged to an Indian expatriate, as indicated by a Namaste sticker in the corner of the windshield. Although the event was scheduled to start at 6 pm Eastern Time, the Hilton's ballroom was packed to capacity half an hour early. On stage, the backdrop screen looped videos from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, while the stage, framed by tricolor flags on either side, awaited its moment. The room buzzed with anticipation, set to the rousing soundtrack of Chak De from the Shah Rukh Khan starrer, as large posters of Rahul Gandhi, the man of the hour, adorned the walls. IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi will stay in Washington for the next two days. Among the attendees was a gentleman from Thiruvanathapuram, visiting his son in Virginia. A lifelong Congressman, he recounted how he had walked a few miles with Rahul Gandhi during the early days of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kerala. "Initially, I didn't think much of him and wasn't sure he could lead the Congress," he admitted. "But when I met him and walked alongside him, I realized he has what it takes. I asked him, 'Are you sure you'll finish what you've started?' He wasn't boastful; he just said, 'Well, let's see. But I won't back out'." The Malayali gent, who planned to return to India in two months, seemed impressed by Gandhi's humility and resolve. IMAGE: Spotted outside the Hilton Dulles hotel in Virginia, the venue for the community event hosted by the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. In addition to the numerous US chapters of the Indian Overseas Congress, many Indian Americans had traveled to the nation's capital for the event. Among them was a father-daughter duo from Michigan. A Marathi Christian, the father had participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan, further adding to the event's strong connection to Gandhi's campaign. At exactly 6:25 pm, Rahul Gandhi walked in, sparing the audience from enduring the long speeches of Indian Overseas Congress, USA office bearers. Indian Overseas Congress USA President Mohinder Singh Gilzian welcomed him, along with Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the IOC, who accompanied Gandhi. "I grew up in an India where there was no division," Pitroda said, reminiscing about a more unified past. "For the longest time, I didn't even know I was the son of an OBC." At this, Gandhi playfully interrupted, asking, "Who reminded you?" Pitroda responded with a smile, "Actually, it was Rahul who mentioned it in one of his speeches. He said he hopes India realizes that the telecom revolution was started by a son of an OBC. That's the India I miss -- the essence of family and inclusiveness." IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi's visit to the US is part of a broader effort to engage with the Indian community abroad. "Since Rahul became the Leader of the Opposition, the US government is taking him seriously," Mahesh Patel, vice president of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA's New Jersey Chapter, remarked. Pitroda confirmed that Gandhi had met with Biden administration officials earlier in the afternoon before the event. As Pitroda introduced Rahul Gandhi, the crowd erupted in excitement, with many rushing forward to click pictures, eager to capture a moment with the man of the moment. Rahul Gandhi's speech struck a chord with many, not only for its bold content but also for the way it was delivered -- extempore, without notes or a teleprompter. He addressed key themes of diversity, unity, and democracy. The Congress leader's remarks aimed to critique the Narendra D Modi government's ideological stance while affirming the values that he believes define India. He started his address with a powerful statement about fear and how it dissipated after the 2024 election results. "People tell me, 'Dar nikal gaya. Ek second mein sab gayab ho gaya'," he said, suggesting that the very essence of fear, which once loomed large, had vanished. His subtle jab at Prime Minister Modi followed quickly; where he dismissed the imagery of Modi's much-touted "56-inch chest" and his supposed "direct connection with God." According to Rahul, "That's all gone." During the event, Rahul's interaction with a Sikh gentleman in the audience was a touching moment. He asked the man his name and mentioned that the fight is for him to have the right to wear his turban and kara freely in India. Rahul underscored the importance of preserving individual rights and religious freedoms, especially in a country as pluralistic as India. His words echoed his larger point: That the political struggle today is about protecting these fundamental freedoms. "You have a three course meal here. India mein thali milti hai. Sab usme milta hai," Rahul remarked, likening the nation's diversity to a plate of food. He suggested that India is a confluence of many elements -- languages, traditions, histories, music, and dance -- each integral to the nation's identity. In his view, Indias strength lies in this multiplicity. Rahul Gandhi's speech seemed to be a call to reassert India's foundational principles, offering a vision that contrasts sharply with the current narrative of nationalism. "India is a union of states. Just like the US. It means a union of languages, traditions, histories, music, and dance," he said, reiterating that diversity is the soul of the nation. The Gujrati gentleman from New Jersey reiterated Rahul's point with a reference to the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC)\, an organization that reflects India's diversity abroad. "In IOC, we have Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai," he said. "It's about secularism, about socialism and about freedom of speech and expression." During a brief pause in the event, a man dressed in a sherwani shouted, "Bahut khamoshi hai. Rahul Bhai Zindabad!" The man, Syed Mukarram, had traveled from Chicago to attend the event. "Rahul Gandhi is working for humanity," Mukarram said. "He helps people from all communities, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. His goal is to spread love and remove hatred from people's hearts." A Gujarati, a Maharashtrian, a Punjabi, a Malayali, and a Muslim, each from different corners of the US, departed the event with a shared belief -- Rahul Gandhi is undeniably standing for something meaningful: Love, unity, and democracy. Scenes from the event: Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Plenty of sunshine. High around 65F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., left, met with refugee families and Joe Wiah, right, director of the local Ethiopian Community Development Council branch, at the Multicultural Community Center of Southern Vermont during a visit on Feb. 13, 2023. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 10. Uzatom and Rosatom have signed a protocol on the start of work on a project for a low-capacity nuclear power plant (NPP) in Uzbekistan, the statement of Uzatom said, Trend reports. In particular, the State Enterprise Directorate for Construction of Nuclear Power Plant under the Uzatom agency and Atomstroyexport JSC (ASE JSC, Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation) signed a protocol on the beginning of works on the construction site of the future NPP of small capacity in Uzbekistan. With the signing of the document, the project implementation moves to the active phase of preparatory work at the construction site, development of design, and license documentation. The document was signed in the presence of the Director of the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, and Deputy Director General and Director of the International Activities Block of Rosatom State Corporation, Nikolai Spassky. The protocol signed today consolidates the fact of fulfillment of priority conditions in terms of regulatory and financial obligations of the parties. Rosatom's engineering division is starting to actively work on the documentation for obtaining a license to locate the ASMM and survey work at the construction site, the director of projects for the construction of NPPs in Central Asia, ASE JSC, Pavel Bezrukov, said. Preliminary work on the project of NPP of small capacity began in the summer. At the site of the future nuclear power plant, the first construction headquarters was held, where priority tasks were defined, fulfillment of which will allow to start work within the regulatory terms. In late August, work began on the creation of a shift camp for the builders of the future nuclear plant. Israel stepped up its massive air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership, even as the world awaits with trepidation the October 7 anniversary of the bloody attack on Israel by Hamas -- which, like Hezbollah, is a U.S.-designated terror group with ties to Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran said it had lifted all flight restrictions after earlier announcing it was closing Iranian airports as of 9 p.m. on October 6 until 6 a.m. on October 7, citing "operational restrictions," at a time when Israel is weighing options for its response to Iran's recent massive missile strike on its territory. State media said the restrictions were lifted after ensuring favorable and safe conditions. 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, where Israel is battling fighters of Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and EU. Israel earlier said conducted a series of targeted strikes on weapons storage facilities and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah. Hezbollah has been designated by the United States as a terror group, while the European Union has blacklisted its armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament. 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. "Last night was the most violence of all the previous nights," Hanan Abdullah, a resident of the Burj al-Barajneh area in Beirut's southern suburbs, told Reuters. "Buildings were shaking around us and at first I thought it was an earthquake. There were dozens of strikes -- we couldn't count them all -- and the sounds were deafening," Israel has bombed Beirut 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 Beiruts 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. Senior Hezbollah member Mahmoud Qmati, when asked about Qaani's whereabouts, told Reuters: "I have no information. We are also searching for the truth of this matter. 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 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. "Every civilian casualty is one too many," the spokesperson said. Israel said on October 5 that its forces had killed 440 Hezbollah fighters in ground operations in southern Lebanon and destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets. Nine Israeli soldiers had been killed in southern Lebanon so far, the authorities said. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest conflict, most of them since September 23. 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. The Israeli forces were on high alert ahead of the first anniversary of an attack on October 7 last year, which sparked the war and was carried out by Hamas. According to Israel tallies, some 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage in the unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel. Israeli police on October 6 said several people had been injured in a suspected shooting attack in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel. One attacker was killed, the ambulance service said. Separately, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza reported on October 6 that at least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed in the territory in the yearlong war between Israel and Palestinian militants. Palestinian officials said that an Israeli strike on a mosque in Gaza early on October 6 killed at least 19 people who were sheltering after being displaced from their homes near the town of Deir al-Bala. The Israeli military said the strike was targeting militants. The reports could not immediately be confirmed, but the Associated Press said one of its journalists counted the bodies at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue. AP also reported that hospital records showed that the fatalities from the mosque strike were all men. Israel said its forces on October 6 surrounded the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza in response to indications that Hamas was rebuilding its operational capabilities in the area. Israel is also considering a retaliatory strike on Iran, which fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad visited Kharg island on October 6, amid concerns that Israel could target Iran's largest oil terminal there. "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] Navy plays an important role in the security of oil and gas facilities," Paknejad was quoted as saying at the facility, from which around 90 percent of Iranian oil exports are shipped. In Syria, state media and local rights monitors said an Israeli air strike targeted three cars in the city of Homs, although details remained sketchy. Israeli forces have for years been striking Iran-linked targets in Syria and have intensified such actions since the October 7 attacks. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. WorldTempus sits down with A. Lange & Sohne CEO Willhelm Schmid at the Hampton Court Palace for the annual Concours of Elegance According to the latest Morgan Stanley report on the Swiss watch industry, A. Lange & Sohne is one of the bright stars at parent company Richemont and indeed in watchmaking generally. Alongside stablemates Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels, A. Lange & Sohne was one of the few watchmakers to gain market share last year, with Morgan Stanley estimating turnover at the Glashutte house of CHF270m. This places Lange right in the middle, at number 25, among the top 50 Swiss watch brands. Asked about this enviable position, CEO Wilhelm Schmid who embodies Langes signature understated, modest style takes a measured view. We go from day to day. We have a clear strategy but you know how it islife gets in the way. Markets get in your way. Some countries invade other countries. So, you have to adjust and adapt all the time. That for me is more important than anything else, he says. The Datograph Handwerkskunst that was launched at the Hampton Court Palace Concours d'Elegance A. Lange & Sohne What is perhaps most enviable is how the brand has remained consistent over so many decades Schmid notes that the watchmaker has always been profitable which builds trust over time. We are pretty authentic. We never lost ourselves, he continues. In the good days we don't milk the brand. And in the tough days, we don't take shortcuts. I think if you do that over an extended period of time, you gain that sort of trustworthiness We give the security that we around tomorrow. In a watchmaking landscape where independents are gaining ground over big brands, and both old and new collectors are enticed cue indie names like F.P. Journe or H. Moser & Cie Lange sits in a kind of sweet spot between a global and independent brand. Datograph Handwerkskunst A. Lange & Sohne We have the financial firepower to survive basically any crisis. But we are a lot smaller than the mainstream, industrialised brands that we compete with, says Schmid. But we also offer what the independents offer in a way. We are bigger than any independent and smaller than any global brand. It means that we can stay in contact with our customers globally. Sitting at the high-end, luxury end of watchmaking, the starting price for an A. Lange & Sohne watch is around CHF25,000, while its key price range sits between CHF80,000-150,000, says Schmid, who cities popular models from all the chronographs to the 1815 and Zeitwerk collections. The company produces about 5,000 watches a year, a figure that Schmid suggests will be slightly lower going forward. This is in response to growing demand for more complicated pieces that ultimately take longer to produce. There are waitlists for its most complicated watches, such as the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen (CHF650,000), which launched at Watches and Wonders in April. DATOGRAPH PERPETUAL TOURBILLON HONEYGOLD Lumen A. Lange & Sohne In recent years, the company has notably concentrated on revealing only one novelty during Watches and Wonders, a more focused and streamlined strategy that has been welcomed by press and collectors alike. In the past, the brand could have easily launched six new novelties like many brands still do where the one novelty becomes the enemy of the other, says Schmid. I think it's a lot better now. The rhythm is more digestible. It gives more contact points. A. Lange & Sohnes distribution has likewise been streamlined: there are now 58 points of sale, a number that has fallen in recent years (and nearly all are monobrand stores). Schmid was speaking to World Tempus at the Concours of Elegance luxury car event in London, which it has sponsored for three years (it is halfway through its running contract). This year, for the first time, the house launched two new watches at the event, which commemorate 25 years of its iconic Datograph. Schmid said that he envisioned more products to be launched over the course of the year (More and more, we link our rhythm with our events, he said). But, he was quick to add that it has to make sense too and done in the Lange way, which is evidently focused on consistency and craftsmanship. Datograph Up/Down "Hampton Court Edition" A. Lange & Sohne Remember what I said about authenticity? Schmid asks. We don't want to become a marketing company so we have to make sure that what we do is very clear. ALMATY, Kazakstan -- Political activist Darkhan Ualiev offers a wry smile as he begins a tour of his temporary "workplace" -- a disused apartment in an old building on the outskirts of Almaty that he is fixing up. Since he was released from jail in late 2022, he has accepted whatever work he can to feed his family. But there are plenty of constraints. "Cash, only cash!" he sighs, as he explains how he depends on his friends with bank cards to pay for essential services and why he cannot work as a taxi driver -- his previous occupation. "I am a citizen of this country, but I cannot open a bank account. I cannot go to a currency exchange and buy dollars," Ualiev told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service in an interview last month. "My personal identification number (PIN) is blocked. I cannot get car insurance, and I certainly cannot register any property under my name." The reason for these onerous restrictions? Ualiev is viewed by Kazakhstan's government as an "extremist" and, as such, features on a "financing terrorism" list that contains more than 1,400 names that can be found on the website of the country's Financial Monitoring Agency. The rights watchdog Human Rights Watch released a report last month based on interviews related to more than a dozen cases similar to Ualiev's. Among the report's recommendations were calls for an overhaul of the "overbroad" definition of extremism in Kazakh law as well as a review of how individuals are designated for inclusion on the financing terrorism list. "It is bad enough that people in Kazakhstan can be wrongfully prosecuted on charges related to 'extremism' or 'terrorism' simply for exercising their right to free speech, religion, or peaceful assembly, [but] they are forced to endure unjustified financial restrictions as well," wrote Mihra Rittmann, the report's author, on August 27. From Activist To 'Extremist' It would be an understatement to say that Ualiev had suffered enough even before he found his way onto the "financing terrorism" list. As historic unrest befell Kazakhstan in January 2022, he was serving a probation-like sentence for what an Almaty court determined was his membership in an organization banned as extremist by state authorities. That organization was the Koshe (Street) party, which officials ruled was merely a new version of another anti-regime movement prohibited in 2018 after it began regularly calling for nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Activists have repeatedly demanded to see the original Astana court judgment that condemned the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) -- a group closely associated with foreign-based opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov -- but officials have never heeded the request. Resolutions passed by the European Parliament demanding improvements in Kazakhstan's human rights and governance environment, in turn, refer to both DVK and the Koshe party as "peaceful" opposition movements. When he realized that the 2022 unrest that began in western Kazakhstan over a fuel price increase had reached Almaty, Ualiev said he decided to violate a provision of his sentence that barred him from political activity and join the January protests. By January 5, 2022, the demonstrations were giving way to violent clashes and looting, but there is no evidence that Ualiev engaged in any violence. His older brother, though, was a victim of it. Aslan Ualiev was shot dead during the events that killed at least 238 people. After being unable to reach his brother for several days following the peak of the crisis, Ualiev and other relatives began to scour the city's morgues. And it was while searching for Aslan that he was arrested by police, who he claims tortured him before he began a nearly yearlong stint behind bars. He received confirmation of his brother's death only after his arrest, while his lawyer, Zhanara Balgabaeva, said the evidence of mistreatment of her client was "clear" when she was finally able to meet with him. More than 30 police officers and secret services staff have been handed custodial and other sentences for mistreating detainees during the events many Kazakhs refer to as Bloody January, authorities say. Other cases are still in motion. But rights groups argue that these figures do not capture the truly systemic nature of the abuses committed by the state during the month that rocked Kazakhstan. 'Abusing' Laws On Combating Terrorism, Money Laundering The space for political activism in Kazakhstan hasn't increased since the crisis, as many hoped. If anything, there is even less evidence that a law on public assemblies passed earlier in President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev's tenure has had any real bearing on political freedom in the country. In a September 3 national address, Toqaev condemned "irresponsible, exalted populists who do not have deep knowledge of the issues discussed in society," adding that such figures have "nothing to do with democracy." But the restrictions faced by the activists profiled in HRW's report would appear to have even less to do with it, especially given the nonviolent nature of their "crimes." According to the group, the nearly 20 cases examined for the report all stemmed from prosecution on three charges: "organizing or participating in the activities of a public or religious association" banned as extremist by a court; "inciting social, ethnic, tribal, racial, class or religious discord"; and "terrorism propaganda or public calls to commit an act of terrorism." Data provided by the Foreign Ministry to Human Rights Watch in the first half of the year suggested that nearly half of all the citizens on the "financing terrorism" list had been prosecuted on one of these charges. RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, which regularly monitors the plight of opposition activists, has in the past covered the attempts of citizens convicted of "extremist" crimes to appeal against the economic straitjacket that comes with being on the notorious list. But HRW notes that the restrictions are automatic for anyone whose conviction falls under this umbrella, thanks to Article 12 of a 2009 money-laundering law. Individuals on the "financing terrorism" list can remain on it for as long as they have a criminal record, although they have the right to petition authorities for removal if they have served their sentence, the group said. Interviewed by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service on the ramifications of HRW's report, veteran rights defender Yevgeny Zhovtis said he did not expect "any particular reaction" to the report from officials, who he said have "become accustomed to" ignoring rights organizations. "But there is also the UN Security Council Counterterrorism Committee. There is a [UN] special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; there is a group of measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, called FATF," he said. "Kazakhstan has been strongly criticized by all these organizations for the fact that [the government], to put it mildly, abuses these laws on combating terrorism and money laundering.... The reaction [of these organizations] can have some weight for the authorities of Kazakhstan." The Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) extremist group has regained a foothold in northwestern Pakistan, imposing its brutal rule on hundreds of thousands of people. Those who live under the TTP say the hard-line Islamist group has severely curbed freedoms and rights, including those of women. Assassinations, kidnappings, extortion, and harassment dominate daily life in some areas, they say. The TTP was ousted from its bases by a major Pakistani military offensive in 2014. But in recent years it has reestablished its control in pockets of Pakistans northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it is currently active in 10 of the 34 districts. The TTP often rules during the night. After dark, government forces frequently retreat to their posts and bases, and many civilians refuse to venture outside for fear of the militants, locals say. The return of the TTP to the region has triggered an exodus that has seen thousands of professionals, businesspeople, and wealthy landowners flee the region. No one is safe, and no place is immune from their presence, said Humayun Mehsud, who recently fled the district of South Waziristan. They have returned in strength. Mehsud said he escaped his village after the TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, kidnapped and killed his brother, a government worker. Mehsud, who now lives in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, said the TTP has established its own government in South Waziristan, which is home to around 900,000 people. The militants, he said, control the local economy and have established makeshift courts to settle disputes among locals. 'Atmosphere Of Fear' The TTP has imposed its extremist version of Islam in areas they control, locals say. Listening to or playing music is banned. Barbers are barred from shaving or trimming mens beards. Some girls schools have been shut or destroyed and restrictions have been placed on women leaving their homes in some areas. "They want to limit our lives here the same way the Afghan Taliban did in their country, said Saleem, a resident of the district of Lakki Marwat. The TTP and Afghan Taliban have close ideological and organizational ties. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban, which seized power in 2021, of sheltering the Pakistani militants. Saleem, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, said the TTP has replaced the local authorities in Lakki Marwat, which is home to around 1 million people. The police, he said, have abandoned their posts after coming under constant TTP attacks and locals are fleeing by their thousands. Mohsin Tabeer Khan, a political activist and former university lecturer, is among those who have stayed in Lakki Marwat. Critical of the TTP, he has received threats from the militant group. "The atmosphere of fear is pervasive," said Khan. "Everyone locks themselves up after sunset." Khan said the TTP has targeted local government workers and security personnel in the district. If they catch you carrying a government ID card, you have to worry about your life, he said. Abubakar Kurmiwal said the TTP has recently made inroads in the district of Kurram. He said the TTP on August 14 kidnapped his cousin, who was accused of being a government spy. Four days later, his body was found on the side of the road, he said. Women cannot leave their houses because of these militants, he said. The militants often force locals to feed them. Last month, the only school in his village was closed after all its teachers fled, he said. 'State Authority Collapses' Mohsin Dawar, a former lawmaker, has witnessed the TTPs growing influence in his native district of North Waziristan. First, it started with TTP fighters forcing locals to feed them, said Dawar. Soon after, the militants extorted businessmen and wealthy landowners. Now, they are destroying schools for girls in the district, he said. As the [Pakistani] Taliban gains strength, the state authority collapses, said Dawar, who heads the secular National Democratic Movement (NDM) party. They first want to kill people whose deaths will generate news, he said. "Everyone is at risk, but those who have some prominence in society are in their crosshairs, added Dawar, who has survived several assassination attempts. The TTPs attacks have surged in Pakistan in recent years. The militant group has often targeted the army and police and largely refrained from hitting civilian targets. Abdul Sayed, a Sweden-based researcher who tracks the TTP, said the group is primarily targeting the security forces in an attempt to drive them out of the region. Pakistan earlier this year said the military would launch a new offensive to root out militants in the region. The planned military operation has been fiercely opposed by locals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the scene of numerous offensives that killed thousands and uprooted millions of civilians in the past. Protests have similarly been staged against the TTP and its return to the region. Abdul Wahid, a local leader of the secular Awami National Party, said locals no longer fear the militants or the Pakistani military after enduring years of strife. There is a lot of political awareness here now, said Wahid, who is from the district of Khyber. We will protest and resist peacefully. Illegitimate local elections in Russian-occupied Crimea concluded on September 8. The voting, which was denounced by Ukraine and not recognized by most countries of the world, will most likely solidify the local elites grip on power on the illegally annexed peninsula. From September 6-8, voters in Russia were casting ballots for governors and regional legislators in 83 regions and cities. Incumbents and other loyalists of President Vladimir Putin and his United Russia party were expected to win the tightly controlled elections, which lacked genuine political competition after years of harsh repression of dissent that has only intensified since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The situation was no different in the illegally occupied territories in Ukraine, including Crimea where seats in the Russia-imposed Crimean parliament, the municipal legislature of the port city of Sevastopol, and local councils were being decided. Unlike in 2014 and 2019, this time the polling in Crimea took part against the ever-present background of full-scale war. "The peculiarity of these elections is that they are taking place under the conditions of war, which Crimeans are now feeling in their homes: mobilization, coffins, explosions and fires, trenches on the beaches and seaside promenades, Crimean political scientist Yevhenia Horyunova told RFE/RL. All this could have affected the election results if there were [real] elections in Russia. But for many years now, this has only been an imitation, a certain ritual of legitimization of the leader and the party of power. According to official Russian data, there are about 1.5 million voters in Crimea. The number includes Ukrainian citizens who were forcibly issued Russian passports after 2014, and the hundreds of thousands of Russians who moved to the peninsula over the last 10 years. They could cast their votes at some 1,300 traditional polling stations or 150 mobile polling stations, as well as through an online voting service. Four polling stations were created for Russian servicemen near the front line. According to experts, it is practically impossible to control the election process online or at mobile polling stations, which gives authorities wide scope for falsification. 'Strengthening The Clannishness' In the city of Sevastopol, which hosts multiple military facilities that are regularly targeted by Ukrainian air attacks, including the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, polling stations were equipped with bomb shelters and the voting started back on August 28 due to what the city's occupation governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, explained as security concerns. The governmental Ukrainian Center for National Resistance said that early, mobile, and online voting both facilitate fraud and conceal low turnout. In a report, the organization says that the Russian occupation authorities are artificially boosting the turnout with the help of the security forces and by using people displaced from occupied territories on mainland Ukraine who are temporarily living in Crimea. Crimean electoral legislation was amended in May to effectively prevent would-be competitors from running. Overall, big changes were not expected with Putin backing Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed head of Ukraine's occupied Crimea, who was seeking another five-year term. The regional elite does not even have to make an effort to stay in power. It will have the necessary majority anyway. Relatives, business partners, and friends are included on the election lists to further strengthen the clannishness that has become an integral attribute of Crimean reality since 2014," Horyunova said. The war had a limited impact on the selection of candidates for regional and local administrative bodies. Back in the spring, Putins ruling United Russia party planned to nominate many heroes of the special military operation, that is veterans of Moscows invasion of Ukraine, for posts in the elections. 'Obedient Cogs' In most regions, including in the occupied territories, veterans lost in party primaries. One of the rare cases in which servicemen passed the selection process was Sevastopol. Most likely, some of them will be elected to once again bolster the myth of the city of Russian military glory. But they will only be obedient cogs -- voting in the interests of United Russia and the governor, Horyunova said. According to Ukrainian political analyst Yevhen Savisko, Russias leadership was determined to ensure the voting in Crimea was held on time and without serious incidents. First, Putin needs to show the world that no one in temporarily occupied Crimea wants to return it to Ukraine. Second, he needs to reassure his officials and local traitors: you wont be left behind as long as you quietly work for Moscow. And third, there is a message to people in provincial Russia: Look how strong we are, he told RFE/RL. Ukraines Foreign Ministry has denounced the voting in occupied Crimea, noting that the procedure is a violation of international law. We emphasize once again that the results of the so-called elections in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimeaare worthless, and the elections themselves are illegitimate, the ministry wrote. The ministry added that those involved in the preparation and holding of the so-called elections will be prosecuted. Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods. I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on two big issues: Who will be the next EU enlargement commissioner and the race to join the Single Euro Payments Area. Briefing #1: Picks And Portfolios: The EU's Foreign-Policy Posts What You Need To Know: This week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to present her team of 26 other commissioners for the period of 2024-2029. The plan is for her to present the lineup to the European Parliament on September 11 in order for the house's Committee on Legal Affairs to begin pre-screening the commissioners' eligibility in the latter part of September. This will allow for the proper thematic hearings with the candidates in the relevant committees to begin in October. The European Parliament is expected to cull two or three candidates, as it normally does, so the process of getting the entire European Commission up and running by November 1 is an ambitious one. If a candidacy is snubbed, member states have to nominate new people and then more hearings will take place. Each EU member state gets one commissioner and, last week, the lineup was more or less completed as 25 member states had put forward candidates. (It's 25 countries not 27 here, as von der Leyen is the German commissioner and Kaja Kallas, nominated earlier by EU leaders as the bloc's new foreign policy chief, represents Estonia.) Getting 25 nominations wasn't easy though -- and it still might not be a done deal. Von der Leyen is pushing for gender parity among the commissioners and, this year, asked that capitals present two candidates for commissioner, a man and a woman. So far only Bulgaria has heeded her call and there are now only 10 female candidates out of 27, including von der Leyen, Kallas, and the Bulgarian pick, former Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, assuming she is confirmed. Von der Leyen won't be happy as she did manage to achieve gender parity in 2019 and has always pledged to do so again. So, expect, some late haggling, where it's possible that member states' male candidates will be replaced by women. Deep Background: So, what about the portfolios? Aside from Kallas as the foreign policy pick, it's interesting to see what von der Leyen is planning to do with the other foreign policy-related jobs. Last week, she announced that there will be a dedicated enlargement commissioner -- in other words, stripping down what is today the enlargement and neighborhood policy portfolio. That means that the six EU hopefuls in the Western Balkans and the four other candidate countries -- Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Turkey -- will have their own dedicated commissioner guiding them toward membership. Earlier this summer, von der Leyen said that she would also have a commissioner dedicated to the Mediterranean region, meaning relations with countries in the EU's southern neighborhood such as Morocco and Tunisia, which can't apply for membership as they aren't geographically European. But what happens if you're a country in the EU's "neighborhood" but not in Mediterranean region? Take Armenia, which was previously under the purview of the enlargement and neighborhood commissioner, and still has strong ambitions to join the EU. Now, it's less clear who they will work with: They could be under Kallas, or perhaps they would be grouped under the new Mediterranean portfolio with countries that can't or don't want to join the bloc. Drilling Down Even more interesting are the names circulating, notably for the enlargement job, a topic that has become something of a priority for von der Leyen. German newspapers, citing sources close to the federal president, reported that she has picked Latvian Valdis Dombrovskis for the role. Dombrovskis is a former Latvian prime minister and has served for a decade as a European commissioner, for financial services and then trade. A heavyweight in the EU, he is known to be a confidant of von der Leyen. He has overseen the EU's financial aid to Ukraine, and, if he did get the enlargement portfolio, he would be in charge of the country's reconstruction. On top of that, he is one of only a few senior officials in the bloc who speaks Russian (and understands Ukrainian) and is very well-respected in Brussels and Kyiv alike. There are some question marks, however. Firstly, sources close to the Latvian who aren't authorized to speak on the record have batted the speculation away. And while clearly a veteran of EU bureaucracy, he is thought to be primarily "a numbers guy" suited to an economic role. And while his appointment would be great for Ukraine, enlargement is about much more than just Kyiv. He is also from the Baltic region. As noted previously, there are doubts whether the Baltic states would get both the foreign policy and enlargement portfolios. That would also rule out Lithuania's candidate for commissioner, the country's former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, who, according to numerous Lithuanian officials, is eyeing up the enlargement portfolio or even, potentially, a newly created EU defense portfolio. there are doubts whether the Baltic states would get both the foreign policy and enlargement portfolios. That would also rule out Lithuania's candidate for commissioner, the country's former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, who, according to numerous Lithuanian officials, is eyeing up the enlargement portfolio or even, potentially, a newly created EU defense portfolio. So what are the other options for enlargement? The current enlargement commissioner, Oliver Varhelyi, wants to continue and Hungary wants that too, but he has been fairly controversial, notably by adding extra obstacles for Ukrainian membership, and is unlikely to be offered a second chance. There has been some speculation that Maros Sefcovic could get the nod. The Slovak diplomat and politician has already served in the European Commission for 15 years in various capacities and is due an important portfolio. Well-connected and charismatic, he could be a good fit even if Bratislava currently isn't in Brussels' good books after taking an authoritarian turn under left-wing populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Then there are two other names that keep popping up if the enlargement job doesn't go to an "easterner" -- Jessika Roswall, who has served as Sweden's EU minister, and Hadja Lahbib, a journalist and politician who has served as Belgium's foreign minister since 2022. While most other candidates have some sort of economic background, these two, with their backgrounds, would arguably be a natural fit, as they are already well familiar with the EU's enlargement policy. However, neither candidate is a shoo-in. Swedish sources close to Roswall, who aren't authorized to speak on the record, have categorically denied to me that they are interested in anything foreign policy-related, preferring something instead in the digital sphere or maybe trade. Lahbib has plenty of critics and has taken heat for traveling to Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimea in 2021, when she was still working as a journalist. The Mediterranean portfolio could suit her better but, for that, she might face competition from the Croatian candidate, Dubravka Suica, who recently served as the European commissioner for demography and is thought to be a front-runner. Briefing #2: The Single Payments Race What You Need To Know: The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) started life in 2008, created by the European Union to simplify bank transfers in euros, with the aim of reducing bank fees and boosting both cross-border commerce and consumer spending. It's fair to say that it has been one of the bloc's more successful moves. The system processes some 50 billion transactions every year and, according to the European Payments Council (EPC), the body that oversees SEPA, it has reduced the costs of moving capital around the continent by 3 percent of the EU's average gross domestic product. First used by the eurozone states, there are now 36 members, including all 27 EU members; the four countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) -- Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland; the quartet of European microstates, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican; as well as the United Kingdom, which opted to stay in the system after Brexit in 2020. Oddly enough, Kosovo and Montenegro are not yet part of the system, even though both countries use the euro as their de facto national currency. Deep Background: That could change now that the goal of the European Commission is for the EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans and in the bloc's eastern neighborhood to join the system as well. That would make sense both economically and politically. The bloc is keen to start gradually integrating these countries into EU structures and money transfers are, according to the diplomats I have spoken to, relatively "low-hanging fruit." It would also make it easier for companies from candidate countries to do business with the bloc, plus it would facilitate remittances from citizens of these countries living in the EU and sending money back home. Moldovan Central Bank head Anca Dragu has noted that SEPA membership could reduce costs from the current 20-50 euros ($22-55) per transaction to some 2-3 euros. When the European Commission presented its New Growth Plan For The Western Balkans late in 2023, one of the main aims was that the six hopefuls in the region would join the EU in the coming years. Speaking in Slovenia last week, European Commission President von der Leyen raised expectations that three of the countries -- Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia -- could join SEPA by the end of the year. This is ambitious given that the respective national banks of the three countries only submitted their official applications for SEPA membership in June and July of this year. Normally, membership assessment takes about a year, and then it takes another six months to be fully connected to the system. Drilling Down: Moldova, however, could well pip the Western Balkan trio at the post. Chisinau filed its application in January of this year and appears to have all the legislation in place to get the green light soon. Serbia has "pre-applied" for membership, and its full application should come later this year. Ukraine is lagging somewhat behind, but, according to officials in Kyiv, there is a plan to submit the application in the second quarter of 2025. The delay is due to Ukraine's parliament first needing to pass several pieces of legislation, most notably on strengthening the fight against money laundering, and a working group is only now being formed to draft the necessary legislation in that area. But what is actually needed to join SEPA and who decides? Decisions on membership are taken by the Board of the European Payments Council (EPC), which is an international nonprofit organization. So SEPA is not actually an association of countries but more of a European community of payment services providers. It is the board of EPC, currently consisting of 30 members, that decides via consensus on membership. The board looks at numerous things. First and foremost, the applicant should show that the country or territory from which it operates has strong economic links and legal relationships with the EU. Considering that all the applicants are official EU candidate countries, this isn't much of a hurdle. But then it gets a bit harder. The prospective member country must align with EU rules when it comes to supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, as well as all the necessary anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing. While many of the countries that want to join have these sorts of laws in place, the main goal of the EPC board during the assessments is to see if those laws are actually working, and if they are compatible with the normally more stringent EU laws. In the final part of the process, the EPC will refer the issue of membership to the European Commission to check if it has any objections. Normally this is just a formality, and it is likely that the EU executive will have a few of those requests later this year. Looking Ahead September 11 is another big test for the EU sanctions regime against Russia. The General Court of the European Union, one of the two key courts that make up the Court of Justice of the European Union, will rule on whether the restrictive measures imposed on Russia's National Settlement Depository (NSD), its central securities depository, and a number of Russian oligarchs, including Gennady Timchenko, Petr Aven, and Mikhail Fridman, are legally sound. While Aven and Fridman have already won in the general court, the two men have remained sanctioned as their legal win concerned another time period, and the EU since then has updated the reasons for their blacklisting. That's all for this week! Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on Twitter @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org. Until next time, Rikard Jozwiak If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here. With the summer break long gone and the emails quickly piling up, my best judgment tells me that now is as good a time as ever to escape on a fantasy horological retreat. My destination of choice: the most European American city, Boston! When packing a suitcase, one must not forget the essentials. Toiletries and clothing are one thing, but preparing the perfect watch roll has to be top of the list. Flying with me will be three magnificent IWC watches to pair perfectly with the Bostonian landscape. IWC was founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, a watchmaker from Boston. I simply could not resist the temptation of this perfect match-up. Exploring Larz Anderson A quick ride from the city center, a must-visit destination in the suburbs has to be the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Home to Americas oldest car collection, fans of modern cars will not be disappointed either, with vehicles like the Porsche 918 Spyder on display. The real fun to be had is joining a Cars & Coffee event, where on the beautiful lawn outside the estate, enthusiasts from the city and surrounding suburbs bring out their toys for all to cherish. On my wrist, what better piece than the IWC Pilot Chronograph 41 made for the Mercedes Petronas F1 team? Blending high horology and the pinnacle of motorsport, this sport piece with its bold light blue accents and stealthy ceratanium case will surely convince any AMG driver to take me for a ride. One can only hope! Pilot Chronograph 41 Mercedes Petronas F1 Team IWC Schaffhausen A Retreat from the Retreat Boston is a beautiful city, but Cape Cod is the real gem. With its long white sand beaches contrasting with the dark murky waters (beware the great whites), the cape is as relaxing as it is rugged. What better watch than the IWC Aquatimer Automatic in its beautiful blue hue? As comfortable on the beach, catching the light on the sunray dial, as on the ocean floor, with its extremely capable 30 ATM of water resistance, the Aquatimer truly is a jack of all trades. Tired of the rubber strap after a long day on the water? This IWC has you covered with its easy bracelet quick-change system and its stainless steel bracelet. Aquatimer Automatic IWC Schaffhausen Back in the City Because this is only a fantasy, with my return to the city, I would like the season to change and with that, the snow to cover the beautiful little streets of Beacon Hill. Now I know what you are thinking, why would anyone want to go from the beach to a snowy city? My answer: the IWC Big Pilots Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Lake Tahoe. I have no better justification than simply thatseeing that watch on my wrist with the snowy streets in the background. With the white ceramic case, the magnificent moons on the dial, and my favorite detail, the fighter jets, the only problem I see would be not freezing my wrist off with the amount of time it would be exposed to the cold. This watch, this scenerythat is just the stuff of dreams I better get back to reality now, and to my emails. Jamie Bennington, the son of Chester Bennington, the late frontman of the American rock band Linkin Park, who died in 2017 as a result of suicide, criticized his father's former colleagues over the new vocalist. In his opinion, Emily Armstrong is a rather dubious replacement for his father as she was previously associated with Scientology, a religion that believes that humans are immortal beings in a physical body, and supported a friend who was guilty of raping women. ADVERTISIMENT According to Variety, on his Instagram, the 28-year-old man expressed a negative attitude toward the new band's lineup. He noted that in this way Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda "quietly erased his father's life and legacy in real time." On social media, the late vocalist's son recalled that Emily Armstrong supported her friend, actor Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women. As a representative of the Church of Scientology, the star of the movie The Ranch repeatedly committed sexual crimes against other female parishioners. At first, the actor began to lose roles in popular films, and later was arrested by the Los Angeles Supreme Court. ADVERTISIMENT "People arent having a difficult time wrapping their head around the prospect of Linkin Park reinventing itself. They are having a hard time wrapping their head around how you: Hired your friend of many years @emilyarmstrong to replace @chesterbe knowing Emilys history in the church and her history as an ally to @dannymasterson," Jamie wrote. The new vocalist of a rock band attended only one hearing in her friend's case, after which she refused to help him. Despite the fact that she apologized to the fans, saying that she does not condone abuse or violence against women and sympathizes with the victims of these crimes, Chester Bennington's descendant believes that they have lost the trust of their fans. ADVERTISIMENT Jamie was particularly outraged that Mike Shinoda decided to announce a new member of Linkin Park in September, which is considered Suicide Prevention Month. In his opinion, this is the worst time to make such information public as his father committed suicide himself. Earlier, it was reported that Linkin Park returned with a new vocalist and the first song in 7 years. At a live performance in Los Angeles on September 5, the band presented a unique new. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Roscommon actor and writer Chris ODowd has paid tribute to the late James Earl Jones. Mr Jones, who iconically voiced Star Wars villain Darth Vader, died yesterday at the age of 93. Known for his sonorous voice, he had a long and successful career on stage and screen, from Stanley Kubricks Dr Strangelove to the Lion King. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, last night, the Boyle man shared a photo of himself with Mr Jones. A voice that stopped you in your tracks. Rest easy legend, he wrote. A County Roscommon solar park has secured a contract as part of the Governments RESS 4 auction (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme). Once constructed, TDC Community Solar Park in County Roscommon, a 75-Megawatt project extending over 130 hectares will generate enough power to supply c.20,000 homes across Ireland. The project, by EDF Renewables Ireland, will be one of the groups largest solar farm project in Ireland to date. It will be located in the townlands of Taduff, Drum, Curraghaleen, Taduff East, Creagh and Cuilglass in the south of the county. The decision enables TDC Community Solar Farm to receive a fixed price for the low-carbon electricity it generates over a fifteen-year period. EDF Renewables Ireland Senior Business Development Manager JP Wallace said building projects like this were crucial if Ireland was to meet its ambitious solar energy targets. Ireland has made terrific progress regarding the roll-out of solar installations over the last few years, and we were proud to play an important role in energising some of the countrys first grid-scale solar farms last year. Building projects of the scale of TDC Community Solar Park will be essential to allow Ireland to meet its target of 8GW of solar by the end of the decade. The auction success is a testament to the hard work of our team, and were looking forward to starting construction on the project as soon as possible," said Mr Wallace. While the original planning permission had been for a 45MW project over 70 hectares, EDF Renewables Ireland applied for and were granted planning permission for an 75MW project over 130 hectares along with a battery energy storage system. Mr Wallace added that "a Community Benefit Fund, which will be independently administered, will be established once the project is constructed. This will provide funding for community-based initiatives and activities over the next 15 years. The company has also been engaging with An Bord Pleanala regarding a 110kV substation that will be required as part of the solar farm. It is preparing a planning application for this substation, which it hopes to submit in the coming weeks. Well-known local doctor, Martin Daly, is putting his name forward to contest the forthcoming general election for Fianna Fail. This evening at a party meeting in Roscommon Town, Dr Daly, who is a GP based in Ballygar, announced that he will be seeking to contest the convention for Fianna Fail. Dr Daly is a former president of the Irish Medical Organisation and is an advocate to protect rural patients' access to GP practices. A team doctor with Roscommon GAA, he also ran for the Seanad as an independent in 2016. The race for FFs nomination for Roscommon-Galway is certain to draw great interest. While the party's convention has yet to be fixed, the presumptive candidate is Senator Eugene Murphy, who held a Dail seat for the party between 2016 and 2020. It is expected that the partys convention will be held before the end of the month. Ireland's most adorable pups are invited to compete for the coveted title of Petmania's Puppy of the Year 2024, a celebration of the nations much loved pets, culminating in a grand, furry finale ceremony. Now in its 9th year, this beloved annual competition has grown in popularity, with last year's event attracting a record-breaking 1,600 entries from proud pet parents across Ireland. Roscommon had a strong showing last year with Biscuit Dunphy coming third - we're hoping for even more local pups to enter this time around. This year, the competition is open once again and Biscuit is encouraging other puppies from Roscommon to put their best paw forward and follow in his paw prints. Puppies up to 12 months old can enter and entries are open from September 2nd to 22nd. Every entrant receives a free puppy pack, courtesy of BETA. The grand prize, valued at 1,500, includes 12 months grooming at Petmania Grooming Studios, a year's supply of Beta dog food, a two-night dog-friendly hotel stay from Blue Book, a professional photoshoot, and a brand ambassador contract. According to last year's Pet Survey, an impressive 81% of households have a dog. The winning pup will be selected based on a combination of their personality, coat and appearance, obedience, and any special talents. In the initial rounds, communities and customers will vote for their favourite puppy to advance to the final stages. Speaking about the launch of this years Puppy of the Year competition, Petmanias spokesperson Emily Miller, says: "Over the past eight years, we've cherished meeting countless wonderful dogs and their devoted owners," says Emily. "This competition goes beyond just winning; it's a heartwarming celebration of the unconditional love and companionship dogs bring to our lives. It's also a chance for Petmania to unite our customers and communities in a fun, light-hearted event that offers a break from the everyday. We're excited for this year's competition and wish all participants the very best! Last year's champion, Donut the English Mastiff from Mountrath, Laois, captured hearts nationwide. Her owner, Jacinta Parkinson, fondly recalls the experience: "Winning Puppy of the Year was an unforgettable experience for Donut and me," says Jacinta. "It was a wonderful way to celebrate his adorable personality and connect with other dog lovers across Ireland. We encourage everyone to enter their puppy this year - it's a truly special experience!" Petmania has 16 stores across Ireland with over 260 employees and the largest dog grooming business in the country. For more information about Petmania and to enter the Puppy of the Year competition, visit here. During the excavation of a castle in Spain, archaeologists found a strange burial: the remains of a woman lay next to more than 20 medieval monks. According to scientists, this woman was a warrior and died in battle. ADVERTISIMENT The researchers determined the sex of the female warrior by examining the two most common and reliable parts of the body for determining biological sex: the pelvis and skull. According to the archaeologists, the woman was about 40 years old, Livescience reports. "We have to imagine her as a warrior of about forty years of age, about one and a half meters tall, not stout, not slender, skilled with a sword," Carme Risseh, a researcher at the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the State University of Tarragona and co-author of the study, described the remains. Archaeologists found the human remains during excavations at a cemetery in the fortified castle of Zorita de los Canes in Guadalajara, Spain. The burials date back to the XII-XV centuries. It was at this time that religious and political conflicts between Christian and Islamic groups on the Iberian Peninsula were taking place. ADVERTISIMENT Not surprisingly, many of the unearthed skeletons bear violent and even fatal wounds. According to the researchers, the skulls and pelvic areas of the Spanish monks showed "a significant number of penetrating stab and blunt force wounds," probably sustained in battle. Scientists claim that these warrior monks belonged to the Order of Calatrava, which was founded in Spain in 1158. Interestingly, this order was similar to the Knights Templar. It was supposed to defend the city of Calatrava la Vieja, which stretched along the disputed border between Christian and Muslim territories. ADVERTISIMENT The researchers' study says that in the 13th century, local nobility began to provide the order with money and men. Many of the order's recruits, especially the knights and sergeants of the highest rank, were recruited from the lower nobility and city leaders. Although the Knights of Calatrava took a vow of poverty, they regularly feasted. Analyzing the bones found near the Zorita de los Canes castle, scientists also determined that the monks ate mostly poultry and sea fish. Isotope analysis showed that compared to men, the woman ate much less protein. This suggests that she probably came from a lower social class than the monks. According to one of the researchers' versions, the woman was a maid in the castle and took up arms to defend it during a battle. However, this hypothesis seems unlikely, as her bones do not show the wear and tear typical of a servant. "I believe that these remains belong to a female warrior. But further analysis is needed to determine to what extent this woman is a contemporary of the other knights," added Karmeh Risseh. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Lollapalooza India 2025: From Shawn Mendes, to Hanumankind, Check Line-Up For Mega Music Festival Stars like Indian rapper Hanumankind will perform at Lollapalooza India. Lollapalooza India 2025 Date, Venue, and Line Up: The much-anticipated Lollapalooza India 2025 line-up was unveiled on Tuesday, with global music icons like Green Day and Shawn Mendes set to headline the two-day musical spectacle in Mumbai. Joining them will be rising stars like Indian rapper Hanumankind, ensuring a blend of international and homegrown talent. Lollapalooza 2025 Date, Venue and Line-up: Advertisement Returning for its third edition in India, Lollapalooza will take place on March 8 and 9, 2025. The multi-genre festival will feature artists from pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, and techno, spanning 20 hours of live performances across four stages. Green Day Legendary American rock band Green Day, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool, will be making their India debut after a remarkable 35-year career. The five-time Grammy winners announced their headlining performance on Instagram, saying, "India, youve been calling our name... and its finally time to answer. Well see you in Mumbai next March for @LollaIndia." Advertisement Shawn Mendes The 26-year-old Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes will also take the stage at Lollapalooza India 2025. Sharing his excitement, Mendes posted the festival's line-up on his Instagram Stories, expressing his enthusiasm with the message, So excited @lollaindia, alongside red heart emojis. Hanumankind Advertisement Indian rapper Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, shot to fame with his hit track *Big Dawgs*, which has garnered over 57 million views on YouTube. Known for its politically charged lyrics and innovative music video, the track has become an international sensation. Hanumankind will also make his acting debut in the Malayalam film *Rifle Club*, directed by Aashiq Abu. Before his Lollapalooza performance, Hanumankind will perform in Bengaluru and Mumbai on September 13 and 15, respectively. Other notable artists set to perform include Louis Tomlinson, Raftaar, Dot., and Lisa Mishra, who recently made her acting debut in *Call Me Bae*. (For more news apart from Lollapalooza India 2025 Date, Venue and Line Up, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Presidents Rule in Delhi? President Refers BJPs Appeal to Ministry of Home Affairs BJP alleged that the Delhi government has been obstructing the implementation of central government welfare schemes. Is President's Rule on the horizon for Delhi? This question arose after President Droupadi Murmu forwarded an appeal by the Delhi BJP to the Ministry of Home Affairs, demanding the dismissal of the Delhi government. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, has confirmed that the memorandum submitted by BJP MLAs, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of violating the Constitution, has been sent to the ministry for further action. Vijender Gupta claimed in a statement that the Delhi governments failure to constitute the sixth Delhi Finance Commission and its inaction on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports represent significant constitutional violations. Advertisement On August 30, a delegation of BJP MLAs met with President Murmu, urging her to intervene in what they described as a "constitutional crisis" in Delhi, primarily due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals imprisonment. Sharing a letter from the Presidents Secretariat, Vijender Gupta stated, The President has taken cognizance of the memorandum and forwarded it to the Home Secretary for further action. The BJP MLAs, led by Vijender Gupta, expressed serious concerns over the governance in Delhi under CM Kejriwal. They urged the President to intervene, stating that Kejriwals continued stay in jail for over four months, due to his alleged involvement in the excise policy scam, has paralyzed the administrative system in the capital. Despite being in jail, Kejriwal has refused to resign, causing a "complete collapse" of governance in Delhi, according to the memorandum. The BJP claimed that essential services and important administrative decisions are being delayed, adversely affecting the citizens of Delhi. The memorandum highlighted constitutional violations, such as the failure to establish the sixth Delhi Finance Commission since April 2021, which contravenes Articles 243-I and 243-Y of the Indian Constitution. This delay has reportedly disrupted financial planning and resource allocation for Delhi, particularly impacting the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Advertisement Additionally, the BJP accused the Delhi government of failing to table 11 CAG reports in the Legislative Assembly, undermining transparency and proper scrutiny of the governments financial activities. This lack of oversight, the memorandum claimed, raises questions about the financial integrity of the AAP government. The memorandum also pointed to several allegations of corruption and financial irregularities within the AAP government, including the Delhi liquor scam, which led to the arrest of key government ministers, and irregularities in the Delhi Jal Boards finances, with no balance sheet prepared for 2021-22 and 2022-23. Furthermore, the BJP alleged that the Delhi government has been obstructing the implementation of central government welfare schemes. Advertisement MLAs Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, Ajay Mahawar, Abhay Verma, Anil Vajpayee, Jitendra Mahajan, Kartar Singh Tanwar, and former Delhi Minister Rajkumar Anand joined Vijender Gupta in appealing to President Murmu for the invocation of Article 356 of the Constitution to dismiss the AAP government. They argued that governance in Delhi has deteriorated to the point where immediate presidential intervention is necessary to safeguard constitutional values and democratic norms in the national capital. (For more news apart from Is President's Rule on the horizon for Delhi? stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Rahul Gandhi on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 During US visit Rahul Gandhi claimed that even PM Modi, didnt expect to win the large number of seats BJP ultimately secured. Rahul Gandhi on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 During US visit: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns about the fairness of India's recent general elections, alleging that the polls were heavily skewed in favor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at Georgetown University during his four-day visit to the United States, Gandhi asserted that the election was not fought on a level playing field and that it undermined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political image. Advertisement Gandhi stated, "In a fair election, I don't believe the BJP would come close to 240 seats. They had significant financial advantages, and our bank accounts were frozen. The Election Commission acted in their favor, and the campaign was structured to push Modi's agenda with varying strategies across states. It wasnt a free electionit was controlled." The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha also detailed how the Congress faced challenges during the election. "At one point, our treasurer informed us that the bank accounts were frozen. Despite this, we fought and managed to damage the narrative of Modi's India," he added. Gandhi claimed that even Prime Minister Modi, during the campaign, didnt expect to win the large number of seats BJP ultimately secured. Advertisement During his U.S. visit, Rahul Gandhi has also engaged with the Indian diaspora in Dallas and plans to meet U.S. lawmakers and officials in Washington, D.C. (For more news apart from Rahul Gandhi on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 During US visit, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Tensions with Canada: India's Stance Grows Tougher 'While Indian students contribute significantly to Canada's economy, they do not receive commensurate benefits or facilities.' India-Canada Relations: The repercussions from the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case are extending beyond the activities of Khalistani elements and are now affecting broader India-Canada relations. India has demanded transparency in the Canadian visa process for Indian students and a halt to what it describes as "unnecessary harassment" of visa applicants. Additionally, there has been strong criticism regarding the increase in customs duties on Indian goods imported into Canada. According to an agency report, during the 12th Trade Review Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Zurich, Indian representatives pointed out that while Indian students contribute significantly to Canada's economy, they do not receive commensurate benefits or facilities. Advertisement The visa process for students, they argued, is slow and lacks transparency, with an apparent intention to cause hardship. Indian representatives shared that currently, there are 1.84 lakh (184,000) Indian students in Canada. While Canada is a popular destination for Indian students after the US, they face delays in visa issuance while individuals with dubious backgrounds reportedly receive visas more quickly. Furthermore, illegal immigration of Indian 'students' into the US through Canada is on the rise, suggesting either biases in the Canadian visa system or collusion between visa officials and unscrupulous travel agents exploiting loopholes. The Indian delegation dismissed Canada's claim that the recent expulsion of about 30 Canadian diplomatic officers from India has negatively impacted visa processing. An Indian official countered, stating that if India can issue 10,000 to 12,000 visas monthly in Canada, the Canadian authorities should be able to do the same. Advertisement India also raised concerns about the high import duties imposed by Canada on textiles, knitwear, jewelry, leather, and footwear, which reach up to 22%. Indian officials argued that this violates WTO rules, as such tariffs are meant to protect domestic industries threatened by cheap imports, which is not the case for Canadian industries concerning Indian products. India is Canada's 10th largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries amounting to $9.36 billion in 2023, and projected to surpass $10 billion this year. Indian importers expect fair treatment in light of these trade relations. The Indian government has increased pressure on Canada at a time when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is facing political challenges. The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, has withdrawn support from Trudeau, leaving the government vulnerable. Advertisement Despite these tensions, both countries should take care to ensure that diplomatic strains do not adversely affect their citizens. It is in the best interest of India and Canada to move past recent conflicts for the greater good. 'Indian students contribute significantly to Canada's economy, yet they don't get benefits' A key concern raised by India is the lack of transparency and delays in the Canadian visa process for Indian students. Indian Students in Canada Economy, Immigration Latest News: Indian students are making substantial contributions to Canada's economy, yet they are not receiving benefits or facilities that match their input. This disparity has come to the forefront as tensions between India and Canada, stemming from the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, now extend beyond political friction, affecting broader bilateral relations. A key concern raised by India is the lack of transparency and delays in the Canadian visa process for Indian students, along with instances of what India calls "unnecessary harassment" of visa applicants. Advertisement During the 12th Trade Review Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Zurich, Indian representatives highlighted this issue, stressing that Indian students are vital to the Canadian economy. With over 1.84 lakh (184,000) Indian students currently in Canada, they form a significant part of the countrys academic and financial ecosystem. However, despite their contribution, these students are met with slow visa processing and inadequate facilities. Indian officials pointed out that while Indian students face such hurdles, individuals with questionable backgrounds seem to obtain visas more easily, raising concerns about biases or corrupt practices within the Canadian visa system. This situation has even led to an increase in illegal immigration through Canada, further complicating the issue. India has also rejected Canada's claim that the expulsion of 30 Canadian diplomatic officers from India has caused delays in visa processing. Indian representatives argued that if India can manage issuing 10,000 to 12,000 visas per month in Canada, there is no reason Canadian authorities cannot match this pace. Advertisement (For more news apart from Indian Students in Canada Economy, Immigration Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) George Enescu and AI Photo: The George Enescu International Festival Ana-Maria Cononovici, 10.09.2024, 14:00 The George Enescu International Competition is under way in Bucharest, impressing the music lovers night after night with outstanding artistic moments. Given that any cultural event, even the well-known ones, wants to draw a wider audience, on the occasion of the 143rd anniversary of composer George Enescus birth, ARTEXIM, the organizer of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition, presented this year, for the first time, the immersive show George Enescu Poema Romana: Immersive Experience, at the Museum of Immersive New Art, which is intended to be a new series of concerts within the Enescu Festival 2025. Under this special project, the public is taken on an original audiovisual journey, exploring the life and work of George Enescu, through the lens of the Romanian Poem, Enescus first work, composed when its author was only 16. From the very beginning, a video introduces the audience to the atmosphere of a concert hall, where the orchestra starts performing the Romanian Poem. Against this musical background, the spectators are transported to the picturesque landscapes of Romania, the colors and textures of nature vibrating in sync with the musical notes. While Enescus music unfolds, the landscapes merge and transform into various significant places in the composers life, creating a visual biographical collage. Cristina Uruc, the ARTEXIM manager, talked about the collaboration with Les Ateliers Nomad, who created the virtual experience: They are visual artists who work with the latest technologies and with artificial intelligence, who train AI and elements created by them to match Enescus music and generate new video images. This is exactly what this project is called, an experience, an experiment that together with those from Les Ateliers Nomad we tried to achieve. They have amazing projects! Due to state-of-the-art technologies, viewers are invited to see, for the first time, photos of Enescu at different stages of his life and career, animated with the help of artificial intelligence. The video mixes scenes that showcase Enescus lasting impact on Romanian and international music, exploring his influence on future generations of musicians and composers. George Enescu Romanian Poem: Immersive Experience is a new experience that combines history, music and technology to bring to life the world and work of George Enescu. On this occasion, a new series of concerts was announced, which will take place within the George Enescu International Festival, starting next year, in partnership with JTI Immersive Experience. Gilda Lazar, Corporate Affairs and Communications Director with JTI Romania, the main partner of the Festival, said: We are part of this event and are reliable partners of many cultural events in Romania. Over the years we have created events and supported events, projects and cultural institutions. When this project was proposed to us, we obviously said yes. Why? Because Poema Romana/Romanian Poem is Enescus Opus number 1, because, indeed, it was written in his youth and is addressed to an audience that did not get the chance to hear it. () It was not performed for 43 years and when it finally was, in 1990, it was not filmed, for some reason. Only after 10 years did we manage to reconcile with our past and have a new beginning. You know that the Romanian Poem is dedicated to Romanias Queen Elizabeth. I imagined what it would have been like for a young man at that time, at 16, to realize that he was living in a kingdom. It was like living in a fairy tale, it was beautiful, it was normal to be excited. The presentation of the Romanian Poem for the first time, in Paris, it was a big event. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in its archive the information sent by the Romanian ambassador to Paris, from that period. We mention that a representative fragment from the Romanian Poem was used during the Iron Curtain as a signal for the Radio Free Europe broadcasts, which were addressed to Romanians under the communist regime. Gilda Lazar talked about the partnership of JTI and the George Enescu Festival for almost 10 years: Under the sign of novelty, next year, there will be four concerts, various shows, names like Gigi Caciuleanu or Ruxandra Donose, every Thursday and Friday, at MINA , during the Enescu Festival. This way we will continue a tradition started with the Brancusi immersive exhibition, which we also organized with the Art Productin Foundation, a few years ago. The next edition of the George Enescu International Festival will take place between August 24 and September 21, 2025, under the High Patronage of the President of Romania. It is a cultural project financed by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Culture. Changes in the new school year The new school year in Romania starts with significant changes Foto: Annie Spratt / unsplash.com Daniela Budu, 10.09.2024, 14:00 Approximately three million pupils in Romania have started a new school year, which comes with important changes. 8th and 12th graders will finish school earlier, and the exam calendar, both for the National Evaluation and for the Baccalaureate, has also been changed. For those who will not take exams this school year, the courses will last 36 weeks and will end on June 20, 2025. There will also be five breaks. Other important provisions include the banning of mobile phones during class, as well as the setting up of special rooms for disruptive students, where they will be supervised by a teacher. Starting this year, pupils will receive a behaviour grade at the end of each module, and the average at the end of the year will be reduced by one point for every 20 unexcused absences. The Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, explained why this measure was taken. Ligia Deca: TRACK We had numerous discussions with principals of schools where, unfortunately, acts of school violence were reported, and they told us that its much better for the student to know that they get a grade for each module. So if, for example, there is a transient behaviour slip, the grade attached to that module will reflect that. If the pupil changes their behaviour and falls within normal limits, they can compensate with the grades on the other modules. It is also a way to have a better real-time image of what is happening with a students behaviour. This school year, almost 1,900 educational units from all over the country will have an electronic grade book, with over 700 more than in September last year. According to the Ministry of Education, at the beginning of this school year, more than 850 schools have been relocated for modernization or construction, out of the total of almost 6,300 units in Romania. It should also be noted that 22 schools will operate in three shifts. According to the Minister of Education, there is also a new plan to combat violence in schools, which provides for actions and clear deadlines for all those involved, from ministries to inspectorates, which will lead to the prevention of acts of violence and the consumption of prohibited substances. Ligia Deca: TRACK Campaigns, programs, actions to prevent violence, human trafficking, and drug use and to promote a healthy lifestyle will take place in schools. Also, the Alternative school week will have as a priority theme the prevention and reduction of acts of violence, respectively the consumption of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, along with traffic education. As for school dropout, the school meal was introduced and following this measure, says the minister, school dropout can be reduced significantly, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. At the same time, the number and amount of scholarships was increased, just like the number of school counsellors, also with the aim of curbing school dropouts. In conclusion, the authorities say that Romanian education still needs important investments. It has been 130 years since the birth of Oleksandr Dovzhenko, not only a legendary figure of Ukrainian cinema but also one of the most influential filmmakers in Europe. The artist was born in Chernihiv region on September 10, 1894. Growing up in a poor family, the Ukrainian managed to make it in life. ADVERTISIMENT The name of the innovative filmmaker is revered in Ukraine and abroad. The playwright once even dreamed of conquering Hollywood. In 1930, Dovzhenko had the opportunity to present his silent film Zemlya (Earth), which reveals the problem of collectivization at the time, as well as the confrontation between kulaks and collective farmers. This is just one of the legendary films by the Ukrainian that are definitely worth your attention. The Enchanted Place (1927) ADVERTISIMENT Against the backdrop of films of the 1920s, which usually revolved around the revolution, Zvenyhora (The Enchanted Place) was a phenomenal film, combining elements of mysticism and political drama. Dovzhenko was not inspired by the topic of the October Revolution, which was relevant at the time. Instead, in his work he showed the ancient Slavic legend of a buried treasure. The Diplomatic Pouch (1927) Sumka Dypkuriera (The Diplomatic Pouch) is Dovzhenko's second surviving feature film after Vasya Reformator (Vasya, The Reformer), which is currently considered lost. The cinematographer made one of the first suspenseful detective stories in Ukrainian cinema, using the techniques of German Expressionism. The plot centers on the struggle over a bag of diplomatic mail left behind after the death of a diplomatic courier. ADVERTISIMENT Arsenal (1929) Despite the strict orders and the fact that Dovzhenko was forced to create propaganda films, he dared to show his creativity. This is what happened with the propaganda film Arsenal, which tells the story of the legendary Kyiv factory where an uprising against the UPR took place in the winter of 1918: almost all of its participants were killed before the Red Army arrived. However, Dovzhenko's Arsenal is full of metaphors, symbols, grotesque, hyperbolic heroes and caricatured "enemies of the revolution." Earth (1930) ADVERTISIMENT Oleksandr Dovzhenko's Zemlya (Earth) can be called a true legend that brought the author worldwide fame. It is considered to be an ode to labor, a poetic depiction of the Ukrainian village. The Ukrainian managed to transfer the symbols and worldview of the nation through the screens, combining them with the problem of collectivization. The artist had to pay a high price for his frankness: the film was banned in the USSR because of "ideological differences." Shchors (1939) The historical film Shchors tells the story of the commander and hero of the Civil War, Mykola Shchors. The plot takes place in Ukraine in 1919, when the Red Army was marching towards Kyiv and there were battles with the troops of Petliura and Drahomyrov. In contrast to his previous works, Dovzhenko used socialist realism here. Despite the fact that the film was commissioned by Stalin, the Ukrainian director had his own vision of the picture, setting Bolshevik cinema against the Ukrainian background. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Reunion of national theaters in Chisinau 16 national theaters from Romania and the Republic of Moldova are meeting in Chisinau, where, starting today, until September 22, the 9th edition of the "Reunion of Romanian National Theaters" takes place. Reunion of national Theaters, 9th edition Sorin Iordan, 10.09.2024, 13:50 Romanian national theaters gather in Chisinau, in the Republic of Moldova, for the 9th edition of the largest European festival of performing arts. The event, organized by the Mihai Eminescu National Theater from the Moldovan capital in collaboration with the Romanian Cultural Institute Representation on the left side of the Prut River and the Ministries of Culture from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, starts today and will come to an end on September 22. For the 4th consecutive year, the event is held under the high patronage of the Presidents of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, Klaus Iohannis and Maia Sandu, respectively, and this years edition has the motto European Connections. For 13 days, the public in Chisinau will have the chance to attend 27 indoor and outdoor performances, listen to 8 radio show auditions and watch 6 premieres. Also, under the motto Linguistic identities European identity (memory, art, cultural management) there will be 10 book launches and meetings with personalities from the theater and cultural domains, including Emil Boroghina, Ludmila Patlanjoglu, Matei Visniec, Ana Blandiana, Aura Corbeanu, Ion Bogdan Lefter, Maria Zarnescu, Oana Bors and many others. Romania is represented by the I. L. Caragiale National Theater from Bucharest, the Vasile Alecsandri National Theater from Iasi, the Radu Stanca National Theater from Sibiu, the Marin Sorescu National Theater from Craiova, the Lucian Blaga National Theater from Cluj-Napoca, the Targu-Mures National Theatre, the Constanta State Theatre, the Matei Visniec Theater in Suceava, the National Radio drama Theater and the Gigi Caciuleanu Romania Dance Company. The hosts will bring to the fore 8 theater institutions, namely the Mihai Eminescu National Theater, the Luceafarul Republican Theater, the National Theater Vasile Alecsandri from Balti, the Eugene Ionesco National Theater, the B.P. Hasdeu Theater from Cahul, The National Satiricus Theater I.L. Caragiale, the Alexie Mateevici Theater and the Nameless Theater (Teatrul Fara Nume) Ginta Latina Center. The festivals guest of honor is the Ivan Franko National Drama Theater from Kyiv. The Reunion of Romanian National Theaters was organized for the first time in 2015 and was inspired by the Romanian Theater Bucharest Iasi Chisinau project, launched a year earlier by the two directors of the National Theaters in Bucharest and Chisinau, the great actor Ion Caramitru and the director Petru Hadarca. The project was conceived as a massive flow of performances from the West to Chisinau to offer alternative models to the avalanche of Russian propaganda messages and narratives that dominated the public and media space at that moment, to provide Moldovan citizens with democratic landmarks and anchor them in the free world space. (LS) Hill & Smith (HILS.L) announced the acquisition of Whitlow Electric Service Company. Whitlow, located in Elberton, Georgia, designs and manufactures a range of structural steel and substation components for the US electrical infrastructure market. The cash consideration is $30.2 million, on a debt and cash free basis. Whitlow will become part of the V&S Utilities Group, within Engineered Solutions division. Hill & Smith said the acquisition will be funded from its existing borrowing facilities and is expected to be modestly earnings enhancing to the Group in 2024. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News AngloGold Ashanti Limited (AGD.L,AU), a South African Gold miner, said on Tuesday that it has agreed to buy Centamin Plc (CELTF.PK,CEY.L,CEE.TO). Under the terms, for each Centamin share, shareholders will receive 0.06983 new AngloGold Ashanti share and cash of $0.125. The offer values Centamin at around 1.9 billion pounds or $2.5 billion. "The acquisition of Centamin is a compelling strategic fit, closely aligned with AngloGold Ashanti's core competencies," AngloGold said. The deal values each Centamin share at 163 pence based on the closing price of $28.80 per AngloGold Ashanti share, and a British pound and dollar exchange rate of 1:$1.3080 on September 9. This represents 36.7 percent to the closing price of 120 pence per Centamin share and a 37.6 percent to the 30-day volume-weighted average Centamin share price as of September 9, based on the 30-day volume-weighted average share price of AngloGold Ashanti as at the same date. Post-transaction, AngloGold Ashanti will own around 83.6 percent, while Centamin will own approximately 16.4 percent of AngloGold Ashanti. The transaction is expected to be closed in the fourth-quarter of 2024. Centamin is a Gold producer, whose flagship Tier 1 asset is the Sukari Gold mine, which is Egypt's largest and first modern Gold mine. Since production began in 2009, Sukari has produced over 5.9 million ounces of Gold. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Vice-President Kamala Harris will take on Donald Trump at Tuesday night's presidential debate in Philadelphia - their first in the race for the White House, and the only scheduled debate before the November 5 election. Although Presidential debates usually don't decide elections in the U.S., they do influence voters in the run up to it. The former president has questioned the intelligence of Harris and her race as a Black woman, but she looked undaunted by the attack, and ignored Trump's comments when she was asked to respond to it during a CNN interview. The latest in a series of Trump rhetoric came at the weekend when he vowed to prosecute and jail election officials and political opponents he considers cheats. He repeated the voter fraud claim in the 2020 election. Harris called Trump an "unserious man," and said he is an "extremely serious" threat to the nation if elected. The mood in Democratic camp has rejuvenated after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid in favor of his deputy. Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month, and promised to lead the country "for all Americans" and create an "opportunity ." The latest national polling averages for the two candidates give Harris a slight edge of 47 percent against Trump's 44 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A new UK-US Strategic Dialogue opens in London on Tuesday aiming to deepen the two nations' commitment to strengthen their economic and security relationship. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the UK for the first time since the new Labor Government came to power. Talks between Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will cover key elements of the UK-US relationship, including defense and security, Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, secure, resilient and sustainable growth and other global priorities. "The UK has no greater friend than America. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike," said Lammy. With the UK and US sharing a $1 trillion investment relationship, a re-energized and enhanced economic partnership presents huge opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic - supporting the new government's priority to grow the , the UK Foreign Office said in a press release. The two sides plan for the Strategic Dialogue to become an annual event, it added. Lammy and Blinken previously met during the NATO Summit in Washington DC in July. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to continue strengthening ties with Vietnam as he met with Vietnamese Minister of Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon. Austin said the U.S. remains focused on overcoming the legacies of war as the two countries continue to build on the recent elevation of U.S.-Vietnam relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The secretary also expressed his condolences for the lives lost after Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam's northern coast over the weekend. The meeting comes nearly one year after President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam where the two countries took steps to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing cooperation across a range of diplomatic, economic and defense industrial endeavors, among others. The step marked what the White House hailed as a "new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship" between the two countries. The past year marked increased military cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam, including a port visit by the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche at Cam Ranh, Vietnam in July. Vietnam also hosted a multilateral Pacific Partnership mission and a Pacific Angel humanitarian response mission in August. Austin also addressed the United States' commitment to account for those lost during the Vietnam War and to assist Vietnam in its search for its fallen service members. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela at the Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony By: Lance Myburgh On the 3rd of September 2024, the Steve Biko Lawns at Rhodes University were filled with respect and nostalgia as Rhodes University held its Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony. This year's event was more than a simple celebration of nature but a heartfelt tribute to the university's retirees. These individuals have devoted decades of their lives to the growth and success of the institution. Mr. Schalk Van Der Merwe opened the event with a heartfelt welcome to all the dignitaries, distinguished guests, attendees, and Rhodes University staff. In his address, he emphasised the significance of acknowledging the collective journey and efforts of everyone present, reflecting on the importance of Arbor Day as a symbol of life, growth, and continuity an apt metaphor for the legacy left by the retirees. Professor Sizwe Mabizela, Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, expressed deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of the retirees during his address. He commended their unwavering dedication and acknowledged their lasting impact on the university. "Rhodes University is built upon the foundation of truly loyal and dedicated staff who give their all for the greater common good," he remarked. Mabizela stated, "It is their commitment and hard work that has enabled us to establish and sustain this university as a distinct and distinguished institution of higher learning." Ms Nasiphi Tafane from Human Resources had the honour of reading the citations of the retirees present at the event, a deeply moving part of the ceremony. As she recounted the careers of individuals from various departments, each citation served as a heartfelt tribute to their hard work, passion, and dedication. These readings captured the personal and professional legacies the retirees leave behind. Even those unable to attend had their citations read absentia, ensuring their contributions were celebrated. The retirees came from diverse backgrounds, with interests spanning from music to law, further highlighting the richness of their service to the university. After having their citations read, the event's highlight came when the retirees collectively planted the Yellowwood tree. Each retiree symbolically contributed by shovelling soil into the tree's planting hole, marking their lasting legacy within the university. After the tree-planting, Mrs Ntombekhaya 'Mavis' Mnyungula, with 40 years of service, gave a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of all retirees, expressing gratitude to Professor Mabizela and Rhodes University. Her words were warm, reflecting the deep bond between the retirees and the institution they had served for many years. In her parting wisdom to the younger generation, she emphasised the importance of values like respect for ones job, management, and colleagues and upholding honesty as the cornerstone of workplace integrity. These values will serve you well in your career and contribute to the university's overall success, she said. Mrs Mnyungula also appreciated the university for providing employment opportunities to many citizens of Makhanda. Rhodes University also honoured two staff members, Ryno Van Rooyen and Steven Peter, who sadly passed away this year. The Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony celebrated nature and a profound acknowledgement of the dedication and contributions of Rhodes University's retirees. Through this event, the university has ensured that the legacies of these remarkable individuals will continue to grow, much like the Yellowwood Tree planted in their honour, for many years to come. Two wheeler retail sales declined by 7.29% on a MoM basis due to weather related challenges that not only dampened consumer sentiment but also caused logistical issues Two wheeler sales in India, as reported by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), showed a 6.28% YoY growth to 13,38,237 units in August 2024. However, adverse weather condition in the country, that caused widespread rains and flooding, affected MoM sales which fell by 7.29% from 14,43,463 units sold in July 2024. Upcoming launches, the upcoming festive season and improved stock availability could see better performance in the month ahead. 2W Retail Sales August 2024 YoY Growth Hero MotoCorp was at No. 1 on this list, currently commanding a 26.80% market share with sales at 3,58,616 units. This was a growth of over 3,48,613 units sold in August 2023. The upcoming Hero Destini could boost sales in the months ahead. Honda two wheeler retail sales too improved to 3,52,605 units in the past month from 3,11,026 units sold in August 2023. Together Hero MotoCorp and Honda currently hold a combined 53.15% market share which goes upto 71% when taking the 3rd largest two wheeler maker, TVS Motor also into account. TVS Motor sales improved to 2,36,597 units over 2,25,567 units on a YoY basis. Next on this list was Bajaj Auto with 1,49,031 units sold in the past month, a marginal improvement of just 515 units over 1,48,516 units sold in August 2023. Bajaj Auto has seen outstanding demand for the Chetak e-scooter, sales of which increased three-fold over the past 12 months. Suzuki also saw a YoY improvement in retail sales to 79,307 units last month from 69,492 units sold in August 2023. However, Royal Enfield suffered a YoY setback with sales down to 54,810 units over 59,612 units sold in the same month last year. India Yamaha Motors sales improved to 51,996 units in the past month from 49,937 units sold in August 2023. Ola Retail Sales Post YoY Growth In the electric two wheeler segment, it was Ola Electric that accounted for sales of 27,517 units last month. This was a marked improvement over 18,750 units sold in August 2023. Ola unveiled the new Roadster EV lineup. Launch is expected next year. Ather Energy also showed improvement in retail sales to 10,830 units sold in August 2024. This was over 7,157 units sold in August 2023. However, Greaves Ampere (2,816 units), Piaggio (2,712 units) and Classic Legends Jawa / Yezdi (2,058 units) suffered a YoY decline in retail sales figures. There were other OEMs on this 2W retail sales list for August 2024. These also included electric two wheeler manufacturers who together contributed 9,342 units to total retail sales. However, this was a marked decline from 12,165 units sold in August 2023. Sub-Compact SUV Sales in India Rise by 18.48% in August 2024, Kia Sonet Posts Record Growth The sub-compact SUV segment (3.8 4 meter) in India saw significant growth in August 2024, with total sales reaching 1,05,499 units, marking an 18.48% year-on-year (YoY) increase from 89,040 units sold in August 2023. Several models posted impressive growth, while others faced declines, indicating a dynamic and competitive market. Sub 4m SUV Sales Aug 2024 Maruti Brezza Leads the Segment Maruti Brezza is once again back on the top as the No 1-selling sub-compact SUV in August 2024, with 19,190 units sold. This represents a 31.69% YoY increase, adding 4,618 units compared to the 14,572 units sold in August 2023. Brezzas dominant performance gave it an 18.19% share of the sub-compact SUV market, reflecting its continued popularity. Tata Punch, including its electric variant, also performed well, with sales rising by 7.71% YoY. Punch sold 15,643 units in August 2024, an increase of 1,120 units compared to August 2023, securing a 14.83% market share. Tata Nexon/EV emerged as one of the top gainers in the segment, recording a 52.68% YoY growth. Nexon/EV sold 12,289 units in August 2024, up by 4,240 units from the 8,049 units sold in August 2023. Both Punch and Nexon have reported decline in sales when comparing MoM. Tata has announced huge discounts this month to boost sales. Kia Sonet saw the highest YoY growth in the sub-compact SUV segment, with sales surging by 144.49%. Sonet sold 10,073 units in August 2024, an increase of 5,953 units compared to the 4,120 units sold in August 2023. This explosive growth secured Sonet a 9.55% share of the market, highlighting its growing appeal among Indian consumers. Mahindra XUV3XO also posted strong growth, with sales rising by 80.29% YoY. XUV3XO sold 9,000 units in August 2024, an increase of 4,008 units from August 2023, giving it an 8.53% market share. Toyota Taisor, a relatively new entrant, sold 3,213 units in August 2024, capturing a 3.05% share of the sub-compact SUV market. Hyundai Venue and Exter Face Declines While many models posted gains, Hyundai Venue and Hyundai Exter experienced declines. Hyundai Venues sales dropped by 17.02% YoY, with 9,085 units sold in August 2024, down by 1,863 units from the 10,948 units sold in August 2023. Venues market share stood at 8.61%. Hyundai Exter saw a 10.74% YoY decline, selling 6,632 units in August 2024, down by 798 units compared to August 2023. Exters market share fell to 6.29%. Interestingly, both SUVs have reported MoM growth. Mahindra Thar faced a 28.28% YoY decline, selling 4,268 units in August 2024, down by 1,683 units from 5,951 units sold in August 2023. Thars market share dropped to 4.05%, reflecting challenges in the off-road SUV category. Maruti Jimny faced the steepest decline in the segment, with sales plunging by 80.93% YoY. Jimny sold just 592 units in August 2024, down by 2,512 units from August 2023, reducing its market share to a mere 0.56%. Jimny MoM sales declined by a massive 76%. Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger saw minor declines in August 2024. Nissan Magnite sold 2,257 units, a marginal decrease of 1 unit compared to August 2023, capturing a 2.14% market share. Renault Kiger sold 870 units, down by 59 units from August 2023, representing a 6.35% decline and holding a 0.82% share of the market. Press Release September 10, 2024 Implications of the SC's ruling that Sulu province is not part of BARMM First manifestation of Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino Senate session Before we approve the journal, I seek recognition for two quick manifestations, Mr. President. Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued a decision which unanimously upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, enacted July 27, 2018. This law mandates the creation of the Bangsamoro region, the Muslim Mindanao area, and the determination of its territorial jurisdiction should a plebiscite be held. Mr. President, the High Court confirmed Bangsamoro's...BOL's constitutionality, clarifying that BARMM is not a separate state and that key powers remain in the national government. Crucially, the Supreme Court yesterday ruled that Sulu, I repeat, underscore Sulu, is not part of the BARMM, given its residents' rejection of its inclusion in the said political entity during the plebiscite. Mr. President, this ruling carries significant implications. With Sulu's exclusion, BARMM now comprises only the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Tawi Tawi. This presents pressing questions about Sulu's future, but it is vital to view this challenge as an opportunity. Now that Sulu is outside the BARMM, we must carefully consider not only the political but the financial implications of this recent Supreme Court decision. Ginagawa po natin ngayon, binabalangkas natin, Mr. President, ang budget for 2025. With Sulu's exclusion from the BARMM, the following questions arise. One, what will be its effect on the budget of BARMM? Will it have an impact on its revenue sources and allocation? Two, is there a need to adjust the existing budgetary allocation of BARMM, considering that its consideration in the net, Sulu is considered as part of BARMM? Three, what will happen to the province of Sulu? Where will it source its funds and resources for its projects and programs for development? Kailangan din pong tulungan ang lalawigan ng Sulu. Given these predicaments, I believe that this chamber should study carefully on how to solve this quandary with the welfare of both BARMM and the province of Sulu as its paramount consideration. I submit the following manifestation. A giant alligator has been caught in the United States. The beast, over 4 meters long and weighing 365 kilograms, was caught in a net in the Yazoo River, which stretches across Mississippi and Louisiana. ADVERTISIMENT The team of six hunters admitted that they fought the giant for about an hour before they finally captured the 60-year-old alligator. And after catching the prey, they decided to just eat it, writes DailyMail. Mississippi has an annual alligator hunting season. More than 3,700 people participated in the 2024 hunt, which ended yesterday, with an average of five to six people on each team. According to state rules, hunters can catch up to two alligators over 1.2 meters in length, but only one can be longer than 2 meters. Participants in the hunt can take home their "prize" and trade it for "wallets, belts and eating." ADVERTISIMENT This year's biggest trophy was an alligator over 4 meters long and weighing 365 kilograms. The hunters were not even hindered by the heavy rain during the hunt. "We sat through a monsoon for over 3 hours crunched 2 poles, survived the death roll a few times, displaced everything in the boat, and still managed to bring this monster home," said Megan Sasser, one of the hunters. It is not known what tools were used to catch the alligator, but according to the rules, hunters can use everything from hooks and harpoons to firearms. After the successful hunt, the winning team took several photos with the lifeless carcass and took it to the local meat processing company Red Antler. ADVERTISIMENT "In the last five years, we here at Red Antler have processed probably about 3,000 alligators, and we have only got two that were over the 14-foot in length measurement," said Shane Smith, owner of Red Antler Processing. The team took most of the meat home and donated the rest to Hunter Harvest, a nonprofit organization that donates caught and harvested meat to families in need. Megan Sasser posted a photo with her trophy on Facebook. However, not all readers responded positively to the woman's hunt. Some netizens were outraged and wrote, "This alligator had to be at least 50 years old to get this big. Such a shame. A beautiful animal!" ADVERTISIMENT According to animal rights activists, the largest alligator ever recorded was 5.8 meters long and weighed more than a ton when it was caught in Louisiana in 1890. And the largest predator in Mississippi was killed in 2023. It was 70 centimeters longer than the one caught this year. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Scientists have already proven that humanity is capable of growing potatoes and rice in Martian soil. New tests have revealed another plant that can grow on the red planet - desert moss. ADVERTISIMENT Scientists say that the unpretentious moss, which grows in the Mojave Desert and Antarctica, will be able to take root on Mars. Researchers are convinced that this modest plant could be the key to establishing life on a new planet, The Guardian reports. Chinese scientists have revealed that they have discovered an extremely hardy species of moss. Syntrichia caninervis is a moss that grows in Antarctica and deserts, in particular, it can be found in the Mojave Desert. According to scientists, this plant is able to withstand conditions similar to those on the Martian surface, including drought, extreme cold, and high levels of radiation. Scientists created a unique facility that had pressure, temperature, gases, and UV radiation exactly like those on Mars. The desert moss survived after seven days in such conditions. ADVERTISIMENT Researchers from China emphasize that the desert moss not only survived in extremely difficult conditions during their experiments, but also quickly recovered from almost complete dehydration. In addition, Syntrichia caninervis is able to recover after being exposed to -80C for up to five years and -196C for up to 30 days. This type of moss grows back after exposure to gamma rays, and a dose of about 500 Gy even promoted new growth. The scientists emphasized that the unique data they obtained during the study lays the foundation for the colonization of outer space. "Cultivating terrestrial plants is an important part of any long-term space mission because plants efficiently convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbohydrates - essentially the air and food humans need to survive. Desert moss is not edible, but it can provide other important functions in space," said Professor Stuart McDaniel, one of the researchers on this project and a moss expert at the University of Florida. ADVERTISIMENT Dr. Agata Zupanska of the SETI Institute added that while "moss is not tasty and would not make a great addition to a salad," it could help enrich and transform the rocky material found on the surface of Mars to allow other plants to grow. Chinese scientists have assured that this promising moss could be taken to Mars or the Moon in the future to further test the possibility of plant colonization and growth in space. However, Dr. Wiger Wamelink of the University of Wageningen expressed doubts about the study. He said that temperatures on the Red Planet rarely rise above freezing, making it impossible for plants to grow outdoors, while scientists from China did not use soil similar to that of the Martian. ADVERTISIMENT "The mosses were cultivated in Mars conditions for a few days at most, and then grown again in terrestrial conditions on sand. This, of course, does not indicate that they can grow in the conditions of the red planet," Wamelink emphasized. However, Professor Edward Guinan of Villanova University in the United States called the study amazing, but stressed that there is still a long way to go before we can colonize Mars. "We still have a long way to go in terms of research and improvement. But this modest desert moss gives us hope to make small parts of the red planet habitable for humanity in the future," the American scientist summarized. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi reacted to the scandal with the map of our country without Crimea in Ukrainian language textbooks for the 7th grade. He said that the publisher, who made the design mistake, would correct the technical error at its own expense. ADVERTISIMENT Lisovyi wrote about this on Facebook, emphasizing that Crimea is Ukraine. He noted that the Ministry of Education has questions about the quality of school textbooks. They are related to the activities of the Institute for the Modernization of Educational Content and are not the first time they have been raised. "Starting September 2, 2024, the Ukrainian Institute for Educational Development (UIED) will provide expertise by the decision of the Ministry. In 2025-2026, the Ministry of Education and Science is completing the reorganization of the Institute for the Modernization of Educational Content. This is to resolve the issue of textbook quality once and for all," said Lisovyi. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, a map of Ukraine without Crimea was found in 7th grade Ukrainian language textbooks by Anastasia Onatiy and Taras Tkachuk. The author of the textbook explained that image stocks began to post "convenient" maps of Ukraine with two versions of images - with and without Crimea. The expert also called on teachers to launch a flash mob "Draw Crimea". Later, the publishing house "Litera LTD", which published these textbooks, announced that it recognized its mistake in the situation with the map of Ukraine. They are recalling the textbooks and will publish a corrected edition at their own expense. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Ukrainian teachers who work offline in Zaporizhzhia schools will be able to receive additional payments. The city authorities have developed a grant model of financial incentives for teachers. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The newly-discovered footprints of theropod and ornithopod dinosaurs date back to the Early Cretaceous epoch, over 120 million years ago, when Australia was still connected to Antarctica. The Early Cretaceous dinosaur footprints were discovered in the Wonthaggi Formation south of Melbourne, Australia. They include 18 tracks made by medium to large theropods (0.8-1.9 m hip heights) and four tracks made by small ornithopod dinosaurs (40-48 cm hip heights). These numerous tracks are the best evidence yet that these former polar environments supported large carnivores, said Emory Universitys Professor Anthony Martin. The large theropods would likely have fed on prey such as smaller dinosaurs, fish and turtles. The hip height of that theropod would have been about the same as the full height of a tall, modern-day human. The Australian state of Victorias rocky coastal strata mark where the ancient supercontinent Gondwana began to break up around 100 million years ago, separating Australia from Antarctica. The polar environment at that time was a rift valley with braided rivers. Although the mean annual air temperature was higher during the Cretaceous than today, during the polar winters the ecosystems experienced deep freezing temperatures and months of darkness. The Wonthaggi Formation has yielded one of the best assemblages of polar dinosaur body fossils in the southern hemisphere, but most of these remains are small fragments of bones and teeth. These fragments may have been carried to the site where they were buried by torrential spring floods. Our find of so many theropod tracks, however, confirms that a variety of dinosaurs actually lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found. Dinosaur tracks are actually much more common at the site than we previously realized. The theropod footprints in the Wonthaggi Formation range in length from 18 to 47 cm (7-18.5 inches). They are distinguished by relatively thin toes tipped with sharp claws. The ornithopod footprints range in size from 10 to 18 cm (4-7 inches). The range in sizes of the tracks suggests a mix of juvenile and adult ornithopods and theropods. That indicates that these dinosaurs may have nested and raised their young in the polar environment, Professor Martin said. The discovery is reported in a paper in the Alcheringa, an Australasian Journal of Palaeontology. _____ Anthony J. Martin et al. Polar dinosaur tracks of the Wonthaggi Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Victoria, Australia and their palaeontological significance. Alcheringa, an Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, published online September 8, 2024; doi: 10.1080/03115518.2024.2392498 The European Union has announced the delivery of 1 million textbooks in Ukrainian to Ukraine, which Ukrainian schoolchildren will be able to use during the new school year. The first batch of books was delivered to our country on September 9. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Ukrinform, citing information from the European Commission. It is noted that the first batch included textbooks on computer science and art. "Today, the first batch of one million computer science and art textbooks for Ukrainian schoolchildren printed in the EU will be handed over to the Ukrainian authorities. These new books in the Ukrainian language will bring to 1.5 million the total number of textbooks delivered to Ukraine since the beginning of the war," the European Commission said in a statement. These textbooks will help Ukrainian schoolchildren continue their education despite Russian terrorist attacks. The European Commission also emphasized that this targeted action to support education in Ukraine is carried out in close connection with programs to support and integrate Ukrainian refugee children into the European school system. ADVERTISIMENT These textbooks were published through cooperation between several EU member states. For example, the files for printing were prepared in the Netherlands, and the paper for the textbooks came from Germany. The books were printed in Poland. And from there, the textbooks were delivered to Ukraine. The European Commission reports that this initiative is funded under the European Erasmus+ program. As OBOZ.UA reported, a map of Ukraine without Crimea was found in a 7th grade Ukrainian language textbook. The distorted map of Ukraine was found in the electronic version of the publication, but it is also present in printed books. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! This series, Block by Block, is supported by FHLBank Indianapolis, IFF, and CEDAM, and follows emerging and diverse developers building affordable housing in Michigan. We want to help people get into their own homes, but just as importantly, we want to make sure they have the tools they need to sustain themselves in those homes. Rori Chaney Nicole Milton Jefferies upgraded Rightmove on Monday to 'hold' from 'underperform' and lifted its price target on the stock to 720.0p from 450.0p as it said an offer was "probable" after Australia's REA Group confirmed it was considering a possible cash and share offer for the property portal. Jefferies said the target price increase was based on a 30% premium to the undisturbed Rightmove share price as it stated the industrial and strategic logic looked limited but upon inspection, the financial logic of an acquisition was "compelling"., noting that REA's highly rated equity and unlevered balance sheet were the cornerstones of free cash flow per share accretion. "Our merger analysis suggests that an acquisition of Rightmove is accretive to FY Jun-26 (the first full-year post completion) free cash flow per share up to an offer price of over 900p (assuming cash funding of A$3.5bn for pro-forma net debt / EBITDA of 2x)," it said. "The actual level of an offer will be capped by the need for the acquisition narrative to be focused on this accretion alongside margin/FCF conversion expansion, given Rightmove drags group growth and adds earnings risk (from the CoStar threat in the UK, something REA will probably seek to exploit through negotiations)." Jefferies said that given its circa 60% controlling stake and ambitions to increase capital deployed in property platforms, News Corp - the majority owner of REA - can drive a transaction to completion. "A 30% premium gives REA accretion and equates to 19x versus peers at circa 15x, with Rightmove standalone facing risks," the bank said. "Rightmove has the lowest growth and highest earnings risk of any name in EU online classifieds. For this reason, and others, we see the probability of counter bidders emerging as relatively low." Luxury brand Burberry slumped on Monday as Barclays downgraded its stance on the stock to 'underweight' from 'equalweight' on structural concerns related to China. Barclays analysts said that having spent two weeks travelling across Greater China, where they met over 60 industry stakeholders, they have returned "incrementally more cautious on the sector, as China now looks weaker for longer on structural issues". The bank said the macro environment deteriorated further in the summer and there is now a clear view that the Chinese weakness was structural and not just cyclical. "On luxury goods, this translates into negative summer sales in Mainland China (up to circa 50% decline) and to clients being more and more selective." Barclays said that in this "very polarised environment" brands under transition are more at risk, hence the downgrades. Overall, it now expects the luxury goods sector to grow by around 4% in 2025, down from a forecast of 7% previously, as it turns more prudent. The bank said that despite already being one of the worst-performing names in its space, it still sees downside for Burberry as it has concerns about the companys ability to remain a high-end luxury brand in line with its "coverage considering its lack of disciplined full-price strategy". "Burberry looks likely to turn loss-making for the first time in H1-25 and considering that we expect the environment to remain tough next year, it could be difficult to see margin recovery in the short term," it said, as it slashed its price target on the stock to 540.0p from 820.0p. The Milky Way is not alone in its corner of the Universe. Astronomers have discovered two more tiny galaxies nearby. ADVERTISIMENT Scientists are somewhat confused. After all, together with the galaxies discovered so far, the total number of satellites in this part of the sky exceeds expectations, ScienceAlert writes. Astronomers have identified two new satellites, named Virgo III and Sextans II, in a region of space that is already crowded with more dwarf galaxies than dark matter models predict. "Together with the four previously known satellites, the HSC-SSP now has a total of nine satellites in its coverage area. This level of detection of ultra-faint dwarfs is much higher than that predicted by the latest models for the expected population of Milky Way satellites within cold dark matter models. This indicates that we are facing the problem of "too many satellites," emphasizes the team of scientists led by Daisuke Homme from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. ADVERTISIMENT Dark Matter is something invisible and unknown in the Universe that creates an extra gravity that cannot be attributed to ordinary matter. Galaxies, including the Milky Way, are saturated with and surrounded by this mysterious substance. Dark Matter imparts higher rotational speeds to galaxies and greater gravitational forces to attract, hold, and eventually eat away at companion galaxies. Based on models of the Milky Way's dark matter, astronomers have fairly detailed predictions of how many satellite galaxies should be seen in certain locations. However, the discovery of Virgo III and Sextans II shattered all existing assumptions. ADVERTISIMENT According to dark matter models, there should be about four dwarf galaxy satellites in the part of the sky near the Milky Way, not nine. The scientists suggest that the HSC-SSP zone contains a higher concentration of satellites than the average area of space. According to the researchers, the only way to determine if this is the case is to continue to look at other areas of the sky and carefully count the dwarf galaxies found. "The next step will be to use a more powerful telescope that will capture a wider view of the sky. Next year, the Vera S. Rubin Observatory in Chile will be used to achieve this goal. I hope that many new satellite galaxies will be discovered," summarized astronomer Masashi Tiba from Tohoku University. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Google found itself on the losing end of a significant European legal battle on Tuesday, as the EU's Court of Justice upheld a 2.4bn fine imposed on the company for antitrust violations. The court supported a 2017 ruling that found Google abused its dominance in the search engine market by favouring its own shopping services over those of competitors. It marked a critical moment in a series of actions led by EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager - a key figure in the unions targeting of Google's market practices. Vestager, whose tenure was nearing its end, intensified the case against Google shortly after taking office in 2014. The shopping services fine was the first of three major penalties levied against Google, with total fines exceeding 8bn. Google expressed disappointment with the ruling, with Bloomberg reporting that it said a 2017 proposal to address the EU's concerns had increased traffic to competing shopping services. However, the judgement came after Google was fined an additional 4.3bn in 2018 for restrictive contract terms related to its Android operating system, and a further 1.49bn in 2019 for anticompetitive practices in its online advertising business. Bloomberg said the EU's scrutiny of Google was likely to continue, particularly in the area of adtech, where regulators had hinted that a breakup of the company's business might be necessary to ensure fair competition. The European Union's Digital Markets Act, implemented last year, was designed to prevent dominant tech companies from favouring their own services, in hopes of addressing longstanding concerns about market fairness and competition. At 0645 EDT (1145 BST), shares in Google parent Alphabet were up 0.14% in premarket trading in New York, at $149.75. They closed Mondays session down 1.57% at $149.54. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. China's trade surplus rose last month as exports surged to their highest in almost two years, while imports barely changed, raising concerns over ongoing weak domestic demand. The trade balance was registered at 649.34bn yuan ($91.02bn) in August, up from CNY601.98bn in July, the General Administration of Customs reported on Tuesday. In dollar terms, the surplus rose to $91.02bn, comfortably ahead of the $83.90bn expected by the market. Exports grew year-on-year for the fifth straight month, rising by 8.7% their most since March 2023 to a 23-month high of $308.65bn. This was up from 7.0% annual growth in July and well ahead of the 6.5% increase projected by economists. Despite ongoing political tensions over trade with the US, exports to the world's largest economy were up 4.9% on last August, while shipments to the European Union grew by 13.4%. Exports to South Korea were also up 3.4%, while Taiwanese exports gained 6.8% and shipments to South East Asian countries gained 8.8%. In contrast, imports were just 0.5% higher than last year at $217.63bn, slowing sharply from the 7.2% growth seen in July and below the 2.0% increase expected, with a drop in EU imports weighing on the overall balance. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has reduced its forecast for oil demand this year for the second straight month as it attempts to balance the market in the face of falling prices. The cartel said oil demand would grow by just 2.03m barrels per day in 2024, down from the 2.11m b/d forecast given in August. OPEC said the "minor adjustment" was a result of weaker-than-expected demand from China, which accounted for nearly all of this month's downgrade. OECD oil demand is expected to grow by around 0.1m b/d in 2024, with growth coming entirely from the OECD Americas, while non-OECD oil demand is tipped to grow by 1.9m b/d. The overall forecast for world oil demand growth in 2025 was also slightly revised down to 1.74m b/d, from 1.78m b/d previously. The Organization's Monthly Oil Market Report said that demand was still well above the historical average of 1.4m b/d seen prior to the pandemic. Brent crude was trading 3% lower at $69.67 a barrel on Tuesday afternoon, trading at levels not seen since early 2021, having taken a sharp dive over the past month. Gamma Communications reported a strong set of first-half results on Tuesday, with revenue growing 10% to 282.5m and gross profit increasing 11% to 145.8m. The AIM-traded company also posted an 11% rise in profit before tax, reaching 48.5m, while adjusted EBITDA grew 10% to 62.2m. Adjusted earnings per share rose 13% to 42.5p, and the interim dividend increased 14% to 6.5p per share. The board said the growth was driven by performance across all business units and bolstered by acquisitions, including Coolwave Communications, enhancing Gamma's offerings in international SMS and voice services, and BrightCloud, which strengthened its capabilities in the Cisco contact centre-as-a-service space. Gamma was also planning to acquire Placetel, a leader in the German cloud PBX market, further expanding its presence in Europe. Recurring revenue, which constituted 89% of the total, increased to 252.7m, and cash generation from operations rose 4% to 59.6m. Gamma's net cash position grew 17% to 142.9m. The company continued to buy back shares, acquiring over 1.9 million shares for 27.3m by September. With a solid first-half financial performance, Gamma said it expected continued growth in the second half of 2024, with full-year adjusted EBITDA projected to be in the upper half of market expectations and adjusted earnings per share at the top of the range. The company said it was also considering a potential move to the main market, with further updates expected early next year. Gamma has achieved another strong set of results, marked by robust revenue growth, stable margins, and strong cash generation, said chief executive officer Andrew Belshaw. Our broadened product set is resonating well with both Channel Partners and enterprise customers. As customers require more complex communications solutions, we continue to see opportunities to grow our revenues further. Belshaw said the company was making progress in developing a common pan-European product set, expanding its enterprise offering while continuing to capitalise on significant opportunities within its SME customer base. The strength of Gamma's balance sheet has enabled us to expand our capabilities, through both product development and strategic acquisitions. We have recently broadened our enterprise offerings with two earnings enhancing acquisitions - Coolwave Communications and BrightCloud. Additionally, we have conditionally agreed with Cisco to acquire Placetel, a leading player in the German cloud PBX space. The company continued to view mergers and acquisitions as a key tool to complement its organic growth, broaden its capabilities and expand its European presence, Andrew Belshaw added. With a strong pipeline of organic and inorganic opportunities, our resilient business model enables us to look forward with confidence. At 1212 BST, shares in Gamma Communications were up 7.86% at 1,620p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Alpha Group International announced on Tuesday that Morgan Tillbrook would step down as chief executive officer and director on 31 December, with Clive Kahn, the companys chairman since 2016, to succeed him as CEO from 1 January 2025. The London-listed firm said Tillbrook, who had led Alpha since its initial public offering, would remain in his position until the end of 2024 and continue to provide strategic advice to the company afterwards. It said Tillbrook had committed to retaining at least a 10% shareholding in the group for three years. Kahn, currently holding a 0.83% stake, had meanwhile pledged to significantly increase his equity in the company as he transitioned into his new role. Kahns appointment followed the successful sale of his company, Takepayments, to Global Payments earlier in the year. The board said he would assume the role of executive director at Alpha on a full-time basis once his commitments to Global Payments were fulfilled, expected by 1 November. At that time, Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, the current Independent non-executive director, would succeed him as chairman of Alpha. The board said Kahn would bring extensive experience in scaling financial services companies, particularly in foreign exchange and card payments. His tenure at Takepayments saw the company grow from a struggling business into one of the UK's leading card acceptance firms. Kahn's previous leadership roles included serving as CEO of Cardsave and as both CFO and CEO of Travelex, where he played a pivotal role in the company's global expansion. Alpha Group is an exceptional company with an incredibly exciting future ahead of it, said Clive Kahn. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as its chair over the last eight years - it will be a privilege to now lead the business as its CEO, and I would like to thank Morgan and the board for the trust and confidence they have placed in me. I am confident that with the team and foundations we have in place, we will continue to take the business from strength to strength. At 0903 BST, shares in Alpha Group International were down 11.06% at 2,090p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Londons FTSE 250 was down 0.2% at 20,614.59 in afternoon trade on Tuesday. Alpha Group was under the cosh as it said Morgan Tillbrook had decided to step down as chief executive on 31 December. He will be succeeded by Clive Kahn, who has been chairman since 2016, and who will be appointed as CEO from 1 January 2025. On the upside, gold miner Centamin surged after agreeing to be taken over by AngloGold Ashanti in a 1.9bn deal. Under the terms of the transaction, Centamin shareholders will receive 0.06983 new AngloGold Ashanti shares and $0.125 in cash. The price represents a premium of around 36.7% to the closing share price on Monday. Centamin chief executive Martin Horgan said: "The transaction will allow our assets to grow as part of AngloGold Ashanti's larger, diversified portfolio, benefitting from AngloGold Ashanti's track record of responsibly developing and operating large-scale open pit and underground mines in Africa in close partnership with the host governments and communities." Hochschild also shone. Ocado gained as the latest research from Kantar showed it was the fastest-growing grocer for the seventh consecutive month in the four weeks to 1 September. Sales were up 12.9%, which was the quickest rate of growth since May 2021. FTSE 250 - Risers Centamin (DI) (CEY) 148.60p 24.35% Hochschild Mining (HOC) 170.00p 3.66% Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 327.00p 3.55% International Workplace Group (IWG) 176.50p 3.46% Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 185.90p 2.71% Ocado Group (OCDO) 345.50p 2.49% Games Workshop Group (GAW) 10,410.00p 2.26% Savills (SVS) 1,166.00p 1.92% IP Group (IPO) 44.85p 1.82% Baltic Classifieds Group (BCG) 289.00p 1.76% FTSE 250 - Fallers Alpha Group International (ALPH) 2,015.00p -14.26% Indivior (INDV) 735.50p -5.10% Auction Technology Group (ATG) 369.50p -2.76% Ithaca Energy (ITH) 104.30p -2.71% Discoverie Group (DSCV) 576.00p -2.37% Diversified Energy Company (DEC) 832.50p -2.29% BH Macro Ltd. GBP Shares (BHMG) 354.50p -1.94% CMC Markets (CMCX) 310.00p -1.90% SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEIT) 62.60p -1.88% IntegraFin Holding (IHP) 368.00p -1.87% The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a model curriculum for a minor degree in space technology, responding to the growing demand for skilled manpower in India's rapidly expanding space sector. The success of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission and the increasing focus on space commerce have driven the need for more workforce training. Developed in collaboration with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), the curriculum aims to equip undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills required for various roles in the space industry. The curriculum includes six courses, covering a wide range of topics such as space technology fundamentals, launch vehicle systems and technologies, spaceflight mechanics, spacecraft systems, space data products and services, and the economics, laws, and policies governing space. It offers a multidisciplinary approach, allowing students from traditional engineering disciplines to gain a deeper understanding of the space industry. By doing so, AICTE aims to improve students employability in various sectors, including space data analytics, market research, and space operations. Indias space sector has become a focal point for global commerce. In 2020, the sector was valued at $9.6 billion, contributing about 2% to the global space economy. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projects that this figure will grow to $13 billion by 2025. As India continues to develop its capabilities in space exploration, there is a rising need for technical expertise to meet the sectors demands. AICTE's model curriculum is intended to address this growing gap and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive global environment. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of AICTE, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He noted that Indias increasing focus on space technology requires a workforce with specialized technical skills, and the new curriculum will help meet this demand. "The curriculum will allow students from various engineering backgrounds to acquire a broad understanding of space technology. A BTech student with knowledge of space data analytics, for example, would be well-suited for roles in space market research", Jere explained. This multidisciplinary approach is expected to give students a competitive edge in both the public and private sectors. Currently, few institutions in India offer specialized courses in space technology. IIT Madras and IIT Bombay have introductory courses, while IIT Roorkee offers a masters degree in the field. IIT Indore offers a bachelor's program in space technology, and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) provides both bachelor's and masters degrees. However, the AICTEs model curriculum is expected to be a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities in space technology. Talks are underway with various AICTE-approved institutions to adopt the curriculum, and depending on faculty availability and student interest, AICTE plans to introduce a full-fledged major degree in space technology in the future. The private sector also presents significant opportunities for students trained in space technology. The Indian Space Policy 2023 has opened up the space industry to private companies, leading to a surge in startups and job opportunities. According to the Indian Space Association (ISPA), there were 204 space startups in India by 2023, up from just one in 2014. IN-SPACe has formed the National Committee for Adoption of Space Technology Education, which is focused on developing and introducing space-related curricula and skills courses to prepare students for careers in the private sector. Amit Thakur, a member of the National Committee for Adoption of Space Technology Education and head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Lovely Professional University (LPU), said that the AICTEs model curriculum would help students gain practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge. "The curriculum assigns 22 credits to space technology, compared to only 2-4 credits offered by other institutions. This makes it one of the most comprehensive space technology courses available, with a strong focus on weekly practical sessions", Thakur explained. LPU plans to align its own space curriculum with the model developed by AICTE, further enhancing the learning experience for its students. On the afternoon of September 10, Telegram experienced a massive outage. Users complained about slow loading of content and messages. ADVERTISIMENT About 70% of users are unable to access the app, and another 20% cannot send messages. This is evidenced by data from the Downdetector portal. Massive problems with the messenger began around 12:00. Over the next 30 minutes, the number of complaints about Telegram problems decreased. According to preliminary data, users from different countries are experiencing the outage. As of 12:50, Telegram's work in Ukraine has begun to recover. Residents of the aggressor country Russia also complained that they could not use the messenger. Most reports of the service failure come from Russians in St. Petersburg and Moscow. As a reminder, most Ukrainians are against blocking Telegram in our country. However, they support some restrictions and control. Only 26% believe that this messenger should not be controlled at all. ADVERTISIMENT As previously reported, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, said that he did not support the closure of Telegram but called the resource a threat to Ukraine's national security. Nevertheless, the messenger has become the main source of information for our society, the head of the Defense Intelligence admitted. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! During the official visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi on September, India and the UAE signed important agreements on LNG supplies and nuclear power cooperation. These pacts are part of efforts further to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. One of the most significant agreements was the long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deal between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the supply of 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). This is the third such deal signed in just over a year, following previous agreements involving IOCL and GAIL for 1.2 MMTPA and 0.5 MMTPA, respectively. The deals are expected to bolster Indias energy security by diversifying LNG sources. Alongside the LNG agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation was signed between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). This MoU aims to foster collaboration in nuclear power plant operations, sourcing nuclear equipment and services from India, and exploring joint investment opportunities. The Crown Princes visit included bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which both leaders reviewed the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and discussed new areas of collaboration, including critical minerals and advanced technologies. They highlighted the recent implementation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which has further strengthened economic ties. Another significant agreement signed was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) to explore expanded crude storage opportunities in India. ADNOC has been storing crude at ISPRL's Mangalore Cavern since 2018, and the new MoU includes provisions for renewing the storage and management arrangement. A significant production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 was also signed between Urja Bharat, a joint venture of IOCL and Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, and ADNOC. This is the first such concession for an Indian company in the UAE and allows crude oil to be brought to India, contributing to its energy security. Accompanied by a delegation of ministers and senior officials, the Crown Prince also met with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Their discussions emphasized the strong ties between India and the UAE, with President Murmu expressing her appreciation for the UAE's hospitality towards over 3.5 million Indians and highlighting the growing collaboration across various sectors. According to the Washington Post, the technological age is changing the face of college in America. Cynics might say that sounds like a headline created to sell newspapers, but take a look at the data behind the hyperbole, and they have a point. The number seeking tech majors has increased by more than 30 percent over the past six years, while those studying humanities are at an all-time low. There is little doubt we are raising a generation of tech geeks, and every single one of them is going to expect a memorable gift on graduation. Adding personalization to the gift matters Graduation is one of the most important life events in US culture, and gifts will be kept and treasured for decades. So choosing a custom graduation gift with the personal touch is absolutely essential. Dont make the mistake of thinking a tech graduate wants a piece of technology as a gift. Two downsides are that tech gifts tend to be impersonal and the moment they leave the shelf, they are one day closer to becoming obsolete. Leather is durable and can be personalized So what sort of non-tech graduation gift might appeal to a tech-focused graduate in the US? It is not such a difficult riddle as it might sound when you think about the types of accessories that tech graduates need. For example, how many youngsters do you see throwing an expensive laptop into a torn backpack, or simply tucking it under an arm? A leather laptop case looks classy and has a certain retro style about it. At first glance, it looks a little like an old-fashioned card file. They come in a choice of sizes and colors, and can be personalized with the recipients initials. Thats just one example of a leather gift that is ideal for tech geeks. Others include a leather desk mat, phone case or lanyard for holding a keyless entry card. Make the gift practical Heres the trouble with most gifts. They end up in a cupboard or a box somewhere and only see the light of day when the recipient moves house every ten years or so. You can avoid this by making the gift practical and relevant. This means thinking about the person, and specifically, what he or she will be doing after graduation. For example, research by Higher Education marketing agency SimpsonScarborough found that well over a third of graduates in the US take a gap year before entering the world of work or continuing their studies. That usually means significant travel, so a gift like a personalized passport holder is going to be both useful and memorable. Alternatively, the graduate might be moving on to a new chapter in life, whether that is getting his or her first apartment or moving into university accommodation for the next stage of education. Either way, a decorative gift such as a personalized name sign to hang on the wall would most likely be appreciated. There are other types of personalized and durable graduation gift that will prove practical in all circumstances. Whats more, they do not have to be expensive. For example, a monogrammed wallet, keychain or card holder is the type of gift that can be pressed straight into use and will always remind the receiver of the giver when it is used. If choosing a wallet, consider 21st century needs, particularly for tech geeks. A long wallet, for example, is designed to hold cash, cards and a cellphone, so is particularly practical for those who favor mobile and contactless transactions. Food and drink related gifts If youre still stuck for ideas, everyone needs to eat and drink. Now taking a graduate out for a celebratory meal doesnt really check the durable box, but there are food and drink related gifts that will last for years. CosCups will appeal to any tech geek as they keep a drink at optimum temperature. Or to return to the personalized leather theme, how about a custom can cooler? These come in a choice of colors and can be personalized on one or both sides. Its a fun gift that will be used in celebrations for years to come. In a significant move to advance STEM education in India, Pearson, the worlds lifelong learning company, today unveiled the 13th edition of Conceptual Physics by renowned physicist Prof. Paul G. Hewitt in India. The unveiling took place during an event, held at the Infosys Science Foundation, with Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys. Murthy endorsed the book as essential reading for Indian students who want to master the principles of physics. Todays launch aligns with Indias 'Viksit Bharat' vision by 2047, which prioritizes higher-quality education. The updated edition of 'Conceptual Physics' supports Indias modern STEM curriculum goals to serve both students and educators. By releasing this edition in India, Pearson is giving students new opportunities to access comprehensive physics content, covering key topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics, with a focus on current applications in digital technology, environment, and energy. "As we work to strengthen STEM education in India, it is essential that our students have access to world-class learning resources. 'Conceptual Physics' by Paul G. Hewitt is a prime example, emphasizing conceptual understanding and real-world applications to make physics more relatable. I am thrilled that Pearson's launch will make this invaluable resource accessible to STEM students across India. Such high-quality content is crucial for positioning India as a global education hub. 'Conceptual Physics' is student-centric and a vital step towards this goal, said Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys. Conceptual Physics, authored by Prof. Paul G. Hewitt, an internationally acclaimed author, is widely recognized for its unique approach to simplifying complex physics concepts, making them accessible and engaging for higher education aspirants. This learning experience has been instrumental in transforming the way physics is taught and understood globally, by emphasizing the principle of concepts before calculations. The latest edition by Pearson builds on this legacy, offering updated content, real-world analogies, and the popular Hewitt-Drew-It screencasts that make learning physics both informative and fun. In India, where the focus on STEM education is intensifying, it will be a vital learning resource for individuals aiming to excel in the fields of physics. Vinay Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, said, As India emerges as a global engineering hub, it is crucial to provide quality learning resources. We adapt our extensive content library, featuring works by international authors, to meet regional needs and cultural contexts. Committed to serving the Indian market, we ensure our content aligns with the highest international standards. Soon, we will introduce 'Conceptual Physics' in regional languages like Hindi and Kannada to make it accessible to even more students and educators. The 13th edition of Conceptual Physics will be available in India in the nearest bookstores and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and others. I am deeply satisfied to see the 13th edition of Conceptual Physics being launched in India by Pearson. My aim continues to be opening the eyes of students to see, appreciate, and understand how physics is relevant to their everyday lives. With the books clear explanations, both science and non-science students can welcome the joy of truly learning physics concepts and foster a love for STEM education. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Narayan Murthy for recognizing the book as essential for Indian students. His support highlights the importance of accessible education in shaping our future, Prof. Paul G. Hewitt. Tata Electronics has entered into a strategic agreement with Tokyo Electron (TEL), a prominent global supplier of semiconductor equipment, to procure technology and services for its upcoming semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to support Tatas semiconductor ventures in Dholera, Gujarat, and Jagiroad, Assam. Under the agreement, TEL will provide advanced semiconductor equipment and collaborate with Tata Electronics to enhance workforce training, drive research and development, and foster continuous improvement in semiconductor production. Tata is currently investing Rs 91,000 crore in establishing India's first semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, alongside an additional Rs 27,000 crore for an assembly and testing unit in Jagiroad. These facilities are set to produce semiconductor chips used in various applications, including automotive, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence (AI), serving both domestic and global markets. The partnership marks a significant step toward India's ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor industry. "Tata Electronics and TEL will work together to accelerate the establishment of critical semiconductor infrastructure, which will play a pivotal role in transforming India's tech landscape", said Tata Electronics Managing Director and CEO Randhir Thakur. TEL will also explore opportunities to leverage India's talent pool to support its global engineering services. Tokyo Electron's President and CEO, Toshiki Kawai, highlighted the collaborations potential to drive innovation across multiple technology nodes and advance both front-end fabrication and back-end packaging technologies. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Nordstrom Rack, the luxury goods retailer that has anchored the Empire Outlets in St. George since the malls opening in 2019, has announced that it will officially close its doors for good before the end of this year. With our lease set to expire in January 2025, weve made the decision to close our Empire Outlets Nordstrom Rack store (#511) located at 15 Richmond Terrace Ste 301 in Staten Island, New York, the company confirmed in an email. The stores last day of business will be December 4, 2024. The last day of business at Nordstrom Rack in St. George will be Dec. 4, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) Citing the sites lease expiration as the reason for closure, the company noted it had assessed its network of stores in the New York City market before making the decision, and will continue to serve customers in the area by focusing on nearby Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack locations, as well as online. Our other Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the area will remain open, the email said. This includes our flagship New York City store, our mens store, two Manhattan Rack locations, and two Manhattan locals. Customers can continue to take advantage of our suite of services at any of these locations. Nordstrom Rack at Empire Outlets opened in July 2019. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) Empire Outlets, which opened in 2019 and entered into foreclosure in 2022, was sold at a public auction in Richmond County Supreme Court last year. Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group (GSUIG) paid $10 million to retain control of the St. George shopping destination at that auction, putting an end to an almost two-year-long foreclosure process and bumping BFC Partners, the malls original operator, out of the ownership equation. Goldman Sachs is committed to Staten Island and identifying the best outcome for Empire Outlets, a spokesperson for GSUIG told the Advance/SILive.com at the time of the auction. Nordstrom maintains that the closure of Nordstrom Rack at Empire Outlets is based entirely on lease expiration, and has emphasized that the company is still in good standing. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) GSUIG did not respond to a request for comment about the Nordstrom Rack closure before the time of publication. And Nordstrom maintained that the closure is based entirely on lease expiration, emphasizing that the company is still in good standing. Financial results continue to be strong at the Rack banner, CEO Erik Nordstrom shared during a recent Q2 earnings call, noting that the company opened 11 new Nordstrom Rack locations last spring and will open 12 more this fall. Rack stores that were opened last year are performing well, delivering a solid return on investment while attracting new customers. UPDATE, 3:14 p.m. -- A wildfire burning in Ocean County grew to 189 acres Tuesday afternoon, but officials said the blaze is now 50% contained. Firefighters made progress battling the fire at Fishers Pit in Berkeley throughout the day. All roads remained open and the fire was not in danger of spreading to any homes or businesses as of 2:30 p.m., the state Forest Fire Service said. -------------------- A wildfire that broke out on Monday in Ocean County has grown to 150 acres and is only 20% contained, authorities said Tuesday morning. No buildings are threatened and no roads are closed as a result of the fire in the area of Northern Boulevard near the Pinewald section of Berkeley, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. Smoke settled overnight around Northern Boulevard and Hickory Lane, though the impact of the smoke was gradually lessening on Tuesday morning. Fire crews made progress overnight by strengthening containment lines by using a backfire and burnout operation. They are now reinforcing the containment lines, officials said. A backfire is a fire set along the inner edge of a fire line to consume fuel in the path of a wildfire, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The fire broke out shortly before 7:30 p.m. Monday with officials saying hours later that the first efforts to control the blaze were unsuccessful due to erratic fire behavior. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Another update is expected Tuesday afternoon. RAMALLAH, West Bank The Israeli military said Tuesday an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers, drawing a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and her family. Israel said a criminal investigation has been launched into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who was taking part in a demonstration against settlements in the Palestinian territory. Doctors who treated Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship, said she was shot in the head. Blinken condemned the unprovoked and unjustified fatal shooting when asked about the Israeli inquiry at a news conference in London, and said the U.S. would make clear to its ally that such actions are not acceptable. No one no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest, he said. Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank. Eygis family in the U.S. released a statement saying we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling. During Fridays demonstration, clashes broke out between Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli troops firing tear gas and ammunition, according to Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting of Eygi. Pollak said the violence had subsided about a half hour before Eygi was shot, after protesters and activists had withdrawn several hundred meters (yards) away from the site of the demonstration. Pollak said he saw two Israeli soldiers mount the roof of a nearby home, train a gun in the groups direction and fire, with one bullet hitting Eygi. Israel said its inquiry into Eygis killing found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. It expressed its deepest regret at her death. International Solidarity Movement, the activist group Egyi was volunteering with, said it entirely rejects the Israeli statement and that the shot was aimed directly at her. 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. Israel says it thoroughly investigates allegations of its forces killing civilians and holds them accountable. It says soldiers often have to make split-second decisions while operating in areas where militants hide among civilians. But human rights groups say soldiers are very rarely prosecuted, and even in the most shocking cases and those captured on video they often get relatively light sentences. The Palestinian Authority held a funeral procession for Eygi in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday. Turkish authorities said they are working on repatriating her body to Turkey for burial in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, as per her familys wishes. Eygis uncle said in an interview with the Turkish TV channel HaberTurk that she kept her visit to the West Bank secret from at least some of her family members. She said she was traveling to Jordan to help Palestinians there, he said. She hid the fact that she was going to Palestine. She blocked us from her social media posts so that we would not see them, Yilmaz Eygi said. The deaths of American citizens in the West Bank have drawn international attention, such as the fatal shooting of a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in 2022 in the Jenin refugee camp. Several independent investigations and reporting by The Associated Press determined that Abu Akleh was likely killed by Israeli fire. Months later, the military said there was a high probability one of its soldiers had mistakenly killed her but that no one would be punished. In January 2022, Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American, died of a heart attack after Israeli troops at a checkpoint dragged him from his car and made him lie facedown, bound, temporarily gagged and blindfolded. The military ruled out criminal charges and said it was reprimanding one commander and removing two others from leadership roles for two years. The U.S. had planned to sanction a military unit linked to abuses of Palestinians in the West Bank but ended up dropping the plan. The deaths of Palestinians who do not have dual nationality rarely receive the same scrutiny. Human rights groups say Israel military investigations into Palestinians deaths reflect a pattern of impunity. BTselem, a leading Israeli watchdog, became so frustrated that in 2016 it halted its decades-long practice of assisting investigations and called them a whitewash. Last year, an Israeli court acquitted a member of the paramilitary Border Police charged with reckless manslaughter in the deadly shooting of 32-year-old Eyad Hallaq, an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalems Old City in 2020. The case had drawn comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in the United States. In 2017, Israeli soldier Elor Azaria was convicted for manslaughter and served nine months after he killed a wounded, incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron. The combat medic was caught on video fatally shooting Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, who was lying motionless on the ground. That case deeply divided Israelis, with the military saying Azaria had clearly violated its code of ethics, while many Israelis particularly on the nationalist right defended his actions and accused military brass of second-guessing a soldier operating in dangerous conditions. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Postcards 9/11 Memorial in St. George is a place to mourn, reflect and renew hope that has stood the test of time. Before a design was ever submitted, the Staten Island September 11 Memorial was conceived as something solemn, but uplifting that honored each victim individually, incorporated the water and sky, was tactile, captured both the depth or our loss and hope for the future. It began with a pledge by then Deputy President James Molinaro. On September 11, 2001, he stood on the edge of Staten Islands North Shore and watched the horror unfold across the harbor. He saw the billowing smoke and the second tower collapse as he waited for the injured to arrive on the Staten Island Ferry. Moved by the realization that there were no survivors, he vowed to provide comfort to Staten Island families with a place to remember their loved ones. If Im lucky enough to be elected, Im going to put a memorial up right here, he said. He won that election and made good on his commitment by approaching Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The newly elected mayor expressed his immediate support by allocating nearly $2 million to the project. His goal was to dedicate it in 2004 on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. It was a tight deadline, but necessary to provide the families a place of solace as quickly as possible. Nearly 20 years later, Norma Jean Adams held her toddler daughter at the Postcards memorial to tell her about her daughters grandfather, Lt. Charles Margiotta, whose silhouette is among the 263 memorial plaques cradled within the winglike walls of the monument. The is the first place we took her to explain to her that thats Pop Pop. He was a firefighter. Its a place to bring my daughter, and hopefully my future children, to go and talk about my Dad in a nice beautiful place that has a lot of meaning to us, said the Westerleigh resident. She was 13 at the time of the terrorist attacks. During a solemn moment, Borough President James Molinaro looks at the names on the Postcards monument before its dedication in 2004. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance IMPACT WAS IMMEDIATE Laura Jean Watters, executive director of the Staten Island Foundation, said she remembers the impact of the Postcards memorial even before it was built. As executive director of Council on the Arts and Humanities of Staten Island, she was tapped as community liaison to see the process through. She recalled that in March 2003 the 12-member advisory panel gathered in a darkened room at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Livingston, to review the 179 design entries from 19 countries. Three low-tech slide projectors were set up, and she said she will never forget the moment Postcards came up on the screens. Everybody in the room leaned forward, she said, adding that it was a visceral response she had learned to trust. I think thats what real art does. Its something that makes you feel rather than think. Postcards architect Masayuki Sono addresses the audience during the dedication of the memorial in 2004. (Staten Island Advance)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE PERSONAL MESSAGES Masayuki Sono, an architect born in Kobe, Japan, was 33 at the time and living and working in Manhattan. The Postcards memorial was his response to the collective despair over the terrorist attacks. He often used postcards as building blocks to brainstorm ideas, as well as for their intended purpose of keeping in touch with family and friends. The two came together as he both thought of the ordinary people like us who went to work that morning and could never come back and as he tried to imagine what I would be able to accept as the memorial if I was one of victims family members. He thought about how the simple message of a postcard captured the profound sense of absence Where are you? How are you? We love you. The idea of the memorial embodying messages, or love letters, took hold. With the memorial, the postcards would appear to be folded to enclose the personal and private nature of the messages between loved ones, giving them the appearance of envelopes. The two wings would create a space that frames sky and water with Downtown Manhattan, where the World Trade Center once stood. When you get a clear night, you can see the beams of light reflecting right through the middle of the Postcards memorial. So its a very somber, but beautiful moment, especially when the ceremonys finished and you see the light go on, and youre in the darkness with everyone around you, and theres kind of a hushed respect for whats going on," said Norma Jean Adams, who lost her father on September 11.STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE HORROR AND HOPE As a newly elected City Council member, now State Sen. Andrew Lanza was part of the advisory panel that included elected officials and the victims family members. Staten Island lost a disproportionate number of people. We understood not only the solemn nature, but the importance of getting it right, he said. When it was time to choose the winning design from six finalists, he said he remembers his decision coming down to popular local artist Scott Lobaidos entry, Wings of Hope, illustrated by an eagle, and Postcards. Through discussion, he came to appreciate that Postcards would serve as more of a permanent reminder of what happened, the lives lost and the attack on America and what we stood for -- as well as something that would stand as an inspiration for the future. From far away, it has those sails or wings, people have different interpretations of it, but certainly it looks like it is capturing the wind, its part of the environment, it seems natural. It looks like something thats about to take flight. And, of course, when you get within, something you cant see from 30 feet away, you walk in between -- and now, all of a sudden, what comes into focus? The names [and silhouettes] of each person. CONSTRUCTION AND SPIRIT That soaring elegance and purposefully abstract design that invites interpretations was attained by a decision to change the building material from concrete to fiberglass, mainly for practical reasons. Concrete can be finicky, and we really wanted to ensure a consistent finish on the project, said Leonard Greco, senior vice president with the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Durability and maintenance were also concerns. Greco, then NYCEDC project manager, suggested contacting New England Boatworks, an enterprising Rhode Island boatyard that had recently recreated City Halls cupola in fiberglass. It required intense study by Sono and the engineers to agree to the change. Ultimately, the strength of the composite fiberglass and carbon fiber structure enhanced the ethereal beauty of the giant vaulted postcards. Aesthetically, it allowed realization of precise and intricate curves, using desired white color without any joints. Structurally it allowed the walls to be thinner, lighter and stronger to wind and salt water, said Sono. In keeping with the theme of postcards, each victim is memorialized with a silhouette likeness etched in granite, much like the timeless profiles of historic figures used on stamps or coins. (Staten Island Advance). Freelance SI ADVANCE HEART OF THE MEMORIAL In keeping with the theme of postcards, each victim would be memorialized, not just with their name listed, but with a silhouette likeness etched in granite, much like the timeless profiles of historic figures used on stamps or coins. The reason I decided to add profiles was originally as screens where people who knew them could project their memories, but I realized that profiles also work as cues for people who never met them to relate and imagine what they were like. To feel that they are not just abstract names, but fathers and daughters who had heart and life. I feel in doing so, the victims will never be forgotten -- and essentially live in eternity, said Sono. To choose the granite blocks, Sono himself went to Brazil, the only place where the pure white granite needed for the plaques was mined. Rendering the silhouettes from photographs alone proved to be difficult. Sono and his partner on the project, Lapshan Fong, started meeting with the families at Snug Harbor Cultural Center to get every detail right. Some talked to guide us, and others sketched over ours to adjust details, recalled Sono. He said he considers the victim plaques the heart of the monument. I feel participation of family members were the most important part of the memorial which gave spirit for it to come alive. Some family members came during the construction to install their plaques by their own hands, he said. Carole DiFranco went more than once to perfect the profile of her 27-year-old son Carl DiFranco, who was an accountant with Marsh McLennan in the World Trade Center. It was a very caring moment. They werent rushing you, and if you had a problem, they listened and they totally tried to fix everything. That was great. Because at that time it was hard. It was very, very hard, said the Huguenot resident. A tribute reader at the annual memorial, she has a photo of her sons profile on her phone. She said she treasures the reverse cut of the image -- generated in the stone-cutting process -- that was presented to each family. Sunlight filters through the memorial, backlighting the silhouettes and bringing another dimension to the spirit of the memorial. Its haunting how the shadows on the profiles bring them to life. The families mention that all the time, said Deputy Borough President Ed Burke. Borough President James Oddo addresses the crowd at the Postcards monument during the annual September 11 memorial ceremony in 2014. This is the most solemn day of the year on the Borough Hall calendar, Oddo recently told the Advance/SILive.com. (Staten Island Advance)Staff-Shot ANNUAL GATHERING Every year you see them physically touching those profiles and tracing the outline. Its so unique and so poignant, said Borough President James Oddo, who was a City Council member in 2001. As it did when the Postcards memorial was first dedicated, the gathering takes place the evening of September 11. The sparkling white of its wings is an anchor as dusk sets in and light shifts in the sky, along the water, out on the Freedom Tower in Lower Manhattan, and across the ships and ferries that criss-cross the harbor. As borough president, Oddo said he takes very seriously his responsibility as temporary steward of the event. This is the most solemn day of the year on the Borough Hall calendar, he explained. At 2020s virtual ceremony, Catherine Morrison-Buck, widow of Firefighter Greg Buck, addressed attendees. Reflecting on the loss they shared, she said the gathering from all walks of life, ages, genders, beliefs, is the best way to honor loved ones and repudiate the violence. It demonstrates hope for the future. We are an example that, even in our fractured world, love can conquer all. We are greater than the issues that pull us apart and an example of what can be accomplished if we let our better nature prevail, she said. The Postcards monument is where Norma Jean Adams, her brother and mother have always found solace on the anniversary commemoration. For her, the waterfront memorial evokes angels wings. When you get a clear night, you can see the beams of light reflecting right through the middle of the Postcards memorial. So its a very somber, but beautiful moment, especially when the ceremonys finished and you see the light go on, and youre in the darkness with everyone around you, and theres kind of a hushed respect for whats going on. Sono, a founding partner of Cloud AO, is among those who attend every year to meet the families and the group who worked on the memorial. Also, I feel the project has never ended. The memorial was completed 17 years ago, but that was its physical side -- it marked the starting point of how it will be used and contribute to the community, he said. In her years organizing the memorial event, Jennifer Sammartino has seen a new generation come of age. There are grandchildren. Maybe they didnt know that grandpa or grandma passed that day. And now they are starting as teenagers to join up and to read, said the borough presidents deputy chief of staff. So allowing that legacy to be passed on to another generation is really special and really moving. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Ahead of the solemn day of remembrance that is Sept. 11, firefighters and advocates for first responders are calling for legislators to extend funding for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. The WTC Health Program is a limited federal health program which provides no-cost medical monitoring and treatment for those with certified WTC-related health conditions resulting from exposure to toxins from the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as defined by NYC.gov. This program was approved through 2090. However, as reported by CBS, first responder advocates say its funding is running out. Congress initially created the fund in 2010 and reauthorized it in 2015, according to the report. While the fund supplied $1.6 billion to those in need, advocates reportedly claim $3 billion more is required to take care of the more than 132,000 individuals that are a part of the program. On the day of Sept. 11, 2001, 343 members of the FDNY lost their lives, and now, just days ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, Spectrum News reports that 370 firefighters who responded to the scene at the World Trade Center have died due to 9/11-related illness, 28 who passed away this year. The FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Association says that unless action is taken, the WTC Health Program will need to stop accepting members by 2028, ultimately cutting support for all those members struggling with or expected to struggle with 9/11-related illness, as noted by Spectrum News. Advocates for additional funding believe the answer to this issue comes in the form of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) would provide funding for the WTC Health Program through 2033 and implement a new formula for determining funding amounts from 2034 through 2090. Staten Islanders among those added to memorial wall On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the FDNY added 32 names to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall for deaths from 9/11-related illnesses. Among those remembered were five members of the FDNY who either lived on Staten Island, formerly lived on the Island or were assigned to work here. The FDNY added the names of 32 members who died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn. (FDNY)FDNY via X The 32 members we honor today and the many, many names that did not hesitate to respond on September 11th and then search for days and weeks for their missing colleagues, friends and civilians, Acting Chief of Department John Esposito said. In 2001, they knew they had a job to do, and they were selfless in their dedication. They did not think of themselves as they ran toward danger. They upheld the finest traditions of this department bravery, honor and call to service, added Esposito. The inscription on the Memorial Wall reads: Dedicated to the memory of those who bravely served this department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery effort at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center. Members of the department with Staten Island ties added to the memorial: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York is dedicating millions of dollars to expand healthy food options in underserved areas where families struggle to find fresh produce. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new $10 million Food Access Expansion Grant Program, which will provide funding to support the development and expansion of supermarkets, food cooperatives, permanent farm stands and other retail food stores in food deserts across the state. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has confirmed that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. In this regard, the United States plans to impose new sanctions against Iran. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by The Washington Post on September 10, Blinken noted that new sanctions will be announced soon, and will affect, in particular, Iran's state-owned airline Iran Air. "We have warned Tehran publicly, we have warned Tehran privately, that this move would be a dangerous escalation," Blinken said. Earlier, Iranian officials denied sending weapons to Russia. At the same time, the US Secretary of State emphasized that Russia has already received these missiles from Iran and is likely to use them in the next few weeks. The delivery of Iranian weapons significantly strengthens Moscow's arsenal at a critical moment in its war against Ukraine, when Kyiv continues its counteroffensive but faces difficulties in the east. In response to Ukraine's calls for increased military assistance from the United States, Blinken said he plans to visit Kyiv for consultations with its leadership. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Qanaani said that Tehran had never been a part of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the country supports a political settlement. The diplomat continued that the accusations of transferring Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia are "groundless." As reported by OBOZ.UA, the White House said it was "alarmed" by the strengthening of cooperation between Iran and Russia in the field of arms. According to US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia will mark a sharp escalation of the war. As a reminder, Russia has already received the first batch of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran. According to preliminary data, the Iranian regime could have transferred more than 200 ballistic missiles to the Russians. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Former Staten Islander Susan Carlin, died Sept. 4 in her home in Lavallette, N.J. She was a homemaker until her five children finished high school, at which time she began to work for Monsignor Philip Murnion at the New York Archdiocese Office of Pastoral Research. She went on to work for the City Council, before working as secretary to the president of Antioch University in the NYC office. Read the full obituary on SILive. Joseph L. Fugaro Sr., 84, of Staten Island, died Sept. 7 in Staten Island University Hospital. Born in Jersey City, he resided in the Port Reading section of Woodbridge Township for 35 years before settling on Staten Island in 1999. An Army veteran, he worked as an auto mechanic with Seaview Motors in Jersey City until retiring in 2010. Read the full obituary on SILive. Sundays obituaries Sara C. Gerbino, 97, died on Aug. 21, 2024 in her home in Greenacres, Florida. Born in 1927, she spent most of her life on Staten Island. Her family described her as a beacon of strength and vibrancy, no matter where she resided. A devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Westerleigh, Staten Island, Saras faith played a central role in her life. Her personal life was rich with the love of her family and friends, reads her obituary. John Marsh Jr., known as the heart of Silvestris softball, respected businessman and local athlete passed away this month after a long illness. Born in 1951, his family settled in Graniteville when he was a young child. A graduate of Port Richmond high school, Mr. Marsh had many careers over his lifetime. He was a mailman, NYC Corrections officer, served on the NYPD, and was a Coca Cola Route Manager on Staten Island in the 1970s. He spent most of his life as a Manager and partner of various businesses including Heartland Superette, and then later as owner of J & J Bagels in Great Kills, employing and mentoring many people through the years. Read the full obituary on SILive. Ellis Norton Sisskind, a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery, died Aug. 30, 2024, at the age of 91. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he moved to Staten Island in 1964, and began a private practice on Victory, Boulevard, working until his 2007 retirement. Ellis was a well-known fixture in the medical community, on staff at Staten Island Hospital, St. Vincents Hospital and Bayley Seton Hospital. In addition to delivering over 10,000 babies in his career, he was a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery and performed the first intra-uterine transfusion. He was a medical matchmaker and helped connect patients and families to find the right adoption fit for so many, reads his obituary. Mr. Sisskind was married to Ellen Ann Sisskind for 69 years. Hes survived by his four adult children and many grandchildren. Read the full obituary on SILive. Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET will be the highly-anticipated first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Hosted by ABC News at Philadelphias National Constitution Center, the debate -- which will last for 90 minutes with two commercial breaks -- will be aired on ABC and all of Disneys other platforms, plus multiple other TV channels and streaming services. Watch the Harris-Trump debate on TV If youre watching on cable, you can catch the broadcast on ABC; if you are a DirectTV user experiencing the Disney blackout, there are other options. In addition to ABC, a number of networks will also carry the debate, including: CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. How to stream online for free If youre a cord-cutter and dont have cable, you can stream the debate online for free via the Fubo TV streaming service, which carries the broadcast networks including ABC, as well as the news networks and offers a seven-day free trial. >> GET A FREE FUBO TV SEVEN-DAY TRIAL >> The debate will also be broadcast on Disney-owned Hulu, which offers a 30-day free trial, and Disney+. For those with Samsung TV+, The Roku Channel and Amazon Fire TV devices, ABC recommends streaming on ABC News Live. Debate Rules The Sept. 10 event is the same date that Trump and President Joe Biden were supposed to hold their second and final debate. The debate will use the same rules and format as the June debate between Trump and Biden. They are as follows: The candidates microphones to be off while the opposing candidate is speaking. There will be no opening statements. Closing statements will be limited to two minutes. A virtual coin flip was held last week to decide the podium placement and order of closing statements. Since Trump won the coin toss, he will offer the last closing statement. Harris selected the right podium position on screen. Each candidate will be allotted two minutes to answer each question, a two-minute rebuttal, and one an additional minute for a follow-up, clarification or response. Candidates will stand behind podiums for the duration of the debate. Props or prewritten notes are not allowed onstage. No topics or questions will be shared in advance with campaigns or candidates. Whos Moderating? The debate will be monitored by World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis. The Russian Federation currently has a relatively small number of occupation troopsin the Crimea direction, namely about 10,000. The enemy will be able to potentially defend Crimea using small group tactics only; the situation will be even more difficult for the Russians if the Ukraine's defense forces turn the peninsula into an "island," that is, cut off the enemy's access to the mainland. ADVERTISIMENT In an interview with OBOZ.UA, Volodymyr Zablotskyi, a naval expert, columnist for Defense Express magazine and retired captain of the 1st rank, commented on the situation in southern Ukraine. He noted that 10 thousand occupants are not enough to defend such a territory. "Still, there is an example of a member of the White movement General Yakov Slashchov. In 1919-1920, he held the Crimean Perekop Isthmus by maneuvering a small number of troops in the main directions. He allowed the enemy to enter certain areas and then destroyed them with short counterattacks and firepower. He had very few troops and the enemy army was superior in manpower and weapons, but still Crimea was not taken thanks to the fleet from the Azov Sea, in particular. The enemy may try to do this now. And we may have our own measures, our own plans to make our attack unexpected," the expert suggested. ADVERTISIMENT The Russians are afraid of Ukraine's active actions in this area. They have created a defense system and mined possible ways of penetration from the land. "But this does not mean that such steps will help. After all, everything that one person does can be disrupted by another person," Zablotskyi emphasized. According to him, the Ukrainian marines are strengthening their forces, increasing the number of soldiers, and have received quite a few landing boats. "We are talking at least about landings on the left bank of the Dnipro. There may be landings from the sea side as well. This means creating a threat to the enemy from both sides. To fight back, to maneuver on the peninsula, you need to have some kind of forces. Let me remind you that in the north and west of Crimea, the enemy has no air defense systems, they are all destroyed," the Defense Express observer believes. ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine is actively shelling the air bases of the Russian invaders in the occupied Crimea, as well as logistics centers, communication centers, headquarters, and warehouses. "Accordingly, the enemy is evacuating everything it can from there. But to evacuate everything, they need the Kerch Bridge or a ferry. The problem will become even bigger if we turn Crimea into an island and cut off the enemy's access to the mainland," he explained. "We are working in the right direction. It is difficult, but there are successes, and they are obvious," Zablotskyi summarized. Earlier, Russian terrorist Igor Girkin (Strelkov) said that the operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region is an attempt to distract Russian troops and show "the powerlessness of the central Moscow authorities". The criminal expects that the Defense Forces may organize a counteroffensive in the Crimea or Lower Dnipro direction in the fall. ADVERTISIMENT As reported, our soldiers used the Palianytsia domestic drone missile for the first time in Crimea. This happened in August 2024; the operation was successful. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Alarm bells are ringing once again in Murdoch land with yet another attempt launched to weaken the Murdoch familys grip on its publishing empire, News Corporation. On the face of it, the shareholder mounting the action hedge fund Starboard Value doesnt trust the competence of Rupert Murdochs children to run the business properly after hes gone. And with the two-week trial to decide who gets to control the global media empire also kicking off this week, its hard not to revisit the parallels between the HBO series Succession and the real-life Murdoch family drama. Rupert Murdoch with sons Lachlan and James in 2002. Credit: Bloomberg This isnt the first time shareholders, governance experts, or academics have criticised Murdochs disproportionate ownership of News Corp and its corporate sibling Fox; indeed, over the years, it has become something of a sport. The way it works is that Murdoch owns 14 per cent of News Corps non-voting shares but 40 per cent of its voting shares. So the media mogul has outsized control of the company relative to its economic interest. This is called a dual-class voting structure, and it is a mighty effective way of entrenching control. Advertisement Eating outFood Southside team to open Hong Kong-inspired dumpling spot in heart of CBD In a subterranean Brisbane space, expect drunken chicken, roasted half duck and stacks of dim sum, along with up to 30 wines by the glass and half-bottle. Matt Shea September 10, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share If youve been to Hong Kong, you know Central. The frenetic heart of that city, its crammed full of skyscrapers, malls and luxury hotels. The district is also where youll find some of the citys best food and drink, often hidden down colourful laneways and side streets. Benny Lam, David Flynn and Maui Manu inside Central, which will open in October. Morgan Roberts Its a bit of a sensory experience, David Flynn says. Theres stuff happening everywhere. You go into a little bar and its tiny, but its this amazing experience, and then you walk two metres that way and theres another completely different venue. Theres always a lot to take in. Now Flynn and his Rick Shores and Southside co-owners (Frank Li, Andrew Hohns and Nick Woodward) are bringing a slice of that buzz to the heart of Brisbane, opening a subterranean restaurant and dumpling bar on Queen Street in the city. Its name? Central, of course. Advertisement Onboard as partners and helping spearhead Central are Benny Lam and Maui Manu, currently executive chef and restaurant manager of Southside, respectively. Lams experiences of living and working in Hong Kong as a designer have informed much of the new venue. Fast-paced, affordable Italian arrives on the James Street of the CBD I last lived in Hong Kong maybe 10 or 12 years ago, Lam says. And the food and the living style, I do miss it sometimes. Theres that vibe and that energy, every day. You eat out probably six nights a week when living there. Everyone lives in apartments so you dont really invite people over you leave work at maybe six or seven and theres no point in heading home you just go out to dinner with someone. [Those venues] become that third place. Lam and Flynn want Central to serve a similar role for Brisbane CBD office workers and apartment dwellers with its dim sum menu, which features prawn har gao, Peking duck potstickers, a Hong Kong-style wonton soup thats poured at the table, and Old Hong Kong chicken steam buns. Advertisement Central will open on Queen Street in October. Morgan Roberts But thats just a jumping-off point for a menu that looks to capture the array of flavours that run through Hong Kongs dining scene, where classic Cantonese food is coloured by western influences. For cold starters, theres drunken chicken with aged shaoxing rice wine, red date and golden sesame; white-cut kingfish with ginger radish, spring onion, white soy; and smoked foie gras with youtiao (Chinese fried dough) and Davidson plum. From the wok, theres sweet and sour pork served in a half pineapple, and Goolwa pipis with a prosciutto XO sauce and crispy egg noodles. Barbecue dishes include char siu pork, classic roasted half duck, and South Australian abalone with XO butter and smoked bottarga. Exclusive First look: Paddington welcomes a cosy, Michelin-inspired Italian fine diner Advertisement Southside is obviously broadly Chinese, Flynn says. But we felt there was a place for something more specifically Hong Kong and had dumplings as its focus. It doesnt have to be super formal, and its great to share. Its a very flexible style of eating. For drinks, group wine director and veteran sommelier Peter Marchant is overseeing a list that mixes classic styles and regions with newer, more experimental producers from Australia and overseas. About 30 wines will be available by the glass, half glass and half bottle (via Coravin), allowing diners to mix and match their drops with the various flavours of Lams menu. For cocktails, Flynn is promising a bunch of interesting twists on the classics, such as a house Harvey Wallbanger, a nitrogen-compressed pina colada and the Sichuan martini sidecar. The 80-seat restaurant itself will sit down a flight of stairs in the 1955-built (but recently refurbished) Piccadilly Arcade building on Queen Street, opposite Central Plaza. It was once the storied Primitif Cafe, where Brisbane beatniks gathered in the late 50s and early 60s to listen to poetry and jazz. Chet Clark Trio at Primitif Cafe in the late 1950s. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Advertisement Gun architect and designer Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE celebrated for his recent work on the refurbished Gerards Bistro has been tasked with tapping some of that Primitif spirit while creating a tiered, low-lit space of granite and timber that makes the most of its exposed-rock walls. The kitchen and bar will sit in the centre of the space, the star of the show. We want to create a feeling of things that you experience in Hong Kong, the basement restaurant, Flynn says. You get that all the time, but even just the subway stations in Hong Kong youre always going down underground, in a sense. Its about capturing some of that essence of Primitif, but also a bit of the nightclub history of Hong Kong places like Disco Disco, this famous nightclub that was in an old sewing factory in a basement in Lan Kwai Fong. David Flynn It will almost feel like a corporate office crossed with a brutal train station, with a kitchen showing off this beautiful lighting installation. Its about capturing some of that essence of Primitif, but also a bit of the nightclub history of Hong Kong places like Disco Disco, this famous nightclub that was in an old sewing factory in a basement in Lan Kwai Fong [a sub-district of Central]. Hong Kong has this really rich colourful history all this incredible stuff, and we wanted to acknowledge that. Central will open at 340 Queen Street in October. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement RecipesCookbook extracts The secret to making fried rice just like a country Australian-Chinese restaurant Plus how to make tangy lemon chicken, sweet and sticky honey prawns, and savoury beef with black bean. Jennifer Wong and Lin Jie Kong September 11, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share This recipe appears in the most popular recipes of September 2024 collection. See all stories . Why does almost every Australian town have a Chinese restaurant? Its a question that drove writer/comedian Jennifer Wong and director/producer Lin Jie Kong to make Chopsticks or Fork?, a six-part ABC TV series about Chinese restaurants in regional Australia. The series told the stories of 10 country Chinese restaurants and the families who run them. These have now been published as a collection, alongside some of the essential recipes that make these restaurants so memorable. Here are four beloved recipes to try at home. Fried rice is the perfect side dish and also a complete meal in its own right. Lin Jie Kong Combination fried rice Advertisement Raymonds at Malua Bay, NSW Ah, fried rice. The perfect side dish, and also a complete meal in its own right. Think of this recipe as a guide you can use any combination of cooked meats, and also substitute the meat for carrot, peas and corn to make the dish vegetarian. Raymonds version here is very close to the most famous type of fried rice Yangzhou fried rice which is from Jiangsu, a coastal province north of Shanghai. Its also made with barbecued pork and prawns. Make sure that your ingredients are dry to ensure that your rice fries up nicely without excess moisture. INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 egg 200g char siu (Chinese barbecued pork) 50g cooked, shredded chicken breast 50g ham, finely chopped 10 shelled, cooked prawns 2 cups cooked white jasmine rice 1 spring onion, chopped Sauce Advertisement 2 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tsp chicken powder 1 tsp sugar tsp salt METHOD To make the sauce, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and scramble the egg. Remove the egg and set aside. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the wok or pan and stir-fry the pork, chicken, ham and prawns. Add the rice and mix thoroughly, breaking up any large clumps. Add the sauce and mix well to combine. Add the scrambled egg and toss together. Add the spring onion and toss together, then serve. This tangy dish is still available in Hong Kongs old-school diners. Lin Jie Kong Lemon chicken Advertisement Gawler Palace, South Australia While many people think that lemon chicken must surely be a local invention, its actually been served in Hong Kong since the 1960s. This tangy dish is still available today in Hong Kongs old-school diners, served with rice or even pasta. Gawler Palaces version is renowned for being particularly crispy and tangy. The crispiness of the chicken comes from frying it twice, and the extreme lemon avour comes from three sources of lemon goodness. So now when life gives you lemons, make lemon chicken. INGREDIENTS 1 chicken breast, cut into 1cm-thick slices tsp salt tsp MSG white pepper, to taste a few drops of sesame oil 2 tbsp cornflour, for coating vegetable or canola oil, for deep-frying sesame seeds, to garnish lemon wedges, to serve Batter Advertisement 1 cup cornflour cup self-raising flour Lemon sauce cup lemon juice cup sugar cup water 5 tbsp white vinegar 1 tsp salt 3 fresh celery leaves 2 tbsp lemon essence cup lemon cordial yellow food colouring, optional Cornflour slurry 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp water Advertisement METHOD In a large bowl, combine chicken with salt, MSG, pepper and a few drops of sesame oil. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. To make the batter, combine cornflour and self-raising flour in a bowl, then slowly add water until consistency coats the back of a spoon. Lightly coat the chicken in cornflour, shake off any excess, and then dip it into the batter. Fill a large wok or saucepan approximately two-thirds full with oil. Slowly bring to 180C over medium-high heat. This might take up to 10 minutes. Fry the chicken until it takes on a hint of colour. Remove and set aside to cool and drain. Continue to heat the oil until it reaches 200C and then return the chicken and fry until it is golden. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a wire rack. To make the lemon sauce, combine the lemon sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove from heat. Remove and discard celery leaves. Add cornflour slurry to the lemon sauce and mix to thicken. To serve, chop the chicken into 3cm-wide pieces and top with lemon sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lemon wedges. Lean beef such as rump cut is best for this dish. Lin Jie Kong Beef with black bean Ts Chinese Restaurant, Sheffield, Tasmania Advertisement This is an essential Chinese restaurant dish, but what makes Ts version stand out is that they use grass-fed, highly marbled Angus beef straight from their farm. Although you might not have access to such fresh produce, Ts suggests using lean beef to make the recipe, like a rump cut. Weve included Ts homemade black-bean sauce recipe below, which will make you a larger-than-store-bought jar of sauce. You can also use store-bought black-bean sauce. INGREDIENTS zucchini, halved lengthways and sliced 4 broccoli florets 1 bok choy, roughly chopped 3 tbsp vegetable oil 150g beef, sliced red capsicum, sliced onion, sliced 2 tbsp water Black bean sauce 300g whole fermented black beans onion cup light soy sauce cup dark soy sauce 3 garlic cloves 2 tbsp sugar 1 tsp chilli powder Advertisement INGREDIENTS To make the black bean sauce, blitz half the black beans with all the other ingredients in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste. Transfer to an airtight container and stir in the remaining whole black beans. Keep refrigerated and use within 3 months. Bring a pot of water to the boil, add the zucchini, broccoli and bok choy and cook for around 2 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok on high heat, add the beef and stir-fry until almost cooked, around 2 minutes. Dont overcook the beef in this step. Drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Heat the remaining oil in the wok on high heat, add the capsicum and onion and stir to coat. Add 1 tablespoons black bean sauce, and then the water, green vegetables and beef. Toss well for 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve. Honey prawns are a delicious example of a Westernised style of Chinese food. Lin Jie Kong Honey prawns Raymonds at Malua Bay, NSW Advertisement Is it even an Australian Chinese restaurant if honey prawns arent on the menu? Crisp, golden and sweet on the outside, soft and savoury on the inside these honey prawns taste of the land and the ocean in every bite. Honey prawns are a delicious example of a Westernised style of Chinese food: cooking that has been made sweeter for the Western palate. Raymond uses honey from the nearby town of Mogo to make his honey prawns extra special. INGREDIENTS 340g raw king prawns, shelled and deveined with tails removed 1 tsp chicken powder tsp salt tsp pepper vegetable or canola oil, for deep-frying 2 tsp sesame seeds Batter 1 tbsp cornflour 3 tbsp self-raising flour 1 tbsp plain flour 1 tbsp custard powder Advertisement Honey sauce 1 cup honey cup store-bought lemon sauce cup sugar cup white vinegar METHOD Combine the prawns, chicken powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. To make the batter, combine all batter ingredients in a large bowl and add water until the batter is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Fill a wok or large pan with oil approximately two-thirds full. Slowly bring to 180C over medium-high heat. This might take up to 10 minutes. Using tongs or wooden chopsticks, dip each prawn in the batter and drop gently into the hot oil. Deep-fry prawns until golden, then remove using a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towel or a strainer. To make the honey sauce, combine all the ingredients for sauce in a wok or large pan on high heat. Cook until bubbling, then bring it to a simmer. Add deep-fried prawns. Stir-fry until the prawns are covered with sauce. Serve garnished with sesame seeds. Photo: Supplied This is an edited extract from Chopsticks or Fork? by Jennifer Wong and Lin Jie Kong, published by Hardie Grant, RRP $42. Photography by Lin Jie Kong. The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up Independent MP Zoe Daniel has criticised the Albanese governments plan to legislate a social media ban for kids, expressing scepticism about how it will be enforced and raising concerns about the limited detail announced so far. Speaking on the ABCs Afternoon Briefing in the last hour, Daniel was asked whether Labor soon deciding on a specific minimum age for access would allay her concerns about the policy being unclear. Independent member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel. Credit: James Brickwood In response, Daniel said: Well, I think the other problem here is that we dont really have the technology to do this. And also, the government is conducting its own trial on this and we also have a committee process under thats looking at it, so it feels like the cart before the horse. But also Im not convinced that the systems exist for it to be effective. There are a lot of concerns about potential privacy risks. And also, young people dont want it. And it might be difficult to enforce. And then there is a further piece, which is that I think there are other things that we can do which would be better policy, more effective and less simplistic. However, Daniel said many parents like the populist policy. Look, Im a parent of teenagers and I can see the attraction of that, she said. There may be an argument for a bit of both some stronger age assurance as well as the kind of duty of care that Im talking about. But in and of itself, I dont think [a social media ban for children] will be enough to fix the problem of harm to kids. Earlier in the program, shadow communications minister David Coleman reiterated the Coalitions support for legislating a minimum age for social media users, adding it should be set at 16. Opposition communications spokesman David Coleman. Credit: Paul Jeffers But, he criticised the manner of the governments announcement this week, claiming the Coalition and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas forced the prime ministers hand. There are basically no details at all, Coleman said. This is farcical. This is kind of the definition of half-baked. The main "peace dividend" for Europe is the feeling of inevitable war Der Spiegel on Germany's rearmament experience. ADVERTISIMENT The study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy is important for the Ukrainian audience, especially for understanding how slowly the economy of one of the most progressive EU countries is crawling out of the Merkelian darkness. It was under her watch that the term "peace dividend" was coined, referring to savings on defense. The days of sweet cuddles with the Kremlin dictator are over, and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warns that Mordor could attack NATO in the next 5-8 years. And Germany will have nothing to fight with. Germany and NATO are in danger of falling further and further behind Russia militarily, and Western partners are making very slow progress in the field of weapons needed for deterrence. At the current rate of procurement, it will take Germany almost 100 years to build up its weapons capabilities to the level of 2004: after the end of the Cold War, Germany's weapons stockpile sharply declined. ADVERTISIMENT At the current production rate, the number of battle tanks will only be increased by 2066, fighter jets by 2038, and artillery howitzers, which are in great demand in Ukraine, by 2121. Germany takes years to do what Russia manages to do in a short time. "The production capacity of Russia is now so large that it can produce the entire stock of the Bundeswehr in a little over 6 months. Russia can fire 10,000 missiles and shells a day at Ukraine, partly thanks to the support of North Korea. At this rate of fire, Germany's entire annual production will be used up in 70 days at most. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has also made significant progress in creating modern weapons systems: the capacity of drones has increased more than 6 times. "In the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian military stockpiles will grow at an unprecedented rate," the researchers warn. ADVERTISIMENT Kiel scientists criticize the excessive influence of the state on the production of military weapons. It is impossible to maintain twelve different tanks in 27 EU member states with the hope that each country will maintain its own tank-building potential. Manufacturers must increase their capacity. The new arms race will consume a lot of money. "Europe needs a permanent, significant, and immediate increase in Germany's regular defense spending to at least 2% of gross domestic product," the ISW believes. This is at least 100 billion a year. The conclusion of the researchers is one: Europe and the world are not going to see peaceful times in the near future. The spiral of rearmament gives rise to this depressing but realistic realization. The German government is now sitting on a thin branch of bad expectations. Therefore (quite rightly), when we demand more aid to Ukraine, we must understand their general mood. ADVERTISIMENT The academic leading a SafeWork NSW complaint alleging Sydney University failed to protect Jewish staff from psychosocial harm says she quit the institution after it became toxic following Hamas October 7 attacks. Associate Professor Andy Smidt, who left the university in February, is the only named signatory on a dossier sent to the workplace regulator last week asking it to investigate the university and consider criminal charges if it does not comply with recommendations. Professor Andy Smidt has lodged a SafeWork complaint alleging the vice chancellor failed to protect Jewish students from psychosocial harm. Credit: Edwina Pickles Sydney University said it had been contacted by SafeWork NSW about the complaint and would fully co-operate with the regulators inquiries, including discussing its policies and procedures. The complaint comes as the universitys vice chancellor, Mark Scott, faces increased political scrutiny over his handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus this year, including at a NSW budget estimates hearing last week. 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 How is it that we can beam a high definition cat video into deep space, but a phone call can barely survive a short trip in an elevator, and its often a battle to load Instagram on the train? NSW alone is also blighted by 4000 mobile black spots, including one which seems to rob commuters of cellular data as trains sail over the Sydney Harbour Bridge (although at least the view is nice when youre forced to look up). And, according to new data, theres one suburb 10 kilometres from the CBD battling a chronic case of bad coverage. So what dictates where these dead zones lie? And will the shutting of 3G which is almost complete make the problem better or worse? The suburbs where 5G struggles A national audit of mobile black spots is under way. The data from the audit so far shows that most Sydney suburbs are covered by good or excellent 5G coverage. But there are a few patches where the coverage drops to modest, according to data crowdsourced for the government by Accenture from 150,000 people. Advertisement Theres a patch of bad Optus coverage in the centre of Marrickville, according to the data, while patches of lower-quality Telstra coverage have also been recorded in Beacon Hill, Concord, Chatswood, Lane Cove and a few streets of Maroubra. But the most obvious patch of modest coverage defined by frequent service failure, call drops and noticeable distortion lies around Tennyson Point and parts of nearby Gladesville and Putney. The audit data shows 5G from all three major telcos struggles in these areas. Scores of residents in those areas told the Herald they were frustrated by terrible coverage, dead spots and calls cutting off despite being 10 kilometres from the CBD. Audit data shows no mobile cells within the Tennyson Point 5G black spot. Areas away from urban centres near water can struggle with mobile service because the steep hills towards the shore create shadows of tower coverage patches where mobile coverage doesnt land because its blocked, and the signal is directed towards busier roads and business strips. The problem could be improved by installing new towers but that can prove commercially challenging and their installation often faces backlash from nearby residents. The telcos didnt say whether the audit data matched up with their own, although Telstra said the visualisation tool is in its early phases and is indicative only of relative performance in the general area. Advertisement As for testing a phone signal, disregard reception bars. Theyre an all but useless indication of signal strength. To get a proper reading, you need to access Field Test Mode, which is accessible via settings on an Android or by calling *3001#12345#* on an iPhone. That will give you a reading of signal strength in decibels, under the RSRP or RSRQ measures. The closer to zero, the better your signal. For RSRP, anything between 0 and -115 decibels (dBm) is regarded as good coverage, according to Accentures metrics, while anything below -115 will begin to give you trouble. For RSRQ, anything between 0 and -15 dBm is decent, while signal heading towards -20 is getting patchy. Data shows the network of cell towers (black points), which are most dense in the CBD. Blue and green locations show strong coverage while yellow and orange show locations with weak 5G signal including the Tennyson Point patch (circled in red) according to Accentures crowdsourced data. What dictates whether you have good signal? Where you are in relation to mobile cell towers is a major factor. Towers also aim signals towards urban centres and roads, so even if youre close to one it may be beaming its signal in the opposite direction. The geographical area covered by a base station is called a cell, and these cells create a patchwork of reception across the country. Advertisement Smaller antennas and booster cells attached to skyscrapers, power poles and bus stops help amplify the signal through built-up urban areas. But there are many things that can disrupt a wave carrying your phone call or YouTube video, including buildings, trees and hills. Even dust and water in the air can wreak havoc. If you talk to people up in the north Darwin, Cairns during the monsoon, every afternoon when it starts pouring with rain, mobile signal in most areas will drop out, Associate Professor Mark Gregory, a telecommunications expert at RMIT, said. Wood, glass and concrete will also degrade a signal, so if youre inside a building your signal has to work harder. But metal is the worst offender. Houses with metal roofs often require mobile boosters to funnel a signal inside. A solid or mesh enclosure of metal called a Faraday cage disrupts radio waves because metal, as a conductor with free-flowing electrons, interferes with electromagnetic radiation. Thats why your signal cuts off when the doors of an elevator close. A train is also essentially a metal cylinder and even metallic tints on the windows can deflect signals. Advertisement Some speculate the Sydney Harbour Bridge also acts as a Faraday cage, further robbing train scrollers of signal, but Gregory said its probably due to phones disconnecting from one cell tower and trying to connect with the next cell. A spokesperson for Telstra had the same explanation. Your phone sometimes needs a moment to cut through some noise, especially in city centres and exposed areas like along the Harbour Bridge. Your device can see literally hundreds of different cell signals from all directions, which can cause interference and brief disruptions. Telstra has a project under way to address such interruptions in the CBD and on the bridge, while signal-boosting infrastructure was built into the newly opened M1 metro line, affording passengers better mobile coverage underground. Selling the spectrum Mobile phones, Wi-Fi and radio harness waves of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum, or EMS, to transmit data. The EMS is the range of electromagnetic radiation frequencies, from radio waves through to infrared, visible light, X-rays and gamma rays. All waves on the EMS travel at or close to the speed of light, which make them useful for rapid, wireless communication. Advertisement Social media photos of a young Blue Mountains family cast a portrait of a perfect life. The images show a mother and her two young sons, celebrating Christmas on the beach and the two boys playing in the sand and exploring a waterfall. From the outside, they are a happy, loving family. Trish Smith, who has been arrested, and her sons Ben and Russell, who were found dead in their Blue Mountains home. But on Tuesday afternoon, that image was replaced with a crime scene that cut to the core of even the most senior police investigating how the boys, Ben and Russell Smith, aged nine and 11, were killed inside their Faulconbridge home. Their mother, Trish Smith, has been arrested and is under police guard with self-inflicted injuries. Just before 1pm, the boys father, who had separated from 42-year-old Smith, called triple zero after he found the bodies of his two sons and his former partner distressed and injured. A western Sydney teenager has been labelled a lazy, dishonest wanna-be gangster by a magistrate after pleading guilty to selling drugs in Bondi. Maisam Awaz, 19, was told to bring his toothbrush to his sentencing hearing after he pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying a prohibited drug, one count of possessing a prohibited drug and one count of dealing with property proceeds of crime in Waverley Local Court on Tuesday. Maisam Awaz, 19, pleaded guilty to four drug-related charges after driving from Blacktown to Bondi to sell cocaine. Credit: Sydney Morning Herald The Blacktown resident was picked up near the Royal Bondi Hotel on Friday, August 2, during a two-night blitz targeting dial-a-dealer drug suppliers. According to police facts, officers were monitoring the pub as it is a known location for the use and supply of prohibited drugs, when they saw a man leave the hotel and get into the passenger seat of Awazs Kia Sedan about 8.40pm. He got out of the car just 20 seconds later. Suspecting a drug deal, police stopped the pair. The man was found with one bag of cocaine and showed text messages between himself and Awaz. As a Generation X father, Michael Murray is happy a government is proposing laws that are on our side in many parents fight to keep their children safe from the harmful effects of social media. Age requirements keeping young people off apps are very welcome for parents such as Murray, who finished school before the communication revolution began. Michael Murray and his daughter, 13-year-old Zoe. Credit: Jason South Many in his demographic say they struggle to contain the influence of social media, the heavy use of which has been linked in research to poor mental health among young people. Weve dealt with so many little spot fires that have popped up here and there [through behaviour on social apps], so when I hear of a law that at the bare minimum limits social media use, its fantastic, Murray says. She came to my studio with her boyfriend, Justin de Villeneuve, Lategan told the Daily Mail in 2000, and while he talked to me, she wandered around the studio touching the equipment. She was a skinny young thing with long hair which was all fizzy and split-ended, but she had such a lovely face. In January 1966, he was phoned by his friend Leonard Lewis, the Mayfair hairdresser, who asked him to see a girl who wanted to be a model. Her name was Lesley Hornby, a 16-year-old from Neasden who had a Saturday job in the salon as a shampoo girl. Barry Lategan, who has died aged 89, was an award-winning portrait and fashion photographer credited with discovering Twiggy and taking the striking photographs that launched her career as a model. I called Leonard and said: I like her but her hairs a mess. She agreed to have her hair cut because they were broke at the time and she needed the photos. She went back to Leonards and he took seven hours to create her look. It was amazing: hed sculpted a little golden cap. At that moment, she turned from a gawky schoolgirl into a cross between an angel and Greta Garbo. When she returned to Lategans studio, she had painted false eyelashes on her face and, as Lategan recalled, she had a presence about her. I took loads of photographs that day, mostly of her looking straight at the camera or with a little quiff on the side of her face and imitating the film stars of the 30s, Lategan said. She was always able to play for the camera and was very good at mimicry. Twiggy in 1966, the year she was discovered by Barry Lategan. Credit: Getty Images A few days after the shoot, he was called by Deirdre McSharry, a journalist with the Daily Express, who had seen some of his photographs at Leonards: At the end of that week, my photographs appeared under the headline The Face of 66. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will travel to Sydney and Canberra next month for a fast-paced five-day trip the couples first visit to Australia since Charles ascended to the throne two years ago. After being forced to cut short more ambitious travel plans on doctors orders, the King and Queen will visit Australia from October 18-22 before travelling to Samoa for a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Sydney and Canberra in October. Credit: Getty Images Their busy schedule ranges from a formal visit to Parliament House in Canberra to a relaxed BBQ with community leaders in Sydney, with space left on the agenda for yet-to-be-announced surprises. The Kings itinerary includes a visit to the CSIRO headquarters and a separate meeting about the impacts of climate change, reflecting the progressive, environmentally conscious image he cultivated as a prince. Less than a year ago, it seemed possible that Bernardo Arevalo would not occupy the chair he now sits in at the National Palace, in the heart of the capital of Guatemala, despite having won the elections. The politician and his group, the Seed Movement, fought against the dark forces in Guatamala that keep corruption entrenched to protect and favor powerful economic sectors, corrupt politicians and impartial judges. The goal for Arevalo who campaigned on a platform of honesty and won over voters fed up with impunity was to enforce the will of the people, who had elected him president. Arevalo was up against a corrupt judicial system and an attorney general, Consuelo Porras, who not only tried to torpedo his victory and stop him from being sworn in, but has also since become the presidents main opposition. Arevalo, 65, speaks to EL PAIS in the office from which he governs and reviews the achievements of his administration, which completed its first 100 days in May. It has been an obstacle course for the charismatic politician, who scored a diplomatic victory after receiving 135 political prisoners from the Nicaraguan regime led by Daniel Ortega. He talks to EL PAIS about the reasons that led him to make that decision and his anti-corruption crusade. Bernardo Arevalo next to a photograph of his father, former president Juan Jose Arevalo, on September 6. Sandra Sebastian Question. What led you to agree to accept political prisoners released by the Nicaraguan regime? Answer. It is a decision consistent with our own vision of the need to support and protect democracy anywhere in the world. The fact that democracy is not everywhere affects us all, and the spread of democracy is an advantage for everyone. With Nicaragua, there is a fundamental commitment to the people who are fighting for democracy, so when the U.S. government asked us if we would be willing to receive this contingent in the event that their release was achieved, we immediately said yes, without thinking twice. Q. Do you expect anything in return from the United States for this gesture? A. Absolutely nothing. Q. What do you think of President Ortegas government? A. It is a government that is violating democratic principles, that is persecuting people who demand the right to have their opinions heard and made valid at the polls, which is what we have defended in our own country. It is the same position that leads us to reject the alleged electoral result announced by the National Electoral Council of Venezuela, because we understand that it is a violation of democratic principles. Q. I asked you what you expect from the United States because you have come to the presidency with an ambitious political project, but face a difficult situation within the country. Do you expect U.S. support to promote your program? A. Our experience shows that international support is essential for countries fighting for democracy in the context of situations that, in one way or another, imply an authoritarian reconfiguration. We have experienced this directly: we had international observers who were fundamental during the elections, the Organization of American States played an extremely important role, as did the European Union, and the support we had from the United States. It was a fundamental framework for Guatemalans who were fighting to assert our political rights to be heard and respected as they are enshrined in the Constitution. Q. You have a very complicated internal political situation. You only have 23 deputies in Congress to support your agenda, which includes fighting corruption. What progress has there been on this issue? A. From the executive, we are fighting against corruption in a very clear manner by making the complaints that correspond to us and taking them to the Public Prosecutors Office, which will have to account for what it does with all this evidence of corruption cases that we are placing before them. We are not giving up in these efforts. Bernardo Arevalo during the EL PAIS interview. Sandra Sebastian Q. One of the most controversial branches of government in the country is the judiciary and the public prosecutors offices. The attorney general, Consuelo Porras, is openly opposed to your government, and even refused to meet with you. And you said you wanted to remove her. What is your relationship with the attorney general now that you are president? A. We have submitted an initiative to Congress for legal reform that would simply make the attorney general accountable, because the reform made in 2016 creates a position, which is the only position within the institutional structure of the country, who does not have to be accountable to anyone, which is unconstitutional, because it is structural impunity. Our position regarding the attorney general is clear: before taking office, we had asked for her resignation and when we started, we did everything within the legal means to achieve change, but the Attorney Generals Office continues in its effort to criminalize the Semilla Movement, this government. I personally have seven cases against me, and we have a colleague who is in prison for spurious reasons. Its continuous harassment. The public prosecution continues in its campaign to try to avoid what is inevitable and that is that the countrys institutional structure is finally freed from the corrupt. Q. In Guatemala, the term corrupt pact is used to describe an alliance between political, judicial and business sectors that weighs down the system. What actions have you taken to break this pact? Can this pact be broken in Guatemala? A. The corrupt pact is an expression that indicates the convergence of interests by different actors. There is no formal or real pact, nor are they all formally united around a common purpose, but rather they converge because it suits them. There are corrupt politicians, previous administrations, businessmen who have participated in these types of issues, judicial officials, prosecutors, judges. These people continue to operate within this system, but look at the process of electing courts that has been taking place, where what we have seen is that this political-criminal network was not able to take control. There is a process of losing control that we hope will be confirmed in the election of courts that will take place in the month of October in Congress. Q. However, the power that this system has maintained remains in force. For example journalist Jose Ruben Zamora was unjustly imprisoned for denouncing corruption. A. The case of Zamora is an example of the criminalization that is carried out by the justice system against people who confront structural corruption and impunity. His imprisonment was, on the one hand, to punish him for this confrontation and, on the other, as a warning to those who are still fighting in this regard. Of course they have power, they have the power to put a government official, such as the director of the Institute for Victims, in provisional arrest for spurious and absurd reasons; they have the power to make a case against the Semilla Movement, denying us the right to defense at every turn. Of course they have power, but it is not the only power and we are clearly fighting to save institutions from this suffocating embrace and we have popular support, which is increasingly clear, to achieve this. Q. Have you, as president, taken any measures in the case of journalist Zamora? A. Yes, all the measures that correspond to us from the executive branch. We took office on January 14 and on January 15, the Minister of the Interior, Francisco Jimenez, went to the prison where Jose Ruben Zamora is being held to correct the conditions in which he was being held, which were practically akin to torture. We are giving him the best possible conditions within the legal framework, because we cannot go beyond what the law allows us to do. We even discussed with him the possibility of transferring him to another prison. Q. Guatemala suffers from appalling levels of poverty, particularly among Indigenous populations. What are your plans to alleviate the suffering of these people? A. Sixty percent of the population of Guatemala lives in poverty. The majority is Indigenous and the majority lives in highland states that have been sidelined from public investment. We have a development strategy that follows a logic of public investment in rural roads and secondary highways. We are going to invest in irrigation, in electrification, where there is no investment in public schools, in health centers. The intention is to follow a development program that manages to support a population that today largely lives on subsistence agriculture to allow the people to become small agricultural producers. We are not going to be able to solve the problem of poverty in the country because 400 years of marginalization, racism and neglect are not going to be solved overnight, but we are going to lay the foundations to develop that area, which is home to the poorest people in the country. Bernardo Arevalo, the president of Guatemala, on September 6. Sandra Sebastian Q. You took office in January, what would you say are your main achievements so far? A. First of all, we have reaffirmed that in Guatemala there can be a government that does not bend the knee to corruption and to these groups that seemed almost inevitable in the countrys political future. It is difficult work, because they are still entrenched in the justice system and have the capacity to attack and be hostile, but we are moving forward by making sure the public sector works. We are generating those elements that will begin to make it evident to the population that a different future exists, when one no longer votes for corrupt politicians. Q. Are you afraid of failing? Are you afraid of losing peoples support? A. No. We are committed to responding to the trust that people have in our movement, that they have in our government, and our task is to continue to concretely demonstrate to the people why electing honest politicians is the best bet for the future of the country. Q. What Guatemala do you hope to leave behind when your term ends? A. A Guatemala convinced that it has a future without the corrupt, that working together will achieve progress in development. A Guatemala where the principles of respect for human rights and the validity of democratic institutions are more deeply rooted in the population. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Victoria Police will have its budget increased by up to $15 million to deal with mass protests outside a weapons expo this week, which thousands of people have vowed to disrupt and blockade in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Hundreds of officers from regional Victoria have travelled to Melbourne to monitor protesters outside the Land Forces convention, which will showcase arms from defence contractors at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over three days. Protesters from different activist groups, including Extinction Rebellion and Students for Palestine, have banded together to form a larger group, Disrupt Land Forces. They plan to begin their blockade outside the expo at 6am. Treasurer Tim Pallas said the state would provide an extra $10 million to $15 million to help pay for policing at the request of the force. Melbourne Racing Club members are heading to the polls over the next two weeks in an election that could reshape the future of the Caulfield and Sandown racecourses. Six men will fight it out for two vacancies on the 10-member MRC board a group that has come under fire from two female members in recent weeks. An aerial view of Sandown in 2021. Credit: Joe Armao Voting opened on Tuesday and will close on September 24, with the two successful candidates to be announced at the MRCs annual general meeting on September 26. The two vacancies have been created by the retirement of MRC chairman Matt Cain and six-year board member Mark Pratt. Its a good problem to have. When youre one of the worlds premier wildlife destinations, home to a national park so well-known that most people refer to it simply as Kruger, its understandable that you might not boast about your countrys natural attractions. Aside from Cape Towns Table Mountain, most people would struggle to name another notable South African natural landmark. Looking into the Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route. Credit: iStock All of which makes the Panorama Route an unexpected delight. Located west of Kruger in the Mpumalanga province, its both a spectacularly scenic driving route and the gateway to a series of dramatic geological wonders. Like many visitors, we experience it during a transfer between two safari lodges. We could have taken a quicker, more direct option, but our tour operator, Australian-owned specialist This is Africa, knows from experience that the Panorama Route provides a welcome scenic interlude between days spent bouncing around in safari Jeeps. After snaking up the flanks of the Drakensberg escarpment to reach the high-elevation Central Plateau, we turn onto the R532, the most popular section of a network of roads that comprise the Panorama Route. Check-in Theres no online check-in in this town, so everyone queues. Its my first time on Flyadeal, a low-cost airline which sounds dodgy, but is completely legit. Owned by the Saudi national carrier, Saudia, it runs innumerable budget flights between Cairo and Saudi destinations daily. The check-in staff are friendly, efficient and always curious about solo, non-Arab women flying to Saudi Arabia. Indoor palm trees are a reminder youre in the Middle East. Credit: Cairo International Airport Security I count four checks before Im on the plane. The first is the worst, with all luggage and people screened on entering the airport. Its never not a shemozzle of crying children; during my last time here, it took more than 30 minutes to clear this hurdle. However, a handful of pounds to a well-placed official porter and Im slipped in ahead of the huge family about to descend on the scanners. Egypt runs on tips or baksheesh, so this is entirely above board. My passport and visa are checked again at the Flyadeal counter, then theres the passport control, slow with lots of satisfying thumping of stamps, and the final check before entering the gates, where its shoes off, water emptied and a second pat down. Food + drink Costa is usually a safe bet for coffee. Eat before you arrive, or take a seat in the cafes offering Oriental Food (which here means Middle Eastern). Otherwise, try the ubiquitous US burger chains. Retail therapy You forgot to grab presents, didnt you? All the Tut tat Nefertari busts and charming metal serving trays is available in a handful of stores, at least four times the street price but without the haggle or the dust. Cairos duty-free shopping has come a long way in the past few years, with more locally made handcrafts and relaxed attitudes to alcohol (for better or for worse). When spritzing perfumes, explore the oud-heavy fragrances preferred by the Arabian market. One quirky note about duty-free shopping is that you can still buy duty-free goods up to 48 hours after you arrive in Egypt at specially marked shops in the citys malls. Loading Passing time If you didnt get your fill of Egyptian antiquities, search for Terminal 3s little hidden museum it does have an entrance fee. Unless you have a local SIM card, dont count on the Wi-Fi to work if youre inclined to tap into airport Wi-Fi services in the first place. Grab a copy of the English-language Al-Ahram newspaper from the newsstands or simply enjoy the rich people watching that Egypt offers. The verdict Allow time (and patience) for Egypts bureaucracy and security; after all, its better to be safe than sorry. Our rating out of five Hanoi: Rescue operations continued in Vietnam on Tuesday, after a bridge tumbled into the Red River north-west of Hanoi and more rain fell in the aftermath of a deadly typhoon. A bridge collapsed and a bus was swept away by flooding on Monday, raising the death toll in the South-East Asian country to at least 58 from Typhoon Yagi and subsequent heavy rains that also damaged factories in export-focused northern industrial hubs, state media reported. Another 40 people were still missing and 750 have been reported injured. A bridge collapse due to floods triggered by typhoon Yagi in Phu Tho province. Credit: AP Nine people died on Saturday after the typhoon made landfall, before weakening into a tropical depression. The rest died in the floods and landslides that followed on Sunday and Monday, state media VN Express reported. The water levels of several rivers in northern Vietnam were dangerously high. PHILIPSBURG:--- International Game Technology (IGT), a global leader in gaming and operator of the Caribbean Lottery and Barbados Lottery, successfully completed its fourth annual IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp for Caribbean youth this summer. Now, participating students are back to school and energized for the new year, equipped to become innovators and problem-solvers. IGT partnered with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) at the University of the West Indies to host the virtual camp, under the inspiring theme Climate Action: Think It! Code It! Solve It! The camp, an extension of IGTs global After School Advantage (ASA) programme, consisted of introductory (Level 1) and intermediate (Level 2) programmes. A total of 72 students from five Caribbean countries - Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago - participated in the virtual camp. Included were students from the Maude Crosse Preparatory School in Nevis, The Learning Centre in Barbados and The St Maarten Youth Council. The Level 1 course introduced students to the fascinating world of computer science, providing a foundational understanding of coding and computing. They also explored careers in the industry, and developed essential skills such as website development and robotics. Returning students in the Level 2 programme built on the knowledge they gained last summer to explore more complex web development including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and an introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Students also had the exciting experience of building a robot. As these students begin the new school year, they will remember the encouragement they received to continue their learning adventure with enthusiasm and curiosity. Guest speaker at the camp graduation, Nalini Ramsawak-Jodha, UWI Lecturer in Education (Teaching of Mathematics), congratulated the students and challenged them to continue using their knowledge to protect the environment. GAIN Summit 2024 opens its doors Third edition of the Global Artificial Intelligence Summit begins in Riyadh AI leaders from around the world have gathered for day one of the Global AI Summit (GAIN), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hosted by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), GAIN 2024 the third edition of the summit will explore pivotal themes, such as Generative AI, AI in urban life, and the ethical governance of AI, ensuring a comprehensive discussion on the technology s impact on society, business, and governance. This landmark summit is bringing together the best minds in AI across four stages AI Minds, AI Synergy Sessions, Deep Learning Sessions, and AI Unplugged Sessions all hosting panels, roundtable discussions, talks and speeches simultaneously. The Global AI Summit (GAIN) will feature over 450 speakers from more than 100 countries, and host 150 sessions to discuss the Now, the Next and the Never for AI, with over 32,000 delegates expected to attend over the three days. Top speakers include Cristiano Amon (President & CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated), Martin Kon (President & COO Cohere) Nick Studer (President & CEO, Oliver Wyman Group) and Dr. Marc Raibert (Founder, Boston Dynamics). GAIN is taking place from today until Thursday 12th September 2024 at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Notes to editors For more information: For more information about the GAIN Summit, please visit: https://globalaisummit.org/en/default.aspx Contact: Media@GlobalAISummit.org Photo https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502049/SDAIA.jpg Photo https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502050/SDAIA.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gain-summit-2024-opens-its-doors-302244084.html Original-Content von: Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), ubermittelt durch news aktuell On September 8, Ukraine's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, announced the recall of Ukraine's temporary Charge d'Affaires in Georgia, Mykhailo Kharyshyn, citing "his complete lack of understanding of the realities of diplomacy in a wartime state." The decision reflects the Foreign Minister's call for more proactive and results-driven diplomacy from Ukrainian ambassadors during the ongoing war.Sybiha outlined his expectations for Ukrainian diplomats, emphasizing the need for "concrete results, courage, and proactivity." He added that ambassadors in a wartime context must not be detached from the realities of war but must take personal responsibility and demonstrate the strength of Ukrainian diplomacy through decisive action.Responding to the decision, Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, addressed the recall in a media briefing. Kobakhidze distinguished this action from a similar decision in 2022, when Ukraine recalled its ambassador to Georgia in what he described as a "purely political decision.""In this case, according to our information, this is not a political act," Kobakhidze explained. He suggested that the recall was related to Kharyshyn's personal conduct rather than any broader political considerations. "A certain representative, who, if I am not mistaken, also has diplomatic status, bought household items, and this was considered inappropriate in light of the ongoing war, becoming the reason for his recall." Kobakhidze specified that the items in question were washing machines.Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Georgia amounted to USD 574.3 million in the second quarter of 2024, according to preliminary data published by the National Statistics Office (Geostat) on September 9. This represents a 10.3% rise compared to the adjusted figures for the second quarter of 2023. The growth in FDI is primarily attributed to an increase in equity and debt instruments, according to Geostat.Of the total FDI, USD 451.3 million, or 78.6%, was in the form of reinvested earnings. Equity investments made up USD 101 million, accounting for 17.6% of the total.The United Kingdom led foreign direct investments with USD 266.7 million (46.4% of the total), followed by Japan with USD 59.2 million (10.3%), Malta with USD 37.9 million (6.6%), Azerbaijan with USD 23.7 million (4.1%), and the Czech Republic with USD 20.9 million (3.6%). The top three investor countries represented 63.3% of the total investment.The financial and insurance sectors attracted the largest share of FDI at USD 300.1 million (52.3%), followed by trade at USD 79.2 million (13.8%), manufacturing at USD 55.5 million (9.7%), real estate activities at USD 47.2 million (8.2%), and the energy sector at USD 28.6 million (5.0%). The summer months have brought significant movement on the front lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Kyivs offensive, launched on August 6, took advantage of the element of surprise to advance into Russias Kursk region. The attack, however, has failed to divert troops from the Kremlins attack in the Donetsk region, where the Russian army is advancing relentlessly. There, Moscows troops have been taking towns as they move in the direction of Pokrovsk, a key base for Ukraines defense. The following chart compares the advances by both sides over the past month. Ukraine has occupied some 1,150 square kilometres in its Kursk offensive: the surprise attack allowed Kyivs forces to take control of a large area defended by inexperienced troops in the first few days. Meanwhile, in the same period, Russia has added around 300 square kilometres to its conquests on Ukrainian soil, of which it controls around 18% (see methodology). The Russian invasion of Donbas has extended a front line that had been consolidated since the early stages of the war. Ukraines strategy to counter this enemy advance was to take the war to Russia: following instructions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, up to 15,000 military personnel stormed Russian soil on August 6, the first land invasion Moscow has faced since World War II. Ukraines progress in Kursk has slowed as the weeks have passed and the incursion has not yielded the anticipated results. Zelenskiy has said that the attack was intended to force the redeployment of the Russian troops in Donetsk, which would allow the Ukrainian defenders to rest and regroup. So far, this has not been achieved. Russian propaganda describes the Ukrainian incursion as a serious mistake by Kyiv, even though it caught the Kremlin off guard in its early stages. President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the effectiveness of the attack: The enemys goal was to make us nervous and force us to redeploy troops in order to stop our offensive in Donbas. Has it worked? No, the Russian president said last Thursday. Progress of Russian troops in Donbas The advance of Russian troops in the Donbas region (made up of the the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces and Russias main objective) has intensified in recent weeks, especially in the direction of Pokrovsk, a strategic town that serves as a logistical hub for Ukrainian troops. If Pokrovsk falls into enemy hands, Kyiv will be forced to send supplies to the Donetsk front by less direct routes, which will affect its ability to react, according to the British Ministry of Defence. Russian troops are less than 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the city, although their advance is expected to slow down due to the added difficulty of entering urban areas. More than 60,000 people lived in the municipality before the war. Putins army is also pushing towards the nearby town of Toretsk, in the north, and has begun the siege of Vuhledar in the south. It is also continuing to launch attacks on Ukrainian territory far from the front lines. On August 26, Moscow carried out one of the largest bombings of the war: the Ukrainian energy network in 15 provinces was hit with more than 100 missiles and over 100 drones. The advance of Russian troops in the east of the country is constant, and capturing Pokrovsk would bring the Kremlin closer to its goal of controlling the entire province of Donetsk. The attacks in the area, however, have failed to break the Ukrainian defensive lines, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The front line in the area has moved about 40 kilometers (25 miles) since last October, and this gain has come at significant human cost to Russian troops, the think tank points out in its latest report. Methodology The calculation of the extent of occupied territory is based on maps published daily by the Institute for the Study of War since the beginning of the conflict. The areas that the ISW considers to be under Russian military control were taken into account when calculating the Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia. Similarly, the areas under the control of Ukrainian troops were taken into account when calculating the territory occupied by Kyiv in Russia's Kursk region. US takes on Google's ad tech empire in antitrust trial Alexandria, United States, Sept 9 (AFP) Sep 09, 2024 Google faced its second major antitrust trial in less than a year on Monday, with the US government accusing the tech giant of unfairly dominating online advertising and stifling competition. The trial in a Virginia federal court followed a separate case where a judge last month found Google's search business to be an illegal monopoly. This new battle, also brought by the US Department of Justice, focuses on ad technology -- the complex system determining which online ads people see and their cost. The US government specifically alleges that Google controls the market for publishing banner ads on websites, including those of many creators and small news providers. This has meant, the lawyers argued, that Google can both charge higher prices to advertisers and send less revenue to publishers such as news websites, many of which are struggling to stay afloat. "This technology may be modern, but the practices (shown by Google) are as old as monopolies themselves," Julia Tarver Wood, a lawyer for the Department of Justice, told a packed courtroom. In her opening statement, Wood said Google had used its financial power to acquire potential rivals and corner the ad tech market, leaving advertisers and publishers with no choice but to use its technology. Through acquisitions, "Google used its monopoly to make a new set of ad tech tools that are necessary to keep the internet alive," she added. As their revenue dwindled, "publishers were understandably furious and the evidence will show that they could do nothing," she said. According to the US government, websites show more than 13 billion display ads every day, bringing in roughly $12 billion to publishers, much of which goes through Google's ad tech. The US government is seeking to have Google divest parts of its ad tech business. - 'No alternative' - Google's lawyer Karen Dunn dismissed the allegations as an attempt by the government to pick "winners and losers" in a diverse market. She insisted that the display ads under the microscope are just a small share of today's ad tech business. The plaintiffs ignore ads that are also placed in search results, apps and social media platforms and where, taken as a whole, Google does not dominate, she said. "The plaintiff's case is a little like a time capsule," said Dunn in her opening statement. She warned that if Google were to lose the case, the winners would be other tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta or Amazon, whose market share in online advertising "is ascendent as Google's share is falling." The case should also be dismissed due to US legal precedent that has refuted similar arguments in previous antitrust cases, she added. The first witness called by the US government was Tim Wolfe, an executive from Gannett newspapers, the publisher of USA Today and hundreds of US local news providers. He told the court that his company saw "no alternative" to Google. Its ad tech tools offered access to advertisers that other tech providers could not match, he said. The trial is expected to last at least six weeks and call on dozens of witnesses, with Judge Leonie Brinkema presiding. Her decision on whether Google has broken antitrust law will come months after the trial. If found at fault, a separate phase of the trial would decide how Google should comply with the judge's conclusion. Similar investigations into Google's dominance of the ad tech business are ongoing in the European Union and Britain. In another case, Google settled with France's competition authority in 2021 and was given a 220-million-euro (242-million-US-dollar) fine. arp/aha GOOGLE BLACKBERRY MICROSOFT Meta Amazon.com SpaceX launches all-civilian crew for first private spacewalk Kennedy Space Center, United States, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 SpaceX launched its historic Polaris Dawn mission on Tuesday -- an audacious orbital expedition that will catapult civilians into a high-radiation region of space and see them attempt the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts. Led by Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman, the four-member crew aims to journey farther into the cosmos than any other manned mission in more than half a century, since the end of the Apollo era. On the mission's first day, they will soar to a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) before returning into a lower orbit. "Dragon will travel repeatedly through the orbital altitudes of over 10 thousand satellites and bits of space debris," SpaceX founder CEO Elon Musk wrote on X. "No room for error in our calculations." The highlight of the voyage is slated for as early as Thursday: the first ever spacewalk by civilians, outfitted in sleek, newly developed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits with heads-up displays, helmet cameras and an advanced joint mobility system. SpaceX has scheduled the EVA for 0623 GMT on Thursday, with a backup window on Friday at the same time. Since the Crew Dragon capsule lacks an airlock, the entire crew will be exposed to the vacuum of space for the duration of the spacewalk, as two venture out, tethered to the spaceship. "I think the world is a more interesting place when you can journey among the stars," Isaacman said in a video message released by SpaceX. "We will develop technologies and test technologies that will help SpaceX ultimately achieve its long-term ambitions of making human life interplanetary." - High radiation zone - The capsule blasted off early Tuesday atop a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Applause broke out across the mission control center as it separated successfully from the main engine and the first glimpses of Earth came into view. Musk joined in the celebrations, a photo reposted by him on X showed. At its upper altitudes, the capsule will enter the Van Allen radiation belt, a region teeming with high-energy charged particles that can pose health risks to humans over extended periods. While the crew will orbit nearly three times higher than the International Space Station, they won't surpass the record-setting distance of 248,000 miles achieved by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970. The Apollo 13 astronauts reached that distance as they slingshot around the Moon after an explosion forced an emergency return to Earth. - Two years' preparation - Isaacman has remained tight-lipped on his total investment in the project, though reports suggest he paid around $200 million for the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission in September 2021, the first all-civilian orbital mission. Rounding out the team are mission pilot Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel; mission specialist Sarah Gillis, a lead space operations engineer at SpaceX; and mission specialist and medical officer Anna Menon, also a lead space operations engineer at SpaceX. The quartet underwent more than two years of training in preparation for the landmark mission, logging hundreds of hours on simulators as well as skydiving, centrifuge training, scuba diving, and summiting an Ecuadoran volcano. Splashdown should take place around five or six days out from launch. Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX. The final mission is slated to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Starship prototype -- the rocket it envisions as the key to future Mars colonization. In addition to their spacewalk, the crew will test laser-based satellite communications between the spacecraft and Starlink's satellite constellation, aiming to enhance space communication speeds. They'll also carry out 36 scientific experiments, including tests on contact lenses with embedded microelectronics to monitor changes in eye pressure and shape -- adding to the growing body of space research aimed at advancing human exploration beyond Earth. ia/des The abrupt departure of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia from Venezuela has not paralyzed high-level talks that seek to convince Nicolas Maduro that his best option is to leave power. The consensus that the current Venezuelan president was defeated at the polls by the opposition is almost absolute, and the leftist powers of Latin America and the United States are working to get Chavismo to sit down at a dialogue table and recognize the evidence. The parties were not counting on the fact that the candidate who virtually won the elections would suddenly go into exile in Spain, but 48 hours after the shock it caused, they remain firmly convinced that the talks must continue and that there is still a lot of time left until January 10, when the new president is scheduled to take office. The Colombian government, which has played an important role in the negotiations by the express wish of President Gustavo Petro, learned that Gonzalez had decided to request asylum in Spain just three hours before the opposition leader boarded a Spanish Air Force plane that was waiting for him in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. The old man [Gonzalez is 75 years old] is leaving today, began to circulate on WhatsApp. The possibility that he would decide to leave Venezuela, worried about his own life and that of his family following harassment by the Chavista justice system, which had opened a case against him and charged him with five crimes, was on everyones minds. But his lawyer had denied it twice in the last week, and that option seemed to have been cast aside. But advised by his wife and daughters, he finally took the step. Maria Corina Machado, the oppositions figurehead and the person who chose Gonzalez as her substitute when she was disqualified by Chavismo from participating in the elections, understood the decision, according to sources closest to her. However, she did not think it was a good move for the cause, as she believed that it would open a crack in the strategy they had designed together, which involved Gonzalez donning the presidential sash at the beginning of 2025. In public, Machado has said that Gonzalez will return and take office as president, because that is what Venezuelans have decided at the polls. Supporters of the Venezuelan opposition wait for Gonzalez Urrutia's plane to land outside Torrejon de Ardoz air base in Spain on September 8. Borja Sanchez-Trillo (EFE) Mistakes of the past Privately, the opposition admits that Gonzalezs departure is a setback that forces them to rethink things, but they remain optimistic. After many years without direction, the opposition, grouped around Machado, has shown that it has learned from past mistakes and has developed special skills in a political context as complex as the one created by Chavismo. For example, Machados decision to cede all her political capital to an unknown figure like Edmundo Gonzalez worked, as demonstrated at the polls. We will overcome this, say Machados cadres. Former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero played a role in Gonzalezs departure. The current leader of Spains government, Pedro Sanchez, was aware of this fact and had given his support. Chavismo accepted the proposal and tasked Maduros most trusted political operators, the siblings Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez, with handling the negotiation, according to government sources. Gonzalez did not agree to sign a document that would have meant recognizing the ruling of the High Court of Justice granting victory to Chavismo. Venezuelas attorney general, Tarek William Saab, was aware of the conversations. Forty days after the elections, morale is low in Maduros entourage, according to sources familiar with his inner circle. The international discredit of Chavismo and the almost absolute conviction within both sympathetic and unsympathetic countries that the opposition won the elections, and by a considerable margin at that, have taken their toll. According to these same sources, Maduro refuses to acknowledge this reality. The second circle of Chavista power, made up of ministers, governors, mayors and leaders of the PSUV, the official party, is not blind to what has happened, but they maintain that to step aside would be to betray the Bolivarian revolution. None of them has publicly distanced themselves from the official story: that Maduro was the winner, although few believe it literally. Nicolas Maduro applauds during his weekly television show 'Con Maduro,' on September 2 in Caracas. Marcelo Garcia/Miraflores Palace (via REUTERS) Avoiding a martyr At this point, those who agreed with Gonzalezs departure do not see it as a form of surrender or as a favor to Chavismo, but rather as a way of protecting a man who has no real desire for power, unlike Machado, and who has no obligation to become a martyr for the cause. In addition, they wanted to avoid a bloodbath that could have been unleashed by his arrest and imprisonment. It is not an interruption of the negotiations, there are still many months ahead, a lot of time left, say those involved in the talks. Petros entourage also does not believe that this is the end. Is the common front of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico that is negotiating with Chavismo still standing? Of course, said a source in Bogota. The strategy must change. In any case, it has not been very productive so far: Maduro has cancelled meetings with Petro and the presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. All three allied countries, governed by leftist leaders, must now rethink their approach to the crisis. Trial removal of nuclear debris from Fukushima reactor begins Tokyo, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 A difficult operation to remove a small amount of radioactive debris from Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant began Tuesday, after technical issues suspended an earlier attempt. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said in a statement that its "pilot extraction operation" had started. It will take about two weeks, according to the company. The tiny sample will be studied for clues about conditions inside the reactors -- a crucial step towards decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Around 880 tons of extremely hazardous material remain 13 years after a tsunami caused by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered one of the world's worst nuclear accidents. Removing the debris from the reactors is regarded as the most daunting challenge in the decades-long decommissioning project. TEPCO originally planned to start its first trial removal on August 22, aiming to collect just three grams (0.1 ounces) for analysis -- if the extraction process is successful. But the company had to stop the work at a preliminary stage after detecting a problem involving the installation of the necessary equipment. Three of the Fukushima plant's six reactors were operating when the tsunami hit on March 11, 2011, sending them into meltdown. The debris within has radiation levels so high that TEPCO had to develop specialised robots able to function inside. TEPCO deployed two mini-drones and a "snake-shaped robot" into one of the three nuclear reactors in February, as part of the preparations for the removal task. Separately, last year Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean, sparking a diplomatic row with China and Russia. Both countries have banned Japanese seafood imports, although Tokyo insists the discharge is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency. And in a TEPCO initiative to promote food from the Fukushima area, swanky London department store Harrods on Saturday began selling peaches that were grown in the region. Fukushima peaches are renowned for their juicy, sweet taste -- but they aren't cheap, with one box of three reportedly going for 80 pounds ($100). Parched Iraqi Kurdistan town navigates regional water diplomacy Qaladiza, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 A river flowing through Iraq's northern Kurdistan has all but dried up, prompting warnings of an "environmental catastrophe" for the water-stressed border city as it tussles for the resource with neighbouring Iran. The Little Zab originates in neighbouring Iran and flows through the outskirts of Qaladiza, a hillside town of 90,000 residents around 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Iranian border, which uses its water for drinking as well as irrigating crops and farmland along its path. But the effects of climate change and dam building across the border have left it greatly diminished. A tributary of the mighty Tigris, the river used to carry seven billion cubic metres of water a year, yet the volume has shrunk dramatically in recent years, said Marf Karim, director of a water treatment facility serving Qaladiza. He pinned much of the blame on the Kolsa dam, built on the Iranian stretch of the Little Zab in 2017. "We monitor water levels every day," Karim told AFP. "With the naked eye we can see a decrease of about 80 percent." The plummeting river levels have exposed the river's grey, rocky bed to the scorching summer sun. "It's an environmental catastrophe" affecting the entire region, including its water wells and groundwater reserves, said Karim. To ensure Qaladiza residents have potable water, a small makeshift dam has been constructed near the town to ensure it retains more of the river's water. But it does little to solve "the problem of water quality" in the shrinking waterway, he said. "We need more products to filter out impurities", he said. Beset by climate change, Iraq has endured years of drought, rising temperatures and declining rainfall. But in Qaladiza's case, resource diplomacy is also at play, exacerbating geopolitical fault lines and regional tensions as growing populations place increasing demands on a dwindling supply of water. - 'Geopolitical calculations' - Iran itself is also enduring the effects of worsening conditions. In June 2023, the meteorological department of Iran's West Azerbaijan province, which borders Iraq, said "about 56 percent" of its territory was "affected by very severe drought". Several dams have been built since the 1990s, but "in 2017 Iran realised that it was still losing some two-thirds of its waters into Iraq, which could then lead into a problem of water shortage inside Iran by 2036", said Banafsheh Keynoush, a visiting fellow at the Kroc Institute at US university Notre Dame. Tehran then moved to construct more than 100 dams "to redirect this extra water flow into Iraq, into its own dam reservoirs", she told AFP. Iraq, too, has been building dams and trying to reduce demand, including by encouraging farmers to abandon traditional irrigation methods deemed wasteful, all while seeking a greater portion of the water resources it shares with its ally Iran. Tehran has factored "its water disputes with Iraq into its larger geopolitical calculations", said Keynoush. "Progress on resolving these water issues has also been subjected to political and geopolitical negotiations" involving both Baghdad and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, added the expert. In November, for example, "Iran decided to release some water into the Zab... just to minimise some tensions with the Kurdistan regional government," Keynoush noted. It is "vital" for Iran to prevent any "major upheavals" on its borders, politically but also environmentally, she said. - 'The fish will die' - Qaladiza governor Bakr Baez said water disputes are "essentially a political problem", but failed attempts to resolve them have had dire real-life consequences. Farmers now do not have enough water to irrigate their fields, and the vast majority of the area's 257 fish farms have been affected by the shortages, according to Baez. Kochar Jamal, the manager of an Iraqi dam downstream, downplayed the impact of the Iranian "cuts" on the water reservoirs he oversees. This year, water levels at the Dukan dam rose compared to 2023, Jamal said, attributing the increase to greater "amounts of rain in winter and spring". To keep his fish alive, Qaladiza farmer Ali Hassan has begun digging in the hopes of reaching the water table. "It's been three days that we haven't been able to change the water in the tanks," said the man in his 50s, standing next to a large digger that was burrowing into the ground. "Without it, the water will heat up, the fish will die. They need fresh water." Losing his fish would also mean a financial loss of at least $13,000, said Hassan. Driving the digger is another farmer, 48-year-old Omar Mohamed, who said water shortages meant "we can no longer cultivate anything". "I've had orchards, they're gone," he said. "A neighbour tried to plant okra, another, watermelon. They all failed." China, US senior military leaders hold video call: Beijing defence ministry Beijing, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Senior military officials from China and the United States held a video call on Tuesday, Beijing's defence ministry said, during which they had "an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern". "On the morning of September 10, Wu Yanan, Commander of the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, held a video call with (Samuel) Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command," the ministry said in a statement. This high-level military dialogue between the geopolitical rivals comes on the heels of the first visit to China by a US national security advisor since 2016 in late August. During that visit, top White House aide Jake Sullivan held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior army official Zhang Youxia. Sullivan's meeting with Zhang saw the officials agree to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders in the near future, the White House said. Senior China, US military officials hold 'in-depth' talks Beijing, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Senior military officials from China and the United States held "in-depth" talks on Tuesday, Beijing's defence ministry said. Washington and Beijing remain at odds on issues from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan and China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions. But they have sought to re-establish regular military-to-military talks in a bid to avoid those tensions escalating into conflict. On Tuesday, Beijing's defence ministry said Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese army's Southern Theater Command had held "an in-depth exchange of views" with Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. The two officials discussed "issues of common concern", it added, in the first-ever talks of their kind. The Southern Theater Command is responsible for the Beijing military's activities in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in recent months. China claims almost all of the economically vital body of water despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Tuesday's high-level military dialogue between the geopolitical rivals comes on the heels of the first visit to China by a US national security advisor since 2016. Top White House aide Jake Sullivan visited Beijing last month, where he held talks with senior army official Zhang Youxia. Sullivan's meeting with Zhang saw the officials agree to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders in the near future, the White House said. The top aide also raised the importance of "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have clashed in recent months, and "stability" in the Taiwan Strait, Washington said. Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations". "China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added. He also asked the US to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers". Chinese ships enter Sea of Japan ahead of military drills Tokyo, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Five Chinese naval ships entered the Sea of Japan heading in the direction of Russia over the weekend, Tokyo said after Beijing announced joint military drills with Moscow. The Japanese defence ministry "confirmed that these vessels sailed north-eastwards through the Tsushima Strait towards the Sea of Japan from Saturday to Sunday", it said in a press release on Monday. Japan's Self-Defence Forces "conducted vigilance monitoring and intelligence gathering" with a vessel and patrol plane, the ministry said, releasing photos of the ships. It did not say where the Chinese ships were heading but local media reports suggested that they were on their way to the drills with Russia announced by Beijing on Monday. The Tsushima Strait lies between South Korea and Japan and connects the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan -- known as the East Sea to Koreans -- and is not within Japanese territorial waters. Beijing gave no date for the "North-Joint 2024" exercises in the skies and around the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, off Russia's coast, saying only that they would take place this month. China's growing economic and military clout and its assertiveness in territorial disputes, most recently with the Philippines, has rattled the United States and its allies. Russia and China have also ramped up military and economic cooperation in recent years, with both railing against "Western hegemony", particularly what they see as US domination of global affairs. On August 26, Japan scrambled fighter jets after what it called the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace. Last week, Japan protested after a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters. Japan and Russia also have a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands -- known in Japan as the Northern Territories -- and their relations have deteriorated sharply since the start of the Ukraine war. Japanese and Chinese vessels have been involved in tense incidents in other areas, in particular, the remote Senkaku islands in the East China Sea claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. Tokyo has reported the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels, a naval ship and even a nuclear-powered submarine in the area, and there have been a series of confrontations between Japanese coastguard vessels and Chinese fishing boats. Last month Japan's defence ministry sought 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for the next fiscal year, its largest ever initial budget request, as part of the country's five-year, 43-trillion-yen defence buildup plan through March 2028. Burkina junta failing to stifle rising jihadist violence Abidjan, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 An attack that killed hundreds of civilians in Burkina Faso last month highlights the ruling military junta's inability to contain escalating jihadist violence, experts say. Junta chief Captain Ibrahim Traore, 36, seized power in the West African country in a 2022 coup, vowing to swiftly regain control over a nation plagued by jihadist armed groups. Thousands have died and about two million have been displaced by fighting that has raged since 2015, when an insurgency spilled over into Burkina Faso from neighbouring Mali. "We have the partners we want to work with. We have everything we want to get Burkina out of this situation," Traore said at the time, promising to make the fight against "terrorism" his priority. Burkina Faso quickly turned its back on former colonial ruler France, expelling French diplomats and troops deployed in an anti-jihadist military mission. It has since turned to Russia for military assistance and bolstered ties with Iran and Turkey, as well as neighbours Mali and Niger, ruled by putschists and also embroiled in jihadist violence. Yet, two years on, the Burkinabe leader has largely fallen short of his promise, security experts say. Jihadist fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have killed more than 20,000 people since 2015 -- including nearly 4,000 this year alone -- according to the ACLED analysis group, which tracks conflict. - 'Concealing losses' - The attack in the north-central village of Barsalogho on August 24 was one of the deadliest reported in the country. Four hundred mostly civilians were killed, according to a collective of victims' relatives. The Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) claimed responsibility. The authorities who say they control 70 percent of the country have for months remained silent about the ongoing attacks by jihadists. Traore has not commented on the Barsalogho killings. His government has released no official toll, only sending a ministerial and military delegation to the area. "You cannot lower a fever by breaking the thermometer," said a security expert who asked not to be named. The expert said the government preferred to "conceal military and civilian losses" to "promote the army's prowess against armed groups every evening on television". "The population has been put under pressure through taxes towards the war effort, hoping for tangible results given the numerous arms purchases and combat drones," the expert added. "If they end up getting gunned down by the hundreds, you have to acknowledge failure." Fahiraman Rodrigue Kone, a Sahel specialist at the Institute for Security Studies, said Traore's promise when he came to power was "made in good faith". "But the lack of military equipment was a reality. He must be credited with increasing military capabilities, which should enable the state to respond to violence," Kone said. "However, the current threat is rooted in a cluster of problems that a military response alone cannot solve. They include land disputes between farmers and breeders," he added. - 'Fleeing reality' - Back-to-back coups in Burkina Faso, in January and September 2022, were precipitated by bloody attacks perpetrated by armed groups. "The Barsalogho attack truly was a wake-up call for the country because of the high toll and security forces' inability to respond, while the attack happened in the country's leading military region," a Western military source said. "The regime likely fears a repetition despite the many precautions taken in recent months to sideline dissident voices," the source added. Under Traore, Burkina has seen a brutal repression campaign, making public criticism a rarity. The Justice Collective for Barsalogho, representing victims' families, says the junta chief has personally asked security forces to "mobilise (the) population to dig trenches" in order to protect their villages. Victims' families have accused the army of exposing them to their jihadist killers by making them leave their village to dig a trench. One Barsalogho resident recalled that the president said he had seized power because of previous regimes' "lack of consideration for human value". "What consideration does he think he has for the hundreds of people he sent to the slaughterhouse?" asked the villager. Just weeks away from the two-year anniversary of his coup, Traore "seems once again to be fleeing reality", the Western military source said. "Scapegoats will no doubt be designated and other fires will be lit to create a diversion." Myanmar junta says fifth batch of conscripts begins training Yangon, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 A fifth batch of conscripts Myanmar's junta hopes will help reverse its battlefield losses has begun training, state media reported on Tuesday. A military source also told AFP the new batch followed around 15,000 other conscripts who had already completed their training. The junta enforced a conscription law in February, three years after its coup that sparked armed uprisings across Myanmar and as it reeled from a string of defeats. The law allows the military to summon all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve in the armed forces for at least two years. "Eligible citizens" from the fifth batch arrived at the "respective military training depots" on Monday, according to the state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar, without saying how many were involved. Previous batches of conscripts who have completed their training "are serving duties in their respective regiments and units", the newspaper said, without specifying where or in what capacity. Three batches of around 5,000 men had completed their three-month training so far, a military source told AFP, requesting anonymity in order to talk to the media. "So we can say about 15,000 trainees have concluded the training so far and are serving their duty around the country," the source said. A video uploaded by a pro-military vlogger on Tuesday purported to show scores of new conscripts arriving at a camp in Taungoo in central Myanmar to begin training. Rights groups estimate tens of thousands of young people have fled Myanmar to avoid being called up to the deeply unpopular military that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in 2021. Junta troops are accused of bloody rampages and of using air and artillery strikes to punish civilian communities suspected of opposing its rule. Local media have reported cases of young men being pulled off the streets in Yangon and other cities and taken away to undergo military training. The junta has denied the reports. Ethnic minority armed groups and pro-democracy "People's Defence Forces" have seized territory from the military in the north and west of Myanmar in recent months. Last month, ethnic minority fighters seized the military's northeastern command in the town of Lashio in northern Shan state, home to about 150,000 people. Its capture -- the first by opponents of the junta since the 2021 coup -- sparked rare public criticism of the top generals by its supporters. Some analysts have recently estimated Myanmar's military can call on around 150,000 active personnel, as well as tens of thousands of police and militia forces. Estimating the strength of the myriad ethnic armed groups and "People's Defence Forces" fighting against the military is difficult, but analysts say it is likely significantly less than the military. The military service law was written by a previous junta in 2010 but was never previously brought into force. The terms of service can be extended up to five years during a state of emergency -- which the junta declared when it seized power. Those ignoring a summons to serve can be jailed for the same period. No regrets, no sorrow. A group of young Ukrainian men are feeling euphoric after risking their lives to flee the war ravaging their country, now beyond the reach of the Ukrainian authorities on Romanian soil. Their faces exude relief. Firstly, because they have managed to escape possible enlistment; the minimum age for conscription was lowered from 27 to 25 this spring. Secondly, because they have dodged Ukrainian border police controls, which have been tightened. And finally, they have passed the severe physical tests involved in crossing the mountainous region of Maramures and the Tisza River bordering Romania. We consciously accept the risk of death that comes with fleeing, as the authorities warn us, but it is not as big as they make it out to be, they only do it to intimidate, says Evgeni, a 20-year-old who prefers not to give his last name. Throughout, he is elated after achieving his goal of crossing the border near the Sighetu Marmatiei pass in northern Romania, on his second attempt. A month earlier, he had ventured into the mountains, but a stomach ailment prevented him from continuing. Without food, I couldnt bear the load I was carrying and I gave myself up to the Ukrainian guards, who were glad they didnt have to catch anyone. They let him go with just a fine. If he had been five years older, they would have sent him to war. It took Evgeni nine days on foot from Oleksandriya, a town in central Ukraine, to reach the Romanian border crossing. He knows that Sighetu Marmatiei is one of the preferred entry points because it has an emigration office that quickly issues subsidiary protection status which, as is the case with other Ukrainian refugees welcomed in the European Union, includes a residence and work permit. He made the journey with his childhood friends, Daniel and Danilo. Both openly express their enthusiasm for leaving their country, while constantly talking to their parents on the phone. They understand that it was worth risking our lives, even though we kept them in suspense for days, not knowing if we would be safe, Daniel says. In the coming days, they plan to leave Romania. Egveni, who left his parents behind in Ukraine, will join his brother and uncles in Poland, while Daniel and Danilo will travel to Estonia and Belgium, where they also have relatives. Faced with a shortage of weapons and men, and at a time when Russia is taking the initiative and increasing the number of attacks on the front lines, despite the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region of Russia, Kyiv adopted measures this year to boost recruitment and punish those who attempt to dodge the draft. Recruitment squads sometimes roam the streets hunting those who do not want to register electronically, which has encouraged thousands of Ukrainians to leave for neighboring countries. According to data compiled by The Wall Street Journal, over 44,000 men have fled since the beginning of the war to Romania, Moldova, and Slovakia. This figure does not include Poland or Hungary, or those who left the country with papers obtained through bribery. While bids to reach Romania and Moldova are made through the mountains, attempts using false documents predominate on the borders with the other nations. The number of irregular arrivals in Romania has doubled since January 2024 compared to previous years, according to the Romanian border police. Since January, more than 7,000 Ukrainians have entered illegally, compared to 3,800 in 2023 and 4,500 in 2022. The number of those caught by the Ukrainian police is unknown, although it is estimated to be at least 100. In total, more than 15,000 Ukrainians have fled to Romania alone. Among them, 25 deaths from hypothermia have been recorded; 15 in the Tisza River and a further 10 in the rocky mountain passes. In addition to risking their lives, the defectors face prison sentences if Ukrainian guards catch them. Illegal departure from the country by men aged 18 to 60 carries a sentence of up to 12 years in prison under martial law. From left to right: Danilo, Daniel and Evgeni, with the equipment they have been travelling with for nine days. Raul Sanchez Costa Crossing the river in flip-flops The three friends walked through the thick forests at night with their mobile phones switched off, so that the border patrols would not detect any signals. We hid from the guards, crossed steep ridges and rivers and slept in sleeping bags in rocky areas. We threw away most of the equipment we were carrying because we didnt use it, or it was too heavy, says Evgeni, while showing a filter that is used to purify the water they took from the streams, a 30-gram towel, and some packets of cream of mushroom paste and lamb soup. They crossed the river in half an hour in flip-flops, with water up to their waists. We went straight to the border police and told them how we had arrived, he says. The next day, the General Immigration Inspectorate, which has opened an office at the same border point, granted them temporary protection status. Evgeni justifies his escape by saying that living conditions in Ukraine have deteriorated significantly and he believes that the situation will only get worse in the next two years. The young man, who had to chase away lynxes and deer during the journey, stresses that the authorities themselves are preparing the population for the worst. In Sighetu Marmatiei, the three friends met Nazer, a 24-year-old Ukrainian who had also entered Romania illegally, having planned to do so since the beginning of the summer. He is smiling widely, showing his joy at having escaped. When I started working, several soldiers who were recruiting came up to me and asked me questions. I had a feeling that they were waiting to take me to war, says the young man from Lviv, who opted to go to Romania instead of Poland because the Polish government, along with Lithuania, has expressed its willingness to help Kyiv bring men of fighting age back to their country. I ran with a friend through the bushes, which were difficult to avoid because they were so thick. Then I crossed the river, the water was up to my chest, and after a journey that seemed to never end, I reached the other side of the border, Nazer says. Pessimism dominates his thoughts at the moment: Many Ukrainians will die unless the United States gives us permission to use their weapons in Russia, on targets such as airports or weapons depots. Soldiers are not eternal, the fugitive says. Like Evgeni, Nazer will soon board a train full of fellow citizens who are skeptical of telling their stories to the West, in the hope of being able to build a happy life, which his country cannot offer at the moment, he emphasizes. Romanian border police, supported by dozens of guards from the European border agency Frontex, are keeping a close watch on some 430 kilometers (267 miles) of border with Ukraine. Fire and rescue services are also involved, as is the General Aviation Inspectorate, which provides a helicopter. So far, they have intervened 150 times and saved the lives of 100 Ukrainians. We have cameras hidden among trees and vehicles equipped with thermovision technologies that detect human heat, as well as drones, explains Iulia Stan, territorial head of the Sighetu Marmatiei border police, which controls 360 kilometers of border with Ukraine. She admits that they carry out medical checks because Ukrainians refuse to be treated in a hospital: They arrive with high levels of adrenaline that make them claim that they do not need assistance to avoid being recognized, but they often have deep cuts and even fractures, as well as fatigue and hypothermia, so we call an ambulance. Many say they would rather die in the mountains than in combat, says Dan Benga, head of the Maramures Regional Rescue Service, adding that these are men who do not understand the problems they will face in their escape. Along the 120 kilometers of mountainous area shared by the two countries, the deserters encounter peaks of up to 2,000 meters in altitude, waterfalls, cascades, and ravines up to 200 meters deep. On average, it takes us 14 to 16 hours to save a person, adds Benga, who recalls a rescue of six people on Christmas Eve two years ago that lasted 132 hours. We have put up signs to avoid dangerous areas, but still some ignore the warnings; they think they might not be caught if they follow other routes, he says. Almost everyone is exhausted, dehydrated, hungry, and cold, adds the rescuer, who predicts an increase in calls for help with the arrival of rain and fog. Ukraine has stepped up its controls, while we have strengthened our posts, says Adi Opa, head of the border police in Sighetu Marmatiei, as he surveys the area from a wooden bridge linking the two countries. Sometimes we get a warning that a person is crossing the river, and we immediately rush to help them, he says. Every day, a Ukrainian citizen comes to the information booths located five meters from passport control to find out how to get through. Mostly people from war zones like Kharkiv come to us to ask for information, but we tell them that it is difficult to provide them with accommodation, says Stefana Dunca, a representative of the National Council for Refugees, from the office that the organization maintains at the border point. At the border crossing, meanwhile, some Ukrainians of conscription age pass through legally. This is the case of Roman, who has travelled with his family to Slatina from Ternopil for a few days, and who is also taking the opportunity to visit the Romanian side. When asked why they let him cross, the 38-year-old holds up his left hand, missing four fingers, a birth defect, he says, that prevents him from being enlisted. He admits that he lives in fear in his city, where drones destroyed an oil depot a few days ago. I am not leaving because all my family are there, but about 20 friends have already left. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Russia, China join forces for major naval exercise Moscow, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, part of a major naval exercise that will see Moscow sail through waters spanning the Northern Hemisphere and Pacific. Moscow and Beijing have deepened military and economic cooperation in recent years, as both countries seek to counterbalance what they see as a United States-led global order. President Vladimir Putin will make an address formally opening the Russian-led "Ocean-2024" exercise and will oversee them "from a situation centre in the Kremlin," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The drills will involve more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels and last until 16 September, according to the Russian defence ministry. China sent four warships and a supply vessel to the exercise, joining Russia's naval fleet in the Sea of Japan, it said. The wider drills will take place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas, and are set to become "one of the Russian army's main operational and combat training events of 2024," it added. Russia has a naval facility in the port city of Tartus on Syria's Mediterranean coast, but it was not immediately clear whether this would be involved in the drills. Also taking part are "more than 120 aircraft and helicopters ... about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment, and more than 90,000 personnel," the ministry said. Russia said the exercises were aimed at testing the "readiness" of the navy's leadership, using weapons and expanding co-operation with "partner countries". The Japanese defence ministry said it had observed five Chinese naval ships entering the Sea of Japan heading in the direction of Russia over the weekend. It "confirmed that these vessels sailed north-eastwards through the Tsushima Strait towards the Sea of Japan from Saturday to Sunday". Japan's Self-Defence Forces "conducted vigilance monitoring and intelligence gathering" with a vessel and patrol plane, the ministry said, releasing photos of the ships. The Tsushima Strait lies between South Korea and Japan and connects the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan -- known as the East Sea to Koreans -- and is not within Japanese territorial waters. - Rising tensions - China's growing economic and military clout and its assertiveness in territorial disputes, most recently with the Philippines, has rattled the United States and its allies. Russia and China have also ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against "Western hegemony", particularly what they see as US domination of global affairs. On August 26, Japan scrambled fighter jets after what it called the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace. Last week, Japan protested after a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters. Japan and Russia also have a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands -- known in Japan as the Northern Territories -- and their relations have deteriorated sharply since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Japanese and Chinese vessels have been involved in tense incidents in other areas, in particular, the remote Senkaku islands in the East China Sea claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. Tokyo has reported the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels, a naval ship and even a nuclear-powered submarine in the area, and there have been a series of confrontations between Japanese coastguard vessels and Chinese fishing boats. Last month Japan's defence ministry sought 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for the next fiscal year, its largest ever initial budget request, as part of the country's five-year, 43-trillion-yen defence buildup plan through March 2028. Czechs to pick small nuclear reactor by year's end Prague, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Czech state-owned power group CEZ said on Tuesday it would pick a partner to supply and run up to 10 small nuclear reactors by the end of the year. The company is choosing between US giant Westinghouse, the US-Japanese grouping GE Hitachi and Britain's Rolls-Royce, CEZ spokesman Ladislav Kriz told AFP. France's "EDF was also in contention but pulled out in January as they decided to change their technology," said Kriz. He added that CEZ was planning to install up to 10 small modular reactors (SMR) by 2050. CEZ, which runs the Temelin and Dukovany nuclear plants in the south of the country, said last year it expected to launch its first SMR at Temelin in 2032. Compared with conventional nuclear reactors, the SMRs are relatively simple to build, as their systems and components can be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation. They are also more affordable than large power reactors and bear low risk of a serious accident. Nuclear energy produced at Temelin and Dukovany makes up around 30 percent of total power output in the Czech Republic, an EU member of 10.9 million people. But its share is expected to rise to half as coal-fired power stations are gradually phased out as part of a shift towards greener energy resources. In July, CEZ announced it had chosen South Korean power giant KHNP to build two conventional nuclear units worth almost nine billion dollars at Dukovany. KHNP beat EDF in the tender, while Westinghouse was ruled out earlier over flaws in its offer. Both Westinghouse and EDF have recently appealed the result to the Czech antitrust office. The government expects the first new KHNP reactor to be launched in trial operation in 2036. frj/amj/rl CEZ TOSHIBA Russia, China join forces for major naval exercise Moscow, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, part of a major naval exercise that President Vladimir Putin said was the largest of its kind for three decades. Moscow and Beijing have deepened military and economic cooperation in recent years, as both countries seek to counterbalance what they see as a United States-led global order. Russia's Ocean-2024 exercise will take place in the Pacific and Arctic as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas and is the first of its type "in the last three decades", Putin said in a televised address. "Under the pretext of countering the alleged Russian threat and containing the People's Republic of China, the US and its satellites are increasing their military presence near Russia's western borders, in the Arctic and in the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said. "Russia must be prepared for any development of the situation," he added. He said the drills were aimed at testing the "combat readiness" of Russia's military leadership, without elaborating. The drills will involve more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels and last until 16 September, according to the Russian defence ministry. China sent four warships and a supply vessel to the exercise, joining Russia's naval fleet in the Sea of Japan, it said. Also taking part are "more than 120 aircraft and helicopters ... about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment, and more than 90,000 personnel," the ministry added. The Japanese defence ministry said it had observed five Chinese naval ships entering the Sea of Japan heading in the direction of Russia over the weekend. It "confirmed that these vessels sailed north-eastwards through the Tsushima Strait towards the Sea of Japan from Saturday to Sunday". Japan's Self-Defence Forces "conducted vigilance monitoring and intelligence gathering" with a vessel and patrol plane, the ministry said, releasing photos of the ships. The Tsushima Strait lies between South Korea and Japan and connects the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan -- known as the East Sea to Koreans -- and is not within Japanese territorial waters. - Rising tensions - In his address at the opening of the drills, Putin accused Washington of spurring a global arms race and said Moscow had the right to defend its interests. "The United States is provoking an arms race without regard for the security of its European and Asian allies, and is creating the preconditions for a dangerous crisis situation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said. "Our armed forces must provide reliable defence of Russia's sovereignty and national interests and repel possible military aggression in any direction, including in the ocean and maritime zone," he added. Russia and China have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against "Western hegemony", particularly what they see as US domination of global affairs. China's growing economic and military clout and its assertiveness in territorial disputes, most recently with the Philippines, has also rattled the United States and its allies. On August 26, Japan scrambled fighter jets after what it called the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace. Last week, Japan protested after a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters. Japan and Russia also have a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands -- known in Japan as the Northern Territories -- and their relations have deteriorated sharply since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Japanese and Chinese vessels have been involved in tense incidents in other areas, in particular, the remote Senkaku islands in the East China Sea claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. Tokyo has reported the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels, a naval ship and even a nuclear-powered submarine in the area, and there have been a series of confrontations between Japanese coastguard vessels and Chinese fishing boats. Senegal migrant shipwreck death toll climbs to at least 26: navy Dakar, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Senegal's navy said Tuesday that at least 26 people died after a migrant boat sank off the coast two days earlier, in the latest migration-linked tragedy to occur off West Africa. In a post on X, the navy said it had recovered "17 lifeless bodies" on Tuesday, bringing the toll to 26 after nine were initially announced dead following the Sunday shipwreck off the western town of Mbour. The search is ongoing, the navy said. Many of the vessel's passengers remain missing. Witnesses in Mbour said that dozens of people had boarded the boat, which capsized shortly after setting off from the shore. Senegal's coasts are one of the main departure points for thousands of migrants heading to Europe. The Atlantic route is particularly perilous due to the strong currents, with thousands of deaths and disappearances every year on overloaded, often unseaworthy boats. Many would-be migrants set sail from the major fishing port of Mbour. Over 22,000 migrants have already landed in Spain's Canary Islands so far this year, more than double the number from the previous year. lal/acc/kjm SpaceX has successfully launched the Polaris Dawn mission from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral in Florida. The launch was initially scheduled for August 27, but after two weeks of postponements due first to a helium leak and then to adverse weather conditions this innovative five-day spaceflight lifted off smoothly Tuesday and entered orbit about 12 minutes later, when the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket gave it a final boost and separated from the Crew Dragon capsule. Aboard the craft, four astronauts will seek to break several space records that have stood since the first space race more than half a century ago. In the current reconquest of space the limits are no longer sought exclusively by government agencies such as NASA, but also by billionaires in the technology sector seeking to put private missions such as this one ahead of the curve, and even to place themselves at the controls of the spacecraft. Jared Isaacman, founder and president of the payment processing company Shift4, is the commander of the five-day manned space flight that kicks off the Polaris program, financed by Isaacman and operated by Elon Musks SpaceX. The mission aims to achieve two major milestones in the new space race: to carry out the first private spacewalk in history without the participation of astronauts from a public agency something the crew will attempt Thursday, and to take a manned flight as far as anyone has gone since the end of the Apollo lunar exploration program in 1972. Since then, all manned missions into space have remained at the most in low Earth orbit, where the International Space Station (ISS) which orbits at an average altitude of 420 kilometers (260 miles) above the Earths surface is positioned. As part of its first day of flight, Polaris Dawn will aim to reach a maximum altitude of 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). If successful, it would beat the record set by NASAs Gemini 11 spacecraft, which in 1966 orbited at a maximum altitude of 1,373 kilometers (853 miles). Only the astronauts of the Apollo missions have been further, not orbiting around the Earth, but launched on a trajectory towards the Moon, which is at an average distance of 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles) from our planet. SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the four Polaris Dawn mission crew members in addition to Isaacman, retired U.S. Air Force pilot Scott Poteet and two SpaceX employees, mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, are aboard was inserted into a highly elliptical orbit around the Earth: it passes its closest point to our planets surface at an altitude of 190 kilometers (118 miles) and moves away, at its apogee, at up to 1,200 kilometers (745 miles). If the Polaris Dawn mission succeeds, Gillis and Menon will become the highest-flying women in history, beating NASA astronaut Kathryn Sullivans record of 621 kilometers (389 miles). If all goes according to plan, after eight circuits around the Earth in that initial orbit, the Crew Dragon capsule will begin to climb to an analogous orbit but with a maximum of 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). After six more orbits, reaching that record orbital altitude for astronauts, the spacecraft will descend Wednesday to an orbit with a maximum altitude of 700 kilometers (435 miles). At that altitude, preparations will continue for the missions next milestone: Thursdays first private spacewalk in the history of astronautics. The crew of the 'Polaris Dawn' mission. Left to right: Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis. SpaceX The risks of space radiation Although preparations for the historic spacewalk began after launch some 48 hours of decompression are required the astronauts main occupation during the first day of the mission will be to study the effects of space radiation on the human body. In the higher reaches of its trajectory, the SpaceX spacecraft will enter areas of the inner Van Allen radiation belt, which marks the boundary of low-Earth orbit. The mission plan includes nearly 40 experiments aimed at assessing the health risks to astronauts of operating in these conditions, which will be crucial for future long-duration missions to return to the Moon over the next decade, as the first stop on a more ambitious goal of eventually reaching Mars with manned expeditions. After about 10 hours in orbit, reaching that maximum of 1,400 kilometers, the spacecraft will decrease its altitude and preparations will continue for the highlight of the mission: the spacewalk planned for the third day of the flight. When the Crew Dragon capsule hatch opens, the entire crew will experience the complete vacuum of floating in open space, something that very few current astronauts achieve. Isaacman and Gillis will then perform a spacewalk: only astronauts from NASA, the ESA, and the Russian, Canadian, Chinese and Japanese space agencies have previously been outside a spacecraft. SpaceX has developed a new spacesuit for the mission, which can be used both for extravehicular activities and inside the spacecraft from launch to landing. The current standard for manned missions is to have a different spacesuit for operating inside and outside the spacecraft. SpaceXs new suit is reminiscent of the early space age, as it has an umbilical cord that connects it to the spacecraft and not a self-contained life support case like the suits used in spacewalks from the shuttles and the International Space Station. Once the principal objectives of the Polaris Dawn mission have been completed, the astronauts will spend the fourth day to carrying out further experiments, as well as photographs and observations of the Earth. On the fifth and final day, the spacecraft will begin its descent and re-entry into the Earths atmosphere, with a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida, as is the case with the regular flights made by Crew Dragon craft, which include bringing astronauts back from the ISS every six months. Unison may extend its strike ballot to all of its council workers (Jane Barlow/PA) Cosla has been contacted for comment. I know that Cosla will continue to make progress with all three unions to try and break this logjam. I dont think any of us want that to happen. There is a risk that the longer Unison holds out for a better pay offer that we simply cannot afford to support, the longer all local government employees may have to wait to receive their backdated pay award. I would urge Unison members to reconsider the offer and accept it, just as a majority of Unite and GMB members have done. There is no more money available to offer local government workers. This is a fair and strong pay offer. This delivers what GMB, Unite and Unison asked for from councils at the end of July. The lowest paid workers, including Unison members, will receive an increase of 5.62%, which is equivalent to 1,292 a year or nearly 25 per week. Most workers will receive an increase of more than 4%. The pay offer put to local government workers is better than that made to local government workers in the rest of the UK. While this government fully respects the decision by Unison members to reject the offer, no ones interests will be served by industrial action, least of all Unison members. Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: This is very disappointing from Unison. The only viable solution is to grant these dedicated staff the pay rise they rightfully deserve. This situation places immense pressure on both the workers and the services they deliver. Councils are currently in crisis. They face significant recruitment challenges as workers are expected to do more with fewer resources and lower wages. Unison Scotland local government lead David OConnor said: Council staff provide essential services that keep society running. They are simply asking for a fair and equitable pay increase. The only viable solution is to grant these dedicated staff the pay rise they rightfully deserve It also has five mandates for strike action in schools and early years. Unison currently has strike mandates in 13 Scottish councils, as well as one for Cireco a specialist arms-length waste management company. They are outraged that the current offer falls significantly short of their pay claim, and is well below the 5.5% being offered to their NHS colleagues. They are demanding a fair increase to prevent their pay from consistently lagging behind and to ensure their wage rise aligns with other sectors of the economy. Unison Scotland local government committee chair Colette Hunter said: Thousands of council workers have overwhelmingly rejected Coslas pay offer. They are demanding a fair increase to prevent their pay from consistently lagging behind and to ensure their wage rise aligns with other sectors of the economy It comes as fellow union members at GMB and Unite accepted the offer last week. Unison said this falls short of expectations, stating there has been a 25% real-terms pay cut over the last 14 years. The current pay offer from Cosla is an hourly increase of either 67p or a 3.6% wage rise, with whichever automatically applied to an employees wages depending on what is higher. However, Unison bosses are now considering broadening the ballot to all of its members employed by Scottish councils. The ballot consisted of waste, recycling and street cleaning staff, as well as those working in schools and the early years sector. It comes as 86% of Unison members rejected a pay offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) last week. Unison has announced it may broaden its strike ballot to all of the council workers it represents. Scotlands largest local government union is considering widening a strike ballot to more than 90,000 council staff in a long-running dispute over pay. I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice . Our unmissable weekly email of all the gossip, rumours and covert goings-on inside the Square Mile This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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 . Already have an account? 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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. It is equally infuriating to see Trump ramble incoherently, lose his train of thought and stumble over names Leon Musk being the latest mishap without being subject to the same scrutiny as Biden was. At 78, Trump is the oldest presidential candidate in US history and has the gall to pretend he deserves a further, third term in office after 2028. Perhaps he will appear visibly demented in debate. But voters remember that the pillars of US democracy did not collapse when Trump was last in power (try as he might) and are inclined to treat his ravings with a pinch of salt. Christopher Hawking, a 31-year-old worker, is looking forward to Tuesdays televised presidential debate between the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump. This resident of Reading, a predominantly Latino city in the industrial heart of Pennsylvania, is one of those people whose vote the two candidates are fighting over in the homestretch of the campaign: an undecided voter in a key state who says he will go to the polls no matter what on November 5, but who has not yet decided who to vote for. Im waiting for the debate. I will study very carefully what each one proposes and then I will see, he explains. The dialectical duel between Harris and Trump, moderated by ABC News anchors, will take place at 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The stakes could not be higher: the candidates are absolutely tied. The low percentage of undecided voters, around 8%, will be fundamental in deciding which side wins, especially in the seven swing states (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina). With 57 days to go before the election, and after an unprecedented campaign full of surprises, there is little room for error. The key issue for the vast majority of voters will be the economy, according to the polls. The same applies to Hawking: I graduated, I got a job, but my salary wasnt enough and I had to look for a second job. Now, the prices of everything have skyrocketed and I cant even make a living with two jobs; Ive had to ask my partner to cover some of the bills. Costs are skyrocketing, but salaries remain the same. I have a university degree, I work hard and Ive never asked the state for a cent, but I have no prospects for advancement, I cant aspire to anything better, much less think about buying a house. And I cant live from day to day forever, laments this voter as he walks through a Puerto Rican culture festival in the streets of Reading. He admits that at the moment he is more drawn to Harris, but he is willing to change his mind if Trumps proposals on the economy seem more interesting to him. The impact of the debate could be decisive. Tens of millions of voters will be watching, either at home or at the thousands of viewing parties that the Democrats and Republicans have organized in neighborhoods across the country. Their impressions could lead them to change their voting intention or, as in the case of Hawking, to opt for one or the other. There will not be many more opportunities to influence the electorate so directly: at this point, a second debate between the two presidential candidates is not planned, although it has not been ruled out either. And in the next few days, early voting and voting by mail will begin in a good part of the states: in Pennsylvania, considered the territory that could provide the key to the White House, citizens will be able to start sending in their ballots starting Monday. In Philadelphia, everything is ready for the event, which marks the first time the two candidates will meet in person. Security around the Constitution Center has been tightened. The streets in the area are closed to traffic. The vice president traveled to Philadelphia on Monday from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvanias second largest city, where she has been preparing for the debate in a hotel. Trump is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Harris' momentum stalled The latest polls show a dead heat between the two. Poll aggregators such as FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics point to a slight lead for Harris (2.8 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively), although on Sunday a survey by Siena-The New York Times placed the former president ahead by two percentage points. This is the first survey since the parties held their conventions and since Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race in July, which suggests that Harris momentum may have stalled. At a time like this, anything the candidates say, any brilliant moment or unexpected error, could resonate disproportionately with the electorate in the form of memes and be repeated over and over again on social media and television. This is something that President Biden experienced firsthand: his gaffes in his debate against Trump ended up forcing his decision to withdraw from the race a month later. Trump faces the challenge of focusing on his electoral platform and not being offensive towards Harris. His mission is to demonstrate to the skeptics that he has a presidential character, after a month in which he resorted to personal insults to describe his opponent. The Republican candidate is not exactly the most disciplined of politicians and has on occasion said that he has the right to be aggressive towards his rival. At a rally in late August in North Carolina, he said that his advisers often urge him to be more friendly in his statements, but he acknowledged that sometimes it is difficult when you are attacked from all sides. Harriss task is equally delicate, if not more so. The vice president, who has insisted from the start that the Democrats are not the favorites in this election, has managed to regain the support and enthusiasm of a good part of the traditionally Democratic voting blocs that had distanced themselves from Biden. However, according to the polls, the numbers have not yet reached the levels that propelled Biden to the White House in 2020. The Democratic candidate will have to take advantage of the debate to introduce herself to the large number of voters who say they still dont know her well enough. They dont know where she stands on the issues, or what she will do if she is elected president. Im not sure what she stands for. Shell probably be good for women and reproductive rights, but what else? What does she think? What is she going to do about the economy? says Tony Farabee, an African-American voter originally from New York and now living in Pennsylvania. Farabee is also undecided, although he admits that for now he is tempted by Donald Trump: I respect his strength, he says. But he also says that he will watch the debate very closely: I pray that it will give me clarity when it comes to deciding. Nearly 30 million people watched the final day of the Democratic convention on television, when Harris delivered her official acceptance speech as the party's nominee, in late August. Nearly twice as many are expected to tune in to watch Tuesday's debate. Despite his interest in following it, Christopher Hawking will not be there, and will instead have to wait to watch it on tape. I cannot afford to sit down and watch it. At that time Ill have to be at one of my two jobs so that I can make money to put food on the table. At a joint press conference with Mr Lammy, Mr Blinken said: One of the purposes of the trip we will be taking together is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership including President Zelensky about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives and what we can do to support those needs. In what may be a sign of movement on this issue, the Secretary of State said: We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the Prime Minister, to President Biden in the coming days and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday. Mr Healey replied: So when as a Government we declare that we are ready and we show we are stepping up support for Ukraine when we say we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes for them to prevail, we mean it, whatever the decisions of other countries may or may not be. Ahead of the meetings with Mr Blinken, Mr Lammy said: The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike. Despite mounting concerns raised to bosses by some consultants, she was not removed from the unit until after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another baby boy on three successive days in June 2016 and police were not called in until the following year. In 2005, the veteran star reprised Vader for Revenge Of The Sith and he returned to the role nine years later in the first episode of Star Wars Rebels, and in 2016s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. But Jones was already an award-winning star of stage and screen when the original Star Wars movie was being developed by George Lucas in the 1970s. You may laugh, but it is not a joke. The MAGA Communists exist, even if they are full of histrionic contradictions. They support Trump, who paradoxically wants to ban Marxists from entering the country. They admire Putin yet excoriate imperialism. They support Palestine, but not Ukraine or Taiwan. They pursue a communist future one that subsidizes state services but they also champion tax cuts. They are a minority movement, relegated to the far reaches of the internet, but with their incendiary, anti-imperialist rhetoric adapted to the Gaza war, they are making themselves heard. The story of Jackson Hinkle one of the most visible figures of the MAGA Communists illustrates the origins of this movement. As a teenager, Hinkle wore a Bernie Sanders t-shirt and took a stand against nuclear power plants and firearms. He even appeared in a video for a famous environmental organization. But then something went wrong. Last year Hinkle defined himself on Twitter as: American patriot, God-fearing, pro-family, Marxist-Leninist, pro-Palestine, pro-Russia and China, anti-deep state, anti-imperialist, anti-woke, pro-growth, anti-monopoly, pro-gun, pro-fossil fuel. His radicalization crystallized with the defeat of Sanders in the 2020 Democratic primaries, when some of Sanders followers, rather than supporting the official Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, opted for populist and anti-institutional positions. This is how Marcos Reguera, a researcher on the American far right, tells it. Alexander Reid Ross, author of Against the Fascist Creep, explains that Hinkle gradually became integrated into the anti-imperialist movement in the United States: It is infested by the far right and disinformation campaigns, and advocates for overthrowing military commitments. They are against anything the U.S. does to support Ukraine or Taiwan. In 2022, Hinkle was interviewed by the controversial commentator Tucker Carlson on Fox, where he talked about supporting Trump to end the war and for the woke left to cease to exist, notes Jaime Caro, an Alt-Right researcher. However, it was with the Gaza war and the purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk (who powers the algorithms of the far right) that Hinkles fame grew. In reality, MAGA Communists say they dont fully agree with Trumps political vision. But addressing the working class through him, they explain, is the only way to channel working-class militancy away from capitalism and towards a communist future. The result is a strange and marginal alliance that includes people who hate feminism, environmentalism and the LGBTQI+ movements. An underworld of anti-system agitators where portraits of Putin and Kim Jong-un are accompanied by memes and jokes that come from the anti-feminist depths of the internet and that call for the salvation of the honor of men. Ultimately, MAGA Communism, Reid Ross notes, is a far-right agenda placed in an anti-imperialist environment. But even its anti-imperialism is showing its true colors. Hinkle recently posted a photo on X with Aleksandr Dugin Putins go-to thinker praising his anti-imperialism. Two days later, Dugin appeared on Russian television and said his people are the most imperialist in the world. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 11:37 | All, Japan The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex restarted Tuesday a bid to retrieve a small amount of melted fuel from one of its stricken reactors after its first attempt last month was suspended due to setup complications. The attempt to extract the fuel by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. is the first since the complex was damaged following a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 and comes after three suspensions since the initial plan was scheduled to launch around three years ago. TEPCO put the trial extraction on hold on Aug. 22 after finding the five pipes to be used to insert a retrieval device into the No. 2 reactor's containment vessel had been set up incorrectly. After confirming that the pipes are now installed in the correct order, the company passed the device through an isolation valve, intended to block radioactive material, in the morning. It plans to insert the device, which extends up to 22 meters, into the containment vessel to collect less than 3 grams of debris. It is expected it will take around two weeks for the probe to reach and then extract the debris. The task of retrieving melted fuel remains a serious challenge in the decades-long decommissioning plan for the Fukushima Daiichi complex, with an estimated 880 tons of fuel debris remaining in the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 reactors. The extraction of the radioactive material will be conducted remotely, but no decision has been made on specific methods to retrieve the entire amount. An investigation following the suspension of the trial extraction last month found that TEPCO and contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. had outsourced the preparation of the pipes and had ultimately failed to check the order in which they had been set up. TEPCO later drew up countermeasures to prevent another mishap, including a reevaluation of its manual and instructions for employees to inspect the tasks. Related coverage: TEPCO may resume debris extraction from Fukushima reactor next week Lack of task checking halted debris removal at Fukushima unit: TEPCO Reactor in central Japan fails to pass post-Fukushima safety review Minister of Agriculture Florin Barbu considers that a more consistent budget allocated to the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) for the next financial year is necessary, adapted to a fair level of direct payments, by applying the principle of external convergence, but also to compensate farmers for the application of enhanced environmental conditionality. The Romanian official participated in the Informal meeting of agriculture ministers of EU Member States, September 8 to 10 2024, held in Budapest (Hungary), an event organized by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. "During his speech, Minister Florin Barbu emphasised the need for a more consistent budget allocated to the CAP for the next financial year, adapted to a fair level of direct payments, by applying the principle of external convergence, but also to compensate farmers for the application of enhanced environmental conditionality. At the same time, the importance of identifying a formula whereby all Member States would have a similar level of direct payments was emphasized. Making the legislative framework more flexible, giving more freedom to Member States, and identifying advantageous financing and credit mechanisms to enable farmers to introduce innovation and new technologies on farms were other matters in the speech delivered by the head of MADR," reads a press release issued by the institution. With regard to the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Geen Deal objectives without jeopardizing the competitiveness of farmers, Romania argued that the setting of environmental ambitions must take into account the need to maintain the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. Thus, a transition period has been requested for the implementation of the new elements introduced, which imply a series of additional conditions, so that farmers can adapt to the new requirements, shows the cited document. The Romanian minister of Agriculture has also called for the urgent distribution of European funds intended to compensate farmers, the rethinking of derogations for the use of neonicotinoids, and the extension of eligibility of expenses for breeding livestock. Environment minister Mircea Fechet and the mayor of Tulcea, Stefan Ilie, signed on Tuesday the financing contract for the largest urban forest in Romania, covering more than 60 hectares, which will be created under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). During the press conference held on this occasion, minister Mircea Fechet praised the project proposed by the Tulcea authority as an "ambitious" one, given that at the time of the development of the funding guide the governmental authority was expecting projects of a few hectares. "The urban forest means certain species and very high densities, it is a type of forest recently brought to Romania, but I am convinced that it will soon be given as an example of good practice. (...) The forest that we will grow in Tulcea is the largest in terms of surface area in Romania," mentioned the Environment minister. The government official said that the call for the submission of projects for the financing of urban forests through the PNRR is still open and that so far about 30 projects have been submitted. "The characteristics of an urban forest are quite different from those of a forest we are used to. (...) Its purpose is not necessarily that of recreation in the middle of the forest, but rather to provide a green lung for the city in which it was set up," said Fechet. The mayor of Tulcea, Stefan Ilie, said that the reforestation will be carried out on an area of 61.42 hectares, in seven areas of the city, the total amount of non-reimbursable funding allocated under the PNRR being 5,834,910 euro. "We are presently trying to succeed in conducting the procurement of the works as soon as possible. We will go through some bureaucratic procedures and we will have to get some approvals from institutions coordinated by the Ministry of Environment," said Stefan Ilie. According to the local authority, the project was initiated by the Graffcity association. The Islamic Republic of Iran Embassy in Romania categorically rejects the information published in recent days about the transfer of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, deeming them as unfounded, in a press release sent to AGERPRES. According to the source, it is a repetition of previously discredited accusations. "Such accusations devoid of credible evidence are a clear example of disinformation". The Embassy describes as "both ironic and hypocritical" the fact that these "baseless" accusations are made by "countries directly involved in the conflict in Ukraine and which are contributing significantly to its escalation by supplying advanced weaponry". "Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, the Islamic Republic of Iran has never been a party to the war and military conflict," insists the embassy, which says Tehran sees these accusations as "merely narrow and short-sighted political agendas aimed at promoting its own political interests". "Iran continues to call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic means, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and constructive negotiations to put an end to the suffering of the people affected by this tragic war," pointed out the Iranian Embassy in Romania. The Embassy's reaction comes in the context in which in recent days international press agencies have published official statements on the subject, after CNN and the Wall Street Journal wrote last week that Iran transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, citing unidentified sources. The United States, through White House National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett, expressed concern last Friday about the potential transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed its deep concern about this information on Saturday, and on Monday a European Commission spokesperson said that the European Union considered the information provided by its allies "credible" and would examine the matter with member states. The Ministry of Finance has financed seven investment projects for the three companies of the Renault Group, with a total value of over 2.242 billion RON, which generate 1,478 new jobs, and the state aid granted is worth a maximum of 644.55 million RON, informs the institution through a press release. According to the cited source, the projects generate direct contributions to regional development through the payment of fees and taxes of over 1.247 billion RON. Currently, five investment projects with a total value of 1.438 billion RON have been completed, which generated a number of 1.178 jobs, and the state aid granted is 436 million RON. Minister of Finance Marcel Bolos paid a working visit on Tuesday to the Titu Technical Center of the Renault Group, one of the company's most important research and development platforms in Europe. "We must always be attentive to the needs of the business milieu and to concrete measures that generate progress. In this sense, we gave them good news. After discussions with ACAROM, CONCORDIA, AHK and CCIFER, we prepared a normative act by which we propose a measure of support for this strategic area, by applying the tax deduction for research and development expenses, starting in 2024, and for companies that pay the minimum turnover tax. I hope that the project will be approved at the level of the governing coalition reach the Government as soon as possible", mentioned Marcel Bolos, quoted in the press release. The minister of finance discussed with the management team of the Renault Group about the situation of the automotive industry and about the future investment projects of Renault in Romania, on the occasion of which the need for additional measures to stimulate the research and development sector, for the industries that develop technologies, were pointed out new and contribute to the country's competitiveness. "Dacia-Renault is an example of good practices and an important investor in the Romanian economy. One of the principles that guide me, as minister of finance, is that large-scale investments in the economy generate, in addition to jobs, the development to a very important sector, a multiplier effect for regional development", Bolos emphasized. During the meeting, Marcel Bolos reiterated the Government's wish to create a favorable environment for business development and for attracting new investments, both through balanced fiscal policies and by supporting innovation and digitization. The visit also included a presentation of the latest technological innovations and research projects under development at the Titu Technical Center. The 10th edition of the Transylvania International Book Festival Transylvania (FICT) will bring 60 events, including 47 book launches and 116 guests from the cultural field to Cluj-Napoca, September 25-29, informs Agerpres. "Transylvania International Book Festival (FICT) opens its doors for its 10th edition, marking a decade of excellence in promoting literature and culture. From September 25-29, book lovers are invited to participate in a rich programme of cultural events, book launches, conferences and exhibitions, with distinguished guests from the country and from abroad. Specifically, this year there will be 60 events, 47 of which are book launches. Cluj citizens (and not only!) are also expected to attend conferences, debates and meet the 4 special guests. A total of 116 guests will be present at this year's FICT events," reads a press release sent by the organisers on Tuesday. According to the cited source, one of the key moments of this year's edition will be the conference "The editor's job today", which will be held by Irina Petras, president of the Writers' Union of Romania, Cluj Branch. The event will mark 10 years of FICT and 10 years of activity of the Publishing House. The volume "The Book of Childhood Books", coordinated by Irina Petras, will also be launched. The special guest of FICT 2024, Daniele Dell'Agnola (Switzerland), will launch his book "Luna din cufar" (The Moon in the Chest) (Scoala Ardeleana Publishing House), in the presence of the protagonist of the novel, Iolanda Giovanoli, who is 84 years old. "The 10th edition is a celebration of our literary community and 10 years of FICT tradition. We are happy to have prestigious guests and to offer unique events to the public, from important book launches to interactive activities for children," said FICT director Gabriel Bota, quoted in the press release. The Transylvania International Book Festival Transylvania (FICT) was established in 2013 with the aim of supporting Romanian culture. Over time, FICT has become more than just a festival, and is now an umbrella under which different events with books at their centre take place, either recurrently or occasionally, depending on different cultural needs. Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Making another campaign stop in St. Louis, Democratic hopeful Lucas Kunce did what he does best: Offer blunt takes on the shortcomings of his opponent in November, GOP U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley. Repeatedly referencing Hawley as creepy, Kunce rallied a crowd of about 200 supporters Monday at the Sheetmetal Workers Union Hall in midtown St. Louis. At one point, when talking about a confrontation the two candidates had last month at the Missouri State Fair, Kunce said Hawley tried to bully the proceedings. Alluding to professional wrestling, Kunce said Hawley pulled a WWE Smackdown on me by hollering out Kunces name while walking through the crowd. He was all miked up with a camera crew following him ... and wearing the cutest little Western outfit youve ever seen. Then asking the attendees if anyone had seen the Barbie movie, Kunce called Hawley Midwestern Ken. At the end of the 45-minute Kunce speech, Andi and Joe Blaylock of the Central West End said that they appreciate Kunces moderate Democrat stance. Hes the kind of Democrat who can win in Missouri, a more moderate one who can appeal to rural areas, Joe Blaylock said. And if Kunce was to-the-point in his remarks to the crowd, he was no less direct during a short interview before taking the stage, offering no-frills assessments of several issues from the campaign-trail in recent weeks. First, when asked why he has declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, Kunce was blunt. Im not in this race to tell people who should be the president, he said backstage, shortly before the rally started. Im ready and willing to work with anybody to bring money back to this state. Then, when asked what he thinks about recent polls showing him trailing Hawley by double-digit percentage points, Kunce quickly replied, I dont. This (campaign) is all about getting around the state and talking to everybody; were still in the getting-acquainted phase, he said. Hawley spokesperson Abigial Jackson responded to the remarks Tuesday, saying, Too bad Kunce didnt have the guts to debate Josh at the state fair. I guess hes scared hell have to give an honest answer about whether he supports Kamala Harris. All the pointed criticism contained in this weeks installment of the Hawley-Kunce saga is a far cry from last weeks edition which was ironically highlighted by reports that before they became pitted foes, each candidate spent time singing the others praises. Last week, the Daily Caller reported that Kunce, before he was running against Hawley, actually praised Hawley for his actions in the Senate in 2020. Especially pleasing to Kunce, according to the article, were Hawleys tough questions about national security issues, and his grilling of corporate executives and Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. At one point, according to texts obtained by the publication, Kunce praised Hawleys awesome questioning of a Microsoft executive about China and national security. Glad to have someone else caring about this stuff, Kunce told Hawley. Not to be outdone in impeaching an opponent with past compliments, Kunces camp released information noting that Hawleys staff took advice from Kunce, when he was working as a policy director for the American Economic Liberties Project. NOTUS, an online news organization, reported the day after the Daily Caller story that Hawleys office had lauded Kunce, once calling his suggestions brilliant, and requested further legislative solutions. A former Hawley security adviser to Hawley wrote to Kunce in a 2021 email: Will let you know if any questions arise, and look forward to talking more soon otherwise. Thank you! Kunce has an appearance slated for Thursday at the American Legion Hall in Festus. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 09:46 | Arts, All, Japan Japan-set historical drama "Shogun" won 14 awards, including for its costumes and stunt performances, at the Creative Arts ceremony of U.S. television's Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. Set in 1600 during Japan's "Sengoku" warring states period, Shogun stars and was produced by Hiroyuki Sanada who remade a 1980 miniseries adaption of James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name. The awards on Sunday come ahead of the main ceremony on Sept. 15, where the winners for lead actor and actress in a drama series will be announced. According to the Associated Press, Shogun's 14 awards from 16 categories are the most Emmys won for a single season of a TV series. Sanada is nominated for best lead actor for his role as Yoshii Toranaga, a warlord modeled on historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu. His co-star Anna Sawai is nominated for outstanding lead actress, while Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira have received nods in the supporting actor category. Related coverage: Japan-set drama "Shogun" leads U.S. TV Emmy awards at 25 nominations JEFFERSON CITY Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced the creation of a new unit in his office Tuesday aimed at cracking down on the sale of intoxicating hemp candy to children. The unit will work with Gov. Mike Parsons administration, which has put the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products under a microscope in recent weeks. The plan calls for the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Public Safetys Alcohol and Tobacco Control Division to forward cases to the attorney generals office for possible prosecution. Under state law, Missourians have a right to know what is in the products they or their children consume. That is why we are building on our existing investigation into these harmful, illicit products, Bailey said during a news conference in Parsons office Tuesday. The latest move against deceptively packaged gummies comes after Parson used his powers to ban all intoxicating hemp food and drinks via an emergency rule issued on Aug. 1. His office said the action was in response to rising availability of the products and emerging health concerns, especially with regard to youths. Baileys entrance into the fight comes after Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft twice rejected the emergency rule proposed by Parson to immediately begin the crackdown, forcing the change to go through a slower adoption process that could take up to six months. The rule also is the subject of a lawsuit filed late last month by the Missouri Hemp Trade Association. On Tuesday, Parson again railed on the similarities of the intoxicating gummies to existing, legal candy products. They are simply targeting children, Parson told reporters. This is pretty basic stuff. We need to put an end to it. Parson, who leaves office in January, called on lawmakers to approve new laws addressing the products when they return to action next year. House Majority Leader Jon Patterson, R-Lees Summit, who is expected to be elected the next House speaker, said he was committed to passing legislation containing rules against marketing cannabis or hemp products to children. National poison control centers have said roughly 2 in 5 exposures to delta-8 THC products are occurring in children, according to state health officials. Amid the shaky rollout, Parson directed state regulators to inspect businesses for compliance. Currently, if the Department of Health and Senior Services finds unregulated psychoactive cannabis products during an investigation, the department will request voluntary compliance, including destruction of the products. If voluntary compliance is not achieved, products will be embargoed and held on the premises until a court order for destruction is obtained, a DHSS memo notes. Since Sept. 1, DHSS has visited 64 facilities, finding 39 with unregulated psychoactive cannabis products present on shelves. Thus far, 8,929 products have been embargoed through these enforcement efforts. Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center, said the total number of poisoning cases link to the products involving young children has doubled each year since 2018. At the Missouri Poison Center, we have seen a steady increase in exposures related to accessibility and misidentification by children 5 years or younger consuming cannabis, Weber said. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday was weighing whether a question to overturn the states abortion ban will remain on the Nov. 5 ballot. The seven judges heard arguments Tuesday morning, hours before the 5 p.m. deadline to add or remove measures from the upcoming ballot. The arguments lasted less than an hour and the court made no ruling from the bench. They followed a Cole County judges decision Friday siding with four anti-abortion activists who sought the measures removal. Limbaugh said the petition didnt meet state law requiring disclosure of statutes and constitutional provisions to be repealed if voters adopt Amendment 3. Chuck Hatfield, attorney for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said that the Missouri Constitution reserves for the people the right to propose amendments to the constitution independent of the General Assembly. The question is whether the court system is going to honor the will of the people, their reservation of that power, or whether were going to allow a small group of people to take that power over an issue of form, Hatfield said. But Mary Catherine Martin, attorney for the four plaintiffs, said the petition didnt meet legal requirements to be on the ballot. These requirements protect voters, Martin said. They require them to be fully informed. Attorneys for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom have argued the petition wouldnt repeal any laws and that the courts would determine what is overturned. The hearing Tuesday came after Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft on Monday said he had decertified the question for the ballot in light of Cole County Judge Christopher Limbaughs Friday ruling against the measure. Limbaugh stayed removal of the ballot measure until a higher court could review the case. The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an order keeping Limbaughs stay in effect until further order of this court. Hatfield on Tuesday argued Ashcroft should be held in contempt of court for violating its order. He said the judges would decide whether the measure appears on the ballot. But Ashcroft, just decertified it, Hatfield said. Its open contempt for your authority. Joshua Divine, an attorney representing Ashcroft, said case law allowed Ashcroft to decertify Amendment 3 for the ballot. The move was no different than if Ashcroft had decertified the question last Thursday before the Cole County trial, Divine said. In Limbaughs Friday ruling, he cited a state law requiring campaigns to attach the full text of a proposal to an initiative petition and that the text include all sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure. He said there were clear contradictions between current law and what would be repealed, including the present abortion ban and the possible protections for abortion rights. Limbaugh said the campaign purposefully decided not to include even the most basic of statutes that the amendment would repeal, at least in part. But Hatfield, in a motion to stay Limbaughs ruling, argued passage of Amendment 3 wouldnt immediately result in the repeal of any law, saying the statute will remain in effect until a court adjudicates the future dispute. Even if a court does overturn a law, it wont be repealed, Hatfield said. The law would remain on the books but wouldnt have any effect, he said. The Trial Court conflated the term repeal with the concept of nullification, the brief said. In a brief for abortion opponents, Martin, of the conservative Thomas More Society said the public interest overwhelmingly opposes staying Limbaughs decision. Issuing a stay would keep the question before voters and sow confusion, the brief said. The public interest strongly favors a swift decision on the merits, before the ballots are finalized, she said. The Supreme Courts livestream of the hearing encountered technical issues, with some users experiencing continuous lag and others unable to load the video at all. Updated at 10:49 a.m. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- TEPCO restarts debris extraction attempt at Fukushima plant TOKYO - The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex restarted Tuesday a bid to retrieve a small amount of melted fuel from one of its stricken reactors after its first attempt last month was suspended due to setup complications. The attempt to extract the fuel by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. is the first since the complex was damaged following a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 and comes after three suspensions since the initial plan was scheduled to launch around three years ago. ---------- Komeito's Natsuo Yamaguchi says to step down as junior coalition party head TOKYO - Natsuo Yamaguchi, the head of the junior coalition partner of Japan's ruling party for the past 15 years, said Tuesday he is stepping down as Komeito party chief without seeking another term. The 72-year-old upper house member has been at the helm of the traditionally pacifist party through a period in which Japan has undergone major changes in defense and security policies under recent Liberal Democratic Party prime ministers while riding out economic challenges such as the impact of COVID-19. ---------- Ex-health chief Kato announces bid to lead Japan ruling party TOKYO - Former health minister Katsunobu Kato on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's upcoming leadership election, making a pledge to double people's incomes and boost the Japanese economy. Kato, 68, who served as chief Cabinet secretary under former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, is the eighth candidate to join the Sept. 27 race to succeed Fumio Kishida, whose administration faced falling public support in the wake of a slush funds scandal. ---------- NHK exec resigns over Chinese staffer's unscripted Senkaku remarks TOKYO - The president of NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, said Tuesday that an executive has stepped down after a Chinese staffer in an overseas radio broadcast described the Japanese-controlled islands as China's territory in unscripted remarks. The resignation comes as the contract worker in his 40s at an NHK-affiliated company stated during the Aug. 19 broadcast that the Senkaku Islands belong to China, after reading out a news item on about graffiti found at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. ---------- Panasonic to end 37-year Olympic sponsorship contract OSAKA - Panasonic Holdings Corp. said Tuesday it will discontinue its sponsorship agreement with the International Olympic Committee, putting an end to its 37-year marketing tie-up with the event. The Japanese company agreed with the IOC not to extend the partnership after its current top-tier sponsor contract term ends in December, Panasonic said. ---------- IAEA says Fukushima soil recycling plan meets safety standards TOKYO - Japan's approach for recycling soil in Fukushima Prefecture that was removed amid radiation cleanup efforts following the 2011 nuclear disaster is consistent with international safety standards, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday. The final report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog on the issue, handed to Environment Minister Shintaro Ito in Tokyo the same day, is expected to help the Japanese government step up efforts to reuse part of the massive amount of soil, currently stored at an interim facility, for public work projects nationwide. ---------- U.S. warns China about dangerous tactics at sea in commanders' talks BEIJING - Chinese and U.S. military commanders held a video call Tuesday, with Washington warning Beijing about its "dangerous" tactics in the South China Sea and beyond, as tensions escalate between Chinese and Philippine vessels over a territorial dispute in the region. In his online talks with Gen. Wu Yanan, commander of the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, chief of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, urged the People's Liberation Army to "reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics" in the sea area, the U.S. command said. ---------- Australia plans social media ban for children amid health concerns SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Tuesday plans to introduce legislation to ban children from social media by the end of the year, amid growing concerns worldwide about the potential risks social media poses to children's mental and physical health. According to Albanese, his government plans to enforce a minimum age for access to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with the limit to be set somewhere between 14 and 16 years old, pending further deliberation. Video: Court widens benefit eligibility for Nagasaki A-bomb survivors A judge has ordered a mental evaluation and delayed the trial of an 85-year-old white man who shot Ralph Yarl after the teenage Black honor student came to his Kansas City, Missouri, home by mistake. Andrew Lesters lawyer requested the evaluation last month, saying the retired aircraft mechanic's health has deteriorated so much that he now lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense. The prosecution didnt object to the request. The trial of Lester had been scheduled to begin Oct. 7. Instead, there will be a hearing the following day. Lester has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13, 2023, shooting of Yarl, then 16. Yarl survived the shooting and graduated from high school in the spring. But his family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and has filed a lawsuit against Lester. The shooting shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in the U.S. Attorney Steve Salmon has long argued that Lester was acting in self-defense, terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night. Yarl showed up on Lesters doorstep after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin siblings. Yarl testified at an earlier hearing that Lester shot him in the head and uttered, Dont come here ever again. Although the bullet didnt penetrate Yarls brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm. In the ensuing months, Lester has had heart issues, a broken hip and hospitalizations, Salmon said. Lester also has lost 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which Salmon blames on the stress he has experienced because of intense scrutiny from the news media and death threats. Whats next? Because they didnt lock up the Hostess Ding Dongs, are parents going to be held criminally liable for their childs obesity his diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease? On Sept. 4, 14-year-old Colt Gray allegedly used a semiautomatic rifle to kill two students, two teachers, and wound nine others at his Georgia high school. Using the recent Michigan prosecution as a template, in which teen shooter Ethan Crumbleys parents were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for supposedly ignoring their sons mental instability and failing to secure a handgun at home, Georgia authorities have charged Colt Grays father with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. These charges add up to a possible 180 years in prison. Doesnt a charge of second-degree murder require the perpetrator to be the one actively participating in the crime? In this Georgia case, the father neither instructed his son to carry out these shootings nor pulled the trigger himself. So, by what artful calculus are prosecutors arriving at this indictment? Is our justice system dispassionately rooted in the principle of personal accountability? Or, blinded by retributive passions, is it simply a thinly disguised mechanism of mob vengeance? In other words, does it merely seek someone anyone to blame and punish as harshly as possible? In February 2024, Michigan jurors knew what was expected of them, and the Crumbleys were wrongly convicted. Colt Grays father will assuredly be a victim of this same travesty of justice. Scott R. Hammond St. Louis September 10, 2024: Hezbollah, the powerful, Iran-backed Shia militia in southern Lebanon, is having problems. The most recent ones have to do with the Israeli retaliation for Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel and killing and wounding Israeli Druze children. The Druze are a quasi-Islamic group that is considered heretical by most Moslems. Druze live on both sides of the Israeli borders with Lebanon and Syria. It is not known if Hezbollah deliberately fired those rockets at Druze children or simply considered them Israeli kids because they were playing on a field in northern Israel. The response involved Israel launching massive airstrikes against the Hezbollah rocket storage sites in southern Lebanon. Numerous large secondary explosions were seen as Israeli missiles detonated rocket stockpiles. Israel responds quickly and harshly against anyone who injures Israeli citizens. Many Europeans and Americans dont realize that 24 percent of the Israeli population is not Jewish. Most of this minority is Arab, but some are Druze or Christian. Many of those Arab Christians are descendants of the first Christians who appeared two thousand years ago. The term Christian was first used about a hundred years after the Jewish rebellion that the Romans put down with massive killings and the enslavement and expulsion of most Jews to other parts of the Roman Empire. Substantial numbers of Jews didnt start returning to what is now Israel until the 12th century. Even then the numbers were small and Moslems were still the majority. It wasnt until the 1800s that Jews began to return to what eventually became Israel in the late 1940s. The movement became a flood after World War II when survivors of the Nazi effort to kill all Jews in Europe and Russia were only partially successful. Millions of Jews survived and most wanted to move somewhere else. Meanwhile most chose European countries or North America. But a substantial number chose the newly established state of Israel, which was born in battle and continues to be a dangerous region for unarmed Jews. The Arab states then expelled almost all their 600,000 Jewish people, who had been there for almost two thousand years after the Romans expelled them from ancient Israel. These all went to the newly independent Israel. The new state of Israel organized a cadre/conscript reserve army like most of Europes 1870-1960 countries, with an active army of small cadres of volunteer regular soldiers plus 2-3 years of conscript classes composed of most young men males who have just reached military age, and 10-20 years of yearly fully trained conscripts serving in reserve. Israels borders were so small that its army had to be kept in a much more constant state of readiness than those of any other cadre/conscript/reserve countries. Its active armed forces have comprised almost three percent of its total population, and its total mobilized army almost ten percent of its population, for about seventy years. Hezbollah wasnt the first armed group of Moslems to attack Jews in this region, but they were one of the better organized and heavily armed Arab militias to confront the Israeli state since the 1980s. In this part of the world persecuting and killing Jews has been going on for over two thousand years. Hezbollah has had a shorter and more violence history as the guardians of southern Lebanon against Jewish aggression. Israel never attacked Hezbollah unless attacked first. The current violence with Hezbollah was preceded by a 2006 incident, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel. This triggered a massive retaliation by Israel attacking numerous military targets in Lebanon, some of them belonging to the Lebanese government. The Israelis wanted to show the Lebanese government and military that as long as they tolerated Hezbollah, all armed groups in Lebanon were subject to attack. This did not go as planned because the Israeli military had been run down, and the Israeli army got stuck in prepared Hezbollah fortifications. The Israelis prevailed anyway after a while, and Hezbollahs militia survived only because of a hasty truce. Hezbollah claimed victory anyway, which was then normal for Arab-Israeli wars. That calmed things down, but in 2020 there was an incident involving 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored in a warehouse in the port of Beirut for six years and ignored. This had nothing to do with Israel and was the fault of groups in Lebanon, including Hezbollah. The government had seized the ammonium nitrate from an abandoned cargo ship and stored it in a warehouse. Lebanon was going through another recession and poorly paid and corrupt port officials were inclined to ignore the volatile ammonium nitrate stored in an old warehouse. Ammonium nitrate is a crop fertilizer but also a key ingredient in explosives. Under the right conditions large quantities of ammonium nitrate will explode. In August 2020 there was a fire in another part of the ammonium nitrate warehouse and when the flames reached the volatile fertilizer and detonated with the force of a small 1.1 kiloton nuclear bomb. The Beirut mishap was one of the six largest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded. There was no radiation but the noise from the explosion was heard 240 kilometers away on the island of Cyprus. The force of the explosion registered as a 4.5 magnitude earthquake and was felt throughout the Middle East in Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Israel, as well as parts of southeast Europe. Many other ships in the harbor were damaged or sunk. Half the city of Beirut suffered damage that was worth an estimated $15 billion. Only 20 percent of that damage was insured. The explosion destroyed the port of Beirut along with housing near the port area. About 300,000 people were left homeless. Over 200 people were killed and nearly 7,000 injured. The explosion also weakened nearby grain silos that collapsed and caught fire. That meant there was a grain shortage in the region and the port of Beirut no longer existed to bring in additional grain. There are other, smaller, ports in Lebanon but the impact of the Beirut port explosion was felt by many Lebanese for a long time. Unrest in the city continued for several years. This put tremendous pressure on Hezbollah to keep the peace, which was hard to do because Iran was supplying Hezbollah with weapons and military advisors that often led Hezbollah to fight when most Lebanese were not looking for a fight with Israel. The explosion led Hezbollah gunmen to operate in damaged areas of Beirut, where they encountered resistance from Christian and other Islamic militias, soldiers, police and armed civilians. This involvement in Beirut was partly because Hezbollah also operated as a political party and had considerable influence over how Lebanon is governed and by who. Hezbollah is also a state within a state inside Lebanon. Hezbollah operates its own military, judiciary, Shia religious facilities and maintains what can best be called an Iranian embassy. Hezbollah is financed by Iran and takes its orders from Iranian officials and commanders of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). The IRGC exists to defend the Iranian religious dictatorship. The IRGC has land, air and naval units and in many respects is more powerful than the Iranian military. Hezbollah has been around since 1985, when a Lebanese Shia militia renamed itself the Party of God, or Hezbollah in Arabic. The Shia militia had been organized in 1982 to oppose an Israeli incursion into Lebanon. Hezbollah is also a political organization and campaigns successfully to get some of its members elected to the Lebanese parliament. Currently Hezbollah holds fifteen seats in the 128 member parliament. By 1985 Hezbollah had become a more formal organization and grew rapidly by absorbing smaller Shia militias. Hezbollah had become the favorite of Iranian officials and military advisers. Iran wanted Hezbollah to attack Israel, which Hezbollah was reluctant to do. Hezbollah was willing to store and safeguard Iranian weapons delivered by truck, air freight and ship. These rockets were being stockpiled for an eventual attack on Israel. The intended victim was aware of this and tried to keep the peace. For example, in 2021 Israeli aircraft dropped thousands of leaflets on Syrian villages near the border warning residents to stay away from nearby Iranian or Hezbollah bases. The civilians know where these bases are and some will do business with people working or living there. These leaflets made it clear that Israeli airstrikes on these Iranian bases and camps would be a regular occurrence. Some leaflets also call on individual Syrian unit commanders in the area to stop cooperating with the Hezbollah and Iranian Quds Force men in their area and order them to leave and not endanger local civilians. Despite, or because of, the increased Iranian presence in southern Syria, a lawless chaos exists in its Damascus suburbs and gets worse south of the city along the Israeli border area. This is where Iran is making an intense effort to gain the support of Sunni Arab civilians. The hostility and violence are a side effect of the poverty, high unemployment and hostility towards the Assad government and their Iranian sponsors. In this respect the local gangsters see their crimes as patriotic resistance to their brutal and hated Shia overlords. The Iranians are spending a lot of money to buy, or just seize, and rehabilitate abandoned property for the locals. Iran seeks to encourage new businesses to start or defunct ones to revive. Iran will supply loans and access to supplies. The Assad government cant do any of this and cant openly criticize the Iranians either for seeking to buy the loyalty of Syrians along the border. Israel is seeking to support this resistance but is silent about details, other than its constant airstrikes against Iranian targets and seeking to maintain their informant network along the border. The informants make it possible to hit Iranian targets with smart bombs, missiles or artillery even if the Iranians have gone to great lengths to conceal the locations. This includes storing missiles, rockets and other weapons in residences and commercial buildings. In an effort to evade the precision attacks the Iranians are storing weapons shipments in civilian warehouses closer to the Iraq border, where the Israeli intel is less effective. Israeli airstrikes have reached the point where just about any concentration of Iranian forces or stored weapons Israel can locate is attacked. This is an endurance contest in which Israel has an edge. Iran has money problems and maintaining a military presence in Syria is not a necessity. For Israel its essential to keep the Iranians out of Syria, at least as long as Iran openly calls for the destruction of Israel. The Iranian war effort in Syria has another problem in that more and more Iranians openly oppose the expense and risk of operations in Syria. No such domestic opposition exists in Israel. This is why Israel keeps carrying out the airstrikes in Syria and doing so more often and accurately because a lot of Syrians are willing to provide target information. Water taxis and boats make their way across the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, in 2018. An unidentified U.S. airman is part of an investigation after a stabbing outside a Venice nightclub Sept. 8, 2024. (Valerie Halbert/U.S. Air Force) A U.S. airman is under investigation after a weekend stabbing outside a Venice nightclub left a young man hospitalized in serious condition, according to an Air Force spokesperson. Italian news reports and law enforcement authorities did not identify the airman or the other man arrested in the stabbing, which happened around 4:45 a.m. Sunday in the Palmavira nightclub parking lot. Staff Sgt. Heather Ley, a spokesperson for the 31st Fighter Wing based in Aviano, declined to say Tuesday whether the airman is still in police custody. Ley also did not provide any additional details, including the airmans duty station or unit. The victim was pulling a prank and got into a car that wasnt his, according to the Italian news agency Ansa. The airman and another man were in the car, Ansa reported. The prankster was then stabbed in the back with a knife, according to police reports cited by Ansa. It remains unclear who is accused of using the knife, and no charges have been announced. The prosecutors office opened an attempted murder investigation, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. The prosecutor could not be reached for comment, and the medical examiner declined to comment on Monday. The victim had at least three serious lacerations and underwent emergency surgery Sunday, according to Corriere della Sera. The hospital did not respond to requests for comment. An employee at Palmariva, who did not want to be named because he was not authorized by his employer to speak, said the victims girlfriend ran back into the nightclub for help. We saw two guys, an American guy and another guy, go out of the parking (lot). We called the carabinieri and the ambulance, the employee said. The two men were arrested shortly afterward, according to the employee. Ley said the Air Force is cooperating fully with Italian law enforcement. Participants watch a Powerpoint presentation during an electromagnetic pulse attack exercise held at the Chicopee Public Safety building. (Don Treeger/The Republican) CHICOPEE (Tribune News Service) More than 40 police, firefighters, Air Force members from Westover Air Reserve Base and the people who run the regions power grid gathered Tuesday in a basement conference room to think about the unthinkable. Col. Gregory D. Buchanan, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing, Westover Air Reserve Base, presented the hypothetical to the group: Imagine waking up on a typical Tuesday in the future only to find out nothing works the light switch by your bed, the traffic light down the street, no water from the tap. Soon, it is learned that an adversary detonated a nuclear device high above the eastern seaboard, Buchanan continued. Its high enough that it hasnt destroyed cities. But its powerful enough to cause an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) knocking out power transformers and satellite communications. Damage cascades, disabling health care, food distribution. An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation either from a manmade expulsion or a natural event such as a sunspot. The pulse can cause damaging fluctuations of current and voltage in electronic equipment. Simultaneously, Westover gets the call to start mobilizing. The base needs to ready its huge C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft to begin ferrying troops and supplies overseas to meet the threat. We need to get those eight C-5s in the air, Buchanan said. And I have no way of getting my 2,800 reservists to the base. Global adversaries like China or Russia know they cannot go toe-to-toe with American military force on the battlefield. But if they can slow Americas response, they can win. We call it contested deployment, Buchanan said. That was the scenario Tuesday at Chicopee Safety Complex for a morning-long tabletop exercise, a war game of sorts, with participants mulling the regional response to such an incident. Im hoping that we learn about our vulnerabilities, said Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major. Some of them we know about already. But we need to learn ways to address them. The exercise is not just useful in case of an EMP attack, an event that could paralyze a region for as long as 18 months, but for other events both natural and caused by humans, such as a cyberattack, or a natural disaster that causes widespread power outages. If you can deal with the big problem, Buchanan said. You can learn how to deal with the smaller events. Its already happening, he said, pointing to Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine and attacks by Russia, China and Iran against U.S. water systems. Hospitals have fallen victim to cyberattack, airlines crippled by software glitches. The exercise is not just about Chicopee, Mayor John Vieau said, but about the safety of the region and the nation. Community resilience is a point of emphasis for the whole Air Force and the Defense Department, Buchanan said. The tabletop exercise in Chicopee follows a smaller-scale war game with Joint Base San Antonio and civil authorities in Texas that was held a few months ago. Officials from the Pentagon, Homeland Security and other federal agencies were in attendance at Chicopees tabletop game Tuesday or monitoring online. The Chicopee exercise might be a model for exercises elsewhere, Buchanan said. 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit masslive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S. Air Force Pave Hawk trains with air crew members assigned to the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade on July 6, 2022 at an undisclosed location. A commander from the brigade took actions that constituted reprisal after blocking a soldiers deployment and reducing her pay, following a sexual assault complaint that she made. (Ashley Sokolov/U.S. Army) A soldier who filed a sexual assault complaint ahead of her units deployment was damaged financially by her boss reprisal but wasnt wrongly denied a promotion, Defense Department investigators decided recently. The case, which involved the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade based at Fort Carson, Colo., centered on a commanders decision to block the soldiers deployment to Kuwait following her 2021 report submitted in the runup to the mission. While the complainant remained eager to deploy, her boss stood in the way, the DODs Inspector General said in a Sept. 5 report. The IG did not name the soldiers involved in the case or indicate what ranks they were. If deployed, the soldier could have earned $150 of hazardous duty incentive pay per month of deployment by flying at least four hours per month in her position, the IG said. Removing the Complainant from the deployment had an unfavorable effect ... (and resulted in) qualifying unfavorable personnel actions, the report said. However, the evidence did not support the accusation that she was denied a promotion because of the commanders actions, the IG said. Military law enforcement launched an investigation after the woman reported on Nov. 30, 2021, to her unit that she had been sexually assaulted. The report was made while elements of the reserve unit were at Fort Cavazos in Texas getting ready to deploy. In the aftermath, witnesses said her boss weighed whether to allow the soldier to deploy with the unit. Witnesses said the commander was given counsel about the decision. One witness said the commander was warned that denial could constitute retaliation. In written evidence provided to the IG, a witness said the commander described his dilemma this way: Either the soldier made up the whole thing and was bat s--- crazy, or she was telling the truth and a deployment would be a hindrance to her recovery. The commander, described throughout the IG report as the subject, testified that he did not recall making the statement that the complainant was bat s--- crazy. Around Dec. 6, 2021, he decided to remove the complainant from the deployment. The report said the evidence supported the argument that the commander had a personal motive to reprise because the sexual assault allegations were against unit members and because he viewed reports of sexual assault as something for him to distance himself from. Witness testimony supported the conclusion that the commander did not fully support the militarys SHARP program focused on preventing assault and harassment, the IG determined, adding that the commander had questioned the womans report without reason. In defending his actions, the commander told the IG that he was concerned about the soldiers well-being and ability to recover. The potential lack of resources in Kuwait to ensure her well-being also was a factor, he said. The commander also told the IG that during the process of making the decision, he had consulted Gen. Harvey Cutchin, then commander of USAR Aviation Command, and Maj. Gen. Richard Johnson, who was then serving at head of First Army Division West. Johnson said in a statement to the IG that his impression was that the commander was trying to do the right thing. I just dont sense that there was some kind of malice or some kind of punishment, you know, underlying the actions that they took, he said. However, the IG disagreed, saying that the evidence did not support the notion that the commander took steps to ensure help for the soldier. And while he had various ways to assess her ability to deploy, such as seeking a mental health evaluation before deciding, he did not take such action, the IG said. Marines from the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company conduct dive operations with Ohio-class, guided-missile submarine USS Georgia while underway in the Mediterranean Sea on July 31, 2024. (U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The submarine USS Georgia has arrived in the Middle East, joining two aircraft carrier strike groups in the region, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman, confirmed the Georgias presence in U.S. Central Commands area of operations more than a month after it was ordered to move to the region. Ryder offered no other details, including when the submarine arrived or where it was. The Georgia an Ohio-class, ballistic-missile submarine was ordered Aug. 11 to sail to the CENTCOM region by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as tensions between Israel and Iranian proxy forces reached a boiling point. The submarine carries up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles along with Mk48 torpedoes, according to the Navy. The Georgia did not immediately travel to the CENTCOM area of control. In the past four weeks, the Pentagon has maintained the submarine was in transit to the region, only sharing on Aug. 22 that the Georgia was operating in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Navy said Aug. 9 prior to Austins order that the Georgia was training for weeks in the Mediterranean Sea. The Georgia joins two carrier strike groups, the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Pentagon announced Aug. 26 that the Roosevelts time in the Middle East would be extended. The carrier strike group left from San Diego in January for a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft carrier and its strike group were redirected in late June to the Middle East to relieve the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. On Tuesday, Ryder said there were no updates on when the Roosevelt might return from the deployment. Sailors on the amphibious assault ship USS America and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to man the rails during a port call at Busan, South Korea, on Sept. 5, 2024. (Cole Pursley/U.S. Navy) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan The amphibious assault ship USS America stopped in South Korea last week, its first-ever visit to the country in the ships nearly 10-year history, according to the Navy. The ship made a port call in Busan, a coastal city about 200 miles southeast of Seoul, between Sept. 5 and Saturday, according to Task Force 76 spokesman Lt. Cmdr. John Mike. The America was in the region for the Ssangyong 2024 exercise alongside its sister ship, USS Boxer, and South Korean amphibious assault ships ROKS Dokdo and ROKS Marado, he told Stars and Stripes by email Monday. The USS Boxer and USS America Amphibious Ready Groups have been providing U.S. 7th Fleet with combat credible forces to preserve peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, Mike wrote. Their participation in Ssang Yong 24 demonstrated our commitment to the [U.S.-South Korea] Alliance and bolstering security on the peninsula and preserving regional stability. He did not elaborate on additional ships that participated in Ssangyong. The America and the Boxer, which resemble smaller versions of aircraft carriers, can carry fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II multirole jets as part of embarked Marine expeditionary units. The two amphibious assault ships are acting as placeholders for larger carriers currently absent from the Indo-Pacific. The aircraft carrier USS George Washington, now operating from Naval Base San Diego, is expected this year to arrive at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, as lead ship of a 7th Fleet carrier strike group, replacing the USS Ronald Reagan. Another amphibious assault ship, the USS Iwo Jima, returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., last week due to a major mechanical failure, one of three like incidents, so far, this year, Military.com reported Friday. The USS Wasp, another amphibious assault ship, returned to Norfolk in March with a damaged propeller shaft, according to the report. The Boxer experienced a similar incident in April, when it returned to San Diego with a damaged rudder. The Wasp, Iwo Jima and Boxer are all Wasp-class ships; the America, homeported at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, is first of its class. Around 9,500 Marines and sailors and 3,500 of their South Korean counterparts participated in the Ssangyong exercise, which primarily took place in Pohang, about 150 miles south of Seoul. This years iteration included the first-ever deployment of a combined U.S.-South Korean battle staff, which oversaw amphibious operations from the Marado, Mike said. The staff assessed command-and-control capabilities and developed lessons learned for future operations, he added. The importance of Ssang Yong is represented in its name, Mike wrote. It means twin dragons and signifies [U.S.-South Korean] combat readiness and interoperability through bilateral training. The U.S. military uses the term interoperability to describe the ability the ability of one countrys armed forces to use anothers training methods, strategies and equipment. Additional firsts included the inaugural use of the Marine Corps recently introduced amphibious combat vehicle on the Korean Peninsula and bringing two Marine Expeditionary units to bear, rather than one. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 14:41 | All, Japan A former accountant of a faction in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for five years, on Tuesday for underreporting income from fundraising parties. The Tokyo District Court handed down the sentence to Hitoshi Nagai, 70, who was in charge of accounting for the intraparty group previously led by former LDP Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai. Nagai admitted to the charge at his first hearing in June. Nagai's defense sought a suspended sentence, asserting he did not act out of self-interest. He underreported around 380 million yen ($2.7 million) in the group's income and expenditure reports over five years through 2022, according to the indictment. The LDP, which has been in power for most of the period since 1955, has come under scrutiny after some of its factions, such as Nikai's one, neglected to report portions of their income from fundraising parties and accumulated slush funds for years. Earlier this year, prosecutors indicted 11 individuals, including accountants and lawmakers, on suspicion of failing to report political funds. Related coverage: Unification Church hit with fresh fines for impeding government inquiry LDP lawmaker's office searched over alleged salary fraud Only 8% of religious group followers' children back government remedy steps North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes marksmanship training, March 6, 2024, in this image from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the strengthening of his countrys nuclear force due to perceived threats by the United States and South Korea, state media reported Monday. Kim made the comments Monday during a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, the Korean Central News Agency reported. The communist regime was founded under the rule of Kims grandfather Kim Il Sung on Sept. 9, 1948. The KCNA report described Pyongyang as a responsible nuclear weapons state and said the country is constantly exposed to a serious nuclear threat. North Korea has no choice but to increase the number of nuclear weapons due to hostilities from the U.S. and South Korea, according to KCNA. Washington and Seoul concluded two large-scale military exercises earlier this month: the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, the second of a biannual joint exercise, on Aug. 29, and the 12-day Ssangyong maritime exercise Saturday. Thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops simulated air interdiction, amphibious landings, artillery and cyber-defense drills throughout South Korea during the exercises. North Korea says these drills are a rehearsal of an invasion of its country; the U.S. and South Korean militaries say they are acting defensively in response to potential threats from the North. The hostile forces can never evade the heavy responsibility for escalating tension and will have to pay a dear price, the North Korean Ministry of Defense said through KCNA on Thursday. Kim has vowed to continue developing conventional and nuclear weapons. On Sept. 27, 2023, he amended the countrys constitution to ensure it boosts nuclear weapons production and to make the mandate the basic law of the state, according to a KCNA report the same day. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006. It last detonated what it claimed was a hydrogen device on Sept. 3, 2017. The regime is estimated to have created 50 nuclear warheads and produced enough fissile material for up to 90 warheads, according to a Stockholder International Peace Research Institute report published June. North Korea has claimed it could deliver its nuclear weapons with more advanced delivery systems, such as intermediate-range and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. So far this year North Korea has launched nearly 40 ballistic missiles in eight separate days of testing, according to the Souths Ministry of National Defense. Pyongyang last fired two ballistic missiles, one of them a short-range variant, off its eastern coast on July 1. The second, unidentified missile flew about 75 miles eastward in an abnormal flight trajectory before the South Korean military lost track of it, the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the time. American students Layla Springs, 16, left, and Rosa Thompson, 15, middle left, work with Japanese students Cocomi Trinity Gibson, 16, middle right, and Yuina Nishiba, right, during the Student Educational Exchange and Dialogue at Matthew C. Perry High School, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan American and Japanese middle and high school students gathered here for a weekend of cultural exchanges and entrepreneurial role-playing. The first Student Educational Exchange and Dialogue program of the school year opened Saturday at Matthew C. Perry High School, a part of the Department of Defense Education Activity. It was the third time in the exchange program for Xochitl Seubert, 16, a junior at M.C. Perry. We always had to do a presentation, and we brought our ideas and creativity, Seubert told Stars and Stripes on Sunday. And I like creating stuff and making art. Seubert said she wished the program was a little longer, the better to forge stronger friendships. I would need to have more time with them because two days is not enough time, she said. Teacher Brandy Navarro, who helped plan and coordinate the event, said she shared the same hope. If I could change anything as far as this event goes, would just be somehow to make it be a little bit longer, where the kids get more kid interaction time, nonadult led, just fun where they get to be kids, Navarro told Stars and Stripes on Sunday. American and Japanese students make their presentation before Col. Richard Rusnok and Iwakuni city Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda during the Student Educational Exchange and Dialogue at Matthew C. Perry High School, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) American and Japanese students work together on a poster for a the local-culture product during the Student Educational Exchange and Dialogue at Matthew C. Perry High School, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) Japanese students Naji Takemoto, 15, left, Wakana Terasaki, 15, middle, and Mitsuki Kawamoto, 13, right, design a poster during the Student Educational Exchange and Dialogue at Matthew C. Perry High School, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) Each day of the camp, 30 middle and high school students took part in hands-on activities designed to foster diverse perspectives, promote mutual understanding and bridge language barriers. The activities are really fun, Seubert said. There was this games that we did, charades. The students worked together Sunday in five groups to develop a product based on the local economy and culture and present it to everyone, with MCAS Iwakuni commander Col. Richard Rusnok and Iwakuni city Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda scoring the presentations. One group pitched an idea for a magnet and bottle opener in the shape of the iconic Iwakuni castle. Each group prepared a poster as part of their presentation. Fukuda at the closing ceremony told the students that he found some of their specific recommendations quite insightful. Rusnok told the students to think of on-base and off-base as one community and encouraged them to stay in touch to connect as American and Japanese citizens. Working in diverse teams to achieve a common goal will also be an important life skill as you continue your academic pursuits and move into your future professions, Rusnok said at the closing ceremony. Other Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Japan are still coordinating with Japanese schools before announcing dates for the program, Sunao Takao, deputy director of Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Stars and Stripes at the event on Sunday. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki traveled to the U.S. for his fourth time to voice Okinawan concerns to U.S. lawmakers. Charges of sexual assault against U.S. service members was one of the topics discussed during a Defense Writers Group event in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Caitlyn Burchett/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki is taking aim at the U.S. military for failing to notify his government of sexual assault cases involving service members as he lobbies lawmakers to curb misconduct among troops stationed in his prefecture. As good neighbors in the same region, we need to know what is going on in the military side. At the same time, we as our prefectural government, need to assure our citizens that we are actually protecting their lives and safety, Tamaki said Tuesday at a Defense Writers Group discussion with reporters. In recent months, two service members have been indicted on sexual assault or attempted sexual assault charges. Japanese prosecutors withheld information about the charges from the public and prefectural government until June, weeks after the troops were charged. The biggest issue that we need to face here is the fact that we werent [notified] of this. The information sharing system did not function at all, Tamaki said. Specifically, he said, the prefecture wants to know how the U.S. military confirms such cases, how accused troops are disciplined, and the contents and the frequency of sexual assault training U.S. troops receive. The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, led by Tamaki, approved a petition in mid-July calling for changes to the U.S.-Japan status of forces agreement, the legal relationship between the U.S. military and the Okinawa population. According to Tamaki, the agreement excludes prefecture governments from receiving information about crimes involving U.S. service members on the island and gives prefectures no say in how such cases are handled. A third case came to light last week. A 20-year-old U.S. Marine is suspected of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman in Okinawa in June, according to Okinawa Prefectural Police. The Marine is not in Japanese custody but is confined to military installations in Japan, a spokesman for the III Marine Expeditionary Force wrote last week in an email. The Japanese government, the U.S. government and the U.S. military each have differing judicial systems, Tamaki said. The judicial systems should work hand in hand to punish these suspects. This should be a fair judicial system, he said. Tamaki declined to say whether the prefecture was notified of the third case in a more timely manner. The case, he said, had not been made public to the Okinawa community at the request of the victim. In July, U.S. Forces Japan outlined steps the U.S. military would take to combat misconduct, including increased police patrols and sobriety checks and reviewing liberty policies. Recently, there have been allegations of misconduct that stand in opposition to who we are, what we stand for, and our commitments to the U.S.-Japan alliance. These incidents overshadow the friendship and professionalism we exhibit daily and do not reflect the intentions or actions of the preponderance of U.S. service members who serve honorably in this country, read a prepared statement from Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan. U.S. Forces Japan is also working with the Japan and Okinawa governments to hold forums in which leaders and community members can voice concerns. The prefecture believes such steps will be effective at preventing further misconduct by U.S. troops, Tamaki said. But transparency is important that they share what is going on with us, he said. Tamakis visit marked his fourth to Washington to voice Okinawan concerns to U.S. lawmakers. This is something that is very inhuman and is trampling the dignity of a person. Such inhumane and despicable crimes and heinous crimes that have happened are giving a high concern and anxiety to the people of Okinawa, he said. An alley leading to Zushi Beach near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, is pictured on July 9, 2022. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA, Japan Japanese prosecutors this week asked for a 2-year prison term for a U.S. sailor who admitted running drunkenly into a group of Japanese pedestrians, seriously injuring four, at a beach in 2022. Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Krieger, a logistics specialist aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius, pleaded for leniency Monday from a three-judge panel during a hearing at the Yokosuka Branch of Yokohama District Court. At his next hearing, scheduled for Sept. 26, Krieger may be adjudicated and sentenced at the same time, unlike most U.S. courts, which treat conviction and sentencing separately. Prosecutors argue that Krieger remains a threat to others. Krieger, assigned to Yokosuka Naval Base, the homeport of the U.S. 7th Fleet about 37 miles south of Tokyo, admitted charging into five people and knocking them down at Zushi Beach on July 9, 2022. Krieger has pleaded not guilty, explaining that he could not be held responsible for his actions because he suffers from a pre-existing brain injury and was severely intoxicated at the time. All five people were injured, the most severely a man, 33 at the time, with multiple sprained vertebrae and a woman, 58 at the time, with a broken upper jaw, broken nasal bone and other facial injuries. Police recommended charging Krieger with five counts of bodily injury, but prosecutors ultimately indicted him on four counts. Prosecutors, not police, determine criminal charges in the Japanese justice system. Krieger and his attorneys have not denied the basic facts of the case, but in his defense argue that he was impaired. Due to acute alcohol intoxication accompanied by delirium, he was in a severely altered state of consciousness with significant cognitive impairment and impaired judgement; he was in a state of pathological intoxication in which he was unable to properly understand the meaning and impact of his own actions, Kriegers defense attorney Takashi Takano said in his closing statement Monday. Krieger, addressing the court, said his brain injury and pelvic floor dysfunction led him to a path of extreme alcohol consumption. Doctors have never found the source or offered him relief, he said. That led me to adopt a self-destructive mentality, he told the judges. Prosecutors dismissed Kriegers defense, instead insisting that his was a selfish crime, which took out an anger on the innocent victims. They proposed a prison term with hard labor. The prosecutor argued that Kriegers claim of delirium and lack of memory that night contradicts the evidence. The defendant was not found to have exhibited any abnormal behavior that would suggest he was strongly influenced by any mental illness immediately before, during and after the crimes, the prosecutor said in court. Krieger has shown no remorse, is attempting to avoid criminal responsibility and is likely to commit another crime, the prosecutor added. He said Krieger has yet to agree with the injured parties on compensation. Krieger in court said he could not pay the 22 million yen about $153,000 they had asked for in a separate on-going civil lawsuit. The injured also addressed the court, two in person, and written statements from all four. One woman, now about 60, sobbed as she spoke. Over two years have passed, but there hasnt been any apology or remorse [from Krieger] and when I think that I could have died at the time, the fear I felt then comes back to me, she said. She said she believed the incident was an indiscriminate, random attack and that Krieger could repeat his actions if he drinks again. A man, now 35, said he was still afraid of walking alone day and night and that it makes me tremble even when someone running approaches me from behind. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference in London on Sept. 10, 2024. (Alberto Pezzali, Pool photo via Getty Images/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the U.S. would hold talks on Ukraines use of Western long-range weapons against Russia, after confirming Moscow had received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran. Were going to look and to listen to Ukraines request to lift restrictions on its use of long-range missiles, Blinken said Tuesday at a press conference with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London, signaling the U.S. is open to altering its position. The two diplomats will travel to Kyiv on Wednesday, before U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday, when Blinken said the missile issue will also be discussed. The U.S. currently opposes Ukraine using the weapons inside Russian territory, previously citing concerns about possible Russian escalation in response. Blinken said Iran had transferred a shipment of its Fath-360 missiles to Russia, defying months of warnings from the U.S. and its allies not to do so. The transfer represents a deepening involvement by Tehran in Russias war in Ukraine. The governments of France, Germany and the U.K. issued a joint statement condemning Irans move as a direct threat to European security. Moscow would likely use the missiles on Ukrainian territory within weeks, Blinken said, confirming a Bloomberg report last week that the transfer of the weapons had taken place. The U.S. and its allies would be announcing measures against Tehran imminently, Blinken said, including on its flag carrier Iran Air. The state-owned airline flies to 17 international destinations including Frankfurt, London and Rome in Europe, as well as Istanbul and Dubai closer to home, according to its website, with a fleet of 17 aircraft including Airbus, Boeing and ATR models. Its already sanctioned by the U.S. Ukraines foreign minister summoned the Iranian charge daffaires on Monday over reports of the weapons transfer to Russia, which Iran has denied. Irans ballistic missiles would give the Kremlin extra flexibility in its ability to attack Ukraine, Blinken said, warning the war had entered a critical moment. He also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of weaponizing energy and electricity ahead of an intense fall fighting season. The trip to Kyiv will be Blinkens fifth since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The joint visit with Lammy comes after Ukraines invasion of Russias Kursk region, which has left allies and partners both impressed and worried about the long-term tactical and strategic implications. The U.K. has previously indicated it is open to Ukraine striking military targets inside Russia with Britains Storm Shadow missiles. However, Lammy would not be drawn on his position at Tuesdays press conference, insisting it wasnt the right forum to have that discussion. The Biden administration has so far vetoed the use of its long-range ATACMS missiles in Russia. Separately, Blinken also called on Israel to turn down the temperature in its war against Hamas in Gaza. He said it was in everyones interests for a cease-fire there to be agreed. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon in February 2022. (Lisa Ferdinando/Department of Defense) Sen. Tommy Tuberville has blocked the promotion of an Army general who is a senior aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, people familiar with the matter said, threatening a confrontation between the Republican firebrand and the Pentagon just weeks before the presidential election, while reviving a months-old furor over the military chiefs medical secrecy. Tuberville (Ala.) has frozen the nomination of Lt. Gen. Ronald P. Clark to become the four-star commander of all U.S. Army forces in the Pacific, according to the senators spokeswoman, Mallory Jaspers, and two other officials familiar with the emerging standoff. The maneuver, which has not been previously reported, restricts Clarks nomination from coming up for a vote in the Senate and could mark the beginning of the end of his 36-year military career. Clark, 58, was serving in his role as Austins senior military assistant when the defense secretary underwent surgery on Dec. 22 to treat prostate cancer and a week later was admitted to intensive care in crisis, having developed severe complications from the procedure. Austin, who turned 71 in August, spent about two weeks in the hospital and eventually was diagnosed with infections in his urinary tract and bladder. The incident caused an uproar in Washington after it emerged that Clark and other senior members of Austins staff did not know about his cancer diagnosis and surgery until he was in intensive care on Jan. 2, and then withheld that information from President Joe Biden and senior White House officials for two more days once they were made aware. Eventually, the Pentagon disclosed Austins hospitalization to Congress and the American public on Jan. 5, three days after his top aides learned about it. The secrecy angered lawmakers from both political parties, who said the defense secretarys decision showed a stunning lack of judgment. Jaspers, in a statement, linked the hold on Clarks promotion directly to the political imbroglio over Austins health crisis. Sen. Tuberville has concerns about Lt. Gen. Clarks actions during Secretary Austins hospitalization, Jaspers told The Washington Post in a statement. Lt. Gen. Clark knew that Sec. Austin was incapacitated and did not tell the Commander in Chief. As a senior commissioned officer, Lt. Gen. Clarks oath requires him to notify POTUS when the chain of command is compromised. Jaspers added that Tuberville is awaiting the results of a forthcoming Defense Department inspector general review of the incident, potentially leaving an off-ramp in the dispute. Sen. Tommy Tuberville speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in 2023. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Another Senate aide familiar with the issue said that if Tuberville had not placed a hold on Clarks nomination, another Republican may have done so. Some Democrats also have concerns about how Austins hospitalization was handled, the aide added, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the issue remains sensitive. Pentagon spokesman James Adams said in a statement that Clark has served in several positions of leadership in recent military conflicts and previously led troops in the Pacific. The job for which he has been nominated would place him at the forefront of the Pentagons efforts to contain China and defend Taiwan. Lt. Gen. Clark is highly qualified and was nominated for this critical position because of his experience and strategic expertise, the statement said. We urge the Senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees. These holds undermine our military readiness. The situation has echoes of an extended hold that Tuberville placed on hundreds of military promotions last year in a dispute over the Pentagons travel-reimbursement policy for personnel who seek an abortion outside the state where they are stationed. Tubervilles showdown with the Defense Department then gummed up the military personnel system for months. Eventually, his Republican colleagues decried the gambit as damaging and he backed down. In the case of Austins hospitalization, Pentagon officials have said that at no point was command and control of the U.S. military in doubt. Yet they have struggled to explain why they waited days to notify the White House. Austins chief of staff at the time, Kelly Magsamen, was sick with the flu, defense officials said, but other senior aides including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles CQ Brown Jr. also knew about Austins condition and did not communicate it. Magsamen resigned from her role in June. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters then that Magsamen has earned some well-deserved time off and that her departure had nothing to do with forthcoming findings by the inspector general. Austin apologized to the nation during a news conference on Feb. 1, saying the cancer diagnosis was a gut punch that he did not handle well. I want to be crystal clear: We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right, Austin told reporters then. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility. The matter has been under review by Robert Storch, the Defense Department inspector general, since January, with the independent watchdog promising then to examine the roles, processes, procedures, and actions surrounding Austins surgery and subsequent hospitalization. Mollie Halpern, a spokeswoman for Storch, said in an email Monday that she was unable to disclose when the review may be completed. The inspector generals office, she said, does not provide timelines about ongoing work to protect the integrity of the investigative process. Another Pentagon review commissioned by Magsamen found in February that there was no attempt to obfuscate Austins cancer diagnosis and that Austins aides felt constrained by medical privacy laws. That review, conducted by career civil servants, was dismissed by Republicans as an incomplete examination of the facts by Austins subordinates. Commentary: China-Africa cooperation inspires friendship across mountains and sea 08:07, September 10, 2024 By Lu Jiafei, Ye Shuhong ( Xinhua The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) opens in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) China's victory in poverty reduction resonates particularly in Africa, where many nations view China's efforts as a source of inspiration in their own quests to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- During his recent talks with Comorian President Azali Assoumani here in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up a Chinese TV series that has resonated deeply in both China and Africa. Known internationally as Minning Town, the series carries the more poetic Chinese title, Shan Hai Qing, which means "Friendship Across the Mountains and the Sea." This title reflects the spirit of cooperation between China's coastal and mountainous regions in their shared battle against poverty. Set in the 1990s, the TV series is based on real-life events in Xihaigu, a remote and impoverished area in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The series depicts the relocation of villagers from the barren mountains to a more hospitable area called Minning, located near the Yellow River, with assistance from east China's Fujian, a wealthier coastal province in eastern China. It is an epic example of China's arduous journey against extreme poverty, and such experiences have significantly shaped its development model and worldview. Chinese instructor Jiang Liping (R) and apprentice Horace Owiti walk past a train carriage on the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway with a printed slogan reading "connecting nations, prospering people" in Nairobi, Kenya, May 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) Having successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty, China has acquired firsthand knowledge of the transformative impact of poverty alleviation on a country's development and long-term stability. This experience has also strengthened China's belief that eradicating poverty is not only a domestic priority but also a global imperative. The show's popularity in Africa highlights the growing cultural exchange and deepening development ties between China and African nations. It is also emblematic of China's experience in poverty alleviation. China's victory in poverty reduction resonates particularly in Africa, where many nations view China's efforts as a source of inspiration in their own quests to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. One example of China's commitment to helping African countries tackle poverty is the transfer of Juncao technology, often referred to as the Chinese hybrid grass technology. Originally developed in China, this innovative technology uses a type of hybrid grass to cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms, while also serving as animal feed and a natural method for controlling soil erosion. Media (R) from Rwanda learns about Juncao from a Chinese student in the national engineering research center of Juncao technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) In the TV series based on true stories, Juncao technology helps the resettled farmers of Minning Town develop the mushroom industry and get rid of poverty. Juncao technology has been introduced to various African countries, where arable land is limited and food insecurity is prevalent. China's commitment to helping African countries address the thorny issue of poverty extends beyond technology sharing. Through targeted investments, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, China is helping African nations develop the infrastructure, industries, and human resources needed to break the cycle of poverty. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is one of the key channels through which this support flows. By building critical infrastructure such as railways, highways, and energy projects, China is not only improving connectivity across Africa but also creating opportunities for economic growth and employment, helping African countries integrate into global supply chains. China's anti-poverty efforts in Africa are also manifested in education and healthcare initiatives. By investing in schools, vocational training centers, and healthcare facilities, China is working with African nations to build the foundation for long-term human capital development. This focus on education and health not only improves the well-being of the locals but also equips individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to escape poverty. Trainees practice rebar tying operations under a Chinese engineer's instructions in Kampala, Uganda, on April 27, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Thursday, Xi said that China stands ready to work with Africa to implement 10 partnership action plans in the next three years to jointly advance modernization. These measures are specifically designed to help Africa combat poverty and foster development by focusing on areas such as trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, and agricultural advancement. The plans will also emphasize improving livelihoods, enhancing connectivity, promoting green development, and strengthening health systems, all aimed at lifting communities out of poverty and driving modernization across the continent. As China and Africa move forward together, this enduring friendship stands as a testament to their shared vision: a future where the mountains of poverty are leveled, and the seas of opportunity are navigated hand in hand, leading to a horizon of shared growth and development. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 12:56 | All, Japan, World Japan will nominate its former top currency diplomat Masato Kanda to be the next president of the Asian Development Bank, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Tuesday. Japan has dominated the chief post of the ADB since the Manila-based multilateral lender was established in 1966. The focus will be on whether China, which has been increasing its economic clout in the region, will enter a candidate in the leadership race. If elected by member countries, Kanda, 59, will succeed Masatsugu Asakawa, another former senior official of Japan's Finance Ministry. The ADB has said that Asakawa will step down on Feb. 23. He took up the presidency in January 2020 and was reelected in August 2021. At a news conference, Suzuki said Kanda is "well-versed in Asian matters and has built close ties with officials of various nations and executives of international institutions." As vice finance minister for international affairs, Kanda was behind massive market interventions by Japan earlier this year aimed at stemming the yen's sharp decline against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies. He left the post in July after serving for three years. Kanda is currently a special adviser to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Related coverage: Japan to nominate ex-top finance diplomat Kanda as next ADB chief Japan finance chief sees need for stable forex moves amid weak yen Another suspected market intervention likely cost Japan 3 trillion yen Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., left, and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., listen to speakers during a House Committee on Veterans Affairs meeting on voter registration at VA facilities on Sept. 10, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON House GOP lawmakers pushed through a subpoena Tuesday to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify its third-party partners conducting voter registration at some VA hospitals and clinics in battleground states before the presidential election. The House Veterans Affairs Committee voted 12-7 along party lines to subpoena the VA for information about the third-party organizations establishing voter registration services at some VA medical facilities in Michigan with a similar outreach planned by the VA in several other states. Michigan is one of seven battleground states in the 2024 presidential campaign in which voting is projected to be very close and could decide who wins the election. Michigan of course is a crucial swing state in the election, said Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the committee, who proposed the subpoena at the start of a three-hour hearing that was to examine an estimated $15 billion shortfall at the VA through 2025. Citing a three-year-old executive order to promote voter access, the VA has partnered with third-party organizations recently to set up voter registration services at a limited number of pre-approved VA health facilities, he said. The VA in Michigan has been registering voters at facilities in Saginaw and Detroit that provide care to veterans from counties that historically have shown they can go red or blue in the November election, Bost said. I welcome a fact-based explanation for why VA is implementing this executive order in this manner. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., speaks during a House Committee on Veterans Affairs meeting on voter registration at VA facilities on Sept. 10, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes) In addition to Michigan, the VA is considering launching similar voter registration services at VA facilities in other swing states Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Those states also are considered up for grabs in November, with the winner of the 2020 presidential election in each one decided by a margin of 3% or less. The VA also might open voter registration services at VA facilities in Kentucky, which historically votes for the Republican candidate in presidential elections, and in Hawaii, which favors Democrats. I did not expect this committee would be meeting about elections and voter registration, Bost said. For the VAs entire existence, it has never operated as a voter registration agency. He said he was proposing the subpoena after the VA did not fully respond to his request for communications and documents related to the opening of voter registration services at VA facilities. Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the committee traded accusations Tuesday about the other partys agenda. Rep. Mark Takano of California, the top Democrat on the committee, described Bosts proposal for a subpoena as weird and confusing. I hope the veterans watching this hearing see this for what it is an anti-democratic and purely political effort to stoke conspiracy theories and suppress efforts to help veterans and their caregivers vote, he said. Takano said the policy for expanding access to voter registration was in place under the administrations of former presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. The National Voter Registration Act allows states to designate agencies as voter registration sites, he said. This subpoena is a gross and obvious effort to stifle voter registration, Takano said. But Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, said states not the federal government have authority over the voter registration process. The last time I checked, states have the authority to conduct elections, not the federal government. If, in fact, you want the federal government to participate in the election process, then pass a law, not an executive order, she said. At his first House VA committee hearing, Rep. Timothy Kennedy, D-N.Y., tried to turn down the partisan bickering. He was appointed to the committee in July. Kennedy said both sides can agree that they want to see greater access to voting for veterans. Rep. Tim Kennedy, D-N.Y., speaks during a House Committee on Veterans Affairs meeting on voter registration at VA facilities on Sept. 10, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes) This wasnt one state that was uniquely chosen, he said. The Michigan VA took it upon themselves to pilot a program in two different areas of the state. Kennedy proposed to table the subpoena for a later date, but the suggestion was not accepted by the full committee. Voting against the subpoena were seven Democrats: Reps. Takano, Kennedy, Mike Levin of California, Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky, Delia Ramirez and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois and Greg Landsman of Ohio. Voting for the subpoena were: Reps. Bost, Miller-Meeks, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Matt Rosendale of Montana, Morgan Luttrell of Texas, Greg Murphy of North Carolina, Scott Franklin of Florida, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, Keith Self of Texas and Jen Kiggans of Virginia. Dont get me wrong. Registering eligible voters, including veterans participating in the election process, is a good thing. But this is about politicians directing federal resources to a specific part of the country for their own benefit, Bost said. By Satoshi Takeuchi, KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 10:06 | Feature, All, Japan Offshore wind power generation, which involves building giant wind turbines in the ocean, could play a key role in helping Japan attain carbon neutrality. But despite its appeal for an archipelago nation, making the technology profitable for energy companies depends to a large degree on one essential factor -- knowledge of the wind itself. "The only source of income is the wind," said Teruo Ohsawa, a professor at the Kobe University Graduate School of Maritime Sciences who works on predicting the complexities of ocean winds. "If the wind doesn't blow, there's nothing we can do." Ohsawa produces highly accurate maps displaying wind velocities and other information that he makes available on the internet to find suitable sites for installing wind turbines. The standard for profitability is an annual average wind speed of at least 7 meters per second. If the wind speed weakens by 10 percent, the energy from which electricity is generated is reduced by nearly 30 percent. Given the difficulties of taking actual measurements so far out to sea, simulations are crucial. Ohsawa studied torrential rains and typhoons as a student and joined the faculty of Gifu University in 2000. His supervisor at the laboratory introduced him to wind power generation. While studying abroad in Europe, he drove to the coast on his day off and was overwhelmed by the sight of wind turbines standing in close proximity. He became convinced of the potential of wind power generation in Japan. Although there was little interest in Japan at the time, the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident caused by the massive earthquake-tsunami disaster, increased the country's appetite for renewable energy sources. In 2015, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched a nationwide project to predict ocean winds and map them along with information on water depth and fishing rights, with Ohsawa playing a key role in determining predictive models. Information on winds a few dozen meters above sea level, where turbine blades are located, is essential for mapping. While estimation models exist for foreign countries, they are not directly translatable to Japan. This is because the complexity of winds in areas close to land intensifies due to the presence of mountains. Based on what he learned in Europe, Ohsawa looked for ways to minimize the margin of error between calculated and actual values through trial and error to optimize essential data for his simulations. Ultimately, the data on temperature, pressure, humidity and wind from the Japan Meteorological Agency were combined with sea surface temperature data developed by Kobe University, and calculated using a supercomputer over a six-month period. An offshore wind conditions map called "NeoWins" was completed in 2017 and made available on the internet. The map shows the ocean around Japan in various colors such as yellow, red and peach to indicate levels of wind velocity. Coastal areas are forecast to a degree of 500 meters in length and width. High accuracy was achieved with an error of just 5 percent in the annual average wind speed compared to actual measurements. In recent years, wind turbines have become larger and reach up to 250 meters in height. That makes it questionable whether the huge facilities are a savvy investment or can even be repaired, Ohsawa said. However, rapid global warming will cause floods, droughts, and food shortages, says Ohsawa, and "if we don't expand renewable energy, the earth may perish." Backed by the government, development of offshore wind power is progressing. "We want to make wind data freely available to everyone," said Ohsawa. Although wind turbines are becoming more of a reality in Japan, there is also no end to issues such as reducing their uncertainty and the development of remote observation technology. "I'll continue to think about what I can do from my launching point in meteorology," he said. Related coverage: Japan megabank to use solar panels on sheep farm to shave emissions Japan aligning with U.S., Europe over offshore wind amid China fears Tony Roe (29) was intercepted by gardai as he left a bookmakers shop, a court heard. Judge John Hughes jailed him for four months. A father of two caught dealing sleeping pills in Dublin city centre had been using them to endure the cold turkey of coming off heroin. Tony Roe (29) was intercepted by gardai as he left a bookmakers shop, a court heard. Judge John Hughes jailed him for four months. Roe, with an address at Moatview Court, Priorswood, Coolock, pleaded guilty to possession of alprazolam with intent to sell or supply. He also admitted a related count of simple possession of the drug. Dublin District Court heard gardai were on patrol at Talbot Street in the north city centre on October 11, 2022, when they saw the accused on a bicycle, engaging in suspected drugs transactions. He went into a bookmakers and when he came out, gardai intercepted him and found him in possession of more than 100 tablets and 111 in cash. Roe had 122 previous convictions. He had had a severe heroin addiction and at the time of the offence he was coming off that drug and using alprazolam to endure the cold turkey, his solicitor John Feaheny said. The judge made the sentence consecutive to a prison term Roe is already serving. He said the offence had been committed while Roe was on bail. Paul Kearns, 59, and Christopher Kearns, 30, allegedly subjected the victim to a random assault in south Belfast which left him with a bleed on the brain. A father and son are to stand trial accused of fracturing a mans skull in a hammer attack, a judge ordered today. Paul Kearns, 59, and Christopher Kearns, 30, allegedly subjected the victim to a random assault in south Belfast which left him with a bleed on the brain. The pair were arrested based on CCTV footage of the incident outside their home at Tates Avenue on July 25 last year. Both men have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in public. Christopher Kearns faces a further count of escaping from lawful custody following his initial detention. A previous court heard claims that the victim was trailed from a car parking area before having his head stamped on and struck off the ground. Both defendants were allegedly involved in attacking him with a hammer during an assault which lasted nearly 30 minutes, according to police. He was taken to hospital for treatment to head, face and leg injuries, spending a period of time unconscious and in a critical condition. The two accused, who remain in custody, appeared together remotely at Belfast Magistrates Court today for a preliminary enquiry hearing. They each confirmed that they understood the charges against them but declined to give any evidence or call witnesses at this stage. Defence lawyers did not dispute prosecution submissions that the father and son have prima facie cases to answer. Granting the Crowns application, District Judge Steven Keown confirmed: They will be returned to the Crown Court on a date to be fixed and in custody. Aaron Daly (37), who has been posting on social media from the Greek holiday island failed to make an appearance when his case was called before Limerick District Court on Friday Aaron Daly has moved to the island of Crete with his pet bulldog after being charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words Aaron Daly is facing charges for Public Order offences linked to alleged abusive words directed at canvassers for local election candidate Suzzie ODeniyi Aaron Daly has moved to the island of Crete with his pet bulldog Aaron Daly in Crete with his dog and (right) outside court A man charged over the alleged racist abuse of canvassers for local election candidate Suzzie ODeniyi has gone on the run with his dog in Greece, vowing: Im not coming back. Aaron Daly (37), of no fixed abode but who has been posting on social media from the Greek holiday island of Crete, failed to make an appearance when his case was called by Judge Patricia Harney before Limerick District Court on Friday. A bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest. When contacted by the Sunday World later on Friday and asked whether he is going to return home to face the two charges of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words, Daly told us: I wont be returning home. Complaining about the investigation into the offences with which he had been charged, Daly said: I didnt think asking someone will they look after blacks or whites would (be) racist. Funny how racism against me and the natives is okay. All ye in the media only push one narrative and refused to take my side of this at the time, showing your bias and calling your integrity into question. Candidate Suzzie ODeniyi Following further complaints about the case against him, Daly alleged he had been made homeless to house iPas (International Protection Applicants) people. I asked why us hard-working Irishmen are being made homeless, but youre only here to push the Government agenda. So, I have fled due to political persecution and have a house and a life here one thing I couldnt achieve back home. As recently as August 19, Daly posted a picture on Facebook showing him relaxing with a drink in Crete, wearing a T-shirt from local bar Shenanigans. And writing on the same platform, he appeared to signal the move was long-term, saying hed had his bulldog shipped over there to join him. Daly, who had a previous court listed address at Blackthorn Drive, Caherdavin, Limerick, was granted bail on strict conditions last May after he appeared before the same court charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. Man (40) allegedly stabbed woman in head and neck with steak knife in frenzied attack Psycho killer who murdered taxi driver in sectarian attack banned from using taxis Galway man accused of causing serious distress to two women to face trial Judge Harney said that those conditions included that Daly have no contact whatsoever, including via social media, with Fianna Fail local election candidate in City North, Suzzie ODeniyi, as well as members of her campaign team. The judge added that as part of his bail terms, Mr Daly must not use any derogatory, insulting, abusive, or racist language to any person. Daly also was ordered to stay out of the City Hall/Merchants Quay area of Limerick City; obey a nightly curfew; sign on at Henry Street Garda Station every Friday; be available to Gardai on a 24/7 basis via a fully charged and in-credit mobile phone number; and he must notify Gardai of any change in his address. Judge Harney told Mr Daly that if he failed to answer the phone to gardai, it would be seen by the court as a breach of his bail terms and he would be remanded into custody. On that occasion, Mr Dalys solicitor, Andrew DArcy, of Andrew DArcy & Co Solicitors, said that the accused has a history of working, is not currently working, but he intends on returning to work. Mr DArcy was granted an application to receive full disclosure of evidence from the State. Garda Eoin Kelly, Community Policing Unit, Mayorstone Garda Station, gave evidence of arresting and charging Mr Daly at the Garda station on May 19. Aaron Daly has moved to the island of Crete with his pet bulldog Gda Kelly told the court that Mr Daly made no reply to the two charges. Prosecuting Sergeant, Aishling ONeill, of Roxboro Road Garda Station, said that further charges may be brought against Mr Daly as part of the prosecution. Judge Patricia Harney remanded Mr Daly on bail to appear before Limerick District Court, for a plea or a date for hearing, on September 6. When the case was called on Friday, solicitor Mr DArcy informed the court that he hadnt seen his client. Asked what the States application was, Sgt Denis Waters said he would be applying for a bench warrant. Mr DArcy responded that he could not resist the application. Sgt Waters added that the directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were for the case to be listed for summary disposal meaning it will be dealt with at District Court level. The matter was then adjourned. Healthcare professional Suzzie ODeniyi ran on the Fianna Fail ticket to contest the local elections in the Limerick City North area. She was hoping to make history as the first black woman to be elected to Limericks Metropolitan and Municipal Districts. Aaron Daly has moved to the island of Crete with his pet bulldog after being charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words Aaron Daly has moved to the island of Crete with his pet bulldog after being charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words On May 12, a team of 20 supporters of Ms ODeniyi were canvassing in the Caherdavin area of the city, when four members of the team were accosted by a man who verbally abused them. The man, who filmed the scene, shouted aggressively at Ms ODeniyis colleagues. She herself was canvassing on a nearby street at the time that the incident took place. One of the canvassers attempted to ask the man to stop recording but he continued to do so. The video was later posted to social media the following Wednesday evening and subsequently went viral. Ms ODeniyi was not elected to the council at the local elections. The accused, who is in custody, entered the guilty pleas that arose out of incidents inside two restaurants A man in his 20s pleaded guilty at a sitting of Mullingar District Court this afternoon to a series of sexual assaults on young girls earlier this year. A man in his 20s has pleaded guilty to burglary and sexually assaulting three young girls after following them into various restaurants and shops earlier this year. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at a sitting of Mullingar District this afternoon on Thursday. The accused, who is in custody, entered the guilty pleas that arose out of incidents inside two public eateries on March 6 and 23 respectively. A further guilty plea was entered in connection to a third incident at a discount store on May 19. Detective Garda James Grogan, in giving evidence, said the first allegation of sexual assault made against the accused occurred when his 18-year-old victim entered a restaurant. He said the young woman had noticed the accused looking at her moments before she entered to order food. Det Garda Grogan said within seconds of stepping foot inside, the accused approached her from behind before grabbing her bottom and fleeing on foot. The second episode, the court heard, took place at around 4pm. Like the earlier incident, the second victim who was aged 15, spotted the accused prior to entering a restaurant. Judge Bernadette Owens was told how the young girl had been running her eye over a menu on the wall with a friend when the accused poked his head between the pair. Det Garda Grogan said as the two girls stepped backwards, a man fitting the de The incident caused the young woman to push the man away seconds before he ran out the door. Det Garda Grogan likewise gave evidence of a strange burglary which had been reported to gardai at a retail premises on May 19. He said a young girl had been working on what was a very quiet Sunday afternoon when a man entered the shop after briefly being seen looking through its window. The court was told that once inside, the male suspect approached the female employee to ask for food or money. Having left empty-handed, the man returned around 15 minutes later and made his way behind the shops counter where he repeated his earlier demand, this time in a relatively threatening manner. Det Garda Grogan said the man ran from the store moments later when other customers entered, stealing a chocolate bar in the process. The court heard that when Det Garda Grogan arrived at the scene and began examining CCTV footage, the accused was arrested after inexplicably turning up outside the shop in question. Det Garda Grogan said it was during the transfer of the accused to a local garda station, gardai were called to a suspected sexual assault at a discount store. Judge Owens was told the incident took place on the same afternoon as the burglary with Det Garda Grogan telling the court there was no doubt from the description given by the victim and manager of the store that the same man was responsible for both. That incident, it was revealed, took place when the young female observed a male staring at her across the street shortly before entering the store. Once inside, the court was told the victim was followed by her male assailant who within a matter of seconds touched the young girl on the bottom. Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction, meaning the case could be disposed of in the District Court. This, she said, was based on two main overriding factors, namely to determine the pattern of offences outlined and whether there was any evidence that suggested an escalation in the nature of the offending. Judge Owens remanded the accused in continuing custody to appear back via video link on October 3 for the purposes of sentencing. Tony Hynes (31) ended up getting knocked unconscious in the fight on a street in the north of the city, his defence said. A man arrested for brawling in Dublin city centre insisted he was ganged up on and the fight was two-on-one. Tony Hynes (31) ended up getting knocked unconscious in the fight on a street in the north of the city, his defence said. Judge John Hughes gave Hynes a six-month suspended sentence when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Hynes, of Botanic Avenue, Dublin 9, pleaded guilty to affray by using or threatening to use violence with others. The court heard gardai on duty at OConnell Street Lower on October 8 last year saw Hynes and another man fighting each other. A large crowd was present and the accused was seen punching the other man, who fell to the ground, where he continued to strike him. On the day, Hynes was approached by two other men and was not the party who instigated the affray in any way, his solicitor Brian Tunney said. He knew one of the men from having shared a hostel room with him. While he admitted his part in the incident, Hynes was ganged up on and it was very much two on one, Mr Tunney said. Hynes lost consciousness and was taken to hospital, the solicitor said, adding: I dont think the other parties suffered any significant injuries. Hynes accepted that he should have got himself out of it and not got involved. He had been in a deep hole of addiction and was battling his demons at the time. The accused had worked in logistics but he now wanted to take a course in addiction studies and help people, Mr Tunney said. The judge suspended the six-month sentence in its entirety for two years. Gardai launched a probe into Ms Muckells death after a post-mortem revealed she suffered head injuries from the assault. A man is due in court later today in connection with the alleged fatal assault of Limerick woman Louise Muckell in 2022. Ms Muckell, a former music teacher, was found with serious injuries at a home in Cois Deel, Rathkeale, Limerick, on 19 July 2022. The 54-year-old died at University Hospital Limerick the following day. Gardai launched a probe into Ms Muckells death after a post-mortem revealed she suffered head injuries from the assault. Gardai believe Ms Muckell visited a property on Windmill Street in Limerick City, located about 30km from her home, on the day she was found with serious injuries or in the days beforehand. They have also previously revealed that officers had been alerted to an incident at an address on Windmill Street earlier that day. A garda spokesman has now confirmed a man has been charged in connection with the investigation and will appear in court later this morning. A garda spokesman said: "Gardai investigating the fatal assault of a woman at a residence in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick on Tuesday, 19th July 2022 have arrested and charged a man, aged in his 50s. He is scheduled to appear before Limerick District Court at this morning's sitting, Tuesday 10th September 2024. Having fled the jurisdiction in 2019, 60-year-old Wojciech Armatys was re-arraigned at Downpatrick Crown Court Having fled the jurisdiction in 2019, 60-year-old Wojciech Armatys was re-arraigned at Downpatrick Crown Court and entered guilty pleas to seven charges including five of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two of inciting or causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity on dates unknown between 31 December 2010 and 8 April 2012. When window fitter Armatys, then with an address on Atlantic Avenue in Belfast first appeared in court in 2018 a police officer revealed he was arrested at Belfast International Airport as he was about to board a flight back to Poland. Our intelligence informed us he was about to board a flight, said the officer, outlining how the PSNI had alerted Armatys identity to the airports in November 2017. Despite police objections he was granted bail and he fled back to his native Poland but was extradited back to NI earlier this year. In court today, defence KC Gavan Duffy said he would be seeking an additional medical report in conjunction with a pre-sentence report from probation. Remanding the paedophile back into custody, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC said he also wanted to have Victim Impact Statements and that he would pass sentence on 12 November. He is accused of unlawful possession of a pipe bomb at Cardiffsbridge Avenue on April 30 but has not yet indicated a plea A Dublin man allegedly caught carrying a pipe bomb in Finglas, Dublin, in April, has yet to learn if he will be tried in the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Sammy Hutch, 48, of Cardiffsbridge Avenue, Finglas, was remanded in custody on May 2, when he had begged a court to put him into "protective custody". He is accused of unlawful possession of a pipe bomb at Cardiffsbridge Avenue on April 30 but has not yet indicated a plea. He appeared again at Cloverhill District Court today, which had learned eight weeks ago that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed trial on indictment with broader sentencing powers. However, the DPP had yet to complete the book of evidence, which must be served on an accused before granting a trial order. Furthermore, and "most importantly", Judge Alan Mitchell said he had yet to be informed on whether the case should be sent to the Special Criminal Court, or before a judge and jury in the Circuit Court. He adjourned it and remanded Mr Hutch, who appeared via video link, in continuing custody to appear again in two weeks. At his previous appearance in August, Mr Hutch described as "ridiculous" the lack of progress in his case. During an earlier hearing, Garda Mary Devins said that he "made no reply to charge", and the officer confirmed that she intended to object to bail due to the seriousness of the case. Garda Devins had said, "It is alleged that an improvised explosive device was found in the accused's possession in the early hours of April 30." The accused (55) had denied assaulting the child, insisting she only gently pulled her out of class and claiming the pupil enjoyed it. A primary school teacher who assaulted a pupil with autism after dragging her out of the classroom by the ankles has been fined 500 and ordered to pay 3,000 compensation. The distressed girl was crying, retreated to a sensory room and soiled herself after she was hauled by the teacher for time out. The accused (55) had denied assaulting the child, insisting she only gently pulled her out of class and claiming the pupil enjoyed it. She was found guilty at Dublin District Court last year and the case came back before Judge John Hughes for finalisation. The victims mother provided an impact statement and added that the length of time the case had taken had drained her family. The accused had been a teacher for more than 20 years with an unblemished record and was proud of her role, the defence lawyer said. She had no previous convictions. The court previously heard she was not accepting the facts of the case, but her lawyer said she was remorseful if any distress was caused. Judge Hughes said the victim had particular vulnerabilities and the teacher was in a position of trust. The assault happened at a school in north Dublin in November 2021. During the trial, a special needs assistant said the teacher was trying to get the girl to do some work, but she did not want to do it and was getting agitated. The accused got very annoyed and started shouting to get her out of this room, I want her out, she is going on time out, she said. The teacher grabbed the victim by the ankles and dragged her from the classroom into the hall. The principal said the school had a positive handling policy setting out that a child was not touched unless they were a danger to themselves or others. If they had to be removed, they were to be held by the wrist and elbow. Asked about a suggestion that the victim had been laughing, the principal said the girls cognitive disability meant she processed things slowly. The girls mother said that after the incident, her daughter appeared to be quite sad, dazed and had red drag marks on her back. She said her child had regressed after the assault. The teacher told the court the victim, who was very energetic, had attacked two other children and was making noise. She said she led the girl out by the hand but the victim then sat down near the door. The teacher said she bent over, hooked her trainers and very gently slid her along the ground out the door. She was laughing. I think she enjoyed it, the teacher had said. Victim Michael Farrelly (40) was struck by stolen car in July Michael Mikey Farrelly (40) was walking home when he was struck by a stolen car in Baldoyle, Dublin, in July A key member of the Lucky Dip car-theft gang has been arrested over a fatal hit-and-run in Dublin. Gardai have been investigating the death of Michael Mikey Farrelly (40), who was knocked down by a stolen car on July 17 this year. He was walking home along the Coast Road in Baldoyle, Dublin 13, when he was struck by the Hyundai Kona. The driver failed to remain at the scene. DNA and other key forensic evidence was later recovered from the vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby at Willie Nolan Road. Yesterday morning, investigators arrested an 18-year-old who is believed to be a central member of a car-theft gang causing havoc across Leinster. Key member of Lucky Dip gang arrested over hit-and-run in north Dublin The teenager, who is from the Blanchardstown area, is suspected of being the driver of the car involved in the fatal hit-and-run. He is being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and can be detained for up to 24 hours. Sources last night described the young criminal as a recidivist offender who has been linked to car thefts across the capital. The arrested teenager is a central member of the so-called Lucky Dip gang made up of juveniles and teenage males mainly from the Ballyfermot, Inchicore and Blanchardstown areas. Two members of the gang, who are both 17, are currently in custody in relation to separate garda investigations into their crime wave. Gardai have named them the Lucky Dip gang after obtaining key intelligence that they randomly pick targets in Leinster towns on an almost nightly basis using the Google Maps app. A source previously said: The Lucky Dip gang randomly pick a location on the app, usually within the wider Dublin area or within Dublin itself, and then utilise the motorway network to travel to the location, often in stolen cars at high speed. They are a disorganised bunch in terms of criminality this is not an organised crime gang who are stealing cars for order they are doing it for the craic, for want of a better word. Once they arrive in a housing estate, the gang members attempt to steal any car they can, or steal anything from any unlocked vehicles. The Lucky Dip gang is suspected of stealing dozens of cars in the last year, which they mainly use for joyriding rather than resale. The car linked to the death of Mr Farrelly was stolen from a house in north Dublin in the hours before he was knocked down. It is believed the owner of the car was sleeping when gardai arrived at the property in relation to the crash and was completely unaware that her car had been taken hours earlier, in what was described as a creeper burglary. After being stolen, the car was involved in an interaction with gardai in which it failed to stop for officers who had seen it driving erratically shortly before the fatal incident. Mr Farrellys funeral in Co Meath heard how he had just fulfilled a lifelong ambition of recording an album of his own music. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 18:52 | All, Japan The president of NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, said Tuesday that an executive has stepped down after a Chinese staffer in an overseas radio broadcast described the Japanese-controlled islands as China's territory in unscripted remarks. The resignation comes as the contract worker in his 40s at an NHK-affiliated company stated during the Aug. 19 broadcast that the Senkaku Islands belong to China, after reading out a news item on about graffiti found at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. He went off-script for around 20 seconds, the broadcaster said. Tokyo and Beijing have been at odds over a group of the uninhabited islets in the East China Sea and wartime history. The islands, claimed by Beijing, are called Diaoyu in China. On Tuesday, NHK President Nobuo Inaba said at a press conference that a board director in charge of broadcasting information in various languages, including English and Chinese, has resigned to take responsibility for the incident, effective the same day. Inaba added he and three other executives will voluntarily return 50 percent of their monthly salaries for one month. During the radio program on the Chinese-language news program, the staffer also said in English that people should not forget wartime comfort women or the Nanjing Massacre, according to NHK. The massacre was carried out in 1937 by Japanese troops, while the term comfort women refers to those who were procured for wartime Japanese military brothels. NHK, which is funded by viewers through subscription fees, said his contract with the affiliated firm was terminated on Aug. 21. In response to the incident, the broadcaster has shifted to airing prerecorded news in Chinese. Related coverage: Japan accuses China military of airspace violation for 1st time Japan gov't takes issue with NHK radio's unscripted Senkaku remarks It comes just two weeks after trolls also mocked Byrne's nephew, Liam Roe, in the condolences section on RIP.ie following his death from cancer. Cruel trolls have created a series of fake funeral notices mocking the death of veteran criminal James Jaws Byrne, the Sunday World can reveal. The bogus notices, which are being widely shared on social media, attack Byrne and repeatedly refer to his ties to the drugs trade. It comes just two weeks after trolls also mocked Byrne's nephew, Liam Roe, in the condolences section on RIP.ie following his death from cancer. James Byrne - known to family and friends as Jemmy - died in Tallaght Hospital on Saturday evening following a lengthy illness. The 77-year-old had been involved in organised crime for most of his life and had close ties to some of Irelands most infamous gangland figures. His son, Liam, and his son-in-law Thomas Bomber Kavanagh have been named as the leaders of the Byrne Organised Crime Group, described as the Irish wing of the Kinahan Cartel. Jemmy Byrnes other son, David, was shot dead in the Regency Hotel in 2016 as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud. And now, Byrnes rivals have continued the bad blood after his death by circulating bogus death notices mocking him and his family. James 'Jaws' Byrne The fake death notices have been created using an image-editing tool, such as photoshop, and are being circulated on Whatsapp. They have been created using digital banners from RIP.ie and a Dublin-based funeral director without their knowledge. One notice describes the late-criminal as Jemmy Passport Byrne - referring to his previous conviction for selling fake passports. In the cruel mocked up funeral notice, it is claimed Byrne will a coffin be buried in the shape of a passport. The notices also make a series of claims about Byrne and mock his death and his family. A source told the Sunday World that the fake notices are very inflammatory and will be deeply upsetting to Byrnes family. James 'Jaws' Byrne Byrne was a self-described hardened criminal who had links to Martin The General Cahill and worked as an armed robber in his younger days. He was also well known for involvement in fraud and counterfeiting and was targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) and Revenue around the turn of the millennium, agreeing to pay out hundreds of thousands of euro in settlements. In November 2002, he agreed to repay 43,353 in unemployment assistance that he was not entitled to. He paid the Revenue Commissioners 208,400 after Revenue and Cab issued him with a tax assessment of 378,612 in 2004. Some of the assessment was paid from 22,000 in cash seized at his home in 2001. This was not to be his last dealings with the bureau and following a raid by Cab in 2016, Jaws later applied to the High Court seeking the return of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch worth 35,000 which had been seized in a raid. In recent years, Byrne continued to be regarded as a patriarchal figure in organised crime in Ireland. His two sons, Liam and David, became key associates of Daniel Kinahan and were regularly spotted in his company. Jaws was among those of the Dublin underworld world who got prime seats at the Matthew Macklin bout in the 3Arena where Daniel Kinahan was ringside. He also attended parties in New York from which some photos were posted on social media. But it was Gary Hutchs murder in Spain in 2015 that marked the beginning of the end of the Byrne Organised Crime Group. Liam Roe and Liam Byrne The lethal feud Kinahan Hutch feud saw Jaws son David killed just a few months later in February 2017 at the Regency Hotel. Another close associate, Sean McGovern who rose to the side of Cartel boss Daniel Kinahan was lucky to escape after being shot and wounded. Jaws and his wife Sadie attended court when Patrick Hutch Jnr was charged with the murder and went on trial at the Special Criminal Court. Sadie complained to the waiting media when the case against Hutch collapsed. Then in 2022,during the trial of Gerry The Monk Hutch for the same murder the couple were in the public gallery every day. Sadie left, but Jaws sat grim-faced when images of his sons murder were shown in court and when a pathologist went through graphic details of the injuries he suffered. The 77-year-old is believed to have passed away in hospital as a result of kidney problems and is likely to be laid to rest near his son David at Mount Jerome Cemetery in South Dublin. The brave Dublin woman is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and is helping other people on a cancer journey through her work with Look Good Feel Better Months after having her systems brushed off as trapped wind, Linda Callinan found herself lying on a hospital bed getting ready to undergo a total hysterectomy. The Dublin woman, who spent much of 2021 suffering from a painful, hard and swollen stomach, had long since felt something wasnt right. But she reveals how she had to battle just to get a diagnosis of ovarian cancer when doctor after doctor put her ill health down to everything from constipation to menopause. I was doing yoga online and I was finding that I couldnt go onto my stomach, it was just so sore, says Linda. My stomach was huge I looked like I was six months pregnant, and it was getting bigger as the time went on. My own doctor just told me that I was constipated and the Caredoc doc told me I had trapped wind, and gave me tablets for [that]. I kept going back to my doctor and saying, Look, my stomach is huge, and I never used to have a big stomach I just knew something was wrong. Eventually, [I was sent] for an x-ray down to Kilkenny [hospital] but they told me that I had a blocked bowel and to take six [oral laxative] Movicol a day for a week. Linda now works with Look Good Feel Better What I did was I actually paid for a private ultrasound and that obviously showed up that I had a very large cyst, that was 16cm, on my ovaries. With September marking Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the 53-year-old explains how she decided to share her personal story to encourage other women, especially those of a similar age, to advocate for themselves and remember that smear tests do not detect ovarian cancer, which impacts around 400 women each year in Ireland, only changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Equally, she is trying to let go of any anger over her struggle for answers as she focuses on returning to good health while undergoing chemotherapy for the second time after further activity was detected in her chest during a routine check-up scan earlier this year. Youd be thinking, What if they had sent me [for an ultrasound] before that, maybe it wouldnt have spread, admits the mum-of-one, who lives in Carlow. But I suppose you just cant think like that, you just need to get on with [it] and hope for the best. The sad thing is because Id be at that age, a lot of the symptoms like bloating and going to the toilet more frequently, when you look at them, you could put them down to menopause as well. I was actually going through menopause before that, so I knew it wasnt that, but its terrible. I found a [support] group called OvaCare that meets up once a month, and so many [of the] women that are there, its exactly the same story for them. Theyve all had to fight for themselves, advocate for themselves to get the diagnosis. One of the consultants I went to said to me, Your cancer is going to come back anyway, continues Linda of her experience. I said, What do you mean? He said, The type of cancer you have comes back... I wouldnt mind but I was on my own that day. I suppose you kind of feel like youre just living on borrowed time. Youd have Christmas, and then youre thinking, Will I be here next Christmas? Ive only got one daughter, Shanice, whos 28, so youre looking at her and thinking, God, will I be here [to] see my grandchildren? I know you shouldnt be thinking like that, and you need to be strong and positive, but its quite hard to be strong and positive all the time. Louleries Journey of Hope necklace People often say to [me], Youre so strong, youre this and youre that, but Im not sometimes you just want to sit down and scream and cry. One silver lining Linda discovered after the trauma of losing her hair the first time around was the support of another charity called Look Good Feel Better, which hosts free in-person and online skincare and beauty workshops for those receiving cancer treatment delivered by professional therapists. The fact that I didnt lose my hair this time round, its not as bad, she says. People see you and they think theres nothing wrong with you. The first time round it was really, really hard because I lost all my hair, lashes, eyebrows, the whole lot. People say, Ah sure, itll grow back, but even though its going to grow back its just not the same, because you get up in the morning, you brush your hair, you cleanse your face, so when youre looking in the mirror and your hairs coming out, its very hard. I had lovely long blonde hair and people would walk past you in the street and they wouldnt even recognise you, so apart from the fact [that] when you looked in the mirror you werent recognising yourself, that was quite hard. I wouldnt wear an awful lot of makeup unless I was going out, but my mascara, my eyeliner, my bit of lipstick and lip liner always went on, Linda explains. When I didnt have any eyebrows, I couldnt really do anything really with my face. I signed up to do a [Look Good Feel Better] workshop and it was so lovely they were so welcoming. When youre with your family, you feel like you have to be strong; when youre with a group of ladies where theyre all on similar journeys, you can kind of let your guard down, and you can just be chatting away. You actually feel so much better, you just feel uplifted when youre coming out of there. After experiencing the benefits of the service first hand, former fitness centre manager Linda applied to become a volunteer, and now works as an administrator for the charity, which relies on the generosity of brands including Benefit, Dr Hauschka, Ayu and Carter Beauty, as each participant also receives a goodie bag of products to use at home. Irish jewellery brand Loulerie, founded by Louise Stokes, has also just relaunched its matching Journey of Hope gold necklace (75) and bracelet (65), available at loulerie.com for a limited time with the proceeds going towards Look Good Feel Better. Its such a lovely job, says Linda of joining the charity. You can see the difference in people. They kind of walk in with their heads down and shoulders slumped, but then you see them walking out, and theyre like floating out the door, they just feel so much more confident. They just feel a little more like their old selves. If they feel like they look good they feel much better in themselves. Go to lookgoodfeelbetter.ie and follow @lookgoodfeelbetterireland. Thug jailed for planning to kill police officers tried to keep his sick child porn conviction quiet A gun-toting dissident terrorist jailed last year for planning to murder cops is today exposed as a child pervert. Shane Stevenson is currently out on licence, having been recently released from prison after he was convicted of a terror plot to target police officers in Lurgan last year after he was caught with AK-47 magazines. The 36-year-old, who was caught staking out Lurgan PSNI Station, pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in suspicious circumstances and without a firearms certificate, as well as two further counts of attempting to possess a document likely to be useful to terrorism. His fingerprints and DNA were found on a piece of paper, discovered after a subsequent raid on his house, which included the vehicle registration details of a car that belonged to the wife of a serving PSNI officer, but whose husband was also insured to drive the car. Mandy Duffy with her brother Colin He was sentenced to 16 months in prison last September, but was recently released having served much of that time on remand. But its not his terror convictions that have caused a split within his family instead its the fact hes currently on the sex offenders register for child sex offences. Last weekend, Stevenson was accused of smashing up a car which his father well-known republican Lawrence was sitting in, by another family member who posted photos of the damage on social media. Today, we can reveal Shane a father of seven has fallen foul of his family after he pleaded guilty to a number of charges of possessing and making indecent images. He was arrested by cops for the terror offences in 2018 when he and co-accused Martin Kerr where stopped in a white Peugeot and the van contained 22 empty magazines compatible with AKM/AK-47 assault rifles. While awaiting trial for those offences Stevenson was charged in July 2020 with one charge of possession of an indecent photograph of a child and a second charge of having an extreme pornographic image. At the time leading Lurgan republican Mandy Duffy sister-in-law of notorious dissident Colin Duffy went in to bat for Stevenson when she released a statement saying the charge against him was effectively a state stitch-up. The wrecked car of Stevensons father But we can exclusively reveal Shane Stevenson pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children and three counts of possessing extreme pornographic images. Two further charges of possessing an indecent image were left on the books, according to court papers. Mandy Duffy, who was at the time a prominent member of Saoradh, the New IRAs political wing, leapt to the defence of Stevenson. She said he had only been accused of the crime because he is a republican. Writing on social media afterwards, Duffy said: My interpretation of this would be an image that appears to be a child, but [is] not a child. But anyway, it hardly matters as this man was sent these images, like a hell of a lot of others, Im sure, on a WhatsApp group chat or similar. He is the only one charged, not the person who sent it or others who received it. This is simply because he is a local republican. I would never put myself out on a limb when it comes to child abuse, but I am totally confident that this is a contrived charge simply because he is a republican. I will stand in support of Shane 100 percent and his family, who have suffered dreadfully due to these charges and the consequences of these charges. But many other dissidents distanced themselves from Stevenson on finding out he had pleaded guilty rather than fighting the charges and clearing his name and was sentenced back in June 2021. Stevenson posing in a museum And its understood members of his own family werent too happy either. Shane had been telling people those child porn charges were dropped and, because they seemed to slip by without being reported on, people believed him, said a source. But his family obviously had to be told because he was put on probation and told to sign the sex offenders register and social services were obviously informed. Those supporting him couldnt understand why he pleaded guilty to such disgusting offences. If it was just a case of him being sent pictures in a WhatsApp group chat then take it into court and at least make that case. Pleading guilty makes no sense, especially when he had been denying it so publicly, and it just looks like he wanted to get it dealt with in the quickest and quietest way possible so more details about the images didnt come out. We can reveal Stevenson appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court three years ago and was told he must serve 18 months on probation would have to sign the sex offenders register for five years, meaning he has two more years before he can stop doing that. The court also ordered that his phone be seized and destroyed. Last weekend, it was claimed that Stevenson had been involved in some sort of clash with his father Lawrence. Pictures of a car with a smashed-up back window were accompanied on social media with an angry comment. A relative of Shane Stevenson posted: Imagine a man after a long overdue few words trying to get to and beat a pensioner. Going as far as going to the side of the car to get him out. Proceeding then to break the back car window in the car. To smash it to bits. Then drive off because he could be confronted. Worse it being your own mother and fathers car. Can laugh all well and good when theres no one in front of you. All your good for big man. It was two years after his indecent child images sentence which went under the radar and was never reported before Stevenson and a second man, 55-year-old Paul Martin McKerr, who denied the charges and was convicted after a trial, were sentenced for the terror plot. During McKerrs trial a prosecutor explained after the van was searched, PSNI officers found a plastic bag containing smaller bags in the footwell of the passengers side of the vehicle. The bag was found to contain 22 empty rifle magazines compatible with AKM/AK-47 assault rifles. Seized The prosecutor said that after the items underwent forensic examinations, it was noted that the magazines had surface rust and were covered in oil and, while five magazines didnt function, all the items were component parts of a firearm. Also seized from the van and examined were a pair of gloves and McKerrs Samsung phone. A Crown lawyer said the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the magazines suggested that both Stevenson and McKerr, who has a previous conviction for riotous behaviour in 2016, were jointly in possession of the magazines. He said: The bag was relatively bulky and obstructed the front passenger footwell. It was either there when Stevenson got into the vehicle... or he brought it with him into the vehicle. We say that, in either case, the court would be entitled to infer that this accused [McKerr] was jointly engaged in moving what was a valuable terrorist asset. After reserving judgment in the case, Judge Kerr later returned guilty verdicts against McKerr on both counts he faced. Detectives believe that the men both of whom openly support the New IRA and its political wing, Saoradh had key roles in targeting cops based in Lurgan. A previous court hearing was told that Stevenson is linked to New IRA activities and was suspected of carrying out surveillance at the home of a retired police officer in 2016. In February 2017, a month after a constable was wounded by the New IRA during a gun attack on the Crumlin Road in Belfast, Stevenson told police during an arrest: Tell your mate on the Crumlin Road up the Ra. I hope you are looking under your car. The Longford lady was linked to the The Only Way Is Essex star once again last month, when they were spotted kissing outside a restaurant in the English capital. Maura Higgins was Pete Wicks number one fan at his podcasts live show in London on Monday night as she also poked fun at the rumours suggesting they are more than just good friends. The Longford lady was linked to the The Only Way Is Essex star once again last month, when they were spotted kissing outside a restaurant in the English capital. On Monday night, Maura visited the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith where Pete and his pal Sam Thompson were taking their Staying Relevant podcast to the stage for the third night in a row. She attended the show with her agent, Talia Salomon, who shared a hilarious video from the live show on Instagram, which Maura reposted to her own Stories. Maura Higgins and Sam Thompson The clip sees Pete and Made In Chelsea star Sam dance suggestively around the stage to a cover of Pony by Ginuwine as members of JLS look on and crack up at the antics. Hope youve got some better moves for Strictly, she wrote, tagging Pete, who was recently confirmed as a contestant on this years series. After the show, Maura posed for a photo with Sam as she poked fun of the drama surrounding the rumours by wearing a t-shirt with the now-infamous snap of her and Pete sharing a kiss printed on the front along with the words we cant be friends. Sam held the t-shirt out so that the camera could get a good look at its design while Maura threw her arm around the 32-year-old and looked his way with a serious face. Hilarious night... you smashed it, she captioned the snap. Maura and Pete first sparked dating rumours last month when they were papped outside the Broadwich Soho Hotel in London. It was reported that Maura, who had been dating Chris Hemsworth's body double Bobby Holland Hanton until recently, had been hanging out with a group of friends when Pete joined them and the pair shared a kiss that evening. The pair were last spotted together in public at the TV Bafta awards in May and were reported to be dating back in October 2023 after being seen together at the Pride Of Britain Awards. However, the Love Island legend later insisted they were just close friends. She has also been previously linked to another TOWIE star, Joey Essex, when they were spotted cosying up together at the Pride of Britain Awards in October 2022. However, Maura dismissed rumours she was dating Joey by retweeting an article about the pair and adding, more rubbish along with a yawning face emoji. She has previously dated Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, as well as her Love Island co-stars Christopher Taylor and Curtis Pritchard. The vibrant colours, rhythmic beats and rich cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands are set to invigorate Katikati as the highly anticipated Pasifika Festival in the Bay event returns on Saturday, November 2. This festival celebrates the unique cultures of the Pacific Islands through dance and food, with a focus on the younger generation. This year the festival will celebrate a decade of success, with 35 performing groups from schools around the Bay set to perform at Katikati College. Groups will showcase their vibrant traditional costumes as they represent nations from all over the Pacific, including Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati, Fiji and more. Alongside the performing groups, 35 stalls with traditional cuisine will make the expected 8000+ attendees feel like theyre in the Pacific, with dishes such as chop suey and pani popo available. From a passion project in 2015 where a group of Tauranga Moana Pasifika teachers united to solve the challenge of improving Pasifika achievement within schools, Pasifika Festival in the Bay was born. A young participant at 2023 Pasifika Festival in the Bay shows youth is no barrier to taking part. Photo supplied. Their answer was to give their students a platform to showcase their cultures visually. Melanie Cottingham, one of the original teacher organisers who was passionate about Pacific Education Excellence, still feels blessed to work with an expanding organising committee of teachers and community members who share her passion. Melanie says the festival is inclusive and the vibe is like one big, happy, family reunion. Some children have performed at all of the festivals since 2015, and watching how they grow in confidence and pride is so wonderful and powerful. 2023 Pasifika Festival in the Bay. Photo supplied. As researchers, we know that when Pacific students identities, languages and cultures are visible and validated in school and classroom settings, they achieve greater education outcomes because they can be who they are at home, in the classroom. The festival has been a great tool for developing the younger generation as it is an immersive, inclusive cultural experience where Pacific identities, languages and cultures are validated and visible to local youth. This allows them to strengthen their own cultural knowledge and allows attendees the opportunity to witness traditional dances such as hula, tamure [Cook Islands] and faatele (Tuvalu), along with kaimatoa (Kiribati). Pasifika Festival in the Bay also gives young students interested in the arts and event management field the opportunity to join Tuakana Teina, a programme where they can learn from experienced mentors through the festival. This, along with other workshops such as the STEAM cultural workshops, allows more people to engage in experiential learning related to Pacific arts and culture. Other interactive workshops and demonstrations will provide hands-on experience of Pasifika crafts and traditions. Attendees can learn about hiapo/masi/tapa (cloth), Cook Islands drums and drumming and how to make foufou (head lei), gaining a deeper understanding of the skills and artistry that have been passed down through generations. 2023 Pasifika Festival in the Bay. Photo supplied. The local Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund (TWBCEF) has supported Pasifika Festival in the Bay with a $23,000 grant this year. The fund is a partnership between local funders Acorn Foundation, Bay Trust, TECT, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council with the core purpose of supporting community-led events and those that encourage free or low-cost participation. Jodie Rickard, community and strategic relationships manager of Western Bay of Plenty District Council, says Pasifika Festival in the Bay is not just a celebration, but also an opportunity to support local Pasifika communities. This event allows those within the Pasifika community and those living alongside it to learn more about the varying cultures living in the Bay and brings everyone together for a fun day of celebrations. Join Pasifika Festival in the Bay for a day of cultural immersion, community bonding, and celebration. The day will bring together the diverse communities of the Pacific filled with traditional music, dance, crafts and cuisine, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees. 2023 Pasifika Festival in the Bay. Photo supplied. Event Details Pasifika Festival in the Bay Saturday, November 2, 10am 5pm, Katikati College, Katikati. Gold coin or koha entry fee About Pasifika in the Bay Pasifika Festival in the Bay is an annual event aimed at celebrating and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. Organised by Pasifika in the Bay Trust, the event seeks to foster a sense of community and pride among Pasifika people while sharing their vibrant culture with the wider public. What is affordable is a difficult question - affordable for a single mum with a couple of kids on the benefit will change for a working couple with three kids, Fitzgibbon said. In Rotorua, the median house price for a two-bedroom house was $520 per week with the adult minimum wage is $23.15 per hour or $48,152.00 per year for full-time work. That comes to $768.26 per 40-hour week. As of September 2, Tenancy Services reported the median house price for a two-bedroom rental property in Tauranga was $600 per week, and a three-bedroom house was $730. Director of beHome property managers, Josh Fitzgibbon, said the median price bracket for rental properties in the Bay of Plenty hadnt reduced enough to fall into the affordable bracket. Rental houses need to drop in price by $100 per week in Tauranga to become affordable, says a Bay of Plenty property management company. Indicators pointed toward the housing market picking up for sales, which he said caused rent prices to increase. In Papamoa a standard three-bedroom property was about $750 per week. Fitzgibbon said for them to become affordable they would need to drop by $100 a week. If I had to gauge what would be more in demand it would be the cheaper three bedrooms around the $700 mark in areas like Pyes Pa and Papamoa ... I think the struggle is more in the public sector where families that are on a limited or a low income dont have access to emergency or transitional housing, Fitzgibbon said. Analyst Greg Waite, who authored a report for the Child Poverty Action Group in July , found the share of affordable rentals had significantly decreased in most regions over the past five years. The Bay of Plenty was not the worst in the country but low-income renters were still feeling the effects. Waite said local councils needed more support from the government to supply housing for people on lower incomes. New Zealand has no capital gains taxes which is unusual, we created this market where the more you invest in it, the more prices go up and everybody knows it so they buy 10 or 20 properties with high debt and they get to claim the interest back. Waite said there was no official body available to monitor affordable housing stock for private rentals. Thats really the situation were in at the moment, theres no clear responsibility for tracking whats happening to lower-income households and whether thats improving. Since the Child Poverty Action Group released the report in July, only one council had been in contact with him to follow up on the findings. Its not that councils are uncaring or that, but theyre busy with a lot of other things and theyre not given the responsibility by Government, Waite said. I would say that theres a role for both local and national government but we do need the national government to take some leadership there. There are so many pressures for local government not to act on affordable housing, if you dont make rules like that, youre going to have increasingly divided residential areas very divided. The rich get richer, and the poor pay the price in terms of living costs, Waite said. Because there were no capital gains tax in New Zealand he said, every investor wants a rate of return on property so you can only expect rental prices to go up. In New Zealand we still have a reasonable amount of protection against foreign ownership. But Im suspecting that behind the scenes thats probably changing, given that its changed very rapidly overseas, Waite said. Photo / Alex Burton. Waite found an 11% decline in the Bay of Plentys share of affordable rental housing for low-wage households over the past five years. " I dont see why more time isnt spent monitoring the effects of supply and affordable housing given that its such an enormous problem. Worldwide you really dont see much monitoring - people are busy making money out of markets and seeing whats going up and whats going down. A follow-up report to better define affordability when it came to supply of affordable housing would be out this year, Waite said. When affordable rental housing gets less affordable too, even people on middle incomes and higher incomes are struggling to find a good home and they are more able to commandeer a bit of the affordable stuff if its in a good area. Waite said social trends aggravated affordability and people who could afford to keep up with them did so but not everyone was able to keep up with the market, he said. The poor areas become really impoverished in the better quality areas are priced just out of the reach of low wage people - certainly people on benefits. So you tend to see that divide into the really poor areas with poor quality housing and poor access to services and transport. The better areas just go ahead and get out of reach, Waite said. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development identified rapid population growth over an extended period across the Bay of Plenty had not been matched by building response as a reason for the balance of access to affordable homes. This led to significant housing stress and increasing costs, which were not matched by income increases, said a Housing and Urban Development spokesperson. In places like Rotorua, crowding and housing stress [have] increased and left some whanau and individuals homeless, the Ministry spokesperson said. Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell said Rotorua desperately needed more affordable housing, adding that she had written to Housing Minister Chris Bishop seeking a Rotorua-led housing plan to deliver quick and positive progress to boost the affordable housing supply in our district. Its hard right now for low and middle-income families to afford to rent and buy homes. Housing has become a top priority for the council and were working hard to help unlock land for more homes for locals and also attract new workers to our district, Tapsell said. -Bay of Plenty Times. Fourteen New Zealand Defence Force personnel have joined a multinational contingent in Solomon Islands to dispose of dangerous explosive remnants of war under Operation Render Safe. The Australian Defence Force-led operation will see up to 250 personnel from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and United States in support of explosive ordnance disposal experts from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to dispose of the munitions left from the Second World War. The Kiwi team is made up of seven Royal New Zealand Navy and seven New Zealand Army personnel in EOD, command, medical, logistics and catering roles, supporting the largest ever land-based Operation Render Safe. Captain S (identity withheld) is the Senior National Officer for the New Zealand contingent and an EOD operator, and says that the operation will make a real difference to the safety of communities in Solomon Islands Western Province. More than 2600 explosive remnants of war have been removed from communities in Solomon Islands Western Province so far, and it has been a privilege to be a part of the multinational team dedicated to reducing this number and improving the safety of the local population. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, as regional experts in explosive ordnance disposal, play a crucial role in this effort. We are proud to collaborate with them and our military partners to reduce the potential harm to communities here. The Kiwis arrived in Australia in mid-August to conduct Force integration training, which gives all participating nations a good understanding of how each other work, before deploying into the area of operations in Solomon Islands last week. Reconnaissance operations to locate ERW have been underway since the end of August. The Kiwis will return to New Zealand in mid-September. While most are still lying in bed on a Friday morning wishing it was the weekend already, the 445 Run Club are already up and have started their day. 445 Mount Maunganui is a running club that meet at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club every Friday morning at 4.45am. It doesnt matter whether you walk, jog or run its up to you, said team leader Mia Cameron. We go 20 minutes one way and 20 minutes back along Marine Parade and Ocean Beach Road. We start together, and we finish together. This club is for everyone, you dont have to be a runner. Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club. Photo / Supplied Each week, rain, hail or shine, we have had 40-60 people come along to start their day in the absolute best way. With more and more people hearing about us and joining each week, we cant wait for those warmer summer mornings to arrive to tempt even more to set those alarms to find comfort in discomfort and enjoy the Friday feel good vibes. Its all about stepping outside your comfort zone and pushing for that 1% each week. Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club keep themselves busy in the mornings. Photo / Supplied That could look different for everybody. It could just be setting that 4am alarm for the first time, talking to someone new, running a little further or faster than the previous week. The run is followed by optional coffee, ocean swims, gratitude and chats. Cameron said its a safe space to be you, get uncomfortable, meet like-minded people and push yourself to do something new. Mount Maunganui local club member Donna Officer said she doesnt consider herself a runner, yet. However, I go to 445 Run Club as it is all about moving at your own pace and pushing yourself that 1% each week, however that looks, said Officer. Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club are active with fitness. Photo /Supplied I go every second week and setting that alarm clock for 4.01am is tough, but worth it. Every week I try and say hi to someone different and also if I see someone new, I will make an effort as I know thats what helped me when I went for the first time. I walk and jog for the 40 minutes and also catch up with friends at the same time who are supportive of my journey. The gratitude circle at the end was hard for me at first but now I enjoy hearing what people are grateful for. I highly recommend giving it a go. Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club gets fit in all weather. Photo / Supplied The Mount Maunganui 445 Club was launched in May this year, there are other 445 Run Clubs around New Zealand, Australia, the United States and England, all starting in Auckland in 2021. Rachel Klinkenberg and I originally reached out to the Auckland team leader Travis Ovalsen to see if they would be keen on setting up a 445 community here. As a runner myself, I knew it would be a great opportunity to bring like-minded people together and create something really special here. Originally founded by Lucy Scarborough up in Auckland in 2021 where her and Travis cultivated an epic community. Supporting all runners no matter what level and encouraging everyone to achieve their full potential while fostering a culture of inclusivity, perseverance and achievement. Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club get active when they meet. Photo /Supplied. Cameron said the Auckland 445 Club has around 100-200 people showing up each week. Lucy is now based over in Australia and 445 locations are spreading. Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Dunedin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane, London and Manhattan are just a few of many locations with 445 Clubs. To find out more about 445 Club visit their website www.445runclub.com or visit their Instagram at www.instagram.com/445_run_club/ This month Katikati gets a real spruce-up. Two local community groups have teamed up to lead a community-wide spring clean event and are inviting residents to roll up their sleeves and help beautify the town. The Katikati Spring Clean event is part of Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week and is organised by Katikati Community Centre and Katch Katikati. It aims to bring together people of all ages for a morning dedicated to cleaning up litter and tidying public spaces. Volunteers will meet at Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Rd, before dispersing across key areas in need of attention. Our town is a place we all cherish, and events like this are a great way for everyone to come together, take pride in our surroundings, and make a difference, says Katch Katikati events manager Kylie Watkins. Even a few hours of effort can have a huge impact. This year, the groups are focusing on carparks, main streets and public walkways, where litter tends to accumulate. Rubbish bags, gloves and other necessary supplies will be provided, and participants are encouraged bring drink bottles and to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Katikati Community Centres Jan de Faye emphasises the importance of community involvement. We hope to see neighbours, families, friends and local organisations and teams come out in full force to lend a hand. Its a small gesture, but it helps foster a sense of unity and pride in keeping our town clean. In addition to tidying up, this event serves as an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a morning outdoors, she says. For information, phone Jan on 549 0399. The details What: Katikati Spring Clean event Where: From Katikati Community Centre to various areas When: September 21 from 9am-12pm -Katikati Advertiser A scheme that provides counselling in more than 200 primary schools makes distressed children feel better, improves behaviour, and raises attendance. An Education Review Office (ERO) report - published today - provides evidence that Counselling in Schools, a $44-million scheme introduced in 2021, worked well. Teachers told review officers the scheme reduced disciplinary problems and children who received counselling were less likely to "punch first, talk later". Children said they learned to control their emotions and how to get on with their friends. "I learnt not to be rude and to try and control my feelings," one student told the report. "I learnt different calming techniques and how to express my feelings," said another. The report said the scheme helped children who were in emotional distress - a group estimated to have increased from nine per cent of under-14-year-olds in 2016/17 to 13 per cent in 2022/23, and Covid-19 was likely to be a driver. "Individual students are referred to counselling for a range of reasons, including behaviour (24 per cent), anxiety, stress, or trauma (16 per cent), and relationships (15 per cent). Seven in 10 (71 per cent) students entering counselling are identified as being in distress, meaning that their pre-test mental health score represents the level of distress that is typical of those entering therapeutic services," the report said. "Encouragingly, eight in 10 students report improved psychological health after receiving counselling, and students with the most psychological distress have the largest improvement. Of the 71 per cent of students who entered counselling reaching the clinical cut-off for distress, almost half no longer reach the cut-off for psychological distress at the end of counselling. This is a very positive outcome." The report said for most students the benefits of counselling were still evident after six months. But the report also said 12 per cent of students said they felt worse after counselling and eight per cent said there was no change. Ruth Shinoda, the head of ERO's Education Evaluation Centre, said the review office was deeply concerned about the increased mental health challenges New Zealand's children faced. "This is not only harmful for children's wellbeing but is also having a significant impact on their learning," she said. The report said as well as mental health benefits, pupils who received counselling showed improved attendance and achievement. It said the scheme targeted mostly schools in low socioeconomic areas and was reaching groups who did not typically access counselling, such as Maori students and boys. It said most Counselling in Schools programmes used individual counselling sessions, but there was also some group counselling. Most of the counsellors (70 per cent) did not have a counselling qualification, though most were supervised by a qualified counsellor. The report said counselling worked best when it was provided in schools and when students received at least three hours of counselling. "Students who receive at least three hours of counselling are more likely to show improved mental health, learning, and engagement outcomes," the report said. It said 243 mostly primary schools were part of the scheme this year and most of the schools were in Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and Northland. Teachers referred students for counselling but the report warned that meant the programme might not be reaching students who did not show signs of distress. The report concluded the scheme was "promising" but recommended further research into which of its elements were most important so it could be effectively replicated in more schools. "Counselling in Schools is a promising programme. Positive impacts on mental health are equal to, or better than, other national and international school-based counselling programmes. However, Counselling in Schools is currently delivered in different ways. ERO recommends there to be more development of the programme specifications to understand the value for money, and what elements are key to success, and therefore essential in order to replicate its success in a larger variety of schools," it said. The report included comments from teachers, principals, counsellors, students, and students' family members. A school leader told the study the scheme dramatically reduced bad behaviour. "At the time that I applied for Counselling in School, I had stood down 22 students, all for violent behaviour, assault on students, reckless endangerment of other students in the class. I've got this year, maybe three or four stand-downs," they said. A teacher said students who received counselling were happier. "They seemed happier and like they had a weight lifted off their shoulders," they said. "Students had some good strategies and knew what to do if they were starting to feel like they were getting out of that zone. Then they could just go straight away and do those strategies, and then they'd go back into to the learning, usually without me prompting," another teacher said. -RNZ. KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2024 - 15:49 | Japan, All Natsuo Yamaguchi, the head of the junior coalition partner of Japan's ruling party for the past 15 years, said Tuesday he is stepping down as Komeito party chief without seeking another term. The 72-year-old upper house member has been at the helm of the traditionally pacifist party through a period in which Japan has undergone major changes in defense and security policies under recent Liberal Democratic Party prime ministers while riding out economic challenges such as the impact of COVID-19. Komeito Secretary General Keiichi Ishii, 66, is expected to be endorsed at the party's convention on Sept. 28 as Yamaguchi's successor. Ishii, a tenth-term lower house member, has previously served as land minister. "I'm over 70 years of age, and I want to pass the baton to the next generation," Yamaguchi told a press conference, saying his decision is part of a "wave of generational change" seen at home and abroad. "I want the next leader to carry on with what has been at the core of Komeito, which is to stand side by side with the people," he said. Yamaguchi took over in 2009 from Akihiro Ota, who resigned after a crushing defeat in a House of Representatives election. Yamaguchi is already the longest-serving Komeito chief since the 1998 formation of New Komeito, which later changed its English name to Komeito. Yamaguchi is popular among female supporters of the party's major backer, the lay-Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai. He led the party when it formed a coalition government with the LDP on the LDP's return to power in 2012. During his press conference, he cited Japan's move to allow collective self-defense through divisive legislation, consumption tax hikes in 2014 and 2019, and a political funds scandal that recently engulfed the LDP as among the key events that had taken place during his eight-term tenure as leader. The leadership change comes as the LDP is set to select on Sept. 27 a successor to its current head, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is stepping down at the end of his three-year term. The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is also scheduled to pick a new leader, holding its race on Sept. 23. Related coverage: LDP-backed candidate wins Ginowan mayor election in Okinawa New Japan PM set to be picked Oct. 1 when extra Diet session begins LDP hopeful Koizumi unveils leadership bid, eager for snap election J. M. A. Cadiz Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 19:10 | Updated 19:26h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Right now, Irish budget airline Ryanair has only three routes flying to and from Jerez de la Frontera airport in the south of Spain. They are to Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and London Stansted.There is no sign of other routes on the horizon from Ryanair. This seems to be a very poor show considering the airline is one of those flying to the most destinations on the planet and certainly the most in Europe. The airline's CEO Eddie Wilson has revealed at a press conference the reasons why it is not growing in Cadiz province as well as in other places such as Granada, Zaragoza, Valladolid and Reus. His statement is also a strong slap on the wrist for Spain's main airport operator (Aena). Ryanair has attacked Aena's fee hikes for airlines using the country's airports and he has pointed out that this is slowingdown the increase in passenger traffic for Spain. The company is still going to increase its capacity in Spain by 6% next year, but that does not compare favourably with their planned 9% increase in overall growth. In fact, Ryanair has added63new routes to its scheduled flights in Spain for this summer, bringing the total number of connections in the country to 765, and the company expects to have carried a total of 58 million passengers (+7%) by the end of this year. Still, it could have been much more. The Ryanair CEO pointed out that the impact of the airport tax increase for 2024,at 4.09% and applied since last March, has resulted in an increase of some 50 million euros to Ryanair's operating costs. For 2025, also applicable from next March, Aena has proposed an increase of 0.54%, a decision against which Ryanair has lodged a formal appeal with Spain's national markets and competition commission (CNMC). The Irish airline accuses Aena of "failing to comply" with the decision taken by the Spanish government in 2021 to freeze airportcharges until 2026. Wilson is adamant that, had Aena maintained a discount plan, Ryanair would have increased capacity at Jerez airport. Wilson also criticised the fact that Aena is focusing on investing in other Latin American countries like Brazil but not in Spanish airports, in particular regional airports, which is where the airline intends to grow. According to the CEO, the correct strategy would be to freeze charges and allow traffic growth at airports in Spanish regions with traditionally fewer flights, which would increase revenues and, once there, increase charges. He also pointed out that this would be aimed at alleviating the problems of 'empty Spain' and diversifying the tourist offer beyond the usual sun and sand destinations. "We have the airports, we have the planes, we just have to make it competitive," said the executive, who stressed that it is not necessary to build "anything new", just "change the mindset and let the airports gain some traffic." On his relationship with the Spanish government and with the Minister of Transport, Oscar Puente, Wilson said that it is good, but that the part of the relationship that "needs to change" is that of Aena. Therefore the airline is calling for the 4.09% increase for this year to be abolished and the 0.5% increase for 2025 to be scrapped, as well as improving incentive schemes for regional airports to allow airlines to grow by using them more and preventing the introduction of harmful taxes for the sector. Earlier this year, Ryanair presented a growth plan to Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez and the Minister of Transport that projected a 40% growth in airline passenger traffic by 2030, especially at regional airports, carrying more than 77 million passengers over the next 10 years. However, it now considers that these plans are greatly affected by the increase in costs, but if Aena "were to introduce a discount plan", the low-cost airline could consider increasing capacity at airports such as Granada, Zaragoza, Valladolid and Reus as well as Jerez. Since 2016, Ryanair has not opened any new regional base in Spain, while it has done so in other countries such as Italy, Croatia and Morocco, which it considers a "direct consequence of Aena's inability to offer competitive prices." New routes As mentioned before, Ryanair has added 63 new routes to its schedule in Spain this summer, bringing the total number of connections in the country to 765, and expects to carry a total of 58 million passengers (+7%) this year. The company operates at 27 airports in the country, of which a dozen are operating bases for the company, and it has 103 aircraft stationed at them, representing an investment of 10.3 billion dollars (almost 9.28 billion euros). Of these 63 routes, for the time being it has only presented the two that will be incorporated into Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport, which will connect the Spanish capital with Verona (Italy) and Kaunas (Lithuania's second largest city after Vilnius, the capital). The airline presented these two new routes at a press conference on Tuesday of last week in the presence of its CEO Eddie Wilson, where he recalled his earlier meeting with PM Sanchez at which he pledged to add 33 new aircraft in Spain and increase traffic by 40% by 2030 with 77 million passengers and more than 1,000 routes. Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 11:26 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads The iconic Balcon de Europa is the tourist heart of Nerja on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol. This spur of land that juts out into the sea and which resembles a ship was for centuries the site of a castle of medieval origin, known as Castillo Bajo. The area welcomes thousands of visitors every day, who enjoy the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the backdrop of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, with peaks over 1,800 metres high. Together with El Salvador church, it is still a historic landmark for all locals, who affectionately call it El Paseo. Now two companies have submitted bids to carry out rehabilitation work planned for the Balcon de Europa with an investment of 88,252.44 euros, which is co-financed by the town hall and the Andalusian regional government's tourism department with a subsidy specifically earmarked for tourist and cultural spaces such as the Balcon de Europa. Litter bins and planters Mayor of Nerja Jose Alberto Armijo explained in a statement that the Balcon de Europa's railings will be restored, the wall will be whitewashed and the three circular benches improved. We are also going to replace the steps and remove architectural barriers to improve accessibility in El Salvador church, he said The town hall is also replacing more than 70 litter bins located in different streets in the town centre including the Balcon de Europa, Plaza Cavana and Plaza de Espana, as well as Calles Pintada, El Barrio and Carabeo. Seventy planters will also be installed around the town centre, with an investment of 58,200 euros, of which 28,200 euros are coming from municipal resources and the other 30,000 euros are subsidies from the Junta de Andalucia. Councillor Antonio Lopez said that the improvements will offer a better image to our residents and visitors. He added, Over the next few weeks we will continue to work to complete the installation of the litter bins and will continue with the installation of the new planters. Tony Bryant Mijas Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 17:42 | Updated 19:16h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads In order to mark World Suicide Prevention Day this 10 September, a manifesto was read outside Mijas town hall today (Tuesday) in which the municipality demonstrated its commitment to the fight against this public health issue. The declaration was read by Jose Luis Torrecilla, a user of the Costa del Sol association for relatives of and people with mental illness (Afesol), and had the support of all political groups. The text stated that suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. It also urges the regional and central governments to allocate more resources to guarantee early diagnosis, dignified care and rapid and quality intervention of people with mental health problems. The main aim of the manifesto is to focus attention on suicide prevention by investing in the community, since "suicide prevention must be aimed at the entire population through awareness-raising actions on the warning signs, risk factors and myths surrounding suicide, because information and knowledge can save lives. In 2023, according to provisional data published by the national institute of statistics (INE), there were 3,952 deaths by suicide in Spain, being one of the main causes of unnatural deaths. In addition to deaths by suicide, suicidal attempts and ideation must be added. According to the manifesto, Mijas is aware that "community involvement and commitment is necessary for this problem to become more visible and to be able to advance in the understanding and prevention of suicidal behaviour". It is for this reason that the council provides a suicidal behaviour programme run by professionals from several municipal departments, along with the Local Police and Afesol. The towns mayor, Ana Mata, said Mijas has become a benchmark in the prevention of suicidal behaviour and mental health, as evidenced by the awards received by the FEMP federation in 2023. The programme was developed in November 2022 and includes training workshops aimed at parents to promote the psychological, emotional and social well-being of their children. Mata stressed the need for the whole of society to work together to promote good mental health and end stigmas. "Mijas is going to use all the necessary tools for prevention, always supporting people so that they do not feel alone and helpless. We can all be susceptible to situations in which mental health fails us. The involvement of families and education are fundamental. We must be very aware of our young people, and of the population in general," she said. The president of Afesol Costa del Sol, Cristian Gonzalez, explained that this year it is working on suicide prevention under the initiative Changing the Narrative, since today "there are many myths about suicide and it is something that must be addressed in a clear and comprehensive way, so we need more resources." Javier Almellones Malaga Tuesday, 10 September 2024 | Updated 11/09/2024 19:35h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads September is the month with the most historical re-enactments and festivals recalling the past in the province of Malaga. There are some 10 events that focus mainly on the Al-Andalus period under Nasrid rule and the War of Independence with France. However, there are also others that retell the arrival of the railway to the province, the life of Andalucia's most famous bandit and the Moorish rebellions of the 16th century. 2 15 September Alfarnate Moors and Christians: the Envoy Zoom Dramatised hand-to-hand fighting in Alfarnate. Diputacion de Malaga In the middle of this month, Alfarnate celebrates a Moors and Christians re-enactment, known in this case as La Embajada (literally 'The Embassy', but it is more about a special envoy). It forms part of the festival held in honour of Alfanate's patron saint, Nuestra Senora de la Salud, which will take place between 11 and 15 September. On the last day of the festival the two opposing sides assemble and the abduction of the image of the patron saint will be staged. The name of this re-enactment is due to the fact that in this plot a special envoy of Christians will demand the return of Our Lady by reading the text called 'Las relaciones', which has been preserved since the 17th century. For the finale, the Christian troops end up recovering the statue of the Virgin. 3 From 13 to 15 September Carratraca Embrujo Andalusi Zoom Embrujo Andalusi in Carratraca. Diputacion de Malaga This event has many similarities with the Luna Mora de Guaro, which was held earlier this month. In fact, they have the same origin, not without controversy. But beyond this link, in Carratraca they will take advantage of this weekend to recreate their particular throwback to Nasrid rule through hundreds of lighted candles, a large traditional souk where visitors can buy handmade products and a wide range of musical, cultural and gastronomic activities. As 'embrujo' means bewitching or enchanting, visitors can expect to be bedazzled by what's on offer. 4 From 13 to 15 September Manilva Assault on Duquesa castle Zoom Assault on the castle in Duquesa. Asociacion Cultural Torrijos 1831 It is one of the very recent themed festivals to appear on this list, but it is already eagerly awaited in the eighteenth century fortress located just a few metres from Manilva beach. A very special re-enactment will take place there, in which there is a confrontation between French and British troops with the support of the people of Manilva. One of the peculiarities of this re-enactment is that it takes place on the same stage where a battle was waged in the middle of the War of Independence. 5 From 20 to 22 September Alameda Life and death of Jose Maria El Tempranillo Zoom Life and death of El Tempranillo. Diputacion de Malaga The weekend closest to the date of the death of the famous bandit nicknamed El Tempranillo is when the village of Alameda celebrates a historical re-enactment of this peculiar character. That weekend the village that saw him die and where his remains are resting will give itself over to the dramatisation of his life and death. 6 From 20 to 22 September Algarrobo The burning of Algarrobo Zoom The burning of Algarrobo. Diputacion de Malaga Another episode of the War of Independence that has been perpetuated through historical re-enactments is the one that takes place on the penultimate weekend of September in the village of Algarrobo. This village in La Axarquia was under serious threat during that war that, as the story goes, could have ended with the entire town centre being burnt to the ground. There was a great deed that prevented it and which is remembered today in this festival with such a historic theme. 7 From 20 to 22 September Salares Andalusian Arabian festival Zoom Andalusian Arabian festival. Diputacion de Malaga Few settings are more ideal to enjoy an event like the one proposed every September by the village of Salares. The streets of this small village in the Axarquia region are the ideal place to pay homage to the medieval past. This is the Arabian Andalusi festival, an event with a very clear, cross-cultural theme, located right next to a minaret, the remains of a mosque and even the remains of a fortress that has been hidden for centuries. 8 From 20 to 22 September Bobadilla Railway festival Zoom Street parades at the railway festival. Ayuntamiento de Antequera Among the most original of festivals with a specific theme in September is the one that revolves around trains and the railway station village of Bobadilla Estacion in Antequera. This village, closely linked to the railway world, has been celebrating since 2015 the arrival of the railway line over 150 years ago. For this reason, a unique atmosphere will be recreated, taking visitors back to the last half of the 19th century and the first years of the 20th. Street parades, puppet theatre, tastings of local stews as cooked on the railways and live music are some of the activities planned for this year's railway festival. 9 21 September Historical recreation in the town of Casarabonela Zoom Historical recreation in the town of Casarabonela. 'Justice' is the subtitle chosen for this dramatisation set in the period of the Moorish uprisings of the 16th century, which will take place on the penultimate Saturday of this month of September in the small town of Casarabonela. This historical re-enactment will relive a day in the spring of 1560 in the old town. The best way to find out the outcome is to visit the town on that day from midday onwards. 10 From 27 to 29 September Montejaque Battle of La Puente Zoom Battle of La Puente. Ayuntamiento de Montejaque Another heroic deed that is remembered from the War of Independence is the one that has been re-enacted for decades in the village of Montejaque. There, the battle that took place in the enclave known as La Puente is remembered, where a group of Serranos (local militia), led by their commander Jose Aguilar, was able to celebrate an epic victory over the troops of the Napoleonic army. Nuria Triguero Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 09:35 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads It's the Mercadona supermarket in Playamar (Torremolinos), and it's three o'clock in the afternoon on any Saturday or Sunday in August. Situated just a few metres from the promenade and next to the gigantic apartment towers that give the neighbourhood its name, the store is packed with customers; this is nothing new but the norm throughout the summer. What is striking is that there are tourists having lunch right here, in the 'office' area provided by the supermarket with a microwave, chairs and tables. They buy ready-made meals, heat them up and sit down to eat before returning to the beach. Going on holiday to the other side of the country or to another continent to end up eating in a Mercadona store. Tourism today provides paradoxes like this. When budgets are tight and restaurant prices become unaffordable, supermarkets emerge as an economic alternative for holiday subsistence. This can also be seen in the centre of Malaga city: in the parks and squares it is not unusual to see visitors eating a packaged salad or a sandwich they have just bought in a supermarket. The boom in residential tourism and non-hotel accommodation has clear beneficiaries in the supermarkets, which are making a killing by filling the fridges of tourist homes in a context, moreover, of rising prices in restaurants. In reality, this is nothing new on the Costa del Sol: along the entire stretch of coastline from Torremolinos to Estepona and also in the more touristy municipalities of the Axarquia region such as Nerja and Torrox, supermarkets and hypermarkets have always multiplied their turnover in summer with the arrival of second home owners and tenants of tourist rental flats. Zoom Tourists shopping at the Maskom supermarket in the Merced market. Marilu Baez Express supermarkets Where it is a recent phenomenon is in Malaga city. The proliferation of tourist accommodation in recent years has generated a juicy business opportunity that retail chains have not hesitated to take advantage of. The city centre and its surroundings, where there used to be a shortage of food shops, are now dotted with urban supermarkets: a type of establishment that is characterised by its small size, its limited repertoire and, above all, the fact that it is usually open every day, including Sundays and public holidays. They are designed to facilitate small, last-minute purchases: perfect for buying bread and coffee for breakfast, a bottle of water or a pizza for dinner. Carrefour Express and Supermercados Mas are two of the brands that have opted for this format in Malaga. The former already has fifteen establishments in the capital, five of which are in the main city centre. What are the retail chains saying, and is the increase in non-hotel tourism being reflected in supermarket sales? From the Andalusian confederation of food and perfumery businesses, its director general, Alvaro Gonzalez Zafra, speaks of a "moderate growth in sales of between 2 and 3%" compared to last summer. "It has been a positive summer", he confirmed. Sergio Cuberos, owner of the Malaga chain Maskom Supermercados, reports the same figure. Neither of the two dare to directly relate this increase in sales to tourism, although they recognise that everything helps. Cuberos explained that in the case of his chain, the establishments located in coastal towns, such as Torremolinos or Fuengirola, have always increased their turnover significantly in the summer months due to the tourist component. "This is nothing new," he said. He does recognise that the non-native customer has also become important for several of his supermarkets in the capital. "The one that receives the most tourists, without a doubt, is the one in the Merced market, but many also come to the one in Calle Duque de Rivas, in the Molinillo area", he affirmed. What do tourists buy? What and how do tourists buy? "Mostly things for breakfast: coffee, bread, milk, juices. Also a lot of ready-made meals: salads, omelettes, lots of snacks and appetisers, sandwiches to take to the beach, fruit... also personal hygiene items. Then it depends on the profile of the tourist: young people are usually more chaotic and improvise more: they come one day for one thing, another day for another... whatever comes up. Families make more organised purchases", explained the owner of Maskom. Supermarkets adapt their offer to attract foreign customers. From putting up signage in English to finding staff with foreign language skills, to adapting the product range to the tastes and needs of these customers. It is not unusual to find baked beans or the most popular brands of tea in the UK, for example. But in this sense, Cuberos pointed out that consumption habits do not differ so much from those of the local population: the commitment to prepared dishes is common in more and more households, whether on holiday or not. Luis Cano Madrid Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 16:31 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads The number of foreigners being locked up behind bars in Spanish prisons has fallen by 35% in the past 15 years, the latest data shows. However, that trend is positive only when compared to 2009. The figures show that this trend has been reversed in the past four years and is now growing five times more among foreigners than among Spaniards. The data from Spain's ministry of interior shows the number of foreigners being held in Spanish prisons has grown by 16% since 2020, when the decline of the previous decade was reversed, while Spaniards behind bars have increased by 3% in the same period. Foreign nationals now account for almost one in three inmates (31.4%), which triples their total presence in Spain, with 12.7% of registered inmates. The foreign population in prison currently stands at 18,535 inmates, according to data from the general secretariat of penitentiary institutions as of 1 July this year, obtained by ABC. This is 2,617 more than four years ago, when they fell below 16,000 for the first and only time in the past two decades. The growth of the foreign prison population is much faster not only in percentage terms, but also in total terms. While the increase of Spaniards behind bars in the past four years is 1,140 (from 39,262 to 40,402), that of the foreign population is more than double in the same period. Prisoners born outside Spain now account for 31.4% of the total, 2.6 points more than four years ago. This is not simply an increase linked to the growth of the immigrant population. In the same period, the foreign population has grown by 1.2 points, to 12.7%, according to Spain's INE (national statistics institute). The percentage of foreign inmates is therefore three times that of the total foreign population in Spain. While one in every thousand Spaniards is in prison, foreigners account for three in every thousand. Some 5% fewer nationalities Despite the government's criticism of the right-wing, which it accuses of criminalising immigration, the percentage of the foreign prison population broke its downward trend of the previous decade and has grown steadily. Since 2018, it has increased by 12%, while Spaniards in prison have decreased by 5%. And it is that the increase in the proportion of foreigners has been sustained since 2018, when they accounted for 28.1% of the prison population, after a decade of decline during Rajoy's mandate, after reaching its peak in 2009 with 35.7% in Zapatero's stage. The growth of the foreign prison population that year brought the total to an all-time high, with 76,079 inmates, 27,162 of them foreigners. The current minister for migration, Elma Saiz, pointed the finger at the "xenophobic discourse of the right wing" of criminalising immigration. The differences between regions are notable, although they all have in common a higher proportion of foreigners in prison. In Catalonia, half of those imprisoned are foreigners, according to the statistics of the general council of the judiciary of 2023, three times more than their presence in the total population (17.6%). In Madrid, they account for 42%, while in Castilla y Leon, they account for 38%, five times more than their overall proportion (7.2%). Even in the regions with the lowest percentage of foreign population, their numbers in prisons are high. In Extremadura the foreign population is 3.8% of the total and in prison it reaches 10%. And in Galicia it is 5.3% and 20%, respectively. Majority of Moroccans Morocco is the foreign nationality with the largest number of inmates at 5,471, which is 9.3% of the total prison population. The proportion of Moroccans in prison is almost five times higher than the proportion of Moroccans outside prison, since their presence in Spain, despite being the largest foreign community, only accounts for 1.9% of the total population. Morocco, Colombia, Romania, Algeria and the Dominican Republic are the nationalities with the highest number of prisoners One out of every three foreign prisoners is Moroccan, 29.5% of the prison population with a nationality other than Spanish, far behind the other countries with a greater presence in prisons. After Colombia registered 1,724 inmates, 9.3% of the foreign prison population, next is Romania (1,371, 7.4%), Algeria (1,236, 6.7%), Dominican Republic (607, 3.3%), Ecuador (603, 3.3%), Albania (486, 2,6%), Peru (462, 2.5%) and Senegal (397, 2.1%). Despite being among the countries with the highest total presence in Spanish prisons, Algeria, Dominican Republic, Albania, Senegal and Brazil are not among the ten nationalities with the highest total presence in Spain. That is to say, their proportion in prisons is much higher compared to their proportion in the total population. Albanians, extreme case While one out of every thousand Spaniards is in prison, four out of every thousand Colombians and six out of every thousand Moroccans are behind bars, according to the data. Nine out of every 1,000 Dominicans are in prison, 18 out of every 1,000 Algerians, and 86 out of every 1,000 Albanians are in prison. Albania is the most extreme case: there are 5,666 in total in Spain, 486 of whom are currently in prison. The nationalities with the highest number of persons registered in Spain are Morocco, Romania, Colombia, Italy, United Kingdom, Venezuela, China, Ukraine, Peru and Honduras. Despite being among the countries with the highest total presence in Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Venezuela, China, Ukraine and Honduras are not among the ten nationalities with the highest number of foreigners in Spanish prisons. The presence of Italians, British, Venezuelans, Chinese and Ukrainians in prisons is proportionally lower than their total presence in Spain. The largest gaps between the proportions of presence in prison and outside prison between nationalities are with Germans and Americans in Spain. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Monday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China and Spain are both countries with ancient civilizations and rich cultural heritage. The two sides sincerely promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership is brimming with vitality, he added. He said China is ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. He said the NPC is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with two houses of the Spanish parliament -- the Senate and the Congress of Deputies -- and to coordinate and cooperate closely on multilateral parliamentary occasions. Sanchez said that Spain adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to continuously enhance mutual trust with China, strengthen exchanges between legislative institutions, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, technology and culture. Spain is also ready to promote the further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain and China, as well as the relationship between Europe and China, he added. Syracuse, N.Y. At his sentencing last week for drug possession, Anthony Braswell expressed his frustration that he was receiving a prison sentence that is longer than some convicted killers. The point that should be duly noted upon this court is murderers are not even getting this amount of time, Braswell said. No one died in this present case. Judge Ted Limpert and prosecutor Cindi Newtown disagreed with Braswells assessment of the case. Limpert told Braswell that the amount of drugs he possessed had the potential to kill more people than could be held in the JMA Wireless Dome. Newtown also informed the court that just because there are no confirmed fatal overdoses connected to Braswell, fentanyl deaths in the county have decreased by 5% between 2021 and 2022. Braswell was arrested and has been held in jail since early 2022. Newtown said that while the decrease can not be directly tied to Braswells arrest, surrounding counties have not seen the same decrease, leading her to believe there is a correlation. We will never know with certainty if the fentanyl sold by this defendant actually caused the death of any of his customers, Newtown said at sentencing. But with the quantity of fentanyl he was moving and statistically speaking, I would argue the likelihood is extremely high. In November 2023, Braswell, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of over 55,000 doses of fentanyl between two stash houses in Syracuse. In exchange for his guilty plea, Limpert promised Braswell a sentence of 28 years. Newtown told Syracuse.com | The Post Standard she never offered a plea deal in the case. If the case had ended in a conviction after trial, she said, she would have asked for the maximum sentence allowed under the law, which could have exceeded 100 years. Even as he was pleading guilty, Braswell expressed his frustration with the sentence and told the court he did not want to accept the offer but felt he had no other choice based on the overwhelming evidence against him. He repeatedly made the argument that there were no deaths connected to his case. However, fentanyl that leads to a fatal overdose is extremely difficult to trace back to an individual dealer, Newtown said in court. Newtown said in an interview Friday that the mentality that drug dealing is a victimless crime is offensive to everyone who knows someone who has struggled with addiction. She said that as she was preparing for Braswells trial, she was expecting it would be very difficult to find a jury. In her experience as a narcotics prosecutor, she has been surprised by how many potential jurors from all walks of life have been impacted by fentanyl. Braswells guilty plea meant they could avoid the challenge of finding an impartial jury. After a few adjournments for health reasons, Braswell was set to be sentenced in February 2024. days before his sentencing was scheduled, the court received an affidavit from another man claiming that drugs from one of the locations were his and not Braswells. Braswell then asked to withdraw his plea. The man who came forward and claimed the drugs, Quincy Williams, came before the court to testify at a hearing to determine the truth of his claims. Related Article: Whose guns, drugs are they? Man faces 28 years in prison, but now other man says some were his Williams, who was facing charges connected to a kidnapping case, was housed in the same section of the jail as Braswell. After the hearing, Newtown said it appeared clear that Williams story was fabricated. After the conclusion of Williams trial where he was found to have agreed to assault a kidnapping victim in exchange for $50, he recanted his testimony. He said that he had lied for monetary gain. Newtown said in an interview that the evidence had always been overwhelming against Braswell. A tip from a criminal informant identified him as a high-level dealer moving large amounts of fentanyl. Over a months-long investigation, Braswell was observed making repeated trips to New York City to purchase drugs and bring them back to Syracuse, Newtown said. He was also seen dropping off large shopping bags at various addresses across the city, she said. Even though the two stash houses were not his residences, he was one of a small number of people who had keys to both homes and came and went as he pleased, she said. The 55,772 doses of fentanyl were found in suitcases and backpacks between the two locations. In total, the drugs weighed around 4.6 pounds, police said in a criminal complaint. Newtown said that fentanyl is among the lightest of drugs and doses are extremely small. At the sentencing, Braswell again tried to distance himself from the drugs. He tried to argue that the drugs were not found with him despite pleading guilty. Limpert told Braswell that he appeared to be suffering from buyers remorse after admitting to his crimes. Limpert said that he does not believe Braswells claims that he played a small part in the dealing of the drugs he possessed. 55,000 is the size of the JMA Wireless Dome, Limpert said. That is the number of people who could potentially have been impacted by this. So when you say you had a small part, I dont believe that at all. This images shows a potentially-lethal dose of 2 milligrams of fentanyl compared to the size of a penny. (Courtesy of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com. Frankfort, N.Y. A gun was accidentally fired outside of an Upstate New York elementary school last week during an open house, officials said. The gunshot was fired around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening outside Frankfort-Schuyler Elementary School, Frankfort Police Chief Matthew Palumbo said in a news release. The school is at 605 Palmer St. in Frankfort, about 20 minutes southeast of Utica. Minor injuries were initially reported, police said. Officers did not give the age or identity of the person injured and did not say if the person was shot. The incident happened during the elementary schools open house, Superintendent Joseph M. Palmer said. It is illegal to bring firearms on school campuses in New York state without permission. Frankfort-Schuylers school resource officer was notified when the gun was fired, police said. Frankfort police officers then responded. There is NO threat to the public or students, Palumbo said, calling the incident accidental. Police did not specify who fired the gun or whether any charges had been filed. However, WKTV reported the gun was accidentally fired by an off-duty police officer. My understanding is it fell to the ground and went off when it hit the ground and that appears to be consistent with the investigation, Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter told WKTV. Palumbo told WKTV the officer is not a Frankfort police officer. Six days later, the Frankfort-Schuyler district posted an update on the districts Facebook page stating that the unintentional, negligent discharge of a firearm is still under investigation. We appreciate your support, concern and patience as law enforcement continues their investigation, Palmer said. The safety of everyone in our school community remains our top priority. Syracuse native David Muir will moderate tonight presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and Harris, who recently received the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden bowed out of the 2024 race, will face off in a debate Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC. The debate will be broadcast live on ABC (NewsChannel 9 WSYR in Syracuse) and streaming platforms ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu, plus several other networks. Muir, the anchor for World News Tonight, will co-moderate the debate with Prime anchor Linsey Davis. The event will take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia with no audience present. According to the Associated Press, Pennsylvania is considered one of the most important swing states in the 2024 election. Both candidates have held campaign events in the state, including when Trump was injured during an assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., in July. The debate is the only one both candidates have agreed to thus far. Trump previously debated Biden in June; Tuesdays event will feature the same rules, including muting microphones when its not a candidates turn to speak and no written notes. Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and Harris VP pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will face off in a vice presidential debate Oct. 1 on CBS. Muir has anchored World News Tonight since Diane Sawyer retired in 2014; he has led the ABC program to become the most-watched evening newscast for seven years in a row and No. 1 in all key target demographics. World News Tonight spent 31 weeks in the 2022-2023 season as the No. 1 most-watched program of the week in all of U.S. broadcast and cable, excluding sports. The AP said one reason for Muirs success is his apolitical image. He has moderated several Democratic and Republican presidential primary debates, but this will be his first time moderating a presidential debate for the general election. Tuesdays audience could be Muirs biggest ever. More than 51 million people watched Biden and Trump in June, and a record 84 million watched Trumps first debate with Hillary Clinton in 2016. This provided photo shows Syracuse native David Muir, anchor for ABC "World News Tonight." Muir has been honored with multiple awards throughout his career, including Emmys and Edward R. Murrow awards. Earlier this year, he received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. Muir, a former anchor and reporter at Syracuses WTVH (now part of CNY Central), is a graduate of Onondaga Central High School and Ithaca College. He was the commencement speaker at Syracuse University in 2022 and owns a home in Skaneateles. Im no different from the intern in Syracuse who then became the rookie reporter in Syracuse, Muir told syracuse.com in 2016. I think the sensibilities of having grown up in Upstate New York and the concerns, the fears, the hopes of the people there are reflected all over the country. And that still drives me to this day. To the Editor: As one among the many people who joined the protest in response to Gov. Kathy Hochuls Energy Summit on Sept. 5, 2024, I am disappointed by Tim Knausss unbalanced reporting. While most of his article presents the governors position in support of new investments in nuclear power, the information provided by experts speaking in opposition was given short shrift. (Hochuls energy team opens the door to a long-dismissed option: new nukes, Sept. 6, 2024) Among others, Knauss failed to mention Dr. Kathleen Nolan, president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, New York, who reminded protesters of the extreme health dangers of nuclear waste toxicity, and Joseph Heath, general counsel for the Onondaga Nation, who spoke about the extensive environmental damage that nuclear energy projects have caused on indigenous lands, including the transport of nuclear waste through Onondaga Nation territory, i.e., through Syracuse. Knauss does quote Cornell University Professor Robert Howarth: Its nonsense in terms of our energy future in New York, even if it had an acceptable environmental and health footprint, which it does not. We can meet all of the energy needs of New York with solar, with hydro and wind and appropriate (energy) storage. It is unconscionable to add the risk of nuclear accidents and pollution to the profound risk of climate collapse caused by excessive carbon in our atmosphere, which we already face. Gov. Hochul, please tell us why, after New York passed the Climate and Community Protection Act in 2019, instead of fulfilling the carbon lowering commitments established by that law, you are now advocating the waste of unspeakably precious time and money on false but perhaps profitable solutions? Carole Resnick Syracuse By Brendan J. Lyons | Times Union, Albany Albany, N.Y. On a Sunday morning last February, James Malatras received a cryptic text message from former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. It was one of the few times in roughly three years that they had communicated. Now that the dust has settled and the truth is being revealed, I wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing, Cuomo wrote. I am sure you will do well, because quality and talent always wins in the end. All the best, Andrew. The timing of Cuomos outreach to Malatras, his former director of operations who in 2020 had been appointed to New Yorks coronavirus task force, was peculiar: It came two days after Malatras had been invited to testify before a congressional subcommittee investigating the circumstances leading to the deaths of more than 15,000 New York nursing home residents during the pandemic. Cuomo may have had reason for concern. A draft of a report expected to be released this week by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, a copy of which was obtained by the Times Union, outlines several instances in which Cuomo as well as some of his former top aides may have made false or misleading statements during the pandemic or in their testimony to Congress and also allegedly encouraged members of their administration to be untruthful. But the 44-page report, which the subcommittee shared with attorneys for witnesses who testified before the panel over the past year, was still being edited on Sunday and sources close to the process said that there were expected to be several changes. In his appearance before the subcommittee on May 20, Malatras, a former State University of New York chancellor, contradicted the testimony and public statements of the former governor and other top aides when they had claimed Cuomo had no part in editing a controversial July 2020 report that had been attributed to the state Department of Health. The testimony of Malatras, and others, confirmed that the report had largely been drafted by members of Cuomos office, with input from the Department of Health. That report, which received withering criticism from academics, lawmakers and others, sought to absolve Cuomos administration of any blame for a directive issued on March 25, 2020 at the height of the pandemics first wave that had required nursing homes across the state to accept residents even if they were testing positive for COVID-19. Although the directive was rescinded six weeks later a retreat Cuomo said was done not for scientific reasons but due to publicity concerns it has been blamed by some critics for contributing to New Yorks high rate of nursing home fatalities during the pandemic. When asked in June by a member of the subcommittee whether he was involved in the drafting of this report in any capacity, Cuomo replied: No, according to an excerpt of his testimony. I do not recall seeing the July 6 report prior (to) its issuance, Cuomo told the subcommittee. It was (then-state Health Department Commissioner) Howard Zuckers report. He then presented it numerous times. I then spoke to it numerous times, because it came up at every press briefing afterwards. But Malatras and other former state Health Department officials told the subcommittee that the report was edited by Cuomo and drafted by top officials in his office, including former Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa. Malatras testified that Cuomos edits to the document were largely around language and its handling of causality, and that his changes were communicated through handwritten notes as well as messages sometimes relayed by DeRosa and Stephanie Benton, who was director of the governors office. And it was DeRosa, Malatras told the subcommittee, who had insisted that the deaths of nursing home residents that occurred after they had been removed from those facilities should not be included in the total death toll for the states more than 600 nursing homes. DeRosa was concerned about the accuracy of the data, including instances when people who died before COVID-19 was found in New York were being counted in that toll. Still, the decision that resulted in the administration later being accused of manipulating the data. The decision came after criticism of the nursing home directive had mounted in the weeks after it was rescinded on May 10, 2020. The controversy was occurring as Cuomo was enjoying national acclaim for his televised daily news briefings, and as he was working on a memoir about his administrations handling of the pandemic a book that would secure him a $5 million publishing deal. In June 2020, Benton Cuomos longtime gatekeeper and one of his closest confidantes sent an email to Malatras, Zucker, DeRosa and Gareth Rhodes, another member of the governors coronavirus task force, warning that the directive is going to be the great debacle in the history books. The email from Benton was understood to be a message from the governor, Malatras told the subcommittee. The longer it lasts, the harder to correct, Benton wrote of the criticism. We have a better argument than we made. Get a report on the facts, because this legacy will overwhelm any positive accomplishment. Also how many COVID (positive) people were returned to nursing homes in that period. How many nursing homes. Dont you see how bad this is, or do we admit error and give up. Blaming infected nursing home staff Zucker told the subcommittee that around that time he had instructed senior Health Department staff to begin compiling information to produce an article for a medical journal about the spread of the virus in New Yorks nursing homes. But that type of endeavor, akin to a peer-reviewed report, would take time; Zucker recalled that DeRosa wanted something to be done quickly to tamp down the intensifying criticism. That was the charge, from Melissa to Jim Malatras, who was involved, and our team obviously had the information, and the ask was to pull all this data together, Zucker testified. So we had what we were working on as a paper, and we had a lot of graphs and tables, and I believe the ask also came from Linda Lacewell, to bring all this stuff together. Lacewell was another member of Cuomos coronavirus task force as well as serving as superintendent of the state Department of Financial Services; she was known within the administration as the governors minister of defense. In August 2020, Zucker testified about the nursing home deaths before a state legislative committee. It was a month after the administration had issued its report blaming the deaths in those facilities on infected staff members, not the directive requiring facilities to accept residents infected with the virus. Zucker again embraced the theory that the nursing home directive had not driven infections and deaths in nursing homes, instead pointing at the infected staff members that their report had said was to blame. But although the report claimed New Yorks death toll in nursing homes was similar to those of other states, and in some cases better, it had based that analysis on the total death count for those states rather than fatalities among nursing home populations. We feel the losses in these nursing homes as a community, and we grieve with those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic, and during this time of disruption and fear and unrelenting stress, Zucker told the lawmakers in Albany that day. For all of those who have been touched personally by this terrible loss and this terrible virus, my heart goes out to you. During that joint legislative hearing, he said, DeRosa instructed him to tell the state lawmakers that the March 2020 nursing home directive had been authorized by the Department of Health without the involvement of the governors office. He confirmed to the subcommittee that DeRosa had written that message on a whiteboard that was in his line of sight while he was testifying remotely before the legislative panel. Zucker said he had declined to say that because it would have been a false statement. Both Cuomo and DeRosa have said that at that time they were unaware that someone in the Executive Chamber had reviewed the nursing home directive. For DeRosa, that meant she was telling Zucker to say something she may have believed was true. But its unclear why she wanted the Legislature to believe the governors office was not involved in crafting the controversial guidance that they subsequently defended. In March 2021, the New York Times published a story indicating that DeRosa, Malatras and other top Cuomo aides had made changes to the Health Departments nursing home report. But the congressional subcommittees report alleged those aides took control of drafting the report, with Cuomos input, and that DeRosa had made strong objections to the notion of including the out-of-facility nursing home deaths in the tally. After that article was published, Malatras said, he took part in a conference call involving multiple Executive Chamber officials, including DeRosa, Lacewell and Beth Garvey, who was Cuomos special counsel and senior advisor, as well as Elkan Abramowitz, who was an outside counsel to the chamber. Malatras told the congressional subcommittee that the others on the call had asked him to put out a statement calling the newspapers story inaccurate, but that he had refused to do so. Dr. Eleanor Adams, an epidemiologist who had graduated from Harvard Medical School and served as a special adviser to Zucker, was a key contributor of the Health Departments July 2020 report. But when she testified before the subcommittee in April, Adams said that she did not consider herself or anyone else at the agency to be the true authors of the report. I consistently voiced that I didnt think this should be a (Department of Health) report, Adams testified. I provided edits as directed and asked, but they were not all accepted. And I told Dr. Zucker that I did not think this should be labeled as a Department of Health report as presented. Gareth Rhodes left Cuomos administration in July 2021, a month before the governor resigned in the wake of a state attorney generals report that concluded Cuomo was a serial sexual harasser. In his May testimony before the congressional subcommittee, Rhodes said DeRosa had tasked him with reviewing the Department of Healths data to determine whether the number of nursing home deaths attributed to COVID-19 were being overcounted. I think I flagged maybe 600 or so entries that had some sort of thing that could be considered inconsistent, Rhodes said of that weeklong review. He also told the House panel that he was the previously unidentified Executive Chamber staff member cited in an impeachment report prepared by the state Assembly who had recommended the nursing home report include in its tally all of the fatalities. Malatras also testified about the administration needing to correct a bona fide undercounting in the nursing home death report, including a data glitch that may have ignored fatalities in a nursing facility if they had occurred after 5 p.m. He said those deaths were later added in the retrospective. DeRosas attorney, Gregory Morvillo, said that by April 2020 the state Health Department and Executive Chamber were aware the out-of-facility deaths being reported by nursing homes were wrong. While we disagree with portions of Mr. Malatras testimony, it is true that Ms. DeRosas only concern was with the accuracy of the numbers being reported a concern that was validated in August 2020 when an audit led by Mr. Rhodes found an error rate of 600, or 20%, in the out-of-facility data reported by nursing homes. Morvillo also reiterated that DeRosa, who was interviewed by the subcommittee in June, did not know about the nursing home advisory for nearly a month after it had been issued. As she testified, when she did become aware of it, Dr. Zucker explained to her that the advisory had been drafted by DOH a point corroborated in testimony given by DOH staffer Brad Hutton, he said. While Ms. DeRosa has no recollection of the incident regarding a whiteboard, the sentiment reflects Ms. DeRosas belief that the DOH drafted and implemented the advisory, and there is no one that the committee interviewed who has said otherwise. The congressional subcommittee is expected to release its report and the transcripts of its interviews in the coming days. Cuomo, who was provided with a copy of the report over the weekend, is scheduled to go back before the panel on Tuesday, this time in a public session. Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Cuomo, characterized the report as a sloppy, half baked partisan screed that backs into (former President Donald J.) Trump talking points with uncorroborated, cherry picked testimony and conclusions not supported by evidence or reality. Even with the deck stacked against any objective examination of the facts, these D.C. hacks after wasting years and millions of taxpayer dollars still couldnt credibly support their main allegation that there was any causality between the March 25 (state Health Department) guidance and deaths in nursing homes, he added. Azzopardi noted that the report also acknowledges that it was the federal government that first recommended people infected with COVID-19 should be admitted in nursing homes. But that guidance was also clear that they should only be accepted if they could be safely quarantined from other residents. That is the guidance that New York followed, he said. The origin of the directive The Times Union reported in June 2021 that the directive to nursing homes had its origin in an urgent late-night call to Health Department officials from a top administrator at a Newburgh hospital. A van, he explained, had just dropped off more than 15 nursing home residents who had tested positive for COVID-19, and if more followed it could create a critical shortage of beds. The congressional report backs up the Times Unions reporting: It cites the testimony of Brad Hutton, a former deputy commissioner for public health, who told the House panel last month that the directive was prompted by an urgent phone call from the (chief executive officer) of a hospital in the Hudson Valley who was concerned about hospital capacity. Hutton also testified that the order had been reviewed by the governors office before it was issued, although both DeRosa and Cuomo denied knowing about it until about a month later. Yes, absolutely, Hutton testified last month, when asked by a member of the subcommittee whether the March 25 nursing home order did receive sign-off from the Executive Chamber. Still, the congressional report does not establish who in the chamber had reviewed the nursing home directive before it was issued. The memorandum that was later created by the Department of Health, with input from the governors office, had stated: No resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to the (nursing home) solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19. Cuomos office has said the caveat was that nursing homes could only accept those infected residents if they were capable of caring for them and keeping them quarantined from other residents. But the memo didnt explicitly state that although it noted standard precautions must be maintained and it caused confusion in the industry. Dr. Deborah Birx, former White House coronavirus response coordinator, told the congressional subcommittee last October that New Yorks nursing home directive would have violated the guidance set by the U.S. Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. Family members of nursing home residents told the Times Union four years ago that they had seen their loved ones often over Zoom or FaceTime calls being occasionally tended to by nursing home employees who werent wearing masks, and on floors where other residents were testing positive for the virus. ___ (c)2024 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store here on Monday, saying that China is willing to work with Norway to promote the continuous development of friendly cooperation. Xi asked Store to convey his greetings to King Harald V. Xi said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two peoples have respected, appreciated and learned from each other, forging a valuable friendship. Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation is consistent with the will of the two peoples, the fundamental interests of the two countries, and a global trend of maintaining closer ties among countries to share weal and woe, Xi said. He noted that today's world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, which are testing whether the international community can make the right choice. China will continue to follow the path of peaceful development. By further deepening reform in an all-round way and advancing Chinese modernization, China will inject stability and certainty into a world fraught with changes and turbulence and create more opportunities for the common development of all countries, Xi said. Xi noted that the two countries' economies are highly complementary and have seen fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. He called on the two sides to expand practical cooperation in fields such as environmental protection, energy transformation, maritime affairs and shipping, agricultural and fishery products, and electric vehicles. He also called for intensified exchanges of personnel and strengthened cooperation in such areas as education, culture, tourism and winter sports. Xi noted that China and Norway share broad consensus on maintaining world peace and security, addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity and countering other global challenges. He said China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Norway at the United Nations and on other multilateral platforms, practice true multilateralism, and promote an equal, orderly, multipolar world and an economic globalization that benefits all. China hopes that Norway will play a positive role in promoting the sound development of relations between China and Europe, he added. Store conveyed King Harald V's cordial greetings to President Xi. Store said that Norway respects China's sovereignty, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to continue to work with China to respect each other's core interests and major concerns. Store said China's development is full of vitality and has significant successful experience. Norway looks forward to expanding cooperation with China, especially in such fields as green development, climate change, maritime affairs and shipping, agriculture and fishery industries, new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence, he said. Noting that Norway supports free trade, Store said the country is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China under multilateral frameworks such as the G20, and supports strengthened cooperation between Europe and China. The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other hotspot issues. Xi stressed that China encourages and supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and will continue to promote peace talks and play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement. Xi voiced the hope that all parties will work together to accumulate favorable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis through dialogue. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Apples flavor of generative artificial intelligence, called Apple Intelligence, was laced throughout its latest watch, AirPods, and phone offerings, announced at its Glowtime event on Monday. Speakers at the prerecorded session aired online touted a number of features in the new hardware lineup, which uses Apple Intelligence to support everything from diagnosing sleep apnea to addressing hearing loss to managing a phones bloated photo library. Apple is trying to embed AI into everything, observed Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst at SmartTech Research in Las Vegas. They did all the things they had to do, he told TechNewsWorld. They upgraded the watch, the AirPods, the phones and their cameras, but everything they led with, in every product category, was all about AI, AI, AI, AI. Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, a venture capital firm in Minneapolis, noted that at the Apple event, there were a lot of details aired features, pricing, timing. Thats all noise, he told TechNewsWorld. Its noise because its a trap to think about Apple Intelligence as a series of features. The reality is this is a new paradigm that will change how about 1.8 billion Apple customers interact with tech, he declared. In 2007, he continued, the iPhones touch screen was disguised as a feature, and in reality, it was the underpinnings of a paradigm shift of the phone becoming a computer in your pocket. Apple Intelligence puts infinite simplicity and intelligence in your pocket, he said. He argued that Apple will provide the most usable version of consumer AI. Thats because there is a hardware, software services element that only Apple can do, he noted. New Sleep Apnea App At its online event, Apple announced its new Apple Watch Series 10. Its models are slimmer, with 30% larger displays, and their cases are made of aluminum and polished titanium. The watch is powered by a new S10 SiP, has a new sleep apnea feature, and has an 18-hour battery life. Models start at US$399 and will be available on Sept. 20. I think that the larger display is going to drive a lot of people to upgrade, predicted Anshel Sag, a senior analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, a technology analyst and advisory firm based in Austin, Texas. You might even see some people move from the Ultra to the new Series 10 just because of the bigger screen, he told TechNewsWorld. Thinner and lighter design is nice, but I think ultimately people are really about having bigger screens on their wrist. It ends up being more useful. As long as the bigger screen doesnt affect battery life, I think people prefer that larger display. The new series also has a better viewing angle, he added. Thats important, too, because youre not always looking at your wrist head-on. The wide-angle OLED display on the Apple Watch Series 10 improves visibility at wider angles and is up to 40 percent brighter than the Series 9 when viewed from the side. Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies, a technology advisory firm in San Jose, Calif., praised the new sleep apnea feature. Any person that has sleep apnea, especially significant sleep apnea, can have serious health problems, he told TechNewsWorld. The ability to test for sleep apnea during a normal sleep pattern is quite important. That information can be taken to the doctor who will look at that test and that sleep pattern and start the process of determining how serious the sleep apnea is, he added. Apple also released updates to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, featuring a new titanium case and sapphire front crystal. Models start at $799 and will be available Sept. 20. Refreshed AirPods Apple also refreshed its AirPods line. It improved the audio performance in its AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, introduced new colors for its over-the-ear AirPods Max offering, and upgraded its AirPods Pro product. AirPods 4 sell for $129 and $179 with active noise cancellation. AirPods Max sells for $549, and AirPods Pro 2 for $249. All are available on Sept. 20. From left to right: The new AirPods lineup features AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. This refreshed lineup includes updated designs for AirPods 4, new color options for AirPods Max, and integrated hearing health features in AirPods Pro 2. I was shocked that Apple spent so little time on the AirPods Max, Vena said. They havent upgraded those over-the-head headphones for a long time. Ive been using mine for several years. The only change they made was switching from the Lightning plug to USB-C. With the new AirPods Pro 2 line, Apple is entering the hearing health business. The AirPods Pro cannot only perform hearing tests but also act as hearing aids. They didnt spend a lot of time on the ability to do a hearing test, but it is a big deal, Bajarin maintained. A lot of people understand they might have a little bit of hearing loss, but they dont really know how significant it is. With this new software, they can actually do a hearing loss test. And thats quite important because, right now, if you have to do a hearing test, youve got to go into a doctors office or to an audiologist and take a test in person. Having that on your phone simplifies the process, he noted. The software can also turn the AirPods Pro into a clinically approved hearing aid, he continued. What is really important to understand and I think is going to make the AirPods big, big sellers is that they can take away the stigma behind hearing aids. There are a lot of people who hesitate to use a hearing aid because it identifies them with a medical problem, he explained. Well, if youre wearing the new AirPods Pro and youre using them at the hearing aid level, nobody knows that. Theyre just thinking that youre listening to music, and it takes away that stigma. I think thats a game-changer, he added. I think it alone will cause many more people to check their hearing and utilize this kind of a solution, which is much cheaper than most of the hearing aids on the market and makes it a much more accessible health tool in the process. Smarter Siri The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are based on the new A18 chip, while the A18 Pro powers the Pro and Max models. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in five colors: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. Its important for developers that the A18 is used in all the iPhone 16 models, Sag said. Theres no longer this two-tiered strategy anymore. I think it will help to consolidate what features are and arent supported on the silicon. The A18 Pro chip has the most powerful neural processing engine the iPhone has ever had, Bajarin noted. Its critical to process the kind of data you need for generative AI. So the A18 Pro chip makes the iPhone 16 the most powerful artificial intelligent enhanced smartphone on the market today. And it allows Siri to be much smarter, to not only give you data but also analyze the data, he said. It lets you look at your photo library and quickly determine all the pictures youve ever taken of your dog or create albums for you automatically. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in four finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Siri may be smarter, but it might not be a world changer. I dont think Siri is yet a new interface that will change how we interact with the world around us, observed Thomas Husson, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research, a market research company headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. However, there are clear signs that Siri is finally moving into becoming more of a digital agent leveraging your on-device information and personal context to deliver new multimodal experiences and take actions on your behalf, he told TechNewsWorld. Several camera upgrades were made to the iPhone 16, including a camera control button, a 48MP fusion camera, and the equivalent of four lenses. The iPhone 16 sells for $799; 16 Plus, $899; 16 Pro, $999; and 16 Pro Max, $1,199. The phones will be available on Sept. 20. According to Apple, some hefty trade-in amounts for iPhone 12 and above can be used to buy an iPhone 16. They want a good upgrade cycle that moves more people to Apple intelligence-capable devices, Sag said. I think they want there to be a robust Apple Intelligence installed base so that they can convince developers to build to it, he added. Theyre banking quite a bit of the companys success on Apple Intelligence being supported by developers in a coherent and capable way. Editors Note: The images featured in this article are credited to Apple. Hallucinated Potato: The primary intelligence agencies in the West have seemingly embraced AI algorithms as a valuable analysis tool. Despite the technology's tendency to hallucinate and produce fabricated answers, both the CIA and MI6 are utilizing generative AI to stay competitive in the international espionage arena. CIA director Bill Burns and UK Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Richard Moore recently co-authored a Financial Times article discussing the "special" partnership between their agencies. The duo highlighted the 75-year collaboration between the CIA and SIS, emphasizing that the two continue to work closely together in today's chaotic, technology-driven world. One of the article's most intriguing revelations was the growing use of AI in intelligence operations. Both the CIA and SIS are now actively employing AI, particularly generative AI algorithms, across various tasks. These technologies are used to summarize data, propose new insights, and identify critical information within large datasets. The agencies have also developed AI models to assist and "red team" their own operations, ensuring that sensitive activities remain secure from external threats. Additionally, the article revealed that both organizations are leveraging cloud technologies and partnering with private companies in the US and UK to enhance their capabilities. As demonstrated by Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine, modern technology can dramatically alter the course of a conflict. The ongoing war has combined open-source software with battlefield machinery, leveraged commercial and military satellite imagery, and employed drones and various intelligence sources at an unprecedented pace and scale. While the US and UK continue to counter Russian sabotage attempts by spies, this is only one aspect of their broader intelligence efforts. The primary focus of the CIA and SIS has shifted to China, now regarded as the most significant intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century. Both agencies have reorganized their operations to confront Beijing's growing influence, though counterterrorism remains a core reason for the enduring US-UK intelligence partnership. To stay ahead in modern intelligence, maintaining a technological edge is crucial. As a result, the CIA and SIS have built a network of private sector partners to support their efforts. Burns and Moore noted that today's international order is under threat, with global peace and stability jeopardized in ways not seen since the Cold War. Generative AI and a few ChatGPT prompts may well be part of the tools that help safeguard the future. A Japanese man might go to jail after secretly recording over 1,000 women in hot springs. He hid cameras in fake rocks and acted in various places in Japan. People felt shocked after discovering how much spying he did. Cameras Found in Yamagata Hot Springs The case started when a woman noticed something strange at a hot spring in Yamagata. She saw odd light reflections and found a fake rock with a hidden camera inside. After checking the rock, she saw the camera and quickly called the police. This discovery led to a bigger investigation. According to the South China Morning Post, the police arrested the 31-year-old man in May after searching for him in Fukushima. When they checked the camera, they found videos of at least 44 women. However, they believe he recorded many more since he had been doing this since 2022. "Two years is too short. It should be two years times the number of victims. They could be affected for a lifetime if the footage was uploaded to the internet," a Japanese netizen commented. How Cameras Were Hidden in Hot Springs He used complicated tricks to stay hidden. According to reports, he bought telelens online and created fake rocks with clay and plastic. He placed the camera in these rocks and taped the wires so they looked natural, then used a power bank so the camera worked non-stop. To avoid being caught, he dressed like a mountain climber and hid behind a net, as per WION. His careful planning allowed him to record women without being noticed. Criminal Record and New Investigation This wasn't the man's first problem with the law. Before, he was found guilty of owning child pornography, a crime that already damaged how people saw him. But his recent actions have really surprised everyone with how big and planned they were. The prosecutor called the crime "planned and done many times." It seriously hurt the victims' mental well-being. Because of the seriousness of the crime, the prosecutor is asking for at least two years in prison. The final decision is expected on Sept. 17. Hidden Camera Crimes in Japan This case points to a bigger issue in Japan. Recording people illegally has become a bigger problem recently. In 2022, Japan's police recorded 5,737 cases of secret recordings with hidden cameras. This number barely lowered to 5,730 the next year. Secret tools to spy on people's privacy are a big threat. Isn't it clear this case shows urgent steps are needed? People are now demanding tougher rules and more forceful police action to fight the rise of such crimes. With new technology, invading someone's privacy has really become simpler. Public spaces don't always feel safe anymore. How far will this problem go? A Serious Crime with Long Effects This case reminds everyone just how damaging voyeurism and hidden camera crimes are. Over 1,000 victims were affected, showing the man's repeated violations of personal space. Women across Japan have suffered because of this. The case of hidden cameras is not commonplace. Even in AirBnb, spying is speculated through the secret cams in private places. Because of this, the company was alerted upon receiving 35,000 support tickets. Apple launched its most advanced Pro line-up ever, the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, during the Its Glowtime event hosted at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, on Monday. Both handsets come with larger display sizes, new creative capabilities with innovative pro camera features, stunning graphics for immersive gaming, and moreall powered by the A18 Pro chip. Heres everything you need to know about the new iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max: Design And Display The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models feature a strong yet lightweight titanium design and the largest iPhone display ever. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are equipped with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch OLED Super Retina XDR OLED displays, respectively, with Always-On and ProMotion technologies. Further, they come with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,000nits peak brightness, and Apples latest Ceramic Shield protection, which is twice as tough as glass on any other smartphone. Also, the new mechanical architecture enhances heat dissipation and efficiency for up to 20 percent better-sustained performance. Processor The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature a new A18 Pro chip, which Apple claims is its fastest chipset yet. It is built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology and has a new 16-core neural engine for on-device processing of Apple Intelligence features, which is due as a free update in the coming months. With two performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, the new 6-core CPU is up to 15 percent faster while using 20 percent less power than last years models. Further, a 17 percent increase in total system memory bandwidth benefits the new 6-core GPU, which is up to 20 percent faster than the previous generation. Camera Both iPhone 16 Pro models feature an upgraded 48MP Fusion camera with a second-generation quad-pixel sensor. This camera is capable of recording 4K video in Dolby Vision at 120 frames per second (fps) in video mode or slo-mo. They also have a second 48MP ultra-wide camera with a more advanced quad-pixel sensor for super-high-resolution 48MP ProRAW and HEIF photos with autofocus. Further, they also have a 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto camera with a 120mm focal length for shooting sharper close-ups from farther away. The iPhone 16 Max and iPhone Pro Max models have a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front for FaceTime, Face ID, and capturing selfies. Camera Control The iPhone 16 line-up now includes a new Camera Control button located on the right side of the iPhone under the power button. Built with a force sensor and touch sensor to support different gestures, it lets you take the perfect photo or video in record time. For instance, if you want to adjust camera functions like exposure or depth of field, you can simply slide your finger through each lens or use digital zoom to frame your shot. Similarly, clicking the camera control button launches the Camera app, and clicking it again instantly takes a photo. Further, in video mode, clicking the camera control button starts recording, while a light press opens controls like zoom. With a double light press, you can choose another camera setting and then slide to adjust that setting. Apple also plans to introduce a two-stage shutter in Camera Control for focus and exposure-locking, later this year. Battery Powered by the A18 Pro chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models promise the longest battery life ever, although Apple has not revealed the exact figures. However, there are claims that iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max can provide up to 27 and 33 hours of video playback on a single charge. Further, these models can be charged at 27W using a compatible charger or at 15W using a MagSafe or Qi2-compatible wireless charging adapter. Connectivity On the connectivity front, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models support 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS connectivity, along with a USB 3.0 Type-C port. Other Features The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max devices are dual SIM (U.S.: eSIM, Worldwide: Nano + eSIM). They are splash, water, and dust resistant with an IP68 rating (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Both models will feature Apples latest operating system, iOS 18, which will be available as a free software update on Monday, September 16. Also, Apple is offering three free months of Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+ with a new subscription for customers who purchase iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max devices. Pricing And Availability The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will be available in four color options: Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Desert Titanium, with storage capacities of 128GB (iPhone 16 Pro only), 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. Pre-orders will start from Friday, September 13, and will be available for purchase beginning Friday, September 20, via Apples website and authorized retailers. Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong delivers a speech at the opening of the 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bo) NANJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will take concrete actions to contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to global public security governance, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said Monday. Wang made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening of the 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province. The forum was themed "Win-Win Cooperation Under Significant Changes: Building a Global Community of Common Public Security." Wang said China has actively implemented global security initiatives over the past year, and is committed to building a global community with a shared future for public security, facilitating the convergence of security concepts and interests, and advancing global security cooperation. Wang added that China is willing to work with countries around the world to practice common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concepts, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in the field of public security. The country will work with other countries to promote the development of the global public security governance system in a fairer, more rational and more efficient direction. On Monday, Wang met with officials from Malaysia, Myanmar, Zambia, Nicaragua and Russia. Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong attends the opening of the 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bo) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's national lawmakers will deliberate a raft of legislative bills on matters such as national defense education, energy, and anti-money laundering at an upcoming legislative session, according to a press conference on Monday. From Sept. 10 to 13, the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, will convene its 11th session in Beijing. During the session, lawmakers will conduct a second review of the draft revision to the National Defense Education Law. The draft includes new content covering areas such as combining national defense education in schools with publicity work for military service, and the legal liabilities for relevant violations of the law, said Wang Xiang, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee. Legislators will also deliberate a draft amendment to the Statistics Law that will redouble institutional constraints to preempt the falsification of official statistics, and strengthen legal accountability for all types of statistical falsification, Wang said. Draft revisions to the anti-money laundering law will be submitted for a second reading. They outline efforts to ensure alignment between money laundering countermeasures and the actual risks posed by money laundering, as well as efforts to guarantee the normal order of capital flows and financial services, Wang said. The revisions also specify that the data and information collected by anti-money-laundering institutions and personnel should be handled in strict accordance with the law to ensure security, Wang added. A draft energy law will also be submitted for a second reading, aiming to facilitate the country's green, low-carbon energy transformation. It highlights a safe, reliable and orderly transition from fossil to non-fossil energy, and urges the enhancement of sci-tech innovation in the energy sector, Wang said. Hijacked, sunk, set ablaze: Yemen rebels' Red Sea attacks Dubai, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Yemen's Huthi rebels have attacked scores of merchant ships off the country's coast over the past 10 months as part of a sometimes-deadly campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war. The Iran-backed Huthis' drone and missile strikes have targeted nearly 100 vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre, which is run by a Western naval coalition. Here are the most significant attacks by the Huthis, who say their campaign is aimed at ships linked to Israel and its Western allies the United States and Britain. However, Washington said early this year that dozens of countries had ties to the attacked vessels. - Galaxy Leader - The Huthis stormed and hijacked a vehicle-carrier, the Galaxy Leader, in November, detaining its 25 international crew who remain captive. The rebels later opened the ship as an attraction for Yemeni tourists who were invited to visit the captured vessel, which was by then flying Yemeni and Palestinian flags off the rebel-held province of Hodeida. The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader is operated by a Japanese firm but has links to Israeli businessman Abraham "Rami" Ungar. - Rubymar - The Rubymar, a cargo ship carrying 21,000 tonnes of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertiliser, was hit by a Huthi missile on February 18, causing serious damage and forcing the evacuation of its crew to Djibouti. Less than two weeks later, on March 2, the Belize-flagged, British-registered and Lebanese-operated vessel went down south of the Hanish Islands, a Yemeni archipelago, in the first known sinking from the attacks. - True Confidence - Three crew were killed and four wounded when a Huthi ballistic missile struck the True Confidence merchant vessel on March 6, the first fatal attack of the rebels' campaign. The Indian Navy rescued 21 of the crew aboard the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned ship, including 13 Filipinos, and took them to Djibouti. The ship, which suffered serious damage, was towed to the port of Al-Duqm in Oman. - Tutor - On June 12, the Huthis attacked the Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned merchant ship, killing a Filipino sailor. The vessel, hit off Hodeida, suffered serious flooding and was abandoned before it eventually sank. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the ship had "nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza". - Sounion - Huthi projectiles hit the Greek-flagged Sounion oil tanker carrying 150,000 tonnes -- or more than a million barrels -- of oil off Hodeida on August 21, causing a fire and cutting engine power. The crew, 23 Filipinos and two Russians, were rescued the next day by a French frigate serving with the European Union's Aspides naval mission. The Huthis later released a video of masked men detonating explosives on the Sounion, causing several fires on board. Last week, an operation by private companies to tow away the burning ship was abandoned for safety reasons. Surveillance flights spotted several fires onboard as recently as Saturday, said the Joint Maritime Information Centre, run by an international naval coalition. The United States and environmental group Greenpeace have warned of a potential ecological catastrophe involving four times more oil than the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska if the ship explodes or breaks up. am/ho/th/it/smw Methane rising faster than other greenhouse gases: researchers Paris, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Concentrations of the powerful greenhouse gas methane in the atmosphere are rising at an accelerating pace, threatening efforts by countries to meet their climate targets, researchers warned Tuesday. "Methane is rising faster in relative terms than any major greenhouse gas and is now 2.6-fold higher than in pre-industrial times," said an international group of researchers under the aegis of the Global Carbon Project in a study published in Environmental Research Letters. Methane is the second-largest greenhouse gas produced by human activity after carbon dioxide, with agriculture, energy production and organic waste rotting in landfills the major sources. In the first 20 years its impact on the atmosphere is about 80 times that of carbon dioxide, but it breaks down quicker. That opens a possibility to sharply reduce climate impact in the short term, but the researchers found that despite efforts to cut methane emissions that atmospheric concentrations of the gas are still rising. - Rising in most countries - An average of 6.1 million tonnes of methane were added to atmosphere per year in the 2000s. That rose to 20.9 million tonnes per in the 2010s. It hit 41.8 million tonnes in 2020. "Anthropogenic emissions have continued to increase in almost every other country in the world, with the exception of Europe and Australia, which show a slow declining trend," Global Carbon Project executive director Pep Canadell, and one of the study's co-authors, told AFP. The largest increases have come from China and southeast Asia, and were primarily linked to coal extraction, oil and gas production and landfills, the researchers found. The La Nina weather phenomenon has also led to an increase in methane from natural sources, they found. The drop in nitrogen oxides pollution in 2020 as transportation plunged due to the Covid-19 pandemic had a paradoxical impact: it is key in preventing methane from accumulating in the atmosphere. - "Mirage" - Rising methane pollution is running at cross purposes of efforts to keep the global warming under 2 degrees Celsius. A "Global Methane Pledge" was launched int 2021 by the European Union and United States to cut global methane emissions 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030. More than 150 countries have signed up, but not China, India or Russia. "Right now, the goals of the Global Methane Pledge seem as distant as a desert oasis," said lead author of the Environmental Research Letters paper, Stanford University scientist Rob Jackson. "We all hope they aren't a mirage." China and the United States are preparing to host a summit on greenhouse gasses other than carbon dioxide later this year, raising the prospects for further pledges by governments. Peaches from Japan's Fukushima region sold at Harrods Tokyo, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Peaches from Fukushima can now be bought at London's luxury department store Harrods in a Japanese push to ease fears about produce grown in the region hit by nuclear disaster. A box of three large, juicy white peaches costs 80 pounds ($100) -- the first time the fruit is available at a shop in Europe, after sales at temporary events. Before the 2011 atomic meltdown, Fukushima prided itself as a "fruit kingdom", famous in Japan for its delicious offerings, including peaches, grapes, pears and cherries. But after an earthquake-triggered tsunami unleashed the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, consumers feared eating them could harm their health and sales plunged. Although the areas surrounding the stricken Fukushima Daiichi power station were evacuated over radiation fears, farms in the rest of the region were not contaminated. And before being sent to stores, all farm and fishery products from the northeastern Japanese prefecture now undergoes strict radiation inspection. Harrods began selling the peaches on Saturday, part of a reputation-building initiative by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima plant. The company has previously staged campaigns in the United States, Thailand and other major economies to promote rice, farm products and seafood from Fukushima. "The primary purpose of those activities is to erase fears in foreign markets of Fukushima produce," a TEPCO spokesman told AFP on Tuesday. An association of Fukushima residents in London hailed the news as a "major step forward" in a Facebook post. "Many people asked us at Japan festivals, 'where can we buy these?'" it said. "Please enjoy the taste of these peaches that Fukushima proudly presents to the rest of the world." hih/kaf/sw TEPCO - TOKYO ELECTRIC POWER Nestle to pay 2 mn euros to close France water probes Strasbourg, France, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Nestle's water subsidiary, which produces brands such as Perrier, will pay 2 million euros ($2.2 million) to close French probes over illegal wells and treatment of mineral water, prosecutors said Tuesday. The prosecutor in the eastern town of Epinal, Frederic Nahon, said the non-prosecution agreement was the "biggest concerning the environment signed in France to date". The deal ends preliminary probes into the use of wells without authorisation and fraud for filtering its mineral waters -- a practice that is illegal in France where mineral waters are supposed to be natural. The Swiss group, whose water brands also include Vittel and San Pellegrino, will in addition spend 1.1 million euros over two years on projects to restore the environment in several French towns where it operates. The prosecutor said the non-prosecution agreement was justified as Nestle had cooperated with the probe, had brought its practices into compliance and there were no public health consequences. The deal, "while sanctioning the unauthorised activities that were found, encourages a faster conclusion, remediation of the environmental damage and compensation of several parties," he said. A local environmental group welcomed the deal but consumer groups criticised it. "It's a scandalous decision which sends a very bad message about a climate of impunity: Nestle Waters can deceive consumers around the world for years and get away with it by pulling out its checkbook," said Ingrid Kragl, a fraud expert at Foodwatch. pau/rl/gv Francine expected to become hurricane on path to US southeast Houston, Sept 10 (AFP) Sep 10, 2024 Tropical Storm Francine was expected to become a hurricane later Tuesday as it headed towards the coast of Louisiana in the southeastern United States, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. As of 1800 GMT, the storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (around 100 kph) and was about 130 miles (209 kilometers) southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande, according to an NHC advisory. "Francine now moving northeastward across the western Gulf of Mexico," the statement said. "Expected to become a hurricane this afternoon or tonight." Louisiana's governor Jeff Landry requested that US President Joe Biden declare a state of emergency. "This federal assistance is needed to save lives and property, and I look forward to President Biden quickly approving this request," he said. A hurricane warning was in place for part of the Louisiana coast, while there were storm surge warnings -- indicating danger of life-threatening flooding -- in several areas of the southeast. There have been three hurricanes so far in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and will end on November 30. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, was the most significant, reportedly killing dozens when it tore through the Caribbean before hitting the southern US states of Texas and Louisiana. Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of storms because there is more energy in a warmer ocean for them to feed on. by Xinhua writers Xia Yuanyi, Liu Yuxuan BRUSSELS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Belgian historian has hailed Beijing's old city as an architectural masterpiece, emphasizing how its layout showcases centuries of urban evolution, with a central axis that stands unparalleled in its design. The recent recognition of Beijing Central Axis as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site underscores its immense significance in the fields of archaeology, architecture, and culture, Thomas Coomans, an architectural historian, archaeologist and heritage conservationist, said in an interview with Xinhua. Coomans, a professor in the department of architecture of KU Leuven University, has been collaborating with Chinese scholars since 2011. In 2014, he and Xu Yitao from the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University established a research cooperation framework in building archaeology. Coomans also served as a visiting professor at Peking University from 2016 to 2017. Building archaeology combines archaeological methods with historical research, Coomans explained. "We look at buildings with the eyes of an archaeologist, not an architect. We try to understand from the materials how the building was, its history and how people built them." Through his frequent academic exchanges with Chinese colleagues, Coomans has visited Beijing numerous times. During one of these visits, he lived in a hutong lane near Nanluoguxiang, a popular tourist destination in the heart of the city, immersing himself in local life to gain a deeper understanding of the area's culture and history. Nanluoguxiang, an 800-meter-long historic alley, is renowned for its traditional hutong architecture and lively cultural atmosphere. Reflecting on his time there, Coomans said, "When you live in a hutong, you are no longer a tourist. You become part of the Chinese community. You smile to people, interact with them, and you really understand these places with a very long history. That's really the heart of Beijing." Coomans expressed a particular fascination with Beijing's ancient structures that blend European styles with Chinese craftsmanship, uniquely merging Western architectural concepts with Chinese techniques and artistic ideas. This fusion, he noted, creates a remarkable and unprecedented architectural synergy. The 589-hectare area of the Beijing Central Axis connects structures that reflect centuries of cultural exchange between China and the West, including St. Michael's Church and St. Joseph's Church. Beyond the Central Axis, landmarks like Xiyanglou, or "Western Mansions" -- influenced by early 18th century Italian painter and missionary Giuseppe Castiglione -- and the former embassy district of Dongjiaominxiang, further illustrate the architectural diversity shaped by these exchanges across Eurasia. The Beijing Central Axis spans 7.8 kilometers, making it the world's longest urban axis. Initiated in the 13th century, it reached its current form by the 16th century. Coomans said its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July serves as proof of its outstanding value. As Coomans sees it, Beijing is a truly unique capital, with a structure incomparable to that of any other capital in the world. "The city's layout is the result of evolution of earlier capitals in China, but Beijing is truly the masterpiece." Coomans has been invited to the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, scheduled for Sept. 19-21. He expressed his excitement about the event, looking forward to learning and meeting new friends. During the forum, scholars from various countries will share their perspectives and insights on Beijing. This year's theme is "Enhance Cultural Exchanges for Common Progress." BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Wu Yanan, commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, on Tuesday had a video talk with Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, in accordance with the consensus reached between the heads of state of China and the United States at their San Francisco meeting. According to China's Ministry of National Defense, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on issues of common concern. If you have to evacuate, make sure you car is in good condition and that you have supplies for the trip. After a record-breaking start to the 2024 hurricane season followed by an eerie August lull, this year has felt far from normal. But Francine's formation in the Gulf of Mexico at this particular time of year is nothing if not par for the course. BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A ministerial meeting of the fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum will be held in south China's island province of Hainan, China's commerce ministry announced on Monday. The meeting, scheduled to take place from Sept. 12 to 14, will focus on emerging sectors and discuss the new opportunities and patterns that green, low-carbon development and digital technologies have brought to China-Caribbean cooperation, according to ministry official Lin Feng. To facilitate economic and trade cooperation, the ministry has worked to ascertain the cooperation needs of enterprises on both sides ahead of time, and organized a special dialogue event for Caribbean ministers and Chinese enterprises, Lin told a press conference. By hosting the ministerial meeting in Hainan, a frontier region of China's opening-up, China also hopes to help Caribbean countries gain a better understanding of its opening-up policies, propelling deeper and high-quality cooperation between the two sides, Lin said. Delegations from 11 Caribbean countries will attend the meeting, as will the secretariat of the Caribbean Community, and a delegation from the government of Haiti will participate as an observer, according to the ministry. Established in 2004, the China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum has served as the highest-level economic and trade dialogue mechanism between the governments of China and Caribbean countries. Over the past 20 years, the forum has facilitated fruitful cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, human resources and health care. In my time in the party, I have never seen as much sadness amongst members as I have these last 24 hours. Now thats a big call, particularly as it comes from our friends of the Victorian Liberal Party. Yet members are so outraged by what has happened that they have even invoked Julia Gillards knifing of Kevin Rudd. Katie Allen couldnt be any more back. Credit: Jason South What could possibly top the Jarndyce v Jarndyce vibes being served up by the Moira Deeming v John Pesutto court case due to start its hearing on Monday? Turns out the Libs have found an entirely new way to tear themselves apart, after Katie Allen, who lost her federal seat of Higgins to Labor at the last election, was granted preselection of the neighbouring seat of Chisholm by the state administrative committee, trouncing previously endorsed candidate Theo Zographos, after Higgins was abolished in a redrawing of electoral boundaries. The father of a three-year-old boy hospitalised after a massive house fire in suburban Melbourne had been increasingly concerned his son was being left alone with his siblings while the childrens mother went out. Jayde Petalas said his son Kalais condition had improved on Tuesday after the three-year-old and his sisters five-year-old Izabel and 21-month-old Lyvia were pulled from a home in Fergus Court, Sydenham, in Melbournes north-west on Sunday night. Jayde Petalas and stepdaughter Izabel, who was hospitalised after the Sydenham house fire. Police are investigating whether the children were home alone when the blaze broke out. All three children remained in a critical condition at the Royal Childrens Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Defence All-Hours Support Line 1800 628 036 or Open Arms 1800 011 046. THE FORUM Rebuilding trust Thank you Niki Savva for your clear and accurate assessment of the current political landscape (In this fight to save our politics, integrity and decency matter, 10/9). I hope that both editors of newspapers in this country, journalists and all our television networks make it compulsory reading for themselves and their staff. Politicians and aspiring ones please also take note. Our democratic institutions along with many corporations appear to have lost the plot. People of all ages distrust them and demand change that reflects principles of justice and basic ethics of human community. Doing the right thing and not what will get you elected or reporting accurately and without an ideological agenda is what is demanded in a civilised society. Ray Cleary, Camberwell Simple truth Niki Savva nails it, as usual, in her incisive analysis. In a nutshell: If you show respect for one another, people are more likely to respect you. To journalists: Dont publish lies, then claim its balance. To politicians: Tell the truth, even if it hurts. We can handle it, and we deserve it. Joe Di Stefano, Geelong Pause the pain Your correspondent, (Feeling the pain, and mislaying the blame, 10/9) misses the point in his support for the Labor government. Labor is responsible for the spending that is adding to inflationary pressures and is culpable, as are the Liberals, for increasing taxes. What rationale drives increasing taxes on petrol and liquor (indexed to inflation) twice a year? Both of these feed into cost of living pressures. If either party were genuine they would halt these increases. Vince Vozzo, Elwood Pressure points The cost of living and inflation debate rages on, causing the RBA to take action and inflicting stress on some sectors of the economy and cohorts of the population. The contributing causes are still being debated, including the war in Ukraine, post-COVID effects, global warming etc. They all contribute in some way. Council rates also contribute. I analysed my rate notices from the 2014-15 year to 2024-25. The annual change of rate varies from -1.5 per cent to 10.2 per cent over that time. The annual compound growth over that time was 3.4 per cent. I acknowledge that councils have essential work to do and they have input costs to manage, but that annual increase over 10 years is well outside the RBAs tolerance. Its another contributor. Andrew Barnes, Ringwood Glad to be Green Your correspondent can relax because, far from being shattered, I am solidly with Adam Bandt and his Green team taking on Dutton and Albanese and their corporate string-pullers (Bob Brown must be shattered, Letters, 9/9). No Greens leaders have secret dinners with mining billionaires. Bob Brown, Cygnet, Tas Compromise not cave-in Regarding your headline (PM caves to gender identity in census 9/9), politicians dream about governing a unified country. The morality, fairness or vision of their policies are not as important as social cohesion. Therefore, it is just as reasonable to assume our prime minister thought about the highly likely divisive debates ensuring from a decision to include questions around gender in the next census. He has plenty of evidence on that score from the leader of the opposition. It is also reasonable to assume that he was moved by the obvious strength of the argument to continue as planned. To claim it was a cave-in diminishes the deep thinking that could have accompanied that change of position. Howard Tankey, Box Hill North Celebrity health Part of me thinks that celebrities who promote alternative healing practices should be held to account, especially if they have a vested interest in flogging said practices, and face criminal charges if anyone dies as a result. But then another part of me thinks that this isnt necessary. After all, no one would be gullible enough to follow the advice of a celebrity particularly one whose only qualification is looking good over that of a properly qualified doctor ... would they? John Howes, Rowville Weight control Keeping basic records of school childrens physical development like weight and height (Plan to have school nurses weigh students to curb obesity criticised, 8/9) is simple, responsible policy. It doesnt need a nurse. Treating weight records as psychologically harmful puts the cart before the horse. Most children are smart enough to know their weight is the issue, not whether its periodically recorded. Instead give children one simple message. Stop eating and drinking sugar. Among my peers Ive seen direct evidence of the effectiveness of this one measure. Its not as hard as it seems at first. Sugar cravings cease quite quickly, mostly within a fortnight. Reducing poor-quality junk food and other carbohydrates also helps, but nothing works like ceasing sugar consumption. Mark Freeman, Macleod Invest in our community We live in Mount Atkinson and Adam Carey hit the nail on the head (Isolated suburb still waiting for a train, a bus, a store, an answer, 9/9). A 40-minute round trip to pick up milk and eggs is ambitious. If you do not own a car, you are unable to go about your business. As homeowners, were proud to live here and are excited by the prospect of starting our own family down the road from where we grew up. But 19,000 residents deserve better. Some serious work needs to be done to turn Mount Atkinson from potential to reality. Emmy and Lavan Ruban, Mount Atkinson Snail rail The fortunate citizens of Morocco can travel between the countrys two major cities Tangiers and Casablanca by high-speed train at a speed of about 300km/h. In Turkey the high-speed train linking that countrys two key cities, Ankara and Istanbul, makes its journey at a zippy 250km/h. Meanwhile, in Australia, unfortunate rail travellers on the heavily trafficked Melbourne-Sydney corridor need to set aside over 11 hours for the experience, ambling over the 866 kilometres at an average of under 80 km/h. In 1960 the same journey took 14 hours or so (an average of 60 km/h) whats new? So it would seem that the citizens of supposedly underdeveloped Morocco and Turkey are blessed with more visionary and more ambitious leadership than we possess here in Australia. Robert Enker, Caulfield North Best conduct Regarding an award for sportsmanship, as suggested by your correspondent (Letters, 10/9), the AFL could look to the example set by the North American National Hockey League, which presents the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. This is a separate award to the player judged the most valuable. If a sport such as ice hockey with its levels of aggression and competition clearly on show can reward sportsmanship and gentlemanly behaviour in the 21st century, why not the AFL? True the Brownlow is for the best and fairest, but the latter seems sometimes to pale into insignificance especially as there are frequent calls to allow suspended players to be eligible. Admirable qualities should be rewarded. Wendy Hinson, Wantirna Social costs It has been estimated that the social cost of gambling is greater than the revenue that media organisations receive from gambling advertising. If all gambling advertising was banned, the government could provide annual grants to media organisations. This would compensate for their revenue loss, but on condition they comply with a code of practice. This code would require fair and truthful reporting, encouraging unity and cohesion. This would be a good outcome for the Australian community and journalism. Graham Dicker, Ascot Vale Sharing the stage Regarding the discussion around the varying budgets spent on high school musicals (Hey big spender: $200K for high school musicals, 9/9), last month I attended two performances of Melbourne Girls Colleges production of The Sound of Music, which was also done on a low budget. The aim was for student participation in as many areas as possible stage management, choreography, lighting, etc. There were two casts across the four nights. The production and orchestra involved 172 students from years 7 to 12, including 20-plus VCE students. Organising auditions, rehearsals and costumes for two casts must have been an enormous task, especially for the staff involved. The bonds created among the staff and students will be memorable. I take my hat off to all involved for their commitment and dedication to the production that was most enjoyable, as was reflected by the cast and audience on the nights I attended. Marise de Quadros, Newport Pride in performance For a tenner, I had a thoroughly enjoyable night at Bacchus Marsh Colleges production of The Addams Family. It wasnt about the budget, but the talent and heart on display and behind the scenes. No matter the scale, the full house was radiating with pride for the kids and the school. And isnt that what its all about? The camaraderie among the students was palpable, truly something special. For all the joy and friendship it brought to these kids, its a reminder that some things cant be bought. Bravo! Natalene Muscat, North Melbourne Too much Until public schools are adequately funded, can we justify the lavish spending on musicals by private schools? Annie Wilson, Inverloch AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Matt Golding Teenagers Our prime minister is quoted as saying that parents want to get their kids off their phones. Kids want their parents off their phones too. Wilma Hills, Echuca Jacinta Allan is supportive of a plan that would potentially stop children aged 14 from accessing social media, so what about criminal responsibility laws that lock them up? Reg Murray, Glen Iris Politics In reading the transcript of Niki Savvas Speakers Lecture to Parliament House, what clearly came to mind for all of those whose responsibility it is to report on and inform us of the political discourse it is better to be respected than liked. Michael Cowan, Wheelers Hill If Bridget McKenzie is so hell-bent on divestiture, start with breaking up the Liberals and the Nationals. Philip West, Jan Juc Furthermore The Forum Theatre in the city was gloriously exotic, now its a sad wreck. Think carefully about the future of the Regent. Preserve something of what was Marvellous Melbourne. Tasma Wischer, Hawthorn At the moment Britain is trying to work out what to with its increasing amount of nuclear waste that will be dangerous for 100,000 years. Maybe Britain should ring the LNP. It has the answers. Michael Brinkman, Ventnor Is it the RBAs fault that some people may have to sell their home? The answer is clearly no. It is the fault of the lender, usually one of our big four banks. John Walsh, Watsonia Has anyone else noticed that our local post boxes have disappeared? So much for a quick walk to the corner shop to post a letter. Wendy Poulier, Ferntree Gully Finally It is disappointing that the peripatetic pontiff can travel far and wide, but cannot find the time for even a quick visit to Ukraine to display papal moral support to its beleaguered and resolute people. Dennis Walker, North Melbourne Jacinta Allans position as the states preferred premier is continuing to slide, with Opposition Leader John Pesutto now just one point shy of her for the first time, as Labors primary vote also remains stuck behind the Coalition. Victorians have also backed the case for the stalled rail link to the airport, preferring it over the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), the states most expensive infrastructure project. Support for Jacinta Allan as the states preferred premier has slipped as Labor continues to trail the Coalition in the polls. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The findings are contained in an exclusive survey conducted by Resolve Strategic that reveals Labors primary vote has stagnated at 27 per cent the same level it dropped to in July which represents a 12-point drop in core support for the government in the past 12 months. Requests to be placed in social housing have surged by almost 3000 applications in three months. The figures come as the Victorian government has been accused of reworking the way it reports data to obscure the full extent of the states housing crisis. New housing register figures show there were 51,602 applications for social housing by the end of June, up from 48,620 in March. More than 9000 transfer applications from people already in social housing were recorded over the same period. New housing register figures have shown a surge in the number of applications for social housing. Credit: Eamon Gallagher When combined, the two figures represent a 5 per cent increase in three months in Victorians seeking help with keeping a roof over their head. The intent behind the proposal to introduce a national plan banning young people from social media is to be applauded. Every effort should be made to tackle the corrosive effects of some social media content on young minds. But let us temper such pronouncements with a healthy dose of reality. There is a world of difference between aspiration and knowing a proposal is workable. The spectre of children and teenagers in thrall to social media and their screens is a legitimate concern. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he preferred that the ban apply to all children under the age of 16. This, however, will be a matter of discussion between the federal government and the states. South Australia proposes a ban to apply for children under the age of 14. But the 59-year-old former prosecutor will have to strike a delicate balance if she attempts to portray herself as the candidate for change, given she has been part of the Biden-Harris administration for the past four years. Trump, on the other hand, is expected to paint Harris as a radical left liberal and the status quo candidate, while targeting her policy U-turns on issues such as fracking (she once supported a ban but no longer does), immigration (she once described Trumps border wall as un-American but now wants to build it) and universal healthcare (which she previously backed to woo progressives, but has since reneged on). ABC News signage is installed before the debate in Philadelphia. Credit: Getty Images Trumps attacks Its no secret that Trump loves going on the offensive and also has a record of gendered attacks on women. Even as recently as last Friday, the former president held a rambling 45-minute press conference in which he bizarrely brought up accusations of sexual assault against him by a woman who claims he molested her on a plane in the 1970s. It couldnt have happened, it didnt happen, and she would not have been the chosen one, he said. But polls also show that a growing number of women are turning off Trump, including many white women the very cohort that helped propel him to power against Hillary Clinton in 2016. Trump and Hillary Clinton during a 2016 presidential debate. Credit: AP To that end, it will be interesting to see whether he pulls any punches against Harris, whom he has already attacked on everything from her laugh and intelligence, to her racial identity. The rules of the debate require both candidates to stand at podiums opposite each other and to enter from opposite sides. (There wont be a live audience and microphones will be muted when the other candidate is speaking.) That means you wont see Trump trying to intimidate Harris by wandering around the stage as he did with Clinton during their presidential debate eight years ago a tactic critics described as menacing. The prosecutor versus the convicted felon Loading In an extraordinary election with as many unprecedented moments as this one, it is easy to forget that one of the candidates has been charged with 88 criminal offences, and already been found guilty of 34 of them. As Harris likes to remind the crowd at her campaign rallies: I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who scammed consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say: I know Donald Trumps type. But to what extent will Harris lean into the prosecutor versus convicted felon narrative during the debate? On the one hand, it could rattle Trump and bring out his worst defences. On the other, it could give him an easy opening to tell voters more about Harris patchy criminal justice record: from the police backlash she faced as a district attorney for not pursuing the death penalty against a man who murdered a police officer, to the estimated 1500 people imprisoned for marijuana-related offences while she was California attorney-general. The economy will take centre stage Both candidates have spent the past few days sharpening their economic messages about who could do more for the middle class. This is a no-brainer, given polls repeatedly suggest that the economy is one of the top issues for voters at this years election, alongside Americas immigration crisis. Trump has promised to lead what he calls a national economic renaissance by increasing tariffs (including a 60 per cent tariff on imports from China and 10 per cent for other nations), creating a government efficiency commission (an idea that was pitched to him by billionaire businessman Elon Musk) and reducing immigration (which critics warn could affect labour force growth). Harris has proposed an opportunity economy, which includes expanding the child tax credit (including $US6000 for newborns in their first year and $US3600 per child in middle- and lower-income families); going after price gouging at the grocery store (a proposal economists have mixed feelings about); and higher taxes for the richest Americans (although she will tax them at 28 per cent, whereas Biden was proposing 39.6 per cent). Trump during an Economic Club of New York event last week. Credit: Bloomberg Who serves up the word salad? Both candidates have had their share of gaffes and cringeworthy moments over the years. Indeed, Harris has had so many that the Daily Show once created a satirical video roasting her by comparing her to the Veep character played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Trump has taken to showing clips of Harris most memorable musings at his rallies. (Were talking about the significance of the passage of time. The significance of the passage of time. So when you think about it, theres the significance of the passage of time, Harris was shown saying in a supercut video compilation played at a recent Montana event.) Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China. Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties, Li said China is ready to work with Norway to deliver on key common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, steadily advance bilateral relations and practical cooperation, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contribution to global peace and development. Li called on the two countries to expand and improve economic and trade cooperation, and further release the potential for cooperation in trade, finance and other fields. China welcomes Norway to increase investment in the Chinese market and stands ready to optimize business environment for Norwegian enterprises to invest in China, and vice versa, according to the premier. The two sides should also deepen cooperation in fields such as culture, art, education, tourism and sports, and facilitate personnel exchanges, Li said. China is willing to work with Norway to promote green development, the green transition of traditional industries and the cultivation of emerging green industries, and advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity, Li said. Store said that Norway adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to expanding practical cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, investment, maritime affairs, green economy, scientific and technological innovation, and the Arctic affairs. Norway is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China on international and regional issues, promote cooperation in climate change and other fields, and jointly cope with global challenges, Store said. The Norwegian side always advocates free and fair trade, upholds the multilateral trading system and supports enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and China, he said. Following the talks, the two leaders signed the two countries' joint statement on the establishment of dialogue on the green transition, and attended the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on green and low-carbon development. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday granted honorary titles to a group of model teachers as the country celebrated its 40th Teacher's Day. A total of 10 individuals and a university teaching team received the honor, which acknowledged the virtue, devotion and love demonstrated throughout their teaching careers. Their stages of teaching range from preschool to higher education, covering fields including pharmacy, archaeology, traditional culture and cutting-edge technology. The list of this year's laureates was announced by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Ministry of Education. BAGHDAD, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A soldier and a civilian were killed, and two others injured in a bomb explosion in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday. A statement by the media office of the Baghdad Operations Command said that the incident occurred at 11:30 p.m. (2030 GMT) on Monday when an explosive device hidden inside a delivery box sent as a gift to a civilian detonated near a military checkpoint in the al-Shuala neighborhood in northwestern Baghdad. The blast killed a soldier and the delivery man, destroyed the delivery tuk-tuk, and wounded a civilian who was waiting for the gift and a paramilitary fighter who was manning the checkpoint with the soldier, the statement said. Sporadic attacks still haunt Iraq despite an improvement in the security situation after the defeat of the extremist militants of the Islamic State group across the country in 2017. People attend the funeral of a Hezbollah member who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beqaa, Lebanon, on Sept. 11, 2024. A Hezbollah member was killed, and two civilians were wounded on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate, killing Mohammed al-Shaer, a Hezbollah military official. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah member was killed, and two civilians were wounded on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate, killing Mohammed al-Shaer, a Hezbollah military official. The attack also damaged a nearby civilian car, injuring two people inside, according to the sources. They added that a civil defense ambulance had transported the injured to a hospital in the Bekaa region of eastern Lebanon. According to the sources, Israeli drones and warplanes carried out five raids on Tuesday dawn on three border towns and villages in southern Lebanon, destroying five homes and damaging about 12 others. The official Lebanese National News Agency said Israeli warplanes launched several raids after midnight on the city of Naqoura and its outskirts, the Hamoul Plain, and the Mountain of al-Labouneh. It added that Israel carried out an airstrike on the village of Aita al-Shaab, damaging property and infrastructure, especially electricity and water networks. "The enemy also fired flares at night over the border villages adjacent to the Blue Line. The surveillance and drone flights continued throughout the night and into the morning over the city of Naqoura and the villages of Yarine, Aita al-Shaab, Bayt Lif, and Rmeish and the municipality of al-Jibbain," it said. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas's attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. People attend the funeral of a Hezbollah member who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beqaa, Lebanon, on Sept. 11, 2024. A Hezbollah member was killed, and two civilians were wounded on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate, killing Mohammed al-Shaer, a Hezbollah military official. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) People attend the funeral of a Hezbollah member who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beqaa, Lebanon, on Sept. 11, 2024. A Hezbollah member was killed, and two civilians were wounded on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate, killing Mohammed al-Shaer, a Hezbollah military official. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) The Wyoming State Archives speaker series will feature a presentation by Rebecca Keays titled, Verna: Her Early Buffalo Family; Art Institute Of Chicago StudiesAnd 1917-Ratified Wyoming State Flag Design, on Thursday, September 12. This event will be held at 7 p.m. at the State Museum Classroom at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For those not able to attend in person, registration to participate in the event online is through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693. Virtual and in-person attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters. This event is free and open to the public. In her presentation, historian and archivist Rebecca Keays will share original research about her grandmother, Verna Keays Keyes, and her ratified Wyoming state flag design. Excerpted from two books in development, Rebeccas presentation features numerous research sourcesincluding Vernaas well as circa 1916-1930s state flag prints in Vernas, Grace Raymond Hebards, and T. A. Larsens American Heritage Center (AHC) collections. Other sources include Vernas 1916 DAR flag contest design mockup; her private collection with a circa 1917-1918 Wyoming state flag; and Wyoming state flags circa 1917-1927 located at the AHC, Wyoming State Museum, Natrona Cty Library, Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Carbon Cty Museum, and Johnson Cty Library. A 2021 Casper College Humanities Festival presenter, a 2023 Lola Homsher Research Grant recipient, and March 2024 guest of the Wyoming Historical Societys Women of Wyoming Then & Now YouTube series , Rebecca is a fourth-generation descendant of Vernas parents early Buffalo settlers Billy and Estella Keays. An artist, writer, and Alexander Technique teacher, Keays holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Her artwork is in corporate and private US collections. Her undergraduate coursework at RISDand two prior years at Newcomb-Tulane Collegefocused on printmaking, painting, art history, textile design/history, and museum studies. Keays other professional experience includes research, writing, and/or PR and marketing communications for clients including Pacific Bell; McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; Simon & Schuster; and digital graphic startups. The WSA Speaker Series hosts talks at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics include a special event in partnership with the Laramie County Library on researching military records on October 24 in honor of Archives Month and Beverly Holmes discussing the history of the Quealy Awards on November 14. To view upcoming events, check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar at https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events. A recording of this talk will be available on the WSA YouTube channel the week following the talk. The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming state public records that have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document the history of our state and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also collect non-government records that contribute to the understanding of the states history. OSLO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- It is vital that Norway and China engage in political dialogue on the key issues of the time, including the green transition, and international peace and security, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has said. "As one of the world's largest economies, China plays a crucial role in global affairs," Store told Xinhua in a written interview before his official visit to China from Monday to Wednesday. "We welcome cooperation and trade with China in a broad range of areas ... We want to cooperate on areas where we have overlapping interests with China, such as addressing climate change and the green industrial transition," said the prime minister. Norway must cooperate and have political contact with China in areas that are important to Norwegian interests, he added. This marks Store's first visit to China after assuming office, with this year coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bilateral trade has grown continuously over the past 70 years, said the Norwegian prime minister, adding that China is Norway's third-largest trading partner, after the European Union and the United States. "Norway imports a lot from China, and the country (China) is also an important market for several Norwegian industries and companies," which creates a substantial number of jobs for Norway, Store said. Aim is to present melody percussive abilityof Tabla to audience, says Pt. Anuradha Pal By Naman Atolia PANDITA : A talk with the first professional female tabla player in the world My guru said: Your name resonates with the note of your instrument Anuradha Pal is a player par excellence, with not only conquering the technical aspects of the art but also equally perfecting its moral and social aspects- a rare feat to achieve. She is a President awardee of the First Ladies National award for being the youngest and first female Indian musician to have performed at two of the biggest music festivals Woodstock and Womad for 400,000 and 150,000 fans respectively. A female empowerment icon, she has also been hailed as Bharat ki Laxmi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lauded for her musical mastery and superb chemistry with the topmost Indian and international artists, she has collaborated with the best in the world, regaling millions in over 7,000 concerts across 30 countries. Though originally trained in the Punjab Gharana, she is prolific in other five gharanas of the instrument namely- Farrukhabad, Ajrada, Delhi, Banaras and Lucknow. I learnt them on my own. She says, which displays her dedication for the instrument. She has performed at 7,000 concerts across 30 countries. Recently, she came to perform in the city during Badal Raga Samaroh at Bharat Bhawan. The Hitavada interacted with her over several subjects of her instrument and music. Excerpts from the conversation:- Q. As a female tabla player, what were the difficulties you faced in your initial days? A. The time was challenging as I am the first professional female tabla player. Also, I am a first generation musician. My father, Devendra Pal had a background in the pharmaceutical industry whereas my mother, Meena Pal was a noted writer and painter. Throughout my journey, they supported me and encouraged me to develop a career in this field. Luckily, I was good in studies, so I had all options but I opted for music rather it can be said, Music chose me. Even my guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain says that dha in your name stands for a bol of Tabla which justifies that you are made for the instrument. Also, I started my journey with singing. Q. How do you look at the audience of the city and of the places you go? Can you recall some funny experiences in this regard? A. For us, the audience is everything. The audience of the city is special due to the musical intelligence instilled in them. To narrate an incident, once, during an interview, a lady called me and exclaimed, you are a great Sitar player. I replied, maam, I think you are mistaken as I play tabla, not sitar. Then, she mentioned, Nahi, nahi par tabla aur sitar toh ek he hai na. (No, no, but tabla and sitar are the same). I had a good laugh then and was wondering where I should start from now. Q.Ustad Sukhwinder Singh Pinky once remarked that the youth are now engaged in playing certain difficult taals (beat cycles) like Teentaal or Jhaptaal during solo performances but several of them like Dhamar are not being played on stage. How do you look at this ? Is this thing for real? If yes, then why? A.This is true that some taals are not being played so often on stage. This is because previously, the audience was well informed and aware but now one cant get such type of audience everywhere. Audience has its own expectations like the younger generation wants a kind of fast music to connect. Among these things, I firmly believe that nowhere it is written that an instrumentalist cant play certain taals. For instance, when I went to the Woodstock festival, which is considered as the largest open air festival in the world, to represent our country, where I was the youngest and only female among the musicians. Almost 4 lakh spectators were present there. There, I played six and a half beats and the audience enjoyed it. For us, the audience is Janta Janardan and sometimes we have to play according to them. Time has its own journey and things change with time too, but it is the tradition, the techniques and the knowledge that prevail. Q. You have also started a Stree Shakti group. Can you elaborate on that? A. Throughout my journey, I had to face hardships and challenges. But later in my life, I decided to empower the females coming in this revered art form and then came Stree Shakti, an initiative aimed at giving international exposure to the students and giving them a chance to perform at reputed stages pan globe. Till now when the group has completed 28 years of establishment, we have given opportunity to almost 100 students. It is important to note here that normally there are fixed members in the band, but here things are not like that. The one who deserves will get a chance. I want my instrument to be properly understood and interpreted by the audience. This happens through persistence. If someone wants to do anything in his/her life then he/she should be persistent. Q. Can you tell us something about Tabla Sings Stories? A. This was a unique and special creation made to demystify the notions regarding the instrument that its all about speed. This is because of the prevalence of speed and fastness in the atmosphere. Also, we cant blame any individual for a certain thing as the same musician lives in a sociopolitical climate and gets affected by the same. Albeit, the sole motive behind this creation was to make people aware about the essence of instruments or the notes of this instrument (Dha, Ta, Tirkit etc). People are not aware of the same and to make them aware of the same, this idea came. Only to highlight that melodys percussive ability of the instrument keeping its traditions alive. There are several aspects of the same like Ramayana on Tabla or others. Likewise, for the first time, I played Ganesh Peshkar during the same. Q.You learnt under the tutelage of Ustad Zakir Hussain, who is a great personality in himself. Can you recollect some experiences with his father, Abbaji or Ustad Allah Rakha? A. Those days were great. I had the privilege of learning from him too. In 2018, during his centenarian celebrations, I performed with 217 musicians at Nagpur giving my humble tributes to him in front of thousands of people. For two hours, I played the authentic style of Punjab gharana. The idea of Peshkar and his thoughts on the instruments were presented by me along with a lehra composed by him in Raga Charukeshi. cookie wilts FINALLY, the meek grumble within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is taking shape of a public dissent as the West Bengal Government continues to flounder over the handling of the rape-murder of Abhaya at the RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a deep probe in the case and arrested the ex-principal of the hospital, Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee has been dealt a political blow with the resignation of TMC Member of Parliament Mr. Jawahar Sircar. It has lifted the lid off the rebellion brewing in the ruling party as many more are set to grill Ms. Banerjee for her mishandling of the entire incident. The cookie is slowly crumbling for TMC. Mr. Sircars letter to the TMC leadership sums up the atmosphere of confusion and fear prevailing in the party and the growing disillusionment with Ms. Banerjees style of functioning. He has protested the strong-arm tactics of a section of leaders in the TMC while flagging the unconcerned approach of the Government about corruption. The situation has led Mr. Sircar to totally shun politics and return to normal life which again underlines the rot prevailing in TMC and the West Bengal administration. The RG Kar Hospital episode seems to have become the boiling point for the frustrated members in the party as many are publicly voicing their concerns. It is a signal for Ms. Banerjee that dissent cannot remained suppressed for long with a high-handed approach of leadership. The junior doctors rape-murder is set to haunt the TMC Government with repercussions all over the State. The biggest indicator of a changing public mood in West Bengal is the long-standing protest over the RG Kar Hospital case. Despite the intervention of the Supreme Court and launching of probe by the CBI, public protests have not stopped. It is a signal of tremendous angst and total no-confidence against the Government. This is a new challenge for Ms. Banerjee and TMC who have used browbeating as a potent tool to quell unrest in the civil society since assuming power. The protests, backed by celebrities, top names and also leaders belonging to TMC, have shown that the civil society in West Bengal is not afraid of political parties and politically-controlled administration. Though the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 to instill confidence in the medical fraternity in the State, the step has come too little and too late. It was political compulsion that led the cornered Ms. Banerjee to bring the legislation. The explosion of societal emotion in the State, and also across the country, will not soften with one such step as the grouse against the Government is too serious. There is a growing impression that the West Bengal Government is suppressing many facts and shielding the actual perpetrators of a bigger racket that might have led to the gruesome rape-murder of the junior doctor. Mr. Sircars resignation letter, too, points to the same facts in an indirect manner. The time Ms. Mamata Banerjee has taken to assess the situation and form her response has escalated protests in the State. It has also sowed suspicion among her own party cadre that the Governments dilly-dallying has some hidden personal agenda. Subsequent responses from the CM office and cosmetic action by the police only added to the confusion and disillusionment within the party. It has come to a point where there is growing distrust with the leadership. Some have already voiced their concerns but with Mr. Sircar going ahead with his resignation, the floodgates might open soon in the TMC. India, UAE ink 4 energy sector pacts NEW DELHI : INDIA and the United Arab Emirates on Monday inked four agreements to expand energy cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on boosting overall strategic ties. An Agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and another between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) are among the four pacts. Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) also inked an MoU for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The fourth pact is a production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi onshore block-one between Urja Bharat and ADNOC. A separate pact was inked between the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC on setting up food parks in India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said PM Modi and Crown Prince Al Nahyan discussed the multifaceted relations between India and the UAE with an aim to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership. India-UAE ties taking greater strides! PM @narendramodi met with HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi today, he said on X. The two leaders discussed the multifaceted India-UAE relations and avenues to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership to new and emerging areas, Jaiswal said. After holding talks with Modi, the visiting leader paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat. His teachings continue to inspire us as we strengthen our friendship with UAE, Jaiswal said in another post. The Crown Prince arrived here on Sunday. In their talks, Modi and Al Nahyan are understood to have also deliberated on pressing global challenges, including the situation in Gaza. The India-UAE ties have witnessed a major upswing in the last few years. Following the landmark visit of Modi to the 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. About 3.5 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE. MoD signs Rs 26,000cr contract for Su-30MKI engines with HAL NEW DELHI : THE Defence Ministry on Monday sealed a Rs 26,000-crore deal with State-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the procurement of 240 aero engines for Su-30MKI aircraft. The aero-engines will be manufactured by the Koraput division of HAL and are expected to fulfil the need of the Indian Air Force to sustain the operational capability of the Su-30 fleet. In a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Defence Ministry signed a contract with HAL for 240 AL-31FP aero engines for Su-30MKI aircraft at a cost of over Rs 26,000 crore, an official readout said. The contract agreement was inked by senior officials of the Ministry and the HAL in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari. The HAL would supply 30 aero-engines annually as per the contractual delivery schedule. The supply of all 240 engines would be completed over the next eight years, according to the defence ministry. During manufacturing, HAL plans to take support from the countrys defence manufacturing ecosystem, involving MSMEs and public and private industries, it said. Army, IAF sign MoU with GSV to boost logistics ops NEW DELHI, Sept 9 (PTI) THE Indian Army and the IAF on Monday signed an agreement with Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), as Defence Minister described the collaboration as a monumental partnership towards further strengthening the logistics backbone of the Armed Forces in sync with the vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence. The Memorandum of Understanding will enable the two Services to acquire higher expertise on logistics. It will ensure development of in-house expertise on various facets of logistics operations and contribute effectively towards the national development plans -- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and National Logistics Policy 2022, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The MoU was signed in the presence of Singh and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. The Defence Minister described the collaboration as a monumental partnership towards further strengthening the logistics backbone of the armed forces in sync with the vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence. He emphasised that logistics is no longer just a support function of the Armed Forces, but is emerging as an important factor in military operations and national security.An efficient logistics system plays a key role in quickly mobilising the forces and delivering resources to the right place in less time. Keeping in mind the conditions in which our forces operate, we need a seamless movement of troops, equipment and supplies. The MoU will prove to be very important in terms of how the needs of our forces can be fulfilled through knowledge, innovation and collaboration, Singh was quoted as saying in the statement. The Defence Minister asserted that the MoU will prove to be beneficial in achieving the Governments vision of attaining self-reliance in defence sector. If we need expertise in logistics, we should get its training from our own resources like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. If we need equipment, we should get it manufactured in India itself. The foundation of a strong India can be laid only by being Aatmanirbhar, he added.On the MoUs provision of experiential learning through real-world case studies, Singh exuded confidence that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, through the leadership, management, and operational experience of the armed forces personnel, will help shape a new generation of logistics experts and managers who will fulfil the dynamic needs of modern warfare.Vaishnaw expressed confidence that the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a vital partner in empowering the armed forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research, and innovation. PIL against stray dog menace Animal Welfare Board of India lags in fulfilling its responsibilities: HC Staff Reporter : A Division Bench comprising of Justices Avinash Gharote and Mukulika Jawalkar of the Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench expressed its dissatisfaction with the recent affidavit filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India in a batch of Public Interest Litigations (PIL) concerning the stray dogs menace in the city. While making his point, Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) Adv Nandesh Deshpande apprised the Court about various provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 which came to be enacted by the Central Government substituting the earlier Rules. However, being dismayed by the position that there exist several rules in books but, implementing them becomes another issue, the High Court commented that a balance is necessary to be created between the lives of humans and those of the stray animals. The High Court also expressed that, as an implementing Authority the Animal Welfare Board of India has lagged in fulfilling its responsibilities and that the Animal Birth Control Rules are not the end of the Boards responsibilities. It was further pointed out by Senior Advocate Firdos Mirza appearing for the petitioners that the High Court had on June 14, 2006 observed in its order that the NGOs also have been made responsible to contribute in implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules and further carry out the purposes of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. During the course of hearing, the Court was apprised about non-availability of funds with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) regarding creation of shelters of stray dogs as per the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules. In response to this, the Court said that the Animal Welfare Board of India must answer on the aspect of funding and only then appropriate application of Rules can take place. Further, the Court questioned the Board as well as the State as to when the fund of Rs 17 crore will be released and received by the local body. Pertinently, the State Government had made a statement before the Court back in 2011 that a fund of Rs 17 crore has been sanctioned in order to create infrastructure to curb the stray dog menace. However, it was informed by the NMC that the said fund is still not received by it. The matters are now posted for compliance and further orders on September 20, 2024. Sr Adv Firdos Mirza appeared for the petitioners. Adv Ashwin Deshpande appeared for the intervenor Dhantoli Nagrik Mandal. DSGI Nandesh Deshpande appeared for the Animal Welfare Board of India. Adv Deepak Thakre for the State, Adv Sudhir Puranik for NMC, Sr Adv Percival Billimoria and Adv Ravi Sanyal appeared for two intervenor NGOs. Reduce cross-subsidy: Goenka R B Goenk a Due to cross-subsidy and the number of agricultural consumers in MSEDCL area, the tariff of MSEDCL is higher than other distribution licensees in Maharashtra. Since cross-subsidy is among the root causes of power woes in Maharashtra, reduction in cross-subsidy is the need of the hour for long-term sustainability, said R B Goenka, Chairman of Energy Cell of Vidarbha Industries Association. Surprisingly, even after low tariff, the arrears of agricultural consumers are increasing because of non-payment and the burden is passed on to other consumers despite the Government providing some portion of subsidy, said Goenka. During his tenure as Director of MSEB Holding Company, Goenka had suggested creation of a separate agricultural distribution licensee, which should be a Government-owned company. In the presentation that Goenka shared with The Hitavada, he had stated that due to subsidised electricity and non-payment of electricity bills, the agriculture sector became a neglected category and the farmers suffered from rationing and poor quality of electricity. The farmers suffer because of voltage fluctuations, frequent power supply interruptions, and phase imbalances that have hit the rural areas with substantial economic costs. Therefore, the current system of delivering subsidised electricity to farmers actually imposes substantial economic costs on the farm sector as well, he explained. According to Goenka, withdrawing power subsidies and bringing tariff of all categories near to cost of supply is mandated in the Electricity Act, 2003. However, he rued, these cannot be achieved unless there is strong will to work in this direction. This seems difficult at this stage due to the fact that political decision-makers will always avoid implementing a rational price regime for power supply to the agricultural sector because it is hugely unpopular, he added. Based upon his study and thorough understanding of the power sector dynamics, Goenka had suggested creation of a separate Government company for agriculture consumers by the name State Agriculture Consumers Utility. He expected it to be a transparent, efficient utility for delivering power to agriculture sector, which shall offer farmers the subsidies apart from improved service quality as well as incentives to use electricity efficiently. This would improve operational and financial performance of power utilities apart from rationalising tariff of all other categories of consumers as mandated in the Electricity Act, 2003. Also, it would improve rural power supply without increasing the unsustainable cross-subsidy surcharge burden on consumers in other categories, he observed. Further, he stressed, it would improve the recovery of cost of power from the consumers by the distribution licensees and shall limit the arrears. Also, he had suggested to impose agricultural cess on all the distribution licensees in Maharashtra. The MSEB Holding Company had appreciated Goenkas presentation and had sent it to the Government for further action. But, on ground the implementation and its results are yet to be seen. Meanwhile, MSEDCLs tariffs continue to be higher than other distribution licensees in Maharashtra. Goenka made some other suggestions too. According to him, telescopic tariff should be introduced for agricultural consumers too, just as it is done in case of residential category of consumers. The telescopic tariff for agricultural consumers could be in different slabs. Also, he suggested that there should be fuel adjustment cost (FAC) fund for stability, since unstable tariff creates problems. Besides, decentralisation of power should be done. Everything should not be centralised in Mumbai. Though some steps were taken, they are not good enough. Proper restructuring of MSEDCL should be done, he said. Also, there has to be a legal committee to review and end frivolous cases and the number of lawyers on the panel also should be reduced, to effect cost saving. He also pitched for passage of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill. RG Kar hospitalrape-murder Absence of autopsy challan irks SC NEW DELHI : SC directs protesting resident doctors in WB to resume work, says no adverse action shall be taken against them Apex court also orders immediate removal of photographs of the victim from all social media platforms THE Supreme Court on Monday voiced concern over the absence of a key document that was needed for the postmortem of the medic raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, and asked the CBI to investigate into it. The top court also directed the protesting resident doctors in West Bengal to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday and said no adverse action shall be taken against them on resumption of work. The court passed the direction after the West Bengal Government assured it that no action, including punitive transfers, shall be taken against the protesting doctors on resumption of work. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said there was no reference of the challan (document) used, and sought an answer from the CBI and the West Bengal Government. Where is the challan of the body when it was handed over for postmortem? the bench also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, informed the bench that the challan was not part of their records. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal Government, told the bench that he could not find the document immediately and would get back to the court on this question. The court also flagged the at least a 14-hour delay by Kolkata Police in registering FIR in rape and murder incident. The top court directed the CBI to submit a fresh report by September 17 on the probe in the case. The apex court also directed immediate removal of photographs of the victim from all social media platforms to protect the dignity and privacy of the deceased. Meanwhile, Junior doctors to continue cease work to protest Kolkata medics rape-murder, despite SC direction to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday. On the issue of security of medical institutions in the State, the Supreme Court said All DMs, SPs in West Bengal to take stock of situation to ensure safety, security of Government medical colleges. Earlier in the day, the court perused the report filed in a sealed cover by the Solicitor General.A status report has been filed by CBI, it appears that investigation is in progress, we direct the CBI to file fresh status report... We dont want to guide the CBI on its investigation, the bench said. Mehta told the bench that the probe agency has decided to send forensic samples to AIIMS for further investigation. The apex court also directed a senior officer of the West Bengal governments Home department and a senior CISF officer to ensure all three companies of the CISF, which are deputed for security at the RG Kar Hospital, are given accommodation. It also directed that all requisition, security gadgets needed by the CISF should be handed over to it today. The matter is posted for next hearing on September 17. At the outset, the West Bengal Government told the top court that 23 people have died as doctors are on strike protesting the rape and murder of the postgraduate medic. Sibal submitted a status report filed by the State Health Department. A status report has been filed. The state health department has filed a report. Tweny-three people have died as doctors are on strike, Sibal told the bench. On August 22, the apex court had tore into the Kolkata Police over the delay in registering the unnatural death of the woman doctor, calling it extremely disturbing, and questioned the sequence of events and the timing of its procedural formalities. ED finds clues of proceeds invested in Bdesh real estate, gold business KOLKATA, Sept 9 (IANS) THE Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials investigating the case for financial irregularities in State-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata have got some initial clues of a part of the ill-gotten proceeds being invested illegally in the real estate business in neighbouring Bangladesh through the hawala route. Sources said that from the different documents seized during the investigation, the probe officials have come across the names of two Bangladesh-based businessmen having an interest in the real estate business, who had been frequenting Kolkata in the recent past and interacting with Sandip Ghosh, the former and controversial principal of RG Kar. At the same time, sources added, last week the ED officials seized gold worth Rs 7 crore from the residence of a city-based businessman Swapan Saha, again a confidant of Ghosh, at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Since the said businessman could not give any satisfactory information about the source of this gold or the funds used to purchase the same, the ED officials confiscated the entire consignment of yellow metal on suspicion that this consignment was smuggled to the city from Dubai via Bangladesh. SC dismisses PIL canceling licences of companies exporting arms to Israel NEW DELHI : THE Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction to the Union Government to cancel existing licences and halt the grant of new permissions to various companies in India, for exports of arms and other military equipment to Israel, amid the ongoing conflict with Gaza. A bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, said that the authority and jurisdiction to conduct defence and foreign affairs vests with the Union Government as per the Constitution.Apart from Article 162, the provisions of Article 253 of the Constitution stipulate that Parliament has the power to make any law in respect of whole or part of the Union of India for implementing any international agreement, convention or treaty, added the bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. We cannot tell the Government that you shall not export to country X or you will cancel the license of all companies exporting military equipment to a particular company. It is a matter of national policy, the apex court observed. It clarified that its observations are not intended to reflect any opinion on the conduct of foreign policy by the Union Government or by any sovereign nation. The PIL referred to a recent decision of the International Court of Justice ordering provisional measures against Israel for violations in the Gaza Strip of obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It added that India should immediately suspend its aid to Israel. The PIL referred to a recent decision of the International Court of Justice ordering provisional measures against Israel for violations in the Gaza Strip of obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It added that India should immediately suspend its aid to Israel. and must immediately make every effort to ensure that weapons already delivered to Israel are not used to commit genocide, contribute to acts of genocide or are used in such a way as to violate international humanitarian law. A displaced Palestinian child is seen in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, Sept. 3, 2024. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua) GAZA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,988, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 16 people and wounded 64 others, bringing the total number of deaths to 40,988 and injuries to 94,825 since the conflict began in early October 2023, according to the statement. Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that its teams in northern Gaza have faced a severe shortage of fuel supplies for nearly three weeks. The rescue organization indicated that it is now operating at minimum capacity, exacerbating the humanitarian and health crisis in the area. The Indonesian and Kamal Adwan hospitals in northern Gaza also warned of a potential suspension of services due to fuel shortages, amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on fuel supplies. Both hospitals said that an imminent suspension of medical services would pose a major threat to the lives of the sick and injured within their facilities. Israel has been conducting large-scale military operations and imposing a severe blockade on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli towns adjacent to the strip. Amit Shah urges agencies to use AI for checking cybercrimes New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday urged cybersecurity agencies to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify the modus operandi of criminals duping people of their hard-earned money, spreading fake news and abusing women and children online. India hosts around 46 per cent or almost half of global digital transactions, making the job of these agencies "challenging", he said while delivering a keynote speech during the first foundation day celebrations of the I4C or Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre here. The I4C, established in 2018, is a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is tasked with establishing a national-level coordination centre to address all cybercrime-related issues in the country. During the event, Shah launched four platforms of the I4C -- cyber fraud mitigation centre (CFMC), the 'Samanvaya' platform, a cyber commandos programme and a suspect registry. "I would urge you to use Artificial Intelligence to identify the MO (modus operandi) deployed (by criminals)...This will help (you) to find new ways to fight cybercrimes," the home minister said. He urged the cyber security agencies to shun the age-old protocol of "need to know" and adopt the "duty to share" approach to take forward this fight. He cited some figures to show how Internet and cyber penetration has increased in the country. "We have 95 crore Internet users in the country as of March 31 as compared to 25 crore during the same time period in 2014," Shah said, adding that in 2014, as many as 600 panchayats were linked to the Internet but the has reached 2.13 lakh now. Seven-lakh km of optical fibre cable has been laid, data download speed has increased, the cost has decreased and the Internet consumption has risen 78 per cent over a period of time, he said. The home minister said that in 2024, India saw UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions worth about Rs 20,64,000 crore which is 46 per cent of the global digital transactions. "This makes our work challenging and hence protection against cyber fraud is required," Shah said and flagged issues such as the illegal sale of important personal data over the Internet, the spread of fake news, tool kits, online harassment and abuse of women and children. The minister said the '1930' national cyber helpline telephone number needs to be popularised during a special campaign being launched by the I4C from Wednesday to spread awareness about cybercrimes. "We need to do more against this (cybercrimes)... We have reached a point but the target is far," he said. At the event, the home minister spoke at length about the importance of preparing effective counter-measures against cybercrimes while asserting that the country's development was "impossible in current times" without keeping cybersecurity in mind. "The increasing use of technology is also causing many threats. That is why cybersecurity is no longer limited to the digital world but has also become an important aspect of national security," he said. Shah urged for "greater coordination" between the agencies of the centre and the states as this combat cannot be undertaken by one organisation alone. It is essential that "everyone comes together", he said. Cybercrimes see "no boundary" and common people should be made aware of these offences, the Union home minister said. "I appeal to all state governments to join this movement and ensure that cyber awareness percolates to the grassroots level." Stressing the importance of vigorously running awareness campaigns, Shah said newer cyber frauds were being witnessed each day and even children are getting involved in these. The government has planned to train and prepare 5,000 cyber commandos over the next five years to deal with such crimes, he added. Skilled people sidelinedin India: Rahul Gandhi WASHINGTON : MILLIONS of people with skills are being sidelined in India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said in Dallas, Texas, and referred to Eklavya from Mahabharata, who had to chop off his thumb on his gurus demand. During an interaction with students at the University of Texas in Dallas on Sunday, Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said that India does not lack skills, it lacks respect for skills. Have you heard of the Eklavya story? If you want to understand what is happening in India, it is millions and millions of Eklavya stories every single day. People with skills are being sidelined they are not being allowed to operate or thrive, and this is happening everywhere, the official X account of the Congress quoted Gandhi as saying. In the Mahabharata, Dronacharya, an expert in military warfare, asks Ekalavya, who is from a tribal community, for the impossible sacrifice of his right thumb as guru dakshina when he seeks to learn archery from him. Many people say that India has a problem with skills. I dont think India has a problem with skills. I think... India does not have respect for people who possess skills, Gandhi said. Gandhi asserted that Indias potential can be unleashed by respecting skills and supporting people with skills financially and technologically. You wont unleash Indias power by empowering just 1-2 per cent of the population, he said. Gandhi is on a four-day unofficial trip to the US, during which he will interact with the members of the Indian diaspora and youths with stops in Dallas, Texas and Washington DC. He also plans to meet lawmakers and senior officials of the US Government during his visit to Washington DC, beginning Monday. Asserting that India, the US and other countries in the West are facing the problem of unemployment while China is not, as it is dominating global production, Gandhi underscored the need to focus on manufacturing in India. He said the West, America, Europe and India have given up on the idea of production and handed it to China. The act of production creates jobs. What we do, what the Americans do, what the West does, is we organise consumption... India has to think about the act of production and organising production... Its not acceptable that India simply says, okay, manufacturing, what you call manufacturing or production, is going to be the preserve of the Chinese. Its going to be the preserve of the Vietnamese. Its going to be the preserve of Bangladesh, Gandhi said. The only way to provide jobs for a large number of people is to start producing things, to start manufacturing, he said. Until we do that, we will face high levels of unemployment. And frankly, its not sustainable. ... If we carry on down this path of forgetting about manufacturing, youre going to see massive social problems coming in India and in the United States and Europe. The polarisation of our politics is because of this... he added. He also stressed the need to encourage vocational training to bridge the gap between the business and education systems and flagged the ideological capture of the latter. In his address, Gandhi also spoke about new tech taking peoples existing jobs. If you position yourself properly, it can be an opportunity; if you position yourself poorly, you could be in trouble, he said. What happens is that while technology does take jobs away from some people, it also creates opportunities for others. I dont believe that jobs will vanish entirely, but rather that different types of jobs will be created and different sectors will benefit, he said. Gandhi arrived in Dallas on Saturday night and was welcomed by dozens of members of the Indian-American community led by senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda and president of Indian National Overseas Congress, USA, Mohinder Gilzian. In his address, Gandhi said there is a need to link the education system with the business system through vocational training. Bridging that gap or linking these two systems, skills and education, through vocational training is fundamental. I think, currently the huge problem with the education system is the ideological capture, where ideology is being fed through it..., he said. Gandhi said he is convinced that India can take on China if it starts aligning itself for production and starts respecting skills. Im absolutely convinced of it. States like Tamil Nadu have already shown it. Its not that Indian States have not done it. Pune has shown it. Maharashtra has shown it. So, it is being done, but its not being done at the scale and with the coordination that it needs to be done, Gandhi said. Yudh Abhyas 2024: India, US joint military exercise in Raj JAIPUR : THE 20th edition of the Yudh Abhyas 2024, the joint military exercise between India and the US, started at Mahajan Fields in Rajasthans Bikaner on Monday and will continue till September 22, said officials here. This is the biggest joint military exercise which started between India and America on Monday at Mahajan Firing Range in Bikaner. Also, this is the biggest military exercise ever held at Mahajan Field Firing Range. A total of 1,200 soldiers from India and America are participating. The military exercise started with a parade ceremony at around 10.30 a.m. on Monday. Flags of both the countries were hoisted on the occasion, the officials added.This edition marks a significant increase in the scope and complexity of the joint exercise in terms of troop strength and equipment, said Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 600 personnel, is represented by a Battalion of the Rajput Regiment and personnel from other arms and services. The US contingent comprising similar strength will be represented by the troops of 1-24 Battalion of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.The aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-desert environment, Col Amitabh Sharma added.Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include joint response to a Terrorist Action, joint planning and combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions.Exercise Yudh Abhyas will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conducting joint operations. It will facilitate the development of inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, said Col Sharma On Sunday evening, the South Western Command team shared a post on X saying, The first batch of the US Army arrived in Mahajan, Rajasthan, for the 20th edition of the epic Joint Indo-US Exercise. Together, we reinforce our commitment to enhance International Stability and Peace. Before the start of this exercise, the command shared another post, which said, The 20th edition of Joint Military Exercise between #India and #USA focuses on enhancing Interoperability between two Professional Militaries under the UN mandate, executing Counter Terrorism Operations and mitigating Global Security Challenges. Officials said that for the first time, Americas High Mobility Artillery Rocket System has been displayed at the range. The range of this artillery is 310 kilometres. During the Ukraine War, this missile was used recently. This is the 20th time that the armies of both countries are being trained together. India will showcase the weapons made in India in this exercise, America will introduce its best range of weapons. Earlier, the 16th edition of the exercise was held in Mahajan Firing Range in February 2021. Since its inception in 2004, Yudh Abhyas has evolved significantly, and this years exercise will feature an expanded scope and will be based on operations in a semi-desert environment. BISHKEK, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A center dedicated to blindness prevention cooperation with China has officially opened in a hospital in southern Kyrgyzstan. According to a report from the Chinese embassy on Monday, the China-Kyrgyzstan Cooperation Center of Blindness Prevention is designed to enhance ophthalmological collaboration between China and Kyrgyzstan. It will foster mutual visits, training, and academic exchanges among eye care professionals, and its establishment is expected to benefit Kyrgyz patients suffering from eye diseases. The center is located inside the Interstate United Clinical Hospital in Osh. "This project is a new beginning of our cooperation in the field of health," Kyrgyz Health Minister Alymkadyr Beishenaliev said during the center's opening ceremony. The minister hoped that the friendly relations between Kyrgyzstan and China would continue. As part of this collaboration, the "Brightness Journey of LifeLine Express" project was also launched in Osh on Sept. 2. Under this initiative, doctors from the People's Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are performing free cataract removal surgeries. Chinese doctors will provide these life-changing operations to 200 patients while also conducting training sessions for local medical professionals. Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Du Dewen, highlighted the center's significance, calling it another major milestone in the two countries' healthcare collaboration. She expressed her hope that the center would fulfill its purpose and contribute further to building a community with a shared future between China and Kyrgyzstan. One of the patients, Laimzhan Kaderkulov, who had been struggling with deteriorating vision in his left eye, successfully underwent surgery on Sept. 6. "I can see clearly now. I am deeply grateful to the Chinese doctors," Kaderkulov said. This initiative aligns with China's commitment -- announced at the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in September 2022 -- to provide 2,000 free cataract surgeries to patients in SCO countries over the next three years. BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Faced with population aging, China is bolstering its commitment to providing better services for its senior citizens. These services will ensure their living needs and enable them to better enjoy their golden years. By the end of last year, the number of people aged 60 and above in China had reached 297 million, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total population. As most elderly Chinese people prefer to live in their own homes rather than move to nursing homes, the Chinese government is making continuous efforts to ensure that relevant services are accessible in communities. CONCRETE COMMITMENT In May 2023, China established a national system detailing a number of basic elderly care services. The system features a list of 16 kinds of services falling into three categories: assistance for people's material needs, daily care and mental well-being. The system is believed to be particularly necessary for people with difficulties, such as those who live alone, do not live with their children, and are unable to take good care of themselves. In the first half of 2024, east China's Jiangsu Province included 236,000 senior citizens with special needs in its regular visitation and care mechanism. "Whenever I have problems, I just make a phone call, and someone will come to my door," said a man with the surname Li, an elderly individual living alone in the city of Nantong in Jiangsu. Li suffers from a physical illness and has difficulty walking around. "The community service workers also ask about my daily life from time to time, just like my family," Li added. According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, establishing a basic list of elderly care services is just a first step. In the future, efforts will be made to explore a long-term mechanism for adjusting the list in line with economic and social development and the actual needs of the elderly population. SERVICE AT DOORSTEP During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the Chinese central government is providing financial support for a program to enhance home- and community-based basic elderly care services. As part of this initiative, 303,600 home-based beds have been renovated for nursing needs, and 535,800 people have received home-based care services. In 2023, northeast China's Jilin Province had allocated 100 million yuan (about 14 million U.S. dollars) to support the construction of 102 community-based elderly care service centers and 100 community-based canteens for seniors. "Now, we have a canteen within the community, which makes it convenient and affordable for the elderly to have meals," said 87-year-old Zhang Ling, who lives with her 89-year-old husband in the city of Hunchun in Jilin. "The community also organizes regular home visits for health check-ups for us and our needs are well taken care of," she said, expressing great satisfaction with the state of their lives. ENABLING MEASURES On Sept. 1, 2023, a new law concerning building a barrier-free living environment, the first in China specializing in this field, came into effect. The law explicitly stipulates that meeting the needs of senior citizens is a key task and requires a series of measures, including installing elevators in old residential buildings. In the Longcheng community in south China's Shenzhen, the elevator installation program has seen 395 elevators being installed, benefiting over 30,000 residents. Such barrier-free facilities enable elderly people to participate better and integrate into social life equally, fully and conveniently. For 77-year-old Li Xiurong, who lives in the Longcheng community, her long-held hope of not having to use the staircase when going out for a stroll or shopping with her grandson has finally become a reality, with elevators eliminating difficult and potentially dangerous movements up and down the stairs. Tiny Treasures: How an Oak Forest man and the Houston Stamp Club keep history alive Elementis plc (OTCMKTS:ELMTY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $8.76 and last traded at $8.76, with a volume of 2 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $8.76. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Berenberg Bank upgraded shares of Elementis to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Get Elementis alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Elementis Elementis Price Performance Elementis Cuts Dividend The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $7.81 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $7.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 2.20. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th will be given a $0.0388 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 16th. Elementis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Elementis plc operates as a specialty chemical company in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Performance Specialties and Personal Care. The Performance Specialties segment engages in the production of rheological modifiers and additives for decorative and industrial coatings; and production and supply of talc for use in plastics, coatings, technical ceramics, and paper sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Elementis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elementis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 0% on Tuesday after UBS Group raised their price target on the stock from $39.00 to $41.00. UBS Group currently has a sell rating on the stock. Altria Group traded as high as $54.29 and last traded at $54.15. 1,600,205 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 84% from the average session volume of 10,252,941 shares. The stock had previously closed at $54.13. MO has been the subject of several other research reports. Stifel Nicolaus boosted 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 upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. StockNews.com upgraded Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Barclays boosted their price objective on Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.67. Get Altria Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO Institutional Investors Weigh In On Altria Group Altria Group Price Performance Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the second quarter worth $443,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the second quarter worth $16,747,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the second quarter worth $206,000. Souders Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the second quarter worth $207,000. Finally, KPP Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in Altria Group by 1.8% in the second quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 60,118 shares of the companys stock worth $2,738,000 after purchasing an additional 1,037 shares during the period. 57.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. The company has a market capitalization of $92.31 billion, a PE ratio of 11.33, a PEG ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a 50 day moving average of $50.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $46.15. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 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 company had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.31 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 EPS for the current year. Altria Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.54%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 82.01%. About Altria Group (Get 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. Featured 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. Green Dot Co. (NYSE:GDOT Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the four ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $10.75. Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued a market perform rating and set a $11.00 price target on shares of Green Dot in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Get Green Dot alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on GDOT Green Dot Stock Performance GDOT stock opened at $11.68 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $627.33 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.85 and a beta of 0.91. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.06 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.47. Green Dot has a one year low of $7.30 and a one year high of $14.83. Green Dot (NYSE:GDOT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.23 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $407.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $381.87 million. Green Dot had a negative net margin of 3.41% and a positive return on equity of 4.01%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.20 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Green Dot will post 1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Green Dot Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GDOT. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its holdings in Green Dot by 428.0% in the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 111,524 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,104,000 after buying an additional 90,402 shares during the period. SG Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Green Dot in the 1st quarter worth approximately $4,254,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank grew its stake in shares of Green Dot by 32.0% during the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 14,772 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $146,000 after purchasing an additional 3,581 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Green Dot by 142.0% during the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 70,717 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $700,000 after purchasing an additional 41,498 shares during the period. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System grew its stake in shares of Green Dot by 40.5% during the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 18,689 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $174,000 after purchasing an additional 5,390 shares during the period. 92.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Green Dot (Get Free Report Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology and registered bank holding company, provides various financial services to consumers and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Consumer Services, Business to Business Services, and Money Movement Services. The company provides deposit account programs, including consumer and small business checking account products, network-branded reloadable prepaid debit cards and gift cards, and secured credit programs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Green Dot Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Green Dot and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Calibre Mining (TSE:CXB Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Stifel Nicolaus from C$2.50 to C$3.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus price objective would suggest a potential upside of 33.93% from the companys current price. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on CXB. Raymond James upped their price objective on shares of Calibre Mining from C$2.50 to C$3.00 in a research report on Friday. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of Calibre Mining from C$2.75 to C$3.00 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Calibre Mining from C$2.25 to C$2.75 in a research report on Friday, July 12th. National Bankshares upped their price objective on shares of Calibre Mining from C$2.40 to C$2.60 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, May 17th. Finally, Cormark upped their price objective on shares of Calibre Mining from C$3.00 to C$3.15 in a research report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$2.90. Get Calibre Mining alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Calibre Mining Calibre Mining Stock Performance Shares of CXB stock traded up C$0.01 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting C$2.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 864,605 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,500,515. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$2.12 and a 200 day moving average of C$1.96. The stock has a market cap of C$1.77 billion, a PE ratio of 17.23 and a beta of 2.07. The company has a current ratio of 2.33, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 39.77. Calibre Mining has a 12-month low of C$1.16 and a 12-month high of C$2.40. Calibre Mining (TSE:CXB Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The company reported C$0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of C$0.04. Calibre Mining had a net margin of 9.30% and a return on equity of 7.54%. The firm had revenue of C$187.89 million during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Calibre Mining will post 0.1980886 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Darren John Hall bought 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 24th. The stock was bought at an average price of C$1.81 per share, with a total value of C$45,250.00. Insiders purchased a total of 40,550 shares of company stock valued at $76,994 over the last 90 days. 6.32% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Calibre Mining (Get Free Report) Calibre Mining Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and mining of gold properties in Nicaragua, the United States, and Canada. It primarily explores gold, silver, and copper deposits. The company was formerly known as TLC Ventures Corp. and changed its name to Calibre Mining Corp. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Calibre Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Calibre Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to make solid progress toward the strategic goal of building China into a leading country in education. #XinhuaNews Prudential PLC boosted its position in Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE Free Report) by 20.2% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 13,149 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,213 shares during the quarter. Prudential PLCs holdings in Chemed were worth $7,134,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Impax Asset Management Group plc increased its position in shares of Chemed by 19.5% in the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 317,943 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,510,000 after purchasing an additional 51,974 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its holdings in Chemed by 10.9% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 282,753 shares of the companys stock worth $153,416,000 after buying an additional 27,800 shares during the last quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp boosted its position in shares of Chemed by 5.2% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 221,440 shares of the companys stock worth $120,149,000 after acquiring an additional 11,036 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in shares of Chemed by 121.5% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 203,096 shares of the companys stock valued at $118,760,000 after acquiring an additional 111,399 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Epoch Investment Partners Inc. raised its position in shares of Chemed by 20.1% during the 1st quarter. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. now owns 182,776 shares of the companys stock worth $117,329,000 after acquiring an additional 30,614 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.85% of the companys stock. Get Chemed alerts: Chemed Price Performance NYSE CHE opened at $571.49 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $562.05 and a two-hundred day moving average of $579.91. The company has a market capitalization of $8.60 billion, a PE ratio of 30.76, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.44. Chemed Co. has a 1 year low of $492.84 and a 1 year high of $654.62. Chemed Increases Dividend Chemed ( NYSE:CHE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $5.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.59 by ($0.12). Chemed had a return on equity of 29.21% and a net margin of 12.88%. The firm had revenue of $595.88 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $599.20 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $4.71 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Chemed Co. will post 21.77 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This is an increase from Chemeds previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.35%. Chemeds dividend payout ratio is 10.76%. Insider Buying and Selling at Chemed In related news, EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $561.58, for a total transaction of $1,123,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 5,990 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,363,864.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Chemed news, Director Patrick P. Grace sold 284 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $540.98, for a total value of $153,638.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,270 shares in the company, valued at $1,769,004.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $561.58, for a total transaction of $1,123,160.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 5,990 shares in the company, valued at $3,363,864.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 5,315 shares of company stock valued at $3,006,573 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 3.32% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Chemed from $712.00 to $697.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, May 21st. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Chemed About Chemed (Free Report) Chemed Corporation provides hospice and palliative care services to patients through a network of physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy, and volunteers primarily in the United States. The company operates in VITAS and Roto-Rooter segments. It offers plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration, and other related services to residential and commercial customers through company-owned branches, independent contractors, and franchisees. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CHE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chemed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 58,275 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 1,215 shares during the quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $5,664,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Viewpoint Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Morgan Stanley by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Viewpoint Capital Management LLC now owns 12,319 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,197,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC boosted its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 24.4% in the 2nd quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC now owns 541 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. Waldron Private Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Waldron Private Wealth LLC now owns 7,965 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $774,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 15,410 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,498,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH boosted its holdings in Morgan Stanley by 3.9% in the 1st quarter. FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH now owns 3,131 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $295,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the last quarter. 84.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Daniel A. Simkowitz sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.54, for a total transaction of $4,261,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 442,522 shares in the company, valued at approximately $47,146,293.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, insider Daniel A. Simkowitz sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.54, for a total value of $4,261,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 442,522 shares in the company, valued at approximately $47,146,293.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Mandell Crawley sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.25, for a total transaction of $368,375.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 43,224 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,549,326. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 252,000 shares of company stock worth $26,546,370 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on MS. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price 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. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $98.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $101.45. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MS Morgan Stanley Trading Down 0.7 % NYSE MS opened at $97.48 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.96, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.78. The firms fifty day moving average price is $100.77 and its 200 day moving average price is $96.08. The company has a market capitalization of $158.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.37. Morgan Stanley has a 12 month low of $69.42 and a 12 month high of $109.11. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $15.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.32 billion. Morgan Stanley had a net margin of 10.17% and a return on equity of 11.85%. Morgan Stanleys quarterly revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.24 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Morgan Stanley will post 7.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Morgan Stanley Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 31st were paid a dividend of $0.925 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 31st. This represents a $3.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.80%. This is a boost from Morgan Stanleys previous quarterly dividend of $0.85. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio is currently 67.40%. 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report). 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. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA Get Free Report) insider Matthew Comyn sold 10,692 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of A$140.52 ($93.68), for a total value of A$1,502,439.84 ($1,001,626.56). Matthew Comyn also recently made the following trade(s): Get Commonwealth Bank of Australia alerts: On Thursday, August 15th, Matthew Comyn sold 19,220 shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia stock. The shares were sold at an average price of A$134.53 ($89.69), for a total value of A$2,585,705.04 ($1,723,803.36). Commonwealth Bank of Australia Stock Performance Commonwealth Bank of Australia Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a Final dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 26th will be paid a $2.50 dividend. This is an increase from Commonwealth Bank of Australias previous Final dividend of $2.40. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.85%. Commonwealth Bank of Australias dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 82.74%. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Company Profile Commonwealth Bank of Australia provides financial services in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking Services, Business Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, and New Zealand segments. The company offers transaction, savings, and foreign currency accounts; term deposits; personal and business loans; overdrafts; equipment finance; credit cards; international payment and trade; and private banking services, as well as home and car loans. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report)s share price fell 5.9% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $5.18 and last traded at $5.24. 565,572 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 69% from the average session volume of 1,831,173 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.57. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on CYH. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Community Health Systems from $3.75 to $4.25 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Community Health Systems from $4.50 to $5.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $6.00 price objective on shares of Community Health Systems in a report on Monday, August 12th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Community Health Systems from $4.70 to $5.10 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Community Health Systems from $3.50 to $5.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Community Health Systems currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $4.73. Get Community Health Systems alerts: View Our Latest Report on Community Health Systems Community Health Systems Trading Down 3.2 % The firm has a market cap of $748.89 million, a PE ratio of -5.54 and a beta of 1.56. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $4.64 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.75. Community Health Systems (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.12) by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $3.14 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.10 billion. Community Health Systemss revenue for the quarter was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.22) EPS. Equities analysts expect that Community Health Systems, Inc. will post -0.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Community Health Systems Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CYH. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Community Health Systems by 14.4% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,583,032 shares of the companys stock worth $17,475,000 after purchasing an additional 701,036 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its holdings in shares of Community Health Systems by 384.7% during the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 212,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $715,000 after acquiring an additional 168,941 shares in the last quarter. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Community Health Systems in the 1st quarter worth about $1,132,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Community Health Systems by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,124,617 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,436,000 after purchasing an additional 28,669 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Red Door Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Community Health Systems by 126.6% in the 1st quarter. Red Door Wealth Management LLC now owns 26,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,000 after acquiring an additional 14,560 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.99% of the companys stock. Community Health Systems Company Profile (Get Free Report) Community Health Systems, Inc owns, leases, and operates general acute care hospitals in the United States. It offers general acute care, emergency room, general and specialty surgery, critical care, internal medicine, obstetrics, diagnostic, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services, as well as skilled nursing and home care services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Community Health Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Health Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DHT (NYSE:DHT Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday. Separately, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of DHT from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $14.67. Get DHT alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on DHT DHT Stock Performance DHT stock traded down $0.20 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $10.32. 2,080,728 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,874,094. The firm has a market cap of $1.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.82 and a beta of -0.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 2.87 and a quick ratio of 2.33. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $11.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.38. DHT has a 1-year low of $8.60 and a 1-year high of $12.80. DHT (NYSE:DHT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The shipping company reported $0.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.28 by ($0.01). DHT had a net margin of 27.45% and a return on equity of 15.19%. The company had revenue of $103.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $102.75 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.35 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 8.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that DHT will post 1.14 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Quarry LP grew its holdings in shares of DHT by 2,494.6% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 3,866 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 3,717 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in DHT during the 1st quarter worth approximately $51,000. National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in DHT by 150.0% during the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 5,000 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Summit Securities Group LLC acquired a new position in DHT during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $78,000. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in DHT during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $80,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock. DHT Company Profile (Get Free Report) DHT Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates crude oil tankers primarily in Monaco, Singapore, and Norway. The company also offers technical management services. As of March 15, 2024, it had a fleet of 24 very large crude carriers. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for DHT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DHT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dundee Precious Metals (TSE:DPM Get Free Report) had its price target upped by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$16.00 to C$17.00 in a research note issued on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the mining companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas target price suggests a potential upside of 33.44% from the stocks current price. Several other research firms have also issued reports on DPM. National Bankshares increased their price target on shares of Dundee Precious Metals from C$13.50 to C$14.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 15th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on Dundee Precious Metals from C$15.00 to C$16.50 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on Dundee Precious Metals from C$13.50 to C$16.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. CIBC lifted their price target on shares of Dundee Precious Metals from C$13.00 to C$14.50 in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Dundee Precious Metals from C$15.00 to C$16.00 in a research report on Friday, July 12th. Get Dundee Precious Metals alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Dundee Precious Metals Dundee Precious Metals Price Performance Shares of DPM stock traded up C$0.08 during trading on Tuesday, hitting C$12.74. The company had a trading volume of 95,883 shares, compared to its average volume of 510,674. The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.04 and a beta of 1.18. Dundee Precious Metals has a one year low of C$7.79 and a one year high of C$13.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 6.61 and a current ratio of 7.09. The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$12.29 and its 200 day moving average price is C$11.14. Dundee Precious Metals (TSE:DPM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The mining company reported C$0.53 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.43 by C$0.10. Dundee Precious Metals had a return on equity of 17.52% and a net margin of 35.57%. The company had revenue of C$214.59 million for the quarter. Equities analysts expect that Dundee Precious Metals will post 1.6620253 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Xuefeng Chen sold 6,750 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$12.80, for a total transaction of C$86,400.00. 0.16% of the stock is owned by insiders. Dundee Precious Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dundee Precious Metals Inc, a gold mining company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, mining, and processing of precious metals. The company primarily explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. It holds a portfolio of projects located in Bulgaria, Namibia, Serbia, and Ecuador. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dundee Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dundee Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday after Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on the stock from $240.00 to $308.00. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a hold rating on the stock. Essex Property Trust traded as high as $308.01 and last traded at $307.72, with a volume of 123791 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $300.05. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on ESS. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Essex Property Trust in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set a neutral rating and a $318.00 price objective on the stock. Wedbush lifted their price target on Essex Property Trust from $264.00 to $301.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $244.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, June 17th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Essex Property Trust from $261.00 to $283.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their target price on Essex Property Trust from $290.00 to $309.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $285.95. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on ESS Insider Transactions at Essex Property Trust Institutional Investors Weigh In On Essex Property Trust In other news, Director Keith R. Guericke sold 10,000 shares of the 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 transaction, the director now owns 16,118 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,425,519.26. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In other Essex Property Trust news, CEO Angela L. Kleiman sold 3,780 shares of Essex Property Trust stock in a transaction 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 completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 9,494 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,641,895.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Keith R. Guericke sold 10,000 shares of Essex Property Trust stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $274.57, for a total value of $2,745,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 16,118 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,425,519.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 16,233 shares of company stock valued at $4,533,461 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 3.80% of the companys stock. A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Essex Property Trust by 3.7% in the first 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 during the period. M&R Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in 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 acquiring an additional 52 shares during the period. Quilter Plc lifted its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 0.6% in the second quarter. Quilter Plc now owns 8,698 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,368,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 10.3% in the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 591 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $145,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Czech National Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 0.5% in the first quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 11,296 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,765,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. 96.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Essex Property Trust Stock Up 2.6 % The firm has a market cap of $19.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.27 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a quick ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $285.49 and a 200-day moving average of $263.85. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.85 by ($2.40). Essex Property Trust had a return on equity of 9.14% and a net margin of 30.31%. The business had revenue of $442.36 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $433.26 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.77 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Essex Property Trust, Inc. will post 15.53 earnings per share for the current year. Essex Property Trust Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a $2.45 dividend. This represents a $9.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.18%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. Essex Property Trusts payout ratio is 119.80%. Essex Property Trust Company Profile (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. Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund purchased 3,434 shares of the oil and gas producers stock, valued at approximately $216,000. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 11.0% in the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 72,286 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $4,556,000 after purchasing an additional 7,174 shares during the last quarter. Levin Capital Strategies L.P. purchased a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter worth about $321,000. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC raised its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 16.8% in the 2nd quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 5,457 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $344,000 after purchasing an additional 783 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC increased its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 1,211.9% in the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 58,129 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $3,655,000 after buying an additional 53,698 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ping Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter worth about $441,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.70% of the companys stock. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Occidental Petroleum in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $81.00 price objective for the company. Scotiabank reduced their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $90.00 to $80.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 12th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $68.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 9th. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $76.00 price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.50. Insider Activity at Occidental Petroleum In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,060,653 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $59.59 per share, with a total value of $63,204,312.27. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 254,947,063 shares in the company, valued at $15,192,295,484.17. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,060,653 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $59.59 per share, with a total value of $63,204,312.27. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 254,947,063 shares in the company, valued at $15,192,295,484.17. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Petroleum Corp /De/ Occidental sold 19,500,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.75, for a total value of $697,125,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 165,681,578 shares in the company, valued at $5,923,116,413.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders purchased 2,161,013 shares of company stock worth $129,356,749. 0.31% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Occidental Petroleum Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of NYSE:OXY opened at $52.04 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $58.75 and a 200 day moving average of $61.85. The company has a market cap of $47.13 billion, a PE ratio of 14.26 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. Occidental Petroleum Co. has a 12-month low of $51.79 and a 12-month high of $71.18. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $6.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.93 billion. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 17.91% and a net margin of 16.62%. The firms revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.68 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum Co. will post 3.66 EPS for the current year. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.69%. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.04%. Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lowered its position in shares of General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:GD Free Report) by 20.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 37,535 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 9,399 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in General Dynamics were worth $10,890,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in General Dynamics in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in General Dynamics in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new position in General Dynamics in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. bought a new position in General Dynamics in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, American Capital Advisory LLC bought a new position in General Dynamics in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Get General Dynamics alerts: General Dynamics Stock Performance Shares of General Dynamics stock opened at $301.56 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $82.86 billion, a PE ratio of 24.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.61. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $291.07 and a 200-day simple moving average of $289.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. General Dynamics Co. has a 12 month low of $214.53 and a 12 month high of $303.10. General Dynamics Announces Dividend General Dynamics ( NYSE:GD Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The aerospace company reported $3.26 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.30 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $11.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.46 billion. General Dynamics had a return on equity of 16.74% and a net margin of 7.89%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 18.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.70 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that General Dynamics Co. will post 14.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 11th will be given a $1.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 11th. This represents a $5.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.88%. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.33%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on GD shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $330.00 to $334.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of General Dynamics in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. They set a buy rating and a $345.00 price objective for the company. Barclays increased their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $310.00 to $325.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on shares of General Dynamics from $290.00 to $302.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $320.00 price objective on shares of General Dynamics in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $315.06. Read Our Latest Research Report on GD General Dynamics Profile (Free Report) General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Portland Estates Plc (LON:GPE Get Free Report) insider Nick Sanderson sold 7,288 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 348 ($4.55), for a total transaction of 25,362.24 ($33,166.26). Great Portland Estates Price Performance LON GPE traded up GBX 4 ($0.05) on Tuesday, hitting GBX 351 ($4.59). 456,756 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 989,888. The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 343.90 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 365.27. The stock has a market cap of 1.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -347.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.80. Great Portland Estates Plc has a 52 week low of GBX 327.50 ($4.28) and a 52 week high of GBX 457.40 ($5.98). The company has a current ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.52. Get Great Portland Estates alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on GPE. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and set a GBX 300 ($3.92) price objective on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research note on Thursday, June 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on Great Portland Estates from GBX 500 ($6.54) to GBX 440 ($5.75) and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Finally, Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research report on Thursday, July 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 423.25 ($5.53). Great Portland Estates Company Profile (Get Free Report) We are a FTSE 250 property investment and development company owning 2.5 billion of real estate in central London. We proactively manage our portfolio, flexing our activities in tune with London's property cycle to deliver long-term out-performance. We create in-demand spaces that people want to be part of; helping our occupiers, local communities and the city to thrive. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Great Portland Estates Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Portland Estates and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pro-Life Public Witness at Sept. 10 Debate NEWS PROVIDED BY Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania Sept. 10, 2024 PHILADELPHIA, Penn., Sept. 10, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Debate Night Pro-Life Public Witness on Independence Mall Exposing Kamala Harris' Anti-Child Record and Position Acknowledging Donald Trump's Pro-Life Record Explaining that IVF is Wrong Because it Necessarily Results in the Destruction of Human Embryos The Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania will hold a Debate Night Pro-Life Public Witness, with signs, handouts, and testimonies, near the site of the Presidential Debate at the National Constitution Center this Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 7:00-9:00 PM on Independence Mall, just south of Market Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. The organization has received a permit for this event from the U.S. National Park Service. The Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania will also be displaying Abortion Victim Photos to clearly show the result of Kamala Harris' support for "reproductive rights." Mike McMonagle, the organization's President, summarized the message for Catholics and other Christians, "Because of the preeminence of issues concerning the sanctity of all human life, our shared Faith requires us to reject Kamala Harris' candidacy." For additional information, contact Mike McMonagle, President, Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania at (O) 215-393-3610 or (C) 484-680-8914. paprolifecoalition@gmail.com SOURCE Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Children in Gaza, suffering the brunt of the humanitarian crisis, are missing classes at what would be the school year's beginning, a UN spokesman said on Monday. "After 11 months of hostilities, more than 600,000 students are being deprived of access to formal education for another year," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He said the UN relief agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, reports no official schooling is available in any of its 200 schools, with many serving as shelters for displaced Palestinians. The agency's teams still provide recreational activities and psychosocial support in some of its schools. "Children in Gaza continue to suffer the worst effects of the humanitarian crisis there, including the risk of disease outbreaks," Dujarric said. "The UN and its partners continue our efforts to protect children against the polio virus, with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting that partners concluded the second phase of the vaccination campaign yesterday (Sunday) in southern Gaza." He said that during the second phase of the vaccination campaign, more than 256,000 children in Khan Younis and Rafah were reached over four days in southern Gaza. Dujarric said the initial round of the three-phase oral-dose campaign is almost 70 percent complete, with more than 446,000 children vaccinated out of the 640,000 targeted during the first round of vaccinations, with the second round expected to start in four weeks. With the last phase of the initial round in the three-phase campaign set to begin in northern Gaza on Tuesday, when asked at a regular briefing if it would be fair to say the humanitarians were on track to meet the goal of vaccinating at least 90 percent of children under 10, he replied, "I think it would be a fair assessment. Obviously, we will have to reserve judgment on the campaign as a whole." However, the spokesman had earlier pointed out a threat for humanitarians administering the vaccinations. "A new evacuation order issued for parts of the north includes areas where local pauses had been agreed for polio vaccination," he said. Dujarric said the world body's humanitarian partners reported their initial assessments, which show that about 5,000 displaced people sheltering in seven collective centers, primarily schools, are among those affected by the evacuation order. OCHA warns that repeated evacuation orders are deepening the humanitarian crisis for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza. More than 55 evacuation orders remain in effect, covering up to 86 percent of the Gaza Strip. "These directives -- coupled with active hostilities, attacks on aid convoys, the destruction of key roads, the presence of unexploded ordnance, and a lack of public order and safety -- are impeding aid operations in Gaza," the office said. "Access delays and denials also continue to significantly constrain humanitarian access." OCHA said the number of humanitarian missions and movements that Israeli authorities denied access in Gaza nearly doubled in August compared to July, with 105 missions and movements denied last month versus 53 the previous month. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 113,620 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 2,194 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories accounts for approximately 1.8% of Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $11,806,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Encompass More Asset Management boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 3.3% during the second quarter. Encompass More Asset Management now owns 3,002 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $312,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the period. Wynn Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.9% during the first quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 3,427 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $390,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the period. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc now owns 8,290 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $942,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC now owns 5,396 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $613,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Addison Capital Co lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.4% during the first quarter. Addison Capital Co now owns 1,950 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $222,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective 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. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Edward Jones cut Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Barclays raised their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.80. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance ABT stock opened at $116.43 on Tuesday. 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 stock has a market cap of $202.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $108.14 and a 200 day simple moving average of $108.65. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share 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 the consensus estimate of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.08 EPS. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 15th were issued a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 15th. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.89%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 68.54%. 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. See Also 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. PROG (NYSE:PRG Get Free Report) had its price target upped by stock analysts at KeyCorp from $46.00 to $55.00 in a report released on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock. KeyCorps price target suggests a potential upside of 20.06% from the stocks current price. A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on PRG. Loop Capital upgraded PROG from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $41.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on PROG from $40.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, BTIG Research initiated coverage on PROG in a research report on Friday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $47.20. Get PROG alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on PROG PROG Stock Up 1.8 % Shares of NYSE:PRG opened at $45.81 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 3.87, a quick ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. PROG has a 12-month low of $26.39 and a 12-month high of $47.85. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $40.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $36.38. The firm has a market cap of $1.94 billion, a PE ratio of 18.70 and a beta of 2.11. PROG (NYSE:PRG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.70 by $0.22. PROG had a net margin of 4.57% and a return on equity of 26.30%. The company had revenue of $592.16 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $573.23 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.92 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that PROG will post 3.34 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of PROG Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Algert Global LLC raised its position in PROG by 136.0% in the second quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 63,051 shares of the companys stock worth $2,187,000 after acquiring an additional 36,336 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of PROG by 497.6% in the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 160,896 shares of the companys stock worth $5,580,000 after purchasing an additional 133,972 shares in the last quarter. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. lifted its stake in PROG by 0.8% during the second quarter. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. now owns 896,075 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,076,000 after purchasing an additional 6,803 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new stake in PROG during the second quarter worth approximately $88,000. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new position in PROG in the second quarter worth approximately $123,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.92% of the companys stock. About PROG (Get Free Report) PROG Holdings, Inc (NYSE:PRG) is a financial technology holding company based in Salt Lake City, Utah with three business segments: Progressive Leasing, which offers lease-to-own transactions primarily to credit-challenged consumers through e-commerce and point-of-sale retail partners, via online, mobile, and in-store solutions; Vive Financial, which provides consumers who may not qualify for traditional prime lending with a variety of second-look, revolving credit products through private label and branded credit cards; and Four Technologies, which provides consumers of all credit backgrounds Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options through four interest-free installments via its platform, Four. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for PROG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PROG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. (OTCMKTS:KCDMY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $7.65 and last traded at $7.87, with a volume of 31591 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $8.08. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. Trading Down 2.6 % The businesss 50 day moving average price is $8.79 and its 200-day moving average price is $9.98. The company has a market cap of $4.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.38 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.18, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.16. Get Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S. A. B. de C. V. alerts: Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. (OTCMKTS:KCDMY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The basic materials company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. had a net margin of 14.50% and a return on equity of 154.59%. The firm had revenue of $816.94 million during the quarter. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. Announces Dividend About Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V. The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.1229 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 1st. Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 15.49%. (Get Free Report) Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S. A. B. de C. V., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and markets disposable products in Mexico. The company offers baby diapers, training pants, swim pants, wet wipes, shampoos, creams, bar soaps, and feeding products. It also provides toilet papers, napkins, facial tissues, paper towels, feminine pads, panty liners, tampons, intimate wipes, and menstrual cups. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S. A. B. de C. V. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S. A. B. de C. V. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lear (NYSE:LEA Get Free Report)s stock had its hold rating reaffirmed by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research note issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $132.00 target price on the auto parts companys stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target would suggest a potential upside of 19.81% from the stocks previous close. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Bank of America dropped their price target on Lear from $205.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Lear from $136.00 to $128.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Lear from $160.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Lear from $155.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Lear from $132.00 to $131.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $151.40. Get Lear alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on LEA Lear Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of NYSE:LEA opened at $110.17 on Tuesday. Lear has a fifty-two week low of $107.25 and a fifty-two week high of $147.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $115.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is $125.76. The company has a market cap of $6.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.01, a PEG ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.45. Lear (NYSE:LEA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The auto parts company reported $3.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.34 by $0.26. Lear had a return on equity of 14.75% and a net margin of 2.30%. The firm had revenue of $6.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.02 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.33 earnings per share. Lears quarterly revenue was up .2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Lear will post 12.79 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lear Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LEA. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Lear during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Lear during the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Riverview Trust Co purchased a new stake in Lear during the first quarter worth approximately $32,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Lear by 70.5% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 266 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Central Pacific Bank Trust Division purchased a new position in shares of Lear in the 1st quarter valued at $62,000. 97.04% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Lear (Get Free Report) Lear Corporation designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, assembles, and supplies automotive seating, and electrical distribution systems and related components for automotive original equipment manufacturers in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Its Seating segment offers seat systems, seat subsystems, keyseat components, seat trim covers, seat mechanisms, seat foams, and headrests, as well as surface materials, such as leather and fabric for automobiles and light trucks, compact cars, pick-up trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lear Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lear and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. increased its stake in Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY Free Report) by 111.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 131,261 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 69,043 shares during the quarter. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd.s holdings in Berry Global Group were worth $7,725,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in BERY. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. grew its stake in Berry Global Group by 16.7% during the first quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 13,548,966 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $819,441,000 after purchasing an additional 1,934,137 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Berry Global Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $81,617,000. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Berry Global Group by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,931,050 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $782,070,000 after acquiring an additional 1,200,021 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Berry Global Group by 280.1% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 798,092 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $46,968,000 after acquiring an additional 588,114 shares during the period. Finally, Goldentree Asset Management LP bought a new position in Berry Global Group during the first quarter worth $24,524,000. 95.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Berry Global Group alerts: Berry Global Group Stock Performance Shares of Berry Global Group stock opened at $66.36 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.57. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $64.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.90. Berry Global Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $53.92 and a 12 month high of $69.93. Berry Global Group Announces Dividend Berry Global Group ( NYSE:BERY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.18 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.02 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $3.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.26 billion. Berry Global Group had a net margin of 4.55% and a return on equity of 27.32%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.90 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Berry Global Group, Inc. will post 7.6 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 17th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.275 per share. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.66%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. Berry Global Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.13%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on BERY. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Berry Global Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st. Morgan Stanley began coverage on Berry Global Group in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $76.00 target price for the company. Finally, UBS Group cut their price target on Berry Global Group from $89.00 to $77.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Berry Global Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $71.82. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Berry Global Group Berry Global Group Profile (Free Report) Berry Global Group, Inc manufactures and supplies non-woven, flexible, and rigid products in consumer and industrial end markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Consumer Packaging International; Consumer Packaging North America; Engineered Materials; and Health, Hygiene & Specialties segments. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BERY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Berry Global Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Berry Global Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. lessened its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 811,544 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 36,126 shares during the quarter. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. makes up about 1.0% of Mawer Investment Management Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 25th largest holding. Mawer Investment Management Ltd.s holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $210,441,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of AJG. Richardson Financial Services Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. raised its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 89.7% during the 2nd quarter. DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Transcendent Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Security National Bank purchased a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Performance NYSE AJG opened at $298.81 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.49, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.72. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a twelve month low of $218.63 and a twelve month high of $299.90. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $280.63 and a 200 day moving average of $259.92. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.24 by $0.02. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 19.25% and a net margin of 10.41%. The company had revenue of $2.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.77 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.90 EPS. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s quarterly revenue was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 10.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.80%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is currently 48.58%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on AJG shares. Bank Of America (Bofa) boosted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $255.00 to $265.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $273.00 to $288.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $290.00 to $310.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $252.00 to $254.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $260.00 to $292.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $276.82. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insider Buying and Selling at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. In other Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. news, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 8,303 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.74, for a total transaction 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 $9,560,583.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. news, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 8,303 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.74, for a total transaction 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 $9,560,583.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, President Thomas Joseph Gallagher sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.96, for a total value of $4,244,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president now owns 329,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at $93,121,853.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 48,348 shares of company stock valued at $13,342,910 over the last quarter. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). 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. Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Hold by the six research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and one has 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 $21.60. MWA has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Mueller Water Products from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. StockNews.com raised Mueller Water Products from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of Mueller Water Products from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, TD Cowen cut shares of Mueller Water Products from a buy rating to a hold rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $19.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Get Mueller Water Products alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MWA Mueller Water Products Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of MWA stock opened at $19.42 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a PE ratio of 30.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 2.31 and a current ratio of 3.70. Mueller Water Products has a 1 year low of $12.13 and a 1 year high of $21.51. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $19.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.89. Mueller Water Products (NYSE:MWA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The industrial products company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $356.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $329.67 million. Mueller Water Products had a net margin of 9.71% and a return on equity of 19.46%. Mueller Water Productss revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.18 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Mueller Water Products will post 0.93 EPS for the current year. Mueller Water Products Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a dividend of $0.064 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $0.26 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.32%. Mueller Water Productss payout ratio is presently 40.63%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider J Scott Hall sold 102,025 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.54, for a total transaction of $1,993,568.50. Following the sale, the insider now owns 544,029 shares in the company, valued at $10,630,326.66. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Mueller Water Products news, Director Christine Ortiz sold 8,800 shares of Mueller Water Products stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.94, for a total transaction of $175,472.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 34,699 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $691,898.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider J Scott Hall sold 102,025 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.54, for a total transaction of $1,993,568.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 544,029 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,630,326.66. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 256,869 shares of company stock worth $5,141,842 over the last ninety days. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mueller Water Products A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MWA. Pingora Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mueller Water Products during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. purchased a new position in Mueller Water Products in the first quarter valued at about $46,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new position in Mueller Water Products in the 2nd quarter worth about $72,000. National Bank of Canada FI raised its stake in shares of Mueller Water Products by 44.2% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,757 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $83,000 after purchasing an additional 1,457 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Register Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mueller Water Products during the 1st quarter valued at about $80,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.68% of the companys stock. About Mueller Water Products (Get Free Report Mueller Water Products, Inc manufactures and markets products and services for the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water used by municipalities, and the residential and non-residential construction industries in the United States, Israel, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Water Flow Solutions and Water Management Solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mueller Water Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mueller Water Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Australia Bank Limited (OTCMKTS:NABZY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $13.48 and last traded at $13.02, with a volume of 64293 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.13. National Australia Bank Stock Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $12.35 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.70. National Australia Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Australia Bank Limited provides financial services to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. The company operates through Business and Private Banking; Personal Banking; Corporate and Institutional Banking; New Zealand Banking; and Corporate Functions and Other segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Australia Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Australia Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS Get Free Report) (TSE:PAAS) had its price objective lifted by stock analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $25.00 to $27.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the basic materials companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target indicates a potential upside of 45.63% from the companys previous close. A number of other research analysts have also commented on PAAS. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Pan American Silver from $19.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 12th. Scotiabank increased their target price on shares of Pan American Silver from $23.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of Pan American Silver from $22.00 to $24.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st. Finally, CIBC upped their price target on Pan American Silver from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $24.79. Get Pan American Silver alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PAAS Pan American Silver Stock Performance NYSE PAAS traded down $0.27 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $18.54. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,123,373 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,146,031. The company has a current ratio of 2.06, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $21.12 and a 200 day simple moving average of $19.12. The stock has a market cap of $6.73 billion, a PE ratio of -40.26 and a beta of 1.35. Pan American Silver has a 52 week low of $12.16 and a 52 week high of $24.27. Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS Get Free Report) (TSE:PAAS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The basic materials company reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.15 by ($0.04). Pan American Silver had a negative net margin of 5.54% and a positive return on equity of 0.66%. The business had revenue of $686.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $696.08 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.04 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Pan American Silver will post 0.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC raised its stake in Pan American Silver by 943.4% during the 2nd quarter. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC now owns 1,659 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,500 shares during the last quarter. Perritt Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Pan American Silver by 76.9% during the 1st quarter. Perritt Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,300 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its stake in Pan American Silver by 31.6% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,124 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 510 shares in the last quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Pan American Silver by 73.3% during the 1st quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 5,200 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $78,000 after acquiring an additional 2,200 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Pan American Silver by 446.4% in the 4th quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 8,781 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $143,000 after purchasing an additional 7,174 shares in the last quarter. 55.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Pan American Silver (Get Free Report) Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Pan American Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pan American Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Petro Matad Limited (LON:MATD Get Free Report) was down 6.5% on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 2.41 ($0.03) and last traded at GBX 2.50 ($0.03). Approximately 35,947,841 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 199% from the average daily volume of 12,032,727 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2.68 ($0.03). Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Petro Matad in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Get Petro Matad alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on MATD Petro Matad Stock Performance About Petro Matad The stocks 50-day moving average price is GBX 2.78 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 3.28. The company has a market capitalization of 37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.50 and a beta of 2.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 16.91 and a current ratio of 13.92. (Get Free Report) Petro Matad Limited, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, and produces oil in Mongolia. It holds 100% interests in production sharing contract blocks, including Ongi Block V that covers an area of approximately 7,937 square kilometers; and Matad Block XX that consists of an area of approximately 218 square kilometers in Mongolia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Petro Matad Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Petro Matad and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong attends the first China-Central Asia ministerial conference on public security, internal affairs and delivers a speech at the meeting in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province on Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bo) NANJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to enhance the capability for counter-terrorism and transnational crime fighting, build an efficient and pragmatic cooperation platform with Central Asian countries to achieve the vision of universal security, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said Tuesday. Wang made the remarks while delivering a speech at the first China-Central Asia ministerial conference on public security, internal affairs in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province. Noting that China and the Central Asian countries are good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers, Wang said China is willing to work with all parties to fully leverage the role of the ministerial conference to establish a sense of security community and deepen strategic mutual trust and cooperation. Wang said all parties should strengthen mutual support in key security areas, ensure the security of major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance the capability for counter-terrorism and transnational crime fighting, and build an efficient and pragmatic cooperation platform. He also called for opening up a new chapter in law-enforcement and security cooperation between China and Central Asian countries and building a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future. During the meeting, the heads of the delegations jointly signed relevant cooperation documents. On the same day, Wang met separately with the ministers of internal affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 67.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 270,271 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 108,861 shares during the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $27,387,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and 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 in the last quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Sachetta LLC increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 64.8% during the second quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 267 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 250.0% in the 1st quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH now owns 322 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 57.4% in the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 318 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have commented on PM shares. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Philip Morris International from $120.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Bank of America upped their target price on Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $139.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on Philip Morris International from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.05. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total value 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the insider now directly owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,877,305.15. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction 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 sale, the insider now owns 158,447 shares in the company, valued at $17,906,095.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders. Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of PM opened at $127.45 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $114.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $102.66. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $87.23 and a 1 year high of $128.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $198.13 billion, a PE ratio of 24.89, a P/E/G ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.55. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $9.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.19 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 113.32% and a net margin of 9.41%. The companys revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.60 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.47 earnings per share for the current year. 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. 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. Phreesia (NYSE:PHR Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Truist Financial from $29.00 to $31.00 in a research note released on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts also recently weighed in on PHR. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Phreesia from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Friday, May 31st. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $29.00 price objective on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $30.00 price objective on shares of Phreesia in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, KeyCorp decreased their price objective on shares of Phreesia from $27.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $30.23. Get Phreesia alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on PHR Phreesia Price Performance Insider Buying and Selling NYSE:PHR opened at $23.91 on Friday. Phreesia has a one year low of $12.05 and a one year high of $29.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 1.77. The firm has a market cap of $1.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.02 and a beta of 0.93. The firms fifty day moving average is $23.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $22.75. In related news, General Counsel Allison C. Hoffman sold 14,110 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.03, for a total transaction of $367,283.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now owns 121,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,149,708.09. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Phreesia news, General Counsel Allison C. Hoffman sold 14,110 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.03, for a total value of $367,283.30. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now owns 121,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,149,708.09. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO Evan Roberts sold 1,669 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.74, for a total transaction of $39,622.06. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 753,234 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,881,775.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 29,337 shares of company stock worth $736,750 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 5.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Phreesia A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of PHR. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Phreesia by 4.4% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,628,441 shares of the companys stock valued at $107,148,000 after buying an additional 194,035 shares during the period. Champlain Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Phreesia in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,941,000. Brown Advisory Inc. grew its stake in shares of Phreesia by 22.2% in the 4th quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 3,950,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,451,000 after buying an additional 716,374 shares during the period. Boston Partners purchased a new stake in shares of Phreesia in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $669,000. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL grew its stake in shares of Phreesia by 42.6% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 752,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,012,000 after buying an additional 224,950 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.10% of the companys stock. About Phreesia (Get Free Report) Phreesia, Inc provides an integrated SaaS-based software and payment platform for the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada. The company offers access solutions that offers appointment scheduling system for online appointments, reminders, and referral tracking management; registration solution to automate patient self-registration; revenue cycle solution, which offer insurance-verification processes, point-of-sale payments applications, post-visit payment collection, and flexible payment options; and network connect solution to deliver clinically relevant content to patients. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Phreesia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phreesia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prudential PLC increased its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report) by 20.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 54,204 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 9,200 shares during the period. Prudential PLCs holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $10,678,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in BR. LifeSteps Financial Inc. bought a new position in Broadridge Financial Solutions during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions in the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions in the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 57.1% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 165 shares of the business services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Finally, New Covenant Trust Company N.A. purchased a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in the 1st quarter worth $34,000. 90.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Broadridge Financial Solutions Trading Up 1.5 % Shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock opened at $210.65 on Tuesday. 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 50-day moving average price of $208.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $202.83. The firm has a market cap of $24.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.95 and a beta of 1.05. Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend Broadridge Financial Solutions ( NYSE:BR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $3.50 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.49 by $0.01. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a return on equity of 42.77% and a net margin of 10.73%. The firm had revenue of $1.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.21 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.51 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed 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. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.67%. This is a positive change from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 54.61%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. 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 research note on Tuesday, August 20th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $185.00 price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, June 11th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $239.00 to $246.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $213.33. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BR Insider Transactions at Broadridge Financial Solutions In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, President Christopher John Perry sold 31,539 shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.37, for a total transaction of $6,540,242.43. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 67,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,938,374.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, President Christopher John Perry sold 31,539 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.37, for a total value of $6,540,242.43. Following the completion of the sale, the president now owns 67,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,938,374.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Richard J. Daly sold 21,938 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.66, for a total value of $4,555,645.08. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 105,094 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,823,820.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 116,852 shares of company stock worth $24,370,893. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. 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 Stories 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. Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC Get Free Report) Director Rostislav Christov Raykov purchased 17,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$2.50 per share, for a total transaction of C$44,500.00. Rostislav Christov Raykov also recently made the following trade(s): Get Lavras Gold alerts: On Tuesday, July 23rd, Rostislav Christov Raykov purchased 1,100 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$1.92 per share, for a total transaction of C$2,112.00. On Tuesday, July 16th, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 4,200 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$1.95 per share, for a total transaction of C$8,190.00. On Wednesday, June 26th, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 10,000 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$1.80 per share, for a total transaction of C$18,000.00. On Thursday, June 20th, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 7,200 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$1.54 per share, for a total transaction of C$11,088.00. Lavras Gold Stock Up 7.8 % Shares of CVE:LGC traded up C$0.18 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting C$2.50. 299,783 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 61,746. The stock has a market cap of C$128.38 million, a P/E ratio of -30.71 and a beta of -0.17. The company has a current ratio of 7.38, a quick ratio of 11.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Lavras Gold Corp. has a 12-month low of C$0.75 and a 12-month high of C$2.89. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$2.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$1.73. Lavras Gold Company Profile Lavras Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Brazil. It holds interests in the Lavras do Sul, an advanced exploration gold project with 29 mineral rights covering approximately 22,000 hectares located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Lavras Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lavras Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Torex Gold Resources (TSE:TXG Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$32.00 to C$34.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 38.66% from the stocks previous close. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. TD Securities cut their price objective on Torex Gold Resources from C$34.00 to C$33.00 in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Cormark boosted their target price on shares of Torex Gold Resources from C$30.00 to C$33.00 in a report on Friday. National Bankshares upped their price objective on Torex Gold Resources from C$27.00 to C$27.50 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, June 10th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Torex Gold Resources from C$27.00 to C$29.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, CIBC increased their price target on Torex Gold Resources from C$23.00 to C$26.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Torex Gold Resources presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$30.17. Get Torex Gold Resources alerts: Get Our Latest Report on TXG Torex Gold Resources Price Performance TSE TXG traded up C$0.28 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching C$24.52. The companys stock had a trading volume of 68,081 shares, compared to its average volume of 262,073. Torex Gold Resources has a 1 year low of C$12.40 and a 1 year high of C$26.85. The company has a quick ratio of 2.12, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.32. The company has a market capitalization of C$2.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.19, a PEG ratio of 0.02 and a beta of 1.33. The firms 50-day moving average price is C$23.11 and its 200-day moving average price is C$20.77. Torex Gold Resources (TSE:TXG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C$0.82 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.70 by C$0.12. The firm had revenue of C$369.83 million for the quarter. Torex Gold Resources had a net margin of 11.16% and a return on equity of 7.12%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Torex Gold Resources will post 2.688728 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Torex Gold Resources (Get Free Report) Torex Gold Resources Inc operates as an intermediate gold producer in Mexico. It primarily holds a 100% interest in the Morelos Gold property, including Morelos Complex, which includes the El Limon Guajes Mine Complex; the Media Luna Project, a processing plant; and related infrastructure that covers an area of 29,000 hectares located southwest of Mexico City. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Torex Gold Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Torex Gold Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OceanaGold (TSE:OGC Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by stock analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$5.00 to C$5.50 in a report issued on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective points to a potential upside of 61.76% from the stocks previous close. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on OGC. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on OceanaGold from C$4.00 to C$5.00 in a report on Friday, July 12th. CIBC lifted their target price on OceanaGold from C$5.00 to C$5.25 in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on OceanaGold from C$4.25 to C$4.75 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Desjardins lifted their target price on OceanaGold from C$4.90 to C$5.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on OceanaGold from C$4.50 to C$5.50 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, OceanaGold has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$4.83. Get OceanaGold alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on OGC OceanaGold Price Performance Shares of OceanaGold stock traded up C$0.01 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting C$3.40. 604,213 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,433,839. The firm has a market cap of C$2.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 341.00 and a beta of 1.61. OceanaGold has a 52 week low of C$2.08 and a 52 week high of C$3.84. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$3.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$3.18. OceanaGold (TSE:OGC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported C$0.05 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of C$0.05. OceanaGold had a return on equity of 0.24% and a net margin of 0.10%. The business had revenue of C$343.70 million during the quarter. Equities research analysts expect that OceanaGold will post 0.5957821 earnings per share for the current year. About OceanaGold (Get Free Report) OceanaGold Corporation, a gold and copper producer, engages in exploration, development, and operation of mineral properties in the United States, the Philippines, and New Zealand. It explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. OceanaGold Corporation was founded in 2003 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for OceanaGold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OceanaGold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SIR Capital Management L.P. grew its stake in shares of Bloom Energy Co. (NYSE:BE Free Report) by 223.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 156,500 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 108,100 shares during the period. SIR Capital Management L.P. owned 0.07% of Bloom Energy worth $1,916,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Millburn Ridgefield Corp boosted its position in Bloom Energy by 64.0% during the 1st quarter. Millburn Ridgefield Corp now owns 3,296 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,286 shares during the period. BNP Paribas purchased a new position in Bloom Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $38,000. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new position in Bloom Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Quest Partners LLC boosted its position in Bloom Energy by 2,780.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 3,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 3,475 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Bloom Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $53,000. 77.04% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bloom Energy alerts: Bloom Energy Trading Down 2.1 % Bloom Energy stock opened at $9.75 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.43, a current ratio of 4.65 and a quick ratio of 3.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.22 billion, a PE ratio of -7.22 and a beta of 2.69. Bloom Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $8.41 and a 12-month high of $18.14. Analyst Ratings Changes Bloom Energy ( NYSE:BE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.06) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of ($0.06). The business had revenue of $335.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $307.73 million. Bloom Energy had a negative net margin of 21.37% and a negative return on equity of 11.90%. The businesss revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($0.32) earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Bloom Energy Co. will post -0.25 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BE shares. Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Bloom Energy from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Bloom Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from $15.00 to $11.00 in a research note on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Bloom Energy from $12.00 to $14.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $15.00 price objective on shares of Bloom Energy in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Bloom Energy from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bloom Energy currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $15.88. Get Our Latest Report on BE Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Shawn Marie Soderberg sold 2,094 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.53, for a total transaction of $30,425.82. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 168,867 shares in the company, valued at $2,453,637.51. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 8.81% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Bloom Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Bloom Energy Corporation designs, manufactures, sells, and installs solid-oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation in the United States and internationally. The company offers Bloom Energy Server, a solid oxide technology that converts fuel, such as natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, or a blend of these fuels into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bloom Energy Co. (NYSE:BE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bloom Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bloom Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Squarespace (NYSE:SQSP Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by research analysts at Barclays from $44.00 to $47.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Barclayss target price indicates a potential upside of 1.67% from the companys previous close. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on SQSP. Mizuho cut shares of Squarespace from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Monday, August 5th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Squarespace from $44.00 to $46.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. Raymond James reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Squarespace in a report on Monday, May 13th. Baird R W cut Squarespace from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, B. Riley cut Squarespace from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $43.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, June 11th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $43.14. Get Squarespace alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Squarespace Squarespace Price Performance NYSE SQSP traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $46.23. 141,915 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 949,740. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $44.40 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $40.47. Squarespace has a 1 year low of $26.70 and a 1 year high of $46.26. The company has a market cap of $6.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -924.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.11 and a beta of 0.62. Squarespace (NYSE:SQSP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $296.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $293.12 million. The companys quarterly revenue was up 19.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.03 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Squarespace will post 0.28 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Squarespace In related news, CEO Anthony Casalena sold 38,466 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.26, for a total transaction of $1,740,971.16. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,527,820 shares in the company, valued at $69,149,133.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, insider Paul Gubbay sold 2,500 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.82, for a total transaction of $109,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 42,486 shares in the company, valued at $1,861,736.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Anthony Casalena sold 38,466 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.26, for a total value of $1,740,971.16. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,527,820 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $69,149,133.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 234,519 shares of company stock valued at $10,336,832. Company insiders own 44.96% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Squarespace A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SQSP. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Squarespace by 3.8% during the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,522 shares of the companys stock valued at $415,000 after purchasing an additional 352 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its stake in Squarespace by 8.4% during the 1st quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 5,666 shares of the companys stock worth $206,000 after acquiring an additional 437 shares during the period. Ellsworth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Squarespace by 5.3% during the second quarter. Ellsworth Advisors LLC now owns 14,370 shares of the companys stock valued at $627,000 after purchasing an additional 719 shares in the last quarter. Diversified Trust Co boosted its position in shares of Squarespace by 13.1% in the first quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 9,561 shares of the companys stock worth $348,000 after purchasing an additional 1,111 shares during the period. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Squarespace by 9.6% in the first quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 14,380 shares of the companys stock worth $524,000 after purchasing an additional 1,260 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.30% of the companys stock. About Squarespace (Get Free Report) Squarespace, Inc operates platform for businesses and independent creators to build online presence, grow their brands, and manage their businesses across the internet in the United States and internationally. It enables users to manage their projects and businesses through websites, domains, e-commerce, marketing tools, scheduling, and hospitality services, as well as tools for managing a social media presence. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Squarespace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Squarespace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. lifted its position in shares of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report) by 1.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 80,684 shares of the credit-card processors stock after acquiring an additional 1,363 shares during the period. Visa makes up about 2.6% of Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc.s holdings in Visa were worth $21,177,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in V. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Visa during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,895,015,000. National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in Visa by 787.1% during the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,619,881 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $1,296,820,000 after purchasing an additional 4,099,122 shares in the last quarter. Swedbank AB acquired a new position in Visa during the 1st quarter worth approximately $511,321,000. GQG Partners LLC increased its position in Visa by 40.1% during the 1st quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 5,990,634 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $1,671,866,000 after purchasing an additional 1,715,686 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado increased its position in Visa by 14,306.3% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,500,270 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $390,595,000 after purchasing an additional 1,489,856 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.15% of the companys stock. Get Visa alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have issued reports on V. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of Visa from $322.00 to $319.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on shares of Visa from $335.00 to $330.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Visa from $326.00 to $322.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Visa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $297.00 price target (down from $305.00) on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $309.54. Visa Stock Up 0.0 % Shares of Visa stock traded up $0.04 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $285.65. The companys stock had a trading volume of 363,068 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,107,711. Visa Inc. has a one year low of $227.78 and a one year high of $290.96. The company has a market capitalization of $520.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.96. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $266.97 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $273.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 1.37. Visa (NYSE:V Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The credit-card processor reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $2.42. Visa had a net margin of 54.72% and a return on equity of 51.94%. The firm had revenue of $8.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.92 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.16 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Visa Inc. will post 9.92 earnings per share for the current year. Visa Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.24%. Insider Buying and Selling at Visa In other news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 8,620 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $276.37, for a total value of $2,382,309.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 538 shares in the company, valued at $148,687.06. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.19% of the companys stock. Visa Profile (Free Report) Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding V? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SIR Capital Management L.P. lowered its holdings in shares of Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP Free Report) by 62.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 96,408 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 158,651 shares during the quarter. SIR Capital Management L.P.s holdings in Targa Resources were worth $12,415,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Targa Resources by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 27,015,992 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $3,025,521,000 after purchasing an additional 201,817 shares during the period. Blackstone Inc. raised its position in Targa Resources by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Blackstone Inc. now owns 9,695,457 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $1,085,794,000 after buying an additional 252,729 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Targa Resources during the 4th quarter worth $187,123,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position in Targa Resources by 5.7% during the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,139,543 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $185,862,000 after buying an additional 115,288 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in Targa Resources by 14.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,858,920 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $161,479,000 after buying an additional 234,749 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.13% of the companys stock. Get Targa Resources alerts: Targa Resources Trading Down 1.9 % TRGP opened at $143.93 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.62, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 2.26. The firms 50 day moving average is $138.07 and its 200-day moving average is $122.43. Targa Resources Corp. has a 52-week low of $77.97 and a 52-week high of $152.42. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98. Targa Resources Dividend Announcement Targa Resources ( NYSE:TRGP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The pipeline company reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.21 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $3.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.33 billion. Targa Resources had a net margin of 6.60% and a return on equity of 23.98%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.44 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Targa Resources Corp. will post 5.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 31st were issued a dividend of $0.75 per share. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.08%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 31st. Targa Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.73%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have commented on TRGP shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Targa Resources from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Targa Resources from $128.00 to $142.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Targa Resources from $123.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Targa Resources from $116.00 to $147.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, June 11th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Targa Resources from $147.00 to $153.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Targa Resources presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $140.54. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on TRGP Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Julie H. Boushka sold 12,641 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.50, for a total value of $1,700,214.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 38,403 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,165,203.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Targa Resources news, CAO Julie H. Boushka sold 12,641 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.50, for a total value of $1,700,214.50. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 38,403 shares in the company, valued at $5,165,203.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Julie H. Boushka sold 1,213 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.02, for a total transaction of $160,140.26. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 52,257 shares in the company, valued at $6,898,969.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 35,534 shares of company stock valued at $4,788,590 over the last 90 days. 1.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Targa Resources (Free Report) Targa Resources Corp., together with its subsidiary, Targa Resources Partners LP, owns, operates, acquires, and develops a portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets in North America. It operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Logistics and Transportation. The company is involved in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling natural gas liquids (NGL) and NGL products, including services to liquefied petroleum gas exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, purchasing, and selling crude oil. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRGP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Targa Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Targa Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VILNIUS/BELGRADE, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian and Romanian military have reported entries of Russian drones in their respective airspace, prompting calls for strengthened security in the Baltic countries. The Latvian Defense Ministry reported an unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in the Rezekne region of Latvia on Saturday. Citing initial data, the ministry said it was a Russian drone of military significance. The National Armed Forces (NBS) said the drown had flown into Latvian airspace from Belarus. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said that a representative of the Russian Embassy had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry on Monday. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said the situation confirmed the need to strengthen the country's eastern border, including "the development of air defense capabilities and electronic warfare capabilities." Also on Saturday, the Romanian military said they found a Russian drone on its radar systems. Local media said two fighter jets from the Romanian Air Force were deployed to monitor the situation, tracking the drone until it left Romanian airspace. Initial reports suggested the drone may have crashed in an uninhabited area near the town of Periprava, in eastern Romania, prompting ongoing investigations by Romanian defense forces. In response to the reported entry of a drone into its neighboring country, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for reinforced air defense in the Baltic countries, the Baltic News Service reported on Monday. On Sunday, the president stressed the need to strengthen the air defense of the Baltic States on his X account. "The rotational model of air defense must be adapted as agreed at the NATO summit in Vilnius," he said. Russia has not yet made a statement on the matter. However, drone attacks have been frequent in the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry said on Sept. 1 that its air defense has intercepted and destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions over the past night. On Aug. 27, the Ukrainian Air Force said Russia attacked Ukraine with 81 Shahed combat drones in two days. North West (TSE:NWC Free Report) had its price target boosted by TD Securities from C$52.00 to C$59.00 in a research note released on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on NWC. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on North West from C$41.00 to C$44.00 in a report on Thursday, June 6th. CIBC raised their price target on North West from C$43.00 to C$44.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, June 6th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$49.80. Get North West alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on North West North West Trading Up 0.9 % North West stock opened at C$51.15 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$44.40 and a 200 day moving average price of C$41.26. North West has a 52 week low of C$29.85 and a 52 week high of C$51.48. The stock has a market cap of C$2.44 billion, a PE ratio of 18.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a current ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 60.00. 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, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.71 by C$0.02. The business had revenue of C$646.49 million during the quarter. North West had a net margin of 5.25% and a return on equity of 19.76%. Equities research analysts predict that North West will post 3.3409536 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. North West Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This is a boost from North Wests previous quarterly dividend of $0.39. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.13%. North Wests payout ratio is currently 58.39%. Insider Transactions at North West In other news, Director George Mcconnell Daniel sold 5,665 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$42.54, for a total value of C$240,989.10. In related news, Senior Officer John King sold 5,230 shares of the 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. Also, Director George Mcconnell Daniel sold 5,665 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$42.54, for a total value of C$240,989.10. Insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Articles 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. Shares of Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDD Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $14.67 and last traded at $14.61, with a volume of 61852 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $14.57. Tesco Stock Performance The businesss fifty day moving average price is $13.06 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.97. About Tesco (Get Free Report) Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer. The company operates through convenience and hypermarket store formats, as well as engages in the wholesale business. It also provides retail banking and insurance services. The company operates in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Featured Articles 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. Thomson Reuters (TSE:TRI Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) was upgraded by equities researchers at National Bank Financial from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued on Sunday, Zacks.com reports. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on TRI. National Bankshares lifted their price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters from C$219.00 to C$231.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. TD Securities raised their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from C$230.00 to C$235.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Finally, Scotiabank raised shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$190.14. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TRI Thomson Reuters Stock Up 1.4 % Shares of TSE TRI opened at C$228.62 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$102.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.80, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.40. The stocks fifty day moving average is C$225.43 and its 200 day moving average is C$222.27. Thomson Reuters has a 52 week low of C$163.01 and a 52 week high of C$242.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.05, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.88. Thomson Reuters (TSE:TRI Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported C$1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.10 by C$0.06. The firm had revenue of C$2.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$2.38 billion. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 33.65% and a return on equity of 20.41%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Thomson Reuters will post 5.8291688 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Ryan Kessler sold 372 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$171.46, for a total value of C$63,783.12. Following the sale, the director now owns 196 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$33,606.16. In related news, Senior Officer David Franklin Wong sold 399 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$155.78, for a total transaction of C$62,156.22. Also, Director Ryan Kessler sold 372 shares of Thomson Reuters stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$171.46, for a total value of C$63,783.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 196 shares in the company, valued at C$33,606.16. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 1,497 shares of company stock valued at $246,818. Company insiders own 69.78% of the companys stock. About Thomson Reuters (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage issued an equal weight rating and a $990.00 target price on the industrial products companys stock. Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on GWW. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of W.W. Grainger from $978.00 to $972.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Baird R W downgraded W.W. Grainger from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Robert W. Baird downgraded shares of W.W. Grainger from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the company from $1,000.00 to $975.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, June 14th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, W.W. Grainger presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,014.11. Get W.W. Grainger alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on GWW W.W. Grainger Price Performance Shares of GWW stock opened at $972.14 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $953.40 and its 200 day moving average is $954.08. 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 stock has a market cap of $47.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.84, a PEG ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.16. W.W. Grainger has a twelve month low of $674.41 and a twelve month high of $1,034.18. W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $9.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.58 by $0.18. W.W. Grainger had a net margin of 10.86% and a return on equity of 53.25%. The firm had revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.35 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $9.28 EPS. The companys revenue was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that W.W. Grainger will post 38.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. W.W. Grainger Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were paid a $2.05 dividend. This represents a $8.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.64%. Insider Activity at W.W. Grainger In other W.W. Grainger news, SVP Matt Fortin sold 511 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $915.20, for a total value of $467,667.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,848 shares in the company, valued at $1,691,289.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 9.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of W.W. Grainger A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of GWW. Bfsg LLC purchased a new stake in W.W. Grainger in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. HWG Holdings LP purchased a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger in the second quarter worth $26,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 170.0% in the first quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 275.0% during the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 45 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.70% of the companys stock. About W.W. Grainger (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Watches of Switzerland Group plc (LON:WOSG Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is GBX 474.17 ($6.20). Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus reissued a hold rating and set a GBX 430 ($5.62) price objective on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Watches of Switzerland Group from GBX 420 ($5.49) to GBX 435 ($5.69) and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Watches of Switzerland Group from GBX 500 ($6.54) to GBX 520 ($6.80) and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 440 ($5.75) price target on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, Shore Capital reaffirmed a not rated rating on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Get Watches of Switzerland Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WOSG Watches of Switzerland Group Stock Performance About Watches of Switzerland Group WOSG stock opened at GBX 377.80 ($4.94) on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average of GBX 395.28 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 384.03. Watches of Switzerland Group has a 12-month low of GBX 324 ($4.24) and a 12-month high of GBX 728 ($9.52). The firm has a market cap of 905.10 million, a PE ratio of 1,503.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 2.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 109.69. (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. See Also 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. B&I Capital AG trimmed its position in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report) by 10.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 255,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 28,500 shares during the period. Welltower comprises 8.5% of B&I Capital AGs portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. B&I Capital AGs holdings in Welltower were worth $26,662,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Nomura Holdings Inc. bought a new position in Welltower in the 4th quarter worth $8,857,000. Connors Investor Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Welltower by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Connors Investor Services Inc. now owns 117,715 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $10,999,000 after buying an additional 11,238 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its stake in shares of Welltower by 88.1% during the 1st quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,118,333 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $104,072,000 after acquiring an additional 523,656 shares during the period. TCW Group Inc. increased its holdings in Welltower by 26.6% in the 4th quarter. TCW Group Inc. now owns 89,564 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $8,085,000 after acquiring an additional 18,807 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its stake in Welltower by 7.7% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 1,019,796 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $91,955,000 after acquiring an additional 72,968 shares during the period. 94.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Welltower alerts: Welltower Price Performance WELL stock opened at $127.35 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $77.58 billion, a PE ratio of 157.22, a P/E/G ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 1.21. Welltower Inc. has a 12 month low of $78.38 and a 12 month high of $127.47. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $113.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $102.51. The company has a current ratio of 4.07, a quick ratio of 4.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Welltower Increases Dividend Welltower ( NYSE:WELL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.42 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.34 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.89 billion. Welltower had a net margin of 8.36% and a return on equity of 2.21%. The firms revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.90 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Welltower Inc. will post 4.19 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. This is an increase from Welltowers previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. Welltowers payout ratio is presently 330.86%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Welltower from $103.00 to $107.50 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Wolfe Research upgraded Welltower to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. KeyCorp lifted their target price on Welltower from $95.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Scotiabank upped their price target on Welltower from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Welltower from $107.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $109.58. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WELL Welltower Company Profile (Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a REIT and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate and infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- FOCAC is the strongest testament to the current fruitful Africa-China ties, and contributes to bilateral cooperation in a way that benefits people on both sides, said Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan's Sovereignty Council. He made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Beijing during the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last week. This forum presents a valuable opportunity for African countries and China to strengthen their cooperation, Al-Burhan said. The chairman views China's policy toward Africa "with satisfaction and appreciation, as it is rooted in the principles of China's Africa policy." Al-Burhan said the principles of China's Africa policy -- sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests -- put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is "objective and realistic, especially as it emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect. This is what will ensure the success of this philosophy." He noted that the relationship between Sudan and China is longstanding, solid, deeply rooted, and based on mutual respect and benefit. "This year marks the 65th anniversary of Sudan-China relations. This demonstrates the solidity of our relations, which have become a model for bilateral cooperation among countries. We see China as an important strategic partner to cooperate with, and we are working to develop our partnership in various fields, based on previous successes in such fields as oil, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital economy," he said. Al-Burhan had served as the military attache at the Sudanese Embassy in Beijing, which he said "was truly a rich period full of knowledge and positive relationships. It was one of the most fruitful periods of my life, during which I gained many experiences and expertise." During his recent visit to China, he has "witnessed the will and determination of the Chinese people to achieve sustainable development and drive the industrial and technological revolution." "China's experience has impressed the world with its remarkable achievements in development, infrastructure and heavy industries," he said. According to him, as an African nation with strong ties to China, Sudan seeks to learn from China's experience in various sectors and aims to strengthen its partnership with China to ensure mutual benefits for both the Sudanese and Chinese people. Sudan, with its strategic position on the African continent, particularly in the East African region, can play a pivotal role in strengthening relations between Africa and China, and in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative which will help stimulate trade between African countries and China, he said. "I believe the scope of (Africa's) cooperation with China should be expanded to include mineral exploration, renewable energy, and the agricultural and industrial sectors, given China's extensive experience in these areas," he added. Every healthy democracy needs a strong opposition to remain healthy. Thats one of the basic premises for a democratic system to survive. However, what we are having today in Uganda is a problematic opposition- Its the lack of credibility of those in opposition particularly in the National Unity Platform (NUP). Few are concerned about the wellbeing of the country and society. Most are there just to guard their interests and those of party leaders. The position of the "Leader of the Opposition"(LOP) was first formally created in 1958 in the then parliament under a different name - LEGICO(Legislative Council). After the 1961 elections the LEGICO was transformed into the "National Assembly" with Ben Kiwanuka becoming the Prime minister and Obote becoming the first Ugandan LOP. In 1962, Obote became the second Prime Minister, and the National Assembly was converted into a Parliament. Parliament was called the National Resistance Council (NRC) when Museveni took over in 1986 there was no LOP. After the 1996 Presidential elections, the NRC was renamed Parliament but there was still no LOP till after the 2006 elections. So, basically, FDCs Morris Ogenga Latigo became the first LOP under Museveni. The LOP now is Joel Ssenyonyi of the NUP. The LOP position is essential to ensure that the country is run on Constitutional principles and the heart and soul of democracy is intact. A democracy functions through consensus. There are several rules and procedures that require the ruling party to consult the opposition so that the time of the house is optimally utilized. A LOP, therefore, is essential for parliamentary democracy his presence in parliament signifies democracy in the country. Thats why I find it weird when a party says that Museveni is a dictator yet youre serving in the same government as LOP. If you want to portray the government as a dictatorship, just avoid sending MPs to a parliament where you will forever be a minority, anyway. The LOP appoints and heads an alternative shadow cabinet whose duty it is to challenge and influence governmental actions and legislation on the floor of Parliament. Legally speaking, Kyagulanyi shouldnt be the one appointing both the LOP and the shadow cabinet he has no parliamentary powers to appoint anybody - he shouldn't appoint anyone. The LOP gets facilities equal to a cabinet minister, can intervene in house debates In some countries, he can do so without the permission of the speaker, and he or she is also part of a committee which takes decisions on appointment of some critical, constitutional positions. THE RIGHT LOP The opposition in Uganda plays an important role in providing practical criticism of the ruling party, NRM. Therefore, it is important for the opposition to have a leader who can represent the interests of the non-dominant parties in these roles, such as the FDC, UPC and DP. Its vital that a LOP is elected by MPs in the dominant party in consultation with other parties in the opposition. Im hoping that the new bill will allow MPs of other parties to vote on the next LOP. The absence of a strong LOP will weaken the opposition as the opposition will not be able to put up a unified front against the ruling party. The appointment of a LOP should never have been left to a party leader such as Kyagulanyi - This one is terrible because he shows off publicly for appointing someone LOP, like he said to Mpuuga that he made him LOP after the fall out. Because party leaders have been appointing LOPs since the FDC times, there has been growing acrimony amongst opposition leaders. This partly explains why We have not had a responsible opposition since the 2021 elections ended, but a gang of opportunists for photo sessions. Accusations against rulings are there for media glare. Ssenyonyi and Bobi Wine have been accused of amassing wealth instead of fighting for the liberty of Ugandans. There are memes all over social media with a text of shs.1.7b and a photo of Ssenyonyi on the side- Apparently, thats how much he was bribed during his COSASE days. The total opposition is divided and there is no markable strength in any opposition parties. NUP has been preoccupied with attacking other opposition leaders, criticising the Buganda kingdom Katikilo, or even musicians opposed to Kyagulanyi. It's very rare to find their MPs or bloggers talking about policies or anything substantial. Ssenyonyi tried for a bit while in COSASE, but he has been largely a failure ever since he took over from Mpunga. The latter tried to unite different MPs in opposition, but it seems he wasnt liked so much by Kyagulanyi for outshining him in elite circles. LOP VS LEADER OF OPPOSITION There is also a difference between LOP and leader of opposition. I have had Hon. Lutamaguzi explained it in a bad way on one of the TV stations. The Leader of the Opposition is a term used in parliamentary systems of government for, usually, the leader of the largest party not in power. He or she has an official status and a particular role, which is to lead criticism of government policy and to suggest alternatives. The opposition consists of parliamentary members of parties not in power, but usually refers specifically to the largest such party (or coalition), which may be seen as an alternative government. The Leader of the Opposition enjoys the rank of a cabinet minister Leader of Opposition - would indicate someone who leads opposition generally, not necessarily in a political sense. This represents standard usage in Uganda. So, if before 2026, someone else emerges as more popular than Besigye or Kyagulanyi, the media wil be ok to refer to him as Leader of opposition or opposition leader. Here in the UK, LOP means the leader of the official opposition party in a British style of government. A leader of opposition is any leader of any group opposed to the wishes of the party in power. In a democratic society, the opposition are all the parties that arent the ruling party. And they all have their own individual leaders. In dictatorships, thats a little bit different. The opposition is often united in order to be able to topple the dictatorship easier. Chinese teacher Shi Xiao discusses with Ghrmallh Al Zahrani, director of Al Waleed bin Ubadah Middle School, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) RIYADH, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Taim Mohamed Ekrema, a 12-year-old student at Al Waleed bin Ubadah Middle School in Saudi Arabia, could barely hide his excitement. After years of studying Chinese online, he was finally attending his first in-person Chinese class. Ekrema is part of a growing wave of Saudi students embracing Chinese language education, a trend that reflects the deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and China. In 2023, China and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement to enhance cooperation in Chinese language education. Following this agreement, Saudi education authorities incorporated Chinese language education into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools. Beginning in August, the first batch of 175 Chinese language teachers arrived in Saudi Arabia to kick off Chinese education. At Al Waleed bin Ubadah, where Ekrema studies, the school rolled out the red carpet for its first Chinese teacher. "The desire among students and Saudi society to learn Chinese is growing by the day," noted Ghrmallh Al Zahrani, director of Al Waleed bin Ubadah Middle School. "The Chinese language is one of the world's major languages," Zahrani added, noting that "due to cultural and societal exchanges between Saudi Arabia and China, there is growing interest in it here." In the classroom, Shi Xiao, who graduated from China's prestigious Sichuan University with a master's in Chinese International Education, was instructing students on everyday Chinese expressions. Below the lectern, Ekrema and his classmates listened intently, jotting down notes. "I love China," Ekrema told Xinhua after class. "It is a beautiful country, and its culture is attractive." The enthusiasm of the Saudi students for the Chinese language and culture left a strong impression on Shi. After the lesson, he found himself surrounded by eager students. Ekrema and his classmates inundated Shi with a flurry of questions about China, a distant land they longed to understand. "I'm truly touched by the enthusiasm of the students here," said Shi. "Whenever they encounter me in the school, they try to greet me in Chinese." In recent years, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China has flourished, marked by increasingly rich cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The Saudi interest in the Chinese language epitomizes this burgeoning connection. As early as 2022, four universities in Saudi Arabia had already established Chinese language programs. By 2023, the country launched its first Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. According to Zhang Xinying, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University, since its inception just over a year ago, enrollment at the institute has surged, with the number of Saudi students studying Chinese this semester tripling compared to the previous one. "We aspire to showcase the charm of the Chinese language and culture to the people of Saudi Arabia," Zhang told Xinhua. For the Saudi youth, learning Chinese transcends the mere acquisition of a new language; it unlocks a realm of opportunities. "When you learn a new language, it opens doors to new information," said Yousef Al Shaikh, a student at the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University. "Learning Chinese has opened a new gate to an amazing culture for me." Nowadays, the streets of Saudi Arabia are bustling with an increasing number of Chinese people. For Al Shaikh, diving into the world of Chinese not only sharpens his ability to connect with the Chinese as the ties between their countries tighten but also enables him to experience the rich tapestry of Chinese culture on a deeper level. "Learning Chinese indeed represents opportunity," he said. "I have decided to pursue my PhD in China." Saudi students at the Confucius Institute of Prince Sultan University learn Pinyin (Chinese alphabet) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) Chinese teacher Shi Xiao teaches the first Chinese lesson to students at the Al Waleed bin Ubadah Middle School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) RAMALLAH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Israeli authorities on Tuesday reopened a major crossing between the West Bank and Jordan in both directions after two days of closure, according to Palestinian sources. Israel reopened the Allenby Bridge crossing, known to the Palestinians as Karama Bridge, east of Jericho, in both directions, Director of the Karama Border Crossing police, Mustafa Dawabsheh, told Xinhua. Dawabsheh added that the crossing will be open to travelers only, noting that it will remain closed to commercial trucks. Israeli state-owned Kan TV news confirmed that the crossing has been reopened to travelers only, while remaining closed to cargo traffic. Israel shut down the crossing following a shooting attack that killed three Israelis on Sunday near the crossing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that a driver approached the Allenby Bridge from the Jordanian side in a truck, exited his vehicle, and opened fire on Israeli security guards, leaving three dead at the scene. The attacker was shot dead by Israeli forces. Jordan's Interior Ministry said on Sunday that initial investigations showed the shooter was a Jordanian national and the incident was an individual act. The shooting occurred amid frequent Israeli raids in the West Bank and an 11-month war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. COLOMBO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka cabinet approved a proposal to establish a financial stability fund with an initial allocation of one billion Sri Lankan rupees (3.3 million U.S. dollars), the government's information department said on Tuesday. President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented the proposal to the cabinet seeking approval to establish the fund, the department said. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has recognized that strengthening the bank resolution framework should be given urgent priority under the crisis management framework of the financial institutes regulated by it, the department said. A financial stability fund should be established to ensure the fulfillment of resolution objectives under the Banking (special provisions) Act and to implement the resolution procedures provided by it effectively, according to the department. Sri Lanka is expected to obtain a loan amount of 200 million U.S. dollars this year under the stability and reform program in the financial sector, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank. The Calcutta Heart Clinic & Hospital in Salt Lake, celebrating its golden jubilee year from 8 September, 2024 to 8 September, next year, has added another facility in its list of services, which is sure to gladden the hearts of a large number of patients seeking treatment at the hospital. The hospital, which conducts regular camps for the economically weaker patients, inaugurated its 6-bedded state-of-art cath lab, which will offer services at an affordable cost. The around 3,000 sqft lab will facilitate cardiac, neuro and vascular surgeries, said the doctors. Lt Col Prof Dr Sisir Kumar Chattopadhyay, one of the major donors for the facility, opened the lab on Sunday. Advertisement The hospital has targeted 25 January, 2025 for starting a modular OT, along with the lab, which will allow the doctors to perform bypass surgeries in future, in addition to brain, joint and heart surgeries, which are available now. As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, the hospital plans to organise special memorial lectures on the occasions of Doctors Day and Sisters Day, next year. The industry experts on Monday welcomed some significant resolutions announced during the 54th GST Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. They said that Group of Ministers (GoM) recommendation by end of October on the GST rate for health and life insurance will be the one to watch closely. Specific sectors like automobile, etc. would keenly look forward to the decision on compensation cess and its fate. Another notable development is the proposed B2C e-invoicing, which, although voluntary, will be significant. It will be crucial to observe how businesses prepare for this change, said Abhishek Jain, National Head-Indirect Tax, KPMG in India. Advertisement GoM on life and health insurance related GST with existing GoM on rate rationalisation are set to submit the report by end of October. The Council also recommended formation of a GoM to study the future of compensation cess. Finance Minister confirmed the extension of the GST Compensation Cess until March 2026, stating that the loan and interest dues on borrowings made to compensate states during the COVID period will likely be cleared by January 2026. To assess the future of the Compensation Cess after March 2026, the Council agreed to form a GoM that will evaluate each states claims and decide on the next steps. According to Krishan Arora, Partner and Leader, Indirect Taxes at Grant Thornton Bharat, while some industry concerns were addressed, more decisions are expected at the next GST Council meeting scheduled to be held in Goa on September 23. The India Inc is looking forward to discussions on a range of measures, including provisions proposed in the budget, long-pending clarifications on GST rates for insurance premiums, and GST on online payments and payment aggregators, he added. Ranjeet Mahtani, Partner, Dhruva Advisors, said that even while the tax department authorities have served show-cause notices to payment aggregators, demanding GST on transactions below Rs 2,000 routed through payment aggregators, the matter was not deliberated upon, leaving the matter in the hand of the adjudicators. On the other hand, despite having notices, research institutes and universities will be relieved to know of the recommendation to exempt them from GST on grants, he said. On September 9, actor Sidharth Malhotra took to Instagram to honor Captain Vikram Batra, the celebrated war hero whose story he portrayed in the film Shershaah. This year marked what would have been 50th birth anniversary of Vikram Batra, and Sidharth Malhotra shared a throwback photo from his visit to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where he paid his respects. Accompanying the image, Malhotra wrote a heartfelt tribute, expressing his gratitude for having had the privilege of bringing Batras story to the screen and acknowledging the enduring inspiration of Batras courage and spirit. Advertisement Captain Vikram Batra, a brave Indian Army officer, was born on September 9, 1974. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, Indias highest military honor, for his exceptional bravery and selflessness during the Kargil War. He made the ultimate sacrifice on July 7, 1999, pic.twitter.com/tZxSmsutNk The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) September 9, 2024 Captain Vikram Batra, known for his extraordinary bravery during the Kargil War in 1999, is remembered as a symbol of valor and sacrifice. The Kargil War, which lasted over 60 days, was a crucial conflict between India and Pakistan. The Indian Army, facing harsh winter conditions and rugged terrain, managed to reclaim strategically significant positions that had been occupied by Pakistani forces. This victory, achieved with critical air support from the Indian Air Force, was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian troops. Shershaah, released on August 12, 2021, portrays the life of Captain Batra and the sacrifices made by him and his comrades. The film, directed by Vishnu Varadhan, features Malhotra in a dual role as Batra and his twin brother Vishal. Kiara Advani plays Dimple Cheema, Batras girlfriend, whose love story with him is poignantly depicted in the film. The films narrative captures both the heroism of the Kargil War and the personal aspects of Batras life. In addition to Malhotra and Advani, the film boasts a supporting cast including Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, and Nikitin Dheer. The film was well-received and honored with the Special Jury Award at the 69th National Film Awards, recognizing its contribution to Indian cinema and its respectful portrayal of a national heros life. Eminem is set to steal the spotlight at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) with a groundbreaking performance that will showcase his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady. Scheduled to kick off the event, this will be Eminems first TV appearance featuring the new album, making it one of the evenings most eagerly awaited moments. This year, Eminem has racked up an impressive eight nominations, highlighting his versatility and impact across several categories. Hes up for Video of the Year, Best Hip-Hop, and Song of the Summer, among others. His 2000 VMA performance, which famously featured over 100 look-alikes in a medley of Real Slim Shady and The Way I Am, is also receiving recognition, reflecting his enduring influence in the music industry. Eminems VMA journey is particularly notable this year. He is currently tied with Peter Gabriel for the record of most VMA wins by a solo male artist, and just one more win would set him apart in this category. With 13 VMAs already under his belt, Eminem is the most awarded rapper in the history of the VMAs. He also holds the second-highest number of nominations ever, trailing only behind Madonna. Advertisement The 2024 VMAs will be broadcast live from Long Islands UBS Arena on Wednesday, September 11, at 8 p.m. ET. The event was rescheduled from its original date to avoid a clash with the ABC presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. This years performance lineup is packed with stars. Alongside Eminem, fans can look forward to appearances from Anitta, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Tiago PZK, Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, Karol G, Lenny Kravitz, Blackpinks Lisa, LL Cool J, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, and Katy Perry, who will receive the Video Vanguard Award. Megan Thee Stallion is set to host the event. The VMAs will also feature a star-studded roster of presenters including Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Cyndi Lauper, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Suki Waterhouse, Thalia, and Tinashe. Leading the nominations is Taylor Swift with 12 nods, followed by Post Malone with 11. Eminems eight nominations put him alongside Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, SZA, and Sabrina Carpenter, each with seven nominations. James Earl Jones, the esteemed actor celebrated for his profound voice and exceptional stage presence, has passed away at the age of 93. He died this morning at his residence in Dutchess County, New York. Mark Hamill, who famously starred alongside James Earl Jones in the Star Wars saga, took to Instagram to mourn the loss. In a heartfelt post, Hamill described Jones as one of the worlds finest actors, highlighting his immense impact on the Star Wars franchise. Hamills tribute included a broken heart emoji and the message, Hell be greatly missed. #RIP dad. Joness career was a remarkable tapestry of achievements in both theater and film. He is one of the rare artists to have earned an EGOTan Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. His Oscar was honorary, but his accolades include two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy, a Grammy for spoken word, and three Tony Awards for his distinguished work on Broadway. Advertisement Joness filmography includes notable performances in classics such as Conan the Barbarian with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the beloved 1989 film Field of Dreams, where he shared the screen with Kevin Costner. Despite his extensive and varied career, Jones is perhaps most renowned for his role as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga. His iconic portrayal of the Sith Lords voice added a chilling depth to the character, complementing British actor David Prowses physical performance. One of the most memorable moments in cinema history is Joness voice delivering the line, I am your father, in the film The Empire Strikes Back. This revelation became a landmark moment in film and solidified Joness place in cinematic history. Baahubali star Rana Daggubatis Spirit Media has acquired the Indian rights to distribute Payal Kapadias Cannes Grand Prix winner, All We Imagine as Light. Daggubati secured the exclusive rights from Chalk and Cheese Films and will bring the film to Indian theaters. Payal Kapadia made history by winning the second-highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival, the Grand Prix Award. This makes All We Imagine as Light the first Indian film to receive this title. Commenting on the acquisition, Rana Daggubati said, After receiving acclaim from audiences at festivals abroad, we are thrilled to bring Payals All We Imagine as Light to Indian viewers. Our partnership with this incredible film is a step forward in our efforts to showcase compelling and moving stories from different parts of the country to audiences everywhere. Written and directed by Payal Kapadia, the film tells the story of two women in Mumbai. One is Prabha, a troubled nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. The other is her younger roommate, Anu, who is searching for a private space to be intimate with her boyfriend. The two embark on a beach trip that allows them to find a space for their desires to manifest. All We Imagine as Light features Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon. Advertisement The film is an Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India. Janus and Sideshow will distribute the film in North America. It has distributied many Academy Award-winning films. As reported by Variety, Kapadia said, This film is about the friendship between three different women. Oftentimes, women are pitted against each other, but for me, friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy towards one another. During its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film, presenting a nuanced and fulfilling narrative of sisterhood, received rave reviews. Moreover, it recieved an 8-minute-long standing ovation, earning praise from several film critics. Also Read: Payal Kapadia makes history: Her film All we imagine as light wins Cannes Grand Prix The success of All We Imagine as Light depicts Kapadias brilliant storytelling and directorial prowess. Its widespread popularity has paved the way for the filmmaker to carve a niche for herself in the global film industry. Additionally, the film is a strong Indian contender for the upcoming Oscars in the International Feature Film category. Meanwhile, independent films supported by Rana Daggubati and Spirit Media include Bommalata. He has also backed titles such as C/o Kancharapalem, Charlie 777, and 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu. Moreover, with All We Imagine as Light as its next release, Spirit Media continues to support and elevate indie films. Tamil actor Jayam Ravi has revealed that he and his wife, Aarti, are parting ways after 15 years of marriage. The announcement comes after months of speculation, triggered in part by Aartis recent decision to remove photos of the couple from her Instagram account. On Monday, Ravi took to his X account to make the news public. The actor, known for his transparency with fans and the media, expressed his sorrow over the separation and offered an explanation for the decision. It is with a heavy heart that I must share a deeply personal update with all of you, Ravi wrote. After much thought, reflection, and discussion, I have come to the difficult decision to end my marriage with Aarti. This choice was not made lightly; it was a carefully considered step that I believe is in the best interest of all involved. Advertisement Grateful for your love and understanding. Jayam Ravi pic.twitter.com/FNRGf6OOo8 Jayam Ravi (@actor_jayamravi) September 9, 2024 Jayam Ravi requested privacy during this challenging time for himself and his family. He urged the public and media to refrain from spreading rumors or making assumptions about the reasons behind the split. I kindly request everyone to respect our privacy and that of our family members. Please avoid speculating or making any allegations, and allow us to handle this matter in private, he added. The couple, who tied the knot in June 2009, share two sons, Aarav and Ayaan. The announcement of their separation follows increasing public curiosity, particularly after Aartis social media activity stirred speculation about their relationship status. Ahead of the release of the highly anticipated thrilling legal drama, the makers of The Judge from Hell have been dropping new stills and teasers every day. Heightening fans expectations and curiosities, the team has released character posters of Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young, BTS stills, and a tantalising trailer. The drama will premiere on September 21 on Disney+. The upcoming drama will star Park Shin Hye as Kang Bit Na. Se is a demon from hell who inhabits the body of a judge. Meanwhile, Kim Jae Young will play Han Da On, a compassionate and warm detective. He is dealing with criminals in a world even crueller than hell. The Judge from Hell focuses on the elite judge (Park Shin Hye) with a cold demeanour who is secretly a demon. Her clandestine task is to send culprits who refuse to introspect to hell. She encounters a warm and friendly detective (Kim Jae Young) who, despite his sharpness, carries a personal pain. Their paths cross, leading to significant changes in their lives. This romantic action fantasy will divulge the coexistence of good and evil within a courtroom setting. Also Read: Red Velvets Yeri and Lee Chan Hyung to star in horror flick Next Advertisement In the released character posters, Park Shin Hye is surrounded by tones of red. She dons a menacing grin and slyly hints at the secret she carries. Her air features a tone of nonchalance and she gives a chilling gaze, perfectly embodying her character of a demon. On the other hand, Kim Jae Young is surrounded by calm tones of blue. He looks serious and focused, sharply contrasting with Shin Hyes look. The posters pique curiosity about how the duo will come together when Shin Hye likes to exact justice by finishing criminals while Jae Young likes to work within the boundaries of the law. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SBS (@sbsdrama.official) View this post on Instagram A post shared by SBS (@sbsdrama.official) The teaser also gives a glimpse of how Shin Hyes character tries to become a true judge and deliver justice despite her evil origins. Moreover, it also juxtaposes the characters of the lead pair. They both have a different idea of justice and ways of life. Fans are particularly excited to see Park Shin Hye take up a role she has never done before. Meanwhile, Kim Jae Young adds more depth and layers and elevates the plot with his principled way of life. Catch the teaser here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by /Shin Hye Park (@ssinz7) The Judge from Hell is directed by Park Jin Pyo, known for films such as Brave Citizen, Love Forecast, and Closer to Heaven. The Judge from Hell is his first K-drama project. Jo Yi Soo is the screenwriter. Furthermore, the drama also stars Kim In Kwon, Kim Ah Young, Lee Kyu Han, Kim Jae Hwa, and Kim Hye Hwa in key roles. The series will consist of 14 episodes, with new episodes airing every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. KST (6:30 p.m. IST). The BJP has called for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her immediate arrest, citing the Supreme Court hearings related to the RG Kar Medical College case. Addressing the media at the party headquarters here, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticised CM Mamata Banerjee for allegedly failing to uphold democratic values and for her purported involvement in covering up the case. He argued that for a fair investigation, Mamata Banerjee must step down as chief minister. Advertisement The BJP also demanded that Mamata Banerjee undergo a polygraph test to verify her claims and accused her of obstructing justice by allegedly protecting criminals and destroying evidence. Bhatia accused Mamata Banerjee of aligning with wrongdoers rather than supporting the victims. Bhatia further criticised the West Bengal CM for not standing with the victims family and called for the dismissal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. The BJP spokesperson also demanded the release of call records between CM Banerjee, Goyal, and Dr Sandeep Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College. Additionally, Bhatia condemned the delay in filing the FIR, the expedited post-mortem, and the limited CCTV footage provided. He expressed dissatisfaction with the overall handling of the case and hinted at internal dissent within the Trinamool Congress, suggesting that the party might face internal strife over CM Banerjees actions. In response to enquiries about Jawhar Sarkars resignation, Bhatia indicated widespread frustration among the people of West Bengal and Trinamool leaders, suggesting that the controversy could lead to further discontent within the party. People attend a funeral for victims killed in Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, central province of Hama, Syria, on Sept. 9, 2024. The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on military sites in the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 18, including four civilians, according to updated reports. (Str/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in central Syria overnight, Syria's health minister said on Monday. This is the deadliest attack of its kind since the Gaza conflict began last October and has drawn criticism of Israel from regional countries. The strikes hit military sites in Hama province, including a scientific research center in Masyaf city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor. The group reported that both civilians and military personnel were among the casualties. Syria's foreign ministry strongly condemned the strikes, calling them Israeli "aggression" that risked destabilizing the region. In a statement, the ministry accused Israel of seeking to escalate tensions through repeated violations of Syrian airspace. "These actions are pushing the region towards dangerous instability with unforeseeable consequences," the statement said, attributing Israel's actions to "unlimited support" from the United States and other Western nations. Iran and Oman also denounced the attacks. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani called them a "brutal and flagrant crime", while Oman urged international action against what it termed Israeli "war crimes". "The international community must put a definitive end to these aggressive Israeli practices," Oman's foreign ministry said in a statement. Local officials reported significant damage to infrastructure, disrupting telecommunications, electricity, and water systems. Syria's transport ministry said a key road connecting Hama and Tartous provinces was damaged. The strikes also sparked fires in forested areas along the Masyaf-Wadi al-Oyoun road, with explosions heard across the region, local sources said. The United Nations said on Monday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was worried about further escalation in the "volatile" region. "The Secretary-General continues to be worried and even more worried about the prospect of further escalation of violence in what is already a very volatile region," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in Syria in recent years but rarely acknowledges them. An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment on the reports. Syrian state media said air defenses had responded to "Israeli aggression" in the Masyaf area. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel engaged in a war against Hamas in Gaza since October 7. That conflict began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has intensified its strikes in Syria since the Gaza war began, targeting sites it says are linked to Iran and its allied militias, which support the Syrian government. People mourn victims killed in Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, central province of Hama, Syria, on Sept. 9, 2024. The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on military sites in the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 18, including four civilians, according to updated reports. (Str/Xinhua) People attend a funeral for victims killed in Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, central province of Hama, Syria, on Sept. 9, 2024. The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on military sites in the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 18, including four civilians, according to updated reports. (Str/Xinhua) Debris from what is believed to be an Israeli drone lies scattered in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria, Sept. 9, 2024. The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on military sites in the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 18, including four civilians, according to updated reports. (Str/Xinhua) Debris from what is believed to be an Israeli drone lies scattered in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria, Sept. 9, 2024. The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on military sites in the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 18, including four civilians, according to updated reports. (Str/Xinhua) Debris from what is believed to be an Israeli drone lies scattered in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria, Sept. 9, 2024. The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on military sites in the city of Masyaf in Syria's central province of Hama has risen to 18, including four civilians, according to updated reports. (Str/Xinhua) Workers fix infrastructure facilities damaged in Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama province, Syria, Sept. 9, 2024. Israeli attacked military sites in the central Syrian province of Hama late Sunday, which killed 18 people, including four civilians, and injured 37 others. (Str/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2024 shows a vehicle damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria. Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in central Syria overnight, Syria's health minister said on Monday. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) People pass by an overturned excavator after Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria, Sept. 9, 2024. Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in central Syria overnight, Syria's health minister said on Monday. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2024 shows a vehicle damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria. Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in central Syria overnight, Syria's health minister said on Monday. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) People repair pipelines damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama province, central Syria, Sept. 9, 2024. Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in central Syria overnight, Syria's health minister said on Monday. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday attacked the Congress alleging that if the party comes to power, it will end reservation. She asked the people of SC/ST and OBCs to be cautious about the statement given by former Congress president Rahul Gandhi abroad recently, in which he has talked about ending SC-ST and OBC reservations. The Congress leader has said their party will think of scrapping reservation when India is in a fair place, which is not the case right now. Gandhi was interacting with students and faculty of Georgetown University in Washington DC on Monday. Advertisement The BSP president said that it was necessary to continue the reservation system until casteism was completely eliminated in the country. In a statement on microblogging site X, Mayawati said that despite being in power at the Centre for a long time, the Congress did not implement OBC reservation and did not conduct caste census in the country. Congress is now dreaming of coming to power under the cover of caste census. People should be cautious of this drama because it will not conduct caste census in future also. Be cautious of this drama of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in which he said that when India will be in a better situation, we will end SC-ST and OBC reservations. This makes it clear that Congress has been conspiring to end their reservation for years. , she said. Mayawati claimed that , People of these classes should be cautious of this dangerous statement given by Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi, because as soon as this party comes to power at the Centre, it will definitely end their reservation under the pretext of this statement. These people should definitely be cautious of this party which pretends to save the Constitution and reservation, she added. Congress has always been anti-reservation. When their reservation quota was not fulfilled in their government at the Centre, Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar resigned from the post of Law Minister because he did not get justice from this party. People should be cautious. , Mayawati claimed. Meanwhile, the BSP chief advised the Yogi Adityanath government to adopt an honest attitude in the teachers recruitment matter. She said that injustice should not be meted out to reserved category candidates. They must get their Constitutional rights and the state government should adopt an honest stand in this matter so that no injustice is done to them. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, said on Tuesday that he doesnt hate Prime Minister Narendra Modi but disagrees with his political rivals point of view. During an interaction at Georgetown University, Washington DC, Gandhi said, I dont hate Mr Modi. He has a point of view; I dont agree with the point of view, but I dont hate him. He has a different perspective, and I have a different perspective. Referring to the alleged seizure of Congress partys bank accounts just before the Lok Sabha elections, the Gandhi scion said that his party fought the general elections with a serious fund crunch yet it destroyed what he called the idea of Mr Modi. Advertisement I was watching the (Lok Sabha) electionsAt a point in the elections, we sat down with our treasurer, and he said, Look, the bank accounts are frozen. The Congress party fought the elections with their bank accounts frozen and destroyed the idea of Modi, he said. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress nearly doubled its seats and stopped the BJP well short of a majority for the first time in a decade. Gandhi claimed that although the BJP still managed to come to power with the help of smaller allies, the results were a setback for the prime minister and that he has not been able to come to terms with it. You can see it because when you see the prime minister now in Parliament he is psychologically trapped, and he basically cannot come to terms, he cannot understand how this has happened, he remarked. The Congress leader further said that Mr Modi was psychologically blown apart halfway through the elections as he sensed he is not near the 300-400 seats target. Halfway through the campaign, Modi didnt think that he was near 300-400 seatsWe were getting information from regular sources, some of the intelligence agenciesit was very clear. There was this internal thing going on in the Prime Minister that I could seehe (PM Modi) was in Gujarat for many years, never faced adversity, and became Prime Minister of India. And suddenly, this idea started to crack. We knew when he said that I speak directly to God. We knew that there we had blown him apartWe saw it as a psychological collapse, he added. Terror funding accused and jailed MP Engineer Rashids presence in Kashmir to campaign for his Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) candidates is bound to give an interesting twist to the ongoing electioneering for the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA court on Tuesday granted interim bail to Engineer Rashid in the midst of the ongoing campaign for the assembly election that is being held after a gap of ten years. The bail has been granted till 2 October which will let him campaign during all the three phases of the election. The AIP has fielded 26 candidates for the two phases. Engineer Rashid has emerged as a new political entity in the Kashmir valley after he defeated the heavyweight former chief minister Omar Abdullah on north Kashmirs Baramulla seat during the recent Lok Sabha elections which he contested from the Tihar jail. Advertisement However, his political strength is at stake in the assembly elections as Omar Abdullah and the PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in particular have described him as a proxy of BJP. Addressing an election rally in south Kashmirs Pulwama today, Mehbooba alleged that Engineer Rashid is being used to split the Kashmiri vote. While families of many Kashmiri prisoners are denied the right to meet their loved ones, candidates behind bars are being empowered during elections. She told media-persons on Monday that the BJPs proxies failed in the parliamentary elections, and now the centre has put jailed Rashids AIP on the forefront, along with other independents. Omar had recently said that attempts were being made to manipulate these elections by putting up independent candidates against him. From where were these candidates getting the funding to run the election campaign, he asked. However, the Apni Party general secretary Mohammad Ashraf Mir said; The nervous reactions by the NC and PDP leadership, first on Independent Candidates contesting elections and now terming Engineer Rashids AIP as BJPs proxy show how insecure they are about any rising political alternatives in Kashmir. First they requested for his release, and now hes a proxy. Their so-called long-standing dominance has done more to serve their interests than Kashmiris. Change is coming, and they cant stop it. Rashid contested the Lok Sabha election as an Independent, and defeated Omar Abdullah by a margin of 2,04,142 votes. While Rashid got 4,72,481 votes, Omar secured 2,68,339 votes. Rashid was first elected to the Assembly from Langate in 2008 and re-elected in 2014. He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla, finishing in third place. Engineer Rashid was arrested in 2019 and charged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), becoming the first mainstream politician to be booked under the stringent anti-terror law. His arrest was in connection with the 2017 terror funding case in which the NIA detected his involvement during the investigation of a Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali who was arrested by the NIA on the charges of financing terrorist groups and Kashmiri separatists. The names which the NIA included in its chargesheet included Yasin Malik and the Pakistan based top terrorist leaders and Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cancer drugs, lowering the rate from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. The decision, made during the 54th GST Council meeting on September 9, has been praised by Assam and Meghalaya Chief Ministers for its potential to ease the financial burden on cancer patients. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude on social media, highlighting the positive impact the reduction will have on patients and ongoing cancer care investments. We are extremely grateful to Honble Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the entire GST Council for reducing GST on cancer drugs from 12 per cent to 5 per cent . This will greatly benefit patients and support ongoing investments in cancer care, Sarma posted on X. Advertisement Similarly, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma hailed the move, emphasising the benefits for the common man. The reduction of GST on cancer drugs to 5 per cent will significantly reduce the cost of treatment and ease the burden on patients. Thank you, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, for this decision, Sangma stated on X. In addition to the reduction in cancer drug GST, the council also lowered the tax on namkeen from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. Further discussions on reducing GST rates on health insurance are expected to take place in the councils next meeting in November. With the Telangana High Court upholding the ban on the immersion of idols made with plaster of Paris (PoP) in Hussain Sagar Lake, the Hyderabad police and the civic body have put up flex banners around the iconic lake prohibiting the immersion of Ganesh idols. Strictly enforcing the court order, the police have also placed iron barricades around the Tank Bund area to prevent devotees from immersing idols in the already highly polluted lake. However, BJP MLA T Raja Singh has argued that the lake is already polluted and urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to resolve the confusion in the minds of devotees regarding the ban. Apart from placing banners prohibiting immersion in Hussain Sagar Lake in compliance with the high court order, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has set up several portable ponds and designated spots for idol immersion. The civic body has set up 27 baby ponds inside existing lakes and 24 portable prefabricated water tanks for this purpose. The Telangana High Court on Tuesday directed officials to follow the guidelines drawn up in 2021 for the immersion of idols in Hussain Sagar. According to these guidelines, only clay and other eco-friendly idols can be immersed in the lake, while PoP idols have to be immersed in artificial lakes created by the GHMC for the purpose. Although many households have switched to eco-friendly clay idols, pandals continue to use PoP idols due to their durability and vibrant colours compared to clay ones. Advertisement Meanwhile, BJP MLA T Raja Singh pointed out that Hussain Sagar is already polluted and its water is contaminated. He questioned, If Hyderabad police and GHMC do not allow the public and pandal committees to immerse Ganesh idols, where else can this be done? He appealed to the Chief Minister to clarify the matter. Earlier in the day, the newly appointed commissioner of police, Hyderabad commissionerate, CV Anand, reviewed police arrangements for Ganesh immersion on 17 September and the Milad un Nabi festival, which follows two days later. The Khairtabad Ganesh idol, which is one of the largest, will be immersed before 1.30 pm on 17 September. On the final day of Ganesh puja and immersion, the deployment of police personnel will last for 40 hours and requires extensive planning. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India-UAE bond will be the defining friendship, relationship and brotherhood of the decade and beyond. Goyals remarks came at the UAE-India Business Forum held in Mumbai. The theme of the forum was Beyond CEPA: Innovation and Future-Ready Economies, with focus on the potential of healthcare, biotechnology, renewable energy, sustainability etc. Advertisement The minister said that India-UAE partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development. Noting the occasion of Ganpati Festival, the Minister also said that the visit of the Crown Prince during Ganapati festival marks auspicious start of a new chapter in bilateral ties. The partnership holds an outstanding future going forward. He noted that the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi regards UAE as an important partner in Indias growth story. The visit of the Crown Prince is the 6th high-level visit in less than a year and is a testament to this partnership, he added. India UAE partnership will witness great transformation under the visionary leadership of both sides. This transformation is in sync with the 50-year vision that UAE has embarked on and the Viksit Bharat@2047 transformational journey envisaged by the Prime Minister, he added. The minister further lauded initiatives taken by both sides to promote trade including the local currency settlement, Bharat Mart being set up in JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone), Dubai, and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand trade. He also said that technology and AI will drive the engagement forward. He lauded the Crown Prince for his leadership of the UAE and appreciated the transformational change witnessed under the Crown Prince. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE also addressed the forum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired the first meeting of the newly-formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and said there is a need to identify and remove obstacles in the research ecosystem in the country. He said the day marked a new beginning in the field of scientific research in the country. Research should focus on finding new solutions to existing problems. Problems might be global in nature but their solutions must be localized in accordance with Indian needs, he said. Advertisement Mr Modi said there is a need to set high targets, focusing on them and doing path-breaking research. He discussed the need for upgradation and standardisation of institutions and suggested preparing a list of domain experts on the basis of their expertise. The ANRF has been set up as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction to scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy. The Prime Minister stressed on the need for scientific monitoring of utilisation of resources for research and innovation. Saying that this is an ambitious beginning, he said the scientific community of the country should have faith that there will be no dearth of resources for their endeavours. He told the meeting discussing Indias Science and Technology landscape and redesigning of research and development programmes, that a dashboard can be developed where information related to research and developments happening in the country can be easily tracked. Discussing the positive impact of Atal Tinkering Labs, the Prime Minister said grading of these labs can be done. He suggested research in various areas, like looking for new solutions to environment change, battery ingredients for EVs, lab grown diamonds, among others. During the meeting, the Governing Body decided to launch a programme in hub and spoke mode by pairing universities where research is at nascent stage with top tier established institutions in mentorship mode. The Governing Body discussed several areas of strategic interventions of ANRF which include global positioning of India in key sectors, aligning R&D with national priorities, promoting inclusive growth, capacity building, driving scientific advances and innovation ecosystem, as well as bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications through industry-aligned translational research. The ANRF will launch programmes on solution-focussed research in mission mode in select priority areas like Electric Vehicle (EV) mobility, Advanced Materials, Solar Cells, Smart Infrastructure, Health & Medical Technology, Sustainable Agriculture and Photonics. The Governing Body observed that these efforts would supplement the march towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Underscoring the translational research with active participation from the industry, the Governing Body emphasized on promoting fundamental research for advancement of knowledge. It was decided to set up Centers of Excellence to support interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences. It was agreed that there was a need to empower the researchers with flexible and transparent funding mechanisms towards achieving ease of doing research. The Governing Body directed that the ANRF strategies should align with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 and implementation should follow global best practices adopted by research and development agencies across the world. The ANRF will promote research and development and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout Indias Universities, Colleges, Research Institutions, and R&D laboratories. The meeting was attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the Vice-President of Governing Body; the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India as Member Secretary; Member (Science), Niti Aayog and Secretaries of the Department of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research and Department of Higher Education, as ex-officio members. Other prominent participants included Prof Manjul Bhargava (Princeton University, USA), Dr Romesh T Wadhwani (Symphony Technology Group, USA), Prof Subra Suresh (Brown University, USA), Dr Raghuvendra Tanwar (Indian Council of Historical Research), Prof Jayaram N. Chengalur (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) and Prof G Rangarajan (Indian Institute of Science). As part of the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), National Test House (NTH), Northern Region, Ghaziabad has been provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a Certification Body for type certification of drones. This significant milestone aligns with the Government of Indias push towards fostering a robust and globally competitive drone ecosystem under the Drone Rules 2021. In line with this responsibility, a team of auditors from NTH will visit Vimaana Aerospace Technologies, Noida from 11th to 12th September 2024 for conducting a Stage-2 (onsite) assessment, Ministry of Consumer Affairs said in a statement. Advertisement The purpose of this audit is to evaluate their D1 application for Krishiraj 1.0, an agricultural drone model designed to meet the specific needs of the farming sector. This assessment is a crucial step towards securing type certification, a mandatory requirement for drones operating in India under the Drone Rules 2021, it said. As part of the Certification Scheme for UAS, NTH is tasked with evaluating drone models to ensure compliance with applicable national and international standards. This initiative is aligned with the governments vision to position India as a global hub for drone technology and to support sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure with safe and certified drone solutions. National Test House is offering its drone certification services at a highly competitive fee of Rs 1.5 lakh for the certification process, which is the lowest in the industry. This low-cost structure reflects NTHs commitment to supporting innovation and growth in Indias drone sector. NTH has achieved this stage in the certification process at a faster pace than its peers in the industry, demonstrating its efficiency and expertise in drone technology certification, the ministry said. BJP leader and former Congress National Media Coordinator Radhika Khera has sent a legal notice to Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Deepak Baij, accusing his party of spreading defamatory rumors aimed at tarnishing her reputation. Khera has alleged that the Congress party is maliciously propagating false claims to malign her character. In a strongly worded statement, Khera said: I have observed that the Congress officials are spreading a lie that my mother has an outstanding bill with the Chhattisgarh government, and that I joined the BJP because of this. I wish to clarify that my mother has never undertaken any government work in Chhattisgarh. Despite this, the Congress is brazenly using falsehoods to discredit me. As part of her response, Khera has challenged the Congress leadership to provide evidence of their claims within 48 hours. I openly challenge Deepak Baij and the Congress party to produce proof that my mother was involved in any government contract in Chhattisgarh. They must show either a work order or payment record in her name. If they cannot, they must issue a public apology to my mother, she asserted. Advertisement Taking the matter further, Khera added: If it is proven that my mother has received any payment or contract from the Chhattisgarh government, I will retire from politics. However, if Deepak Baij and Bhupesh Baghel fail to provide proof, they must publicly apologize and step down from politics themselves. The tensions between Khera and the Congress party had earlier come to light in May this year. During a press conference in Delhi, Khera accused senior Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh of misconduct. She alleged that alcohol was served during Rahul Gandhis Nyay Yatra in the state and recounted instances of late-night disturbances and inappropriate behavior at Rajiv Bhavan, the Congress headquarters in Chhattisgarh. Khera claimed that despite informing senior Congress leaders, no action was taken to address her concerns. Following these events, Khera later joined the BJP. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla has dismissed BJP leader Kheras allegations, suggesting they are a calculated effort to attract media attention. Shukla remarked that Kheras accusations against the Congress party and its loyal members appear to be a strategy to keep her business afloat. He characterized her claims as more of a publicity-seeking move than a substantive issue, asserting that the Congress party remains unperturbed by such tactics. Kheras legal notice marks a significant escalation in her ongoing conflict with the Chhattisgarh Congress leadership. As the war of words intensifies, the Congress party now faces a deadline to either present evidence supporting its claims or issue a public apology. With the prospect of legal action looming, the political landscape in Chhattisgarh is likely to witness further developments in the coming days. This standoff signals a deepening rift and adds a new dimension to the political discourse in the state. The protest against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is a peoples movement, and neither the government nor the Supreme Court should forget this, the protesting junior doctors have stated. They have announced that their strike will continue until all their demands are met. In a statement issued late on Monday night, the junior doctors of West Bengal affirmed that they will not return to work before the 5 PM deadline set by the Supreme Court during yesterdays suo-motu hearing. A spokesperson for the junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the horrific incident occurred, expressed deep disappointment with the Supreme Courts hearing. Advertisement the case has been transferred from the High Court to the Supreme Court, from the state police to the CBI. But justice is still out of reach, the spokesperson said. In their statement, the doctors further expressed their frustration, noting that no steps have been taken to ensure speedy justice for their colleague. We were expecting a positive outcome, considering the brutality of the offense. However, we are utterly disheartened by the proceedings of the court and the CBI. No action has been taken to expedite the trial and deliver justice to our colleague, the statement said. Earlier on Monday, the state government informed the Supreme Court that 23 people have died so far, allegedly due to the doctors strike, and that lakhs have been turned away from hospitals. Referring to this, the doctors stated that it was shocking to see them being portrayed as responsible for those deaths. It was also shocking to note the way junior doctors were portrayed as responsible for a few deaths in hospitals. This is completely false, and in no hospital, has service been completely hampered due to the junior doctors movement, the statement said. The doctors have also reportedly demanded the resignation of the West Bengal Health Secretary and have threatened to march towards Swasthya Bhavan, the health departments office in Kolkata. During Mondays hearing, the Supreme Court observed that protests cannot come at the cost of life and warned the doctors of disciplinary action if they did not return to work by 5 PM today. If doctors do not resume work, then we cannot stop the state government from taking disciplinary action. We want to ensure that doctors resume work. They are part of a system to render service. We will provide facilities, but they have to reciprocate, the top court has said. GAZA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,020, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Tuesday. During the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 32 people and wounded 100 others, bringing the total death toll to 41,020 and injuries to 94,925 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in early October 2023, it added. At least 40 Palestinians were killed and more than 60 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Tuesday. "Israeli warplanes launched rockets at tents housing displaced Palestinians at the entrance to Mawasi in Khan Younis, causing widespread destruction and resulting in numerous casualties," Palestinian medics told Xinhua. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders operating from a hidden command center in a humanitarian area of Khan Younis. 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 taken hostage. The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed further proceedings before a trial court in a defamation case against senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his alleged scorpion sitting on Shivling remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Literature Festival in Bengaluru in November 2018. Besides staying the defamation case proceedings against Tharoor, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and R Mahadevan issued notice to Delhi Police and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajiv Babbar, returnable after four weeks. Rajiv Babbar had complained against Tharoors remarks. Issue notice, returnable in four weeks. Further proceedings in pursuance to the impugned judgment is stayed until further orders, the bench ordered. Advertisement An advocate appearing for Tharoor told the bench that the statement was originally contained in an article published in 2012 by Caravan magazine and later Tharoor made the same statement in 2018. Tharoor has approached the top court challenging the Delhi High Courts August 29, 2024, order refusing to quash the defamation case. The High Court in October 2020, had stayed the criminal proceedings in the defamation case against the Congress Lok Sabha member from Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram). However, on August 29, the High Court vacated the interim stay order and directed Tharoor to appear before the trial court on September 10. The trial court had issued summons to Tharoor following the defamation case against him by Babbar. The Congress leader had allegedly made the statement in November 2018 at the Bangalore Literature Festival. Tharoor had allegedly said that Mr Modi is a scorpion sitting on a Shivling. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and former Home Minister of India, by garlanding his statue on the occasion of his 137th birth anniversary. He stated that Pants contributions to the unified Uttar Pradesh and the nations internal security will always be remembered. On behalf of the state government and its people, I humbly pay tribute on this auspicious occasion, saluting the memories of such a great son of India, who laid the foundation for development in Uttar Pradesh, said the Chief Minister. Advertisement After garlanding the statue of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Chief Minister CM Adityanath remarked on Pants highly successful tenure as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Union Home Minister. The CM described him as a great freedom fighter who left his flourishing practice to join the freedom movement on Mahatma Gandhis call. Despite enduring the hardships of imprisonment, Pantji remained steadfast in his commitment to Indias independence, he remarked. The CM said, Pantjis tireless efforts and significant contributions during the freedom struggle led to his appointment as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the countrys largest state, after independence. He served in this role until 1954, laying the foundation for the states progress by devising a comprehensive action plan to provide basic facilities, education, healthcare, and infrastructure elements on which todays Uttar Pradesh is built. He added, In 1954-55, Pantji became Indias Home Minister, during which his push to make Hindi the official language was a monumental achievement. CM Adityanath also acknowledged Pants revenue sector reforms, highlighting its ongoing impact in delivering justice to the underprivileged. Chinas latest pledge of 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion) in credit lines and investments to Africa signals an evolving approach in its relationship with the continent. However, it also highlights a cautious strategy that stops short of the debt relief many African nations urgently need. This shift in Chinese engagement reflects broader economic realities and challenges both within China and across Africa. In the past decade, China has been the largest bilateral lender to Africa, driving the continents infrastructure boom through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Roads, railways, and bridges financed by Chinese loans have transformed many African countries, facilitating trade and development. However, these projects also saddled numerous nations with significant debt. As economic pressures mount globally, particularly postCovid, Chinas lending spree has cooled, leaving many African projects stalled. The commitments at the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) suggest that China is recalibrating its strategy. By focusing on smaller, more targeted projects, especially in green energy, China aims to align itself with global sustainability trends while managing its own financial risks. This shift from large-scale infrastructure to small and beautiful projects also reflects Chinas domestic priorities, where economic concerns are prompting a more measured approach to overseas investments. Yet, while Chinas emphasis on clean energy and infrastructure is forward-looking, it does little to address the immediate financial strain that many African nations face. The lack of explicit debt relief or restructuring options in Chinas latest commitments is concerning. Many African countries are already grappling with unsustainable debt levels, and without significant relief, their economic recovery could be hampered. Chinas call for joint actions and fair burden-sharing among other creditors is a diplomatic way of deflecting sole responsibility for Africas debt challenges. While it is true that African nations owe significant sums to various international lenders, Chinas role as the largest bilateral lender places it in a unique position. Its reluctance to offer direct debt relief could be seen as prioritising its financial interests over the economic stability of its African partners. Moreover, the opacity surrounding the terms of Chinese loans continues to be a point of contention. Without greater transparency, African nations may find themselves in a cycle of dependency that could undermine their long-term development goals. This lack of clarity also complicates the ability of African governments to negotiate fair terms and to manage their debt effectively. Advertisement Despite these concerns, there are positive aspects to Chinas engagement with Africa. The focus on green energy projects could help address the continents chronic power shortages and support industrialisation efforts. Additionally, infrastructure investments, even on a smaller scale, are crucial for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade and economic integration. As African nations navigate their economic challenges, a more balanced approach that combines investment with meaningful debt restructuring will be essential for sustainable development. Everyone involved, directly or indirectly, in the Israel-Gaza war have their own interests at the forefront. For Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli PM, the longer the war continues, the better for him. He remains secure, corruption cases against him are un-investigated and he hopes that at the end of the day, he would have garnered enough backing to continue as PM. The Israeli public want peace and return of surviving hostages, especially after six were recently discovered killed brutally. Protests against Netanyahu are rising. The nationwide strike called by Histadrut, Israels largest trade union, saw the country coming to a standstill. Every day over 300,000 Israelis are protesting demanding the government accept a peace deal and ensure other hostages are released. Politically too Israel is divided, with the opposition backing the protests. Netanyahu continues to hold firm, refusing to bend to pressures as his own future is at stake. He appears to have little interest in saving the remaining hostages, despite claiming to do so. He is aware that the Hamas ideology cannot be eradicated despite a military victory. Britain, which has been providing munitions to Israel, recently announced that 30 licenses out of the sanctioned 350 will now be blocked. These include spare parts for critical equipment, including F 16s. The British foreign secretary, David Lammy stated, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Netanyahu responded by terming it shameful and added that Israel would win the war with or without UK weapons. The main intent for Britain to take this step is because the ruling Labour party under PM Keir Starmer is wooing the local Muslim community. It was reported in July that the Labour party is backing the creation of a new Muslim leadership group intended to become the primary point of engagement between Keir Starmers government and Muslim communities in the UK. It would be to appease this group and provide it leverage, especially as anti-Israel protests continue, that this decision was taken. The US is pushing for a ceasefire and peace deal. Advertisement It wants it as of yesterday, especially as elections draw close. The intent is to garner support of American Muslims, who have been criticizing the government for backing Israel, for Kamala Harris. Mathew Miller, the US State Department spokesperson mentioned, It is time to finalize that deal. The people of Israel cannot afford to wait any longer. The Palestinian people, who are also suffering the terrible effects of this war, cannot afford to wait any longer. The world cannot afford to wait any longer. Harris has repeatedly been stating that she will not be silent on Gazans suffering. However, with Netanyahu and Hamas unrelenting, there is little her government can do except cut military aid. Doing so would be disastrous for US foreign policy and play into the hands of Donald Trump. Netanyahu is aware of American limitations. Simultaneously, by placing new conditions for the peace deal, Netanyahu is benefitting Trump, who has remained an ardent Israeli supporter and is known to be the most pro-Israel president ever in the history of the US. His arrival in the White House would benefit Netanyahu. It must be remembered that Netanyahu met Trump during his recent visit to the US. Details of discussions between the two were not leaked to the media. The continued existence of Hamas is dependent on enmity with Israel. Inking a peace deal would signal an end for the organization, which is unacceptable. It would also imply control of Gaza slipping from their hands. They continue to hope that the conflict would draw in other nations, mainly Iran and its proxies, benefitting them. Hence, Hamas insists on complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, unacceptable to Netanyahu. The current sticking point for the peace deal is the Philadelphi corridor, important for three nations, Israel, Egypt and Gaza. The corridor is 9 kms long, 100 meters wide and runs along the Gaza-Egypt border including the Rafah crossing. Egyptian troops are deployed to prevent smuggling from its side. However, as discovered by Israel, tunnels ran under the corridor enabling movement of weapons and equipment, mainly from Iran. Netanyahu has announced that Israel would retain control over the corridor in any future deal. For Egypt, this could be an added security concern and hence it is unwilling to accept it. The corridor also provided Cairo some control over Gaza. For Hamas, loss of the corridor would lock Gaza from all directions by Israel. Netanyahu is aware that this demand would not be accepted and to ensure it remains relevant he compelled a vote in the Israeli cabinet endorsing the same. Iran would desire the war continues and Israel is weakened militarily. It has yet to respond to the assassination of the Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, on its soil. Any peace deal, which removes Hamas control over Gaza is unacceptable to Iran. It has exploited the Philadelphi corridor to arm Hamas and hence would be unwilling to accept Israeli control over it. Iran and its proxies are backing the Hamas stand of complete withdrawal from Gaza, as it would enable them to re-arm Hamas. China has been criticizing Israel, vetoing all UNSC resolutions against Hamas, indicating it is on the side of Palestinians. In July, it brought all 14 Palestinian factions to Beijing for reconciliatory talks. They inked the Beijing declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity. The declaration backs the creation of an independent state of Palestine, with its capital as Jerusalem, under the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Israel is against the PLO controlling Gaza. Russia backs the Chinese approach. While both talk of peace, they want it under the aegis of the UN, thereby creating a pro-China Palestinian state. While nations and individual personalities play politics over the conflict for their personal goals or survival, it is the hostages whose lives are at risk and while Gazans are being killed in Israeli assaults. Over 42,000 Gazans are dead while over 60 hostages remain alive and around 35 bodies are in Hamas custody. Sadly, lives of innocents, Gazans and hostages, are ignored while the conflict rages for personal or national interests. Welcome to todays reality. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates around 726,000 suicides per year worldwide. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in India, in its latest report finds the total number of recorded suicides in India was 171,000 in 2022, compared to 135,000 in 2018. The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Changing the narrative on suicide, emphasising the need to support by initiating a conversation. The areas of focus are: Talk about thoughts surrounding suicide ideations to reduce stigma, which can prevent suicides. Advertisement Engage the persons in a dialogue, respect their dignity, acknowledge their agony, identify the problems, and support them to find alternative solutions. This is done not only by family members, friends, colleagues, or supervisors at work but by anyone, anytime, anywhere, with good faith. There are options for individuals to see a nearby psychiatrist or other mental health professionals. Also, now there is Tele-manas, a national tele-mental health programme from the Government of India, a project led by the NIMHANS that offers tele-counseling services. At the Tele-manas cell, the call is redirected to the appropriate cell based on the language preferred, and answered by counselors trained in clinical psychology or psychiatric social work. Most of the time, talking about their distress and problems to the counselor may suffice. If it is felt that the distress is severe, it is referred to a qualified psychiatrist. If need be, they will convince the caller and inform the local psychiatry service provider, such as the District Mental Health Team, who may see the person the next day. If it is felt that the person is in imminent danger of doing something to themselves, the caller will be asked to attend the emergency department at the nearest hospital or psychiatric centre. There are several examples where a person with suicidal ideations has been well supported and managed. Unfortunately, the data on how many were saved is hard to get. Based on the research available and expert consensus, Tele-manas are likely to be a lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy of 2022 also talks about better accessibility to mental health care to reduce suicides. Research has shown that most suicides are associated with depression, psychosis, alcohol, or drug use. Therefore, the services are offered by around 10,000 psychiatrists in private, as well as through Staterun District mental health programmes or in Government-run hospitals. People can also be reached by tele-support. Training of general doctors is also possible via tele-support by specialists. Suicide attempts must not be ignored. All persons attempting suicide must be screened for mental illness and advised. Suicide attempts create a lasting impact on family members. The parents or family members must not hesitate to talk, whatever the issue may be. In the case of children, make the child talk. Parents need not worry about directly enquiring about feelings of dying, death, or suicide. If they dont ask, they will not know. Parents need to talk with an open mind, a non-judgmental approach, active listening and be prepared to acknowledge the issue the child brings up. Some children may be stuck between parental expectations and academic performance, similar to what is already depicted in the movie Taare Zameen Par. Parents must know their childrens capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. If parents have marital conflicts, they need to sort these out. They need to modify the nurturing style based on the environmental situations. Spend time talking one-on-one, maybe in the name of some activity. Despite having many friends in digital media, children may still feel socially isolated. Bullying, including in social media, needs to be identified early, and professional help may be needed. In the case of teenagers, many feel shy about opening up to their parents but may be close to their peers, where they are ready to discuss their difficulties. Teens have the curiosity to experiment with new ventures, many dont mind risk-taking, suffer from mood swings, and swing between childhood and adulthood depending on the situation. They are trying to establish their identity in society. The developing front part of their brain, which is like the brakes of a bike, is still weak, with a highly accelerating amygdala charged with emotions. This may explain their controlling ability, and therefore, they require guidance. Teenagers with high energy may channelise it in sports. Other talents that involve creativity may help. The life skills training from NIMHANS experiences has created a module that includes specific areas to work, to enhance critical thinking, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, communications, relationships, stress, emotional control and selfawareness. Students spend a substantial amount of time in school. Teachers can identify subtle changes in behaviors, and they are key partners in the mental health care support system. Student counseling in schools and institutes has helped and must be regularised. It is best to train the teachers, who may help identify early, help resolve problems, and promote better mental health, which is likely to reduce the chances of suicides. The spouse, friends, or employers may not be aware of how to communicate with someone who has attempted suicide. There is a need to start the conversation with confident, open, trusted communication, offering support with a problem-solving approach. There may be mental health issues in the person, spouse, or both, which a psychiatrist can identify. Friends can build confidence, reduce pessimism, help a person to be resilient, and inspire to have optimistic thought patterns. Some employers offer counseling services, but the employees must be assured of confidentiality regarding their issues. This highlights the trust issues, a gap they must bridge as a first step. Suicide is one type of death that leaves a lasting impact due to adverse emotional responses on kith or kin or anyone getting this news. Media must understand the sensitivity of the issue, and responsibly report suicides following the WHO guidelines. One must provide helpline numbers before reporting. Any glorified authored books, plays, or information may need to be removed or banned because publicising suicides can increase incidence, which is known as the Werther effect. Similarly, problem-solving approaches highlighted in plays or books with an alternative solution have been known to reduce suicides, called the Papageno effect. Suicide gatekeeper training for a large number of people may help. This is similar to someone administering resuscitation in cardiac arrest. The community collectively realizes this, and this kind of multi-modal approach in different kinds of age groups is likely to prevent suicides. The key message to the person with suicidal thoughts is stop, take a step back, think of alternative positive solutions, and if you cannot, just talk to the Professional or call Tele-manas. Tele-Manas, offers counselling and mental health care and is available toll-free at 14416 or 1800 8914416. (The writers are psychiatrists at Bowring & Lady Curzon Hospital, and NIMHANS, Bangalore respectively.) The Pacific Island nation of Tonga hosted the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting from 26 to 30 August 2024 in Nukualofa, Tonga. Chaired by the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Huakavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, the meeting unveiled Tongas vision for the Pacific to move beyond policy deliberation to implementation ~ to achieve transformation by building a better future. Tonga recognises the importance of resilience, which cuts across all seven thematic areas of the 2050 Strategy. The PIF Leaders meet annually to develop collective responses to regional issues and deliver on their vision for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all their peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives. The Pacific Islands Forum began in 1971 for leaders to coordinate responses to the issues confronting a remote, diverse region where individual nations hold little sway on the global stage. When globalisation gathered pace, low-lying islands soon found themselves imperilled by rising seas. Climate change thus emerged as an important global issue with the island nations facing critical choices. Annual meetings were not widely attended until the Pacific Ocean in recent years emerged as the site of an intense geopolitical contest for influence over waters, resources and political power. As Beijing wooed Pacific leaders with loans, diplomacy and security agreements, Western alarm about its foothold in the region grew, prompting a rapid expansion of attendance of forum summits. In the summit meetings, the leaders engage in discussions and agree on policies that will ultimately benefit the people of the region. This gathering is a unique opportunity for the leaders to address pressing issues and challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent, and foster collaboration and cooperation in the pursuit of shared goals. What transpired in the Forums meeting was Chinas relentless push for influence in the South Pacific as leaders pledged to erase an affirmation of Taiwans involvement in the meeting from its closing statement, at Beijings behest. The PIF, a gro up of 18 island nations, plus Australia and New Zealand initially included a re-assertion of the standing of self-governing Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, in a public communique outlining lea ders agreements after their weeklong annual meeting. Advertisement But for inexplicable reasons it was removed the following day. This underscored Chinas gro wing influence in the Pacific Island region as Chinas special envoy at the forum Bo Qian succeeded in persuading the members to exclude any mention of Taiwan from the final communique. Beijing is even pushing for Taiwans exclusion from the forum altogether. This is Chinas effort to isolate Taiwan further, and thereby assert its dominance in the region and deepen its strategic stranglehold. Succumbing to Beijings anger at the mention of Taiwan in the first draft, the forum leaders ended up fracturing a shaky accord. There was no explanation why the statement was changed at the last moment. This chaotic end to the annual summit where member nations had emphasised regional unity and rejected major powers jostling for influence in their affairs found it difficult to balance the demands of larger countries with their common interests. This inevitably triggered a debate how some of the worlds tiniest nations are being seen by larger powers as their geopolitical pawns. It transpired thus how the ability of the forum members to pursue increasingly demanding regional agendas and manage the geopolitical interests of external actors puts the islands in a difficult dilemma. The mention of Taiwan in the approved document and then its removal in the one released raised questions about the autonomy of the regions top diplomatic body, dem on strating public display of Chinas influencing-wielding capability. In 2019, six Pacific nations recognised Taiwan as an in dependent democracy, a snub to Beijing. But Beijing used coercive economy diplomacy co mpelling another three to switch allegiance from Taipei to Beijing. Thus Tai peis allies in the region have dwindled now to only three. So, what were the areas prioritised for discussion at this years summit? The topics that dominated discussion were climate change, debt crisis, health and security, including fundraising for a Pacific-led climate and disaster resilience facility in Tonga. The forum also warned major powers against overshadowing the summit with geopolitical squabbling but it soon transpired that the forum succumbed to Beijings diktat. An uneasy calm prevailed as superpowers made unusual overtures before Beijing finally prevailed, snubbing the forum members freedom to take their own independent decisions for their own interests. Though the US and China have evinced interest to cooperate and collaborate in joint projects to uplift the economic wellbeing of the Pacific island nations, such announcements are marked by pious pomposity as geopolitical rivalries do not easily go away. There is a history of both the US and China accusing each other as an aggressor in the region. It is difficult to comprehend what kind of cooperation both sides have in mind. The redeeming factor that one can read into this is that both the US and China are willing to show some restraint and not openly display their aggressive postures. Even Australia, the closest country, cannot for its own geopolitical interests stay away from its interests in the South Pacific and is doing its bid to help out the island nations. For example, it has agreed to help out the region in a regional policing program by funding it and this has the endorsement of the US. Though the objective may be to counter Chinas offers to equip and train Pacific police, it has not yet elicited any provocative response from Beijing. On the other hand, in a conciliatory and accommodative spirit, Beijing has openly welcomed that all parties make concrete efforts for the development and prosperity of the Pacific Island countries. As regards Taiwan, though its mention in the final communique was omitted, the Pacific islands leaders privately agreed to allow Taiwans on-going attendance at the summit affirming the forums 1992 agreement on Taiwans stan ding with the organisation. Surangel Whipps Jy., the President of Palau, one of three Pacific nations to recognise Taiwan, assured that Taiwans attendance would continue unchanged. He was not bothered that Palaus stance enraged Beijing, which has continued to put pressure on Taiwans remaining allies to sever ties. The Solomon Islands, which severed diplomatic ties with Taipei in 2019 in favour of Beijing, will host the 2025 summit. (The writer is former Senior Fellow at Pradhanmantri Memorial Museum and Library, Ministry of Culture, Government of India) A total of 63 people were killed and 233 injured in 128 traffic accidents on Myanmars Yangon-Mandalay highway in the first eight months of 2024, the Nay Pyi Taw Expressway, traffic police force said on Monday. From January 1 to August 31, 2024, the dead included 43 males and 20 females, while the injured included 145 males and 88 females. Last year, 106 recorded traffic accidents resulted in 63 fatalities and 206 injuries, an official from the Nay Pyi Taw Expressway Traffic Police Force told Xinhua news agency. Advertisement The main causes of car accidents in Myanmar are vehicle defects, human errors, and road and weather conditions. The majority of traffic accidents in the country are caused by reckless driving, he said. To reduce traffic accidents on the highway, public awareness programmes are conducted and radar devices are used to measure the speed of vehicles along the expressway, and action is taken against speeding vehicles, he added. Inaugurated in December 2010, the 587-km Yangon-Mandalay expressway connects the countrys commercial city of Yangon and the second-largest city of Mandalay. The US-British naval coalition launched an airstrike on Yemens Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Monday, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. The strike hit a location in the area of al-Jabanah in the western part of the city, the outlet said, without providing further information. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, rarely disclose their casualties. Eyewitnesses and local residents said on social media platforms that a warplane hit a Houthi military site, resulting in a huge explosion. Advertisement The coalition has made no comment on the attack yet, Xinhua news agency reported. On Sunday, the US Central Command said on social media platform X that its naval forces destroyed three drones and two missile systems in the Houthi-controlled areas of northern Yemen. Since November last year, the Houthis have been launching anti-ship missiles and drone attacks targeting what the Houthis said were Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In response, the US-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has since January conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group from targeting cargo ships. NAIROBI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Tuesday imposed a ban on sugar imports from outside the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC), two regional trade blocs, citing an increase in local production. Andrew Karanja, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said in a statement released in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that local sugar production has improved, with the country expected to produce more than 800,000 metric tonnes this year. Karanja said the government thus had not extended the import window for sugar from countries outside the COMESA and EAC trading blocs. He noted that over the past four years, Kenya has produced about 700,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually from 16 factories, with production peaking at around 800,000 metric tonnes in 2022. Karanja observed that 2023 had been an unusual year, beginning with a severe drought that led to reduced sugar output, which necessitated significant imports to bridge the supply gap. He said that the average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is about 950,000 metric tonnes, with the shortfall covered by imports from COMESA and EAC countries under existing trade protocols. The East African nation temporarily allowed sugar imports from outside these regions to protect consumers from high prices, he said, adding that imports from COMESA and EAC are currently facilitated by sugar safeguards, which are set to expire in February 2025. Karanja also emphasized that Kenya has deployed security agencies to help address illegal sugar smuggling through porous borders and remains committed to adhering to the free trade protocols outlined in existing treaties. The COMESA is a regional economic community in Africa with 21 member states, while the EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization of eight partner states. Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set for the release of her new crime-thriller film, The Buckingham Murders, which was premiered at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 14, 2023. It is set to release in theatres on September 13. The film follows the story of Indian-British detective Jasmeet "Jazz" Bhamra, who is grieving the death of her own child, but is assigned to investigate the case of a 10-year-old boy. Kareena took to Instagram to post the behind-the-scenes clicks, much to the delight of her fans. It will be her debut as a producer, and also the first time the 43-year-old will be essaying the role of a detective. Last year, Netflix India released 'The Film Actors' Roundtable 2023' on YouTube, in which Kareena talked about her character. "I think I loved playing that part because this is the first time I am playing a detective, and I am a huge crime drama fan." Recently, director Hansal Mehta dismissed rumours that The Buckingham Murders is a rip-off of the 2021 limited series Mare of Easttown, which also follows the story of a depressed female detective investigating the murder of a teenage girl, while grieving the death of her father and son. "Decide after you watch. Don't jump to conclusions," Mehta said. Earlier this month, Fortune India released the list of celebrities who paid the highest advance income tax for 2023-24, where Kareena emerged as the highest tax-paying female celebrity, paying a whopping Rs 20 crore. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju came down heavily on controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for his call to the Muslims in India to voice their objection to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Asking Naik not to mislead Muslims, the parliamentary and minority affairs minister, in his response to Naik's video on X, warned against false propaganda. Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives. https://t.co/3W3YwtyJjI pic.twitter.com/LwV9Jh1YTg Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 10, 2024 Naik had posted a video on X on September 8 highlighting, what he termed as, the dangers of the Waqf Amendment Bill, and urged the Indian Muslims to register their protest with the parliamentary committee. Send your Rejection by visiting https://t.co/LYjlpdu6ye You can send your rejection to Waqf Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee. Due Date: 13th Sept 2024https://t.co/LYjlpdu6ye#waqf #waqfboard #amendmentbill Follow us in :https://t.co/zEDAorBjXdhttps://t.co/zjdJC3CXLY pic.twitter.com/twlgR1pYbM Dr Zakir Naik (@drzakiranaik) September 8, 2024 Claims and counter-claims at joint parliamentary committee meetings The Joint Committee of Parliament meetings on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been witnessing claims and counter-claims from the opposition and government bodies. The committee is by BJP's Lok Sabha MP Jagdambika Pal and comprises 21 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. Opposition members in the panel said that a large number of Waqf properties have been in "unauthorised" possession of government bodies, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). To support the claim, AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi submitted a list of 172 Waqf properties in Delhi alone, which, according to him, were in the unauthorised possession of the ASI. The archeology body had earlier claimed that over 120 of its protected monuments were claimed by different Waqf boards, and also accused them of unauthorised constructions. It had also shared a list of 53 of such protected monuments. Similar charges against the Waqf board were raised by the urban affairs and road transport ministries, and the Railway Board. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill explained The Bill seeks to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, and proposes sweeping changes to how Waqfs are governed and regulated. It was tabled by Rijiju, but was immediately criticised by the opposition parties, who termed it anti-minority and unconstitutional. It has since been referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament. Waqf property refers to a moveable or immovable property dedicated in the name of god for religious and charitable purposes under the Islamic law. A Waqf property is non-transferable, and its proceeds are usually used to fund mosques, educational institutions and graveyards, among other things. A custodian is appointed for each property by the Waqf board, who ensures its proceeds are used for intended purposes. There are 30 Waqf boards in India, and 8.7 lakh properties across 9.4 lakh acres under their control. The Central Waqf Council (CWC), set up in 1964, oversees and advises the Union government, state government and Waqf boards on the management of the properties. Some of the changes proposed by the Waqf (Amendment) Bill are: The Kerala High Court's special division bench severely criticised the state government for its inaction on the Hema Committee report while reviewing petitions, including a public interest litigation, seeking criminal proceedings based on the report's depositions. The Hema Committee was appointed in July 2017 to investigate the issues faced by women in the film industry, following the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent actress. The committee submitted its report to the government on December 31, 2019. During the hearing, the division bench of the Kerala High Court questioned the government about the steps taken since the report's submission. The Advocate General, representing the state, informed the court that the report had been handed over to the Director General of Police (DGP) in February 2021. However, the court once again raised concerns over the lack of action. The High Court pointed out that the report highlighted several cognizable offences in the film industry, including POCSO cases, and strongly criticized the government's failure to act on issues already brought to its attention. The division bench, which included a female judge, emphasized that the government must take action, noting that if a survivor chooses not to proceed with legal action, it is a separate matter. The court also dismissed the state's argument that the depositions in the Hema Committee report were merely simple narrations. Previously, the court had ordered the government to submit the full Hema Committee report in a sealed cover. Today, the court directed the state to hand over the entire report, including audio clips and digital evidence, to the special investigation team (SIT) formed by the government after a redacted version of the report was partially released to the public. Significantly, until now, this SIT had only investigated allegations that surfaced after the partial release of the redacted report, not those mentioned in the Hema Committee depositions. The state government informed the court that 23 cases have been filed by the SIT based on allegations against film actors and technicians. The court directed that the confidentiality and privacy of those who testified before the Hema Committee must be maintained, instructing investigative officers not to disclose sensitive information to the media. It also asked the SIT to report on possible actions based on the Hema Committee's findings. This means the SIT will now be required to contact those who provided testimony to the committee and determine whether an FIR should be filed based on survivors' responses. The court further directed the SIT to submit a report at the next hearing. Meanwhile, the court noted that the Hema Committee report contains details about other issues in the film industry, including labour disputes, remuneration conflicts, and gender-based prejudices. It asked the government to submit an affidavit outlining actions to address these concerns, which may not fall under cognizable offences. The court also recommended the government consider establishing a statutory arbitration or mediation mechanism to resolve such matters. Understand that there are social issues [being reported], andthere is a pressing need to act, the High Court told the government. Additionally, the court asked the government to file an affidavit at the next hearing, detailing the steps being taken by the state in parallel with the SITs inquiry into the cognizable offences. The court stressed that this "simultaneous action" should not involve forming another committee. The case will be heard again on October 3, with the court set to review the full Hema Committee report only after the SIT submits its action plan. Nagpur police on Tuesday said the driver of BJP state presidents son Sanket Bawankules car, which was involved in a series of collisions on Monday, was arrested and released on bail. Police further said the registration plates were present on the car, refuting claims that they were removed following the accident. Rahul Madane, Deputy Police Commissioner said the accident occurred during the early hours of Monday and the Audi car hit against another car and a two-wheeler. However, none of the passengers suffered severe injuries, police said. VIDEO | A luxury car owned by Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday in Ramdaspeth area of Nagpur, after which the driver and one more occupant were detained. CCTV visuals of the incident.#Nagpuraccident pic.twitter.com/sKNqW288wT Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2024 Police said the Audi was registered in the name of Sanket Bawankule, son of Bharatiya Janata partys State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule. According to police, Arjun Hawre, the driver, Sanket Bawankule and his friend Ronit Chittamwar were present in the vehicle at the time of the accident. We have questioned all the three occupants of the car. We arrested the driver, Arjun, but he was later granted bail as it was a bailable offence. Their medical samples have been sent to FSL and report is awaited. When we examined the vehicle, its number plates were there in it, Madane said. He added Bawankule has confessed to police that he was in the car. #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Visuals of the Audi car that hit two other cars and a two-wheeler in Nagpur last night. Both cars and the two-wheeler were damaged and the passengers in the car sustained minor injuries. The car is registered in the name of Sanket Bawankule, son of pic.twitter.com/B6PwMGeTYW ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 The Audi car owned by the BJP leaders son hit several vehicles in the Ramdaspeth area during the early hours of Monday and police nabbed Arjun and Ronit Chittamwar soon after the incident. Reportedly, the trio were returning from a beer bar in Dharampeth when the accident took place. Police said CCTV footage is being checked to ascertain the chain of events. BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule admitted the Audi car was registered in the name of his son Sanket and unbiased probe must be conducted. "Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all," PTI reported quoting Chandrashekhar. A successful strategy is being implemented in Azerbaijan's energy sector, which is a crucial part of the countrys economy due to its rich natural resources. Azerbaijan, one of the oldest oil-producing regions in the world, is currently home to some of the most significant oil and gas reserves. The country has historically served as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Azerbaijans strategic location and resource wealth enable it to export oil and gas to European markets. The country transports gas to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). TAP has a transmission capacity of 12 billion cubic meters per year. From January to August of this year, Azerbaijan exported 8.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe. This represents an increase of 0.8 billion cubic meters, or 10.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. Overall, Azerbaijans gas exports for the year totaled 16.4 billion cubic meters, marking a 3.1% increase from the previous year. In July 2022, Azerbaijan and the European Commission signed an energy memorandum in Baku, agreeing to double the volume of transported gas. This agreement was made five months after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Since then, the European Union has shown increased interest in expanding the Southern Gas Corridor, with expectations for tangible decisions in this area. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would not extend its contract with Gazprom for the transit of Russian gas. However, Ukraine will continue to transit gas from other Russian exporters. After Europe weathered the winter of 2022-2023, it revised its plans to expand the Southern Gas Corridor due to a sufficient supply of gas reserves. With the successful replacement of Russian gas, the European Union's focus has shifted back to its policy of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, including oil and gas. As part of this policy, European financial institutions are increasingly refraining from funding oil and gas projects. Despite this, Azerbaijan intends to increase its gas exports to the European market. In 2021, Azerbaijan exported about 10 billion cubic meters of gas to the European Union. This figure is projected to rise to 10.4 billion cubic meters in 2022, 12 billion cubic meters in 2023, and is expected to reach 13 billion cubic meters in 2024. In the first eight months of this year, Azerbaijan exported 6.5 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkiye and 1.5 billion cubic meters to Georgia. Gas exports to Turkiye decreased by 0.2 billion cubic meters, or 3%, while exports to Georgia remained unchanged compared to the same period last year. During this period, approximately 3.7 billion cubic meters of gas were transported to Turkiye via the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP), marking a 0.1 billion cubic meters, or 2.6%, decrease from the previous year. The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), part of the Southern Gas Corridor, was completed in October 2020. This pipeline stretches 878 kilometers, including 550 kilometers through northern Greece, 215 kilometers through Albania, 105 kilometers under the Adriatic Sea, and 8 kilometers through Italy. Gas supplies through TAP began on December 31, 2020, delivering Azerbaijani gas to Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Azerbaijans gas production has increased by 2.5% this year, reaching approximately 33 billion cubic meters. Production figures include 8.7 billion cubic meters from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) fields, 18.1 billion cubic meters from Shah Deniz, 1.1 billion cubic meters from Absheron, and 5.1 billion cubic meters from SOCAR. This represents an increase of about 0.8 billion cubic meters compared to the same period last year. Since the commissioning of the ACG and Shah Deniz fields, 643 million tons of oil (including condensate) and 452.2 billion cubic meters of gas have been produced up to September 1. Specifically, ACG has produced 595.8 million tons of oil and 225 billion cubic meters of gas, while Shah Deniz has produced 227.2 billion cubic meters of gas and 47.2 million tons of condensate. Total exports from these fields amount to approximately 641.2 million tons of oil (including condensate) and about 162 billion cubic meters of gas. The confirmed reserves of the Shah Deniz field are estimated at approximately 1.2 trillion cubic meters. Additionally, the discovery of the Umid and Babek fields enhances Azerbaijans gas potential. Currently, an average of 3.1 million cubic meters of gas and 470 tons of condensate are produced daily from four operational wells in the Umid field. Since production began in 2012, approximately 6.7 billion cubic meters of gas and 1 million tons of condensate have been extracted. Plans are in place to drill and commission two additional wells from the Umid-1 platform. These new gas fields enable Azerbaijan to expand its gas exports further while utilizing renewable energy resources. Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the global energy market through strategic utilization of its vast oil and gas reserves. Despite Europe's shift away from fossil fuels and a reduction in plans to expand the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan is increasing its gas exports to Europe and maintaining its role as a crucial energy supplier. The country's production has risen, and new discoveries, such as the Umid and Babek fields, further enhance its export capabilities. Azerbaijans strategic infrastructure, including TAP and TANAP, and its commitment to expanding its energy output, underscore its pivotal role in regional and global energy dynamics. WUHAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China will promote fair market competition and speed up the building of a unified national market, Luo Wen, head of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), said Tuesday. The country will focus on improving legal systems, policy coordination, regulation and law enforcement, and the connection of rules, to achieve these goals, Luo said at the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Fair Competition Conference of China in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The administration will improve the legal and regulatory system to prevent market monopolies and unfair competition, Luo added. He also said that China will expand institutional opening up in competitive sectors by deepening multilateral and bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition. Fair competition is a fundamental principle of the market economy, an inevitable requirement for a unified market, and an important foundation for opening up and cooperation, Luo noted. In recent years, market regulatory authorities in China have strengthened competition supervision and law enforcement, and improved the fair competition system. Positive results, including the issuance of a series of guiding documents for anti-monopoly work, have been achieved, according to the SAMR. At the conference in Wuhan, government bodies, industry experts, enterprises, representatives from competition law enforcement agencies, chambers of commerce, and international organizations will engage in discussions and exchanges on these topics. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi minced no words on Monday as he lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP accusing them of controlling the recent Lok Sabha elections. Alleging that there was no level playing field, Rahul, who is on a four-day trip to the US, said the entire campaign was structured so that Modi could do his thing across the country. The Congress leader accused the Centre of capturing every field. "We kept stressing that institutions have been captured. The education system has been captured by the RSS. Media and investigative agencies were captured. We kept saying it but people were not getting it. I started holding up the Constitution and suddenly everything I had said just exploded," he said. Rahul, who arrived in Washington after his Texas visit, added that India understood that if the Constitution goes, the whole game is gone. He also accused the Election Commission of doing what the BJP wanted, and said the entire campaign was structured to enable "Modi do his thing across the country." #WATCH | Herndon, Virginia, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Three months before elections our bank accounts were all sealed... We were discussing that now what to do...I said 'Dekhi Jayegi', let's see what we can do .. and we went into the elections..." pic.twitter.com/dW6U1Hdq7y ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2024 "States where they were weak were designed differently than states where they were strong. I don't view it as a free election. I view it as a controlled election," he said. On how Congress never had a level playing field, Rahul said the BJP had a huge financial advantage. "They had locked out bank accounts," he said recalling the Income Tax Department's move in March to freeze the grand old parties' accounts. The Congress had then alleged that the move was aimed at the Centre's agenda to "kill democracy" and turn the country into a one-party state. "Three months before elections our bank accounts were all sealed... We were discussing that now what to do...I said 'Dekhi Jayegi', let's see what we can do .. and we went into the elections," Rahul added. Rahul's remarks follow the pattern of scathing attack he launched against the BJP, during his first US tour after the elections, which saw Congress make a stunning comeback. On Sunday, he had said how minutes after the elections, the fear of the BJP and the Prime Minister had vanished. His statements on the need to focus on manufacturing in India, saying India, the US and other countries in the West were facing the problem of unemployment unlike China which was dominating global production, saw the BJP lashing out at the leaders. The BJP had accused Rahul of shaming India abroad, allegations rubbished by the Congress. "He has developed the habit of talking against India, the BJP and the RSS when he goes abroad. He will never refrain from doing so," Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. However, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday backed Rahul, asserting the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha had never insulted India and would never do so. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Sikh community and their religious freedom in the US have triggered BJP leaders, who said the Congress "massacred the Sikhs", referring to the 1984 riots. Rahul, during an event in Virginia's Herndon on Monday, said the fight in India was about whether a Sikh can wear a turban and kada or go to Gurudwara'. I want Sikhs to be allowed to wear turban, kada and pray in Gurudwara. - Rahul Gandhi Which Sikh has ever been stopped from wearing a turban or visiting a Gurudwara? What a dangerous and disgusting man he is. He's not only trying to send a message to the world that Sikhs are pic.twitter.com/usdGSFC5vt Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) September 10, 2024 Addressing an audience member from the Sikh community, Rahul said: You have to understand what the fight is about. This fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or, he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or, a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," he said. The comments irked BJP leaders in India, who lashed out at Rahul, stating that the"BJP will have to go below the belt" to answer Rahul's accusations. Union Minister Giriraj Singh slammed Rahul and Congress, accusing it of massacring the Sikhs. "The Congress, who post-independence has been doing appeasement politics, massacred the Sikhs. Now, they are trying to teach us," Singh said. BJP leader R P Singh too threatened legal action against Rahul and challenged him to repeat what he said about Sikhs in Virginia in India. He said over 3,000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi when Congress was in power. "3000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi; their turbans taken off, their hair chopped off and beard shaved. Rahul Gandhi doesnt say that this happened when the Congress was in power. I challenge Rahul Gandhi to repeat in India what he is saying about Sikhs, and then I will file a case against him and will drag him to court," RP Singh said. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan too slammed Rahul Gandhi for his comment. Accusing Rahul of maligning the country for his remarks on the Prime Minister and India, Chouhan said: I want to remind Rahul Gandhi that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the LoP, in a foreign land, he never tried to malign the image of the country," he said, accusing Rahul of committing "treason". "Who attacked the Constitution? Who imposed the emergency? He goes on a Bharat Jodo Yatra but he is unable to unite neither with India nor with the people of India, Chouhan added. The agitating junior doctors in state-run hospitals across West Bengal continued with their cease work protest on Tuesday as the 5-pm deadline set by the Supreme Court ended. The striking doctors, demanding justice for the RG Kar hospital victim since August 9, took out a rally to 'Swasthya Bhavan', the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake demanding justice for the rape-murder victim. #WATCH | West Bengal: Doctors hold protest near Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata, demanding justice for RG Kar medical college and hospital rape and murder incident. pic.twitter.com/PkINPyHmEI ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 "We will continue our agitation as well as the cease work. We want the health secretary and DHE to resign," said one of the protesting junior doctors. The protesters had set a deadline of 5 pm for the state government to accept their charter of five demands including, the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, and state Health Secretary. #WATCH | Kolkata | On West Bengal govt's email to protesting doctors for a meeting, Dr. Aqeeb says, "The e-mail we have got from the Principal Secretary states that we should go to Nabanna with 10 representatives and meet them. Our demands are clear. We have been protesting for pic.twitter.com/ewlQVW41JJ ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 "We want the state government to clean the health sector. We are carrying the brooms to initiate the cleaning programme. We are holding a peaceful march...We are disappointed with the SC'd order...we will continue our protest till the state government meets our demands," said another protesting doctor. The protesters had also expressed an open mind to discussions with the state government. Junior doctors protesting in Kolkata demanding justice for RG Kar rape-murder victim | Salil Bera The SC on Monday directed the protesting junior doctors to return to their work by 5 pm on Tuesday to avoid adverse action by the state government. The court's directive came after the state government assured that no action would be taken against protesting doctors if they resumed work. Amid the impasse, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee invited the agitating doctors to the meeting at the state secretariat to resolve the issue. Junior doctors protesting in Kolkata demanding justice for RG Kar rape-murder victim | Salil Bera Banerjee on Monday said that a team of doctors could meet me and discuss the matters that need to be resolved. Meanwhile, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh, along with three others were sent to judicial custody till September 23 by a special CBI court in a financial irregularities case. The CBI has already secured large amounts of digital evidence on the alleged crime. We need time to analyse that evidence. We do not need the accused in police custody immediately. But we may seek their custody again later, if required, the agency counsel submitted in court. Ghosh and the others were arrested by the CBI on charges of financial irregularities on September 2 amid protests over the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the RG Kar MCH on August 9. The Calcutta High Court on August 23 ordered the transfer of the probe into the alleged financial irregularities at the hospital from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI. The main reason why the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party could not work out a seat-sharing arrangement for the Assembly elections in Haryana was strong resistance from the state unit of the Congress to sharing certain rural seats with the AAP. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was keen on the two parties forming an alliance for the Haryana polls with the main intent being to carry forward the sentiment of opposition unity after the Lok Sabha elections. It was after a nudge from him that the talks between the Congress and the AAP were initiated to work out an alliance in the election-going northern state. This did come as bit of a surprise since both the parties had in the run up to the elections stated unambiguously that their alliance was limited to the Lok Sabha polls and the state elections were a different matter. It is learnt that there was staunch opposition to the idea of forming an alliance with the AAP from the Haryana leadership of the Congress. Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was strongly opposed to the idea as was Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, who is seen as Hoodas closest rival in the state unit. It is learnt that the AAPs initial demand was of around 10 seats, and the Congress was ready to leave a maximum of five seats for the AAP. However, as per sources, the deal breaker was not the number of seats as much as the quality of seats. The state Congress leaders were of the opinion that the party was doing very well in the rural areas and was unwilling to spare some specific rural seats which the AAP was demanding. They wanted the AAP to settle for seats in urban areas, contending that it has better traction in cities as compared to the villages. The two parties had an alliance in Haryana for the Lok Sabha polls, with the Congress contesting nine seats and leaving one seat Kurukshetra for the AAP. State Congress leaders have argued before the central leadership that the tie-up with the AAP for the parliamentary elections had not benefited the Congress in Haryana at all since the party has little presence on the ground in the state. The Congress won five seats in the Lok Sabha polls in Haryana, up from zero in the 2019 elections. The BJP won the other five. The state leadership of the Congress is confident that the Assembly elections, like the Lok Sabha polls, would be a direct contest between the ruling BJP and the Congress. However, there is a concern over disgruntled leaders from the Congress who fail to get tickets to contest in the coming elections either contesting on an AAP ticket or as independents. That seems to be the reason why the party is delaying the declaration of around 50 candidates that remain to be announced for the polls. As per sources, the idea is to do it at the last minute to avoid protests and dissatisfied leaders taking the rebellion route. The last date for filing nominations for the October five elections is September 12. Four astronauts have been launched into space, before carrying out the first privately-funded spacewalk, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday. It marks the start of the SpaceX's five-day Polaris Dawn mission. Due to "unfavourable weather" the blast-off was delayed for almost two hours. ALSO READ | Human health in space: Charting the unknown on Polaris Dawn mission The four crew onboard include billionaire Jared Isaacman, retired Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Lt Colonel Scott Poteet, and two SpaceX engineers--Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Polaris Dawn is go for launch pic.twitter.com/tx1gUyZjZr SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 This is the first privately funded spacewalk. Earlier, only government-funded astronauts have carried out spacewalks. Follow Dragon and Polaris Dawn during their mission https://t.co/FrV7sLMZvj pic.twitter.com/xFJlKEUEmQ SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 The spacewalk is scheduled for late Wednesday or Thursday, midway through the five-day flight. Follow the mission here: https://www.spacex.com/follow-dragon SpaceX was founded to make life multiplanetary. Missions like Polaris Dawn help advance the development of the technologies necessary to enable a more exciting future pic.twitter.com/VeNfpwmf9I SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 The plan is to spend 10 hours at that height filled with extreme radiation and riddled with debris before reducing the oval-shaped orbit by half. Learn how SpaceX designed and prepared the Polaris Dawn crew for the first commercial spacewalk pic.twitter.com/HRQlKPs8io SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 Isaacman and Gillis will take turns briefly popping out of the hatch and also test their white-black-trimmed custom suits and see how theyll hold up in the harsh vacuum. Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a pool ladder. There will be no jetpack showboating and no dangling at the end of their 12-foot (3.6-metre) tethers. Only NASA's suits at the space station come equipped with jetpacks, for emergency use only. Pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceX's Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk from inside. Like SpaceX's previous astronaut flights, this one will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast. SpaceX teamed up with Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs. William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX vice president said that we are starting to push the frontiers with the private sector. As SpaceX astronaut trainers, Gillis and Menon helped Isaacman and his previous team and NASA's professional crews prepare for their rides. Amid issues related to the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, the new interim government in Bangladesh has assured that the India-funded projects signed during the Hasina government's tenure would continue. Finance and commerce adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters on Tuesday that the Indian Line of Credit projects would continue considering its importance for the country. His comments came after a meeting with Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma. "The projects they (India) have with us are big projects and we'll continue those. These are not small projects and we'll take up another big project for the benefits of ours," he said. The advisor added that the interim government wants a good relationship with the Indian government and he has assured Verma that the country remains a good place for investment and economic cooperation. "They (Indian side) have taken note and they will continue the cooperation", Ahmed said. His announcement comes amid reports of uncertainty over the future of Indian loans to Bangladesh. The planning ministry was reportedly reviewing the feasibility of ongoing and proposed projects funded by India, local Bangladeshi media reports said. There were also speculations that the new interim government could cancel any pacts signed with India if they were "found to be non-beneficial to the country." The unrest in the country had affected the progress of these developments works. Bangladesh's interim foreign affairs minister Touhid Hossain too had made it evident that the MoUs could be modified as they are not binding agreements. After she assumed power in 2024, Sheikh Hasina's administration had signed a total 10 MoUs with India, which included seven new agreements. However, the interim government allayed all apprehensions, adding that India was next door and a big neighbour and both India and Bangladesh had many areas of economic cooperation and trade. Those projects were undertaken considering the needs of the country. "There were some issues relating to disbursement and we're sorting those out," he said, adding that there would be some future projects with Indian funding. US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will lock horns for the first time on Wednesday at 6.30 am IST. This could be their only face-to-face debate where both sides will utilise the chance to put their best foot forward. Trump, 78, is facing a younger opponent this time after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race following the previous debate in June, amid criticism over his disastrous performance. Trump is also confident after he survived an assassination attempt. Harris, 59, is the first woman to become the US vice president as well as the first person of African American and South Asian origin to serve in the role. She has so far appeared in only one formal interview in since July and all eyes will be on what Harris has to say when she arrives for the debate on Wednesday. So the Democrats are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the major make-or-break moment before the November elections. Trump's focus on Harris's gender and race and his sterotypical remarks have triggered criticism even from his allies who want the former president to focus on policies. Trump campaign is hoping to target Harris over her far-left stance during her 2020 presidential bid. Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is reportedly helping Trump during his informal debate prep sessions. She was a rival of Harris during the 2020 primary debates. On the other hand, Harris is hoping to flaunt her achievements as vice president under the Biden administration while also trying to stay away from her earlier liberal positions. She has staunchly supported abortion access after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris will try to paint Trump as an unstable and unfit president, calling out his inconsistencies around women's reproductive care. Trump had earlier argued Harris will be a threat to the safety of Americans if she becomes president, pointing out her failure in handling the influx of migrants and how her presidency will be continuation of the disastrous Biden administration. Amid intensifying Russia-Ukraine war with both countries turning cheap commercial drones into deadly weapons, the United States has warned Russia planning to use ballistic missile received from Iran to strike Kyiv. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia has received new shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran enabling the country to intensify the attacks against Ukraine further. Blinken also added that Russia is likely to use the missiles within weeks in Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said it is a troubling action were seeing from Iran. He also added that it is a significant escalation and proper action will be taken. "This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran's destabilising influence reaches far beyond the Middle East," said Blinken. Blinken and Lammy are preparing to visit Ukraine on Wednesday. LIVE: US Secretary of State Blinken and British FM Lammy hold press conference https://t.co/cJsdum1Yz7 Reuters (@Reuters) September 10, 2024 In the wake of the recent events, the UK has imposed new sanctions, adding seven destinations under its Iran sanctions regime. The US also announced that new sanctions will imposed including on Iran Air airline. France and Germany also issued a joint statement condemning Irans export of ballistic missiles to Russia. This is a further escalation of Irans military support to Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people. This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and is a direct threat to European security, read the statement. However, Iran has denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine. Earlier, Iran in its statement to the UN had said that the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict led to increased human casualties, and destruction to be inhumane. However, US intelligence suggests that alleged transfers are going on between both countries. Kyivs biggest drone attack on Moscow Meanwhile, in its biggest drone attack since the war, Kyiv struck Moscow killing one and wrecking several homes on Tuesday. Russia claimed that it had destroyed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones that were targeted at the Moscow region. Drones attacked the Moscow region. One person was killed. The attack was the largest since the beginning of the war Ukraine overnight conducted the largest (according to the Russian Defense Ministry) drone attack on the Moscow region. A 46-year-old woman was killed when one UAV pic.twitter.com/54rebgPNqV NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 10, 2024 In the recent drone attack, three of Moscow's four airports were closed for more than six hours and almost 50 flights were diverted. "There is no way that nighttime strikes on residential neighbourhoods can be associated with military action," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The drone attacks caused severe damage to the high-rise apartment buildings in the Ramenskoye district of Moscow. Residents recalled the incident saying they woke up to the sound of windows shattering and heavy noises. A 46-year-old woman was killed and three people were wounded in Ramenskoye, Moscow regional governor Andrei Vorobyov said. Floodwaters have ravaged northern Nigeria, causing widespread devastation and chaos. As the waters continue to rise, hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety on higher ground. But its not just the human lives that are at risk. The Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo has been inundated, putting the lives of animals in peril. The deluge had led some of the animals including ostriches, crocodiles and snakes to escape and venture into the communities. Animals escape from the Zoo as Maiduguri faces the worst flood since 1994. pic.twitter.com/FMQwmys0wH Nigeria Today (@NigeriasToday) September 10, 2024 Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, like crocodiles and snakes, the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo added in a statement on the floods in the northern Borno state. The authorities urged the residents to take necessary precautions. VIDEO: Residents stranded as flood submerges Maiduguri Major parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, have been submerged by floods after the Alau Dam collapsed early Tuesday morning. The devastation is being likened to the 1994 floods, with residents stating that the pic.twitter.com/D08RRgAVzi The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) September 10, 2024 Over 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo were killed in the recent floods. Floods began when a dam overflowed after heavy rains, uprooting thousands of people. The disaster has also affected other facilities in the capital, Maiduguri, including a post office and a teaching hospital, said the office of the Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu. The government had urged the people to evacuate the worst-hit areas. President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, read a statement. Floods in the north-east of Nigeria killed at least 49 people last month. In 2022 floods in the region killed over 600. Gangtok, Sep 9 (PTI) The Sikkim government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, to promote creative economy in the state. The collaboration is part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim INSPIRES programme, which aims to enhance connectivity, improve market access, provide essential spaces, and foster skills development and innovation in the region, officials said. The programme will help create opportunities for women and youths of Sikkim and boost the states creative economy, they said. Speaking on the occasion, the states Commerce and Industries Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim, known for its traditional arts such as Thangka painting, carpet weaving, wood carving and handloom weaving. "With its unique cultural and natural resources, Sikkim is well-positioned to harness the power of design to unlock new economic opportunities through the collaboration with NID," Bhutia said. "By integrating design-led initiatives in Sikkim, we aim to foster a vibrant economy that leverages local talents and resources," NID Director Nahar Saif said. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Tuesday started a regular session to review a raft of bills including a draft revision to the National Defense Education Law and a draft amendment to the Statistics Law. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 11th session. Lawmakers reviewed the draft revision to the National Defense Education Law. The draft highlights better incorporating military service education into national defense education on campus, among other stipulations. Lawmakers deliberated on a draft amendment to the Statistics Law. It makes stipulations on promoting the integration of modern information technologies with statistics work. The meeting reviewed a draft revision to the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases. It improves stipulations on the monitoring, reporting and early warning of infectious diseases, among others. The meeting deliberated on a draft energy law, which further stresses promoting a green and low-carbon energy transition. Lawmakers reviewed a draft revision to the Anti-Money Laundering Law. The draft steps up the monitoring of the new risks of money laundering. Lawmakers deliberated on a draft public health emergency response law, a draft national park law, and a draft amendment to the Supervision Law. The meeting also reviewed a draft decision on conferring national medals and honorary titles on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a draft decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age, and several international treaties. The meeting deliberated on a report on the implementation of the plan for national economic and social development since the beginning of this year. The overall implementation of the plan has been going well over the period, with new positive progress made in high-quality development. The economy and overall national strength have continued to grow, according to the report. Lawmakers reviewed a report on budget execution since the beginning of this year. Fiscal operations have remained generally stable, and budget execution has been largely balanced over the period, says the report. Lawmakers deliberated on a 2023 report on the management of government debts. This is the first time the NPC Standing Committee has heard and reviewed the State Council's report on government debt management since the establishment and improvement of a reporting system. The meeting reviewed a report on promoting childcare services, a report on advancing elderly care services and improving the care for the incapacitated elderly, and a report on the enforcement of the Agriculture Law. The meeting also reviewed personnel-related bills, among others. Ahmedabad, Sep 10 (PTI) The Gujarat government on Tuesday announced the formation of Gujarat State Institution for Transformation or 'GRIT', a think tank modelled on the NITI Aayog to help realise the vision of 'Viksit' or developed state by 2047. GRIT has crafted a vision document and roadmap for 'Viksit Gujarat @ 2047', stated an official release here. The Chief Minister will head the governing body of GRIT with the Finance Minister as vice-chairman and the ministers of agriculture, health, education and industry serving as members, it said. "Following the model of NITI Aayog, the 'GRIT' has been established, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel," the release said. Among other things, it will review the implementation of recommendations from its task force committee for achieving the target of becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy, it said. The ten-member executive committee of GRIT, headed by its CEO, will handle its day-to-day operations. Its governing body will include the chief advisor to the Chief Minister, chief secretary, and additional chief secretary or principal secretary of the Finance and Planning Departments. Experts in fields such as agriculture, finance and economic affairs, industrial infrastructure, health and nutrition, skill development and employment, and education will be nominated to the think tank by the state government, the release said. A retired or serving additional chief secretary-level officer (to be appointed by the government) will serve as the chief executive officer and member secretary of GRIT's governing body. It will also recommend strategies for balanced economic growth across sectors such as industry, agriculture, investment, and exports. GRIT will carry out review, assess, and supervise state schemes and programs, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations aligned with the long-term vision of the "Viksit Gujarat @2047" roadmap, the government said. It will also "promote good governance to ensure consistent policy-making and decision-making in line with the priorities outlined in the State Vision Document and recommend key focus areas for long-term, comprehensive development," it said. GRIT will also suggest new development initiatives by enhancing coordination between state government departments, the Government of India, NITI Aayog, civil society, and other stakeholders, and propose strategies for multidimensional development, and review successful policies and best practices from national and international contexts. It will collaborate with leading organisations for cross-sectoral partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building programmes, and encourage the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, Robotics, GIS, Drone Technology, and Blockchain. GRIT will also advise the state government on mechanisms to mobilise financial resources for development through asset monetization, international financial institutions, CSR Trust Funds, and other sources. The governing body will meet at least once a year and as needed, at the chairman's discretion. The executive committee will hold quarterly meetings. The General Administration Department-Planning Division will issue a formal resolution outlining the composition and scope of GRIT, stated the release. MUMBAI, India, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hettich, a legacy brand celebrated for its pioneering German technology and innovations, has long been the undisputed market leader in luxury furniture fitting solutions in India. Their avant-garde fittings & built-in appliances seamlessly blend exceptional functionality with elegant design, enhancing the aesthetics and utility of modern living spaces. The brand has recently launched its latest campaign, called 'The Youngest Magician' with the objective to shift both industry and brand perceptions from purely functional considerations to creating an emotional connection that resonates deeply with consumers' love for their homes and decor. Embracing Hettich's global positioning of 'Magical Interior Experiences', the campaign infuses a sense of wonder and enchantment into the brand narrative. The campaign showcases a young boya character whose fascination with the home interiors lead him to believe that with Hettich, he can truly be a magician. In a home where every corner holds a touch of wonder, Magic Boy demonstrates how Hettich's innovative furniture fittings and built-in appliances can transform ordinary spaces into places of magic. Jiteen Aggarwal, CMO of Hettich India & SAARC, commented on the campaign, stating, "This campaign brings to life the transformative power of Hettich's innovative fitting solutions and appliances, turning ordinary moments into magical experiences within living spaces. With its stylish imagery and dynamic execution, the campaign aims to elevate the brand's aspirational appeal and showcase its commitment to enhancing lifestyles." This campaign is being amplified through a robust 360 media plan, inviting audiences to see their homes through the eyes of the Magic Boya place where every fitting and appliance adds a touch of magic to daily life. To know more, visit - www.hettichmagicalinteriors.com About Hettich Hettich is a 136-year-old family-owned German lifestyle brand, being one of the world's largest manufacturers of Furniture Fittings with a global turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros. In India, Hettich started operations at the dawn of the new millennium and within a short span of time gained an undisputed leadership position in the Indian furniture fittings and hardware industry. Hettich's product portfolio comprises a repertoire of Furniture Fittings & Door Hardware made with cutting-edge German quality complemented by Wire Products, Aluminum Profiles, Shelving Systems, Built-in Appliances and Furniture Lights, thereby providing holistic fitting solutions for all residential and commercial spaces. It is also the recipient of 'Best Brands 2022 & 2023' by the Economic Times and the 'Most Trusted Brands of India 2023 & 2024' by Marksmen Daily recognitions for its unwavering customer trust and strong brand equity. Visit: https://web.hettich.com/en-in/home Media Contact: Samina Zaidi Mob: +91-8655706940 Email: samina.zaidi@hettich.com Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500063/HettichYoungestMagician.mp4 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2499992/HettichMagicalInteriorsSolution.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437651/Hettich_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 September 10, Gurgaon: The Influencer Marketing world has gone through the roof in the last 4 years. There was a time when you needed to be someone big or connected to someone to get your content to the world, but in the last 4 years, the world has changed for good. This is the only positive the COVID era gave to the world: content creator democracy. Welcome to the world of content creators, aka influencers, changing the way the world operates, changing the way brands look at audiences, changing the way consumers make their buying decisions. While its all glam and glory, at the same time, the overexposure has to be moderated. As per an iCubesWire survey of more than 10,000 consumers, 53% of Consumers do not trust influencer content at all, while 23% are moderately trusting, 11% quite a bit, and 13% completely trusting. The survey highlights the fact that there is a need for moderation to ensure that consumer trust is maintained and the content being generated remains relevant in the long run as well. In order to get the industry together, India Influencer Conclave, launched by iCubesWire, a leading Ad Tech player since 2010, is an industry-moving and binding step. The first chapter was held on 25th August at the Camellias Club and was attended by Chetan Bhagat, Mandira Bedi, Nitibha Kaul, and many top influencers. At the same time, top marketers from across the country joined in. CXO-level participation was seen from brands like Adani, Kotak, SBI Cards, Noise, Wow Skin, Nissan, Flipkart, Luxor, LG, and many more. While the industry is booming, a lot has to be contained and controlled, we feel. With Chapter 2 drawing this unprecedented response, we are excited to announce the launch of Chapter 3 in Mumbai on the 21st Feb. We plan to do that at a scale of approximately 500 marketers and influencers to attend the day-long show. We are also soon going to announce the launch of our India Influencer Conclave City Chapters wherein well be present at 1 city every month to make this movement a sustained movement, Sahil Chopra, Co-Founder & CEO, iCubesWire. With the industry moving ahead, a much bigger, much better Chapter 2 is lined up on the 20th of September at the DLF Cyber Park Auditorium in Gurgaon. With 2 weeks to go for the event, its a massive sold out, and the lineup for Chapter 2 is even bigger. Rannvijay Singha, Raj Grover, Vishnu Kaushal, Beebom, Rj Parveen the lineup is even better and Senior executives of various top brands like Makemytrip, Infodege, TVS Motors, Airtel, Pepsico, Lt Foods, Kotak and many more are joining this event. From marketing to political opinions, everything runs on influencer marketing. However, brands and influencers must be cautious while posting and question whether it will add to their credibility. Authenticity is the key, and this is why the simplest stories win the customers hearts, said Chetan Bhagat. Brands often believe they know it all and may even presume to understand an influencers audience better than them. Over time, I foresee brands, agencies, and all stakeholders coming together. A collaborative ecosystem defined by clear expectations and streamlined processes is the need of the hour, added Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji). The opportunity for real conversations between influencers and brands is priceless. iCubesWire has done an exceptional job creating the industrys first-ever brand-influencer platform. With the whos who of the industry present here, the conclave has presented a unique opportunity to learn how to collaborate better, said Nitin Sethi, chief digital officer of Consumer Businesses at Adani Group. Influencer Marketing as a concept has always intrigued us. Dabur has a legacy of collaborating with mega influencers. Some of our campaigns have partnered with more than 4,000 influencers across the funnel. Today, new-age brands are built by influencers, which will drive the growth of the influencer marketing landscape, added Rajiv Dubey, Senior General Manager, Head of Media at Dabur. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with HT Syndication and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices climbed in early trade on Tuesday tracking a rally in global markets and fresh foreign fund inflows. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 241.68 points to 81,801.22 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up 78.4 points to 25,014.80. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Power Grid, Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank, Tata Steel, NTPC, Sun Pharma, Larsen & Toubro and Titan were the biggest gainers. Bajaj Finserv, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finance and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the laggards. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong were trading higher while Shanghai quoted lower. The US markets ended significantly higher on Monday. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 1,176.55 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also bought equities worth Rs 1,757.02 crore. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.08 per cent to USD 71.78 a barrel. "With an overnight rebound on Wall Street, strong net buying from both FIIs and DIIs, and sluggish oil prices, bullish traders are expected to pursue bargains," Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said. The BSE benchmark Sensex rebounded 375.61 points or 0.46 per cent to settle at 81,559.54 on Monday. The NSE Nifty went up by 84.25 points or 0.34 per cent to finish at 24,936.40 after three days of fall. New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Israel has approached India recently to carry out a recruitment drive again for 10,000 construction workers and 5,000 caregivers simultaneously to plug the skill gap in infrastructure and health sectors, the National Skill Development Corporation said. This comes on the back of a similar request made by Israel earlier this year, the NSDC said. The statement assumes significance as a media report on Tuesday claimed faulty selection under a bilateral jobs scheme, under which Indians would be taken to Israel to work in the construction sector, after over 1 lakh Palestinian workers were banned in the wake of the Hamas attack of October 7 last year. Citing data from the Israeli Embassy, the report claimed that around 5,000 workers each have been recruited through two "pathways": Government-to-Government (G2G) handled by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Business-to-Business (B2B) through private agencies overseen by the Ministry of External Affairs. According to NSDC, the Population, Immigration, and Border Authority (PIBA) has put in a request across four specific job roles: Framework, Iron Bending, Plastering, and Ceramic Tiling. A team from PIBA, comprising assessors, is to visit India in the coming week to carry out the necessary skill tests for selecting those who meet their criteria and skill requisites. The second round of recruitment drive for construction workers is to take place in Maharashtra, it stated. Further, Israel also requires 5,000 caregivers to boost its healthcare services. They have stated candidates who have completed at least their 10th standard along with holding a certificate issued by a recognised Indian institute and completing a caregiving course with at least 990 hours of on-the-job training can apply, NSDC stated. In the first round of recruitment of construction workers for Israel, a total of 16,832 candidates appeared for skill tests in their trade out of which 10349 candidates were selected. Those selected will earn a salary of Rs 1.92 lakh per month, along with medical insurance, food, and accommodation. A bonus of Rs 16,515 per month is also provided to these candidates. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reached out to all states to carry out recruitment after the government-to-government (G2G) agreement was signed in November 2023. The first round of recruitment drive was carried out in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Telangana. The agreement was signed after India and Israel initiated a Framework Agreement on Temporary Employment of Indians in May 2023. All the candidates, going through the G2G pathway are mandated to undergo pre-departure orientation training. This encompasses a manual to understand Israeli culture and way of life and get accustomed to their new home. This international mobility aligns with the government's vision to make India the Skill Capital of the world. NSDC through this mandate creates a pool of talented and skilled individuals, provides the necessary training through its various training institutions, issues technical advisories for the Global South and creates knowledge exchange and capacity building with its international partners. Kathmandu, Sep 10 (PTI) The Nepali government has banned the use of the share trading system (TMS) in government offices across the country during office time, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said on Tuesday. The prime minister instructed civil servants to focus on government work while in office. The new rule was introduced after the prime minister's office received complaints that civil servants were engaged in share trading during their office time. "It is invalid to do private business in the stock market while in a government office," Oli wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday. "There are complaints that it has adverse effects on government work and affected the work of service recipient," the Prime Minister said. "Addressing the same census, the government has now banned the share trading system (TMS) in all government offices across the country," it said. "Instructions have been given to not operate TMS in all ministries, commission, secretariat, local level offices. I request you to do only government work in the office now," he further said. The government has also learnt to have made arrangements to form a technical team to monitor whether TMS is being operated in the offices or not. Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday teased his friend and filmmaker Karan Johar for hosting more chat shows and directing lesser films. Shah Rukh and Karan, who are set to host the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024, have worked together in several hit movies such as "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...", "My Name is Khan", and "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". At the press conference of the IIFA Awards, Shah Rukh pulled Karan's leg for being less active on the directorial front. "He hosts chat shows, film shows. Picturein bhi toh bana mere bhai (When are you going to make films, my brother?)" said the superstar, eliciting laughter from the filmmaker. Karan, whose last directorial was 2023's "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani", admitted Shah Rukh was right. "This is sounding so wrong on so many levels for a filmmaker. That I should be making movies. (But) That is exactly what I should be doing," said the filmmaker, who also hosts the popular celebrity chat show "Koffee With Karan". IIFA Awards, the three-day award gala, returns to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for the third consecutive year and will be held from September 27 to 29. Actor Vicky Kaushal will join Shah Rukh and Karan on the stage as a host. There will also be performances by veteran actor Rekha and stars such as Shahid Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon. "I'm so privileged to be hosting this show with Vicky and Karan, and all the amazing talent. Some of us are present here this evening. And of course, there's going to be great performances to follow. There's going to be Shahid, Vicky, Jahnvi, Kriti, and of course, the most wonderful star of them all, Rekha ji," said Shah Rukh. The "Pathaan" star, who is returning to the IIFA stage as a host after almost a decade, said he wanted to present all editions of the awards show but the dates didn't match. "They called me once to host (IIFA), they are calling me back after 10 years," he quipped, saying these days it's important to "clarify" when it's a joke. "IIFA is being hosted all around the world, which makes us very proud. And more often than not I've had to beg them 'I'm shooting but you are in Vancouver, Toronto, Malaysia, do it (IIFA) here in Borivali or in film city like others do. But their vision is big," he added. For the first time, IIFA Awards 2024 is bringing together the best of both Hindi and South film industriesTamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, with an aim to celebrate and honour the richness and diversity of Indian cinema by showcasing Bollywood flair at the IIFA Awards and vibrant South Indian cinema at IIFA Utsavam, which marks the beginning of the grand event. Telugu star Rana Daggubati, who will host IIFA Utsavam with Teja Sajja, also attended the press conference on Tuesday. Shah Rukh said this year's edition of IIFA is "more Indian" than ever. "IIFA has always thought of taking Indian cinema, now with the inclusion of Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu and Hindi cinema (to the world)... "This is even more Indian than it has ever been before. Keeping up with your vision, I'm thankful now for trying to come back after so many years, I hope we can present it well and keep people entertained." The press conference was also attended by "Yudhra" actor Siddhant Chaturvedi and "Stree 2" star Abhishek Banerjee. They will host IIFA Rocks 2024, the musical extravaganza which will bring down the curtain on the event. As he stepped on to the stage, Shah Rukh took a moment to congratulate Abhishek on the success of "Stree 2", his latest release. "Abhishek, it's so wonderful to see you live after watching your wonderful film. I've been wanting to call you," he said. Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) Actor Krithi Shetty, who made a brief appearance in the Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30, says she is open to starring in more Hindi films as she is comfortable with the language. The actor, who was born and raised in Mumbai, played an unnamed character in the 2019 Hindi film. Two years later, she forayed into the South movie industry with the Telugu film Uppena. Since then she has acted in Tamil films The Warrior and Custody and is awaiting the release of her debut Malayalam movie ARM, fronted by Tovino Thomas. "I dont think it (Super 30) was even a role, I was just there in the crowd. I was born and brought up in Mumbai, so Hindi is the most comfortable language for me. "Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages are something that I didnt know when I worked in those films. So, Hindi will be organic. It would be a fun experience performance wise. So, Im excited and open to it (Hindi films) Shetty told PTI. ARM is a pan-India fantasy drama that will hit the big screen on September 12 in Malayalam, Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Working in a Malayalam-language film was a warm and inspiring experience for Shetty. "In Malayalam cinema, it is all about being raw, authentic and organic in terms of performance. I was a little nervous because I was doing this for the first time. Ive had good guidance. "One thing that I always aspired to be as an actor: I wanted to be raw, authentic and minute, but everywhere you get that space to do it. So, here (ARM) I had the right space." Billed as a visual spectacle with a compelling story, ARM is directed by first-time filmmaker Jithin Lal and written by Sujith Nambiar. Set in northern Kerala across three timelines of 1900, 1950 and 1990, the film will see Thomas play the characters of Maniyan, Kunjikkelu, and Ajayan, each trying to protect a treasure of land through different generations. It marks Thomas' 50th movie and the director said it wasnt planned as one. We started working on it (the film) eight years ago. It has been a journey of eight years. We didnt plan it like a 50th film but it happened gradually. I wanted him (Thomas) to do something different, thats why he is doing a triple role in this film, Lal said. Beijing, Sep 10 (PTI) Chinas top drug regulator has cleared a mpox vaccine developed by local drug firm Sinopharm for clinical trials which could be the countrys first experimental dose to battle the deadly disease. The domestic vaccine candidate, created by the Shanghai Institute of Biological Products and administered by Sinopharm, is expected to play an important role in preventing and controlling mpox infections, the company said in a statement released on Monday afternoon. There is currently no approved mpox vaccine in China. Globally, a few vaccines have been approved in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan and Russia. In China, a vaccine candidate typically goes through three phases of clinical trials before gaining market approval. The process can take years, even decades. However, the National Medical Products Administration, China's top drug regulator, has launched a number of accelerated or streamlined channels to facilitate applications of novel drugs and vaccines or those in urgent need, state-run China Daily reported on Tuesday. According to the company, the new vaccine is a replication-deficient vaccine based on a strain called MVA. The description is the same as Jynneos, the world's first mpox vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States in 2019. The World Health Organisation said on August 14 that the mpox outbreak in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern its highest form of alert. Previously, in July 2022, the WHO declared a global emergency but then lifted it in May last year because of a sustained decline in international cases. So far, more than 120 countries and regions across the world have reported more than 100,000 confirmed infections and 226 related deaths. China reported its first imported case in September 2022 and the first domestic case in June last year. By the end of July, the nation had reported 2,567 confirmed cases, according to the China Daily report. Ramallah, Sep 10 (AP) The Israeli military said Tuesday that an American activist who was killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by Israeli forces who were aiming at someone else. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle, was killed Friday following a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting. The military said its inquiry found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. The White House had earlier said it was deeply disturbed by the killing of Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship, and called on Israel to investigate what happened. In his account to AP, Pollard said the shooting occurred about half an hour after clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces had subsided. 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. 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. (AP) GSP BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft amendment to the Supervision Law, the country's primary legislation for combating corruption. The draft has been submitted to an ongoing session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee for a first review. The draft amendment remains largely unchanged, with improvements made regarding the general provisions of the law and provisions on areas such as supervision measures, procedures and international cooperation in anti-corruption efforts, among others. London, Sep 10 (AP) The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use in the war in Ukraine, and said they will take measures to punish those involved. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians, Blinken said. The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line. Shortly after Blinken and Lammy spoke, the US, Britain and Germany issued a joint statement calling the missile transfers a direct threat to European security, and said they would impose penalties on Iran, including the cancelation of bilateral air services agreements with Iran and sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile programme. "We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air, they said. The US Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have already imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkiye and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Iran's drone programme. The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russia's invasion, which reach as far back as November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders' denials that the country had sent drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. Among other things, sanctions bar people and firms from accessing property or financial assets held in the US and prevent US companies and citizens from doing business with them. The new sanctions announcement came as Blinken and Lammy prepared to make a joint visit Wednesday to Ukraine, where they will meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior officials to discuss bolstering the country's defences. The Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraine's surprise offensive that has claimed hundreds of miles of territory in Russia's Kursk region. The accusations about Iranian missiles could embolden Zelenskyy to further ramp up pressure on the US and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks. President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire US-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defence but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. That has not stopped Ukraine from using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year war that targeted multiple regions including Moscow. The rare joint visit to Kyiv was, unusually, announced in advance, in a public signal of US-UK support for Ukraine ahead of what's likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks. It will be followed by a meeting at the White House on Friday between Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with support for Ukraine's defence on the agenda. Asked whether the US would allow weapons it supplied to strike targets in Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy. He said one goal of the joint visit this week is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs. All I can tell you is we will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday, he said. Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend with reports that US intelligence indicated they were underway, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Lammy called the missile transfers part of a troubling pattern that we're seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation. Iran has 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 recent statement from Iran's mission to the United Nations. The US and its allies have been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia. 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 defence 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 publicised intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran also 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 US officials. (AP) PY PY London, Sep 10 (AP) The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on Moscow and Tehran before a joint visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict. He said dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers). Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians, Blinken said. The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line. The West's allegations about the missile transfers come as the Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraine's surprise offensive, which has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in Russia's Kursk region. The accusations could embolden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to further ramp up pressure on the US and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks. Iran's foreign ministry denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the US and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip," it quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. The US, UK and other Western allies are pressing for a cease-fire to end the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and avoid attacks from Iranian proxies in the region escalating into a broader war. Britain, France and Germany announced new sanctions on Tuesday against Iran and Russia, calling the missile transfers a direct threat to European security. The penalties include the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air's ability to fly to the UK and Germany. Britain also said it and the United States were sanctioning those involved in sending Iranian drones and missiles to Russia. They include two senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior defence ministry official, as well as several businesses and four Russian cargo ships alleged to have transported supplies from Iran to Russia. Three Russian military units involved with aviation and aerospace also were sanctioned. The US Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkiye and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Iran's drone programme. The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russia's invasion, dating to November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders' denials that the country had sent them. Sanctions, among other things, bar people and businesses from accessing property or financial assets held in the US and prevent US companies and citizens from doing business with them. The announcement precedes a Blinken and Lammy visit on Wednesday to Kyiv, where they will meet Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss bolstering the country's defences. The rare joint visit was unusually announced in advance a public signal of US-UK support for Ukraine ahead of what's likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks. Asked whether the US would allow weapons it supplied to be used to strike targets deeper inside Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy. He said one goal of the visit this week is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs. President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire US-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defence but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. Biden will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday, with support for Ukraine's defence on the agenda. We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days, and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday, Blinken said. In the meantime, Ukraine is using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year war to target multiple regions including Moscow. Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend. Lammy called them part of a troubling pattern that we're seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation. The US and its allies have been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia. 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 defence relationship involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East. The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicised intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran also 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 US officials. (AP) PY PY Panaji, Sep 10 (PTI) Goa Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Tuesday slammed the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government for recently borrowing Rs 300 crore and said the chief minister has failed to stop loan dependency. Alemao, in a media statement said that on many occasions, Sawant spoke about his plans to generate revenue but has failed to keep his word and kept borrowing funds. The Congress leader alleged that the government was not concerned about the fiscal health and future of the state. "The chief minister is diverting (people's) minds from the state's financial ailment by stating that he has plans to generate revenue, but actually, it is a tactic to hoodwink people," Alemao alleged. He further said the recent loan of Rs 300 crore proves that Sawant has no plans to generate revenue and stop loan dependency. Pointing out that Goa is reeling under a Rs 27,489-crore debt, Alemao claimed that the chief minister had said that he has done planning and financial management and that after two years, the state will not require loans. "But in reality, he (Sawant) doesn't have any plans to make Goa 'SwayamPurna' (self-reliant) in revenue and make a stronger exchequer," he said. The Congress leader highlighted that the state's total debt of the state for 2019-20 was Rs 16,894 crore, Rs 20729 crore in 2020-21, Rs 23,271 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 24,619 crore in 2022-23. Agartala, Sep 10 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday criticised the double engine government for "meagre" funds allocated to Tripura for rebuilding the state after the devastating floods. Altogether 33 people have lost their lives while over one lakh people were rendered homeless due to the floods. According to the state government, the estimated loss due to the floods stands at Rs 14,247 crore. The double engine government in Tripura has failed to bring funds from the Centre even after 21 days of the devastation. The Centre has only released Rs 40 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund in advance to the flood-hit state. This is not financial assistance from the Centre, senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman told a press conference. He alleged that Chief Minister Manik Sabha had declared a special package of Rs 564 crore for restoration of physical infrastructure bypassing the council of ministers. A chief minister cant declare such a package without approval from the state cabinet and I am confident he held no cabinet meeting before the announcement. This is completely illegal and unethical, he said. Roy Barman also said the package will not help the flood-affected people as the funds are allocated for restoration of physical infrastructure- rebuilding of roads, buildings and embankments. The need of the hours is to provide financial assistance to the flood-hit people as they have lost everything in the floods. But the package is not meant for extending support to the people, he said. Wondering why Tripura was not declared a natural a disaster affected-state, the senior legislator alleged the chief minister had declared a special package to cover up the shame for failing to bring funds. Roy Barman also claimed that Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has fallen into the trap of the BJP. The Tipra Motha has signed an agreement with the Centre and the state government to find a permanent solution to the problems of indigenous people on March 2, 2024. You (Pradyot) assured people that the Centre will fulfil the demands within the next six months. "The Centre signed a peace agreement with two outlawed groups - NLFT and ATTF on September 4 and Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for their rehabilitation. We want to know how many arms will be laid down during the surrender? he said. New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Tata Electronics has signed a pact with ASMPT Singapore for establishing semiconductor assembly equipment infrastructure and solutions for its chip packaging units in Assam and Karnataka. ASMPT will collaborate with Tata Electronics for workforce training, advancing service engineering infrastructure, automation, spare supports and boosting R&D initiatives in the area of wirebond, flip chip, advanced packaging and integrated system packaging. "In a significant step towards accelerating its readiness for its semiconductor assembly and test facilities in Vemagal, Karnataka and Jagiroad, Assam, Tata Electronics signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASMPT Singapore to collaborate on establishing semiconductor assembly equipment infrastructure and solutions," Tata Electronics said in a statement on Tuesday. Tata Electronics is setting up a chip assembly plant in Assam with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore which is expected to become operational next year. It also has a small chip assembly unit set-up in Karnataka. "This partnership will emphasize the development of essential training programs and advanced research and development, while also nurturing a vibrant ecosystem within the country," Tata Electronics Managing Director and CEO, Randhir Thakur said. The partnership shall also focus on energy and material efficiency to promote sustainable growth and strengthen the semiconductor supply chain ecosystem. "We are excited to partner with Tata Electronics to realize their vision of establishing a global electronics supply chain in India. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we are well-positioned to drive significant progress in the semiconductor industry. "This collaboration will not only propel technological innovation but also cultivate the talent required for sustained future growth," ASMPT, Group CEO, Robin Ng said. Tata Electronics is setting up two major chip units comprising a semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat, and a Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) Facility in Jagiroad, Assam. "With an investment outlay of Rs 1,18,000 crore, Tata Electronics is set to generate nearly 50,000 direct and indirect jobs," the statement said. New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) With the Adani Group floating a China subsidiary for providing project management services, the Congress on Tuesday alleged the risk is now that the conglomerate's investments in China will add national security and territorial sovereignty to the growing list of sacrifices that India has made at the altar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "special friendships". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also alleged that "the non biological PM's clean chit to China on June 19, 2020" was one of the most damaging statements ever made by an Indian prime minister. "It was a flat-out lie that eroded the sanctity of the position, and it enabled the Chinese to deny the reality of their infringement on and continued occupation of Indian territory," Ramesh said in a statement. Since then, it has also underpinned the government's inattention to the risks of uncontrolled Chinese imports, investments, and immigration, he said. With the Adani Group planning to invest in China, it appears that the clean chit to China is all set to become a "letter of support", the Congress leader said. "First, it is to be noted that the government's economic policy making towards China has always been inadequate, partly because the non-biological PM's clean chit has precluded more aggressive action," Ramesh said. Across the world, governments have taken strong corrective action against uncontrolled Chinese imports through tariffs and anti-dumping investigations, he said. Governments are pursuing integrated economic strategies to prioritise 'decoupling' from China rather than risk being economically beholden to it, Ramesh said. He claimed the Indian government, despite the looming national security threat of Chinese soldiers on our borders and within our territory, has been scatter-brained in its response. "TikTok has been banned, but imports from China have surged and wreaked havoc domestically even as the Economic Survey of India 2024 makes the tone-deaf argument that 'it is inevitable that India plugs itself into China's supply chain'," he said. The government has also simultaneously moved to fast-track visas for Chinese worker in India and encouraged Chinese investments, he alleged. Even before Adani directly invested in China, the government was "napping at the wheels", Ramesh claimed in his statement. "Second, the Adani Group's previous operations in China and East Asia have been highly suspicious. Chang Chung-Ling, a Taiwanese businessman, has served as director on several Adani Group firms. In 2017, a ship owned by Chung-Ling's family was caught smuggling oil to North Korea in a violation of UN sanctions - it emerged that the smuggling ship's operation were partly financed by a firm owned by Shanghai Adani Shopping Company," he alleged. "This Shanghai Adani Shipping Company has done business with Adani Global and the Chung-ling owned Hi Lingos, alongside another firm called Adani Shipping (China) Company (aka Dalian Adani Shipping). Remarkably, none of these firms which appear to be implicated in globally illegal activities - have been acknowledged as Adani subsidiaries so far," he said. Ramesh claimed the last few years have seen a pattern of Adani's overseas investments often undermining our national interest and contributing to bad outcomes for India. The Bangladesh government's contract to purchase power from Adani's coal plant in Jharkhand, for instance, became a flashpoint in the protests that led to PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation last month, he said. Adani's interests in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Australia have all served to India's detriment, partly because the "non-biological PM's friendship with Mr. Adani is now globally well known", Ramesh alleged. "This subordination of India's foreign policy interests to the Adani group's commercial interests has led to unprecedented reversals for India on the global stage. It now appears that in addition to foreign policy, Modani's overseas investments can now cost India her national security vis-a-vis China," he said. "India has already made many sacrifices, domestically and globally, at the altar of the non-biological PM's special friendships," Ramesh alleged. The government's policy making on China has already been grossly inadequate, he said. "The risk is now that the Modani's investments in China, especially given their dubious history, will add national security and territorial sovereignty to this growing list of sacrifices that India has made," Ramesh said. His remarks come after the Adani Group formed a subsidiary in China to carry out business of providing supply chain solutions and project management services, according to a regulatory filing. Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship firm, in the filing said a Singapore-based step-down subsidiary incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Adani Energy Resources (Shanghai) Co. (AERCL), domiciled in Shanghai, China on September 2, 2024. "AERCL is incorporated to carry out business of providing supply chain solutions and project management services," it said without providing details. The subsidiary was incorporated by Adani Global Pte (AGPTE), Singapore - a step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL). AEL houses the conglomerate's mining, roads, airports, data centre and water infrastructure businesses. The Congress has been persistent on its attack on the government, since Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses in the wake of the Hindenburg Research making a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation on the conglomerate headed by industrialist Gautam Adani. The Adani Group had dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements. New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday alleged that a private hospital in Delhi is not handing over newborn twins delivered by it and is demanding more money for it. A complaint has been lodged with the Delhi Police in the matter, Singh said. Appollo Cradle, in west Delhi's Moti Nagar, denied the allegations, saying the parents have remained "unresponsive" despite its best efforts to resolve the situation. According to the complaint shared by the AAP leader on X, the babies -- a boy and a girl -- have been in the hospital for nearly 50 days after the mother was discharged on July 20. In a statement, Apollo Cradle said, "When the babies were ready for discharge on August 31, the parents refused to cooperate and exhibited disruptive behaviour. Despite our ongoing efforts to resolve the situation, the parents have been unresponsive." The children's hospital added that the parents were clearly informed that their babies were would be ready for discharge on August 31. Sharing the father's complaint to the police on X, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, however, said that the hospital was demanding more money and keeping the child "hostage". "Apollo Cradle Moti Nagar has kept the two newborn children of Pankaj Mishra, who works as a guard, hostage. The children are in the hospital without their parents. After depositing Rs 5.81 lakh, the hospital is demanding another Rs 14 lakh. This is illegal and inhuman. A complaint has been made to Delhi Police. Delhi Police should rescue their children from the hospital," Singh posted in Hindi. In the letter, Pankaj Mishra -- the father -- has alleged that the hospital had initially quoted a smaller price for the entire procedure but after delivery, the hospital is demanding additional payment. Pankaj said his wife, Anita Mishra, had to be admitted to Apollo Cradle on June 27 on an urgent basis when her health deteriorated abruptly and they could not find any other hospital with NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) facility. Pankaj said that his wife delivered twin babies through a cesarean section on July 17. The hospital initially quoted an estimated cost of Rs 4-5 lakh for the treatment and delivery, and offered an additional 50 per cent discount, he said in the letter. "But, after the twins were delivered, they have taken Rs 5.81 lakh, and are now illegally making a bill of Rs 13 lakh and demanding more money," he wrote. Pankaj said when he asked the hospital to bill him as per their earlier promises, and told them that he does not have more money, they are "neither allowing them to see the babies, nor returning them". "...they are saying that we will keep the babies," he wrote in the police complaint. His children are still with the hospital even though doctors have discharged the babies, he added. Responding to the allegations, hospital authorities said that the doctor delivered IVF twin babies via "emergency cesarean section at just 30+2 weeks, requiring specialised NICU care due to their low birth weight". Despite initial advice to terminate the pregnancy, the team successfully managed the high-risk situation and ensured the babies' survival, it said. Apollo Cradle expressed surprise at the parents' actions given "the extensive care provided" and said that efforts are ongoing to complete the discharge process and ensure the safe return of the babies. Lucknow, Sep 10 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board on Tuesday announced that it will publish the question papers and answer keys for all sessions of the recently concluded police constable recruitment exam on its official website. According to a post shared on the board's official social media account, "The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board will display the question papers and answer keys for all 10 sessions of the Constable Civil Police direct recruitment examination-2023, conducted on August 23, 24, 25, and August 30, 31, 2024, on the board's website, uppbpb.gov.in." The board said candidates who find any discrepancies in the questions or answers, can submit their objections, along with relevant documents or information, online between September 11 and 19. Candidates will need to log in using their registration number, date of birth, and question paper booklet number on the board's website, where they will be able to view only their specific question paper and answer key. The Uttar Pradesh Constable Civil Police Recruitment Examination was held over five days last month at 1,174 centres across 67 districts in Uttar Pradesh. According to an official statement, more than 32 lakh candidates participated for over 60,200 posts through the examination, which was conducted in government schools. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the candidates on the completion of the examination. "Heartfelt congratulations to all candidates for the fair, transparent, and peaceful conduct of the written examination-2023 for over 60,200 positions in the Constable Civil Police. May all youths who participated in the exam achieve the desired results and have a bright future," he posted on X. The exam originally scheduled for February 17 and 18 was cancelled due to allegations of question paper leaks, necessitating a new examination to fill over 60,000 police positions in the state. New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Around nine years after a man sexually harassed a four-year-old girl by exposing his private parts to the child, a court here has sentenced him to one-year rigorous imprisonment. Additional Sessions Judge Preeti Parewa held the man, 45, guilty of wrongful confinement and under section 12 (sexual harassment) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. During the hearing on the quantum of sentence, Additional Public Prosecutor Sarita Rani said as the convict has committed a "heinous offence" and deserved no leniency. Noting the facts of the case, the court said in a recent order: "In the present case, on March 6, 2015, at about 1:30 PM, the convict exhibited his private part to the victim child with sexual intent and with the intention that his said private part shall be seen by the child and made the victim exhibit her body so it is seen by the convict. Further, the accused also wrongfully confined the victim." It sentenced him to one-year rigorous imprisonment (RI) for sexual harassment and six months of RI for wrongful confinement. The court said it pronounced the verdict after noting the entire facts and circumstances of the case, especially the victims tender age, the nature of the crime, the poor socio-economic background of the convict, his clean antecedents and the fact that he was facing trial for the last nine years. Guests attend a panel discussion during the 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit in north China's Tianjin, Sept. 10, 2024. The two-day 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit kicked off here Tuesday, attracting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, experts, scholars and industry-related guests. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Guests attend a panel discussion during the 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit in north China's Tianjin, Sept. 10, 2024. The two-day 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit kicked off here Tuesday, attracting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, experts, scholars and industry-related guests. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2024 shows the fin-tech forum of 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit in north China's Tianjin. The two-day 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit kicked off here Tuesday, attracting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, experts, scholars and industry-related guests. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) A report on the top 100 enterprises in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is released during the 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit in north China's Tianjin, Sept. 10, 2024. The two-day 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit kicked off here Tuesday, attracting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, experts, scholars and industry-related guests. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Attendees walk into the venue of the 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit in north China's Tianjin, Sept. 10, 2024. The two-day 2024 China Top 500 Enterprises Summit kicked off here Tuesday, attracting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, experts, scholars and industry-related guests. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Viewed 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. Renowned Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz announced on Sunday that he has parted ways with the Democratic Party due to its stance on Israel. Dershowitz, a lifelong Democrat, told Newsmaxs Sunday Report that he now considers himself an independent. I may still vote Democrat, but I cant be associated with the party with that platform, Dershowitz said, referencing the Democratic National Convention. Paraphrasing Ronald Reagan, I didnt leave the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party has left me. Dershowitz cited the conventions speakers, including Keith Ellison, Al Sharpton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, as having views on Israel that he cannot agree with. This is not the kind of party I can feel associated with, he said. Although Dershowitz has supported former President Donald Trump in the past, he remains undecided on who he will vote for in the upcoming election. He did, however, criticize Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for boycotting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress. Dershowitz also shared his thoughts on the upcoming Trump-Harris debate, predicting that Harris will provide standard answers and avoid tough economic questions. He suggested that Trump should challenge Harris to appear before the Economic Club of New York to answer difficult economic questions. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a head-scratching twist, a new survey reveals that American Jews overwhelmingly plan to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Yes, you read that right. The same Kamala Harris whose administration has been bending over backward to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas the very group holding Israeli hostages. According to the Jewish Democratic Council of America, a whopping 68% of Jewish voters are all in for Harris, while just 25% are sticking with Donald Trump, the man who moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and brokered historic peace deals in the Middle East. Go figure. Even more baffling? The survey also shows that 87% of Jewish voters support the Biden administrations push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, as if releasing hostages, while certainly a noble pursuit, will somehow magically fix the chaos in Gaza and the terrorism that emanates from it. Despite the heated debates and Republican efforts to court Jewish voters post-October 7, the numbers have barely budged. Its as if years of Democratic lip service have earned a permanent free pass from the Jewish electorate. Apparently, logic and past policies are irrelevant when it comes to election time. Some things, it seems, never change. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) With growing evidence linking social media to poor mental health outcomes in children, New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan is urging parents to delay giving smartphones to their children until at least age 14. This recommendation comes as part of a broader effort to address the alarming rise in anxiety and depression among young people, which health experts believe is exacerbated by excessive screen time and social media use. In a letter co-authored with the citys Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Chief Medical Officer, Michelle Morse, Vasan emphasized the mental health risks associated with social media. Adolescents using social media have a greater risk of experiencing poor mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, they wrote. They encouraged pediatricians to have regular discussions with parents about the harmful effects of social media and to make it a standard part of health check-ups. The recommendation is clear: parents should delay giving children smartphones, particularly those capable of accessing social media, until they are at least 14 years old. For younger children who need a phone for safety reasons, such as traveling independently in the city, Vasan suggests starting with a device that cannot access social media. The statistics backing this advice are sobering. In 2021, 38% of city high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless that they stopped participating in their usual activities, compared to 27% in 2011, according to the citys youth risk-behavior survey. Preoccupation with dying, or suicidal ideation, has increased by more than 34% among teenagers in the same period. Studies also show that children and teens who use social media experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their peers who do not. Governor Kathy Hochul is also tackling the issue, pushing for a ban on smartphones in schools and exploring ways to implement it. In June, the state legislature passed a law giving parents more control over their childrens social media usage on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The letter from the citys top doctors also stresses the importance of creating a family media plan to help curb or limit smartphone use. Parents are encouraged to set clear boundaries and monitor their childrens exposure to social media as part of a proactive approach to digital well-being. As social media has become deeply ingrained in modern life, with 54% of children and 93% of teenagers using it regularly, the effects on mental health are increasingly difficult to ignore. City officials are now calling on parents to recognize the seriousness of the situation and take immediate steps to protect their childrens well-being by delaying smartphone use. The letter also highlights available resources for parents and teens, including the citys Department of Educations Digital Citizenship Curriculum and NYC Teenspace, a mental health support program for teenagers. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday announced plans to push through legislation that would completely ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Pollster Nate Silver is now predicting an Electoral College landslide for former President Donald Trump. According to Silvers latest forecast, published on his blog Silver Bulletin, Trump now holds a 63.8 percent chance of winning the majority of the Electoral College vote, compared to Vice President Kamala Harriss 36 percent. Silvers model marks a stark change from earlier projections, which had favored Harris or suggested a narrow race. The shift comes after the release of Sundays New York Times/Siena College poll, one of Silvers highest rated pollsters, which put Trump ahead of Harris by a margin of 48 percent to 47 percent within the polls 3-point margin of error. Based on Silvers model, Trump is now predicted to secure 312 electoral votes, a larger margin than his 304-vote victory against Hillary Clinton in 2016. Harris, by contrast, is forecasted to win 226 electoral votes. Silvers model places Trump ahead in all the key swing states, positioning him strongly ahead of the ABC News-hosted presidential debate on Tuesday. However, Silver cautioned that the debate could still alter the current trajectory. While Silvers forecast predicts a Trump victory in the Electoral College, it still gives Harris a slight edge in the popular vote, with a 56 percent chance of winning compared to Trumps 44 percent. Despite Silvers projection, other models present a more competitive race. RealClearPolitics has Harris narrowly ahead with 273 electoral votes, while Project 538 forecasts a win for Harris with 281 electoral votes to Trumps 257. The race remains tight in several crucial battleground states. Meanwhile, CNN elections expert Harry Enten issued a stark warning to the Harris campaign, warning that her support in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania is rapidly eroding, and questioned whether picking the states governor, Josh Shapiro, as her running mate would have been a wiser decision than tapping Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Watch Entens comments below. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former President Donald Trump is gearing up to put Vice President Kamala Harris on the hot seat during Tuesday nights debate, aiming to hold her accountable for her career in public office, beginning with her controversial tenure as San Francisco district attorney. Trumps campaign previewed the strategy in an exclusive chat with The Post on Monday, promising that Harris liberal record would be front and center. Kamala Harris will be made to defend her crazy liberal record, Trump campaign senior adviser Tim Murtaugh told The Post, ahead of the showdown at Philadelphias National Constitution Center. She will not be able to escape from it. By the end of this debate, everyone will know her record. Trump, 78, known for his off-the-cuff style, has said he hasnt formally prepped for the ABC News debate, hinting that his strategy could be a last-minute decision. Murtaugh also suggested Harris, whos been Vice President for three and a half years under the increasingly unpopular Joe Biden, will try to distance herself from her role in the administration but Trump wont let that happen. That point will be made clear, he emphasized. This debate comes on the heels of a New York Times/Siena College poll, which revealed that 61% of likely voters want a major change from the 81-year-old Biden, with 55% saying Harris would be more of the same. Harris, who has tried to moderate her stance on certain issues, claimed in a recent CNN interview that my values have not changed, but Murtaugh fired back: That means she is the San Francisco liberal she always was. Shes just pretending not to be that. Another Trump campaign insider told The Post that Trump plans to hammer Harris on her record as San Franciscos top prosecutor. Kamala Harris is going to have to remember the names of the people whose lives were lost in San Francisco due to her weak-on-crime policies, the source said, pointing to criminals like Edwin Ramos, an illegal immigrant convicted of killing a father and his two sons in 2008. President Trump is not going to let her get away with the lie that she is some law-and-order prosecutor, the source added. Ramos, a Salvadoran national, had a juvenile record that local authorities failed to report to immigration because of San Franciscos policy of not questioning legal status at the time, an issue Harris is expected to be grilled on. These crimes, these criminals, these specific cases, shes going to have to answer for, Murtaugh said, signaling that Trump wont let the debate pass without bringing up these controversies. Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller added that Harris will also be pressed on her role as Vice President and her lack of media presence. For every new idea she puts forward, Harris has to explain both the damage shes done to our economy as the sitting vice president, as well as why she hasnt implemented any of these new plans during the last 3 1/2 years, Miller said in a statement. Harris, for her part, has already hinted at how shell approach the debate, taking aim at Trumps character. We should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth, she said on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Friday. He tends to fight for himself, not for the American people. Meanwhile, the Democratic campaign suffered a setback last week when ABC News refused their request to leave both candidates mics unmuted during the debate, further raising the stakes for Harris as she faces Trumps verbal onslaught. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Agudath Israel is calling on community members to take immediate action in support of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a multi-billion-dollar tax credit proposal set to be considered by the House Ways and Means Committee this Wednesday, September 11. The bill, H.R. 9462, has gained significant momentum in Congress and offers a critical opportunity to bring school choice to all 50 states. If passed, the ECCA would provide a federal tax credit to individuals who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These SGOs would, in turn, provide scholarships to cover a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition. Agudath Israel emphasized the importance of this legislation for Jewish families, noting that it would help alleviate the crushing burden of tuition while allowing parents to choose the best educational options for their children, whether in public, private, or religious schools. This approach, with its nearly universal eligibility, promises to be of great benefit to Jewish parents who are committedbut struggleto giving their children a sound Torah education, Agudath Israel wrote in a press release calling for action. The organization has been a key player in promoting ECCA and similar school choice legislation at both the state and federal levels. It has submitted a legislative memo to the House Ways and Means Committee outlining the positive impact ECCA would have on the Orthodox Jewish community and schoolchildren nationwide. It is vital that you contact your representatives by email using the action alert by clicking here. Congress must hear your voice. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Calling it unserious and unacceptable, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries rejected on Monday a proposal from Speaker Mike Johnson that links continued government funding for six months with a measure to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. The response frames the spending battle to come over the next weeks as lawmakers work to reach consensus on a short-term spending bill that would prevent a partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Lawmakers hope to avoid a shutdown just weeks before voters go to the polls. Johnson is punting the final decisions on full-year spending into next year when a new president and Congress take over. Hes doing so at the urging of members within his conference who believe that Republicans will be in a better position next year to secure the funding and policy priorities they want. But Jeffries said the appropriations process should be wrapped up by this Congress, and the short-term measure should reflect that. It also needs to be free of partisan policy changes, Jeffries said. There is no other viable path forward that protects the health, safety and economic well-being of hardworking American taxpayers, Jeffries wrote in a letter to House Democrats released Monday. Lawmakers are returning to Washington this week following a traditional August recess spent mostly working 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 theyll need to approve a stopgap measure. The House bill including the proof of citizenship mandate for voter registration complicates the effort. The voter registration measure is popular with House Republicans and has already passed once before in that chamber. The House Freedom Caucus, which generally includes the chambers most conservative members, called for it to be attached to the spending bill. Republicans say that requiring proof of citizenship would ensure that U.S. elections are only for American citizens, improving confidence in the nations federal election system, something that former President Donald Trump has sought to undermine over the years. Opponents say it is already against the law for noncitizens to vote in federal elections and that the document requirements would disenfranchise millions of Americans who do not have the necessary documents readily available when they get a chance to register. Trump and other Republicans have revved up their complaints about the issue of noncitizens voting with the influx of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border under President Joe Bidens administration. They are contending Democrats let them in to add them to the voter rolls. But the available evidence shows that noncitizen voting in federal elections is incredibly rare. Johnson called the proof of citizenship mandate a righteous fight as he entered the Capitol Monday afternoon. He said that even if a small percentage of people who have entered the U.S. illegally end up registering to vote, they can throw the election. This is serious business. Senate Democrats have also come out against Johnsons proposal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the bill pure partisan posturing. Speaker Johnson knows deep down that he needs to work with Democrats to get anything done, Schumer said. The White House said that if the bill reaches Bidens desk he will veto it. The veto threat said states already have effective safeguards in place to verify voters eligibility and maintain accurate voter rolls. Instead of working in a bipartisan manner to keep the Government open and provide emergency funding for disaster needs, House Republicans have chosen brinksmanship, the White House statement said. The bill does provide an additional $10 billion for a disaster relief fund administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But the White House said it did not cover the full amount needed through other disaster relief programs, such as for highways and bridges damaged by disasters in 38 states. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that long-term continuing resolutions, such as the current one to be voted on in the House this week, harm military readiness. Austin said in a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees that, if passed, the bill would mark the second year in a row and the seventh time in the past 15 years that the department is delayed in moving forward with some critical priorities. These actions subject Service members and their families to unnecessary stress, empower our adversaries, misalign billions of dollars, damage our readiness, and impede our ability to react to emergent events, Austin wrote. (AP) Switzerland has once again claimed the top spot in U.S. News & World Reports annual Best Countries rankings, marking the third consecutive year and seventh overall that the nation has ranked No. 1. Following Switzerland in the 2024 rankings are Japan (No. 2), the United States (No. 3), Canada (No. 4), and Australia (No. 5). European nations dominated the top 25, occupying 15 spots. Middle Eastern countries the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also made the list, alongside Asian powerhouses Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea. The rankings, developed in partnership with global communications firm WPP and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, are based on a survey of nearly 17,000 people from 36 countries. Participants rated nations on 73 attributes, including innovation, safety, leadership, and commitment to social justice. This years analysis included 89 countries, with Kuwait and Iceland joining the rankings for the first time. The Top 10 Best Countries in 2024: Switzerland Japan United States Canada Australia Sweden Germany United Kingdom New Zealand Denmark Switzerlands consistent performance in key categories has kept it at the top. The country ranked No. 3 for quality of life, No. 5 for entrepreneurship, and No. 7 for social purpose. It also performed well in the open for business category (No. 2) and cultural influence (No. 8), though it ranked lower in heritage at No. 29. Meanwhile, Japan climbed four spots to No. 2, excelling in entrepreneurship and innovation, while the United States made its first-ever appearance in the top three. The U.S. rose from No. 5 in 2023 to No. 3 this year, with top rankings in power, agility, and cultural influence. The United States steady climb reflects its global influence and economic resilience, said analysts from U.S. News. While many top nations have maintained their positions, some countries experienced significant shifts. Finland and Belgium saw the largest drops among the top 25, falling six and five spots, respectively. Conversely, China and Japan experienced the most notable gains, each moving up four spots year-over-year. Israel, which fell 10 spots to No. 46, recorded its lowest ranking since the project began in 2016. The drop was attributed to worsening perceptions in areas like political stability and human rights. Israels standing on the world stage will be drastically affected by this conflict, said Clionadh Raleigh, CEO of Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. However, Raleigh noted that Israels relationships with certain global powers might allow for recovery in the future. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) by Burak Akinci ANKARA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- After several years of mass flamingo chick deaths caused by climate change-induced drought and water misuse in central Turkiye's Lake Tuz, conservation efforts have improved conditions for the country's largest flamingo population, local activists and scientists said. As the second largest lake in Turkiye and an important stopover for migratory birds, Lake Tuz, or Salt Lake in Turkish, is also a destination for tourists and bird watchers from both Turkiye and abroad. "There is improvement in the region for the birds," said Fahri Tunc, an activist and local wildlife photographer, noting the number of live flamingo chicks has increased over the past two years, with around 4,500 chicks surviving this year. Tunc, also the president of the Bird's Eye View of Nature and Ecology Association, explained that in some parts of the lake, drought continues to affect nesting activities. But thanks to conservation efforts, other areas had offered good nesting grounds for the chicks. "The chicks have grown and will soon depart for warmer lands," he said, though he lamented that the lake is overall still reeling from severe drought, partly due to nearby farmers diverting water resources to their fields and digging wells for water-intensive crops. Over the past two years, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has been conducting the Lake Tuz protection studies project for endangered species. Ahmet Karatas, a scholar from Turkiye's Nigde Omer Halisdemir University who coordinates the project, said conservation efforts for the nestlings have proven successful in the lake. "Our region is one of the driest places in Turkiye... Thanks to some measures and the ministry's efforts, water was brought into the area," the scholar told the semi-official Anadolu Agency, noting that the conservation project pumps water to nesting areas through a four-km solar-powered pipeline, which is crucial for providing water to nestlings during the hot and dry months of the summer. In late August, Environment Minister Murat Kurum shared images of the region on social media, saying, "We are taking care of Anatolia's most sensitive guests" through the project, which has successfully prevented the mass deaths of flamingo nestlings because of dehydration. A hospital in northwest England where a neonatal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven others is facing an inquiry into how so many newborns were harmed. The investigation at the Countess of Chester Hospital begins Tuesday against a push by supporters of former nurse Lucy Letby for a legal review of the evidence used against her. But the inquiry being held in Liverpool wont review the legal basis for Letbys convictions. Instead, it will look at what failures led babies to repeatedly be harmed, how complaints by staff were managed and how parents were treated. It will also explore the culture within the National Health Service, which had a similar scandal when nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of killing four infants and attacking nine others at Grantham Hospital in 1991. Everyone was determined that it would not happen again, said Justice Kathryn Thirlwall, an appellate judge leading the inquiry. It has happened again. This is utterly unacceptable. I want to know what recommendations were made in all these inquiries, I want to know whether they were implemented? What difference did they make? Where does accountability lie for errors that are made? Letby, 34, was convicted in 2023 of murder for seven infants and attempted murder of six others including two attempts on one child. A case in which jurors couldnt reach a decision was retried and Letby was convicted in July of another attempted murder. She was sentenced to 15 life terms with no chance of release only the fourth woman in the United Kingdom to receive such a term. Prosecutors said she harmed babies in ways that left little trace, including injecting air into their bloodstreams, administering air or milk into their stomachs via nasogastric tubes, poisoning them with insulin and interfering with breathing tubes. She was the only employee on duty in the neonatal unit when the children collapsed or died between June 2015 and June 2016. Prosecutors described her as a constant malevolent presence. Letby testified that she never harmed a child and still maintains she is innocent. Although her appeals were rejected, another lawyer hopes to bring new evidence before the Criminal Cases Review Commission, or CCRC, which looks into possible injustices and could trigger an appeal. A growing number of supporters have rallied to her cause, particularly after a lengthy New Yorker article in May raised doubts about the circumstantial and statistical evidence used against her. A group of scientists, doctors and legal experts sent a confidential letter to Britains ministers of health and justice, asking to postpone the inquiry or look at a broader range of factors that led to the deaths of babies, without the presumption of criminal intent, at the hospital. The group that independently reviewed scientific evidence at Letbys trial warned legal systems were particularly vulnerable to errors when dealing with technical matters, especially in cases involving statistical anomalies in health care settings. Numerous scientists have criticized the prosecutions use of a chart showing Letby was always on shift when babies collapsed or died. In comparison, the chart showed that each of the other 38 nurses on staff were on staff only a few times when the babies were in danger. The chart also didnt include the deaths of babies for which Letby wasnt accused of murdering. It looks like a very dramatic and suspicious coincidence that Lucy Letby was on shift every time something happened to a baby, said Peter Green, a statistician at the University of Bristol. But you could take other data and make a chart like that for any other nurse at the hospital. Green co-authored a report for the Royal Statistical Society that said improperly interpreted statistics could make it appear some health workers were serial killers. Their concerns were triggered partly by a similar case in the Netherlands, involving a pediatric nurse named Lucia de Berk, who was later exonerated after being convicted of the murders of four children and the attempted murders of three others in 2004. Sarrita Adams, a forensics biotech consultant in the United States, began following the case against Letby when some of the scientific evidence sounded really far-fetched. Adams organization, Science On Trial, reviewed available scientific data presented against Letby and produced a nearly 200-page report. The contention by the prosecutions lead medical expert witness, Dr. Dewi Evans, that Letby hurt some of the babies by injecting air into their veins or stomachs, creating an air embolism, strained credibility, Adams said. Evans contention relied on a 1989 research paper describing how high-pressure oxygen delivered to the lungs can cause an air leak and isnt comparable to someone injecting air into a vein. These are completely different things and it is bizarre that was accepted as a plausible way to kill these babies, she said. The author of the 1989 research paper later testified that his study had been misinterpreted, explaining that none of the babies Letby was accused of killing had skin discoloration associated with an air embolism. Still, the prosecution argued that since the author hadnt been privy to the babies medical records, he wasnt qualified to speculate on how they died. Adams and others were also concerned about other relevant context that appeared to be left out during the trial. For example, experts for the prosecution testified that the death rate at the chronically understaffed hospital where Letby worked rose during the two years when the seven babies she was convicted of killing died. But mortality continued to increase even after Letby was no longer working there. Challenges to Letbys convictions have unnerved the families of the children killed or injured, several of whom are living with permanent consequences. The families are devastated by the reporting at the moment, attorney Tamlin Bolton, who represents the families of six victims, told BBC Breakfast. It is the families that are going through this, continuing to go through this in its enormity and sincerity. (AP) Air France announced on Monday that it will continue suspending flights between Paris and Tel Aviv until October 15, and between Paris and Beirut until October 26, citing ongoing security concerns in the area, according to a company spokesperson. Netanyahus Address at the State Ceremony to Mark One Year since the October 7 Massacre Following is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address at the state ceremony to mark one year since the October 7 massacre [translated from Hebrew]: Citizens of Israel, A year ago, on October 7th, we were all hurled into a critical battle. That day, a Saturday, the Sabbath and the holiday of Simchat Torah, will be etched in the history of our nation as a day of grief and loss, of unimaginable agony. On that day, the Hamas monsters attacked our communities, our brothers and sisters, who are so dear to our hearts. They murdered and kidnapped babies and children, adults and old people. They tortured, maimed, raped, burned and destroyed. The memory of our citizens who were killed in the terrorist attack, and the memory of all the fallen heroes from the IDF and security forces, will be cherished forever. On October 7th, we were all hurled into a critical battle, but we were not defeated. On the contrary, it is we who are acting to defeat and deter our enemies. And, as we have often experienced in our history, it is in dark moments such as these that we exude our great inner power. We rallied together to defend our country, our homeland. We mustered immense mental strength. We outlined the goals of the war and we are achieving them: toppling the rule of Hamas; bringing all the hostages home, the living and the deceased alikethis is a sacred mission and we will not stop until we complete it; eliminating any future threat from Gaza to Israel; and returning the residents of the south and the north safely to their homes. We are doing this with solidarity unlike anything among the nations. When put to the test we proved, once again, that we are the Eternal People. A people that fights to bring light to this world, that aspires to spread good and eradicate evil. A people that rises like a lion, leaps up like a lion. Every time my wife and I meet with our soldiers, our wounded, with bereaved families, we hear the same message over and over again: we mustnt stop the war prematurely. As long as the enemy threatens our existence and the peace of our country, we will continue to fight. As long as our hostages are still in Gaza, we will continue to fight. We will not forsake any of them. I will not give up. As long as our citizens have not returned to their homes safely, we will continue to fight. We will continue to fight, and unitedwe will win. And when we win, not only for our sake but for the sake of future generations and for all humanity, we will rebuild the Tekuma region even bigger. When we hold onto the roots, the tree of life will grow back . Laly Derai, the mother of Saadia, who fell in battle said: Shadow is not darkness. Shadow is a sign that there is light from behind. Even if a mountain of grief obscures the light, we must all, as a nation, climb the mountain, because the light exists. We must always aim up, towards the light. Citizens of Israel, my dear brothers and sisters, Victory is the light. Victory guarantees eternity. October 7th will symbolize for generations the cost of our revival, and for generations it will demonstrate how determined we are and how strong our spirit is. Together we will continue to fight. And together, with Gods help we will win. Am Yisrael Chai! Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, the former senior Rabbi of the Jewish Council of the Emirates and the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities, spoke to Arutz Sheva about how Jewish life in the UAE has changed since October 7. Rabbi Abadi began by describing how the Jewish community in the UAE flourished after the Abraham Accords, with the Jewish population increasing from 200 to over 1,500. They built Jewish businesses, kosher restaurants, and shuls, he said. We were doing everything very publicly with the support of the government. The Emirati population was very welcoming. However, things began to change post-October 7. Many Israelis came back to Israel. The government was concerned for the safety of the Jewish people and communities and they requested that we be much more quiet in a sense, not to engender any animosity for either tourists or anybody who may live there who has animosity toward the Jewish people. Due to the new security measures, Rabbi Abadie said that Jews dont wear yarmulkes or other signs of Judaism on the streets and even refrain from gathering in shuls to daven. The Jewish community continues to live, continues to work, continues to do what they need to do as residents of the place, but they are trying to live much more carefully. Rabbi Abadi stressed that the governments directives are intended for the Jewish communitys benefit, not an act against it. The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, probably number two or three in the world. So theyre very concerned about the population, including the Jewish population, and certainly, they dont want any event against the Jewish community. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Australian Hamas supporters held a protest outside Perths only Jewish school on Monday, The Australian reported. Carmel Schoool is a Modern Orthodox school that offers Jewish education from pre-school through high school, the only Jewish school located in Western Australia. The Australian Jewish Association slammed the protesters for targeting children, stating: This outrageous protest crosses all red lines. To bring their anti-Israel hate right near the heart of the Perth Jewish community, including the citys only Jewish school. AJA has been contacted by outraged members of the Perth Jewish community. Our community will not be intimidated. The Government needs to start taking this seriously. Jewish children targeted outside Carmel School, Perths only Jewish school.Free Palestine hate has swept across Australia as Labor governments have stood by. How low will they stoop? Sky News host Sharri Markson also slammed the protest, stating: Palestinian protesters targeting a Jewish school in Perth this morning is utterly unacceptable. There are NO circumstances where scaring school children is ok. Shame on them. WA Premier Roger Cook needs to call this out and make sure anyone outside a school is removed immediately. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Likud MK Nissim Vaturi, a member of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said in an interview on Monday morning that Israel will become embroiled in a war with Lebanon in a matter of days. Its just a matter of days before something develops, Vaturi told Kan News. Dahiyeh [Beirut suburb] will look like Gaza. Theres no other way. Prime Minister Netanyahu has the same opinion and thats why its something that will unfold in the coming days, He noted that Netanyahu briefed military officials on Sunday, telling them: We have to finish this story. Irans strongest proxy in the north is Hezbollah in Lebanon and its time to deal with it. Vaturi continued by describing the military solution to defeat Hezbollah. We need to direct most of our forces to the north with airstrikes like we saw in the previous preemptive attack and not stop for a few days, at least four to five days, and then a ground entry of IDF forces. I think the time has come to deal with the north. We cant just stand by and watch ourselves lose the north. We will make a decision. Hezbollah isnt willing to budge from the border so we need to tackle this with intense warfare. Were out of patience. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Two IDF soldiers were lightly injured in a Hezbollah drone attack near Shlomi on Monday. The soldiers were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. In response to the attack, the IDF carried out airstrikes on a number of Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon Earlier on Monday, Hezbollah launched suicide drones at northern Israel, one of which hit a high-rise apartment building in Nahariya, only several buildings away from a kindergarten. BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries but two apartments were badly damaged. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The main suspect arrested in a dramatic operation on Highway 6 on Monday was a member of a terrorist cell from a village near Chevron who was en route to carry out a major terror attack in central Israel. Kan News reported that the Shin Bet provided intelligence information indicating that the suspect was on his way to central Israel in a shuttle van, along with 12 other illegal Palestinian workers. A helicopter and numerous security forces, including skilled Shin Bet operatives, were immediately deployed to Highway 6 to intercept the suspect and take him for questioning. No weapons or explosives were found on the suspect but it is possible that an explosive device was waiting for him inside Israel, near the site of the planned attack. The suspect was immediately transferred for interrogation, during which he revealed his plan, including the identities of two additional members of the terror cell. Security forces immediately raided the homes of the two additional suspects and arrested them. A search of their homes revealed numerous weapons, which were seized. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The IDF has released a video showing the inside of a Hamas tunnel in the Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, where six Israeli hostages were executed by Hamas terrorists. The footage, taken in late August, shows the tunnel where Israeli troops later recovered the bodies of the hostages. Hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi were killed on August 29 before being discovered by Israeli forces two days later. The tunnel, part of Hamass Rafah Brigades underground network, spanned 120 meters and was located 20 meters below ground. The tunnel was used by Hamas militants as a command center, and it contained supplies, including food, water, and equipment, suggesting that both the hostages and their captors had been living underground for several weeks. The IDF believes the terrorists used these resources to sustain the hostages while moving them through Gazas extensive tunnel network. Among the items found were assault rifle magazines and makeshift accommodations such as mattresses. Despite earlier efforts to locate hostages in the Tel Sultan area, the IDF did not have concrete intelligence on their exact whereabouts. Troops conducted operations both above and below ground, eventually discovering the tunnel shaft on August 30, which had been sealed by Hamas. The bodies of the six hostages were found behind a locked blast door the following day. The IDF has also stated that, two days before the hostages were killed, troops rescued another hostage, Farhan al-Qadi, from a different tunnel nearby, part of the same underground network. However, Hamas had blocked off direct access between the two tunnels. In the days following the discovery of the hostages, Israeli troops eliminated two Hamas gunmen attempting to escape from the tunnel complex. Their bodies were taken for DNA testing to confirm whether they were directly involved in the murders. The video footage, captured by IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, was first shown to the families of the hostages and members of the Israeli cabinet. It has since been made public to illustrate the brutality of Hamas and its disregard for civilian lives. At the same time, the IDF is investigating the leak of the hostages names, which occurred before their bodies were officially recovered. The leak, which was made public before the families were notified, has raised serious concerns about operational security and the psychological impact on the hostages families. The release of the footage comes as the IDF continues operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, striking key military targets and eliminating terrorist leaders as part of Israels broader campaign against terror groups in the region. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Looking to take your creativity to the next level? With over 2,700 successful graduates, Design Alive is the frum worlds original Jewish design academy! Want to take your passion and put it to work, earning you a nice ROI? All you need is the drive to succeed. 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Plus, were always innovating: Once you sign up, you automatically get access to free bonus webinars, our weekly newsletter and join our thriving forum community with unique job posts. You dont need to take our word for it, take our recent grad Yittys word instead: DesignAlives teachers were always available and eager to help. The classes were professional and trained students to be job-ready. This was all while still being fun, engaging, and much more stimulating than the typical long courses my friends were taking! BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will host a friendly, united and fruitful Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit next year, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said Monday. Sun said China has taken the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025, and will host the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO next year. As the first international organization with China as a founding member state and named after a Chinese city, Sun said the SCO, guided by the Shanghai Spirit since its establishment in 2001, has successfully embarked on a path of peaceful development and set an example for building a new type of international relations. He stated that China will work with SCO member states to uphold unity and cooperation, implement the series of global initiatives put forward by China, and make positive contributions to the lasting peace and common prosperity of the world. Outlining China's vision during its presidency, Sun said China's work will revolve around a central theme, namely the "SCO Year of Sustainable Development," including cooperation in sectors such as poverty alleviation, food security, public health, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity. Sun noted that China will formulate the SCO summit declaration and the SCO development strategy for the next stage, adding that the country will host over 100 meetings and activities within the SCO framework to further deepen practical cooperation in various fields. JERUSALEM, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had killed three senior Hamas militants in strikes on a designated safe zone in southern Gaza. The strikes targeted a crowded tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, killing at least 19 people, with more being trapped under the rubble, according to Gaza-based health authorities. Video footage on social media showed dozens of tents caught on fire and large craters resulting from the strikes. The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that it attacked the location, describing it as an intelligence-based "precise strike" targeting "senior Hamas terrorists operating within a command and control center embedded inside the humanitarian area in Khan Younis." According to the Israeli military, the strikes killed Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, head of Hamas's aerial unit in the Gaza Strip, Osama Tabesh, head of the observation and targets department in Hamas's military intelligence headquarters, and Ayman Mabhouh, a senior Hamas militant. The three militants were "directly involved" in the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and had been "recently planning terror activities against the Israel Defense Forces and the State of Israel," the military said. Later, the Israeli army conducted another attack on the Al-Farouq Mosque in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. The army said the attack aimed to destroy another Hamas command and control center located within the mosque. The Palestinian news agency Quds News reported an unspecified number of casualties and injuries in Bureij. Panchen Rinpoche conducts Buddhist activities at Gundeling Monastery in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 19, 2024. Over the past few months, Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po has performed his regular duties at the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, and carried out a series of Buddhist and social activities in Lhasa. (Photo by Chogo/Xinhua) LHASA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Over the past few months, Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po has performed his regular duties at the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, and carried out a series of Buddhist and social activities in Lhasa, the capital city of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Panchen Rinpoche returned from the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province to Lhasa on June 25. While performing his duties as the president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, Panchen Rinpoche chaired several meetings. At a seminar on the themed exhibition of the reincarnation of Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism on July 18, Panchen Rinpoche stressed the need to firmly uphold the Communist Party of China Central Committee's final say on the reincarnation of Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism and voiced strong opposition to secession, while calling for national unity, ethnic unity, and religious and social harmony. On Sept. 3, Panchen Rinpoche was unanimously elected president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China at the first council meeting of the branch's 12th council. During his stay in Lhasa, he visited Jokhang Temple and several other Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, among other locations, where he participated in religious services and performed head-touching rituals for monks and believers. On Tuesday, Panchen Rinpoche concluded his Buddhist and social activities in Lhasa and arrived by train in Xigaze, where he will continue with a series of similar engagements. Panchen Rinpoche is a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body. He is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. Panchen Rinpoche walks to Tibet Buddhism University for religious services and rituals in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 8, 2024. Over the past few months, Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po has performed his regular duties at the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, and carried out a series of Buddhist and social activities in Lhasa. (Photo by Chogo/Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a national meeting on education in Beijing, capital of China. The meeting was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday. Tuesday marks the 40th Teachers' Day in China. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi sent greetings to teachers and others working in the education sector across the country. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to make solid progress toward the strategic goal of building China into a leading country in education. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a national meeting on education held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday. Tuesday marks the 40th Teachers' Day in China. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi sent greetings to teachers and others working in the education sector across the country. Xi said it was decided to speed up the drive to modernize education after the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 and a goal has been set to build China into a leading country in education by 2035. This goal will bolster China's efforts to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, he added. Xi described building a leading country in education as a complex and systematic endeavor, which requires focusing on education's fundamental task of fostering virtue. Xi emphasized the need to enhance innovation capacity in developing the education sector, and promote the development of basic and emerging disciplines and interdisciplinary subjects, as well as the cultivation of top-tier talent. He also called for strengthening collaboration between universities and enterprises in scientific research. Xi underscored the significance of improving the inclusiveness, accessibility and convenience of education as a public service. He stressed the need to develop high-quality and balanced compulsory education and narrow gaps between urban and rural areas, regions, schools, and social groups. Xi called for continued efforts to advance the national education digitalization initiative to broaden access to quality educational resources. He urged the cultivation of a high-caliber teaching workforce, stressing the need to raise teachers' status, pay, and welfare to make teaching one of the most respected professions. Xi also emphasized the importance of further opening China's education sector to the world, including expanding international academic exchanges and broadening cooperation in education and scientific research. The meeting was presided over by Li Qiang and attended by Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Li Xi. Ding Xuexiang delivered the concluding remarks. Before the meeting, Xi and other leaders met with representatives attending an award ceremony honoring model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the education sector. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a national meeting on education in Beijing, capital of China. The meeting was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday. Tuesday marks the 40th Teachers' Day in China. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi sent greetings to teachers and others working in the education sector across the country. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a national meeting on education in Beijing, capital of China. The meeting was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state including Li Qiang, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang meet with representatives attending an award ceremony honoring model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the education sector, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state including Li Qiang, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang meet with representatives attending an award ceremony honoring model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the education sector, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) TOKYO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday over a cautious investor sentiment and position adjustments ahead of upcoming key events both at home and abroad. Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, declined for the sixth straight trading day by ending down 56.59 points, or 0.16 percent, from Monday to close the day at 36,159.16. The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 3.19 points, or 0.12 percent, lower at 2,576.54. Market watchers here noted that the investors took quite a wait-and-see attitude ahead of several key events set for Wednesday, including the release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index for August. Some local analysts predicted that the stocks tend to decline in September and October before the U.S. presidential race due to uncertainty about the outcome. Position adjustments by some investors were also seen as a response to events such as policy meetings to be held by the U.S. and Japanese central banks next week. On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by pharmaceutical, marine transportation, and precision instrument issues. Advancing issues slightly outnumbered declining ones by 802 to 787, with 54 issues remaining unchanged. "Azerbaijan and Afghanistan have great prospects for the development of economic, trade, and investment relations," Azernews reports, citing Afghan expert Jalal Bazwan in an interview with the "Azerbaijan Economy" ("Az?rbaycan ?qtisadiyyat?") Telegram channel. Bazwan highlighted the significant potential for mutual investments in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and logistics. He noted that the newly opened "Termez" International Trade Centre, which began operations on August 29, will greatly facilitate the expansion of cross-border trade and enhance both bilateral and multilateral trade in the region. "In this context, the recent meeting between Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, and Acting Afghan Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar can be seen as a strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation," Bazwan said. He emphasised that Azerbaijan and Afghanistan are well-positioned to leverage their geographical advantages for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. The Termez International Trade Centre, located in Termez, Uzbekistan, near the Afghan border, was inaugurated with the participation of an Azerbaijani delegation led by Shahin Mustafayev. The centre offers visa-free access to its free trade zone and is expected to serve local residents as well as consumers from neighbouring Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and other countries. CANBERRA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- People in South Australia (SA) have been urged to get vaccinated against whooping cough amid a spike in cases. Nicola Spurrier, the chief public health officer for SA, on Monday revealed that there have been 492 confirmed cases of whooping cough in the state so far in 2024 - a tenfold increase from 48 cases at the same point in 2023. Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can be fatal and is particularly dangerous for infants. According to the latest Australia-wide data from the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard, there have been 25,954 confirmed whooping cough cases in the country in 2024. It represents the highest number since 2011 when there were 38,748 cases for the entire year. Spurrier said that case numbers keep increasing week on week and urged all South Australians to ensure they are up to date with their whooping cough vaccination. "We are definitely in a wave at the moment, and I don't know how big that's going to get, but if you have a little baby and you want to make sure they're protected as well as you can, think about getting a whooping cough vaccine booster," she told reporters. "It's terribly important at the moment for people that are pregnant, expecting a baby, make sure that you've had your whooping cough vaccine." The whooping cough vaccine is free for all pregnant women and children aged two months, four months, six months and four years as well as those aged 12-13 under the National Immunisation Program. TOKYO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A former accountant of a faction within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Tuesday received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for five years, for underreporting income from fundraising events. Hitoshi Nagai, 70, was responsible for accounting in the faction previously led by Toshihiro Nikai, a former LDP secretary general. The Tokyo District Court issued the verdict on Tuesday, following Nagai's admission of guilt during his initial hearing in June. According to the indictment, Nagai failed to report about 380 million yen (2.7 million U.S. dollars) in income and expenditures over five years up to 2022. Despite his actions, Nagai's defense argued that he was not motivated by personal gain, which contributed to the court's decision to suspend the sentence. At the end of last year, the LDP's slush fund scandal unfolded and five major factions, including Nikai's, were suspected of paying kickbacks to member lawmakers who sold fundraising party tickets above their quota without recording the amount as revenue in its political fund reports. Local media reports showed that prosecutors earlier this year indicted 11 individuals, including accountants and lawmakers, on suspicion of failing to report political funds. BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Norway on Tuesday issued a joint statement on the establishment of Dialogue on the Green Transition. Please see the attachment for the full text of the statement. Enditem Full Text: Joint Statement between China, Norway on establishment of Dialogue on the Green Transition SANAA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Houthi group on Tuesday claimed that they had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone in northern Yemen, while the U.S. military said it had destroyed two Houthi missile systems. "We shot down an American MQ-9 drone while it was carrying out hostile, espionage and combat operations in the airspace of the province of Saada," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV. "This is the second U.S. drone we downed in less than 72 hours," he said. The Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone on Saturday over the central province of Marib, the group announced in an earlier statement. "This is the ninth drone of the same type we have shot down since October last year," he said, vowing that his group would continue to launch more attacks against what he said "Israeli-linked" ships. So far, there has been no comment from the U.S. military on the Houthi claim. Meanwhile, in a post earlier Tuesday on social media platform X, the U.S. military said it had destroyed two Houthi missile systems in northern Yemen. "In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi missile systems and one support vehicle in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen," it said, adding it also successfully destroyed a Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle over the Red Sea. The Houthis and the U.S. military have been attacking each other since November last year, when the Houthis began launching anti-ship missiles and drone attacks on what they said were "Israeli-linked" cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Since January, the U.S.-British naval coalition stationed in the region has conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. This photo taken on Sept. 7, 2024 shows a wildfire in San Bernardino County, California, the United States. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) The CalFire has declared the Boyles Fire "an immediate threat to life," urging residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately. Approximately 30 structures are "involved" in the blaze, and around 4,000 residents in the town have been displaced from evacuation zones. SACRAMENTO, the United States, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Fueled by excessive heat and drought, several large wildfires raged across the western United States on Sunday, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes and worrying climate experts about more fires in the coming days. In Northern California, a wildfire called the Boyles Fire erupted Sunday afternoon in the town of Clearlake, located in Lake County north of the Bay Area. The fire has rapidly consumed 76 acres (about 0.3 square km) in just three hours, with 10 percent containment achieved so far, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) said. The agency has declared the fire "an immediate threat to life," urging residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately. Approximately 30 structures are "involved" in the blaze, and around 4,000 residents in the town have been displaced from evacuation zones, said the agency in a fire update. A live video from a local news channel showed the fire was burning through thick brush that had become highly flammable due to the hot weather and dry conditions, making it particularly challenging for firefighters to control. In Southern California, the situation was even more dire. A wildfire called the Line Fire, which broke out on Thursday in San Bernardino County, has grown exponentially, quadrupling in size on Saturday. This massive wildfire already injured three people and threatens thousands of homes and businesses. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire has scorched 17,459 acres (about 71 square km) with zero percent containment, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for over 11,000 people and putting more than 35,000 structures at risk. This photo taken on Sept. 7, 2024 shows a wildfire in San Bernardino County, California, the United States. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Soaring temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) and "critically dry" vegetation contributed to its rapid expansion toward the San Bernardino Mountains. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County Saturday. The area was under a red flag warning for wildfires on Sunday. More than 600 firefighters have been dispatched to contain the Line Fire, but steep terrain and limited access have impaired their ability to reach some areas. "Thunderstorm outflow winds are causing very erratic fire behavior," while "smoke is limiting aircraft access to parts of the fire," said CalFire. "Hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days," said the agency. In Idaho, the Lava Fire, first reported on Sept. 2, has burned 2,493 acres (about 10 square km) as of Sunday. This lightning-caused fire was burning through heavy timber, brush, and grass, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents, the U.S. Forest Service said. Climate scientists are particularly concerned about the formation of pyrocumulonimbus, or fire-generated storms. In photos posted on social media Sunday, pyrocumulonimbus clouds were clearly visible on top of the Lava Fire. These large plumes of smoke, generated during massive fires, can create their own weather systems. The intense heat from the fires rises into the air, and if enough moisture is present, it can generate thunderstorms. Above-normal temperatures will continue across the western United States into the High Plains, with highs from Arizona to the Central Valley from 105 to 110 degrees (about 40-43 degrees Celsius), with 95 to 100 degrees (about 35-38 degrees Celsius) expected in the Inland Northwest, according to the National Interagency Fire Center's update on Sunday. KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia, the world's second-largest palm oil producer, has reported higher palm oil stocks in August amid higher production and lower exports. The industry regulator Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) data showed on Tuesday that Malaysia's palm oil stockpile stood at 1.88 million tons in August, up 7.34 percent from previous month. Meanwhile, crude palm oil production climbed 2.87 percent month on month to 1.89 million tons in August. Malaysia's palm oil exports, however, fell 9.74 percent month on month to 1.53 million tons during the month. Its palm oil imports also declined by 4.9 percent month on month to 9,970 tons. HANOI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam posted a state budget collection of over 1.3 quadrillion Vietnamese dong (52.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the first eight months of this year, or 78.5 percent of the yearly projection and up 17.8 percent year on year, the country's General Statistics Office has said. Domestic revenue over the months rose 18.9 percent from the same period of last year to nearly 1.1 quadrillion dong (44.5 billion dollars), while the revenue from import-export activities increased by 16.2 percent to 178.7 trillion dong (7.2 billion dollars). From January to August, Vietnam's budget spending stood at over 1.1 quadrillion dong, or 52.1 percent of the yearly projection and up 1.9 percent year on year Vietnam aims to have a state budget collection of more than 1.7 quadrillion dong (about 68.9 billion dollars) in 2024. Last minute legal power moves proved unsuccessful and most importantly . . . A historic decision on abortion now confronts Missouri voters in November. Remember . . . Even the most die-hard Missouri Republicans don't have much faith that conservatives will be able to overcome nationwide pressure (and funding) to overcome their pro-choice political adversaries. A lot of our GOP friends seem to forget that even an influential contingent of Republican women were looking to overturn strict abortion regs not so long ago . . . Albeit in a really half-hearted and passive-aggressive manner. Meanwhile . . . There's a very small segment of Missouri voters, most of whom read TKC, who were watching this battle from the perspective of initiative petition power and direct Democracy in the Show-Me State. Here's the roundup as Missouri slouches toward another campaign 2024 anti-climax. "The proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution is expected to widely undo the states 2022 near-total abortion ban if passed. Judges ruled hours before the Tuesday deadline for changes to be made to the November ballot." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Missouri Supreme Court to decide whether an abortion-rights amendment goes before voters The Missouri Supreme Court is considering whether an abortion-rights amendment will go before the state's voters this year. Missouri Supreme Court Rules Abortion Rights Measure Will Be on State Ballot US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. Track elected officials, research health conditions, and find news you can use in politics, business, health, and education. Missouri Supreme Court rules abortion rights measure will be on state ballot Missouri's top court on Tuesday ruled that a proposed abortion rights amendment to the state constitution will appear on the ballot in November, allowing voters to decide whether to restore legal abortion in Missouri for the first time in over two years. Developing . . . We thank our most loyal & KICK-ASS TKC READERS for stopping by during the late night & early morning. Accordingly we merely serve to share a bit more of our reading by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Stacking Local Good Deeds Mid-Continent Public Library's Food for Fines program to benefit local food pantries For its 10th biannual Food for Fines program, the Mid-Continent Public Library is once again accepting nonperishable food items. Donations will benefit 34 food pantries across the metro area. Cowtown Canine Precaution Kansas City dogs euthanized after testing positive for bacterial infection Kansas City Pet Resource Center said two dogs were euthanized after testing positive for lepto. Building Local Support Suicide rates among construction workers alarmingly high, KC group wants change It's Construction Suicide Prevention Week. The rates of suicide among construction workers are shocking. People in Kansas City are coming together to raise awareness. Reason For Faith In Newsie NCR names Pulitzer Prize winner James Grimaldi as executive editor James V. Grimaldi, a multiple Pulitzer Prize winner and investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal, has been named the new executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter. Pinstripes Pause Playoff Pursuit Lil' Logan On The Way Nina Agdal Shows Off Third Trimester Bump in New Instagram Photos Nina Agdal made a post showing her baby bump, standing on a rock near a pond while naked. In the photo, she's clearly nearing her due date. White House Keeps It Legal Scoop: Schumer and Biden staffers race to beat Trump's judge confirmation record For Schumer and President Biden, the judiciary is personal. MAGA Surprise Alliance Obama's half brother rips Biden-Harris agenda while hyping second Trump term: 'We're going to win' The half brother of former President Obama says he is voting for former President Trump in November and explained why he no longer supports Democrats. What Would Jesus Vote?!? The God Gap in American Politics If there's one catch phrase in my little corner of the social science world it's, "The God Gap." It's the simple idea that the Republicans have become the party of religious folks, while the Democrats are much less religiously inclined. Holy Land War Cont'd Many feared killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza humanitarian area | CNN Many are feared killed and wounded after Israeli forces struck a humanitarian zone created to shelter displaced people in southern Gaza, in what Israel said was an attack on Hamas terrorists in the area. Iran From Dire Warning Iranian missiles in Russia are a legitimate target, Ukraine says Following reports that Iran has supplied missiles to Russia, a senior Ukrainian official said they should be allowed to target missile storage facilities. Worthwhile Look At Legend James Earl Jones: His Career in Pictures James Earl Jones is remembered for his performances as Darth Vader in 'Star Wars,' Mufasa in 'The Lion King,' 'Conan the Barbarian,' 'Dr. Strangelove' and more. Sporting Cowtown Pictorial Photos: Kansas City Outlaws trot to victory at PBR Outlaw Days On Friday, Sept. 6 through Sunday Sept. 8, PBR teams from around the nation travelled to KC to compete in PBR Outlaw Weekend. Forecast For Now . . . Warm and dry conditions settle in for the work week Kansas City is mostly clear, with lows in the mid-50s to close out Monday And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Overall this is a bad look for just about everybody involved . . . Missouri Republicans look like they don't care much about direct Democracy whilst our progressive pals seem HYPER-FOCUSED on what is essentially the practice of human misery. However . . . For right now . . . A legal battle is the main focus and here's the latest power move: In decertifying the amendment, Ashcroft cited a lower court's ruling on a suit that was issued late Friday out of Cole County, saying the amendment was invalid because it did not include which laws would be repealed if passed. The decertification sets Amendment 3 up for a state supreme court showdown with a tight turnaround - the deadline to place a measure on the absentee ballot before printing in Missouri comes at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Backers of the amendment argue it would not repeal laws but instead create a new law and supersede much of the original legislation on the books. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Missouri secretary of state decertifies Amendment 3, removing abortion from November ballot pending state Supreme Court ruling The deadline to place a measure on the absentee ballot before printing in Missouri comes at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Missouri secretary of state decertifies abortion amendment for November ballot claimed that the amendment would be decertified over "serious concern about whether the proposed petition satisfies the legal requirements for adequate notice to the public." Developing . . . COLOMBO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to secure a 200 million U.S. dollar loan from the Asian Development Bank as part of a financial sector stabilization and reform program, according to a press statement from the Information Department on Tuesday. The statement noted that in September 2023, the Cabinet had agreed to obtain a total loan of 400 million U.S. dollars to support two sub-programs under the financial sector stabilization and reform initiative. The first tranche of 200 million dollars was disbursed in December 2023. Having met the necessary criteria to qualify for the second tranche, the Cabinet approved the proposal made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to obtain the remaining 200 million dollars for the second subprogram of the financial sector stability and reform program in Sri Lanka, the Information Department added. by Xinhua writer Zhao Wencai BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- It was a breezy day in 750 A.D. when Abu Obeida, an Arab navigator, set sail from a bustling Middle Eastern port in Oman aboard a two-masted wooden dhow named Sohar. He journeyed east, and after months of treacherous seas, he finally reached the distant shores of Guangzhou, China. He returned with silk, porcelain, and spices, opening the first trade routes between China and the Arab world. His daring journey inspired One Thousand and One Nights, a story told for generations. Today, the connection he forged endures, still enriching the bond between the two cultures over twelve centuries later. After generations of efforts, China and Arab states now have cultivated an even closer bond. Since the 1950s, China has established diplomatic relations with all Arab states. With interactions featuring mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual assistance and solidarity, China and Arab states have become good friends treating each other as equals, good partners pursuing mutual benefit, and good brothers sharing weal and woe. On issues related to each other's core interests and major concern, like the Palestinian question and the Taiwan question, China and Arab states have consistently shown solidarity and mutual support, emerging as an unbreakable force from the East -- championing justice, resisting hegemony, and defending fairness on the international stage. Economic and trade cooperation is a dynamic reflection of the burgeoning relationship. All 22 Arab countries now have become partners of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), under which they've initiated over 200 major projects with China. In recent years, China has solidified its position as the main trading partner for Arab states. In the last two years, bilateral trade volumes have hit new highs, hovering around 400 billion U.S. dollars, a tenfold growth compared to twenty years ago. Nearly 2 billion people on both sides are benefiting from this pragmatic partnership. Nowadays, practical cooperation with China continues to yield fruits across various sectors and nations throughout the region. In Saudi Arabia, major cooperation projects have been launched, including the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company, the Sino-Saudi Gulei Ethylene Complex Project, the Chinese industrial cluster in Jazan Economic City, the Red Sea utilities and infrastructure project, 5G communications, and joint lunar explorations. People-to-people exchanges between the two countries continue to grow. Four Saudi universities have introduced Chinese language majors, and eight primary and middle schools now offer optional Chinese language courses for their students. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), projects epitomizing the pragmatic cooperation between both countries include the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone, the phase-II container terminal at Khalifa Port, the Etihad railway and the Hassyan clean-coal power plant. Additionally, the UAE consistently maintains its status as China's largest non-oil trading partner and export market in the region. The continued success of China-Arab states cooperation is rooted in their shared aspirations for peace and prosperity, as well as a mutual respect for each other's civilizations and political systems. Amid a world fraught with turmoil, conflicts and confrontations, the emphasis on building a China-Arab community with a shared future -- setting aside differences, resisting external interference, and adhering to common prosperity -- highlights the profound significance of the relationship. From facilitating the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, to fostering reconciliation among Palestinian factions, and improving the lives of ordinary people across the Middle East by advancing the BRI, China's role as a champion of peace and promoter of development is gaining increasing acknowledgment among the region's inhabitants. In the pursuit of national rejuvenation, China will continue to share its development opportunities, jointly practice true multilateralism, and together author a new chapter of pragmatic cooperation with Arab states. With the long-lasting friendship between China and Arab states, the story about the ship Sohar is still unfolding. In 1980, another adventurer, Tim Severin, set sail from Oman in a replica of Sohar, retracing the route once navigated by Obeida. Today, a monument stands in a park in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, honoring the Sohar and commemorating Severin's heroic voyage -- a symbol of the resilient bond between China and the Arab states, which has navigated a millennium of history and continues to embark on new chapters. Norway strongly condemns the so-called elections in the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea. This is said in a statement published on the Norwegian governments website, Ukrinform reports. Russia conducted partial regional and local elections, including in the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, on 68 September. These so-called elections are yet another blatant expression of Russia's continued violation of international law, the UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, the statement says. It is stressed that Norway stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to hold Russia accountable for its brutal war and criminal actions in Ukraine. As Ukrinform previously reported, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized that Russia's holding of elections in occupied Crimea and Sevastopol is a violation of the norms and principles of international law. The ministry stressed that the results of the elections are null and void, and the elections themselves are illegitimate. The European Union also condemned the holding of the so-called Russian elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, particularly Crimea and Sevastopol, and stated it does not recognize their results, which are null and void in legal terms. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is considering all options in response to Iran's shipments of ballistic missiles to Russia, including the severance of diplomatic relations. Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for Ukraines MFA, said this at a briefing when asked whether possible devastating consequences included the severance of diplomatic relations with Iran. I won't specify what exactly is meant by 'devastating consequences' now, so as not to weaken the diplomatic position. But I can say that all options, including the one you mentioned, are on the table, Tychyi said. According to him, if the transfer of ballistic missiles took place and the fact of their use is recorded, then, accordingly, the following consequences will follow. The MFA spokesperson emphasized that this is not just about Ukraine's security, Ukrainian-Iranian relations, or Russian-Iranian relations. In fact, the context of these Iranian actions is much broader, and the deepening of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran poses direct security threats to the entire region of Europe and the Middle East... Therefore, we, of course, call on our partners and the international community to increase pressure on official Tehran and Moscow in order to preserve international peace and security and to neutralize the threats that this cooperation poses to Europe and the Middle East, Tykhyi said. He stated that the Ukrainian government is closely monitoring these developments. As reported by Ukrinform, on September 9, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned Iran's charge d'affaires Shahriar Amuzegar in connection with reports of a possible supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. The relevant comment of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine dated on September 7 was handed over to the Iranian diplomat, with a strict warning that if the fact of Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia is confirmed, it will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations. On Tuesday, the United States confirmed that Iran had transferred ballistic missiles to Russia. File photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows Mauricio Arriaza Chicas (C), director of the National Civil Police (PNC) of El Salvador, attending an event in San Salvador, El Salvador. A Salvadoran Air Force helicopter crashed on Sunday evening, killing nine people, including National Civil Police Director Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Monday. Bukele said in a statement on social media platform X that the helicopter went down in La Union Province while on a mission near the El Salvador-Honduras border. (Photo by Alexander Pena/Xinhua) SAN SALVADOR, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Salvadoran Air Force helicopter crashed on Sunday evening, killing nine people, including National Civil Police Director Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Monday. Bukele said in a statement on social media platform X that the helicopter went down in La Union Province while on a mission near the El Salvador-Honduras border. Among the nine casualties were the national police chief, other police officers, crew members, a journalist, and a criminal suspect. Aboard the helicopter was Manuel Coto, a former bank director, who had been accused of involvement in the embezzlement of 35 million U.S. dollars from a credit union in El Salvador, local media reported. Bukele declared a three-day national mourning period. He said the incident was not merely an "accident" and called for a thorough investigation into the cause, pledging that those responsible would be held accountable. Bukele added that El Salvador would seek international assistance in the investigation. File photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows Mauricio Arriaza Chicas (C), director of the National Civil Police (PNC) of El Salvador, attending an event in San Salvador, El Salvador. A Salvadoran Air Force helicopter crashed on Sunday evening, killing nine people, including National Civil Police Director Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Monday. Bukele said in a statement on social media platform X that the helicopter went down in La Union Province while on a mission near the El Salvador-Honduras border. (Photo by Alexander Pena/Xinhua) Photo taken on Sept. 9, 2024 shows El Salvadoran national flags flying at half-mast to mourn for victims of a helicopter crash in San Salvador, El Salvador. A Salvadoran Air Force helicopter crashed on Sunday evening, killing nine people, including National Civil Police Director Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Monday. Bukele said in a statement on social media platform X that the helicopter went down in La Union Province while on a mission near the El Salvador-Honduras border. (Photo by Alexander Pena/Xinhua) Photo taken on Sept. 9, 2024 shows El Salvadoran national flags flying at half-mast to mourn for victims of a helicopter crash in San Salvador, El Salvador. A Salvadoran Air Force helicopter crashed on Sunday evening, killing nine people, including National Civil Police Director Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Monday. Bukele said in a statement on social media platform X that the helicopter went down in La Union Province while on a mission near the El Salvador-Honduras border. (Photo by Alexander Pena/Xinhua) The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov is visiting Georgia to participate in the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye Defence Ministers' 11th Trilateral Meeting to be held in Batumi, Azernews reports. The meetings are planned to discuss new perspectives of joint military cooperation in bilateral and trilateral formats, regional security and other issues of common interest. People transfer a victim from a residential house attacked in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 9, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,988, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) GAZA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,988, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 16 people and wounded 64 others, bringing the total number of deaths to 40,988 and injuries to 94,825 since the conflict began in early October 2023, according to the statement. Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that its teams in northern Gaza have faced a severe shortage of fuel supplies for nearly three weeks. The rescue organization indicated that it is now operating at minimum capacity, exacerbating the humanitarian and health crisis in the area. The Indonesian and Kamal Adwan hospitals in northern Gaza also warned of a potential suspension of services due to fuel shortages, amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on fuel supplies. Both hospitals said that an imminent suspension of medical services would pose a major threat to the lives of the sick and injured within their facilities. Israel has been conducting large-scale military operations and imposing a severe blockade on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli towns adjacent to the strip. People transfer a victim from a residential house attacked in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 9, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,988, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) People search for survivors from a residential house attacked in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 9, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,988, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. (Photo by Abdul Rahman Salama/Xinhua) Starting this fall, low-income Mexican students who live within 45 miles away from California's south border qualify for discounted in-state tuition at nine community colleges in San Diego and Imperial counties. "It's been more accessible, and more adaptable to my income, it's been life changing," Melany Garcia told Border Report. She is one of the program's participants in the pilot program, which will run for the next 5 years. "Being here in the United States is opening more doors than studying in Mexico." Melany and her binational peers have access to this opportunity thanks to Assembly Bill 91, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom last year. The bill, authored by Assemblyman David Alvarez, cleared the path for U.S. and Mexican citizens with a Visa to attend the schools north of the border, a move that is meant to fuel the future workforce of the San Diego Region. Qualifying students would pay the in-state rate $46 per unit, versus the average $300 nonresident tuition fee per unit. "We have a very unique, special situation where we can attract students not just from other parts of California and within San Diego, but also from across the border in our border region," Alvarez told inewsource last year. "(They) are really our regional assets." The San Diego region needs to ramp up post-secondary educational attainment if it wants to meet its 2030 goal of adding 20,000 skilled workers per year to support the local economy's growth, according to a 2023 report by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. The report highlights that "investing in Latino and Black student success would reverse the talent shortage trend and create a talent surplus," and this program would fuel that by trimming financial barriers faced by the cross-border students. Each one of the 9 participating community colleges limits the program's participation to 150 students, meaning up to 1,350 students could benefit from this initiative per year. "Our community values education, and as an educational institution we simply need to remove the barriers for our students by removing the cost to attend college, and that's what we've done," said Southwestern Community College President, Mark Sanchez. The Chula Vista, California, school has approximately 80 students enrolled this semester as part of the AB-91 program. "It allows us to ensure that we can educate and prepare the broadest talent pool for those job opportunities now and into the future," he added. Originally published on Latin Times. The Israeli military admitted on Tuesday that its forces are likely responsible for the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist and recent graduate of the University of Washington, who was killed at a protest in the northern West Bank last Friday. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), soldiers had been aiming to eliminate a "central instigator", and "it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her." In a military statement by an IDF spokesperson, Israeli military forces indicate that troops also struck American activist Amado Sison in the leg at the same protest. "Shortly afterward, a report was received regarding a foreign national who was accidentally injured by the riot dispersal means and was evacuated to the hospital," said the IDF statement. Sison, who is in stable condition at a hospital in Nablus, told reporters that the IDF fired "tear gas and live rounds" at protestors. "There was a demonstration and we were there to film, to make sure we have eyes on the [IDF]," said Sison. "As internationals, we support Palestinians, we take their lead, we are nonviolent." Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the killing of Eygi was "unprovoked and unjustified." "No one, no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest," Blinken said. "No one should have to put their life at risk just to purely express their views. The Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank, including changes in their rules of engagement." In a rare rebuke of Israeli military operations, Blinken also called upon Israeli security forces to make "fundamental changes" in how their operations within the West Bank would be conducted. Eygi, 26, had been attending weekly demonstrations against the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in Beita, south of Nablus. Described as a "passionate human rights activist" by her family, she had reportedly helped organize the encampment on UW campus in support of Palestine. Volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), Eygi traveled to the West Bank in order to continue her activism. She was killed 3 days after arriving. Eygi's death has sparked outcry across the nation. On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of protestors gathered at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle in a demonstration paying tribute to Eygi. "We all got to know her through the encampments, through the various actions the community has organized for Palestine so if you've been to them, you probably know her," said Taylor Young, a member of the Shut It Down Coalition and a participant in the Westlake Park demonstration. "What she is, is an embodiment of what so many of us are trying to do which is to endlessly and ceaselessly do everything you can to fight for the liberation of people." Her family has demanded an independent inquiry into her death, saying that an Israel-led probe into the incident is inadequate. Originally published on International Business Times. MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) It is essential to implement industrial policies for economic betterment and problem resolution, which requires regionalization and promotion of vocational training. These views were expressed by economic analyst Zeeshan Hashim at a seminar titled " Changing Global Trading System and Future of Pakistan's Economy" at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) here. He said that Pakistan should enhance trade relations with all neighbouring countries. "Globalization has severely impacted international trade, leading to an increase in unemployment worldwide, which has also affected Pakistan. We need to take measures for our survival and economic improvement and address economic challenges and avoid the perils of globalization wars," he added. Mr Zeeshan mentioned that Pakistan faces political and economic issues that hinder the creation of effective and actionable policies. "Laws and principles should be established to allow transition from one industry to another. Import restrictions should not be imposed as increasing exports is not possible without imports," the analyst said and added that steps need to be taken to improve law and order, establish an economic model, provide investment opportunities and set minimal tax rates. "We must move towards a growth model and protect key industries. Instead of relying on the public, this initiative must be undertaken by the elites, with continuous communication and demands from the government," he suggested. Former President MCCC and Government Liaison Sub-Committee Convenor, Khwaja Muhammad Hussain, thanked Zeeshan Hashim for the informative session and presented him a chambers emblem. The seminar was also attended by Ahmad Raza, Muzaffar Khakwani, Major Rabnawaz, Iqbal Hussain, Kamran Gilani, Waqas Qazi, Choudhry Tariq Karim, Jamshed Rizwani, Sajid Ansari, and others. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) on Tuesday declared the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Employees Union elections as lawful and in accordance with its Constitution, rejecting the objections raised by the Grand Alliance. Following the court's decision, celebrations were held at APP Headquarters and all regional bureaus and stations, with various media organizations extending their congratulations to the union. The APP Employees Union elections were held on March 29, resulting in the election of Malik Khizar Zaman as President by big marjin, with Nadeem Iqbal as General Secretary, Khalid Iqbal Rabbani as Joint Secretary, and 11 executive members from the Group. The Election Commission had also issued a formal notification of the results. However, the Grand Alliance, which lost the elections, filed a case with the NIRC, challenging the outcome on several grounds. Today, the NIRC heard the case, where APP Employees Union's legal counsel, Advocate Yaqub Mastoi, effectively countered all the objections raised by the opposition. After reviewing the arguments, the court delivered a brief judgment, affirming the legality of the APP Employees Union elections and dismissing the Grand Alliance's assertions. The court also terminated the membership of two honorary union members. Following the favorable verdict, APP employees termed the decision as a victory for the union and workers. They congratulated President Malik Khizar Zaman, General Secretary Nadeem Iqbal, Joint Secretary Khalid Iqbal Rabbani, and all elected representatives. They expressed their full confidence in the leadership of APP Workers Ittehad Chairman Malik Saleem Awan, appreciating their efforts to lead the organization towards progress, address workers' issues, and eliminate corruption under the leadership of Managing Director Muhammad Asim Kichi. The journalist fraternity nationwide has extended their congratulations to APP Employees Unions leadership, hailing the verdict as a victory for fair-play and justice. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called on the nation to renew the commitment for building a Pakistan having peace, justice, and equal opportunities for all citizens as per the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The prime minister, in his message on the 76th death anniversary of the Quaid-e-Azam being observed with deep respect on September 11 (Wednesday), said the Quaid stood out as one of the most visionary politicians and eminent statesmen in history. He adeptly led the Freedom Movement for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent, establishing the worlds first Islamic ideological state. "The Freedom Movement serves as a testament to his political acumen and visionary leadership, reflecting his dedication to the principles of democracy and the rule of law," he added. PM Shehbaz said the Quaid's unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, social justice, and equality laid the foundation for a nation where every citizen could aspire to thrive despite diverse cultures. "Jinnah's emphasis on unity and faith resonates deeply within the fabric of our society, reminding us that the strength of Pakistan lies in its diversity and inclusiveness." He further said,"While we honour his legacy, we reaffirm commitment to realizing the Quaid's vision for Pakistan and addressing contemporary challenges with the determined spirit of a great nation. "In remembering the Quaid-e-Azam, we are also reminded of our duty to the future generations. It is our responsibility to instill in them the values of integrity, hard work, and patriotism that Jinnah embodied." "Today, let us renew our pledge to work tirelessly towards the realization of a Pakistan that exemplifies the ideals of our Founding Father a nation where peace prevails, justice is served, and every citizen has the opportunity to flourish," the prime minister concluded. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday commended the services of Abdul Qadeer Khan Hospital Trust for providing accessible and free medical and healthcare to the needy people and assured of his support to the organisation. The president expressed these views during a meeting with the delegation of Dr. AQ Khan Hospital Trust, led by Dr. Dina Khan, daughter of Mohsin-e-Pakistan late Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Member of the National Assembly Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present during the meeting, according to a President House press release. The meeting was also attended by the Trustees including Habib-ur-Rehman, Raja Arshad Mehmood and Advisor Chaudhry Ghulam Yasir Abbas. Dr. Dina Khan briefed the president about the role of the hospital in providing medical services to the people. She also apprised the president about certain problems being faced by the Trust and highlighted that some former trustees had committed financial embezzlement and had misused the accounts of the Trust. President Zardari said that the entire nation was indebted to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan for his services to the nation, and assured the resolution of the issues faced by the Trust. He commended the work of AQ Khan Hospital Trust and appreciated the generous donations by the people for the noble cause of providing much-needed free health services to the underprivileged. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid Tuesday urged the members of Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) to raise awareness about the BISP registration and initiatives in their Constituencies, particularly for deserving women. She was speaking during a meeting of the Womens Parliamentary Caucus held here. Women members of the National Assembly from various political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party, were present in the meeting. Senator Rubina Khalid briefed the parliamentarians on the ongoing and newly launched initiatives of BISP, particularly focusing on the registration procedures for deserving women. She highlighted the Benazir Skill Development Programme, which aims to provide skill training to women and their family members according to international standards, enabling them to access employment opportunities. On the special instructions of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, a new banking model has also been introduced to ensure that deserving women receive their payments with dignity and respect. The PMT limit has been increased from 32 to 60 for enrollment in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif and Benazir Nashonuma programs in Balochistan, allowing a larger number of beneficiaries to participate. She emphasized that there was no registration fee for the program. BISP offices at the tehsil level have established Dynamic Registration Centers where staff members are available to guide eligible women through the registration process. In response to questions from the parliamentarians, Senator Rubina Khalid clarified that 8171 is the only official BISP helpline number, and any message from other numbers is fraudulent. Complaints can be filed through 080026477. Earlier, Director General BISP, Dr. Asim Ejaz, highlighted BISP's role in addressing climate change, geo-tagging, data collection, and rapid response efforts during floods. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) food Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zahir Shah Toru on Tuesday expressed profound grief over the demise of the mother of President Peshawar Press Club (PPC), Arshad Aziz Malik. In his condolence message the Minister prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage for the bereaved family members to bear the loss with fortitude. The Minister said he equally shares the grief of the bereaved family at this critical time. APP/vak Philadelphia, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) Kamala Harris touched down in Philadelphia on Monday on the eve of her first -- and possibly only -- presidential debate with Donald Trump before the knife-edge 2024 US election. With less than two months until polling day, the face-off could be a turning point in a bitter contest between the Democratic vice president and Republican former president. Harris's Air Force 2 landed in Pennsylvania's largest city and she will spend the night here, while Trump is not due to arrive until hours before Tuesday evening's primetime clash on ABC news. The two candidates have never even met before, and the debate is set to be a contrast in styles between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon who has targeted Harris with racist and sexist insults. "There's no floor for him in terms of how low he will go and we should be prepared for that," Harris told radio host Rickey Smiley in an interview broadcast Monday, when asked how she planned to handle Trump's attacks. "And we should be prepared for the fact that he is probably going to speak a lot of untruths." With scandals dogging her rival, who has not committed to accepting the result of November's election if he loses, Harris also has much to prove. The 59-year-old's honeymoon after replacing an aging Joe Biden at the top of the ticket appears to be fading, with polls showing she needs to reach out to voters who do not know much about her policies. She addressed the growing pressure late Sunday when her campaign put out a policy page, touching on subjects from unions and cost-of-living issues to health care. Trump, 78, will be under pressure to rein in his insults and aggression as he goes up against a mixed-race candidate vying to be the first female president in US history. - 'Not fit to be president' - But he has experience on his side, with six prior presidential debates under his belt -- and his restrained approach against an imploding Biden in their debate in June proved brutally effective. Biden was forced to drop out of the White House race less than a month later. Trump struck a typically dark tone in rallies and social media posts over the weekend as he reached out to his right-wing base, at one point warning of "long prison sentences" for all those he said were planning on "cheating" in November. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded on Monday by saying: "That kind of rhetoric coming from a former president is dangerous." The Harris campaign also targeted Trump in an ad Monday featuring former vice president Mike Pence and other ex-cabinet members saying he was "not fit to be president again." Pence fell out with Trump after refusing to endorse the then-president's bid to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. The contrast in styles between Trump and Harris is also reflected in their debate prep. Harris has been holed up for most of the last five days in a hotel in Pittsburgh -- also in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania -- doing intense debate practice sessions with her staff. One of her aides even dressed up in a Trump-style boxy suit and long tie, the New York Times reported. Trump, who survived an assassination attempt in July, has reportedly taken a more relaxed approach involving a handful of sessions. The most recent polls show the race remains neck and neck, particularly in the six or seven battleground states likely to determine the election winner. A New York Times/Siena poll on Sunday found that Trump is leading Harris nationally by 48 to 47 percent, well within the margin of error. An ABC News/Ipsos poll on Monday showed Harris leading Trump 50 to 46 percent. New Delhi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) India's strife-torn northeastern state of Manipur ordered an internet blackout on Tuesday, after imposing a curfew following days of deadly ethnic violence and clashes between protesters and police. Manipur has been rocked by periodic clashes for more than a year between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, dividing the state into ethnic enclaves. At least 11 people were killed last week as hostilities between the two communities erupted again after months of relative calm. A notice from the state's home ministry ordered all internet and mobile data services in the state to be shut off for five days in order to bring the latest unrest under control. "Some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public," the notice said. "It has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours." Internet services were shut down for months in Manipur last year during the first outbreak of violence, which displaced around 60,000 people from their homes according to government figures. Thousands of the state's residents are still unable to return home owing to ongoing tensions. - 'Significant escalation' - Hundreds of Meitei people in the state capital Imphal defied a curfew imposed earlier Tuesday to demand security forces take action against Kuki insurgent groups, whom they blame for the latest spate of attacks. Indian tv broadcasters showed the police firing tear gas in an effort to disperse the rally. Student-led protests on Monday turned violent after the crowd threw stones and plastic bottles at security forces, police said in a statement. Protesters in another district snatched arms from police and fired at them, the statement added. "One police personnel was hit on the left thigh by a live round and another police personnel was hit in the face by an unknown projectile," it said. The protests were motivated by a series of insurgent attacks using "improvised" projectile weapons and drone attacks that killed 11 people last week, in what police called a "significant escalation" of violence. Long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities revolve around competition for land and public jobs. Rights activists have accused local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain. Manipur is ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday the activation of the California National Guard to assist nearly 2,000 firefighters in battling a massive wildfire in Southern California's San Bernardino County. The fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Line Fire has scorched at least 23,600 acres (about 95.5 square km) with only 3 percent containment as of Monday afternoon, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for over 11,000 people and putting more than 36,000 structures at risk. "As the Line Fire continues to pose a threat to San Bernardino communities, we're pouring resources into this incident aggressively by deploying more air and ground support through the California National Guard," said Newsom in a news release. "This is on top of nearly 2,000 firefighters, nearly 200 engines, and air assets we already have tackling this fire," he added. "California stands with these communities and has their backs." The California National Guard will deploy four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for water bucket-dropping operations, and two C-130 aircraft with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems -- a portable fire retardant delivery system, according to the news release. The fire, which broke out on Thursday, has grown exponentially in size over the weekend due to soaring temperatures and critically dry vegetation amid a record-setting heat wave in Southern California. Newsom declared on Saturday a state of emergency in San Bernardino County to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire. "Fire activity on the Line Fire was moderated in the upper elevations in the overnight hours but remained active in the thermal belts. The fire made short, intense runs in the slopes and the lighter fuels which allowed for growth," said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. At least five school and college districts in the region were closed for students and staff on Monday due to the impacts of the ongoing Line Fire, with more school districts being closed based on the assessment of conditions within their areas, said the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory for a large part of Southern California. "Based on satellite and webcam imagery, widespread smoke is over San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties," said the agency. PM 2.5 levels may reach the "Very Unhealthy" level or higher on Sunday night and Monday morning in southern Orange County, the Inland Empire, the San Bernardino Mountains, and surrounding areas, the agency warned. Another wildfire called the Bridge Fire broke out on Sunday in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, nearly 100 km west of the Line Fire. The blaze has scorched over 1,250 acres (about 5 square km) with zero containment in the past 24 hours. The Roblar Fire, which started on Saturday in San Diego County, has charred 950 acres (about 4 square km) with 25 percent containment so far. Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2024) Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, convicted on appeal of rape and sexual coercion by a Geneva court, is a Swiss intellectual accused of masking violence and radicalism behind a mild facade. Ramadan, 62, is the grandson of the founder of the Islamist movement the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and wrote his doctoral thesis on his ancestor. He basked in the public spotlight in the 2000s as a professor at Britain's prestigious Oxford university, lecturing across Europe as well as Morocco, Qatar and Japan, drawing crowds of students wherever he went. Named by Time Magazine in 2004 among the 100 most influential people in the world for his influence on European Muslims, Ramadan has nevertheless stirred controversy throughout his career. He has rejected allegations of anti-Semitism as attempts to silence what he sees as legitimate criticism of the Israeli state. And French defenders of the country's fierce secularism have accused him of smuggling an identitarian subtext within his modernising message, encouraging young girls to wear the Islamic headscarf or spreading religious fundamentalism. Well turned-out with trademark trimmed grey hair and beard, Ramadan engaged in verbal jousts with opponents including French polemicist Eric Zemmour, who went on to stand as a far-right presidential candidate in 2022. He fought back against allegations of fundamentalism, saying he encouraged young Muslims to involve themselves in their societies, calling the headscarf a matter of personal choice, urging "contextualisation" of Islam's founding texts and condemning violence. Nevertheless, his attempt to acquire French nationality in addition to his Swiss passport to "provide a concrete, positive example of upholding the values of the Republic" was rejected in 2016 by the then prime minister Manuel Valls. - Court battles in France - Ramadan's fall from grace began in 2017, when he was first targeted with allegations of sexual violence in France. In total, four women in France ultimately accused him of rapes between 2009 and 2016, while a Swiss woman converted to islam filed a criminal complaint in 2018 for a rape she said took place in Geneva 10 years before. The Swiss case is the one in which Ramadan has now been convicted on appeal. As the allegations broke, he put his 12-year professorship in contemporary Islamic studies at the University of Oxford on hold as support for him haemorrhaged, including from Qatar. His 2018 admission that he had sex outside his decades of marriage, in which he had four children with a French woman convert, tarnished his image for some religious and community leaders. Saying he suffers from multiple sclerosis and depression, Ramadan retired early. Alongside the Swiss case, a Paris appeals court ruled in June this year that Ramadan should be tried for raping three women between 2009 and 2016, a decision his lawyers have challenged. The scholar spent more than nine months in pre-trial detention in 2018, but was released in November that year. - 'Fragile' women - French investigators in 2023 said they had identified a pattern across all the rape allegations. Ramadan would enter private conversations with women who were "especially fragile, with tumultuous life stories, looking for love, validation and spirituality". The discussions would quickly take an intimate and then sexual turn, prosecutors said, leading to an in-person meeting. Psychiatric experts told the investigation that the women had been fervent admirers of Ramadan as a public figure with religious and academic credentials. But when it came to the meetings, several women described a complete change of character, with Ramadan becoming violent, ranging from slaps to blows and non-consensual penetration. Ramadan said he had not carried out "a single act, behaviour or sex act that was not discussed beforehand" with the women. grd-kp/tgb/as/fg TIME INC. Nikolas Sweet Nikolas Sweet, an assistant professor in the University of Wyoming Department of Anthropology, is among four recipients of the inaugural Norman G. Pauling Research Fellowship for Early-Career Scholars, awarded by the Phi Beta Kappa Society. His project is titled Investigations into Gun Culture and Hunting: Perspectives from Linguistic Anthropology. It uses anthropological and sociological tools to understand the cultural significance of gun ownership and hunting in the American West, focusing on how these practices intersect with identity, community and politics. Sweets project was selected from nearly 50 applications based on its grounding in the liberal arts and sciences, disciplinary merit, strength of design, thoughtful inclusion of student and/or community participants, and promise in contributing to the public good. He will be awarded $20,000 in support of his work. Many of my colleagues in the UW Department of Anthropology study the archaeology of hunter-gathers, and I wanted to contribute to these conversations in new ways, he says. This project has some multisited dimensions that connect with existing research in West Africa and Germany; however, the Wyoming part, which the grant funds, is all about exploring something that is significant to the people of the Cowboy State. Hunting is often the source of significant cultural misunderstandings and contrasting viewpoints that will be productive to explore, Sweet says. He plans to include UW students as research assistants in the project and is looking forward to creating a collaborative project that gives anthropology students hands-on, ethnographic research experience. Sweets team plans to explore the cultural and linguistic dimensions of hunting in Wyoming. Specifically, the team will research how guns and hunting offer people tools for understanding who they are, how they mediate interactions between people and how they connect with other aspects of peoples social lives. The Pauling Fellowship is a testament to our commitment to early-career scholars whose work underscores the relevance of the liberal arts and sciences in addressing todays most pressing challenges, says Frederick Lawrence, secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. The groundbreaking research conducted by these Fellows will help to reinforce the vital role of the production of knowledge in shaping a more meaningful, productive and engaged society. Sweet is a broadly trained linguistic anthropologist interested in the significance of everyday interactions. His existing work explores questions of mobility and social interaction in Senegal, where he works in the local languages of Pular, Wolof and French. He is the author of a forthcoming book, titled The Verbal Art of Mobility in West Africa, which will be published by Indiana University Press this year. In addition to hunting, Sweet enjoys learning about the anthropology of food and cooking and is developing a multisited research project on the language and sociality of hunting in Germany, Senegal and Wyoming. There is a large public interest in these issues, and I hope to leverage this research to foster humanistic discourses that bridge cultural boundaries in Wyoming, Sweet says. My hope is that this research can make seemingly intractable political and cultural divisions more intelligible across the U.S. Once the project is completed, Sweet will present the outcomes at the December 2025 meeting of the Phi Beta Kappa Senate at the launch event of its 250th anniversary celebration to be held at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va. For more information about Sweets research, email nsweet1@uwyo.edu. A herd of Saiga antelope journeys on its migration route across Kazakhstan. The University of Wyomings Matt Kauffman, Shannon Albeke and William Kirkpatrick were among 80 scientists worldwide who contributed to a United Nations Atlas of Ungulate Migration that recently launched and shows the live migrations of ungulates, including antelope, guanacos and zebras, as well as many other land-hoofed animals around the world. (Albert Salemgareyev Photo) The University of Wyomings Matt Kauffman, Shannon Albeke and William Kirkpatrick were among 80 worldwide scientists who contributed to a United Nations living atlas that recently launched and shows the live migrations of ungulates, including antelope, guanacos and zebras, as well as many other land-hoofed animals around the globe. Called the Atlas of Ungulate Migration, the interactive migration map was created by the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration (GIUM) working in partnership with the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) -- an environmental treaty of the United Nations. Eight international scientists, including Kauffman, created the new atlas, which launched Sept. 4. This atlas represents a major milestone for conservation worldwide, and we believe the migration maps will be a tangible and effective tool to help stem the loss of the worlds ungulate migrations, says Kauffman, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). He also is a unit leader of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at UW and a member of GIUMs Scientific Advisory Board. The longest mule deer migration on record -- a 300-mile round-trip journey that stretches from the greater Yellowstone ecosystem in the northwest corner of Wyoming to southern Wyomings Red Desert and was a long-term USGS study led by Kauffman -- is among 20 global mammal populations that are part of the atlas. Other mammals include the African elephant, Cape buffalo, Mongolian gazelle, Saiga antelope and the Serengeti wildebeest. In the American West, it has taken close collaboration with many partners to map ungulate migration routes, and its been exciting to team up with this global community of researchers, says Kauffman, who helped lead the international team. In this new international effort, weve expanded the scientific approach to understanding migrations by leveraging existing workflows we developed for sharing data, analyzing migration tracks and making the resulting migration maps publicly available. UWs Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) also played a key role in developing the back-end database and computing architecture that allow users to seamlessly access the new migration maps via a powerful web mapping application. WyGISC contributed resources to launch the interactive online map and is hosting all of the data and application programming interfaces, says Albeke, a senior research scientist in WyGISC. The map, which also can be viewed online by the general public, will be used to inform conservation decisions, government policies and infrastructure development as the various species of ungulates migrate large distances throughout the year. Essentially, WyGISC provided the cyberinfrastructure and tools necessary to upload new data to the web application. Albeke and Kirkpatrick, a geospatial technician in WyGISC, built a data pipeline using a software program -- known as Program R -- to assist ungulate biologists in the uploading of new migrations to the central database using a web application programming interface (API). Steffen Mumme, GIUMs lead spatial analyst, was the main data processor for the migration map. He processes ungulate GPS collar data using Program R and then uses WyGISCs data pipeline tool to add migration information to the database, Albeke explains. The web API then allows for on-demand queries of the available data and provides map vector tiles as a map service to Josh Gage, the web application developer, who is located in Montana. The InfoGraphics Lab at the University of Oregon helped build most of the graphics and visualizations that are part of the web application, so this truly is a global endeavor, Albeke says. The Atlas of Ungulate Migration is expected to be used by conservationists and governments around the globe. Knowing the routes used by these animals for their migration is essential to better understanding what we must do for their conservation and management, says Amy Fraenkel, CMS executive secretary, in a statement. The atlas will be a significant tool for policymakers to achieve their biodiversity objectives, as well as addressing the needs of communities for development. These maps also can serve as a baseline for what exists, Kauffman says. Without such maps, its often hard for us to visualize how much were losing. To view the Atlas of Ungulate Migration, go to www.cms.int/en/gium/migration-atlas. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. As Coomans sees it, Beijing is a truly unique capital, with a structure incomparable to that of any other capital in the world. by Xinhua writers Xia Yuanyi, Liu Yuxuan BRUSSELS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Belgian historian has hailed Beijing's old city as an architectural masterpiece, emphasizing how its layout showcases centuries of urban evolution, with a central axis that stands unparalleled in its design. The recent recognition of Beijing Central Axis as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site underscores its immense significance in the fields of archaeology, architecture, and culture, Thomas Coomans, an architectural historian, archaeologist and heritage conservationist, said in an interview with Xinhua. Coomans, a professor in the department of architecture of KU Leuven University, has been collaborating with Chinese scholars since 2011. In 2014, he and Xu Yitao from the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University established a research cooperation framework in building archaeology. Coomans also served as a visiting professor at Peking University from 2016 to 2017. Thomas Coomans reviews architectural references in a library in Leuven, Belgium, Aug. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Yuxuan) Building archaeology combines archaeological methods with historical research, Coomans explained. "We look at buildings with the eyes of an archaeologist, not an architect. We try to understand from the materials how the building was, its history and how people built them." Through his frequent academic exchanges with Chinese colleagues, Coomans has visited Beijing numerous times. During one of these visits, he lived in a hutong lane near Nanluoguxiang, a popular tourist destination in the heart of the city, immersing himself in local life to gain a deeper understanding of the area's culture and history. Nanluoguxiang, an 800-meter-long historic alley, is renowned for its traditional hutong architecture and lively cultural atmosphere. Reflecting on his time there, Coomans said, "When you live in a hutong, you are no longer a tourist. You become part of the Chinese community. You smile to people, interact with them, and you really understand these places with a very long history. That's really the heart of Beijing." This photo taken on May 31, 2024 shows a view of the Forbidden City in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Coomans expressed a particular fascination with Beijing's ancient structures that blend European styles with Chinese craftsmanship, uniquely merging Western architectural concepts with Chinese techniques and artistic ideas. This fusion, he noted, creates a remarkable and unprecedented architectural synergy. The 589-hectare area of the Beijing Central Axis connects structures that reflect centuries of cultural exchange between China and the West, including St. Michael's Church and St. Joseph's Church. Beyond the Central Axis, landmarks like Xiyanglou, or "Western Mansions" -- influenced by early 18th century Italian painter and missionary Giuseppe Castiglione -- and the former embassy district of Dongjiaominxiang, further illustrate the architectural diversity shaped by these exchanges across Eurasia. People look at the signpost of a cafe in the Nanluoguxiang neighborhood in Beijing, capital of China, June 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Zou Yu) The Beijing Central Axis spans 7.8 kilometers, making it the world's longest urban axis. Initiated in the 13th century, it reached its current form by the 16th century. Coomans said its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July serves as proof of its outstanding value. As Coomans sees it, Beijing is a truly unique capital, with a structure incomparable to that of any other capital in the world. "The city's layout is the result of evolution of earlier capitals in China, but Beijing is truly the masterpiece." Coomans has been invited to the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, scheduled for Sept. 19-21. He expressed his excitement about the event, looking forward to learning and meeting new friends. During the forum, scholars from various countries will share their perspectives and insights on Beijing. This year's theme is "Enhance Cultural Exchanges for Common Progress." Donald Trump has signaled support for a potentially historic federal policy shift to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, putting his position in line with that of his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. The commonality reflects a major shift toward broad public support for legalization in recent years and marks the first time that both major-party presidential candidates support broad cannabis reform, according to the U.S. Cannabis Council. The Republican presidential nominee posted on his social media platform late Sunday that he would continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug," and also said he would be voting yes on a proposal to allow the sale of marijuana to adults for any reason in Florida. Coming shortly before the two will meet for a pivotal debate, Trumps post sets up the possibility that he could criticize Harris for her past cannabis prosecutions when she was district attorney in San Francisco. Because drug prosecutions disproportionately affect nonwhite defendants in the U.S., the line of attack could also fit with Trumps efforts to increase his support among nonwhite men. Harris backs decriminalization and has called it absurd that the Drug Enforcement Administration now has marijuana in the Schedule I category alongside heroin and LSD. Earlier in her career, she oversaw the enforcement of cannabis laws and opposed legalized recreational use for adults in California while running for attorney general in 2010. Harris has absorbed attacks on her prosecutorial record on the debate stage before, most notably from Democrat-turned-Trump supporter Tulsi Gabbard, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and announced in 2022 that she was leaving the party. Trump said during his 2016 run that pot policy should be left up the states. During his term in the White House, though, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions lifted an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the marijuana trade in states where the drug is legal. The DEA process to change the drugs federal classification is already underway, kickstarted by President Joe Bidens call for a review. But the DEA hasnt made a final decision on the shift, which would not legalize recreational marijuana outright. It may not decide until the next presidential administration, putting a spotlight on the candidates positions. Federal drug policy has lagged behind that of many states in recent years, with 38 having already legalized medical marijuana and 24 legalizing recreational use. About 70% of adults supported legalization in a Gallup poll taken last year, the highest level yet recorded by the polling firm and more than double the roughly 3 in 10 who backed it in 2000. Support was even higher among young voters, a key demographic in seven main battleground states. We believe cannabis reform is a winning issue, said David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, in a statement Monday. The federal policy shift wouldnt legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. Instead, it would move marijuana out of Schedule I to the Schedule III category, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids. The proposed shift is facing opposition from advocates who say there isnt enough data and from attorneys general in more than a dozen states, according to the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Trump chimed in on the ballot question on the same day that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a fellow Republican who previously challenged him for the 2024 presidential nomination, spoke at City Church Tallahassee, where he ardently opposed two ballot initiatives this November: one to enshrine abortion rights and the other to legalize recreational marijuana. For months DeSantis has publicly opposed the marijuana amendment, saying it would reduce the quality of life in Florida cities by leaving a marijuana stench in the air. The Florida Republican Party has also formally denounced the amendment, saying in a May resolution that it would benefit powerful marijuana special interests, while putting children at risk and endangering Florida family-friendly business and tourism climates. Rural voters may have permanently turned away from the Shinawatra family and its Pheu Thai party, former loyalists warn, after Thailands dominant political clan welcomed a fresh cohort of conservative one-time rivals into its coalition Cabinet. These include prominent royalists who have backed coups and deadly crackdowns on the Red Shirt protest movement, which emerged to protest a 2006 coup that deposed then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Tycoons and royalist generals have fought for two decades for control of the countrys politics and the economic spoils. In that time, political violence has claimed the lives of scores, if not hundreds, of people in clashes between rival factions. Red Shirts paid the highest price during a 2010 army crackdown on their rallies in Bangkok. Rivalry at the top has been set aside for now by a government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of divisive billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, who still wields vast influence over Thai politics despite having no formal role. Now, many Red Shirts say they feel abandoned by Thaksin, a figurehead they once adored. I used to feel sorry for Thaksin for all the things the establishment did to him and his family. But now that theyve betrayed us, Im heartsick, said Napassorn Boonree, 61, a Red Shirt from Ubon Ratchathani, recalling the 2010 crackdown by security forces on demonstrators in Bangkok. People died for [the Shinawatra family], but they no longer care for us. Now we see their true colors. Theyve done everything all along only for their own gain. Paetongtarn Shinawatras government has a new mission: to defeat the new reform movement which won the last polls in 2023 and has become the biggest threat to the political and economic interests of the establishment since Thaksin himself won his first election in 2001. The Move Forward Party was blocked from taking control of the government and subsequently dissolved by a court ruling. Its key executives were banned from politics. But it has been rebranded as the Peoples Party and is determined to win the 2027 election. Too late for Pheu Thai? Thaksins daughter, Thailands youngest premier at age 38, is due to give her first policy briefing on September 12. She is expected to announce a timeframe for cash handouts of 10,00 baht ($295) to 50 million citizens alongside debt-reduction plans, hoping to renew faith in Pheu Thai among a poor, rural base who once voted unquestioningly for any Shinawatra candidate. But it may be too late. Red Shirts will express their disappointment at the ballot box, predicted Thida Thavornseth on Thai TV, describing the merger between Pheu Thai and its former enemies as the same as a business deal between tycoons. In any case, Paetongtarns government first must survive to contest the next polls. Coming into office after the shock court dismissal of predecessor Srettha Thavisin in an ethics probe last month, Paetongtarn will have to deal with powerful establishment enemies accumulated by her family over the years. Having Shinawatra as a last name is always a danger. ... The name is synonymous with political conflict in modern Thai history, said Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at King Prajadhipok's Institute. Thaksin was deposed in a 2006 coup, and the administration of his sister Yingluck was taken out by the army in 2014. Srettha last month joined a growing list of Shinawatra-backed premiers to be picked off by the conservative courts. We are seeing enemies becoming allies against a bigger threat [the] Peoples Party. The conservative elite has no other option than to use Thaksins service, Stithorn told VOA. But Paetongtarn has to move fast, he warned, to prove her government can win over an electorate burned by the seeming betrayal of their shifting alliances. A by-election on September 15 for a seat vacated by a banned Move Forward member may provide an early test of Pheu Thais popularity. Money problems Throughout villages of northeastern and northern Thailand, household debt is commonly sky high, and many working-age adults have migrated to cities or overseas for jobs that pay more than farm work. The COVID pandemic sank Thailands most vulnerable deeper into financial trouble. Previous Shinawatra governments gave generous farm subsidies, better education and access to basic healthcare and were rewarded with landslide poll victories in 2001, 2005 and 2011. Former Red Shirt Singthong Chaichuay says he is so tired of Thailands political turmoil that principles no longer matter. He just wants a better quality of life for the countrys poorest. Thai people are very forgiving, and if our country is really moving forward, then I dont have a problem which side Pheu Thai joins, even if it is with former enemies, the 61-year-old told VOA from his village in Surin, near the Cambodian border. Whoever can make our lives better is the answer for us now. But there is a divergence with younger people. In the 2023 election, they voted in vast numbers for Move Forward, taking seats from Pheu Thai across what was once home ground for Shinawatra-linked lawmakers. During Thaksin times, it was the golden era for farmers. Everyone was driving new tractors, the price of rice was also high, said Chatupat Sriwong, 31, who like many of her peers leaves her young child to be raised at home while working abroad. Fast forward to today and were developing very little here. My only focus now is to make money and that means working overseas because theres no way I can do that here. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed Indo-Pacific security and highlighted the need to maintain the status quo on the Taiwan Strait during their U.S.-U.K. Strategic Dialogue, underscoring its global significance. We also discussed joint efforts to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation and overflight of the South China Sea. For both of us, maintaining peace and stability, preserving the status quo is essential, Blinken told reporters during a joint press conference with Lammy in London. "It's essential not just to us; its, again, essential to countries all around the world," Blinken added. U.S. officials have stressed the need to keep open high-level communication between Washington and Beijing to clear up misperceptions and prevent their competition from escalating into conflict. Earlier this week, the United States and China held theater-level commander talks for the first time in an effort to stabilize military relations. The video teleconference Monday, between Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and General Wu Yanan, commander of the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command, was aimed at preventing misunderstandings, particularly in regional hotspots like the South China Sea. According to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Paparo emphasized the Chinese militarys responsibility to adhere to international laws and norms to ensure operational safety. Paparo also urged the PLA to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond. In Beijing, Chinas Ministry of National Defense issued a press release Tuesday stating the two commanders exchanged views on matters of mutual concern, but did not provide further details about the discussion. Washington has been seeking to establish new channels for regular military communication with Beijing after relations hit a historic low when the U.S. downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year. The theater-level commander talks differ from the broader discussions between U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs, which cover all strategic issues impacting both nations, Ryan Haas, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told VOA. The theater-level talks provide a platform for more focused discussions on operational issues, crisis management, and deconfliction at an operator-to-operator level, added Haas, a former senior official on the White House National Security Council from 2013 to 2017. The virtual meeting between Paparo and Wu followed a meeting last month in Beijing, where U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinpings top military adviser agreed to the talks. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Thousands of revelers gathered in New Mexico to set ablaze a 15-meter-tall effigy stuffed with personal regrets and gloomy thoughts. Gustavo Martinez Contreras has our story from Santa Fe, where the festive conflagration turned 100 years old. Russia says it launched massive naval and air drills Tuesday that span a huge swath of oceans and involve more than 400 naval vessels, at least 120 military aircraft and upwards of 90,000 troops. The large-scale military exercise, dubbed Ocean-2024, includes forces from China and will run until September 16 with at least 15 countries invited to observe the maneuvers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia pays special attention to strengthening military cooperation with friendly states and warned the United States not to try and outgun Moscow in Asia. "Under the pretext of countering the allegedly existing Russian threat and containing the People's Republic of China, the United States and its satellites are increasing their military presence near Russia's western borders, in the Arctic, and in the Asia-Pacific region, Putin said in a televised remark to Russian military officials on Tuesday. He said Washington and its allies are "openly declaring their plans to deploy medium- and shorter-range missiles in the so-called forward zones. Analysts say the joint naval and air drills are an effort by Russia and China to deepen military ties and counter increased security coordination between the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Russia wants to demonstrate that they can engage in a full-scale war with Ukraine while deploying resources to the Indo-Pacific region and China wants to show that they can deepen its relationship with Russia and cause problems in the region, primarily in the South China Sea but also around Japan, said Stephen Nagy, a regional security expert at the International Christian University in Japan. On Monday, the Chinese defense ministry said both countries would conduct joint naval and aerial exercises aimed at deepening bilateral strategic cooperation and strengthening their ability to respond to security threats in the waters and airspace near the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. In addition to the joint exercise near Japan, the Chinese defense ministry said Chinese and Russian naval fleets will conduct their fifth joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean as part of the "Ocean-2024" strategic exercise. Russia hopes to increase pressure on the United States on the Pacific front through the joint military exercise with China, which may force Washington to reduce its military deployment to Europe, said Lin Ying-yu, a military expert at Tamkang University in Taiwan. On the other hand, he added that China hopes to divert Japans attention from waters near the Taiwan Strait through its closer military partnership with Russia. Japan will have to prioritize threats to their security so they wont have more bandwidth to focus on the situation across the Taiwan Strait, Lin told VOA in a phone interview. China and Russias increased military cooperation near Japan in recent years has prompted Tokyo to characterize their joint activities as a grave concern. These repeated joint activities are clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan and are a grave concern from the perspective of the national security of Japan, the Japanese defense ministry wrote in its annual defense white paper, which was released in July. For now, Nagy said Japan is more concerned with how the military cooperation may evolve, adding that there are still limits to what the two can do together when they conduct exercises. Japan will be concerned about whether the coordination between China and Russia will be used to destabilize sea lines of communication, to prop up North Korea, or to move towards some kind of forced reunification with Taiwan, he told VOA in a phone interview. The Russians and Chinese will sail beside each other, fly next to each other, or coordinate how their boats move around but they havent developed interoperability and inter-command. Enhancing logistics, communication collaboration While there are limits to their cooperation, other analysts say Russia and China will still use joint military exercises to enhance their cooperation in logistics, such as exchanging parts, fuel, or services or sharing data or communication channels. The ability for the Chinese and Russian armies to better understand one another and better support each other in the field is an important capability to develop for both countries, Drew Thompson, a visiting senior research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, told VOA by phone. In addition to that, Lin in Taipei said China could also enhance its forces combat capabilities through joint military exercises with Russia since the Russian forces have accumulated real combat experiences from Moscows war in Ukraine. Since Russias navies have dealt with drone or anti-ship missile attacks launched by Ukraine, the Chinese navy could learn about how to deal with similar attacks in a potential war across the Taiwan Strait from their Russian counterparts, he told VOA. Pushing back against NATO China and Russias upcoming military exercise near Japan is part of their growing efforts to push back against the United States and NATO allies. Since July, Beijing and Moscow have held at least three joint military drills in different parts of the world, including the South China Sea, the skies off coastal Alaska, and the Gulf of Finland. These increased military drills all over the world are part of Beijing and Moscows efforts to counter the deepening defense coordination between the U.S. and its allies, both in Europe and in the Pacific, Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, told VOA in a phone interview. Despite their attempt to challenge the U.S. and NATO through closer military cooperation, Nagy said China and Russia are unlikely to let their partnership escalate out of proportion. Russia and China will continue to reciprocate what the U.S. and its allies are doing, but not escalate since Beijing wants to maintain its narrative to the Global South that they are not a hegemonic power, he told VOA. On Tuesday, Chinese authorities said the United States and China held theater-level commander talks for the first time when Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army. The Indo-Pacific Command focuses on enhancing security and stability in the Asia Pacific region and hotspots including the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to play a "constructive role" in improving strained ties between Bejing and the European Union. Sanchez for his part said he hoped the EU could avoid a trade war with China, even as Brussels weighs imposing tariffs on China-manufactured electric vehicles. In their meeting, Xi also talked up deepening commercial ties between China and Spain in sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, new energy and other high-tech fields. The Chinese leader said Beijing wanted to work with Brussels to further develop a China-EU relationship where the two maintain their independence and autonomy but also succeed together and bring benefit to the world, a Chinese readout said. "It is hoped Spain will continue to play a constructive role in this regard," Xi added. Sanchez responded: "Spain wants to work constructively so that relations between the two are closer, richer and more balanced." Beijing in June said that frictions with the EU over its plans to impose tariffs of up to 36.3% on its electric vehicles (EVs) could trigger a trade conflict, days after China announced a retaliatory anti-dumping probe into European pork imports. China in August then raised the stakes by opening an investigation into the bloc's dairy subsidies. Prior to meeting Xi, Sanchez said at business events that Spain would work for a negotiated consensus to the EV dispute within the World Trade Organization and that a "trade war would benefit no one," a government source said. Spain in 2023 exported $1.5 billion worth of the pork products that China will investigate, Chinese customs data showed, dwarfing the outbound shipments from the Netherlands and Denmark, which rank second and third. Spain also sold just under $50 million worth of targeted dairy products to China last year. But in a promising sign for Spain's pork producers, a separate source with direct access to Xi's meeting with Sanchez said the two leaders had "found harmony and understanding," when asked about possible curbs on Spain's outbound pork shipments. "The meeting went extremely well," the source said, adding that both defended their positions while seeking agreements. Fair trade "We want to build bridges together to defend a trade order that's fair," Sanchez told China's second-ranking official, Premier Li Qiang, before meeting Xi. Spain had a trade deficit of 17.27 billion euros ($19.07 billion) in the first half of this year, according to government statistics. Sanchez will also want reassurance that China will not strike back at Brussels by raising its own tariffs on imported large-engined gasoline-powered vehicles, as state Chinese media have suggested it might. Spain could also be impacted by the Chinese EV tariffs. Last week SEAT-CUPRA's CEO said that an electric vehicle made in China and designed in Spain by CUPRA, which is owned by Germany's Volkswagen, would be "wiped out" if the European Commission followed through with planned import tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles. Sanchez on Tuesday is expected to meet representatives of SAIC Motor, one of the Chinese automakers most affected by the EU tariffs, and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with greentech company Envision, which is building an EV battery plant in Spain. "In this increasingly geopolitical and economic context, as you have pointed out, we must work together to resolve differences through negotiation," Sanchez told Xi. In an advisory vote in July, Spain, France and Italy supported the European Commission's proposal to adopt additional duties on Chinese-made EVs on top of the bloc's standard 10% tariff. But Beijing has been urging the EU's member states to reject the curbs at a final vote on it in October. The tariffs would be implemented in addition to the EU's standard 10% import tariff unless a qualified majority of 15 EU members representing 65% of the EU population vote against them. Fifty African leaders, including 20 heads of states, attended an annual summit in Chinas capital, Beijing, seeking quicker financial solutions to the growing debt crisis, Reuters reported. The heads of the African nations facing economic and financial crisis due to their debt to China Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia also participated in the meeting. Addressing the forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping claimed that the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history, pledging to invest nearly $51 billion and create a million new jobs across Africa in the next three years. Yet Beijing failed to provide the highly sought after debt relief to the African nations. China has long faced criticism for what experts call debt trap diplomacy, along with accusations of increased illegal trade and a worsening human rights situation in the African countries. Pro-China experts like Fikrejesus Amahazion, an educator and research analyst at the Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies in Asmara, dispute the allegations, claiming that the West, including the United States, target China with malicious propaganda and slander under the guise of concern for Africa. Amahazion told China Says, a state media company that focuses on China's foreign affairs, that Beijing is out to help Africa fight poverty. China and its positive constructive relationship with Africa has delivered myriad tangible benefits to both sides, he said. That is misleading. Through its debt trap diplomacy, China became the major shareholder controlling most of Africas natural resources, infrastructure and other assets. Beijing-owned businesses in Africa practice the worst forms of child labor, fund violent insurgency, sustain corruption, illegal trade and money laundering. Amahazion failed to mention that at least 40,000 children, some as young as six, are forced to work in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are 80% owned by Chinese government companies. The U.S. Department of Labor said in a 2023 report that the DRC practices the worst forms of child labor, especially in the mining industry. During a hearing last November titled From Cobalt to Cars: How China Exploits Child and Forced Labor in Congo, the first witness accounts told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China how children are exploited to work in Chinese-owned mines. Some of the major mine owners in the DRC include the CMOC Group, which holds an 80% stake in Tenke Fungurume, one of the largest reserves and highest-grade copper-cobalt mines in the world; Wanbao Mining, a subsidiary of state-owned Chinese military supplier Norinco; and Jinchuan Group International Resources, among others. The U.S. Environmental Investigation Agency reported in May, based on a multiyear investigation, that China played a key role in the illegal transportation of 500,000 tons of timber per year on average from Mozambique to China since 2017. The funds from this illegal trade are partially used to finance violent insurgent groups, and promote systematic corruption and money laundering, the report said. There is also abundant evidence of Chinas use of debt trap diplomacy to plunder Africa's resources and other assets. While extending credit to poor African countries that are unable to repay the loans, China takes collateral in the form of natural resources, infrastructure projects and other assets. Such concessions allow China to take ownership of the collateral in case of a default. In 2018, when the Zambian government turned to China for a $40,000 loan to upgrade state broadcaster ZNBC, Chinese StarTimes, which has close links to the Chinese government, was awarded 60% shares in exchange for the loan. The Zambian government now owns only 40% of ZNBC. With Zambia being Africas biggest copper producer, Chinese companies own 88% of its mining fields. Last July, JCHX Mining, a Shanghai-listed mining services and contracting company, acquired 80% ownership of Lubambe Mine in Copperbelt, the largest underground mine in Zambia. Zambia's state mining investment arm, ZCCM Investments Holdings, owns the remaining 20%. Zambia owes China at least $6.1 billion and in 2020 became the first defaulter on a Chinese loan after failing to pay a $42 million bond payment. Kenya, with $6.7 billion in Chinese debt, leads the list of African nations indebted to China, facing a financial and economic crisis due to the Chinese loan burden. Generation-Z Kenyans protested for two months this summer, forcing the government to withdraw a financial bill that would have imposed high taxes on essential commodities for the government to pay the accumulated Chinese debts. An exiled Iranian opposition group said Monday that its offices in Stockholm were firebombed overnight, with police saying they had opened an investigation into arson. According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the political wing of the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK), the building had been hit "with several Molotov cocktails" in what the group dubbed a "terrorist attack." "Several windows of the building were shattered, and the outer wall caught fire," the NCRI said in a statement. It said residents put out the fire and "no one was injured." Police said in a statement they had opened an investigation into arson, but police spokeswoman Anna Westberg told AFP she could not comment on details about how the fire was started. "We are still gathering information, and a technical examination will be done during the day," Westberg said, adding that no arrests had been made. In its statement, the NCRI accused agents of Iran's intelligence service of carrying out the attack. The MEK backed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in the 1979 revolution that ousted the shah but swiftly went into opposition and was blamed for a series of deadly attacks that rocked Iran in the early 1980s. The MEK has been exiled from Iran since then. It is far from having universal support among the Iranian diaspora but is backed by several high-profile former U.S. and European officials. The U.S. Justice Department announced September 4 that two Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, had been charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Southern District of New York. The Justice Department has charged two employees of RT, a Russian state-controlled media outlet, in a $10 million scheme to create and distribute content to U.S. audiences with hidden Russian government messaging, said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Justice Department will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to exploit our countrys free exchange of ideas in order to covertly further its own propaganda efforts, and our investigation into this matter remains ongoing. That same day, the Justice Department announced the seizure of 32 internet domains used in the Russian government-directed Doppelganger foreign malign influence campaign, which it said violated U.S. money-laundering and criminal trademark laws. Experts who study disinformation say disrupting the paid-influencer campaign is an important step in efforts to counter the Kremlins broader disinformation strategy of spreading propaganda that undermines support for Ukraine and stokes American political divisions. Disrupting the Doppelganger campaign "Persistent efforts to impersonate authoritative news websites and promote their content at scale in a coordinated manner can have a tangible impact, casting propaganda narratives far and wide consistently," wrote Roman Osadchuk and Eto Buziashvili, researchers at the Digital Forensic Research Lab of the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank. According to an FBI affidavit, Russias "Doppelganger campaign created domains impersonating legitimate media sites, produced fake social media profiles and deployed "influencers" worldwide. According to the Atlantic Council researchers, the primary method used by those involved in "Doppelganger" is to post, on X and other social media platforms, links to fake news sites in replies to posts by politicians, celebrities, influencers and others with large audiences. Osadchuk told VOA that while the FBI's measures are unlikely to stop Russian influence activities, they will make them more costly, noting those involved in the Russian influence campaign will be forced "to rewrite scripts, change the operation's infrastructure, etc." At the same time, according to Osadchuk, the U.S. governments moves against those involved in the influence campaign, which were widely covered in the U.S. and international media, will educate a broader audience. "Researchers of the Russian disinformation have known about the Doppelganger campaign for some time, he said. Now, Americans and people in other countries have learned about it and maybe will become more aware that not all information they consume is coming from legitimate sources and hopefully will be more attentive to the domain names and other signs that might indicate that the page they are reading is not The Washington Post or Fox News but a fake created by Kremlin-linked entities." Influencers will be more aware In a statement it released after indicting the two RT employees, the Justice Department said that over at least the past year, RT and its employees, including Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva, deployed nearly $10 million to covertly finance and direct a Tennessee-based online content creation company [U.S. Company-1], and that U.S. Company-1" had published English-language videos on multiple social media channels, including TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube. While the Justice Department did not specifically identify U.S. Company-1," it is thought to refer to Tenet Media, a Tennessee company co-founded by entrepreneur Lauren Chen, who recruited six popular U.S. influencers with a large following. YouTube subsequently took down Tenet Medias channel on the platform, along with four other channels that YouTube said were operated by Chen. Bret Schafer, a disinformation researcher at the Alliance for Securing Democracy, a political advocacy group set up under the auspices of the German Marshall Fund, a Washington think tank, told VOA that by financing the U.S. content creation company, Russia was able to create an information channel with a large audience, and to use it for such messages as blaming the U.S. and Ukraine for the March terrorist attack at a Moscow concert hall. Islamic State claimed responsibility for that attack. Shutting down that Russian information channel sent a powerful message to influencers and content creators to do "due diligence about people funding their work and to try to figure out who's behind these companies and their motives," Schafer added. Ben Dubow, a disinformation researcher affiliated with the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based research group, believes that influencers contracted by Tenet Media are unlikely to lose their existing followers, but that they might have difficulty attracting new ones. "Hopefully, people who might otherwise explore those influencers will recognize their names and understand them as untrustworthy now," he told VOA. The Justice Departments indictment quotes RTs editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonian, as saying in an interview on Russian television that RT built "an enormous network, an entire empire of covert projects," to influence Western audiences. The FBI affidavit also revealed that one of the sanctioned Russian companies had a list of 2,800 people active on social media in the U.S. and 80 other countries, including television and radio hosts, politicians, bloggers, journalists, businessmen, professors, think-tank analysts, veterans, professors and comedians, whom the company refers to as "influencers." Concrete steps and good timing Several experts commended the U.S. government for taking concrete steps. "They are sanctioning individuals and disrupting the supply chain of influence available to these threat actors," noted Olga Belogolova, director of the Emerging Technologies Initiative at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. "Punitive measures absolutely have to be part of the package, said Jakub Kalensky, a senior analyst at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki. Otherwise, the aggressors have a free hand to continue their aggression unopposed. And in order to identify those who deserve to be punished, a proper investigation from the authorities is necessary." Experts also said that the Justice Department's actions were taken early enough to prevent influence in the November U.S. elections and to signal to Russia and other foreign actors that the U.S. government is monitoring their actions and will respond aggressively. "Of course, that was what the Obama administration was concerned about in 2016 and led to them not being as transparent as they probably should have been with the American public about what they knew about Russian interference," Schafer said. In announcing their actions against the Russian disinformation campaign, U.S. government representatives did not mention which political party or candidate they thought that the Russians were trying to assist. "I know that the U.S. government, including agencies and the Foreign Malign Influence Center at ODNI [Office of the Director of National Intelligence], have been doing a lot of thinking over the last few years about how to strategically communicate these actions without unintentionally amplifying the very campaigns they are trying to thwart or politicizing the topic. And I think they've actually done a good job of striking that balance, at least from what I've seen thus far," Belogolova said. Ihor Solovey, who heads the Ukrainian governments Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security, welcomed the U.S. government's actions but told VOA that more steps are needed to thwart Russian activities on social media. X, TikTok or even more so the Russian Telegram - they are unlikely to want to spend on the fight against bots, troll farms or planned disinformation," he said, adding that only pressure by a state, or even a coalition of states, will be able to force these social media platforms to block intruders and malicious content. Andrei Dziarkach of VOAs Russian Service contributed to this report. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo said that 50,000 doses of mpox vaccine from the United States arrived in the country on Tuesday, a week after the first batch arrived from the European Union. Adults in Equateur, South Kivu and Sankuru, the three most-affected provinces, will be vaccinated first, starting on October 2, said Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of the DRC's Monkeypox Response Committee. Last week, the first batch of mpox vaccines arrived in the capital, Kinshasa, the center of the outbreak. The 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, were donated by the EU through HERA, the bloc's agency for health emergencies. Another 100,000 were delivered over the weekend. The 50,000 doses from the U.S. will be of the same JYNNEOS vaccine. The 250,000 doses are just a fraction of the 3 million doses authorities have said are needed to end the mpox outbreaks in the DRC, the epicenter of the global health emergency. EU countries pledged to donate more than 500,000 others, but the timeline for their delivery remained unclear. Since the start of 2024, there have been 5,549 confirmed mpox cases across the continent, with 643 associated deaths, representing a sharp escalation in infections and fatalities compared with previous years. The cases in the DRC constituted 91% of the total number. Most mpox infections in the DRC and Burundi, the second-most-affected country, are in children under age 15. Last week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization launched a continentwide response plan to the outbreak of mpox, three weeks after the World Health Organization declared outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency. The DRC issued an emergency approval of the vaccine, which has already been used in Europe and the United States in adults. For the moment, the rollout will be reserved for adults, with priority groups being those who have been in close contact with infected people and sex workers, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya told reporters last week. The European Medicines Agency is examining additional data to be able to administer it to children ranging in age from 12 to 17, which could happen at the end of the month, HERA Director-General Laurent Muschel said. The next batch of mpox vaccines will come from Japan and could arrive as early as this weekend, Kacita Osako told the AP, without specifying how many doses. RAMALLAH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Regional countries, including Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Iran, on Tuesday strongly condemned the deadly Israeli attacks on a crowded tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis of southern Gaza. The continuation of the war against the Palestinian people and the U.S. support have put the region at risk, Palestinian Presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said in a press statement carried by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. The strikes on the designated safe zone on Tuesday killed at least 40 people and injured more than 60 others, according to the Hamas-run Gaza government media office. At the same time, local health authorities reported the arrival of 19 bodies at hospitals, saying more victims are likely being trapped under the rubble. "If it were not for the unprecedented U.S. support politically, militarily, and financially, the leaders of Israel would not have dared to commit such crimes, defying all resolutions of international legitimacy and international law by killing children, women and the elderly without accountability," said Rudeineh. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned in a press statement that the continued impunity of Israel and its leaders and the provision of protection for them gives them more time to commit the most heinous crimes of killing and displacing Palestinians. In a statement, Jordan's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel's "systematic and continuous" targeting of civilians and shelters for displaced persons in Gaza. Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah reaffirmed the kingdom's absolute rejection and denunciation of Israel's continued violations of international law and international humanitarian law, accusing Israel of committing "war crimes and genocide" against the Palestinian people in Gaza. He emphasized that the absence of a firm international stance to curb Israeli aggression and compel it to respect international law has led to unprecedented killing, destruction, and humanitarian disaster. Echoing a similar sentiment, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the absence of effective international action to put an end to the human suffering in Gaza has become a real challenge to the credibility of all humanitarian standards and values. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani also called on international organizations, especially the UN Security Council, to take immediate and effective actions to deter Israel and curb its "unbridled crimes." The overnight airstrike took place in the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, where a sprawl of tent camps has been erected along the Gaza coast to serve as a humanitarian zone for displaced persons. The Israeli military said the strike targeted senior Hamas leaders operating from a hidden command center in the area. Israel has launched a large-scale retaliatory offensive against Hamas in Gaza following a surprise attack by Hamas across the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages. The Israeli offensive has so far killed 41,020 Palestinians and injured 94,925 others in the coastal enclave, according to Gaza-based health authorities. Google lost its final legal challenge on Tuesday against a European Union penalty for giving its own shopping recommendations an illegal advantage over rivals in search results, ending a long-running antitrust case that came with a whopping fine. The European Unions Court of Justice upheld a lower courts decision, rejecting the companys appeal against the $2.7 billion penalty from the European Commission, the 27-nation blocs top antitrust enforcer. "By todays judgment, the Court of Justice dismisses the appeal and thus upholds the judgment of the General Court," the court said in a press release summarizing its decision. The commission's punished the Silicon Valley giant in 2017 for unfairly directing visitors to its own Google Shopping service to the detriment of competitors. It was one of three multibillion-dollar fines that the commission imposed on Google in the previous decade as Brussels started ramping up its crackdown on the tech industry. We are disappointed with the decision of the Court, which relates to a very specific set of facts, Google said in a brief statement. The company said it made changes in 2017 to comply with the commissions decision requiring it to treat competitors equally. It started holding auctions for shopping search listings that it would bid for alongside other comparison shopping services. Our approach has worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services, Google said. At the same time, the company appealed the decision to the courts. But the EU General Court, the tribunal's lower section, rejected its challenge in 2021 and the Court of Justices adviser later recommended rejecting the appeal. European consumer group BEUC hailed the court's decision, saying it shows how the bloc's competition law remains highly relevant" in digital markets. "Google harmed millions of European consumers by ensuring that rival comparison shopping services were virtually invisible," director general Agustin Reyna said. Googles illegal practices prevented consumers from accessing potentially cheaper prices and useful product information from rival comparison shopping services on all sorts of products, from clothes to washing machines. U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi hopes to hold talks with new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by November on improving Iran's cooperation with his agency, he said Monday. Several long-standing issues are dogging relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency, including Tehran's barring of uranium-enrichment experts on the inspection team and its failure for years to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites. "He (Pezeshkian) agreed to meet with me at an appropriate juncture," Grossi said in a statement to a quarterly meeting of his agency's 35-nation Board of Governors, referring to an exchange after Pezeshkian's election in July. "I encourage Iran to facilitate such a meeting in the not-too-distant future so that we can establish a constructive dialog that leads swiftly to real results," he said. With nuclear diplomacy largely stalled between the Iranian presidential election and the U.S. one on November 5, Grossi said he wanted to make real progress soon. Asked at a news conference if his reference to the "not-too-distant future" meant before or after the U.S. election, Grossi said: "No, hopefully before that." IAEA board resolutions ordering Iran to cooperate urgently with the investigation into the uranium traces and calling on it to reverse its barring of inspectors have brought little change, and quarterly IAEA reports seen by Reuters on August 29 showed no progress. Iran responded to the latest resolution in June by announcing an expansion of its enrichment capacity, installing more centrifuges, machines that enrich uranium, at its Natanz and Fordow sites. At its Fordow site dug into a mountain where it is enriching to up to 60% purity, close to the 90% of weapons grade, it installed two of the eight new cascades, or clusters, of advanced IR-6 centrifuges within days of informing the IAEA of its plan. Two weeks later, it installed another two. By the end of the quarter, the latest IAEA reports showed Iran had completed installation of all eight new cascades but still not brought them online. At its larger underground site at Natanz, which is enriching to up to 5% purity, it had brought 15 new cascades of other advanced models online. "What we see is that there is some work, but nothing that indicates a rush to a fast implementation of a big increase in terms of enrichment production," Grossi said. Iran has stepped up nuclear work since 2019, after then-U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned an agreement reached under his predecessor Barack Obama under which Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of international sanctions. Western diplomats say there are plans for talks on fresh restrictions should Democrat Kamala Harris win the election. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville is blocking the quick promotion of the top military aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over concerns that he and other senior staff did not immediately notify President Joe Biden when Austin was hospitalized with complications from cancer treatment earlier this year. Biden in July nominated Lieutenant General Ronald Clark to become commander of U.S. Army forces in the Pacific. But Clark has faced criticism from Republicans over his role as one of Austin's top aides when the defense secretary was in the hospital in January and did not tell Biden or other U.S. leaders. Republicans said the fact that Biden was kept in the dark about Austin not being in command for days could have meant confusion or delays in military action, even though decision-making authorities had been transferred to the deputy defense secretary. Tuberville's hold comes a year after he came under intense criticism from colleagues in both parties for holding up hundreds of military promotions over a Pentagon abortion policy. The Senate finally approved 425 military promotions and nominations in November after Tuberville relented. Republican colleagues said they agreed with Tuberville on the abortion policy but openly pressured him to drop the holds, voicing concern about military readiness and the toll it was taking on service members and their families who had nothing to do with the regulations. A spokeswoman for Tuberville, Hannah Eddins, said Tuesday that the senator has concerns about Clark's role during Austin's hospitalization, including that he did not inform Biden. She said that Tuberville is waiting on an a report from the Pentagon's inspector general that will review the matter. "As a senior commissioned officer, Lieutenant General Clark's oath requires him to notify POTUS when the chain of command is compromised," Eddins said, using an acronym for the president of the United States. Majority Democrats could still bring Clark's nomination up for a vote, but Tuberville's hold likely delays his confirmation because several days of floor time would be needed to confirm him. The nomination will expire with the end of the congressional session and the next president would have to renominate Clark or someone else to the post if he is not confirmed by early January. Pentagon spokesperson James Adams said that Tuberville's new hold, which was first reported by The Washington Post, "undermines our military readiness." "Lt. Gen. Clark is highly qualified and was nominated for this critical position because of his experience and strategic expertise," Adams said in a statement. "We urge the Senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees." Austin has come under bipartisan criticism for initially keeping Biden in the dark about his health issues and hospitalization. Austin was admitted to intensive care for complications from prostate cancer surgery on January 1, but the White House was not told until January 4. Austin's senior staff were notified on January 2. The defense secretary later said he takes full responsibility and had apologized to Biden. Still, Austin insisted that there were no gaps in control of the department or the nation's security because "at all times, either I or the deputy secretary was in a position to conduct the duties of my office." An earlier Pentagon review of the matter blamed privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy for the secrecy, and called for improved procedures, which have been made. The White House also laid out a new set of guidelines to ensure it will be informed any time a Cabinet head cannot carry out their job. The new guidelines include a half-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a "delegation of authority," or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons. Dozens killed or injured in an Israeli missile strike on a crowded tent camp with displaced Palestinians who had fled from fighting elsewhere in the country. The Israeli military said the strike on a Hamas command center. And what an Israeli expert who just met with hostage families on their anguish over efforts to bring them home. And Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will come face to face to square off in their first presidential debate. The U.S. calls on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro needs to release data from July's disputed election to address global concerns about its validity. The new privates received their ranks amid military pomp in a town near Warsaw where a Napoleonic fortress attests to a long military history. The group was made up of a German shepherd, a Dutch shepherd and two Belgian Malinois. The dogs Einar, Eliot, Enzo and Emi were bestowed with their ranks Friday as part of a new Polish program aimed at honoring the service of dogs used to detect explosives, a job valued for its role in protecting human life. General Wiesaw Kukua, chief of the general staff of the Polish army, decided last year that dogs serving in the army would qualify for six military ranks ranging from private through corporal to sergeant. The change has been welcomed by their loyal human handlers. The rank is meant to honor the hard work of the dog in service, said Lance Corporal Daniel Kesicki, who recently completed a five-month training course with Eliot, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois. To me its a symbolic recognition that the dog is serving the homeland. The dogs honored Friday belong to the 2nd Mazovian Engineer Regiment, which in 2007 became the first unit of Polands armed forces to introduce dogs into service, according to spokesperson Captain Dominik Paza. He said none have died in action. During the ceremony, each dog's handler was handed a badge with the animal's rank, which was attached to the dog's harness. The ceremony occurred during the commemoration of the regiment's 80th anniversary. The dogs were given their ranks for having completed basic training and having served for more than a year. The ranks are a largely symbolic recognition so that we, too, are aware that such a dog is a member of the armed forces, Paza said. "It is not just a tool for detecting explosives, but it is a living being, he said. The unit was recently deployed to Paris for the Summer Olympic Games and the Paralympics, where the regiment's soldiers and four of its 16 dogs reinforced French security efforts in scanning facilities for explosives. Everything passed off peacefully. Polish army dogs have carried out service elsewhere in international missions, including Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the NATO nation's support for U.S.-led efforts. Poland, a close ally and neighbor of Ukraine, earlier this summer also announced that it was sending 12 trained dogs to support the Ukrainian military in clearing mines. The soldiers who work with the dogs volunteer for the assignment, and it becomes a commitment that lasts for the rest of the dog's life. Soldiers who were with their dogs Friday explained that they select their dogs, train with them, live with them, and care for them even after their four-legged charges retire. Kesicki described Eliot as an obedient companion who has become integrated into his family life. The dog can already do a lot after the beginning course alone, and we still have a few more years of service ahead of us, he said. Paza, the spokesperson, laughed when asked if a dog could ever outrank his handler or if a soldier might have to salute a dog. Soldiers do not salute dogs, Paza said. "The handler will always be of a higher rank than his dog. It is simply impossible for a service dog to have a higher rank than his handler. Though the master-dog hierarchy is preserved, great love and appreciation are clearly shown to creatures in Poland, where pets are everywhere and some even lay their beloved companions to rest in special pet cemeteries. The Polish government has in recent years also ensured retirement benefits to dogs and horses working in the police, border guard and fire departments. On Friday, as the sun beat down on a hot square in the middle of town, Kukua interrupted the ceremony and ordered the overheated dogs removed even as human soldiers continued to stand there in their uniforms and boots. Staff Sergeant Micha Mynarczyk served in Afghanistan with a dog named Elvis starting in 2011. Together they checked vehicles arriving at the base of an international force for explosives. Elvis died in 2018. Now Mynarczyk is paired with Kobalt, a German shepherd who received his private rank in April. Private Kobalt goes home with him at night and plays with his children. While he loves the entire family, he never loses sight of who is the master. All of the work the dog does is done for me, Mynarczyk said. "Its a bond, its a friendship. New political parties formed after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmirs special autonomy five years ago appear to be bleeding support ahead of the first regional elections since then. Analysts see perceived ties to the central government in New Delhi as a factor. Typical of the trend is former lawmaker Noor Mohammad Sheikh, who recently resigned from the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, or JKAP, a political group he had joined a few years ago in Indian-administrated Kashmir. Established in 2020 by Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, a businessman-turned-politician, and Ghulam Hassan Mir, a veteran politician from north Kashmir, JKAP aimed to build a bridge between the local population and New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reduced the Himalayan region to a federally controlled territory in August 2019. Bukhari and Mir successfully recruited over 50 politicians, including Sheikh, from various pro-India parties, giving JKAP a promising start. The party was expected to reshape the political landscape of the region by challenging the dominance of the two main parties the National Conference, or NC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP. Bukhari took the initiative to engage with the government of India during a time of complete silence in the Kashmir Valley, Sheikh told VOA. I chose to join the party because I believed I could represent my people when no one else was doing so. JKAP, however, suffered an abrupt downfall after a disappointing performance during Indian general elections held earlier this year. With the announcement of the first assembly elections since Indian Kashmir became a union territory scheduled to begin September 18, JKAP began to unravel. Core members of the group started leaving one after another, causing the party to fragment. My workers did not support me, so I chose to leave the [JKAP] after three years, Sheikh said. My supporters and I held a protest on August 5, and on that very day I decided to contest the election as an independent candidate. Noor Ahmad Baba, a prominent Srinagar-based political analyst and professor, told VOA that the central government tried to reshape the politics in Kashmir from above by promoting new political groups in the region, but they couldnt push aside traditional parties, especially the NC. Its hard to achieve such goals in a country like India. Even a dictator wouldnt be able to do it. Over time, people have become more politically aware and can analyze things and respond accordingly, Baba said. The parliamentary elections indicated that building a new political party takes time and sacrifices and cannot be imposed from above. Multiple parties that formed after the region lost its semiautonomous status have faced similar challenges. The Democratic Progressive Azad Party, established by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in September 2022, has lost over a dozen lawmakers, including co-founder Taj Mohiuddin. Azad, once a close aide to Indias opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, faced criticism from the locals who suspect that he, like lawmakers among other regional upstart parties, has a covert alliance with Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The suspicion was fueled by Modis praise for Azad following his exit from the Indian National Congress. Azad, however, dismisses these claims as attempts to undermine his new political role. Similarly, the much longer established Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference, or JKPC, led by separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone, is losing ground. Many attribute its decline to Lones alleged closeness to Modi. Many politicians who left these upstart parties are now running as independent candidates. They say that elections attract new combinations and shifting allegiances. I left JKPC for my own survival, Nizam Ud Din Bhat, a former lawmaker from north Kashmirs Bandipora district, told VOA. My voters and workers wanted me to contest election from my home district as an independent candidate. Muzamil Maqbool, another analyst and a political commentator, believes that public pressure has forced many individuals to run independently. People like the work done by some of these candidates but they do not like the political party they represented, he said. However, we cannot ignore the fact that these independent candidates could join hands with any leading political party in the assembly elections by October this year, he said. Horse trading in politics is not a new thing and in Kashmir; it is often the only way for politicians to secure their future and survive. Professor Baba believes that those who switched parties during tough times and aligned with New Delhi may face difficulties. People now understand that such individuals are motivated by a desire to cling to power, Baba said. I believe it might cost them in the upcoming elections. JKAP co-founder Hassan Mir told VOA that emotional politics played by other parties has impacted people for decades. Every political party is referred to by various names, but if the vision and agenda are clear, its crucial to persuade people regardless of the labels attached, he said. Some members departed because they sought power and realized we couldnt provide it while others left due to unmet expectations regarding their mandates. Wasim Nabi contributed to this story. Russias military said Tuesday it destroyed 144 Ukrainian aerial drones launched in overnight attacks targeting regions across western Russia. Air defenses shot down 20 of the drones over the Moscow region, where Governor Andrey Vorobyov said drones damaged apartment buildings and homes in Lyubertsy and Ramenskoye. The attack killed at least one person and injured three others, Vorobyov said on Telegram. The most intercepts took place over the Bryansk region along the Russia-Ukraine border, but officials there reported no damage or casualties after the 72 drones were shot down. Russian air defenses also downed Ukrainian drones over the Kursk, Tula, Belgorod, Kaluga, Voronezh, Lipetsk and Oryol regions. The governors in most of those areas said on Telegram there were no reports of casualties. Russias latest air assaults on Ukraine included using drones to target the Kyiv region, which has come under repeated attack this month. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on Telegram that air alerts sounded for two hours Tuesday, but that Ukrainian air defenses shot down all of the Russian drones directed at the capital. Ukraines air force said Tuesday it shot down 38 of 46 drones used by Russia in overnight attacks. The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Vinnytsia and Zaporizhzhia regions, the air force said. Ukraine's foreign ministry said Monday it had summoned Iran's charge d'affaires Shahriar Amouzegar to protest the possibility that Tehran is supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. The ministry said on Telegram that it gave Amouzegar a harsh warning that confirmation of missile deliveries to Russia would have "devastating and irreparable consequences" for their bilateral relations. The White House told VOA last week 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. 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. The Kremlin has dismissed the reports and Iranian officials Monday denied supplying Russia with missiles. Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters Smoke from intense wildfires in the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Brazil was choking major cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on Monday, and wafting into neighboring countries. Karla Longo, a researcher at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), said that satellite images showed that 60% of Latin America's largest country had been affected by smoke. "If we consider the areas affected in neighboring countries and in the Atlantic Ocean, the area affected on Sunday was around 10 million km2 [3.8 million square miles]," she added. Authorities in Argentina and Uruguay reported smoke from Brazil's fires impacting parts of their countries on Monday. Sao Paulo, the biggest city in Latin America, on Monday topped the ranking of the world's most polluted major cities, according to the air quality monitoring company IQAir. The rate of fine particles in the air a measure of air quality reached 69 micrograms per cubic meter, almost 14 times higher than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Residents of seaside city Rio de Janeiro were grappling with fine particle rates at five times the recommended limit. Authorities blame human action for most of the recent fires in the country, which are often linked to agricultural activity. The situation has been aggravated by the country's worst drought in seven decades, which experts attribute to climate change. Satellite images from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed a thick cloud of gray smoke along the Andes Mountain range toward the south of the continent on Monday. This is due to the "wind that channels the smoke towards the south, meteorologist Estael Sias told AFP. According to data from INPE, the number of fires in the Amazon since the beginning of the year has almost doubled compared to the same period in 2023. Other regions of Brazil have been battling terrible wildfires in recent days. The vast Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, known for its numerous dramatic waterfalls some 250 kilometers (155 miles) outside the capital Brasilia, has lost some 10,000 hectares of vegetation to flames in recent days. Sias said the situation is not expected to improve "without regular rainfall, which is not likely before October or November. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for talks Tuesday in London about a range of topics including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. U.S. and British officials are also focusing on bilateral relations, as well as issues in the Indo-Pacific. "In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations," Lammy said in a statement ahead of Tuesdays meeting. Blinken was also due to meet later Tuesday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose party returned to power in July for the first time in 14 years. Starmer is scheduled to meet Friday with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Turkey is undertaking a massive expansion of its navy to make it one of Europe's largest naval powers. The buildup is alarming some of its neighbors, but Ankara insists it is purely defensive and meant to meet Turkeys growing regional commitments. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul. BOGOTA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were massacred over the weekend as they were gathered outside in the small rural community of La Sagrada Familia, in Lopez de Micay, a town in western Colombia's Valle del Cauca department, Governor Dilian Francisca Toro confirmed Tuesday. The governor told Colombian news network Caracol Radio that the victims, seven men and five women, were killed by suspected members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group and the Jaime Martinez Front, which comprise dissidents of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). "This is the result of a clash between them over the routes of the illicit economies," she said, referring to drug trafficking and other illegal activities. "They basically executed them, it was a massacre." Despite the government's efforts to strengthen a so-called "Total Peace" policy in the region, there have been ongoing clashes between the ELN and other armed groups, leading area residents to leave for other parts, said the governor. The Sept. 8 attack is one of nearly 50 similar violent clashes in the country so far this year, according to the Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz). A requirement by Turkeys media regulator for journalists on YouTube to have a broadcast license is being criticized as a way for authorities to more easily censor content. In a TV interview earlier this month, Ebubekir Sahin, the head of Turkeys Radio and Television Supreme Council, or RTUK, said that a 2019 regulation means that all broadcasts, including those on the internet, are under our supervision. The 2019 regulation authorized RTUK to request broadcast licenses from "media service providers," including media outlets and digital streaming platforms such as Netflix. But so far, the regulation has not been enforced for journalists who run their own YouTube channels. Sahin said in his interview, however, that the RTUK had met with YouTubes Turkey office last month about the licensing requirement. Several journalists and media advocates view the move as censorship. The initiative seems to aim to eradicate the original news and commentary on YouTube, said Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders, or RSF. He added that the regulation could open the door to arbitrariness and censorship in Turkey. Blocked sites Access to the websites of VOA Turkish and German international public broadcaster Deutsche Welle have already been blocked in Turkey over not obtaining broadcast licenses from the regulator. To justify the decision, Sahin said that journalists who quit mainstream media and produce content on YouTube make unfair profit through commercials and their subscribers. [A journalist] does not get along well with a TV channel and leaves. He goes and opens a [YouTube] channel where he broadcasts news from morning to night. He also gets huge commercials behind him. The accuracy of those commercials has not been checked, and they have not been approved by the Competition Board, Sahin said. Sahin noted that several journalists who broadcast their own shows on YouTube have obtained licenses. But he did not disclose their names. The RTUK head said that the regulator would issue a broadcast license for 10 years and for an affordable price, but did not provide details. According to RTUKs website, a broadcast license for TV or on-demand broadcasting on the internet costs approximately $18,970. VOAs attempts to get comment from RTUK were unsuccessful. In response to an email request for comment, RTUK directed VOA to fill out a form providing personal information such as address and identity card number. Gaining popularity News broadcasts via YouTube are gaining traction in Turkey, according to the June Reuters Institutes Digital News report, with YouTube the most popular social media platform for accessing or sharing news. Over the last decade, a number of famous journalists have gained popularity by carving out a niche on platforms such as YouTube, with less oversight or interference from the government, the report said. The report also pointed out a long-standing media censorship climate in Turkey which it said affects freedom of discussion and debate in social media and video networks. If the authorities leave the watchdog role of journalists news and commentary-focused activities on YouTube to the censorship-oriented RTUK, this international online medium will be no different from any TV channel in Turkey that suffers from censorship, Onderoglu told VOA. That censorship has prompted several journalists to look for alternative places to broadcast independent or opposition views. Unsal Unlu, who used to work for state-run TRT and privately owned stations NTV and HaberTurk, has been broadcasting on YouTube for nine years with the motto of free journalism without patronage. Unlu believes the regulators move to include YouTube broadcasts is aimed at furthering control over the media environment. Sahin wants to imply an authority to control as he wishes. What is the reason? Because they cannot control social media, Unlu told VOA. Now they are trying to point the finger at YouTube broadcasters and create anxiety, perhaps even fear. Problematic requirement Unlu, who has 163,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, said that he would not apply for a license. Ozlem Gurses, who hosted prime-time programs on several TV channels like ATV, HaberTurk, SkyTurk and Halk TV for nearly 30 years, opened her own YouTube channel four years ago. Gurses runs a channel with more than 530,000 followers on YouTube. She uses it to upload live daily broadcasts and commentary about the news. She told VOA the broadcast license requirement for journalists would be difficult. It goes against the spirit of the times. They closed Instagram and lost votes. Because their own voters are there. The pious voters are reacting to these censorship and blocking efforts, Gurses told VOA. There is no regulation for this. The regulation referred to does not provide a definition for YouTube broadcasting. How will you determine the limits? Will it be the number of views, the number of subscribers, the income? Everything is uncertain, Gurses said. Like Unlu, Gurses said she did not plan to apply for a license. This article originated in VOAs Turkish Service. The United Nations rights chief expressed his abhorrence Monday at the recent promulgation of so-called morality laws in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan that silence women or order them to cover their faces and bodies in public. Volker Turk told a U.N. Human Rights Council session in Geneva that the new laws were implemented alongside bans on Afghan girls attending secondary school, prohibiting female students from accessing university education, and severely curtailing women's access to public life and employment opportunities. I shudder to think what is next for the women and girls of Afghanistan. This repressive control over half the population in the country is unparalleled in todays world, the U.N. Human Rights Commissioner stated. Turk denounced the morality laws as outrageous and amounting to systematic gender persecution. He warned that the intensifying curbs on women are propelling Afghanistan further down a path of isolation, pain, and hardship. It would also jeopardize the countrys future by massively stifling its development, he added. Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of Afghan human rights, also spoke and informed Mondays session in Geneva that the Taliban had lately barred him from visiting the country to conduct assessments in line with his mandate. He added that the morality law marks a new phase in the ongoing repression of respect for human rights since the Taliban regained control of the country three years ago. The 114-page, 35-article law enacted by the Taliban last month outlines various actions and specific conduct that the Taliban consider mandatory or prohibited for Afghan men and women in line with their strict interpretation of the Islamic law of Sharia. The restrictions prohibit Afghan women from traveling without a male guardian, require them to be silent in public, enforce mandatory covering of females from head to toe, including their faces, and forbid eye contact between women and unrelated men. The law empowers the Talibans contentious Ministry for Promoting Virtue and Preventing Vice to enforce it strictly. Ministry enforcers are ordered to discipline offenders, and penalties may include anything from a verbal warning to fines to imprisonment for offenses such as adultery, extramarital sex, lesbianism, taking pictures of living objects, and befriending non-Muslims. Taliban leaders did not comment on Mondays U.N. assertions, but they have rejected previous international criticism of the morality laws. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, recently stated that non-Muslims should educate themselves about Islamic laws and respect Islamic values" before rejecting or raising objections to them. We find it blasphemous to our Islamic Sharia when objections are raised without understanding it, he said. No country has officially recognized the Taliban as the legitimate ruler of Afghanistan, citing human rights concerns, particularly the harsh treatment of women. Any normalization of engagement with the de facto authorities must be based on demonstrated, measurable, and independently verifiable improvements in human rights, Bennett stressed in his speech Monday, urging the Islamist Taliban to reverse current policies. A controversial law on foreign influence transparency is heading toward full implementation in Georgia, even though the country aspires to join the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. September 2 was the deadline for Georgian nongovernmental organizations and media organizations receiving more than one-fifth of their funding from abroad to register as organizations serving the interests of a foreign power. Only 1.6% of the countrys organizations chose to do so. Many organizations expect they will be forced to register and fined for allegedly serving foreign interests. Georgias so-called foreign agent law has been labeled a Russian-style law and heavily criticized by Georgias Western partners, who say it undermines the hope of most Georgians that their country will join European institutions. Georgias government, however, insists the law simply seeks to ensure transparency. On October 26, Georgians will head to the polls to elect a new parliament, and the political opposition believes these elections will be a referendum on whether the country will continue to move toward integration with Europe. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien spoke with Voice of Americas Georgian Service about what the Biden administration will be most closely watching. VOA: The Georgian government is moving ahead with implementation of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, which has triggered criticism and the imposition of travel restrictions against Georgian government officials by the U.S. and a pause in aid by both the U.S. and the EU. What message does the Biden administration have now for the Georgian leadership? Will the process of implementing the law affect whether the October parliamentary election will be seen as free and fair? U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien: We want the Georgian people to be able to register their votes in a free and fair election. For that to happen, we need to see the whole process work well, all these organizations [being] able to work effectively over the next several months without fear of oppression or violence. This law, as we've said repeatedly, is flawed fundamentally. There are ways that European states protect their election systems. This law does not do that. Having a government agency essentially force a registration and have access to all the data in that organization is at odds with modern European practice. Its caused an enormous amount of damage to Georgia's prospects for joining the EU and NATO. The elections need to be free and fair. It's good that the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe will be able to have a mission to observe some parts [of the election], but it also depends on the community groups. All of that is one big system, and this law tries to kick one leg out from a three-legged stool. It doesn't work. And so, I'm worried that it means the elections will not be free and fair, and they certainly won't be seen as free and fair. Without that, Georgia can't make the next step forward. VOA: The U.S. and Georgia have been strategic partners for over three decades. The Biden administration has taken several steps, including visa restrictions, pausing aid and postponing joint military drills. What might the next steps be? What are the options on the table? OBrien: Weve already put in place restriction on travel to the U.S. that's affected dozens of people. We're not allowed to say who exactly. But it's a very significant step. We have suspended help, assistance to a range of the Georgian society. That's a shame, but it's necessary. And the EUs said that the process of joining the EU is effectively suspended. We do not want to see a return to the kind of violence, harassment and oppression that we saw in the spring, where civil society groups, individuals were visited by often-thuggish groups with Russian accents, they were visited by members of the government. All of those things can't happen. VOA: Meanwhile, [ruling party] Georgian Dream leaders have promised to "ban opposition parties" following the elections. How does this sound coming from the leadership of a country aspiring to EU and NATO membership, and what concerns does it raise about the ruling partys intentions? OBrien: It doesn't sound like a democracy. One party doesn't get to decide what other party gets to compete. It's for the citizens to decide what parties take their seats in parliament, according to fair rules that are understood in advance. So, I think that was a very revealing comment. And it suggests that this is not a government capable of bringing Georgia toward Europe. VOA: Russian intelligence services are accusing the U.S. of plotting "regime change" in Georgia. Some Georgian Dream members also have accused U.S. organizations like the NDI or IRI [the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute, both of which are American nongovernmental organizations funded by the U.S. government] of helping the opposition. What do you make of these accusations, and are you worried about possible Russian interference or malign influence in the Georgian elections? OBrien: Well, anyone who believes the Russian security services, I think, is fooling themselves. The American organizations are very transparent. It's known who we work with, and we work to support the Georgian people so that they can organize themselves inside or outside government. That's the full goal. We don't pick winners and losers. We are for the Georgian people, most of whom, almost 90% of whom, want to move toward Europe, and it's this government with its very bad legal drafting like it's just bad lawyering that has caused this problem. And we would like them to fix it so that the Georgian people can organize themselves and could have a free and fair election. If the government succeeds in denying access to resources by all these groups, the only ones left standing will be Russian sources of information. So, whatever the case has been till now, what the government is doing [now] makes it much easier for Russia to dominate Georgia's information space. VOA: After so many high-level engagements with the Georgian authorities, and Prime Minister [Irakli] Kobakhidze speaking about the need for resetting the relationship, do you have any indication that they might be ready to change course? OBrien: No. And they're in denial. They haven't noticed weve suspended $95 million in assistance. The EU is suspending a proportionate amount: They are saying you don't get to move toward Europe. And what Georgian Dream tries to tell its voters, and all Georgian citizens, is [that] everything is fine. It is not fine. Georgia wants to join the European Union. There are clear rules. The people responsible for those rules are saying you have made a mistake. You have written a bad law. They are on the verge of writing two new bad laws and those need to stop in order for the people of Georgia to get what they overwhelmingly want. We've said again and again to the Georgian officials: The transparency you say you want is readily available. All the American organizations are transparent. The European organizations are transparent. There are ways to achieve that. But they've chosen to do it in a way that lets the [Georgian] Ministry of Justice control your local neighborhood organization. And that's not democratic, and it's not part of Europe. We want them to turn back so that the Georgian people can be part of Europe. Washington is imposing new sanctions on Iran over its supply of missiles to Russia for use in Moscow's illegal invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Tuesday. The U.S. State Department said the sanctions aimed to further constrain "Iran's destabilizing activities" and target individuals and businesses based in Iran and Russia, including Iran's flagship airline, Iran Air, which the U.S. said was involved in the weapons transfer. Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that Iran had transferred shipments of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, and that they could be employed against Ukraine "within weeks." Prior to the transfer, Russian military personnel were trained in Iran to use this system, he said. Ryder called Iran's transfer of the short-range missiles, which can hit targets up to 120 kilometers away, a "concerning development" that deepens Russia's military arsenal. "One has to assume that if Iran is providing Russia with these types of missiles, that it's very likely it would not be a one-time deal [and] that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future," he added. Speaking in London, Blinken said the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran "threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran's destabilizing influence reaches far beyond the Middle East." "For its part, Russia is sharing technology that Iran seeks," Blinken told reporters. "This is a two-way street, including on nuclear issues, as well as some space information." Blinken added that Russian President Vladimir Putin was now relying increasingly on help from Iran and North Korea to get weapons, a clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, and was also getting aid from China. "One of the reasons that Putin is able to continue this aggression is because of the provision of support from the People's Republic of China, the biggest supplier of machine tools, the biggest supplier of microelectronics, all of which are helping Russia sustain its defense industrial base." Without specifically identifying ballistic missiles, Moscow confirmed Monday that Russia and Iran are cooperating in the "most sensitive" areas. "Iran is our important partner," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a phone call. "We are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive ones." When Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visit Kyiv this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will likely push for the Western allies to allow Kyiv to use their long-range missiles on targets inside Russia, said analyst Garret Martin, co-director of the Transatlantic Policy Center at American University in Washington. "Generally, the U.K. has been often more at the forefront, maybe more at the vanguard, of being more supportive of Ukraine," he told VOA. "So, it's a question here especially if you're thinking about the debates over long-range strikes are they able now to come up on a sort of similar position?" Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday ahead of the visit to Kyiv, Blinken said that U.S. President Joe Biden is "not ruling out" allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missiles to strike targets inside Russia. Ukraine has had "what it needed, when it needed it, to be effective in repelling the Russian aggression," Blinken said. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is due to visit Biden in Washington Friday, with Ukraine and the Middle East at the top of the agenda. "Particularly for Ukraine and for the Middle East, the next few weeks and months are critically important," Starmer told the BBC on Sunday. "And therefore, it's important for me to speak to President Biden about our shared response, the response of our allies to the pressing, immediate issues, but also to the more strategic long-term issues." Last week, Britain announced the suspension of some arms sales to Israel over concerns its attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza breach humanitarian law, which Israel denies. The U.S. is continuing to supply weapons and says it does not believe Israel is breaking international law. Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report. Leading terror groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State, once pushed to the brink after years of military pressure from the United States and its allies, have found ways to recover and once again represent a serious and lethal threat, according to a top U.S. counterterrorism official. The rare public assessment from the acting director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center comes just days before the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida terror attacks on the U.S. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, and emphasized the impact of more recent terror strikes and of technology in galvanizing the terror landscape. "We are today in the midst of another transformative moment in the global terrorism threat landscape," said the NCTCs Brett Holmgren, speaking to a counterterrorism symposium in New York. Groups like ISIS just a few years ago were at their nadir," he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State terror group, also known as IS or Daesh. But now the U.S. sees a much more distributed threat, in part because of some of the counterterrorism pressures that have been applied," Holmgren added. "We see a real proliferation of the threat and really a shift towards, at least for al-Qaida, the center of gravity in parts of Africa, he said. "You see, frankly, al-Qaida basically [was] kicked out of Afghanistan over the last few years, and they have a very small footprint left there. "You also see the Islamic State and others that have been pushed out of their safe havens in Syria, where they are now deliberately operating in much smaller cells to evade detection," he added. As a result, the threat posed by al-Qaida and IS to the U.S. are not the same as they once were, according to Holmgren, echoing statements by other top U.S. intelligence officials that while the terror organizations and their affiliates have a desire to strike at the U.S., they are, for now, lacking the ability to do so. The capacity and the capability is not there, Holmgren said, citing sustained counterterrorism pressure from the U.S. and its allies. Instead, U.S. counterterrorism officials see al-Qaida and IS embracing the online environment to recruit and, in some cases, provide resources to individuals in the West to carry out attacks on their own. Other nations, however, including some U.S. allies, are not as convinced that the threat from hotspots like Afghanistan and Syria have diminished. A United Nations report this past July, based on intelligence from member states, argued that al-Qaida has thrived in Afghanistan, benefiting from the protection of the Taliban government while expanding its network of training camps and safe houses. And U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East and South Asia, said separately in July that the pace of IS attacks in Syria and Iraq is set to double compared to last year. The political wing of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic forces has issued similar warnings in the past year. But Holmgren and other U.S. intelligence officials argue the biggest danger, for now, is what al-Qaida, IS and other terror groups can organize online. U.S. officials see signs that al-Qaida, IS and even Iranian-backed terror groups like Hezbollah have embraced AI, or artificial intelligence, using the technology to produce higher-quality and more targeted propaganda. And while the use of AI may not be sophisticated, officials say there is evidence it has been effective, both in gaining followers and in using AI-generated voices and images, to help terrorist operatives evade detection. Additionally, the new push by terror groups like al-Qaida and IS continues to be super-charged by last years October 7 Hamas terror attack carried out against Israel in which the group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., United Kingdom and European Union killed about 1,200 people, with another 250 taken hostage. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israels retaliatory offensive against Hamas. And a range of terror groups has seized on the conflict to call for attacks against the West. The Hamas attack sparked a tectonic shift in the threat environment, said Rebecca Weiner, the New York Police Departments deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism. The ripple effects that we have experienced since October 7, that we will experience over the years to come, they're not really ripples. They're waves, she said, speaking at the symposium in New York. I don't really expect things to get too much better, unfortunately, in the months ahead. The NCTCs Holmgren called the October 7 attack a unique flashpoint. That is, in our view, the most consequential event when it comes to violent Islamic extremism in terms of radicalization and recruitment since 9/11, he said. It's really remarkable in how it's united these really disparate groups, from neo-Nazis to al-Qaida to Iranian-linked groups. There are also fears the AI-enhanced propaganda and recruitment drives have been especially efficient at targeting young adults and teenagers. We have a whole new generation of homegrown violent, violent extremists, especially younger individuals and juveniles, to worry about, said the NYPDs Weiner. The younger people who are radicalizing, who [are] unable to incorporate all this information that they're receiving in a digital world and bring that into the 3D context in a way that's safe. As the international community closely follows fallout from the disputed Venezuelan election, the United States is calling for transparency and weighing actions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, which has issued arrest warrants against opposition leaders, including rival presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. Celia Mendoza reports from the State Department in Washington. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is seeking to convince opposition supporters that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the president-elect of the South American country. This, despite his fleeing to Spain over the weekend due to increasing tensions over the disputed presidential election. Machado said in an online appearance Monday that the opposition is still hopeful that Gonzalez will take the oath of office on Jan. 10, replacing Venezuela's incumbent authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, who claims he won the July 28 election. "We all know that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is the elected president of Venezuela ... whether he is in Venezuela or anywhere else in the world," Machado said. She said that Gonzalez could carry out his presidential responsibilities from abroad "with much greater protection and security" but did not explain how he could lead Venezuela while residing on another continent. Gonzalez, 75, and his wife arrived at a Spanish military airport near Madrid late Sunday. He had been in hiding since the election and had ignored several summonses from prosecutors. "I have taken this decision thinking of Venezuela and that our destiny as a country cannot, must not, be that of a conflict of pain and suffering," Gonzalez posted on the X social media platform. Gonzalez and Maduro each claimed they won the July poll. The country's top court, stacked with Maduro loyalists, backed his claim to a third six-year term. Venezuela's election authority declared Maduro the winner of the election just hours after the polls closed but did not publish any results. The opposition, however, claimed Gonzalez won a landslide victory, publishing voting tallies that it said were from 80% of the country's 30,000 voting booths, showing that Gonzalez won by a ratio of more than 2-to-1. At least 27 people have been killed and almost 200 people have been injured in post-election violence in Venezuela. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse Zimbabwes government has introduced hefty fines of up to $5,000 for poor service in the country's telecommunications industry. In a statement Tuesday, Zimbabwes ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the government will levy fines of between $200 and $5,000 per infringement for telecommunications companies and internet providers who fail to give reliable service. Willard Shoko, an independent high-speed internet consultant, said the new fines could result in a solid telecom industry that can compete in the entire southern African region. The motive behind that is to improve internet for the end user. But I think they should also consider improving the infrastructure sharing and also collaboration to improve internet, not only for the region but also for Zimbabwe, because this is the foundation of the digital economy, Shoko said. I think they should also think about how the internet can be improved and the partnership that can help improve the internet. Fungai Mandiveyi, media and corporate affairs executive at Econet Wireless, Zimbabwes biggest telecommunications company, said the new regulations will be easier to comply with than those that existed before. The new provisions introduce a new model of penalties, unlike the blanket penalty that existed in the previous statutory instrument, Mandiveyi said. The new penalties are now linked to specific quality of service breaches, that have also been clearly spelled out. There is now more clarity in what constitutes a service breach, and what penalty goes with a specific breach of the quality of service. However, Christopher Musodza, an independent digital policy consultant, said the pressure to maintain internet service during Zimbabwes frequent power outages may present challenges for telecom companies. For the telecoms provider, its going to be tough, he said. The economy is not performing as anyone would want. We have got issues to do with long hours of load shedding, so service providers have to power their base stations for long hours to ensure that they meet the key performance indicators. So, imagine running generators for most of the day to ensure that you avoid a fine. (Im) not sure what will cost more; trying to keep up with these economic factors or just paying the fine. Zimbabweans have long complained about poor and expensive telecommunication service. Shoko said that is the reason they are welcoming the government's decision this month to approve Starlinks license to operate in Zimbabwe. The U.S.-based satellite company, owned by Elon Musk, has established a presence in several other African countries, including Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia. They can now easily get internet anywhere in Zimbabwe at an affordable price, thereby bridging the digital divide. Thats one major thing for the end user, Shoko said of Starlinks presence. For the local ISPs [internet service providers], there is massive opportunity that Zimbabwe can take advantage of investment in ground infrastructure, he added. Currently in Africa, Nigeria has only two ground stations that are servicing the whole of Africa. If the Zimbabwe government and local ISPs can work together with Starlink to provide ground stations in Zimbabwe, this will allow local ISPs to provide internet to Starlink, and provide better latencies in the region. So this will improve Starlink internet for local Zimbabweans, as well as the region. Philadelphia (Reuters) It is the birthplace of U.S. independence, the "City of Brotherly Love," and the hometown of beloved fictional boxer "Rocky" Balboa. Now Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will be center stage again when Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet in a highly anticipated televised debate that could weigh heavily on the November election. The two, who have never met in person, will square off at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT) for a 90-minute debate hosted by ABC News. Police are bracing for protests, with pro-Palestinian groups angry with Harris' continued support of Israel planning to demonstrate. Barricades have been erected around the National Constitution Center, the site of the debate, barring access to the historic area that includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution was signed. Meanwhile, several of the city's bars and universities are planning watch parties. Top Democrats will gather at a hotel for a watch party that Harris is expected to attend after the debate ends. Trump's plans after the debate are not yet public. Some Philadelphia residents said they hoped to learn more about Harris. "I wasn't, like, super impressed with her in 2020 when she had the presidential debates and for the primary," said Dan Bessler, a Philadelphia resident and sales worker. "But she is a prosecutor. ... I think she'll be able to hold her own better than Biden was able to at his age." President Joe Biden's faltering debate performance against Trump in June essentially ended his political career, sparking powerful Democrats to convince him he should step aside ahead and allow Harris, his vice president, to run instead. Since then, Harris has broken fundraising records and sparked new enthusiasm in the party, but opinion polls suggest a tight race looms with Trump. With 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania is the biggest prize of the basket of battleground states expected to decide the election. Most pundits predict whoever wins Pennsylvania will win the White House. Democrats historically win Pennsylvania by running up huge margins in Philadelphia, to offset losses throughout much of the rest of the state. In 2020, the city saw its highest turnout since 1984 68% but it paled beside the statewide figure of 76.5%. BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has never been a major creditor in Africa and has always actively helped Africa ease its debt repayment pressure through bilateral and multilateral channels, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said here Tuesday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a related question. Mao said that according to the data of the World Bank, multilateral and private creditors account for 80 percent of Africa's sovereign foreign debt, while bilateral debt accounts for only a minority. Even so, China has always actively helped Africa ease its debt repayment pressure through bilateral and multilateral channels. In fact, China is the biggest contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative, she said. In the action plan adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China also put forward specific debt relief measures, Mao added. Mao highlighted several characteristics of China's cooperation with Africa summarized by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when he met with reporters after the summit. First, it does not interfere in Africa's internal affairs and sincerely provides assistance; second, it closely follows the needs of Africa's development and focuses on enhancing Africa's independent development capabilities; third, it does not engage in geopolitical games, opposes creating camp opposition in Africa, and opposes using Africa for personal gain. In fact, since its founding 24 years ago, the FOCAC has played an important role in promoting Africa's development and improving livelihoods of people in Africa, Mao said. China has helped Africa build and upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports. Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million jobs in Africa over the past three years alone. "All of this will help Africa break through the bottleneck of development and fundamentally solve the debt problem," she said. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African leaders said during the summit that China's investment in Africa represents mutually beneficial cooperation and will not push Africa into a "debt trap," she added. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized, international cooperation with Africa should be just, equal and pragmatic, Mao said. "We call on the international community, especially developed countries and international financial institutions, to shoulder their responsibilities and help African countries alleviate their debt burden and achieve sustainable development," she added. The European Union said Monday its allies had shared "credible" intelligence that Iran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, a move Washington warned would be met with "significant consequences". The claim was rejected by Tehran but not explicitly denied by the Kremlin. EU and US officials said that, if true, it would constitute a major "escalation" of Iran's support for Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine. US media outlets reported last week that Washington believed Iran had transferred the weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, citing anonymous sources. "We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia," EU spokesman Peter Stano said. "We are looking further into it with our member states and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine." Stano added that "the EU leaders' unanimous position has always been clear. The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran". Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said during a weekly press conference: "We strongly reject the claims on Iran's role in exporting arms to one side of the war." The West has been warning Tehran against sending Russia missiles for months, and the EU has already repeatedly hit Iran with sanctions for supplying drones to Moscow for the war in Ukraine. "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," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told journalists. "We have been clear... that we're prepared to deliver significant consequences." - 'Severe' response - The Kremlin did not issue a denial on Monday when asked specifically about the Wall Street Journal report that Iran had sent missiles. "We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas." The United States had previously said any deliveries would invoke a "severe" response and damage Tehran's efforts to improve relations with the West following the election of reformist Masoud Pezeshkian as president. Faced with punishing Western sanctions, Moscow has turned to Iran and North Korea for weapons supplies to keep its war machine going in Ukraine. Ukraine says it has been attacked with Iranian-designed Shahed drones on an almost daily basis from Russia and has found fragments of North Korean missiles on its territory. The Kremlin has once again stepped up its bombing campaign against Ukraine's key infrastructure ahead of winter. burs/rlp/giv The newsletter is published in several languages. Several foreign ministries from different countries have already subscribed. However, it presents a view of the world so different from that of the subsidized press that, in France, the Press Joint Committee refuses to recognize it as a publication in its own right. According to the Commission, we dont do journalism (sic). Admittedly, we are real journalists, not parrots of the powers that be. Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world. Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year], is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense. Whats more, 10 times a year, subscribers are invited to a Zoom virtual meeting with publications director Thierry Meyssan. Contents of issue N98: EDITORIAL 1837 Keir Starmer, agent of the Trilateral Commission AMERICAS 1838 The Bibi Files 1839 US Democrats condemn Hamas 1840 US Supreme Court Should Clarify Whether Social Networks Are Responsible for Automatic Advice from Their Algorithms 1841 The Biden administration condemns Russian media interference 1842 The White House takes action to ban spyware in the EU 1843 Mexico wants to elect its judges 1844 Dominican Republic seizes Venezuelan presidential Plane 1845 The Venezuelan prosecutors office issues an arrest warrant for Edmundo Gonzalez 1846 Brazil bans social media platform X EUROPE 1847 The United Kingdom suspends some of its arms deliveries to Israel 1848 Pavel Durov and Xavier Niel 1849 Emmanuel Macron cancels France 2024 Ambassadors Conference 1850 French General Thierry Burkhard warns of the end of Western supremacy 1851 Success of the AfD and the BSW in former East Germany 1852 Poland negotiates the rewriting of its history with Ukraine 1853 The European Commission is concerned about a few visas granted by Hungary to Belarusians and Russians 1854 X wont improve its AI model with European data 1855 New Left Group in the European Parliament 1856 The Draghi Report is ready 1857 The EU and the training of Ukrainian soldiers 1858 Towards an increase in the EUs satellite budget 1859 Serbia buys French military aircraft 1860 First Ukrainian F-16 lost 1861 Cabinet reshuffle in Ukraine 1862 Record profit for Gazprom 1863 Russia opens up to the Asia-Pacific region 1864 Russia builds a ghost fleet of LNG carriers AFRICA 1865 The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation opens up broad prospects 1866 Crisis in Libya 1867 Russia withdraws officers from Burkina Faso 1868 Nicolas Sarkozy in Cameroon 1869 Djibouti Proposal to Ethiopia 1870 Purge of the Rwandan army ASIA 1871 Six hostages executed by Hamas as IDF approaches 1872 General strike in Israel 1873 Benjamin Netanyahus change of policy 1874 The Kahanist for the reconstruction of the temple on the ruins of the Al-Aqsa Mosque 1875 General Elad Goren reconstitutes an occupation authority for the Gaza Strip 1876 IDF plans to occupy the West Bank 1877 General Yitzhak Brik announces the collapse of Israel within a year 1878 IDF prepares for suspension of US arms deliveries 1879 Hezbollah destroyed IDF Unit 8200 1880 Riad Salame in pre-trial detention 1881 Azerbaijan general election 1882 Mongolia receives Vladimir Putin despite ICC arrest warrant 1883 North Korea supplies ammunition to the Russian army 1884 Chinas commitment against Western domination 1885 Russia and China settled their territorial disputes INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 1886 The International Criminal Court considers possible indictment of Palestinian and Israeli leaders Grants been terrific in recent years as characters of questionable moral standing, but his riveting turn in Heretic is something else entirely. Photo: A24/Everett Collection This is the freak-show period of my career, Hugh Grant said to a question about why hes turned in recent years toward playing villains. I got old. I got ugly. No one offered me leading men anymore. The occasion was a Q&A after a Toronto International Film Festival screening of Scott Beck and Bryan Woodss new A24 horror film, Heretic, in which Grant plays Mr. Reed, an eerie man with a lot of thoughts about religion who may or may not be holding two Mormon sister missionaries hostage in his creepy old house. Im quite drawn to evil, violence, death, he added. I feel very happy in that world. Not long after that, someone from the audience wished him a happy birthday; Hugh Grant had just turned 64. While Grant has done some terrific work in recent years as either villains or at least characters of questionable moral standing think Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Undoing, and Paddington II his riveting turn in Heretic is something else entirely. In some ways, its a classic Hugh Grant role: We recognize all those familiar mannerisms and tics and gestures that once helped him charm his way to the A-list in hits like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill. But now that the floppy hair is gone and the wrinkles have set in and the voice has become gravelly, the persona has been poisoned. By the time its all over, its hard to imagine anyone else pulling off this role, which feels like its in conversation with the actors earlier years. Its enough to make one ask, Has Hugh Grant always been the villain? A silly question, perhaps, but an intriguing one because of how disarming he was in all those earlier movies. Those were performances, to be sure sometimes great ones but Grant seemed to know exactly the right combination of gestures to win us over. All actors have to seduce us to some degree, but the ones playing villains who charm their victims to lure them in have to seduce us more than others. And the Hugh Grantisms are all still there in Heretic: the rapid blinking, denoting nervousness; the raised eyebrows suggesting intermittent helplessness; the sudden toothy smiles, attempts to break the tension. He grimaces at having to navigate awkward exchanges; he shrugs with boyish guilelessness; he does the combination head-tilt half-snarl when he has to say something maybe a teensy bit unpleasant. The film basically features only three characters: Besides Reed, theres Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), the two young missionaries whove called at his door in the middle of a storm because hed earlier expressed some interest in learning more about Mormonism. He invites them in. They note that they cant enter unless theres another woman present. He says his wife will come right out and that shes got a pie in the oven. Plus, his general affability helps draw these young women in, maybe like it once did in rom-coms and other, more pleasant films. The two innocents enter, and soon Reed has them in the middle of a thorny debate about faith and why exactly they believe what they believe. Well, its more of a lecture: Reed, who quickly makes it clear that hes studied a lot about religion and probably knows more about Mormonism than the two girls do, has a lot of ideas about faith. The films most bravura scene has nothing to do with suspense or scares (though Heretic has plenty of those), but rather features Reed expounding on the history of the worlds monotheistic religions, working in references to the history of the board game Monopoly and pop-song plagiarism along the way. Its a chatty part, Mr. Reed, and Grant observed in his Q&A that he works best when he has a lot of dialogue to handle. I dread moments in films when Im not speaking, he said. I get self-conscious. Thats another thing about his turn in Heretic. Once the story really kicks in, Grant seems so at ease, almost as if an entire layer of phoniness has been removed. His rom-com performances were so relatable because of the constant self-doubt of his characters. Mr. Reed, for all his aw-shucks shrugs and hesitations, doesnt turn out to have any self-doubt. What makes him so terrifying eventually is how comfortable he winds up being in his skin. When Grant says the offers dried up, hes not kidding. Even figures like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have struggled in their later years to find lead roles worthy of their talents. (Before De Niro reconnected with Martin Scorsese, his career had almost become a punch line.) Grant had a double challenge, because the genre he was most associated with, the studio romantic comedy, pretty much died as a big-screen endeavor. He got old, and the kinds of movies he made got old. And the movies got old not just because they stopped being hits, but because audiences probably became a lot more cynical about love, or at least what those movies sold to us as love. Grants turn in Heretic is not just a great role that commands attention, its also a part that requires a dash of that Hugh Grant charm to pull off. Yes, we know were in a horror movie, but we spend the first act of the film secretly hoping that Mr. Reed will turn out to be an okay guy, that his wife will indeed turn out to be in the next room with her blueberry pie, and that he really is curious to find out what these two smiling young women think of Mormonism that Sister Paxton and Sister Barness slowly gathering suspicions are just some kind of horrid, comical misunderstanding that will soon be cleared up. But the truth is that the world doesnt make movies like Notting Hill or About a Boy anymore. It makes movies like Heretic. I was in college when I first read My Brilliant Friend, the first volume in Elena Ferrantes Neapolitan Quartet. It was a sleepy month between winter break and the beginning of the spring semester, and I read maniacally, all day, without reservation. At the time, Id been perturbed by what I perceived as a problem in the discussions of my schools feminist club. I thought there was too wide a gap between what we talked about and how we applied concepts to our lives. When push came to shove, how could we make something real out of what we believed? The Story of the Lost Child, the fourth and final book in the quartet and the source material for the last season of HBOs excellent adaptation of Ferrantes series, is, at first, all about this question; in fact, to varying degrees, the story of Lila and Lenus friendship is. When we left them last season, Lenu had finally written a second book and left her husband for Nino Sarratore. Her book, which she researched at Ninos encouragement and wrote while she waited for him to come back into her life, is about mens invention of woman Anna Karenina, Emma Bovary, Eve, and how the models for womanhood had all been designed by men, in mens image. In the aftermath of writing a book about womens liberation, Lenu liberated herself. When The Separation opens, Lenu now played by Alba Rohrwacher, in the first change of cast since the very first season is still with Nino in Montpellier, where theyve gone to solidify their commitment to one another. She calls Pietro, hoping to talk to her daughters, to no avail. Besides the whirlwind of her affair with Nino, the success of her book keeps Lenu busy: Her French publishers want her to do more events in Paris, which contributes to the delay in her return to Florence. But even Nino, who is talking on the phone when Lenu makes it back to their hotel room, harps on the urgency of their going back: Isolating themselves in other countries wont do. In order for their life together to start taking shape, they need to go back and face their spouses and children. Lenu is suspicious that Nino has been talking on the phone with his wife, Eleonora, but he denies it. Nino Sarratore, Id like to say right off the bat, is a textbook case of an esquerdomacho, which is an expression we have in Brazilian Portuguese to describe men who use the political language of the left to manipulate women. This is probably in my top three most despised types of men, probably even above a proud misogynist like Michele Solara, because of all their sleazy posturing. Nino infuriates me beyond reason. Seeing him last season, eating lunch at Lenu and Pietros house, playing sweetly with their children, needling Pietro that he needed to assume a bigger share of the housework so Lenu could have time to write and think, and now seeing him absconded in hotel rooms with her while taking suspicious phone calls, drives me up the wall. But Lenu loves him, though she knows theres something deeply wrong with him even her dreams warn her of his unreliability. When she makes it back to her old apartment in Florence, its empty. A Christmas tree glows sadly forgotten in a corner; she looks for her daughters in every room. On the phone, she learns from Mariarosa that Adele, her mother-in-law, took them so Pietro and Lenu could talk things through. It upsets Lenu that plans were changed behind her back, not that she kept those plans in the first place: She was supposed to have Christmas dinner with her family, but she only made it home at 3 a.m. The only thing waiting for her in Florence was a series of aggravated messages from Lila, the where the hell are you type. Not that what ultimately comes to pass is her fault, but when Lenu sees Pietro in the kitchen in the morning, she leads with a bad strategy. She demands to know why she hadnt been consulted about the girls Christmas plans. Not unreasonably, she argues that they need to make some kind of agreement about how to move forward. She proposes to live with the girls in a separate apartment and have Pietro come to visit them on weekends; when she floats the idea of living in Naples, Pietro loses it. He punches a cabinet, drawing blood and scaring Lenu, screaming that he doesnt want his daughters to grow up in Naples. He lets Lenu wrap his wound to be fair, though his outburst is unjustifiably violent, Pietro looks pretty scared, too. Scared enough that he called Immacolata, who needs to be picked up from the train station, to perhaps talk some sense into Lenu. The fact that Pietro calls Immacolata to resolve a conflict shows how out of touch he is with Lenus family and upbringing. At first, Immacolata gives it the old playground try: Say youre sorry and that you love each other. But Lenu wont change her mind, and it drives Immacolata into a rage. She attacks Lenu, beating and cursing her, calling her a slut, saying Lila is better than her, that she hopes Nino will give her syphilis and the clap, that this whole time shed been thinking Lila was the bad influence when Lila became a good person in the absence of Lenu. Trying to protect herself, Lenu shoves her mother back, and she falls with a thud on the floor. Youre not my daughter anymore, she says before asking the Lord to take her. Its a striking scene, brutal to watch. Later, through a closed door, Pietro tells Lenu: Its too much. Even you dont deserve it. If Immacolata is disowning her unequivocally, Lenu hopes at first to find maternal leniency in Adele. A separated woman with two daughters and your ambitions has to face reality and decide what to give up, Adele advises, in a twisted manipulation of feminine solidarity. Its true that Lenu will have to sacrifice something, but to sacrifice her daughters to Adele in the name of freedom is to succumb to the image of her the Airotas have started to conjure. Not that Lenu has this clarity of vision at this point: She needs the girls to stay there while she is in Milan with Mariarosa for a book event, anyway. There, she talks about the tragedies of the neighborhoods wives and mothers; she speaks often of Lila, though she doesnt utter her name. Someone wants to know what Lenu herself is guilty of. Of learning the language of males to have more success with your books? This is a question that preoccupies Ferrante, who on occasion has spoken about her own wrestling with the notion that women writers have to imitate a male sensibility in literature. At Mariarosas, Lenu finds out that Franco and Silvia, who have been invited for a catch-up dinner, got a lot milder since recovering from the awful incident with a group of fascists that blinded Franco and brutalized Silvia. Franco thinks words are losing their meaning, which is the definitive break between his vision of the world and Lenus for her, the world has never been so rich. Nino calls her and gives her all that classic Nino talk: Hes going to die without her, doesnt she need him anymore, cant she tell how much he misses her, blah blah blah. He wants her to meet him at a seaside town the next day before the school year starts and their schedules get busy, and Lenu postpones picking up her daughters again in order to be with him. Id be moved by their run-toward-each-other embrace at the train station if I didnt hate this guys guts so intensely. A weekend turns into a month, a year, a year and a half. A black and white montage of real footage of demonstrations and upheavals of Italian political life from the time serves as the background to Lenus summary of what happened during that time observing, learning, participating, and above all, committing to each other, Lenu and Nino felt like their true life had begun. They beam with the invincibility of new love, their optimism seeping into the way they carry themselves. At a conference, Nino speaks openly against his comrades it doesnt even shake him when they boo him out of the room, enraged at his criticism of the Italian politician and premier Aldo Moro. The light warms on them as they frolic, I think is the best word to describe it, around town. Lenu begins to get a feeling that its time for her and Nino to move in together, to make their union an active part of their childrens lives. She feels affirmed in her instinct that she can trust him completely when, in bed one morning, Nino admits to her that he was always jealous of her intelligence. When they were teenagers, hed commissioned an article from her for the student newspaper, a pivotal moment in their adolescence and an early disappointment. Nino never ran the essay; Lenu thought that it was because he didnt think it was good enough. As it turns out, he was intimidated by her, too envious of her ability to make it widely known. To Lenu, his confession feels like a confirmation of their mutual trust: They can be frank with each other, even about their ugly feelings. Just as she is about to ask him to move in together, the phone rings. Pietro is in the hospital, his head bandaged and his temper softened. A group of fascists jumped him, dealing blows to his head with a stick. By his bedside is a nice woman named Doriana, and when Adele arrives with the girls, Lenu is hit with the painful realization that in her absence, life went on. She is excluded from the family unit: Dede in particular can barely look at her. Its Pietro who comforts them, Adele who allows them to have a soda. Though he is in the hospital, Pietros strength is striking: Bolstered by his happiness with Doriana and the satisfaction of fatherhood, his tranquility makes Lenu sound and look like a teenager. When she tells him she wants to move back to Naples with Nino and the girls, he doesnt argue. Smiling at her, pushing away a strand of her hair, he seems moved by an almost paternal tenderness. But not all of the Airotas are experiencing the same kind of pity. When, home later that night, Lenu starts to tell her daughters about their imminent move to Naples, she is intercepted by Adele, who makes it clear that she wont allow the girls to grow up in violent, gritty Naples, particularly not under the eyes of someone who is too taken with [herself] to care for them. Even the ever implacable and composed Adele starts to raise her voice at Lenu, who is fortified by the realization that she doesnt have to take shit from Adele anymore. My mother is better than you, she tells her mother-in-law, who was as important as anyone else in Lenus development as a writer and her move away from Naples. But Adele wont be rattled. She couldve only taken Lenus comment as an insult, but to her its all the same. Theyll eat when Guido, her husband, and the girls grandfather, gets home. Also, Lila called one million times. We havent seen or heard much from Guido in the span of Lenus relationship with Pietro mostly, his reputation served as the emblem of the life Lenu was choosing for herself when she decided to marry into the family. To remind her that what she is sacrificing is not only familial, but social and professional, he turns a nasty trick: he has Dede and Elsa say what their last name is Airota, like him, like Pietro. Lenus last name? Greco, a name with no tradition, just like Ninos, who, by the way, in Guidos estimation, is losing all ground as a writer. An intelligence without tradition, Adele explains, means that Nino, like Lenu, will do anything to become someone. Not that Adele and Lenu say anything nice to one another, but the frankness of their conversation is a glimmer of the old mutual respect that initially brought them together. I thought I could detect sadness in Adele when she explained: The pact is broken, and it all changes. Their talk actually gets through to Lenu, who remembers Lilas old warnings about Nino and his singular capacity for ruining a womans entire life. But Lenu doubles down. She finally asks Nino to move in with her in Naples. They are running after each other, naked, like kids, when she does. He agrees ecstatically; it almost looks like she just told him shes pregnant or something. Nino also tells her that hes met with Lila, who wouldnt stop calling, going as far as calling Eleonora. She wants to speak with Lenu urgently. Lila is not the only person from the neighborhood who is trying to get in touch with Lenu. Carmen wants to see her, too; she is, as ever, worried about her brother Pasquale, who we last saw running around and avoiding the police with Nadia Galiani. Carmen hopes that Lenu can speak with Mrs. Galiani and get some news of her brother, whose whereabouts are unknown. Still avoiding Lila, Lenu agrees to meet with Carmen for coffee. In Lenus absence, and with her new affluence, Lila has become a kind of fairy godmother to the people in the neighborhood. Lenu agrees to speak to Mrs. Galiani, but shes taken aback when Carmen admits shes invited Lila to their date, and its imperative that Lenu waits for her because Lila has something really important to say. When Lila arrives, she tells Lenu she had Antonio follow Nino. This is what she learned: Nino never left his wife. Hes still living with her. Theyve just made him a director of an important bank research institute under the patronage of his father-in-law. Lila is not scared of confirming all of this face-to-face with Nino either, but that wont be necessary. Lenu believes her. She loses her words, her breath. And then she leaves. In Piu After three seasons with Margherita Mazzucco as Lenu and Gaia Girace as Lila, its striking to see new faces portraying the girls. Im already heads over heels with Alba Rohrwachers performance she brings a brittle maturity to the role, oscillating between hardened resolve and volatile insecurity. Well see more of Irene Maiorino as Lila in the upcoming weeks, but its truly uncanny how much she looks like a grown up version of Girace. I thought the use of real news footage from the political happenings in Italy during the seventies was very well placed here the context of the time period is imperative to Ferrantes world building, and I loved seeing how the direction of the show tackled that kind of expansion creatively. Since the last season, the phone has become an almost active character in the story. In prose, phone conversations can sometimes feel indistinguishable from regular dialogue, given the absence of cadence and gesturing clues to the reader. Its a great tool: The ringing sound, the way Lenu will cross her arms in front of her chest as she speaks, Ninos hushed tones, it all comes together to make the telephone an object charged with meaning. This photo shows a building destroyed by an Israeli raid in Nabatieh, Lebanon, Sept. 10, 2024. Hezbollah claimed on Tuesday attacks on an artillery position and a command post of Israeli forces with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Earlier in the day, an Israeli drone targeted a five-story building in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh with three air-to-ground missiles, injuring 12 people. The wounded were then transported to Ragheb Harb Hospital in the city for treatment, the sources said. They continued that moreover, a Hezbollah cadre named Mohammad al-Shaer was killed in a morning drone attack near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate. The sources noted that Israeli drones and warplanes launched 16 raids on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon in the afternoon, causing no injuries. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah claimed on Tuesday attacks on an artillery position and a command post of Israeli forces with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters targeted "an artillery position belonging to the enemy's 411th Battalion in the Neve Ziv community settlement in northern Israel, and a command post in the Mount Neria base of Israel's Golani Brigade." Meanwhile, the Lebanese army sites monitored the launch of 50 surface-to-surface missiles from Lebanon into northern Israel in the afternoon, some of which were met with Israeli Iron Dome missiles, according to Lebanese military sources. Earlier in the day, an Israeli drone targeted a five-story building in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh with three air-to-ground missiles, injuring 12 people. The wounded were then transported to Ragheb Harb Hospital in the city for treatment, the sources said. They continued that moreover, a Hezbollah cadre named Mohammad al-Shaer was killed in a morning drone attack near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate. The sources noted that Israeli drones and warplanes launched 16 raids on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon in the afternoon, causing no injuries. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. Smoke rises from an Israeli artillery shelling on the plain of Khiam, Lebanon, Sept. 10, 2024. Hezbollah claimed on Tuesday attacks on an artillery position and a command post of Israeli forces with dozens of Katyusha rockets. Earlier in the day, an Israeli drone targeted a five-story building in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh with three air-to-ground missiles, injuring 12 people. The wounded were then transported to Ragheb Harb Hospital in the city for treatment, the sources said. They continued that moreover, a Hezbollah cadre named Mohammad al-Shaer was killed in a morning drone attack near the village of Bab Mareaa in Beqaa Governorate. The sources noted that Israeli drones and warplanes launched 16 raids on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon in the afternoon, causing no injuries. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) The American University of Rome invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in the program of Fine Arts, rank according to experience, beginning Fall 2025. AURs well-established program currently offers a BA in Fine Arts, along with minors. The person appointed will have the opportunity to contribute to the further growth and direction of the program by working closely with the program director in updating the curriculum in teaching and mentoring students, and in raising the programs academic profile through an active program of scholarship and research or creative output. Requirements: MFA or other terminal degree in one of the arts (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Digital Media, Mixed Media, Installations), or an associated discipline Record of creative output and exhibitions Experience teaching at the undergraduate level in an American university context Ability to teach at all levels, from introductory courses to upper division, specialized courses Demonstrated ability to mentor students Familiarity with course instructional technologies and online course management systems such as Canvas Excellent oral and written English Responsibilities: Carry a nominal course load of six courses (18 credits) per year Engage in service to the department and the university, for example, by contributing to program development and serving on committees Advise and mentor students Collaborate with faculty and students on initiatives that enhance the academic and cultural environment of the university Sustain an active creative agenda that leads to exhibitions or publications Desirable characteristics: Creative output in a variety of mediums and forms, both contemporary and traditional Experience with two- and three-dimensional art forms Strategic contacts the Italian/European art world for shows, exposing faculty & student work Experience with growing and developing an arts & design program Experience with fundraising The successful candidate will: Attract resources (e.g., visiting professors, partnerships with companies, fundraising) Engage in networking activity in Rome, Italy, and Europe Organize and promote the program and its activities in coordination with the program director (e.g., seminars, conferences, and end-of-semester exhibitions, and occasional shows) Application & Procedure Applications should be sent to applications@aur.edu. Include, in PDF format, a letter of application responding to the responsibilities and desired characteristics listed above and detailing relevant teaching and scholarly/creative experience; an up-to-date CV; a portfolio of their work; a portfolio of student work describing the context (class, project goals or outcomes); and the names of three references to be contacted should the candidate proceed to the interview stage. Include HR 12-2024 Professor Fine Arts and the candidate's full name in the subject field. First-round candidates will be interviewed remotely. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in Rome. Employment details LEVEL: Open Rank START DATE: August 2025 APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS: 1 November 2024 APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 1 December 2024 SALARY: Competitive with local market NOTE: Employment conditional on having or obtaining Italian working papers Sangiuliano, who resigned last week over an affair scandal, faces two separate investigations. The Rome prosecutor's office is investigating former culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano for misappropriation of public funds and disclosure of confidential documents, Corriere della Sera reported on Tuesday. The investigation concerns the relationship between Sangiuliano, who resigned last Friday, and his former mistress Maria Rosaria Boccia, and her involvement in institutional activities without having an official role, state broadcaster RAI reports. The probe will seek to ascertain whether public money was spent on Boccia, a social media influencer and fashion entrepreneur, and whether she had access to confidential email exchanges regarding the upcoming G7 culture summit in Pompeii. The move comes after the audit court of Lazio on Monday launched an investigation into Sangiuliano, 62, whose resignation followed a scandal over hiring Boccia as an unpaid advisor. The controversy erupted at the end of August when Boccia, 41, publicly thanked Sangiuliano for appointing her as an advisor for major events, a claim denied by the minister. The probe by the Lazio audit court will reportedly focus on the ministers attendance in the company of Boccia at state-funded events, as well as examining if Boccia had access to confidential documents. Boccia has so far contested the version of events put forward by Sangiuliano who said he revoked her appointment as a ministerial advisor to avoid a conflict of interest due to their romantic relationship. Sangiuliano stated that Boccia never had access to classified information and that no public funds were spent on her expenses, claims that he repeated in a tearful TV interview last Wednesday during which he admitted to the affair. Boccia insists that she never incurred any expenses for travel or accommodation during her multiple trips to events around Italy over the summer with Sangiuliano, who claims that he paid for everything himself and has the receipts to prove it. In an interview with La Stampa, Boccia claimed that she and the minister also went to "personal and private events" including a Coldplay concert, as well as being driven from Rome to Pompeii, and that she has "photos, videos and chats" to back up her claims. On Monday Sangiuliano welcomed the news of the investigation by the Lazio audit court, stating: "I am pleased that the court of auditors can ascertain the correctness of my behaviour. I reiterate: not a single public euro was spent and I will prove it with documents in hand". Following his resignation as culture minister on Friday, Sangiuliano was replaced by Alessandro Giuli, president of MAXXI, the National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome. Landmark Roman bar is back in business. Rome's iconic Bar della Pace, once synonymous with artists, writers and celebrities, has reopened following extensive renovation works and an eight-year closure. The historic interior decor of the bar has been restored, with some new innovations, however the greenery that once draped the facade of the landmark is no longer there. The bar closed its doors in 2016 following a protracted dispute between the owners of the walls - the German Istituto Pontificio di Santa Maria dellAnima - and those who managed the venue. Bar della Pace, which first opened in 1891, will retain its name but will be run by a new group of Roman entrepreneurs who are seeking to return it to its former glory. A stone's throw from Piazza Navona, the bar is located at the intersection between Via di Tor Millina and Via della Pace, and is open from 07.00 in the morning until 02.00 at night. Bar della Pace reopened on 4 September Customers can sit at the counter, which has been restored to its ancient splendour, or at the indoor and outside tables for breakfast or aperitivi as well as lunch and dinner. In its heyday in the 1960s and the 1970s the bar was a popular spot with the international jet set, attracting actors, musicians and even royalty, who rubbed shoulders with locals and tourists. Film directors Federico Fellini and Mario Monicelli regularly frequented the venue which over the decades hosted numerous stars including Sofia Loren, Al Pacino and Madonna, as well as featuring in Woody Allens movie To Rome with Love. Photos Wanted in Rome A man is seen inside a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia town, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Tuesday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) GAZA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Tuesday. The Israeli aircraft attacked the home of Dr. Akram al-Najjar from Al-Quds Open University on Gaza Street in Jabalia, killing nine people, including three children and two women, and injuring others in neighboring houses, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza. Civil defense teams are still working to rescue the missing, who are potentially under the rubble of the targeted house and its adjacent buildings, Bassal added. The deceased and injured have been taken to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, Bassal noted. So far, there has been no comment from the Israeli side on the attack. Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 41,020, local health authorities said in a statement on Tuesday. A girl is seen outside a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia town, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Tuesday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) A man is seen outside a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia town, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Tuesday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People are seen outside a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia town, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Tuesday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) A girl is seen inside a house destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia town, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Tuesday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) David Raleigh A man on Tuesday was remanded on bail after he was charged in connection with the death of a woman in Limerick city, two years ago. Patrick Lawlor, 50s, with an address at Upper Mallow Street, Limerick City, appeared before Limerick District Court, charged with assault causing harm to 54-year old Louise Muckell. Ms Muckell, a former music teacher and accomplished pianist, was discovered with serious injuries at a house, at Cois Deel, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, July 19th, 2022. She was pronounced dead from her injuries the following day at University Hospital Limerick. A postmortem was conducted by the State Pathologist. However, investigating gardai did not release details of the autopsy. Ms Muckell had taught piano at Mercy Secondary School, Rathkeale and was a member of a local church choir. Gardai believe Ms Muckell had been at a house in the Windmill Street area of Limerick city in the hours prior to being found with serious injuries in Rathkeale. On Tuesday, gardai announced they had arrested a man in connection with the investigation into the alleged fatal assault. Gardai told Limerick District Court that Mr Lawlor did not reply when he was charged with one count of assaulting Ms Muckell, causing her harm, on a date in July 2022. Judge Mark O'Connell granted Mr Lawlor free legal aid and allowed him bail on a number of strict conditions which gardai consented to. As part of Mr Lawlors bail terms he must only reside at his address at Upper Mallow Street, and, he must have no contact whatsoever, including by telephone or social media, with members of Ms Muckells family nor any other witnesses involved in the case. The court also ordered that Mr Lawlor must provide his mobile phone number to gardai so that he can be contacted by investigating gardai at any time. Gardai told the court that the DPP (Director of Public Prosecution) had consented to Mr Lawlor being sent forward for trial to the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Judge OConnell remanded the matter for mention before Limerick District Court on October 23rd, for preparation of the States Book of Evidence. Harvest Festival has come and gone already, with thousands of visitors coming to Waterford to enjoy the festivities. Taste Waterford set up their Kitchen Stage in John Roberts Square and welcomed special guests throughout the day for a chat and a demo and tastings. Members of the Indian Community at a Taste of Culture at Wyse Park as part of the Waterford Harvest Festival. Photo: Joe Evans Food Guests included Helen and Jenny OBrien (Ni Bhrian Restaurant ), Caitlin Ui Aodha (IASC Seafood Bistro), Liam McDonnell (Legacy Irish Cider) Kamila Bystrzonowska and Michael Buchta (Momo Restaurant) , Luis Martin (Mara Restaurant) and The Happy Pear. There were food stalls and trucks dotted throughout the city that had something for everyone's taste. Movek, Bad Boy Burgers, at the Waterford Harvest Festival. Photo: Joe Evans The East Waterford Beekeepers Association presented their Honeys of the World, which featured a selection of honeys from all over the globe and an observation hive onsite for visitors to watch and learn about honey-making. It proved very popular. Music At the Apple Market, the Waterford Academy of Music and Arts (WAMA) held several drama workshops for kids and this also proved extremely popular with visitors. Over on O'Connell's Street, there were market stalls and art and circus workshops for little ones, and great live music outside Tully's Bar. Poppy and John Sheehan, at the Waterford Harvest Festival. Photo: Joe Evans Musicians like Emma Langford, Fin Furey, Ron Buckley, The Blue Belles performed across the weekend. On Saturday night, the Hothouse Flowers played a gorgeous acoustic gig at Christchurch Cathedral, while just around the corner, the Papa Zitas brought the house down during their Churchyard Sessions set. Thirteen Waterford schools featured on the recently published scoping inquiry. Scoil Lorcain CBS had the highest number of allegations with 20, which were all made against one alleged abuser. The recent scoping inquiry set its timeframe for assessing the potential number of allegations of historical sexual abuse as covering those incidents that were alleged to have occurred within living memory, taken as being a period from 1927 to 2013. Historic Waterford abuses In 1999, it was reported that a religious cleric, a Brother who was a former principal of a Waterford primary school was sentenced to eight years in prison. A 1998 report from the Irish Times covering the case revealed the man had pleaded guilty to 51 charges of sexual assault and two charges of gross indecency. "The offences involved 11 victims and occurred in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Wicklow, Kildare and Tipperary between 1977 and 1988," read the report. It added: "It took the court registrar, Mr Brendan Scollen, over 10 minutes to read out the 53 charges to which Kelly pleaded guilty from an indictment of some 150. Presiding over the proceedings, Judge Frank O'Donnell, ruled that the precise locations of the offences should not be published. An Irish Independent article from 2002 further outlined: On February 1 1999, after Judge Frank O'Donnell had passed sentence, it acknowledged extreme pain, hurt and trauma was suffered by those [who were] abused. In 2023, upwards of 14 men from Waterford came forward to allege they were abused by a former teacher and guidance counsellor. That abuse reportedly took place across three decades. A Deise Today special by Damien Tiernan in 2023, detailed the allegations and experiences of the alleged victims. It was further reported that the abuser, died in 2019. He was reportedly investigated by gardai a number of times but was never prosecuted. 'Unimaginable suffering' The Waterford News & Star approached Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan for comment on the report. He said: It was deeply saddening to see the recent publication of the Scoping Report that has brought to light distressing allegations of sexual abuse against children within institutions run by religious orders. The revelations contained in this report are harrowing and serve as a stark reminder of the failures that have occurred within our institutions," he said. "It is imperative that we confront this dark chapter with transparency and accountability," he added. Bishop Cullinan went on to comment: "The suffering endured by these children is unimaginable, and we are committing and must continue to commit ourselves to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again. Bishop Cullinan said that the the alleged abuses have cast shadows over the church's reputation: While the inquiry focused specifically on schools run by religious orders, we must also remember that similar experiences have existed throughout wider society during this period and this has been recognised by the Minister of Education in that the Commission of Investigation will be broadened to include all schools." "I wish to acknowledge that this is also a very difficult time for the vast majority of the members of the religious institutions who have dedicated their lives to serving God and aiding those in need," he said. "Many have lived lives marked by compassion, charity, and selflessness. It is essential to understand that while some individuals have betrayed their vows and caused harm, countless others continue their mission with integrity and commitment. "This is undoubtedly a challenging time for them as well; they too are affected by the shadows cast over our Churchs reputation due to the actions of a few." He added that parishes across the diocese of Waterford & Lismore, and indeed across the country enact dedicated child-safeguarding measures. In every parish in this Diocese there are dedicated child-safeguarding persons who along with the priests are trained to ensure a happy and safe environment for all children. I very much wish to commend their work," he said. We must also provide support for victims, ensuring they receive the care and counselling necessary to deal with past traumatic experience and hopefully find some healing," he added. The Catholic Church has a moral obligation to stand firmly against any form of abuse." Many schools formerly run by the Christian Brothers, are now operated under the auspices of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. A spokesperson from the Trust said: We unequivocally condemn all forms of sexual abuse that took place in schools. We readily acknowledge the hurt caused to victims of sexual abuse and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been deeply hurt by such abuse. Edmund Rice Schools Trust wishes to ensure that schools today are safe places for all, and that the highest standards of child safeguarding are in place, along with the ongoing development of a culture of care, openness and transparency. Edmund Rice Schools Trust co-operated fully with the Scoping Inquiry over the past year and provided the information required as comprehensively and honestly as possible. We will continue to cooperate fully with any future inquiries or investigations." Four Waterford schools were contacted for a statement on the report. No responses were received at time of publication. An Garda Siochana response An Garda Siochana is appealing to anyone who may have information, including as a witness, relating to crimes of Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders, to make contact with them so that such crimes can be investigated. A spokesperson said, An Garda Siochana is fully aware of the profound impact on the lives of those who were subject to such abuse, many of whom who may only be disclosing this information for the first time. An Garda Siochana will deal with any matters reported by complainants in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation. Just three days after An Garda Siochana made this appeal on Wednesday 4th September, over 160 contacts were received nationally. For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Siochana, the following options are available. By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie. By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7. Calling to your local Garda Station The Rescue 117 Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter created a little bit of history on Tuesday, September 10, when it was the first SAR aircract to land at Cork University Hospital in two decades. In an online post on the rescue helicopter's social media page the crew noted that the last helipad at CUH was decommissioned in 2003. "It is fantastic to see the new helipad come into service," stated Rescue 117 in its post. "This is a vital facility for all emergency helicopters operating in the area and huge advancement for those that may need urgent medical care in the future," it added, describing the facility as fantastic. Rescue 117 is the Coast Guard helicopter based out of Waterford airport and has been involved in hundreds of search and rescue missions around the south east of the country. Waterpark College has issued a statement to the Waterford News & Star regarding the recently published report of the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders. Waterpark College is one of 13 Waterford schools featured in the report. It had the second highest number of abuse allegations in the county, with 17 allegations against five alleged abusers. Waterpark College is operated under the auspices of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, who said in their own statement last week that they co-operated fully with the scoping inquiry over the past year and provided the information required as comprehensively and honestly as possible. The statement from Waterpark College read: Waterpark College acknowledges that the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools Run by Religious Orders, presented to the Department of Education on 3rd September. We unequivocally condemn all forms of sexual abuse that took place in schools. We readily acknowledge the hurt caused to victims of sexual abuse and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been deeply hurt by such abuse. The rights and human dignity of all persons, especially children, must be protected and the welfare and safety of each person, especially the child and young adult, must be prioritised. Additionally, the school outlined safety measures that are in place: Waterpark College wishes to ensure that schools today are safe places for all, and that the highest standards of child safeguarding are in place, along with the ongoing development of a culture of care, openness and transparency. Above all, our response to abuse allegations must be grounded in gospel authenticity (truth, openness, transparency and accountability) rather than institutional preservation or preservation of assets. To ensure that the horrific abuses that occurred in the past will never be repeated, all schools have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in place and report annually to their patron confirming that this policy has been reviewed and that a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is available to students and staff to report any incidents of concern. The Department of Education carries out regular Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CPSI) in schools and issued updated procedures to all schools in 2023." The statement concluded: Our patron, Edmund Rice Schools Trust, co-operated fully with the Scoping Inquiry over the past year and provided the information required as comprehensively and honestly as possible. We will continue to cooperate fully with any future inquiries or investigations. Three other Waterford schools were contacted for a statement on the report. There are some excellent history books out, too. Paris in Ruins (Text, out) by Pulitzer-Prize-winning Sebastian Smee, art critic for The Washington Post, explores the connection between the Prussian occupation of France and siege of Paris in 1870-71 and the birth of the Impressionist movement shortly after, with focus on Edouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, and Edgar Degas. Its a vibrant portrayal of the relationship between political and art history. The Yirrkala bark petition, presented in 1963. Credit: Yirrkala artists Stella Prize-winning historian Professor Clare Wrights Naku Dharuk (Text, October 1) is a ground-breaking history of the 1963 Yirrkala Bark Petitions, which were sent by the Yolngu people to Parliament to protest the mining of their traditional lands, launching the modern land rights movement. It is the third in Wrights deeply researched democracy trilogy, following The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and You Daughters of Freedom. Historian and writer Yves Rees tells a cracking, never-before-told tale in Travelling to Tomorrow (NewSouth, out) of 10 trailblazing Australian women who ventured to the US in the early 20th century, among them a lawyer, an interior decorator, a swimmer and an economist. Together, these women helped to forge a stronger relationship between the two countries and imported innovative ideas such as synchronised swimming into Australia. Finally, the irrepressible Tim Minchin has written his first non-fiction book. You Dont Have to Have a Dream (Penguin, out) is a compilation of three speeches made over the past decade. Included are Minchins nine rules for life, advice on a career in the arts and life as an actor. Its straight-shooting, wise and funny. Look out as well for memoirs from Jimmy Barnes and Noni Hazlehurst, journalist and writer Rick Mortons Mean Streak (HarperCollins, October 16), about the robodebt debacle, and Shapeshifting (UQP, October 1), a collection of innovative First Nations creative non-fiction co-edited by Jeanine Leane and Ellen van Neerven. International Egyptian-born writer Andre Aciman, who lives in Manhattan, is best known for his internationally bestselling novel Call Me by Your Name. His memoir, My Roman Year (Faber, out), describes the year he (then a teenager), his brother and their deaf-mute mother spent in Rome in 1966 after being forced to leave their home in Alexandria. A yearning, emotive description of what it is to be a migrant. Gillian Anderson has curated a collection of womens fantasies. Credit: AP Ever wondered about womens innermost sexual fantasies? Look no further than multi-award-winning actor Gillian Andersons Want (Bloomsbury, out). Her publishers invited women from around the world to send anonymous letters about their most intimate desires. Anderson curated a selection of their responses. Its illuminating. Craig Brown is a contributor to the satirical Private Eye magazine and author of the hilarious bestselling Maam Darling about the late Princess Margaret. His latest, A Voyage Around the Queen (HarperCollins, out), an idiosyncratic biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II, is equally entertaining filled with snippets of interesting information about her and the disarming impact she had on those who met her (called the royal effect). Character Limit (Cornerstone, September 18) by New York Times tech reporters Kate Conger and Ryan Mac reveals the full story of Elon Musks $US44 billion takeover of Twitter and the fallout as he changed the companys name (to X) and its character from a digital town square to something more sinister. Meticulously researched, it includes revealing interviews with company insiders. Why did Elon Musk trash Twitter? Kate Conger and Ryan Mac try to answer the question. Credit: Bloomberg Leading British historian William Dalrymple (also cohost of popular podcast Empire) writes in The Golden Road (his term; Bloomsbury, out) of Indias cultural and intellectual pre-eminence between 250BC and AD1200, a period during which it spread its ideas about religion, mathematics, art technology far and wide to create an Indosphere that transformed the world. Ben Macintyres latest thrilling narrative non-fiction (others include The Spy and the Traitor and Agent Sonya) has all the drama, suspense and intrigue weve come to expect from the British writer and journalist. The Siege (Viking, September 17) tells the story for the first time of the six-day siege of the Iranian embassy in London in 1980 (there were 26 hostages), which culminated in the storming of the embassy by the SAS. Stanley Tucci tells us all about the food he ate in one year. British farmer and writer James Rebanks, author of the bestselling The Shepherds Life, writes in The Place of Tides (Allen Lane, October 22) about the quiet but meaningful existence of an old woman living on a remote Norwegian island where she gathers the down of eider ducks. The Rest is History Returns (Bloomsbury, October 1) is a follow-up by popular historians and podcasters Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland to The Rest is History. Here, they take an irreverent look at how some of historys defining moments might have played out differently for example, the response of King George III to the United States Declaration of Independence. What I Ate in One Year (Fig Tree, October 15) by Italian-American actor and globetrotting gourmand Stanley Tucci is a foodie memoir filled with reminiscences of meals eaten in the course of a year around the world alone or shared, in restaurants, hotels, on film sets and in his own kitchen. These accounts are accompanied by warm, engaging writing about Tuccis life as an actor, husband, father and friend. Look out also for new books from Hillary Clinton, Something Lost, Something Gained (Simon & Schuster, September 18), and veteran journalist Bob Woodward, War (Simon & Schuster, October 15). The teen driver of a car that was allegedly reaching speeds of 135 km/h when it crashed in North Lakes in July, killing a 18-year-old passenger, has asked the court for permission to drive tractors on his familys farm as part of his bail conditions. The 17-year-old driver, who cannot be named, appeared in Perth Childrens Court on Tuesday where he formally had dangerous driving charges upgraded to manslaughter. Nick Campo, 18, was a talented sportsman and played for the South Fremantle Football Club colts side. Nick Campo, a promising South Fremantle Football Club player, died on July 13 after the ute he was a passenger in crashed, rolled and collided with an SUV on Farrington Road. Campo died at the scene, while the driver and three other male passengers of the ute (17, 18, 18) were rushed to hospital with various injuries. CAIRO, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Sudanese counterpart Hussein Awad here on Monday to discuss efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's commitment to Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also emphasized Egypt's efforts to support Sudanese citizens residing in Egypt, ensuring their safety until they can return home, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. For his part, Awad thanked Egypt for its role in seeking a resolution to the Sudan conflict. Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been mired in a conflict between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leading to at least 16,650 deaths. The latest UN data estimates that around 10.7 million people are displaced within Sudan, with approximately 2.2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. According to official Egyptian figures released in March, about 500,000 Sudanese had fled to Egypt since the beginning of the conflict. Some of Perths most popular suburbs have appeared on a national property industry blacklist with investors warned of the risk their value will fall. Almost half of the 111 suburbs and towns declared no-go zones for buyers by national investment advisory group Positive Property were in Western Australia. A mix of regional towns, inner-city areas and suburbs including Scarborough and Brabham make the list, which is dominated by sprawling housing estates on the urban fringe. Perth was the city with the most suburbs on the list at 27. The report was based on an analysis of multiple economic metrics and housing market indicators across nearly 15,000 Australian suburbs, along with council and building data. There are 244 rooms and suites, from 23-square-metre retreats with views of Edinburgh Castle to the 149-square-metre Extreme WOW Suite, which has a round bed, private sauna and sweeping skyline vistas. Thats in the Ribbon, where most options have a balcony or terrace, including my 27-square-metre Fabulous King. Its standout feature is the rocky mini-bar table, carved to evoke the extinct volcanic crags of Edinburgh (and topped with complimentary bottled Gaelic-themed cocktails). Complimentary Gaelic-themed cocktails in the Fabulous Suite. Meanwhile, the furry copper cushions on the curvaceous sofa remind me of highland cows. Away from the living/sleeping area, theres a separate toilet and walk-in shower with citrusy Momo gels. All rooms have buttons to control mood lighting, wardrobes with 100 per cent cotton robes and coffee machines. Food + drink Eye-catching the entrance to SushiSamba. Theres a handful of choices high up the Ribbon that let you savour Edinburgh as you tuck in. On the 10th floor, SushiSamba offers Peruvian-Japanese-Brazilian fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner, and also serves an excellent breakfast (perhaps youll fancy a full Scottish with haggis or a rabanada a south American twist on French toast). On the next level up, the W Lounge has all-day dining with an onus on modern Scottish fare, and Joaos Place is an intimate bar that stays open until 3am (Wed-Sun) with Sao Paulo-inspired cocktails, bossa nova vinyls and a terrace with firepits. You can also imbibe on the rooftop, which has all-weather igloos and incredible 360-degree views, with Edinburghs rugged peaks, castle, spires, domes and seaside jockeying for your cameras attention. Out + about A prime location for exploring the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns. The sights and festival venues of the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns are a stroll from the hotel. So is Leith Walk, a cosmopolitan tram-lined strip that slopes almost two kilometres down to Edinburghs gentrified port enclave. To appreciate why the Ribbon is a controversial addition to the Scottish capitals skyline, scale nearby Calton Hill, a panoramic vantage point dotted with neoclassical monuments. The verdict Cosy Joaos Place stays open until 3am (Wed-Sun). Its architecture may not be universally adored locally, but W Edinburgh certainly elevates the citys high-end accommodation scene. And those rooftop views? Wow. Essentials From 269 ($511) a night. 1 St James Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AX. Ph: +44 131 388 8000. See marriott.com Our rating out of five Highlight If youre a musician, youll love the hotels instrument-laden recording studio. For everyone else, the rooftop rocks. Do a complete circuit and youll be in no doubt this is Britains most bonnie (beautiful) city. You might get lucky with a blazing sunset. Lowlight UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Both Sudan and Chad have been hit by flooding, while Lesotho, another country in Africa, is impacted by drought, a UN spokesman said on Monday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is warning that heavy rains and flooding have been impacting about half a million people in Sudan's South Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile and Northern states since late June, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a daily briefing. The severe flooding is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. In areas at risk of famine, including in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, about 124,000 people have been affected by heavy rains, he said. Flooding and stagnant water are heightening the risk of diseases spreading, with nearly 2,900 suspected cholera cases reported since the start of the latest outbreak in mid-August. Dujarric said the United Nations and its partners are on the ground aiding those who need assistance. Last week, aid organizations delivered life-saving therapeutic food to treat 6,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in the city of Nyala in South Darfur. In Chad, OCHA said flooding continues to get worse across the country. According to authorities, at least 340 people have been killed, nearly 1.5 million people are now impacted by the floods, and more than 160,000 homes have been destroyed. The floods are also impacting agriculture, and nearly 3.4 million people are facing acute hunger in the current lean season, Dujarric said, adding that Chadian authorities, UN agencies and partners are providing food and nutrition supplies. The spokesman said Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya has increased the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the floods response in Chad from 5 million U.S. dollars to 8 million dollars. Meanwhile, OCHA reported that the food security situation in Lesotho, a landlocked country in southern Africa, is deteriorating following a historic drought caused by El Nino. On average, agricultural production in the country has decreased by one third, and nearly a third of the population -- or 700,000 people -- are facing food insecurity in the coming months, Dujarric said. The acting UN emergency relief coordinator has allocated 2 million dollars from the CERF toward the drought, and Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator Reena Ghelani recently visited the country to assess the drought's impact and call for more international support, he said. In a recent phone conversation, Ukraines new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, and Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, discussed bilateral and multilateral issues, as well as shared challenges, Azernews reports. Ukrainian FM Sybiha highlighted the reaffirmation of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing optimism for future cooperation that reflects the enduring friendship between their nations. Spoke with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov about bilateral and multilateral issues, as well as shared challenges. We reaffirmed our mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. I expect our cooperation to reflect the friendly ties between our peoples, Sybiha said on X. SUVA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The first ever Drugs and Social Issues Taskforce meeting, targeting drugs and other related social problems in Fijian schools, has been held in Suva. While addressing stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca said children are the future leaders, who must be protected and educated well to make good decisions. Kuruleca said children took drugs for several reasons that included peer pressure, while some out of curiosity, and others just experiment using drugs, reported Fijivillage on Tuesday. She said these reasons can be a platform to analyze and diagnose the root cause and discuss possible strategies to address the drug use problem. The permanent secretary also emphasized the need to protect Fijian children from this drug scourge and related health and social issues. NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the northeastern state of Manipur Tuesday snapped internet service for five days following violent clashes between students and government forces. The clashes broke out after hundreds of protesters from the Meitei community, including students and women, tried to march toward the governor's office in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. The protesters, who reportedly demanded the removal of the state's police chief and security advisor to the local government, were stopped by police, thus triggering violent clashes. The protesters shouting slogans threw brickbats at policemen, who responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse them. Local media quoted police as saying that over 40 students were injured in the clashes. The local government said that the ban aimed to stop the spread of disinformation and rumors, and will remain in place until Sunday afternoon. The local government has also imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal East and West districts, while prohibitory orders were imposed in Thoubal district to restrict people inside their houses and prevent them from going out for protests. Reports said at least 11 people have been killed and over a dozen others injured in different incidents of ethnic violence in the state since the beginning of this month. Police in Manipur have 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, designated for disadvantaged socio-economic groups which 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. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Mayo County Council has said estimated costs for an upgrade of the Council Chamber will be presented to elected members before a decision is made following claims from an elected member the upgrade would cost an estimated 700,000. Aontu Cllr Paul Lawless, who was first elected in June, said last he had serious concerns over talk of spending 700,000 on a refurbishment of the Mayo County Council Chamber. This chamber is no larger than two school classrooms, and yet theres talk of spending 700,000 on its refurbishment. This is both outrageous and unjustifiable. I was shocked no government party Councillor voiced opposition to the consideration, said Cllr Lawless. He said taxpayers money should be spent in a way that benefits the greatest number of people and ensures value for money. Cllr Lawless said the Council Chamber spend is part of a larger pattern of wasteful government spending, comparing it to the recently uncovered controversial spend of 336,000 on a bike shelter outside Leinster House. Accountability and transparency must be at the heart of how public money is managed, both nationally and locally. The Irish people deserve a government and councils responsible with their funds, he said. A spokesperson for Mayo County Council said the Council Chamber was designed and constructed almost 30 years ago and the nature of the Council and requirements for the Chamber have changed greatly in the years since. The limitations of the current Chamber is a matter which has been under consideration for some time as it has been identified by both the Elected Members and the executive that the Chamber in its current configuration is not suitable or fit to meet the needs of a modern forward looking Council and the communities which it serves, they said. The spokesperson said the current Chamber is not suitable to host Civic Receptions. They added there is limited space for members of the public or the press to attend normal council meetings and the Chamber is also not compliant with requirements for universal accessibility for those with auditory or visual impairments. The spokesperson said there are also issues with the infrastructure in the Council Chamber. The heating, ventilation and lighting systems are poor and are not energy efficient. We also know the issue of sound in the chamber during meetings needs attention. Furthermore, the requirements for hybrid and online meetings cannot be well served by the current IT and configuration. They added a number of options are being developed and assessed and these options, along with estimated costs, will be presented to elected members before a decision is made on the refurbishment. A councillor has said it is a public disgrace residents of a Knock estate has been left in darkness with public lighting yet to be turned on in the area writes Paul O'Malley. Cllr Richard Finn raised a notice of motion at last weeks meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District calling for an update in relation to Glencarra Estate, Knock, where he said public lighting has not been turned on. Cllr Finn also sought a timeline on when the various issues residents have been facing will be sorted out and asked if Mayo County Council had put pressure on the developers in relation to these issues. In response, area engineer Conrad Harley said Glencarra is a private housing estate and the Council have sought a detailed report on the entire development from the Estates Take Over section who liaise with the developer and this report is currently being prepared. Mr Harley added the street lighting within the estate was assessed and there is a considerable cost required to bring it up to standard and funding options are currently being identified by the Council. Cllr Finn said it was a 'public disgrace' there was no lighting in the estate. In this day and age, to have people left without lighting is a disgrace. It is a public disgrace, he said. He added people living in housing estates that have not been taken in charge should not have to pay Local Property Tax (LPT) if they are getting nothing in return. It is totally wrong for people to pay LPT if their estate has not been taken in charge. What are they getting in return? People should not pay when the service is not there," he said. Cllr Paul Lawless said he supported the motion because this has been an ongoing issue. People spent huge money on these houses. There are trip hazards all over that estate and I would like to be able to give residents an update on a timeline, he said. Cllr Alma Gallagher said residents in Glencarra feel forgotten about'. It is pure frustration for residents. There are safety issues for their kids and they feel forgotten about. The fifth annual Alzheimers Memory Walk takes place nationwide later this month, with Lough Lannagh the venue for Mayos walk on Sunday, September 22. Mary Rowland from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland's Mayo Centre is urging people throughout the county to register and walk with her at the Castlebar location. I along with staff at the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Castlebar are looking forward once again in joining together with our friends, supporters, service users and families, said Mary. It is an occasion to reconnect with people and walk the scenic Lough Lannagh while also remembering persons with Dementia all over Mayo. We have the unique privilege on this day to inform and remind people of our services here in Mayo which include Castlebar Daycare Service, weekly Dementia inclusive social club and daycare in the home, she added. The Alzheimers Memory Walk, supported by Payzone, will get underway at 12pm on Sunday, September 22 at the leisure complex in Lough Lannagh, and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland is encouraging everyone to help raise awareness and funds to help those living with dementia. By registering you will receive an Alzheimers Memory Walk Participant Pack including a t-shirt and a special pack of Forget Me Not flower seeds to sow at home to help create an annual memory each time the flowers bloom. Adult registration costs 20 and a childs pack is 5. Memory Walk honours, remembers, and celebrates the 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia, along with their families and carers. It also cherishes the memory of those who are no longer with us. Last yeare, 3,500 walkers raised over 120,000 which helped fund vital services for people with dementia, including Daycare, Daycare at Home, Family Carer Training, Social Clubs, Cafes, and a National Helpline. You can register for the Mayo event at www.memorywalk.ie. A time exposure shows photographers as they document the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four as it launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/John Raoux) BERLIN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has ordered the reinstatement of passport checks at all land borders to curb the number of people entering the country without visas, dpa reported on Monday, citing government sources. The move aims to curb irregular migration and address threats related to Islamist terrorism and cross-border organized crime, the sources told dpa. Germany had previously implemented border controls with Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic last year to stem the flow of irregular migrants. The decision follows a series of violent crimes in Germany, including a stabbing attack last month in the western city of Solingen that left three people dead. The suspect in that incident is a migrant from Syria. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as "an act of terror against us all." In response to the attack, the German government pledged to intensify its efforts to combat illegal immigration and terrorism. Norman Bouisse, 76, left, and Jeremy Adam, back left, one of the captains for the 100-foot trawler Master Brandon, work at tying extra lines around a piling in their attempt to batten down their boat in anticipation of Hurricane Francine along the Louisiana coast in Lafitte on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) SARAJEVO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Five individuals suspected of corruption during the construction of a highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were arrested on Tuesday, according to the country's federal police administration. The arrests were made as part of the "Landfill" operation, led by the administration and supervised by the cantonal prosecutor's office of Zenica-Doboj Canton. The suspects, aged between 35 and 59, were detained on allegations of participating in organized crime, abusing their power, leaking trade secrets, and money laundering. The arrested individuals are believed to have been involved in corrupt activities during the construction of a section of Corridor Vc, a major highway project designed to connect BiH with Croatia and Hungary. After being processed by the federal police administration, they will be handed over to the cantonal prosecutor's office for further legal action. A judge agrees to move the trial of a man charged with killing 4 University of Idaho students A judge has agreed to move the trial of a man charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students out of the city where the crimes occurred Available for Roku, Fire TV, AppleTV WFMZ+ STREAMING APP WATCH NOW! Watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. SOFIA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese business event aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation and introducing Chinese goods and services to Bulgarian citizens would kick off later this week, officials said here Tuesday. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said at a press conference that the three-day event "China Premium Products and Services Exhibition and Business Matchmaking" would be held in the National Palace of Culture in Sofia from Thursday to Saturday, in order to encourage enterprises from the two countries to expand their business and cooperation. Dai said that the purpose of the event, jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, was not only to emphasize the important contribution of the business sector to the development of Chinese-Bulgarian relations, but also to provide a platform for exchange between the business circles of both countries. At the same time, Bulgarian citizens would have the opportunity to get to know Chinese products and services up close, she said. She also noted that the exhibition was one of the most important events to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria. Zahari Zahariev, chairman of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, said that 28 key enterprises from China would participate in the exhibition. Some were among the 50 largest global corporations, and others, among the top 500. Li Shaowei, General Manager of Huawei Technologies Bulgaria, told the press conference that Huawei would participate in the exhibition to present its latest solutions in information and communication technologies and to expand cooperation. Meng Fanxu, General Manager of Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region of Greenroad International Logistics, said in turn that Bulgaria has been an important logistics hub in Central and Eastern Europe, playing a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative. This year, his company would open a branch in Bulgaria. MOSCOW, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Flights were delayed at three major Moscow airports after a drone attack in the Moscow region Tuesday, TASS news agency reported. According to information on Vnukovo Airport's online departure board, 30 outbound and 11 inbound flights were delayed, and two flights were canceled at the airport. Affected flights include those bound for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Astana, Yerevan, Istanbul and others. Flights from Grozny to Moscow and those from Moscow to Abu Dhabi were canceled. Delays were also reported for both departing and arriving flights at Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports. Earlier Tuesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that Russian air defense forces had shot down seven drones that were flying toward the city. Donating blood, organs or bone marrow stem cells is active citizenship It shows care, responsibility and looking out for fellow citizens in need. It is also a unique way of sharing compassion across race, colour and class. Doing so can prolong, improve the quality and save the lives of fellow citizens. Donating is also a form of altruism, it makes one happy. But it also gives the donor a great sense of belonging, of being part of a community of donors, connected through saving lives. Active citizenship is critical to make democracy work. It takes many forms. The most basic aspects are for citizens to vote for responsible candidates and parties, speak out against injustice, attend, engage and sit on public governance structures such as school boards, municipal ward committees and protest harmful political, business and community practices. However, active citizenship also includes citizens helping each other and neighbours, volunteering in community organisations, donating money to social causes - doing good. There is nothing as compassionate as donating blood, organs and tissues to others who desperately need it. I have been involved since 1989 in grassroots campaigns to persuade specifically black South Africans to donate blood and bone marrow, through the South African National Blood Service, a non-profit, with thousands of donors and volunteers. I myself battled a life-threatening early life illness, and a blood cancer, in which I was very close to needing to get a bone marrow transfusion. Gratefully, in the end I did not require it. South Africa regularly faces blood supply shortages. Blood transfusions are needed during childbirth, accidents and patients undergoing surgery. Sadly, less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. Of these, black donors makes up only 30%. In 2005 blacks only made up 6% of South Africas blood donors. South Africa has bone marrow stem cell registry of only just under 80 000 in a population of 60m. Yet, 15% of South Africans are likely to suffer a blood disorder, whether lymphoma or leukaemia in their lives. There is a shortage of black bone marrow stem cell donors worldwide. Shortage of finding a bone marrow donation is highest among black patients needing bone marrow. In South Africa, the black bone marrow donor pool makes up only 10%. Only 0.2% of South Africans are registered as organ donors. At around 1.4 donors per million South Africans, this is one of the lowest organ donor rates in the world. Around 5000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ or cornea transplant in South Africa. South Africans generally are unaware of the importance of blood, bone marrow stem cells and organs. Many others also do not know how few people donate and why it is essential they do. Many also do not know how easy it is to donate. Many do think that donating is complicated, cumbersome and time consuming. Many black South Africans are reluctant, whether for cultural or religious reasons or just fear of needles, to donate life-saving blood, organs and bone marrow stem cells, depriving someone who may desperately need it from a life-saving opportunity. Sadly, misplaced superstition is also a factor in some cases, making some people uneasy to donate. Organ trafficking is at frightening levels in South Africa. Many potential organ donors worry about whether their organs would be trafficked. Restoring the rule of law in South Africa, getting the police to be more effective and less corrupt, and government and non-governmental organisations must continue to transparently tell the public about the integrity of the donation process, is critical to foster to help convince those worrying that their donated organs will be ethically used. Clearly, there is a lack of accessible information, awareness of the blood, bone marrow stem cell and organ donation processes, importance and facts which perpetuate ignorance, distrust and fear about donating and contribute to some people not donating. There has to be mass education program demystifying donation of blood, organs and bone marrow stem cells, emphasising the importance of donating to save lives, and to dispel misplaced cultural, religious, cultural and superstitious beliefs that hinder donating. Such societal education must take place in schools, communities, as part of government service delivery programs, in workplaces, and by sports, cultural and traditional institutions. The big question is whether upon death, if someone had not specifically indicated they do not want to donate because of religious, cultural or personal reasons, to go ahead and use their organs and tissue for medical reasons. Some countries, such as Spain, follow what is called an opt-out system, whereby when an adult dies, if he or she did not register as a donor, unless they had recorded a decision not to donate for cultural, religious or other reasons, or belong to a community which officially is opposed to organ donation, they would be deemed as organ donors. Currently, South Africa has an opt-in system, whereby if a person had not register as a donor prior to the death, it is assumed that they are not a donor. It is very likely to be against the South African Constitution to upon death, automatically bracket individuals who did not indicate prior to death that they do not want to donate their organs, as agreeing to have the organs donated. Another tricky question is whether donors should be paid. In 25 countries, including the Germany, China and the US, individuals are paid for donating plasma. In the US, many poor citizens donate plasma as a source of money. In other countries they are paid time off work to donate blood. There is a difference between a blood and a plasma donation. A blood donation is a whole blood donation, which includes all four components of blood, white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and plasma. It is used to treat blood loss. A plasma donation is collecting one component of the four components of whole blood, returning the rest to the donor. Plasma is used to replace proteins in patients with life-threatening disorders as immunodeficiencies. Nevertheless, South Africa urgently needs active citizens who care for others across race, colour, political and class divides. Donating blood, organs, and bone marrow stem cells is one form of caring for others across race, colour, political and class divides, desperately needed. William Gumede is Associate Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, and a long-time blood, organ and bone marrow donor and campaigner. He was former Lead Independent Director (Alternate Chairperson) of the South African National Blood Services (SANBS). Message from Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Dear Colleagues and Students Most students and staff are likely aware of a video currently circulating on social media regarding the poor state of facilities at the Helen Joseph Hospital, as well as the alleged unprofessional conduct of some students and staff members. At the outset, let me state that the Faculty of Health Sciences is fully committed to ensuring that we train students who not only become masters of their profession, but who are also compassionate, and who maintain the dignity of all patients when engaging with them. Let me acknowledge and thank the many doctors and healthcare professionals who carry out their duties impeccably and with distinction, despite the challenges that they face every day. We are fully aware of the ailing infrastructure and the shortage of healthcare workers across most health facilities in Gauteng. We appreciate the challenging nature of working in public hospitals and we need to continue advocating for improvements in staffing and infrastructure in our public health service. Despite these challenges, it is incumbent on every student and staff member to respect patients, to treat them with dignity and compassion, and to engage with them in an exemplary manner. We acknowledge that staff are often stretched to capacity to provide optimal healthcare, coupled with managing rotations (especially interns) and other administrative challenges, this does not excuse us from extending professional healthcare services to vulnerable patients. Of particular concern is the alleged lack of basic civility of some of our medical students, our future healthcare workers. Students are reminded of the Oath that they took at the start of their clinical training, in which they committed as follows: In my interactions with colleagues and others, I will be respectful of their dignity and rights; ii. I will endeavour to promote the welfare of my University and maintain its reputation; and iii. I will adhere to the highest ethical standards in my professional capacity and my service to the community. It is of essence that we engage with patients in the same manner that we would want others to engage with us and our family members should we be on the receiving end of healthcare services. We therefore urge all staff and students to reflect on the Oath that you took at the start of your studies, and upon graduation, to ensure that we live up to the commitments that we made and that we treat patients with dignity, compassion and respect at all times. Should you come across any students or staff members who do not adhere to these values, please direct these complaints to the Head of School, Prof. Daynia Ballot, and the Deanery, so that they can be addressed immediately. Thank you Prof. Shabir Madhi Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences Celsius Holdings' (NASDAQ: CELH) energy drink has become wildly popular over the past several years. The company's rampant sales growth caught PepsiCo's attention, leading to an investment and distribution partnership and sizzling investment returns for shareholders. However, Celsius has lost some of its luster throughout this year. The stock has now fallen a whopping 66% from its high. No stock goes up forever. The question is whether investors should buy the dip or if Celsius' time in the sun is over. A sharp decline can completely change a stock's outlook. Here is why Celsius fell and why investors should consider buying the stock now. Resetting expectations Celsius' energy drink products enjoyed viral popularity beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brand appeals to young and health-conscious consumers with its "Live Fit" marketing angle. Revenue growth accelerated to more than 50% year over year in the pandemic's early days, then spiked once PepsiCo jumped into the picture in 2022. PepsiCo has become Celsius' primary distribution partner, opening up access to more points of sale and helping Celsius launch in new markets. Year-over-year sales growth peaked at more than 175%. But with high growth comes high expectations. Celsius' price-to-sales (P/S) ratio jumped to 17, more than double that of its chief competitor, Monster Beverage. CELH Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) Chart As you can see above, growth rates have slowed dramatically. Not only is triple-digit growth a tough follow-up act, but PepsiCo's initial surge to fill inventories pulled some growth forward. In its Q2 earnings call, management noted that PepsiCo's inventory movements created a headwind of $20 million to $30 million during the quarter. Celsius is a much larger company today with $1.5 billion in annual sales; it's unlikely that revenue will grow by triple digits again. In other words, the market has reset its expectations (valuation) for Celsius to a new reality of slower growth. Looking forward Celsius isn't done growing just because the business isn't growing at 100% anymore. The company's $402 million in Q2 sales was still a 23% increase over the prior year. If you add in the $20 million to $30 million headwind due to PepsiCo's inventory, growth would have been at least 5 percentage points higher. There are two take-home points for investors here. First, Celsius is still gaining market share from its competition. The company's North American sales grew 23% year over year in Q2. The energy drink market isn't growing that fast; according to Mordor Intelligence, the energy drink market in North America will grow at a low-single-digit rate through 2030. Mathematically, Celsius' growth is coming from somewhere. Monster Beverage is a top competitor and only grew North American sales by 3% year over year in Q2. Celsius is likely outperforming other brands. Story continues Second, Celsius' international growth story is very early. Success isn't a given, but PepsiCo's distribution support will significantly help. International sales grew 30% year over year in Q2 but represented just 5% of total sales, so it doesn't move the needle. This year, Celsius launched in six new countries; the international growth story could become more important over time. There is no reason Celsius can't maintain double-digit sales growth for a while yet. Assessing the stock's long-term potential Investors could be poised for strong investment returns if that's the case. Despite growing sales much faster than Monster, the stock is cheaper than Monster: CELH PS Ratio Chart Celsius is profitable under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with similar profit margins to Monster, so it's hard to argue that Celsius' revenue isn't as "high-quality" as Monster's and would thus deserve a lower valuation. Instead, Celsius' stock seems oversold and mispriced relative to its peers. The stock doesn't need a higher P/S ratio if sales keep growing at a double-digit pace; the growth alone would drive the share price higher over time. Investors shouldn't let the adverse price action write the narrative about Celsius stock. The company is doing well, and the stock's valuation more than compensates for slower long-term growth. The stock wasn't a great buy at its highs, but it's a compelling investment idea today. Should you invest $1,000 in Celsius right now? Before you buy stock in Celsius, 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 Celsius 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 9, 2024 Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Celsius and Monster Beverage. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 1 Growth Stock Down 66% to Buy Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool With the S&P 500 index up 17% in 2024 and now trading at a historically lofty price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27, it may seem reasonable to think there aren't many attractively priced securities remaining on the market. However, the "Magnificent Seven" accounts for nearly one-third of the index's allocation, and these stocks have an average P/E of 39. This outsize allocation makes the "true" valuation of the remaining S&P 493 somewhere closer to 21 or 22 times earnings -- which is slightly below historical averages. Long story short, it remains as good a time as ever to buy and hold for the long haul. Here are my three favorite consumer goods stocks for patient investors to consider. Image Source: Dutch Bros. 1. Dutch Bros Up-and-coming coffee and hand-crafted beverage chain Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) may be my favorite growth stock on the market today. Home to over 900 stores across the western and southwestern portion of the United States, Dutch Bros has doubled its store count and tripled its sales since 2020. And the future looks even brighter. Despite this growth since 2020, roughly three-quarters of its 918 stores reside in just five states: Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. Furthermore, Dutch Bros only has a presence in 18 states across the U.S., which is why management believes it can reach a store count of more than 4,000 over the long term. As tantalizing as these growth prospects are, Dutch Bros' nearly positive free cash flow (FCF) is what makes the company so interesting to me right now. BROS Cash from Operations (Quarterly) Chart FCF equals cash from operations (CFO) minus capital expenditures (spending on new stores and maintenance on existing ones), meaning that Dutch Bros is very close to being able to fund its expansion out of its own pocket. It's delivered positive same-store sales growth for six straight quarters, and I'm optimistic that the company will soon reach positive FCF, leaving it less reliant upon shareholder dilution to raise funds for new stores. Trading at 13 times CFO -- compared to its mega-peer Starbucks' mark of 16 -- Dutch Bros' expansion potential and blistering 30% sales growth in its latest quarter look attractively priced. 2. Chewy It is no secret that Chewy (NYSE: CHWY) -- the U.S.'s largest e-commerce pet retailer -- is beloved by its customers, earning a No. 1 ranking on Forrester Research's customer experience index. However, what is not as widely known is that Chewy finally reached profitability. Not only is the specialty pet retailer generating net income, but it is also targeting five higher-profit revenue streams: Chewy Vet Care, Chewy Health, pet insurance, private-label products, and sponsored ads. Combined with the streamlining efficiencies Chewy sees from 78% of its sales being recurring autoship purchases, these high-margin concepts should continue bumping the company's profitability higher. Story continues CHWY Operating Margin (TTM) Chart Chewy Vet Care looks particularly promising after the company opened six locations in the last two quarters. According to management, early indications show that the clinics are a promising acquisition funnel for new customers and have immense cross-sell potential. Compared to the negatively viewed private equity firms that have started to dominate the veterinary industry over the last few years, Chewy Vet Care is being welcomed by both vets and pet owners alike. Trading at 21 times forward earnings, Chewy's budding profitability, devout customer base, and veterinary growth potential look reasonably priced for prospective investors. 3. Vail Resorts Consisting of 37 ski resorts across North America -- including three of the top five and five of the top 10 most visited annually -- Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN) is the biggest player in its home continent's ski resort industry. The main reason that Vail is one of my favorite stocks for the long term is the simple fact that no new ski resorts of scale have been built in over 40 years -- giving the company a unique geographic advantage over any would-be competitors. However, following a post-lockdown boom, Vail's share price has slid 50% from its 2021 highs due to a weak consumer spending environment, lower snowfall totals at many North American resorts, and worries over its debt levels. Currently, Vail is home to a formidable net debt balance of $2.1 billion versus $825 million in earnings before interest, taxes, debt, and amortization (EBITDA). However, after extending the maturity date on a $600 million note from 2026 to 2032 and also moving the maturity date on its $969 million term loan and $500 million revolver from 2026 to 2029, Vail gained some financial wiggle room. Despite these extensions, the company's debt load means that Vail may be more focused on trying to maintain its precious 4.7% dividend yield rather than raising it, which is typically a bad sign for investors. However, with Vail trading at just 11 times EBITDA -- which looks like it might be a once-in-a-decade valuation -- I'm happy to take on the risk of a potential dividend cut. MTN EV to EBITDA Chart After briefly pausing its dividend during the pandemic as a precaution, management returned the company's dividend yield near all-time highs. With 83% of its FCF being used to fund these payments today, though, Vail's attention will probably turn to simply maintaining this dividend so it can focus on managing its debt balance. However, Vail has been FCF-positive every year since 2010, so the company's cash generation has proven as solid as the mountains upon which its resorts are built. Now generating 65% of its sales from a season pass subscription model (up from 26% in 2008), Vail should produce less cyclical cash flows going forward, adding additional stability to the FCF needed to fund its hefty dividend and debt balance. While it is anyone's guess as to when the broader consumer spending environment will improve, I'm happy to collect Vail's well-funded 4.7% dividend yield while I wait for a turnaround and hopefully see the company deleverage in the meantime. Should you invest $1,000 in Dutch Bros right now? Before you buy stock in Dutch Bros, 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 Dutch Bros 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 9, 2024 Josh Kohn-Lindquist has positions in Chewy, Dutch Bros, Starbucks, and Vail Resorts. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chewy, Starbucks, and Vail Resorts. The Motley Fool recommends Dutch Bros. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. My 3 Favorite Stocks to Buy Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool Color-painted figure heads are pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] XI'AN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) An exhibition opened Sunday at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors. A dancing figurine is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A kneeling archer with green-painted face is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A performer figure is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] The exhibition showcases 230 cultural relics in eight categories, many being revealed to the public for the first time, offering a glimpse into the era of Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC). In 1974, local farmers accidentally unearthed clay fragments while digging a well, leading to one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries -- the army of Terracotta Warriors -- which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Around 2,000 life-size clay warriors and numerous weapons had been unearthed from three pits surrounding Qinshihuang's tomb, covering an area of over 20,000 square meters. After 50 years of excavation and research, over 10 above-ground building sites and more than 500 underground burial pits and tombs have been discovered in the mausoleum. Over 50,000 pieces of relics have been unearthed. The museum has remained an iconic scenic spot in Xi'an. It received 11 million visitors in 2023, hitting a record-high number since its opening. A performer figure is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A figure of hands in sleeves is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] Terracotta Warriors are pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A two-imperial-edict bronze bobweight of Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC) is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A figure of hands in sleeves is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A Yuefu bell of inlaying gold and silver is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] A bronze tripod is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Yibo] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha In the midst of a challenging global economic climate, France's CAC 40 Index has experienced notable declines, reflecting broader concerns about economic growth. Despite this backdrop, certain growth companies with high insider ownership on Euronext Paris are showing promising potential for significant earnings growth. Investors often seek stocks with strong insider ownership as it can indicate confidence in the company's future prospects. In this article, we will explore three such French companies that are anticipating up to 101% earnings growth. Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In France Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Groupe OKwind Societe anonyme (ENXTPA:ALOKW) 24.8% 36% VusionGroup (ENXTPA:VU) 13.4% 25.7% Adocia (ENXTPA:ADOC) 11.9% 63% Icape Holding (ENXTPA:ALICA) 30.2% 27.3% Arcure (ENXTPA:ALCUR) 21.4% 27.5% La Francaise de l'Energie (ENXTPA:FDE) 19.9% 31.9% S.M.A.I.O (ENXTPA:ALSMA) 17.4% 35.2% Munic (ENXTPA:ALMUN) 29.2% 149.1% MedinCell (ENXTPA:MEDCL) 15.8% 93.9% OSE Immunotherapeutics (ENXTPA:OSE) 25.6% 5.9% Click here to see the full list of 24 stocks from our Fast Growing Euronext Paris Companies With High Insider Ownership screener. Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Lectra SA offers industrial intelligence solutions for the fashion, automotive, and furniture markets across Northern Europe, Southern Europe, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific with a market cap of 1.07 billion. Operations: Revenue segments for the company are as follows: Americas: 172.65 million, Asia-Pacific: 118.54 million, and Segment Adjustment: 209.13 million. Insider Ownership: 19.6% Earnings Growth Forecast: 29.3% p.a. Lectra is experiencing significant earnings growth, forecasted at 29.3% per year, outpacing the French market's 12.3%. Revenue is also expected to grow faster than the market at 10.4% annually. Despite a recent dip in net income from 14.47 million to 12.51 million for H1 2024, analysts believe the stock price will rise by 22.2%. Trading at 47.5% below its estimated fair value further highlights its potential as a growth company with high insider ownership in France. ENXTPA:LSS Ownership Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: OVH Groupe S.A. offers public and private cloud services, shared hosting, and dedicated server solutions globally, with a market cap of 1.13 billion. Story continues Operations: The company's revenue segments include Public Cloud (169.01 million), Private Cloud (589.61 million), and Web Cloud & Other (185.43 million). Insider Ownership: 10.5% Earnings Growth Forecast: 101.1% p.a. OVH Groupe is expected to become profitable within three years, with earnings forecasted to grow 101.12% annually. Revenue growth is projected at 9.7% per year, outpacing the French market's 5.7%. Despite high share price volatility over the past three months, OVH trades at a significant discount of 32.5% below estimated fair value. Recent innovations include new ADV-Gen3 Bare Metal servers, enhancing performance and sustainability, potentially driving further growth in web hosting and cloud services markets. ENXTPA:OVH Ownership Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: VusionGroup S.A. provides digitalization solutions for commerce in Europe, Asia, and North America with a market cap of 2.27 billion. Operations: The company's revenue from installing and maintaining electronic shelf labels totals 801.96 million. Insider Ownership: 13.4% Earnings Growth Forecast: 25.7% p.a. VusionGroup's earnings are forecast to grow 25.74% annually over the next three years, significantly outpacing the French market. Revenue is also expected to rise by 21.3% per year, driven by strategic partnerships like the recent collaboration with Ace Hardware for digital shelf label technology across its 5,000 U.S. stores. This partnership enhances operational efficiencies and customer experience, positioning VusionGroup as a key player in retail digitalization while maintaining high insider ownership and strong growth potential. ENXTPA:VU Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Turning Ideas Into Actions Dive into all 24 of the Fast Growing Euronext Paris Companies With High Insider Ownership we have identified here. Are you invested in these stocks already? Keep abreast of every twist and turn by setting up a portfolio with Simply Wall St, where we make it simple for investors like you to stay informed and proactive. Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor. Ready To Venture Into Other Investment Styles? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years. Companies discussed in this article include ENXTPA:LSS ENXTPA:OVH and ENXTPA:VU. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Members of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and descendants of Flying Tigers veterans pose for a group photo with the statue of U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault in Zhijiang County, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Yu Chunsheng] CHANGSHA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) Members of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and descendants of Flying Tigers veterans on Sunday visited central China's Zhijiang county, where Chinese army accepted the surrender of the Japanese during World War II. Although this is not the first time for many members of the delegation to visit Zhijiang, this trip was still full of surprises for them, and some members looked forward to "bringing more (American) students to Zhijiang again." During the war, Zhijiang attracted a number of air force units to station in its airport, among which the Flying Tigers spent the longest time. Since its first landing on June 9, 1943, the Flying Tigers did not leave until Sept. 19, 1945, after the victory of the war. The delegation paid a visit to a memorial hall dedicated to the Flying Tigers veteran pilots. They carefully looked at the old photos, military uniforms, aircraft models, combat maps and other exhibits. Several color photographs, taken in the 1940s, were particularly eye-catching. "These precious color photos were donated by an American communication soldier, who witnessed the entire process of the Japanese army's surrender in Zhijiang and took a large number of photos," said Wu Jianhong, curator of the memorial hall. In the memorial hall, there are also many exhibits donated by friendly people from the United States. "This is the photo you donated last year," Wu told Margaret Kincannon, a descendant of the Flying Tigers veteran, in front of a new showcase. This time, Margaret brought three new photos to donate. One is a portrait of her father, and the other two are photos of her father with Chinese pilots and technicians. "Decades passed, and my father still remembered the names of Chinese technicians at that time," she said. She was surprised to find that her photo of attending an activity in Zhijiang last year was also placed in the memorial hall. Wu said the memorial hall should not only show the people the history of China and the United States fighting side by side, but also record the inheritance of the friendship between the Chinese and American people, which makes the memorial hall full of vitality. The "Flying Tigers Friendship" does continue among the younger generations of China and the United States. Less than 2 km away from the former site of the Flying Tigers barracks stands Zhijiang No.4 Middle School. In November last year, it became a sister school of "Flying Tigers Friendship" with Jack Lund Schofield Middle School in the United States. This trip was the fifth of its kind by Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. At the Zhijiang No.4 Middle School, Jeffrey expressed the hope that more students will come here to learn about the history of Flying Tigers, and more Chinese students will visit the United States to communicate with Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants. The Flying Tigers, formally 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 the Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. Margaret Kincannon (C), a descendant of the Flying Tigers veteran, displays a photo she donated to a memorial hall dedicated to the Flying Tigers veteran pilots in Zhijiang County, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Yu Chunsheng] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen] BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China. Xi asked Sanchez to convey his greetings to King Felipe VI. Recalling that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties last year, Xi said both sides have since maintained close exchanges and interactions at all levels and promoted high-quality cooperation in new areas. Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two sides should adhere to the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and equal treatment, take a holistic and long-term view, and add new dimensions to bilateral ties. Xi also called on both sides to build long-term and stable China-Spain relations with strategic determination, and push bilateral relations to a higher level. Xi stressed that reform and opening up is a correct development path that China has found through long-term practice, and that it will be pursued steadfastly. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systematic arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, bringing new opportunities for deepening and expanding cooperation between China and Spain, he said. The two sides should work for mutual benefits by promoting development in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy, Xi said, adding that China hopes Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country. He urged joint efforts from the two sides to stay committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning, promote friendship between the two peoples, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in the fields of language education, youth, culture and tourism. As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is ready to work with the bloc to review successful experience in the development of bilateral relations and further promote the relations, Xi said. "China hopes that Spain will continue to play a constructive role in this regard." China and Spain are both countries with a sense of responsibility and mission, and both advocate multilateralism and free trade, Xi said. He noted that China is ready to expand cooperation with Spain in third-party markets in the Global South, and strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations, the G20 and other international organizations, aiming to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability and human progress. Sanchez conveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to President Xi. Spain and China enjoy time-honored friendship, and they have constantly developed and deepened their partnership on the basis of mutual respect, Sanchez said. During his visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in fields such as green development, demonstrating the huge potential and bright prospects of bilateral cooperation, he said. Spain hopes that the two countries will strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and new energy vehicles. Spain is willing to provide a sound environment for Chinese enterprises, Sanchez said. He noted that both Spain and China are committed to safeguarding world peace and multilateralism, and that China is a key force for world peace and development and plays an important, constructive role in resolving major international and regional issues. Spain views its relations with China from a strategic height, adheres firmly to the one-China policy, is willing to be a trustworthy partner of China, and looks forward to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and making greater contributions to the well-being of the two peoples, world peace and prosperity, Sanchez said. Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, opposes trade wars, and is willing to continue playing a positive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations, he said. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu] Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take a walk in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. Xi met with Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Monday. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen] Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take a walk in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. Xi met with Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Monday. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu] BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store here on Monday, saying that China is willing to work with Norway to promote the continuous development of friendly cooperation. Xi asked Store to convey his greetings to King Harald V. Xi said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two peoples have respected, appreciated and learned from each other, forging a valuable friendship. Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation is consistent with the will of the two peoples, the fundamental interests of the two countries, and a global trend of maintaining closer ties among countries to share weal and woe, Xi said. He noted that today's world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, which are testing whether the international community can make the right choice. China will continue to follow the path of peaceful development. By further deepening reform in an all-round way and advancing Chinese modernization, China will inject stability and certainty into a world fraught with changes and turbulence and create more opportunities for the common development of all countries, Xi said. Xi noted that the two countries' economies are highly complementary and have seen fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. He called on the two sides to expand practical cooperation in fields such as environmental protection, energy transformation, maritime affairs and shipping, agricultural and fishery products, and electric vehicles. He also called for intensified exchanges of personnel and strengthened cooperation in such areas as education, culture, tourism and winter sports. Xi noted that China and Norway share broad consensus on maintaining world peace and security, addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity and countering other global challenges. He said China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Norway at the United Nations and on other multilateral platforms, practice true multilateralism, and promote an equal, orderly, multipolar world and an economic globalization that benefits all. China hopes that Norway will play a positive role in promoting the sound development of relations between China and Europe, he added. Store conveyed King Harald V's cordial greetings to President Xi. Store said that Norway respects China's sovereignty, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to continue to work with China to respect each other's core interests and major concerns. Store said China's development is full of vitality and has significant successful experience. Norway looks forward to expanding cooperation with China, especially in such fields as green development, climate change, maritime affairs and shipping, agriculture and fishery industries, new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence, he said. Noting that Norway supports free trade, Store said the country is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China under multilateral frameworks such as the G20, and supports strengthened cooperation between Europe and China. The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other hotspot issues. Xi stressed that China encourages and supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and will continue to promote peace talks and play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement. Xi voiced the hope that all parties will work together to accumulate favorable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis through dialogue. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha 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. Japan will nominate Masato Kanda, the country's former top currency diplomat, as its candidate to become next head of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said on Tuesday, Azernews reports citing Reuters. Since the ADB was founded in 1966, its top post has always been filled by someone from Japan which, along with the United States, is the bank's biggest shareholder. That makes Kanda a strong candidate to take up the post. "(Kanda) is most appropriate to lead the ADB as he is well-versed in Asia-Pacific affairs and has built deep networks with executives from various countries and international institutions," Suzuki said at a regular press conference. Kanda, if elected, will succeed Masatsugu Asakawa, who announced on Monday his intention to step down from his position effective Feb. 23, 2025. The development lender said in a statement that election of the next ADB president would follow "an open, transparent, and merit-based process". Kanda, who stepped down in July after three years as vice finance minister for international affairs, led massive bouts of yen-buying intervention in the currency markets in 2022 and 2024. He currently serves as a special adviser to the cabinet. Asakawa, also a former top Japanese currency diplomat, became ADB president in January 2020 and oversaw measures to help the region's economies deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool One of the most overlooked hacks for saving money at Costco is buying gift cards. Costco has a huge variety of gift cards for everything from restaurants to movie theaters to sporting events. But why buy them at Costco instead of, well, anywhere else? I have a few reasons. 1. Costco sells gift cards for up to 30% off The main reason I call buying gift cards at Costco a savings hack is that you don't need to pay full price for them. Costco sells most gift cards for around 20% off the face value, but I've seen deals for up to 35% off. You can purchase digital gift cards online at Costco.com. Digital gift cards are emailed to you after purchase. If you want physical gift cards, you can head to your local Costco store. Just keep in mind the selection will be more limited. 2. Executive members earn 2% back The primary perk of being a Costco Executive member is you get 2% back on your Costco purchases (paid out as a lump-sum Reward once per year). Retailer gift cards qualify toward the 2% back. Alright, so 2% doesn't sound that impressive against a potential 35% discount, but that's not the way to look at it. It's 2% on top of a 35% discount -- which is very cool. (All about perspective, friends.) This works whether you buy gift cards online or at Costco.com, so you can still pick digital or physical gift cards depending on what you need. 3. This all stacks with credit card rewards I'd argue points one and two are pretty compelling already, but I'd be remiss in my duties as a rewards evangelist if I didn't point out that the regular discounts and the 2% Executive Reward all stack with credit card rewards. For example, Costco sells a four-pack of $25 TGI Friday's gift cards for $79.99. Let's say an Executive member makes the purchase with a cash back rewards card that earns 3% back at wholesale clubs. $100 in gift cards sold for $79.99 is a savings of $20.01 2% back for the Executive Rewards is $1.60 3% back in cash back rewards from the credit card is $2.40 That means, altogether, you'd have an effective cost of $75.99 for $100 in gift cards. Bonus tip: Don't forget about Costco Shop cards In addition to its selection of retailer gift cards, Costco also offers its own gift cards for Costco purchases called Costco Shop cards. Arguably, the most interesting feature of Shop cards is that they can be used by people who don't have a Costco membership. In other words, if you have friends or family members who'd like to give Costco a try but who don't want to get a membership, you can gift them a Costco Shop card. They'll be allowed into the store to use their card, giving them the opportunity to check it out. Story continues It's important to note that, unlike Costco's other gift cards, Shop cards aren't discounted and they don't count toward your 2% Executive Reward. The next time you need some gift cards, don't forget to check out Costco. You could save money and earn rewards. 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. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Perks of Buying Gift Cards at Costco was originally published by The Motley Fool House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talks to reporters as he arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 9, 2024. North Wales Police deployed Live Facial Recognition technology in Wrexham on Saturday and have said 11 alerts were generated. This deployment formed part of matchday policing arrangements for the League One fixture between Wrexham AFC and Shrewsbury Town. North Wales Police said, LFR cameras were used to support officers in the identification of persons wanted for priority offences, those wanted on warrant, those unlawfully at large, and those wanted on recall to prison. The deployment also sought to promote the safeguarding of vulnerable persons. A total of 34,900 faces were scanned, with 11 alerts generated and follow-up enquiries undertaken by officers. Police say no arrests were made. They add, No biometric data, or images of faces scanned, were retained by North Wales Police. (Top pic: A face recognition van on the corner of Crispin Lane on Saturday. Wrexham.com has no idea if we are on a watch list, but we gave it a wave.) The below FAQ style question and answer info has also been created by police: Are all facial profiles that are captured, stored for any length of time? Can only suspects and wanted people be identified, or does it use other sources of facial profiles in addition to police records? If you are not on a watchlist we will never store your biometric data. It is immediately and automatically deleted. In addition, North Wales Police will delete all alerts within 24 hours at the end of the operation. The CCTV footage used by the technology, is recorded, and kept for up to 31 days. If there is an incorrect alert, the information and image will be deleted straight away. What is the list of faces that are used to compare during the deployment? This is a watch list for deployments which contain details of people who are wanted for crimes, subject to court orders or pose a risk to the public. Unless you are on the watch list you cannot be matched. South Wales Police are providing the technology for this deployment and there has not been one single wrongful arrest because of their use of facial recognition. When the technology finds a possible match, an alert is generated. Any alerts are verified by an operator prior to an intervention by officers on the ground. The system will only seek to match those individuals placed on the watch list. Each watch list is unique to that event where the technology is being deployed. What is meant by deleting no alert images and biometric data immediately if CCTV footage is kept for 31 days? This relates to biometric data so for people who dont cause an alert. The biometric data is automatically and immediately deleted. For those images that cause an alert, these are deleted within 24 hours. What about privacy rights and the legality of live facial recognition technology? The use of live facial recognition technology by North Wales Police is designed to be responsible, proportionate, and fair. It aims to keep the public safe, identifying serious offenders and protecting the vulnerable. North Wales Police uses transparency that demonstrates effectiveness, proportionality and compliance with legislation and guidelines when deploying live facial recognition technology. Can I opt out if Im a law-abiding citizen? Only persons who are wanted or suspect will be on an authorised watch list, and they are unable to opt out. If you wish to physically avoid a deployment this is not grounds on its own for us to have any interaction with you. We will publish the dates and locations of a deployment in advance, except in very exceptional circumstances. Will there be any data kept on file and if so, how do we apply for access to that data? Images/biometric data of those who dont cause an alert are automatically and immediately deleted. Images which cause an alert are deleted immediately after using them, or within 24 hrs. CCTV footage thats used by the LFR technology is recorded and kept for 31 days. Is the live facial recognition technology discriminatory in any way? Historically there have been issues with Facial Recognition Technology and potential gender and ethnic bias. As the technology has developed over time this bias has reduced greatly. Following work by South Wales Police, the Met, and the National Physics Laboratory, a report has been produced which gives an impartial, scientifically underpinned and evidence-based analysis of the performance of the facial recognition algorithm that will be used. As a result: There is now a better understanding of the demographic performance of the LFR system. There are settings the algorithm can be operated at where there is no statistical significance between demographic performance, and North Wales Police only uses the setting where this is the case. Is the data being passed on to other parties? We will never pass biometric data to third party agencies. All CCTV footage generated from a mobile CCTV deployment is deleted within 31 days, in the following examples when it is retained: In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, MOPI and the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996; and /or In accordance with North Wales Polices complaints / conduct investigation policies. Can you tell us roughly what percentage of facial captures are recognised by the system? Also, what facial database do you use to compare images against? This percentage can vary and is impacted by several factors including the scope of the watch list and how many people pass through the zone of recognition for the camera. The database used will be composed of lawfully held images already in the possession of North Wales Police, from our existing record management system, or the police national computer. The United Kingdom's FTSE 100 index recently faced challenges, closing lower due to weak trade data from China and declining commodity prices, which affected several major companies. In such a volatile market, growth stocks with high insider ownership can be particularly appealing as they often indicate strong confidence from those closest to the companys operations. Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In The United Kingdom Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (LSE:IDHC) 27.6% 23.7% Helios Underwriting (AIM:HUW) 23.9% 16.1% Foresight Group Holdings (LSE:FSG) 31.7% 27.9% LSL Property Services (LSE:LSL) 10.8% 33.3% Belluscura (AIM:BELL) 36.1% 113.4% B90 Holdings (AIM:B90) 24.4% 142.7% Velocity Composites (AIM:VEL) 27.6% 188.7% Petrofac (LSE:PFC) 16.6% 124% Judges Scientific (AIM:JDG) 11.9% 26.9% Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LSE:GKP) 12.1% 80.6% Click here to see the full list of 65 stocks from our Fast Growing UK Companies With High Insider Ownership screener. Let's uncover some gems from our specialized screener. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Craneware plc, with a market cap of 828.40 million, develops, licenses, and supports computer software for the healthcare industry in the United States. Operations: The company generates revenue of $189.27 million from its healthcare software segment in the United States. Insider Ownership: 17% Earnings Growth Forecast: 25.6% p.a. Craneware, a UK-based healthcare software provider, demonstrates strong growth potential with forecasted annual earnings growth of 25.6%, outpacing the UK market average. Recent earnings showed a significant increase in both sales ($189.27M) and net income ($11.7M). The company is actively seeking acquisitions to bolster its portfolio and has partnered with Microsoft to enhance its cloud capabilities and AI applications, further driving innovation and market reach. AIM:CRW Ownership Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Judges Scientific plc designs, manufactures, and sells scientific instruments and has a market cap of 703.98 million. Operations: Judges Scientific plc generates revenue from two primary segments: Vacuum (63.60 million) and Materials Sciences (72.50 million). Insider Ownership: 11.9% Earnings Growth Forecast: 26.9% p.a. Judges Scientific is poised for robust growth with forecasted annual earnings expansion of 26.9%, outpacing the UK market's 14.4%. Despite a volatile share price and lower profit margins this year, its revenue is expected to grow faster than the market at 6.3% annually. The recent appointment of Dr. Ian Wilcock as Group Commercial Director brings extensive leadership and innovation experience, potentially bolstering the company's strategic development and commercial success. Story continues AIM:JDG Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: LSL Property Services plc, with a market cap of 349.10 million, provides business-to-business services to mortgage intermediaries and estate agency franchisees, as well as valuation services to lenders in the United Kingdom. Operations: The company's revenue segments include Financial Services (51.69 million), Surveying and Valuation (67.83 million), and Estate Agency excluding Financial Services (24.89 million). Insider Ownership: 10.8% Earnings Growth Forecast: 33.3% p.a. LSL Property Services is trading at 52.9% below its estimated fair value, with earnings forecasted to grow significantly at 33.32% annually over the next three years, outpacing the UK market's 14.4%. Revenue is expected to grow faster than the market at 11% per year. Recently, Michael Stoop joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director, bringing extensive industry experience from his roles in estate agency and franchising. LSE:LSL Ownership Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Key Takeaways Take a closer look at our Fast Growing UK Companies With High Insider Ownership list of 65 companies by clicking here. Are these companies part of your investment strategy? Use Simply Wall St to consolidate your holdings into a portfolio and gain insights with our comprehensive analysis tools. Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets. Looking For Alternative Opportunities? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years. Companies discussed in this article include AIM:CRW AIM:JDG and LSE:LSL. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Royal Mail workers can register for the Zoom meeting on Sunday 15 September at 7 pm here. You can hear reports from postal workers across Royal Mail and Parcelforce and send a delegation from your mail centre or delivery office to join the discussion. *** Royal Mail workers around the country have been taking up the statement by the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee for its next Zoom meeting this coming Sunday: A rank-and-file fightback strategy for Royal Mail workers. The statement calls out the closed-door talks which have continued, overseen by the Labour government, between Communication Workers Union (CWU) leaders Dave Ward and Martin Walsh and billionaire Daniel Kretinsky and his EP Group over its take-over bid for Royal Mail (and parent company IDS). It connects the swoop by the private equity firm to carve up the business with the bonfire of terms and conditions rammed through by Ward and Walsh based on the sellout agreement last July to end the national dispute. Hundreds of copies of the statement have been distributed at delivery offices and Mail Centres including in Glasgow, Bournemouth, Keithley, Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield. Royal Mail workers on the picket line at Manchester Mail Centre, August 26, 2022 At the Mail Centre in Manchester, postal workers raised how their concerns are ignored, and slammed the CWUs pro-company agreement. They were also critical of the collusion of the Labour government with the EP Group take-over. The CWU has rolled over. We dont get sick pay for the first two days, and new entrants are on worse conditions, Weve never heard from the union or Dave Ward since the deal was pushed through, Its gone quiet on the takeover, I thought Labour would stop the takeover when they came in but they havent. A new starter told me their Saturday shift was changed to 1-8pm. Who wants to work that on a weekend? No section of the workforce has been spared, a member of the cleaning staff at the office explained, When I came here there were 28 cleaners. Now there are eight and two of them are part time. A FedEx driver making a call at the distribution centre said, These postal workers get a raw deal. At Mount Pleasant sorting office in London, postal workers were equally scathing about CWU officials and their collaboration with management for keeping them in the dark and leaving them defenceless in the face of mounting attacks. I need to read this leaflet, a postie said after hearing just how bad the inferior pay and terms for new entrants are which the CWU postal executive negotiated. Another added, I am based at another depot; I am on a different contractI get door-to-door with no overtime, and I have to work Sundays and no overtime, just a flat rate. Im interested in this meeting. The union are working with management to fill vacancies; there are more than 20 at my place. But they start and leave within a few weeks because of the amount of work. One told me he could not complete his work daily and it got worse and worse and he had to leave. Supporters of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee The World Socialist Web Site also spoke with supporters of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee ahead of the Zoom meeting. Their names have been changed to protect against victimisation. Jim, who works at the Midlands Super Hub which opened last July: They talk about this being a state-of-the-art facility because of the level of automation but the reality is working conditions are primitive. The lay-out is not fit for purpose, there are all sorts of problems with health and safety and a lot of the technology is not applied properly. The distribution lorries come in and their ramps for unloading the Yorks (roll containers) full of parcels are not level with the loading plate. The Yorks can weigh anything from 30kg to 70kg which have to be pushed up an incline. It is a repetitive job, taking a toll on the body. Control measures recommended by Occupational Health to eliminate the risk have been ignored by both the management and CWU reps. The workplace agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU on manual handling to reduce MSDs and the unions campaign Better BacksOne York at a Time is a joke. Ive seen cases of agency staff pushing up to 20-30 Yorks at a time in a chain. We are just expected to turn a blind eye. The level of casualisation is very high, at least three agency staff to every one Royal Mail employee. A lot of this is conducted by Royal Mails in-house employment agency firm, Angard. The agency workers get holiday pay and receive a higher rate on Sundays than those employed by Royal Mail but they do not receive sick pay and struggle to secure regular hours. Why should they care about the work? I dont blame them. They are treated as expendable and the CWU has allowed this to happen. There really is no Quality of Service. The robotic arms empty the Yorks onto the conveyor system but the smaller parcels and ones which are not flat fall off as it turns the corner and end up in the netting. These are tracked parcels and can stay there for up to a week, which is the only time they are routinely cleared. They would rather pay the compensation than provide the right service. It is all about maximising throughput and trying to manipulate the figures because Royal Mail want to close down Mail Centres to re-direct the work to the Super Hub. Andy, a delivery worker in Glasgow: I am sure it must be the same in every delivery office: Forget the mail, concentrate on tracked parcels. Thats all you get from management. In my office they are shelling out more overtime than ever because these new hours with the network window are not working, as well as seasonal variation. You have a different start and finish time every day. Its a complete mess. Theres no consistency at all. First-class stamps are increasing to 1.65. Thats twice theyve increased the price in this year alone. How is there not a price cap on that? It is deliberate; they are pricing letters so that the market for them dies off. Thats the endgame here: price letters so high that no one uses the service. Its shocking. The CWU has become a tool of management. They put managements agenda front and centre. If the unions stuck together with the workers we would be a force to be reckoned with. Dare I say it, I think we would be unstoppable in the fight for better terms and conditions for every worker in every country around the world. Its always the same though, where money is involved greed and corruption are sure to follow. Im fed up watching my own union rep work hand-in-hand with my manager instead of standing against him. This assault worldwide, on average working-class people like us, is an absolute disgrace and there seems to be no shame at all from any of these union officials and employers about exploiting us. After everything is said and done, its ordinary working people like us that keep the world turning. Ray, a delivery worker in London: One of the more insidious things coming out of the stinking deal between Royal Mail and the CWU last year has been using Postal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to monitor and control postal workers inside and outside the workplace. Not even George Orwell and his Big Brother could have imagined the extent to which Royal Mail could control the behaviour of postal workers, even to the point of using the data to sack any postal worker they deem to have stepped out of line. The complete acceptance by the CWU of the use of these PDAs to punish and control workers is a new milestone in its integration into corporate management. As the WSWS exposed, Appendix 5 of the union-company agreement outlined measures for enhanced performance management of staff to deliver improved business performance through increased data use from PDAs. The CWUs assurances that PDAs would not be used to de-humanise the workplace and would not be used to track individuals in real time have been exposed as worthless. I dont need to explain what these handheld devices can do to postal workers. Still, the wider public has little comprehension of how Royal Mail controls and terrorises postal workers and is using them to get rid of the most principled and militant postal workers to bring in a two-tier workforce that is more compliant with their aims and objectives. I would encourage all postal workers to attend the Zoom meeting on Sunday. The CWU is dead from the standpoint of defending postal workers. It is nothing but an arm of corporate management. The only thing that can stop Royal Mail and the CWU from pursuing their aims of turning Royal Mail into an Amazon-like company is the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee. Debt-stricken utility company Thames Water, which serves 16 million in London and South East England, is demanding a taxpayer bailout or an increase in customer bills of 59 percent a year by 2030 to keep afloatwhile it continues the criminal practice of pumping raw sewage into the environment. On Thursday, the Labour government led by Sir Keir Starmer tabled its new Water (Special Measures) Bill in parliament, promising to end years of neglect with threats to bonuses, of fines and imprisonment. Lack of investment driven by the thirst for ever-increasing profits has led to a situation where the basic sanitation infrastructure introduced by the Victorians is at breaking pointwhich a Labour government will not reverse. Thames Water, only the worst offender, initially approached price regulator Ofwat for a 44 percent hike in household bills. Ofwats final decision is due in December, though it suggested a figure of 22 percent. The company, according to the Guardian, asked the government to sidestep Ofwat, permit the price hike and help it avoid administration by underwriting its debtsto prevent a chilling effect on the UKs attractiveness to global investment. Indebted to the tune of 15 billion, it says money will run out by June next year. Thames Water HQ by the Thames In Reading, Berkshire [Photo by Jim Linwood / CC BY 2.0 Thames Water is one of ten regionally based water companies formed in 1989 after the privatisation blitz begun under the Thatcher government (1979-90), with Ofwat created supposedly to curb the excessive rapaciousness of investors and CEOs. The consequences for the environment and potentially for human health have been catastrophic. Last year, sewage spills into rivers and seas around England hit a record 477,000 incidents totalling over 4 million hours, an increase of 58 percent from the previous year. In May 2023, the governments Environment Agency reported that only 16 percent of surface water assessed in and around England was of good ecological status. This included 14 percent of rivers and lakes, 19 percent of estuaries and 45 percent of coastal waters. Since 2020, Thames Water, the largest water company in the UK, has poured 72 billion litres of sewage into the River Thamesthe equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The company is currently owned by a consortium including Canadian pension funds, the UK university lecturers pension fund, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the China Investment Corporation. Its previous owner was Australian infrastructure asset management Macquarie. Thames Water is not unique. In May, a faulty valve in Pennon Group-owned Southwest Waters system led to the pollution of the water supply with the parasite Cryptosporidium. Thousands of residents in Devon had to drink bottled water. The end of August saw further contamination of Lake Windermere in the Lake District by United Utilities. Sewage was discharged from Hawkshead Pumping Station via Esthwaite Water, and Near Sawrey Waste Water Treatment Works via Cunsey Beck, for seven days continuously. Last year, the lake was subjected to 8,787 hours of raw sewage spills, according to the Save Windermere Campaign which has been protesting pollution for three years. The Lake District is an area of outstanding natural beauty, an attraction for thousands from all over the world, a jewel in the north of England and inspiration to poets including William Wordsworth (1770-1850) and Samuel Coleridge Taylor (1772-1834) and art critic and historian John Ruskin (1819-1900). Esthwaite Water is a grade one site of Special Scientific Interest with its nationally scarce invertebrate fauna and plants. A spokesperson from the company responsible, United Utilities, said, Storm overflows are designed to operate during heavy rainfall, like that seen in the Lake District over recent days Founder of the Save Windermere Campaign Matt Staniek disputed that the recent heavy rainfalls fell within the parameters designated exceptional circumstances when overflows into waterways are permitted. The UK has in the main a combined sewerage system, so that both rainwater and household wastewater from toilets, bathrooms and kitchens travel through the same pipes to a sewage treatment works. During exceptionally heavy rainfall excess capacity is directed into rivers and the sea through stormflows to avoid flooding homes, towns, roads and agricultural land or overwhelming water treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plants and waterpipes, however, have not been properly maintained and upgraded to deal with the extra water capacity which occurs now not as an exception, but on a regular basisin substantial part due to climate change. The Met Office reported in its annual State of Climate report that the UK is experiencing more hotter and wetter days, threatening the delicately balanced ecosystem as well as agriculture. The report noted that 2023 was the seventh wettest year since 1836. Ofwat has revealed that some companies are also routinely releasing sewage regardless of the weather. A BBC investigation found evidence of 6,000 potential dry spills (no rain) by Englands water companies in 2022, some of which occurred during the summer heatwave, thus putting swimmers cooling off in danger of harmful pathogens. Parents are routinely warned to dissuade children from paddling in shallow rivers. After its investigation into illegal sewage dumping, Ofwat suggested fines totalling 168 million for Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water. These fines, however, would doubtless be passed onto customers, or paid for by taking on yet more debt or abandoning even more essential maintenance. Research by the Financial Times found water companies in England and Wales increased their net debt by 8.2 billion since 2021, while paying out 2.5 billion in dividends. Before privatisation, the ten regional water authorities were debt free. In the period 1991-2023, profits to shareholders totalled 78 billion, almost half the 190 billion spent on infrastructure, and debt grew to 64 billion. While customer bills rose by 40 percent, 22 water company executives were rewarded 24. 8 million in 2022 presiding over this mess. Thames Water alone has paid out 7.2 billion to shareholders since 1990. Announcing Labours new Water Bill, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, declared, Under this Government, water executives will no longer line their own pockets whilst pumping out this filth. If they refuse to comply, they could end up in the dock and face prison time. But these are hollow promises, made to assuage public anger. Politicians attitude to corporate criminality has been demonstrated sharply by the recent final report of the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower firein which 72 people were killed and for which no one has been held criminally responsible. Charles Watson, founder of campaign group River Action, said, If the secretary of state believes that the few one-off actions announced today, such as curtailing bosses bonuseshowever appealing they may soundare going to fix the underlying causes of our poisoned waterways, then he needs to think again. According to industry body Water UK, 104.5 billion is needed to update the long-neglected infrastructure, which it insists must be paid for by households. This private ransacking and pollution of public infrastructure and environments cannot be allowed to continue. The water companies must be immediately brought into public ownership without compensation to their shareholders who have spent years getting rich by running down the water and sewage system. The necessary billionstaken from the super-richmust be provided to bring sanitation to the standards required by society in the twenty-first century, under the challenging conditions posed by climate change. Labours programme is for the opposite. Since coming into office, the government has made clear its opposition to any reforms and pledged to continue with austerity, starting with plugging a 22 billion black hole in public finances, all while promising increased spending on the military. Of all the stage acts in the Democratic Partys 200-year-old playbill of political deception, perhaps the most hackneyed is the sleight of hand the party conducts at election time to paint its candidates as progressives, even as they move ever farther to the right. Senator Bernie Sanders appeared on NBCs Meet the Press, September 8, 2024 [Photo: NBC] Each election, immense resources are brought to bear to establish that Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden is susceptible to pressure from the left. With this fig leaf, the candidates are freed up to advocate and enact ever more right-wing policies than their predecessor, to launch new and more dangerous imperialist wars, and pave the way for the massive transfer of wealth from the working class to the richest 10 percent. This year, it has taken an extra hefty crank of the Democrats Mighty Wurlitzer to present Kamala Harris as a progressive given her political record. The former prosecutor and current vice president is complicit in Israels genocide in Gaza and proposes escalating the US-led war against Russia. She has run a campaign based on appeals to Republicans, exemplified by her touting the endorsement of figures like Liz and Dick Cheney. She has likewise placed right-wing attacks on immigrants at the center of her campaign. In light of this, the stage-managed efforts to present Harris as a left-wing figure have acquired a farcical character. Bernie Sanders, who increasingly plays the role of loyal administration court jester, gave a pathetic defense of Harris on Sundays Meet the Press. When Kristen Welker asked him whether the Harris campaigns adoption of increasingly right-wing positions on issues ranging from healthcare to the environment undermine her progressive credentials, Sanders replied: No, I dont think shes abandoning her ideals. I think shes trying to be pragmatic and doing what she thinks is right in order to win the election. He presented Harris as an opponent of the big-money interest in politics, despite the fact that her entire career has been bankrolled by the corporations. He presented her record of supporting for-profit healthcare as another approach toward moving toward universal health care. Asked directly whether he thought Harris was progressive, he said, yeah, her views are not mine, but I do consider her progressive. When pressed as to why he and Dick Cheney support the same candidate, Sanders delivered gushing praise of the former vice president and beneficiary of the stolen 2000 election, saying, I applaud the Cheneys for their courage in defending democracy. Sanders prostration before Biden and Harris has generated substantial opposition among workers and young people who once believed his claim to be an opponent of the political establishment. Sanders and his co-apologist for the Biden-Harris administration, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have voted to spend tens of billions on imperialist war against Russia, helped illegalize a strike by railroad workers, and defended the administration all down the line. Capitalist politicians like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, long supported by or members of the Democratic Socialists of America, were even more vociferous in their defense of Joe Biden than openly conservative Democrats after Bidens debate collapse in June. As a result, the DSA has come to play a more prominent role in presenting both Harris and Sanders as susceptible to pressure. To this end Jacobin published an article September 7 by prominent DSA member Neal Meyer headlined, The Left Needs a Real Strategy for a Harris Presidency. It was aimed at supporting the Democrats public relations campaign to rebrand Harris and prop up Sanders. The article begins with two lies: As he campaigns for Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders is laying out a progressive agenda for 2025. Its a program that a Harris administration could conceivably get behind, but Sanders and his allies need a way to force it to do so. First, the only agenda Sanders is laying out is full support for the Biden administration and the Harris campaign. Meyer is forced to acknowledge in the article that Gone are his references to Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. Whats there instead is a more limited platform of demands, most of which are in the Democrats 2024 platform. In other words, Sanders has dropped all but the most meaningless and minuscule calls for reform and has fallen in line behind the leadership he once paid lip service to opposing. Second, a potential Harris administration will introduce no significant social reforms and Meyers claim to the contrary is nothing but an attempt to foster illusions. The Democrats have completely abandoned social reform to such a degree that fascist blowhard Trump can falsely present the Republican Party as the party of the working class. Meyer has no issue swallowing his pride and backing Sanders turn to the right: While many on the Leftmyself includedmiss the exciting vision of [Sanders] 2020 campaign, Sanderss new program has a compelling logic to it. If Trump is beaten, Harris will be president, and the Left and labor will need a set of winnable demands to organize around. Meyer justifies this by claiming that Sanderss movement to the right increases the likelihood that Harris will enact social reforms. This is the spineless political logic of Democratic staffers and hacks. It has nothing to do with socialism. Meyer proposes that left-wing critics of Biden and Harris integrate themselves into the Democratic Party apparatus through a process he calls disruption, a strategy which he says could take many forms. For instance, he asks, Could Sanders raise cash to open up offices, hire organizers, and build membership-based campaigns in the districts and home states of these conservative Democrats? That would put the kind of real pressure on these politicians that they will actually listen to. This is a proposal to direct all ones political energy into the Democratic Party. Meyer wastes no time in jumping ahead to the pseudo-lefts favorite non-presidential-year trope: Supporting congressional Democrats in the midterms! Sanders and his allies, especially in the labor movement, need to look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections by supporting progressive Democrats in primary elections, Meyer writes. With Sanders and labors backing, a renewed effort that brings in groups like DSA, grassroots Uncommitted activists, and local community organizing efforts to take on corporate Democrats could have real legs. Notably, Meyer has a specific proposal to run what he calls independent labor candidates, but he argues this should be done only in red states. He doesnt say so openly, but this restriction is aimed at avoiding drawing votes away from Democratic candidates in general elections. US politics would look very different if Sanders were joined in the Senate by even a small handful of labor-backed independents from red states. Meyer concludes by once again urging readers to vote for Harris in the election: Democratic victory is far from certain, which is why Sanders has been unrelenting in his efforts to persuade working people and the Left that they need to join the fight to beat Trump. Leaving nothing to misinterpretation, Meyer calls this a very reasonable assessment. Nothing Meyer writes is original. It is all a regurgitation of what is said every election year. But the fact that these lies take on a more absurd character today is a product of the growing gap between the growth of social opposition and the pro-corporate, pro-imperialist character of this 200-year-old institution of the American ruling class. The party which Meyer claims is simply waiting for a little nudge to enact a left-wing agenda is currently waging a genocidal war of extermination against the people of Gaza, killing 200,000 people and cutting millions off from food and water. He downplays this, writing that many in the Democratic Partys political class are at least privately uncomfortable with Israels genocidal war, as though the (non-existent) private pangs of conscience of Capitol Hill staffers are any consolation to those residents of Gaza and the West Bank who remain alive. Meyer does not even mention the Biden-Harris administrations role in the escalating war against nuclear-armed Russia. He admits that Harris is tacking right on immigration, noting without critical comment that Democrats believe this may win back disgruntled working-class voters. The sycophancy of the DSA, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez exposes their role as cogs in the machine of imperialist politics. They attempt to promote the Democratic Party as a catchment area to trap social opposition and direct it behind right-wing candidates of war and inequality. This is combined with efforts to prohibit rank-and-file workers from overthrowing the trade union bureaucracies that suffocate their struggles. The fight against imperialist war, capitalist exploitation and the defense of democracy requires an urgent change in political strategy: It requires building a mass movement in the working class, outside of and in opposition to the two parties of Wall Street and the Pentagon and their pseudo-left appendages. Frances far-right National Rally (RN) intends to dictate the policies of the incoming right-wing government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, recently appointed by President Emmanuel Macron with RN support in parliament. Barnier advances essentially far-right positions in support of NATO wars, stringent EU austerity measures and harsh anti-immigrant policies. Nonetheless, the RN is making clear that they intend to set the agenda of the government, which relies on RN votes to have a parliamentary majority. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen speaks as Jordan Bardella, president of the French far-right National Rally, listens at the party election night headquarters. [AP Photo/Lewis Joly] In an interview with La Tribune on Sunday, RN leader Marine Le Pen boasted that she selected Barnier and detailed her demands for anti-immigrant policies. Macron, she said, took into account the RNs criteria in the choice of his prime minister. Michel Barnier seems to have the same positions on immigration as ours. Reiterating this point, she continued, It is undeniable that Michel Barnier seems to have the same position on immigration as ours. Now we expect him to act. He said it himself during the transfer of power: say less, do more. These remarks confirm that the Barnier government is Frances first national government since the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime to rely on far-right support. It exposes the political bankruptcy of Jean-Luc Melenchon and his New Popular Front (NFP). The NFP made an election alliance with Macron, ostensibly to prevent the RN from coming to power, only to have Macron trample upon the election results and name a far-right government to power. Insofar as millions of workers vote for the RN, moreover, it must be noted that Le Pens remarks unmask the ultra-reactionary politics of her party, which she has sought to downplay to win votes. Her party works, however, in the political tradition created by the Vichy regime. It is providing support to a widely hated president who rules against the people, working to slash pensions, back the Israeli genocide in Gaza, and push for French military intervention in Ukraine against Russia. In La Tribune, Le Pen went out of her way to explain that she would stabilize and support the Barnier government. She stressed that the RNs intention was not to create an obstruction to the new government, explaining that her wish [was] not to cause a blockage. She added, If we had wanted to, we would have done like the New Popular Front and threatened to censor everyone. Thats not our state of mind. Similarly, RN President Jordan Bardella told TF1 television on Saturday evening pledging that the RN would not create political instability by blocking the Barnier government. Bardella said that he did not want to participate in institutional disorder and democratic chaos by censoring the future government, with whom Bardella claimed he had had no direct discussions. The formation of what is now manifestly a far-right government in France constitutes a comprehensive exposure of the bankruptcy of Melenchon and the NFP, as the entire French ruling class turns rapidly and sharply to the right. It vindicates the warnings made by the WSWS on the NFPs pro-imperialist program and bourgeois and middle class social base. Indeed, the NFP program advocated right-wing measures like backing NATOs war against Russia and strengthening intelligence agencies and military police within France. In June, Macron called snap elections, hoping to secure a majority to form a right-wing government or a far-right RN government. He aimed to pursue reactionary policies against the working class, intensify xenophobic measures against immigrants, and escalate the US-NATO-led war against Russia. However, the opposite occurred due to popular opposition to Macron, the president of the rich. The NFPan alliance of the bourgeois Socialist Party (PS), the Stalinists, the Greens and Melenchons France Unbowed (LFI) partycame in first. Jean-Luc Melenchons NFP won 182 seats on July 7. Macrons Ensemble coalition followed with 163 seats, while the far-right National Rally (RN) obtained 143 seats, largely because the NFP endorsed Ensemble candidates to prevent an RN victory in the second round of the vote. Workers voted for the NFP to prevent the RN from taking power. However, the NFPs campaigning for Ensemble candidates meant that it effectively helped Macron build his coalition government with the neo-fascists. Macron refused, however, to nominate a NFP candidate as prime minister and, after holding secret talks with the RN officials, instead waited seven weeks and ultimately nominated Barnier to lead a right-wing, minority government backed by the RN. This reactionary outcome is the product of the suppression of the repeated suppression of the class struggle by the NFP and its allied union bureaucracies. Last year saw millions protest Macrons unpopular pension reform, which raised the retirement age to 64 to finance Frances war economy. At the time, polls found that two-thirds of the population supported a general strike to oust Macron from power. An overwhelming majority of the population similarly opposes plans to deploy French ground troops to the NATO-led war against Russia in Ukraine. The union bureaucracies, Melenchon, the PCF and their allies ultimately called off all protests against the cuts, allowing them to pass. This year, after the July 7 elections, Melenchon refused to mobilize the working class against Macrons refusal to respect election results. The NFP did not call a single strike over this issue the entire summer, giving Macron time to plot the installation of an ultra-right government. The NFP only called one demonstration, on September 7, after Macron predictably picked a right-wing operative, Barnier, as prime minister. In his Friday interview with TF1, Barnier assured that the executive was embarking on a new era. The ex-minister and EU Brexit negotiator hailed his own negotiation skills, ability to unite people, respect for others, and attentive listening as reasons for his appointment. Asked about last years pension cuts, which he intends to continue with new cuts this year, Barnier expressed his desire to initiate a dialogue to enhance the reform, adding, I will open the debate on how to improve this law for the most vulnerable people, and I will do so with the social partners. This is a signal that the union bureaucracies tied to the NFP are currently preparing talks with Barniers far-right government on new social cuts targeting the workers. Macron, as well as the entire ruling class, is discredited. On Sunday, when he attended the final ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Paris, thousands booed him. The opposition to the ruling classs legitimization of far-right dictatorship, however, cannot be led by the rotten NFP and Melenchon, who for decades have been tools of French imperialism, hostile to the interests of the working class. The defense of social and democratic rights and the struggle against genocide and war require the building of a movement in the working class fighting for socialism against pseudo-left forces like Melenchon. A Michigan-based carnival company has been ordered to pay back wages and travel expenses withheld from employees who worked under the terms of the federal H-2B visa program for temporary foreign national workers in the spring and fall of 2021. A worker sweeps down a the carnival ride [AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli] In a court order dated July 31, 2024, the Labor Departments chief administrative law judge in San Francisco, Paul C. Johnson, announced a Settlement and Consent Findings stating that T.J. Schmidt & Company, a Standish, Michigan, carnival company, shall pay the Administrator the total amount of $86,000, representing $72,253.85 in back wages and $13,746.15 in civil money penalties. In a press release dated August 2, the Labor Department said that T.J. Schmidt & Company owed the money to 32 temporary non-immigrant workers the employer hired to run midway games, staff food stands, and build and operate rides but then paid them less than the wages promised and did not fully reimburse all workers for travel to the U.S. as required. The press statement also said the decision and settlement was the result of an investigation conducted by the Labor Departments Hours and Wages Division, that examined the companys records from April 1 through Oct. 12, 2021, and found that the employer violated some of the terms outlined in its federal H-2B temporary visa program application. The settlement amount is equivalent to an average of $2,257 owed to each of the 32 H-2B workers. The $13,746 in civil penalties is the fine the company must pay for breaking the law and amounts to a slap on the wrist for the firm which has annual revenues greater than $5 million. In Judge Johnsons order approving the settlement, it is stated that the parties involved, absent a breach of the agreement, will waive any legal proceedings before the Administrative Law Judge, and will waive any right to challenge or contest the validity of the Consent Findings and this Order issued in accordance with the parties agreement. However, this did not prevent T.J. Schmidt & Company from issuing a statement to local news media claiming that it had not broken the law. As reported by MLive, the carnival company said the Labor Department had made false statements, and, contrary to the settlement, the company claimed it paid its employees and reimbursed their travel expenses in compliance with the law. The company further stated it agreed to settle, after years of litigation, and made the decision to avoid further litigation costs. Whatever the denials of T.J. Schmidt & Company, the fact that the agreement included an order from the judge that the carnival company must use an approved timekeeping system, post prevailing wage information and provide nonimmigrant workers with H-2B resource material, shows that it had systems and communications practices that took advantage of the foreign workers who were likely unaware of their rights under US law. According to the Labor Department website, the H-2B nonimmigrant program permits employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrants to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The maximum number of workers permitted to travel to and work in the US under the auspices of the H-2B program is 66,000. For the fiscal year 2024, the Labor Department made an additional 64,716 workers available for the H-2B program. Among the top five most common jobs that H-2B workers are hired for in the US are landscaping and groundskeeping, forest and conservation, amusement and recreation attendants, maids and housekeeping cleaners and meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers. An H-2B visa is valid for the duration of the job, up to one year, with the possibility of extending for up to a maximum of three years. Countries are determined to be eligible for participation in the H-2B visa program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on their record of cooperation with US immigration laws and other diplomatic considerations. DHS reports that most H-2B workers come from Latin America and the Caribbean, while workers from other parts of the world, such as Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia are also eligible and sometimes participate. Most of the workers, 70-75 percent annually, come from Mexico. The next four most represented countries are: Jamaica at 5-6 percent, Guatemala at 3-4 percent, Honduras at 2-3 percent and El Salvador at 1-2 percent. The balance of 10-15 percent come from the Philippines, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Peru, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Colombia. Under the H-2B visa program, the employment of the workers must be of a temporary nature for a limited period of time such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need or intermittent need. The Labor Department states that the wages paid to H-2B workers must be, the highest of the prevailing wage or Federal minimum wage, State minimum wage, or local minimum wage. In the state of Michigan, the minimum wage is $10.33, which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Given that most Michigan workers are earning upwards of $15 per hour and only 1 percent of the workforce is earning the minimum wage, the ability of employers such as T.J. Schmidt & Company to hire H-2B workers is clearly an opportunity to boost profits. According to a 2022 study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a Washington D.C. think tank affiliated with the AFL-CIO and Democratic Party, mass violations of wage and hour laws are being committed in the industries that employ H-2B workers. The EPI report says, Data from the U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division (WHD) show that, in the seven major industries in which nearly all H-2B workers are employed, nearly $1.8 billion in wages was stolen from workers (which includes both U.S. and migrant workers) between 2000 and 2021. The EPI report includes data that shows between 2000 and 2021 there were 180,451 cases filed with the Labor Department in which 1.7 million H-2B workers were defrauded an average of $1,076 in wages. In the amusement industry alone, there were 5,962 cases with violations that impacted 65,337 workers who were defrauded of a total $35 million, or approximately $536 each. These facts establish that the T.J. Schmidt & Companys theft of H-2B workers wages and travel expenses are not an aberration but something of a standard practice in industries which use H-2B workers. Another example of the outrageous abuse of these workers was reported in June 2020 when two women workers from Mexico came to the US under the program to peel crawfish for Acadia Crawfish based in Crowley, Louisiana. During their employment, the workers lived in cramped conditions in company housing. When the two women contracted COVID and became very ill along with 100 other workers, they went to the hospital for medical care and were then fired by the company. The EPI report goes on to say, Not only are migrant workers brought into industries where wage theft is a major problem, but workers employed through the H-2B program do not have equal rights with other workers. The report goes on to reveal that the H-2B program, empowers employers to legally exert an unreasonable amount of control over migrant workers, who often must incur substantial debt to labor recruiters in order to secure jobs in the United States. This means, even though the rules of the H-2B visa program explicitly prohibit employers, recruiters, and contractors from collecting fees from workers for placing them in jobs within the US, such illegal labor contracting is regularly practiced. Meanwhile, if the captive workers speak up about not being paid their promised wage or about being forced to pay contractors for the right to have a job, they can result in getting fired, which leads to becoming undocumented and possibly deported. It also means not being able to earn back the money that was invested to obtain the temporary job. The report goes on to state, These problems, which are inherent in the H-2B program, are well documented. There are numerous cases of litigation, investigative media reports, government audits, and studies revealing how migrants employed through the H-2B program arrive in the United States with massive debt, are often exploited and robbed by employers, and even become victims of human trafficking. These facts show that the H-2B workerswho risk everything to come to the US because conditions in their respective countries are so impossible that they feel they have no other optionare exploited and abused on a regular basis by American employers. The conditions in the countries from which these workers originate are the result of US imperialist operations over many decades. There are many examples of companies taking advantage of the H-2B visa program as the number of workers permitted to enter the US through this scheme has been substantially increased by the Biden administration. The goals of the Biden White House have been to both expand the pool of cheap labor available to US employers, cover up the abuse these workers are subject to and deny them the ability to become US citizens. Although the abuse of these workers, which has only partially been exposed by the EPI report, is well-known, the incentive for capitalist enterprises to participate in the program is the opportunity to pay wages well below what workers with US citizenship require and thereby increase exploitation and drive up profits. T.J. Schmidt & Company is one such firm that took advantage of the profit benefits afforded by the H-2B visa program. The carnival companys website is replete with photographs of smiling, happy people, the implication being that people will be equally happy if they avail themselves of the amusements and carnival rides for a fee. The company, of course, does not show pictures of workers who have been over-worked, defrauded, injured, forced to live and work in dangerous and unsanitary conditions, killed on the job, or arrested en masse by immigration enforcement. The rank-and-file committees at Western Sydney University and Macquarie University, and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) are jointly hosting an online forum this Wednesday, September 11 at 7 p.m. AEST to discuss how to fight the Australian Labor governments international student enrolment caps and the thousands of resulting job cuts across the tertiary education sector. To register click the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3-2u5sbnQ1-1FmQwiyP8rg Details were finally released late last week pointing to how far Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government has lined up with the right-wing Liberal-National Coalition to slash the number of international student enrolments, triggering the loss of thousands of jobs throughout the higher education sector. Students at the University of Adelaide [Photo: University of Adelaide] As warned by the Western Sydney University (WSU) Rank-and File Committee in announcing tomorrow evenings online forum: Both Labor and the Coalition are engaged in reactionary nationalism. They are trying to blame international students, like refugees and immigrants more broadly, for the worsening housing and cost-of-living crisis, and deteriorating living conditions affecting millions of working-class households. Federal Department of Education figures, only made public on Friday evening, show that 15 universities have had their numbers slashed for 2025, particularly targeting those with the highest numbers of Chinese students. Across the country, enrolments will be cut overall by more than 50,000, to 145,000, for publicly-funded universities, with severely damaging consequences. Among the hardest hit are the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne, both composed of more than 40 percent international studentsmany of them from China. They received 7 percent decreases on their 2023 intakes, making their 2025 caps 11,900 and 9,300 respectively. The Australian National University had its international student allocation reduced by more than 14 percent. Murdoch University in Perth had its cohort cut by 34 percent to 3,500, down from 5,272 in 2023. This will have a punitive financial impact, forcing universities to axe jobs, programs and courses, and conform strictly with the corporate- and military-related agenda of the Labor governments Universities Accord, which ties reduced funding to government mission statements. In fact, the departments figures understate the true dimension of the cuts. For example, in an email to staff on Monday, University of Melbourne acting vice chancellor Nicola Phillips said the governments cap represented an 18 percent reduction of new international student enrolments in 2025, compared to the managements projection of 11,000 for 2025. Phillips email also confirmed the WSU Rank-and-File Committees warnings that job cuts are already underway. She declared that while a great deal of uncertainty remained about the impact, belt-tightening had commenced, including a freeze on filling job vacancies and renewing employment contracts. Similar job axes are being wielded at the University of Sydney, and throughout the tertiary education sector. Among the other universities already announcing such measures are Federation, Tasmania, La Trobe and Wollongong. Many more casual jobs are being eliminated. The governments caps are not random or arbitrary as some university vice chancellors have complained. There is a definite agenda. Under the flimsy disguise of trying to shift students to regional universities, the so-called Go8 elite universities, which predominantly attract Chinese students, have had their enrolments slashed from this year by 22,000 or 27 percent. This targeting has been spelt out by the government through the corporate media. The Australian reported on August 20: Wealthy universities that profit from enrolling too many Chinese students will be penalised The government intends to reward universities that diversify their student base away from Chinese students, who dominate enrolments. While 23 universities will be permitted to enroll more international students than they had in 2023, these numbers are small, just a few hundred additional students. Some institutions are unlikely to fill their allocation, because their locations and course offerings are less attractive to overseas students. Moreover, these universities have been hurt already by the government more than doubling student visa application fees from $710 to $1,600, slowing visa processing and imposing harsher English language requirements and genuine student tests. Universities with more working-class enrolments have been affected as well. Despite being composed of less than 35 percent international students, Melbournes Victoria University and the University of Wollongong have had harsher caps imposed of -11 percent and -8 percent, bringing them down to 3,600 and 3,700 respectively. Federation University, regional Victorias largest educational institution, will be permitted to take just 1,100 overseas students from 2025, compared with 2023s intake of 2,306. Another regional institution, Charles Sturt University, received an increase to 1,000 students, up from less than 200 in 2023, but that is a 66 percent decrease on its 2019 intake, before the impact of visa rejections and delays. Hundreds of educators and other staff are also being laid off or faced with closure in private colleges. The attack on international students forms part of Labors plans to halve overseas migration to 235,000 annually for the next three years. This is a bipartisan offensive. The Coalition has vowed to cut annual net migration further, to 160,000, which could reduce student inflows to less than 15,000. University staff and students must oppose this poisonous xenophobia, which also feeds anti-China war-mongering, and defend the basic rights of workers and young people to live, work and study wherever they choose. This is essential to forge an international movement against war and austerity and the underlying capitalist profit system itself. The Albanese governments Universities Accord blueprint ties enrolments, as well as research funding, to the vocational demands of employers and the building of a war economy. This includes military preparations such as the AUKUS nuclear submarines and weapons program, for a US-led war against China. While starving the universities of funds, the government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into military spending and backing the US-armed Israeli genocide in Gaza and the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. International students have been treated as cash cows, paying exorbitant fees. That is the direct result of the higher education revolution imposed by the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments of 2007 to 2013, on top of chronic under-funding. This revolution created a corporate-style market, which forced universities to fight each other for international enrolments. That led to the sector becoming Australian capitalisms fourth largest export earner behind iron ore, gas and coal, generating revenues of some $50 billion a year. The main campus trade union, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), is desperately trying to cover up the job cuts and the Labor governments destructive role. It is falsely claiming that university vice-chancellors are scare-mongering about the enrolment cuts, just as an excuse to slash jobs. Far from opposing the student cuts, the NTEU has effectively lined up behind them. It is urging its members to sign a petition, to be submitted this week, asking the government to introduce phase-in periods for any caps, supposedly to avoid retrenchments. Likewise, the NTEU is trying to block the WSU Rank-and-File Committees campaign throughout WSU and other universities for a broader fight to defeat the pro-business restructuring and job cuts at WSU College, the universitys preparatory college. In fact, the union struck a deal with management to suppress resistance by encouraging WSU College educators to apply for redundancy packages. What is happening at the WSU College is a test case for the entire sector. Staff are being forced to compete against each other in a spill and fill process, with absolutely no guarantee that any of them will have a job in the new structure. Students will also suffer from the elimination of courses and the introduction of block mode teaching, cramming subjects into four-week periods. Courses such as English, arts, history and philosophy are being decimated. The corporate elite does not want informed and articulate working-class students who can think critically. It only wants them for industry exploitation. Tomorrow nights online forum will discuss the need to form rank-and-file committees throughout the education system, totally independent of the NTEU and other union apparatuses, to defend jobs and conditions and oppose the reactionary bipartisan Labor-Coalition agenda. Taking a stand for quality education, the defence of jobs and conditions and against the war drive means rejecting the dictates of management, governments and the corporate elite, as well as the union bureaucrats who enforce their demands. To register for the forum, Oppose Labors cuts to international students and tertiary education jobs, click this link. Build a movement to reject this sellout and impose the will of the membership! Contact the WSWS today for information about building a rank-and-file committee at Boeing. On Monday, thousands of rank-and-file workers held a demonstration at Boeings factory in Everett, Washington, to protest a sellout tentative agreement announced by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) in a sign of overwhelming and rapidly growing rank-and-file anger. At the rally, which does not appear to have been officially organized by IAM District 751, workers chanted, Strike! Strike! One speaker, addressing the crowd with a bullhorn and using a staircase as a makeshift podium, declared: Were going to reject that garbage contract to resounding applause. At factories in Renton and Frederickson, workers reported an ongoing symphony of air horns and drums throughout the day, ignoring management demands to cease. One worker posted a photo from his smart watch showing the noise level had reached 95 decibels. The corporate press was forced to take anxious note of the mood, with Reuters reporting the deal has angered many workers who were hoping for higher wage hikes and better pensions. Earlier in the day, news outlets had been crowing about the deals worthless pledge to build the new 797 commercial airliner at the facility, a model which does not exist and has been stuck in the design phase for years. The contract is a major sellout. After keeping workers under the same contract for 16 years, 10 of which were without pay increases, the new deal contains only a 25 percent pay raise over four years. It eliminates a performance bonus, does not improve pensions and contains loopholes allowing for unlimited emergency overtime. It also contains pledges for more joint programs, such as meetings between IAM officials and the Board of Directors, giving the bureaucrats the chance to rub elbows with the companys Wall Street owners. On Tuesday night, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) issued a statement urging workers to reject the contract. It stressed that workers had to form committees excluding union officials to enforce rank-and-file oversight of the balloting to prevent fraud and prepare for a strike, as well as to link up with other sections of the working class. IAM damage control The anger has clearly stunned the union bureaucracy. On Monday afternoon, District 751 President Jon Holden sent a defensive email to the districts 33,000 members in a bid at damage control. The email from IAM District 751 President Jon Holden attempting to quell workers anger at the sellout contract he presented to the rank and file the previous day. [Photo: Reddit] A Tentative Agreement is not certain or fixed, and its certainly not final, he pleaded. This simply means that the bargaining team has negotiated every issue that we could to completion. This claim they had negotiated every issue to completion directly contradicts what the IAM bureaucrats were saying only two days before they announced the TA. On Friday, they sent out an update claiming the company and the Union are far apart from reaching an agreement. The miraculous tentative agreement by the end of the weekend can only mean the bureaucrats were lying to the membership and that they had a deal worked out all along. Indeed, the IAM had already scheduled a vote for September 12, well before any contract officially existed. Holden continued: A Tentative Agreement does not take away your right to evaluate the changes and decide whether you will vote to Accept the agreement and move forward or Reject the agreement and vote to Strike. In reality, the IAM has already set up a loophole to potentially override a no vote. The ballot includes a second item on whether to strike (unnecessary since workers already voted 99.9 percent in favor in July), with the proviso that the contract will be automatically ratified if the strike vote does not pass by a two-thirds majority. He then concludes: We recommended acceptance because we cant guarantee we can achieve more in a strike. This amounts to a veiled threat that the bureaucracy will try to sabotage a strike, as it did in 2008. Holdens email is in line with the initial announcement of the TA, where he wrote, Financially, the company finds itself in a tough position due to many self-inflicted missteps. That is why your Union Bargaining Committee is recommending accepting this proposal. In reality, what can and cannot be achieved can only be decided through struggle. But a strike cannot succeed as long as it is in the hands of the IAM officials, who are in bed with Boeing executives. This means it is urgent that workers make preparations to assert their democratic control over the conduct of any strike. Workers are acutely aware of how much has been lost over the past 16 years as Boeing had, until 2019, made record profits. Even after the two MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019 and the ongoing slew of near-fatal accidents this year that have sent Boeings stocks tumbling, its executives have still received exorbitant bonuses. Ex-CEO David Calhoun made nearly $33 million in 2023, a 45 percent increase from his total compensation in 2022. Yet workers are being told the best they can get is an 11 percent pay raise in the first year of their contract. Workers speak out Workers were furious over Holdens letter. One told the World Socialist Web Site: The contract that has been presented is an absolute slap in the face. The Union officials saying it is historic is a kick in the teeth. Holden lies, and manipulates for his own benefit. I dont want to decertify but I dont want to continue to pad that mans pockets. Another wrote, Union sold us out, promised to stand by us and took us to the bank instead. And another worker commented, I dont have faith in Boeing, IAM and president Jon Holden to bargain in good faith for members. Dozens of others denounced Holden on social media. He, real quick went from Striking is our strength [in July] to cower and fold cause striking wont give us anything, said one. Another worker pointed to censorship on social media: The union themselves did a victory lap via social media saying WE DID IT! then saw the reactions and turned off replies / deleted the post. This is a reference to a post on the District 751 Facebook page, which allegedly had more than 1,000 mostly hostile comments before being deleted. Since then, the pages other posts have been flooded with demands from the rank and file to strike. Many also made the connection between the tentative agreement to the months-long attempt by the IAM to gain a seat on Boeings Board of Directors. Did any of you actually expect a different approach and result from union leader when a seat at the big table was at stake? Another wrote, Its amazing he was able to get something out today, what with being in bed with Boeing. The only thing he is Holden strong to is his position in the union and his board seat. And a further comment noted, Thats why he doesnt want us to strike because theyll take that away. Like we f*cking care. Others have expressed concern that Holdens email might herald a new tentative agreement right before the strike vote on September 12. Confusing people with another offer at the 11th hour, one worker questioned. Both the union and Boeing are clearly caught flatfooted by the outpouring of rage at the contract and the determination to strike. But workers must be on guard against further dirty tricks from both to get this contract passed. The only way to carry the struggle forward is for workers to take their own independent initiative, establish rank-and-file committees, connect with other committees under the umbrella of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) and prepare all sections of the working class for mass industrial action. The Australian and Japanese foreign and defence ministers met in Queenscliff, Australia last week for their annual 2+2 summit. Their joint communique shows just how advanced is the planning not just between these two key American military allies, but more broadly throughout the Indo-Pacific, for a US-led war against China. Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru (left) with Richard Marles, Australias defence minister in Canberra, September 5, 2024 [Photo: Facebook/Richard Marles] No longer is there any pretence that China is not being targeted. The military preparations and build-up are, of course, all taken in the name of maintaining peace, stability and the international rules-based system. But China is named and branded as the destabiliser, threat to peace and the post-World War II order, in which Washington sets the rules. The ministers repeated the anti-China propaganda mantra now routine at every such summit: concerns over Chinas dangerous and coercive activities towards the Philippines, its militarisation of disputed islets in the South China Sea, and tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Making clear the international dimensions of the conflicts unfolding, they added their unwavering support for Ukraine, condemnation of Moscow and demand that China fall into line with the US-NATO war on Russia in Ukraine. In reality, US imperialism and its allies have been waging wars of aggression for the past three decades in the Middle East and Central Asia in bid to maintain American global dominance. Having provoked a war with Russia in Ukraine, backed the Israeli genocide in Gaza and wider aggression in the Middle East, the US is accelerating its war preparations against China, which it regards as the chief threat to its global position. Within that context, both Japan and Australia are central to the Pentagons war planning. Japan, which confronts China directly in Northeast Asia, is home to the largest number of US military bases and troops in the world, across all spheresair force, army, navy and Marines. Australias military bases in its north and west, adjacent to the Indian Ocean and key naval choke points in Southeast Asia, have been opened up to US Marines, warplanes, warships and submarines, including those capable of delivering nuclear weapons. The 2+2 talks last week discussed far greater integration of Australian and Japanese military forces with the American military in the Indo-Pacific, as well as intelligence sharing and the development of military technology and weapons systems. The ministers foreshadowed joint training of Japans Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade with the US Marines based on a rotational basis in the northern Australian city of Darwin. The Japanese brigade has been established with the assistance of the US Marine Corp over the past decade amid tensions with China over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles hailed the establishment of a rotational presence of Japanese marines in Darwin, together with the 2,500 US Marines already there. This is a really huge opportunity for our three defence forces to operate in an amphibious context, he enthused. The build-up of US and Japanese amphibious forces in the region has an obvious purpose: preparations for the seizure of Chinese-controlled islets in the South China Sea as well as, potentially, amphibious landings on the Chinese mainland. The summit underscored the importance of reciprocal deployments of US, Japanese, and Australian F-35 advanced fighter aircraft, and greater trilateral air cooperation, as agreed in a memorandum signed during Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in August. These aerial war games, based outside Darwin, were the largest in the exercises history, involving 20 participating nations and over 140 war planes in high intensity combat training. At a joint press conference, Marles declared that while discussions about F-35 deployments were still ongoing, both countries were keen to see more training, more exercises, more people-to-people links between our two air forces We will look at further opportunities for us to see our air forces work together, including F35s, but not just F35s. Other military cooperation included: The reciprocal establishment of liaison officers in the military headquarters in Japan and in Australiato begin with Australian liaison officers in Japan in November. An expansion of military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific that will involve the involvement of Australian personnel in the Japan-US Bilateral Information Analysis Cell. The expansion of military research and development projects involving Japan, Australia and the US, including bilateral research by Australia and Japan into robotic and Autonomous Systems for Undersea Warfarein other words, underwater drones. The integration of Japan into research projects of Pillar II of AUKUSthe top-level military pact between the US, Britain and Australia. The involvement of Australian troops in next years Exercise Orient Shieldan annual large-scale exercise involving US and Japanese land forces. The closer integration of Japan and Australia with US war planning is central to the wider web of US-led military alliances and strategic partnerships that encircle China, including the Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue or Quad involving the US, Japan and Australia with India. Last weeks 2+2 meeting called for the boosting collaboration in maritime aircraft patrols. The ministers also committed to strengthening ties with the Philippines, particularly in maritime activities aimed against China in the South China Sea. Both Japan and Australia have established bilateral military ties with the Philippines. Significantly, the ministers agreed to strengthen ties with NATO as it prosecutes its war against Russia in Ukraine. Japan, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand form the Indo-Pacific Partners group (IP4) that collaborates with NATO. Japan is to host a meeting this financial year involving NATO, its member states and the IP4 to discuss strategic communications. The acceleration of military collaboration and integration between Japan and Australia, urged on by Washington, takes place as both countries vastly boost their military spending. Under the AUKUS agreement, the Australian navy is to be armed with nuclear-powered attack submarines at an estimated cost of $368 billion. Military spending has reached a record $50 billion a year and will continue to rise. Japan, the worlds fourth largest economy, is engaged in a massive remilitarisation in an ever-more glaring flouting of its post-World War II constitution, which bans the threat or use of force to settle international disputes and declares land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be sustained. The Japanese government has foreshadowed the doubling of the military budget for its so-called self-defence forces and acquiring what are patently offensive weapons, including cruise missiles. It plans to manufacture its own hypersonic guided missiles and advanced fighter jets. Alongside this military expansion, Japan is engaged in forging military ties throughout the Indo-Pacificincluding with Australia, South Korea, India, the Philippines and other countries. While currently proceeding under the umbrella of the alliance with Washington, Japanese imperialism has its own economic and strategic interests at stake and is establishing the basis for aggressively pursuing them. Far from bringing peace and stability to Asia, the US and its allies are recklessly fuelling a conflict in Asia between nuclear-armed powers that could rapidly merge with the wars already underway in Europe and the Middle East, with disastrous consequences for humanity. Under conditions where the Labor government is already completing Australias transformation into a frontline state for an American-led war against China, top US officials this week demanded more, insisting that the militarisation must be accelerated. US Marines with Marine Rotational Force Darwin and Australian Army soldiers training together. [Photo: United States Marine Corps ] The public calls underscore the centrality of the confrontation with China to the perspective of American militarism, as well as Australias central place in that program which threatens a catastrophe in the Indo-Pacific. The US has identified Chinas economic growth as the greatest threat to the global dominance of American imperialism, and is engaged in a full-court press on every front to curtail it, up to and including war. The calls were made in articles by the Sydney Morning Heralds international editor Peter Hartcher. An ardent war hawk who has played a leading role for many years in a frenzied anti-China campaign within Australia, Hartcher has the closest of ties to the US national-security apparatus. Hartcher featured a comment by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who indicated that the Biden administration wanted to have two or three signature projects involving Australia launched and under way by the time it leaves office on January 20 after the upcoming American presidential election. Hartcher wrote: The US is pushing for the AUKUS partnership to launch some world-leading new military technology projects before Joe Bidens presidency ends, amid signs of growing impatience with the initiative. The unspecified projects come under Pillar 2 of AUKUS, the militarist pact between the US, the UK and Australia directed against China. While Pillar 1 refers to Australias acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, slated to begin with the delivery of three US Virginia-class subs early next decade, Pillar 2 covers a broad and vaguely defined array of advanced military and defence capabilities. Among those that have been publicly listed are the development of additional capabilities in advanced cyber, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, undersea warfare, hypersonics, electronic warfare, innovation, and information sharing. Every aspect of AUKUS and the war drive, including research and development is shrouded in secrecy and takes the form of a conspiracy against the population. As with the establishment of AUKUS itself and the nuclear submarine program, there is every likelihood that the projects called for by Sullivan will be publicly-revealed after they are already well underway, without even the pretense of a democratic mandate. Hartcher, while promoting Sullivans call, remained silent on what these projects may be. He cited Australias Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy who indicated Areas of progress included sharing data between the three nations P8 submarine-hunting aircraft and successful joint exercises of undersea drones. A particular focus appears to be on the development of hypersonic missiles. In June, the US government revealed that Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles would be tested in Australia. The next month, the Labor administration quietly admitted that the missiles would be integrated into the Australian air forces fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets. In a promotion of hypersonic missiles, the Northrop Grunman weapons company explained: A hypersonic pacefive or more times the speed of soundcan put a missile on target before enemy defense systems can respond effectively. Having long range hypersonic systems allows pilots to prosecute targets without having to put themselves within range of air defense systems. That is, these are an offensive capability, clearly being acquired for use in a major war, such as one against China. Last month, during a visit to Australia, Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, floated the possibility of a joint production of hypersonic missiles between the two countries. As is always the case, such developments, floated as suggestions or possibilities are a limited revelation of activities already underway. That was directly hinted at by McCaul, who stated: I was at a hypersonic company just yesterday and we want to move towards co-production. It is already starting and that is the exciting thing and it will help relieve the stress that we see on the defence industrial base. In a chilling remark, pointing to the implications of Australias full alignment with the anti-China drive, McCaul added that a Chinese hypersonic weapon could hit Australia in a matter of minutes and Australia cannot stop that right now. So we need to catch up to that. The demands for an acceleration of AUKUS and the military build-up inevitably mean a greater diversion of resources to the armed forces. While Sullivan did not spell that out, Nadia Schadlow, who was deputy national security adviser in the Trump administration, did. Schadlow, Hartcher noted, was the primary author of the 2017 US National Security Strategy. It formalised the developing war drive, proclaiming that Great Power competition, not terrorism, was the primary threat to US national security and identifying Russia and above all China as the main targets. Schadlow, having been sought out by Hartcher, told him On the allies side, countries clearly need to do more, at least on the capability side. We know what needs to be donemore defence spending, more integrated planning, more actual development of capabilities, which is where some of AUKUS comes in. Australias defence spending is at record levels, increased by the Labor government to more than $50 billion a year, or over 2 percent of gross domestic product, with that percentage to rise to 2.4 percent over this decade. Not enough, Schadlow declared. Thats lower than what it needs to be, especially given where Australia sits in terms of Asia, and the important role that it plays in AUKUS. As with McCaul, she touted the possibility of expanded high-level munitions production. In a separate, fawning profile of Sullivan, Hartcher emphasised that the economic transformation associated with the war drive goes beyond the vast expansion in military spending. It means the development of independent, war-related supply chains and the integration of the industrial bases of the AUKUS nations. Hartcher noted US fears over Chinas central role in the supply chains for critical minerals, which are necessary for the production of most technologies. Here, Australia had a central role to play given its vast deposits. Comparing the strategic significance of critical minerals to oil in the post-World War II era, Hartcher wrote: 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. Australia, he stated, was therefore endowed with every element that a renewable energy system could possibly want. Or a military industrial complex. Sullivan made the same point, declaring: 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. Already, the Labor government has employed extraordinary powers to curtail the ownership of one northern Australian mine by entities that it claims are linked to China. In July, the US Congress passed legislation introduced by the Biden administration, designating Australia as a domestic source under the US Defense Production Act. That removes a whole set of regulations and requirements for joint weapons production between the two countries. It also enables the US government to directly fund economic activities in Australia as it would domestically, such as the development of mining for critical minerals. In his gushing tribute to Sullivan, Hartcher particularly praised the US national security advisor for maintaining a focus on the Indo-Pacific as the dominant region of the global economy and the sphere from which the preeminent power could command the world. Speaking as a proponent of militarism, Hartcher hailed the fact that even as it is waging a de facto war with Russia in Ukraine, overseeing a genocide of Palestinians and threatening a regionwide Middle Eastern war, American imperialism is pressing ahead with a confrontation with China that threatens to end human civilisation. Over two months after the so-called Gen Z protests erupted across Kenya in response to the governments imposition of International Monetary Fund-dictated austerity measures, hundreds of thousands of teachers, healthcare workers, airport staff, county civil servants, and lecturers are pushing for strike action to oppose budget cuts, privatisation schemes, and broken promises regarding wage increases and staffing. The working class is confronting a supposed broad-based governmenta newly installed coalition of President William Ruto and his United Kenya Party and the main opposition party, the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). It is committed to IMF austerity, and enjoys the backing of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) and influential Christian and Muslim clergy. Kenyan President William Ruto, center left, inspects a guard of honor parade, during the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebrations (Independence Day) at Uhuru Gardens Stadium in Nairobi, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. [AP Photo/Brian Inganga] Together, they are backtracking on the promises Ruto made in an effort to defuse the mass protest movement that erupted on June 25 against IMF austerity. At its height, millions took to the streets and parliament was stormed. The government is slowly reinstating the unpopular tax hikes that were withdrawn from Finance Bill 2024 and is rescinding proposed cuts to the lavish spending of the political class. It is also continuing with abductions of political activists and has abandoned its promises to investigate police officers responsible for brutal repression that left at least 60 protesters dead, hundreds injured and scores missing, and to compensate the families of victims. The forces arrayed against the growing working class upsurge extend beyond the IMF, the Kenyan bourgeoisie and their representatives in the political establishment, and the courts that have been banning strikes. The US and European imperialist powers view Kenya as a crucial anchor state for imperialism in East Africa. However, the greatest political obstacle to the development of a working class challenge to capitalist austerity and the ruling class plans for Kenya to serve as a satrap for imperialism remains the trade union bureaucracy. Spearheaded by the leaders of COTU and its 36 affiliated unions, which claim to speak on behalf of 1.5 million workers, the union bureaucracy is acting ruthlessly to stifle worker resistance. COTU General Secretary Francis Atwoli recently promised Ruto industrial peace. Instead of opposing the social attacks, the trade union bureaucracy is actively dividing the workforceissuing strike notices only to later cancel them, or organising fragmented and ineffectual one-day actions, while falsely suggesting that the Ruto-Odinga government can be pressured to change course. Healthcare workers have again threatened strike action, just four months after unions called off a previous strike following promises from the Ministry of Health to uphold the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement and recruit intern doctors. Last week, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), alongside seven other healthcare trade unions, issued a 14-day strike notice to county governments, demanding resolution of issues including unpaid salaries, lack of medical cover, and non-remittance of deductions. Representing over 82,000 workersranging from doctors, nurses, and clinical officers to lab technicians, dentists, morticians, and public health workersthe unions have warned that the strike will commence on September 19. The situation has become so dire that many healthcare workers have gone without salaries for up to three months. Healthcare workers in four counties including Nyamira, Marsabit, Meru, and Taita Taveta are already on strike. Civil servants from Kenyas 47 devolved administrative units are also threatening to go on strike. The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU), which represents various county employees, including firemen, refuse collectors, revenue clerks, and early childhood development teachers, TVET instructors, and ambulance attendants has issued a 21-day notice to the counties, in opposition to the withdrawal of a salary increase circular that initially applied to all public servants. Later, the government reinstated the increase for national government employees, but not county workers. Workers have not had a salary review since 2012. The KCGWU acknowledged that their previous strike notices had been ineffective, yet they continue to foster illusions in Ruto. KCGWU General Secretary Roba Duba stated, We addressed the President in a letter dated August 30, 2023, regarding the discrimination against county government workers. Although the Head of Public Service directed the State Department for Devolution to address the issue, no action has been taken, defying the Presidents directive. These strike notices mainly serve to diffuse opposition, with trade unions appearing to defend workers rights while not disrupting daily operations and fostering false hopes of government concessions. By threatening strikes without intending to act, the goal is to prevent a rank-and-file rebellion. Typically, unions negotiate last-minute deals to avoid strikes, claiming empty victories. When the government breaks its promises, worker frustration builds, leading to another strike call once anger peaks. This is evident in the ongoing struggle of airport workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, who are opposing the 30-year lease awarded to Indias Adani Group Holdings to take over operations at East Africas largest airport. This move represents a clear deepening of airport privatisation aimed at satisfying international investors and complying with IMF austerity measuresat the cost of job cuts and deteriorating working conditions. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has called for strike action three times in recent months, only to postpone each one at the last minute. Their greatest fear is mobilising workers in struggle, which would not only severely impact the profits of major airlines but, more importantly, disrupt the entire regions capitalist economy on a significant scale. The airport handles 7.5 million passengers annually, making it one of Africas busiest. It is crucial for Kenyas export industry, particularly in sectors like horticulture, where it facilitates the shipment of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables to Europe and other global markets, supporting over 250,000 jobs in Kenya, directly and indirectly, and contributing more than US $9.5 billion to the economy annuallyaround 4.6 percent of Kenyas GDP. Striking teachers in Kenya [Photo: @redstreamnet] Another sector in struggle are educators and school support staff. Mass anger has erupted among hundreds of thousands of teachers after the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) abruptly called off a strike, which had paralysed secondary high schools nationwide for a week, including in defiance of a court order declaring their action illegal. Teachers are demanding better pay, promotion of 130,000 teachers, absorption of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, the employment of 20,000 new teachers, and immediate remittance of capitation to the medical insurer to allow service providers to offer medical services to sick teachers and their families. They are also demanding the government adhere to the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), on which it has repeatedly reneged. KUPPET members were presented with a fait accompli. They were given no opportunity to discuss or vote on the decision to end the strike, which was unilaterally called off by union president Akelo Misori after Rutos Teachers Service Commission made a series of vague promises to address teachers concern as and when funds are made available by Parliament. COTU had worked to undermine the strike even before it began, with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), which represents primary school teachers and support staff, pulling out on the eve of what had been planned as a joint strike with the KUPPET teachers. Opposition among teachers to these betrayals is mounting. COTUs general secretary, Atwoli, personally intervened to hysterically denounce the teachers last Thursday, stating Support your leadership and allow them to lead you. Im appealing for peace, calm, and continued support within KUPPET. He added Once you are at the talking table, you cannot continue with the strike, lets not blame each other, this is not war, it is industrial relations. University lecturers are also involved in a fight with the government over non-payment of their full salaries and delayed implementation of their 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Members of the Universities Academic Staff Union walked out on indefinite strike, Sept. 4. Anger among university students is also escalating. Students are opposed to the increased tuition and accommodation fees imposed under a new university funding model. It includes a Means Testing Instrument under which students are classified into five bands depending on the financial capacity of their families. Students from the University of Nairobis Student Council issued a notice stating we must reject the new funding model imposed upon us. Our education is not a commodity to be exploited for profit. Other sections of the population are also entering into struggle. Tens of thousands of ride-hailing drivers are threatening to strike against the exorbitant commissions that the billion-dollar riding app corporations like Uber and Bolt squeeze from them. The drivers of privately-owned minibuses and vans, known as matatus, which form the backbone of Kenyas urban transport system, are also threatening to strike. These matatus transport millions of Kenyans daily. Two weeks ago, the Matatu Owners Association announced a strike in response to the governments decision to raise the Road Maintenance Levy by Ksh7 per litre of fuel, increasing it from Ksh18 to Ksh25. However, the strike was called off at the last minute to, in the words of the Association, allow for negotiations. Despite these discussions, the government has maintained the levy, citing it as a crucial measure for generating funds to service Kenyas IMF debts. Workers must be warned. Ruto has no intention of offering concessions to the working class. On the contrary, he is gearing up for a brutal confrontation with them. The government has begun implementing a 40 percent wage increase for the police, one of the few social constituencies that still remains loyal to the regime. A 20 percent increase has already been in effect since July. In addition, the Ruto government is considering further benefits and allowances for the police, including housing, healthcare, and education support. The World Socialist Web Site calls on workers to draw the crucial lessons from recent developments. The struggle facing workers and youth is not merely over unfulfilled collective bargaining agreements, but is a broader political fight against the entire post-independence, capitalist political and socio-economic order, which is backed by Washington. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has joined forces with Ruto to impose austerity measures through police state methods and deepen Nairobis subordinate alliance with US imperialism. A key architect of this right-government is COTU. It initially supported Rutos IMF-driven Finance Bill 2024, only to later call for its withdrawal in favor of a national unity government with Odinga. Now, COTU has become the chief enforcer of so-called social peace. Jobs, wages, and working conditions can only be defended by workers breaking free from the COTU bureaucracy. To achieve this, rank-and-file committees, run democratically by workers themselves must be established in every workplace to enforce their democratic will and countermand sellouts by the bureaucracy. The unity of the ruling class at the top must be met with a unified struggle from below, transcending national borders and linking the fight against austerity in Africa with those in Europe and the US, where workers are also facing austerity and the diversion of funds for war. Above all, what is required is the fight for a socialist programme to place all the resources of the national and international economy under the control of the workers and oppressed masses. The Ruto-Odinga regime must be replaced with a workers government pledged to repudiating the foreign debt and implementing socialist policies. We recently published a list of 10 Best Big-Name Stocks to Buy Right Now According to Short Sellers. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) stands against the other big name stocks. In early April 2024, Goldman Sachs Inc.s data revealed that short selling on individual US-listed stocks was at the highest level in 6 months, and the most targeted sectors were technology, telecom, and media. This increase in short positions was seen after the significant ~9% advance seen in 1Q 2024 for the S&P 500. As per the data, some hedge funds that were using long-short equity strategies have started to fight the rally. During extreme market volatility, short selling has become pronounced and has drawn significant interest from institutional and retail investors. It has prompted regulatory intervention as new reporting requirements have been issued by the SEC to offer transparency and ensure the availability of short position data. Recent Trends in Short Selling In the 2Q 2024, the US and Canadian markets saw an increase of ~$58 billion in short interest or a rise of 5.1% from the previous quarter. Recently, S3 Partners, a renowned tracker of short-interest data, reported that the sectors that saw the largest increases in short exposure in 2Q 2024 included information technology (a rise of $49.3 billion), communication services (at $11.2 billion), and utilities (a rise of $3.7 billion) from the previous quarter. The sectors that saw the largest decrease in short exposure were the energy and financial sectors, down $12.3 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Earlier in 2024, a significant surge in the leading AI giant resulted in losses of ~$3 billion for the short sellers. Some market experts even described this as an AI-generated nightmare. In global equities, short interest climbed during July 2024, with strong increases seen throughout the Automobile (+13bps), REITs (+11bps), and Consumer Durables (+11bps) sectors, reported S&P Global. On the other hand, the largest decreases were in the Financial Services (-10bps) and Real Estate Management and Development (-4bps) sectors. Talking about the US equities, the average short interest decreased to 77 basis points during July 2024. Significant increases in short interest were seen throughout REITs (+6 basis points) and the Household and Personal Products (+8 basis points) sectors. Conversely, the largest declines were in the Financial Services (-15 basis points) and the Automobile (-9 basis points) sectors. Story continues Heavily Shorted Stocks Might Not Always Be in Distress, Says S3 Partners S3 Partners revealed that there is a relatively weak correlation between short positions in certain assets and distress measures. This means that not all heavily shorted stocks are facing difficulties. As per the firm, broader market sentiments and valuation concerns are some of the factors that can drive short interest. The company believes that shorting an asset can form part of broader strategies or hedging activities not linked to distress. It mentioned that there can be 3 measures of bearishness for stocks - average analyst ratings (From 1 to 5), Credit default swap (CDS) spreads, and Altman Z-Score. For example, the US Dollar had a low short position of ~1.32%. However, it had a high CDS spread of 1000 basis points. This indicates high perceived distress on the currency even though there is minimal short interest. This can be because of factors such as currency market dynamics or investor sentiments. 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 team of data experts gathered around a computer monitor analyzing customer data. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68 Short % of Shares Outstanding (August 15, 2024): 1.06% Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is a leading global IT services firm, which provides consulting, strategy, technology, and operational services. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is expected to benefit from sticky clientele. Notably, high switching costs demonstrate that its clients, primarily those with larger contracts, will not switch providers. This gives the company healthy revenue visibility. The company continues to focus on inorganic growth opportunities and has a history of growing through acquisitions. Recently, it purchased Excelmax Technologies in India. This should help Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) boost its silicon design and engineering capabilities. Next, it acquired True North Solutions, an industrial engineering solutions provider in Canada. This will help the companys clients transport energy safely and more efficiently. Also, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is well-placed to benefit from the current AI wave. It can help in the development and implementation of large language models for generative AI and the identification of business data. Wall Street analysts are optimistic about its acquisition of Cientra, which is a silicon design and engineering services company providing custom silicon solutions for global clients. This should complement Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)s expertise in microprocessor design. For 4Q 2024, the company expects revenue in the range of $16.05 billion and $16.65 billion, with 2% to 6% growth in local currency. Its operating cash flow for FY 2024 is expected between $9.3 billion and $9.9 billion. UBS Group upgraded the shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) from a Neutral rating to a Buy rating. They gave a price target of $400.00 on 19th July. Aoris Investment Management, a specialist international equity manager, released its Q2 2024 investor letter. Here is what the fund said: The largest detractors for the quarter were Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) and CDW Corp, which both fell by around 14%. Accenture and CDW are currently experiencing flattish years in terms of revenue and earnings growth. This follows a period of post-pandemic elevated demand. We believe both companies continue to gain market share. Accenture is the worlds largest IT outsourcing and consulting company. While earnings in its quarter ended May was essentially flat, we were very encouraged by underlying demand. This demand strength is reflected in a 22% year-on-year increase in client bookings for the quarter. Further, the number of $100m+ contracts signed in the nine months to May was 92, up from 85 in the same period a year earlier. All this bodes well for Accentures revenue and earnings in the next few years. Overall ACN ranks 5th on our list of the best big name stocks to buy according to short sellers. While we acknowledge the potential of ACN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued AI stock that is more promising than ACN 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 at Insider Monkey. Hundreds of thousands of people marched Saturday against President Emmanuel Macrons naming of Michel Barnier to head a right-wing government backed by the neo-fascist National Rally (RN). Tens of thousands marched in Paris, while thousands marched in dozens of cities across France. The marches were called by Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed (LFI) party, the main force in the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition that won the July 7 elections. Banner at protest against Macron's installation of right-wing French government reads "Stop Macron's power grab." WSWS reporters intervened in the protests, which reflected opposition among youth and workers to the forming of Frances first national government to openly rely on far-right support since the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime. The Macron-Barnier government has laid out a fascistic program of escalating attacks on immigrants, austerity including further pension cuts, and support for NATO as it prepares to send troops to Ukraine against Russia and backs the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Although the protesters were largely LFI sympathizers, they also criticized Melenchon. He built the NFP alliance with social-democratic, Green and Stalinist forces, and then built an election alliance with Macron for the July 7 elections, claiming this would block the RN. This strategy proved completely false. After seven weeks of negotiations, including back-channel talks with the RN, Macron trampled upon the election results, refusing to name a NFP prime minister, and instead named a RN-backed government. Jordi, a student in Paris, told the WSWS he was marching to show that there is strong opposition in the people on certain issues. Macrons decision to choose this prime minister and the way he acted in recent months on the legislative elections, its not something that we can be satisfied with, that corresponds to the climate, geopolitical and social emergencies we face in France. Jordi Pointing to Palestinian flags held by marchers protesting the Israeli regimes genocide in Gaza, Jordi said, We are seeing patterns repeat themselves. There are things we can compare to the Vichy regime, motifs that can recall the years before World War II, ideas that are nationalist, far right, that reject those who are different. Romand and Jasmine, also both students, spoke of anger with Macron and their concerns about the NFP. Romand said, Macron picked a right-wing prime minister whose ideas are pretty close to the far right, whereas during the legislative elections, he pretended to be participating in a democratic front to stop the neo-fascists. So, in my view, this is the worst possible hypocrisy on Macrons part. Asked if one can fight fascism, as Melenchon proposed, in an alliance with Macron and the big business Socialist Party (PS), Romand replied: Thats a very serious question. Barnier has the same program as [RN] leader Marine Le Pen. Yes, there are clearly ideas that come from Marine Le Pen. Jasmine said, About the NFP, I was really very happy when they managed to get together, to be united. So after [the NFP won] the elections, people like me were very happy. And now, I think we can say the disillusionment is really big. Edith, retired teacher and former member of the Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF), denounced Macron as totally corrupt, depraved. She added that she does not support the NFPs policy of withdrawing its candidates to back those of Macrons party, supposedly to stop the RN from holding power. Melenchon and the NFP helped get the parliamentarians elected whose votes now keep a RN-backed government in power. She said, I was not at all in agreement with that, thats why now I feel uncomfortable. Even if my political family is LFI, there are things that I did not like. I was not for a democratic front [against the RN], and indeed, now we see we are at an impasse. The candidates we presented should have been there up to the end. We should not be surprised now that its coming back and hitting us in the nose. Edith Edith admitted that the union bureaucracies affiliated to the NFP played a central role in strangling mass protests against Macrons illegitimate pension cuts last year. She said, I agree with you, the trade unions were not up to the task. Two protests, three protests, even if millions of people are in the streets that it will be enough. The trade union officials who have the top positions are in some sense part of the establishment. Asked by the WSWS about the NFP programs endorsement of Macrons massively unpopular call to send troops to join the Ukrainian regimes war with Russia, Edith said that France voted money for Ukraine, but we never should have done that. We should have been much more firm. The Ukrainians did everything, with the support of the Americans, to destabilize the region. The left should have been much more firm, it was silent and did not openly state what forces were active. Ediths remarks point to disillusionment among workers and youth with Melenchon and his entire pseudo-left periphery of middle class parties and union bureaucracies. They proved hostile to mobilizing the millions of workers who voted for them against policieswar with Russia, genocide in Gaza abroad, and pension cuts at homethat are opposed by nine out of ten people in France. Throughout the summer, as Macron plotted how to overturn the election, Melenchon did not once appeal to workers supporting him to strike. Two fundamentally different perspectives is how workers and youth can overcome the obstacle posed by the bankruptcy of Melenchon and his political periphery. The emergence of a police state led by Macron and the RN, enabled by Melenchon, reveals the impossibility of a defense of democracy on a capitalist basis. The defense of fundamental social and democratic rights requires a struggle for socialism, mobilizing the working class in struggle against imperialist war, genocide and capitalism. Such a struggle is by necessity international, requiring united, revolutionary struggle by workers in France and other countries. Edith, in line with the history and perspectives of the PCF, said she is skeptical of internationalism; instead, disillusioned with Melenchon, she has some sympathies for Florian Philippot, a former top aide of RN leader Marine Le Pen. So its true that Im still close to LFI, but Ive also attended several protests led by Philippot, Edith said. She said she supports some of Philippots views because she believes Melenchon appeals to immigrant, but not to native-born workers. To be successful, she said, Melenchon would have needed to speak both to immigrants who live in France but also to the mood in favor of sovereignty, so to speak. Several protesters pointed to the political challenges posed by the emergence of such neo-fascist influences among workers disillusioned with the political betrayals of Melenchon and the PS. Anas, a student, told the WSWS: The naming of a right-wing prime minister really pushed me to go into the streets. What is happening is ridiculous. Frankly, for my part, I have doubts about the New Popular Front. The NFP, okay, but there is the PS, there is part of the Greens. And the PS, we know very well how they go back on their word. The PS has nothing more in the working class, because the PS is a divisive, bourgeois party. They are very good at dirty deals. The RN, Anas said, for its part proposes to workers a racial pact, that is to say, to unite under the flag of the nation, under a French banner. In fact, the problem is that the workers must play a role. And I am not saying that all workers vote for the RN. But we will have to change something. Workers and youth must irreconcilably oppose the RN and Macron, on the one hand, but also their pseudo-left enablers like Melenchon. The basis of a struggle for socialism and workers power against Melenchon is the defense of Trotskyism by the International Committee of the Fourth International, represented in France by the Parti de legalite socialiste. Sri Lankas main presidential candidatesPresident Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National Peoples Power (NPP) led by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)have made bogus and extravagant election promises. They maintain, however, total radio silence on the escalating danger of a catastrophic third world war. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe with airforce commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, background left, and police chief Chandana Wickremeratne, right, in 2023 [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena] The threat of world war is very real. The fascistic Israeli regime, with the full backing of Washington and its European NATO allies, has now expanded its relentless slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza into the West Bank, and is threatening war with Iran that would engulf the entire Middle East. The US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, now entering its third year, is escalating with long-range weapons provided by the US and the European powers being used in Ukraines invasion into Russian territory. Advanced discussions are underway about the direct deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine against Russia. The prospect of direct conflict between these nuclear armed nations cannot be ignored. In Asia, US imperialisms foremost aim is to subjugate China, which it considers its principal rival. Washingtons provocations in Taiwan and the South China Sea designed to goad Beijing into responding take place as the American military buildup and strengthening of alliances against China continues apace. The silence of Sri Lankas capitalist parties over these grave developments is not an accidental slip, but a deliberate policy to keep the masses in the dark and cover up their pro-imperialist policies. In opposition to all capitalist party candidates, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and its presidential candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena have made the fight against global war a central issue in the partys election campaign. Together with our sister parties internationally, we are calling on workers and youth to build an anti-war movement based on socialist principles to prevent world war. The struggle of the working class in Sri Lanka against the savage International Monetary Fund-dictated austerity measures is intimately connected to the fight against the imperialist war. That is why SEPs election statement centres on the fight for socialism against war, social inequality and dictatorship. Successive Colombo governments have overtly and covertly supported the geopolitical machinations of US imperialism and India, its main regional ally, while trying to maintain relations with China, a major creditor to Sri Lanka. But this balancing act is becoming increasingly impossible as Washington intensifies its aggression against China. While Wickremesinghe fails to mention any foreign policy issues in his manifesto, he and his rump United National Party have a long-standing record of subservience to Washington. In 2015, Wickremesinghe together with key figures of Sri Lankas ruling elite, directly supported the US State Department coordinated regime-change operation to oust then President Mahinda Rajapakse because of his orientation towards Beijing, and to shift Colombos foreign policy in favour of the US. SJB leader Premadasas election manifesto proclaims that a rules-based order in the Indian Ocean is in the best interest of the population of the Indian Ocean region. The rules-based order is simply parroting Washingtons propaganda centred on maintaining the post-World War II order in which it set the rules that Chinas economic rise threatens to upset. The JVP/NPP manifesto is open in its support for India, declaring the party would not allow the use of Sri Lankan land, sky or the sea for any activity that will threaten the region, including India. With India a crucial US strategic partner in the military encirclement of China, the JVP is lining up with Washington. JVP leaders have held several closed-doors meetings with Julie Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and senior US officials during the past two years. From the left: US Embassys political officer Matthew Hinson, Ambassador Julie Chung, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath, during the meeting at the JVP head office on 19 October, 2023. [Photo: X/Twitter @anuradisanayake] The most glaring exposure of the pro-imperialist outlook of the Wickremesinghe government was its dispatch this year of naval ships to the Red Sea as part of Washingtons Operation Prosperity Guardian. The purpose of the US-led coalition was to fight the attacks on shipping to Israel by pro-Palestinian Houthi rebels. How did the opposition parties react? SJB leader Premadasa lamented the cost of the Red Sea operation while the JVP/NPP kept their mouths shut about this pro-imperialist operation. Successive Colombo governments have signed military agreementsthe Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)with the US. ACSA, which was signed in 2007 and extended and expanded in 2017, allows the US and Sri Lanka to exchange logistics, supplies, and services during so-called humanitarian operations, joint drills and peacekeeping missions: In reality, unfettered US access to Sri Lanka and use of its military facilities. According to the US governments Defense Technical Information Center, SOFAs generally establish the framework under which US military personnel operate in a foreign country, addressing how the domestic laws of the foreign jurisdiction shall be applied toward US personnel while in that country. The first SOFA deal was signed in 1995, during President Chandrika Kumaratungas administration. The US has been pushing since 2018 for Colombo to sign a new SOFA pact with various privileges, exemptions, and immunity for US military personnel. Joint military exercises with the US and Indian military, along with bilateral meetings with top-level US and Indian officials, are regular occurrences in Sri Lanka. This year US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and other senior officials visited Sri Lanka. Indian Security Advisor Ajit Doval has also visited, holding closed-door talks with Wickremesinghe. They signed a Charter and Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Secretariat of Colombo Security Conclave, which also includes the Maldives and Mauritius, and is, in fact, a defence agreement. While in Colombo, Doval held talks with Premadasa and Dissanayake, as well as political parties from the North and trade union leaders from the central plantation districts. These defence agreementslike agreements with the IMF and other imperialist agenciesare made behind the backs of Sri Lankan workers and the poor and in direct conflict with their class interests. The SEP condemns and opposes the support of the ruling and opposition parties for these US-led imperialist policies and urges the working class to do the same. Workers and youth must base themselves on the great traditions of the international working class, including the political experiences of the Sri Lankan working class. During WWII, Sri Lanka, because of its pivotal strategic position in the Indian Ocean, became the headquarters for the Allied South-East Asian Command. The Trotskyists in Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) formed the Bolshevik-Leninist Party of India (BLPI), opposed the war and fought to mobilise the working class across the Indian sub-continent against British colonial rule. While the British responded by jailing the top BLPI leaders, class-conscious workers maintained their support for this great struggle. The so-called native bourgeoisie, the forefathers of the leaders of all the capitalist parties in the sub-continent today, with the backing of the Stalinist Communist Party and its trade unions crawled before colonial masters, supported the imperialist war, helping to impose the burden of the war on the backs of workers and the poor. The Trotskyists fought to expose these lackeys of British colonialism and the treachery of Stalinists and trade union bureaucracies. Today, the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie is utterly subservient to international capital and the International Monetary Fund. With the backing of the trade union bureaucracy, the ruling class is implementing these brutal austerity measures. The same people are lining up with US imperialisms war agenda, keeping workers in the dark, ready to sacrifice the lives of millions of people. We call upon the workers in Sri Lanka to recall these great historical traditions, unite with their class brothers and sisters throughout South Asia and internationally to build an anti-war movement based on socialism. This is the only way to prevent a third world war and a nuclear conflagration. Workers and youth must demand: The publication of all secret agreements with the US such as ACAS and SOFA! The abrogation of all defence agreements with the imperialist powers, and other countries, such as India! Join and build an international anti-war movement based on socialist principles! These demands are essential components of the revolutionary program being advanced by the SEP and Pani Wijesiriwardena, the partys presidential candidate in this months election. (Bloomberg) -- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s stock rose in Hong Kong after it was made directly accessible to investors in mainland China for the first time. Most Read from Bloomberg Shares of the e-commerce company were added to the Stock Connect program that links the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses to the Hong Kong exchange starting Tuesday. The stock gained 4.2%, the most since Aug. 16, with volume more than triple the three-month full-day average. The highly-anticipated inclusion is expected to attract about $20 billion of inflows into the stock into next year, with mainland investors likely to build a stake of over 10% in Alibaba, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. That should also help Alibaba narrow its valuation discount to rival PDD Holdings Inc., according to BI analysts. Shares of the e-commerce firm are up 10% in Hong Kong so far this year, compared with an 8.3% drop in the Hang Seng Tech Index. The inclusion is a timely boost after the company recently reported a revenue miss for the second quarter, as Chinas weak consumption continues to sap retail sales momentum. Under certain exchange rules, a stock will be included in the Stock Connect program if it is a member of the Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index and has primary listing status. Alibaba had been one of the few major Chinese stocks that was unable to join the program, as it only had secondary listing status. The company upgraded to dual-primary listing status for Hong Kong as well as New York in August, allowing it to finally be made available for mainland trading. A call contract thats betting Alibaba to rise another 4.2% to HK$85 apiece before September 27 is the most traded option contract on Tuesday in Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Hong Kong Exchange publishes turnover figures for the top 10 traded stocks via the links each day after the close. Among other Hong Kong-listed stocks being made available to mainland traders Tuesday, Mongolian Mining Corp. rose 8%. Among stocks being removed from the links, Shimao Group Holdings Ltd. plunged 23%. (Updates with closing prices and details throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Internet giant Amazon's (AMZN) cloud computing arm, Amazon Web Services, said on Wednesday that it plans to spend 8 billion pounds ($10.45 billion) in the United Kingdom over the next five years to build, operate and maintain data centres. The company expects the investment project to contribute 14 billion pounds to the country's gross domestic product by the end of 2028 and to support more than 14,000 jobs at British businesses. The project represents a step-up in the pace of Amazon's investment in Britain. Since 2022 AWS has invested 3 billion pounds in facilities in London and Manchester. "Our team that builds our data centres globally take into account multiple levers that they have to look at before they can decide where to put data centres ... from power to water to the local environment," Tanuja Randery, a managing director at AWS, told Reuters. She singled out use of artificial intelligence as among the factors driving demand for cloud services. AWS has been investing heavily across Europe, announcing a 15.7 billion euros investment in Spain earlier this year and another 7.8 billion euros in Germany. Analysts and executives say many big corporate customers have started spending again on cloud computing after pausing last year, as interest in artificial intelligence drives a rebound of growth in the $270 billion cloud infrastructure market. The investment was welcomed by British finance minister Rachel Reeves, who has been courting foreign investors ahead of an investment summit on Oct. 14. ($1 = 0.7656 pounds) (This story has been corrected to remove an incorrect reference to future data centre locations after the finance ministry updated its initial statement) (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; additional reporting by David Milliken in London, Editing by William Maclean) The logo of the technology company Apple can be seen at the Apple Store in downtown Munich. The European Union's highest court backed a European Commission's ruling that Apple must pay 13 billion ($14.4 billion) in back taxes. Sven Hoppe/dpa The US tech giant Apple is "disappointed" with a ruling by the European Union's highest court that the company must pay 13 billion ($14.4 billion) in back taxes. In 2016, the European Commission ordered the multi-billion euro tax payment, claiming the US company had underpaid taxes due in Ireland. "The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US," an Apple representative said. In the lengthy legal dispute, Apple had filed a successful complaint with the EU's General Court, which was ultimately overruled by the European Court of Justice. "We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal," the Apple representative insisted. "We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case," the representative said. Airbnb allows fans of 'The Vampire Diaries' to experience life in Mystic Falls A clock tower seen in downtown Covington, also known as Mystic Falls, where CW's "The Vampire Diaries" was filmed. Airbnb is inviting "Vampire Diaries" fans to stay in a Georgia rental to experience a night, or two, in the fictional town of Mystic Falls. The home of Caroline Forbes (played by Candice King) is officially open to guests, calling all Fanpires and Diarists to enjoy a "lovely old home" with small town vibes, according to the Airbnb rental listing. The home is located in the heart of Covington, Georgia, the primary filming location for CW's "The Vampire Diaries," a sci-fi drama series that debuted in September 2009 and is set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. A group of "Vampire Diaries" fans made their way to the Airbnb recently, documenting their experience. "As the TV series celebrates the 15th anniversary of its debut on September 10, this one-of-a-kind listing offers a perfect cure for fans nostalgia," Airbnb said in a statement. "It's only minutes away from the clocktower and infamous Mystic Grill - allowing them to step into the world of their favorite supernatural drama (blood bags not included)." Airbnb rents out home featured on 'The Vampire Diaries' The home of Carolina Forbes, a lead in CW's "The Vampire Diaries" is available to rent on Airbnb. While guests might be tempted to stay home and enjoy the spacious backyard or cozy front porch swing, there is a lot more fun to be had in the "Mystic Falls" town square, which is just a short walk away, according to Airbnb. "You wont be disappointed in the Hollywood of the South that is one of the best small towns youll ever visit. Enjoy your adventure to this epic & historic area in our home away from home," the listing says. How much does the 'Vampire Diaries' Airbnb cost? The price of the home, which has three bedrooms and two and a half baths, varies. But the average cost is about $400 a night. The Airbnb host also offers a couple themed additions to your stay, including a private tour with vampire stalkers and complimentary blood bags. Even Candice King made her way back to Mystic Falls last year for a Comic-Con event. "My yearly visit back home to Mystic Falls such a special celebration of years that meant so much," King wrote in an Instagram post. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You can live out our 'Vampire Diaries' fantasy with this Airbnb rental By Rishav Chatterjee (Reuters) -Australia's prudential regulator is proposing to bar banks from issuing certain hybrid securities to help meet their capital requirements starting in 2027 as retail investors that typically buy them do not understand the risks of these instruments. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) said on Tuesday it wants banks to replace Additional Tier 1 instruments with more reliable and less expensive forms of capital to improve the effectiveness of bank capital in times of crisis. The push comes after Switzerland's financial regulator angered bondholders last year when it wrote down $17.24 billion of Credit Suisse's Additional Tier 1 capital to zero as part of the bank's rescue merger with UBS. Australian banks have around A$40 billion ($26.66 billion)outstanding of Additional Tier 1 capital as of June 2023 according to a discussion paper on APRA's website. "This would represent a significant change to a bank's capital structure," an Australian Banking Association spokesperson said. "Banks will now carefully consider the implications of APRA's proposal, balancing any changes to costs of capital, as well as impacts on capital markets and investors." The transition period is due to begin on Jan. 1, 2027 and all hybrids would have to be replaced by 2032. "We think the largest impact will be on the investor base in hybrid securities, who will have to progressively allocate capital elsewhere," Citi analysts said, noting that hybrid securities are typically held by retail investors in Australia whereas offshore they are held by institutional investors. Insurers will be allowed to continue issuing hybrid securities. "A surprising yet sensible proposal from the banking regulator, which will keep insurance hybrid securities in place," said Christopher Joye, portfolio manager and chief investment officer at Coolabah Capital. ($1 = 1.5002 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Sonali Paul) Nobody knows for certain how Tuesday nights showdown between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will shake out, but those who have a knack for predicting chaos may be able to cash in. Theres a swath of betting categories available for the event, ranging from the simplehow many Americans will tune into the bizarre, like which specific insults Trump will hurl at Harris. Gambling sites and sportsbooks based in the states arent allowed to accept wagers on U.S. politics, but offshore outfits say theyve collected millions in bets. Their odds provide unique insight into how just off-the-rails some experts think the debate might go. Each prop has specific stipulations, like total U.S. viewership figures being determined by Nielsen. Bet.us Bet.us, an offshore sportsbook which accepts wagers from Americans, has given equal odds of -300 to the likelihood of Trump calling his opponents Comrade Kamala and Tampon Tim at least once each on stage. Those odds mean youd have to wager $300 to win $100in other words, they suggest that bookmakers expect Trump to be up to his usual shenanigans as he squares off opposite Harris. Trump is not favored to commit to accepting the 2024 election results if he loses to Harris (+500)or to admit to losing to Joe Biden, in 2020. Bet.us said theres also a fair chance Trump will call Harris Kamabla (+150) or Crazy Kamala (even) at least once. Oddsmakers dont expect Harris to stand idly ifor, they predict, asshes insulted. Shes favored to say the words convicted felon (-150) during the debate; Bet.us is also accepting wagers on the possibility shell call Trump an unstable man (+450) and say you are weird (+250) on stage. Those wanting to take a longshot can wager that the audience-free debate will somehow be interrupted by protesters (+700), that a candidate will curse (+800), and that Trumps final word of the night will be communist or communism (+1800). A popular debate prop offered by offshore books is the candidates attire on Tuesday night. Bet.us The offshore book BetOnline has also provided lines to bet on how many lies by each candidate will be fact-checked by The Washington Post. Harris over-under is set at 5.5 while Trumps is listed at a whopping 19.5. An over-under on U.S. viewers for the debate was placed at 75 million by Bet.us, which will use Nielsen figures. Trump is favored to have more total speaking time, despite ABC News promising there will be a strict cap on answer lengths. The two candidates are not favored to shake hands. Bet.us has Harris is favored at -220 to win the debate outright in surveyed viewers eyes, with the result being determined by a CBS-affiliated poll. That estimation is in line with other sportsbooks and the online wagering platform Polymarket, which lists Harris as having a 73 percent chance of winning the night. Polymarket provides historical data on how odds have shifted for candidates. Polymarket Polymarket, which counts the GOP megadonor Peter Thiel as an investor, shows that it had accepted more than $9 million on wagers related to Harris and Trumps debate as of Tuesday morning. Despite Harris being favored to win Tuesdays debate, most betting markets have shifted in recent days to give Trump a slight edge to win the electoral college in November. 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. 'An Insane Thing You Just Made Up': Jordan Klepper Nails Trump's Most Brazen Lie Yet Daily Show correspondent Jordan Klepper hit Donald Trump with a blunt fact-check after the former president broke out a new lie at his most recent rallies. Trump has falsely claimed that schools are giving kids gender-affirming surgery. Can you imagine youre a parent, and your son leaves the house and you say Jimmy, I love you so much. Go have a good day in school. And your son comes back with a brutal operation, Trump said. Can you even imagine this? No. No. No, I cant imagine this because its an insane thing you just made up, Klepper fired back. Do you really think a kid goes to school one day and comes back with a full sex-change operation? Thats ridiculous! Americans getting free health care? Not happening. Klepper recalled his own experience with medical attention at school. One time in middle school I told the nurse I had a stomachache and she put a Band-Aid on my stomach, he said. I have a hard time believing theyre doing full-scale operations. See more in his Monday night monologue: This photo provided by Kensington Palace on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, shows Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince William with their children Prince George, right, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, left. (Will Warr/Kensington Palace via AP) LONDON (AP) Public displays of affection on a royal video? My, how times have changed! When the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed chemotherapy treatment in a soft-focus, Insta-ready video, she ventured into realms not previously inhabited by Britains royal family, traditionally known for the stiff-upper-lip, never complain, never explain ethos of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Here was the most popular royal, a public figure usually known simply as Kate, using the tools of social media to share the fact that for all her wealth and privilege, her life had been upended by cancer, just like millions of other people. But it wasnt just what she said, it was how she said it. Unlike earlier updates on Kates health, which sounded like factual news reports, this had an entirely different tone. The slickly produced mini-movie released on Monday showed the princess hugging Prince William and their three young children and sharing intimate moments at home with her parents. There's even a chaste kiss on her cheek. It is a real break, said George Gross, a royal historian at Kings College London. But I think people will look at it and wont necessarily realize that. I think they will think: This is just right, this is normal. Thats what a family does. A tradition of secrecy Kates video marks the royal familys latest experiment with greater openness since King Charles III assumed the throne in 2022. That has been tested repeatedly this year as both Charles and Kate were treated for serious health problems, then later announced they were undergoing cancer treatment. For centuries, Britains royal family withheld news of illness for fear it might weaken their authority. That reticence and secrecy lingered even after they became constitutional figureheads. The British public wasnt told that King George VI, Charles grandfather, had lung cancer before his death at the age of 56 in February 1952. The public death announcement said only that the king had passed peacefully away in his sleep. King George V died in 1936, after suffering from heart and lung disease. Far from being open about the kings health, palace officials manipulated the timing of his death to gain more favorable coverage. Diary extracts published 50 years later revealed that the kings physician injected the terminally ill monarch with morphine and cocaine to speed his death partly so it could be announced in the morning newspapers rather than the less appropriate evening journals. Charles has made a point of being more open than his mother, Elizabeth, whom Buckingham Palace described as suffering from mobility issues in the months before her death. In January, the palace said Charles would enter a London hospital for treatment for an enlarged prostate. A few weeks later, the king said he would step away from public duties while he received treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Those announcements, however, were made in factual releases issued by the palace press office. A new generation of royals But Kate and William, both 42, are of a new generation that is more comfortable sharing personal issues on social media. Kates video was shot by William Warr, creative director of Detail Films, which says it combines film production techniques and strategic marketing to create beautiful branded films. We exist to help brands tell stories that speak to their audience, the firm says on its website. In the video, Kate described how difficult the past nine months had been for her family and expressed relief at completing her course of treatment. Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown, she said in the video, which was shot in a woodland near the familys summer home in Norfolk. Some see the film as a reflection of a family bonded in a crisis, as many do when facing illness sharing their thoughts with others. It is a love story, former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole told TalkTV. Youre seeing it there. Youre seeing what it means to a family.'' Mark Borkowski, a public relations and crisis consultant, described the film as a tectonic shift in how the royal family controls its image. Kates journey is profound and deeply personal, but theyve learned that emotion can be controlled and weaponized in small, potent doses, he said. By doing this through a polished film, they maintain dignity and control while still appearing relatable. It's the age of social media The fact that the royal family needed new techniques for controlling its story in the age of TikTok and Instagram was underscored after palace officials announced in January that Kate would be hospitalized for abdominal surgery. While the palace released few details about her condition, social media sites were filled with speculation about what was really going on as Kate retreated from public view to focus on her recovery. When the princess announced that she had cancer two months later, she spoke directly to the public in a somber video in which she asked for time, space and privacy while she underwent treatment. In June, Kate released a video update, saying she had good days and bad days. While the princess stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year. First, during the kings birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the mens final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation. Now that she has completed chemotherapy, Kate plans to slowly return to public duties, undertaking a few more public appearances in the coming months. But Kate said in her video that the path to full recovery would be long and she would take each day as it comes. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time, she said. Everyones kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. The video should be seen as part of the kings effort to increase the openness of the royal family as he seeks to build support for the monarchy, Gross said. Its an operation. Its the whole firm together, he said. And, I think, it really matches that sense of were being as open as we can, whilst retaining a natural sense of privacy that you need over these things. Prince Harry And Meghan Reportedly Plan Third Foreign Tour This Year After Trips To Colombia And Nigeria Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be preparing to embark on a third tour later this year. The royal couple previously visited Nigeria and Colombia, where they immersed themselves in the cultures and engaged in multiple activities as representatives of their Archewell Foundation and Harry's Invictus Games. Later this month, Prince Harry is expected to make a solo trip to New York City and also celebrate his 40th birthday. Lesotho Or Botswana Are The Next Possible Destinations For The Sussexes MEGA Building on the success of their previous two quasi-royal tours, Harry and Meghan are reportedly considering plans for a third tour. Though they have not officially confirmed any plans or potential destinations for a new tour, it's speculated that countries like Lesotho and Botswana are under consideration. Harry last visited these countries in 2019 and is rumored to be considering a return, as they are closely linked to his charity, Sentebale. The charity's first initiative was established in Lesotho in 2006 in collaboration with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, while the Botswana project was launched in 2016. An insider told Hello! that the Duke is well-positioned to continue participating in such tours alongside his wife, as he is accustomed to them. They said, "That's his world, that's what he's used to, and that's what he knows. He can still add value." Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Previously Visited Colombia And Nigeria MEGA A third quasi-royal tour will likely see Harry and Meghan engage in activities as representatives of their Archewell Foundation and promote the Duke's Invictus Games, as they have done in other visits to foreign countries earlier in the year. In August, the duo visited Colombia at the invitation of the country's vice president, Francia Marquez. The four-day visit saw the couple stop by a local school, participate in a summit on building a safer digital landscape, and engage with emerging voices in Colombia. Harry also took time to interact with Colombian Invictus Games athletes in Bogota. In May, they visited Nigeria for three days after being invited by the country's highest-ranking military official, the Chief of Defense Staff. During the trip, they heavily promoted themes of mental health and women's empowerment while engaging with local charities, wounded veterans in hospitals, and students. Prince Harry Will Be Visiting New York City In September MEGA Before any possible foreign trip, Harry is expected to jet out to New York City later this month. The Invictus Games founder will be solo on the trip, with his wife Meghan staying back in California, where they reside. This contrasts with his last trip to the Big Apple in October 2023, where he and the Duchess spoke on stage at the Archewell Foundation's first in-person event, The Archewell Foundation Parents' Summit: Mental Wellness in a Digital Age. As for his schedule for his upcoming New York City visit, a spokesperson for the prince revealed that he would promote a "number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives," per People. They also mentioned that "he will participate in engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst" and "be furthering the work of The Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit organization he co-founded with his wife Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex." The Duke Reportedly Has A Lavish Party Planned For His 40th Birthday MEGA Harry will also mark his milestone 40th birthday this month. While he has yet to announce any plans for the day, some sources have claimed that it would be celebrated, especially with his wife, Meghan, and two kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. "They will likely throw a lavish party and invite friends over around his birthday," Royal commentator Lydia Alty told the Express. She added, "Meghan and Harry have many friends in Hollywood, so it will definitely be a huge bash whatever they do. Who knows, they may even sell inside pictures of the party to the media." Regarding the possibility of any senior royals traveling to the U.S. for the event, insiders have suggested that it is unlikely, particularly considering the ongoing tensions between Harry and the Palace. Netflix Releases Teaser For Harry And Meghan's Next Series MEGA Netflix recently released the teaser for Harry and Meghan's new project, "POLO." The series, created by the couple's Archewell Productions, is a docu-series about the various professional players in the sport. The streaming giants' social media accounts advertised the teaser for the new series on Monday, September 9, shortly after the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, announced she was "cancer-free." It would be Harry and Meghan's third project for Netflix after the release of "Harry & Meghan" and "Live to Lead." POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, premiering this December only on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/R1uUnXsf0v Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) September 9, 2024 The Netflix announcement of the new series reads, "POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, premiering this December only on Netflix." Besides "POLO," the Duchess of Sussex also has an exciting show in the works with Netflix, which would have a link to her soon-to-be-launched lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Religious drama Judas Gospel, directed by Italys Giulio Base and starring Rupert Everett, Paz Vega, John Savage and Abel Ferrara, has scored its first pre-sale with distributor Plus Films KFT taking Latin American rights. The film, now in post, recently wrapped shooting in Italys scenic Southern Calabria region. It is being shopped to buyers by Italys Minerva Pictures on the sidelines of the Toronto Film Festival. More from Variety Base is a prolific actor-director whose many film and TV directing credits comprise The Anarchist Banker that launched from the Venice official selection in 2019. He is also artistic director of the Turin Film Festival. Judas Gospel takes an innovative approach in retelling the tale of Judas Iscariot, known for his biblical betrayal of Jesus when he disclosed his whereabouts for 30 pieces of silver. In the film Judas, who is about to die, reflects on his life and his relationship with Jesus and the disciples. On the same day, two men die by hanging just a few steps away from each other: Jesus on the cross, and Judas on a tree, according to the provided synopsis. They are mirror images: one needs the other for his destiny to be fulfilled, it adds. Judas Gospel is produced by Bases wife Tiziana Rocca, who heads up Agnus Dei Production. Minerva Pictures and Agresywna Banda are also among producers in association with RAI Cinema. We are very happy that Plus Films KFT chose to work on this film, said Minervas head of international sales in a statement who noted that the plan is for Judas Gospel to go out across Latin America theatrically. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Shovels & Rope celebrate their union on the new album 'Something Is Working Up Above My Head.' - Credit: Fay Money Studios* If ever there were a moment that perfectly sums up the current dichotomy of life for Shovels & Ropes Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, itd be the couples recent experience of waiting in the pickup line at their kids elementary school in their former band van. Its this busted van that should never be in a school parking lot, Trent tells Rolling Stone. Its a bad look. More from Rolling Stone The sticker on the back says, Do Not Open Live Snakes, Hearst chuckles. The piano teacher was like, Can you not wait outside with your white, unmarked stranger-danger van?' But napper van aside, theres nothing weird about the union of Hearst and Trent, which they celebrate on the new album Something Is Working Up Above My Head. On this sweltering July day, Hearst and Trent are tucked away in an air-conditioned trailer backstage at the Under the Big Sky music festival in Whitefish, Montana, more more than 2,500 miles from their home in Charleston, South Carolina. To them, the distance is just part of the job. Theres a lot at stake, Hearst says of the duos nature to constantly tour and churn out albums. Its like an old family business, this mom-n-pop shop. This is the shop we run. Later that evening, Shovels & Rope will hit the Great Northern Stage in front of a passionate audience. With Hearst behind the drums and Trent on guitar, they bulldoze through a set of rock em, sock em ballads and headbanging numbers, several of which have become anthems within Americana, indie-rock, and alt-country circles since the bands inception in 2008. You cant try to meet somebodys expectations, Trent says of the bands attitude toward not being pigeonholed. We may have done better in our career if we have stayed within the lines, but this is the only way weve done it. During the festival performance, Shovels & Rope also offer up a handful of new tunes from Something Is Working Up Above My Head, which dropped Sept. 6. While the album title is an ode to the existential thoughts that get conjured when one enters middle age What does it all mean? Where to from here? Am I doing it right? Something Is Working Up Above My Head is also signature Shovels & Rope. Im looking at young people out in the world with a lot of love and respect. But, at a certain point, the bulletproof thing wears off, Hearst notes. You start taking inventory this forging forth of time on you versus being carefree. The record is nitty-gritty garage-rock and sweaty alt-country under the haze of neon barroom lights. All of it is painted with blistering lyrics focused on the beautifully chaotic nature of existence, of getting older, and of taking the occasional glance in the rearview mirror. Scratch out some inspiration and then it just starts taking shape, Trent says of the freestyling recording process the band tried for Something Is Working Up Above My Head. The letting go is kind of everything, and you can bring that attitude into your writing or recording. Listening to Something Is Working Up Above My Head, the loose mantra that has always defined the band is easy to pick out in each song: No matter how good or bad it gets, they seem to be saying, at least we have each other, baby. The moral of the story is that we loved each other and we wanted to build something together, Hearst says. Success separately would maybe hinder that. This thing was born out of collaboration, and its still very much a blend of what we have to offer. The starting line of Shovels & Rope begins around 2003. Born in Mississippi and raised in Nashville, Hearst found herself in South Carolina when she attended the College of Charleston. A Houston native who came of age in Denver, Trent eventually also landed in Charleston. Both were aspiring musicians involved in a revolving door of bands and solo endeavors from a young age. I absolutely know when I first saw you walk into a room, Hearst turns and says to Trent. I was young. In my twenties. In a bar band. It was a time when [everybody] had already dated each other [in Charleston]. That night, Hearst was playing onstage at the now-defunct Fluids Bar & Lounge on King Street in the heart of downtown. Trent and some friends waltzed in. Four new cute boys in town and I saw all the [other] women taking inventory, Hearst recalls. Then, it turned out they were in a band and friends with the boys in my band. To note, in the lyrics for Birmingham, arguably the most popular Shovels & Rope song, the bar called Comatose is a reference to that initial encounter on King Street, seeing as Fluids is a terrible name for a bar, Hearst cringes. Both kindred spirits and old souls, the two quickly became friends. A year into that friendship, Hearst and Trent caught feelings for each other and it moved from there, she says. At the time, Trent was in a rock band, the Films. We were influenced by British rock, Trent says. And we really liked the Strokes and T. Rex. Hearst was headlong into her own group, Borrowed Angels. We were an early Americana band. I remember being like, Were revolutionizing music, guys. Were bringing back country music, Hearst says with a laugh. We were listening to a lot of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. Though Hearst and Trent were walking down their respective musical paths, it was when they got together to jam that something special started to bubble up. They decided to test the waters and play some shows. It was an accidental band. We didnt really plan on it, Trent says of the formation of Shovels & Rope. We just started doing it on the side from our other bands and projects. We had to both walk away from something to take this opportunity, but it was so obvious, Hearst adds. The thing that made people respond was when it was just the two of us. Shovels & Rope albums like O Be Joyful, Swimmin Time, Little Seeds, and By Blood all followed, establishing the group at the top of the Americana realm. There were milestones too, including the bands performance of Birmingham on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2013. We played Letterman. Thats all [my dad] cared about, then he died, Trent says. He was a huge David Letterman fan. Our parents are satisfied with what weve accomplished, Hearst says in solidarity. Were kind of scooting under the radar, doing whatever we want, and getting paid to do it. Its mind-blowing. To me, its a legacy achievement. Its all Ive ever wanted to achieve. By the numbers, Hearst and Trent are now in their mid-40s, married over 15 years, touring some 14 years, with two kids and one sketchy van. But, as Something Is Working Up Above My Head shows, they maintain as much creative possibility as they did that first night together at a long-gone Charleston dive bar. That night, I had a really strange feeling, where I saw our whole life like this, Hearst says, her eyes shifting over to Trent. One of those epiphany moments, where you get a glimpse at the space-time continuum. Its going to unfold, and it keeps unfolding I saw all of it. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media platforms have been ablaze following a viral TikTok video in which a white traveler claimed to be the prettiest woman in Guyana. The video, which has since been deleted, sparked heated comments about beauty standards, cultural sensitivity, and privilege. The original TikTok video featured a white South African woman who made bold claims about her appearance in Guyana. Her statement, My favorite thing about Guyana is, I am the prettiest girl here. Im not even tooting my own horn, it is a literal fact, was met with immediate backlash from viewers. Many users took to TikTok and X to express their disbelief and anger. They argued that her comments were not only insensitive but also dismissive of the diverse beauty of Guyanese women. Comments flooded in, with one user stating, Guyanese women are literally gorgeous, this is insane work on her part, while another remarked, She thinks she is because shes white. Guyanese women would eat her up with the face card with no additives. The Apology Video To Women From Guyana Faced with a deluge of criticism, the traveler posted an apology video. In this follow-up, she attempted to take full responsibility for her words. However, the apology was met with skepticism. Many viewers felt it lacked sincerity, with one X user noting, I aint never been to Guyana, and I dont even accept this apology. The apology video did little to quell the storm, as the travelers initial remarks had already ignited a broader conversation about racial dynamics and beauty standards in post-colonial contexts. A viral X comment read, Theres a white South African girl who f****d around and found out. Made a TikTok about living in Guyana and basically said shes the most beautiful person there because shes white and blonde. The government wastes no time and she was deported 2 days later. The Guyana government when it comes to deporting white people pic.twitter.com/6ecf4Y6qVb Salibessi (@Salibessi2) September 4, 2024 The incident quickly became a trending topic. Users from various backgrounds chimed in, sharing their thoughts and experiences. Some comments were humorous, while others were poignant, reflecting the issues complexity. The best small towns in Switzerland include lakeside retreats, historic villages, and destinations tucked away in the Alps. Margarita Almpanezou/Getty Images Facade of buildings in La Neuveville, Switzerland. Switzerlands beauty is legendary, and it comes in all forms from snow-capped mountains and freshwater lakes to picturesque pastoral scenes and charming architecture. While the countrys larger cities are gorgeous in their own right, its in the small towns and tiny villages that you can fully immerse yourself in this Swiss splendor. Plus, with over 2,000 municipalities, Switzerland offers a seemingly endless number of day trips and pit stops. Now you just have to decide where to go. Most travelers have limited time and want to pack as much as possible into an itinerary, which turns into moving from one hotel to the next and limits time to explore the region, says Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor Sofia Markovich. Instead of switching up your location every couple of days, Martin Meier, a spokesperson for Switzerland's national railway company, SBB, recommends choosing a small town as a home base and planning several excursions by public transport from there. Its a travel strategy that may seem difficult to Americans, but its relatively easy in Switzerland especially if you invest in the Swiss Travel Pass, which grants you unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat. As you begin to plot out your trip, remember that Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This not only influences how one speaks in each region but also has a great cultural impact that is reflected in architecture, cuisine, and even the character of people, says Valerie Chetelat, a hiking guide with Switzerland Trekking. For a proper dose of 'Swissness,' I suggest you visit at least one small town of each language region. With her advice in mind, read on to discover the best towns in Switzerland, according to local experts. Related: 20 of the Best Places to Visit in Switzerland From Quaint Villages to Glamorous Cities Vevey Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty Images View of Vevey on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. According to Markovich, Vevey, which is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance that makes it an appealing travel destination. When visiting Vevey, travelers can discover the towns art galleries, music festivals, and theaters, as well as Alimentarium, the worlds first museum dedicated to food and nutrition, and Chaplins World, a museum honoring Charlie Chaplin thats housed in his former residence. For an extra-luxurious trip to Vevey, Markovich recommends Grand Hotel du Lac: It offers stunning views, elegant rooms, a spa, and Michelin-starred dining. Montreux elvirkin/Getty Images Architecture in Montreux, Switzerland. Both Markovich and Meier have Montreux on their list of must-visit small towns in Switzerland. It boasts views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, which Markovich says makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It also hosts the Montreux Jazz Festival in July, bringing music enthusiasts from across the world to the small town. Whether you're visiting for the music, the mountains, or the magical ambiance, Montreux is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience its beauty, she adds. Not planning to visit in July? Meier recommends the Christmas market on the lake, known as Montreux Noel, or a boat trip to Chillon Castle. Soglio ChrisRinckes/Getty Images View of mountains from Soglio, Switzerland. "Soglio, often called the gateway to paradise, is a remote village high above the Bregaglia Valley in the south of Switzerland. Its exceptional location overlooking the peaks over 10,000 feet will take your breath away, says Chetelat. The Church of St. Lorenzo is the main point of interest in town, but Chetelat notes this is also a place where you can find hikes for all fitness levels. Choose between an easy stroll through the picturesque village, a short hike in the nearby chestnut forests, or a multi-day valley trek, she says. Wengen Joanne Wastchak/Getty Images Wengen, Switzerland. You dont need to rent a car to access Wengen; in fact, its not even allowed. The car-free resort town in the Bernese Oberland is a favorite in both the summer and the winter, as locals and visitors alike take advantage of the towns hiking and biking trails and access to ski areas. In true Swiss fashion, Wengen features a number of chalet-style homes, snow-capped mountains, and bucolic scenes in nearly every direction. If youre feeling up for a 30-minute walk from town, follow the trail to the Hunneflue panorama point, where youll be rewarded with views of Interlaken and Lutschine Valley. Vals clu/Getty Images Houses in Vals, Switzerland. Vals is a mountain village (with an elevation of about 4,100 feet) that lays claim to a natural 86-degree spring the only one in the Grisons canton to come directly from the ground. If you only ever go to one thermal bath in your life, be sure to make it Peter Zumthors Therme, says Chetelat. The Swiss architect has created a sensational and sensory experience built from locally quarried quartzite slabs. Its the perfect reward after a strenuous day of hiking or mountain biking to relax in these naturally occurring thermal springs. Sion rhyman007/Getty Images Cobblestone pathway in Sion, Switzerland. Though its larger than some of the other destinations on this list, Sion (population of around 35,000) maintains a decidedly charming, small-town feel. Every Friday morning, you can discover local products and handicrafts at the old town market, says Meier. Travelers also make their way to Sion to see the Tourbillon Castle and the Basilica of Valeria, which sit on opposite hills that tower over Sion at the Rhone Valley; you cant miss them. Once youve wrapped up sightseeing, youll be in a good spot to continue to explore Switzerland. Sion is an ideal starting point for traveling through the Valais and its numerous peaks, says Meier. One of those peaks, the Matterhorn, may ring a bell. Stein am Rhein imageBROKER/Werner Dieterich/Getty Images Old town center in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland. If youd never been to Switzerland and had to picture a Swiss town in your head, theres a good chance it would resemble Stein am Rhein. Walking through the old town, youll see half-timbered houses and colorful, elaborate frescoes around the Rathausplatz (the town square). When youre done ogling the beauty and snapping photos, head in the direction of St. Georges Abbey a former Benedictine monastery complex, now a museum on the Rhine River, or Hohenklingen, a medieval castle that dates back to the 11th century. La Neuveville Margarita Almpanezou/Getty Images Facade of buildings in La Neuveville, Switzerland. Youll find the town of La Neuveville on Lake Biel in the western, French-speaking part of Switzerland. Its cobble-stoned medieval old town is embedded between the lake and the hills of the Jura mountain range, says Chetelat. I love to enjoy a traditional cheese fondue at Buvette du Debarcadere, an unpretentious pop-up restaurant right on the edge of the water. When youre not enjoying a lakeside meal, hire a pedal boat or kayak to paddle around Lake Biel, take a guided history tour, or taste some local wines (La Neuveville has a number of vineyards nearby). Gruyeres Elenarts108/Getty Images Facade of houses in Gruyere, Switzerland. Meier describes Gruyeres as a town where the Middle Ages meet the film 'Alien,' all surrounded by the fine aroma of Gruyere cheese. The first part of that description refers to the history and architecture of Gruyeres; you can, and should, visit the 13th-century Gruyeres Castle while touring the town. His reference to "Alien" stems from the fact that the HR Giger Museum is located in Gruyeres. Here, visitors can see the Oscar-winning artists surreal paintings, sculptures, and film designs for "Alien," "Alien 3," and "Poltergeist 2." Finally, as you may have guessed, Gruyere cheese was named after the town where it first originated, and todays visitors can learn more about the cheese and how its made at La Maison du Gruyere. Solothurn Borisb17/Getty Images Cathedral in Solothurn, Switzerland. This small town on the River Aare is considered the most beautiful Baroque town in Switzerland, says Meier. Its also full of interesting sites to keep travelers busy and entertained. Old Town Solothurn, which doesnt allow car traffic, has 11 churches and chapels, plus the same amount of towers and fountains. If you prefer museums, youll appreciate the Natural History Museum, the Blumenstein Museum, the Museum of Stones, and Old Arsenal, which has one of the largest weapons collections in Europe. Or, for those travelers who want to soak up the great outdoors, Meier says, You can combine a visit with a cruise on the Aare or a hike up the Weissenstein. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The sale ends Thursday. Getty Images A winter getaway vacation just got cheaper. Delta Air Lines recently unveiled a limited-time deal on award redemptions through their SkyMiles program for flights in January 2025. The deals, as low as 17,000 miles round-trip plus taxes, include flights to popular destinations such as Bahamas, Tulum, Mexico; and Turks and Caicos. However, travelers will need to book soon, as the sale ends on Thursday. For 3 days only, make the most of your miles with deals to beach destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond, Delta shared on their website. Travelers can book the discounted fares on Deltas sale page. The promotion has a wide variety of origin cities, but only six destinations. Travelers can choose from: Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI), Mazatlan, Mexico (MZT), Nassau, Bahamas (NAS), Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS),; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP), and Tulum, Mexico (TQO). For travelers looking to explore the Bahamas, there are a variety of deals to Nassaus Lynden Pindling International Airport between Jan. 20 and Feb. 2, 2025 starting at 17,000 miles + $120 for Basic Economy or 20,000 miles + $120 for Main Cabin. Best of all, the flight deal to Nassau is available from a variety of departure cities including Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, and more. Travelers can also find deals to the newly opened Tulum, Mexico airport (TQO) starting at 17,000 miles + $113 for Basic Economy, or 23,000 miles + $113 for Main Cabin, also from a wide variety of destinations. The deals are available on flights from mid-January through early-February from originating cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, and more. As an example of the potential savings, a SkyMiles ticket from Atlanta to Tulum would cost 34,000 miles plus $107 outside of the promotion, whereas it is only 17,000 miles, and $108 during the sale. The flight sale comes as Delta recently advised passengers of changes to their international flight schedule, as the carrier announced it will be stopping its daytime flights to Paris. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. rattan chair in corner of bedroom London-based journalist and interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth long dreamed of snapping up a second home in Italy. She just didnt expect to end up with a 300-year-old, 24-room villa when she finally did it. Set in a village half an hour from Turin, the grand house kept popping up on her and her husband Adam Leighs searches, so they eventually went to view itjust to rule it out, because it was far too big, she remembers. Spoiler: It immediately stole their hearts. Adam walked around one corner, and I walked around the other, and we were peering over the hedge looking in. When we met up in the middle, we were both crying, and we hadnt even seen inside, she says. woman standing near window old italian living room with modern white sofa Sofa and Rug, King Living. Decorating 24 rooms proved straightforward, thanks to the last owner, who offered to sell some existing pieces, and the fact that Watson-Smyth had a stash of furniture just sitting in London. But the bones of the house clearly required an update, and reality finally sank in once they collected the keys in the spring of 2023. We couldnt speak for half an hour. It was like, Oh, my God, what have we done? The scale of it was terrifying, but at the same time, it was my dream, says Watson-Smyth. country kitchen with terracotta floors kitchen sink skirt A seasoned renovator who has created an interior design course to help others, her aim wasnt to make the historic home appear brand-new but rather for it to look like wed moved in and just freshened it up. They fell in love with the faded wall colors and embraced a typical Italian country kitchen with a simple marble countertop and open lower shelving. Mural Wallpaper, Mind the Gap. green pillar curtain pulled away from window There was no budget for major structural work, so she made sense of the layout by allocating six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two studies, two kitchens, and two lounges. For herself and Leigh, she created an indulgent primary suite with an adjoining bathroom and dressing room. The cue for the spaces wallpaper was the century-old wisteria plant growing outside, beloved by the houses former owner, a woman named Claudia who lived there with her granddaughter, Lucrezia. Watson-Smyth named the room in Claudias honor. We wanted to pay tribute to her as the matriarch of a much loved family house, she says. Painting the freestanding bathtub next door a coordinating shade of lilac was the next logical step. leather sofa against floral wallpaper Watson-Smyth ran with the theme of naming the bedrooms: The one with the floral ceiling is called Iris, while the pink and yellow suite is named Gloria after Leighs mother, who loved Italy and had an apartment in Liguria for 30 years. To give each space even more personality, she collaborated with the paint brand Graphenstone to create a series of 12 hues (available to shop). The fact that Graphenstone paints are breathablein other words, actually improve indoor air quality and prevent mildewwas a big draw. When youre not in a house for a period of time, you have to be really careful about damp and mold, she says. The encaustic cement bathroom tile provided another opportunity for Watson-Smyth to flex her design muscles. Created with Maitland & Poate, one of the patterns is based on a tile she found in a reclamation yard outside Turin. The colors were mixed to exactly match the paint range, which hasnt really been done before and seemed like a good idea, she explains. The scale of the property has also presented a business opportunity, though not of the Airbnb variety. Watson-Smyth is offering design retreats for people to experience workshops and talks at the house alongside shopping trips (and, of course, a slice or two of pizza). bedroom with eleaborate ceiling painting Wall and Trim Paint, Graphenstone. When Watson-Smyths adult sons come to visit, theres no shortage of spots for them to retreat to. A once awkward corridor is now a cozy game room wrapped in an immersive mural and complete with a card table. The upstairs sitting room (previously all white) has been made over in a bold green and swathed in a Liberty wallpaper. Taking up the carpet revealed old terracotta tile sadly ruined beyond repair, so they ripped it out and leaned into the concrete, which Watson-Smyth, seeing only the positives, plans to eventually polish. It works because I like the juxtaposition between it and the incredibly luxurious wall covering, she says. Wallpaper, Liberty; Ceiling Paint, Graphenstone. The most satisfying part of the project, though, is knowing all the localsincluding Claudiaapprove. Everybody was worried we were going to rip everything out and fill it with marble. But [they told us] that, actually, it looks like its always been this way, she shares. Thats the highest compliment anyone could have given me. Shop the Palette Giardino, Graphenstone Purifying Paints green paint blob Shop Now Sole, Graphenstone Purifying Paints yellow paint blob Shop Now Lavanda, Graphenstone Purifying Paints purple paint blob Shop Now Barolo, Graphenstone Purifying Paints red paint blob Shop Now By Elviira Luoma and Anne Kauranen RIIHIMAKI, Finland (Reuters) - This autumn, pupils in the Finnish town of Riihimaki headed back to school with backpacks full of books after a decade of state-backed promotion of laptops and other digital devices in the classroom. Finland's public education system has gained global renown for its good results in recent decades and its readiness to try new teaching techniques. Until recently, many schools gave laptops for free to all pupils from as early as age 11. But Finnish parents and teachers, as elsewhere, have become increasingly concerned over the impact of screens on children. So Riihimaki, a town of some 30,000 inhabitants 70 km (44 mi) north of Helsinki which since 2018 had stopped using most books in middle schools, is trying something different for the start of this academic year: going back to pen and paper. "Young people are using phones and digital devices so much these days that we didn't want school to be one of the places where children are only staring at screens," said Maija Kaunonen, an English teacher at Pohjolanrinne middle school. The constant distractions that come with the use of digital devices make many children restless and too flighty to focus. "Most students just did the exercises as quick as they could so they could then move on to playing games and chatting on social media," she told Reuters during a break in class. "And it took them no time at all to change tabs in the browser. So when the teacher came round to them, they could say: 'Yes, I was doing this exercise'." Across Finland, children's learning results have been slowly eroding in recent years, prompting the government to plan new legislation to ban the use of personal devices, such as phones, during school hours to cut back on children's screen time. IMPROVED CONCENTRATION One of Kaunonen's pupils, Elle Sokka, 14, said she did not always focus on the school subjects when learning digitally. "Sometimes I would drift off to different websites," she said. Eighth graders Miko Mantila and Inka Warro, both 14, said their concentration has improved since books came back. "Reading, for one, is much easier and I can read much faster from books," Mantila said, though he added that writing was easier on a digital device. "And if you have to do homework late at night, it's easier to go to sleep when you haven't just been looking at a device," Warro said. Minna Peltopuro, a clinical neuropsychologist working with the town on the change, said the total screen time should be cut to a minimum - Finnish teenagers currently stare at screen for up to six hours per day on average - as excessive digital use comes with both physical and mental risks, such as eye problems and growing anxiety. Story continues "Another one is multi-tasking," Peltopuro said. "The brain is very vulnerable to multi-tasking and especially at a young age one cannot manage it well." (This story has been refiled to correct the gender of the pupil in paragraph 14) (Reporting by Elviira Luoma and Anne Kauranen, editing by Gwladys Fouche and Gareth Jones) This Northland restaurant oozes Kansas City pride. Heres the best sandwich on the menu When you think of Charlie Hustle, you might think of the iconic Kansas City clothing brand or maybe the album by rapper E-40. I think of a chicken sandwich. The flavorful, spicy and well-balanced sandwich is a culinary revelation for me. Its found at a former Subway-turned-biscuit heaven: District Biskuits along North Kansas Citys Armour Boulevard. At lunchtime on a recent Wednesday, 90s R&B played indoors and in the shaded outdoor seating area. I sat at the counter facing the window, next to a graphic mural with photos of the food. Customers ranged from young couples to office workers with plastic badges. Dwight Tiller takes a lunch order from customers on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at District Biskuits in North Kansas City. The restaurant, which opened in 2022, specializes in biscuit sandwiches. An employee called my name on the loudspeaker to pick up The Charlie Hustle ($13.95), a Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich with hot honey, coleslaw and pickles, with coin-shaped tater tots on the side. Biting into The Charlie Hustle, I taste sweet, spicy, salty and creamy flavors, all at the same time. The crunchy chicken breading, with that indescribable deep-fried flavor, contrasts with the sticky hot honey and keeps me wanting more. The sandwichs paper wrapper barely contains District Biskuits signature spicy mayo sauce, into which I dipped my tater tots. I washed down the sandwich with a Troost Juice, a flavored lemonade made in-house, which you can get spiked. Troost Juice lemonade is available spiked or not, at District Biskuits in North Kansas City. The restaurant, which opened its standalone space in 2022, specializes in biscuit sandwiches. Owner and chef Guroux Khalifah said District Biskuits menu items are named for Kansas Citys iconic places, people, landmarks, like its signature sandwich, The Wonder, which references the now-closed Wonder Bread bakery on Troost where Khalifah got snacks as a kid. While the District Biskuit menu features five sandwiches and other dishes like biscuits and gravy and mac and cheese, The Charlie Hustle is my go-to dish on their menu. The first time I went to the restaurant, I tried a bite of my friends Charlie Hustle and instantly wished I could eat the whole thing. Its Khalifahs favorite sandwich, too. The honey-drizzled Nashville fried chicken is made for The Charlie Hustle, a biscuit sandwich from District Biskuits. The sandwich features Nashville hot fried chicken, hot honey sauce, creamy coleslaw, dill pickles and DB sauce. The Kansas City native worked at a variety of storied area restaurants Lidias, Bristol Seafood before starting District Biscuit in 2017 as a pop-up. After a few years inside the now-defunct Adams Mark Hotel near the Chiefs and Royals stadiums, Khalifah opened the standalone restaurant in 2022 at 504 Armour Road. But why biscuits? Khalifah said that they unite people of many backgrounds. Everyone loves a delicious, flaky, buttery, soft, tender biscuit, Khalifah said. Large, fluffy, buttermilk buscuits are the basis for the biscuit sandwiches at District Biskuits, which opened in 2022 in North Kansas City. The restaurants recipe is based on Khalifahs mother biscuits, though he remarked, They werent as good as (District Biskuits). When he started the restaurant, Khalifah said, I didnt worry about perfecting anything, because with time, things get better. Hes been refining his unique technique for years by listening to the critiques of his customers. Now, the food is quite close to perfection. I spoke to one customer who said he has been going to District Biskuits for around five years. He said what keeps him coming back is the biscuit. And Ill be back, too. District Biskuits, 504 Armour Road, in North Kansas City specializes in biscuit sandwiches. This embedded content is not available in your region. As efforts got underway Tuesday to retrieve a first sample of the highly radioactive debris festering in the depths of Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, shoppers with deep pockets almost 6,000 miles away were being offered another, less threatening product from the earthquake- and tsunami-battered region. Harrods, arguably the world's poshest department store, has lured luxury shoppers and tourists through its doors in London's exclusive Knightsbridge neighborhood for about 175 years. Now, anyone with about $100 dollars to spend on some fruit can take home peaches from Fukushima, Japan. But that hefty sum will only get you three of the perfectly formed, apparently ultra-sweet delicacies. Harrods told CBS News in a statement on Tuesday that it was "proud to source and sell the most exquisite products from around the world," and it noted Japan's well-earned reputation for "excellent fresh food and particularly fruit, where produce is carefully nurtured and grown to develop its flavor." A customer tries peaches from Japan's Fukushima prefecture, which went on sale at luxury department store Harrods in central London, Sept. 7, 2024. / Credit: STR/JIJI Press/AFP/Getty Japan has long been a global purveyor of fine, and unusually expensive, foods. Remember the square watermelon trend? A Japanese farmer is credited with thinking outside the box to first grow a melon inside a box. The sale of a preposterously priced tuna fish has often caught headlines, with restaurants and wholesalers desperate to outbid rivals for the most prized specimens. Fukushima was famous for its fruit until disaster struck on March 11, 2011, when a massive earthquake killed some 18,000 people and unleashed a tsunami along the region's coastline, swamping reactors at the nuclear power plant. It caused a meltdown, contaminating a vast area and displacing more than 160,000 residents. For the region's farmers, who saw their almost superhuman reputation as agrarians tarnished in an instant with fears of radiation poisoning, it was a disaster that's taken more than a decade to wake up from. But nothing says retail comeback like a spot at Harrods. The store said Tuesday that Fukushima peaches were worthy of its pinnacle-of-luxury brand because of "their unparalleled sweetness and juiciness." Having the produce welcomed into Harrods' vaunted food hall is a publicity coup for Japan's beleaguered agriculture sector. The idea for the offering in London was sparked, according to The Telegraph, by a Japanese food festival in the U.K. at which Fukushima peaches proved immensely popular. TEPCO, the power company that owns the Fukushima Daiichi plant and is cleaning up the tremendous mess left behind, provided farmers in the region compensation for their lost income after the disaster, and it's behind the new peach push at Harrods, too. The vast majority of the 55 countries and regions that imposed restrictions on Japanese food imports after the nuclear disaster have since lifted those measures, including the U.S. and Britain. Harrods noted in its statement to CBS News on Tuesday that there are "no restrictions for the U.K. in place on the import of food produced in Fukushima," adding that the store works "closely with our suppliers to ensure our high standards of food safety are met." What's coming up on season 57 of 60 Minutes California wildfires continue to burn, but cooler temperatures could offer some relief Andrew Cuomo testifying on COVID nursing home deaths, response in New York Even though Australia hasn't been under British rule for over 120 years, there is still a lot of British influence on the Land Down Under. For one, Australia has a robust tea culture largely thanks to its British colonial roots. When the Brits first settled in Australia in the late 1700s, they couldn't live without their tea and biscuits, but at the time, the continent did not have any commercial tea plantations. So the British began importing tea from the U.K., China, and India because it was a lot cheaper than growing and packaging locally. But in 1878, this changed forever when Alfred Bushell founded an Australian-based tea plantation and became the first commercial tea seller. You can still find the Bushells brand in Australian grocery stores today. With the emergence of local growers and processors came one unique, inherently Australian ingredient: Eucalyptus. Turns out, koalas are not the only beings in Australia with a taste for eucalyptus. Eucalyptus trees or gum trees make up of Australia's tree population, so it makes sense that tea enthusiasts turned to the herbaceous leaves when experimenting with tea flavors. Read more: 18 Boba Flavors, Ranked Worst To Best Eucalyptus Brings Flavor And Medicinal Properties eucalyptus leaves behind tea cup - Pat_hastings/Getty Images The practice of using eucalyptus leaves for medicinal purposes is attributed to Indigenous Australians and dates back long before any British colonizers arrived. However, entrepreneur James Inglis is largely credited for making sure Billy tea was synonymous with Australian culture. Billy tea was brewed with loose-leaf gum leaves, which gave the tea a stronger, fresher tea flavor. Although billy cans are no longer used to brew tea, and Billy tea is largely a thing of the past, the Australian Tea Center is bringing back gum-infused teas. Gum leaves are known for their medicinal properties such as clearing up respiratory bugs, soothing colds, and even helping with pain management. These beneficial properties are what made these gum-infused teas so popular in the first place, but now with standardized healthcare, not as many people are turning to tea to cure their colds. You may have heard that it's dangerous to consume eucalyptus leaves, but don't worry; the amount used in tea is far below what's considered toxic. So if you're craving a cup of loose-leaf tea packed full of outback flair, make sure to visit an Australian coffee shop that specializes in preserving traditional tea brewing methods. Read the original article on Tasting Table. With her demonstrative win at the WSL Finals, 18-year-old Caity Simmers became the youngest womens world champion in historysort of. The convoluted history of early professional surfing and its subsequent evolution isnt quite that cut and try. Jumping in the wayback machine, taking a fantastic voyage to Manly Beach, Australia, on a warm summer day in 1964, Midget Farrelly and Phyllis O'Donnell won the first-ever World Surfing Championship. During the competition, the foundational meeting of the International Surfing Association was held (then known as the International Surfing Federation). Perus Eduardo Arena was elected its first president and promptly committed to organizing the second World Surfing Championship the next year in Lima, Peru. Historic events were run in Peru in 1965, then San Diego in 1966, followed by Puerto Rico in 1968. And its here, in the heart of the Caribbean surf scene, that a 15-year-old Margo Oberg would win the World Surfing Championships. The following year, she became the first woman to earn prize money for winning a professional surf contest$500 for taking out the Santa Cruz Pro-Am. In 1970, Oberg finished second in the World Surfing Championship in Victoria, Australia. Caitlin Simmers all gas no breaks at the 2024 Lexus WSL Finals at Lower Trestles. Tony Heff / WSL "I had to go back to high school and live through the 11th and 12th grades not being world champion," she would explain later. "People kept asking, 'What happened? Why didn't you win?' It was all so devastating that I retired. The stardom and notoriety was a challenge for Oberg, who got married and stepped away from the sport for the better part of five years. Returning to competition in 1975, Oberg and six other women competed in the men's Smirnoff Pro-AM contest, where she was the highest-placing woman and placed third overall. The second half of the 70s was a heady time for pro surfing and things were seemingly in a constant state of flux. In 1976, the International Professional Surfers (IPS) was founded by Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarick and essentially served as the original world governing body of professional surfing. Australias Peter Townend won the first IPS title in 76, while no woman crowned world champ that year. The following year, Oberg claimed the first womens IPS world title alongside South Africas Shaun Tomson. Related: 18-Year-Old Caity Simmers Makes History As Youngest Women's World Champ Ever Its really at this stage in the timeline that the idea of having a professional world surfing champion begins to solidify. And just as Mark Richards is famously rattling off titles in the late '70s and early 80s, so is Oberg, who went on to win two more titles in 1980 and 1981. By 1983, Aussie Ian Cairns had rolled the original IPS concept into the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), which then became the World Surf League (WSL) in 2015. So, yes, Oberg was the youngest-ever world champ based on her 1968 ISA result. But then Simmers stands as the youngest-ever world champ based on the ASP/WSL timeline. The WSL doesnt list Oberg as a world champ, just like they dont list Farrelly or Hemmings, presumably because those titles were won via a different organization and different competitive format. When it comes to surf history, somethings arent mutually exclusive, and sometimes the devils in the detail. Related: Photos: The Best Moments From a Historic WSL Finals Day Related: Margo Oberg Makes a Miracle - With a Little Help From Her Hubby - and the (Almost) Naked Truth 1 dead after being shot by officers for carrying multiple edged weapons A person is dead after being shot by officers in Ohio early Tuesday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It happened near the University District in Columbus on Chittenden Avenue around 1:30 a.m., according to our news partner WBNS TV in Columbus. Officers were originally called out to reports of a person holding an edged weapon who was bleeding inside a home on Monday night. An officer called for the Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) unit, but officers cleared the scene because they did not engage that person inside that home, WBNS said. They responded to the same home around 10:30 p.m. on reports that the person was threatening others with an edged weapon in the home. But when officers arrived, the person was alone and refused help. Then, officers found the same person in an alley by a police substation in the University District with several edged weapons in his hand. Officers ordered the person to drop the weapons but he did not, officers fired at the suspect and he died. Chittenden Avenue is made up predominantly of student housing and near the campus of the Ohio State University, Columbus TV station WSYX TV reports. TRENDING STORIES: Brian Steel, president of the Columbus chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, told WBNS that no officers were hurt. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is investigating. News Center 7 will update this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Authorities say an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old are accused of making threats to several schools in our area. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said more than 40 schools in North Carolina received the threats after they were repeatedly shared on social media. Investigators believe the two wanted to avoid going to school. On Tuesday morning, the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook that they were made aware of a photo circulating social media of someone holding a gun and making threats toward schools. I saw a person holding a gun saying, Crest Middle School Dragon get ready, said Karsin Evans, a student. ALSO READ: School threats have impact on mental health, students say She was one of many who didnt go to school Tuesday or left early. One student told Channel 9s Ken Lemon there were only seven students Tuesday in a class of 23. I was fearing that person would come to school and shoot up either me or my close friends, Evans said. She is part of a generation at grew up with school shootings as a regular occurrence across the country. They still remember the one just last week in Georgia when a 14-year-old shot and killed two students and two teachers. The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office said they were in communication with Cleveland County Schools and were actively investigating the incident. Additional deputies were also placed at school campuses in the area, according to deputies. The Gaston County Police Department said they were also investigating the threats and deemed there was no active threat. Around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, GCPD said they identified and arrested an 11-year-old in the case. Police said the child admitted to posting the threats on social media. The 11-year-old will be charged with multiple counts of communicating threats of mass violence on educational property. Channel 9s Ken Lemon also learned that the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office identified a 12-year-old accused of creating the first post before school started in the morning. They were able to use Instagram to track them to a physical address, which led them to discover the victim was a child. Deputies said they interviewed the suspect and learned the threatening post on social media came from them and was shared. Investigators believe the 12-year-old made the threats to avoid going to school and didnt plan any physical acts of violence. Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat. It was on all platforms, said Shelby Middle School student Leila Goforth. The 12-year-old will be processed by the Department of Juvenile Justice and will go through the juvenile court proceedings. ALSO READ: Apalachee school shooting: Sheriff releases 2023 body camera footage of Colt, Colin Gray interview Neither childs name will be released due to their ages. Across the state The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office told Lemon that they had been working on this case throughout Monday night. Channel 9 learned that the threats spanned across multiple counties and several schools were named as possible targets. One mother on the way to Shelby Middle School told Lemon that the school called her about the threats. She said that led to her deciding to keep all five of her children out of school Tuesday. Its really scary. I got kids that go to all the different schools, Elise Hayes said. You have what just happened in Georgia just the other week. It was literally my first thought. Like, Id rather be safe than sorry. Chief Deputy Durwin Briscoe with the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office said the situation was more than a prank it was a serious threat. We are going to do whatever we can to assure that individual is brought to justice, Briscoe said. Union County Public Schools said they heard rumors that the threats were part of a TikTok challenge, but this has not been confirmed. School officials said they were working with law enforcement to investigate. A spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said they work closely with law enforcement to assess each threat. They said all the threats made to more than 40 schools in the state were found not to be credible. Unfortunately, when acts of school violence occur, in the days and weeks afterwards, school districts, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, receive an increase in the number of threat reports. Its difficult to determine if these are from TikTok or other social media platforms, the statement from CMS reads. While we have seen an increase in reports, we have our own dedicated Police Department that works closely with local law enforcement agencies to assess each of these reports. Today, law enforcement stated that over 40 schools in North Carolina received threats and all have been determined to not be credible. CMS listed their preventative safety measures, which include security scanners and their Say Something app. In Kannapolis, school officials said Royal Oaks STEAM Academy received a bomb threat. Students were evacuated as a precaution and were allowed to return to the school after a thorough search, the district said. VIDEO: School threats have impact on mental health, students say 13-year-old detained for threats against Upstate school: Sheriff WALHALLA, S.C. (WSPA) Deputies detained a 13-year-old boy Monday, after he allegedly made threats against Walhalla Middle School. According to the Oconee County Sheriffs Office, a school resource officer investigated the student, finding evidence that the boy made verbal threats towards the middle school. The student corroborated the threats with officials. The teen was charged with making school threats and was taken into custody with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said that any direct threat made against schools in the county will be investigated. Those responsible will be charged and held accountable for their actions, Sheriff Crenshaw added. Those responsible will be charged and held accountable for their actions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) A teenager has been arrested following a social media threat made against Knox County Schools. The Knox County Sheriffs Department (KCSD) said that around 10 p.m. on Monday screenshots of a threatening message began to circulate in the community. Read more of the latest Kentucky news In a joint investigation with Barbourville police, KCSD, and the FBI, authorities found that a 14-year-old male sent the threatening message over Snapchat. Around 1:08 p.m. Tuesday, the teen was arrested and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, per KCSD. These threats are being taken seriously and parents are urged to warn their children about the consequences of making threats, which are felony charges. Multiple school systems across the state and country are reporting similar threats against school systems, the sheriffs department said. We ask that you assist us in keeping our students, teachers, and staff safe by letting the proper authorities know any time you have information related to the safety of the school community. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Knox County Sheriff Mike Smith emphasized that threats toward any school system are taken seriously and, if found credible, will be fully prosecuted. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) One student was arraigned in connection with a stabbing that left a 15-year-old student in serious condition Monday at McKinley High School, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced. A 15-year-old male of Buffalo was arraigned Tuesday on one count of first-degree assault and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by persons under sixteen, officials said. Buffalo police said at approximately 1:10 p.m., school resource and police officers responded to a stabbing call at the school, where an altercation between three students ended in one student suffering from multiple stab wounds, one in the neck, one in the back and one in the arm. During a press conference Monday, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said the incident occurred during a fight on a stairwell between classes. A school security guard arrived at the scene quickly and got the injured student to the nurses office for treatment before being transferred to Oishei Childrens Hospital by ambulance, according to officials. Officers tracked the other two students allegedly involved in the altercation and apprehended both of them. A pocketknife was also recovered, police said, and they are unsure how it got into the school through McKinleys weapons detection system. Officials said the 15-year-old remains at the hospital in serious condition, but is expected to survive. Gramaglia said the victim and two others involved in the incident are the same people who were involved in another stabbing in July, which occurred on Main Street around Fountain Plaza, he said. The incident was captured on the schools security cameras. Gramaglia said the investigation is ongoing as they review the footage. Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams said that school will absolutely resume on Tuesday. The 15-year-old is scheduled to return to court Sept. 25. The DAs Office requested that he be held without bail but he was released under supervision with an electronic ankle monitor. I am deeply disturbed by this violent act that occurred at McKinley High School, said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. My office will be aggressively prosecuting this case in Youth Part. I hope that the arrest of this student sends a strong message to the young people in our community that there are serious consequences to engaging in violent, criminal behavior. Violence in our schools will not be tolerated. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Paul Pelletier, 55, Frank Rodriguez, 88, Susan Van Ness, 51, and her daughter Delilah, 15, died in the crash on Sunday, Sept. 8 Middletown High School Delilah Van Ness and Paul Pelletier Four people have died after a small plane crashed in Vermont. On Sunday, Sept. 8, a "four-seat, single-engine Piper aircraft departed Windham Airport in Connecticut at about 8:30 a.m." local time before heading to Basin Harbor Airport in Ferrisburgh, Vt., a news release shared by the Vermont State Police confirmed. The four people now identified as Paul Pelletier, 55, of Columbia, Conn.; Frank Rodriguez, 88, of Lebanon, Conn., and Susan Van Ness, 51, and her daughter Delilah Van Ness, 15, of Middletown, Conn. headed to brunch at Basin Harbor before heading back to Connecticut shortly after noon, the release added. However, the plane failed to arrive and investigators found the wreckage at around 12:20 a.m. in a wooded area to the east of the Basin Harbor Airport on Monday, Sept. 9. All four occupants were found deceased, police confirmed. Middletown High School Delilah Van Ness "A witness reported seeing the airplane on the runway at about 12:15 p.m.," the release stated. "No reports were received indicating an aircraft in distress or that a plane had crashed. However, after the plane failed to return to Connecticut as expected, relatives of the occupants reported the situation to the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown (Connecticut) Police Department," authorities added in the release. "Those agencies worked with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and used cellphone location data to determine the planes last known location was near the airstrip in Vermont." "The bodies of the victims were brought to the Chief Medical Examiners Office in Burlington for autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death," police further explained. WFSB 3/Youtube Four have died after a small plane crashed in Vermont on Sept. 8, 2024 Victim Delilah Van Ness was a sophomore student at Middletown High School, while Paul Pelletier was an Aerospace and Manufacturing teacher at the establishment. The school paid tribute to the victims in a statement on Monday. "This unimaginable loss has left a void in our hearts and our community," Dr. Alberto Vazquez Matos, Superintendent of Middletown Public Schools, said. "Paul, Delilah and Susan were special individuals whose absence is already being felt throughout our district and city." 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. The message confirmed the school would be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and that support was available for those who needed it. The City of Middletown Police Department said in a news release that Delilah had been "taking flight lessons" with Pelletier, and "they were accompanied" by Rodriguez. Per ABC affiliate WTNH, Rodriguez "was a World War II Veteran and flew planes." The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed an investigation was underway when contacted by PEOPLE. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. By Victoria Waldersee FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Nearly 900 Chinese auto suppliers and a handful of electric vehicle makers are taking part in a trade fair in Frankfurt as the country's car sector defies looming trading barriers to expand its global presence and counter sinking profits at home. Chinese carmakers including BYD, Geely, Hongqi and GAC International were set to display their vehicles at the fair, called Automechanika, as an added feature to the event which normally focuses on suppliers. "Even if some in Europe turn against us, we will never turn against the European market," said Victor Yang, senior vice-president at Geely, the only carmaker to host a press conference at the fair. Geely, which according to Yang sold around 200,000 cars in Europe in the first half of this year, will face tariffs of up to 19.3% on its China-made EVs under current plans by the European Commission, which the company has previously described as "disappointing". "Our industry can only be stronger when we work together and cooperate," Yang said. China's auto sector is investing heavily in overseas expansion even as Europe and North America erect trade barriers to stem the inflow of China-made EVs they say benefit from unfair subsidies. The so-called "EV Expo", which opens on Tuesday, was set up in partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, an added feature to the event usually focused on suppliers. "We want EVs made by Chinese carmakers, which are currently to some extent unknown, to gain trust in the industry," Olaf Musshoff, Automechanika's director, told a press conference. Chinese carmakers' share of passenger car sales in Europe rose to 17% in the first seven months of 2024 from 12% a year earlier, according to data from automotive consultancy Inovev, and Chinese car exports have reached record highs this year. The large presence of Chinese suppliers - almost double the number of German suppliers in attendance - highlights their growing role in the global supply chain as Chinese carmakers increasingly plan local production in Europe and elsewhere to circumvent trade tariffs. A PwC study released this month warned that focus on cost efficiency and dwindling access to capital were making it harder for suppliers in Germany to invest in innovative technologies. Chinese companies - often with state backing - were more likely to spend on improving batteries and software, the study said, winning market share from German and Japanese rivals. Story continues Still, the size and scope of Automechanika Frankfurt - with 4,200 companies attending from over 170 countries - demonstrated Europe was still central to promoting innovation in the sector, said Frank Schlehuber of Europe's supplier association CLEPA. "Frankfurt is still the centre of gravity," he said. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee;Editing by Alison Williams and Tomasz Janowski) 17-year-old accused of shooting and killing man in car on Cuba Place ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A 17-year-old has been accused of murdering a man on Cuba Place last month. On August 30, Rochester police said 39-year-old James Jackson, Jr. was sitting in his car when he was shot multiple times. He tried to drive away but crashed into a pole. He was taken to URMC but died shortly after arrival. Rafael Marquez has been accused of shooting and killing Jackson. Officers found him Monday afternoon in the area of Clinton Avenue and Radio Street. Police said he tried to run away, before being arrested. Marquez has been charged with second-degree murder. He was arraigned in Monroe County Family Court and taken to the Monroe County Childrens Center. He was previously arrested in March and May 2023, for allegedly having loaded handguns. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A 19-year-old West Bend man is facing multiple charges in connection with a deadly, single-vehicle crash Aug. 9 that killed a 19-year-old woman and injured a 17-year-old. The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the driver, Javonte Spikes, lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree after fleeing from a police officer, authorities say. Spikes was charged Sept. 6 in Washington County with four felonies, according to online court records: vehicle operator fleeing/eluding an officer resulting in the death of another person; vehicle operator fleeing/eluding an officer resulting in great bodily harm; homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle; and reckless driving causing great bodily harm. The 19-year-old who died was identified as Samantha Recore, the Germantown Police Department said. Recore was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle. According to a news release from the Germantown Police Department, Spikes was taken via Flight for Life medical helicopter to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and the other passenger, a 17-year-old male, was taken to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. Their conditions were not provided by police. When a police officer attempted to stop a motor vehicle for a traffic violation, the car accelerated at a high speed for about a mile, the release said. The driver then failed to stop at a stop sign at an intersection, drove onto a gravel road, lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree on Donges Bay Road and Division Road. Due to the car being on fire, the Germantown Fire Department was dispatched to that intersection, but the fire was extinguished before they arrived. All three people in the car needed to be extricated, the release said. The Germantown police and fire departments were assisted by the Washington County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Menomonee Falls, Richfield and Southern Ozaukee fire departments. Spikes' next court hearing is Sept. 30 at the Washington County Justice Center in West Bend. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Recore's family with expenses at www.gofundme.com/f/SamanthaRecore. Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: West Bend man charged in Germantown crash that killed 19-year-old woman KOSSUTH COUNTY, Iowa Two people were sent to hospitals after their home exploded Monday morning. At around 9 a.m. the Kossuth County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call reporting a house explosion in the 600 block of 110th Street, southeast of West Bend. The sheriffs office said the caller stated there was debris all over the yard and roadway. When first responders arrived on scene they found 44-year-old Catherine Fleischhacker inside the home underneath debris. Fleischhacker was removed from the home and transported to an Algona hospital, but was later transported via air ambulance to a hospital in Mason City. Her condition is not known at this time. Driver hospitalized after high-speed chase, crash in Hamilton County Brett Lanning, 21, was also inside the home when the explosion occurred. The sheriffs office said Lanning was able to crawl out from under the debris on his own and was transported to a hospital to be evaluated for injuries. The State Fire Marshals Office was contacted to assist in the investigation, and to help determine the cause of the explosion. There are no concerns for the publics safety from this incident, the sheriffs office said. The sheriffs office was assisted by Kossuth and Humboldt County Emergency Management, the West Bend Police Department, and the Humboldt 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 who13.com. Police made arrest after a 73-year-old woman was robbed at a Dayton business Monday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6, Dayton police said in a social media post that two suspects robbed the woman at 2426 South Smithville Road before 3:50 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Police released photos of a man they say is the driver of the vehicle that dragged the victim approximately six feet while another suspect pinned her arm in the car door. Dayton police announced Tuesday afternoon that detectives identified and located Quentin Hiserman, 22. Since his initial arrest, prosecutors decided not to charge Hiserman, according to Dayton Police. The prosecutors office says it made the decision after further investigation and determining a different suspect committed the robbery and assault. Investigators later arrested Edward Moore. Police say he committed the robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call (937) 333-1232 to speak to detectives. Those who wish to remain anonymous can do so through Crime Stoppers at (937) 222-STOP (7867) or www.miamivalleycrimestoppers.com. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] 2 toddlers found dead after being left in car for 'extended' time in Oklahoma, police say Two 2-year-old children were found dead inside a car in Oklahoma last week, according to police. The toddlers were discovered by Norman, Oklahoma, police officers conducting a welfare check on Thursday afternoon, a news release said. The children were inside a vehicle on the street in a neighborhood in Norman, about 20 miles from Oklahoma City. Per the Weather Channel, temperatures were about 90 degrees that day. An initial investigation found that the 2-year-olds were accidentally left in the vehicle for "an extended period of time" and were later located by family, the release said. The investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death. USA TODAY reached out to the Norman Police Department for more information. Hot car deaths: 2-year-old dies after being left in a hot car in New York. Its the 12th US case in 2024. 'The best girls' Local news stations identified the toddlers as twin girls named Ariel and Avery. Investigators said a family member was supposed to take the girls to daycare but accidentally left them, KFOR reported. It's unclear whether the family member was charged. They were the best girls the world has ever seen," their father, Marshall Suter, told the outlet. "It honestly hurts because the girls were so deeply loved and cared for." GoFundMe set up for family A GoFundMe was set up by a family member to help with the funeral cost "and take some weight off of this fathers shoulders after dealing with such a tragic and heartbreaking loss," the fundraiser said. "No one truly knows the pain of losing a child until you are going through it. I know this mom and dad are going through it," the caption continued. As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser exceeded its goal with nearly $11,000 raised. Hot car deaths Several children around the country have died this summer due to hot car-related accidents. The incidents occur the most between May and September as the weather is warmer. Expert David Diamond PhD, a Florida-based psychology professor, told Consumer Reports that forgetting a child in a car could happen to anyone, explaining that it's less of a negligence concern and more of a "memory problem." Tips for preventing such a tragedy include making a habit of opening the rear door as you get out of the car and asking child care providers to call if your child isn't dropped off as scheduled. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma toddlers left in car for 'extended' time found dead: police The News Even as Kamala Harris ascension revs up the Democratic electorate, the partys hold on the Senate could still end with a single race in Montana. The states Democratic senator, Jon Tester, is in the toughest predicament of any incumbent in the chamber. And though Republicans are increasingly confident about their chances of defeating Tester, and flipping the second seat they need to claim Senate control for the first time in three elections, the 68-year-old insists hes no underdog. What it looks like from here and what reality is are two different things, Tester told Semafor on Tuesday. Im going to go up and Im going to go down, but I feel really good about where were at. And I feel really good about how this race is going to turn out. Some of his allies are sweating over his future anyway, particularly after an AARP poll this month showed Republican Tim Sheehy ahead of Tester and sent both parties into a tizzy, prompting a top forecaster to shift the race in Republicans favor. One of Testers fellow Democratic senators called the Montana polls alarming on Tuesday. But Democrats made clear this week that they still think reelecting Tester is the partys best path to retaining control of the chamber and theres zero talk of bailing on him. For all the speculation about whether Democrats should shift to prioritizing the defeat of conservative Sens. Rick Scott in Florida or Ted Cruz in Texas over Tester, most in the party dont think so. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in an interview that Testers rough reelection breaks my heart Ive still got my fingers crossed hes going to pull it out. A majority starts with the incumbents in winning those races, Durbin added. Nobody is giving up on him. Facing the certain loss of a Senate seat in West Virginia this fall, Democrats either need to hold all other incumbents seats or pick up a seat in red territory to get to 50 seats next year. Even that would only be a majority if Harris prevails in the presidential race. David Bergstein, a spokesperson for Democrats campaign arm, said that Senate Democrats are strongly positioned to defend our majority and have multiple pathways to do so. Democrats are still competing against Scott and Cruz, contending that their commitment to Tester doesnt preclude making a big push in those states which hasnt come yet. Their focus on keeping all incumbent seats means not only getting Tester to a win, but also helping Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown prevail in the increasingly red state of Ohio and holding a half-dozen other seats. In my view, Democrats continuing to be in the majority requires that we win every one of the incumbents, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The others are winnable as well. Wed like to win them. But my priority, as a matter of emotion as well as political calculations, is to keep our incumbents. Republicans see the situation similarly, if more defensively when it comes to Scott and Cruz. Theres no path for them in Florida and Texas. They have to double down on an incumbent, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said of Tester. Know More Democrats Senate prospects this year were always daunting, and its a testament to their surprising 2022 results especially Sen. John Fettermans flip of Pennsylvania that they are even competitive. Back in 2018, many of Tester and Browns red-state Democratic colleagues were wiped out, and it was clear as early as October that Republicans would keep the majority. Thats not quite the case right now. I would never say a race is over before an outcome is declared. But its encouraging that Tim Sheehy has run a good race, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Tester has won three close contests, making him the rare Democrat who hung on (with all seven of his remaining fingers) even as his state tilted more toward the GOP. Montana is also hard to poll and its statewide elections can turn on just a few thousand votes, leaving plenty of potential wrinkles and unknowns to potentially tip the race. Democrats said privately that theyve seen Testers polling go up and down recently and the race is not static. A second Democratic senator who views the Tester-Sheehy polls as worrisome said that despite all the factors working against Tester, hes a survivor and should be treated as such. Republicans coalesced around Sheehy early to keep conservative Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale out of the race after he lost to Tester in 2018, an effort spearheaded by the states junior senator and Senate GOP campaign chief Steve Daines. Republicans largely credit that push with their strong position now. Still, Tester hasnt stopped reminding voters that Sheehy is originally from out of state. More recently, the Montana tribal news outlet Char-Koosta News reported on Sheehy joking last year about the drinking habits of Native Americans, a critical voting bloc in the state. Tester called his opponents remarks about Native Americans unfortunate, adding that I dont think theres any room for racism in the country, and certainly not the United States Senate. Daines dismissed any drag from Sheehys remarks, saying the Republican nominee is going to be a great partner and ally working on behalf of Indian country. In a statement addressing the state of the race, a Sheehy spokesperson criticized Tester for his voting record in the Senate and support for Biden and Harris agenda. While Tester performs an Academy Award-winning performance of an aw, shucks dirt farmer from Big Sandy to D.C. media who havent left the East Coast in decades, its clear to Montanans that Jon Tester has changed, and his liberal voting record proves it, the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Republicans are kicking into high gear to match Democratic spending. During a Daines-hosted GOP lunch on Tuesday at the partys Senate campaign headquarters, Republicans warned that Democrats are on pace to dramatically outspend them in swing states like Arizona, Nevada and Michigan, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Weve got a gap we need to close, Daines said ahead of the meeting. Our biggest challenge right now is getting the resources out to the front lines. Republicans listened to Daines: Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), a candidate for GOP leader, transferred $4 million from his campaign accounts to the NRSC. All told, the NRSC netted $6.5 million on Tuesday alone. Burgesss view Its too early to count Tester out, but the occasionally foul-mouthed farmer is going to have to reassert his unicorn status in the party if hes going to win. That means a ballot-box performance as shocking as GOP Sen. Susan Collinss big win in Maine in 2020, which broke against all the polls and surprised a lot of people in Washington yours truly included. Heres the best way to think about Testers race, though: There appears to be no chance in hell that Democrats will pull out of Montana. And Republicans arent yet confident enough to move their money out of the state to others on the map. Canceling all those millions of dollars in ads would be the surest sign that party honchos think a race is over. So at the moment, its fair to view Montana as the state with the highest chance of being the Senate majority-maker in November, for either party. Notable Senate Democratic campaigns chief Gary Peters isnt ruling out more spending on the race against Cruz, saying when we see opportunities like we see in Texas, were going to invest accordingly, States Newsroom reports. The National Rifle Association launched an ad buy in Montana against Tester, its first TV expenditure of the cycle, according to Fox News. LONDON, Ky. (WATE) $35,000 in rewards are being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the man accused in a shooting along a Kentucky interstate Saturday evening. On Saturday, five people were shot along I-75 off of exit 49, according to the Laurel County Sheriffs Office. Law enforcement initially named Joseph A. Couch, 32, of Woodbine, Ky. as a person of interest after an SUV registered to him was found on a service road near where the shooting happened. The sheriffs office later identified him as the suspect. Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people The Laurel County Sheriffs Office previously released that a $10,000 reward was being offered, and then Kentucky State Police announced an additional $5,000 reward was being offered through crime stoppers. On Tuesday, the Laurel County Sheriffs Office shared that the United Way of London is donating a $10,000 reward for information leading to Couchs arrest. Joseph A. Couch (London, Ky. Police Department) Just after 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, the sheriffs office released that an additional unnamed source had added $10,000 to the reward, bringing the total reward to $35,000. The sheriffs office described Couch as approximately 510 and weighing 154 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees Couch is urged to call 911. Investigation underway after Knox County schools named in social media threats Following the shooting, I-75 was closed for hours. According to the sheriffs office, nine vehicles were shot on both north and southbound I-75 and five people were left seriously injured. After the SUV registered to Couch was located, authorities found a rifle case inside and they found an AR Rifle near I-75 in the vicinity of the SUV. As the search for Couch continued into Monday, more than a dozen school districts in Southeastern Kentucky shut down. It was also reported on Monday that a 911 caller reported that Couch had texted her, saying he was going to kill a lot of people. According to an affidavit, Couch had purchased the AR-15 rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition the same day of the shooting. WATCH: Kentucky authorities provide update as search continues for highway shooter The Laurel County Sheriffs Office released on Tuesday that a briefing would be held at 3 p.m. to release information concerning the shooting investigation and search for Couch. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. At least three school districts in Northeast Ohio closed on Tuesday and canceled classes due to threats. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: In Cleveland, the Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy had an emergency closing on Tuesday for the safety and security of staff and scholars, school leaders shared on social media. School leaders said they received information about a possible attack on middle school students, WJW in Cleveland reported. Lorain City Schools and Clearview Local Schools also had closures on Tuesday. Lorain High School and the districts central office were both closed after local police were notified by the FBI that a threat against the school had been posted on social media, WOIO in Cleveland reported. An investigation was launched and detectives with Lorain police obtained a confession from a 12-year-old girl roughly three hours after being initially notified. The child said to have written it as a joke and had no means to follow through. Shes since received a summons to appear in juvenile court for inducing panic. Clearview High School and Durling Middle School due to a bomb threat made against the high school on Monday night. Lorain County Sheriff deputies deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to search both buildings, but nothing was found. Both Clearview High School and Durling Middle School are expected to reopen on Wednesday. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The child's mother has been charged with manslaughter, according to multiple reports gofundme Ily Elizabeth Ruiz A mother in California has reportedly been charged with manslaughter over the death of her 3-year-old daughter. The Anaheim Police Department said that Sandra Hernandez, 41, was arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect after she and her daughter were found unconscious in a car in North Fashion Lane in Anaheim, according to NBC Los Angeles, KABC-TV and the Los Angeles Times. Officials said officers responded to the area at around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, after receiving reports of a medical emergency, per the outlets. A family member reportedly found the mother and child locked in the car on a day when temperatures outside the vehicle hit 104 degrees. The family member pulled the 3-year-old out of the car and provided emergency aid to the child before first responders got to the scene. The girl and her mother were then transported to the hospital, where the 3-year-old was pronounced dead. Related: What to Know About Hot Car Deaths and How to Avoid Them Police said, per the outlets, that complications from heat stroke are suspected as the child's primary cause of death, per NBC Los Angeles and KABC-TV. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm this and the exact time of death, per the Los Angeles Times. Hernandez was treated at the hospital and interviewed by police before being booked into the Anaheim Police Department Detention Facility, per the outlets. Officers reportedly found empty alcohol containers inside the car and noted that Hernandez and her daughter had been locked inside the vehicle for an unknown period before the family member discovered them. The Anaheim Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the incident. Related: Dozens of Kids Die in Hot Cars Every Year: How Good Intentions and Faulty Memory Can Create Disaster The 3-year-old girl was identified by family members to the Los Angeles Times and KABC-TV as Ily Ruiz. Nancy Salamanca, a cousin of the girls father, remembered the child as a beautiful and innocent soul with a very loving and bubbly personality, in a GoFundMe set up for the family in the wake of the 3-year-old's death. 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. Its still hard to wrap our minds around the thought ILY is no longer with us, the GoFundMe post read. She has been tragically taken from our family in such an unfathomable way, and all we want to do is ease the burden and pain her father Juan and the family are going through at this time. Salamanca shared with KABC-TV that her cousin was still mourning his daughter, saying, "Ily was his princess, his daughter. He loves his kids. That's what he lives for." According to the National Safety Council there have been 31 child hot car deaths reported so far in the U.S. in 2024. The year prior, there were 29 deaths. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Three people were rescued Monday after a boat capsized near Irondequoit Bay. According to the US Coast Guard, two adults and a child were in the sailboat when it capsized. They were wearing life jackets. A Coast Guard crew was able to pull all three out of the water thanks to a quick call from a bystander. courtesy United States Coast Guard Sector Eastern Great Lakes (faces blurred) courtesy United States Coast Guard Sector Eastern Great Lakes (faces blurred) courtesy United States Coast Guard Sector Eastern Great Lakes (faces blurred) The Coast Guard said the rescue was possible thanks to that good Samaritan, the rescue crew, and the boaters use of life jackets. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Minmetals, a central government-backed enterprise, is set to take control of a provincial lithium company, aiming to expedite the development of a 'world-class' lithium extraction industry from salt lakes in western China, reported Bloomberg News. This involves the formation of a new joint venture, China Salt Lake Group. It will be majority-owned by China Minmetals with a 53% stake and will take over Qinghai Salt Lake Industry. The Qinghai province, which is home to numerous lithium-rich salt lakes, is poised to become a significant hub for lithium production. The establishment of China Salt Lake Group, with a registered capital of 10bn yuan ($1.4bn), marks a strategic move by the central government to assert greater influence over the domestic lithium sector. Qinghai Salt Lake was cited by the news agency as saying that the takeover by Minmetals will 'accelerate construction of a world-class salt lake industry base'. The company is transitioning from provincial to central government control. The remaining shares of China Salt Lake Group will be held by two entities associated with the Qinghai provincial government. Last month, Chinas Ministry of Commerce said that it would enforce export controls on antimony and its related products. Effective 15 September 2024, the move aims to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation, stated a ministry spokesperson. Reuters reported that China restricted antimony products such as ore, ingots, and oxides, with exporters requiring licences for dual-use items and technologies with military and civilian applications. "China forms new 10bn yuan lithium venture" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 4-YearOld Calif. Girl Is Attacked, Killed by Family Pit Bull After Getting Out of Swimming Pool Zoey Hawkins was remembered as vibrant and loving girl on an online fundraiser GoFundMe Zoey Hawkins A 4-year-old California girl has died after being attacked by her familys dog, authorities said. On Sept. 4, at about 8 p.m., officers responded to the Visalia, Calif., home, Visalia police said in a statement shared to the departments Facebook page. Police said the 4-year-old girl had just gone swimming and went inside the home when she was attacked by the family's pit bull. "Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital, she sadly passed away from her injuries, police said in the statement. The 4-year-old girl was identified by family as Zoey Hawkins, according to Fox 28 and ABC 30. Her family told Fox 28 the girls father went inside to get a towel when the girl was attacked in the backyard after getting out of the kiddie pool. She's been around this dog for two-plus years," Zoey's cousin Pearl Vargas told Fox 28. "Her and the dog would always play with each other. They would always be around each other. So we have no clue on what the reason was or why the dog even did this in the first place." On a GoFundMe campaign created to help offset funeral costs, Zoey was described as a vibrant and loving girl. 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. 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, the fundraisers description reads. According to police, the investigation 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, police said. While police did not share the current status of the dog, family told Fox 28 that the animal has since been euthanized. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The attorneys general of 42 states and U.S. territories joined together on Monday to call on Congress to pass legislation implementing Surgeon General Vivek Murthys proposal to require official warnings on social media platforms. Young people are facing a mental health crisis, which is fueled in large part by social media, read the letter, which was addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). As Surgeon General Murthy recognized, this generational harm demands immediate action, the letter continued. By mandating a surgeon generals warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, Congress can help abate this growing crisis and protect future generations of Americans. The letter acknowledged the significance of the bipartisan call from nearly all of the states top law enforcement officials but stressed the importance that Congress take action to address what they described as an urgent and ubiquitous issue. As State Attorneys General, we sometimes disagree about important issues, but all of us share an abiding concern for the safety of the kids in our jurisdictions and algorithm-driven social media platforms threaten that safety, the letter read. It pointed to other joint efforts that the states attorneys general have taken to hold social media companies accountable, as well as some legislative efforts on the state and local levels, but said they have not been sufficient. But unfortunately, industry has fiercely resisted these protections by suing to enjoin many of these laws, the letter read, adding that This ubiquitous problem requires federal action. And a surgeon generals warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth, the officials argued. The attorneys general added that the effort could be coupled with other steps to help kids. This problem will not solve itself and the social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own. Therefore, we urge Congress to act by requiring warnings on algorithm-driven social media platforms, as recommended by the Surgeon General, they wrote in the letter. The letter was signed by the attorneys general of every state except for Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia The Hill has reached out to the congressional leaders offices for comment. Murthy, in June, called for a surgeon generals warning label to be placed on social media platforms, similar to those warning labels that appear on tobacco and alcohol products. He noted that studies have shown that warning labels on tobacco products can increase awareness and change a users behavior. It is time to require a surgeon generals warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents, he wrote. A surgeon generals warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe, he 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 The Hill. Five men in Southern California, four of whom have been arrested, allegedly kidnapped illegal immigrants and held them for ransom, demanding cash payments from their families in order for the victims to be released. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California said in a press release that Miguel Angel Avila, 22, of Hemet; Omar Avila Salmeron, 41, of South Los Angeles; Jose Jaime Garcia, 20, of San Jacinto; and Jose Alfredo Moreno Gonzalez, 21, of Oak Hills have all been arrested, while 22-year-old Gabriel Michel Becerra of Palmdale is considered a fugitive. All five were indicted July 30 on various counts, including "two counts of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and hostage taking, two counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, and two counts of transporting illegal aliens for private financial gain," according to the release. Avila, Salmeron, Garcia and Becerra have also been charged with two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion, as well as attempted interference with commerce by extortion, which are violations of the Hobbs Act. LAPD SOUNDING ALARM ON BURGLARY CREW AS FRIGHTENING HOME BREAK-INS SWEEP REGION Miguel Angel Avila, center, chased a hostage who escaped to Koreatown, where he body-slammed and put the victim in a chokehold before punching him several times, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California alleges. "These defendants allegedly preyed upon victims who sought to [emigrate] to our country by demanding ransom from the victims families in exchange for their release," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada of the Central District of California said. "Our office is committed to ensuring that those who use violence to terrorize others face severe consequences for their actions." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The indictment revealed in July alleges that on March 21, 2023, Avila told Moreno to drive to a Chevron gas station in Chandler, Arizona. When he arrived, he allegedly kidnapped four illegal immigrants and drove them to a restaurant in Burbank, California. Once in Burbank, Avila, Garcia and Becerra allegedly held the hostages in a home. Avila is accused of using a cellphone from one of the victims and demanding ransom money from the victims family in exchange for the victims release. LAPD INVESTIGATING MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF 19-YEAR-OLD IN KOREATOWN Migrants line up on the southern border in Lukeville, Ariz. The indictment also alleges Avila used another victim's phone to demand ransom payments split between an account in Mexico and another account in the U.S., again, for the victims release. On March 22, Avila and Salmeron made additional demands, this time from the family of another hostages family. Avila, Garcia and Becerra then moved the three hostages to a motel room and one of the victims was able to escape through a second-story bathroom window, the indictment claims. Avila and one of his co-conspirators chased the victim to a store in nearby Koreatown, and once inside, Avila body-slammed the victim, placed him in a chokehold and punched him in the face several times to try and kidnap the victim again, according to the indictment. MOLESTERS AND RAPISTS WOULD GO FREE UNDER CALIFORNIA BILL, STATE SENATE GOP WARNS A sign marks the entrance to Koreatown in Los Angeles. After the incident, Avila, Garcia and Becerra allegedly restrained one of the victims and another hostage by tying their hands and taking them to another house, where they were confined to a room. The three men threatened the hostages with violence if they attempted to escape. Avila, Garcia and Becerra reportedly drove one victim to a gas station on March 23, where they were paid $11,000 by the victims brother for his release. "Human smuggling is a dangerous crime," U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath of the Southern District of California said. "These defendants will face justice for abusing vulnerable migrants for profit." The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California told Fox News Digital all three victims were illegally smuggled into the U.S., adding that the defendants are accused of "stealing" them from a different human trafficking network. EX-CALIFORNIA RESIDENT SLAMS STATE BILL THAT GIVES ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HOUSING LOANS: 'ASININE' Four of the five suspects who allegedly kidnapped illegal immigrants and held them for ransom have been arrested. Fox News Digital has reached out to Homeland Security Investigations and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office for further comment. All four suspects who were arrested pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Avila and Salmeron were ordered to be held without bond, while Garcia and Moreno are free on bond. The U.S. attorneys office told Fox News Digital they requested Garcia and Moreno be held as well, but the judge did not agree with the prosecutions reasoning. Moreno, Garcia and Salmeron are scheduled for trial on Oct. 1, and Avila is scheduled for an Oct. 29 trial. Becerra remains a fugitive, and the U.S. attorneys office encourages anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement. If convicted of all the charges, each suspect could be sentenced to a maximum sentence of life behind bars. Original article source: 5 California men indicted for kidnapping illegal immigrants, holding them for ransom: US attorney's office 5-Year-Old Boy Ran and Screamed for Help After Tree Fell on His Mom During Family Hike: 'The Gift of God' They endured "the biggest freak accident imaginable," dad Andy Franks wrote Gofundme Natalie Franks. A 5-year-old California boy saved his mother after a tree fell on her while on a vacation hike in July, their family says. Natalie Franks was in Ketchum, Idaho, on July 29 when she put her son Colton down to find a walking stick as her husband, Andy Franks, and their other son continued on the trail, Andy wrote in a GoFundMe fundraiser. That's when a pine tree "snapped and landed on top of her [Natalie], crashing her face first to the ground and coming to rest a couple feet above where she lay," Andy wrote. While Natalie was unable to move, Colton saved her life after he began to run and scream for help, according to the fundraiser, which has raised more than $200,000 as of Tuesday, Sept 10. Related: Man Left Behind by Co-Workers During Office Retreat Survives Night Alone on Colorado Mountain Andy who declined an interview with PEOPLE but referred to the family's experience as described in the GoFundMe said a rescue team quickly responded and stabilized his wife before they transported her to St. Lukes Wood River Medical Center in Hailey, Idaho. Ketchum Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin told the Idaho Mountain Express that the incident was unusual. Weve certainly had situations where trees have fallen on people, but usually they have been because people were cutting firewood improperly or other similar situations, he said. Just out of the blue? This is a pretty rare event. Six firefighters and other first responders came to the Franks family's aid, he said. Natalie had a collapsed lung that was filling with blood, multiple broken bones and ribs as well as a severely dislocated left hip and knee that was "cutting off blood flow to her lower left leg," according to the family's fundraiser. 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. She was subsequently "airlifted to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho where she was taken quickly into a surgery where vascular surgeons took veins from her right leg and built her an artery that they used to do an artery bypass and regain blood flow to her left leg," Andy wrote. Among the many thanks given as Natalie began her recovery, Andy gave "special" praise to son Colton, "who had the gift of God in him to know to run and get help for his mommy who he loves so dearly." Related: 14-Year-Old Survives Night in Utah Canyon After Getting Separated from Family: 'I Was So Scared' After spending several days in a rehab hospital, Natalie wrote in an Aug. 24 update that she has "no recollection" of her accident and "limited memory" of the immediate days following. She also dedicated a post to the friends and family members who went out of their way to help her as she underwent surgeries and recovered. "Thank you for following along on this journey with me. Words can never describe the depth of my gratitude," she wrote. "I hope to find my new rhythms at home and, as I gain comfort and confidence, begin to start seeing you face-to-face again soon!" Related: 4-Year-Old 'Superhero' Boy Survives 70-Foot Fall Down Cliff During Hike with Parents By an Aug. 31 update, Andy noted the family was back at their California house, though "this is an entirely different home" in the wake of Natalie's injuries. "We are learning to operate with a new level of grace, forgive quickly, laugh off the ridiculousness of it all, and move forward, one day at a time," he wrote. "Our commitment to love this way, despite all the ups and downs (and there have been lots), has shaped us into the types of people who can endure the biggest freak accident imaginable," he added, "and come out the other side still ready to say yes to serve one another late into the hours of the night, through exhaustion and discomfort." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. RIVERTON, Utah (ABC4) A 5-year-old child suffered non-life-threatening injuries on Monday morning after being hit by a car on Sanborn Drive in Riverton, according to police. Police say they were called to Sanborn Drive just before 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, after reports of a child being hit by a car. READ NEXT: Members of many faiths congratulate LDS Church President on 100th birthday According to Riverton Police, the child ran across the street before the bus came to a complete stop. The bus driver tried to alert oncoming traffic to the child in the roadway but a car travelling in the eastbound direction hit the child. The child, identified only as a boy, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The boy was taken to an area hospital as a precaution. The child was discharged from the hospital later in the day Monday. Police said they did not cite the driver. Riverton Police did have a message for drivers after the incident: You can do everything right when driving and obey every traffic law and a child may still get into the roadway and into danger. Always stay alert while driving and take extra caution around school busses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 50,000 state employees to walk off the job, demanding better pay & staffing Today negotiators with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) are urging their 50,000 members to walk off the job at noon, to demand better wages and staffing levels. The union has been at the bargaining table with the Office of Financial Management since April, with reportedly little movement, according to a release from AFSCME Council 28/WFSE. Union leaders argue that lack of pay and benefits are contributing to a staffing crisis that impacts critical public services such as behavioral health, transportation, juvenile rehabilitation, and education. Nearly 40 percent of the state workforce has turned over in the last eight years due to resignations alone, the news release reads. Disruptions to the public are expected to be minimal. The walkout will be happening during lunch breaks. Walkouts are scheduled at nearly every major city in Washington. KIRO 7 reached out to the Office of Financial Management for a statement regarding the walkouts. Here is what they sent: Bargaining is currently ongoing with approximately 30 groups of represented state workers. Because bargaining is ongoing, we are not able to comment on specifics, but we continue to have confidence in the bargaining process and that we will come to a successful resolution. OFM understands the concerns of our state employees and deeply values their essential contributions. The parties continue to engage in meaningful dialogue that balances the fiscal realities with the states needs, policy priorities, and the critical role our employees fill in serving the public. We are facing challenging fiscal choices as we anticipate limited revenue in the upcoming biennium. Just as weve asked state agencies to limit new programs and request only essential funding, we are applying the same principle to our negotiations. MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4) Three people have been charged in connection to the death of the 14-year-old boy who was gunned down while walking through the parking lot of a Millcreek apartment complex. Jayvon Dajon Cooper, 20, and Jaden Dino Papenfuss, 17, were both charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of second-degree felony obstruction of justice, and five counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm. Papenfuss biological mother, Whitney Michelle Vasquez, 36, has also been charged with three counts of second-degree felony obstruction of justice. The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office said the office is seeking adult charges against three minors also allegedly involved, all aged between 14 and 15 years old. Charges against a fourth minor are still being screened. We mourn the loss of the 14-year-old teen who was simply walking through a parking lot in the middle of the day, an activity that should be safe anywhere in our community, said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. Youth violence will be aggressively prosecuted by this office. The day of the shooting Prosecutors say John Mula, 14, was shot and killed outside the Monaco Apartments on Sunday, Aug. 25. Cooper and Papenfuss, along with three of the four minors, reportedly met up to shoot a music video in celebration of one of the minors 14th birthday, according to court documents. The shooting happened just around 2:30 p.m., after the group allegedly got together. While picking up Mr. Cooper, Mr. Papenfuss identified the victim and told the teens to get out of the car and shoot him, the DAs Office said in a statement. Mula was reportedly shot in the back as he tried to flee the scene. He was taken to a local area hospital to undergo life-saving surgery but died due to his wounds around 4:30 p.m. the same day. After the shooting, Papenfuss allegedly went home to his biological mother, Vasquez, and told her something bad had happened. Vazquez told detectives she put it all together when watching the news later that night and called her father. Vazquez reportedly did not want her son to get in trouble and asked her father to take identifying stickers off the back of his car. She also allegedly deleted several videos from her home surveillance camera around the times the group came to her house. Papenfuss allegedly arranged for the fourth minor to pick him and some others in the group up after the shooting and devised a plan to try and bury the guns used in the shooting. After news broke about the killing, Papenfuss also allegedly advised the group to lose their phones. Papenfuss also allegedly attempted to get the youngest of the group to turn himself in and take the fall for the shooting, which prosecutors say is due to the increased leniency of the juvenile justice system. While being interviewed by detectives after being taken into custody, the suspects reportedly told stories that were somewhat consistent with what happened. Detectives said the suspects also claimed they were at the scene during the shooting but did not take part. A possible motive Detectives claim the meetup for the birthday celebration was a cover to confront Mula, according to court documents. The night before the shooting, Cooper allegedly sent the group a message saying Mula was at the apartment complex harassing his family. In his message, he allegedly asked his co-defendants to bring a gun with them. Based on this correspondence, it is clear that the defendants knew the victim may be in the area because of Coopers message and shows why the defendant was looking for [Mula] when he arrived in the area, a detective wrote in his affidavit. Detectives said the group chat indicated everyone allegedly involved in the shooting shared the same criminal intent. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. DENVER (KDVR) Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Monday that it has successfully captured all six wolves from the Copper Creek pack after announcing it would relocate the pack due to livestock depredations, but one of the wolves has died from unrelated injuries. The wolves were taken to a large, secure enclosure with limited human interaction following their capture. According to CPW, the adult female was captured on Aug. 24 and reported to be in good body condition and was transported with no issues. Divided response after Copper Creek wolf pack relocation The adult male was captured next on Aug. 30, but was reported to be in poor condition, with several injuries to his right hind leg, unrelated to the capture. CPW said the wolfs body weight was also almost 30% below what he weighed when released in December. The agency said staff members administered antibiotics to address the infections, but four days after he was transported, the wolfs collar transmitted a mortality signal. Biologists confirmed the wolf died on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and said they did not believe the wolf would have survived for long in the wild, either. As wolves are federally protected, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct a full necropsy. Four pups were captured in a three-day process, with capture operations concluding on Sunday. The pups were found to be underweight, but otherwise healthy. Additional survey work was conducted to ensure all of the pups had been captured. Erin Karney-Spaur, the executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen Association, said the news of the wolves capture is good. When we first got the release that they were capturing the wolves, I think form the livestock communitys standpoint, we are all very happy that those wolves are being captured and taken off the landscape so we can no longer have livestock depredation from that specific pack anymore, Karney-Spaur said. CPW also said the pups are still mainly dependent on their parents for food and have deciduous teeth (baby teeth), and the pups are not effective hunters for animals larger than rabbits or squirrels. There is no evidence that the four pups were involved in any of the livestock depredation incidents in Grand County, CPW said in its announcement of the packs capture. The agency will monitor the female wolf and all of the pups and is moving forward with plans to re-release them. CPW has not offered details on where the pack could be re-released but said the pups will be adult-sized and able to hunt on their own or in a pack. CPW report details capture and release, first few months of wolf reintroduction program This approach gives CPW the opportunity to release them into the wild together so they can contribute to wolf restoration in Colorado. CPW will have conversations with local elected officials and landowners in possible release areas before a release occurs, the agency stated. Karney-Spaur is concerned this could set the states precedent for what happens in the future. She said lethally removing wolves that are bad actors would be the best action. We just want to make sure that its written into the wolf plan, she said, And kind of agreed upon by all of the citizens in Colorado that if there is counted conflict with livestock that we have to accept there is going to be lethal take of wolves who are bad actors and I think we have to just ensure thats going to happen and this doesnt set a precedent into the future. Where will the captured wolves be relocated? The Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan orders CPW to not relocate wolves with depredation histories within Colorado. The plan also calls for flexibility and it may not at times account for every unique situation the agency and our experts encounter, said CPW Director Jeff Davis in the announcement. This spring, after a pair of wolves established a den in Middle Park, the male adult wolf was involved in multiple depredations. Removing the male at that time, while he was the sole source of food and the female was denning, would likely have been fatal to the pups and counter to the restoration mandate. Davis said the agency will take the lessons learned from the Copper Creek pack and apply them to future endeavors in the wolf restoration in the state. That includes conversations with federal and ranching partners. Karney-Saur said the future of the wolves is still unclear, especially where they may be released in the future. If the plan is for them to be re-released, we just ask that those local communities, local livestock producers, are contacted before they are released and there is a plan in place because we learned from what happened in Middle Park is that there was really no plan and nobody in that local area in the affected community were contacted, Karney-Saur said. I hope we can learn from our past mistakes and have better communication going forward. Davis concurred in his statements provided in the wolf capture announcement. The more were able to listen to understand one another and increase cooperation, the better off well all be in the long run. Our focus in this case now is on a healthy release of the remaining members of the Copper Creek pack, said Davis. Davis said CPWs wildlife veterinarians, federal partners and ranchers, along with internal and external biologists, have created a plan suited to deal with this unique situation that will have the wolves and Grand County producers best interest at its core. Colorado wolf spends time in Rocky Mountain National Park CPW said August and September are some of the hardest times for wild wolves, and that holding them for a time will allow CPW to ensure the pack is meeting its caloric needs, and allow the agency to evaluate their progress. This way, biologists can ensure all of the wolves are in good condition before they are re-released. We are still in the early stages of the restoration plan. Our legal obligation to Colorado voters is to continue working towards a sustainable population. We also must continue our efforts to minimize losses to our producers and to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the wolves as we work towards a viable gray wolf population, said Davis. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kamala Harris on Tuesday night faces a task unprecedented in modern political history. On the debate stage in Philadelphia, she will deliver both an opening argument to the millions of voters who want to know more about her and a closing argument for her candidacy and against Donald Trumps as their lightning campaign enters its final eight weeks. The former president will also find himself in uncharted waters. After skipping the Republican primary debates, Trump will now square off with his second Democratic rival in as many outings but unlike President Joe Biden, whose campaign imploded onstage in Atlanta in June, Harris presents a vastly different challenge. Harris has so far enjoyed a charmed campaign. She pounced on the nomination after Biden dropped out in July, then surged in the polls and on the fundraising front in the following weeks. Her cash advantage is clear. She raised $361 million in August alone, nearly three times Trumps haul. But the horse race is as close as ever, and there is increasing demand in the electorate for more information about Harris and her policy agenda a knowledge gap that creates opportunities and stumbling blocks for both camps. There is less mystery surrounding Trump. This is his record seventh presidential general election debate. On the trail, he has thrown out a typically Trumpian mish-mosh of often self-contradicting pledges and positions, promoted then fled from the now-infamous Project 2025, and otherwise sought to tie Harris to Bidens record, particularly on the border, while frequently issuing gender- and race-baiting personal attacks. The fundamental question ahead of their meeting in Philadelphia, one of the highest-stakes national debates in a generation, is whether and how one of them can deliver a compelling message to swing voters while bolstering the confidence of their respective bases. Here are six things to watch for on Tuesday night: Will Harris deliver the policy message voters say they want to hear? Harris has been vice president for nearly four years and spent about the same amount of time before that on Capitol Hill, as Californias junior senator. She ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Still, 28% of likely voters in a recent New York Times/Siena College poll said they needed to know more about her. For Trump, the figure was 9%. More than her convention speech, the debate will provide a platform for Harris to answer some of those questions. So far, she has drilled down with particular focus on two issues: cost of living and reproductive rights. The latter is an obvious place of strength. Her position is vastly more popular than Trumps and her ability to speak about it is significantly stronger than Bidens. It also fits neatly into a broader message about personal freedoms. The economy is a stickier wicket. Her campaign has, so far, sought to stay close to what the Biden administration has been preaching while, at the same time, injecting it with a populist freshness that excites Democrats and wins over skeptical undecided voters. And while theres little reason to expect Harris to deviate from her strategy, which has been to speak in broad terms while rationing specifics, she will be pushed by the debate moderators and, in his own way, Trump to provide a clearer picture of how she ranks her priorities. Harris is also likely to be pressed on some recent policy switcharoos. Plastic straws are back in, for example, after she once suggested banning them, while Medicare for All, in all its forms, is out. The second Harris presidential campaign has offered a significant correction of the first, an uneven primary bid that flamed out before a vote was cast. So many of the things Harris expressed openness to, if not outright support for, are now off the menu five years later. Where she is now seems both closer politically to Biden and her own long political history. Allies describe it as an evolution, evidence of her open and inquisitive mind. Rivals, led by Trump, tell it differently. To them, Harriss shifting positions represent a lack of political scruples and an overabundance of ambition. With Trump, goes the familiar argument, the people know where he stands, whether they agree or not. So which narrative will win out Tuesday night? The question is as much for Trump as it is for Harris. The vice president will surely enter with a plan to funnel the expected criticism into a more front-footed message about her plans going forward. The risk there is being seen as disingenuous, in not acknowledging whats plain to see. Trump, though, has a habit of overplaying a good hand. Staying focused on the specifics would seem the wiser path, given his apparent inability, or refusal, to launch a personal attack not juiced up with outrageous or bigoted language. This image shared by ABC News shows the stage in Philadelphia ahead of the debate between Harris and Trump. - Al Drago/ABC News Which Trump shows up onstage in Philadelphia? Trump turned 78 about two weeks before he took the stage with Biden in Georgia. And while the presidents difficulties rightfully dominated the post-debate narrative, Trump, too, appears diminished from his first and second campaigns. Last week, the former president was asked at economic forum if he would commit to prioritizing legislation to make child care affordable and, if so, what specific piece of legislation he planned to champion. His response was rambling and incomprehensible. (CNNs Zach Wolf tried his best to make sense of it.) Perhaps worse, it was not an aberration. Trump has for many years spoken in a digressive, unwieldy vernacular. But the digressions have become more frequent and the unwieldiness increasingly difficult to square. Given the manner of Bidens election exit, it seems likely that the former presidents own words will come under greater scrutiny this time out. The other half of the equation deals with what Trump says when he is, at least in form, speaking clearly. He has already accused Harris, a Howard University graduate and the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, of deciding to turn Black for political reasons. Trumps allies are fond of dismissing Harris as a diversity hire. Though similar lines might rile up his MAGA base, they play poorly in the suburbs home to the vast majority of undecided voters and stiffen the backs (and further open the wallets) of Democrats. For her part, Harris has strained to avoid talk about the historical nature of her run, figuring that is self-evident, and in her recent interview with CNNs Dana Bash, she bypassed a chance to respond to Trumps bizarre charge. Same old, tired playbook, Harris said. Next question, please. Welcome to closed mic night! There is a strong case to be made that Trump lost the 2020 election to Biden on the night of their first debate. Belligerent, boisterous and, the country learned shortly thereafter, battling a Covid-19 infection, Trump offered an unflattering parody of himself. Their contest was, of course, close in the end. But no one would deny well, almost no one that Trump hurt his chances that night. History in mind, his campaign and Bidens agreed before their June debate to mute the candidates respective microphones when the other was speaking. Trump literally could not interrupt Biden. As it turned out, he had no reason to the president interrupted himself over and over, often trailing off at the end of his allotted time. Trump, with a few exceptions, did the politically wise thing and let Bidens words hang in the air. Though she stumbled occasionally on crowded stages during the Democratic presidential primary in 2019, Harris is generally regarded as a sharper debater than even a full-strength Biden. Her campaigns push to reopen the microphones, ultimately abandoned shortly before the debate date was set, underscored its desire to give Trump the freedom to implode. The interplay between Harris and Trump will be more strictly regulated Tuesday night. How apparent that will be to viewers is something to keep an eye on. Remember Joe Biden? By the end of Tuesday nights debate, the better question might be: Are we sure Biden isnt still running? A little more than eight weeks since the president left the race, and with precisely eight weeks until the election, Trumps most consistent argument has been that Harris, for all her talk of turning the page, offers more of the same. President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, 2024. - Rebecca Wright/CNN When Harris sticks by Bidens policies, Trump attacks them and her as a failure. How she tries to parry his expected jabs on immigration and the US-Mexico border will be instructive. When Harris seeks to separate herself from her boss, in manner or practice, Trump asks why she didnt do more over the past four years. For Trump, its a simple recipe. Harris has a more complex and if she manages it successfully nuanced assignment. Whats not up for debate is that Biden, though absent in person, figures to be a prominent figure on the debate stage. Harris and Trump will use, or try to obscure, his record in service of their own cases a balancing act that, should one veer too far from the center of political gravity, risks a tumble. Trump to face cross-examination of his abortion record and plans Trump has at times boasted of appointing three of the six Supreme Court Justices who voted in 2022 to gut Roe v. Wade, ending federal protections for abortion. Im proud to have done it, he once proclaimed. Since then, most Republican-controlled states have imposed either bans or restrictive new laws on the procedure. Some of those efforts were beaten back or overturned by ballot measures organized by abortion rights activists results that, along with lopsided polling, underscore the unpopularity of the decision and its consequences. Trump was already out of the White House when the high courts decision came down. Though he did not personally feel the backlash, his party did, most notably underperforming expectations in the 2022 midterms as Democrats railed against the ruling and some Republicans determination to implement a broader federal ban. The former president himself has offered a variety of positions and takes on the issue, the most consistent being that abortion policy should be determined by the states. Asked what state policies he supports, Trump has failed to deliver a clear answer. Most recently, he announced he would vote against protecting abortion rights in his adopted home state of Florida, where a ballot measure would wipe out the states six-week ban, which Trump also says he opposes. Harris, the former prosecutor, will try to make her rival stake out a clear position. How does Harris address the war in Gaza? Russian forces have been in Ukraine for more than two-and-a-half years. The fighting has been brutal, recalling the eastern front during World War II. Hamas deadly October 7, 2023, raid inside Israel set off a now 11-month-old bombardment of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli military. Neither conflict appears near a close as the death tolls grow and the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. To hear it from Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin with whom he claims to have a special friendship would have never invaded Ukraine if the former president was still in charge, while Israel would be given even freer reign in Gaza than it has enjoyed with Biden in the White House. Because of the diverse, fragile Democratic coalition that she needs to keep onside, Harris, who unreservedly supports continued Western aid to Ukraine, has been less clear on her Middle East plan. Both in her convention speech and on the newly minted issues page on her campaign website, Harris has made the case for Israels defense, along with the creation of a neighboring Palestinian state, and security for both. Critics say she is cutting the proverbial baby in half. For the first time, though, she will deliver that rhetoric with Trump lying in wait. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FORT MYERS, Fla. (WFLA) An 84-year-old Florida woman fought off an alligator and saved her dog after the 7-foot reptile lunged at the pair during a walk. Del Boppel told NBC affiliate WBBH she had a gut feeling that something was wrong just moments before the attack, which happened at a mobile home park in North Fort Myers last week. It was like a torpedo. I didnt see anything go that fast in my life. I didnt have time to think, Boppel said. (WBBH) Boppel threw her Shih-Tzu, Queen, up in the air before the alligator chomped. She started punching the gator, and it eventually scurried off, but not before taking a bite out of her hand and leg. The attack landed Boppel in the hospital, but she said shes in good spirits because shell return home to her dog soon. She told WBBH that her previous complaints about large alligators at the mobile home community went unanswered. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As the September conference for education workers approaches, Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev has announced that 99% of students at Garabagh University have completed their registration. Students are expected to start arriving in Khankendi from Baku and other cities on September 14-15, with accommodations provided in dormitories, according to Azernews. "Classes will commence on September 23. The week prior will be dedicated to familiarising students with the city, safety protocols, and other essential information. Additionally, Garabagh University students will receive a stipend increase of 100-150 manats ($58-88)," Amrullayev stated. Garabagh University was established by an Order from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on November 28, 2023, to meet the demand for highly qualified professionals and preserve the region's educational traditions. Operating under the Ministry of Science and Education, the university will initially offer programs across six faculties: Pedagogical, Humanitarian, Economic, Social Sciences, Art, Engineering, and Tourism. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the university plans to enrol 1,120 students across 27 specialities, reflecting its dedication to expanding educational opportunities and supporting regional development. China and Singapore must strengthen their strategic coordination and communication amid a world of turmoil, foreign minister Wang Yi told his visiting counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing on Monday. The meeting was their second in less than two months after the envoys spoke on the sidelines of a regional ministerial conference in Vientiane, Laos, on July 27. "China is willing to work with Singapore to better connect each other's development strategies and put into practice the new positioning of an 'all-round, high-quality and forward-looking partnership' that had been jointly established by the leaders of the two countries," said Wang, according to a Chinese foreign ministry read-out. 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 upgrade of the bilateral relationship as the ministry described the partnership was announced in April last year, when then-Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Then-Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 31, 2023. Photo: Xinhua alt=Then-Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 31, 2023. Photo: Xinhua> Lee stepped down in May following more than two decades in office and was succeeded by Lawrence Wong, under whom the new Singaporean government is "committed ... to enhancing and deepening our relationship with China", Balakrishnan told Wang. Wang said China and Singapore served as two "stabilising forces" in a world of turmoil and chaos and that the two countries must increase coordination and communication. The ministry's statement did not mention any other countries by name. China's top diplomat praised Singapore's early participation and role in the mainland's reform and opening up. He suggested more frequent leadership exchanges and enhancing dialogue at all levels. Areas for closer cooperation could include a "new land-sea corridor" linking China's western provinces and Southeastern Asian nations as well as digital economy, green development and maritime energy, according to the Chinese ministry's read out. Wang also highlighted the use of visa-exemption preferences to encourage personnel exchange, talent training, youth development, local cooperation as well as think tanks and media Story continues On February 9 this year, China and Singapore implemented a new entry policy for their citizens, allowing visa-free stays of up to 30 days. Previously, Singaporeans could stay in China for up to 15 days without needing to apply for a visa, whereas Chinese nationals had to apply for visas to visit the Southeast Asian city state. Balakrishnan said the upgrading of the bilateral relationship in 2023 reflected "the unique, long-standing and very close ties" between the two countries and noted 2025 would mark their 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The Singaporean foreign minister reiterated his country's long-held position regarding the one-China policy and clear opposition to Taiwanese independence, the Chinese foreign ministry's read-out stated. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. "Singapore firmly supports free trade and the expansion of two-way investment in China and Asean," Balakrishnan was quoted as saying. "[Singapore] is willing to work with China to safeguard the multilateral trading system centred on the World Trade Organization to ensure the smooth flow of production and supply chains and to promote world peace, development and prosperity." The statement made no mention of tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have repeatedly engaged in confrontations. Singapore is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and has been vocal in urging that the disputes be resolved diplomatically. While visiting the Philippines in April, for instance, Balakrishnan described Singapore as a non-claimant that did not take sides. "We uphold the right of all states to freedom of navigation and overflight and support the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including Unclos," he said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 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. Ahead of the coming winter, Ukraine has protected 85% of its energy infrastructure in anticipation of further Russian attacks, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a Sept. 10 press conference attended by a Kyiv Independent reporter. Ukrainians have been living with intermittent power outages throughout the summer since Russia stepped up its campaign of strikes targeting energy infrastructure in March. Serhiy Kovalenko, the CEO of energy supplier Yasno, warned in June that Ukrainians may have electricity for just 6-7 hours per day in the winter, depending on how much of the grid can be repaired. Shmyhal told reporters that it was impossible to say how many hours of blackouts Ukrainians are going to endure during the winter. "It is wrong to make predictions and make sensational statements," Shmyhal said. "Today, 85% of the facilities that should be protected by Ukrenergo (Ukraine's state grid operator) are already protected," he said. According to Shmyhal, the Ukrainian government has allocated Hr 19 billion ($461 million) for the protection of energy facilities, and another Hr 13 billion ($315 million) has been provided by foreign partners. Read also: Explainer: Ukraines $15 billion IMF loan program Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Patriot Day will be observed Wednesday morning in communities across Stanislaus County, honoring the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes, deliberately crashing two of them into the World Trade Center towers and a third into the Pentagon. Passengers on the fourth plane, which has come to be known as Flight 93, fought back, and the plane was crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. The Modesto Fire Department, Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District and Turlock Fire Department will host ceremonies in Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale, Knights Ferry and Turlock. All are scheduled to begin at 8:46 a.m., which is when Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Centers North Tower. At 9:03 a.m., the South Tower was struck by Flight 175. The locations of the ceremonies are: Modesto: Station 1, 600 11th St. Riverbank: Station 26, 3318 Topeka St. Oakdale: Station 27, 450 S. Willowwood Drive Knights Ferry: Station 29, 17700 Main St. Turlock: Station 31, 540 E. Marshall St. In Ceres, American Legion Post 49 will host a commemoration in Whitmore Park at Second and North streets at 8:30 a.m. For the fire station gatherings, the ceremony script indicates that the public should arrive and uniformed personnel get into position at 8:30 a.m. At 8:40, a welcoming message will be delivered, and at 8:46, there will be a call for one minute of silence to honor the lives lost. After that, personnel will raise the American flag and then lower it to half staff. According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the attacks killed 2,977 people from 90 nations: 2,753 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon and 40 people on Flight 93. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation Tuesday that begins: Today, we honor the brave Americans who met the terror of September 11 with extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice. In our darkest hour when terrorists believed they could bring our country to its knees those Americans proved that our Nations unbreakable spirit would prevail. In the moments, days, and years after the attacks on September 11, heroes were forged. Firefighters, police officers, and first responders ran into the inferno of jet fuel and debris at Ground Zero, risking their own lives to save the lives of others. Service members and civilians rushed into the fiery breach at the Pentagon again and again to rescue their colleagues. The patriotic passengers of Flight 93 made the ultimate sacrifice to prevent their plane from being used to take more innocent souls. And in big cities, rural towns, suburbs, and Tribal communities, hundreds of thousands of American hands went up ready to serve our Nation in uniform. Here are 9/11 memorial events you can attend across Wisconsin to honor lives lost Wednesday marks 23 years since nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. On Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida hijackers seized control of four commercial airliners, crashing two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon and the fourth into a field in western Pennsylvania. Throughout the day, flags across Wisconsin will be lowered to half-staff, and cities and towns will hold their own memorial events to commemorate the tragedy. Here are a few remembrance events you can attend in Milwaukee and other Wisconsin cities to honor lives lost on 9/11. Milwaukee The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, at 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, is hosting a 9/11 remembrance event from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Wednesday. First responder organizations, veterans' advocates and local officials will gather to honor and remember people who died in the attacks. The event is free and open to the public. The Milwaukee Veteran's Affairs office is also hosting several remembrance events Wednesday, free to attend and open to the public. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., volunteers are invited to help clean headstones and grounds at the Wood National Cemetery, 5000 W. National Ave. Find more information about the event here, and register to participate here. The volunteer cleaning will be followed by a memorial ceremony to honor seven local veterans, all buried at Wood National Cemetery, who died in the wars in Iran and Afghanistan after 9/11. The memorial ceremony will run from 1 to 2 p.m. at Unity Chapel, at 5000 W. National Ave. Madison Fire Fighters Local 311, comprised of more than 500 firefighters and paramedics in the Madison area, will host a memorial ceremony at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Local 311 Memorial, according to Isthmus. Along with Madison fire and police chiefs, the ceremony will feature the city's Honor Guard. The memorial is at Madison Fire Department Station 14, at 3201 Dairy Drive. Kewaskum The Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial & Education Center is hosting its annual 9/11 remembrance event from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The center is in Kewaskum, a village outside of Fond du Lac, at 1308 Fond Du Lac Ave. This years event will include two keynote speakers who were both part of disaster rescue and recovery efforts in the months following 9/11: Ronaldo Vega, who served as senior director of design for the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Mike Kenny, an executive for the New York City Department of Design and Construction. The event will also feature musical performances by the Kewaskum High School band and the Honor Guard from American Legion Robert G. Romaine Post 384, according to the center's website Oconomowoc The city of Oconomowoc will commemorate 9/11 by playing "Taps," a bugle call by the U.S. Army Band, at a downtown park at all four moments the plans crashed on September 11, 2001: 7:46 a.m., 8:03 a.m., 8:37 a.m., 9:03 a.m. The song will be performed at the Village Green park, at 104 E. Wisconsin Ave. Later in the day, the Oconomowoc Legion Band will hold a remembrance concert at the Bandshell, at 324 W. Wisconsin Ave. The 7 p.m. concert is free and open to the public, with attendees invited to sit at the outdoor venue or bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs. Stratford The village of Stratford, located outside of Wausau, will host a silent parade at 8 p.m. Wednesday to honor those who died in the attacks. The parade is co-hosted by the Stratford Fire and Police Departments and will follow the route highlighted below. Stratford Area Fire Dept, along with the Stratford Police Dept, will be having our traditional Silent Parade on... Posted by Stratford Area Fire Department on Friday, September 6, 2024 Volunteer opportunities for 9/11 In addition to lowering flags for the day, the governor's office has declared Wednesday as a statewide Day of Service and Remembrance. I encourage Wisconsinites to join in honoring this solemn day through service, whether its finding ways to give back to our local communities or even through simple acts of kindness to others," Gov. Tony Evers said in a news release. For potential volunteer opportunities on Wednesday and beyond, the governor's office suggests looking through the Volunteer Wisconsin website. You can filter posts to find volunteer opportunities that are closest to you, matching your interests, virtual or in-person, among other options. More: Wisconsin lost 136 men and women in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here are the names of every one. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 9/11 memorial events in Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Madison, Kewaskum After 9 rejections, she landed her dream job as a Singapore Airlines flight attendant. Six years later, she quit to open a hawker stall. After 9 rejections, she landed her dream job as a Singapore Airlines flight attendant. Six years later, she quit to open a hawker stall. After six years of flying, Cherry Tan left her dream job as a flight attendant. She decided to open a hawker stall with her husband in Singapore. Despite the pay cut, she said the longer hours help her save more. As a teenager, Cherry Tan knew she wanted to become a flight attendant. She mapped out a plan to fulfill that dream. At 19, she applied for a cabin crew position at Singapore Airlines. When she was rejected, she temporarily switched gears to pursue a bachelor's degree in hospitality business at the Singapore Institute of Technology. But the dream of becoming a flight attendant never went away, and she continued to apply after graduation. After four years of rejection and on her 10th attempt, she got the job. Tan spent the next six years flying around the world and exploring new countries every other day. "Being a cabin crew member was the best time of my life," Tan, now 29, told me, adding that she enjoyed the work-life balance it afforded. Tan applied to be a flight attendant on Singapore Airlines 10 times. Cherry Tan But toward the end of her fifth year, Tan was hungry for a change in her life. Flying began to feel mundane, and she was uncertain about the job stability and career progression of being a flight attendant, she said. At the same time, her husband, Duncan Hsu, now 36, had been working as a chef in a hotel and wanted to start his own business. Tan saw this as an opportunity for them to open a hawker stall together in a kopitiam an open-air coffee shop selling a variety of dishes at an affordable price in Singapore. So in May, the couple invested 30,000 Singapore dollars, or around $23,000, of their own money to open a stall in the west of Singapore. They named the stall Kiang Kiang Taiwan Teppanyaki and planned a menu inspired by a style of Japanese cooking that was introduced to Taiwan in the 1970s "teppan" means "iron plate," and "yaki" means "grilled." Diners choose between steak, chicken, pork, or halibut, and then add either rice or noodles and additional sides. As the dishes were inspired by her husband's Taiwanese heritage, the meat is served with Taiwanese-style black pepper or mushroom sauce. Trading a comfortable job for longer hours and lower pay As a flight attendant at Singapore Airlines, Tan said she made around SG$6,000, or $4,600 a month, depending on the number of flights she embarked on. When she left her job to become a hawker, Tan estimated that she took a 50% pay cut. But Tan simply saw her pay cut as part of the process. "This is not our end goal," she said, adding that they plan to expand the business in the future. "So I just had to bite the bullet." And despite earning less, her bank account still grew because of her long hours as a hawker. As a flight attendant, Tan got around a day off after working for two or three days a week. She also spent more on food and shopping while traveling to different countries, she said. Now, Tan works 12 hours a day, six days a week. "I don't have time to spend my money elsewhere," she said. Tan said it took time to get used to working in the 147-square-foot stall space, which gets hot and stuffy when Hsu grills meat. Hawker stalls are often cramped and hot. Erin Liam/ Business Insider Her parents were against the career switch. "Even until today, they asked me why I had to give up a comfortable job," she said. No easy business to break into The hawker business is challenging to succeed in. Although startup costs may be lower than those of other food and business enterprises, it is physically demanding and can yield narrow profits. "There's no guarantee you will succeed. People have failed. That's the reality. If you don't do your homework well, you don't study your menu, you will fall very fast," KF Seetoh, a food critic and the founder of Urban Hawker in New York City previously told BI. Urban Hawker is the first street food center in the US that features Singaporean hawker cuisine. Despite the risks involved, Tan was confident in her decision. "I was not really concerned about whether the business would succeed because I have a lot of faith in my husband," Tan said. She met Hsu in 2014 on an internship in Taiwan. The pair got married in 2019. Tan had full trust in her husband, Hsu. Erin Liam/ Business Insider When they first started out, business was slow. They sold around 50 sets which range between SG$ 8.50 to SG$ 13.50 a piece each day. They had monthly expenditures to consider, too: Tan estimates that the cost of operating the stall is around SG$21,000 monthly, including rent, which costs around SG$5,500. But business started to look up when Tan's videos about her hawker life gained traction on TikTok. Local media also began to cover the business. The fact that the stall owner had worked at Singapore Airlines added a layer of curiosity and drew interest, she said. On a visit to their food stall on a Friday afternoon in August, I spotted a few customers finishing their final bites of the hot plate dish. It was almost the end of the lunch hour, and the side option of bean sprouts was sold out. As Hsu cooked the final delivery orders in the kitchen, Tan moved from task to task without a break. I saw her packing orders, pouring sauce into takeaway packets, and chatting with customers. The chicken chop set is priced at SG$8.50 and comes with a grain, side, and sauce. Erin Liam/ Business Insider Tan said the skills she gained as a Singapore Girl a nickname given to the airline's female flight attendants have proven helpful in unexpected ways. "I'm used to talking to customers. So, as a hawker, I can make customers feel comfortable," she said. "I think it's nice. I mean, you don't really get that in hawker stalls because people usually just order their food and go," she said. The perks of being a hawker When Tan was a flight attendant, she simply had to report for work, follow instructions, and get paid a regular salary at the end of each month. But now, Tan gets to be her own boss. While Hsu oversees cooking, Tan handles the cashier, administrative work, accounting, and marketing. Although Tan doesn't see herself returning to the life of flying, one thing she does miss is the food. "I'm not talking about the airplane food," she said. "I mean the food overseas. You know, biryani in India, The Cheesecake Factory in the US," she said with a laugh. Despite the challenges of being a hawker, Tan has found the job rewarding. Erin Liam/ Business Insider She said she feels pride in being part of a bigger movement to prevent Singapore's hawker culture from dying. In 2022, hawker culture was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to the National Environment Agency's website, the median age of hawkers was 60 in 2020 despite the retirement age in Singapore being 63. As Tan said, "You'll need a new generation to help the hawker culture." As the buzz from lunch hour began to wind down, Tan started to prepare ingredients for the dinner crowd. "The hawker lifestyle is challenging, but I think if more youngsters are willing to go through this process, it's rewarding," she said. Read the original article on Business Insider BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) AAA Alabama is hosting a TSA PreCheck event at its Birmingham office on Acton Road until Friday. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers before they arrive at an airport checkpoint. Certification is valid for five years at a $78 enrollment fee. Those interested can make an appointment via an enrollment website. Walk-ins are accepted but may experience a long wait time. Salmonella strain linked to recalled eggs sends dozens to hospital across 9 states, CDC says This is a great opportunity to get your TSA PreCheck certification, AAA Alabama spokesperson Clay Ingram stated in a press release. Having this certification will save you lots of time and frustration when traveling. We noticed a need for a pop-up event in the Birmingham area, so we offered to let TSA host an event at our AAA office. Heres a list of what documents to bring to a certification appointment for TSA PreCheck: A valid US drivers license Either a US passport (valid or expired less than 1 year) or a birth certificate Additional documents may be needed if your name (first, middle, and last) as listed on your license does not match what is on your passport or birth certificate. The most common example is a name change from marriage. An applicant would need to bring both the birth certificate and marriage license to show the name change that is listed on the license. In some cases, multiple name change documents are necessary to link identity documents (divorce decree, second marriage certificate, etc.). Photocopies of documents are not accepted. All required documents must be originals. TSA PreCheck has expanded to approximately 200 airports across 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 CBS 42. Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours Gov. Greg Abbott hosts a press conference about Tropical Storm Francine at the Texas Division of Emergency Management on Sept. 10, 2024 in Austin. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune Tropical Storm Francine could bring life-threatening storm surge, dangerous winds and high water on Texas roadways along the Gulf Coast, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday morning, urging Texans to heed advice from their local officials and remain vigilant because the storm could still change course. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry issued a voluntary evacuation order for the Bolivar Peninsula through Wednesday evening because flooding and high tides could hamper travel to and from the peninsula, leaving vulnerable people at-risk. [How Texans can prepare for extreme weather] The storm is currently moving northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday. A storm surge warning is in effect for Sabine Pass, Texas, to the Mississippi-Alabama border, according to the National Hurricane Center. Storm surge warnings and watches for the Texas coast from High Island southward were discontinued as of Tuesday afternoon. The storm comes about two months after Hurricane Beryl ripped through the Texas coast, knocking out power for millions of Texans and toppling trees and homes. Houston-area utility CenterPoint Energy came under fire after that storm for failing to communicate clearly with customers and for not restoring power quickly enough. Some customers were without power for more than 10 days. While minor power outages could occur with Francine, Abbott said power companies including CenterPoint would be expected to restore electricity within hours. CenterPoint knows they are under a microscope, Abbott said during a Tuesday press conference in Austin. This is their time to perform, their time to show they are living up to the promises they have made. [Attorney general investigating CenterPoint Energy after Hurricane Beryls long-lasting power outages] After Beryl, CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells apologized to customers and vowed to make the company's infrastructure more resilient to future weather events. Since Beryl, the company increased their vegetation removal and put up more weather-resistant poles, Abbott said. Abbott said Texans should be prepared for difficult driving conditions in coastal areas starting Tuesday evening. And he said the storm could spawn tornadoes across East Texas. Some Texans will drive through a roadway unaware of the depth of water in that region, Abbott said. You dont need to get through that particular roadway if theres high water. The National Guard is on standby to assist with Francine response efforts, Abbott said, as is a water rescue team. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said two local officials had issued voluntary evacuation orders as of Tuesday morning, though he did not specify who they were. Henry, the Galveston County Judge, said he decided to issue the order for part of his county because the high tide would likely cause the local ferry to suspend service and make State Highway 87 impassable. People may not be able to leave the Bolivar Peninsula for more than 28 hours, Henry said. If they need to leave for a medical issue or for life-sustaining power, they might need to relocate, Henry said. Disclosure: CenterPoint Energy has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. 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. On Sept. 7, we wrapped our 2024 Festival three unforgettable days packed with 100+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events on the Tribunes Festival news page. With two months to go before the presidential election, the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is widely considered to be a toss up. But as they face off on Tuesday in their first and only presidential debate so far, they are expected to share at least some of the limelight with debate host ABC News. The pressure will be on ABC World News Tonight anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis to keep the candidates on point as they moderate the 90-minute debate, which starts at 9 p.m. ET. It will air live on ABC and stream on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu, and will be available for simulcast. It will also be televised or streamed by multiple media outlets. Rick Klein, ABCs political director, was noncommittal when asked about whether the moderators would fact-check the candidates, according to a recent report in The New York Times. Were not making a commitment to fact-checking everything, or fact-check nothing, in either direction, he said, adding that ABC is there to facilitate a good debate. While the supporters and detractors of Trump and Harris tend to dominate social media, many less partisan Americans will tune in looking for basic information before casting a vote, Angie Drobnic Holan, director of the International Fact-Checking Network and former editor-in-chief of PolitiFact, noted in a recent opinion piece for Poynter. Debate moderators who dont contradict the candidates in their lies and spin are doing these voters a disservice. Like the CNN-hosted debate between Trump and President Joe Biden in June, there will be no live audience in Philadelphia and the candidates mics will be muted unless it is their turn to speak. Those rules were groundbreaking in the June debate, which ended up being the beginning of the end for Biden, whose halting, confused performance that night ultimately led him to step out of the race in endorsement of Harris. The lack of a live audience gives Trump and Harris more of a chance to dodge questions, just as both the Republican nominee and Biden did during the CNN debate, Patrick Stewart, author of The Audience Decides: Applause-Cheering, Laughter, and Booing During Debates in the Trump Era, told TheWrap. CNNs Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, who moderated the June contest, were criticized by many media watchers and political operatives for not fact-checking Trump and Biden, although CNN and many other news outlets did so afterward. In her piece for Poynter, Holan recounted, While Biden meandered and wandered, saying things that either didnt make sense or were hard to follow, Trump turned to his very long regular playlist of falsehoods about the economy, abortion, immigration and election fraud. Tapper and Bash simply thanked the candidates and moved on to the next question, an approach that did little to enlighten the public, she said. Bash, for her part, defended the decision not to fact-check live on air in a Friday interview with Pod Save America, saying, If and when Donald Trump said something that wasnt true if we were to jump in, we would be active participants as if I was doing an interview or we would do in a town hall that we moderate when theres not a political opponent there. But that was up to Joe Biden to do the, Wait a minute. ABC News David Muir and George Stephanopoulos (Getty) Tuesdays debate now creates an opening for ABC News, at a time when the decline of broadcast TV is accelerating and parent company Disney is embroiled in a bitter carriage dispute with satellite operator DirecTV that has kept Disneys channels, including ABC and ESPN, dark on DirecTV for more than a week. ABC already scored a coup when anchor George Stephanopoulos landed the first sit-down interview with Biden following the problematic CNN debate, which drew 8.5 million viewers. Networks play an important role in shaping public perception during debates but not necessarily in the manner that most people assume, Stewart, who is also a political science professor at the University of Arkansas, said. The most important role that the networks can play, he said, is with the camera shots, making sure that they are fair, making sure they spend as much time as possible in the split screen so we can see the candidates faces. Research shows that having a side-by-side, split-screen view of the candidates throughout the debate is especially important in giving the general public the opportunity to see how candidates react to questions and comments from the opposition, he explained. Their reaction is important because it tells us who they are as people because, as politicians, they already know what theyre going to say theyve already said it thousands of times before, Stewart continued. They are practicing actors. A total of 51.27 million viewers tuned into the CNN debate, according to Nielsen data. That is down from the candidates first debate in 2020 that drew 73.1 million viewers and their second that drew roughly 63 million. But those totals were off considerably from Trump and Clintons first debate in 2016 in which 84 million viewers tuned in. CNN said the June debate was the most watched non-sports program on TV so far this year. More people watched the CNN presidential debate than any other CNN program in history, the network said in a statement. CNN ranked first across broadcast and cable TV networks with 9.53 million viewers. Fox News ranked second with 9.276 million viewers, followed by ABC News with 9.21 million viewers and MSNBCs 4.122 million, CNN said. Tight race A lot has happened quickly for the Democrats since the CNN debate. The president withdrew from the race on July 21 and endorsed Harris to replace him at the top of the ticket. The vice president secured enough votes at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to become the partys nominee, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate and formally accepted the nomination on Aug. 22. On the Republican side, Trump chose U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate on July 15 and then accepted his partys nomination. Tuesdays ABC debate will be another reset for the 2024 campaign. While it is unlikely to change voters opinions of Trump, the big question is whether it impacts the way voters perceive Harris, Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, said in a recent tweet. According to a national New York Times/Siena College poll of 1,695 registered voters last week, Harris would lag Trump by one percentage point (47% vs. 48% with a margin of error plus/minus 2.8 pts.) if the election were held today. A separate CBS News/YouGov survey of registered voters also last week has Harris ahead of Trump in the battleground states of Michigan (50% vs. 49%) and Wisconsin (51% vs. 49%) with the candidates tied in Pennsylvania. CBS is scheduled to hold the next debate, which will pit vice presidential candidates Vance against Walz, on Oct. 1. CBS Evening News anchor Norah ODonnell and Face the Nation anchor Margaret Brennan are scheduled to moderate. In the meantime, early voting begins soon. Mail-in ballots are slated to be sent to voters in Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and several other states starting this month. The post ABC News Feels the Heat as Harris and Trump Ready for the Debate Stage | Analysis appeared first on TheWrap. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will meet for their first in-person debate Tuesday night at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis will moderate the debate, which begins at 9 p.m. There will be 90 minutes of debate time with two commercial breaks and a set of rules that both candidates agreed to. WSB-TV will air the ABC News Presidential Debate live on air, mobile apps and streaming on your Smart TV. Here are the ways that you can watch across the WSB-TV platforms. Channel 2 Check your TV guide for WSB-TV. Our LIVE debate coverage begins at 8 p.m. with the debate set to start at 9 p.m. WSBTV.com and Breaking News app You can watch the simulcast of the debate on WSBTV.com. There are two streams you can watch online: the WSB Now Stream here or the 24/7 Breaking News Stream here. The streams are also available through the WSB-TV mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Smart TV apps The WSB Now stream is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV and Google TV. On the home screen, find the magnifying glass and search for WSB. Click on the WSB app icon and install to watch. You can also watch WSB-TV on NextGen TV. You need a NextGen TV tuner and antenna. This feature is available on newer TV models of LG, Sony, Hisense and Samsung. Search/scan for WSB. Click OK on your TV remote to interact with the app. Your trusted source for contextualizing Americas core issues. Sign up for our daily newsletter to read future poll stories first, or donate today to support more projects like this. Most Americans do not believe that a fetus should have the legal rights of a person, per a new 19th/Survey Monkey poll, with 53 percent rejecting the anti-abortion ideology known as fetal personhood that Republicans opened the door to in their national party platform. Forty-one percent of Americans said the government should protect a fetus rights from the moment of conception. (While before eight weeks of pregnancy, a fetus is technically an embryo, the idea is generally referred to as fetal personhood.) There is a stark partisan divide: 81 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of independents expressed opposition to fetal personhood, compared with 28 percent of Republicans. Gender also mattered: 57 percent of women and 77 percent of nonbinary respondents opposed fetal personhood, while 50 percent of men did. SurveyMonkey conducted this poll online from August 26 through September 4 among a national sample of 20,762 adults, with a modeled error estimate of plus or minus 1.0 percentage points. Taken to its full extent, granting an embryo rights from the moment of conception would ban abortion completely. It could also criminalize miscarriage. Such a law would jeopardize the most effective fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF), since that regimen generally relies on creating multiple embryos, testing which are viable before implanting, and discarding those that people do not or cannot use. And it could be used to justify restrictions on emergency contraception, also known as Plan B, which some abortion opponents falsely believe constitutes an abortion. Substantially larger shares of Americans oppose those policy goals, the poll found, further emphasizing the fragility of fetal personhoods appeal. Only 9 percent of respondents said the government should restrict IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies. Meanwhile, 48 percent said the government should protect access, and 38 percent said the government should not intervene at all. While nonbinary people were more likely to say the government should protect IVFs availability 68 percent half of both men and women backed IVF protections. Respondents also largely opposed restrictions on birth control, including emergency contraception. Only 13 percent said they want the government to restrict use of emergency contraception, compared with 46 percent who favor protections and 36 percent who would like no new government policies. Men were more likely to support restrictions, at 15 percent. Fetal personhood has become an ultimate goal for an influential sector of the anti-abortion movement. While declining to endorse an explicit national abortion ban, the Republican Party has remained open to this line of thinking. This summer, the party endorsed a platform that said states could grant fetuses equal protection under the Constitutions 14th Amendment a theory that abortion opponents argue could be used to establish national fetal personhood. More people 65 percent believe abortion should be legal all or most of the time than those who backed the idea behind fetal personhood. This split suggests that even those who say rights start at the moment of conception dont necessarily endorse its outcomes. IVFs popularity was put on full display this February, when the Alabama Supreme Court temporarily ended access to the procedure in state, arguing that the states constitution gave embryos the same rights as people. That decision sent shockwaves across the country, prompting the state legislature to pass legislation quickly restoring access to the procedure. The state did not overturn the states ruling, but simply shielded IVF practitioners from prosecution. The issue has also become a critical talking point in the presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic presidential and vice presidential nominees, have argued that if elected, Republicans will threaten the availability of IVF as well as abortion, and their campaign has repeatedly pointed to the GOP platform as evidence. Former President Donald Trump, in an effort to respond, recently claimed that if elected, he would make all insurance cover IVF at no cost though he did not say how he would do so, and making such a change would be impossible without Congress. Still, Trumps new rhetoric has spooked anti-abortion activists, who have historically considered Trump an ally. To check your voter registration status or to get more information about registering to vote, text 19thnews to 26797. The post Some abortion opponents say rights start at conception. Most Americans dont agree. appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) To understand why there was a need for the civil rights era in Shreveport, scholars dont simply look at the 1950s and 1960s. They delve into the murky waters of history and gather historical facts they use to draw conclusions about Caddo Parish and Northwest Louisiana culture. To understand what life was like for people in Northwest Louisiana during the Civil War era, we must look at historical sources. One of those sources is a series of letters that tells the story of a man named Achilles, who left his home in Athens, Louisiana in 1861 without shoes fit for battle. Here is what we know about this Confederate soldier from the letters he wrote home to Athens, Louisiana, and more specifically to Becky, his wife. This is the story of John Achilles Harris of Athens. Achilles of Athens military career Achilles of Athens was a husband, father, and private from a town named Athens in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. He wrote home to his wife Rebecca from the start of the American Civil War, when he left Athens to begin his training at Camp Moore near Tangipahoa and finish training at Camp Benjamin near New Orleansboth in Louisiana. Achilles was a private in Company D of the 19th Louisiana Infantry of the Confederate Army. In 1862, just after Achilles began serving in combat, he became ill at Corinth, Mississippi. He wrote home, to Becky, while marching through Arkansas in formation. Achilles wrote home from Bolton, Mississippi, near Vicksburg when the city fell to Union forces. He walked his way through Alabama, Tennessee, and eventually wound up in Georgia, and he died on July 18, 1864 at the Battle of Ezra Church near Atlanta, Georgia. And though its easy to assume we know what a Confederate soldier would have written in letters he sent home to his wife, sometimes the reality of Achilles words are shocking. Well start off with a letter he sent while in training. Becky, the first time you go to Homer or elsewhere get me a stout pair of No. 9 shoes on my credit and send them by a good chance, Achilles wrote. His words give us a glimpse into what was on Achilles mind when he first joined the Confederacy. Becky, you wish me at home, but Becky as long as you can do without me, I want to stay in the army We had news last night that a battle was going on near Charlotte It was telegraphed to New Orleans last night and the cars brought the news this morning up here. By cars, Achilles is referring to train cars. Image of John Achilles Harris of Athens, Louisiana, a Civil War soldier who died in 1864 while fighting against Shermans army. Surviving letters written by Achilles to Becky give us the opportunity to view history in a new waythrough the perspective of someone from Northwest Louisiana. Achilles letters have been in the possession of Emory University archives since 1963, but only in recent years did they show up in Claiborne Parish archives. A Homerian tragedy unfolding in Homer, Louisiana By the time Achilles of Athens was amongst Confederates at Camp Moore, a seasoned Union Loyalist and abolitionist named Jasper Blackburn was already publishing THE HOMER ILIADan anti-Confederate, pro-Union newspaper in Homer where Achilles asked Becky to go to buy him shoes. One of the truly interesting things about Claiborne Parish history is that the parish didnt, as a whole, vote for succession from the Union when votes were tallied in 1861. They actually voted, as a whole, to stay in the Union. Fifteen decades have passed since the Civil War, but historians are only beginning to connect the literary dots in the real-life Homerian epic that strongly resembles the old-world story of the Trojan War. Louisianas connections to ancient Greece may surprise you From the old seat of Claiborne Parish (Athens) to Arcadias Greek name meaning idyllic and pastoral (according to the works of Virgil); from the historic settlement of Sparta to The Homer Iliad newspaper, Northwest Louisiana is overflowing with references to the ancient old world. But are historians in our region truly ready for an Athenian named Achilles from the Civil War? Because it will take generations for scholars to sort through parallels between men and myth, old world and new, literary legacy and historical authenticity. In April of 1861, Achilles wrote that the Hills Company broke up last night. I dont know the cause, but I do think it is a disgrace to the Parish for a Co. to do as they done. Achilles the ancient warrior vs. Achilles of Athens Achilles tales from the Civil War battlefront arent so very different than those of Achilles from the front lines of the Trojan War, a discovery that allows mankind to understand that emotions related to war didnt change at all in three thousand years. Thanks to the ancient, epic poet Homer, we can understand events that took place in and around Troy more than 3000 years ago. And thanks to the same ancient poem, we can understand the Civil War era in Northwest Louisiana a little better, too. Claiborne Parish has her own Civil War stories that seem connected by fate to Homers ancient poetry. Nearly a decade on from uncovering the remains of King Richard III under a car park near Leicester Cathedral, the universitys archaeological team have unearthed a Roman mosaic featuring the great Greek hero of Achilles in battle with Hector during the Trojan War this time in a farmers field in Rutland, England. (University of Leicester Archaeological Services via AP) Like the generation of leaves, the lives of mortal men, wrote Homer. And that is true whether were discussing the Trojan War, the Civil War, or any war fought in between the two. Achilles of Athens believed in a mirage of regional perfection, an image that existed in the minds of many American men (on both sides) during the Civil War. And he wrote about it, too. The land of the south, the fairest and happiest of all the earth, he wrote to Becky while describing Claiborne Parish and the South as a whole. The ancient Achilles was also guided to fight in the Trojan War by a set of strongly held notions concerning the world he lived in. Why does a 2500-mile-long, ancient roadway connect Natchitoches, La., to Mexico City? If I return home to my dear native land, then lost is my glorious renown, yet shall my life long endure, neither shall the doom of death come soon upon me, said Achilles in Homers The Iliad. Achilles of Athens had a similar outlook. In March of 1863, the Confederate private stopped referring to his wife by her first name and began his letter with, Dear Widow. He told his children to obey their mother. He also suddenly and noticeably committed himself to military life. If I were worth millions and could all the time have good health, he wrote in 1863, I would still want to be with my fellow soldiers. Jasper Blackburns take on regionalism was very different from either of the two Achilles. Blackburn, the publisher of The Iliad (Anti-Confederate newspaper in Homer) wrote the following words toward the end of his life, recollecting his days in journalism. Newspaper editor W. Jasper Blackburn was almost killed by Confederacy I did this simply under a sense and feeling of patriotismas one who loved his whole country dearer than any local section, and dearer than life itself. And in telling why I survived this course, in the midst of much local prejudice and mob violence, I but repeat what should be the pride and glory of every editorwhat should be remembered as his laudable and enviable experience in journalism simply and solely because my people knew I was honest and sincere in my course, without prejudice or aim to harm anyone, or to destroy or even harm the best interest of any section; for I already acquired the reputation for speaking my thoughts freely and without guise, and according to my own unprejudiced and candid convictions of truth and right. The two Achilles on higher powers The parallel between the two Achilles and The Homer Iliad is a subject one can spend a lifetime researching. The author of this article plans to do so with her life. Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldnt that be a sight? asked Achilles in a movie-star-studded depiction of the ancient Homerian legend. And such thoughts are nearly identical to those written by Achilles of Athens in February of 1863. I hear that great dissatisfaction reigns in our country in regard to the exemption law, and I cannot blame the people their, he wrote to his wife. The controversial exemption law allowed those who owned 20 slaves to be exempted from fighting for the Confederacy. All other southern men, ages 17-50, were required to fight unless they could pay someone to fight for them. Such did not sit well with Achilles of Athens. I mean those who are poor and have always had to work and all their lives to support their little children look at it in its proper light, he wrote to Becky. Now how is it those very rich men are the best of the overseers, can have more work done and keep the (enslaved) in better subjection that any poor man and the poor have to leave those to the mercy of the rich and go out to fight the battle of the countryand who forhave not the men of property more at stake than the poor. Certain they have and they are the ones who ought to face the canon or else when we gain our independence their effects ought to be taken and equally distributed between those who have gained for them their independence but as sure as there is a just God in heaven there will be a day of reckoning. Achilles the ancient warrior once said, if a man obeys the gods theyre quick to hear his prayers. And generation upon generation later, Achilles of Athens, Louisiana wrote home to Becky the heart-wrenching words that called out from deep within his soul: All I ask of you is to remember me in your Devotions to God, and pray for peace. I believe in fervent, faithful prayers, for it availeth much. Faith is a subject repeated in J. Achilles Harris letters. Brutal truths about the Civil War Achilles of Athens wrote from near Oxford, Mississippi in June of 1862. They have us in a hole and are scratching like dogs to get us. He was still hopeful. But by February he wrote of having to surrender Nashville. I dont believe Becky we can ever whip the Yankeys, he wrote. Meanwhile, back in Homer, Jasper Blackburn and others were fighting against the Confederacy with every syllable they could muster. Blackburn was almost placed before a Confederate firing squad for printing counterfeit Confederate currency, perhaps on his Anti-Confederacy printing press in Homer. And as Blackburn wrote, edited, and distributed his newspaper, the front lines were becoming increasingly unpleasant for Achilles of Athens. The Colonel issued orders this week that if any Soldier while on drill should break ranks for a call of nature, and should stand longer than usual time, he will be punished, by being tied up by the thumbs for 15 minutes or till he faints, wrote Achilles of Athens to Becky on July 6 from Tupelo, Mississippi. Then the details got a bit more gruesome. A great many have diarrhea and they have to suffersome do their business occasionally in their clothes. Achilles of Athens went on to describe being arrested for not following orders during a call of nature, and narrated his own frustration with Confederate leadership over their responses. The ancient Achilles struggled with authority, too. What a worthless, burnt-out coward Id be called if I would submit to you and your orders, he yelled to a military superior in The Iliad. Onward toward Mobile, Alabama Achilles of Athens moved as the war progressed. We left Tupalo, got to Mobile on Monday night followingBut happened to a very serious (accident) on the waythe 18 La Regiment were on train ahead of ours, and stopped in bend of the road to wood. (It must have been a wood-burning steam engine.) It was a little foggy and our engineer (ran into) the 18th train, smashing up several boxes and killing 6 soldiers and wounding a good many more some of whom I fear will (die). We lost but one out of our regimentpoor fellow had both his legs mashed into just below the knee, he lived some 3 hours afterwards Achilles of Athens becomes depressed By the 19th of August, the company was in Pollard, Alabama. Achilles of Athens asked for locks of his childrens hair and wrote to Becky that he weighed 190 lbs. January of 1863 found an even more depressing outlook in the weary Private. I dont think that there will be any peace What never have peace again! No never. And Achilles of Athens recommendations for defeating the Union Army are deeply disturbing in his letters to Becky. Jasper Blackburn earned the nickname The White Blackbird from a scathing piece he wrote, reprinted in the New York Times, that wholly condemned the pre-war caning of Charles Sumner. How well-known was Sumner, the abolitionist from Kansas? In a letter dated February 23 of 1863, Achilles of Athens wrote of Sumner and proved that locals were well familiar with the previous violence that had taken place in congress. Well yesterday I see Conway of Kansas, wrote Achilles, one of the most ultra republican members of congress, has made a strong speech in favor of peace and the stoppage of the war, the speech is said to have the approval of Gov. Andrew Charles Sumner Wendell Phillips Horase Greely and other leading abolitionists. He is against reunion and ready to acknowledge the independence of the Confederate States Such proves that the Unionists and Confederates of Old Claiborne Parish were adept at keeping up with the political processes taking place in D.C. Achilles of Athens letters teach us about an era of telegraphs and trains, of poor men fighting wars that rich men waged, of biological warfare and bonds between neighbors. But when combined with the Unionist and literary history we have recorded in Claiborne Parish, we also learn of the strength and dignity of the human spirit. Strength and dignity of the human spirit: Trojan and Civil Wars Sometimes humans feel compelled to stand up for what they believe in, even if they know its going to cost them their lives. Shreveport was a major Confederate capital; heres why it still matters Jasper Blackburn and John Achilles Harris were on opposite sides of the Civil War, but each of these men stood up for the sanctity of their American dreams. The two men did not have the same dream for America, but they stood for what they believed ineven though they stood in direct opposition to one another. Homers epic poem The Iliad shows the same thing, too. One cannot help but love both Hector and Achilles, though they battle one another and for two different causes. One can easily feel empathy for both, knowing both meet their death in a war thousands of years ago. Through Achilles of Athens words, we can walk with him from Athens to Tangipahoa, up to Nashville, and down to Tupelo. Through his letters, we can hear him sing while marching. We can search with him for a sewing needle to send back home to Becky. Through his own words, written to his wife, we can drink coffee with him and witness the horror of the Confederate train wreck at Mobile. Achilles of Athens death In the Field Near Atlanta. July 30th, 1864, the very last letter in the Private John Achilles Harris collection begins. Mrs. Rebecca Harris. As a friend to Your Self and husband it becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your husband. He fell on the 28th inst Nobly defending his country he died in a very few moments. Mr. Harris deeply do I sympathize with you but I am aware of the fact that all the sympathy give you little consolation. But a Christian heart like yours will turn to the worlds of a blessed Saviour that never failing source of heavenly love. Affliction is one of the hardest trials that we have on earth that of parting forever with a dear companion. But such is life. It is not left to us to say when we are willing to part without our loved ones, but God takes them in His own proper time and we as Christian people should submit After the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, Jasper Blackburn sold his printing press and returned to his childhood home of Arkansas. Achilles of Athens is buried where he fell at the Battle of Atlanta, which is now a polite little neighborhood with a historic marker located between homes. The ancient poet Homer wrote, in The Iliad, that any moment might be our last. Everything is more beautiful because were doomed, he calls out to us through a time gap more than three thousand years. And yet mankind is so amazing, so full of emotion, that even thousands of years after the Trojan War and more than 150 years after the Civil War we can view our own species history and understand how it felt to be either Achilles. And whether were in Homer, Troy, Athens, Arcadia, or Acadiana, we are all capable of understanding the emotion behind epic poetry. You will never be lovelier than you are now, wrote Homer. We will never be here again. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONG KONG (AP) Chinas exports grew for a fifth consecutive month, in a sign of growing demand abroad even as imports fell amid a slowing Chinese economy. Exports in August expanded by 8.7% to $308.65 billion compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Chinas customs office Tuesday, beating economists estimates of about 6.5%. The export figures for August were also up from the 7% rise in July. The reading in August is the strongest in 18 months, thanks in part to a low base in August 2023, when exports declined 8.8%. By comparison, imports grew just 0.5% compared to a year ago, falling short of the approximately 2% estimate by economists. Chinese leaders have ramped up investment in manufacturing to rev up an economy that stalled during the pandemic and is still growing slower than hoped. Export values grew year-on-year at the fastest pace in 17 months, with export volumes hitting record highs. We expect exports to remain robust in the near term, supported by the decline in Chinas real effective exchange rate, said Zichun Huang of Capital Economics. Imports volumes fell last month, but they will probably rebound in the coming months, with strong external demand lifting imports for processing and re-export, and increased fiscal spending boosting industrial commodities demand, Huang said. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations remained Chinas largest trading partner, and exports to ASEAN, the United States and the European Union have expanded compared to the same period last year. Chinas trade surplus widened to $91.02 billion in August, up from $84.65 billion in July. While the demand for exports is on the rise, China struggled with boosting demand domestically. The consumer price index rose 0.6% in August, missing forecasts according to data released Monday. Officials attributed the higher CPI to an increase in food prices due to bad weather. But the core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose by just 0.3% in August, the slowest in over three years. In August, Chinas manufacturing activity fell to a six-month low according to an official survey of factory managers, with the Purchasing Managers Index index slipping to 49.1 according to official data released last week. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction of manufacturing activity. Activists continue to call for changes to Arkansas Medicaid, allege unfair losses of coverage Organizers with Arkansas Community Organizations hold up signs advocating for better Medicaid coverage outside Jefferson County's Department of Human Services office in Pine Bluff on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) PINE BLUFF Arkansas Medicaid recipients and advocates repeated their ongoing messages that the state Department of Human Services should provide broader Medicaid coverage and process applications more efficiently at a Tuesday demonstration outside DHS Jefferson County office. Arkansas Community Organizations, the group behind the protest, has continually emphasized the benefits of the federally-funded health insurance program and the struggles low-income Arkansans face when they cannot afford health care or get on Medicaid quickly. On Tuesday, the group added a new message: that DHS employees are overworked and under-supported. When you walk into DHS, prepare to take a number and sit for a long time, Medicaid recipient William Gerard said. There might be two workers at four windows and not enough [support] to serve their caseload. Cathy Young of Pine Bluff and BeAtte Martin of Little Rock both said they did not receive notification from DHS when the agency changed their Medicaid coverage plans. Notifications might not reach people in the mail through no fault of their own, and sometimes DHS implements multiple changes before a Medicaid client gets notice of the first one, said Brainard Bivens, who worked at the Jefferson County DHS office from 1995 to 2017. They have to make a determination [of eligibility] within a certain amount of time, and a lot of time they cannot make determinations because of whats the chronic thing? Not enough information. We didnt get the information, Bivens said. Brainard Bivens (left) and Demetrius Melvin (right) participate in a protest advocating for improvements to Arkansas Medicaid in Pine Bluff on September 10, 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) DHS spent six months in 2023 reviewing the eligibility of Medicaid recipients whose coverage was extended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even if they no longer qualified for benefits because of income or other eligibility limits. More than 184,500 of the roughly 420,000 Arkansans who retained coverage during the extension were disenrolled between April 1 and Sept. 30 because they did not provide necessary eligibility information, according to DHS data. Arkansas Community Organizations held several protests last year, asserting DHS did not do enough to ensure people were ineligible before cutting their Medicaid coverage. Most states had a full year to conduct the unwinding of the coverage extension, but Arkansas had six months, as required by a 2021 state law. State officials have defended the unwinding process. The most recent protest before Tuesday was in May outside DHS headquarters in Little Rock, in response to a Georgetown University report released earlier that month. Arkansas had the tenth-largest decrease in the number of children enrolled in Medicaid at the end of 2023 than before the pandemic began in 2020, the report stated. Martin said Tuesday that she lost coverage in August 2023 despite still being eligible, and she then lost both Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and her caregiver for her health issues. She regained coverage for Medicaid but not for SNAP, she said, and DHS did not receive 76 documents she submitted proving her eligibility for benefits. Martin received SNAP and Medicaid in Oklahoma within a week of moving there earlier this year, but she was unable to find housing, she said, so she left in August in order for her children to go back to school in Little Rock, and the family remains homeless. Now that Im back in Arkansas, Im being forced to go through all the hoops with DHS again to receive the benefits that Im entitled to, Martin said. Arkansas Community Organizations is planning two more demonstrations in October, organizers Neil Sealy and Al Allen said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Norwegian police have dismissed claims from local animal rights organizations that the death of a beluga whale suspected of being used as a Russian spy was a deliberate act. Dubbed Hvaldimirwhich combines the Norwegian word for whale with part of the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putinthe whale was discovered dead in waters off southwestern Norway on Aug. 31. Hvaldimir gained worldwide attention after the animal was spotted off Norways Arctic coast with a harness attached to its body that appeared to support a mounted camera. Upon the discovery of the body, NOAH, Norways biggest animal rights nonprofit, and OneWhale, whose mission it was to protect the whale, suspected that Hvaldimir had been illegally shot and filed a complaint. However in a press release Monday, police, citing Amund Preede Revheim, head of the North Sea and environment section at the joint intelligence and investigation unit in the Sr-West police district, said a report on preliminary investigations indicate there are no findings from the autopsy that indicate that Hvaldimir has been shot. Activists Claim Legendary Russian Spy Whale Was Shot Dead Instead, a stick measuring 35 cm long (14 inches) and approximately 3 cm wide (1.2 inches) was discovered stuck inside Hvaldimir's mouth. The autopsy showed that his stomach was empty. In addition, most organs had broken down. There is nothing in the investigations that have been carried out to establish that it is human activity that has directly led to Hvaldimir's death, the release continued, citing Preede Revheim. Police described visible wounds on the body as completely superficial and the injuries have not affected vital organs or are of a fatal nature. The preliminary autopsy report does not conclude what caused these injuries. Among other things, an X-ray was taken of the front part of the more than four-metre-long (13-feet) whale, where the wounds are. Here, nothing has been found to indicate that these injuries stem from gunshots. No projectile has been found either, Revheim said. The autopsies have gone all over Hvaldimir on the outside, and no signs of further external damage have been found. Police said that since the findings, they will no longer actively investigate the case. The final autopsy report will be available within two weeks. Activists, however, are not convinced. In a Facebook post Monday, OneWhale announced a $5,000 reward for more information surrounding the death of Hvaldimir. Today it was announced that local police in Norway will not be conducting an investigation at this time, a statement read. Many organizations who claimed he was safe with human monitors would like the inconclusive preliminary report on Hvaldimirs death to be the end of it. But despite the barrage of on-line abuse, we arent hasty to sweep his death under the rug. We look forward the the final vet report, which for now leaves us more questions than answers. NOAH, meanwhile, pointed again to the marks on Hvaldimir's body, claiming in a statement that police still cannot account for what the bullet-like marks are on his body. It added, NOAH is now demanding a thorough explanation on what actually happened to Hvaldimir, claiming we believe it is too early to dismiss the investigation into a young, healthy whale dying in a healthy condition with unexplained injuries. The polices current explanation of the finding of a stick in Hvaldimir's mouth raises more questions than answers, and NOAH wants to ensure that all the facts are revealed. It is our duty to ensure full transparency about what has happened to Hvalidmir! 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. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) Plans are moving forward to expand and improve the John W. Jones Musem at 1248 Davis Street. 18 News learned the museum will build a new memorial pathway made of personalized bricks that will lead visitors to the statue on Davis Street. Current path leading to John W. Jones statue from Davis Street. The statue honoring John W. Jones, called the Crossing, was officially dedicated in June. It was made by sculptor Gary Weisman. The museum says for $150; you can buy a granite brick that will be diamond-tipped engraved with a short custom message. The museum says about 500 bricks are available. People can buy more than one brick. Elmirans gather at John W. Jones statue dedication Jones, an escaped slave from Virginia, helped lead hundreds of people to freedom after becoming a part of Elmiras Underground Railroad. He also worked to identify 2,973 Confederate soldiers who died in the Hellmira civil war prisoner camp and give them a dignified burial. The museum says Jones kept such precise records that on December 7, 1877, the federal government declared the burial site as the National Woodlawn Cemetery. Talima Aaron, President of the museums board of trustees, said Jones statue is a reminder of Elmiras rich history. Great people have done great things here in Elmira. We have a history to be proud of, Aaron said. We wanted to inspire and generate critical thinking. Jones is pointing to freedom and beckoning with his other hand, saying follow me, its this way. Aaron says the new statue has led to an increase in passersbys and museum visitors. The statue is doing what it intended to do. Its getting people interested in a real local hero. The museum says John W. Jones was born a slave on a plantation south of Leesburg, Virginia, on June 21, 1817. In 1844, at the age of 27, he fled north and settled in Elmira. In 1847, he became the sexton or caretaker of the first church building of Elmiras First Baptist Church. The church and its congregation also became a part of the Underground Railroad. Elmira bridge renamed in honor of two local trailblazers By 1860, Jones is credited with helping more than 800 runaway slaves. The museum says Jones received fugitives in parties of six or ten. At times, he is said to have found shelter for up to 30 men, women and children a night. The museum says it is believed Jones sheltered many in his own home behind First Baptist Church. Aaron says G.P.S coordinates were used to position Jones statue, so he is pointing directly to where he led many freedom seekers: the St. Catharines Church in Ontario, Canada. Aaron says the museum is also nearing its goal of raising $1,000,000 to build a new room for the museum. Aaron said the museum is about 90% away. In July, New York Congressman Nick Langworthy announced the John W. Museum would be receiving a $45,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to fund expansions at the museum. The John W. Jones Museum honors a local hero and provides meaningful learning opportunities about his life and the Underground Railroad, said Congressman Langworthy. This federal investment, matched by local funding, will allow the museum to increase its visitor capacity and expand its programming, ultimately allowing more visitors to engage with and learn from this important piece of our history. For more information, you can visit the John W. Jones Museum website 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, or AEM, is touring the nation to shine a light on American-made products. They stopped in Princeton to visit Conn-Weld Industries. Those with the organization wanted to recognize Conn-Weld Industries hard work and their contributions to society. State Auditor J.B. McCuskey joined in on the festivities to show his gratitude. West Virginia has long been a hub of incredible welding, incredible manufacturing, and support for not just our coal industry, but ourour hard rock industries, as well as farming and timber, said McCusky. Nicholas Rudowich, the director of state affairs for AEM explained why they incorporated Conn-Weld into their national tour. It is not done without the men and women who are working inside the building that is right here. Those are the people that really matter. It helps us get their story out about them, about the people who work here at Conn-Weld, who are multigenerational, multi-decade employees who really put the effort into making American manufacturing great, said Rudowich. Conn-Weld President, Marvin Woodie Jr. also gave out tours of their facilities to enlighten attendees on what they do at Conn-Weld. State Auditor McCuskey was one of those who took the tour and says it was an eye opener. The biggest thing that stood out to him was the manufacturing of screens at Conn-Weld. These screens aid in the functioning of the chemical industry, rare earth minerals, as well as our food supply. They are going all over the world. [Conn-well] are in competition with China, like so many other manufacturing companies, but they beat them because their people are better, because their products are better, and because they last longer. So, what this is really proof positive of is that American manufacturing isnt just a number on a spreadsheet. It is about producing a product and creating a life for the employees at these companies, said McCusky. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. This is the second of a two-part series on tonight's first, and so far only scheduled, debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Read the first part here. BORDER SECURITY Q: Lets talk about the border. Polling suggests that Americans like Mr. Trumps tough approach. What will you do about the border? A: Tough on the border? Ill tell you what hes tough on. Hes tough on fellow Republicans who want to secure our borders when he thinks itll hurt him politically. Thats why in February, he killed the toughest-in-history Senate border security bill that his own ally, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, negotiated. Trump stopped it. His Republican enablers gave in. He didnt want his presidential opponent to get the credit. He wanted the problem to exist at this very moment. He thinks that the more people who cross our borders the better hell do. Thats typical Trump, putting himself first, putting America second. Well guess what, were tired of his con games. Border security is key to national security. President Biden and I know that. Thats why we have put in place what measures we could by executive order, like limiting asylum claims when border crossings rise. And what do you know? Illegal crossings at the border are down to the lowest level since the middle of the pandemic. Your choice in this election is clear: Someone who will do something about border security or someone who just wants you to be afraid of a problem he could have helped solve. ISRAEL Q: Vice President Harris, as president, what would you do differently from President Biden in Israel? A: As the vice president, I am first and foremost a team player. I give advice when asked, and I can assure you that as someone whos seen everything in global affairs, Joe Biden seldom needs my advice on foreign policy. I can also tell you that my job as president will be to have my foreign affairs advisers do a full review of policy and make recommendations to me. I will act upon them after careful evaluation and discussion with our allies. New presidents, even of the same party, always make adjustments from the old. Like the President, I am frustrated and gravely disappointed by all the civilian deaths that have occurred. The killings and rapes by Hamas on October 7 required a powerful response. The bombings of schools and hospitals, and the choking of resources for Palestinian women and children have gone too far and broken my heart. Thats why I want a cease-fire now. Israel has the right to defend itself. But I am with President Biden, the hundreds of thousands of Israels on the street, and even Benjamin Netanyahus own cabinet members who are saying to him, You are not doing enough to obtain a ceasefire and get back the hostages including American hostages. Military force cannot destroy Hamas without creating more hatred and war. There can be no lasting peace without a two-state solution. I am committed to lasting peace, and I will do what it takes to achieve it. Anyone who thinks we will achieve it under a second Trump administration should review the record. In May, my opponent said a two-state solution is not viable. Last week, David Friedman, his former Ambassador to Israel, said that Americans have a Biblical duty to support a single state of Israel, including an annexed West Bank. Surely, he did not say that without checking. That could be one clear way to signal President Netanyahu not to agree to a ceasefire before November 5. Like Donald Trumps actions on border security, he cares about political benefit, not about doing what is necessary to deal with our hardest problems. I assure you, there will be no Middle East peace if my opponent becomes president. AFGHANISTAN Q: What was your role in the Afghanistan withdrawal? Youve no doubt seen JD Vances comments condemning you over the Biden Administration's handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He said you "can go to hell." Dont you owe the American people an apology for what happened in Afghanistan? A: As Ive said, today and every day I mourn and honor the brave soldiers who died in Afghanistan. My prayers are with their families and loved ones. My heart breaks for their pain and their loss. These 13 devoted patriots represent the best of America, putting our beloved nation and their fellow Americans above themselves and deploying into danger to keep their fellow citizens safe. But lets tell the truth about what happened in Afghanistan. President Biden and America got stuck with the lousy deal Donald Trump made. Dont take my word for it. Republican Nikki Haley, Trumps former UN Ambassador, condemned the deal after leaving his administration, saying that negotiating with the Taliban was like negotiating with the devil. But that didnt stop Trump from promising them he would get out of their country. And heres what Trumps own former National Security Advisor, H.R. McMaster, told journalist Bari Weiss after the American GIs were killed in the withdrawal: This collapse goes back to the capitulation agreement of 2020. The Taliban didnt defeat us. We defeated ourselves. John Bolton, McMasters successor as national security adviser, said to CNN after the ill-fated, rushed withdrawal that Trump would have done the same thing. Then theres the news from McMasters own book that Trump forced our Afghan allies to agree to release 5000 Taliban as part of the agreement. So much for the art of the deal. So much for American national security if my opponent is returned to the White House. UKRAINE Q: Vice President Harris, President Biden has been criticized for delaying the shipment of arms to Ukraine. What would you do better? A: Theres one thing I can guarantee to do better: I will do better than my opponent in discharging the awesome responsibility of protecting the Western World from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hes interfering with our elections again, this time hoping Mr. Trump will be elected and wave the white flag over Ukraine. Again, dont take my word for it. H.R. McMasters book tells us how in 2018, Putin played Trump like a fiddle, flattering his ego and manipulating his insecurities. And if you need a lesson in how to be a self-serving, disrespecter of American military sacrifice, just read the stories of my opponents and his aides strong-arming a female officer at Arlington National Cemetery late last month. All so they could violate military regulations and profane the sacred in section 60 of Arlington. All so they could video candidate Trump for TicTok, campaigning with his grin and signature thumbs up over the grave of a fallen soldier. Even deceased Arizona Senator John McCains son, James, who has served in our military for 17 years and who has never spoken out politically before, felt compelled to condemn that action. Desecrating Arlington cemetery is not who we are as Americans. We do not trample on the memory of others for our own purposes. We do not believe that the ends of power justify the means of disgrace. We are better than that, and we deserve a leader and a future better than that. In every national security and foreign policy decision that I make, I will be that leader. I will build that future for every American. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) A federal agricultural service will no longer provide some of the key data thats used in South Dakota for setting taxable values of crop and grasslands. The National Agricultural Statistics Service is stopping collection of various pieces of information such as crop yields, according to Wendy Semmler, property-tax division director in the state Department of Revenue. She described them as crucial components in South Dakotas production-based system for assessing values. Semmler announced the change on Tuesday during a meeting of the Legislatures Agricultural Land Assessment Implementation and Oversight Advisory Task Force. For commodities, we are going to need to find another data source, she said. Kippley calls for Anderson to resign; auditor declines The department recently renewed a contract with South Dakota State University for assistance. SDSU is recommending for the 2026 assessments that replacement data be obtained from the federal Risk Management Agency, which runs the federal crop insurance program. NASS and RMA are both part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The RMA data sets are more complex but appear to be more robust and consistent, according to Semmler. I actually do think this will be a good solution going forward, she said. State lawmakers established the task force in 2008. At the same time, they switched agricultural-property assessments in South Dakota to a soil-productivity approach and set aside a market approach that had been riddled with exceptions. In past years, the task force has heard from landowners and recommended adjustments and changes. Republican Rep. Kirk Chaffee chairs the panel. He has served on it since the start, first as Meade County director of equalization and more recently the past six years as a legislator. Two years ago, Chaffee carried legislation backed by the task force that changed how one type of soil was classified. It became law and took effect July 1, 2023. That resulted in a $134 million reduction in assessed value statewide, according to Semmler. The amount of reduction surprised Chaffee. In the scope of things, thats a very small number, he said. On Tuesday, no one from the public came forward to discuss any issues, and none of the panels members brought ideas for adjustments. It probably would be the groups only meeting this year. Said Chaffee, I dont see any proposed legislation coming out of this meeting today. Instead, the task force discussed what its future role might be. Former lawmaker Larry Tidemann of Brookings, who served in the Legislature when the decision was made to go to a productivity approach for setting values on agriculture property, said there have been pieces of legislation introduced that werent presented to the task force. Another task force member, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry president David Owen, said the panel was formed to provide supervision. He suggested that the committee issue a statement saying the productivity system is working. Task force member David Anderson, another former lawmaker who farms, said theres a state workers compensation council that reviews potential legislation. Owen said he serves on the state reemployment assistance council that likewise reviews potential legislation and suggested that the task force could provide a similar role. State Revenue Secretary Mike Houdyshell, a former property tax division director, said he had worked with the task force for more than a decade. He agreed that the task force should remind an interim legislative committee studying property tax methodology of the task forces work. Houdyshell compared South Dakota to Nebraska, which still uses the market-based system for valuing agricultural property. What weve done in South Dakota has worked, he said. Statewide, he said, South Dakota agriculture property this year is assessed for tax purposes at $43.6 billion of value, more than double the approximately $19 billion of assessed value back in 2008 and 2009 when the system changed. Its been an improvement and its benefited the other classes of property, Houdyshell said. He acknowledged that owner-occupied resident property taxes have risen in many counties in recent years. But, he said about that challenge, The solution isnt blowing up the productivity system. Republican Rep. Drew Peterson is on the task force and co-chairs the methodology committee. He said it would make sense to have a statement from the task force. That perspective would be appreciated by the (methodology) committee, he said. Peterson, who participated remotely because he was busy in a field farming, said agriculture property now comprises a slightly higher percentage of total property value in South Dakota than when the valuation method changed for agriculture. He said ag values went up rapidly statewide as the new system took effect, and more recently owner-occupied values have rapidly gone up. As a chair of the committee I would welcome it, Peterson said about a task force statement. He said it also would be valuable to have the task forces perspective in the room on Wednesday when the methodology committee meets. Wed really appreciate it, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis said in a video posted to the department's Facebook page on Sept. 8, 2024 that he would not resign from his position. On Monday, Davis resigned amid accusations of mismanagement, following a standoff with Gov. Kay Ivey.(Screenshot via Facebook) Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis submitted his resignation to Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday, following an unusual days-long standoff between the states chief executive and the head of a state department. Davis resignation, effective Dec. 31, came amid accusations from Ivey and other agencies of mismanagement of federal funds and a failure to cooperate with other state agencies. Ivey had called a meeting of the State Board of Veterans Affairs to oust Davis, but that meeting was canceled after Davis resignation. Today, Commissioner Kent Davis had a very cordial and informative meeting with Governor Ivey and her senior staff. This matter has been resolved to the mutual benefit of all parties, Brandon Miller, public information manager of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), said in a statement Monday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ivey said in a statement that her meeting with Davis was respectful, frank, and informative, with both sides gaining new perspective and insight about the challenges each of us face in fulfilling our respective roles. I appreciate Commissioner Daviss record of service as commissioner, and I appreciate him doing the right thing for our state and the future of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Ivey said in the statement. The governor accused Davis of failing to comply with responsibilities required by state and federal law, including securing additional services or benefits for veterans and collaborating with other department heads. According to the letter, Daviss performance falls short in each of these important areas. Ivey also accused Davis of taking actions to produce strife and conflict with my office, with other state executive-branch agencies, with state legislators, and with members of our congressional delegation, adding that this alone constitutes cause for your removal. According to Lagniappe and Alabama Daily News, Davis filed an ethics complaint against Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Commissioner Kim Boswell alleging that Boswell and the department had coordinated efforts with other state officials to prevent the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs from receiving $7 million in ARPA funding. The Alabama Ethics Commission dismissed the complaint last month. According to Iveys letter on Friday, Veterans Affairs received $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds intended for mental health programs for Alabama veterans in November 2022. The governor said that Daviss department did not present grant applications to the State Board until January 2024, just months before a June 1 deadline, resulting in questions from other departments about compliance and proper fund use. The Department of Mental Health (ADMH) ultimately terminated its agreement with the department over these concerns, according to an April 2 letter from ADMH, in which concerns were raised about grant funding being used for lobbying. Ivey wrote that the delays led to irreparable breaches in other departments abilities to work with Davis. The governors letter also included an April 12 letter from the Department of Finance to ADVA, sent 10 days after ADMHs letter withdrawing from its agreement, outlining numerous concerns regarding numerous grants, most of which revolved around programs having small or no connection to veteran mental health. Davis initially refused to resign, and published an announcement on Friday saying he respectfully disagree[d] with the inaccurate claims made against ADVA, saying that at no time did our actions jeopardize the State of Alabama in fulfilling its obligations of the $2.1 billion in ARPA funds. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Albuquerque student accused of having gun at high school will stay in custody ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A teen accused of having a loaded gun at a high school campus will remain in custody. Police arrested a 15-year-old Valley High School student last Thursday after school authorities said they found a gun stashed away in their backpack. Santa Fe police chief calls for change after reckless driver, shooting incident The student is facing charges of carrying a deadly weapon on campus and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor. The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office said they have zero tolerance when it comes to firearms on school property. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hassani said on Monday he had "lost the battle but not the war" (-) (-/AFP/AFP) Algeria's presidential candidates who lost out to incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algeria's presidential election filed appeals to the Constitutional Court Tuesday, contesting the provisional result of the vote. Abdelaali Hassani, who heads the moderate Islamist party the Movement of Society for Peace, was first to submit his appeal. He said the day before he had "lost the battle but not the war" and denounced the results as a "fraud". Youcef Aouchiche, head of the centre-left Socialist Forces Front (FFS), later followed suit, accusing the electoral authority ANIE of "forging" the September 7 election's result. On Sunday, ANIE announced that Tebboune had won "94.65 percent of the vote", with Hassani receiving 3.17 percent and Aouchiche 2.16 percent. Tebboune, 78, had been widely expected to breeze through the election and was focused instead on securing a high turnout. He was elected in December 2019 with 58 percent of the vote, despite a record abstention rate above 60 percent, amid the mass Hirak pro-democracy protests. More than 24 million Algerians were registered to vote in this election, but ANIE did not say how many people turned out. Instead, it announced a "provisional average turnout" rate of 48 percent, which Hassani and Aouchiche have disputed. Hassani earlier denounced what he called "false figures" on voter turnout and demanded that the authorities put an end to the "masquerade". Aouchiche on Tuesday also said the results "did not reflect the votes of Algerians". The Constitutional Court is set to announce the final results within 10 days of receiving the count from Algeria's 58 provinces. On Monday, it said it had yet to receive all of them. bur/fka/bou/jsa Almost half the population turned out for Pope Francis' Mass in the most Catholic country outside Vatican City Almost half the population of East Timor, the most Catholic nation outside Vatican City, attended a Mass presided over by Pope Francis on Tuesday on the third leg of his Asia trip. An estimated 600,000 people packed the seaside park of Tasitolu near the capital, Dili, the Vatican told reporters, citing local authorities. About 98% of the Southeast Asian country of 1.3 million people is Catholic, and the church is seen as having played a critical role in its fight for independence from Indonesia. But the Vatican has also admitted it concealed sexual abuse by members of the clergy in East Timor, including key figures in the independence movement. Francis, 87, is the first pope to visit East Timor since it became an independent state in 2002. It is the only Catholic-majority nation on his ambitious 12-day Asia trip, which is also taking him to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Pope Francis blesses attendees at the Irmas Alma School for Children with Disabilities in Dili on Tuesday. A sea of yellow and white umbrellas, the colors of the Holy See, covered the park Tuesday as the crowd waited for Francis to arrive in the scorching afternoon sun. Firefighters occasionally sprayed water on the crowd, some of whom had been waiting since the early hours of the morning, to alleviate the heat. Francis arrived shortly after 4 p.m. local time (3 a.m. ET) to cheers of Viva Papa Francisco! Our country is poor, we need more development, we need international support and the blessing of Pope Francis, Juse Manuel Mendez told NBC News while he was walking with his family to the Mass. The Mass was held at the site where St. John Paul II, the last pope to visit East Timor, celebrated a historic liturgy in 1989. The park, which was once known as a place where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies during their violent 24-year occupation, has a large statue of John Paul honoring the visit. Earlier Tuesday, Francis visited children with disabilities and met with bishops, priests, deacons and others at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, where he gave a speech. He arrived in the country Monday to an enthusiastic welcome, with people jamming his motorcade route into town from the airport. A firefighter sprays water on Catholic faithful gathered for a Holy Mass with Francis near Dili on Tuesday. Catholicism as a nationalist act Only about a quarter of people in East Timor were Catholic in 1975, when Indonesia invaded it shortly after it unilaterally declared independence from centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. Indonesia rejected the animist beliefs of the Timorese and required people to choose a monotheistic religion. Converting to Catholicism thus became a nationalist act against Muslim-majority Indonesia, said Michael Leach, a professor of politics and international relations at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. The church provided a sense of sanctuary to the Timorese in a difficult period of their history, he said in an email. John Pauls high-profile visit in 1989 was a signal moment in the Timorese struggle for self-determination, as it appeared to symbolically recognize East Timor as a nation separate from Indonesia, Leach said. The protests that broke out immediately after John Pauls Mass could not be hidden from the rest of the world, he said. Ten years later, 78.5% of the population voted for independence in a U.N.-backed referendum. In response, pro-Indonesia militias launched a three-week campaign that resulted in mass violence and destruction of infrastructure. About 200,000 people are believed to have been killed during Indonesias rule. Catholic faithful block the sun as they wait for Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A legacy of abuse The Vaticans image in East Timor has also been tainted by multiple clergy abuse scandals. In 2022, the Vatican confirmed that Dili Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo had been secretly sanctioned two years earlier for sexually abusing young boys. Belo, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 with current President Jose Ramos-Horta for their efforts to peacefully resolve the East Timor conflict, now lives in Portugal and is prohibited by the church from any contact with his former home. In 2021, a court in East Timor sentenced American former missionary Richard Daschbach, who was widely praised for saving lives during the nations independence fight, to 12 years in prison for molesting young girls under his care. The child sex abuse cases in East Timor have been very poorly handled and left a bitter taste for many, said Damien Kingsbury, an emeritus professor of international politics at Deakin University in Australia who has extensive experience in East Timor. There has been the usual inaction and cover-ups, with few cases being prosecuted, often late and following much public pressure, he said in an email. Francis hinted at the abuse cases in his speech Monday but did not mention Belo or others by name or acknowledge any responsibility by the church. Let us not forget the many children and adolescents whose dignity has been violated, he said. We are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people, he said. Francis will leave East Timor on Wednesday and continue on to Singapore, the last stop of his trip, where three-quarters of the population is ethnically Chinese. There he will have the chance to send an indirect message to Catholics in China as the Vatican tries to improve relations with Beijing. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Niket Nishant and Tatiana Bautzer (Reuters) -Citigroup's chief accounting officer and controller Johnbull Okpara resigned to pursue another opportunity, effective Tuesday, the bank said in a filing. Robert Walsh, who has served as controller for Citi's services business since November, will take on the role of interim chief accounting officer while the bank searches for a permanent replacement for Okpara. Patrick Scally will act as its interim controller. "Johnbull will stay at Citi to drive the third quarter earnings process and then will advise as needed through the filing of the 10Q to ensure a seamless transition," Chief Financial Officer Mark Mason wrote in an internal memo, referring to a quarterly regulatory filing. In Okpara's nearly four years at Citi, he "has overseen critical efforts to strengthen our financial and regulatory reporting, internal controls and accounting policies," Mason wrote in the memo seen by Reuters. The bank declined to comment beyond the filing and memo. (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and Tatiana Bautzer in New York; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi and Lananh Nguyen) Almost two million trees planted in North in 2023 More than 1.9 million trees were planted in 2023 as part of a major project to boost woodland cover across northern England, it has been revealed. The Northern Forest project will see 50 million trees planted from coast to coast and around cities such as Liverpool, York, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Hull by 2043. Since 2018, nearly eight million trees have been planted - with the highest number recorded last year, the Woodland Trust said. Nick Sellwood, who leads the trust's Northern Forests team, said 2023 had been a "bumper year" for planting. The Northern Forest stretches from Merseyside in the west to beyond Hull in the east [Woodland Trust] Mr Sellwood said the team's achievements to date were "nothing short of remarkable". There are now thousands more trees in cities, in the countryside and in more inhospitable places high up in the Pennines," he added. "More new woodlands bring huge benefits to people - not just in terms of well being, but in jobs and a boost to businesses and the economy through the likes of improving air quality, reducing flooding and creating green jobs." The project started when the Woodland Trust joined forces with a number of Community Forests, including The Mersey Forest, City of Trees (Greater Manchester), Humber Forest, White Rose Forest and Community Forest Trust. The Woodland Trusts said trees like these being planted as part of the Humber Forest were "vital for our communities wellbeing" [BBC] At the time, tree cover in that northern belt was just 7.6% compared with the national average of 13%. Humber Forest, the Community Forest for Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, saw 150,000 trees planted in the past two years, with more planned for this year. Paul Nolan, director of The Mersey Forest and chair of Englands Community Forests, said access to woodland and green space was "vital for our communities wellbeing". The work of the Northern Forest is just part of the wider effort in England over the past year, which saw tree-planting rates increase by 52% from the previous year with 5,529 hectares of new woodland planted. The Woodland Trust said this was "significant progress" towards meeting the Environment Act target of achieving 16.5% tree and woodland cover in England by 2050. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Related internet links More on this story People carry drinking water along a sandbank of Madeira River in Paraizinho Community, in Humaita, Amazonas state, northern Brazil, on September 7, 2024 (MICHAEL DANTAS) (MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP/AFP) Only the youngest and strongest villagers now brave the crossing of a vast, blistering stretch of sand where, in normal times, the waters of the mighty Madeira River flow in the Brazilian Amazon. Residents of the village of Paraizinho -- or "Little Paradise" -- usually cross the river by canoe to reach the larger city of Humaita, a vital link to buy food and water, get healthcare and send their children to school. In drier times, this typically involves a short walk along a beach that appears as water levels drop. But as Brazil grapples with its worst drought in 70 years, the waters have continued to shrink, leaving a stretch of almost a kilometer (about 0.6 miles) of sand baking under temperatures of about 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). "Every year it is worse. Last year more than half (of the river) dried up. This year it has dried up almost to the other side," Reis Santos Vieira, a 69-year-old farmer, told AFP. "And it is expected to get worse," he added. The Madeira River, a major tributary of the Amazon River that stretches for 3,300 km (2,050 miles) over Brazil and Bolivia, reached its lowest level since monitoring began in 1967 this week, according to the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB). - 'A very difficult time' - Experts link Brazil's historic drought to climate change. The parched conditions have fueled wildfires in the Amazon and elsewhere in the country that have clouded major cities in smoke pollution. For much of the day, the dry riverbed becomes an inferno underfoot. The roughly one hundred residents of Paraizinho "are tackling that beach on foot to transport the food and water we need here. It's a very difficult time," complained Sandra Gomes Vieira. Last year, which also saw drought conditions, one of her daughters burned her foot crossing the riverbed. She has refused to go to school since the sand appeared this year. "My sister is undergoing treatment for cancer and can't go to the city. Health personnel go to her house. I'm not very healthy either, but I still manage to get there," said Gomes. Five community volunteers recently carried containers of drinking water barefoot from Humaita to Paraizinho that used to be easily transported on canoes across the river. "Here, we only have the help of these people. Only them and God," said Francisca de Chaga da Silva, one of the water recipients. Community leader Joao Ferreira explained the water goes to "the most vulnerable families, who have patients with high blood pressure and diabetes." Faced with the water shortage, residents treat river water with chlorine to bathe and wash dishes or clothes. - 'More smoke' - The prolonged drought is also impacting economic activities in Paraizinho, mainly fishing and the sale of agricultural products. "The beach has grown a lot. Before, it was only two or three months" of drought, "now we are going for four, five months," said Ferreira. Communities all along the banks of the Madeira River -- an important route for the trade of soybeans, fish and fuel -- are struggling. Some areas which also rely on Humaita have it worse than Paraizinho, residents of the village say, as they are even further away. Intense fires elsewhere in the Amazon have also brought a haze of smoke to the village and surrounding locale. Authorities blame human activity for most of the recent fires in the country, which are often linked to clearing land for agriculture. The weather "is hotter this year. There is also more smoke," said Sandra Gomes. One of her daughters "has been feeling chest pains from the smoke. Before, she didn't suffer from this problem." President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to announce measures to tackle the effects of the drought in the Amazon during a visit to the city of Manaus on Tuesday. jss/app/fb/mlr/jgc BOILING SPRING LAKES, N.C. (WNCN) An Amber Alert has been canceled Tuesday morning for a missing North Carolina toddler, according to the N.C. Center for Missing Persons. The Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department was searching for a missing three-year-old. CRIME TRACKER Sign up for CBS 17s newsletter with the latest in local crime According to officials, she was believed to be with her grandmother. Officials did not specify where the toddler was 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 CBS17.com. The U.S.s nuclear power ambitions rely on a steady supply of HALEU, a kind of nuclear fuel enriched above current fuel used by current nuclear power plants but far less than weapons-grade. With its usual supply of HALEU cut off due to the war in Ukraine, the U.S. is turning toward down-blending its old nuclear arsenal to supply some fuel for startups trying to kickstart the countrys nuclear energy sector. Although this approach will help, experts say the long-term solution is to invest in a steady domestic supply of HALEU for future nuclear reactors. Although the next era of nuclear energy inspires big green energy ambitions, the reactors powering that vision are surprisingly small. Terrapower, the Bill Gates-backed nuclear plant that broke ground in Wyoming earlier this year, is roughly one-third the size of your typical large energy plants. This plant-in-the-making is a Natrium reactor that relies on sodium and molten salt as both a fuel and coolant, instead of water, but crucially relies on high-assay, low-enriched uranium fuel, or HALEU, to operate. According to the World Nuclear Association, current reactors use uranium-235 enriched up to 5 percent (weapons grade uranium is enriched up to 95 percent). HALEU, while still much lower than weapons-grade uranium, still requires enrichment between 5 percent and 25 percent, but it can be down-blended to reactor-appropriate enrichment levels by mixing weapons-grade uranium with depleted uranium in a furnace at roughly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, HALEU is hard to come by and, until recently, was only really used in research reactors and medical isotope production. But things have changed, and its quickly become evident that U.S.s nuclear ambitions rely on a steady supply of the stuffand thats where things get tricky. Until last year, the U.S. relied on Russia to supply this low-enriched fuel. After all, following the Cold War, the former Soviet Union had lots of recently down-blended, weapons-grade uranium to sell and the U.S. was eager to buy. But the war in Ukraine has severed that supply chain, and, according to a new report published by CNN, the U.S. is turning to its own nuclear arsenal to deliver much-needed HALEU to nascent nuclear projects in dire need of the stuff. While the U.S. nuclear arsenal represents a kind of emergency supply, it is by no means a long-term solution. The long-term solution is we have to have enrichment, Jeff Chamberlin, the acting principal assistant deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation, told CNN. Even if we down-blended all that material tomorrow, we couldnt supply the demonstration needs of all the advanced reactor companies the U.S. has stated right now. One of the benefits of these new HALEU reactors is that that theyre smaller, can last longer, and they simply fit into more spaces. This also means they dont take nearly as long to build, but that can also explain why demand is skyrocketing. There are U.S. companies working to break the countrys HALEU dependence on Russia, but it wont be an easy craving to satisfy. The Department of Energy estimates that this next generation of nuclear reactors needs 40 tons of HALEU by 2030, but CNN reports that, currently, the U.S.s leftover arsenal is on track to produce only six tons by 2027. Its uncertain exactly how much HALEU the U.S. could make by down-blending highly enriched uranium, because those numbers are definitely a highly classified state secret. But it certainly could help fuel (literally) the U.Ss rush to decarbonize and energize with a new generation of nuclear reactors. You Might Also Like American fast-food giants are going big on a China wager, betting they can get the country's new middle class to love them back American fast-food giants are going big on a China wager, betting they can get the country's new middle class to love them back As other investors flee China, KFC and McDonald's are planning their most ambitious expansions there. Both enjoy premier positions in China's fast food market, but the country's economic outlook remains dim. They're honing in on lower-tier cities, where they bet a new middle class will emerge. There's a common phrase in urban China that's embedded in the fabric of Kentucky Fried Chicken: "Crazy Thursday." Coined as a promotion six years ago, Crazy Thursday promised heavy discounts every week, like 15 wings for $2.82 or a four-piece meal for $4.20. It's become a national phenomenon in China, partly because it's at the heart of one of the country's most viral internet memes, where people write melodramatic stories that end with a sudden twist a request for 50 yuan, or $7, to buy a Crazy Thursday feast. "I was fired today," one such post reads. "I didn't want to go to work. My performance was terrible. No one cares about me. Send me 50 yuan for Crazy Thursday." The bizarre trend boasts over 3 billion views and 31 million posts on Weibo, China's version of X. McDonald's fans have their own entry in the Chinese zeitgeist a make-believe pseudo-Christian religion called the "McMen," which sounds like "Amen" when said in Mandarin. "Blessed are the McMen in Hangzhou," read one topic that went viral when McDonald's released new Happy Meal toys in the province. Such is the cult-like success of these two American fast-food brands in China, a market that's barely been touched by the luster of Arby's, Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out, Five Guys, and other US favorites. Both KFC and McDonald's have announced aggressive, ambitious expansions in China's post-COVID era, at a time when most Western-led firms have lost faith in the country's stalling economy. Key to their drive, experts say, is perceived opportunity in China's less-developed cities, where these brands' reputations precede them, rent is lower, and consumers are more optimistic. "Sales are declining in Tier One and Tier Two cities because the market is too saturated," Shaun Rein, founder of consultancy China Market Research Group, told Business Insider. "But there's huge growth potential in the lower-tier cities." KFC or McDonald's might be considered America's cheapest food options. But in China's less affluent hubs, they're a premium pick that both chains think these cities are ready for. "What's happened is that somebody in an eighth-tier city is looking at KFC as an aspirational purchase," Rein said. "And so is saving up money and excited to try Western food and a bit of Western living for the first time. "Kind of the way it was in Shanghai 25 years ago," he said. An expansion rate surpassing America's KFC, run by Shanghai-headquartered Yum China, has historically enjoyed the lion's share of the country's fast-food cravings. In December, its store count hit 10,000 restaurants, more than double the 4,300 KFC locations in the US. KFC's 10,000th outlet opened in Hangzhou in December. LONG WEI / Feature China/Future Publishing via Getty Images Yum China also runs Pizza Hut and owns a combined 15,000 pizzerias and chicken shops in the country. In April as the national economy still struggled to gain momentum Yum China said it planned to open another 5,000 stores in two years. That's the third time it's doubled its expansion rate in the last decade. "It took us 25 years to build the first 5,000 stores in China, 8 years to build the next 5,000, and just 4 years for the last 5,000," the company wrote in a note to shareholders. McDonald's, which has 500 stores in Shanghai alone, hopes to raise its store count from 6,000 locations to 10,000 by 2028. According to state media, about half of these McDonald's stores are already in third- and fourth-tier cities. Hopes for a new middle class in China Cities in China are unofficially grouped into tiers according to their status, size, and wealth. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen comprise the most prestigious first tier, while others like Chengdu and Chongqing trail closely. But optimism is plummeting in these hubs, even after zero-COVID ended in 2022. Multinationals and investors are leaving in droves, concerned about financial restrictions, a poor economic outlook, and the looming threat of conflict with the US. Consultants like Rein believe the cities below the second tier think lesser-known places like Nanyang or Anshan present more opportunity for an upswing. "We're telling most of our clients to look at third, fourth, fifth-tier cities," he said. Analysts think third-tier cities like Suqian in Jiangsu province are stronger bets for growth than in metropolitan hubs like Beijing and Shanghai. Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images A spokesperson for Yum China told BI that over half of its new KFCs are built in lower-tier cities, where rent and labor costs are cheaper. "And the ticket average is as good in as in higher-tier cities," they said. "For now, we are mainly serving middle-class consumers in these markets." Analysts and brands are betting these cities will be the birthing ground for the next generation of China's middle class, buoyed by a lower cost of living and an under-30 workforce three times as large as that in higher-tier cities. More importantly, there's hope that consumers there will look to upgrade their lifestyles with new clothes or foods. Some analysts, like Allison Malmsten from Daxue Consulting, point to indicators like cheaper housing seen by many young Chinese as an essential purchase. "The housing market is a major determinant of consumer confidence in China," Malmsten, a strategy consultant, told BI. Securing that crowd would be a major boost for brands like KFC and McDonald's. Both have seen slumping sales in their global operations. Yum China's stock price has fallen some 43% in the last 12 months, from highs of $58 in September 2023 to $33.66 on Wednesday. But the potential scale awaiting them is massive. China's third-tier cities alone host a combined 330 million people, equivalent to almost the entire US population. Those in tier four and below are home to nearly double that number. China's central government has pushed hard to develop these regions in recent years, urging local officials to take on billions in debt to fund infrastructure like high-speed rails, highways, and airports. China has poured so much money into infrastructure spending that the central government issued a guideline this year for local officials to slow down loan-taking. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images Yum China says it's preparing itself to ride that boom, building restaurants at highway rest stops in 20 provinces amid an expected surge in Chinese car ownership numbers, McDonald's did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Chinese KFC has nearly doubled its menu items Expanding during a sluggish economy might make sense for fast food brands, which are often classified as recession-proof as consumers downgrade their spending. Fast food's low-cost identity may be fading in the US due to price hikes, but in China, McDonald's and KFC never held the reputation of the lowest-cost food. Local shops and restaurants were almost always cheaper. Malmsten said KFC's strength in China lies in its "barbell strategy" of offering consumers both cheaper and more expensive options, such as wagyu beef products. "The rich are comfortable to spend, while the middle class chooses cheaper options," she said. The size of the chicken chain's Chinese product line is monstrous, typically numbering 50 items per menu compared to 29 per menu in the US. Yum China rolls out a new product roughly weekly, from spicy noodles to beef wraps to congee. KFC aggressively debuts dozens of new items yearly in China, from noodles to specialized burgers to egg tarts. Cui Nan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images and Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images "It's East meets West on a serving tray," said Jonathan Bernstein, CEO of London-based Yonder Consulting's Asia operations. Bernstein told BI that US fast-food brands in China aggressively try to match local tastes largely because homegrown competitors like Dico's and Real Kung Fu threaten to gobble up market share by offering more Chinese-tasting burgers or meals. Visitors in Shanghai thronged a McDonald's during one of its Lunar New Year promotions. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images Malmsten said an expanded product range could be a unique boost for KFC and McDonald's in smaller cities. "In lower-tier cities, these chains might be the only option for a Western meal while still having Chinese breakfast options like congee and youtiao," she said, referring to traditional fried dough sticks sold by both McDonald's and KFC. Analysts from Yonder Consulting said that American fast-food brands have a track record of being first-movers in China, snagging prime locations in its first-tier cities ahead of mainstream demand decades ago. "Now, they are doubling down further on this strategy by expanding into the inland regions of China, especially Tier Three and Tier Four cities with a growing middle class," they told BI. Yum China has also been expanding aggressively in the country's burgeoning coffee scene, establishing a popular spin-off called KCoffee. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images Both brands will likely be assisted in these new territories by the Chinese internet, with free advertising from the deluge of Crazy Thursday and McMen memes in one of the world's most online countries. In an analysis of the Crazy Thursday trend, Daxue Consulting said it's likely the meme's emergence in 2021 contributed to a post-pandemic rebound in KFC's annual revenue to $7.2 billion in 2022. Rein noted that American fast food is often seen by Chinese consumers as safer to eat because its ingredients are typically standardized a major boon in a market riddled with food scandals. "They've got a good reputation for good tasting, affordable food. That's something that's needed in the weak economy," said Rein. Read the original article on Business Insider Mexico's President-elect Sheinbaum holds an event with her cabinet members and supporters, after receiving the certificate confirming her victory in the presidential election, in Mexico City By Cassandra Garrison MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Just three months ago, Claudia Sheinbaum was riding high, winning the largest vote tally ever secured in Mexico's history to become the country's first woman president. The currency was just off a multi-year high, relations with the U.S. amicable, and investors shared a quiet optimism that Sheinbaum could finesse a course correction from her predecessor and mentor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's polarizing style. The summer months since have proved turbulent. This week, senators are likely to pass a controversial reform to Mexico's judiciary that critics say both threatens the country's rule of law and risks spoiling her honeymoon before she even takes office on Oct. 1. On a self-proclaimed crusade to transform Mexico, Lopez Obrador is using his final days to ram through a reform which will require judges - even Supreme Court justices - to be popularly elected. It is also expected to reduce the level of experience needed to hold judicial posts. A separate reform, expected to pass before Lopez Obrador leaves power, will abolish several oversight agencies which, like the courts, had provided an occasional check on his hard-charging agenda. The proposals are seen by opponents as placing an alarming concentration of power in the hands of his ruling Morena party. Both the fallout and the implementation will fall to Sheinbaum. Suddenly, Mexico's rosy outlook is wilting. A ballooning deficit and potential hit to investment from the judicial reform could pose a threat to the country's investment grade debt rating as well as the welfare spending Sheinbaum promised, and a review of the North American USMCA trade pact looks increasingly ominous. "She could have started on a very strong note, first woman president - one with a landslide - immensely popular party, economy growing, strong currency," said Damian Fraser, chief executive of Mexico City-based consultancy Miranda Partners. "But this move to reform the judiciary and strip away the independence from autonomous agencies has made it much more difficult." Sheinbaum has publicly supported the election of judges, but sources close to her say it would not have been an immediate priority at the start of her term. Lopez Obrador argues the overhaul will boost accountability and reduce corruption. Indeed, many agree the current judicial system is deeply flawed. "The Mexican judiciary is, by most accounts, in desperate need of reform. The question is, is this really the right way to reform it?" said Gustavo Flores-Macias, a specialist in government and public policy at Cornell University. WHOSE LANDSLIDE? One challenge for Sheinbaum is the popularity of Lopez Obrador which was instrumental to Sheinbaum and Morena's huge success at the polls. That success set the stage for a rockier transition by unexpectedly giving Morena enough votes in the lower house, and almost enough in the Senate, to ram through constitutional changes. Sheinbaum had carefully walked the tightrope between continuing Lopez Obrador's most popular policies - such as generous welfare payouts - and hinting at changes to some of his most controversial, like the environment and clean energy. But the judicial reform has laid bare the limits to that balancing act. Despite pressure from investors and core trade partners Canada and the U.S., Sheinbaum has been unable or unwilling to publicly distance herself from the reform. The peso has weakened about 17% since June 3. Ratings agency Fitch has said that Mexico will likely struggle to lower its deficit to previous levels and its sovereign rating hinges on governance reforms and Sheinbaum's fiscal strategies. The USMCA is also up for review in 2026, with the U.S. warning the judicial reform could impact investment and undermine the trade relationship. Lopez Obrador was quick to lash out at criticism of the reform by the U.S. and Canadian ambassadors, "pausing" relations with both countries' embassies in Mexico. The onus will be on Sheinbaum to turn the page with both countries, especially as she prepares to build a relationship with a new U.S. president post-November, said Jorge Bravo, political scientist at Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM). "The damage is done," he said. "So, how are you going to build bridges so the damage is less serious?" (Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; additional reporting and editing by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Nick Zieminski) By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -In the 2016 presidential debates, Republican candidate Donald Trump loomed over Democratic contender Hillary Clinton, called her a "nasty woman" and said she didn't have the "look" or "stamina" to serve as commander-in-chief. Tuesday's nationally televised debate, the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, could be a critical juncture in a race that is essentially tied eight weeks before the Nov. 5 election. Trump has already leveled a series of racist and sexist attacks against Harris. The former president has falsely claimed Harris, who is Black and South Asian, only recently "became a Black person." He reposted a vulgar online message suggesting she used sex to advance her career. He fired off insults that play into tropes about women and Black people, calling her "weak," "dumb as a rock" and "lazy." Deploying those attacks in front of tens of millions of viewers - and Harris' response - would carry risks for both candidates, according to interviews with eight pollsters, debate and political experts, and Black activists. More than 51 million TV viewers tuned in to watch the debate between Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden in June. Trump's insults might alienate key voter groups, including women, Black voters and moderates, according to John Geer, a professor at Vanderbilt University and an expert on presidential politics. "They're just going to get turned off by that kind of rhetoric," he said. But Ford O'Connell, a Republican strategist, said the persistent tightness of the race showed that Trump's attacks had not cost him support. Harris, who would be the first woman, Black woman and South Asian American to serve as president, faces a complicated political calculus on Tuesday. If she brushes off Trump's attacks on the debate stage, as she has done on the campaign trail, she could be seen as unwilling to stand up for herself. If she engages with Trump's rhetoric, she could be dragged into the mudslinging he thrives on and expose herself to accusations, fair or not, that she is exploiting her race and gender. Too forceful a reaction also risks playing into the stereotype of an angry Black woman, said Kelly Dittmar, the director of research for Rutgers University's Center for American Women and Politics. "If Kamala calls it out, will she be accused of playing the race card, the gender card?" Dittmar said. 'I'M SPEAKING' Harris has the additional challenge of fielding Trump's attacks while also defining herself for voters who are still getting to know her after her surprise entry into the race seven weeks ago. In a national poll released on Sunday by The New York Times and Siena College, 28% of likely voters said they needed more information about Harris, while opinions on Trump were largely set. Harris will try to avoid getting pulled into personal exchanges while aiming to draw Trump into the sort of offensive comments likely to go viral, campaign sources said. Harris, a former prosecutor, may be able to send a more subtle signal about Trump's attacks without explicitly calling them out as racist or sexist. She managed that in her 2020 vice presidential debate against Mike Pence, when she responded to his interruptions by saying, "Mr. Vice President, I'm speaking," a moment that went viral. "That was an effective way to acknowledge the gendered style of how men speak over women," Dittmar said. In a radio interview that aired on Monday, Harris said she was prepared for Trump's tactics. "[Trump] plays from this really old and tired playbook," she told the "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show." "There's no floor for him in terms of how low he will go." In a call with reporters on Monday, former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has been advising Trump ahead of the debate, said the former president would focus on Harris' record and speak to her the same way he did Biden. "President Trump respects women and doesn't feel the need to be patronizing or to speak to women in any other way than he would speak to a man," Gabbard said. Trump has previously dismissed calls from advisers and fellow Republicans to moderate his tone and stick to the issues, telling reporters, "I have to do it my way." PERSONAL ATTACKS But the former president has labored to find an effective attack line against Harris, who unlike Clinton is not saddled with decades of political baggage, and who has unleashed a wave of energy among Democrats since she took over Biden's flailing reelection campaign. The Democratic research firm Blueprint polled various negative messages against Harris in late July and found that personal attacks based on her race, gender or family were "incredibly unproductive" across all voter groups, including independents, according to Evan Roth Smith, the firm's pollster. Criticisms that focus on immigration and economic policies or portray Harris as a California liberal tested better, Smith said. The firm also examined possible rebuttals to attacks focused on Harris' race and gender. Responding by calling Trump racist was far less effective than labeling the insults a distraction from Trump's "extreme" agenda. Some Trump attacks such as questioning Harris' Blackness are so transparently false that Harris doesn't need to respond directly, said Andra Gillespie, a professor at Emory University who researches African American politics. "It was so unbelievably outrageous that everybody was like, 'That's ridiculous,'" she said. "She didn't have to say anything." But Aaron Kall, a debate expert at the University of Michigan, said Trump should not be underestimated. Trump has proven to be a skilled debater, Kall said, dispatching more experienced opponents with sharp retorts and unpredictable segues and using his background as a reality television star to command the camera. "He may be the best counter-punching debater of all time," Kall said. "He gets people off their talking points. He has relatable language and talks like undecided voters. He's got a pretty good pulse on what voters are concerned about." (Reporting by Joseph AxAdditional reporting by Nandita Bose, Helen Coster, Steve Holland and Gram SlatteryEditing by Colleen Jenkins and Suzanne Goldenberg) CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday refused to have a bar of former GOP Rep. Scott Taylors defense of Donald Trumps election denialism. Cooper asked the ex-Virginia lawmaker about Trumps effort over the weekend to lay the groundwork to call the 2024 election rigged if he loses. The former president posted on Truth Social suggesting mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania will be fraudulent and Democrats will try to cheat. Hes lying about this in Pennsylvania. Theres no widespread election voter fraud. Theres no evidence of it in mail-in ballots. People just discount this. Its like at this point its just, Oh, this is what he does, Cooper said to his guest. Do you think this is acceptable? Taylor, who served in Congress from 2017 to 2019, argued that there are a lot of folks out there, literally millions of Americans, who had a big problem with 2020. Cooper interrupted: Factually, they dont have any evidence. Like, courts looked at it. Just saying a lot of people feel this doesnt make it true. I think you know its not true, I assume, Cooper added. Taylor insisted that there were tons of irregularities in the 2020 election that never happened before. He noted that he lost his reelection campaign that year, and there are many people, [including] folks in my family, who had issues with the way that 2020 was handled. The CNN anchor wasnt having it. Theres people who think the earth is flat ... that doesnt make it real, he fired back. Taylor: There are many people who had issues with the way the 2020 election was handled Cooper: Theres people who think the Earth is flat, it doesnt make it real pic.twitter.com/TFsRLKUOJa Acyn (@Acyn) September 10, 2024 Nonetheless, Taylor didnt back down. Another guest on the segment, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), also took aim. Man Scott, I love you, but come on, dude, he told his former colleague. Our words have an impact on this country. Trump has spent the last four years falsely complaining that the 2020 election was stolen from him. The Republican nominee has repeatedly set himself up to do so again in November should he lose to Vice President Kamala Harris. Related... Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo testified before adversarial members of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Tuesday afternoon. The heated discussion revolved around the former governors handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely regarding nursing home-related deaths at the beginning of the outbreak. Subcommittee chairman Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio led the charge by accusing Cuomo of issuing a March 2020 advisory that was more so a directive pressuring nursing homes to readmit patients who tested positive for COVID-19. The Republican leader then invited Cuomo to make an opening statement without naming and blaming others. Cuomo responded by calling former President Trumps response horrific while describing a situation where states were left to fend for themselves. It was the COVID Hunger Games,' Cuomo testified. The federal government was nowhere to be found. He emphasized that 1.2 million Americans died during the pandemic to make his point. Cuomo also pushed back against the notion that New York nursing homes were pressured to house people infected with the coronavirus. It was up to the discretion of the nursing home, Cuomo testified. He said the reason he didnt immediately report a comprehensive count of how many people died in senior housing facilities was because it took time to gather statistics he could trust. Republican members interrogating Cuomo on behalf of the subcommittee included New York representatives Nicole Malliotakis and Elise Stefanik, who accused Cuomo of focusing on a book deal at the height of the pandemic. This is not about political theater, Cuomo snapped as he and Stefanik accused one another of distorting facts. Stefanik charged Cuomos administration with implementing a fatal executive order inconsistent with health officials guidelines and undercounting nursing home deaths. Theres a reason youre the former governor of New York State and you will never hold elected office again, she said to a quickly muted round of applause. When it was her turn, Malliotakis accused Cuomo of trying to escape accountability. The buck stops with you, she said. You show no responsibility for the actions of your administration and thats not leadership. Before the proceedings began, Wenstrup accused the Cuomo administration of recklessly exposing New Yorks most vulnerable population to COVID-19 in a statement published Monday. His comments coincided with a 48-page report accusing Cuomo of trying to undermine fatality numbers after issuing a March 2020 directive for senior centers to readmit patients who tested positive for the virus. A spokesman for the former governor noted that a thorough investigation concluded by New York officials in June found no evidence of wrongdoing by the 66-year-old Democrat and dismissed the congressional inquiry as a waste of taxpayer resources. That report, however, did fault the states efforts as rushed and uncoordinated due to Cuomos top down management style, which sometimes caused confusion at the local level. The New York State Department of Health said 13,000 nursing home residents died from the coronavirus in the year following the 2020 guidelines endorsed by the governors office in coordination with state health officials. But the former governor was widely praised for his COVID-19 briefings while in office. His 2020 book, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, was a bestseller. Cuomo left office in August 2021 amid sexual harassment claims he refutes. Cuomos dealings with lawmakers dont appear to be over. The House committee announced Tuesday it was issuing a subpoena to compel Gov. Kathy Hochul to provide records pertaining to her predecessors handling of the pandemic. We recently compiled a list of the 7 Best Bank Stocks To Buy in 2024. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) stands against the other bank stocks. The largest dip since August occurred in U.S. stocks on September 4, 2024, when the market fell 1.6%. The decline was mostly caused by drops in the technology and energy markets amid economic uncertainty. The market remained volatile, and worries about jobs and economic data mounted, as the August BLS report shows the US created fewer than anticipated jobs in August 2024. Nonfarm jobs grew at 142,000 but remained below the Dow Jones forecast of 161,000. However, the unemployment rate went down from 4.3% in July to 4.2% in August. Treasury yields dropped to 3.85% as investor attention turned to impending payroll data that may have an impact on the Fed's interest rate decisions. Despite a historically challenging September, some analysts see possible drops as buying opportunities, citing investors' controlled inflation and high cash reserves. Despite the financial volatility, the financial services industry's long-term outlook is still favorable. As we discussed in our article "25 Biggest Financial Firms in the World," the financial services industry is projected to grow at a 7.7% CAGR from $31138.82 billion in 2023 to $33539.52 billion in 2024. According to IBMs report, financial services are being revolutionized by generative AI, which increases productivity and automates tasks. AI speeds up fraud detection by 50% and decreases transaction processing times by 30%, as per IBMs survey. While 75% of financial workers expect AI to automate 25% of their duties, it aids in the analysis of market trends in investment management. AI-driven chatbots reduce human labor by 80% and increase query processing accuracy by 85% in customer support. Furthermore, generative AI improves data management in CRM systems by automatically summarizing calls and extracting insights, boosting CRM update efficiency by 30% and saving companies millions of dollars in operating expenses while strengthening client relationships. Specifically, the global retail banking market was valued at $2.08 trillion in 2023 and $2.21 trillion this year, according to the Precedence Research. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% to reach approximately $3.97 trillion by 2034, per the research. In 2023, Asia Pacific held the highest share of 34.14% in the market. It is anticipated that North America is predicted to be the second-largest region for the retail banking market during the projection period. Looking ahead, the 2024 U.S. Banking Industry Outlook Survey by KPMG outlines the major obstacles and prospects that banks face in the face of technological, regulatory, and financial disruptions. Of the 200 banking CEOs surveyed, 65% claimed that generative artificial intelligence is an integral part of their institutions long-term vision and strategy, and 60% said that their companies have GenAI-enabled cybersecurity in both pilot and production stages. Despite challenges including interest rate risks and geopolitical unpredictability, two-thirds of executives are still confident in their bank's growth prospects, with 59% predicting inorganic profitability growth. Regulatory intensity dominates focus, with 80% thinking regulatory supervision and enforcement in the area of cyber risk will increase, while 55% of institutions have boosted their resources to manage cyber threats. Moreover, following the Fedwire and SWIFT deadlines in November 2025 and March 2025, respectively, ISO 20022 compliance is a top priority for U.S. banks. Methodology: We sifted through holdings of bank ETFs and financial media covering bank stocks to form an initial list of 20 bank stocks. Then we selected the 7 stocks that were the most popular among institutional investors. The stocks are ranked 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 newsletter's 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 team of financial advisors huddled around a desk, discussing the best investment strategy for their client. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 85 The third largest U.S. lender, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), has headquarters in New York, was established in 1812, and offers financial services and products. The segments that it operates through include Corporate/Other, Institutional Clients Group, and Global Consumer Banking. Citigroup operates a retail banking division with a domestic focus as well as an international commercial banking franchise. Large trading, investment banking, international corporate banking, and custody operations are all part of the bank's commercial operations, which include services, markets, and banking segments (which were formerly combined under the Institutional Client Group, or ICG). Given its impossible-to-replicate global scope, Citi's most distinctive business is its commercial banking division. Citigroup's global reach contributes to its continued status as the preferred bank for multinational corporations. The company earnings for the second quarter of 2024, are comfortably above analyst consensus projections for both revenue and earnings, powered by strong performance in Markets and Investment Banking, which reported YoY revenue increases of 6% and 38%, respectively. Shares fell by about 2% in spite of the impressive results, though, amid investor worries about expenses, dividends, and market share and as Citigroup issued a warning that costs for FY 2024 may come in at the higher end of the range. Diamond Hill Capital Long-Short Fund stated the following regarding Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter: Other top Q1 contributors included Meta Platforms, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) and Walt Disney. Banking and financial services company Citigroups restructuring efforts are ongoing, and it continues remediating regulatory issues and building capital in anticipation of increased requirements. The company expects to see expenses fall meaningfully in the second half of 2024, bolstering the outlook from here. The Hold rating given by DBS analyst Lim Rui Wen is a reflection of worries about small growth catalysts and restructuring difficulties. However, analysts also considered 2024 a transitional year for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), as the company becomes leaner under CEO Jane Fraser's turnaround. Although high investment expenses and continuous regulatory scrutiny may put pressure on the financial company's short-term performance, the company's strategic exits and efficiency gains are intended to increase future profitability. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is the largest shareholder in the company, with 55,244,797 shares worth $3.51 billion. Overall C ranks 3rd on our list of the best bank stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of C as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than C 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 at Insider Monkey. Wooden fishing boats are often used by migrants leaving Senegal (archive photo) [Getty Images] At least 26 people have died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off Senegal's coast. Authorities say more than 100 people were on board the wooden fishing vessel when it sank just 4km (2.5 miles) into its journey. Distraught relatives and friends have gathered along the beach, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. So far, four people have been rescued and search efforts are still under way. The boat had departed from Mbour, about 80km south of the capital city Dakar, bound for Spain's Canary Islands, which are off the coast of West Africa. In recent years, the number of migrants leaving West Africa through Senegal has surged. Mostly young men - fleeing conflict, poverty, and unemployment - are attempting the dangerous Atlantic route to the Spanish Islands, with nearly 30,000 arrivals recorded this year. Spain is one of the European countries that takes in the most migrants, and the Mediterranean Sea route remains the most popular. But a growing number of West African migrants are choosing to travel via the Atlantic Ocean to the Canary Islands instead. Despite the dangers, it involves just one step, rather than needing to cross both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. The surge in migrants attempting the crossing prompted Spain's prime minister to visit three West African countries last month - Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia - for crisis talks with leaders. Earlier this year, a $227m deal was made between the EU and Mauritania to bolster border security. Spain was a key partner in the talks in Mauritania that had led to it. Map [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts (WGHP) Wednesday will be another nice weather day in the Piedmont. Partly cloudy and pleasant on Wednesday with morning temperatures in the mid to upper 50s and afternoon highs in the lower 80s. Meanwhile in Louisiana, Francine should make landfall as a hurricane during the day on Wednesday. Ahead of the system, clouds will begin to move into the Piedmont. So, Thursday will be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s. Francine will weaken into a remnant low over the Mississippi River valley on Friday. In the Piedmont, look for cloudy skies with scattered showers. Highs on Friday will be in the middle 70s with the chance of rain at 40%. Whats left of Francine will continue to keep our weather unsettled: Saturday will be cloudy with scattered showers and highs will be in the middle 70s. The chance of rain is 40%. Clouds will remain in the forecast on Sunday with highs in the upper 70s. The chance of rain is 30%. Monday, partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s and a 25% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy Tuesday with highs remaining in the upper 70s and a 30% chance of rain. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Another teen charged with threatening Oconee Co. school OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) For the second time in two days, deputies said a teenager is facing charges for threatening an Oconee County school. The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said a 14-year-old was detained Tuesday after investigators said that he made threats toward Walhalla High School. According to the sheriffs office, the School Resource Officer investigated the threats beginning Monday and was able to confirm the threats Tuesday. The Walhalla High School student, who did not attend classes Tuesday, was charged with making school threats and was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice. On Monday, Oconee County deputies announced charges against a 13-year-old in connection with threats toward Walhalla Middle 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Another high-ranking government official who investigated UFOs/UAPs is ready to tell their story. Jay Stratton, the former director of the U.S. governments secretive Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, has struck a memoir deal with HarperCollins. Stratton represents the most senior former U.S government official yet to go public about their direct involvement in the investigation of UAP and non-human intelligence. More from The Hollywood Reporter For over 16 years, Stratton worked as a senior intelligence official, leading countless U.S. government investigations of UAP and non-human intelligence, including the Tic Tac UAP encountered by Navy fighter pilots and the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in 2004. While much of Strattons work is classified, the memoir promises to reveal all that can be lawfully disclosed, providing a first-hand account of the shocking discoveries, challenges and breakthroughs that have marked the U.S. governments investigation and understanding of UAP and non-human intelligence, as well as the effects on Stratton and his family. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Stratton said, We are at the beginning of a new chapter for humanity. The process of disclosure is complex but it has begun. The book was developed with producer Dan Farah of Farah Films (Ready Player One, The Phenomenon), who also has TV and film rights. Recently, Farah was also behind another memoir, Imminent: Inside the Pentagons Hunt for UFOs by Luis Lue Elizondo, a former senior intelligence official. That title shot to No. 1 on the best-seller list after its release last month. According to the Strattons bio: It was while serving as the Chief of Air & Space Warfare at the DIA that Stratton and his colleagues learned about the existence of UAP and the related national security concerns. In response, they created the Advanced Aerospace Weapons Systems Applications Program (AAWSAP), the first official U.S. government program to investigate UAP since the closure of the Air Forces Project Blue Book in 1969. AAWSAP was sponsored by then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and grew into AATIP, the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program. Amongst Strattons hand-picked team members was whistleblower David Grusch, who testified under oath to Congress last year about technological and biological evidence of non-human intelligence. The Secretary of Defense announced the UAP Task Force in 2020, naming Stratton the programs Director. Last year, the U.S. Senate introduced the bipartisan UAP Disclosure Act, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Rounds (R-SD), Sen. Rubio (R-Fl) and Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY). The act proposes laws that would bring about public disclosure on what the U.S. government knows about UAP and non-human intelligence. Schumer said at the time, The American public has a right to learn about technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence and unexplainable phenomena. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Anthony Elementary School was placed on a hold status Tuesday, Sept. 10 following threats made by a student involving a weapon, Gadsden Independent School District said in a news release. Chaparral HS placed on lockdown after threatening message Gadsden ISD said law enforcement was immediately contacted after receiving the threat. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the student in question had an air gun, commonly referred to as a BB gun, according to Gadsden ISD. Gadsden ISD said at no time was the safety of any students compromised, and all necessary precautions were taken to maintain a secure environment. The Gadsden Independent School District is working closely with law enforcement to investigate the situation further and ensure the continued safety of all students on campus. Due to privacy laws, no additional information about the student involved can be disclosed. However, the district is following all proper protocols and disciplinary procedures, read the news release. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. AP-NORC/USAFacts poll: Republicans are more likely to trust Trump than official election results FILE - President Donald Trump supporters gather with some signs claiming a stolen election outside the Philadelphia Convention Center as they await general election tabulation results, Nov. 6, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) CHICAGO (AP) For Christopher Pugh, the 2020 election was a turning point. He already distrusted the government. But as he watched Fox News coverage in the immediate aftermath of the election and read posts on Twitter, the social media platform now known as X, that distrust grew. He now believes the falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen and trusts few people other than former President Donald Trump to deliver him news about election results. I trust Donald Trump, not the government, said the 38-year-old Republican from Gulfport, Mississippi. Thats it. While most Americans trust government-certified election results at least a moderate amount, Republicans are more likely to trust Trump and his campaign, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts. Americans also are heading into the November election with concerns about misinformation. Many have low trust that the information they receive from presidential candidates particularly Trump, but also Vice President Kamala Harris is based on factual information. Trump continues to lie about the outcome of the 2020 election, saying it was rigged against him even after dozens of his court challenges failed, reviews, recounts and audits in battleground states all affirmed President Joe Biden's win, and Trump's own attorney general said there was no evidence of widespread fraud. Despite no evidence of any widespread fraud, a 2023 poll found that most Republicans believe Biden was not legitimately elected president. As Trump runs as the Republican candidate for the third time, he also is signaling that he can only lose through widespread fraud. Over the weekend he threatened to prosecute those involved in unscrupulous behavior this election should he win in November. The only way they can beat us is to cheat, Trump said at a Las Vegas rally in June. The recent findings from the AP-NORC survey show that a significant chunk of Trump's supporters might be more inclined to believe what he says about the upcoming election results than they are to trust government certifications of election results. About two-thirds of Republicans trust Trump's campaign at least a moderate amount to provide accurate information about the results of the 2024 election, while only about half say the same about the official certifications of results, the survey found. By contrast, about 9 in 10 Democrats trust the government certification at least a moderate amount, and an overwhelming majority, 82%, also have at least a moderate amount of trust in Harris and her campaign. Most Americans around 7 in 10 trust the government certifications of election results at least a moderate amount, according to the survey. Majorities also trust national and local TV news networks, as well as local or national newspapers, to provide accurate information about the outcome of this year's presidential election. Danielle Almeida, a 45-year-old Democrat from Briarcliff Manor, New York, said she trusts government-certified election results and finds it alarming that some Americans dont. In order to have a democracy, we have to trust the system and the results of our elections, she said, adding that she thinks Trump does not care about fact-checking because he believes his supporters dont care, either. Americans are less likely to trust the campaigns overall compared to sources such as the government and the media but they have a higher level of trust in Harris and her campaign than in Trump and his campaign to provide accurate information about the outcome of the election. About half have at least a moderate amount of trust in Harris and her campaign. By contrast, about 4 in 10 have at least a moderate amount of trust in Trump and his campaign. Some Republicans' distrust of election results started far before the 2020 election. Richard Baum, 60, a conservative independent from Odessa, Texas, said his suspicions began in the 2000 U.S. presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. After Bush won by a slim margin, hanging chads became an unlikely symbol of a disputed presidential election as small anomalies common in elections ballooned into major national controversies. There was some stuff there that didnt seem right that made a lot of doubts in my mind about if you can trust the government, Baum said. Baum said he would trust election results only if voting took place on only a single day, early voting and mail-in ballots were banned and photo IDs were required at all polling places. Many Americans doubt the veracity of both presidential candidates campaign messages, but skepticism about Trumps campaign is higher, the USAFacts/AP-NORC survey found. About 6 in 10 Americans believe that Trumps campaign messages are rarely or never based on factual information, compared to 45% who say that about Harris campaign messages. Many Americans also say it's hard to discern fact from fiction when it comes to the candidates. Slightly less than half of Americans say its very easy or somewhat easy to find factual information about the candidates and their positions, and only about one-third say its easy to know if what candidates are saying is true or not. About 6 in 10 Americans say its easy for them to understand the difference between fact and opinion when it comes to information about the upcoming presidential election, but only about 4 in 10 say its easy to know whether information is true or not. Americans are, however, more confident about factual information related to election logistics: About 7 in 10 Americans say its easy to find information about how to register to vote, and about 6 in 10 say its easy to find information about how to cast their ballot. Michele Martin, a 56-year-old Pennsylvania Democrat, said she is very concerned about misinformation from politicians but finds it much easier to access basic voter information. Its online. Its mailed to you. Its not hard to find, she said. About 8 in 10 Americans say that when it comes to getting information about the government, the spread of misinformation is a major problem. That is essentially unchanged from when the question was asked in 2020. Lisa Kuda, a 57-year-old Republican from Palm Harbor, Florida, said she gets most of her news from social media and friends. She said she feels alienated from most news sources other than Fox News. Misinformation is everywhere, she said. Its really difficult to find information about candidates. When Americans see news about the election and want to find out whether its true, 40% say they turn to an internet search first. Much smaller shares around 1 in 10 for each say they first check cable news, national TV news or social media. Baum, from Texas, said he finds it difficult to easily access information about candidates because he believes social media platforms are censoring conservative ideologies. He also doesnt trust Google and instead turns to conservative networks and podcasts such One America News and conservative podcasters to fact-check claims hes unsure about. Almeidas process looks much different. She starts with a Google search and wades through multiple articles from news outlets such as The New York Times and NBC News, making note of any differences. If multiple articles have the same information, she said, shes more likely to trust it. Misinformation is a huge problem, she said. You have to take time to do your research. ___ Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report. Sanders reported from Washington. ___ The poll of 1,019 adults was conducted July 29-August 8, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points. ___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. AUSTIN (KXAN) A woman was arrested in connection with a deadly crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that happened last week in south Austin, the Austin Police Department said in a news release Monday. Shortly after 10 p.m., officers responded to the 3400 block of South Congress Avenue for the crash. The pedestrian, later identified as Tony Almanza, 58, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. ATCEMS: Pedestrian struck by vehicle on South Congress Julie K. Kotrla, 34 | Courtesy Austin Police Department Police said the driver of the vehicle initially left the scene and was later found, the release said. The driver was later identified as Julie K. Kotrla, 34, according to police. She was arrested for an accident involving death, the release said. This crash is being investigated as Austins 62nd fatal crash of 2024, according to police. The crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. APD: One dead after crash between vehicle, pedestrian on bicycle in south Austin AUSTIN (KXAN) One person is dead after a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian on a bicycle happened last week in south Austin, the Austin Police Department said in a news release Monday. On Sept. 4, around 12:34 a.m., officers responded to the 5000 block of South Congress Avenue in reference to the crash. The pedestrian was riding a bicycle at the time of the crash, and police said they were pronounced dead on the scene. The pedestrian was not identified Monday. MAP: Where have Austins fatal crashes occurred in 2024? The driver and the passenger of the vehicle were not injured and remained on the scene after the crash. Both are cooperating with the investigation at this time, according to police. This is being investigated as Austins 61st fatal crash of 2024, according to police. The crash remained under investigation Monday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. First Amendment lawyer Max Kautsch speaks about legal issues surrounding the raid on the Marion County Record newspaper on Aug. 11, 2024, at the Marion Senior Center. (Jessica Tufts for Kansas Reflector) The special prosecutors tasked with bringing charges based on the three dangerous and unconstitutional search warrants executed in Marion last year Marc Bennett and Barry Wilkerson need to explain how they have been able to serve in those roles despite advising an implicated official after the raids. Until this conflict of interest is resolved by disqualifying them or otherwise, the public has no choice but to wonder whether their decision to file only one charge against former Marion police chief Gideon Cody, for conduct taking place well after the warrants were conceived, falls short of protecting us from unconstitutional searches. Admitted conflict On the last page of their report, the special prosecutors themselves disclosed circumstances that created the conflict of interest. Bennett reached out to Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, the day after the raids. Bennett expressed concern about the situation in Marion and drew Mr. Enseys attention to relevant case law. At a meeting two days later, on Aug. 14, Ensey asked Bennett to review the three search warrants officers had executed with the assistance of Mr. Wilkerson, among other Kansas prosecutors. Those attorneys read the warrants and offered their collective opinion about the viability and sufficiency of the warrants, which Ensey knew about before the raids ensued. Ensey was apparently reassured that his instinct to question the validity of the warrants was correct. Ensey had no previous relationship with Bennett or Wilkerson, and the Aug. 14 meeting was the last time Bennett and Wilkerson spoke to Ensey about the warrants. Then, on Aug.16, Ensey issued a press release saying he had concluded that the warrant applications contained insufficient evidence to underpin the searches. He facilitated law enforcements return of all items seized in the raids. Enseys decision, made only after meeting with Bennett and Wilkerson, undercuts Wilkersons recent claim to Kansas Reflector that his and Bennetts relationship with Ensey was so minimal. Bennett has declined Kansas Reflectors requests to go on the record about the apparent conflict between advising Ensey and making charging decisions about the raids as special prosecutors, and Ensey did not respond to an email seeking comment for this column. Advice to Ensey Even if there is nothing in writing showing Ensey expressly sought legal advice from Bennett, Wilkerson or others about how to respond to the aftermath of the searches, an attorney-client relationship can still be formed if the reason a person contacts an attorney is to seek legal advice intended to be confidential. Once that relationship is formed, rules apply. Here, Ensey, as county attorney, after speaking to Bennett on Aug. 12 about relevant case law, sought advice about the validity of the Marion search warrants from Bennett, Wilkerson, and other prosecutors during a meeting two days later. The only reason the Aug. 14 meeting took place was to advise Ensey about how to respond to the search warrants. Ensey put the advice he received into practice on Aug. 16 when he issued the press release. Moreover, although the gist of the communications between Ensey, Bennett, Wilkerson and the rest is now public knowledge, special prosecutors have kept confidential the substance of those discussions. Crucially, we dont know the extent to which Ensey may have revealed information about wrongdoing before the raids, and if so, whether special prosecutors relationship with him has had any impact on their decision to charge only post-raid conduct. Theres nothing wrong with lawyers helping other lawyers navigate their profession. But Bennett and Wilkerson learned information from Ensey they obtained only because they gave him advice about how to do his job during the days after the raid. The duty they owe him to keep that information confidential consciously or subconsciously make them ill-equipped to use that information as special prosecutors against the Marion-related officials involved in the raids. Those officials, of course, included Ensey himself. Analyzing the conflict By serving as special prosecutors, Bennett and Wilkerson represent the state in a case involving Ensey. The people of Kansas are their client. But if Ensey is a former client, then under ethics rules applicable to attorneys, Bennett and Wilkerson cannot now represent another client if that other clients interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. Certainly, the states interest in investigating crimes related to warrants Ensey knew about before they were executed is materially adverse to him. Even so, there is no evidence Ensey has, in writing, given his informed consent to being investigated by attorneys who previously advised him. Still, in addition to waving away the problem because he claims special prosecutors relationship with Ensey was so minimal, Wilkerson justifies proceeding as the states attorney because the conflict is mentioned in the report. Acknowledging the relationship with Ensey in special prosecutors report was useful. But as the foregoing discussion of conflict-of-interest considerations suggests, whether an attorney discloses a conflict to the public is irrelevant to determining whether an impermissible conflict of interest exists. Simply put, Wilkersons explanation is insufficient to justify why he and Bennett are qualified to perform special prosecutors duties in the Marion case given their previous relationship with Ensey. New blood needed Given these circumstances, there are numerous avenues to approach the Marion case differently. The special prosecutors could step down. The judge currently assigned to former police chief Codys case, Judge Ryan W. Rosauer, could appoint someone else to act as county attorney. The county commission could employ an additional attorney at law to assist the county attorney. The judges in Marion County, led by Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton, could order a grand jury to determine whether additional charges are warranted. The federal government, through the Department of Justice, could investigate whether the Marion raids and subsequent official actions amounted to a conspiracy against rights in violation of federal criminal law. Kansans could also look back at one of their favorite sons, former governor and Republican presidential nominee Alf Landon, for guidance. Almost 100 years ago, Kansans were swindled out of more than $1 million (about $30 million today) during the great Finney bond scandal of 1933, when state Treasurer T.B. Boyd gave politically connected banker Ronald Finney of Emporia total access to the treasury vault. Finney then stole whatever bonds he wanted and replace(d) them with forged duplicates. Finney secured Boyds cooperation through favors such as an all-expense paid trip to Finneys Colorado ranch. Meanwhile, Finney, who had made his name as an investor on the commodities market, had cultivated an important client: Attorney General Roland Boynton. Less than two weeks before the scandal consumed the state in early August 1933, smack dab in the middle of the Depression, Finney delivered Boynton $700 on Boyntons recent $400 investment. Landon discovered Boyntons relationship with Finney shortly after federal agents told him about Finneys schemes. He immediately concluded that preventing the compromised attorney general from involvement in the scandal investigations was of paramount importance. Fortunately, Landon was not stuck with a hopelessly conflicted attorney generals office. Within days, Landon announced the appointment of a special counsel to the governor to investigate the bond scandal. In making that announcement to the public, he made clear that the investigation would be independent from the attorney general. With an impartial third party in charge at the beginning, Finney, Boyd and Finneys father were convicted of felonies, and Boynton was impeached (although he was acquitted by the Senate and subsequently involved in scandal-related prosecutions). Made for Marion? When this eras history books are written, the Marion raids will be included with Finneys heist among the great scandals in the state. The cases are also similar in that they both spawned extensive civil litigation and criminal investigations of public officials. But the decisive action authorities took to punish those responsible in 1933 stands in stark contrast to law enforcements muted enthusiasm for punishing those responsible for the Marion raids 90-plus years later. For starters, its remarkable that Wilkerson and Bennett agreed to take the case at all given their previous relationship with Ensey in the same matter. At the same time, the agency responsible for investigating the raids, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, a division of the Attorney Generals Office, has demonstrated a troubling pattern of deceiving the public about evidence in crucial investigations of law enforcement. The attorney generals ongoing noncommittal stance is nothing less than endorsement of special prosecutors inability to hold bad actors to account and deter future misconduct. In fact, that office still has yet to apologize for or even acknowledge the chilling effect it engendered two days after the raids, when KBI director Tony Mattivi announced that no one is above the law. Meanwhile, Gov. Laura Kelly says she is a strong advocate for freedom of press. She could show us by taking a page out of Landons book and appointing an unbiased, credible special counsel to review the Marion-related evidence and decide which charges, if any, are warranted for the misrepresentations replete throughout the search warrant applications. Finally, as a forthcoming column will explain in detail, substantial circumstantial evidence could well cause a jury to infer that Cody or others knowingly or intentionally misrepresented the severity of the alleged offenses to persuade a judge to sign off on the searches. Still, no crimes were charged for the fabrications included in the search warrant applications that underpinned the raids. The absence of accountability for what happened before the raids sends an unacceptable message: that search warrants in violation of the First and Fourth Amendments are effectively legal in Kansas. Unless someone steps in, the credibility of the entire Marion investigation is compromised. Max Kautsch focuses his practice on First Amendment rights and open government law. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Appeals court: Case against teen charged with killing Lily Peters will stay in adult court The Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed a Chippewa County judge's decision earlier this year to keep the criminal case against a teen charged with killing 10-year-old Iliana "Lily" Peters in adult court. The court issued a 23-page decision Tuesday siding with Judge Steven Gibbs, who agreed with prosecutors in January to not have the case waived into juvenile court. The teen is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of first-degree sexual assault in Lily's April 24, 2022, death. Lawyers for the suspect, who is now 16 and identified in court papers as C.P.-B., argued at the time the case was more appropriate to be heard in juvenile court because of his age. Stuffed animals, flowers, balloons and other items make up a memorial for Iliana "Lily" Peters, 10, in front of Parkview Elementary School in Chippewa Falls on April 26, 2022, as officials investigate her homicide. The ruling also could mean the juvenile suspect eventually will be publicly identified. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is withholding the suspect's name because of his age. In its ruling Tuesday, the appeals court affirmed the Chippewa County courts order denying the original petition for reverse waiver, stating (C.P.-B) failed to show that reverse waiver would not depreciate the seriousness of his offenses. (C.P.-B's) arguments to the contrary are unpersuasive. What is Wisconsin's law about juvenile defendants? Wisconsin is one of only three states that require all 17-year-old criminal defendants to be charged as adults. State law allows for children as young as 10 to be charged as adults for certain serious crimes, at least to start the case. Those crimes include first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Attempted first-degree reckless homicide or attempted second-degree intentional homicide, and other lesser charges typically start in juvenile court. Court documents recount what was said during the teen's reverse waiver hearing earlier this year In all, 10 witnesses were called by the teen's attorneys during a reverse-waiver hearing in the case in January. They pushed to have the matter adjudicated in juvenile court, arguing he would receive better treatment there. The state presented no witnesses. Among those who testified were Casey Gerber, director of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Office of Juvenile Offender Review, and three psychologists. Gerber testified a juvenile placed at Lincoln Hills School for Boys is assigned to a mental health clinician within 24 hours of admittance and is provided individual therapy and medication management. The Serious Juvenile Offender program a Lincoln Hills offers longer-term supervision than the standard correctional order for certain statutorily eligible offenses. Another program, limited to first-degree intentional homicide offenders, allows a juvenile a "dispositional order" until he or she turns 25 with a minimum confinement of one year before the juvenile can be released ... (in)to the community." The psychologists each diagnosed the suspect with autism spectrum disorder and persistent depressive disorder, and argued his exposure to internet pornography "probably played some roles in the offenses," court documents say. They recommended he get treatment in a residential adolescent treatment program, rather than long-term adult incarceration, because "the crime(s) for which he is charged reflected an adolescent crisis rather than the culmination of a long-standing pattern of delinquent and aggressive behavior in childhood," court records say. Tiffany Thompson and her stepdaughter Lexy Frank, 8, leave a stuffed animal and drawing at a large memorial at Parkview Elementary School as officials continue to investigate the homicide of Iliana "Lily" Peters, 10, in Chippewa Falls on April 26, 2022. It was the night of April 24, 2022, that Lilys father reported her missing. She hadn't returning from a visit to her aunts house in the 400 block of North Grove Street in Chippewa Falls. Her bike was found later that night in woods less than a mile from where Lilys aunt lives. Lily's body was found the next day. She had been strangled, sexually assaulted and beaten to death with a large stick. The suspect was 14 at the time of the killing. What's next for the case against the teenage suspect? The teen's lawyers can petition the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review the opinion. If it does not, the case will proceed to arraignment in adult court. The teen faces a mandatory life sentence, if he's convicted on only the homicide charge. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Case against teen charged with killing Lily Peters stays in adult court We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Quality Penny Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais CEMIG (NYSE:CIG) stands against the other quality penny stocks. Penny stocks are shares of small companies that usually trade for less than $5 per share. They are often found in smaller or newer businesses and tend to be more volatile and risky because they can rise or fall in value quickly. Many penny stocks trade on smaller exchanges or over-the-counter (OTC) markets rather than major stock exchanges. While they can offer big rewards if a company grows, they also come with higher risks, as these companies may have unstable finances or less information available to investors. Most penny stocks usually fall under the small-cap stocks category. However, that is not always the case. Some large companies with high market caps have low share prices due to several factors, even though they are well-established and stable. The most common reason is share dilution. When a company issues a large number of shares, its share price can be low, even if the company is worth billions overall. We have some companies on our list that fall into the category. This does not necessarily mean the company is struggling or risky like typical penny stocks but the low share price is due to the way its shares are distributed rather than poor performance or instability. Sustainable Growth Expected in Small Caps Amidst Market Shifts On July 26, Nathan Moser, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Impax Asset Management joined Schwab Network and discussed some long-term possibilities around small-cap stocks. He discussed the recent changes in small-cap stocks and highlighted the positive shift. He noted that after years of struggles, the recent rise in small caps seems more sustainable, which is driven by strong inflows into ETFs and passive investment vehicles. Moser believes the markets current move could last for years, despite some short-term volatility, and encouraged buying on any market dips. Moser pointed out that sectors like regional banks, real estate, and housing have performed well, most likely because investors believe that the Federal Reserve may delay or avoid a recession. He said that the recent rise is just the beginning and compared it to the early stages of a baseball game, with more room for growth in the small-cap sector. He said, Were in the first inning of this move, in my opinion. However, he advised to keep focus on high-quality, profitable companies due to the risks associated with lower-quality stocks in small caps. Story continues Our Methodology For this article, we identified 30 quality penny stocks trading under $5, as of September 3. The stocks we identified are profitable, have real sales, and are expected to remain profitable in the future as well. We narrowed down the list to 10 stocks most widely held by institutional investors. We listed the stocks in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiment. 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 Countries That Waste the Most Water A hydroelectric plant with a large dam and water flowing through its turbines. Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais CEMIG (NYSE:CIG) Stock Price as of September 3: $2.04 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13 Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais CEMIG (NYSE:CIG) is a leading player in Brazils energy sector with a strong portfolio that spans the generation, transmission, distribution, and commercialization of electricity. It was established in 1952 and since then, the company has expanded its reach to become one of Brazils largest integrated energy companies, with operations in 24 states and the Federal District. It also participates in natural gas distribution and energy efficiency through its subsidiary, Efficientia. The company operates an extensive energy infrastructure, including 60 hydroelectric plants, 7 wind farms, and 1 photovoltaic plant. Additionally, its transmission network stretches nearly 5,000 kilometers. With stakes in 83 generation projects across 10 states, 44 of which it wholly owns, the companys broad involvement in energy production signifies its significant role in the sector. In Q2, Companhia Energetica (NYSE:CIG) reported a 7% increase in net revenue, totaling R$9.43 billion (1 BRL = US$ 0.18 as of September 3). The company also achieved a recurring EBITDA of R$1.9 billion, marking a 2% year-over-year increase. The growth is supported by a strong operating cash flow of R$3.45 billion for the first half of the year, which points to the companys ability to comfortably manage its debts, fund investments, and distribute dividends. By the end of the period, it had R$2.99 billion in cash and equivalents, which supports its financial stability. Significant investments in renewable energy are a key aspect of the companys growth strategy. In the first half of 2024 alone, it invested R$2.45 billion, a 43.1% increase from the previous year. The commencement of operations for photovoltaic solar plants in June 2024, with the Eduardo Soares and Jusante plants approaching full commercial operation, marks a significant expansion into renewable energy sources. Additionally, Companhia Energeticas (NYSE:CIG) Gasmig subsidiary has started the Centro-Oeste Project, which involves constructing 300 kilometers of pipeline with a budget of R$780 million. For 2024, the company plans to invest R$6.2 billion, with R$2.4 billion already allocated. The companys investment plan for 2024-2028 includes R$35.6 billion, focusing on modernizing and maintaining the electric distribution system and other regulated investments. The companys strong financial performance, substantial investment in renewable energy, and ongoing infrastructure projects highlight its capacity for growth and continued success in Brazils energy sector. Companhia Energetica (NYSE:CIG) was held by 13 hedge funds in the second quarter and the stakes amounted to $63.51 million. Polunin Capital is the top shareholder of the company and has a position worth nearly $30 million as of Q2. Overall CIG ranks 6th on our list of quality penny stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of CIG 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 CIG 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. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Apple Intelligence is coming next month. The company has revealed that its artificial intelligence platform is arriving on iPhones, iPads and MacBooks with the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates rolling out in October. It will only work on Apple's newer and more powerful devices, though, including the iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16 models, as well as MacBooks and iPads running on M-series chips. In addition, the first batch of Apple Intelligence features will only be available in US English. Support for English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK will be available in December, while for other languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish is coming next year. One of the first Apple Intelligence features you'll be able to use is Writing Tools, which can rewrite, proofread and summarize text for you in Mail, Notes, Pages and even in third-party apps. The Memories feature will give you a way to easily create movies in Photos when you type a description for the kind of images you're looking for. You'll even be able to search for specific photos and videos by using natural language. And if you want to quickly remove background objects in images without damaging the rest of the photo, you can use the Clean Up tool. There's also a feature you can use to record, transcribe and summarize audio in Notes and Phone. If you initiate a recording while on a call, for instance, Apple Intelligence will generate a summary after it ends. A new Focus feature called "Reduce Interruptions" will surface only notifications that need immediate attention, while Priority Messages in Mail will put time-sensitive messages at the top based on the contents of those emails. You'll also see summaries of an email's most important information across your inbox and then use Smart Reply, which identifies questions and suggests quick responses, to fire off a quick message. Apple says its AI technology will make Siri more natural and more integrated into its platforms, as well. The voice assistant will apparently be able to understand your inquiries, even if you stutter or stumble over your words, and it can follow your train of thought even if you switch between text and voice. Apple says it's releasing more AI features over the next few months, including one that can generate an image using context when you circle an empty space and another that can create original emoji (or "Genmoji") based on a description you type. Catch up on all the news from Apples iPhone 16 event! This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Apple juice sold at Walmart, Aldi and more recalled over arsenic levels A voluntary recall was initiated recently for 133,500 cases of apple juice over levels of arsenic. It has now been expanded to include even more brands, including apple juice sold at Walmart, Aldi, Walgreens, BJs, and more. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the products included in the recall include: Great Value eight-ounce Apple Juice in a six-pack; Walmart (Best if used by dates listed: Dec. 26, 2024; Dec. 27, 2024) Sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia Great Value 96-ounce Apple Juice; Walmart (Best if used by dates listed: Dec. 26, 2024; Dec. 27, 2024; Dec. 28, 2024) Sold in Indiana, Ohio, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and Virginia. Market Basket 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Market Basket (Best if used by date listed: March 25, 2025) Sold in Maine Nice! 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Walgreens (Best if used by date listed: March 25, 2025) Sold in Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin Weis 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Weis Markets (Best if used by date listed: March 25, 2025) Sold in Maryland and Pennsylvania Urban Meadow 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Brooklyn Fare (Best if used by date listed: March 26, 2025) Sold in Pennsylvania Natures Nectar 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Aldi (Best if used by dates listed: March 26, 2025; March 27, 2025) Sold in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin Wellsley Farms 100% Apple Juice; 96 ounces; BJs and Walmart (Best if used by date listed: March 26, 2025) Sold in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey Solevita 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Lidi US (Best if used by date listed: March 27, 2025) Sold in Virginia Clover Valley 100% Apple Juice; 64 ounces; Dollar General Best if used by date listed: March 27, 2025) Sold in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and South Carolina According to the FDA, the recalled products contain inorganic arsenic above action level set in guidance to industry, and current research indicates that inorganic arsenic is more dangerous than organic arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been connected to skin disorders, increased risks of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, and cardiovascular disease, the FDA said. Short-term exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet. The recalled products are manufactured by Refresco Beverages US Inc., who initiated the recall. The safety of consumers is always our top priority, Antonella Sacconi, a spokesperson for Refresco Beverages US Inc., said in a statement. On August 23, 2024, out of an abundance of caution, we voluntarily initiated a recall of some select lots of 100% apple juice products produced using supplier provided concentrate. Sacconi said that the company didnt know of any reported incidents caused by these products. Arizona man raped woman while in Michigan for work conference, prosecutors say PONTIAC, Mich. (FOX 2) - A man on a work trip in Michigan raped a woman at a local hotel in Auburn Hills before flying back home to Arizona, the county prosecutor says. He's since been extradited back to Oakland County where he was arraigned on various charges of criminal sexual conduct. Joel Delavara, 36 of Yuma in Arizona, appeared in 52nd District Court last week on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and first-degree home invasion. He posted bail after a judge ordered that he be held on $100,000 bond. According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's office, Delavara made a copy of the victim's hotel room key, gained access to her room, and sexually assaulted her. He then flew back home. The victim reported the attack to law enforcement and charges were issued afterward. "The impact of rape on a victim and our community is immense," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "This case will be handled by my offices Special Victims Unit, which is dedicated to prosecuting violent sex offenders and getting justice for victims. We will hold perpetrators fully accountable under the law." Delavara will be back in court for a probable cause conference on Sept. 19. Arkansas Supreme Court (Courtesy Photo) Attorney General Tim Griffin on Tuesday filed an appeal with the Arkansas Supreme Court in response to a judges rejection of his motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the states new school voucher program. In June, parents and guardians of public school children filed a lawsuit in Pulaski County Circuit Court asking the court to block enforcement of the Educational Freedom Account program, which provides state funds for allowable educational expenses such as private school tuition. Defendants named in Tuesdays appeal include Education Secretary Jacob Oliva, the Arkansas State Board of Education, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. Plaintiffs claim that Education Freedom Accounts illegally divert funding from its intended purpose is mistaken as a matter of law and therefore their suit should be dismissed for failure to state a claim, Griffin argued in his July motion. Griffin also argued the case should be dismissed because plaintiffs failed to state an exception to sovereign immunity, a legal doctrine that the state cannot be sued in its own courts. Circuit Court Judge Morgan Chip Welch denied Griffins motion in his Aug. 12 order, arguing that the plaintiffs pleadings are sufficient under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure. Plaintiffs allege the voucher program constitutes illegal exaction, an exception to the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Therefore, sovereign immunity does not apply to this case, Welch said. Illegal exaction refers to the use of tax funds for unauthorized or illegal purposes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A warning sounded by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has led Arkansas and 41 additional states to ask for congressional action on social media. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has joined 41 other attorneys general in signing a letter calling for Congress to pass legislation requiring a surgeon generals warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. US appeals court revives a lawsuit against TikTok over 10-year-olds blackout challenge death A study by the surgeon general about social media and youth mental health came out in May. In it, Vivek warned that still-forming adolescent brains could be impacted by being exposed to harmful content on social media, including violence, sexual content, harassment and bullying. Research for the surgeon generals study suggests that children who spend more than three hours a day on social media double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes. Australia proposes legal minimum age for children accessing social media Griffin said social media impacts can be devastating for youth. Social media platforms have become part of everyday life for most Americans, but its no secret that their algorithms are inherently addictive and can have devastating impacts on young people, Griffin said. Thats why I joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in support of the U.S. Surgeon Generals recent call for Congress to require that a warning be placed on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin files brief supporting return of Confederate monument to Little Rock park Griffin acknowledged that the warning would not be a cure-all but a step in the right direction for keeping children safe online. Arkansas in 2023 was among the first states to file lawsuits against TikTok and Meta for deceiving consumers and pushing their addictive and harmful algorithms to minors. As noted in the Tuesday letter to Congress, 45 states have now filed or joined similar lawsuits. Police arrest juvenile accused in social media threat made against Russellville Junior High School Attorneys general of California, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee co-led the letter. Joining in signing the letter in addition to Arkansas were the attorneys general of Alabama, American Samoa, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Court rules Arkansas AG Tim Griffins lawsuit against Meta allowed to proceed A copy of the letter is available at Arkansas.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 KARK. GREER, S.C. (WSPA) A man has been charged Tuesday morning after reportedly bringing a firearm to the BMW facility in Greer. The Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office responded to the facility in response to a disturbance. Deputies learned that BMW security services were notified by employees that someone had brought a firearm to the building. BMW Manufacturing said their security team worked to identify the person involved and detain him without any harm to our associates or facilities. The suspected individual was identified as Derrell Benson Jr. according to deputies. Deputies were advised that the property had No concealable weapons allowed signs. Benson was detained by security and then released to the sheriffs office. He was charged with trespass after notice. Benson was taken to the Spartanburg County Detention Center shortly after 7 a.m. He received a bond hearing and was later released after Noon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. (FOX40.COM) A person has been arrested in connection to a fire at the Gathering Inn in Roseville on Sunday night that forced the temporary relocation of the organizations programs, according to the Roseville Police Department. Matthew Brandon, 34, was arrested at 10 a.m. on Monday as a suspect in the fire after investigators determined the fire to be arson. CAL FIRE Placer-Nevada mourns loss of firefighter Police say that Brandon was identified as a suspect after evaluating physical evidence, surveillance footage and witness statements. According to the Roseville Fire Department, crews responded around 11:17 p.m. to 201 Berkeley Avenue for reports of heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the building. Crews were able to keep the fire from spreading beyond the second floor and no guests or employees were at the property during the fire, according to fire officials. The arson comes days after a protest, involving several hundred people, who voiced their opposition to a homeless respite center operated by the Gathering Inn in Lincoln. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 were conducting a stop-check on a vehicle before the men were arrested [BBC] Two men have been arrested and suspected drugs seized after a police officer was assaulted during an incident in Cornwall, say Devon and Cornwall Police. Police were conducting a stop-check on a vehicle at Poltair Court in St Austell at about 13:50 GMT on Saturday, during which a man in his 30s fled the scene and assaulted a male officer, officers said. He was located at Lostwood Road a "short time later" and a quantity of suspected drugs and associated paraphernalia were seized, along with cash, they added. The force said he and another man, both from St Austell, were arrested and later released on bail until 7 December, pending further enquiries. Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A man in his 40s from the St Austell area was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs [cocaine] and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. "A man in his 30s from St Austell was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug [cocaine] and common assault of an emergency worker." Follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links TOPEKA (KSNT) NOTO will soon be home to two temporary exhibits that will explore Topekas African American History. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) announced in a news release the NOTO Arts District will display two exhibits using different mediums to portray African American History in the capital city, as well as other events events. The two exhibits are called Our Stories: African American Topeka Before And After Brown and Craving Light: The Museum of Love & Reckoning. Major Topeka intersection to close for months The Our Stories: African American Topeka Before And After Brown exhibit will bring history to life by taking visitors beyond the history books, according to the news release. Black American Blueprint Collective curated this exhibit to celebrate and honor the experiences and contributions of Black Americans to Topeka, the community, society, culture and economy. Topekans who lived through key moments in history have shared their stories to gain a deeper understanding of Topekas Black history. According to the news release, one prominent story is the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Courts Brown v. Board of Education Decision. The next exhibit called Craving Light: The Museum of Love & Reckoning also highlights the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Artist Vanessa German worked with members of the community to create an exhibit to share personal narratives using multimedia; sculpture, collage and video. Plaintiffs from the Brown v. Board of Education case as well as other individuals who were deeply impacted by the ruling will be featured in the exhibit. The Craving Light exhibit will be in NOTO through Dec. 31, 2024. Manhattan police void nearly 20 parking tickets after K-State football season opener The exhibits will be open to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. There are other events community members can enjoy a Mini Vendor Market. Starting at 11 a.m. that day, presentations will be taking place to educate visitors about historic events in Shawnee County. A local rock band, Out of Commission will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission to the Great Overland Station will be free, according to the news release. 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. After a Baltimore County Police corporal pepper-sprayed a handcuffed suspect in the face, he yanked the mans hair so hard that two dreadlocks fell out, the man testified in city court Tuesday. The trial of Cpl. Zachary Small, 52, began Tuesday for his actions related to the Sept. 27 arrest of a 32-year-old man suspected of armed robbery. Small, a 20-year veteran of the department, is charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, violating public safety and misconduct. Ive been in pain before, but I thought I was about to die, the man testified about the encounter, which began after he fled police custody at Johns Hopkins Hospital and was quickly caught. After finding him in a nearby backyard, Baltimore City officers handcuffed him and placed him in a squad car. After Small and other county officers arrived, the moved him into a county police SUV, but the mans knee blocked the door, initially preventing Small from closing him inside, according to body-camera video released earlier this year. The man then complained he was too hot and couldnt breathe, and began banging on the cars window. In addition to the handcuffs, he was wearing a seatbelt and his legs were shackled. After warning the man, Small shot pepper-spray into the mans face, including his mouth and nose, seven to nine times, then closed the door again, Assistant States Attorney Kimberly Rothwell said. It was instant fire, the man said Tuesday. Instant burning. When he resumed banging on the door, Small opened it, grabbed the man and threw him onto the ground, the body-camera video showed. He takes his hair as if hes a dog on a leash, he grabs the roots of this mans hair, Rothwell said. The video shows him gripping the mans hair and using it to lift his head and neck up off the ground. If he could have, he would have killed me, the man said, comparing himself to George Floyd. He has hired a civil litigation attorney and plans to file a lawsuit, the man said. Small did not provide medical aid to the man or call for any, and instead ordered him sent to a police precinct. Prosecutors say Smalls actions during the arrest violated Baltimore Countys use of force policies and criminal law. Defense attorneys for Small described the man suspected of carrying out a string of commercial armed robberies as a violent criminal who repeatedly lied to officers. Hes set to stand trial for armed robbery, theft and second-degree assault in Baltimore County in October. He was charged with second-degree escape in connection with the September incident, but that count was placed on the stet docket, meaning prosecutors can revive it in the future. Smalls attorney Brian Thompson argued that the late September weather was cool, in the high 60s, not so hot that the man would overheat in the back of the police SUV. A 2022 training for Baltimore County officers advised using pepper spray when a suspect fails to comply with orders or is physically aggressive, according to a presentation defense attorneys displayed. Law enforcement experts consider pepper spray to be a lower level of force since it doesnt usually cause lasting injury. Smalls sergeant initially reviewed his actions and found he had acted within department policy for using force. Baltimore County Capt. Michael Fruhling, the Wilkens precinct commander, testified Tuesday that he thought the incident was ugly when he first looked at the body-camera video, but that he was okay with it. Later, the captain wrote in a Nov. 22 memo to then-Maj. Orlando Lilly that Smalls use of force had been unnecessary. Fruhling said Tuesday he changed his mind after watching the video more closely. I didnt think when the suspect was handcuffed in the back of a police car it was proportional and effectuating a law enforcement end, he said Tuesday, both requirements for using force under the departments policy. Asked by Thompson if Smalls actions in the arrest had violated the law, Fruhling said no. A grand jury first indicted Small on an additional charge of first-degree assault, but Baltimore States Attorney Ivan Bates said at a news conference in February that he decided the state would not be able to prove the felony charge. Three other county officers face charges of misconduct in office for failing to intervene in the incident. Trials for Officers Justin Graham-Moore and Jacob Roos are set for later this month. The trial for a fourth officer, Thomas Desmond, who was indicted later, is scheduled for December. Volkswagen employees protested at the start of a automaker's general meeting last week after it said earlier in the week it could take the unprecedented step of closing production sites in Germany (Moritz Frankenberg) Volkswagen on Tuesday axed an agreement protecting jobs in Germany that had been in place three decades, as the ailing auto titan pushes ahead with a controversial cost-cutting plan. Europe's biggest carmaker said it had officially notified unions about the end of the deal, whose current version guaranteed jobs at German plants until 2029. Even after the deal's termination, jobs are still protected until the end of June next year. "We must put Volkswagen in a position to reduce costs in Germany to a competitive level in order to invest in new technologies and new products from our own resources," said VW in an internal memo. It called for talks with employee representatives to secure the "long-term competitiveness" of Volkswagen, whose brands range from Porsche and Audi to Skoda and Seat. Volkswagen made the bombshell announcement last week that it was considering the unprecedented step of closing factories in Germany, where it employs about 300,000 people, for the first time in its 87-year history. The group is battling high manufacturing costs in Germany, a difficult transition to electric vehicles, as well as fierce competition in key market China from homegrown rivals. VW had already flagged earlier that a series of agreements with employee representatives would be axed. But Tuesday's move nevertheless sets the stage for a tough showdown with workers. Daniela Cavallo, chairwoman of VW's powerful works council, vowed to put up "fierce resistance to this historic attack on our jobs. With us, there will be no layoffs". After VW announced possible factory closures in Germany, thousands protested at the group's historic Wolfsburg headquarters last week as executives sought to justify the plans. The trouble at Volkswagen has also come as a heavy blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government at a time the domestic economy was already struggling. sr/mfp/rl BALTIMORE The trial for a Baltimore County officer accused of assaulting a handcuffed suspect when he pepper-sprayed him in the face last year began Tuesday in city court. Cpl. Zachary Small, 52, is charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, violating public safety and misconduct related to the Sept. 27 arrest of a man suspected of armed robbery. Body-camera video released by the county police department earlier this year captured the arrest in Baltimore City near Johns Hopkins Hospital, where the suspect escaped police custody after receiving treatment. After fleeing officers in the hospital and snapping his shackles, the man ran out of the hospitals ambulance bay. Baltimore City officers quickly found him hiding in a backyard, handcuffed his hands behind his back and placed him in a squad car. Eventually, Small and other county officers arrived. Thats when things went a little south, Assistant States Attorney Kimberly Rothwell said in her opening statement Tuesday. After he was moved into a county police SUV, the mans knee blocked the door, initially preventing Small from closing him inside. Then he complained he was too hot and that he couldnt breathe, and began banging on the cars window. After warning the man, Small shot pepper-spray into the mans face, including his mouth and nose, seven to nine times, Rothwell said, then closed the door again. When the man resumed banging on the door, Small opened the door, grabbed the man and threw him onto the ground, the body-camera video showed. He takes his hair as if hes a dog on a leash, he grabs the roots of this mans hair, Rothwell said. The video shows him gripping the mans hair and using it to lift his head and neck up off the ground. Small did not provide medical aid to the man or call for any, and instead ordered him sent to a police precinct. Prosecutors say that Smalls actions during the arrest violated Baltimore Countys use of force policies and criminal law. The assault charge refers to the pepper spraying and pulling the mans hair, while Rothwell said spraying the handcuffed mans face so many times constituted excessive force. You asked for it. Just remember this. I warned you, Small said in the footage, after pepper spraying the man in the face. Defense attorneys for Small described the man suspected of carrying out a string of commercial armed robberies as a violent criminal who repeatedly lied to officers. The man, who prosecutors intend to call as a witness, is set to stand trial for armed robbery, theft and second-degree assault in Baltimore County in October. He was charged with second-degree escape in connection with the September incident, but that count was placed on the stet docket, meaning prosecutors can revive it in the future. The man was taken to the hospital after his arrest for a gunshot wound, which Smalls attorney Brian Thompson called almost certainly a lie and a ruse to avoid jail. When Baltimore County Police Officer Justin Graham-Moore walked across the hallway to the nurses station in response to the mans request for food and pain medication, the suspect took the opportunity to escape from the exam room, Thompson said. Hospital video showed a man sprinting down the hallway out of view, followed by the Baltimore County officer. Thompson argued that the late September weather was cool, in the high 60s, not so hot that the man would overheat in the back of the police SUV. [He] lies again and says the magic words, I cant breathe, I cant breathe, Thompson said. A 2022 training for Baltimore County officers advised using pepper spray in situations where a suspect fails to comply with orders or is physically aggressive. Law enforcement experts consider pepper spray to be a lower level of force since it doesnt usually cause lasting injury. Smalls sergeant initially reviewed his actions and found he had acted within department policy for using force. Baltimore County Capt. Michael Fruhling, the Wilkens precinct commander, testified Tuesday that when he first looked at the body-camera video, he thought the incident was ugly but that he was okay with it for now. Later, the captain wrote in a Nov. 22, 2023 memo to then-Maj. Orlando Lilly that Smalls use of force had been unnecessary. Fuhrling said Tuesday he changed his mind after watching the video more closely. I didnt think when the suspect was handcuffed in the back of a police car it was proportional and effectuating a law enforcement end, he said Tuesday, both requirements for using force under the departments policy. Asked by Thompson if Smalls actions in the arrest had violated the law, Fruhling said no. A grand jury first indicted Small on an additional charge of first-degree assault, but Baltimore States Attorney Ivan Bates said at a news conference in February that he decided the state would not be able to prove the felony charge. I did feel like there would be some evidentiary issues in proving first-degree assault, so I made the call to dismiss first-degree assault, Bates said then. Three other county officers face charges of misconduct in office for failing to intervene in the incident. Trials for Graham-Moore and Officer Jacob Roos are set for later this month. The trial for a fourth officer, Thomas Desmond, who was indicted later, is scheduled for December. Small joined the Baltimore County Police department two decades ago. In 2006, the department found Small had assaulted another officer while off duty and consequentially took away 20 days of leave, according to a summary of his disciplinary record obtained through a Maryland Public Information Act request. President Barack Obama honored Small and two other officers at a White House ceremony in 2011 for carrying a man out of a burning house. In 2013, he shot and injured a woman who was pointing a gun replica at officers. More recently, the department took away five days of leave after he participated in a motor vehicle pursuit in 2020 that violated department policy, according to his discipline record. ______ People with type 2 diabetes are 83% more likely to get asthma than those without the condition, according to a new meta-analysis comprising 17 million people. Silvia Marks/dpa People with asthma are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a study has found, while type 2 diabetics are also twice as likely to develop asthma. The mechanisms that link the two conditions remain unclear, researchers said, and suggested that preventative measures, such as screening patients with asthma for prediabeties, should be considered. Academics in Taiwan reviewed existing literature on the topic, with a meta-analysis comprising 17 million people from 14 studies conducted in the UK, Finland, Denmark, US, Korea, Singapore, China and Israel. They found patients with type 2 diabetes were 83% more likely to get asthma than those without the condition. Meanwhile, asthmatics were 28% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people without asthma. The severeness of a persons asthma was also linked to a higher risk of diabetes, according to researchers. Dr Nam Nguyen, of the College of Medicine at Taipei Medical University, said the findings, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, have important implications for clinical practice. Firstly, this relationship emphasises the need for greater awareness among patients with type 2 diabetes or asthma and their healthcare providers, he said. Secondly, preventive strategies should be considered to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals with asthma. Further analysis showed conditions such as high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia abnormal levels of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of both asthma and type 2 diabetes. Some 422 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, according to the WHO. "The global rates of asthma and type 2 diabetes, both of which are common health issues, are on the rise," Dr Nguyen said. "These conditions negatively impact an individuals quality of life and are expected to create an increasing medical and economic burden. "However, the evidence linking the two and the mechanisms behind this connection remain unclear, highlighting the need for comprehensive research into their association." Waco, Tx (FOX 44) A local attorney who had been charged with solicitation of murder has pled to the lesser charge of terroristic threat with time he spent in jail when arrested being credited and will not be going to jail. Seth Andrew Sutton has also agreed to give up his law license. He and another attorney had been accused of trying to hire someone to kill the womans ex-husband. Both Sutton and Chelsea Tijerina had been indicted on the charges in August of 2020. Tijerina was later killed in a motorcycle crash in Hays County in May of 2021. Chelsea Tijerina. The charges came about when a man identified as an undercover investigator with the Waco Police Department had met with a man he had identified as Sutton who he accused of soliciting him to plan a murder of Tijerinas ex-husband. In the scenario the undercover officer painted, Sutton was to either acquire or help him to acquire a weapon and help him financially to leave town after the job was done. Man accused of threatening to kill woman and her family Sutton and Tijerina were arrested May 22, 2020. They were later released after posting $1,000,000 bond each. The Texas Attorney Generals Office had been handling the prosecution of the case after local district attorneys recused themselves. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The general election is less than two months away. As voting day gets closer, a university in KELOLAND is encouraging students, faculty, and staff to be civil and engaged. USD hosts celebration for Paralympian Some college students will be voting in their very first presidential election this November. This is an important part of the political process is We the People, Augustana Student Association President Annie Johnston said. As Johnston prepares to head to the polls, shes committed to civil dialogue. In fact, shes signed a pledge thats gained over 100 signatures from the Augie community in less than a week. Part of my role too is encouraging other students to sign this pledge. What does it mean to look civil in some of these discourses? And also just being able to be respectful, being able to be curious in a lot of these discussions, Johnston said. Thats just one part of Augustanas initiative called Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage, and Civility. Getting to know our neighbor, what they think, what they believe, knowing that our neighbor might not think the same things we do, our neighbor might not vote for the same candidate that we do, but we all have something valuable to bring to the table, so by leaning in with listening, with humility, with curiosity we find a lot that we have in common with one another and we learn from one another, Campus Pastor Rev. Ann Rosendale said. The initiative also features different events. Well have things like voter registration tables where students can register to vote, Rosendale said. Johnston thinks this initiative can make a difference. I think it can at the very least diminish some of that polarization by being able to see someone as a human, not as an enemy, not as an adversary, but being able to see them as an individual whos deeply passionate about an issue even though we may hold differing opinions on that subject. Being able to ask, Why do you think this? is an important step, Johnston said. Augustana launched a similar initiative in 2020. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. DENVER (KDVR) Aurora has threatened to shut down two troubled apartment complexes unless their owners take responsibility for deteriorating conditions and install an in-person presence on the properties. The complexes at issue are The Edge at Lowry, located at East 12th Avenue and Dallas Street, and Whispering Pines, at East 13th Avenue and Helena Street. CBZ Management operates both complexes, which have suffered a severe lack of maintenance along with concerns about the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Denver catalytic converter thefts down 95% so far this year: police On Thursday, Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor offered two police officers at each property for two weeks and possibly longer, but only if the owner installs an on-site property manager at each location. Thats according to Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, who said he toured the properties on Sunday. If the owner does not assume responsibility for these properties and start providing routine services, like trash removal, the city will be forced to close both apartment complexes as a last resort, Coffman posted on social media. Deteriorating conditions at Aurora apartments When FOX31s Vicente Arenas visited Whispering Pines in August, windows were boarded up and trash bins were full. Thats similar to conditions at The Edge at Lowry. Along with issues with trash and maintenance, Arenas obtained videos that show a group entering a building at The Edge with several weapons and then entering a unit. It happened just before a shootout that neighbors said was like warfare. Department of Homeland Security sources later confirmed to NewsNation that people seen in the video were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Still, some residents told FOX31s Gabby Easterwood that gangs were not the problem absentee property management was. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox After meeting with tenants from both complexes last week, Coffman said he agreed with interim Police Chief Heather Morris that a Venezuelan gang is not in control of either of these two apartment complexes, although he said he believes there were gang-related problems that caused the property managers to flee. Coffman said went to the complexes unaccompanied on Sunday without incident and visited every floor throughout all nine buildings. CBZ Management also operated the Fitzsimons Apartments on Nome Street, which the city recently shut down citing code violations and forcing hundreds to find new homes in about a week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is in the process of replacing several jet bridges that will feature dedicated climate control to the aircraft and the boarding bridge, an airport spokesperson confirmed to KXAN Tuesday. Currently, AUS is working to replace 10 jet bridges throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal, with future replacements also in the works. The spokesperson confirmed past jet bridges had air conditioning added to operations, but noted those werent solely dedicated to providing climate control for the board bridge. The previous bridge ACs were designed to support both the board bridge and the aircraft, the spokesperson said in an email. So cooling during hot summer days was not optimized. The project will incorporate dedicated climate control to the aircraft and the boarding bridge. Crews began working on the bridge replacements in July, with work set to continue over the next 10 to 11 months. The spokesperson said crews will take a phased approach during the replacement period to continue operations at all the gates. Officials said the project has an approximate cost of $1.5 million per gate replacement. Those jet bridges being updated are some of AUS oldest, having been installed when AUS originally opened back in 1999. The upcoming replacement models will include the dedicated and optimized climate control along the bridge to support passengers stay comfortable during the summertime and winter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Austin police ask for help identifying alleged suspect in downtown shooting that left 1 injured AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin police are asking for help identifying the person they said was responsible for a downtown shooting that left a person injured earlier this month. The Austin Police Department wants help identifying a suspect in an aggravated assault that happened in the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 2, around 1:18 a.m. near the intersection of East Seventh Street and Red River Street. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | 1 taken to the hospital after downtown Austin shooting APD said officers were in the area responding to a different incident when they heard gunshots. Police said three men were driving alongside the victims vehicle when the person in the front right passenger seat fired multiple gunshots at the victim. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a victim who was bleeding. The victim was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. According to APD, the investigation showed that three Black men were operating a newer model gray or silver Chevrolet Malibu, pictured below. APD said the vehicle did not have a front license plate. Suspect vehicle involved in an Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in downtown Austin on Sept. 2, 2024. (Austin Police Department photo) The suspect was described by APD as a Black male with a possibly shaved head or short hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, light-colored ripped jeans, and a gold chain. Anyone with any information should call APDs Aggravated Assault Unit at (512) 974-5245. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling (512) 472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an 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 KXAN Austin. Australia has a plan to combat the iPad kid: Set a national age limit for social media "I want them off their devices and onto the footy field," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Pool/Getty Images Australia's putting an age limit on social media this year. "I want them off their devices," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Opponents fear the law could push kids toward more dangerous channels. The Australian government wants kids off their screens and into the great outdoors. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was planning age limits for social media to protect young people's mental and physical health, Reuters reported. An exact age minimum hasn't been finalized, but Albanese floated a range of 14 to 16. The government is exploring how to enforce the new law, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "This one is for the mums and dads," Albanese said in a video on X. "I want kids to have a childhood. I want them off their devices and onto the footy field and onto the netball courts. I want them to have real experiences with real people." Representatives for Meta, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. While most social-media platforms bar children under 13, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a bill in March preventing kids under 14 from using social media. Opponents of the proposed Australian law say it may not stop kids from using the internet but instead drive them to less safe parts of the web. According to Reuters, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, a government agency dedicated to online safety, said in June that "restriction-based approaches may limit young people's access to critical support" and encourage them to seek out "less regulated non-mainstream services." "We know online harms can threaten safety across a range of platforms at any age, both before and after the mid-teen years," the eSafety Commissioner said Monday in a press release. "We need to continue preparing our young people for the technology trends and digital environment of the future." Read the original article on Business Insider The Australian federal government said Tuesday that it will introduce legislation this year that bans children from accessing social media. The exact age has yet to be determined. More from Variety The plan, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aligns with moves by other governments around the Asia-Pacific region seeking to rein in online media and social media, in particular. Many in the region are concerned that social media platforms are causing addictive behavior, enabling bullying, gambling and facilitating cybercrimes. Albanese called the impact of social media on young people a scourge. Governments in Malaysia, Singapore and Pakistan have all sought to move against social media companies in the last months, though reasoning and methods differ. And, this week, Malaysia halted its plan to re-route internet traffic and implement a kill switch. Banning children from social media has been the official policy of both parts of the governing coalition (the Liberal Party of Australia and the National Party of Australia) since June. Albanese said that the government is looking at introducing a minimum age of 14-16, and that he personally prefers 16 to be the youngest age at which access to sites such as Instagram and Tiktok would be permitted. The federal government is currently testing different methods for age verification and will decide on the minimum age figure after testing is completed. It says it will develop legislation in conjunction with the countrys states in order to avoid different local rules. The state of South Australia, which includes Adelaide, has been the most active in the matter and recently proposed rules that would force social media companies to ban children under 13 from their sites. The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm [..] This is no different to cigarettes or alcohol, said South Australian state Premier Peter Malinauskas. Moves to control access to social media are certain to face opposition in some quarters on the grounds that controls would likely infringe on privacy. The social media providers are also unlikely to be happy with the added costs and responsibility of policing the sites, pages and posts. Australia has previously legislated in ways that the platforms disliked. Introduction of its News Media Bargaining Code, designed to get platforms to pay local news providers for their content, caused Facebook to briefly withdraw from the country. Since then, the platforms have largely navigated around it. Australias regulators have not had an easy time standing up to overseas tech firms, either. In April, the federal internet safety watchdog, known as the eSafety Commissioner, sought removal of video footage of a knife attack at a Sydney church, which the government had designated as a terrorist act. The commissioner obtained a temporary injunction against X (formerly Twitter) when the platform refused to block the footage outside Australia, but a court refused to extend the temporary bar. X owner Elon Musk called the court decision a victory for free speech and an open internet. What is to stop any country from controlling the entire Internet? Musk said on X. His stance outraged Albanese who accused Musk of arrogance, acting above Australian law and disregarding a bipartisan position in the country. At the end of August, the Malaysian government set out proposals for an annual licensing regime for social media companies with more than 8 million users. It would also have imposed criminal liability on service providers for user-generated content, introduced stringent content moderation obligations and require religious content to be pre-approved by the Department of Islamic Development. In a country which has a long history of censorship of films, TV and other media on religious and political grounds, the policy was opposed by those fearing that the government would use the laws to silence its critics. The proposed re-routing was also opposed by workers in the countrys digital economy and on Sunday the government did a U-turn. Taking into account the views expressed through Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commissions engagement sessions, as well as from the general public, I have requested [the commission] not to proceed with the implementation, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil late on Sunday. In Singapore, the Online Criminal Harms Act, passed by Parliament last year, will require social media sites and messaging services to implement systems to detect scams and malicious activities by the end of 2024. They will also have to submit annual reports to authorities and identify sellers deemed as risky. Facebook and Carousell, a local marketplace, accounted for 70% of reported e-commerce scams, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. In Pakistan, national security grounds are being invoked as the reason for potentially massive changes to internet access. But how far measures have gone is currently unclear. In August, the cabinet told Parliament that it had installed a web management system, which allows the authorities to block content, monitor and control internet traffic at a gateway level. A marked slowdown in internet speeds was soon reported by the Wireless and Internet Providers Association. And many users complained that the Whatsapp messaging service, which is hugely popular for social and business purposes, was unavailable or no longer able to transfer documents, images or voice notes. The Pakistan government has repeatedly denied that it is installing a national firewall, similar to that in China. And the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority instead blamed Augusts internet slowdown on problems with two submarine cables. However, like China, Pakistan now requires registration by all users of virtual private networks (VPNs), software which allow users to pass their communications through a secure, private channel and change their online location. Pakistan has also blocked Musks X since February this year. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Georgia sheriffs office stopped a recent prison contraband smuggling attempt. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Georgia Department of Corrections and the Jackson County Sheriffs Office joined together and thwarted a planned contraband drop at the Johnson State Prison. The sheriffs office shared a photo of GDC K-9 Special Agent Wiggins and JCSO Deputy Ivey standing in front of the contraband. TRENDING STORIES: According to Jackson County officials, the contraband consisted of 2,070 grams of loose leaf tobacco, and cellphones intended to be sold or used inside the prison. Authorities did not say if anyone was facing charges. The sheriffs office said the package is among several other packages flown in by drone or carried in by foot and thrown over the outside fence. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: In the Hinrich Foundations latest white paper on Huawei, researchers focus on how economic policy and geopolitical tensions have affected the firm: Caging a Dragon: How economic statecraft shaped Huaweis global FDI footprint. Huwaei as a global company Huawei is well-known for making phones, providing technology infrastructure and for taking the global lead in 5G telecommunications. FDI played an important role in helping the company attain its global reach, giving it access to new markets, foreign capital, and workers. Between 2010 and 2024, the company made 308 greenfield overseas investments worth $17.4bn, creating 50,000 jobs in 70 countries. 40% of these investments were in research and development. The company is the largest Chinese outbound investor in greenfield projects in the number of projects and jobs created. Global pushback The company has also faced major pushback for its ties to the Chinese government. In 2018, there were reports that data from the African Union's, Huawei-built, headquarters' server had been being sent to China every day since 2012, an accusation that the company denied. The US Department of Justice and other international companies have also accused Huawei of intellectual property theft and of helping North Korea, Iran and other states with equipment for surveillance and repression. The pressure began in 2017 when the US imposed a ban on the purchase of certain Huawei equipment from the US Defense Department. Two years later, the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security put Huawei and its subsidiaries on the Entity List, which limits American companies' ability to export and supply equipment to Huawei without a special license. Sanctions have continued to grow and in 2024 the US revoked licenses to export chips to Huawei from Qualcomm and Intel. This comes as the US has sought to limit China's technological growth, pressuring allies to impose their own export restrictions. Have sanctions worked? The US had three main concerns regarding Huaweis growth: protecting the safety of its digital infrastructure, ensuring secure communications with its allies and preventing Huawei from becoming a monopoly in the supply of 5G equipment. The company has seen a huge decline in foreign investment since pressure from the US began. Only 15% of the foreign investment projects the company has undertaken since 2010 were announced since the beginning of 2020. Huawei has shifted its strategy to investing in the Global South and targeted sectors such as education and training, rather than ICT manufacturing. It also maintains financial support from the CCP, with generous subsidies and government contracts. Story continues The companys revenue peaked in 2020 at $129bn, after six years of strong growth, and went down to $88bn in 2021. In 2023, revenue stood at $99bn, which was still 20% below its 2020 peak. However, the company has managed to maintain profits and, in 2023, reported a profit gain of 147% as it took up projects in cloud computing and other areas to make up for the limits on ICT infrastructure. "How economic statecraft shaped Huaweis global footprint- White Paper " was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. UPDATE: Autopsy reveals age of baby found dead at Abilene lake, identity still unknown ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An autopsy has revealed the age of a baby who was found dead at an Abilene lake but her identity still remains unknown. The baby, now determined to be between 6-months-to-10.5-months-old, was discovered deceased at Sea Bea Park just before 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 31. Autopsy results allowed detectives to get a closer match to her exact age, but other information, including her race, has still not been identified. Investigators are asking the public for help with this case as they continue to follow up on several tips already received. Anyone with information is asked to contact Abilene Crime Stoppers at (325)676-8477. All tips are guaranteed anonymous and good information could lead to 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. PHILADELPHIA California Gov. Gavin Newsom is back on the presidential campaign trail. The high-profile Democrat and two-term governor was one of the top surrogates for President Biden during the president's re-election campaign. But other than an appearance but no speaking role at last month's Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Newsom has mostly been off the campaign trail since fellow Californian Vice President Kamala Harris replaced Biden atop the party's 2024 ticket seven and a half weeks ago. Until now. Newsom will be one of four Democratic governors along with Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico who will be in the debate spin room on behalf of the vice president. WHY THE HARRIS-TRUMP DEBATE SHOWDOWN IS SO CRUCIAL READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP California Gov. Gavin Newsom poses for a selfie with supporters at the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Ahead of his stop in Philadelphia, Newsom was in New York on Sunday to headline a fundraiser for Harris and also made media appearances on behalf of the vice president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate. "What Kamala Harris has done in the past eight weeks is unprecedented in U.S. history. She's closed the gap. We're not just in the margin of error. We've expanded the map of the United States," Newsom emphasized early Tuesday in an interview on "CBS Mornings." HARRIS-TRUMP DEBATE BEING HELD IN EXTREMELY CRUCIAL 2024 BATTLEGROUND Newsom was a prominent Biden surrogate and defended him after the president's disastrous performance in his late June debate against former President Trump, the GOP presidential nominee. Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigns for President Biden at a highway rest area in Hooksett, New Hampshire, on July 8, 2024. Biden's halting debate delivery instantly fueled questions about his physical and mental abilities to serve another four years in the White House and spurred a rising chorus of calls from within his own party for the 81-year-old president to end his bid for a second term. Facing increased pressure from fellow Democrats, Biden, in a blockbuster announcement on July 21, ended his re-election campaign and endorsed his vice president. KAMALA HARRIS, DONALD TRUMP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: LIVE UPDATES When asked if he would be as voracious for Harris on the campaign trail as he was for Biden, Newsom pointed to his longtime friendship and working relationship with the vice president. "We knew each other a decade before we both got into politics. One of my oldest friends. So its a no brainer," Newsom told Fox News Digital during the first night of the DNC at Chicago's United Center arena. "Im as needed. But obviously all in." However, Newsom, who is thought to have long harbored national ambitions of his own, added at the time that he may not be asked by the Harris campaign to hit the trail on behalf of the vice president. "Well see. Because everybodys out there. Everybodys doing everything," the governor said. Fast-forward three weeks, and Newsom's back on the campaign trail. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Back on the trail: Top Biden surrogate Newsom now campaigning for Harris Indonesia has agreed to set a moratorium on the construction of hotels, villas and nightclubs in some areas on the tourist resort island of Bali, as it grapples with the over-development of land, a senior ministry official said on September 9. The moratorium is part of the governments bid to reform tourism on Bali, one of Indonesias main attractions, to try to boost quality and jobs while preserving the islands indigenous culture. Hermin Esti, a senior official at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, told Reuters the government had agreed to set the moratorium, although the exact timeline was still being discussed. On Saturday, Balis interim governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya said he suggested the moratorium in four of Balis busy areas to the central government, taking aim at over-development for commercial purposes, such as hotels, villas and beach clubs. The governors office and Indonesias tourism ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. The moratorium could stretch up to 10 years, senior minister Luhut Pandjaitan was quoted by news website Detik as saying on September 8. Luhut has previously said about 200,000 foreigners now live in Bali, contributing to problems such as crime, over-development and competition for jobs. Foreign arrivals in Bali have surged since it re-opened for tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. Videos of misbehaving tourists often go viral, angering residents and sparking harsh responses from social media users in Indonesia. Government figures show 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived through Bali airport in the first half of the year, making up 65% of total foreign arrivals in Indonesia by air. There were 541 hotels in Bali last year, the figures show, up from 507 in 2019. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The new ballistic missiles Russia just got from its pariah partner Iran will give it more flexibility with its own missiles, US warns The new ballistic missiles Russia just got from its pariah partner Iran will give it more flexibility with its own missiles, US warns Russia has received shipments of Fath-360 missiles from Iran, the White House confirmed on Tuesday. These close-range ballistic missiles could be used in Ukraine within weeks, a spokesperson warned. The transfer marks the latest military cooperation between Russia and pariah states like Iran and North Korea. Russia has received shipments of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, US officials confirmed on Tuesday, warning that these weapons could be used against Ukrainian cities within weeks. The delivery marks the latest transfer of foreign weapons to Russia as it continues to rely on other pariah states like Iran and North Korea for military support to fuel its ongoing war efforts in Ukraine. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said dozens of Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to use the newly obtained Fath-360 missiles. Russia has received shipments of these missiles and "will probably employ them within weeks against Ukraine," Kirby told reporters. He said that this development would be deadly for the Ukrainian people because Moscow uses ballistic missiles to target civilian infrastructure. The Fath-360 is an Iranian short-range ballistic missile with satellite guidance and a maximum range of 75 miles. It was first unveiled four years ago and can be equipped with a 330-pound warhead. Missiles launched during a drill in Iran. Iranian Revolutionary Guard/Sepahnews via AP Kirby said this development could see Russia use its arsenal of ballistic missiles to strike farther beyond the front lines while using the new Iranian ones for closer-range targets. It is unclear exactly how many missiles Moscow received from Tehran. "This is obviously deeply concerning, and it certainly speaks to the manner in which this partnership threatens European security and how it illustrates Iran's destabilizing influence now reaches well beyond the Middle East," Kirby says. Russia, meanwhile, is sharing nuclear technology and space-related information with Iran, Kirby said. Tehran has long sought to advance its nuclear weapons program, which has been a major point of contention with the West over the past decade. The US and its European allies have revealed their intentions to impose various sanctions on Iran in response to the now-confirmed missile transfers, including on Iran Air, Tehran's flagship carrier. France, Germany, and the UK said they will target individuals and entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program. "Iran's new president and foreign minister have repeatedly said that they want to restore engagement with Europe, they want to receive sanctions relief," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference alongside his UK counterpart in London. "Destabilizing actions like these will achieve exactly the opposite." The aftermath of a Russian missile strike near a shopping center. Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images Blinken noted that the Iranian missiles will give Russia additional capabilities and flexibility, fueling its overall war efforts in Ukraine. Conflict analysts at the Institute for the Study of War suggested last week that Russia will likely use the Iranian ballistic missiles to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure over the next few months "to further destabilize Ukrainian society and disrupt Ukraine's defense industrial base." The US has been warning of increasing military ties between Russia and Iran for years. One of the most heavily documented examples of this growing cooperation is Moscow's widespread employment of Iranian Shahed-136 one-way attack drones in strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Russia has reportedly agreed to supply Iran with fighter jets and attack helicopters, although it is unclear whether that has or will materialize. Russia has also turned to North Korea for military support as it continues to face isolation on the world stage. Pyongyang has sent Moscow ballistic missiles, as well as artillery. Read the original article on Business Insider People walk by a Walgreens, owned by the Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., in Manhattan, New York City By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) - Baltimore said on Tuesday that it has settled with Walgreens over claims that the pharmacy operator fueled opioid addiction in the Maryland city, the latest in a series of settlements totaling $402.5 million ahead of a trial scheduled to begin next week. The announcement came a day after the city reached an $80 million settlement over opioids with drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical. Baltimore did not disclose the terms of its settlement with Walgreens, but the cumulative settlement amount implies that it was also $80 million. "We are proud of our efforts to bring these companies to justice over the past several years," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. Walgreens said in a statement: "Although Walgreens strongly disputes any liability, this settlement is in the best interests of all of our stakeholders." The remaining defendants scheduled to face trial next week are drugmaker Johnson & Johnson, and distributors McKesson and Cencora. "We will challenge the city's claims - which have no basis in the facts or the law," J&J said in a statement, adding that it "did everything a responsible manufacturer of these important prescription pain medicines should do." Teva, McKesson and Cencora did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Baltimore earlier this year announced settlements with drugmaker AbbVie's Allergan unit, pharmacy operator CVS and drug distributor Cardinal Health. Like more than 3,000 other local governments that have filed lawsuits over opioids, the city accused drugmakers of downplaying opioids' addiction risks, and distributors and pharmacies of ignoring red flags that pills were being diverted into illegal channels. The vast majority of those cases have been settled through nationwide agreements, which now total about $46 billion. Baltimore opted against joining those global settlements in the hopes of recovering more than it would have received through those deals. The city said that under a multi-state settlement with Teva, for example, it would have received only $11 million over 13 years. More than 800,000 people in the United States died of opioid overdoses from 1999 through 2023, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba O'Brien) Ban on religious organisations linked to Russia may put end to Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine Viktor Yelenskyi, Head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience of Ukraine. Photo: Ukrainska Pravda The recently adopted law banning religious organisations associated with Russia is based on international law and can really resolve the difficult religious situation in Ukraine, said Viktor Yelenskyi, Head of the Ukrainian State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience. Source: Viktor Yelenskyi in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda Quote from Yelenskyi: "Freedom of conscience or religious freedom can be curtailed even if it is not a matter of national security. For example, we say in the law that we are banning the Russian Orthodox Church, and then the text goes on to quote almost directly from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution: as an ideological continuation of the aggressive regime of the Russian Federation." Details: Yelenskyi stressed that international law allows Ukraine, like other countries, to restrict this freedom if it is for a legitimate purpose. In this case, we are talking about restricting the subversive activities of the Russian Church on Ukraine's territory. The second ground is if the restrictions are carried out in a manner acceptable to a democratic society. Quote from Yelenskyi: "This law provides for an absolute democratic procedure, including the fact that it is the court that puts the final point. That is, the procedure is acceptable for a democratic society. Thirdly, if the law is not discriminatory, i.e., it does not establish a framework for one religious organisation and a different one for another. This law is not discriminatory." Details: Another condition is that the law should not burden a person's conscience. Quote from Yelenskyi: "So, submission to the Moscow Patriarchate is not part of the Orthodox faith. If you do not submit to the Moscow Patriarchate or the Serbian, Antioch or any other, you do not cease to be Orthodox. This means that it is not a burden on your conscience." He expressed his belief that the law "can pass the necessary tests" [for suitability and acceptability for a democratic society ed.] and that it is aimed at "putting an end to the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine". Quote from Yelenskyi: "It is not aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. There is a very important clarification that if this church, which is affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, withdraws from its membership, makes a corresponding statement, provides the relevant documents, then this law does not apply to it." Background: On 20 September, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) adopted in its entirety a bill banning religious organisations in Ukraine that are linked to Russia, which could potentially cripple the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Support UP or become our patron! Ban on smoking in cars with children inches closer Smoking in cars carrying children has been banned in England and Wales since 2015 [PA] Guernsey deputies have published a new law that would ban people from smoking in cars carrying children. Health and Social Care (HSC) said the legislation would come into effect on 1 November if passed. The States agreed in May to make "smoking a tobacco product in an enclosed motor vehicle carrying a child" a criminal offence. Dr Nicola Brink, director of Public Health, said the legislation aimed to "protect children from second-hand smoke and its harmful effects". She added "there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke". "This is of particular concern for children in cars who have no control over the environment in which they're placed," she said. Dr Brink said the new law would "bring Guernsey up to date with the rest of the British Isles". Smoking in cars carrying children has been illegal in England and Wales since 2015. Guernsey Police said if passed the offence would carry a Band C fixed penalty notice of 125, or 115 if paid within seven days. Deputies are due to vote on the new law on 23 October. Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Barron Faces NYU Professors Who Signed Letter Saying Trump Was Threat to the Republic Eighteen-year-old Barron Trumps first day of college at New York Universitys Stern School of Business allegedly began by meeting his schools once outspoken anti-Trump dean. Interim dean J.P. Eggers was one of 14 NYU Stern administrators to sign an October 2020 open letter warning business leaders of then-President Donald Trumps threat to our republic. The letter included over 1,000 signatories from business schools across America, including from Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Columbia. Professor Deepak Malhotra of Harvard University served as the letters main author. It is time for business leaders to follow suit and speak out against the threat Trump poses to our country, the letter urged, referencing veterans, scientists, doctors, and other professional groups that spoke out against Trump in the lead-up to the 2020 election won by Joe Biden. It is time for business leaders to declare publicly what so many have been saying privately: that President Trump is unfit to lead and is a threat to the Republic, the letter read, adding, And it is time for journalists to start asking Americas CEOs whether they believe four more years of Trump would be good for the country. Mystery Solved! Barron Trump Finally Spotted at College The New York Post reported that Barron was flanked by bodyguards when he arrived to NYU before being hustled away to meet the dean and attend classeswhere he is likely to have a run-in with one of the letters undersigned professors. The Daily Beast found via online records that more than half of the 14 NYU Stern administrators who signed the 2020 letter still work at Stern in some capacity. Its a very high-quality place. He liked it. He liked the school, Trump told the Daily Mail. I went to Wharton, and that was certainly one that we were considering. We didnt do that. We went for Stern. Trump also called on Stern to certify that his business accounting was sound in the $250 million accounting fraud case filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. NYUs student newspaper, Washington Square News, reported that Stern accounting professor Eli Bartov was paid $900,000 by Trumps Save America PAC to testify. Barron Trump, son of former US President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump, takes part in his graduation at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, May 17, 2024. Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images In his testimony, Bartov told the court that there was no evidence of concealment in Trumps accounting. My analysis shows the statements of financial conditions for all the years were not materially misstated, Bartov said in the testimony. There is no evidence here of concealment. Bartov is still listed as a professor of accounting under the schools faculty. In February, Trump was found guilty of fraud and ordered to fork over a $455 million judgement. Barron Learned of Trump Assassination Attempt During Tennis Lesson Justice Arthur Engoron rebuked Bartovs testimony in denying Trumps request for the case to be decided in his favor. All that his testimony proves is that for a million or so dollars, some experts will say whatever you want them to say, wrote Engoron, CNBC reported. Eggers was appointed interim dean of Stern on July 1, 2024. The New York University Stern School of Business did not reply to the Daily Beasts emailed requests and calls 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. Most students in Barrow County Schools will return to class Tuesday morning, just days after a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. READ: Apalachee High School Shooting: Colt Grays mother warned counselor about extreme emergency While all schools in the district will resume classes, Apalachee High School remains closed with no set date for reopening. Barrow County Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff addressed the community ahead of the reopening. You can expect to see additional security staff provided by the Barrow County Sheriffs Office and Georgia State Patrol at our schools. You can also expect to see additional mental health support provided at every campus from a variety of community partners, LeDuff said. On Monday, families were allowed to return to Apalachee High to retrieve their belongings. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency has also opened a community recovery center on 2nd Street, available to families impacted by the tragedy. The center will be open all week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [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. Most students in Barrow County Schools will return to class after the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School last week. The Barrow County Schools will open their doors back up open on Tuesday morning. All schools except Apalachee High School will have classes. No return date has been determined for Apalachee students. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Barrow County Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff shared a message for families before their students go back. You can expect to see additional security staff provided by the Barrow County Sheriffs Office and Georgia State Patrol at our schools. You can also expect to see additional mental health support provided at every campus from a variety of community partners, LeDuff said. On Monday, families were allowed back inside the high school to gather their belongings. Georgia Emergency Management also opened up a community recovery center for families impacted by the tragedy. The center at 2nd Street will be open all week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] This Electronics Giant Wants To Corner The Market On Cooling Data Centers Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The emergence of data centers has been a boon for many real estate investment trusts (REITs) such as Equinix and Digital Realty Trust. However, data centers require tremendous ancillary services, and keeping them cool is mission-critical. That's why Korea-based electronics giant LG (KRX: 003550) plans to jump into the data center cooling business to generate permanent revenue. Trending Now: This billion-dollar fund has invested in the next big real estate boom, here's how you can join for $10 . This is a paid advertisement. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Flagship Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus. Read them carefully before investing. Find out how you compare to the average American couples retirement balance will you make the $1,000,000 mark? You may recognize the LG name from consumer products like televisions, cellphones, and home appliances, but the company also has a huge interest in the air conditioning business. LG's heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) arm has been active for years and they believe it puts them in the perfect position to outpace their competition. LG announced the plan at its recent Investor's Forum in Seoul. At the Forum, LG's executives detailed their plans to move beyond consumer electronics and generate new revenue sources. One idea is to generate "permanent revenue" via subscription services, which CEO William Cho refers to as the company's "cash cow." LG plans to use that cash to expand into other areas, like data center cooling. LG's HVAC business is already booming thanks to its "chillers," designed to cool large buildings. The company claims that revenue from chillers has grown by 15% per year for the last three years. LG is also experimenting with a new technology known as liquid-immersion cooling that could cool computers much more efficiently than current methods. Mastering these technologies could help LG become a major player in data center services. More importantly, LG believes it can get a jump on its competition because it already possesses the infrastructure to turn out the heavy-duty cooling units data centers require. If LG can pivot and gain a large market share, it could dominate this lucrative sector for a long time. Read More: Private credit outperformed both high-yield bonds and equities in the last 3 market downturns (2008, COVID and 2022). Should you be adding private credit to your portfolio? A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 you can become part of the next big real estate boom today. This is a paid advertisement. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Flagship Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus. Read them carefully before investing. Story continues As generative AI and cloud-based services multiply the need for data centers, it's not difficult to see the logic behind LG's gambit. Digital REITs have new data centers and even larger hyperscale data centers in the pipeline for years to come. Investing in a company that provides them with cooling services is not unlike buying stock in a car battery or a tire company in the early days of the automobile age. LG's data center cooling play is all part of its 2030 Future Vision plan, a long-term project designed to grow LG into an even bigger global player than it already is. The 2030 Future Vision plan aims to achieve the following goals: Seven percent average annual growth rate Seven percent operating profit A valuation of seven times the company's annual earnings These are lofty goals, but if LG meets them, shareholders will enjoy several prosperous earnings seasons in the years ahead. However, investors can take a cue from LG even if they are uncomfortable buying shares on the Korean stock exchange. LG's logic in wanting to provide essential services to the AI and Data sectors is very sound. Look at the data center sector in its entirety. Aside from cooling, many other mission-critical infrastructure and service providers stand to make tremendous profits as this new industry grows. Consider US-based companies that provide similar services to LG's when scouting for new investment opportunities. These industries, and this entire sector, are poised for tremendous growth. That means you can invest in tomorrow's future today. Looking For Higher-Yield Opportunities? The current high-interest-rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks... Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified some of the most attractive options for you to consider. For instance, the Ascent Income Fund from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets. With payment priority and flexible liquidity options, the Ascent Income Fund is a cornerstone investment vehicle for income-focused investors. First-time investors with EquityMultiple can now invest in the Ascent Income Fund with a reduced minimum of just $5,000. Benzinga Readers: Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only). Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings. This article This Electronics Giant Wants To Corner The Market On Cooling Data Centers originally appeared on Benzinga.com TAMPA, Fla. - As more people move to the Sunshine State, rent prices have gone up significantly, but the high demand for rental homes is also putting an added strain on landlord-tenant relationships. Last week, FOX 13 reported on more corporate investors renting properties in Tampa and issues that may come with it, but its a seemingly tricky relationship even when dealing with private landlords. "In this industry, whether it's corporate or individual landlord or property managers, you're going to have good and bad in every industry," said Matt Fonk, a Tampa landlord. RELATED: Corporate investors may become your landlord as they buy more Florida real estate Fonk has managed more than 500 properties, a portfolio close to $40 million. He said as demand increases for rentals here, the tenant-landlord relationship has become taxing. "I think a lot of times the tenant goes in, they sign a lease, they press hard, a signature is on the bottom and that's it. There's no education, there's no home orientation. You know, they don't explain to them in detail maybe how the home needs to be kept, like the AC filters, change them once a month or some shut off things are. If you see this, let us know. Toilet's running, give us a call. But they probably don't do a lot of that," said Fonk. Renters FOX 13 spoke with detailed issues with mold, air conditioning and other maintenance on privately owned properties, saying they arent well managed. Fonk plans to host seminars to educate and improve these relationships. READ: Gov. DeSantis urges condo bill fixes in Miami roundtable "I like to educate landlords. I want to help them do better, educate their tenants. And so, we're working on a class to help them do a lot better with the type of things that they can do with property management," Fonk said. "Landlords can become better landlords, and they can actually have a relationship that has value, and it's a long-lasting relationship." He said it starts with communication and advises record keeping via email or text of complaints by renters that go unfixed. Last week, FOX 13 reported that corporate investors now own well over 100,000 single family homes in Florida and renters are also having issues with these companies. "I think that they are too big and the problem is they're too big to fail, right? Somebody's going to always bail something out," Fonk said. "At the end of the day, I don't think the education falls down the line. There's not enough oversight from the management perspective." The biggest corporate landlord in the Tampa Bay area Invitation Homes sent FOX 13 a statement, saying in part: "Invitation homes is proud to provide a desirable housing option to a growing number of individuals throughout a residents lease, we routinely maintain our homes to a high standard and communicate proactively with residents on the condition of the house." WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) On Monday, a parent of a Northside High School student voiced concerns regarding bed bugs in their students school issued laptop. The laptop was collected and inspected by district IT and facilities management staff. After inspecting the device, it was confirmed that there were bed bugs in the laptop. This specific device was issued to NHS students during the 2023-2024 school year and was stored in the media center over summer break. Onslow County Schools district maintenance staff inspected the media center and set an pest management plan where the devices were stored. Brad Staley, Northside High School Principal, notified all NHS families and asked students to return their devices and chargers to school on Tuesday morning. The laptops and chargers were bagged and taken to an off-site storage location. It is crucial to prevent the spread of bed bugs by inspecting your students personal belongings. The districts goal is to be proactive and provide replacement devices as soon as possible. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad CORRECTS THE NAME OF SOURCE - Dziana Maiseyenka, 28, walks in a street in Yerevan, Armenia, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, after being denied entry to neighboring Georgia because an arrest warrant had been issued for her by authorities in Minsk. (Hayk Baghdasaryan/Photolure via AP) TALLINN, Estonia (AP) More than a half-million Belarusians have fled their country in the past four years as the authoritarian government launched a harsh crackdown on its political opponents. Some of them, however, are discovering that they can't escape intimidation and threats in their new lives abroad. Dziana Maiseyenka, 28, was detained without warning while crossing the border from Armenia to Georgia, where she had taken refuge from Belarus a year ago to escape what she called the nightmare at home. Authorities in Minsk, she was told, had issued an international arrest warrant against her on charges of organizing mass unrest. She knows what a return to Belarus will mean: Her father was imprisoned for nearly three years on similar charges. When he was released last year, he was promptly arrested again. As hard-line President Alexander Lukashenko seeks his seventh term next year to extend his three-decade rule, opposition leaders in exile say he is ramping up the pressure on Belarusians who moved abroad. The aim is to avoid a repeat of the mass protests that broke out around the 2020 election by quashing any opposition support from abroad. Months of large demonstrations over that widely denounced balloting resulted in more than 65,000 people arrested over the last four years, with many of them severely beaten, according to the Belarusian human rights group Viasna. Its Nobel Peace Prize-winning founder, Ales Bialiatski, is among those imprisoned. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was Lukashenkos main challenger in 2020 before fleeing to Lithuania the day after the election, says Belarus has launched a systematic campaign against dissidents abroad. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, repressions against Belarusians abroad will most likely only intensify as the regime tries to intimidate those who call for increased international sanctions and nonrecognition of Lukashenkos legitimacy, she said in an interview with The Associated Press. Tsikhanouskaya said her office gets hundreds of requests a month from Belarusians abroad who say criminal cases have been opened against them in their homeland, and it is intervening in at least 15 countries where extradition requests have been made. Other emigres complain their identity documents have been invalidated by the government in Minsk or that relatives at home have come under pressure. Pavel Latushka, a prominent opposition figure in exile in Poland, says he's received threats, which Polish authorities are investigating, and his website came under a cyberattack that he blames on Lukashenko's government. Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, who sought political asylum in Poland three years ago after the Tokyo Olympics, also said she had received threatening messages in Warsaw. One said "they would rip my stomach open if I went outside, Tsimanouskaya told AP at the Paris Olympics. In another, separate instance, she said she noticed two men were constantly following me in her neighborhood. "They went outside when I went outside. This was not some kind of coincidence," Tsimanouskaya said, adding that it ended after she reported it to police. At the Paris Games, Polish team officials advised her to keep to the more secure athletes village whenever possible. Viasna representative Pavel Sapelka said the Belarus KGB is infiltrating the diaspora, organizing surveillance and taking video of large protests abroad, and then initiating hundreds of criminal cases at home. Official Minsk has begun sending out extradition requests en masse, and the logic here is very simple -- even if they manage to bring back only a few from abroad, everyone will be scared, he said. Independent director Andrei Hniot, a Lukashenko critic who made films about the Minsk protests, was arrested last year at Belgrades airport on an Interpol warrant at the request of Belarusian authorities for alleged tax evasion. A Serbian court in June ordered his extradition, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intervened. In a letter to the Belarusian opposition office, she said Serbian authorities were told Hniots case was politically motivated and he would face reprisals if returned to his homeland. The route to Belarus is a direct road to prison, Hniot told AP from Belgrade, where he's under house arrest while awaiting a final ruling. In August, two anti-Lukashenko activists were deported from Sweden after being refused political asylum. The mother and son who had participated in protests in Belarus were taken by Swedish authorities to the Lithuania-Belarus frontier and handed over to Belarusian border guards. The son was detained at the border. Belarusians need European solidarity not in words but in deeds," said Zmitser Vaserman, who represents a Belarusian exile group in Sweden, urging a "European moratorium on the deportation of Belarusian citizens who are persecuted for political reasons. To protect the interests of Belarusians abroad, the opposition has created peoples embassies in 24 countries, including in EU member states, the U.K., Canada, Australia and Brazil. Belarusian authorities responded by declaring these peoples embassies to be extremist groups; cooperation with them is punishable by up to seven years in prison and confiscation of property. In the spring, authorities carried out a wave of searches and arrests inside Belarus, initiating hundreds of criminal cases at home and abroad. Extremist groups have launched information campaigns to discredit our country in the eyes of Western politicians, said Siarhei Kabakovich, spokesman for the Investigative Committee of Belarus. The pseudo-embassies are trying to damage the national security of Belarus and are carrying out measures to isolate diplomatic missions of the Foreign Ministry system and block any contacts between foreign citizens, organizations and governments with Belarusian diplomats. In Vilnius, where opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya is based, several Belarusian institutions were attacked this month. Windows were broken at a Belarusian Orthodox church and a center of Belarusian culture, and obscene messages were left near a refugee shelter. Lithuania's Foreign Ministry in a statement on X condemned the acts of vandalism against the Belarusian community carried out according to the KGB playbook and vowed to punish those responsible. Tsikhanouskaya called for an investigation, blaming the Lukashenko regime, which is constantly trying to create an atmosphere of fear and hate in Belarusian society. Belarus now requires its citizens to renew their passports inside the country. That leaves many exiles in a bind, fearing prosecution if they return home to get new documents. Of particular concern are children born abroad to parents who cannot return to Belarus to get documents confirming their citizenship, said Anais Marin, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Belarus, because "this may lead to loss of proof of citizenship and, potentially, to statelessness. Many Belarusians returning home have been arrested at the border, said Tsikhanouskaya. Some record video confessions of repentance, which are widely believed to be coerced. Katsiaryna Mendryk, a student at the University of Warsaw who was arrested in August, said in a subsequent video confession that she really regrets participating in extremist activities. She goes on trial this month, facing up to seven years in prison. Maiseyenka, the woman detained at the Georgia-Armenia border, spent five days in limbo before returning safely to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Tsikhanouskaya's office intervened on her behalf, and Armenia decided not to extradite her, she told AP. Maiseyenka said she was a lucky exception but "realized with horror how dangerous it is to be Belarusian. Lukashenko is showing that he can hang the fate of any citizen by a thread, she said. This means that a Belarusian anywhere in the world needs to be prepared for unpleasant surprises. ___ Associated Press writer James Ellingworth contributed to this report. BELLBROOK, Ohio (WDTN) Bellbrook held off Valley View in a defensive battle on Friday night 16-3, as the Golden Eagles secured their first win in the Southwestern Buckeye League this season. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) A Berlin man was arrested on Friday after police discovered many illegal fireworks in the basement of his home. Gov. Lamont praises Berlin school cellphone ban In February, Berlin police were dispatched to the home of Richard Valuk, 47, who was having a medical emergency. While at the scene, police learned that there may be illegal explosives and fireworks in the home, and reached out to state police. State police allegedly found a large amount of illegal fireworks in the house, which Valuk admitted to have been purchased in Pennsylvania. Additionally, police said that the fireworks were not stored safely and that anyone could access them. Valuk was arrested on Friday after turning himself into Hartford police and was charged with risk of injury to a child, illegal possession of explosives, illegal transport of explosives and reckless endangerment in the first degree. He was held on a $100,000 bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. New Bern man arrested for cruelty to animals NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) The New Bern Police Department arrested a man accused of neglecting dogs at his home. Aljon Adoph, 36, was jailed in the Craven County Jail and he was charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Adoph has a $1,000 secured bond. While investigating, officers found severely malnourished dogs at a property near Forbes Alley. Eight of them were taken by Animal Control to the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center. Crime Stoppers tipped law enforcement off. New Bern Police Department is continuing to work with Craven-Pamlico Animal Services while they receive care. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bernie Sanders told the truth about Kamala Harris trying to fool voters. Believe him. You may have heard Maya Angelou's powerful saying, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Sometimes, when other people tell you who a person is, you should believe them, too. Especially if the person in question doesn't want to tell you who they really are. That is the case with Vice President Kamala Harris. In an interview Sunday on "Meet the Press," Sen. Bernie Sanders, a progressive independent from Vermont, said something about the Democratic presidential nominee that she isn't willing to admit to voters. NBC News host Kristen Welker asked: "She has previously supported Medicare for All, now she does not. She's previously supported a ban on fracking, now she does not. These, Senator, are ideas that you have campaigned on. Do you think that she is abandoning her progressive ideals?" Sanders: "No, I don't think she's abandoning her ideals. I think she is trying to be pragmatic and do what she thinks is right in order to win the election." You have to give the seasoned senator kudos for saying it like it is, especially because Harris has yet to describe her own campaign with such clarity. Trump takes 1-point lead in latest New York Times poll Former President Donald Trump campaigns for reelection on Sept. 07, 2024, in Mosinee, Wis. Voters are starting to realize this, too. Harris already may be losing her post-Democratic National Convention bounce, and nearly 30% of voters in the latest New York Times/Siena College poll said they needed to know more about where she stands on issues. Trump leads in that poll of likely voters 48% to 47%. In cringey Fox News town hall, Trump portrays himself as selfless hero and unfair victim Harris' support has "stalled" after a "euphoric" August, reads a Times' headline about the poll. No kidding? It's as if much of the legacy news media had crowned Harris before her first interview as the Democratic nominee on Aug. 29 and her first presidential debate Tuesday. Many voters also got caught up in all the laughter and joy. But when they started to look around to see what the frenzy was about, they found a record of flip-flopping on really progressive policies, running mate Tim Walz's fabulism and a bunch of vague promises. Harris understands she can't win with her past far-left positions Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris steps off Air Force Two upon arrival at Philadelphia International Airport on Sept. 9, 2024. She will debate former President Donald Trump the next day. Sanders is right, of course. Harris' pattern of flip-flopping on policies like favoring a ban on fracking for oil and gas before opposing it now, or supporting mandatory gun buybacks in 2019 but opposing them now isn't about her growth as a leader or the evolution of her thinking. It's really about her campaign's recognition that far-left ideas that played well in California won't sell in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin. Gaslighting is not just bad form; it's bad news for voters because it violates the principle of informed consent. Politicians have long tried to fool voters into believing they stand for one thing while they quietly support something else as Sanders says Harris is doing now but they deserve to be called on it as well. Hold Harris accountable: Biden administration botched retreat from Afghanistan. Women are still paying the price. It's possible that Harris doesn't know what she believes, although that itself is a big problem. Yet it's more likely that she knows exactly what she believes, but understands that her brand of extreme progressivism could make winning the White House difficult. She's tiptoeing around the positions on issues that won her elections in California and cautiously testing what voters will grab onto and what they will reject. The early excitement around Harris was generated in part because she is a projection of the ideals that many Americans want. Electing as president a Black Asian American woman who talks about joy and laughs a lot instead of an angry old white man who insults anyone and everybody just feels right to a lot of people. After covering Trump for years, I can't blame Americans for wanting a more likable and inspiring alternative. Trump is exhausting. Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delievered to your inbox. Even so, when Harris is pinned down on what she would actually do as president, her carefully crafted image suffers. That's why she has focused her campaign more on image than substance. Harris is at a crossroads: Her standing in the polls will continue to decline if she doesn't tell voters who she really is, but doing so also could jeopardize her campaign as moderates learn more about her far-left plans. Kamala Harris is being "pragmatic" for now to win. And even Bernie Sanders knows it. But that's not good for voters or for America. Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does Harris believe, really? Polls slip as voters demand answers Democrat Kate Farrow is hoping to unseat Republican state Rep. Ken Fleming with help from Gov. Andy Beshear. They appeared together at a fundraiser for Farrow in late July at Rockdale, an 18th century restored cabin owned by Don Wenzel and Ron Darnell in eastern Jefferson County. (Photo by Beth Thorpe) LOUISVILLE Democrats backed by Gov. Andy Beshear are vying to unseat two Louisville Republicans in the Kentucky House this fall. The challengers union leader John Stovall and education advocate Kate Farrow are hoping to turn Kentuckys 37th and 48th House Districts blue. The seats are currently held by Republican Reps. Emily Callaway and Ken Fleming. According to the latest available campaign finance reports, Stovall has outraised Callaway by nearly $20,000 in the 37th district contest. Fleming raised more than $30,000 over Farrow in the 48th. The 37th House District includes parts of Bullitt and Jefferson counties. The 48th House District includes parts of Jefferson and Oldham counties. Beshear won Jefferson County in 2023 with about 70% of the vote while Republican candidate for governor Daniel Cameron carried Bullitt and Oldham counties. The races could be a test of whether Beshears popularity will help his party make inroads against the legislatures Republican supermajority. The two-term governor predicted Democrats are going to pick up seats in our state legislature during the partys Forward Together Dinner in Louisville earlier this year. Fleming and Callaway declined the Lanterns requests for interviews through a Republican Party of Kentucky spokesperson. Both Stovall and Farrow spoke to reporters following a recent Kentucky Democratic Party press conference on labor issues. 37th District Stovall is president of Teamsters Local 783. He previously worked for the Jefferson County Board of Education for nearly three decades until joining the Teamsters and representing JCPS employees. He said he decided to run for office after he told fellow union members to get involved in politics themselves. I just thought Id be a phony if I didnt live up to what I had asked them to do, Stovall said. His top priorities if elected include creating and protecting jobs, along with securing pensions and health care. John Stovall Party: Democratic City: Louisville Campaign money raised: $46,489 Website: www.stovallforkentucky.com As for what hes seen from the Kentucky legislature, Stovall expressed concern over GOP-backed labor bills that ultimately failed during the 2023 session, including one that would have removed requirements for employees to have a reasonable amount of time for lunch or rest breaks. To push back on such policies in the future, Stovall said Democrats should be more aggressive and speak about those issues with voters. He criticized other laws enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature. Now theyre telling you what books you can read. Well, thats not freedom. Now, theyre telling you what a woman can and cannot do with her own body, Stovall said. Thats not freedom, and theyre wanting to get involved in stuff that they have no business being involved in. Callaways website highlights her co-sponsorship of an omnibus crime bill during the last legislative session, House Bill 5. Her website also says she supports eliminating the state income tax, giving parents more freedom and choices in education, is pro-life and supports the Second Amendment. Emily Callaway Party: Republican (Incumbent) City: Louisville Campaign money raised: $26,525.22 Website: www.emilycallaway.net Callaway voted in favor of putting Amendment 2on the ballot this fall that would allow the General Assembly to fund nonpublic schools. ItShe also carried some successful legislation in 2024, including requiring local school boards adopt a transportation services policy that includes student behavior rules and another that allows school districts to use passenger vehicles, such as vans, to transport kids to and from school as well as other approved school activities. Callaway, who is serving her first term, introduced a bill dubbed the Prenatal Equal Protection Act, which would have criminalized knowingly and voluntarily causing the death of a preborn child. That bill was never assigned a committee in the House. 48th District Farrow became an outspoken education advocate after narrowly losing a race for Oldham County Board of Education in 2022. She said she ran for that office to further support one of her children, who has dyslexia and ADHD. She came in second, but I realized I wasnt done. I advocated for him, and then looked up and realized there was a lot of kids that needed advocacy too, she said. Farrow said she met with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support a literacy bill during the 2023 legislative session, Senate Bill 156. Introduced by GOP senators and signed into law by Beshear, it established a statewide reading research center. Kate Farrow Party: Democratic City: Crestwood Amount fundraised: $53,715.74 Website: www.katefarrowforkentucky.com Farrow said when meeting with voters in her district, the top issues she hears about are repealing Kentuckys abortion ban and investing in public education, particularly in transportation. I think we need to do better at investing in education and making sure it gets all the way down to the front line, she said. In response to suggestions by some Louisville lawmakers that the states largest school district should be divided, Farrow said busting up JCPS would increase overhead expenses since multiple superintendents and school administrations would be created in the county. She also said the move could unfairly burden property owners in the West End of Louisville versus the East End when it comes to paying taxes for new school districts. As a business person, I really want to dive into root cause analysis and really efficiently spending our dollars, Farrow said. Before retiring, Farrow worked at the Louisville Water Company, starting as a laborer and finishing as operations manager. Ken Fleming Party: Republican (Incumbent) City: Louisville Amount fundraised: $85,072.42 Website: www.flemingforkentucky.com Farrow said she would be open to working across the aisle to try to get some policies passed and develop relationships regardless of party, adding that she is aware she would be in the superminority in a supermajority situation. Heading into November, Democrats have 20 seats in the 100-member House. I think theres more that we have in common than we have in difference, but we have to have those conversations to find it and then move the needle forward together, move it in a more common ground, common sense space, Farrow said. According to his website, Fleming supports eliminating the state income tax, increasing funding to Kentuckys public education SEEK formula and is looking for ways to strengthen resources for mental health services. He co-sponsored the bill for Amendment 2 and the omnibus crime bill. Fleming introduced a resolution to establish the Efficient and Effective School District Governance Task Force in the 2024 legislative session. In the interim, that task force, which includes lawmakers and citizen members, has been reviewing the governance of Jefferson County Public Schools. Fleming was also the primary sponsor of legislation this session to expand exceptions to Kentuckys abortion ban, including for rape and incest. That bill was never assigned to a House committee. Fleming has served in the House from 2017 to 2018, and then again from 2021 to present. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Our Best Look Yet At Chinas J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, its meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 its powerplant appears to have now been addressed. We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20A stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, its meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 its powerplant is well along its path to being addressed. The photo in question began to circulate widely on social media over the weekend. It shows a J-20A prototype, serial number 2052, on the runway at an undisclosed location. It may well be the manufacturer Chengdus main test airfield, which is co-located with its production plant in its namesake city. The fighter is seen from the rear aspect, providing a detailed look at the nozzles for the twin WS-15 turbofans. The aircraft is wearing the characteristic yellow primer that is applied prior to the final paintwork being added. The J-20A version is a refined single-seat version of the basic J-20, with changes that include a revised fuselage mold line, including a reprofiled nosecone, a deeper spine, and a slightly raised cockpit, as well as provision for WS-15 engines. The additional space in the spine is likely to accommodate additional avionics and/or fuel. The new engines meanwhile require modified engine intakes with a slightly smaller bump (DSI inlet design) at the leading edge, to optimize airflow. Somewhat surprisingly, the photo actually appeared as early as mid-July, when it was posted to social media by an account with the handle @ItsumiErika1500. Considering the speed with which new developments in Chinese military aviation are picked up, its puzzling that this took so long to become more widely distributed. TWZ also spoke to Andreas Rupprecht, a longtime Chinese military observer and contributor to this website, who noted that the photo may well date from well before mid-July. An earlier and lower-quality photo of J-20A serial number 2052. Chinese internet via X According to Rupprecht, its now generally assumed that at least some J-20A prototypes have been transferred to the China Flight Test Establishment at Xian-Yanliang and others potentially to the Flight Test and Training Base at Cangzhou. Although not yet seen in imagery, its highly likely that these aircraft are already painted gray. Bearing in mind that serial number 2052 was seen as long ago as December 2022 in the primer yellow colors, it seems unlikely that it would still not have received its definitive paint scheme by the summer of 2024. Often its the case that higher-quality Chinese aviation photos are released several months or as long as a year after they were taken. Regardless of when the photo was taken, it certainly provides the best albeit not the first look at the J-20As WS-15 turbofans, an engine that is expected to significantly reduce the gap between Chinese fighters and their latest Western equivalents. As long ago as March 2022, reports said that a WS-15-powered J-20 had flown, although only one of these engines was understood to have been fitted, which is common for early testing. In December 2022, images appeared online showing serial number 2051 an example of the J-20A variant that was expected to get WS-15s if it hadnt already. As we reported at the time, a J-20A serial number 2052 was reportedly flying with WS-15 engines installed as of June 2023, when photos and videos reportedly from the test flight increasingly began to circulate on social media. The first imagery of the J-20A under WS-15 power was of poor quality, with the exhaust nozzles obscured, making it hard to determine conclusively if the aircraft actually had the new engines, or if it retained the WS-10-series turbofans previously fitted. Meanwhile, the original J-20 prototypes and initial production examples were powered by Russian-made AL-31 turbofans. As for the WS-15, this is understood to stem from development begun in the 1990s, but few hard facts are known about it. So far, no photos or videos showing the engine, or even a full-scale mockup have appeared in public. However, it has been reported in the past that prototypes of the engine were capable of producing at least 36,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner, with the ultimate aim of achieving a thrust rating of 40,000 pounds. 2 x Nouveau moteur WS-15 installes sur un J-20 modifie dans un essai en vol qui aurait eu lieu le 28 Juin. pic.twitter.com/myJCSmgwkN East Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) June 29, 2023 This compares favorably with the most powerful versions of the WS-10, which are reportedly in the 32,000 to 35,000-pound maximum thrust class, with afterburning. Interestingly, while variants of the WS-10 with thrust-vectoring nozzles have been developed, the WS-15, at least in its current form, features a standard nozzle. Overall, it appears that the primary advantage the WS-15 is bringing to the J-20A is more power at least 4,000 pounds more thrust than each of the WS-10s used in earlier examples of the fighter. A WS-10-powered J-20 seen from the rear. YouTube screen capture Potentially, this performance boost could mean the J-20A produces more thrust than the F-22 Raptor, the only comparable fifth-generation fighter currently in widespread frontline service today. The F-22 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119s that each produce around 35,000 pounds at full afterburner. The F-22 is renowned for its speed, including its ability to supercruise meaning it can fly at supersonic speeds for sustained periods without the use of afterburners, and with a full load of internal weapons, as you can read more about here. A U.S. Air Force F-22 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James Richardson A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, flies in formation over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, July 18, 2019. The JPARC is a 67,000 plus square mile area, providing a realistic training environment commanders leverage for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James Richardson) While questions may remain about the fuel efficiency and maintenance requirements of the WS-15, especially its time between overhauls, the key advantage it brings seems to be one of thrust, which may well propel the J-20A into the elite group of current fighters that can supercruise well above Mach 1. This would be especially important for the kinds of missions the J-20 is expected to execute, including conferring an ability to get places faster in a dash profile, as well as likely increase its ceiling. In its 2023 China Military Power report, the Pentagon said it expected that upgrades for the J-20 would include a supercruise capability via WS-15 engines, as well as increased internal missile carriage. The J-20 specifically the J-20A may represent the state of the art in the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), but U.S. officials have otherwise moved to downplay the level of threat it presents. Its not anything to lose a lot of sleep over, U.S. Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, head of Pacific Air Forces, the services top command in the Indo-Pacific region, told reporters in September 2022. Certainly, were watching them closely and seeing how they develop and how they operate them. U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, in the cockpit of an F-22. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan Biese Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, in the cockpit of an F-22 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, September 5, 2022. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan Biese The addition of the definitive engines might see assessments of this kind recalibrated somewhat. At the same time, re-engining the J-20 is not the only program underway to expand the aircrafts capabilities. The two-seat J-20B is also now being tested and TWZ has long posited that one of its roles will be as a drone controller. The addition of a back-seater would make the J-20 better suited to this task and would also carve out a unique niche for it among current fifth-generation fighter platforms. Another J-20A, apparently also fitted with WS-15 engines: Great new images showing J-20A number 2053 https://t.co/XoQH4MACMm @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 9, 2024 Perhaps just as important, for China, is the fact that the maturation of the WS-15 also reflects major advances in the countrys aero-engine industry. Developing modern high-performance jet engines had long been the Achilles heel of Chinas aerospace output. Many key types had long relied on Russian-supplied engines, but this is now a thing of the past. All key frontline combat types are now powered by engines of domestic design and production. Whether a deliberate move on the part of the Chinese or not, the WS-15-powered J-20A is very much out in the open. We should now expect to see the aircraft more regularly, especially as it continues to populate PLAAF units as part of the air arms impressive modernization drive. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Drawing any kind of conclusion about crime statistics is challenging statisticians must either estimate for crime that is not reported to law enforcement or tabulate statistics on reported crime only. In 2024, the Biden administration repeatedly claimed that violent crime was at a 50-year low, based on FBI statistics. The FBI defines the following as "violent crime": murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Based on the information that is publicly available, it's quite likely true that the volume of violent crime reported to law enforcement was at or near a 50-year low in 2023-24. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the opposite was true that violent crime was rising in 2023-24, based on a different dataset from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics that does attempt to factor in unreported crime. At the time Trump made the claim, the most recent publicly available version of that survey was from 2022. Data from 2023 released after Trump made his claim found that the rate of violent crime in 2023 did not rise, but stayed the same. However, 2024 data is still necessary to definitively prove or disprove the claim that violent crime increased in 2024. On multiple occasions throughout 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden and members of his administration claimed that the violent crime rate in the United States was at a 50-year low. Biden even included the statistic in his 2024 State of the Union Address in March: The year before I took office, murders went up 30% nationwide the biggest increase in history. That was then. Now, through my American Rescue Plan, which every Republican voted against, I've made the largest investment in public safety ever. Last year, the murder rate saw the sharpest decrease in history, and violent crime fell to one of the lowest levels in more than 50 years. But as the Biden administration continued to advertise the statistic, former President Donald Trump pushed back against it, claiming it was an outright lie, and that U.S. crime rates were rising, not falling. Trump's followers took up his claim and promoted it. When White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre talked about record-low crime rates in a news conference on Aug. 14, many on social media left comments stating that the statistic was wrong, alleging that the Biden administration was failing to accurately record crime and therefore incorrect about the true crime rate. If you fail to record the crime correctly, it tends to go down. This is Not brain surgery. Will Not Comply (@WillNot_Comply_) May 7, 2024 The Problem Collecting accurate statistics on crime is hard, because by definition, committing a crime is illegal. Perpetrators don't regularly admit to their illegal activities, nor are all crimes reported to law enforcement authorities. As such, there are various sources that report crime statistics across the U.S., each of which has its own shortcomings. The Biden administration's main source for crime statistics was the FBI, which has been collecting data on crime for over 100 years through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The program records statistics for eight different crimes, divided into two categories: Murder and homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault are classified as "violent crimes," while arson, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft are classified as "property crimes." The data on these crimes dating back to 1979 is publicly available through the FBI's Crime Data Explorer. Said data strongly suggests that Biden's claim of a 50-year low in violent crime is at least roughly accurate. However, there are notable limitations to those statistics that prevent us from drawing a definitive conclusion. First, the FBI broadened its definition of rape in 2013, making it difficult to accurately compare pre-2013 and post-2013 data in that category. Second, the way the FBI collects its data yields results that undercount the "true" figure of crime. In order for an incident to be included in FBI data, the crime must be reported to a police department that participates in the UCR program. Since crime is not always reported to law enforcement (in fact, most crime goes unreported), the FBI's numbers will never be 100% complete and accurate using that methodology. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies aren't required to report their data to the FBI, which many commenters on social media used as a justification for claiming that if the crime rate "fell," it must have been because police departments stopped reporting their data. However, the FBI also publishes the list of law enforcement agencies participating in the UCR program. According to Pew Research, 83% of law enforcement agencies sent data to the FBI in 2022. Regardless, the fact that not all agencies report to the FBI means that the agency must extrapolate from the data it does receive in order to create its estimates, and any kind of extrapolation creates additional uncertainty in the numbers. Finally, and most importantly for the claim at hand, the FBI's definition of "violent crime" is quite limited, consisting of only murder and manslaughter, rape, robbery (theft with a weapon) and aggravated assault (assault with a weapon). Alternative data sources often add additional charges to their definitions of "violent crime," like simple assault and intimidation. Differences in the way violent crime is defined make it harder to accurately compare the FBI's data with data from other sources. What the FBI's Data Says Since the Biden administration exclusively used FBI statistics to support its claim, we created visualizations using the same data (see below). The FBI calculates the crime rate based on the number of reported crimes for every 100,000 people. (We should note that no FBI data was yet available from before 1979 or after 2022, making it impossible, as of this writing, to precisely assess violent crime rates over a full 50-year period. May 2024 reporting on the topic from PolitiFact used a related dataset compiled by a third party containing statistics from as far back as 1960, but we opted against including that data to avoid making invalid comparisons.) The above graph shows that violent crime has dropped significantly since its peak in the early 1990s. Aggravated assault and homicide saw a bump during the first full year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), but fell in both 2021 and 2022. According to this data, the Biden administration's claim of a 50-year low is likely accurate. We calculated that in 2022, there were 380.7 violent crimes for every 100,000 people. That rate was marginally lower in 2013 and 2014 (379.1 and 372, respectively), meaning that at best, we can conclude that the crime rate was "near" a 50-year low. Although it's not necessarily proper to compare two different data sets, PolitiFact calculated that the violent crime rate was 401.1 in 1972 and 461.1 in 1974, and it did not fall below 400 until 2011. Furthermore, the FBI has periodically announced preliminary statistics on crime data for 2023 and 2024 through news releases. We decided to not include those preliminary statistics from 2023 and 2024 in our graphics, since it would introduce even more uncertainty into the numbers. However, according to that preliminary data, violent crime dropped 15% nationwide (although reliable news outlets like The Associated Press reported that the steep decline reported by the FBI might have been an overestimate). If the FBI's preliminary figures are accurate, however, that decrease would likely verify a 50-year low. In order to look at the data in more detail, we also produced an interactive map showing how the violent crime rate has differed between states since 1979. Almost all states follow the general pattern of a peak in the 1980s or 1990s and a gradual decrease since, as shown by the lighter colors across the country. Even in states where crime has been trending upward in recent years, like New Mexico, they still had higher peaks in the 1990s. The only state where 2022's violent crime rate was the highest on record was Vermont, with 221.9 violent crimes per 100,000 people. As a comparison, Florida's violent crime rate did not drop below 1,000 between 1985 and 1998. It peaked at 1,244 in 1990, the highest of any state. Washington, D.C., meanwhile, peaked at 2,921 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 1993. However, it's not entirely fair to compare the District of Columbia to any of the 50 states. The unique, federal status of the District creates numerous challenges for law enforcement. The National Crime Victimization Survey The other main crime data source, the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), began in the 1990s and largely corroborates FBI data. A project of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the NCVS attempts to track both reported and unreported crimes by conducting interviews with a large, national sample of people ages 12 and over. This is a key distinction between the two data sources. Individuals interviewed for the NCVS are asked whether they were the victim of a crime in the last six months, with follow-up questions collecting details about the crime in question and whether or not it was reported to the police. Because the NCVS also investigates unreported crime, some sources consider it to be more accurate or a better source of information for national crime statistics. However, it too has limitations. Since the NCVS is a survey, researchers have to extrapolate from its data in order to create estimates for national and state statistics. Just like the FBI, this creates a layer of uncertainty around the survey numbers. Second, the BJS does not interview enough people in each state to create accurate estimates at a state-wide level. Finally, because the BJS is only able to ask people if they were affected by a crime after that crime has been committed, it does not record or collect any statistics about murder and homicide. This means that FBI and NCVS numbers cannot be directly compared. However, we are able to compare the long term trends in crime between the two data sets. Since the NCVS records more specific information about each crime that occurred, Snopes attempted to factor in only crimes that would be considered "violent crimes" by both the FBI and the NCVS in order to create the following graphic. We used data from 1992, when the NCVS started, to its most recent published data, 2023: Even though the NCVS data only goes as far back as 1992, the general trend over time since 1992 is roughly the same: Violent crime has decreased since its peak in the 1990s. John Lott, the founder of a right-wing gun-advocacy group called the Crime Prevention Research Center, has used this data to criticize the Biden administration's crime statistics in op-eds. Both Lott and Trump specifically pointed to the 2022 NCVS, the most recent data available at the time, as alleged proof that the FBI's statistics are untrustworthy, and that violent crime was actually rising in 2024. However, the assertion that crime is rising is based only on the 2022 data point. Since the data necessary to conclude violent crime had risen across the country since then had not yet been released, these claims, including those made by Trump, were unfounded. Furthermore, according to 2023 NCVS data, the violent crime rate remained roughly the same from 2022 to 2023. It's worth noting that the significant jump from 2021 to 2022 left even researchers confused. The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization focused on the criminal justice system, wrote that the difference between the FBI and NCVS for "year-over-year violence trends has never been as big as it was last year." An immediate explanation is quite simple: The 2022 NCVS found that fewer crimes were reported to the police overall. Academics have proposed several theories as to why people reported fewer crimes, but researchers are waiting on more data before attempting to draw conclusions. What Does All This Actually Mean? Over a long period of time, the data shows that as of 2022-2023, reported violent crime consistently decreased since it peaked in the 1990s. On a shorter time scale, however, we cannot draw a strong conclusion. Based on the FBI data, the Biden administration's claim of a 50-year low in violent crime is likely correct. However, the claim comes with limitations, since the FBI only tracks reported crime. Meanwhile, Trump's claim that violent crime was rising in 2024 was unfounded, because the data he would need to make such a claim did not exist yet. While the 2022 NCVS data did show a jump in violent crime, it's irresponsible to draw a large conclusion off of one data point. In a news release published alongside the 2023 NCVS data, BJS director Kevin M. Scott said that the 2023 rate was no different statistically from where it was in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. When the full 2023 data is released by the FBI (this happens sometime in the fall), these claims can be reanalyzed to take into account the new information. Sources: About MCCA. https://majorcitieschiefs.com/about/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024. 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The White House, 8 Mar. 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/03/07/remarks-of-president-joe-biden-state-of-the-union-address-as-prepared-for-delivery-2/. ---. "Statement from President Joe Biden on Record Decrease in Violent Crime in 2024." The White House, 3 May 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/03/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-record-decrease-in-violent-crime-in-2024/. ---. "Statement from President Joe Biden on Record Decrease in Violent Crime in 2024." The White House, 28 July 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/28/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-record-decrease-in-violent-crime-in-2024-2/. How Are Crime Statistics Calculated? https://www.memphis.edu/psi/analysis/calculate.php. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024. Jacobson, Louis. "Joe Biden Is Correct That Violent Crime Is near a 50-Year Low." Poynter, 29 May 2024, https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2024/crime-rate-up-or-down-united-states/. Li, Weihua, and Jamiles Lartey. "2022 Data Shows U.S. Violent Crime Is Up And Also Down. Here's How." The Marshall Project, 3 Nov. 2023, https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/11/03/violent-crime-property-data-nibrs-ucr-fbi-2022. ---. "Crime Rates and the 2024 Election: What You Need to Know." The Marshall Project, 27 June 2024, https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/06/27/trump-and-biden-spar-over-crime-rates-ahead-of-their-debate-what-do-we-really-know. Lott, John. Democrats Hide the Rise in Violent Crime with Tricky Stats. 13 Aug. 2024, https://nypost.com/2024/08/13/opinion/democrats-hide-the-rise-in-violent-crime-with-tricky-stats/. Mason, Jeff, and Jeff Mason. "Biden Touts Drop in Crime Rates during White House Meeting with Police Chiefs." Reuters, 28 Feb. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-meets-police-chicago-miami-violent-crime-drops-2024-02-28/. Moore, Andrew, and Marcus Berzofsky. National Crime Victimization Survey: State-Level Analysis User's Guide. 0217713.000.006.003, RTI International, Mar. 2023, https://bjs.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh236/files/media/document/ncvsslaug.pdf. Morgan, Rachel E., and Erica L. Smith. The National Crime Victimization Survey and National Incident-Based Reporting System: A Complementary Picture of Crime in 2022. NCJ 307589, U.S. Department of Justice, Dec. 2023, p. 2, https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/ncvsnibrscpc22.pdf. NACJD | Victimization Guide. https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/pages/NACJD/guides/victimization/r-syntax.html. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024. ---. https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/pages/NACJD/guides/victimization/crime-rates.html. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024. Narea, Nicole. "Violent Crime Is Plummeting. Why?" Vox, 12 Aug. 2024, https://www.vox.com/policy/366622/violent-crime-dropping-pandemic-wave-2024. Resources MCCA. https://majorcitieschiefs.com/resources/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024. Statistics, United States Bureau of Justice. National Crime Victimization Survey, Concatenated File, [United States], 1992-2022. Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, 18 Sept. 2023. www.icpsr.umich.edu, https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR38604.v1. UCR Summary of Crime in the Nation, 2022. https://cdn.factcheck.org/UploadedFiles/UCR_Crime_in_the_Nation_2022.pdf. Understanding the Differences Between Simple and Aggravated Assault: Know Your Rights. 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.gregglawdallas.com/understanding-the-differences-between-simple-and-aggravated-assault-know-your-rights. Zamora, Karen. "Violent Crime Is Dropping Fast in the U.S. Even If Americans Don't Believe It." NPR, 12 Feb. 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics. https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/home. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024. Updates: This story was updated to account for the release of statistics from the 2023 National Crime Victimization Survey. [Getty Images] Europe's top court has ruled Google must pay a 2.4bn (2bn) fine handed down for abusing the market dominance of its shopping comparison service. The tech giant had appealed against the fine, which was originally levied by the European Commission in 2017. It was at the time the largest penalty the Commission had ever imposed - though it has since been supplanted by a 4.3bn fine, also against Google. Google said it was "disappointed" with the ruling. It brings an end to a long-running case that was first brought by British firm Foundem in 2009, when the UK was still part of the EU. Another of the complainants, shopping comparison site Kelkoo, called the ruling "a win for fair competition and consumer choice" in a post on X. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), which made today's judgement, said in its ruling the Commission was right to find Google's conduct "discriminatory" and its appeal "must be dismissed in its entirety". It ordered Google and owner Alphabet to bear their own costs and pay the costs incurred by the European Commission. In a statement, Google pointed out it had made changes in 2017 to comply with the European Commission's decision. "Our approach has worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services," it said. Anne Witt, professor of law at EDHEC Business School's Augmented Law Institute, said it was "an important judgement". "This is bad news for Google, which has exhausted its legal remedies in this case," she said - while pointing out there could be further problems ahead for the firm. "Several follow-on actions by injured parties claiming compensation for losses suffered as a consequence of Google's anticompetitive conduct are already pending in national courts." On Monday, Google was taken to court by the US government over its ad tech business - it has been accused of illegally operating a monopoly. That trial is ongoing. Last week, UK regulators provisionally concluded Google used anti-competitive practices to dominate the market for online advertising technology. Rivals squeezed The EU's case against Google started with Foundem, which filed its complaint against the tech giant in 2009. At its heart was the contention that Google made its own shopping recommendations appear more prominent than rivals in search results. Google had tried to argue that the case had no legal or economic merit. But seven years ago, the Commission agreed that the tech giant effectively monopolised online price comparison by preventing others from getting a foothold in the market. Story continues That decision has now been upheld. Industry insiders have been keeping a close eye on the EU case, with suggestions that its outcome may illuminate the direction of travel of the many other antitrust cases Google is currently facing from the European Commission. The search giant has amassed fines of 8.2bn from the Commission, which has repeatedly alleged it abused its dominant market position. These are: 2017: 2.4bn fine over shopping results 2018: 4.3bn fine over claims it used Android software to unfairly promote its own apps 2019: 1.5bn fine for blocking adverts from rival search engines The EU is also currently investigating the firm over whether it preferences its own goods and services over others in search results, as part of its Digital Markets Act. If it finds Google guilty, the firm could face a fine of up to 10% of its annual turnover. It is far from the only clash between the EU and big tech. In a separate judgement today, the ECJ has told Apple it must pay back 13bn (11bn; $14bn) in unpaid taxes to Ireland. By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has sent Congress a classified report on its strategy for the war in Ukraine, three sources said on Monday, months after a June deadline mandated in a multibillion-dollar spending bill lawmakers passed in April. A congressional aide said the long-awaited report had reached lawmakers on Monday and they had not yet had a chance to review it. Two other sources, requesting anonymity to discuss a classified matter, confirmed that it had been delivered. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Congress has approved nearly $175 billion of aid and military assistance for Ukraine and allied nations in the 2-1/2 years since Russia's full-scale invasion. After months of delay, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a $95 billion supplemental spending bill in April that included $61 billion in funding for Ukraine, as well as billions for Israel, civilians in conflict zones around the world and to "counter communist China" in the Indo-Pacific. As part of that bill, Congress asked the Biden administration to submit a detailed strategy for Ukraine by early June. Biden's support for Ukraine is backed by Democrats and many Republicans in Congress. Some Republicans, however, have criticized his administration for restricting how Ukraine can use U.S. equipment, for example by refusing to supply weapons that could strike targets deep inside Russia. Washington has restricted the weapons' use because of limited supply of missiles, the lack of a rationale for using them given most Russian aircraft are out of range and for fear it would escalate the conflict. Weeks after the deadline passed with no report, some members of Congress said they were frustrated and would consider blocking further funding. In a statement emailed to Reuters in late August about the report, Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he supported assisting Ukraine but did not do so blindly. "Since the earliest days of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war on Ukraine, we have asked the Biden-Harris Administration for a strategy on how the U.S. and our allies can help Ukraine win the war," Risch said. "When they did not respond to our requests, we mandated in law that a strategy be sent to Congress, but the deadline has passed with no response. President Biden and VP (Kamala) Harris owe a strategy not just to us, but to the American people, and their dereliction suggests they dont have one or are afraid to share it." (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle in WashingtonAdditional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Trevor Hunnicutt in WashingtonEditing by Matthew Lewis and Kim Coghill) President Joe Biden on Wednesday condemned the death of American activist Aysenur Eygi, who was killed at a protest last week in the occupied West Bank by Israeli soldiers. I am outraged and deeply saddened by the death of Aysenur Eygi, Biden said in a statement, adding that the shooting is totally unacceptable. Biden called for full accountability for her death after Israel has acknowledged its responsibility. A preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation, Biden said. The US government has had full access to Israels preliminary investigation, and expects continued access as the investigation continues, so that we can have confidence in the result. We will continue to stay in close contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities regarding the circumstances that led to Aysenurs death. Israel, he added, must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again. Vice President Kamala Harris called for full accountability in the matter. No one should be killed for participating in a peaceful protest. The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable and raises legitimate questions about the conduct of IDF personnel in the West Bank, she said in a statement. Eygi, who was born in Turkey, was a recent graduate of the University of Washington and had been volunteering with the same pro-Palestinian activist group as Rachel Corrie, a US citizen killed in 2003 while attempting to stop an Israeli bulldozer from demolishing Palestinian homes in Gaza. Israeli troops and settlers have killed nearly 700 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, whose figures do not distinguish between militants and civilians. This statement comes just hours after Eygis partner, Hamid Ali, issued a sharply worded statement criticizing the White House. The White House has not spoken with us. For four days, we have waited for President Biden to pick up the phone and do the right thing: To call us, offer his condolences, and let us know that he is ordering an independent investigation of the killing of Aysenur, Ali said. In his first public comments on Eygis death, Biden on Tuesday had described the killing as an apparent accident, citing a preliminary Israeli investigation. Israel claimed that Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire on Friday. Were finding more detail, Biden told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday. Apparently, it was an accident. It ricocheted off the ground and it (she) got hit by accident, but were working that out now. The IDF in an earlier statement said Eygi was killed amid a violent riot, while the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), with whom Eygi had been volunteering, described the September 6 protest as peaceful. US officials have sharply criticized Israel for the death of Eygi, who was shot dead at a protest. Earlier Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said her death was unprovoked and unjustified and called for Israel to make fundamental changes to how it operates in the West Bank. No one, no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for expressing their views, he said. Now we have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. Its not acceptable. It has to change. And well be making that clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli government. This story and its headline have been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Kevin Liptak contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Biden not ruling out allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia US Secretary of State US President Joe Biden "is not ruling out" the possibility of Ukraine receiving permission to strike Russian territory with long-range weapons. Source: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an interview with Sky News, as reported by European Pravda Details: Blinken said that Biden is not ruling out allowing Ukraine to launch missiles deep into Russian territory. Blinken made this comment after saying at a press conference in London that Iran had provided Moscow with short-range missiles and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin would "likely use them within weeks in Ukraine". Blinken said the US has made sure that Ukraine has "what it needed, when it needed it, to be effective in repelling the Russian aggression" since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. However, the Sky reporters say, Blinken added that Washington also had to take account of other factors, such as whether Ukrainian forces would be able to use the "sophisticated systems" provided by Western allies and whether they would be able to maintain them. "We don't [rule out the possibility]. We never rule out. But when we rule in, we want to make sure it's done in such a way that it can advance what the Ukrainians are trying to achieve," Blinken said. Background: Blinken said on 10 September that President Biden would meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 13 September and discuss whether to allow the Ukrainian defence forces to strike deep into Russia. In recent weeks, Ukraine has been calling on its allies to lift all restrictions on strikes using their long-range weapons in Russia, explaining that this would allow Ukraine to target aircraft that launch cruise missiles and guided aerial bombs. In response, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said that no single weapon, including long-range missiles, would be decisive in the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! A House hearing on the Biden-Harris border crisis on Tuesday heard testimony from victims of crimes stemming from illegal immigration, including the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl found strangled to death in Texas in June by who authorities say were two Venezuelan illegal immigrants. Alexis Nungaray recalled how she found her daughter in a Houston creek on June 17. "She was strangled to death. She had no clothing from the waist down. Her hands and her ankles were tied and thrown under the bridge of water like she was nothing but garbage," the mother told the committee. Two Venezuelan nationals 21-year-old Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and 26-year-old Franklin Jose Pena Ramos were charged with capital murder in the death of Jocelyn Nungaray. The two men reportedly crossed illegally into the U.S. earlier this year. OHIO RESIDENTS IN SMALL TOWN ERUPT OVER HAVOC CAUSED BY MASSIVE INFLUX OF 20,000 HAITIANS Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, was found strangled to death in a Houston creek on June 17. "Because of the Biden-Harris administration open border policies, catch and release, they were enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program," Alexis Nungaray said. "This meant that they were released into the United States. It was not even a full three weeks later that they would take my daughter Jocelyn Nungarays life." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, left, and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel have been charged in the killing of Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston, Texas, on Monday, June 17. Alexis Nungaray told the committee that she "can't even fathom" what her daughter was thinking, "the amount of fear she was feeling in the last moments of her life." "She did not deserve to have her life ripped away from her and our family. She had her entire life ahead of her because of these open border policies," the mother said. Former President Trump met with Alexis Nungaray, mother of Jocelyn Nunagaray, the 12-year-old girl who was killed by who authorities say are undocumented migrants, at the U.S.-Mexico border fence on Aug. 22 south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Fox News ahead of the hearing that it will highlight the "real cost" of illegal immigration in communities across America and the "untold numbers of families who suffered" due to the Biden-Harris administrations border policies. "The cost to education systems, cost of health care systems, and the personal loss families have suffered because of the Biden administration, we just now have an open border," Jordan said. "And under the Biden-Harris administration." Jordan said "moms who lost a loved one because of some violent crime by an illegal migrant" would share their perspectives on the cost of an open border, adding that the Biden-Harris administration "let in 10 million people in three and a half years, 99 on the terrorist watch list." Original article source: Biden-Harris border crisis: Mother of Jocelyn Nungaray gives emotional testimony during migrant crime hearing The mother of a Houston 12-year-old who police say was strangled and thrown off a bridge by two illegal immigrants revealed the heartbreaking timeline of her daughter's final moments in congressional testimony Tuesday, slamming the Biden-Harris administration border policy that allows violent criminals to "openly" enter the U.S. and wreak havoc on citizens. Alexis Nungaray told the House Judiciary Committee that her last words to her daughter Jocelyn were "goodnight" and "I love you." She woke up to a horror. "She was there when I closed my eyes that night," Nungaray said. "That Monday morning, when I opened my eyes, she was gone." BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME TESTIFY IN HOUSE HEARING Jocelyn went out to buy a soda at a convenience store nearby after her mother went to bed. Two Venezuelan predators allegedly abducted and killed her, then threw her off a bridge because they thought running water would hide their DNA. "That Monday morning, June 17th, was terrifying," Nungaray testified. "Waking up to know your child was missing and frantically searching the area where her phone was being pinged just two minutes away from her home, driving up to that exact location to see crime scene tape and officers by a bridge." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP JOCELYN NUNGARAY WAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BEFORE ALLEGED MURDER BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, FAMILY SAYS Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, was found strangled to death in a Houston creek. At the scene, officers couldn't provide answers, she said. But 45 minutes later, she received a phone call from police asking her to come downtown. "I'm still hanging on to hope that my 12-year-old daughter is still somewhere out there," she said. "They bring me to the floor labeled Homicide Division." Detectives asked her about the prior evening, then revealed they had recovered a body that they believed belonged to her daughter. Police found Jocelyn naked from the waist down with her wrists and ankles tied up. Investigators said she'd been strangled. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SUSPECTED IN MARYLAND MOM RACHEL MORIN'S MURDER FACES MAXIMUM PENALTY IF CONVICTED Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, left, and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel have been charged in the killing of Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston on June 17. "My heart shattered," Nungaray said. "I couldn't believe what was just told to me." She said she couldn't imagine the horror her daughter went through in her final moments. "They saw a young girl, my daughter Jocelyn, and placed a target on her without her even knowing," she said. "They were seen on video at 12:57 a.m. on June 17th, walking across the street down by the bayou under the bridge, at 3:04, for only the two illegal immigrants emerged. They were down there for two whole hours. I can't even fathom what was going through Jocelyn's mind, the amount of fear she was feeling in the last moments of her life." Left, a surveillance video image shows suspected killers Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26. Right, Jocelyn Nungaray beams after opening a package. Two Venezuelan men, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, have been charged with her murder. Both of them had been captured but released into the American interior earlier this year one just weeks before Jocelyn's murder. One of the suspects allegedly confessed to having done "something bad," Nungaray said. Both allegedly asked their boss for money in a failed bid to skip town. "Individuals like that do not have a heart," Nungaray said. "They are nothing but monsters who are predators, and those are the kind of individuals that we so openly let in this country." The mourning mother joined other victims' families to testify at the hearing in their quest to close the border to illegal immigration and persuade the government to crack down on migrant crime. "Because of the Biden-Harris administration open border policies, catch and release, they were enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program," Nungaray told lawmakers. "This meant that they were released into the United States. It was not even a full three weeks later that they would take my daughter Jocelyn Nungarays life." Original article source: Biden-Harris open border policy freed illegal 3 weeks before Jocelyn Nungaray murder, mother says U.S. President Joe Biden may permit Ukraine to launch strikes deep into Russian territory, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview with Sky News. Blinken's remarks followed a news conference in London where he noted that Iran has supplied Moscow with short-range missiles, which Russia's forces are expected to deploy in Ukraine within weeks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the U.S. and other Western allies to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow to end the war. In an interview with Yalda Hakim on Sky News, Blinken was asked if President Biden might consider allowing such actions as the war continues. Blinken responded that the U.S. has ensured Ukraine receives "what it needed, when it needed it, to be effective in repelling the Russian aggression" since the start of the all-out war in February 2022. However, Blinken emphasized that Washington must weigh other factors, including whether Ukraine's forces can operate and maintain the "sophisticated systems" provided by Western allies: " What I can tell you is, we've adapted and adjusted every step along the way, and we'll continue so not ruling out at this stage." "(...) We never rule out. But when we rule in, we want to make sure it's done in such a way that it can advance what the Ukrainians are trying to achieve," Blinked said. He later told reporters at the White House that his administration was "working that out now" when asked if the U.S. would lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons. Read also: Sweden takes step toward supplying Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Biden pays tribute to James Earl Jones and reflects on shared struggle with childhood stuttering President Joe Biden is remembering the late intrepid actor James Earl Jones. In a statement released on Tuesday, Biden wrote about last seeing Jones when the actor accepted the Lincoln Medal for his exemplary character and accomplishments on film and stage. I admired him for something else as well, something we both had in common overcoming a childhood stutter to find our voice for something bigger than ourselves, added Biden, who has been open about his lifelong struggle with stuttering. Biden continued to write that Jones legendary voice boomed wherever it was heard, an instrument and imprint that reverberated in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Jones died Monday, according to his agent. He was 93. Before Jones commanding voice brought life to beloved film characters like Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King as well as being the voice of CNN a traumatic move he experienced as a child caused him to develop a stutter. His fear of speaking rendered him almost mute until his high school poetry teacher encouraged him to read his poems aloud, helping him overcome his disability. Once he found his voice, it became one of the most recognizable in pop culture. Jones had a decades-long career in Hollywood, starring in movies such as The Sandlot, Field of Dreams and Coming to America, among many others. Through iconic characters, film, stage, commercials, radio, and more, his voice carried a sense of grace and dignity that commanded respect and demanded to be heard, Bidens statement on Tuesday read. His roles, Biden wrote, made us stop, stayed with us, and inspired us to reflect on everything from race and power, good and evil, to our place in the world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Joe Biden is considering changing policy on the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine in Russia - Jose Luis Magana Joe Biden is poised to lift a ban on British Storm Shadow missiles being fired into Russia by Ukraine. The president is considering changing policy after it emerged Iran is now arming Russia with ballistic missiles, which could be used in Ukraine within weeks. Antony Blinken, Mr Bidens secretary of state, is due in Ukraine on Wednesday with David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to discuss lifting restrictions with Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr Biden and Sir Keir Starmer would then discuss changing the policy in a White House summit on Friday, Mr Blinken said, adding that the president was not ruling it out. The delivery of new Iranian arms to Russia is thought to have prompted fresh discussions between the US and UK over the use of Storm Shadows. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians, Mr Blinken said on a visit to London on Tuesday. This is a threat, not only to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, but to all of Europe. Click here to view this content. British government sources close to policy believe a change in position on long-range missiles is possible this week but not guaranteed, with discussions remaining live at a senior level. Britain has been pushing for Ukraine to be given permission to use long-range missiles, including Storm Shadows, inside Russia. However, the missiles are used in tandem with some US systems. The Biden administration has not given permission for its technology to be used inside Russian territory. US officials argue that Storm Shadow missiles do not have sufficient range to hit Russian glide bombers, which are one of the targets Mr Zelensky has identified. The Pentagon has said it is concerned that using Western missiles inside Russia could escalate the conflict. Storm Shadows have been highly effective at stalling Russian advances inside occupied Ukraine, including in Crimea, and Ukrainian political officials argue that they could next be used to disrupt Russian supply lines. Click here to view this content. On Tuesday, a senior Ukrainian source said: Kyiv understands perfectly well what topics will be discussed and why today given the intensification of missile attacks on our energy infrastructure by the Russians as well as the data from American officials on Iranian ballistic missiles being transferred to Russia for use against the civilian population of Ukraine. Mr Blinken said that he would use his trip to Ukraine on Wednesday with Mr Lammy to make sure that we have our own best assessment of whats needed. We will take that back and well both inform our bosses the Prime Minister and the president and again, I fully expect that will be a part of their conversation on Friday. Keir Starmer speaks with Antony Blinken alongside David Lammy in London on Tuesday - Mark Schiefelbein/via Reuters Both John Healey, the Defence Secretary, and Mr Lammy have said this week they will not discuss the details of talks with the US publicly because such a debate would benefit Putin. Other Western allies expressed alarm about the delivery of Iranian long-range missiles to Russia. Peter Stano, the EUs foreign affairs spokesman, said the move will likely assist Russias escalatory bombing campaign against Ukrainian civilians. Such support to Russias terrorising campaign against Ukraines population will be met with a strong EU response, he said. The Iranian foreign ministry said that any claims that the Islamic Republic of Iran has sold ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation are entirely baseless and false. It said the sanctions would be met with a proportional response. Sir Keirs visit to Washington on Friday is his second since taking office in July. He met Mr Biden in the White House days after taking office, on the margins of a Nato summit. At the summit, he suggested the restrictions on Storm Shadows could be lifted imminently, prompting celebration from Mr Zelensky. Downing Street later clarified that the UK Governments policy had not changed. 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. President Joe Biden delivers remarks to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act and to mark Disability Pride Month on the South Lawn of the White House, on September 9, 2024. President Joe Biden delivers remarks to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act and to mark Disability Pride Month on the South Lawn of the White House, on September 9, 2024. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images) Your trusted source for contextualizing the news. Sign up for our daily newsletter. As hundreds of disability leaders, advocates, federal appointees and civil servants gathered on the White Houses South Lawn for President Joe Bidens final commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Monday, the president noted the role hes played in disability rights legislation and regulation over the past five decades. I was a kid, but I was proud to be a cosponsor of [the Americans with Disabilities Act] in the Senate. George H.W. Bush signed it into law right here on this lawn [on July 26, 1990], proving we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to ensure the American dream is available to all of us, Biden said. Neil McDevitt, mayor of North Wales, Pennsylvania, gave opening remarks before Biden. McDevitt is one of the first deaf mayors in the United States and an alum of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the only college in the country to have all programs designed for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Like many of you, I woke up one day with rights I did not go to bed with. The Americans with Disabilities Act made millions of Americans first-class citizens overnight, McDevitt said. There is a direct line to that day, July 26, to me standing before you as the first deaf person to be directly elected as mayor in the United States. While Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the ADA are in July, it is not unusual for the White House celebration to occur later in the year. Last years commemoration, also on the South Lawn, took place October 2. Delays generally come down to scheduling. But September is not without significance. September is Deaf Awareness Month, as McDevitt noted during his opening remarks. September is also when the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. Biden voted for the Rehabilitation Act during his first year in the Senate, 51 years ago. The Rehabilitation Act was the first piece of American legislation prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities and was a precursor to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Rehabilitation Act applied to only the federal government and its contractors, and Section 504 required federal buildings to be made accessible. During his remarks, Biden described the Rehabilitation Act as one of the most consequential civil rights laws in our nations history. The Rehabilitation Act did not have an immediate impact. The then Department of Health, Education and Welfare stalled final regulations, estimating that it would cost billions of dollars to implement. It wasnt until President Jimmy Carters administration that disability advocates were able to force a change. Judy Heumann, Kitty Cone, Brad Lomax and others occupied a government office in San Francisco for almost a month, leading the longest occupation of a federal building in American history, successfully pressuring the federal government to fully implement the Rehabilitation Act. At Mondays event, Biden also highlighted successes during his presidency: He signed a law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities who need organ transplants, established funding and regulations to improve accessible transportation, and instituted the first Medicare drug price negotiation. He also funded long COVID treatment trials, though some experts do not consider the long COVID treatment trials successful. Biden closed his final Americans with Disabilities Act commemoration as president on a positive note. We are the United States of America, and nothing is beyond our capacity when we set our minds to it and do it together. God bless you all and may God protect our troops. I am so proud to be with you, Biden said. The post Biden recaps five decades of disability policy work in final ADA commemoration as president appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sept. 10 that he "fully anticipates" U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss Ukraine's military needs when they meet on Sept. 13, in response to a question about Kyiv's restrictions on long-range strikes inside Russia. Blinken and Lammy held a joint press conference in London on Sept. 10, during which Blinken was asked about the restrictions Washington and London have given Kyiv regarding long-range strikes on military targets inside Russia with weapons supplied by the U.S. and U.K.. "We have continually adjusted and adapted, based on battlefield conditions, based on what Russia was doing in a given place and by given means, and that's been a throughline in everything we've done," Blinken said. Blinken and Lammy are expected to visit Kyiv on Sept. 11. One of the purposes of the trip is "to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs at this moment," Blinken said. "We'll both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden, and I fully anticipate this is something they'll take up when they meet on Friday," Blinken said. Blinken emphasized that the U.S. and U.K. are "going to look and listen" to what Kyiv needs, and consider "what the objectives are that our Ukrainian partners have in the weeks and months ahead, and how we can best support them." "We will take that back, we will both inform our bosses, the prime minister and the president, and again, I fully expect that will be a part of their conversation on Friday." Kyiv has long argued that restrictions on the use of long-range weapons are stifling its war effort, while Washington claimed that allowing Ukraine to hit deep into Russian territory with its weapons could escalate the conflict. Ukraine has dismissed these arguments and has ramped up pressure to lift the ban in recent weeks amid the ongoing incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast. The White House has not budged on its position, despite some U.S. politicians backing Kyivs demands. Read also: Restrictions on long-range strikes inside Russia reveal Wests unclear goals, ex-US commander says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will lower proposed final tariffs on Tesla and slightly trim rates for other electric vehicles from China after taking into account submissions by the companies, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Tesla's proposed tariff rate will drop to 7.8%, from 9%, the source said. For BYD, there was no change to its 17% tariff. For Geely, the new rate would be 18.8% from a previous 19.3%. A peak rate of 35.3% would apply to SAIC and other companies not cooperating with EU investigation, the source said. These tariffs are on top of the EU's standard 10% import duty for cars. The European Commission, which is conducting the anti-subsidy investigation into EVs made in China, declined to comment. Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment. Last month, the EU set out its initial proposal for final duties, establishing a separate rate of 9% for Tesla EVs, a sharp reduction from the higher duty that will apply to all cooperating companies - now set at 20.7%. This tariff is due to apply to certain Chinese producers such as Chery, Great Wall Motor Co and NIO and a number of joint ventures between Chinese companies and EU automakers. China and affected companies were given 10 days to submit their comments and the Commission has taken these into account to establish revised tariff rates. The proposed final duties will be subject to a vote by the EU's 27 states. They will be implemented unless a qualified majority of 15 EU members representing 65% of the EU population vote against. It is a high hurdle that is rarely reached, although this is a politically charged file. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Christina Fincher) WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Big E is four days away. New Clydesdales to debut at The Big E Fair Local businesses in West Springfield are preparing for the rush. Co-owner of Mamma Mias Pizzeria & Trattoria in West Springfield says, We definitely have a lot more foot traffic coming with The Big E. Wed be happy to have new customers, we have a nice dining area. People can stop in for cold beer or wine and get a slice of Pizza. Down the road, Richards Grinders plans to close its location near Gate 9 while The Big E is open. However, people are encouraged to stop at their Westfield location and try one of their giant grinders like the Boston Special, Steak & Cheese, or Super Deluxe Cold Cut. Local business owners and workers are encouraging people to check out the restaurants and shops in the area while theyre in town for The Big E, to keep business booming. 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. With countless iconic brands under its corporate umbrella and a history that dates back to the 1800s, the General Mills corporation has initiated its fair share of product recalls over the years. Large-scale product recalls in the U.S. were virtually unheard of until around the 1970s, however, they have become more commonplace in recent times. While the history of General Mills product recalls isn't nearly as old as the company itself, it's safe to say that the corporation has been forced to recall significant quantities of its products nevertheless. The following are the biggest recalls in the history of the General Mills company. Many of these recalls can be considered big simply because large quantities of products were affected more than a million items in one instance while others are included for the seriousness of risk they posed or the fact that popular products by iconic brands ended up implicated. The most common culprits for recalls are foodborne bacteria like salmonella and E. coli followed by undeclared allergens, but those aren't the only reasons for these major product recalls. Keep reading to learn more about the biggest recalls in General Mills history. Read more: Mistakes Everyone Makes When Shopping At Costco Risk Of Salmonella Caused A Gold Medal Flour Recall In 2023 stacked gold medal flour bags - JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock Gold Medal Flour has a fascinating history, including providing the foundation for what would become the General Mills corporation with the merger of several flour mills in 1928. Fast forward to April 2023, when General Mills initiated a nationwide voluntary recall of four varieties of All Purpose Gold Medal Flour: unbleached 5-pound, unbleached 10-pound, bleached 2-pound, and bleached 5-pound bags were included. Those all added up to 2,018,149 pounds of recalled flour according to the Food Industry Counsel. The company stated those products labeled with one of two best-before dates indicating they were produced in specific batches at a Kansas City, Missouri flour mill were recalled because they potentially carried salmonella. The company warned consumers to avoid eating any products containing raw flour and described how high temperatures reached through everyday cooking techniques could kill salmonella bacteria from a contaminated bag. Nevertheless, 14 people residing in 13 different states became ill with a strain of salmonella that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined had originated with bags of Gold Medal Flour. Salmonella infections are not altogether uncommon in the United States, with about 1.35 million cases reported per year, according to the CDC. Those result in an average of 420 deaths per year, so fatal infections are rare but not unheard of. While three of the people sickened by this Gold Medal Flour outbreak were hospitalized, the death toll from this contaminated product was zero. Progresso Organic Chicken Noodle Soup Recalled Over Mislabeled Allergens In 2020 bowl of chicken noodle soup - Rez-art/Getty Images Progresso which produces broths, beans, and other food products in addition to its iconic soups is one particularly noteworthy brand owned by the General Mills corporation. In August 2020, General Mills announced a voluntary recall of 14-ounce cans of Progresso Organic Chicken Noodle Soup after it was discovered the label did not indicate the inclusion of soy and dairy. These are both relatively common allergens, so these sorts of recalls are intended to prevent someone with a relevant allergy from consuming the soup and having an allergic reaction. In fact, products with undeclared allergens on their labels are among the foods that are most likely to be recalled. In this Progresso recall, only one batch of the chicken noodle soup lacked proper labeling, adding up to about 3,000 cans that had been distributed nationwide. Consumers could determine whether or not a given can was implicated in the recall by checking its best-before date, limited in this case to a single day. Customers were encouraged to dispose of any mislabeled cans, after which they were told to contact General Mills, presumably for some sort of refund. Separate E. Coli And Salmonella Scares Caused Two Gold Medal Flour Recalls In 2019 gold medal flour on shelf - BWM Infinity/Shutterstock Bags of Gold Medal Flour have been recalled by General Mills on more than one occasion. In fact, separate bacteria scares resulted in two different recalls of 5-pound bags of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour in 2019. According to the Food Industry Council, the quantity of flour initially recalled totaled 639,560, whereas Food Industry Council data places the latter at 447,855 pounds. The first recall came in January 2019. General Mills encouraged consumers to dispose of bags of this particular flour product with a best-before date of April 20, 2020, after discovering salmonella in a product sample. Then, in September of that same year, a batch of 5-pound Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour with a best-before date of September 6, 2020, was determined to potentially carry E. coli. The contamination was also discovered after the bacteria was found in a product sample. Like salmonella, E. coli bacteria can be killed by high temperatures used in everyday cooking techniques. Nevertheless, the risk that someone might consume a contaminated batch of raw flour especially considering E. coli infections can be fatal necessitated these dual recalls. Undeclared Almonds Required A Recall Of A Cascadian Farm Cereal In 2017 cascadian farm cereal aisle - The Image Party/Shutterstock Cascadian Farm is a health-focused brand under the General Mills umbrella, producing exclusively organic food products including oat-based cereals and bars as well as frozen fruit and veggie products. In October 2017, General Mills announced a recall of certain boxes of Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola Cereal for lacking text on the label declaring the presence of almonds a common allergen. Boxes of this cereal with two specific best-before dates were implicated, corresponding with two days of factory output. Just like in similar cases, anyone with a box of the recalled cereal could contact the General Mills company by phone for either a replacement or a refund. The volume of cereal recalled purportedly added up to more than 40,000 pounds of product in total, per Food Industry Council data. There were no public reports of illnesses resulting from undeclared almonds in the affected Cascadian Farm product, so the company presumably caught the error before anyone with a nut allergy inadvertently consumed the cereal. E. Coli Necessitated A Massive Flour Recall In 2016 stacked gold medal flour bags - Jenari/Shutterstock Just a few years before the dual Gold Medal Flour recalls of 2019 and just less than 10 years prior to the Gold Medal Flour recall in 2023, General Mills instituted a massive recall of a wide range of flour products in response to an E. coli outbreak in 2016. That outbreak spanned months, surfacing in December of 2015 and continuing through September of the following year. In total, 63 people living in 24 different states fell ill. General Mills initiated the first stage of what turned out to be a much larger recall in May 2016 after the CDC determined there was likely a link between the ongoing E. coli outbreak and flour manufactured at the corporation's Kansas City, Missouri factory. That first round involved 10 million pounds of flour, encompassing products by Gold Medal, Wondra, and Signature Kitchens, including self-rising and all-purpose varieties. Then in July, General Mills added some Betty Crocker cake mixes to the recall list as they contained Wondra flour. By the end of July and following a couple of additional stages, total volume reached a whopping 45 million pounds of flour recalled by General Mills. Undeclared Allergens In Certain Cheerios Products Required A Recall In 2015 honey nut and cheerios boxes - Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock What may well be the single highest-profile undeclared allergen incident in the company's history involves its storied Cheerios brand. Ultimately, General Mills recalled approximately 1.8 million boxes of Cheerios in October 2015. The offending Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios cereals were made with standard wheat flour, in packaging highlighting oat flour and claiming to be gluten free. Other variants of the cereal, including the likes of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, were unaffected. A spokesperson for General Mills explained at the time of the recall that a factory mishap resulted in the erroneous use of wheat flour in what was supposed to be a gluten-free production line at a facility in Lodi, California. Four days of Cheerios and thirteen days of Honey Nut Cheerios were produced before the error was corrected. Customers could identify those boxes by a range of best-before dates. While specifics are vague, General Mills claimed to have implemented a permanent solution in this incident's wake to prevent wheat flour from affecting future batches of Cheerios. Given the lack of Cheerios recalls since 2015, the system appears to be working. Cascadian Farm Green Beans Recalled After Testing Found Listeria In 2015 raw green beans - SerPhoto/Shutterstock As the Boar's Head deli meat listeria outbreak of 2024 made clear, this bacteria can pose a pretty serious risk to anyone who comes in contact with it not just hospitalizations but nine deaths resulted from infections linked to Boar's Head meat. In August of 2015, General Mills tested a 10-ounce bag of Cascadian Farm Cut Green Beans and found that it carried listeria bacteria. As a result, the company recalled roughly 60,000 bags of Cascadian Farm green beans, indicated by two particular best-before dates. In October of that same year, practically the same thing happened: General Mills tested a 16-ounce bag of Cascadian Farm green beans and discovered the presence of listeria bacteria. The company recalled approximately the same quantity of 60,000 bags, labeled with a single best-before date. The first recalled batch was produced in March of 2014 and the second in June of 2015, so it's entirely possible that the two cases were unrelated to one another. Fortunately, there were no public reports of any illnesses originating with a bag of Cascadian Farm green beans at the time of either recall. Lack Of Labeling On Food Dyes Triggers Cake Mix Recall In 2012 betty crocker cake mix aisle - Colleen Michaels/Shutterstock In October of 2012, General Mills instituted a recall of SuperMoist Golden Vanilla Cake Mix manufactured by the historic Betty Crocker company. This recall was akin to undeclared allergen case, but rather than a lack of a proper allergen warning or the inclusion of an erroneous ingredient, the boxes of Betty Crocker cake mix in question simply failed to detail comprehensive lists of ingredients. Missing from their ingredients lists were four kinds of food coloring: Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40 and Blue 1. Exactly 6,223 cases, each containing 12 boxes of SuperMoist Golden Vanilla Cake Mix adding up to a total of 74,676 boxes ended up recalled, according to the FDA. For what it's worth, the inclusion of food dyes could be a difference maker for at least some customers. For instance, one reason Skittles are banned in other countries involves the inclusion of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, both of which may induce hyperactivity in children. Some consider Red 40 a controversial ingredient as well. In fact, allergies to those coloring ingredients, while rare, are not unheard of. Peanut Butter That Might Have Contained Salmonella Prompted Recall In 2009 spoonful of peanut butter - Prostock-studio/Shutterstock While General Mills has recalled products over their potential to carry salmonella as recently as 2023, the company had already done so as early as January 2009. At that time, the FDA determined that peanut butter produced by the Peanut Corporation of America carried salmonella, and two General Mills brands distributed products with that potentially tainted peanut butter. The affected products included Peanut Butter Cookie-flavored Larabars and Peanut Butter Blisscrisp JamFrakas bars. Both products came packaged in various quantities, resulting in a recall of 15,000 cases in total of the two kinds of peanut butter bar according to FDA data. Years later, in 2015, the CEO of the Peanut Corporation of America at that time landed a 28-year jail sentence for his culpability in the salmonella outbreak responsible for this General Mills recall. It wasn't the volume of the outbreak responsible for his criminal record but the fact that he appeared to be fully cognizant of the fact his company was shipping out tainted peanut butter. The General Mills recall, then, was a byproduct of this act of corporate misconduct. Pepperoni Possibly Contaminated With E. Coli Led To A Frozen Pizza Recall In 2007 frozen totino's pepperoni pizza - The Image Party/Shutterstock Similarly to the 2009 peanut butter bar recall, in November 2007, General Mills recalled products packaged under two technically distinct brands due to the potential that an ingredient produced at a separate plant might carry bacteria. In this case, it was a pepperoni that may have been contaminated with E. coli on Totino's and Jeno's frozen pizzas. A total of 5 million pizzas ended up implicated in this recall, all of which were made at a company facility in Wellston, Ohio. Alerting the General Mills corporation of the E. coli danger was the fact that nine out of 21 individuals exposed to E. coli bacteria around that time reported consuming either a Totino's or Jeno's pepperoni pizza beforehand. Those illnesses while not necessarily high in number spanned 10 separate states, with a majority in Tennessee. General Mills claimed that there was no evidence of E. coli not just in its factories but in any of its products. Customers who purchased a recalled pizza were encouraged to utilize a now-outdated system and mail its barcode to a P.O. box in order to receive a replacement. Pop Secret Popcorn Recalled After Multiple Reports Of Burns In 2004 bowl of buttered popcorn - Avocado_studio/Shutterstock Food product safety standards seem to have improved pretty significantly over the course of the past couple decades or so. In other words, the earlier the product recall, the more likely the rationale behind it happens less frequently in the present day. In one such case, General Mills recalled a line of Pop Secret microwavable popcorn packaged under a Crispy Glazed nomenclature available in caramel corn and kettle corn flavors over injuries to consumers. Specifically, multiple customers recounted receiving burns from the titular glaze component due to a difficult preparation method. This line of Pop Secret popcorn appears to be long since extinct, so it's not clear precisely what happened during that process to result in burns becoming a noteworthy issue. Nevertheless, enough customers complained that General Mills decided to recall 280,596 cases of popcorn in total. Refried Beans Recalled Over The Potential For Bacteria That Causes Botulism In 2002 old el paso beans aisle - IZWAN IS/Shutterstock In October 2002, General Mills instituted a recall for a line of refried beans under the popular Old El Paso brand over the possibility that cans might contain Clostridium botulinum, which is the bacteria responsible for botulism. The total number of cans of refried beans covered by this recall was relatively small limited to a single batch of 4,080 and it affected just the states of Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. That said, botulism can become fatal, so the risk was serious all the same. Fortunately, no illnesses linked to contaminated Old El Paso beans were publicly reported. General Mills became aware of the issue after testing a can from the batch in question and determining that it was insufficiently heated during processing. The company had already corrected the issue responsible for that lack of heating by the time it issued the recall. A Bug's Life Branded Flashlight Toy With Potential Fire Risk Recalled In 1999 bugs from a bug's life - Getty Images/Getty Images All the way back in August 1999, General Mills instituted a rare recall for something altogether inedible: a flashlight promoting the 1998 Pixar movie "A Bug's Life." Packaged with this flashlight were five lenses, each of which could project the shadow of a different character from "A Bug's Life" onto a chosen surface. As it turned out, those flashlights were prone to short circuiting and becoming hot to the touch, posing a burn risk this danger was, in all likelihood, especially pronounced given that the flashlight was a toy marketed to children. Customers could obtain one of these flashlights either by turning in barcodes from participating General Mills products or purchasing one directly through mail order. It was the latter method through which the majority of "A Bug's Life" flashlights were distributed, allowing the company to reach out to those customers directly. General Mills recalled 139,000 flashlights in total. Rather than provide direct replacements, the company seems to have determined that the toy was simply faulty, offering customers either cereal coupons or refunds depending on where their flashlight was purchased. Read the original article on Mashed. (Bloomberg) -- The biggest US banks would face a 9% increase in capital requirements a dramatic retreat from the original plan after regulators agreed to sweeping changes to a proposed package of rules, according to people familiar with the matter. Most Read from Bloomberg The original plan by the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency had called for a 19% jump in the capital that the eight US global systemically important banks, including Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., must hold as a cushion against unexpected losses and financial shocks. Sharp reductions to the capital mandates are more likely to appease banks, which unleashed one of their fiercest lobbying campaigns after the proposals introduction last year. The drafted revisions could also help Fed Chair Jerome Powell meet his goal of drawing broad support from the central banks board. Powell has made it clear to banks that he also wants to avoid a lengthy legal battle. A representative for the Fed declined to comment. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr plans to preview the changes in a speech Tuesday. The three regulators are expected to release up to 450 pages of revisions as soon as Sept. 19, Bloomberg reported last week. The capital overhaul first announced in July 2023 is tied to Basel III, an international accord that started more than a decade ago in response to the global financial crisis of 2008. The Fed later floated a dramatically weaker version of the plan to other regulators, alarming some agency officials. That weaker version had suggested an overall capital increase as low as 5% for a broad group of US banks, down from roughly 16% in the original proposal. The plan to be outlined on Tuesday will likely be subject to a 60-day comment period, and final adoption might not take place until well into next year, Powell has said. Banks will almost certainly request an extension to the 60-day timeline, said Jeremy Kress, a former Fed bank-policy attorney who now teaches business law at the University of Michigan. But thats only one risk. Even if the agencies were to finalize a rule before Inauguration Day, a Trump win could jeopardize its implementation, Kress said. A Republican-controlled Congress could overturn the rule through a Congressional Review Act resolution, or the banking agencies could delay the compliance date and eventually repeal the rule. Theres no guarantee that individual banks will be satisfied by the smaller overall capital hikes, as industry members have cited a wide range of concerns from how trading risks are treated to how the proposals interact with annual stress tests. But firms may be reticent to mount a legal challenge on their own. It is highly unlikely that a solo bank would step out on its own against the pack, said Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, a financial risk and bank consultant who previously worked at the New York Fed. That may likely prove unhelpful for that lender. --With assistance from Katherine Doherty and Sally Bakewell. (Updates with the Fed declining to comment in the fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Elon Musks SpaceX blasted off in Florida on Tuesday on a mission scheduled to culminate in the first private spacewalk in history. Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman plans to venture way beyond the International Space Station and further into space than anyone since the Apollo moon missions. The American billionaire founder of the Shift4 electronic payment firm is one of four astronauts on the privately funded Polaris Dawn mission. The other civilians include two SpaceX employees and a retired military fighter pilot. Photos from today's launch of the Polaris Dawn mission from pad 39A in Florida pic.twitter.com/SUqSW8CSpj SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida went ahead on Tuesday after delays over poor weather and technical checks. It will be in orbit for about five days and travel about 870 miles from the Earths surface. Writing about the mission, Musk said it carried more risk than usual. In a post on his X account last month, he wrote: Crew safety is absolutely paramount and this mission carries more risk than usual as it will be the furthest humans have traveled from Earth since Apollo, and the first commercial spacewalk. Watch live as Falcon 9 launches the @PolarisPrograms Polaris Dawn crew on a multi-day mission orbiting Earth https://t.co/u1KqQx5AFr SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 Up until now, the only spacewalks have been government-funded and most have been either at the International Space Station of Chinas Tiangong space station. According to the Guardian, two astronautsIsaacman, 41, and SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis, 30will leave the spacecraft connected by an oxygen line. Isaacman shared the missions cost with SpaceX, says the New York Post, and will be testing new spacesuits specially designed for deep space. Both Isaacman and Gillis will keep hold of the capsule while popping out of the hatch. Billionaire Jared Isaacman Will Drop Huge Cash for Private Spacewalk Launch Director Frank Messina radioed after the crew reached orbit. Were sending you hugs from the ground. May you make history and come home safely, he said. We wouldnt be on this journey without all 14,000 of you back at SpaceX and everyone else cheering us on, Isaacman replied. 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. Bipartisan calls continue for Biden to lift restrictions on Kyiv using long-range weapons against Russia At least 20 House Democrats and five House Republicans are calling on President Joe Biden to lift restrictions on Kyivs use of American long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russia, according to a letter sent to the president on Sept. 10 obtained and seen by the Kyiv Independent. The letter was sent around Congress in early September by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, co-chair of the bipartisan Ukraine Caucus. "We write to request that you immediately end your Administrations limitations on Ukraines use of long-range weapons provided by the U.S. and other NATO allies to strike legitimate military targets inside Russia," the two-page letter reads. The Biden Administration's restrictions on Kyiv are at odds with the limitations Washington has on its military and other allies using American weapons, like Israel, the Democratic-led bipartisan letter said. Under the Biden administrations current limitations, Kyiv can only use U.S.-provided missiles in limited cross-border strikes on Russian military targets used to launch attacks into Ukraine. Ukraines now month-old incursion into Russias Kursk region, Rep. Kaptur wrote in the letter, has changed the nature of the war and in doing so called Russias bluff by testing to what extent the Kremlin would escalate if attacked. Washingtons fears of Russian escalation are yet to subside as it has not announced any changes to policy on Ukraines use of its weapons. "The new offensive has also further demonstrated why the existing policy of limiting Ukraines use of long-range weapons to strike inside of Russia is unsustainable and inconsistent with the realities of this war," the letter reads. Rep. Kapturs letter to President Biden goes on to say that relevant Russian military targets are identifiable and currently in the range of long-range weapons provided by NATO countries. Read also: Biden, Starmer expected to discuss Ukraines battlefield needs on Sept. 13, Blinken says On Sep. 6 at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defenses, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukraine has a lot of capability to use "UAVs and other things" to address the plethora of targets in Russia. "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," Secretary Austin said, referring to Zelenskys ask to strike deeper inside Russia. "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." Six House Republicans on foreign affairs and intelligence committees also sent a letter to President Biden on Sept. 10 calling for the administrations to lift remaining restrictions on the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). Ninety percent of Russian aircrafts used to attack Ukraine are now beyond a 300-kilometer zone from the Ukrainian border, and thus, out of reach of ATACMS, the White House said on Sept. 4. Rep. Kapturs letter to President Biden did not specify how far into Russia the group would like Ukraine to be able to strike. "(Ukraine) doesnt have the assets of other places, NATO is critical to Ukraines success ultimately," Rep. Kaptur told the Kyiv Independent earlier in August. A danger exists in allowing Russia to alter Europes borders, Rep. Kaptur added. The Ukraine Caucus's letter came on the same day Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Iran had supplied Russia with hundreds of ballistic missiles, calling it an escalation. "Weve warned Tehran publicly, weve warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation," Blinken said on Sept. 10 in London. "Russia has now received shipments of these missiles." Rep. Kaptur sees Russias alignment with Iran as a reason to up defense, not hold out. "I know how vicious these enemies are, particularly in cahoots with one another, now Russia, Iran, China, North Korea," Rep. Kaptur told the Kyiv Independent. "That is not an equation I want to infect our country." Rep. Kaptur and House Democrats arent alone in their call to President Biden. With nearly four months left in the White House, the Biden Administration has increasingly been called on to ease its restrictions on Kyiv. In early September, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, who was a finalist for Kamala Harriss running mate, broke with a previous position and said the U.S. needs to reconsider weapons restrictions. "I think the Democratic party is a party that supports freedom," Rep. Kaptur said to the Kyiv Independent in August, when asked if the Democratic party was as united around support for Ukraine as it seems. "Our support is strong." Read also: Ukrainian drones strike deeper into Russia, aiming to break war machine, sow discontent Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection to a shooting that left one dead and three others injured at a Birmingham apartment complex. According to the Birmingham Police Department, Birmingham resident Tyler Reed Sanders is charged in connection to the Sept. 2 shooting. He faces one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Sanders was one of the people injured in the shooting. BPD detectives obtained the arrest warrants on Sanders after presenting case information to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office on Thursday. 1 dead in Bessemer shooting, police investigating Sanders is in BPD custody but is receiving medical treatment at an area hospital. After discharge, he will be taken to the Jefferson County Jail. The murder charge carries no bond, while each attempted murder count has a $60,000 bond. The shooting occurred at University Crossings apartments. The Jefferson County Coroners Office stated Birmingham resident Lafontae Dejarris Lenard, 49, died in an apartment because of the shooting. Two other men, including Sanders, and a woman were also shot. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to revoke The Quests business license and all associated permits Tuesday. The city has given Quest ownership time to develop and deliver safety plans to improve the situation at the club. According to city councilor J.T. Moore, the club is not meeting expectations. I believe that you all are very unserious about this situation right now, Moore said. I dont think you all are taking this serious at all. The Birmingham nightclub came under scrutiny in May after two men died from a shooting that occurred inside the establishment. It was not the first violent act at The Quest in recent years. 21-year-old killed in Bessemer shooting identified Officer Truman Fitzgerald with the Birmingham Police Department said in May within the past three years, there was an off-duty Birmingham police officer who was shot at the nightclub. There was also a shooting over Labor Day weekend in 2022 where two people were shot, and one of them died. Another time, a Birmingham police officer was in a fight with a patron armed with a firearm at The Quest, causing a max emergency call on police radio. Dan Sparks, the nightclubs president and co-owner, said in May customers were not allowed to bring weapons inside The Quest. He said there were three security guards the night when the last deadly shooting occurred at the establishment. Sparks said he thinks one of the men involved could have used a fire exit to get inside the club because its alarm was removed. He said he and his staff were saddened by the shooting inside The Quest. The Quest was closed as of Tuesday night, despite earlier claims of an agreement reached with the 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 CBS 42. The News A site in the US state of North Dakota that may hold evidence of the day the dinosaurs were killed is also at the center of a poisonous academic dispute. Tanis contains fossils of fish apparently killed in a violent flood, which some scientists think was caused by the Chicxulub asteroid. A New York Magazine article follows two paleontologists race to publish research claiming to show the impact occurred in the spring. One accuses the other of plagiarizing his work; the other accuses the first of faking his data. The fundamental takeaway, the author says, is that the field of paleontology is mean. One professor calls it a snake pit of personality disorders. An area of the Bitterroot National Forest where the Mud Creek Vegetation Management Project is slated to occur. In 2024, nonprofit groups sued over a different project in the Bitterroot National Forest. (Photo via USFS decision notice) A logging and clearcutting project in the Bitterroot National Forest will make it harder to hunt elk, inflates the amount of old growth that would be left, and will cost taxpayers $4.2 million, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. It also illegally ignores grizzly bears and wolverines, and it misinforms the public about effects on pine marten, among other problems, said the complaint about the Gold Butterfly Project and related Forest Plan amendments filed by two conservation groups. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service doesnt appear to have ever collected required monitoring data on pine marten, and it doesnt have a population trend established, the lawsuit said. But it said the Record of Decision approving the project said this: Monitoring data for pine marten was last collected in 2020 and revealed that marten distribution and detections have trended upwards. A spokesperson for the Bitterroot National Forest was not available Monday to answer a question about pine marten data, and the Forest Service generally does not comment on pending litigation. In 2020, the Forest Service staved off separate litigation over the same project by withdrawing a formal decision in favor of more analysis, according to the current lawsuit. It said the agency then denied 19 objections filed against a new supplemental environmental impact statement and new draft decision, and authorized the project anyway in August 2023. The current lawsuit was filed by the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting native biodiversity in the Northern Rockies, and the Native Ecosystems Council, which has a mission to conserve natural resources on public lands in the Northern Rockies. The complaint alleges that Bitterroot Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson, Regional Forester Leanne Marten, and the U.S. Forest Service are violating federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act and the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Represented by the Public Interest Defense Center and Bechtold Law Firm, both of Missoula, the groups filing the lawsuit are asking the court to find the project is illegal and stop it. They also note most of the 3,100 members of the public who weighed in on it wanted no old-growth logging and no new roads, contrary to the 17.1 miles of permanent new roads to be built in the area, which has Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. The Bitterroot already lacks old growth forest, according to the complaint. It said in the mid-19th century, subsistence logging took place, logging later was used to support mines, railroads and cities, and a lot of large trees are gone as a result of those decades. This historic logging dramatically reduced the amount of old growth in the Bitterroot, particularly the ponderosa pine in the lower elevations, and explains the lack of old growth in some drainages today, the lawsuit said. In addition to the claims in the lawsuit, the groups allege the Forest Service is violating the Endangered Species Act by failing to account for grizzly bears and wolverines in the area. The groups said they will incorporate those claims into their case if the Forest Service doesnt fix the problems within 60 days. The project, the costs The project area includes 55,147 acres of national forest land in the Sapphire Mountains, and it authorizes commercial logging on 5,281 acres, including clearcutting across wide swaths of forest, the lawsuit said. It also allows non-commercial tree-cutting and burning on another 2,084 acres, and it will require the transport of as many as 7,000 truckloads of wood from the area, according to the complaint. It greenlights a net increase of 17.1 miles of permanent system roads (6.4 miles of new roads, 5.8 miles of decommissioned miles, and 16.5 miles of illegal non-system roads) and construction of 17.3 miles of temporary roads, among other changes. Regarding illegal roads, also referred to as undetermined roads, which are not lawfully on the forest as part of the National Forest roads system but nonetheless exist on the ground, the Gold Butterfly Project area has at least 33.1 miles of these illegal roads, the lawsuit said. Citing an estimate from 2018, it also said the project anticipates $1.57 million in total revenue for the eight-year endeavor, but a cost of $5.79 million for tasks including sale preparation and administration, tree planting, trailhead relocation, burning and other work. Commercial activity is proposed on up to 3,082 acres of whitebark pine habitat, which could be damaged or destroyed, the lawsuit said. And it said the project could decrease cover for wildlife on 6,100 acres through timber harvest, thinning and/or prescribed burning. The lawsuit also said the public wanted to know how many people live adjacent to the project area, but the Forest Service didnt analyze available data to support its delineation of the project wildland urban interface. New math for old growth According to the lawsuit, the project also uses lower standards to calculate old growth forest, with fewer large trees per acre, no requirements for canopy closure, and no requirements for moss and lichen. The agency did so by issuing an exemption, a project specific Forest Plan amendment in its supplemental environmental review, that says the Gold Butterfly Project doesnt have to comply with the Forest Plans old-growth requirements. Citing internal agency notes, the lawsuit said it became obvious that it is difficult to definitively say that old growth characteristics would be retained after the project. It also said the Forest Service admits it wasnt using the Forest Plan criteria and definition for old growth, but an alternative one. When members of the public asked for details about how the project would keep old-growth characteristics, the Forest Service not only ignored the issue in its environmental review, it directed the public to a report that also didnt disclose the criteria, the complaint alleges. But a document in the project file shows the Forest Service used lower standards to count old growth, the lawsuit said. For example, the Forest Plan mandates 15 large trees per acre, but the project requires just eight to 10 large trees for the same area. Accordingly, the old-growth criteria used for the project are significantly less protective than the old-growth definition and criteria set forth in the Forest Plan standard, the complaint said. The project specific Forest Plan amendment allows a 46% reduction in large trees per acre, unlimited reduction in canopy closure, and the whittling down of old-growth forest stands to stands as small as four acres in size as opposed to 40 acres, the lawsuit said. Effects on the pileated woodpecker, other animals The lawsuit also alleges the project will adversely affect bull trout, and it said the Forest Service mischaracterized data about the health of the pileated woodpecker population. The Forest Service concedes it hasnt monitored pileated woodpeckers since 2018, but it points to an earlier report with data that show a declining trend for that species, the lawsuit said. The Forest Service record of decision represents that pileated woodpecker detections have remained relatively stable and does not disclose the declining trend found in the agencys own monitoring report, the lawsuit said. It said the Forest Service concluded those birds and pine martens, both indicator species for old growth, would experience negative effects from the project, but it doesnt provide detailed information to support that finding. The Forest Service also doesnt discuss numerous confirmed grizzly bears in the Sapphire Mountains and five wolverines in the Bitterroot Valley, including a lactating female in the project area, the lawsuit said. It noted the bear and female wolverine sightings took place around the same time the project was finalized, although bears were documented nearby earlier. As such, the groups are asking the Forest Service to conduct supplemental environmental reviews that address the new information on those species. The complaint also said the logging will disrupt winter elk refuge and send elk into the valley, citing the need for low road densities and public comment: As ranchers, we raise hay. The Willow Creek herd already does a significant amount of damage to our haystacks and fences. In addition, the elk will be pushed down to our property where there is a land easement and no hunting. This will be detrimental to the forest plan goal of maintaining hunting opportunity. But the lawsuit also said the Bitterroot Forest plans to write an exemption related to elk for this project, as it has done with other projects in the past. Blinken asked Lammy on August call what it would take for UK to reconsider Israeli weapons suspension Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy last month what the U.K. would need from Israel to reconsider restricting weapons sales to the country, according to two U.S. officials briefed on the call. Lammy responded: A cease-fire in Gaza and access by international human rights organizations to the Palestinians in Israeli prison. Blinken and Lammy met Tuesday in London and discussed the situation in Gaza and the ongoing negotiations around a cease-fire, the leaders said during a joint press conference. But it is unclear whether they specifically discussed the suspension of certain arms to Israel. In the Aug. 20 call between the two leaders, Lammy informed Blinken that an internal assessment by the U.K. government on Israels actions in Gaza had led to its decision to withhold 30 export licenses to Israel for components needed for F-16s, helicopters, naval systems and drones. The call was cordial, according to one of the U.S. officials, who read a portion of the transcript to POLITICO. Blinken also indicated that the U.S. was in the process of assessing Israels actions in Gaza. But he did not give any detail about Washingtons internal thinking. The question by Blinken highlights how the Biden administration continues to back Israels military campaign in Gaza despite concerns by some of its closest allies about its behavior on the ground. Asked about the conversation, the U.K. embassy in Washington said in a statement: We hope to see sustained evidence of Israels commitment to [international humanitarian law] that would allow us to lift this suspension. The State Department declined to comment. But in a response from a reporter Tuesday about the killing of an American citizen in the West Bank, Blinken spoke to Washingtons thoughts on Israeli forces' broader engagement with Palestinians. Weve long seen reports of the security forces looking the other way when extremist settlers use violence against Palestinians. And now we have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. Its not acceptable. It has to change, Blinken said. Lammy informed the British parliament on Sept. 2 that it would suspend about 30 of a total of 350 arms exports for Israel, citing a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Weve always been clear in the U.K. in our belief in the international rule of law, the rules-based order, and in IHL issues which are fundamentally important, Lammy told reporters Tuesday. Soon after the restrictions were announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the move as a shameful decision that will serve to embolden Hamas. Blinkens inquiry was not a pressure tactic, one of the U.S. officials said. Instead, it was borne out of a genuine interest to understand whether the U.K. would eventually rethink its policy. The U.K. sells limited weapons and weapons parts to Israel, so the move has likely had limited impact on Israel's day-to-day operations in Gaza. The U.K.s decision to withhold some weapons was seen as largely symbolic, but marks a significant shift in approach to the crisis for Prime Minister Keir Starmers new Labour government. U.S. officials anticipated such a decision by the U.K. government for months as officials from both parties were outspoken about needing to do more to address Israels actions in Gaza. A senior U.S. administration official said the U.K. informed the U.S. multiple times over the last year that it was conducting its internal review and in August that it had decided on the suspension. U.S. domestic laws that dictate how and when Washington should withhold arms differ from the U.K. laws that guide similar decision making. U.K. law broadly says that if there is a risk of international humanitarian law being violated, the government is legally required to take action. In the U.S., the administration takes action if it has confirmed those laws have been violated. But international humanitarian law, though interpretation of it often varies, was created in an effort to set up global rules that dictate what is legal during armed conflict. At least the Brits are willing to call it like it is, which leadership here appears unwilling to do despite being presented with all the same information about Israeli IHL violations, said a third U.S. official familiar with the discussions. Leadership misses the fact that if we showed the same moral and legal clarity as the U.K. it would give us more leverage for a cease-fire deal, not less. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for fundamental changes Tuesday, after Israeli forces say they accidentally killed a Turkish American woman during an anti-settlement protest in the West Bank last week. Blinken said the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was unprovoked and unjustified and that no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views, he said during a press conference in London. In our judgement, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement. The secretary of state added that Israeli forces have long used violence or looked the other way when Israeli settlers have used violence in the West Bank against Palestinians. Its not acceptable, it has to change, he continued. And well be making that clear to the senior most members of the Israeli government. The Israeli military said in a release Tuesday that an initial inquiry from military commanders indicates Eygi was likely killed by unintentional fire at the protest in the Beita Junction of the West Bank on Friday. The inquiry found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by [Israeli military] fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot, the military said. The incident took place during a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tires and hurled rocks toward security forces at the Beita Junction. Israels Military Police Criminal Investigation Division is still investigating the incident, and a final report will be submitted to the Military Advocate Generals Corps. Eygi, a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), was attending a weekly protest against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. ISM claimed in a press release last week that protesters were primarily praying when Israeli forces opened fire, first with tear gas and then with live ammunition. The group says the protests have been subdued lately because Israel has increased its aggression in recent months. Blinken said Tuesday that the U.S. was still looking into the incident and the results of the Israeli investigation. But even on an initial read and even accepting it at face value, he added, its clear that there are serious issues that need to be dealt with, and we will insist they will be dealt with. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday confirmed that Iran has supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and "will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine." "The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line, while dedicating new missiles it's receiving from Iran [for] closer range targets," Blinken said while speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a trip to London. Blinken vowed Tehran would face repercussions for the transfer of ballistic weapons and said the U.S. would be announcing additional sanctions on Iran later on Tuesday. IRAN THREATENS 'NIGHTMARE' FOR ISRAEL AS UN WATCHDOG WARNS TEHRAN NUCLEAR PROGRAMS RUNS UNCHECKED "There will be significant economic consequences for Iran's actions," he said, adding that European allies were expected to announce their own sanction-based actions against Tehran shortly. Reports first surfaced on Monday showing that the European Union and its allied partners had received "credible" information that Moscow was receiving the top weaponry from its Middle Eastern ally despite warnings from the U.S. and NATO. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran's decentralized influence reaches far beyond the Middle East," Blinken said. The secretary said Russia and Iran continue to share information in areas of major geopolitical concern, including on nuclear development and space-based technology. ROMANIA AND LATVIA CONFIRM INCURSIONS BY RUSSIAN DRONES INTO NATO AIRSPACE The nuclear watchdog for the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday warned that Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program unchecked for the last three and half years and increased its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium to levels of 60% purity just shy of weapons-grade uranium, which is achieved with 90% purity levels. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he urged new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who has expressed an interest in working with Western nations to alleviate sanctions for Iran to meet with him in the "not to distant future" to establish a "constructive dialogue." Vehicles drive past a huge billboard depicting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, right, and slain Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at Tehran's Valiasr Square on Aug. 12, 2024. However, Blinken on Tuesday warned that aiding Russia in its deadly war against Ukraine will have crippling consequences for Tehran. "Iran's new president and foreign minister have repeatedly said that they want to restore engagement with Europe," Blinken told reporters Tuesday. "They want to receive sanctions relief. Destabilizing actions like these will achieve exactly the opposite." According to Reuters' reporting, Germany, France and the U.K. have "strongly condemned" Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, though no specific sanctions have been announced. Original article source: Blinken confirms Iran supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles US government demands overhaul of Israeli conduct in West Bank after killing of US citizen By Daphne Psaledakis and Steven Scheer LONDON/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday demanded an overhaul of Israeli military conduct in the occupied West Bank as they decried the fatal shooting of an American protester against settlement expansion, which Israel said was accidental. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, who is also a Turkish national, was shot dead last Friday at a protest march in Beita, a village near Nablus where Palestinians have been repeatedly attacked by far-right Jewish settlers. Israel's military said on Tuesday that its initial inquiry found it was highly likely its troops had fired the shot that killed her but that her death was unintentional, and it voiced deep regret. President Joe Biden later told reporters "it ricocheted off the ground" and a U.S. official said that was the conclusion of the Israeli investigation, the results of which were presented to the United States on Tuesday. Palestinian officials say that Eygi was struck in the head. Eygi's family called Israel's preliminary inquiry "wholly inadequate" and demanded an independent U.S. investigation. Hamid Ali, Eygi's partner, in response to Biden's comments, said her death "was no accident and her killers must be held accountable." "The White House has not spoken with us. For four days, we have waited for President Biden to pick up the phone and do the right thing," Ali said. Blinken and Austin, in their strongest comments to date criticising the security forces of Washington's closest Middle East ally, described Eygi's killing as "unprovoked and unjustified". They separately said said Washington would insist to the Israeli government that it makes changes to how its forces operated in the West Bank. "No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views," Blinken told reporters in London. "In our judgment, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement. "Now we have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. It's not acceptable," Blinken said. An Israeli government spokesperson declined to comment on Blinken's remarks. Austin spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Pentagon said late on Tuesday, adding he expressed "grave concern for the IDF's responsibility for the unprovoked and unjustified death" of Eygi. He also urged Gallant "to reexamine the IDF's rules of engagement while operating in the West Bank," according to the Pentagon. The Israeli military earlier said an investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division was under way and its findings would be submitted for higher-level review once completed. "We're going to be watching that very, very closely," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters, saying a criminal probe was an unusual step by Israel's military. "We're going to want to see where it goes now in terms of the criminal investigation and what they find, and if and how anyone is held accountable," Kirby added. PRELIMINARY INQUIRY In a statement, the Israeli military said its commanders had conducted an initial investigation into the incident and found that the gunfire was not aimed at her but another individual it called "the key instigator of the riot." "The incident took place during a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tyres and hurled rocks towards security forces at the Beita Junction," it said. Israel has sent a request to Palestinian authorities to carry out an autopsy, it said. "We are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional," Eygi's family said in a statement. A surge in violent settler assaults 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 hardline settler movement. Tensions have been heightened amid Israel's war against Hamas militants in Gaza. Palestinians have held weekly protests in Beita since 2020 over the expansion of nearby Evyatar, a settler outpost. Ultra-nationalist members of Israel's ruling coalition have acted to legalise previously unauthorised outposts like Evyatar, a move Washington says threatens the stability of the West Bank and undercuts efforts toward a two-state solution to the conflict. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, an area Palestinians want as the core of a future independent state. Israel has built a thickening array of settlements there that most countries deem illegal. Israel disputes that assertion, citing historical and biblical ties to the territory. (Reporting by Steven Scheer and Daphne Psaledakis, Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell, Simon Lewis, Kanishka Singh, Matt Spetalnick, Trevor Hunnicutt, Katharine Jackson and Costas Pitas; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Deepa Babington and Stephen Coates) Iranian President Raisi attends the joining ceremony of ballistic missiles to the Armed Forces, in Tehran Iranian President Raisi attends the joining ceremony of ballistic missiles to the Armed Forces, in Tehran By Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran for its war in Ukraine, the United States said on Tuesday as it imposed fresh sanctions on ships and companies it said were involved in supplying Moscow with Iranian weapons. At a news conference in London ahead of a visit to Kyiv he and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy will make, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had privately warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia would be "a dramatic escalation." "Russia has now received shipments with these ballistic missiles, and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukraine," Blinken said, citing intelligence that he said has been shared with U.S. allies and partners around the world. The U.S. later identified nine Russian-flagged vessels it said were involved in the delivery of weapons from Iran to Russia, designating them as "blocked property" under Washington's sanctions regime, according to the Treasury Department's website. It also imposed additional measures on previously sanctioned airline Iran Air, as well as companies and individuals involved in the two countries' military cooperation, the department said in a statement. Blinken said Iran has trained dozens of Russian military personnel to use its Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (121 km). Russian defense ministry representatives are believed to have signed a contract in December with Iranian officials for the Fath-360 and another Iranian ballistic missile system, Reuters reported last month. Iran has previously supplied Shahed drones used by Russia in Ukraine, but has denied that it is supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani on Tuesday said on X that Iran views the reports as "ugly propaganda" to conceal Western military support to Israel. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday declined to confirm the reports but told reporters Russia was cooperating with Iran including on "the most sensitive" areas. After 2-1/2 years of war, Ukrainian forces now find themselves stretched, fending off a steady Russian advance in Ukraine's east. Last month Kyiv sent troops into Russia on their first large-scale cross-border incursion. The Iranian missiles can be used on closer targets, allowing Russia to use more of its own arsenal for targets that are further from the front line, Blinken said. Russia, which previously signed up to United Nations restrictions on Iran, was also sharing technology sought by Tehran, he added. "This is a two-way street, including on nuclear issues as well as some space information," Blinken said. CASPIAN VOYAGES The Treasury and the State Department imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and nine entities based in Iran and Russia, the Treasury said. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets held by those targeted, denying them access, and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Included in Tuesday's sanctions were ships that regularly bring cargo across the Caspian Sea between Iran and Russia, including the Port Olya-3, a vessel owned by Russia-based company MG-FLOT that was used to transport close-range ballistic missiles, the Treasury said. The vessel made a series of voyages between the Russian Caspian port of Olya and Iran's Amirabad port between May and August this year, according to ship tracking data. The State Department also said Iran Air was further targeted because it was used to procure sensitive Western-origin goods and transport materials for Iran's drone program. France, Germany and Britain said they were canceling air services agreements with Iran and pledged to impose sanctions on Iran Air and those involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and providing arms to Russia. Britain announced seven new sanctions designations under its Iran sanctions regime and three under its Russia regime. The European Union also vowed a "strong response." David Albright, head of the Institute for Science and International Security research group, said he doubted the new sanctions would have any impact on halting Irans cooperation with Russia because Tehran sees stronger ties with Moscow - and Beijing - in its best economic and political interests. "They will have some impact on shipping companies and vessels, but others can move in, said Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector. BLINKEN VISIT Ukraine, which said it could cut diplomatic ties with Tehran if Russia uses Iranian-supplied missiles, welcomed the sanctions but said they were not sufficient. Presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak reiterated that Kyiv was seeking Washington's permission to use U.S.-supplied weapons deeper inside Russia. The Pentagon has said that Ukraine can use U.S. weapons to return fire coming from Russia, a policy that in theory could allow Ukrainian forces to strike Iranian missiles being prepared for launch. Blinken said he would use his visit to Ukraine on Wednesday to hear directly from Ukraine's leadership what their current needs and objectives are and what the U.S. can do to help. Blinken and Lammy will visit together in a bid to show united Western support for Kyiv. Blinken will also visit Poland on Thursday, the State Department said. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis in London and Simon Lewis in Washington; additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Kyiv, William James and Jonathan Saul in London and Humeyra Pamuk, Phil Stewart, Jonathon Landay and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washinton; Editing by Andrew Heavens, William Maclean, Peter Graff and Jonathan Oatis) Blinken says its time for Israeli forces to make fundamental changes after American activist killed in West Bank US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israeli security forces to make fundamental changes after a preliminary investigation found that the IDF likely shot and killed American activist Aysenur Eygi during a protest in the West Bank. Blinken, speaking Tuesday from London, said initial investigations into the killing on Friday showed Eygis death was both unprovoked and unjustified. No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest, Secretary Blinken said. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views. In our judgment, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement, he added. The top US diplomat also pointed to reports of Israeli security forces looking the other way when extremist settlers use violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel admits it was highly likely forces shot American activist at West Bank protest (AP) Blinken said the US would be making its demands clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli government. He did not signal that the U.S. would change its policy of supplying the Israeli military with weapons. On Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces announced that an initial inquiry from military police found it was highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her, but rather at an individual the IDF said instigated a riot against military forces. The IDF expresses its deepest regret over the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, it added. Eygi, 26, a recent graduate of the University of Washington, was killed on Friday during a protest against settlements in the town of Beita, near Nablus. During the protests, a confrontation occurred between IDF forces and villagers after Friday prayers, where some residents threw rocks, activists at the event told The Washington Post. The Israeli government has described the scene as a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tires and hurled rocks toward security forces, while the activists told The Post the IDF quickly scattered the protest by using live fire and tear gas, then shot Eygi in the head as she stood in an olive grove after the clashes had died down. The killing has prompted sharp criticisms of the U.S. policy towards Israel from lawmakers and members of the Eygi family. Dear Americans, If you are killed by the Israeli government, our country wont care, Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American member of Congress, wrote on X on Monday. No one will be held accountable. It doesnt matter who you are, Israel can kill Americans and get away with it. Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for imminent use against Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict that threatened European security. Britain, France and Germany said they would cut aviation agreements with the Islamic republic and sanction its national carrier Iran Air, claiming Tehran had repeatedly defied warnings about the weapons transfers. "This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security," the so-called E3 powers said in a joint statement. President Joe Biden meanwhile said the United States was considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine using long-range, US-made missiles against Russia to help it defend itself in return. "We're working that out right now," Biden told reporters at the White House. On a visit to London, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the Iranian missiles could be used against Ukraine "within weeks". Dozens of Russian military personnel have trained in Iran using the Fath-360 missile, which has a range of 75 miles (120 kilometres), he added. The British government announced soon afterwards that it had already begun "the termination of all direct air services between the UK and Iran". Washington accused Iran Air of "operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Russian Federation economy", sanctioning it and 10 individuals and companies involved in the supply. - 'False and misleading' - The move was dismissed In Iran, where foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said the Western claims were false and a distraction from US backing for Israel in its war against Hamas militants. "Spreading false and misleading news about the transfer of Iranian weapons to some countries is just an ugly propaganda and lie with the aim of concealing the dimensions of the massive illegal arms support of the United States and some Western countries for the genocide in the Gaza Strip," he added. On Ukraine, the State Department said that Blinken would travel to Kyiv on Wednesday in a solidarity trip with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as Ukrainian forces face Russian advances in the east. Moscow has stepped up its aerial attacks in recent weeks but is also trying to fight off a major Ukrainian cross-border offensive into its western Kursk region, which has reshaped the course of the two-and-a-half-year war. Lammy said the joint trip demonstrated the two countries' commitment to Ukraine, and comes before UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the White House on Friday. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Britain has been at the forefront of pushing for more assistance to Kyiv, including loosening restrictions on the use of Western weapons on Russian territory. Asked about reports that Britain is waiting for a US green light to let Ukraine use long-range Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, Lammy said he would not discuss "operational issues" as "the only person who could benefit" was Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week, the UK said that it would send Ukraine 650 new specialist missile systems after President Volodymyr Zelensky complained of slow deliveries from the West. - 'Special relationship'- The US-UK "special relationship" has persevered across partisan lines since Starmer's Labour ended the Conservatives 14 years in power in July. But for Starmer, a full alignment with President Joe Biden's Democratic Party agenda could carry risks just two months before US elections in which Biden's political heir Kamala Harris is running neck and neck in polls with Republican Donald Trump. While backing Ukraine, Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has taken a harder line than the Conservatives on Israel, which relies on the United States as its foremost backer in the Gaza war. His Labour government last week announced restrictions on some weapons to Israel, voicing concern that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law. The Labour government has also dropped its Conservative predecessor's plans to challenge the right of the International Criminal Court to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. burs-dk/mca Blinken and his UK counterpart Lammy to travel to Kiev this week UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (R) and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken speak during a press conference after their meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) in Westminster. Alberto Pezzali/PA Wire/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British counterpart David Lammy are travelling to Ukraine together this week, the two diplomats announced on Tuesday. The two gave notice of their travel plans at a press conference on the fringes of Blinken's talks in London. The joint trip comes at a critical time for Ukraine, said Blinken. Russia is intensifying its aggression against civilians, important infrastructure and the Ukrainian military, he added. "We see it ramping up its attacks on cities, on people, in particular targeting the energy infrastructure, electricity all in advance of the coldest months," Blinken said. The US secretary of state travelled to the British capital at the beginning of the week to discuss deepening cooperation with London. He also plans to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to visit Washington at the end of the week. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (R) welcomes US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken ahead of their meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) in Westminster. Alberto Pezzali/PA Wire/dpa Blinken, Lammy to visit Ukraine as US confirms Iranian missile shipments to Russia Editor's note: This article was updated to reflect that the visit will reportedly take place on Sept. 11. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy are to visit Ukraine on a joint visit this week, the two announced on Sept. 10. "I can confirm that Tony and I will be traveling to Kyiv this week, the first joint visit of this kind for well over a decade," Lammy said during a joint press conference with Blinken. According to the Washington Post, the visit will take place on Sept. 11. The U.S. top diplomat arrived in the U.K. for a two-day visit on Sept. 9 to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference in London, Blinken and Lammy said they are "completely aligned on the need to tackle Iran's malign activity in the region and beyond." Recent media reports said that Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of ballistic missiles in a boost to its forces waging war against Ukraine. Blinken confirmed the reports during his U.K. visit, threatening further sanctions against Tehran over the shipments. "We've warned Tehran publicly, we've warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation," Blinken said. "Russia has now received shipments of these missiles." Washington's confirmation comes a day after EU spokesperson Peter Stano said that Brussels has "credible" information that the shipments took place. Iran denied delivering ballistic missiles to Russia, calling reports to the contrary "psychological warfare." The Kremlin gave an evasive answer when asked about the reports, saying that Iran and Russia cooperate in "all possible areas." Russia and Iran have deepened their military and political cooperation since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Tehran has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones used in attacks against Ukraine. The Iranian government is also backing a number of militant groups in the Middle East that have carried out attacks against U.S. allies in the region, such as Israel. Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of destabilizing the security situation in the Middle East. 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. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross is asking the public to donate blood or platelets. Donors of all types are asked to book an appointment during the next couple of weeks in preparation for the fall season, and in response to the lower donation levels throughout the summer. Donations needed as national blood supply drops 25% The American Red Cross says they need blood donations year-round, but steady donations now will ensure that hospitals remain ready for any kind of disaster or emergency. They also say that type O and platelet donors are especially needed right now. Donors who give between the weeks of Sept. 1-15 can receive a Red Cross t-shirt. Those who donate the weeks of Sept. 16-30 will receive a $15 gift card. To schedule a time to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Here are some of the upcoming blood donation opportunities: Champaign County 9/13/2024: 11 a.m. 4 p.m., University of Illinois Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street 9/18/2024: 11 a.m. 4 p.m., University of Illinois Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street 9/26/2024: 11 a.m. 4 p.m., University of Illinois Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street 9/30/2024: 11 a.m. 4 p.m., Illini Union, 1401 W Green St Iroquois County 9/9/2024: 12:30 p.m. 6 p.m., Sheldon Community Center, 140 S 4th St 9/13/2024: 9 a.m. 3 p.m., American Legion Post 23, South 4th St. 9/27/2024: 8 a.m. 12 p.m., The Arc of Iroquois County, 700 E Elm Street Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) The owner of a Boardman shopping plaza told the township trustees Monday that he opposes a plan to eliminate a traffic light in front of the plaza. Read next: Watch live as crews hauling away Realty Building demolition debris Vince Fond III operates Applewood Commons on Route 224 where Dicks is located. The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to eliminate the light and intersection that connects Applewood Commons with the Shops at Boardman Park for safety reasons. But Fond said its already cost him a tenant. Right when we were about to have the lease signed, this looked like it was moving far enough along, we disclosed it to our tenant and they immediately pulled out. So I mean as far as economic impact, it has happened already, Fond said. The trustees agreed they would write to ODOT and ask that the light and intersection remain intact. Also at Mondays meeting, trustees heard from Boardman resident AJ Caraballo who wants to open a marijuana dispensary in Boardman. Caraballo asked the trustees to lift their moratorium on dispensaries but the trustees decided the moratorium would still stand for the time being. Boardman Trustees also voted to declare an apartment building on Oles Avenue a nuisance which could lead to its eventual demolition and to spend $169,000 to buy 51 license plate reading cameras. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 decision is a boost for Europes competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, who is overseeing a tax crackdown on US multinationals - Virginia Mayo/AP Apple has been ordered to pay 13bn (11bn) to Ireland after losing a decade-long fight with the European Union over sweetheart tax breaks. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled on Tuesday that Apple had benefited from years of illegal state aid by receiving unfair tax support from the Irish government. Margrethe Vestager, Europes competition chief, had ordered the company to pay Ireland the fee in 2016 after a two-year investigation. However, the ruling had been overturned by a lower EU court in 2020 after Apple appealed against the decision. The CJEU is the EUs highest court, meaning the decision cannot be appealed against and the funds will now have to be released to the Irish government. They have been frozen in an escrow account since 2018. The decision is a boost for Ms Vestagers tax crackdown on US multinationals after she was previously defeated in a separate case involving Amazon before the CJEU. In its latest ruling, the CJEU said: On appeal, the Court of Justice sets aside the judgment of the General Court and gives final judgment in the matter, conversely confirming the Commissions decision. In 2016, Ms Vestager said the Irish tax authority had allowed Apple to benefit from tax rates as low as 0.005pc since 1991, meaning it underpaid billions of euros in taxes. Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, had called the original ruling total political crap. Apple chief Tim Cook branded the EU's original ruling 'total political crap' - NIC COURY/AFP via Getty Images The company says it has now paid $20bn (15bn) in taxes on the relevant profits in the US. An Apple spokesman said: This case has never been about how much tax we pay, but which government we are required to pay it to. We always pay all the taxes we owe wherever we operate and there has never been a special deal. Apple is proud to be an engine of growth and innovation across Europe and around the world, and to consistently be one of the largest taxpayers in the world. The European Commission is trying to retroactively change the rules and ignore that, as required by international tax law, our income was already subject to taxes in the US. We are disappointed with todays decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case. In a separate case on Tuesday, the CJEU upheld a 2.4bn fine for Google first ordered in 2017 after the EU found that it had abused its search dominance to boost its shopping service. 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. Louisville Metro Police released body camera footage Tuesday of the officer shooting outside a Walmart near the Fairdale neighborhood after an armed carjacking attempt late last month. The video shows an LMPD officer, identified as Brandon Brinkley of the Third Division, arriving at the scene of a car accident Aug. 28, involving a red Chevy truck, before quickly heading toward Peddlers Mall after being told by Kentucky State Police that the passenger, a white man in an orange shirt who was allegedly armed, fled the scene. In the video, Brinkley enters a Walmart and attempts to locate the man later identified as Randall Allen, 37 while asking shoppers in the area for a description. A witness described him in an orange shirt, seen discarded in the store before Allen exited through the front of the building in a white shirt. Brinkley chases Allen around the building, saying "You better stop," while the man jumped into the passenger seat of a minivan at the store's pharmacy drive-thru window. After Brinkley turns the corner to face the vehicle, it appears to lurch forward and then stop. Brinkley repeatedly tells the man to "get out of the car" while the van's engine is heard revving and the female driver of the vehicle is heard screaming. An annotated video by LMPD released alongside the raw bodycam video says Allen "was pressing the gas with his hand" while the victim kept her foot on the brake. After telling Allen four times to "get out of the car," Brinkley fires the first shot through the windshield, close to the dashboard, just left of center, while the driver was still in the car. The LMPD-annotated video says Allen was "trying to maneuver gear shifter" just before Brinkley fired the first shot. This screen grab taken from the body camera video worn by LMPD Officer Brandon Brinkley shows the moment after he fired the first shot into a car where a suspect, later identified as Randall Allen had fled. There was a woman in the car at the time. Brinkley moves closer to the vehicle, where he again shouts at Allen, then tells the driver to "get out of the car." Allen's hand can be seen near the steering wheel and Brinkley fires the second shot near the middle of the windshield, aimed toward the passenger seat. Following the second shot, the driver begins to exit the car while Brinkley fires a third shot through the windshield, followed by the fourth and final shot after the driver was completely out of the vehicle. Brinkley continued to yell for Allen to put his hands up for several seconds. "My arms are right here. I can't move. My right arm's f----- up," he said. "I didn't do anything. Why'd you shoot me?" This screen grab taken from the body camera video worn by LMPD Officer Brandon Brinkley shows the moment after he fired the third and fourth shots into a car where a suspect, later identified as Randall Allen had fled. The female driver can be seen on the right side running after exiting the vehicle. Four additional officers arrived at the scene and surrounded the van, eventually pulling Allen out onto the ground. Body camera footage shows what appears to be a weapon being removed from Allen's front pocket while he was being handcuffed. In the annotated video, LMPD Assistant Chief Emily McKinley said it was "a realistic-looking replica." When asked about a second weapon, Allen told officers "it's in the van," although body camera footage does not show the gun. McKinley said the "second handgun, which was real, was discovered on the floorboard of the vehicle." A photo of that reported gun was included in the annotated video. The shooting followed a chase of a different vehicle in which Allen was a passenger by Kentucky State Police on the Gene Snyder Freeway, LMPD Interim Chief Paul Humphrey said. That car exited onto New Cut Road and collided with another. KSP arrested the driver, identified as Jeremy Bozarth, but Allen fled. Court records show KSP troopers began a pursuit after noticing an expired license plate, a suspended license and expired insurance and registration linked to Bozarth's car. Allen faces several felony charges, including resisting arrest, fleeing police, wanton endangerment, robbery and possession of a controlled substance, according to court records. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond and is next scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Sept. 13. Brinkley, hired in November 2022, is a transfer from Lebanon Junction, with more than 15 years as a law enforcement officer. Department records from LMPD show no history of disciplinary action, and Brinkley is on administrative reassignment while the Public Integrity Unit and Professional Standards Unit investigates. The LMPD standard operating procedures state that: "Department members will not discharge their firearms either at, or from, a moving vehicle except in response to gunfire, potential gunfire or in the rare case where the vehicle is intentionally being used as a weapon against the officer or others. Officers will not discharge their weapons at vehicles simply because a subject is attempting to flee. Officers will avoid tactics that unreasonably place them in a position where the vehicle can be used as a weapon against them." Louisville Walmart shooting Suspect in Louisville Walmart shooting now in custody after being released from hospital Reporter Josh Wood contributed to this report. Marina Johnson is a breaking and trending news reporter for The Courier Journal. Contact her at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Walmart shooting: LMPD releases officer body camera footage In the footage, the suspect denies threatening to shoot up a school Megan Varner/Getty Apalachee High School Authorities in Georgia have released bodycam footage showing police interviewing the teenager accused of killing four people at his high school a year before the shooting took place. Two students and two teachers were killed in the attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., on Wednesday, Sept. 4. A 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, was arrested and charged as an adult with felony murder after being confronted by an officer in the school, authorities said. In the aftermath of the shooting, the FBI released a statement saying they had been made aware of threats to commit a school shooting allegedly made by the suspect, who was then 13, in May 2023. The FBI said the Jackson County Sheriffs Office interviewed the boy and his father, but that there was no probable cause for further action. Related: Georgia School Shooting Suspect, 14, Was Interviewed by Authorities Over Alleged Threats in May 2023 Footage of that interview was released by the Jackson County Sheriff, according to CNN, NBC News and Atlanta News First, which obtained the video. In the footage, police arrive at the home of the suspects father, Colin Gray, and speak to him first. The father tells police there are weapons in the house but that they arent loaded, adding that he and his son enjoy shooting and that his son had recently shot his first deer. The suspected shooter is then interviewed along with his father and denies having made any threats on Discord, a social media messaging platform. Maybe they misheard somebody else, the alleged shooter says of the threats. I swear. Megan Varner/Getty Apalachee High School Related: Father of Georgia High School Shooting Suspect Arrested on Manslaughter and Murder Charges In the video, the suspect also told police that he had deleted Discord, having not used it in several months. The father tells police during the interview that if his son had in fact made such threats, he would take away access to the guns. 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. Colin Gray was arrested a day after the shooting and charged with multiple counts of both second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, as well as eight counts of cruelty to children. Clockwise from top left: Christian Angulo, Richard Aspinwall, Christina Irimie, Mason Schermerhorn Related: 4 Killed in Georgia School Shooting Identified: 'Truly Heartbroken' Neither the father nor the alleged shooter have entered pleas. The victims killed in the shooting were identified as students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. When Boeing Starliner Returned to Earth, It Had Two Empty Spacesuits Inside Dirty Laundry Boeing's plagued Starliner spacecraft wasn't entirely empty when it gently drifted back down to Earth over the New Mexico desert over the weekend. While NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' seats were unoccupied, their empty spacesuits were sent back down inside the spacecraft. That's because those suits won't be of any help from this point forward. Last month, NASA announced that the two stranded astronauts wouldn't be returning on board Boeing's spacecraft due to nagging technical issues. Instead, Wilmore and Williams will be returning on board a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft a journey that will require SpaceX-specific spacesuits. As it turns out, Boeing and SpaceX's spacesuits aren't compatible, a conscious decision by NASA, which tapped both companies to develop different systems to send astronauts to the International Space Station. But with Starliner's future seemingly on thin ice, there's a chance the space agency may be stuck with just SpaceX's Crew Dragon for the time being. Space Ballast Wilmore and Williams' useless Starliner spacesuits were likely sent down to make more room on board the ISS. NASA didn't specify that SpaceX and Boeing's spacesuits had to be cross-compatible, so design differences in how the suits interface with the respective spacecraft's hardware and software make them fundamentally incompatible. Even if the pair were to be squeezed into a fully occupied Crew-8 SpaceX spacecraft an emergency plan NASA has been preparing for their Starliner suits wouldn't have anywhere to plug into. The spacesuits' unceremonious return is an unfortunate yet fitting metaphor for how Boeing's first crewed Starliner test flight has gone. "While this may not have been how we originally envisioned the test flight concluding, we support NASAs decision for Starliner and are proud of how our team and spacecraft performed," Boeing executives wrote in a memo. This weekend's landing bookended a disastrous couple of months for the aerospace giant that have been filled with bad news and unfortunate revelations. Instead of celebrating the capsule's successful landing, Boeing's leadership was pointedly absent from a Johnson Space Center press briefing on Saturday. Plenty of questions remain regarding Boeing's commitment to get Starliner certified and ready for regular trips to the space station. NASA is adamant that Starliner will fly again, but given Boeing's deafening silence on the matter, its contractor may feel differently. More on Starliner: Boeing Execs Snub NASA at News Conference After Starliner Landing The risk of a strike at Boeing appears to be growing, as factory workers complain about a contract offer that their union negotiated with the giant aircraft manufacturer. The president of the union local that represents 33,000 Boeing workers predicted that they will vote against a deal that includes 25% raises over four years and a promise that the companys next new airplane will be built by union members in Washington state. The response from people is, its not good enough, Jon Holden, the president of the union local, told The Seattle Times newspaper. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in the Seattle area and machinists at other locations in Washington and California are scheduled to vote Thursday on the Boeing offer and, if they reject it, whether to go on strike beginning Friday. Union members have gone on social media to complain about the deal. Hundreds protested during a lunch break at their plant in Everett, Washington, chanting, Strike! Strike! Strike! according to the Seattle Times. Ramp at busy Wichita interchange to close next week Holden, who joined the union bargaining committee in unanimously endorsing the contract, told the newspaper he doesnt believe he can secure the votes to ratify the proposed contract. Boeing did not immediately respond when asked for comment. Unlike strikes at airlines, which are very rare, a walkout at Boeing would not have an immediate effect on consumers. It would not result in any canceled flights. It would, however, shut down production and leave Boeing with no jets to deliver to the airlines that ordered them. On Sunday, the company and the union local, IAM District 751, announced they had reached a tentative agreement that featured the 25% wage hike and would avoid a suspension of work on building planes, including the 737 Max and the larger 777 widebody jet. The deal fell short of the unions initial demand for pay raises of 40% over three years and restoration of traditional pensions that were eliminated in union concessions a decade ago. Workers would get $3,000 lump-sum payments, increased contributions to retirement accounts and the commitment about working on the next Boeing airplane. Holden said in a message to members Monday, We have achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike. We recommended acceptance because we cant guarantee we can achieve more in a strike. A strike would add to setbacks at Boeing. The company, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has lost $27 billion since the start of 2019 and is trying to fix huge problems in both aircraft manufacturing and its defense and space business. A new CEO has been on the job a little over a month. Boeing shares were down 3% in afternoon trading. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Boeing strike is looking more likely. The union president expects workers to reject contract offer FILE - Boeing 737 MAX airplanes are shown on the assembly line during a media tour at the Boeing facility in Renton, Wash., June 25, 2024. (Jennifer Buchanan/The Seattle Times via AP, Pool, File) The risk of a strike at Boeing appears to be growing, as factory workers complain about a contract offer that their union negotiated with the giant aircraft manufacturer. The president of the union local that represents 33,000 Boeing workers predicted that they will vote against a deal that includes 25% raises over four years and a promise that the company's next new airplane will be built by union members in Washington state. The response from people is, its not good enough, Jon Holden, the president of the union local, told The Seattle Times newspaper. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in the Seattle area and machinists at other locations in Washington and California are scheduled to vote Thursday on the Boeing offer and, if they reject it, whether to go on strike beginning Friday. Union members have gone on social media to complain about the deal. Hundreds protested during a lunch break at their plant in Everett, Washington, chanting, Strike! Strike! Strike! according to the Seattle Times. Holden, who joined the union bargaining committee in unanimously endorsing the contract, told the newspaper he doesnt believe he can secure the votes to ratify the proposed contract. Boeing did not immediately respond when asked for comment. Unlike strikes at airlines, which are very rare, a walkout at Boeing would not have an immediate effect on consumers. It would not result in any canceled flights. It would, however, shut down production and leave Boeing with no jets to deliver to the airlines that ordered them. On Sunday, the company and the union local, IAM District 751, announced they had reached a tentative agreement that featured the 25% wage hike and would avoid a suspension of work on building planes, including the 737 Max and the larger 777 widebody jet. The deal fell short of the unions initial demand for pay raises of 40% over three years and restoration of traditional pensions that were eliminated in union concessions a decade ago. Workers would get $3,000 lump-sum payments, increased contributions to retirement accounts and the commitment about working on the next Boeing airplane. Holden said in a message to members Monday, We have achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike. We recommended acceptance because we cant guarantee we can achieve more in a strike. A strike would add to setbacks at Boeing. The company, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has lost $27 billion since the start of 2019 and is trying to fix huge problems in both aircraft manufacturing and its defense and space business. A new CEO has been on the job a little over a month. Boeing shares were down 3% in afternoon trading. LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) A boil water notice has been issued for about 100 customers in Lamar County. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the notice was issued by the North Lamar Water Association on Monday, September 9. Are sandbags available in Hattiesburg ahead of Tropical Storm Francine? The notice affects customers who live in the Forrest Hills subdivision: Sandy Lane Sunny Meadows Daisey Ave. Sunflower Lane Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. The water system will be notified when tests show that the water is safe to drink. Residents will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted. For more information, customers may contact 601-264-1157. 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 October 2022, Jair Bolsonaro narrowly lost his bid for re-election to President Lula after a divisive campaign [EPA] The Brazilian state has been ordered to pay former President Jair Bolsonaro some $2,600 (2,025) in damages over accusations he took furniture from the presidential residence. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had publicly accused Bolsonaro of taking more than 260 objects as he cleared out of Alvorada Palace - including even "the bed." Bolsonaro and his wife Michelle Bolsonaro later said they had put publicly-owned furniture in storage during the far-right politician's three-year term between 2019 and 2022, saying they preferred to decorate the residence to their own taste. On Tuesday a federal judge ordered the Bolsonaros to be compensated for "moral damage" suffered as a result of the claims that they had stripped the palace of numerous objects. The court also ordered the presidency to publish a retraction, according to a judgment seen by AFP news agency, in a case brought by the Bolsonaros. The state legal office told AFP news agency it would appeal Tuesday's ruling. Separately, Jair Bolsonaro is still facing other legal challenges, including an investigation into whether he incited rioters who stormed key government buildings after he narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to his left-wing rival. He has voiced "regret" for the unrest, but denies he caused it. However, Brazil's Supreme Court has agreed to include him in its investigation into the storming of government buildings on 8 January 2023. Bolsonaro was in the US when the attack on Congress happened, but he returned to Brazil in March 2023 saying he had nothing to fear. He remains the most influential figurehead for the right in Brazilian politics. Boston man with sex trafficking convictions vacated by SJC charged in brutal weekend rape, DA says A Dorchester man whose sex trafficking convictions were vacated by the states highest court after he pleaded guilty to several charges in 2016 is accused of brutally beating and raping a woman in Boston over the weekend. Anthony Dew, 42, was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing during his arraignment in Boston Municipal Court in Dorchester, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement on Tuesday. He is charged with aggravated rape. In 2016, Dew pleaded guilty to numerous sex trafficking, assault, and drug charges and received a prison sentence of eight to 10 years, Hayden said. Last year, a month after finishing his prison sentence, the Supreme Judicial Court vacated his conviction due to ineffective counsel, Hayden said. The highest court in Massachusetts vacated sex trafficking convictions against Dew after the discovery of racist social media posts by his court-appointed attorney, the late Richard Doyle, WBUR reported last year. Dew is a Black man of Muslim faith. Im extremely grateful that the court agreed with our position that Anthonys constitutional rights were violated as a result of attorney Doyles racism and bigotry, his attorney, Edward Gaffney, said last year after Dew was released on parole. Im pleased to see that the court takes racism seriously. Dew is now accused of brutally beating and raping a woman in a bloody and violent assault on Evelyn Street on Sunday. Hayden on Tuesday decried the assault, pledging to bring the victims attacker to justice. This was a terrible, violent attack, and one likely to have lasting emotional and physical impacts on the victim. We will do everything we can to assist her now and as the case moves forward. The first step is to hold her attacker accountable for his intolerable conduct, Hayden said Tuesday. At about 2:12 a.m. Sunday, Boston Police responded to a disturbance on Evelyn Street. When officers arrived, they could hear a woman screaming. Officers saw a woman in the walkway with her jeans pulled down to her ankles and a T-shirt soaked in what appeared to officers to be blood, pulled up, Hayden said. Officers saw the victims face to be covered in blood and the victim was spitting up blood clots, Hayden said. As officers approached the victim, she screamed He raped me and pointed to an apartment. The victim told police the man who attacked her, later identified as Dew, lived there and raped and beat her as she went in and out of consciousness, Hayden said. The victim suffered bruises and abrasions all over her body and had swelling and bruising to her mouth, jaw, and both her eyes, Hayden said. She was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. Dew arrived while first responders were processing the scene. He became verbally combative with officers, who noticed several scratches to his hand and face, Hayden said. Dew was placed under arrest based on the victims description of her attacker. Dew is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on Friday. Hayden urged victims of domestic or sexual violence to call 911 in an emergency. SafeLink, a statewide domestic violence hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24/7 in English, Spanish and Portuguese, as well as TTY at 877-521-2601. RAINN, the nations largest anti-sexual violence organization, can be reached at 800-656-4673. Help is also available for members of the LGBTQ+ community experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence through The Network/La Red by calling 617-742-4911 or 800-832-1901. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Brawl in Somalilands parliament falsely linked to fallout over weapons sent to Somalia by Egypt Tensions have heightened in the Horn of Africa after Egypt recently sent military equipment to Somalia. The move angered Ethiopia, already at loggerheads with its southeastern neighbour after signing a deal to operate a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland. A post on Facebook claims to show a video of divided members of Somalias parliament fighting over the weapons shipment sent to the country by Egypt. However, this is false: AFP Fact Check found that the clip shows parliamentarians from Somaliland clashing over a motion to lift the immunity of a colleague facing criminal charges. The scenes are unrelated to Ethiopias latest diplomatic wrangles. The post has been shared more than 140 times and viewed 22,000 times since it was published on September 3, 2024. "The Somali parliament is devastated. Parliamentarians who are Ethiopian friends have punished those who brought Egypt to Somalia to drag it into war, reads the Amharic-language caption. Screenshot of the false post, taken on September 4, 2024 The post contains a 56-second video showing heated scenes between delegates attending a hearing inside an auditorium. As the tension escalates, a number of individuals come to blows. The post claims the events took place inside Somalias parliament building. Military tensions Ethiopia and Somalia have been at odds since Ethiopia struck a deal early this year with Somaliland a breakaway region of Somalia allowing Addis Ababa to use a port in Berbera (archived here). Regional map of East Africa showing the port of Berbera, in the breakaway region of Somaliland, with which Ethiopia has made an agreement to obtain sea access (Valentina BRESCHI / AFP) This led to a diplomatic row and military tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, who fought two wars in 1964 and 1977. Somalias President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty (archived here). Talks facilitated by Turkey to end the impasse concluded without success. Another round of mediation has been scheduled for September 17, 2024. Matters escalated further in late August when Egypt sent military equipment to Somalia. This angered Ethiopia, which is involved in a long-standing dispute with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River (archived here). Egypt fears the massive dam could greatly reduce the flow of the Nile, while Ethiopia sees the dam as important to its development. Talks between the two countries have also ended without compromise. It is in this context that the post claims to show footage of Somali MPs loyal to Ethiopia assaulting those in support of Egypts military aid. However, the claim is false. Brawl in Somaliland AFP Fact Check used the video verification tool InVID-WeVerify to conduct reverse image searches on keyframes from the video. The results led to a slightly longer video published on YouTube on September 3, 2024 (archived here). The video begins with a man who is seen jabbing his finger toward someone in the front of the hall while shouting. It cannot be accepted, and it should not be brought here, he says. In the name of God, this cannot be accepted. He repeats his words until others behind him try to make him sit, at which point the hearing descends into a brawl. An AFP journalist based in Mogadishu verified the content and context of the video and confirmed the footage was taken inside the Somaliland parliament building in Hargeisa and not in Somalia. AFP Fact Check matched the venue shown in the clip with official footage released by the Somaliland parliament. The same furniture, flooring and panelling on the walls is visible. Screenshots from a video of the parliament hall published by Somalilands official parliamentary page (left) and the venue seen in the false post (right), taken on September 6, 2024 The purpose of the hearing, according to reports (here and here), was to discuss an impeachment motion brought against opposition MP Mohamed Abiib (archived here and here). AFPs correspondent in Somalia also confirmed that the events seen in the video were unrelated to the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over Egypts military package. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva accused his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro of having taken more than 260 objects, even 'the bed' (Evaristo Sa) (Evaristo Sa/AFP/AFP) A court has ordered the Brazilian state to pay far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro some $2,600 in damages after his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, publicly accused him of taking furniture from the presidential residence. A federal judge ordered Bolsonaro and his wife Michelle to be compensated for "moral damage" suffered as a result of the claims that they had stripped the Alvorada Palace of numerous objects. The court also ordered the presidency to publish a retraction, according to a judgment seen Tuesday in a case brought by the Bolsonaros. Shortly after moving back into the palace in Brasilia in February 2023, Lula accused Bolsonaro of having taken more than 260 objects as he cleared out, even "the bed." The couple had said that they had put publicly owned furniture in storage, preferring to decorate the residence to their own taste during Bolsonaro's 2019-2022 term. Lula knows the palace well, having lived there during his first presidency (2003-2010) with his late wife Marisa Leticia. His Workers' Party (PT) occupied the sleek white Oscar Niemeyer-designed building from 2003 to 2016, when his hand-picked successor, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached. The state legal office told AFP it would appeal Tuesday's ruling. jss/app/mlr/fb/bfm Rrrainbow / Getty Images/iStockphoto If youre thinking of a fall trip and have an entire Emily in Paris fantasy playing out in your head, you might want to hit pause. While the Netflix show might be filled with charming river cruises down the Seine and plate upon plate of escargot, it doesnt mention the price tags associated with them. If you dream of Europe in the autumn but without spending your entire savings account, there are some top-tier destinations you might want to check out. Check Out: 3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper Learn More: 9 Easy Ways To Grow Your Wealth in 2024 GOBankingRates talked to travel and lifestyle experts to find out where to go in Europe for Parisian charm without spending all that cash. After all, a night at a Parisian hotel can cost you upwards of $250 and youre not made of Euros! Here are seven European destinations that feel like Paris but are much more affordable. Shutterstock.com Porto, Portugal Grace Moser, CEO and founder of Chasing Foxes, enthusiastically recommended Porto as a top alternative to Paris. Its an incredibly beautiful city with small shops that look like theyre straight out of a childs storybook, she said. As you wander the cobblestone streets, youll encounter tiled churches, welcoming eateries and breathtaking views of the city and river below. Moser highlighted the citys culinary scene: The food scene is incredible! There are plenty of affordable restaurants and fun bakeries where you can get a pastry or try their famous pastel de nata with a coffee. Jane Iskra, a destination wedding photographer at ISKRA Photography, added, Porto is vibrant and alive. Its riverside setting, iconic bridges, and traditional wine cellars create a romantic atmosphere. She recommended visiting the colorful Ribeira district, walking along the Douro river and taking in the views from the Dom Luis I Bridge. As far as price is concerned, you can find an adorable hotel room in a good area for as little as $50 a night! Explore More: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money Read Next: 6 Fall Travel Deals To Jump On Before Theyre Gone Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. southtownboy / Getty Images/iStockphoto Reims, France For those who cant resist the allure of France, consider Reims as a budget-friendly alternative to Paris. Denisa Caldova, content manager at Daytrip, explained, If you were planning on Paris, youd probably sip a glass of bubbly at some point, so why not toast to each other in Champagne? Reims offers a perfect blend of history and indulgence. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Reims has plenty to keep the culture-curious travelers busy during the day, Caldova shared. Then there are the many prestigious champagne houses based in the city, which offer tours of their facilities including a walk through the chalk tunnels where champagne gets its fizz. Story continues And what do rooms cost in Reims? Well, you can stay in a chic hotel in the city center for as little as $97 per night. Oui, please! Explore More: 6 Top Beach Destinations To Travel to in the Fall If Youre on a Budget liseykina / Shutterstock.com Malta For a unique European experience, Tracy Lamourie, frequent traveler and founder and managing director at Lamourie Media, suggested Malta. A short boat ride from Sicily, the Maltese islands have 6,000 years of history, some of the oldest structures humans ever built, incredible food, and its 30% or so cheaper than North America, she shared. Malta offers something for everyone. Theres also a science center and waterpark and aquarium and games centers for the kids, club life in St Julians for young people, and tranquil quiet Gozo for the older ones, Lamourie said. She also highlighted Maltas safety, low crime rate and popularity as a film location for major productions like Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones. Even cooler? Hip hotels go for as little as $83 per night! LucVi / Getty Images/iStockphoto Bilbao, Spain Iskra loves Bilbao for its fun combination of modern and traditional. Its well-known for its stunning modern architecture and vibrant arts scene, still preserving rich Basque traditions, she shared. The must-see attraction? The Guggenheim Museum is a masterpiece of modern design and a must-visit for art lovers, Iskra said. She also suggested exploring the Casco Viejo with its charming narrow streets and historic buildings. As far as where to rest your weary head at night, cute hotels in central locations can start out as little as $80 per night. Leonid Andronov / Getty Images/iStockphoto San Sebastian, Spain Another Spanish gem, San Sebastian, offers the ideal combo of natural beauty and cultural richness. Iskra describeed it as the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural richness, ideal for a romantic getaway. She recommended spending time at La Concha Beach, one of Europes most beautiful urban beaches, and climbing Mount Urgull for panoramic city views. You can get a gorgeous hotel room for as little as $100 a night, too! Read More: 11 Dollar Tree Items To Buy for Your Carry-On Luggage RossHelen / Getty Images Lisbon, Portugal Iskra also adores Lisbon as an affordable alternative to Paris. Lisbon is a city of stunning views (its built on the hills by the Atlantic Ocean), historic trams, and vibrant neighborhoods, she shared. And you get all that for around $70 per night for a choice hotel in a great location. For the full Lisbon experience, she suggested riding the historic Tram 28 through the citys most iconic neighborhoods and exploring the Alfama district, full of local food (which is unbelievably affordable) and traditional Fado music. Michael Levine-Clark / Flickr.com Bruges, Belgium Last but not least, Iskra likes Bruges as a Parisian alternative. She described it as the Venice of the north, and sayid it has a medieval charm, with picturesque canals, unique architecture, and a unique atmosphere of the place situated by the North Sea. To make the most of your visit, she recommended climbing the Belfry of Bruges for stunning city views, exploring the peaceful Begijnhof and taking a boat tour along the canals to fully appreciate the citys spirit. You can find a lovely hotel in a good location for as little as $78 per night, too! More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Fall Travel: 7 European Destinations That Feel Like Paris but Are Much More Affordable Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) hold a sign thanking X social media platform owner Elon Musk, during an Independence day rally in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 7, 2024 (NELSON ALMEIDA) (NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/AFP) Is Brazil's shutdown of Elon Musk's X a drastic but necessary move in the global fight against disinformation, or pure censorship? Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes's decision to block the social media platform formerly known as Twitter has reignited a debate about where to draw the line between upholding free expression and combatting hate speech. The shutdown affected 22 million X users in Brazil, many of whom have begun migrating to smaller platforms such as Bluesky and Threads to avoid hefty fines for using Musk's network. Moraes blocked X in its biggest Latin American market after Musk refused to comply with orders to remove dozens of right-wing accounts and then failing to name a legal representative, as required under Brazilian law. The showdown between the Brazilian and the US billionaire, who has been accused of turning X into a megaphone for right-wing conspiracy theories, comes amid growing scrutiny in the West of X and other social media titans. In France, the Russian-born founder of the controversial Telegram app, Pavel Durov, was arrested last month and charged with failing to curb extremist and illegal content on his network, which has 900 million users. TikTok, meanwhile, is in the crosshairs of the US Federal Trade Commission, which accuses it of violating child privacy laws. But it is arguably Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist" who has been using his platform to whip up support for right-wingers from Brazil to Britain, who is drawing the most fire. The European Union is considering imposing a hefty fine on X and even a shutdown for possible violations of tough new social media regulations. "Brazil has clearly joined the global debate on social media and free speech," Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond in the United States, told AFP. The shutdown of X in Brazil "reflects similar concerns about how best to regulate social media... in the US, many other democracies, and the EU," he said. - 'Global problem' - Afonso de Albuquerque, professor of communications at Rio's Federal Fluminense University, cast the Moraes-Musk dust-up as part of a wider battle for "the sovereignty of nations" against "powerful multi-millionaires." "Elon Musk is a global problem", he told AFP. The world's richest man, according to Forbes magazine, "bought Twitter and turned it into a political project, which has to do with to his involvement in far-right networks," Albuquerque asserted. Musk has been a vociferous campaigner for the return of former US president Donald Trump to the White House. He has also been vocal in his support for far-right Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters staged a failed US-style attack on government buildings in 2023 following his unsuccessful re-election bid. - Brazil's 'democracy killer' - Moraes's action against X has been applauded by the Brazilian left, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "Who does (Musk) think he is?" Lula asked, arguing that democracy was "not the right to lie, spread hate or violate the will of the people." Elvino Bohn Gass, an MP from Lula's Workers' Party, accused Musk of trying to "digitally colonize" Brazil. But for Bolsonaro's supporters, the shutdown has become a cause celebre. Thousands demonstrated in Sao Paulo on Saturday in defense of "democracy" and "liberty" against what they called Moraes's "censorship." Some have disregarded the X ban, including Bolsonaro's son Eduardo, an MP, who accuses Moraes of "assassinating democracy." - 'Political' move? - Polls show Brazilians divided on the justification for the shutdown of X, with an AtlasIntel poll of over 1,600 people showing that 56.5 see it as a "political" move by Moraes. Just over 54 percent declared it "weakens democracy," despite nearly half -- 49.7 percent -- expressing support for Moraes. Beyond Brazil, the standoff is closely watched by both sides in what Britain's The Economist magazine called a "culture war battleground." The Economist criticized the blocking of X as part of a growing trend to try to "censor and punish speech that should be within the law." "Only with the freedom to be wrong can societies advance slowly towards what is right," the magazine argued. rsr/cb/mlr/jgc The thriving stan communities on X that have helped define modern fandom and culture are a little quieter these days. The backbone of stan Twitter has been almost entirely silenced, an unintended casualty of Brazils move to suspend X for defying court orders to take down accounts and posts that violated its laws around political misinformation and hate speech. In recent years, Come to Brazil! had become a common refrain on the platform, owing to just how many Brazilians embraced it as a place to promote their favorite artists. We are not in the worldwide conversation, Aianne Amado, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Sao Paulo and professor at Federal University of Sergipe researching Brazilian fandom, said of the platforms absence. And without us, there is less discussion, less trends, less information, so I think the artists will suffer for sure. Alexandre de Moraes, the top justice on the Brazilian Supreme Court, banned X in the country last Friday until the company agrees to comply with the courts orders. The court also ordered X to appoint a legal representative in the country to handle government takedown notices, as is required of social media companies by law. X refused to comply with the courts orders and a panel of justices on the Supreme Court upheld de Moraes decision. Brazil has one of the largest user bases on X with over 21 million users, according to Statista. Elon Musk, who acquired X in late 2022, took to his platform to criticize de Moraes. A new account affiliated with X called the Alexandre Files was created in an attempt to discredit the top justice. However, experts told NBC News that Musk and the account have been misconstruing the court orders and Brazilian laws. The decision was difficult on Brazilian fandoms, most of which primarily posted on X. Still, many users behind popular fan accounts accepted the ruling as necessary. Although I know [X] is a big part of the stan community, and its part of what I do with Ariana Grande Brasil, I know that Elon has defied the legal system and actions should be done, said Andre Rodrigues, who is one of 11 people running a Brazilian Ariana Grande fan account with over 286,000 X followers. Hours before the ban went into effect, numerous X users expressed how crucial the Brazilian community is to stan Twitter. Some said goodbye to their favorite pop culture update accounts and artist fan pages, many of which are based in Brazil. Several Brazilian stan accounts shared their final posts with the tag #MeuUltimoTweet, or #MyLastTweet, and many have not posted since. The reaction from the international stan community to the Brazilian X ban underscores the contributions Brazilian fans have made to the evolution of online fandom. Over the years, online fan communities have become major cultural forces, playing crucial roles in the promotion of artists, the creation of trends and even the engagement of young voters. Brazilian fans have created popular memes, influenced how fans communicate with each other and introduced new terminology, Amado said. Without X here, it will impact stan accounts worldwide, she said. Rodrigues said that stan accounts like his often translate announcements, post real-time updates about an artists projects and organize fan events such as listening parties. Being a big stan account or an update account feels like its very invisible work, Rodrigues said. I think this ban proved that we have some value, that the work we do is important. While X has struggled to keep users after it was acquired by Musk, stan accounts have largely stayed on the platform. It has been difficult to relocate the existing robust fan communities, which have been congregating on the site since the early days of Twitter. Maria Eduarda, who helps run the fan account Update Olivia Brasil dedicated to Olivia Rodrigo, said in an email that X is the main and largest platform for stan communities in Brazil. Eduarda said the platform has the highest engagement among fans compared with other social media sites. Unfortunately, after it was banned, the engagement dropped drastically, Eduarda said of the Update Olivia Brasil account. We didnt actively use other platforms, so its been a bit difficult to recover what we had on X. Amado said the ban may affect some artists promotional strategies because Brazilian fans, especially those on X, are effective at getting others engaged with an artists work. Amado said a good example of the organizational prowess of these fans is last years welcoming of Taylor Swift to Brazil during her Latin America Eras Tour run. She said Brazilian Swifties on X were integral in getting a projection resembling her iconic You Belong With Me shirt onto Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Grande fan Rodrigues agreed the ban could affect artists promotional strategies in Brazil. Ariana Grande Brasil, Update Olivia Brasil and various other Brazilian fan accounts for pop stars have had some support from Universal Music Brazil. Rodrigues said that the label has teamed up with fan accounts to help boost whatever artists are promoting in the country. Universal Music Group and Universal Music Brazil did not respond to requests for comment. Some accounts have been using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access X, while others have tried to move their accounts to other platforms like Bluesky. Bluesky reported 2.6 million new users in the days following the ban, over 85% of which are Brazilian. Still, many are holding out hope that the ban will soon be lifted, although its unclear how long it may last. We dont believe the ban will be permanent, Eduarda said. Of course, the owner of X needs to cooperate for things to work. CORRECTION (Sept. 10, 2024, 3:52 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the name of a fan account. It is Update Olivia Brasil, not Olivia Rodrigo Brasil. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com TOPEKA (KSNT) Capital city leaders will set the 2025 mill levy rate during tomorrows public budget hearing, but what does that mean for Topeka homeowners? Heres a simple overview of the mill levy system, what the city is currently proposing, and how it could impact property taxes. What is the mill levy? The mill levy is what Kansas and local taxing entities use throughout the state to determine how much homeowners will pay in property taxes. One mill is equivalent to $1 per $1,000 in assessed value, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), the assessed value of a home is 11.5% of its appraised value. Discussions have been ongoing for weeks regarding the city of Topekas 2025 operating budget. The maximum possible mill levy rate would be 38.952 mills. City leaders landed on a proposal to increase the levy one full mill from 36.952 to 37.952. Inside look at Jefferson West School District ahead of November bond vote How would an increase affect Topekans? KSNT 27 News spoke with Shawnee County Appraiser, Steve Bauman, who said the average appraised value of a single family residential home in Topeka is $155,800. Using the KDOR formula, that means the average assessed value would be $17,917 ($155,800 x 0.115 = $17,917). If the average assessed value is $17,917, the property tax obligation to the city of Topeka breaks down as follows: ($17,917 x 36.952)/1,000 = $662.069 (based on current mill levy) ($17,917 x 37.952)/1,000 = $679.986 (based on proposed mill levy) ($17,917 x 38.952)/1,000 = $697.903 (based on maximum possible mill levy) This is roughly an $18 increase if the proposal goes through. That may not seem significant by itself, but the city is just one of eight entities that collects property taxes in Shawnee County. A list of the entities that property taxes go to is listed below: State of Kansas Shawnee County City of Topeka Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Washburn University Topeka Metro Transit Authority Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Public Schools USD 340 to vote on bond project for Jefferson West facility upgrades Topeka City Council passed a resolution during their Aug. 20 meeting urging all entities to keep rates low. The Topeka Metro Transit Authority has already said it would be increasing its tax rates above revenue-neutral. That increase will also be voted on at tomorrows public hearing. The hearing takes place at 6 p.m Tuesday Sept. 10. For information on signing up to speak at the meeting, click here. 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. Brighton man arrested after dogs found dead in kennels with no food, water DENVER (KDVR) A man was arrested in Brighton on accusations of animal cruelty that was discovered in late August, according to a release from the Brighton Police Department. According to police, officers responded on Aug. 21 to an animal abuse report in an apartment in the 700 block of Mather Street. Property management had reported a foul odor coming from the unit. Officers found that management had entered the apartment and had found at least one animal dead. Brighton police said officers were also told the man had left the animals alone in the apartment for over two weeks. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather After further investigation, it was found that two adult dogs had been left in kennels that had been wired shut. A male dog was found alive and taken to the Riverside Animal Shelter for further care. The second adult dog, a female, was found dead, having partially delivered a litter of puppies. The puppies were also found dead, according to Brighton police. Police said the dogs did not have access to any food or water. I am extremely proud of our Animal Welfare division for their continuous dedication to seeking justice for those who do not have a voice, Brighton Police Chief Matt Domenico said. The man was arrested when he arrived on the scene. According to police, the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office filed one count of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of cruelty to animals against him. People can report animal cruelty or mistreatment to their local law enforcement agency. In Brighton, that number is 303-288-1535. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Voters in Ohio can rely on several types of photo identification when heading to the polls for this falls general election. Ohio requires in-person voters to have a form of photo identification in order to vote. That includes an Ohio drivers license, an Ohio ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID, or an Ohio National Guard ID. All identification must have an expiration date that has not passed, a photograph of the voter, and the voters name, which must must substantially conform to the voters name as it appears in the poll list. Columbus-area donut shop shutters last remaining location An unexpired Ohio drivers license, Ohio ID card, or interim documentation with your former address is an acceptable form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook, Secretary of State Frank LaRoses site states. If voters do not have any of the above forms of identification, they may cast a provisional ballot. However, for that ballot to be counted, voters must return to the board of elections no later than four days after Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification. Out-of-state drivers licenses are not valid IDs when voting. Ohio will also not accept a social security card, birth certificate, insurance card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or any other government document. If you dont have a valid form of photo ID, you can vote by mail without it. You must first submit a request form for an absentee ballot, available here, and return it by mail or in person to the county board of elections. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 or returned in person to county elections boards by the time polls close on Nov. 5. Early in-person and absentee voting will start on Oct. 8 in the November election. Voters can cast ballots at county boards of elections most days leading up to the weekend before election day. Those whose registration information is up-to-date cane now request an absentee ballot. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRoses office will begin mailing absentee ballots on Oct. 8 to those who submitted a request, but the deadline to request a ballot is seven days before the election on Oct. 29. Learn more here. Man shot and killed by Columbus police in University District LaRose completed in early August an annual maintenance of the voter registration list and removed 154,995 inactive and out-of-date registrations. LaRose checked the records to confirm that each removed registration, for at least four consecutive years, has neither participated in any kind of voter-initiated activity from the registered address nor updated or confirmed their voter registration or responded to mailed notices. Voters in Ohio can complete or update their voter registration at any time before Oct. 7 here. There are many resources on the Secretary of States website, that will make your trip to the polls easier: View your sample ballot, once completed, here. Find your Nov. 5 polling location 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. John William Tolbert, 58, faces charges of manslaughter with a firearm in the April 16 death of his older brother, Francis G. Tolbert, 71. A day after state prosecutors asked that a Cape Coral man who fled after his brother's shooting death be held without bond, Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle agreed with the request. John William Tolbert, 58, faces charges of manslaughter with a firearm in the April 16 death of his brother, Francis G. Tolbert, 71, police said. Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner on Monday filed the motion for pretrial detention, which hoped to hold John Tolbert in custody without bond until his trial. Gardiner said the state will not upgrade the manslaughter charge. Tolbert was arrested April 30 in Westmoreland County, in Pennsylvania. Hit-and-run arrest: Lehigh Acres man arrested connected to fatal March hit-and-run, FHP says Around 1:45 p.m. April 16, Cape Coral police officers responded to a home in northwest Cape Coral for reports of a patient in cardiac arrest. When officers arrived at the home with Lee County EMS, they found Francis G. Tolbert with "a very faint pulse," who was bleeding from the back of his head from unknown causes at that point. Soon after, he died. Cape Coral officers found a shell casing, which indicated his death wasn't related to heart failure. Detectives assumed the investigation. Officers learned John Tolbert had been in the home and fled about an hour before EMS arrived. The medical examiner's preliminary findings include that the elder Tolbert had a bullet fragment in his head and did not believe it was from a self-inflicted wound. According to court documents, officers spoke with the victim's wife, who said John Tolbert arrived at their home April 6 without prior notice. During his time at their place, he slept at their couch and in his car, where he also kept belongings. The victim's wife was sitting with her elderly parents, who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, in the garage when she reported she saw John Tolbert exit the home and leave in his car. She found Francis Tolbert on the floor bleeding. An X-ray performed after his death confirmed he was shot. On scene, relatives provided a phone number for John Tolbert. Police said they called repeated times, but all those attempts landed directly in John Tolbert's voicemail, suggesting he turned the cellphone off. The victim's wife said the family did not keep firearms at the home. Surveillance video showed he switched the license plate Police said cameras captured John Tolbert's Chevrolet Impala later the same day traveling through Bradford County, in Florida, noting he had replaced the license plate. They identified the vehicle through matching silver-colored rims, dual mirrors and a "shark fin" blade antenna on the car's roof. The car bore a New Mexico tag, which authorities discovered was registered to a 2004 Mercedes Benz that also belonged to John Tolbert. Siblings did not see each other for nearly a decade When authorities asked Francis Tolbert's wife about the siblings' relationship, she revealed they had not seen John Tolbert for seven or eight years. Around 2017, Francis Tolbert's wife said, her late husband began sending money periodically to John Tolbert, who told his brother he lost his job and could not afford his $850 monthly rent. Francis Tolbert provided his brother with at least $1,000 each month, his wife said, adding that he stopped sending the money after approximately six months, saying the accused killer was "ungrateful." John Tolbert's arraignment is set Oct. 7. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: No bond for John Tolbert in slaying of brother RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) Bryan County Schools is increasing its law enforcement presence at all campuses this week after vague and unverified threats on social media, the district said in a letter to parents. This comes in the wake of the deadly Apalachee High School shooting and threats to more than 20 school districts across the state. Officials at Bryan County Schools say they are working with the Pembroke Police Department, Richmond Hill Police Department and the Bryan County Sheriffs Office to investigate the threats and trace the origin of the social media posts. JDCSO address possible school shooting threat The district reiterated that these threats have not been deemed credible, but they are still taking preventive measures and boosting security. The letter to parents continued: In the wake of the recent tragedy in Georgia, it is deeply unfortunate that some individuals exploit the heightened sense of concern by issuing threats to incite fear and alarm. Bryan County Schools treats every threat with the highest level of seriousness and will pursue legal action against anyone found responsible for making threats against our schools. If you have any questions or concerns regarding school safety, please do not hesitate to contact your childs principal. Each principal is fully prepared to speak with you about how Bryan County Schools addresses school safety. Nearby school districts have also been the subject of threats, resulting in at least two arrests: a fourth grader in Claxton and a 17-year-old in Toombs County. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bryan Kohberger case will be moved out of Moscow, Idaho Bryan Kohberger case will be moved out of Moscow, Idaho (NewsNation) A judge has granted a venue change for Bryan Kohberger, whose lawyers asked the court to move his upcoming murder trial from the small town of Moscow, Idaho, arguing the small local jury pool was likely tainted by pretrial publicity. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The Buffalo Diocese has released its official list of mergers and closures of local parishes after hearing 52 counter proposals from 30 parish families last month. A list of closure and merger recommendations was announced in June following settlements of nearly 900 childhood sexual abuse claims, a priest shortage and a mass attendance shortage. Final decisions were announced Tuesday. Several changes were made to initial recommendations. Most notably, St. Mark on Woodward Avenue in North Buffalo will remain open after the initial recommendation was made to close. Meanwhile, St. Margaret on Hertel Avenue will instead be used as a secondary worship site. Another highlight is in Batavia, where it was initially recommended that Resurrection and Ascension parishes both remain open, but instead Ascension will merge with Resurrection. In Dunkirk, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will remain as a secondary worship site instead of closing. A secondary worship site means that the church will not have as many masses as a normal church, but will hold some masses as well as weddings, funerals and other events. In total, the Diocese said Tuesday that out of 52 counter proposals, 26 of the 36 parish families saw changes. Mergers are expected to begin in October and will be completed by June 2025. See the full list below. You can view our PDF separately at this link. Family No. 1 SS. Brendan and Jude : merge with Immaculate Conception (Wellsville), Almond site to close, Alfred site to remain open. Blessed Sacrament (Andover): merge with Immaculate Conception and close. St. Mary (Bolivar): merge with Immaculate Conception and close. Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph (Wellsville): merge with Immaculate Conception, will remain as secondary worship site. St. Mary (Canaseraga): merge with Immaculate Conception, will remain as secondary worship site. Family No. 2 St. Patrick (Fillmore): will remain as secondary worship site St. Mary (Canaseraga): will remain as secondary worship site Family No. 3 St. Anthony (Fredonia): merge with Holy Trinity and close St. Joseph (Fredonia): merge with Holy Trinity and close Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Silver Creek): close St. Rose of Lima site, of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Dunkirk): Will remain as a secondary worship site Blessed Mary Angela (Dunkirk): merge with Holy Trinity. Sale of St. Hedwig, Dunkirk, and St. Hyacinth, Dunkirk campuses Family No. 4 Our Lady of Loretto (Falconer): merge with St. James St. James (Jamestown): close Our Lady of Victory site Sacred Heart (Lakewood): close Panama site Holy Apostles (Jamestown): St. John site is now a secondary worship site, SS. Peter and Paul to close Family No. 5 Christ Our Hope (Clymer): close Sherman site St. Dominic (Westfield): close Brocton site Family No. 6 St. George (West Falls): merge with Immaculate Conception and close St. Joseph (Holland): will move to Family No. 33 Post Chapter 11, Annunciation, St. Vincent and Immaculate Conception will merge to become one parish with three worship sites, a list obtained by News 4 said. Family No. 7 St. John XXIII (West Seneca): merge with Queen of Heaven (West Seneca) and close St. John Vianney (Orchard Park): merge with Queen of Heaven and close. School will remain open Fourteen Holy Helpers (West Seneca): now a secondary worship site Family No. 8 St. Josaphat (Cheektowaga): merge and close Queen of Martyrs (Cheektowaga): merge and close Family No. 9 Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Depew): merge with St. Mary of the Assumption (Lancaster) and close St. Martha (Depew): merge with St. Philip the Apostle (Cheekowaga) and close, school to remain open Our Lady of Pompeii (Lancaster): will remain as secondary worship site Sacred Heart (Bowmansville): move to Family No. 15 Family No. 10 All Saints (Lockport): merge with St. John, close St. Joseph Campus Immaculate Conception (Ransomville): move to Family No. 34 St. Brendan on the Lake (Newfane): Olcott site becomes secondary worship site, Wilson site to close Family No. 11 St. Stephen (Middleport): merge with Holy Trinity (Medina) St. Mark (Kendall): merge with St. Marys (Holley) Our Lady of the Lake (Barker): move to Family No. 10 Family No. 12 St. Brigid (Bergen): merge with Our Lady of Mercy and close Ascension (Batavia): merge with Resurrection (Batavia) and close St. Padre Pio (Oakfield): merge with Resurrection. Close Our Lady of Fatima worship site Family No. 13 St. Maximilian Kolbe (Corfu and East Pembroke): will join Family No. 12 and serve as secondary worship site St. John Neumann (Strykersville): close and sell the Queen of Rosary site (Strykersville). Merge with Family #14. Immaculate Heart of Mary (Darien and Bennington): merge with St. John Neumann and close both locations All remaining churches in Family No. 13 will move to Family No. 14 Family No. 14 Mary Immaculate (East Bethany): merge with St. Isadore and close both locations of Mary Immaculate St. Isidore (Perry): merge with St. Michael. Close and sell entire St. Mary site in Silver Springs. New formation of the St. John Neumann Parish including Attica, Sheldon and Varysburg joins Family #14. Family No. 15 Our Lady of Peace (Clarence): remain as secondary worship site Family No. 16 St. Benedict (Eggertsville): remain as secondary worship site St. Aloysius Gonzaga (Cheektowaga): merge with Christ the King Infant of Prague (Cheektowaga): merge with SS. Peter & Paul Family No. 17 Blessed Sacrament (Tonawanda): merge with St. John the Baptist St. Paul (Delaware Avenue): placed on one-year watchlist St. Timothys (Tonawanda): placed on one-year watchlist Family No. 18 St. Francis of Assisi (Tonawanda): merge with Our Lady of Czestochowa St. Andrew Kim RC Mission (Tonawanda): merge with St. Leo (Family No. 16) St. Jude the Apostle (North Tonawanda): merge with St. Christophers (Tonawanda) Family No. 19 St. Pius X (Getzville): merge with St. Gregory the Great Good Shepard (Pendleton): St. Augustine site to close Family No. 20 Holy Spirit (Dakota Street): merge with St. Mark (Woodward Avenue) St. Rose of Lima (Parker Avenue): merge with St. Mark St. Margaret (Hertel Avenue): merge with St. Mark. Will remain open as secondary worship site. All Saints (Chadduck Avenue): merge with Assumption (Amherst Street) Family No. 21 St. Lawrence (E. Delavan Avenue): merge with Blessed Trinity (Leroy Avenue) SS. Columba Brigid (Hickory Street): will become Hispanic Ministry Center Family No. 22 St. Anthony of Padua (Court Street): will become an oratory St. Michael (Washington Street): merge with St. Louis Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OConnell Street): merge with Our Lady of Charity (South Park Avenue) in Family No. 31 Family No. 23 Coronation of the BVM (Dewitt Street): merge with Assumption Holy Cross (Seventh Street): merge with SS. Columba Brigid and close Family No. 24 St. John (Olean): will remain as secondary worship site Family No. 25 St. Philomena (Franklinville): will remain as secondary worship site Our Lady of Peace (Salamanca): will remain as secondary worship site Family No. 26 Queen of Angels (Lackawanna): will remain as secondary worship site Our Mother of Good Counsel (Blasdell): merge with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Orchard Park) and close St. Anthony (Lackawanna): merge with Our Lady of Victory and close Our Lady of Bistrica (Lackawanna): merge with Our Lady of Sacred Heart and close Family No. 27 St. Mary (Cattaraugus): merge with St. Joseph and close Holy Spirit (North Collins): merge with Immaculate Conception and close Family No. 28 St. Bernadette (Orchard Park): will remain as secondary worship site St. John the Baptist (Boston): will remain as secondary worship site Family No. 29 St. Anthony (Farnham): merge with Most Precious Blood (Angola) and close St. Francis of Assisi (Hamburg) : merge and close Family No. 30 St. John Kanty (Swinburne Street): merge with St. Stanislaus St. John Gualbert (Gualbert Avenue): merge with St. Stanislaus. Will remain open as secondary site. St. Katherine Drexel (N. Ogden Street): placed on one-year watchlist Family No. 31 St. Martin of Tours (Abbott Road) and Our Lady of Charity (Okell Street) will decide amongst themselves who will close St. Thomas Aquinas (Abbott Road): merge with St. Teresa (Seneca Street) Family No. 32 St. Bernard (Clinton Street): merge with Our Lady of Czestochowa (Willowlawn Parkway) St. Casimir (Cable Street): designated as free-standing church Family No. 33 St. Jude (Sardinia): merge with St. Aloysius (Springville) and close St. John the Baptist (West Valley): merge with St. Aloysius and close St. Mary (East Arcade): East Arcade site to close St. Aloysius (Springville): Will remain as secondary worship site Family No. 34 St. Raphael (Niagara Falls): merge with St. Peter (Lewiston) St. Peter: Youngstown site to become secondary worship site Family No. 35 Divine Mercy (Niagara Falls): merge with St. Mary of the Cataract (Niagara Falls) St. John de LaSalle (Niagara Falls): merge with St. Vincent de Paul St. Mary of the Cataract: now listed as secondary worship site Family No. 36 Buffalo State College will have campus ministry moved to Assumption Parishioners will still be able to appeal to the Vatican if they believe that Canon Law was not followed by the Diocese, but the Diocese did say that the decisions were final and that they did follow all necessary laws. There is a 10-day window to do that once the merger date is finalized by that parish. It is currently unclear how many parishes could appeal to the Vatican. I understand the loss when we lose a parish, when a parish closes, Bishop Michael Fisher said in a news conference on Tuesday. My heart, in one way, was elated to hear when our people would come into these meetings and share their love and their legacy of their parishes. These are our families, so that part rips your soul. The buildings that are closing will be prepped for sale. There are restrictions on what the buildings could be used for to ensure that the building is not used in a degrading way. In total, it brings the number of parishes to 79 and secondary worship sites to 39. It is a total reduction of parishes by 51% and a reduction in total worship sites by 40%. You can view the full press conference with officials from the Buffalo Diocese in the media player above. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Town of Tonawanda Police say a Buffalo man is currently wanted and possibly armed following a Monday afternoon shooting. Police say 42-year-old Joel Brown shot a 36-year-old male victim in the leg and hand on Kenmore Avenue. The public should not approach him. Police said they responded to 311 Kenmore Ave. around 4:10 p.m. Monday for a report of shots fired. According to police, Brown and the victim know each other and the shooting is believed to stem from an ongoing dispute between them. The owner of the auto repair business at that address said the shooting did not happen inside the establishment. If you have any information, call Tonawanda police at 716-879-6614 or the confidential tip line at 716-879-6606. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Donagh OSullivan says a four-day week doesn't 'make any sense' for businesses - Paul Grover for the Telegraph A four-day working week risks damaging the economy, the chief executive of Battersea Power Station has warned. Donagh OSullivan has raised doubts over the Governments plans to allow workers to legally demand the right to compress their weekly working hours into four days. He said that the proposal, which has been championed by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, was unlikely to make any sense in a business plan. It wouldnt be [right] for us, and I cant imagine it would be for any of our tenants or office occupiers, he says. I wouldnt be a fan of anything that would change and in my view damage the economy. As well as impacting Britains growth prospects, Mr OSullivan adds that a four-day week would also harm the 140-plus businesses operating within Battersea Power Station owing to a drop in footfall. Theyve got spaces theyre paying decent rent for, he says. Theyve got their overheads. They need to sell their products and to have the customers coming through the door. More than 3,300 people from 60 different companies currently work on the premises in and around the iconic building, which counts Apple, home technology company SharkNinja and flexible workspace provider IWG among its office tenants. The sprawling development has created more than 6,600 jobs. And once the wider project is finished next decade, that total is expected to surpass 20,000. More than 1,000 jobs have been filled by local residents since 2013. The Battersea Power Station Development Company, which Mr OSullivan joined as chief executive in June, itself employs around 650 people with about 120 in the head office and 530 across facilities management such as cleaning, concierge teams and security. Built in the 1930s, the power station was decommissioned in 1983 and left derelict, prompting nearly 40 years of attempts to redevelop the iconic building. Ideas through the decades ranged from a theme park in the 1980s, to a 300m-high eco-chimney in the 2000s. The site remained abandoned and riddled with asbestos until a Malaysian consortium, consisting of developers Sime Darby Property and S P Setia, and pension funds PNB and Employees Provident Fund bought it in 2012 for 400m. The consortium has since transformed Battersea Power Station into a luxury shopping destination, which opened to great fanfare two years ago. Donagh OSullivan is the chief executive of The Battersea Power Station Development Company, which employs around 650 people - Paul Grover The site is also home to 2,000 high-end apartments, with plans for another 2,000 properties over the next decade. Mr OSullivans background in housebuilding will prove instrumental in steering the development though its residential expansion. Story continues Raised in Cork, Ireland, and the fourth-born in a family of seven sons, he moved to the UK in 1990 and joined Balfour Beatty as a graduate engineer. A decade in, he was offered a job with Galliard Homes, where he spent 21 years, working his way up to chief executive until his departure in 2022. He took the job with Battersea Power Station after a sabbatical and a brief spell at now-collapsed housebuilder Inland Homes. For Mr OSullivan, the sprawling 9bn project is testament to the importance of being backed by deep-pocketed and patient investors. Theyre in it for the long haul, says Mr OSullivan. I worked in a business for 21 years, where we would traditionally buy a site, get planning, build it and finish. And the start-to-finish would generally be three or four years, whereas our shareholders, theyre already 12 years in and have got at least another 12 years to go. The commitment to take on something that is going to go on over a period of two-and-a-half decades, theres not many parties in the world that will be able to take that on. I cant think of any other type of organisation that would be able to make a business case for taking on something like that, so Im in a very fortunate position. He adds: Theyve invested over 5bn to get to where we are today. Thats a huge vote of confidence in our city. As well as squaring off detailed plans for the projects next phase, Mr OSullivan is also focused on increasing visitor footfall, which he says has increased by about a fifth year-on-year. More than 22m people have visited the power station since it opened to the public, with over 11.2m visits to the riverside neighbourhood. Some 46pc of visitors to the power station are from London. The developer has set a target to attract more than 25m visits to the estate, which it aims to achieve through events, exhibitions and engaging with local charities and associations. It has invested 6m into community organisations and initiatives. The Battersea Power Station sat derelict for decade before Malaysian developers began to transform the site. Redevelopment work first began in 2013 - Chris Gorman / Big Ladder.co.uk The next stage of the project, Phase 3C, will add two more towers around 17-storeys-high to Prospect Place, one of its existing apartment blocks. The towers will include some 335 flats, 70,000 sq ft of retail and a 15,000 sq ft community hub. Wandsworth Council is expected to discuss detailed proposals later this month. However, question marks linger over whether there will be enough demand for the properties, some of which cost millions of pounds. Mr OSullivan strongly denies the flats are overpriced. I honestly dont recognise that at all, he says, adding that the company has logged 65m of residential sales since the beginning of July this year. Thats only the new stock, he says. Weve got 1,800 private [homes] here and we have just over 50 left to sell, and these are units that were finished about five or six months ago. More than half of the sites residential buyers are British, but the precise make-up of its remaining investor base is unknown, since the company does not track the nationalities of its overseas purchasers. It is probably reflective of London at large, he says. We live in a global city that attracts the best people from around the world that want to get ahead in life. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) Workers will be taking down several buildings in and around a major highway work zone in Topeka so that progress can continue on the longstanding Polk-Quincy Viaduct project. 27 News reached out to Kate Craft with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to learn more about what locals can expect to see as the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project moves forward in the coming months. This project has been in the works for years and aims to enhance safety on I-70 with the addition of wider shoulders, a flattened curve near Third Street and extend acceleration and deceleration lanes in some areas. KDOT plans to have the entire project wrapped up by the fall of 2027. Before that, however, multiple buildings must come down completely or partially so crews can have enough room to work on the viaduct. Top Kansas election official demands answers from USPS after mail errors in Primary Election A side view of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct in Topeka. (KSNT Photo) Craft told 27 News enough buildings have come down for work to begin on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project. This includes structures from 19 tracts of land in the areas around the viaduct. Several buildings are still in the way though and are slated to be demolished or are already in the process of being brought down. Lets Help at 200 South Kansas Avenue. Harvesters at 215 Southeast Quincy Street. Factory Motor Parts at 116 South Kansas Avenue. Ryder Truck at 631 West First Avenue. Topeka Foundry & Iron Works at 201 South Kansas Avenue. Law enforcement garage at 16 Southeast Fourth Street. KTA talks double-billed confusion facing drivers in Kansas under new cashless toll system Craft said demolition work for areas between First Street and Second Street along with Southwest Topeka Boulevard and South Kansas Avenue began in 2022 and was finished in 2024. Further demolition work on the remaining structures, including those listed above, is set for project bids in October this year. A demolition timeline for these remaining buildings will not be available until contractors are selected. Removal of these structures is necessary to make room for the new viaduct and other improvements that are included in the Polk-Quincy Viaduct replacement project, Craft said. KDOT workers will spare the building at 124 Southwest Harrison Street thanks to work by the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) which found it has historical significance. Fencing was placed around the site to protect it from any damage during the projects timeline. Surveys conducted by the KSHS turned up some other items beneath the viaduct earlier this year but found nothing that would otherwise prevent the project from moving forward. Work on the viaduct will require the complete closure of I-70 eventually, according to KDOT. This is expected to come somewhere between early spring and late fall in 2026. You can learn more about the project by visiting its website. Iconic Topeka buildings demolished over the years For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. VANDALIA, Ohio (WDTN) In a battle of defending MVL champions, the Butler Aviators kept their perfect record in tact at 3-0 thanks to a big 21-13 win over the Troy Trojans on Friday at home. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A man accused of running an online business scheme advertising gun parts and accessories may have taken thousands more by pretending to be a car dealer. Channel 9 South Carolina Reporter Tina Terry got information from police in Rock Hill about Lawrencium Martin. One victim said Martin took more than $7,000 from her and never delivered. Id see him in the neighborhood sometimes walking down the street or walking back, said Joseph Foster, one of Martins neighbors. Foster knew of Martin, but hes now learning about his federal and local criminal cases. Last week, the Department of Justice told us Martin pleaded guilty to several charges, including tax evasion. They say Martin operated an online business called Lancaster Tactical Supply, and that hundreds of customers paid for firearms and accessories. But some customers said Martin took their money and never shipped the products. Federal prosecutors said, Through one payment processor alone in 2020, LTS generated more than $2 million in revenue. Its money they say Martin never paid taxes on. Two million dollars, thats a lot of money, a lot of money, Foster said. RELATED >> Chester man faces prison time for charging customers without shipping items On Tuesday, Terry learned the Rock Hill Police Department also charged with breach of trust and obtaining property under false pretenses. Those charges were filed in May. A local woman says Martin pretended to be a car dealer and took over $7,000 from her, but never delivered the car. I guess its buyer beware, Foster said. Those local charges in York County are still pending. Martin is awaiting sentencing for the federal case, and he faces up to 10 years in prison. (WATCH: 16-year-old charged with hitting, killing Rock Hill high schooler on golf cart) SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A bill to crack down on hate littering in California cities is now before Gov. Gavin Newsom for final approval. Assembly Bill 3024, authored by Asm. Chris Ward (D-San Diego), would expand state civil rights law to curb the distribution of materials like pamphlets or flyers on private property that contain threatening speech with the intention of intimidating members of a protected class. Also known as hate littering, this practice has become an increasing issue for neighborhoods across California. The surge in these incidents, which included several in San Diego that inspired the bill, mirror a wider rise in hate crimes based on race, religion or sexual orientation. Hillcrest hit by series of suspected hate crimes These anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ and other hateful messages are being left on our windshields, in our driveways, and on our front doors, and theres been an alarming uptick in distribution in recent years, Ward said. The Stop Hate Littering Act sends a clear message to these bigots that your tactics will not divide us, and you will be held accountable for your actions. Under the bill, those targeted by acts of hate littering would be able to seek civil damages from the individual behind the distribution of the materials. This remediation mechanism was created as part of the landmark Ralph Civil Rights Act of 1976, which made it unlawful to threaten or enact violence against an individual because of their actual or perceived characteristics like race, religion or sexual orientation. Such threats laid out in the previous law included the burning or desecration of a cross on a private property without authorization from the owner in order to intimidate, an action historically linked to violence committed by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Proponents of the bill like the Anti-Defamation League, an advocacy group against antisemitism, argue it would make necessary improvements to strengthen the decades-old law with new accountability tools and make it applicable to modern tactics. However, the bill still faces an uphill battle, as it is likely to draw legal challenges over First Amendment grounds. Courts have largely given wide latitude to First Amendment claims, only narrowly allowing governments to penalize speech under certain circumstances. This includes if a form of speech is a true threat or if there is legitimate belief that the recipient of the speech is in imminent danger. To meet this standard, the government must identify the speakers intent and whether a person would reasonably fear harm by a statement. Intent with hate littering could be hard to pinpoint as it is often an anonymous act, which is partially why it has been hard for prosecutors or other law enforcement officials to counteract. San Diego man faces federal charges over threatening anti-LGBTQ+ email Supporters of AB 3024 argue hate littering has made homeowners fearful of violence and can reasonably be considered a true threat. Although opponents contend it could lead to an overly broad limiting of speech given the practices faceless nature, thus obfuscating intent. AB 3024 invites discriminatory civil actions to be wielded as a tool for the distribution of materials that express disfavored views or views that property owners disagree with and find upsetting yet do not target or intend to place any individual in fear of bodily harm or death, the the American Civil Liberties Union California Action wrote to the legislature to oppose the bill. Gov. Newsom has until Oct. 30 to either sign or veto the bill. Should he veto it, the legislature will have the option to override the disapproval by a two-thirds vote by both the State Senate and the Assembly. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A burglary ring of over two dozen people suspected of hitting multiple cannabis-related facilities across the state including one in San Luis Obispo County was busted by the California Department of Justice. The burglars allegedly stole over $1 million in products and nearly a thousand pounds of cannabis from more than two dozen businesses statewide, according to a news release from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office. Of the 22 individuals arrested and charged by the state for allegedly being involved in the organized retail crime operation, more than half are suspected of hitting a cannabis processing plant in northern SLO County in January, the release said. The burglary took place at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Jan. 16, when witnesses reported seeing at least seven suspects running out of the facility with bags of cannabis, according to the release. The suspects had fled the scene by the time police arrived. At least 500 pounds of cannabis were stolen and a safe was broken into, totaling an estimated $500,000 in losses, the release said. The California Department of Justice confiscated of over 50 pounds of cannabis from a burglary ring suspected of robbing at least 15 businesses statewide. A subsequent investigation by the Sheriffs Office discovered that a similar crime that had taken place in San Jose, which ultimately led the county to contact the state justice department as a part of a multi-agency investigation into cannabis-related retail theft crimes, the release said. The DOJ tied the string of burglaries across California to a crew of Oakland gang members, which included 13 people suspected of being involved in the northern SLO County burglary, according to the release. California Attorney General Rob Bonta charged the 22 suspects with commercial burglary, grand theft, organized retail theft, and conspiracy on Aug. 29, the Department of Justice said. In all, Bonta said the group of thieves broke into at least 15 dispensaries in nine counties statewide, including Santa Cruz, Monterey, Solano, Kern, Fresno, Merced, Sonoma Couty, San Diego and San Luis Obispo. The California Department of Justice is committed to rooting out organized retail crime in all its forms, Bonta said in the release. This announcement sends a clear message to would-be thieves: Organized retail crime will not be tolerated in California because it costs businesses, retailers and consumers. California calls up National Guard, orders evacuations as Line Fire expands to more than 20K acres The Line fire is threatening homes in San Bernardino, Calif., as evidenced in a photo that was taken Sunday afternoon. Photo courtesy San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The Line Fire in California's San Bernardino County is only 5% contained late Monday after expanding to nearly 26,000 acres and forcing thousands of people to evacuate since it ignited four days ago. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom activated the California National Guard to assist firefighters. The order authorized the guard to deploy 80 soldiers as hand crews and it approved the use of four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and two C-130 cargo planes to drop water and fire retardants. Also, Cal Guard will send a military police company to assist local law enforcement in evacuated areas. "As the Line Fire continues to pose a threat to San Bernardino communities, we're pouring resources into this incident aggressively by deploying more air and ground support through the California National Guard," Newsom said. "California stands with these communities and has their backs." When the fire scorched 7,000 acres on Saturday, Newsom declared a state of emergency and announced the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency "to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire." On Sunday, the fire expanded to 17,000 and was 0% contained. As of late Monday, it had grown to 25,813 acres burned. The wildfire first sparked in the city of Highland around 6 p.m. local time on Thursday. With the wildfire more than triple in size compared to two days ago, firefighting personnel have grown from 628 to 1,890. Also on hand are 191 engines, seven water tenders, 15 helicopters and 36 dozers, according to Cal Fire, the state forestry and fire protection agency. CalFire said 38,002 structures are threatened, including single and multi-family homes, as well as commercial buildings and other minor structures. Of those, 8,800 are under evacuation orders and 29,200 are under evacuation warnings. So far, though, no structures have been reported damaged. Three firefighters have been injured but no civilians hurt. Firefighters have been dealing with sweltering heat, including a high of 106 degrees on Monday. "The heat affects them tremendously. You know, the work-rest cycles? They can work for a little bit but the body just needs to take a break after awhile," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua told CBS News Los Angeles said of the firefighters working in extreme heat. In addition, there have been more than 1,100 lightning strikes in the area. "Vegetation remains critically dry," CalFire said in an update. "Hot and dry weather will continue Monday with an Excessive Heat Warning for the lower elevations of the fire." There is also a chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the late morning and through the early evening. "We know that triple-digit temperatures are coming again today, so that's why it's so important to get that work done at night when it is cooler," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua told CBS News Los Angeles. "We had the water-dropping helicopters back last night, so hopefully we'll see that containment come up." By early Monday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department had issued evacuation orders of more than 6,000 people. And thousands more in the mountain communities were issued evacuation warnings, with officials telling residents who require additional time to evacuate -- including those with pets and livestock -- to leave their homes immediately. There is currently legislation pending at Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk that could have a serious impact on California workers that is both unnecessary and injurious. Senate Bill 549, authored by Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, while heavily backed by a few wealthy gaming tribes, poses an existential threat not only to jobs that keep our communities thriving, but also to the very financial stability of our cities. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) California, stand alongside a broad coalition of public sector labor groups including Service Employees International Union California, California Professional Firefighters and the Los Angeles Labor Federation in opposition to SB 549. Opinion The bill will allow wealthy gaming tribes to sue their competitors, the licensed cardrooms throughout California. The tribes want to have access to courts to stop cardrooms from playing games that have been approved by the attorney general and state regulators for decades, such as blackjack, baccarat and pai gow (the state licenses these establishments and approves every single game played at cardrooms). While SB 549 opens these establishments to lawsuits, cardrooms have no jurisdiction to sue the tribes this means that tribes can have an unfair monopoly on gaming if they are successful in court. Cardrooms employ thousands of individuals and generate significant revenues that fund essential public safety resources such as police, fire departments, parks, recreation, social services and other public sector jobs. In some cities where union members work, the reliance on their local cardroom gaming tax revenue is staggering. This bill hurts communities. Without revenue generated by cardrooms, some cities could face municipal bankruptcy and disincorporation. The mere threat of litigation under this bill could lead to lower wages, furloughs and layoffs. We have seen this story play out before: Some cities experienced layoffs while the cardrooms were shut down during the pandemic, leading to employee furloughs and cuts to essential services. Furthermore, cities that rely on cardroom revenue are primarily communities of color. Any impact to cardroom revenue will lead to a disproportionate impact on these communities in a time when we should be uplifting historically marginalized people. SB 549 puts workers directly in the line of fire. Jobs, pensions and the financial well-being of working families across California would be placed in jeopardy. For about 32,000 Californians with jobs connected to the cardroom industry, signing SB 549 into law could mean the loss of a steady income, health benefits and the ability to support their families. This bill is a bad bet for California. It threatens the financial security of our cities, the jobs of thousands of public sector workers and the essential services that millions of residents rely on every day. Our states future depends on strong, resilient communities where local governments have the resources they need to serve the public effectively. Newsom should veto SB 549. Alia Griffing is the legislative and political director for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees California. By Dan Levine and Kristina Cooke (Reuters) - Lawmakers in the most populous U.S. state approved a proposal that requires automakers selling internet-connected cars to do more to protect domestic abuse survivors, in what appears to be the first measure in the nation addressing the issue to pass a legislature. As automakers add ever more sophisticated technology to their cars, instances of stalking and harassment using features such as location tracking and remote controls have begun to emerge. The bill, which passed the California state legislature late last month with overwhelming support, now awaits a decision from Governor Gavin Newsom on whether he will sign it into law. One of the bill's authors, state Senator Dave Min, said Newsom's staff had been involved in negotiations over its terms, as were different car manufacturers, including Tesla. Tara Gallegos, deputy director of communications for Newsom, said in an email on Monday that the measure will be "evaluated on its merits." Tesla has not filed any public letters in support of or opposition to the bill, and the company did not respond to a request for comment. Legislative analysts cited reporting from Reuters and the New York Times about carmakers who did not help women who alleged they were being targeted by their partners. One woman unsuccessfully sued Tesla, alleging the company failed to act after she repeatedly complained that her husband was stalking and harassing her with the automaker's technology despite a restraining order. Among its provisions, the California bill requires automakers to set up a clear process for drivers to submit a copy of a restraining order or other documentation and request termination of another drivers remote access within two business days. It also mandates that carmakers enable drivers to easily turn off location access from inside the vehicle. The deadline for Newsom to make a decision is Sept. 30. (Reporting by Dan Levine; editing by Jonathan Oatis) A California woman and an Idaho man accused of leading a terrorist group known as the "Terrorgram Collective" have been charged with soliciting their followers to assassinate government officials and commit hate crimes, federal prosecutors said Monday. Utilizing the digital messaging app Telegram, Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, Calif., and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, allegedly created and circulated several "Terrorgram" videos and publications providing specific advice for carrying out crimes, celebrating white supremacist attacks and providing a hit list of assassination targets, according to a 37-page indictment filed by the U.S Attorney's office in Sacramento. Among those on the terror group's alleged target list were U.S. federal, state and local officials including a state senator, a district court judge and a former U.S. attorney along with leaders of private companies and nongovernmental organizations. Prosecutors say they were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. Each target received a "list card" with their name, home address and photograph, according to the indictment. Humber's federal public defender declined to comment. Allison's attorney could not be reached for comment. Read more: Alleged white supremacist leader agrees to plead guilty to conspiracy to riot The Terrorgram leaders considered each person on their list "an enemy of the cause of white supremacist accelerationism," according to the indictment. One federal official was described as an "Anti-White, Anti-gun, Jewish senator," prosecutors said, while a judge was listed as "an invader" from a foreign country and the entry for a U.S. attorney included a racial slur. Humber and Allison, who were arrested on Friday, face 15 counts for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, according to the Justice Department. Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison posted messages and images celebrating white supremacist attacks, including the following fake newspaper cover. (U.S. Department of Justice) According to the indictment, Allison and Humber worked together with others to create, edit and disseminate a digital publication known as "The Hard Reset," which provided instructions for making bombs and explosives, including napalm, thermite, chlorine gas, pipe bombs and dirty bombs. Humber allegedly narrated the publication and disseminated it in audiobook form. Humber and Allison also allegedly produced and shared "White Terror," a nearly 30-minute documentary that celebrated 105 white supremacist attacks that happened between 1968 and 2021. Prosecutors say Humber narrated the documentary, which opened with a message referring to the attackers as "Saints" and "the best of our brothers." The pair's use of Telegram is not the first time the app has drawn scrutiny from law enforcement. Founder and Chief Executive Pavel Durov was detained and charged last month by French authorities over accusations that the platform has been used for drug trafficking, money laundering and other offenses. Read more: French authorities issue preliminary charges against Telegram messaging app CEO In comments made on his Telegram account, Durov called it a "misguided approach" to charge him with crimes committed by third parties. He cited "growing pains" on Telegram, which he said has 950 million users, as having made it easier for criminals to abuse the platform. A spokesperson for the messaging app said in a statement: "Calls to violence have no place on Telegram's platform. Moderators removed several channels that used variations of the 'Terrorgram' name when they were discovered years ago. Similar content is banned whenever it appears." Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland speaks during a meeting of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force at the Department of Justice on Sept. 4. (Mark Schiefelbein / AP) In a statement, Atty. Gen. Merrick B. Garland called the arrests of Humber and Allison "a warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you." Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division, said the case "reflects the departments response to the new technological face of white supremacist violence." "Technology evolves, and we keep up," Clarke said. "These charges reveal that the department will come after violent white supremacists with every legitimate means at our disposal." Humber and Allison allegedly promoted "white supremacist accelerationism," an ideology that prosecutors said is "centered on the belief that the white race is superior; that society is irreparably corrupt and cannot be saved by political action; and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate." According to the indictment, Humber and Allison joined Terrorgram in 2019. They began to run the group in the summer of 2022, after one previous leader was arrested and charged with terrorism offenses and another learned he was the target of a terrorism-related investigation. Prosecutors said Allison and Humber called for attacks on infrastructure, such as federal buildings and energy facilities, "which Terrorgram believes will ignite a race war." Allison allegedly told users "Take Action Now," "Do your part," and "Remember change starts with you. No one is coming to save us." Read more: A Chinese millionaire, a cop for hire and an Irvine family: Inside a twisted global business dispute At least three people were allegedly inspired or guided to commit violence by Humber, Allison and other members of the collective. On or about July 8, 2022, Humber posted this graphic setting forth Terrorgram's "Sainthood Criteria." (U.S. Department of Justice) Among them was an individual who shot three people, killing two, outside an LGBTQ bar in Slovakia, another who planned an attack on energy facilities in New Jersey and a third person who stabbed five people near a mosque in Turkey. After the Slovakia attack, prosecutors said, the 19-year-old responsible sent a manifesto to Allison that thanked Terrorgram for inspiring and guiding him. Humber allegedly told a group chat that included the attacker, "If you became a Saint I'd narrate your book." She kept her word. Prosecutors said Humber and Allison took credit and celebrated the attacker, who died by suicide, as "Terrogram's first Saint," and released the manifesto as an audiobook. If convicted of all charges, Humber and Allison each face up to 220 years in prison. 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. UPDATE: Camp Pendleton Marine in desertion status apprehended on military base SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Camp Pendleton Marine Lance Corporal Bailey Cameron, who went missing in late August and then was no longer considered missing after recent activities connected to him of being on the base, is in a desertion status, military officials said. Cameron, 23, was reported missing on Aug. 25 following a night out at the Coyote Bar and Grill in Carlsbad the night before. Video shows Cameron leaving the bar without his backpack, sunglasses and phone. Since his disappearance, there have been unconfirmed sightings of him around the Camp Pendleton base. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton no longer considered Cameron as a missing person as of Wednesday. On Monday, Capt. James C. Sartain with Camp Pendleton told FOX 5/KUSI Cameron was then considered to be in a status of Unauthorized Absence, but since he has not returned to fulfill his official service obligations, he is now in a desertion status. Desertion status occurs when a Marine reaches their end of service date, which was Monday for Cameron, while in an unauthorized absence status, the military base said. Throughout the course of the investigation, local commands attempted to locate and contact Lance Corporal Bailey Cameron, and officials remained in contact with his parents, encouraging him to return to his unit in accordance with his official service obligations, Sartain said. A Navy officer is demoted after sneaking a satellite dish onto a warship to get the internet However, Camerons family, who traveled from Washington to North County to look for him, believe their son to be in distress. The behavior is so foreign. Its foreign to how we knew him before he was a Marine, and its foreign to all the Marines here. Its not Bailey, Camerons father Kevin told FOX 5/KUSI last week when learning that his son lost contact with his command post, friends and has not returned to his barracks. Surveillance video and photos show Bailey on base at an ATM on Aug. 28. His family claims a Marine spotted Bailey on Aug. 31, reporting he had active signs of distress and then ran away toward the ocean. Camp Pendleton said authorities will continue to investigate and attempt to locate Bailey. The family urges the public to share this post from RAD Movement and to contact the organization if you or someone you know has a lead. FOX 5/KUSIs Sarah Alegre contributed to this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. By Sam Tobin and Robert Harvey LONDON (Reuters) - Glencore's former head of oil Alex Beard appeared in a London court on Tuesday to face bribery charges relating to the Swiss commodity trader's operations in Africa. Beard will plead not guilty, his lawyer said at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court. The 57-year-old is charged with two counts of conspiracy to make corrupt payments to government officials and officials of state-owned oil companies in Nigeria between 2010 and 2014, and in Cameroon between 2007 and 2014. Beard, who is the most high-profile commodity trader to have been charged in Britain for alleged corruption, joined Glencore in 1995 from BP, the biggest trading desk at that time, and was head of oil from 2007 until 2019, when he retired. He helped Glencore become one of the top three oil trading firms, trading as much as 7% of the world's oil in its heyday. Four other ex-Glencore employees Andrew Gibson, Paul Hopkirk, Ramon Labiaga and Martin Wakefield were also charged with making corrupt payments relating to Glencore's operations in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Gibson and Hopkirk indicated not guilty pleas through their lawyers. Labiaga and Wakefield did not indicate any pleas and were not required to do so. Gibson and Wakefield are further charged with conspiracy to falsify documents between 2007 and 2011. Another ex-Glencore employee, David Perez, has been charged with making corrupt payments and conspiracy to falsify documents. Perez did not indicate any pleas. Prosecutor Alexandra Healy said the alleged offences related to the West Africa desk of Glencore's London office. All six defendants' cases were sent to Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on Oct. 8. (Reporting by Sam Tobin and Robert Harvey; Editing by Alexander Smith) A keen sea swimmer has delivered a petition containing more than 49,000 signatures to Downing Street to protest against sewage being discharged into sea water. Jo Bateman, 62, from Exmouth, has called for action against water companies over the pollution which she said stopped swimmers from entering the sea. Ms Bateman hand-delivered the petition calling for urgent change to the Prime Minister's home on Tuesday. South West Water (SWW) said it was "serious" about tackling sewage spills and was investing about 38m in the Exmouth area up to 2030. 'Right to swim' Ms Bateman previously told the BBC swimming helped her physical and mental health. The swimmer, who has taken legal action against SWW, added she had been unable to swim on many occasions due to the frequent sewage spills on the beach. It comes after traders in Exmouth said spillages in August and September had a significant impact on business and had led them to consider taking legal action against SWW. Ms Bateman said she wanted to hold all water companies to account and make sure waterways are improved. "It is about giving us the right to swim in clean water which at the moment is very often taken away from us," she said. Sewage spillages were reported in Exmouth in August and September [BBC] Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the UK's waterways were in an "unacceptable state" after years of neglect. Mr Reed added: "Under this government, water executives will no longer line their own pockets whilst pumping out this filth. "If they refuse to comply, they could end up in the dock and face prison time." Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the UK's waterways had been neglected for years [PA Media] Trade association Water UK said "no sewage spill is ever acceptable". He said companies had proposed investing 105bn "to ensure the security of water supplies in the future and end sewage entering rivers and seas". SWW said it was looking to upgrade its pumping stations and treatment works to reduce the number of spills. A spokesperson said: "We are serious about tackling storm overflows but change of this scale takes time, ambition and increased investment." Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has Ukrainian roots, has condemned the screening of the film Russians at War at the Toronto International Film Festival. Source: European Pravda, citing Canadian news channel CBC Details: Freeland told journalists on Tuesday, 10 September that both diplomats and the Canadian-Ukrainian community have expressed "grave concerns" about the film, and she "shares those concerns". "It's not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this," she said. Commenting on the claim of the film's creator, former Russia Today director Anastasia Trofimova, who said that Russians at War was an anti-war film, Freeland said that in the war against Ukraine, there is no moral equivalency between the victim and the aggressor. "This is a war of Russian aggression, this is a war where Russia is breaking international law and committing war crimes. There is very clearly good and evil in this war. Ukranians are fighting for their sovereignty and for democracy around the world," Freeland stressed. Russians at War was screened at the Venice International Film Festival on 5 September. The director said she had spent seven months with a Russian battalion fighting in Ukraine, and it came as a shock to her to see that they were "absolutely ordinary guys with families and a sense of humour". Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has expressed outrage that the Venice Film Festival screened the film. The Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto has also protested against the plans to screen Russians at War at the Toronto International Film Festival. Support UP or become our patron! HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A Canadian man who scammed a Hartford nonprofit pleaded guilty to embezzlement on Tuesday in Boston. Adil Rahman, 36, was employed as a credit analyst for a company that was a subsidiary of a large electrical distribution and services company based in Pittsburgh. Rahman would reach out to multiple companies, including the one based in Hartford, and convinced them to pay invoices via wire rather than by check. When they agreed, Rahman would give them his own personal bank account information. The Hartford nonprofit sent at least 15 transfers to his personal account over the course of six months, according to the department of justice. Rahman scammed companies of more than $1.4 million and could face up to 20 years in prison. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) After the sudden departure of most of South County Hospitals oncology department, cancer patients are now scrambling to find care elsewhere. Rick Armstrong, a lymphoma patient, is among those searching for new treatment options. Armstrong, who was diagnosed earlier this year, began his treatment in Boston but had been receiving radiation therapy and follow-up care at South County Hospital, closer to his home in Narragansett. However, Armstrong was blindsided last week when he learned through a Target 12 report that most of the hospitals oncology doctors would be leaving. There was no notification from anybody, he told 12 News. TARGET 12: South County Hospital leaders defend record as open letter calls for new management Armstrong finished radiation just as the changes were happening. I was assuming that my doctor would be there for a long period of time and able to continue the follow-up, he explained. Now Im just trying to figure out if hes going to be available to follow my care or if Im going to have to find a new doctor. Armstrong said the shortage of health care providers in Rhode Island already makes it hard to find care, and the loss of oncologists will only add to the challenge. Its very difficult. Its sort of how I started with trying to find care in Rhode Island. Its not easy to do. Theres longer waits for doctors because there arent as many, he said. Last Wednesday, a group of doctors, nurses, and community members sent an open letter to South County Hospitals Board of Trustees and state officials, calling for leadership changes at the hospital. According to Target 12 interviews with staff and community members, the letter follows months of tension between hospital staff and administrators. Its sad that they felt that they needed to go somewhere else and that they leave the people in this type of situation, Armstrong added. Meanwhile, CEO Aaron Robinson, who was targeted in the letter, defended his record in an interview with 12 News last week. He pointed to the oncology doctors leaving, saying there was a disagreement over what to do with the department. Robinson said the doctors wanted to merge with a Florida-based for-profit company, but executives determined it wasnt a good fit for the nonprofit health system. They can say its a style issue, Robinson said. But at the end of the day, I think its more that people dont like to hear no, and we have to say no, sometimes. Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Matthews stood by his CEO, saying Robinson is the right person to usher the hospital through tough financial times, and he likewise blamed state policy for causing financial hardship at hospitals in Rhode Island. In a statement to 12 News, a spokesperson for South County Health the hospitals parent organization explained that the resignations were not something the providers or South County Health wanted to occur. We understand the communitys concerns and the impact of losing a provider can have on patients, the spokesperson wrote. In maintaining open and honest communication with our community, we have sent out two separate communications, both via email and mailed letters. These communications have been confirmed to be sent to all Cancer Center patients who have had an appointment with us in the last year, and those who are scheduled within the next year, to provide additional details on the resignations and our commitment to providing comprehensive cancer care for the community. In addition, the spokesperson said three new providers have been hired and will start in October. NEXT: RI announces new grants for businesses affected by I-195 bridge closure 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. Captain of migrant boat tragedy in Senegal turns himself in as death toll rises to 26 FILE - Children play on fishing boats known as "pirogues" in Dakar, Senegal, June 24, 2023. Large pirogues are used in migrant crossings from Senegal to Spain. (AP Photo/Zane Irwin, File) DAKAR, Senegal (AP) The captain of a migrant boat that capsized off Senegal over the weekend was arrested, local authorities said Tuesday, as the death toll rose to 26. Cheikh Sall, the owner and captain of the boat, turned himself in Monday, Amadou Diop, the districts prefect, told The Associated Press. The death toll of the capsizing rose to 26, Senegal's navy said on the social media platform X on Tuesday. The artisanal fishing boat left the town of Mbour, nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the capital Dakar heading to Europe on Sunday afternoon before capsizing a few miles (kilometers) off the coast. In recent years, the number of migrants leaving West Africa through Senegal has surged with many fleeing conflict, poverty and the lack of job opportunities. Most head to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa, which is used as a stepping stone to continental Europe. Since the beginning of the year, more than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands, 126% more than the same period last year, according to statistics released by Spains Interior Ministry. Last month, the Senegalese army said it had arrested 453 migrants and members of smuggling networks as part of a 12-day operation patrolling the coastline. More than half of those arrested were Senegalese nationals, the army said. In July, a boat carrying 300 migrants, mostly from Gambia and Senegal, capsized off Mauritania. More than a dozen died and at least 150 others went missing. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest in the world. While there is no accurate death toll because of the lack of information on departures from West Africa, the Spanish migrant rights group Walking Borders estimates the victims are in the thousands this year alone. Migrant vessels that get lost or run into problems often vanish in the Atlantic, with some drifting across the ocean for months until they are found in the Caribbean and Latin America carrying only human remains. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration A car crashed into a business in Ohio Township on Monday night. Emergency crews were called to the 800 block of Camp Horne Road just after 10 p.m. A Channel 11 crew at the scene could see a car that drove into the North Hills Auto Mall. One person was taken to the hospital. An update has not been given on their condition. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Pitt director of athletics Heather Lyke relieved of duties Big Lots files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plans to sell business to private equity firm Man accused of killing woman, injuring 4 other people while shooting at Lawrence County buildings VIDEO: Flames rip through duplex in Duquesne for third time, investigators consider incident suspicious DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts UPDATE: New charge alleges Victor Farris used force to take car with child inside UPDATE: (3 p.m.) An Ohio man allegedly used force to take a rental car that had a child inside, according to charges filed Tuesday. The counts, returned by a Peoria County grand jury, shed new light on what happened that morning when Victor Farris, 45, drove off in the 2024 Kia Seltos from an Enterprise Rent-A-Car facility on Pioneer Parkway. Grand jurors handed down counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking, kidnapping and possession of a stolen motor vehicle in connection with the Sept. 4 incident. The hijacking charge alleges Farris took the vehicle from a man by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force, and a person, (the young boy) was a passenger in the motor vehicle at the time. If convicted, he faces at least six years and possibly up to 45 years behind bars. Prosecutors have issued a no bond arrest warrant with the promise to extradite Farris if hes caught outside the area. ________________________________________________________ Car thief who sparked manhunt indicted for hijacking, kidnapping PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) An Ohio man was indicted Tuesday by a Peoria County grand jury in connection with stealing a car that had a child inside. Victor Farris, 45, was charged Tuesday with aggravated vehicular hijacking, kidnapping and possession of a stolen motor vehicle in connection with the Sept. 4 theft of a Kia SUV from a North Peoria rental agency. This defendant recklessly endangered a small child, injured another person, and put fear into a community. Because he is still on the run, I wanted to quickly get indictment warrants to insure he stays in custody when police find him, said States Attorney Jodi Hoos. Man who sparked manhunt for stealing car was arrested week prior for same thing Farris allegedly took the car from an Enterprise Rent-A-Car facility off Pioneer Parkway on Sept. 4. A 3-year-old boy was inside and for the next 30 minutes, officers throughout the area looked for him and the child, who was left at a gas station on Airport Road. He was unharmed and has been returned to his family. UPDATE: Peoria police seek identity of man who took Kia that had a young child inside Then, a day later, he was allegedly spotted near the Rock Island Trail between Dunlap and Princeville. When deputies made contact with Farris he fled. Since then, deputies and others have been looking for him, both on foot and in the air with drones and with aircraft. He remains at large and a warrant for his arrest was issued along with the charges. If convicted of all counts, he faces up to 30 years in prison. This story will be updated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Caregiving for children or older adults may be contributing factors to lower labor force participation rates in New Hampshire. (Courtesy of NHFPI) The size of New Hampshires labor force, which includes people who are working or actively looking for work, has not returned to the pre-pandemic levels of 2018 and 2019. Available data suggest barriers to both labor force participation and higher wage-earning opportunities for women, particularly women of color, are key constraints to both individual and overall economic prosperity. Caregiving for children or older adults may be contributing factors to lower labor force participation rates in New Hampshire. Between July 2023 and July 2024, an average of approximately 5.8 percent of individuals not in the Granite State labor force reported they were caring for an older adult (about 4,500 people) or a child who was not in school or child care (about 16,700 people). The national U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that two of every three caregivers are women. If this proportion is applied to New Hampshire data, about 14,200 women may have been out of the labor force to provide unpaid caregiving to children or older adults, resulting in foregone wages. If each of the 14,200 women engaged in unpaid caregiving earned New Hampshires 2023 median full-time annual salary for all occupations of $49,980, the collective income gain would have been approximately $710 million. These earnings could have provided financial support for women and their families, as well as served as economic stimulus for local and state economies. Importantly, this analysis may underestimate income loss because it does not account for individuals who are in the labor force but work reduced hours to provide care to one or more family members. For women who can participate in the labor force, a higher proportion than men are more likely to be employed in caregiving professions. These jobs often come with lower pay and fewer benefits, particularly in early childhood education and older adult care. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the first quarter of 2023, women constituted approximately 91 percent of New Hampshires child care workforce and nearly 88 percent of employees in the home health care services sector. During this period, Black or African American Granite Staters were overrepresented in the home health care services, representing 4.5 percent of employees in the sector compared to 2.1 percent of the overall New Hampshire population. In 2023, earnings within these sectors were well below the Granite States median income for all occupations with child care workers earning a median salary of $32,490, and home health and personal care aides earning $34,420 in 2023. For context, the federal poverty guideline for a family of four in 2023 was $30,000. Low pay and limited benefits may contribute to high turnover rates within these occupations, perpetuating workforce shortages. The New Hampshire Employment Security Office projects that annual turnover for child care workers will be 17 percent between the second quarter of 2023 to 2025 and approximately 15 percent for home health and personal care aides. While some policy initiatives have been implemented to address recruitment and retention efforts, including the $15 million state-funded Child Care Workforce Grants, it is too early to determine if the one-time funding was enough to address industry shortages. Despite the low pay associated with some occupations in the care industries, services provided within these sectors are expensive and may be unaffordable to some families. The average price of child care for two children under 5 in New Hampshire was nearly $32,000 a year in 2023. The 2024 statewide annual private pay rate for nursing facilities, including atypical and specialized care, was approximately $141,700, according to state data. For families with a worker earning at or below the annual salaries of employees in caregiving occupations, staying home to care for their own family members who might otherwise be in child care or nursing facilities may be more financially practical than engaging in paid employment. For employment-seeking individuals, pursuing a higher-paying occupation that is less physically, socially, and emotionally taxing could be appealing to some potential workers, further contributing to labor shortages in low-paying but high-stress occupations. Additional policies that help ensure long-term investment in the child care and health care professions may encourage more workers, especially women, to remain in or pursue these important occupations. Addressing workforce shortages in these fields can help increase the quality of life for Granite Staters while also growing New Hampshires workforce, both of which are vital components for a vibrant economy and society. To learn more, read the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institutes August 2024 analysis Labor Force Participation and Caregiving Among Granite State Women. Caroline Dinenage Returns Unopposed To Culture, Media & Sport Committee Hotseat The UKs Culture Media & Sport Committee (CMSC), which scrutinizes the work of the film and TV industries, has re-elected Caroline Dinenage as chair. Dinenage, whose father Fred Dinenage was a TV presenter, was the sole nomination and therefore elected unopposed. She had been chair for around a year before parliament was dissolved for the July 4 election. During her tenure she oversaw the review into the high-end TV and film industries, which saw the likes of Gurinder Chadha, Slow Horses director James Hawes and the head of Amazon UK appear in front of the committee. That work will need to be started from scratch if Dinenage chooses to do so. Im delighted to be re-elected to chair the Culture, Media and Sport Committee and entrusted to build on our achievements in the last parliament, said Dinenage. These sectors are our global economic super-power, they have remarkable abilities to drive regeneration and bring communities together. I will continue to work cross-party to ensure the government doesnt take them for granted and they continue to fire on all cylinders. More from Deadline BBC Says Waterloo Road Contributed $8.5M To Local Economy Returning BBC drama Waterloo Road has contributed 6.5M ($8.5M) to the local economy, according to BBC figures. The BBC has been touting the figures after commissioning five seasons in relatively quick succession of the drama set in a school. Three have already been made and it is these which have contributed to the local Greater Manchester economy. The show from Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall, which aired in the 2000s and returned in early 2023, provided training initiatives and built towards the BBCs target to make more TV outside of London. Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: Waterloo Road is a brilliant example of the BBCs commitment to back the best homegrown storytelling right across the UK. Its a series that helps nurture and champion local talent and directly supports the economy in the North West. She added that the BBC now invests more than 60% of its TV budget outside of London supporting hundreds of production companies and suppliers. Sphere Abacus Makes Latin America Sales Hire Sphere Abacus, the newly-rebranded sales house under fresh ownership, is delving into Latin America. Christina Covarrubias has been appointed Sales Consultant and will represent the outfit in the region. She was previously Director Sales for Latin America and US Hispanic for ITV Studios Distribution, managing all licensing activity. Formerly Abacus Media Rights, Canadas Sphere Media completed its C$24.6M ($18.2M) acquisition of the UK-based distrib last week and the company has been renamed. Christinas experience of the Latin American market will be invaluable to the company as we continue to distribute our vast programming catalogue as well as continuing to invest in new programmes from independent producers, said MD Jonathan Ford. Ken Anderson Exits Wild Child Animation Animation industry veteran Ken Anderson is exiting Wild Child Animation, the kids TV production house he co-founded five years ago. He is stepping down to focus on heading up TG Entertainment, the rights and production company that looks after Liz Pichons Tom Gates brand. Wild Child has produced three seasons and two specials of The Brilliant World of Tom Gates for Sky Kids. Anderson will also work with emerging creative companies and produce short- and feature-length animated films. Ken played a significant role in this early stage of Wild Child Animation, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his new journey with TG Entertainment, said Sueann Rochester, Managing Director of Wild Child. While change is a natural part of any business, Wild Child remains fully committed to our clients and our ongoing projects. Danish Drama The Sommerdahl Murders Renewed Again Danish drama series The Sommerdahl Murders has been renewed for a sixth season. The show is a co-production between Dynamic Television, Germanys ZDF and NdF, Sequoia Global Alliance and Danish broadcaster TV2. Based on Anna Grues bestselling book franchise, it is known as a blue-sky take on the Nordic noir genre set in the picturesque town of Helsingr on the Danish coastline. Each episode revolves around a murder investigation that is solved by Dan Sommerdahl (Peter Mygind) and his best friend Detective Superintendent Flemming Torp (Andre Babikian). Season 6 will see Sommerdahl preparing to marry his beloved Josefine after drug charges against her were dropped. Production on Season 6 began earlier this summer. The series is set to launch next year. Lolita Bellstar is the creator. She serves as head writer alongside Christine Exner. Executive Producers are Janni Helleskov of Sequoia Global Alliance, Matthias Walther from NdF, and Daniel March and Annika Schmidt of Dynamic Television. Paramounts Dan Cohen To Keynote MIPCOM Paramount Global Chief Licensing Officer Dan Cohen will keynote MIPCOM Cannes in October. The exec, also President of Republic Pictures, will give a Media Mastermind talk on Tuesday, October 22 at 3pm in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festival in Cannes. Cohen sells and monetizes content from CBS, The CW, Paramount+ With Showtime, Paramount Pictures, CBS Studios, CBS News, CBS Media Ventures, MTV Entertainment Studios, Nickelodeon, Miramax and third-party companies. Hell share nights into his strategy at the global studio and will joined by special guests. Paramount Global Content Distribution will also host a world premiere screening of CBS drama Watson on Sunday October 20 at 6pm, also at the Grand Palais. The 40th edition of MIPCOM takes place October 21-24. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County is hosting a Community Volunteer Fair to showcase the different volunteer opportunities available for adults in the area. The fair will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Meals on Wheels. For the duration of the fair, attendees will visit with organizations in Chemung County to explore open volunteer opportunities that are available to adults of all ages and abilities. Refreshments will be provided. Blood drives coming to the Southern Tier in September Community organizations that will host a table at the event include Chemung County Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Alzheimers Association, Faith in Action STNY, Arctic League and more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. LONDON (AP) Google lost its last bid to overturn a European Union antitrust penalty, after the bloc's top court ruled against it Tuesday in a case that came with a whopping fine and helped jumpstart an era of intensifying scrutiny for Big Tech companies. The European Unions top court rejected Google's appeal against the 2.4 billion euro ($2.7 billion) penalty from the European Commission, the 27-nation blocs top antitrust enforcer, for violating antitrust rules with its comparison shopping service. Also Tuesday, Apple lost its challenge against an order to repay 13 billion euros ($14.34 billion) in back taxes to Ireland, after the European Court of Justice issued a separate decision siding with the commission in a case targeting unlawful state aid for global corporations. Both companies have now exhausted their appeals in the cases that date to the previous decade. Together, the court decisions are a victory for European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who's expected to step down next month after 10 years as the commission's top official overseeing competition. Experts said the rulings illustrate how watchdogs have been emboldened in the years since the cases were first opened. One of the takeaways from the Apple decision "is the sense that, again, the EU authorities and courts are prepared to flex their (collective) muscles to bring Big Tech to heel where necessary, Alex Haffner, a competition partner at law firm Fladgate, said by email. The Google ruling reflects the growing confidence with which competition regulators worldwide are tackling the perceived excesses of the Big Tech companies, said Gareth Mills, partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys. The court's willingness to back the legal rationale and the level of fine will undoubtedly embolden the competition regulators further. The shopping fine was one of three huge antitrust penalties for Google from the commission, which punished the Silicon Valley giant in 2017 for unfairly directing visitors to its own Google Shopping service over competitors. We are disappointed with the decision of the Court, which relates to a very specific set of facts, Google said in a brief statement. The company said it made changes to comply with the commissions decision requiring it to treat competitors equally. It started holding auctions for shopping search listings that it would bid for alongside other comparison shopping services. Our approach has worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services, Google said. Story continues European consumer group BEUC hailed the court's decision, saying it shows how the bloc's competition law remains highly relevant" in digital markets. It is a good outcome for all European consumers at the end of the day, Director General Agustin Reyna said in an interview. It means that many smaller companies or rivals will be able to go to different comparison shopping sites. They dont need to depend on Google to reach out to customers." Google is still appealing its two other EU antitrust cases: a 2018 fine of 4.125 billion euros ($4.55 billion) involving its Android operating system and a 2019 penalty of 1.49 billion euros ($1.64 billion) over its AdSense advertising platform. Despite the amounts of money involved, the adverse rulings will leave a small financial dent in tow of the worlds richest and most profitable companies. The combined bill of 15.4 billion euro ($17 billion) facing Apple and Alphabet, Googles parent company, represents 0.3% of their combined market value of 4.73 trillion euro ($5.2 trillion). Apples stock price dipped slightly in Tuesdays late afternoon trading while Alphabet shares rose 1%, signaling investors were unfazed by the developments in Europe. Those three cases foreshadowed expanded efforts by regulators worldwide to crack down on the tech industry. The EU has since opened more investigations into Big Tech companies and drew up a new law to prevent them from cornering online markets, known as the Digital Markets Act. European Commissioner and Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said that the shopping case was one of the first attempts to regulate a digital company and inspired similar efforts worldwide. "The case was symbolic because it demonstrated even the most powerful tech companies could be held accountable. No one is above the law, Vestager told a press briefing in Brussels. Vestager said the commission will continue to open competition cases even as it enforces the Digital Markets Act. The DMA is a sweeping rulebook that forces Google and other tech giants to give consumers more choice by following a set of dos and don'ts. Google is also now facing pressure over its lucrative digital advertising business from the EU and Britain, which are carrying out separate investigations, and the United States, where the Department of Justice is taking the company to federal court over its alleged dominance in ad tech. Apple failed in its last bid to avoid repaying its Irish taxes Tuesday after the Court of Justice upheld a lower court ruling against the company, in the dispute that dates back to 2016. Vestager, who said she had been braced for defeat, hailed it as a landmark victory for tax justice. It was a surprise win for the commission, which has previously targeted Amazon, Starbucks and Fiat with tax rulings that were later overturned on appeal. They were part of the EU's efforts to stamp out sweetheart deals that let companies pay little to no taxes in a fight that highlighted the debate over whether multinational corporations are paying their fair share around the world. The case drew outrage from Apple, with CEO Tim Cook calling it total political crap. Then-U.S. President Donald Trump slammed Vestager, who spearheaded the campaign to root out special tax deals and crack down on big U.S. tech companies, as the tax lady who really hates the U.S. ___ Associated Press writers Raf Casert and Mark Carlson in Brussels contributed to this report. CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) Cedar City Police say a man who allegedly stole a car was involved in a multi-vehicle crash Sunday night while possibly under the influence. According to an affidavit of probable cause issued by Cedar City Police, the vehicle Robert Wayland Douglas, 25, of Cedar City was reportedly driving under the influence. Police also say he was speeding when he crashed into a parked car. Douglas almost collided with another car, which was full of people, before coming to a stop. According to police, he collided with the parked car at nearly 80 mph. Police reportedly found that the vehicle Douglas drove was not registered to him. The owner of the car told police that the car was unlawfully taken, and Douglas allegedly admitted to stealing the car. Douglas was arrested for the following charges: Theft of a firearm or operable motor vehicle, a second-degree felony. Theft value $500 to $1499, a class A misdemeanor. Driving under the influence first offense in 10 years, a class B misdemeanor. Driving on a denied license, a class C misdemeanor. Reckless driving, a class B misdemeanor. Possession of a controlled substance, a class B misdemeanor. Speeding. Unforgivable sin: Tooele man charged with murder of daughter, an SLC sheriffs deputy Police said Douglas allegedly admitted to speeding along Northfield Rd. in Cedar City. He also allegedly admitted to using marijuana just hours before the crash, which led to the DUI and drug possession charges. Douglas was arrested on the aforementioned charges and booked into Iron County Jail where he is still being held. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A spawning male sockeye salmon is seen in July 2010 in the Wood River, part of the Bristol Bay watershed. Bristol Bay is the site of the world's largest sockeye salmon runs. (Photo by Thomas Quinn/University of Washington, provided by the Environmental Protection Agency) A spawning male sockeye salmon is seen in July 2010 in the Wood River, part of the Bristol Bay watershed. Bristol Bay is the site of the world's largest sockeye salmon runs. (Photo by Thomas Quinn/University of Washington, provided by the Environmental Protection Agency) Its the time of year again when children have returned to school and seemingly endless daylight gives way to shorter days and cooler nights. In the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, it is viewed less as the end of another summer, and more as the end of another salmon season. Many weeks of hard work harvesting and preserving tens of millions of salmon to feed our families, communities and the rest of the world has come to an end. I cant think of a better time to pause and celebrate Bristol Bays wild salmon. We celebrate the incredible journey every single salmon makes; traveling thousands of miles in its life to return to its birthplace and complete the cycle of life. It is this cycle of salmon that has provided for our people, uninterrupted, for thousands of years. We celebrate the salmon because, in many respects, we owe our lives and livelihoods to them. Over the week of Sept. 9, a diverse coalition of commercial fishermen, business leaders, lodge owners, Alaska Native people and others, all from the Bristol Bay region, is bringing this celebration to the nations capital. They are here to share the delicious, healthy bounty of these fish, and just as importantly, share the remarkable story of wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon all in an effort to ensure the salmon can continue their journey for countless generations to come. We are in D.C. for Bristol Bay Native Corporations seventh annual Wild Salmon Celebration, set for Sept. 11. We will honor individuals who have fought tirelessly to protect Bristol Bay, its salmon, and our way of life. The same week, Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association will host a Restaurant Week, in which numerous venues across the metro area will feature sustainably harvested wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon on their menus. The goal of these events is to bring attention to this incredible, remote area of Alaska and its unique and robust salmon fishery a fishery that today supplies half the worlds wild sockeye salmon, and for millennia has supported our Alaska Native way of life. And I would be remiss to not mention Bristol Bays unparalleled and multi-million-dollar sport fishing industry, which attracts visitors from all over the world to the cold, clear rivers of Southwest Alaska each year. In recent years, we have been blessed to celebrate record sockeye salmon returns to the rivers that feed the Bay and corresponding record catches. The 2024 Bristol Bay salmon season didnt break records, but it provided an ample harvest of approximately 31 million sockeye wild, sustainable salmon that support thousands of jobs and a $2 billion annual economy. This year, there are other reasons to celebrate Bristol Bay sockeye. Representative Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, introduced legislation that, if enacted, would ensure the crucial salmon spawning habitat threatened by the ill-conceived Pebble Mine project remains intact forever. The Bristol Bay Protection Act would codify in federal law the Environmental Protection Agencys 2023 Final Determination for Bristol Bay, which prohibits large-scale mining projects like Pebble that would irreparably damage salmon habitat and the people and economy that rely on it. The Bristol Bay Protection Act is the latest in a series of significant victories in recent years and protect the fate of the salmon, and our way of life, from the political whims of future administrations and the foreign mining companies that might try to influence them. Indeed, despite bipartisan opposition and rejections by both the Trump and Biden administrations, backers of Pebble are pursuing wide-ranging legal actions in an attempt to keep the mine on life support. Regardless of the prospect of success for these legal maneuverings, they are reminders that the work to stop Pebble is not over. We look forward to working with Rep. Peltola and the Alaska congressional delegation, as well as champions from across the U.S., to advance either the Bristol Bay Protection Act or more comprehensive legislation that forever ends the threat Pebble poses to the Bristol Bay region. We urge all lawmakers to join us in our effort to protect not only special wild fish and places, but also thousands of sustainable American jobs. But there will be time for that work. Now, lets enjoy and celebrate everything we love about salmon and what they mean not just for Alaskans, but for Americans from all corners of the country. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX While some states are passing statewide restrictions on cell phones in schools, the rules are decided pretty much county by county in Maryland. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images Jamee Maiden, a 13-year-old eighth grader at William W. Hall Academy in Prince Georges County, said she was allowed to use her cell phone at certain times during the school day last school year. Not this school year. I feel like they help in class for certain things like research. If some people dont have computers, it is easier to access, she said. Prince Georges and Marylands 23 other school districts have various cell phone policies, but phones must be turned off during instructional time. While some states have started moving toward statewide policies on cell phones, Maryland is not there. Some districts this year allow middle and high school students to use them at lunch or during instructional time at the discretion of an administrator or teacher. Other districts allow high schoolers to use them in transition between various classes. Montgomery County officials are working on an away all day volunteer pilot program that would require students in participating schools to not use their cell phones during the school day. Liliana Lopez, a public information officer in the county, wrote in an email Friday that the deadline for schools to sign up was on Labor Day. The list is still being finalized, she wrote. State Superintendent Carey Wright used one word several times during a recent interview on cell phone policies: balance. Wright said officials in her department are gathering information on cell phone policies in other states and may present it to the state Board of Education soon. There are a lot of districts looking at how do we structure a cell phone policy that gives time away from the cell phones to focus on instruction, she said. Its a balance that you have to find between whats good for children, whats good for instruction and whats good for families. Its not an easy thing to do. Wright said an example of a good balance of cell phone usage could be allowing a certain time to students to access them during noninstructional time, and then put them in pouches. Some of the school systems are developing schedules to do that, she said. Theyre in school to learn. If this is interfering with the learning process, thats where schools are wanting a stricter use of it during the school day. At least two school districts implemented pilot programs for cell phone pouches. Middle school students in Caroline County must turn their phones off and place them in locked pouches. However, they are allowed to remain with students throughout the school day. In Baltimore County this school year, 16 middle and high schools are part of a pilot program for students to tuck their cell phones away in pouches. Last school year, some middle schools required students to place their cell phones in boxes when they entered a classroom. Kimberly Sloane, whos in her seventh year as president of the Allegany County Education Association, would like for her jurisdiction to possibly approve a similar pouch policy. Right now, Sloane said student cell phone use in class is mainly decided by teachers. She recalled teaching a high school social studies class seven years ago when a mother called her daughter during class. From the things I hear it has worsened. It is just not the appropriate time and space for them to have, Sloane said Thursday. Students have technology available with iPads and other computers during the school day. There is technology in the school for students to use. Social media is a distraction According to a Pew Research Center survey released in June, one-third of kindergarten through 12th grade teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem. The percentage increases to 72% of high school teachers who claim its a problem in their classrooms. The Florida legislature was the first in the nation to pass a policy last year to ban cell phone usage by students during class. It can only be done when a teacher allows it for educational purposes. Just this summer, state lawmakers in Louisiana and South Carolina approved similar statewide restrictions. In neighboring Virgina, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed an executive order in July for the state Department of Education to issue guidelines for schools to establish cell-phone-free education. School districts there must adopt policies by January. State legislators in Ohio, Indian and Minnesota approved policies that recommend school districts to create similar cell phone policies. All those states provide exceptions for special needs students with an Individualized Education Program, or a 504 plan, which requires reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Annette Anderson, assistant professor and deputy director of Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, said policies should be more nuanced to ensure parents, the community and educators are part of ongoing conversations to maintain and improve student achievement. For instance, she said some students may need cell phones to connect with parents to look after younger siblings or assist their parents who may not be able to work. I think that this brings up a need for more conversation in PTAs, and back-to-school nights and other venues where family engagement is a conversation that families and school staff can really talk about the pros and the cons of this, said Anderson, a parent with two children who attend Baltimore City public schools. Anderson, a former school administrator, said she supports school districts that allow students to bring their cell phones in school, but that disabling social media sites such as TikTok or Instagram during the school day would benefit educators and students. Several Maryland school districts filed a lawsuit last year against Google, Meta, ByteDance and Snap Inc. for targeting and manipulating youth. I would probably come down on the side of advanced technology that allows students to use their phones, but disable social media, Anderson said. We have to have a way that those programs can be disabled during the school hours. Social media is a distraction. Jamee Maidens mother, Phyllis Wright, said students dont need to use their cell phones during the school day. But the recent high school shootings in Georgia and in Harford County are why Wright wants her daughter to still have a cell phone in school. We never know what might happen, Wright said. I would rather my child to have a phone than not have one. Central Arkansas family shares their UAMS NICU journey as the hospital celebrates NICU Awareness through a Read-A-Thon LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences celebrated NICU Awareness through a Read-A-Thon Parade Monday, and alongside the nurses and doctors was one family that helped donate all the books in honor of their son Oliver. Oliver was born at 28 weeks and spent 83 days in the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit before getting to come home. When you have a premature baby its very scary, Olivers mom Chelsea Verdier said. UAMS holds annual NICU reunion at the Little Rock Zoo Chelsea and Chris Verdier could not hold their son for the first two-and-a-half weeks of his life because he was in intensive care. However, when they were finally able, all they wanted to do was build a connection. Doctors recommended things to help with the physical connection, such as skin-to-skin and cradling, and help little Oliver develop an emotional bond. We want to do everything medically to take care of those children, and part of that medical care is not just feeding and nutrition and respiratory management, its the developmental care that we provide, UAMS Medical Director of NICU Sara Peeples said. UAMS receives $5.5 million award to improve Arkansas rural health programs Thats when doctors recommended reading childrens books to promote bonding, comfort, language development, literacy, and stress reduction because language is also nutrition. We would take turns sitting next to his isolette and read to him, and it just became a habit for us, Chelsea Verdier said. They brought in books from home, borrowed them from nurses, and even from the NICU library cabinet, trying to help Oliver succeed in every area of his life. I think it really bonded us as a family, Chris Verdier said. UAMS hosts NICU reunion at Little Rock Zoo To walk out together with your baby, I mean thats a huge milestone, Chris Verdier said. They wanted to give back to UAMS NICU, who began as strangers but now were like family. That is when they decided to honor Oliver by donating books. Over the past three years, Oliver and his family have donated nearly 800 books to the UAMS NICU. UAMS NICU babies in need of costumes for Halloween season Today was a full circle moment as they were able to walk in the UAMS Read-A-Thon event, taking these books room by room and seeing the faces and emotions new NICU parents and babies are dealing with. We were those two parents in the room with our baby so its nice to be on the other side of that and to encourage parents, Chelsea Verdier said. According to Chris, doctors said Oliver would face challenges as he grew older, but so far, he has overcome each and every one. His parents call him a bright light of sunshine, and they say its all due to their passion for reading to him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. Photo by Getty Images The challengers to the Make Elections Fair Act say that the Arizona Secretary of States arguments that the voters, not the courts, should decide the fate of the proposed constitutional amendment should be stricken from the court record. Daniel Arellano, an attorney representing the challengers, also claimed that Secretary of State Adrian Fontes had recently made a contradicting argument in a similar case. The Make Elections Fair Act is the target of a legal challenge in which detractors allege that the committee behind the ballot measure did not collect enough signatures to make it onto the November ballot. Ballots have already been sent to the printers, so the measure will be put to voters no matter what, but if the courts ultimately determine that too many of the signatures were duplicates, the state Supreme Court has said it will order elections officials to disregard any of the votes for Proposition 140, as it will appear on the ballot. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. Fontes, a Democrat, argued in a filing to the Arizona Supreme Court last week that allowing voters to mark their choice on the Make Elections Fair Act, and then possibly disregarding those votes, would disenfranchise voters. Earlier, a trial court had said it would not consider the challengers evidence that they said prove some 40,000 signatures were actually duplicates, making them invalid. That judge ruled Prop. 140 had about 32,000 petition signatures more than needed. But the Arizona Supreme Court ordered the trial judge to reopen the case and consider the evidence. Fontes on Friday asked the high court to reconsider that decision, citing decades of precedent and the courts own rules that run contrary to what the court did when it allowed the lawsuit to continue after ballots have been printed. Arellano alleged that Fontes was not given permission by the court to make the request to reconsider, and also pointed out that Fontes had argued the opposite point in a court case challenging the candidacy of Republican legislative candidate Michael Way, whose name has also already been printed on November ballots. In a brief filed in the Way case, Fontes told the court that, if it determined that Way was not eligible for office, the court should order that votes for the candidate should not count, Arellano wrote. The Court should take judicial notice that the Secretary has made a contradictory argument in the ongoing (Way case), saying the Secretary should be ordered to disregard votes cast for an allegedly ineligible candidate, Arellano wrote. JP Martin, spokesperson for Fontes, told the Arizona Mirror that the Secretary of State filed his request for reconsideration in compliance with the Arizona Supreme Courts order allowing responses. Also, motions to strike are generally disfavored by courts, Martin wrote in an email. When it comes to the accusation of double standards, Martin pointed out that there is a state statute that specifically addresses what to do if a candidate is removed from a race involuntarily after ballots have already been printed. In that case, courts would order the counties not to certify the votes for that candidate, and to instead allow a write-in candidate to file a nomination paper to run for the seat, Martin said. There is no statute even remotely similar in the initiative context; once the initiative is on the ballot and the ballots go to print, 80 years of precedent has held that the challenge to the initiative is moot, Martin wrote. The Way case, in which he was accused of not being an Arizona resident for long enough to qualify for legislative office, was dismissed on Monday. The challengers accused the Make Elections Fair Act Committee of stalling the case until the ballot printing deadline had passed. It is clear that they expected the ballot printing deadline as a get-out-jail-free card, Arellano wrote. Allowing ballot printing to function as such would cement the perverse incentive the Committee thought it could avail itself of here: delay and fight overwhelming evidence of invalidity in the hopes of running out the clock. Arellano countered arguments from both Fontes and the committee that a ruling not to count votes for the act would disenfranchise voters. Voters are not disfranchised by not having their votes counted for a measure that was never eligible in the first place, he wrote. By the Committees logic, holding ballot measures to be substantively invalid after their adoption something the courts unquestionably have the power to do would likewise disenfranchise voters. ***UPDATE: This story has been updated with comments from a spokesperson for the Arizona Secretary of State. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Chappell Roan - Credit: Maria-Juliana Rojas for Rolling Stone Chappell Roan told Rolling Stone in her new cover story that she turned down an invite to perform at the White Houses Pride Celebration this year because of her opposition to various stances taken by Joe Bidens administration. Im not going to go to the White House because I am not going to be a monkey for Pride, Roan said. Roan first revealed the declined invite during her set at Governors Ball in June. Dressed as the Statue of Liberty, she dedicated My Kink Is Karma to Joe Bidens administration and said, We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, thats when Ill come. Then, referring to the famous lines on the Statue of Libertys pedestal Give me your tired, your poor; your huddled masses yearning to breath free she spoke out in support of trans rights, womens rights, and freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories. More from Rolling Stone Roan told Rolling Stone that when she first got the invite, she considered going but not to perform. Instead, she wanted to read poetry in protest of the U.S. governments support of Israels war in Gaza. I had picked out some poems from Palestinian women, Roan said. I was trying to do it as tastefully as I could because all I wanted to do was yell. I had to find something thats tasteful and to the point and meaningful, and not make it about me and how I feel. While Roan said she felt this was her one chance to stage such a protest directly in front of the president, she ultimately decided against it after discussing the plan with her publicist. While supportive, her publicist also argued: You fuck with the president and the government, your security is not the same, and neither is your familys. After revealing that shed declined the invite, Roan said she was bewildered to see some fans misconstruing the decision as some kind of support for Donald Trump and Republicans. It is not so black and white that you hate one and you like the other, she said. No matter how you say it, people are still going to be pissed for fucking some reason. Im not going to go to the White House because I am not going to be a monkey for Pride. And thank God I didnt go because they just made a huge statement about trans kids a couple weeks ago. (Roan was referring to an anonymous White House spokesperson who said in June that gender-affirming surgery should be limited to transgender adults; the White House walked back the statement a month later.) Roan went on to succinctly sum up her political outlook, stating bluntly: Im pretty, Fuck the government, and fuck everything thats going on right now. I dont have a side because I hate both sides, and Im so embarrassed about everything going on right now. While this part of Roans interview was conducted before Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election, the pop star kept her outlook cautious but allowed some optimism during an August follow-up as Kamala Harris secured the nomination. Right now, its more important than ever to use your vote, and I will do whatever it takes to protect peoples civil rights, especially the LGBTQ+ community, she said. My ethics and values will always align with that, and that hasnt changed with a different nominee. I feel lucky to be alive during an incredibly historical time period when a woman of color is a presidential nominee. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. CHICAGO The Chicago Police Department is investigating numerous business burglaries that have happened over the last few days. Police said the burglaries happened at the following times and locations: 200 block of West Lake St. Sunday, August 31 at midnight and Monday, September 2 at 6:00 A.M. 2000 block of North Lincoln Ave. Sunday, September 1 at 2:00 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. 1600 block of West Chicago Ave Tuesday, September 3 at 6:45 A.M. and Wednesday, September 4 at 6:47 A.M. 1700 block of West Chicago Ave. Wednesday, September 4 at 3:20 A.M. 1700 block of West Chicago Ave. Wednesday, September 4 at 4:13 A.M. 100 block of West Hubbard St. Wednesday, September 4 at 3:48 A.M. 1900 block of West Chicago Ave Wednesday, September 4 at 4:19 A.M 2000 block of North Halsted St. Thursday, September 5 at 2:59 A.M. 2000 block of North Orchard St. Thursday, September 5 at 3:12 A.M. 3000 block of North Southport St. Thursday, September 5 at 3:22 A.M In each incident, the suspects smashed front glass windows or doors to get inside. Once inside, they took safes, register drawers, electronics, money, and large amounts of clothing and money. Officers investigating home invasion witness neighbors fleeing from another Police are searching for four suspects in total. They are described as men and women who wore black hooded sweatshirts, black ski masks, black pants, and dark olive green colored beanie hats. The vehicles used in the burglaries were a dark Jeep Cherokee and a gray Audi SUV. Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Chicago crime: 19-year-old man shot in thigh while standing on sidewalk CHICAGO - A gunman opened fire on a man standing on the sidewalk in West Englewood Monday afternoon. At about 3:50 p.m., a 19-year-old man was on the sidewalk in the 5700 block of South Racine when an unknown vehicle pulled up alongside him, police said. A person inside the vehicle produced a firearm and fired shots at the man, striking him in the right thigh. The victim was taken to an area hospital in serious condition. Area One detectives are investigating. Children, aged 2 and 5, crawled through dead moms blood to get help: stepfather charged with murder Davante Parks has been charged with murder and cruelty to children in Augusta, Georgia. Laquana Lang, 27, was killed on Saturday in front of her young children (Richmond County Sheriffs Office) Two children, aged two and five, were forced to crawl through their mothers blood to get help after she was shot dead, police say. Laquana Lang, 27, was killed on Saturday at a house in Augusta, Georgia. Davante Parks, 26, who is believed to have had a relationship with Lang, has been charged with her murder. He is being held in Richmond County Jail on one count of murder, two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, possession of firearm or knife during commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to jail records. Arrest warrants, obtained by WRDW, revealed the horrific circumstances of the killing. Following the shooting, Langs two young children were left alone with her body for more than four hours. The children eventually crawled through a pool of her blood to seek help. They also identified Parks, who is believed to be their stepfather, as the shooter, according to police. The Independent has contacted the Richmond County Sheriffs Office for further details. Lang was shot at 4am but pronounced dead at 11:06am by the Richmond County Coroners Office. The shooting comes less than two months after Parks was released on parole after shooting Brittney McKie in May 2016, according to an arrest warrant from the time. McKie was wounded in her right arm, right thigh, left middle finger, and possibly her genitals acccording to the initial deputy report. Parks was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and pleaded guilty. I didnt go to sleep; I havent been to sleep since I heard he was out, McKie told WJBF after reports broke of Parks latest arrest. Saturday I had to find out from a Facebook post that it was him that was out nobody told me he was out. A major study has tracked the progress of all children in Scotland's care system from 2012/13 [Getty Images] More than one in 10 children in care were still in temporary placements a decade after entering the care system in Scotland, a major study has revealed. The University of Stirling looked at the care experiences of more than 1,800 children in Scotland - many of whom had experienced neglect or abuse - and found that on average it took more than two years to find them a permanent home. Researchers also raised concerns that too many "looked after" children had no contact with their siblings. A Scottish government spokeswoman said it was committed to ensuring that permanent homes are secured for children and young people in timescales that are right for them. The 'Permanently Progressing?' study followed the lives of all 1,836 children who entered Scotland's care system aged five or under in 2012/13. It is the largest longitudinal study of care-experienced children in the UK and has tracked their progress at key life stages. The first phase looked at their experiences before entering care and their progress up until age eight. The second phase revisited the cohort in "middle childhood" between 2020 and 2024. About 79% of the children were living in permanent homes by the end of July 2022. But overall the average time it took to find a permanent home was 32 months. 'Not what we want' The study investigated how long it took to secure permanence for children, which included making sure they felt secure as well as being legally secure in a safe, permanent home. Dr Helen Whincup, senior lecturer in social work at the University of Stirling, led the study which tracked the children's progress over time. She said: "While it is heartening that permanence has been achieved for most of the children, it is worrying that for many this took over two years - a long time in a child's life. "It is also concerning that one in 10 of children had five or more placements and, 10 years after becoming looked after, more than one in 10 children were still, or again, in impermanent placements. "This is not what we would want for any child." The study found that nearly two thirds of children who had ever been looked after away from home had been in two or more placements - and one in 10 children had five or more. While the Scottish government is the corporate parent for care-experienced children, crucial information about some children was missing from administrative data. For 9% of children, there was not enough detail in Children Looked After Statistics (CLAS) to say where they were living - and ethnicity was recorded as unknown for 8% of children. Information on their early lives was available from social workers for 727 children from the overall cohort. This showed that, before entering the care system, most had experienced "significant neglect and abuse" and family life was challenging. The survey also looked at contact with siblings using information from caregivers for 79 children. It found that about half of the children with a sibling living elsewhere had no contact with them. More than one third of the 98 children whose caregivers completed a questionnaire have a long-standing illness, disability or health problem that affected their day-to-day activities. Deliver good practice Dr Paula Jacobs, research fellow at the University of Stirling, was involved in interviewing children and caregivers for the study. She said: "We heard about the complexity of renewing or maintaining connections across different families, where children may have different needs. "While not underestimating the sensitivity needed to maintain or renew connections, the fact that so many children do not currently have any form of contact with their brothers and sisters is stark." The research is led by the University of Stirling in collaboration with Lancaster University, and the Association for Fostering, Kinship and Adoption Scotland (AFKA). The study was funded by a philanthropic donor and the Nuffield Foundation. Minister for Children and Young People Natalie Don-Innes said the Scottish government was committed to Keeping The Promise by ensuring that all care-experienced children and young people grow up feeling "safe, loved and respected". She said: We are committed to ensuring that permanent homes are secured for children and young people in timescales that are right for them. "We are funding AFKA to deliver good practice guides helping social workers as they support children, young people and their families. We continue to work closely with The Promise Scotland, Cosla and other delivery partners to ensure we can deliver on these aims. Grant Cardone Grant Cardone, the fund manager and CEO of Cardone Capital and Cardone Training Technologies, believes that real estate is the best investment to make but that doesnt mean that all real estate investments are good ones. Read Next: 6 Best Cities To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents Learn More: 9 Easy Ways To Grow Your Wealth in 2024 If youre looking to make a successful real estate investment, Cardone said to avoid this one common mistake buyers often make. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Cardone: Most People Are Buying the Wrong Kind of Real Estate The No. 1 mistake people make when investing in real estate is buying the wrong asset class, said Cardone, who will be hosting his 2024 Real Estate Summit in Miami on Oct. 14-15. They think all real estate is identical, he told GOBankingRates. They think a single-family home is like a four-unit or 10-unit apartment building. Theyre not the same. Most people are buying the wrong kind of real estate. Theyre buying something to live in, rather than something that will pay them money. Consider This: 5 Cities Where Homes Will Be a Total Steal In Two Years Why Buying a Single-Family Home Is a Bad Investment Buying a single-family home may make the most sense for you financially, but Cardone said this shouldnt automatically be thought of as an investment. A house doesnt pay you, [so] a house is not an investment, he said. Paying for where you live is simply that paying for where you live. A car is not an investment a car is an expense. An address is an expense. Do you need a place to live? Yes, but you dont have to call it an investment. An investment pays you. While an investment pays you money, owning a home costs you money. You have to pay to keep it, Cardone said. A pure investment would [be] I buy gold, hold the gold and one day sell it and get my money. I dont keep paying to keep the gold. Unlike gold, holding onto a house ends up costing you more money over time as taxes and home insurance costs increase, he added. People need to look at the cost of the house, not just the mortgage, Cardone said. Nationwide, the mortgage is double the rent today. Thats before the HOA fee, before the property taxes, before the [private mortgage insurance] (PMI), before the maintenance and before the interest on the loan, which could be 7%. One More Common Mistake To Avoid In addition to buying single-family homes, Cardone cautioned against another common mistake real estate investors make. Story continues The biggest mistake is people buy a house thinking that theyre buying a real estate [investment], Cardone said. No. 2, they should not look for the lowest price they should look for the best location. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Grant Cardone: This Is the No. 1 Mistake To Avoid When Investing in Real Estate Children in detention center learn about fixing our mistakes in art and life A student in an art-as-therapy class at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls works through an exercise. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) A student in an art-as-therapy class at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls works through an exercise. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) SIOUX FALLS Its a quarter to 5 on a Wednesday afternoon, and art instructor Lisa Brunick wants her students to expel some energy through color and short bursts of chaos. Grab two crayons, she says, and hold them in your fist facing downward, like youre 2, over your sheet of white paper. A Journey Through Art Rehfelds Underground in Sioux Falls will host a free, one-night exhibit of art produced by detainees at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. The show runs from 5 to 7 p.m., with talks from art-as-therapy instructors and the leaders of the Sioux Falls nonprofit Journey of Hope starting at around 5:30 p.m. Now scribble. Hard and fast. Go. Go, go, go! Brunick says, watching the clock as 10 seconds tick by. Now stop! The students repeat the process four times, each time swapping out the colors in their fists. Then Brunick tells them to tear up the white paper and reassemble their work onto another sheet of paper like a puzzle, she says, but dont let the pieces touch. The gaps are to be filled with gold paint. Its a lesson inspired by kintsugi, a Japanese method of pottery repair that uses gold instead of plaster to make broken art more beautiful than it may have been before. The terms literal translation, she tells her pupils, is gold joinery. Its a process of fixing our mistakes, Brunick says. Instead of saying I blew it, thats the end of it, we can say I blew it. How can I make it better? Kintsugi is just one lesson in Brunicks yearlong curriculum, but only Brunick will make it a whole year. The 30-year educator with art therapy training leads courses at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls, one of South Dakotas largest facilities for young offenders. It houses kids from more than two dozen counties in the states southeastern quadrant, usually for days or weeks, not full semesters. Brunick uses a curriculum where each lesson builds on the last, but the lessons are also self-contained enough to work for a transient population that may only attend a course or two. You dont need to do the full course to learn something, Brunick said. Brunick and another teacher named Amanda Berger work through a nonprofit organization called Journey of Hope, founded four years ago by the family of a young man who struggled with mental illness and addiction. On Thursday night from 5-7 p.m., the public will have an opportunity to see the work of the itinerant young artists when Rehfelds Underground in downtown Sioux Falls hosts a one-night exhibition called A Journey Through Art. All-volunteer support In a criminal justice setting, structured arts coursework falls under a category of programming called evidence-based, meaning its known to reduce the risk of re-offending by kids who take part. But the center in Sioux Falls doesnt have the money to pay for it. Lisa Brunick of Sioux Falls leads an art-as-therapy course at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Nor can it pay for animal meet-and-greet visits with staff from the Great Plains Zoo, financial literacy courses from Lutheran Social Services, nutrition courses from South Dakota State University or talks on oral health from Delta Dental. Its only through the generosity of the community that the center can offer anything more than regular school coursework for every kid and mental health counseling for the ones at risk of self-harm, according to the centers assistant director, Nate Ellens. When vetted volunteers and nonprofit organizations want to help without sending the county a bill, Ellens said, its an easy yes. The yearlong curriculum from Journey of Hopes instructors and its goal-oriented approach are particularly welcome. It may be rare for kids to stay at the center for an entire school year, but many of the kids who wind up detained stay longer than they used to. Weve had an increase in youth charged as an adult that are here for an extended period of time, Ellens said. So we really do have programming needs, but we dont have a budget for it. Sioux Falls isnt alone in its limits, said Center Director Jamie Gravett. Federal regulations require at least one staff member for every eight detainees in juvenile facilities, which means Gravett needs more staff on hand than he would if he ran an adult facility. It costs more than $400 per day to house a juvenile, he said, with 70-80% of that money going to salaries. The center is also building a replacement facility, which will add nearly $100 a day to the cost the center charges its partner counties for room and board. Gravett isnt thrilled about the limits to programming for the kids in his care, but he also knows property taxpayers arent thrilled about their rising bills in Sioux Falls or other cities with large juvenile facilities, like Rapid City or Pierre. He doesnt love that the only counseling he can offer to kids who arent in immediate danger comes from Volunteers of America counselors who offer their time for free. Lawmakers tried unsuccessfully to address rising property taxes during the 2024 session, but they did agree to conduct a summer study on the issue. The emphasis of those discussions is property tax relief. I havent found anyone yet whos happy to see their property tax bills go up, and I cant blame them, said Gravett. Gaps in care Journey of Hopes mission is to fill in the gaps created by tight budgets. Kari Palmer and her husband founded the group in 2020 after their son died of an alcohol overdose. Hed struggled with addiction and depression, and at one point spent six months at the JDC in Sioux Falls. The groups goal is to support the whole person, both in and outside of correctional settings by offering, at no cost to taxpayers, what overburdened institutions cant. Artwork from a student in an art-as-therapy class at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Her sons experiences serve as a guide. He left the Juvenile Detention Center without basic hygiene items, for example, which got her thinking about the other kids whod been there. We would provide that for him, but so many other people dont have family there because bridges have been burned or whatever, Palmer said. We recognized that there was a much greater need in our community. Thats why the groups first effort was to organize the delivery of hygiene kits to kids leaving the center, but also to people in parking lots or approached by volunteers with Church on the Street, a group that ministers to the homeless. Its a bag to say, You know what? The community is here to support you. Heres something to start your journey with. Youre not alone in this, Palmer said. Art as therapy, Palmer said, is a way to offer community support to those who find themselves inside institutions, often after experiencing trauma at a young age. As with the hygiene kits, the idea was inspired by her sons experience at the center. Inside an institution, she said, there are emotional needs that go beyond the basics of survival. At his wake, I learned from people that he would play his guitar and he would sing, she said. It would just bring them hope on their journey, and just bring them a level of peace. And I wanted that. I wanted that for people. Palmer wanted something a little more in-depth, which is why she reached out to Brunick, a longtime art teacher and certified art therapist. What started with Brunick and Berger at the center has since expanded to include biweekly yoga instruction there. Another instructor leads singing bowl sessions at the Glory House, a halfway house in Sioux Falls about a block from the Juvenile Detention Center, twice a month. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rehabilitation useful for juveniles Palmer has some grant applications in review that she hopes will open up more expansive programming. Ideally, the group would be able to deliver the arts curriculum to families at home after a juveniles release. Its important to fill a childs incarcerated days with more positive influences and fewer hours in cells, she said, but also to continue to support them after release. If kids are detained, Palmer said the community should be asking how are we helping them, as a society, to heal? Palmer worked with University of South Dakota Criminal Justice Professor Jenna Borseth on those grant applications. A photo of the curriculum chapters used in art-as-therapy sessions at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Regarding therapeutic art programs for juveniles, theres a lot of research that has shown they can be quite effective, Borseth said, even though there are some questions as to whether its the arts aspect or the individualized attention that helps. It might be that really pouring time into people and giving them resources and giving them tools to deal with their anger, and maybe a class focused on managing anger or understanding empathy, could be equally effective, Borseth said. Kids in South Dakota tend to reoffend at lower rates than those in other states, she said, but there are areas for improvement. There are disparities in outcomes for Native American children, for example, who are more likely to reoffend than kids of any other race in the state. Targeted programs with cultural elements could make a difference, Borseth said. There is a growing body of research that really suggests just taking any effective programming and throwing it at that population specifically is not optimal, she said. Course completion rates are another wrinkle in South Dakotas juvenile offender population. Kids in the state are less likely to finish evidence-based treatment than kids in other states, she said. More incentives to keep kids involved in programming, such as sentence reductions or clearing a childs record for completion, could be worth a look. Things like that can provide some opportunity for them to engage in the programming that we know is going to help them in the long run, but that they might not buy into right now, Borseth said. From the center to the gallery Ellens cant say hes seen dramatic changes in the kids specifically because of the art classes. Its not as though students return to their rooms as obsessive sketch artists or suddenly become model residents after a few sessions. What Ellens does see are improvements in their coping skills. Kids who practice using the techniques they learn in the arts course can turn to them to handle their emotions in difficult moments, he said. A student in an art-as-therapy class at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls works on a project meant to teach lessons about second chances. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) A lot of the kids do great until something doesnt go their way, Ellens said. And thats where programming like art comes in. Its the connections, the skills they learn in there, the connections they have to the facilitators, and then just art in general being a release for them. Brunick knows not every lesson will land. Some students struggle with certain prompts and crumple up their work in frustration; others stay quiet and barely engage during their initial lessons before opening up. After the first of her two sessions on tearing paper and putting it back together, Brunick noticed that one young man struggled to see the purpose of the exercise. He loves to draw and has talent, she said, but hes typically meticulous and precise with each stroke. Oftentimes thats a red flag that their life is out of control, its full of chaos, and they just need to pull it together. They want desperately to have control. They need to have that control, like give me a pencil and a piece of paper any day, Brunick said. So being this loose like this, it takes courage. Brunick wants visitors to Thursdays art show to see that courage, even though they wont see it on the faces of the artists. To protect their privacy, no artist names will be attached to their work. Which is not to say the students dont appreciate the attention. When Brunick first pitched the idea of an art show, she said one boy just about jumped out of his chair. He was like yes, we want people in the community to know we are not just criminals in here, were people with potential and talents, and we want to show them that, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Authorities had said from the start that the fires were likely set intentionally (RODRIGO ARANGUA) (RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/AFP) Chilean police on Monday arrested a former fireman for allegedly contributing to a massive blaze that killed 137 people and destroyed thousands of homes in February because he wanted to be a "hero" by helping put it out. The arrest of Elias Salazar, 39, adds to those of another volunteer firefighter and a forestry official suspected of involvement in the second deadliest inferno recorded in the world this century. Several fires broke out simultaneously on February 2 around the coastal city of Vina del Mar, some 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of Chile's capital Santiago. The inferno was fueled by winds and a heat wave that saw temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Authorities had said from the start that the fires were likely set intentionally. Salazar was once a volunteer firefighter and until his arrest an employee of the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred). Valparaiso police official Guillermo Galvez said Monday Salazar is accused as a "material author" in the events and for allegedly setting at least one of the fires. About the motivation, Galvez said Salazar "likes to be a hero, participating and helping in emergencies." He will appear in court on Tuesday charged with arson. The other two suspects have been ordered held in pre-trial detention for six months. ps/ag/mlr/dw Chinas historic attempt to bring samples from Mars to Earth could launch as soon as 2028, two years earlier than previously stated, according to a senior mission official. The countrys Tianwen-3 mission would carry out two launches around 2028 to retrieve the Martian samples, chief mission designer Liu Jizhong said at a deep-space exploration event in eastern Chinas Anhui province last week. The projected mission launch is more ambitious than a 2030 target announced by space officials earlier this year, though the timeline has fluctuated in recent years. A 2028 target appears to return to a launch plan described in 2022 by a senior scientist involved with the Tianwen program a mission profile that would see samples returned to Earth by 2031. The latest remarks follow Chinas landmark success retrieving the first samples from the far side of the moon in June. It also comes as an effort by NASA and the European Space Agency to retrieve Mars samples remains under assessment amid concerns over budget, complexity and risk. The US space agency, which first landed on Mars decades ago, said it is evaluating faster and more affordable plans to allow for a speedier result than one that would have returned samples in 2040. Becoming the first country to return samples from Mars would be a significant accomplishment for Chinas ambitious space program and leader Xi Jinpings stated eternal dream to make the country a space power. Chinas advances including uncrewed lunar missions and the establishment of its own orbital space station come as the US and other countries have ramped up their own space programs amid a growing focus on the potential access to resources and scientific benefits of lunar and deep space exploration. A key priority of Chinas Tianwen-3 mission would be to search for traces of life on Mars. The mission would also attempt technical breakthroughs in surface sampling, takeoff and ascent from the Martian surface, as well as a spacecraft rendezvous in Mars orbit, Liu said last week, according to Chinese state media. In a separate interview with CGTN, the international division of Chinas state broadcaster, Liu stressed the challenges associated with the mission, which is slated to involve two initial rocket launches and an unprecedented rocket launch off another planet to return the samples. The return mission requires launch from the surface of Mars. Its actually a small rocket launch therefore it will be very difficult to ensure the entire flight is reliable, he said. China would engage in international cooperation around the mission, including carrying other countries payloads and sample and data sharing, as well as planning for future Mars research, Liu was also quoted as saying. A high-resolution photo of the surface of Mars taken by China's Tianwen-1 probe in 2021 as it orbited the planet. - CNSA/AP Missions to Mars Mars has long been seen by scientists as a critical research destination that could reveal information about the existence of life outside Earth and our own origins in the solar system. Chinas Tianwen planetary exploration mission series, whose name roughly translates to questions to heaven, had its first success in 2021, when its Tianwen-1 probe reached Mars orbit and deployed the Zhurong rover to the planets surface. Zhurongs May 15, 2021, landing in a large plain known as Utopia Planitia made China the third country after the Soviet Union and the United States to touch down on the planet, which at its closest is more than 30 million miles from Earth. The rovers primary mission was to search for signs of ancient life and investigate minerals, environment and distribution of water and ice in the plain. Data returned from the rovers initial survey of the basin suggested that the Utopia Planitia basin had contained water during a period of time tens of millions of years ago when many scientists believed Mars to be dry and cold, according to 2022 research. The rover was designed to have a working duration of 90 days on Mars, but continued for 358 days and traveled 1,921 meters (6,302 feet) on the planet. It went into hibernation in May 2022 due to what Chinese scientists said was an unpredictable accumulation of dust. The US had its first landing on the planet in 1976 with its Viking 1 mission, which included a lander that operated for more than six years. It was a feat that surpassed the Soviet Unions Mars 3 spacecraft, which landed on the Martian surface in 1971, but only transmitted signal for some 20 seconds. The most recent US landing on Mars was that of NASAs Perseverance rover, which touched down in the Jezero crater in 2021 and has since been collecting samples for a later return to Earth. NASA chief Bill Nelson earlier this year called the US planned Mars sample return mission one of the most complex missions NASA has ever undertaken. The US space agency announced in April that it was seeking new, innovative ways to retrieve surface samples, after a budget plan ballooned to as much as $11 billion with a timeframe of sample returns by 2040. In June, it announced it was backing a handful of 90-day studies to find more affordable and faster methods. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- Chinas top lawmakers are reviewing a government proposal to raise the retirement age, paving the way for its approval as soon as Friday, in a move that would expand its shrinking workforce but risk spurring public discontent. Most Read from Bloomberg The Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on Tuesday discussed motions including a draft decision by the State Council, Chinas cabinet, to gradually up the retirement age, the official Xinhua News Agency reported without giving details. If approved, it would be the first increase in the retirement age in over 40 years. The unexpected deliberation followed a July announcement by the ruling Communist Party that the retirement age will rise in a voluntary, flexible manner. The proposal wasnt on the meeting agenda announced ahead of the four-day meeting of the legislative body this week. The discussion by the top legislative body comes as the country faces demographic headwinds that are weighing on the growth outlook of the worlds second-largest economy. Delaying retirement would slow the decline of its working-age population and buy Beijing more time to boost birth rates that fell to a record last year. Raising the threshold could increase the effective supply and utilization of the labor force of the whole society, and maintain the impetus and vitality of economic and social development, Yuan Xin, an economics professor from Nankai University, told Peoples Daily in an article published Wednesday. In accordance with the principle of voluntariness and flexibility, older people who have the willingness, ability and conditions to continue to work will be able to better realize their own value. The proposal will likely be endorsed on Friday when the NPCSC meeting concludes, as the approval of a plan submitted by the State Council is largely a formality. The effective date and other details may follow. Since at least the 1970s, the retirement age for white-collar workers has been kept at 60 for men and between 50 and 55 for women, putting China at the lower end of the spectrum worldwide. Previous discussions on raising the age, such as in 2008, had failed to reach the legislature. What Bloomberg Economics Says... From a long-term perspective, the move makes sense. Its the latest step to address a demographic crunch thats weighing on growth. From a short-term perspective, though, it risks adding to headwinds to the recovery. With the economy slowing and the job outlook deteriorating for workers still early in their careers, the prospect of having to work further into their older years could put another damper on sentiment at a time when boosting confidence is key to reviving growth. Eric Zhu, economist Read the full note here While generally unwelcome by workers across the world, in China, resistance to the idea has revealed deeper anxieties. In response to the Tuesday announcement, Chinese social media buzzed with expressions of grievances with the job market, especially for older employees. Sure lets delay retirement, one user wrote in a popular post on X-like Weibo. But you have to provide jobs for people aged 35-65. Chinas labor market remains sluggish amid an economic slowdown. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are infamous for their 996 culture meaning working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week and for discrimination against hiring women and people older than 35. The growing use of artificial intelligence also threatens to compete with workers. Seeking to address age discrimination, officials last month pledged to crack down on hiring biases, including by targeting job ads that contain discriminatory language on gender and age. Chinas population has been in decline since 2022, with people aged 65 and above expected to reach 30% of the population by around 2035 from 14.2% in 2021, according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday. --With assistance from Jing Li, Yujing Liu and Ocean Hou. (Updates with comments.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. China is supplying Russia with materials that directly boost Russia's war machine, and in return is receiving military technology support from Russia, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told journalists on Sept. 10. China has positioned itself as neutral in the ongoing war but has deepened economic ties with Russia and become Moscow's leading source of dual-use goods, feeding the Russian defense industry. China is making a "very substantial effort" to help "sustain, build, and diversify various elements of the Russian war machine," Campbell said, as quoted by Politico. According to the U.S., Beijing and Moscow are making significant efforts to "both hide and protect certain elements of this worrisome collaboration." The latest materials China has supplied Russia "are not dual-use capabilities," Campbell said. "These are basically being applied directly to the Russian war machine." The U.S. is also concerned by a "number of military arenas" where Russia appears to be providing China with greater support, such as submarine operations, aeronautical design, and missile capabilities, Campbell said. Read also: Putin delays new mobilization, despite Kursk incursion exposing troop shortages A growing collaboration between China and Russia in terms of strengthening military technologies could pose a danger to India, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the U.S., Campbell said. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also singled out China during a press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy on Sept. 10, following the news that Russia had received shipments of Iranian ballistic missiles. "Anyone who is providing assistance to Russia, whether it is direct assistance like Iran or North Korea, whether it is assistance to their defense industrial base, like China, is perpetuating the war," Blinken said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in July that alliance members agree that China is a "decisive enabler" of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Beijing described the statement as "provocative" and claimed to have never provided lethal weapons. Read also: Chinese banks curb Russian transactions as US sanctions bite Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Mooncano While working their way through the collected bounty of China's Chang'e 5 lunar sample return mission, scientists made a fascinating discovery. Tiny glass beads brought back by the lander in late 2020 suggest the Moon could still be volcanically active today, with the last eruption taking place an estimated 123 million years ago. While that may sound like a lot, it's a mere blip in the geological history of the Moon, and far more recently than previously thought, potentially upending scientists' current understanding of its evolution. The findings could also shed new light on how small planets and moons can stay volcanically active over many millions of years. Bead It and Weep In 2014, observations by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter suggested that the Moon's volcanic activity may have slowed gradually. Distinctive rock deposits led scientists to speculate that the Moon may have been volcanically active less than 100 million years ago, around the time dinosaurs were roaming the Earth. China's Chang'e 5 samples, however, which are the first lunar samples to be returned since the 1970s, represent the first physical evidence of the Moon's recent and possibly ongoing volcanism. As detailed in a paper published in the journal Science, scientists believe that just three out of the 3,000 glass beads recovered in the samples were formed by a volcanic eruption. The rest of them, they believe, were more likely to have been formed by an asteroid impact. The surprising findings are in contrast to existing theories that by dinosaur times the Moon had already cooled down to the point where it was no longer possible for these beads to form. "These three glassy droplets are the first physical evidence we have for anomalously recent volcanic activity on the Moon," wrote Lancaster University professor Lionel Wilson, who was not involved in the research, in a piece for The Conversation, adding that "these findings could prompt a major revision in our understanding of how the Moon developed." "It should inspire lots of other studies to try to understand how this could happen," Lunar and Planetary Institute senior staff scientist Julie Stopar, who was also not involved in the research, told the Associated Press. More on the Moon: Chinese Scientists Working on Magnetic Launch System to Fling Cargo From Moon's Surface Back to Earth The News MBABANE, Eswatini China is building up its business and economic interests in Eswatini in a sign that Taiwans last African ally is gradually pivoting towards Beijing. The southern African country was the only one of Africas 54 countries that declined to attend last weeks triennial China-Africa summit in Beijing. The kingdom of Eswatini has long refused to cut ties with Taiwan even when Beijing has explicitly threatened to cut all trade with the African country because of it. But, despite that official snub last week, members of the Eswatinis business community told Semafor Africa that authorities are quietly warming to China. It is forcing Taipei to face up to the reality that Chinese enterprises, business people, and even state players are digging deep roots in the kingdoms economy. Taiwans ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang, told Semafor Africa that a significant number of Chinese nationals were pouring into the small landlocked country of 1.2 million people which would, in time, undermine his countrys special relationship with the kingdom. In another sign of thawing relations with Beijing, a delegation led by the head of Eswatinis mines authority Guduza Dlamini travelled to China with a high-profile local businessman in late 2023, reportedly to engage Chinese investors and to chart a way for the establishment of diplomatic relations. Government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo denied that the delegations mission had been to begin the process of establishing diplomatic relations. And its not just private business people. Eswatinis government in May 2023 awarded the state-owned PowerChina a $165 million tender to construct the vital Mpakeni Embankment Dam even while noting in a statement that Eswatini had yet to establish diplomatic relations with China it had recognized PowerChina for its brand influence in the southern African region. Know More Taiwan opened an embassy in Mbabane in 1968, the same year the country won self-rule from the British. This relationship has endured even as other countries have switched allegiances to China. The One China policy which has forced countries to pick either China or Taiwan as a formal diplomatic partner, and not both has been the main catalyst in this exodus. All but 12 of the worlds countries have remained loyal to Taipei, in the process foregoing Beijings promised billions of dollars in investment and loans for infrastructure development over the past two decades. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the value of Chinese imports to Eswatini was $81.8 million in 2022. The View From The Business Community Eswatini publicly maintains its support for Taiwan but some Eswatini businesspeople are open in their support for a move that would favour establishing diplomatic relations with China. We know that whatever Taiwan may want to provide, it cannot match the benefits offered by China, hence to us the China affiliation is the best deal, said Mavela Sigwane, chairperson of the Federation of Eswatini Business Community. Room for Disagreement The Eswatini-Taiwan situation is unlikely to change anytime soon, says a long-time watcher of China-Africa affairs. In the last couple of years China has taken a somewhat relaxed approach with Eswatini rather than exerting overt pressure as in the past, explained Eric Olander, editor of China Global South Project. While they are keen to encourage the king to switch allegiances, they know its not going to happen, at least in the near term, given King Mswati IIIs strong statements in support of Taiwan, said Olander. The strategy for now seems to be to wait the king out in the hope he eventually falls from power which appeared possible in 2021. Until that happens, Chinese business will take the lead in the kingdom while Beijing patiently waits for some kind of political opening. Chocolate, but without the guilt? Why lab-grown cocoa and fermented fava beans could be the future The chocolate industry is having a meltdown. Cocoa prices have doubled since the start of the year, as crops in West Africa which produces 80% of the worlds cocoa have been hit by droughts made worse by climate change. As a result, processing plants in countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast have stopped or scaled down production, while major manufacturers have raised prices and cut sales estimates. This recent crisis adds to other problems with chocolate production; cocoa is one of the leading drivers of illegal deforestation and there has been evidence of child labor and slavery in cocoa farms in Africa and Brazil. Growing cacao trees also requires a lot of water, yet only the seeds of the fruit are harvested. One way to tackle these problems is to make chocolate without using cocoa beans the fermented seed of the cacao tree. Cocoa-free chocolate is already available but scientists around the world are looking for new ways to make it greener and healthier, using new techniques and ingredients. Greener alternatives Finding the right ingredients, however, can take time. Between our first prototype and our current formula, weve had 500 iterations and nothing from that initial product has survived into the commercial one, said Max Marquart of German company Planet A Foods, which produces ChoViva, a chocolate alternative made from sunflower seeds and oats, as well as grape seeds, shea butter and sugar. Planet A only supplies other manufacturers, including Swiss chocolate powerhouse Lindt, and ChoViva is used as an ingredient in over a dozen products sold in Germany. It also makes cocoa powder and cocoa butter substitutes. The powder is made with a fermentation-like process, while for the butter side we use a process that is similar to beer brewing, using specific yeast strains, said Marquart. He defines the manufacturing process as short and sustainable, as the ingredients are sourced close to the production facilities in the Czech Republic. For now, ChoViva is mainly used in chocolate snacks and cereal, rather than to make chocolate bars. Were not coming after your Cadbury Milk or your pure chocolate bars, its not our aim, Marquart said. The co-founders of Planet A Foods, siblings Sara and Max Marquart. - Planet A Foods Price, he added, is a major consideration when it comes to getting people to switch to cocoa-free chocolate. It doesnt make any sense to try to change peoples behaviors that wouldnt work. You want to reach them by making it very easy for them: no change in flavor, no change in price, but at the same time they get more sustainability, for free. Other companies have different recipes. Instead of cocoa beans, we use fava beans sourced from farms across the UK and Europe, and then we ferment them in a similar way that cocoa farmers ferment their cocoa beans, said Ross Newton, CEO of Nukoko, a UK-based startup that aims to launch on its domestic market next year. We think were pretty close to a traditional Ghanaian cocoa flavor profile. Stuff like texture and mouthfeel are a little bit easier to achieve, because the fats and sugars help. Flavor matching is a trickier spot, but because our process is so similar to actual cocoa fermentation, we can get closer than anyone else to actually matching real cocoa flavor, Newton added. Fava beans also have nutritional advantages, according to Newton, as they are higher in protein and lower in fat compared to cocoa powder, and because of their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil they can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Although cocoa contains antioxidant compounds that can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Newton thinks that chocolate alternatives will become a huge part of the market over the next five years. The climate modeling data shows that we could be looking at around 25% of cocoa farms not being able to actually supply the market. Replacing the chocolate completely or just blending in alternative products like we want to do, to bring down the overall cocoa content, can help with sustainability but also with costs. Instead of cocoa beans, Nukoko uses fava beans sourced from the UK and Europe. - Nukoko Like the real thing, but in a lab A different approach comes from cellular agriculture, in which cocoa beans are grown in a lab starting from a small sample of the real thing. We take one to two cocoa beans and we put them in a cell culture, giving it sugar, vitamins and water, said Michal Beressi Golomb, CEO of Celleste Bio, an Israeli startup. Then, the cells multiply and multiply until we obtain a large biomass; we harvest the cocoa butter and were left with the cocoa powder. The company manufactured its first prototype product late last year, after eight months of work. Weve been able to extract chocolate-grade cocoa butter and were the first in the world to have been able to do so using cell culture technology. It has the same chemical profile as traditional cocoa butter. It can be a drop-in replacement in the chocolate manufacturing process. However, the cost to make cocoa butter this way is still prohibitively high and there are regulatory hurdles to clear before the product can be sold. Thats going to be 2027, with cost parity, said Beressi Golomb. Regarding approval, she said, Were going to start with the US, which has a faster regulatory process. Europe and the UK have a backlog of applications. Compared to traditional cocoa bean production, growing it in a lab allows for greater control over the final product, according to Beressi Golomb. Were combining biotech, agritech and AI to create the optimal growing conditions for the cells. We use computational modeling systems that can lead to a variety of products in the future, like having a higher melting point with the cocoa butter so chocolate can be sold in warmer climates, or a less bitter cocoa powder in order to put less sugar in the product. To produce two tons of cocoa butter traditionally, Beressi Golomb said, four tons of cocoa pods are required, using 2,000 trees and over 100,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) of land. The same amount can be made in a lab using a 1,000 liter bioreactor with a footprint of about 15 square feet. Wed never need to cut down a single tree again (to make way for cocoa plantations) that is an enormous impact. Cutting waste There are also ways to incorporate even more natural components from the cocoa plant into the manufacturing process. A study published this year shows its possible to make chocolate using only the cocoa pod, by replacing traditional sugar with a cocoa gel. The switch has positive effects not just on sustainability, but on the nutritional profile of the end product. We (normally) use very little of the fruit its like growing a pumpkin to only use the seeds, said Kim Mishra, a lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology of the Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich, and lead author of the study. The process involves grinding part of the husk into a powder and obtaining a juice from the pulp that surrounds the seeds. Both components are usually discarded or composted, and have little to no economic value for growers. When combined, they create a gel that can act as a sweetener. You make chocolate using only components from the fruit and not conventional crystallized sugar from sugar beets. This increases the sustainability of the product because you convert more biomass from the cacao tree, Mishra added. He says that the texture of the final product is similar to high-percentage dark chocolate, but the sweetness is different as it develops a bit more slowly and with a fruity touch. Compared to sugary chocolate, it has more fiber and less saturated fatty acids, he added. The downside is that there are added production steps to make the gel, and a new regulatory process due to the use of parts of the pod that are currently not considered edible. But, the study notes, chocolate made this way would have a smaller climate impact and provide opportunities for diversification of the farmers income. Perhaps the best path forward for the chocolate industry might not be to reinvent its product, but just use more of what it already produces. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A business owner from Christoval charged with stealing over $50,000 from a customer who had contracted the business to build a pool has taken a plea deal, according to court records filed within Tom Green County. Records stated that Rance Millican, 62, pled guilty to one charge of property theft valued between $30,000 and $150,000 on Sept. 9. In exchange, he was sentenced to two years with deferred adjudication and $52,638 in restitution payments. A complaint record also filed within the county stated that a man signed a contract with Rance Millican and Tanya Millican, the owners of Deep Blue Pools, to have a swimming pool constructed on his property in Carlsbad. The man reported that he made a deposit of $52,638 and that construction was supposed to start in October 2022. The man reported that although Rance and Tanya Millican personally came to his property to take measurements and check the ground, construction did not begin as of Dec. 11, 2023, over a year after the supposed start time. The individual also stated that neither of the Millicans had been to the property since the first time they came, adding that the pair had made multiple excuses over the months to explain why the pool was not being built. He said that Rance and Tanya Millican had cut off all communication with him after January 2023. The individual filed a civil lawsuit against the Millicans in the 340th District Court to attempt to recover his deposit, and the Millicans were served the lawsuit documentation. The pair filed an answer to the lawsuit, stating that they would contact plaintiffs and try to resolve this. The man was interviewed, during which he stated that he had spoken with Rance Millican on one occasion over the phone in May 2023. The individual said he demanded his money be returned, and Rance Millican informed him that he didnt have the money anymore. The man also said that Rance Millican told him that unexpected expenses had come up and that the money had been spent on them. The affidavit further states that bank records related to an account DBA Deep Blue Pools that was owned by Rance Millican and had Tanya Millican listed in the signature card showed a deposit of $52,638 was made on Oct. 12, 2022. Multiple personal debits were accrued by the account following this date, including debits from H-E-B, Applebees, Walmart and Buffalo Wild Wings as well as Discover credit card payments and cash withdrawals. The bank records showed that the account was closed in December 2022 with a negative balance of $1,720. Tanya Millican is scheduled to appear in court for a plea hearing on Sept. 16, according to court records. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Sioux City council members on Monday approved a development agreement with ASNL Inc. on a former Holiday Inn hotel and adjacent restaurant on Gordon Drive. The hotel building is now set to become a Hilton DoubleTree-branded hotel and a full-service restaurant. Council members voted 4-0 on the agreement. The hotel will go from a 114-room building to 120 rooms, along with a new pool area, fitness center, and breakfast kitchen. City documents indicate the restaurant will be renamed and transformed to 1854 Grille. Iowa Supreme Court to hear Libertarians appeal to appear on ballot for Congress The total project represents a capital investment of $10 million. Its expected to be complete by the end of this year. ASNL Inc. bought the property back in 2016, putting several million dollars into upgrading the restaurant to a Bar Louie, but minimal investment was made to the hotel. In 2021, the hotel went from a Holiday Inn to the Riverside Plaza Hotel, which closed a year later. Bar Louie shut down shortly thereafter. The city council also voted 4-0 to approve a resolution giving a sublease to Oracle Aviation LLC and Morningside University. Its for a lease of the ground at 2403 Aviation Boulevard. The plan is to build a facility to be used for a flight school and ancillary uses. The university will be providing the ground training for the flight 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Over the last 7 days, the South Korean market has dropped 5.8%, and in the last 12 months, it is down 4.3%, although earnings are forecast to grow by 29% annually. In this challenging environment, identifying high growth tech stocks with strong potential can be crucial for investors looking to capitalize on future gains despite recent market declines. Top 10 High Growth Tech Companies In South Korea Name Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Growth Rating Seojin SystemLtd 33.61% 52.05% IMLtd 21.80% 111.43% Bioneer 23.53% 97.58% FLITTO 32.60% 106.82% ALTEOGEN 64.22% 99.46% NEXON Games 29.64% 66.98% Park Systems 23.64% 35.66% AmosenseLtd 24.04% 71.97% Devsisters 29.08% 63.02% UTI 114.97% 134.61% Click here to see the full list of 49 stocks from our KRX High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener. We'll examine a selection from our screener results. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Medy-Tox Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South Korea with a market cap of 1.23 trillion. Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its biotechnology segment, amounting to 246.25 billion. Medy-Tox, a biotech firm in South Korea, has faced challenges with negative sales reported at KRW 0.00008 million for Q2 2024 compared to KRW 0.0003 million the previous year. However, net income rose to KRW 11.41 billion from KRW 8.57 billion last year, reflecting an improvement despite earnings volatility (-82.2% growth). The company's R&D expenses have been substantial, contributing significantly to its innovation pipeline and future growth prospects in the biotech sector where earnings are forecasted to grow by an impressive 62% annually over the next three years. KOSDAQ:A086900 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: PharmaResearch Co., Ltd., along with its subsidiaries, operates as a biopharmaceutical company primarily in South Korea and has a market cap of 1.95 billion. Operations: PharmaResearch Co., Ltd. generates revenue primarily from its pharmaceuticals segment, amounting to 296.59 billion. The company operates in the biopharmaceutical industry with a significant market presence in South Korea. PharmaResearch, a South Korean biotech firm, is poised for significant growth with expected annual revenue increases of 22.1%, outpacing the market's 10.4%. The firm's earnings are forecasted to grow by 22.2% annually, though slightly slower than the broader KR market's 28.6%. Substantial R&D investments have been pivotal, with expenditures reaching 3 billion in the last fiscal year, driving innovation and future prospects in regenerative medicine and biopharmaceuticals. Story continues KOSDAQ:A214450 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Lunit Inc. develops and provides AI-based software solutions for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, with a market cap of 1.21 billion. Operations: Lunit Inc. specializes in AI-based software solutions for oncology, focusing on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The company generates revenue through the sale of its software products to healthcare providers and institutions. Lunit's projected revenue growth of 51.8% annually significantly outpaces the South Korean market's 10.4%. The company has demonstrated robust performance in AI-powered medical diagnostics, notably with its Lunit INSIGHT CXR achieving an AUC of 0.902 in TB detection studies. R&D expenses have been substantial, supporting innovation; for instance, expenditures reached 3 billion last fiscal year. Earnings are forecasted to grow by an impressive 104.9% per year, reflecting strong future potential despite current unprofitability. KOSDAQ:A328130 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Summing It All Up Discover the full array of 49 KRX High Growth Tech and AI Stocks right here. Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments. Enhance your investing ability with the Simply Wall St app and enjoy free access to essential market intelligence spanning every continent. Searching for a Fresh Perspective? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include KOSDAQ:A086900 KOSDAQ:A214450 and KOSDAQ:A328130. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com TOPEKA (KSNT) The City of Topeka is looking to hire a brokerage firm to help with the sale of Hotel Topeka. On Monday, Sept. 9 the City of Topeka shared a list of requests for bids, one of the requests was for Hotel Brokerage Services. 27 News requested a copy of the request for proposal (RFP). According to the document, the City of Topeka is looking for real estate brokerage firms to assist with the sale of Hotel Topeka. The city will evaluate the brokerage firm on the following aspects: 30% on hotel market knowledge. 25% on experience, qualifications, references and reputation. 25% on capacity, availability and understanding of scope. 10% on completeness and adherence to the proposal format. 10% on the reasonableness and transparency of the proposed fees. The selected firm will be expected to develop strategies to attract potential buyers. According to the document, the city will consider the condition of the hotel and said it is prepared to negotiate to balance the interests of both parties. Longtime Topeka Taco Shop owner dies The RFP scope of work also included: Performing Market Analysis. Developing a Brokers Opinion of Value. Developing sales strategies. Assisting in advertising. Providing site tours. Evaluating offers for the hotel. Provide insight on proposed plans to renovate and convert the hotel into a top-tier, full-serviced brand, such as Hilton, Marriott. Economic analysis. Recommend offers. Negotiate the sale. Coordinate appraisals. Coordinate transactions. Handle all property transactions. Provide regular updates. Consult and periodically brief the Topeka Development Commission Board of Directors. The goal would be for the brokerage to attract an owner/operator to purchase the Hotel from the City and successfully rehabilitate and operate the property, said Taylor Bugg, a City of Topeka spokeswoman. The window to submit an RFP will close Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. City Manager weighs in on Hotel Topeka, $15 million deficit ahead of budget meeting Last year the City of Topeka released two requests for proposals for Hotel Topeka. The first request was to contract an asset manager to oversee the hotel and the second was seeking a vendor to evaluate hotel facilities and systems. Following the RFPs, GF Hotels & Resort was hired to operate the hotel and RevPAR International, the consultant the city hired for $516,300, recommended the hotel be repaired at a total price tag of $10 million and run independently. As of Feb. 2024, the City of Topeka had spent a total of $8,145,662 on the hotel including the original purchase price of $7,391,458. Story continues Hotel Topeka had a net income loss of $131,101 in July 2024, according to a profit and loss statement from TOKS Associates LLC. The hotel has yet to have a profitable month since the purchase. The last time the hotel was profitable was in 2019 when it earned $799,000. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Sioux Falls Police said nothings been ruled out when it comes to 31-year-old Tyler Weathersbys disappearance. He was seen last week wearing a white shirt, black shorts and a tan beanie when he left to go for a walk. Were coordinating drone searches on some of the last areas that the individual was seen, either by us on camera somewhere or been reported to us, Lieutenant Aaron Nyberg said. Community members are also on the lookout. A Facebook group launched shortly after Weathersbys disappearance now has more than 6,000 members hoping to bring him home safely. 2 fires burn on Rosebud Reservation, arson suspected In my career, Ive never seen so much public interest in a case when it comes to Mr. Weathersby, Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said. Police are still looking for any leads that point to where Weathersby could be. We as law enforcement can make no assumptions. We just know that that hes missing, Thum said. His family has reported him missing. And we have to look for steps or action or evidence that allows us to go down the right road to make sure that we can find Mr. Weathersby. Chief Thum added SFPD must deal with the information in front of them and what they can prove to make the right decisions in their investigation. If you have any information on Weathersby, youre asked to call the non-emergency line. You can also leave a tip with Crime Stoppers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLEVELAND (WJW) The Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy is closed on Tuesday due to a threat. Mystery surrounds suspect secretly recording women in Cleveland restaurant bathroom The school, which is located on Shaker Boulevard, told Fox 8 News they received information that there may be an attack on middle school students and school management advised them to close. In a post on Facebook, the school caller it an emergency closing and said it was for the safety and security of staff and students. The Facebook post said, Good evening CASSA families, per our superintendent, there will be an emergency closing for tomorrow, September 10, 2024, for the safety and security of staff and scholars. Thank you for your understanding. 32 missing children in Northeast Ohio safely located The school has more than 400 elementary and middle school students as well as 40 employees. Bomb or shooting threats against any of our schools in Ohio are incredibly serious and disruptive actions, Paul Craft, superintendent of public instruction for the State Board of Education, wrote in a statement to FOX 8 News. Any adults involved should know that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear against them. Students involved in making threats will not only face those same serious legal issues, but will also be subject to long expulsions, loss of extracurricular privileges, and more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday that it had offloaded more than $54 million worth of cocaine that was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea in a "complex counter-drug mission" including over 1,200 pounds of cocaine that was seized from a semisubmersible vessel, or so-called "narco sub." The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence offloaded more than 4,125 pounds of cocaine with an street value of about $54 million in Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday, the Coast Guard said in a news release. The drugs were seized in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea during three separate operations. On Aug. 26, Coast Guard ships and helicopters were assisted by a British Royal Navy team on HMS Trent on a mission to intercept a narco sub in international waters, officials said. Three suspected smugglers and 1,239 pounds of cocaine from the semisubmersible were transferred to federal custody, said the Coast Guard, which released an image of the operation. Crew members form U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 111 and British Royal Navy team embarked aboard HMS Trent (P244) interdicts a semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea, Aug. 26, 2024. Three suspected smugglers and 1,239 pounds of illegal narcotics from this interdiction were transferred to federal custody for prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice. / Credit: United Kingdom Royal Navy via U.S. Coast Guard Semi-submersibles, which cannot go fully underwater, are popular among international drug traffickers as they can sometimes elude detection by law enforcement. The vessels are sometimes seized in Colombian waters while heading to the United States, Central America and Europe. Earlier this summer, the Colombian Navy said it seized two "narco subs" off the country's Pacific coast that together contained almost 5 tons of cocaine. In addition to the narco sub interception, the Coast Guard said eight other suspected smugglers were detained in the operations and will be prosecuted by the Department of Justice. "I am extremely proud of our crew's tenacity and professionalism, coupled with outstanding coordination with Coast Guard aircrews, during this complex counter-drug mission," Lt. Matthew Carmine, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer, said in a statement. The busts were announced just days after federal agents seized $33 million worth of cocaine aboard a boat that was trying to smuggle the drug into Puerto Rico, officials said, marking at least the third major bust in the U.S. territory since July. In June, the U.S. Coast Guard said it offloaded more than 4,800 pounds of cocaine in Florida after officials said Coast Guard officers fired at and sank a speedboat suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea. About a week before that, a separate Coast Guard crew offloaded $468 million worth of cocaine in San Diego. Kentucky shooting suspect may be hiding in national forest. Why that complicates search efforts. SpaceX launches Polaris Dawn mission, sends billionaire to space What's coming up on season 57 of 60 Minutes Every week, The Sacramento Bee publishes restaurant inspection reports. This year, Sacramento County health inspectors have identified and shut down numerous local restaurants and markets for severe health infractions including the presence of pests and significant sanitation problems. Numerous facilities received yellow placards signifying critical yet addressable issues, while red placards indicated immediate threats to public health necessitating closures. Instances included German cockroach infestations and improperly stored meat at various locations. In another notable case, a restaurant had to address the presence of mold and vermin-borne fecal matter before reopening. The Sacramento Bee stories linked below contain multiple inspection reports and were published throughout this year. Most restaurants fully pass reinspection within 72 hours. For updates on your favorite restaurants, you can search the county website at inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/sacramento. The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Monthly restaurant inspections No. 1: Roaches, gnats and mold-like substances found at Sacramento-area restaurants, reports say Sacramento County inspectors shut down a sushi restaurant due to a German cockroach infestation. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 2: Cockroach infestations close 2 Sacramento County restaurants. What else did inspectors find? Sacramento County health inspectors closed two local restaurants after finding more than 90 German cockroaches scattered across the facilities. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 3: More than 70 rat droppings at Sacramento-area restaurant. What else did inspectors find? Sacramento County health inspectors shut down a local Mexican restaurant due to a lack of hot water. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 4: Sacramento grocery store closed due to cockroaches. What else did health inspectors find? Sacramento County health inspectors closed a specialty grocery after finding live cockroaches. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 5: Raw chicken stored above liquor boxes? See Sacramento County restaurant inspections Sacramento County health inspectors cited local restaurants and a gas station market for health code violations ranging from flies and expired food handler cards to improperly stored meat. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 6: Clogged sinks, slime and moldy veggies: See Sacramento County restaurant inspections Sacramento County health inspectors shut down a local taco restaurant due to a broken sewage system, improperly stored meat and other violations. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 7: Rust, dust and live cockroaches: See Sacramento County restaurant inspections Sacramento health inspectors shut down a local restaurant and a hotel due to vermin infestation, improperly stored meat, rust, dust and other violations. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 8: Mold, dust and excessive food debris: See Sacramento County restaurant inspections County health inspectors briefly closed a local Carls Jr. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 9: Flies, mold and dirty shelves: See Sacramento County restaurant inspections Sacramento County Health inspectors cited a local Mexican restaurant for code violations including flies, dirty shelves and mold-like buildup. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 10: Raw chicken on top of ice cream? Here are Sacramento County restaurant inspections Sacramento County health officials spotted raw chicken placed directly on top of ice cream at one local Thai restaurant during an inspection. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 11: Cockroaches, flies and old food debris: See Sacramento County health inspections Sacramento County health inspectors closed a local grocery store after finding more than 50 cockroaches and numerous flies. | Read Full Story by Brianna Taylor No. 12: Cockroaches, meat residue and yellow slime: See Sacramento County health inspections Sacramento County Health inspectors closed a local Asian fusion restaurant due to a lack of sanitizer for washing dishes. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 13: Nearly 200 rodent droppings at Sacramento County restaurant. What else did inspectors find? Sacramento County health inspectors closed a local restaurant after discovering nearly 200 rodent droppings, dirty floor sinks and fruit flies. | Read Full Story by Brianna Taylor No. 14: Black slime and moldy strawberries: See Sacramento County restaurant inspections Sacramento County health inspectors recently closed a local boba shop after discovering dust, dried residue and a lack of hot water. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 15: More than 60 cockroaches found at local coffee shop, Sacramento County inspections show Sacramento County health inspectors closed a local coffee shop after finding more than 60 cockroaches and other violations. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 16: Over 120 rodent droppings found at Sacramento grocery store. See health inspections Sacramento County health inspectors closed two local restaurants after discovering cockroaches and rat droppings. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 17: Roaches, mold and fecal matter: See Sacramento County health inspections Sacramento County health inspectors closed a local catering company after discovering German cockroaches and fecal matter throughout the facility. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 18: Over 100 dead roaches found at burger drive-in, Sacramento County inspections show A Sacramento-area burger drive-in was shut down after inspectors found more than 100 dead roaches throughout the restaurant. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo No. 19: More than 200 cockroaches close Sacramento restaurant. See county restaurant report Sacramento County health inspectors shut down a local Thai restaurant after discovering more than 200 cockroaches throughout the facility. | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division. PIUTE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A sergeant at a Colorado correctional facility has been taken into custody, accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old he allegedly groomed for several years. Kevin Aaron Young, 37, was taken into custody by the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office in Colorado without incident. He has been charged with four counts of first-degree felony object rape, two counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, and one count of first-degree felony rape. As of Tuesday morning, Sept. 10, Young is booked into the Pueblo County Jail and awaiting extradition to Utah. Utah judge expedites hearing on controversial Amendment D ballot measure The charges stem from an incident in July 2023 where Young allegedly arrived unexpectedly at a family friends home in Utah for a multi-day visit. During his stay, Young allegedly engaged in some inappropriate things with the teen, according to court documents. Young reportedly began speaking with the teen on Instagram when she was 14-years-old. The victim told investigators Young commented on her photos and asked if she had a boyfriend, adding that she was beautiful and wanted to send her money. Young also reportedly told the victim he and his wife were in an open relationship. Young then allegedly began sending inappropriate photos and videos to the victim until the alleged sexual assault years later. The victim reportedly stated she was worried Young would face no consequences, as he worked in law enforcement. Looking for work? More than 1,500 opportunities available at Utah virtual job fair Young reportedly denied the accusations while being questioned by the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office and a Utah deputy from the Piute County Sheriffs Office. According to charging documents, Young said there would be no possibility of his DNA being involved in the investigation. The Utah Deputy reported DNA samples from evidence and Young returned with a positive match that very strongly supports Young was allegedly involved. An initial appearance for Young has been scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. He has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial bail hearing. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. "Knowing that they were there as soon as he hit the ground, performing CPR, is what saved his life those first few minutes," a sheriff's deputy said A Colorado man owes his life to the staff of a recreational center, who jumped in to help after he experienced a heart attack, officials told a local news outlet. During the June incident at the Trails Recreation Center in Centennial, Colo., the unidentified man fainted inside the center and soon four workers, including Travis Toler, began performing CPR on him, KCNC reported on Monday, Sept. 9. "I took his pulse and checked for any kind of breathing, sense of life, and immediately determined he had no pulse and he wasn't breathing," Toler told the station. Christina Neely, another employee, said: "When I arrived on the scene, they were already performing CPR, so I jumped in and started performing the rescue breaths for this person." Staffers also called 911 and worked to clear the area. 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. KCNC reported that the employees created something of a life-saving system with their efforts, as one staff member was connecting the AED, or automated external defibrillator, while two others were performing chest compressions and a fourth member of the staff was providing ventilation. "I'm thinking about the quality of what I'm doing, making sure my compression depth was good and I was at the right rate and just focusing on quality," Toler said. Neely echoed that, telling the station, "We just kept reassessing and reassessing, trying to figure out if we were doing the next right step." CBS Colorado Colorado Rec Center Staff Save Man's Life During Heart Attack It was during this process that Deputy Jeremy Kurzinger, with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, arrived as one of the first responders and told KCNC that the four workers were "a team." "I just jumped in as a fifth man to relieve that person doing chest compressions until South Metro Fire Rescue arrived on scene," Kurzinger said. Kurzinger, along with the recreation center's staff, worked together until paramedics got there and took over and determined the man had a pulse and could be taken to a local hospital for further treatment. Kurzinger said the positive outcome would not have been possible if it werent for the staff who initially responded. "Knowing that they were there as soon as he hit the ground, performing CPR, is what saved his life those first few minutes," the deputy told KCNC. "For them to see this and just step up to the plate is what's heroic to me. They are the true heroes," he added. (Representatives from the Trails Recreation Center and the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.) As for Toler, he said he was beyond excited when he learned that not only had the man survived the potentially fatal heart attack he later showed back up at the center in person. "I can't put into words that feeling. It was like Christmas morning, honestly, seeing him here, healthy, back in our facility," Toler said. "There's just no way to describe it." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. (SOUTHERN COLORADO) A man from Southern Colorado died on a river trip at the Grand Canyon over the weekend, and the National Park Service (NPS) has released his identity. On Saturday morning, Sept. 7 at around 5:30 a.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a call reporting a death at Ponchos Kitchen, near river mile 13 along the Colorado River. Park rangers responded and found the victim, identified as 59-year-old Patrick Horton of Salida, at the scene. According to NPS, Horton was on the 10th day of a non-commercial river trip along the Colorado River and was discovered by members of his party. NPS said it is still investigating along with the Coconino County Medical Examiners Office in 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 FOX21 News Colorado. A South Carolina man was killed Monday in a shooting, according to the Lexington County Coroners Office. Jalen Latrell Allen, a 22-year-old Columbia resident, died after being shot multiple times in the upper body, Coroner Margaret Fisher said Tuesday in a news release. The shooting happened Monday afternoon at the Alight Apartments at 800 Alexander Road, according to the Cayce Police Department. Thats near the Congaree River and downtown Columbia, in the area between Meeting Street and U.S. 321/Blossom Street. Allen was found inside a vehicle at the apartment complex, Fisher said. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead from the gunshot wounds, according to Fisher. No other injuries were reported. There was no word about a shooter or shooters, or if anyone else was involved in the gunfire. Information about a motive for the shooting was not available. Police said they believed the shooting was an isolated incident. No arrests have been reported, but police, the coroners office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions CSI unit are continuing to investigate the death. An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Police temporarily closed the area to traffic, and residents were only permitted to enter the apartment complex by showing identification. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 803-794-0456, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. The Columbus Airport is getting big money from the federal government to help fully reconstruct a runway, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday. The FAA will provide $24.4 million to the Columbus Airport to reconstruct runway 6/24, which needs to be rebuilt due to normal wear and tear and storm drain issues. The airports total project was expected to cost $36.5 million. Airport officials didnt immediately say whether they have the rest of the money accounted for. This construction is expected to start in March and take 103 days to finish, according to airport officials. The closure of this runway will suspend all commercial, large general aviation, and military operations during the construction of the project, the Columbus Airport said in a news release previously. The Columbus Airport has two asphalt runways. The other will remain open for most of the time that this project is ongoing, aside from a one-week span in which both will need to be closed. The typical lifespan of an asphalt runway is around forty years, as a runway approaches this age it will be assessed for reconstruction, Airport Director Amber Clark said in a written statement. Throughout the life of a runway preventative maintenance is conducted to extend the life of the runway as much as possible. As we have maintained the runway through regular maintenance, resealing of cracks, milling and refilling the layers over the years, it has been determined that our runway has reached its useful life and is due for reconstruction. The $24.4 million the Columbus Airport will receive is part of $1.9 billion in grants awarded across the United States, according to the FAA. WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kohei Itoh, president of Keio University, will join the United States-Japan Foundation Board of Trustees as Vice Chair. United States-Japan Foundation He will replace in that position Takeshi Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings Ltd. and Chairman of the Keizai Doyukai association of Japanese business executives. Niinami will leave the USJF board in October after 10 years of service. Itoh is a pioneer in quantum computing, and a leader in fostering collaborative international research and education in Japan. His research team led the way to uncovering the physics needed for silicon-based quantum computing, which enabled industrialization by Intel Corp. and other leading companies. In 2018, Itoh established the Keio Quantum Computing Center and started close collaboration with IBM. Itoh became president of Keio University in May 2021, and has accelerated Keio's international activities and visibility. Under his leadership, Keio and Carnegie Mellon University have recently announced a new partnership on AI involving many leading U.S. and Japanese companies. He has also been known as an opinion leader on reshaping higher education in Japan. "We conducted an extensive search to complete the difficult task of replacing Tak Niinami," said USJF Board Chair Lawrence K. Fish. "We are privileged to have found somebody with the stature of Kohei Itoh to help lead the Foundation into its next phase." "Having lived in the U.S. partially in my high school years and fully in my five-year graduate studies, I consider the U.S. my second home," Itoh said. "I am so honored and excited to serve the Foundation that has been bridging future generations between the U.S. and Japan." In addition to his leadership at Keio, Itoh has multiple advisory roles to the Japanese government. He is executive member of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation chaired by the Prime Minister, and he chairs the government's Quantum Technology Innovation expert panel. Itoh received a bachelor's degree in physics from Keio in 1989, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley in Materials Science and Engineering in 1995. The United States-Japan Foundation was established in 1980 with a mission of improving relations between the two countries. It has since given out more than $100 million in grants and oversees the US-Japan Leadership Program with a network of over 500 fellows from the two countries. Itoh joins on the USJF board: Chair Fish, Wendy Cutler, Richard E. Dyck, Arfiya Eri, Colleen Hanabusa, James M. Kondo, Craig M. Mullaney, Santa Ono, Richard J. Samuels, Keiko Tashiro, Donna Tanoue, and Takeshi Ueshima. Story continues For questions, please contact: info@us-jf.org Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2040129/United_States_Japan_Foundation.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/kohei-itoh-keio-university-president-named-usjf-vice-chair-302244300.html SOURCE United States-Japan Foundation COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus massive data leak has been described as a ransomware attack, but the citys head of technology revealed something new Monday night about the incident: not only was there no ransom, attempts to negotiate with the hackers behind it went unanswered. The Columbus City Council was on break through August, as the early investigation into an attempted ransomware attack on government servers played out. At the councils reconvening on Monday, Columbus Department of Technology Director Sam Orth avoided interviews with reporters, but did answer questions from council members. Orth told them that the city never received a ransom demand from Rhysida, the hacking group that tried to auction off an advertised 6.5 terabytes of stolen data from Columbus servers. He said his team tried to reach out to the hacking group before the data was released, but never got a response. Rhysidas auction which sought around $2 million in bitcoin for a starting bid ultimately failed, and the group instead publicly leaked 3.1 terabytes of data on the dark web. Our objective was to understand the scope of the data they had and intended to sell or post, Orth said. The tech director made no mention of Mayor Andrew Ginthers previous claim the leak didnt contain anything to worry about, instead focusing on how the city responded after whistleblower Connor Goodwolf informed the public they were affected. Ginther credited investigators Aug. 13 with confirming that any data leaked was encrypted or corrupted, but Goodwolf debunked him within the same day. He showed NBC4 that the leak contained unencrypted, sensitive data on thousands of people, potentially including anyone who had visited city hall. The city has since sued Goodwolf. What we learn changes by the hour, Orth told the council. There is no such thing as a perfect defense in cybersecurity. Columbus Department of Technology Director Sam Orth speaks before city council Sept. 9, 2024. (NBC4 Photo/Sen Li) Orth also testified against Goodwolf in City Attorney Zach Kleins lawsuit filed Aug. 29. Despite Goodwolf trying to alert the city first about his findings, Klein accused the researcher of going to the next level by reporting a Columbus Division of Police database was exposed. Only individuals willing to themselves navigate and interact with the criminal element on the dark web, who also have the computer expertise and tools necessary to download data from the dark web, would be able to do so, Orth wrote in an affidavit. Franklin County Common Pleas Court records showed a hearing for a preliminary injunction scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday in the lawsuit against Goodwolf. Orths comments, similar to Kleins about Goodwolf needing a level of sophistication to access the dark web, have been repeatedly disputed by multiple cybersecurity experts NBC4 spoke with. Jeff Nathan, director of detection engineering for Netography, penned an open letter to the city calling for them to drop the case against Goodwolf. The message has racked up dozens of signatures from industry professionals. The fact that data published by ransomware criminals is easy and free to access has been demonstrated countless times by people of all ages and skill levels, including children, Nathan wrote. The availability of stolen data on easily accessible platforms means the risk to Columbus citizens persists. By dropping Mr. Goodwolfs prosecution, the City of Columbus has an opportunity to refocus its efforts on mitigating these risks, informing citizens about the true nature of the breach, and taking proactive steps to enhance the citys information security posture. Orth noted to council members that the Department of Technology had 441 city applications total, and still needed to bring 23% of them back online. The DOT was also resetting passwords for all employees and systems. Acknowledging that the leak also proved the city held data from the public and employees spanning at least two decades, Orth told the city council his team needs to review how long it keeps information, what can be deleted and when. What we collected 10 years ago might not be what we need to collect today, Orth said. To the extent that we have data that we dont need anymore, if that indeed is the case, then we need to look at our retention policies and how we might change those policies going forward. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Departments investigation into a deadly shooting on Holly Avenue Sunday night has led to an arrest. Initial Report: Homicide investigation underway on Holly Avenue in Columbus Emilio Manrique-Camoran was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. According to police, officers responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 4600 block of Holly Avenue. When they arrived officers located a Hispanic male who had been shot. Police say the victim was pronounced dead at 8:15 p.m. by Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan. The Violent Crimes Unit was called to the scene to take lead on the investigation and preliminary investigation revealed Manrique-Camoran as the suspect. Manrique-Camoran is scheduled to appear in Recorders Court on Sept. 10. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. A photo of former Assemblymember and Los Angeles Councilmember Richard Alatorre at his funeral at Cathedral at Our Lady of the Angels. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Even in death, Richard Alatorre looms large over Los Angeles, as I found out this morning on the way to his funeral. I got off the 101 Freeway at First Street in Boyle Heights, Alatorre's birthplace, where he built an Eastside political machine that forever changed city and state politics. Paralleling my path as I headed west toward downtown were the Gold Line tracks, part of a light rail expansion to the Eastside that Alatorre pushed as chair of the MTA board of directors. Crossing the First Street Bridge, I got a view of City Hall, where Alatorre made history in 1985 as the first Latino councilmember in nearly a quarter century. Downtown, I caught a glimpse of the Los Angeles Police Department Alatorre helped diversify its upper ranks through an unlikely allyship with longtime Chief Daryl Gates. Nearby was the former headquarters of this newspaper, which spent years covering allegations of cronyism and backdoor deals against Alatorre. As I drove up Temple Street, I passed the old federal courthouse, where prosecutors hounded Alatorre at the end of his political career over allegations of corruption, portraying him as a cautionary tale of a politico run amok. In 2001, Alatorre pleaded guilty to not paying taxes on what the prosecutors described as bribes. Google Maps soon chirped to say I was near my destination: the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where Richard and his wife, Angie, attended weekly mass for years, and where his final services would be after he died of cancer last month at 81. Read more: Richard Alatorre, pioneering Eastside politician, dies at 81 The cavernous holy space soon filled up with people from all eras of Alatorre's career. Former staffers did one final duty for their old boss by guiding people to their seats. Titans of Black political power in Los Angeles were there, including Rep. Maxine Waters and former L.A. Councilmember Nate Holden, who witnessed Alatorre engineer the rise of Latino political power without shortchanging L.A.'s Black population. Cultural leaders included Culture Clash member Richard Montoya, actor Edward James Olmos, former La Opinion publisher Monica Lozano, Mexican Consul General Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez and John Echeveste, longtime head of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. "This is becoming too regular, right?" Echeveste said as he passed through the cathedral's massive doors. "It's like that whole generation is leaving us." So many mourners showed up that ushers ran out of funeral programs. Instead, people grabbed prayer cards with Alatorre's photo on one side and his favorite saint, St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes, on the other. The line nearly extended out the door as people signed the guest book. L.A. Councilmember Heather Hutt was in front of me. Alatorre protege Richard Polanco, who replaced him in the state Assembly, was behind. Politicians from D.C. to Sacramento, the Inland Empire to the Bay Area and all parts of Los Angeles packed 11 pews. Longtime Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido recalled the advice that Alatorre once gave him: "'You can win, you can lose. But you have to fight hard to make a name for yourself.' And that's what I did." And then there were people like Marc Grossman, who took a civil rights class from Alatorre at UC Irvine in the late 1960s. That inspired him to eventually work for Alatorre in Sacramento and as Cesar Chavez's longtime speechwriter and assistant. "Richard and Cesar were much alike in an important respect," said Grossman, who helped Alatorre write his 2016 autobiography. "They spotted talents, and they could convince people they could do more than they thought. They made it all about other people and what they could do, not what they could gain out of them." Read more: Letters to the Editor: Richard Alatorre never lost his 'visceral compassion for barrio folks' Alatorre was a lifelong Los Angeles Rams fan, and the team's official mariachi kicked off the service with a stirring rendition of the ranchera classic "La Feria de las Flores," an Alatorre favorite. Its opening lines perfectly summed up his unapologetic, fiercely proud ways: Me gusta cantarle al viento Porque vuelan mis cantares Y digo lo que yo siento Por toditos los lugares I like to sing to the wind, because my lyrics fly. And I say what I feel, anywhere and everywhere. Officiating over the Mass was retired Cardinal Roger Mahony, in a rare public appearance. The two met in the 1970s when Mahony was a bishop in Fresno and Alatorre was beginning his political career. Alatorre's push to bring power to his constituents came from a "deep communion with Jesus," Mahony stressed in his sermon, pointing out that the lawmaker followed Christ's example of siding with people on the "peripheries" of society. On one side of Alatorres casket were the flags of the United States, Mexico, the city of Los Angeles and the United Farm Workers. On the other side were funeral wreaths in cardinal and gold, to honor his beloved alma mater, USC, and a large photo of Alatorre with his arms crossed, a slight, confident smile on his face. "Richard understood," the cardinal continued, "that change took place with people who had the will and willingness to pursue that path forward." George Pla, president of the Coliseum Commission and part of a group of that regularly had breakfast with Alatorre at La Carreta in East Los Angeles, said in a short eulogy, only half jokingly: "There are mocosos [snot-nosed brats] in the state who dont even know how they were elected," when Alatorre had paved the way for them. Alatorre's daughter, Melinda, praised him as a "great granddad and dog dad." His son Darrell boasted that his dad was "a Mexican, not a Mexican't. A lot of Latino politicians should take note." Luisa Acosta, Alatorre's City Council chief of staff, once told her boss that she was going to accept a job as a television news anchor. "He said, 'Why do you want to be on camera reading the news when you could have a hand in shaping our community?'" Acosta recalled. "Richard didnt just see our potential. He nurtured it. ... Rest in peace, jefe." Concluding the eulogies was Willie Brown, former San Francisco mayor and longtime speaker of the California Assembly who came of age politically with Alatorre in Sacramento during the 1970s. Brown picked his friend to lead redistricting in 1981, which forever changed the look of the state Legislature. "It all started with Richard Alatorre and nobody else," Brown said to loud applause. He went on to extol Alatorre for the foresight to draw lines anticipating that Californians' demographics would dramatically shift in the coming decades "when none of us would be around." Read more: CROSSOVER DREAMS : Richard Alatorre Calls the Shots in East L.A., But to Succeed Citywide He'll Have to Woo the Westside "When you say a prayer today," Brown quipped, "you better ask Richard if theres any room where he is. Otherwise, you aint gonna get in heaven." Alatorre's honorary pallbearers draped a United Farm Workers flag over his coffin, and Mariachi Los Rams led the procession out of the cathedral, singing "De Colores." Mourners walked across the cathedral plaza and were greeted by the USC Trojan Marching Band before heading to a large second-floor reception hall. Postcards, to be filled out with mourners' favorite Alatorre memory, were stacked next to a condolence letter from Vice President Kamala Harris. People snacked on chips and pan dulce and admired photo collages from Alatorre's life and career pasted onto poster boards that also featured favorite Alatorre sayings: "Let me begin by beginning ..." "Orale." "Chula." Maria D. Acosta and Cynthia Amador Diaz both wore "Viva Alatorre!" pins. Acosta, former district director for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Los Angeles, said Alatorre helped her get into Catholic University in the late 1960s and then land a job right out of college. "We knew him in the [Eastside] as someone who was always trying to help," said Acosta, who lives in Pasadena. Diaz agreed, remembering how when he was on the City Council, he helped a nonprofit she worked for. "He would pick up the phone and call someone in the city and say, 'Hey, these people need help,' and things would get done," the Monrovia resident said. "He was a mentor to all," Acosta added. Nearby, Andres Chavez, a grandson of Cesar Chavez and executive director of the National Chavez Center, greeted well-wishers. He mentioned his grandfather's famous speech predicting that Latinos would one day be a political and economic powerhouse in California. "My tata talked about that, but Richard made it happen," Chavez said. He then shared with me a voicemail from Alatorre, expressing pride in Chavez and his career. The call ended with Alatorre saying, "I love you, brother." "You saw all the people inside the cathedral that he mentored. And I am now the next generation," Chavez said. "We have the obligation to Richard to help, just like he did." 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. Whatever his many failings and outrages, you have to give Donald Trump credit for picking a sound running mate someone with experience in government, a mild temperament, a belief in democracy and the backbone to stand up to Trump himself. Unfortunately, that was eight years ago, when Mike Pence joined the Republican ticket. This year, Trump chose JD Vance, who is notable in all sorts of ways that dont put him in a flattering light. His history of misogynistic remarks and his abrupt conversion from fierce Trump critic to fawning Trump toady only underline why he is one of the worst vice presidential choices of the past century. The first requirement of a running mate should be the capacity to step into the most powerful office in the world on a moments notice, as several vice presidents have done. For Vance to be in that position would be like the office intern taking over as CEO. At 40, he has held only one political office, U.S. senator, and for less than two years. Preparation for the presidency doesnt get much more minimal. Pence had spent 12 years in Congress and four years as governor of Indiana. Vance is even less qualified than Sarah Palin, who had been a small-town mayor and governor of Alaska before John McCain elevated her to national prominence in 2008. Vances Kleenex-thin resume matters even more than usual because at 78, Trump is the oldest presidential nominee ever. He has a far higher chance of dying in the next four years than Kamala Harris, who is 59. Vance has gotten little scrutiny for his inexperience because he has gotten so much for his strange comments about women sneering at childless cat women, claiming that professional women without kids are on a path to misery and apparently agreeing with an interviewer who said that helping to raise grandchildren is the whole purpose of the postmenopausal female. To be fair, Vance has a commendable history of pointing out the vile character of the GOP presidential nominee. He used to describe Trump as an idiot and Americas Hitler. But that makes his capitulation only more degrading. Trump loves a fawning convert, and Vances nasty side is part of his appeal. Vance brings to mind Spiro Agnew, whose selection by Republican Richard Nixon in 1968 baffled party veterans. But it soon became obvious why Nixon chose Agnew: to appeal to angry right-wingers. As governor of Maryland, Agnew had infuriated Black leaders by blaming them for the 1968 riots that followed the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. As Nixons running mate, Agnew used a contemptuous term for Japanese people in referring to a reporter and in a separate incident scoffed that if youve seen one slum, youve seen them all. Democrats saw him as a joke. One campaign ad consisted entirely of the onscreen words Agnew for Vice President? and the sound of a man laughing hysterically. But his appeal to Nixon was simple. In his book Nixonland, historian Rick Perlstein wrote: They shared the same resentments. They shared the same enemy. Agnew was the tribune for those who felt visceral disgust at a society gone too far. Agnew smeared the Democratic nominee, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, as soft on communism. As vice president, Agnew made vitriolic attacks on intellectuals, radical liberals, student protesters and the news media a tradition that Trump has carried on. (In an unrelated development, Agnew resigned in 1973 amid a bribery investigation and was convicted of tax evasion.) Like Agnew, Vance has appeal only on the right. But that trait made Agnew useful in 1968. Nixon, a GOP centrist, was distrusted by conservatives, and he faced a serious third-party rival, segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace. Trump bears less resemblance to Nixon than to Wallace, who once said: We dont have riots in Alabama. They start a riot down there, first one of em to pick up a brick gets a bullet in the brain. But voters who relish that sort of rhetoric were already in the MAGA camp. By picking Vance, Trump squandered a chance to appeal to the moderate Americans he needs. His running mates chief talent is alienating anyone who is not a diehard Republican. Vance brings to mind the old joke: Why do people take an instant dislike to him? Because it saves time. Even among men, his unfavorable rating exceeds his favorable rating. His youth is no help: Voters from age 18 to 42 also dont like him. Compare him with Kamala Harris running mate: In every age group and among both men and women, according to a recent poll conducted by the opinion research firm Big Village, Tim Walz scores better than Vance. Its a reliable axiom of political experts that nobody votes on vice presidential nominees. This year, Vance is doing his best to prove them wrong. _____ Steve Chapman was a member of the Tribune Editorial Board from 1981 to 2021. His columns, exclusive to the Tribune, appear the first Thursday of every month. He can be reached at stephenjchapman@icloud.com. _____ So-called ghost guns 3D-printed firearms that can be assembled for a fraction of the price a licensed firearm user can purchase a similar gun grew for more common starting in 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) New Jersey needs additional laws to stem a surge of so-called ghost guns and firearm conversion kits that transform semi-automatic guns into fully automatic ones, the State Commission of Investigation said in a new report released Tuesday. Ghost guns are 3D-printed firearms that can be assembled for a fraction of the price a licensed firearm user can purchase a similar gun. They lack serial numbers that enable law enforcement to track them. Though manufacturing ghost guns and selling designs for such weapons is illegal in New Jersey, the law does not criminalize possession of the computer code needed to make them. The Commissions findings reveal that New Jersey should adopt or amend existing laws to address the latest technological advances used by criminal elements to circumvent gun restrictions and corrupt firearms to make them even more dangerous, the commissions report said. That should change, the commission said, because those plans and the 3D printers needed to assemble ghost guns and other firearm components like magazines with higher capacities than allowed by state law are readily available. We will review the report once we receive it and give the SCIs recommendations careful consideration, said Richard McGrath, a spokesperson for Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union). Scott Bach, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, did not return a request for comment. The group has brought multiple lawsuits challenging New Jersey gun laws, including ones limiting where New Jerseyans can carry firearms and barring ownership of Colt AR-15s. A federal judge ruled in favor of the group in the latter challenge in July. Ghost guns grew far more common during the pandemic. Authorities recovered 55 of them in 2019, compared to 433 in 2022 and 332 last year. Conversion kits that transform semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic ones that cost between $20 and $40 should also be outlawed, the commission said. State law already bars the possession of fully automatic weapons, but possession of such a conversion kit is illegal only if it is already installed on a firearm. Such devices, which the commission said are readily available for purchase through encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, have grown far more common in recent years. Between 2017 and 2021, police recovered more than 5,400 conversion kits, a nearly six-fold increase over the preceding five-year period, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Their prevalence in New Jersey is unclear as the New Jersey State Police only began collecting data on recovered conversion devices this spring, but the commissions report warns the kits have already led to an increase in bystander shootings, citing an April shooting in New Brunswick that saw a bystander wounded by a bullet in her second-story home. They cant control where the bullets go to, State Police Lt. Col. Joseph Brennan told the commission at an April hearing. Theres more likelihood of unintended targets. The commission also recommended that the state extend the time defendants charged with firearms offenses can be held while awaiting pretrial detention decisions, warning the 48-hour deadline provided by current law is too short to allow ballistics analysis. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella told the commission that analysis takes roughly five days. Extending that timeline to provide for ballistics testing could allow investigators to link firearms to other shootings. The commissions report notes a suspect arrested while in possession of a gun that had been publicly discharged 10 times over a 12-month span in Paterson was released before trial because ballistics test results were not available during their pretrial detention hearing. Public firearm discharges that dont harm anyone should also have their penalties upgraded, the commission said. Under current law, such discharges are often treated as criminal mischief a minor charge used for property damage and graffiti and are not cause to hold suspects in custody while they await trial. The Assembly has passed common-sense gun safety legislation to protect New Jersey citizens, and we will continue to do everything to safeguard the residents of this state. We appreciate the analysis from the SCI and will review the recommendations put forward, said Rhonda Schaffler, a spokesperson for Assembly Democrats. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Tuesday morning brought a heated Minnehaha County Commission meeting in Sioux Falls in which county commissioner Joe Kippley sought county Auditor Leah Andersons resignation, but Anderson said she will not leave office. Anderson has previously alleged that during the 2020 general election, there was a difference of more than 24,000 ballots when comparing audit logs in the county with the number of total ballots cast. But she cited a much smaller number Tuesday. This recap shows that I was able to account for the ballots that were listed on the secretary of states website, per these documents that I was able to look at, with a difference of 283 ballots, Anderson said. Anderson says she reviewed recap sheets and poll lists. That 283 figure, she explains, is the difference between the number she came up with and the data submitted to the South Dakota secretary of state. I am going to assume the ballots are all there because we cant open them and look at them, and but yes, I do feel more comfortable with the number of ballots cast, Anderson said in response to a question from county commissioner Jen Bleyenberg. However, Kippley, who has publicly questioned Andersons job performance in the past, was not satisfied. Do you have any regrets with that press release and some of the media you did in the meantime when you put out that there were election irregularities of 24,000 votes in Minnehaha County in 2020? Kippley said Tuesday. I dont have any regrets, Anderson said in response. The discrepancy was there, and its still there, and it needed to be addressed, and its my job as the auditor of this county to look into any discrepancies. We have a very important election coming up in 24. On that point, Anderson and Kippley agreed. But a moment later, the temperature in the room spiked. The auditor did certain media interviews with online entities that then used that interview to use a headline that said Minnehaha County auditor doesnt rule out CIA involvement in election irregularities, Kippley said. And really what we have there is just useful idiocy for election conspiracy grifters. So thats just my assessment of it. And this election coming up is very important, and we need an auditor with credibility, and at this point, you are the auditor who cried wolf, okay? So you have no credibility, and I, as one commissioner, would ask you to resign. Thank you, mister chair. Can I respond to that? Anderson asked in response. You may, you bet, county commissioner Dean Karsky said. Okay, thank you. Im not going to resign. Sorry, Mr. Kippley, Anderson said. However, when I was asked the question if I would rule out anything like that, I cant rule out anything such as any other involvement because I dont know that theres no other involvement. There is no credible evidence of CIA involvement in the 2020 general election locally or nationally. In a June statement, the South Dakota secretary of states office told KELOLAND News that the county canvassed the 2020 elections results right after the election was held and found no discrepancies at the time with those who voted, and the ballots cast. 2024s general election is on Nov. 5; absentee voting will begin on Sept. 20, and the voter registration deadline is Oct. 21. KELOLAND News is planning a comprehensive website that includes everything voters might want to know before casting a ballot. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Community Hospital will see a statewide honor on Tuesday for its efforts in early childhood education. The hospital will be recognized at the 2024 Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) Annual Business Leaders Dinner in Glendale. Adventure Academy, Community Hospitals on-site early childhood education center, will be highlighted as it provides childcare for employees and Mesa County residents. Adventure Academy opened in September 2023. Community Hospital will be given EPICs 2024 Early Childhood Champion Award. The honor is given to businesses and employers who demonstrate innovation, leadership and a deep investment in strategies that support young children and the needs of working families, according to the hospitals press release. Community Hospitals early childhood education center, Adventure Academy, serves as a model for employer-supported solutions, providing high-quality childcare to over 100 children in Mesa County, EPIC Vice President of Development and Operations Cassie Leyva said in the release. Their commitment to creating a family-friendly culture exemplifies the spirit of leadership that EPIC strives to cultivate within the private sector. Adventure Academy was a $5 million project made possible through state and federal funds, private donors and event fundraising, according to the press release. We know that a lack of available childcare impacts health care and we were honored to spearhead efforts to help minimize the lack of available childcare in Mesa County, Community Hospital Chief Development Officer Tawny Espinoza said in a press release. This project was a collaborative effort, and we are extremely proud to have fostered a high quality, affordable childcare facility that our entire community can benefit from for years to come. For information about Adventure Academy, visit adventureacademygj.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 WesternSlopeNow.com. CANTON, Ohio (WJW) A 21-year-old man is speaking out following an incident involving a Canton police officer. On Aug. 21, Canton police were called to the Mahoning Manor Apartments, after a 911 caller told dispatchers a whole bunch of people were fighting and arguing. Woman hit by car at Blossom; search for driver The caller denied seeing any weapons and stated the activity was not getting physical. Body worn camera video shows officers, including Brandon Momirov, responding to the scene were several individuals started running with police giving chase. At least one of those suspects, who got away, was believed to have been seen with a gun in his hand. Jaemiir McElroy and his brother were among those who stayed in the parking lot, standing near some cars when officers, with their weapons drawn, ordered them to the ground, shouting for them to comply. One officer saying Im not playing. We had just got there, going to a party and the cops had came. There wasnt no argument, no fighting, there wasnt nothing like that, McElroy told Fox 8 News. I got down on my knees, my hands in the air, I was complying, said McElroy. Pickup truck rear-ends Amish buggy, one killed Home video posted to social media then shows officer Momirov dropping the kneeling McElroy to the ground with a kick to the area of his neck and chest. Momirovs body worn camera video shows him running from beside an apartment building and at full speed delivering the kick. I just get the view in my eye, I see the officer running full speed, so Im in my head saying to myself like, I know hes not going to touch me thats what Im thinking. I wasnt really thinking he was going to kick me. McElroy said. McElroy was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest. In an exclusive interview he told Fox 8 News he was not armed, he believed he was doing everything to comply with the officers commands, and in his mind he was doing nothing illegal at the time. Momirovs body worn camera video shows him later going to McElroy and apologizing, saying it was nothing personal. He knows what he did. So for him to come to the car and try to apologize the first thing he said was nothing personal. I feel like its personal, said McElroy He was taken to jail, booked and after his release he took himself to a local hospital where he was treated for a concussion. The officers actions were subject to an internal review, after which the Canton Police Department issued this statement: The Canton Police Department has completed an internal review of an Aug. 24 incident involving force used by Officer Brandon Momirov. Chief Gabbard has sustained a Class A violation of the Departments Rules and Regulations section 500: Use of Force. Class A is reserved for the most serious violations and, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the case has been forwarded to the Director of Public Safety who will hold a disciplinary hearing. Chief Gabbard states, The conduct under review is unacceptable and does not reflect our training, our principles, or our mission. Those who know me or have an understanding of my career know that I am absolutely committed to serving the Canton community and those who protect it. Mistakes like this effect every officer, making a very difficult job even harder. McElroy believes had the home video of the incident never been posted to social media what happened to him might never have seen the light of day. He and his family have hired Attorney Bobby DiCello, who represents other clients in use-of-force incidents involving Canton Police. Theres nothing that justifies what happened. Theres no reason for that officer to come out of the dark and slam his foot into Jaemiir. Theres nothing going on for that, said DiCello. McElroy says he is taking medication to help with some of the lingering effects of his concussion. He has returned to school and is taking classes to get a high school diploma. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) A stricter ban on phones is causing concerns for families, children and even some educators. They say they want to know what happens in the case of an emergency. This school year, phone ban rules have doubled down harder than in the past. With the last school shooting not even a week ago, what does the public think of this? Pennsylvania to ban cell phone use while driving and require police to collect traffic stop data An educator from Virginia said on Monday, September 9, 2024 she is scared for the safety of children and educators around the country. What are the things we can start to do to make this better, to make going to school safer, to make people feel safer, said Layla Jones, a teacher from Virginia. Governor Justice has also backed the stricter phone rules in West Virginia schools. Phone bans are enforced in schools to limit distractions, improve mental health, and create a better school 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 WVNS. New 'cone of concern' shows how far watches, warnings extend inland for Hurricane Francine The National Hurricane Center's experimental "cone of concern" is active for Hurricane Francine, showing watches and warnings issued for inland counties. Francine strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday evening and is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday. Track all active storms Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The new cone will add tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings for interior counties in the path of the storm. The current cone shows watches and warnings only for coastal counties. Use the slider to compare the old cone of concern to the new version now posted by the National Hurricane Center. What's the difference between the old cone and new cone of concern used by Hurricane Center? The new experimental cone will reflect watches and warnings issued for interior counties. Previously, the NHC cone of concern shows the projected path of a tropical storm or hurricane, as well as the timing of the storm and any watches and warnings only for coastal areas. The new graphic will continue to have the same information but also illustrate potential impacts for areas away from the coast. The watches and warnings will take precedence over the cone, the National Hurricane Center said. Differences you'll see: Watches and warnings for inland counties, not just coastal areas. White transparent shading for the entire five-day forecast, instead of white stippling (dots) for the four- and five-day forecast. New Hurricane Center hopes new cone stops fixation on Saffir-Simpson Scale "We're excited. It's a big step forward for us and the people we serve. It's a better way to convey information," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome in a telephone interview in July. "We hope it gets people to stop fixating on less reliable tools like the Saffir-Simpson Scale. There are more accurate ways to convey actual wind impacts in your community and at your home. "The Saffir-Simpson Scale doesn't allow you to understand what the actual impact may be where you live. The Saffir-Simpson scale tells you peak wind (associated with a tropical storm or hurricane) but it may not be that over your community. "A Category 5 hurricane over Vero Beach doesn't mean Category 5 winds everywhere in Vero Beach. That doesn't allow you to deduce impact or threats" where you live. "People misinterpret local impacts, with some overestimating the threat and some underestimating the threat," Rhome said "Explicit watches and warnings for high winds (in your county) allows you to prepare for tropical storms or hurricanes based on where you are." With the previous emphasis on watches and warnings issued along Florida's coasts, many inland residents and visitors were unaware of the wind dangers an approaching storm could have well away from the coast. The new cone emphasizes inland watches and warnings. "The biggest change to the cone is the addition of the inland wind warnings. The National Weather Service has issued those for years. We're placing that information on the (NHC) cone for a more comprehensive view of the threat so people don't have to go to two different websites. All the information is seamlessly merged together." Where do you find the new 'cone of concern' on National Hurricane Center's website? Go to the National Hurricane Center's main website. When there's an active storm, you'll find a breakdown of information for each storm, including public advisories and forecast discussions. Click on public advisories for the storm you're interested in. Here's the link for Francine. Toward the top of the advisory, there are more links, this time including one for Graphics. Click on graphics. Here's the link for Francine. You'll see several different graphics NHC forecasters release on the storm. You'll want to click on the one labeled "Warnings/Cone Static Images." Below you'll see an image of the old cone of concern, but above it you'll also see text highlighted in red "Click here for the new experimental cone." You're there! The image you see is the new experimental cone showing watches and warnings in effect for inland counties. NHC plans to keep old cone around for awhile "The existing cone will still be there. If you're not ready to pivot to the new cone, the old one will still be widely available," Rhome said. "Any time you launch something new, initially there can be a spin-up education period. There's going to be a period for growth as people get used to new way of viewing their risk." National Hurricane Center wants public feedback on new cone of concern "The new one will replace the existing cone after one to two years of feedback. "If there's clear feedback the colors aren't right, something isn't clear, the legend is confusing then we'll make more changes. We want feedback to verify the changes are accomplishing what was intended," Rhome said. Provide feedback on new cone "My guess is that there will be opinions for more additions and refinements and then there will be another year of testing with more feedback" before the new cone replaces the current cone, Rhome said. When the new cone is pulled up on NHC's website, there will be a link to short survey. Rhome said every bit of feedback received will be looked at to determine how to proceed. Follow our coverage of Hurricane Francine and the tropics In a hurry? Here's what's happening with Hurricane Francine - in less than a minute. Hurricane Francine expected to become hurricane before landfall Tropics watch, Sept. 10: Peak of hurricane season arrives. NHC tracking Francine, 2 tropical waves Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage as conditions change. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: NHC new cone of concern: Watches, warnings issued, inland counties LL Flooring has signed an agreement to sell 219 of its stores to F9 Investments, the company announced on Friday. The agreement comes days after the retail company announced it would be closing over 400 stores nationwide. LL Flooring filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy claim on Aug. 11 after the company "spent several months" trying to resolve liquidity concerns and refinance debt obligations, according to court documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. The LL Flooring logo is displayed at one of the LL Flooring retail locations that was set to close on Aug. 12, 2024 in Torrance, California. The retail company announced on Sept. 6 that it would be closing its stores and starting closing sales. Now, the company has an agreement in the works. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with F9 Investments for a going-concern sale following significant efforts by our team and advisors to preserve the business and maintain ongoing operations, Charles Tyson, LL Floorings president and chief executive officer, said in the press release. As we move through the court-supervised process toward the approval and completion of this transaction, we remain committed to continuing to serve our valued customers and working closely with our vendors and partners, Tyson said. In addition, the retail company will work with Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC, on the store closing sales at 211 of its locations. The stores include the recently initiated 117 LL Flooring store closings and the 94 store closings that was previously announced before the stores Chapter 11 filing on Aug. 11. USA TODAY reached out to F9 Investments for comment. Here is what you need to know about the LL Flooring's agreement. Store closures: More Big Lots store locations closing as company files for bankruptcy and new owner takes over What are the terms of the LL Flooring agreement? F9 investments will acquire 219 stores, inventory in those stores and in the Companys Sandston, Virginia, distribution center, LL Floorings intellectual property and other company assets," the release states. This transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of September and is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and other closing conditions, the release said. Who is taking over LL Flooring? In an interview with FloorDaily.net, Tom Sullivan, F9 Investments chairman and former CEO and founder of LL Flooring, confirmed that he and the F9 Investments CEO, Jason Delves, will be taking over the 219 LL Flooring stores. The agreement also includes the warehouse and intellectual property, Sullivan confirmed. Sullivan said the change back to Lumber Liquidators was not just for nostalgic purposes, rather, it was a decision that was made for their customers. Story continues "How this company grew was the people in the stores that were all motivated to make the company successful," Sullivan said. The change back to the black and yellow logo felt like the right thing to do and a way for the private company to "turn it around pretty quick," Sullivan said. "It's just getting back to basics." he said. "It's just something about the Lumber Liquidators that works." LL Floorings history LL Flooring, formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, started from humble beginnings, the company says, launching "out of a pickup truck" in Stoughton, Massachusetts, about 21 miles south of Boston. The company changed its name to LL Flooring in 2020 after stock prices fell, Floor Covering Weekly reported. A 2015 investigation by CBS' "60 Minutes" revealed the company's products contained high levels of formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing chemical. Where are LL Flooring stores located? The company has more than 400 store locations across the United States. Here is a list of the states that have a LL Flooring store: Alabama, 7 Arizona, 7 Arkansas, 3 California, 37 Colorado, 10 Connecticut, 7 Delaware, 4 Florida, 32 Georgia, 13 Idaho, 2 Illinois, 15 Indiana, 9 Iowa, 3 Kansas, 2 Kentucky, 5 Louisiana, 6 Maine, 3 Maryland, 9 Massachusetts, 12 Michigan, 13 Minnesota, 7 Mississippi, 4 Missouri, 8 Montana, 1 Nebraska, 2 Nevada, 2 New Hampshire, 6 New Jersey, 15 New Mexico, 1 New York, 21 North Carolina, 18 North Dakota, 1 Ohio, 15 Oklahoma, 3 Oregon, 9 Pennsylvania, 21 Rhode Island, 1 South Carolina, 10 Tennessee, 9 Texas, 26 Utah, 3 Vermont, 1 Virginia, 17 Washington, 11 West Virginia, 5 Wisconsin, 8 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: LL Flooring changing back to Lumber Liquidators; some stores stay open BOSTON (SHNS) Congestion pricing was one of the most contentious issues in Swedish politics for years, as one transportation official from the Scandinavian country recently recalled. And then something unexpected happened: people got used to it. Following an extremely heated debate about the implementation of higher tolls on roads that at times are most prone to traffic, Stockholm commuters adjusted to the new reality, according to an official in the Swedish Transport Administration. It was easily the most debated issue in Swedish politics for several years, actually, but once it was in place, it was like, Okay, not so bad,' Jonas Eliasson, director of transport accessibility for the Swedish Transport Administration, said Thursday. It was sort of made uncontroversial in the same sense as speed limits or traffic signals. Eliasson was one of the panelists invited by the advocacy group Transportation for Massachusetts to explore the landscape for congestion pricing, an idea that reformers have pushed but which has failed to gain traction in Massachusetts and other parts of the United States. Stockholm launched a fee on vehicles entering and exiting the central part of the city in 2007, aiming to disincentivize driving at already-crowded peak times. Eliasson said the policy, which was later expanded to Gothenburg, another Swedish city, has decreased congestion enormously. I actually thought that at least some of the effect would wear off over time, but its actually the other way around it has grown bigger over time, he said. Some parts of the United States have variable pricing on highways or major crossings, though Matt Woodhouse, an assistant vice president for engineering and professional services firm WSP USA Advisory, said the majority of those cases deploy the technique as an option motorists can pay more for faster travel rather than a more blanket charge disincentivizing driving at certain times. Advocates see the change as a way to shift travel patterns and generate money for investments, but the idea has yet to catch on here. Former Gov. Charlie Baker in 2021 vetoed a proposal to study congestion pricing systems. The following year, lawmakers sent him updated language crafting a commission to study mobility pricing, which would examine congestion pricing and other topics like public transit fares. Baker sent it back with an amendment expanding the panels membership. The Legislature never took up the amendment, allowing the underlying proposal to die when the term ended. Supporters thought they had notched a landmark victory in New York, which moved in 2019 to charge drivers $15 for entering Manhattans business district. That plan was forecast to raise $15 billion for New York Citys transit system, but Gov. Kathy Hochul indefinitely paused it this summer shortly before it took effect. The fact that we won this program in 2019, and now its 2024 its a really long time, and as we all know, a lot of different things have happened in that period of time. It has not stopped the need for congestion pricing. Actually, it has exacerbated the need, said Betsy Plum, executive director of the New York-based Riders Alliance. Some skeptics of the policy argue that it would put unaffordable costs on lower-income motorists who do not have other viable options, or that transit systems are not reliable enough to offer commuters a better alternative. Eliasson said while it definitely helps if you have a good public transit system, its not necessary, pointing to options like working from home and bike lanes that motorists could choose instead of driving at peak times. And Plum said a great, great majority of lower-income travelers rely on public transit, not driving. She pointed to a 2017 study from the Community Service Society that found only 2 percent of the working poor would be subject to congestion pricing fees. It feels grossly inequitable to me that we would say to those [98 percent of] individuals that you do not deserve a subway and bus system that works, and that your time is not worth the investment that we would make with congestion pricing, Plum 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 WWLP. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) U.S. Rep. Susie Lee, the Democrat currently representing Congressional District 3 in Nevada, has declined an invitation from 8 News Now to debate her Republican opponent, Drew Johnson. In a sharply worded statement responding to the invitation, Lee criticized Johnsons dangerous statements and labeled him as an election denier. Her full statement: Drew Johnson is an unstable and unhinged election denier who is peddling in lies in a desperate attempt to cover up his history of dangerous statements. He cant accept the results of his last failed election and I refuse to give someone so anti-American a legitimate venue to spread his own corrupt lie. Id be happy to debate if he proves hes ready to deal in truths and facts, but right now Drew has a better chance of seeing me in court than on the debate stage. U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.), left, and Republican challenger Drew Johnson. Johnsons campaign gave us this reply: Its no surprise to me that Susie Lee refuses to debate. She has no way of defending her horrific record as the most corrupt member of Congress. Shady Susie voted to give her family $5.6 million in entirely forgiven, taxpayer-funded PPP loans, was caught making more than $3.3 million in stock trades she illegally neglected to disclose, and even refused to pay her property taxes and utility bills. Susie Lees unhinged suggestion of legal action against me and my campaign for revealing the truth about her corruption and the embarrassing record she is too cowardly to defend to voters is hilarious. After all, if a private citizen did what she did, they would spend years in prison. Lee is seeking her third term representing CD3, which includes the southwest part of the Las Vegas valley and extends to the southern tip of the state. Johnson has built a reputation for exposing government waste. In a poll by Emerson College Polling/The Hill/8 News Now released on Aug. 29, Lee had a 47.4% to 34.6% lead over Johnson, with 14.3% undecided. 8 News Now has also extended invitations for debates in Congressional Districts 1 and 4. In CD1, Republican Mark Robertson has accepted an invitation, and in CD4, Republican John Lee has accepted. We will release more details on those debates when they are finalized. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Getzville man was sentenced Tuesday morning to five years probation for stealing $450,000 in life savings from a woman over the course of four years, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office. Victor Marinaccio, 66, befriended the victim and misrepresented himself to obtain her life savings. Between July 2018 and August 2022, Marinaccio used her credit cards and conducted wire transfers to steal around $450,000. He then used the money for travel and other personal expenses, the DAs office said. Wanted on an indictment warrant, Marinaccio was found by the secret service in Las Vegas. In September 2022, he was returned to Western New York to face prosecution. Marinaccio pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny in May. He agreed to pay $250,000 in restitution upfront to the victim and signed a confession of judgment to pay an additional $200,000 at a later date. A final order of protection for the victim and her family remain in effect until Sept. 2032. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff for 9/11 Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff for 9/11 NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Wednesday for the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including 161 of whom had ties to Connecticut. List of 9/11 memorial events taking place across Connecticut The Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, also known as the Q Bridge, on Interstate 95 in New Haven will be illuminated red, white and blue beginning at dusk on Tuesday and Wednesday. Connecticut hosted its annual ceremony on Sept. 5 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Communities across Connecticut are planning to hold memorial services on Wednesday to remember the lives lost on Sept. 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 WTNH.com. Contingent elections: what they are, and what to expect if 2024 triggers one Contingent elections: what they are, and what to expect if 2024 triggers one The pundits predict the presidential election will be close. So should people prepare for contingencies? Theres truly only one contingency for this scenario. Its called a contingent election. Whats that? Dont feel badly if youve never heard of a contingent election. The term is not even mentioned in the Constitution. However, Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment address the process for settling a dispute in the Electoral College where no candidate scores the magic number of 270 electoral votes. Or, if theres a tie. REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: WIN OR LOSE, HARRIS MUST ATTEND THE JAN. 6 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CERTIFICATION The U.S. has only undergone a contingent election on three occasions: 1801, to elect President Thomas Jefferson. Then in 1825 to pick President John Quincy Adams. Finally in 1837 to elect Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP In a contingent election, the House selects the President. The Senate picks the Vice President. But lets first explore scenarios for a complicated Electoral College tabulation which could trigger a contingent election. The possibility of a 269-269 Electoral College tie is real. Lets say Vice President Harris loses Pennsylvania and Georgia. But she prevails in Nevada, Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin. Harris also collects a singular electoral vote in Nebraskas 2nd Congressional district. Maine and Nebraska distribute their electoral votes based on which presidential candidate prevails in each Congressional district. For instance, in 2020, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., won - even as President Biden carried the district. In Maines 2nd Congressional district, Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, won. Yet former President Trump bested Mr. Biden in that district. Nebraska has five electoral votes. Mr. Trump received four. President Biden, one. Maine has four electoral votes. The President earned three. But former President Trump collected one. There are other scenarios to get you to an Electoral College tie. Fast-forward to January 6th, the day the House and Senate meet in a Joint Session of Congress to certify the Electoral College. We know what happened in 2021 with Republicans contesting slates of electoral votes from six states. If Congress fails to certify a winner, or, if there are disputes on various batches of electoral votes, its possible no candidate hits 270. SENATE TO SWEAR IN MENENDEZ SUCCESSOR FOLLOWING NJ LAWMAKER'S CONVICTION, RESIGNATION So, its then up to the House of Representatives to select the President and the Senate, the Vice President, in a contingent election. Heres the fascinating part. Each state votes as a state delegation but receives only one vote in a contingent election. In other words, California, with its 52-member delegation comprised of 40 Democrats, counts the same as South Dakota, with its lone Republican. In a contingent election, Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson South Dakota's sole congressman would have as much voting power as California's entire 52-member delegation. But we dont truly know the breakdowns of each Congressional delegation for next year which could vote in a contingent election. We only know the breakdown for this Congress. The new Congress isnt sworn-in until January 3, 2025. So heres an analysis on where each state delegation stands now, and where they could stand come January. As of this moment, Republicans control 26 state delegations ranging from all Republican West Virginia to mostly Republican Florida and Texas. Democrats rule in 22 state delegations. That includes mostly Democratic New York and all Democratic Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two states are tied: Minnesota features a 4/4 split between the parties. North Carolina is divided 7/7. REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: WHY FOREIGN POLICY MIGHT MATTER But what does the House look like next year? Things would still favor the GOP even if Democrats win control of the House with the most seats. And evaluating the map, the odds favor Republicans to control the most state delegations. But nothing is a done deal. So lets study state delegations which have a chance of flipping one way or the other in 2025 and how that could sway a contingent election. Alaska is a fascinating place to start. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, won this statewide seat in a special election in 2022 after the death of late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska. Young represented the state for 49 years. Peltola is up against Republican Nick Begich Jr., grandson of late Rep. Nick Begich, Sr., D-Alaska. Ironically, Young took the seat after the elder Begich died in a plane crash. Also on the ballot: John Wayne Howe and Eric Hafner. If Democrats are to hold the House for a potential contingent election, they need Peltola to win. Former President Trump won Alaska in 2020 with 61 percent of the vote. Where could Democrats flip a Congressional delegation in their favor? Arizona is a case study as to why its hard for Democrats to gain traction in state delegations. Arizona is a swing state at the presidential level. But there are two Republicans at risk. Rep. Dave Schweikert, R-Ariz., narrowly won two years ago. Freshman Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., also represents a battleground district. But Republicans currently hold a 6-3 advantage over Democrats in the House delegation. Democrats have an outside shot at moving the delegation to 5-4 in their favor should they knock off two incumbents. But thats dicey. THE HOME STRETCH: VP HARRIS FILLS DEMOCRATS WITH OPTIMISM AS ELECTION DAY NEARS Colorados House districts currently favor the Democrats, 5-3. But in order to maintain that advantage and avoid a 4-4 tie, freshman Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Colo., must win re-election. Caraveo won her first term with less than 50 percent of the vote in 2022. As mentioned, Maine awards its electoral vote proportionately. Golden is one of the most moderate Democrats in the House, routinely winning close races. But Maine only has two House seats. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, holds the other one. Pingree is favored to win this fall. However, if Golden loses, Maines delegation is tied. How that delegation votes in a contingent election is anybodys guess. A tie essentially nullifies that states vote in a contingent election on the House floor. In the contingent election of 1801, the House delegations of Vermont and Maryland were split evenly. The House then consumed 36 ballots before electing Thomas Jefferson. One of the reasons Jefferson became president is that Marylands House delegation eventually dropped its deadlock. Maryland had voted 4-4 for days. But Jefferson prevailed after four of Marylands House members didnt vote on the 36th ballot. A loss by Democratic Rep. Susie Lee could split Nevada's four-member delegation in half. Should her challenger, Drew Johnson, win, he would join fellow Republican Mark Amodei and Democratic colleagues Dina Titus and Steven Horsford in the Silver State's congressional ranks. Its also worth keeping an eye on Nevada. Nevada is a key state at the presidential level. Democrats hold a 3-1 House advantage. A loss by Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., could tie that delegation, 2-2, taking away the Democrats advantage. Minnesota is another state with a 4-4 tie in its delegation. Probably the best chance for Democrats here is to hold the tie and nullify the Gopher States vote in a contingent election. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., historically wins with slim margins. A loss by Craig flips the Minnesota delegation to 5-3 in favor of Republicans. Now, buckle in. North Carolina is where things get intriguing. NORTH CAROLINA ELECTIONS BOARD FACES ANOTHER LAWSUIT, AS RNC SUES SWING STATE OVER NONCITIZEN VOTING CONCERNS The Tar Heel State features 14 House members, split evenly 7-7 among Democrats and Republicans. But thanks to redistricting, Republicans likely gain in the House delegation next year. North Carolina could favor the GOP 10-4 or maybe even 11-3. So the state could be a boon to Republicans if the House decides the presidency in a contingent election. But heres the rub: North Carolina is now in play at the presidential level. What happens if Harris wins all 16 of North Carolinas electoral votes - but there is still a contingent election in the House because no candidate reached 270? Does the North Carolina House delegation now leaning heavily toward the GOP ignore that fact in a contingent election on the House floor and vote for former President Trump? Or do those House members - mostly Republicans - cast their ballots for Harris because that expresses the will of the voters in their state? House members are not bound in any way, shape or form to reflect the outcome of the popular vote or Electoral College in their states. House members can vote however they want. Consider Georgia. It's highly competitive at the presidential level. However, Republicans lead 9-5 in the House delegation. That delegation is not on the edge. Lets say Harris wins Georgia. How does Georgias delegation vote in a contingent election? Pennsylvania is a little like North Carolina. The Keystone State is up for grabs this fall. Democrats command a 9-8 advantage in its House delegation. However, thats not a lock. Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-Penn., Susan Wild, D-Penn., and Matt Cartwright, D-Penn., all represent competitive districts. On the Republican side, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., has a district which has the potential to be in play. Pennsylvania is challenging for Democrats to hold at the House level regardless of what happens at the top of the ticket. GRETCHEN WHITMER REJECTS POLLS SHOWING HARRIS UP 5 POINTS AGAINST TRUMP IN MICHIGAN: 'IT'S JUST NOT TRUE' The challenge for Democrats in Michigan is nearly a carbon copy of Pennsylvania. Michigan is a must-win state for both Harris and the former President. Democrats have a 7-6 edge in the House delegation. They are defending the seat of Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who is now running for Senate. Slotkin usually won her seat with a little more than 50 percent of the vote. But Democrats must also maintain the seats of retiring Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., and Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich. However, Democrats hope to flip the district currently held by Rep. John James, R-Mich. James narrowly won in 2022. Virginia is the last state delegation which is truly in play in 2024. There is an outside chance Virginias 13 electoral votes could be up for grabs in the presidential election. But that is far from guaranteed. Democrats currently hold a 6-5 edge in the House delegation. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., is retiring to run for governor next year. Spanberger is a centrist Democrat who flipped one of the most-competitive districts in the nation in 2018. Democrats must hold her seat along with the district of retiring Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va. Wexton is stepping down for health reasons. Wextons race was closer than expected in 2022. However, Democrats hope to pick up a seat won in 2022 by Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., with 51 percent of the vote. In short, House Democrats really dont have a lot of chances to make inroads against Republicans with state delegations. Its ironic because Democrats have a good chance of gaining control of the House. But Democrats run up their overall House numbers in Massachusetts and California. Theyre not competitive in North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah. So, the GOP maintains those delegations. When it comes to a contingent election, the best Democrats can do is hold current "battlegrounds," like Alaska, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia and maintain a tie in Minnesota. They also need to avoid a tie in Nevada, Colorado and Maine. At this writing, there are zero chances for Democratic delegation pickups. It boils down to defending five close states at the delegation level, ducking ties in three states and keeping things where they are in Minnesota. Even so, Republicans likely seize the delegation in North Carolina. If that analysis holds, Democrats may only control 22 delegations in January, 2025. Thats compared to 27 held by Republicans if North Carolina goes the way we anticipate. REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: NO PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP? NO VOTE Even so, its possible Democrats could lose seats in presidential battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania. Or Peltola could lose in Alaska. Its entirely plausible that Republicans could control close to 30 state delegations compared to Democrats hovering around 20. That doesnt bode well for Harris if the election for President is pitched into the House. In the contingent election of 1825, the House ultimately elected President John Quincy Adams, the son of President John Adams, one of the vanquished candidates in the disputed 1800 election which ultimately went to Jefferson. Future President Andrew Jackson scored most of the electoral votes needed to win. But the House still sided with the younger Adams. So, its far from certain that a contingent election reflects the electoral vote. Theres no experience with this archaic exercise in the modern Congress. Its a gambit unused for nearly two centuries. And because of that, no one knows how it will go. Original article source: Contingent elections: what they are, and what to expect if 2024 triggers one Continuing Tennessee drought leads to voluntary water conservation efforts: What we know Several Middle Tennessee cities have asked residents to conserve water as dry conditions are expected to continue indefinitely across the state. The remnants of Tropical Storm Francine are expected to march across West and Middle Tennessee at the end of this week, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Nashville, but they warn the coming rain won't be enough to completely eradicate the drought. Spring Hill, about 30 miles south of Nashville, is the latest city to enact such conservation efforts, joining Portland and Franklin as the third town in a growing list. Here's what we know about the situation: How many cities are impacted by voluntary restrictions? So far, there have been three official city announcements asking residents to conserve water, but more are expected in the coming days, especially in areas around the Duck River. Split between Robertson and Sumner Counties to the north of Nashville, the City of Portland issued a water shortage alert on Sept. 6, citing low City Lake levels and a lack of rainfall in the area. More: Second Middle Tennessee town asks residents to conserve water, issues alert amid drought City officials said Friday on Facebook that Portland's raw water supply is nearing emergency status. Franklin residents were asked days earlier, on Sept. 4, to stop all non-essential water use until further notice. The Williamson County seat is under an emergency status 1 water shortage. More: Middle Tennessee town declares emergency water shortage, restricts usage amid drought Spring Hill and other cities in the Duck River Basin are choosing to enact voluntary water conservation measures at the request of the Duck River Agency, a nearly 60-year-old comprehensive regional development agency responsible for the control and development of water resources in the Duck River Watershed in Bedford, Coffee, Hickman, Marshall and Maury Counties. Don Hubbs gathers the dead mussels at Duck River in Centerville, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Why is the Duck River water level low? Theres a lot of perception that the river is being drained because of water withdrawals and growth the withdrawals havent really changed since we started seeing these low levels a lot of it is because of the drought and losing sections of the Duck River, Duck River Agency Executive Director Doug Murphy said. According to American Rivers, the Duck River flows nearly 300 miles through seven counties in Middle Tennessee and is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world. More: Water fight underway over Tennessee's drought-stricken Duck River: A watershed moment And its geology makes it equally unique. Low river flow levels have been observed in several downstream entities due to significant amounts of river water being lost to groundwater replenishment. The Duck River is a really unique river in that during low flow periods or drought periods, we lose about 25% of the river to underground karst, Murphy said. He explained that karst is mostly, crack-laden limestone underneath the Duck River that does not absorb water. It lets water run through it real easy, he said. The Duck River Basins upper portion of the watershed is a very karst system, so we have a lot of water that goes underground when it gets dry, more water goes underground because the water table gets low, and the rivers trying to refill the groundwater. Drought conditions in Tennessee are worse in parts of western Middle Tennessee as rain is expected beginning Thursday from Tropical Storm Francine. Why are people being asked to voluntarily conserve water? According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Tennessee is either abnormally dry or listed in a moderate drought this week. Some portions of the state are classified as being in an extreme drought. For the Duck River watershed, specifically, there isn't enough water for wildlife in a D3 drought. Agency officials declared a Stage 1 River Drought Friday after almost two weeks of discussion. Were just trying to be good stewards and protect the river and thats why weve asked our citizens in the Duck River Basin to conserve a little water, that way we dont have to draw as much out of the river, Murphy explained. How do people voluntarily conserve water? Customers in conservation areas are being asked to conserve by eliminating non-essential uses, such as irrigation, outdoor recreation, washing sidewalks and driveways, filling or refilling pools and hot tubs, undertaking non-commercial washing of vehicles and boats and dust control measures during construction. Don Hubbs, a malacologist and one of the states top experts on freshwater mussels, inspects a mussel at Duck River in Centerville, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Are drought conditions expected to improve? Tennessee could see some relief later in the week due to intensifying tropical storm Francine in the Gulf of Mexico. More: How Tropical Storm Francine could impact Tennessee weather: Wind, rain, lessening drought? The storm is expected to bring several inches of much-needed rain beginning Thursday. West and Middle Tennessee are expected to see the most rain, anywhere between three to four inches, between Thursday and Saturday, National Weather Service Nashville Meteorologist Mark Rose told The Tennessean Monday. The state would need multiple tropical storm events to completely eliminate its drought, Rose said. Currently, drought conditions are the worst in four western Middle Tennessee counties, west of Interstate 65 near the Tennessee River. Water continues to flow at Duck River in Centerville, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Whats next for the Duck River? In response to initiating voluntary conservation measures, the Duck River Agency launched a Drought Response Team, consisting of state and local officials, who plan to meet weekly to assess drought conditions and escalate the response if needed, according to a release. That team will be made up of mainly agency folks that can provide information, data, run models, that can help make good decisions using good science thats our goal, Murphy said. Its all based on protecting the Duck River and providing water supply for all uses, not just citizens. The agencys long-term plans for the water supply continue to adapt with each drought. Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What to know about water shortages across Middle Tennessee cities ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Monday was a day for celebration, as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce helped Conversance Business Solutions mark the grand opening of its new office in Rochester. A ribbon cutting commemorated the opening Monday afternoon. Now located on W. Broad Street, the organization aims to service local businesses, helping to boost growth and productivity in a variety of ways, including by offering virtual assistance and social media management consultations, just to name a few. Ive been in business for nine years, said CEO Rumella Cameron. I really wanted this moment because I wanted business owners to see there is an ecosystem built for them to come to work to network, to learn because we have all of these things. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As updated coronavirus vaccines hit U.S. pharmacy shelves, adults without health insurance are discovering the shots are no longer free, instead costing up to $200. The federal Bridge Access Program covering the cost of coronavirus vaccines for uninsured and underinsured people ran out of funding. Now, Americans with low incomes are weighing whether they can afford to shore up immunity against an unpredictable virus that is no longer a public health emergency but continues to cause long-term complications and hospitalizations and kill tens of thousands of people a year. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The programs elimination marks the latest tear in a safety net that once ensured people could protect themselves against the coronavirus regardless of their financial situation. Health experts worry that the paltry 22 percent rate of adults staying up-to-date on vaccines will erode further. And they fear that the roughly 25 million people without health insurance in the nation will be especially vulnerable to covid because they tend to be in poorer health and avoid medical care when sick. Nicole Savant, a 33-year-old part-time paralegal and dog walker, lost her Medicaid benefits last year when her income rose. She wants the latest shot because she knows people who died of covid before the vaccines became available and because she faces a higher risk of severe disease being overweight. She was floored when she was quoted $201.99 at an appointment to receive the vaccine at a St. Louis-area CVS. She wasnt sure if she even had that much money in her bank account. I have so little money, and I have other needs as well, like monthly medications, said Savant, who doubts she will get the vaccine if she has to pay out of pocket. I would hope for the best, which I really dont want to do. At least 34 million doses of last years vaccine were administered to adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, 1.5 million were funded through the Bridge Access Program, which was originally set to end this December, allowing vaccinations ahead of the usual winter wave. But it expired ahead of schedule because Congress rescinded $6.1 billion in coronavirus emergency spending authority as part of a deal to avert a government shutdown. Congress also declined to fund the Biden administrations proposal for a Vaccines for Adults program that could provide routine immunizations, including for the coronavirus, for free, similar to an existing Vaccines for Children program. Private insurers, along with the Medicare and Medicaid government programs, are required to pay for coronavirus vaccines. The Bridge Access Program offered a backup option for people encountering insurance snags. The CDC said it identified an additional $62 million to buy coronavirus vaccines targeting the latest variants for distribution through state and local health agencies - which local officials say is a sliver of the overall need. CDC spokeswoman Jasmine Reed said the partnership with state and local officials can provide shots to 1 million insured and underinsured Americans. Raynard Washington, who leads the Mecklenburg County health department in North Carolina, said its difficult for financially strapped health agencies to tap their own funds for coronavirus vaccines. Under CDC contracts, health officials spend $78 a dose for the vaccine from the drug company Moderna and pay $100 for the version from Pfizer-BioNTech, compared with $15 to $20 for flu shots. Washington, who also leads the Big Cities Health Coalition, an organization representing metropolitan health departments, said vaccine manufacturers should charge health departments less to help vaccinate more people without insurance. Whats at stake is we are reverting back to a system where a persons financial ability to be able to pay will determine their ability to be healthy, Washington said. Pfizer and Moderna said their vaccines would be available through patient assistance programs that offer free vaccines, but spokespeople did not offer details on the scope and eligibility of those programs. Novavax, whose vaccine was approved by regulators last week, said it does not have a patient assistance program for the upcoming fall season. Moderna and Novavax did not respond to questions about the rate they charge health officials. Pfizer defended its pricing practices. Pfizer has priced the vaccine to ensure the price is consistent with the value delivered and with the goal of uninterrupted access for every American, the company said in a statement provided by spokesman Kit Longley. Community health centers that often provide low-cost care to uninsured people administered 24 million shots when the federal government provided them, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers. Now, the facilities will have to scale back those programs and rely on local health officials for vaccines, some of whom would have little to share, said Luis Padilla, the associations chief health officer. This country doesnt provide enough for public health infrastructure and resources, Padilla said. The approval of updated coronavirus vaccines on Aug. 22 sent some Americans dashing to get shots before the end of the month. The CDC webpage about the Bridge Access Program, until Friday, said it ended in August without making clear it funded only the previous vaccines, which could no longer be administered after the new shots were authorized. Adrianna Ruiz, 32, and their girlfriend showed up Wednesday to a CVS appointment in Atlanta hoping to get vaccinated before a Labor Day weekend cross-country road trip to California to help a friend with cancer move their belongings. Ruiz lost insurance after getting laid off from a nonprofit job in July but believed the vaccine would be free based on the CDC website. But a CVS employee confirmed the program was no longer in effect. Ruiz gets about $300 in weekly unemployment benefits. If I want to eat and pay bills, then I cant afford to pay $200, Ruiz said. Instead of getting new shots, Ruiz looked up options to enroll in subsidized insurance plans during the road trip. And the precautions they are embracing on the journey, including taking a PCR test before embarking, wearing N95 respiratory masks at gas stations and packing lunches to eat on picnic blankets in parks, have become more urgent. Shannon Donnell, a critical care nurse in New York, plans to eat the out-of-pocket costs of an updated coronavirus vaccine. She works on contract without health benefits and said the plans she qualified for through the states Affordable Care Act marketplace were too costly with $500 monthly premiums and a $5,000 deductible. She believes in the urgency of vaccines after watching covid patients die while she worked in Manhattan during the devastating surge in spring 2020 and later cared for unvaccinated patients struggling to breathe in a Texas covid intensive care unit right as the shots arrived. Coronavirus patients no longer flood the intensive care units where she now works, but when they arrive, they are often immunocompromised or unvaccinated. It feels like health-care workers are still being left to fend for ourselves in many ways, Donnell, 48, said. No one is stepping up to say, Hey, Ill cover that for you before you go into your shift of covering covid patients. The Bridge Access Program also extended an opportunity for free coronavirus vaccines to international visitors and undocumented immigrants, who have limited health insurance options. Vasu, a 56-year-old undocumented and uninsured immigrant in Chicago, hoped to get vaccinated again after hearing about friends getting sick, including one in his 30s whose symptoms lasted for months, and after the outbreak at the Democratic National Convention. A friend offered to pay for her vaccine when Vasu lamented in a Facebook message that the end of the Bridge Access Program left her screwed. We are talking about a large group of people who are going to lose access or are too nervous about accessing vaccines, said Vasu, who spoke on the condition she be identified only by a middle name to avoid the scrutiny of immigration authorities. The government keeps saying its your responsibility to be vaccinated. But you are not making it easy. The changing landscape for the coronavirus vaccine stands in stark contrast to 2021 and 2022 when free shots were widely distributed. But the urgency of vaccination has subsided as the viruss toll lessens now that nearly every American has built up immunity from previous infections or shots and hospitals are no longer overwhelmed. People 65 and older, who are at the highest risk of severe illness and death, qualify for free vaccines through Medicare. Still, health officials recommend young and middle-aged adults receive updated coronavirus vaccines because most Americans have risk factors for complications and because the vaccine reduces the threat of the lingering debilitating symptoms of long covid. Adriane Casalotti, chief of government and public affairs at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said the success of the early distribution of coronavirus vaccines showed us what can be done when you make vaccines accessible and easy to get. But that shifted now, she added. We are back to the traditional health-care system weve had, and the struggles weve had in that health-care system. - - - Graphic: https://washingtonpost.com/documents/8cc4f161-fb63-4676-b890-0dfb89dbfdf9.pdf Related Content Maui wildfire survivors say insurers are failing to clean up toxic damage to their homes How could $40 million go missing from a tiny Arizona county and no one notice? Santa Cruz County is a small thumb print on the map of Arizona. Nestled remotely on the states southern border, it is one of the smallest and poorest counties in Arizona. Yet funds very much under the control of this hard-luck rural county have been siphoned off over 10 years to pay for personal luxuries such as ranch properties, home remodeling, swimming pools, outdoor dining areas and vacations. That is, if accusations prove to be true. An Arizona Auditor Generals investigation now accuses the countys then-Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr of embezzling nearly $40 million ($39.4 million) over the past decade. Yes, you read that right. FORTY MILLION DOLLARS. How did a tiny county lose this much? How does a county as tiny as Santa Cruz, with a population of 49,000 people (about one-90th the size of Maricopa County) lose track of nearly $40 million over a decade? Did no one notice significant shortfalls when it came time to fund road repairs, libraries, law enforcement and other services? For context, one of the most infamous scandals of this kind in which government executives were accused and convicted of stealing from taxpayers occurred in Bell, Calif., one of the poorest municipalities in Los Angeles County. The Bell scandal that broke in 2010 became a national story for years as media followed it from its first revelation to its final conviction. Most outrageous was that city executives who worked with suitcases were stealing from their own citizens who worked with their hands. They were padding their own salaries by hundreds of thousands of dollars, a theft that amounted to $5.5 million, the Los Angeles Times reported. A far cry from $40 million. What nearly $40 million can buy Former county treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr is accused of embezzling nearly $40 million. That's not chump change. For even greater context, understand this. Roughly $40 million can buy: 333 Porsche 911s. 90 new $440,000 homes, the median price in the metro Phoenix area. Thats some high living. Court documents show that Gutfahr appeared to be living caviar dreams, according to The Arizona Republics Sarah Lapidus. One of her neighbors, Kathleen Vendervoet, was startled to see such digs when she attended a fundraiser at Gutfahrs horse ranch in April 2023. I was shocked because the ranch itself would have been somewhat costly, and then she was talking about all the renovations she and her husband had made, Vandervoet said. Investigation against Gutfahr: Is a real head scratcher The grounds featured a new pool, pool house and remodeling rooms and an outdoor kitchen area. My first thought was where did she get all this money? I just thought, Oh, well, I hope she had good luck. I hope she inherited it. But I never I never thought too much more about it. Even worse, this is taxpayers' money Gutfahr is accused of putting a lot of thought into covering her tracks, as she allegedly made 182 unauthorized wire transfers from two county Treasurers Office bank accounts to her personal business accounts, Lapidus reported. She overrode internal controls and was able to make unauthorized transfers, Lapidus reported, citing court records. Obviously, this was a breakdown of massive proportions. Already, Arizona Rep. Matt Gress is crafting legislation that would give state auditors broader vision in looking across financial silos to see potential fraud. But first must come justice. The citizens of Santa Cruz County are not wealthy. Theyre working-class people. Many are the working poor. Much of the county is populated by first- and second-generation immigrants who have never seen the kind of money that was stolen from their coffers the taxpayers treasury. If this all holds up to be true, 40 million is more than a number, its a measure of the moral repugnance we should feel about it. Phil Boas is an editorial columnist for The Arizona Republic. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona county embezzlement accusations are slap in taxpayers' faces The Council of Europe has condemned the sham elections Russia held in occupied Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (also in Crimea) and has expressed its support for Ukraine. Source: European Pravda, with reference to Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Details: Speaking on behalf of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Cools condemned the elections Russia held in Crimea and Sevastopol, saying that Russias actions were illegal. "The results of these elections cannot be recognised, just like the elections in Russia itself, which are not free and fair. I reiterate our unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Crimea is Ukraine," Cools said. Background: The European Union has also condemned the illegal local elections held by the Russian Federation in occupied Crimea and Sevastopol. 8 September was an election day in Russia, when voters elected members of local authorities across the Russian Federation. Ukraines Foreign Ministry stressed that the results of the so-called elections are null and void, and the elections themselves are illegitimate. Support UP or become our patron! Geopolitical tensions, digital revolution, climate change reshape development: WTO Xinhua) 08:13, September 10, 2024 The building of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is seen in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) According to the WTO report, between 1996 and 2021, a high trade share of GDP was strongly linked to faster growth in low- and middle-income economies, helping them narrow the gap in GDP per capita with high-income economies. GENEVA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Emerging global trends such as geopolitical tensions, digital revolution and climate change are reshaping the landscape of trade-led development, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said in a flagship report released on Monday. In the 2024 edition of the "World Trade Report," the WTO estimated that global factors such as geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and trade sanctions have impacted the stable foundation of world economic growth in the past 30 years, potentially leading to trade fragmentation. On the other hand, the increased capital and skill intensity of modern manufacturing has reduced the scope for manufacturing-led growth in low-income economies. Meanwhile, climate change poses even greater challenges, particularly for these nations. However, the report also emphasized new opportunities brought by these global trends. For instance, developing economies can lower trade costs through digitalization, pivot toward service-led growth, or seize the demand for renewable resources in the global green transformation to achieve development. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivers a speech during the 12th China Round Table on WTO Accessions held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Feb. 25, 2024. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) The report presented strong evidence that trade has played a crucial role in narrowing income disparities among economies since the WTO was established 30 years ago. "Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the report is its reaffirmation of trade's transformative role in reducing poverty and creating shared prosperity," WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in her foreword to the report. "But the second biggest takeaway is that there is much more we can do to make trade and the WTO work better for economies and people left behind during the past 30 years of globalization," she added. The report noted that between 1996 and 2021, a high trade share of GDP was strongly linked to faster growth in low- and middle-income economies, helping them narrow the gap in GDP per capita with high-income economies. The WTO highlighted the need for supportive domestic policies such as vocational training, unemployment benefits, education for a more skilled and mobile workforce, and competition policy to ensure consumers benefit from lower prices, as well as reliable infrastructure, and well-functioning financial markets. William Widjaja (2nd L), the procurement director of Indonesia's retailer Kawan Lama Group, visits the booth of a supplier during the 135th session of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) It urged the reduction of trade costs, the bridging of the digital divide, and updates to the WTO rulebook to account for the increasing significance of trade in services, and digital and green sectors. The report also calls for better coordination among international organizations, since this could help leverage synergies between trade policies and complementary policies, and boost inclusiveness across and within economies. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The proposal to tax unrealized capital gains of the wealthiest Americans has sparked significant debate since President Joe Biden included it in his administration's fiscal 2025 budget. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who expressed her support for Bidens tax plans generally, is now at the center of discussions about this potential novel hike. 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 While the idea of taxing unrealized capital gains has garnered attention from both proponents and critics, "Shark Tank" investor Mark Cuban is skeptical about its implementation. Every conversation Ive had is that its not going to happen, Cuban stated during a recent interview with CNBC. He said that he frequently communicates with Harris's team and shared their explicit feedback: Their verbatim words to me is, Thats not where we want to go. Nevertheless, the billionaire investor emphasized that he does not speak for Harris, acknowledging, She makes the final decision. As an independent, Cuban has endorsed Harris for president, lauding her as "pro-business." He also noted that her team is "the most open" he has seen compared to past administrations. Concerns over taxing unrealized capital gains Capital gains refer to the increase 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. The proposed unrealized capital gains tax by the Biden administration targets a narrow segment of the U.S. population. The proposal states that it will apply to taxpayers with wealth (that is, the difference obtained by subtracting liabilities from assets) greater than $100 million. Thus, it won't directly impact the majority of Americans. Despite its limited scope, the proposal has stirred concerns, particularly regarding its complexity and feasibility of implementation. One critical issue is market volatility. Asset values can significantly fluctuate, raising questions about the fairness and practicality of taxing these values based on a snapshot in time. For instance, one expert questioned whether, if a stocks value rises one year and taxes are levied accordingly, but then the stock's value declines the next year, the taxpayer would receive a rebate. Story continues 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) Liquidity is another major concern. Owners of non-liquid assets like real estate might find themselves unable to pay taxes on unrealized gains without actually selling their assets, which could force untimely or undesirable sales. Valuation could also be a challenge. Determining the accurate value of certain assets, particularly those not publicly traded, can be complex and subjective, leading to disputes and inconsistencies in tax assessments. Harriss vision Cuban highlighted that there are differences between Harris's approach and Biden's proposals. He noted that while Harris respects the president's initiatives, she views them as a starting point rather than a definitive plan. She's trying to be very respectful of the president and everything he's proposed. She's trying not to directly contradict him in any way, Cuban said. A significant divergence in their approaches is evident in their proposed capital gains tax rate for high earners. Harris has proposed a long-term capital gains tax rate of 28% for those earning $1 million or more, which contrasts with Biden's 39.6% rate suggested in his fiscal 2025 budget. Cuban supports Harris's lower rate, commenting on its fairness: "When I talked to them, I thought it was fair," he remarked. Emphasizing her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, Harris proposed increasing the allowable tax deduction for startup expenses by tenfold, from $5,000 to $50,000. Harris noted that it costs an average of about $40,000 to start a new business in America, which can be a great financial barrier holding entrepreneurs back. Not everyone has access to that kind of wealth and capital, she stated. So, part of my plan is we will expand the tax deduction for start-ups to $50,000. Its essentially a tax cut for starting a small business. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez has obtained a 90-day injunction against a Downtown hotel. The Gateway Hotel is alleged to be a common nuisance and a place where habitual criminal activity happens, according to a lawsuit against the hotel filed by the State of Texas and the County Attorneys Office. The Gateway Hotel, located at 104 S. Stanton St. in Downtown El Paso, is alleged to be a place where habitual criminal activity takes place, including drug offenses, aggravated assaults and weapons offenses. That is the primary reasons for the nuisance claim in the lawsuit. Under the injunction, the County Attorneys Office is anticipating that the hotel will have until Thursday, Sept. 12 to cease operations. The County Attorneys Office is waiting for the judge to formally sign the order to make that official. Authorities are working with non-government organizations to find housing for families currently living in the hotel. The lawsuit argues that the Gateway Hotel knowingly tolerated this criminal activity and failed to take reasonable measures to abate it. For example, the hotel did not consistently cooperate with law enforcement investigations. The lawsuit also emphasizes the serious nature of some of the offenses including an incident on June 16 where an aggravated assault involved multiple individuals brandishing guns and knives. The lawsuit also cites multiple other instances of aggravated assault at the hotel, including an incident where a man threatened to kill his girlfriend with a knife and another where a man stabbed another man in the thigh. In addition to the violent crimes, the lawsuit presents evidence of habitual drug activity at the hotel, including multiple instances of narcotics possession and use. Additionally, the lawsuit lists over 90 violations of City ordinances, including a failure to maintain sanitary conditions, blocked fire exits, and most notably, operating without a valid Certificate of Occupancy since Nov. 22, 2018. The El Paso Fire Department has documented numerous fire code violations, including painted sprinkler heads, an expired fire suppression system, and blocked fire exits across multiple inspections, according to the lawsuit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert, whose expertise in public health and nonprofit management gives her a distinctive voice, is resigning her post to become CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. The announcement Tuesday morning was a surprise to her county colleagues. "She hasn't told anyone," Commissioner Brian Maughan, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, said after Blumert had issued a news release. "With us not having any money, we've got to pay for an election now. It's just something else. This is going to cost the taxpayers." Maughan said the vacancy will occur too late to add an election to the November ballot. A special election after the first of the year will decide her successor, he said. In the meantime, Blumert's deputy commissioner, Joe Blough, will serve in her place. At Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Blumert will succeed Terri White, the former state secretary of health and head of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Blumert's last day on the Board of County Commissioners will be Sept. 30. She starts her new job on Oct. 1. "I chose to run for county commissioner in 2018 because I wanted to serve the people of Oklahoma County," Blumert, who represented District 1, said in the news release. "I felt that I could make a difference in improving our criminal justice system, increasing access to affordable housing, and advocating for mental health care. "I am so proud of the work we have done as a community over the last 6 years, and I feel this is the next right step in my career and in my service to Oklahoma." Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert, pictured here during a 2021 meeting, announced Tuesday she will be resigning her post and will head a nonprofit mental health organization. More: Why Homeland Security told the OK County Election Board to beef up security at its offices Blumert could not be reached Tuesday. In her news release, she said she was proudest of her work seeking MAPS 4 funding for new crisis centers, an addiction treatment center and housing for people living with mental illness. "I am also extremely proud of leading the effort to build a new Behavioral Care Center next to our new jail that will provide mental health treatment instead of incarceration," she said. "Mental health care has been my passion from day one and will continue to be my north star." Blumert has been a steady voice for northeast Oklahoma City, most prominently in her opposition to locating a new county jail anywhere in that part of the city. Her district also includes most of OKC north of Interstate 40, as well as The Village, Midwest City, Del City, Spencer, Nicoma Park, Jones and parts of unincorporated Oklahoma County. Blumert was also steady in her opposition to the selection, and eventual purchase, of land at 1901 E Grand Blvd. for a new county jail. She, or a representative, cast the only "no" votes in both decisions, saying she would rather see the jail be built closer to downtown Oklahoma City. The Rev. Derrick Scobey, a member of the county jail trust appointed by Blumert, said she has been "a friend" especially to northeast OKC. "I'm grateful for that (appointment)," said Scobey, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, 3600 N Kelley Ave. "It's allowed for me to be an advocate for District 1, and certainly for the entire county, as well. We wish her the absolute best in life." The timing of Blumert's resignation leaves the Board of County Commissioners in something of a bind, Maughan said. She is vice chairman of the board. Maughan said commissioners have been preparing for the transition when he takes a leave of absence after surgery in October with no idea that she was planning to step down. "It's just something else. It's so aggravating," he said, noting that he doesn't know now whether to go ahead with the surgery, which is related to a serious car crash in June 2017. David Dirkschneider, a member of the Mental Health Association Oklahoma board of directors, said the board selected Blumert after an "exhaustive" national search. We are thrilled to welcome Carrie as our new CEO,' said Dirkschneider, a commercial real estate broker with Capstone Cos. in Oklahoma City. "Her proven leadership in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues speaks volumes about her dedication and passion for making real change. "Her energy and vision will undoubtedly inspire our team and the community, and I have full confidence that under her guidance, we will reach new heights in our mission to support those most in need. Im eager to see the incredible impact she will lead us toward." Staff Writer Richard Mize covers Oklahoma County government and the city of Edmond. He previously covered housing, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com, starting in 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com.You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert resigning A man is accused of targeting a 14-year-old in southwest Charlotte and raping her. Court records say the suspect confessed to the crime. Police said the suspect was 36 years older than the teen and didnt even know her. They said he approached her last Thursday night near Nations Ford Road and grabbed her. ALSO READ: 12-year-old, 11-year-old accused of making threats against several schools It happened along Red Roof Drive somewhere along a fence line between a gas station and a motel, police said. Sources told Channel 9s Hunter Saenz that after talking with the vulnerable teen, police were able to move quickly to arrest the suspect, 51-year-old Kanvanough Warren. A man is accused of targeting a 14-year-old in southwest Charlotte and raping her. Court records say the suspect confessed to the crime. Warren has been charged with statutory rape. According to court records, Warren told investigators he approached the victim as she slept near the fence line. The 14-year-old told police Warren walked up ...asking her to smoke crack...she told him no... Thats when she said Warren ...grabbed her arm and forced her to have intercourse near the fence line. Leanna Pai is with Safe Alliance, a center offering hope and healing to sex assault survivors and others. Its always heartbreaking, she told Saenz. Deputies: Substitute teacher charged with sexual assault of 14-year-old student She said a case like this, in which police said the alleged suspect did not know the victim, is rare. Particularly for teens and for minors, 90% of sexual assaults are carried out by someone that they know, Pai said. So truly the statistics show us this is a rare case. Records show its not Warrens first run-in with the law. Hes been arrested before for robbery, larceny, and breaking and entering. Some of the charges have since been dismissed. Pai just hopes the 14-year-old girl gets the help and resources she needs and knows that people are there to help. Its our job to support and provide options, not to ask questions or investigate, Pai said. On Tuesday, Warren was given a $24,000 secured bond. The Safe Alliance Greater Charlotte Hope Line not only offers help to survivors, but parents can call to learn how to talk to kids about this difficult topic. The number is 980-771-HOPE. Its available 24/7 in both English and Spanish. (WATCH BELOW: Man charged with murder after woman shot in southeast Charlotte, CMPD says) Courtroom assigned for trial of 2 charged in death of Kason Guyton BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Two gang members charged with murder in the 2017 shooting death of 5-year-old Kason Guyton will have their trial heard before Judge Charles R. Brehmer in Department 4 of Kern County Superior Court. Jonathan Knight, file image The case was assigned to Brehmers courtroom Tuesday morning. Attorneys will head there Tuesday afternoon to discuss scheduling and pretrial motions. Defendants Jonathan Knight and Jeremy King face life terms in prison if convicted. Its believed they were targeting a rival gang member. Jeremy King, file image On Feb. 23, 2017, Kason and his brother were heading home from Maya Cinemas in a car driven by their mothers boyfriend, a member of the East Side Crips. A dark sedan followed. As the car the boys were in turned west onto California Avenue from S Street, a passenger in the sedan leaned out the front window and opened fire, police said. Kason was killed, and his then-7-year-old brother wounded. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Cousin of Israeli slain in captivity says military pressure is killing the hostages By Emily Rose JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Gil Dickmann's worst nightmare came true when he was told his cousin Carmel Gat, who had survived 11 months in Hamas captivity, had been killed in a tunnel in Gaza just before Israeli forces arrived. "She was so close to hugging her father," Dickmann, 32, told Reuters outside the Israeli Knesset, where he was lobbying lawmakers to push for a dealto secure the hostages' release. "We failed as a country, we failed as a community." Gat's body and those of five fellow hostages were recovered by Israeli troops on Sept 1, triggering an outpouring of grief and mass protests among Israelis demanding a hostage deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said increased military pressure would ultimately bring the hostages home. An autopsy revealed that Gat and the other five hostages had been shot in the back of the head at close range, less than 48 hours before Israeli forces recovered the bodies in a tunnel under Gaza. "Military pressure kills the hostages," said Dickman. "We know that for a fact." Hamas has said in separate statements that Israel is responsible for killing the hostages, or that Netanyahu is responsible for killing them by obstructing a ceasefire agreement. Oct. 7 was the deadliest day for Israel in its 75 year history, with around 1,200 people killed and some 250 seized and taken as hostages into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas released 105 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in a hostage deal in November. Carmel Gat was taken hostage on October 7th, while staying at her parents' home in Kibbutz Be'eri, in southern Israel. Talks to bring the hostages back and end the fighting in Gaza, where Israel's campaign to crush Hamas has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 40,000 people according to Palestinian figures, have stalled. Esther Buchshtav, whose son Yagev was killed in captivity earlier this year, said on Monday at a meeting in Israel's parliament that a military investigation found her son had been executed by Hamas when soldiers came close to where he was being held. Dickmann has become one of the most recognisable faces in the movement to push for a hostage deal. He has appeared often on Israeli nightly news shows and clips have circulated widely on social media showing him in screaming matches with Israeli lawmakers and giving passionate speeches in Israel's Knesset. Last month, he went to Israel's southern border along with a group of hostage families who ran towards the border in an effort to gather sympathy for their cause. The high volume of protesters who demonstrated after Gat's death, Dickmann said, showed that the Israeli government is disconnected from the will of the people. "The Israeli people want life," Dickmann said. "We fight for the lives of the hostages. We don't fight for revenge." (This story has been corrected to fix the figures of the hostages taken on Oct. 7 and released in November, in paragraph 9) (Reporting by Emily Rose, Editing by William Maclean) The 2024 New Hampshire state primary is here: Voters are going to the polls Tuesday to decide Republican and Democratic nominees for the general election in November. The governors race had two competitive primaries, with former Manchester mayor Joyce Craig battling Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington for the Democratic nomination, as well as former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte facing former state Senate President Chuck Morse on the Republican ballot. There's a host of Republicans vying for nominations for both of the state's U.S. congressional districts, with a fierce battle for the Democratic nomination taking place in New Hampshires 2nd Congressional District. All 400 of New Hampshire state representative seats, 24 state Senate seats, and the five executive councilors are up for election with some primary battles Tuesday. Look here for updates from Seacoast polls today and live results as they come in Tuesday night: FOLLOW NH PRIMARY RESULTS: Results for US House, NH governor and all NH Senate, House and Executive Council races Craig wins Democratic primary for governor, defeating Warmington Joyce Craig Joyce Craig, a former mayor of Manchester, won the Democratic primary for governor over Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, holding a 6-7 percentage point lead with more than 80% of the vote tallied. In the final weeks before the primary, the race became heated as both sides began to attack each other publicly. Craig faced attacks from both sides of the aisle over her leadership of Manchester, and she attacked Warmington over her record on opioids. With two similar candidates on the issues, it may have come down to this negative campaigning, name identification, or notions of electability. Restaurant owner Jon Kiper finished third. Goodlander and Tang Williams to face off in Second Congressional District Maggie Goodlander Former senior White House aide Maggie Goodlander has won the Democratic primary for New Hampshires Second Congressional District by a big margin over former Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern. Goodlander shook up the race when she announced her candidacy in May. The wife of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, she brought her national political ties to a race where Van Ostern was Rep. Annie Kusters endorsed successor. Despite attacks framing her as more of a Washington elite than a New Hampshire native (Goodlander was born and raised in Nashua but has spent much of her adult life out of the state), Goodlander came out on top and will be favored to win the November election in the heavily Democratic district. Van Ostern expressed support for Goodlander in conceding the race in a speech broadcast by WMUR: "She has been a tough competitor, she has been a dedicated campaigner, I am deeply grateful that we are on the same team...I know all of us will support her on November 5th and make sure that we keep this district blue." Goodlander thanked Van Ostern; "It's no secret that this campaign has been tough, but we both love this state and we both share a common commitment to public service and a common vision for this country... We're going to work together to win in November." In the Republican primary, Lily Tang Williams, an entrepreneur and educator, emerged victorious over a field of 13 to claim the Republican nomination for New Hampshires Second Congressional District. On her campaign website Tang Williams states: "I grew up under Maos cultural revolution in China and fled communism for the freedom of the United States. Now, I fear the country I love is becoming the country I left." Upon winning the primary Tang Williams issued a statement that said in part: "Only in America could a young woman go from being an escapee from Communist China who arrived here with just $100 in her pocket and knowing no English, and go on to be a major party nominee to represent her beloved state in Congress." Margie Cullen Kelly Ayotte wins Republican nomination for NH governor Kelly Ayotte files as a candidate for governor at the Secretary of States Office in Concord on June 13, 2024. Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte has won the Republican primary for governor over former state Senate President Chuck Morse. Ayotte had held an advantage for much of the race, leading in name recognition, according to polls, and in fundraising. In August, she won the endorsement of current Gov. Chris Sununu. Going into the primary, polls saw her leading Morse by more than 40%. Morse had leaned into his support for former President Donald Trump as a way to set him apart from and gain an advantage over Ayotte, but he was ultimately unsuccessful. Ayotte reacted to her win with a post on X: "Thank you, New Hampshire! We are ready to win up and down the ballot in November. Together, well keep our wonderful state safe, prosperous and free." Ayotte added in a speech broadcast by WMUR: "You know it was over a year ago, just down the street that we kicked off this campaign, and I told you then what I'm going to tell you now -- we won't let them 'Mass' up New Hampshire." Margie Cullen Prescott wins 2nd Congressional District GOP primary, will face Pappas Russell Prescott, a former executive councilor and state senator, emerged as the winner in field of seven Republicans in New Hamsphire's 2nd Congressional District primary. He advances to face Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in the general election. Prescott's closest competitors in the primary were Hollie Noveletsky, the CEO of Novel Iron Works, and Manchester Alderman Joe Kelly Levasseur. Prescott, of Kingston, has been involved in New Hampshire politics for more than 20 years, serving as a state senator from 2000-2004 and 2010-2016. He was an executive councilor from 2016-2020. Gannon wins Republican primary for state Senate Incumbent state Sen. Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, has won the Republican primary for Senate District 23 by a wide margin over challenger state Rep. Emily Phillips, R-Fremont. Gannon has served in the Senate since 2020 following a one-term stint in 2016-2018. The heavily Republican District 23 encompasses Brentwood, Chester, Danville, East Kingston, Epping, Fremont, Kensington, Kingston, Newton, Sandown, Seabrook and South Hampton. Gannon will face Democrat Brenda Oldak of South Hampton in Novembers general election. Hampton voters say Ayotte, Craig have experience to win Meghan Orgen said she voted for Joyce Craig in the Democratic primary for governor in the New Hampshire state primary Hampton Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 because of Craigs experience as mayor of Manchester. HAMPTON Voters in the Democratic and Republican primaries interviewed Tuesday said they made their picks for governor based on experience. Meghan Orgen said her priorities this election season are protecting womens reproductive rights as well as gun laws that prevent school shootings. She found Democratic candidate for governor Joyce Craig and her opponent Cinde Warmington were not too different on policy. What set Craig apart was her six years in an executive role as the mayor of Manchester, she said. I like that she was the former mayor, Orgen said. Becky McGrail said she has her concerns about the Democratic nominee winning in November. However, she said she and her husband Tim also voted for Craig because they thought she had the best chance to win. I do think that she has some executive experience and thats important, McGrail said. Meanwhile, Republican Kelly Ayotte earned votes in Hampton for her six years serving as a U.S. senator over her opponent Chuck Morse, former New Hampshire Senate president. I just think shes the most qualified, said Don Bibeau of Ayotte after voting Tuesday. He said his priority this election season is keeping taxes low. Paula Ellis said she voted for Ayotte despite her position to keep New Hampshire's abortion law the same, though she wants stricter laws against abortion. She said she trusted Ayotte to win in November over Morse. Her husband, Steve Ellis, said he believes Morse was not protective enough of Second Amendment rights. Shes the only one that can beat the Democrats, Paula Ellis said. Steve and Paula Ellis of Hampton say they voted for Kelly Ayotte for governor in the New Hampshire state primary Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 because they believe she is the Republican candidate most likely to beat the Democrats." Some Republican voters chose Ayotte because they believe she is more moderate than Morse. Herb and Thoonmi Schlegl said they are independents who voted in the Republican primary to support Ayotte because she was less like former President Donald Trump than Morse. The most important thing is were anti-Trump, Herb Schlegl said. Max Sullivan NH secretary of state: Voter turnout expected to be low for Democrats On Friday, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan predicted voter turnout would be about 250,000, with 147,500 Republicans and 103,500 Democrats. As of Thursday, Sept. 5, there were 895,498 registered voters in total. New Hampshire residents over the age of 18 can register to vote on Election Day. UNH political science professor Dante Scala posted on X the predicted turnout would be a bit higher than in the 2020 and 2022 Republican primaries, where around 145,000 Republicans voted, but quite low for Democrats. In 2020, the last year with a competitive Democratic gubernatorial primary, 143,000 Democrats voted. Anna Sventek, spokesperson for the secretary of state, said early Tuesday evening the office didn't yet have turnout numbers, but "turnout appears steady but light." Margie Cullen A show of support for Morse in Rochester ROCHESTER State Rep. Claudine Burnham, R-Milton, showed her support for Chuck Morse for the Republican nomination for governor outside the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center on Tuesday, touting his conservative positions. Hes all about the right values, said Burnham. Ward 5 moderator Alex de Geofroy, who is also a city councilor, said the turnout was relatively light. With 3,167 registered voters, and approximately 500 ballots has been turned in by late afternoon in the ward, de Geofroy said, about 12% of registered voters. De Geofroy said he expects a significantly greater turnout in November for the general election. I expect November will be nuts, de Geofroy said. Sarah Donovan Exeter voters weigh Craig vs. Warmington and Kiper, too Supporters hold signs at the Talbot Gym polls in Exeter for New Hampshire state primary voting Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. EXETER Assistant town moderator Chris Scales said the polls at 40 Linden St. started with a small queue early in the morning, followed by a consistent flow. By noon, he said 1,257 votes had been cast. While holding up a Joyce Craig sign outside, Eileen Flockhart said she was voting for the Democratic governor candidate due to her personal interaction with Craig. The sense that I got from talking with her it didnt feel like I was talking to a political wall, she said. Flockhart said either Craig or Cinde Warmington, her main Democratic rival for the party's nomination for governor, would be a good option for that Granite State, but noted she felt strongly about Craig. As he walked into the polls, Lundy Smith said he was conflicted between Craig and Warmington. However, one thing he said he knew for sure was he wants a female governor to be elected. To tell you the truth, I do think I want a female leader for the state, he said. In a world right now in which men seem to be making too many of the decisions, Id like to see more women in positions of power in our state and in our country. Smith said either Craig or Warmington would be an excellent choice, stating both understand some of the major problems facing New Hampshire. ... Its just unfortunate they got into a smear campaign with each other." Craig has attacked Warmington for her work as an attorney related to opioid use, and Warmington has attacked Craig's record as mayor in Manchester. The winner will face the Republican nominee, Kelly Ayotte or Chuck Morse, in the November election. While many voters were split on Craig and Warmington, calling it a close race, many seem to have forgotten about the underdog in the race, Jon Kiper. But not resident Karishma Manzur, who was holding a Kiper sign. One of the reasons that I wanted to support (Kiper) is because hes local, he graduated from Exeter High School, he owns a restaurant his apartment is actually on the second floor of the restaurant and he rents, she said. Hes part of the working class, and he actually understands what people are going through. Manzur said voters need to judge Kiper based on his debate performance, policies and his platform. Joyce Craig and Cinde Warmington would be wonderful choices theres no doubt but they also have certain experiences and baggage that could be attacked by Kelly Ayotte, she said. Jon Kiper, the fact that he is an underdog and a newbie does not have the same baggage. Also, because of his stance as a middle class and a working class person, perhaps he will be able to bring back the electorate the Democratic Party has not been able to attract the last few cycles. Exeter Democratic voters are also seeing a competitive five-way race for the four seats in the Rockingham States Representative in District 11. Seeking reelection, Julie Gilman, who also serves in the Exeter Select Board, said she hopes to return to the statehouse because there was a lot of work that was left undone or was done incorrectly that I would like the opportunity to fix or start new. Gilman cited her interest in coming up with creative ways to combat the statewide affordable housing shortage and grow childcare programs throughout New Hampshire. I think my position on the Select Board has helped me as a state rep, she added. I sit on the municipal and county government committee so its a natural selection and since I have been in office for so long I have been very involved in land use in town and that informs what I can do for my town at the Statehouse. Another candidate for state representative, Mark Paige, who is seeking reelection for his third term. He highlighted his work relating to voting rights, including a bill that was passed in his first term that helps students with disabilities to register to vote. My second term, we passed a bill to make sure that people with disabilities can vote by secret ballots in the elections in New Hampshire, and theres still work to do on things like that to improve our registration process, he said. Weve got a lot to do to try and (improve) reproductive freedom and then finally protecting health education. Other three candidates in the five-way race for state representative on the Democratic side are Katrina Heinrich, Gaby Grossman and Linda Haskins. Exeter Republicans in the state House race have three unopposed candidates in the primary: Brian Griset, William Smith and Bob Goeman, who highlighted his stance to keep the current structure of taxes in New Hampshire and supported an amendment to the Constitution to limit the number of years people can serve in the US Congress, House and Senate. The polling station at 40 Linden St. is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aqeel Hisham Craig vs. Warmington front and center at Portsmouth polls New Hampshire state Rep. David Meuse, D-Portsmouth, shows support for Cinde Warmington while Portsmouth City Councilor Kate Cook backs Joyce Craig, taking sides in the battle for the Democratic nomination for governor at the state primary polls outside Little Harbour School in Portsmouth Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. PORTSMOUTH Roughly 100 people were showing up every hour Tuesday morning to vote at Little Harbour School, according to longtime city Ward 5 moderator Brian Wazlaw. The ward has 3,234 registered voters, including more than 1,000 who are undeclared. As of 11 a.m., 334 of them has cast their ballots, many claiming an "I Voted" sticker. "In nine hours hopefully we'll hit 900 to 1,000 (total votes)," Wazlaw projected for the ward's turnout. Where to vote: Seacoast NH polling times and places listed by city and town here In historically blue Portsmouth, Democrats lead the way among registered voters. In Ward 5, there are 1,618 registered Democrats, 597 Republicans and 1,019 undeclared voters. "Undeclared (voting) in New Hampshire is pretty huge," Wazlaw said. Sign-holders were slim Tuesday morning outside the elementary school. Dueling Democratic gubernatorial candidate signs were held by Portsmouth City Council member Kate Cook, in support of former Manchester mayor Joyce Craig, and state Rep. David Meuse, who was holding signs for Cinde Warmington. Poll workers Mara Witzling and John Simon found themselves stationed beside the ward's ballot counting machine as the state primary votes rolled in. "This is where it all really happens," Witzling said. The polls are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Portsmouth. Ian Lenahan 'Major race' is governor in Portsmouth, Ward 2 moderator says PORTSMOUTH Susan Denenberg, moderator of the city's Ward 2 at the middle school, reported 220 votes just after 10:15 a.m. "The major race here is for governor, so if you weren't excited for that, you probably weren't going to show up," she said. "It's been slow and steady. Sometimes we have a line out the door in the morning and there's 80 people. We probably had 20 people in line when we opened at 8 a.m." Primary voting traditionally draws a lower turnout than general elections, she noted. The ward has 3,627 registered voters, with 1,899 Democrats, 574 Republicans and 1,154 undeclared residents. Ian Lenahan Signs of support for Ayotte and Warmington in Dover Kevin Stewart, a Dover resident, left, and state Rep. Luz Bay, D-Dover, make their feelings known outside the New Hampshire state primary polls in Dover Ward 1 at France G. Hopkins Elementary School Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. State Rep. Luz Bay, D-Dover, proudly stood at Frances G. Hopkins Elementary School Tuesday in a rainbow sweatshirt, holding a pink sign in her left hand reading Vote Luz Bay-State Representative, and in her right hand at sign stating "Cinde Warmington-Governor." I have to run for state rep, said Bay, who is seeking re-election to a second term in the New Hampshire House. unopposed in the primary. A resident of Dover for over 25 years, born and raised in the Philipines, Bay said she decided after the 2016 election she had to do more. Bay said shes been an OG supporter of Warmington, who has been waging an intense primary battle with former Manchester mayor Joyce Craig for the Democratic nomination for governor. Im not an issue voter. I would vote for someone who I think would make the right decision for most people, Bay said. For Bay, a decisive factor in her choosing Craig or Warmington was how she felt Craig didn't do a good job dealing with homelessness in Manchester. Bay said homelessness is a pressing issue in Dover. Kevin Stewart, a Dover Ward 1 resident, said hes campaigning for Republican Kelly Ayotte for New Hampshire governor, noting hes a Republican in a city that is heavily Democratic-leaning. Stewart added, If you dont vote, you dont have a right to complain. Stewart said he has always been a supporter of Gov. Chris Sununu, praising what he described as the governor's moderate approach in his four terms. Thats the New Hampshire way, said Stewart. Dover Ward 1 moderator Chris Haugen said turnout was a bit slow Tuesday morning, with a peak around 7 a.m. He expected it would pick up around mid-day. The early morning turnout was under 100 people. He said thats typical for state primary elections. He expects there will be a much higher turnout at the general election in November. For the presidential primary in January, Haugen said there was a turnout of approximately 800 people in Ward 1. Dover Ward 4 moderator Kate Hill, at Garrison Elementary School, said by around mid-day there had been an 11% turnout so far. She was expecting a wave of voters later in the day, after people get out of work. Sarah Donovan Somersworth moderator says issues, governor's race draw voters Housing, childcare and business development are issues important to voters, according to Bonnie McNair, longtime Ward 1 moderator, who is executive director of The Falls Chamber of Commerce. She said she believes most of the light turnout Tuesday has been for the governors race, but "locally they want to see progress in Somersworth." She said she thinks people are voting less along party lines, and more based on the issues they care about. Sarah Donovan This story will be updated throughout the day and results will be posted as soon as races are decided. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ayotte wins, Craig defeats Warmington in NH primary: Live updates SOMERSET, Pa. (WTAJ) Thousands of American flags have been placed off the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit in Somerset to honor the lives lost on 9/11 ahead of Wednesdays remembrance ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial. A total of 2,977 were placed on the embankment beneath the Comfort Inn, each one representing a life lost. Volunteers from the crew of the USS Somerset added the last 40 flags to the hillside Monday in remembrance of the 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in nearby Shanksville. Commander Aaron Gorum, Executive Officer on the USS Somerset said they participate in this ceremony every year to pay homage to the heroes aboard that flight. We have a very special bond with Somerset, Pennsylvania, specifically for the namesake of Somerset and the 40 heroes that were able to change history that day, Gorum said. And so they, they have a special with us on board. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Crew members of the USS Somerset will also take part in the remembrance ceremonies at Flight 93 National Memorial Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Electric rate hikes sought by Rhode Island Energy would increase the average residential customer's monthly electric bill by 23.4%, or $32.16, starting Oct. 1, 2024. The average residential gas bill would increase $41.72 per year. (Getty image) The prospect of winter utility rate hikes drew sharp criticism Monday night from residents, activists, and elected officials, who blasted Rhode Island Energy for its proposed gas and electric rates during a public hearing. The nearly-two-hour-long hearing held at the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commissions Warwick offices comes less than a month before the commission must vote on winter electric rates, which take effect Oct. 1, along with annual natural gas rates, which take effect Nov. 1. Rhode Island Energy, the primary supplier of electricity and natural gas for residents and businesses, has proposed higher rates for both electricity and gas supply compared with current, summer prices, as is typical during colder months. If approved, the average residential customer would see their monthly electric bill increase 23.4%, or $32.16, starting Oct. 1. The average residential gas bill would increase $41.72 per year. Business and industrial customers would also see their bills rise, with the increase dependent upon usage. The proposed electric rates are slightly less than last winter, while rising natural gas supply costs will be slightly offset by a monthly bill credit due to accounting errors in the previous year, according to filings with state regulators. But critics remain unconvinced by the argument that market demand and availability not company profits are driving the increases, despite state regulations that prevent the private utility provider from profiting off the power it buys from third-party suppliers. Not only is it cruel, it just doesnt make sense that people are putting profit over peoples lives, Lee Wilder said during the hearing. Rhode Island already has the second highest electricity rates in the country. What are we going for, first? Wilder was among the dozen community activists who donned T-shirts signifying their participation in local community organizing efforts through the George Wiley Center and the Rhode Island Poor Peoples Campaign. Both groups have pushed for a state policy change known as the Percentage Income Payment Plan, which would create a discount plan in which low-income ratepayers earning less than 150% of federal poverty guidelines pay 3% to 6% of their income on gas and electricity. The proposal, modeled after similar policies in more than a dozen states, is a perennial fixture at the Rhode Island State House but has failed to gain traction in either chamber despite support from a handful of lawmakers, including Providence Democratic Rep. David Morales. In the grand scheme of affordability and cost of living, this is pushing people into utility debt, this is pushing people into losing service, and worst of all, this is pushing people into housing instability and eventually becoming homeless, Morales said Monday. Rhode Island already has the second highest electricity rates in the country. What are we going for, first? Lee Wilder, community activist Heartbreaking stories about rising rents, medical costs and child care featured prominently in testimony Monday. Pawtucket resident Ubaldo Quintero said he already had his utilities shut off, after losing his job during the pandemic. Quinteros wife has disabilities and requires electricity as part of her care. I dont want to have to choose between eating and paying for services, Quintero said, speaking through an interpreter. College student Daisy Paz also lamented the obstacles to her education if she cant afford to keep paying for electricity. I want to continue my studies, but I dont have the money to pay for rate increases, Paz said. At the same time as the review of proposed rate hikes, state regulators are considering changes to the way rates are calculated including a model in which monthly costs fluctuate rather than stay flat for a six-month period. Nicholas Vaz, special assistant attorney general to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, in an Aug. 23 memo to state regulators, stressed the need to consider state decarbonization mandates under the Act on Climate Law if rate design and calculations are changed. Vaz also acknowledged the impact of proposed winter rate hikes on residents. As noted above, the LRS rates being considered in this docket are the result of pass-through supply costs, and the Company is not permitted to profit on supply, Vaz wrote. Still, this is of no comfort to Rhode Islanders who face increased bills each month during the winter period, just as they have in years past. The proposed electric rate hikes also do not account for refunds from a $25 million overcollection in 2023. Details of how the refund will be distributed are still being finalized. State regulators will review and approve proposed winter electric and gas rates at a later meeting which has not been scheduled as of Tuesday. Customers in seven municipalities Barrington, Central Falls, Narragansett, Newport, Portsmouth, Providence, and South Kingstown can opt out of the Rhode Island Energy electric prices and participate instead in a community aggregation plan that leverages bulk buying power to secure lower-priced electricity for its residents. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Crittenton Center will be hosting a Grand Opening for six Tiny Homes. The Tiny Homes are located at 3901 Green Avenue in Sioux City. The Crittenton Center will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 27 at noon followed by tours of the homes from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The Tiny Homes project started as a way to help better support youth who age out of foster care, the Crittenton Centers CEO said. Midwest Honor Flight receives $8.5K check after fundraiser The Tiny Homes project grew out of a passion to better support youth that are aging out of foster care at 18 years old and are at great risk of homelessness, says Kim Scorza, Crittenton Center CEO. We wanted to do better for these kids, to give them a safe and welcoming place they can be proud to call home while they continue to grow in their independent living skills. Our kids played a key role in designing these homes and are so excited to be able to move in! The architectural work of the homes was donated to the project by PLaN Articture. Being a part of the Tiny Homes project has been a wonderful experience, states Nathan Kalaher, PLaN Architecture CEO. To be a part of designing something that will have such a positive impact on the children and their future has had such significant meaning for us. The CEO of Nelson Commercial Construction, the leader builder on the project, said that this project will serve as a foundation for future generations. It has truly been an honor for us at Nelson Construction to partner with the Crittenton Center and PLaN Architecture on a project such as The Tiny Homes. This project will change the lives of children in our community, who otherwise may have been homeless. Projects such as this not only reaffirm our core values, but it sets the foundation for future generations to build a life full of love, home and dreams. 6,500 Iowa households receive $63M in Individual Assistance so far Scorza offered a thank you to those in the community who helped make the homes a reality. We are extremely grateful for a large group of donors and community members that have come alongside Crittenton to make this project a reality, Scorza continued. It takes a community to care for our kids, and we truly could not have done this without them. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. There's no doubt Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been the big winner of the first stage of the AI revolution. In the wake of OpenAI's ChatGPT debut in November 2022, virtually all businesses and cloud giants have clamored for its market-leading GPUs to fuel generative AI. Of course, as the outright leader, Nvidia was able to charge a pretty penny for its chips, as evidenced by its skyrocketing revenue and margins over the past 18 months. But as a reaction, most cloud computing giants have begun investing in their own custom accelerators, which are partially co-designed by ASIC companies Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) and Marvell Technologies. Could the rise of custom ASICs crowd out demand for Nvidia? In its recent earnings release, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan offered words of caution. "I flipped in my view last quarter" Last week, Broadcom released its fiscal third-quarter earnings. Broadcom beat analyst expectations, though its guidance came in a little light. As its name indicates, Broadcom has broad exposure to the chip industry, and many of its non-AI businesses are still mired in a two-year downturn. However, Broadcom's AI businesses across custom ASICs, networking, and optical interconnect are all booming. In terms of custom ASICs, CEO Hock Tan noted on the conference call with analysts that Broadcom's AI ASIC revenue grew 3.5 times over the past year. Despite having this ASIC business, Tan used to say that the "merchant" market, or rather neutral general third-party chipmakers like Nvidia, would eventually win the day in terms of the AI accelerator market, in keeping with the history of semiconductors. But when asked by an analyst last Thursday, Tan noted, "I flipped in my view. And I did that, by the way, last quarter, maybe even six months ago." Tan now says that he believes the cloud giants will increasingly train large language models on their own custom silicon ASICs, due to the cost advantages of making one's own chips, as well as the added advantage of taking some control back from Nvidia. Those GPUs are much more -- or XPUs are much more important. And if that's the case, what better thing to do than bringing the control under the control of your own destiny by creating your own custom silicon accelerators? And that's what I'm seeing all of them do. It's just doing it at different rates and they're starting at different times. But they all have started ... they will all go in that direction totally into ASIC or, as we call it, XPUs, custom silicon. So, what could this mean for Nvidia? On its call with analysts, Nvidia disclosed that 45% of its revenue currently comes from cloud hyper-scalers, and over 50% came from large internet companies -- likely meaning Meta Platforms -- and other enterprises. Story continues When one looks at the 45% of revenue from the cloud operators, and then additional revenue from Meta, which is also ramping its own custom accelerators with Broadcom, that's a good chunk of Nvidia's revenue going to customers who are currently looking for in-house alternatives. Image source: Getty Images. Now, Nvidia investors shouldn't panic that all of its cloud demand will go to zero. We still appear to be in the early innings of the AI buildout, and many customers of cloud companies still like to use Nvidia's latest and greatest chips, with their developers familiar with Nvidia's CUDA software. Some cloud vendors have been doing custom ASICs for years, but are still clearly buying lots of Nvidia GPUs as well. Nvidia's new Blackwell chip is set to be released around the end of the year, which will offer a step-change in performance from the current Hopper line. So, there will still be demand for Nvidia chips, even from the cloud vendors. But will Nvidia's margins and multiple suffer? While there will continue to be demand for Nvidia's offerings, Nvidia likely won't retain the 90%-plus of the AI chip market it has garnered to date. It's also possible cloud companies will demand lower prices in the future, with perhaps more bargaining power as they ramp up their custom ASIC offerings and offer them to customers at much lower prices. One reason why Nvidia may have dipped after its recent earnings report is that its gross margins ticked down off their highs, perhaps suggesting limits to the company's pricing power, which seemed limitless throughout 2023 and earlier this year. After this pullback, Nvidia stock trades at 48 times trailing and 36 times forward earnings estimates. So it's not as expensive as it once was and does not have an outlandish valuation for its quality. But it still isn't a "cheap" stock, which makes Nvidia vulnerable to any setback or hang-up. So, any deceleration, whether caused by ASIC competition or some other factor affecting the AI market generally could limit the stock's gains. Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Nvidia wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $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 9, 2024 Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Billy Duberstein and/or his clients have positions in Broadcom and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Marvell Technology. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Should Nvidia Investors Be Worried About This Statement from Broadcom's CEO? was originally published by The Motley Fool CSP announces funeral procession for CDOT worker Umberger; ceremony, moment of silence planned later the same day MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) Community members will have a chance Wednesday to show their support for Colorado Department of Transportation employee Trent Umberger, one of the three people who died in last weeks fatal crash in Palisade. Colorado State Patrol said in a press release that CDOT will honor Umberger with a precession that starts at noon and ends at 12:30 p.m. from Canyon View Park in Grand Junction to Palisades Orchard River View. Organizers say, the services are open to the public, also if they choose, residents can pay their respects by viewing the procession in Palisade along Elberta Avenue or the frontage roads between Elberta and the Colorado River. CSP said motorists should not stop on the side of Interstate 70 during the procession. Troopers will patrol the area and remove anyone who stops. Residents can pay their respects later the same Wednesday by attending Slow Down Move Colorados Light Up Ceremony and moment of silence for those who died in the crash. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at Palisade High School, 3679 G Road. Since the incident, there has been an outpouring of support which includes a poker run on Oct. 5 to help the families of Umberger, fellow CDOT worker Nathan Jones and Jeep passenger Kathi Ann Wallace. At the end of this month, a fundraiser will be held for the families. More information 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) CVS/Longs Drugs recently announced the availability of the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the pharmacy and MinuteClinic. For this years upcoming cold and flu season, CVS/Longs Regional Director Scott Sutton joined Take2 on Monday morning to discuss availability. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Preventive vaccinations are the best way for individuals and their families to protect themselves from seasonal illnesses, Sutton said. According to the CDC, patients ages 6 months and older should receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, ideally in September or October, to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants currently circulating. Getting a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time is recommended if patients are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. More than 900 CRB found in Hawaiis first-of-its-kind hunting tournament The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are currently available at CVS/Longs Drugs pharmacy and MinuteClinic this season, Sutton said. The vaccine protects against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of long-term COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended period. The outlook for this years influenza season is up in the air. According to the CDC, the timing of flu season is difficult to predict and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. But even a normal flu year is of concern the CDC estimates tens of thousands of flu deaths every year, Sutton said. Its important to get the flu shot every year because the bodys protection from the vaccine declines over time. Also, flu viruses can vary from year to year, so receiving a new vaccine formulation is required to provide optimal protection. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to build up protection after getting a flu shot. The CDC recommends that individuals make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins. However, even if youre not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu typically peaks in February and can continue into May. Also, you cant get influenza from the flu vaccine. Flu shots are made with either inactivated viruses or with proteins from the flu virus. Common side effects can include soreness, redness/tenderness or swelling where the shot was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and/or fatigue. These side effects may begin soon after the shot and usually resolve on their own in a few days. Sutton said. CVS/Longs Drugs pharmacy or MinuteClinic has deals for those who get COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Check out more news from around Hawaii The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at no cost through most insurance plans. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS/Longs Drugs will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store purchases. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) One juvenile is in custody after an alleged shooting threat at Conemaugh Valley High School, according to Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer. Police were called to the school district after a teacher allegedly received concerning information from a student regarding the alleged possible shooting. The building was evacuated and police on scene searched the building however nothing was found, Neugebauer said. The building was then re-opened and students were released back to classes, as police believed there to be no further disruption. At the time, two juveniles were questioned about the incident, however, only one was taken into custody, according to Neugebauer. Currently, under Pennsylvania Law, no other information on the juvenile taken into custody is available due to their age. PSP: One juvenile charged after bomb threat at Indiana County school This is a reminder that any threat will be taken seriously and prosecuted. Students need to realize that making any type of threat can have long-term implications which may include having a record that follows you into adulthood, Neugebauer said. Superintendent Shane Hazenstab said that faculty and students practice for events like these every year and that timeliness and communication are key. Safety is always the top priority. Anytime that we have a safety issue come up. Everything else becomes secondary and we focus on what the threat to safety is, Hazenstab said. The district added that they communicated twice with parents, once when they were made aware of the possible threat and then again when police confirmed that there was no threat. From student to adult, to staff, to administration, law enforcement, security consultant, all the communication lines were strong, Hazenstab added. He added that this coming week the district will continue their investigation and review their protocols for anything that could be improved upon. This is a developing story, please check back for updates and download the WTAJ app to receive breaking news notifications. Multiple crews responded to the scene, including the Johnstown and East Taylor Township police departments. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DA: Prosecutors will not call suspended investigator Michael Proctor at trial of Brian Walshe Prosecutors say they wont call a suspended state trooper to testify in the upcoming trial of a Cohasset man accused of killing his wife. Michael Proctor was the lead investigator in the case of Brian Walshe, who is accused of killing and dismembering his wife Ana Walshe, who disappeared on New Years Day 2023. A trial date has not been set. DA: Release of Trooper Proctors full phone history could compromise other cases, public privacy Brian Walshe, left, is facing murder and other charges following the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, left, on Jan. 1, 2023. District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a court filing on Friday that his office does not plan to include Proctor on its witness list. State Police suspended Proctor in July following Karen Reads mistrial. Read is accused of backing her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John OKeefe, and leaving him to die in Canton during a snowstorm in 2022. While testifying during Reads trial, Proctor received criticism for inappropriate texts he sent about Read. Reads second trial is set to begin in January. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Police allege in an affidavit that Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala was becoming increasingly obsessed" with daughter Marbella Martinez Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook; Courtesy Tooele City Police Department Marbella Martinez and Hector Martinez-Ayala A Utah father accused of killing his sheriff's deputy daughter before fleeing the country was allegedly becoming increasingly obsessed and controlling prior to her death, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Per the affidavit, investigators said text messages sent by Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, 54, to his 25-year-old daughter Marbella Martinez were more of the nature of a jealous lover than a father. Martinez-Ayala was charged on Friday, Sept. 6, with 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 he fled the country after the slaying. We as a department are working with numerous agencies around the clock to bring Hector into custody for what he did," Tooele City Police Department Corporal Colbey Bentley previously told PEOPLE. "As we strive to give Deputy Marbella Martinez the justice she is owed, we plead with anyone who may have helpful information or who may be actively helping hide Hector to do the right thing and help us bring Hector into custody for what he did. Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Marbella Martinez Officers discovered the body of Martinez around 8 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, in the Tooele home she shared with her father. She was lying on top of the bed, covered with a blanket up to her neck, per the affidavit. She had been strangled. Related: Dad Accused of Stalking, Killing Deputy Daughter Allegedly Texted About 'Unforgivable Sin: 'I Will Never Come Back' According to the affidavit, authorities allege Martinez-Ayala's behavior towards his daughter had become "increasingly troublesome" and that he had engaged in stalking behavior for months. Prosecutors allege that Martinez found a bag of her underwear in his room and Martinez-Ayala had placed a tracking device on her vehicle to find her. Related: Father of Utah Police Officer Accused of Stalking and Killing Her Before Allegedly Fleeing the Country Authorities allege he used the device on July 29 to track her and her romantic interest at a hiking area called Bates Canyon. After the incident, Martinez allegedly stayed at a hotel but returned home on July 31. She was last seen on video footage inside her home at 12:23 p.m. that day. Authorities said Martinez-Ayala arrived home at 2:17 p.m. 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. The last camera notification on the victims phone occurred at 2:17 p.m., which means that the cameras were disabled or disconnected from the internet at this time," states the affidavit. "Any video after the defendants arrival at 2:17 p.m. July 21, 2024, was deleted or never existed because of the disabling of the camera after his arrival. Per the affidavit, Martinez-Ayala texted his brother just over two hours later, around 4:30 p.m.. 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, he allegedly texted. Authorities alleged Martinez-Ayala disposed of his daughter's cell phone before driving to Salt Lake City's airport. He flew to San Francisco and Houston and then used his brothers identification when he landed in another country and is seen on surveillance video, the affidavit alleges. "The defendant's whereabouts are unknown, but his last known location was outside of the United States." Anyone with information is asked to call the Tooele County Dispatch Center at 435-882-5600, option 1. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Dad runs from Derry to Dublin after son's suicide Jack Edgar, from Londonderry, died by suicide in 2022 [Edgar family ] In December 2022, trainee electrician Jack Edgar had been given new tools as one of his Christmas presents. The 20-year-old from Carnhill in Londonderry had been in the trade since leaving school and was just weeks away from becoming fully qualified. Two years on, that Christmas present sits unused in Jack's tool box. He died by suicide on 27 December 2022. In the early hours of Saturday, his bereaved father Tony set off from the Peace Bridge in the city to run to Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The Republic of Ireland will take on Greece at the stadium tonight. "The majority of people at games will be young men, so we wanted to take our message to one of the biggest stadiums on the island of Ireland. There's no bigger platform. "As men, we can be made to feel there's shame in asking for help, but there isn't its a strength." Tony and Sabrina Edgar want to encourage others to talk about suicide [BBC] 'Have to get up and continue on' Mr Edgar arrived in the Irish capital on Sunday night, 40 hours after leaving the north west ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday. His son TJ and his three brothers ran with him. Speaking to North West Today, the Derry man said the 147-mile (236km) challenge aims to create awareness and encourage conversations about suicide and mental health. "Jack was our wee star, like the rest of our children," he said. "We got that phone call, our worst nightmare, that December. "As a family, we have to show our children that we have to get up and continue on. We want to always celebrate Jack and remember him in a good way. "The run to the Aviva Stadium is for everyone who has lost somebody to suicide." According to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency's (Nisra's) most recent figures, there were 203 suicide deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2022. Conversations come 'too late' Mr Edgar and the group started their run from the Peace Bridge at one minute past midnight on Saturday. Their route took them to Strabane and Omagh, before Ardee, Slane, Ashbourne and Dublin. Jack's mother Sabrina said her family are focused on helping others. "When Jack died, a piece of me went too," she said. "It's so hard. He was funny, kind, caring. He just doted on everybody. "We don't want any other family to feel this pain." Mr Edgar said conversations around suicide often come too late, which is why his family want to raise awareness. "That's what happened to us and we never thought it would. "Have the conversation now - before its too late and that knock comes to your door, because when it comes, it's so hard. If you or someone you know are having feelings of despair or emotionally distressed, you can find organisations that offer advice and support on the BBC Action Line website. Thousands of convicts have been released onto the streets before the end of their sentences to help alleviate overcrowding. Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner speak to the former prison governor Vanessa Frake-Harris who dealt with Moors murderer Myra Hindley and serial killer Rose West behind bars, and ask how to solve the crisis in our prisons. Plus, five have become four in the Tory leadership contest as Mel Stride was knocked out in the latest round of voting. Camilla and Gordon react to the news on a busy day of voting in Westminster, with the governments cut to winter fuel allowance also voted through in parliament despite a threat of rebellion from Labour MPs. And the Princess of Wales video marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment - majestic or mawkish? Watch episodes of the Daily T here. Or if you would prefer to listen to the audio only, then use the player above. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates. 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. DALEVILLE, Ala (WDHN) Tracking dogs and police searched Daleville High School after police say talk about a possible shooting circulated through social media on Tuesday. Daleville City Schools has been made aware of messages that have circulated on social media. The origin of the messages has been isolated and we are monitoring the situation, Daleville Superintendent Josh Robertson said in a release. According to Daleville Public Safety Chief John Crawford, there was no direct threat to the school, but messages were sent around social media, mainly Snapchat, about a possible shooting at one of the Daleville City Schools. Chief Crawford says they brought tracking dogs through the hallways of Daleville High School but found no guns or explosives. The school was not evacuated, and a School Resource Officer is on campus. Chief Crawford says anytime they receive word of a threat, his officers will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of everyone at the schools. Stay with WDHN 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. Detainees are moved from location to location within a Texas juvenile detention center in 2013. Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune Officers at a juvenile detention center in Dallas kept kids isolated for days and falsified logs of observation checks and school attendance, an investigation from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department found. State investigators say that staffers at the Dr. Jerome McNeil Jr. Detention Center used the Special Needs Unit to circumvent state law and essentially keep juveniles in their sleeping quarters for extended periods of time. They spent the vast majority of their days inside their cells, sometimes up to 24 hours a day, without regular access to education, large muscle exercise, outdoor recreation, or showers, state investigators wrote in a report released Monday. The full investigation was not made public, though TJJD provided the investigations executive summary. The agencys Office of the Inspector General said that they will continue to monitor the situation. Also, a division of the agency will continue to have oversight duties and responsibilities related to allegations of wrongdoing at Dallas Countys juvenile facilities. The superintendent of the detention center did not respond to requests for comment. Officers also falsified documents meant to record observation checks and school attendance in order to conceal the actual practices occurring in the detention facility, the investigation found. OIG investigators collected over 18,000 pages of observation checks from January 2023 to June 2023. However, there were 176 of the 191 observation sheets missing for multiple dates and shifts. In some instances, inspectors found that all of the logs for a particular section and shift had the exact same times and observation codes for each juvenile resident on the section, the report found. Other allegations reported and investigated by OIG included children not being fed sufficiently and phone and visitation rights taken away due to behavior issues, although the investigation could not find these to be true or false. The Special Needs Unit was created in 2009 to help children with mental health diagnoses who are also on probation. The program closed in 2023, the same year the OIG investigation took place, but the exact reasons for the closure are unknown. This weeks report comes after the U.S. Department of Justice found unconstitutional conditions at all of Texas five juvenile detention facilities last month. They noted abusive and poor conditions and listed many remedial measures including limiting periods of isolation. Investigators found other wrongdoings such as pepper spray use on children and failure to apply sexual abuse reduction measures. The states report says former Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center Executive Director Darryl Beatty should have been aware of what was happening within the special needs unit. While he may not have had an active role in creating the policies and procedure that allowed for neglect of juvenile residents, he had ample opportunity to take corrective action, the OIG report said. Beatty earlier this year denied the allegations, but resigned after media reports about conditions inside the juvenile facility, WFAA reported. Barbara Kessler, spokesperson for TJJD, said Dallas officials are taking corrective actions and the state investigation is now closed. Investigators will continue to monitor the situation and can open new abuse, neglect, or exploitation investigations if warranted, Kessler wrote in an email. 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. On Sept. 7, we wrapped our 2024 Festival three unforgettable days packed with 100+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events on the Tribunes Festival news page. (Bloomberg) -- Oil prices slipped to near the lowest since 2021, as traders tracked moves in wider financial markets and monitored a storm that could affect some supplies in the Gulf of Mexico. Most Read from Bloomberg Global benchmark Brent crude was near $71 a barrel after snapping a six-session losing streak on Monday. Equity markets are also struggling for direction, with key inflation data due later this week. OPEC kept its demand forecast steady, even after the producer group chose to prolong its supply restraints for another two months. The International Energy Agency which previously forecast a surplus next year is due to publish its own monthly report this week. Tropical Storm Francine is set to become a hurricane Tuesday as it churns toward Louisiana, forcing some oil drillers to halt production and evacuate crews in the Gulf of Mexico. On its expected track, Francine may rake nine major platforms. Brent closed at the lowest since 2021 on Friday amid growing concerns about restrained demand in major economies and abundant supply. The markets increasingly bearish tone spurred Wall Street banks to pare price forecasts for the coming quarters. The tone of the oil market remains downbeat, said Norbert Ruecker, an analyst at Julius Baer. The fundamental headwinds should persist. Demand is partially stagnant, production grows in the Americas, and the oil market likely heads into surplus supplies next year. At the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference in Singapore this week, most speakers have been cautious about the market outlook. Among them, Ben Luckock, head of oil at Trafigura Group, one of the worlds top traders, warned that Brent was probably going to slip into the $60s relatively soon. To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter into your inbox, click here. --With assistance from Yongchang Chin. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. An aerial view shows houses submerged under water in Maiduguri, also facing a jihadist insurgency (Audu MARTE) (Audu MARTE/AFP/AFP) Flood water from an overflowing dam has destroyed tens of houses in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno state in northeast Nigeria, with emergency officials fearing the situation could get worse. Several aerial videos and photos shared by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with AFP showed rows of houses submerged in murky water. An epicentre of more than a decade-long jihadist insurgency, Maiduguri serves as the hub for the responses to the humanitarian crisis in the northeast region. The United Nations refugee agency in Nigeria (UNHCR) said on its X account that it is the citys worst flooding in 30 years. "It is an unprecedented incident," NEMA spokesman Ezekiel Manzo told AFP on Tuesday. "Some of the central parts of the city that have not witnessed flood in so many years are witnessing it today." The flood also sacked the citys post office and main zoo, with authorities warning that "deadly animals has been washed away into our communities (sic)." Manzo said forecasts did not prepare the emergency workers for the extent of the flooding, while also blaming the impact of climate change for the "disaster". He told AFP that there were deaths as a result of the incident but declined to give a specific number as rescue workers continue rescue operations in the affected areas. With flooding still "high in many parts of the city", authorities have opened three "temporary shelters" for the victims. "Homes are submerged, schools shut down & businesses crippled as people evacuate with their belongings," UNCHR Nigeria said. Floods have killed at least 201 people and displaced around 225,000 more in parts of the country but mainly in the northern region as of September 3. Most of the deaths were in the countrys northern region. The NEMA spokesman told AFP at the end of last month that the central and southern parts of Nigeria may be hit harder as rain intensifies. At least 115,000 hectares (285,000 acres) of farmland have also been affected, NEMA figures showed. Damages to farmland will worsen Nigerias high rates of food insecurity, Save the Children warned last week. "One in every six children across Nigeria faced hunger in June-August this year - a 25% increase on the same period last year, the NGO said in a statement. Flooding, usually caused by abundant rains and poor infrastructure, has caused large-scale destruction in Africa's most populous country in the past. More than 360 people died and more than 2.1 million were displaced in 2012. In 2022, more than 500 people died and 1.4 million were displaced in the worst floods in a decade. President Bola Tinubu's office said he is working with state authorities to "address the immediate humantarian needs of the affected people." tba/cw Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants the Texas Senate to reexamine how the state conducts runoff elections and recommend new laws aimed at stopping protesters from covering their faces when the Legislature meets next year. On Tuesday, Patrick who oversees the Senate and has serious power over what bills it passes released a second round of directives for Senate committees, building on a list of 57 items from earlier this year that focused on, among other things, housing costs, school vouchers, property tax relief and strengthening the power grid. The new list includes a number of right-wing priorities, and would escalate Republicans wars against diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Last year, Texas lawmakers banned such programs at public universities prompting layoffs and protests at some schools. Now, Patrick wants lawmakers to examine programs and certificates at higher education institutions that still have DEI policies, and then expose them as damaging and not aligned with state workforce demands. He then wants lawmakers to recommend any needed reforms to ensure universities are appropriately educating students to meet workforce needs. Patrick also directed senators to recommend legislation aimed at masked protesters, some of whom he claims have concealed their identities in order to commit crime. Lawmakers in New York and North Carolina have already pursued similar legislation in response to pro-Palestinian protests throughout this year, though such mask bans have been heavily criticized by civil liberties groups and immunocompromised people. He also asked senators to evaluate impeachment proceedings, and make recommendations to ensure a fair and transparent process, in a request released almost exactly one year after the Texas Senate acquitted Attorney General Ken Paxton of all impeachment charges. Patrick served as the judge for the Senate trial and, after the votes, gave a fiery speech condemning the process and House leaders who allowed it to move forward. Patrick also directed senators to study the rules and timing for runoff elections, hinting he thinks that he may be concerned too many primary races are being decided in the second round head-to-heads. Runoff elections are currently required if no candidate receives more than 50% of vote in a primary. Patrick wants lawmakers to study that threshold, particularly in races with four or more candidates, and whether it should be lowered in some instances. He also wants lawmakers to recommend legislation to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and prevent them from registering to vote something that experts say is rare but has fueled a new round of Republican fears ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Texas already has some of the strongest voting laws in the nation, and state and federal laws already prohibit noncitizens from voting. In 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott also signed two bills that require citizenship checks of voter rolls, and allow the secretary of state to withhold funds from counties that dont remove noncitizens from voter rolls. Both of those bills originated in the Texas Senate. 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. On Sept. 7, we wrapped our 2024 Festival three unforgettable days packed with 100+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events on the Tribunes Festival news page. DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Authorities are investigating an overnight shooting on Juleswood Drive in Darlington County, according to deputies. No details about the incident were immediately available, but the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was asked to assist Darlington County deputies in the investigation. This embedded content is not available in your region. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) Newly released dashcam video shows the moment a man initiated a high-speed chase after allegedly stealing a Ferrari late last month. Johnathan Costa, 19, was arrested in Florida three days after police said he robbed a Cranston home at gunpoint. His suspected accomplice, 18-year-old Logan Slezak, turned himself in hours later after police realized he wasnt in the car with Costa. Johnathan Costa (Courtesy: Flagler County Sheriffs Office) Officers were called to a Crest Drive home on Aug. 24 to investigate reports of an armed robbery. The victims told police that two masked men with handguns had barged into their home and demanded the keys to their two cars a Ferrari 488 Spider convertible and a Chevrolet Corvette. Police said the suspects led at least one of the victims throughout the home at gunpoint while searching for the keys. Both men eventually got into the Ferrari and took off, leaving the Corvette behind. The stolen Ferrari was clocked by an automated license plate reader in the city the next day, prompting Cranston police to broadcast a statewide BOLO (be on the lookout) alert to law enforcement agencies. The Ferrari wasnt seen again until Aug. 26, when a Rhode Island State Police trooper spotted it flying down I-95 South in Warwick. RELATED: 2 accused of breaking into Cranston home, stealing Ferrari The driver, later identified as Costa, refused to stop and led the trooper on a high-speed chase toward Connecticut. Dashcam footage from the troopers cruiser shows Costa weaving in and out of traffic and using the breakdown lane to illegally pass other vehicles. An incident report obtained by 12 News revealed the pursuit reached speeds of more than 130 mph, with Costa consistently driving at least 30 mph over the speed limit. The trooper called off the chase near the exit for Route 102 in North Kingstown after losing sight of the Ferrari. New York State Police attempted to stop Costa later that same night, but were unsuccessful. He was eventually tracked to a home in Palm Coast, Florida, where the car was found hidden underneath a tarp. Costa, whos facing a laundry list of charges and citations, remains behind bars in Florida and is awaiting extradition to Rhode Island. Slezak was also ordered held without bail. 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. The daughter of Mexican immigrants addressed a House hearing on the Biden-Harris border crisis on Tuesday, speaking on behalf of an 11-year-old girl who authorities say was brutally raped and murdered at the hands of an illegal immigrant, and how the Democrats policies are giving "good migrants a bad name." April Aguirre, a crime victims advocate, spoke before the House Judiciary Committee along with the mothers of children whose deaths they say were caused by the border policies under President Biden and Vice President Harris. "As a daughter of immigrant parents, I am ashamed of what the Biden-Harris administration has done to our country by opening our borders to all, including criminals who are wolves in sheep's clothing," Aguirre testified. Aguirre spoke on behalf of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez, a migrant who was living in Houston with her father when authorities say an illegal immigrant from Guatemala entered her home and killed her, stuffed under her fathers bed in a plastic bag in a laundry basket. BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: MOTHER OF JOCELYN NUNGARAY GIVES EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY DURING MIGRANT CRIME HEARING April Aguirre spoke before a House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about how she feels the Biden-Harris administration's border policies have failed young girls. "Maria was so covered in bruises I had to go and shop for a funeral dress for her to cover the damage that that man did to her. Maria lost fingernails in her fight, and she's a migrant child," Aguirre detailed to the committee. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A medical examiner determined that Maria Gonzalez died of strangulation by asphyxiation and had also been sexually assaulted, according to the Pasadena Police Department. "Can you imagine them trying to fight off a grown man off of them? The shock of being undressed, the pain of being beaten and smothered, trying to fight for your life while a predator's one objective is to use them to satisfy their sick and demented appetites," Aguirre told the committee. "Our girls deserve protection. Our girls deserve to live their life without fear. Our girls deserve to perish in a natural manner of old age." OHIO RESIDENTS IN SMALL TOWN ERUPT OVER HAVOC CAUSED BY MASSIVE INFLUX OF 20,000 HAITIANS Aguirre slammed the Biden-Harris administrations policies for ignoring the "monsters" that illegally cross the border, thereby "giving all of us good migrants such a bad name." "We're letting everything through the border because we're not checking them, and you're victimizing citizens, you're victimizing immigrants alike," Aguirre said. "We're not against immigration, we're against unvetted immigration." When Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, claimed that Aguirre and the families of other victims were being exploited by Republicans, Aguirre called it an "insulting" assumption. "You said some very broad statements insulting these people, lost loved ones, they lost children, and we want to see a difference," Aguirre shot back at Escobar. "We may not understand everything that's going on, but I assure you that we're not being used in any way." House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Fox News ahead of the hearing the Biden-Harris administration "let in 10 million people in three and a half years, 99 on the terrorist watch list." Jordan said the testimony from the mothers and family who spoke at the hearing will help highlight the "real cost" of illegal immigration in communities across the country. Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report. Original article source: Daughter of Mexican immigrants tells Congress shes ashamed of Biden-Harris admin opening our borders Dead fox found in Orkney which has no known fox population There is speculation that the animal may have been brought up from the Scottish mainland [Getty Images] A dead fox has been found in Orkney, which has no known fox population. The body of the young female animal was discovered in Kirkwall, near the Balfour Hospital on Tuesday. Staff members at the hospital spotted the animal, which was later taken away by Orkney Islands Council and a post mortem examination was carried out at a local vet practice. People have been warned against bringing animals to the island from the mainland as there is a risk to public health. The council confirmed the matter had been reported to the police. Foxes have not existed on the island since the late Iron age with the only exception believed to be a failed attempt to introduce them in the 1930s. A dead fox was found on the island in 2007, sparking concerns from farmers and environmentalists. It was thought it had been brought over from the mainland. 'Fairly unusual' Balfour Hay is one of the vets who carried out the post-mortem on the animal at Northvet veterinary surgery. He said it was a "fairly unusual" morning for the practice to have received a call about the fox found on the side of the road. Mr Hay said the vets could tell from the extent of the decomposition that the animal had been dead for several days. He said: "Based on the kind of injuries that we did see inside the body, we're fairly certain that it would have died from a road traffic accident or some other form of trauma. "However, there was evidence on the post mortem that several of the fractures, particularly to the bones in its legs, certainly happened after it died. We don't know what would have caused those," he said. Mr Hay suspects that the fox was unlikely a pet, based on the contents of the animals stomach. Balfour Hay carried out the post-mortem on the animal [BBC] He said that the fox was covered in ticks, but a lot more than what would be expected on a local animal. "There's already a bit of speculation that this animal may have been brought up from south. If that was the case, we just want to emphasise the potential risks to animal and public health from bringing animals up from outside of Orkney," he added. "We're fortunate in Orkney that we have a water barrier to infectious diseases, so we do want to try our best to keep any infectious diseases that we don't have here out." Mr Hay said he strongly suggests people do not bring animals to Orkney from elsewhere. Orkney Islands Councils trading standards manager, Gary Foubister, said that it was a "serious offence" to release non-native species, dead or alive. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Police Scotland on 101. Additional reporting from the local democracy reporter. PITTSBURGH Ninety minutes Tuesday night may well offer newly anointed but still relatively little-known Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris her last and best chance to define herself for voters, even as Donald Trump tries to do it for her. The vice president has managed to consolidate most of her partys voting coalition in the seven weeks since President Joe Biden abruptly ended his reelection campaign and threw his support behind her. But her failure to lock down some groups, such as young Black men and Latinos, has left her campaign in a precarious position against the coup-attempting former president with less than two months left until Election Day. The challenge for both, in a sense, is to define Harris, as Trump is well-known, said David Axelrod, the Democratic consultant who helped Barack Obama win the White House in 2008. Trump, who has been convicted of 34 felony counts, has spent the duration of her presidential candidacy attacking Harris as a Marxist and communist who holds extreme views on cultural issues. Harris has emphasized her resume as a prosecutor and Californias elected attorney general in her attempt to portray herself as a pragmatic centrist. Recent polling shows that, despite both of their efforts, a significant percentage of Americans say they dont really know much about her. A recent New York Times survey found that 28% of likely voters say they need to know more about Harris, while only 9% say the same about Trump. One Republican consultant who has worked on multiple presidential campaigns, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he cannot think of a higher-stakes confrontation in the history of modern presidential races. Im not sure I have enough wine handy tomorrow to get me through this debate, he said. I think it could be a complete game changer. Its going to be the single most important debate after the previous single most important debate that got Biden bounced. Tuesdays contest was initially supposed to be the second one between Biden and Trump. That matchup ended, though, in the weeks following Bidens disastrous performance in their first debate of the 2024 election cycle, on June 27. Biden sounded hoarse and looked weak, which his campaign blamed on a cold, and flubbed questions, reinforcing many voters concerns about his age. At one point, he said he finally beat Medicare when he meant to take credit for beating the pharmaceutical industry. Bidens polling numbers cratered in the days and weeks to come, as did his fundraising, and prominent supporters urged him to drop out. On July 21, he announced on social media that he was ending his reelection campaign and followed up shortly with another post endorsing Harris for the nomination. Tuesdays debate will be hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia but will be simulcast by most other broadcast and cable networks. It is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. EDT. Workers complete preparations on the media filing center and spin room for the ABC News Presidential Debate on Tuesday between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump in Philadelphia. With less than two months until Election Day, the debate could be a turning point in the close contest. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images Harris has spent days holed up at the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, on the other side of the state, to focus on debate preparations. During a brief visit to a nearby spice store Saturday afternoon, she said was ready to face Trump. Asked what message she hoped to get across, she had ready lines she uses frequently as she presents herself as a change candidate: Its time to turn the page on the divisiveness. Its time to bring our country together. Chart a new way forward. Harris only experience in a national general election debate was in 2020 against then-Vice President Mike Pence. Trump, meanwhile, has now done six general election debates: three against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016, two against Biden in 2020 and the one this June against Biden. By most accounts, though, Trump has lost five of those, with his tendency to bully his opponents and repeat outrageous, over-the-top lies turning off many viewers. Only in his last encounter with Biden, when the 81-year-old president largely defeated himself with his answers, did Trump tone down his act as Biden faltered. Both Democratic and Republican consultants and officials agreed that a success for Harris is one where she offers a vision for the country while not getting herself bogged down responding to Trumps likely attacks. Kamala needs to show that she is tough enough to handle Trump smartly. Have a commanding presence while being liked enough, said former Florida GOP chair Al Cardenas, a vocal Trump critic. Added current Florida Democratic chair Nikki Fried: The bar is set so low for Donald Trump as nothing he says is coherent. She just needs to let Donald be Donald. Steve Schale, a Democratic consultant who has worked with a pro-Biden super PAC for years, agreed. Just keep doing what she was doing at the convention: Lean into the median voter, and dont let him pull you into his sandbox. As long as he wants to remind people of the chaos that defined his presidency, just let him do it. Trumps tendency to remind Americans of his chaos had his supporters hoping that he would find a way to restrain himself. I encourage President Trump to stay on the issues, and hes going to beat her on every issue that is important to people, in terms of the border, in terms of the cost of things, in terms of crime, chaos, what were seeing around the country right now, said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). Whether Trump is capable of that, though, is an open question. He needs to be more disciplined than he has about trying to tie her to the things people most object to about Bidens record and paint her as more of the same, Axelrod said. Personal attacks dont help him, but the question is, can he help himself? HuffPosts Igor Bobic contributed to this report. Related... SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. (WWTI) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will host its 15th annual youth waterfowl and pheasant hunt for youth ages 12 through 15. This is a chance for youths to to hunt waterfowl with an environmental conservation officer. The hunting program will coincide with the waterfowl and pheasant youth hunting weekends. 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run gifts $252K to Make-A-Wish Central New York The program will consist of an educational/safety day located at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmens Club beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25. This will be followed by a waterfowl hunt on Saturday, September 28 and pheasant hunt on Sunday, September 29. Interested hunters must possess a New York State small game license and register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). The event is free to participants and equipment will be provided if necessary. The event is hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsmens Club and sponsored by the Northern New York Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA). Signup sheets are available at: Sackets Harbor Sportsmens Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Rd); VanTassels Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills; Or by contacting ECO Steve Bartoszewski at 315-489-6984 or by email at steven.bartoszewski@dec.ny.gov. Youth interested in participating need to sign up prior to Sept. 20, 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling released a statement regarding his plans to finish out the remainder of his term. News outlets, including the Decatur Daily, reported that Bowling had offered to step down from his position in exchange for an end to protests outside his home. The protests have been taking place since the police shooting death of Stephen Perkins outside of his home on September 29, 2023. However, on Tuesday, Bowling sent News 19 the following statement: I plan on completing my term, which is a five (5) year term. The additional year was a decision made by the Alabama Legislature to remove many municipal elections out of the Presidential election cycle. I am very thankful for the support and encouragement I have received from our residents and employees to continue serving our City. We have a tremendous amount of projects in play, plus additional projects that our partners are working on. The people I talked with, who terrorized my grandchildren, have no desire for peace. They took what I believed to be private discussions to your news partners at The Decatur Daily via recording devices. They knew that would end future discussions. The most disappointing part is our City Council continues to provide a camera and microphone during the Public Comment portion of Council gatherings that is providing no forward progress. This has been clearly conveyed by the majority of our residents who have contacted me in recent days. Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling At last weeks city council meeting, city councilmen commented on Bowlings reported negotiation with those protesting outside his home. Councilman Hunter Pepper said that the mayors decision to meet with anyone pertaining to his job is unnecessary. Personally, I think its insane that he held negotiations with somebody over regarding resigning over a position. That doesnt set very well in my opinion however, I believe that he was elected to his position to maintain his term, says Decatur City Council member Hunter Pepper. City council member Kyle Pike said that whatever Bowlings plans are, the decision is his to make. I dont know other than what Ive read in the Daily and what Ive been told I havent had that conversation with him and its his decision to make, said Pike. Bowling announced last November that he will not seek reelection in 2025. He was first elected in 2016, and in 2020, he became the first mayor in nearly 30 years to serve back-to-back terms. His term as mayor ends in November 2025, and the municipal election in Decatur will take place on August 26, 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 WHNT.com. Last week, Ukraines Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets announced that Russian prisoners of war (POWs) would no longer be able to make phone calls to relatives. They are still allowed to communicate through letters, meeting Geneva Convention requirements, he noted. The decision came after recent increases in reports of violations of Ukrainian POW rights by Russians, including a video circulating on social media last week that appeared to show a Russian soldier executing a Ukrainian POW in violation of international laws. Lubinets has asked the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to investigate. The Kyiv Independent was unable to independently verify the video. Neither Russia nor Ukraine disclose how many POWs are in captivity. The numbers are estimated in the thousands for both sides. As of July, Russia had released 3,310 Ukrainians from captivity since February 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. A wounded Russian prisoner of war, captured during Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, in a basement at an undetermined location in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine on Aug. 30, 2024. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images) Prisoners of war primarily members of the military and armed combatants who are captured by the enemy side have strict protections under the Geneva Conventions that outline requirements for their humane treatment once captured. Both parties in the conflict are required through these laws to protect the life and dignity of prisoners of war, said Pat Griffiths, spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Ukraine. The law as it relates to prisoners of war should be followed because its a good thing in itself and reflects foundational values that we all share, said Griffiths. It shouldnt be thought of in reciprocal terms. We shouldnt want to break the law if the other side does. Read also: Putin delays new mobilization, despite Kursk incursion exposing troop shortages Access, communication, and information Per the Geneva Conventions, to which both Ukraine and Russia are signatories, international organizations have the right to unrestricted access to POW camps to assess their conditions through visits and confidential interviews. According to the UN, Russia has continued to deny its monitors access to Ukrainian POWs, while Ukraine has provided the UN with full and confidential access to official places of internment. ICRC staff have visited thousands of POWs in Ukraine and Russia, but our access is not where it needs to be, said Griffiths. Under international humanitarian law, the ICRC has the right to visit all POWs, wherever they are held but the obligation is on parties to the conflict to grant that access. The ICRC does not publicly criticize individual sides in a conflict, in order to preserve the neutrality that allows it to carry out its humanitarian work. Instead, it flags humanitarian concerns directly and confidentially with those involved. Ukrainian officials, however, have said that the vast majority of Ukrainian POWs who were released have said they were never visited by Red Cross representatives. International law also requires detainees to be given the option to inform families and an independent agency of their status immediately after their capture and to send regular letters and cards. In the UNs most recent periodic report on human rights in Ukraine, some families of Ukrainian POWs reported they had yet to receive confirmation of their family members capture after more than a year, despite confirmation from released POWs that their relatives were held in captivity. The majority of the 20 relatives interviewed by the UN had not received any letters, while the rest had received only a short phone call or card. Released Ukrainian detainees have also reported illegal threats and censorship of the content of their letters. Russian prisoners of war, captured by the Ukrainian army in Russia's Kursk Oblast, at a detention center for Russian prisoners in an Unspecified location in Ukraine on Sep. 6, 2024. (Oleg Palchyk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) The worst is not knowing. All our lives are circling around the fact that our close ones are in captivity, one mother of a Ukrainian POW who has been in captivity for almost two years told the UN. Ukrainian authorities have facilitated communication between Russian POWs and family members with letters and phone calls, the UN reports. An earlier report had flagged delays in facilitating communication, sometimes months-long, with the most recent publication flagging improved access to communication of monthly phone calls and official encouragement to write letters in one of the camps. Treatment in captivity Independent observers and journalists have documented conditions for Russian POWs and interviewed them. Because of access limitations, however, most of what the international community knows about Russias treatment of Ukrainian POWs comes from interviews conducted after prisoner swaps. In Russia and Russian-held areas, the UN has found documented patterns of widespread torture and degrading treatment or punishment of POWs in Russian captivity, as well as conditions of detention that fail to comply with international law. The most common form of torture described by released POWs was welcome beatings, which involved beatings, threats, dog attacks, tasing, stripping, and the use of stress positions. The UN described the torture as systematic. In a March 2023 report on POWs, the UN found that 92% of Ukrainian POWs interviewed had experienced some form of torture or ill-treatment during their captivity, with 84% experiencing torture and ill-treatment during internment after their initial capture. Recent UN reports from 2024 are consistent with these patterns. The same 2023 report found that 49% of Russian POWs had experienced torture and ill-treatment by Ukrainians, though primarily upon capture. The most common forms were beatings, kicking or, to a lesser extent, stabbing. Fifteen percent experienced torture or ill-treatment after they reached their place of longer-term detention. Reports from 2024 have continued to find some cases of violations of Russian POW rights during transit to official detention areas, including beatings and electric shocks, though they did not document violations by Ukraine once Russian POWs reached official detention camps. Russian prisoner of war, captured by Ukrainian army in Russia's Kursk Oblast, at a detention center for Russian prisoners in Unspecified location, Ukraine on Sep. 6, 2024. (Oleg Palchyk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) The UN warned that exact figures should not be directly compared to each other, because the level of access has strongly influenced what the agency is able to document. However, in overall terms, POWs in the hands of Ukraine were treated in better fashion, once held in transit and permanent places of internments. "in overall terms, POWs in the hands of Ukraine were treated in better fashion, once held in transit and permanent places of internments" The UN has recorded cases of summary executions in violation of international law on both sides. The most recently recorded cases of executions committed by Ukrainians occurred in early 2023. The UN has received more than two dozen credible accounts of summary executions by Russia in 2024 and has called on the country to cease such executions. Russias human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova did not respond to questions about the treatment of Ukrainian POWs held by Russia. Petro Yatsenko, a representative of the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of POWs, told the Kyiv Independent that violence against POWs is possible when prisoners are first captured, attributing it to high emotions on the battlefield. Were working to improve that, and its very important for us to create informational and educational programs for Ukrainian military personnel to avoid such cases, he added, noting that Ukraine has invited transparency and has made improvements to POW conditions over the course of the war. Its very painful for Ukrainian relatives to know how well Russian soldiers and officers are treated in comparison with the behavior of the Russian side, Yatsenko said, but of course for us, its very important not to be the same as Russians. Read also: Russian POWs on their capture in Kursk Oblast: Commanders just disappeared Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - World Bank President Ajay Banga said in a speech on Tuesday after visiting 27 countries from Peru to Tuvalu that the global lender needs to work faster and simplify its processes in a world experiencing greater polarisation. Speaking at the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney on Tuesday, Banga said his visit on Friday to Tuvalu in the South Pacific marked the end of a journey that began just over a year ago when he started in the job and promised to listen to voices in every region where the Washington-based lender operates. "Though aspirations of people around the world are universal, we live in a world of greater polarisation and extremes," Banga said. The countries he visited "need more and require us to be faster, simpler, and more impact oriented", he added, after meeting Pacific Islands leaders in Fiji last week, who said small island states sometimes struggled to meet World Bank requirements. In Fiji, Banga visited chronically understaffed health clinics facing rising rates of non-communicable disease such as diabetes, an example of the importance of the bank's new focus on job creation. The bank's new targets include bringing affordable health care to 1.5 billion people by 2030. The World Bank saw global challenges of climate change, inequality and fragility as intertwined, he said. "We understand that the challenges of the Pacific Islands are a microcosm of forces playing out around the globe," he added. The Pacific Islands, the region most impacted by warming oceans, is also the most aid-reliant region, according to the Lowy Institute. Banga said reforms to the World Bank in the past year were already starting to bring change, citing a corporate scorecard cutting the bank's goals from 150 to 22 items and the shortening of approval times for projects by an average three months. Finding new ways to stretch the World Bank's balance sheet had found $120 billion of additional lending over 10 years, he said. Banga said governments, philanthropies and multilateral development banks need to work together to bridge a forecast gap between the 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets who will seek work over the next decade and the 420 million projected jobs. A "significant replenishment" of the International Development Association (IDA) in December by the World Bank's shareholders was critical, he said. The Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc of 18 states, said on Tuesday that IDA had been critical to making island states more climate resilient and building infrastructure including aviation links. Story continues Although IDA donor countries faced global economic headwinds, the Pacific urged them to increase pledges of support for vulnerable countries, the leaders said in a joint statement. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry and Lincoln Feast.) FILE - Ethel Rosenberg, who along with her husband, Julius, was put to death in 1953 after being convicted of conspiring to steal secrets about the atomic bomb for the Soviet Union is seen in an undated file photo. (AP Photo, File) WASHINGTON (AP) A top U.S. government codebreaker who decrypted secret Soviet communications during the Cold War concluded that Ethel Rosenberg knew about her husband's activities but did not engage in the work herself, according to a recently declassified memo that her sons say proves their mother was not a spy and should lead to her exoneration in the sensational 1950s atomic espionage case. The previously unreported assessment written days after Rosenberg's arrest and shown to The Associated Press adds to the questions about the criminal case against Rosenberg, who along with her husband, Julius, was put to death in 1953 after being convicted of conspiring to steal secrets about the atomic bomb for the Soviet Union. The couple maintained their innocence until the end, and their sons, Robert and Michael Meeropol, have worked for decades to establish that their mother was falsely implicated in spying. The brothers consider the memo a smoking gun and are urging President Joe Biden to issue a formal proclamation saying she was wrongly convicted and executed. Historians have long regarded Julius Rosenberg as a Soviet spy. But questions about Ethel Rosenbergs role have simmered for years, dividing those who side with the Meeropols and say she had zero role in espionage from some historians who contend theres evidence she supported her husbands activities. The handwritten memo from Meredith Gardner, a linguist and codebreaker for what later became known as the National Security Agency, cites decrypted Soviet communications in concluding that Ethel Rosenberg knew about Julius' espionage work but that due to ill health she did not engage in the work herself. Ethel Rosenberg went on trial with her husband months after the memo was written despite Gardner's assessment, which the Meeropols believe would have been available to FBI and Justice Department officials investigating and prosecuting the case. This puts it on both sides of the Atlantic in other words, both the KGB and the NSA ended up agreeing that Ethel was not a spy," Robert Meeropol said in an interview. "And so we have a situation in which a mother of two young children was executed as a master atomic spy when she wasnt a spy at all. The Meeropols recently obtained the Aug. 22, 1950, memo from the NSA through a Freedom of Information Act request and provided it to the AP. This piece of documentation, juxtaposing my fathers work with her not doing the work, it seems to me nails it, Michael Meeropol said. Secretive findings The document was written more than a week after Ethel Rosenberg's arrest her husband was arrested a month earlier presumably to summarize what was known about a Soviet spy ring operating in the U.S. at the height of the Cold War and associated with the development of the atomic bomb. It refers to Julius Rosenberg, who worked as a civil engineer, by his Soviet code names first Antenna and later Liberal and characterizes him as a recruiting agent for Soviet intelligence. In a separate paragraph titled, Mrs. Julius Rosenberg, Gardner describes a decoded message as saying Ethel Rosenberg was a party member" and "devoted wife who knew of her husband's work but didn't engage in it. Harvey Klehr, a now-retired Emory University historian, said this week that the memo notwithstanding, his position is that Ethel Rosenberg conspired to commit espionage even if she did not spy herself or have access to classified information. Ethel may not have been a spy that is, she might not have actually passed on classified information but she was an active participant in her husbands spy network, not just someone who happened to agree with her husband about politics, Klehr wrote in a 2021 piece for Mosaic Magazine. Another historian, Mark Kramer of Harvard University, said this week that the interpretation of the Russian communication was debatable and that in any event other documents contain damning evidence of Ethel Rosenberg's involvement in spying, and her participation in tasks, even if she was not directly participating in the way Julius Rosenberg was. The Meeropols adamantly dispute that, insisting the evidence is clear that the Soviets never considered their mother an asset and that she had no role in recruiting spies or assisting her husband's espionage. A brother's account The memo is the latest information that Ethel Rosenbergs supporters say casts doubt on her criminal conviction and the narrative of her as a spy. For instance, previously deciphered Soviet cables showed that she, unlike her husband, was not given a code name. The Meeropols also point to a separate memo from Gardner stating Ethel Rosenberg did not work, a presumed reference to espionage. In a 2001 television interview, Ethel Rosenberg's brother, David Greenglass, acknowledged that he lied on the stand about his sister to assure leniency for himself and keep his wife out of prison so she could care for their two children. A fellow communist sympathizer, he was indicted as a co-conspirator and served 10 years in prison. In 2015, secret grand jury testimony from Greenglass was unsealed that contradicted damaging statements he made during the Rosenbergs' trial that helped secure their convictions. Greenglass claimed at trial that he had given the Rosenbergs research data he obtained while working as an Army machinist at the Los Alamos, New Mexico, headquarters of the Manhattan Project, where the first atomic weapons were produced. He also said he recalled seeing his sister using a portable typewriter at the Rosenbergs' apartment to type up handwritten notes to give to the Soviets. But in his grand jury testimony, which a judge unsealed after Greenglass 2014 death in response to a request from historians and archivists, he never implicated his sister. Greenglass told the grand jury that Julius Rosenberg was adamant he should stick with his Army service so Greenglass could continue giving him information. But when Greenglass was asked whether his sister was similarly insistent, he replied, I said before, and say it again, honestly, this is a fact: I never spoke to my sister about this at all. Sons feel relief The Meeropols believe the newly released memo would almost certainly have reached high levels of the FBI given that Gardner, its author, worked closely with an FBI agent. They say the information may have influenced then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover's recommendation that Ethel Rosenberg not receive the death penalty, though she ultimately did. Robert Meeropol, 77, said the memo's release is a capstone of decades of work to clear his mother's name. As young boys, the brothers visited the White House in 1953 in a failed bid to get President Dwight Eisenhower to prevent their parents executions. They were later adopted. In 2016, they cited the newly released grand jury testimony to try to persuade President Barack Obama to exonerate their mother. I'm incredibly relieved to have this out while I'm still alive, because for a lot of time, I didn't think I was going to survive to see it, he said. Michael Meeropol, 81, said he recalled his brother saying in 1973 that in a few years they were going to blow the lid off the case. Well, 1973 to 2024 is a little bit more than a few years, but its just happened as far as Im concerned. This memo being released, thank God, blows the lid off it in terms of our mother, Michael Meeropol said. Delaware Lawmaker Seeks to Become the 4th Black Woman to Serve in the U.S. Senate U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester often holds a large scarf imprinted with a highly symbolic and historic document as she campaigns to become the fourth Black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate. A Reconstruction-era voting oath signed by her great-great-great grandfather, a formerly enslaved man, is etched on the scarfs threads. She had the scarf during her swearing-in when she made history in 2017 as the first Black person and first woman elected as Delawares sole representative to the U.S. House. And years later, she had it as she prayed in the House balcony in one of the most memorable images to emerge from the deadly Jan. 6 riots on the U.S. Capitol. With the House under siege, I prayed for love over hate and hope over fear, she said in a campaign video describing that day. Delaware is holding its primary on Tuesday. Blunt Rochester, who is running unopposed, will face Republican challenger Eric Hansen, a former Walmart business leader, in the November general election. The two are vying for the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Carper, who represented the state for just over two decades. Carper endorsed Blunt Rochester, his former intern-turned-veteran lawmaker, as his successor. And in the Democratic leaning state of Delaware, several factors favor her win in November. Blunt Rochester has emerged in a campaign cycle and on a ticket punctuated by historic firsts, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian woman to receive a major partys nomination. The candidacies of women like Harris and Blunt Rochester are the culmination of a long struggle by Black women to build political power within the Democratic Party. The weight of history is not lost on Blunt Rochester. She is the daughter of Ted Blunt, a long-serving member of the Wilmington, Delaware, City Council. In a campaign video, Bright Hope, announcing her candidacy, sepia-toned photos from her childhood and aged wooden pews frame the lawmaker as she drew parallels between the resilience she learned as a child and the fortitude and hope she has for the future of Delaware. It was a message she echoed when she took the stage during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. Bright Hope was the name of the church my grandmother attended for 70 years. Its not just a name. Its how I approach my life. Its how Ill lead as senator, she told a gathering of thousands. Its how Kamala sees the future of America. With a war chest of roughly $7.8 million and a four-term congressional record, Blunt Rochester is considered a strong contender in the contest Hansen. His campaign coffers are roughly $1 million. For his part, Hansen is positioning himself as a contrast to Blunt Rochester. He touts himself as a political outsider and says that will help him connect better with the people in Delaware. Im not a career politician, Hansen wrote on X on Tuesday. I actually want to bring people together with real, common-sense solutions. Black women have historically helped form the grassroots backbone of the Democratic Party. So its no coincidence that Delaware, a small, Democratic-leaning state, produced perhaps the most likely prospect for a Black woman to be elected to the Senate this cycle. Some 55% of adults in the state lean Democratic, according to the Pew Research Center. Both chambers of the Delaware state legislature are dominated by Democrats. We suspect that Black women are motivated by nonpartisan factors, including their commitment to democratic principles, measured by their higher levels of civic duty, academic researchers Christine Slaughter, Chaya Crowder, and Christina Greer wrote in Black Women: Keepers of Democracy, the Democratic Process, and the Democratic Party. Black womens entrenchment in the Democratic Party reflects their commitment to advancing justice for Black communities from an intersectional lens. For years, the Democratic Party has faced internal and external criticism over what benefits the stalwart ranks of Black women have reaped from the party, the researchers highlighted. Blunt Rochesters run, supporters say, is the culmination of generations-long table setting work by Black women. There has been a lifetime of work to ensure Black female voices are heard and have a seat at the table, said Cassandra Marshall, who served as a Wilmington delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Black women have been doing all of this work to ensure the table is big enough for people to sit at. For generations, that table setting work has included first fighting for and later helping people register to vote. Black women have also canvassed, raised money, and utilized tight sisterhood and community networks to marshal support. The groundwork laid by those efforts allowed Black women to respond swiftly to the elevation of Harris as a candidate for president. Mere hours after Biden dropped out of the presidential race and Harris became the presumptive nominee, thousands of Black women across the U.S. joined an online call to plan how to help elect her to office. Marshall highlighted that in the neighboring state of Maryland, Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks who is also vying for Senate is also ready to take her seat at the table. Alsobrooks, a Black woman, is also mounting a historic bid to become the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the Senate as she takes on former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in a tight contest. At this moment, were looking at Black women across the country who are stepping into these roles because they have been a part of setting the table, Marshall said. Lisa Blunt Rochester has been setting the table. And her commitment to service is just bred in the bone. The post Delaware Lawmaker Seeks to Become the 4th Black Woman to Serve in the U.S. Senate appeared first on Capital B News. Delaware Democrats back Sarah McBride's bid to become first openly transgender person in US Congress FILE - Delaware Gov. John Carney looks on during the 2024 summer meeting of the National Governors Association, Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) DOVER, Del. (AP) Delaware in November could elect the first openly transgender member of Congress and the states first Black U.S. senator. On Tuesday, voters in the Blue Hen State were deciding their fall nominees in several political contests, including picking Matt Meyer, the chief executive of Delawares most populous county, in the Democratic primary for governor. State Sen. Sarah McBride, meanwhile, won the Democratic primary for Delawares lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and now has the chance to make history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. My heart is filled with hope and gratitude, McBride told The Associated Press. Im grateful, Im hopeful and Im motivated. McBride said Tuesdays results reflect the goodness of Delawareans who judge a candidate based on ability, not identity. Im not running to make history, McBride said. Im running to make historic progress for Delawareans. The only identity I want to be known for is my identity as a proud Delawarean," she said, adding that she wasn't saying her identity doesn't matter. "Its just one part of who I am. McBride won Tuesdays primary over businessmen Earl Cooper and Elias Weir, neither of whom reported raising any money for their campaigns. Cooper is a political newcomer, while Weir finished dead last in a 2016 congressional primary with less than 1% of the vote. McBride, meanwhile, raised almost $3 million in contributions from around the country. McBride achieved national recognition at the 2016 Democratic National Convention as the first openly transgender person to address a major party convention in the United States. McBride will face James Whalen IIII, a retired state police officer and construction company owner from Millsboro, who won the GOP primary race against Donyale Hall, a Dover businesswoman and a Gulf War-era veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Democrats have held the seat since 2010. The House seat is being vacated by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who has no primary opponent as she seeks the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tom Carper, who held the seat since 2001. With a victory in November Blunt Rochester would be the states first Black U.S. senator. Meanwhile, in state legislative contests, Kamela Smith knocked off House Speaker Valerie Longhurst. Smith is director of community education and engagement for ChristianaCare, Delawares largest hospital system. On her campaign website she says she "believes in lifting up and speaking for the silenced, the marginalized, the voices of those vulnerable who dont often get heard in Legislative Hall. Heres a closer look at other key races: Democratic gubernatorial primary Meyer defeated Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and former state Environmental Secretary Collin OMara in Tuesdays election. Meyer led all candidates in fundraising, but his campaign also was helped by a scandal involving Hall-Long. Meyer will likely be considered the favorite in a November general election contest to succeed Gov. John Carney. He will face state Rep. Mike Ramone, who is the current GOP minority leader and won in a three-way race in his party's primary. Hall-Long has held public office since winning a state House seat in 2002, but she has been enmeshed in a campaign scandal that led several top staffers to resign and prompted election officials to commission a forensic audit. The audit found that, during seven years as his wifes campaign treasurer, Dana Long wrote 112 checks to himself or cash. The checks totaled just under $300,000 and should have been reported as campaign expenditures. Instead, 109 were not disclosed in finance reports, and the other four, payable to Dana Long, were reported as being written to someone else. Hall-Long has said the checks reflect repayment of loans that she made to her campaign but did not report. I think Delawareans are looking for a new way forward, Meyer told The Associated Press on Tuesday night before addressing supporters at a watch party in Wilmington. Meyer said Delaware voters are looking for leaders with honesty and accountability," though he declined to speculate on how much of an effect Hall-Longs campaign finance scandal played in the Democratic primary. "Were looking forward, not back, and we know that our states future is brighter together, he said. His Republican opponent Ramone was elected to the state House in 2008 and is known for his willingness to work across party lines. He has won reelection several times in a district where Democrats heavily outnumber Republicans. On the campaign trail, Ramone has argued that restoring political balance to state government, where Democrats control the executive and legislative branches, would benefit Delaware voters and taxpayers. He nevertheless faces an uphill battle against Meyer, given the advantage that Democrats have in statewide voter registration numbers. Democratic primary for Wilmington mayor Carney easily won the Democratic nomination for mayor of Wilmington and will become chief executive of the states largest city. Carney, who is prohibited by law from seeking a third term as governor, defeated former Wilmington city Treasurer Velda Jones-Potter on Tuesday. He will face no opposition in November. It really came down to my experience and the trust that people had developed over many, many years over what I said was going to do, Carney said. While taking a step down on the political ladder, Carney will remain in a chief executive role as mayor, given that he faces no opposition in November. Carney has said he wants to build on the investments his administration has made in Wilmington, with a focus on improving public schools, expanding affordable housing and helping small businesses. Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen wants to appeal a pair of rulings that he claims "gutted" his defense and violated his constitutional rights, according to a motion filed Monday. The development could lead to another delay in Allen's long-awaited trial, which has already been postponed multiple times. Allen is set to go to trial next month for the 2017 murders of Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" Williams. At issue are two recent rulings from Special Judge Frances Gull. Last week, Gull ruled that jurors will not hear evidence that a group of Odinists allegedly killed the Delphi teens. The theory is a key part of Allen's defense. But Gull said he and his attorneys did not produce admissible evidence linking Odinism or suspected Odinists to the killings, and presenting related testimony at trial could mislead the jury. In late August, Gull ruled that Allen's statements supposedly confessing to the crimes while he was at Westville Correctional Facility can be presented to jurors. Testimony from a hearing a month earlier revealed that Allen made 61 incriminating statements to the prison warden, chaplain, guards, other inmates and therapist. Allen sought to keep those statements from being presented at trial, but Gull said he has failed to "clearly state which specific statements he is seeking to suppress, nor the legal basis for the suppression." Allen is now asking Gull to certify her two orders a procedural step in filing what's known as an interlocutory appeal, which is a type of appeal filed while a case is still pending. If Gull grants the motion, the Indiana Court of Appeals must decide whether or not to take the case. Incriminating statements: Jurors will hear Delphi murder suspect's statements allegedly admitting to the killings Jody Madeira, an Indiana University law professor who's been following the case, said these issues are likely to result in another delay of Allen's trial, currently set to start on Oct. 15. "Our Indiana Court of Appeals is pretty fast," she said, "but this would not be resolved by October." In the 17-page motion, defense attorney Andrew Baldwin raises the possibility of a second trial if Gull's rulings, which they believe to be wrong, are not reversed before Allen faces a jury. "If Richard Allen is convicted without interlocutory appeal then he, as well as the families of the victims, would first suffer through the anticipation of a ruling from the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court on these critical issues and then whether a reversal will result in a second lengthy trial," Baldwin wrote. Judge nixes Odinism: Jurors won't hear third-party defense in Delphi murders case This, Baldwin argued, would result in "substantial cost" to Carroll County. The trial, including hotel costs to sequester, feed and entertain jurors for more than a month, is estimated to cost Carroll County $2.1 million. A retrial would likely double that. Allen is facing four murder charges for the teens' deaths. He was arrested and charged in October 2022, after investigators said they traced an unspent bullet found at the crime scene to Allen's pistol. He has since alleged that a group of men tied to Odinism, a pagan Norse religion hijacked by white nationalists, killed the girls during a bloody ritual in the woods. Baldwin argued in the filing that preventing Allen from presenting the Odinism theory violates his constitutional rights by hampering his ability to defend himself. "Richard Allen's defense was completely gutted," he wrote. 'A legal disaster': Delphi murder case marred by delays and endless fights Baldwin also argued that Allen's "most unique detention circumstance" raises questions that can only be resolved through an interlocutory appeal. These include whether the confessions he made while in solitary confinement were involuntary and, therefore, inadmissible, and whether statements he made to his therapist should be considered privileged. Allen has been held in Indiana prisons for much of the last two years since he was arrested. Allen's trial is expected to last a little more than a month. Jurors will be selected in Fort Wayne and will be transported to Delphi for the trial. Lafayette Journal & Courier reporter Ron Wilkins contributed to this story. Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Delphi suspect Richard Allen wants to appeal Odinism, confession rulings (NewsNation) A Delta Air Lines plane struck the tail of a smaller jet as it was taxiing for departure Tuesday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Delta plane, an Airbus A350, was going to Tokyo, Japan, while the other plane involved, an Endeavor Air Bombardier CRJ900 a smaller regional jet operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air was headed to Lafayette, Louisiana, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. There was damage to the jets tail as well as to the wing of the A350, according to Delta. No injuries were reported, Delta said, and customers were taken back to the terminal to be put on alternate flights. Congress honors 13 troops killed during Afghanistan withdrawal Jason Adams, a meteorologist for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, who was traveling to Louisiana to cover Tropical Storm Francine, recounted the moment of impact on social platform X. Well that was terrifying, Adams wrote. Taxiing out for the flight from Atlanta to Louisiana and another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. Were fine. No fire or smoke. Adams posted pictures of the tail of the smaller plane knocked on its side and laying on the taxiway. There were 221 passengers on the Airbus and 56 passengers on the regional jet. Delta is cooperating with the (National Transportation Safety Board) and other authorities on this incident, the company said. The Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said it expects minimal impact to airport operations. 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 Queen City News. Delta plane tears tail off another jet after collision on Atlanta airport tarmac A Delta plane preparing to take-off from an Atlanta airport collided with a smaller jet and tore the aircraft's tail off on Tuesday. Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was departing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Tokyo when its wingtip hit the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526, bound for Louisiana, according to ABC News, citing the Federal Aviation Administration and Delta. The collision snapped off the smaller jet's tail. The planes collided at the intersection of two taxi lanes around 10:10 am local time, according to the FAA. There were no reported injuries on either plane. The FAA said it will investigate the collision. The collision reportedly did not cause any major disruptions at the airport. Plane with broken tail after collision between two aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday (Atlanta News First) There is minimal impact to airport operations, an airport spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News. Passengers from one of the aircraft are being bussed from the incident to the concourses. The second aircraft taxied under its own power to a concourse where passengers will deplane at their gate. After the incident, Delta released a statement saying that customers are being transported back to the terminal where they will be reaccommodated on alternate flights. Endeavor Air is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. On Tuesday, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker spoke at an industry press conference and said that some but not all airports were installing technologies intended to help prevent runway incidents like the Delta collision, Reuters reports. Weve started to deploy pretty simple off the shelf solution for controllers to get better situational awareness, Whitaker said saying close calls were down by more than half in the first half of the year. So theres progress, but we need to get better. Theres no excuse for that happening. Earlier this year a Delta pilots quick thinking prevented a potential four-plane collision at New Yorks JFK International Airport. Audio of the incident at JFK International Airport captured air traffic controllers clearing a Swiss Air flight for takeoff. The pilot, realising he would collide with several other planes, aborted his takeoff. The near-miss took place on April 17, and was subsequently investigated by the FAA. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) said former President Trump was out-negotiated by the Taliban when he struck a deal to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan on a specific timeline. What went wrong under Donald Trump is that he was out-negotiated by the Taliban in Doha, and he handcuffed both himself and the next administration to a timetable and a deal that gave Taliban the leverage, Auchincloss, who served in Afghanistan, said in an interview on The Hill on NewsNation. The Trump administration brokered a deal with the Taliban in 2020 that laid out a plan for the U.S. to fully withdraw from Afghanistan by May 2021 if the group upheld certain commitments, such as denying safe haven to al Qaeda. President Biden, who shared Trumps disdain for forever wars, said he would follow through with Trumps plans to withdraw from Afghanistan, but he moved the exact date twice, citing logistical considerations. The withdrawal, however, marked a low point for the Biden administration, which was hammered in the media for its messy execution and for the devastating terrorist attack that killed 12 U.S. soldiers and others. The Taliban retook control faster than U.S. officials predicted, which Auchincloss suggested was a result of Trumps deal. The Afghan forces trained and equipped by American troops also failed to provide much resistance. Auchincloss, in the Monday interview, said the withdrawal would never have been flawless, but he credited Biden with making the difficult but courageous decision. The challenge that Joe Biden had is that he made the courageous decision to end a war that had accomplished its counterterrorism purpose, but that had become lost in the muck of a counterinsurgency campaign that was entering its third decade and $3 trillion of sunk cost, Auchincloss said. And withdrawing 100,000 troops and tens of thousands of more individuals is never going to be a 10 out of 10 dismount. Of course, there were going to be flaws, but ultimately, he took the correct action, he added. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung responded to the interview by placing blame on the Biden-Harris administration and specifically focusing on the role Vice President Harris, Bidens running mate, played in the withdrawal. Who is Jake Auchincloss? Whoever he is, he should actually tell the truth about how Harris-Biden presided over one of the biggest foreign policy blunders in U.S. history that led to 13 unnecessary deaths of our service members, Cheung said. Kamala Harris is a disgrace and she proudly said she was the last person in the room with Biden before they made that disastrous decision. 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. Democrats are privately acknowledging growing anxiety over the Tuesday night debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, arguing that how Harris performs could go a long way in defining her as a candidate. Four years ago, Harris enjoyed a good night against former Vice President Mike Pence, and that debate might be best remembered for the fly that landed on Pences head. Harriss public appearances have been tightly scripted since President Biden exited the race and handed her the baton, and a long evening behind the debate podium with only a pad of paper, a pen and a bottle of water presents an array of uncertainties that makes Democrats nervous. Ray Zaccaro, a Democratic strategist and former Senate aide, said Democrats are mindful that the high-stakes debate could be catastrophic or monumental after Bidens campaign was derailed by the June 27 debate against Trump. He said Democrats were already nervously anticipating this weeks debate at the height of the Democratic convention in Chicago, knowing an hour on stage could make or break a candidate who largely stayed out of the spotlight during her time as vice president. We were already moved on from the convention at the convention because of the anxiety of what this debate could actually turn out to look like. People are extremely anxious about her performance, he said. Theres a sense of real caution about expectations on her performance. The strategist said Harris, a former prosecutor and former senator who participated in Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughs confirmation hearing, has the tools to turn in a great performance. But he noted that sometimes a debate can turn on something as trivial as a candidate looking at his watch, as former President George H.W. Bush did in 1992, or sighing loudly, as Al Gore did in 2000. Zaccaro said Harris has yet to flash the kind of magic in spontaneous campaign settings that made former President Obama a star in 2008. Thats partly because her campaign has carefully controlled her public appearances. Given how well her rollout has gone I think there have been relatively few missteps and everything has gone according to plan based on the current polling, it is somewhat surprising that shes not doing better in the polls. This is a make-or-break moment for Harris, he said. I dont think Ive ever seen a candidate with more weight on a given moment than this candidate will have at the debate Tuesday, he added. A Democratic senator, who requested anonymity, said anxiety is running high within the party ahead of Harris taking the stage. If youre a conscious, informed Democrat, youre nervous. How could you not be? All these battleground states are 48-48 [percent], 49-49 [percent] and theres a lot of support there for Trump that seems incomprehensible but its there, said the senator, who explained that voters view of the economy is a factor. Yeah, Im nervous, the lawmaker said. Shes not tested. I think she is going to be as well-prepared as anyone could possibly be and theyll go over every foreseeable scenario about what Trump may say or do on stage. I think the critical thing in this debate is for her to have three really good lines, the senator added. A New York Times/Siena College poll of 1,695 likely voters nationwide published Monday showed Trump at 48 percent support and Harris at 47 percent. The poll showed that while voters views of Trump are largely fixed, 28 percent of the likely electorate said they need to learn more about Harris. Two-thirds of likely voters said they need to learn more about Harriss policy and plans, while less than half of voters said the same thing about Trump. Polling expert Nate Silver is giving Trump a 64 percent chance of winning the Electoral College, while other political handicappers have rated the race a toss-up. Republicans have voiced their own anxieties about Trumps performance on the debate stage this week. Some prominent strategists urging him to stick to the issues and to avoid personal attacks that could make him look like a rude bully and further alienate women voters. Harris is fully aware of the high stakes for her campaign and spent days holed up at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh to prepare for her face-to-face showdown with Trump. Harriss practice sessions are being guided by Karen Dunn, a former adviser to Hillary Clinton, who squared off against Trump in three debates during the 2016 election. Her campaign team has also invited Philippe Reines, a former senior adviser to Clinton, to play the role of Trump at practice sessions and heighten the realism by wearing a power suit and long red tie. Other Democratic strategists say they believe Harris would be on course to beating Trump on Nov. 5 if she can get past the debate without committing a major gaffe or leaving voters with doubts about her leadership vision. She has to get past this debate. It shouldnt matter as much as its going to matter, but it does, one strategist said. If she gets by and does well, then from there, 10, 15 days later, early voting starts in some of these states and youre off to the races. Mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania, for example, will be available 50 days before election Day. The strategist said Harriss performance will be important in defining herself to white working-class voters in the key swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which make up the blue wall that Democrats are counting on to beat Trump. We have a problem with white working-class voters, and Trump performs really well with those folks, the Democrat acknowledged. The strategist said Democrats are wary that the polls may not be capturing the reluctance of some voters to elect a Black woman as president. There are people that will not tell you that theyre uncomfortable with a Black woman being president of the United States. Its hard to measure that, the source warned. There are some older white voters that voted for Biden because they saw themselves in Biden. . I could see her losing some of that. But young people are really enthusiastic about her right now. If Harris loses any of those blue wall states, shed have to win more traditionally Republican-leaning states, such as Arizona, Georgia or North Carolina, to secure the 270 electoral votes needed for victory. Morgan Jackson, a Democratic strategist based in Raleigh, N.C., said its truly a jump-ball election in North Carolina right now and cited white women in the suburbs as a key piece of the electorate along with young and Black voters, who make up the Democratic base. But he said a lot is riding on Tuesday night. The stakes are high at this debate, he said. I think Harris has a real opportunity to introduce herself to voters and to prosecute the case against Donald Trump. The debate is a big deal, its a very big deal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 (WKBN) The Lanterman Road overpass crosses Interstate 680 in Austintown, linking Four Mile Run Road with Meridian Road, but the Oho Department of Transportation plans to demolish the overpass without replacing it. Austintown Trustee Rob Santos thinks ODOTs plan is dangerous due to an increase in emergency response time. The response time to those residents, ensuring they receive the medical care they need is actually of vital importance here, Santos said. ODOTS Ray Marsch admits emergency response times to this section of Austintown will increase. So we have met with local fire and EMS, said Marsch. On average its a maximum of just over four minutes increased time and at a minimum of two minutes, said Marsch. And when your family member or friend, your loved one, those two minutes could be a lifetime and I think that should be a key factor, Santos said. The Lanterman Road overpass was built in 1967 and needs replaced. A new overpass would cost $4.2 million. Demolishing it and creating cul de sacs at both ends would cost $450,000. The decision to demolish and not rebuild has been made and it will happen in 2026. Marsch says they are moving forward with that plan. Another factor is that only 400 vehicles a day use the overpass which isnt many and there are other nearby routes over 680. You know from the south, folks can travel Four Mile Run Road to Crum Road to Salt Springs Road, and from the north, they can take Ribblet Road to Meridian Road to Salt Springs Road, Marsch said. These individuals came here, they bought these homes, they invested in our township knowing that this was an access point and now ODOTs just going to take it away from them, Santos said. ODOT has made it known that plans are in place to demolish the Lanterman Road overpass but Santos is hoping he will have the chance to change its mind. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Des Moines woman charged after dog described as just skin and bones rescued DES MOINES, Iowa A Des Moines woman was arrested on Monday for allegedly neglecting her dog to the point of emaciation. According to court documents, in early August Animal Services Officers were contacted by a Des Moines area animal hospital after an adult male dog named Thor was presented to vet staff covered in urine and vomit, and appeared to show signs of chronic neglect, court documents state. Endangered Blandings turtles get a hatching hand from Blank Park Zoo A veterinarian reported that Thor had a score of 5-Emaciated based on the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Scale. Thors owner was determined to be 22-year-old Brookelyn Crone. A Polk County Judge granted a petition that transferred the ownership of Thor to the Animal Rescue of Iowa on August 30. According to court documents, since being in the ARLs care Thor has gained about 17 lbs. The petition also bars Crone from adopting Thor. Crone has been charged with animal neglect with injury. She was booked into the Polk County Jail but has since been released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Expected to reach 44% of online purchases by 2025, Brazil's instant payment system and its growth will be key topics at EBANX's Payments Summit, starting on September 18 in four countries CURITIBA, Brazil, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil's instant payment system Pix is set to surpass credit cards as the most widely used payment method in Brazilian digital commerce by next year, according to Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) data analyzed by EBANX , a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets. The projection for 2025 estimates that Pix will account for 44% of all value transacted in online purchases in Brazil, an increase of four percentage points, while cards will have a 41% share. The even more intense acceleration of Pix over the past year has brought this scenario forward, as previous forecasts indicated it would surpass credit cards only after 2026. This data is part of a study produced for the 7th EBANX Payments Summit , an annual event that brings together industry leaders from around the world to discuss trends and innovations in digital economy and payments, such as Pix, which in less than four years has more more than 168 million users and accounts for 14% of all instant payments worldwide, according to ACI Worldwide report . By 2025, Pix will account for 44% of all value transacted in online purchases in Brazil, an increase of four percentage points, while cards will have a 41% share. The growth of Pix in the past year has been driven primarily by retail and travel, the two largest digital verticals in the country, and also the two that will accelerate the most: 31% and 20% per year, respectively, over the next three years, with Pix currently holding one third of the total value transacted in each. "These sectors saw Pix as a way to reach more customers. Many merchants encourage payments with Pix by offering discounts to those who choose it," explains Sebastian Fantini, Product Director at EBANX. Gaming and delivery apps have also contributed significantly to Pix's acceleration. In both cases, the volume of Pix transactions is already approaching the percentage of credit cards. xVerticals like SaaS and streaming services are still dominated by credit cards, with over 60% share, but this scenario is expected to change in the near future, as the Central Bank of Brazil has been developing new features for Pix that have the potential to make it even more popular, such as Auto Pix, for recurring payments, and Pix Garantido, which will enable people to pay with Pix in installments, which is a common habit among Brazilian consumers. "Pix still has significant room for growth, even though it is already a part of the lives of 4 out of 5 Brazilian adults," says Fantini. Not surprisingly, Pix alone will respond for 24% of the total value transacted online across Latin America in 2025. With the success of Pix, Brazil has become a beacon for the payments market across the region: ten Latin American countries are pursuing or launching instant payment methods led by Pix, as stated by Capgemini. Story continues Pix is a catalyst for digital commerce, as credit cards remain strong According to the Central Bank of Brazil , Pix included 71.5 million users in the financial system in just the first two years of operation. These people were virtually excluded from digital commerce. EBANX internal data shows that 95% of people who made their first purchase at one of its partner's online stores paid with Pix. "Indeed, Pix has been serving as a gateway to digital commerce. It has positively impacted not only the financial and digital inclusion of Brazilians but also the businesses of merchants who offer this payment method to their customers," says Fantini. Companies accepting Pix with EBANX in digital commerce experience a 16% increase in their revenue and a 25% growth in the number of clients. "Pix is moving the needle on their financial results," he emphasizes. EBANX's internal data considers more than 2 million daily transactions, including payments for 20% of all Pix users and nearly 70% of Brazil's credit cardholders. Despite Pix's rapid rise, credit cards still hold significant importance in building customer loyalty in Brazil, where card issuance has increased by a staggering 130% in four years . The PCMI data analyzed by EBANX indicates a 21% annual growth in the value transacted on digital commerce by credit cards over the next three years. "Credit cards and instant payment methods like Pix are allies, not competitors," Fantini explains. "This is why we say at EBANX that merchants should not focus on one method or the other, but rather have a combination of methods, tailored to their vertical and the country they are focusing." Payments Summit 2024 The tremendous success of instant payments, such as Pix in Brazil, will be one of the topics discussed at the upcoming 7th edition of EBANX Payments Summit, which will explore the forefront of payments innovation across rising economies. It will take place in four locations across the globe: Barcelona, Spain (Sep 18-20); Napa Valley, in California, US (Sep 30-Oct 2); Bangkok, Thailand (Oct 24-26); and Sao Paulo, Brazil (Nov 5). The lineup of speakers includes Joao Del Valle, CEO of EBANX; Maria Francis, Head of Business Development for Americas at National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI); Rene Salazar, Head of Financial Partnerships for Latin America at Stripe; Anderson Teixeira, Head of Global Cards at Santander Brasil; Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of World Data Lab; Andrew Kaing, Senior Product Manager at Canva; Constanza Lopez Vela, Deputy General Manager of Acquiring Business at Banorte Mexico; and several others. ABOUT EBANX EBANX is the leading payment platform connecting global companies with customers from the fastest-growing digital markets in the world. The company was founded in 2012 in Brazil with the mission of giving people access to buy in international digital commerce. With powerful proprietary technology and infrastructure, combined with in-depth knowledge of the markets where it operates, EBANX enables global businesses to connect with hundreds of payment methods in different countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. EBANX goes beyond payments, increasing sales, and fostering seamless purchase experiences for businesses and clients. For further information, please visit: Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx Media Contact: Leonardo Stamillo leo@contentco.tech Content CO EBANX (PRNewsfoto/EBANX) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pix-to-surpass-credit-cards-in-digital-commerce-in-brazil-by-next-year-ebanx-analyzes-outcomes-302243200.html SOURCE EBANX TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Gov. Ron DeSantis said the states election police acted appropriately in questioning voters on some signatures for a petition to place an amendment that would enshrine the right to an abortion in the Florida constitution on the November ballot. This has been really seedy whats happened in this whole industry with the petitions, not just limited to this amendment, DeSantis said during a Tuesday news conference when asked about the investigation. There was a lot of complaints, and I think they acted appropriately to investigate it, and the investigation continues. DeSantis said a group, which he did not name, submitted signatures on behalf of dead voters. We now know that there are signatures that have been accepted by some of the supervisors that dont match the voter file, so they are investigating that, as they should, DeSantis said. Our tolerance for voter fraud in the state of Florida is zero. Trump says he will vote no on Florida abortion amendment after backlash We want everybody to participate, but we cant be in a situation where people are trying to short circuit the process by submitting invalid petitions, he said. News Channel 8 has reached out to the Florida Department of State for more details but has not yet heard back. In February, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said two people were arrested for allegedly submitting 133 invalid signatures for Amendment 4. The petition had far more signatures than needed to qualify for the ballot. DeSantis said that while he doesnt know the extent of the investigation, people will be held accountable. If people are found to have committed fraud, theyre going to be held accountable, he said. You can just take that to the bank. Democrats have criticized the investigation as an attempt to intimidate voters. [DeSantis] has repeatedly used state power to interfere with a citizen-led process to get reproductive freedom on the ballot, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said on Monday. This is their latest desperate attempt before Election Day. Isaac Menasche, one of nearly a million people who signed the petition to get the measure on the ballot, said a law enforcement officer knocked on his door last week in Lee County in southwest Florida to ask him about signing it. Im not a person who is going out there protesting for abortion, Menasche told the newspaper. I just felt strongly, and I took the opportunity when the person asked me to say, Yeah, Ill sign that petition. Critics say the investigation is a brazen attempt to intimidate voters in the countrys third-largest state from protecting access to abortion and the latest in a series of efforts by the governors administration to target Amendment 4. Florida law currently bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. Amendment 4 would allow abortions up until the point of viability around 24 weeks as determined by a patients health care provider. Florida Republicans have been using various other strategies to thwart the state abortion ballot measure. Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody attempted to use the state Supreme Court to keep abortion off the ballot. Later, abortion rights advocates criticized a financial impact statement meant to be placed on the ballot beside the proposed amendment as an attempt to mislead voters. The state Supreme Court ruled in August to allow the language to remain on the ballot. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups and GOP allies across the country are using an array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives aiming to protect reproductive rights. These tactics have included legislative pushes for competing ballot measures that could confuse voters and monthslong delays caused by lawsuits over ballot initiative language. More than 60% of voters must vote yes in order for Amendment 4 to pass. 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 WFLA. Supporters of the ballot proposal to enshrine the right to abortion in the Florida Constitution hold signs outside of the Florida Supreme Court on Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix) Gov. Ron DeSantis said he does not know whose idea it was for a state agency to publish a webpage attacking Amendment 4, the proposed abortion-right amendment on the November ballot, but he also insists the page is entirely accurate. Its not an anti-Amendment 4, DeSantis declared during a news conference Tuesday of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administrations page. What it is, its providing information about what Florida law is and the resources that are available under that law. The webpage states: Current Florida Law Protects Women, Amendment 4 Threatens Womens Safety, and DONT LET THE FEARMONGERS LIE TO YOU. The page goes on to say that the terms in the amendment are open-ended and arbitrary and has a Heres the Truth section. DeSantis said the website is 100% accurate and that it is not weighing in on a specific amendment. The Florida Democratic Party has threatened to sue over the webpage, and a Lake Worth attorney appealed to the Florida Supreme Court Tuesday to order the page taken down. The governor spoke during a news conference in which he announced rural infrastructure investments in Lake City, also criticizing proposed Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana use by Floridians at least 21 years old. DeSantis said he thinks people benefit from medical marijuana but took aim at Trulieve, the states largest marijuana company, for spending more than $60 million in attempt to earn more than 60% voter support for the amendment. Are they just doing that because they want to be good citizens and participate in the process? No, theyre doing it because theyre hot-wiring the amendment so that they can profit from it, DeSantis said. Its not true legalization if you cant even grow it in your backyard, he added. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Defining who can perform abortions The governor repeated earlier comments taking aim at the way Amendment 4 was written many of which the webpage repeats. For example, the amendment would allow healthcare providers to perform an abortion. DeSantis insisted that without specifying a physician perform the procedure, bad actors would take advantage. Now that maybe you just glance at it, thats a huge, huge change, DeSantis said. That is going to mean you dont even have to have a medical license to be able to be green-lighting late term abortions all the way up to the moment of birth. Thats insane. I dont think any other state has done that. Thats in that amendment. Actually, the amendment restricts state interference in abortion through viability, defined since Roe v. Wade as the moment the child can survive outside the womb, at around 24 weeks gestation. Presumably, state regulation would be allowed after that, as it was under Roe. It says: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. DeSantis maintained that the amendment could be tied up in legal battles for decades, if it passes. Theres going to be people that are going to have interpretations that may be different, but how do they know? Its not defined. DeSantis said. Rebuttal planned Florida Protecting Freedom, the group behind the proposed amendment, announced plans for a news conference on Wednesday to address DeSantis claims. In advertisement Tuesday, the group made its case. Before many women know theyre pregnant. Before their first appointment. Before a doctor can see anything on an ultrasound. This is when government in Florida has banned abortion. An extreme ban with no real exceptions. Not for her health. Not even for rape, the ad says. The governor said supporters of the amendment are lying about a there being no exceptions in state law. The statute permits abortions after six weeks only if there is a fatal fetal diagnosis, to save the life of the mother, or for victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking. However, two doctors have to agree about any health risk, and patients must produce evidence such as a police report that they were victims of a crime. Additionally, doctors complain that regulations governing health exceptions dont cover all of the potential risks faced by pregnant people. DeSantis complained that patients would be taken advantage of by non-physician health care providers looking to make money if the abortion-rights amendment passes. This amendment were to be enacted, you would absolutely have people coming to Florida for this purpose, DeSantis said. And if people could make money, non-physicians could make money to be involved, they will do that. The AHCA webpage states, We must keep Florida from becoming an abortion tourism destination state. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Gov. Ron DeSantis is demanding that elected Florida Republicans join him in opposition to the proposed amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. And he wants some of their campaign money to help fund the effort to defeat Amendment 4. DeSantis laid down the political law for Republicans on Saturday night in Broward County: His partys elected officials must publicly oppose the proposed referendum on the November election ballot. Some havent, which DeSantis depicted as a sign of weakness. Its important that all of our political leaders, you know, stand up and be counted. Right now. You know, theres some people that just, its like the political winds. Like if the winds are against you, you run and hide. Thats not leadership, that is not whats going to make this state great, DeSantis said. Youve got to stand up even when its not easy, even when youre taking the arrows, stand up and do whats right. Speaking to hundreds of activists, donors and elected officials at a Republican Party of Florida fundraising dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, he offered a litany of criticisms of the abortion-rights amendment and another proposed amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults. His opposition to the amendments isnt new, but it was intense. Half of his 25-minute keynote address to the partys Victory Dinner was devoted to the two amendments. The governor described the marijuana legalization proposal, Amendment 3, as creating a corporate marijuana cartel. He labeled the abortion-rights proposal, Amendment 4, the abortion till birth amendment. Both are so bad, he said, that even supporters of abortion rights and legalized marijuana should vote no. Calling out Republicans One element of the speech stood out: his criticism of fellow Republicans. DeSantis praised Republican elected officials, by name, who are standing with him in opposition to Amendment 4 on abortion rights and contributing financially to the effort aimed at defeating it. The Republican governor also was sharply critical of Republicans who arent publicly opposing the amendment. Every one of our elected representatives needs to say where they stand on this. And obviously it would be a no. All these people that have run [for office] have all run saying theyre pro-life, right? And so now you have an amendment that is the most extreme in the other direction you can go, and some are not saying anything or not offering to help us to defeat this, DeSantis said. At one point, he divided 22 Republican U.S. senators and U.S. representatives into three categories. Of the 22, he named 10 and praised who he said are publicly opposed to Amendment 4 and have supported the opposition financially. That group included U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez from Miami-Dade County. DeSantis listed six more who he said are publicly opposing Amendment 4 but havent contributed financially, a tier that includes U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Miami-Dade County. Finally he called out the other six though he didnt say their names from the stage at the Republican event for not declaring public opposition to the abortion-rights amendment. That category would include U.S. Rep Brian Mast, whose district includes northern Palm Beach County, and U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio. After this article was published, Masts campaign said the governor was incorrect, and that Mast has publicly urged every Floridian to vote no on Amendment 4 this year. The governor said it is untenable to just sit here and let George Soros run amendments in our state and not be willing to stand up and say no. Not on our watch. Thats the least you can do as Republicans. He also charged that Soros, a wealthy liberal financier, was bankrolling the Amendment 4 effort, something that amendment supporters said Sunday isnt true. Republicans frequently use Soros as a shorthand to rile up Republican audiences. Political capital DeSantis has a lot riding on the outcome of the abortion rights and marijuana referendums. Hes widely expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 following his unsuccessful candidacy for president this year. If he cant prevail in his home state on something hes so clearly staked so much political capital on defeating the amendments that could tarnish his image as a master of politics and policy in Florida. Half the speech was a recitation of his accomplishments in Florida since he became governor. On issue after issue, Florida has not only led the way, we have delivered over and over again, he said. Besides the Soros warning, DeSantis said that if the amendments pass, the stage would be set for ominous, far-reaching changes in Florida. If we have a state where one entrenched interest can spend $100 million and amend the Constitution to benefit themselves and their pockets, youre gonna see more and more people do that, he said, referring to heavy spending by proponents of the marijuana amendment. If Soros can come in and run these amendments and have success, you are gonna see more left-wing groups decide to do that. So you end up after three or four election cycles, you end up being California through the back door. Does anybody think thats good for the state of Florida? California also is frequently used as a negative example by Florida Republicans. Further complicating his efforts are that some leading Republicans including former President Donald Trump support the marijuana amendment and have said theyd vote for it. Polling shows both amendments enjoy the support of majorities of Floridians, including many Republicans. But passage requires 60% of the vote, a difficult threshold to reach, and polls show both are hovering around that threshold. A survey released Friday by Emerson College Polling/The Hill found the abortion-rights amendment was supported by 55% of the states voters, with 26% opposed and 20% unsure. Emerson said 30% of surveyed Republicans support the referendum. The proposal to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults has support of 64% of Florida voters and opposition from 27%, with 9% unsure. The poll found 51% of Republicans support the marijuana referendum. Abortion DeSantis said the abortion rights amendment was intentionally deceptive and misleading. Heres whats going on: This is an amendment that will effectively green light abortion all the way to the moment of birth. They do it indirectly, they use loopholes, and thats obviously very bad, he said. DeSantis also outlined several other consequences: that it may require taxpayer funding of abortions, would eliminate parental consent for minors to get abortions, and allow any health care provider to OK an abortion. They didnt use the word physician. This is any health care provider. Well, that could be a chiropractor, that could be a clerk at Planned Parenthood. You are opening Pandoras box. Youre gonna create a really grisly industry of people that are not trained medically, DeSantis said. And, DeSantis warned, if the amendment passes, Florida will become the No. 1 abortion tourist destination in the United States of America. Is that what we want to be known for in the State of Florida? No. Emma Collum, founder of the Reproductive Freedom Coalition of Broward, which collected petition signatures to help get the referendum on the ballot and is now working to win passage, said DeSantis comments amount to fear mongering and scare tactics and flagrant lies in service of a campaign that continues to play politics with the women of Floridas lives. There is not abortion up until birth. There never has been. This is not a platform that anyone has discussed or will be discussed, and the flagrant disregard for womens health and safety in order to make ludicrous assertions is disgusting and dishonest, Collum said Sunday. Collum said the abortion-rights amendment isnt some kind of plot from Soros or other outside forces. There is no secret, dark money. It is simply women and allies who want to keep womens health care safe. Keisha Mulfort, senior communications strategist of the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida, which supports Amendment 4, said several other DeSantis claims are not true. She said the assertion that unqualified people would be making health care decisions with women is among the ridiculous and false claims [that] are only meant to scare voters. We know who performs abortions. Its absurd to think that chiropractors or Planned Parenthood clerks would take the place of physicians, Mulfort said. You wouldnt go to a dentist for heart surgery. You would not go to an orthopedist to get your tonsils taken out. It is not true. It actually is really ridiculous, Mulfort said. Mulfort also said the amendment does not change parental rights already in the Florida Constitution. To her, the opponents of the abortion-rights amendment are the ones standing in the way of parental involvement, because they would prohibit virtually all abortions even when a parent agrees its the best course of action. Mulfort also said there is nothing in the amendment that would require the government to pay for abortions. Marijuana DeSantis said it was misleading to depict Amendment 3 as leading to the legalization of recreational marijuana. Rather, he said, it is aimed at creating a corporate weed cartel. This is not about weed as much as its about corporate greed, DeSantis said, adding that one company is trying to hijack the state of Florida. This amendment is being funded by one weed company, Trulieve. They have put $75 [million], $80 million and counting into getting this on the ballot and to getting it passed and theyre trying to get a 60% threshold, he said. Are they doing that because they care about your rights and your health or are they doing that because theyre gonna be able to profit off of it? Of course, DeSantis said. And so they wrote it so that they get basically a benefit from a monopoly and they create a corporate weed cartel. So you have a right to possess and smoke it, but only if you buy it from them. Steve Vancore, a spokesman for Trulieve, said Sunday that DeSantis claims arent true. To be clear, the amendment itself, and I know hes read it, does not give us exclusive access. In fact, quite the opposite, Vancore said. He said there are currently 25 active marijuana licenses in Florida and the governors office has the authority to issue 22 more, which is hardly a monopoly. Vancore said DeSantis has been the one creating impediments to the market, and now hes the one complaining about the lack of competition in the market. It makes no sense. And its flat out untrue. DeSantis also said the amendment would immunize the company from civil liability. So if they sell you reefer and you have seizures, you cant sue em for that, he said. Vancore said theres nothing in the amendment that addresses limits on liability. Its untrue, he said. Theres nothing the amendment does that immunizes anybody for anything. DeSantis said implementation of legalized marijuana under the amendment would be more lax, and worse for Florida, than other states, saying New York City, Denver and San Francisco are models of the disaster that would befall Florida. If it passes, you will have rampant public use all across the state of Florida, he said. You think that thats good for tourism? Is that good for families, is that good for all those things? I really dont care what people are doing in the privacy of their own home, but I do not want to see it near schools, on our beaches, in restaurants or any of these other things, DeSantis added. Vancore said its not true that there would be no restrictions on where people could smoke marijuana. The Legislature has the authority to implement time, place and manner restrictions, and the amendment doesnt change that, he said. DeSantis attempted to sway people who favor legalizing recreational marijuana to vote no. And oh, by the way, this amendment allows [the company] to grow and sell it. But if you want to grow it in your backyard, they dont let you do that. So what is this about? Is this really about freedom? No, its about them, he said. If youre against marijuana generally, obviously you vote no. But even if youre somebody thats a little more nuanced or even if you like it, this is a bad amendment. The Republican effort to kill a ballot initiative that would protect abortion access in the state of Florida is now coming to peoples homes. Gov. Ron DeSantis state election police are making house calls to question voters about signing a petition to get an abortion rights amendment on the November ballot. Ron (DeSantis) has repeatedly used state power to interfere with a citizen-led process to get reproductive freedom on the ballot, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said on Monday. This is their latest desperate attempt before Election Day. Amendment 4 proposes to protect abortion access before a baby could survive on its own, which is about 24 weeks, or when an abortion is medically necessary. This measure would overturn Floridas six-week abortion ban, which DeSantis signed in April 2023. Six weeks is typically one or two weeks after a person finds out that they are pregnant, but it is sometimes too soon to know. The ban is so restrictive that even Donald Trump criticized it late last month, although he later clarified that he would vote against the measure to overturn it. The Tampa Bay Times reported last week that two plainclothes officers showed up at southwest Florida resident Isaac Menasches home and asked if he had signed the petition. The police said they were looking into voter fraud. Im not a person who is going out there protesting for abortion, Menasche said. I just felt strongly and I took the opportunity when the person asked me, to say yeah, Ill sign that petition. He had signed the petition at a farmers market last year. Becky Castellanos, another southwest Florida resident, also told the Times that a police officer came to her door. The officer said that one of her family members could be a victim of fraud. He asked her relative about the abortion petition, and the relative verified that he signed it. It didnt surprise me that they were doing something like this to try to debunk these petitions to get it taken off of the ballot, she said. Florida Department of State spokesperson Ryan Ash told the Times that they have found evidence of illegal conduct related to petitions. We have a duty to seek justice for Florida citizens who were victimized by fraud and safeguard the integrity of Floridas elections, Ash said. Our office will continue this investigation and make referrals to [the Florida Department of Law Enforcement] as appropriate. Floridas secretary of state, Cord Byrd, a DeSantis appointee, has made the unusual step of asking at least four counties to send in tens of thousands of petition forms for the abortion amendment which have already been confirmed to have been signed honestly so the state can inspect them. A supervisor told the Times that this was unprecedented. Last week, Rolling Stone reported that DeSantis and the Heritage Foundation added language to Florida ballots with misinformation about the amendment, supposedly as part of a financial impact statement. The language says that the amendment would result in more abortions, and that an increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration led by a DeSantis appointee has also set up an anti-Amendment 4 website, claiming the ballot measure threatens womens safety and threatens to expose women and children to health risks which the Florida legislature has spent years working to mitigate. A banner on the website, which bears the state agencys seal, says: Florida is protecting life: Dont let the fearmongers lie to you. To combat the lies and disinformation surrounding Floridas abortion laws, @AHCA_FL has launched an improved transparency page. The page further clarifies the laws and regulations for abortion in Florida. To see more please visit our website: https://t.co/BXPFulKag8 Jason Weida (@JasonWeidaFL) September 5, 2024 It is unprecedented for the State to expressly advocate against a citizen-led initiative, Bacardi Jackson, the executive director of the ACLU of Florida, told the Times. Elections lawyer Barry Richard, who worked on the amendment, said the states website is completely inappropriate. The police visits are reminiscent of 2022, when police arrived at Florida residents homes to arrest them for alleged voter fraud. 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. Despite opt-outs by GOP states, debut of kids summer food program seen as a success The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, known as Summer EBT, popped up in 37 states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations this year and is intended to feed hungry kids. (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 the programs 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. 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, including Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Multiple tribal nations in Oklahoma are participating despite the state opting out. 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. Clarification today on a story we first told you about Friday night. The Cherokee County Prosecutor Kurt Benecke filed two felony charges against Dr. John Joseph in the hit-and-run death of Gary Laturner that happened in August last year. Gary LaTurner PREVIOUS: Family of Galena man killed in hit-and-run speaks out One of the charges listed in the criminal complaint against Dr. Joseph says John Henry Joseph was the driver of a motor vehicle that was involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a person to wit Gary Wayne Laturner (Full criminal complaint below). Earlier statements attributed to Benecke by this station were made in error. Benecke has clarified that Rocco Joseph and John Joseph have both been charged with failure to report a crash involving a fatality. The investigation performed by the Kansas Highway Patrol still alleges Rocco Joseph was the driver of the pickup initially involved in the fatality crash. The current charges are based on allegations derived from the highway patrol investigation which allege John Joseph and Rocco Joseph both returned to the scene of the original crash and subsequently knowingly failed to report the crash per requirements under Kansas statute. Benecke also filed a second charge alleging Dr. Joseph unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly caused or encouraged a child under 18 years of age, Rocco Joseph, to commit an act which, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, to wit: Leaving the Scene of a Fatality Accident. Also on Friday, Benecke charged Bazzano as an adult in place of the previous charges in juvenile court. (Criminal complaint against Bazzano, below). PREVIOUS: Joplin teen charged as adult in fatal 2023 hit-and-run case Today, Dr. Josephs attorney, Phil Glades, issued a statement about the charges filed against his client on Friday. He says: This statement was not based upon any evidence that was alleged by law enforcement who investigated this matter. This inaccurate information has subjected my client to numerous attacks upon his truthfulness and character. Statement from Dr. Josephs attorney. PREVIOUS: New charges filed in fatal 2023 Galena hit-and-run Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags across the state to be lowered. According to DeWine, all flags on public buildings and grounds must be placed at half-staff on Sept. 11 from sunrise to sunset. The governor says the decision is to honor those who died on 9/11. 9/11 Flags Lowered Order | Gov. Mike DeWine At 8:48 a.m. on Sept. 11, DeWine has asked every Ohioan to participate in a moment of silence as an additional method to honor those who died in 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 WDTN.com. Former Vice President Dick Cheneys endorsement of the current vice president, Kamala Harris, for president is clearly extraordinary. Never in modern American political history has such a high-ranking political figure crossed party lines to endorse a presidential candidate. Considering how much Cheney and the Democratic Party mutually loathed each other from 2001 until just a few years ago, its also a display of how many formerly or still conservative political leaders have come to see the 2024 election between Harris her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, as the referendum on democracy itself that liberals are fond of framing it as. In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Dick Cheney wrote in a Friday statement, referring to Trumps use of lies about election fraud and his incitement of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. 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. But is it actually, you know, useful to Harris efforts to win an election in which the margins appear excruciatingly narrow? After all, Cheney ended his tenure in office as a deeply unpopular figure, associated with the George W. Bush administrations big business-friendly policies and corrosion of civil liberties. Just around 1 in 3 Americans approved of his job performance. Since then, the policy hes most associated with, the invasion of Iraq, has come to be near-universally seen as a pointless and deadly folly, and hes been the subject of a scathing, Oscar-nominated Hollywood movie. Republicans are obviously skeptical. Asked if there were any voters who could be persuaded by Cheneys endorsement, GOP pollster Neil Newhouse responded: No one who isnt related to him, no. For Democrats, the answer is a tentative maybe. Dont expect Harris campaign to plaster the nations television screens with ads touting the endorsement, though it could show up in some ads targeting older, conservative-leaning voters. More important for the party, its part of a steady drip, drip, drip of high-profile Republicans breaking with Trump, giving rank-and-file members of the party and conservative-leaning independent voters a permission structure to do the same, repeating a strategy the party used successfully in the 2022 midterms to defeat Trump-esque candidates. I think there are definitely Republican and Republican-leaning voters who struggle with what to do in this race and knowing there is company in numbers does matter, said Steve Schale, a veteran Democratic consultant. Remember, this election is entirely in the margins. Sarah Longwell, a former GOP strategist who runs the group Republican Voters Against Trump, noted that a high-profile figure like Cheney (and former Rep. Liz Cheney, his daughter) taking the step of formally endorsing Harris rather than just disowning Trump could encourage other Trump-skeptical members of the GOP to do the same. Many other leading Republicans, such as former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah have instead stayed neutral in the race. Both Cheneys have done something important and specific: They not only say they refuse to support Donald Trump, but they are affirmatively endorsing Kamala Harris. Thats the very decision many of these voters are struggling with, Longwell said. For many of them, not voting for Trump is easy; actively supporting Harris is a bit harder. But Dick Cheney is a signal to them that Donald Trump is such a malevolent force in our politics that simply sitting on the sidelines is not enough. Dating back to when President Joe Biden was in the race, the Democratic campaign has pointed to the number of GOP primary voters who continued to vote for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley even after she dropped out of the primary as evidence there are votes to be gained by soliciting Republicans discontented with Trump, noting that the number of Haley primary voters in Georgia and Michigan was greater than Bidens 2020 margin of victory in those states. The campaign has long focused on these voters, hiring the former chief of staff to Rep. Adam Kinzinger like Cheney, a Republican who broke with Trump over the Jan. 6 insurrection to serve as national Republican engagement director. And on Monday, the campaign released its first ad explicitly deploying Republican anti-Trump voices since Harris took over as the Democratic nominee. The spot, which is running on local television in Philadelphia and Trumps home market of Palm Beach, Florida, and on national cable networks, features former Vice President Mike Pence, former Trump Defense Secretary Mark Esper and others bashing the Republican, though it did not include those figures explicitly endorsing Harris. Trump is a danger to our troops and our democracy, the narrator says in the ad. We cant let him lead our country again. Reaching out to those voters, though, may require a more personalized touch than Dick Cheney can provide. Democrats are likely to feature hometown cross-party endorsers, like former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan in Georgia and Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona. Former Trump official Olivia Troye could be called on to speak to Republican-leaning women in the suburbs. There are Democratic skeptics as well. Evan Roth Smith, the pollster for the Democratic messaging group Blueprint, said it was unlikely swing voters, who tend to hold the entire political system in contempt, would find Cheneys endorsement or the backing of any other Republican particularly meaningful. Not just because its Cheney. Partisan crossover endorsements are only novel or compelling to strong partisans, but swing voters dont see it as particularly remarkable to cross party lines, Roth Smith said. They do that all the time and have low regard for both sides! And, of course, some progressives feel the campaign is wasting its time reaching out to GOP voters too enamored of MAGA to ever break with Trump the prevalence of former Trump officials and GOP leaders on the Democratic convention stage last month, when no Palestinian American was allowed to speak, was galling to many of them. Republicans are hopeful Trump can exploit this grievance. One high-profile GOP consultant, who requested anonymity because speaking to HuffPost would be off brand, suggested Trump could regularly bring up the Dick Cheney endorsement because it would drive every pro-Palestinian Democrat flipping nuts. The consultants suggestion reflects how both Democrats and Republicans see the Cheney endorsement as reinforcing their own wishes for how the race will go from here. Rather than the democracy versus authoritarianism frame favored by Democrats, they see Cheneys endorsement as evidence of a contest pitting corrupt insiders against outsiders. (Republicans find it easy to brush Trumps own documented history of corruption aside.) The America Last establishment in both political parties hate Trump because he is a threat to their entire corrupt system, Donald Trump Jr. wrote on social media after Cheneys endorsement. This is just more evidence that Kamala Harris is the candidate of choice for the ruling class uniparty. There is evidence Trump-friendly Republicans can underestimate the Cheneys. In 2022, Liz Cheneys PAC paid for advertisements featuring her endorsements of Democratic candidates for governor and secretary of state in Arizona. At the time, GOP candidate for governor Kari Lake dismissively thanked Cheney for her anti-endorsement. My team telIs me your commercial should add another 10 points to our lead! I guess thats why they call the Cheney anti-endorsement the gift that keeps on giving, Lake wrote in a letter to Liz Cheney. Lake went on to lose to Democrat Katie Hobbs a week later by just 17,000 votes, in part because Hobbs won 9% of Republican votes. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story stated incorrectly that in 2022 Liz Cheney endorsed Democratic candidates for governor and attorney general in Arizona. In fact, she endorsed Democrats running for governor and secretary of state there. Related... (NewsNation) Sean Diddy Combs has been hit with a massive $100 million default judgment after failing to dispute sexual assault allegations made in lawsuit by a Michigan inmate. Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a party in Detroit in 1997. Cardello-Smith worked as a restaurant and had been a hospitality industry employee when he met the music producer, the suit alleges. Combs was due to appear in Lenawee County Circuit Court for a virtual hearing on Monday but when he failed to show up, a judge awarded Cardello-Smith a multi-million default judgment. Default judgments are issued when a defendant fails to respond to a court summons or appear in court. Diddy party footage keeping people quiet: 50 Cent Combs attorney denied that the music mogul knows Cardello-Smith in a statement to NewsNation. This man is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years. His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 25: Honoree Sean Diddy Combs attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean Diddy Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Cardello-Smith included prison facility information in his suit which showed Combss name logged into the visitation record and said the visit was to offer him $2.3 million dollars to dismiss the lawsuit, which the inmate rejected. Cardello-Smith is incarcerated at the Earnest C Brooks correctional facility after multiple previous convictions of criminal sexual misconduct as well as one of kidnapping. The Detroit Metro Times has described Cardello-Smith as a self-taught student of civil and criminal statutes and a Michigan inmate known for his long history of challenging the judicial system with civil lawsuits. Timeline: Sean Diddy Combs sexual misconduct allegations, lawsuits The judge set out a payment schedule of $10 million per month, starting October 1. The latest suit comes in a long line of legal woes the music mogul is already facing. Department of Homeland Security agents conducted the raids on March 25 at Combs multimillion-dollar mansion in Los Angeles and his Miami waterfront home. Diddys legal team was notified earlier this summer that he was the subject of a federal criminal investigation. The producer also faces a mounting list of civil lawsuits that allege abuse and sexual assault by multiple victims spanning over 30 years. In May, video surfaced of the rapper attacking ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016. Combs previously denied violence toward Ventura when she sued him last year, but he later apologized on social media when the video leaked. Combs has denied all the allegations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Different name, same purpose for Knights of Columbus fundraiser PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) This weekend kicks off The Knight of Columbus, Spalding Council 427 fundraiser for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The statewide fundraiser formerly known as The Tootsie Roll Drive still includes the popular candy. The Knights will pass out custom Tootsie Rolls. Proceeds will go to EP!C and Community Workshop and Training Center. Well-known Peoria business owner honoring his late father with a fundraiser You can see the Knights of Columbus at Alwan and Sons Meat Company on Sept. 13 and Sept. 28. Alwan and Sons is located at 703 E War Memorial Drive in Peoria Heights. The knights will be in front of both University Street and Allen Road Walmart locations on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15. To donate online, 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 CIProud.com. By Sergio Goncalves LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's centre-right government will keep the previous administration's ban on telecoms firms using Chinese equipment in their 5G networks, a minister said, despite the projected cost of a position that is among the toughest in Europe. In May 2023, under the previous Socialist government, Portugal's CSSC cybersecurity board banned Chinese equipment from high-speed 5G mobile networks as well as from 4G platforms used as the basis for the new technology. The CSSC is the prime minister's consultative body and its move was a blow to efforts by Chinese technology giant Huawei to enter Portugal's 5G market and possibly extend existing contracts. The new government took over in April. "There are certain policies that must have continuity and security is one of them," Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz told broadcaster NOW late on Monday. Europe and the United States are concerned that Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure could compromise security, a view rejected by Beijing and Huawei. In September, Huawei filed a lawsuit with a Lisbon court against the CSSC's move. Pinto Luz said the working group that backed the CSSC's position highlighted the need to make the telecoms system "less permeable" to potential threats. He acknowledged Portugal was taking a stricter line than some European countries and more in line with the United States, but said the "world has changed ... and there is an ever-growing economic and geopolitical war between the two poles". Portugal's main telecoms operators, Altice, NOS, and Vodafone, have already said they would not use Huawei's technology in 5G core networks, but they would still have to dispose of the equipment in all of their infrastructure. A study by consultants EY for Huawei, released on Monday, estimated the exclusion of the Chinese technology could cost the economy more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion), including 339 million euros in replacement costs. The minister played this down, however, saying operators would have "a wide time window" to replace equipment. ($1 = 0.9062 euros) (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Mark Potter) SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Stavros Center for Independent Living is advocating for Disabilities Voting Rights Week in Massachusetts. Lets just say the Stavros Center and other community leaders are working together to ensure that everyone does not miss the chance to vote. To kick off disabilities voting rights week the Stavros Center for Independent Living is Advocating for voting rights for those with disabilities through a voter registration drive and a voting rights education workshop. CEO of the Stavros Center Angelina Ramirez tells 22News, People with disabilities many times there are many laws that protect the rights and it is very important for people to be able to exercise those rights and vote for things that will help them in the future. Whether theres an upcoming election or not the center works all year round to advocate for the voting rights of people with disabilities. This week puts a special focus on raising awareness of the voting rights for those with disabilities and making sure that they can put in their votes and let their voices be heard in every election. The Director of Development and Communication at the Stavros Center Jason Montgomery says people with disabilities face many challenges when it comes to voting and its important to meet their needs. It can be as simple as is there a ramp or a door wide enough or do you have assistance to get you inside the building and do you have assistance to get into the voting booth, says Montgomery. The cities of Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, and Easthampton have already issued proclamations to recognize this week. This is exciting to see the community and state partners talking about how we are going to get this done with folks at Stavros who are boots on the ground getting it done every day, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle adds. The Stavros Center says these efforts show the dedication to this important cause. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Disney-loving couple spends buckets of money to get back into elite club Disney-loving couple spends buckets of money to get back into elite club An Arizona couple obsessed with Disneyland in California lost their lawsuit against the mega theme park's members-only Club 33. An Orange County civil court ruled against Scott and Diana Anderson, of Gilbert, after they sued Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2021 after Scott was kicked out of Club 33 in 2017 for being publicly intoxicated, which he has vehemently denied. Scott told The Los Angeles Times that he and his wife are "dead set" that the outcome of their case is "wrong," and they "will fight this to the death." They plan to file an appeal. "My retirement is set back five years," he told the outlet. "Im paying through the nose. Every day, Im seeing another bill, and Im about to keel over." CALIFORNIA LOCALS CONCERNED ABOUT NEW DISNEY DEVELOPMENT: CHAOS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD A Disney-loving couple lost their lawsuit against the California theme park after they were booted from an exclusive club in 2017. Diana is ready to take more drastic action. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Ill sell a kidney," she told The Times. "I dont care." DISNEY WORLD WAS OUR DESTINATION. WHAT I FOUND COULD BE THE END FOR A BELOVED AMERICAN COMPANY Club 33 membership at Disneyland in California now costs about $31,500 annually. Their attorney argued in court that Scott had two to three drinks on the evening of Sept. 3, 2017, when Club 33 ousted him. The somewhat secretive club offers fine dining at the Club 33 restaurant at Disneyland or within different park attractions, plus souvenirs and other tailored experiences for members. "They have not established that Mr. Anderson was intoxicated," their attorney, Sean Macias, said during arguments in court, according to The Times. DISNEY TRIES TO SILENCE GRIEVING HUSBAND AND LEARNS NOT ALL NEWS IS GOOD NEWS Disneyland's private Club 33 is a luxurious dining experience within the Magic Kingdom and patrons often bring home keepsakes as reminders of their visit. He added that Scott's behavior that evening which included slurred speech and swaying was due to a vestibular migraine, and authorities never conducted a Breathalyzer or blood test on Scott that night. The year prior, Diana had been temporarily suspended from Club 33 for use of foul language, The Times reported. 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO VISITED DISNEY WORLD LOSES BELOVED TOY 4,200 MILES FROM HOME THEN, SURPRISE People walk next to Mickey Mouse along Main Street in front of the Sleeping Beauty cast at the Disneyland theme park on April 11, 2023, in Anaheim, California. Meanwhile, Disney attorney Jonathan Phillips argued that the Andersons "did not want to pay the consequences of failing to follow the rules," and Scott "cost his wife of 40 years her lifetime dream of having access to Club 33." The Andersons were spending nearly $125,000 on Disneyland trips every year, between their $31,500 Club 33 membership, travel expenses, hotels, passes and so on. The lawsuit cost them approximately $400,000. Original article source: Disney-loving couple spends buckets of money to get back into elite club Amid a fraught carriage dispute between the two companies, Disney has made an offer to run a debate special feed for DirecTV customers, but DirecTV rejected the deal after asking for a broader restoration of channels. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are scheduled for the first presidential debate Tuesday, airing on ABC and other major cable channels and to be moderated by ABC News Linsey Davis and David Muir. While it will be widely broadcast, Disney offered to restore access to ABC News for DirecTV consumers Tuesday during the debate, but DirecTV would have needed to accept that offer to allow the feed to reach customers. More from The Hollywood Reporter As we announced in May, the ABC News presidential debate will be widely available across broadcast, cable and streaming. Although we have yet to reach an agreement, we are providing a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all impacted DirecTV customers at no cost because we want all Americans to be able to view tonights debate at this important moment in our history. We remain at the table negotiating with DirecTV and the restoration of our programming to their subscribers is completely within their control, a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. In turn, DirecTV had asked for an extension that would return all channels to DirecTV customers through Sept. 16, allowing viewers to watch the Emmy Awards, the debate and more as the two parties continue to negotiate, but was rebuffed. On Tuesday, Disney requested a unique exception to return ABC-only for tonight because its hosting the 2024 Presidential Debate, an event widely available across other major broadcast stations and news networks. Unfortunately, returning only Disneys ABC stations from the entire portfolio of channels for a limited 3-hour window will cause customer confusion among those who would briefly see the debate only to lose the channel again shortly after, the company said in a statement. DirecTV consumers have been without access to a number of Disney channels including ABC and ESPN since Sept. 1. The satellite giant is pushing for skinny, genre-based packages, where customers can choose the kind of content they want to pay for, in addition to what direct-to-consumer content they may want included in the packages. Disney has said it is willing to be flexible on the packages, but not at a rate that undervalues its offerings. The two sides have exchanged barbs in the press and made several moves in the past week, with each party offering consumers discounts to their services and DirecTV filing an FCC complaint alleging that Disney is negotiating in bad faith. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) In one month of recreational marijuana sales, the state of Ohio has seen $44 million in sales. Though dispensaries anticipate a slowdown in the future, theyre not anticipating that to be any time soon. Many people say theyve been waiting for decades for legalization. I think its great that its finally been legalized. I think its been a long time coming, said Kevin Ortega, Columbia Care customer. University of Dayton intends to slash programs Customers and dispensaries alike say the sale of adult-use marijuana has been top of mind for many Ohioans after a list of medical dispensaries across the state were approved for adult-use sales. The fact that you can just walk into a store and without having to go through hoops or loops or even going through a medical card program, its exciting, said Erick Rodriguez, vice president of retail for The Cannabist Company. That monetary influx has allowed these dispensaries to hire more employees, including seven more per location for five stores in Ohio for The Cannabist Company. Despite significant sales, customers like Kevin Ortega say these dispensaries still have room to improve. They have a long way to go, in my opinion. I just would like to see a top-quality grade available and reasonable prices, said Ortega. Heck: Social media post led to murder of sleeping 12-year-old girl Dispensary owners say they do expect to expand over time and see what works for their Ohio customers. They say they plan to use what theyve learned in Ohio to help their businesses flourish nationwide. Day one, day two, day three was huge community. And we just look forward to what the future holds for cannabis, not just in Ohio, but, you know, across the United States, said Rodriguez. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Diver goes missing while exploring Lake Michigan shipwreck off coast in southeast Wisconsin Update: The mans body was recovered Wednesday. Full update here. PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. Emergency crews in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, searched for a diver who went missing while exploring a shipwreck in Lake Michigan on Tuesday. Pleasant Prairie is a village located just past the Illinois border in Kenosha County and deputies said the wreck was located off the villages coastline, about six miles out in water that is over 100ft deep. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines According to deputies, at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Coast Guard received a notification from a vessel on Lake Michigan about a scuba diver who had gone underwater but did not return to the surface and was in need of assistance. Kenosha County deputies, Pleasant Prairie police, fire and members of the United States Coast Guard conducted search and recovery efforts and said updates about the situation would be provided to the public as they become available. In an update around 4:40 p.m., deputies said because of the condition on the lake, recovery operations had ceased for the day. According to deputies, efforts will resume on Wednesday morning. Authorities did not provide details about what shipwreck the diver was exploring, but the SS Wisconsin, a steamer that sank off the coast of Kenosha in 1929, is a popular site for divers in the area. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland The site of the SS Wisconsin lies in 90 to 130 feet of water about 6 and a half miles off the coastline. The diver involved in the incident has not yet been identified. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. What does it take to run for local office? LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) So you want to run for local office in Louisiana? In order to become a candidate in Louisiana you must qualify for the office you are seeking. The Louisiana Secretary of State website states that there is a three-day qualifying period for congressional, state, and local candidates. No write in candidates are allowed in Louisiana. Explainer: Why government projects take so long to complete If you are interested in running for local office, you can visit your local parishes Clerk of Court office to qualify. Those interested in running for congressional or state offices, must visit the Secretary of States Office in Baton Rouge. Qualifying fees are necessary to be placed on the ballot in Louisiana. The exact fees can range anywhere from $75 to $750, depending on the office. For the full list of fees, visit the Secretary of State website. You can also submit a nominating form in lieu of a nominating fee. Nominating petition forms are available for download. A candidate serving in the Armed Forces that is stationed or deployed outside of the United States is not required to pay any qualifying fee or any additional fee. The candidate serving will file with the qualifying official a military qualifying certification form prepared by the secretary of state certifying that at the time of qualifying they are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States and that they are eligible to become a candidate. First time voter guide: Make your voice heard If you are not able to qualify my mail or in person, Louisiana law states that you may use an agent to file your completed qualifying form. The agent must also file an agent affidavit form attesting that the agent has the candidates authorization and consent to file the notice of candidacy. Depending on the office you hope to run for, there are varying requirements that must be met. Each office in Louisiana has its own set of qualifying requirements that a hopeful candidate must meet in order to run for office. Abortions ancient history The Louisiana Secretary of States Office has a full chart of the requirements needed for every office on their website. Louisiana has restrictions for convicted felons who wish to qualify for an election. A person under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony A person who has been convicted within this state of a felony and who has exhausted all legal remedies, or who has been convicted under the laws of all legal remedies and has not been pardoned. One exception says that a convicted felon should not be prohibited from qualifying as a candidate for elective public office, if more than five years have passed since the completion of the original sentence. Once you have qualified for an election you are ready to start campaigning. There are many details and factors that go into starting your campaign for local office. Here are a few things that may make your journey just a little easier. Determine your win number and your vote goal Build your staff and volunteer team Start fundraising Create a plan to win Make authentic connections with voters Obviously there are other things that a candidate must do while running for local office, but this is a frame work that will help you get started. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man was arrested and faces charges related to animal cruelty after witnesses said he had kicked and dragged his dehydrated dog, police documents said. On Thursday, dispatchers received a call regarding a man, later identified as Shaun Jones, 42, performing CPR on his dog, a one-year four-month-old pitbull mix named Halfbreed. It occurred near Nellis Boulevard and Boulder Highway in the southeast Las Vegas valley. When officers arrived, they found Jones and Halfbreed. The dog had died and was hot to the touch, police noted. When the officer spoke to Jones, who was sitting in his vehicle, he told police he lived in his car, and while walking away from an apartment complex he had been asked to leave, Halfbreed had died, according to the police report. Jones expressed that he didnt believe that the dog was dead and would repeatedly grab the Halfbreeds skin between his fingers, lifting its head and dropping it onto the cars center console to see if it was alive. He refused to give the dog to Animal Control, saying he would only release it if its condition were the same for several days. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Animal Cruelty detectives were called to the scene, according to the report. A worker at a nearby complex told officers that a maintenance employee had seen Halfbreed alive, albeit in distress and unattended on the buildings second floor around 10 a.m. The worker brought the dog to a unit with working air conditioning and provided it with water, noting that the animal could barely stand or drink, the report said. While there, the worker said Jones came into the area, saw the employee taking care of Halfbreed, grabbed the leash, and used it to drag the dog down the stairs. The report said he kicked and punched the dog several times in the process. Four hours later, Jones and Halfbreed were back on the property, police documents said. The worker noted that the dog was in worse condition than before and that Jones would not allow the dog to cool off or get water. He was asked to leave the property. Around 4 p.m. Jones came back. Shortly thereafter, the dog collapsed, the worker said. The worker told police Jones gave Halfbreed CPR and stuck his hands down its throat. Jones was told to put the animal in his car and take it to a veterinarian, but Jones said he didnt have the money, according to police documents. According to the report, Jones denied dragging Halfbreed with a leash or punching and kicking the dog, telling officers that he loved the dog and was the sole owner, responsible for feeding and caring for Halfbreed. Jones faces a charge of willfully or maliciously torturing, maiming, or killing a pet to threaten, intimidate, or terrorize another person, a felony. The State has requested additional time to file a complaint, and Jones was released from Clark County Detention Center on Friday, told to stay out of trouble. He is due in court on Jan. 6 for a status check. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DOJ not pressing charges against officer who fatally shot man in Culver City in 2022 The California Department of Justice announced that they will not be filing charges against an officer who fatally shot a man during what his family said was a mental health crisis. Just before 12:20 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2022, Culver City Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance complaint after a 911 caller reported a man carrying a gun was banging on their door. Upon arriving, the officers located the man identified as Guillermo de Jesus Medina and ordered him to drop his weapon. Medina refused, entered his car and led police on a pursuit from Culver City to Hollywood and Santa Monica before eventually crashing his car into a center median back in Culver City just over an hour after the initial 911 call. Guillermo Medinas vehicle seen crashed into a center median during a police pursuit in Culver City on Dec. 18, 2022. (KeyNews.TV) After the crash, Medina fled on foot, and thats at least one officer opened fire, authorities said. Medina was pronounced dead at the scene. Video later released by the department shows Medina, who was 39 at the time of his death, running from officers and falling to the ground after being shot in the back. Man convicted in brutal slaying of UCLA student in Hancock Park The father of threes family told KTLA in the weeks after the shooting that their patriarch was unarmed and experiencing a mental health crisis, and they believed that officers failed to provide timely medical care that could have prevented his death. They also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the department alleging excessive force. Medinas wife, Adriana, was the one to call police; she claimed that she clearly expressed that her husband was in crisis. It was made clear to the dispatcher, and it was made clear to the officer who was in my house, she said in Jan. 2023. I said [he was experiencing a crisis] for an hour. According to the family, no weapon was displayed at the time, nor was one found at the scene. Police, however, said they found a replica firearm in Medinas car. Guillermo Medina and his family are seen in a photo provided by a family attorney on Jan. 31, 2023. In a statement released on Tuesday, California Attorney General Rob Bontas office said that Medina turned towards officers with a black object in his hand and was fatally shot; the object was later determined to be a cell phone. DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury, justice department officials said. Runner dies after collapsing at finish line of Disneylands Halloween Half Marathon As part of their report, the DOJ recommended that the Culver City Police Department provide refresher courses regarding communications and notifications among allied agencies involved in an inter-jurisdictional pursuit. The full justice department report can be read 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. Shortly after body cam footage was released of the incident involving Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell, and multiple Miami-Dade Police Department officers, the Miami Dolphins released a strongly worded statement Monday night. "It is both maddening and heartbreaking to watch the very people we trust to protect our community use such unnecessary force and hostility towards these players, yet it is also a reminder that not every situation like this ends in peace, as we are grateful this one did," the statement reads, in part. "... There are some officers who mistake their responsibility and commitment to serve with misguided power. While we commend MDPD for taking the right and necessary action to quickly release this footage, we also urge them to take equally swift and strong action against the officers who engaged in such despicable behavior." Hill's response to the videos was much more brief: Lets make a change Ty Hill (@cheetah) September 10, 2024 On Sunday, MDPD director Stephanie V. Daniels announced in a statement that one of the officers involved in the incident was placed on administrative duties while an investigation is being conducted. Earlier in the day on Monday, the South Florida Police Benevolent Association blamed Hill for the escalation, saying that the receiver "initiated this unfortunate incident" and that it's "always best to obey lawful police commands first and complain later." More Miami Dolphins! Watch: Body cam footage of MDPD officers detaining Tyreek Hill De'Von Achane, Raheem Mostert dealing with injuries Mike McDaniel: 'That game we dont win the last 2 years' This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins urge MDPD to take action for 'despicable behavior' of officers Publix, the beloved Florida-based grocer known for its subs, BOGO deals, and fresh bakery items, has announced plans for another Kentucky location. The more than 55,000 square foot Publix Super Market will be supported by an adjacent 3,300 square foot Publix Liquors at the Northeast corner of Pear Orchard Road and Ring Road in Elizabethtown. "We are excited to announce our continued growth across Kentucky with 12locations now announced in the state," said media relations manager Jared Glover. "We look forward to delivering the Publix experience to our new customers in Elizabethtown soon." Previously, Hardin County officials told the Courier Journal its Elizabethtown metro was booming with growth, spurring new downtown developments, and restaurants, and had seen major grocery store interest as a result of the soon-to-come-online nearly $6 billion BlueOval SK Battery Park. A Publix spokesperson shared with the Courier Journal the grocery chain has executed a lease for a new store location in Elizabethtown, just south of Louisville. The deli counter at the new Publix location opening on January 10, 2024 at 2500 Terra Crossing Blvd. This Publix location will immediately benefit from a drastic population increase of an estimated more than 22,000 by 2030, with the majority of residents landing in Elizabethtown. As Publix continues spreading across Kentucky, here's a look at where shops are currently located: Does Louisville have a Publix? The new Publix location opening on January 10, 2024 at 2500 Terra Crossing Blvd. Yes. The first Publix to open in Kentucky was in Louisville. The Publix at 2500 Terra Crossing Blvd. in far eastern Jefferson County opened in January and is unlike most of the supermarket's stores across the southeast, as it offers all the traditional supermarket features deli, bakery, pharmacy plus additional offerings, the Courier Journal previously reported. The Louisville store features expanded made-to-order food bars, including Tex-Mex, pizza and sushi stations, setting it apart from other locations. With the addition of the Louisville Publix in January, Kentucky became the grocers' eighth state of operation. The supermarket is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Are more Publix's planned for Kentucky? Produce at the new Publix location opening on January 10, 2024 at 2500 Terra Crossing Blvd. Yes. In addition to the newly announced Elizabethtown location, the chain plans to open a location in Owensboro at the northwest corner of Pleasant Valley Road and Hayden Road. Two other Publix locations are also planned for Louisville. One supermarket is in the works at the northeast corner of Ballardsville Road and Brownsboro Road, 10005 Ballardsville Road. The second future store is located at the northwest corner of Flat Rock Road and Shelbyville Road (near the Shelby County line), at 100 Flat Rock Road. Story continues Publix has confirmed locations for two Northern Kentucky store locations as well. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Publix announces new location to open in Elizabethtown, Kentucky Don Jr confronted by restaurant owner who says he lost half his customers over Trump support Donald Trump Jr speaks at the Republican National Convention. A restaurant owner confronted Trump Jr. during his Triggered podcast, claiming he lost customers over his support for the former president (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) A Minnesota restaurant owner confronted Donald Trump Jr on his podcast, claiming he lost half his customers after publicly supporting the former president. Trump Jr. was reading live chat messages on his political podcast Triggered when restaurant owner Allen Brenycz confronted him. Brenycz told Trump Jr. that he lost half his customers after purchasing a digital billboard supporting the former president. I have a digital billboard on the highway in Minnesota, Brenycz wrote. I need a repost from you for my pin post. Ive lost half my business since publicly supporting. Brenycz appeared to be referring to a GoFundMe he launched to gather funds for the billboard. As many of you know after coming out and advertising for a political figure I am alienating a good percentage of customers, he wrote on the GoFundMe, which had received $329 as of Tuesday evening. Many folks voting with feelings will just simply refuse to patronize my business because of my support, Brenycz continued. Trump Jr. told the restaurant owner hed try to check that out. I havent seen it, but if I can find the post, I will check it out, appreciate the support, the former presidents son said. Brenycz restaurant is in Minnesota, where vice presidential contender Tim Walz serves as governor. Vice President Kamala Harris leads Trump 51 percent to 44 percent in Walzs home state, according to a poll released Monday by Morning Consult. Harris is ahead of Trump in national polls as well. The vice president has a 2.8-point lead over her Republican opponent, according to an average of national polls, collated by FiveThirtyEight on Tuesday. These numbers could change though as Harris and Trump face off during their first debate on Tuesday night. The debate has high stakes for both candidates, The Independent previously reported. Harris must keep up the spike in enthusiasm among Democrats since Joe Biden dropped out of the race, while Trump will seek to stop that momentum in its tracks and make up lost ground. Donald Trump will campaign this week in Tucson. Here's what we know Donald Trump will address our struggling economy and the rising cost of housing" Thursday in Tucson, his campaign said Monday. Trump will appear at Tucson Music Hall at 2 p.m. Thursday. The visit comes two days after Trumps first televised debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, and he plans to take aim at her during his Arizona campaign trip. President Trump will highlight Kamala Harris' devastating policies that have wreaked havoc on Arizonans and the many reasons Hispanic voters are flocking to the Republican Party, the Trump campaign said in a written statement. The Republican former president was most recently in the state last month for a rally in Glendale and a tour of the Arizona-Mexico border in Cochise County. GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance was in the state for a two-day campaign swing last week. Harris has also been dispatching top campaign members to Arizona lately. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate, will be in the state Tuesday ahead of the debate. On Monday afternoon, the Harris-Walz campaign announced that second gentleman Douglas Emhoff also is going to Tucson on Thursday "as part of the campaigns New Way Forward battleground tour to mobilize support, drive enthusiasm, and reach the voters who will decide this election as we approach the closing weeks of the campaign." It's Emhoff's first stop in Tucson this election season, the campaign said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Donald Trump will campaign this week in Tucson. Here's what we know Former President Donald Trump is holding a slight lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in Georgia, according to a new poll. The survey of 969 likely voters conducted Sept. 4-Sept. 8 by Quinnipiac College showed Republican Trump with 49% of the vote to 45% for Democrat Harris, and 1% each for independent Cornel West and socialist Claudia De la Cruz. Trumps lead is slightly above the polls margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.2%. Not surprisingly, Trump and Harris held huge leads among self-identified members of their respective parties. Independents were divided equally, with Trump and Harris tied at 46%. Men and white voters overwhelmingly favored Trump, with the former president leading Harris among men 56% to 37%, and holding an advantage of 68% to 28% among white voters. Harris held a slightly smaller lead among women voters, leading Trump 52% to 43%. Black voters overwhelmingly supported Harris, with 82% of the vote to just 8% for Trump. Georgia is considered one of a handful of battleground states in this years race for president. Four years ago saw Democrat Joe Biden carry the Peach State by a razor-thin majority of fewer than 12,000 votes over then-incumbent Trump, the first Democrat to win Georgias electoral votes since Bill Clinton in 1992. A listener called in to my program recently and asked, Is Donald Trump the Antichrist and, if so, will he reveal himself at the debate? I passed on drawing a conclusion, but then the lines lit up with a steady stream of people over the next few hours offering their proofs that Trump was, in fact, the Evil One come to ravage the earth. That hes a literal and iniquitous thaumaturge. My first caller clearly hit a nerve. Its a fascinating question, though, whether put literally or metaphorically. Asking the question literally requires a belief in the actual reality of a son-of-God Christ figure and of an Antichrist opponent of nearly equal but opposite power. This sort of thing fills the Bible, and Ill get to that in a moment. But first consider the question from the secular perspective, which argues these two terms represent, at their core, metaphors for the embodiment of good and evil. In this context, then, a more accurate question is: Is Donald Trump evil, and thus an antichrist? In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke in the plural when he predicted false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. After warning that grifters and con artists (in secular terms) would try to exploit His followers, He said, By their fruits ye shall know them. Trumps fruits are pretty obvious: More than 20 women have accused him of rape and sexual assault. Hundreds of contractors, customers, and employees have accused him of stealing from them or refusing to pay them (or both), as have members of his own family. Throughout his presidency, he lied over 30,000 times and continues to lie daily. He pits Americans against each other by race, religion, and region in an effort to tear our country apart and thus weaken opposition to his authoritarian rule. He openly encouraged violence against unarmed people at multiple rallies and encouraged state violence at a speech to chiefs of police; most recently he encouraged an assault on members of the press. He tried to overthrow and end our democracy. He embraced depraved, ungodly murderers, kleptocrats, and strongman rulers while ridiculing Western democracies and their elected leaders. He tried to damage or dismantle political and military systems designed to keep peace in the world, including the U.N., NATO, and the Iran nuclear deal. He reaches out to Jesuss followers and then directs them toward bigotry, violence, and hatred. As an object of admiration and a role model, hes replaced Jesus in many white evangelical congregations. He delighted in tearing children from their parents and putting them in cages. He tried to end Americans access to lifesaving medical care by killing Obamacare and privatizing Medicare. He watched on TV, like a delighted child, as his followers killed a police officer, sent 140 others to the hospital, and tried to murder the vice president and speaker of the House. He lied about Covid (after disclosing the truth to Bob Woodward), causing more disease and deaths in America than any other nation in the world except Peru. The main reason many Christians freak out about an Antichrist is that following him will get you banned from heaven or even cast into hell. But what did Jesusthe guy Trumps white evangelical followers claim as their saviorsay was necessary to get into heaven? Back in 1998, I had a private audience with Pope John Paul II at his invitation; one of his personal secretaries had read one of my books. He gave Louise and me a private tour of many nonpublic parts of the Vatican and, the next day, we sat through an open-air concert with Pope John Paul II and about 30 VIPs, including the leader of Germanys Bundestag, for more than an hour, surrounded by the splendor of Castel Gandolfo, the Popes summer palace on the rim of an extinct volcano overlooking Lake Albano. When we spoke privately after the concert, His Holinesss forceful comments about the work we all must do reminded me of Jesuss words in Matthew 25. Its an amazing 2,000-year-old story that tells us everything we need to know about todays Christian politics. Jesuss disciples had gathered around him in a private and intimate setting. Finally, they thought, they could ask him, straight up, the question that had been haunting them, particularly now that the Roman authorities were starting to talk about punishing or even executing them: How they could be sure to hang out with Him in the afterlife? Jesus told them that at the end of days hed be sitting on his throne separating the sheep from the goats as a shepherd divideth. The nations of sheep would go with him to heaven, the goats to hell. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me food, he told his disciples he would say to the sheep. I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. This is the only place in the Bible where Jesus explicitly tells His disciples what acts they must perform, in their entirety, to get into heaven. Feed the hungry, care for refugees, house and clothe the homeless, heal the sick, have compassion for those in prison. Thats it. And its a list that is quite literally the opposite of everything that Donald Trump advocates, stands for, and has done in his careers, both business and political. While biblical scholars are split about who the actual Beast was that John referenced in his Revelation, many consider it to have been a thenpolitically necessary cloaking of the identity of the Roman Emperor Nero. It was clearly a political figure, who represented the antithesis of the values and works Jesus laid out in the Sermon on the Mount and in Matthew 25. Caller after caller to my program offered their own proofs of Trump being the Beast or the Antichrist: MAGA means magic or sorcerer in Latin and multiple other languages. His grandfathers name when he emigrated to America to start a whorehouse in the Pacific Northwest was Drumpf, which he changed to Trump. John in German is Johann. Therefore, his actual name is Donald Johann Drumpfeach name having six letters. (Weirdly, the same is true of Ronald Wilson Reagan, the guy who laid the foundation for MAGA.) He illegally armed the Saudis for their merciless bombing war against Yemen, which had five million people facing famine as the Saudi military blocked food arrivals. His family owns 666 Fifth Avenue. He fooled millions of evangelical followers of Jesus, just as the Beast is supposed to do. He put his own red-hat MAGA mark on their foreheads. It was an interesting exercise and conversation, and I was surprised by how many people are actually religiously freaked out about Trump. But for me, all the proof I need that Trump, if not the biblical Antichrist, is at least a political one, is what he says and does. And Ill bet that tonight he will reveal himself, both as a disciple of the Father of Lies and through his anti-Christ-type policies. As Pope Francis today tells us, a mans fruits show us all we need to know about who he really is. The News Donald Trumps success or failure on Nov. 5 could very well come down to the campaigns ground game: And top members of the party are already whispering concerns, pointing fingers, and offering pushback as it relates to the effort. The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee are betting the race on an unconventional approach, opting to outsource much of their turnout operation to dozens of conservative groups like Turning Point Action, America First Works and the Elon Musk-backed America PAC. The effort hasnt been entirely smooth sailing, at least in the eyes of some members of the party: Multiple party leaders, former RNC members, and lawmakers have privately trashed what they see as a lack of a clear operation, and expressed concerns about how it could affect not just the fate of the presidential race, but downballot races as well. Ronna McDaniel, who was ousted from her position as RNC chair back in February amid a Trump campaign takeover, has also grumbled to allies that the partys on-the-ground efforts are lacking. (McDaniel declined to comment.) Some swing-state senators are also warning that Democrats are going to present a unique challenge this November after COVID hampered their usual turnout efforts in the prior cycle. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who shared a winning ballot with Trump in the Tarheel State in 2020, said the GOPs organizational advantage might not be as great as it was four years ago and that the party has got to be able to match up. In North Carolina hes going to have a reasonably good ground game, Tillis said. But what were seeing in North Carolina that we havent seen for a time, though, is a really well organized ground game by the Democrats. Behind the scenes, the concerns and criticisms are multifaceted. Some worry theres a lack of a visible operation at this point in the race. Im as plugged in as they get and yet I dont even know who my friends and family back home can contact for a yard sign or to knock doors in their precinct, a Republican operative who votes in a swing state told Semafor. Another Republican operative had questions about how outside groups are coordinating and whether data is being shared. And multiple people argued that the campaign has perhaps been over-focused on poll watchers as part of Trumps false claim that the 2020 election was stolen, an effort driven by Trump and prioritized by Lara Trump and Michael Whatley, his allies heading up the RNC. A third Republican strategist in a swing state said theyve seen no ground activity at all and complained more typical volunteer work had been crowded out by election integrity efforts. Theyre really only focused on recruiting folks to volunteer to be poll watchers, the third Republican strategist said. I mean, they do a lot of that shit. But whats the point of watching the vote if you havent turned out the vote? Turning Point Action, one of the more high profile groups involved in helping turn out the vote, has touted its efforts in the field and expressed pride in their initiatives. Founded by Charlie Kirk, its the political advocacy arm of Turning Point USA, a group thats been controversial within some party circles for its flamboyant culture-war emphasis. One veteran GOP strategist described the group to Semafor as a total grifting operation, and others have had questions about standard metrics like the number of doors knocked and wondered how much work the group is actually doing. One official with Turning Point Action emphasized they were not intended to lead the partys overall efforts, but had a specific role which they said is narrowly focused on low-propensity, disengaged Republican voters a universe that comprises 300,000+ in Arizona and 300,000+ in Wisconsin, and then 40,000 in Michigan 7[th district] and 30,000 in Nevadas 3rd. According to an internal memo reported on in April, the group had a lofty goal of raising and spending over $108 million on a Chase the Vote program: They have not reached that aspirational number, Semafor was told, and cant use funding from Turning Point USA, which is a 501(c)(3). I wish we had the resources to blanket Michigan and to blanket Nevada and blanket Georgia, like were doing [in] Arizona [and] Wisconsin, spokesman Andrew Kolvet said in a statement. But barring a last minute major infusion of resources were just simply not able to staff those regions like wed want to. The View From Congress Trump isnt the only one who could be affected by the partys operations downballot candidates, many of whom are running behind the Republican nominee in battleground states, are also hoping for a boost. This cycle, though, they may have the ability to fill in some of the gaps themselves.The National Republican Senatorial Committee has shifted its strategy amid recent FEC findings that allow Senate Republicans to synchronize with outside groups on turnout efforts and help Republicans across the country compete with Democrats hard money advantage. The FEC ruling allowing party committees to more closely work with outside groups on ground game has been a huge benefit when it comes to targeting low propensity and swing voters, said Tim Edson, the NRSCs political director. We also expect the Trump campaign to bring out a number of low propensity voters that pollsters often miss, as he has done in the past. Trumps own star power, which has drawn out a unique base of voters loyal to him in past elections, might also negate some worries about turnout. But it could leave down-ballot Republicans in a weaker position without a robust, party-wide effort in the House and Senate races that will determine Trumps agenda if he ends up with the presidency. Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson said hes been urging fellow Republican Eric Hovdes Senate campaign, the state party and the presidential campaign to merge its efforts. Hes been pleased with the results and said the Trump campaign is not pushing back. Thats how I won, is ground game, said Johnson, who was narrowly re-elected in 2022. Its a big effort on our part. Though Republicans are increasingly confident about their chances in Montana and are competitive in Ohios Senate race, Democrats are holding onto stubborn leads in other traditional purple states from Arizona to Pennsylvania. Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a former GOP campaign arm head, called the disparity between Trump and Republican candidates a solvable problem. Still, it might require tactics focused on Trumps kingmaker status in tandem with routine GOTV efforts. Rallies with downballot candidates could help reduce ticket-splitting and identify voters to target for them as well. Trumps got 100% name ID, and a lot of the candidates dont, Cornyn said. Advertisements can [help], Trump will make public appearances with the candidates in places where hes doing particularly well he can help a lot and I think he will. The Trump campaign has also sought to reassure party members about their efforts. Last week, Trump campaign advisors held a briefing call for House Republicans that included a breakdown of its ground game. On the call, excerpts of which Semafor obtained from a source who tuned in, the Trump campaign said they had trained 25,000 Trump Force 47 captains. The captains were described as volunteers who each had a small but very specific list of largely low-and-mid-propensity voters that are solidly for Donald Trump, but vote infrequently. On the call, a Trump aide also highlighted its digital tool, called Swamp the Vote USA, while describing canvassing and phone-banking efforts as significant. The aide assured lawmakers that the campaign is keeping a close eye on ground game efforts, including those from outside groups, and maintained that the campaign is in a better spot compared to 2020. Shelby and Burgess' View There are multiple theories about the drama surrounding Donald Trumps ground game operation: Is it fueled by ousted officials like Ronna McDaniel, who might be holding a grudge? Is it a simple case of party members being nervous about change? Or is it truly a disorganized, underwhelming mess? The truth is, we dont really know yet: Its hard to measure an effective field operation until its too late and even then a strong candidate might overcome a dysfunctional effort. But the early debate makes clear plenty of Republicans want their concerns aired early in case of a loss in November and all the finger-pointing that would come with it. Notable A new report published by Reuters details how Donald Trumps campaign and allies are placing their bets on low-propensity and newly registered voters to win the election. One person described the efforts as a high-risk, labor-intensive strategy that could bring in a wave of new voters but could also fall short if their targets ultimately stay home. Trumps ground model has some problems namely, that it will need more team leaders than it currently has to make a serious impact but it can also be highly effective, Karl Rove argued in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed. Donald Trump's Attempt To Explain 'Kamabla' Insult For Kamala Harris Goes Awkwardly Awry Donald Trump tried to explain one of his nicknames for Democratic rival Kamala Harris to New York magazines Olivia Nuzzi. But it did not go well. Nuzzi recalled in a lengthy article published on Monday how the former president boasted to her about his disparaging Kamabla moniker for the vice president during an early August interview at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump first deployed the slur around that time. The Republican presidential nominee gave me an expectant look, but I was confused, wrote Nuzzi. Trump repeated the insult and described it, per Nuzzi, as just a mixed-up pile of words. Like she is. He then stopped what he was saying and stared at me with a look of grave concern and disappointment, Nuzzi added. Nuzzi would have to see it to really understand, Trump reportedly told her. Nuzzi in her article said it was maybe a nickname meant for cyberbullying, not for conversation. There are those that think its good Trump reportedly insisted to the journalist. Nuzzi asked Trump if he was behind the insult. He laughed a deflated kind of laugh, as if to minimize the importance of the answer, she wrote. Trump admitted he had and comes up with a lot of things. But, as Nuzzi noted, the name was soon retired. Read Nuzzis full article in New York magazine. Related... Russian forces shelled the village of Hnativka in Donetsk Oblast, killing a man; his wife sustained injuries. Nearly 28,000 households in Pokrovsk and Rodynske were left without gas following the Russian attacks. Source: Pokrovsk City Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "The owner of one of the private houses was killed during an enemy attack on the village of Hnativka at 11:30 [on 10 September]." Details: The mans wife sustained injuries in the attack. Russian forces also damaged a gas distribution facility in Pokrovsk, cutting off gas supply to nearly 28,000 households, including 23,000 in Pokrovsk and 5,000 in Rodynske. The local authorities are urging the residents of Pokrovsk and the nearby areas to evacuate. "Russian terror continues. The enemy is trying to make the living conditions of the Pokrovsk locality residents unbearable at any cost," the Pokrovsk City Military Administration said. Support UP or become our patron! Fox News host Steve Doocy implored Ian Sams, a top aide to Vice President Harris, to facilitate an interview between the Democratic nominee for president and his network. It looks like so, she did that interview about a week or so ago with CNN, and shes going to do the one debate that we know of. Is there any possibility you know, you keep talking about Fox New viewers: She should come on Fox and speak to their concerns directly, Doocy told Sams as he appeared on Fox and Friends on Tuesday. And weve got a big couch here. It would be great to have her on the program, Ian. Come on, invite her. Tell her I officially invited her on Fox and Friends.' Thats very kind, Sams replied. And I will relay that to the vice president for sure. And I know, you know, shes talked at the White House a number of times to Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich, you know, excellent reporters who are there at the White House. White House correspondent Peter Doocy is the son of Steve Doocy, one of Foxs longest-running hosts on its flagship morning talk show. Sams teased that Harris will be doing more events across the country, noting planned stops in North Carolina and Pennsylvania after Tuesday nights debate with former President Trump. Shes going to be doing more interviews, Sams added. Shes going to be doing more events where she can engage directly with voters and talk to them. Doocy pressed him a second time to bring Harris on Fox and Friends. She shouldnt be afraid of bring her on Fox and Friends. You know, if she cant talk to us, God forbid how she deals with Putin, the host quipped. We aint afraid of Fox and Friends,' Sams shot back. Im sitting here talking to you right now. Trump and his allies in conservative media have for weeks been ramping up pressure on Harris to engage in more media interviews and unscripted moments. Tuesday nights debate on ABC is widely seen as a potential watershed moment for the 2024 campaign, which was upended earlier this summer following President Bidens shaky performance in the first debate with Trump, which led to him dropping out of the race and being replaced by Harris. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chief executive Julia Neal said she was sorry the charity had not been able to find a solution [BBC] Ninety-seven people are at risk of redundancy after Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire announced it would close due to financial difficulties. The Worcester-based charity, which supports older people, cited rising operating costs and a shortage of funding for its decision to shut on 30 September. The move was expected to affect people who use the service as well as staff, volunteers and others who have supported its work. Chief executive Julia Neal said staff have been working really hard to try and keep things going" but all alternative options had "drawn a blank". Weve looked at a number of options including working more closely with other charities, downsizing the organisation, weve applied for lots of grants," Ms Neal explained. Our 97 staff are now at risk of redundancy - were obviously supporting them where we can to help look for other things." Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire will shut at the end of September [BBC] The organisation supported more than 15,000 older people across the region last year. Ms Neal said they were working closely with other charities in the area to see where there might be job vacancies and also looking at alternative arrangements for their clients. Im just so disappointed that we cant continue to support them, she said. "Im just really sorry that we havent been able to find a solution for this." Helen Davis, from Worcester Community Trust, said their charity could offer its services to people affected [BBC] Worcester Community Trust, which runs a weekly lunch club for the over-50s, said it could offer its services to people after Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire closes. The charity, which has six hubs across the city, offers support in finding employment and other activities and services for people of all ages. Helen Davis, their deputy chief executive, said the news that the Age UK branch was closing was "absolutely devastating". "Unfortunately with funding that does happen, we're on cycles of funding," she explained. "We are continually looking at at how we're accessing funding to continue projects." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links A driver was killed when his vehicle flipped as he got off Interstate 71 at the Ridge Avenue exit on Monday morning, according to Cincinnati police. Officers responded just before 8 a.m. Monday to investigate the crash. The driver, whose identity hasn't been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said in a news release Tuesday. Police said the man was driving a 2002 Toyota Rav4 when he veered off the roadway while exiting the interstate and flipped his vehicle onto its roof into a nearby tree line. While the driver was wearing a seat belt, police said, impairment and excessive speed are being investigated as possible contributing factors. Officials did not list any other injuries or drivers associated with the crash. Any witnesses are urged to contact the Cincinnati Police Departments traffic unit at 513-352-2514. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: I-71 crash: Man killed after vehicle flips into tree line State-owned QatarEnergy will build six new state-of-the-art QC-Max liquified natural gas (LNG) vessels, reportedly the largest ever built, with a capacity of 271,000 cubic meters each. The agreement for the new vessels, signed with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is in addition to 18 QC-Max vessels recently ordered. This brings the total number of QC-Max vessels ordered by QatarEnergy to 24, with a total order value of approximately $8bn. The six new vessels are scheduled to be delivered between 2028 and 2031, QatarEnergy said in a statement. The overall number of LNG vessels on order under QatarEnergys fleet expansion program is now 128, as it looks to increase its gas exports. The vessels will be constructed at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, operated by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSSC. QatarEnergy said in the statement that it expects that its capacity to meet global LNG demand will be enhanced through fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Attendees at the signing ceremony included Qatari minister of state for energy affairs and QatarEnergy CEO and president Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi , as well as CSSC chief financial officer Jia Haiying. In comments made at the ceremony, Sherida Al-Kaabi highlighted QatarEnergys commitment to maintaining a leadership position in the global LNG market. LNG production is expanding in the North Field in the Persian Gulf, which Qatar jointly owns with Iran. This is the worlds largest natural gas field, and QatarEnergy expects production to increase from 77 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 142mtpa by the close of 2030. On 26 August, QatarEnergy signed an agreement to provide the State of Kuwait with up to 3mtpa of LNG for a duration of 15 years. This followed a deal struck in June with Taiwans CPC Corporation which included a 27-year LNG sales and purchase agreement for the delivery of 4mtpa of LNG. "QatarEnergy orders six QC-Max LNG vessels from China" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Saturday evenings shooting incident has not only rocked the London community but has also disrupted drivers traveling through the area. Christina DiNoto was driving with her friend Jeremy from Rochester, New York, to her hometown of Houston when they encountered the unexpected violence. DiNoto described the moment they first heard the gunshots as a shocking and unsettling experience. I didnt see him, but knowing that he was on the overpass as I saw it, you know, I was just very much in disbelief, disbelief about everything, DiNoto said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: As they drove through London, DiNoto and Jeremy were startled by what they initially thought was either a rock hitting their windshield or a tire popping. It wasnt until they arrived in Knoxville that the full scope of the situation became clear. It was very, very loud, my ears were ringing, I jumped out of my seat, so did Jeremy and my first thought was that a rock had flown through my back window and I turned around real quick and the window was intact and then Jeremy said, Was that a gunshot? and I said, No, were on the interstate; why would it be a gunshot? DiNoto explained. Upon reaching Knoxville, DiNoto discovered significant damage to her car. We got out and looked at my car and there was a huge dent in the rim and I can actually fit the tip of my index in the dent and then above that the paint is chipped off of the back corner panel and thats the side of the vehicle that the noise came from, she said. DiNoto speculates that the bullet may have ricocheted off a nearby white pickup truck, causing the damage to her vehicle. If I had to guess, I would assume that the white pickup truck was the one that was actually shot and then the ricochet from the bullet hit my vehicle, she said. The realization of how close she came to a potentially deadly situation hit DiNoto later that night. Then all these thoughts started racing through my head, like, Oh my gosh, he could have hit our tire and we couldve flipped, or the gas tank could have gotten hit and we could have exploded. Im definitely feeling very thankful and blessed that nothing serious happened, she added. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Back in London, the community is grappling with the aftermath of the incident. Mayor Randall Wedell expressed his surprise and concern, emphasizing the need for unity and vigilance. This has impacted every county close to us. Everybodys been on edge. But this is southeast Kentucky and we dont need to forget and we need to come together and dispel the chaos and remember that we are strong individuals here, Wedell said. In an earlier news briefing, Kentucky State Police urged the community to stay vigilant and report any information that might assist in locating the suspect, Joseph Couch. Even if you think its nothing, it could be something that helps locate Couch, authorities emphasized. As the investigation continues, both the community and authorities remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to ensure the safety and security of everyone affected. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dylan Douglas, the son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, is entering the media business in a significant way. Douglas has signed on to host a weekly limited series for SiriusXM, beginning Sept. 14. The series, Young American with Dylan Douglas, will run on the SiriusXM Progress channel 127 on Saturdays at 11 a.m., with replays throughout the weekend. More from The Hollywood Reporter He plans to engage his social media followers (including about 80,000 on Instagram) and involve them in the conversations. Douglas, who graduated from Brown University in 2022, has worked mostly in politics up until now, including on campaigns and for grassroots organizations. Earlier this year his parents hosted a fundraiser for President Joe Biden, and Dylan joined his father in introducing him, according to a White House pool report. Hes now stepping in front of the microphone because he feels strongly that his generation needs to play a more active and integral role in shaping the future of the country, according to SiriusXM. His show will focus on issues of importance to Gen Z, including reproductive rights, climate change, and gun control. Confirmed guests for the program include Sen. Ed Markey; gun reform activist David Hogg; Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Anderson Clayton; and Deja Foxx, founder of GenZ Girl Gang. SiriusXM Progress is the companys progressive channel, with hosts like Zerlina Maxwell, Dean Obeidallah, Michelangelo Signorile, John Fugelsang. Its been a wild ride the last couple of years. From the start of forever wars, the first Black president, culture wars, and now a second chance at a first female president, my generation has lived through some of the most transformative and tumultuous times in our history; and its only gonna get crazier, said Douglas in a statement. I wanna take you through it. On my show, I wont just talk you through the news of the day Ill underscore the larger issues spinning our country out of control. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) In a heartfelt tribute, a school in Eastern North Carolina is honoring the memory of both the victims of 9/11 and a teacher who recently died. Lieutenant Paul Miller was a teacher at Early College East for six years. Students, staff and the family of the teacher were at the high school. They came together to dedicate a new flag pole in his honor, as well as, the 9/11 victims. The flag pole now stands at the center of the schools campus. His son was one of our super seniors last year and he graduated and we thought that it was important to honor his legacy and in some way commemorate the time he spent here as a teacher and at Craven Community College, Principal of Early College East Kris Thompson said. For many, the tribute served as a reminder of the importance of the community, resilience and remembrance. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A man is seen outside HM Prison Liverpool on Tuesday morning as up to 1,750 prisoners are being released - Peter Byrne Prisoners released early on Tuesday will be back in jail within days after breaching their probation, a watchdog has warned. Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said that offenders freed under the Government scheme were almost bound to be sent back to jail within days or weeks because things will go wrong in the community and they would breach the terms of their licence. Up to 1,750 prisoners are being released on Tuesday 40 per cent of the way through their sentences rather than halfway to tackle jail overcrowding that saw the number of spare places in male prisons fall to just 300 on Monday. Mr Jones said there was also a certainty that some of the freed criminals would re-offend. So the numbers are that around about a third of people released from prison each year will be proven to have committed a further offence within a year, he told BBC Radio 4. And then, of course, theres a small risk that some of those offences will be serious, and whilst rare, that risk cannot be eliminated. The service is significantly overstretched The chief inspector said the main risk was that freed prisoners would end up homeless and, as a result, fall back into crime despite a pledge by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to ensure all 1,750 will have guaranteed accommodation for 12 weeks. What youre seeing this week is nearly 2,000 people being released. Thats nearly twice the number that ordinarily is released in any given week. Thats placing significant pressure on the probation service and the people that provide the accommodation underpinning that, said Mr Jones. He said that even though prison and probation officers had been given eight weeks to prepare for the early releases, he said the timetable was still not as good as people would have liked. I fear there will be pinch points in the coming days and weeks, particularly for example, around accommodation and ensuring that the probation officers have the information they need to manage those cases, said Mr Jones. He said the pressures on the probation service were as extreme as those facing the jails where they were at virtually 100 per cent capacity. We have too few probation officers, too few experienced probation officers, and that means that that service is significantly overstretched, he added. Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, said violent criminals who posed a high risk of harm to the public would be among the 1,750 released on Tuesday. Some cracks in the system The Government has excluded sex offenders, terrorists, convicted domestic abusers and anyone with a sentence for violence of more than four years. However, they will include offenders jailed for less than four years for violence and people who may have assaulted a partner or ex-partner including causing grievous bodily harm but who were not convicted of a specific domestic abuse offence such as stalking or coercive control. Mr Taylor said he suspected there would be early-release prisoners who would be back in jail within days, citing the example of cases his inspectors had uncovered involving prisoners released early on a Monday under the previous Governments scheme but back in jail by Wednesday. He said: Because this had to be done very quickly because there are very large numbers of people coming out, it is inevitable there will be some cracks in the system, and we have to hope that those people do get back into society and they dont go on to commit further offences, he 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. (KRON) An alleged gunman behind a pair of Bay Area freeway shootings last month has been arrested, the California Highway Patrol announced Tuesday. Officers with the CHPs Dublin Area office were dispatched on Aug. 3 at around 1:30 p.m. on a call regarding a freeway shooting on southbound Interstate 680 near Stoneridge Drive. The victim, police said, had been shot in the shoulder while driving in heavy traffic. A second freeway shooting was reported about 45 minutes later on the Industrial Parkway onramp to Interstate 880 northbound. CHP Hayward officers responded to the second call and interviewed the victim, who was uninjured, according to officials. Husband and wife duo busted, crack cocaine, illegal firearms seized: SJPD Detectives with the CHP Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit (SIU) responded and realized there were similarities in the description of the vehicle responsible for the two shootings. Using investigative tools including Flock Safety cameras, detectives identified the vehicle and 47-year-old Damien Lamont Harris as the suspect in both cases. Detectives obtained a warrant for the suspects arrest on charges that included attempted murder, assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. Search warrants for addresses he was associated with were also obtained, police said. On Aug. 29, CHP SIU detectives assisted by the Golden Gate Division Warrant Service Team, the Fairfield Police Department and the Alameda County Sheriffs Office served warrants at residences in Fairfield and Fremont. Harris was located at the Fairfield location and taken into custody without incident, officials said. During a subsequent search, officers located several firearms, ammunition, and suspected narcotics. Harris was booked into Solano County Jail on an outstanding warrant and additional charges related to items discovered during the search. The California Highway Patrol will not tolerate incidents of violence on our freeways, said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. The addition of investigative tools, such as Flock Safety cameras, provides us with more resources that assist us in identifying and arresting those responsible for these inexcusable acts on Bay Area roadways. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. East Timor turns out in force for Mass with Pope Francis East Timor turns out in force for Mass with Pope Francis By Joshua McElwee DILI (Reuters) -An estimated 600,000 people in East Timor, just under half its population, turned out in the baking heat on Tuesday for a Mass with Pope Francis at a coastal park synonymous with the country's long struggle for independence from Indonesia. Filling a wide, dusty area where Indonesian forces buried slain Timorese independence fighters, people arrived as early as 1 a.m. and sat on the ground, many braving the sun for hours in temperatures as high as 32 degrees Celsius (90F). Many sheltered under umbrellas decorated in the white and yellow colours of the Vatican flag, while others carried signs asking for blessings and sang local melodies, in one of the largest ever turnouts as a proportion of a country's population for a Mass during a papal visit. Rev. Pedro Amaral, one of hundreds of priests celebrating the Mass, said he came with 800 of his parishioners from Zumalai, a village about 140 km (85 miles) away. "I am so happy because we never thought we would see the pope," said the priest. School teacher Jamie Belo, 60, said he left home 12 hours before Mass to secure a spot to see the pope. Former Portuguese colony East Timor is a half-island nation of 1.3 million people north of Australia and one of only two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia. The Vatican estimated 600,000 had gathered for Tuesday's Mass. Many in the crowd on the outskirts of Dili, the capital, appeared young, with mothers and fathers holding babies or keeping children around their legs. 'TEEMING WITH LIFE' East Timor, or Timor-Leste, lost at least 102,800 people in the 1975-99 conflict with Indonesia, according to the U.N. It now has a median age of 20, according to official estimates. "How wonderful that here in Timor-Leste there are so many children!" Francis said during his homily for the Mass, looking out over the crowd. "Indeed, you are a young country, and we can see every corner of your land teeming with life." In off the cuff remarks at the end of the event, Francis appeared to repeat earlier warnings about imposing Western liberal values on the rest of the world. Noting some Timorese beaches have crocodiles, he told the crowd: "Be careful of those crocodiles that want to change your culture, your history". The pope's stop in East Timor is part of an ambitious 12-day, four-country tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, his longest yet. It is likely the most Catholic country in the world, with the Vatican saying about 96% of Timorese are adherents of the faith. Cardinal Carmo da Silva, Dili's archbishop, expressed "profound gratitude" to Francis in remarks after the Mass. The pope's visit, he said, "marks a fundamental step in the process of building our country, its identity and its culture". After the Mass, Francis toured the large crowd in an open-top popemobile, waving and offering his blessing. Francis is the first pope to visit East Timor in 35 years, following John Paul II, whose appearance gave the country's independence movement an historic boost. 'PEACE PARK' Like Francis, John Paul also celebrated Mass at the Tasitolu, now a protected area and "Peace Park" that overlooks the waters of the island's northern coast. John Paul's Mass, held during the occupation, ended with a small chair-throwing melee between anti-government demonstrators and police officers. The late pope was unharmed. Francis' visit, held during the 25th anniversary of the vote for independence, at times resembled something more like an enormous party. Crowds gathered for km (miles) in the streets around Dili throughout Tuesday to follow the pope's events, which also included a meeting with Catholic bishops at the cathedral and a visit with disabled children at a local Catholic school. The 87-year-old pontiff, using a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, was often rolled near the rope lines outside his events. People gathered around him, touched his hands, kissed his silver papal ring, or offered a tais, a traditional woven scarf, for him to wear. Dancers in feathered headdresses also played small drums. The Mass, the largest papal event since Francis' visit to Portugal last year for the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festival, featured readings in Portuguese, Tetum, and five other local languages. Francis is visiting East Timor until Wednesday as part of a tour that also included stops in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. He travels next to Singapore, before returning to Rome on Sept. 13. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee and Willy Kurniawan; Editing by Martin Petty, Kim Coghill, William Maclean) MACKINAW, Ill. (WYZZ) Easterseals of Central Illinois is preparing to put on its Burt Mercier Memorial Claybird Classic. Its an event that encapsulates Burts love for the outdoors while raising money for a good cause. Burt Mercier was passionate about helping children with disabilities, which is why Easterseals of Central Illinois is putting on this event in his name. Tim Mercier, Burts son, stopped by to tell us a little more about the event. At the Claybird Classic event, sponsors will get to shoot one hundred rounds of orange clay ammo, have fun with friends, and enjoy the great outdoors; all while raising money for camperships. These scholarships help give children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in many of the recreational activities available at the Timber Pointe Outdoor Center near Lake Bloomington. Some of these kid-friendly camp activities include zip lining, shooting a bow and arrow, riding horses, and swimming in a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool. Tom Mercier says that this event is a great way to pay it forward in honor of his dads memory and give kids the chance to do something they normally are not able to do. All of those funds go to help those kids that really have grown up not having the same things weve been able to do and this gives them the opportunity to do all of these fun activities. The Burt Mercier Claybird Classic will take place at Oak Ridge Sportsmans Club in Mackinaw on Thursday, September 19 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Itinerary: 11:30 a.m. | Check-in 12:00 p.m. | Lunch 12:30 p.m. | Welcome & Safety Briefly (required) 1:00 p.m. | Shotgun Start 3:30 p.m. | Social & Auction 4:30 p.m. | Dinner, Awards & Closing Remarks Tickets start at $350, which includes ammo, lunch, dinner, and a social hour. To register, or find out more about higher sponsorship levels, participants can visit the Easterseals events page, under the Get Involved tab. Love Good Day Central Illinois? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our Daily 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 CIProud.com. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) If youve woken up with a chill the past few days, its no surprise. Temperatures are getting cooler, indicating flu season is upon us. As it approaches, its important to be proactive. Whether its taking care of a runny nose, or other flu-like symptoms, health experts are making people aware of the flu before its at peak season. ECU Health Officials are urging citizens to get a head start this season by getting your vaccines. The CDC said North Carolina is at a moderate to minimal level of flu cases. Currently, there is a rise in COVID-19 cases, but as we get closer to the fall, the flu will become more dominant. So, we are coming into the respiratory viral season. So that includes influenza, COVID-19 and a little bit of RSV as well. As long as some of your regular cold viruses. Currently, were seeing a lot of COVID-19 going around right now. Thats the predominant virus. But as the weathers starting to get colder, were very likely to see more influenza, ECU Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Jacob Pierce said. Dr. Pierce said vaccinations are starting to become available at local pharmacies and primary care clinics. If you want to schedule a vaccination or have questions about services available, ECU Health recommends contacting your primary care doctor. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Election Q&A: How do I request my absentee ballot for the November election? This story is one in a Lansing State Journal Q&A series about the upcoming election. Have a question about voting, ballots or results? Ask it in the form at the bottom of this story. We'll get you the answer. Q: When can I request my absentee ballot for the election? Michigan voters don't have to wait until Nov. 5 to cast their ballot. As a matter of fact, they don't even have to wait until October. Michigan's expanded absentee voting means voters can get an absentee ballot on Sept. 26 and vote that day, or any time between then and when polls close on Election Day. For people who want to vote absentee, there are two main steps: Getting and returning the ballot. How do I request an absentee ballot? The easiest way for voters to get an absentee ballot is to get on the permanent absentee ballot list with their city, township or village clerk, the official responsible for election administration at the local level. An eligible and registered voter who joins the permanent list will have an absentee ballot mailed to them before each election in which they're eligible to cast a vote. They can get on the permanent list when applying for an absentee ballot. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online, but must do so before 5 p.m. on Nov. 1, the Friday before the Nov. 5 election. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online through the Secretary of State's Office. Voters should have their driver's license or state ID card ready when applying, which takes just a few minutes. Voters can also contact their clerk's office directly, either by phone or in-person, to start the application process. The Secretary of State's Office has a list of contact information for local election clerks. Voters who want to cast an absentee ballot must request one by Nov. 4, at which point they must apply in person at their clerk's office. More: Caught in the 'election wars:' Michigan clerks face increasing pressure as November nears How do I return my absentee ballot? All absentee ballots must be received by a local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, but voters have options for how to return them. They can mail their ballot to their clerk with the included envelope or return it directly to a clerk's office during business hours. Absentee ballots can also be deposited into a secure drop box. Drop box locations can be found on the Secretary of State's voter information website. The drop boxes must be available by Sept. 26, the first day voters can get their ballots. Starting Oct. 1 through Election Day, the local clerk's office will check drop boxes each day and collect any election materials. How do I track my absentee ballot? Voters can track their ballot's progress online by searching for their voter information through the state. The state encourages voters who are returning an absentee ballot within two weeks of the Nov. 5 election to deliver them to their clerk in person or in a drop box to avoid possible mail delivery issues. How do I check whether I've requested an absentee ballot? Voters can see whether they're already requested an absentee ballot, or if they're on the permanent list, when filling out an application or by contacting their local clerk. More: How secure are Michigan election ballots? Here's how the process works Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at mjmencarini@lsj.com. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: How do I request my absentee ballot for elections in Michigan? Its election season, so of course the AZGOP is using a racist lie to scare voters Photo via Getty Images In what ought to be a headline in The Onion but is instead a clear reminder of the deplorable state of political discourse from MAGA world, the Arizona Republican Party has launched a billboard campaign declaring that only the GOP opposes eating kittens. I wish this was just monkeyshines, but its very, very real. The billboards, which ape the iconic Chik-Fil-A billboards featuring cows encouraging people to eat chicken sandwiches instead of hamburgers, are quite insane. The purpose, AZGOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda crowed in a press release, is to highlight disturbing stories about illegal immigrants perpetrating unthinkable behavior in Ohio that acts as a sobering reminder of the stakes in the election. Its all hogwash. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The new billboard based on a racist lie about Haitian immigrants that the Arizona Republican Party has launched. Photo courtesy Arizona Republican Party A quick bit of background is probably warranted, because the story is the perfect example of how the right-wing disinformation media ecosystem works and how MAGA voters are eager to accept any lie about the people they despise, regardless of how idiotic it is. In the past week, claims went viral on social media in particular on X, the once-great site known as Twitter that has become a hive of right-wing extremism and racism that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing pet cats and eating them. Others supposedly were chowing down on swans and ducks they caught in public parks. On Sept. 8, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, Donald Trumps vice presidential pick, posted the batty rumor on X, blaming Kamala Harris for the alleged noshing on pets. The claim has since been amplified by a host of right-wing influencers and politicians, who all credulously swallowed the story hook, line and sinker and performatively wailed about it. If they cared about the truth and be sure, they absolutely dont theyd have quickly discovered that the claim is bull. It stems from an anonymous post on a Springfield Facebook group, according to the Springfield News-Sun, the local newspaper in the city of about 60,000 people that fact-checked the bonkers story. The Facebook post presented as fact unverified third-hand information about a cat allegedly being mutilated and claimed that local law enforcement was aware of a problem involving Haitians butchering local pets or waterfowl. Except the police said there have been no reports of that, and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said theres exactly zero evidence that any geese or ducks were being killed and eaten by anyone, immigrant or not. To sum up: The Trump campaign is pushing a disgustingly racist lie to smear the 20,000 or so Haitian immigrants that have helped revitalize Springfield, where they work in a Honda factory and a Dole fruit-packing center. And now the Arizona Republican Party is doggedly using that racist fabrication as a way to scare voters into backing Trump, even though everyone knows theres no truth to it. This is the culmination of the Trump effect on Republicans and the conservative movement. Alternative facts are all that matters, and the partys leaders wont be cowed into humility or reasonable behavior. Its lies and naked racism all the way down. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HER2DX was evaluated in tumor samples from 214 patients with advanced HER2+ breast cancer treated with docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab. The ERBB2 mRNA levels determined by HER2DX have shown a significant association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). HER2DX is the worlds first diagnostic test formulated specifically for HER2+ breast cancer. BARCELONA, Spain, September 10, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REVEAL GENOMICS S.L., a biotech start-up seeking to revolutionize precision oncology through diagnostic innovation, today released further evidence supporting HER2DX, the worlds first specialized genomic test for HER2+ breast cancer. These results were obtained in collaboration with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Basel, Switzerland) after analyzing HER2DX in tumor samples from the CLEOPATRA phase III clinical trial (NCT00567190). Despite the well-established benefit of the standard taxane-trastuzumab-pertuzumab (THP) treatment regimen, the evolving landscape of HER2-positive breast cancer may offer new therapies and combinations in the future. The potential for future therapies underscores the need for precise biomarkers to guide treatment decisions, emphasizing the appropriate anti-HER2 treatment sequence. Previous real-world evidence studies in HER2+ advanced breast cancer have shown that the HER2DX ERBB2 score is significantly associated with patient survival outcomes both in the first-line setting with THP1 and in later lines with T-DM1 monotherapy2. For the first time, the investigators evaluated the ability of the HER2DX ERBB2 mRNA score to predict long-term survival outcomes in 214 patients treated with THP in the pivotal CLEOPATRA phase III trial3. The results showed a strong association of HER2DX ERBB2 mRNA score with PFS and OS. The CLEOPATRA trial had randomized patients with advanced HER2+ breast cancer to first-line docetaxel-trastuzumab +/- pertuzumab (i.e., TH vs. THP) until progression of the disease or unacceptable toxicity3. THP showed superior PFS and OS compared to docetaxel-trastuzumab, leading to the FDA approval of pertuzumab in 2012. The median follow-up period for patients at the conclusion of the trial was 99.9 months3. "The results of HER2DX in the CLEOPATRA trial are remarkable and highlight the test's strong value in selecting patients who are more likely to achieve disease control and extended survival outcomes with the existing HER2 standards of care", commented Dr. Javier Cortes, Chief of the International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC, Spain) and Co-founder of MEDSIR. He added, "HER2DX in this setting will help decide the type of anti-HER2 therapies and their sequence. Patients with a HER2DX ERBB2-low score require closer attention, as they may not respond as well and may need alternative therapeutic strategies to improve their outcomes." Story continues Dr. Patricia Villagrasa, CEO and Co-founder of REVEAL GENOMICS, concluded, "Todays positive results for HER2DX are another significant step forward for our company. We look forward to working with healthcare payers and providers to make this test reimbursed and available worldwide for both early and metastatic settings." Detailed results of this study will be presented at an upcoming medical congress and submitted for publication. About the HER2DX test HER2DX is the worlds first diagnostic test formulated specifically for HER2+ breast cancer. Marketed by REVEAL GENOMICS since January 2022, the HER2DX is a standardized 27-gene expression test for patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer. HER2DX is a prognostic, predictive assay based on clinical and genomic data. The test integrates clinical information (i.e., tumor size and nodal status) with biological information tracking immune response, luminal differentiation, tumor cell proliferation, and expression of the HER2 17q12-21 chromosomal amplicon, including the ERBB2 gene. About HER2+ breast cancer HER2+ breast cancer accounts for 20% of all diagnosed breast tumors. This represents more than 390,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide every year, meaning that, on average, 3 women are diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer every 4 minutes. HER2+ breast cancer is clinically, and biologically heterogeneous, and standard clinical-pathologic assessment is not sufficient to capture this heterogeneity. Understanding this biological heterogeneity is key to identifying the prognosis of each patient and the benefit from systemic therapies targeting HER2. About REVEAL GENOMICS REVEAL GENOMICS, S.L. is a biotechnology start-up seeking to change the way biomarkers are used in oncology. It is focused on developing innovative diagnostic tools to define the best therapeutic options for patients with cancer. The company uses pioneering techniques, sophisticated computer applications, and machine learning to reveal new cancer research data. REVEAL GENOMICS, S.L. is a spin-off of Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, the University of Barcelona (U.B.), and the Vall dHebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). REVEAL GENOMICS and HER2DX are registered trademarks of REVEAL GENOMICS, S.L. For more information, visit www.reveal-genomics.com or follow us on X @revealgenomics. References: 1. Bayona RS, Martinez-Saez O, Romero DR, et al: 13P HER2DX ERBB2 mRNA score in first-line metastatic HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC): Implications for treatment stratification. ESMO Open 9, 2024 2. Braso-Maristany F, Griguolo G, Chic N, et al: HER2DX ERBB2 mRNA expression in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer treated with T-DM1. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute 115:332-336, 2022 3. Swain SM, Miles D, Kim S-B, et al: Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (CLEOPATRA): end-of-study results from a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study. The Lancet Oncology 21:519-530, 2020 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910563143/en/ Contacts Adriana Herrera aherrera@reveal-genomics.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Southwest Keys Casa Trail House shelter in Montana Vista is closing, according to a letter sent to KTSM. The letter reads in part: Southwest Key will discontinue providing services to the office of Refugee Resettlement for the care of unaccompanied children. As a result, Casa Trail House will close and all program staff will be laid off effective Nov. 9. DOJ sues Texas-based nonprofit on allegations of sexual abuse, harassment of children Sources have told KTSM that there are about 700 employees at the facility. This 25-acre shelter, funded through federal grants, opened in October 2020. It is located in Montana Vista and is designed to accommodate more than 500 children. Southwest Key did not give a reason for the closure. As we previously reported, the Department of Justice is suing the nonprofit, accusing employees at some of their shelters, including one in Downtown El Paso, of raping, touching, and soliciting sex and nude images from children. Southwest Key sent us the following statement, saying that services at their Montana Vista shelter are being discontinued and the facility will close. About 670 people work there. Since assuming management there nearly three years ago from the previous operator, Casa Trail House has served thousands of children and youth, and everyone there can take pride in the efforts they made to support those who needed our help. We are sincerely grateful for their efforts. Nonetheless, we will end operations at Casa Trail House effective September 10, 2024. All staff at Casa Trail House will continue to receive pay and benefits through November 9. Additionally, we will collaborate with the Texas Workforce Commission to assist Casa Trail House employees in exploring other employment opportunities and writing resumes. Southwest Key Programs thanks all the staff at Casa Trail House for their commitment to the shared mission. Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) There are only a couple months left before Austinites will head to the polls to vote for mayor and potentially a new city council member for their district. From the Austin Police Association Political Action Committee, to the Austin Central Labor Council to Community Powered ATX to the Liberal Austin Democrats endorsements are pouring out for local races. Brian Smith, a political science professor at St. Edwards University, said those endorsements for local races are hugely important because the races are nonpartisan meaning you wont have an R or a D to rely on in the voting booth. LIST: Whos running for Austin City Council, mayor in 2024? You just cant fall back on your party ID, and you need to find information in other ways, and what endorsements do is they give a candidate credibility when there isnt a lot of information out there, Smith said. Thats particularly important in local races where candidates dont get as much attention as those running for say senate or president. It can be overwhelming with candidates making announcements in newsletters on social media and through the mail announcing new endorsements as we near November. I think what theyre looking for sometimes is not the quality of the endorsement, but the quantity. Usually, youre going to see a whole host of different organizations endorsing a candidate. So people are going to look to see how many endorsements they have, Smith said. Endorsements in the mayoral race This list of candidates is in the order you will see them on your ballot. You can read about each candidate here. Carmen Llanes Pulido Anne-Charlotte Patterson, Vice Chair of the Austin Music Commission Community leader Dr. Kazique Prince Llanes Pulido has been announcing endorsements using social media. Jeffery L. Bowen On Aug. 19, the final day to file to be on the ballot, Bowen announced he was running for mayor He just recently unveiled his website and endorsements are not yet available. Doug Greco LGBTQ+ Victory Fund AISD Trustee Ofelia Zapata Dolores Huerta and the Dolores Huerta Action Fund You can find endorsement announcements for Doug Greco here. Mayor Kirk Watson IAFF Local 975 (Austin Firefighters Association) Austin-Travis County EMS employee association Home Builders Association of Greater Austin You can find a full list of campaign endorsers for Mayor Kirk Watson here. Kathie Tovo Sierra Club Political Committee of Texas Tovo does not have a list of endorsements on her website and does not have recent posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) announcing endorsements. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We have enough funds Ukraine's PM on financing Armed Forces operation in Russian Kursk Oblast Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, stated during a news conference on 10 September that the military operation in Kursk Oblast of the Russian Federation is funded by the country's general defence budget, and there are sufficient finances to ensure it. Source: Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "Ukraine today is conducting a defensive operation on all front lines. We finance our security and defence forces, our Armed Forces from one budget. There are no separate budgets for individual defensive or offensive operations we have one budget for our Armed Forces." Details: The Prime Minister stressed that this budget is being implemented today, and there are enough funds. "The Kursk operation is not allocated as a separate budget. The Kursk operation is a defensive operation on the front line with the enemy," said Shmyhal. Read also: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi's raid: how the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast is progressing and what to expect next Background: The operation in Kursk Oblast began on 6 August. On 10 August, on the fifth day of the Ukrainian army's offensive deep into Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine had brought the war to Russian territory. On 27 August, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that since the beginning of the operation in Kursk Oblast in Russia, Ukraine had captured 594 Russian soldiers and controlled more than 100 settlements or 1,294 square kilometres. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that such actions are aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent Russian military operations against Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin persistently continues to downplay the success of the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast, trying his best to convince Russian society that Ukraines control over 100 Russian settlements means nothing. However, on 5 September, he said that the "sacred duty" of Russian soldiers is to retake the part of Kursk Oblast that is currently controlled by the Ukrainian military. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia had redeployed 60,000 troops to Kursk Oblast from the war zone in Ukraine due to the success of Ukraine's Kursk operation. Support UP or become our patron! Freshly dead mussel shells glisten in the sunlight in just a few inches of water in the Duck River on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. The river is low due to drought, and environmental advocates fear plans to increase water withdrawals for utilities will further damage the river. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Spears of sunlight pierce through the trees to illuminate dust clouds on the winding dirt road to Doug Jones riverside property in Centerville, Tenn. Weeks of dry, hot weather have left the ground parched. Down the road, about 100 feet of riverbank usually submerged in the Duck River lies exposed, dotted with the pearly, iridescent shells of recently perished freshwater mussels. Most of Hickman County was enveloped by extreme drought as of Sept. 3, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Water flow levels along the Duck River have fallen to levels comparable to a severe drought in 2007 and 2008, United States Geological Survey data shows. But its the increase in dead mussels that environmental advocates find particularly disturbing. Freshwater mussel expert Don Hubbs combed the banks of the Duck River from Shelbyville to Columbia in mid-July when water levels were low, but not yet as low as they are now. In locations near existing or proposed sites where eight utility companies draw water from the river, Hubbs found 565 fresh dead mussels, more than half of which were federally protected species. Ankle-deep in the river on Jones land on Sept. 5, Hubbs hefted a 1.5-pound Washboard mussel from the water. Named for the ridges on their shells, Washboard mussels can live up to 100 years, Hubbs said. The 10-inch specimen in his hand was likely 50 years old. One that size can filter bacteria and algae from up to 50 gallons of water each day, he said. We have the responsibility to protect these resources, because in the end, mussels are doing their job for us here every day, filtering the water, supporting fisheries theyre integral parts of the aquatic ecosystem, and theyre the first to go and theyre the last to come back, Hubbs said. Don Hubbs of DJH Environmental Services LLC holds various kinds of Tennessee mussels that are being harmed by drought and water withdrawal from the Duck River. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Mussels are like canaries in the coal mine, Southern Environmental Law Center Tennessee Director George Nolan said. Their deaths signal a state of crisis for the Duck River, a sign that one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America is at risk. The SELC called on Tennessee officials in late August to take immediate action to conserve water and protect the river from impending peril. Triggers for the Duck River Development Agencys current decade-old drought management plan are flawed, failing to truly reflect downstream river health, Nolan said. Water utilities and cities have done little to publicly encourage reducing water consumption, with the exception of Spring Hill, he said. Last week, the agency declared the river to be in a Stage 1 River Drought and asked all downstream entities to enact voluntary water conservation measures, limiting non-essential uses like outdoor recreation, filling pools, irrigation and washing driveways and sidewalks. Its also launching a Drought Response Team composed of state and local officials who will assess conditions weekly and escalate the response if needed, Duck River Agency Executive Director Doug Murphy said in a statement. George Nolan, Tennessee executive director of the Southern Environmental Law Center, speaks about how additional water withdrawals from the Duck River could impact the river's ecosystem. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) But the SELC is also pushing for stricter limits on the percentage of riverflow that water utilities can remove from the river, particularly during times of drought. As Middle Tennessee rapidly develops, the state is considering a plan that would allow utility companies to withdraw up to 73 million gallons from the river per day, an increase of 19 million gallons from the current ceiling. For environmental advocates, thats cause for alarm. This year, the Duck River is listed among American Rivers 10 most endangered rivers thanks to threats posed by excessive water withdrawals, according to the Washington D.C.-based organization. There is well-deserved attention thats being applied to (the Duck River), and its really time for our government leaders to step forward and start protecting the river, Nolan said. How much is too much? At 284 miles long, the Duck River is the longest river entirely situated within Tennessees borders, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The state agency is in the process of issuing water withdrawal permits for eight utility companies that pull water from the river, approving its first three permits in March. The SELC is challenging those permits in court on behalf of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, claiming they do not sufficiently protect the rivers wildlife, water quality and health. Environmental advocacy groups like the SELC want permits to feature stricter limits on waste due to leakage, robust drought management plans with water withdrawal guardrails and daily public reports from utilities about their rates of withdrawal. Moreover, they want a long-term plan that takes the health of the entire watershed into account. Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, said each utility has its own drought plan, which is different from the Duck River Development Agencys plan. They each have their own indicators, which can be self-serving. He wants to see Gov. Bill Lee and TDEC put pressure on utility companies to enact their drought management plans. Hed also like to see consideration of long-term solutions, perhaps including piping water from the Tennessee River to communities that need it. Nobody is looking below the last public intake in the river, which is Columbia, to see what the effects are downstream, Barrett said. Hickman Countys main water source is the Duck River, and it is directly impacted by decisions made upriver. We rely on the folks upstream of us on the river to not take too much, Barrett said. Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates wrote a letter to Lee on Aug. 30 in strong opposition to requests to withdraw more water near Columbia, which could have significant downstream effects on the entire watershed, impacting agriculture, recreation and wildlife health. It is imperative that we prioritize the preservation of our natural ecosystem and the health of our rivers over short-term industrial or municipal needs, Bates wrote. Lees office could not be reached for comment. Landowner Doug Jones and Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, believe the Duck River is in danger because of water withdrawal upstream. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Don Hubbs of DJH Biological Services picks up various kinds of dead freshwater mussels in the Duck River. Mussels are considered the "canary in the coal mine" when it comes to overall river health. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) A bank of dry rocks and dead mussel shells shows how far the water level of the Duck River has receded in Centerville, Tenn. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) Murphy, the Duck River Development Agency director, wrote in an email that the balance of providing water that is both sustainable for the environment and supportive of economic growth can be best protected by using good science and decision models of the river. Nolan said the current drought condition measures are fundamentally flawed the Duck River Development Agencys Drought Management Plan is based on water levels behind Normandy Dam, which dont reflect down-river levels. Murphy said parts of the Upper Duck River Basin are connected to the ground water table, and this can pull back portions of the river during times of severe drought. Regulatory flows are being met at the targets which have always provided flows that are adequate to protect aquatic life, he wrote. Perhaps what we are experiencing is more of the river being used to replenish the ground water table which has caused low flows in a section of the river. Models are rarely completely accurate, Nolan said. I think the real proof is whats happening on the river. And when you have hundreds of endangered freshwater mussels that are dying up and down the river during a period of drought and no one is doing anything to ratchet down the water consumption, from our perspective, thats a problem. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Many of the victims' bodies lie in graves with no names, only numbers (Khaled Nasraoui) (Khaled Nasraoui/AFP/AFP) One year after a wall of water swept through eastern Libya's coastal city of Derna, killing thousands and causing devastation, reconstruction is under way but essential services are lacking, NGOs say. On September 10, 2023, extreme rainfall from hurricane-strength Storm Daniel caused two dams to burst inland from Derna, which lies some 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) east of the capital Tripoli. The flooding killed nearly 4,000 people, left thousands missing and displaced more than 40,000 others, according to the United Nations. Near a now dry valley where people and rubble were swept away a year ago by the rushing floodwaters, cranes and trailers are busy. Once home to around 120,000 inhabitants, Derna has become a vast construction site in which homes, schools, roads and bridges are all being rebuilt. The whitewashed facades of the city's buildings had long contrasted with the blue of the Mediterranean. Today Derna is bleak with cinder blocks and the grey concrete of unfinished buildings. "We expected things to go better," said Mohamed Azouz. "Work is moving slowly in our street, one of the worst-hit areas. "We stayed on the street for a month, a month and a half" after the disaster, he added. Libya is still grappling with the aftermath of the armed conflict and political chaos that followed the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi. - 'Precarious conditions' - The country is now divided between an internationally recognised Tripoli-based government in the west, led by interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Belgacem Haftar, one of the field marshal's six sons, has been the figurehead for reconstruction in Derna. Last week, he told reporters including from AFP that 70 percent of reconstruction projects in Derna had been completed. Haftar said 3,500 homes have been rebuilt, and maintenance work had been carried out on the city's power grid and in schools. But on Tuesday, in a joint statement with other groups including the Norwegian Refugee Council, the International Rescue Committee said the flooding "has left critical gaps in essential services" even a year later. "Numerous families continue to face challenges in obtaining essential necessities, with many displaced people living in precarious conditions," the statement added. It noted that many people still have no access to clean water. It said healthcare facilities faced challenges "including poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, and hygiene supply shortages, putting both patients and workers at risk". It also said "health risks and shortages of essential medicines persist, particularly for women and children". "Psychosocial support, especially for children, needs scaling up as health workers continue to see cases of trauma, grief, and anxiety," the group added. - Contested figures - The real number of those killed in the disaster may never be known. Families of some victims have contested the death toll announced by officials in the east. Authorities put the number of dead at around 3,800 people -- based on the number of bodies buried -- but the families believe many more died. Walking alongside tombstones in a flood victims' cemetery in Derna, Achraf Mansour, a volunteer with the Libyan Red Crescent, told AFP the main challenge had been "recording deaths". Kamal al-Siwi, head of the General Authority for the Search and Identification of Missing Persons, said that as of September 5, "we had 3,028 reports of deaths from families". This "added to the bodies found in submerged homes, in the sea or on the banks of the wadi, making up a total of 3,734 victims". Siwi said this "difference of 700" bodies represents cases not reported by relatives, some of whom live outside the country. Far higher tolls have been reported by different NGOs, officials, and media outlets. Libya analyst Anas El Gomati told AFP that a death toll of "14,000 to 24,000" was more plausible. He said authorities in the east have been "minimising the death toll (in order to) minimise their culpability". Siwi said he had "heard frightening figures with media reports of between 50,000 and 100,000 deaths", which he believed were unreliable. Many victims of the tragedy have not been identified. In the cemetery where they are interred, rows of tombstones do not bear names. Instead, the people buried there have only numbers, victims of the flood whose identities remain unknown. str-rb/fka/bou/srm The European Union and Armenia formally began discussions on Sept. 9 on a visa-free regime between the two parties. EU ambassadors in July approved the launch of a visa-free dialogue with Armenia to begin talks on a visa-free regime between the two. "This is a significant moment for the relations between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia," the country's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Sept. 9 as he welcomed EU dignitaries ahead of the talks. Pashinyan held the discussions in Yerevan with European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas, as well as other EU officials. "I am pleased that noticeable progress is being made in our relations. Negotiations on the liberalization of the visa regime are starting, and a decision has been made to support the Republic of Armenia through the European Peace Facility, which we highly appreciate," Pashinyan added, referring to the EU approving its first-ever military support package to Armenia in July. Armenia, who has long been close with Russia, is now seeking to distance itself after repeatedly accusing Moscow of being an unreliable partner. Relations between the two countries have continued to sour after Russian "peacekeepers" declined to act during conflicts between Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-backed entity on internationally recognized Azeri territory, and Azerbaijan, from 2020 to 2023. Late last month, Armenia suspended its participation in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) "at all levels." On the same day of the start of dialogue between the two parties, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accepted Kazakhstan's offer to serve as a broker for peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh - although relations between the two countries remain distant. Instead, Armenia has attempted to strengthen ties with Western countries amid growing tensions with Russia and Azerbaijan. In March, Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan revealed that the country is considering applying for membership in the EU. Pashinyan and other Armenian officials have also sought to foster security ties with other countries, such as France, the U.S., or India, as relations with Russia continue to sour. Read also: Explainer: Why Armenia-Russia relations continue to deteriorate Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The News The European Court of Justice took aim at both Apple and Google on Tuesday, ruling that the tech giants owe billions in taxes and fines in two key cases. The court determined Apple owes Ireland $14.3 billion in back taxes while Google was fined almost $3 billion after the court upheld an antitrust ruling claiming the company prioritized its own Google Shopping links during search. The EU has been trying to rein in the power of Big Tech firms and crack down on behavior it deems anti-competitive with laws that threaten large fines or even interdicts against companies that dont comply with their terms. The US is also taking steps to regulate anti-competitive behavior in tech. The Department of Justice has brought Google to court twice this year already, with cases analyzing the companys monopoly of online search and its dominance of the online ad business. The European Union has evidence that Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, EU spokesperson Peter Stano said on Sept. 9, Deutsche Welle reported. The statement came after recent media reports that Tehran has sent ballistic missiles to boost Russian forces amid their ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine. According to Stano, the EU has "credible" information from allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. "We are looking further into it with our member states, and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," he said. "The EU leaders' unanimous position has always been clear. The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran." U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel also warned on Sept. 9 that the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles from to Moscow will signify a "dramatic escalation." The Times reported 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. Following the reports, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that if Iran provides ballistic missiles to Russia, "it will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations." Iran denied it had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, calling reports to the contrary "psychological warfare." Moscow gave an evasive answer when asked about the reports on Sept. 9. 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. The European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell warned on Tuesday that increased violence in the occupied West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war erupted meant it risked becoming "a new Gaza". Violence in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967 and is separated from the Gaza Strip by Israeli territory, has flared alongside the war that began after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Borrell said Israel was opening "a new front... with a clear objective: to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza - in rising violence, delegitimising the Palestinian Authority and stimulating provocations to react forcefully." Israel was also "not shying away from saying to the face of the world that the only way to reach a peaceful settlement is to annex the West Bank and Gaza," Borrell added at a ministerial meeting of the Arab League in Cairo. He accused "radical members of the Israeli government" of trying to make it "impossible to create a future Palestinian state", which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several cabinet members have painted as a threat to Israel. Some Israeli ministers have recently called to increase military operations in the West Bank. "Without action, the West Bank will become a new Gaza," Borrell said. "And Gaza will become a new West Bank, as settlers' movements are preparing new settlements," he told the meeting. "The international community deplores, feels, and condemns, but finds it hard to act." Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank hit a record in 2023, according to Israeli rights group Yesh Din, and the European Union has said last year saw the most settlement building permits issued in decades. Some 490,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, in settlements which are illegal under international law, alongside three million Palestinians. Since the Gaza war began on October 7, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 662 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. At least 23 Israelis, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks in the West Bank during the same period, Israeli officials say. On Tuesday, Israel's military said it was "highly likely" that its forces "unintentionally" shot dead a US-Turkish activist last week, during a protest in the West Bank against settlement expansion. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was killed on Friday in the town of Beita, the site of weekly demonstrations against Israeli settlements. cgo/srm/ami (Bloomberg) -- Russias communications watchdog Roskomnadzor plans to spend 59 billion rubles ($644 million) over the next five years to upgrade its internet traffic-filtering capabilities, the Russian edition of Forbes reported on Tuesday. Most Read from Bloomberg The money will be used to upgrade hardware used to filter internet traffic, as well as block or slow down certain resources, Forbes reported, citing documents. Russia passed a law in 2019 to enable the country to cut itself off entirely from the internet, in what it calls a campaign to maintain its digital sovereignty. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin forced out several foreign social media and internet companies, although many services remain accessible via virtual private networks, or VPNs. The system upgrades will allow Russian authorities to better restrict access to VPNs, according to the document. New equipment has been purchased yearly since 2020 as traffic volumes grow, Roskomnadzors press service said, according to Forbes. The Biden administration recently hosted representatives of several major tech companies, including Amazon.com Inc., Alphabet Inc.s Google and Microsoft Corp., to discuss government-funded internet censorship evasion tools, Reuters reported last week. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Hungary's State Secretary Bence Retvari, right, and National Deputy Chief of Police Janos Kuczik hold a joint press conference at the bus station of Nepliget, Budapest, Hungary, Friday Sept. 6, 2024. (Tibor Illyes/MTI via AP) BRUSSELS (AP) Hungarys threat to send a bus convoy of migrants to Brussels in protest against European Union policies is unacceptable and would prompt EU retaliatory action, the blocs powerful executive branch warned on Tuesday. Hungarys anti-immigrant government signaled last week that it is serious about giving migrants free one-way travel to Brussels, a measure meant to pressure the European Commission into dropping heavy fines imposed on Hungary over its restrictive asylum policies. In June, the European Court of Justice ordered Hungary to pay a fine of 200 million euros ($216 million) for persistently breaking the blocs asylum rules, and an additional 1 million euros per day until it brings policies into line with EU law. The government in Budapest is delaying payment. Asked about Hungarys plan, commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper said: It is unacceptable. This action, if carried out, would be in clear breach of the EU law, but also it would be in clear breach of the principle of sincere and loyal cooperation, but also of mutual trust, Hipper told reporters. The commission has its headquarters in the Belgian capital. In addition, it will also undermine the security of the Schengen area as a whole, she said, in reference to the 29-country zone where people and goods can cross borders without document checks. The commission is in contact with the Hungarian authorities and those in any neighboring countries that the convoy might pass through should it leave. Traveling overland, the buses would have to cross either France or Germany which along with Luxembourg and the Netherlands surround Belgium and possibly other EU member countries like Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia or the Czech Republic. We are also standing ready to use all our powers under the treaty to ensure that EU law is respected, Hipper said. But the most effective step would certainly be for other member countries to stop the buses by reintroducing border checks. Hipper did not elaborate on what action the commission is able to take, but it is difficult to see what kind of punishment might dissuade Hungary given that the country is already defying a court order to pay 200 million euros in fines. On Monday, Belgiums top migration official, Nicole de Moor, said Hungarys threat undermines solidarity and cooperation within the Union. Her office said the Belgian authorities will not provide access to any such migrant arrivals. (Bloomberg) -- With more than 22,000 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, Ukraine has been a key player in Europes energy markets for decades. But by the end of the year, those strategic assets might be stranded. Most Read from Bloomberg Listen to the Heres Why podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. While talks are intensifying ahead of the heating season, an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv to move Russian gas to Europe is unlikely to be renewed before it expires in December. That would halt flows, which continued through more than two years of the full-scale invasion, hitting the market at a critical period. The end of transit through Ukraine really represents the end of an era that has been slowly simmering, said Margarita Balmaceda, an international relations professor at Seton Hall University, who specializes in energy politics of the post-Soviet states. For the continents taut energy markets, it means more uncertainty, while Russia would lose one of the two remaining pipeline routes to Europe for its gas. But Ukraine may have the most at stake, losing funds to help sustain its energy infrastructure and its long-held strategic position as a conduit of affordable energy for western allies. For more than five decades, gas flows have been a key feature linking Russia, Ukraine and Europe. Ever since the Soviet Union collapsed, tensions over transit have been part of Russian and Ukrainian relations. Disputes led to supplies getting cut in 2006 and 2009, causing several European customers to get shut off for days during freezing temperatures. The current transit deal between Ukraines state-run energy company Naftogaz JSC and Russias Gazprom PJSC was agreed in late 2019, when Europes energy map looked completely different. Flows through the route now account for less than 5% of the continents supplies, but thats still enough to have an impact on energy security. The bitter reality for Ukraine now is that nobody needs a renewal of the gas-transit pact quite as much as Kyiv. Financially, it risks losing as much as $800 million a year in transit fees, according to estimates from Mykhailo Svyshcho, an analyst from Kyiv-based ExPro Consulting. Thats already about a third of what it used to be. While thats small change compared to the billions that Russia has lost from European customers since its 2022 invasion, it might take more than a revival of the pact to bring the flows back after the Kremlin sought to weaponize energy links. Most customers have managed to find alternatives. After relying on Russian gas for more than half of its needs before the invasion of Ukraine, Germany increased pipeline deliveries from Norway and ramped up facilities to import liquefied natural gas from around the world. Its now independent of imports via Ukraines pipelines. That said, the door isnt entirely closed. With Germanys manufacturing sector under pressure, some opposition parties and business leaders call for a return to cheaper pipeline deliveries from Russia. The Ukraine route would be the most viable after the Nord Stream pipeline to Germany was sabotaged in September 2022. Austria and Slovakia the main recipients of the fuel that still flows via Ukraine say theyre ready to move on from Russia-linked pipelines. Slovakias largest gas supplier SPP said its in a comfortable situation ahead of the winter. Austria is working under the assumption that gas via Ukraine stops in January, and the government in Vienna is hoping that will allow it to break contracts with Gazprom. Moscow though has other routes available to sell gas, including pipelines via Turkey, expanding links with China and LNG cargoes. But pipeline routes to Europe are limited given networks shut after the war because of damage or sanctions and a loss of Ukrainian volumes equates to roughly $6.5 billion on an annual basis at current prices, Bloomberg calculations show. Thats a strong incentive for the Kremlin to renew the deal. President Vladimir Putin left the door open last week, saying hes ready to continue gas transit via Ukraine beyond 2024. Despite being eager to maintain the networks relevance, Ukraine is trying to stick to red lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has vowed to exclude Russian molecules from the countrys transit network to cut off a flow of funds to the Kremlin. Instead, Kyiv is looking for other suppliers to help it leverage the assets, but a lack of Russian gas in the system could make the network even more of a military target than it was already. Ukraine has held transit talks with Azerbaijan, which already supplies gas to eight countries in Europe. Ilham Aliyev, the president of the Caspian Sea nation, said last week that discussions are under way on delivering the fuel to at least three more markets in Europe. At this stage there is no concrete proposal from traders to be discussed, Ukraines Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, said in an interview in Vienna on Tuesday. The country isnt negotiating any deal which would extend Russian natural gas transiting its territory, he added. The reality is that Azerbaijans gas production is insufficient as a full substitute in the short term and any replacement deal would likely include redirected Russian gas, according to Anne-Sophie Corbeau, a researcher at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. Flows at the same levels labeled as Azeri would be pure whitewashing of Russian gas, she said. Deals with Kazakhstan and other central Asian suppliers could also be an option, but time is tight to pull a plan together before the deal runs out. With energy supply and demand still tightly balanced, the almost certain loss of the route via Ukraine risks triggering volatility in European markets. Disruptions in Norway or shipping issues with LNG could combine with a cold snap to send prices soaring. There still could be a shortage during this heating season, said Frank van Doorn, head of trading at Vattenfall Energy Trading GmbH. Realistically, we havent been been tested yet given that the last two winters were mild. --With assistance from Daniel Hornak, Jonathan Tirone, Dave Merrill and Olga Tanas. (Updates with Ukrainian energy ministers comments in 16th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The United Kingdom, France and Germany are working to restrict direct flights between Europe and Iran in response to Tehrans delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. The sanctions are being levied in coordination with actions by the U.S., with the Biden administration blacklisting a number of Iranian military officials, Iranian and Russian companies. The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Irans export and Russias procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles, the foreign ministers of the three countries said in a joint statement on Tuesday. The sanctions announcement followed Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying on Tuesday that Russia has received shipments of Iranian-made ballistic missiles, the Fath-360 and that has a maximum range of 75 miles, and that it would use in its war against Ukraine. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians, Blinken said during a press conference in London alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Blinken said the coordinated sanctions by the U.S. and its partners are meant to send a signal to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, elected in June, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that support for Russias war in Ukraine would draw consequences. Irans new president and foreign minister have repeatedly said that they want to restore engagement with Europe, they want to receive sanctions relief. Destabilizing actions like these will achieve exactly the opposite, Blinken said. The U.K., France and Germany, known as the E3, said they had telegraphed publicly and privately to Tehran the consequences if the missile deliveries took place. Along with canceling bilateral air services agreements with Iran, the E3 said they are working to impose sanctions on Iran Air, the countrys national air carrier. The U.S. has had sanctions on Iran Air since 2011, saying the countrys national air carrier is used to transport military related equipment on behalf of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Irans Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. Sanctions on the airline were delisted under the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, the JCPOA, whose signatories included the U.K., France and Germany. Former President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on approximately 700 individuals and entities, including Iran Air. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Everglades City officials are offering a settlement on a 2019 lawsuit settlement to reduce the remainder of its payments and interest over the next three years. The mayor and City Council met Sept. 3 and agreed to offer a final $100,000 payment to Veolia Water North America - South, LLC to end its payments that stem from a 2018 lawsuit, in which Veolia accused Everglades City of breach of contract and owed money. The company and the city entered into a contract in 2017 for Veolia to operate, maintain, repair and perform other improvements to Everglades Citys water and waterway system, which had been cited by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for violations. In its Nov. 26, 2019, settlement, Everglades City agree to pay Veolia $507,300 through monthly payments over eight years with a 3% annual interest. The city has paid $345,124, leaving $214,451 remaining on the principle. Everglades City also has to provide financial information on a quarterly basis to Veolia Water, including a budget summary and statement of cash flows, among other things. This requirement also would end with the settlement, saving staff time and money, Mayor Howie Grimm said. State regulators in 2019 found a litany of violations at Everglades Citys failing wastewater plant. During two inspections, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection discovered that the sewage plant, among other issues, had holes in a tank, was missing critical spare parts, and had hundreds of gallons of raw wastewater discharged. In June, Everglades City held a ribbon cutting for a new sewer plant that replaced the one that garnered the violations. Grimm said at the time that a new plant should have been built 10 years ago to replace a rusting and old facility. State and federal grants and loans helped the city build the plant on South Copeland Avenue and adding customers from Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Plantation Island. Everglades City hasn't accepted the final takeover of the plant because there are some issues with it that need to be fixed, Grimm said. No land for affordable housing: City Council The state Live Local Act, which went into effect in July, requires local governments to authorize the development of multifamily residential and mixed-use developments on sites that are zoned mixed-use residential, commercial or industrial if at least 40 percent of the residential units in a proposed multifamily development will, for a period of at least 30 years, be affordable to individuals making up to 120 percent of the local area median income. Everglades City made a list of inventories it owned and determined that none of it is suitable for affordable housing. All its property is either in use, planned for municipal purposes or is being used for green space. The Live Local Act is meant to address Florida's affordable housing crisis. Millions of Floridians are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their incomes on housing. Recent studies have shown nearly 50,000 households fall into that category in Collier County. Budget and property tax rate proposed City Council held the first reading of its 2024/2025 tentative budget and tax rate, called the millage rate. The city is considering 6.9333 mills per thousand, which is 16.26% higher than the proposed roll-back rate of 5.9637 mills per thousand. And these are both higher than this year's rate of 6.3380. One mill equates to $1 for every $1,000 worth of a property's assessed, or taxable, value (after adjustments, such as the homestead exemption for primary residents). In 2024, the city's taxable values $131.3 million. The property tax will help support the city's proposed $32.1 million budget. The full budget breakdown was not provided in the City Council meeting packet. The final public hearings will be held Sept. 17 at city hall, starting at 5:30 p.m. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. More: Everglades City in hot water with Department of Environment Protection over failing sewage treatment plant More: Veolia, Water Council sign agreement to develop water workforce center and open office space This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Everglades City has no land for affordable housing; lawsuit settlement Dan Partland ended our recent conversation by referencing the paradox of tolerance: To maintain a tolerant society, it holds, tolerant citizens must retain the right to not tolerate intolerance. So how does that work? he mused. It's a puzzle. I definitely think it doesn't help to shut people out. I also think it doesn't help to not acknowledge the moral failing. Its tough. Nevertheless, the director of "#Untruth: The Psychology of Trumpism" believes Trumpism only ends when people who stand against it figure out some way to grant those under its spell some grace and forgiveness. This, more than other maladies hanging over from whatever happens in November, might be one of the most arduous undertakings of a generation. Even now Donald Trump is promising retribution on his perceived enemies if hes re-elected, assuring his followers assembled in Wisconsin on Saturday that getting undocumented immigrants out of Colorado will be a bloody story. Such frightening statements and the behavior accompanying them moved Partland to make #Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump, allowing progressives to trauma bond in August of 2020. #Untruth takes on the harder puzzle of explaining why his followers continue to be drawn to him despite his penchant for spewing dangerous xenophobic, sexist and bigoted rhetoric. People are clearly invested in getting some answers. A week after its release, it is the #1 ranked documentary on Apple TV. As Election Day 2024 draws nearer, many have been moved to reference anew Adam Serwers 2018 essay in The Atlantic the title of which matches its conclusion: The cruelty is the point. It is not just that the perpetrators of this cruelty enjoy it; it is that they enjoy it with one another, Serwer wrote. Their shared laughter at the suffering of others is an adhesive that binds them to one another, and to Trump. Through #Untruth, Partland endeavors to explain the reasons such malice has taken hold of Americas body politic through interviews with psychologists, historians and sociologists along with politicians and other government figures who either witnessed its manufacture firsthand or were immersed in it. Former Trump White House aide Anthony Scaramucci recurs here, only now joined by former RNC chairman Michael Steele and former Republican congressman and Tea Party activist Joe Walsh. Partland credits Walsh for being uncommonly clear in articulating the grievance driving the MAGA movement. That's a really essential thing to include, the director says, because every single family has been touched by this. Everyone is affected by it. And dismissing it as an anomaly isn't a very valuable stance. I think that we have to really engage and understand and have some compassion for these emotions and offer better solutions than what Trump is offering. In our conversation, we discussed why Partland believed #Untruth is a necessary follow-up to "#Unfit" and the value documentaries like this one may have in helping Americans to someday dismantle the apparatus that keeps Trumpism alive. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Let's go back to #Unfit for a moment. There was a lot of noise around its release in 2020, and justifiably so. Did you suspect you would be making . . . I dont know, would you call #Untruth a sequel? Did you think that you would be making this afterward? It is certainly kind of a sequel. And no, of course not. We could only see as far as the 2020 election, that Trump would either be reelected or he would be defeated, and if he were defeated, then that would be the end of that. We didn't give sufficient weight to the fact that even in the four-year period since, he really was able to remake American politics really able to remake the Republican Party in his own image, and in a way that has proved really enduring. There's really no analog to someone who has led the party to so many successive electoral defeats from the 2018 midterms to the last presidential, to the next midterm and a myriad of special elections in between continuing to enjoy so much power in that political party. When did you decide that #Untruth was necessary? I think it started to become clear pretty early on, you know? I mean, something was clear on January 6, [2021] that Trump was not going to go gently into that good night. He was going to hang around and he was going to continue to be an influence. I think there was a brief moment on January 7th, 8th, 9th, or whenever until Kevin McCarthy went down to Mar-a-Lago where it seemed like the Republican party might cast him off. But at the point that he was brought back into the fold, we started seeing that there was a larger picture. You have to go back to the genesis of the first film, during the Trump era. We were all consuming so much news, and every day, there was just a tremendous amount that was happening. The coverage is bouncing around from one scandal to the next. But despite this voracious appetite for consuming news, I felt like I was not getting any more insight. So right from the genesis of that project, the whole idea was to try to take a step back and see if there was another perspective that daily news coverage wasn't well equipped to share. And what became clear on #Unfit was that there was this whole other story that started from Trump's personal psychology. When you're living in an autocratic society, the personality ticks of the leader end up reverberating outward. Here, every different facet of his personality was being inserted into policy and the mechanics of the government. And so you had to follow that. But what we weren't seeing was that there's a larger trend going on, which is the psychology of authoritarianism in general. Why are people drawn to this man at this time? Because there have always been characters like Trump: would be strong men who present the world with easy answers that speak effectively to people's emotional concerns, without having a thoughtful analysis of how to solve the problem itself. . . . Now the issue isn't really Trump so much. What we really have to think about is what's going on in our culture, with American society, although it's happening all over the world. Why at this point in human history is the momentum of a pluralistic Western democracy lost? Why is democracy back on its heels? People around the world are preferring authoritarian figures to take over and make decisions for them that are, frankly, disenfranchising people. #Untruth joins this sort of library of documentaries that break down Trumpism in very succinct, easy-to-digest ways. And yet I also feel as if the low-information voter, the kind of person you'd want to put this in front of, would not tune in to it. I ask this of a lot of documentary filmmakers: Who is this for? People ask this question all the time, it's a really good one. I think that I've thought about it differently. On the way into #Unfit, I was very focused on a specific profile of voter, of the audience, which was people who were smart and politically engaged, who were maybe politically conservative, who really didn't like Trump because he wasn't really a conservative, but they liked Republican politics so much that they felt like they would vote for him anyway. That was the target in my mind and as a political activist. That was what fascinated me: I couldn't understand how you could see so much of this and still feel like, Yeah, but I'm going to vote for that guy. So the goal of that film was to say to that particular voter, Really? Do you see this? Really? . . . I suspect these films speak to the very few people who are maybe teetering. The message can land with them. Their greater impact is about activating everyone else. It's a question of making a powerful and succinct argument and reducing the chaos to something that's a little bit more actionable, a little easier to hold on to . . . the idea of these films is to reach some people on the margins, but more important is to give language and focus to how we talk about these things, and hope that reverberates out in other media and conversations, at family dinner tables and everywhere else. Some of what the film distills is the fact that there are so many venues disseminating disinformation, whether the actors are Russian or others, and that all of it is tied to authoritarianisms rise. But it can be difficult to talk about. I know this firsthand, from trying to explain the mechanics of Russias disinformation campaign based on what Alex Gibney had to say in Agents of Chaos. And I found myself saying to people, I know this sounds crazy, but this is happening, this is real. So as a filmmaker, how do you take these concepts that seem almost fantastical if they weren't happening, and put them into a framework that makes sense of the truth behind the disinformation? Well yes, they are hard things to talk about. One of the things that a film like this really can do is it can put that concise argument down together, right beside the evidence. So the construction of the film really is to hear the ideas from the experts and then see the evidence. Hear the idea, see the evidence. And the evidence is plentiful. We're in a media-dense universe. And you can illustrate these points. It's not difficult to do when you're, you know, when you're on the right theory. There's a question you're not asking about what was really complicated in the film to do, and I'm not even sure the film was successful in doing it, but talking about the ways in which disinformation and authoritarianism go together, and conspiracism as an outgrowth of both of those. That was a complicated, multi-faceted point to make, that the miasma of disinformation and distrust of the government and a profit-driven news media that benefits from making us angry, isn't really held at all to account for its own truthfulness. And that is the sort of dark cloud that's hanging over this political moment in human history: people have really lost their bearings about what is true, what is right and wrong. The culture is complicated to understand, and so we're going to trust people who are brands. And Trump is a brand. There are other news brands, and we're going to trust whatever comes from those sources because it's too hard to figure this out on our own. Thats fine if those sources are good, but in general, were in a really polluted information space that is full of a lot of bad information. And people are just tired. They're tired of having it be their responsibility to figure out what's true, and so they start to just go with an emotional connection to an idea, to think, That must be the true one. Do you feel like a film like this could help to break the MAGA spell by helping people identify and understand the root causes that led to its rise? I certainly hope so. But I think we should be realistic about how many people are truly reachable. But I think that is what these films can do, is they can put a lot of pieces together in a cogent and concentrated way that can be very impactful, and kind of connect some dots for people. That can work for people who are just looking for insight into the phenomenon of Trumpism, but it can also work for people in its thrall if you can get them to really watch it on the level. But I think there's so much defensiveness there thats very, very hard to break through. So I think we should be realistic. Prior to the movies release you, along with the rest of of us, got the surprising news of the change at the top of the Democratic ticket, which shifted everything about this presidential race. What was that like for you as a filmmaker knowing this movie was going to be coming out? The film was fully delivered, mastered, and at the platforms before Joe Biden dropped out of the race, just to be clear. But we had always approached it that this was not going to advocate for any particular candidate and that it was going to be a broader message that would work pretty much no matter who ended up in the presidential race. That included, by the way, when we started making #Untruth. What was clear was that Trumpism was still going to be active and an important factor in our politics. It wasn't clear that Trump was going to get the nomination. At a certain point, we did say, You know what? It is pretty clear that it's going to be Trump and Biden, and maybe we can use more clips that give that context to the film. And then, even before the debate, we started to wonder if Biden was going to make it all the way. And we changed exactly just one line in the film. Which line is that? Well, the majority of the line is still there. Theres a part where Joe Walsh says, You know, we're not going to get out of this thing tomorrow. We're not going to get out of this thing in 2024 and so until we're out of it, my message is simple: I'm voting for the one candidate who can stop Donald Trump from being reelected. The piece that we dropped was he said, Until then, I'm on Team Biden. That was too partisan anyway. So the substance, the intention of what he's saying is the same either way. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. I think people might be . . . is the word fascinated? . . . to see this after a Democratic convention where Michael Steele and other prominent voices from establishment Republican circles came out and spoke on behalf of Kamala Harris. There should have been more. Part of the phenomenon of Trumpism is it's just so, so hard for people to break with their political alliances. That's not even a Trumpist thing. It's part of the shape of American society that these teams are left and right, Democrat and Republican. Progressives, liberals and conservatives whatever you want to call them these teams have become so, so important to our identity. Liz Cheney just endorsed Kamala, Harris, but why didn't she speak at the convention? I don't have the exact figure, but much of Trump's former cabinet and former top White House staff said they would not endorse him. Why weren't they speaking at the DNC and amplifying their message? Most of them wrote books. Some of them have given interviews. Some of them stayed surprisingly quiet. But I think that the way American politics is right now, it's so dangerous for a conservative to speak out against Trump. And that really is the fascistic flavor of this movement. The cruelty is the point: We are going to make it so miserable for people to dissent. If there's an action item that anybody can take away after watching this movie, what would it be? There are a couple of things, I would say. I think it's important to understand and take seriously the frustrations, the grievance, and the anxiety that has, in my opinion, led to Trump's rise. The world has always been a scary place, but we live in an age of uncommon anxiety: the financial instabilities, impending climate apocalypse, and for a period with Kim Jong Un, the threat of nuclear catastrophe. Authoritarians are salve to that. It can feel very reassuring to choose a guy who feels like he understands all those things that frustrate us and has simple authoritative fixes to it. I think it's important to understand all that and not judge it. That doesn't mean we should fall into a moral equivalency. There isnt a both sides thing there. There's no question that the MAGA movement is fundamentally failing the moral test of a pluralistic democracy, and January 6 is the ultimate manifestation of that. They absolutely understood that they did not win the election, but they didn't care because they wanted to take power, even if it was not the choice, not the will of their countrymen. So I think we shouldn't beg off the responsibility to understand it. We have to find a way to do that without creating a false equivalency that everybody has a good point. And I think we shouldn't give up on the people in our lives who have fallen into the thrall of this kind of thinking. I think we have to be persistent. It does the world no good to write them off or isolate them, but continue to meet them with compassion in the hopes of bringing them back in. "#Untruth: The Psychology of Trumpism" is available to buy or rent from Apple TV and other on-demand platforms. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office turned down a sex crime charge Phoenix police submitted against Buckeye Union High School Principal Joseph Kinney, citing a lack of evidence and no reasonable likelihood of conviction. An agency spokesperson said that convicting someone of luring a minor for sexual exploitation requires proof that the person knew or should have known the person with whom they were communicating was a minor. Kinney communicated with an undercover agent rather than an actual minor, and the photo the agent provided of a young girl was not enough to prove Kinney believed he was communicating with a minor, the spokesperson said. "While the crime of luring can be committed when a suspect is communicating with an undercover officer, there must be proof that a suspect believes he or she is directing their communications to a minor," the County Attorney's Office statement said. Prosecutors also need evidence, which did not exist here, to show a "suspect intended to follow through and engage in sexual conduct with a minor" to prove their case, the statement said. High school classroom "The undercover officer and the suspect were not in the same state, and the investigative steps normally used to prove this intent in court were not taken in this case," the agency's statement said. In a statement Monday, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department said detectives were still processing evidence and that new information would be shared with prosecutors. Court documents describe sexually explicit text conversation Court documents said an FBI task force that handles internet crimes involving children began investigating Kinney on July 22 when an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old girl on the anonymous social media app Whisper received a response from a user named "Macabre Pure" after posting about how she was bored and asking what she should do. Documents said the user suggested the girl take her clothes off and said he didn't mind her age when the agent said she was only 12. Records said the agent sent Kinney a photo of a clothed young girl, to which Kinney responded with two full-body photos of himself wearing clothes. Documents said Kinney and the undercover agent continued their conversation, with the agent saying she was in Oregon visiting her grandmother and was bored. Documents said Kinney responded he would love to "rescue her" and perform various sexual acts on her. Kinney also asked the agent posing as the girl to send him nude photos of herself, to which the agent said she didn't send those types of photos but sent another photo depicting a young girl wearing clothes. Records said the conversation continued on July 23 when Kinney told the agent he was at work. The conversation ended after the agent asked if he had a fun job. Documents said police obtained a subpoena for Whisper to provide subscriber information for the account Macabre Pure and were provided IP addresses linked to Cox Communications and Verizon accounts registered to Kinney. FBI agents executed a search warrant on an undisclosed date at Kinney's Goodyear home. Documents said police pulled Kinney over at about 7:18 a.m. on Sept. 3 just west of Elliot and San Miguel roads in Goodyear. Police seized Kinney's phone, and a forensic analysis showed the Whisper app had been installed but had been deleted. Records say police took Kinney back to his home and interviewed him in a Phoenix police mobile command vehicle parked outside. Kinney told police he had used Whisper on his phone and liked that it "seemed like fantasy and was anonymous." Documents said Kinney said he spoke with multiple girls on Whisper who told him they were underage, but he assumed they were all adults who were role-playing. Kinney recalled communicating with one girl who claimed she was a 9-year-old, but he said he believed she was an adult because the picture she sent him looked older than a girl that age, documents say. Kinney also recalled having sexualized conversations with a girl claiming to be 12 but again stressed that he thought she was actually an adult and it was just "role playing and fantasy chat," documents said. Buckeye Union High School District's governing board voted unanimously to terminate Kinney's employment at a meeting Monday, said Superintendent Steve Beebe. Kinney could not be reached for comment. Reach the reporter at perry.vandell@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Prosecutors turn down case of Buckeye principal accused of sex crime A retired FBI agent was allegedly armed with a "large rock" after breaking windows when he was fatally shot by an El Paso school district police officer at Franklin High School last month, according to a custodial death report. The report filed by the El Paso Independent School District Police Department provided new information, but questions remain as a Texas Rangers-lead investigation continues into the death of retired Special Agent Julio Cesar Cordero on Aug. 22. Police shootings: El Paso police officer shoots at man in Lower Valley home Cordero, 56, was a decorated FBI agent who had lead Operation Poisoned Pawns, one of the biggest public corruption investigations in El Paso's history, but since his retirement struggled with deteriorating mental health. Julio Cesar Cordero, 56, a retired FBI special agent, was shot and killed by an El Paso Independent School District police officer on Aug. 22, 2024, at Franklin High School in El Paso, Texas. Cordero, who was in the FBI from 1996 to 2019, was dealing with manic episodes, paranoia and PTSD symptoms. He would take medication, get well and would then stop and the cycle continued, his brother said in news interviews. Cordero was the father of four, his son attends Franklin High. Cordero "dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community, embodying unwavering integrity and courage," an obituary stated. "His commitment to law enforcement earned him accolades and the respect of his colleagues and the public alike. "Beyond his professional achievements, Julio Cesar Cordero was a loving and supportive father. His greatest joy came from his family," the obituary added. Funeral visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Sunset Funeral Home East, 750 N. Carolina Drive. A funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa St. EPISD Police: Retired FBI agent was armed with 'large rock' The shooting occurred at 6:35 a.m. on Aug. 22 outside Franklin High School before classes started for the day at the school at 900 Resler Drive in West El Paso, according to the custodial death report. Texas police agencies are required to file such reports with the state attorney general's office whenever someone dies in custody or at the hands of a law enforcement officer. More: West Side burglar suspect shot by El Paso police 'was afraid for his life,' lawyer says According to the report, the EPISD Police Department stated that Cordero was armed with a "large rock" and "attempted to injure law enforcement personnel." The size of the rock was not described further. What happened at Franklin High School? The confrontation between an EPISD police officer and Cordero on the Franklin High School campus is summarized as follows in the custodial death report: "The officer responded to a 911 call regarding a male breaking windows at the high school," the report stated. "The preliminary investigation shows the officer arrived and was confronted by the male suspect, who failed to comply with verbal orders. After an attempt to detain the suspect using less-lethal methods was unsuccessful, the suspect picked up a large rock and moved toward the officer. The officer then shot the suspect. The suspect succumbed to his injuries on scene." EPISD Police Department Chief Manuel Chavira (front center) speaks at a news conference Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, about a fatal officer-involved shooting on the Franklin High School campus in West El Paso. The report does not say what were the "less-lethal methods" utilized, nor does it explain in what proximity Cordero was to the officer and how many times he was shot. EPISD police are armed law enforcement officers with the same arrest powers as city police. The EPISD Police Department was established in 1989 and is tasked with protecting students, teachers and staff, schools and district facilities. Investigation looks at retired El Paso FBI agent's death The Texas Rangers is the lead agency investigating the fatal police shooting of Cordero with assistance from the El Paso Police Department, officials said. Education: Should Texas elementary students learn biblical stories in schools? SBOE to hear public A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety on Monday said that the investigation is still ongoing. EPISD is also conducting its own administrative investigation into the deadly confrontation. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ex-FBI agent had 'large rock' when fatally shot, EPISD police say GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A federal appeals court has dismissed a former Grand Rapids police officers appeal in the civil case filed by the family of a man he shot and killed in 2022. In a 10-page decision issued Monday, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati dismissed Christopher Schurrs appeal, citing lack of appellate jurisdiction. The ruling means the lawsuit will continue to move forward. 2 years after Patrick Lyoya died, Grand Rapids waits for trial An undated photo of Patrick Lyoya courtesy family. Patrick Lyoyas family sued Schurr and the city of Grand Rapids in December 2022, alleging excessive force and a violation of Lyoyas Fourth Amendment rights when he was shot April 4, 2022, after Schurr, then a Grand Rapids Police Department officer, pulled him over. The lawsuit argued it was objectively unreasonable for Schurr to have shot Lyoya. Attempting to get the lawsuit tossed, Schurrs attorneys argued he is protected by qualified immunity, which, generally speaking, prevents officers from being sued for actions they took in the line of duty. The Court of Appeals did not make a decision about whether or not Schurr is protected by qualified immunity, instead indicating what is in dispute now is both sides version of events of the day Lyoya died. It said it does not have jurisdiction to settle a factual dispute. The city of Grand Rapids was previously removed from the Lyoya familys lawsuit, but the familys attorneys were attempting to get it added again. Inside woodtv.com: The Patrick Lyoya case Schurr has been charged criminally with second-degree murder in Lyoyas death. No one disputes that Schurr killed Lyoya. The legal question is whether it was murder, with the prosecutor saying Schurr was not justified in shooting Lyoya and Schurr arguing he acted in self-defense. He has been was ordered to stand trial, but is working to appeal that ruling to the Michigan 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 WOODTV.com. The former director of the Project 2025 hard-right policy playbook has slammed the Trump campaign and accused two of Donald Trumps top advisers of malpractice. Trump should be running like Secretariat at the Belmont, but instead its a race to the wire, Paul Dans told the New York Times, referring to Secretariats 31-length win in the 1973 Belmont Stakes horse race. Dans, a lawyer who for two years was head of the group that produced the controversial 900-page blueprint for a second Trump term, blamed Trump advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles for the tightening race with Kamala Harris and said the former president should fire them. He claimed the Trump campaign helped push Joe Biden out of the 2024 presidential contest but then wasnt prepared for Harriss candidacy. JD Vances Past Links to Project 2025 Architects Exposed The Trump campaign reportedly pushed for a June debate with Biden rather than leaving the first match-up until September. The timing meant that Democrats had plenty of time to select a new leader after the presidents disastrous performance and build a new campaign around Harris. They pushed Biden off the stage and they had no plans for Harris. That is on par with historic campaign malpractice, said Dans. Dans said he was blindsided when Trump disavowed Project 2025 after the Democratic Party targeted the Heritage Foundation-funded document outlining how a right-wing leadership would operate. Concerned at the backlash, Trump said he didnt know who was behind it and that some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Dans said the move by Trumps advisers to distance himself from the project helped fuel the Democrat attacks. Referring to the GOP campaign team, he said: They took the bait. Dans said LaCivita called Project 2025 a pain in the ass during the Republican National Convention. But he told CNN that it was fake news that Trump was linked to the playbook to overhaul the federal government. He insisted to anchor Caitlin Collins that Project 2025 was not a liability for Trump. Well, he personally didnt have anything to do with it, Dans said. Sure, a lot of us have worked in the admin and came together, but this started long before he even announced a run for president, he added. Not everyone agrees with whats in that book, but the books actually only a part of that plan. Dans told the Times hes worried about losing GOP grassroots support as the campaign heads into the fall. Who is going to work the polls? Who is going to fight for you? Theres no transition without winning and theres no winning without those loyalists putting their boots on the ground, he said. Trump said in a statement to the Times: Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita have done a great job, I could not be more happy with them. 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. Ex-police officer Matthew Rodriguez asked the man he just beat up in the Warren city lockup in June 2023 to apologize to him. "You asked for an apology. You asked for J.S. (Jaquwan Smith) to apologize," U.S. District Court Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey told Rodriguez, a second-generation police officer, Tuesday before sentencing Rodriguez to one day and one year in federal prison. The assault was caught on video and has been reportedly viewed online nearly 3 million times. "I wonder what would have happened that day if the cameras weren't working in the booking area or if (one of two officers who rushed in) didn't turn his body camera on. I wonder what would have happened," Grey told Rodriguez during his sentencing in a downtown Detroit courtroom. "This is the third incident of utilizing force unlawfully against an individual under your custody." Then-Officer Matthew Rodriguez assaulting an arrested suspect in the city jail booking area on June 13, 2023. More: Feds: Ex-Warren police officer repeatedly punched jail detainee, slammed his head on floor More: Wayne County's new jail faces chaos, lawyers say: Floods, fighting, staffing troubles Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty in April to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. A charge of falsification of records was dismissed Tuesday. Grey also sentenced Rodriguez to three years of supervised release. While on release, Rodriguez must participate in a mental health treatment program that includes power dynamics and anger management. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran told Grey that prosecutors wanted the top of the sentencing guidelines, which was 18-24 months. Attorneys for Rodriguez asked for a noncustody sentence, arguing Rodriguez has a "completely different life" as he is no longer a police officer and works as a truck driver. Moran told the court that Smith, who was not in court, did not want to address the court at the sentencing. Rodriguez, who sat in a gray suit between his attorneys, chose not to speak to the court, simply telling the judge: "No thank you, your honor." He was terminated from the department on June 26, 2023. "His sentence was absolutely less than what could have happened to him," said Steve Fishman, one of Rodriguez's attorneys. "I think the judge was fair. Everybody in a case like this hopes to get probation but this was a tough case." In court, Fishman said the victim, Smith, provoked Rodriguez, but added that officers can't do what Rodriguez did. Fishman said he doesn't believe in general deterrence, citing an example from Sunday of an encounter that police officers in Florida had with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, with body-camera footage showing officers pulling him from his car after he rolled up his window, taking him to the ground and handcuffing him. Fishman argued that actions involving officers with bad tempers or bad training continue to happen. Moran disagreed, saying: "I think the concept of deterrence means something." He told the court that Smith was beaten because of words, not actions, calling the assault "brutal and outrageous." The prosecutors' sentencing memorandum filed in court detailed what occurred and some of what was said during the incident, which included Rodriguez repeatedly punching Smith with a closed fist, yelling expletives and challenging him to "Say something else. Say something else!" It also revealed details about prior situations where Rodriguez used excessive force, including one in 2012 in which he was disciplined for a similar incident including a "roundhouse kick" of another detainee he was fingerprinting and photographing, and then lying about it in a report later. Prosecutors said Rodriguez also used excessive force in 2017 when he served as a school resource officer at a high school in Warren. He grabbed and lifted a student by his neck and pulled him to the ground, causing the student to hit his head on a locker. Rodriguez didn't report the incident, prosecutors wrote, but he was removed from the school based on the conduct. Grey said he had to consider what happened in those prior incidents and told Rodriguez there was "absolutely no justification for brutalizing" Smith last year. The assault included an open hand slap, kneeing Smith, closed-fist punches and slamming Smith's head. Grey said Rodriguez outweighed the victim by 100 pounds. Smith filed a federal lawsuit seeking $50 million against Rodriguez, the city and two other officers. The lawsuit is ongoing. He pleaded guilty Aug. 1 in Macomb County Circuit Court to a felony firearms offense, carrying a concealed weapon, assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, breaking and entering a vehicle less than $200 and unarmed robbery in the incident for which he was initially arrested June 13, 2023, per online circuit court records. They indicated it was requested he have no further incarceration and be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. The plea was accepted and an armed robbery charge is to be dismissed at sentencing Sept. 25. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Warren cop who beat city jail detainee gets 1 year, 1 day in prison Mans best friend might end up replacing him, that is if we keep it up. Its only natural given that humans have seemingly created an environment uniquely hostile to ourselves. As we careen into the second half of 2024, the cost of housing and sustenance remains untenable for many who face days clouded by long hours and low pay. Hence the heralding of the Maltese. Countries across the globe are facing population declines; as health journal The Lancet predicted, 97% of them will eventually have fertility rates too low to sustain their size. Such concerns are especially pronounced in South Korea, where the fertility rate dwindled to the lowest in the world at 0.72 as of 2023. The rate is well below the 2.1 figure needed to maintain a stable population. And while babies might be sparse, dogs abound. Households with pets rose from 3.5 million to 6 million from 2012 to 2023, according to data from Koreas Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs as first reported by the Korea Times. In 2023, sales of strollers for dogs outpaced sales of strollers for babies, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing data from Korean e-commerce platform Gmarket. It looks as if the trend will continue in 2024 as well. Theres been a turning of the tables since the website conducted the study in 2021, when baby strollers stood at 67% and puppy prams at 33%,per the Korea Times. Some politicians have taken umbrage at these alternative bundles of joy. What I worry about is young people not loving each other, said South Korea labor minister Kim Moon-soo in 2023, according to the WSJ. Instead, they love their dogs and carry them around. They dont get married, and they dont have children. Given the long-term economic ramifications of an aging and shrinking population, the also childless and dog-owning South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared the phenomenon a demographic national emergency. The birth strike is womens revenge on a society that puts impossible burdens on us and doesnt respect us, Jiny Kim, an office worker in her thirties, told the New York Times. Indeed, there are larger societal issues at play to which politicians seemingly turn a blind eye. Low birth rates have become a conservative talking point, not just in South Korea. The United States, too, faces a steadily declining birth rate, which Elon Musk has taken an interest in along with Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance. Vance belittled Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats, calling them childless cat ladies. But politicians might as well be shaking their fists at the sky, as long as they continue to shirk the actual root of falling birth rates. Experts have diagnosed the issue as the fallout from the skyrocketing cost of raising children, bleak labor markets, and the sexism rooted in these environments that leads to the motherhood penalty. South Korean women cited financial and cultural barriers as reasons for not having children, explaining to the BBC that one major fear is career consequences for taking time off from work. Story continues Meanwhile, pets simply cost less than children, especially in countries like the U.S. and South Korea where the price tag for private or higher education is exorbitant. The pet industry, therefore, booms as young adults are barred from affording a family. South Koreas former gender equality minister, Chung Hyun-back, pointed to the countrys patriarchal culture as one of the major obstacles to her goal of increasing the fertility rate. She explained to the New York Times that she, too, has no children, in order to focus on her career. The workplace culture certainly isnt helping matters, as economist Lyman Stone explained to NPR in 2023. Theres a sense [in South Korea] that, particularly for men but increasingly for women as well, your contribution in the office is really what makes you a person of status and standing in society, even more than in America, said Stone. The intense work culture likely sharpens for women in the workplace, who hold fewer leadership positions and struggle to climb the corporate ladder. And its not just sexism that pervades the workplace and depresses fertility rates, its also the dating world. Across the globe, studies have shown that Gen Z men and women have begun to lean across different spectrums, with Gen Z men becoming more conservative. Its led to some offshoots calling off heterosexual dating entirely, taking form as the more radical 4B movement in South Korea. Its hard to find a datable man in Koreaone who will share the chores and the childcare equally, Yejin, a woman in her thirties, told the BBC. And women who have babies alone are not judged kindly. Woof. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Editors note: Multiple witnesses are named in probable cause affidavits for the four suspects identified in this article. Enid Police indicate in the documents that some of the witnesses had knowledge or communication with the suspects about the alleged murder before charges were formally filed. Since the Garfield County District Attorney has not filed additional charges against any other individuals in connection to the case, News 4 is not including those details in this article that were not answered by Lillian Reyes during her interview. ENID, Okla. (KFOR) The mother of a man accused of killing another man in retaliation for his nieces disappearance sat down with News 4 to share her side of the story. Enid Police say Kendra Battelo has been missing since July 2022. Authorities have followed tips and leads, served search warrants and even pinged her phone, but havent been able to find her. Weve still got no answers about where shes at or anything about her, said Lillian Reyes, Kendras grandmother. Weve been doing this for two years now. Photo of a missing woman Reyes said Kendra dated Colby Sheppard for four years, and while the relationship started off positive in the first few years, things eventually soured. She said Kendra and Sheppard initially started off as roommates before they became more serious. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Enid Police: Man found dead in cellar lured to his own murder Reyes described multiple situations in which Sheppard would call authorities on Kendra, so she would pick up Kendra from his place and then the pair would make up. She alleges that they both suffered from drug use and that Sheppard was physically abusive to Kendra. A petition for a protective order Sheppard filed against Kendra argued that she was abusive, but Kendra also had a case against Sheppard pertaining to domestic violence while the couple was staying at a hotel in June 2022. That case was dismissed after Kendra had gone missing because she didnt show up for court. News 4 asked Reyes if shes ever seen evidence of physical abuse. [Kendra] had bruises, but I thought she had this little machine that she used to put on her face, you know, and so I saw them. But Ive seen pictures where her whole face was bruised. It wasnt no little machine. Reyes says she hasnt seen Kendra since July 6, 2022. She said Kendra called her that evening while staying with Sheppard saying she needed clothes and hygiene products so she could take a shower. She said another woman, who hasnt been charged with a crime, was also staying at the house along with Sheppard and Kendra. Reyes said she noticed Kendra wasnt acting like herself when she came outside to grab the things she brought for her. She was quiet, and I asked her, I said, Kendra, is everything alright?' said Reyes. Reyes said Kendra told her that Sheppard was acting rudely, and that she asked her if she needed to go home with her, but Kendra declined. Reyes also said she received texts in the early hours of July 7 from Kendras phone indicating that she was being thrown out of the home. Reyes says she thought the situation had been resolved until the other woman staying at the home reached out to her to ask about Kendras whereabouts days later. Reyes said the woman told her Kendra and Sheppard had gotten into an argument, Kendra left the house and Sheppard went after her. She said she was told Kendra was heading to Reyes home but never showed up. She never made it, said Reyes. She never made it here. Reyes says Kendras clothes, purse and other personal items were left at the home she, Sheppard, and the other woman were staying in. News 4 allowed Reyes to explain her thought process after hearing about the disappearance, in her own words. So Im thinking that [Sheppard] gave her something and overdosed her, said Reyes. Or got into an argument and he hit her in the head with a hammer. Enid Police have stressed that authorities have no evidence to connect Kendras disappearance to Sheppard, but that hasnt stopped her family from holding onto hope that theyll get answers. A News 4 employee asked Reyes directly if she believes Kendra is still alive. Nope, said Reyes. I havent believed it since day one when they told me she was missing. For years Kendra has remained missing and no suspects have been named to indicate foul play was suspected. Then, in January, Enid Police shared that Sheppard was also missing, and was last seen at an Enid Pizza Hut just after Christmas. News 4 asked Reyes what her initial reaction was to hearing that Sheppard was missing. Colby Sheppard. Image courtesy Enid Police. You dont really want to know what I feel, said Reyes. I think, whatevers happened to him, he deserves, he gets, you know? So what I feel, if hes gone, hes gone. I dont mean that to beI just, I think, like, I think if Kendras gone, he should be gone, you know? Thats what I feel. An eye for an eye. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Enid Police: Man found dead in cellar lured to his own murder On August 27, Enid Police announced they found human remains they believe are that of Sheppard. Court documents allege Sheppard was lured to a party by suspect Heaven Jordan before being beaten by Charles Jordan and Victor Battelo. A fourth suspect, Devin Harris, told authorities he stood guard outside while the beating took place. Victor is Kendras uncle and Reyes son. Court documents indicate authorities believe Victor may be the mastermind behind the incident and that he told a witness he had to kill Sheppard because of what he did to Kendra. Charles Jordan. Photo courtesy Garfield County Detention Facility. Victor Battelo. Photo courtesy Garfield County Detention Facility. Devin Harris. Photo courtesy Garfield County Detention Facility. Heaven Jordan. Photo courtesy Warren County Jail. Documents indicate the suspects killed Sheppard at Charles Jordans home before dumping his body in a storm cellar a few blocks away. An affidavit says police found the body wrapped in a tarp and tied together with a rope after getting a tip from an inmate. Below, News 4 is including part of the unedited transcript of both the questions and answers between a News 4 employee and Lillian Reyes regarding Sheppards murder case: Reporter: Obviously the elephant in the room with all of this, your own son at this point, Victor, being charged with first degree murder. Did you have any indication that he might be involved in this? Reyes: Not in killing, not in killing him. Reporter: What does that mean? Reyes: That Im saying he didnt kill him. Reporter: Did he harm Colby in any way? Reyes: They were just trying to get answers, kind of rough him up. Reporter: Who is they? Reyes: Those that theyre accusing. Reporter: The people that have been charged? Reyes: Yeah. Reporter: I have to ask this because were here. Did you have any indication that they had done this prior to authorities making this announcement to the general public, that they did beat him up, allegedly, and he had died as a result? Reyes: My son. Reporter: Your son what? Reyes: My son told me about it. Reporter: He told you in detail what exactly happened? Reyes: Not in detail, he just told me that he was there and that Colby was still alive when he left. Reporter: So your son told you that he had, I guess, no indication that Colby had died or had been killed? Reyes: No, not until a couple of days later or three days later. Reporter: A couple of days later, he knew that Colby was dead and told you that? Reyes: He said that he thinks he was alive. Still, two or three days later, but he was alive when he left. Reporter: So did you, I have to ask it, did you know that Colby was no longer alive? Reyes: I didnt know nothing about that. I did not know nothing about that. I was gone. I left that place earlier in the day. I was there visiting somebody, but I left. Reporter: But you knew in the days following that Colby was no longer alive? Reyes: I didnt know for sure because I heard so many stories about that day, and about how they had taken him to the hospital and people seeing him on the street afterwards. So I didnt know if he was or not. Reporter: Did you care to know, or was it kind of like ignorance is bliss? Reyes: No, it just, yeah I wondered if he was after what happened. But like I said, I heard that they took him to the hospital. Then I heard people saying they seen him in the streets at the Sonic Drive-In on the east side of town, you know. So I figured he was still alive at that time and somebody would have to be taking care of him. So, who is better to take care of him than his mother? Somebody had to be giving him money because he wasnt working or anything like that. So I just assumed he was still alive. Reporter: I have to ask you, as a mother, as a grandmother, dealing with a missing persons case, your own son being charged in connection to a murder, how do you juggle all of this? How do you reconcile that? Reyes: I dont, I just take it one day at a time and its just hard. Its hard. Like I said, I still try to look for Kendra every day, you know, hoping shed come walking through that door [and say] grandma, Im home, you know. But Ive, weve heard so many stories about her being buried here and buried there, and they burned a body and buried her there. Reporter: In terms of the specific charge against [Victor], do you honestly believe that hes innocent? Reyes: Yes. News 4 reached out to Reyes before this story aired informing her of its air date and asking her for a statement from her attorney, but didnt receive a statement. Due to the high profile nature of this murder case, News 4 is also including a video clip of the entire unedited interview with Lillian Reyes below. News 4 received a statement from Sheppards family who say they are heartbroken and outraged. The entire statement makes allegations against individuals connected to the suspects families that have not been formally charged with a crime so News 4 is only including part of it below: We are heartbroken and outraged by the tragic loss of Colby.His life brutally taken by Victor Battelo, Charles Jordan, Heaven Jordan, Devin Harrisat a residence in Enid, Oklahoma. They showed no mercy or compassion, leaving him to suffer inconceivable pain.We cannot comprehend the level of cruelty and inhumanity that drove them to commit such a heinous crime. We call upon the justice system to hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that they face the consequences they deserve. We will not rest until justice is served for Colby. Colby Sheppards Family Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EXETER, R.I. (WPRI) Despite initial pushback from residents, Schartner Farms has been given the go ahead to resume building a massive glass-covered greenhouse off of Ten Rod Road. The towns Planning Board unanimously approved Tim Schartners plans for the 25-acre greenhouse, which will exclusively grow beefsteak tomatoes, late last month. Schartner said the town reviewed his greenhouse proposal at the request of residents who expressed concern over safety and environmental impacts. The town basically peeled back the onion on what this really is, Schartner explained, add that he is thrilled to finally have the towns blessing to move forward. Schartner is the chairman of Rhode Island Grows, which will be in charge of the $80 million greenhouse once it is up and running. Rhode Island Grows began constructing the greenhouse nearly there years ago but was forced to hit pause as the town reviewed Schartners proposal. Inside the greenhouse, Schartner said every day will be July 27. Schartner explained that this date was chosen because its considered the best day for farming in New England. He also said that, since the greenhouse will be climate-controlled, it will allow for year-round tomato production. Its a big glass-covered field capturing summer, he said. Thats why these tomato plants are lasting all year long. Schartner estimated that the state only grows 1.6% of the produce that residents consume. Its a big problem, he said. So this greenhouse will more than double the states produce production. Schartner estimates that the greenhouse will produce up to 26 million pounds worth to tomatoes annually. Its a lot different than if we filled this same field, or same acreage, with tomatoes, he said, adding that the greenhouse would produce roughly 30 times more than an open field. The greenhouse is also environmentally conscious, according to Schartner. He said the solar-powered greenhouse creates a negative carbon footprint by using hydroponics technology and irrigating crops with captured rainwater. We can hold about half a million gallons of water at a time, he said. That water then goes to the plants and we keep reusing that water We only use about 5% of the water that we would traditionally in this same acreage. Schartner said hes teamed up with and will initially be growing tomatoes for Sunset, which has been seeking out locally-sourced produce. Though his greenhouse is the first of its kind in the Ocean State, Schartner said he expects more to pop up over time. His goal is to make it so Rhode Island can determine its own nutrition by growing more of its own produce. My hope is to help farmers [transition] to this instead of having super farms owned by billionaires on the outskirts of New England force feed us, he said. I think its best we determine it ourselves. Schartner said it will take roughly a year for the remainder of the greenhouse to be built. He also needs to tweak the greenhouses internal design to address safety concerns and thoroughly train those who will be working in the facility. Theres a lot of due diligence and some protocols that will need to be developed for this space, he explained. Schartner hopes to begin harvesting tomatoes and filling orders by the end of next summer. 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. Everyone visiting UK will need permission and face charge from 2025 as travel visa scheme expands All visitors to the UK, apart from British and Irish citizens, will need permission to enter the country before coming here by next spring under an expanded travel visa scheme, the Home Secretary announced on Tuesday. Rules requiring people visiting the UK without a visa to pay 10 will be expanded to include travellers from most countries from November 2024, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said. The previous government introduced the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system last year for people entering or transiting through the UK without legal residence rights or a visa. ETAs, which cost 10, are currently required for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. From November it will apply to all other nationals, except Europeans, and be required for entry from January 8 2025. The programme will by extended to European nationals in March 2025, and be a travel requirement for them from April 2 2025. In a written statement laid before the House of Commons, Ms Cooper wrote: Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those travelling to the UK. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over 32billion to our tourism economy this year. The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system. But Heathrow airport blamed the ETA scheme for a 90,000 drop in transfer passenger numbers on routes included in the system since it was launched. It described the programme as devastating for our hub competitiveness and urged the Government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers. A Home Office spokesman said: The UK Government continues to work closely with global airline, maritime and rail carriers, who are crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of our digitisation programme. Yvette Cooper Ms Cooper also announced the introduction of a visa requirement for all visitors from Jordan from 3pm on Tuesday due to breaches of visitor rules. Jordanian nationals will no longer be able to travel to the UK with an ETA. A four-week transition period will be in place for travellers who already hold an ETA and have confirmed travel bookings. Ms Cooper wrote: We are taking this action due to an increase in the number of Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes other than what is permitted under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024. This has included a significant and sustained increase in asylum claims, and high rates of refusals at the border due to people travelling without the intention of visiting for a permitted purpose. This has added significantly to operational pressures at the border, Ms Cooper wrote. She added that the decision to introduce a visa requirement was taken solely for migration and border security reasons, and the UKs relationship with Jordan remains a strong and friendly one. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will meet onstage for a debate Tuesday evening, possibly the only time the two will face each other. (AP) Tuesday night will be the first face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, who took over the Democratic ticket in July. It could also be the last. So tonight, both candidates need to define the contest on their terms. With tonights debate possibly being the only time the two candidates will be onstage together making their respective cases, the pressure is on both Harris and Trump to set the tone of the contest for the 53 days between now and Election Day. For Harris, that means keeping alive a surge of momentum which has overtaken her party since Joe Biden stepped aside. For Trump, it means blunting that momentum and making up lost ground while redefining his own image for a general election audience which even he now admits turned away in 2020. The two candidates will probably pursue similar strategies to achieve these goals. Behind one lectern will be Harris, the incumbent vice president and sudden standard-bearer for not just the Democratic Party but almost four years of a Biden-Harris administration. That means essentially defending her and Bidens records as a president seeking re-election might do, while also fielding the inevitable attacks from Trump surrounding her rise: the digs at her becoming the Democratic nominee without winning a single primary, the shots aimed at the traditionally do-nothing role of the vice presidency. But she has an advantage here, given that voters supported the Biden-Harris ticket over Trump in 2020 shes seen as the natural successor to the president, blunting the effectiveness of those attacks. Her real challenge tonight will be centered around her opponent, and finishing the job her campaign has been doing for weeks: tying him to his running mate, JD Vance, and the insulting, sexist views he has expressed about women and childless American adults in comments to various conservative groups and interviewers. In other words, Harris needs to paint Trump as weird and do it to his face, in a way that plays well for the cameras. For Kamala Harris, the battle on Tuesday will be about tying Donald Trump to Project 2025 and his running mate, JD Vance. (AP) One question for Harris: Does she mention Project 2025, the Trumpworld-adjacent effort to write a conservative blueprint for reshaping government? Or does she avoid getting into the weeds, and simply work to depict the ex-president as an abortion-banning, immigrant-hating bigot whose running mate thinks women have no purpose outside the home? Donald Trump will be seeking to tie his opponent to a running mate, too. Just not the one youre thinking of. For the Republican candidate, tonight will be about weighing down Harris with the baggage of Joe Biden, warts and all. On that note, expect some heavy foreign policy-related jabs from the ex-president onstage, particularly around the widely criticized withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. An early blemish on Biden and Harriss joint tenure in the White House, 13 US service members died in a suicide bombing during the chaotic pullout while American commanders remained publicly baffled about the strength of the Taliban and the weakness of US-backed Afghan forces. At home, the battle will be on to tie Harris to the most painful parts of the Biden economy persistently high consumer prices, driven by soaring energy costs related to Covid and the war in Ukraine. Mentions of illegal immigration and crimes committed by migrants (which Republicans wrongly claim to be fueling a crime wave) will also likely come up here. There may be a few pointed remarks, too, about the presidents mental capacities. His withdrawal from the 2024 race has led many on the right to speculate that he may not be up to the job at all; theyve subsequently accused Harris (and the media) of covering for him. The ease of his vice presidents ascension notwithstanding, Bidens departure from American political life was one of the ugliest moments in recent electoral memory, one Harris would likely rather forget but one her opponent will be all too eager to bring up. And it was all kicked off by Trump himself, thanks to a rare pre-convention debate between the two presumptive nominees that began a multi-week death spiral for the Biden campaign. Trump will very likely bring up his former opponents disastrous performance, as well as the public clamoring by elected members of Bidens party for him to step down. Donald Trump will seek to label Kamala Harris responsible for the Biden administrations missteps while escaping the Democrats weird insults. (AP) On this issue, however, theres a newly arisen pitfall for the Republican: his own age, which now puts him well senior of his opponent. Harris could see a reversal of a dynamic that vexed Biden for months, playing in her favor if she emerges from Tuesday appearing more vigorous and more present than her counterpart. Less than two full months remain ahead of Election Day after the two candidates meet Tuesday night. There is precious little time left to shake up the dynamics of the 2024 race, and even fewer promising opportunities left after tonight to do so. Every sentence counts. In one of the most explosive documentary premieres in TIFF history, a film sharply critical of Benjamin Netanyahu bowed before a packed house in Toronto Monday night, despite a last-ditch effort by the Israeli prime minister to block it. The Bibi Files, produced by Alex Gibney and directed by Alexis Bloom, contains never-before-seen video of Netanyahu being interrogated by Israeli police on corruption allegations an investigation that led to Netanyahus indictment in 2019. In footage leaked to Gibney late last year, Netanyahu is seen locking horns with interrogators, denying he improperly accepted expensive gifts from wealthy supporters, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Video of police questioning of Milchan, Adelson, as well as Netanyahus wife Sara and eldest son Yair also was leaked to Gibney and is featured prominently in the documentary. More from Deadline Earlier Monday, the Jerusalem District Court rejected an attempt by Netanyahu to yank the film from the TIFF lineup. The prime ministers suit claimed investigative journalist Raviv Drucker, who appears in the film and is one of the documentarys producers, violated Israeli law by leaking the video. But there is no evidence to suggest Drucker was behind the leak, and speaking after the premiere, Gibney made it clear he wont identify the person who gave him the material. On that score, he would only say, A source came to me and said, I have some videotapes the interrogation videos that you saw here and I think youd be interested in them and perhaps you might make a film about them. And this was in late 2023. I got them. I looked at them, I was very impressed. He said he then turned to Bloom, with whom he has collaborated on previous projects, to direct the film. In the video seen in the documentary, a tense Netanyahu sits rigidly behind a desk facing at least three interrogators. He frequently replies, I dont remember to questions about whether he pressured pals to reward him with premium champagne and top-of-the-line cigars ($1,000 a box), and whether he knew his wife had received a $42,000 bejeweled bracelet as a gift from Milchan. (Later in the film, friends of Netanyahu remark on his prodigious memory for names and details, raising an implicit question about his honesty during the interrogation). For the film, Bloom interviewed the journalist Drucker, as well as other prominent Israeli figures who oppose Netanyahus right-wing politics, along with former members of the prime ministers household staff, and even a longtime friend-turned critic, who declares of Netanyahu, He lies left and right. These observers not only accuse Netanyahu of gross corruption, but they allege he pursued a highly controversial reform of Israels judiciary to escape justice himself. The film suggests massive public protests over the proposed judicial reform distracted Israel from its defense posture, leaving the country vulnerable to the brutal Hamas sneak attack of October 7th. Several observers in the film claim Netanyahu has pursued a policy of total victory over Hamas in part to appease hard-right members of his cabinet, whose support he needs to keep his governing coalition together. Most devastating of all, the documentary suggests the prime minister has cynically forsaken hostages still held by Hamas by prioritizing continued attack over ceasefire negotiations that might lead to the hostages release. A forever war is in his interest, one critic says in the film meaning, the longer Israel remains at war, the less likely it is Netanyahu will face prosecution. Another observer remarks, He wants instability. He needs it, in a way. If that portrait werent negative enough, Bloom told the TIFF audience she heard from many other Netanyahu insiders who denounced him privately. I spoke to people very close to Netanyahu, his former chiefs of staff, former heads of the Shin Bet [Israeli intelligence organization], all of these very muscular dudes who were in very senior positions who spoke to me for hours, for hours, off the record, multiple times Theyd be like, Its terrible what hes doing. Hes so dishonest, Bloom recounted. They had such strong feelings about Netanyahus dishonesty as a person, and as a person in office, enough to sit there with me at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem and talk to me about it for three hours and then not say anything in public. I think thats a sort of a [derogation] of duty. That last remark from the director earned a round of applause from the audience. L-R TIFF chief documentary programmer Thom Powers, director Alexis Bloom and producer Alex Gibney participate in a Q&A after the premiere of The Bibi Files. As the credits for the film rolled, part of the audience rose to give it a standing ovation (perhaps one-third to one-half of attendees). Many in the audience appeared sympathetic to the films critique of Netanyahu; one man interrupted the Q&A to say, Take this film and airdrop it over Israel. Because, otherwise, Im afraid people wont be able to see it there. But others appeared to take issue with a remark by Gibney, who said of Netanyahu, Ive never seen the depth of moral corruption as Ive seen in this man. Hearing this, a man in the audience shouted, He was not found guilty yet, by the way. [Netanyahu is supposed to go on trial on the corruption charges next year, although the film notes his legal team is trying to get it postponed because the prime minister is fighting a war]. He wasnt found guilty yet, the man repeated, so please be precise and accurate. He wasnt found guilty yet. Gibney, not a shrinking violet by any means, retorted, I believe I said, moral corruption. TIFF lead documentary programmer Thom Powers, who moderated the Q&A, then intervened to say, If I can just ask for order in the theater. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Bibi Files (the title refers to Netanyahus nickname, Bibi) is seeking distribution. It technically played as a work in progress, but as he introduced the film, Powers described it as completed except for color correction and other relatively cosmetic post-production. Bloom has been working on the film up until the last moment, adding excerpts of Netanyahus recent address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress. She said she would contemplate possible revisions now that the film has held its world premiere. I would say that, under enormous pressure and great speed, Alexis and the team have put this film together very quickly, Gibney observed. And theres a moment where you want to look at the film and say, Could this be a little bit different? Could that be a little bit different? But its up to Alexis to decide exactly how or if the film will change. Gibney said he wanted The Bibi Files to premiere at TIFF so potential buyers could see it in a festival atmosphere. He expressed hope that it will be picked up in short order and promptly released. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Extremists keep trying to sabotage the electrical grid. What would happen if they succeed? Extremists keep trying to sabotage the electrical grid. What would happen if they succeed? Political extremists have attempted a number of attacks on electrical infrastructure and substations in recent years, with a goal of sowing chaos and civil conflict. The plots have repeatedly failed, however, and sociologists say that even if they do succeed, the kind of disasters they seek to create rarely result in members of the population turning on one another though they could prove costly, and deadly. In July, two former Marines, both active in an online neo-Nazi community, were sentenced to prison for a plot in which they stole military equipment from Camp Lejeune as part of an intended attack on a power substation in the Pacific Northwest. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the plotters, Liam Collins and Paul Kryscuk, conspired, prepared, and trained to attack Americas power grid in order to advance their violent white supremacist ideology. The year before, officials said they foiled another, similar plot, this one targeting the grid in Baltimore. The two alleged plotters, Sarah Beth Clendaniel and Brandon Russell, were described by the FBI as racially- or ethnically-motivated extremists, and officials said they targeted Baltimore in large part because of its status as a majority-Black city. Many plots of this kind are specifically motivated by accelerationism, the belief that creating conflict and unrest will hasten a broader societal clash, said Molly Conger, a researcher based in Charlottesville, Va., who covered the Collins-Kryscuk plot on her podcast, Weird Little Guys. What they think will happen is that, if theres a crisis, it will provide cover for violence, but it will also force normal people to engage in violence. And thats not what will happen, Conger said. Instead, she said, All that will happen is old people who need their oxygen machines will die, and it will cost the energy company a billion dollars. Blackouts resulting from other causes, such as natural disasters, have resulted in a number of deaths and costly damage in recent years. Winter Storm Uri, for example, caused widespread outages in Texas for multiple days in 2021 that left many Texans to confront unbearably cold indoor temperatures and posed a particular threat to residents with electronically powered medical equipment. Nearly 250 people died because of the storm and the resulting outages, which also caused tens of billions of dollars in estimated damages. If plots like the above had been enacted successfully, they could potentially have caused even more damage simply because they sought to inflict deliberate sabotage. The theory that sowing this kind of chaos could make the population turn on each other has recurred often in American culture. Charles Manson, for instance, believed the murders committed by his followers would spur Helter Skelter, a race war from which they would emerge to take control. Neo-Nazi James Masons correspondence with Manson acolyte Lynette Squeaky Fromme inspired his book Siege, a central text of accelerationism on the far right. The idea has also been portrayed in fiction: In the classic Twilight Zone episode The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, a power failure in a quiet suburb sets neighbor against neighbor. In a twist ending, the situation is revealed to be the result of a plot by alien invaders. However, experts say theres evidence that even if extremists successfully caused widespread blackouts, they wouldnt have the desired effect. Its never going to start a race war, but for some reason, they really think it will, Conger said. On the contrary, people affected by disasters frequently cooperate and care for one another to make up for any gaps in institutional infrastructure created by the disaster, a phenomenon sociologists call disaster solidarity. For example, in a study published in the journal Disasters, researchers found that in the months after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, Puerto Ricans affected by the storms organized around ad hoc leaders to provide mutual aid and determine who needed what and how to distribute it. The researchers also observed what they called counter-intuitive generosity from those who had suffered losses themselves. Theres a fair amount of evidence that theres an early period after a disaster when people are fairly cooperative, lead author Robert Schrauf, a professor of applied linguistics at Pennsylvania State University, told The Hill. They work together to recover [and] that generates a sense of euphoria, a brotherhood, were all in this together, that sort of thing. It becomes its own social capital. Much of that cooperative spirit tends to fade with time and return to the status quo, Schrauf said, but in the case of the hurricanes, it lasted at least three months. Much of that, he added, can be attributed to the fact that residents of the island could not easily leave, giving them few options but to work toward common goals. Plans like those of the extremists, he added, are also unlikely to work because disaster solidarity tends to involve forming a united front against outsiders, even seemingly benevolent ones like doctors who are new to the area. Conger said that the people behind these plots are likely not considering the sociological history of disaster fallout. Instead, theyre motivated by an almost religious conviction: They have faith in this idea of acceleration, like you might have faith in God. Their racist beliefs, she added, also make them more likely to assume the worst of residents of low-income minority communities, a perception she said has been aided by mainstream media coverage of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. The actual evidence doesnt bear that out, there was no widespread like uptick in violent criminal activity among the Black people of New Orleans after Katrina. That didnt actually happen, she said. But at a societal level, the average person probably does believe that the idea that [after a disaster] people are murdering and raping and stealing just because thats what they always wanted to do, but now they have the opportunity to do it. Ultimately, Conger said, the threat isnt that the people behind these plots will provoke the conflict they desire, its that they seek to take advantage of very real vulnerabilities in the grid. Supply chains are inelastic there is no warehouse full of extra transformers. These things are made to order. They take a year to make, she said. And so if someone were to successfully take out a bunch of these large transformers, it could be catastrophic. You only have to shoot up some of them, and this causes a cascading failure across the grid, she 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 The Hill. Five additional sexual assault charges were filed against actor Gabriel Olds in Los Angeles this week related to claims brought by three new victims. Olds, whose credits include Six Feet Under, NCIS and The Eyes of Tammy Faye, was charged one count of forcible rape, two counts of forcible oral copulation, one count of sexual penetration by use of force and one count of sodomy by use of force. These bring the total number of charges against him to 12. He had previously been charged for allegedly assaulting three women whom he dated in the Los Angeles area between 2013-2023. More from The Hollywood Reporter The actor was arrested in early August, following a warrant issued by L.A. Superior Court for $3.5 million. The district attorney charged him with seven counts of sexual assault after a 41-year-old woman alleged that hed raped her in her L.A. home. After that claim, two other women alleged to police that Olds had raped them in incidents dating back to 2013. The first seven charges filed included rape, rape of an unconscious person, sodomy, assault with intent to commit rape, and injury on a girlfriend or significant other. At that time, police said they were searching for more potential victims, as Olds have traveled frequently throughout his career. With the initial charges, Olds faced a maximum sentence of life in prison. The pain and suffering these victims have endured is beyond words and no one should ever experience such a betrayal of trust. Consent is never optional, District Attorney Gascon said in an Aug. 8 press release. The alleged actions of Mr. Olds are utterly inexcusable and a grave violation of these womens rights. We are steadfast in our commitment to prosecute this case and ensure that the offender is held fully accountable. Our Bureau of Victim Services remains ready to assist the survivors with trauma-informed services as they navigate the difficult road to healing. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fact check: Ohio woman accused of eating cat is from Canton, not from Springfield Allexis T. Ferrell is questioned by Canton Police after she is accused of eating a cat. CANTON The ongoing court case of a 27-year-old Canton resident accused of killing and eating a cat has become an unlikely part of the debate over presidential campaign issues, at least among some people online. A Cincinnati Enquirer story posted online Monday said some people are conflating her August arrest with unsubstantiated rumors alleging that Haitian immigrants in the southwest Ohio city of Springfield are eating pets. A video posted on YouTube falsely purports to show police officers confronting a Haitian woman in Springfield about eating a cat. In reality, the video actually shows police department bodycam video of Canton officers at the scene of the Aug. 16 incident in Canton. The video posted by the "Fake News Network" carries the title "Haitian Woman Eats Neighbour's Cat in Springfield." In response to rumors spread on social media, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, through his office, released a statement Monday saying there's no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by the Haitian immigrants. This was in response to rumors spread on social media, including by Republican vice-presidential candidate and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. Despite Springfield's efforts to debunk the pet-eating rumors, some politicians continued Monday to spread the false narrative. The presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump, on the social media site X, posted "President Trump will deport migrants that eat pets." Ohio woman accused of eating a cat lives in Canton The Canton woman accused of killing and eating a cat has no known connection to Haiti or any other foreign country. Allexis T. Ferrell is charged with cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony. It is alleged she killed the cat by stomping on its head before eating it. Stark County court records show she has faced other charges in the past, including theft and misuse of credit cards and endangering children. Her adult court record goes back to 2017 in Stark County. "Ferrell was first arrested in Canton in 2011," Canton police spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren wrote in an email on Tuesday. "We have no reason to believe that she is not a US citizen." Springfied officials: 'No credible reports' of crime by Haitian migrants in Ohio Canton woman accused of eating cat pleads not guilty by reason of insanity Ferrell is being held in the Stark County Jail. Her bond is set at $100,000. She has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Her attorney has requested an evaluation to determine her sanity at the time of the alleged offense and whether she is competent to stand trial. Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank G. Forchione is scheduled to hold a competency hearing on Oct. 15. The alleged incident of animal cruelty took place in the 1100 block of 13th Street SE at Jackson Sherrick Homes, a public housing complex owned and managed by the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority. Ferrell lives in the complex. Animal cruelty charge: Canton woman accused of killing, eating cat after 'stomping its head' The Cincinnati Enquirer contributed to this report. Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton woman accused of eating cat not Haitian from Springfield, Ohio The Progress Pride Flag flies over the Wisconsin Capitol. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner) Two Wisconsin LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations filed a joint federal complaint against Kettle Moraine School District on Monday on behalf of transgender and nonbinary students, alleging that the school board has created a hostile environment in violation of Title IX regulations. Creating a hostile environment for trans and nonbinary kids creates a hostile environment for every kid. Our children are watching, and when elected school board members weaponize the identity of some of our most vulnerable children, we must take action to stop them, Executive Director of FAIR Wisconsin Abigail Swetz said in a statement. We must show the children of Wisconsin our trans and nonbinary kids and all of their peers that we are ready to protect their rights and ensure their safety. The joint complaint by FAIR Wisconsin and GSAFE, an organization addressing LGBTQ+ inclusion in education, was filed with the Office for Civil Rights at the United States Department of Education. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities that receive federal funding. New rules passed by the Biden administration in April extended federal protections for LGBTQ students. While the new rule went into effect in August, it has been challenged by 26 states, all of which have Republican attorneys general, and by three conservative groups Moms for Liberty, Young Americas Foundation and Female Athletes United. The U.S. Supreme Court also denied an emergency request from the Department of Justice on Aug. 16 to enforce updates to the federal rule. The rules are not being challenged by Wisconsin. In July, however, a U.S. District Court judge in Kansas issued a preliminary injunction against the rule, and directed Young Americas Foundation, Female Athletes United and Moms for Liberty to turn over a list of schools attended by students affiliated with the groups. The FAIR Wisconsin and GSAFE complaint argues that as of Aug. 28, four of 11 schools in the Kettle Moraine School District are included in the list from the Kansas case, so only those schools are subject to the judges order. The majority of schools in the Kettle Moraine School District are not subject to the injunction, thus the Kettle Moraine School District must implement the updated Title IX regulations in those schools, FAIR Wisconsin and GSAFE said in a statement. Fair WI_GSAFE Title IX Complaint (1) The groups expressed concern that the district is balking at compliance where the updated Title IX regulations are legally enforceable and in turn exacerbating an already hostile learning environment for transgender students, educators, staff and families in the community fostered by public statements and the ongoing indifference of members of the School Board to repeated concerns raised by the community. The complaint cited comments made by board members at a meeting in July that signaled they wanted to wait to implement any new changes and that contributed to a hostile environment. Trans women are not women. As a woman, Im offended by the idea that anyone thinks they know what it is to be a woman if they are not a woman. I will protect our girls and boys as much as I can in this position. That is what the community wants. Amy Richards, a member of the board, said at the July school board meeting. The complaint states that while the comments arent an official board action, they still send a chilling message to transgender members of the community. The complaint urges the agency to investigate Kettle Moraine for its compliance with the federal law, secure assurances of compliance with the updated Title IX regulations from the District where the rule is legally enforceable, and take all steps necessary to remedy any unlawful conduct identified in its investigation or otherwise by the District, as required by Title IX. Swetz said in the statement that the organization would be watching for other school districts that are making anti-trans statements during board meetings, refusing to act on discrimination and casting votes against Title IX and the inclusion of protections based on gender identity, and will file more complaints on behalf of the students in those districts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory. NIAID/dpa As talk of lockdowns and mass vaccinations swirl around social media, it's not Covid-19 that's sparking the buzz this time but the viral disease mpox. A new wave of disinformation on social media mirrors the tactics used during the pandemic, with false claims and exaggerated fears spreading rapidly across platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok and Telegram. Miro Dittrich, who investigates radicalization trends and conspiracy narratives online with the Center for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS), has charted a surge in mpox-related misinformation, particularly on Telegram, where conspiracy theories thrive. "The fact that the topic of mpox was in the media is also reflected in right-wing extremist and conspiracy ideology Telegram channels," explains Dittrich. Mpox was previously known as monkeypox because it was first detected in monkeys. The World Health Organization (WHO) established the new name to avoid naming diseases after animals or countries where they are discovered, to prevent discrimination. The keywords "monkeypox" or "mpox" were mentioned particularly frequently in the 5,000 or so Telegram channels and groups analysed in mid-August, Dittrich says. Contrary to online rumours, the WHO has not mandated new lockdowns or restrictions related to mpox. In August, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), its highest level of alert, due to a new variant of the mpox viral disease in Africa. Claims that the WHO had ordered governments to prepare for renewed mega lockdowns quickly spread online. However the organization maintains that only individual countries can decide on such measures. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic confirms that the WHO does not have the authority to enforce them. It turns out that false claims from the pandemic are often transferred one-to-one to Mpox. "Conspiracy ideologues can still reach people with the topic of coronavirus, but interest in it has already fallen to a very niche group," explains Dittrich. He adds that there are no longer any state measures in place to address it. "If a new disease emerges and there's a vaccine for it, then of course it'll be framed under the same narrative," the right-wing extremism researcher says. "The conspiracy ideologues don't care how dangerous mpox is, how the transmission works or what kind of vaccination helps against it." One thing must be clear: The diseases are very different from each other. The transmission route of the two viruses alone differs considerably - and so does their potential for infection. The coronavirus is mainly transmitted via airborne droplets, while mpox spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact. This mainly involves close skin-to-skin contact during sex or close hugging, massaging and kissing, as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) explains. There is a particular risk of infection in infected people with rashes, wounds or scabs. "Mpox is not the new Covid," Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe, told journalists in Geneva in mid-August. When asked whether lockdowns were imminent, as in the coronavirus pandemic, he replied: "No." Vaccines against mpox have long been available, yet there is a growing movement against them on social media. "The basic problem is that those who have denied vaccinations during the (coronavirus) pandemic are for the most part not actually concerned with the specific effect of a vaccination per se," says Dittrich. "A very large majority of these people believe that there is no virus at all. Or that the virus is not dangerous. Or that the state wants to control people through vaccinations and measures." After Covid-19, anti-vaccination campaigners are now turning their attention to mpox, using it to advance their theories. Misinformation about the disease is proliferating on social media, with old false claims being recycled and repurposed. Sven Hoppe/dpa SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI said on Tuesday it had decided to sell its polarizing film business to China's Wuxi Hengxin Optoelectronic Materials for 1.12 trillion won ($836.47 million). Samsung SDI said in a regulatory filing the sale includes the manufacturing and sales of polarizing films in the South Korean regions of Cheongju and Suwon, as well as 100% of its overseas unit at Wuxi, China. The battery maker said the department making the divestment plans to focus on materials for semiconductors, organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and batteries going forward, to enhance competitiveness and maximize synergy with the battery business through continuous investment. ($1 = 1,338.9600 won) (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Ed Davies) Congressional leaders posthumously gave their highest honor Tuesday to the 13 U.S. service members killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago. The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in the Capitol Rotunda, was attended by the sometimes emotional family members of those killed in the suicide bombing, which took place at Kabuls Hamid Karzai International Airport. To the families who are here, I know many of you have yet to hear these words, so I will say them: We are sorry. The United States government should have done everything to protect our troops. Those fallen and wounded at Abbey Gate deserved our best efforts, Johnson said in opening remarks, referring to the location where the Americans were killed in the Aug. 26, 2021, attack. The families who have been left to pick up the pieces continue to deserve transparency and appreciation and recognition, he added. Johnson was accompanied by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), as well as Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.). Daines and McClain helped introduce legislation to honor the fallen service members, which President Biden signed into law in December 2021. Risking their own safety for that of our fellow Americans, our allies and our Afghan partners, they defended freedom and democracy until their last breath, Jeffries said of the fallen. They held the gate. And Schumer pointed out that many of those killed were even younger than the war in Afghanistan itself. It now falls on us, on all of us gathered here under the dome of Lady Liberty, to ensure the sacrifices of all our service members were not in vain, Schumer said. We must care for them and their families and defend the values of freedom and democracy they so nobly fought for. Also at the ceremony was Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, among other Biden administration officials. ISIS-K, Afghanistans Islamic State offshoot, has claimed credit for the suicide bombing that killed Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss. In addition, about 170 Afghan civilians were killed in the attack. Coral Doolittle, the mother of Sanchez, spoke on behalf of the families, telling attendees that a big part of us died with our children on August 26, 2021, while thanking Congress and Johnson for making this moment possible. The ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal, given for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, institutions, or groups, comes in the wake of a damning House GOP report on the deadly U.S. pullout. President Biden has faced intense criticism for the evacuation, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee report heaping more blame on the commander in chief. The evidence proves President Bidens decision to withdraw all U.S. troops was not based on the security situation, the Doha Agreement, or the advice of his senior national security advisors or our allies. Rather, it was premised on his longstanding and unyielding opinion that the United States should no longer be in Afghanistan, the report states, referring to the Trump administrations agreement with the Taliban to leave the country. Ahead of the first debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, Republicans have attempted to highlight Harriss role in the withdrawal. The Biden administration has pushed back on any such attacks, accusing the House Foreign Affairs Committee of omitting key details in their report as well as failing to account for the role of the Trump administration in the withdrawal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Consumed his brain: Family of EEE victim urges mosquito precautions as new cases tick up in Mass. Human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis are exceedingly rare. But some of those cases can be devastating as one family knows. Fourth person has EEE virus in Massachusetts, state health officials say Somewhere, somehow, a mosquito bit 41-year-old Steven Perry of Hampstead, New Hampshire in early August. He really didnt start to show any symptoms until the 10th or 11th, said Susan Hamilton, Perrys sister. But those symptoms were alarming. Stevens mother, Judi, found him on his bed, unable to raise his arm up and staring blankly ahead. She thought he had a stroke. He didnt. Perrys brother took him to a local hospital. He was then transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital on August 12. Hamilton said doctors suspected EEE based on his symptoms. He went into the hospital on the 12th and died a week later on the 19th, she said. Very rapidly progressing. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as infection with EEE. Judi Perry said you could see the rapid progression of the infection on her sons CAT scans. Days after a CAT scan showed viable brain tissue, suddenly it was gone. It totally consumed his brain, said Judi. His whole brain was infected. It rapidly moved along. She said that even if Steven had survived the infection, he would likely have permanent brain damage. He was a great guy, she said. Its heartbreaking. Very hard to comprehend. Steven Perry is the first case of EEE in New Hampshire in 10 years. His mother said he spent time at a family house on Lake Kingston, where EEE was present in mosquitoes but she cant be sure thats where he was bitten. He could have been at the supermarket out in the parking lot, she said. You dont know. What IS known is that mosquito populations rise and fall with the weather. David Lawson, Director of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District said the skeeter season is winding down. I cant imagine there are many new mosquitoes coming into the environment at this point, he said. What were seeing right now are just stragglers. Lawson said the extremely dry weather in September has helped reduce the number of mosquitoes. A frost usually kills them. Nevertheless, Lawson said, Any mosquito thats still hanging around is something to be concerned about. That is the message Steven Perrys family hopes will sink in. How big a deal is it, asked Hamilton. Its a big deal. She said its not a big sacrifice to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellents, and avoiding the hours from dusk to dawn. If Stevens death can be used to help prevent anyone, any person or family from having to go through this type of unimaginable loss, its worth it, said Hamilton. When it affects you or your family it doesnt matter how rare it is. The more people know about this, the more people can take it seriously. We just hope people are listening. Officials: 3 new human cases of West Nile Virus detected in Mass. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WASHINGTON Several far-right Republicans have come out against a plan by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to pair must-pass government funding with a bill targeting the supposed threat of widespread noncitizen voting. At least six Republicans have said they would vote against the bill, which is likely more than Johnson can lose without having to rely on Democratic votes to push legislation through the House. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said hell vote against the bill because it doesnt have enough spending cuts or reforms to government programs. Youre forcing me as a conservative to vote for terrible spending packages, all this woke stuff, possibly money for abortions, for transgender surgeries, all these things, Burchett told HuffPost on Tuesday after a Republican meeting in the Capitol basement. Burchett noted that the House already passed election integrity provisions, in the bill known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, and the Democratic-controlled Senate simply ignored it. And they havent caught any heat over it, Burchett said. Now, Johnson wants to pair that with the funding bill. Five other House Republicans said Monday they wouldnt support the bills paired together, according to Politico. If all members are present for a roll call, Republicans can lose only four votes without needing Democratic support. Five Democrats supported a stand-alone version of the SAVE Act earlier this year but would not necessarily do so again. Stand-alone pieces of legislation are different than poison pill bills put into government funding spending, Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.), a member of the House Democratic leadership team, said Tuesday. A lot of the attack ads have already been written. If Republicans cant pass their bill at the planned vote on Wednesday, then Johnson likely would bring a clean government-funding bill to the floor before the end of the month and it would probably pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, avoiding an Oct. 1 shutdown. Johnson refused to disavow such an outcome in response to a reporters question on Tuesday. The SAVE Act is designed less to become law than to amplify former President Donald Trumps false claims that Democrats are trying to steal the 2024 election with illegal votes from undocumented immigrants. Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting, and the available evidence suggests noncitizens dont cast illegal ballots often enough to sway an election. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote; current law requires people to attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury. At a news conference on Tuesday, Johnson said stricter voting procedures are necessary because the American people are concerned about voter fraud. (Of course, Johnson himself has been telling people to be concerned.) And, Johnson said, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration is just common sense. It is against federal law, but so is minors buying alcohol, Johnson said Tuesday. You still require identification to do it. Why? Because just because somethings on the books, doesnt mean people are going to comply. A possible flaw in the analogy is that people have a constitutional right to vote, not to buy alcohol, and asking them to dig up paperwork such as a birth certificate or passport might overly burden that right. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, said he supports the government funding bill with the SAVE Act attached, but suggested it might be too late for the legislation to make a major difference in the November election. Admittedly, youre 56 days from the election, so theres not going to be perfect implementation and enforcement if the SAVE Act would have passed today, Good told HuffPost. However, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote we have some states that do same-day registration between now and the election would be helpful. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Incumbent London Breed has fallen slightly behind former interim mayor Mark Farrell as voters first-choice pick in the San Francisco mayoral race, according to a new KRON4 News/Emerson College Polling survey. If the election were held today, 20.6% of voters surveyed say theyd vote for Farrell as their first choice, with 20.3% backing Breed. Nonprofit executive and heir to the Levis fortune Daniel Lurie is not far behind them with 17.5% of voters backing him as their first choice. However, 27% of voters surveyed remain undecided, suggesting things could still significantly change in the runup to Novembers election, especially given San Franciscos ranked choice voting system. In terms of voters second choice, Lurie comes out ahead with 21% of voters backing him, followed by Farrell at 14.7%, and Breed at 12.8%. It is the undecided vote that is ahead in this poll, explained Sonoma State University Political Science Professor David McCuan. But as voters begin to turn their attention, some interesting things happen as we start to look at second and third choices. People like Mayor London Breed begin to fall, and other candidates replace and move up to a higher place. That is, who is the second and third choice, becomes important. And thats when someone like Daniel Lurie rises, London Breed falls, Mark Farrell falls and undecideds stay about the same. As we move to third choice, then things get really interesting because London Breed kind of holds her own and Daniel Lurie falls. In terms of voters third choice, Breed comes out ahead with 11%, edging out Lurie at 10.7% and Farrell at 9.9%. The latest poll represents an eight-point drop for Mayor Breed who was polling at 28% of likely voters first choice, according to a San Francisco Chronicle poll last month. The KRON4 News poll is the first to be released in the aftermath of the daytime shooting of San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall in Union Square earlier this month. A total of 13 candidates are in the running for SF Mayor with SF Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Board of Supervisors Member Ahsha Safai among other notable names in the race. San Franciscos ranked-choice voting system According to San Franciscos ranked-choice voting system, voters can rank up to 10 candidates in order of preference. Candidates appear as a grid on the ballot. Voters rank candidates by filling in ovals from left to right: In the 1st column, voters fill in the oval for their 1st choice In the 2nd column, voters fill in the oval for their 2nd choice In the 3rd column, voters fill in the oval for their 3rd choice, and so on The San Francisco Registrar of Voters uses a multi-round process to count ranked-choice votes. If a candidate wins a majority of 1st-choice votes, that candidate wins. Otherwise, the process moves on to the second round where the candidate with the fewest 1st-choice votes is eliminated. If a candidate wins the majority in the second round, that candidate wins. Otherwise, the process continues to the next round. If a voters 1st-choice candidate had the fewest total 1st-choice votes, their 2nd-choice candidate is counted as their new top choice. A majority of voters surveyed in the KRON4 News poll were in favor of San Francisco using ranked-choice voting in the mayoral election with 40.8% supporting, 30.6% opposing and 28.6% having no opinion. Majority of San Francisco voters disapprove of Breed Mayor Breed potentially faces a tough re-election battle, with 51% of voters disapproving of her performance in-office, according to the KRON4 poll. Only 27% approve of the job shes done with 20% of those polled saying they have no opinion of her. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is in better standing with voters with 35% of those surveyed approving of the job shes done and only 25% disapproving. Thirty percent of those polled had no opinion of the district attorney and an additional 10% had no idea who she was. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott was even less well-known to voters, with 15% of those surveyed having never heard of him. A majority of voters, 37%, had no opinion on the police chief, while 20% of voters approved of the job hes done and 27% disapproved. Poll methodology The KRON4 News/Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey was conducted from September 5-7, 2024, with a sample of 750 likely voters. The poll has a credibility interval of +/- 3.5 percentage points. KRON4 News/ECP SF Mayors race pollDownload Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Farrell woman has admitted to stealing from a Brookfield man she was hired to take care of by changing her plea. Felicia Splitstone pleaded guilty to charges of theft from a person in a protected class, receiving stolen property, and forgery. Prosecutors say she stole in excess of $10,000 from the victim. Splitstone will undergo a pre-sentence investigation and sentencing will be set 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 WKBN.com. A 35-year-old man allegedly involved in a fatal shooting in San Bernardino County earlier this month was apprehended late last week in Arizona, officials announced Monday. Authorities learned about the deadly incident on Sept. 2 after responding to reports of a shooting at around 3:15 a.m. near the intersection of Klicktat Avenue and Quinnault Road in Apple Valley, a press release from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department stated. When deputies arrived at the location, they found the victim, identified as 39-year-old Oro Grande resident Jonathan Cuevas suffering from a gunshot wound inside of a vehicle. Barber charged in horrific, fatal beating of boy, 6, in Southern California The 39-year-old was rushed to the hospital where he was later declared dead. Investigators with San Bernardino County Sheriffs Specialized Investigations Division assumed the case and determined Cuevas had arrived at the location to pick up a friend when he was reportedly shot to death by a man identified as Apple Valley resident Anthony Lopez. Authorities said that Lopez fled the scene of the shooting before deputies arrived. A little less than a week later, on Sept. 6, investigators with United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force located and apprehended Lopez at about 7 p.m. in Bullhead, Arizona. Barber charged in beating death of boy, 6, met childs mother at Southern California church Lopez was arrested without incident and booked into the Mohave County Jail in Arizona, where he awaits extradition, authorities said. No information about a possible motive in the fatal shooting was provided, nor did authorities say whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact San Bernardino County Sheriffs Departments Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Wetip Hotline at 800-782-7463. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As they serve alongside one another, an airman father is providing a blueprint for his airman son. Chief Master Sgt. Adam Hufty has served in the Air Force for 19 years, many of them as the sole representative of his family. But things changed a year ago when his second oldest child, Airman 1st Class Ashton Hufty, enlisted and deployed with his dads unit. Both Huftys are currently supporting Bomber Task Force operations with the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Royal Australian Air Force Base in Amberley, Australia. Back home, they are assigned to the Missouri Air National Guards 131st Bomb Wing out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Growing up, I never intended on joining the Air Force, said Hufty the younger, an all-source intelligence analyst. The cards played out for me to join and be here in Australia. But then to also get to be in the same place, serving the same purpose, wearing the same uniform as my father its incredible. Hufty the elder, the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron senior enlisted leader, said the decision to serve alongside his son was a no-brainer. This being one of my last opportunities to do something like this while also being his first opportunity just made it easier for both of us to want to volunteer and be on this [deployment], he said. Ashton Hufty said the positive experience made him consider devoting the rest of his career to the Air Force. As he carved out his niche, his father had some words of wisdom. Just be open to all challenges because theres going to be constant changes during anyones military career, Adam Hufty said. Continue to push yourself and be the best at whatever you try to be whether you stay in or get out. Just be the best person and be the best at what youre trying to accomplish, that will take you wherever you want to go. Ashton Hufty said he was appreciative of his fathers mentorship, especially as his father approached retirement. He also commended his dad for his endurance. Congrats for living this long, Ashton Hufty said. Father of UW student flies to Seattle to confront suspected criminal threatening his daughter The Seattle streets are a little safer today after a crime-fighting dad took on a suspected criminal. Bill Steinkirchner says his daughter was harassed, threatened, and assaulted by a man near UWs campus on Sunday. She was shaken but unharmed, says Steinkirchner. Steinkirchner lives in California - but says he booked the next flight to Seattle with hopes of confronting the man. I think any father wouldve done the same thing. Its my baby girl, he says. When Steinkirchner arrived in Seattle, he says he used descriptions and photos from his daughter and fellow students to find the suspect. Students reported on a UW message board of being harassed by the same man throughout the weekend. Steinkirchner says he confronted the suspect in the University district, but the man started running. Steinkirchner says he chased the man through alleys, as he called the police. Im on the phone with the police and theyre like You cant chase him. They go, Stop following him. I go No! I say This is my daughter, Ive got to get this guy. When police arrived they put the suspect into handcuffs. Officers then brought Steinkirchners daughter to the scene to identify him. A nearby security guard also confirmed the mans actions to police. Police then took the suspect, 23-year-old Ryan Dileo, into custody. In a statement to KIRO 7, the Seattle Police Department writes, A nearby security guard identified Dileo as the suspect in other similar incidents involving swinging a broom. Officers arrested Dileo for investigation of felony harassment. Dileo was booked in the King County Jail. PITTSBURGH, PA (WVNS) The 2024 FBI Pittsburgh Teen Academy is now taking applications for eligible residents of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Have you ever wondered what a day as an FBI agent may look like? Do you know what it takes to become an Intelligence Analyst and conduct work regarding national security? There are many experiences available within the 2024 FBI Pittsburgh Teen Academy. Applications are now open for high school juniors or seniors that have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and residing in Western Pennsylvania or West Virginia. Topics that will be explored within the program include: Fitness Forensic Science Evidence gathering Violence prevention Sextortion Hoax threats Career Pathways for Special Agents, Intel Analysts, and more What is investigated by the FBI The FBIs international and domestic roles Attention adrenaline junkies: new local attraction nearing completion The program includes the chance for interested teens to take part in one class located Beckley, Charleston, Martinsburg, or Wheeling in West Virginia, or in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Any students that show an interest in the FBI is welcome to apply, the program is not limited to individuals interested in criminal justice. Those from different backgrounds, interests and experiences are welcomed to apply. Students will be selected based on their application (school and community involvement, GPA, etc.) and written essay. The process should be taken seriously, as none of the above criteria will be the sole factor in the evaluation. Application packages can be found at the FBI website 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 WVNS. PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Thousands of families counted on a St. Petersburg non-profit to safeguard money meant to provide for their disabled loved ones, but $100 million of that money is missing. The FBI has now launched a criminal investigation. Police release bodycam video of Tyreek Hill being detained before game Amparo Perales said she was told $2 million of her sons money vanished, and she doesnt know if he will ever get that money back. Now, with the FBI involved, Perales hopes federal investigators take swift action. Perales said her son needs around the clock care. Our son Javier had a severe reaction, Perales said. he had a vaccine injury at six months of age. It left Daniel with hundreds of seizures a day. For the first six years, he was in a wheelchair, she said. He was considered blind. They thought he would never be able to talk or walk, and that he would just not make it past the age of six. Daniels family said they are blessed as he turns 31 in October. Back in 2001, he received a settlement through the vaccine injury compensation program. Perales said they counted on St. Petersburgs Center for Special Needs Trust Administration to protect her sons future. But in February, the center filed for bankruptcy and Perales was notified that $2 million of Javier Daniels money vanished from his trust. Weve been with the Center for a long time, and we wouldve thought at this part of our lives that we could comfortably, aging get older and not worry about the care of our son, and it feels like were starting right from the beginning, said Perales. Center founder, Leo Govoni, stands accused of siphoning over $100 million in funds that were intended to help people with disabilities, but instead loaned it to other businesses under his control. Seven months later, Perales received a letter in the mail from a Victim Specialist with the FBI Tampa Division notifying her that her son is a possible victim of a federal crime. Im very happy that it is going on, I wish it had been sooner, said Perales. There are 2000 victims and I hope that the FBI, and anyone thats involved in investigating this, will expedite this. The FBI tells 8 On Your Side this is an ongoing criminal matter and would not comment further. We were already victimized by the situation that we went through and here we are again being victimized again so please expedite prosecuting who should be held accountable, said Perales. The FBI, Victim Services Division, is asking families if they have any information or if they believe they are a victim to complete the agencys questionnaire: https://forms.fbi.gov/survey. The agencys website said they may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. The FBI said if victims have any questions regarding the questionnaire or resources for victims, email CSNTvictims@fbi.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 WFLA. Overview of the Recent Transaction On August 31, 2024, The Baupost Group, led by renowned value investor Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio), executed a significant transaction by completely exiting its position in Theravance Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:TBPH). This sell-out involved a substantial number of shares, totaling -2,977,304, at a trading price of $8.25 per share. This move has notably reduced the firm's exposure in the biotechnology sector, reflecting a strategic shift or reassessment of the stock's future potential. Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio), a distinguished figure in the investment world, is the Portfolio Manager at The Baupost Group, which he founded in 1983. Klarman is not only known for his keen investment acumen but also as the author of the highly regarded book "Margin of Safety." With an economics degree from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard University, Klarman has developed a unique investment philosophy that emphasizes value investing with a keen eye on risk versus return, often holding cash when suitable investments are scarce. Seth Klarman's Complete Exit from Theravance Biopharma Inc Insight into Theravance Biopharma Inc Theravance Biopharma Inc, based in the Cayman Islands, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of organ-selective medicines. The company, which went public on May 16, 2014, focuses on inflammation and immunology, aiming to create treatments that offer efficacy with minimal side effects. Despite its innovative approach, the company's financial metrics and stock performance have been underwhelming, with a current market capitalization of $393.578 million and a stock price of $8.045, significantly below its GF Value of $14.89. Seth Klarman's Complete Exit from Theravance Biopharma Inc Analysis of the Trade's Impact The complete divestiture by Klarman has led to a 0.86% decrease in the portfolio's exposure to Theravance Biopharma. This decision might be influenced by the company's current valuation and its performance metrics. Theravance's stock is currently seen as a possible value trap, with a price to GF Value ratio of 0.54, indicating that the stock might be undervalued but with significant risks attached. Market Context and Comparative Financial Health Theravance Biopharma's financial health and growth metrics present a mixed picture. The company holds a Growth Rank of 8/10, suggesting good growth potential, but its Profitability Rank is low at 1/10. Additionally, its Piotroski F-Score of 2 and an Altman Z score of -2.06 raise concerns about its financial stability and operating efficiency. Story continues Implications for Value Investors The exit by Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio) from Theravance Biopharma could signal to other value investors the potential risks or lack of opportunity at the current valuation. Given Klarmans cautious approach to investment, his move might suggest that the perceived risks in Theravance outweigh the potential rewards, especially in a challenging market environment for biotechnology stocks. Conclusion This transaction by Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio) underscores a significant shift in strategy regarding Theravance Biopharma. For value investors, this move might warrant a reevaluation of their holdings in similar biotech stocks, considering both market conditions and individual company metrics. Klarman's actions often reflect deeper market insights, suggesting that caution could be advisable in this sector. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A federal court judge closed her courtroom to the public Monday halfway through a hearing scheduling the criminal trial of a Las Vegas-area politician accused of misappropriating charitable donations. Judge Jennifer Dorsey removed members of the public and over half a dozen television and print media from an otherwise empty courtroom because federal prosecutors said they wanted to discuss the private information of certain witnesses expected to testify at the upcoming trial of Michele Fiore. In July a federal grand jury indicted Fiore a former Las Vegas city councilor and now a suspended Justice Court judge in Pahrump on several counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Fiore engaged in a scheme to defraud charitable donors of more than $70,000 for her own personal benefit, a superseding indictment from August reads. That scheme, court documents allege, occurred between 2017 and 2022, during which time those documents say she founded and mismanaged funds that were intended among other things to pay for memorial statues for a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer who died in the line of duty. Those documents also say she spent money from charitable donations for a variety of personal expenses, including rent, travel and a payment for Fiores daughters wedding. Fiore pleaded not guilty after the original indictment in July and again to the charges in the superseding indictment Monday. That happened in a brief hearing, which occurred moments before the hearing in Dorseys courtroom. Outside of the first courtroom prior to the arraignment and again outside of the courthouse at the conclusion of the second hearing, Fiore refused to answer questions from the 8 News Now Investigators about the allegations. During Mondays so-called calendar call, attorneys said in court that the trial could last over two weeks, and asked whether certain witnesses who live out of state could testify remotely. Dorsey advised that the court has the technological capacity to accommodate that request, and then federal prosecutors indicated that theyd like to discuss the logistics of certain witnesses in private. Dorsey questioned attorneys as to why the rest of the hearing should be conducted in private, especially considering that there was no jury present and closed the courtroom despite neither party arguing that the reason for the privacy of those witnesses outweighs the vital interest in open judicial proceedings enumerated in Department of Justice guidelines. Court records do not indicate either party wrote a motion requesting permission from the judge to hold the hearing in private, and the judge did not make findings explaining her decision. Fiore is due back in court on Sept. 20 for a status conference in Dorseys courtroom. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A federal judge will hear arguments next month on whether to block a new Florida law banning the production and sale of lab-grown meat, following a challenge from California-based UPSIDE Foods, Inc. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Federal Judge Mark Walker has scheduled an October 7 hearing on a request by California-based UPSIDE Foods, Inc. for a preliminary injunction to block the law, according to court records. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 1, is being challenged by UPSIDE Foods on constitutional grounds. The company argues that federal poultry-product laws preempt Florida from enforcing the ban, citing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which typically allows federal laws to override conflicting state laws. READ: An ideological agenda: Gov. DeSantis signs bill to prevent selling of lab-grown meat UPSIDE Foods motion for a preliminary injunction claims that blocking the law would not harm the state. An injunction will not substantially injure others, because it will not compel the state to take any action or obligate any resources, and because the state has no legitimate interest in the continued operation of an unconstitutional law, the motion states. An injunction is in the public interest because it will permit UPSIDE to exercise its right to bring innovative products to the interstate market and allow consumers to exercise their freedom to decide for themselves what foods they want to eat. The state is expected to file its response to the motion by next week. Cultivated meat, also known as lab-grown meat, is produced by culturing animal cells in controlled environments to create food products. State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a strong advocate of the law, has dismissed the lawsuit as ridiculous, expressing concerns over the safety of lab-grown meat. Lab-grown meat is not proven to be safe enough for consumers, Simpson said, emphasizing his commitment to food safety. Food security is a matter of national security, and our farmers are the first line of defense. He continued, As Floridas commissioner of agriculture, I will fight every day to protect a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply. States are the laboratory of democracy, and Florida has the right to not be a corporate guinea pig. Leave the Frankenmeat experiment to California. Judge Walker, in an order issued on August 30, allowed the state to seek additional information from UPSIDE Foods regarding the source of the cells used in its cultivated chicken products and its distribution plans in Florida. The Florida Legislature passed the ban earlier this year as part of a larger agricultural bill (SB 1084), which makes selling or producing cultivated meat a second-degree misdemeanor in the state. Despite the ban, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved UPSIDE Foods last year to manufacture and sell its products. [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. An Eastern Washington man is accused of buying used cars and then selling them with odometers that showed lower mileage in some cases more than 100,000 fewer miles. Reynaldo Valdez Garza Jr., of Othello, 52, is charged in federal court with five counts of odometer tampering, including on a Ford F-150 he sold on behalf of Cars 4 Less Auto Sales in Kennewick. There is no indication in court documents that the Tri-Cities business knew of the alleged fraud. A grand jury indicted Garza Sept. 4, but court records were sealed until after his arrest. Garza previously was employed by a used car business and used that experience to begin purchasing and selling cars, according to court records. He often would buy vehicles and parts, including odometers, from Spalding Auto Parts, a junkyard for totaled vehicles near Spokane, Wash. He would switch out the vehicles original odometers to increase the sales price for cars he sold, sometimes on Facebook Marketplace with the price and purported mileage of the vehicle listed, according to a court document On making a sale he would often promise to finalize the bill of sale paperwork, according to a court document. When the buyer signed their section, he would fill in the sellers portion of the document with different mileage information than he had told the buyer, according to court documents. Odometers allegedly switched The five charges include these federal court allegations about five cars and pickups he sold: In late October 2023 Garza contacted Cars 4 Less Auto Sales and said he could sell a 2012 Ford F-150 it had to one of his customers. The odometer read 259,731 miles, but Garza is accused of changing it out to show that it had 129,930 miles. Garza sold the pickup on behalf of Cars 4 Less for $14,000, according to court documents. In August 2023, Garza bought a 2007 GMC Acadia with 186,923 miles for $500. He replaced its odometer with one that read 118,000 miles and sold the SUV for $5,000, according to a court document. In June 2023, Garza bought a 2010 Ford Edge with about 230,000 miles for $4,000. He advertised it on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. He then met a buyer at their residence and sold the SUV for $6,500. It had an odometer then that said it had been driven 115,000 miles, according to a court document. In August 2023 Garza and his spouse bought a 2006 Toyota Sienna minivan with 252,871 miles for $2,700. He sold it for $5,600 with a replaced odometer that said it had been driven about 129,000 miles, according to a court document. In February 2024, Garza bought a 2007 Lexus IS-250 sedan with an odometer reading of 214,469 miles. He also bought an instrument cluster from a totaled Lexus with mileage of about 142,000 miles, according to a court document. When he was interviewed by law enforcement in March, he said he planned to sell the Lexus, which then showed mileage of about 144,000 miles, for $6,000, according to a court document. The purchase of a vehicle is often one of the largest financial commitments people make, said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref of the Eastern Washington District. It is important that buyers have confidence in the information they receive when deciding which vehicle to purchase. The maximum sentence for each charge of odometer tampering is three years in prison. This case was investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Adams County Sheriffs Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin Curda. Garza is represented by Douglas D. Phelps of Spokane. VIENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) The plan for a new flight training school at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is getting $2.2 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Western Reserve Port Authority in Youngstown will receive a $2.2 million Expand Workforce Development grant (EDA) to construct a new flight school and aviation center. The project will be matched with $2.2 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 300 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment, the port authority wrote in its grant application. As someone who has long championed policies to strengthen workforce training and close the skills gap, I am proud to see this critical funding to expand workforce development here in Ohio, said Representative David Joyce (OH-14). Specifically, the investment in the Western Reserve Port Authority in Youngstown will create jobs, grow the aviation workforce, and spur economic development in my district. I look forward to seeing this funding in action. A partnership was announced In March between Youngstown State University and the Western Reserve Port Authority on a new pilot training center. Officials say the agreement will include flight classes at the airport in Vienna, which will eventually help fill a growing need for trained pilots. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a mass exodus of pilots is projected to cause almost 17,000 openings for airline and commercial pilots each year. By the time you become a pilot, you could have a six-figure investment in the career. But right now the airlines are paying pretty significant bonuses, said Western Reserve Port Authority Executive Director Anthony Trevena. These are good paying jobs. We train them right here in our workforce. A lot of pilots work in Pittsburgh, work in Cleveland they live right here in the Mahoning Valley, Trevena said. The grant money will go towards a new building at Youngstown Warren Regional Airport that will house a flight school, simulator room as well as additional classrooms and training rooms at a cost of roughly $4.2 million. This grant will pay for more than half of that and clear new pathways for students at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. They could increase their program 50 more students a year if we were to add more facilities, said Trevena. The airport and port authority are also looking to partner with a local university potentially Youngstown State to create a full curriculum for an aviation program further connecting students with careers in aviation. If you become a Part 141 school, those students could receive Pell Grants, Stafford loans and things like that. That would help them pay for their academic career when it comes to aviation, Trevena said. Gerry Ricciutti 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. Maryland is the first state to receive a $10 million federal grant to help support small and underserved businesses in the region. File photo. Maryland will be the first state to receive funding under the federal Small Business Opportunity Program, a $10 million grant the state and federal officials said will help grow underserved small businesses in the Maryland region. The $10 million grant to the state is part of $75 million set aside for small businesses as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Gov Wes Moore (D) said Monday that the program could have far reaching benefits. This is going to help more Marylanders turn ideas into jobs and businesses, and turn individuals into job creators, Moore said. Its going to benefit people who just simply want to participate in our states economic growth. The money will be used to establish the Business Resource Information, Development, and Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE). The program will help provide legal, accounting and financial advice to small businesses including those owned by veterans, women and minorities. TEDCO and the University of Maryland College Park will help oversee the program and will contribute $2.2 million to the effort. The grant to Maryland will be used regionally in Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia. This BRIDGE program does what bridges do. Bridges connect things. They help you get over obstacles, said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO, a quasi-public agency charged with helping grow technology companies in Maryland. They help you get to the other side in an expeditious manner. And so, this bridge program will help our entrepreneurs across the DMV. Theyll give them access to talent that they need to grow and scale their enterprises, and theyre helping find X marks the spot not just in terms of capital, but also in terms of the other types of resources they need that help them grow their business, he said. LeMaile-Stovall said the other states and partner universities will eventually contribute funding to the effort. One of the things we looked for as we were thinking about grantees for the Small Business Opportunity Program was were looking for states that were going to be willing to work across state lines and to build regional programs, said U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, who was on the call announcing the grant. Because what we know is that for many of these small businesses, they are selling products to people, not only in their city often, but because of the ability to advertise online, throughout the country. One of the things we appreciated about Marylands application was the fact that in so many ways, Maryland is a regional leader, a major regional hub for not only the DMV, but for the broader region and that came across in their application, Adeyemo said. Feds, irrigation district say keep your wheels off of the silvery minnow Tire tracks lead into pools where U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists sampled for and found silvery minnow on Aug. 26, 2024 in the Rio Grande channel in the Isleta Reach. (Courtesy of Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District) A recent uptick in off-roading by trucks and other vehicles in the Rio Grande near Belen has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the local irrigation district to issue a warning to the public: stop, or face further consequences. The Rio Grande is currently drying between Albuquerque and Socorro, trapping fish in shallow waters and pools, including the endangered silvery minnow. There is a tenuous strip of water in the river running in the Isleta reach south of Albuquerque, buoyed by federal releases of water imported from the San Juan-Chama Project and water leased from farmers in the area. Further south, in the San Acacia reach between Belen and Socorro, an estimated 18 river miles are dry, with some reconnection along the river from rains. With low waters, federal officials and local irrigation authority at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District said theyre concerned that people driving off-road vehicles in the riverbed may be illegally killing and harassing the silvery minnow, in an Aug. 29 news release. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in the release that anyone performing an act that would harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect an animal protected under Endangered Species Act faces a fine up to $50,000, up to a year in prison, or both. Keegan Epping checks a seine net for any live silvery minnows from a pull. We know that theyre there This area is a crucial stretch of habitat for the endangered fish, which now only lives in the Rio Grande between Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Reservoir. I can appreciate that its probably a really fun activity, but it does not coincide well with our attempts to manage that very critical ribbon of habitat for endangered species, Casey Ish said about the vehicle activity in the riverbed in Valencia County. Ish, a Water Resources Specialist for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, said staff have seen anywhere from 40 to 50 vehicles in the riverbed on Friday or Saturday evenings in the summer. At the end of the day, weve got vehicles driving up and down a river, and thats just not acceptable, Ish said. Rivers and streams are not explicitly mentioned in state laws limiting off-highway vehicle use, but the law prohibits driving in structures used to water livestock and wildlife, or driving in a manner that has a direct negative effect on or interferes with persons engaged in agricultural practices. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish says on its website it is illegal to operate off-road vehicles in a way that damages environment, plants, animals or creates excessive noise. Ish said the hope is that with new signs posted, the matter would not escalate to police involvement, but also said this has been a challenge in recent years. Simply put, I think most of them probably know that its not allowed, but that that doesnt really deter them, Ish said. With less water in the Rio Grande, silvery minnows have no room to flee from fast-moving vehicles, said Andy Dean, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist. We found about 50 silvery minnow and right where tire tracks were going through, so we know that theyre there, said Dean, the head for the federal government of the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office. Another concern, he said, is that off-road drivers are trespassing on irrigation district lands or potentially polluting the remaining riverbed with fluids and oils. Enforcement like this has not been tried before, Dean said. The first step is installing signs with warnings about the silvery minnow along the Rio Grande near Belen, to hopefully deter off-roaders. If it doesnt work, then well probably ask law enforcement to start doing some regular patrols down there and start issuing citations, Dean said. The minnow is the only reason we still have water The Rio Grande silvery minnow is a small fish, about four inches long, often a shimmery green and yellow with a cream underbelly, with small eyes and a small mouth. The minnow is the remnant of a wilder river, historically populating the Rio Grande from Espanola to the Gulf of Mexico. However, with loss of habitat from climate change, and human reshaping of the river alongside the minnows with a unique spawning technique and short lifespan, the fish remains on the edge of extinction. WildEarth Guardians, a conservation nonprofit who has sued the federal government on behalf of the minnow, applauded the agency for taking steps to address threats to the endangered species. WildEarth Guardians supports the effort to prohibit any habitat destruction, including off-road vehicle use near Belen, said Daniel Timmons, the Wild Rivers program director for the nonprofit. That said off-road vehicles are not the primary threat to the silvery minnow. The more concerning thing is that the river is so dry that you can drive a four-wheeler through it. Before the 1990s, River drying was rarer on the Rio Grande, but a combination of climate change lessening the snow supply and increased agricultural demand have exposed more sandbed, especially in the San Acacia reach, hurting the minnows survival. Timmons said its crucial to understand that the river drying isnt solely climate change, but is human-driven from irrigation needs. In particular its being diverted at Isleta by (Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District), he said. Its pretty clear from the gage data that theres a lot more water in the river above Isleta diversion dam than there is below it. A 2023 review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts that river-drying will continue, and be one of the largest threats to the minnows survival. The silvery minnow is misunderstood, Dean said, saying that while its been framed as a detriment to farmers and ranchers, its the reason the river can be a wildspace in any capacity. The minnow is the only reason we still have water in the river. If the minnow didnt exist in the river, there wouldnt be any regulatory ability for us to limit the amount of water that is taken out, Dean said. Its helping provide a corridor of recreation and a green portion of the valley. Federal prosecutors unveiled charges Monday against two people who allegedly sought to incite a race war by encouraging their online group of white supremacists to carry out hate crimes and other violent acts. The defendants, Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison, face 15 counts each, including charges for soliciting hate crimes and the murder of federal officials, issuing instructions for bomb-making and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Prosecutors say Humber, 34, and Allison, 37, began running the white supremacist group Terrorgram in 2022, after previous leaders became embroiled in other terrorism investigations. The group is described in court filings as a network of channels, users and group chats on the app Telegram seeking white revolution and domination. Whether motivated by racial bias or antagonism toward government and societal norms, such behavior will not be tolerated, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement Monday. Terrorism is still the FBIs number one priority, and working with our partners we are committed to investigating and holding accountable those who break the laws and assist violent actors in lethal plots. Humber and Allison allegedly distributed a hit list of high-value targets for assassination to the group, which named and gave addresses for federal officials including a U.S. senator, federal judge and U.S. attorney whom they deemed an enemy of white supremacist accelerationism. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, leader of the Justice Departments civil rights division, said in a statement that the group targeted Black, immigrant, LGBT and Jewish people. When disseminating the hit list, two leaders urged their followers to Take Action Now and do your part, prosecutors said. Users who committed an attack in the name of Terrorgram could become known as Saints, joining the ranks of other white supremacist mass murderers. In addition to encouraging attacks on the perceived enemies of white people, Humber and Allison also encouraged Terrorgram members to target government infrastructure, including federal buildings and energy facilities. Two recent incidents a New Jersey 18-year-olds arrest in July for plotting to attack an energy facility to advance his white supremacist views and the stabbing of five people outside a mosque in Turkey last month were tied to the group, prosecutors said. The 37-page indictment against the duo was filed Sept. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, despite being unsealed Monday. Humber pleaded not guilty during a court hearing before a federal magistrate judge Monday, and a detention hearing was scheduled for Friday. Todays arrests are a warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a Monday statement. The United States Department of Justice will find you, and we will hold you accountable, he 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 The Hill. Jewelry, political mementos and a stunning collection of American art once belonging to Sen. Dianne Feinstein are hitting the auction block. The Legacy of a Stateswoman auction from Bonhams, happening Oct. 8 in Los Angeles, will include some of the California Democrats most beloved and glitzy personal items. Feinstein, the countrys longest-serving female senator in history, died in 2023 at 90. Among the more than 70 baubles and jewels up for auction is a dazzling 4.14 carat diamond ring flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, which is expected to fetch as much as $65,000. Some of Feinsteins extensive art collection that she displayed in her Washington home while serving in the Senate is also for sale. Ships Sailing in the San Francisco Bay with Fort Point in the Distance, a 1907 painting by William Alexander Coulter, is estimated to be sold for $70,000 to $100,000. Feinsteins own artwork will also be offered in the auction the longtime lawmaker painted as a hobby. The auction additionally includes a plethora of political keepsakes spanning Feinsteins more than three decades in the Senate. A framed letter from former President Carter expresses sympathy for Feinsteins 1990 loss in Californias gubernatorial race and some encouraging words: Rosalynn and I thought that 1980 was a tragedy for us, but our lives since then have been more full, productive, and enjoyable than we ever dreamed. A 2016 photo of Feinstein smiling alongside President Biden includes a personal message from the commander in chief lauding his former Senate colleague: In all my years in public life Ive never met anyone with whom I would rather work. You are insightful, generous and effective and all at the same time, Biden wrote. Other items in the auction, which will also be held as part of two additional online sales highlighting Feinsteins jewelry and southeast Asian art collections, include: presidential signing pens from former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, a painted Senate desk chair and books inscribed to the then-lawmaker by former President George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other political figures. In a statement about the auction, daughter Katherine Feinstein said that her mother would be delighted to know that her treasured pieces will be just as cherished and cared for by those whose lives she touched, and who admired her as a pioneering woman in politics. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republican Dave Reichert, left, and Democrat Bob Ferguson, right, are competing in Washington's 2024 governor's race. (Photos courtesy of campaigns) The two men dueling to be Washingtons next governor agree that the delivery of public education could improve if the person overseeing the system was appointed rather than elected. Both Democrat Bob Ferguson and Republican Dave Reichert endorse the idea of eliminating the superintendent of public instruction as an elected job and putting a person to helm education policy in the governors cabinet. On Monday, Ferguson went further, saying he will work to amend the state constitution to remove the post as an elected position at the end of the next full term which would be January 2029. Chris Reykdal, who is seeking a third term as Washingtons superintendent of public instruction, has backed the idea of transforming the post to a non-elected job for several years. His opponent in this years race, David Olson, opposes doing so. Ferguson penciled his commitment into an education plan released Monday, the eve of his first face-to-face debate with Reichert. In that plan, he also vows to eliminate duplication of efforts at the state, regional, and local levels of the education system and break down education silos and ensure that state services are coordinated and focused on the continuum from cradle to career. Fergusons campaign did not respond to interview requests or reply to emailed questions on his proposal. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction channels funding to schools, implements state education laws and sets curriculum standards for more than 1 million public school students. It oversees the states 295 school districts, six state-tribal education compact schools, educational service districts and the Washington Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss. When asked by the Seattle Times Editorial Board about eliminating the elected post, Ferguson, the three-term state attorney general, and Reichert, a former congressman, each said making it part of the executive branch would give governors a more direct hand in developing policy and distributing funding than they have now. It is not a new idea. Former governor Chris Gregoire pushed for it unsuccessfully in 2011. She envisioned appointing a secretary of education to oversee the states multiple boards and entities responsible for education from early learning to college. The person would serve subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Then-superintendent Randy Dorn opposed the move. So too did the Washington Education Association, the union representing teachers, and the statewide associations of school district directors, principals and superintendents. Gregoire argued as have others since that Washington residents view the governor as being directly responsible for education but theyre not. If the public was going to hold her accountable, she wanted to be made accountable. Reykdal views the change as a step toward improving the efficiency and efficacy of education in the state. The Legislature has given their policy authority to too many boards and agencies that often create inconsistent education policy and duplicate efforts, he wrote to Gov. Jay Inslee and lawmakers in January 2021. The executive branch needs singular leadership to write rules and carry out education policy, and the Legislature needs to assert (or delegate power to an executive) clearer expectations and accountability of local school districts. In 2022, former state senators Reuven Carlyle and Sam Hunt, both Democrats, introduced legislation to make the change and Reykdal testified in favor. It received a hearing but did not advance out of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. We have such a radical addiction in our state to decentralization that we have a lack of accountability, Carlyle said in the hearing. Education is in its own silo and a governors authority is very modest, he said. Olson, Reykdals challenger in the Nov. 5 election, isnt on board. He said Monday he opposes the idea. I believe the position is too important to be a partisan appointment, he said. I believe the people should decide who fills the OSPI position, not a partisan elected governor. When Reykdal is in serious jeopardy of losing his seat, its clear the people should have the say. Not the governor. Reporter Grace Deng contributed to this report. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Company Logo Dublin, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South Africa Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector - Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2028 (Q2 2024)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The analyst expects the construction industry in South Africa to shrink by 2.7% in real terms in 2024, owing to headwinds such as elevated cost of production, rising energy prices, rising debt level, insufficient power supply, and railway and port crisis. In November 2023, South Africa's rail and port utility company Transnet witnessed congestion and blockages with rising containers in the Port of Durban (commonly called Durban Harbour - the largest and busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa) and derailment of the rail network due to poor policy, negligence in maintenance, operational challenges, equipment failures, corruption, and incompetence of authority. This ongoing crisis is likely to impact the country's imports and exports. Additionally, a fall in foreign direct investment (FDI) will also weigh on the industry's output in 2024. According to the South African Reserve Bank, the total FDI inflows fell by 36.1% year-on-year (YoY) in 2023, following an overall annual fall of 75% in 2022. The construction industry witnessed a weak start in 2024, with the industry's value add falling by 8.7% YoY in Q1 2024, following Y-o-Y falls of 4.5% in Q4 and 3.2% in Q3 2023, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The South African construction industry is however expected to rebound in 2025 and record an average annual growth rate of 3.5% during 2025-28, supported by investments in renewable energy, electricity, transportation, and industrial projects. The government aims to produce 26% of the total electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. To achieve this goal, the state-owned electricity public utility company Eskom plans to invest ZAR106 billion ($5.7 billion) on the construction of wind farms and solar plants. The government's focus on increasing the number of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) across the country will also support the industry's growth over the coming years. The government plans to boost infrastructure development in the country by increasing public-private collaborations and partnerships with regional governments. In March 2024, the Deputy President of South Africa mentioned that ZAR230 billion ($12.4 billion) worth of infrastructure projects are in the construction phase as of March 2024. Story continues Growth during the forecast period will also be supported by the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to 2030 and 2050. This was revised in January 2024 and outlines the necessity to build substantial new capacity with a mix of nuclear power, renewables, clean coal, and gas to ensure reliable electricity supply and achieve a net zero electricity sector by 2050. This plan will be executed in two phases, one from 2023 to 2030 and the second from 2031 to 2050. It includes the addition of 29.3GW of new energy generation capacity in South Africa by 2030, including more than 7GW of new gas projects, 4.5GW of wind, and 3.6GW of solar PV. Scope Historical (2019-2023) and forecast (2024-2028) valuations of the construction industry in South Africa, featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Reasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using the analyst's standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies. Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts. Understand the latest industry and market trends. Formulate and validate strategy using the analyst's critical and actionable insight. Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures. Evaluate competitive risk and success factors. Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance 3 Context 3.1 Economic Performance 3.2 Political Environment and Policy 3.3 Demographics 3.4 Risk Profile 4 Construction Outlook 4.1 All Construction Outlook Latest news and developments Construction Projects Momentum Index 4.2 Commercial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.3 Industrial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.4 Infrastructure Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.5 Energy and Utilities Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.6 Institutional Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.7 Residential Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 5 Key Industry Participants 5.1 Contractors 5.2 Consultants 6 Construction Market Data 7 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2v1yfy About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 NEW MEXICO (KRQE) While rain-free conditions with relatively low temperatures are the big weather story this morning once again, slightly more mountain thunderstorms will fire off this afternoon, but most across the region will be very sunny with even higher afternoon temperatures than yesterday. All storms in northwestern areas dissipated, leaving only behind some trails of clouds around the Four Corners with a high pressure system aloft which will only drift slowly to the south-southeast ahead as soon-to-be Hurricane Francine in the Gulf of Mexico drifts northward then eventually northeastward while strengthening. So, stubbornly stagnant weather this morning in New Mexico with dry air, as well as light winds, have allowed for temperatures to drop around the freezing mark in the high elevations, while most other areas are starting off in the 40s, 50s, and lower 60s. Forecast Continues Below As temperatures across the region rise from the morning school commute into the high 60s, 70s, 80s, and low 90 degrees by the afternoon, moisture from the northwest, along with daytime heating, will lead to slightly more areas across the viewing areas receiving doses of rainfall. More-widespread storms will most likely form in the San Juan Mountains, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Zuni Mountains, while a few showers are possible in the Southern Mountains. Burn-scar flash flooding will still be unlikely despite the slow-moving storms because they will be relatively sporadic in coverage, but flooding will be a little bit more likely than yesterday. Within the areas that will rain, small hail, gusty winds, and some lightning strikes are possible. Relatively light upper-level winds, generally from the northwest, will push the storms slowly to the southeast this evening, but then as a high pressure system eventually weakens around the Four Corners later this week, moisture beneath it will slowly drift southeast for some later this week. However, where areas will remain mostly sunny, the sinking air-mass will allow temperatures to rise a bit above normal as drier air will come in fuller force late this week with persistent southwesterly winds before the next weather pattern change this weekend. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fewer Suppliers Are Responsible for Fashions Carbon Impact Than You Might Think Some 1,500 manufacturing facilities across nine countries are behind 80 percent of the fashion industrys carbon emissions. Thats according to Reset Carbon, a Hong Kong-based environmental consulting firm that crunched the numbers using Cascales Higg Index suite of sustainability measurement tools. More from Sourcing Journal Colin Browne, Cascales new CEO, made the revelation on Tuesday during his inaugural address at the multi-stakeholder groups annual meeting in Munich, which it themed a New Era of United Impact. Browne, who joined the former Sustainable Apparel Coalition in May, used the analysis to call for a tighter focus on what he described as critical strategic supplier hotspots as the organization attempts to make good on its goal to slash industry emissions by 45 percent across its membership by 2030. The reality is that the consumer goods industry is not doing enough to combat climate change, he said. With new data demonstrating a stark concentration of climate impact, we must direct action to where it matters most.There is no path to achieving our 45 percent reduction target that doesnt involve these 1,500 facilities. Browne admitted that Cascale, whose remit has expanded beyond clothing and footwear to include home furnishings, sporting and outdoor goods, and bag and luggage purveyors, has its work cut out if it wants to propel the degree of change it wishes to see among its 300-strong roster, which includes some of the worlds biggest brands and retailers including Amazon, H&M Group, Primark, Zara owner Inditex and Walmart. While Cascale now requires new corporate members to join its decarbonization program and set science-based or science-aligned targets to rein in their greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures, the organizations surveys of existing members show that 33 percent of brands and 54 percent of manufacturers have yet to do so. This needs to change, Browne said. More importantly, brands and suppliers need to work in tandem to transform their Tier 2, which is the single most important source of carbon emissions, he added. Setting an SBT without close consultation with ones supply chain is unacceptable and irresponsible given the near-term deadline of 2030. But with the right actionable data and mutual support, there is hope. Cascale is collaborating with both Reset Carbon and San Franciscos Apparel Impact Institute to establish a so-called industry decarbonization roadmap and support suppliers in reducing their emissions in a streamlined manner. Browne said that despite the challenges, he remains hopeful because the industry has the knowledge, capability and tools to succeed. But do we have the courage, the capacity and the commitment to follow through? he asked. Im confident we do, and I urge every leader across the industry to step up. If not now then when? While we support our members with practical tools and techniques to help them decarbonize, we also constantly challenge them to do better. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Two lanes of Interstate 8 were closed after a small brush fire broke out at a roadside embankment Tuesday morning. The fire was reported around 11:10 a.m. along the hillside between the College Avenue and Lake Murray Boulevard exits, according to California Highway Patrol logs. According to San Diego Fire-Rescue, a total of 44 fire personnel were dispatched to the scene, including five engines, a hand crew and helicopters. Crews from the cities of Poway, La Mesa and Chula Vista assisted in the incidents response. The two righthand lanes on the westbound side of I-8 were closed as a result of the fire, Caltrans said. A Sig Alert was issued to drivers for traffic delays through the area. As of 2 p.m., all lanes have been reopened. No additional information was immediately 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. George Rose/Getty Images In the summer of 2017, I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw a post from Muscogee legal scholar Sarah Deer. It was about a court case I had not yet heard of. A man on Oklahomas death row was arguing the state didnt have jurisdiction to execute him because he was Native and the murder happened on the Muscogee reservation. Oklahoma argued that reservation no longer existed. Before Muscogee Nation came to present-day Oklahoma, the tribes territory spanned what is now Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. In the 1830s, the US military rounded Muscogee people up at gunpoint and forced them into exile halfway across the continent. In a letter to Muscogee leaders, Andrew Jackson promised their new home would remain theirs for as long as the grass grows or the water runs, in peace and plenty. That promise was not kept. In violation of their treaties, Oklahoma was created on top of Muscogee land. Since it became a state, Oklahoma acted as if all reservations within its borders were abolished. For over a century, the Muscogee reservation was denied. While that might sound like a reservation no longer exists, thats not what the law says. The case would ultimately go all the way to the Supreme Court. And their decision would result in the largest restoration of tribal land in US history. After seeing that Facebook post, I became obsessed with the case, called McGirt v Oklahoma. I would spend years writing news articles, creating a podcast and ultimately writing a book: By The Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land. I knew whatever the outcome, the case would likely determine the reservation status of my tribe, Cherokee Nation, too. The book weaves together the surprising story behind the Supreme Court case and the history that illuminates why it matters. Our ancestors sacrificed and survived too much for the treaty promises they fought for to simply be brushed aside. But history is complicated. Our tribes not only endured colonization, dispossession, and genocide, but we chose to practice chattel slavery. The book covers not only the harms our tribes endured, but also the harms we committed and are responsible for today. Starting with George Washington, US presidents promised Cherokees that if they could live more like white peopleraise livestock, farm, wear cotton clothes, and adopt Christianitythey could remain on their lands. In other words, if they could assimilate to white society, they could have rights. For Cherokees, the pressure to assimilate was also practical. There was not enough wild game to support subsistence hunting, so more Cherokees kept livestock. After tides of death from disease, intermarrying with white people helped Cherokees rebuild their population. Even our traditional, decentralized government had to change after US officials exploited it by coercing individual chiefs to sell off pieces of Cherokee land. So, over and over again, Cherokees adapted. Cherokee leaders sent their children to white schools, learned English, changed the way they dressed and even formed a new central government, with a new written constitution. But as Cherokee Nation remade itself under the influence and pressures of colonization, it adopted aspects of white supremacy. Article 3, section 4 of the new constitution denied Black Cherokees citizenship. Cherokees first had contact with the European concept of chattel slavery through the Indigenous slave trade, in which Cherokees were kidnapped and enslaved by the Spanish and British. In the early 1700s, a third of the enslaved population in South Carolina was Indigenous. Since time immemorial, Cherokee identity was based on ones maternal clan; if your mother was Cherokee, you were too. In Cherokee society, kinship, not freedom was the opposite of slavery, writes historian Tiya Miles. In the Cherokee understanding, to be kin meant being human, and to be human meant being free. By the late 1700s individual Cherokees enslaved people of African descent, but Black Cherokees who had a clan through adoption or birth still had full citizenship rights. In the 1820s, all that changed. When my great-great-great grandfather John Ridge and his cousin Elias Boudinot married white women, they petitioned the National Council to allow children with a Cherokee father but white mother (their children) to be citizens. The Council obliged. Around that time, the Council also passed laws excluding mixed-Black Cherokees from citizenshipeven if their mother was Cherokee. Four other tribesMuscogee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole Nationsalso adopted chattel slavery from the US South. Partially for this reason, our nations came to be called the loaded moniker the Five Civilized Tribes. While Elias appears to have opposed slavery (by reprinting abolitionist texts in the Cherokee paper he edited) both John Ridge and his father Major Ridge enslaved people of African descent and supported anti-Black policies within Cherokee Nation. In an 1826 letter, John Ridge wrote that intermarried whites were accepted because it helped the tribe with its march of civilization, but the few instances of African mixture with Cherokee blood were viewed as a misfortune & disgrace. Growing up, this part of our family history wasnt talked about. After learning it, I spent years not wanting to claim my ancestors, and then years not knowing how. In the fledgling United States, wealth was power. And for Indigenous leaders at the time, power was survival. But wealth, of course, is also about greed. Because of the people they enslaved, the Ridges could afford fine things like china plates, silks, extensive fruit orchards, and even a white-painted plantation-style home. Cherokees traditional form of self-governance was not perfect, but it was a society structured to prioritize equality and maintain balance. When we left behind the clan system, we lost this. The inequality born of this timethe lower status of women, the introduction of class, the gulf between traditional and acculturated Cherokees, and the adoption of anti-Black racismis something we have yet to overcome. When the US Civil War broke out in 1861, the Confederacy courted an alliance with the Five Tribes. Eventually all five tribesMuscogee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole Nationssided with the Confederacy. But the people were deeply divided. In Cherokee Nation, traditionalists opposed to slavery and the influence of white society fought for the Union. Another faction fought for the South. The tribes conflicting position meant it was invaded by both the Union and Confederacy and offered little protection from either. Similar divisions broke out within Muscogee Nation, with those loyal to the Union fleeing to Kansas. Four years after Cherokee Nation signed a treaty of allegiance to the Confederacy, General Robert E. Lee surrendered and the American Civil War was over. When leaders from the Five Tribes met with federal officials to negotiate peace, they were startled by the US governments demands. As punishment for siding with the Confederacy, the United States wanted almost half the tribes land. Tribal leaders tried to protest, but on the losing end of the war there was little they could do. These revised boundariesas described in the 1866 treatiesare what the Five Tribes consider their reservations today and for Muscogee Nation are what the Supreme Court154 years laterupheld in McGirt v Oklahoma. The treaties also formally ended slavery in all five tribes, and in Cherokee, Seminole, and Muscogee Nations granted full citizenship to formerly enslaved people. A year before the McGirt decision came out, Rhonda Grayson got a letter in the mail. It was from the citizenship board of Muscogee Nation. The letter informed Rhonda she was not eligible for citizenship in the tribe because she was not Muscogee by blood. Her application was rejected. At the turn of the 19th Century the land held communally by Muscogee Nation was divided up and assigned to individual tribal citizens. To assign land to each tribal citizen, federal officials needed a list. Those officials segregated the rolls they made, placing formerly enslaved people and their descendants on separate Freedmen rolls. Rhondas great-grandmother was placed on the Creek Freedmen roll. When Muscogee Nation ratified a new constitution in 1979, it excluded descendants of freedpeople. If the Dawes Commission hadnt placed their ancestor on the by blood roll, people like Rhonda couldnt enroll. To Rhonda, the timing betrayed a gross hypocrisy; how could Muscogee Nation demand the United States uphold its end of the treaty, but not uphold theirs? Creek freedmen were part of the tribe before there was even a Creek Nation, Rhonda told me. They traveled on the Trail of Tears. With a fellow freedpeople descendant, Rhonda sued the citizenship board in Muscogee Nation court, arguing the boards decision violated the treaty of 1866. Muscogee Nation was not alone. Under our modern governments, all five tribes have excluded or disenfranchised the descendants of freedpeople. In September of 2001, Marilyn Vann applied for citizenship in Cherokee Nation. Her father, an original allottee, was placed on the Cherokee Freedmen roll. Marilyn had always known her family was Cherokeeboth by adoption and bloodso she assumed she would be able to enroll without a problem. I was very shocked to get back this rejection letter, she told me. At first under Cherokee Nations 1976 constitution, anyone who descended from an original allottee could enroll, but starting in the 1980s, the tribe disenrolled freedpeople descendants, also claiming tribal citizenship was reserved for Cherokees by blood. Marilyn sat with her rejection letter and thought about it. Im looking around and I see historical[ly] anybody that has gotten anything done they have had to be organized, she remembers thinking. And generally they have had to use the courts. Marilyn founded an advocacy organization called the Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Tribes. And, she filed a lawsuit. Suing first the tribe and then officials of Cherokee Nation, Marilyn alleged they illegally disenfranchised her. In 2017, a federal court ruled on Marilyns case. Marilyn had no idea when the ruling would come out and was sitting in the beauty salon when her phone started blowing up. I said well we must have won the case, she remembers. The federal court ruledbased on the treaty of 1866descendants of Cherokee freedpeople were guaranteed citizenship in the tribe. After decades of legal battles, Cherokee Nation dropped the fight and started enrolling descendants of freedpeople. Marilyn was already planning to travel to the Cherokee capital for the tribes annual holiday weekend. Before her trip she gathered up all the paperwork she needed to enroll her grandchildren. They wont remember a time when theyre not members of the tribe, she thought. All nations that have enslaved people have had to take some responsibility for them, Marilyn reflected. The Cherokee Nation has to do that just like the United States. Over four years after she got that rejection letter, the District Court of Muscogee Nation ruled on Rhonda Graysons case. She won. For more than 100 years, the decision read, Muscogee Nation followed the 1866 treaty and extended citizenship to freedpeople and their descendants. On the heels of McGirt, it would be disingenuous, the judge wrote, for the tribe to fight for the United States to follow the treaty of 1866, but not follow it themselves. Two weeks before the district court ruling, Principal Chief David Hill was elected to a second term. Publicly, he has stated the case presents a complicated issue, but his administration has to follow the constitution. His attorney general vowed to appeal the district court decision, stating under their constitution non-Creek individuals cannot be citizens. As of this writing, the case is still pending. Today descendants of freedpeople have full citizenship rights in Cherokee Nation, can enroll in Seminole Nation with limited access to services, and are still denied citizenship in Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Muscogee Nations. If Indigenous nations are truly sovereign, then we are responsible for our mistakes. Like any other government, we are responsible for the harm we have caused. We cannot hold the United States accountable for the wrongs of history committed against us, but not take account for the wrong of chattel slavery. The people we enslaved did not choose to become Cherokee or Muscogeewe made that choice for them. They and their families endured the hardships of the Trail of Tears and slavery, allotment and segregation. On the long path of repair, citizenship is only the first step. From the book: BY THE FIRE WE CARRY by Rebecca Nagle. Copyright 2024 by Rebecca Nagle. Excerpted courtesy of Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more U.S. government coverage? Firefighter accused of starting deadly forest fires so he could be a hero The fires triggered an official state of catastrophe around the central beach resort of Vina del Marin - JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images Police have arrested a volunteer firefighter for allegedly starting deadly forest fires in Chile. Elias Antonio Salazar, 39, is accused of deliberately starting the blazes because he wanted to be a hero. The fires, which killed 137 people and destroyed 2,000 homes, triggered an official state of catastrophe around the central beach resort of Vina del Mar in February. Mr Salazar is the third person to be arrested in connection with the fires, which prompted Gabriel Boric, the Chilean president, to declare: All Chile is suffering and crying for its dead. Click here to view this content. The other two suspects, who have been in custody since May, are Francisco Ignacio Mondaca, another volunteer fireman, and Franco Pinto, a worker at the national forest agency. Mr Pinto is accused of being the instigator because he wanted to earn overtime. The trio are alleged to have co-ordinated throwing lit cigarettes from their cars onto bone-dry vegetation in at least three different spots around Vina del Mar. They hatched the plot at the height of the southern summer amid a record heat wave. Three men are alleged to have thrown lit cigarettes onto dry vegetation in at least three different spots around Vina del Mar - JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images Scientists blamed the high temperatures on a combination of the El Nino weather effect and climate change that had seen drought conditions and forest fires from Argentina to Mexico. Following his arrest on Monday, Mr Salazar was fired from his job at Senapred, the national disaster prevention and response agency. Investigators also removed a computer and documents from his home. A dark sky caused by nearby forest fires looms over a beach in Vina del Mar - Martin Thomas/via AP Guillermo Galvez, a senior detective, told journalists that Mr Salazars main motivation was that he liked to participate and be a hero, helping out once the emergencies were happening. Mr Salazar had previously been disciplined, it was reported, for heading on his own to attend fires, in violation of strict firefighting protocol that required him to report for duty with colleagues. He is due to appear in court on Tuesday. 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. Firefighter 'who wanted to be hero' arrested over deadly Chile blaze Police in Chile have arrested a former firefighter on suspicion of contributing to a deadly forest fire which killed 137 people in February. The suspect worked for Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and served as a volunteer firefighter at the time that several fires spread through the Valparaiso region. Officials have accused the 39-year-old man of being responsible for at least one of the four blazes which broke out almost simultaneously around the city of Vina del Mar on 2 February. Police said the suspect had set the blaze because "he likes to be a hero, participating and helping in emergencies". Local media reported that the man had been hailed as a "hero" after he had successfully contained a previous blaze in his local area. He had been disciplined by the fire service for rushing to that fire without waiting for official orders, but his local community praised him for what they said was his fast action. He is the third person to be arrested in connection with the devastating blaze which broke out in February. The two others, another firefighter and a park ranger, have been in custody since May. Prosecutors suspect the three men of having hatched the plan together. The firefighter detained in May said he and the park ranger had agreed that it would be financially beneficial to them if they could do overtime fighting fires. The 22-year-old described lighting cigarettes with matches and throwing them from his car. The blaze started in the Lago Penuelas national park. The flames were fanned by high winds and the vegetation, dried out by extreme temperatures at the time, quickly caught fire. They spread to the hills surrounding Vina del Mar and the towns of Quilpue and Villa Alemana, destroying thousands of homes. The coastal area is popular with holidaymakers and was packed with people trying to escape the heatwave. In total 137 people died because of the fires, while 16,000 suffered financial losses and more than 2,000 homes were destroyed. Officials had said from the start that they suspected the fire had been deliberately set. The Rail Ridge Fire south of Dayville in Grant County has scorched more than 135,000 acres. (Courtesy of Grant County Emergency Management) Firefighters continued to battle blazes over the hot weekend, with three new fires flaring in Oregon, dozens of households under immediate evacuation orders, hundreds of homes threatened, schools closed and thousands more acres blackened. The historic fires this season, burning more than a record 1.7 million acres, are taking their toll on ranchers and residents. The Department of Environmental Quality issued a new air quality alert on Monday for parts of Oregon, stretching from eastern Douglas and southern Jefferson counties to Grant and Harney counties. The alert will stay in effect to Wednesday, with cooler, wetter weather predicted to return Tuesday night through Thursday. Over the weekend, lightning sparked two separate fires southeast of La Pine, scorching a total of nearly 12,000 acres, and ignited another fire southwest of Bend, which covers nearly 200 acres. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates wildfire resources, has listed the three new fires as top priority, with crews being mobilized while hundreds tackle the other large blazes in the state. There are 25 large fires burning now in Oregon, but firefighters are most concerned about the Rail Ridge Fire, the Willamette Complex of fires, the Devils Knob Fire and the Wiley Fire because theyve prompted evacuation orders. The Rail Ridge Fire south of Dayville in Grant County, which was sparked by lightning, has burned 135,000 acres. Nearly 900 firefighters and other personnel are assigned to the fire, which has destroyed seven homes and threatens about 730 homes, commercial buildings and other structures. Emergency evacuation orders are in place and on Monday, the Dayville School District alerted families that it was closing closing schools this week, the Blue Mountain Eagle reporter. For now, as a district, we have made the decision to make the health and safety of our entire community of families, our students and staff the highest priority, the district said. The Rail Ridge Fire is 7% contained, which means that the fire growth has been halted on that much of the perimeter. In the Willamette National Forest, more than 800 people have been mobilized to fight the North Willamette Complex of six fires. Hit by lightning on Friday, they grew have grown rapidly in the last 24 hours, scorching more than 5,300 acres, with 0% containment. The fires threaten more than a dozen structures. The Devils Knob Fire south of Tiller in Douglas County has spread to nearly 27,000 acres and is 13% contained. About 120 people are assigned to the fire, which threatens 28 homes and about 70 other structures. The Wiley Flat Fire northeast of Brothers in Deschutes County grew more than 6,000 acres over the past 24 hours, driven by strong winds. It covers nearly 27,000 acres and is 15% contained. A California crew, with more than 450 people, is mobilized against the fire and they are likely to benefit on Monday by calmer winds, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. The fire has forced evacuations and threatened various structures, with road, trail and other closures in effect. Firefighters are also concerned about the Fossil Complex of blazes northwest of Spray in Wheeler County, which threaten two homes and four other structures. More than 270 people are fighting the fires, which have scorched more than 7,500 acres and are 3% contained. And another large fire, with more than 950 people mobilized, has burned about 26,500 acres northeast of Mitchell in Wheeler County. The Shoe Fly Fire, which is 26% contained, was hit with a few showers and thunderstorms hitting the area Monday morning. An Oregon Department of Forestry crew is fighting the fire, which threatens communication and other structures, including 65 homes, and has prompted road closures. This article was first published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Firefighters are scrambling to attack a flurry of lightning fires that ignited south of Bend in the Deschutes National Forest between Sept. 7 and 8. The fires, labeled by firefighters as the Bachelor Complex Fires, range from a tenth of an acre to 14,400 acres in size. The Deschutes County Sheriffs Office has issued go now, level-3 evacuations for areas of Mt. Bachelor in response to the fires. Possible Goonies sequel? Report sparks rumors As of Sept. 9, the largest fires burning within the Bachelor Complex include the Firestone Fire (6,700 acres) and the Flat Top Fire (14,400 acres), burning southeast of the Newberry Caldera. Firefighters are working to protect structures at the Cabin Lake Guard Station in the area. The Mt. Bachelor Resort and its recreational infrastructure are among the properties threatened by the Backside Fire, the Central Oregon Fire Info said on social media. A map of the Bachelor Complex Fires. (Central Oregon Fire) Caught on camera: Humpback whale sighting in the Columbia River Incoming rain is forecast to aid firefighters in gaining control of the complex on Wednesday. KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern predicts that a storm will move into the area between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Areas of Bt. Bachelor could see as much as a quarter of an inch of rain during the storm. However, more lightning is also possible. The storm that is coming through on Wednesday is expected to bring some rain and cooler temperatures, which will help, a Central Oregon Fire official told KOIN 6. There is also potential for some lightning with that storm. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) Authorities in Congo said that 50,000 doses of mpox vaccine from the United States arrived in the country on Tuesday, a week after the first batch arrived from the European Union. Adults in Equateur, South Kivu and Sankuru, the three most affected provinces, will be vaccinated first, starting on Oct. 2, Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congos Monkeypox Response Committee, told The Associated Press. Last week, the first batch of mpox vaccines arrived in the capital of Congo, the center of the outbreak. The 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, were donated by the EU through HERA, the blocs agency for health emergencies. Another 100,000 were delivered over the weekend. The 50,000 doses from the U.S. will be of the same JYNNEOS vaccine. The 250,000 doses are just a fraction of the 3 million doses authorities have said are needed to end the mpox outbreaks in Congo, the epicenter of the global health emergency. EU countries pledged to donate more than 500,000 others, but the timeline for their delivery remained unclear. Since the start of 2024, there have been 5,549 confirmed mpox cases across the continent, with 643 associated deaths, representing a sharp escalation in both infections and fatalities compared to previous years. The cases in Congo constituted 91% of the total number. Most mpox infections in Congo and Burundi, the second most affected country, are in children under age 15. Last week, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization launched a continent-wide response plan to the outbreak of mpox, three weeks after WHO declared outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency. Congo issued an emergency approval of the vaccine, which has already been used in Europe and the United States in adults. For the moment, the rollout will be reserved for adults, with priority targeted groups being those who have been in close contact with infected people and sex workers, the Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya told reporters last week. The European Medicines Agency is examining additional data to be able to administer it to children ranging in age from 12 to 17, which could happen at the end of the month, HERA Director-General Laurent Muschel said. The next batch of mpox vaccines will come from Japan and could arrive as early as this weekend, Kacita Osako told the AP, without specifying how many doses. First and potentially only presidential debate between Harris and Trump being held in crucial battleground PHILADELPHIA It's fitting that Tuesday night's debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump is being held in the key general election battleground state of Pennsylvania. Harris and Trump face off at 9 p.m. ET at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the largest city in the Keystone State. The debate is the first and potentially the only showdown between Harris and Trump. Both candidates have repeatedly made stops this summer in Pennsylvania, which was one of seven key swing states that decided the outcome of the 2020 election between Trump and President Biden. And Pennsylvania, along with Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada, will likely determine who wins the White House in November. WHY THE HARRIS-TRUMP DEBATE SHOWDOWN IS SO CRUCIAL Vice President Harris speaks during a campaign event at IBEW Local Union #5 on Sept. 2, 2024, in Pittsburgh. While the campaigns and their allied super PACs are pouring resources into all seven states, more money has been spent to run spots in Pennsylvania than any of the other battlegrounds. And both sides have dished out more dollars to reserve airtime going forward in the Keystone State than any of the other battlegrounds in the final eight weeks leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5, according to figures from AdImpact, a top national ad tracking firm. KAMALA HARRIS, DONALD TRUMP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: LIVE UPDATES READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "It's the one state that it's hard to see someone losing and then still winning the presidential race," Mark Harris, Pittsburgh-based longtime Republican national strategist and ad maker, told Fox News Digital. "It's clearly ground zero." Harris, a veteran of multiple GOP presidential campaigns said, "You can see that in media reservations and in the candidates' travel schedules. Clearly, the Trump campaign and the Harris camp believe this is a must-win situation." Mike Butler, a Pittsburgh-based Democrat consultant, told Fox News Digital that when it comes to the White House race, "I don't think any other state quite swings the needle as much as Pennsylvania." It is not just the top of the ticket campaigning in Pennsylvania. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democrats' vice presidential nominee, and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, Trump's running mate, have made numerous stops in the state. WHO WILL BE SPINNING FOR HARRIS AND TRUMP AT THE DEBATE SHOWDOWN Pennsylvania, along with Michigan and Wisconsin, are the three Rust Belt states that make up the Democrats' so-called "Blue Wall." The party reliably won all three states for a quarter-century before Trump narrowly captured them in the 2016 election to win the White House. Four years later, in 2020, Biden carried all three states by razor-thin margins to put them back in the Democrats' column and defeated Trump. Fast-forward to the present day, and Pennsylvania remains a jump ball as the latest public opinion surveys in the state indicate a margin-of-error race between Harris and Trump. "It's going to be a fight to the finish. I think Trump has some advantages," Mark Harris said. "But its definitely going to be a very tight race." Butler noted that Pennsylvania's had razor-thin margins in the past two presidential elections. "Trump's numbers are pretty solidly baked in. I can't see him faring any worse than he did the last two times, which means it's going to be a very competitive state," he said. ABC News signage is installed in the media file center inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center one day before the presidential debate on Sept. 9, 2024, in Philadelphia. This isn't the first time a presidential debate has been held at the National Constitution Center, which opened 21 years ago and is located on the north end of Independence Mall in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood. The venue hosted a 2008 Democrat presidential primary debate. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: First and potentially only presidential debate between Harris and Trump being held in crucial battleground By Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) - About 60 countries including the United States endorsed a "blueprint for action" to govern responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military on Tuesday, but China was among those which did not support the legally non-binding document. The Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul, the second of its kind, follows one held in The Hague last year. At that time, around 60 nations including China endorsed a modest "call to action" without legal commitment. Government representatives said on Tuesday said this year's "blueprint" was more action-oriented, in keeping with advanced discussions and developments in the military such as AI-enabled drones being rolled out by Ukraine, which also endorsed the document. "We are making further concrete steps," Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans told Reuters. "Last year ... was more about creating shared understanding, now we are getting more towards action." This includes laying out what kind of risk assessments should be made, important conditions such as human control, and how confidence-building measures can be taken in order to manage risks, he said. Among the details added in the document was the need to prevent AI from being used to proliferate weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by actors including terrorist groups, and the importance of maintaining human control and involvement in nuclear weapons employment. There are many other initiatives on the issue, such as the U.S. government's declaration on responsible use of AI in the military launched last year. The Seoul summit - co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya and the United Kingdom - aims to ensure multi-stakeholder discussions are not dominated by a single nation or entity. However, China was among roughly 30 nations that sent a government representative to the summit but did not back the document, illustrating stark differences of views among the stakeholders. "We also need to be realistic that we will never have the whole world on board," Defence Minister Brekelmans said. "How do we deal with the fact that not everyone is complying? ... That is a complicated dilemma that we should also put on the table," he added. The venue and timing for the next summit is still being discussed, officials said. At the UN General Assembly in October, South Korean officials said they plan to raise discussions about AI in the military domain based on the 'blueprint'. Giacomo Persi Paoli, head of Programme Security and Technology at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), said countries should engage with others in between summits to mitigate any risks. Story continues "The blueprint is an incremental step forward," he said. "By going too fast, too soon, there is a very high risk that many countries do not want to engage." (Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Miral Fahmy and Kim Coghill) CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Governor Maura Healey has ordered all U.S. American and Massachusetts flags to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday. The order was issued in observance of Patriot Day, in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed. On December 18, 2001, the Congress designated September 11th of each year as Patriot Day, as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Public invited to attend 9/11 ceremony at Riverfront Park in Springfield The order calls for the flags to be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday. Western Massachusetts 9/11 Ceremonies Many local communities are holding events in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the tragic events on September 11, 2001. A moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. is being observed nationwide to honor the victims when the first Twin Towers were struck. Americans may hear bell tolls occur at key moments throughout the morning at 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., 9:59 a.m., 10:03 a.m., and 10:28 a.m., each signifying significant events from that tragic day. Amherst: North Fire Station on E Pleasant Street at 9:45 a.m. Pittsfield: Veterans Memorial Park at 10 a.m. Springfield: Riverfront Park at 6 p.m. Westfield: Westfield Fire Department on Broad Street at 9:45 a.m. Westfield Police Department on North Elm Street at 11 a.m. Sons of Erin on Williams Street at 6 p.m. Westfield State University on the Campus Green, located in front of the Ely Campus Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. West Springfield: Town Common on Park Ave at 8:30 a.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. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) This week will mark 23 years since terrorist attacks changed American history forever. In Charlotte, Flags of Remembrance have taken over Romare Bearden Park in uptown to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. In total, 2,977 flags and photo cards of the victims were set up Monday afternoon. The public was invited to attend and help place the flags in the shape of the Twin Towers. There is also a steel beam from the World Trade Center on display. On Wednesday, a memorial will be held at the site in tribute to 9/11 victims and their families. The flags will be removed on Thursday. Charlotte designer turns billboard vinyl into upcycled fashion statements for upcoming show The Firefighter Steven Coakley Foundation puts on the Flags of Remembrance each year. New York Fire Department firefighter Steven Coakley sacrificed his life climbing the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. This has been fantastic. Its probably the biggest year that weve had from a volunteer standpoint, said Ahmad Halawi, a F.F. Steven Coakley Foundation Board Member. I would say we have about 120 folks that range from K-12 students at a local school here in Charlotte to businesses across the city that the support has been tremendous and really been able to help it make a smooth event for today. Nearly 3,000 people were killed 23 years ago when al-Qaeda hijackers crashed four jetliners into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in southwest Pennsylvania. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Flashback: DA Harris' plan to prosecute drug dealers starting on their 3rd offense shot down by police Years before Vice President Kamala Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic presidential ticket, she promoted a third-strike crime policy for drug dealers as San Francisco's district attorney that was promptly shut down by law enforcement for being too easy on narcotics peddlers. Harris served as San Franciscos DA from 2004 to 2011, when she was then elected attorney general of California. In her second year in office as the Golden Citys district attorney, Harris proposed a drug enforcement policy that would have prosecuted drug dealers upon their third arrest. Under the proposal, dubbed "Operation Safe Streets," police in the city would have detained and released drug dealers two times before finally charging them upon their third arrest. The San Francisco Police Department, however, refused to take part in the plan, detailing in a letter to Harris that such a proposal would likely allow criminals back on the streets to re-offend immediately after being detained. "This proposal asks us not to arrest, but instead detain and release observed narcotics sales suspects pursuant to Penal Code Section 849(b) P.C. When the same suspect is arrested the third time for narcotics sales, your office would then charge all three counts," then-Police Chief Heather Fong wrote in a letter to Harris in 2005 which was obtained by Fox Digital. 'SICKENING': VP HARRIS SLAMMED BY SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIMS' FAMILIES OVER RECENTLY UNEARTHED COMMENTS Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at IBEW Local Union #5 on Sept. 2, 2024, in Pittsburgh. "The proposal would result in a double standard, as adults would be released while juveniles would be booked. Additionally, narcotics dealers who sell drugs near a school would be released after only a brief detention," Fong argued. "Undoubtedly, this would send the wrong message to observant children who unfortunately witness drug dealing activity on a regular basis." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP KAMALA HARRIS CALLED FOR REMOVING COPS FROM SCHOOLS TO FIGHT RACIAL 'INEQUITIES' IN 2019 INTERVIEW Then-District Attorney Kamala Harris walks into the courtroom shortly before the hearing convened in San Francisco on April 29, 2004. Fong added in the letter to Harris that while the left-wing city was sympathetic to those suffering with drug addiction issues, the police department and community did not hold drug dealers in high regard. "The San Francisco Police Department fully supports treatment programs for users who desire to break their cycle of addiction. However, the community and the Police Department are not sympathetic to those who sell narcotics and exploit for profit the weakness of others," Fong wrote. VOTERS REPORT KAMALA HARRIS IS MORE RADICAL THAN TRUMP: 'TOO LIBERAL OR PROGRESSIVE' "We believe drug dealers should be held accountable for their actions. Therefore, we believe the public would not view a detain and release program favorably." Fong capped off the letter by telling Harris that the department would not participate in such a proposal. "After carefully considering the pros and cons of this proposal, we decline to participate in such a program. We would prefer a program where a suspect has been arrested three times for narcotics sales without being rebooked, be bundled together for a District Attorney warrant. Under such a program, the evidence against a defendant would be tripled and the case(s) would certainly have more jury appeal." A local outlet, The Daily Journal, reported in 2006 that Harris chief of the criminal division in the DAs office responded to Fong that he was willing to risk potential negative media from the program and that the city should plow ahead with the plan. "It is true that San Francisco is home to some media outlets that may perceive of this program as being too tough on narcotics offenders, because more dealers will wind up behind bars as a result of this approach," then-Criminal Division Chief Jeff Ross wrote, according to the outlet. HARRIS FLIPS ON ANOTHER POLICY POSITION: BANNING PLASTIC STRAWS "Im sure you would agree that we must pursue effective enforcement approaches without regard to whether there might be critical media coverage." The proposal ultimately failed and did not go into effect. A pedestrian crosses a street in the Outer Sunset district by Ocean Beach on June 26, 2023, in San Francisco. Fast-forward to the current election cycle, Harris 2005 plan was resurrected by California critics who say the vice presidents bravado as a "tough" prosecutor is rewriting history. The Harris campaign has broadcast ads touting Harris record on law and order, focusing on her years as a prosecutor in Alameda County, San Francisco and as attorney general of the state. JD VANCE RIPS KAMALA HARRIS FOR 'FLIP-FLOPPING' DURING CNN INTERVIEW: 'IMPORTANT FOR US NOT TO BUY THIS' "As a tough prosecutor, Kamala Harris dealt with men like Trump all the time: Rapists, con men, frauds, criminals she's used to guys like Trump, used to putting them in their place," a narrator for a pro-Harris ad released last month stated. Law enforcement and Republicans in the state hit back against such ads, the Daily Mail reported. "The campaign is trying to completely reinvent reality," Republican California Rep. Kevin Kiley said. "Those of us who have actually lived in California in particular in San Francisco where she was DA but Los Angeles as well know all too well what the reality was." "She was a champion of San Franciscos sanctuary city policy, she wanted drug dealers to go without being prosecuted until the third attempt, and she herself said in her own book that she was a progressive prosecutor." San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris speaks to supporters before a "No on K" press conference Oct. 29, 2008 in San Francisco. San Francisco ballot measure Proposition K seeks to stop enforcing laws against prostitution. Kevin Cashman, who was deputy chief of the San Francisco Police Department when Harris proposed the drug dealer proposal in 2005, told the outlet that police officers were "shocked" by the proposals. "We immediately saw that it wouldnt be effective for our mission of keeping San Francisco safe," he told the Daily Mail. "The District Attorney called the strategy she recommended Operation Safe Streets. We in the police department called it Catch and Release, because we would have to catch them, identify them, and then release them back in the community without any action taken." Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris campaign about the 2005 proposal but did not receive a response by the publication deadline. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub . Original article source: Flashback: DA Harris' plan to prosecute drug dealers starting on their 3rd offense shot down by police FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A 15-year-old is facing charges in Florence County after allegedly making threats against Lake City High School on social media, deputies said. The Scranton teenager was arrested overnight by investigators with the Florence County Sheriffs Office. Deputies have not released any details about the threat but said the case is not connected to an incident on Monday that led to Florence 3 Schools being mistakenly placed on a heightened alert. The teen was taken to a South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Columbia, deputies said. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Florence 3 Schools switched to an e-learning day on Tuesday out of an abundance of caution. The teenagers arrest comes a day after local authorities said there was confusion about a social media threat that turned out to be directed at a school in Lake City, Florida, instead. The threat led authorities in Madison County, Florida, to take a 13-year-old into custody. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. ENID, Okla. (KFOR) A family pet that went missing two years ago, was finally found hundreds of miles away. Andora, the dog, went missing from Pensacola, Florida and somehow ended up in Enid, Oklahoma. Destiny Druse, an Enid resident says she found Andora by her house, she made several posts and looked for her owners, but had no luck. She had a friend, who is also a groomer come to her house with a chip reader and found Andora was microchipped. We had scanned her and immediately read and it gave us her name Andora, so at that point we were like, Andora, her ears perked up like she hadnt heard her name in forever, said Druse. Here Today: Marketing Prof. writes a book about his search for Oklahomas ghost towns Druse says there was no owner information listed, however they filed a found pet report and within ten minutes her Pensacola owner was calling. Where are you all at? And theyre like, were in Enid and Im like, wheres that? Ive never heard of that before and they said, Oklahoma, said Brenna Denmark, Andoras owner in Pensacola. The Denmarks ended up renting a car, drove nearly fourteen hours one-way, maxed out their credit cards and put everything on hold. They wanted their baby home, thats all that mattered and I think thats just amazing. Ive never seen somebody love their dog so much, said Druse. They drove through the night and got to Enid after 1:00 a.m., reuniting with Andora who was just as happy to see her owners, immediately begging for belly rubs. The video below is courtesy Destiny Druse. Andora is now back home in the Sunshine State. She runs all over the place, as soon as she ran in the door, she found like where we keep all the dog toys and she picked her dog toy and shes had that ever since and she slept between my bed and my daughters last night, said Denmark. As for how she ended up all the way in Oklahoma, thats still a mystery. Her owners believe someone might of stole her. We dont live in the best neighborhood and theres a lot of people that like to fight Pitbulls and stuff, so thats kind of where we thought she ended up, said Denmark. They never thought she would end up in Oklahoma. Andoras story is a reminder of how important it is to microchip your pets. Without that, she never would have made it home, said Autumn Anderson, scanned Andora for a chip. Anderson and Druse have shared the story on social media, hoping to bring the community together to help the Denmarks with travel expenses and future vet bills. The Denmarks say theyve already been shown the Oklahoma Spirit with around $400 donated to them. Its really just amazing to see that people do anything because over here they really dont do that, said Denmark. If you would like to donate, you can do so through Cash App. You can scan the code below with your phone if you open this story on laptop or look up Brennas account on the QR code below. Sign up here to receive KFOR Daily Top Story newsletter full of Oklahoma news, national headlines, and good news stories! You can also download our news and weather apps! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida law enforcers are investigating the state's abortion ballot initiative. Here's what to know FILE - Dave Behrle, 70, of Safety Harbor holds a sign while standing outside the All Women's Health Center of Clearwater on May 3, 2022. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP, file) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) State police in Florida are showing up at the homes of voters who signed a petition to get an abortion rights amendment on the ballot in November as part of a state probe into alleged petition fraud. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has defended police visiting the homes of Floridians who signed the petition. Critics say the investigation is a brazen attempt to intimidate voters in the countrys third-largest state from protecting access to abortion and that the probe comes long after a deadline to challenge petition signatures has passed. Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, a professor of constitutional and elections law at the Stetson University College of Law, said she doesn't know of a legal precedent the state could use to challenge the signatures after the deadline. The Florida Supreme Court already allowed the abortion question to go on the ballot in April of 2024, Torres-Spelliscy told The Associated Press. Thus this effort to question signatures at this point seems far too late. Heres what to know about Floridas abortion ballot initiative and the state probe into the petitions behind it. What would Floridas abortion amendment do? Florida law currently bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. If approved by 60% of voters, the ballot initiative known as Amendment 4 would ensure that abortions are legal until the fetus is viable, as determined by the patients health care provider. The proposed amendment says no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. It provides for one exception, which is already in the state constitution that parents must be notified before their minor children can get an abortion. How did campaigners get the amendment on the ballot? To qualify for the November ballot, supporters had to collect more than 891,000 petition signatures from Florida voters. In January, state elections officials confirmed the campaign had cleared that milestone, ultimately submitting more than 997,000 verified signatures 100,000 more than they needed. That margin is far more than the 36,000 signatures state officials say they're probing as part of a broad review by the Florida Department of State to investigate alleged petition fraud. In April, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the ballot measure would be allowed to go before voters in November, rejecting the state attorney generals argument that the proposed amendment is deceptive and that voters wont realize how broadly it will expand access to abortions. Why are state officials investigating the petitions? According to a letter from Deputy Secretary of State Brad McVay that was shared with the AP, the states Office of Election Crimes and Security is concerned about allegations that forged signatures were submitted and then verified as valid by supervisors of elections. Police are showing up at some voters' homes to question them about signing a petition to get the abortion initiative on the ballot. And state officials have sent requests to county-level elections supervisors to gather thousands of petition signatures for review as part of an investigation into alleged petition fraud, according to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times. DeSantis defended the investigation, saying police have found evidence that some of the supposed voter signatures were from dead people. Theyre investigating this, as they should," DeSantis said Tuesday. "Our tolerance for voter fraud in the state of Florida is zero. Thats the only thing that you can do is to have zero tolerance. Voter fraud is extremely rare, typically occurs in isolated instances and is generally detected. An AP investigation of the 2020 presidential election found fewer than 475 potential cases of voter fraud out of 25.5 million ballots cast in the six states where former President Donald Trump and his allies disputed his loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. What is Floridas elections police force? DeSantis signed a bill in 2022 to create a police force dedicated to pursuing voter fraud and other election crimes, embracing a top Republican priority following Trumps false claims that his reelection was stolen. The Office of Election Crimes and Security reviews fraud allegations and conducts preliminary investigations and can make referrals to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2022, the state announced criminal charges against 20 people for illegally voting in 2020, in an opening salvo for the the new election crimes unit. All of the individuals had prior felony convictions that left them ineligible to vote, but all had been issued voter id cards by the state, according to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times. There are more than 13.6 million active registered voters in Florida. Could the amendment be struck from the ballot? Supporters of the amendment have labeled the investigation as political interference. They fear it's a late-stage effort to try to pull the amendment from the ballot. Torres-Spelliscy, the Stetson law professor, told the AP there's no legal precedent for the state to have the amendment struck from the ballot this late in the process. Local elections supervisors have said they've already begun sending their ballot language to the printers. Torres-Spelliscy pointed to a previous decision by the state supreme court to keep a constitutional amendment on the ballot in a ruling that came just days before the 2016 election. The court rejected a request to invalidate the solar energy ballot initiative known as Amendment 1, despite media reports a month before the election that industry insiders had crafted the measure to mislead voters. Like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Florida Supreme Court has not been following its own precedents recently, Torres-Spelliscy said. But if they were being consistent with prior precedents including keeping Amendment 1 on the ballot in 2016, then the Florida Supreme Court should also keep Amendment 4 on the ballot in 2024. ___ Associated Press writer Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee contributed to this report. ___ Kate Payne 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. In an effort to inform the public about child abductions, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement asked students for their take on the topic. "Snatch! Another innocent child is abducted. About 20,000 children go missing in Florida each year," wrote Davis, a fifth grade student at Sallie Jones Elementary in Punta Gorda, in an essay. In fact, the daunting descriptive was the opening line of the student's award-winning piece for the Florida Missing Children's Day contest, which is meant to give teachers, parents and students an opportunity to talk about 'stranger danger' and safe ways to prevent abductions. Monday marked the 26th annual Florida Missing Children's Day ceremony hosted by its foundation and the FDLE. Over 100 attendees gathered at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum to remember missing children, recognize state employees and partners who work in child protection, and to bring awareness to safety and abduction prevention. "We remember the children whose lives have been taken, and we also remember those who are still missing," FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said. He personally hugged and shook hands with 16 families, to honor and remember their lost and missing loved ones. The Tallahassee Police Department hands out snow cones to children at the Florida Missing Children's Day. Gov. Ron DeSantis and wife Casey were not present but said in a message they could not "imagine the agony and desperation experienced by families who are dealing with a missing child." In 2023, agencies across the state entered more than 29,045 missing children into the Florida Crime Information Center, according to the FDLE. The Tallahassee Police Department says there are currently three active missing children cases in Tallahassee. Between January and June, 177 missing child reports were filed. Following the ceremony was a safety fair attended by hundreds of children, including students from Trinity Catholic School and Renaissance Academy. The Florida Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse is an agency within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to help law enforcement agencies and citizens find missing persons by engaging the public in the search with missing children and AMBER alerts. The state encourages residents to sign up for alerts at missingchildrenalert.com. Deputies with the Leon County Sheriff's Office hand out safety booklets and wristbands to students from Renaissance Academy at the Florida Missing Children's Day Ceremony. Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida remembers missing kids with annual ceremony Monday marked the 70th anniversary of the opening of Fontbonne Academy, an all-girl Catholic preparatory school. To commemorate the landmark event, school officials hosted a heartfelt Time Capsule Ceremony celebrating the schools rich history. The time capsule featured a year in review picked by grades 7-12 students, including a Celtics Championship banner, a copy of the Milton Times and Boston Globe, a list of social justice projects from the Class of 2024, and yes, even a few Taylor Swift bracelets. Students also shared messages of their hopes and dreams for the future at Fontbonne Academy which will be revealed in the year 2094. The time capsule symbolizes our ongoing journey and the values we hold dear. It was inspiring to see our students and alumni come together to create a tangible link between generations, ensuring that the spirit of Fontbonne Academy will continue to thrive, Head of School Maura Spignesi said. Monday mornings event also brought together current students and distinguished alumnae. One such alum was Irene Desharnais from the class of 1958. She shared personal memories of fighting for civil rights alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a captivated audience. In April 1965, I stood on the Boston Common and sang We Shall Overcome with Martin Luther King, Jr. and thousands of civil rights activists, and just recently, I stood with other civil rights activists in front of a Baptist church in Jamaica Plain to pray, reflect and sing We Shall Overcome, Desharnais said. The struggle for justice that the sisters of Fontbonne Academy awoke in me as a student continues to empower me today. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FORECAST: How much warmth to expect before rain *Editors note: This forecast is no longer active. Please click here for the latest weather updates. CLEVELAND (WJW) A weak cold front will move into the area tonight bringing the slim chance for a sprinkle or two. Most places will remain dry and quiet. A cool night ahead with temperatures in the 50s by tomorrow morning. Some spots could dip into the upper 40s. Find weather maps and radar right here A bit warmer tomorrow afternoon with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s, seasonal warmth. Sunshine will return with a quiet and dry day. A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY will be in effect through this evening. Waves will build to 3 to 7 feet. Temperatures will continue to warm through the rest of the week. Highs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be in the lower to mid 80s. The tropics are starting to become more active. Tropical Storm Francine developed in the Gulf of Mexico Monday morning. Francine is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall across the Louisiana Gulf Coast Wednesday into Wednesday night. The remnants of Francine will continue to track north into Ohio River Valley by the weekend. Moisture from the remnants of this tropical system could bring a few rain showers to area during this time. Heres the latest 8-Day Forecast: Stay with FOX 8 for the latest weather conditions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Former Alabama corrections officer sentenced to over 6 years in jail MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) A former Alabama corrections officer was sentenced to over six years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to bring drugs into prison. A news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office states Henry Guice Jr., 46, admitted during a plea hearing that he intended to distribute methamphetamine at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County. Guice also admitted to conspiring with inmate Brad Elliot Gordon, 48, to traffic the meth throughout the jail. Tennessee man with baby on the way dies from wasp sting Guice was originally arrested on June 20, 2023, after three bags of meth were found inside his vehicle at the jail. Guice was working inside the prison at the time and was found to have two additional bags of meth in his pockets. On Monday, a federal judge sentenced Guice to 75 months in prison. Guice will not be eligible for parole. Gordon was also indicted for his role in the conspiracy and is set for trial on February 3, 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 CBS 42. Southwest Airlines on Tuesday announced changes to its board including the retirement of its chairman Gary Kelly, but reiterated its support for CEO Bob Jordan amid calls for a shakeup from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The Dallas-based airline said Kelly would voluntarily retire after Southwest's annual meeting next year, and that six directors will also voluntarily step down after the board meeting in November. Southwest plans to appoint four new independent directors in the near term, which would potentially include up to three candidates proposed by Elliott. The U.S. carrier unveiled the changes a day after Kelly and two of Southwest's independent directors held a meeting with Elliott. The hedge fund, which holds 10% of Southwest's common stock, has threatened a proxy fight to carry out wholesale changes to company leadership. It has blamed the airline's underperformance on its management's "rigid commitment to a decades-old approach." In a letter to shareholders, Kelly said the company shared a specific framework with Elliott on Monday to address its concerns about corporate governance and performance. "We are continuing to engage constructively toward a collaborative resolution in the near term," Kelly said. Elliott did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Southwest has struggled to remain profitable since the COVID-19 pandemic and has taken measures to facilitate a turnaround, including adding seats with more leg room and dropping its marquee open-seating system to move to assigned seats. Get ready for assigned seats: Southwest Airlines ushers in big changes It has also been hit hard by Boeing's jet delivery delays and is reeling from elevated operating expenses, including high labor and aircraft maintenance costs. Last month, Elliott nominated 10 director candidates to Southwest's 15-person board, including former Virgin America CEO David Cush and Robert Milton, the former CEO of Air Canada. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest Airlines announces leadership shakeup Former American Airlines mechanic sentenced to prison for smuggling cocaine in compartment under cockpit: feds Former American Airlines mechanic sentenced to prison for smuggling cocaine in compartment under cockpit: feds A New York-based former American Airlines mechanic who was facing financial troubles before being convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison in a plot where he hid bricks of the drug under a passenger plane cockpit, according to federal authorities. Customs agents caught Paul Belloisi, a 56-year-old Smithtown resident, red-handed in 2020 after they discovered more than 25 pounds of the drug and swapped it out with a fake parcel covered in a substance that would later glow under black light, according to federal investigators. Court records show he had filed for bankruptcy three years earlier. Homeland Security Investigations said in a statement that federal agents later staked out the plane and watched Belloisi head into the compartment where the fake drugs were hidden with an empty tool bag and a jacket with cutouts large enough to conceal the bricks. FLIGHT ATTENDANTS USE SECURITY PRIVILEGES TO SMUGGLE MILLIONS IN DRUG MONEY OUT OF US: FEDERAL PROSECUTORS They shined the black light on his gloves and saw the tell-tale glow. Federal authorities dubbed him a "corrupt inside man" and said the sentence should serve as a warning to other workers who intend to abuse their positions. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Paul Belloisi put his personal gain before the safety of the aviation industry by abusing his position to participate in a scheme to import over 25 pounds of cocaine into the U.S., repeatedly storing smuggled narcotics within sensitive areas of passenger airplanes," HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren McCormack said in a statement. "His demise should send a message to anyone attempting to exploit the aviation industry: HSI New York and our law enforcement partners are committed to maintain the safety of the U.S. domestic and international transportation infrastructure." POKER PLAYER ROBBED OF $250K IN GUNPOINT STICKUP OUTSIDE NYC AIRPORT HOTEL American Airlines, which has not been accused of wrongdoing in the smuggling case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the federal criminal complaint, a flight arrived at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport from Jamaica on Feb. 4, 2020. A Boeing 777 of American Airlines arrives from Milan at JFK International Airport in New York on Feb. 7, 2024. Two Customs and Border Protection agents inspected the plane and found 10 bricks of cocaine hidden in a blanket in a compartment under the cockpit. They swapped it out with fake bricks and a transponder that would alert them to movement in the compartment. HSI agents also assisted in visual surveillance from a distance. WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN O'HARE AIRPORT BAGGAGE MACHINERY DIED OF SUICIDE: POLICE Hours went by with no movement, but about 20 minutes before the plane's scheduled departure, Belloisi showed up and entered the compartment, according to the complaint. Five seconds later, he tripped the transponder. Judge Dora Irizarry handed down three sentences of 108 months to run concurrently for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine and importing cocaine. Original article source: Former American Airlines mechanic sentenced to prison for smuggling cocaine in compartment under cockpit: feds Jonathan Kringen, the Austin Police Department's chief data officer, updates the community on the partnership between the police and the Texas Department of Public Safety at City Hall in April 2023. Kringen lost an appeal Monday to get his job back after he was fired because of a domestic violence charge. A former top Austin police official, who was fired after being arrested and charged with misdemeanor family violence assault last year, saw his termination appeal denied late Monday, a city official confirmed to the American-Statesman. Austin police arrested Jonathan Kringen in October after officers said they witnessed him being physically violent with a woman. At the time, Kringen was placed on administrative leave and the Police Department said it would "complete a thorough investigation" of the incident. The Statesman asked the department what the results of that investigation were but did not get a response. Employee records show that Kringen was fired in April. He had been the department's chief data officer. When contacted Tuesday for comment, Kringen deferred to his lawyer, Brad Heilman, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Kringen appealed his termination in a hearing before the city's Municipal Civil Service Commission on Monday. While the hearing is typically a public meeting, Kringen's legal team asked to hold it in private due to the sensitive nature of some of the details, which is legal under the Texas Open Meetings Act when discussing certain things, such as personnel matters. The city did not object to closing the meeting. At the time of publication, the audio recording of the public portion of the meeting had not been made available. The meeting lasted into the evening. Top brass of the Austin Police Department were present at Monday's hearing as witnesses, including interim Police Chief Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt and Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers. Kringen's legal case is still going through the court system, with a pretrial hearing set for Monday. The city hired Kringen in July 2020, and at the time of his termination he had a salary of about $155,000. Kringen participated in multiple public discussions, including with the City Council, about the controversial partnership between Austin police and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This is a developing story; check back later for more updates. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ex-Austin police official arrested last year denied termination appeal A California lawmaker who abruptly crossed the aisle last month and switched her party allegiance from Democrat to Republican is accused of treating her top aide like a sex slave, at one point demanding oral sex from the married 57-year-old, who claims he herniated three discs in his back while carrying out the assignment. I want you to kiss it and prove your loyalty, State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, 50, told former Chief of Staff Chad Condit during a work trip, according to a civil suit filed in Sacramento County Superior Court. The two were driving to Inyo County when they pulled over so Condit, who unsuccessfully ran for state assembly in 2022 and began working for Alvarado-Gil in July of that year, could use the restroom, the lawsuit states. When he got back to the car, Alvarado-Gils pants were down and she had her legs spread and turned towards him exposing her vagina, the suit goes on. Her direction was for him to submit to her demand and to orally pleasure her vagina, the suit contends. After months of creating a dominant-submissive relationship, [Condit] was numbed and acted without thinking and it went from there with Alvarado-Gil establishing her ability to dominate him. [Condit] briefly performed as demanded until she was satisfied by his submission to her. Chad Condit claims his ex-boss treated him like a sex slave (Chad Condit for State Assembly, District 22) Condits lawsuit, which was filed September 5, says he threw out his back and badly injured his hip while servicing his boss, due to having to twist and contort in the confined space of the car. Alvarado-Gil demanded this show of loyalty on several occasions, but the two never had intercourse, according to the suit. Reached for comment on Monday, Alvarado-Gils attorney Ognian Gavrilov told The Independent, My comment is that 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. Condits attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Condit, whose congressman father Gary was accused in 2001 of having an affair with an intern who was later found murdered, says in his lawsuit that Alvarado-Gil told him that she assumed [he] would be like his father insinuating that he should be open to a sexual relationship with her. (Gary Condit never publicly admitted to the affair and was never charged in connection with the young womans death.) Alvarado-Gil repeatedly crossed the line with Condit in other ways, insisting he get a haircut from her aspiring cosmetologist daughter, walk her dog, and find jobs for her family members, the lawsuit claims. She asked Condit if he was into throuples, and expressed her preference for short Black men and old white guys like [Condit], according to the suit. Once, following a crab feed in Mariposa, Condits suit claims Alvarado-Gil stripped down to a T-shirt and tried to seduce him, telling him he looked like Brad Pitt. In May 2023, during the annual frog-jumping event at the California capitol, Alvarado-Gil named her frog Chad, the lawsuit alleges. Chad Condits congressman dad, Gary, was once under the microscope for an affair he allegedly had with an intern. (Library of Congress) By the summer of 2023, other staffers were threatening to quit over what they viewed as Alvarado-Gils preferential treatment of Condit, the lawsuit contends. He then made clear to Alvarado-Gil that he was not comfortable with the way things were, and tried to create some space between himself and her. After Condit communicated his concerns, Alvarado-Gil not only falsely told his wife he was seeing someone else, she began laying the groundwork to fire him, the lawsuit states. At the end of 2023, after Alvarado-Gil humiliated Condit who by then was recovering from hip surgery by convicing him to wear a Santa Claus outfit to a party where, it turned out, no one else was in costume, she terminated him via text message, according to the suit. His last day of work was December 31. Condit now suffers from moments of total despair, headaches, fatigue, guilt and shame, and seeks to avoid friends and family, his lawsuit states. He showed the signs and symptoms of abuse, becoming numb, emotionally detached and depressed. The fact that he is a man, does not take away from the shame at being put into submission by his boss. The two sides are next scheduled to appear in court on October 17. Former church worker James Beauchamp sentenced to 3-20 years for sexual assault of teen GRAND HAVEN A former Catholic church employee will spend up to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a teen in a hotel in Grand Haven. James Beauchamp of Kentwood was sentenced Monday, Sept. 9, to 3-20 years in prison for second degree criminal sexual conduct, 3-20 years for using a computer to commit a crime, 3-15 years for child sexually abusive activity and 60 days for furnishing alcohol to a minor, according to WOOD TV-8. He was credited with 284 days served. Beauchamp was arrested in December 2023 after a months-long investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office. Beauchamp provided alcohol to a 17-year-old boy before sexually assaulting him and taking photographs without the teens knowledge or consent. More: Kentwood man arrested after allegedly assaulting teen at Grand Haven hotel Subscribe: Receive unlimited digital access to your local news coverage At the time, Beauchamp was working as a parish administrator at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Parish in Grand Haven, according to WOOD TV-8. The Diocese of Grand Rapids told the TV station the assault didnt happen in his parish capacity or on parish time. Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Former church worker James Beauchamp sentenced for sexual assault Former coworker guilty on all charges in 2021 disappearance, murder of Sellersville man After a half-hour of deliberations, a Bucks County jury on Monday found a Montgomery County man guilty in the 2021 kidnapping robbery and murder of his coworker at a parts manufacturer. The jury found Michael Allen Stark, 50, of Royersford, guilty on all charges including first- and second-degree murder, in the death of Sellersville resident Matthew Branning. A Bucks County grand jury earlier this year recommended charges against Stark, who worked with Branning, 50, at Enchlor, Inc., a Silverdale business where he and Branning were the only employees working opposite shifts. The two men, who were not friends, were reported missing by their families on Oct. 15, 2021. A Bucks County jury on Sept. 9, 2024 found Michael Allen Stark guilty on all charges in the kidnapping, robbery and murder of Matthew Branning, 50, of Sellersville who disappeared Oct. 15, 2021. Do you recognize a name on this list? Update: Over 150 remains claimed from Bucks County, Montco coroners. Many more in database In November 2021, authorities located Stark in Michigan. He was arrested in Wayne County, Michigan in April 2022 on a warrant out of Monroe County, and extradited to Pennsylvania three months later. Brannings body was discovered in a ditch a half-hour outside Baltimore, Maryland in December 2021, but he was not positively identified through dental records until April, one month after prosecutor's charged Stark. Following the verdict, Stark requested to be immediately sentenced. Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Stephen Corr agreed, sentencing Stark to two, mandatory life without parole terms plus an additional 25 years minimum on the remaining charges and $6,291 in restitution to the victim relief fund. The crimes you committed have had a significant impact on this family, Corr added. You obviously have very little regard for the community and the rule of law. During the five-day trial, Bucks County prosecutors Matthew Lannetti and Jovin Jose contended cellphone records, surveillance video, and DNA provided a clear timeline for the events in the days and hours before and after Stark and Branning disappeared. Lannetti painted Stark as a desperate man who was $13,000 in debt, had an overdrawn bank account, a crack cocaine addiction, and was about to lose his full-time job, and his part-time job at Enchlor, which he started in May of 2021. In his closing arguments, Jose told the jury there is zero evidence that Stark and Branning were friends inside or outside work, and no logical reason why they would decide to take a spontaneous trip to New Jersey. (Stark) doesnt have a penny to his name, Jose added. Its ridiculous. Jose contended Stark fled to Michigan where he knew no one and had no job in an attempt to avoid apprehension after killing Branning and dumping his body. Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County jury finds man kidnapped, robbed, murdered coworker in 2021 Former Kansas cop loses license after having sex with woman he interviewed in case A former Kansas police officer was stripped of his law enforcement certification after having sexual relations with a woman he met while working on her case. Russell McKnight was employed by the St. George Police Department from March 30, 2023 to December 26, 2023, a summary order of revocation from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training said. He held the rank of police officer, according to a city council document from August 2023. That same month, he graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. A phone number associated with McKnight did not respond to a request for comment on this story. What the summary order says The summary order gave this account: McKnight resigned from the SGPD in December 2023 due to family issues related to sexual contact with a woman. The department learned that the woman was a victim in a case McKnight was working on before he resigned. The SGPD started an investigation and learned that the woman called the department on Dec. 21, 2023 to report her husband calling her and violating a protection order. McKnight went to the womans house to take a report. She talked to McKnight again the next day about her case. The woman said that McKnight had told her that he would come back to her house after he got off work the evening of Dec. 22. He arrived at the womans house at 10:30 p.m. After talking for a while, McKnight dared the woman to kiss him to where the two started having sex. The woman made a follow-up report on Dec. 23 regarding more contact with her husband. McKnight documented the information. In a meeting with the KS-CPOST commission, McKnight said he had given the woman his personal cell phone number when he met her on Dec. 21. McKnight admitted he knew the woman, but did not meet her until Dec. 21. He also admitted to meeting her again on Dec. 22, when he went to her house after work and had sex. Saint George is a city of just over 1,000 in Pottawatomie County and is just under a two-and-half-hour drive northeast of Wichita. Former Pennsylvania city official charged with misusing $500K in funds, AG says (WHTM) A former Pennsylvania city administrator was charged with misusing over $500,000 in funds that were supposed to be used for public transportation projects, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced Tuesday. William Nichols, 72, of Williamsport, was charged with felony counts of theft and tampering with records for misuse of state and federal funding, according to court records filed in Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge Matthew Piankas office. He was charged Tuesday morning and waived his preliminary hearing. Nichols was the Williamsport City Administrator and part of his role was to oversee the funding for the River Valley Transit, a public transit authority, according to a news release. Nichols is accused of improperly diverting the money to other projects that were not for transportation. The AG says some of the money was used to fund a non-profit organization where he was a board member. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter None of the money was used for Nichols personal need, the AG says. The defendant was a dedicated public servant in the Williamsport community for over 40 years, but at a point, he decided to criminally misappropriate funds and manipulate the oversight process, Attorney General Henry said in a statement. The defendant was well aware these funds were for a very specific purpose and he chose to ignore that. Nichols was released on his own recognizance and he is scheduled to be formally arraigned on Nov. 8. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Arsenio Romero, the former head for the New Mexico Public Education Department, is among five candidates comprising a second slate of finalists, after NMSU regents decided in March not to hire anyone from its first group of candidates and to start over. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) On Monday, Arsenio Romero made his case to staff, students and the community for the leadership of New Mexico State University, the first of five candidates to appear in person and by video conference this week to make statements and answer questions about their qualifications and vision for the job. This article first appeared in the Las Cruces Bulletin. It is republished here with permission. Romero appeared in a dimly lit auditorium in the Corbett Center Student Union on the Las Cruces campus, where stage lights remained off and low overhead lighting mostly lit the stage behind him, leaving him in silhouette before an audience of faculty, administrators and staff. Romeros candidacy was itself backlit by controversy over his candidacy and NMSUs selection process. Romero was forced by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in August to choose between his post as New Mexicos Public Education Secretary and his pursuit of the NMSU job; choosing the latter, he abruptly resigned. Romero is among five candidates comprising a second slate of finalists, after regents decided in March not to hire anyone from its first group of candidates and to start over. Romero is the only candidate from New Mexico, a graduate of NMSU and also a former regent who served with some of the present board members from 2020 to 2023. Over the weekend, Romeros recent colleague in the governors cabinet, Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez, called on the university board of regents to hit reset a second time on its selection of a president to succeed Dan Arvizu, who left amid disarray in 2022. In an op-ed, Rodriguez argued that the search as conducted by the Board of Regents has produced two separate slates of finalists without the background or experience befitting the unique character and history of NMSU. Pointing to controversies and high leadership turnover at the land grant university that followed a period of declining enrollment and revenue, Rodriguez stated, This job is not a stepping stone, and leading a large public college is not a job you learn on the fly. I have directly asked the regents to once again take up the work of generating candidates who can effectively chart a course for this proud higher education institution. The other candidates are Valerio Ferme, executive vice president of academic affairs and provost of the University of Cincinnati; Brian Haynes, vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of California, Riverside; and Monica Lounsbery, dean of the College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Long Beach. Augusta University provost Neil MacKinnon withdrew his candidacy last week after accepting an appointment elsewhere. Responding to Rodriguez, NMSUs former chancellor and president, Garrey Carruthers, pushed back in an op-ed of his own, defending the selection process and calling Rodriguezs article an attempt to direct, intimidate, and/or embarrass the regents of NMSU into changing their ongoing process in selecting the next president. Carruthers wrote, Having a governor, or a secretary of higher education, try to influence the search process for a universitys next leader opens a dangerous door and allows state politics to guide how institutions of higher education are run. Rodriguezs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a spokesperson for NMSU declined to comment on the exchange. Romero took the microphone at 10 a.m. in a business suit and shoes that squeaked on the wooden deck, prompting him to stand on the carpeted lip of the stage where he was closer to the audience but not lit. Romero recounted his upbringing in Belen, his arrival at NMSU as an undergrad and the beginnings of his education career in Las Cruces. He repeatedly emphasized his roots in Las Cruces, connections he had made across the state and his confidence in his ability to negotiate the challenges confronting NMSU. This is my home, Romero said in pledging to stay for a decade or longer if selected, to stabilize leadership across the university, replace long outdated infrastructure and improve faculty and staff salaries which employees have called noncompetitive. Yet Romero has hopped to several leadership positions over the past decade, from the Las Cruces Public Schools and Roswell Independent School District; stints as superintendent of Deming Public Schools and Los Lunas Schools; a turnaround leader for the state Public Education Department and NMSU regent; leading to his appointment to head the PED in February 2023, a position he held just over a year and a half. Romero said he had forged relationships all over the state, including with lawmakers and philanthropies, that would help him bring in money for capital improvements, improved salaries and research funds. He said his prior experience negotiating with unions would help ease negotiations with a new faculty bargaining unit. NMSU graduate student workers have a separate collective bargaining unit, formed during Romeros time on the board of regents. You have a commitment from me that were going to be a team together, Romero told faculty and staff. I promise you, I will not be a leader that sits in my chair in the office. Im going to be the type of leader that youre going to see all over campus. The bold assertions of a former president at a Southern Baptist Convention seminary that the institution disparagingly made statements about financial mismanagement ended with an anticlimactic, $0 legal settlement following new revelations that emerged in discovery. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and its former president, Adam Greenway, announced the conclusion to a civil case in the U.S. District Court of Northern Texas on Monday. Southwestern, along with five other seminaries and five other agencies affiliated with the SBC, receives funding from the Nashville-based denominations Cooperative Program budget, a collective ministry fund that receives support from church giving. The J.W. "Jack" MacGorman Chapel and Performing Arts Center at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, a prominent Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated seminary. The new settlement puts to rest Greenways legal argument that the seminary and its board chair, Danny Roberts, mischaracterized financial issues during Greenways tenure between 2019-2022. But the resolution to this court case doesnt mean the end of all legal battles for Southwestern, which is dealing with the most court battles among the 12 major SBC-affiliated agencies. The Fort Worth seminary is a key player in a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry into former Southwestern administrators handling of a sexual abuse report. Also, its still engaged in a legal battle over allegations that former Southwestern President Paige Patterson defamed a former female student who reported being raped. In concluding the case with Greenway, both Southwestern and Greenway said in a joint statement both parties are looking forward to putting this matter behind us. Greenway said in an interview with The Tennessean the timing of the settlement is unrelated to other recent developments in the case. Specifically, the former president recently provided copies of communications with former Southwestern staff, trustees specifically a couple trustees whom the full board reprimanded over controversial claims about seminary administration and other SBC leaders about his dismissal and seminary finances. Greenway said in an interview any revelations from that discovery response didnt undermine his claims against the seminary. But Southwestern sees the outcome of the case differently. We believe the manner of this resolution not only vindicates the seminary, it further demonstrates the allegations made in the lawsuit were without merit, the seminary said in an additional statement it independently issued in an email to The Tennessean. Greenway resigned from Southwestern in September 2022 and five months later, the two parties reached a separation agreement. Among the terms of that agreement, Southwestern agreed to pay Greenway a lump sum of $229,500 as severance and the two sides agreed not to disparage one another. But around that same time, Southwesterns trustees were wrestling with the findings of a board committees inquiry into expenditures under Greenways leadership, and the seminary published details from those findings. Some of those details, such as a claim that Greenway spent $11,000 of the seminarys money on an espresso machine for his house, quickly became a source of sensation and outrage throughout the SBC. In response, Greenway sent a demand letter and later sued his former employer in March about those statements on seminary expenditures, alleging the statements were defamatory and breached the earlier separation agreement. Greenway sought at least $75,000 in damages. The B.H. Carroll Memorial Building at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, a prominent Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated seminary. Greenway said in an interview his $0 legal settlement in no way is a concession of his original grievance. Greenway also provided The Tennessean a statement he independently issued in response to Southwesterns independent statement about the resolution in the case. I disagree strongly with the Seminarys characterizations of the motivations behind or the meaning of the settlement, Greenway said in the statement. Scripture counsels us that we are to if possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. What to know about other high-profile cases in SBC Southwestern Seminary and other agencies affiliated with the SBC, at a time of continued fallout within the nations largest Protestant denomination over a clergy sexual abuse crisis, continue to fight other, high-profile legal battles. Among them: The DOJ case against Matt Queen, a North Carolina pastor and former Southwestern administrator, out of the U.S. District of Southern New York is scheduled for jury trial starting Dec. 9, according to court filings. Queen, who is on leave as pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, continues to fight a charge of falsifying records in an attempt to cover up an abuse report. Despite additional revelations that emerged after Queens charging about the involvement of former Southwestern administrator Heath Woolman, now a pastor in Florida, the DOJ has not filed any additional charges. A former Southwestern student continues her civil case against the seminary and its former president, Paige Patterson, alleging defamation in a dispute over the former students report of being raped by another former seminary student. The former student, identified as Jane Roe in the court filings, is appealing the case and ahead of oral arguments on Sept. 11 before the Supreme Court of Texas, the court accidentally made a tranche of unredacted documents in the case publicly available. Those documents, eventually placed under seal by the court, reportedly included previously undisclosed details about Southwestern leadership mishandling other abuse cases. Former SBC president Johnny Hunt is continuing his civil case against SBC leadership and Guidepost Solutions, a third-party firm that led an inquiry into Southern Baptist leaders handling of sexual abuse, over revelations in a Guidepost report that Hunt allegedly sexually assaulted another pastors wife. In his case, based out of the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee, Hunt has fought for Guidepost to reveal sensitive materials used in the firms investigation, while other filings and depositions have unearthed details about Hunts business empire. Hunt, who long was an influential megachurch pastor in Georgia, has sought to restore his image in the wake of the abuse allegations against him. David Sills, a former professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, continues his civil case against SBC leadership, Guidepost, and abuse survivor Jennifer Lyell in a well-known case in the SBC that started with Southern Baptist media and leaders mistreating Lyell, who came forward with sexual abuse allegations against Sills. An ongoing case from Sills alleging defamation, based out of the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee, has become a centerpiece for an opposition conservative faction, which has sought to pull the SBC further to the right, in disputing the severity of the denominations abuse crisis. A controversial book recently published by author Megan Basham, who works for the Daily Wire, cites Sills defense to argue SBC leaders have leveraged abuse cases for ulterior ends, such as promoting left-wing ideological views. Other recent SBC-related news on abuse: How a church's response to abuse allegations could be a model for the Southern Baptist Convention Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Southwestern seminary: Former president settles legal case for $0 Former Utica Mayor and school board president Louis LaPolla, 79, was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty in May to one count of federal mail fraud, federal officials announced Tuesday. LaPolla confessed to soliciting funds by ail for a scholarship fund in the name of his late wife Andrea and spending nearly $40,000 of the proceeds instead of depositing the money into the scholarship fund, according to a statement sent out by United States Attorney Carla Freedman and Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. LaPollas sentence also requires him to pay $38,616 in restitution and a separate forfeiture money judgment in the same amount. The charge could have carried a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1.5 million. Louis LaPolla Mail fraud charges LaPolla was originally indicted in September 2023 on six counts of mail fraud. His plea deal required him to acknowledge and make restitution for all six counts, although he only pleaded guilty to one count. Heres what happened, according to prosecutors and backed by LaPollas allocution: Andrea LaPolla died on March 9, 2018. Her husband and others mailed out flyers asking businesses and individuals to donate to a scholarship in her memory. The scholarships were to go to Utica City School District graduates pursuing secondary education in health-related fields. The school board voted to have the district treasurer set up an interest-bearing account for the scholarship funds. Some of the donations were sent directly to LaPollas home as personal checks. The six mail fraud charges relate to six documents: four personal checks mailed to LaPolla between February 2019 and March 2022 that were not deposited in the scholarship account and were spent by LaPolla; and two flyers soliciting funds that were mailed from LaPollas home to two individuals in March 2022. LaPolla has previously claimed that he faced a lot of medical debt after his wifes death and he did not realize he couldnt borrow money from the scholarship fund. Other legal issues The federal case has not been LaPollas only legal struggle related to his wifes scholarship fund. Hes currently serving three years of probation for a conviction of petit larceny in Oneida County. LaPolla who was originally indicted in November 2023 on fourth-degree grand larceny and public corruption charges pleaded guilty to petit larceny and was sentenced on April 10 to probation, six days of domicile restriction and the payment of $3,100 in restitution. In this case, LaPolla, at the suggestion of then-school superintendent Bruce Karam, has school staff send out flyers for his fundraising retirement dinner during work hours and using the districts supplies and stamps. Karam was also charged in connection to both LaPollas flyers and his order for district staff to mail out campaign literature for a school board candidate, also during work hours and using district supplies and postage. He pleaded guilty to public corruption, a felony, and was sentenced on April 19 to five years probation, 250 hours of community service and payment of $12,000 in restitution. He also agreed to a consent order reducing his pension. Karam was placed on paid administrative leave by the Utica school board in October 2022 after two district administrators filed complaints and an investigator filed a report in January 2023 stating that Karam had committed "bullying" behavior." The school board voted to fire him in November 2023. LaPolla served as Utica mayor from 1984 to 1995 and on the Utica school board for 25 years with his last term spent as president. He also served as the head of Uticas municipal housing authority. LaPollas federal mail fraud case was investigated by the FBI with help from the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorneys Office. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Former mayor, school president Louis LaPolla sentenced for mail fraud By Rajesh Kumar Singh and Shivansh Tiwary (Reuters) -Southwest Airlines on Tuesday announced changes to its board including the retirement of Chairman Gary Kelly, but reiterated its support for CEO Bob Jordan despite calls for a shakeup from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Kelly has worked at the U.S. carrier for nearly four decades and has been chairman since founder Herb Kelleher retired in 2008. He served as the company's CEO for 18 years before handing the reins to Jordan in 2022. Elliott, among the world's most powerful activist investors, has launched a boardroom battle, demanding the ouster of both Kelly and Jordan. It wants Southwest to change management's "rigid commitment to a decades-old approach", and has laid out plans to replace two-thirds of the board's 15 directors. Elliott now holds a large enough stake in the company to call a special shareholder meeting. In a letter to shareholders after a meeting with Elliott in New York on Monday, Kelly said his role as chairman was always meant to be transitional and would end next year in the spring after Southwest's annual meeting. Both Southwest and Kelly expressed confidence in Jordan's leadership. "Bob has a proven track record over decades," Kelly said. "Most importantly, he has what it takes to lead Southwest through a significant transformation." As part of the overhaul, six directors will voluntarily step down in November. Southwest plans to appoint four new independent directors in the near term, which would potentially include up to three candidates proposed by Elliott. The airline's board has set up a new finance committee to oversee financial, operational, and business plans and strategies and capital structure, among other things. Southwest's shares, which have fallen about 38% in the past three years, were down about 3.5% at $28.70 in mid-day trade. Analysts at Citi said the board changes were "adjustments to Southwest's strategic positioning," rather than "an attempt to reinvent the wheel." Elliott called the changes "unprecedented" and said it was pleased that Southwest's board was "beginning to recognize the degree of change that will be required" at the company. "The need for thoughtful, deliberate change at Southwest remains urgent," it said in a statement, adding its nominees are "the right people to steady the board and chart a new course for the airline." Southwest has been struggling to find its footing after the pandemic. It has been hit hard by its over-reliance on Boeing, for its fleet due to regulatory and safety struggles that have reduced the jetmaker's ability to deliver new planes. Story continues It has also been facing pricing pressure as an industry-wide overcapacity in the domestic market has dampened airfares. To turn around its fortunes, it plans to offer assigned and extra-legroom seats to attract premium travelers, and start overnight flights. It is due to share more details on Sept. 26. (Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru and Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Jan Harvey, Nick Zieminski and David Gregorio) Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was grilled during his public testimony before Congress on Tuesday, defending his administration's nursing home policies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing, before the Republican-led House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, saw a defensive Cuomo who largely stood by his decision-making during the pandemic -- including a March 2020 directive to readmit COVID-19 patients back into nursing homes -- and blamed the outsized death toll on what he described as former president Donald Trump's lack of leadership Cuomo previously testified before the subcommittee during a closed-door hearing in June. Transcripts from that interview, as well as with high-ranking officials during Cuomo's administration, were released Tuesday morning ahead of the public hearing. MORE: Andrew Cuomo subpoenaed by congressional subcommittee investigating COVID-era handling of nursing homes "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC on March 13, 2020, [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] CMS issued guidance -- let us trust the word 'guidance' -- that specifically directed nursing homes to not accept COVID-19-positive patients if they were unable to do so safely and to only accept individuals if the nursing home could follow CDC transmission based guidance," subcommittee Chairman Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, said in his opening statement on Tuesday. In March 2020, as COVID-19 cases were surging, Cuomo issued an order requiring nursing homes to readmit all residents who were "medically stable" and returning after being hospitalized for the virus. PHOTO: Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo testifies in front of a Congressional committee on Sept. 10, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Pool via ABC News) "No resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to the [nursing home] solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19," the order read. It further stated that nursing homes were "prohibited from requiring a hospitalized resident who is determined medically stable to be tested for COVID-19 prior to admission or readmission." However, Cuomo responded that the CMS and CDC, under former President Trump's administration, advised that "COVID-positive people could go from hospitals to nursing homes, even if they were still infectious. That was your ruling." "'The March 25 guidance was consistent with the CMS guidance. The March 25 guidance was consistent with the CMS guidance if nursing homes have the ability to adhere to infection prevention and control recommendations.' That's the attorney general's position opinion," Cuomo said, referring to New York Attorney General Letitia James. At the time of the directive, Cuomo explained that the order would help expand hospital capacity to meet the demands of caring for the sickest COVID-19 patients. After facing criticism from nursing home advocates, however, the governor amended the order in May 2020, prohibiting hospitals from discharging patients to nursing homes unless they first tested negative for COVID-19. "The March 25 directive was dubbed a 'must admit order' by the public and press, and rightfully so," Wenstrup said, addressing the former New York governor. "Your directive was not consistent with federal guidance, nor consistent with medical doctrine. You do not put highly contagious patients in with vulnerable patients. subject to infection, and in this case death." Wenstrup added that the former White House coronavirus coordinator, Dr, Deborah Birx, testified in Oct. 2021 that Cuomo's order violated CMS guidance. When asked if Birx lied, the former governor said Wenstrup and other Republications misrepresented that precautions weren't in place. "That was not true. As you know, the attorney general conducted this investigation the attorney general of New York, who governs the New York law and interprets the New York law, found exactly contrary to what you are saying," Cuomo replied. MORE: Andrew Cuomo testifies before House panel on COVID nursing home policy In 2020, Cuomo fought back against criticism of his policies and, in July of that year, a report from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) stated that COVID-19 was introduced into nursing homes by infected staff, and that peak staff infections correlated with peak nursing home resident deaths. The report also found that "admissions policies were not a significant factor in nursing home fatalities." However, in January 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report that found the NYSDOH had undercounted the number of nursing home residents who died of COVID-19 by as much as 50%, and failed to count in its official death tally nursing home residents who died of COVID-19 after being admitted to hospitals. In total, more than 15,000 nursing home residents in New York died of COVID-19. During his testimony, Cuomo said the tally of nursing home deaths was "problematic" because his administration received rolling updates from nursing homes. "Every night, we got a census from the nursing homes, total nursing home deaths, total hospital deaths," he said. "The numbers were less than certain, and they were highly problematic, because you were calling up a nursing home and basically asking them to do a forensic audit in the middle of a pandemic." MORE: As more nursing homes receive COVID-19 vaccine, relatives demand greater access to residents Cuomo also testified that he never directed his staff to report the number of nursing home-related fatalities as lower than they actually were. "No, we said these are the numbers without the out-of-facility death numbers, which we will add when they're accurate," Cuomo said. In a particularly fiery exchange, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY, demanded that Cuomo provide details behind negotiations for his COVID-19 memoir, published in 2020, suggesting that he was concerned with a book rather than with his response to the pandemic. "There is a reason why you were the former governor of New York state, and you will never hold elected office again," Stefanik said. Some attendees applauded, leading the chairman to remind the audience to refrain from applause or cheers, in keeping with the rules of the hearing. In 2022, Cuomo's representative said the Manhattan District Attorney's office would not file criminal charges in connection with the former governor's handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic. Earlier this year, an independent investigation, commissioned by current New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, found that although Cuomo's nursing home response policy was based on "the best available data at the time," communication to the public was poor and caused anxiety for family members of nursing home residents. "Even the most well-intentioned policy had unforeseen consequences in [New York state] nursing homes," the report read. ABC News' Peter Charalambous contributed to this report. Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo grilled on COVID-19 nursing home policies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressed sympathy for victims of Covid-19 while defending his administration and casting blame toward former President Donald Trumps pandemic response on Tuesday as he testified publicly before a GOP-led House panel and faced questions over the Covid-era nursing home policy in the state. Cuomo called the federal response to the pandemic malpractice during Trumps time in office.From day one, he willfully deceived the American people, denying Covids very real threat, the former governor said of Trump. His lies and denials delayed our response, let the virus spread and this country never caught up. Recalling shortages of necessary medical supplies in the early days of the pandemic, Cuomo said, It was the Covid hunger games, the federal government was nowhere to be found. Cuomo, a Democrat, has been out of office for several years, but the tense public hearing offered a high-profile opportunity for Republicans to grill the former governor after he testified in June behind closed doors before members of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The hearing focused in on nursing home deaths and a controversial March 2020 directive from the New York State Department of Health on hospital discharges and nursing home admissions. Republicans argued that Cuomo has not taken accountability for policy missteps. The former governor also faced pointed questions from some Democrats on the panel. You own this, Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, chairman of the subcommittee, told Cuomo at the outset of the hearing. Rep. Raul Ruiz, the panels top Democrat, said at the close of the hearing that he understands that those listening to Cuomos testimony may or may not be satisfied with his answers. Too many families have lost loved ones and many families are still looking for answers. They deserve those answers. I understand that we may or may not be satisfied with those provided by Gov. Cuomo. I acknowledge that questions remain about his administrations transparency. In assessing those questions, we must objectively look at the facts we must not allow our collective memory of the early pandemic to be clouded by a rush to assign blame. We must remember that across the country, public officials at every level of government were scrambling to make the right choices to protect people. At that time, the right choices were difficult to discern. The former governor also had a message for the families of victims of the pandemic, saying I am sorry for your loss and I believe you are owed an apology because this country should have done better. Republicans on the panel questioned the former governors sincerity and pressed him for answers over his handling of the pandemic. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a New York Republican, told Cuomo pointedly at one point during the hearing, youve shown no empathy, youve shown no remorse, youve shown no responsibility for the actions of your administration. Thats just not leadership. For over a year now, Democrats in New York have watched in anticipation as speculation that Cuomo is seeking a political comeback has heightened. For months Cuomo has sought to reinsert himself into the public eye, launching a podcast and making public appearances in New York City. Asked Tuesday whether he is considering a run for office, Cuomo smiled and said he has no plans to run for office. At the outset of the hearing, Wenstrup announced a subpoena to compel New York Gov. Kathy Hochuls office to turn over documents related to Cuomos pandemic response. We hope that Governor Hochul lives up to her promise of transparency and proceeds without further delay, Wenstrup said. Hochul spokesperson Avi Small said in a statement that the governor is committed to transparency and immediately released additional COVID-19 data the day she took office and that while todays action is surprising, given the subcommittees previous comments expressing appreciation for the states prompt and extensive cooperation, we fully intend to comply with the law in this matter. Cuomo was in the national spotlight early in the outbreak for his daily coronavirus briefings and passionate pleas for more medical equipment from the federal government, but later became a focus of controversy over deaths in nursing homes. The former governor has defended his handling of the pandemic, saying that the state followed federal guidelines. New York states handling of nursing homes and their residents during the pandemic has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly after the state health department issued a controversial advisory on March 25, 2020, relating to hospital discharges and nursing home admissions. The advisory stated that residents must not be denied admission to nursing homes solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19 and that nursing homes are prohibited from requiring a hospitalized resident who is determined medically stable to be tested for COVID-19 prior to admission. In May 2020, Cuomo announced an executive order requiring patients to test negative for Covid-19 before being discharged from a hospital to a nursing home. Cuomo has said that New York followed federal guidelines when sending coronavirus patients to nursing homes and that the advisory was consistent with guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ahead of Tuesdays hearing, Republicans on the House panel released a 48-page memo stating that Cuomo was involved in the decision that led to the March 25 Directive. The memo further states that the directive was not consistent with applicable federal guidance regarding hospital to nursing home transfers and COVID-19 related infection control and that the policy ultimately had predictable but disastrous consequences. The memo also accuses the Cuomo administration of manipulating data, which concealed the magnitude of nursing home deaths, and claims that top advisers to the governor influenced a report by the Department of Health in order to shift the blame for the deaths of nursing home residents. As part of its investigation, the subcommittee interviewed Cuomo and approximately 10 aides in addition to reviewing more than 550,000 pages of documents. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified on the pandemic at a contentious public hearing before the same subcommittee in June. Azzopardi, the Cuomo spokesperson, said in a statement, This MAGA Congressional Committee came up short on verifying the Big Lie theyve been peddling for years: Its report does not conclude there was any causality between the March 25th DOH guidance and deaths in nursing homes. The statement says that the claim of Cuomos involvement with the guidance not only wasnt supported by the testimony they cited, but is directly contradicted by testimony from a former health department official. New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a report in 2021 finding that the New York State Department of Health undercounted Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents by approximately 50%. The New York health department undercounted the number of Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes by thousands during Cuomos time in office, an audit conducted by state officials found in 2022. Critics have argued that counting only residents who died inside nursing homes while excluding residents who died in hospitals led to a much lower count of nursing home deaths, which helped Cuomo portray New York as having a better response to the pandemic than other parts of the country. Azzopardi said in the statement that the report shows that out-of-facility nursing home tabulations were initially withheld due to legitimate concerns over accuracy. Cuomo has been investigated by the Department of Justice, Manhattan district attorney, New York attorney general and the New York State Assembly, none of which brought charges for his handling of the pandemic. A release from the committee announcing the memo further states that current New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, also a Democrat, has not been cooperative with document and information requests, and the panel is considering next steps, including potentially issuing a subpoena. The memo states that the New York State Executive Chamber did not produce documents until February 2024, which it says was more than eight months after the original request, but notes that the panel has since received three separate productions amounting to 373,999 documents. Cuomo was first elected governor in 2010 and served nearly three full terms before he resigned in August 2021 following the release of a report by James office that found he had sexually harassed multiple women. Cuomo has denied the allegations. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Paul LeBlanc, Annie Grayer and Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo grilled by lawmakers over covid response WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) House lawmakers grilled former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over his handling of the pandemic. Specifically, a March 2020 New York Health Department directive that said nursing homes should admit covid-positive patients. Your directive was not consistent with federal guidance, nor consistent with medical doctrine. You do not put highly contagious patients in with vulnerable patients, said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio.). More than 9,000 potentially covid-positive patients were admitted to nursing homes. At the time, the move was meant to help with hospital capacity. Cuomo says that directive was in compliance with federal guidelines and didnt lead to spread. All credible studies say COVID came into nursing homes through community spread and infected staff, not hospital admissions, said Cuomo.The panel also questioned Cuomo over data they say he misrepresented. In 2021 the states attorney general issued a report finding his administration had underreported nursing home deaths by as much as 50%. Congressman Brad Wenstrup said the investigation into Cuomos pandemic response will continue. He announced a subpoena for New Yorks governors office seeking documents when Cuomo was in 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. About 16,000 fewer students in the Fort Worth Independent School District are attending D- or F-rated schools this year, according to accountability score estimates the district released Tuesday. The Texas Education Agency is barred from releasing statewide A-F scores under a court order issued last month. Fort Worth ISD, like several other districts in the state, calculated its own anticipated accountability scores based on the state education agencys scoring rubric. However, unlike other districts, Fort Worth ISD didnt confirm its own scores with TEA before releasing them publicly, a spokesperson for the TEA said. This year is the second year in a row that state A-F ratings have been blocked in court. But those court orders dont preclude districts from calculating and releasing their own scores. Based on its own calculations, Fort Worth ISD improved from a score of 64 in 2023 which would have been a D rating, had letter grades been issued last year to a 70 this year, making it a C-rated district. The last official rating the district received was a B in 2022. The district also saw a 36% decline in D- or F-rated campuses compared with last year, district officials said. Most notably, Sagamore Hill and Springdale elementary schools climbed from F ratings last year to B ratings this year, district officials said. But not every campus saw growth. Woodway Elementary Schools score declined from a 74 last year to a 58 this year, falling from a C rating to an F. M.L. Phillips Elementary Schools score declined from a 65 to a 51, a D to an F. And both Rufino Mendoza and Hubbard Heights elementary schools scores fell by 10 points, taking both campuses from a D to an F. Superintendent Angelica Ramsey said the overall improvement in scores was a testament to the dedication of the districts teachers and staff. Were especially proud of the gains made in our high-need schools, and we remain committed to ensuring that all students, no matter their background or where they live, have access to high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and community leadership, Ramsey said. Student achievement is just one component of A-F District accountability ratings are based in large part on how students perform on the state of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, exam. But student achievement only makes up one component of the state education agencys scoring formula. The formulas two other scoring components are closing the gaps, which looks at performance gaps among different student groups, and school progress, which looks at the amount of academic growth students made over the course of the year. A look at Fort Worth ISDs STAAR scores paints a less rosy picture: Across all grade levels and subjects, students in the district scored on grade level just 25% of the time, according to an analysis of test data by the Fort Worth Education Partnership. Thats a two-point decline from 2022, when districts were still dealing with the immediate fallout from the pandemic. In reading, the district saw a five-point decline in the number of students scoring on grade level compared to 2022. Two weeks ago, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker sent a letter to Fort Worth ISDs school board, calling the districts academic outcomes unacceptable. During remarks at the boards Aug. 27 meeting, Parker called for a bold, unified approach to turning the district around, saying low performance was hampering students opportunities after graduation. The mayor later told journalists her office had gotten a large volume of calls asking her to step in and help move the district in the right direction. During a school board meeting Tuesday, Mohammed Choudhury, the districts deputy superintendent of learning and leading, acknowledged that the district isnt progressing fast enough. Choudhury, who came to Fort Worth ISD a month ago, told the board the district needs to improve consistency across its campuses, so that whats happening at successful campuses like Sagamore Hill and Springdale is being replicated at all campuses. Chiefly, that means ensuring that the instruction that all students get is as high-quality as possible, Choudhury said. Ideally, 80% of students would understand a concept the first time their teacher goes over it, he said. Teachers can then work with students who didnt understand in smaller groups or individually, he said, but the district cant rely only on interventions like tutoring to raise all students achievement level. You cannot intervene your way to narrowing the achievement gap, he said. Among other things, the district needs to offer more coaching to teachers in real time, Choudhury said. Principals and other school leaders need to be able to give teachers advice on how to improve their instruction quickly, before theyve moved on to another concept. If theres too much of a gap in time between when a teacher delivers a lesson and when a principal offers feedback, that advice isnt as useful, he said. Judge blocks TEA from releasing A-F scores State education officials planned to release A-F scores last month, but a Travis County judge blocked them in response to a lawsuit from five districts across the state. Those districts claim the scores are invalid because theyre based on flawed STAAR exams. Among other things, districts take issue with the states new electronic grading system for constructed response questions. Since then, a number of districts across the state, including the Dallas and Houston independent school districts, have released their own scores. Fort Worth ISD isnt the first Tarrant County district to release its own A-F ratings. Last month, officials in the Castleberry school district announced that it improved from a 76 in the 2022-23 school year to an 82 in 2023-24, according to calculations the district verified with TEA. A hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for September 16. This is a developing story. For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts. BERLIN/LONDON (Reuters) - The governments of France, Germany and Britain condemned the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, said they would cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran and work towards sanctioning airline Iran Air. The announcement came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and would likely use them in its war in Ukraine within weeks. "This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security," said a joint statement from the three countries. "We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russias war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles." Earlier during a visit to Britain, Blinken said the U.S. would also impose new sanctions, including on Iran Air. Britain said cancelling bilateral air services arrangements would restrict Iran Airs ability to fly in to Britain and Europe. Britain announced sanctions targeting Russian cargo ships for what the government said was their role in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia. The British sanctions also targeted a handful of individuals and organisations "for their role in facilitating Irans military support to Russia, including those involved in ballistic missile and drone supply chains". "We have been clear in that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response," foreign minister David Lammy said in a statement. "Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security." (Writing by Rachel More and William James; Editing by Miranda Murray and Mark Heinrich) A video showing a preschool teacher beating a three-year-old child in class in France has sparked a wave of indignation Tuesday after the footage of the incident went viral online. The video, filmed by a parent present at the school in central Paris, shows a girl standing next to a knocked-over chair and crying. The teacher approaches, grabs the girls' arm, yanks her around and slaps her hard on the back. The girl then runs away, and the teacher goes about her usual business in class. "These images are terribly shocking and unacceptable in our schools," French Education Minister Nicole Belloubet said on X, adding she had "immediately" ordered the teacher's suspension and disciplinary proceedings against her. The incident happened on September 3, the day after French pupils returned to school after the summer break. A lawyer for the girl's family, Vanessa Edberg, said the three-year-old had told her mother that she had already been beaten the previous day. "You can tell that the teacher is restraining herself," because of the presence of the mother who filmed the scene, Edberg said. The girl's family has filed a legal complaint with police for violence, aggravated by the fact that it was perpetrated against a vulnerable person in a school setting. The psychological harm done was "severe" according to an evaluation, the lawyer said, as the child was now avoiding looking adults in the eye, and has refused to talk about the teacher. Philippe Goujon, mayor of the French capital's 15th district where the school is located, said the teacher's behaviour was "unbearable" and "unspeakable". He said she was an experienced teacher, having worked at the school for around 10 years, and is around 50 years old. "She knows the school, the parents and the children well" and "is not usually overcome by her emotions", he told BFMTV. "We never had any information of this kind about her before, obviously," he added. In subsequent conversations with her superiors the woman had been unable to give an explanation for her behaviour, "which makes this even more worrying", he said. asm-gd/jh/sjw/fg Hurricane Francine made landfall in southern Louisiana in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, as a Category 2 (Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale) storm at 5:00 p.m. CDT. Maximum sustained winds were estimated to be near 100 mph along with dangerous storm surge and flooding rainfall. Francine became a hurricane on Tuesday evening with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. It quickly ramped up, becoming a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday morning. After spending much of the day hovering near 90 mph on Wednesday, the hurricane strengthened a bit more to 100 mph just prior to landfall in Louisiana early Wednesday evening. Peak wind gusts of Category 2 intensity (96-110 mph) were reported at several stories above the surface over the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday afternoon, a sign the hurricane was gaining some strength. As of 7 a.m. CDT on Thursday, Francine was located about 30 miles to the south of Jackson, Mississippi, and had lost more wind intensity after spending time as a tropical storm Wednesday night. Francine will transition from a tropical depression to a tropical rainstorm as it moves inland over the Southern states from Thursday to Friday. Francine is a 2 on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes, which gauges the risks to lives and property, damage to infrastructure and economic loss due to wind damage and flooding from rainfall and storm surge. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale only accounts for the sustained winds of a hurricane. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Since Francine is transitioning to a tropical rainstorm, the center of the storm is losing importance as far as a weather-maker. More significant effects will be the outward spread of rain north and east of the center and severe thunderstorms, including possible tornadoes to the east and south of the center. The impacts of these conditions will continue. As storm surge flooding subsides, flooding from heavy rainfall and damage from strong wind gusts and severe thunderstorms will continue to be a problem moving forward into Friday. Even as Francine continues to lose wind energy, some strong gusts can be transported from the mid-levels of the atmosphere to the surface. Gusts of 40-60 mph are forecast to continue into Thursday night over parts of eastern Louisiana, all of Mississippi, western and central Alabama, eastern Arkansas, southwestern Tennessee and part of the Florida Panhandle. The maximum observed wind gust on land occurred at Dulac, Louisiana, Wednesday evening. However, much stronger gusts were reported on petroleum platforms over the central Gulf during the day Wednesday, as previously stated. The majority of power outages have already occurred in Louisiana and southern Mississippi, but strong winds were affecting areas farther to the north and east as Francine advances and will lead to power outages in these areas moving forward. Where tornadoes occur, damage can be more severe and pose a greater risk to lives and property. The highest risk of inland tornadoes will be north and east of the storm center. Because some dry air has become entrained into Francine's circulation, it may increase the number and intensity of severe thunderstorms, which could boost the number of tornadoes through Thursday and possibly continue into early Friday. The most far-reaching impact from Francine will be heavy rainfall, which can trigger everything from small stream and low-lying area flooding to significant rises on some of the south-central United States region's secondary rivers and bayous. A broad area where 4-8 inches of rain will likely fall will be centered on the Mississippi Delta region, with 8-12 inches of rain and an AccuWeather Local StormMax rainfall of 24 inches forecast in southern Louisiana. Rainfall from Francine was still being tallied on Thursday. However, the New Orleans area has received between 7 and 9 inches. Much of that rain, 3-5 inches, fell in three hours during Wednesday evening as the core of Francine passed nearby. "Water levels on the Mississippi River have plummeted in recent weeks and were at near-historic lows once again for the third year in a row," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. Areas of significant drought have been expanding over the Mississippi Basin. The rain and reasonable water-level rise on the Mississippi River are much needed for tug and barge transport to operate efficiently. The waterway is invaluable for the low-cost transport of grains and other commodities. Since the amount of rain will tail off quickly over the Ohio River Valley and no rain from Francine will reach the upper Mississippi Valley, not enough of a water level rise, or one that lasts very long, is likely to occur on the mid-Mississippi stem. The Ohio River contributes more than the main stem of the Mississippi River at the Ohio-Mississippi River confluence. The slow movement of Francine while it is inland will boost rainfall amounts over the south-central region. However, Francine's northward movement into much of the Midwest may be blocked by high pressure. As a result, the northward extent of the system's moisture, as a tropical rainstorm, will likely diminish. As Francine loses wind intensity over the interior Central states, a new tropical concern may spin up just off the Carolina coast this weekend. That feature has the potential to evolve into a tropical storm this weekend and drift inland over the Southeastern states early next week, packing torrential rain, severe thunderstorms and strong winds. The next name on the list of Atlantic tropical storms is Gordon. It has been a few years since the petroleum industry in the central Gulf of Mexico has had to weather a hurricane, and Francine will cause disruptions. The Category 2 storm will likely have some negative effect on operations, which could be reflected in higher prices at the pump for a time. 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. NOTE: This story has been made available for free, for all readers. Please consider supporting local journalism through the purchase of a digital subscription. Editors note: This report is from Tuesdays 10 a.m. National Hurricane Center report. For the latest updates, click here. Tropical Storm Francine churned toward Louisiana on Tuesday, where forecasters say it will bring heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge threats that extend from Texas to Mississippi. The storm shifted slightly east Tuesday morning, forecasters said. It continued to track slowly northwest and is expected to curve northeast Tuesday night and surge toward the Louisiana coast Wednesday afternoon or evening. Forecasters say Francine will make landfall in central Louisiana, likely as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm is expected to become a hurricane on Tuesday as it strengthens over warm water in the Gulf of Mexico. But it could avoid rapidly intensifying near the Louisiana coast on Wednesday because of strong wind shear from the southwest. Tropical Storm Francine shifted slightly east by 10 a.m. Tuesday. The storm is expected to make landfall on the Louisiana coast. The Mississippi Coast is now under a tropical storm warning. Francine was 425 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, on Tuesday morning. It is moving north at 8 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour, the National Hurricane Center said. The agency issued a storm surge warning from Texas to the Mississippi-Alabama border, which means rising water could move inland in the next 36 hours. Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties are under a tropical storm warning. Stone and George counties are under a tropical storm watch. Surge, wind expected on MS Coast South Mississippi is mostly outside the National Hurricane Centers cone of uncertainty, which represents the storms likely track. But forecasters say dangerous conditions can happen outside the cone. Storm surge predictions increased Tuesday morning: Forecasts now say Francine could bring 3 to 5 feet of storm surge on the Mississippi Coast. The risk lessens further east, but Alabama could also face 2 to 4 feet of water forecasters said. The Mississippi Coast is forecast to face 3 to 5 feet of storm surge as Tropical Storm Francine tracks toward Louisiana. Hancock and Harrison counties have a 30 to 70 percent chance of tropical storm-force winds on Wednesday. Risk is greatest in Hancock County and lessens farther east. High gusts are also expected in southwest Mississippi, where Francine is forecast to track after landfall. Rain fell steadily on the Mississippi Coast Tuesday morning. But that was only the beginning: Forecasts call for 4 to 8 inches of rain across Louisiana and Mississippi through Friday. Some areas could see as much as 12 inches, forecasters said. Rainfall chances have increased on the Coast, and Hancock County and western Harrison County could see 6 to 8 inches of rain through this week. The rest of the Mississippi Coast could get 4 to 6 inches through Sunday. Most of the region is under a moderate risk of flash flooding. Forecasters also warned Francine could spawn tornadoes on Wednesday across Mississippi, and also near coastlines in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. Hancock County has the highest risk of tropical storm-force winds on Wednesday, and risk lessens farther east. When will impacts start? Local impacts will start Tuesday night, the National Weather Service in New Orleans said. Forecasters said rain, wind and storm surge will worsen through Wednesday. Wind gusts could reach the Mississippi Coast after 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters warned residents to finish preparations Tuesday night. Several schools on the Mississippi Coast canceled Wednesday classes. Residents were also rushing on Tuesday to fill gas tanks, sandbags and evacuate marinas in Biloxi, Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis. Tropical Storm Francine tracks toward Louisiana. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. (NewsNation) Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen before make landfall along the northern Gulf shore of Louisiana and the Texas coastline by Wednesday afternoon. There, it is forecast to be be a Category 2 hurricane with winds up to 100 mph. Much of Louisiana is forecast to receive up to 12 inches of rain, while storm surges of 5-10 feet are expected between the cities of Lake Charles and Houma. While New Orleans is likely to be spared the worst conditions, only a 2- to 4-foot storm surge is expected in the city. Ghost ship washes up on Florida Panhandle beach Sustained winds of 65 mph are expected by Tuesday afternoon, with hurricane warnings already in place for the entire coast of Louisiana. Texass South Padre Island is bracing for severe weather, with Gov. Greg Abbott deploying multiple rescue units, while the Texas National Guard is also on high alert. As of Tuesday morning, there has been minimal impact on the Texas coast, but heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected this afternoon. As of late morning Tuesday, Francine remained at tropical storm strength with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system was located about 120 miles southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande River and was moving north-northeastward at 8 mph. The storm is moving over extremely warm Gulf waters that will serve as fuel to strengthen it. 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. A satellite image of Tropical Storm Francine as of 8:11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. A satellite image of Tropical Storm Francine as of 8:11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (NOAA) Hurricane warnings have been extended to Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes as Tropical Storm Francine continues her path toward the Louisiana coast, with forecasters noticing the system gradually track east. While the National Hurricane Center forecast as of 7 a.m. still placed Francines path toward Acadiana, WVUE-TV Fox 8 meteorologist Zach Fradella said updated computer models show the storm edging eastward. He expects the official forecast track to be moved in that direction in the NHCs 10 a.m. update, so residents in Southeast Louisiana should prepare for impacts for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. Tormenta tropicale Francine adviso publico Parishes along the Louisiana coast have issued evacuation orders for residents outside of levee protection, as Francine is expected to bring a storm surge ranging from 5 to 10 feet in the area between Cameron to Port Fourchon. Cameron Parish has ordered a mandatory evacuation for all residents. Plaquemines Parish is urging everyone in the lower parts of the parish to leave, followed by east bank residents below Alliance. In addition to storm surge, Francines greatest impact is expected to be power outages. Officials recommend residents with generators exercise caution, checking the status of carbon monoxide monitors before the storm arrives. Gov. Jeff Landry and state emergency response officials will hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. Watch it here. This is a developing story that will be updated Starbucks' (SBUX) new CEO, Brian Niccol, is brewing up a new chapter for the coffee chain as it focuses on its origins. In an open letter, Niccol said he's been spending time in stores and with employees since he was announced as the next CEO on Aug. 13, 2024. The coffee giant is "beloved" but has "drifted" from its core, he said, as he officially started his role this week. In the US, he acknowledged, "we arent always delivering. It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the handoff too hectic." Last quarter, same-store sales declined 2% in the US. The former Chipotle (CMG) CEO now plans to home in on four key areas. First is empowering baristas to ensure they "have the tools and time" to make great drinks. Second, provide "career opportunities and a clear path to growth." Third, ensure customers' orders are delivered on time and elevate the in-store experience with a "clear distinction between "to-go" and "for-here." And finally, the company will focus on telling its story. "We wont let others define who we are," Niccol wrote. China, Starbucks' second-largest market, has been its worst-performing segment. In the third quarter, same-store sales fell 14% year over year. Niccol wrote that the team needs "to understand the potential path to capture growth and capitalize on our strengths in this dynamic market." During Starbucks' last earnings call, former CEO Laxman Narasimhan said the team is in the "very early stages" of exploring joint ventures and strategic partnerships in technology, real estate, and the supply chain. Niccol said while he'll initially be focusing on the US, Starbucks is looking globally for growth, including in the Middle East, where the company will "work to dispel misconceptions about our brand." A barista brews coffee at the Starbucks Beijing Xitieying Wanda signing store in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 23, 2023. (Liu Mengqi/Xinhua via Getty Images) (Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images) Niccol's strength in turnarounds is partially why he got the top spot. He led Chipotle's comeback from its E. coli outbreak crisis and formerly excelled at marketing at Yum! Brands' (YUM) Taco Bell. "We see similarities between Chipotle's 2018 turnaround for a premium brand, and what Starbucks needs in 2024 to improve traffic," Andrew Charles of TD Cowen wrote in a note to clients. Deutsche Bank analyst Lauren Silberman told Yahoo Finance that Starbucks' current state of affairs kicked off last October when boycotts around the brand were a "catalyst for challenges." Story continues Since then, "it's been consistent, ... 10% to 12% of people say ... [they] aren't going to Starbucks anymore," she said. Other challenges for the brand include value and innovation. "I disagree that there's a price issue. Starbucks has always been expensive," she said. "What has changed, in my opinion, is the value perception, which encapsulates your experience, your feelings about the brand itself. " Starbucks also needs to double down on its innovation cadence and market it successfully. "Do I think these new products were successful? No," Silberman said. "Do I think the products were good? Yes." Over the past couple of months, activist investors Elliott Investment Management and Starboard Value have also taken stakes in the company, adding more pressure for a turnaround. Niccol will have to bring Chipotle's efficiency to Starbucks. The fast-casual chain boasted 8% transaction growth in its latest quarter and is known for its throughput, or the speed a restaurant moves people through its store. Silberman added that she believes Niccol is the exact fit to remind people "why they love Starbucks" and make it culturally relevant like he made Chipotle. "He'll be exceptional at figuring that out and that's something Starbucks has not been able to figure out," she said. Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com. Click here for all of the latest retail stock news and events to better inform your investing strategy Francis will be only the second pope to visit Singapore, one of the wealthiest nations SINGAPORE (AP) When Pope Francis arrives Wednesday in Asias financial powerhouse Singapore for the last leg of a four-nation tour, he is expected to bring his message of unity and hope to one of the worlds richest nations. The 11-day trip, which earlier took him to Indonesia,Papua New Guinea and East Timor, is the longest for the 87-year-old pontiff since becoming head of the Catholic Church in 2013. Francis will be the second pope to visit Singapore, after a five-hour stopover by the late John Paul II in 1986. Heres what to know about Pope Francis' three-day stay in Singapore: Why is Francis visiting Singapore? Singapore was originally part of Francis travel plans to the region in 2020 but it was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The island city-state at the tip of the Malay peninsula has a small population of just under 6 million people and lacks natural resources, but it is a heavyweight in regional and international affairs. Astute leadership, its strategic location and reputation as one of the most open and least corrupt economies had transformed Singapore into a bustling financial giant and maritime and aviation hubs in just 59 years after independence. Singapore is a strategic U.S. partner but also maintains close ties with China. Ethnic Chinese account for about three-quarters of its residents followed by minority Muslims and Indians. According to a 2020 Singapore population census, Buddhists make up about 31%. About a fifth of the population claimed no religious belief, while Christians account for almost 19% and Muslims about 15%. Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, reflecting its multicultural identity and heritage. Singapore and the Holy See share a common interest in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Pope Francis state visit is also the first papal visit to Singapore in almost 40 years, Singapores Foreign Ministry said. In a city ranked as one of the most expensive to live in, Singapores Cardinal WIlliam Goh said that key themes frequently emphasised by Francis such as human dignity, inclusiveness, interreligious dialogue, family values, the need to manage artificial intelligence responsibly and care for the environment were of particular relevance. As such, Pope Francis visit is highly anticipated and warmly welcomed not only by the Catholic faithful, but also by the wider society. Goh said in a written response to The Associated Press. After the apostolic visit is done, I pray that Singapore will be filled with hope a profound, divine hope. What's on the pope's itinerary? After flying in from Dili, East Timor, on Wednesday, Pope Francis will hold a private meeting with members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). On Thursday, he will receive an official welcome at Parliament House and meet Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He will also meet government officials, civil society and the diplomatic corps at the National University of Singapore. The highlight will be a public Mass at the 55,000-seat National Stadium in the evening. Those attending include Catholics from neighboring Malaysia and Brunei. Francis will make a tour around the stadium pitch to greet the faithful in his Popemobile before delivering his homily. On the last day, Francis will visit elderly residents at the St Theresas Home. He will also hold an interreligious meeting with youths at the Catholic Junior College. How influential is the church in Singapore? The church marked 200 years in Singapore in 2021. The Archdiocese of Singapore was formed in 1972, seven years after Singapore's independence. Diplomatic relations with the Holy See were established in 1981. In Singapores early years, Cardinal Goh said the churchs work in education and health care were important contributors to national development. Many of the countrys top leaders in both the public and private spheres were formed in Catholic schools; and many basic health care needs were provided by Church-run health care institutions, he wrote on the Vatican News website. The church supports 395,000 Catholics in Singapore with its 29 parish churches, three devotional churches, 53 schools, 47 humanitarian organizations and two health care institutions. Goh said the church holds frequent dialogue with the government, which views it as an important contributor and shaper of Singapore's social fabric. Goh, Singapore's first cardinal installed by Francis in 2022, is a member of two Presidential Councils that advise the government on matters relating to racial and religious harmony and minority rights. As the final stop on this apostolic journey, Singapore stands as a testament to peaceful coexistence in a modern, multicultural, and multi-religious society," Goh wrote in his reply to the AP. "This reflects the spirit of unity and diversity that Pope Francis has emphasized throughout his pontification. ___ 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. (COLORADO SPRINGS) Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) held a grand opening on Monday, Sept. 9 for a new free grocery store specifically to help local families in need. WSD3 partnered with Goodr Grocery Store to provide a free grocery store stocked with nutritious foods to support students and their families. Sponsored by Colorado Community Health Alliance (CCHA), the WSD3 Goodr Grocery Store will help the district combat hunger by providing 200 families a month with regular access to nutritious food. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Matthew Putnam Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Matthew Putnam Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Matthew Putnam Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Matthew Putnam Goodr is a sustainable waste management and hunger relief organization that uses technology and logistics to reduce food waste and hunger. WSD3 said the district used specific criteria to help identify which families need this access the most. As a mom of two boys, I know that the school district often sees changes in either my sons or other families first, said Colleen Daywalt, Vice President of CCHA. And so weve really leaned on them to be the conduit, if you will, to the grocery store. The store is now officially open, and is located right next to the Security Public Library, at 715 Aspen Drive. The district said it would use criteria to identify families each month that will have access to the grocery store, ensuring that the resources reach those who need them most throughout the school year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Free Kshamenk: The campaign to release the last captive orca in Latin America The last captive orca in all of Latin America cuts a lonely figure. Kshamenk has lived in the Mundo Marino oceanarium in the Argentine city of San Clemente del Tuyu since 1992 the majority of that time, following the death of his female companion in 2000, as the lone representative of his species. But in recent weeks, Kshamenk has amassed something of a following. One far beyond what might usually be expected at his oceanarium some 320 kilometers (200 miles) from Buenos Aires. A campaign by the Canadian activist group UrgentSeas which has been working to secure Kshamenks release is building steam thanks to a series of clips on social media that allegedly show the orca in his tank, barely moving. One of the groups latest posts shows a timelapse video of what it says is a birds eye view of Mundo Marino in August and has the hashtag FreeKshamenk. It has already amassed more than 184,000 responses on TikTok. Mundo Marino claims the images posted by UrgentSeas have been maliciously manipulated as part of a disinformation campaign to suggest that Kshamenk is inactive and to make a negative diagnosis about his health, without any objective veterinary indicators. UrgentSeas insists its videos are not edited or deceptive. Theyre a real time look at Kshamenks cruel captivity without the music and spectacle of the show. We strongly believe socially complex animals like orcas dont belong in captivity. Solitary confinement is the highest form of torture and Kshamenk doesnt deserve that, the group told CNN. Activists say the videos simply draw attention to the negative side of keeping these apex predators in captivity a practice that not only in Latin America, but across the world has gone out of fashion in recent decades as the publics awareness of animal rights issues has grown. Globally, according to the International Marine Mammal Project, as of January 2024 there were just 54 orcas remaining in captivity out of the 166 that have been taken from the wild since 1961. In Kshamenks case, controversy over his captivity has been brewing ever since he arrived at the oceanarium more than three decades ago. According to Mundo Marino, Kshamenk was rescued in November 1992 after stranding with a group of orcas. But animal rights activists have long questioned that account, alleging that he was deliberately captured to be used in its orca show and have launched legal action against Mundo Marino. They went out to look for a male orca for Belen, who was the female they had. What they wanted was reproduction to have more orcas and to have an orca show. That is the plain truth, said Maria Rosa Golia, from the NGO Marine Animal Rights. Kshamenk in his tank. - Courtesy Mundo Marino Last October several activist groups, including Marine Animal Rights, filed an injunction in court aimed at stopping the orca shows and forcing Mundo Marino to return Kshamenk to the wild. Mundo Marino insists it is acting in Kshamenks best interests and that Kshamenks remaining years are best spent in captivity. It says that after the orcas rehabilitation it received expert advice that reintroducing him to the wild would put his life at risk. But some activists are skeptical about that claim and argue that, whatever the truth about his capture, three decades is too long for an animal of Kshamenks size according to Mundo Marino, he is 19 foot long and weighs 4 tons to be kept in captivity. Kshamenk has been locked up in that oceanarium, entertaining people (ever since his capture), said animal rights lawyer Mauricio Trigo. And since the year 2000, he has not seen another orca, added activist Dalila Lewis. Other activists point out that, while Kshamenk has spent most of his 35 years of life so far in captivity, he has the potential to live many more if given the right environment. Orcas can live up to 90 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Kshamenk has served Mundo Marino well, UrgentSeas told CNN. Now its time for them to return some dignity to his life. He doesnt have to die alone in a concrete tank. The people of Argentina want better for him. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jake Crowder said he has been a "regular visitor" to prison [Mick Lunney/BBC] As Labour's plan to free up jail space by releasing prisoners early begins, BBC News went to prisons across Yorkshire and spoke to those getting their freedom back - and those waiting to greet them. Under a grey forbidding Yorkshire autumn sky, Jake Crowder looked around the outskirts of HMP Doncaster and said his latest sentence had made him think about the need to change his life. Jake, from just down the road in Sheffield, told us he was being released three weeks early from a 12-week stretch for shoplifting. In his own words, he has been a "regular visitor" to the prison, but admitted: "I just need to sort myself out now." He said the seeds of his return to jail were sown by problems with his housing situation and being released homeless. "I would just rather be in jail with a roof and three meals a day," he added. Jake said he was a high-risk prisoner due to mental health issues, meaning he should not have to share a cell. Yet because of overcrowding he had been asked to "pad-up" with a fellow inmate, which he refused to do. More than 1,700 prisoners were set to be released on Tuesday across the country to help reduce overcrowding in jails. In Yorkshire, just under 130 prisoners were due for early release according to figures obtained by the BBC. While there have been mixed feelings about the release in the outside world, what do prisoners think of the scheme? "They think it's one of the best things they have done," Jake told us. "They are putting people in jail for stupid things." Alan Jones was another prisoner released early from the jaiol on Tuesday, two days before his original date with freedom. He said it wasn't "bad bad" inside. However, overcrowding had meant new prisoners were being taken wherever there was space, including as far as London "and they can't get visits". Alan, who told us he was also serving time for shoplifting, was hopeful he would not find himself back behind bars. "I'm going to get a job and work like my dad, be a working man," he said. Andrew said his son was in prison "because he's a drug addict" [Steve Jones/BBC] Parked outside Leeds Prison in the pouring rain, retired careers advisor Andrew was waiting patiently for his son to walk out. The 29-year-old was being released just six weeks into a nine-month sentence, his dad told us, for "drug-related" offences. These crimes included shoplifting, which his dad said had been driven by his son's addiction to heroin and crack cocaine. From a parental point of view, you sort of think Is a safe place for him being in an institution rather than out on the street?," said the 70-year-old. "Its a dilemma. Hes not been in any sort of trouble for the last 10 years, then heroin kicked in a year ago and hes been in prison three times. You try your best to help as a parent, but there comes a time when they have got to want to change. Prisoners have been released early across the country [Steve Jones/BBC] Andrew said he wanted to return his son "back to the system of normality". Their first port of call was the job centre "to re-engage him with his benefits and hope that he's going to engage with the services". "He only said to me on the phone yesterday that he will have to start shoplifting again if his benefits can't be sorted out." Andrew said his son, who told him he had been taking drugs since the age of 13, "talks about 23 hours a day locked up". "The people who should be in there [jail] are the drug pushers and the criminals, it's a multimillion-pound industry," he said. "There's such a big percentage of people who are in this system who don't need to be. "How that's going to help anybody is beyond my comprehension. "In some ways it's the right place because it keeps him from himself because when he's out on the street he is buying heroin or crack cocaine." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story Freeland voices concern over Canadian funds going to Russians at War Canadian government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, have strongly criticized the use of public funds to support a controversial documentary that portrays Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. The film, "Russians at War," directed by a Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, is set for its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10. It received funding from Canadian public broadcasters and government grants, alongside backing from an Oscar-nominated Canadian producer. A database of funded projects maintained by the Canada Media Fund - a public-private partnership backed by Department of Canadian Heritage - reveals that the film had received $250,000 (340,000 Canadian dollars) in funding from the Fund during their 2022-2023 fiscal year. The documentary also received private funding totaling $62,000 (85,000 Canadian dollars) from the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund, a major fund for Canadian documentary filmmakers. In the end credits of the film, the government of Canada's logo is shown. Freeland, a vocal critic of Russias invasion and of Ukrainian heritage herself, commented on the controversy during a press briefing in Nanaimo, B.C. "Ukrainian diplomats and the Ukrainian Canadian community have expressed really grave concerns about that film, and I do want to say I share those concerns," she said, according to the Global News. "Its not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this." Despite calls from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to remove the film from the festival lineup, organizers have proceeded with its screening. Hundreds took to streets in Toronto outside the Scotiabank Theatre, where the film is to be shown on Sept. 10, according to the Kyiv Independent reporter on the ground. The demonstration featured vocal chants such as "Russia is a terrorist state" and "Shame on TIFF." Earlier Ukraines consul general in Toronto and the countrys foreign ministry also expressed strong opposition. In her interview with the Globe and Mail published on Sept. 8, Trofimova emphasized that her focus was solely on the Russian soldiers, whom she described as hidden figures of the war, adding that her decision to embed with them was driven by the unique access she was offered. In a statement provided by TIFF, Trofimova reportedly defended 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. Freeland rejected a notion of sympathy for Russian soldiers by saying: "We have to be really clear that this is a war where there is no moral equivalency." Read also: Outrage erupts over Canadian tax dollars funding Russians at War documentary Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The shocking trial of a man accused of facilitating the rape of his wife by more than 70 men over an almost 10-year period, has been temporarily suspended after he was rushed to a hospital. In a case that has rocked France since the allegations first came to light, retired electrician Dominique Pelicot, 72, is charged with allowing 72 strangers into his home to rape his drugged wife, Gisele, hundreds of times between 2011 and 2020. Pelicot has admitted his crimes and maintains that his marriage would have remained happy had she not learned of his horrific abuses against her. On Tuesday, his trial at Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon, along with that of 51 other men accused of participating in the conspiracy, was briefly paused after Pelicot was taken to a hospital complaining of an intense pain in his stomach the night before, The Sun reports. French Woman Drugged and Raped for 10 Years Gives Shock Testimony Roger Arata, the presiding investigative judge on the case, told the court Pelicot had samples taken yesterday for analysis but that he is still ill, suggesting that the suspension could stretch on for several days pending emergency updates on Pelicots condition. Beatrice Zavarro, who is representing Pelicot in the proceedings, said the defendant wanted to be here and that he does not intend to flee, having assured his lawyers that he has been clear about wanting to explain himself since the trial began. French Rape Monster Whines That HIS Life Has Been Ruined by Arrest The hospitalization came after the court was presented on Monday with findings from a psychological evaluation of Pelicots crimes. Experts said the 72-year-old father of three adult children had a split personality, allowing him to act as a very caring and much-loved husband by day but transforming him into a rapist at night. Pelicot is further accused of training one of his co-conspirators, Jean-Pierre Marechal, to carry out similar acts against Marechals own wife on more than ten occasions between 2015 and 2020. Beyond those crimes, Pelicot has also been charged with the rape and murder of 23-year-old Sophie Narme, a French real estate agent, in 1991. He denies these offenses, though has admitted to the attempted rape of another real estate agent, known as Estella B., in 1999. 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. Avignon, France A Frenchman being tried for recruiting strangers to rape his drugged wife has been hospitalized, his lawyer said Tuesday, in a development that raises the prospect of the trial being adjourned. Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old retiree who was to have been cross-examined for the first time later Tuesday, was hospitalized earlier in the day, his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told the court. Presiding judge Roger Arata ordered the accused to be examined and emphasized that he could request a suspension of the trial, "until his (the defendant's) state of health improves." Pelicot has been on trial since last week for repeatedly raping and enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily sedated wife in her own bed between 2011 and 2020. Fifty other men, aged between 26 and 74, are also on trial for alleged involvement in the case, which has horrified France. His ex-wife and victim Gisele Pelicot, also 71, says she was troubled by strange memory lapses for years until police uncovered the abuse by chance after her husband was caught filming up women's skirts in a local supermarket. Dominique Pelicot, who has admitted to the charges against him, was to be questioned Tuesday afternoon. Gisele Pelicot arrives to attend a session in the trial of her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, who has admitted to drugging her for nearly 10 years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, in Avignon, southern France, Sept. 10, 2024. / Credit: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty He was excused from court Monday over abdominal pain and, on Tuesday morning, was still in bad health, according to the presiding judge. "Medical staff took samples for analysis yesterday and do not have the results. Mr. Pelicot is said to still be unwell. I will during the day request emergency care," he said, adding that he could be led to suspend the hearings for a few days if the primary suspect's health didn't improve. Experts described Dominique Pelicot in court on Monday as a self-centered manipulator with no empathy and a split personality. His lawyer Zavarro had said her client had been looking forward to "explaining" what he did. Stephane Babonneau, the attorney for Gisele Pelicot and her adult children, said it was "absolutely necessary that Mr. Pelicot be treated medically and be able to attend the debates" in court. Gisele "Pelicot and her children do not wish to be heard without him being present," Babonneau said. An investigator and an IT expert were to speak to the court Tuesday in lieu of the testimony that had been scheduled from the primary accused. Gisele Pelicot (right) speaks to one of her lawyers as she sits beside her daughter Caroline Darian (center) and her son during the trial of her husband, who is accused of drugging her for nearly 10 years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, in Avignon, in the south of France, Sept. 2, 2024. / Credit: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Pelicot kept meticulous records of the abuse of his wife, including videos, all of which was discovered by police who seized his computer and other equipment. Most of the alleged rapes took place in the Pelicots' home in Mazan, a village of 6,000 people in the southern region of Provence. Their daughter Caroline Darian, 45, has said her life was "literally turned upside down" when she heard of the alleged abuse. Naked photomontages of her had also been found on his computer. She said in court last week that her father was "likely one of the worst sexual criminals in past 20 years." The couple's two sons were still due to speak in court. Black women have higher risk of dying from all types of breast cancer, new study finds Meta rolls out Instagram teen accounts, Apple's sleep apnea feature Francis Scott Key Bridge victim's wife wants legal action against Dali ship company FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) To help combat crime against small businesses, the City of Fresno, the Fresno Police Department, and the Fresno Chamber of Commerce will be launching a $100,000 grant program to install or expand security camera equipment. With the launch of this new Small Business Security Camera Rebate Program, Fresno City Council is not just taking action we are standing firmly with our small businesses, who have weathered so much and continue to be the backbone of our community, said Council President Annalisa Perea. Beginning Tuesday, city officials say businesses can apply for grants of up to $2,000. To qualify, businesses must be in good standing with the city, have a valid business license, and be located within the 2024 Qualified Census Tracts and Difficult Development Areas. By empowering businesses to enhance their security, were not only helping to deter crime but also fostering a sense of safety and partnership that will allow them to flourish, Perea said. Businesses can install the cameras themselves or hire a company but the city states the systems must store recordings for at least 72 hours locally or in the cloud. Small businesses are struggling with rising costs like insurance and utility rates; and in recent years, copper wire theft and retail theft have been added to the long list of small businesses expenses, said Council Vice President Mike Karbassi. Officials say priority will go to small businesses with less than 25 employees and grants will be awarded on a first come first serve basis until all funds are disbursed. Businesses interested in applying for a grant can visit FresnoChamber.com and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Friedrich Schorlemmer, a theologian and sharp critic of the East German communist regime who became one of the leading figures of the peaceful revolution that toppled the Berlin Wall, died on Sunday. He was 80 years old. As a preacher, Schorlemmer became a leading figure in the 1980s peace movement in the communist German Democratic Republic (GDR), and he took part in a demonstration in 1983 that forged swords into ploughshares, a biblical reference that became a slogan for the movement. He is also remembered in part for his call for non-violence during a mass demonstration on East Berlin's Alexanderplatz on November 4, 1989, less than a week before the fall of the wall. Stephan Dorgerloh, a retired German politician who worked closely with Schorlemmer, confirmed his death to dpa on Tuesday. Born in May 1944 in the eastern German town of Wittenberge, Schorlemmer clashed with the communist regime in East Germany from a young age. He was forbidden from taking his university entrance exam in school and had to take night classes instead in order to study theology at the University of Halle. His involvement in peaceful protests and non-violent resistance, including during the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, brought him into the sights of the GDR's notorious Ministry of State Security, or Stasi. He played a leading role in the peaceful revolution that overthrew the East German regime, and went on to join Germany's centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 1990. Schorlemmer wrote a number of books and remained an outspoken activist late into his life, speaking out in defence of democracy and to criticize xenophobia in Germany. Looking back, he once said: "My life was not easy in many ways, but it was rich." J.D. Vance (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Two Florida Democratic members of Congress are speaking out against harsh Republican verbal attacks targeting Haitian immigrants living in the U.S., labeling them disgusting, and disgraceful. GOP vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance said Monday that he had previously raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, adding, Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz followed up by posting a meme on X showing two cats holding each other, with text that read, Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. However, officials in Springfield told multiple media outlets on Monday that they have not received any credible reports of Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets. I am deeply proud to represent one of the largest Haitian communities across the United States in my hometown of Central Florida, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost said in a statement on Tuesday. Haitian Americans and folks of Haitian descent are our neighbors, family, friends, loved ones, and valued members of our communities. J.D. Vance and GOP leaders racially motivated attacks against Haitian people are disgusting, bigoted, and based on flat-out lies. That top Republican leaders in Congress and across the nation would bolster these lies online and attempt to frighten the American public to gain votes in the upcoming presidential election is disgusting and proves that Republicans dont give a damn about communities of color, they want to villainize us. South Florida U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, called Vances comments disgusting and disgraceful. J.D. Vances recent comments about Haitians in Springfield eating pets and local wildlife are not only a vile, racist lie but also beneath the dignity of any public office, let alone the Senate or the Vice Presidency. Its disgusting and disgraceful that someone seeking the nations second-highest office would stoop to such baseless, hateful rhetoric, she said in a written statement issued on Monday. Instead of peddling these falsehoods, Vance would be better suited to continue writing his fictional tales and testing out his sofa. This is just another page from the same old Republican playbook using fear, division, and racism to distract from their lack of real solutions for the American people. We deserve better, and J.D. Vance has no place in the Senate, let alone the White House. Although Vance referred to the Haitians now living in Springfield as illegal immigrants, the city of Springfields website says, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program. According to NBC News, the false claims about threats to pets was fueled by a fourth-hand story that came from a Facebook group focused on local crime in Springfield that was set to private but had been later posted publicly on the social media channel, and then was picked up by conservative influencers. Florida has the largest population of Haitians in the United States, with more than 487,000 individuals, according to the World Population Review. Matt Stroshane/Getty, Tyler Le/BI The stock market is facing a challenging two months ahead, according to Fundstrat's Tom Lee. Lee said he remained bullish on stocks by the end of the year, despite potential near-term downside. He outlined six reasons stocks were still poised to notch a 10% gain in the second half. The stock market is headed for a tough two months, but investors could still see a strong rally by the end of the year, according to one of Wall Street's most bullish forecasters. Tom Lee, the head of research at Fundstrat, issued a rare bearish call for stocks in the short-run on Monday, predicting the next eight weeks could be difficult for investors. That's largely due to turbulence stemming from the upcoming presidential election, he said in a video to Fundstrat clients, pointing to the latest presidential polls, which show Harris and Trump remain neck-and-neck. Stocks have dropped around 4% since the start of the month. Lee said equities could end up dropping as much as 7%, predicting the S&P 500 could bottom at as low as 5,350, slightly lower from that the benchmark index traded Monday morning. But that shouldn't discourage investors who are still hoping for a strong year for stocks, he said. "As much as the eight weeks are going to be challenging, I don't think we should lose sight of the full year, which I think is going to turn out to be quite strong," Lee said, outlining six reasons he believed stocks could rally as much as 10% at the end of this year: 1. The economy looks poised to avoid a recession Despite fears surrounding an economic slowdown, the US economy remains on solid footing, with GDP growing 3% in the second quarter. The job market, meanwhile, held up as expected in the month of August, with the unemployment rate declining slightly to 4.2%. "The soft landing is intact. I don't think we're barreling towards a recession," Lee said. 2. High-yield bonds rallied last month That's a bullish signal for stocks, considering the general pattern of stocks relative to bonds since the start of September, Lee noted. 3. More stocks are gaining The proportion of S&P 500 stocks that advanced over the number of companies that declined reached a new high in August. That's another bullish signal for stocks, which could suggest another market peak is on its way, Lee said. Such was the case in 2007. That year, the S&P 500 advance/decline line reached a new high in May, just months before the overall index arrived at a fresh high. "I don't think we should be saying the market is topped for the year," he added. Story continues 4. Nvidia's sell-off isn't unique Investors have been spooked by the latest sell-off in Nvidia, the AI darling that's plunged around 20% from its peak in mid-August. But that might not be an omen for the market that some investors think, considering Nvidia's historical drawdowns. Last month's sell-off marked the 21st time Nvidia dropped between 25%-30% over the last 25 years, Lee said. 5. Stocks are on a positive trajectory from the first half Stocks have had a strong 2024 so far, with the S&P 500 gaining 10% over the first half of the year. Since 1950, stocks have been up 83% of the time in the second half after gaining 10% or more in the first half, with an average second-half gain of 10%, Lee noted. "History already says we're going to finish this year strong," he said. 6. Investors may have already seen the election-year low. Stocks may have already hit their trough this election year, a historically turbulent time for markets. Though market volatility tends to peak in October of an election year, stocks tend to hit a low in August, Lee said, which means investors may already be through with the worst of their losses. "So just keep that in mind. We're in a challenging eight weeks, but I think the August lows hold," Lee said. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Within hours of their return to Washington, D.C., Democrats and Republicans are facing off over how to keep the government open. House Speaker Mike Johnson is teeing up a vote on a six-month spending plan this week. The bill, however, is doomed in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Democrats are vowing to kill the bill because it includes the SAVE Act or what Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) calls a poison pill. The SAVE Act would outlaw undocumented immigrants from voting in U.S. elections. Under federal law, it is already illegal for undocumented immigrants to vote. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) says Speaker Johnson is likely caving to political pressure from former President Donald Trump who wants to put illegal immigration at the forefront ahead of the November election. I hate to come back to this situation but here we are, Cleaver said. Republicans including Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) argue the SAVE Act is necessary to restore Americans faith in the U.S. election system. He also admits the GOP plan is doomed. Ive been doing this for ten terms, and Ive seen this movie before, McCaul said. The White House already vowed to veto the plan. On Monday, Schumer called on Republicans and Democrats to find a compromise, one that abides by spending levels previously agreed to by both parties. Both parties will have to also agree on how long to keep the government funded. Republicans are pushing for a short six-month spending plan, that allows the next president to weigh in on the next budget. Democrats are pushing for a short-term deal that will force the current Congress and president to renegotiate spending levels after the November election. Current funding expires Sept. 30. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Future of the former Yard on Mass building hangs in legal limbo. Here's why The Yard on Mass beer garden and food truck venue at 802 N. Massachusetts Ave. has been vacant since it closed July 1 as seen in this file photo. The Lakeland CRA, who owns the property, is in limbo about the next step in leasing out the venue. The taps will remain dry at the former Yard on Mass for a little longer as Lakeland's Community Redevelopment Agency weighs what it wants to do versus what action it can legally take to rent the space. The Lakeland CRA received only two applications from local businesses interested in leasing the roughly 10,800-square-foot space at 802 N. Massachusetts Ave. during a Request for Proposals from July 1 to Aug. 15. The city's selection committee was not keen on either application, and has recommended the Request for Proposals be reissued. CRA Manager Valerie Vaught said the RFP went out to more than 1,100 vendors and received more than 950 pageviews. "I think it was no secret this was available," she said. "I individually received lots of individual emails enquiring about the space and opportunity to submit their proposal." Vaught implied it might be a result of the city's difficult and challenging e-Procurement submission through the OpenGov program. "The conception there's only two and there isn't much interest is false," she said. "I think the challenge of requesting proposals through the city's procurement process is intimidating, and I would give credit to the two we did receive." One proposal was dubbed a "Jazz and Supper Club" and the other under the business name, Enchanted Fairytale Hollow, a producer of whimsical events that until recently operated out of 214 Traders Alley. Denise Gilmore, owner of Mary's Bagel Cafe and the nonprofit Mary's Pantry, stepped forward to say she and her husband, Mark Dornsauder, submitted a proposal to operate a restaurant with a jazz and blues lounge not a private club. "Instead of people going to Tampa to Eddie V's or to Charley's [Steak House], you would have that atmosphere, you would have that type of restaurant right here," Gilmore said. "In that area, we have no restaurants there." Gilmore said she envisioned operating a three-pronged business out of the Midtown space. First would be the Blue Ivory Restaurant, open to the public and serving fine foods. The proposal called for investing up to $1.9 million to build in a second floor to the former food bar and construct an additional building, according to Dornsauder. When questioned, Gilmore said she had planned a sample brunch menu and fine dining menu, including several cuts of steak. Desserts would include a number of homemade cakes, she added, as she's been locally known for her baking well before opening Mary's Bagels. Inside, Gilmore said the second floor would become the Blue Ivory Ballroom as a rental space to host private events or weddings. Unlike other event venues in the area, the food would be provided by the onsite restaurant without the need to hire an outside caterer. The additional building would be constructed to serve as the Blue Note Lounge, a separate space where live jazz and blues performances would take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. CRA Advisory Board Chair Terry Coney asked Gilmore why she thought her concept for a restaurant and jazz lounge would make it, where the Yard on Mass had failed to see success. "It's all about advertising," she said. "I do my own marketing. I do my own strategy, I do it all." The couple estimated they could have the desired improvements constructed in six to nine months, then launch operations. In exchange for their investments into the property, Dornsauder said they sought a long-term lease on the space. Gilmore's proposal for the restaurant and lounge was the top rated of the two proposals received, but scored a 55.2 points out of 100 by the city's Selection Committee. The CRA's Advisory Board has a clear preference, but it's not clear whether the new business proposal can move forward. Gilmore and her husband ranked highest in experience, but the Selection Committee was less confident in the proposed business concept and their capability to execute. Mass Market Area: Lakeland CRA lays out ambitious plans for developing nine blocks north of downtown "I can't tell you if your business is going to be successful or not," CRA Advisory Board member Lynne Simpkins said. "It's up to you whether you are going to be successful. If you fall short, they don't have to continue to lease to you. We don't have to continue to lease, all the heat comes back on the applicant." Commissioner Guy LaLonde, who sits as the commission's representative on the CRA Advisory Board, suggested he would recommend the City Commission begin the process of negotiating a lease agreement with her. However, the city's legal counsel recommended against that. "This information was not presented to the evaluation committee. To make a determination off of this would be legally problematic," Assistant City Attorney Alex Landback said. The second applicant, Enchanted Fairytale Hollow, was not represented at the CRA Advisory Board meeting. Vaught said it was not clear to her whether they were still an interested party in the space. Not all members of the Advisory Board were in favor of reissuing the Request for Proposal for bidders, as suggested by the Selection Committee. Vaught said the process would become open to all interested parties again, not just the two original submitters. "To open it back up for others when they have already been exposed to what the applicants are trying to do, I don't think its fair to them. They did the work and they completed the application," Simpkins said. The documents issued by the Lakeland CRA do clearly state, "the city reserves the right to accept all, or part, or decline the whole..."The Advisory Board chose to table any further discussion of the former Yard on Mass space and what its future may be until receiving legal clarification. The board's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 3. "We may no longer be back," Dornsauder said. The Ledger has reached out in attempt to talk with Gilmore after the CRA meeting, but she declined an interview after speaking with legal counsel. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Former Yard on Mass remains empty as CRA tries to decide what to do G7 ambassadors called on Ukraine on Sept. 9 to appoint new independent experts to the supervisory board of Ukrenergo, a state-owned energy grid operator, following a series of dismissals in the company. "G7 ambassadors underscore the importance of quickly organizing an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development-standard process to identify competent, professional, and independent experts for the supervisory board," the G7's statement read. "This is critical for Ukraine's energy security and the confidence of international partners." Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, who has served as head of Ukrenergo since 2020, was dismissed on Sept. 2. The grounds for his dismissal was a purported failure to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid Russian aerial strikes, according to a statement from the company's supervisory board chairman Daniel Dobbeni and board member Peder Andreasen. Dobenni and Andreasen also said they were stepping down from their positions in protest of what they described as a "politically motivated" decision. Russia has repeatedly used mass attacks against Ukraine's energy grid to break the country's ability and resolve to fight off the invasion, first during the autumn-winter period of 2022-2023 and then again in the spring of 2024. After a relative lull over the summer that gave Ukraine a chance to restore some of its capacity, Russia launched fresh attacks in the past few weeks, again necessitating restrictions on energy consumption. The largest-ever aerial strike against Ukraine took place on Aug. 26, with Russia firing over 230 missiles and drones and yet again targeting energy infrastructure. Read also: Dismissal of Ukraine energy grid chief prompts resignations, international concern amid Russian energy strikes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UPDATE @ 4:13 P.M. Oklahoma Natural Gas sent News 4 an update about the gas leak near Putnam City West High School earlier on Tuesday. According to ONG, no one was injured and no customers have been affected after a third-party contractor hit a gas line along NW 23rd. Repairs to the gas line are expected to be completed Tuesday night. UPDATE @ 12:27 P.M. News 4s Adria Goins reports from the scene that the leak was caused by a construction worker hitting a gas line. All afterschool activities are also expected to continue as normal. Crews respond to natural gas leak near Putnam City West High School. ORIGINAL STORY OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City Police and Fire closed lanes at NW 23rd and Eagle Lane down to Overholser Drive following a gas leak near Putnam City West High School on early Tuesday afternoon. According to Putnam City Schools, all students and staff are safe, and school operations are continuing. The district also said students will be able to leave the campus as needed. Drivers are advised to avoid the area or expect significant delays as crews continue working at the scene. News 4 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. How gas prices have changed in Hattiesburg in the last week Costs to fill up at the pump continue to trend lower this week, and analysts expect the national average could dip below $3 by October. Prices are already sitting at three-year lows for this time of year, according to historical AAA gas price data. We fully expect gas prices will continue to drop as Americans drive less with the onset of fall, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement Monday. With oil prices falling below $70 per barrel, their lowest since 2021, theres solid room for gas prices and diesel to continue falling for some time. Helping push the national average down has been an ample domestic supply of gasoline, lower demand from drivers, and cheaper costs for a barrel of oil, which was trading below $70 over the past week. As hurricane activity heats up in the Gulf of Mexico, however, the situation at the pumps could change. A storm forming in the Gulf is expected to become a hurricane later this week and make landfall somewhere along the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Hattiesburg, MS metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of September 9. Hattiesburg by the numbers Gas current price: $2.81 Mississippi average: $2.79 Week change: -$0.08 (-2.8%) Year change: -$0.49 (-14.8%) Historical expensive gas price: $4.54 (6/16/22) Diesel current price: $3.35 Week change: -$0.11 (-3.2%) Year change: -$0.53 (-13.6%) Historical expensive diesel price: $5.39 (6/20/22) Metros with the most expensive gas #1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.29 #2. Santa Rosa, CA: $5.08 #3. Napa, CA: $5.05 Metros with the least expensive gas #1. San Angelo, TX: $2.57 #2. Owensboro, KY: $2.65 #3. Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS: $2.65 This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros. You may also like: People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Hattiesburg 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. Gas prices drop below $3 per gallon in western Massachusetts SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Some gas prices in western Massachusetts are below three dollars a gallon. Mega Millions jackpot at $800-million According to AAA, just in Springfield, gas prices are lower by 18 cents per gallon compared to last month. In Springfield, the cheapest gas can be found at Costco for $2.87 a gallon. Some drivers are thrilled to be saving a few extra dollars at the pump. Jose Maldonado of West Springfield told 22News, I love that gas is going down okay different gas stations is $2.99, its great. Statewide the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.26. 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. Californias Republican party is a superminority, but its Sacramento leaders recently engineered a political win, albeit as a loss for potential first-time homebuyers. At issue was a bill by Fresno Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula. A Democrat, Arambula shepherded his Assembly Bill 1840 through both his lower chamber and the state Senate. All that remained was for Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign it into law. The bill would have modified an existing program to allow undocumented residents the chance to apply for no-interest loans up to $150,000 to help purchase a home. California was set to become the first state to allow undocumented people such an opportunity. But state Senate Republicans in late August called out the bill as a giveaway of public funds to people who were not legal citizens. They sharpened their attack by adding that money given to undocumented people would mean less funds for other borrowers like veterans. Senate Republicans advised Newsom to veto the measure. Then on Sept. 5, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he would ban undocumented residents from getting home mortgages if he is elected to the White House. Opinion The next day, Newsom vetoed Arambulas bill. It was the first veto of his bill-review period this month. In his veto message, Newsom said there was no funding for the loan program. Given how he had to close the states $47 billion budget deficit, Newsom indicated he had no other option. But the politics of the moment are obvious. Given Trumps debate Tuesday night with the Democrats presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, Newsom did not want to give the Republican a new line of attack based on Californias liberal politics. This despite the crisis of housing in California that Newsom has spent years trying to address. A way to help taxpaying residents move into home ownership got caught up in presidential politics and wound up in the proverbial trash. Score this contest Trump and California Senate Republicans 1, Newsom 0. Undocumented could apply Conservatives opposed Arambulas bill with knee-jerk predictability. But a closer look reveals AB 1840s merits. First, nothing in the legislation promises undocumented people that they will actually get the loans. All 1840 did was allow such buyers to apply. The bill says borrowers in the California Dream for All program shall not be disqualified solely based on the applicants immigration status. Beyond that, all applicants must meet the same qualifications to get a loan. Second, it is highly unlikely new immigrants would take advantage of the program. To participate, borrowers need to have IRS tax-identification numbers or Social Security numbers. Such borrowers would have been in California for some time and would be working and saving money for a house purchase. It used to be that Republicans fully supported anyone who worked hard and saved money to buy a home. Moving people from renting to home ownership should be a bipartisan goal in Sacramento. When people have a stake in their community through home ownership, they are more involved and committed to its good. Nothing should stand in the way of that, especially when a housing crisis exists. A new way for the GOP Arambula hopes to bring back a new bill like 1840 in the next legislative session. Democrats will likely back it again. This time, it would be advisable for California Republicans to support it, too. It could be a way of the GOP remaking itself into something relevant in state politics. California has an estimated 1.8 million undocumented residents, the most in the nation. Rather than blame them for every societal ill like Trump does, California Republican leaders should work to bring them into citizenship. Owning a home is a great way to do just that. Al-Mawasi, in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Younis, was designated a safe zone by the Israeli military early in the war (Bashar TALEB) (Bashar TALEB/AFP/AFP) Gaza's civil defence agency said Tuesday that an Israeli strike on a humanitarian zone in the south of the Palestinian territory killed 40 people and wounded 60 others, with the Israeli army saying it had targeted a Hamas command centre in the area. The strike hit Al-Mawasi -- in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis -- which was designated a safe zone by the Israeli military early in the war, with tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge there. However, Israel's military has occasionally carried out operations in and around the area, including a strike in July that it said killed Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, and which Gaza health authorities said killed more than 90 people. Gaza civil defence official Mohammed Al-Mughair told AFP early Tuesday that "40 martyrs and 60 injured were recovered and transferred" to nearby hospitals following the overnight strike. "Our crews are still working to recover 15 missing people as a result of targeting the tents of the displaced in Mawasi, Khan Yunis," Mughair added. In a separate statement, civil defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal said that people sheltering in the camp had not been warned of the strike, adding a shortage of tools and equipment was hindering rescue operations. "More than 20 to 40 tents were completely damaged," he said, adding the strike left behind "three deep craters". "There are entire families who disappeared under the sand in the Mawasi Khan Yunis massacre." The Israeli military said in a statement early Tuesday that its aircraft had "struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control center embedded inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis". "The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip continue to systematically abuse civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated Humanitarian Area, to carry out terrorist activity against the State of Israel and IDF troops," it added. Hamas said in a statement on Tuesday that claims its fighters were present at the scene of the strike were "a blatant lie". Over the course of the war, Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, an accusation the group denies. - Shrinking safe zone - Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, including some hostages killed in captivity, official Israeli figures show. Militants seized 251 hostages during the attack, 97 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in the Gaza Strip has so far killed at least 40,988 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The UN human rights office says most of the dead are women and children. The vast majority of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once during nearly a year of war, according to the United Nations. From 1,200 inhabitants per square kilometre before the war, the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone now houses "between 30,000 and 34,000 people per square kilometre", and its protected area shrank from 50 square kilometres to 41, the UN has calculated. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been mediating in efforts to forge a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, but talks remain stalled. Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any deal, but Israel insists troops must remain along the Gaza-Egypt border. bur-smw/mca In Gaza, battling an old scourge: Will polio vaccine campaign succeed? Medical staff and parents at a vaccination site in Khan Yunis. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times) A mother, terrified of traversing war-wrecked streets with her toddler, but more terrified of a devastating disease. A doctor, wondering whether each day of work might be his last. An infant in an unbearably hot tent struggling to move leaden limbs. A polio vaccination drive in the Gaza Strip prompted by the late-summer detection of the territorys first known case in a generation is nearing completion, and its organizers say it has been a vital but dangerous endeavor. In the midst of a catastrophic war, authorities set out to vaccinate nearly 650,000 children under the age of 10 at risk of contracting poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the nervous system. Three-quarters of all cases are asymptomatic. Some cause fever and fatigue, headaches or vomiting. For a tiny fraction, the result is paralysis, potentially deadly if untreated. As in much of the world, Gaza was for decades an area where polio was considered to have been eradicated. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell checks humanitarian aids at the logistic center near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip on Monday. (Amr Nabil / Associated Press) But humanitarian workers describe wartime conditions in the narrow coastal enclave as almost laboratory-perfect for the revival of the virus, which can be transmitted person to person from coughing and sneezing, or through food or water tainted by fecal matter. Almost every part of Gaza is afflicted by miserably crowded conditions and nearly nonexistent sanitation infrastructure. In some areas, there might be one toilet available for 800 people. Among children, diarrhea is rampant. Read more: In young American activist's death in the West Bank, associates see pattern of impunity Medical personnel say parents in Gaza are keenly aware that, war or no war, they must act to protect their children from this old scourge. Health authorities said that in order to be deemed successful, the vaccination drive needed to attain 90% coverage of the targeted children. Before the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas started in October, vaccine-compliance rates in the territory not only for polio but other childhood diseases were close to 100%. People are educated they know their children can get sick very easily, said Jonathan Crick, a Jerusalem-based spokesman for UNICEF, the world bodys agency for children. "Like any parent, they want to protect them, and they understand it is really important to vaccinate." A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child at a hospital in Deir al Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Sept. 1. (Abdel Kareem Hana / Associated Press) UNICEF and an array of Palestinian and international partners are procuring and supplying the vaccines. Logistical challenges abound. Doses must be stored cold in a specific temperature range. They are being administered in barely functioning hospitals and clinics and simple medical tents that were set up among heavy concentrations of displaced people or by nearly 400 mobile teams fanned out across the territory. We discussed and brainstormed all the needs, said Dr. Majdi Dheir, the top Palestinian official working on the vaccination campaign. Read more: Hamas releases video of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin: 'I miss you' Medical staff had particular praise for mothers who brought their infants and toddlers to be vaccinated, even if travel was difficult and dangerous or if their families were in dire straits displaced from bombed-out homes, coping with the death or injury of loved ones, struggling to obtain the most basic necessities such as food and drinking water. We trust Palestinian women, the linchpin of this vaccination campaign, said Gazas deputy health minister, Dr. Yousef Abu Al-Rish. One 23-year-old mother, Nermeen Mosbah Barbakh, said she was afraid that her 8-month-old daughters breathing difficulties the result of other ailments would make it impossible to administer the oral vaccine. But nurses at the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis gently talked her through the procedure, and little Eman got her dose. Eman Nasr, 8 months old, was having breathing problems but was able to get the polio vaccine. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times) I was scared of doing this, but now Im relieved this will protect all children, not only my daughter, Barbakh said. Nearly every day, though, some deadly new obstacle presents itself. Overnight Monday, Israeli airstrikes hit a remote stretch of beach in southern Gaza called Mawasi, a formally designated humanitarian zone where thousands of displaced people were sheltering. The Israeli military said it was targeting militants who had set up a command center in the area, but Palestinian officials, who do not distinguish between civilian and militant fatalities, reported at least 19 dead, including many women and children. Harrowing videos from the scene showed rescuers digging frantically with shovels and bare hands, searching by the light of cellphones and flashlights for injured survivors buried in deep craters in the sand. Read more: After hostage killings, can the Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks be revived? Mawasi is about 20 miles from northern Gaza, where the final round of vaccinations is taking place this week. But an attack targeting what had been deemed a protected area was a grim reminder that humanitarian pauses on which this vaccination drive has been predicated are far from a guarantee of safety. Parents and medical staff alike are sometimes fearful as they travel to vaccination sites and assemble there, said Gaza dentist Fadi Abed, 23, whose Illinois-based humanitarian group MedGlobal is providing support to the effort. Everyone knows that nowhere in Gaza is safe, he said. But if this is a risk, people think it is worth it. In northern Gaza, the vaccination push was briefly imperiled Monday when the U.N. said one of its convoys was halted at gunpoint and staffers detained. The head of the U.N.s Relief and Works Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, later posted on X that personnel and vehicles had safely returned to base, and on Tuesday, vaccinations were pushing ahead. Until now, the U.N. has periodically issued cautiously optimistic progress reports. In an initial phase in central Gaza, target numbers were exceeded, the World Health Organization said in an update last week. Nurses aiding in the vaccination efforts in central Gaza prepare to travel to a vaccine site. (Bilal Shbair / For The Times) It has been extremely encouraging to see thousands of children being able to access polio vaccines, with the support of their resilient families and courageous health workers, said Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the Palestinian territories. Humanitarian workers, however, can only hope the massive campaign is not too late. Epidemiologists say even a single confirmed case signifies that the virus is already circulating, perhaps widely. Even before an 11-month-old boy whose family lived in a tent encampment in central Gaza tested positive for polio in August the enclave's first diagnosis in a quarter-century the virus had already been found in Gazas wastewater, the U.N. said. The baby boy, Abdel-Rahman Abu El-Jedian, who had suddenly stopped crawling and moving about, was reported to be stable as the vaccination campaign got under way last week. But his left leg was still paralyzed. Special correspondent Shbair reported from Khan Yunis and Times staff writer King from Jerusalem. 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. Andrew Neil has clashed with Sir Paul Marshall in the past, quitting GB News after just three months - Clara Molden for The Telegraph In Andrew Neils own telling, his parting shot as chairman of The Spectator was a considered and muted intervention. The magazines new owner, the hedge fund entrepreneur Sir Paul Marshall, may have seen things differently as he contemplated the denouement of his 100m takeover of the worlds oldest current affairs magazine. Mr Neil announced his resignation to The Spectators staff and then to his 1.2m followers on the platform formerly known as Twitter an hour after the tortuous sale was completed. Considered and muted it may have been, but journalists were gripped as one of their troubled industrys big beasts went down swinging against a man who has emerged as the most significant investor in British media in recent years. Mr Neil warned Sir Paul, 65, that his wealth and readiness to spend it is no guarantee of success for the magazine. My greatest regret is that I have not been able to find you a new home guaranteed to nurture the unique chemistry of The Spectator, which makes it so special and successful, said Mr Neil. You can have all the resources in the world but if you dont understand what really makes The Spectator tick then they will be as naught. More pointedly still, he issued a plea for editorial independence to a man who has a passionately held set of political priorities and a reputation for a demanding approach to his investments. Sir Paul Marshall said he would invest in journalism and focus on expanding The Spectator's readership in North America - Heidi Gutman/CNBC/NBCU Sir Paul, an evangelical Christian who once stood to become a Liberal Democrat MP, has tacked steadily to the Right over the years, flirting with figures and causes that have made him a media bogeyman for the Left. I regarded it as my prime responsibility for 20 years to ensure [editorial independence], protecting the editor not just from outside pressures, commercial or political, but even from proprietors, said Mr Neil. I cannot tell if the new owners will have the same reverence for editorial independence since they have not shared their thinking. Mr Neil, 75, told of his sadness, but in truth he was never going to be part of The Spectators future under Sir Paul. The pair have a turbulent history. Mr Neil clashed with Sir Paul during the broadcasters short-lived tenure as chairman of GB News, into which the financier has pumped tens of millions of pounds of his own money. The veteran presenter helped to launch the broadcaster but resigned after just three months following disagreements over the channels future direction. Subsequently, Sir Paul was allegedly turned away from The Spectators summer party a key event for Westminster conservatives despite being a near neighbour as owner of UnHerd, an online-only rival publication based a few doors down on Old Queen Street. Story continues Now The Spectator, which is closing in on its 200th birthday in 2028, and UnHerd, founded in 2017, will both be owned by Sir Pauls Old Queen Street (OQS) Ventures. Freddie Sayers, chief executive of the vehicle, said both publications will continue with independent editorial and governance structures. They have their own distinct politics, interests, formats, audiences and atmospheres which we want to preserve and help to flourish, he said, making no mention of The Spectators editor Fraser Nelson. The Spectator editor Fraser Nelson has described the takeover as a 'huge vote of confidence' in the magazine - Ben Queenborough/Alamy Stock Photo Sir Paul said: As a long-term Spectator reader, I am delighted it is joining the Old Queen Street stable. The plan is for OQS to make good previous underinvestment in one of the worlds great titles. I am confident that OQS will be a fine custodian, building on the Spectators values and successful track record. For the seller, the Abu Dhabi-backed private equity fund RedBird IMI, the extraordinary sale price is a significant success, and one step out of a hole it dug for itself when it paid the Barclay family 600m for The Spectator and The Telegraph in December. Its hopes of gaining control of the publications were dashed in spring by new legislation outlawing foreign state ownership, leaving it with a tall task to recover its outlay. At 100m, the price it achieved for The Spectator is beyond even RedBird IMIs own lofty book value of 90m, and more than double the 40m tag suggested by media analysts. The auction became a bidding war between Sir Paul and Rupert Murdoch, a reader who has long held ownership ambitions but seemingly could not bear to follow Sir Paul into nine figures for a business which turned over less than 21m last year for a pre-tax profit of just 2.6m. In fact, News Corp sources claimed in the aftermath the bid that their offer was only around 40m. Sir Paul said he will prioritise investment in journalism, with a focus on expanding the magazines readership in North America and stepping up its investment in video and audio. Like The Telegraph, The Spectator was starved of investment under Barclay ownership at a time of revolutionary digital change in publishing. The sale of The Telegraph is ongoing, with a consortium spearheaded by Sir Paul still in the running in second round bidding alongside the local newspaper publisher National World and an unidentified group of US investors. Others are circling the formal auction process. The advertising mogul Lord Saatchi tabled a 350m first round bid and was knocked out, but has signalled continuing interest. The former Cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi, a close ally of the Barclay family and IMI, Abu Dhabis investment vehicle, has also been seeking a deal. Former Cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi has assembled a consortium to bid for The Telegraph newspapers - Victoria Jones/PA For Sir Paul, a takeover of The Telegraph poses extra challenges compared with The Spectator. RedBird IMI will be seeking to recover its outlay, plus heavy spending on advisers. However, with Ken Griffin, the US hedge fund billionaire, lined up to provide additional firepower, Sir Pauls consortium seems well-placed to bid assertively should it wish. Regulation may induce more anxiety for Sir Paul. As a co-owner of GB News, Sir Paul presents questions over media plurality that may interest Ofcom, the industry watchdog. The upstart channels spotty record of regulatory investigations and failings is likely to come under scrutiny too, and ownership of a national title such as The Telegraph is subject to rules that a magazine such as The Spectator is not. Mr Sayers appeared to foreshadow such questions in his comments on The Spectator deal, which he said would be dedicated to the accurate presentation of news and free expression of opinion. That language is at the heart of the rules that govern ownership of The Telegraph, and is irrelevant to The Spectator. As if to underline the potential hurdles faced by Sir Pauls consortium, the Government issued an unusual press advisory reminding everybody that while the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has no power over magazine ownership unless a foreign state is involved, she has quasi-judicial authority to defend the public interest when it comes to newspapers. Jeff Zucker, the chief executive of RedBird IMI, celebrated the sale of The Spectator. He said: Our aim with this phase of the process has been to secure ownership from a viable buyer for The Spectator, as well as complete a transaction that makes strong economic sense on our end. We were committed to moving quickly and capitalising on the strength of the asset and the significant interest from an eager marketplace. We have accomplished all of that with OQS and expect to have the same success as we pursue a buyer for the Telegraph Media Group. Mr Zucker made no reference to his earlier attack on Sir Paul, made as RedBird IMI battled to save its deal. Then, he had dubbed him unfit to own a newspaper. 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. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Sunview Group Berhad fair value estimate is RM0.82 Sunview Group Berhad's RM0.47 share price signals that it might be 44% undervalued Sunview Group Berhad's peers are currently trading at a premium of 155% on average Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Sunview Group Berhad (KLSE:SUNVIEW) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. View our latest analysis for Sunview Group Berhad The Method We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) -RM34.2m RM9.00m RM17.2m RM24.3m RM31.6m RM38.6m RM45.0m RM50.7m RM55.7m RM60.2m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 41.40% Est @ 30.04% Est @ 22.10% Est @ 16.53% Est @ 12.64% Est @ 9.91% Est @ 8.00% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 11% -RM30.8 RM7.3 RM12.6 RM16.0 RM18.8 RM20.7 RM21.7 RM22.0 RM21.8 RM21.2 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM131m The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = RM60m (1 + 3.6%) (11% 3.6%) = RM839m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM839m ( 1 + 11%)10= RM296m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM428m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.5, the company appears quite undervalued at a 44% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Sunview Group Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.330. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Sunview Group Berhad Strength Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Sunview Group Berhad, we've put together three relevant elements you should assess: Risks: As an example, we've found 4 warning signs for Sunview Group Berhad (2 shouldn't be ignored!) that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does SUNVIEW's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. GREEN COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) The GBI has arrested and charged a Taliaferro County Sheriffs Office Deputy with multiple infractions. 29-year-old Joshua Wilson of Winterville, Georgia, is charged with: Home Invasion in the 1st Degree Aggravated Assault Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony Simple Battery (Family Violence) Obstructing or Hindering a Person Making an Emergency Telephone Call Criminal Damage to Property in the 2nd Degree. On Thursday, September 5th around 7:00 a.m., the GBI was requested by the Greene County Sheriffs Office to assist with a domestic violence investigation. About 5:00 a.m. that same morning, the Greene County Sheriffs Office responded to the 1000 block of McInteer Circle in Greensboro, Georgia, regarding a domestic dispute. This embedded content is not available in your region. The preliminary investigation shows that Wilson entered a home and got in a fight with residents. At the time of the incident, Wilson was a deputy with the Taliaferro County Sheriffs Office and was off-duty. He later turned himself into the Greene County Sheriffs Office. ALSO ON WJBF: GBI investigating Lincoln Co. councilman NewsChannel 6 spoke with Taliaferro County Sheriff, Tia McWilliams, about this incident. She told us that Wilson began working for the county on August 23rd and that he was fired on the day of his arrest. Sheriff McWilliams said that the suspect used to work for the Greene County Sheriffs Office and this year he was a candidate for sheriff. Since he didnt win that election, he got a job with Taliaferro County. Sheriff McWilliams also released the following statement on Facebook I am disappointed by the lawless actions of former Deputy Joshua Wilson. As law enforcement officers we are called to a higher standard of conduct, both on and off the job. As Sheriff of Taliaferro County, I strive to impress upon the hearts and minds of my staff the necessity to live out our mission: To protect and serve with honor, integrity, love, compassion, and respect because I know all humans possess the innate ability to fall short; therefore, we must choose daily to humble ourselves and be intentional about doing what is morally, ethically, lawfully, and justifiably right at all times, while at the same time extending to others the dignity, love, compassion, and respect we want extended to ourselves and our loved ones in our moments of distress. We must forever be mindful that one day it may be Jane or John Doe who you have to arrest and on another day it could be you, so choose to live life justly and treat people right. Taliaferro County Sheriff Tia M. McWilliams This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Milledgeville at 478-445-4173. 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. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Ocmulgee 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 WJBF. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Genesis Healthcares Morgantown location, the Madison Center, held a WVU-inspired celebration on Monday to recognize the hard work of its staff. The celebration was part of the companys Leading with Heart initiative, which looks to recognize staff members who go above and beyond at their facilities. Patients decked out in gold and blue gathered for the event which began with recognizing longtime staff physical therapist Melinda Antonik. Celebrating Volunteers: Melissa Jett That was very nice. Been here for a while and we work real hard and its always nice to be recognized even though were, you know, here for our staff and our, you know, patients and our residents, said Antonik. We want them to feel, you know, were grateful, appreciative, today and every day. You know, through the pandemic, through everything, everyone should feel special. Said Genesis Assistant Administrator Morgan Robinson. Staff members who win each week will get a certificate, a shirt and are entered in a quarterly company-wide drawing for a cash prize. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)Students at a Georgetown County school will not be able to go to class on Tuesday due to facility maintenance. Georgetown Middle School parents were emailed to be aware that students will have an eLearning day on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The Georgetown County School District said all assignments will be posted in Google Classroom. The abrupt eLearning day comes after a water service disruption that is in need of immediate repair, the school district said. Additional details on the situation should have been provided to students. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Authorities in Georgia have released the bodycam footage of the May 2023 interview with Jackson County Sheriff's deputies and the alleged Apalachee High School shooter and his father. Jackson County, Georgia , sheriff's officers spoke face-to-face with the boy who is now charged with felony murder in the deaths of four at Apalachee High School in Winder. The public defender representing both Colin and Colt Gray did not return Fox News' request for comment. The footage reveals the sheriff's officers' interactions from May 21, 2023, when suspect Colt Gray was 13 years old, after being tipped off by the FBI about a threat on the messaging app Discord, popular with some video gamers, to shoot up a middle school. Police can be seen knocking on the home of Gray and are greeted by a startled Colin Gray, who is in his underwear and a t-shirt. GEORGIA SCHOOL SHOOTING: NEW AUDIO OF ALLEGED SHOOTER, FATHER ENCOUNTER WITH POLICE OVER 2023 ONLINE THREATS The officers explain that they are following a complaint, adding that they went to his old address first, and Colin asks if he can get dressed before they start the interview. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Colin then reappears dressed in clothes, apologizes for the delay, and says he was watching a golf tournament as he opens a drink and police ask him if he has a son. As the officers continue to explain the reason for their visit and ask Colin about his son, he warns that Colt is going to get "all red-face" when they question him. When the police begin questioning Colin, he shared more about Gray's home life and the accusation, saying this visit was "bulls---" and a terrorist threat. "He's going through a lot...very difficult for him to go to school and not get picked on," Colin explained. "[Colt's] gone through a lot." Colin stays calm while explaining Colt's history to the officers and shares that he has had a rough time. He adds that he and Colt's mom got divorced and that they had been evicted. "He struggled at first with the separation. I've been taking him to school. He goes to Jefferson Middle school. He's been doing really good," Colin explained. The officer acknowledges the severity of the visit and Colin agrees and says that Colt "knows how serious it is, trust me." "[Colt] just wants us to have a simple life. All that like, he should be excited about getting into 8th grade. It just was very difficult for him to go to school and not get picked on by, you know, it went from one thing to another to, you know, he was talking to the couple friends he has," said Gray. ALLEGED GEORGIA SHOOTER'S FATHER SAID SON WAS BULLIED AT SCHOOL, CALLED 'GAY' BY CLASSMATES: 'VERY DIFFICULT' Colin claims he's been up to the school multiple times, blames it on other kids touching his son and says Colt wanted to move out of the school district. Colin then claims he keeps getting picked on and talks about the importance of gun safety. "Let me ask you this do you have any weapons in the house?" the officer asks. "I do," Colin says. "Are they accessible," the officer then asks. GEORGIA SHOOTING SUSPECT'S MOTHER CALLED APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL WARNING OF 'EXTREME EMERGENCY,' AUNT SAYS "They areI mean there's nothing loaded, but they arewe do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting. He shot his first deer this year," Colin says. "Like I'm pretty much in shockI'm p---ed off to be honest with you." "I'm a little taken back by the whole thing, but I can tell you this, I take that very serious and so does he, as a matter of fact," Colin says. "I don't know anything about him saying s--- like that. And I'm going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away and they won't be accessible to him," Colin continues. "You know, I'm trying to be honest. I'm trying to teach him about firearms and safety and how to do it all and get him an interest in the outdoors." "Get him away from the video game," the officer responds. "Yeah. Exactly. Right. That's the best. The God honest truth is, the picture on my phone is him with blood on his cheeks when he shot his first deer. It's just the greatest day ever," Colin says. "So sure, he knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do and how to use them and not use them." "So it's kind of a little bit of a shock. So whatever y'all are telling him, please instill in him what if this is whatever or wherever some come from is no joke. No, like it's no joke," Colin continued. "We wouldn't be here," the officer said. APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT COLT GRAY AND FATHER APPEAR IN COURT FOR SEPARATE HEARINGS "No, I know, I know, and I'm telling you right now we talk about it quite a bit. All the school shootings, things that happen. Yeah, I hear you getting picked on at school. He is. He's getting picked on at school. And. Is everything okay? That's why I keep going up there. No. You know, because you just never you never really know. And I don't want anything to happen to him, so. Yeah. Yeah," Colin finished. Colt then joins the officers on the porch, dressed in a blue t-shirt and sweatpants with a blue hat on. Colin tells his son "these are good dudes, they'll just tell ya what's going on." Colt keeps his hands in his pockets, appearing fidgety, while answering the officers' questions. He avoids eye contact with the officers while swearing up and down that he did not make a threat to shoot up the school and even states "they must have misheard somebody else." The officer seems to take Colt at his word, and they even share a laugh about people lying to police. GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING: SUSPECT'S FORMER NEIGHBORS RECOUNT HARROWING STORIES OF ALLEGED ABUSE, CHAOS The suspected shooter was identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student. Authorities identified Colt Gray, now 14, as the shooter who killed two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School. Gray surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody following the rampage. He is being tried as an adult. Colt's father, Colin Gray, 54, has also been charged in connection with the school shooting. He is facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Georgia is one of 42 states nationwide that holds parents criminally responsible on behalf of their children. Authorities claimed that Colin knew and allowed his son Colt to have access to his firearms in the household ahead of Wednesday's shooting. Fox News Digital's Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report. Original article source: Georgia high school shooting: Bodycam footage released of 2023 interview with father, suspected school shooter Authorities are investigating a possible link between Apalachee High School mass shooting suspect Colt Gray and a social media account inspired by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter, as investigators reportedly learned recently he had writings in his room referencing the 2018 Parkland High School massacre. Gray allegedly made shooting threats in the past on messaging app Discord, according to new audio obtained by Fox News from a 2023 visit authorities made to his home and a recently surfaced police report. The Jackson County report discloses that the FBI received several tips from users with internet addresses in Palmdale, Calif., Los Angeles and Cockburn, a city in Western Australia, which included the "comments to shoot up a school" made on Discord. FATHER OF GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT TOLD INVESTIGATORS SON HAD PROBLEMS AT FORMER SCHOOL The suspected shooter was identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student. The officer noted in his report that the email associated with the Discord account may have belonged to Gray, the teen accused of killing four people and wounding nine others at his school on Wednesday, according to the FBI's "open source query." GEORGIA SCHOOL SHOOTING: NEW AUDIO OF ALLEGED SHOOTER, FATHER ENCOUNTER WITH POLICE OVER 2023 ONLINE THREATS READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Law enforcement investigated the online threat and noted that the user profile name was written in Russian and translates to the name Lanza, referring to Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza, who fatally shot 20 first-grade students and six educators in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012. Residents place flowers near Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 15, 2012, in Sandy Hook, Conn., for the children and faculty shot and killed a day earlier. The audio from the May 2023 interview with the Georgia suspect and his father, Colin Gray, paints a detailed picture of the investigation at the time. Both father and son told police they did not speak Russian, and the then-13-year-old denied that he had been the author of the threats. The teen also said that he deleted his Discord account due to it being hacked and that he had never made any comments about shooting up a school. The officer noted in his report that the teen appeared "calm and reserved" while police spoke with him. APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT MAKES FIRST COURT APPEARANCE "I'm a little taken back by the whole thing, but I can tell you this, I take that very serious and so does he, as a matter of fact," the elder Gray told police at the time, according to the obtained audio. Police soon determined they needed to take no further action. "Due to the inconsistent nature of the information received by the FBI," an investigator wrote, "the allegation that Colt or Colin is the user behind the Discord account that made the threat cannot be substantiated." Authorities also found documents in the teen's bedroom that they believe he wrote, which included references to the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre that left 17 dead in Parkland, Florida, according to a report by CNN. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida While the suspect's motive remains unclear, Colin Gray discussed his son's struggle with mental health at school and at home. "He's going through a lot ... very difficult for him to go to school and not get picked on," the elder Gray said to authorities while they were investigating the online threats, according to the audio. The teen's parents were divorced, and his father had custody of him. "He struggled at first with the separation," the teen's father told police. "I've been taking him to school." The childhood home of the Apalachee High School shooting suspect had a picture of Colt Gray's height through the years. Colt's childhood was unstable, with the young teen moving to at least three rental homes in a short time, according to Fox Digital's latest reporting. Police said Colin Gray knowingly allowed his son to possess a weapon. "He knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do and how to use them and not use them," the father told police in the recording. Colt Gray, 14, has been charged with four counts of felony murder and more charges are expected. Colin Gray, 54, was also arrested and is being charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children. The public defender representing both Colin and Colt Gray did not return Fox News Digital's request for comment. Original article source: Georgia school shooting suspect investigated for possible interest in Sandy Hook, Parkland massacres Call from suspects mom to Apalachee High School before shooting was not the only warning that morning (CNN) Marcee Gray was 200 miles away from Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, when her gut told her something was not right. It was Wednesday morning before the shooting at the school that killed two students and two teachers. She had just received a text message from her 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, saying, Im sorry, mom. She called the school and asked administrators to check on him. She recounted her conversation with a school counselor in an interview with ABC News. The counselor said, Well, I wanted to let you know that earlier this morning one of Colts teachers had sent me an email that said Colt had been making references to school shootings, Marcee Gray said. I told them it was an extreme emergency and for them to go immediately and find Colt to check on him, Marcee Gray later said in a text message to her sister. I dont understand what took them so long. Authorities allege Colt Gray killed four people that morning in the shooting. Seven others were wounded by being shot, and two others suffered other injuries, authorities said. Colt Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult. His father, Colin Gray, 54, also has been charged, accused of knowingly allowing his son to have a weapon. Colin Gray has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday. Neither has entered a plea. The teenage suspects grandfather, Charles Polhamus, told CNN that after Marcees call to the school, he and Marcee then began the drive from his home in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to Winder. Marcee Gray told ABC News she hadnt spoken to her son since the shooting. I would tell him that I love him that me and Jesus will love him forever and ever, she said. And I would tell him that its not your fault. Its not his fault. Marcee Gray told CNN in a text Wednesday she is set to speak with Barrow County investigators on Thursday. The surrounding community, still reeling from the tragedy, started sending their children back to schools Tuesday with the exception of Apalachee High as the question persists: Could more have been done to prevent the shooting? We know the days ahead are going to be difficult and that we have some staff and some students who are not ready to return to school. We also believe as a school system that it is our responsibility to provide a safe space for those who are, Barrow County School System superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff said in a video message Sunday night. All other schools in the district reopened Tuesday, with additional security and mental health supports on hand, according to the district. Warning signs before tragedy Marcee Grays call to Apalachee High was not the only warning made that Wednesday morning. An unknown person called the school and said there would be shootings at five schools that day, and Apalachee would be first, according to police. Gray stepped out of his second period Algebra class shortly before the shooting started, according to his classmate Lyela Sayarath, who sat next to him. Shortly after, another student who has a similar name to Gray was pulled, along with his backpack, out of class, Sayarath said. When he returned to class, he told Sayarath that administrators were looking for the kid who sits next to you, not me. Apalachee High School has repeatedly declined to comment on whether another student was mistakenly pulled from the classroom in Grays place. The school failed them, that they could have prevented these deaths and they didnt, Lyelas mother, Rabecca Sayarath, told the The Associated Press. I truly, truly feel that way. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith has told CNN there were no prior warnings of a possible threat. A spokesperson for the sheriffs office on Monday referred questions to the Barrow County District Attorneys office. CNN has reached out to the district attorneys office for additional comment. Suspects grandfather says he blames the boys father Polhamus told CNN on Tuesday he blames Colin Gray, Colts father, for the shooting. Hes the reason all this happened, Polhamus told CNN by phone, adding that Colin Gray should not have purchased an AR-15-style weapon for his teenage grandson. He was evil and hes going to get what he deserves. Unfortunately, he took his son with him. Authorities have said Colt Gray told investigators, I did it, when asked about the shooting. CNN has reached out to the public defenders representing Colin and Colt Gray but has received no comment. The grandfather said the shooting breaks his heart and Colt Gray needs to be held accountable, But he was driven to do what he did. Colt is the one that did it, but Im telling you, you have kids in this day and age that live in dysfunctional families that end up doing what Colt did, Polhamus said. GBI looking at deer hunting video The FBI had said it received a tip about Gray making threats against schools in May 2023, but deputies in Jackson County, where Gray lived at the time with his father, said they were unable to substantiate the tip. During the interview, Colin Gray mentioned he and Colt hunted and his son had killed his first deer that year.The father told investigators Colt had access to unloadedguns at the house and he wanted to teach his son about firearm safety. When an investigator at the time was asked whether Colin Gray had an AR-15, they replied only hunting rifles. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into a social media video of a deer hunt that was posted in January 2023 to an Instagram account apparently belonging to Marcee Gray. It shows a boy who appears to be Colt listening to a man who refers to the boy as his son. In Georgia, children 16 or younger can hunt with adult supervision. The man praises the boys shooting skills for killing the deer on his first hunt. He tells the boy to place his Bushmaster 450 rifle on it, lift its head and pose with it for the video. What a shot, the man says. I love you, son, Greatest day. CNN has reached out to multiple law enforcement officials about the video. A caption on the Instagram post says: Proud mama right here. All are in agreement he gets his shooting abilities from his mama. Plus hes hunting with my gun of choice. FIRST hunt everFIRST shot everOne and done, dead deer down!! Colt is 12 but he has 2 and about 15lb on mehes been thru so much [blurred word] in his life but hes gonna be a force to be reckoned with. I love you babyboy. CNN has reached out to Marcee Gray for comment on the video. CNNs Sara Smart, Nouran Salahieh, Steve Almasy, Scott Glover, Keith Allen and Kelly McCleary contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Georgia suspects father said guns will go away after prior incident Georgia suspects father said guns will go away after prior incident (NewsNation) More than a year before Colt Gray allegedly shot and killed four people at Apalachee High School in Georgia, his father told sheriffs deputies he would remove guns from the house if he found out his son was making threats online. In body camera footage obtained by NewsNation, Colin Gray told local sheriffs deputies last year that the teenager understood the seriousness of making threats of school gun violence. Colin Gray told Jackson County deputies that he will be mad as hell if allegations that his son made online threats of using a gun to harm people at his school were true. Im going to be mad as hell if he did (make threats) and then all the guns will go away and then they wont be accessible, Colin Gray told deputies. The interview with deputies took place in May 2023, more than 15 months before the shooting at Apalachee High School. Colt Gray, 14, is accused of shooting and killing two students and two teachers at the Winder, Georgia, school. Nine others were injured. Mothers warning to Georgia school raises questions about moments before shooting In the interview, Colin Gray tells deputies that he and his son had started deer hunting the previous fall, but that Colt understood the seriousness of using guns in inappropriate ways. I take (school gun violence) very serious and so does he, Colin Gray told deputies in 2023 in the body camera footage, adding, He knows how to use (guns) and how not to use them. People gather at the flagpole outside the entrance to Apalachee High School on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Winder, Ga., a day after deadly shootings at the school. (AP Photo/Sharon Johnson) The interview took place outside the home Colin and Colt Gray were living after Colin and Colts mother separated. Colin told deputies his son had struggled with the split. He also said Colt had been bullied at school but denied hearing about any threats of gun violence at the middle school that were linked to his son. Colin Gray then told deputies that his son doesnt really think straight when he gets flustered or feels under pressure. He said he has visited the schools principal several times to ensure that his son was O.K. while dealing with his parents marital situation. He also told officers that he and Colt discuss the problems with school gun violence and all the school shootings constantly. Before deputies spoke to Colt Gray, his father asked deputies to instill the seriousness of the allegations being made. Many questions still loom over timeline of Georgia school shooting In speaking with deputies, Colt Gray denied making the threats claiming his Discord account was hacked. He acknowledged he was bullied by students after switching schools mid-year and also told sheriffs deputies that he one day hoped to work as a philosopher. Colin Gray told deputies that his son kept a photo of himself with blood on his face and shooting his first deer on his phone. Before the interview with sheriffs deputies ended, Colin Gray told the officers that he and his son would be having a long conversation about the allegations. NewsNation has previously reported that both also met with the FBI over the alleged threats. According to multiple media reports, Colin Gray purchased the AR-15-style weapon for his son for Christmas in 2023. Colt Gray will be charged as an adult and faces four counts of felony murder for the deaths of the deaths of 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Each count carries a maximum possible sentence of death or life in prison, Judge Currie Mingledorff said. But because the alleged shooter is younger than 17, he wont face the death penalty. Colin Gray faces involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children charges. Both remain in custody after they each appeared in court last week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Sept. 9 that the government will create a fund for grants for NGOs and media in the wake of the controversial foreign agents law coming into force, local media reported. The opposition has denounced the ruling Georgian Dream party's plan as "bribery" and an attempt to exert influence over independent NGOs. Georgia's foreign agents law came into effect on Aug. 1, giving organizations that receive foreign funding one month to register with the Justice Ministry. Failure to do so by Sept. 1, when the official monitoring period began, could result in fines of 25,000 Georgian lari ($9,200). Kobakhidze called the creation of the state fund a "step towards" NGOs and media, which allegedly risk losing funding from international donors if they follow the law. The government will make "organizational preparations" in the coming months, and the first grants will be issued in January 2025, according to Kobakhidze. "Over 450 non-governmental organizations, many of which receive foreign funding, have applied to the Justice Ministry. I want to thank these organizations for their civic responsibility. This proves that receiving foreign funding does not necessarily indicate negative foreign influence," the prime minister said at a press conference. Read also: Opinion: The global implications of Georgias political crisis The Georgian opposition spoke out against the idea. "This is a complete absurdity, bribery of non-governmental organizations," said Nika Gvaramia, a former minister under now-imprisoned ex-President Mikhel Saakashvili and one of the leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change. Roman Gotsiridze, the chair of the Eurooptimists parliamentary group, said that the Georgian Dream "wants to bribe the free non-governmental sector so that the voice of criticism will not be heard from their side." The Georgian opposition and pro-EU President Salome Zourabishvili are also awaiting the Constitutional Court's decision on a joint lawsuit against the foreign agents law. The passing of the controversial legislation, along with the excessive use of force during accompanying protests and a growing crackdown on civil society, has strained Georgia's relations with its traditional Western allies, the EU and the U.S. Georgian Dream has also taken steps toward stabilizing relations with Russia, which has contributed to deteriorating ties with Kyiv. Read also: Explainer: Whats behind ongoing protests in Georgia? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Arial view of a geothermal power plant located at Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland. (Getty Images) Drill down far enough into the earth, and you will hit hot rocks. Energy companies have used this heat to generate carbon-free electricity for more than a century. Its an elegant concept, but it worked only where pockets of heat lay close to the surface, accompanied by steam ready-made to turn turbines. Those limitations confined geothermal power plants to geologically active areas like Iceland, parts of Indonesia, and a few locations in the American West. As of 2023, geothermal energy made up less than half of 1% of U.S. electricity generation. Suddenly, that is changing. New technology derived from oil and gas fracking methods is allowing energy companies to drill deep into the earth in places far from geologic activity. Wells can reach miles beneath the surface before branching out horizontally and creating fissures in hard, hot rock. Water injected into the wells comes back to the surface as steam to generate electricity. The steam is recaptured and re-injected to take up heat again, in a virtuous cycle powered by the earth itself. The benefits These enhanced geothermal systems can produce 24/7 baseload electricity or fill in around variable sources like wind and solar. They can even be used like batteries to store energy, including for long durations. Unlike drilling for fossil fuels, geothermal companies avoid the shale formations that hold hydrocarbons, instead targeting non-porous rock. And since the product is not fossil fuel but steam, the technology produces zero-carbon energy without toxic or radioactive waste. Freed from geographic limitations and using the same technology and workforce as the oil and gas industry, geothermal energy is ready to take off fast. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sees it spreading across the country to provide as much as 125 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2050. A global estimate suggests the industry could eventually produce 4,600 GW of electricity at a cost of 50 euros (around $55) per megawatt-hour or less. In 2022 DOE launched an Earthshot Initiative to reduce the cost of enhanced geothermal energy in the U.S. to $45 per megawatt-hour (MWh) by 2035. If successful, that would put it at or below the cost of any other new, dispatchable energy source. Is this technology the answer to the surging demand for electricity from data centers and artificial intelligence? And could it allow Virginia to keep adding data centers without blowing up its climate goals? The challenges We do have to keep in mind that not all silver bullets prove to be sterling. Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are evidence that some highly-anticipated technologies dont follow the rosy timelines and price projections their boosters promise. Unlike SMRs, though, enhanced geothermal systems have already achieved commercial deployment. After successfully demonstrating the technology with a 3.5 MW pilot facility, Fervo Energy signed a contract last year with Google to provide electricity for its data centers from a 115-MW enhanced geothermal power plant in Nevada. Fervo will deliver the power to the local utility, NV Energy, which will then charge a slightly higher price to Google via a proposed new clean transition tariff. Fervo has also signed a deal for an even bigger project that will deliver 400 MW to California utilities. Using a different fracking-based technology it calls a Geopressured Geothermal System, Houston-based Sage Geosystems recently agreed to supply 150 MW of power for Metas data centers beginning in 2027. Sage says it can make electricity not just by extracting heat but also by using pressure, an add-on technology that allows it to offer energy storage independent of steam production. Both Fervo and Sage say their methods can be used almost anywhere, and both cite advantages over established energy sources. Like wind and solar, geothermal is renewable and carbon-free, but it isnt dependent on weather. It also doesnt require fuel sources like coal and gas that are highly polluting and sometimes unreliable in extreme weather. Finally, with a small physical footprint relative to the energy produced, geothermal facilities could be located in urban areas or next to data centers and other large customers without the need for major new transmission lines. But of course, the fact that geothermal technology can be used anywhere does not mean it can be deployed profitably everywhere, or at least not yet. A map compiled by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows the most ideal areas are still in the West, where hot rocks lie within a few kilometers of the Earths surface. In most of the eastern U.S., deeper wells would be needed to reach the same temperatures. For this reason, DOE sees the technology proving out in the West first before spreading east. Use in Virginia? But favorability is not purely a function of geology, according to Ben Serrurier, manager of government affairs and policy at Fervo. I wanted to know how soon geothermal systems could start providing electricity to the worlds largest concentration of data centers, in Northern Virginia. He said the biggest impediment for the industry is not location, but the high cost of capital and the paucity of government support compared to SMRs, hydrogen, and other new technologies. In spite of these challenges, Serrurier predicted geothermal would be deployed in Virginia by the latter part of the 2030s, noting that his company is already ahead of DOEs projected timeline for the technologys maturation. Eastern data centers present an especially attractive market, he said, because demand is increasing so quickly, and utilities have limited options for carbon-free energy. Alas, observers of the data center industry know that while renewable energy is nice to have, cheap energy is even nicer. So I wanted to talk about cost. Serrurier told me Fervos first project will deliver power to NV Energy at a price of $107 per MWh, and Google will pay slightly more than that to the utility. That is twice DOEs target cost for 2035, yet it still puts the price below the U.S average of 13.1 cents per kilowatt-hour ($131 per MWh) for commercial customers, and competitive with the average Nevada commercial rate of 10.92 cents, according to Energy Information Agency data. That price is, however, more than the 9.54 cents/kWh that the average commercial customer in Virginia pays for electricity derived primarily from fossil fuels. And Fervos price is for drilling in the West, not in the less favorable geology of the East. But heck, anywhere in the country, 10.7 cents for zero-carbon baseload power with no waste to be cleaned up and no added healthcare costs from pollution still sounds compelling. Google may have chosen to be a first mover in order to show leadership and promote a new technology, but it is also locking in a solid deal. Sage does not make its costs public, but Lance Cook, the companys chief technical officer, told me their process is competitive with combined cycle gas plants when the cost of fossil gas is above $6 per thousand cubic feet. (According to the Energy Information Agency, the price of gas is currently below that level in most states, though gas prices are famously volatile.) An additional benefit, said Cook, is that a geothermal plant could be co-located with a data center, foregoing a grid connection and obviating the need for transmission lines. We can turn electricity into data, he told me. It is much easier to connect data than to wait for a grid connection. Both Cook and Serrurier are confident that geothermal will beat new nuclear price-wise, which today sounds like a safe bet. Analysts warn that cost continues to be a significant issue for the nuclear industry. Current projections for the cost of electricity from SMRs start at $142/MWh. Cook noted that Sages technology can also provide long-duration energy storage that isnt dependent on the heat of the earth. This approach can be used anywhere to turn solar and wind power into baseload energy. Sages website claims it can achieve this for less than the cost of batteries or pumped hydro. With all this promise, enhanced geothermal has been slow to catch the attention of Virginia utilities and policy-makers. The Virginia Code includes geothermal energy in its definition of renewable energy, but enhanced geothermal is not on the list of energy sources that qualify for the states renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The General Assembly did pass legislation this year from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, to include a similarly-named, but quite different, kind of geothermal energy geothermal heating and cooling systems, also known as ground-source heat pumps in the RPS. Geothermal heat pumps use the near-constant temperature of the ground just a few feet under our feet to help heat and cool buildings, much as air-source heat pumps do but with greater efficiency. A working group under the auspices of the State Corporation Commission is currently trying to figure out how to award renewable energy certificates (RECs) for a technology that does not produce electricity. But drilling down two miles or more and generating electricity at the utility level is quite another thing. Making enhanced geothermal systems eligible for the RPS would be essential to putting the technology on an even footing with other renewables for use in Virginia. In an email, Surovell told me, I have read about the Google geothermal project and believe there is significant potential in Virginia.I understand it is different, but we need to do all we can to try to meet the demand for energy created by data centers without upsetting the carbon-free goals we set with the Virginia Clean Energy Act. He added, Geothermal also has the potential to create thousands of well-paying trade jobs in drilling and pipefitting in the Commonwealth. I also contacted Dominion Energy Virginia to gauge the utilitys level of interest. Dominion is facing an enormous challenge to meet the explosion of demand from data centers. Its 2023 integrated resource plan (IRP) proposed building new gas plants as early as 2028 and an SMR in 2034, but no geothermal energy. The plan failed to meet the carbon-cutting requirements of Virginia law, so the company ought to see the need to up its game for its 2024 IRP, due in October. Dominions answer was not encouraging. Aaron Ruby, Dominions director of Virginia and offshore wind media, responded with an email that made reference to the working group for geothermal heat pump RECs. Were certainly looking at the potential for geothermal in Virginia. The SCC is leading a geothermal working group, and there are lots of knowledgeable experts taking a close look. Most of the potential in Virginia appears to be geothermal heat pumps, with maybe less potential for power generation. The process is ongoing, so still more to learn. Echoing Gov. Glenn Youngkins rhetoric on energy, he added, As you know, were experiencing an unprecedented growth in power demand. Reliably serving that growth requires an all of the above approach, including offshore wind, solar, battery storage, next generation nuclear and natural gas. Emerging technologies like clean hydrogen, longer-duration storage and geothermal could also play a role. Its not a great sign that Dominion ranks geothermal dead last. The company seems quite content to keep adding data centers to its customer base with no plan to meet its climate commitments. Data center developers, on the other hand, could vote with their metaphorical feet. If Dominion will not bring geothermal technology to Virginia data centers, maybe the data centers will go to the geothermal technology. Why, after all, should they face public opposition and rising electricity rates in Virginia when they can go to Utah, Nevada or Texas to access low-cost, zero-carbon energy delivered 24/7 from a source that might even be located onsite? Especially since, in so doing, they would provide the capital and demand required for enhanced geothermal to achieve DOEs goals ahead of time, and hasten the day when Dominion presents an IRP with a real zero-carbon plan. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Bloomberg) -- Germanys finance chief doubled down on his opposition to joint European Union debt sales, saying that the government in Berlin has democratic and fiscal problems with the proposal published Monday by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. Most Read from Bloomberg Speaking Tuesday in the lower house of parliament, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said regular common EU bond issuance would be unwelcome for two reasons: It would shift political responsibility for economic policy to the European level and potentially lead to excessive borrowing across the bloc. Each individual EU member state must continue to bear responsibility for its own public finances, said Lindner, who is the chairman of the business-friendly Free Democrats, the smallest party in Chancellor Olaf Scholzs three-member ruling coalition. Liability is not only an important instrument in the private sector to avoid irresponsible risks, but the same also applies between nations, he added. In his report on competitiveness, Draghi on Monday urged the EU to invest as much as 800 billion ($883 billion) extra a year and commit to sales of joint bonds to help make the bloc more competitive with China and the US. As well as Lindner, a self-styled fiscal hawk, neither of Germanys other two parties in government are keen on the idea, even if Economy Minister Robert Habeck a member of the Greens who is also the vice chancellor said he supports Draghis call for investments in Europe in principle. The current conservative opposition, which leads in the polls ahead of next years national election, is also skeptical. An objection to more joint borrowing was part of their European election campaign this year. Lindner told Bundestag lawmakers that Germany must remain an anchor of stability for the EU and set an example with its fiscal prudence. He was presenting the governments 2025 budget and mid-term financing plan, which the ruling coalition agreed on last month after weeks of squabbling over limited funds. The budget draft still includes a financing gap of at least 12 billion and Lindner said the government is banking on the shortfall narrowing due to stronger than expected economic growth and tax revenue. It also expects to gain about 9 billion from lower-than-projected outflows of earmarked funds. Net new federal government borrowing is penciled in at 51.3 billion in 2025, up from 50.3 billion this year though still within the limit set out in Germanys constitutional rules, known as the debt brake. Net borrowing is seen declining steadily after next year and is projected to be just under 30 billion in 2028. The debt brake is a form of self-discipline mechanism, Lindner said. Only when we are able to secure the sustainability of our public finances can we be in a position to act in times of extraordinary crisis. If growth fails to accelerate later this year as the government hopes, a mechanism within the debt rules could allow the government to increase new borrowing. The latest finance plan the ruling coalitions final budget before the election due at the end of September 2025 is expected to be approved by lawmakers in both houses of parliament by the end of the year. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Suburban Hamilton County is getting a new Tesla showroom and service center. Construction is currently underway at the Austin-based electric vehicle manufacturers new showroom and maintenance facility in Columbia Township. Public records show Tesla is converting a vacant big-box store, formerly a Burlington Coat Factory and Payless Shoe Source, at 5245 Ridge Avenue. The new Tesla showroom and service center under construction in Columbia Township. As of Tuesday, substantial work appears to have been completed on the buildings exterior renovations, however, the parking lot still needs paving. The Hamilton County Rural Zoning Commission, which administers and enforces zoning in four townships, approved a planned-unit development request for the project during a meeting in October. County records list Chip Wallace, of Tennessee-based Saorsa Architecture, as being signed on the project with the property owner, MRSLV Cincinnati LTD, a holding company for the Pittsburgh-based Kamin Realty. Hamilton County Audtiors records show the property owner bought the retail center for more than $5 million in 1997. Wallace told the zoning commission that there will be vehicle charging stations on the property for the service center. Columbia Township Administrator Melissa Taylor has yet to respond to phone calls from The Enquirer seeking comment. Township officials previously expressed their support for the project and said the showroom is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with an opening in early 2025. Tesla operates a showroom and service center in Blue Ash at 9111 Blue Ash Road. The companys sales model differs from other automakers because it sells directly to consumers online, not at dealerships. The Enquirer reached out to Tesla on Tuesday seeking comment on whether the new facility will impact operations at the Blue Ash location. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Tesla converts old Burlington Coat Factory into a Cincinnati showroom Christian Lindner (R), German Minister of Finance, speaks in the plenary chamber of the German Bundestag alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Bundestag discusses the 2025 draft budget. Kay Nietfeld/dpa After months of difficult wrangling, Germany's coalition government began presenting a budget proposal to lawmakers in Berlin on Tuesday - despite major holes remaining. Finance Minister Christian Lindner acknowledged that all three parties in the coalition clashed over priorities in the budget, making negotiations particularly difficult and contentious. He told lawmakers in the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, that global crises and a sputtering German economy also weighed on the talks, and that previous governments had an easier time devising a budget. "We have seen economic and legal limits, but also our respective political limits," said Lindner, a leader of the free-market liberal Free Democrats (FDP), who often clashed with his centre-left coalition partners over his determination to limit spending. Experts, including the German Bundesbank central bank, have described the figures outlined in the budget as dubious or unrealistic. So too have leaders from the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), who recently raised the possibility of bringing constitutional challenges over the budget in court. The budget for the coming year is the final one Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition will craft before facing voters in a national parliamentary election in September 2025. The draft budget aims to simultaneously stimulate Germany's sputtering economy, maintain social benefits, relieve taxpayers and uphold pledges to NATO allies to rebuild the country's military. However, the modest size of the proposed military budget has come in for particular criticism. Although there is an increase of 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), that falls far short of what Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has argued is necessary. Lindner and other ministers have left a 12 billion shortfall in the budget, which will have to be filled over the course of the year by cancelled projects and other savings in ministries. According to the Finance Ministry, it is the largest gap in a budget in more than two decades. The coalition hopes an improved German economy could help close the gap by increasing tax revenue and reducing the amount spent on unemployment benefits. Another funding gap was only closed by booking funding for the state-owned Deutsche Bahn railway as an equity injection, which does not count as spending against the deficit, instead of direct subsidies. The draft budget calls for spending nearly 490 billion next year. Social spending will make up by far the biggest area of the budget at 179 billion, including legally mandated welfare benefits. Just over 10% of that total, 51.3 billion, will be on credit. That kind of deficit spending, which is normally prohibited by strict rules against borrowing anchored in Germany's constitution, is allowed because of the weak condition of Germany's economy. Mathias Middelberg of the opposition CDU decried the budget on Tuesday as dishonest, irresponsible and highly unrealistic. He accused the government of just hoping to limp through the September 2025 election before running out of money. "No draft budget has ever contained such an extensive number of uncovered items," Middelberg declared in the Bundestag. Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and and their junior partners the Greens have also complained about the budget, pointing to cuts to humanitarian aid, environmental initiatives and social programmes. Both parties would have preferred to borrow more instead by declaring a fiscal emergency and suspending the debt rules, but were blocked by Lindner and the FDP. "Controversy is part of democracy," Lindner said of criticism to the budget from all sides on Tuesday. Lawmakers will now begin considering the budget in committees before haggling over changes at a November adjustment session, usually a major political showdown in Berlin that goes into the early hours of the morning. A final budget is expected to be passed by the end of November. Christian Lindner, German Minister of Finance, speaks in the plenary chamber of the German Bundestag. The Bundestag discusses the 2025 draft budget. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Christian Lindner, German Minister of Finance, speaks in the plenary chamber of the German Bundestag. The Bundestag discusses the 2025 draft budget. Philip Dulian/dpa After months of difficult wrangling, Germany's coalition government began presenting a budget proposal to lawmakers in Berlin on Tuesday - despite major holes remaining. Finance Minister Christian Lindner acknowledged that all three parties in the coalition clashed over priorities in the budget, making negotiations particularly difficult and contentious. He told lawmakers in the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, that global crises and a sputtering German economy also weighed on the talks, and that previous governments had an easier time devising a budget. "We have seen economic and legal limits, but also our respective political limits," said Lindner, a leader of the free-market liberal Free Democrats (FDP), who often clashed with his centre-left coalition partners over his determination to limit spending. Experts, including the German Bundesbank central bank, have described the figures outlined in the budget as dubious or unrealistic. So too have leaders from the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), who recently raised the possibility of bringing constitutional challenges over the budget in court. The budget for the coming year is the final one Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition will craft before facing voters in a national parliamentary election in September 2025. The draft budget aims to simultaneously stimulate Germany's sputtering economy, maintain social benefits, relieve taxpayers and uphold pledges to NATO allies to rebuild the country's military. However, the modest size of the proposed military budget has come in for particular criticism. Although there is an increase of 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), that falls far short of what Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has argued is necessary. Christian Lindner, German Minister of Finance, speaks in the plenary chamber of the German Bundestag. The Bundestag discusses the 2025 draft budget. Philip Dulian/dpa Baerbel Bas President of the Bundestag, speaks at the ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the constituent sitting of the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa The German parliament, known as the Bundestag, commemorated the 75th anniversary of it first session in 1949 with a special ceremony on Tuesday. "Despite all the problems, we should not forget what we have proven time and again in 75 years of the Bundestag: We can overcome crises - despite tough controversies," said Bundestag President Barbel Bas. "Our democracy is strong and resilient against all those who want to harm it," she added. In his speech in parliament, former interior minister Gerhart Baum recalled that foreign observers had questioned whether Germans were capable of democracy following the Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler which was defeated by Allied Forces in World War II. "Yes, they have proven it. They can do democracy," Baum said. "Now they have to prove that they also actively defend democracy." The Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, met for its first constituent sitting in the western German city of Bonn on September 7, 1949, four years after the end of World War II. The upper house, the Bundesrat, convened for a constituent meeting on the same day. At the time, the Bundestag was the democratically elected parliament for West Germany, a country created from the occupation zones of the three Western Allied powers, the United States, Britain and France. The Soviet Union established a communist government in East Germany with its own parliament and other institutions. The country remained divided until 1990. Following German reunification, voters in the former East Germany also began electing representatives to the Bundestag, which finally moved back to Berlin from Bonn in 1999. The recent rise of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has sent shockwaves through the country, challenging the self-belief of many Germans that the horrors of the Nazi dictatorship will make impossible the return to power of far-right forces in the future. The AfD came out on top in regional elections in the eastern state of Thuringia earlier this month, marking the first time since World War II that a far-right party won state elections in Germany. Tuesday's ceremony began with a recording of the opening of the first Bundestag session. "There was a mood of celebration in a country that otherwise knew hardship above all else," said Bas. In her speech, historian Christina Morina warned against anti-democratic tendencies. The logic of populist and extremist anti-parliamentarianism had gained a greater reach through social media than it would have in terms of votes, she said. "Those who declare migration to be the mother of all problems fall into this logic. Those who stylize proximity to the people as the measure of all politics, those who try to justify demands with reference to 'the people'," said Morina, through repeated heckling from the AfD parliamentary group. The ceremony was also attended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and former president Christian Wulff. The President of the Federal Constitutional Court, Stephan Harbarth, was also present. Members of the Bundestag and guests gather to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the constituent sitting of the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa (L-R) Hubertus Heil German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Karl Lauterbach German Minister of Health, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Alexander Dobrindt, Head of the CSU parliamentary group, Nancy Faeser German Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, and Thorsten Frei, First Parliamentary Secretary of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, stand together at the start of the ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the constituent sitting of the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Members of the Bundestag stand up for Gerhart Baum (C,L), former German Minister of the Interior and FDP MP, next to Barbel Bas (M-R), President of the Bundestag, at the ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the constituent sitting of the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa The German parliament, known as the Bundestag, commemorated the 75th anniversary of it first session in 1949 with a special ceremony on Tuesday. "Despite all the problems, we should not forget what we have proven time and again in 75 years of the Bundestag: We can overcome crises - despite tough controversies," said Bundestag President Barbel Bas. "Our democracy is strong and resilient against all those who want to harm it," she added. In his speech in parliament, former interior minister Gerhart Baum recalled that foreign observers had questioned whether Germans were capable of democracy following the Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler which was defeated by Allied Forces in World War II. "Yes, they have proven it. They can do democracy," Baum said. "Now they have to prove that they also actively defend democracy." The Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, met for its first constituent sitting in the western German city of Bonn on September 7, 1949, four years after the end of World War II. The upper house, the Bundesrat, convened for a constituent meeting on the same day. At the time, the Bundestag was the democratically elected parliament for West Germany, a country created from the occupation zones of the three Western Allied powers, the United States, Britain and France. The Soviet Union established a communist government in East Germany with its own parliament and other institutions. The country remained divided until 1990. Following German reunification, voters in the former East Germany also began electing representatives to the Bundestag, which finally moved back to Berlin from Bonn in 1999. Baerbel Bas President of the Bundestag, speaks at the ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the constituent sitting of the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Members of the Bundestag and guests gather to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the constituent sitting of the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, makes a press statement following the talks with the CDU/CSU and the federal states on migration policy. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Talks between the German government and the opposition conservatives over the tightening of asylum and migration policy in the wake of a deadly mass stabbing by a rejected asylum seeker ended without agreement on Tuesday. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared the talks had failed due to the refusal of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition to carry out comprehensive rejections of asylum seekers at Germany's borders - the key demand of his Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU). "This means that the attempt to find a common path has failed," he said following the second such cross-party talks on migration in Berlin. Thorsten Frei, a senior lawmaker who represented the CDU/CSU in the negotiations, said the proposals presented by the government did not go far enough. He said the measures were aimed at the faster removal of rejected asylum seekers, not at limiting the number of arrivals in the first place. Prior to the talks, the conservatives had made it a condition of their participation that rejections of migrants at Germany's borders would be discussed - unlike during the first talks held last week. Sources told dpa that Interior Minister Nancy Faeser suggested that in future, the federal police should check whether another EU member state was responsible for carrying out the asylum procedure in the event of an unauthorized entry by someone seeking protection. The federal police could then apply to the competent court for detention due to the risk of absconding, provided that detention capacity was available. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees could then initiate an accelerated procedure for readmission by the responsible country in line with the EU's so-called Dublin rules, which lays out which EU state is responsible for assessing an an application for asylum. On the government side, Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens called the the CDU/CSU "irresponsibile." SPD General Secretary Kevin Kuhnert told dpa that in recent days CDU leader Merz had repeatedly gone over the top in terms of rhetoric and content - and had seemed to want the talks to fail. Still, Kuhnert said that additional talks between the government and the CDU/CSU on curbing irregular migration remain desirable. "But they require seriousness and the will to compromise. Both were overshadowed today by tactical considerations on the part of the opposition," he said. The Greens also reacted sharply to the CDU and CSU's stance. "What a farce," Green Party leader Omid Nouripour told the news portal T-online. "It's clearly not about the issue, not about real concerns, but simply about headlines, being loud and scoring points. This has nothing to do with responsibility," Nouripour also. He charged that the CDU/CSU had made it abundantly clear that it was incapable of finding joint solutions. The liberal Free Democrats, also partners in Scholz's three-party coalition government in Berlin, criticised the collapse of the talks. "It is completely incomprehensible that the CDU/CSU has left the negotiations," FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai said. The meeting on migration came a little more than a week before voters in the state of Brandenburg, near Berlin, go to the polls to elect a new state government, with migration a top concern among voters. Established parties on both the right and the left are concerned that the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany will do well in the Brandenburg regional elections just as it did in recent regional polls in Thuringia and Saxony, eclipsing the parties which Scholz's federal government in Berlin. A deadly knife attack in the German city of Solingen last month pushed migration issues back to the centre of the political agenda. Three people died and several others were injured in the stabbings at a city festival. A 26-year-old Syrian man, who authorities say had his application for asylum rejected, was charged with murder and suspected membership in the Islamic State terror group. Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, makes a press statement following the talks with the CDU/CSU and the federal states on migration policy. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, makes a press statement following the talks with the CDU/CSU and the federal states on migration policy. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Talks between the German government and the opposition conservatives over the tightening of asylum and migration policy in the wake of a deadly mass stabbing by a rejected asylum seeker ended in acrimony on Tuesday. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared the talks had collapsed due to the refusal of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition to carry out comprehensive rejections of asylum seekers at Germany's borders - the key demand of his Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU). "This means that the attempt to find a common path has failed," he said following the second such cross-party talks on migration in Berlin. Scholz accused Merz of acting in bad faith, saying it was a "foregone conclusion" that the leader of the CDU would not be open to finding a middle ground even before the meeting began. "Leadership looks different. Character, honesty and firmness are what this country needs. And not such petty sleight of hand and provincial stage acting," said Scholz. "Leadership means that you can make compromises. But you have to want to do that," the chancellor continued. The talks ended without the announcement of any further concrete action. Thorsten Frei, a senior lawmaker who represented the CDU/CSU in the negotiations, said the proposals presented by the government did not go far enough. He said the measures were aimed only at the faster removal of rejected asylum seekers, not at limiting the number of arrivals in the first place. Prior to the talks, the conservatives had made it a condition of their participation that rejections of migrants at Germany's borders would be discussed - unlike during the first talks held last week. Sources told dpa that Interior Minister Nancy Faeser suggested that in future, the federal police should check whether another EU member state was responsible for carrying out the asylum procedure in the event of an unauthorized entry by someone seeking protection. The federal police could then apply to the competent court for detention due to the risk of absconding, provided that detention capacity was available. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees could then initiate an accelerated procedure for readmission by the responsible country in line with the EU's so-called Dublin rules, which lays out which EU state is responsible for assessing an an application for asylum. On the government side, Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens called the the CDU/CSU, which are highest polling parties nationally, "irresponsibile." SPD General Secretary Kevin Kuhnert told dpa that in recent days CDU leader Merz had repeatedly gone over the top in terms of rhetoric and content - and had seemed to want the talks to fail. Still, Kuhnert said that additional talks between the government and the CDU/CSU on curbing irregular migration remain desirable. "But they require seriousness and the will to compromise. Both were overshadowed today by tactical considerations on the part of the opposition," he said. The Greens also reacted sharply to the CDU and CSU's stance. "What a farce," Green Party leader Omid Nouripour told the news portal T-online. "It's clearly not about the issue, not about real concerns, but simply about headlines, being loud and scoring points. This has nothing to do with responsibility," Nouripour also. He charged that the CDU/CSU had made it abundantly clear that it was incapable of finding joint solutions. The liberal Free Democrats, also partners in Scholz's beleagured three-party coalition government in Berlin, criticized the collapse of the talks. "It is completely incomprehensible that the CDU/CSU has left the negotiations," FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai said. The meeting on migration came a little more than a week before voters in the state of Brandenburg, near Berlin, go to the polls to elect a new state government, with migration a top concern among voters. Established parties on both the right and the left are concerned that the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany will do well in the Brandenburg regional elections just as it did in recent regional polls in Thuringia and Saxony. A deadly knife attack in the German city of Solingen last month pushed migration issues back to the centre of the political agenda. Three people died and several others were injured in the stabbings at a city festival. A 26-year-old Syrian man, who authorities say had his application for asylum rejected, was charged with murder and suspected membership in the Islamic State terror group. Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, makes a press statement following the talks with the CDU/CSU and the federal states on migration policy. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, makes a press statement following the talks with the CDU/CSU and the federal states on migration policy. Kay Nietfeld/dpa The number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in the country has sharply decreased in Germany. Source: the statistics by Eurostat on 10 September, as reported by European Pravda Starting from July 2024, Germany has removed from the register of people under temporary protection all those whose status is no longer valid, either because they have obtained another form of protection or have permanently left Germany. Compared to the end of June 2024, this has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of people under temporary protection reported by Germany, by 236,925 (-17.6%). As of 31 July 2024, a little over 4.1 million non-EU nationals who fled Ukraine due to Russian aggression held temporary protection status in the EU. Germany remains the EU country that has granted temporary protection to the largest number of beneficiaries from Ukraine as of the end of July 2024 1,110,600 people. Poland is in second place (976,205), and the Czech Republic is in third place (369,610). Background: Recently, there has been talk in Germany about reducing aid for refugees from Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have found refuge in the country to find employment. Scholz also called on the EU to allocate more funds for such countries as Germany which accept a large number of Ukrainian refugees. Support UP or become our patron! German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) arrives at Cairo International Airport and is greeted by Hani Sewilam, Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began a three-day visit to Egypt on Tuesday. He wants to honour the decades of close partnership with the North African country and its role as a mediator in the Middle East conflict. It is the first time in 25 years that a German head of state has travelled there. Steinmeier will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday. In addition to bilateral relations, the Middle East conflict is also likely to be a topic of discussion. Together with Qatar, Egypt is the most important mediator in the region for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian group Hamas, though the negotiations are currently at a standstill. Steinmeier also wants to explain Germany's position on the Gaza conflict during his talks. The fact that the German government has so clearly sided with Israel has cost Germany trust and sympathy in the region. Steinmeier will be accompanied by a business delegation. Germany is Egypt's most important trading partner in Europe. More than 250 German companies are present in the country. Germans also make up the largest group of foreign tourists. Politically, Amnesty International has highlighted serious human rights violations in Egypt. Government critics are suppressed and civil society is harassed. Freedom of expression, association and assembly are severely restricted, and there is torture, unfair trials and the death penalty. At the start of his visit, Steinmeier plans to meet representatives of civil society and German political foundations active in Egypt. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (C) arrives at Cairo International Airport and is greeted by (L-R) Khaled Mohamed Galaleldin Abdelhamid, Egypt's Ambassador to Germany, Juergen Schulz, Germany's Ambassador to Egypt, and Hani Sewilam, Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier disembarks from an Airbus A350 aircraft operated by the Bundeswehr Air Wing at Cairo International Airport. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Gerth: London, KY shooter reaction shows Vance is right. Shootings are now 'a fact of life.' It was 22 years ago when John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo used a sniper rifle to kill and maim people in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area. People there were afraid to stop for gas or get out of their cars to go to a store. It seemed like you couldnt turn on the television without wall-to-wall coverage of the shootings and the terror Muhammad and Malvo were reigning down on the region. Fast forward to today and theres maybe a minute or two each hour on the news channels about Joseph A. Couch, who allegedly sat on a ridge in Southern Kentucky and picked off drivers along Interstate 75. Hes still at large. Some of the disparity in coverage certainly had to do with the location of the shootings one in the nations capital and the other in a relatively secluded part of fly-over country but some of it is because we have become inured to gun violence. I mean, how can you really worry that much about a handful of drivers shot by some whack job along a highway when just a few days earlier, a 14-year-old kid (allegedly) walked into a school in Georgia with the gun his father gave him and killed two of his classmates and two teachers. JD Vance is right. Shootings have become 'a fact of life' I hate to agree with JD He Aint From Here Vance, but these shootings have become a fact of life. The one thing all of these shootings have in common is that all three of the shooters chose the same type of rifle an assault weapon-style gun that has proven to be the weapon of choice for mass murderers here in the days when the gun culture has broken our society. Thats the one thing a lot of these mass shootings have in common. Whether its 58 dead in Las Vegas, Nevada; 49 dead in Orlando, Florida; 26 dead in Sutherland Springs, Texas; and in Newtown, Connecticut; 21 dead in Uvalde, Texas; 17 dead in Parkland, Florida And on. And on. And on. The scene on Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, following a shooting that sent five people to the hospital Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in London, taken by the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Virtually all of these killers use assault weapons the ones that can be fitted with magazines that will hold dozens and dozens of rounds of ammunition. And can fire them in a blink of an eye without ever having to be reloaded. The thing is, these types of shootings dont need to be common, but the gun culture in America has made it more difficult to stop them from happening. In Kentucky, Republicans and Democrats are owned by the NRA Owned lock, stock and barrel by the NRA, politicians have refused to take action to stop these shootings. And that is politicians from both parties in Kentucky, where Democrats have been as guilty at kowtowing to the gun nuts as anyone. They perpetuate the myth that all of this can be cured by a "good guy with a gun," conveniently forgetting that many of these mass shooters were, in fact, "good guys with a gun" until something snapped. Republicans bear the blame nationally where they have selected Supreme Court justices who have decided that fetuses are the only lives worth saving and have made it nearly impossible to pass legislation that will conform to their warped view of the U.S. Constitution. Feds should set up house here: Gerth: DOJ investigating so many agencies in Kentucky, Merrick Garland should move here Whether through the courts or through legislation, Republicans have blocked any effort that attempts to restrict guns in any way, including closing the private-sale loophole, instituting waiting periods for gun purchases and even enacting red flag laws that allow courts to remove guns from people who are judged to be at risk of harming themselves and others. Assault rifles are the weapon of choice for mass murders In Georgia, there isnt any law that would prevent a homicidal teenager from owning the gun that is the weapon of choice for mass murders. Theres not a waiting period that would have kept Couch from going to a gun store on Saturday morning and walking out with the AR-15 and 1,000 rounds of ammunition police believe he used later that day to target innocent drivers on I-75. Well never know if a law that would have forced Couch to pause just a couple of days may have given him time to rethink his plans or maybe to screw up and let slip what he had decided to do. Who cares about an insurrection: Gerth: Rand Paul outlines why he hasn't endorsed Trump. An insurrection's not enough? Its clear which party and its irresponsible position on guns is responsible for that. And its clear that at least for now, its them who needs to fix it because as long as they control the presidency, either the U.S. House or Senate, or the Supreme Court, nothing can or will change. Until then, mass shootings will remain commonplace. Theyll take up a few minutes each hour on the 24-hour news cycle television channels, and theyll continue to happen so often that you and I wont remember the names of the shooters. Until the Republicans do something about it, these sort of shootings will continue to be just a fact of life. Joseph Gerth can be reached at 502-582-4702 or by email at jgerth@courierjournal.com. Agree or disagree? Submit your letter to the editor here This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: London, KY shooting response shows gun violence is just 'fact of life' She was selfless and would do anything she could to support those she loved. She was a good friend, a good family member. But most importantly, a good mother. Across the country in states like Georgia and Florida, people were posting pictures and videos of Chanti Bresha Dixon, 30, highlighting how she filled their lives with laughter and positivity. "My daughter has been a shining star since she's been on this Earth," Her mother, Rise Dixon, told the IndyStar. "Ever since she was a little girl. She was caring. She was loving. She was a true friend to everybody as soon as she was old enough to make friends. This part of her personality was always there." She showed up in ways for those around her that made them feel seen and loved. "One thing about Chanti, she was a good person," her cousin Eric Young said. "She was always the life of the party and, I'm telling you, she was a mother first." More on Indy ride-share slaying: Driver arrested after woman who called for ride found dead Monday In 2017, Young remembers exiting an IndyGo bus after getting off work when he ran into Dixon, who he hadn't seen in a while because she had been traveling. He'd recently lost his house and was homeless. "I was going through a lot," Young said. "She saw me and immediately picked me up. We talked and she took me to get something to eat before putting some dollars in my pocket." Chanti Bresha Dixon, 30, was found dead near the Grandville Cooperative apartments in the 1800 block of Wagner Lane about 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. But now, Young along with other family members and friends are reeling. That good-hearted nature makes Dixon's loss a devastating blow. The mother was found fatally shot in a wooded area near the apartment complex where she lived. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to the 1800 block of Wagner Lane where they found Dixon shot. Less than 24 hours later, a ride-share driver was arrested on a related murder charge. Young said it was family members who found her body, hours after filing a missing person report. No one had heard from Dixon since Sunday morning. "My mom and her mom are first cousins," Young said. "So my mom called and said she and everybody were at her apartment. They're the ones who found her." Chanti Dixon: Uber driver gave chilling motive for woman's killing, arrest report reveals Rideshare driver arrested in Chanti Dixon's killing Dixon used the ride-share app Uber on Sunday to request a driver about 3:30 a.m. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police said no one heard from her after the driver picked her up. A missing persons report was filed Monday morning, and Dixons body was discovered about 1 p.m. that day. The ride-share driver, Francisco Valadez, 29, was formally charged Tuesday afternoon. Information from the rideshare app helped lead police to Valadez. Our hearts break for Ms. Dixons family and loved ones in the midst of this tragedy," Uber said in a statement to IndyStar. "The details of this act of violence are atrocious." The company vowed to assist Indianapolis police in their investigation. This is disgusting," Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey said during a Tuesday news conference. "This woman is gone from the world unnecessarily by an evil act, and Im glad that we were able to find this individual as quickly as we did so that he didnt have an opportunity to perpetuate violence further in our community. Police are asking people who have had suspicious encounters with a ride-share driver during the past few months to share their stories. 'If it wasn't going to be her, it would have been someone else' Dixon's family and loved ones are keeping her story alive through the memories shared as they take time to process their loss. They have started a GoFundMe to help raise money for her two children. On Saturday, Sept. 14, family and friends held a balloon release and candle light vigil for Dixon. Candles spelled out her name "Chanti" and people mourned where the mother was found less than 1,000 feet from her home. Emotions ran high with grief for the woman who touched many lives across the city. "My three other daughters are taking it hard," Rise Dixon said. "We are surviving it. We are a supportive, loving family. Chanti was the love. She was the one who kept us united and having fun. But we're here for her children. They're processing it." With the theme colors being red, people released balloons in the air, and Dixon's two children, 13-year-old Dashun and 10-year-old Chianti, were grief stricken. Young hates that the killing was seemingly random and senseless. "If it wasn't going to be her, it would have been someone else," Young said. "I just want justice. I want justice for her and I want justice for our family. I really want justice for her kids." Rise Dixon told the crowd at the memorial vigil to not let hate hold on to their hearts, and not to focus on how she died, but instead how she lived. "She lived her life through love," Dixon said. "I know she would want for us to continue that on." Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are asking people who may have more information on Dixon or the rideshare driver to contact the department's homicide office at 317-327-3475 or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477). Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. Email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally known as Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis mom Chanti Dixon remembered as Uber driver arrested Think you know how to solve the Social Security shortfall? Americans have mixed feelings on what to do Social Security is heading toward a shortfall by 2035, which is not great news for future retirees. A decade from now, the program may only have the funds to pay up to 83% of scheduled benefits. Don't miss Thats because Social Security pays out more than it brings in. This doesnt mean future retirees wont receive any benefits, but those benefits would be reduced unless the U.S. government passes reforms. How the middle class feels While the news of a funding shortfall isnt new, a survey commissioned by the Transamerica Institute reveals what middle-class Americans think about Social Securitys funding shortfalls and what should be done about it. Nearly 7-in-10 middle-class Americans are confident in their ability to retire comfortably (21% very confident, 48% somewhat confident), according to the report, which defines middle class as those with a household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Their greatest retirement fears? Outliving their savings and investments is tied for first place (at 40%) along with the fear of declining health that requires long-term care. But right on its heels is the fear that Social Security will be reduced or even cease to exist in the future a concern cited by 39% of survey respondents. And 65% say addressing Social Securitys funding shortfalls should be a top priority of Congress and the President (when it comes to ensuring the financial security of retirement). This was ahead of addressing Medicares funding shortfalls (53%) and making out-of-pocket health care expenses and prescription drugs more affordable (50%). They also had opinions on which actions Congress could take to address this funding shortfall: increasing the maximum earnings that are subject to payroll taxes (41%), increasing the Social Security payroll tax rate (37%) and preserving retirement benefit payments for retirees in greatest need (31%). Only 4% said Congress should do nothing, and 24% agreed with raising the retirement age while 22% said they dont know what to do. 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 Story continues Potential remedies That could be one thing that middle-class Americans and policy-makers agree on they dont know what to do. Raising the age Americans are able to start collecting full retirement benefits to be more in line with longer life spans life expectancy in the U.S. is now around 77.5 years doesnt seem like a popular option. Currently, full retirement age falls between 66 and 67 years of age. Or, the Social Security Administration could increase the wage base limit, which means higher-income earners would pay more in payroll taxes. That may be a more popular option among middle-income earners than high-income earners. Another option could be to raise the payroll tax rate, but a tax hike would likely be a hard sell. Social Security is meant to be a safety net to supplement retirement savings not as a sole source of income in retirement. But according to the Transamerica report, 27% of middle-income Americans expect their primary source of retirement income will come from Social Security. In the end, any approach taken by the government to reform Social Security may be deemed unpopular, which could explain why politicians have been hesitant to take action. Perhaps the answer lies in taking a more holistic approach. Solving Social Securitys funding shortfalls does not have a clear cut solution in the eyes of the middle class, Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of Transamerica Institute, said of the reports findings. Rather, a collective effort is needed among policymakers, industry, academics and individuals and families to implement lasting solutions. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Thats unfortunate timing indeed. A conservative group in Georgia apologized this week after a mock-up of Republicans wielding riflesadvertising a get out to vote eventwas reportedly emailed out the same day a teen fatally shot four at a nearby high school. The poster, which was an edited version of The Expendables 3s film poster, read The Dependables and plastered the faces of Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and other Georgia Republicans over movie characters. The photoshopped Trump, which stood in the posters center with his buff arms crossed, wasnt armed. However, at least five others are holding rifles similar to what Colt Gray used to massacre two of his classmates and a pair of teachers on Wednesday morning. Georgia Gunman Colt Gray Was Ridiculed and Called Gay by Bullies at School Restoring American Liberty Forum is the group behind the poster and event, which appears to still be on for the night of Sept. 30 at a restaurant in Cummingabout 35 miles from Winder, where the shooting occurred. Byron Stewart, the groups chairman, explained to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the insensitive graphic was created before the tragedy at Apalachee High School and had been posted online a day prior. After the shooting, the Journal-Constitution reported that the group had deleted the poster from its social media, but could do nothing about the emails it had already sent out on. Yes, the timing was unfortunate, Stewart told the paper. Even though there is no connection between our posted advertisement and the events in Winder, obviously we feel leaving the posts up would have been insensitive to the victims, their families, and all who have been so severely affected. 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. Erica Schwartz. Campaign photo. At a Republican fundraiser in Mankato, the candidate for Minnesota House District 18A, Erica Schwartz, gave a speech promising to promote tough-on-crime policies and advocate for lower taxes. In a side conversation after the speech, Schwartz said Democrats are leading the U.S. towards another Holocaust, according to audio obtained by the Reformer. Schwartz is running against DFL Rep. Jeff Brand to represent the swing district that includes north Mankato, Saint Peter and nearby townships. Schwartz, in conversation with unidentified individuals, said she was interested in WWII history and took her daughter to visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. It was heartbreaking to see, but its also very much part of our ugly history that we have to remember to never do that again, Schwartz said of the Holocaust. And I just feel like were heading right back to all of that with whats going on with the DFL, and whats been going on with our country, with it being all Democratic from our president, all the way from our governor to our representatives in the state House. Schwartz continued: Theyre promoting all this transgender. You know, when I walk into my babys school, my kids school, I see that pride flag everywhere. Posters everywhere, hallways but they took away the American flag. In a statement provided to the Reformer, Schwartz said she regrets the comments. As a brand new candidate, I made an inartful comment trying to highlight some of the reasons I ran for office: my deep concern about the one-party control in Minnesota, and the increasingly hostile political environment where free speech is under attack and Americans are divided against each other. I regret making that comparison and will be better in the future about being more precise with my words, Schwartz said. Ethan Roberts, deputy director of Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota, said this isnt the first time candidates or elected officials have made wildly inappropriate comparisons to the Holocaust. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Republicans likened public health measures including mask mandates and school and business closures to Nazi-era Germany. The 2022 Republican candidate for governor, Scott Jensen, implied that groups that resist government public health policies would help prevent a repeat of Nazism. Schwartzs comments come at a sensitive time for Jewish Americans, as reports of antisemitism on college campuses have risen in the wake of Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israeli civilians and Israels ensuing bombardment of Gaza. Whatever it is that youre upset about, whatever it is that you think that our country is wrestling with, its not the Holocaust, Roberts said. Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) opening bid to avert a government shutdown appears doomed to fail in the House this week amid widespread and growing Republican opposition, thwarting the top lawmakers hopes of the proposal squeezing Democrats in both chambers. At least six GOP lawmakers announced that they will vote against Johnsons plan which pairs a six-month continuing resolution (CR) with a Trump-backed bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote more than the number needed to tank the effort. If all Democrats vote no, Republicans can only afford to lose four of their members, assuming full attendance. The mounting Republican opposition is putting Johnson in a bind: caught between a restive right flank pushing for the package that combines the lengthy CR with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, moderates concerned about the political implications of a shutdown threat so close to the election, and GOP defense hawks sounding the alarm about how the half-year stopgap would affect Pentagon funding. Johnson, however, is digging in his heels on the CR-plus-SAVE Act, vowing to plow ahead with the legislation despite the White House promising that President Biden would veto it and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) planning to bring up an alternative clean stopgap. There is no fallback position, Johnson told reporters in the Capitol on Monday. This is a righteous fight. This is what the American people demand and deserve. Opposition, however, is threatening to derail his plans. The chorus of concerns that emerged publicly Monday night was headlined by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), the chair of the House Armed Services Committee, who said he was opposed to the spending plan because of the impact it would have at the Department of Defense. Six months are terrible for defense, Rogers said. Asked if other members of the Armed Services panel would join him in opposition, he responded: I hope so. Republican Reps. Matt Rosendale (Mont.), Thomas Massie (Ky.), Cory Mills (Fla.), Tim Burchett (Tenn.) and Jim Banks (Ind.) have also publicly said that they will not support the CR-plus-SAVE Act, mounting pressure on Johnson in the government funding negotiations. Im not going to vote to extend bloated spending for six more months and grow the national debt trillions of dollars more, said Banks, who is running for Senate. So its an easy no vote for me. Some of those Republicans are warning that the opposition is likely to grow. Mills who called deficit spending the existential threat to American democracy and suggested the SAVE Act portion of the package was messaging at its finest said quite a few more Republicans are planning to vote no. Some of that opposition may come from moderate Republicans, who have expressed skepticism about the plan from the beginning. A source familiar with the matter told The Hill that a handful of moderates are withholding their votes on the package until they hear what Johnsons plan B is. One moderate Republican who characterized themself as undecided or a lean no told The Hill Im not comfortable with the plan right now, while also zeroing in on Johnson not detailing what the backup proposal would be. Its always good to know what the follow-on plans are, the GOP lawmaker said. There was an analogy that was made on one of these big calls that said Hey, when you go into combat, you dont plan for failure. But thats actually not true. When you go into combat, you actually do go into failure. You have contingency plans, you know, A through Z if you need to, to make sure that youre successful. We have step one, which is put this thing up, and we know what step three is gonna end up being clean CR or a government shutdown so I dont understand what that middle section looks like, the lawmaker added. Thats what Im waiting to hear conveyed. I think we owe it to the voters to understand the dynamics here. The moderate Republican needled Johnson for his comments earlier in the day that there is no fallback position, saying the only inference of that is that your next step is to shut the government down. I cant get behind that, they added. Much of the public opposition, meanwhile, is coming from fiscal hawks who are opposed to extending government funding in general, and are reluctant to change that position for a bill that appears destined to fail. I havent supported a CR since I arrived here, and I dont intend to start now, Rosendale told reporters. I think its a crutch thats been abused by Congress for many, many years. And they havent completed their work to deliver the 12 appropriations bills, as per the Budget Act of 1974. Some of the fiscal hawks are wrestling with their vote. Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) said he was undecided, and that while likes the SAVE Act, he has never voted for a CR. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) also said he was undecided due to unknowns about the total cost of the stopgap. The skepticism from the likes of Crane, Rosendale, and Self is notable given they are all members of the House Freedom Caucus, which had put out an official position advocating for a stopgap into 2025 with the SAVE Act attached. One hope among advocates of the plan was to tee up attacks on Democrats on opposing the noncitizen voting issue; five House Democrats voted in favor of the stand-alone House bill earlier this year. Democrats, though, counter that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote and express worries about the requirements burdening eligible voters. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), who stepped down as chair of the House Freedom Caucus after he lost his primary, would normally be part of the group of hard-line conservatives against any kind of stopgap. But Good is supporting the bill with the hopes of averting an end-of-year omnibus spending bill that is more favorable to Democratic priorities and policies, hoping former President Trump could sign more favorable spending bills into law if he wins the presidency. I think it is worth trying to avoid a CR into the lame-duck and then an omnibus in December. I think that would be far worse, Good said. So Im willing to try this path to avoid that. Some members are not being explicit in their positions. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), another Freedom Caucus member, said he knew how he was going to vote but declined to reveal that position because he had not yet informed leadership. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said I dont shut down government when asked about his position on the CR. Asked if that means he would vote in favor of the bill, he repeated the statement. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who noted she has never voted for a CR, also said it is pointless to vote for the measure without a clear vision of next steps but that she wanted to talk to Johnson before saying if she would vote yes or no. What is Speaker Johnson going to do? Is he willing to fight for this? Greene said. And if hes not willing to fight for it, why? Why would we vote for it? Mike Lillis and Aris Folley contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kathleen Fowke. Courtesy photo. Editors note: The Reformer is covering the 15 or so races that will determine control of the Minnesota Legislature. For a primer on the battleground races, including loads of easy-to-read data on the districts, read our first story in the series. Kathleen Fowke, the Republican candidate running in the November special election for Senate District 45, last year received a homestead property tax break for a property she doesnt live in and outside the district she hopes to represent. Fowke, a west metro real estate agent and wife of former Xcel Energy CEO Ben Fowke, lives in a Tonka Bay home valued at nearly $4.9 million, but they do not claim it as their homestead for tax purposes, according to Hennepin County property records. Properties valued over $413,800 do not qualify for the tax exclusion. Instead, Fowke, via an LLC, declares a Plymouth townhome as a relative homestead meaning a relative lives there and receives a legal property tax break despite owning millions of dollars in property, underscoring how wealthy people are often able to use the tax code to their advantage with shrewd planning. Republicans hope Fowke can win an upset in the special Senate election the sole state Senate race on the ballot in November to replace former Sen. Kelly Morrison, DFL-Deephaven, who resigned from her seat in June to run for Congress. Morrison beat Fowke by over 12 percentage points in 2022. The DFL candidate this year is former state Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart. With the Senate evenly split 33-33 between Democrats and Republicans, the Senate race is expected to draw millions in outside spending, as Republicans seek to break up the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Partys trifecta. Senate District 45 includes the western Twin Cities suburbs Minnetonka, Wayzata, St. Bonifacius, Orono and Excelsior. While Fowke argues a vote for her would restore balance to state government after the consequential DFL trifecta of 2023-34, Democrats are sure to paint Fowke as a wealthy candidate out of touch with the concerns of average Minnesotans. Fowkes husband, Ben Fowke, was Xcel Energys CEO from 2011 to 2021. In his last year, he made $22 million in total compensation. Property owners in Minnesota may file homestead classification applications with their county assessor to qualify for the states Homestead Market Value Exclusion. The property tax program reduces the taxable market value of a home, which decreases the amount of property taxes a homeowner owes. Although Fowkes home is too valuable to qualify for the homestead exclusion, Fowke owns a Plymouth townhome valued at about $335,000, according to her economic interest statement and property records. According to Hennepin County property tax records, Fowke is the manager of the LLC that owns the home, and the business address is her Tonka Bay residence, according to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Hennepin County 2024 property records show the taxable value of the property was reduced by $6,532* through the states Homestead Market Value Exclusion program on the Plymouth townhome. When asked about the tax break, Fowke told the Reformer that she bought the townhome for her elderly mother and registered the property as a relative homestead on the advice of a financial professional. The unfortunate reality is that the high cost of everyday goods is hitting many Minnesotans hard, especially our seniors, who often live on fixed incomes, Fowke said. Like any daughter, I helped my mom with a perfectly legitimate tax process; however, a simplified tax code would benefit every Minnesotan. I look forward to the rest of this campaign and hearing from voters across the district about the challenges they face and the solutions I will offer once elected. In 2020, Fowke was featured in Gulfshore Life, a lifestyle magazine in southwest Florida, to highlight the design of her home there. The home was not declared in her economic interest statement, but the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board asks candidates to only declare property located in Minnesota. According to her latest campaign finance report, Fowke in July loaned her campaign $125,000. Fowke in 2022 loaned her campaign $376,000, and that loan is still outstanding meaning her campaign currently owes her more than $500,000. *Correction: A previous version of this article mischaracterized the amount of Fowkes tax break from the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Both the Haitian community and Springfield, Ohio, community live in my heart, and Im disgusted by the politics being played on both of them, David DeWitt writes. (Getty Images) Sometimes the disgusting sewer of presidential year politics hits a little too close to home, and you end up watching a national conversation play out largely divorced from reality or the actual experiences of communities intimately connected to your own life. Thats what happened to me Monday as I watched Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance lie about legal Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and displaying no sense of conscience whatsoever make an abhorrent insinuation about them. His purpose, it appears, was a trollish attempt to mislead the public and prey on peoples hatreds and fears. I suppose he thinks thats good politics. Meanwhile, after last week using Haitians in Springfield baselessly to attempt to justify his claim that migrants are terrorizing our communities, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost followed up Monday by announcing court action to try to get a federal judge to limit migrants coming to Ohio. Why is this all so disturbing to me? Three generations of my family called Springfield home, and its played a huge role in my life. My parents both grew up in Springfield and Ive been visiting my whole life. I had one grandfather who retired from International Harvester and another who was an insurance agent in Springfield for decades. I had one grandmother who was a librarian at North High School and another who worked for the local bank. Both of my parents (and two of my grandparents) graduated from Wittenberg. Mike and Rosys Deli, Cassanos Pizza, fishing at the C.J. Brown Dam, family parties at the Polo Club, trips down to Youngs Jersey Dairy or Clifton Gorge, these are all staples of my childhood. I have nothing but love for Springfield and the whole area. Meanwhile, my partners parents are Haitian immigrants who moved to America in their teens and have led such impressively successful lives it blows me away. Theyve shown me nothing but love and kindness and have also played a huge role in my life. Haitian food has become something I cant go without. I have jars of epis and pikliz in my fridge at all times. I am obsessed with diri kole ak pwa and griot and boulette. I have been working on learning both Spanish and Haitian Creole for several years now; I read every book I can find on Haitian history; and have danced the night away with the most kind and loving people I can imagine more times than I can remember. I have nothing but love for them and their whole family. Even though theyve never lived in Ohio, this is what makes this conversation about Haitians in Springfield so difficult for me to stomach. Both the Haitian community and Springfield community live in my heart, and Im disgusted by the politics being played on both of them. Using peoples lives and communities as a political cudgel to stoke fear and hatred and outrage with lies and innuendo is a low, base, nasty, reckless, destructive thing to do, and I do not understand what is in the hearts of politicians who indulge in it. So lets just clear away the muck before we can proceed to a more adult conversation: Vance keeps incorrectly claiming the Haitian community in Springfield are illegal immigrants. They are not illegal immigrants. They are legal immigrants. They are lawfully in the country. Some are newly arrived legal migrants with work permits, some are fully naturalized U.S. citizens. What Vance insinuates about pets is indefensible. Its sad that the Springfield News-Sun even had to fact-check it. Its a disgusting racist lie from the extremist right-wing internet, and Vance perpetuated it to millions of followers. Shame on him. As for Vances claim that Haitians are causing chaos all over Springfield, and Yost pointing to Haitians in Springfield as an example of migrants terrorizing our communities, I have no idea what theyre talking about. Go to Springfield and tell me where to find the chaos and terror, because every time Ive been the last four years, I havent seen it. Something extraordinary has happened in Springfield since the pandemic though, with the influx of thousands of Haitian immigrants. The actual number is hard to pin down. City officials have estimated up to 20,000, but estimates of 10,000 and 15,000 have also been made. The New York Times reported last week, By most accounts, the Haitians have helped revitalize Springfield. They are assembling car engines at Honda, running vegetable-packing machines at Dole and loading boxes at distribution centers. They are paying taxes on their wages and spending money at Walmart. On Sundays they gather at churches for boisterous, joyful services in Haitian Creole. But the speed and volume of arrivals have put pressure on housing, schools and hospitals. The community health clinic saw a 13-fold increase in Haitian patients between 2021 and 2023, from 115 to 1,500, overwhelming its staff and budget. The Times details how, after decades of shrinking and uncertainty, Springfield was able to attract new manufacturing and business with a strategic plan, and by 2020 had drawn in food-service firms, logistics companies, and a microchip maker, among others: But soon there were not enough workers. Many young, working-age people had descended into addiction. Others shunned entry-level, rote work altogether, employers said. Haitians who heard that the Springfield area boasted well-paying, blue-collar jobs and a low cost of living poured in, and employers were eager to hire and train the new work force. The Haitians had Social Security numbers and work permits, thanks to a federal program that offered them temporary protection in the United States. Some had been living for years in places like Florida, where there is a thriving Haitian community. So what, in fact, do we have going on here? We have a large population increase over a short period of time; we have a language barrier that can cause various strains; we have housing, schooling, and health services that need adequate resources to deal with a massive and rapid adjustment. We also have an eager, dutiful, law-abiding, and peaceful workforce helping revitalize a city and helping local businesses thrive; we have a citys population swelling instead of declining; we have an influx of new taxpayers and consumers filling blue-collar jobs, paying property taxes, shopping at local stores, and contributing to their community. Are there struggles? Absolutely. Is it chaos and terror? Absolutely not. Is there opportunity for both the city of Springfield and the Haitian community to thrive together? Without a doubt. Will it all be easy? No. Will it be worth it in the long-run? Yes. Serious people should discuss serious solutions to serious issues. Politicians using dangerous rhetoric to whip people up into a frenzy of misinformed anger and viciousness is not needed and not helpful. With Nazis already marching through downtown Springfield, Im sickened that statewide elected leaders would instigate and inflame the situation even further. We must be better than that, and we must demand better than that from our elected officials. To any Haitians new to Springfield, S ak pase, zanmi m. Mwen akeyi ou! And to my friends and family in Springfield, I hope you will welcome the stranger, too. In them youll find some of the kindest, warmest, most remarkable people you will ever meet. Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and X. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Speaking in a gaggle with reporters Monday afternoon following a funding announcement surrounding public safety, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the topic of Criminal Justice reforms, specifically Bail Reform Laws. These were first enacted in 2019 under then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, initially taking effect in 2020, and ended cash bail for misdemeanors, as well as low-level felonies. Gov. Hochul gives public safety update in Rochester According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the measure was revised three times in four years. Governor Hochul took office in 2021 with amendments to bail reform happening in 2022, and then 2023 under the state budget. In Rochester Monday, Hochul did not directly state whether or not she would be open to additional amendments and what those may entail instead saying they needed the benefit of time to see if the adjustments have been effective. I believe if you look at the numbers on how the re-arrest rate has gone down it was 24% before we took these steps, it is now down to 14% statewide. Also, I want everyone to look at the fact that we put in place laws that give prosecutors and judges the tools they need theres a disparity: a statewide disparity in how these are being applied, Hochul said. Look at the numbers separately-elected judges asked to follow the guidelines, the new laws we put in place, prosecutors the samebut it is rather telling to know that its not the laws that need to be changed, it is the application of them and thats what weve learned with the review of data that well be happy to release today, she added. The Governor also provided insight into what systems are in place to oversee the changes within the courts. We called upon the office of the Court Administration that oversees the entire judicial system here in New York to conduct training. To my knowledge the training is going ontheyve been directed to do that because I knew you change the laws there comes in applying a certain way, and again, a lot of these happened in 2019. So, were shifting it back. Theres more tools for the judges, more factors to consider that were not there before, she said. Legal experts discuss bail reform after teen causes deadly crash with stolen car What is maddening to us are those cases as you described how I can get into a courtroom to tell a judge to apply it a certain way? Is not the easy thing to do here. Education, coverage, calling out saying not okay not acceptable, why did you do this? And Im standing with these families of the victims. This is what breaks my heart to know that you cant point to a law and say, Thats the reason. The law is there now to give the judges and the prosecutors the discretion that was taken away from it is now back. And we expect a different outcome, she added. On Tuesday, the Rochester Locust Club issued a statement in response to Hochuls visit. The Locust Club's statement on Gov. Hochul's appearance in Rochester yesterday: pic.twitter.com/8pNdgl7ACM Rochester Police Locust Club (@ROCLocustClub) September 10, 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. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks of the concerns surrounding an influx of 15,000 Haitian immigrants into Springfield on Sept. 10. Ohio will funnel resources to Springfield for health care and road safety as the city contends with an influx of Haitian migrants, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday. DeWine's announcement came as the city, just northeast of Dayton, finds itself in the middle of a contentious immigration debate. An estimated 15,000 Haitians have settled in Springfield over the past several years, a dramatic population increase for a community with nearly 59,000 people as of the 2020 census. The result, local and state officials say: A housing crisis, overtaxed health care system and concerns about driver safety that only increased after a Haitian immigrant caused a school bus crash that killed an 11-year-old on board. DeWine said the state will commit at least $2.5 million to expand primary care access and send state troopers to Clark County to help local police monitor the roads. Springfield officials: 'No credible reports' of crime by Haitian migrants in Ohio DeWine, who founded a school in Haiti with his wife, said Springfield's Haitians came from a country with poor health care and limited access to cars, meaning they aren't experienced drivers. The initiatives announced Tuesday are on top of work already in progress to boost driver education and English language services in the area. "The Haitians who are here are hardworking people," DeWine said. "They have families, and they care about their families and they care about their children. "They came to Springfield, Ohio, for work, and many, many, many of them are filling positions in Springfield." Haitians who came to the U.S. arrived legally through a Biden administration program that aims to help migrants flee violence in certain countries. Springfield officials have said local businesses recruited Haitians to fill jobs that local residents wouldn't take. DeWine pins blame on federal government Springfield entered the national consciousness last week after a New York Times story detailed how immigration is affecting the community. Since then, Republicans including Ohio Sen. JD Vance who is also the GOP vice presidential nominee began to amplify unsubstantiated claims that Haitians were abducting and eating people's pets and ducks from the park. In a statement to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck said there weren't any credible reports of "pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community." Heck also dismissed rumors of Haitians squatting, littering or deliberately disrupting traffic. Vance doubled down on his criticism of Springfield's migrant surge Tuesday, saying diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis are on the rise. Ohio Department of Health director Bruce Vanderhoff said the state isn't seeing a "measurable or discernible increase" in vaccine-preventable illnesses but wants to ensure new residents get vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. DeWine referred reporters to local officials when asked about misinformation on social media. He said he supports the program that allowed Haitians to come to Springfield but contends the federal government allowed it to happen without a plan in place. "As these numbers dramatically pick up, theres some obligation for the federal government to help local communities who had nothing to do with the decision about people coming in, but now find themselves with a massive number of people," DeWine said. Amber Hunt and Scott Wartman of the Cincinnati Enquirer contributed. Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Springfield Haitian influx prompts action from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine In a rapid departure from precedent, California is no longer focusing on housing first policies. Instead, our state government is quickly enacting policies on state and local levels to further empower law enforcement to cite people sleeping outside. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently issued an executive order mandating state agencies to develop policies for clearing encampments from state property, such as state parks. While local governments are not required to adopt similar properties, the governor made his position clear when he posted to X: No more excuses. Weve provided the time. Weve provided the funds. Now its time for locals to do their jobs. Opinion Meanwhile, Sacramento continues to face a public health crisis, and new judicial decisions have only made the problem worse. This past June, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, upholding its ban on sleeping outside. Disappointingly, this decision deemed that penalizing people for sleeping in public areas did not violate the Constitutional protection against cruel and unusual punishment. This change in policy directly criminalized homelessness and indirectly criminalized poverty. California might seem like a haven to the underserved, but local governments and large cities across the state are chomping at the bit to fall in line with Newsoms policy changes. Policies about sweeping homeless encampments serve to simply remove people experiencing homelessness from view, without addressing the root causes of the problem: the need for housing, healthcare, among other services. As local medical professionals and public policy advocates, we are greatly concerned by the stance our governor has taken and the ramifications these decisions will have on people experiencing homelessness. Police sweeps are associated with worse health outcomes, and can be medically and emotionally damaging on an individual level and systemic level. Regularly uprooting people from their established place of living can disconnect people from their community and to healthcare services, leading to increased emergency service utilization and an increased financial burden on taxpayers. Until we can place people into permanent housing, sweeps only served to shuffle people experiencing homelessness around the city. It is not too late to influence Sacramentos policies regarding homelessness. Newsoms executive order applies to state property, not local government. With Mayor Darrell Steinbergs tenure ending later this year, the new mayor has a pivotal opportunity to assist our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. From the front lines of this issue, we recommend that local governments take a stance against Newsoms directive. The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors recently unanimously passed a resolution opposing the governors order to dismantle encampments. Instead, they to continue efforts to increase permanent housing, shelter beds and outreach services. The city of Berkeley has used property transfer funds from a local ballot initiative passed in 2018, together with funds from the federal and state government, to fund permanent supportive housing, shelter beds, case management and homelessness prevention services. Los Angeles and Berkeley have each since had significant drops in the number of unhoused persons, showing that these interventions work to place people into housing. Sacramento can join these municipalities by providing compassionate and effective methods to address the issues of homelessness. We need to prioritize offering temporary and permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. Our policies should focus on having a permanent housing plan for each person moving out of a shelter, requiring more effort put into developing trust and rapport with our unhoused peers through deeper engagement with this community. Reject the misguided and counterproductive policies of the governor, and, instead, embrace policies that have been shown to address root causes of homelessness. The money spent on police sweeps to shuffle people around could be diverted toward social services and housing. On an individual level, these efforts could help our community members avoid less trauma associated with moving frequently; at a systems level, these efforts would improve the overall health of our community. Until there is housing for people experiencing homelessness, police sweeps will continue to waste money and ultimately hurt our community. Joseph Morrison is an MD/PhD student at the UC Davis School of Medicine. Dr. Sharad Jain is the associate dean for students at the UC Davis School of Medicine and a primary care provider at the Sacramento County Health Center. Grand Canyon death: Man who was on his 10th day of a hike found dead GRAND CANYON - A man who was on his tenth day of a hike in the Grand Canyon was found dead, marking another fatality in a slew of deaths the national park has seen this year. On Sept. 7 at around 5:30 a.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center got word of a death at Ponchos Kitchen, which is near river mile 137 along the Colorado River. "Park rangers responded to the scene and found the victim, Patrick Horton, 59, of Salida, Colorado. Horton was on the 10th day of a non-commercial river trip along the Colorado River and was discovered deceased by members of his party," the National Park Service said in a news release on Sept. 9. The National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office are looking into Horton's death. Horton's death marks the park's 8th fatality since the start of July. Map of the area where the victim was found: By Noel Randewich (Reuters) - Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, majority-owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, surged for a second day on Tuesday ahead of a debate between the Republican presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris. The stock jumped over 4% and lifted the value of Trump's stake in the company to $2.2 billion days before he and other insiders will be allowed to sell their shares for the first time since the company's public listing in March. Trump and Democratic candidate Harris meet for the first time on Tuesday night in their only scheduled debate, a clash that could prove pivotal in their neck-and-neck race for the White House. Including gains on Monday, the stock is up about 11% this week. "It's definitely a proxy for excitement ahead of the debate and hopes that Trump is going to do well tonight," said Dennis Dick, a trader at Triple D Trading in Ontario, Canada. "You've got Trump supporters saying, 'I'm going to buy DJT because I support Trump', like it's a statement." The bounce in the shares of Trump Media, which owns the Truth Social app, follows weeks of declines that sent it to record lows last week as Harris narrowed or erased Trump's lead in polls ahead of the Nov. 5 election. The debate follows a poll published on Sunday showing Trump up one percentage point against Harris at 48%-47%. With eight weeks left until the election, contracts for a Harris victory are trading at 53 cents, with a potential $1 payout, on the PredictIt politics betting platform. Contracts for a Trump win are at 52 cents. Trump Media saw its value briefly balloon to nearly $10 billion following its stock market listing in March, lifted in part by Trump supporters and traders betting he would win the election. Strategists say Trump Media's stock market value, now at $3.8 billion, is unrelated to its business fundamentals. For the June quarter, Trump Media reported a loss of $16.4 million and revenue of $837,000 - equivalent to the sales of two Starbucks stores. According to provisions related to Trump Media's listing, Trump and other insiders will be allowed to sell stock beginning later this month, potentially flooding the market with additional shares. If the stock price remains at or above $12 for any 20 trading days commencing Aug. 22, then Trump will be free to sell shares beginning on Sept. 20. Otherwise, he is eligible to sell shares beginning on Sept. 26. The stock was last at $18.85 on Tuesday. (Reporting by Noel Randewich; Editing by Angus MacSwan) MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Many Grand Strand and Pee Dee communities are holding different events as Wednesday marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. Heres a list of some of those activities: MYRTLE BEACH The city will host its annual Sept. 11 ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Warbird Park. For more info on parking for the event, click here. Crabtree Memorial Gym is using its stairwells through Saturday for those who want to climb 110 flights of stairs to honor the first responders who died in the attack. For more info, click here. The city will host a performance from the Tabernacle Choir World Tour at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A joint choir from Myrtle Beachs Mount Olive AME Church and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will sing America the Beautiful followed by an invocation. For more info, click here. SURFSIDE BEACH The town will host a stair-climbing event at the pier. It starts at 8:45 a.m. For more info, click here. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH North Myrtle Beach will conduct a ceremony at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Horseshoe at the end of Main Street. The event presented by the North Myrtle Beach Lions Club will feature color guards, patriotic music, speakers and special dedications. MARION Marion Fire Rescue invites everyone to the citys annual 9/11 memorial. It is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday at city hall. For more info, click here. LAKE CITY Lake City will have a moment of remembrance at the police department flagpole at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. CHINA SPRING, Texas (FOX 44) A grass fire in China Spring was ignited by a Jeep which caught fire. The China Spring Volunteer Fire Department received a call around noon on Monday regarding a vehicle/grass fire. The department says it did not have any members available to respond. However, the Waco Fire Department and Speegleville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the scene shortly thereafter. (Courtesy: China Spring Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: China Spring Volunteer Fire Department) (Courtesy: China Spring Volunteer Fire Department) China Spring VFD is also taking this time to encourage local residents to participate in its next meeting at 7 p.m. on October 1. The meeting is open for people looking for ways to serve 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 KWKT - FOX 44. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) While Great Bear Ski Valley is known for its winter activities, its adding events to the park that dont require the cold and snow. While theres no snow at Great Bear right now, staff are gearing up for the return of Chill at the Hill. The event was first held in July. We had a couple hundred people each night. It was amazing to see everyone come out, have a beer, listen to some music and just relax, director of communications, Alexa Jerstad said. While people may not think September and Great Bear go together, staff are excited for people to come out and enjoy the warm weather. A lot of people dont realize that its such a beautiful space in the summertime. And so with chill at the hill, just getting the word out that people can come out here, they can go hiking and really use this place year round,Jerstad said. {standup} The event features local artists and food trucks as a way to bring together the Sioux Falls community. This is the city park. Its a free event which we really want to keep it that way. I dont see that changing, but have a local talent which we have so much of in Sioux Falls is fantastic and now we have so many more food trucks in town, director of Mountain Operations, Kyle Vanderburg said. Bringing winter lovers back to the beloved ski hill, along with people who havent enjoyed winters at Great Bear. Its fun because we get to see people that have never, ever been here before. Theyre like, Oh man, Ive never been to Great Bear, its cool, Ill see you in the winter. And then we get some of our regulars that weve seen which would come out like, Hey, cool, I havent seen you since April and like, kids are growing up and its just fun to see people, Vanderburg said. Chill at the Hill will take place this Wednesday, from 5-8 P-M, and for two Wednesdays after that. Click here for more information on 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 KELOLAND.com. The Green River Killer, serial killer Gary Ridgway, has been booked again at the King County Jail. According to a news release from Casey McNerthney with the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, Ridgway was booked on Monday at 10:42 a.m. Detectives are remaining tight-lipped about why he was booked. Since Gary Ridgways arrest in 2001 pertaining to the Green River murder investigation, the King County Sheriffs Office continues to actively investigate potentially related cases, Brandyn Hull with the King County Sheriffs Office (KCSO) stated in an email to MyNorthwest on Monday. Other news: Shooting in Seattles Sand Point neighborhood Sunday leaves one dead In a 2013 interview with KIRO Newsradios Charlie Harger, Ridgway confessed to killing far more than the 49 victims from his plea deal. The total number is 75 to 80, Ridgway said. During those conversations, Ridgway said he wanted to help investigators locate additional sites where he left his victims. In 2003, King County Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng traded the death penalty for the truth about unresolved cases. It was not about what Gary Ridgway deserved, it was about what the families deserved, the news release stated. Ridgway agreed to lead investigators to the graves of his victims. That allowed families to know with certainty what happened to their loved ones. Ridgway is currently serving 49 consecutive life sentences for murder. In January, KCSO reported it identified the last set of remains from the Green River Killer case belonging to Tammie Liles. Some of Liles remains were first discovered in 1985 near Tigard, Oregon. In 2003, they were labeled as Bones 20. In 2022, Othram a company that specializes in forensic genetic genealogy to resolve unsolved murders and disappearances was contracted by KCSO to attempt to build a suitable DNA profile and conduct associated forensic genetic genealogical research. Local crime: Pierce County man sentenced to 7 years in prison for drugs, guns Liles mother later provided a DNA sample that was sent to the University of North Texas, the sheriffs office reported. Then, using traditional STR and mitochondrial DNA testing it was determined that the remained to Liles. Ridgway pled guilty to murdering 48 women in King County between 1982 and 1998 in November 2003, as stated on HistoryLink.org. According to McNerthney, Ridgway may still face the death penalty if convicted of murder outside of King County. Contributing: Charlie Harger, KIRO Newsradio and Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here. SEATTLE - Gary Leon Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, has been booked into the King County Jail, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Ridgway, who pled guilty in 2003 to the murders of 48 women in King County between 1982 and 1998, was booked at 10:42 a.m. Monday on an institutional hold by the King County Sheriffs Office. Gary Ridgway prepares to leave the courtroom where he was sentenced in King County Washington Superior Court December 18, 2003, in Seattle, Wash. Ridgway received 48 life sentences, with out the possibility of parole, for killing 48 women over the past 20 years in the Green River Killer serial murder case. (Josh Trujillo-Pool/Getty Images) Ridgway had been serving his sentence at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, where he is serving 49 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. His transfer back to King County has raised questions, but officials have not yet provided details on the reason for his return to the jail. The notorious serial killer was initially arrested in 2001 after DNA evidence linked him to several victims. In 2003, King County prosecutors, led by then-Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng, opted to forgo the death penalty in exchange for Ridgway's full cooperation in locating the remains of his victims. This decision was made to provide closure for the families of the victims, many of whom were left wondering for years about the fate of their loved ones. "Gary Ridgway does not deserve our mercy, and Gary Ridgway does not deserve to live," Maleng stated in November 2003. "The mercy provided by today's resolution is not directed toward Gary Ridgway, but toward the families who suffered so much and to the larger community." Ridgways crimes shocked the Seattle area and beyond, with his known victims predominantly being vulnerable women, including sex workers. The investigation, which began after the discovery of the first victim, Wendy Lee Coffield, in the Green River in 1982, spanned more than two decades and included the efforts of the Green River Task Force. The case was ultimately solved through advancements in DNA technology. In January 2024, the King County Sheriffs Office announced the identification of the last known remains of Ridgways victims, originally known as Bones 20, providing the final piece of resolution for one of the most prolonged and disturbing serial murder cases in U.S. history. The Department of Corrections oversees Ridgways custody. Any new cases involving Ridgway outside of King County could still result in the death penalty if pursued separately from the 2003 agreement. This is a developing story; check back for updates. MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE Highline Public Schools to stay closed Tuesday due to ongoing cyberattack 'Belltown Hellcat' spotted on tow truck in Kent: Reddit Ballard Bridge weekend closures start Friday. Here's what to know Seattle market sees rise in home listings, higher prices Delivery driver shot near Deception Pass, suspect arrested To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle newsletter. Greenlink West gets federal OK; construction will go into Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Construction of a major power transmission line between Las Vegas and Reno will intrude on the southern edge of Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Its bitter news for conservationists, but a step forward for needed infrastructure for the Wests power grid. NV Energys Greenlink West, which will connect vast solar power production in rural Nevada to the electric grid, received approval from the U.S. Department of Interior on Monday. The Record of Decision (ROD) concludes the lengthy approval process that includes environmental impact assessments. This is a significant milestone for the Greenlink West transmission project, which will provide better service and reliability for our customers, NV Energy President and CEO Doug Cannon said. Greenlink West strengthens our transmission system and creates greater access to Nevadas resource-rich renewable energy zones, which will help the State achieve its de-carbonization goals and move Nevada closer to a future powered by 100% renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. One of the 18 documents released Monday is titled, Appendix G Paleontological Resources Mitigation Plan. The 64-page document lays out a series of requirements for expert oversight of the project as it puts 11 new power poles into place along Moccasin Road in the northern valley. Daily logs of construction activities during the project will record work performed on National Park Service (NPS) land inside the monument boundary. Appendix-G-Paleontological-Resources-Mitigation-Plan_240812Download Another document, Appendix B, indicates NV Energy the Proponent will have to pay the costs of any fossil excavations at the construction sites. If any archeological resources are removed from their context during or before construction, they must be curated as NPS museum objects (Archeological Resources Protection Act, 1979) at the expense of the Proponent at a federally approved repository (Appendix V). Tule Springs wasnt the only complaint that came up during the government approval process. The route was actually changed to avoid a conflict with plans for a solar development along U.S. 95 in Nye County. On Moccasin Road, an existing 400-foot-wide corridor reserved for NV Energy wasnt wide enough to include the new line. Two existing pole lines are between the road and an adjacent residential development. The new line will require 11 Delta power poles on concrete footings in an area where ground-penetrating radar scans have already shown the existence of fossils. PREVIOUS STORY: Greenlink power poles on collision course with treasures at Tule Springs Fossil Beds, Protectors say Among the steps in the mitigation plan avoid construction in places where theres evidence of fossils. Sherri Grotheer, board president Protectors of Tule Springs, a group dedicated to work supporting the monument, provided a statement on Monday: Protectors of Tule Springs will always work to protect the integrity of Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. While were pleased that the ROD contains mitigation requirements consistent with NPSs high standards, we still believe that any impact on these important fossil deposits is unnecessary in that alternative options werent fully explored, and that the ROD sets a dangerous precedent in approving construction that will undoubtedly damage the very assets the land was protected to preserve, Grotheer said. We believe the ultimate decision on the suitability of this project will be left to the courts. In the meantime Protectors will continue to encourage all concerned to seek less destructive alternatives and focus on our work to preserve, protect and educate the public about this beautiful and unique landscape, she said. 8 News Now reached out to NV Energy for comment. A news release sent out early Monday evening did not address questions regarding the lines at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Nevadas 5 biggest solar proposals, and the power line that will connect them NV Energy will own Greenlink, and the cost has risen from initial estimates of $2.5 billion in 2018 to a more recent estimate of $4.2 billion. NV Energy anticipates recovering the costs of this project over 70 or more years, thus reducing the impact on customer rates, spokesperson Meghin Delaney said in June. Greenlink is expected to be in service by the end of May 2027, NV Energy said. Power lines run through an existing transmission corridor south of Moccasin Road in the north valley. The Greenlink project would bring 11 new power poles to the north side of Moccasin, inside Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow) Sandy Croteau, vice president of Protectors of Tule Springs, said she was disappointed in the decision. They had alternatives, she said. Theyre going through right where our kiosk is. The Interior Department also announced the opening of public comment on Greenlink North, which will run along U.S. 50 in central Nevada, connecting Reno and the town of Ely in White Pine County, where more solar development is in the works. Also Monday, the Libra Solar Project in Mineral County received approval. That project will add 700 megawatts of energy production and storage in a remote area between Hawthorne and Yerington. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A day before a congressional medal ceremony honoring their children, parents of some of the 13 U.S. troops killed in the August 2021 attack on the Kabul, Afghanistan, airport criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House for not doing enough to prevent the bombing. The comments also came on the eve of the first and possibly only presidential debate in 2024, which will see Harris take on former President Donald Trump. The remarks were made at a news conference called by House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) to discuss the release of a Republican report on the attack that is critical of the White House, the State Department and the National Security Council. So many lies and cover-ups by this administration. I speak to Americans: We have been in a downward spiral since the Biden-Harris administration took office, said Paula Knauss Selph, the mother of Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss, who died in the attack amid evacuations as the U.S. pulled out of its war in Afghanistan. President Trump is certainly not perfect. But he is a far better choice in my opinion than the mess that Biden and Harris have created since Kabul and onward, she said. Coral Briseno, the mother of Marine Cpl. Humbert A. Sanchez, blamed the Biden administration for the deaths of her son and others in the Aug. 26, 2021, attack. If you read the report, youre going to get your conclusion. The last person in the room that now wants to be our president is not the right person to be this, she said. We are going to have more Gold Star families. We are going to have more Marines and soldiers dead because of this administration. The families of the military service members who died in the suicide bombing at the airports Abbey Gate have taken on a higher public profile recently, with an appearance at the Republican National Convention in July and in connection with the filming of an appearance by Trump at a memorial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery that was later used in a TikTok campaign video. But Cheryl Jules, aunt of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, said, Everybody that says were being played, were pawns, all these other things, none of us ever asked to be put in this position. This is just where were at. Our kids were killed, and we want answers, she said. McCaul said the release of the 353-page report, the product of three years worth of hearings, interviews and document requests and written by the Foreign Affairs Committees Republicans, was not political, even though it came out a day before the Trump-Harris debate. The timing was not by design nor was it political, McCaul said. What was political was the obstruction that took place between my investigation and the State Department that continued to obstruct our requests. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, defended the administration in a series of social media posts. We must honor all 2,461 American servicemembers we lost in Afghanistan including the 13 killed in the ISIS-K Abbey Gate terrorist attack with an honest investigation; this GOP report, regrettably, is just political theater, Meeks said. Meeks said Trump began precipitously drawing down U.S. troop numbers near the end of his term, even as the Taliban, the Islamic militants who control Afghanistan now, failed to uphold their end of a deal negotiated in Doha, Qatar. He also said Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis decision to flee Kabul led to the surprisingly quick fall of the Afghan government. Meeks defense echoes the assessment in May 2022 by the independent Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). SIGAR found that the single most important factor in the [Afghanistan militarys] collapse in August 2021 was the U.S. decision to withdraw military forces and contractors from Afghanistan through signing the U.S.-Taliban agreement in February 2020 under the Trump administration, followed by President Bidens withdrawal announcement in April 2021, the SIGAR report said. McCauls report was critical of both the State Department and Secretary of State Antony Blinken as well as the National Security Council, saying they did not listen to warnings and were being driven by politics in their decision-making. McCaul said he still wanted Blinken to testify in response to the report after sending him a subpoena last week. Blinken has testified before McCauls committee on Afghanistan before, and the State Department has said alternative dates to McCauls Sept. 19 proposal have been offered. This is a disgrace, and I will hold him in contempt if thats what it takes to bring him before the American people, because they deserve the answers, McCaul said. Democrats say Blinken has been targeted because he would be an easier political target than Pentagon officials. Among the reports recommendations is that several current or former Pentagon officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, should testify about their roles. McCaul said he was able to have Pentagon officials answer a list of written questions but he wanted more. Do I think thats sufficient? No, thats why this will continue, he said. Related... A new grocery store could open near Market Common. Is it a Trader Joes? What we know Reality Check is a new Sun News series holding those in power accountable, shining a light on local issues, and answering readers essential questions. Have a question or concern we can answer? Email online@thesunnews.com. Myrtle Beach area residents have long desired a Trader Joes open in the Myrtle Beach area. Social media posts regarding rumored Trader Joes opening garner much attention. While South Carolina has three Trade Joes locations in Columbia, Greenville and Mt. Pleasant with a fourth scheduled to open in Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach does not. However, this doesnt stop residents from carpooling to Wilmington, N.C., to buy Trader Joes groceries and Sun News readers voting the national chain as the store they want the most in August 2023. Once more, Myrtle Beach residents are speculating on social media, claiming that Trader Joes will open in Myrtle Beach. One Facebook user claimed the grocery store will be in the SayeBrook Town Center near Ulta Beauty at 120 SayeBrook Parkway. In an email to The Sun News, according to Trader Joes Public Relations Manager Nakia Rohde, Myrtle Beachs status has not changed. We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year, Rohde wrote in an email. At this time, we do not have a location confirmed in Myrtle Beach. We list all of the stores that are opening soon on our website. Despite this, a new grocery store could open at the SayeBrook Town Center. According to leasing material provided by Colliers, the investment management firm that oversees leasing at SayeBrook, a National Grocer is scheduled to open a new building at the town center near Ulta Beauty in 2025. Its unclear when the SayeBrook brochure was made and if its up to date. According to Horry County Land Records, the parcel in question, located at 222 Brookton Circle, applied for a commercial permit for the tract July 19, 2024. The permit is under review for a 13,505-square-foot New Retail Shell Building valued at about $1.7 million. According to CSP Daily News, a business publication focused on retailers and suppliers, Trader Joes stores are typically 15,000 square feet. Rox Pollard, vice president & director of retail services team for Colliers in Columbia, declined to comment and directed The Sun News to Steve Alger. Alger, a vice president at The Jackson Companies in Myrtle Beach which owns SayeBrook and Prestwick Country Club did not return a request for comment before publication. Jackson Companies President & CEO Dennis Wade also did not return a request for comment before publication. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A new grocery store is coming to the Northpoint Shopping Center after its Safeway location closed in May, Sup. Aaron Peskin announced. Grocery Outlet will fill Safeways vacancy with a 30,000-foot facility. The grocery store will be accessible to people in the Wharf Plaza, North Beach Place and NorthPoint Vistas apartments. DirectTV-Disney contract standoff blacks out 49ers season opener The departure of Safeway has been a hardship for many people in this community who have had to go outside the neighborhood to find reasonably priced groceries and household essentials, like baby formula, detergent and diapers, Peskin said. The move comes after months of negotiations, Peskins office said. The new facility is expected to bring jobs and foot traffic back to the area. Allan Low, the legal counsel for the company that manages the property, said Peskins focus was to replace Safeway with another grocery store. The North Beach Business Association welcomes Grocery Outlet and commends their engagement with the community, said Mike Zwiefelhofer, North Beach Business Association President. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Group demanding answers after they say fire that burned for days in Atlanta contaminated river A group is demanding answers after they say a fire that burned for days in Atlanta has now contaminated the South River. Channel 2s Michael Doudna was near the burn site where river advocates say the results of the fire are killing wildlife. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Now that firefighters put out the fire, the community is dealing with a new problem: dead wildlife. As the South River Watershed Alliance says all the mulch and fertilizer have created oxygen levels in the river that are so low, that the river is uninhabitable up to five miles downstream. They say indications show the mulch likely had fertilizer inside, which can be deadly to wildlife in the water supply. This, coupled with gallon after gallon of water needed to extinguish the fire, pushed it all into the nearby river. The questions they want answered, NEXT on Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: As Japan's stock markets navigate a period of volatility, with the Nikkei 225 Index and TOPIX Index both experiencing notable declines, investors are increasingly on the lookout for resilient opportunities within the small-cap sector. Amidst this backdrop, identifying stocks with strong fundamentals and growth potential becomes crucial for navigating uncertain economic conditions. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Japan Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating NCD 11.89% 8.95% 25.43% Nihon Parkerizing 0.31% 0.86% 4.40% QuickLtd 0.73% 9.61% 14.56% Nitto Fuji Flour MillingLtd 0.80% 6.26% 4.41% Ad-Sol Nissin NA 4.02% 7.90% HeadwatersLtd NA 19.26% 23.89% NPR-Riken 15.31% 10.00% 44.55% Toho 82.16% 1.83% 47.38% AJIS 0.69% 0.07% -12.44% Imuraya Group 26.21% 2.37% 32.09% Click here to see the full list of 751 stocks from our Japanese Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. We'll examine a selection from our screener results. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Showa Sangyo Co., Ltd. manufactures, processes, and sells food products in Japan with a market cap of 95.60 billion. Operations: Showa Sangyo generates revenue primarily from its Food Business segment, which contributed 283.80 billion, and its Feed Business segment, which added 57.95 billion. The company's net profit margin is a key financial metric to consider when evaluating its profitability. Showa Sangyo, trading at 52.7% below its estimated fair value, has shown impressive earnings growth of 63.1% over the past year, outpacing the Food industrys 27.5%. The company expects net sales of 346 billion and operating profit of 12 billion for fiscal year ending March 2025. With a satisfactory net debt to equity ratio of 35.2%, Showa Sangyo's financial health appears robust despite forecasts suggesting an average annual earnings decline of 8.3% over the next three years. TSE:2004 Debt to Equity as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Espec Corp. manufactures and sells environmental test chambers worldwide, with a market cap of 52.66 billion. Operations: The primary revenue streams for Espec Corp. include the Equipment Business generating 54.77 billion and the Service Business contributing 7.71 billion, with minimal input from Other Businesses at 1.46 billion. Espec, a small-cap player in the electronics sector, has shown impressive performance with earnings growth of 30.4% over the past year, outpacing the industry average of 8.3%. Trading at 49.2% below its fair value estimate, it offers potential for value investors. The companys debt-to-equity ratio rose from 0% to 2.3% over five years but remains manageable as Espec has more cash than total debt and is free cash flow positive. Story continues TSE:6859 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Sep 2024 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: IwaiCosmo Holdings, Inc., with a market cap of 47.12 billion, provides financial services using information technology in Japan through its subsidiaries. Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its financial services operations in Japan. The net profit margin for the most recent fiscal year was 12.34%. Operating expenses include personnel costs, technology infrastructure, and administrative expenses. IwaiCosmo Holdings has shown impressive earnings growth of 49.1% over the past year, outpacing the Capital Markets industry average of 36.1%. The debt to equity ratio improved from 25.5% to 16.8% in five years, indicating better financial health. Trading at a significant discount of 27.8% below its estimated fair value, IwaiCosmo appears undervalued compared to peers and industry standards, positioning it as an attractive investment opportunity in Japan's market landscape. TSE:8707 Debt to Equity as at Sep 2024 Make It Happen Unlock our comprehensive list of 751 Japanese Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals by clicking here. Invested in any of these stocks? Simplify your portfolio management with Simply Wall St and stay ahead with our alerts for any critical updates on your stocks. Maximize your investment potential with Simply Wall St, the comprehensive app that offers global market insights for free. Searching for a Fresh Perspective? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include TSE:2004 TSE:6859 and TSE:8707. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com A new organization created to support independent veterans running for office endorsed its first nine candidates Tuesday, ranging from an Army veteran running for a seat on the Raleigh, North Carolina, city council, to a Navy veteran campaigning for the U.S. Senate. The group, Independent Veterans of America, was established this summer by Paul Rieckhoff, who founded Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, one of the largest organizations of post-9/11 veterans in the United States. His new group is looking to harness recent interest in unaffiliated candidates by encouraging independent veterans to run for office. The nine candidates endorsed Tuesday will receive funding, campaign management tools, voter data, media opportunities and technology training. Theyll be introduced at the groups candidate convention Wednesday in New York City. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and bestselling author Sebastian Junger, as well as Andrew Yang, founder of the Forward Party and a 2020 presidential candidate, are expected to attend the event. These independent candidates represent ... a threat to both the Democrat and Republican parties and our countrys badly broken, hyper-partisan political system, Rieckhoff said. These strong, moderate and reasonable men and women represent the best of America, their communities and the independent movement. IAVA founder launches new effort to put independent veterans in office IVA endorsed two independent candidates running at the federal level: Dan Osborn, a Navy veteran from Omaha, Nebraska, running against Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., for her Senate seat, and Army veteran Shelane Etchison, whos running for Congress in North Carolinas ninth district, home to Fort Liberty, against incumbent Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C. Two candidates are running for state legislatures: Tyrell Hicks, a Marine Corps veteran from Plant City, Florida, and Nick Batter, an Army veteran from Omaha. Two candidates are running in county-level elections, including Craig Evenson, an Army veteran running for reelection as the states attorney in Deuel County, South Dakota, and Jason Taylor, an Air Force veteran who wants a seat on the Learning Community Coordinating Council for Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska. The final three candidates are campaigning in city elections. Navy veteran Travis Endicott is looking to become the next mayor of Ridgecrest, California, which sits adjacent to Naval Weapons Air Station China Lake. James Bledsoe, an Army veteran, is running for Raleigh City Council in North Carolina, and Navy veteran Eric Faulkner joined the city council race in Temecula, California. To be considered for an endorsement, candidates had to register as members of Independent Veterans of America, file as an independent or unaffiliated candidate for office and complete an interview with the groups leaders. These men and women live country over party. And they are uniquely powerful and appealing to voters of all backgrounds, Rieckhoff said. From coast to coast, they are leaders that are ready now to step up to serve our country again in this time of need. Rieckhoff is taking a long view with his new group and aiming to propel unaffiliated candidates onto ballots to someday spark a movement in which independents gain more votes. Veterans in particular have a political edge, and they bring a voice of reason and clarity to politics, he argued. The group will continue to accept candidates applications for endorsement through Election Day. Applications are also open for races in 2025 and 2026. This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com. A guide to the 2024 swing states and why they could be a problem for Kamala Harris Click here to view this content. Donald Trump will face Kamala Harris in the 2024 election after the vice-president secured enough support from delegates to become nominee. Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Ms Harris in July following a disastrous debate performance against his Republican rival before choosing to step down. Kamala Harris is likely to be confirmed as his replacement. However, Mr Biden stepping down is not the only thing that has left America reeling. Trump, 78, recently narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on the eve of the Republican national convention. With the election just a few months away, the campaigns are focusing on the battleground states that will ultimately decide the outcome of what is likely to be an extremely tight race. What are swing states? The classification of swing state is not official, and pollsters disagree over which states are most important for candidates going into each race. Broadly speaking, a swing state is where both major parties enjoy similar levels of support among the voting population with the Democrats and Republicans within a few percentage points of each other in polls. In this presidential race, the critical states are likely to be Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. In six of the seven all but Florida Mr Biden beat Mr Trump in 2020, giving him a lead that allowed him to win the White House. Why are swing states important? Swing states matter because almost all states use a winner takes all system for allocating the votes of the state in a presidential race. Even if one candidate wins by a very narrow margin as Mr Biden did in Georgia in 2020 48 of the 50 states will allocate all of their delegates to that candidate to vote in the Electoral College. The Electoral College is the body that ultimately determines the winner of a presidential election, by representing each of the states in a vote. Only in Maine and Nebraska are votes allocated on a more proportional basis, with two delegates instructed to vote for the overall winner in the state, and the remainder asked to represent the result in each congressional district. The weighting of these votes means that winning a narrow swing state can have a disproportionate impact on the result making them vital in securing the presidency. As Hillary Clinton found out in 2016, winning more votes than the other candidate does not mean winning the election. In some states, the location of voters matters as much as their choice of candidate. Which states have become Democrat? Mr Bidens 2020 election victory in Arizona was surprising to some observers, as the state had only voted once for the Democrats since 1976. The state had voted for Mr Trump in the 2016 election, and consistently voted for the Republican candidate even in elections they did not win at a national level, including in 2008 and 2012. Georgia, a stalwart Republican state between 1996 and 2016, chose to take a chance on Mr Biden in 2020 and hand him a knife-edge victory that Mr Trump sought to overturn. That incident is now the subject of state legal proceedings against Mr Trump and his team. In both of those states, Mr Bidens support now looks shaky and could spell trouble for him in 2024. Which states do Republicans need? The Republicans must win back their former heartlands from Mr Biden, and attempt to win over traditionally Democratic states if their candidate has a chance of winning the 2024 election. There are already positive signs for the party in Florida a state once considered one of the closest races, but that has since become more strongly Republican. Ron DeSantis, the second-placed GOP primary candidate, is the states governor. In North Carolina, Mr Trump won narrowly in 2020 and his campaign is looking to extend that lead in 2024, if he is chosen as the Republican nominee. Winning Pennsylvania, which has voted Democrat in every presidential race but one since 1992, would be a major coup for the Republicans in 2024. Not only has the state been a focus for the Biden administrations Bidenomics policies, it also contains the city of Scranton, the presidents birthplace. Pennsylvanias voting history is mirrored in Michigan, which also chose the Republicans in only one election since 1992. The state is the heart of the American automobile industry, and contains hundreds of thousands of blue-collar workers whom both Mr Biden and Mr Trump have targeted in their early campaigns. Why polls show trouble for Ms Harris A White House race between Ms Harris and Trump would be a tight contest decided by a narrow sliver of voters, according to early polling. The likely Democratic nominee is currently trailing the Republican leader by two points nationally, slightly closer than Mr Biden, data from Real Clear Polling show. But, like Mr Biden, Ms Harris appears to be trailing Trump in all six swing states. Trump has a narrower lead over the vice-president in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the blue wall swing states the Democrats need to cling to if they want to win the election. But she is far behind in battleground states Georgia, Nevada and Arizona, where Trumps lead is currently more than five per cent. In Nevada, Ms Harris trails Trump by 8.6 per cent, where polls showed Mr Biden losing by 5.2 per cent. However the polling data between Ms Harris and Trump in battleground states is limited. Meanwhile, the most recent New York Times/Siena College poll of Pennsylvania found 42 per cent viewed Ms Harris favourable, 11 per cent fewer than those who said they liked Mr Biden ahead of the 2020 election. Ms Harris is due to be officially anointed as the partys nominee tomorrow. She has already announced Tim Walz as her running mate. Political scientists said they predict a close election, similar to the outcomes of most of the elections this century. We have not seen a runaway re-election landslide like the kind that Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon had, or Lyndon Johnson had at all since 2000, Christopher Galdieri, a professor of politics at Saint Anselm College, told The Telegraph. He said that while Ms Harris wont be bogged down by Bidens age and other negative connotations, in swing states in the industrial Midwest she may not be able to win over the same coalition of voters. As a black woman, shes probably not going to appeal to the white working class voters who saw Biden as, you know, culturally in step with themselves, Mr Galdieri said. I think its not that she cant win there, but I think if she does win there, its with a coalition that looks a little bit different from the one that Biden won with in 2020, he said. 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. I had a hard time believing it was Angel Vause walking into the federal courthouse in Charleston on Monday. She was nonchalant, unassuming. If not for the judges decision to override recommendations from the defense attorney and prosecutor, she would have walked out the same way even after admitting to her role in one of the most heinous crimes in recent South Carolina history. She wore a white, brown and blue patterned print dress, just the perfect length and style for the changing of seasons. I can imagine seeing it in a glossy Target ad. There were no handcuffs, no shackles. There was no prison shuffle or escort by U.S. Marshals. The marshals in the courtroom had little to do before Vause pleaded guilty to lying about her role in the kidnapping, rape and murder of Brittanee Drexel. Vause and her live-in boyfriend Raymond Moody abducted the 17-year-old New Yorker from Ocean Boulevard while she was on spring break 15 years ago. Moody is in prison for life. Vause is facing up to 24 years. Truth be told, though, we still arent certain what precisely happened the night of April 25, 2009, Vause and Moody have told so many different stories. We know Moody raped and murdered Drexel. He led authorities to her decomposed body. The DNA matched. That we know. But he confessed in a way to protect Vause. Drexel allegedly jumped into an SUV while walking along Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach to party and smoke weed with a middle-aged couple who were strangers to her. That part of Moodys confession never made sense, still doesnt. During Mondays hearing, federal officials noted several of Drexels friends said she did not drink or do drugs during that spring break trip. Even if they hadnt said that, it always seemed far-fetched that a 17-year-old would willingly go anywhere with a strange couple more than 800 miles from home. Vauses guilty plea has forever uprooted that absurd portion of Moodys confession. In messages from prison, Moody told Vause she didnt have to worry about being prosecuted. Fortunately, he was wrong. Vause admitted to lying to federal agents during a 2011 interrogation lies that made it possible for Moody to remain free for more than a decade, and for an innocent family from McClellanville to be falsely accused of the ugly crimes Vause and Moody committed. They also said Vause left Drexel alone with Moody long enough for him to rape her and bury her body and took her phone south of the Georgetown line. Thats why her cellphone pinged off a tower in the area where the Taylor family just happened to live. That simple connection, along with previous unfounded suspicions, was enough to begin a nightmare for the Taylors thats still unfolding. Timothy Shaun Taylor and his son Timothy Dashaun Taylor were implicated and falsely accused of gangraping Drexel and trying to sell her into sex trafficking before they murdered and fed her body to alligators. That happened despite a member of a Drexel task force made up of local law enforcement and FBI agents saying the Taylors had a strong alibi. What was most telling was how Vause was treated. Prosecutors never treated the Taylors that way. Despite a lack of evidence, they were handcuffed and shackled and thrown into jail many times before Moodys confession. On Monday, prosecutors told the judge to let Vause go free until sentencing even though she had just confessed to her portion of an ungodly crime. That disparate treatment didnt go unnoticed by the Taylors, who along with Drexels family were there to watch Vause finally confess. Its the latest evidence of the two-tiered justice system, one for a convicted Level 3 sexual predator and his accomplice girlfriend, one for a family whose lives were ruined by Moody and Vause and law enforcement who refuse to offer as much as an apology. Vause having to trade her print dress for a prison jumpsuit is a bit more justice. But that journey for the Taylors and Drexels is not yet complete. Issac Bailey is a Davidson College professor and McClatchy opinion writer in North Carolina and South Carolina. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Charlotte postal worker entered a guilty plea Tuesday in a case involving the theft and resale of more than 1,400 cell phones, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced. Charlotte resident Miguel Bridges, 34, ple guilty on Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States for stealing cell phones from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and selling them for profit. Court records stated that Bridges was charged in August and that the charges were still pending. Bridges was working as a postal employee at a Charlotte distribution center where more than 1,400 cell phones were stolen from unopened packages and sold for about $400,000. The attorneys office highlighted Tuesdays plea as one of several recent cases amid a rise in mail thefts in the greater Charlotte area. Some of the other cases included fraudulent checks, bank fraud, and identity theft. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Claire Petillo, whose son died from a gunshot in 2021, spoke in front of the Arizona Capitol on Sept. 9 to call on elected officials to pass a law that would make gun owners liable for not securing their weapons. Christian's law has been named after her son, who was 15 when he was shot with an unsecured gun while spending the night at a friend's house in Gilbert on Sept. 5, 2021. The law, which has been introduced in prior legislative sessions, would allow a gun owner to receive a civil fine of $1,000 for failing to secure a firearm in a residence. "We know we can't bring Christian home, but we can help protect the next child and family from suffering from such a preventable tragedy," she said. Maya Zuckerberg, president of Arizonans for Gun Safety, at the Arizona Capitol on Sept. 9, 2024, said that her group was calling for a special session so legislators could vote on a gun safety law allowing gun owners who do not secure weapons to be fined. Christian Petillo died almost three years to the day of the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia. "Guns are now the leading cause of death for children in the United States of America," Petillo said. "In 2021, 56 Arizona children died from a gun." She was joined by Maya Zuckerberg, president of Arizonans for Gun Safety, and Sen. Denise Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe. Zuckerberg said they were calling on Gov. Katie Hobbs to hold a special session so the Legislature could vote on Christian's law. She said the state couldn't afford to wait until the next legislative session, which starts in January. "Just last week, a 12-year-old brought a gun to their school in Tucson. Thankfully, this time, no one was physically harmed, but we could very well have been grieving for children in our own community, just like those in Georgia," Zuckerberg said. Arizona doesn't have background checks, licensing requirements, extreme risk protection orders, limits on high capacity magazines, or limits on access to weapons of war and the state doesn't have safe storage requirements, she said. Extreme risk protection orders are also called red flag orders; they are temporary court orders preventing a person who may be in danger from buying or possessing firearms. Safe storage requirement laws have been established in other states, and have reduced incidents of unintentional injuries, she said. Michigan adopted a similar law earlier this year. Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, speaking at the Arizona Capitol on Sept. 9, 2024, about gun safety bills Democrats want to discuss in the Legislature. Epstein said the Democratic Caucus has bills ready. "From storing guns safely at home, especially when children are present, to allowing pediatricians to speak with families about how to store their guns," she said. Petillo said she recognized that gun rights are an emotional and divided issue in the U.S. but she believes responsible gun ownership can be achieved while not infringing on anyone's rights. The problem lies in keeping guns away from children and teens, she said. "During the recent 'Gilbert Goons' investigation, there were many videos shared over social media of these teens accessing and flaunting unsecured guns in their homes," she said. A December investigation by The Arizona Republic first tied the killing of Preston Lord, 16, to the Goons, a gang of teens whose violence went unchecked by authorities even as attacks were recorded and circulated via social media. Investigations into some beatings were set aside; others were not on the police's radar. More than two dozen arrests have been made in connection with Goons beatings since Lord was fatally attacked in Queen Creek at a Halloween party last year. "I asked you to look in the eyes of your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and any other children in your life, and then ask yourself, 'Could it happen to them?' The answer is, unfortunately, 'Yes,'" Epstein said. Reporters Elena Santa Cruz and Robert Anglen contributed. Reach the reporter at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gun safety advocates want safe storage laws, call for special session Hamas no longer exists as a military force, says Israels defence minister Yoav Gallant, Israels minister of defence, says Israel is still pursuing the Hamas leadership - ARIEL HERMONI/SHUTTERSTOCK Hamas no longer exists as an organised military force, Israels defence minister has said. Yoav Gallant claimed the terror group was now only engaged in guerilla warfare with Israel still fighting pockets of fighters and pursuing Hamas leadership. Mr Gallants claims emerged on the day the IDF said it killed three senior Hamas fighters in an airstrike on a humanitarian zone in Gaza. Gazas Hamas-run health ministry said at least 19 people were killed in the attack, which hit a tented encampment. If Hamass military force has been devastated to the extent articulated by Mr Gallant, it could potentially offer a path to a ceasefire deal. The aftermath of Israeli airstrikes on a humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Tuesday - AHMAD SALEM/BLOOMBERG Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has long championed the destruction of Hamas as one of his key objectives for the war in Gaza. Achieving that goal could offer a way out of the conflict for Mr Netanyahu that he could sell to his hawkish supporters in the Israeli government. Mr Gallant has recently joined senior figures in the IDF and Mossad in lobbying Mr Netanyahu to soften his objections to a US-led ceasefire plan. Critics have claimed Mr Netanyahu was blocking a deal that would free the remaining Oct 7 hostages so he can cling on to power. However, the perception of a major victory over Hamas could help sway his position. A poster of a Hamas fighter in Beirut - AHMAD AL-RUBAY/GETTY Mr Gallant also told foreign reporters on Tuesday that the IDF had now destroyed around 200 tunnels in the Rafah area of Gaza. He declared that Hamass brigade in the southern city had been defeated. Footage from Tuesdays airstrike on the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis showed a large crater in the ground, with rescue workers looking through the rubble for survivors. The IDF said its air force conducted a precise strike on a number of senior Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control centre. The army identified the three killed Hamas fighters as: Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, head of Hamass aerial unit in Gaza; Osama Tabesh, head of the groups observation and targets department; and Ayman Mabhouh, another senior Hamas commander. All three, the IDF said, were directly involved in the Oct 7 massacre. Israeli armoured vehicles during a raid in Tulkarem, a Palestinian city in the West Bank, on Tuesday - JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/GETTY Hamas initially issued a statement an hour after the attack, claiming 40 people had been killed but the figure was later corrected to 19 people by Gazas health ministry. The IDF said it also killed dozens of terrorists in the Rafah area, including Mahmoud Hamdan, the commander of Hamass Tel al-Sultan Brigade. Israel has been criticised for targeting humanitarian zones. The countrys military leaders have long insisted that Hamas terrorists operate from within such areas, including firing rockets at Israeli cities. The IDF says terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip continue to systematically abuse civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated humanitarian area, to carry out attacks against soldiers and Israeli territory. 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. The three Hamilton County commissioners Tuesday voted unanimously to buy a massive office building in Bond Hill where they will move hundreds of Hamilton County workers. The county will buy the Bon Secours Mercy Health building worth $95 million. The county has agreed pay $65 million, while Mercy will pay the remaining $30 million to purchase the building from the owner, the Chicago-based Bond Hill Funding Company. The county plans to move about 1,400 jobs into the Mercy Health office building. Several county departments will relocate to the Bond Hill facility, including the county's largest, Job and Family Services. Job and Family Services employs 850 employees who deal with welfare and the foster care and adoption system. Other departments moving in include Developmental Disabilities Services, Hamilton County Public Health Department, the Veterans Service Commission and the county's environmental services department. The Mercy Health office building in Bond Hill The county will still keep its headquarters in the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government in Downtown. As part of the deal, the county will sell other buildings it owns. This includes the 146-year-old Alms & Doepke building on Central Parkway that houses Hamilton County Job and Family Services. "We own and operate a large number of buildings and many of those buildings are old," said Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Aluotto. "When you have buildings approaching 140, 145-years-old, it gets difficult." On an average day, the county will have 500 to 600 employees on the Bond Hill on a daily basis. It's a different fate for the the Mercy Health building in Bond Hill from what Cincinnati officials originally envisioned for the building. Mercy Health opened the building in 2016 with the promise to the city of employing 1,250 people in the office building each year from 2019 to 2023. The organization currently employs 100 people in the Bond Hill office, according to spokeswoman Lisa Dyson. Cincinnati gave Mercy Health $36.7 million in city money and tax incentives to spur the development that then-Mayor John Cranley called "catalytic and transformative for Bond Hill. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and people began working from home. As of July 2024, Mercy had about 100 jobs located in the Bond Hill office and will completely exit the property by March 2025, Mercy Health spokeswoman Lisa Dyson told The Enquirer. Mercy Health also paid the city back $7 million in tax incentives. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What will happen with Mercy's Bond Hill property? Former US Sen. Ayotte to face former Manchester Mayor Craig in New Hampshire governor's race Republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Ayotte celebrates at her victory party after winning the GOP nomination for New Hampshire governor at Bonfire in Manchester, N.H., on Primary Day Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (David Lane/Union Leader via AP) CONCORD, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire will elect a female governor for the third time in November after former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig won their respective primaries Tuesday. The governor's office is an open seat for the first time since 2016 thanks to Republican Gov. Chris Sununu's decision against seeking a fifth two-year term. Though six candidates were competing in the Republican primary, the race largely was between Ayotte and former state Senate President Chuck Morse, while on the Democratic side, Craig had the most competition from Cinde Warmington, a member of the governor's Executive Council. New Hampshire has elected two female governors, both of whom are now in the U.S. Senate Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan. But Ayotte, who was New Hampshires first female attorney general, said she is more interested in following in Sununus footsteps. Over the last eight years under Gov. Sununus leadership, this state has been rocking it, she told supporters in Manchester. "And this election is about making sure New Hampshire remains that way. Craig served on the Manchester school board and board of aldermen before being elected as the citys first female mayor in 2017. She said leading the states largest city for three terms gives her the experience to be governor, though critics blamed her for its ongoing struggles with homelessness and crime. In remarks to supporters, Craig said she is prepared to tackle the state's housing crisis, strengthen public schools and expand access to reproductive health care. She also accused Ayotte of lying about her record. The last thing our state needs is a governor pitting people and communities against each other, Craig said. She is the most extreme threat to reproductive freedoms our state has ever seen and is too dangerous for New Hampshire. But I know that with all of your hard work and support, we will win in November and create a brighter future for our state. After five years as attorney general, Ayotte served one term in the U.S. Senate before narrowly losing her seat to Hassan in 2016. She focused much of her campaign on stoking anti-Massachusetts sentiment with her Dont Mass it up slogan, leaning less on the traditional anti-tax rhetoric and more on crime and immigration. In contrast to its first-in-the-nation presidential primary, New Hampshire is among the last states to hold state-level primary elections, leaving the winners just eight weeks to woo voters before Nov. 5. As in the governor's race, there was no incumbent running in the 2nd Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster is retiring after six terms. The seat has not been open since 2010. Former White House aide Maggie Goodlander won the Democratic primary for that seat, defeating former Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, who previously ran for governor and secretary of state and had been endorsed by Kuster. Goodlander, who is married to President Joe Bidens national security advisor, grew up in Nashua and recently moved back there from Washington. She worked in the Justice Department as a top antitrust official and as counsel to Attorney General Merrick Garland before moving to the White House chief of staffs office earlier this year. I got into this campaign to fight for our freedoms, our economic freedom, the freedom to vote and absolutely the freedom for us to have control over own bodies, Goodlander told supporters in Nashua. In Congress, I am going to approach every single day, every single vote, by asking myself a very simple question: What is this going to mean for the people of the Second District? In the Republican 2nd District primary, second-time candidate Lily Tang Williams defeated a dozen opponents to finish first this time. A native of China who became a U.S. citizen, Tang Williams calls herself the embodiment of the American Dream. A longtime GOP activist, she said she wants to go to Congress to keep that dream alive and to tackle inflation, the border crisis and the weaponization of government. I think her story is without parallel, said voter Philip Cistulli, of Concord. That and her fierceness and her commitment to upholding the Constitution and the freedoms we hold dear in this country. In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas won the Democratic primary as he seeks a fourth term, defeating Kevin Rondeau, who ran in the Republican primary two years ago before switching parties. Pappas, who considers himself a pragmatic voice in Washington, has said he expects immigration and abortion rights to be the top issues in the general election. He said the Republican primary candidates did little more than express devotion to former President Donald Trump and regurgitate anti-abortion talking points. His seat flipped five times in seven election cycles before he won his first term in 2018. Former state Sen. Russell Prescott won the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District. Prescott, who lost the same primary two years ago, defeated six other Republicans, including Joseph Kelly Levasseur, Chris Bright, Holly Noveletsky and Walter McFarlane. Prescott, an engineer who owns a company that makes water treatment systems, said he has always found new ways to solve problems, whether in his business or at the Statehouse, and would continue doing so in Washington. He touted his lengthy experience in Concord, including five terms in the state Senate and two terms on the governors Executive Council, which approves state contracts. ____ Associated Press Writer Kathy McCormack contributed to this report. Harvey Weinsteins health has declined massively recently. The news of Weinstein being hospitalized has sparked a renewed public discussion about the impact of sexual assault and the challenges faced by survivors. Many have expressed concerns about Weinsteins health and the potential implications for his ongoing legal proceedings after he was rushed to the hospital recently. Heres everything you need to know about Harvey Weinsteins recent health mishap. Why was Harvey Weinstein hospitalized? Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery after being hospitalized on Sunday evening, his legal representatives confirmed. According to the BBC, the 72-year-old Weinstein was transferred from Rikers Island jail to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. This happened after he experienced severe chest pains. While specific details about the medical procedure and his current condition remain undisclosed, his legal representatives confirmed that he has been dealing with various health issues in recent years. However, it is confirmed the Miramax co-founder had heart surgery after he was rushed to the hospital, and now he is hospitalized. Weinsteins legal troubles continue. In 2020, he was convicted of rape and sexual assault and sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, a court overturned this conviction earlier this year, citing alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Weinstein now faces the possibility of a retrial later in 2024. In addition to the New York case, Weinstein was also found guilty of rape in California and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He is currently appealing that verdict. Over 100 women have accused the producer of sexual misconduct, spanning decades. His case played a central role in igniting the #MeToo movement. Weinstein has consistently denied these allegations, claiming he is the victim of a conspiracy. Before his downfall, Weinstein was a prominent figure in the film industry, co-founding Miramax Studios. The studio produced numerous critically acclaimed films and garnered over 300 Oscar nominations and 81 wins. The allegations of sexual misconduct against Weinstein tarnished his reputation and led to his downfall. His case has raised important questions about the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, particularly in industries with power imbalances. Additionally, it has sparked discussions about the role of the legal system in addressing such crimes and ensuring justice for victims. The post What Happened to Harvey Weinstein? Health Update appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Nearly a year after Miamis historic preservation board declared part of a newly discovered prehistoric indigenous site on the Miami River in Brickell a protected archaeological landmark, its still unclear how the rich trove of artifacts and other findings unearthed from it will be safely stored or exhibited or who will pay for it. For now, the more than one million catalogued relics, many rare and remarkably well preserved, sit in boxes and plastic bags on shelves in vacant offices at the 444 Brickell building, the location of the Capital Grille steakhouse, part of a property where developer Related Group is erecting three new residential towers. Teams of archaeologists excavated the materials, which include pottery, tools, shells and animal bones, over three years. Experts say the site was a portion of a long-vanished but extensive Tequesta Indian village dating back some 3,000 years, with previous indigenous settlement possible thousands of years before that. The city required Related, which is responsible for the relics, to come up with a plan for storing, displaying and making them available to researchers in perpetuity as part of a negotiated deal that resulted in the historic designation of the 444 Brickell site in November. But the board and the citys preservation office found that the action plan filed recently by Related to meet an agreed-upon deadline is short on critical details, including how much the preservation project will cost, where the materials will be stored long-term, how they will be exhibited or used, and how scholars will be able to access and study them. An aerial view taken in September 2024 shows two residential towers under construction by Related Group on the Miami River site where archaeologists unearthed remnants of a 3,000-year-old indigenous village. Construction began after extensive archaeological excavations concluded. On Sept. 3, the board put off a scheduled hearing on the plan by a 9-0 vote and instructed Related to provide a significantly expanded version by January. The developers attorney said the company will comply. The board also scheduled a discussion on the document submitted by Related for December to outline issues and concerns for the company to address. The document suggests that Related, which initially strongly resisted legal protection for the site or mandated standards for preservation and display of the finds, has embraced the project to some significant degree. The company says it is negotiating an agreement for exhibition, holding of valuable artifacts and other measures with the HistoryMiami museum. Its architects at Miamis Arquitectonica and Enea Landscape Design, meanwhile, are looking to add display cases for materials in the lobbies of the new towers and are working in materials such as discarded shells from the Tequesta villages refuse midden into their design for a public riverwalk dedicated to the sites ancient history. The designers also incorporated elements of a riverwalk blueprints developed by grad students at the University of Miami architecture school during a studio class dedicated to the preservation project. A revised riverwalk concept, presented on Monday to the Miami River Commission, a key state-chartered advisory panel, would add several enclosed public spaces for exhibitions or displays from the find. Related, which is obligated to pay for and build the riverwalk, would also cover the cost of the additional archaeologically-inspired features, a spokesman said. A conceptual rendering depicts the entrance to proposed exhibition spaces along a planned riverwalk on the Miami River for finds from an excavation of an adjacent prehistoric indigenous village in Miamis Brickell district. Developer Related Group, which is building the Baccarat luxury condo on the site, would fund and build the exhibition spaces to open simultaneously with the tower. Relateds goal is to make the exhibits inviting and turn the site into a destination for locals and visitors, Iris Escarra, an attorney with Greenberg Traurig representing the developer, told the commission. Last week, however, city archaeologist Adrian Espinosa-Valdor told the preservation board that the 45-page plan submitted by Related, which has committed $1.3 million towards the preservation effort, doesnt say how that money will be spent and lists only what he termed hypothetical additional sources of funding for whats expected to be a costly program, such as grants, which the for-profit company cant apply for. It also lacks images or designs showing what displays, including the riverwalk features, will look like. The action plan did not describe any kind of long-term holding for these materials, Espinosa-Valdor said. It sort of reads like what their intentions are, rather than how its going to be implemented. We just dont know. Preservation board member Bob Powers, striking a skeptical note, said Related was being put on notice. Were serious on this board that it better be good, he said of the expected plan revision. Carlos Diaz, a Greenberg Traurig attorney representing Related at the hearing, replied: Weve heard you loud and clear on that. The Related document says the firm has so far spent $45 million on the excavation, documentation and cataloguing of the finds, which is required under city laws of developers working in designated archaeological zones. While it was long known that site likely contained archaeological material, experts have been surprised by the richness and mostly undisturbed state of the long-buried relics -- which include rare pieces of fishing nets, and post-holes for buildings and walkways dug in the limestone that have since been obliterated by construction of two towers now under way. Experts expect that even more material will be found once the 444 Brickell building is demolished for redevelopment, though Related has said that wont happen until 2028 at the earliest. An aerial photograph from early 2023 shows the site of an active archaeological dig, at bottom, that uncovered remnants of a prehistoric indigenous village on the Miami River, before construction of two new residential towers got under way. Archaeologists believe the village extends below the 444 Brickell Ave. office building, at center, slated for eventual demolition and redevelopment by the Related Group. The Miami Circle National Historic Landmark, a 2,500-year-old portion of the larger ancient village that has been preserved as a park, is visible at top. After the hearing, Related said in a statement that its action paper, developed in part in consultation with veteran South Florida archaeologist Bob Carr, who has led the excavation and analysis of the site under a contract with the developer, establishes a long-term plan that celebrates the history and significance of the site on the Miami River. Related reiterates its continued commitment to fund all on-site improvements and hopes our plan will serve as a model for future collaborations with other developments along Miamis iconic waterfront, the statement says. We are proud of the collaborative, forward-thinking nature of this plan and are confident it will set a new standard for responsible, historically conscious development. In a separate statement, Carr said his Archaeological and Historical Conservancy is coordinating a plan for a contemplated mile-long Tequesta Trail circuit around downtown Miami. The trail would have interpretive stations and connect the Related site to several other prominent indigenous and pioneer sites, which include the Miami Circle, a prehistoric Tequesta ceremonial site at the rivers mouth that is now a park and a National Historic Landmark. Both were part of a Tequesta village that at its peak occupied both banks of the river, experts say. Exhibits will provide a rare glimpse into Tequesta culture including artifacts, the AHC statement says. Human remains found at the site, in accordance with state law, are being reburied at a confidential location in consultation with the states principal tribal groups. Related initially sought to avoid publicity over Carrs finds, which came to light after the firm demolished the U.S. Customs building and parking lot that had long occupied the property behind the 444 Brickell building in early 2021. The firm had Carr sign a non-disclosure agreement and refused requests for interviews or access to the site. An archaeological team worked in 2023 at the site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex on the Miami River in Brickell. A three-year excavation unearthed a remarkable trove of prehistoric indigenous finds dating back as far as 7,000 years ago. But the discovery made news around the world after independent experts from University of Miami and the Florida Public Archaeological Network pushed for public accountability as they publicized details of reports filed by Carrs group at the city preservation office that described stunningly rich and extensive finds. Artifacts unearthed at the site, which experts say have significantly expanded knowledge of the Tequesta, include tools and other cultural materials from other parts of the United States, indicating that the tribe traded with other indigenous groups more extensively than previously believed. The finds also include spearheads dating back some 7,000 years, which some experts say may indicate even earlier indigenous occupation of the site, though Carr believes they were more likely found and collected by the Tequesta. Indigenous occupation dating back that far has been confirmed at other South Florida sites, including at the Deering Estate in south Miami-Dade County. The city preservation board, charged by law with overseeing archaeological sites, was unaware of the depth and extent of finds until the publication of reports in the Miami Herald and other outlets. The board then called a series of hearings that culminated in a contentious five-hour meeting in April 2023, at which an initially resistant Related and firm founder Jorge Perez agreed to a binding plan for the handling of artifacts. The deal also included designation of the 444 Brickell site as an archaeological landmark, giving the board legal authority over the plan for archaeological preservation. An aerial view taken in September 2024 shows two residential towers under construction by Related Group on the Miami River site where archaeologists unearthed remnants of a 3,000-year-old indigenous village. Construction began after extensive archaeological excavations concluded. Excavated materials are being stored at the 444 Brickell building, at left, which is slated for a third tower that wont be built until that site is also excavated starting around 2028. Because the city had already approved plans for the three towers in 2015, however, the board authority is unusually limited. The panel agreed not to designate the site of the two towers now under construction, which include the Baccarat ultra-luxury condo tower and an apartment building. The deal also provides the board sharply limited leverage over 444 Brickell, including no ability to review or require changes to building designs and plans -- a power the board would normally have on a designated historic or archaeological property. But the board could hold up necessary permits for the redevelopment until its satisfied with Relateds preservation plan. Escarra, the Related attorney, said Monday the developer will submit revisions to the building plan for the Baccarat tower, which includes the planned riverwalk, for approval of the exhibition spaces if the city preservation board greenlights its action plan. The plan would be updated once the expected dig at 444 Brickell is completed to accommodate any new finds. (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg China hawks in the US House overcame a last-ditch lobbying effort and passed legislation Monday night that would blacklist Chinese biotech companies and their US subsidiaries. The bill, approved by a vote of 306 to 81, now goes to the Senate. At stake, the bills backers argued, is whether a rival will dominate another field the US pioneered, amid fears China could engineer bioweapons or otherwise capitalize on biological data vacuumed up from the rest of the world. The legislation which passed the House Oversight Committee 40-1 in May, would affect five companies to start: BGI Group, BGI spinoffs MGI Tech Co. and MGIs US subsidiary Complete Genomics Inc., WuXi AppTec Co., and WuXi Biologics. On Tuesday, WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics said they did not pose a security risk to the US or any nation, according to filings to the Hong Kong stock exchange. BGI Group said in a statement that it strictly follows rules and laws, and has no access to Americans personal data. Shares of Wuxi Biologics pared a drop to close down 3.9% in Hong Kong, while WuXi AppTec slid 10%, the most in nearly six months. The declines also dragged other biotech shares lower. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said her nation opposed the bill, describing it in a regular press briefing in Beijing as potentially taking discriminatory measures against the nations firms. China will continue to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its own companies, she added. Dubbed the Biosecure Act, the measure is the latest power flex by lawmakers who have already succeeded this year in requiring Chinese-based parent company Bytedance Ltd. to divest from TikTok or face a US ban on the popular social media site. Bloomberg Intelligence gives the biosecurity bill a 70% chance of becoming law given strong support in both the House and the Senate. Numerous other bills targeting China are set for votes this week, including legislation targeting the Chinese supply chains for electric vehicles as well as other industries. The companies, whose stocks have fallen this year amid the blacklisting effort, have argued they arent a national security threat and are focused on health innovation. Complete Genomics has said the bill would bolster the already dominant market share of US rival Illumina Inc., and said it sells DNA sequencing machines but does not collect or access genetic data, which is controlled by their clients. Complete Genomics expressed disappointment after the vote and that the legislation would inhibit research and wouldnt protect data. Story continues A prominent House Democrat, Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, tried to persuade colleagues to sink the bill, sending a letter arguing that it selects companies to punish with no clear standard and should be reworked. In the United States of America, Congress does not just pick companies to punish at random with no clear criteria or due process, wrote McGovern, who also opposed the TikTok measure. He pointed out that his own work against the Chinese regime led Beijing to sanction him last month. While McGoverns concerns were ignored by most of the House, he did win over Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a fellow Democrat who had backed the measure in committee. Raskin said he had been assured his concerns about how the bill was drafted would be addressed before it reached the floor, but said they werent. Like McGovern, he said the underlying issue was that Congress shouldnt be targeting individual companies, and instead ought to set rules and task agencies with enforcing them. We should be setting forth the law, not implementing the law, said Raskin, a constitutional law professor. Complete Genomics announced in May its opening a lab in Massachusetts high-tech corridor, near McGoverns district. And China-based WuXi Biologics announced in January it is expanding a facility in his district, which is expected to add 200 new jobs. McGovern said on the House floor Monday he would be prepared to shut down companies, even the one in his district, if there was evidence of bad behavior. This is how they do things in China. The PRC officials decide they dont like you so they blackball you, he said of the legislation. Representative Brad Wenstrup, an Ohio Republican and the bills primary sponsor, said the companies were named because they are aligned with the Chinese Communist Party, which is intent on dominating the biotech industry, and said millions of Americans data is potentially at risk. After the vote, Speaker Mike Johnsons office said in a statement that he is not stopping here and is committed to advancing further China-related legislation on investments and other predatory practices. The legislation also has implications for the global pharmaceutical industry, as much of the worlds drug supply chain includes active ingredients produced by Chinese biotechnology companies. Companies and researchers that receive US funding could continue using the Chinese companies products, like Complete Genomics DNA sequencing machines, until 2032 under existing contracts via a grandfather clause. Efforts to prevent the measure from becoming law now move to the slower-moving Senate, where any member can complicate passage for the majority. Rand Paul, a libertarian-minded Kentucky Republican who was the sole vote against a Senate version of the biosecurity bill in committee, told Bloomberg in July hed block quick passage of the legislation. I think its a mistake to let hysteria over China stop international trade, he said, warning that trade isolationism could lead to war. But Pauls opposition may not be enough to sink the bill entirely. Senators are discussing adding the legislation to the chambers annual defense policy bill. --With assistance from Alfred Liu, Maria Paula Mijares Torres and Catherine Ngai. (Updates with response from Chinas Foreign Ministry and closing market prices.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. EXCLUSIVE: HarperCollins imprint William Morrow has snapped up North American publishing rights to a new memoir from Jay Stratton, former Director of the U.S Governments secretive UFO program, the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, who led investigations into UAP and non-human intelligence for 16 years. Also greatly enthused about this timely title is producer Dan Farah of Farah Films (Ready Player One), which has the rights to produce any television or film adaptation. More from Deadline During his time working as a senior intelligence official, Stratton led countless investigations of UAP and non-human intelligence, including the now famous Tic Tac UAP encountered by Navy fighter pilots and the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in 2004. While much of his work is classified, the memoir promises to reveal all that can be lawfully disclosed, providing a first-hand account of the shocking discoveries, challenges, and breakthroughs that have marked the U.S Governments investigation and understanding of UAP and non-human intelligence, as well as the profound effects on Stratton and his family. Said Stratton, We are at the beginning of a new chapter for humanity. The process of disclosure is complex but it has begun. Strattons memoir comes on the heels of the U.S Senates bi-partisan UAP Disclosure Act, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fl), and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), which proposes laws that would bring about public disclosure on what the U.S Government knows about UAP and non-human intelligence. Senator Schumer has said that the American public has a right to learn about technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence, and unexplainable phenomena. Stratton is the most senior former U.S Government official to go public about their direct involvement in the investigation of UAP and non-human intelligence. Hes dedicated more time to UAP-related issues than any other government official, actively shaping and directing U.S. policy and investigation in this complex field. At the time of his retirement, he was the civilian equivalent rank of a 2 star General or Admiral, a level reached by less than 1% of all federal employees. He served the U.S. for over 32 years, both on the battlefield and as a senior member of the National Intelligence Community, actively contributing to the U.S Presidents Daily Briefing on national security. Specializing in conventional and emerging/disruptive air and space technologies, Strattons service included eight deployments, with multiple in Iraq and Afghanistan, and time spent in the Army, Air Force, Naval Intelligence, and the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he was Chief of Air & Space Warfare in the Defense Warning Office. It was while serving as the Chief of Air & Space Warfare at the DIA that Stratton and his colleagues learned about the existence of UAP and related national security concerns. In response, they created the Advanced Aerospace Weapons Systems Applications Program, the first official U.S Government program to investigate UAP since the closure of the Air Forces Project Blue Book in 1969. AAWSAP was sponsored by then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and grew into AATIP, the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program. AATIP has been succeeded by a much larger and unprecedented whole-of-government inter-agency program to investigate UAP called the UAP Task Force, which Stratton covertly built for two years at the request of the Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense. When forming the UAP Task Force, Stratton hand-picked members from every agency within the intelligence community and each branch of the military. Amongst Strattons hand-picked team members was whistleblower David Grusch, who testified under oath to Congress last year about technological and biological evidence of non-human intelligence. The Secretary of Defense announced the UAP Task Force in 2020, naming Stratton the programs Director. Manager-producer Farah of Farah Films is known for his work on Steven Spielbergs Ready Player One, MTVs The Shannara Chronicles, and James Foxs much-discussed documentary The Phenomenon, an in-depth primer on the subject of unidentified aerial phenomenon. Among his upcoming projects in the same vein is the series Sekret Machines, based on the sci-fi thriller novels from A.J. Hartley and Tom DeLonge, which is in development at Legendary, as we were first to report. Also in the works is Armada, a feature adaptation of management client Ernest Clines New York Times bestseller for Universal Pictures. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Vice President Harriss campaign is planning to bring ex-officials from former President Trumps White House as surrogates to the debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Anthony Scaramucci, ex-White House communications director, and Olivia Troye, ex-national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, will join the Harris campaign, according to an official. They will speak out against Trump and for Harris ahead of tonights debate at a press availability, the official said. [A]s Americans prepare to tune in for tonights debate, these former Trump staffers are warning that a second Donald Trump presidency would be far more dangerous and extreme than the first, communications director Michael Tyler said. Scaramucci is an outspoken critic of his former boss, warning last month that Trump is coming to grips with not recapturing the White House, and growing darker as a result. He had a tumultuous and short-lived stint in the Trump administration, where he was often combative with reporters. Troye spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and was part of the launch o Republicans for Harris that included more than 25 GOP endorsements. Since then, former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) both said he would support Harris in November. The Harris campaign on Monday released an ad to run on Fox News and in Trumps hometown of West Palm Beach, Fla., as well as in Philadelphia, featuring ex-officials warning against Trump. The ad included quotes from Pence and former national security adviser John Bolton. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Vice President Harris edged former President Trump by 3 points in North Carolina in a survey released Tuesday, marking the latest gain for the vice president in the critical battleground state. The from WRAL/Survey USA poll shows Harris leading Trump with 49 percent support to his 46 percent, while 5 percent said they were undecided. Less than 1 percent say they plan to choose a different candidate. Pollsters noted President Bidens exit from the presidential race may have been a key factor in Harriss new lead. Before he withdrew from the race, Biden fell 1 point behind Trump 44 percent to 45 percent while 2 percent were considering a third-party candidate and 8 percent were undecided, per the survey. It follows a series of polls showing Harris making gains in the Tar Heel State amid a surge in support following her entrance into the race in July. Surveys from other critical swing states also show a very close race between the two party nominees. The nonpartisan group Cook Political Report shifted North Carolinas presidential race from lean Republican to toss up last month in the wake of the vice presidents boost in support in the state. Sabatos Crystal Ball, a leading election forecaster, said it also moved North Carolina from a leans Republican column to a toss-up but said it was skeptical the Tar Heel State could turn blue for Harris. Biden notably did not win North Carolina against Trump in 2020. Tuesdays survey also found Harris ahead of Trump when it comes to favorability ratings. The vice president was seen favorably by 50 percent of likely voters and unfavorably by 46 percent, pollsters found. Meanwhile, 44 percent of likely voters saw Trump as favorable and 53 percent view him unfavorably. Harris led the former president by 9 points among female voters, while Trump edged the Democratic nominee out by 3 points among men. The gender gap between the two major party candidates has shifted since Harriss entrance into the race, WRAL reported. In March, Trump led Biden by 14 points among men, while Biden led the former president by 4 points among women, the outlet said. While Harris may be making gains among women, recent polling shows she may be losing men by a bigger margin in key swing states. The survey comes ahead of Tuesday nights presidential debate, during which Harris and the GOP nominee will square off for the first, and possibly only, showdown before the November election. A polling index by The Hill/Decision Desk HQ shows Harris with a 3.2 percent lead over the former president nationally, 49.4 percent to 48.2 percent. The SurveyUSA poll was conducted Sept. 4-7 among 900 North Carolina adults, including 771 registered voters. The poll reported a credibility interval of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, was questioned by the American Civil Liberties Union five years ago - Jim Watson/Getty Images Click here to view this content. Kamala Harris has previously said she would support offering taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries to prisoners. In a 2019 American Civil Liberties Union questionnaire, the then-California senator backed a raft of liberal policies including immigration detention and decriminalising federal drug possession. The survey, which was sent to all Democratic and Republican candidates during the 2020 campaign, has resurfaced at an awkward time for Ms Harris who has been attempting to shake off attacks from Donald Trump who has named her comrade Kamala. The five-year-old questionnaire, which was discovered by CNN, will provide extra fodder for Trump, 78, to attack Ms Harris during Tuesdays presidential debate in Philadelphia. One of the questions put to Ms Harris in 2019 was whether as president she would ensure transgender and nonbinary people who rely on state medical care including those in prison and immigration detention would have access to gender transition surgery. Mr Harris answered yes before adding: It is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need, which includes access to treatment associated with gender transition. Click here to view this content. The Democratic presidential nominee, 59, also said as California attorney general that she had pushed to provide gender transition surgery to state inmates. I support policies ensuring that federal prisoners and detainees are able to obtain medically necessary care for gender transition, including surgical care, while incarcerated or detained, she wrote, adding: Transition treatment is a medical necessity, and I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment. During a town hall event in April 2019 Ms Harris suggested she supports adding a third gender to federal identification cards. I have my entire life and career been an ally and I see the issue of LGBTQ rights as a fundamental civil rights and human rights issue, period, Ms Harris said. Ms Harris has tried to shake off her previous Left-wing comments, such as pledging support for a ban on fracking, and tried to position herself towards the centre as she campaigns for the top job. Other claims Ms Harris made in the 2019 questionnaire include her promising to legalise marijuana and reform sentencing laws to help end the era of mass incarceration. She added she would end private prisons and immigrant detention facilities and claimed the immigrant detention system is out of control. Ms Harris also vowed to use her clemency and pardon power on a broader basis than has been done in the past to overturn the convictions of people incarcerated for non-violent drug offences. While Ms Harris has said that her positions on certain issues have shifted over the years, she insisted during a CNN interview last month: My values have not changed. A Harris campaign adviser told CNN: The vice-presidents positions have been shaped by three years of effective governance as part of the Biden-Harris administration. As president, [Ms Harris] will take that same pragmatic approach, focusing on common sense solutions for the sake of progress, added a Harris campaign spokesman. 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. Democrats might be forgiven for experiencing a slight touch of PTSD as they watch Kamala Harris soaring and sudden ascent to the partys presidential nomination seem to stall. The scene could be seen as reminiscent of Harris 2020 primary campaign, where she entered the race to great fanfare and, at one point, surged in the polls before ultimately crashing out before the first votes were even cast. However, there are many ways this race is already a much different one for Harris. I chronicled Harris ill-fated 2020 bid and her rocky early years as vice president along with Luppe B. Luppen in our book, The Truce, which came out in January. While our reporting clearly captured struggles, it also showed early signs that she was beginning to hit her stride. That has continued to be evident in a race that features more favorable dynamics for her, both on the national stage and behind the scenes. When Harris kicked off her first campaign for president, she waded into a Democratic primary field that was largely still defined by the progressive-versus-centrist split that emerged in the bitter 2016 race. Those battle lines thrust a spotlight on Harris initial support for Medicare For All and subsequent retreat from that policy. The divide in the party also fueled attacks on Harris from activists on the left who pointed to her record as a prosecutor, dubbing her a cop. Four years and change later, as Ive covered here at TPM and in the Truce, President Joe Biden and Harris have worked extensively to build a bridge to the left wing of their party from the White House. In the months since Biden abandoned his own re-election bid, Harris has made a focus on the middle class a core part of her campaign. Harris selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate also helped shore up her support among progressives. And perhaps the greatest asset Harris and the Democrats have had in promoting party unity is their omnipresent opponent, former President Donald Trump, who has, among other things, promised a wave of bloody mass deportations and suggested he would jail political rivals if he regains power. While Harris might face critiques from the left in a primary setting, she is unquestionably more progressive than Trump on the basic level of preserving democratic order and on key policy issues including eliminating tax breaks for the rich, support for labor unions, and the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trumps own legal issues, many of which stem from his effort to stay in power after losing the 2020 race, have allowed Harris to cast her experience as a prosecutor in a new light. In her keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention last month, Harris highlighted her decades in law enforcement while she framed Trump as a would-be autocrat who is eager to be immune from criminal prosecution. The speech, fine-tuned for the grim reality of the 2024 campaign, was in many ways a throwback to the messaging Harris used earlier in her career as she rose from San Francisco District Attorney to one of Californias U.S. Senate seats. Twenty thousand people turned out to see Kamala Harris launch her presidential campaign in front of Oakland City Hall on January 27, 2019. (Photo by Mason Trinca/Getty Images) Harris leaning on her prosecutorial bonafides isnt the only element of her current campaign that hearkens back to the strategies that worked for her in the past. On the campaign trail, Harris has blended populism and a type of centrism that sees her getting behind moderated versions of the lefts policy priorities. Rather than supporting Medicare For All, she has talked about expanding the Affordable Care Act and taking measures to lower the cost of prescription drugs. She has called for cutting taxes for the middle class and raising them for billionaires while proposing more modest increases to the capital gains tax for investors than Biden and other Democrats. Similar efforts to simultaneously appeal to progressives and the center have been a hallmark of Harris style. In her own memoirs and on campaign web pages for her prosecutorial races, Harris cast herself as a progressive prosecutor but also as someone who wanted to move beyond the false choice of being tough or weak on crime to instead be smart on crime. For our book, we spoke to a longtime Harris adviser who noted she has always rejected the binary branding. Most of the conversations throughout the years with her have never really focused on progressive or moderate, that adviser said when asked how Harris viewed her agenda. Instead, the adviser told us Harris tends to take a more pragmatic view and that, rather than ideology, she focuses on values and broader policy goals. Shell often say in a briefing with her team, What is the value statement we are all in agreement about? the adviser continued, paraphrasing Harris. And its an exercise for all of us to be like, Okay, we believe there should be economic security for families. Then working backwards from that, you can build in different policies. That approach is clearly echoed in the focus on an opportunity economy where everyone has the chance to compete and a chance to succeed that Harris has made the centerpiece of her current campaign. A former aide who worked for Harris in the vice presidents office observed that these strategies, drawn from earlier in her career, are better suited to the 2024 general election than they were to the 2020 Democratic primary both because of the ways in which the political moment has shifted, and the inherent difference between primaries and general elections. When your audience is the entire country, from red states to blue states to purple states, her message resonates, said the aide, who requested anonymity to discuss the campaign. Sometimes, because of how the Democratic Party has moved over time being a prosecutor isnt always seen as being a positive thing in certain circles. And while the former aide said it is clear that Trump is a unifying figure for Democrats who offers a clear contrast with Harris, this person noted that that fact alone hasnt always been enough to defeat him in the past. It didnt work in 16, the former Harris aide said, adding, Its not just Trump. Rather, the aide suggested Harris background as a prosecutor and her attempts to transcend political divides make her uniquely suited for this race both with Democrats and more independent voters. She is this perfect storm in this moment in terms of her experience, her record, and her message, the former aide said. The national conversation isnt the only way the current presidential campaign seems more favorable for Harris than the last one. Her unique path to the Democratic nomination allowed her to avoid internecine policy debates. It also helped sidestep the toxic narratives and hand-wringing about electability that have dogged other women and people of color as they seek office. There have also been key changes behind the scenes that have given Harris a smoother path. Harris 2020 bid was plagued by organizational issues. In our book, we reported on how ex-Harris aides said her team was effectively splintered between consultants allied with Bearstar, a political strategy firm that was essential to her rise in California, and her sister, Maya Harris, who served as the campaigns chairperson. Leaks about the dysfunction and discord spilled into the headlines. Even after Biden and Harris won, she continued to face staff turnover and turmoil. The turbulence fueled doubts about Harris from within Bidens West Wing. As we reported in our book, one senior Biden White House aide dismissed Harris as not ready for prime time. She aint made for this, the senior White House aide said. As with her prior campaign, the atmosphere led to leaks including from Harris aides and allies who felt Biden and his team shouldered some of the blame for her public image. As a key item in her portfolio, Harris was given the politically fraught task of addressing the migrant surge from Central America. Apart from that assignment, which has fueled inaccurate and oversimplified attacks from Trump that she was Bidens border czar, many in Harris circle felt she was sidelined. According to multiple sources close to Harris, during her first years as vice president, friends and allies encouraged her to build out her own team. One source, who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters, dubbed it a break glass in case of emergency operation. Harris ultimately emerged as a key voice pressing Biden and the Democrats to make reproductive rights an essential element of their case to voters following the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. I think that issue was completely underestimated, the former Harris aide told TPM. Everywhere abortion was on the ballot, abortion rights won and she deserves a lot of credit for that. She deserves a lot of credit for rallying the party, getting people to the polls, carving such a powerful message on it framing it as an issue of freedom. That strategy was a key driver in the partys surprising success in the 2022 midterm races, and reproductive rights are now a central element of Harris presidential campaign. And, while the former Harris aide argued reports of tensions between her and Biden were exaggerated, this person said her leadership on the abortion issue helped build trust between them. I dont think it was nearly as bad as the reporting, the former Harris aide said of the vice presidents relationship with Biden, adding, Everything definitely improved as time went on and, I think, especially when she started leading on Roe. In my experience, just like it wasnt the drama that people would describe. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris introduces U.S. President Joe Biden during a campaign rally at Girard College on May 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) There is other evidence of Harris and her political operation beginning to hit its stride. One high-level Democratic Party source who spoke to TPM pointed to Harris handling of the delicate moments when Biden was being pressured to leave the race as evidence of agility that had many prior doubters excited. Harris and her team also deftly coalesced the party behind her during what became a rapidfire nomination process. And, since grabbing the reins of Bidens campaign, Harris has integrated new voices like her longtime adviser Rohini Kosoglu and her brother-in-law Tony West with the existing infrastructure in a way that has avoided the split power centers and drama of her last campaign. Kosoglu, West, and the Harris campaign did not respond to requests for comment on this story. The former Harris aide said the vice president found success by choosing to supplement people at the top level rather than doing a more wholesale restructuring of the campaign. It was smart for her to not start from square one, to absorb the Biden infrastructure, because it was a good team that had been working really hard for a long time. If she came in and there were mass layoffs happening, which happens on campaigns all the time, I think it wouldve been much more difficult, the former Harris aide said. While Harris may have overcome some doubters within the West Wing, her prior stumbles have fueled questions about her campaign from the pundit class. That analysis seems out of touch in a race where both the political climate and staff dynamics all look far better for Harris. That doesnt mean beating Trump will be easy. Though Harris positioning has improved, there are signs in recent polls that the heady early momentum she enjoyed since taking over from Biden has slowed. Harris race against Trump is clearly an excruciatingly tight one. After the shocking replacement on the Democratic ticket, the race between Harris and Trump is now beginning in earnest with a short sprint to the finish line that will likely be defined by a few key events including tonights debate. Still, in July, people at various levels of the party were staring at numbers that convinced them Biden whose age in particular was a crippling liability had no chance to win against Trump. One Democrat working for a pro-Harris PAC, who requested anonymity to candidly discuss the race, described the vice presidents early momentum as something of an illusion. For this Democrat operative, it isnt a question of Harris surging or stalling so much as the race starting anew without Biden and his baggage. The gains she made werent really gains, the Harris backer said. They were just level-setting of where we should have been anyway if it was anybody but Biden. That view is echoed by other Democrats who have spoken to TPM in recent days. Essentially, Harris may be in a better position than ever before, but a close race to the finish has begun. It was always going to be tight, the Harris backer said. All of the excitement and momentum made it feel a certain way, but when you get down to it, of course its going to be tight. Kamala Harris put Donald Trump on the defensive in a fiery televised debate Tuesday, getting under her rival's skin as they battled for a breakthrough in an agonizingly close US presidential election. In a performance that earned her the endorsement of pop superstar Taylor Swift, the Democrat baited the "extreme" Republican into angry responses on issues ranging from abortion to democracy and foreign policy. The 59-year-old US vice president managed to knock former president Trump off his game in their first and only scheduled showdown, which featured a series of bitter personal attacks on both sides. Trump said afterwards that the ABC News-hosted clash in Philadelphia was his "best debate" but snap polls and commentators said Harris had won, with her campaign quickly challenging him to a second debate in October. With less than two months until election day, Harris was under pressure to deliver in front of an audience of tens of millions after her sudden rise to the top of the Democratic ticket in place of US President Joe Biden. She started on the front foot by surprising Trump by approaching him to shake his hand before they took to their lecterns -- and then kept the upper hand. Trump repeatedly raised his voice as he hit back at the vice president on immigration and the economy, branding her a "Marxist" and blaming her for what he said were the failings of President Joe Biden's administration. Harris responded by looking on in amusement before declaring that she represents a fresh start after the "mess" of the Trump presidency -- and saying: "We're not going back." - 'Bunch of lies' - One of their most intense exchanges was on abortion. Trump insisted that while having pushed for the end of the federal right to abortion, he wanted individual states to make their own policy. Harris said he was telling a "bunch of lies" and called his policies "insulting to the women of America." Another jarring clash came as Trump doubled down on his unprecedented refusal to accept losing to Biden in the 2020 election, before trying to overturn the result. Harris responded by mocking his catchphrase as a reality TV star, saying that Trump had been "fired by 81 million people" and calling him a threat to democracy. The former prosecutor pointed out that Trump is a convicted felon, called him "extreme" and said it is "a tragedy" that throughout his career he had used "race to divide the American people." The rivals also clashed on foreign policy, with Harris telling Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin would "eat you for lunch" when it came to the war in Ukraine and that world leaders were "laughing" at him. Trump shot back by accusing Harris of being weak on the war in Gaza, saying she "hated Israel". But Harris, who spent five days intensively preparing for the debate, repeatedly managed to needle Trump into finger-jabbing insults and meandering invective. She elicited an angry response when mocked the size of his trademark rallies, one of his favorite topics, saying that attendees were leaving early out of "exhaustion and boredom." - Swift endorsement - Trump repeatedly attacked Harris on migration, but she also managed to make him lose his cool on what should have been a winning topic. He ended up talking at length about a debunked conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants have been eating local people's pet cats and dogs in Ohio -- before being corrected by the moderator that authorities have said this didn't happen. Biden said the Harris-Trump debate "wasn't even close", in a post on X. The last presidential debate in June had resulted in a crushing victory for Trump, after Biden delivered a catastrophic performance that ended up dooming his reelection campaign. A CNN snap poll after the debate said Harris performed better than Trump by 63 percent to 37 percent of registered voters. In a sign Trump realized things had not gone as well as he hoped, the former president made an unusual appearance in the debate "spin room" afterwards to speak to journalists. Pop megastar Taylor Swift broke her silence on US politics minutes after the debate, backing Harris as president and praising her as a "steady-handed, gifted leader." Her message on Instagram -- which received 5.3 million likes in a few hours -- was signed off "childless cat lady" in a jibe at an insult Trump's running mate J.D. Vance directed at Democrat-supporting women. dk/ssy Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, will debate Sept. 10 in Philadelphia. (Getty Images) Bill Murray once said, Its hard to win an argument with a smart person. Its damn near impossible to win one with a stupid person. For the objective viewer, whoever that is, I expect Tuesday nights debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to feel like this. Afterward, those tuning in to root for their chosen candidate will likely declare victory. Harris supporters know her and will likely not be surprised by the things she says or the demeanor she displays. Even if she stumbles a little or fails to land the knockout punches Democrats are hoping for, it is unlikely she will lose anyone already on the Harris for President campaign train. Oh, and she will make her case with the facts. That should matter, plenty, but well just have to wait and see about that. The contrast Tuesday nights argument will display most distinctly will be exactly that: fact versus fiction. Trump will likely try to make his case with hopes of exposing some damaging weakness in Harris. Can he make her seem weak? Can he make her seem unintelligent? Whether hes having one of his high energy days or another one of the growing number of low ones, its unlikely he will make her anything at all. Most of all though, this debate will be between two people so different in sharpness, age and ability, they wont appear to be even speaking the same language. Beach daydreams My wife took me to the beach this weekend to celebrate my birthday. On Saturday, an average size boat approached the area where we were camped and dropped its anchor. It had two oversized flags flying from the back of it. One was an old, faded U.S. Marines flag, and the other was a Trump 2024 flag, that looked fresh out of the box. I couldnt help wondering what he paid for that one, and how many other versions he had previously bought. I go to the beach to daydream, so after I cycled through the economics of buying the junk his candidate peddles so shamelessly, I started focusing on the old flag. To listen to a podcast version of this column, go here. What does this Marine think about Trumps Arlington National Cemetery incident? Is the boater OK with the former president staging a campaign ad in a sacred American place that specifically prohibits it? In my daydream, this man lives most of his life like a Marine. He rises early in the morning, keeps his boat clean and ready to launch, and commits himself and those around him to truth, justice and accountability. Except for that obvious, glaring blind spot. This boater is among many Trump supporters who have also abandoned their otherwise clear personal values to support someone who displays none of them. He is not persuadable. Harriss task on Tuesday night is not to make Trump look bad. Her task is to display the qualities most Americans believe are required for a president. She wont have any senior moments. Trump will. The question is, who will notice? Trump examples Just in the last two weeks, Trump has suggested a list of things that only an unserious candidate would. A sampling: And of course, the greatest recent display of Trumps diminished capacity and lack of ability to understand the job he wants, comes from the childcare is childcare gibberish he spewed last week at the Economic Club of New York. Reshma Saujani was on the panel that day, and asked Trump a simple question about legislation he would support to deal with this everyday challenge for Americans. His now infamous lack of understanding of even the problem, led Saujani to appear on CNN to say that she believes his answer established his lack of fitness for the job. More of this type of cringe-worthy nonsense should be expected at the debate from Trump, but what will Harris do with all of it? And is there any such thing as The Big Mistake for Trump anymore? The debate is set for 90 minutes. That is a long time for a misogynistic racist to argue with a black woman without those character flaws shining through. Harris only needs to show the majority of America that their enthusiasm for her candidacy is justified. She can do that. No matter what Trump says or does, she can do that. And to the flag-flying man on the boat, as Bill Murray said, persuading you is near impossible. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Harris Trump debate: What is a tariff and who pays them? The first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is set for Tuesday night at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. As the two face off for a 90-minute exchange on policies and initiatives, one of the topics likely to come up is tariffs. In the only meeting between Trump and President Joe Biden before he pulled out of the race, tariffs came up early in the debate. Harris has said Trump-imposed tariffs could cost Americans thousands of dollars a year. Trump last month pitched 20 percent tariffs to punish foreign countries for ripping us off. But what are tariffs? What are tariffs and who pays them? Simply put, tariffs are taxes on merchandise shipped to the U.S. from other countries. The point is to make things like cars, electronics, clothes and many more products more expensive for overseas manufacturers to ship here so that American-made products are more competitive. The tariffs are paid by the importers, but those costs are typically spread out and applied to the cost of each product, making them more expensive for people. Tariffs figure to be a talking point at the debate Tuesday night between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Trump has long advocated for tariffs, particularly during his presidency, arguing that they protect American jobs by cutting our reliance on foreign products, particularly from China. Harris, however, is more cautious about tariffs, focusing instead on the impact they have on everyday consumers who will need to pay more for the things they use. She also argues that tariffs can lead to trade wars where other countries impose tariffs on the products we ship to them. Are tariffs taxes? Tariffs are not like income or sales taxes. Instead, they are levies additional fees placed on products brought into the country by importers. Those importers, often U.S.-based companies, pay the tariff and typically pass the expense down the line to the consumer through higher prices. While tariffs are technically considered taxes since they are fees imposed by the government the debate over who really pays them can influence how people view them. Some think the foreign companies that make the goods pay the tariffs, but the fees are paid by the importers who bring the products into the country. So even though it doesnt feel like a direct tax because its not added on to an individual purchase, buyers are the ones covering the extra cost in the price of the item. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Trump, Harris could debate tariffs; what are they and who pays them? Harris and Trump Face Off in Crucial Presidential Debate: What to Watch (Bloomberg) -- Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will face off Tuesday night in Philadelphia for their first and potentially only debate before the November election, a high-stakes opportunity with the potential to further upend an already tumultuous race. Most Read from Bloomberg The debate, set in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, is a crucial test for the vice president and former president. Harris, a former prosecutor who hasnt debated in years, has yet to fully detail her agenda and vision. Trump, a convicted felon, has struggled to define his new opponent after President Joe Biden dropped out and faces the reality that his age, 78, is a big liability. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Daybreak podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. Harris, 59, has enjoyed a surge in momentum and fundraising since replacing Biden at the top of the ticket, but polls show the race is close. Expect the two candidates to spar over the economy, border security and abortion access as they strive to win over undecided voters and energize their supporters. Heres what to know: How do you watch the debate? The 90-minute forum will kick off at 9 p.m. New York time and can be viewed on host network ABC News. The debate will also stream on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. Other broadcast networks, including Bloomberg Television, will simulcast the event. ABC journalists David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate. Who qualified for the debate? Harris and Trump were the only candidates to meet ABCs requirements: Getting support from at least 15% of registered or likely voters in four national polls and appearing on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold for victory. What are the rules of the debate? There will be no live studio audience. Microphones will be turned on only for the candidate whose turn it is to speak, according to the network, ending weeks of disagreement between the two campaigns. Its a win for the Trump team, who had advocated for the muted microphones while Harris, in a reversal for Democrats, pushed for them to remain live to better capture Trump's interjections. Harris and Trump must stay behind their podiums. Harris picked the right one and Trump will be on the left. Pre-written notes are not allowed on stage, but they will have pens, paper and water. They wont be able to consult with their staff during the events two commercial breaks. There will be no opening remarks from either candidate, and Trump will have the last closing statement as determined by a coin flip that he won. What do Harris and Trump have at stake? Perhaps no election cycle in recent memory has been shaped by a presidential debate more than this one, after Bidens poor performance against Trump in their June showdown crystallized concerns over his age and acuity and threw his final campaign into crisis. The challenge for Harris, who has largely been untested as a presidential candidate in unscripted settings, is to introduce herself to those unfamiliar with her biography as well as dodge criticism of the current administration. Trump has been chastised by both allies and critics for attacks on the vice presidents intelligence, gender and racial identity that could alienate key voters. Polls show a tight race, with Harris leading or tied with the former president in seven swing states, according to a recent Bloomberg News/Morning Consult survey of voters. Nationally, Harris maintains a slim lead over her rival, according to a RealClearPolitics average. What will Harris and Trump say about the economy? The two candidates dueling tax plans will get a prime-time airing. Harris has proposed a ten-fold increase in the small business tax deduction for startup costs and called for a 28% capital gains tax rate on people earning $1 million or more. She has also unveiled measures aimed at providing $25,000 down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and curbing the cost of rent and groceries. Trump is promising tax cuts for corporations, individuals and retirees, and last week pledged to reduce the corporate tax rate to 15%, slash regulations and audit the federal government. Both he and Harris have said theyd support eliminating taxes on tips, while Harris has also vowed to end subminimum wages for tipped workers. Trumps proposals for targeted tax cuts are resonating with voters in battleground states, but Harris is closing the gap with Trump on tax issues and the broader economy, according to the Bloomberg poll. What will Trump and Harris say about abortion and immigration? Harris has previously highlighted Trumps appointment of conservative justices to the Supreme Court who overturned federal abortion protections, an issue that has been key to Democratic wins in recent elections. Trump has struggled to land on pledges on reproductive rights that dont antagonize important blocs of the Republican Party yet still appeal to voters. The former president will likely go on offense on border security and crime and frame Harris as responsible for the current administrations immigration policies, citing the role she was given as vice president to address the root causes of migration to the US from three countries in Central America. Harris has said she supported the bipartisan immigration bill, scuttled by Trumps pressure over congressional Republicans, which would have funded more construction of the wall at the US-Mexico border. Will there be future debates? Trump last month proposed two additional debates. Harris campaign staffers said they would negotiate an additional forum if Trump shows up to the first one. Harris running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Trumps pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance, are set to face off Oct. 1 in New York City.Sign up for the Washington Edition newsletter to find out how the worlds of money and politics intersect in the US capital. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Harris and Trump face off in debate WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will go head-to-head for the first time Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The Trump campaign believes this debate is more important for Vice President Kamala Harris than for former president Donald Trump. It may be their only shot to talk about their different visions for the country, its the only debate scheduled. The National Constitution Center, in Philadelphia, will host the key debate between the former president and current vice president as they battle to lead the nation formed in the city of brotherly love. What the American public is going to see is a stark contrast in two candidates, said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.). Trump will try to paint Harris as a San Francisco liberal and talk about her record as district attorney, according to a senior member of the Trump campaign. Trump will try to get Harris to explain why she hasnt made the changes she wants already, as vice president. We cannot afford four more years of failure and weakness under Kamala Harris, said Rep. Elise Stefanik. According to the Harris campaign, the vice president will try to look toward the future while highlighting Trumps inconsistencies around abortion. Shell argue Trump is unstable and unfit to be president echoing other Democrats. Donald Trump talked about Hannibal Lector. So thats the choice we have in front of us, said Rep. Ted Lieu. Nebraska representative Don Bacon says Trump needs to do just one thing. Be respectful, and if he does that hell win, said Bacon. There is no audience, and the candidates are not allowed to have notes during the 90-minute debate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. US private-equity firm L Catterton has acquired a majority stake in Chinese-owned bath and body care company Stenders in a rare transaction amid a consumption decline and lacklustre foreign investment in mainland China. The acquisition through L Catterton's Asia fund platform marks the consumer sector-focused firm's fourth investment in China in the past 12 months, with deployment totalling US$200 million. The firm said it was able to identify companies with "favourable risk and reward profiles" despite the challenges in the world's second-largest economy. "Bleak headline numbers about China's consumer sector oversimplify the story and do not show the whole picture," said Scott Chen, Asia managing partner at L Catterton. "We believe the present is a good time for us to lean in. 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. "Challenging times like this can also reveal which companies have truly differentiated offerings, strong brands and loyal customers." Backed by luxury-goods conglomerate LVMH, L Catterton has US$34 billion of assets under management and counts footwear brand Birkenstock and restaurant chain Crystal Jade in its Asia portfolio, according to its website. Scott Chen, Asia managing partner at L Catterton. Photo: Handout alt=Scott Chen, Asia managing partner at L Catterton. Photo: Handout> Stenders captures consumer trends that involve a heightened focus on well-being and premium and natural products, L Catterton said on Tuesday. The size of the investment was not disclosed. The premium segment of China's bath and body care market expanded by 14 per cent annually over the past six years and is expected to reach around US$1.2 billion in 2028, according to industry estimates. Stenders' sales in China, its largest market, rose by around a fifth annually over the past four years. L Catterton's China portfolio - Stenders plus plant-based beverage company Viee, kids personal care brand Hi!Papa and synthetic collagen maker Trautec - recorded 60 per cent higher sales and 140 per cent higher profits last year, compared with 2022. That stands in stark contrast to the sluggish growth in China's retail sales despite a raft of policies designed to buoy spending. July's retail sales grew by 2.7 per cent year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, missing consensus estimates. Story continues Anbound, a Beijing think tank, said in a report that Chinese consumers are gravitating towards higher quality products to satisfy their needs, while investments in premium shopping have outpaced those in traditional consumer sectors as well as high-end luxury markets. In 2018, Chinese businessmen Yang Gang and Zhao Yang, and China's state-owned investment bank CICC, bought Stenders, a brand founded in Riga, Latvia, in 2001. It is understood that Yang and Zhao will retain a significant minority stake in Stenders after the sale to L Catterton. Information on whether CICC is still a shareholder was not disclosed. The interior of a Stenders Store. Photo: Handout alt=The interior of a Stenders Store. Photo: Handout> "L Catterton has a proven track record of creating value for its portfolio companies, and we are keen to tap into its insights, operating know-how, and network as we continue to expand across various geographies," said Kristine Grapmane, Stenders' chief operating officer. L Catterton's Chen said the firm is able to leverage its experience in other geographies to replicate successes in China, where it observes that consumers have increasing preferences for clean labels, better-for-baby products and items that promote active longevity. "The fundamentals which underpin the long-term growth of China's consumer sector remain intact, and consumption is set to play an increasingly important role in the country's economy," Chen said. A record high of more than US$20 trillion in household savings will also be released "after the uncertainties around the country's real estate sector, which are causing consumers to be conservative, firmly dissipate", he added. 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. It was the debate that was never meant to happen. Donald Trump will take the stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday night to face, not the familiar foe he expected when he agreed to the encounter in May, but an opponent he has never met and has struggled to define; Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, whose emergence as the Democratic nominee has changed the direction, and very nature, of the presidential election. The Republican nominee anticipated that he would be keeping a date in the City of Brotherly Love for a second engagement with Joe Biden, the US president with whom he had an acrimonious debating history from the 2020 election. Related: How will Harris debate Trump? Six key moments offer insight Instead the unprecedented impact of Junes debate in Atlanta between the pair in which Bidens halting and incoherent performance led to him withdrawing his candidacy after mounting pressure from his own Democratic party has left Trump confronting an opponent against whom he has still to decide a settled line of attack. Harris, for her part, goes into the event having been prepared by aides who have aped Trumps often vicious and insulting debating technique especially towards women and bolstered by her experience from a previous career as a courtroom prosecutor. She is also buoyed by being up against an adversary who was recently convicted of 34 felony charges. The pair face off in the midst of a race that multiple polls show is neck-and-neck both nationally and in key swing states none more than in Pennsylvania, the site of Tuesdays debate, with more electoral votes up for grabs than any other battleground state. Tuesdays event, hosted by ABC, will take place under the same rules that governed the Trump-Biden debate, with candidates microphones being muted when it is their opponents turn to speak. Harriss campaign argued for mics to be kept live throughout hoping to goad the former president into the undisciplined and unsavoury interruptions that have marred his previous performances. While Trump was ready to agree, his entourage determined to keep him focused and on-message insisted on keeping the original rules. But it is Trumps difficulty in coming to terms with Bidens departure from the race that could decide the contours of the debate, according to Steven Fein, a specialist in presidential debates and professor of psychology at Williams College in Massachusetts. I think, maybe the most interesting and potentially explosive element of it is the fact that he clearly was very upset that Biden dropped out and has been replaced by Harris, said Fein, who suggested the debate had greater potential for mind games and psychological drama than any he had previously studied. Its going to be a mighty task for him to control his tendencies. Whenever hes baited by a woman, hes usually been very nasty. And a woman of colour is just like the nightmare scenario. Theres going to have to be some give and take in a way that there didnt have to be in the first debate, when he didnt have to say much but just let Biden flail. So the potential for all kinds of drama is great. The former president has been preparing for the debate with, among others, Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress-turned Trump supporter who ran for the partys presidential nomination in 2020 and memorably tangled with Harris in a primary debate. In an eve-of-debate call with journalists on Monday, Jason Miller, a Trump adviser, said that it would be Harris who would have difficulty preparing for Trump. The fact that Trump is out there every day doing unscripted questions [means] you cant prepare for him, he said, comparing it with training to prepare to fight Muhammad Ali. You dont know what his style is going to be. He has an amazing mix of humour and charm, as well as hard-hitting facts. With Hugo Lowell Vice President Harris and former President Trump are set to face off in person for the first, and possibly only, time on Tuesday. Trump engaged in arguably one of the most influential debates in U.S. history in June against President Biden, which triggered a series of events leading to Biden dropping out of the race and Harriss ascension to the Democratic nomination. But the situation is much different this time, as Harris has benefited from a boost of momentum in many recent polls. Here are five things to watch for in the debate: How does Harriss performance compare to Bidens? While expectations were not particularly high for Biden heading into the June debate, he still fell flat as he struggled to push back against Trump and make coherent statements. Expectations are certainly much higher for Harris on Tuesday, and observers will be watching primarily to see how she meets the moment. The vice president has often garnered criticism for flip-flopping on issues, a topic that is likely to come up during the debate. On the other hand, Harris developed her reputation as a hard-hitting interrogator in the Senate, and she has leaned into her experience as a prosecutor as she goes up against a former president who has been convicted on multiple felonies and faces numerous other legal challenges. But she will still have to contend with an experienced debater in Trump, who is known for a confrontational style that he displayed onstage in 2016 and 2020. She will also have to decide how best to address the many false claims Trump is likely to make during the debate as he frequently does. How does Trump attack Harris? The contest has already turned nasty, with Trump often resorting to personal attacks against Harris, even after calls to tone down the angry rhetoric in the wake of the assassination attempt against the former president. Trump has used inflammatory language criticizing Harriss intelligence and background. He also mocked Harriss racial background at a Black journalists convention in July, claiming she happened to turn Black a few years earlier. Harris is biracial, having Indian and Jamaican heritage. He has also said he doesnt think she is a very bright person and went after her physical appearance. GOP pundits and allies of Trump have called on him to focus more on policy attacks on Harris rather than personal ones, but whether he can stick to that remains to be seen. The strategy runs the risk of further alienating the former president with female voters, a demographic he has consistently struggled with. How will Harris defend her policy shifts? One of the biggest potential vulnerabilities for Harris since she launched her presidential run has been her shifting policy stances. Harris ran more to the left during the Democratic primaries five years ago but has since taken more moderate positions as she has sought to unify the party and appeal to Republicans and independents disaffected with Trump. Harris in the past declared her support for banning fracking, but her campaign this year has said she does not support a ban. She had also voiced support for a mandatory gun buyback program for military-style firearms, but a Harris campaign official this cycle said she would not back such a program. Trump has sought to brand Harris as a far-left candidate, calling her Comrade Kamala and tying her to some of the positions she took back in 2019. Harris defended herself during a sit-down interview with CNN last month, saying her values have not changed. But she will likely be put on defense if Trump seeks to define her as too liberal. How will the microphone rules play out? One newer change in presidential debate rules has been the muting of a candidates microphone when another candidate is speaking. This stemmed from the aftermath of the 2020 debate in which Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace. However, before this debate, Harris advocated for live mics the entire time, while the Trump campaign pushed to keep them muted. The Harris campaign held out on signing off on the rule until last week, but eventually agreed. Donald Trump is surrendering to his advisors who wont allow him to debate with a live microphone, Harris wrote on the social platform X. If his own team doesnt have confidence in him, the American people definitely cant. The Harris campaign has told CBS it was told microphones may be unmuted if significant discussion occurs; a candidate will receive a warning from the moderator if they interrupt their opponent; and reporters in the room will report notable side statements. Does the debate change the trajectory of the race? Heading into the debate, the race for the White House is as close as its been this century, and could be poised to be one of the tightest races in U.S. history. Harris may still have momentum, but most polls nationally and in the key swing states show her and Trump basically neck and neck. The forecast from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ gives Harris a 54 percent chance of winning the election, making her just a slight favorite. The closeness of the race was also underscored this weekend with a poll from The New York Times and Siena College showing the race effectively tied. Debates are unpredictable, and while some in the end are inconsequential, others can change the trajectory of the race. That was most clearly demonstrated in the aftermath of the June debate between Biden and Trump. A major stumble by either Harris or Trump could have a ripple effect that could change the course of the race less than two months out from Election Day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Harris, Trump gear up for showdown in televised presidential debate US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah. Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa For the first time in this election campaign, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump will face each other in a highly-anticipated televised debate on Tuesday evening. The exchange of blows between the incumbent vice president and the former US president is seen as a highlight in the remaining two months of the campaign ahead of the US presidential election on November 5. The two will face each other in a debate hosted by the ABC television network on Tuesday at 9 pm (0100 GMT). The duel will be a test for Harris in particular. The 59-year-old replaced US President Joe Biden as presidential candidate just a few weeks ago. For Trump, on the other hand, it is already the second presidential television debate of this election campaign. In June, the 78-year-old stood on a stage in Atlanta, Georgia, with the then-presidential candidate Biden. Biden's performance was so weak that the 81-year-old eventually withdrew from the presidential race. The race between Harris and Trump is tight. They are roughly tied in the polls. The small gap between the two candidates is within the margin of error. According to an analysis by US broadcaster CNN of several polls, Harris has 49% support, while Trump has 47%. In the complicated US electoral system, national surveys are just one barometer of public opinion. Most observers are focusing on the so-called swing states, which include Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and a handful of others. The two candidates are roughly tied in these key electorates. Former President of the United States Donald Trump attends a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona. Gage Skidmore/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump is Tuesday night. Many Americans will tune into the debate and some lawmakers are excited to see what unfolds. Its a showdown millions of Americans have waited for as both candidates are expected to play to their strengths tonight. We should be prepared for the fact that hes probably going to speak a lot of untruths, said Harris. In a new radio interview Harris says she knows what to expect from Trump. I think hes going to lie, and he has a playbook that he has used in the past, she said. Harris has spent several days doing mock debates in Pittsburgh while the former president dedicated his time to policy meetings ahead of the debate with key advisors. We must defeat comrade Kamala Harris, said Trump. Over on Capitol Hill Iowa Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller Meeks and Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul hope for a good performance from the former president. Id like to see him to be calm, measured. Talk about policies and to talk about, Vice President Harriss record, said Miller Meeks. McCaul said he wants to see, less personality and more policy. Missouri Democrat Congressman Emanuel Cleaver sees this as a great opportunity for Harris to show the country that Trump isnt fit for the job. If they get down in the weeds on, on, programs of the federal government, I think, Mr. Trump will be completely lost, said Cleaver. The debate is 90 minutes with two commercial breaks and two moderators and despite requests from Harris campaign, microphones will be muted when candidates are not 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. What time is the Harris v Trump presidential debate? Everything to know With less than two months to go until Americans cast their ballots for president on election day, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will confront each other in their first debate on Tuesday. The Republican ex-president and the Democratic vice-president remain locked in a tight race, both nationally and in the swing states. The primetime duel on ABC News will be their first meeting and only the second time they have shared the same room. It is not the first debate of the campaign. Trump faced Joe Biden on stage in June, weeks before the president dropped out of the race. When and where is the debate? The debate begins at 21:00 EDT (02:00 BST) on Tuesday 10 September. It takes place live on US network ABC from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event will last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks, and there will be no audience in the room. It will be streamed live on the BBC News channel. You will be able to watch on the BBC News website and app via our live page. The BBC will have a team of reporters in Philadelphia and in Washington providing analysis, fact checks and reactions as part of our live coverage. What are the rules? ABC World News Tonight anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will be the moderators. They will not have to deal with two candidates interrupting each other because the mics will be muted when either of them is not speaking. Those were the rules for the debate earlier this year between Trump and Mr Biden, following a disruptive 2020 debate between them. Ms Harris was hoping to get the mics switched on throughout because the present format, her campaign said, "shields Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the vice-president". David Muir and Linsey Davis [Getty Images] Trump will get the last word at the debate and Ms Harris chose to appear on the right side of viewers' TV screens. No topics or questions will be shared in advance with the candidates or their campaigns, and no props or pre-written notes will be allowed on stage. Both candidates will only have a pen, notepad and water bottle, and cannot interact with campaign staff during commercial breaks. Neither is permitted to step away from their lecterns - as Trump did against Hillary Clinton in 2016. What is there to look out for? As shown by the fallout from Mr Biden's stumbling debate performance that led to him ending his candidacy, presidential debates are high-stakes campaign milestones that can reshape the race. It's a unique chance for candidates to make a good impression with voters as clips go viral and soundbites are replayed over and over. This will be particularly important for Kamala Harris, who has largely stuck to scripted appearances in her campaign so far. New polling by Siena College for the New York Times, published on Sunday, suggests many voters have yet to work out who she is and what she stands for. The race between her and Trump remains extremely close, both nationally and in the swing states that will decide the outcome. How are the candidates preparing? Ms Harris is preparing by working with Washington lawyer Karen Dunn, according to the New York Times, which says Dunn has helped Democratic politicians plan for debates for nearly two decades. Dunn, who often represents tech companies in court, operates with "tough love", 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton told the newspaper. "Shes unafraid to say, Thats not going to work... But she also offers encouragement," Clinton said. Philippe Reines, a former Clinton adviser who stood in for Trump during her mock debates, is reportedly reprising the role for Ms Harris. Trump has taken a different approach that has partly focused on speaking to voters, his team says. One adviser told the BBC he was also working to hone the "theatrics" of his debate performance. Notable advisers to the former president in the lead-up to this debate are Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who clashed with Ms Harris during the party's 2020 primary debates, and Florida Republican congressman Matt Gaetz. Will there be any more debates? JD Vance and Tim Walz will participate in a vice-presidential debate next month [Getty Images] On 1 October, rival running mates JD Vance and Tim Walz will participate in a single vice-presidential debate on CBS News. But the presidential campaigns have not agreed on the terms for any future showdowns between Trump and Ms Harris. Trump has called for at least two more. He is pushing in particular for a showdown on more friendly turf - moderated by Fox News and with a large live audience. The Harris campaign has said it will evaluate whether or not to do a second debate in October, once their first face-off has concluded. The non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) that has overseen these events since 1988 has been sidelined in favour of the TV networks dealing directly with the campaigns. The CPD, which intended to organise three debates in September and October, has blamed the Biden campaign for failing to abide by tradition. [BBC] More on the US election (NewsNation) With polls tied in Pennsylvania, the Harris and Trump campaigns are working hard to win the state. Prior to Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris spent four days in Pittsburgh preparing while also taking the opportunity to step out and meet with voters. Shell be back in Pennsylvania on Friday where shell hold a rally in Wilkes-Barre. Former President Donald Trump was in Harrisburg last week for a Fox town hall. How to watch the presidential debate between Trump and Harris Behind the scenes, much of the painstaking work is being done to reach out to voters. Its called a ground game and there are some key similarities and differences in the strategies being employed by the Harris and Trump campaigns. Similarities Both campaigns tell NewsNation that volunteers are knocking on doors, phone banking, putting together lawn signs and writing postcards and letters. This work is designed to add a personal touch as they try to convince friends, neighbors, and even strangers to vote for their candidate. The two campaigns are pushing their respective economic plans, although the plans themselves diverge substantially. Kush Desai, Pennsylvania communications director for Team Trump says part of their message is asking voters, Are you really better off than you were four years ago? Are prices lower or higher for you? The Trump campaign is also calling for a corporate tax cut. The Harris campaign points to the middle-class and small-business tax cuts and credits she wants to enact. At a campaign press conference in Pittsburgh, small business owner Brett Gilliam said Harriss plan to give new businesses a $50,000 tax break would have been life-changing for me when I was starting out. The Harris campaign is also calling out Trumps tariff plan that some economists say could cost an American family up to $3900 per year. Volunteers for both campaigns told NewsNation theyre excited and that the response from voters has been positive. Differences The main difference in the campaigns strategies lies in the voters that theyre targeting. The Harris campaign has two main goals. The first is to make sure her supporters get out and vote, especially in urban areas where shes likely to do well. The second is to lose by less in rural areas where Trump tends to run up the margins. What polls are saying ahead of Trump-Harris debate What we have seen in the past is that Republicans tend to do better with rural areas and were aware of that. But that doesnt mean that everybody in a rural area is voting republican. And if we can get just a few more democrats out, a few more folks out to just sort of close those margins a little bit, it means a lot statewide, said Erin Gabriel, Chair of the Beaver County Democrats. Beaver is a key swing county. The Harris campaign has just hired a rural engagement director to make additional inroads in these communities. Vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz just completed a campaign swing in Pennsylvania which included stops in Lancaster and Erie, both of which are swing counties with rural populations. At his rally in Erie, Walz talked about his rural Nebraska upbringing and highlighted the similarities between Minnesota and Pennsylvania. Trump effectively wants to do the opposite. He needs more of his rural voters to come out to vote and he wants to lose by less in urban areas. According to Desai, theyre focused on winning over voters who dont typically vote, also known as low-propensity voters. David Gehring, a volunteer for the Trump campaign, explained their strategy saying, while we dont normally win Allegheny county, we do have the most registered republicans in the state in Allegheny county so this is actually one of the most important counties in the country because Pennsylvania is such a big swing statewhat we do is we come in and we try and turn out the low-propensity voters on the Republican side. Another area where the two campaigns diverge a bit is infrastructure. The Trump campaign says they have over 24 offices with staff around the state, including in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The Harris campaign says they had almost that number back in May. Now, they say they have 50 offices and over 350 staff members. Sixteen of those offices are in primarily rural counties that Trump won back in 2020. There are just 57 days left until we find out if Harriss long-term investment pays off or if Trump is able to overcome an infrastructure deficit to eke out a win. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) The Harrisburg City Council sent a scathing response to Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams statement addressing the Broad Street Market emergency declaration back in July. In their response sent today, the Council first addressed Mayor Williams assertion that the Council wants to delay the reconstruction of the brick building at the Broad Street Market: We are in no way continuing to delay construction. We were merely doing our due diligence to ensure the process that occurred following the site emergency declaration was complete and transparent. It was neither. Mayor Williams addresses City Council letter, asks members to stop delaying Broad Street Market construction The Council cited the City of Harrisburg Penal Code to argue that the Declaration of Site Emergency of the brick building was only valid for five days, and the declaration was not terminated nor was an additional period of state of emergency declared. The Council then addressed their common interest with Mayor Williams in hiring Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWDBE) to do the job: It is our understanding that several Harrisburg MWDBE businesses participated in a walkthrough of the building However, of all the many Harrisburg-based businesses present, one business was successful in being awarded a contract. It is our understanding that the majority of the businesses conducting the work are from the Central Pennsylvania region including York and Lancaster. We have qualified businesses in our city that are ready and able to complete the work. Harrisburg City Council City of Harrisburg declares emergency due to rat infestation at Broad Street Market brick building Finally, the Council responded to Mayor Williams claims that she and the Council are supposed to work together, her office is an open door for collaboration, and their previous letter was full of petty concerns: You are correct, you do not work for council nor are we employed by you. We are empowered by the people the residents of the City of Harrisburg. It is disappointing that you find our questions to be petty concerns. We have repeatedly made an effort to improve communication with you; however, you remain defensive and combative. Your office door is far from an open door, it is a revolving door for city staffers. In your office alone, the Business Administrator and the Communications Director roles are vacant. There is no Finance Director, Director of Community Relations and Engagement or Sustainability Coordinator. These rules were all vacated over the last month. Why are so many staffers leaving? Thank you for your time. We will resume our work for the residents of the city of Harrisburg seeking accountability and transparency. Harrisburg City Council This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) Harvest Regional Food Bank in Texarkana has received a $4,000 grant from Summit Utilities Arkansas. The money is provided by the Summit Cares Fund, which supports non-profits in Summits service area. In total Summit awarded $50,000 to 23 non-profit organizations across Arkansas. Texarkana mother arrested for allegedly leaving baby in car while she reported to work One of Summits priorities is to build meaningful partnerships and strengthen our relationships in the communities we serve. We are excited to support these non-profits that play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our Arkansas communities. The CALL in Hempstead and Nevada County was also one of the organizations which received support. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Harvey Weinstein's important health update just dropped, and he is seemingly faring well! The convicted felon was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in New York on Sunday evening and reportedly went in for a crucial heart surgery on Monday. Harvey Weinstein's medical emergency occurred due to a plethora of medical conditions, but he is now "resting" after the procedure. Harvey Weinstein Is In Recovery After Surgery MEGA The producer's representatives, Craig Rothfeld and Juda Engelmayer, confirmed that he was resting after the emergency surgery and was "weak." His reps confirmed that he indeed had a procedure and surgery on his heart, but they refused to provide any more information. "As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment." the duo continued. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Weinstein's team expressed gratitude "to the executive team at the New York City Department of Correction and Rikers Island for acting swiftly in taking him to Bellevue Hospital. Weinstein Was Awaiting A Retrial Before His Emergency Surgery MEGA The Miramax CEO is spending time at Rikers Island as he awaits a retrial for his overturned April conviction in November. Weinstein had a court appearance slated for Thursday in New York. He would reportedly face additional indictment in the rape case as a grand jury has been impaneled and presented with up to three previously uncharged allegations against him. The former producer was also admitted in July after contracting COVID-19 and pneumonia. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala, confirmed that Weinstein was "suffering tremendously" from various statements. His ailments reportedly included fluid in his heart and his lungs, spinal stenosis, macular degeneration in his eyes, and high blood sugars related to his diabetes and the high carbohydrate being served at Rikers Island. The Producer Had A Pain In The Chest MEGA The Blast reported that Weinstein's procedure became important when he incessantly complained of severe pain in the chest. He was reportedly wheeled in for his last court appearance and even requested to stay at Riker prison since he was receiving medical attention there. Aidala declared in April that Weinstein's health issues were a "train wreck," and he had been hospitalized in a Manhattan facility at that time. Weinstein had been accused of sexual misconduct by over 80 women. However, the 72-year-old claimed he was innocent and that all his past sexual dealings were completely consensual. Details Of Weinstein's 2020 Court 'Victory' MEGA The highest court in New York cited prejudicial rulings during the #MeToo trial as the reason for overturning Weinstein's case. The judge condemned the overturn as perpetuating outdated views on sexual violence as Weinstein's legal team argued that the trial was unfairly influenced. Judge Madeline Singas accused the majority in the 4-3 ruling of "whitewashing the facts to conform to a he-said/she-said narrative." She added that the Court of Appeal who meted the judgment be slammed for continuing a "disturbing trend of overturning juries guilty verdicts in cases involving sexual violence. Singas claimed that the decision of the majority in the rape case sustained outdated notions of sexual violence that give predators a route to evade accountability. Harvey Weinstein's Legal Team Spoke Up After The Overturn MEGA Weinstein's attorney stated that they worked diligently to ensure that the producer achieved a "tremendous victory" for every criminal defendant in the state of New York. Engelmayer, however, confirmed that they still had a long way to go because of their Los Angeles case. He continued that the victory would not stop them from "studying the ramifications of the appeal" ruling at that time. The former producer still remained in custody despite the reversal to serve his 16-year conviction in Los Angeles in 2022 for a different rape case. He has also been serving a 23-year sentence in a New York prison for engaging in a criminal sex act where he reportedly forced a TV and film production assistant to perform oral sex on him. Weinstein was also found guilty of third-degree rape for assaulting a budding actress in 2013 What fate awaits the 72-year-old as a new trial begins? Time will tell. Former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was rushed from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital for emergency heart surgery, his lawyer confirmed Monday. He wasnt feeling well yesterday, he let us know, and we let Rikers and Bellevue know and convinced them to rush him to Bellevue [Sunday], Weinsteins lawyer Arthur Aidala told the Daily News. He was operated on [Monday]. It has to do with his heart. Thats all I know. A spokeswoman for Bellevue Hospital confirmed Weinstein is a patient there. His attorney said his client was in the ICU late Monday afternoon. Manhattan prosecutors are retrying the 2020 rape and sex crimes case against him after an appellate court overturned his conviction in April, ruling that a judge at his criminal trial erroneously allowed testimony that wasnt part of the case. He had been sentenced to 23 years behind bars in February 2020 after being convicted on felony charges. A grand jury finished hearing evidence against Weinstein on Friday and was potentially asked to vote on a new indictment which would add to the case Manhattan prosecutors are retrying. He is due in court Thursday though its unclear if hell be able to attend. Weinstein was found guilty of three more sex-crime counts in Los Angeles in December 2022. He maintains his innocence. Sexual misconduct accusations against Weinstein were largely responsible for accelerating the #MeToo movement, which began in 2006, but gained widespread attention in 2017. Nearly 100 women eventually came forward to accuse Weinstein of various degrees of sexual misconduct. She Said, a 2022 movie about the investigation leading to Weinsteins downfall, received critical acclaim. The Department of Corrections declined to comment on Weinsteins status. Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, speaks during a press conference. German auto giant Volkswagen formally terminated a three-decade-old job security deal with labour on Tuesday, opening the door for compulsory redundancies at the company from July 2025. Moritz Frankenberg/dpa German auto giant Volkswagen formally terminated a three-decade-old job security deal with labour on Tuesday, opening the door for compulsory redundancies at the company from July 2025. Volkswagen, Europe's largest car manufacturer, also cancelled deals guaranteeing employment for trainees and regulating temporary work for the company. Volkswagen had announced last week that it could not rule out potential plant closures or lay-offs because of major challenges currently facing the company. It also said it would scrap the job security deal that had been in place since 1994. The automaker has struggled to manage the shift to electric vehicle production, declining prospects in the important Chinese market and tough new competition from rising Chinese automakers. Volkswagen's financial performance has lagged behind other brand within the Volkswagen Group, which also includes Skoda, SEAT, Audi and others. The company said it hopes to negotiate new wage agreements and other deals with the trade union and works council to replace the cancelled agreement by the time it lapses next year. Volkswagen has never closed a factory in Germany, and has not shut down a plant anywhere in the world since 1988. "This period now gives us the opportunity to find solutions together with employee representatives on how we can make Volkswagen competitive and fit for the future in the long term," Volkswagen HR Director Gunnar Kilian said in a company statement. "We must put Volkswagen AG in a position to reduce costs in Germany to a competitive level in order to invest in new technologies and new products from our own resources," he said. VW has a total of 120,000 employees in Germany, more than half of them in Wolfsburg. Labour leaders have vowed to put up an intense fight against any plant closures or major cuts to the Volkswagen workforce. Thorsten Groger, IG Metall district manager for Lower Saxony, spoke of "an unprecedented attack on the joint, historic collective labour agreement", with which VW is now escalating the situation unnecessarily. "It's better to solve the problems together and not against each other." By unilaterally cancelling the job security agreement, "Volkswagen is putting co-determination to one of the biggest tests in the company's history," he said. Works Council Chairwoman Daniela Cavallo said on Tuesday that workers would "fiercely defend ourselves against this historic attack on our jobs. There will be no compulsory redundancies with us." Thorsten Groeger, District Director of IG Metall in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, and Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, speak during a press conference. German auto giant Volkswagen formally terminated a three-decade-old job security deal with labour on Tuesday, opening the door for compulsory redundancies at the company from July 2025. Moritz Frankenberg/dpa Thorsten Groeger, District Director of IG Metall in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, and Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, speak during a press conference. German auto giant Volkswagen formally terminated a three-decade-old job security deal with labour on Tuesday, opening the door for compulsory redundancies at the company from July 2025. Moritz Frankenberg/dpa Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, speaks during a press conference. German auto giant Volkswagen formally terminated a three-decade-old job security deal with labour on Tuesday, opening the door for compulsory redundancies at the company from July 2025. Moritz Frankenberg/dpa Harvey Weinstein's Lawyers Want Him to Stay in Hospital Rather than Jail, as Rape Retrial Looms The disgraced Hollywood mogul was taken from a New York City jail to a Manhattan hospital where he underwent emergency heart surgery Kena Betancur-Pool/Getty Harvey Weinstein Harvey Weinsteins representatives and legal team say they hope he remains hospitalized while he is in custody in New York as he awaits a tentative rape retrial date in November. One of Weinsteins representatives, Curtis Rothfeld, told NBC New York after Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery on Monday, Sept. 9, that "they aim to keep him in the hospital indefinitely through the trial to deal with his ailments," the outlet wrote in its story. In an email to PEOPLE, his publicist, Juda Engelmayer echoed that sentiment, writing, At the moment there isn't a trial set, nor a specified charge. Aside from that, we hope to keep him at Bellevue while he remains incarcerated in NY. On Sunday, Sept. 8, Weinstein, 72, was moved from New York Citys Rikers Island where he has been jailed since his 2020 rape conviction was overturned in April, to Manhattans Bellevue Hospital after saying he wasnt feeling well, the office of his attorney, Arthur Aidala, told PEOPLE. "We can confirm that Mr. Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today however cannot comment any further than that," Weinsteins representatives, Rothfeld and Engelmayer said in a statement sent to PEOPLE. Related: Harvey Weinstein Rushed to Hospital for Emergency Heart Surgery As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment, they said in the statement. We are grateful to the executive team at the New York City Department of Correction and Rikers Island for acting swiftly in taking him to Bellevue Hospital. On Monday morning, he underwent pericardiocentesis surgery to "alleviate the massive amount of fluid on his lung and heart, Rothfeld told NBC News. Weinstein remained in the ICU following his surgery, NBC News reports. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Based on his recent health issues and hospitalization, it is unclear whether Weinstein will be able to attend upcoming court dates, including one scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, in Manhattan Supreme Court. On July 19, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber set a tentative date for a retrial on Weinsteins rape and sexual assault charges for Nov. 12. Related: N.Y. Prosecutors Will Retry Harvey Weinstein in the Fall: 'We Believe in This Case' Ten days earlier, at a July 9 hearing, prosecutors announced that Weinstein could possibly face new accusations during his upcoming retrial. Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said during the hearing that the state was still investigating additional claims of sexual assault and wasn't ready to send an indictment to the grand jury at this time. "We spoke to several individuals who claimed Weinstein raped them in Manhattan," Blumberg said during the hearing, adding that the claims would also fall within the statute of limitations. They have a defendant and are looking for crimes," Aidala said at the hearing in regard to the alleged investigation. "That's not how its supposed to be. Related: No New Indictment Announced Against Harvey Weinstein During Court Appearance, but Still a Possibility: Prosecutor In February 2020, Weinstein was found guilty in New York City of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape during a the landmark #MeToo case, the New York Times reported at the time. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. On April 25, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned that conviction in a stunning 4-to-3 decision. The high court found that trial judge James Burke erroneously allowed three women whose allegations were not a part of the criminal case against Weinstein to testify about Weinstein's prior bad acts. But Weinstein currently remains incarcerated for his 2022 conviction of rape in California, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2023. Aidala and the Manhattan District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. This young man and his family, they need our prayers. Pastor Frank Bernats church in Bethlehem, Georgia, sits just outside of Winder, the site of the school shooting last week that left four people dead and nine injured. Bernat has been the senior pastor of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church for a decade and leads a congregation of roughly 1,000 people. Many of his congregants come from Winder, as the town of Bethlehem only has a population of 715. Some church members are students at Apalachee High School, located just five miles away, where the shooting took place. Speaking with USA TODAY after a service on Sunday evening, Bernat said that he knew asking for prayers for the suspected shooter, 14-year-old Colt Gray and his father, wouldnt be easy. Colt Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult. His father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I know thats difficult for a lot of people. Its difficult for me, Bernat said. This family is struggling with their own issues, whether thats mental health or something else. But clearly theres something going on that would cause a 14-year-old to act this way. He hadnt been at that school but a few days. Mourners gather at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, the evening before classes resumed across the district, less than a week after two teachers and two students were gunned down, investigators say, by a 14-year-old student. More details about the Gray family dynamic have emerged since the massacre last Wednesday. In an interview with The Washington Post, Colt Gray's aunt, Annie Brown, described a chaotic household rocked by abuse and addiction, leaving Colt begging for help from everybody around him. God is in the redemption business Bernat, in part, sees the shooting as a reason to embrace faith. The pastor told USA TODAY that he believes people should pray when times are good before tragedy strikes and not just in its aftermath. You dont even call on God until something bad happens, right? Bernat said. And Ive heard people say that, you know, 'why would God protect this political candidate and not these kids?' Gods not in that business. God is in the redemption business. Hes not always in the prevention business. The 200-year-old pews creaked beneath him as he added: God can redeem the bad things in our life and bring something good from them. Signs of support sit near the pulpit of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church in Bethlehem, Georgia. Bethlehem UMC is located five miles from Apalachee High School, the site of the school shooting in Winder, Georgia on September 4, 2024. Focusing on faith During the service, members of the congregation embraced one another while the pastor called for individual groups to stand and receive prayers: first the students of Apalachee High School, followed by their parents, then teachers. Some 30 people in the crowd rose to their feet. A bell rang after Bernat read the name of each victim: Christian Angulo, Richard Aspinwall, Cristina Irimie, and Mason Schermerhorn. Toward the closing of the service, Associate Pastor Beth Dickinson led the congregation in prayer for the community. Help us to forgive, lest bitterness and anger consume us as much as it seems it did them," Dickinson said. "Teach us to love in the midst of hate. Teach us to be agents for peace, rejecting violence. After the service, students were invited to the churchs fellowship hall for dinner. They could also speak with licensed crisis counselors that the church brought in. Fifteen-year-old Elijah Rivera, a sophomore at Apalachee High School, stopped to speak with USA TODAY before a comforting meal of brisket, macaroni and cheese, and sweet tea. Rivera was close enough to the suspect on Wednesday to hear the gunshots ring out. He and his classmates jumped into fight or flight and took cover in a back room. He said the experience has made him refocus on his faith. Growing up, Ive always been Christian. But Ive never been too out there about it. Ive never sprayed out Bible verses, Rivera said. But after this situation, Ive really started to strengthen my connection with God. Melissa Cruz is an elections reporting fellow who focuses on voter access issues for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach her at mcruz@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @MelissaWrites22. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia pastor asks for prayers for school shooter and his family Shawn Curtis Fox, 30, of Hickory, was sentenced to six to 23 years of prison after pleading guilty to three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, the district attorney announced on Tuesday. Former Hickory firefighter accused of having child sexual abuse material He solicited a 13-year-old girl between Nov. 1, 2023, and April 20, 2024, the DA said in the news release. A predatory watchdog organization reported him to the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. The organization turned over text messages, videos, and images, which tied him to the victim. Investigators interviewed Fox and he allowed them to search his cellphone where there were more images of child pornography, which involved victims ages, 1, 3, and 13 years old. Fox, who was already a registered sex offender from a prior felony conviction in Caswell County, must now be registered for life. VIDEO: Gaston County teacher arrested, charged with child sex offenses BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)Four judges of the Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments Monday related to the breakup of a high-end brothel operation last year and whether hearings for the alleged johns should be open to the public, and one gave voice to the possibility of an accused buyer having State House ties. Acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Josh Levys office piqued interest in the case, which revolves around the arrests of three people allegedly operating brothels just outside Boston, when it said that the investigation identified sex buyers including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and accountants. High-end brothel case in Massachusetts moves to federal grand jury WBUR, the Boston Globe and NBC 10 have been seeking access to the applications for criminal complaints against the John Doe buyers as well as access to the show cause hearings at which a magistrate would decide whether to actually issue charges against them. Cambridge District Court Clerk Magistrate Sharon Casey a former legal aide to Gov. Charlie Baker ruled that the hearings should be open to the public but did not provide for access to the applications. Some of the alleged johns appealed to SJC Justice Frank Gaziano, who sided with Casey, and now have appealed the matter to the full SJC. What the public perception will be if these hearings are closed, or if these applications dont allow for the proper reporting of these hearings, is that anybody who is not charged will have not been charged because they got some kind of preferential treatment behind closed doors at the hearing. And that is a significant concern, Jeffrey Pyle, a Prince Lobel Tye lawyer representing the media outlets said at Mondays arguments. Show cause hearings are generally held for people who are accused of committing a misdemeanor crime but have not been arrested. A District Court clerk magistrate holds the hearing which the state says are generally not open to the public to determine whether there is enough evidence to issue a criminal complaint. If a complaint is issued, the next step for the accused would be an arraignment before a judge. Benjamin Urbelis, who said he represents five John Does who are not public officials of any kind, argued that the hearings and applications should remain private because undoubtedly, even if theres no probable cause, once their name is out there in the media, livelihoods are going to be ruined, occupations likely lost, families ripped apart. Thats been the standard with an 80-year history, including the Legislature twice rejecting bills that would have made these hearings public, he said. Were only here today because the United States attorney made an improper comment about public officials being among the uncharged purchasers in a multi-state sex trafficking investigation with brothels from Massachusetts to Virginia. During the hourlong hearing Monday morning, Justice Scott Kafker referenced the State House at least twice, though the discussions were all hypothetical. On one occasion, he acknowledged that the details of an alleged sex buyers employment may be important if the person works at the State House and may not be important if they work elsewhere. At another point, Kafker suggested information from the applications could provide key context even if the hearings themselves are open. OK, so one of your clients has an ordinary job. Hes not, doesnt work at the State House. We dont know if hes related to someone who works at the State House or friends with somebody who has powerful connections, right? Kafker asked an attorney for the alleged sex buyers. Chief Justice Kimberly Budd was joined for Mondays arguments by Justices Kafker, Dalila Argaez Wendlandt and Gabrielle Wolohojian. Gaziano, whose single justice opinion is being appealed, did not participate. Nor did Justices Serge Georges or Bessie Dewar. The justices of the SJC did not offer a timeline for their decision Monday. The court says that most cases are generally decided within 130 days of oral arguments, which would mean by mid-January for cases heard Monday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. High school in Milford to have increased security after receiving suspicious message MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Platt Technical High School in Milford will have increased security on Tuesday after a suspicious message was received at the school. Police said that there is no threat to the public and the increased security is in place out of an abundance of caution. This is a developing story. Check back to News 8 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 WTNH.com. High speed chase goes through two Kentucky counties HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A suspect is in custody after multiple agencies assist in a high speed chase that started in Webster County and ended in Henderson County late Monday night. In a post from the Providence Police Department, it is said officers attempted a traffic stop on East Main Street when James Thomas allegedly failed to stop. Police say Thomas continued traveling west onto Gulf Street and accelerated to dangerous speeds. Police say the pursuit went down KY 670 to US 41A and 41A to KY 56 East. They say from KY 56, the pursuit continued to Henderson County where the Sheriffs office took over the pursuit. Authorities say they found the vehicle abandoned in a soybean field, near the Robards area. After locating the vehicle, police say a K9 officer picked up the the trail and located Thomas several hundred yards away from the vehicle. Agencies involved in the chase and search include Providence Police, Sebree Police, Clay Police, Webster County Sheriffs Office, Henderson County Sheriffs Office, Henderson County Emergency Management Agency, Webster County Towing and Kentucky State Police Post 2 and 16. James Thomas is facing the following charges: Improper equipment Reckless driving Fleeing or evading Failure to or improper signal Disregard stop sign Speeding 26 miles or greater Improper passing Failure to maintain insurance Wanton endangerment Thomas is currently booked in the Webster County Jail. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Fine dining in the U.S. isnt what it used to be. Many customers are no longer interested in classic white tablecloths and 16-ounce New York strips; instead, its about cutting-edge culinary experiences. Although steakhouses have defined fine dining in America since the 19th century, that started to change in the mid-1990s. Elite chefs like Thomas Keller at the French Laundry unearthed a whole different kind of tasting experience (with 40 courses), and a new age of fine dining was born. Soon, prix fixe mealsa French style of serving with a set menubecame the norm for fine dining in the U.S. Between the rise of chefs tasting menus and consumers continued desire to have diverse culinary experiences, the restaurants that grace the pages of top-tier restaurant reviewers like Zagat or the Michelin Guide look very different today than they did 30 years ago. Restaurant goers arent just looking for high-quality food. They want the type of menu that will tell a story. They want creative ingredients theyve never tried before. They want to be transported into a whole new world. With so many innovative menus and restaurant experiences popping up across America to choose from, it can be challenging to choose where to go for a special evening. Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Charleston using data from Yelp. Businesses were selected using Yelps ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only businesses with at least five reviews and at least level 2 pricing (i.e., $$ to $$$$) were considered. Also, in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, those with five or more locations nationally (based on Yelp data) were not included. Restaurants in certain lower-cost categories (like diners, buffets, and food trucks) were excluded. Data is as of Aug. 19, 2024. Read on to find a potential restaurant for your next special meal out! You may also like: Highest-rated restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina by diners #30. The Palmetto Cafe Rating: 4.2/5 (131 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 205 Meeting St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Seafood Read more on Yelp #29. Brasserie La Banque Rating: 4.2/5 (94 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 1 Broad St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: French, Brasseries Read more on Yelp #28. High Cotton Rating: 4.3/5 (1198 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 199 East Bay St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Cocktail Bars, Seafood, Wine Bars Read more on Yelp #27. Barsa Rating: 4.3/5 (449 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 630 King St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Tapas Bars, Cocktail Bars, Tapas/Small Plates Read more on Yelp #26. Basic Kitchen Rating: 4.4/5 (531 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 82 Wentworth St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Bars Read more on Yelp You may also like: Highest-rated Italian restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina by diners #25. Pearlz Rating: 4.4/5 (1404 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 153 East Bay St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood, Bars, Live/Raw Food Read more on Yelp #24. Bar167 Rating: 4.4/5 (114 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 5 Fulton St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Cocktail Bars, Mediterranean Read more on Yelp #23. Tempest Rating: 4.3/5 (337 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 32 North Market St. Ste C Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood, American, Cocktail Bars Read more on Yelp #22. Revival Rating: 4.3/5 (255 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 162 East Bay St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Southern, New American, Seafood Read more on Yelp #21. Mondos Italian Restaurant Rating: 4.3/5 (309 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 915 Folly Road Ste U Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Italian Read more on Yelp You may also like: Highest paying jobs in Charleston, South Carolina for high school graduates #20. Chez Nous Rating: 4.3/5 (307 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 6 Payne Court Charleston, South Carolina Categories: French, Spanish, Italian Read more on Yelp #19. Peninsula Grill Rating: 4.3/5 (632 reviews) Price level: $$$$ Address: 112 North Market St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Steakhouses, Wine Bars Read more on Yelp #18. Anson Rating: 4.3/5 (450 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 12 Anson St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood, Southern, American Read more on Yelp #17. Maison Rating: 4.3/5 (113 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 708 King St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: French, Wine Bars, Cocktail Bars Read more on Yelp #16. The Darling Rating: 4.4/5 (1466 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 513 King St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood, Cocktail Bars, Live/Raw Food Read more on Yelp You may also like: Highest-rated Southern restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina by diners #15. Magnolias Rating: 4.4/5 (3060 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 185 East Bay St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Southern, Wine Bars, Salad Read more on Yelp #14. The James Rating: 4.4/5 (118 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 1939A Maybank Hwy Charleston, South Carolina Categories: American Read more on Yelp #13. Slightly North of Broad Rating: 4.4/5 (1820 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 192 East Bay St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Southern Read more on Yelp #12. Zero Restaurant + Bar Rating: 4.4/5 (144 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 0 George St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Cocktail Bars Read more on Yelp #11. The Establishment Rating: 4.5/5 (215 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 28 Broad St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood, New American, Cocktail Bars Read more on Yelp You may also like: People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Charleston, South Carolina #10. Burwells Stone Fire Grill Rating: 4.5/5 (532 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 14 North Market St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Cocktail Bars, Steakhouses Read more on Yelp #9. FIG Rating: 4.5/5 (1558 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 232 Meeting St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Bars Read more on Yelp #8. Circa 1886 Restaurant Rating: 4.5/5 (367 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 149 Wentworth St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Southern Read more on Yelp #7. R Kitchen Rating: 4.5/5 (510 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 212 Rutledge Ave. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American Read more on Yelp #6. R Kitchen Rating: 4.6/5 (102 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 1337 Ashley River Road Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American Read more on Yelp You may also like: Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Charleston, South Carolina metro area #5. Sorghum & Salt Rating: 4.6/5 (434 reviews) Price level: $$ Address: 186 Coming St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Tapas/Small Plates Read more on Yelp #4. Edison James Island Rating: 4.6/5 (284 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 1014 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood, New American, Wine Bars Read more on Yelp #3. Charleston Grill Rating: 4.6/5 (396 reviews) Price level: $$$$ Address: 224 King St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: New American, Southern, Wine Bars Read more on Yelp #2. 167 Raw Oyster Bar Charleston Rating: 4.7/5 (3046 reviews) Price level: $$$ Address: 193 King St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Seafood Read more on Yelp #1. Halls Chophouse Rating: 4.7/5 (2966 reviews) Price level: $$$$ Address: 434 King St. Charleston, South Carolina Categories: Steakhouses, Seafood, Bars Read more on Yelp This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 299 metros. You may also like: Most expensive homes for sale in Charleston, South Carolina Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Atrie Rollins of Hiland Park Elementary is in her 5th year at the school, but she has been teaching for over 20 years. That experience translates into trust and appreciation amongst both students and parents. Hiland Park Elementary teacher prepares students for years to come When I talk to parents, they trust Mrs. Rollins with their children, and from an educational standpoint, thats huge, said Hiland Park Elementary School Interim Assistant Principal Charlotte Marshall. If you have the parents trust, the kids like you, and listen, thats a win-win situation in the classroom. Something unique Rollins often does is pause briefly during class to tell her students to, kiss your brain, after they answer a question correctly. Shes been doing that most of her teaching career, and there is a good reason why. The reason we do the kiss your brain when they get an answer correct, is that means theyre listening, theyre paying attention, and we kiss our brains because we did exactly what we need to do for that day or at that moment, so that means we did ok, Rollins said. For her students, kissing their brains has become a source of positivity within the classroom. Thats a method that we use in the classroom, Rollins went on to say. Its uplifting to them, it makes them happy, it makes them smile. They know theyre learning in the classroom, and thats important to me to make sure that theyre learning. For Rollins, she has truly found her calling in life. Pre-K is my jam, its everything, Rollins added. I love Pre-K, I love being involved with my kids, I love helping out other teachers. What is there not to like about teaching? I love it. That is what makes Atrie Rollins a Class Act. If there is someone out there who you believe is a Class Act dont wait, nominate them today by clicking here. Remember, cafeteria workers, janitors, and bus drivers are eligible for this award. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This historian predicts who'll be president and usually gets it right. See his 2024 pick Allan Lichtman has correctly predicted 9 of the 10 most recent presidential races. And he doesn't think Donald Trump is heading back to the White House. For the 2024 election, the historian predicted that Kamala Harris will be the next president. Here's a look at his process. Who is Allan Lichtman? Before receiving the title of "Distinguished Professor" from the American University in Washington, D.C., Lichtman earned a Ph.D. specializing in modern American history and quantitative methods at Harvard. In addition to lecturing in the U.S. and around the world, Lichtman is the author of 13 books and hundreds of academic articles. He has also been an expert witness in civil and voting rights cases. He routinely provides political commentary and is best known for his election forecasting. How does Lichtman make his picks for presidential elections? Lichtman said in a video, first reported by The New York Times, that he based his prediction on thirteen keys or big picture true-false questions that tap into the strength and performance of the White House Party. Others are reading: Immigration: A closer look at asylum, crime and deportations ahead of Trump-Harris debate The keys include whether: The White House party gained House seats during the midterm elections. The sitting president is running for reelection. The White House party is avoiding a primary contest. There is a third-party challenger. The short-term economy is strong. The long-term economic growth has been as good as the last two terms. The White House party has made major changes to national policy. There is sustained social unrest during the term. The White House is untainted by scandal, the incumbent party is charismatic. The challenger is uncharismatic. The incumbent is charismatic. The White House party has a major failure in foreign policy. The White House party has foreign policy success. Why did Allan Lichtman pick Kamala Harris? Eight of the keys above are in favor of Harris, while three are in favor of Trump. When will Trump and Harris debate? Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will debate at 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. Watch the debate: Trump vs. Harris presidential debate is Tuesday. How to watch it in Indiana Contributing: Karissa Waddick This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Historian predicts winner of 2024 presidential election. Harris or Trump? Its a historic debate tonight. No one really wants to talk about it. A version of this initially appeared in The Recast, POLITICO's race and politics newsletter. What appears lost in the hype ahead of tonights must-see faceoff between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is just how momentous it will be. A Black and South Asian woman, whos seen significant grassroots enthusiasm in no small part thanks to her identity, is going up against a white man who has attacked her multiracial upbringing. Theres just one glaring issue: Neither side believes their candidate should talk about race. POLITICO spoke with half a dozen Republican and Democratic operatives, some of whom were granted anonymity to discuss how their nominee should approach tonights performance. Some of Harris allies say she should continue to lean into her record, rather than engage in a sparring match with her opponent over the litany of racialized attacks and musings hes made over the years. Republican strategists suggest Trump do the same: steer clear of personal attacks about Harris gender and racial identity, acknowledge her historic candidacy, but target instead what shes done in office and what she will do. Focusing on the policy, they say, will help woo voters, many of whom had an unfavorable view of the vice president prior to her rise. Itll still be a tricky strategy for both candidates. Harris is a far more capable opponent for Trump than President Joe Biden was during the June 27 debate. And Trump himself is an unconventional foe, arguably the most seasoned debater in modern history. This will be the former presidents seventh televised general election debate since 2016. Trump is known for his unpredictability, but strategists say its too risky for him to wield identity politics as a cudgel against his rival. It could backfire spectacularly even if it may play well with his base. It may also leave Trump vulnerable to Harris relitigating his history of racialized attacks. Trump gained notoriety as a political figure by fanning birtherism falsehoods about his predecessor. He called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, a group of Black and brown teens who were wrongly accused of assaulting a white woman in 1989. And hes called Mexican migrants rapists, buddied up with white nationalists and suggested Harris only recently turned Black. Still, Trump has shown remarkable resilience with the same voting blocs hes criticized ones Harris needs in her bid to win the White House. According to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist National Poll, Trump leads Harris among independents, has reversed his deficit among registered Latino voters and so far has nearly a quarter of Black respondents saying theyll support him in the fall. Tonight, were watching for three ways the race issue might play out and we asked the operatives from both parties just how their respective nominee should approach each situation. Heres what they said. 1. Can Trump flip the issue of Harris historic candidacy? Harris, who has forged her piercing and aggressive debate style through years as a prosecutor, is vying to fulfill a lot of firsts should she win the presidency: the first woman, the first person of Black and Indian descent, the first graduate of a historically Black college and university, and the first member of the Divine Nine. While she rarely explicitly leans into this herself, electing to have supporters play up her barrier-breaking accomplishments for her, strategists say Trump can set the tone tonight by undercutting this narrative. Take the wind out of her sails by talking about the historic nature of her candidacy, and how a daughter of immigrants can reach the highest heights of American democracy, and that's a testament to our country, said Alex Stroman, a former executive director of the South Carolina Republican Party. Then, after genuinely congratulating her, Trump needs to sharply pivot. We don't elect presidents of the United States based on their background, said Stroman, who worked on Trump's 2017 Presidential Inaugural Committee. We should elect them on their policies and their ideas and their plans for the future. And we've seen what the last four years of the Biden administration have done. This strategy will force Harris early on to debate policy, which her critics say is a glaring weakness. She can at times overexplain and meander when pressed for policy specifics, or for an explanation why shes flip-flopped on a position, like fracking. 2. Will Harris give more air time to Trump's "turned Black" comment? Democrats laugh at the idea that Trump could be disciplined in a debate. They are betting on his inability to suppress his instincts to tear into an opponent, particularly one like Harris, who has stolen the spotlight from him and dominated headlines in the seven weeks shes been atop the ticket. Its why, they say, he resorted to purposely mispronouncing her name and asking a gathering of Black journalists: Is she Indian or is she Black? In response, Harris emphatically told a packed arena in Atlanta this summer: If youve got something to say, say it to my face. But now that she's going to be face-to-face with Trump, strategists dont think its wise to engage him on any of that. If he decides to go down that path, you let him go and stand there silent as he defiles himself, said Ashley Etienne, who was a senior adviser to both Harris and Biden. With less than 60 days to go until Election Day, Etienne said, the theme of this debate is do no harm. And any sort of verbal counter about Harris' identity may scratch an itch, but it may also open her up to the angry Black woman trope. 3. What about those Black jobs? Former first lady Michelle Obama received a roaring response at the Democratic National Convention when she turned one of Trumps June debate lines against him: Whos going to tell him that the job hes currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs? Apparently, not the vice president. Gevin Reynolds, a former speechwriter for Harris, said she shouldnt give this claim any more play. Voters don't necessarily need Kamala Harris to go up there and remind them that she's Black, he said. Etienne, the former Harris adviser, put it a bit differently: The internet has worn that out, for the better! But we do expect to see some kind of exchange over just which party and which administration has better served Black Americans. Trump surrogate Harrison Fields wants the former president to lean into policy achievements like securing millions in funding for HBCUs (which the Biden-Harris administration has since increased) to passing his signature criminal justice reform law, the First Step Act. And he wants Trump to then contrast those wins with Democrats push for police reform and reparations legislation that ultimately died in Congress. Democrats are really good about telling the Black community what they're going to do, Fields continued. And when they have the power, they don't do anything. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - Vortex Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMS) (FSE: DM8) (OTCQB: VMSSF) (" Vortex" or the" Company ") is pleased to announce the commencement of its 3,000-meter, Phase 1 Drilling and Exploration Program at the Illapel Copper Project, located in the Choapa Province of Chile. As previously announced, "GeoSupply," a Chile-based Geology & Diamond Drilling Services Company, will undertake the drilling program under the supervision of Vortex Metals' geologists. The Phase 1 drilling program aims to evaluate and advance several high-priority targets within the project area, specifically: 1) the continuity of Cu-Ag mineralization to the north and south of the Rio 27 mine (sites 1, 2, 5 & 6 in Fig. 1) and; 2) the Tata 1 1/6 and Rio 7 1/20 concessions (sites 3 & 4 in Fig. 1), where sampling of veins in outcrops returned significant values in Cu & Au. Figure 1. Illapel Phase-1 Drill Targets To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2778/222742_1f22c4a5140cdb80_001full.jpg Vortex Metals' inaugural drill program will focus on high-priority targets identified during multiple field prospecting campaigns, including the most recent conducted in July of 2024. Dr. John Larson Director of Vortex Metals and former manager of Latin America Exploration and Global Porphyry Exploration for BHP and BHP Billiton led this latest fieldwork between July 4th and July 6th, 2024. The Illapel Copper concessions surround the Rio 27 mine, a fully operational copper mine that has been in production since 2010. The mine has processed approximately 400,000 tonnes of high-grade ore, with an average grade of 1.39% Cu and approximately 7g Ag. Vikas Ranjan, CEO of Vortex Metals, commented on the significance of this drilling program: "The commencement of this drill program at Illapel marks a pivotal moment for Vortex Metals. Our team has worked diligently to identify these high-priority targets, and this initial phase of drilling is crucial in advancing our understanding of the project's potential. We are committed to delivering results that justify our investors' patience and believe that a significant discovery at Illapel could greatly enhance shareholder value." Qualified Person / Quality Control and Quality Assurance Juan Carlos Fernandez, P. Geo., is a qualified person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Story continues About Vortex Metals Inc. Vortex Metals Inc. is a copper-focused exploration and development company with a diversified portfolio of exploration projects in Chile and Mexico. Vortex holds an option to acquire up to 80% interest in the brownfield Illapel Copper Project in Chile and through its Mexican subsidiary Empresa Minera Acagold, S.A. de C.V., it owns 100% interest in two drill-ready high-potential copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties, Riqueza Marina and Zaachila in Oaxaca, Mexico. The company emphasizes responsible exploration, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to meet the rising global demand for copper sustainably. Contact Information: Vikas Ranjan, CEO vranjan@vortexmetals.ca Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward looking statements that are made as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business including permitting approvals, any private placement financings, the uncertainty as to whether further exploration will result in the target(s) being delineated as a mineral resource, capital expenditures, operating costs, mineral resources, recovery rates, grades and prices, estimated goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the Company's future successes with its business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as several factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent annual MD&A and the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company cautions that mineralization on, or production from, neighbouring properties is no guarantee of the existence of similar mineralization or a guarantee of future production from the Illapel Project. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222742 After a devastating fire destroyed a 19th Century Carriage House in Groton, the owners said theyre still hosting events on the property. The Massachusetts State Fire Marshal said the cause of the fire is still not known and thats why the owner said the charred building is still standing. Weve lost a lot of memories, said Will Gilson, chef and partner of the Cambridge Street Hospitality Group. Gilson said he grew up at 368 Main Street in Groton, also known as the Herb Lyceum. He said its a farm that also hosts weddings and private dinners. Weve been doing weddings here since I had my wedding here, so, 2016, he said. Gilson said on September 1, the Carriage House caught fire destroying the kitchen and dining room. Jessica Gardner and Seth Botos said their wedding was scheduled for eight days later. Our reaction was, How are we going to pull this off? said Gardner. But, they did. Gilson said everything else on the property is untouched and theyre catering food from restaurants they own in Cambridge, plus getting help from the community. Weve had people reach out offering their homes offering property their services flowers whatever they can to help us get through this, said Gilson. Botos said their wedding ceremony was at a rented house but everything else happened as planned at the Herb Lyceum. We were right on the property staying the whole time the whole weekend we had our rehearsal there you could see the burned-out building right behind us and they also still let us have a little late night after party there, he said. The couple encourages future guests to trust everything will work out. Theyre going to work as hard as possible to make it as good or better, said Botos. Gilson said once they get the green light to knock down the burnt building theyll start making new memories. Humpty Dumpty can break but it took a lot of people to try to get him back to one piece, he said. Heres a link to the GoFundMe page if youd like to donate. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Historic Hot Springs home temporarily saved from being demolished; locals hope to see it return to its former glory Historic Hot Springs home temporarily saved from being demolished; locals hope to see it return to its former glory HOT SPRINGS, Ark. A historic home in Hot Springs was recently temporarily saved from being torn down and several locals said they hope the house can someday return to its former glory. The Passmore house was built in 1873 and was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places, however, officials at the board meeting on Tuesday said the house may be considered unsafe as there are structure concerns. History on Hinges: Locals working to preserve, restore historic Little Rock homes According to documents on the resolution involving the condemning of the vacant home, the owners have received multiple notices of violations of the City of Hot Springs Property Maintenance Code including, but not limited to, hazards related to the exterior premises, the condition of the exterior of the structures including structural, etc. There are holes in the walls, floors in ceilings, as well as collapsing foundations that are missing bricks, city planning director Kathy Sellman said. After the vote, some board members said they wanted to give the home one more chance and see what the city could do to step in. I would like to see the city do something to at least secure it. Since it does have a historic designation, it may have preservation money put for it, Marcia Dobbs-Smith said. Liz Robbins, executive director for the Garland County Historical Society, said the Passmore house is a beautiful Victorian home and it may be the oldest home in Hot Springs. I would love for someone with the funds and passion for it to restore the house, Robbins said. National Register of Historic Places adds several Arkansas sites to roster However, the once picturesque home with stained glass can now barely be seen through the overgrown trees. Robbins said the history of the home goes back to when the city was booming. The Passmore home on Park Avenue was built by a pharmacist named Dr. William Passmore. He was a doctor because he became a physician as well as a pharmacist, Robbins said. Passmore was known for his care and for his home which had a life of its own. Cindy Rodgers, who lives in Park Avenue, hopes someone can preserve the history of the house. We have a few standing old homes left and thats one of them, Rodgers said. If they can save it we need to save it, its one of our last relics. Robbins hopes this piques other peoples interest in history. I hope this experience makes people look around and notice the historic treasures we have in Hot Springs and make sure we take care of them, Robbins said. During the meeting, the city attorney said he would work with others on the options they can bring to the board on a secure proposal for the home and if its feasible. Arkansas man works to recover, preserve lost history KARK 4 News has tried to reach out to the property owners by going to the listed address and calling multiple times but has not heard back 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 KARK. ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that federal funding is now available for victims of the severe weather on Wednesday, July 10. The governor announced on Tuesday, September 10 that home and small business owners in 12 New York counties, including Herkimer and Oneida Counties, can now apply for low-interest loans to aid in their recovery. Other counties include Lewis, Essex, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington Counties. My administration has worked diligently to provide resources to areas affected by the July 10 severe weather, and thanks to our federal partners, small businesses can now apply for assistance to rebuild and recover, Governor Hochul said in a statement. Severe weather has become all too common in our state, but we maintain a steadfast commitment to supporting the businesses and communities that make New York special. According to the SDA, homeowners could be lent up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence. Renters and their landlords will be eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. Affected business owners can apply for up to $2 million for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment and other losses. They along with non-profit organizations may also apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan of up to $2 million to provide capital until normal operations can resume. In July, severe weather caused significant damage to homes and businesses across Central New York and the North Country, so Im grateful to see impacted residents and businesses will now be offered the federal assistance they need to recover. Making these disaster loans accessible is a critical next step for those impacted to rebuild and regain their livelihoods. I thank the SBA for offering this critical federal assistance and I will continue to fight to ensure all New Yorkers have every available federal resource to rebuild following severe weather events. Homeowners and small business owners who wish to apply for the emergency loans can do so at the link here. If you require more information about the loans, you are encouraged to contact the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. According to the SBA, locations for in-person assistance and applications will be announced soon. The filing deadline for applications for property damage is Friday, November 8. The deadline for business owners to file for economic injury applications is Thursday, June 5, 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or in an emergency, please call 911 immediately. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Salt Lake County grand jury has indicted a Holladay man who reportedly assaulted a pregnant woman and fled the scene. According to the Salt Lake District Attorneys Office, Katima Tukka, 22, allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman, choked her until she passed out, and fled the scene. Unforgivable sin: Tooele man charged with murder of daughter, an SLC sheriffs deputy Tukka was indicted on the following charges: Assault of a pregnant woman. Aggravated assault resulting in loss of consciousness. Failure to stop at the command of a law officer. Damage or interruption of a communication device. Interfering with a peace officer. Three of the five charges had domestic violence enhancements, according to documents. The woman told Salt Lake City Police that Tukka allegedly entered her residence intoxicated, so she asked Tukka to leave, which upset him. Tukka then reportedly strangled the woman and swore at her. She was unable to breathe and she eventually passed out, the woman told police. The victim was taken to a hospital. SLCPD found Tukka searching the area but he reportedly fled after being commanded to stop. According to documents, Salt Lake City Police responded to a domestic disturbance on Sept. 3. Police say they made contact with the victim and saw she was bleeding from her face. The victim said she had known Tukka for about five months when this incident occurred. Documents said Tukka was aware the victim was pregnant when they first got to know each other. He was eventually arrested by SLCPD, but Tukka has since posted bail and is awaiting a trial date. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) A change of scenery will come to a community in Bloomington soon. On Oct. 15, the homeless tent encampment will be moved from its current location next to Home Sweet Home Ministries into the Bloomington Salvation Army shelter. What weve been able to do with our neighbors right next door makes it really ease of access, Leslie Bunge, Director of Development at Home Sweet Home Ministries said. They can come in and utilize our junction during the day. They work with our street outreach coordinator to kind of get some help on maybe obtaining an I.D. or if they need help with medical services or medication or even those basic hygiene items and survival items. Bloomington to close Eastview Church encampment With the new change, Home Sweet Homes building wont be as easy to get to for those in the camp, but the non-profit is staying ready to help. I think its been a popular place out there because theyre right by us and they have ease of access, Bunge said. Now thats going to come a little bit more detrimental for people, but Home Sweet Home is going to remain committed to doing our best to help them and meet them where they are. The City Manager of Bloomington said the council is seeing this as a people-first matter. This is an issue that touches all of us, Jeff Jurgens, City Manager for the City of Bloomington said. And this could be your brother or it could be your sister, or it could be your mother or father or your daughter or son. It could be your neighbor. And thats how a lot of times the non-profits talk about the individuals that are experiencing homelessness. Theyre our neighbors. And so we want to do what we can to help them. Bloomington is taking a different approach to homelessness than some other Central Illinois communities that have banned outdoor encampments. The city council, we dont want to punish these individuals, Jurgens said. We want to help these individuals. I think our councils been very clear on that. Weve tried to approach this from a place of compassion. And thats why I said were lucky to have our nonprofits that have been right there with us to help us do that. Eastview Christian Church is planning to contribute $50,000 towards factors of the move including, staffing, cots and bedding. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Fresno Police officers are asking for the publics assistance after a man is seen on video getting kicked repeatedly in the head outside a business in the citys Tower District late August. Police say around 2 a.m. on Aug. 26, they responded to 936 East Olive Avenue after receiving a 9-1-1 call regarding an unhoused man sleeping in front of a business that had been physically assaulted. Responding officers reported a 47-year-old man who was conscious but suffering from significant injuries to the head. He was transported to a local hospital to undergo treatment. Investigators say all the victim could recall was that he was asleep and suddenly awoke to being repeatedly struck on his head. The 9-1-1 caller was located and told officers the suspect had fled eastbound on Olive Avenue. Detectives from the Street Violence Bureau conducted an investigation and retrieved surveillance from a nearby business that captured the assault however, a suspect has not been identified. Anyone who recognizes the suspect in the video or any information about this case is asked to contact Fresno Police Detective Guadalupe Olague at 559-287-3921. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Here are this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go. The Sioux Falls school district and police are investigating threats made on social media regarding school safety. While police believe the threats are likely copycats, they are visiting the homes of students whove reposted the threat. Police investigating school threats A Sioux Falls man is behind bars charged with murder. Its the 8th homicide investigation in Sioux Falls this year. According to court documents, Dylan Farmer, 30, is accused of shooting 30 year old Casey Shawn Edward Shaffer in the face for allegedly touching a young boy inside an apartment building last week. Murder suspect held on $1 million cash only bond Augustana University has launched an initiative called Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage, and Civility. Its part of the university-wide initiative that includes signing a pledge to have civil dialogue. Augie election initiative encourages civility Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has introduced a new toolkit to help promote Hope for Life Day, which is observed annually on September 10. The toolkit offers valuable resources to help community leaders, health professionals, and grassroots organizers raise awareness and foster resilience in Native communities. Hope for Life Day was created by the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Task Force and coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day. The initiative is part of a broader effort to change the narrative surrounding suicide prevention, focusing on healing, hope, and community-based resilience within Native populations. Native American communities face significant mental health challenges, with suicide rates more than 3.5 times higher than the national average for AI/AN adolescents aged 15 to 24, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Native youth are at particular risk, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among Native individuals in this age group. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for focused efforts to promote mental wellness, destigmatize mental health treatment, and foster support systems in Native communities. To support mental health initiatives for Hope for Life Day, NCUIHs comprehensive toolkit includes: Flyers and Social Media Graphics: Pre-designed, ready-to-use materials that can be distributed in communities and on social media to raise awareness. Social Media Posts: Crafted posts to inspire engagement, conversations about mental health, and participation in suicide prevention efforts. Key Resources and Information: A variety of tools, including culturally relevant mental health information, crisis helplines, and guides for organizing local events. NCUIH encourages everyone to take action on September 10 and beyond by utilizing the toolkit to promote mental wellness initiatives, amplify outreach, and help build a supportive network for Native communities facing mental health challenges. 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 Melania Trump wants answers. Normally reticent and out of the public eye, the former first lady just released a video calling for a more thorough investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump earlier this summer. The attempt to end my husbands life was a horrible, distressing experience, the part time Palm Beach resident says to the camera, dramatic music playing in the background. Now, the silence around it feels heavy. I cant help but wonder: Why didnt law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There is definitely more to this story and we need to uncover the truth. The camera then pans to the 54 year olds memoir, Melania, which is available for pre-order. The book wont contain any information on the July 13 incident as it was written months ago. One person died and two were injured when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired eight rounds at Donald Trumps rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The former presidents right ear was struck by a bullet, the FBI confirmed, and bled profusely. The 78 year old has since made a full recovery. Crooks, whose motive is still unknown, was killed by a sniper from the Secret Service, whose director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after assuming full responsibility for the security lapse. READ MORE: Where is Barron Trump going to college? A day after the attack, Melania released an official statement: When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barrons life, were on the brink of devastating change, it said. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Horry County and federal authorities last month dismantled an ongoing gang war between Bloods and Crips that ended with 80 arrests and dozens of seized guns, officials said on Tuesday. There is no doubt that this operation had an impact on the gang violence throughout all of Horry County, and it sent a clear message to all of the gang members that the Horry County Police Department will respond to violence wherever its occurring, Lt. Cory Dulina, head of the agencys street and gang crimes unit, told councilmembers. A multi-agency task force spent two weeks in August investigating areas mostly between Little River and Loris area, with some activities branching into Conway and Myrtle Beach. In addition to the 80 arrests, officials seized cash, drugs and guns, including: 58 weapons $18,180 in cash 64.6 grams of methamphetamine 55 grams of fentanyl 35.8 of crack cocaine 47.8 grams of cocaine Authorities learned over the course of the investigation that Crips members were being supported by Gangster Disciples in their attacks against Blood members, Dulina said. Authorities began tracking a trend of attempted murders, murders, home invasions, carjacking incidents, auto thefts and drive-by shootings in the northern and western parts of the county, Horry County police said in a statement when the arrests were announced. The violent acts continued to occur at varying times to include the middle of the day where Bloods and Crips were seen being involved in drive-by shootings along the Highway 9 corridor in broad daylight, Dulina said. Dulina said officials implemented never-before-used methods as part of the operation, which included assistance from the U.S. Marshals Office, FBI, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency among others. A lot of the gangs that were investigating currently, they tend not to follow the national standards that you typically would see, which makes it really troublesome for us, Dulina said. He said another task force is being formed as authorities continue their crackdown on violent crime in the region. * * * 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. It's been a volatile ride for The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) and its investors in recent times. The stock is trading modestly higher this year but still down more than 25% from its record high in early 2023. A string of disappointing quarterly results for the confectionery giant amid shifting consumer spending trends and lingering inflationary cost pressures have kept shares under pressure. Despite the sour headlines, there are plenty of reasons for investors to stay bullish on Hershey in what remains a sweet long-term outlook. Let's discuss where the stock might be five years from now and whether it's a good buy now. A sweet tooth leader Hershey is globally recognized for its namesake chocolate, which has a history of more than 125 years. Most people may not know that the company also controls a broader portfolio of several other iconic candy brands such as Reese's, KitKat, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlers. In recent years, Hershey has expanded its reach in salty snacks with SkinnyPop Popcorn and Dot's Pretzels, both representing important growth drivers. The brand name lineup and the company's category leadership highlight the attraction of the stock as a potential investment. Image source: Hershey Company. A disappointing start to 2024 for Hershey That said, Hershey hasn't been immune to the challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Management is citing a dynamic of consumers pulling back on discretionary purchases. In the second quarter, sales dropped by 16.7% while earnings per share (EPS) of $1.27 was 38% lower compared to Q2 2023. The headline metrics are concerning, but the context here is important. Hershey's implementation of a new enterprise software system alongside a planned inventory adjustment was responsible for most of the decline. Balancing the weakness in the confectionery categories, a strong point was the North American salty snacks group, which posted a solid 9% volume increase from Q2 2023 including the Dot's Homestyle Pretzel brand as a top performer. The understanding is that seasonal shipments have been pushed out into Q3 with the expectation that sales will normalize into the second half of the year. Hershey is guiding for 2024 net sales growth around 2% while forecasting EPS to be "down slightly" from the $9.59 result in 2023. Overall, it's not quite the start to the year that Hershey investors would have hoped to see, but the company's full-year outlook offers a sense that conditions are stable. A positive fundamental outlook Beyond the near-term quarterly noise, the company has many levers to adapt to changing market conditions, such as diverting resources to different parts of the portfolio or managing pricing in support of margins. There is also some optimism for the international market segment, which has contributed just 18% of total sales this year but offers a major opportunity to expand by entering new markets. Investors can also look forward to Hershey continuing its long tradition as a dividend grower. Except for 2009, the company has hiked its quarterly dividend rate every year since 1988, including the 15% increase to the current $1.37 per share amount earlier this year yielding 2.7%. The combination of steady growth and underlying profitability adds a layer of quality to Hershey's stock. In terms of valuation, Hershey's stock is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21. Notably, this level is at a discount from the stock's five-year average for the multiple closer to 26, suggesting shares are undervalued and investors could be getting a bargain -- assuming the company can get back on track with executing its growth strategy. A couple of quarters with rebounding sales outperforming expectations could be a catalyst for the earnings premium to converge higher as a tailwind for the stock. HSY PE Ratio (Forward) Chart Where will Hershey be in 2029? I'm bullish on Hershey's stock. Management maintains a target to generate adjusted annual EPS growth between 6% and 8% per year over the long run. In my view, the stock should climb by at least that level with some upside through a valuation expansion as operating and financial momentum improves. By 2029, I predict the stock price could reach $300, implying approximately 50% upside from the current level with incremental shareholder returns from the dividend income over the period. Should you invest $1,000 in Hershey right now? Before you buy stock in Hershey, 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 Hershey 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 $652,404!* 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 9, 2024 Dan Victor has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Hershey. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Where Will Hershey Stock Be in 5 Years? was originally published by The Motley Fool Horry County likely to back away from major development ban along proposed Interstate 73 corridor CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) Horry County leaders next week will back away from approving a major development ban along the proposed Interstate 73 corridor until federal and state funding for the controversial project is secured. This is a highway that may or may not get constructed, county councilman Al Allen said at a Tuesday infrastructure and regulation subcommittee meeting. Where it is now, weve got landowners who are being denied permits in order or enhance or build upon their property because of that. County leaders in July gave preliminary approval adding I-73 to official maps, essentially limiting development on nearly 400 parcels along the corridor. Officials at the time said doing so could prevent future financial losses for investors. David Gilreath, an assistant county administrator, said in July theres an advantage to adding I-73 onto official maps now. No matter how we talk about this and no matter what we do, its not a pleasant situation when you have to take someones property to improve it for the public, he told the county council. That said, what this ordinance does is it tries to protect the interests of the public in reducing or eliminating improvements to a property the public is anticipating to acquire. If it ever gets built, the roughly 80-mile, $2 billion highway would be South Carolinas sixth interstate, linking the states tourism hub directly to the North Carolina border through rural areas of the Pee Dee, running from Rockingham, North Carolina through Marlboro and Dillon counties. It would then cross Interstate 95 and feed onto Highway 22 in Horry County. The state Department of Transportation has $15 million to purchase rights-of-way in Horry County in preparation for I-73. A third and final vote is needed to put I-73 onto the countys map, which is expected to take place Sept. 17. Allen, whose District 11 includes the entirety of the interstates South Carolina portion, said development in the area should be allowed to continue until theres a guarantee that funding is in place. Youre talking about elderly people that may have children that want to build a house on their farm out there, and theyve always dreamed of that, Allen said. You may have a younger couple out there that cant afford to buy a house on this side of the county, but theyve got their small half acre or acre of land out there. Even though weve tried to work this ordinance through, I dont think its fair. * * * 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. TEL AVIV, IsraelMarking the 11-month anniversary of October 7, citizens took to the streets of Israeli cities Saturday in what organizers described as the wars largest demonstrations in support of hostage families to date. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered here on Begin Street to send what they hoped would be a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Reach a deal to bring the abductees home, even if it means making military sacrifices in Gaza. Yet the decision isnt Netanyahus alone and few Israelis, even among the protesters, think the government should agree to a deal at any cost. Amid disagreements over where to draw the line, many fear the war has reached an inflection point at which a choice must be made: Save the kidnapped Israelis or continue the war against Hamas. Meanwhile, distrust of Netanyahus motives abounds, with critics accusing him of making eleventh-hour demands to sabotage the ceasefire-for-hostage-release talks. We expect the government to do everything it can. Putting up more obstacles to a deal is not doing everything you can. It looks like the government has already given up on the hostages, said Molly Dori, a resident of the nearby city of Herzliya who attended the Tel Aviv demonstrations. Its horrible. We cannot stand it. Thats why we are protesting. We come here every week. And many of the demonstrators have been personally touched by the ongoing hostage crisis. Such is the case for Orly Chen, whose nephew, Israeli American Itay Chen, was killed and taken into Gaza by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Were still fighting to bring him back home for the proper burial that he deserves. He cant be left there, Chen told The Dispatch on Saturday night. Were a united country, and the hostages have to come back homethose who are alive and those who are unfortunately not. The belief that Netanyahu is undermining negotiations can be attributed at least in part to vows by his coalition partners to topple the government if a previously floated hostage deal is struck. Whether the ultranationalist party leaders would follow through on the threats remains uncertain, but many Israelis now believe the prime minister is prioritizing his political fate over that of the some 100 abductees, living and deceased, who remain in Gaza. For many, Hamas execution of six hostages late last month brought new urgency to the cause they have advocated for since the beginning of the war. The group of murdered Israelis included Carmel Gat, whose cousin Shay Dickmann blamed the prime minister for thwarting a July deal from coming to fruition in a tearful speech Saturday night. Netanyahu said no, she claimed of the agreement that almost came to pass. Seeing how hes managed the process in recent weeks, combined with the fresh trauma, is what galvanized people to the streets, Tel Aviv-based political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin told The Dispatch. All surveys show that a clear majorityeven more than those who are critical of the government, even more than those who support a hostage dealbelieve that Netanyahu was taking his own political future into account in his decision-making. If elections were held today, Netanyahu would not be able to form a government, Scheindlin added. In a recent poll by Israels Channel 12, 69 percent of respondents said Netanyahu shouldnt run in the next election, compared to just 22 percent who said he should. Even among coalition voters, more respondents46 percentsaid Netanyahu should resign than said he should run again. An anti-government protester in Tel Aviv carries a poster featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu behind bars on September 7, 2024. (Photo by Charlotte Lawson.) Yet Netanyahu, who has led the Likud Party for more than two decades and is serving his third stint as prime minister, has been able to recover some of his prewar support. After polling dismally for the first six months following October 7, the prime ministers approval rating began its steady recovery in April, following a thwarted Iranian aerial attack. Netanyahu has managed to strengthen his public support, not to the extent that he feels secure in his positionthere is not a consensus that he is the right wartime leaderbut if we look at the center-right and center-left, we dont see any figure that is comparable to him in terms of his public standing, Tamar Hermann, head of the Israel Democracy Institutes Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, told The Dispatch. Mass demonstrations calling for Netanyahus resignation, she added, have allowed him to rally support from people who think hes been unfairly blamed for the failure of hostage deal negotiations. And indeed, Hamas has shown little interest in reaching an agreement. The terror group last month rejected an American-backed bridging proposal that Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Netanyahu supported. U.S. officials have reportedly begun to doubt Hamas leader Yahya Sinwars eagerness to reach a deal, but American mediators are nevertheless pushing ahead with negotiations. President Joe Biden recently said that just a couple more issues remain unresolved, and the administration is currently finalizing its latest draft proposal to resolve final sticking points between the two sides. Public messaging from the Israeli side has been less encouraging for those who want a deal. On Thursday, Netanyahu made one of his most pessimistic forecasts yet. Theres not a deal in the making, he told Fox News. Unfortunately, its not close. While Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu insists that the military must continue to hold the Philadelphi corridoran 8-mile stretch of land between Egypt and Gazato prevent the terror group from rearming and smuggling fighters in and out of Gaza. Failing to do so, some analysts argue, would pose a grave threat to Israeli soldiers should the country need to resume fighting in the future. On the other hand, Netanyahus own defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has pushed the government to drop the demand if it means reaching a deal. A security cabinet meeting late last month reportedly devolved into a shouting match between the two Likud Party members after Netanyahu doubled down on his desire to hold Philadelphi despite Gallants insistence that the military can retake the corridor if needed. As the prime minister you are authorized to bring to a vote any decision you wantincluding executing the hostages, the defense minister is quoted as saying. Two days later, the Israel Defense Forces discovered the six murdered hostages, leading to a wave of public outrage that has persisted since. At the demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday, protester Eyal Vald shared Gallants conviction that Israel should vacate Philadelphi to get its people home. The Philadelphi corridor is very important, but right now the lives of the kidnapped are much more important. We can always go back and take over the corridor. Right now, whats important is bringing them back, he told The Dispatch. Vald also accused Netanyahu of caving to the extremists in his coalition, referring to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism Party and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit party, who oppose any deal that permanently ends fighting in Gaza before Hamas is destroyed. A demonstrator appeals to President Joe Biden during protests in Tel Aviv on September 7, 2024. (Photo by Charlotte Lawson.) Others see the lack of progress in negotiations as wholly unrelated to intra-Israeli politics, pointing to Hamas and Israels fundamentally opposing war aims. Jerusalem has consistently vowed to topple Hamas as a military and governing entity in Gazaa goal endorsed by most Israelis. Hamas, meanwhile, wants to reconstitute postwar and squeeze as many concessions out of Israel as it can in the process. But Israeli demonstrators dont see it as their job to get Hamas to the table. I am not a citizen of Gaza. I am a citizen of the state of Israel. Its not my responsibility to care or to think what Hamas wants or needs. I only hold my prime minister accountable, Jerusalem resident Karen Saar said from Saturday nights protests, where she carried a poster that read, Executed by Hamas. Abandoned by Netanyahu. Netanyahu didnt pull the trigger, Hamas pulled the trigger. And he didnt abduct the hostages, Hamas did, Saar added. But hes the prime minister of Israel, so hes responsible for bringing them back. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Monday, Utah! Its another hot, summer-like afternoon around the Beehive state with a few isolated storms. The best chances for thunderstorms will be south of I-80 in Utah. Southerly flow remains in place Monday which will allow for isolated showers and thunderstorms across central and southern parts of Utah Monday afternoon. Strong outflow winds will remain the main threat except for the southern half of the state where heavier rainfall is possible due to better moisture in the area. Flash flood potential is possible for Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and the Swell. Daytime temps will warm into the upper 80s and low 90s across northern Utah, and around 100 across lower Washington County. Tuesday, a southerly flow will continue to pump in some monsoonal moisture, leading to the chance for a few more isolated showers and storms, especially in central and northern Utah east of I-15. Temperatures on Tuesday will stay about 5 degrees above normal in the north, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s along the Wasatch Front. Southern Utah will stay closer to average. On Wednesday, a big trough digs into the western U.S., bringing stronger south-to-southwesterly winds to much of the area on Wednesday. Expect windy conditions, especially in western valleys and possibly further east. Relative humidity will drop below 15% in most valleys south of I-80, which could mean fire weather alerts if conditions are dry enough. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for eastern Nevada, and critical fire conditions are being predicted across at least western Utah. The timing of a cold front moving into northern Utah is expected Wednesday night, continuing through central, southern, and eastern Utah on Thursday. This may keep winds elevated through Thursday, especially in the southern and eastern valleys. After the cold front passes, temperatures in the north will drop significantly around 20 degrees bringing highs in the Wasatch Front down to the upper 60s. Meanwhile, southern Utah will only cool by about 5 degrees. Due to the ongoing wildfires in Oregon and Idaho, the front may also bring more smoke into the area. The best chances for measurable precipitation on Thursday will be across northern Utah and southwest Wyoming, especially north of I-80. By Friday, most models show the upper trough moving away from the area, with drier air moving back in for the weekend. Northern Utah might stay cooler through Friday, but temperatures should bounce back by the weekend as a dry westerly flow takes over. Well give you the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A temperature of 114 is displayed on a digital sign outside of De Anza Magnet School in El Centro, Calif., in 2022. Higher summer temperatures, driven by climate change, are pushing some school districts around the country to start the school year later. Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images Owen Driscoll, a 17-year-old senior at Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee, was skeptical about starting school after Labor Day this year, three weeks later than before. But he is beginning to see the advantages. Last year when we were on the old schedule, we had a few heat days [off in August] because it was so unbearable, he said, noting that few classrooms are air-conditioned. That made it hard to get into the rhythm of school, he said. By delaying the start date and extending the school year into June, heat days are more likely at the end of the year, Driscoll acknowledged. But by then, he said, students are ready to be done and appreciate the unscheduled time off. Higher summer temperatures, driven by climate change, are pushing more school districts around the country to start the school year later. Its contrary to a decades-long trend toward moving up start dates. In addition to the change at some schools in Milwaukee, school officials in Philadelphia and in Billings, Montana, also have cited heat as a reason to push back their start dates. We see examples all over the country, said Karen White, deputy executive director of the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the country. I think its only gotten worse, White said. We are at a point in time [in the school year when] parents and educators and students should be excited. Its difficult when you are sending your kid to a classroom thats more like a hot yoga class. White said climate change has led some teachers to demand air conditioning in collective bargaining. She pointed to an agreement in Columbus, Ohio, that called for climate-controlled classrooms by the 2025-26 school year. In Philadelphia, district spokesperson Christina Clark said that beginning school after Labor Day will minimize the number of heat-related school closures, which exacerbate inequities between schools that have air conditioning and those that do not. Hot temperatures during the first few days of school leads to headaches, lack of attention and general frustration, Clark wrote in an email to Stateline. In Billings, Montana, Superintendent Erwin Garcia noted that one of the districts oldest high schools has no air conditioning and the other has it in only half the building. I noticed classrooms can be 90 degrees, 95 degrees, almost 100 degrees. And our students and teachers have to go through that process for two to three weeks, Garcia told local station KTVQ last December, when the district was discussing changes. The school board voted to push back this years start date to Sept. 3. The 2023-24 school year began on Aug. 22. He estimated that fully air-conditioning the two oldest high schools would cost $24 million and that the district would have to ask taxpayers for the money, according to KTVQ. Its difficult when you are sending your kid to a classroom thats more like a hot yoga class. Karen White, deputy executive director of the National Education Association A lawmaker in Texas, where most schools started the week of Aug. 12, plans to file a bill in the next legislative session to delay school openings as a way to reduce stress on the states power grid. With 1,100 new residents daily and an ever-expanding economy, opening schools before Labor Day is an awfully wasteful stress on our power grid. Cooling thousands of buildings often the largest buildings in a community during the hottest months of the year makes no sense, Texas Republican state Rep. Jared Patterson wrote on the social platform X. Schools should be completely closed during July & August, saving taxpayer dollars on cooling expenses and our grid at the same time, he wrote last month. In general, schools in the Northeast start later, schools in the Deep South, earlier. In places that are hot for much of the year, such as Arizona, Florida and Texas, the heat is less of a concern because nearly all schools are fully air conditioned. In the six New England states, however, almost no students go back before the end of August, while in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, about three-quarters of students dont return until after Labor Day, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. Contrary to popular belief, the school calendar has little to do with the agrarian economy, according to historians. If it did, spring planting and fall harvesting seasons would be days off school for farm kids. What is true is that in recent years, historically hot summers have forced many schools no matter when their start dates to temporarily close. Last month, for example, some schools in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin all closed or dismissed students early because of excessive heat. And last year, schools in nine states Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin during the first week of September either closed or let kids out before scheduled dismissal, according to a survey by CBS News. Climate change will probably hasten a push back to a September start in places that have somewhat temperate Junes, said Joshua Graff Zivin, an economist and director of the Cowhey Center on Global Transformation at the University of California San Diego. Zivin said more schools should invest in air conditioning, but even with it, a hot commute to school or home temperatures too high to get a good nights sleep affect students performance and might lead to calls for later school start dates. A U.S. Government Accountability Office study in 2020 found 41% of school districts across the country need to update or replace heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems in at least half of their schools, amounting to about 36,000 schools. The federal agency didnt measure how many schools have no air conditioning at all, according to Jackie Nowicki, a director in GAOs team that focuses on education. In Milwaukee, Adria Maddaleni, chief human resources officer for the Milwaukee Public Schools, said the later start was partially the result of a parent survey. Only about a quarter of classrooms in the district have air conditioning. I thank the Lord we did not have early start this session, Maddaleni said in an interview, and we didnt have to worry about canceling school. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE 'Hotter than it's ever been': How this 93-year-old copes with Phoenix's 100-degree heat It was almost 4 p.m. on a Monday in late July, and the temperature was near 110 degrees. But the scorching heat didnt seem to bother Geraldine King. The 93-year-old woman was sitting in the shade in front of the Westward Ho near downtown Phoenix. For a chair she used her walker. Her long gray hair streamed down the sides of her face from a black cowboy hat. In one hand she clutched a can of Coke Zero. King has lived in a one-bedroom apartment on the ninth floor of the former luxury hotel for 22 years. The 16-story building is now a federally subsidized apartment complex for elderly people living in poverty. Every so often someone entered or exited the building and a blast of cold air poured out. King said the air conditioning inside the building works fine. The power went out the evening before during a storm, but it was back on within minutes. Then what was she doing outside in the heat? At least three times a day King said she leaves her apartment and sits outside on her walker for about an hour. No matter how hot it got. It was important, she said, to stay acclimated. Geraldine King sits in front of the Westward Ho apartments before walking over to Circle K for her morning coffee in downtown Phoenix on July 24, 2024. King says the exposure to Phoenix's relentless summer heat helps her acclimate to the high temperatures. This heat is unprecedented, she said. Its hotter than its ever been. It also beat sitting alone in her apartment isolated all day, she said. I come out here to see about things, King said. I look at everything that goes on. Keeping watch, then a birthday lunch There is a lot to see. The Westward Ho is located on the corner of Central Avenue and Fillmore Street. Residents come and go at all hours. Geraldine King has lived at the Westward Ho apartments, a former luxury hotel in downtown Phoenix, for 22 years. The 16-story building is now a federally subsidized apartment complex for elderly people living in poverty. A week earlier, King walked out of the building around 7 in the morning and nearly stepped on a man sleeping on the ground outside the front doors. King didnt pay much attention. People experiencing homelessness often hang out near the entrance to get some relief from the heat when the glass doors open and cold air from inside pours out, King said. The man turned out to be dead, an apparent victim of the heat, King said, and had been there since 2 a.m.. Staff from the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office soon arrived and took the body away. Late the following morning, King walked out of the Westward Ho using her walker. Her son, Dan Hitt, 50, was parked out front in a Toyota Prius waiting to take King out to lunch for her 93rd birthday. The temperature read 102 degrees. Hitt packed Kings walker into the trunk and drove off. The air conditioner in his car was on high. But the air blowing out of the vents didnt feel cold. Hitt pulled into a parking lot near Seventh Avenue and McDowell moments later. He helped King get out of the Prius and pulled the walker out of the trunk, then walked with her along the hot sidewalk into a Chipotle restaurant. In comparison to the 102-degree heat outside, the air inside the restaurant felt cold. Geraldine King walks from the Westward Ho, the early-20th century luxury hotel that is now federally subsidized housing, to the Circle K for her morning coffee in downtown Phoenix on July 24, 2024. Over burrito bowls, Hitt says his mother grew up on a Mormon ranch in Boulder, a small town in southern Utah. That is why at 93 she insists on maintaining her independence, Hitt says. King said she cant afford to take taxis. Instead she buys a reduced-fare bus pass, which costs $32 a month. She lives on monthly $900 Social Security payments. About $229 of that goes to pay rent. Hitt lives in the Coronado neighborhood less than two miles from the Westward Ho, but says his mother refuses to accept any help from him getting around. She takes the bus to pick up prescriptions for a thyroid condition at the CVS on McDowell Avenue and Central, about a mile from the Westward Ho. She walks one block to the Circle K on First Avenue to buy coffee in the morning. And she walks to the U.S. Post Office across the street to pick up postal checks to pay her Cox cable bill. King dog sits for one of the Westward Ho residents, a former Royal Air Force pilot from England. In exchange, he brings her groceries. Geraldine King walks back to the Westward Ho in downtown Phoenix on July 24, 2024. A health scare, then back to her perch On a day in April, King had an appointment to see a heart doctor. She had scarlet fever when she was 10 and it damaged her heart. It was over 100 degrees that day. She walked to the stop across the street from the Westward Ho and got on a bus up Central Avenue to Earll Drive, then walked the last three or four blocks to the doctors office. By the time she arrived, Kings heart was racing. She staggered into the lobby dizzy and overheated and nearly collapsed. The incident exposed an irregular heartbeat. A few days later, King had surgery. The same heart doctor implanted a pacemaker, Hitt said. Even so, King still insists on venturing out in the Phoenix heat on her own, although I try to go when its not blazing hot. Geraldine King, 93, and her son, Dan Hitt, 50, walk from the Chipotle Mexican Grill in Phoenix after lunch to celebrate her birthday on July 23, 2024. Hitt lives in the Coronado neighborhood less than two miles from the Westward Ho, but says his mother refuses to accept any help from him getting around. Hitt said he worries about his mother all the time. But he said there is not much he can do. Ive had to make peace with it, because shes obstinate about it, but I do think about it a lot, Hitt said. By the time King and Hitt finished lunch at Chipotle, it was after noon. The temperature outside had climbed to 105 degrees as King used her walker to get to the parking lot, where Hitt helped her get in the Prius. Back at the Westward Ho, Hitt gave his mother a blue sack with her birthday present inside, and then drove away. King used her walker to go back inside the Westward Ho. One week in the Phoenix heat: Living and dying in Americas hottest big city On Thursday morning, King was back sitting on her walker in front of the Westward Ho. She wore an orange hat that matched the pattern of her long dress. It was 89 degrees. The 55% percent humidity made it feel warmer, more like 91. King said she had been sitting there since about 6:15 a.m., waiting to walk over to the Circle K a block away to buy a cup of coffee. Using the walker for balance, it took her about 10 minutes to cover the distance, and then another 10 minutes to get back to the Westward Ho. Geraldine King says she prefers to keep the temperature of her Westward Ho apartment on the warmer side so that the outdoors won't feel so hot by comparison. By the time she got back, King decided it was time to head back to her apartment on the ninth floor to make breakfast. The air inside the apartment felt muggy and hot. A reading on a thermometer measured 84.5 degrees. King checked the thermostat. It was set at 79 degrees. King said she likes to keep her apartment warm. That way, she said, when she goes outside in the 100 degree heat, it doesnt feel so hot. One week in the Phoenix heat: Living and dying in Americas hottest big city When heat hurts: ER doctors treat heatstroke, contact burns on Phoenix's hottest days Measuring heat: How to do it correctly, according to scientists, and why it matters This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: In downtown Phoenix, 93-year-old Geraldine King copes with the heat Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) does not believe the Houses work on the stopgap funding measure will complicate getting a deal on a continuing resolution. Senate Republicans gave the House GOPs plan to fund the government a chilly reception on Monday, questioning whether it will slow progress toward finding a solution to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month. They acknowledged the inclusion of a Trump-backed measure requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote could complicate the stopgap funding bills path, and many especially arent pleased with the continuing resolutions (CR) six-month timeline. House Republicans are expected to move quickly on the bill, which would kick the current Sept. 30 funding deadline into March and includes the SAVE Act legislation requiring proof of citizenship to be able to register to vote in federal elections. Conservatives, optimistic that former President Trump will return to the White House next year, argue the proposal will allow the next president more influence over how the government is funded through fall 2025. Conservative Republicans in the Senate are backing the gambit. But others in the GOP worry it comes dangerously close to risking a shutdown, and say that six months is simply too long. Well have to see what the House ends up sending to us, but my preference is to have a December CR, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said. I think we should complete our work as soon as possible, which is why Im very disappointed that the floor agenda, once again, this week is not going to include Senate reported appropriations bills. That would strengthen the Senates hand in negotiations. Sen. John Thune (S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican who is running to become leader next year, said he saw some argument for pushing this stuff into next year, but theres also going to be folks [on the other side]. He added, It depends a little bit on what happens in November and what [the incoming president] want to get done before the end of the year and what they want to push into next year. Its fluid, Thune continued. My views will probably be informed and shaped a little bit by what the election results are and what our colleagues think is the best course of action. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said he didnt have objections to the bills inclusion of the SAVE Act. But he said Monday he thinks six months is long. Im for the shortest time frame of the CR that still allows us time to get our work done and avoids an omnibus bill, Moran said, referring to a massive, normally end-of-year, package that combines all 12-year funding bills. Thats probably longer than just a few weeks, but I, you know, six months is a little long, so Im looking for whatever it is that time frame that actually gives us the time to get the job done without more extensions, without more additional CRs, but especially with giving us the time to work out differences between House and Senate, and actually do appropriation bills. Speaker Johnson plowing ahead with funding plan despite GOP opposition Democratic leaders have roundly rejected the plan in the upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took a veiled shot at the inclusion of the SAVE Act in this weeks House bill, saying that poison pills or Republican extremism must be avoided in the spending push. Democrats support a CR to keep the government open. As I have said before, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way. Despite Republican bluster, that is how weve handled every funding bill in the past, and this time should be no exception, Schumer wrote in a letter to Senate Democrats on Sunday. We will not let poison pills or Republican extremism put funding for critical programs at risk. Democrats whipping against GOPs short-term spending bill: A waste of time The White House also fired a warning shot on Monday morning, vowing to veto the bill in the unlikely event it makes it to the presidents desk, arguing it would place agencies at insufficiently low levels both for defense and non-defense for a full six months. Its not clear at this point if the measure will pass the House. Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) decision to include the SAVE Act and stretch the CR to six months brought aboard a number of conservatives normally opposed to stopgaps, but Republican opposition Monday night appeared widespread and growing. But there are already eyes on how some vulnerable House Democrats that previously crossed party lines to back the bill will respond to the stopgap pitch, particularly as Republicans have seized on issues like immigration and the border in the months leading up to the November elections. Many Senate Republicans on Monday backed the inclusion of the SAVE Act, but sounded a cautious note. The bill passed the House mostly along party lines earlier this year, as many Democrats have denounced the measure, noting it is already a crime for noncitizens to vote in federal elections and arguing the bill could make voter registration more difficult. Backers of the bill argue it ensures that only citizens can vote in federal elections, partly by making it mandatory for states to obtain proof of citizenship to register voters and also requiring states to purge noncitizens from voter rolls. I think its important to make sure illegal immigrants arent voting and the American people need to know what party is on what side of that, said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the No. 3 Republican, adding that he supports what the House is trying to do. However, he doesnt believe the lower chambers work this week will complicate getting a CR deal when all is said and done. I want to make sure the government stays open, Barrasso said. Ive always wanted to make sure that happens and I expect the funding will go through and the government will stay open. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the other leading candidate to replace Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) atop the conference, also tossed his support behind the SAVE Act and Johnsons plan, saying that whatever he needs to do to win support from House GOP members is the right call. He needs to do what he needs to do in the House, and well fight that battle over here, Cornyn said, declining to take sides one way or another on the length of Johnsons proposed CR. I just think theres arguments both ways. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Despite pushback from both sides of the aisle, Tuesday House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged to push forward a six-month government funding plan that includes a provision outlawing undocumented immigrants from voting. House Republicans held their first leadership press conference in weeks and Johnson argued the provision, better known as the SAVE Act, is necessary to ensure a fair election in states with lax voter ID laws. Democrats oppose the election year bill because it is already illegal for undocumented immigrants to vote in U.S. elections., a reality Johnson acknowledged Tuesday. They say its not really a problem, Democrats, its already against federal law, it is against federal law but so is minors buying alcohol, but we still require identification, Johnson told reporters. On the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on House Republicans to stop wasting time and work with Democrats to pass a bipartisan deal to keep the government open. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would not share his thoughts on the speakers strategy but told reporters Tuesday a government shutdown is always a bad idea. Johnson is teeing up a vote for Wednesday. Its unclear if the current plan has enough GOP support to pass the Republican-controlled House. As of Tuesday, at least six House Republicans openly opposed the plans price tag. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) says he wishes Speaker Johnson would focus on fiscal responsibility instead of pushing the SAVE Act. We already did that, Schumers not going to do anything to it, said Burchett. The vast majority of House Republicans are backing Johnsons strategy but admit the bill is doomed. Following a closed-door GOP caucus meeting, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said its important to spotlight the issue of voter integrity ahead of the November election. Bacon says hes confident in the end Johnson will strike a deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown on Sept. 30. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Congress returns this week from a five-week recess, and will have to take up a budget bill to keep the government operating past Sept. 30. But the stopgap spending bill also includes a provision to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections, which could derail the measure. Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom WASHINGTON As Congress returned from a five-week recess Monday, House Republicans had attached a provision to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections which is already unlawful to a stopgap funding bill that is already teeing up a battle with the Senate and White House. The GOP drive in Congress echoes state lawmakers push for ballot measures this November that would bar noncitizens from voting in Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin. It also comes in the heat of the presidential campaign, as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump repeatedly calls for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and faces the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in a crucial Tuesday night debate. Current federal government spending will expire Oct. 1, so Congress must pass a continuing resolution, or CR, to approve temporary spending beyond that date or risk a government shutdown. The measure that requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, which U.S. House Republicans and some vulnerable Democrats passed in July, has been added by the House GOP to a CR that would extend the budget until March 28. A vote by the House is expected this week. The White House on Monday vowed President Joe Biden would issue a veto if Congress passed the measure in that form. Instead of meeting the security and disaster needs of the Nation, this bill includes unrelated cynical legislation that would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote and increase the risk that eligible voters are purged from voter rolls, the White House said in a statement Monday. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Federal electionsit is a Federal crime punishable by prison and fines. Senate opposition The voting language is a nonstarter with Senate Democrats, who hold a slim majority in the chamber. As we have said repeatedly, avoiding a government shutdown requires bipartisanship, not a bill drawn up by one party, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray of Washington said in a joint statement Friday. 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, they continued. Democrats have argued that the bill is an attempt to sow distrust in U.S. elections ahead of November elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has stressed that noncitizen voting in federal elections is an issue, although research has found it rarely happens. As the 2024 election nears, it is imperative that Congress does everything within our power to protect the integrity of our nations election system, Johnson said in a statement. The bill is also supported by Trump. Johnson, while at Trumps residence in Palm Beach, Florida, in April, announced the House would pass a bill relating to noncitizen voting. The former president has often falsely blamed voting by large numbers of undocumented people for his 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton as the reason he lost the popular vote that year. Other Democrats objected to passing a CR that would last until next year. The top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, criticized the six-month measure because it is shortchanging veterans and jeopardizing their care by kicking the can down the road until March. A continuing resolution to the end of March provides Republicans with more leverage to attempt to force their unpopular cuts to services that American families depend on to make ends meet, she said in a statement. Texas congressman spearheads bill The original noncitizen voting bill, H.R.8281, was first introduced by Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. It passed 221-198, with five Democrats voting with Republicans, but stalled in the Senate. Those five Democrats who voted in support of the measure are: Reps. Jared Golden of Maine, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Donald Davis of North Carolina, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. Under current U.S. law, only citizens can vote in federal elections, but the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 prohibits states from confirming citizenship status. Along with the ballot measures, hundreds of Republican state legislators have also signed on to a letter by the Only Citizens Vote Coalition urging Congress to pass a bill to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The Only Citizens Vote Coalition includes election denier activists, organizations headed by former Trump aides and anti-immigrant groups. It was founded by Cleta Mitchell, a key figure who tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election and is now running a grassroots organization to aggressively monitor elections in November. Five of the eight states Idaho, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin with votes set on ballot measures have state legislators who sponsored bills to put the question on the ballot and are signed on to the letter by Only Citizens Vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. hosted a Gold Medal ceremony for the 13 U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal. Johnson posthumously presented the Gold Medal, Congress' highest honor, to the 13 fallen Americans who were killed during the August 2021 ISIS-K suicide bombing at the Kabul Airport. He opened the ceremony on Tuesday by naming the fallen and apologizing to their families. The 13 U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate were: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss. "Our nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to these service members and those here today who were with them in Kabul. We also owe them something deeper, and that is an apology to the families who are here. I know many of you have yet to hear these words, so I will say them. We are sorry," Johnson said in opening remarks. "The United States government should have done everything to protect our troops. Those fallen and wounded at Abbey Gate deserved our best efforts, and the families who have been left to pick up the pieces continue to deserve transparency and appreciation and recognition to you and the families who are not here. I can promise you this, you are not alone in shouldering the burdens from that day. And although we can never fully measure your loss, we can and we must memorialize the ultimate sacrifice that was paid." GOLD STAR FAMILIES SLAM KAMALA HARRIS FOR 'PLAYING POLITICS' OVER TRUMP'S VISIT TO ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., gives remarks at a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the 13 American service members killed at Abbey Gate on Sept.r 10, 2024, in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Coral Doolittle, the mother of Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, closed the ceremony with a plea to Americans on behalf of the families of the 13 fallen: "Say their names. Speak their names and tell their stories." "We are honored to stand here today, receiving this recognition on behalf of the 13 who gave their lives. As their parents, our grief never truly ends," she said. "It changes, it transforms, but it remains with us always. A big part of us died with our children on Aug. 26, 2021. We want everybody to know the ceremonies like this provide a small but meaningful breath of relief in our ongoing journey of grief, reminding us that we raised the best and brightest for this country. We deeply appreciate the efforts of Congress and the Speaker of the House for making this moment possible." In his remarks, Jeffries said with the congressional Gold Medal, "we reverently honor 13 patriots who have fallen in a war zone with tremendous valor." "The 13 heroes we are honoring here today represent the best of America. They were beloved sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, spouses and friends who knew the dangers of the mission but nevertheless answered the call to serve, risking their own safety for that of our fellow Americans, our allies and our Afghan partners. They defended freedom and democracy until their last breath. They held the gate," Jeffries said. "The Gold Medal we are presenting today is the highest honor that can be conferred by the United States Congress. But no honor can truly repay the incredible sacrifice made by our fallen to the families here." "This Congressional Gold Medal also represents our ironclad promise to you. We have not forgotten your pain. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice your loved ones have made, and our gratitude will be eternal," he said. "May the memory of these children of God, defenders of peace and defenders of liberty continue to inspire us all to protect freedom and democracy here at home and throughout the world, as they valiantly did." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., recognized that the 13 U.S. service members killed "bound up the wounds of a war that had spanned their entire lives." "In an instant, 13 young Americans from every corner of our country were bonded forever. In an instant, their heroic service became an ultimate and eternal sacrifice," McConnell said, after reading personal details about how each of the fallen are remembered by their families. "Today, the name Abbey Gate carries a heavy toll of anger, of confusion and unspeakable grief. But we declare here today, with the highest honor in Congress, and bestow that deep in the hearts of a grateful nation, those two words will forever stand for bravery, the bravery of your sons and daughters and our heroes. " Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pointed out how some of the 13 U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate "were even younger than the war in Afghanistan itself." Gold Medals sit on display ahead of a ceremony honoring the 13 American service members who died in the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan in U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Sept. 10, 2024 in Washington. "But to the citizens desperately trying to escape the Taliban's rule through Abbey Gate on that fateful day, these 13 Americans were something more heroes. Guardians, saviors that were fighting for a cause far bigger than themselves, to deliver freedom to those who otherwise might never, never have known it again," Schumer said. "As we remember the 13 fallen heroes, we likewise remember every American who served in Afghanistan, including the 2,400 killed, the over 20,000 wounded, and the hundreds of thousands more who wore the uniform." "Tomorrow, we honor the anniversary of September 11th, a day when we rededicate ourselves to that sacred promise. Never forget," Schumer said. "Well, that is what this morning's ceremony is all about. We will never forget the sacrifice of the fallen 13 service members. It now falls on us to all of us gathered here under the dome of Lady Liberty to ensure the sacrifices of all our servicemen were not in vain." The attack also left roughly 170 Afghans dead. Tuesday's ceremony comes two days after Rep. Mike McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released a scathing 350-page report that took a fine-toothed comb to the military's 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal and highlighted areas of serious mismanagement. The Republican-led report opens by hearkening back to President Bidens urgency to withdraw from the Vietnam War as a senator in the 1970s. That, along with the Afghanistan withdrawal, demonstrates a "pattern of callous foreign policy positions and readiness to abandon strategic partners," according to the report. The report also disputed Biden's assertion that his hands were tied to the Doha agreement former President Trump had made with the Taliban establishing a deadline for U.S. withdrawal for the summer of 2021, and it revealed how state officials had no plan for getting Americans and allies out while there were still troops there to protect them. On the three-year anniversary of the attack last month, Trump joined the families of the slain 13 U.S. service members at Arlington National Cemetery. Biden and Vice President Harris were absent. Though they released written statements listing the names of the 13 fallen that day, neither Biden nor Harris spoke publicly on the anniversary. At the Republican National Convention in July, the Gold Star families took to the stage blasting President Biden for never saying the names of those 13 Americans killed publicly out loud. Donald Trump stands alongside Misty Fuoco, whose sister Sgt. Nicole Gee died in Abbey Gate Bombing, at a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 26, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. Harris later accused Trump of playing politics with the visit to Arlington National Cemetery, but in a series of short videos, eight families said they had invited Trump, and bitterly blasted the Biden-Harris administration over the pullout that left 13 U.S. service members dead three years ago. The vice president had criticized Trump's team for taking photographs and videos at a wreath-laying ceremony event. The Army said that an Arlington National Cemetery official was "abruptly pushed aside" while making sure that Trump's team was "made aware of federal laws, Army regulations and DoD policies, which clearly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds." The Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the botched Afghanistan withdrawal blasted Harris over her attack on Trump's visit paying respect to the fallen. Fox News' Morgan Phillips, Nicholas Kalman and Andrea Vacchiano contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Original article source: House honoring 13 US service members killed in 2021 Abbey Gate bombing during Afghanistan withdrawal Hovde calls on Baldwin to disclose her partner's assets, despite no requirement to do so WASHINGTON Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde is calling on Sen. Tammy Baldwin to disclose her partners assets and clients over what he has said is a potential conflict of interest between the senator and her private wealth adviser partner. Baldwin, however, is not required to disclose such information under current Senate rules. Hovdes campaign on Monday said Baldwins position in the Senate and her partner Maria Brisbanes work advising ultra-wealthy clients creates the appearance of significant conflicts of interest and said the relationship should be investigated. The campaign referenced Baldwins position as chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and noted Brisbane has advised clients in similar fields. Hovdes campaign showed no direct links between the pair. "Sen. Baldwin's partner, Maria Brisbane, advises the uber wealthy on industries regulated by Baldwin, creating a massive conflict of interest that merits further investigation, Hovde spokesman Zach Bannon said Monday. Sen. Baldwin should immediately disclose her partner's assets and client list the people of Wisconsin deserve transparency. There is no evidence that Baldwin has used her influence in the Senate to benefit Brisbane or her clients. And since Baldwin and Brisbane are not married, Baldwin is not required to disclose Brisbanes assets. Hovde, who is married, included his wife's assets in a financial disclosure filed in July. Baldwins campaign said the Madison Democrat has followed all ethics guidelines when it comes to her financial disclosure reports and labeled Hovdes demands an escalation of a line of personal attacks Hovde launched online a reference to an ad Hovde cut this month on the issue. Eric Hovdes attempt to attack the woman Tammy Baldwin is dating is sad and desperate, Baldwin campaign spokesman Andrew Mamo said this week. Tammy works for the people of Wisconsin and only the people of Wisconsin. Brisbane, whom Baldwin has been dating since 2018, is a private wealth adviser at the Brisbane Group, a wealth management team within Morgan Stanley in New York. She manages custom tailored equity portfolios, according to Morgan Stanley, and works with ultra high net worth clients. The attacks from Hovde stem from Brisbanes previous work managing a biotechnology mutual fund. The Senate subcommittee Baldwin chairs oversees appropriations to HHS and the National Institutes of Health, which includes biomedical research and engineering. While Brisbanes Morgan Stanley biography says she has previous experience as a biotechnology mutual fund manager, the site makes no mention of current work in the field. Baldwins campaign told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it does not know the nature of Marias portfolio. Morgan Stanleys code of conduct lists the identities of its clients as confidential information and prohibits employees from sharing such information with internal or external parties. Baldwin and Brisbane bought a $1.3 million D.C. condo together in 2021. They split the cost in half, and Baldwin disclosed on her annual ethics report the mortgage she took out to cover her cost. Baldwin in past congressional financial disclosure forms listed several jointly owned assets, including rental properties and money market accounts, with her previous partner in which she entered a registered domestic partnership with in 2009. Bannon, the Hovde spokesman, this week said Baldwins potential massive financial conflict of interest leaves more questions than answers and requires additional scrutiny and investigation due to her lack of transparency. But Baldwins campaign shot back at her multimillionaire opponent, noting Hovde has not said whether hell divest his holdings from Sunwest Bank, where he is CEO. The bank is estimated to have $3.2 billion in assets. No matter how low Eric Hovde goes, voters will not forget about the massive conflict of interest presented by his continued ownership of his $3 billion California bank that receives deposits from unnamed foreign banks and governments, Mamo, the Baldwin spokesman, said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Eric Hovde calls on Tammy Baldwin to disclose her partner's assets Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM) were moving lower today after the chip manufacturing giant posted slowing revenue growth in its August update. Though its growth rate was still strong, it marked a deceleration from July, and that news was enough to push the stock lower. As of 10:46 a.m. ET, the stock was down 2.6%. Image source: TSMC. TSMC hits the brakes Taiwan Semiconductor has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom thus far, as the company is the world's biggest contract chip manufacturer, serving customers like Apple, Nvidia, Broadcom, and AMD. For that reason, its performance is closely watched as a bellwether for AI and the broader semiconductor industry. For August, the company reported revenue of $7.8 billion, up 33% from a year ago but down 2.4% from July's total. Year to date through August, revenue is now up 31% to $55.1 billion, meaning August growth was mostly consistent with the rest of the year. Management does not provide any commentary on the monthly reports, but not only was revenue down sequentially, but the growth rate, while still strong, was a meaningful deceleration from 45% in July. Should investors be worried? Most companies don't report monthly data because the numbers are often volatile and not reflective of underlying business trends. The August slowdown at TSMC could certainly be just a blip rather than a trend. The update is no reason to be alarmed at this point, but it is worth keeping tabs on the company's monthly revenue reports, especially as some investors are worried about a bubble in AI. If TSMC reports another deceleration in September, it could be some cause for concern, but investors should also remember that generative AI will take years to play out. Therefore, under those circumstances, a modest sell-off in TSMC stock seems fair, but the report is no reason to change your thesis on the stock. Should you invest $1,000 in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing right now? Before you buy stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 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 $652,404!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. Story continues See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of September 9, 2024 Jeremy Bowman has positions in Broadcom. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Taiwan Semiconductor Stock Was Pulling Back Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Don't expect to see it come to the US, though. If you thought the price of a fully specced iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was high, Huawei has a new flagship that might require some folks to pull off a bank heist to afford. The Mate XT , which the company claims is the first triple-fold phone to hit the market, will debut in China and start at 19,999 yuan (approximately $2,800). That's enough to buy an 11-inch iPad Pro, M3 MacBook Air and an iPhone 16 and still have cash to spare. It took Huawei five years to develop the Mate XT, according to the chairman of its consumer business, Richard Yu. As part of that process, the company is said to have made breakthroughs in screen and hinge technology. The device folds up accordion-style, with one hinge bending outward and the other inward, leaving one of the panels available to use as a 6.4-inch exterior display. Huawei Mate XT is the worlds first triple-fold smartphone, and the largest and thinnest foldable handset globally, Yu said during a launch event, according to CNN . We are the first in the world to achieve outward folding (in smartphones) and the first to create an inward-folding phone with no gaps. Despite the high price, the Mate XT has already caught the imagination of Chinese consumers. By early Tuesday, Huawei had received 3.7 million preorders. It's no surprise as to why Huawei formally revealed the device hours after Monday's iPhone event it's looking to steal some of Apple's thunder. Given its pre-order numbers and the relatively modest iPhone hardware updates this year (Apple is banking on the delayed Apple Intelligence features as a key selling point), Huawei may have just pulled that off. When completely unfolded, the Mate XT has a 10.2-inch 3K display with a 92 percent screen-to-body ratio. Buyers can use one, two or all three panels at once (the size of the two-panel display is 7.9 inches). It comes in red or black with a leather finish on the rear and gold trim on the edges and folds. When they're out of range of a cell network, owners will be able to communicate with the rest of the world via satellite. As you might imagine, there are a bunch of generative AI features too, including a voice input function that can polish and translate a transcript. There's the option to have a chatbot open on one side of the screen to answer questions and summarize articles. There's an AI photo-editing tool too. On that note, Huawei says the triple-camera system (which features a periscope telephoto camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera) includes an approximate optical zoom of 5.5x. Huawei isn't the first company to show off a tri-fold device, however. We had some hands-on time with a tri-fold TCL tablet back in 2020. The rollout plans for the Mate XT outside China are not yet clear. The Mate XT is unlikely to officially come to the US, given sanctions that have been in place against the company over the last few years. This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Huge San Joaquin Valley reservoir is expanding. Much of the water is headed elsewhere | Opinion The federal government and some 10 water districts are ponying up $1.1 billion to expand Californias largest reservoir south of the Delta. Their plan is to raise the dam at San Luis Reservoir outside Los Banos by 10 feet in addition to the 10-foot raise prescribed by the seismic-strengthening project currently underway and thus increase storage at the existing 2.04 million acre-foot facility by 130,000 acre feet. Thats enough water to supply more than 2 million people, a million acres of farmland and 135,000 acres of Pacific Flyway Wetlands, according to a Bureau of Reclamation media release. Whats not being stated publicly (outside a series of negotiation sessions) is these benefits will be felt to a much greater degree in Silicon Valley than the San Joaquin Valley, where San Luis Reservoir is located. Opinion Thats because the biggest investor by far among the group of water agencies willing to help pay the freight for the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Expansion Project is the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which primarily serves the 1.9 million residents of Santa Clara County. Its Santa Clara and everyone else, said Scott Petersen, water policy director for the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. The Santa Clara Valley Water District imports 55% of its water. Much of that, including both federal and state contracts, is already stored at San Luis Reservoir and arrives at treatment facilities via a 5.3-mile tunnel through Pacheco Pass. This embedded content is not available in your region. Now theyre seeking more. Dana Jacobsen, a Santa Clara Valley Water District senior resource specialist, said his Board has tentatively reserved up to 60,000 acre feet of storage in the enlarged reservoir equating to roughly 46% of the total expansion. That 46% share is even larger than the one reserved by the federal government. It could also come with a hefty price tag in excess of $500 million. We get quite a bit of water in the wet years through our state and federal contracts, but we need a way to store water in the wet years for later use when its dry so that we can weather those dry spells, Jacobsen said. Our planning process has identified a need to diversify our storage capacity, and the Sisk Dam raise has been one of those things that we have been considering. To fund the reservoir expansion, the federal government and partnering water agencies have agreed to a 30% to 70% split with Uncle Sam putting up 30% and the investors putting up 70%. So far, the Biden administration has allocated $150 million toward the project. That same 30-70 split applies to water storage. The federal government is to receive 30% of the newly created storage space, mostly to satisfy water quality and environmental requirements, while the remaining 70% is divided among the partners. The Santa Clara Valley Water District accounts for 66% of the partners share. While the Bay Area agency is heavily invested, the largest water district in western Fresno County remains on the fence over whether to participate. We havent ruled it out; we havent committed either, said Elizabeth Jonasson, Westlands Water Districts deputy general manager of external affairs. Petersen of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, which operates the Delta Mendota Canal and is the projects co-lead agency alongside the Bureau of Reclamation, said the costs make it prohibitive for agriculture-based water districts to take part because they have no way of passing those to rate-payers. Even one with Westlands vast resources, apparently. A plate describing the history of Pacheco Pass is seen overlooking San Luis Reservoir from the Romero Visitor Center Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. Highway adds to costs Why is the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Expansion Project so expensive? (At $1.1 billion, its a smidgen more than the $1 billion seismic project underway since 2022 that involves considerably more work to the 3 -mile long earthen dam.) Thats because a one-mile segment of Highway 152 must be elevated to account for the new maximum water level of the expanded reservoir. The highway work alone is estimated to cost $450 million, according to Petersen, who added the projects investors and Caltrans are currently in negotiations over how that bill gets paid. The investors are also seeking federal funding. Those negotiations are separate from the public negotiation sessions being held between the Bureau of Reclamation and participating members of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. The next sessions are Sept. 20 and Oct. 1-2 in Sacramento. While the parties have tentatively agreed to the 30-70 funding and storage split, several details about the operating agreement still must be worked out. Petersen said the negotiations could wrap up in early 2025 if no other outstanding concerns are brought to the table. There is no drop-dead date to get everything finalized. However, since the reservoir expansion project is piggybacked onto the seismic project, cost efficiencies are built into the concurrent timelines. Work on the 10-foot dam raise for the federally funded seismic project is scheduled to begin in 2027. According to modeling estimates, the expansion of San Luis Reservoir will result in an average annual yield of 35,000 acre-feet of new water. Most of that will occur in wet years. We think this project has a lot of potential and could provide a lot of benefit, Jacobsen said. Unlike other proposed California reservoir expansions, this one has received virtually no opposition from environmentalists. Sacramento-based attorney Osha Meserve, who is battling the Santa Clara Valley Water District over its proposed expansion of Pacheco Reservoir, called San Luis Reservoir the least worst among projects currently on the table. Another leading environmentalist expressed doubt the project would even happen once all of the costs and benefits are calculated. Thats a lot of money for not a lot of water, said Ron Stork, senior policy advocate for Friends of the River. Too expensive for many San Joaquin Valley farmers apparently, but not for Bay Area water consumers. The B.F. Sisk Dam at San Luis Reservoir with its four water intake towers, center, seen Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 near Los Banos. Traffic passes along Highway 152, bottom, as construction continues in the first phase of improvements at the B.F. Sisk Dam west of Los Banos Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. Looking down from the top of the B.F. Sisk dam, heavy machinery is seen preparing the ground with ONeill Forebay and Highway 152 seen in the background Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 near Los Banos. TWO RIVERS, Wis. - The family of a missing three-year-old believe human skeletal remains found in Manitowoc County belong to Elijah Vue. Right now, the Amber Alert for Vue remains active, and law enforcement is not publicly linking the case to the human remains found on Saturday, Sept. 7. But community members say they cant help but connect the dots. Miles and miles away, Vues story is pulling on heartstrings seven months after his disappearance. Search party organizer Michele Ramsden is among those devastated by the news of human remains found near his previous home. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "He's Wisconsin's toddler. Hell never be forgotten," she said. "It was hard to sleep, it was hard to go to work this morning, it was hard not to be on my phone and see what was going on." The Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office said a deer hunter found human skeletal remains in a wooded area in Two Rivers. The discovery was made in a privately owned area near a quarry and Camp Manitou. "I think if this is Elijah, it's finally closure for all of us," Ramsden said. "But not how we wanted the outcome to be." In a Facebook post, Vues grandmother said, "It is likely, but not confirmed until DNA has come back." Ramsden, who lives in Dane County, has organized search parties and most recently a birthday party for Vue. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android. "If my grandson went missing, yeah, Id want everybody helping as well," Ramsden said. "Ive driven four hours each way to do this, because I felt that I needed to." She said they never searched the area where the remains were found. As the DNA testing pends, Vues mother, Katrina Baur and her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, are still in jail, both criminally charged with child neglect, not directly linked to his disappearance. "If this is Elijah, I fully believe justice will be served on Jesse and Katrina," Ramsden said. "What that pertains, I dont know." (NewsNation) Wisconsin law enforcement is investigating skeletal remains found in Two Rivers, the same town missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue was last known to be. A local deer hunter discovered the remains on private property and called authorities on Saturday, Sept. 7. We are fully aware of the ongoing case of missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue, who disappeared in February. However, at this time, we are unable to confirm if the remains discovered are related to this case, the Maitowoc County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. The sheriffs office said in the post that identification of the race, sex and age of the remains will be a lengthy process. Remains of missing Oregon nurse found, neighbor arrested: Police Vue disappeared in northeastern Wisconsin in February. He was last believed to be at the house of Jesse Vang, who was dating his mother, Katrina Baur. Vang was watching Vue when he went missing, with Baur confirming the toddler had been with him for about a week for discipline. Both Baur and Vang have been arrested and charged with child neglect since. Search efforts by authorities and community volunteers have continued since his disappearance. In March, Vues blanket was found and a vehicle of interest was seized. Anyone with information on Vue should call the Two Rivers Police tip line at 844-267-6648 or contact the Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A leaked document suggests Budapest wants to abandon the idea of setting a minimum levy on the kerosene that powers the booming airline industry before mid-century, in an apparent bid to unblock a stalled reform of European energy taxation rules that has sparked outrage among environmentalists. The European Commission proposed three years ago a reform to the 2003 Energy Taxation Directive as part of a package of measures to achieve the new target of a 55% cut in CO2 emissions by 2030, including a proposal to scrap the blanket exemption for aviation and maritime fuels. But the bill has been subject to repeated delay, exacerbated by the fact that tax is one of a handful of policy areas where EU legislation can only be enacted if backed unanimously by all 27 member states. In a compromise proposal seen by Euronews that looks to break a deadlock in intergovernmental talks, current EU Council presidency holder Hungary has suggested minimum tax rates for aviation and maritime fuels should be postponed until 2049. For Jo Dardenne, lead campaigner on aviation issues at the NGO umbrella group Transport & Environment in Brussels, the idea was wildly at odds with the EUs climate policy targets. Related Its hard to find the words to describe the absurdity of a proposal to delay the introduction of a jet and maritime fuel tax to 2049, if not for ever," Dardenne said. With its proposal, the Hungarian government has completely obliterated the very purpose of this last piece of the Green Deal, which was to put a price on dirty fuels. The European aviation sector, represented by the lobby group Alines For Europe (A4E), by contrast, claimed that airlines already pay significant sums of tax and that by 2030 its members who include the Lufhansa Group and Ryanair would be paying over 10 billion for allowances under the EU emissions trading system. An aviation fuel tax will be counterproductive, jeopardise the competitiveness of the European airline sector and potentially drive passengers to non-EU airports, A4E spokesman Kevin Hines told Euronews. The groups members plan to invest 14.8 billion in sustainable aviation fuel development alongside 165 billion in new aircraft by 2030, he said. Five years back several EU governments rallied behind the idea of taxing airline fuel, with the Netherlands hosting a conference on the issue in 2019 and Belgium, France, Sweden and Luxembourg all in favour, while the European Commission concluded it would have a negligible impact on Europes economy before it tabled its reform bill in 2021. More recently, EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told MEPs during a parliamentary hearing last October it was an absurdity that the situation had not changed. When I drive a car to the service station, 50 to 60% of what I pay at the pump is tax, the Dutch former minister said. However, if a jet is refuelled, there are no taxes at all. Zero. At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai last year the Netherlands instigated a joint statement on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, which was signed by Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg and Spain and called for special attention to be paid to aviation and maritime transport. Yet the EUs deliberations over the matter look set to drag on. Government delegates are scheduled to discuss the Hungarian compromise proposal behind closed doors in Brussels on 16 September. A similar impasse was reached in the European Parliament, with the assemblys lead negotiator on the file, Johan van Overtveldt a Belgian member of the right wing ECR group who was re-elected in July proving a divisive figure. If voting means risking higher taxes and saying no to nuclear energy, then I would rather not vote at all, van Overtveldt said in April when he controversially shelved a ballot on the proposal in the economic and financial affairs committee, effectively leaving it for the new parliament to sort out. TAMPA (WFLA) In 2017, Hurricane Irma, weakened slightly from Category 5 to Category 4, blew ashore on the Florida Keys with winds of 130 mph. Yes, that was seven years ago, and it was a long-lived system lasting from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12, 2017. The storm ended up making a total of seven landfalls. Irmas formation According to the National Hurricane Center, Irma started as a tropical wave that emerged off the coast of Africa on Aug. 27, 2017. By 12 a.m. UTC on Aug. 30, the NHC noted that satellite images showed a well-defined surface circulation on the system and said it likely became a tropical depression around that time. Just about six hours later, the NHC said Irma had strengthened to become a tropical storm. Rapid intensification Irma started to intensify rapidly as it moved over the eastern Atlantic. The NHC said the quick strengthening was thanks to low vertical wind shear, a fairly moist lower troposphere and warm sea surface temperatures. Irma became a hurricane and developed a ragged eye around 2 a.m. ET on Aug. 30 just about 30 hours after it had formed as a tropical depression. Later that day, Irma reached major hurricane strength. Rapid intensification of storms: Rare, dangerous and difficult to predict This 70-kt increase in intensity over a 48-hour period is a remarkable rate that is only achieved by a small fraction of Atlantic tropical cyclones, the NHC noted. Irmas strength ended up fluctuating in the following days as it continued its trek across the Atlantic, weakening to a Category 2 storm at times before strengthening again to become Category 3. The NHC noted that Irmas eye grew in size and became better defined by early Sept. 4, which led to more strengthening. Impact on the islands Hurricane Irma made its first landfall in the early morning hours of Sept. 6 on Barbuda. Just hours later, a second landfall was reported on St. Martin followed by a third landfall on the Island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. According to the NHC, Hurricane Irma was at its peak intensity of 155 knots, a Category 5 hurricane, for all three of those landfalls. Irma weakened slightly and made landfall on Little Inagua Island in the Bahamas early Sept. 8. It was a Category 4 hurricane at the time. The storm then strengthened again as it moved toward Cuba and ended up reaching Category 5 strength once more when it made its fifth landfall near Cayo Romano overnight. Trek toward Florida After Irmas landfall in Cuba, the hurricane weakened significantly to Category 2 strength. But once it reached the Florida Straits early on Sept. 10 and started moving over the warm waters, it intensified once more to a Category 4 hurricane. In this geocolor GOES-16 satellite image taken Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at 22:00 UTC, the eye of Hurricane Irma moves up Floridas west coast. Hurricane Irma gave Florida a coast-to-coast pummeling with winds up to 130 mph Sunday, swamping homes and boats, knocking out power to millions and toppling massive construction cranes over the Miami skyline. (NOAA via AP) In the hours that led up to Irmas arrival in Florida, millions of people in the Tampa Bay area were left on edge as they prepared and watched the track closely. Rick Scott, who was governor at the time, declared a state of emergency in all of Floridas counties on Sept. 4. All tolls were suspended as well to help any Floridians who decided to evacuate. Hurricane Irma: Remembering the day Tampa Bay went dry Irma eventually made landfall in the Florida Keys around 9 a.m. on Sept. 10. It slammed Cudjoe Key as a Category 4 storm, then weakened to Category 3 strength. Hurricane Irma made a final landfall near Marco Island, Florida the afternoon just a few hours later. Quick weakening over Florida Once Irma started moving inland and over Florida, the storm weakened quickly. Irma moved east of Naples late Sept. 10 as a Category 2 hurricane before passing between Tampa and Orlando as a Category 1 in the early hours of Sept. 11. Irma eventually weakened to a tropical storm near Gainesville. Deadly and destructive storm According to a report from the NHC, Irma caused 47 direct deaths as a result of strong winds, heavy rains and high surf across the Caribbean Islands and southeastern United States. The United States reported 10 direct deaths from Irma as well as 82 indirect deaths. Of the indirect deaths in the U.S., 77 happened in Florida. One of the direct deaths in the U.S., according to the NHC, was an 89-year-old Manatee County man who drowned when he went outside during the hurricane to secure his boat to a dock and fell into a canal. The NHC also noted that approximately 6 million Florida residents evacuated from coastal areas. According to the NHCs report, Irma was the fifth-costliest hurricane to impact the United States behind Katrina in 2005, Harvey and Maria in 2017 and Sandy in 2012. In Florida, the most severe damage was reported in the Keys. The NHC says most homes in the Middle and Lower Keys were badly damaged or destroyed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. IATSE has called out the producers of 40 Acres, a drama that premiered this weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival, saying that almost a year after the film wrapped principal photography crew and vendors have yet to be paid. Based in Ontario, Canada, IATSE Local 634 issued a formal statement to members on September 6, the same night that 40 Acres made its TIFF world premiere. The union local said there are significant outstanding payments to its employees and vendors and it is profoundly disappointing that the film is screening at a major festival despite the unpaid crew. More from IndieWire The actions of this production company are highly troubling and highlights their disregard for professional ethics and responsibility, IATSE wrote in the statement. The making of 40 Acres should not have come at the expense of well-being and financial security of its actors, crew, and local businesses who provided their services. 40 Acres is directed by R.T. Thorne and stars The Color Purple actress Danielle Deadwyler. The film is a post-apocalyptic thriller about a family of Black farmers who who must defend their land from cannibals. The film premiered to respectable reviews. Jennifer Holness, the producer on 40 Acres with company 4T, said in a statement to IndieWire: 4T is aware of the claims being made by IATSE 634 about crew non-payment and take these matters seriously. We will evaluate all the claims to ensure everything get resolved as quickly as possible. A representative from Ontario Creates, a government agency that supports local creative industries, provided IndieWire with a statement. Ontarios strong reputation as an international film jurisdiction is, in large part, due to our stellar industry workers, suppliers and producers. Ensuring that those workers are properly compensated is key to our success, said Jennifer Pountney, Ontario Creates manager of communications. Ontario Creates is aware of the challenges associated with 40 Acres and we are hopeful that the films success at TIFF will help lead to a positive resolution for everyone. IndieWires requests for comment from Telefilm Canada, Canadian distributor Mongrel Media, and sales agent Visit Films were not returned. The project began pre-production in Sudbury, Ontario in August 2023 and completed principal photography on October 26. It obtained an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA to film during last years strikes. IATSE said a film of its size generally would be a boon for Northern Ontarios economy and provide a lot of good jobs, but the film left town with unpaid invoices and unpaid wages. A formal statement from the union should allow members who worked on the project to begin coming forward with additional complaints and arbitration on what they are owed. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ICC prosecutor Khan on Putin arrest warrant: Results will come, though it's not easy ICC Prosecutor Kerim Khan (second on the left) at the site of the Russian missile strike on the Okhmatdyt childrens hospital. Photo: Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan believes that the implementation of the Rome Statute's norms is less than ideal, but Mongolia's refusal to arrest Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is not a reason for despair. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, as quoted by Ukrinform and reported by European Pravda. Khan emphasised that current enforcement and cooperation with the ICC are imperfect, with past instances of non-compliance from states. However, he noted that there is no need to be disheartened. Khan assured that results will be seen, although it will be challenging. The Rome Statute party states are moving towards the actual application of the law and doing so together, Khan said, asked whether international law still functions. He also informed journalists that there is a response procedure if a signatory state to the Rome Statute refuses to fulfil its obligations. Quote: "There is a special procedure in the Rome Statute that provides an algorithm of actions when a state does not cooperate with the ICC. Accordingly, all this is commented on by the judges. In the future, I will not comment, but the judges are aware. Usually, when such cases occur, a meeting of all member states takes place and, accordingly, a decision is made," Khan explained. Khan described the situation in Mongolia, where Putins visit marked the first time a Kremlin leader has been in a Rome Statute signatory country since arrest warrants were issued. Putin was on the territory of a signatory state for the first time, and reportedly has not visited other ICC member countries, Karim said. "Therefore, it is clear that arrest warrants are already working," he added. Background: Earlier, Khan stated that Mongolia would need to explain why it ignored the ICC arrest warrant for Putin. Reports indicated that Mongolian authorities assured Putin they would not arrest him, attributing this to the countrys energy dependence on Russia. The European Union expressed regret over Mongolia's decision to host Putin and disregard the ICCs arrest warrant. Support UP or become our patron! THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) are looking into the reported death of Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif and will withdraw their case against him if they can confirm it, legal filings made public on Tuesday showed. Deif, 58, was believed to be one of the masterminds of the Oct. 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel which triggered the Gaza war, and since then had directed Hamas military operations against Israeli forces in the Palestinian enclave. Israel said he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis on July 13. Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied that. "The prosecution will withdraw its (arrest warrant) application against Deif if sufficient and reliable information confirms his death," said the legal document, filed under seal on August 2 but only revealed on Tuesday. Last Friday the ICC announced it had terminated proceedings against Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Iran on July 31. The ICC is currently weighing a request for arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders made earlier this year. In May, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan asked for arrest warrants for Haniyeh, Deif and the current head of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. The prosecutor is also seeking warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's Gaza offensive. "Unfortunately, we have seen from the beginning that the proceedings in The Hague are politically biased and have no professional legal basis whatsoever", Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Tuesday. Netanyahu said he rejected the comparison the ICC prosecutor has made between Israeli officials and "war criminal Sinwar", which he called a "moral disgrace of the highest order". Hamas also denounced the arrest warrants when they were first applied for. There is no deadline for when judges must decide on the applications. In previous cases judges have taken anywhere from one month to up to eight months to issue requested warrants. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Gareth Jones) Idaho State Police troopers were involved in a police shooting early Monday near Mountain Home that left a man dead. Just after midnight, a trooper near milepost 172 on Interstate 84 in Jerome County saw a Honda Accord traveling westbound toward Boise at a high rate of speed, according to Idaho State Police. Another trooper saw the same vehicle and attempted to pull it over, according to a news release, but when the driver didnt stop, both troopers pursued him. Police said the driver was speeding and driving recklessly. Following several attempted spike-strip stops, troopers were able to deploy the strips and stop the Honda near milepost 98 in Elmore County, according to the release. Police said they attempted to arrest the man and gave him verbal commands, but shots were fired and the driver was hit. The news release did not say whether the driver was found to have a weapon. No one else was injured. The Elmore County Coroners Office will identify the man and release his cause and manner of death, the release said. The Elmore County Sheriffs Office is investigating the shooting. (Bloomberg) -- Shares of Argentine crop technology company Bioceres Crop Solutions SA were on track for their biggest daily drop in two years as its ground-breaking genetically modified wheat seeds face setbacks. Most Read from Bloomberg Rosario-based Bioceres fell nearly 16% in New York trading, the most intraday since July 2022, after it posted earnings that missed estimates for the quarter ending June 30 and as executives highlighted headwinds for its HB4 wheat strain. We fell halfway between where we were last year and what we expected to do during this season, Chief Executive Officer Federico Trucco told analysts. Bioceres is on a quest to overcome deep-seated global fears about GMO wheat by becoming the first company to bring such a strain to market. Farmers have for decades grown genetically modified soybeans and corn, mostly used for livestock feed or biofuels. But direct consumption of GMO crops by humans has long stoked fierce opposition from consumer and environmental groups. The company reached a milestone last month as the US, a top-five wheat exporter, gave the green light to HB4, which tolerates drought as well as glufosinate herbicide. But Trucco sought to temper expectations about how quickly investors will see HB4 harvests in the Midwest, explaining in an interview that it may take up to three years to adapt genetics and breed enough seeds to sell to farmers. Fully monetizing the opportunity will take us a few years, he said. But I think theres a more immediate effect in terms of increasing the level of credibility. Its a more demanding market saying: We want the technology. In Argentina, where roll-out of HB4 wheat is most advanced, Bioceres still has hurdles to surpass. Trying to expand acreage outside of closely controlled identity-preserved planting will entail a more patient approach to growth, Trucco told analysts. The push with seed breeders and farmers needs fine-tuning, Trucco said, citing ongoing industry doubts over GMO wheat and high royalty charges for HB4. We underestimated the level of validation that is required for conventional sales, he said. Still, about 20 flour mills in Argentina are already buying HB4 and hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland have been sown with the strain this season in a country with a total wheat area of about 6 million hectares (14.8 million acres), Trucco said in the interview. Story continues With regard to customers, Trucco hopes Argentina can eventually ship more HB4 cargoes to its biggest wheat client, Brazil. Bioceres also plans to try to convince other importers, particularly buyers of US wheat Japan and South Korea, since HB4 remains banned in swaths of Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Im not ready to scream goal in anyones face, Trucco said in the interview. But we have come a significant distance. (Updates with share move and CEOs comments on an earnings call.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Will Idaho Push Forward With One of the Rarest and Most Horrible Types of Executions? The state of Idaho tried to kill Thomas Creech once. It failed. It now wants a second chance. Last week, a state judge gave the state the green light. This decision is grotesque and is made all the more so because it masks the cruelty of a second execution behind a smoke screen of legalisms. Creech, one of the countrys longest-serving death-row inmates, has a lengthy and troubling criminal record, having been convicted, as the Associated Press notes, of five murders in three states and suspected of several more. He is on Idahos death row because, while he was already serving a life term, he beat a fellow inmate, 22-year-old David Dale Jensen, to death in 1981. Creech pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the Jensen case. An Idaho trial judge found that he had exhibited utter disregard for human life and sentenced him to death. Idaho intended to carry out that sentence months ago, Feb. 28, at 10 in the morning. The AP reports, The execution team was made up entirely of volunteers. According to the story, for nearly an hour, Thomas Eugene Creech lay strapped to a table as medical team members poked and prodded at his arms and legs, hands and feet, trying to find a vein through which they could end his life. Three team members tried eight times to establish an IV. In some cases, they couldnt access the vein, and in others they could but had concerns about vein quality. At 10:58 a.m., the prison warden told them to give up and stopped Creechs execution. He was returned to his cell. No state is required to carry out a second execution attempt after failing the first time. Whether Creech gets another trip to the death chamber is entirely up to the state of Idaho, which must obtain a new death warrant. It is not the first state to have to make this choice. Almost 80 years ago, Louisiana faced a similar choice when its effort to electrocute Willie Francis was botched. When the state announced its intention to try again, Francis went to court to attempt to stop it. His case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. As the court recounted the relevant facts: Francis was prepared for execution and on May 3, 1946, was placed in the official electric chair of the State of Louisiana. The executioner threw the switch, but, presumably because of some mechanical difficulty, death did not result. Evidence was offered to suggest that during the botched execution, Francis had experienced extreme pain, that his lips puffed out and he groaned and jumped so that the chair came off the floor. Yet Justice Stanley Reed, writing for a majority of the court, held that the first, unsuccessful execution would not add an element of cruelty to a subsequent execution. The constitutional question, as Reed saw it, turned instead on the behavior of those in charge of Francis first execution attempt. Reed found those officials to have carried out their duties in a careful and humane manner, with no suggestion of malevolence and no purpose to inflict unnecessary pain. He called what happened to Francis an unforeseeable accident for which no man is to blame and concluded that the state could proceed with its plan to put him to death. Francis was executed by electric chair on May 9, 1947. A state wanting a second chance to execute someone after a first botched attempt occurred again in 2009, when Ohio failed to kill Romell Broom by lethal injection. The execution team was repeatedly unable to find a usable vein in his arms or groin, even as Broom tried to help them. After 18 attempts over two hours, then-Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, halted the execution.* Broom went to court, arguing that a second execution would constitute an additional punishment and would violate the Fifth Amendment guarantee that no one be tried or punished for the same crime twice. He also claimed that it would inflict the kind of cruelty prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. The Ohio Supreme Court disagreed with both contentions. Like the U.S. Supreme Court in the Francis case, it found that the members of the execution team hadnt inflicted cruel and unusual punishment because they werent deliberately trying to torture Broom. The justices also concluded that a second execution would not violate the double-jeopardy clause because the lethal chemicals had not started to flow, and thus Brooms first execution had not actually begun. The state never got its second chance, however. Broom died from COVID-19 in 2020. Nine years after the Broom debacle, Alabama made a different choice about what to do when its first attempt to kill Doyle Hamm had to be stopped before he died. Like Francis and Broom before him, Hamm also sued to prevent the state from trying to execute him again. This time, instead of fighting until the end, the state settled the case and agreed not to proceed with a second execution. Hamm died of cancer in 2021. This brings us back to Creech. He filed suit in August. According to an article in Idaho Reports, his attorneys argued that executing Creech again would amount to psychological torture, violating the Eighth Amendment. Prosecutor Dayton Reed responded that it would not be cruel and usual punishment if the state were to attempt a second execution, because there is no evidence that the first execution was malicious or intentionally painful. Reed contended, Creech is not entitled to a painless execution, only one that is free of purposeful cruelty. On Thursday, Judge Jason Scott sided with the state and dismissed Creechs suit. Scott said that a second execution would not be a form of double jeopardy because the state has yet to administer the legislatively authorized (and judicially ordered) punishment of death for the crime Creech committed. A second execution would not subject him to more punishment than the legislature authorized for his crime. Turning to Creechs claim about cruelty, Scott conceded that he didnt doubt that enduring one execution attempt and facing another has traumatized Creech. Despite his heinous crimes, Scott continued, Creech is a human being whose suffering is worthy of consideration. But Scott didnt appear to give Creech much consideration. He seemed much more interested in the intricacies of the Eighth Amendment. That amendment does not, the judge observed, categorically prohibit, as cruel and unusual punishment, a second attempt to carry out a death sentence. Taking refuge in the Supreme Courts 77-year-old decision in the Francis case, Scott deemed what had happened to Creech a humanly conducted, though unsuccessful, execution attempt. There was nothing in the record, he argued, to show that the failure had been intentional or malicious. Scott went on to say that even if Creech could prove that another effort to put him to death by lethal injection would be cruel, Idaho could execute him anyway by firing squad, another authorized execution method in the state. And again highlighting his fondness for legal technicalities, Scott found that Creechs claims, even if they were valid, would not be litigable in a post-conviction setting. So, pending an appeal, Scott gave Idaho the go-ahead to again try to kill Creech. That he would do so is a travesty of justice and an illustration of what former Judge John Noonan once described as one of the legal systems deepest failings: its neglect of persons as ends in themselves. As noted in a Harvard Law Review article discussing Noonans philosophy on judging, he called for applying legal rules so that humans can respond to each other as persons worthy of love and concern rather than as mere factors in legal equations. That is why Noonan would criticize Scott. Noonan would find Scotts decision to be an example of legal judgments made in a way that is bereft of a sense of the persons they govern. In such situations, legal roles become distorted, rules become masks, and justice is denied. Giving Idaho or any other state a second chance to execute someone who has experienced what Creech has is precisely the kind of distorted, legally sanctioned injustice that Noonan warned us about. WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVO) Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is among 42 attorney generals backing the Surgeon Generals call for Congress to require a warning on social media platforms. Young people are facing a mental health crisis, which is fueled in large part by social media, the undersigned attorney generals wrote in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. As State Attorneys General, we sometimes disagree about important issues, but all of us share an abiding concern for the safety of the kids in our jurisdictionsand algorithm-driven social media platforms threaten that safety. A growing body of research links young peoples use of those social media platforms to a variety of serious psychological harms, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Algorithm-driven social media use also interferes with adolescents daily life by chronically disrupting their sleep with irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platform, the letter continued. A surgeon generals warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth. A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research, and investment into the oversight of social media platforms, the AGs said. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called for placing a warning label on social media platforms in a June 17th op-ed in The New York Times. Teens in the U.S. spend an average of 4.6 hours a day on social media, according to a 2023 Gallup survey. Girls spend more time on social media than boys, with 55% of girls spending at least four hours a day on social media compared to 48% of boys. Experts say adolescents who spend more than three hours a day using social media may be at heightened risk for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. In a Pew Research Center survey, 54% of teenagers said it would be very or somewhat hard to give up social media. Three-quarters of respondents said they used YouTube every day and 58% used Tik Tok daily. The surgeon generals call for a warning on social media is right: These platforms often seem like drugs, designed to hook users, create a dependency, and alter behavior often for the worse, said American Defamation League CEO and National Director, Jonathon Greenblatt, said in a news release. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. (FOUNTAIN, Colo.) The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) reported a new update on Tuesday, Sept. 10 about the incident that occurred near the Ray Nixon and Front Range Power Plants in early September. On Thursday, Sept. 5, CSFD responded to Clear Spring Ranch south of the Ray Nixon Power Plant for a vehicle fire with a possible explosion. Multiple agencies including CSFD, Fountain Fire, Security Fire, and Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) responded to the call for service. One airlifted after incident near Ray Nixon Power Plant Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and was caused by welding equipment, which likely caused a loud explosion-like sound. The incident involved an outside contracted employee of Springs Utilities, who was seriously hurt and airlifted to a Denver hospital. We contract with this company to maintain our heavy equipment/large trucks that move material such as ash and coal at the site, the statement Sprinsg Utilities sent on Sept. 5. read. Springs Utilities also said that neither power plant was impacted or involved in the incident. While our focus is on the health of this individual, we can report to our community that the site is not at risk and that there were no other worker injuries or damage to our infrastructure. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Increase in crime isnt whats worrying Horry chief. What police are now seeing in county A recent increase in crime doesnt have Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill worried. Its the uptick in violent crimes, such as gang-associated shootings among young men that, keep me up at night. In August, over 80 people were arrested for gang-related crimes, including possession of drugs and illegal firearms and assault, The Sun News reported. The arrests came after police noticed a pattern of murders, attempted murders, drive-by shootings, home invasions, auto thefts and car invasions along S.C. 9. Most of the arrests came from the western part of Horry County, including Longs, Loris and Little River. Hill said gang violence has been a problem in that area since before he started in 2016. While theres been an increase in crime, theres also been an increase in people which is a factor. The police chief will be retiring soon from the Horry County Police Department after eight years. He moved to the coastal area after working as a police officer in Virginia for over 25 years. He sat down with The Sun News for an interview before he leaves as chief. A successor has not yet been chosen, but Hill said he expects someone to be appointed around the time of his retirement. The county is in the process of creating a list of candidates. Gang violence within Horry County Earlier this year, 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson told The Sun News he believes around 75% of crime in Horry County can be attributed to gangs. Hill said while he doesnt know an exact number, he agrees that the majority of violent offenses are gang related. The numbers may be off a little bit, but hes absolutely right, Hill said. You have the gun violence, you have assaults, you have thefts, you have lot of domestics associated with it. Hill said one of his top concerns is the gun violence thats been popping up, citing the Glock switch as a source of anxiety. The Glock switch is a piece of equipment that can be added to a semi-automatic gun to make it function like an automatic gun. This can then shoot many more people and harm more than the one or two people a gang may be targeting. Theres gang activity across the county, but Hill said hes seen more in the Longs and Loris area. In Horry County, theres many more gangs than simply ones like Bloods and Crips. Sometimes its a group of five people who start selling drugs or firearms illegall, he said. They then get mixed up with different people and get themselves and others hurt. Often times Hill sees young men who are younger and come from less affluent families who are looking to make money and a community and join gangs. Hill said hes been successively targeting repeat offenders in an attempt to lessen gang violence. What I tasked my folks to do several months ago, when we had an uptick in violence, is to go after our repeat offenders, Hill said. These are criminals that have been in the system that continually target our citizens. So guess what? Were going to target you. He said hes also tried to offer community events, such as the Fishing Rodeo, to try and connect with young people. Some gang members like the draw of family a gang brings, so Hill said he wants to offer it in a different way. These kind of community engagement is what I think is beneficial to community, not to mention we have SROs back in the school now, (which are a) huge success, Hill said. Are you at increased risk for dementia? Poor oral health may contribute to the risk Recent research from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health suggests that there may be a link between oral health and dementia. (Tunvarat Pruksachat | Getty) My grandmother Goldie died in 1984. Among other things, she had developed dementia and lived with us for several years when she could no longer take care of herself. It was hard seeing the effects of dementia ravaging her mind. Her peace. Her independence. Her very identity. I was 23 years old and it unsettled me. Grandma Goldie also had dentures. She lost all of her teeth early in life. She grew up and existed in abject poverty most of her life in rural Southern West Virginia. Goldie had five children before she was 33. When her husband died unexpectedly leaving her with five young children, including an 18 month old infant my mother she went to work in a commercial laundry working over 12 hours a day, six days a week. This was before any social safety nets existed. Franklin Delano Roosevelet was early on in his historic presidency. She was an adult in her senior years before she ever saw a dentist. Is there a link between oral health and dementia? Because September is World Alzheimers Awareness Month, we want to share interesting information that may be relevant to your life and those who you care about. Recent research from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health suggests that there may be a link between oral health and dementia. It is estimated that by 2040, the number of individuals with Alzheimers disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the U.S. could reach 12 million, making it critical to determine whether improvements in oral health may prevent or reduce the symptoms of this disease. Highlighted research findings include: Adults aged 50-80 with Alzheimers disease have worse periodontal (gum) health than their peers without Alzheimers, including more plaque, more bone loss around the teeth, and more gingival bleeding. Tooth loss from gum disease or tooth decay is linked with a higher risk of being diagnosed with ADRD. Individuals with ADRD including those living in long-term care facilities are at increased risk of poor oral health, due to challenges with maintaining oral hygiene and accessing professional oral health care. The state of our oral health Oral health data from the recent Oral Health Report Cards published by the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition last year compared the states dental care performance with that of the nation on 15 indicators that include preventive dental care, tooth decay and loss, among other indicators that we will talk about in future commentaries. West Virginia earned a D+ overall. According to the report, about 40% of West Virginians aged 45 and above have lost more than six teeth to tooth decay, a number thats more than twice the national average. A quarter of West Virginians over 65 have lost all of their natural teeth, compared with 12% nationally. The state also earned a D for the number of adults who had visited a dentist in the last year 56.6% compared to the national average of 65.9%. Are West Virginians at greater risk for Alzheimers disease and related dementias? Lets take the current oral health data and the most current Alzheimers and age related dementia and draw some insights. In 2023, the Alzheimers Association estimated that 38,000 people aged 65 and older in West Virginia were living with Alzheimers disease. Additionally, 13.6% of people aged 45 and older in West Virginia were experiencing subjective cognitive decline. Age is a significant risk factor in itself. West Virginia has one of the oldest populations in the country. West Virginia also has the distinction of higher rates of risk factors for Alzheimers disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and heart disease. As we know by studying social determinants of health, West Virginias dementia mortality rate varies depending on the cause of death and the county. Surprisingly, ones zip code makes a difference. For instance, dementia mortality rates in West Virginia counties range from 5.2 deaths per 100,000 in Webster County to 63.6 deaths per 100,000 in Boone County. A May 2011 study under the Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin administration, An Overview of Dementia: The Growing Crisis in West Virginia, produced some interesting results: The rate of hospital discharges with a principal or secondary diagnosis of AD was 29% higher in West Virginia than in the nation as a whole (24.4 per 10,000 discharges vs. 18.9). Dementia was the fifth leading cause of death in West Virginia in 2007. Approximately 5% of all deaths in the state in that year were due to AD or other dementia. When 2006 multiple-cause-of-death data were examined, the results showed the state rate for mortality from dementia as an any-listed cause of death was 11% higher than the national rate (99.4 deaths per 100,000 population vs. 89.9). From 1988 through 2007, the mortality rate for dementia increased from 8.2 deaths per 100,000 population to 49.9 deaths. The increase was seen for both AD and other dementias and in 51 of the 55 counties in the state. Even though West Virginia needs more current data curated relating to dementia mortality, it is not unreasonable to draw connections between West Virginias low life expectancy, abysmal oral health outcomes, and increasing dementia crisis. There is some good news, however. The Oral Health Report Card did show progress in oral health among West Virginia children, but theres still more to be done. Can oral health public policy initiatives move the needle on the dementia crisis in West Virginia? Probably, but it will be slow progress; perhaps the upcoming generation of our youth will turn the tide. All progress is incremental, and West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare is poised to support the West Virginia Oral Health Association and others to advance such policies. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Indian opposition party leader Rahul Gandhi's marital status has attracted frequent media speculation but a photo shared repeatedly online does not show him with his family, as social media posts baselessly claimed. The picture previously circulated in news reports about Gandhi taking a helicopter ride with the children of fellow politician Priyanka Nandwana, who told AFP the photo was shared with a false claim. "Raul Vinci on tour with his wife Jonita Vinci, son Nohak Vinci and daughter Minak Vinci," read a Hindi-language Facebook post that shared the photo on August 23, 2024. "Raul Vinci" is a pseudonym that the Congress party leader reportedly used for security reasons while studying at Cambridge University (archived link). "This is the same Rahul Vinci who calls Hindus violent animals, and the foolish people of India want to make him prime minister," the post added. "Violent Hindus" appears to refer to Gandhi's taunt that "those who claim to be Hindu only talk about violence, hatred and untruth" -- a remark apparently aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but which Modi said was referring to the "entire Hindu community" (archived link). Gandhi is the scion of the dynasty that dominated Indian politics for decades and is the son, grandson and great-grandson of former prime ministers, beginning with independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru. The post featured a picture of Gandhi posing in front of a helicopter with three young children and an older girl. Screenshot of the false post, taken on September 3, 2024 Gandhi, who is listed as unmarried in his election affidavit, has been frequently asked about his marital status (archived here and here). Similar posts on Facebook and social media site X shared the picture alongside a similar claim. Helicopter ride A reverse image search on Google found the picture published by Hindi news outlet Rajasthan Tak on December 9, 2022 (archived link). The headline reads in part: "Rajasthan News: Rahul Gandhi gave a big gift to this girl on her birthday." According to the report, Gandhi promised to give a helicopter ride to the girls he met during the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" (Unite India March) he began in September 2022. Gandhi's five-month trek across the country which harkened back to the famous 1930 trek by his unrelated namesake Mahatma Gandhi struck a chord with affectionate interactions with thousands of bystanders that lined streets to watch his procession. Below is a screenshot comparison of the picture in the false posts (left) and the one published by Rajasthan Tak (right): Screenshot comparison of the picture in false posts (left) and the one published by Rajasthan Tak (right) The picture was credited to Rajasthan Tak reporter Bhavani Singh, who told AFP: "These children belong to the family of a local Congress leader, Priyanka Nandwana." The helicopter ride was reported by various local news sites, including First Khaber and Kanak News who published other images from the event (archived links here and here). The reports identified the older girl in the photo as the daughter of Priyanka Nandwana, a local Congress party leader in Rajasthan state. AFP also reached out to Nandwana, who confirmed the older girl and the boy wearing a yellow shirt were her children, while the other two were children of her relatives. "They are not Rahul Gandhi's [children]. This is being shared with a false claim," she said. "Rahul Gandhi had promised my daughter that he would take her on a helicopter ride and within 10 days he arranged it. The children were very happy to meet Rahul Gandhi and clicked this photo as a memory at that time." Indian Lake still recovering from devastating tornado six months later Indian Lake still recovering from devastating tornado six months later INDIAN LAKE, Ohio (WDTN) Nearly six months since an EF-3 tornado ripped through Indian Lake, those impacted by the storm are still recovering. Dozens of residents are still scrambling to find stable housing and support from their local government. Some residents have been forced to leave their homes for good. They say local options are too expensive, and some residents call the recovery process unfair. Motorcycle group hosting ride for officer hurt in line of duty Paula Tackett says she and her family were hit hard by the March 14 tornado when her home was completely destroyed. Though she has been able to get some help, she says the turmoil shes still facing 6 months later has been extremely difficult. Its just been devastating. Everything that weve went through, said Tackett. Her family was one of more than 30 that Galilee Lutheran Church of Russels Point has been helping. FEMA provided millions of dollars in grant money for victims, including Tackett. However, like many others, theyre stuck with a combination of issues including high rates from contractors and costly, limited rental options. The terrible part is that you cant rent anything right now. Theres nothing available. Or we could just rent something, said Tackett. She says she spent her money on a replacement trailer to go on her property, but the local government told her shes not allowed to do so. Theyve passed an ordinance against it, so I filed a variance to have an exception made and they denied me. They said mobile homes belong in mobile home parks, even though theres five on my street, said Tackett. Rep. Turner says Springfield in desperate need of federal aid Now, she says she has just a month to move her family from the property and donated RV theyve been living in. A nice RV. Im so grateful that they gave it. I dont know where would we be without it, said Tackett. After six heart-wrenching months, she says she wishes local leaders were more compassionate. Make exceptions for people who are suffering. I mean, I understand there are rules, but I didnt purposely move my home, it was destroyed, said Tackett. Tackett says she is currently looking for a mover to help move her mobile home to her property. 2 NEWS reached out to city leaders for comment, and are waiting to hear back. The Galilee Church says theyre always accepting donations for tornado victims. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A September training program hosted by Indiana's Office of the Attorney General seeks to train up the states attorneys and law enforcement officials to implement and carry out policies that combat antisemitism." (Getty Images) A new program spearheaded by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita seeks to train up the states law enforcement officials to combat antisemitism and implement zero-tolerance policies that ensure Jewish Hoosiers are protected. Staff at the attorney generals office said the training set for Sept. 20 is scheduled early in the new academic year as law enforcement, universities and students prepare for continuation of the protests and antisemitic acts we witnessed during the spring semester. Antisemitism is on the rise across America. We are seeing it with riots at college campuses, protests in our streets, and threats against our Jewish friends and neighbors, an office spokesperson told the Indiana Capital Chronicle in a statement. Because of this, our office is leading the effort to combat this disturbing behavior by providing important legal education and law enforcement training. The training comes on the heels of a letter sent by Rokita to Hoosier law enforcement in August about the dramatic rise in antisemitic activity across the United States and in Indiana since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by terrorist organization Hamas. The Republican attorney general called on local prosecutors and police to crack down on antisemitic acts, and refer to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism as a formal guide to determine when a crime motivated by antisemitism occurs. Rokita said, too, he wants an increased law enforcement presence at Jewish institutions. Story continues below. Prosecutors letter final We cannot let this behavior escalate and it must be put down, Rokita said in the letter. There must be a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism here in Indiana. Without your enduring leadership and strength, Hamas and others bring their antisemitism into our backyards to prey on innocent Jewish Hoosiers. Rokita also said he had personally viewed about 45 minutes of terrorist body camera footage, security camera evidence and police body cam footage from Oct. 7 of atrocities equal to or less humane than the procedures employed during the Holocaust. He included graphic details and said Hamas bragged about their actions and some Americansincluding our state university studentscelebrated it. This celebration occurred before Israel even responded. Earlier this year, Rokita additionally warned Hoosier colleges and universities that hateful antisemitic acts against Jewish students will not be tolerated. He emphasized that campuses are duty-bound to combat all forms of antisemitism on their campuses. Not doing so risks their federal funding, he added, saying that Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color and national origin. That includes perceived ancestry or ethnicity. Antisemitism training for Hoosier attorneys, community members Although the attorney generals office has previously hosted continuing legal education and law enforcement courses (also known as CLE of LE training), this is the first training that focuses specifically on combating antisemitism, according to an office spokesperson. The Indianapolis training is open to all law enforcement, attorneys and community members to ensure that all those who uphold the laws of the State of Indiana are prepared in the fight against antisemitism, Rokita said. In addition to the attorney general, speakers at the training include Lorenzo Vidino, director of the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University; Dr. Allon Friedman, president of The Jewish American Affairs Committee of Indiana; and James Barta, Indianas solicitor general. Vidino will speak on the recent trends in the various extremist ideologies present in America, and how antisemitism is often the glue that ties them together, both ideologically and at times also operationally, according to Rokitas office. A spokesperson referenced right-wing, Islamist, Black supremacist, and Antifa as likely topics of conversation. Friedman, who is also a professor of medicine at Indiana University, will focus on what characterizes the major sources of Jew hatred; understanding the links between global and local Antisemitism; identifying the greatest Antisemitic threats in Indiana; and reviewing examples of Jew hatred, according to the attorney generals office. Barta will further hone in on the First Amendments application. The session seeks to answer questions surrounding recent protests, including those on Indiana Universitys campus this spring. His session description posed several of those questions already: As universities seek to curb antisemitism, protesters invoke the First Amendment. Is this claim legitimate? Does the First Amendment protect protesters chanting antisemitic slogans? Does it prevent university administrators from removing encampments? The First Amendment protects the right to speak. A bedrock principle is that the government, public universities included, cannot prohibit speech simply because someone expresses an idea that is offensive or disagreeable, according to training materials. But there are limits to First Amendment freedoms. There is no right, for example, to make actual threats against Jewish students, incite violence towards them, or engage in non-expressive conduct harmful to others. Nor is there a right to stifle the speech of others by attempting to wield a hecklers veto. Universities have the ability to impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions as well, such as prohibitions on protests during class or overnight camping. Rokita lays out specific guidance in new letter Rokita said in his August letter that while many of us have little experience with antisemitism (we) are very aware of its recent resurgence. He recommended that local agencies adopt a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism, though its not clear what exactly the attorney general thinks should be included. Signup information for the antisemitism training can be found via the Indiana Attorney Generals Office: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/combating-antisemitism Rokita pointed to a July visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu July 2024 to address the U.S. Congress, during which protestors tore down and burned an American flag, replaced it with a Palestinian flag in Washington D.C.s Union Station, and vandalized monuments in the area. Some of these protestors became violent and attempted to cross a U.S. Capitol Police line, but were met with retaliatory force by law enforcement and subdued with pepper spray. This behavior can occur here, in Indiana, and has already, albeit in less violent form so far, Rokita continued, referring to alleged vile antisemitic behavior during spring protests at Indiana University. There, protestors formed encampments, disobeyed university officials orders, clashed with law enforcement, and expressed foul antisemitism towards Jewish students, Rokita said. As we have seen time and time again, antisemitism serves as an underlying precursor to violent extremism. Left unchecked, antisemitic acts turn criminal. The attorney general additionally implored Hoosier law enforcement to use the IHRAs working definition of antisemitism throughout the administration of justice. Earlier this year, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb rejected a compromise attempt by lawmakers to use part of the outside groups definition of antisemitism in state law. Critics targeted the included contemporary examples of antisemitism, saying they were overly broad and limited free speech. The examples include denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor, and holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the State of Israel. Holcomb instead issued a signed proclamation condemning all forms of antisemitism that includes the full IHRA definition and examples which the Indiana Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) thanked him for doing. Rokita said the definition has been accepted internationally by numerous countries and bodies and should be used as an aid to identify antisemitic behavior. And while he said the First Amendment broadly protects speech, Rokita made clear that speech followed by unlawful conduct is not protected. The First Amendment does not shield individuals who commit crimes from criminal prosecution, Rokita said in the letter. For example, protesting the Israel-Hamas war is protected, but blocking a major road to do so, vandalizing property, or hurling objects at individual persons or crowds, in violation of the law, is not. Moreover, the First Amendment does not protect speech directed toward inciting or producing imminent lawless action, and speech likely to produce such action. Rokita advised, too, that law enforcement continue to patrol Jewish institutions, including synagogues and schools, across Indiana. This way, law enforcement can make their presence physically known in order to deter those who wish to do harm. For their part, Jewish schools and places of worship should work to develop safety plans in conjunction with local law enforcement so that Jewish students and worshippers can freely exercise their religious beliefs, Rokita said. By bringing local law enforcement and Jewish community leaders together, we are not only strengthening our civic ties, but we are also letting every Jewish Hoosier know that Indiana has their back. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Former Sen. Earline Rogers was elected to the Indiana Senate in 1990, where she served for 26 years representing a district mostly comprising the City of Gary. (Photo by AJ Mast/The Times) Hoosier lawmakers and other leaders this week praised the career of former state senator and educator Earline Rogers, who died Thursday at the age of 89. Rogers, a Democrat, spent more than three decades in the Indiana General Assembly. She was elected to the Indiana Senate in 1990, where she served for 26 years representing a district mostly comprising the city of Gary. Before that, she served eight years in the House of Representatives. Earline Rogers was, simply put, one of the finest public servants Ive ever had the privilege to know, said former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels in a statement released after Rogers death. A committed leader of her party, she was nonetheless always willing to listen and work across party lines when the interests of her district or all of Indiana were at stake. She was one of only two Senate Democrats to vote for the Major Moves bill that leased the Indiana Toll Road and produced the nations #1 rated transportation infrastructure Indiana has been home to for the last decade. Earline loved the extra strong coffee I asked our office to brew, and stopped in almost every day for a cup or two, Daniels continued. I will always treasure the memory of our friendship and the changes she helped us bring to the state we both loved so much. She was known for being feisty and telling it like it is from the Senate microphone. Rogers was additionally a teacher in the Gary public school system for 38 years, and much of her legislative work centered on education. I will always treasure the memory of our friendship and the changes she helped us bring to the state we both loved so much. former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels During her tenure at the Statehouse, Rogers notably authored Heathers Law, which develops models for schools to educate their students on dating violence. She also carried school bus safety legislation known as Jo Jos law to provide safe transport to students. And she wrote the states first bi-literacy program and strengthened provisions to ensure prospective teachers receive adequate training. Earline was a dear friend and colleague. She was known for being tenacious, or at times a bulldog because she was so determined to be successful and champion the causes she cared about, Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said in a statement following Rogers death. She had a special relationship with legislators from both sides. I replaced her when she went from the House to the Senate in the special election, so I had a couple of decades to work with her. Smith noted, too, that Rogers championed other major issues like casino gambling, recalling that people even referred to her as the Mother of Gambling. Her efforts ultimately moved Hoosier riverboat casinos inland, opening harbor space, encouraging interstate competition and generating additional jobs in the area. Separately, Rogers gained global attention with legislation to raise the age for execution in the state, as well. She also championed the Gary Community School Corporation issues and tried to resolve its monetary problems, Smith added. Earlines and my families are somewhat connected because my sister-in-law is Earlines cousin. Ive always had a good relationship with that family: her husband; her sister, who was an educator; and her children. She will be sorely missed. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Prior to her service at the Statehouse, Rogers served two years on the Gary Common Council and was the first woman elected president during that time. She was the first African American to serve as vice chair of the Indiana State Democratic Party and the first African American to serve as Assistant Minority Leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. A Gary native, Rogers was married to her husband for 65 years. They had two children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Earline was a force to be reckoned with, Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Chair Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, said. She fought for the betterment of our states education with a passion that is not easily replicated. I want to extend my condolences to Earlines family during this difficult time. We will miss her conviction and determination. Sen. Lonnie M. Randolph, D-East Chicago, called Rogers a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her dedication to improving education and advocating for the people of Gary, and all Hoosiers, was unmatched. Whether she was fighting for better opportunities for students or leading efforts on major legislation, she always put the needs of others first, Randolph said in a statement. Her work to bring casino gaming to Indiana not only revitalized Garys economy but also provided immense economic benefits to the state. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, and she will be remembered as a true public servant. Indiana has lost one of its finest leaders. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday evening signed off on a plan to investigate how sexual harassment claims have been handled under Mayor Joe Hogsetts administration. The Council overwhelmingly voted to hire an independent firm to thoroughly investigate allegations made against former Chief Deputy Mayor Thomas Cook and others. The council could subpoena the administration as they investigate how claims against Cook and others were handled. "Our job is to figure out where the systems went wrong and fix those systems so this never happens again," said Council Vice President Ali Brown. The move passed 22-1-1, with one vote against it by Democrat Ron Gibson and one abstention by Republican Derek Cahill. Democrat Jared Evans was absent. I believe that we need to give the mayor the chance to make this right so that it never happens again. Hes a former U.S. attorney so I have full confidence that he can," Gibson told IndyStar following Monday's vote. "Also, I question the legality of the investigative committee in terms of how far it can go. Cahill said after the meeting that he had reservations about sensitive information from victims being identifiable but supported the concept of an investigation. Democrat John Barth called the allegations that have been revealed by IndyStar a "fundamental breach of trust that demands a comprehensive and transparent inquiry." Barth encouraged the committee to act with "boldness, urgency and thoroughness." Council President Vop Osili said he was supporting the committee to show respect for the safety of city workers. "One should never, ever feel unsafe in this place," Osili said. The vote comes as the Hogsett administration faces continued fallout from IndyStars recent reporting that revealed the mayor took years to oust Cook from his inner circle despite knowing of Cooks alleged conduct dating back to at least 2017. The Hogsett administration said it forced Cook to resign after it learned about an inappropriate relationship in 2020 but the mayor brought Cook back to help on his 2023 reelection campaign. More recently IndyStar reported that more people are coming forward to the citys HR department to share their previous experiences, and one city staffer was fired last week as the HR department conducts investigations into current and former employees conduct. The councils action on Monday will allow an investigative committee, composed of five Democrats and two Republicans, to subpoena witnesses and documents related to the matter. Indiana code gives local government legislative bodies the ability to "compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence by subpoena." Council members voted against two amendments proposed by Republican Josh Bain, one that would have allowed a single member of the committee to subpoena information from the administration, as opposed to a simple majority being required. "It's a once-in-a-generation committee for this caucus here," said Democrat Dan Boots. "This power should be exercised very cautiously and very carefully." "This is a once-in-a-never-again committee, please," Democrat Jessica McCormick responded. Another amendment voted down by members would have allowed a single council member to request information from the law firm. An interim report from the council's investigation would be available by Feb. 28. The proposal went to the full council after a unanimous vote last month by the Rules and Public Policy Committee. More: Indy council may subpoena Hogsett administration as part of harassment investigation The move comes as the Hogsett administration is taking its own actions in response to the fallout over Cooks alleged harassment of city and campaign staffers. The mayor previously pledged to hire an independent firm to investigate. Hogsett also moved to require city and county employees take sexual harassment training by Dec. 31 and annually thereafter. He said he completed the training on Aug. 16. Mayor Joe Hogsett to require sexual harassment training for Indy employees. Will it work? The Hogsett administration also launched an internal and anonymous system for public employees to report harassment, which has led to new HR investigations on multiple current and former staff members. Hogsett said in a statement after Monday's vote that he remains "committed to working with the City-County Council and the entire Administration to make continued changes to our policies and practices, both those initiated by my administration and through this resolution." Hayleigh Colombo is the senior government accountability reporter at IndyStar. She can be reached at hcolombo@indystar.com. Mike McDaniel is the city government reporter at IndyStar. He can be reached at mmcdaniel@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis council OKs probe of harassment in Hogsett administration (COLORADO SPRINGS) In late September the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) along with the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM) will host an evacuation exercise in the Broadmoor Bluffs Neighborhood. On Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cheyenne Mountain High School located at 1200 Cresta Road PPROEM will hold an information meeting about the exercise and what to expect, how to prepare, and how community participation will help build a more resilient region. PPROEM said eligible participants are those who live south of Star Ranch Road, west of Highway 115, north of Norad Road, or live in or around one of the following HOAs: Cheyenne Mountain Neighborhood Association Broadmoor Park HOA Broadmoor Bluffs HOA Mountain Oaks HOA Country Broadmoor HOA Neal Ranch HOA Point at Cheyenne Mountain HOA The exercise is expected to run on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. A man that sued American rapper Sean Diddy Combs over an alleged sexual assault has won $100m (76.6m) by default after Combs failed to respond. Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, accused Combs of drugging him and sexually assaulting him at a party in Detroit, Michigan, in 1997. Lawyers for Combs have denied the allegations. Cardello-Smith is a convicted felon currently serving a prison sentence and is known for his long history of filing civil lawsuits, according to a local newspaper. Lawyers for Combs said Cardello-Smith was committing "fraud on the court" and told the BBC that the rapper will fight the ruling. Courts issue default judgements against people when they do not respond to a lawsuit. Combs and his lawyers told the BBC they had not been aware of the lawsuit because Combs was not properly served notice of it, and that they will be seeking to vacate Monday's judgment. The lawsuit is among a string of sexual assault allegations that have been recently made against Combs, one of the most successful moguls in the history of rap music. The award to Cardello-Smith was issued on Monday by Judge Anna Marie Anzalone of the Lenawee County Circuit Court, after Combs failed to appear for a 9 September hearing over the lawsuit. According to the local newspaper, the Detroit Metro Times, Cardello-Smith crossed paths with Combs in the 1990s while he was working in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Detroit. He told the court that Combs recently offered him $2.3m to drop the lawsuit, but he rejected that offer. He also said that he continues to know Combs, and had produced documents showing Combs's name in a prison visitation log. Combss lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, denied that the rapper ever knew Cardello-Smith in a statement to the BBC. Cardello-Smith is serving time for unrelated convictions of sexual misconduct and kidnapping, according to court documents. The Detroit Metro Times reported that he taught himself criminal and civil law during his time in prison, and had since developed a long history of challenging the judicial system by filing multiple lawsuits. Others have sued Combs for sexual and physical abuse, including his long-time partner Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. Combs paid Ventura an undisclosed sum of money, which settled the matter outside of court. The rapper had repeatedly denied the allegations, but later apologised after CCTV footage from 2016 was released in May appearing to show Combs throwing and kicking Ventura in a hotel hallway. In March, federal agents raided two houses owned by the star as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking. At the time, Combs lawyer had called the raid an unprecedented ambush and said his client was innocent. Inmate at St. Lawrence County jail accused of assault CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) A 31-year-old inmate at the St. Lawrence County jail is facing assault charges after an alleged altercation with a fellow inmate. St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Deputies charged Sarah Keith, of Ogdensburg, with felony second-degree assault. Gouverneur man facing charges after domestic incident The charges stem from Keith allegedly injuring a fellow inmate in an altercation. She was arraigned in Hermon Town Court and remanded back to the St. Lawrence County Jail without bail. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) A homicide investigation in January was the last straw for the Oakview community. They were fed up with reported violence and disturbances at the InTown Suites hotel on North Main Street in High Point. An Oakview citizens group compiled the data. Police responded to that one hotel almost 1,000 times between 2020 and 2022. Its one of the five biggest hotel crime hot spots in the city. The group organized a community meeting with police and elected officials in February, demanding change. Calls for criminal activity at the extended stay hotel have gone down compared to the same time frame last year, February to September, and for the people who live nearby, its a step in the right direction. I feel like things are going in a positive direction, said Jim Bronnert, community advocate and organizer. Bronnert went to business owners and neighbors who live near the hotel, handing out an anonymous survey this spring. Commenters said they wanted someone to reduce the danger in the area, and kids were scared to play in the neighborhood. Some of the comments submitted were: The city, from administrative leadership to the High Point Police Department, has worked to do something. There have been more than 300 calls for service since Feb. 2024. 23 calls were for trespassing, and 42 others were for criminal activity and disturbance issues. 186 of those calls were initiated by the HPD themselves, and 151 were special checks. Special checks are where officers drove or walked around inside and outside the property looking for anything suspicious and speaking with people to get tips. Last year from February to September, there were 268 calls with 143 self-initiated by police, including 66 special checks. Special checks have more than doubled, and criminal calls have gone down. Its nice to see This isnt going to be a quick process, but its nice to see something is looking better than it was, Bronnert said. Ward Four Councilman Patrick Harman says the city and law enforcement met with InSuites upper management, leading to some changes. Theyve moved a few folks out who were causing problems. They have towed some abandoned cars. Theyre fixing up a few of the rooms, Harman said. Harman says the hotel is also considering private security. High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson says all progress is a tip of the cap to concerned community members. If High Point is going to be here another 165 years, it will be because of every High Pointer who calls this place home, takes pride in it and is not OK with things happening and us not doing something about it, Jefferson said. The citizens group requested the city keep a close eye on the area where the hotel sits as well as people nearby experiencing homelessness, which is something Jefferson says his administration is working on for the entire city weekly. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DALLAS COUNTY, Texas - The anticipated Office of Inspector General report on the Dallas County Juvenile Department was made public on Monday. The report covered a six-month window from January to June 2023. It found a program called the Special Needs Unit that operated without policy or procedure. The practice allowed the facility to circumvent state standards. Multiple juveniles were confined to their rooms, sometimes 24 hours a day, without access to education, exercise or showers. The result was systematic neglect that staff, educators and administrators past and present were aware of. Investigators wrote that former director Darryl Beatty had ample opportunity to take corrective action. "The most troubling of the report is that youth were held for long periods of time, sometimes days in their rooms and regardless of whether that was a product of the pandemic, the COVID crisis, it was a practice that should have been discontinued immediately when staffing levels actually went up," said Mike Griffiths, the interim director of the Dallas County Juvenile Department. Inspectors found what could be criminal: Pervasive falsification of documents as it related to observation checks. By state law, those must happen every 15 minutes overnight when residents are in rooms. The checks did not happen. The state found there was an intentional attempt to conceal the observation checks and school attendance. "In the course of this investigation and now that the final report has come out, there will certainly be administrative action done of individuals that contributed to this issue," said Griffiths. The Office of the Inspector General came back in July with another surprise inspection. Beatty resigned following that inspection. The interim director says since he returned to take over the role in July, the culture is changing. "We take this very seriously, and we are in the process of rectifying everything that's in this report," said Griffiths. The report on the follow-up inspection has not been completed. State Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, speaks against a permit for Summit Carbon Solutions at a gathering July 10, 2024 in Coon Rapids. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch) A group of Iowa Republican lawmakers plans to ask federal and state courts to rule that the Iowa Utilities Commission acted illegally and unconstitutionally in its approval of a controversial pipeline project. The group of nearly 40 Iowa lawmakers comprising the Republican Legislative Intervenors for Justice announced their plan to sue in a news release Tuesday. The Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, prioritizes corporate interests in tax credits over the safety, property rights, and well-being of Iowas citizens, according to a statement from the group. The $8 billion carbon-capture pipeline project would connect to 57 ethanol plants and stretch across most of Iowa and into Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. The Iowa Utilities Commission approved the application in June, under the conditions that Summit Carbon Solutions submitted documentation of various regulating requirements, and a hefty insurance policy. The Iowa-based company met these requirements and was issued a construction permit by the commission at the end of August. However, Iowa construction cannot begin until the project is approved in the Dakotas, where it has also faced pushback from landowners and lawmakers. In addition to the impending legal filings, the opposing group of legislators met to strategize upcoming legislative approaches, like eminent domain reform and adjusting the functions of the Iowa Utilities Commission, to stop the pipeline. The Iowa House has approved limits on eminent domain for carbon pipelines in recent years but the Senate has not acted. We are determined to fight this reckless decision in the courts and in the General Assembly, Rep. Charley Thomson said in the press release. This isnt just about stopping one pipeline. Its about safeguarding our communities, our land, and our constitutional rights from future overreach. The members of the Republican Legislative Intervenors for Justice, according to the groups news release, include: Sens. Kevin Alons, Rocky De Witt, Lynn Evans, Jesse Green, Dennis Guth, Mark Lofgren, David Rowley, Sandy Salmon, Jason Schultz, Jeff Taylor and Cherielynn Westrich. Also, Reps. Eddie Andrews, Brooke Boden, Steven Bradley, Ken Carlson, Mark Cisneros, Zach Dieken, Dean Fisher, Dan Gehlbach, Thomas Gerhold, Cindy Golding, Helena Hayes, Representative Bob Henderson, Representative Steven Holt, Representative Heather Hora, Thomas Jeneary, Bobby Kaufman, Joshua Meggers, Anne Osmundson, Bradley Sherman, Jeff Shipley, Luana Stoltenberg, Henry Stone, Mark Thompson, Charles Thomson, Skyler Wheeler, and Derek Wulf. UK, France, Germany to further sanction Iran after ballistic missile deliveries to Russia confirmed The U.K., France, and Germany will impose further sanctions on Iran due to confirmation that Moscow has received ballistic missiles from Tehran, the three countries said in a joint statement on Sept. 10. Washington confirmed on Sept. 10 earlier media reports that Russia had received shipments of Iranian ballistic missiles. The confirmation of the deliveries marks a "further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the U.K., France, and Germany said. The three countries said that they have "privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place." According to the joint statement, they will now "be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran," and work towards sanctioning Iran Air, the country's flag carrier. "Entities and individuals involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia" will also face sanctions. "This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security," the joint statement said. Read also: August saw second-highest number of civilian casualties dealt by Russia to Ukraine this year, UN says The U.K. released a statement detailing which Iranian individuals and organizations had been sanctioned by both London and Washington. These include Brigadier General Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, the Iranian Defense Ministry's director general for international relations, Second Brigadier General Ali Jafarabadi, the head of the Space Command of Iran's Aerospace Force, and Majid Mousavi, Deputy Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The U.K. also announced sanctions on five Russian cargo ships "for their role in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the news that Russia had received the ballistic missile shipments during a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy. The delivery of the missiles "gives the Russians an additional capability and additional flexibility," further fuelling the war, Blinken said in London. According to Blinken, the Iranian ballistic missiles have a shorter range of around 75 miles, which means "Russia will be able to dedicate its own ballistic missiles to longer-range targets." "Anyone who is providing assistance to Russia, whether it is direct assistance like Iran or North Korea, whether it is assistance to their defense industrial base, like China, is perpetuating the war," Blinken added. Iran on Sept. 9 denied it had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, claiming reports to the contrary were "psychological warfare." 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. By Timour Azhari BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq faces a budget crunch in 2025 due to the slump in the price of oil, the overwhelming source of government revenue, a top economic adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said. "We don't anticipate major problems in 2024, but we need stricter financial discipline for 2025," Mudher Saleh told Reuters in an interview late on Monday. Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, is heavily dependent on oil revenues. The hydrocarbons sector accounts for the vast majority of export earnings and some 90% of state revenue. This huge reliance on oil makes Iraq particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global crude prices. Still, Iraq increased its budget in 2024 even after record spending in 2023, when more than half a million additional employees were hired into the already-bloated public sector and a capital-intensive nationwide infrastructure revamp began. The 2024 budget rose to 211 trillion dinars ($161 billion) from 199 trillion dinars ($153 billion) in 2023, maintaining a projected deficit of 64 trillion dinars, Saleh said. The budget assumes an oil price of $70 per barrel in 2024, around $6 less than the likely average price this year. Saleh said that paying salaries and pensions on time remain a top priority. They account for 90 trillion dinars ($69 billion), or over 40% of the budget, and are a key factor of social stability in Iraq. "The government will pay salaries even if it costs everything. Salaries are holy in Iraq," he said. Infrastructure development, meanwhile, could be refocused on the most strategic projects - such as key road and bridge works in the capital Baghdad - if the state finds itself in a financial crunch, he said. To bolster finances, Iraq is focusing on increasing non-oil revenues through improved tax collection but is not exploring any new levies, Saleh said. He estimated that Iraq loses up to $10 billion annually due to tax evasion and customs-related problems. Concerns for the 2025 budget reflect a challenging global oil market. Oil prices have been on a downward trend since mid-2022, with Brent crude, the international benchmark, falling from over $120 per barrel to below $75 in recent days. This decline is largely attributed to weakening global demand, particularly from China, the world's largest oil importer, as its economic growth slows down. $1 = 1,300 dinars (Reporting by Timour Azhari; editing by Mark Heinrich) (Bloomberg) -- Ireland just landed a challenge most countries would envy: how to spend an almost 13.8 billion ($15.2 billion) windfall that Apple Inc. was ordered to pay in taxes by the European Unions top court. Thats equivalent of 14% of government spending this year, or some 2,700 for every man, woman and child. Most Read from Bloomberg Ironically, the Irish government has always maintained that it didnt think Apple owed these taxes. But the EUs Court of Justice Tuesday backed a landmark 2016 decision that Ireland broke state-aid laws by giving the company tax benefits that resulted in an unfair advantage. The money involved has been sitting in escrow since an initial EU court ruling in 2016, and the blocs competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, said in a news conference that the taxes must be released to the Irish state. The Irish finance ministry said in a statement that it respects the findings even as it continued to insist that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers. It added that the process of transferring the assets from the escrow fund will now commence. It is a complex process which is expected to take a number of months to conclude, Irish Finance Minister Jack Chambers told reporters Tuesday afternoon. It is a one-off payment and we will have discussions with party leaders on what next steps will be. The funds have been accruing interest since it was paid by Apple into an escrow account. The Irish government said in July the total value of the fund stands at 13.8 billion, after generating 400 million in 2023. The total represents about 15% of the upcoming government budget. The sudden cash bonanza comes as Irish politicians are expecting the government to call an election in the coming months, adding an extra charge to the debate on how to use it. Opposition parties are already calling for a parliamentary debate on how to use the money, with criticism that the government had defended corporate interests, and not the publics. Everybodys going to be demanding everything, and its going to be very hard for the government to say no when they want to basically get back into power, said Aidan Regan, an associate professor at the School of Politics and International Relations at the University College Dublin. The country faces a housing crisis and a record number of people are homeless with a lack of supply and house prices out of reach of most. Ivana Bacik, the leader of the Labour Party, said in a post on X that the proceeds of the case could be used to underpin a dedicated long-term housing fund. However, the spending in the budget for 2025, which will be announced Oct. 1 has already been decided, said Chambers. This will not impact on the parameters already set out for Budget 2025, he told reporters. Rare Surplus Dublin is in the enviable position of having one of Europes rare budget surpluses, thanks to the presence of all those multinational companies. In September, the government reported a significant increase in corporation tax receipts, and officials are working to set up a sovereign wealth fund that the finance ministry estimates could eventually reach 100 billion. Even with such healthy public finances, 13.8 billion is still a huge amount of money for a small country, said Regan. There were concerns in Dublin that the case and subsequent appeal would create uncertainty around tax affairs in Ireland, where low rates had long been a draw. The country has remained an attractive hub for the tech and pharmaceutical industries, with many of the worlds largest companies, including Meta Platforms Inc, Alphabet Inc. and Pfizer Inc., maintaining large physical presences. Apple was one of the first tech giants to set up in Ireland, as a result of its deliberately low corporate tax rate in the 1980s and early 1990s to attract foreign investment. The company set up its European headquarters outside the southern city of Cork in 1980, and now employs around 6,000 in Ireland. --With assistance from Samuel Stolton. (Updates with government spending in first paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Ramadan was sentenced to 3 years' jail (2 suspended) for rape and sexual coercion (Fabrice COFFRINI) (Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/AFP) Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, who has been convicted of rape by a Geneva appeals court and sentenced to prison, will contest the verdict before Switzerland's highest court, his lawyers said on Tuesday. After being acquitted last year, a Geneva appeals court said Tuesday it had found the 62-year-old former Oxford University professor "guilty of rape and sexual coercion" of a woman in a Geneva hotel 16 years ago. It sentenced him to three years in prison, two of them suspended, marking the first guilty verdict against Ramadan, who faces a string of rape allegations in Switzerland and France. A charismatic yet controversial figure in European Islam, he has always maintained his innocence, and his lawyers immediately announced that he would take the case to Switzerland's highest court. "It will be up to the Federal Court to rule on this case, to uphold justice and recognise this man's innocence," Yael Hayat and Guerric Canonica said in a statement to AFP. Lawyers for the plaintiff in the case -- a Muslim convert identified only as "Brigitte" -- said they were relieved "the truth had finally triumphed", insisting they were not worried about the new appeal. "Our client is of course relieved, considering what she has had to endure for the truth to come out," the woman's lawyers Veronique Fontana and Robert Assael told AFP. - 'Trap' - Their client had testified before the court that he subjected her to rape and other violent sex acts in a Geneva hotel room during the night of October 28, 2008. The lawyer representing Brigitte said she was repeatedly raped and subjected to "torture and barbarism". Ramadan said Brigitte invited herself up to his room. He let her kiss him, he said, before quickly ending the encounter. He said he was the victim of a "trap". Brigitte, who was in her forties at the time of the alleged assault, filed her complaint 10 years later, telling the court she felt emboldened to come forward following similar complaints filed against Ramadan in France. Ramadan's Swiss lawyers insisted that the appeals court verdict, which was handed down on August 28 but only made public on Tuesday, had little to do with the facts of the case. "It is clearly not the facts that led to the conviction of Tarik Ramadan. It is his name," Hayat and Canonica said. "This case, judged anonymously, would never have led to this man being put on trial, much less being convicted." - Stockholm syndrome - The appeals verdict overturns a lower court finding last year acquitting Ramadan of rape and sexual coercion, citing a lack of evidence, contradictory testimonies and "love messages" sent by the plaintiff after the alleged assault. But during the appeals trial held last May, Brigitte's lawyers alleged that Ramadan had exercised significant "control" over the woman, suggesting she had suffered something akin to Stockholm syndrome. The three appeals court judges pointed to "witness testimony, certificates, medical notes and private expert opinions consistent with the facts presented by the plaintiff". "Elements collected during the investigation have thus convinced the chamber of the guilt of the accused," the court said in a statement. Ramadan was a professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford and held visiting roles at universities in Qatar and Morocco. He was forced to take leave of absence in 2017 when rape allegations surfaced in France at the height of the "Me Too" movement. In France, he is suspected of raping three women between 2009 and 2016. His large defence team is fighting a Paris appeals court decision in June that the cases can go to trial. apo-bur/nl/gv Smoke rises near the Israel Lebanon border, after Hezbollah fired projectiles towards Israel from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Northern Israel JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli forces are near to fulfilling their mission in Gaza and their focus will turn to the country's northern border with Lebanon as daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah take place, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday "The centre of gravity is moving northward, we are near to completing our tasks in the south, but our mission here is not yet done," Gallant told troops on Israel's northern border in a video sent by his office. Gallant was attending a ground combat drill, his office said. "These instructions that you are waiting for here today, I gave in the south and saw the forces operate," Gallant said referring to Israel's ground invasion of the Gaza Strip three weeks after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that triggered the war. The Lebanese group Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Oct. 8 and the two sides have been trading fire since, with tens of thousands of civilians displaced on both sides of the border. Israeli leaders have said they would prefer to resolve the conflict through an agreement that would push Iran-backed Hezbollah away from the border. Hezbollah has said that it will continue fighting Israel as long as the war in Gaza is ongoing. In separate remarks to journalists on Tuesday, Gallant said: "While we pursue an agreement, I have directed the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) to prepare for every scenario, including directing our attention to the northern arena. We are committed to changing the security situation on the northern front and to bringing our citizens home safely." The Israli military on Tuesday said it killed a commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan force. The group confirmed his death but not his role and said it fired rockets at Israeli army targets across the border in retaliation. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Jana Choukeir in Dubai; Editing by James Mackenzie and Angus MacSwan) Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant offered his support for a hostage release agreement in the first phase of a Gaza truce deal, saying it would give Israel a "strategic opportunity" to address other security challenges. Bringing the hostages home is "the right thing to do", Gallant told foreign journalists. "Achieving an agreement is also a strategic opportunity that gives us a high chance to change the security situation on all fronts," he said. Israel, which has been at war with Palestinian militants in Gaza since Hamas's October 7 attack, is also engaged in near-daily clashes with Lebanon's Hezbollah movement on its northern border with Lebanon. Urging the international community to keep up the pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement, Gallant said he firmly supported the first stage of a three-phase ceasefire deal announced by US President Joe Biden on May 31, hoping to build on it for an eventual end to the war. "Israel should achieve an agreement that will bring about a pause for six weeks and bring back hostages," Gallant told journalists at a sit-down on Monday at his office. His remarks were released for publication on Tuesday. Gallant also said Hamas's military capabilities had been severely damaged after more than 11 months of war and that it no longer existed as a military formation in Gaza. "Hamas as a military formation no longer exists. Hamas is engaged in guerrilla warfare and we are still fighting Hamas terrorists and pursuing Hamas leadership," he said. His comments came as mediators the United States, Qatar and Egypt struggle to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza, which has killed nearly 41,000 people. - At odds with Netanyahu - Gallant is among the Israeli officials who have clashed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on war policy. Israeli media last month quoted him as privately telling a parliamentary committee that a hostage release deal "is stalling... in part because of Israel". Netanyahu's office accused Gallant of adopting an "anti-Israel narrative". Gallant said Israel's military pressure in Gaza had created the "necessary conditions" for a ceasefire deal. Biden unveiled a three-phase plan that would see an initial six-week halt in fighting and the release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. One of the biggest stumbling blocks has been Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining troops along Gaza's border with Egypt, in a strip of land known as the Philadelphi Corridor. Netanyahu said last week that retaining control of the corridor was important to stop any arms smuggling into Gaza from Egypt. Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. - 'Moral obligation' - Gallant's latest comments come as domestic pressure mounts on Netanyahu to end the war. Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to demand a truce and hostage release deal, with their anger and grief spiking after the recent killing of six hostages whose bodies were found in a Gaza tunnel. "Israel currently faces a strategic junction. It is an opportunity to fulfil our moral obligation to our citizens by bringing hostages home," Gallant said. The war, now in its 12th month, broke out after the October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures. Militants also seized 251 hostages at the time, 97 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory air, land and sea campaign has so far killed at least 40,988 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations rights office says most of the dead are women and children. Since the Gaza war began, Israel has also been engaged in clashes with Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite armed group Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas. "We are committed to changing the security situation on the northern front and to bringing our citizens home safely," Gallant said. The widespread destruction has produced a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, underscored by the recent confirmation of its first polio case in 25 years. Gallant touted the military's efforts to facilitate humanitarian assistance. "Together with international partners, we have planned and executed five humanitarian operations to evacuate ill and wounded children and civilians from Gaza for treatment in third countries. Three additional missions are already underway," he said. "Since the beginning of the war till September 1st, we have delivered 50,440 trucks of aid." jd-rcb/dv Palestinians inspect their tents after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa An Israeli airstrike targeting a humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip overnight was intended to wipe out a number of high-ranking fighters from the Palestinian extremist group Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on X on Tuesday. Gaza's civil defence agency said that at least 40 people were killed in the airstrikes on the al-Mawasi camp in the southern city of Khan Younis and more than 60 were injured. According to the report, tents housing internally displaced people were hit. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said the Israeli Air Force "conducted a precise strike on a number of senior Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control center embedded inside the humanitarian area" in Khan Younis. "Among the terrorists struck was Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, Head of Hamas' Aerial Unit in the Gaza Strip," Hagari said. Osama Tabesh, the head of the Observation and Targets Department in Hamas' military intelligence headquarters, and Ayman Mabhouh, another senior Hamas commander, were also said to have been hit during the operation. The Israeli military reported the strike in a Telegram post early on Tuesday, saying the air force "struck significant Hamas terrorists" they claimed had been operating from within the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, but did not provide any information on casualties. "The terrorists advanced and carried out terror attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel," the post said, adding that "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians." Hagari said the Hamas members hit in the strike had been "directly involved in the execution" of the October 7 attacks on Israel, in which some 1,200 people were killed. "Prior to the strike, extensive intelligence gathering was conducted, as well as continuous aerial surveillance in the hours leading up to the strike, which confirmed the presence of the terrorists in the area alongside additional terrorist operatives," the spokesman said. Israel has repeatedly justified attacks on humanitarian areas citing intelligence saying that Hamas operatives are hiding there. The claims from both sides could not be independently verified. Hagari contradicted the death toll given by the civil defence agency, saying the figures "do not align with the information held by the IDF, the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike." In July, Israel struck a target in the humanitarian zone between Khan Younis and al-Mawasi, which Israel claimed served as a base for Hamas militants. Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas' military wing in Gaza, and the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade, Rafa Salama, were killed in the attack. Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza said the strike hit a refugee camp, leaving at least 90 people dead and another 300 injured. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 40,000 people have been killed and more than 98,000 others injured in Gaza during 11 months of war. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters and cannot be independently verified at present. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, with more than 1,200 dead, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7. Palestinians inspect their tents after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians inspect their tents after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians search for victims after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Israel says 'highly likely' its troops killed US-Turkish protester in West Bank The Israel military says a US-Turkish woman shot dead at a protest in the occupied West Bank last week was "highly likely hit indirectly and unintentionally" by its soldiers. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, had been at a demonstration against Jewish settlement expansion in the town of Beita last Friday when she was shot by Israeli forces. The US secretary of state called Eygi's killing "unprovoked and unjustified", but President Joe Biden later said: "Apparently it was an accident. It [the bullet] ricocheted off the ground." Eygi's family, along with the UN human rights office, have called for a full and independent investigation into her killing. In a brief statement summarising their investigation findings, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said the gunfire had not been "aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot." They added: "The IDF expresses its deepest regret over the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi." However, the US - Israel's key ally - reacted angrily. Its Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said Israeli forces needed to "make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement." He said the IDFs investigation appeared to support eyewitnesses' testimony that Ms Eygi had been protesting peacefully and thus her killing was unprovoked and unjustified. No-one should be shot and killed for attending a protest, no-one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views, Blinken told reporters shortly after Israel's release of the findings. Ms Eygi had arrived as a volunteer in the West Bank just a few days before she was killed. Her family has said her life "was taken needlessly, unlawfully and violently by the Israeli military". Hundreds attended Ms Eygi's funeral in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday [EPA] 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," her family said in statement released after her death. Prior to the release of the Israeli report, the US and Turkish governments had condemned Ms Eygi's killing. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan branded it as "barbaric". In its statement, the IDF said the "incident" had taken place during "a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tires and hurled rocks toward security forces at the Beita Junction." But the protest group which Eygi had been with at the time dismissed claims it threw rocks at Israeli soldiers, saying such assertions were false. They said their protest had been peaceful. Witnesses and other protesters at the demonstration have also said while there were some clashes with Israeli soldiers, Eygi had not been near that area when she was hit. Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli activist who was at the same protest as Eygi, said he heard two gun shots. He told the BBC's Newshour programme there had been "no stone throwing" at Ms Eygi's location. It had been her first time attending a protest in the West Bank, he said. She had been with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian organisation which takes part in weekly demonstrations at Beita against Israeli settlements. Israel has built about 160 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land the Palestinians want as part of a future state - in the 1967 Middle East war. The vast majority of the international community considers the settlements illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this. (Bloomberg) -- Israel is still interested in normalizing diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, Economy Minister Nir Barkat said, even after plans were derailed by the Oct. 7 assault and the war with Hamas. Most Read from Bloomberg Asked if Israel wanted to restart talks with Saudi Arabia, Barkat told Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power, I believe so. He said Israel wants to expand the Abraham Accords, which were signed under the Trump administration and established ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. I see how the Saudis and other moderate Arab states, including potentially Indonesia and others, are waiting to have a window of opportunity to enter and expand the Abraham Accords we bless it, Barkat said. Its in our best interest, its in their best interest, its in Americas best interest to align with the moderate Arab states, he added. They write big checks. Theyre interested in collaboration and integrating with the West. And we are the gateway for that. Before the war, the US was engaged in efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, in part to help form a regional bulwark against Iranian influence. Iran backs Hamas as well as the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, both designated as terrorist organizations by the US. But those efforts fell apart after the Oct. 7 attack in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and took about 250 hostages, sparking a war that, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has led to some 41,000 Palestinian deaths and prompted outrage from Arab capitals. --With assistance from Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Israel attacked what it said was a Hamas base hidden in a Gaza camp for displaced Palestinians, an incident likely to stoke international concern for civilians caught up in the almost year-long war. Most Read from Bloomberg The Hamas-run health ministry said Tuesday that 19 people were killed in the overnight air strike on Mawasi, near the city of Khan Younis, after the groups media office earlier put the number of casualties at 40. Dozens more were reported injured. The Israel Defense Forces said the assault was aimed at senior Hamas fighters operating a command-and-control center embedded in the humanitarian area, according to a statement. Three Hamas members directly involved in the Oct. 7 invasion that triggered the war were among those targeted, the IDF said. Hamas denied it had fighters in the area, a stretch of coastal scrubland and sand dunes where hundreds of thousands of Gazans have been sheltering since Israel designated it a humanitarian zone. The assault extends the fallout from Israels offensive to topple Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the US and European Union. The Israelis have faced allegations of war crimes, which they reject, during a campaign that has left much of Gaza in rubble and upended the lives of the more than 2 million people who live there. The US, less than two months out from a presidential election in which the Gaza crisis has been a divisive topic, is overseeing efforts mediated by Qatar and Egypt to secure a cease-fire. Those talks have stagnated for several months, stuck on issues such as Israels military presence in the border area between Gaza and Egypt, and the make up of an exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. About 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war to date, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza. The Iran-backed groups fighters killed about 1,200 people and abducted 250 during the Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel that triggered the conflict. Another 340 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza and on other fronts. Unverified footage on social media showed residents digging up sand and pulling out bodies in the Mawasi. A witness said the strikes left three craters and destroyed more than 20 tents. The IDF said numerous steps were taken to mitigate risks to civilians prior to the attacks, including use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance. Israel has previously said it would refrain from attacking the Mawasi unless Palestinian fighters operated there. Despite the extensive measures taken by the IDF to enable the Gazan population to move away from combat zones, including by designating a Humanitarian Area, the Hamas terrorist organization continues to embed its operatives and military infrastructure in those places, the IDF said. Read: US Still Pushing Gaza Cease-Fire Deal as Israel and Hamas Dig In In July, about 90 displaced Palestinians were killed in a strike in the Mawasi. Israel said at the time that the attack targeted and killed Mohammed Deif, a top Hamas commander. --With assistance from Fadwa Hodali. (Updates to reflect amended Palestinian death toll.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. At least 19 killed and more feared buried in Israeli airstrike on Gaza humanitarian zone targeting Hamas militants An overnight Israeli airstrike on an area that Israel itself had designated as a humanitarian zone for displaced people in southern Gaza has killed and injured dozens of Palestinians, according to local officials in the besieged enclave. Israel said the operation targeted Hamas fighters there. At least 19 bodies arrived at hospitals from the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. More than 60 people were also wounded, it said, as rescuers raced to recover victims buried under sand and debris. People thought they were asleep safely. Suddenly we woke up to the sounds of explosions, and fires were surrounding us from every side. We didnt know where the strike hit, where the remains are, or where the blood is. Everything was scattered, Mahmoud Al Nims, a resident, told CNN. CNN footage from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis showed men and boys standing in congregation to perform Islamic funeral prayers for the deceased on Tuesday. Mourners carried the dead, including children, in white shrouds as women wailed at the steps of the hospital. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command-and-control center embedded inside the humanitarian area in Khan Younis, Gaza a claim that Hamas denies. According to the IDF, among those targeted were Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, whom the IDF says was the head of Hamas aerial unit in Gaza; Osama Tabesh, whom was the head of the observation and targets department in Hamas military intelligence headquarters; and Ayman Mabhouh, whom it said was another senior Hamas terrorist. The targets were directly involved in the execution of the October 7 attack on Israel and had been planning to carry out terror activities against the IDF and Israel, an IDF statement on Tuesday added. CNN is working to independently verify these claims. Hamas has denied it had placed fighters in the area. In a statement, it called Israels claims that its fighters were in the area a blatant lie, through which it (Israel) seeks to justify these heinous crimes. They told us to go to Mawasi The strike hit Al-Mawasi, a coastal region in Khan Younis where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have fled Israels bombardment from other parts of Gaza. Many are living in tents in an area with sparse infrastructure, scant access to shelter or life-saving humanitarian aid. The explosion created three large craters, Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal said. The group also said its crews were facing great difficulty in retrieving victims many of whom were believed to have been sleeping at the time of the strikes due to a lack of resources. Earlier, Gazas Civil Defense said 40 people had been killed, though the reason for the discrepancy in the two figures was not immediately clear. Human rights agencies have repeatedly criticized Israeli attacks in designated safe zones. On Tuesday, the Norwegian Refugee Council accused Israeli forces of forcing Palestinians in Gaza to flee from place to place without offering them genuine assurances of safety, proper accommodation or return once hostilities end. The Israeli military has placed nearly 86% of the Gaza Strip under evacuation orders, according to the UN. At least 1.9 million people have been displaced The strike was also strongly condemned by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas like Al-Mawasi as unconscionable. Dujarric said that the strike reaffirmed the Secretary Generals warnings that there is no safe place in Gaza. (Israeli forces) told us to go to Mawasi and we did, and they strike us. We have been displaced a hundred times, Taghreed Abu Assi, a Palestinian in Khan Younis told CNN. Teams conduct a search and rescue operation after Israeli airstrikes on a tent encampment of displaced Palestinians in Al-Mawasi, Gaza. - Jehad Alshrafi/Anadolu/Getty Images The Israeli offensive in Gaza since the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel has flattened neighborhoods, wiped out families and created a humanitarian disaster across the enclave. Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed 41,020 Palestinians and injured another 94,925 people, according to the Ministry of Health there. CNN footage from the aftermath of the strike on Al-Mawasi showed dozens of people trying to recover the remains of their belongings. Poles that used to hold up tents protruded from the sand, but the material that covered their inhabitants was buried. Mattresses, blankets and clothes were scattered around another much bigger crater on the other side of the camp. Some survivors pulled canned food from under the sand and a girl with an injured hand watched as those around her attempt to rebuild their tents. We were sleeping peacefully in our homes when, suddenly, rockets started falling heavily on us, one survivor, Salem Abu Jara, told CNN. Why are people being burned here? Families disappeared in the sand Israels military said the operation was carried out with the direction of the Israel Security Agency and the Air Force, and that steps were taken to mitigate civilian harm including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional means. The military did not say whether it warned civilians in the area. Hamas said dozens of unarmed civilians, most of whom were children and women were killed in the strike. Gaza Civil Defenses Bassal said Palestinians in the area were not warned of the strike in advance. There were more than 200 tents of displaced people at Al-Mawasi area, Bassal said, adding about 20 to 40 tents were destroyed and entire families have disappeared in the sand. Two weapons experts told CNN the visual evidence from the scene of the assault in Al-Mawasi suggests 2,000-pound bombs were used. The significant damage and the size of the craters align with the expected effects of aerial bombs weighing several hundred kilograms, Patrick Senft, a research coordinator at Armament Research Services (ARES), said on Tuesday. CNN footage from the aftermath showed emergency crews wearing bright orange vests and scouring dense, blown-out debris for survivors. Rescue personnel could be seen hauling large pieces of barbed wire and dusty mattresses in the dark. The IDF has accused Hamas and other militant groups in the Gaza Strip of continuing to systematically abuse civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated Humanitarian Area, to carry out terrorist activity against the State of Israel and IDF troops. Israel has previously struck Al-Mawasi in its pursuit for Hamas commanders and previous strikes have caused significant civilian collateral casualties. In mid-July, a strike aimed at Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif killed at least 90 Palestinians. The following month, Israel said its intelligence community had confirmed that Deif, one of the reported masterminds of the October 7 attacks, was killed in that attack. Israel says it has killed or captured half of Hamass commanders and more than 14,000 combatants since the war began. However, there are clear signs of the groups resurgence in parts of the strip previously cleared by Israeli forces, who devastated large swathes of the area in the process. Palestinians gather their belongings at the site of Israeli strikes on a makeshift displacement camp in Mawasi, Khan Younis on Tuesday. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images CNNs Abeer Salman, Eyad Kourdi, Antoinette Radford and Gianluca Mezzofiore contributed reporting. Mohammad Al-Sawalhi and Tareq El Helou reported from Gaza. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel says it likely killed an American activist by mistake. The US condemns its ally RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) The Israeli military said Tuesday an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers, drawing a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the activist's family. Israel said a criminal investigation has been launched into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who was taking part in a demonstration against settlements in the Palestinian territory. Doctors who treated Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship, said she was shot in the head. Blinken condemned the fatal shooting when asked about it at a news conference in London, and said the U.S. would make clear to its ally that such actions are not acceptable. No one no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest, he said. Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank. Eygi's family in the U.S. released a statement saying we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. During Friday's demonstration, clashes broke out between Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli troops firing tear gas and ammunition, according to Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting of Eygi. Pollak said the violence had subsided about a half hour before Eygi was shot, after protesters and activists had withdrawn several hundred meters (yards) away from the site of the demonstration. Pollak said he saw two Israeli soldiers mount the roof of a nearby home, train a gun in the groups direction and fire, with one bullet hitting Eygi. Israel said its inquiry into Eygis killing found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. It expressed its deepest regret at her death. International Solidarity Movement, the activist group Egyi was volunteering with, said it entirely rejects the Israeli statement and that the shot was aimed directly at her. 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. Israel says it thoroughly investigates allegations of its forces killing civilians and holds them accountable. It says soldiers often have to make split-second decisions while operating in areas where militants hide among civilians. But human rights groups say soldiers are very rarely prosecuted, and even in the most shocking cases and those captured on video they often get relatively light sentences. The Palestinian Authority held a funeral procession for Eygi in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday. Turkish authorities said they were working on repatriating her body to Turkey for burial in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, as per her familys wishes. Eygi's uncle said in an interview with the Turkish TV channel HaberTurk that she kept her visit to the West Bank secret from at least some of her family members. She said she was traveling to Jordan to help Palestinians there, he said. "She hid the fact that she was going to Palestine. She blocked us from her social media posts so that we would not see them, Yilmaz Eygi said. The deaths of American citizens in the West Bank have drawn international attention, such as the fatal shooting of a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in 2022 in the Jenin refugee camp. Several independent investigations and reporting by The Associated Press determined that Abu Akleh was likely killed by Israeli fire. Months later, the military said there was a high probability one of its soldiers had mistakenly killed her but that no one would be punished. In January 2022, Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American, died of a heart attack after Israeli troops at a checkpoint dragged him from his car and made him lie facedown, bound, temporarily gagged and blindfolded. The military ruled out criminal charges and said it was reprimanding one commander and removing two others from leadership roles for two years. The U.S. had planned to sanction a military unit linked to abuses of Palestinians in the West Bank but ended up dropping the plan. The deaths of Palestinians who do not have dual nationality rarely receive the same scrutiny. Human rights groups say Israel military investigations into Palestinians' deaths reflect a pattern of impunity. BTselem, a leading Israeli watchdog, became so frustrated that in 2016 it halted its decades-long practice of assisting investigations and called them a whitewash. Last year, an Israeli court acquitted a member of the paramilitary Border Police charged with reckless manslaughter in the deadly shooting of 32-year-old Eyad Hallaq, an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalems Old City in 2020. The case had drawn comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in the United States. In 2017, Israeli soldier Elor Azaria was convicted for manslaughter and served nine months after he killed a wounded, incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron. The combat medic was caught on video fatally shooting Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, who was lying motionless on the ground. That case deeply divided Israelis, with the military saying Azaria had clearly violated its code of ethics, while many Israelis particularly on the nationalist right defended his actions and accused military brass of second-guessing a soldier operating in dangerous conditions. ___ Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs Gaza coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war A viwe a tunnel in Gaza where the Israeli Defense Forces says it where six Israeli hostages were recently killed. -/GPO/dpa The Israeli military has released a video showing the tunnel in the Gaza Strip in which six Israeli hostages were held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas and killed. The shaft into the tunnel was buried in a child's bedroom at a home in southern Gaza, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said in the video. He is seen in the video standing in a bombed-out room with colourful Disney characters still visible on the walls. The shaft leads to a low, narrow tunnel stretching about 120 metres to an iron door. "This is where the hostages were held captive and murdered," Hagari says in the video, which is around three and a half minutes long. The bodies were recovered early this month. "This is their blood," Hagari said in the video, pointing to large dark stains on the floor of the tunnel. "They were here, for weeks and months, in this tunnel where there is no air to breathe, where you cannot stand." "They survived, but they were murdered by terrorists," he added. The six bodies were found just over a week ago and transferred to Israel, according to the Israeli military. The army suspects that the hostages had been deliberately killed by their captors shortly before the bodies were found. Hamas, however, claimed that the hostages were killed in an Israeli airstrike. There are still 101 hostages held by Hamas, "some of them alive," said Hagari. He said they are being held captive in similar tunnels. A viwe a tunnel in Gaza where the Israeli Defense Forces says it where six Israeli hostages were recently killed. -/GPO/dpa A viwe a tunnel in Gaza where the Israeli Defense Forces says it where six Israeli hostages were recently killed. -/GPO/dpa Israeli military says it most likely killed American in West Bank The Israeli military said Tuesday it was highly likely that its forces killed an American woman during a protest in the occupied West Bank last week. The United States said the shooting was unprovoked and unjustified and called for fundamental changes to Israels conduct, a rare direct rebuke of its close ally. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, a recent graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, was shot and killed Friday during a demonstration against the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the International Solidarity Movement said at the time. Washington had urged Israel to investigate the circumstances around Eygis death and to ensure the findings were thorough and transparent. The incident unfolded as Israeli forces carried out a deadly dayslong military operation in other parts of the West Bank that it said targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. The Israel Defense Forces said in a brief statement Tuesday that an initial inquiry found it was highly likely that Eygi was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire, which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the protest. The IDF said earlier that it had responded with fire toward a main instigator who was alleged to have been throwing rocks. The IDF on Tuesday described the demonstration as a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tires and hurled rocks toward security forces at the Beita Junction. Eygis family said she had been peacefully demonstrating when she was killed and that video showed the bullet appeared to come from an Israeli military shooter. The family called for an independent U.S.-ordered investigation and said an Israeli investigation would not be enough. Calling Eygis killing deeply concerning, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that that U.S. had noted that the IDF had found they were at fault after a preliminary investigation and had called for now a criminal investigation. We know thats an unusual step for the IDF. Thats not something that they do, typically, he said. Well be watching this investigation very closely, he added. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier Tuesday that the IDF inquiry seems to show what eyewitnesses have said and made clear that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified. Speaking during a trip to London, he said that in our judgment, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank and that Washington would be making that clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli government. It was not clear whether there were any plans for a U.S.-led investigation. The IDF added that following the incident, an investigation was launched by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID). The findings will be submitted for review by the Military Advocate Generals Corps upon its conclusion. Israel has now submitted a request to carry out an autopsy, the IDF said, adding that it expresses its deepest regret over Eygis death. It comes as Israel faces mounting scrutiny over a rise in deadly settler violence in the West Bank, with the International Court of Justice issuing an opinion in July that said the practices and policies deployed by Israel in its occupation of Palestinian territories were in breach of international law. The court said Israel should cease all new settlement activities and evacuate settlers from Palestinian territories. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the ICJs ruling as false, saying that the Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land, referring to Jerusalem and the West Bank. An FBI probe into the 2022 killing of another American in the West Bank, veteran Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, remains ongoing. Israel had initially blamed Palestinian gunmen for the deadly shooting, but later admitted it was most likely that an Israeli soldier accidentally shot the journalist while she was covering Israeli raids in the territory. Israel refused to cooperate with the FBIs investigation and to date no one in the Israeli military has been prosecuted. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike on a crowded tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the war in Muwasi, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. An Israeli strike killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others early Tuesday, Palestinian officials said. Israel said it targeted "significant" Hamas militants, allegations denied by the militant group. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) An Israeli strike hit a crowded Palestinian tent camp early Tuesday in Gaza, killing at least 19 people and wounding 60, Palestinian officials said. Israel said it targeted senior Hamas militants with precise munitions. The strike occurred in Muwasi, a sprawl of camps along the coast that Israel designated as a humanitarian zone for hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians to seek shelter from the nearly year-old Israel-Hamas war. Associated Press video showed three large craters. First responders dug with garden tools and bare hands, using mobile phone flashlights until the sun came up. They pulled body parts from the sand, including what appeared to be a human leg. We were told to go to Muwasi, to the safe area ... Look around you and see this safe place," said Iyad Hamed Madi, who had been sheltering there. This is for my son, he said, holding up a bag of diapers. He's 4 months old. Is he a fighter? There's no humanity. Gazas Health Ministry said the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered. The Civil Defense agency, composed of first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government, earlier said 40 were killed. The Israeli military disputed that toll. The ministry is also part of the Hamas-run government. Its figures are widely seen as reliable. The Hamas governments media office said in a statement that the toll discrepancies arose from different methods of counting the dead, saying the Health Ministry counts only bodies taken to hospitals while the Civil Defense also counts bodies that have not yet been retrieved. An AP cameraman at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis saw 10 bodies in the morgue, including two children and three women. It was one of three medical centers that received casualties, according to the Civil Defense. We were sleeping, and suddenly it was like a tornado," Samar Moamer told the AP at the hospital, where she was being treated for wounds from the strike. She said one of her daughters was killed and the other was pulled alive from the rubble. The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants in a command center embedded in the area. It identified three of the militants, calling them senior operatives who were directly involved in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that triggered the war and other recent attacks. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, said in a post on the social media platform X that the initial casualty reports did not line up with the information available to the (Israeli army), the precise weapons used and the accuracy of the strike. Hamas in a statement denied that any militants were in the area and called the Israeli allegations a blatant lie. Neither Israel nor Hamas provided evidence to support their claims. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames Hamas for their deaths because the militants often operate in residential areas and are known to position tunnels, rocket launchers and other infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques. In July, Israel carried out a strike in the humanitarian zone that killed at least 90 Palestinians. The military said it targeted and killed Mohammed Deif, the shadowy leader of Hamas' military wing, but Hamas says Deif is still alive. International law allows for strikes on military targets in areas where civilians are present, provided the force used is proportionate to the military objective something that is often disputed and would need to be settled in a court, which almost never happens. The war has caused vast destruction and displaced around 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. Israeli evacuation orders, which now cover around 90% of the territory, have pushed hundreds of thousands of people into Muwasi, where aid groups have struggled to provide even basic services. Gazas Health Ministry says over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its count, but says women and children make up just over half of the dead. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 militants in the war. Hamas-led fighters killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack. They abducted another 250 people and are still holding around 100 hostage after releasing most of the rest in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire last November. Around a third of the remaining hostages are believed to be dead. The Israeli military on Tuesday released footage of a Gaza tunnel where it said six hostages were recently killed by Hamas. The video shows a low, narrow passageway with no bathroom and poor ventilation. The discovery of the hostages bodies last month has sparked a mass outpouring of anger in Israel, and the new video could add to the pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire deal with Hamas to bring the remaining hostages home. The United States and mediators Egypt and Qatar have spent much of this year trying to broker an agreement for a cease-fire and the release of the hostages, but the talks have repeatedly bogged down as Israel and Hamas have accused each other of making new and unacceptable demands. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told reporters Monday that conditions are ripe for at least a six-week pause in the fighting that would include the release of many of the hostages still held in Gaza. However, he would not commit to a permanent end to the fighting a central Hamas demand. The war has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, and aid groups have struggled to operate because of fighting, Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order. In other developments Tuesday, the Israeli military said an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers, drawing a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and her family. Israel said a criminal investigation has been launched into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who was taking part in a demonstration against settlements in the Palestinian territory. Doctors who treated Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship, said she was shot in the head. Blinken condemned the unprovoked and unjustified fatal shooting when asked about the Israeli inquiry at a news conference in London, and said the U.S. would make clear to its ally that such actions are not acceptable. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo and Jahjouh reported from Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, Josef Federman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war An Israeli official has floated the possibility of offering Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar safe passage out of Gaza, once all remaining hostages held in the Palestinian territory are released. Israels coordinator for hostages and the missing, Gal Hirsch, told CNNs Jessica Dean on Sunday that if all remaining 101 hostages are returned, I even believe that we will agree to build safe passage to the chief terrorist, the new Hitler, Sinwar safe passage to him and whoever he wants to join him out of Gaza. Hirsch said those conditions, along with Gaza being demilitarized and deradicalized, could help recover Gaza and end the war. On Tuesday, Hirsch elaborated on the idea in an interview with Bloomberg, saying Israel has already proposed safe passage to Sinwar. Im ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him, he told Bloomberg. We want the hostages back. We want demilitarization, de-radicalization of course a new system that will manage Gaza. He told Bloomberg that the offer of safe passage was put on the table a day and a half ago, but did not say what the response was. Israel would be open to releasing prisoners it holds as part of any deal, he told Bloomberg. CNN has reached out to Hamas for comment on Hirschs proposal, and has contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office for comment. On Wednesday, a diplomat briefed on ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel told CNN that theres no indication that Sinwar wants to leave Gaza and that a potential safe passage out of the territory is not a priority for him. Sinwar believes hes safer in Gaza than he would be in other countries like Iran or Lebanon, the diplomat said. Gal Hirsch appears on CNN on Sunday, September 8. - CNN Sinwar, one of Hamas most powerful figures, is accused by Israel of being the key architect of the October 7 massacre in Israel, when militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 people hostages. He is also among the Hamas leaders charged by US prosecutors over the deadly attack. Hamas announced Sinwar as the head of its political bureau last month, days after former political bureau head and top negotiator Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran. He is believed to remain at large in the vast warren of tunnels trenched beneath Gaza, moving frequently and possibly surrounded by hostages as human shields, US officials believe. He has not been seen in public since October 7. CNNs Becky Anderson contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel has proposed giving safe passage out of the Gaza Strip to Hamass leader Yahya Sinwar in exchange for freeing hostages it kidnapped from Israel during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack and giving up control of the strip, a senior Israeli official told Bloomberg News on Tuesday. Israels hostage envoy, Gal Hirsch, told the media outlet that an offer for Sinwars safe passage was presented a day and a half ago, but he would not characterize the response so far. A request for comment from Hamas by The Hill was not immediately answered. Im ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him, Hirsch told Bloomberg. We want the hostages back. We want demilitarization, de-radicalization of course a new system that will manage Gaza. The Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill. The offer appears to mark a significant gesture from the Israeli government amid stalled efforts to secure a cease-fire and hostage release that has proved elusive over months of negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. The fierce urgency of now is real for every individual who is suffering as a consequence of this conflict. We feel that urgency, and we and so we have a determination, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview Tuesday from London. Now, at the end of the day, people have to make decisions. Leaders have to make decisions. We cant make those decisions for them. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier raised the possibility of exile for Sinwar, but I think the most important thing is that they surrender. If they lay down their arms, the war is over, he said on the podcast Call Me Back. Israeli military officials have identified Sinwar as a dead man walking for his apparent architecture of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, where Hamas gunmen raided southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people at a music festival, in their homes and on the street and attacking military bases. Israels subsequent war against Hamas has lasted more than 11 months, with an estimated 40,000 Palestinians killed. Netanyahu said in July that about 14,000 Hamas fighters had been killed. Sinwar rose to be appointed the official head of Hamas after Israel allegedly carried out the killing of Hamass top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, while staying in a guesthouse in Tehran. Hamas holds approximately 101 hostages it kidnapped from Israel, both alive and the corpses. About 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire at the end of November, and the Israeli military has freed a little more than a handful of people through military operations. Israel said that Hamas murdered six hostages as the Israeli military closed in on their location, and the Israel Defense Forces released footage Tuesday of what it said were the tunnels where the hostages were held captive. The spokesperson for Hamass armed wing said that the group has been operating under instructions since June to kill hostages should Israeli forces approach their location. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Residents said the strike left three deep craters in the al-Mawasi area [Reuters] At least 19 people have been killed in an overnight Israeli strike in the designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says. Witnesses said the strike obliterated an area crowded with tents for displaced Palestinians in al-Mawasi, south-west of Khan Younis, leaving huge craters in the sand. The bombing was incredibly intense. People were thrown into the air, one displaced man told the BBC. You cant imagine the devastation. The Israeli military said its aircraft attacked what it called a number of senior Hamas terrorists operating there - a claim Hamas denied. The military also disputed the initial death toll put out by the Hamas-run Civil Defence authority, which reported that rescue teams had recovered more than 40 bodies. Hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter in the humanitarian zone - which spans only about 41 sq km (16 sq miles) along Gaza's southern Mediterranean coast - after being told by the Israeli military to evacuate there for their own safety over the past 11 months. Living conditions inside the area are dire. The UN says it lacks critical infrastructure and basic services, while aid provision is limited due to access and security issues. A vehicle was left buried in sand after the overnight air strike in southern Gaza [Reuters] Eyewitnesses said large explosions rocked al-Mawasi shortly after midnight local time on Tuesday (21:00 GMT on Monday). Khaled Mahmoud, a volunteer for a charity who lives near the site of the strike, told the BBC that he had been stunned by the scale of the destruction. "The strikes created three craters 7m [23ft] deep and buried more than 20 tents," he said. Aya Madi, a displaced mother of seven from the southern city of Rafah, told a freelance journalist working for the BBC: We woke up to nothing but sand and fire. "My children were screaming, and the tent collapsed on them. I pulled them out from under the rubble. I held my two-month-old son, thinking he was dead, covered in sand, barely breathing. I washed him and thanked God he was still alive. She said all of those killed were civilians, adding that there was not a single resistance fighter. All that remains is dust and ashes, she added. Some of [the casualties] were torn in parts, other they had to dig to find, some were found in peoples houses... The scene is terrifying. Saib, a 12-year-old boy from Bani Suheila, told BBC Arabic that "the screams of people filled the place" after the explosions stopped. I rushed with my father to help the people and put out the fire. We put out the fire with sand and then we entered the tents where we found burned children and people torn to pieces, he said. This is the first time since the war began that I have seen such horrific scenes. Another woman, Aisha Nafi al-Shaeri, said: "It was all tents of displaced people. And now everything is destroyed." They told people to stay here, but there is no safe area," she added. "They didnt warn anyone. Everyone was sleeping, and suddenly they started shelling. [BBC] The Civil Defences operations director said overnight that more than 40 people were killed and more than 60 others were injured. Later on Monday, the nearby Nasser hospital in Khan Younis said 13 people killed in the strike had been brought there. An emergency physician at the hospital, Dr Mohammed al-Qudra, told BBC Arabic that it was also treating 60 injured people, 40 of whom were in a critical condition. "Most of the injuries that arrived at the hospital were third-degree burns and amputations," he said. He also warned that the hospital lacked medical equipment and supplies to treat them, and that there was even a shortage of sheets for their beds. In the afternoon, the Hamas-run health ministry said in a statement that hospitals had received a total of 19 bodies and more than 60 wounded people, some of whom were in a serious condition. It did not say how many were men, women or children. Rescuers were unable to reach a number of other victims still buried under sand and rubble, or on roads, the ministry added. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said aircraft had conducted a precise strike on a number of senior Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control centre embedded inside the humanitarian area. They included Samer Abu Daqqa, head of Hamass aerial unit, and Osama Tabesh, head of the observation and targets department in Hamas's military intelligence headquarters, it added. Prior to the strike, extensive intelligence gathering was conducted, as well as continuous aerial surveillance in the hours leading up to the strike, which confirmed the presence of the terrorists in the area alongside additional terrorist operatives, it said, adding that casualty numbers put out by Hamas-run authorities did not align" with its information. The IDF accused Hamas of embedding its operatives and military infrastructure in the humanitarian zone and using civilians as human shields. A Hamas statement denounced the strike on al-Mawasi as a heinous massacre and rejected the IDFs claim that it had a command centre there. "This is a clear lie that aims to justify these ugly crimes. The resistance has denied several times that any of its members exist within civilian gatherings or use these places for military purposes, it said. UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland condemned the strike on a densely-populated area where displaced people were sheltering. I underline that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times, he said. I also emphasize that civilians must never be used as human shields. He also urged Israel and Hamas to immediately agree a deal that would for a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken back to Gaza as hostages. More than 40,980 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The polio vaccination campaign began in northern Gaza on Monday [Reuters] An estimated 1.9 million people - more than 80% of the population - are estimated to have been displaced by the war, and some have had to flee as many as 10 times. UN agencies and their partners are currently trying to stop the spread of polio in the overcrowded camps with poor sanitation where many of them are living. The World Health Organization said the third phase of its vaccination campaign began in northern Gaza on Tuesday, after 446,000 children were inoculated in the centre and south earlier this month during localised pauses in the fighting agreed by Israel and Hamas. On Monday, a team of 12 UN staff members on their way to the north to support the campaign was stopped by Israeli troops at a checkpoint for more than seven hours, according to UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator Muhannad Hadi. While at the checkpoint the team was informed that the IDF wanted to hold two of the UN staff members in the convoy for further questioning, he said. "The situation escalated quickly, with soldiers pointing their weapons directly towards the convoy personnel. Live shots were fired, and tanks and bulldozers approached, engaged with, and damaged UN vehicles, endangering the lives of UN staff inside the vehicles." The two staff were eventually questioned and then released following the intervention of senior UN officials to de-escalate the situation, he added. The IDF said its forces had intelligence that a number of Palestinian suspects were present in the convoy, and that they delayed the convoy in order to question them. Additional reporting by Thomas Mackintosh in London Palestinian looking at a large hole following Israeli strikes on a tent camp sheltering displaced people, at the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. Photo by Abid AlRahim Al-Khatib/UPI Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday said warplanes attacked Hamas militants operating in a command complex within a humanitarian area of southern Gaza as Palestinian health officials state the airstrikes killed and injured dozens of civilians. The IDF said the attack targeted militants within the Humanitarian Area of Khan Yunis where the Iran proxy militia "advanced and carried out terror attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel." In defense of the attack, the IDF accused Hamas of using civilian and humanitarian infrastructure within the Palestinian enclave to attack the Middle Eastern country. It added that precision munitions and aerial surveillance were among the "numerous steps" it took prior to launching the strikes to "mitigate the risk of harming civilians." IDF said the attack struck Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqq, head of Hamas' aerial unit in Gaza; Osama Tabesh, head of the Observations and Targets Department in Hamas' Military Intelligence Headquarters; and Ayman Mabhouh a "senior Hamas terrorist." WAFA, the state-run news agency of the Palestinian Authority, claims the attack hit tents housing those displaced by the war in the Al-Mawasi refugee camp. Plumes of smoke rise above the tents of displaced Palestinians following an Israeli military strike on the al-Mawasi camp for internally displaced people, near the city of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, on July 13. Israel said warplanes struck a Hamas compound within the Khan Yunis humanitarian zone early Tuesday. File Photo by Saber Arar/UPI Health officials said 40 people were killed and 60 more were wounded. "A large number of martyrs and wounded were recovered, including cases of amputation, and our crews are still searching for missing persons among the tents of the displaced," the civilian defense service said in a statement. Palestinians inspect the site following Israeli strikes on a tent camp sheltering displaced people, at the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. Photo by Abid Al Rahim Al-Khatib/UPI Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using Palestinians and civilian infrastructure as shields amid the war, allegations that Hamas denies. In a statement, Hamas refuted the IDF's claim that it was using the Khan Yunis humanitarian area for its attacks. Palestinians inspect the site following Israeli strikes on a tent camp sheltering displaced people, at the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. Photo by Abid Al Rahim Al-Khatib/UPI "This is a clear lie that aims to justify these ugly crimes," it said, The Guardian reported. "The resistance has denied several times that any of its members exist within civilian gatherings or using these places for military purposes." Israel and Hamas have been at war for nearly a year, beginning Oct. 7 when the Iran proxy militia launched a bloody surprise attack on the Middle Eastern country that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw another 251 kidnapped. About 97 hostages remain unaccounted for. Palestinians inspect the site following Israeli strikes on a tent camp sheltering displaced people, at the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday. Photo by Abid Al Rahim Al-Khatib/UPI Early in the conflict, the Israeli military designated Al-Mawasi a humanitarian area. It was designated to house Palestinians who Israel was evacuating from northern Gaza. More than 55 evacuations orders remain in effect, covering 86% of Gaza, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The United Nations relief mission for Palestinian refugees states that up to 1.9 million of its roughly 2 million residents are internally displaced with some having been forced to move on several occasions. UNRWA states that some have been displaced nine or 10 times. The war has razed much of Gaza and, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between militant and civilian, killed nearly 41,000 people and injured about 95,000 others. In less than 24 hours, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance turned an idiotic, racist conspiracy theory about people of color eating neighborhood pets into an actual threat. The Republican vice presidential candidate added fuel to the fire of the inane conspiracy on Tuesday, specifically targeting Haitian migrantsand Vice President Kamala Harriss aid for the communityas the root cause for the imaginary problem. In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants, Vance wrote on X. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false. But the utter lack of proof didnt stop him from intensifying his target on the vulnerable population. Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here, Vance continued. That local health services have been overwhelmed. That communicable diseaseslike TB and HIVhave been on the rise. That local schools have struggled to keep up with newcomers who dont know English. That rents have risen so fast that many Springfield families cant afford to put a roof over their head. Vance then shared a clip of Harris on ABCs The View in which the vice president explained how the Biden administration had granted temporary protected status to over 100,000 Haitian migrants on the basis that they need support and protection. But the MAGA Republican, who has become a political punchline for his weird and disturbing remarks since being announced as Trumps number two pick, couldnt empathize with the disenfranchised group. If youre a reporter, or an activist, who didnt give a shit about these suffering Americans until yesterday, I have some advice: Spare your outrage for your fellow citizens suffering under Kamala Harriss policies, Vance wrote. Be outraged at yourself for letting this happen. Vance concluded by praising the bonkers, A.I.-generated images of Donald Trump holding kittens that have sprung out of this conspiracy. In short, dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing, he wrote. Alongside the violent rant, Vancethe husband of a second-generation immigrantmade simultaneous posts accusing the Haitians of draining social services and generally causing chaos. The bonkers conspiracy appears to have sprung up from a Facebook post that contained no evidence of wrongdoing, according to the local newspaper, the Springfield News-Sun. Local police have not received any reports of pets being killed and eaten. A recent report of an Ohio woman who allegedly killed and ate a cat added heat to the tall tale, though she turned out to be a U.S. citizen. J.D. Vance Posts Baseless Claim That Haitian Immigrants Are Eating Pets in Ohio as Officials Say It's Not True A spokesperson for Springfield, Ohio said there have been "no credible reports or specific claims" of pets being harmed by migrants PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty J.D. Vance in Milwaukee in July 2024 Sen. J.D. Vance shared baseless claims on Monday, Sept. 9, that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were abducting and eating pets Ohio officials quickly refuted Vance's statements, saying there are no credible reports or specific claims The claim surfaced after an influx of Haitian migrants to Springfield in recent years Officials in Springfield, Ohio are refuting a baseless claim that Haitian migrants have been eating pets, which Sen. J.D. Vance shared on X on Monday, Sept. 9. Karen Graves, strategic engagement manager for Springfield, told PEOPLE the city has not received any credible reports of Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets. On Monday, the 40-year-old Republican candidate for vice president wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he has previously raised the issue of Haitian immigrants "causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country. The post has garnered more than 5 million views at the time of publication. Elon Musk and Sen. Ted Cruz have also posted memes referring to the baseless claims. Related: J.D. Vance Isn't the Bridge-Building VP That Moderates Wanted: What He's Said About Women, Voting and Project 2025 Graves said there have been "no credible reports or specific claims" of pets being harmed by migrants. "In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," Graves said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents' homes," Graves continued. "Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic." Anna Moneymaker/Getty J.D. Vance in February 2024 Though it is unclear where exactly the false claim comes from, Springfield News-Sun reported that it's probably linked to a viral post in a private Springfield Facebook group. The post reportedly included a claim that one neighbor's daughter's friend lost her cat and then allegedly found the deceased cat hanging from a branch near a Haitian neighbor's house, per the Springfield News-Sun. Social media users then recirculated body camera footage of an unrelated incident of an Ohio woman being accused of killing and eating a cat in Canton, a city more than 170 miles away from Springfield. The woman was identified and is not a migrant, having lived in Ohio for at least 18 years, per CBS News. Some social media users began sharing AI images in connection to claims about Haitian migrants. One popular image includes Vance's running-mate, former president Donald Trump, holding a cat in each arm, with the caption: "The kittens of Springfield have only one hope." Springfield recently saw an uptick in migrants in the past few years, with approximately 12,000 to 15,000 migrants in Clark County, Ohio, according to the city's website. Migrants from Haiti are legally in the country under the Immigration Parole Program, the city's website notes. Related: J.D. Vance Said He's 'Really Disturbed' by Teachers Who Are Not Parents in Resurfaced 2021 Audio AP Photo/Michael Conroy Donald Trump and J.D. Vance The racist rhetoric has led to civil rights groups stepping in, including the Springfield NAACP. Frankly, its embarrassing, Denice D Williams of Springfield NAACP told NPR in August. Officer Jason Via, the deputy director of public safety and operations in Springfield, also told NPR last month that he's seen no evidence to support racist claims. "I think it's sad that some people are using this as an opportunity to spread hate or spread fear," Via told NPR. "We get these reports, 'The Haitians are killing ducks in a lot of our parks' or 'The Haitians are eating vegetables right out of the aisle at the grocery store.' " 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. "And we haven't really seen any of that," Via continued. "It's really frustrating. As a community, it's not helpful as we try to move forward. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. J.D. Vance amplified a false and racist rumor that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating pets in Ohiowithout seeing any evidence himself. The Republican vice presidential nominee shared the conspiracy theory on X Monday, accusing the immigrants of being in the U.S. illegally, draining social services and generally causing chaos. In addition, the Trump-Vance campaign sent out a news release repeating the false claims, saying, Its coming to your city next. When The New York Times contacted the campaign, they did not provide any evidence and only said Vance was responding to large numbers of calls and emails from Springfield, Ohio, residents, who have also repeated the claims in town meetings. But according to the local newspaper, the Springfield News-Sun, there have been no police reports of any pets being killed and eaten and the conspiracy seems to have originated from a Facebook post that didnt contain any evidence. The rumor was also given life after a report from Canton, Ohio, of a woman who was arrested for allegedly killing and eating a cat. The woman, however, is a U.S. citizen, and there is no indication she is a Haitian immigrant. Conservative politicians, pundits, and influencers have all amplified the rumor, which furthers the right-wing narrative that immigrants are invading the country, breaking laws, and bringing their savage cultural practices with them. In 2018, Donald Trump reportedly claimed that all Haitian immigrants have AIDS and referred to the country as a shithole. With a presidential debate approaching Tuesday night between Trump and Kamala Harris, Republicans will likely repeat such claims in an attempt to frame Democrats as being soft on immigration, and conflate this false rumor with the perpetual border crisis. Will Democrats have an effective response and call out these claims for how weird they are, or will they adopt Republican fearmongering? Jackson Co. man arrested in connection to death of 19-year-old woman A Jackson County man was arrested in connection to the death of a 19-year-old earlier this month. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it arrested 23-year-old Cesario Choc Caal of Commerce in connection to the death of 19-year-old Griselda Seb Acte of Commerce. On Sept. 1, the GBI and Jackson deputies responded to a death investigation near Highway 82 Spur in Commerce. After arriving, deputies found Acte with severe injuries to her neck. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Authorities have not provided her exact cause of death. Caal was booked into the Jackson County Jail. Anyone with information about this death is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriffs Office at 706-367-6000 or the GBI regional investigative office in Athens at 706-552-2309. 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. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The doors to Thalia Mara Hall remain closed, but Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said a solution could be on the way. The mayor said the city received $1.5 million from the Mississippi Legislature, which will be used for repairs. In early August, the city was forced to close the facility after early microbial activity was discovered following a recent malfunction with the HVAC controller in the facility. Kevin Hart cancels upcoming show after Thalia Mara Hall closure I think everybody should be okay with saying we found some mold at Thalia Mara Hall. The reports conclude its not toxic mold. Its not black mold. Its none of that. Its just the kind that you get when stuff is too wet for too long, said Mike Williams, deputy director of Human and Cultural Services for the City of Jackson. Williams said it could take anywhere from four to eight weeks to fix the issues at Thalia Mara Hall, but he did not provide an exact date. Lumumba said there will be a tab on the citys website on Thursday, September 12 where citizens can find updates on the repairs to the facility. 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. Jailed movie producer Weinstein 'out of danger' after heart surgery Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City in July 2024 (Adam GRAY) (Adam GRAY/POOL/AFP) Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, 72, was recovering and "out of danger" Tuesday following emergency heart surgery, a representative told AFP. Weinstein, who is being held at New York's Rikers Island prison, was rushed to hospital overnight Sunday to Monday for the operation. "He's resting. He's weak," his spokesman Juda Engelmayer told AFP. "He's out of danger at the moment." Weinstein is serving a 16-year sentence after being convicted on rape charges by a California court. He had also been convicted by a New York court in 2020 of the rape and sexual assault of actor Jessica Mann and of forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison in that case. An appeals court, however, overturned that conviction in April, a shock reversal in one of the defining cases of the #MeToo movement. He is now awaiting retrial in that case. Prosecutors say they may bring new sexual assault charges against him ahead of the retrial, and Weinstein was due to attend a procedural hearing in that case on Thursday. His lawyers have argued for a retrial in the California case, too. Arthur Aidala, Weinstein's lawyer, said in July that his client's health had deteriorated in prison. The once-powerful film mogul has made court appearances in a wheelchair, looking frail and pale. In 2017, the allegations against Weinstein helped launch the #MeToo movement, a watershed moment for women fighting sexual misconduct. More than 80 women accused him of harassment, sexual assault or rape, including prominent actors Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd. Weinstein says that any sexual relations in question were consensual. arb/bfm/bgs Jamaica to deploy a limited number of soldiers and police to help fight gangs in Haiti Kenyan police officers, part of a UN-backed multinational, work to tow away a broken down armored car during an operation in the Delmas neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Tuesday that his country would send two dozen soldiers and police officers to Haiti this week to boost a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya to fight violent gangs. The 20 soldiers and four police officers are scheduled to arrive Thursday and will join nearly 400 Kenyan police who arrived earlier this year and are working alongside Haitian police and military, said Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, chief of defense staff for Jamaicas military. The Jamaicans will be responsible for providing command, planning and logistics support, Holness said at a news conference. Jamaica had pledged a total of 170 soldiers and 30 police officers, but Holness said it wasnt possible to deploy them all at once. Its not practical, he said, adding that facilities to host those arriving and a command structure need to be in place before the full number pledged is deployed. We want a very successful operation. The initial number of police and soldiers announced by Holness surprised many and comes at a time when the U.S. government has warned that the Kenyan-led mission lacks money and personnel as it considers a U.N. peacekeeping mission as one way to secure more resources. In recent days, the U.N. and Ecuador circulated a draft resolution obtained by The Associated Press asking the U.N. to start planning for a U.N. peacekeeping operation to replace the current mission. Such a proposal would have to be decided by the U.N. Security Council, which experts do not believe would approve it. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said its very strange that there is apparently no money available to support the Kenyan-led mission. I think countries should assume responsibilities and should come and provide the necessary funding, he said. Holness did not comment on the possibility of a U.N. peacekeeping mission but said the current mission can be a long and extended process. He added that the mission is not the only or final solution to problems in Haiti, where gangs control 80% of the capital of Port-au-Prince. The violence has spread to other areas across the country, with more than 3,200 killed from January to May, according to the U.N. The ongoing violence also has left more than half a million people homeless in recent years. Haiti is the example of what could happen if states and governments do not take the problem seriously and put in place the measures and resources necessary to bring the problem under control, Holness said. Overall, the mission is expected to have a total of 2,500 personnel, with the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad also pledging to send police and soldiers, although it wasnt clear when that would happen. On Saturday, the Bahamas' foreign affairs minister, Fred Mitchell, told reporters that while the government hasn't wavered in its pledge, it's unclear when it'll deploy troops to Haiti given that the mission's dynamics have changed. One of the things the Bahamas has to consider is the new position of the U.S., he said. The mission is expected to cost roughly $600 million a year, although the U.N. has received only $68 million out of $85 million pledged so far. The U.S. and Canada have provided the majority of funds for now. Jamaica to send two dozen security personnel to Haiti to bolster mission KINGSTON (Reuters) - Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced on Tuesday that his government will send an initial deployment of 24 military and police personnel to Haiti to support an international security mission aimed at helping it fight powerful gangs. Holness said the initial group will deploy to Haiti on Thursday, and help lay out the command structure to prepare for further deployments. In March, Jamaica formally pledged 200 personnel for the U.N.-backed mission, but the long-delayed security force has been slow to deploy and its initial mandate will expire in under a month if it is not renewed. The mission is being led by Kenya, which is so far the only country to have deployed to Haiti with 400 police officers, out of a total pledge of 1,000. Alongside Kenya's support for the mission, Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize have also promised to send at least 2,900 troops. Several other countries have made unspecified pledges of personnel for the security push in Haiti, a crisis-racked Caribbean island nation of more than 11 million. Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, a senior Jamaican defense official, told reporters that the country's deployment will serve under senior military officer Kevron Henry, who will act as deputy commander to Kenya's Godfrey Otunge. "This is a start to what we intend to do," said Holness. "We want a very successful operation. The operation should have no shortcomings because there was a failure to plan." The deployment has faced setbacks such as delays in paying out wages and supplying key equipment. Haiti first requested the force in 2022. Armed gangs have since taken over much of the capital and expanded to surrounding areas, fueling a humanitarian crisis with mass displacements, sexual violence, child recruitment and widespread hunger. Over the weekend, Belize said it was sending two senior officers to Jamaica for the Haitian mission. (Reporting by Zahra Burton; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by David Alire Garcia) NEW YORK (AP) James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, The Lion King and Darth Vader has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New Yorks Hudson Valley region. The cause was not immediately clear. The pioneering Jones, who in 1965 became one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama (As the World Turns) and worked deep into his 80s, won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. He cut an elegant figure late in life, with a wry sense of humor and a ferocious work habit. In 2015, he arrived at rehearsals for a Broadway run of The Gin Game having already memorized the play and with notebooks filled with comments from the creative team. He said he was always in service of the work. The need to storytell has always been with us, he told The Associated Press then. I think it first happened around campfires when the man came home and told his family he got the bear, the bear didnt get him. Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in Field of Dreams, the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit The Great White Hope, the writer Alex Haley in Roots: The Next Generation and a South African minister in Cry, the Beloved Country. He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (No, I am your father, commonly misremembered as Luke, I am your father), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disneys The Lion King and announcing This is CNN during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the Great American Documents audiobook. If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor, if you pounded the pavement in these streets looking for jobs, one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones, Samuel L. Jackson once said. Some of his other films include Dr. Strangelove, The Greatest (with Muhammad Ali), Conan the Barbarian, and Three Fugitives. He played an admiral in three blockbuster Tom Clancy adaptations The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger and had an onscreen love affair with Diahann Carroll in the romantic comedy Claudine. LeVar Burton, who starred alongside Jones in the TV movie Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones, paid tribute on social media, writing, There will never be another of his particular combination of graces. Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958s Sunrise At Campobello and would win his two Tony Awards for The Great White Hope (1969) and Fences (1987). He also was nominated for On Golden Pond (2005) and Gore Vidals The Best Man (2012). He was celebrated for his command of Shakespeare and Athol Fugard alike. More recent Broadway appearances include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, The Iceman Cometh, and You Cant Take It With You. As a rising stage and television actor, he performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival Theater in Othello, Macbeth and King Lear and in off-Broadway plays. Jones was born by the light of an oil lamp in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Jan. 17, 1931. His father, Robert Earl Jones, had deserted his wife before the babys arrival to pursue life as a boxer and, later, an actor. When Jones was 6, his mother took him to her parents farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him. A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood, Jones wrote in his autobiography, Voices and Silences. The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter. Too embarrassed to speak, he remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly. Teacher and student worked together to restore the boys normal speech. I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating acting, he recalled in his book. At the University of Michigan, he failed a pre-med exam and switched to drama, also playing four seasons of basketball. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theater Wing program for young actors. Father and son waxed floors to support themselves while looking for acting jobs. True stardom came suddenly in 1970 with The Great White Hope. Howard Sacklers Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play depicted the struggles of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, amid the racism of early 20th-century America. In 1972, Jones repeated his role in the movie version and was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor. Jones two wives were also actors. He married Julienne Marie Hendricks in 1967. After their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart, best known for her role as Stacey Erickson in the CBS police drama Paris, in 1982. (She died in 2016.) They had a son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983. In 2022, the Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed after Jones, with a ceremony that included Norm Lewis singing Go the Distance, Brian Stokes Mitchell singing Make Them Hear You and words from Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. You cant think of an artist that has served America more, director Kenny Leon told the AP. Its like it seems like a small act, but its a huge action. Its something we can look up and see thats tangible. 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. James Earl Jones, who died Monday, will be remembered as a prolific actor, who held more than 100 roles, including Darth Vader in "Star Wars" and Mufasa in "The Lion King." But before becoming the actor that millions of Americans know and respect, Jones quietly struggled with a severe stuttering problem. When Jones was six years old, his mother took him to her parents' farm near Manistee, Michigan, where his grandparents adopted and raised him. "A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood," Jones wrote in his autobiography, "Voices and Silences." "The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me, it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter." Too embarrassed to speak, Jones remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly. RELATED: How James Earl Jones recorded Darth Vader's voice in just 2 1/2 hours Jones said the teacher worked with him to restore his normal speech. "I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating acting," he recalled in his book. Jones went on to study acting and received his first role on Broadway in 1958 in the play "Sunrise at Campobello." "I had a scene in which I had to say, Mrs. Roosevelt, supper is served. Well I got as far as Mrs, he told PBS. "We're often hung on the M word, us stutterers. I think the audience knew what was happening. It was a play, they had bought tickets, and I was up there acting, and I couldn't talk." Despite his speech impediment, Jones went on to have a long-standing career, winning three Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, a Grammy and an honorary Academy Award. His most famous vocal performances have included Darth Vader in "Star Wars" and Mufasa in "The Lion King." RELATED: Legendary actor James Earl Jones, iconic voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93 'I'm still a stutterer," he told the American Academy of Achievement. "Sometimes I guess our vocabulary might be a little larger than it would ordinarily have been, because we have to find the word we won't trip on, or that begins with the right consonant." What is stuttering? According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by a repetition of sounds, syllables, or words; prolongation of sounds; and interruptions in speech known as blocks. An individual who stutters knows what he or she would like to say but has trouble producing a normal flow of speech. These speech disruptions may be accompanied by struggle behaviors, such as rapid eye blinks or tremors of the lips. The organization said stuttering can make it difficult to communicate with other people, which often affects a persons quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Stuttering can also negatively influence job performance and opportunities, and treatment can come at a high financial cost. Actor James Earl Jones attends the "The Gin Game" Broadway opening night after party at Sardi's on October 14, 2015 in New York City. (Credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images) Symptoms of stuttering can vary significantly throughout a persons day. In general, speaking before a group or talking on the telephone may make a persons stuttering more severe, while singing, reading, or speaking in unison may temporarily reduce stuttering. The NIDCD said roughly three million Americans stutter. It affects people of all ages but occurs most often in children between the ages of 2 and 6 as they are developing their language skills. Approximately 5-10% of all children will stutter for some period in their life, lasting from a few weeks to several years. Approximately 75% of children recover from stuttering. For the remaining 25% who continue to stutter, stuttering can persist as a lifelong communication disorder. James Earl Jones death Jones passed away on Sept. 9 at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93 years old. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home. The cause was not immediately clear. RELATED: James Earl Jones Theatre unveiled on Broadway The pioneering Jones, became one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama ("As the World Turns") and worked deep into his 80s. Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in "Field of Dreams," the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit "The Great White Hope," the write Alex Haley in "Roots: The Next Generation" and a South African minister in "Cry, the Beloved Country." He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader as well as King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney's "The Lion King ." The actor has voiced the Star Wars character Darth Vader since its inception in 1977 and most recently starred as Darth Vader in the new Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series. JD Vance isnt letting facts or common decency stop him from spreading a racist lie about Haitian immigrants. In fact, hes doubling down despite it being debunked. On Monday, the Ohio senator and Republican vice presidential nominee claimed without evidence that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Vances false assertion is based on a widely shared social media post supposedly from someone in Springfield, Ohio, who alleged that their neighbors daughters friend had lost her cat, only to find it hanging from a branch at a Haitian neighbors home, carving it up to eat. Although the local police are aware of the post, they told the Springfield News-Sun on Monday that they havent received any reports related to pets being attacked and eaten. Still, the bogusness of the claim hasnt stopped Vance and other Republicans, such as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, from amplifying it. On Tuesday, Vance posted on X, formerly called Twitter, that his office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Of course, he added the caveat that its possible that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, before using the rest of the post to attack Kamala Harris immigration policies. In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false. Do you know JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2024 In a follow-up post, Vance encouraged his followers to continue platforming his racist lie, as well as to not let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, adding, Keep the cat memes flowing. In short, don't let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing. JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2024 People on X were aghast that Vance was doubling down on the falsity, and they let their feelings and skepticism about it be known. This tweet is an explicit acknowledgement that the Republican campaign for President is propagating a grotesque racist conspiracy, knowing its a fabricated lie, because racist memes motivate their voter base. https://t.co/LPVbT7LAZ3 Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) September 10, 2024 So the residents of Springfield have contacted your office because their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. But those neighbors never reported any missing pets to the local police. You are so terrible at this. (@ChidiNwatu) September 10, 2024 Share the correspondence or voicemails else it didnt happen Outspoken (@Out5p0ken) September 10, 2024 Yeah when someone gets their pet stolen, the first thing they do is call their senators office, not the police. Makes total sense. pic.twitter.com/35R0lFEYyg Peter Henlein (@SwissWatchGuy) September 10, 2024 .@JDVance Youre completely off the mark. JD Vances claims are pure fear-mongering, fueled by unverified rumors and outright misinformation. The accusation that Haitian migrants are abducting pets in Springfield is baseless. Local authorities have confirmed zero credible reports Human (@4HumanUnity) September 10, 2024 Stop digging, JD Vance! Stop spreading a vicious and dangerous blood libel about Haitian migrants eating pets. Stop amplifying these irrational fears that your hillbilly base believes. This is why the lasting impression of American voters towards your candidacy is "YUCK!" pic.twitter.com/LPBVSu5bbc Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) September 10, 2024 One person even had some helpful advice for Vance: Just say you hate people who arent white and blame them for everything; it would have saved you a lot of time. Just say you hate people who aren't white and blame them for everything; it would have saved you a lot of time. Eric Garcia (@EricG1247) September 10, 2024 HuffPost reached out to the Vance campaign to request correspondence from the constituents that support his disproved claim, but no one immediately responded. Related... A White House national security spokesperson on Tuesday denounced Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vances dangerous comments suggesting Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating peoples pets. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressed Vances baseless claims shortly after the Ohio senator doubled down on them. This kind of disinformation is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, Kirby said at a press briefing. And they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt. So, it needs to stop. He also added that Vances comments are clearly based on an element of racism. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) talks with reporters as he visits the United States border with Mexico during a campaign event Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in San Diego. He has doubled down on claims that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating peoples pets. via Associated Press Florida lawmakers also stood up for Haitians and Haitian Americans in response to Vances comments. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), whose district encompasses part of Miami-Dade County, home to the highest concentration of Haitian immigrants in the U.S., called Vances comments despicable. Its vile, and for any American, any person who lives here or governs here, to think thats normal to say and to be accepting of that kind of verbiage, is unconscionable, Wilson told HuffPost on Tuesday. Hes already talked about the cat ladies, and hes talked about what grandmothers need to do. I mean, this man is nuts, she added. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), whose district is further north in Orlando, also slammed Vance. JD Vance and GOP leaders racially motivated attacks against Haitian people are disgusting, bigoted and based on flat-out lies, he said in a statement. And Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), when asked about furor over Vances comments, offered praise for the Haitian community in Florida. Ive got a wonderful experience with Haitians in my state, Scott told HuffPost, adding that he had not heard about any Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets. Mourners line up to attend the visitation of Derrick Fudge at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Aug. 10, 2019 in Springfield, Ohio. The city has become home to many immigrants from Haiti fleeing political upheaval and rule by violent gangs in their home country. Scott Olson via Getty Images Vance first started spreading the rumor on social media Monday, narrowing in on Springfield, Ohio, a blue-collar city in Clark County thats become home to many immigrants from Haiti fleeing political upheaval and rule by violent gangs in their home country. Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, Vance wrote Monday on X, formerly called Twitter. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? Vance hasnt said where he heard such reports about pet abductions, which Springfield police have said dont exist. But the racist claim has been circulating on Trump-aligned social media accounts for days. And while Springfields mayor has expressed some concerns about paying for translation services in schools and hospitals, business owners have said Haitian immigrants are also helping boost the economy, according to The Haitian Times. Vance repeated his claims Tuesday, posting on X that his office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. However, he admitted that its possible these rumors will turn out to be false. He also suggested Tuesday that Haitian immigrants are to blame for a rise in HIV, though the most recent available data from the Ohio Department of Health shows no significant increase in the number of people in Clark County living with HIV from 2018 to 2022. Vance, meanwhile, has said nothing of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, the Republican who admitted in her recent memoir that she shot and killed her own dog. Related... For the past day, Viles Dorsainvil has been fielding all kinds of calls: some threatening, some demanding that he leave, others plaintive, still more worried. Dorsainvil has lived in Springfield, Ohio, since 2020, and heads the Haitian Community Help and Support Center there, an organization that assists recent immigrants to the area. Hes part of a wave of 20,000 Haitians that, city officials say, have recently moved to the town, which had about 58,000 residents according to the 2020 census. Resentment toward the newcomers has been simmering among some longtime residents, Dorsainvil said. But it wasnt until Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) suggested in an X post on Monday that the Haitian community was abducting and feasting on local pets that the harassment spiraled out of control. (Springfield authorities have made clear that they have no reports that anything of the sort is happening in the town.) We get the threats through our telephones, people telling us get the F out of here, Dorsainvil told TPM. It happened since yesterday after the tweet of the vice president, the man running for vice president. Its been a surreal experience for Dorsainvil, but Vances tweet seized on a conspiracy theory that has been bouncing around the right-wing echo chamber. The core allegation that Haitians in Springfield had abducted and eaten pets followed a meandering path, from local Facebook groups to the online, right-wing influencers that Vance follows, and onwards to the current vice presidential candidate. Its an example of the engine that drives modern right-wing politics: wild and false claims start off scattered across the internet, before being vacuumed up and boosted to mass audiences, sometimes by high-profile politicians whose status as public figures lends credence to what, only days before, had been random, unverified posts. Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar? pic.twitter.com/rf0EDIeI5i JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024 Local police immediately told media that they had no reports of pets being abducted and eaten, and Vance himself followed up by partly doubling down (HIV is on the rise in Springfield, Vance tweeted) while conceding that its possible, of course, all of these rumors will turn out to be false. The debate around the arrival of 20,000 Haitian immigrants to Springfield stayed mostly local until this month. Tensions spiked when, last year, a Haitian immigrant clipped a school bus while driving, causing it to swerve into a ditch. The crash left one child dead; the driver was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Videos from the citys account show dozens of city commission meetings during the year following the incident at which angry local residents often repeat speakers complain about the influx of Haitians. Others say that the newcomers are welcome, but ask about the impact on city services. Sen. Vance jumped into the fray in July, accusing the Haitians of depleting the town of its resources and claiming that they were there illegally. The remark didnt get much attention, though it fit with a theme for Vance. Later that month, during his speech at the Republican National Convention, Vance argued for a new version of American identity, one that clashed with the traditional idea of America as a melting pot. The country is not made up of people who believe in the same ideas, and its not necessarily open to those who share its values. Rather, Vance said, its a people with a common history. In Springfield, events escalated in August. A group of neo-Nazis pounced on the situation and staged a small rally. One man, who identified himself with a thinly veiled racial slur and said that he belonged to Blood Tribe, appeared at an August 27 meeting to say that crime and savagery will only increase with every Haitian you bring in, and with it public frustration and anger, before local officials had him removed. What catapulted the story to national attention was an in-depth story by the New York Times, published last week, that quoted several local businesspeople and local officials detailing how local factories in need of workers drew immigrants, and how the influx of newcomers had strained public services like education and health care. That, it seems, got the attention of higher-profile right-wing influencers. On Saturday, several influential accounts on X, some followed by Vance, began posting about Springfield. Charles Haywood, an Indiana shampoo magnate with ties to the Claremont Institute who Vance follows, wrote the German phrase for foreigners out, adding Using any and all force necessary. America for the Americans. Auslander raus. Using any and all force necessary. https://t.co/IjtLBODcOe Charles Haywood (@TheWorthyHouse) September 7, 2024 Other accounts that Vance follows boosted the rumor over the weekend that Haitian immigrants were eating pets. Vance himself tweeted his version of the rumor, pinning it on reports, on Monday morning. To Dorsainvil, the entire situation is surreal. He told TPM that he is here on temporary protected status, a policy that allows Haitians to live and work in the U.S. because it would be unsafe to force them to return home. The same TPS provision has been granted to Ukrainians, and its exactly what Vance criticized in his speech at the National Conservatism conference as another form of illegal immigration. He never intended to stay, but continuing unrest in Haiti has prolonged his time in the U.S., Dorsainvil said. I would like my country to get back on track, for me to go back, he said. But as long as Im here, Im cool with that. JD Vance Would've Done For Trump What Mike Pence Refused To Do Former President Donald Trump has never really forgiven his vice president, Mike Pence, for refusing to overturn the 2020 election, but he apparently wont have that problem with Sen. JD Vance should he be reelected. The Republican Ohio senator refused to outright say he wouldnt have certified the election results had he been vice president on Jan. 6, 2021, but implied as much in a conversation Monday with hosts of the All-In Podcast. Vance said he would have gone along with the plan to have states allow slates of fake electors to be submitted and therefore subvert the election process. I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors and let the country have the debate about what actually matters and what kind of an election that we have, he said, later adding: The important part is we would have had a big debate. And it doesnt necessarily mean the results would have been any different, but we would, at least, have had the debate in Pennsylvania and Georgia about how to better have a rational election system where legal ballots are cast. There is no evidence that large-scale voter fraud occurred in Pennsylvania, Georgia or elsewhere during 2020. Q: Would you have certified the election? JD Vance: I would have asked the states to submit alternate slates of electors. pic.twitter.com/uFyklF0xcM Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) September 10, 2024 Although Vance has made this statement before, the fact that he is now much closer to actually having the opportunity to subvert an election aroused the ire of many users of X, formerly Twitter. Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) condemned Vances theory as illegal and unconstitutional and provided a lengthy explanation as to why. Lets be clear: This is illegal and unconstitutional. The American people had voted. The courts had ruled. The Electoral College had met and voted. The Governor in every state had certified the results and sent a legal slate of electors to the Congress to be counted. The Vice https://t.co/8OVgVLh8Ol Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) September 10, 2024 Others followed suit. "I would have asked the states to cheat in our favor" These people freely admit to wanting to rig elections Fuck You I Quit (@fuckyouiquit) September 10, 2024 To paraphrase: Q: Would you have committed a felony? A: Sure. @JDVancehttps://t.co/lsO2s8Z6kC Frank Figliuzzi (@FrankFigliuzzi1) September 10, 2024 Vance is saying that he would have willingly entered a criminal conspiracy If he wouldve done it then, hell do it if he takes power Believe him https://t.co/W87AJRg0s4 Norm Eisen (#TryingTrump out now!) (@NormEisen) September 10, 2024 The country already had that debate. It was called Election Day. Your side lost. https://t.co/MaDtzOosJr Stephen Whitty (@StephenWhitty) September 10, 2024 The normalization within the GOP of Trumps attempt to overturn the 2020 election, which - remember - was rejected by both Democratic and Republican election officials, is remarkable and deeply concerning for this years vote. https://t.co/EthQWJmTsw Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) September 10, 2024 This is just lawless anti-State sovereignty nonsense. The several States DID submit their electors. They were, in total, sufficient to elect President BIden. You don't get to upend state sovereignty / unilaterally declare a re-do in a separate forum just because you lost. https://t.co/EVE0YZLJAN Scott Kane (@ataxiwardance) September 10, 2024 H/T Raw Story Actress Jenna Ortega recently called out Hollywoods haphazard attempts at reviving old movies with gender-swapped roles for women instead of innovating new stories centered around a female lead. While discussing how "certain movies that should get a sequel, and shouldnt get a sequel" while promoting her new film " Beetlejuice Beetlejuice ", "MTVs" Josh Horowitz asked Ortega what she thought about a possible reprisal of another Tim Burton classic, "Edward Scissorhands" as "Edith Sicssorhands." "I love that there's a lot more female leads nowadays, I think that's so special. But we should have our own. I don't like it when it's like a spin off," the 21-year-old said. "I don't want to see a Jamie Bond, I want to see just like another bada-- [character]." SELENA GOMEZ HAD TO GRIEVE INABILITY TO CARRY HER OWN CHILDREN DUE TO MEDICAL ISSUES (L-R) Jenna Ortega, Catherine O'Hara, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton attend the "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" New York photo call at JW Marriott Essex House on August 17, 2024 in New York City. The California native went on to say that it would be best to "leave" the classic film as is, going on to cite that "the beauty of something like Edward [Scissorhands is] very sensitive." "Beetlejuice can still somewhat be original, because he exists in no specific time," the actress continued. "You could take him back to the 1800s if you really wanted to. You really can make an anthology movie series with him." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE BELT LOVE SONG TO CAP OFF ROMANTIC WHIRLWIND WEEKEND IN NYC Ortega, who plays Astrid, daughter of Lydia Deetz from the original 1988 version of the film, also shared her belief that the film could be a " religious experience " for viewers. "Something religion can bring to people is hope, and thats what film does as well It can be a form of escapism; you can forget your worries and problems. Or you can watch something and take whatever it is that the characters learned and apply it into your own life," Ortega said. Other Hollywood stars have voiced similar perspectives on gender-swapped roles instead of original female-led storylines. JENNIFER LOPEZ APPEARS TO SAY SHE'S A 'BAD PICKER' AFTER FILING FOR DIVORCE FROM FOURTH HUSBAND BEN AFFLECK Jenna Ortega appears at the "Wednesday" world premiere in Hollywood. Barbara Broccoli, British-American film producer who has worked on a number of "James Bond" films, has expressed consistent beliefs in "making characters for women" instead of switching up genders for film leads. "I dont think a woman should play James Bond," Broccoli told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021. "I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play mens roles. I dont think there are enough great roles for women, and its very important to me that we make movies for women about women." Ana de Armas, who starred in the James Bond film "No Time to Die", also echoed Ortega and Broccolis support for original female roles in movies in an interview with The Sun . She said, "Theres no need for a female Bond. There shouldnt be any need to steal someone elses character What I would like is that the female roles in the Bond films are brought to life in a different way." Original article source: Jenna Ortega dismisses gender-swapped Hollywood movie roles: 'We should have our own' characters JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) Some pre-teens and teenagers may shudder in panic when seeing their cellphone taken away upon entering school and temporarily locked away in a secure pouch. I feel like nobody should have to put their phone up, said Janelle, a Jersey City high school student. In Jersey City, New Jerseys second-largest school district, with 27,000 students, middle school principal Dr. Janeen Maniscalco said she has been entrusted with leading a pilot program to ban cellphones and smart devices during school hours using proprietary Yondr pouches, which are already popular at comedy clubs and concerts. More Local News Several school staffers have a magnetic disc that can unlock the pouch at the end of the day or during an emergency situation. Social media, TikTok, Snapchat, were trying to improve academic achievement by minimizing any distractions from the classroom, said Dr. Maniscalco. But theres a flip side to this debate. Parents still reeling from last weeks fatal school shooting in Georgia say they want an open and uninterrupted line of communication with their child during that kind of nightmare scenario. You cant get in the school. You dont know whats happening. Your kid will call you. Some children are calling to say goodbye, sadly. But this is the world we live in. They need their phones. They need something, said Jersey City resident Tina Jenkins. Jersey City School Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez, a 40-year veteran of the district, said that while she understands parents concerns, a cellphone ban is built on a sense of trust that the district can keep students safe, during times of calm and during a crisis. That concern its real. Its a reality. Unfortunately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our students are exposed to so much on the internet. Were giving it to young people who dont have the skills yet, said Dr. Fernandez. Dr. Fernandez said nothing is written in stone yet regarding what cellphone-banning technology the district uses long term. They are still taking recommendations and looking to see what is available. But she is optimistic that a districtwide ban, which includes high school students, will be in place by years end. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jessica Alba is continuing her climate advocacy this time with a hosting gig at the Latino Victory Projects second annual Brunch Like a Madre rally to launch its 2024 Vote Like a Madre campaign. Vote Like a Madre is a nonpartisan program that works to educate the public on climate issues and increase Latina voter turnout. It will invest more than $2 million in voter turnout this year. The event featured panels on the climate crisis and the impact of unnatural disasters and extreme weather on Latin communities across the United States. More from The Hollywood Reporter This is a major, major year Voting like a Madre is channeling that Latina energy of someone who is the center of the household, the actress said in her speech on Monday. You dont have to be a woman either to channel that madre energy, either. We all need to protect this planet, so that we can protect each other. Literally protecting the planet is protecting the human beings that live on this planet. She continued, For too long we feel like its out of our hands, for too long weve believed the lie that we cant do anything about it. What is one vote? What is one person? But it actually makes a huge difference I have been working since I was 12 years old. I figured out how to be an entrepreneur. I figured out how to create a business that had never been created before. Because I wanted to protect my children and all children. One person can make that difference. In her moving speech, Alba encouraged everyone in the audience at the Gracias Madre restaurant in Los Angeles to use their platforms and talk to their families to ensure theyre registered to vote because when they all stand together, they can move mountains. I believe in us. I know this election year is a pivotal moment, she said. There are so many things on the ballot, from climate change, to gun control, to name the issue reproductive rights, the economy, all of it. And we can make a difference. We can actually create the future that we want to see. Past and present supporters of the campaign include Eva Longoria, who co-founded the Latino Victory Project, America Ferrera, Camila Cabello, Gloria Calderon Kellet, Karla Souza, Lin-Manuel Miranda and his mother Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson and Stephanie Beatriz. According to Latino Victory Projects executive director, Katharine Pichardo-Erskine, the 2024 campaign partnered with celebrities who most resonated with Vote Like a Madres target audience: Latina moms, who are passionate about protecting their families and the environment. The 2024 campaign is taking its efforts to the swing state of Arizona and hopes to create behavior-changing narratives that would increase Latina voter turnout by 15,000 people through targeted ads featuring Latin mothers and mother figures encouraging their community to get out the vote. It also includes social media challenges and collaborations with local Latina leaders for events and discussions around climate justice. Our strategy is data-driven. We are building capacity and reach, including organically in states like Nevada, Texas and Florida. And, of course, were in California today, the executive director told The Hollywood Reporter about the event on Monday. Each of these states not only has a large Latino population but also faces severe climate challenges. For instance, Texas has seen a 50 percent increase in extreme heat days over the last decade, disproportionately affecting Latino communities. Nearly one in two Latin people in the U.S. live in counties with high pollution levels, which have worsened asthma and other respiratory illnesses there, the organization stated in a press release. It added that the current extreme weather events, like devastating wildfires that have been ravaging parts of the country and record-breaking heatwaves, are a direct result of man-made pollution and unnatural disasters. Climate change is not a distant threat Latinos are 165 percent more likely than non-Hispanic whites to live in areas affected by environmental disasters, Pichardo-Erskine added. Our campaign aims to make this issue personal, empowering Latina moms to take action, not just for themselves but for future generations. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Jesus is the answer to becoming something more, BYU President Shane Reese tells large student crowd BYU President Shane Reese delivers the opening devotional of the fall semester at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. | Joey Garrison/BYU BYU is flourishing, an ebullient President Shane Reese said Tuesday as he and his wife, Sister Wendy Reese, delivered the school years opening devotional messages on the seventh day of fall semester. The addition of thousands of new freshmen students into Provos streets and the Marriott Centers seats makes him feel that it is really in the fall that hope literally springs eternal, he said joyfully. He told 12,531 students, faculty and staff on Tuesday that they will flourish, too, if they recognize that the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something, quoting President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors the university. Wendy and I want to invite you to stretch this semester beyond just knowing. We want you to continue to become something special, Reese said. We see in you such a bright and hopeful future. We know you are here for a reason. Reese has made Becoming BYU the slogan of his presidency, which is in its second year. He said BYU is leaning even more deeply into its unique mission, which insists that our belief enhances our inquiry, study amplifies faith and revelation leads to deeper understanding. For individuals, he said, Becoming implies the need for development and growth. As we recognize our incompleteness and realize that we are meant to become something more, something better, something holier, we are in a preparation to accept the gospels challenge to become. Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of becoming, Reese said. He had a vision of his divine role as the Savior of the World. His vision for those to whom he ministered was majestic and inspiring. He built others. He aligned his will with his Fathers will exactly. He loved perfectly. He kept his covenants with the Father. As with all things, Jesus is the answer. His perfect life was and is the divine model for each of us. I know that his atoning sacrifice will make it possible for you and me to become more than we can ever become by ourselves, he added. Reese shared three suggestions students could use to build a solid foundation for becoming vision, effort and covenants. Sister Reese shared two ways students could move forward with positivity. Have a crisp vision of what you want to become Reese said doubt and fear obstruct becoming and suggested that a vision for the future is an antidote. Having a vision of what we can become empowers us with faith and confidence two attributes of becoming that help replace our doubts and fear two deterrents to becoming, he said. Faith and confidence fuel additional steps in becoming, namely persistence, perspiration and effort. He used the term crisp vision and said having one is a starting point because it productively shapes work and effort. Reese has told several stories about how overwhelmed he felt as a BYU student, and he shared another Tuesday. He said one of his mentors in statistics repeatedly told him she could see him becoming a member of the faculty. He found that an impossible idea, but she continued to say it. BYU President Shane Reese laughs at a joke during the opening devotional of the fall semester at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. | Joey Garrison/BYU I could tell that she meant it, he said. He encouraged students to support each other. All of us sometimes need someone with a bolder vision for our future than we have for ourselves. And we all also need to reciprocate that blessing, he said. Pursue the vision of the future with persistence, perspiration and effort Another way to combat fear and doubt is with effort, Reese said. None of us can avoid falling short, but we can all choose to give our best effort, he said. He kept a quote on his desk while writing his dissertation at Texas A&M: The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work. Reese said President Russell M. Nelson, who turned 100 on Monday, is a blueprint for working as though everything depends on us and praying as if everything depends on God and quoted his statement about resolving to be resolute. The Lord loves effort. The Lord loves consistency. The Lord loves steadfastness, President Nelson said. While we surely will come up short from time to time, our persistent efforts to hear him and follow the inspiration he gives us will help us to wax strong in the Spirit. Plug into the Becoming Accelerator Reese said making and keeping covenants, commitments made to God at baptism and in Latter-day Saint temples, are an accelerator for becoming. Making and keeping covenants with God accelerates the process of becoming thanks to the special gift of love and mercy afforded to children of the covenant, he said. He noted that all three members of the First Presidency talked about the power of covenants at the churchs last general conference in April. President (Henry B.) Eyring shared an incredible witness and reminder that covenants can banish fear, doubt and uncertainty that can otherwise stifle our efforts to become what God wants us to become, he said. Then President Oaks underscored the power of covenants in forging our personal integrity and accelerating our process of becoming something more through being bound to Christ, he added. President Nelson shared a promise that worshipping in the temple would bless each persons life. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the worlds mists of darkness, he said. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and his Atonement or help you understand Gods magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing! Sister Wendy Reese: Boost your bright side Sister Reese began the devotional by joking about some of the challenges students face with a new semester, poking fun at her statistician husband with one of them. Im sure most of you are hopeful you can find a way to avoid taking Stats 121, she said. While the students laughed, she looked back and him and he smiled broadly and gestured that he couldnt understand why someone would feel that way. Sister Wendy Reese, wife of BYU President Shane Reese, speaks at the opening devotional of the fall semester at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. | Joey Garrison/BYU What if I told you that positive thinking might be part of the solution to dealing with the many stresses and challenges inherent in a new semester, she asked, citing Johns Hopkins University research that showed a strong link between positivity and health. The researchers suggest that smiling more, reframing stressful situations and building resiliency can help boost your bright side, she said. She shared two suggestions for harnessing the power of positivity seeking for good in our lives and turning our hearts to God. Seeking for the good in life The mere act of looking for the good in our lives is a positivity-producing action, she said. She noted that her mothers positivity through multiple aneurysms and brain surgeries helped her and their family keep moving forward through difficult years. My mom is always cheerful. She always looks for the good in everything. She uses positive language, she said. Some of her favorite sayings are: The Lord said to be of good cheer so thats what weve got to do. We just need to trust in the Lord or All we can do is pray. And my favorite, dont fret your gizzard. She said looking for the good in life maintains perspective. Those who look for the good are also able to find blessings in their trials and feel the peace that comes from the Savior, she said. Turning to God God wants you and me to be happy, she added. As you begin this semester full of all the accompanying emotions, I hope you will be intentional in seeking to be positive. Continuously ask yourself How has God blessed my life? What tender mercies have I seen or felt? When have I felt him close by? She played an audio quote from a 1974 BYU devotional given by the late church President Gordon B. Hinckley. The message of the Lord is one of hope and salvation. The voice of the Lord is a voice of glad tidings. The work of the Lord is a work of glorious and certain reward, he said. I do not suggest that you simply put on rose-colored glasses to make the world look rosy. I ask, rather, that you look above and beyond the negative, the critical, the cynical, the doubtful, to the positive. The Reeses goal for students, she said, is that we want each of you to be successful in your studies as well as develop a stronger relationship with and testimony of Jesus Christ. I pray that as you seek the good in life and turn your hearts to God that you will develop positivity and come closer to Jesus Christ, she said. Hannah Sanford, 18, a freshman from Liberty, Missouri, said she has enjoyed freshman orientation, during which Reese spoke to the freshman about becoming, and the first week of school. I like that the classes involve the gospel and the subject, she said. Its never happened before for me, to have both taught together. Sanford said she appreciated Reeses emphasis on vision, effort and covenants and that in response, she intends to re-read her patriarchal blessing, as Reese suggested, and read the scriptures more intently to try to become better. The devotional can be viewed at BYUtv.org. The texts of their talks will be available soon on speeches.byu.edu. (FOX40.COM) One person is dead after a fatal jet ski crash in Northern California, according to the Shasta County Sheriffs Office. SCSO deputies said they responded around 2:45 p.m. to reports of a boating collision on Lake Shasta. The crash happened in Shannon Cove, near Sacramento Point, between two teens and a 21-year-old man. Man accused of assault on Northern California mayor could face one year in jail Upon arrival at the scene, SCSO found the teens, ages 18 and 19, injured on the shoreline. The 18-year-old reportedly had injuries to his chin and face. The 19-year-old sustained a knee injury. Deputies said the teens had been operating a jet ski when they were hit by another jet ski being operated by a 21-year-old man who did not require medical attention. Deputies transported the two victims to Bridge Bay Marina where medical crews were waiting. After their arrival to the marina, the 18-year-old victim became unresponsive, according to SCSO. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The identity of the victim will be released pending notification of next of kin, and the incident remains under investigation by the SCSO Boating Safety Unit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One teen died and another was injured while riding a jet ski Saturday on a Northern California lake after they were struck by another jet ski, sheriffs officials said. About 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Boating Safety Unit deputies responded to reports of two jet skis that crashed on Lake Shasta in Shannon Cove near Sacramento Point. Upon arrival to the shoreline, deputies found an 18-year-old man with injuries to his chin and face and a 19-year-old man with a knee injury, the Shasta County Sheriffs Office announced in a news release. Sheriffs officials said the deputies learned the two injured teens were riding a jet ski when they were hit by another jet ski operated by a 21-year-old male, who did not require medical attention after the crash. The deputies took the two injured teens to Bridge Bay Marina, where medics were waiting. After arriving at the marina, the 18-year-old became unresponsive. Sheriffs officials said medics began immediate treatment and took the injured teens to a hospital. The 18-year-old was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Shasta County Coroners Office will release his name after his family has been notified. The jet ski crash remained under investigation by the Boating Safety Unit, sheriffs officials said. Jewish pilgrims warned against travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah Jewish pilgrims should refrain from visiting Uman for Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, Cherkasy Oblast Governor Ihor Taburets warned on Sept. 10. Thousands of Hasidic Jews make a pilgrimage to Uman in central Ukraine every year at Rosh Hashanah to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a major Hasidic leader. This year, Rosh Hashanah will start on Oct. 2 and end on Oct. 4. "As in the previous years of the war, we first of all recommend believers to consider the security situation in our country and refrain from visiting Uman," Taburets said. Regular Russian attacks "are not just scaremongering, but everyday life for Ukrainians," Taburets warned. "However, we understand that, despite the warning, some believers will still visit the cult place for themselves." The local authorities are working to prepare for an influx of visitors, from issues relating to "sanitary and epidemiological well-being," to ensuring there are enough air raid shelters, Taburets said. Over 35,000 people visited Uman for Rosh Hashanah in 2023, an increase from around 20,000 people in 2022. Read also: Faith under fire: Russias war on religion in Ukraines occupied territories Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Jill Stein slams Democratic efforts to 'silence competition, says they are not servants of democracy' Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein slammed the Democratic Party and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., for criticizing her ballot access as a third party contender. "The Democrats have really made a mockery out of themselves. They are not the servants of democracy," Stein told The Hill last week. Stein, a physician and climate change advocate, added that the "Democrats have lost their own base and their effort to silence competition is outrageous." She said the Democratic Party hired an "army of lawyers to throw" the Green Party off the ballot by challenging them in three states. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein waits to speak at a news conference on Fifth Avenue across the street from Trump Tower December 5, 2016, in New York City. Stein, who has launched recount efforts in Michigan and Wisconsin, spoke about demanding a statewide recount on constitutional grounds in Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) INSIDERS PREDICT THIS POWERHOUSE REPUBLICAN WOULD BRING MAJOR BOOST AS TRUMP VP PICK The Nevada Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Stein will not appear on the presidential ballot due to failing to meet the state's minor party qualifiers. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP On the other hand, the Green Party in August claimed victory after the Wisconsin state Supreme Court decided not to hear the Democrats' effort to oust her on the ballot. The court's decision could be a blow for Democrats as Wisconsin is a crucial swing state in the upcoming election. Steins 2016 presidential bid was criticized by some Democrats who argued she siphoned valuable votes away from Hillary Clinton. Stein received 1.07% of the popular vote in 2016 and 0.36% of the popular vote in 2012. Stein responded directly to Ocasio-Cortez's post on Instagram where she criticized the Green Party. Ocasio-Cortez took issue with Steins persistence in running, citing that the third party contender does "not add city council seats, state electives, and down ballot candidates." The progressive firebrand explained further that Stein has not pursued "any successful strategy," nor grown her party and merely shows "up once every four years to speak to people who are justifiably pissed off." "That's bad leadership," the New York lawmaker added. Green party nominee Jill Stein speaks during a campaign rally at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture on October 12, 2016 in New York City. Jill Stein and her running mate Ajamu Baraka are campaigning in New York. AOC SLAMS DEM CONVENTION FOR NOT BEING MORE SYMPATHETIC TO ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS Ocasio-Cortez said that she previously ran as a third party candidate, particularly a "Working Families Party candidate" and has criticized the "two-party system." "You're not serious to me it does not read as authentic, it reads as predatory," Ocasio-Cortez said. Stein responded, "The Democrats have not succeeded in their extremely predatory tactics of silencing political opposition, silencing voters, denying voters the choices that they are clamoring for. She just kind of makes a mockery of the anti-democratic party in pretty much her whole message in the way it was delivered." Stein announced her bid to seek the Green Partys nomination for the 2024 presidential election last November. It will be Steins third time running for president, having been unsuccessful in 2012 and 2016. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, speaks during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Stein added that Democrats are "worried" that American voters are "in a state of rebellion." "And our campaign is the one anti-genocide, anti-war, climate emergency, pro-worker campaign which is turning out to be on the ballot across the country," Stein said. Original article source: Jill Stein slams Democratic efforts to 'silence competition, says they are not servants of democracy' Joe Scarborough Says How Kamala Harris Should Goad Trump Seconds Into Debate MSNBCs Joe Scarborough on Tuesday suggested how Democratic nominee Kamala Harris should kick off her first presidential debate with Donald Trump. And its with a blunt reminder of how Harris rival actually once supported her, said the Morning Joe co-host. For Harris tonight, I think the first thing I would do if I were Harris [is say], Donald, thank you so much for your political contribution to me in 2014. I greatly appreciate it, I wouldnt be here without it. Trump in 2011 and 2013 gave $6,000 in total in two donations for Harris campaign for California attorney general. Ivanka Trump, his daughter, gave Harris campaign $2,000 in 2014. Elsewhere on Morning Joe, Scarborough noted how Trumps attacks will focus on Harris and President Joe Bidens handling of the economy and the border and that he will repeatedly pivot back to those themes. The panel also talked about how Harris use of the words old and small may trigger her opponent. Watch the full discussion here: Related... TULSA, Okla. Joplin veteran Wayne Larson, Jr., who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, is part of an eight-man delegation to attend the Cherokee Nations 11th Warrior Flight to Washington, D.C. The Cherokee Warrior Flight is similar to the Honor Flight Networks, which recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial at no cost. Top priority is given to World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans from all wars. The veterans delegation left Tulsa on Monday for a four-day trip to Washington, D.C. The trip allowed Cherokee veterans to see the national war memorials erected in their honor in the nations capital, including the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Wall Memorial, and several other sites. Its inspiring to see these men and women, who have proudly served, have the opportunity to experience such a memorable trip. They have served both our country and the Cherokee Nation with honor, and we cant thank them enough. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Its deeply meaningful to be part of a nation that honors our veterans and their sacrifices, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, a U.S. Navy veteran in a prepared statement. Being in our nations capital with fellow veterans is an unmatched experience. This trip is just one way to thank them and recognize their service. Citizens of the Cherokee Nation have a long-standing commitment to the U.S. military, and the courage of Cherokee men and women is partly the reason why we hold our veterans in such high regard, said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Before their departure, a luncheon was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa to present the warriors with vests and caps ahead of their flight to Washington, D.C. It has become a tradition here in the Cherokee Nation to honor our veterans in this way, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. We can never say thank you enough for the sacrifices these brave men and women made for their country and nation but we will continue to honor them every chance we have. Other area veterans participating in the 2024 Cherokee Warrior Flight include: Roy Brown, Vietnam War, Army, Park Hill Randall Rogers, Global War on Terrorism, Air Force, Barnsdall Scott Sparks, Desert Storm, Air Force, Broken Arrow William Sayles Jr., Cold War Era, Army, Owasso Johnnie Prather, Korean War, Army, Claremore Johnny Whitekiller, Lebanon, Air Force, Fort Smith, Arkansas Rusty Henson, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army, Spavinaw Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. A Jordanian woman votes at a polling station in the Al-Baqaa Palestinian refugee camp near the capital Amman (Khalil MAZRAAWI) (Khalil MAZRAAWI/AFP/AFP) Jordanians voted Tuesday in a parliamentary election overshadowed by the Gaza war and concerns over a slump in tourism, a sector vital to the kingdom's economy. It is the first vote since a 2022 reform increased the number of seats in the house, reserving more for women and lowering the minimum age for candidates. Despite these efforts to modernise the legislature, voters and candidates said the war in the Gaza Strip dominated the election. After voting, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh said he hoped the turnout would not be affected by "this brutal Israeli aggression". "We hope that the vote will be high and befitting of this national occasion," he said. Independent Election Commission chairman Musa Maaytah later told a news conference he expected turnout "to be around the average of the previous elections in 2020 and 2016" when it was "around 30 percent". At 1430 GMT turnout was just under 24 percent. Voting will continue until 7:00 pm (1600 GMT), with results expected within 48 hours of polls closing. Chief European parliament observer Zeljana Zovko told reporters voting was "going smoothly". Analysts predicted a high abstention rate, with Islamist candidates struggling to harness public anger over the devastating war in Gaza sparked by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel. Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, becoming only the second Arab state to do so after Egypt. But around half its population is of Palestinian origin, and protests calling for the treaty's cancellation have been frequent since the war erupted. Tensions escalated further two days before polling day when a Jordanian gunman killed three Israeli guards at Jordan's border crossing with the occupied West Bank -- the first such attack since the 1990s. - 'All eyes' on Gaza - Voters meanwhile fear the ongoing war will continue to strain the economy until Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas reach a ceasefire. Tourism -- a sector Jordan relies on for about 14 percent of its gross domestic product -- has declined since the war began. "The situation, frankly, is going from bad to worse in terms of job opportunities, and the salaries are low with long working hours," said 21-year-old engineering student Fayez al-Disi. Compounding the country's economic woes, public debt has neared $50 billion and unemployment hit 21 percent in the first quarter of this year. Candidates include tribal leaders, centrists, leftists and Islamists from the country's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islamic Action Front (IAF). According to the election commission, more than 5.1 million people are registered to vote in the country of 11.5 million. "What is happening in Gaza... (the) killing, destruction and tragedies broadcast daily on television, makes us feel pain, helplessness, humiliation and degradation, and makes us forget the elections and everything that is happening around us," said Omar Mohammed, a 43-year-old civil servant, adding that he was not sure if he would vote. Islamist candidates have sought to capitalise on the public anger. "The Gaza war and the Palestinian cause occupy a major place in Jordanian elections, as all eyes and minds are on Gaza and Palestine and the massacres taking place there against the Palestinian people," said IAF candidate Saleh Armouti. He told AFP the elections "serve the Palestinian cause and the region, but I also fear that there will be some abstention from voting due to these events". Oraib Rantawi, head of the Amman-based Al Quds Center for Political Studies, agreed that turnout was likely to be hit but said significant Islamist gains were unlikely. "The improvement in these forces' status and parliamentary representation will be modest," he told AFP. burs/ser/srm/jsa Joshua Ray Walker, onstage in 2022, shared tough news with his fans about his cancer diagnosis. - Credit: Erika Goldring/FilmMagic/Getty Images Texas country artist Joshua Ray Walker, known for songs like Voices and Lot Lizard, has launched a GoFundMe upon revealing that his 2023 cancer diagnosis had unexpectedly spread. Walker told fans late last year that hed been diagnosed with colon cancer; he subsequently underwent surgery in January before beginning chemotherapy. In a note shared on social media Tuesday, Sept. 10, Walker said that before he started chemo he was given a 90 percent chance of having clear tests post treatment. Those tests, however, revealed multiple nodes of varying sizes in both his lungs. More from Rolling Stone So to find completely new growth[s] in a new organ was something for which I was not prepared, Walker wrote. This unfortunately means my cancer will likely be restaged to Stage 4. I will get a lung biopsy, and start radiation soon. I wish I had more information to share but Im still waiting to meet with a radiology oncologist following my biopsy surgery. Walkers new GoFundMe campaign will help him cover cost-of-living and out-of-pocket health expenses, and allow him to focus more on his health and family. As my treatment plans change, more medical needs are falling outside of my medical insurance coverage, he explained on the campaigns page. I am doing my best to advocate for myself with my insurance provider, apply for financial aid, grants, and charities, but a lot of the time, the care needed is unexpected and time-sensitive. In his note, Walker promised fans that he would keep fighting and share updates along the way. The odds have definitely shifted, he acknowledged, but Im not going to publish them here. It seems defeatist, and unnecessary. Ill let you know what they were after I beat them. Ive always lived life to the fullest and I will continue to do so. Walker released his most recent album, Thank You for Listening ,back in February, with the record largely containing acoustic versions of previous released tunes. Last year, he dropped What Is It Even?, a covers record featuring songs by female artists, including his rendition of Lizzos Cuz I Love You. In 2021, he put out See You Next Time, which landed at Number Six on Rolling Stones list of the Best Country and Americana Albums of the year. In 2020, Rolling Stone praised Walker as countrys most fascinating young songwriter. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A firefighter sprays water on Catholic faithful gathered for the pope's holy mass (Willy Kurniawan) (Willy Kurniawan/POOL/AFP) Jose Da Costa Guterres hobbled on crutches in East Timor's searing tropical heat on Tuesday as he inched his way past traffic to Pope Francis's huge mass an hour-and-a-half's walk away. Nearly half the majority Catholic country's 1.3 million people were estimated to have braved the summer heat like Guterres and made their way to the coastal Tasitolu area of the capital Dili to hear the pope's sermon. Guterres was determined to hear Francis speak even despite leg injuries suffered in a recent car accident. "I am very happy today because I can feel a feeling I've never felt before," the 49-year-old said. "Today, I feel like Christ is in my heart." The pope was welcomed like a rock star on Monday in the seaside city, where worshippers lined roadsides and even climbed trees and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the papal convoy. The crowds erupted in screams again on Tuesday as Francis arrived for his open-air mass, where the 87-year-old pontiff spent several hours in the tropical heat. Firefighters sprayed water over the crowds to keep them cool, while East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao gave water to dancers awaiting Francis. "It's very hot but no problem for us, we come to Tasitolu to pray for Pope Francis. I don't care about this," said Cecilia Saniza, 29, who arrived early in the morning. "I want the blessing from Pope Francisco." Some pilgrims stayed in tents overnight to secure a spot. Colonel Domingos Soares, a commander of East Timor's military, said 4,000 soldiers and police officers had been deployed to secure the mass. - 'Such a blessing' - Dili ground to a halt for the main event of the pope's three-day visit. The airport was closed to civilian flights for the entire visit and roads were clogged on Tuesday with devotees packed onto pickup trucks, buses and scooters. Nuns were among devotees who lined sidewalks as they walked towards Tasitolu to avoid the traffic. As many as 300,000 were registered for the mass but hundreds of thousands more were expected outside. Many flew Vatican and East Timor flags and held yellow-and-white umbrellas bearing the Holy See's logo to shield themselves from the sun. Milena Soares Abrantes arrived more than six hours early to secure a spot to see Francis, who sat at a $1 million altar next to a large crucifix. "It's very important for Timorese people because we face a lot of struggle in our lives," 53-year-old Abrantes said. "Our Pope Francis always reminds us to be united." Some carried gifts for Francis but others were just happy to catch a glimpse of the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. "I am so excited," said Abrantes. "It's such a blessing to be here." cmk-jfx/pbt A Marion County judge dismissed a case concerning the release of certain abortion records, though an appeal is likely. (Getty Images) A Marion County judge on Tuesday dismissed a case that sought to overturn a state agencys decision to exempt terminated pregnancy reports from public record though an appeal in the case is almost certainly guaranteed. Superior Court Judge Timothy Oakes ruled in favor of the Indiana Department of Health, which stopped sharing the reports following the states adoption of a near-total abortion ban. The state agency believes the reports are medical records and could be used to identify people seeking abortions due to the level of detail required and the small number of procedures occurring. Among the data collected on the terminated pregnancy reports, or TPRs for short, is the age, education and marital status of the woman, the date of the abortion, gestational age of the fetus, race and ethnicity of the woman, as well as the city and county where the abortion occurred. They also list the name of the doctor, which outside groups have used to file licensing complaints. The department still releases an aggregate report quarterly. Oakes praised both IDOH and plaintiff Voices for Life, an anti-abortion South Bend group, for well-written briefs and well-presented oral arguments. Usually, these make a Courts job easier. However, as with most cases of statutory interpretation, legislative intent, word choice, placement and other interpretative analysis and arguments, make this decision a little less clear, Oakes wrote in the two-page ruling. In the end, the Courts are obligated to follow the law as written, regardless of personal beliefs, electoral pressures, or potential non-judicial consequences or outcomes, Oakes added. He said both Congress and the Indiana General Assembly have made their intention to protect medical information clear but had also made a commitment to transparency. The ruling adds that Voices for Life may very well find relief in an appellate Courts analysis or, more likely, at the Indiana Legislature. Details from Friday In Fridays hearing, Oakes called the process a three-stop train, acknowledging the likelihood the case will end up at the Indiana Supreme Court. At the hearing, Patrick Gillen, an attorney for the plaintiffs, indicated his intent to file an appeal. He described the General Assembly as a last resort, saying that legislative sausage-making could prevent Voices for Life from vindicat(ing) their rights. Voices for Life has institutional support, however. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has publicly sided with the group and gone against IDOH, a state agency he represents in court. The conflict of interest spurred a brief spat over legal representation. At least one attorney has filed a disciplinary grievance with the board overseeing Rokitas law license, WFYI reported. Rokita, a Republican who is up for election in November, will face Democrat Destiny Wells, who celebrated the decision in a statement Tuesday. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The dismissal of this case is a win for medical privacy, Wells said. Hoosiers are done with Todd Rokitas blatant waste of taxpayer dollars. On Facebook, Voices for Life told their followers that they would be appealing the ruling as soon as possible. We are not giving up, the group wrote. It has officially been one year since we have seen any Terminated Pregnancy Reports from the Health Department, and we have no idea if our abortion laws are being enforced. Their attorneys, the group shared, believed that the record shouldnt be viewed as a medical record once a patients identifying information has been removed. According to IDOHs latest aggregate terminated pregnancy report, abortions in Indiana have continued to decrease falling to 27 reported abortions between April 1 and June 30. Prior to the ban, Indiana regularly reported hundreds of procedures each month. All of the procedures occurred in Marion and Allen counties and 19 were due to lethal fetal anomalies, which accounted for 70% of the procedures. Serious health risks to the mother and rape/incest exceptions were also cited as reasons for abortions during the quarter all of which are allowed under Indianas ban. One fetus was reportedly born alive. Indiana Capital Chronicle Reporter Leslie Bonilla Muniz contributed to this story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Judge to rule by Tuesday whether jailed Democrat will appear on Alaskas U.S. House ballot (Getty Images) An Anchorage Superior Court judge will rule as soon as Tuesday on a lawsuit that will decide whether a man imprisoned in New York will remain on Alaskas U.S. House ballot. Democratic candidate Eric Hafner received the sixth-most votes in the August primary election, but he was promoted to fourth after two Republican candidates withdrew. The Alaska Democratic Party, fearing the possibility that a second Democrat on the ballot could draw votes away from incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Anchorage, sued the Alaska Division of Elections last week, arguing that Hafner is ineligible under state law and the U.S. Constitution and should not be on the ballot. Judge Ian Wheeles heard an hour of oral arguments in court on Monday morning before taking the case under consideration. I think its highly likely I would have a decision for you by (Tuesday), he told attorneys. Wheeles was appointed to the bench by Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy in 2022 and has not previously adjudicated an elections lawsuit. An appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court is possible, regardless of the verdict. Hafner received less than 1% of the vote in Augusts primary election, but the case matters because the margin between Peltola and Republican challenger Nick Begich is expected to be tight. The harm that we fear is less that he will win (and more that) he will affect the results of the election, said attorney David Fox, representing the Alaska Democratic Party. Alaskas elections system promotes the top four vote-getters from the primary election to the general election. In the November general election, voters pick up to five options four candidates and a write-in in order of preference, which could dilute any spoiler effect. Despite that, Democrats are worried that some Democratic voters will be confused and vote only for Hafner. That would eliminate those voters, essentially, who only named him and didnt name anybody else? Wheeles asked. Yes, your Honor, Fox replied. Fox works for the Elias Law Group, which represents Democratic interests nationally, and his presence was a further sign of the cases importance. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to be closely divided between Democrats and Republicans after the November election, and Alaskas U.S. House district is one of only a handful of districts that could go to either Democrats or Republicans. The Democratic Partys case relies on two arguments: that state law doesnt allow a sixth-place finisher to be promoted into the final four and that Hafner fails the requirement in the U.S. Constitution that a candidate be a resident of the state when elected. The partys suit is opposed by the Division of Elections and the Alaska Republican Party, which intervened shortly before oral arguments began. To obtain an injunction that removes Hafner from the ballot, the Alaska Democratic Party must prove that removing Hafner is less harmful than keeping him on the ballot. Wheeles asked what might happen if legal proceedings meant delaying election preparation by two weeks. Attorney Tom Flynn, representing the Division of Elections, said that would mean postponing the mailing of ballots bound for international and military voters. The deadline for that mailing is set in federal law. If Wheeles or the state Supreme Court were to mandate changes to the ballot, elections officials have said that the switch would take time. Plaintiffs and defendants disagree on the amount of time. If it takes too long, the division could still go ahead with the international mailing on time, but only if it used the old ballots. That would result in two different sets of U.S. House ballots. The publics confidence in elections would undoubtedly be affected by multiple ballots out there, changes midstream, things like that, Flynn said. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who is in charge of the states elections system, is a Republican and was a candidate for the U.S. House this year until she withdrew after the primary. Dahlstrom selected the current elections director, Carol Beecher, who was a registered Republican at the time of her selection. I think that the time pressure of the ballot printing issue is overstated, Fox said. During oral argument, Wheeles pressed Fox about the idea that the Democratic Party is bringing this lawsuit too late. Theres some element here of ones failure to plan has become someone elses emergency by the way this has been filed. Is that not fair? Wheeles asked. I dont really think that is fair, Fox replied. One of the partys key arguments is that the language used in state law allows the Division of Elections to promote only a fifth-place finisher into the top four if one of those top four quits the race. Fox argued that the law doesnt allow the division to promote the sixth-place finisher if a second member of the top four withdraws. The way the statute is written, it allows only a single replacement, so, just very clearly, by implication, if two people drop out, theres not a second replacement, he said. Flynn, of the Division of Elections, opposed that argument, saying that the court should look at these statutes in light of precedent, reason and policy, and that Alaskas elections system is built around the idea that the top four candidates advance. If someone withdraws from the top four, the sixth-place finisher becomes the fifth-place finisher and is eligible for promotion into the top four, he said. That was echoed by attorney Richard Moses, representing the Alaska Republican Party. When read in harmony with the statute as a whole, the statutory scheme that the voters chose to enact is that, when possible, there should be four candidates on the general election ballot. Fox also argued that Hafner cannot come to Alaska before Election Day and would fail the U.S. Constitutions requirement that he be an inhabitant of Alaska in the unlikely event that he were elected. Hafner is slated to be in prison until 2036, has not requested parole, and his legal appeal is at an early stage. If ever there is a person who cannot possibly become an inhabitant of the state in which they seek elections by election day, that person is Mr. Hafner, Fox said. But Flynn countered by arguing that Hafner has a right to run for office, even if he cant serve. Disqualifying Hafner now, instead of in November in the unlikely event that he won would be adding to the exclusive list of qualifications in the U.S. Constitution, which the state cant do at this point. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A judge dismissed a lawsuit Tuesday from a member of the Fulton County, Georgia, elections board who refused to certify the results of the states primary election. In May, board official Julie Adams launched a lawsuit against the county, arguing that she could not certify the results of the primary election without having access to all information about the voting procedures. Elections Board director Nadine Williams had barred her from seeing some information. Adams also sought a court ruling on whether her duty to certify election results is discretionary, not ministerial, in nature, according to the suit. Judge Robert C.I. McBurney dismissed the case without prejudice, meaning that Georgia election officials will continue to have a mandatory duty to certify the election results, scrambling Adamss attempt to upend years of precedent and Georgia state law. An amendment to Georgias state constitution allows for plaintiffs to seek declaratory relief from the government, which could determine Adamss obligations in her role as an election superintendent. However, the law required that any complaint seeking relief must be brought against the state or local government only, and no other forms of relief can be included in the complaint. Failure to comply with either requirement is fatal: the non-compliant complaint shall be dismissed, McBurney wrote in his order. Adamss first complaint in May was brought against the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, as well as Williams. According to the judge, Neither is a proper party for such a suit. The complaint also requested injunctive relief, which would prohibit Williams from denying Adams access to election materials and processes. In July, the defendants argued a motion to dismiss using this argument, and Adams amended her original complaint, bringing her case solely against Fulton County. That was too little, too late; the fatal pleading flaw cannot be undone, wrote the judge. Adams, a staunch election denier, was backed by the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank. McBurney made clear that Adams can refile her claim, this time listing the proper party, and that if she moves with alacrity, her claim can be considered alongside a challenge to the Georgia election boards new rule requiring a reasonable inquiry before certifying election results. The rule, which was passed in August, would make it significantly easier for county election officials to delay or refuse certification of election results in populous Democratic strongholds such as Fulton or DeKalb counties in November. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) A former Las Cruces teacher who admitted to touching his students inappropriately will not go back on probation. Patrick Howard received probation for criminal sexual contact and battery charges after several students came forward in 2018. Judge Douglas Driggers dismissed more than two years of Howards probationa decision that received criticism from Attorney General Raul Torrez. Story continues below Torrez asked the New Mexico Supreme Court to get involved in the decision, saying the victims didnt get an advanced notice; however, the court declined the request and sent the case back to Judge Driggers to consider reinstating probation. The judge stood by his decision, saying Howard was eligible to be released from probation early. Attorney General Torrez once again disagreed with that move. It often seems as though defendants and people charged with crime have more rights than victims do. And sadly, I think that the way in which this sentence was handed down, the disregard that was shown to the victims, young women who have shown an incredible amount of courage to hold this person accountable, really highlights that something needs to change, said Torrez, Since Howard got a conditional discharge in the case, he does not have to register as a sex offender. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BASE Jumper Found Dead After Leap from 12,000-Foot Peak: He Had Said His Wingsuit Could Be 'Tricky' Leonardo Durant's body was recovered early this month, the Mono County Sheriff's Office in California said Leonardo Durant/Instagram A BASE jumper has been found dead after he went missing when he leapt off of a California mountaintop late last month, authorities said. Leonardo Durant's body was recovered in early September with the coordination of multiple agencies, the Mono County Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Facebook on Saturday, Sept. 7. Durants jumping partner had reported him missing after he leapt from the 12,241-foot peak on Saturday, Aug. 31, officials said. Soon after, the sheriffs office deployed a search and rescue team. Due to the large search area, a California Highway Patrol helicopter was requested from the Fresno area to assist with the search, the sheriffs office said. Related: Man Dies After Attempting Illegal BASE Jump with a Parachute Off South Rim of Grand Canyon The helicopter soon found Durants body, situated on a craggy slope of the mountain, but the aircraft could not hoist him up due to the altitude, location, slope angle, weather and rock type, according to the sheriffs office. After enlisting Yosemite Search and Rescue, a helicopter rescue team from the agency was able to retrieve Durants body and transferred him to the coroners office. 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. It wasn't immediately clear what led to Durant's death. He was described by officials as an "experienced" jumper and frequently posted about his heart-stopping stunts from high peaks on social media. He most recently documented a free fall from a mountain in South Africa in May. Related: Hiker's Video Captures Terrifying Moment BASE Jumper Slams into Canyon Wall, Then Dangles from Cliff On his Instagram account, he shared a glimpse of his motivation for pursuing the extreme sport. Poised. Dropping in. Catching that perfect angle, Durant wrote alongside a video of a jump. The wingsuit start can be a tricky thing. Unforgiving of flaws. But rewarding when nailed. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A San Francisco man was acquitted of mayhem charges after he punched a partially naked man who entered his apartment, defense attorneys said. Following a trial in August, jurors found 41-year-old Kenneth Young not guilty of felony assault, mayhem and battery, the San Francisco Public Defenders Office said. The incident began on August 19, 2022 when Young was inside his Turk Street apartment. Young heard someone yelling just outside his front door. When Young opened his door, a 6-foot-3-inch-tall man was standing there with his genitals exposed, and the man had just urinated. Young and the man, who did not know each other, exchanged words, and the man stepped into Youngs apartment, the public defenders office wrote on Tuesday. Young was frightened by the intruder, defense attorneys said. He punched the man, pushed him out of his apartment, and locked his door. Mr. Young was protecting himself from a man who had trespassed into his apartment and would have attacked and seriously harmed him had Mr. Young not defended himself, said Deputy Public Defender Bao Doan. Ricky Pearsall honors first responders who helped save his life About 40 minutes later, Young and a friend decided left the apartment to walk a dog. On their way out, two people warned Young that a man was possibly armed in front of the apartment building, defense attorneys said. Young saw that the man in front of the building was the same person who had stepped into his apartment. Fearing that the man had been waiting to retaliate and harm him, Young punched the man (and) left the area, the public defenders office wrote. Police arrested Young weeks later and prosecutors filed felony charges against him. We are so grateful to the thoughtful jurors in this case, who weighed the evidence and testimony carefully and determined that Mr. Young was acting in legitimate self-defense, said Public Defender Mano Raju. I applaud the efforts of Mr. Youngs defense team for demonstrating this truth so effectively for the jury. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Opening statements are set for Wednesday morning in the trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, who is accused of funneling payments to an acolyte of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan to win the powerful Democratic leaders support for legislation in Springfield. A jury panel of nine women and six men was selected in the case in a full day of questioning Tuesday, though it was not disclosed in open court which of them are actually on the jury of 12 and which are serving as alternates. Included on the panel are a 68-year-old woman from Skokie whose husband is a producer for WGN-TV, a 49-year-old woman from Antioch who worked as a law firm accountant, and a 26-year-old man from south suburban Crete who works at a machine shop. Most of those selected said they rarely pay attention to the news and had not heard of the charges against La Schiazza. One man, however, a 62-year-old retired waste management engineer from Naperville, was asked about his news sources and replied, I read em all. Several of the prospective jurors who were stricken for cause by the judge said they had strong opinions about politicians and lobbying, subjects at the heart of the case. One woman who was cut, a 24-year-old recent college graduate from the Waukegan area, told the judge her household has negative feelings about politicians in general especially maybe some Illinois politicians. Before questioning began, the jury was given a lengthy list of names that may come up during the trial, including Michael J. Madigan. No one said in open court that theyd heard of Madigan in particular or had any opinions about him. After swearing in the panel of 12 regular jurors and three alternates, U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman told them to return to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse at 9 a.m. Wednesday for opening statements. La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery, and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. The most serious counts carry up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and has been free on bond while his case is pending. The trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks, will offer a sneak peek at some of the evidence that will be presented at the racketeering trial of Madigan and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, which kicks off next month. According to the charges, La Schiazza participated in a scheme in 2017 to funnel $22,500 in payments to newly retired state Rep. Edward Acevedo, a longtime Madigan associate, in exchange for the speakers help passing legislation important to the phone giant that ended mandated landline service and saved the company millions of dollars. Prosecutors allege the scheme was orchestrated by McClain. La Schiazza, meanwhile, has denied wrongdoing, and in court filings his lawyers have laid out a defense centered on two issues: whether there was any arrangement between Madigan and AT&T before the bill was passed, and whether there is proof La Schiazza thought what he was doing was illegal. To illustrate La Schiazzas state of mind at the time, the defense has pointed to emails where he allegedly told underlings they had legal approval from company lawyers to engage Eddie (Acevedo) in this way. The fact that Mr. La Schiazza asked his subordinates to coordinate legal approval is directly relevant to his state of mind in hiring Mr. Acevedo, his attorneys wrote in a recent pretrial filing. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com Members of the Colorado Supreme Court last week expressed frustration with the difficulties of pinpointing unconstitutional racial bias in jury selection, especially when relatively few details are available after the fact about what happened at trial. Witness says she knows defendant is the person who killed her fiance because of his eyes YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The fiance of the man who was killed after he was chased across part of the South Side testified today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court she knows Vashuad May killed him and shot her and one of her children because she knows his eyes. Rekia Wright, the fiance of 24-year-old Rawsheem Aponte, testified today before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum that May killed Aponte April 26, 2022, wounded her and one of her children, because she knows his eyes. Testimony began Tuesday in Mays trial after a jury was seated. May, 22, is charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder and felonious assault. Detectives said Aponte was being chased by May and was shot after he came to a dead end on Mohawk Avenue. His girlfriend and their child were in the car with him. Aponte was shot in the drivers seat and died at the scene by someone who walked up to his car. The girl and her mother were treated for gunshot wounds at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Wright testified under direct examination from Assistant Prosecutor Steve Maszczak that she knows May was the person who fired shots into the car because I know his eyes. Wright told Maszczak she knew Aponte and May had argued before but she did not say what they argued about. May was charged shortly after Apontes death but he was not indicted until January by a grand jury because he had fled. He was arrested in November by U.S. Marshals in Minnesota and returned to Youngstown. In his opening statement, Maszczak told jurors the shooting was captured on video and jurors will be able to tell the shooter was May because of the rifle he was carrying and how he wielded that rifle. Maszczak said the video came from a home security system on Mohawk Avenue. He said it shows May walking up to the passengers side of Apontes car and firing several shots through the window. May was seen in a rap video a few days before the shooting firing a similar AR-15 style rifle and the way he held it in the video is the way the person who shot at Apontes car was holding it, Maszczak said. The day of the shooting, Aponte and Wright stopped at a home on Belden Avenue on the way to the store but when Aponte spotted two cars there he told his girlfriend he had to leave, Maszczak said. Aponte drove away but both cars followed him, firing shots on Poland Avenue and continuing as Aponte led them on a chase. Aponte thought he had lost them on Mount Vernon Avenue, but that was a fatal mistake, Maszczak said, because the road dead ends. May was in a white Malibu that was able to catch up to Apontes car, Maszczak said. Police found that car two days later, he said. Maszczak said Wright told police three days after the shooting, after she got out of the hospital, that it was May who had shot them. Maszczak did not go into a motive during his opening statement. Aaron Meikle, Mays attorney, said police have nothing but speculation that May was the shooter. Meikle said the girlfriends identification is tainted because she had watched other videos of the shooting and May. He also said she does not know May. Meikle also said prosecutors are expected to show jurors DNA evidence but none of that DNA belongs to May. Under cross examination from Meikle, a sometimes visibly irritated Wright said she knows May because she had seen him around town before and had also seen his picture on the internet. She had also seen him previously at a gas station when she was with Aponte, Wright testified. I was close enough to know his face. I was close enough to know who he was, she said. When they were being chased, Wright testified Aponte told her he did not know who was chasing him or doing the shooting. She was either ducking down beneath the dashboard or trying to cover up her kids in the backseat to protect them from gunfire. The first two witnesses, city patrol officers Carlo Eggleston Jr. and Joe Wess Jr., testified that the scene was hectic and chaotic when they responded separately. When Eggleston got there someone put the child who was wounded in his arms. As he pulled up Wess spotted them, grabbed a first aid kit and put a tourniquet on her leg. Jurors watched that from Wess body camera footage that day. Eggleston said the girl told him, My daddy died. Eggleston and Wess can be seen trying to reassure her as they treated her wounds before an ambulance took her to St. Elizabeth Health Center. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TAMPA A jury went to work Tuesday to decide if members of the St. Petersburg-based Uhuru Movement are guilty of acting as agents of Russia in an effort to sow discord in the U.S. The trial had been scheduled to last a month but moved quickly, concluding after a week of testimony. Prosecutors alleged the defendants engaged in a seven-year conspiracy to further Russian interests. The defense countered that there was no evidence of a crime and that everything the Uhurus did was protected free speech. Jurors got the case late Tuesday afternoon and deliberated through Wednesday without reaching a verdict. Deliberations will resume Thursday morning. The trial started two years after it was first revealed that the FBI was investigating the African American activist group for their connection to a Russian man with ties to that nations intelligence service. The Uhuru Movement is the activist arm of the African Peoples Socialist Party, which has been a political and social force in St. Petersburg for decades. Their members advocate for the liberation of Black people worldwide and reparations for slavery, and against colonialism, among other issues. The government accused the groups longtime leader, Omali Yeshitela, 82, of conspiring with a Russian man who aimed to foster social divisions in the U.S. as a way of leveraging Russian interests. The government also charged Penny Hess, 78, and Jesse Nevel, 34, two leaders of branches of the groups white allies. A fourth defendant, Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, was kicked out of the Uhurus in 2018 and established his own group in Atlanta called The Black Hammer. Prosecutors presented testimony of 13 witnesses, all but two of them FBI agents. The case centered largely on emails, social media and text messages the group exchanged with a Russian man, Aleksandr Ionov. Ionov, 34, runs an organization known as the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, which has as one of its goals the protection of Russian sovereignty and security. Federal prosecutors alleged that Ionov established relationships with groups in Western countries who wanted to separate from their home governments. In 2015, he invited Yeshitela to a conference in Moscow to discuss future cooperation. Upon his return to the U.S., Yeshitela told his group that it appeared Ionov was an instrument of the Russian government and that does not disturb us. The defendants knowingly partnered with the Russian government, prosecutor Menno Goedman told the jury in closing arguments. Just look at their own words. But the defense argued that Yeshitela was only guessing and was not sure. Chicago attorney Leonard Goodman, who represents Hess, argued that Ionov concealed from the Uhurus his relationship with Russian intelligence. The government has not proven that they knew Ionov was a Russian agent or a Russian government official, Goodman said. He called the case dangerous for the First Amendment and asserted that the government was trying to silence the Uhurus for expressing their views. The defense presented no witnesses, but gave to the jury several items, including articles published in the Uhuru newspaper The Burning Spear and videos produced by Yeshitela and other group members going back decades. They argued that the groups message of working against racial injustice and against war and genocide had been consistent for years. Yeshitelas attorney, Ade Griffin of West Palm Beach, called him a revolutionary, an activist, a man of conviction and someone who stands up for his beliefs. Omali Yeshitela is not for sale, Griffin told the jury. From a crowd of more than 50 courtroom spectators came a murmur: Thats right. The governments evidence included pictures and videos of Yeshitela meeting with Ionov in Russia. One video depicted Yeshitela seated at Ionovs right during a dinner gathering with what appeared to be representatives of other Western groups. A man stood translating as Ionov spoke in Russian, and the group raised glasses in a toast to friendship. Over the course of seven years, prosecutors alleged, Ionov directed the Uhurus and Romains group to publish pro-Russian articles, organize protests and take other actions. In return, he promised favorable Russian media coverage and the spread of their message to an international audience. An indictment alleged that he also supported the campaigns of Uhuru members who ran for St. Petersburg mayor and City Council, although that aspect of the case was not a focus of the trial. Ionov communicated regularly with Aleksey Sukhodolov and Yegor Popov, both officers in the Russian Federal Security Service, the nations intelligence agency, known as the FSB. The three are also listed as defendants, though they remain in Russia. Ionov sent reports to the officers about his interactions with the Uhurus and other groups. Sometimes, the officers directed him to take action. One of the many instances prosecutors cited occurred after Russia invaded Ukraine in the spring of 2022. Ionov complained that Russia was losing the information war. One of the officers urged him to get in it. Thereafter, he reached out to Yeshitela. A recording of a Zoom videoconference, which was played in court, depicted Ionov asking if Yeshitela could organize a protest against Facebook. He complained that Facebook was censoring pro-Russian views. Yeshitela pitched it to the rest of the group. Its not something I would have thought of, he told the group in a recorded videoconference shortly thereafter. But I like the idea. Facebook has a lot of enemies. Its a warmonger, making sure the world cannot hear any story other than the U.S. Prosecutors played video of the demonstration, which they said the Uhurus helped facilitate, that occurred days later outside Facebooks offices in California. It showed people holding a Russian flag and yellow signs that read things like Facebook jail is colonial jail. They chanted: Zuckerburg, Zuckerburg, you cant hide! We charge you with genocide! Around the same time, Ionov exchanged messages with Romain. He asked him likewise to organize a protest against Facebook. The defense noted that the Uhurus sometimes refused things Ionov asked them to do. They said there was no evidence he directed them. What theyve done is throw out fragments of conversations to try to suggest to you that theres some control here, Goodman said. The prosecution asserted that the law does not require the Uhurus to have acted as employees of Ionov for them to be guilty. Rather, the case hinged on actions that they took at his direction and control. Those included writing a petition against the genocide of African people and sending it to the United Nations, Goedman, the prosecutor, argued. And it included their assembly of a four-city protest tour. All of those active measures, where the timing and content was dictated by Aleksandr Ionov, thats direction and thats control, Goedman said. An alleged private message from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' wife Ginni to the leader of First Liberty Institute, which describes itself as the nation's largest religious liberty organization, has triggered a wave of criticism from top Democrats, including a new call for the justice to recuse himself from future cases involving that organization. First Liberty frequently petitions the high court and is behind a number of landmark conservative victories, including those protecting the ability of public school teachers to pray on the job; helping families obtain state funding to attend religious schools; and, forcing private employers to be more accommodating of religious observance. On a late July conference call with supporters, according to a recording obtained by ProPublica, First Liberty CEO Kelly Shackelford is heard reading aloud an email from Ginni Thomas cheering on the group's efforts to oppose a White House push to legislate Supreme Court term limits and an enforceable ethics code, prompted in part by controversy last year over her husband's previously undisclosed financial ties and luxury travel with a GOP billionaire. "YOU GUYS HAVE FILLED THE SAILS OF MANY JUDGES," Ginni Thomas apparently wrote to First Liberty head Kelly Shackelford, according to ProPublica. "CAN I JUST TELL YOU, THANK YOU SO, SO, SO MUCH." PHOTO: Kelly Shackelford president and CEO of First Liberty Institute, speaks during a news conference after attending a Conversation on America's Future with Donald Trump and Ben Carson sponsored by United in Purpose, June 21, 2016, in New York. (Mary Altaffer/AP) Critics said the message suggests Clarence and Ginni Thomas are beholden to First Liberty and benefit directly from its advocacy. "The reported comments by Ginni Thomas are deeply problematic," said Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., in a statement Monday. "She's testified before Congress that she and Justice Thomas do not discuss each other's work. That defense now rings hollow. Whether she's inflating her knowledge of judges' views on ethics reform or telling the truth, her apparent comments on behalf of judicial officers create a clear appearance of impropriety for Justice Thomas." Durbin, who has previously called on Thomas to sit out cases stemming from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot because of his wife's activism, newly demanded the senior conservative justice also recuse himself from future cases involving First Liberty. The couple did not respond to ABC News' request for comment. The justice has previously declined to address Democrats' demands for recusal. First Liberty Institute does not currently have an active case under consideration by the Supreme Court. MORE: Clarence Thomas discloses 2022 private flights from Harlan Crow, defends past omissions PHOTO: Sen. Richard Durbin speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Ginni Thomas and the couple's Republican allies believe Justice Thomas has been the target of a left-wing smear campaign aimed at undermining the conservative-majority court's credibility. They oppose changes to the Supreme Court's structure and function and insist the institution must remain insulated from lawmaker meddling. "People in the progressive, extreme left, upset by just a few cases," want to change the Court to "really destroy the court, the Supreme Court," Shackelford says in the recording. Two members of the court this summer Justice Elena Kagan and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson publicly came out in favor of adopting an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the ethics code. Chief Justice John Roberts opposes such a step on constitutional grounds but said publicly last year the matter should be studied. His position has not changed. "The path forward is clear: Chief Justice Roberts can use his existing power to implement binding ethics reforms," Durbin said. "Until he does, I will continue pushing to pass our [Supreme Court Ethics, Reform and Transparency] Act and deliver the ethics reforms that the American peopleand our democracydemand." The measure cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2023 but has not yet received a vote by the full Senate. PHOTO: Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Virginia Thomas arrive at the Heritage Foundation, Oct. 21, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) While Justice Thomas signed on to the court's ethics code in late 2023 which says a justice must avoid the mere appearance of a conflict of interest it does not apply to spouses, who are not forbidden from engaging in political activity as private citizens. Ginni Thomas has spent decades publicly advocating for conservative causes and was a high-profile supporter of the "Stop the Steal" effort to overturn results of the 2020 presidential election. Some legal scholars have pointed out that Ginni Thomas was taking a position on court-related legislation long shared and publicly expressed -- by members of the court from both ends of the ideological spectrum. Neither the recording nor Ginni Thomas' email has been independently obtained by ABC News. Justice Clarence Thomas faces new recusal demand after wife's alleged message to conservative group originally appeared on abcnews.go.com ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) A juvenile wanted in connection with a roadside death last week in Lumberton surrendered himself to authorities on Monday, the Robeson County Sheriffs Office said. The unidentified suspect is linked to the death of 18-year-old Damian C. Chavis, whose body was discovered lying in the roadway along the 3500 block of East 7th Street Road on Sept. 5. Officials said the suspect is being held at the Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center without bond. On Sunday, authorities said 17-year-old Kameron Carter was charged with first-degree murder related to Chavis death, identifying him under a North Carolina law that waives privacy restrictions for minor in certain circumstances. Officials said the case remains under investigation with assistance from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. * * * 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. In the fourth season of the HBO comedy Veep, Selina Meyer, the titular character played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, runs for reelection after having been elevated to the top office following the presidents resignation. She and her running mate, Tom James (Hugh Laurie), choose to campaign under the hilarious slogan Continuity With Change, precisely the sort of empty and nonsensical branding that 21st-century Democrats just cant quit. And its hard to watch Vice President Kamala Harris suddenly flailing campaign for president without thinking of the fictional Meyer and (spoiler alert) her losing quest to hold on to the Oval Office. Although the real-life race remains a toss-up, Harris needs to shake up her deeply small-c conservative campaign, which nowadays often feels designed more to defend a clear lead against a two-minute drill than to urgently appeal to a dyspeptic electorate that clearly wants change. For roughly a month following President Joe Bidens departure from the race, Harris was able to consolidate the Democratic base and even opened up a small lead on Trump in national and swing-state polling. But she did so while steadfastly refusing interviews with major news organizations and avoiding as much policy substance as possible. Even after she selected as her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzwho delighted Democratic base voters with his expansive record of progressive wins like paid family leaveher policy vision remained frustratingly out of reach. In the early weeks of the campaign, as she was getting her footing and preparing for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, this was understandable and perhaps even defensible. But the convention has come and gone, and very little has changed. And its really starting to hurt her, with Sundays gold-standard New York Times/Siena College poll showing Trump with a 1-point lead nationally. To its credit, the HarrisWalz campaign finally put up a policy page over the weekend. But when you actually click on the various links, they dont offer much detail that you couldnt glean from one of their stump speeches. The campaigns health care plan, for example, is 256 words long and consists largely of a recap of the Biden administrations very limited accomplishments. Apart from a vague promise to cancel medical debt, it seems to rest on the laurels of past reforms and communicates no interest in or commitment to further improving Americas nightmare health care system. The child care plan promises only that a President Harris would work on ensuring hardworking families can afford high-quality child care, all while ensuring that care workers are paid a living wage and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Thats a lot of ensuring without very much planning. After 2020, popularist analysts like Matthew Yglesias and David Shor convinced many Democrats that policy ideas associated with the progressive left, like reallocating some money from police departments to other social-service agencies, should be avoided because they make it harder for the party to win elections. The basis for this belief remains something of a mystery, a combination of retroactive contempt for Hillary Clintons comparatively wonky 2016 campaign; regret about seeing leading 2020 contenders, including Harris, race too far to the left during the early primary debates in 2019; and a sense that the excesses of the summer of 2020 kept Biden from winning in a blowout. All this because Sen. Elizabeth Warren was running a couple of points behind Biden against Trump in a handful of polls a year from the 2020 election? Its hard to escape the conclusion that some bad polling around lightning-rod slogans like Defund the Police is being used by certain Democrats to execute a wholesale retreat from the hopeful, idea-driven agenda that the party coalesced around during the Trump administration. This is not just extremely depressing but also strategically unwise. By refusing to define herself in policy terms, Harris has allowed the Trump campaign to do it for her, and hes painting her as a loopy San Francisco Marxist. According to Sundays New York Times/Siena College poll, whose 1-point national lead for Trump instantly precipitated a mental-health crisis for Democrats, 47 percent of voters believe shes too liberala particularly disappointing outcome given that the Chicago convention ostentatiously centered a gaggle of former Republicans, with the hosts embracing law enforcement and adopting hard-line positions on issues like crime and immigration. Since then, the campaign has made a conscious effort to appeal to Nikki Haley voters by collecting endorsements from people like Liz and Dick Cheney. This, of course, has been Bidens strategy since he announced his candidacy in 2019 with appeals to bipartisanship and a roster of endorsements from Republicans like Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who recorded a video for the virtual 2020 DNC. None of it stopped high-profile MAGA Republicans from depicting Biden, and now Harris, as a radical leftist bent on destroying America. Harris is playing a track that has been in such heavy rotation throughout the Trump era that hardly anyone is even listening anymore. The outcome, then, seems inevitable: By a margin of nearly 30 points, likely voters say Trump would bring more change than Harris. Its not that Harris should be out there talking about police abolition, but there is a middle ground that has been abandoned. There is considerable risk that Democrats might ultimately feel resentful that they united to push Biden out of the race only to see him replaced by someone running to the right of John Kerry. As Perry Bacon Jr. wrote recently, Everyone on the left is unlikely to sit quietly while the Democratic presidential candidate moves right. The decision to exclude a Palestinian speaker from the DNC, for example, only reinforced the perception that the Harris campaign has decided to treat the partys left flank as an adversary rather than an ally. Unsurprisingly, Harris numbers among young voters have slipped over the past month without any offsetting gains with 2020 Trump voters or independents. Another problem is that Harris turn to the right has left her incapable of defending her own administrations record or offering a counterpoint to relentless Republican propaganda on top issues. Immigration is a particularly acute example of this problem. The Biden administration increased refugee caps and dramatically expanded temporary protected status for countries like Venezuela, leading to hundreds of thousands of migrants who are here legally but whose very visible presence on Americas streets is contributing to the perception that the border is out of control. The average voter could be forgiven for not understanding why they are being asked to help care for migrants when the people who are responsible for their presence refuse to defend or even explain it, let alone competently implement their own policy. The Harris campaigns searing rhetoric about immigration also leaves the U.S. with two major parties that seem to want to do the same thing: close the border and deport as many people as possible who have immigrated illegally. Judging from campaign talking points, the parties differ only in how humanely they plan to achieve these goals. The new HarrisWalz issue page gestures at comprehensive immigration reform, but it reads like an afterthought. The section consists mostly of a promise to sign the scuttled 2024 bipartisan border-security bill, which itself was a near-total capitulation for Democrats. This strategy also leaves Harris and down-ballot Democrats bereft of a positive policy agenda about the issue or the ability to explain immigrations many benefitsthat it is crucial to the economy, gives the U.S. a huge advantage over competitors, and is vital to maintaining the kind of age balance in the population that our peer countries are struggling with. All of these decisions are motivated by a fear-driven misreading of public opinion and a strategic choice to use persuasion exclusively to convince wavering Republicans that Democrats arent too radical for them. The policy ambiguity also contributes, unfortunately, to the perception that Harris is a chameleon with no underlying principles. Its OK for her to walk back or fine-tune some positions she adopted in 2019. Thats politics. But her ballyhooed CNN interview with Dana Bash showcased a candidate who wasnt willing to even narrate the shift in her thinking on issues like fracking. She could have said, I remain committed to moving away from dependence on fossil fuels, but after listening to Pennsylvanians as vice president, I became convinced that fracking has to remain part of our energy portfolio for the foreseeable future. That would be much more convincing than saying, repeatedly, My values havent changed. What is particularly maddening is that even if you concede that winning in politics is a simple game of doing whatever the public wants, fracking isnt actually that popular! (Nor, incidentally, is Israels war in Gaza.) It wasnt that long ago that a majority of Pennsylvanians wanted to end fracking, and even today the issue is basically a toss-up in the Keystone State. In this weekends Times/Siena poll, 43 percent of respondents opposed a fracking ban, and 39 percent supported it. This is a fluid issue with millions of people persuadable in either direction, not some public-opinion albatross that Harris must figure out how to shed at all costs. And yet her campaign is conducting itselfas it is on so many issues in which public opinion is not nearly as monolithic as some strategists believeas if Democrats hold the losing hand and need to either keep it hidden for as long as possible or draw new cards from the dealer. Four years ago, Joe Biden was planning an FDR-size presidency, and today Kamala Harris sounds as if shes envisioning something more like Bill Clintons aimless second term. Our nation may not be a basket case on the verge of state failurethe impression you would get from listening to the apocalyptic rhetoric at a Trump rallybut it is still a country with many serious problems that demand innovative policy solutions. And Harris would be wise to embrace and campaign behind a small number of bold ideas to address intractable problems like soaring health care costs and to articulate and defend those ideas in as many public forums as possible, including interviews with the press. These ideas dont necessarily have to sound as if they were concocted by Bernie Sanders. They just need to exist. Instead, the Harris campaign seems to think that the Biden policy record speaks for itself and, simultaneously and paradoxically, that all Democrats needed was a new nominee who says as little as possible about any of it. A candidate kept under wraps offering little more than tax credits and vague promises not only says continuity rather than change, but is enervating the Democratic base at the very moment it needs to be mobilized. One source of change is freely available: Harris could jettison some of the overcautious, out-of-touch campaign staffers that she inherited from the abysmal Biden reelection campaign and replace them with outside-the-box thinkers committed to a bolder vision. After all, Tuesday nights debate might be one of Harris last opportunities to regain her momentum by tapping into Americans desire for a new direction. If not, the context of all in which you live and what came before you will forever include another four years of Donald Trump. Need advice on living through this historic and nerve-racking presidential election? Slate wants to help. Submit your questions to Wedge Issues here. Its anonymous! No question is too dumbor too existential. Anadolu/Getty Images/Amanda K Bailey Nearly two decades ago, Vice President Kamala Harris learned during what she thought was an ordinary lunch date that her motherrenowned breast cancer researcher Shyamala Gopalanhad been diagnosed with colon cancer. It was one of the worst days of my life, Harris recalled in a 2018 op-ed published in The New York Times. I think of the battles she fought, the values she taught me, her commitment to improve health care for us all. As I continue the battle for a better health care system, I do so in her name. Harris spent every moment she wasnt fulfilling her duties as district attorney of San Francisco by her mothers side, holding her hand and helping her through the misery of chemotherapy, cooking her meals, and bringing her soft clothes to keep her comfortable and hats after she lost her hair. She watched the disease strip all of the quirks that made up her mothers fiery spirit up until the moment she died, two months after her 70th birthday. That time with her mother, Harris says, revealed a bleak truth to her: Americas health care system doesnt prioritize the people its supposed to serve, but rather the amount of money it can make from them. Ever since, this realization has molded her views on and efforts to improve health care policy in America. There should be nothing partisan about wanting a system where health coverage and care are based not on how much money you have or where you live. We need a system with the goal of good outcomes rather than the goal of high profits, Harris wrote in the op-ed. I believe that health care should be a right, but the reality is that it is still a privilege in this country. We need that to change. Harris said that she remembers thanking God that her mother had Medicarethe government-funded health insurance program for people ages 65 and olderwhen she received her diagnosis in 2008. At the time, private health insurance companies were allowed to charge higher premiums and impose exclusions or entirely deny coverage for medical conditions that were diagnosed before a person joined its plans. It wasnt until 2010 that the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, would be signed into law. The ACA protects Americans from these tactics and gives more people access to health insurance that they can actually afford. This experience inspired Harris to advocate against Republican-led lawsuits that attempted to get rid of some of the ACAs protections or the entire plan altogether. She was among the first senators to support the Medicare for All bill: a single-payer, national health insurance program introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders that aimed to provide all Americans with health coverage with no premiums, deductibles, copays, or surprise bills. Medical procedures already have risks. Prescription drugs already have side effects, Harris wrote. Financial anxiety should not be one of them. Harris later introduced her own Medicare for All bill in 2019, but her campaign has since said its no longer on her agenda, which is unfortunate. Nevertheless, Harriss time as vice president reflects how much her mothers colon cancer experience has shaped her views on health care. Harris helped win the right for Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and cap the cost of the diabetes medication insulin at $35 for seniors. In an August 16 press release, Harris laid out several proposals for her first 100 days in office, which includes capping the cost of insulin at $35 and out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs at $2,000 for everyone, not just seniors; increasing competition among pharmaceutical companies to help lower prices; and canceling $7 billion of medical debt for up to 3 million Americans, as well as removing this debt from their credit reports. On a similar note, Harris has talked about how her mothers work as a scientist has impacted her. I remember how proud my mother was to work with the National Institutes of Health as a peer reviewer and collaborator with other experts in her field, Harris wrote in her 2019 memoir The Truths We Hold: An American Journey. If we want our children to have cures for humanitys most terrible diseases, we should invest in our national medical researchers, instead of relying on companies that would rather funnel money to their shareholders. And in a 2020 tweet, Harris said: [My mother] was my inspiration and dedicated her life to finding a cure for breast cancer. I will always fight for public funding for cancer researchtoo many lives have been cut short. More recently at the Democratic National Convention, Harris shared how her mothers legacy has turned her into the leader she is today. She was tough, courageous, a trailblazer in the fight for womens health, Harris said. She taught us to never complain about injusticebut do something about it. Your health is always on the ballotand your vote is more powerful than you realize! Read all of SELFs coverage of the 2024 election and make sure you're registered to vote. Related: Get more of SELFs great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Originally Appeared on SELF At Tuesdays nights presidential debate, Kamala Harris is sure to get under Donald Trumps skin. But just to be extra sure, shes bringing two of his old administration staffers along. Former Trump White House director of communications Anthony Scaramucci and former Trump national security official Olivia Troye will be attending the debate in Philadelphia as guests and surrogates of the vice president. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung quickly tried to dismiss the news. Nobody is going to listen to someone who was a low-level staffer who didnt even work for President Trump and someone who barely lasted more time than an expired ham sandwich as White House communications director, Cheung said in a statement, referring to Scaramuccis infamously short 10-day tenure. Scaramucci has not held back on criticizing Trump and his campaign, warning about the repercussions of another Trump presidency and even offering predictions on how long J.D. Vance would last as Trumps running mate. Troye has called out Trumps mental fitness, alluding to multiple worrying instances during his time in office, and made a speech at the Democratic National Convention calling for her fellow Republicans to reject Trump and support democracy. In 2016, Trump brought Bill Clinton sexual harassment accusers Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey, and Juanita Broaddrick to one of his debates with Hillary Clinton in an attempt to abuse and humiliate his opponent. Harriss aim appears to be different: to show viewers that people who used to work for Trump now see the dangers of him returning to office. Bringing Troye and Scaramucci also offers the side benefit of getting Trump rattled. The debate promises to be an interesting contest, especially since Trump has tried to get out of it and his campaign has argued over the rules, trying to keep microphones muted when it isnt Trump or Harriss turn to speak. The Trump campaign seems to be worried that the former president and convicted felon wont be able to keep himself from interrupting or resorting to petty insults, and Harriss campaign wants him to be able to hurt his own cause. Having guests at the debate who Trump cant stand may allow Harris to get inside his head. Kamala Harris uses TikTok. So does Donald Trump. Now, it faces the legal fight of its life Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! FEDERAL APPEALS COURT TO HEAR ARGUMENTS IN TIKTOK BAN CASE Court watchers take notice the TikTok ban is about to have its day in court. The D.C. Court of Appeals will hear arguments Monday, Sept. 16, for and against the ban, which Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed into law earlier this year. The feds argue that TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, is a tool of the Chinese Communist Party, which could use the massive social media platform to spread election misinformation and propaganda to the more than 170 million Americans including 16 million Californians who use it. The law gave ByteDance nine months to sell the platform or else it would be banned. The ban faces a three-pronged challenge: from TikTok itself, from a group of TikTok content creators, and from the group BASED Politics, Inc., which produces videos espousing libertarian ideals targeting the Generation Z demographic. The latter is represented by the libertarian-leaning legal advocacy group Liberty Justice Center; The Bee recently caught up with Center President Jacob Huebert, who offered a preview of what arguments we can expect to hear next Monday. Our argument is that this shuts down the free speech rights of the 170 million Americans who use TikTok to share or hear content, including often political ideas, he said. He added that a government shutdown of TikTok would block content creators like BASED Inc. from reaching the audience they want to reach. Huebert argued that the congressional ban was arbitrary, pointing out that it picks on TikTok in particular, while leaving other apps, including those with ties to China like Temu, alone. The potential TikTok ban took on new relevance recently, when a Brazilian judge, and later the nations high court, ordered the social media platform X blocked, after owner Elon Musk refused to ban several accounts which the government contended were spreading election misinformation. Could what happened in Brazil happen here? Huebert argued that a TikTok ban leaves the door open for a president in the future to decide other social media platforms are foreign-controlled and decide that they need to divest. He said that the governments entire argument that China will use the platform to spread misinformation and that users can just migrate to another platform is speculative. Huebert said that TikTok offers something unique, and so there isnt a substitute for this. That audience may simply go away. Huebert wryly noted that if the U.S. government is so worried about the dangers of TikTok, its really curious that the Vice President of the United States has a TikTok account. Vice President Kamala Harris political rival, former President Donald Trump, also has a TikTok account. He has been a vocal opponent of the TikTok ban, going so far as to campaign against it. But dont expect this to be the last chapter in this particular legal battle. No matter how the D.C. Court of Appeals decides, Huebert said that he expects the U.S. Supreme Court to take the matter up this fall. BIDEN NOMINATES CHEN TO AMTRAK BOARD Via Gillian Brassil... President Joe Biden announced Monday he was nominating Republican Lanhee Chen, a candidate for California State Controller in 2022 and longtime GOP policy expert, to be a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors. Chen, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and the director of domestic policy studies at Stanford Universitys public policy program, was the policy director to Sen. Mitt Romney in his 2012 presidential campaign. Chen, 46, has also been a senior advisor on policy to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which works to get GOP candidates elected to the U.S. Senate. He has been a policy adviser to four U.S. presidential campaigns. The Amtrak Board of Directors is required to be bipartisan by statute. The Senate must confirm the presidents nomination in order for Chen to be appointed. Amtraks board includes the Secretary of Transportation, its CEO and eight members who are appointed for a term of five years. Chen ran and fell to Malia Cohen, a Democrat who was a member of the California State Board of Equalization and previously president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in the 2022 election to be state controller, Californias chief fiscal officer. California hasnt elected a Republican statewide race since 2006. Chen lost by less than 11 percentage points. Chen previously was nominated by former President Barack Obama and served as a member of the Social Security Advisory Board from 2014 to 2018. He was a senior official at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in former President George W. Bushs administration. Among other ventures, Chen is currently a member of the board of directors at El Camino Health in Northern California and a partner at the Brunswick Group, a global advisory firm. He has a PhD, J.D., masters and bachelors from Harvard. QUOTE OF THE DAY Were taking to the skies in Sacramento because AI safety is too important to go unnoticed. SB 1047 is the most consequential bill to regulate Big Tech and AI in the country right now, and Gov. Newsom has the chance to make it law. - Teri Olle, director of Economic Security California Action, in a statement announcing an airplane banner flying around the Capitol Monday afternoon and evening. Best of The Bee: Elk Grove woman solicited assassinations of US officials, federal indictment alleges, via Ishani Desai . Kamala Harris main goals in the debate with Donald Trump. Look presidential, keep her cool, via David Lightman . The Bee reported Cal-OSHAs understaffing endangered state workers. Whats happened since? Via Joe Rubin. It wasnt so much what she said. It was how she said it. Israel has a right to go after the terrorists that are Hamas, Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Aug. 10. It was a standard line, used many, many times by officials seeking to defend Israels ongoing war in Gaza. But watch the video of the moment: Her discomfort is obvious. She raises her hands, palms outward, as if to say, Look. I mean, Israel has a right and she pauses. to her hands circle in the air, as if shes searching for adequate words for the situation. go after the terrorists that are Hamas, she finishes at last. She sounds deeply exasperated. But, she addsand now her hands are clasped, her words fluentas I have said many, many times: They also have, I believe, an important responsibility to avoid civilian casualties. These are the same words President Joe Biden himself has used many times to condemn civilian deaths, even as his administration has shoveled money to the Israeli war machine and provided diplomatic cover for its leaders. The difference is largely in Harris tone. Sometimes, its the music and not the words, says Jeremy Ben-Ami, director of the advocacy group J Street, which supports Palestinian self-determination. I think theres a real sense that this is not just lip service, but she really means it, and I think that comes across. But not everyone in the Palestinian-advocacy world is picking up the melody that Ben-Ami is hearing. For them, Harris statements on Israel are frustratingly vague or infuriatingly routine. Its just words, says Natalia Latif, spokesperson for the pro-Palestinian Uncommitted movement, which formed during this years Democratic primaries to advocate for a cease-fire and an arms embargo on Israel. Latif notes a change in tone and emphasis from Biden to Harris, but if youre saying that youre working to end this war, if youre saying that far too many Palestinians have been killed, yet youre still giving the Israeli government the weapons they need to kill far too many Palestinians, that just doesnt mean anything. There remain several unknowns in terms of Harris beliefs about and plans for policy in the region if shes elected. Is it possible that Harris, who has built her campaign on a distaste for bullies, feels a true moral outrage about Israels brutal and asymmetrical war? Does she view anti-Zionists as a voter bloc worth listening to? Would her administration depart from her predecessors unwavering support for the Israel Defense Forces? Americans who care about the slaughter in Gaza are waiting for an unambiguous answer. We need more than words, says Latif. We need action, which means an arms embargo. But Harris cant personally take that action, as the vice presidentat least not now, not without great political cost. Nor does she have much room for explicit statements of support. There is reason to believe Harris is trying to signal that she is sympathetic with the cause of Uncommitted or open to their goals. But a small yet significant number of voters, on all sides of the issue, are waiting on a more definitive answer to decide whether to cast a ballot for her. And in an election as close as this, what those voters decide she believes and plans to do in Israel-Palestine could help determine whether she wins the White House. For Latif and others, subtle signs might not be enough. Harris may be singing their tune, but they might not hear her. If youre trying to determine Harris position on Israel from the mainstream news media coverage of it, youre likely confused. Headlines point in all directions, from Harris Support for Israel Ironclad After Attack on Golan Heights to Harris Team Expressed Openness to a New Direction on Israel Policy. One article claims there are Democrats Working Inside the Party to Persuade Kamala Harris to Stop Weapons for Israel, while another dishes: Harris Steps Out on Israel. But many explainers wind up throwing their hands in the air, like the Forward did: Kamala Harris Wants to Support Israel, and Palestinians. It Will Be Even Harder Than It Seems. Indeed. But taken together, Harris statements and movements around Israeli policythroughout her career but especially in recent months, after the candidacy was bestowed on herdo add up to something. An underappreciated signpost in Harris Israel record came in May of last year, when she and her Jewish husband, Doug Emhoff, released a new federal protocol for combating domestic antisemitism. The announcement and the protocol are both remarkable for insisting on a distinction between the interests of Jews and the interests of Israel, between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Typically, the U.S. government tends to define any opposition to Israel as antisemitic in and of itselffor example, in a bill that passed the House earlier this year by a margin of 31091. But the Harris-Emhoff protocol defines antisemitism in a way that deliberately makes space for Israel to be criticized: When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism (italics ours). Its one of conspicuously few references to Israel in the protocol itself. (For example, the much-vilified Palestinian-led BDS movement to boycott Israel goes unmentioned.) And in fact, when Emhoff gave a speech to introduce this major government document on antisemitism, he didnt use the words Israel or Zionism at all. Harris and Emhoff recognize how to distinguish between real antisemitism and those who are showing up because they rightfully want to speak out for Palestinian lives and humanity, says Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, who worked with Harris and Emhoff on the protocol, and walked away impressed by the finished product. It fundamentally recognizes at its core that Jewish safety is inextricably linked with the safety and rights of all communities and with inclusive democracy. The vice president has been in dialogue with other Jews who break the typical script. Harris has repeatedly sought out advisers and allies with more moderate stances than those of the U.S. governmentsuch as J Street, a pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy group that pushes for Palestinian statehood. J Street director Ben-Ami says his organization has had a line to Harris since her 2016 campaign for Senate, more recently meeting with both her chief of staff and her national security adviser. Similarly, when Harris chose a liaison to the Jewish community last month, she tapped Ilan Goldenbergan Israel-born former peace negotiator who has been described as an acerbic critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And of course, when choosing a running mate, she passed over the ardently Zionist Josh Shapiro for the moderately critical Tim Walz. And if Harris is philosophically uninvested in the mainstream pro-Israel lobby, theyve declined to financially invest much in her, either. Virtually all American elected officials receive campaign donations from a constellation of right-wing Zionist organizations, donations that can add up to more than $5 million per cycle. But Harris has received relatively little support from the lobby: As a senator, she received $253,256 from pro-Israel groups. By contrast, her Democratic contemporary Tammy Duckworthanother nonwhite woman from a solidly blue state elected in 2016received more than three times that amount. This is not to say Harris has no ties to the conservative wing of the pro-Israel lobby. One of her first speeches in 2016 after being installed as a senator was to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and opposed a United Nations security resolution condemning Israel around that time. But she seems to have come a long way since then: According to a former Biden staffer who quit over the administrations indifference to Palestinian lives, Harris was the first person in the administration to use the word cease-fire. Perhaps Harris loudest statement, however, was prefaced by her absence. Shortly after getting the nod from Biden in July, Harris snubbed Netanyahu, skipping his speech to Congress. (She spoke to a Black sorority, instead.) The next day, she met privately with himlater describing their talk as frank and productive, words that your boss might use after a performance review goes poorly. The reaction to her remarks was underwhelming at the time, but the remarks themselves were extraordinary. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, and I will not be silent, she told reporters and cameras. Israel has a right to defend itselfbut how it does so matters. It was as close as a sitting vice president could possibly come to reading Netanyahu for filth without creating a diplomatic crisis. Despiteor possibly because ofthese signs of openness, it wasnt long before pro-Palestine hecklers arrived at Harris rallies. The first time it happened, she attempted to silence them with a steely retort: If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking. It wasnt received well by her leftist critics. But just a few days later, when Palestine activists again interrupted her, she took a far more conciliatory tack: We are all in here together. Were here to fight for our democracy, which includes respecting the voices that I think that we are hearing from. Harris keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention was the pinnacle of her subtle, often confusing strategy. When the time came to speak of Gaza, she began with what sounded like a full-throated endorsement of Israeli interests and concerns. I will always stand up for Israels right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself, the nominee said. Because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that the terrorist organization Hamas caused on Oct. 7. The lines got a hefty amount of applause. But she continued: At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking. She and Biden, she said, were working to ensure that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, andhere her voice rose a crescendothe Palestinian people can realize their right to dignitysecurityfreedomand self-determination! The crowd exploded. Once again, the words themselves were not so novel. The two-state solution (another way of saying Palestinian self-determination) has been the official policy of the United States for three decades. But the tone in which she spoke, the rising pitch of her voice leading the audience to a summit applause line about Palestinian freedomthat felt new. Ben-Ami of J Street heard exactly what he was hoping to hear in Harris DNC speech: an even-handed play down the middle. The two or three paragraphs that were devoted to the issue were almost verbatim the kind of words and framing that J Street uses, he says. Latif of Uncommitted is less sanguine. She had been hopeful early on in Harris campaign: We definitely think that her language is different than Bidens and its more empathetic towards both Palestinians and to pro-Palestinian allies than President Bidens has ever been, Latif told Slate in early July. Theres a willingness to engage with our campaign that is not present for President Biden. But Latif was deeply disappointed after the convention. Uncommitted spent months negotiating for Palestinian representation there, and the DNC did allow an unprecedented panel on Palestinian justicebut they denied Uncommitteds request for a speaking slot for Ruwa Romman, a Democrat and the first Palestinian American ever elected to the Georgia Legislature. Meanwhile, an array of Republicans were allowed to speak from the podium. I think the Democratic Party has been doing this thing where they just try to do everything, Latif says. They try to be all the things. The Democrats were claiming to be the party that cares more about Palestinian rights while also being what she calls the party of censoring Palestinian Americans, of sending deadly weapons that are being used to kill Palestinian men, women, and children every other week. What does this all add up to? It may be easier to say what its not. These are not the cumulative words and actions of someone with Bidens unshakeable faith in the Zionist project. Harris doesnt subscribe to the kind of unwavering refusal to criticize Israel that many other U.S. lawmakers have displayed. Nor does she reduce domestic Jewish issues to Israeli policy, the way Trump and many Zionist organizations on the right have done. But its harder to say whats going on in Harris head. Its possible that she retains some genuine moral principles that make her more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and more critical of the IDFs actions than some of her peers; certainly shes better than most at sounding believably concerned by the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Its also possible that Harris has calculated a political value in reaching out to pro-Palestinian voters, if only so much. While this constituency has been too small in the past to hold much leverage in elections, that may be changing: If polls are to be believed, the carnage in Gaza has shifted public opinion significantly, especially among the younga voter demographic that Harris is investing in significantly. Harris has very little room to maneuver, however, without losing a huge part of her base and the party machinery that are still deeply attached to Israel. There is only so much a candidate and sitting vice president can do or say to break with the position held by her staunchly Zionist president, a Democratic establishment beholden to the pro-Israel lobby and AIPAC, and a broad swath of her liberal base that strongly supports Israel and its war. If shes serious about getting elected, she has to withhold the kind of unambiguous statementor actionthat pro-Palestine activists demand. So shes reduced to tone of voice, oblique gestures, a message hidden between the lines. In some ways, Harris is by necessity taking a page from her opponents playbook. Trump has long perfected the art of saying the opposite of what he means, relying on his fanbase to understand these statementssuch as his claims of support for LGBTQ+ people and reproductive rights, or his disavowal of Project 2025as kayfabe. His advantage is that his voters have developed a kind of political pareidolia; like people who read messages in license plates, they are happy to parse anything he says to mean what they would like it to mean. Unfortunately this tendency toward willing suspension of disbelief on the right is mirrored by a tendency toward cynicism on the left. The further right you go, the more likely you are to find people who will support Trump no matter what he says. The further left, the more likely youll find people ready to abandon any candidate who doesnt precisely align with a 20-point ideological agenda. Politics is an act of faith; it often requires watching for signs and portents, however faint. For Latif and others who are acutely aware that every day without U.S. action means real deaths and suffering in Gaza, the patience to sift for such signs might be hard to find. Kansas City police seek publics help in search for missing man with dementia Kansas City police are asking for the publics help as they search for a missing man with dementia. Jonah Johnson, 62, was last seen around 9 p.m. on Sept. 2, according to the Kansas City Police Department. At the time, he was leaving his apartment in the 1800 block of East 29th Street in Kansas City. Johnson left home without his medication and is subject to bouts of confusion, according to KCPD, during which he does not know who or where he is. KCPD issued a Endangered Silver Advisory Alert for Johnson on Tuesday. Johnson is Black with black hair and brown eyes and walks with a cane and a visible limp. He stands 511 tall and weighs about 250 pounds and was last seen wearing a red Chiefs jersey with dark pants and blue shoes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also assisting in search efforts for Johnson. Residents who have seen Johnson or may have information on his location are asked to call 816-234-5043 or dial 911. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, send a letter to the U.S. postmaster general and the Kansas congressional delegation complaining that nearly 1,000 advance ballots dropped in the mail before Election Day in the August primary weren't counted because envelopes lacked the required postmark or arrived after the three-day grace period authorized under state law. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The Kansas secretary of state said in a letter to the U.S. postmaster general that approximately 1,000 August primary voters in Kansas were disenfranchised because ballots mailed before Election Day in August arrived in county offices more than three days after the deadline or without an essential postmark. Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican who serves as the states chief elections officer, told Postmaster General Louis DeJoy there was cause to be extremely concerned about a troubling pattern that persists in the U.S. Postal Services processing and handling of ballots. He send the same letter to the six members of the Kansas congressional delegation. During the August primary, Schwab said, 18% of Kansans exercised the constitutional right to vote by sending ballots through the mail. Nearly 1,000 of those individuals, or 2% of ballots transmitted by mail in Kansas, werent counted due to USPS administrative failures, he said. In correspondence released Monday, Schwab sought assurances that the USPS would guarantee every mail ballot in the November general election received a postmark so it could be counted. Schwab also asked that ballots placed in USPS custody before Election Day would be delivered to county offices before the three-day, post-election window closed. The USPS proper and timely handling of mail ballots is a key aspect to maintaining trust in our election system by assuring the public that utmost care is taken to preserve the safety and security of their ballot, Schwab said. Kansas has had mail voting in some form since the Civil War, but never has a lack of confidence in the delivery of our ballot been questioned as it has in the 21st century. Kansas law requires advance mail-in ballots to be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Only ballots received in county election offices within three days of a primary or general election could be counted in Kansas. Schwab said a post-election survey showed county election offices in the state received ballots from the postal service days or weeks after they were mailed. He said some ballots placed in the mail ahead of Election Day didnt get a postmark. Approximately half the states county clerks reported receiving mail-in ballots without a postmark or after the three-day grace period permitted under statute, he said. It is unacceptable that voters, who follow the rules for requesting, voting and returning their mail ballot, are disenfranchised by the USPS because ballots that were properly and timely mailed were delivered without a postmark or not at all, Schwab said. In July, the USPS office of inspector general recommended the postal service make changes to allow postmarking of ballots that erroneously didnt receive one. The operational shift could help voters feel more confident their ballot would move efficiently through USPS, the inspector general said. Kansas Jerry Moran still wont endorse Trump as president. How long can he hold out? | Opinion Its the job of every good Republican to work for Donalds Trump election, right? Right? Thats certainly what Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri is doing. Kamala Harris is a San Francisco radical, he declared in a social media post over the weekend. Same goes for Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas. In the last 50 days, Kamala Harris has done ZERO press conferences, he posted Monday. Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability? Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is busy with his own race against Democrat Lucas Kunce, but hes also pitching in. Harris, he said last week, has spent her entire time in office selling out American workers. What about Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas? Well, his social media feed looks a little different. There are no defenses of Trump or attacks on Harris. Instead, there are posts featuring his visit to the Kansas State Fair, a speech to Beloits Rotary Club, and pictures of his appearance in Hoisingtons Labor Day parade. Its not incendiary. But it is how to put this kindly? kind of boring. And thats entirely by design. Americans may be consumed by the presidential election. Moran is sitting it out. To be fair, he appears to sit out every presidential election. I dont endorse candidates, he told Axios in July. Never have. A spokesman for Moran told me on Friday that is still the senators position. He also pointed out that Moran is raising money for GOP candidates in U.S. Senate races across the country, as well as for Kansas Republicans in state legislative races. So Moran is doing his bit for Republicans. Hes just not doing it for the biggest name in the Republican Party. Thats extraordinary. Trump is not the sort of figure who invites neutrality, official or otherwise. Youre either for him or against him. Republicans who arent for him? They generally dont get to stay in office very long. Mitt Romney who was the GOP nominee in 2012 is retiring from the Senate after this year, weary of being ostracized by his own party for vocal opposition to Trumps assaults on the Constitution. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is similarly bowing out of leadership, recognizing hes insufficiently aligned with the MAGA Republicans. Dick and Liz Cheney used to sit at the pinnacle of the Republican Party. They, too, have been cast into the outer reaches of RINO-dom. Theyre both endorsing Harris this year. Moran has walked a finer line. He has never embraced Trumps combative style, and he rejected the Big Lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen by Democrats. But he also voted against the Trump impeachment after Jan. 6. And just a few weeks after the insurrection Moran accepted Trumps endorsement for his own reelection bid in 2022. You do what you have to do to stay in office, I guess. Heres my embarrassing admission: I like Jerry Moran. I dont share his conservative politics, but I appreciate that he hasnt joined the crowd in practicing the contempt-and-grievance method of Trumpist politics so prevalent in the GOP today. Hes normal. I suspect well miss him when hes gone. I just wonder how long Morans balancing act can last. There is danger looming in the next few months if Trump wins: On Saturday, the former president promised supporters that his planned mass deportations of undocumented migrants will make for a bloody story. Theres also danger coming if he loses: Trump has never accepted the results of an election he lost. There is zero reason to think he ever will. We all know what happened last time. Donald Trump always forces the issue sooner or later: You are either for him or against him. Moran is one of the few people in American life who has chosen to duck the question this campaign season. Come November, though, there may not be any wiggle room left. Joel Mathis is a regular Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Opinion correspondent. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist. Veronica Mullet, left, is a certified nurse midwife who worked with Kendra Wyatt at New Birth Co. in Overland Park. Mullet and several midwives from the now-shuttered company have started their own company, Blossom Midwifery and Wellness Veronica Mullet, left, is a certified nurse midwife who worked with Kendra Wyatt at New Birth Co. in Overland Park. Mullet and several midwives from the now-shuttered company have started their own company, Blossom Midwifery and Wellness. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector) Officials at KanCare, the states Medicaid program, want to turn Kansas maternity care deserts into an oasis, with help from a federal grant. Melissa Warfield, director of Medicaid policy and research at KanCare, said the agency is finishing its application for the Transforming Maternal Health grant in hopes of being one of 15 states to receive 10 years of support and $17 million from the federal government. This is really a once in a generation opportunity for Kansas, Warfield said. March of Dimes reported that more than 45% of Kansas counties qualified as maternal health care deserts. Thats 13 percentage points more than the national average. A recent report from the Commonwealth Fund estimated that 41% of maternal deaths could be averted with an integration of midwife workforce into health care delivery systems, and address some of the maternal workforce shortages in the U.S. Warfield said these are the same benefits she hopes Kansas will reap by expanding the midwifery workforce and KanCare reimbursement structures, under the grant. The goal of the program is to create community systems. Warfield said the Medicaid-based midwifery growth would work hand in glove with community health care systems, physicians and existing birth care facilities. The grant aims to reduce low-risk cesarean sections, incidents of severe maternal mortality, low birth weight and Medicaid expenditures, and to improve overall perinatal outcomes. Warfield said the first step, if awarded, would be to assess the current midwife capacity in the state and the options to include additional levels of midwife licensure. There are several levels of midwife licensure, certified nurse midwives and certified midwives, which impacts the services they can provide and the amount of reimbursement they can receive. Kendra Wyatt is the co-founder and CEO of New Birth Co., a natural birth center in Overland Park that closed at the beginning of September. Wyatt has worked with legislators and advocated for bills that would change the states definition of health care providers to include maternity centers, like her own. Wyatt said this would bring a lot of midwives out of the shadows and allow them to help meet the shortages in the state and get adequately reimbursed for it. Were on the bench, Wyatt said. Were not being activated the way we could. A report from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found midwives and birth centers in state Medicaid programs, on average, are paid 15% to 70% of what hospitals are paid. That, and low reimbursement rates from private insurance companies, are what Wyatt said necessitated her centers closure. New Birth Co. in Overland Park closed at the beginning of September Only a percentage of women are eligible for a natural birth. High-risk pregnancies and cesarean section births still need a hospital. Wyatts vision is a hub-and-spoke model, similar to the community-supported model Warfield described, where rural health care facilities can bring in licensed midwives to perform prenatal care and assessments. Women who meet the low-risk criteria to deliver naturally could do so at those facilities. Other patients can be passed to a different hub or hospital that offers specialized care or can perform a cesarean birth. It would give patients the ability to seek at least some of their care at their local facilities. I think people who are able to have natural childbirth, we should consider (getting) those folks into birth centers, Wyatt said. Lets keep the higher acuity staff and facility for people who need inductions and epidurals and IVs and all those additional things. Wyatt challenges the idea that a hospital has to be able to offer cesarean sections in order to bring back birth. A midwife cant do everything, but Wyatt said they can help alleviate some of the maternal health shortages in rural Kansas. Christine Osterlund, the state Medicaid director, said part of the solution is to transition to reimburse for outcomes rather than services and level of licensure. There still are many codes that our nurse midwives bill for where they do receive less reimbursement than another type of licensed practitioner, Osterlund said. She said the Legislature has implemented policies that decrease the amount of haircutting, or reimbursing lower-level practitioners at a lesser rate, over the past several years. To provide that access to care and safe delivery options, the use of midwives, the use of nurse practitioners and other levels of practitioners, thats why Medicaid made those decisions, Osterlund said. Osterlund said in a standardized system like Medicaid, it can be difficult to develop more alternative reimbursement structures. Whats so amazing about this grant is its going to provide not only dollars but technical assistance to help Kansas think differently, Osterlund said. The goal of maternal care is to have a healthy delivery and postpartum transition. Osterlund said part of the goal with this grant would be to find ways to reward providers who have healthy outcomes, even if its not in a traditional setting. That could apply to midwives who provide care at home or outside of a hospital, or to emergency medical transportation teams who safely deliver a baby. (The grant) I think will really move us forward into being one of the leading states in the nation for this type of payment structure, Osterlund said. The grant is focused through the states Medicaid program, but Osterlund said the benefits extend to anyone in a community thats able to receive additional care through the grant especially communities that are currently in a maternal health care desert. Warfield said she doesnt expect major legislative hurdles with the grants implementation. In the past several years, Kansas officials have expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage up to 12 months and added doula services under the program. KanCare has submitted a letter of intent to apply for the grant, which is due Sept. 20. Warfield said award dates and disbursement are subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but awarded states should begin implementation in early 2025. UPDATE: KCPD says Jonah Johnson has been safely located. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department is searching for a 62-year-old man with dementia who disappeared from his apartment last week. According to KCPD, Jonah Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri was last seen on Monday, Sept. 2 at about 9 p.m. leaving his apartment near the 1800 block of East 29th Street. Student arrested for threats toward Lees Summit middle school He is 5 foot 11 and is said to weigh approximately 250 pounds. KCPD said he was last seen wearing a red Chiefs jersey, dark pants and blue shoes when he disappeared. Johnson suffers from dementia and may not know where he is or become confused. He is said to walk with a cane and a limp due to a hip injury, and when he left his apartment, he did not take his medications. If you are anyone you know has information regarding Johnsons disappearance, KCPD asks that you contact the Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5043 or 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) After days of infighting, the head of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs has resigned from office. On Monday, Gov. Kay Iveys staff confirmed that Kent Davis, who had been commissioner of the ADVA since 2019, had met with her that afternoon, where he gave her his resignation, which would be effective Dec. 31. Davis resignation comes days after Ivey had requested he step down, alleging that he had mishandled departmental affairs regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds and had not consulted with her office on matters. Following Davis resignation, Ivey released the following statement: Caring for our countrys veterans is something I have been passionate about throughout my life, and especially throughout my tenure as lieutenant governor and now as governor. Alabama veterans are a priority for the Ivey Administration, and we cannot let anything stand in the way of their care. Our meeting with Commissioner Davis today was respectful, frank, and informative, with both sides gaining new perspective and insight about the challenges each of us face in fulfilling our respective roles. I appreciate Commissioner Daviss record of service as Commissioner, and I appreciate him doing the right thing for our state and the future of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. As I have said before, we have important work to continue doing, and I want to see nothing get in the way of us remaining focused on the thing that truly matters here improving veterans care. Davis had previously declined Iveys request for him to resign, saying he had been transparent about how the ADVA had been run. As a result, Ivey had called for a special meeting of the State Board of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday to ask them to vote him out of office. Ivey has since canceled that meeting. The month before Ivey had requested Davis resignation, he had filed an ethics complaint against Kim Boswell, head of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, alleging she and others worked to keep the ADVA from receiving $7 million in ARPA funds. The complaint was ultimately dismissed. On Tuesday, Davis released the following statement on his resignation: I want to first thank the Veterans community for the outpouring of support and kind notes I have received over the last few days. As reported on Monday, I will step down as the Commissioner of ADVA at the end of the year. After a cordial, informative meeting with Governor Ivey and several members of her senior staff on Monday, the matter has been resolved to the mutual benefit of all parties. This was not an easy decision, but I am convinced that my decision was the best one given my recent health concerns, the long-term mission of the ADVA, and, most importantly, the outstanding military Veterans of Alabama. I remain proud of the great work and propriety that the ADVA team has accomplished over the past nearly six years of my tenure as Commissioner. Governor Ivey summed it up best when she spoke of the challenges of fulfilling our respective roles, and I am very grateful for the great discussion we had on Monday. My time as Commissioner has been some of the best years of my civilian career. The best part was meeting the men and women who have served and the families who sacrificed for the freedoms we have. I am grateful to have had this opportunity. One of the most significant accomplishments during my tenure will be celebrated later this week as we dedicate the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise. This has been a seven-year project that I am grateful to see through the ribbon-cutting of this incredible facility. And yet, as I reflect on my nearly six years as Commissioner, I also acknowledge that more work is needed. There are always new and constructive ways to support Alabamas Veterans. I look forward to completing this year with that goal in mind, and I will continue to apply the same passion and purpose for the next few months that has become expected. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) The search for suspected I-75 shooter Joseph A. Couch is still underway in northern Laurel County. In a news release Tuesday morning, Laurel County Sheriff John Root said United Way of London pledged $10,000 for information leading to an arrest of Couch. United Ways contribution joins a $10,000 pledge from an anonymous source and $5,000 from the London Laurel County Crime Stoppers, according to Root. Who is Joseph Couch? Suspected I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people By Tuesday afternoon, Root said another unnamed source offered $10,000, bringing the total reward to $35,000. Until weve exhausted all resources, were not going to quit, Root told FOX 56. We definitely want to, you know, lay hands on him and bring him to justice. On Sunday, 32-year-old Couch was named a suspect in the shooting that officials said injured five people and damaged 12 vehicles traveling down I-75 near exit 49 on Saturday. In the aftermath, the interstate remained closed for over four hours, and several school districts closed their doors on Monday and Tuesday due to the manhunt. RELATED: The U.S. National Forest Service said that numerous sections and trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest between U.S. Highway 421 and KY Highway 192 will be closed on Tuesday to support search efforts. This closure includes portions of Section 20 (McKee) and Section 26 (Laurel Lake) and all of Sections 21 (Horse Lick), 22 (Rockcastle), 23 (Wildcat), 24 (Hawk Creek) and 25 (Big Dog), U.S. Forest Service said in a Facebook post. In an affidavit obtained by FOX 56 News on Monday, Laurel County dispatch said it received a call from a woman who claimed Couch texted her that he was going to kill a lot of people. She also reported that he sent her another message that read, in part, Ill kill myself afterwards. PREVIOUS | Search resumes for suspect after shooting on I-75 in Laurel County In a statement from the U.S. Army Reserve on Tuesday, officials said Couch was a 12B combat engineer from March 2013 to January 2019. He was a private at the end of service and had no deployments. Kentucky State Police hosted a media briefing Tuesday afternoon, addressing concerns surrounding the shooting investigation and the continued search for Couch. At this time, theres nothing that we have came up with to say Mr. Couch has left those woods. Theres nothing to say hes got in a car. Theres so many people thats got eyes on this investigation around the world that by now, we shouldve got a pretty good tip that he has exited the woods. We have not got that. So our main focus is to remain in those woods until we find him, Pennington said. Pennington thanked community partners and local, state, and federal agencies for their help in the days-long search. He also encouraged the community to keep helping each other. Laurel County declares state of emergency amid search for gunman We encourage them to continue to check on their neighbor; check on the elderly person that dont have somebody regularly coming to their house. Make sure you hear from them daily. Make sure youre being vigilant when you go home, that youre checking maybe your camera, your Ring camera. Youre checking your security system before you go in the house. Make sure somebody didnt cross through your yard that shouldnt be. Make sure your lights are on. Make sure your cellphones are charged, Pennington said. Officials also confirmed that evidence had been collected from Couchs home. Some of those items, its part of the evidence, but its also some of the reasons were still remaining in the woods because we have nothing to say, Hey, lets go outside of the woods. Because we think thats where hes at, due to some of that evidence. Now, I cant get into the evidence that was collected or found, but, you know, were going to stay in there until we find him until stuff takes us to another direction, Pennington said. Investigators said at this time, they do not know if he has another weapon. Let the mountains ring forever: I-75 shooting hits close to home for Kentucky music festival He couldve borrowed a weapon or found a weapon. We dont know that. Right now, we know he committed a harsh, cruel act of violence, and weve got to consider him armed and dangerous until we locate him, Pennington said. Local, regional, and federal agencies will continue to search for Couch until they find him dead or alive. Some people say, What if hes not alive anymore? Well, were gonna stay in the woods until we find him. And, you know, thats our job; if hes dead or alive, its our job to try to find him, and thats what were gonna do, Pennington said. Madylin Goins contributed to this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, addressing the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, proposes putting $3.6 million from settlement funds into youth prevention, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo courtesy Office of the Attorney General) Kentuckys Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission voted in favor of spending $3.6 million over the next two years on a three-part addiction prevention campaign geared toward youth proposed by Attorney General Russell Coleman Tuesday. The funds that the commission is in charge of distributing, which come from legal settlements with drug companies, represent the shared pain of families across this commonwealth, Coleman said Tuesday. He asked the commission for permission to spend a slice of this blood money to reach young people across Kentucky between the ages of 13 and 26. No members voted against his request, and no one abstained. The money will be split into $1.8 million each year. Colemans campaign, modeled after a Florida initiative, has three parts. The first is an ad campaign called Better Without It, to be featured on social media, on college campuses and more. Coleman pointed to the well-known Click it or ticket campaign as an example that these types of education campaigns can work. The ads, which will also be pushed by influencers, will be tailored to Kentucky, using photographers and creators who Coleman said can make the material look and sound and feel and smell like the commonwealth. The second arm of the campaign is to weave together Kentuckys patchwork of school-based prevention programs so kids have access to more cohesive resources. Lastly, Coleman said, the campaign will elevate and draw attention to the ongoing work of this commission. Im asking you to zealously collaborate with us so that we can reach young people where they are to prevent them from taking their first and in this environment, too oftentimes their last experimentation with this poison. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman Overdose deaths in Kentucky decreased in 2023 for the second year in a row, according to this years Drug Overdose Fatality Report. In 2022, 2,135 Kentuckians died from an overdose, marking the first decline since 2018. Ninety percent of those deaths were from opioids and fentanyl. In 2023, the number of fatal overdoses was down to 1,984. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, accounted for 1,570 of those about 79% of the 2023 deaths. The 35-44 age group was most at risk, the report shows. Methamphetamine accounted for 55% of 2023s overdose deaths. From 2021 to 2023, around 460 Kentuckians under the age of 34 died from overdoses, according to that report. We know young people are more likely to be influenced by their peers than (by) someone who looks like me, Coleman said. Honest and productive conversations about the dangers of substance abuse among students can be a force multiplier. People in their teens and early 20s and those with a family history of addiction are most at risk for opioid use disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Im asking you to zealously collaborate with us so that we can reach young people where they are to prevent them from taking their first and in this environment, too oftentimes their last experimentation with this poison, Coleman told commission members. Coleman said as little as one fentanyl pill can and is killing our neighbors. We live at a time where there is no margin of error. It simply does not exist. Theres no such thing as safe, no such concept or notion of safe experimentation with narcotics. The commission was created by the state legislature in 2021 and has nine voting and two non-voting members. Kentucky receives installments toward $900 million in settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. So far, it has awarded 110 grants worth more than $55 million toward treatment, prevention and recovery efforts. The commission next meets on Oct. 8. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman unveiled plans Tuesday to create a statewide drug prevention program, saying the youth-focused initiative would fill a hole in the Bluegrass State's fight against an addiction epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives. Coleman presented the plan's details to a state commission, which unanimously approved his request for a $3.6 million investment over two years to implement it. With over one million Kentuckians under the age of 18, we are going to put every single dollar to good use, Coleman said. Our parents and grandparents schooled us that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I fully believe this initiative lives up to that age-old sentiment. Substance abuse is a deadly scourge in Kentucky though there are signs of progress in fighting back. A total of 1,984 Kentuckians died last year from a drug overdose, down 9.8% from the previous year, Gov. Andy Beshear announced in June, citing an annual report. Fentanyl a powerful synthetic opioid remained the biggest culprit, accounting for 79% of overdose deaths in 2023, according to the report. While conceding the fight against drug abuse is far from over, officials credited recent gains on expanded efforts to treat addiction, plus illegal drug seizures by law enforcement. Building a statewide prevention initiative aimed at keeping young people away from deadly substances will plug a gaping hole in efforts to combat the drug threat, the Republican attorney general said. We live at a time when as little as one fentanyl pill can, and is, killing our neighbors," Coleman added. We live at a time where no margin of error exists, where there is no such thing as safe experimentation with drugs." He said the campaign, called Better Without It, will spread its message to young people through social media and streaming platforms, on college campuses and through partnerships with influencers. The initiative also will promote school-based programs. Coleman unveiled the comprehensive prevention plan to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission in Frankfort. The commission is responsible for distributing Kentuckys share of nearly $900 million recovered in settlements with opioid companies. Half of Kentuckys settlement will flow directly to cities and counties. The commission oversees the states half, and so far it has distributed more than $55 million to combat the drug crisis. Beshear, a Democrat, has said Kentucky is at the forefront nationally in the per-capita number of residential drug and alcohol treatment beds. In Washington, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has steered huge sums of federal funding to his home state to combat its addiction woes. Kentuckys Republican-dominated legislature passed a sweeping measure this year thats meant to combat crime. A key section took aim at the prevalence of fentanyl by creating harsher penalties when its distribution results in fatal overdoses. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Henderson will be part of the Kentucky After Dark program this year. Officials say the Kentucky After Dark program has attractions spread out among 21 participating destinations across the state. It is believed to be the first state tourism promotion encouraging tourists to visit after dark. The campaign showcases popular Kentucky destinations but at night. Big Lots bankruptcy: The roughly 300 stores already set to close in the US When we launched this campaign last fall, we received an outpouring of enthusiasm from Kentucky residents, travelers, the participating cities, and the local businesses who saw increased foot traffic, said Robbie Morgan, director of the Lawrenceburg/Anderson County Tourism Commission. Other Kentucky counties saw this excitement and wanted to come on board too, so were so happy to be able to offer nine new attractions for visitors to experience in Kentucky, maybe for the first time, or for those who came to see us last year and want to return. Father of Lucy Nash provides update one month after collapse According to the website, Hendersons attraction will be called Hauntings at the Elm. The Elm is in historic downtown Henderson. Built in 1904, this building was an extension of the George Delker carriage factory. Tourism officials claim this building is one of the most haunted buildings in the state and note some of the ghosts include a waving prohibition era man, a creepy doll that moves around and two ghost boys from different eras. State officials explain people who visit the attractions will receive a Kentucky After Dark passport with a unique sticker at participating sites. Kentucky After Dark runs through the end of 2024. All locations participating in this event 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). (NewsNation) Calls made to 911 after the Kentucky I-95 shooting have been released, shedding new light on the panic endured by those at the scene on Saturday. Five people were shot and wounded and 12 vehicles were shot at. Authorities believe the man responsible is Joseph Couch, 32, who was first considered a person of interest when a vehicle registered in his name was found near the scene. A statewide manhunt for Couch has entered its fourth day, with police believing the former Army Reserves soldier is hiding in southern Kentucky woodland. In an erratic 911 call, a man can be heard telling the operator his car was shot at, and at least one woman had been wounded. Kentucky I-75 shooting: What we know She got shot through the door here, too, the caller told the 911 official. Are you okay? Are you okay?, the man asked a female victim. Shes shot, shes bleeding shes gushing blood, bad, the caller added. Another 911 caller said a man, believed to be Couch, was shooting at cars at exit 49 on I-75. Multiple callers told 911 they had been shot, however, none of the injuries that occurred are believed to be life-threatening. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After nearly a year and a half in office, how well has Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade performed in the role? The majority of Gazette readers, 63%, split between A and D/F grades, according to results of a recent poll conducted by the newspaper. The results Of 835 total responses to an unscientific poll The Gazette recently ran that asked participants to assign a letter grade to Mobolade's mayoral performance, about 33%, or 277 people, graded Mobolade with a D/F. The poll ran online for three days between Sept. 3-5, on Gazette.com and the newspaper's Facebook and Instagram social media pages. Nearly just as many participants about 30% of the total, or 250 awarded Mobolade an A for his performance. Roughly 20%, or 168 people, graded Mobolade a B, and 17%, or 140 people, gave him a C grade. Mobolade was previously an entrepreneur who had no prior political experience before he was elected mayor with a 57.5% majority in a May 2023 runoff election. When he was elected, Mobolade promised to "go to work" on tough issues like public safety, infrastructure and the city's economic vitality, among others. In an interview Monday afternoon, Mobolade pointed to 2/3 of Gazette poll participants total who graded him C or better. "Overall, it feels like an affirmation that people feel my team and I are doing a good job. That's a passing grade," he said. Of 366 responses on Instagram as of Friday morning, 43% of participants, or 157 people, gave Mobolade an A. Another 27% of participants on Instagram, or about 100 people, graded Mobolade's performance as a B, while 15% of voters (55 people) each graded Mobolade a C and as a D/F. Participants on Gazette.com and Facebook graded Mobolade lower overall. Of 462 responses on Gazette.com as of Friday morning, about 33% of voters 153 people gave Mobolade an F; nearly 20% (92 people) graded him an A, about 15% (69 people) a B, around 18% (84 people) a C, and almost 14%, or 64 people, graded him a D. Facebook had much less participant engagement than Instagram or Gazette.com. Of seven participants who assigned a letter grade to the mayor's work in office, four of them, or about 57%, graded him an F. One person each, or about 14% of participants, graded him an A, C and D. There were no responses for a B grade. Participants who commented on social media shared wide-ranging opinions on Mobolade and his work since he took office. Contributors were generally more critical of his performance on Facebook, while more people praised Mobolade's work on Instagram. Mobolade said Monday that since he ran his mayoral campaign he has been committed to soliciting feedback from the community, taking resident comments and suggestions into consideration, and working to address issues. "These are pain points, and I need (residents) to know that your mayor is listening and your mayor is going to act on it," he said. Among praises, Instagram user sha_ron_khan said Mobolade has done "pretty well" during his time in office. "I feel like he 'gets' the people and the needs of the city, as varied as they are, and tries to respond with plans of action as well as actually taking action," they said. Mobolade also took some criticism in the poll, including in the areas of public safety and roads and infrastructure. Public safety "He needs to work on crime here," commented Instagram user 2meowwows, adding that a spate of smash-and-grab robberies across the city this summer, mostly targeting vape shops and gun shops, "is insane." They also wanted Mobolade to put together a gang task force to fight gang-related activity in the city. In a broadcasted State of the City speech Mobolade delivered Monday morning at the Colorado Springs City Council's work session a day ahead of the ticketed State of the City event hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation, scheduled for Tuesday morning at The Broadmoor Mobolade touted the work he has done in office to improve public safety. Among other steps forward, Mobolade said in his Monday address, the Police Department that has been fighting staffing shortages expects to reach its full authorized strength of 819 officers by early 2025. By the end of this year, the department expects to have hired 130 new officers in 2024 alone. Looking ahead to 2025, Mobolade said the city's new four-year Strategic Plan focuses on more ways to improve emergency response times and reduce crime. The 2025 budget proposal, which Mobolade's administration will present to the City Council this fall, will propose beefing up the Police Department's authorized strength by 20 new officers, from 819 sworn staff to 839. Featured Local Savings More officers on the street will keep up with population growth and ensure Colorado Springs can better respond to crime and emergencies, Mobolade said. Motor vehicle theft in the city is rising, and many of the cars are stolen by juveniles who are repeat offenders, he said. To combat this, Mobolade said his administration will hold a legislative public safety summit this November, working with Colorado lawmakers, nonprofits and businesses "to explore legislative strategies" that will keep repeat offenders off the streets. "This system is failing them, and it is failing our community," he said. The city will also "(prioritize) upstream solutions" to combat root issues of juvenile crime, such as continuing partnerships with Police Chief Adrian Vasquez's Youth Advisory Council, made up of volunteer high schoolers who meet regularly and share their thoughts and concerns directly with the police chief. The city has also partnered with youth intervention services like Forge Evolution, One Body E.N.T. and Joint Initiatives, among others. In the past year, Colorado Springs has broken ground on its new northside Fire Station 24 near InterQuest Parkway, and opened Fire Station 25 near Marksheffel Road in the city's southeast quadrant. The Fire Department has responded to 24 wildland fires so far in 2024, with no lives or structures lost. Firefighters have extinguished 339 fires in homeless encampments since the beginning of the year, Mobolade said. In June, the City Council narrowly voted down Mobolade's and the Fire Department's proposal to create their own ambulance enterprise beginning next spring. The vote leaves the current contract with American Medical Response in place, though that contract is scheduled to end in April. Councilmembers who opposed creating a new city-run ambulance service worried it would not be able to sustain itself financially. Mobolade said in an interview with The Gazette on Monday the city is currently focused on extending its contract with AMR for another year. Throughout the next year, he still wants to research the possibility of establishing a municipally-run ambulance service; this will protect General Fund dollars and allow the Fire Department to continue adding innovative services for low-level and behavioral health calls, Mobolade said. Roads and infrastructure Some poll responses across social media criticized Mobolade for "failing to repave city streets," but also for "(ripping) up" sidewalks across the city. Thanks to the voter-approved road spending tax called 2C, Colorado Springs has filled more than 73,000 potholes across the city in 2024 8,000 more than officials filled at the same time in 2023, the mayor said during his Monday State of the City address in front of council. Through the road tax, Colorado Springs has this year repaved 162 miles of roads, replaced 152,000 feet of concrete curb and gutter and installed 600 pedestrian ramps. Voters first approved 2C in 2015 and renewed it in 2019. Because there is still more work to do to improve Colorado Springs roads and sidewalks, the city in November will ask voters to extend the road sales tax for an additional 10 years, from 2026 through 2035. "2C has made significant progress," Mobolade said in his address Monday. "It would not be possible without 2C funding that can only be spent on work to repave roads and fix the concrete next to them." There are also several capital projects underway, he said, such as the approximately $40 million Circle Drive bridge project replacing four aging and deteriorating bridges on Circle Drive, east of Interstate 25 in southeast Colorado Springs. Facebook user Robbie Piccione said Mobolade has had some accomplishments during his tenure, but more needs to be done, including in the area of public transportation. "I, for one, would like to see him fix our city's current public transportation system so us patrons can go almost anywhere we want at just about any time," Piccione wrote. "Having a city bus system that literally serves the entire city is a necessity." Mobolade told The Gazette one challenge he faces is communicating the city's ongoing work to address pain points like roads, public safety and the local economy. Residents can keep informed about city goals and municipal and development projects by attending regular City Council and planning commission meetings, participating in public town halls, or signing up to receive alerts for specific projects. Residents can also subscribe to Colorado Springs Weekly, a digital newsletter of city news, events and updates sent via email. Mobolade said Monday the city conducted its own scientific community survey in July, with the goal of gathering resident feedback for city priorities and performance. The survey was part of the 2024-2028 strategic plan development timeline. Officials expect to release those survey results in the future. CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A 53-year-old Kentucky man died Friday after being involved in a crash in Pickaway County, Ohio two days prior. According to the Pickaway County Sheriffs Office, Eric Payne of Paris, Kentucky, was driving a Ford south on U.S. 23 near Hagerty Road at 3:31 a.m. Sept. 4. The car went off the roadway, rolled and then hit a crossover before going airborne and coming to a rest in the median on its wheels. Man, 43, dead after pickup truck rear ends stopped car in east Columbus This embedded content is not available in your region. Payne was first taken to a nearby hospital before being flown to another in Columbus. He was pronounced dead Friday. Other vehicles hit debris from the crash while driving on U.S. 23 but were not reported as being involved in the crash, according to the sheriffs office. The crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. (NewsNation) Authorities are no closer to finding Kentucky shooting suspect Joseph Couch, 32, and continue to hope he will come out of hiding and give himself up. Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on Couch, who is on the run in southern Kentucky woodland. Couch is accused of shooting at 12 vehicles on Interstate 75 in Kentucky on Saturday, which injured and wounded at least five people. Kentucky I-75 shooting: What we know The former Army Reserve member has been on the run since the shooting. Pennington asked for patience at Tuesdays press conference. This is not like going across the road and looking in the woods and finding somebody, Pennington said Tuesday. This is the national forest. This is 1000s and 1000s of acres. and we have no evidence at this time that Mr. Couch has left there, he added. Pennington pleaded with Kentuckyeans to keep sending in tips, hoping they would assist in Couchs capture. Authorities are patrolling the Rockcastle River area where Couch is expected to be hiding, but the terrain is challenging. Pennington described the land being searched as a jungle. Schools close as police search for the gunman who wounded 5 people on a Kentucky interstate Our main focus is to remain in those woods until we find him, Pennington said. Were going to stay in the woods until we find him. If hes dead or alive, its our job to find him. The FBI, ATF, and Kentucky State Police are all involved in the search. He was not previously familiar to the Laurel County Sheriffs Office. While law enforcement has yet to release the names of the victims, they are all expected to survive. An initial $5,000 reward had been offered for information relating to Couch. It has now been increased to $25,000. Couch became a person of interest after authorities found an SUV registered to him in the vicinity of the attack on I-75. Pennington has urged residents to be vigilant, check on their neighbors, and avoid hunting in areas near the police search. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. (NewsNation) The search continues for a suspect who allegedly shot five people on a Kentucky interstate near the town of London on Saturday, but residents are being told to stay strong despite the uncertainty, according to the citys mayor. Were Kentucky strong here, London Mayor Randall Weddle told NewsNation Monday. While we have a lot of emotions, a lot of high tension right now in this area, we were reminding people to not allow this to change who we are, and lets come together with a message of hope. Weddle said he is encouraging area residents to get back to normalcy in the best way they can. Many area businesses have remained closed, he said. It is hard on the entire community and the surrounding communities, but we are encouraging people to try to get back to their normal life, he said. Kentucky shooting witness recounts incident Authorities believe suspect Joseph Couch, 32, is hiding in a remote, wooded area of southern Kentucky. Police have warned the public to lock their doors, and schools across eight districts have canceled classes Monday. The city of London and the Kentucky State Police announced a $15,000 reward for any information leading to Couchs arrest. This will definitely help the search process, Weddle said. The mayor said that authorities are aggressively searching for Couch despite the challenging dense wooded terrain in the area. Interstate 75 was closed for about three hours in Laurel County, Kentucky, just north of London, after Couch allegedly started shooting at passing cars Saturday around 6:30 p.m. ET. Law enforcement has yet to release the names of the victims, but they are all expected to survive. Kentucky highway shootings likely not road rage: Former CIA officer | Morning in America The London Police Department posted a picture of Couch, initially naming him a person of interest and later as a suspect in the shooting after authorities said they recovered his SUV on a service road near the crime scene. A phone believed to be Couchs was also found by law enforcement, but the battery had been taken out. They later found a semiautomatic weapon nearby that they believe was used in the shooting, said Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the local sheriffs office. Weddle had previously warned people in London, a town of about 8,000, to be vigilant. If youre home, keep your doors locked. Im not asking anybody to panic. Theres no immediate danger here in the city. If youre out and about, just be vigilant, he said. Couch most recently lived in Woodbine, a small community about 20 miles south of the shooting scene. Authorities said he purchased the weapon and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition Saturday morning in London. NewNations Rich Johnson and Devan Markham contributed to this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. DENVER (KDVR) Police have seen suspects flee the scene of a crime in many ways some have used getaway drivers and cars, while others have even fled on foot, but what about an electric scooter? On Aug. 25, the Wheat Ridge Police Department said officers were called about a theft at a beauty store off Youngfield Street. The 911 caller said the suspect left the store with three reusable bags worth of merchandise, but instead of getting in a car, the suspect scooted away. Firestone car chase ends when driver crashes into median, suspects flee Wheat Ridge police said officers searched the area before spotting a man on an e-scooter who matched the suspects description near West 32nd Avenue and Ward Road. Our officer activated lights and sirens to get the suspect to stop, but he kept on scootin, Wheat Ridge police said on X. Eventually, after a short chase by an officer on foot, police said the suspect ditched the scooter and officers were able to take him into custody. According to Wheat Ridge police, the suspect reportedly had 19 perfume bottles worth $2,595. Police also found suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The man had three active warrants, as well, two out of Lakewood for failure to appear and shoplifting and one out of Denver for shoplifting. Dash camera shows aggressive drivers in road rage encounter on C-470 Wheat Ridge police said the man is facing charges of felony theft, unlawful possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing a peace officer. Stop stealing in Wheat Ridge, police 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 FOX31 Denver. Kids get their checkups thanks to local medical students at KCU-hosted event JOPLIN, Mo. Dozens of doctors in training are offering free checkups to local students, and theyve got lots of extra help this year. KCU-Joplin is hosting its annual Score One for Health event, which provides basic health screenings for Joplin fifth graders. This year, theyre joined by KCU dental students along with Pitt State nursing students. The event covers things like eye and dental exams, blood pressure checks, and even a station featuring a STEM learning project. Student doctors say it gives them a chance to interact with live patients and helps the students stay healthy. Obviously community health is a big thing bettering our community. And so seeing all these kids and knowing that were out there making a little bit of a difference, kind of easing the burden of healthcare here at the school, said Alexon Tiem, KCU dental student. This is the eighth year for the Score One for Health project at the Joplin campus. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the country would ramp up its nuclear arsenal in response to threats from the United States, state-run media said Tuesday. Kim made the remarks during a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the countrys founding in Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo by KCNA/EPA-EFE SEOUL, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his isolated state would increase its nuclear weapons stockpile by "geometrical progression" due to threats from the United States and its allies, state media reported Tuesday. Kim made the comments during a speech Monday marking the 76th founding anniversary of North Korea, state-run Korean Central News Agency reported. He claimed that the "reckless expansion of the military bloc system led by the U.S." posed a "grave threat" to the North, necessitating a nuclear buildup in response. "The obvious conclusion is that the nuclear force of the DPRK and the posture capable of properly using it for ensuring the state's right to security in any time should be more thoroughly perfected," Kim said, using the official acronym for North Korea. "We are now perfectly carrying out the policy on building the nuclear armed forces on increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression," he added. The remarks came one day after KCNA released an image showing Kim inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher, or TEL. The launcher appears to be an upgrade to the 11-axle version used to mount the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, generating speculation that a new ICBM may be revealed soon. "It's not unusual for North Korea to use media reports and imagery to try to telegraph to the world," Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a press briefing Monday in response to a question about the new TEL. "From a U.S. standpoint, again, our focus is on working with our regional allies and partners to include the ROK and Japan on preserving regional security and stability and deterring potential attack," Ryder said, using the official acronym for South Korea. In his speech, Kim said North Korea was a "responsible nuclear weapons state." "We are constantly exposed to a serious nuclear threat," he said. "Our nuclear weapons for defending ourselves do not pose a threat to anyone." It is unclear how many nuclear weapons North Korea possesses. A recent study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that the North has assembled around 50 warheads and possesses enough fissile material for up to 90 warheads. Tensions remain at a high point on the Korean Peninsula, with Pyongyang maintaining a steady stream of weapons tests and hostile rhetoric toward the United States and its allies in the region. Last month, North Korea unveiled new "suicide" attack drones and an upgraded multiple rocket launcher -- short-range weapons that threaten targets such as Seoul, the South Korean capital located only 30 miles away from the border with the North. The North also resumed its trash-carrying balloon launches over the border last week as part of a Cold War-style psychological warfare campaign with the South. Seoul has responded with propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts near the DMZ. South Korea and the United States recently wrapped up a 13-day military amphibious landing exercise near the southeastern city of Pohang. The allies also concluded their annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercise last week, which the North condemned as the "most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression." A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 10 September 2024, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivering a speech to celebrate the National Foundation Day of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as the country is officially known. -/kcna/kns/dpa North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang would increase its nuclear weapons arsenal, state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday. Kim said that North Korea's stockpile should be increased exponentially during a speech on Monday marking the founding day of the country. "We are now perfectly carrying out the policy on building the nuclear armed forces on increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression," KCNA cited Kim as saying. Kim also accused "hostile" forces of wanting to attack North Korea with nuclear weapons, without specifying which countries he meant nor providing evidence. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), North Korea currently possesses around 50 nuclear warheads, though the exact number is unknown. Widely isolated North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile programme. The last known nuclear test took place in 2017. Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang significantly expanded its missile tests over the past two years, while sharpening its rhetoric against the US and South Korea. It has also intensified its military cooperation with Russia. A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 10 September 2024, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivering a speech to celebrate the National Foundation Day of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as the country is officially known. -/kcna/kns/dpa North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in a surprise speech on Monday that his country would exponentially increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons. In a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, Mr Kim said there would be no limit on the expansion of the countrys military prowess, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. It was Mr Kims first founding day speech since he assumed power in 2011, South Koreas unification ministry noted. South Koreas defence minister warned in July that Pyongyang could be considering conducting a nuclear test close to the US presidential election in November. North Korea has completed preparations to conduct a nuclear test when a decision is made, Mr Shin Wonsik said. North Korea on Monday unveiled a new mobile missile launcher with 24 wheels for the first time, indicating a new intercontinental ballistic missile development. Mr Kim had pledged a new policy to counter South Koreas attempt to boost trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan after the three countries signed a military training pact in July. Service personnel of the public security ministry pay tribute as they visit the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang (AFP via Getty) We are now perfectly carrying out the policy on building the nuclear armed forces, on increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression, Mr Kim said. He reiterated that North Korea was a responsible nuclear weapons state and characterised the new policy as a duty and right to existence. A strong military presence was needed to face the various threats posed by the United States and its followers, he added. This year, the leader said, the country secured wonderful military strength by making important achievements in national defence studies and production. He did not elaborate on the achievement. Mr Kim said North Korea was facing a "grave threat" from a US-led nuclear-based military bloc in the region. In Seoul, top defence officials of Japan, South Korea and the US met on Tuesday to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening trilateral cooperation and deterring North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, according to a joint statement released by the US State Department. Cho Chang-rae, South Koreas deputy defence minister for policy, and his US and Japanese counterparts condemned Pyongyangs recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles. They also agreed to hold a second trilateral military exercise, known as Freedom Edge, in the near term. North Korea last month said it had moved 250 new mobile launchers for ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to the frontline. The military also unveiled its new suicide attack drones, something South Korea said was happening for the first time. (Bloomberg) -- North Koreas leader vowed to bolster his nuclear weapons capabilities exponentially and prepare his troops for combat as he accused the US and its allies of expanding a nuclear-based military bloc in the region. Most Read from Bloomberg In a speech marking the 76th founding anniversary of his country, Kim Jong Un said hell get his nuclear force fully ready for combat and theres no limit to how much hell expand his military muscle, official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. We are now perfectly carrying out the policy on building the nuclear armed forces on increasing the number of nuclear weapons by geometrical progression, Kim said, characterizing the task as a duty and right to existence. The pledge comes as Pyongyang seeks to counter South Koreas moves to strengthen its defense partnership with the US and Japan after the three nations signed a pact on military training in July. The agreement built on a major trilateral summit hosted by President Joe Biden at Camp David in August of 2023. North Korea last month said it would deploy to frontline military units 250 new mobile launchers for ballistic missiles that can deliver nuclear strikes on its neighbor to the south and US forces stationed there, in one of its biggest displays of its rocket prowess under Kim. It followed the missile initiative by unveiling new suicide attack drones. North Korea may be considering a nuclear test near the time of the November US presidential election to raise its profile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols national security adviser Shin Wonsik said in July, when he was serving as defense minister. In his remarks this week, Kim said North Korea secured wonderful military strength by making important achievements in recent months, without elaborating. On Sunday, North Korea unveiled a new 12-axled missile launcher, generating speculation over a new intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea has lashed out at joint military drills between the US and South Korea and sent thousands of trash-laden balloons across the border in recent months. The DPRK will steadily strengthen its nuclear force capable of fully coping with any threatening acts imposed by its nuclear-armed rival states, Kim said, using the acronym for the Norths official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. On the economy, Kim said crop harvests have been good so far this year despite severe flood damage in the northern region. The city of Sinuiju, a trade hub connected to China by bridge, and the nearby county of Uiju were hit by torrential rains and floods in the last week of July. The downpours damaged about 4,100 homes, swept over roads and rail links, and wiped out about 3,000 hectares (7,410 acres) of farmland, according to North Korean state media reports. The exact number of casualties was not immediately known, but South Korean media outlets have said at least hundreds were estimated to have been killed, citing government sources they did not identify. North Korean media hasnt mentioned any deaths. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, has vowed to exponentially increase the number of the countrys nuclear weapons. In a speech marking the regimes founding anniversary on Monday, Kim said North Korea must build its nuclear capability and its readiness to use it properly at any given time in ensuring the security rights of the state, KCNA, the state newswire, reported. Kim justified the move by claiming that North Korea faces a grave threat from what it sees as a US-led nuclear bloc in the region. His latest announcement followed the official release of a photo showing a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher, raising concerns that Pyongyang could use the vehicle to launch a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the mainland US. The picture showed Kim inspecting the vehicle, larger than any previously known launchers, suggesting that it could be paired with a missile that has an even larger range or warhead. Germanys chief of defence has said North Koreas provision of munitions to Russia was helping to fuel Russias war in Ukraine - Vladimir Smirnov/Reuters In response, Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said the US was focused on working with our regional allies and partners, including South Korea and Japan, on preserving regional security and stability and deterring a potential attack. On Tuesday, Cho Chang-rae, the South Korean deputy defence minister for policy, and his US and Japanese counterparts condemned Pyongyangs recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles. South Korea is currently hosting a defence ministerial meeting with member states of the United Nations Command, which helps police the heavily-guarded border with North Korea and has committed to defending the South in the event of a war. Last month, Germany became the latest country to join in a move criticised by Pyongyang as raising tensions. On a visit to Seoul this week, General Carsten Breuer, Germanys chief of defence, said North Koreas provision of munitions to Russia was helping to fuel Russias war in Ukraine. He clauimed Vladimir Putin would not have asked for these weapons if they were not useful, adding: Its about increasing the production for Russias aggression against Ukraine but it is also strengthening Russia by making it possible for them to keep their stocks like they are. 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 the first of two addresses highlighting accomplishments over the past year and whats to come, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade likened the past and future to a road map that seeks to smooth the potholes and cruise toward his vision of making the nations 39th largest city safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich, welcoming and vibrant world-class American city on a hill that shines brightly. the road to greatness runs through Colorado Springs, he said Monday during his "State of the City" address to City Council. Here are a few highlights of this years work and whats ahead under his 2024-2028 Strategic Plan that the city adopted in June. The plan identifies public safety, economic vitality, infrastructure, housing solutions and community activation as priority areas all things to be included in annual budgets. Where weve been Speaking of potholes, through the GoCOS phone application, the city received more than 6,000 requests to fill potholes, and more than 73,000 potholes have been fixed so far this year. Thats 8,000 more than last year at this time. Mobolade campaigned for city ballot measure 2C Road Improvements, which will be on the Nov. 5 ballot. Officials want to continue the sales tax for another 10 years to repave roads and fix adjacent concrete. The city has repaved about 1,700 miles of roadway under the initiative and has about 5,000 miles to go, Mobolade said. In the nine years of 2Cs existence, the city has doubled the amount of roads that are considered in good condition, the number of damage claims has been lowered by nearly 90%, and pothole complaints are down by one-third. The estimated savings to the city is $21 million per year, he said. Colorado Springs has a shortage of up to 27,000 housing units, according to a recent study by the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, an independent research organization based in Denver. The city has allocated $1.6 million in U.S. Housing and Urban Development funds to 1,194 housing units that are either under construction or ready to lease. It is true we need housing of all types, for new college grads, for senior citizens, for our workforce pillars, teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, he said. We must increase the amount and variety of housing options so residents can choose the housing that is right for them. Featured Local Savings Although the city is not a housing developer, Mobolade said as mayor, he has a prime bully pulpit and often speaks with developers about the shortages. He and others also visited a manufactured housing plant in Buena Vista, which he said could be a future alternative. Reaching record-breaking traffic this year, the Colorado Springs Airport also is undergoing $40 million in upgrades to the terminal and has been expanding service and nonstop flights. Since 2023, Colorado Springs has led the state in the number of incentivized business projects, at 12, representing 1,700 jobs retained, 3,000 new jobs and $125 million in projected new city revenue. Of the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative that launched in May to reduce isolation and increase community connectedness, 700 have been held, as part of Mobolade's and his wife Abbey's mental health focus. It truly is changing the social fabric of our neighborhoods, he said, adding that one participant said Everyone wants to do this again. Where were going By early next year, the Colorado Springs Police Department expects to be at complete authorized capacity of 819 police officers. This will be the first time since 2019 that we are at full strength, Mobolade said, adding that the department will have hired 130 new officers this year. The 2025 budget proposal includes 20 additional officers. It means we are inching closer to better service and response times, the mayor said. The preliminary budget also calls for more Homeless Outreach Team officers. The citys Homelessness Response Plan continues to be finalized and will be released in about a month, Mobolade said. The focuses: enforcing laws, providing funding incentives for affordable housing, cleaning illegal campsites, prioritizing homeless people who are high need, offering more work programs for the homeless population and informing the public about whats going on. Mobolade also announced a replacement for Steve Posey, the citys former chief housing and community vitality officer who resigned in March unexpectedly and without giving a reason. Aimee Cox, who was appointed to direct the city's HUD-funded programs and lead homelessness initiatives, has been hired out of 45 applicants, according to city officials. Shes the new chief homelessness and housing project officer. While property crimes, robberies and traffic accidents have declined this year in the city, motor vehicle thefts, homicides and traffic fatalities have increased. Many are juvenile offenders. A 15-year-old recently stole 27 cars in 11 months, and he was arrested 10 times, Mobolade said. Upon each release back to his parents, he would shrug his shoulders at officers and admit he would be stealing more cars tomorrow. Mobolade said in November the city will convene a legislative public safety summit with state lawmakers, nonprofits and businesses to discuss legislative strategies to keep repeat offenders off the streets. This will be the King's biggest trip since his cancer diagnosis [Getty Images] King Charles III and Queen Camilla will sample a traditional barbecue, along with more formal ceremonial duties, when they visit Australia next month. The visit will be the King's biggest overseas trip since he began treatment for cancer in February. Running from 18 to 26 October, it will include a review of the Australian naval fleet in Sydney harbour as well as meetings with political leaders and two award-winning cancer experts. After the Australian leg of the trip, the King and Queen will travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. The King is still receiving cancer treatment and the events will be paced to take account of his health. An accompanying visit to New Zealand, which had been considered, didn't go ahead after medical advice. Since his diagnosis, the King's only international trip has been to France for D-Day commemorations in June. This Australian trip, the first of his reign to one of the Commonwealth realms where he is head of state, will be much more extensive, with a long flight and a programme of engagements in Sydney and Canberra. The royal visit could prompt further questions about the future of the monarchy in Australia and the debate about whether the country should become a republic. On his arrival, the King will be officially welcomed by Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Among the themes of the King's trip will be projects about the protecting the environment and the impact of climate change. He will meet two award-winning experts in the treatment of melanoma, Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, with Australia having one of the highest levels of skin cancer in the world. At a barbecue near Sydney, the royal visitors will be able to taste local food and meet a diverse range of community representatives. The Queen, meanwhile, will visit projects about supporting literacy and tackling domestic abuse and violence against women. The Australia trip will be followed by the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa, which the King had seemed determined to attend. The King has spent much of the summer in Scotland, including marking the second anniversary of the start of his reign this weekend. There was more positive news about the King's health last week, with royal sources saying he was "heading in a very positive trajectory". Queen Camilla also described the King as "doing very well" when she visited a hospital in Bath. [BBC] Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis straight to your inbox every week with our free Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here. LONDON (AP) King Charles III has announced plans to visit Australia and Samoa next month on a trip that will span a dozen time zones and test the monarchs stamina as he recovers from cancer treatment. The Oct. 18-26 tour, which Buckingham Palace outlined Tuesday, marks a watershed moment for the 75-year-old king. Charles is slowly returning to public duties after taking a break following his cancer diagnosis in early February. The decision to undertake such a long journey will be seen as a sign of his recovery. The trip will begin in Australia before the king and Queen Camilla travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, which takes place every two years. Although the tour was first announced in July, no dates were released at that time. Charles globetrotting itinerary comes as he works to shore up support for the monarchy at home and abroad two years after becoming king. The stop in Australia will mark the first time since Charles ascended the throne that he will visit one of the so-called Commonwealth realms, the 14 countries outside the United Kingdom where the monarch remains head of state. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a long-held aim of holding a referendum on breaking ties with the monarchy and declaring his country a republic. But those plans were put on hold after Australians overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give greater political rights to Indigenous people in a referendum held last year. Charles will travel to Samoa as the head of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent nations, most of which have historic ties to the U.K. The kings visit to Australia will be his majestys first to a realm as monarch, whilst the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa is the first the King will attend as head of the Commonwealth, the palace said in a statement. In both countries, their Majesties engagements will focus on themes designed to celebrate the best of Australia and Samoa, as well as reflecting aspects of the king and queens 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 WBTW. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet cancer researchers, representatives of Indigenous groups and conduct a navy fleet review in Sydney harbour during their visit to Australia next month, official statements said on Wednesday. The King's visit to Australia will be his first to a realm as monarch, and he would also attend the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa scheduled from Oct. 21-26, Buckingham Palace said. He is expected to reach Australia on Oct. 18 and will visit Australia's parliament in Canberra. The British monarch is the head of state in Australia as well as New Zealand, among 14 realms outside the United Kingdom, although the role is largely ceremonial. "Australians look forward to welcoming The King and Queen back to Australia in October, and highlighting the best of the Australian spirit," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. King Charles, who receives treatment for cancer, will meet researchers Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer to learn about their work on melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The 75-year-old King returned to public duties at the end of April for the first time since the diagnosis. He would also visit Australia's science agency, CSIRO, to assess the agency's efforts to combat bush fires, and meet residents while attending a community barbecue in Western Sydney, the royal statement said. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates) What to know before the Tuscaloosa City Schools property tax special election Later this month, voters will decide whether to raise property taxes to fund improvements in the Tuscaloosa City Schools system. Here's your guide to the special election: More: 'It's time for Tuscaloosa to catch up': Leaders form group to boost school funding When will the vote be held? Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sept. 24 in the city of Tuscaloosa. Where to vote Quinn Butler jumps from the car and is greeted by Rock Quarry Elementary Principal Laura Jockisch on the first day of class for Tuscaloosa City Schools Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. What's on the ballot? The proposal would raise property taxes on landowners inside the Tuscaloosa city limits by 11.5 mills. To see a sample ballot, go to assets.caboosecms.com/media/15235699_sample-ballot.pdf. Tuscaloosa City Schools has a website with more information: www.tuscaloosacityschools.com/referendum. How would this affect me? The millage rate right now for homeowners in Tuscaloosa is 51.5 mills, of which the Tuscaloosa City Schools receive 15.5 mills. If approved, the referendum would increase the millage rate that the Tuscaloosa City Schools receive by 11.5 mills about a 22% increase of the city's total millage rate. Estimates provided by Tuscaloosa City Schools show: A resident with a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $9.58 more per month or $115 more per year. A resident with a home assessed at $200.000 would pay $19.17 more per month or $230 more per year. A resident with a home assessed at $300,000 would pay $28.75 more per month or $345 more per year. A resident with a home assessed at $400,00 would pay $38.32 more per month or $460 more per year. A resident with a home assessed at $500,000 would pay $47.90 more per month or $575 more per year. Kingston Morse and Dymmi Hill work on assignments in their fourth grade class at University Place Elementary on the first day of class for Tuscaloosa City Schools Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. Why is this needed? Leaders with the Tuscaloosa City School System say the property tax increase would fund $17.25 million in annual improvements for the school system starting in 2025. Tuscaloosa City Schools serve about 11,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and operates 21 schools, along with a career technical facility for high schoolers. TCS also employs about 1,500 people. The last time local tax rates were increased to support the Tuscaloosa City Schools was in 1986. If approved by voters, the new revenue would benefit the system in these three categories: School safety: Ensuring there are school resource officers in each and every school during the school day and beefing up security infrastructure. Educator excellence: Retaining and recruiting the best and the brightest educators through competitive pay and benefits. Premier student programs/services: Making sure that the current programs continue, and rigorous academic opportunities and student programs are expanded. Who can vote? City of Tuscaloosa residents who are 18 years old or older are eligible to vote in the special election. If you have questions, call the Tuscaloosa County Board of Registrars' office at 205-464-8415. Voters can confirm their registration status, ballot status, polling location and address by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State website. Landry Stellefson and Anna Dong join their classmates at Rock Quarry Elementary in saying the Pledge of Allegiance on the first day of class for Tuscaloosa City Schools Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. How to vote absentee Paper absentee applications can be obtained in the City Clerks office, City Hall 2201 University Blvd. A link to download an application can be found at elections.tuscaloosa.com. Absentee ballot applications are due by Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. Absentee ballots are due by Sep. 23 at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23 is the last day a voter can apply for and vote on an emergency absentee ballot. Ballots may be delivered by hand to the City Clerks Office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ballots may also be mailed. If an absentee ballot is returned by mail or commercial carrier, it must be postmarked by Sept. 23 and received by noon on the day of the election. Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Raise property taxes to fund Tuscaloosa schools? Here's what to know The Right Knows Migrants Arent Actually Eating Cats They Just Dont Care Donald Trumps running mate doubled down on the disproven, racist lie that Haitians are eating cats and other animals in Springfield, Ohio, on Tuesday, acknowledging on X, formerly Twitter, that the conspiracy theory is a rumor while encouraging followers to keep spreading it, anyway. Springfield police have said they have not received any reports of such events, and city engagement manager Karen Graves said there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. J.D. Vance posted about the fabrication on Monday. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country, he wrote. Where is our border czar? Vance said on Tuesday that there was some possibility the story wasnt true, but ultimately, it was clear that didnt matter to him. He posted on X: In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. He continued: Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false. But then, he went on feeding the fire: Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here. Vance was apparently referring to 11-year-old Aiden Clark, who was killed in a crash between his school bus and an SUV driven by a man from Haiti. Clarks family asked that his story not be used to fuel racism. Please do not mix up the values of our family with the uninformed majority that vocalize their hate. Aiden embraced different cultures and would insist you do the same, they said. In short, Vance added, dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing. In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false. Do you know JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2024 Memes of Trump saving cats from Haitian migrants have flooded right-wing social media, including the accounts of Republican lawmakers like Ted Cruz, who posted an image of two cats with the text, please vote for Trump so the Haitian immigrants dont eat us. John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, addressed the conspiracy theory on Tuesday, calling it racist and dangerous. He said that elected officials in the Republican Party were pushing yet another conspiracy theory thats just seeking to divide people based on lies. Kirby noted that people might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt. It isnt a theoretical fear, with Ryan Reilly of NBC News pointing out that when Trump supporters plotted to kill refugees in 2016, their lawyers argued they were duped by false Facebook posts. Conservatives seemed to delight in the outrage. How do we know we are winning? Democrats are losing their minds over memes in the halls of Congress, wrote conservative commentator Benny Johnson, posting a video of Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) pointing to an AI-generated image of Trump hugging a duck and a kitten. Johnson also pointed to how the Arizona GOP created 12 billboards that said eat less kittens vote Republican! This is so savage, he wrote. Since the pandemic, as many as 20,000 Haitians have immigrated legally to Springfield to work in factories and warehouses. A similar lie percolated in March when conservatives posted about what Elon Musk called cannibal gangs of Haitians coming to the U.S. Musk has also shared the conspiracy theory about Haitians eating cats. On Monday, the X owner amplified a post that, like Vances, acknowledged some room for falsehood and then brushed it aside. They can debunk it all. Go ahead, call us racist bigots! wrote an account called Dumb Bitch Capital, LLC. The post continued: None of that even matters. It was never about the damn cat. The account then fear-mongered about Haitian immigrants, like Vance did. Some good points here, Musk posted. Conservatives know the story isnt true, and they dont care. 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. Knox County Schools administrators have two clear messages for the community: We are taking social media threats seriously and your schools are safe. "As a dad, I just want to say I understand maybe how families are feeling right now. You feel uneasy you feel anxious and we understand that," Superintendent Jon Rysewyk said at a press conference Sept. 10. "I share the same frustration with families that feel like this is frustrating, we hear that. We're frustrated with the situation, too, but I will tell you that that we are safe." Rysewyk said KCS is working closely with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, and stressed the importance of keeping in perspective how technology makes it easier to spread threats that are deemed not credible, including ones circulating in Knox County that "aren't even from our state, aren't even local, but they're naming schools." With social media, some threats disappear quickly while some linger, depending on the platform. The district and law enforcement partners are seeking to identify the origin of the threats. "This is a national problem," Rysewyk said, noting that Knox County Schools is likely named in some online threats because it is a big district. The National Association of School Resource Officers tells schools preventing hoaxes from disrupting schools is the best way to reduce threats that aren't real. "When schools close or evacuate for a communicated threat that isn't credible, the perpetrators get exactly what they want," said Mo Canady, executive director of the school resource officers group, in a post on the organization's website. After the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting ended the lives of 17 people, threats skyrocketed. The Educator's School Safety Network compiled from news reports a list of 638 threats in the two weeks following the shooting. The Knox County threats come just days after four people were fatally shot and several others injured at a Georgia high school last week, sending shock waves through the suburb of Winder, Georgia. Various versions of school threat lists are circulating with local schools added in different communities. Is the district looking at metal detectors or any additional security measures? Rysewyk said he is confident in the security plans for each school and the district is constantly evaluating threat assessment as technology changes. Given the nature of some of the threats the district is seeing, metal detectors would not be helpful, he added. In the coming days, Rysewyk said, more police will be at schools, and he and other administrators will be visiting schools, too. This year, the district allocated grant funding to add intrusion-resistant window reinforcements to every school by the end of the school year. Superintendent urges families to send their kids to school "We'll encourage families to bring their students to school and continue to partner with us," Rysewyk said. He also encouraged families and parents to monitor students' social media use and to alert authorities when they see threatening activity. District officials understand the anxiety families may have, Rysewyk said, he pointed out the safety protocols and physical protections in place at KCS. "Our schools are some of the safest places to be," he said. How to talk to students about making smarter choices online? Rysewyk said the district is teaching students digital citizenship. He also encouraged parents to talk to their students, especially to educate them about the consequences of making such threats. "When in doubt, report it," Rysewyk said. The district's whole child support team works with every school to identify students who might need early interventions. The team looks for warning signs, such as behavioral changes or if a student's academic performance worsens, especially if the child's family is going through a difficult situation, Rysewyk said. What has been law enforcement's response to the threats? The Knox County Sheriffs Office arrested a girl who attends West Valley Middle School and a Carter Middle School student. The West Valley Middle School student posted online threats that named Knox County and other schools, and the Carter student made a threat of violence. The Knoxville Police Department arrested a boy who attends Vine Middle Magnet School. KPD said the boy's threat was not related to the online threats circulating. No weapons were found at the boy's home and detectives were told he had no access to weapons. The new series of threats circulating on social media have come out less than a week after the sheriff's office arrested two students in connection with threats. One is a 14-year-old Halls High School student who was taken to the Richard L. Bean juvenile detention facility and the other is a 18-year-old Halls High School who was taken to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. State law makes threats of violence at schools a felony State law makes it a Class E felony to threaten to commit an act of mass violence at a school or a school-related activity. Both acts currently carry a Class A misdemeanor penalty. Additionally, the threats can be classified as federal felonies, says the FBI. How do I report a security concern to the district? The district has a "text-a-tip" helpline anyone can use to report suspicious activity or social media threats. A link to the feature is loaded on every students Chromebook. Reports from the system are monitored 24/7. A link to the app can be found at: help.knoxschools.org/text-a-tip. Note: This story has been updated to remove an outdated text-a-tip helpline number. USA Today contributed to this story. Areena Arora, data and investigative reporter for Knox News, can be reached by email at areena.arora@knoxnews.com. Follow her on X @AreenaArora and on Instagram @areena_news. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County leaders stress how safe schools are after hoax threats Sergei Lavrov and Jasem AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, during a meeting in Riyadh on 9 September. Photo: RIA Novosti Kremlin officials are likely attempting to shape international peace mediation efforts in the war in Ukraine while simultaneously demonstrating Russia's unwillingness to engage in good-faith negotiations with Ukraine. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: On 9 September, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Saudi Arabia at a separate GCC-Russia ministerial meeting. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov discussed the war in Ukraine with both counterparts, though specific details were not provided. Brazil and China have been advocating for their six-point Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis peace plan since May 2024, which leans in favour of Russia's position. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile recently reaffirmed Indias commitment to a peaceful resolution in Ukraine based on international law, including respect for territorial integrity and state sovereignty. Lavrov, however, repeated the usual Kremlin rhetoric that highlights Russia's reluctance to enter genuine peace talks with Ukraine. He characterised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys Peace Formula, which is rooted in international law, as an "ultimatum", dismissing it as something Russia has never seriously considered. Despite this, Ukrainian officials have extended an open invitation for a Russian representative to attend Ukraine's second peace summit scheduled for later in 2024. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 9 September: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting of Strategic Dialogue in Saudi Arabia on 9 September, likely as part of Kremlin efforts to advance the creation of its envisioned "Eurasian security architecture". Kremlin officials are likely trying to shape international peace mediation efforts in the war in Ukraine while demonstrating Russia's unwillingness to engage in good-faith negotiations with Ukraine. The Kremlin leveraged Russian regional elections from 6 to 8 September to integrate trusted Russian military veterans of the war in Ukraine into the Russian government, likely as part of an ongoing attempt to appease Russian servicemembers, boost domestic support for the war, and build out a cadre of Kremlin-affiliated local officials. The Kremlin refrained from replacing Acting Kursk Oblast Governor Alexei Smirnov during the Russian regional elections, likely in support of an ongoing effort to downplay the societal impacts of Ukraines incursion into Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian officials continue to warn that Russian forces are increasingly using chemical weapons in Ukraine. Russian forces recently regained lost positions in Kursk Oblast amid continued Ukrainian offensive operations in the area on 9 September. Russian forces recently advanced along the Kupiansk-Svatove line, near Siversk, near Pokrovsk and southwest of the city of Donetsk, and Ukrainian forces recently regained positions near Siversk. Russian leader Vladimir Putin expanded Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousovs powers on 9 September by allowing him to grant eligible parties within the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) access to Russian state secrets (classified information). Support UP or become our patron! Lake County Health Department officials presented the Lake County Council with an update on how the department is moving forward with the Health First Indiana initiative passed last year. Lake County received $4.87 million in state funding for the health department as part of the Health First Indiana initiative, which was created in 2023 by the Indiana legislature. The goal is to improve the overall health of Hoosiers, a metric where the state consistently ranks among the worst in the nation. This positions the health department to work and collaborate with local community partners and organizations so that we can improve the health and safety of the community, said Michelle Arnold, program manager for the Lake County Health Department. The goal is to make sure that Hoosiers have access to core health care services throughout the state, Arnold said, divided into preventative and regulatory services. Of the funds received, 60% should go toward preventative services, like communicable disease prevention, and 40% should go toward regulatory services, like food protection. No matter what county you go to, you should be able to access the same core public services, Arnold said. Arnold presented the council with a scorecard that showed that as of June 4 the state rate of children under 3 years old receiving the recommended vaccine series is 59.1% and the Lake County rate is 43%, which means the county rates 89 out of 92 counties in that category. The state infant mortality rate is 6.8% the county rate is 7.26%, and the state adult obesity rate is 43.6% while the county rate is 44.7%, according to the scorecard. The county has lower percentages than the state average for smoking, smoking during pregnancy and suicide rates, according to the scorecard. The state smoking rate during pregnancy is 6.6% while the county rate is 3.8%, and the state rate for smoking is 21% and the county rate is 18.6%. The state suicide rate is 15.77% while the county rate is 12.3%, according to the scorecard. The department has created an immunization coalition partnership to go into communities to offer vaccines to those interested, Arnold said. The coalition offered vaccines in February, March, May, July and August, and in total, 73 people were vaccinated. The department also has been working to improve its infectious disease prevention, Arnold said, which includes two staff members being trained to provide rapid HIV, hepatitis C and STI testing and consultation. The department will hire three school liaisons, a public health nurse, a TB case manager, a lead risk assessor, a medical billing specialist, two additional food inspectors and a vital record clerk. Lake County Health Officer Chandana Vavilala said the department has been advertising the positions on its website and that strong applicants have submitted their resumes. Through the initiative, the department is finalizing its plans for a mobile health clinic, which will include one exam room and a blood draw station, Arnold said. The mobile clinic will offer the same clinical services that the health department clinic does, which includes immunizations, lead testing and STI testing, Arnold said. Once the mobile clinic is ready, Vavilala said health department officials will post on social media and the department website the locations where the mobile clinic will be headed. People will also be able to request the mobile clinic to come to them, Vavilala said, similar to the way schools request the department to come during school enrollment days to help families make sure their students have their required immunizations. The department has partnered with Vital Check, Arnold said, which will allow patients to access their vital records online once it is active. The department has also partnered with Propio, a language service, that will allow clinic workers to use over 300 languages to communicate with non-English speaking patients, she said. Clinicians can use Propio with video or telephone options to help them communicate with patients. Also on the technology side, Arnold said the department is digitizing old records, like environmental and food safety records. The departments website has also been updated, she said, to allow a user to schedule an appointment for a vaccine or blood draw and to submit complaints, like against food inspection or tattoo, piercing, microblading and eyelash parlors. akukulka@post-trib.com Western officials say the Iranian missiles will soon be used against Ukrainian positions [Getty Images] The UK, France and Germany have announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine, including restrictions on Iran Air's ability to fly to the UK and Europe. Also among the new measures, which have been announced as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits London, are travel bans on a number of Iranian military officials. Mr Blinken said Russians had been trained by Iranian forces to use short-range missiles and they could be deployed against Ukrainians within weeks. His host, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, said the Iranian deliveries marked a "dangerous escalation" which had allowed Russia to "fuel its illegal invasion of Ukraine". "Iran must stop supporting [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state," Mr Lammy said. "The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes." Speaking earlier, alongside Mr Lammy at a news conference in London, Mr Blinken said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "increasingly relying on support" for Iran and North Korea to help "wage his war of aggression on Ukraine". The UK Foreign Office announced specific sanctions against several key individuals it said were heavily involved in the missiles supplies, including Iranian Brig Gen Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari who commands the country's exports of defence products to its partners. He has been placed under a travel ban and asset freeze, alongside two other Iranian officials. Five Russian cargo ships have also been sanctioned for transporting the military supplies from Iran, despite what the UK said were repeated warnings not to do so. Meanwhile, several organisations, including some allegedly involved in the production of Iran's kamikaze-style Shahed drones - which Russia has used consistently in attacks on Ukrainian cities - have been sanctioned. In a statement, the UK, France and Germany - known as the E3 - called on Iran "to immediately cease all support to Russias war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles". They added that Iran's supply of missiles represented a "a direct threat to European security". Iran has long supplied Shahed drones to Russia, but European officials say the sale of missiles represented an "escalation" [Reuters] Mr Blinken echoed the E3 statement, saying that the move "demonstrates how Iran's destabilising influence stretches long beyond the Middle East". The Western sanctions come as Russia has continued to make gains in eastern Ukraine, with Moscow's forces rapidly approaching the key settlement of Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk is an essential transportation hub. If it falls, then Russian forces will cut off one of the main supply routes in the region. This will likely force Ukraine to retreat from Chasiv Yar and the front line will move closer to Kramatorsk, a major industrial city. The Iranian short range missile deliveries will aid the Russian advance, Mr Blinken said, by allowing Moscow to use more of its existing arsenal for targets that are further from the frontline, while reserving the new missiles for closer range targets. The top US diplomat hit out at the new Iranian government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is said to desire a less adversarial relationship with the West. "Iran's new president and foreign minister have repeatedly said that they want to restore engagement with Europe. They want to receive sanctions relief. Destabilising actions like these will achieve exactly the opposite," he said. Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy also announced a joint trip to Ukraine this week, the first joint trip in years as UK diplomats seek to frame the secretary of state's visit as a reaffirmation of a close partnership between the two countries, often described as the "special relationship". Mr Blinken said one of their goals ahead of the visit was to "hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership" about their "objectives and what we can do to support those needs". UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made clear the UK government will continue to back Ukraine and send 3bn in military support to the country for as long as needed. Last week, the UK government said it was sending hundreds more short-range missiles to Ukraine in a package worth 162m. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised the pace of weapons deliveries, and asked for authorisation to strike targets deep inside Russia with Western-supplied missiles - a move the US has thus far resisted. Mr Blinken would not be drawn on what their answer will be this time to President Zelensky's longstanding plea during talks in Kyiv. Afternoon showers are expected to return Tuesday to Colorado Springs with highs in the 80s. "Storms will develop towards early to mid-afternoon over the mountains. As showers spread east, a few storms will be possible by late this afternoon and evening along and just east of the I-25 corridor," Meteorologist Alan Rose with Gazette news partner KOAA said. "The main storm threats today will be strong wind gusts, lightning, and brief, heavy downpours." Expect increasing clouds throughout the day and a high of 83 degrees. There's a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon forecast. Featured Local Savings Looking ahead to Tuesday night, a 10% chance of showers continues through 9 p.m. A chance for showers will return to the area Wednesday along with high winds through the tail end of the week, possibly producing a red flag warning. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) An Ingham County jury convicted a Lansing man of first-degree murder on Tuesday regarding the 2022 shooting death of Daniel Jacob Cannarile. Johnny L. Estes, 43, of Lansing, was convicted on three chargesfirst-degree murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane says that Estes will be subject to an automatic life sentence for the homicide conviction. Johnny L. Estes The Lansing Police Department was dispatched to the 3200 block of Washington Ave at around 6:30 a.m. on April 8, 2024. Upon arrival, officers saw Cannarile on the ground near the sidewalk and gave him first aid. Cannarile died after being transported to the hospital. Investigation by the Lansing Police Department found that Estes and Cannarile got into an altercation that ended with Cannarile being shot. The Ingham County Prosecutor says that Estes sentencing will likely be held in October, but an exact date has not yet been set. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas gas station employee is accused of beating a man with a bat after he claimed he broke a nacho cheese machine, according to an arrest report. Myron Bullie, 47, of Las Vegas faces charges of attempted murder and battery with a deadly weapon, records showed. Myron Bullie, 47, (LVMPD/KLAS) On Sept. 3 around 4:10 a.m., Metro police responded to a report of a man sitting on the ground in the parking lot of a gas station in the 5700 block of Rainbow Boulevard near Russell Road with blood coming from his head, nose, and ears. When officers arrived they found the victim lying in a grass area and with his face covered in blood. The victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. When police spoke to the person who called 911, he said that he was pumping gas when he saw the victim on the ground covered in blood. He also saw a gas station employee, later identified as Bullie, standing outside. When the witness told Bullie that the victim was bleeding and asked if he would call 911, Bullie said something to the extent of Im not going to call 911, he better have learned a lesson, the report said. Bullie told police that the victim came into the store and that he had never seen him before. He then went on to say that the man was trying to get too much cheese from the nacho cheese machine and ended up breaking it. Bullie then told the victim to get out of the store and not to break things, police said. The victim left the store but later came back a couple of minutes later. Bullie told the victim once again to leave because they were closed, but the victim insisted on getting nachos so Bullie pushed him out of the store while holding a bat. While he was escorting the victim out of the store he said, You should get the [expletive] out of my way when I tell you tell [sic] get the [expletive] out. If I have to tell someone more than once, Im about to lose my [expletive] cool, according to police. Police said that Bullie told them with excited utterance, that the victim started talking [expletive], so he hit him with the [expletive] bat. Dont talk [expletive] to me. Im tired of [expletive] over here talking [expletive] to me. Now everyone gonna see this and theyre gonna know never to talk [expletive] to me, the report said. When police asked Bullie if he hit him hard, he said If it was hard, his head wouldve been smashed on the [expletive] floor and he wouldve been dead, according to the report. Bullie was arrested and brought to the Clark County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) appears in a scene from the documentary film "The Last Republican\ Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) appears in a scene from the documentary film "The Last Republican\ By Atsuko Kitayama TORONTO (Reuters) - "The Last Republican," a documentary about former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, profiles the Republican who angered many in his party for his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump. The film, which is debuting at this month's Toronto International Film Festival, follows Kinzinger in the aftermath of the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In the months that follow, Kinzinger says he wants to hold Trump accountable for crossing "a red line" after the outgoing president encouraged his supporters to stop the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Director Steve Pink said he was interested in shedding light on the human element of the decision by Kinzinger, then a conservative Republican congressman from Illinois, to defy Trump and risk being ostracized by his own party. "That part of the story ... isn't political at all, but it could translate to anyone who is faced with having to make a difficult decision that would have consequences, but they feel they've got to do it on principle," Pink said in an interview with Reuters. Following the deadly Capitol attack, Kinzinger voted in favor of impeaching Trump and became one of two Republicans - alongside Liz Cheney - to serve on the House committee investigating the events of Jan. 6. That led the Republican National Committee to censure him in 2022, calling the probe an attack on "legitimate political discourse." In October 2021, Kinzinger said he would not seek reelection. In this year's presidential election, Kinzinger, now a TV commentator, is supporting the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris. This week he said he would accept a post in her cabinet if she wins in November and offers him a role. The documentary is a departure of sorts for Pink, who is best known for his 2010 science fiction comedy "Hot Tub Time Machine." The relationship between the liberal director and the conservative former congressman evolved over the course of their collaboration, which they said they believed added richness to the film. Kinzinger found their differences to be refreshing and engaging. "If he agreed with me on every issue, what are we going to talk about?" he said during a Q&A on Sunday, after the screening in Toronto. "Get to know somebody that thinks differently than you, because you'll realize it's actually pretty interesting and fun," he added. With the presidential election less than two months away, concerns surrounding the polarization of U.S. politics are intensifying. "There's no society or country that works when it's divided," Pink said. "So we need to figure out how to come together if we want to have a democracy. That's the message of the movie." (Reporting by Atsuko Kitayama in Toronto, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) The latest: How did Lake County restaurants fare in state health inspections last week? You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name. Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Lake County restaurant inspections site. Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Lake County, Florida, for the week of Sept. 2-8, 2024. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here. Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a 'snapshot' of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. For full restaurant inspection details, visit our Lake County restaurant inspection site. Which Lake County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections? These restaurants met all standards during their Sept. 2-8 inspections and no violations were found. The Grille, 32900 Countryside Blvd., Leesburg** ** Restaurants that failed an inspection and aced a follow-up inspection in the same week Which Lake County restaurants did not pass the first inspection? 21 Dozier Cir, Leesburg Routine Inspection on Sept. 5 Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public. 15 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. -Creole 63f, Shrimp and grits 55f. Cooling from previous night. **Warning** High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. -0 ppm. **Warning** High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. -Creole 63f, Shrimp and grits 55f. Cooling overnight. Manager discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. -Degreaser hanging on prep cooler at outside bar. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** What agency inspects restaurants in Florida? Routine regulation and inspection of restaurants is conducted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Department of Health is responsible for investigation and control of food-borne illness outbreaks associated with all food establishments. How do I report a dirty restaurant in Florida? If you see abuses of state standards, report them and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will send inspectors. Call the Florida DBPR at 850-487-1395 or report a restaurant for health violations online. Get the whole story at our restaurant inspection database. What does all that terminology in Florida restaurant inspections mean? Basic violations are those considered against best practices. A warning is issued after an inspector documents violations that must be corrected by a certain date or within a specified number of days from receipt of the inspection report. An administrative complaint is a form of legal action taken by the division. Insufficient compliance after a warning, a pattern of repeat violations or existence of serious conditions that warrant immediate action may result in the division initiating an administrative complaint against the establishment. Says the division website: "Correcting the violations is important, but penalties may still result from violations corrected after the warning time was over." An emergency order when a restaurant is closed by the inspector is based on an immediate threat to the public. Here, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants director has determined that the establishment must stop doing business and any division license is suspended to protect health, safety or welfare of the public. A 24-hour call-back inspection will be performed after an emergency closure or suspension of license. This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Leesburg area restaurant/food truck inspections, Sept. 2-8, 2024 LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Incidents of gun violence, like the shooting in London. this weekend that left five injured, are often followed by calls to action. However, creating restrictions around guns has often not been a popular idea in Frankfort. You cant harden yourself out of a situation like that, and its clear that something must be done, Kentucky Moms Demand Action chapter volunteer Cathy Hobart told FOX 56 News. There is no room for compromise in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on our Second Amendment rights, Rep. Savannah Maddox (R-Dry Ridge) told FOX 56. When it comes to gun policy in Kentucky, theres little to say. Kentucky does bar gun possession for convicted felons. According to the National Rifle Association, the state does not require a permit to purchase, nor does it require registration of firearms or licensing of owners, and gun owners are free to open or conceal carry without a permit within state lines. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: To some Second Amendment supporters, this approach is welcomed, but advocates like Cathy Hobart believe Kentucky lawmakers dont take gun violence prevention seriously. Making sure that we do a background check on all gun sales, making sure that we have a law in place that would be able to remove guns from people that we know are dangerous to themselves or others. Having a secure storage law, Hobart said, listing some of what she considers foundational policies. You know, some of those kinds of policies we know prevent gun violence. Whether they would have worked in this particular case, we dont know, Hobart said. Hobart pointed to actions as recent as a June Supreme Court ruling in US v. Rahimi that backed the view the government can remove guns from dangerous people. A similar red flag proposal sponsored by Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Fruit Hill) never received a vote this year in Frankfort. Rep. Maddox was one opponent. It is a function of not allowing for due process. So, Im going to continue to oppose that. And I do have concerns about reactionary politicization on behalf of my colleagues to an incident of this nature, Maddox told FOX 56. Maddox argued that creating more restrictions is not an answer for law-abiding citizens who are defending themselves from lawlessness. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: We know that things like waiting periods, in addition to creating an additional barrier for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights, there is no evidence that they reduce crime or suicides or anything of that nature. So the evidence is not there. But even if it were, we have to uphold the Constitution, she said. If lawmakers were to consider any future gun policy, it would have to wait until the session returns in 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 FOX 56 News. LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A state of emergency has been declared in Laurel County following an interstate shooting as authorities continue the search for the man allegedly responsible. Judge Executive David Westerfield told FOX 56 that the state of emergency took effect at 8 a.m. on Monday. The declaration comes in response to a Saturday I-75 shooting that injured five people as the search continues to unfold with the suspected gunman, 32-year-old Joseph Couch. RELATED | Kentucky I-75 shooting: Reward for information on suspect Joseph Couch upped to $35K When you declare a state of emergency here in the county, it allows us to pull from the state and federal level on the items that we need, Westerfield said. In a press conference on Tuesday, Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper Scottie Pennington said that search teams plan to keep working until Couch is found dead or alive. Because the search is centered in the Daniel Boone National Forest, authorities said the vast area will take time for their crews to clear. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Westerfield emphasized that the state of emergency will ensure the county can supply first responders with any resources they need with the help of state and federal funding if necessary. It stays in place until the incident is over, he said. That time, well stop it. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Steve Bakken, chair of New Economic Frontier, speaks in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana during the Greater North Dakota Chamber Policy Summit on Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Some North Dakota health care and law enforcement organizations announced this week their opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana. In a joint news release, North Dakotas Medical Association, Hospital Association, Peace Officers Association, Chiefs of Police Association and Sheriffs and Deputies Association stated they have come together to oppose the cannabis measure, known as Measure 5 on the November ballot. Dont buy into the argument that legalization of recreational marijuana will free up law enforcement to focus on more serious crime, Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said in a statement. In fact, quite the opposite will happen. Legalization will lead to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. The North Dakota Medical Association emphasized health risks of the measure. Studies have shown that frequent use of marijuana is associated with the development of substance use disorders, impaired cognitive function, cancer, and mental health issues such as anxiety, psychosis and depression, Dr. Stephanie Dahl, president of the North Dakota Medical Association, said in a statement. Tim Blasl, president of the North Dakota Hospital Association, said communities should take a cautious approach to policy changes that could increase the prevalence of substance use. Instead of legalizing marijuana, we should focus on prevention, education, and providing adequate resources for those who need help with substance use and mental health issues, Blasl said in a statement. Meanwhile, the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older was among topics discussed during the Greater North Dakota Chamber Policy Summit on Tuesday. Steve Bakken, chair of New Economic Frontier and the Measure 5 sponsoring committee, said half the states in the country have legalized cannabis since 2012. He highlighted news this week that former President Donald Trump said he will vote for a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Bakken also said one of the goals of the measure is to dramatically reduce or eliminate black market sales of marijuana. A regulated market helps insure the availability of safer, uncontaminated products, reducing health risk associated with legal marijuana, Bakken said. Speaking against the measure during the summit, Molly Barnes, executive vice president for Northern Improvement Co., a North Dakota-based highway and heavy equipment contractor, said marijuana is now much more potent than the variety found at Woodstock in the 1960s. Pot is no longer harmless, Barnes said. She also cited increases in emergency room visits, impaired driving and mental health concerns among states that have legalized cannabis. Bakken said he sees legal marijuana in North Dakotas future and believes its better to get out ahead of an issue instead of waiting for it to become a problem. The North Dakota Petroleum Council, Association of General Contractors, North Dakota Motor Carriers, North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Catholic Conference and North Dakota Family Alliance also have come out against the recreational marijuana measure, according to the news release. South Dakota voters will also vote on a recreational marijuana measure this November. Montana, Minnesota and Canada have already legalized recreational cannabis. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State Rep. Vicky Steiner, right, R-Dickinson, speaks next to moderator Andrea Pfennig during the Greater North Dakota Chamber Policy Summit on Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Even if the proposed measure to eliminate assessment-based property taxes fails at the ballot this November, demand for property tax relief wont be going away, state Rep. Vicky Steiner said. I think its dangerous to ignore the fact that this is a passion for these voters, the Dickinson Republican said. Steiners comments came during a Tuesday panel on tax issues during the Greater North Dakota Chambers policy summit in Bismarck. State Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, and former Fargo senator Tony Grindberg joined her on stage. If the ballot measure passes, the state will be required to reimburse local governments annually by an amount no less than the property taxes levied for the 2024 tax year. A committee of lawmakers recently finalized a cost estimate that pegged the financial impact of the measure at roughly $3.15 billion for the 2025-2027 biennium. Proponents of the measure, including sponsoring committee chair Rick Becker, have previously called the states figures are overblown and say the cost would actually be around $2.32 billion per two-year budget cycle. Both Bekkedahl and Grindberg who are current and former chairs of the Senate Appropriation Committee said Tuesday they strongly oppose the proposal, warning that it would destabilize funding for local governments and the state alike. Over half of the current general fund spending will have to be diverted to support the property tax measure, Bekkedahl said. Grindberg, North Dakota manager for Xcel Energy, said he worries about that instability having a ripple effect on North Dakotas economy. I think whats healthy for business is a very predictable, stable operating environment, he said. Steiner, who sits on the Legislatures interim Taxation Committee, said she agrees that the measure would cause some upheaval if it passes, but that it wouldnt be anything the state government cant handle. Lawmakers would figure out how to adjust the budget accordingly, she said. The sky is not falling if it passes, Steiner said. All three panel participants agreed that the state could be doing more to make sure North Dakotans understand the property tax system and the tax relief programs the Legislature is currently funding. North Dakota residents should know that the state has already set aside a lot of money to help local governments, Bekkedahl said. He said that lawmakers have approved about $25 billion to this end since the 2013-2015 biennium, though that amount is not limited to property taxes. Steiner said that part of the problem is the states reliance on mill levies for calculating property taxes. Mill levies are how local governing bodies, like school districts and cities, determine how much property tax money they get. Steiner said residents find mill levies overly confusing, and that the ballot measure could be an opportunity for the state to do away with the system. Steiner and Bekkedahl both expressed support for implementing tax caps in North Dakota. Typically, tax caps set limits on how much a propertys assessed value can increase from year to year. The Legislature has previously shot down proposals to cap residential property tax, Steiner said. If we could have gotten caps to pass, I dont even think wed be having this discussion, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A trio of House Democrats on Tuesday called on Army officials to formally admonish former President Donald Trump for his campaign staffs actions at Arlington National Cemetery last month in order to avoid future abuse of this sacred site and its employees. The lawmakers Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, Washington Rep. Adam Smith and California Rep. Mark Takano also demanded the military leaders release all findings from Trumps visit to the gravesite, saying that their public response thus far has been disappointing. While we are sympathetic to the challenges the Army faces in addressing and holding accountable a former president and his campaign staff, failure to properly investigate this egregious incident in a timely manner and hold violators accountable undermines the integrity and honor of Arlington National Cemetery and erodes the longstanding rules, tradition, and norms requiring nonpartisanship in the U.S. military, they said in a joint statement. Raskin serves as the ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Smith is the ranking member on the armed services committee, and Takano the ranking member on the veterans affairs committee. Army blasts Trump trip to Arlington cemetery for violating decorum The statement from the prominent Democrats came just a few hours before Trumps debate with Vice President Kamala Harris and less than two weeks after Army leaders issued their own announcement calling the matter closed. Trump visited the military cemetery on Aug. 26 as part of an event commemorating the anniversary of the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers in a terrorist bombing at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in the final days of the American military mission in Afghanistan. The Republican nominee for president took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then visited Section 60 of the cemetery, where many troops killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are buried. Shots of Trump smiling and giving a thumbs-up sign alongside service members tombstones were later used in campaign spots. In addition, Army officials said, an employee who attempted to stop campaign workers from filming in the area was abruptly pushed aside by a Trump campaign staffer. That individual who has not been publicly identified opted not to press charges. Army officials called the incident upsetting, since Trump was warned that federal laws, Army regulations and DOD policies clearly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds. But they also said they would not pursue any further reprimands or punishments. The three Democrats called that a mistake. As with any alleged assault, this incident should be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement authorities and should be subject to an independent charging decision, they said in their statement. We urge the Army to cooperate fully with the charging authority, including providing any information they have on the alleged incident to that authority. Trump campaign officials have denied any wrongdoing in the incident, and have released several statements from families of fallen troops involved in the visit who praised the former president for his kindness and attention to their struggles. Trump campaign officials initially promised to release video proving that they followed all appropriate cemetery rules, but have thus far declined to provide any such proof. Officials from the Harris campaign have seized on the controversy as the latest breach of decorum by Trump, calling his actions disrespectful to other troops buried there. . Lawyer defending Google in DOJ case prepping Harris for debate is 'conflict of interest,' Jordan investigates FIRST ON FOX: The House Judiciary Committee is requesting a briefing from the Justice Department on how it is working to combat "potential conflicts of interest and political bias" in its lawsuit against Google amid reports that the Big Tech giants lead attorney is helping prep Vice President Harris for the debate against former President Trump. Fox News Digital obtained a letter that House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday morning. Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, speaks during a hearing in Washington, D.C., on June 13, 2024. "The Committee on the Judiciary and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government continue to conduct oversight of how and to what extent the Executive Branch has colluded with companies and other intermediaries to censor lawful speech," Jordan wrote. HARRIS PREPS FOR DEBATE WITH GOOGLE LAWYER, CREATING 'CONFLICT OF INTEREST,' TRUMP CAMPAIGN SAYS Jordan went on to cite a Fox News Digital report that revealed the lead attorney defending Google in U.S. v. Google LLC, a high-profile antitrust case led by the Justice Department, is simultaneously advising and prepping Harris for the debate against Trump on Tuesday night, which is hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Karen Dunn, who is Googles outside counsel through law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, is listed in the lawsuit as a "lead attorney." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Dunn is also on Harris campaign team to prep her for her debate against Trump. Dunn also advised Harris ahead of her 2020 vice presidential debate against then-Vice President Mike Pence. The Trump campaign last month called out a potential conflict of interest. Former President Trump and Vice President Harris will debate in Philadelphia. "In light of existing evidence that the Biden-Harris Administration pressured and colluded with Google to censor the lawful speech of American citizens, we write to request a briefing about how the Department of Justice is working to combat potential conflicts of interest and political bias in United States v. Google LLC," Jordan wrote. HOUSE WEAPONIZATION COMMITTEE: BIDEN ADMIN 'COLLUDED' WITH BIG TECH, 'FACILITATED THE CENSORSHIP OF AMERICANS' "This apparent conflict of interest raises serious concerns about whether Dunns relationship with key figures in the Biden-Harris Administration creates a conflict of interest that could inappropriately bias the Departments approach in United States v. Google LLC," Jordan added. Jordan reminded Garland that when he was nominated attorney general, he pledged to "guarantee the independence of the Department from partisan influence." "This assertion is hard to square with reporting that Ms. Dunn is leading debate preparations for Vice President Harris while she also leads Googles defense against a Biden-Harris administration lawsuit," Jordan wrote. Jordan said that "given this potential conflict of interest," he is requesting a briefing on how the DOJ is working to combat "this and other potential conflicts of interest and political bias" in the Google case. Jordan asked that DOJ staff arrange the briefing by Sept. 24. Google recently cut a deal with the California government for both entities to pay a combined $180 million to fund state newsrooms. Neither the Harris campaign nor Dunn responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Dunn's work ahead of the debate. The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the letter but declined to comment on the matter. The revelations come after Google came under scrutiny after the assassination attempt against Trump. Googles autocomplete search results did not initially register the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump. Google admitted that it initially blocked and eliminated search prompts for the assassination attempt against Trump, saying they were prohibited by design and part of the companys policy to prevent search results for "hypothetical political violence against current figures." "We do not allow predictions that can be interpreted as accusations against individuals or groups of serious malevolent acts where there is a lack of well-established or expert supporting evidence," said Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, U.S. and Canada Mark Isakowitz. Original article source: Lawyer defending Google in DOJ case prepping Harris for debate is 'conflict of interest,' Jordan investigates An affidavit obtained by The Gazette details how a Colorado Springs police officer now faces a criminal charge for allegedly accessing the criminal records of his husband's roommate in an attempt to have a restraining order filed against her. In August, The Gazette reported that Colorado Springs police officer Levi Braun was arrested for allegedly, unlawfully obtaining information about another individual for personal gain. A serve and release affidavit for Braun obtained by The Gazette details that Braun now faces one count of misdemeanor official misconduct for allegedly using law enforcement tools to search the criminal records of his husband's roommate. The affidavit states the Braun's husband, Nick Donaldson, had filed a temporary restraining order against his roommate in an attempt to have her evicted from the residence sooner, and without all of her belongings. The affidavit notes that Donaldson wasn't just the evictee's roommate, but also the landlord of the property. The woman being evicted made complaints to Braun's supervisors that she believed Braun had illegally accessed her criminal records due to mentions of it being made in the paperwork for the temporary restraining order, according to the affidavit. The affidavit states that investigators discovered shortly after that Braun had accessed two CSPD case reports involving Donaldson's roommate, neither of which he was listed as having any professional involvement with. Court records show that Braun was issued a court summons and complaint, and is set to make his first appearance in court on Oct. 18 for an arraignment. A Colorado Springs Police Department spokesperson stated at the time of Braun's arrest that he had been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal and criminal investigations. Featured Local Savings The Colorado Springs Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Gazette regarding Braun's current employment status. According to a press release sent out in August, the department says that they "take all claims of misconduct by our employees seriously and understand the importance of transparency and accountability with our community and the importance of holding our officers to the highest standards." Braun's arrest follows court updates from earlier in the year of a man suing a Colorado Springs police officer, claiming the officer used excessive force against him and then attempted to cover up the incident during the summer of 2022. Braun was mentioned in the lawsuit but was not named as a defendant. The plaintiff, Matthew Siron, alleges Braun was among the CSPD officers who responded to his apartment and tried to cover up another officer's use of force against him. Siron claims in a lawsuit filed in 4th Judicial District Court that officer Douglas Wolfe "forcibly" dropped him to the ground while he was restrained in handcuffs, though Siron "did not present an imminent safety threat" to responding officers or other people. Siron said that the use of force led to the fracturing of several bones and caused one of his lungs to collapse while he experienced a mental health crisis. Wolfe has denied the allegations, stating that Siron resisted detaining efforts and that Siron kicked Wolfe hard enough in the knee to cause bodily injury. The petrol station at the centre of a serious spill in Bramley, Surrey, is owned by Asda - Russell Sach The first inkling anyone had of the problem was a weird smell in the cellar of a local pub. Then dead fish started floating to the surface of a stream that flows through the village. Finally telephone engineers had to call the fire service to investigate fumes emanating from a manhole next to the church. Following persistent complaints by the residents of Bramley in Surrey and the intervention of local MP Jeremy Hunt, tests were carried out. Eventually the problem was traced to a broken and badly repaired pipe under the forecourt of a petrol station from which fuel had slowly but surely been leaching into the surrounding area. But if residents thought that was to be the end of their troubles, they were sorely mistaken. No one knows when the broken pipe was erroneously patched with a fibreglass panel, when that repair failed or how much fuel has leaked out. And, most infuriating of all, no one is taking responsibility for the problem. A lot of the miserabilist suggestions that the world is going to hell in a handcart can be over-egged; the past is rarely as rosy as is remembered, nor the coming apocalypse as imminent as forecast. But situations like that unfolding in Bramley do make you wonder whether the pessimists have a point. Dan Davies, the author of the book The Unaccountability Machine, says the Kafkaesque nightmare in Surrey is a perfect example of the aspect of the modern world he was seeking to describe. In a way Im glad I didnt know about whats happening in Bramley when I was writing the book; God knows how long I would have spent down that rabbit hole. The fuel leak has contaminated the water system. In May, 600 households were told their tap water was not safe to drink. Thames Water has replaced plastic pipes running through the village with metal ones. Openreach has been unable to access its ducts to carry out repairs. In May, 600 households were told their tap water was not safe to drink - Tony Kershaw/SWNS There have been constant roadworks as the various companies have dug up exploratory holes and attempted fixes. Local businesses have suffered as a result of all the disruption and homeowners are worried that they now live on top of a huge slick of toxic waste and what that might mean for the value of their properties. The petrol station is currently run by Asda, the supermarket chain which is majority-owned by private equity giant TDR Capital and claims the problem is historic. The previous owner was the Co-op, which in turn acquired it from a family-run company called Ultralink Services Limited, which no longer exists. Surrey County Council has passed responsibilities to Waverley Borough Council, which says it has no powers to intervene. The Environment Agency says it cant comment due to an ongoing investigation and the UK Health Security Agency says its role is advisory rather than regulatory. As one resident says: You know that all these agencies and authorities exist and you naively assume that one of their main roles is to help when things go wrong. But when you do have a problem, everyone shrugs and says they cant do anything. Homeowners are worried that they now live on top of a slick of toxic waste and what that might mean for the value of their properties - Tony Kershaw/SWNS The subtitle of Daviess book is: Why Big Systems Make Terrible Decisions and How The World Lost Its Mind. That does seem to sum up the petrol station fiasco in Bramley: the modern world has been taken over by faceless systems and those caught up in the ensuing mess can only rant at lowly functionaries who have no power to change anything. Davies examines how rules, systems and procedures are created to help organisations to navigate an increasingly complex world but have the side-effect of severing responsibility from decision making and creating what he calls accountability sinks. These threaten to open up all over the place with the rise of machine learning and algorithmic decision-making. If you cut the connection between a cats cerebellum and the rest of its brain, it still looks alive, writes Davies in one particularly bleak analogy. It can walk, right itself when it falls over, and eat and drink. But it is no longer capable of purposive action it cant generate its own responses to change. How many organisations do you know which resemble decerebrate cats? Small mammals dont fare well in Daviess book. He writes about the time when KLM, the Dutch airline, found 440 pet squirrels had been shipped on a flight without the right paperwork. Staff, by following the rulebook to the letter, ended up throwing the animals into an industrial shredder. KLM did eventually say it regretted this outcome but argued its employees had acted formally correctly. Sometimes it makes sense to break the feedback loop between a decision and its consequences. Davies, a professional economist, cites monetary policy as one such example. Another would be the joint stock limited liability company, which made owners less responsible for the actions of the corporate entity. That was a good thing when, for example, it might have been a widow in Yorkshire investing her pension in the shares of a US railroad company. It allowed capital to take bigger risks, helping drive the industrial revolution and the subsequent surge in prosperity in the Western world. But should a private equity feeder fund be afforded exactly the same protections? If you were building the capitalist system from scratch, maybe not. The rise of unaccountability is organic but, if not totally deliberate, then certainly not accidental either, according to Davies. Any organisation in a modern industrial society will tend to restructure itself so as to reduce the amount of personal responsibility attributable to its action until crisis results. Guarding against such instincts is incredibly hard. Accountability is horrible, says Davies. People are always trying to avoid it. He suggests that the best management teams need to be proactively seeking out broken feedback loops. But the best safeguard is to deindustrialise processes by talking to people wherever possible. If you rely solely on accounting models you can drift a long way from reality without realising it, argues Davies. If you talk to customers who live in the real world and not in your mental models then its harder to go astray. The residents of Bramley would probably agree. It was years before anyone listened to them. 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. At least 19 dead in Gaza airstrike Israel says was aimed at Hamas Palestinians inspect the damages after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa At least 19 people have been killed and 60 others injured in an Israeli airstrike in a humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian officials. The militant Palestinian organization Hamas had initially spoken of at least 40 dead. Later, the Health Ministry reported 19 deaths, although other Hamas authorities continued to speak of 40 Palestinians killed. The Israeli army said the attack was aimed at key Hamas terrorists in a command centre hidden in the zone. It also denied the high death toll. Footage from the site showed a huge crater in the ground and people desperately digging in the sandy soil with their bare hands in the search for more victims. According to the civil defence in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Islamist Hamas, tents housing internally displaced persons were hit. Israel had repeatedly called on Gaza Strip residents who had fled to seek safety in the Al-Muwasi humanitarian zone. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said the Israeli Air Force "conducted a precise strike on a number of senior Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control center embedded inside the humanitarian area" in Khan Younis. "Among the terrorists struck was Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, Head of Hamas' Aerial Unit in the Gaza Strip," Hagari said. Osama Tabesh, the head of the Observation and Targets Department in Hamas' military intelligence headquarters, and Ayman Mabhouh, another senior Hamas commander, were also said to have been hit during the operation. The Israeli military reported the strike in a Telegram post early on Tuesday, saying the air force "struck significant Hamas terrorists" they claimed had been operating from within the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, but did not provide any information on casualties. "The terrorists advanced and carried out terror attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel," the post said, adding that "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians." Hagari said the Hamas members hit in the strike had been "directly involved in the execution" of the October 7 attacks on Israel, in which some 1,200 people were killed. The had recently been involved in carrying out terrorist activities against Israel, Hagari asserted. "Prior to the strike, extensive intelligence gathering was conducted, as well as continuous aerial surveillance in the hours leading up to the strike, which confirmed the presence of the terrorists in the area alongside additional terrorist operatives," the spokesman said. Hamas, on the other hand, declared that Israel's claim that its fighters had been in the humanitarian zone was "a blatant lie." Israel has repeatedly justified attacks on humanitarian areas citing intelligence saying that Hamas operatives are hiding there. The claims from both sides could not be independently verified. Hagari contradicted the death toll given by the civil defence agency, saying the figures "do not align with the information held by the IDF, the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike." In July, Israel struck a target in the humanitarian zone between Khan Younis and al-Mawasi, which Israel claimed served as a base for Hamas militants. Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas' military wing in Gaza, and the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade, Rafa Salama, were killed in the attack. Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza said the strike hit a refugee camp, leaving at least 90 people dead and another 300 injured. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 40,000 people have been killed and more than 98,000 others injured in Gaza during 11 months of war. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters and cannot be independently verified at present. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, with more than 1,200 dead, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7 last year. Palestinians inspect their tents after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians inspect their tents after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians inspect their tents after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians search for victims after a series of Israeli raids on the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Jo Grady, the general secretary of the University and College Union, said a pay rise 'is going to be rejected by workers' - Liam McBurney/PA The UKs largest universities union has threatened fresh strike action amid the funding crisis facing the sector. Jo Grady, the general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said there is a good chance the union will ballot on further strike action in the coming weeks unless the Government announces a short-term funding plan for universities. The union, which represents more than 120,000 academics, has warned that it is not sustainable for Labour to repeatedly state it is reviewing how best to reform the sector. The UCU rejected a final offer from the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) in July of a pay rise for most workers of 2.5 per cent. The deal would have meant the lowest-paid university employees received a 5.7 per cent uplift. Unlike teachers, salaries for university staff are set by individual institutions rather than the Government. However, the UCU claims cash-strapped universities under pressure from frozen tuition fees are making budget cuts by axing staff or limiting their pay. Labour has to help workers Ms Grady said: It is going to be rejected by university workers, and theres a good chance that we could be balloting for strike action, which is not where anybody wants to be. But if the message is clear that if we need to support Labour, which we do we have to help Labour rebuild the economy Labour has to also help workers. Its not a sustainable position to not be clear about what your plan is to address the problems. Were two months now from the election, weve got the Labour Party Conference in two weeks there needs to be some clear messages from Labour as to what it is they are going to do. It raises the possibility of a further wave of strike action by university staff following a series of walkouts since 2018, including last years marking and assessment boycott. It marks the union leaders strongest warning to the new Government to date, after the UCU promised to hold [Labours] feet to the fire over the state of higher education ahead of the general election. University leaders last week called on the Government to raise tuition fees to prevent institutions going under. About 40 per cent of universities in England are expected to sink into a deficit this year, according to the Office for Students. Tuition fees in England have remained frozen at 9,250 since 2017, when they received a minor uplift of 250 their first increase since 2012. Universities have warned it means they are now losing thousands of pounds for each home student they enrol. In total, 70 higher education institutions are already undergoing redundancy or restructuring programmes, including many leading Russell Group universities. Ms Grady warned that the figure would increase without direct Government action, as she accused Labour of allowing the university sector to decay since winning the election. Give us some short-term commitments about how youre going to stop the decay continuing, she said. Saying [the university sector] is autonomous does not address the issue. It just deflects it onto a group of employers that have got us into this position... Its not a get out of jail free card for not fixing the upfront problems. Labour admitted in its election manifesto that higher education was in crisis and that the current funding settlement did not work for the taxpayer, universities, staff, or students, but is yet to spell out how it would overhaul the sector. The Government has also ruled out providing a taxpayer-funded bailout for any university that goes bust and insisted universities are autonomous businesses. Bridget Phillipson has said that the Government is considering all options to reform the higher education - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/ Getty Images Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, said last week that the Government is considering all options to reform the higher education funding model, but warned there would be no easy answers or quick fixes. She told vice-chancellors at the Universities UK (UUK) annual conference in Reading: I cant promise painless or immediate resolutions, but I do promise that these issues will get the attention and the commitment they deserve. Ms Phillipson also hinted that universities would have to make budget cuts to ensure their futures, telling vice-chancellors: I need you all to be ready to drive reform from within. The Department for Education was approached for comment. 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. Jorge Ramos at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Awards Gala on Sept. 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. - Credit: Shannon Finney/WireImage Legendary Mexican journalist and anchor Jorge Ramos, who led news coverage at Univision for 40 years, will leave the network at the end of the year. Ramos announced his departure during Mondays Noticiero Univision broadcast, revealing that he would not be renewing his contract with the company. I have something personal to share. Im leaving Univision. The company and I decided to not renew our contract which expires at the end of the year, he said in Spanish. Ill be with this newscast until December. It has been a hard, sad decision that took a lot of time to make. This is how 40 years end with Univision, 38 of which were with Noticiero. Seventeen of which I anchored Al Punto. More from Rolling Stone Ramos has co-anchored Noticiero Univision since 1986 and has hosted a weekend magazine show called Al Punto. He, for decades, has been one of the leading voices in Spanish-language media, earning 10 Emmy Awards throughout his career. He was infamously kicked out of a news conference by Donald Trump in 2015 after Ramos pressed him on immigration policy. I am so thankful for these four decades. This was literally my second home, Ramos said in Mondays telecast. I am so proud of being part of this great team of journalists over the years. Theyre my friends, my family, and I wish them the best. Ramos ended by sharing that hed later reveal his future plans, adding that theres so much to do in journalism, and that makes me really excited. For now, Im just going to thank you all who see us each night and whove been with me for so long, he said. This is not an immediate goodbye. Ill be here tomorrow with the news. Ramos daughter Paola Ramos, a frequent MSNBC contributor, shared Jorges farewell video on Instagram, congratulating him on the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one. I am beyond proud of my father @jorgeramosnews, Paola wrote, later adding, What a privilege it has been for me to grow up around this giant. In a statement, Noticias Univision president Daniel Coronell thanked Ramos for his years at the company, saying that the team was well-prepared to continue the tradition of journalistic excellence the brand has built over the decades. Ramos exit comes about a year after fellow Mexican journalist Leon Krauze left the network after disagreeing with TelevisaUnivisions coverage of an interview with Trump, conducted by the networks Enrique Acevedo. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Legislative Council granted 3 more employees to keep up with workload Sen. Jerry Klein, clockwise from lower left, Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, Gov. Doug Burgum, Secretary of State Michael Howe, Rep. Don Vigesaa and Rep. Mike Lefor listen to a presentation during an Emergency Commission meeting Sept. 9, 2024. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) The Emergency Commission on Monday voted to give Legislative Council the authority to hire three more employees. In a presentation to the commission, Legislative Council Director John Bjornson said the new hires would be a communications specialist, a tax policy analyst and an energy policy analyst. Legislative Council, the research arm of the Legislature, is already planning to ask next years Legislature to give the agency 25 more positions, Bjornson said, but needs immediate help to prepare for the session. He said so far, requests for bill drafts have doubled this interim session compared to the interim leading up to the 2023 session. Over the weekend, I had people working 10-hour days just trying to keep up drafting and thats been the case for a good part of the summer, he told the commission. Bjornson said the new legislative term limits, approved by voters in 2022, will put additional strain on Legislative Council. The constitutional amendment forbids North Dakota lawmakers from serving more than eight years in each chamber. A Legislative Council analysis found that the new amendment could cause up to 69 lawmakers to hit their term limits in 2028, and another 72 to reach the end of their terms in 2030. With fewer veteran lawmakers serving in the statehouse, Legislative Council expects to take a more active role in training legislators. The request for additional staff, which was approved 5-1, came at no additional cost to the state. Bjornson said the positions will be funded by money already in Legislative Councils budget. Gov. Doug Burgum was the only no vote of the six-member commission. He questioned whether it would be hypocritical to allow Legislative Council to grow while at the same time expecting other agencies to cut back. Burgum in his budget proposal earlier this year instructed all executive branch agencies to downsize their operating budgets by 3%. He was also skeptical that term limits would create much more work for Legislative Council. There isnt any other agency that could have come in here today and got this approved, he said. There was also lengthy discussion on how the Legislature could help relieve pressure on Legislative Council without adding more employees. The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee in its July meeting discussed whether the Legislature should set limits on the number of bills lawmakers can have drafted, or no longer require every bill to have a hearing. The committee is expected to continue that discussion at its next meeting on Sept. 19, Bjornson said. The Emergency Commission consists of Burgum, Secretary of State Michael Howe, House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, Budget Section Chair Sen. Brad Bekkedahl and Budget Section Vice Chair Rep. Don Vigesaa. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jerry Klein on Monday sat on the commission on Hogues behalf. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LIVINGSTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Saturdays I-75 shooting hit close to home for Kentucky music festival organizers. FOX 56 was told Rockcastle Riverside has always been a safe haven for festival goers, and organizers hope that doesnt change after shots rang out only six miles away from festival grounds. Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people It started as an ordinary weekend for Michelle Sawyers, with Rockcastle Riverside management. She told FOX 56 that hundreds of people packed the campground nestled in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, enjoying its Rock Rebellion music festival. Saturdays I-75 shooting hit close to home for Kentucky music festival organizers when shots rang out only six miles from the campground (FOX 56) Rockcastle Riverside campground (Michelle Sawyers) Rock Rebellion at Rockcastle Riverside campground (Michelle Sawyers) Rockcastle Riverside campground (Michelle Sawyers) Rockcastle Riverside campground (Michelle Sawyers) Moonshiners Ball at Rockcastle Riverside campground (Michelle Sawyers) But that evening, things changed as I-75 and surrounding roads closed, and the search for 32-year-old Joseph Couch began. Sawyers told FOX 56 that Couchs vehicle was found less than a mile away from the festival grounds. Organizers immediately took action, called authorities, and the bands on stage worked to eliminate panic. We felt responsible for 200 other lives, Sawyers said. Search resumes for suspect after shooting on I-75 in Laurel County Law enforcement searched the campground that evening and Sawyers said that campers stayed put and remained vigilant. We know everyone in attendance, and if I dont, somebody there does, she said. All night we made sure that nobody there seemed out of place, trying to blend in with the crowd. Although it was a scary situation, Sawyers emphasized that as they look forward to October for the annual Moonshiners Ball, theyre prepared now more than ever. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Rockcastle Riverside would like to thank KSP, ATF, Livingston Fire Department, and EMS for the response and protection during the active shooter event. We learned a lot through this experience and want to assure everyone that the venue is a safer place because of the events this weekend. We were in the final day of Rock Rebellion, a two day music festival, when we got word of the situation. We would like to thank the hosts for helping keep the community calm and thank the patrons or trusting us with their safety. The situation could have easily turned into panic and caused more tragedy. Were extremely proud of staff, crew, and festival goers for being responsible during this event. We will not let the fear this man caused deter us from hosting music festivals. Instead, we educate ourselves, prepare for all scenarios, and move forward. Let the mountains ring forever. Michelle Sawyers, Rockcastle Riverside Management. I didnt leave that weekend until all of my campers were gone, Sawyers said. I locked up all our resources before I left. Even put a lock on the water spigot, because if hes still out there, hes not welcome here. Authorities continue to comb through the Laurel County wilderness in search for the suspected gunman and theres a $25,000 reward out for information that leads to his arrest. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Couch is considered to be armed and dangerous, if you see him call area law enforcement 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 FOX 56 News. A Lexington County man is going to federal prison for more than a decade after selling drugs and guns to undercover officers, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Reginald Travis Pearson, a 40-year-old West Columbia resident, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Tuesday in a news release. Pearson was sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison, according to the release. Between November 2022 and January 2023, Pearson sold more than 900 grams of meth and 28 grams of cocaine to undercover ATF agents, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Additionally, Pearson sold seven guns despite being a convicted felon whos prohibited from possessing firearms, according to the release. Pearson has previous convictions for petit larceny and multiple drug-related offenses, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, as well as heroin distribution, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Pearson was sentenced as a career offender based on his six prior drug convictions, according to the release. Pearson was sentenced to 200 months in prison, to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. There is no parole in the federal system. The West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriffs Department, Richland County Sheriffs Department and Homeland Security investigated the case, along with the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case. Pearson is facing pending South Carolina charges from a January 2023 arrest, Lexington County court records show. He was charged with assault & battery of a high and aggravated nature, first-degree burglary and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to court records. Pearson, whose attorney is listed as Columbia lawyer Joenathan Chaplin, posted $61,000 bond on the combined charges the day after he was arrested, court records show. LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)The Liberty County School System (LCSS) had no comment after concerned parents voiced their opinions about the new phone policy. The Yondr Pouch cost the system a little more than $140,000. The phones are locked into these pouches and cannot be unlocked until the end of the school day and students do not have the ability to unlock it themselves. This is the first year the school system has required this from students. The new policy is receiving more backlash after the recent school shooting in Georgia that claimed the lives of four. Tattnall Co. School District respond to social media threat Very uneasy, very unsettling, Krystina Langan, a middle school parent said. Thats a lifeline for a lot of kids it feels like and to take that away I didnt like it from the get-go. Langan could not bear the thought of not being able to contact her son during an emergency situation. I am an only parent, Langan said. His father passed away, so Im his lifeline and taking that away has been much more anxious and much more uneasy and more unfocused than hes ever been. News 3 spoke with parent Jaquan Manigo, and he thinks there are more pros than cons with the new policy. I know that they are a distraction in school, Mangio said. They are recording fights in the bathroom, so that will be less of a distraction from school and hopefully they will focus on their schoolwork. He said he can understand where other parents are coming from. My daughter dealt with bullying last year and this was her first year down here in Georgia, said Manigo. Checking in periodically could help, but I got to put faith in the system. I dont think the phone is going to save or change the situation necessarily, but to take that last goodbye or I love you message away from the child and parent is absolutely devastating to me, Langan said. Shortly after Apalachee High Schools shooting, multiple schools recieved threats across the region. The Liberty County Sherriffs Office (LCSO) said a 13-year-old has been arrested and charged with terroristic threats and felony after threatening to bring a gun to a local school late last week. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A Libyan city scarred by flooding that killed thousands tries to rebuild a year later Mohsen al-Sheikh, 52, stands in his neighborhood of the city of Derna, Libya, on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 which was covered in floodwaters a year ago after two dams burst upstream. (AP Photo/Muhammad Elalwany) DERNA, Libya (AP) A year since two dams burst upstream from the eastern Libyan city of Derna, unleashing a wall of water that swept away thousands of people, its residents no longer hold out hope of finding many of their loved ones. For Libya, the disaster on the night of Sept. 10 was unprecedented as torrential rains from Mediterranean storm Daniel gushed down steep mountainsides. Those who survived in the coastal city recount nightmarish scenes, with bodies piling up quicker than authorities could count them. Mohsen al-Sheikh, a 52-year-old actor and theater administrator, lost 103 of his extended family, many of whose bodies were not recovered. Even those retrieved can be nearly impossible to identify. Of the nine members of his cousin's family who drowned, only four were identifiable. Scores of other families were also nearly wiped out, with only a few surviving members, al-Sheikh says. Those who were found were found, and those who werent, werent. Now, the townspeople and city officials are trying to rebuild even though they will never bury those who disappeared forever. Deadly flooding in Derna's riverbed valley Residents of Derna woke up to the loud explosions of the two dams breaking. What followed was a living nightmare. The surging waters, two stories high, wiped out entire neighborhoods, roads, bridges and residential buildings across the port city. Thousands of people were instantly washed away, drowning within minutes, and tens of thousands more were displaced. Estimates from aid organizations put the number of deaths between 4,000 and 11,000, and the number of missing people between 9,000 and 10,000. Another 30,000 were displaced. Houses in the al-Maghar neighborhood, where al-Sheikh lives, were built on a hillside of a dry riverbed valley, where the water rushed into. The slope meant many houses had a lower and upper entrance on opposite sides a design that al-Maghar had come up with many years earlier. Some fleeing families used the back doors to escape to higher ground. Al-Maghars design may have saved hundreds during the flooding, although it wasn't built to serve an emergency purpose. That night, many also fled by running into their neighbors homes and up the hill, through the higher-level doors. Derna residents ended up calling them the doors of safety. That night, Shaker Alhusni left his own home to help a neighbor, only to return and find his house full of water. His family was able to flee to higher floors. A report published not long after the disaster found that the torrential rains were 50 times more likely to occur and 50% more intense because of human-caused climate change. The analysis was conducted by the World Weather Attribution group, which aims to quickly evaluate the possible role of climate change in extreme weather events. In late July, Libyas criminal court sentenced 12 local officials responsible for managing the countrys dam facilities for negligence in the dams maintenance. Sentences ranged between nine to 29 years in prison, according to Libyas Attorney Generals Office. Rebuilding amid political uncertainty The oil-rich Libya has been in chaos since 2011, when an Arab Spring uprising, backed by NATO, ousted longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. Derna, with its diverse mix of residents of Turkish, Andalusian and Cretan origin, was for years a cultural center of the North African country. But it was also deeply affected by Libya's civil war and more than a decade of unrest. For several years after the 2011 uprising, it fell under the influence of the Islamic State group and other extremists. Now, one of Libyas rival authorities is putting serious resources into rebuilding Derna the east-based government and the forces of Gen. Khalifa Hifter and his self-styled Libyan National Army. A rival administration is based in the capital of Tripoli, to the west, and enjoys the support of most of the international community. Last September, the east-based Libyan parliament agreed to allocate 10 billion Libyan dinars (around $2 billion) to launch a development fund that would help rebuild Derna and impacted areas around the city. A city committee for maintenance and reconstruction began building new homes and provided financial compensation for the survivors, including Al-Sheikh. Across Derna's riverbed, widened by the floodwaters, al-Sahaba Bridge is being rebuilt along with al-Sahaba Mosque next door. There are plans to build 280 apartments for those who lost their homes, according to Salem al-Sheikh, an engineer at the construction site that's part of a residential project launched in May. Al-Sheikh told The Associated Press that 60% of reconstruction works across Derna has been completed. More support for the survivors International observers say that the country needs much more support to help the coastal city get back to a semblance of the life it once had. There remains a critical need for coordinated, effective and efficient reconstruction and long-term development, said Stephanie Koury, head of the U.N.s mission to Libya, or UNSMIL, said in a statement marking the first anniversary of Derna's disaster. In July, Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, said reconstruction efforts and helping authorities identify human remains are crucial. We reiterate the calls of affected communities for coordinated, transparent, and national efforts for reconstruction," she said. It is crucial to provide assistance ... in the identification of human remains and the dignified reburial of the bodies. Plans to rebuild the dams were being discussed last year, but it remains unconfirmed whether those plans will move forward. That leaves al-Sheikh uncertain whether he'll be able to return to his house or will it be completely demolished like others that remain along the Derna Valley to avoid another similar tragedy in the future. ___ Associated Press writer Fatma Khaled in Cairo contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental 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. Life on alien planets probably wouldn't experience day and night here's how that may change evolution When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Nazarii Neshcherenskyi/iStock/Getty Images Plus This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. Maureen Cohen is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Venus Global Climate Modelling at The Open University. Do aliens sleep? You may take sleep for granted, but research suggests many planets that could evolve life don't have a day and night cycle. It's hard to imagine, but there are organisms living in Earth's lightless habitats, deep underground or at the bottom of the sea, that give us an idea what alien life without a circadian rhythm may be like. There are billions of potentially habitable planets in our galaxy. How do we arrive at this number? The Milky Way has between 100 billion and 400 billion stars. Seventy percent of these are tiny, cool red dwarfs, also known as M-dwarfs. A detailed exoplanet survey published in 2013 estimated that 41% of M-dwarf stars have a planet orbiting in their "Goldilocks" zone, the distance at which the planet has the right temperature to support liquid water. These planets only have the potential to host liquid water, though. We dont yet know if any of them actually do have water, much less life. Still, that comes to 28.7 billion planets in the Goldilocks zones of M-dwarfs alone. This is not even considering other types of stars like our own yellow sun. Rocky planets orbiting in an M-dwarf's habitable zone are called M-Earths. M-Earths differ from our Earth in fundamental ways. For one thing, because M-dwarf stars are much cooler than the sun, they are close-in, which makes the gravitational pull of the star on the planet immensely strong. The star's gravity pulls harder on the near side of the planet than the far side, creating friction that resists and slows the planet's spin over aeons until spin and orbit are synchronized. This means most M-Earths are probably tidally locked, which is when one hemisphere always faces the sun while the other always faces away. A tidally locked planet's year is the same length as its day. The moon is tidally locked to the Earth, which is why we always see only one face of the moon and never its far side. A tidally locked planet may seem exotic, but most potentially habitable planets are probably like this. Our closest planetary neighbor, Proxima Centauri b (located in the Alpha Centauri system four light-years away), is probably a tidally locked M-Earth. Unlike our Earth, then, M-Earths have no days, no nights and no seasons. But life on Earth, from bacteria to humans, has circadian rhythms tuned to the day-night cycle. Sleep is only the most obvious of these. The circadian cycle affects biochemistry, body temperature, cell regeneration, behavior and much more. For example, people who receive vaccinations in the morning develop more antibodies than those who receive them in the afternoon because the immune system's responsiveness varies throughout the day. We don't know for sure how important periods of inactivity and regeneration are to life. Maybe beings that evolved without cyclical time can just keep on chugging, never needing to rest. To inform our speculation, we can look at organisms on Earth that thrive far from daylight, such as cave-dwellers, deep-sea life and microorganisms in dark environments like the Earth's crust and the human body. Many of these life-forms do have biorhythms, synchronized to stimuli other than light. Naked mole rats spend their entire lives underground, never seeing the sun, but they have circadian clocks attuned to daily and seasonal cycles of temperature and rainfall. Deep-sea mussels and hot vent shrimp synchronize with the ocean tides. Bacteria living in the human gut synchronize with melatonin fluctuations in their host. Melatonin is a hormone your body produces in response to darkness. Temperature variations caused by thermal vents, humidity fluctuations, and changes in environmental chemistry or currents can all trigger bio-oscillations in organisms. This hints that biorhythms have intrinsic benefits. Recent research shows M-Earths could have cycles that replace days and seasons. To study questions like these, scientists have adapted climate models to simulate what the environment on an M-Earth would look like, including our neighbor Proxima Centauri b. In these simulations, the contrast between dayside and nightside seems to generate rapid jets of wind and atmospheric waves like those that cause Earth's jet stream to bend and meander. If the planet has water, the dayside probably forms thick clouds full of lightning. Interactions between winds, atmospheric waves and clouds may shift the climate between different states, causing regular cycles in temperature, humidity and rainfall. The lengths of these cycles will vary by planet from tens to hundreds of Earth days, but they won't be related to its rotation period. While the star remains fixed in the sky of these planets, the environment will be changing. RELATED STORIES: Belief in alien visits to Earth is spiraling out of control here's why that's so dangerous SETI searches for alien life in over 1,000 galaxies using unexplored radio frequencies Are we alone? Intelligent aliens may be rare, new study suggests Perhaps life on M-Earths would evolve biorhythms synchronized to these cycles. If a circadian clock organizes internal biochemical oscillations, it may have to. Or perhaps evolution would find a weirder solution. We could imagine species that live on the planet's dayside and migrate to the nightside to rest and regenerate. A circadian clock in space instead of in time. This thought should remind us that, if life exists out there, it will upend assumptions we didn't know we had. The only certainty is that it will surprise us. Rikki Olds thought the noise she heard coming from outside was someone repairing the roof of the King Soopers. Seconds later, she tilted her head as a man in dark clothing and a tactical vest ran through the west doors and shot her once, killing her, the lead investigator testified Monday. Jurors somberly watched defendant Ahmad Alissas actions on store surveillance video, which was shown on a courtroom monitor, along with maps and digital re-enactments, in the third day of Alissas murder trial in Boulder County. The footage showed victim Denny Stong jump between cash register 14 and 15, and start crawling before the defendant allegedly shot him three times. Olds was the fourth of 10 people who lost their lives that day. Stong was the fifth. The bodies of Neven Sanisik, Kevin Mahoney, and Tralona Bartkowiak were in the Table Mesa shopping center parking lot, shot just seconds before and the first three to die that day in March 2021. In the courtroom at the defense table, Alissa watched the monitor attached to the wall on his right side as footage showed that quiet afternoon, when a neighborhood grocery store became the scene of a mass shooting. When large photos of each victim filled the screen and their lives described, he removed his glasses and pinched the skin between his eyes. Some of the jurors looked at the defendant as the photos were shown. Alissa, 25, faces 55 counts overall, including 10 counts of first-degree murder, 38 counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault and six counts of possessing large-capacity magazines during the commission of a felony in connection to the mass shooting that occurred at the King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive on March 22, 2021. Alissa has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and his attorneys have acknowledged that he was the shooter who killed the people in the parking lot and in the store at 3600 Table Mesa Drive. It is the first time that video surveillance has been shown in the courtroom. Several family members who attended the trial in-person ducked their heads or sobbed as they watched their loved ones in the last moments of their lives. Before lunch, public defender Kathryn Herold asked 20th Judicial Chief Judge Ingrid Bakke to instruct the gallery to keep their emotions and whispering in check, so as not to prejudice the jury. Mark Suban, a Laboratory Shooting Reconstruction specialist, testified that he reviewed police body-worn camera video and store surveillance to put together a timeline. There was so much video, it took him eight months to compile it. Suban color-coded his graphic map to correspond with the movements of the gunman, murder victims, and survivors. Some places had no camera view, which created a blank zone but corresponding time codes and angles enabled him to follow the shooter, shoppers and store workers. The interactive digital video with orange, blue and purple dots made it easy for the jury to track the 68 seconds Alissa took to allegedly execute the mass shooting. Former Boulder Police lead investigator Sarah Cantu was asked what the common factors were between the victims. Featured Local Savings Most of them were in his line of sight, she said. They were trying to get away. He pursued them and shot them until they stopped moving. Some time between 2:25 and 2:30 p.m., Boulder Police Ofc. Bryan Capobianco got an active shooter call, hopped in his vehicle and raced to the King Soopers. Your foot gets a little heavier when you get a call like that, he testified. Once at the store parking lot, Mahoneys body was lying in the road; Bartkowiaks body was nearby. Capobianco entered the store with Boulder Police officers Eric Talley, whom he described as a mentor, and Pam Gignac. Once inside, he described what he called an Oh, smoment. What met them was not a chaotic scene, but a quiet grocery stores with nowhere to duck for cover except for racks of knick-knacks. There was lounge elevator type of music and the distinct smell of gunpowder, he said. The silence didnt last. Several loud gunshots rang out and Capobianco and Gignac retreated to the parking lot. He did not realize that Talley was down until he returned with a second wave of officers and saw his body. I knew it was Ofc. Talley because he was the only one of the three of us that would wear a standard uniform, he said and added that Talleys bullet-proof vest was on the inside of his clothing. Gignac later testified that Talley fell after two shots. I knew (he was dead) when it happened. He was running, but when the shots rang out he just dropped, she said. When Dougherty asked how many children Talley had, Capobianco chocked at the number. Seven, he answered. Talleys family, including several of his children, were in the courtroom Monday. One, a woman, left the room crying after Capobianco left the stand. He walked out with his father, who flew in from New York to support him. Day 4 of the trial resumes at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Cancer patient Steven Manetta sits for a portrait Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in his Lemont, Ill., home. Manetta takes at least a dozen pills daily to keep a form of the blood cancer leukemia in remission. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Cancer patients can ward off waves of vomiting after treatment with a relatively cheap anti-nausea pill, but some are running into coverage limits. Doctors say restrictions on the number of tablets patients receive can hurt care. Pharmacy benefit managers say their limits guard against overuse, and they offer workarounds to get more tablets. In between sit patients, who might ration pills or opt for less effective help for a dreaded side effect of radiation or chemotherapy. The conflict shows how an array of coverages and poor communication can complicate even simple acts of care in the fragmented U.S. health care system. This is sort of the dirty underbelly of the current health care environment, said oncologist Dr. Fumiko Chino. Insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers are somehow weirdly ending up in my exam room, standing between me and my patients. Steven Manetta takes at least a half dozen pills daily to help keep a form of leukemia in remission. For more than a year, he rationed his go-to anti-nausea pill, ondansetron, known by the brand-name Zofran. Manettas coverage through CVS Caremark paid for 18 ondansetron pills every 21 days. That forced him to sometimes use alternatives that make him extremely drowsy in order to stretch his supply. He only recently got approval for a 90-day supply. Its just like an extra thing to think about all the time, the 33-year-old Lemont, Illinois, resident said. When youre on so many medications, the ones with the least side effects are the ones you always want to reach for. Ondansetron hit the U.S. market more than 30 years ago. It was the first in a series of drugs that gave doctors a better way to control nausea and vomiting, said Dr. Alexi Wright, a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute oncologist who teaches at Harvard. Wright and other cancer specialists call ondansetron a cornerstone treatment because of its relative safety, effectiveness and limited side effects. The price doesnt hurt either: Thirty tablets of ondansetron can cost under $12 through prescription discount websites. Pharmacists and doctors say they've dealt with restrictions on anti-nausea drugs like ondansetron for years. Wright says she finds the limits infuriating in part because the drug is affordable. More than half the plans sold on the U.S. individual insurance marketplace limit the number of ondansetron tablets that patients can get, according to preliminary results from a study by Chino and Michael Anne Kyle, a University of Pennsylvania researcher. Pharmacist Yen Nguyen frequently sees these restrictions, including the limits from CVS Caremark that Manetta encountered. Over four or five months of chemotherapy, youre fighting for dimes and nickels here," said Nguyen, executive director of pharmacy for the Houston-area practice Oncology Consultants. Jennette Murphy paid cash for ondansetron when her cancer treatment started earlier this year because she couldn't get coverage for the amount her doctor requested. Then she got a letter telling her the drug wouldn't be covered. It freaked me out, the Tehachapi, California, resident said. Im like, Really? Have you ever been through chemo? Pharmacy benefit managers say they set limits based partly on the treatment and offer several ways for doctors to request more. Prime Therapeutics limits 4- and 8-milligram prescriptions of ondansetron to 21 tablets over 30 days. That helps provide maximum dosing for seven days of treatment a month, chief clinical officer David Lassen said in an email. He said quantity limits are approved by independent doctors and pharmacists. They help prevent waste and excessive use that may not be safe. CVS Caremark spokesman Mike DeAngelis said his company bases limits on Food and Drug Administration guidelines. He added that the company can make a decision on requests for more tablets in less than 24 hours. Doctors say they don't always know when patients will need more. Coverage limits vary, and some patients may not tell their doctor that they got a smaller-than-desired amount. Also, nausea intensity can be hard to gauge with newer treatments. Chino says she wants patients to start with 90 tablets of ondansetron, enough to take the drug three times a day for a month if needed. But she often sees limits of 21 or 30 tablets. The fact that theres still restrictive patterns on this very useful medication is insane, said Chino, who recently moved from Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York to MD Anderson in Houston. Limits can hurt patients who have big copayments for each refill or trouble getting to the drugstore, noted Dr. Ramy Sedhom, an oncologist and palliative care specialist with Penn Medicine Princeton Health. I have a lot of patients who only go to the pharmacy once a month when their niece or nephew is in town to pick up the (prescriptions), he said. If patients run out of ondansetron, even for a few days, uncontrolled vomiting can send them to emergency rooms or force a treatment pause, doctors say. Murphy, the cancer patient, has avoided all of that. She said coverage started for ondansetron after her City of Hope cancer center doctor requested it. She faces a stretch of chemotherapy cycles that will extend well into the fall. The treatments leave her bedridden for days with nausea even while taking ondansetron. I would hate to not have it, she said. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch An advantage to writing every day instead of twice a week is that sometimes you get to steal a thought from one of your smarter colleagues before theyve had a chance to turn it into a column. Take this tweet from Jonah Goldberg, which might have been fodder for a G-File before I shamelessly swiped it to feature here. It seems to me that [Kamala] Harris was initially smart to avoid media and ride the vibes. Lots of Dems came home. [North Carolina] and Georgia came back into play, he wrote Tuesday morning. But she blew past the point of diminishing returns with her too-controlled strategy. Absent providing direct evidencenot cutesy leaks from unnamed spokespeoplethat shes a moderate, voters are making the reasonable default assumption that shes a continuation of Biden and not a break with him. Hence her ability to run as the change candidate is evaporating. Is that right? Did Harris ride the vibes a bit too long? Hes right that her pretensions of becoming the change agent in the race have been damaged, at least according to the latest New York Times poll. More than 60 percent of likely voters said the next president should represent a major change from Mr. Biden, but only 25 percent said the vice president represented that change, while 53 percent said Mr. Trump, the former president, did, the paper reported Sunday, finding Trump ahead nationally by 2 points. Times pollster Nate Cohn noted in a separate analysis how people responded when asked whether each candidate represents change or more of the same. For Harris, the split was 40-55. For Trump, a man who spent four years as president and has been his partys nominee for three straight cycles and counting, it was 61-34. Tonight is her last, best opportunity to convince voters that shes a centrist and to reclaim the mantle of change, Jonah concluded. That makes sense, yet I find myself skeptical that Kamala Harris can switch from being a vibes candidate to something like a policy candidateor that shed benefit from doing so, even if she can. For better or worse, I think shes stuck riding the vibes until Election Day. Vice President Kamala Harris greets people during a campaign stop at Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 7, 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) Are undecideds really undecided? If Jonah is right that Harris vibe-y blank slate strategy has reached a point of diminishing returns then when was the optimal moment for her to have pivoted away from it and toward being an outspoken centrist? After all, she spent 40 minutes at the Democratic convention in front of one of the largest audiences shell ever have putting meat on the policy bone. She sounded moderate-ish enough in doing so that she gave some Dispatch staffers flashbacks to the 2012 Republican convention. It didnt help her a bit. Her polling in the RealClearPolitics national average on the day she spoke was 48.4 percent. As I write this on September 10, its 48.4 percent. Trump has shaved a few tenths of a point off of her lead in the interim. Its hard for me to believe that, had Harris only provided a bit more direct evidence of her newfound moderation by doing a press conference or two before that speech, her polling would be meaningfully better now. One could as easily argue the opposite, that her upward trend in polling stalled because her convention address finally forced her to start getting specific on policy. So long as she was the generic Democrat of everyones dreams, riding on pure vibes, she was rising. Only when circumstances forced her to ditch the blank slate approach and start fleshing out her agenda did things begin to go sideways. That augurs badly for the debate, when shell once again be compelled by the moment to delve into policy details that are destined to offend some of the 56 percent of Americans who had rated her happy-happy-joy-joy campaign positively thus far. The counterargument to all of that comes from Harris adviser David Plouffe, who flagged a key difference between his candidate and Trump recently. Shes the one with room to grow, he told Politico. The Trump of 16, voters wanted to know more about him. Now, when Trump goes out there and campaigns and does interviews, its questionable how helpful it is. With Harris, its very helpful. We have a market of voters out there who want to know more about her. The polling backs him up. In the Times survey, 28 percent of likely voters said they felt they needed to know more about Harris versus 9 percent who said so of Trump. Among undecided voters specifically, fully 48 percent said they need to know more about Harris. For Trump, that share was 18 percent. She, not he, has an opportunity to make an impression on voters in Tuesday nights debate. But theres peril in that, and not just because room to grow also implies room to fall if that impression ends up being a bad one. Tell me this: How many of the undecided voters who need to know more about Harris before forming a preference in this race are truly open to supporting her? Sure, some are. Its a big group. But my (typically pessimistic) suspicion is that most Americans who are still thinking of voting for Trump at this late hour are quietly trying to talk themselves into doing so. They might feel embarrassed enough by their preference to force themselves to give Harris a semi-serious look, but theyre not going into this debate hoping to find things they like about her in order to justify voting Democratic. Theyre hoping to find things they dont like about her in order to justify voting for Trump. And someone whos looking for reasons to dislike a politician will find them. Times columnist Ross Douthat articulated my own feelings about the race in a piece last week. I think if Harris were on track to win, she would be leading more decisively at the moment, he argued. She has enjoyed an extended period of extraordinarily positive media coverage while the rival ticket flailed around trying to figure out an effective line of attack. She recently had the benefit of her partys convention, which wrapped up on Aug. 22 and wasin the press, at leastextremely positively received. And yet after those two boosts she still isnt clearly ahead of Trump in the Electoral College racewhich suggests that she probably now has more room to fall than rise. Harris blank slate strategy was an experiment. What if we replaced an unpopular geezer at the top of the ticket with a young-ish mainstream liberal who still has her wits about her? Does America fear and loathe Donald Trump enough, after impeachments and insurrections and indictments, to hand a generic Democrat a 6- or 7-point national lead right out of the gate and then dare Trump to figure out a way to cut into it? America does not. The experiment failed. Voters are in fact willing to choose Trump over a generic Democrat running on vibes, at least if that Democrat works in the Biden White House. It seems unlikely to me that Harris becoming less inoffensively generic by fleshing out a policy agenda at the debate will make her more appealing. In hindsight, if Jonah is right that Harris should have ended her media quarantine sooner, I think it has less to do with her having missed a chance to define herself as centrist on policy and more to do with how her cautiousness raised doubts about her mettle. Right now, Harris is an inaccessible curiosity, Noah Rothman noted on Monday. Soon enough, that perception will evolve into the assumption that she is fragilethat she cannot handle extended exposure to challenges that demand quick thinking and deft maneuvering. Fragility isnt a quality voters will tolerate in a president. Thats why Joe Biden is no longer his partys nominee. If Harris comes off as fragile at the debate, look out. Peril and potential at the debate. I have a hard time imagining what Harris could say on policy that would make a strong positive impression on swing voters, frankly. Shes not going to make America fall in love with her mundane Democratic agenda in less than two hours. Shes certainly not going to paint a policy picture so vividly different from that of her boss that viewers come away thinking, Why, shes nothing like Joe Biden at all! She can and will perform various acrobatic flip-flops toward the center on Tuesday evening, but at a certain point the number of reversals becomes more newsworthy than the substance of them. Last week Axios counted no less than nine different issues on which shes either changed her mind or on which her current position is unknown. She took some veryveryprogressive positions as a presidential candidate in 2019 and now has to undo as much of that damage as she can in roughly 40 minutes of speaking. As the changes of heart pile up in real time, will viewers feel reassured by her newfound centrism or will they conclude that shes a feckless con artist feigning centrism to attract swing voters? Shell also be pressed with various questions to which there are no good answers, like what inspired her to change so many of her positions and what she knew about the White House cover-up of Joe Bidens cognitive decline. How likely is it that, in trying and almost certainly failing to answer them convincingly, she wont come off as defensive and untrustworthy? In fact, insofar as Harris has something to offer on policy that swing voters like, odds are good either that Trump is offering the same thing or that she cribbed her proposal from Joe Bidens platform. Which isnt a great look for an aspiring change candidate. At this stage in Americas civic decline, its frankly anyones guess what percentage of viewers understand complex policy problems or take seriously the challenge of solving them. Harris could lay out a seven-point plan to secure the border and Trump might respond by babbling about Haitian immigrants eating catsand he could plausibly be judged to have won the exchange by most viewers. The fact that he cant string three coherent sentences together when asked a basic question about child care, say, hasnt stopped him from becoming the odds-on favorite to win this fall. If she wins this debate, it wont be because of policy. Itll be because of vibes. And her campaign operatives seem to know it, which is why theyve gone out of their way to try to play mind games with her opponent beforehand. Last month NBC News reported on her debate preparations and alleged that Harris and her team are focusing on how to needle Trump to rattle him. As if to confirm that, her campaign began running an ad in the hours before the event on Tuesday showcasing Barack Obamas joke at the Democratic convention about Trumps puny size. (Crowd size, that is.) Later in the day, Team Harris announced that former Trump aides Anthony Scaramucci and Olivia Troye will attend the debate and serve as surrogatesfor her. Theres logic in all that. The more irritated Trump is, the more likely he is to say things thatll remind viewers hes a fascist ogre wholl embarrass the country again in a second term. Harris cant be the change candidate if the campaign is about policy, but she can if its about turning the page on the dour, divisive, miserable vibes of the Trump-Biden-Clinton era, which is what her vacuous happy-happy-joy-joy message is all about. The Trumpier Trump is this evening, the more refreshing and appealing Harris will be by contrast, in theory. 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, New York magazine reported last week about the campaigns debate preparations. Thats the whole vibes strategy in a nutshell. Therell be more policy chitchat this evening than shes used to but Harris theory of the race is unchanged from when she took the baton from Biden in July: Trumps bad vibes might not be enough to bounce her out to a 7-point national lead but ultimately theyll alienate enough voters to hand her the presidency. Certainly, theyre more likely to do so than picayune differences about the size of the child tax credit will, anyway. Her approach isnt crazy. Although the Times poll had her trailing badly on questions of which candidate is more likely to bring about change, shes fared better in others. A new survey from Marist, for example, finds Harris ahead, 52-47, when Americans are asked which of the two nominees most represents change. Among independents specifically, she led Trump 53-45. All she has to do to succeed tonight, perhaps, is to egg him on to be the worst Trump he can be and to take care not to offend any voters herself. Bringing out Mr. Trumps most self-destructive instincts is a priority for Ms. Harris, as is coming across as coolheaded and presidential, the Times revealed this weekend. Vibes-wise, thats night and day. Its also easier said than done. Parting advice. Ifor rather, whenTrump starts insulting Harris tonight, how should she respond? If she insults him back, shell be giving Team Trump the sort of political street fight it craves. If you think this race is going to be decided on likability, youre making a grave error because neither one of them is going to be liked at the end of this race, one Trump adviser warned the Washington Post last month, but his teams efforts to dirty her up have failed so far. On Monday, for the first time in more than three years, Harris favorability in the RealClearPolitics average was net positive; as recently as two months ago, she was 16 points underwater and less popular on balance than Trump. Her cheery vibes campaign hasnt produced a meaningful polling lead but its been a smash success in rebuilding public goodwill toward her. If she gets in the mud with Trump tonight, her appeal as the change agent in the race whos supposedly going to bring sunnier vibes back to American politics might falter. On the other hand, if she refuses to get in the mud, which seems to be her preferred approach, she risks coming off as conflict-averse and, well, fragile. Thats dangerous for any would-be president, particularly a woman. Whatever she ends up doing, my advice would be to stay true to her upbeat new-era attitude in order to preserve her meager claim to the change mantle. She should have no difficulty proving she has the intellect to do the job; between the amount of preparation shes done and the degree to which Trumps brain has turned to oatmeal, shell be the more substantive of the two onstage. But the contrast on policy wont be stark enough to move swing voters en masse. The starker contrast is on vibes, between the authoritarian tumult and relentless boorishness of Trump 2.0 and the next-gen hopey-changey no-false-moves liberalism of Harris 1.0. She needs to be a happy forward-looking warrior. And she would profit, I think, from taking the advice of my colleague Chris Stirewalt by ignoring Trump to whatever extent reasonably possible and speaking directly to the audience instead. Its not just that denying him attention will get under his skin, although it will. Its that, uniquely in the modern era, this is less a debate between two presidential candidates than an audition for one of them. In a normal campaign, having been put through the wringer of primary debates and primary election, Harris would be a well-known political quantity by now. As it is, thanks to the switcheroo in July, she has a singular opportunity to introduce herself on her own terms to tens of millions of voters who are only now starting to pay attention. Nothing would signal her intention to turn the page on the Trump era better than treating Trump himself as an afterthought while she goes about having a conversation with Americans. Heres hoping it works out for her. 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. LINCOLN COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Authorities are investigating a murder in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said it happened just after noon on Monday near Highway 27. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: According to an arrest citation, 72-year-old Jack McNew Sr. woke up to find the tires on his vehicles flattened. He then allegedly went to the building where his son, Jack McNew Jr., was staying and shot him with a handgun. After he fell to the floor, court documents state that McNew Sr. shot him again to make sure he was dead before calling for help. McNew is charged with murder and first-degree burglary. Officials said there is no threat to the public. Madylin Goins contributed to this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Live updates: Say goodbye to Tropical Storm Francine. Say hello to Hurricane Francine NOTE: This story has been made available for free, for all readers. Please consider supporting local journalism through the purchase of a digital subscription. Editors note: This report is from Tuesday, Sept. 10. Wednesdays live reports as Francine approaches landfall can be found here. South Mississippi prepares Tuesday for Hurricane Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall in Louisiana Wednesday. Counties and cities across the Coast are declaring a state of emergency as the storm approaches. Francine is expected to bring multiple hazards to the area, including heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, gusty winds and a threat of tornadoes beginning late tonight and continuing into Thursday morning, the National Weather Forecast Office in New Orleans reported Tuesday morning. Maintenance workers for Keiths Superstores put up plywood on the Pass Christian location in preparation for Hurricane Francine on Tuesday. Most schools and some businesses are closing Wednesday. 10 p.m. Francine strengthening overnight Hurricane Francine was gaining strength Tuesday night over warm Gulf waters with low wind shear, maintaining Category 1 strength of 75 mph, the 10 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center said. Whether Francine reaches Category 2 status is doubtful as it continues a northeasterly track toward the Louisiana shoreline, where the storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday afternoon or evening. The 10 p.m. update had winds at 90 mph at landfall, a Category 1. A notable increase in shear and intrusions of dry air should end the opportunity for strengthening just before Francine reaches the coast, the hurricane center update said. Rapid weakening is expected after the cyclone moves inland. Even so, Francine is forecast to pack life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds along the Louisiana Coast and tropical-storm-force winds along Mississippis coastline, flash-flooding and, possibly, tornadoes. Residents should monitor the storm closely. Hurricane shelters will open Wednesday morning across South Mississippi, with locations listed below. 7:20 p.m.: Landfall as a Cat 1? Dry air and wind shear are expected to slow intensification of Hurricane Francine as it tracks southeast toward Louisianas shore, leading the National Hurricane Center to forecast landfall as a Category 1 hurricane as opposed to Category 2. 6:45 p.m.: Its a hurricane In the National Hurricanes 7 p.m. report, which was delivered early, Tropical Storm Francine was upgraded to a hurricane. The storm now has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. No additional watches or warnings were delivered in the report. 5:55 p.m.: Harrison County sand beaches closing The Harrison County Board of Supervisors has announced the closure of all county sand beaches, effective 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. 5:30 p.m.: Jackson County opening shelter The Jackson County Office of Emergency Services has called for the American Red Cross to open a 361 Emergency Shelter at 9 a.m., Wednesday. The shelters address is 5500 Ballpark Road, Vancleave. Officials suggest bringing the following: pillow and bedding, clothing, medications, snacks, games, stuffed animal, blanket for children, emergency kit and electronic device charger(s). Officials warn against bringing the following: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and weapons. 5:20 p.m.: Voluntary evacuation in Hancock County The Hancock County Emergency Management Agency has issued a voluntary evacuation of low-lying areas beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Residents might want to evacuate if they live on rivers, river inlets, bayous or creeks. Those in travel-trailers, modular or mobile homes, or homes under construction or partially constructed might also want to evacuate. The Hancock EMA issued the orders in coordination with the county Board of Supervisors, and city officials in Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead and Waveland. National Hurricane Center maps are showing storm-surge inundation of more than 3 feet in some coastal areas of the county. 4:50 p.m.: Bus service will shut down Coast Transit Authority in Harrison County will stop regularly scheduled Fixed Route and Demand Response (ADA Paratransit or ADA Paratransit Plus) service at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 11. CTA offices will also close at noon that day. All bus services will resume on Thursday, Sept. 12, as weather and road conditions allow. 4:35 p.m.: Shelters open Harrison County announced three shelters will open Wednesday at 9 a.m. For the full list of all shelters opening across the Coast, see below. 4 p.m.: Track shifts east again Tropical Storm Francines predicted track shifted east again Tuesday afternoon, forecasters said. The cone of uncertainty now just misses Hancock County. A tropical storm warning in effect for the Mississippi Coast has been extended through Alabama. A storm surge watch is also still in effect for the Mississippi Coast, and forecasters said there is danger of life-threatening storm surge for the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. Francine is 360 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana and is moving northeast at 10 miles per hour, forecasters said. Strengthening is expected through Wednesday morning, and Francine will likely become a hurricane tonight, the National Hurricane Center said in a 4 p.m. advisory. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin early Wednesday. Tropical Storm Francines predicted track nudged east again Tuesday afternoon. The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday in Louisiana. 3:55 p.m.: Problem on I-10 Drivers fleeing Tropical Storm Francine on Interstate 10 are encountering trouble at the Mississippi-Alabama line. A camper overturned in the median is slowing drivers near Franklin Creek Road, Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Landon Orozco said. Another vehicle also crashed in the median on I-10 near Exit 61 to Gautier, Orozco said. No injuries were reported. 3 p.m.: Deadline nears for moving boats Mississippi Department of Transportation advises that any boats that need to shelter on the back bay or need move inland via one of the drawbridges have a deadline of 6 p.m. Tuesday. Tropical storm force winds prompted MDOT to remove the gate arms on drawbridges on MS 605, MS 609, and I-110. The gate arms will be removed just before 6 p.m. and the bridges will be locked down and closed to marine traffic until after the storm passes. Popps Ferry and Cedar Lake bridges will operate as normal until noon Wednesday, when they close to marine traffic. Pass Christian also orders a mandatory evacuation for the harbor. 2 p.m.: Casino plans partial closing The Mississippi Gaming Commission is monitoring the weather as Tropical Storm Francine approaches. Were definitely watching, said Jay McDaniel, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Hes already communicated to the casino operators that the Gaming Commission will allow them to decide whether to stay open depending on conditions, unless an evacuation order comes from the local emergency management officials The most likely of the 12 Coast casinos to have flood and storm surge issues is Silver Slipper Casino in Hancock County. General Manager John Ferrucci said they are encouraging guests at the Silver Slipper hotel and the RV park to leave by tonight, before the water rises. We expect our road will be covered in the morning, he said. The buffet and table games will not open Wednesday, he said. The slot department will be open along with the Palm Court Cafe 24-hour restaurant. We have storm crews, he said, who work shifts and get free lodging and meals. The only people who are here are those who volunteer to do that. Ferrucci said. The casino is like a shelter for some. They feel safer here than in their own house, he said. Hollywood Casino posted on social media the Bridges Golf Club will be closed on Wednesday. Lindsey Ranney and her dog Fig fill the trunk of Ranneys car with sandbags in preparation for Hurricane Francine. They filled the bags from a pile of sand provided by Harrison County at the end of Courthouse Road in Gulfport on Tuesday. 1:55 p.m.: Nearly all schools closed St. Alphonsus Catholic is the latest school to cancel Wednesdays classes. Nearly all MS Coast districts and schools have announced their plans for tomorrow. Motorists fill gas tanks at Keiths Superstore in Waveland on Tuesday, ahead of Hurricane Francine. 1:50 p.m.: Latest MS Coast risks The Mississippi Coast should expect downed trees, strong winds and possible tornadoes near the Louisiana border on Wednesday as Tropical Storm Francine moves toward the Louisiana coast, the National Weather Service in New Orleans said. Forecasters also warned another eastward track shift is possible before landfall. In a 1:30 p.m. live briefing, the agency warned residents to expect strong winds along the Pearl River that will damage trees, mobile homes, and roofs, and also lead to power outages. The winds will likely arrive Wednesday morning and spread inland through the day, forecasters said. Tornadoes are expected in the outer bands of Francine, which could impact the Louisiana-Mississippi border. Forecasters also warned recent heavy rains have saturated the region, which can make trees fall more easily and also lead to more flooding because new rainfall has fewer places to go. Vehicles are parked on the high ground on the side of Highway 603 in Waveland on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, ahead of Hurricane Francine. 1:05 p.m.: The new-look cone The National Hurricane Centers much-publicized new cone of uncertainty is in use for Tropical Storm Francine, looking much like the old cone of uncertainty but with a major twist. 1 p.m.: Latest Hurricane Center update Tropical Storm Francine churns slowly through the western Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday afternoon and is forecast to become a hurricane by Tuesday night, the National Hurricane Center said. The storms track did not shift in the National Hurricane Centers 1 p.m. update. Francine is 380 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana and moving northeast at 9 miles per hour, forecasters said. The storm is expected to strengthen and speed up Tuesday night. Its maximum sustained winds were 65 miles per hour Tuesday, and tropical storm-force winds reach 140 miles from its center. Tropical storm and storm surge warnings are still in effect for the Mississippi Coast. Forecasters said waters could rise 3 to 5 feet on the Coast, and the strongest winds are expected in Hancock County. Under stormy skies, lines were long for a time Tuesday at the Pass Christian Walmart, where a security official directs drivers in intervals for gas at the pumps. Inside, the store is packed with people stocking up in water, snacks, batteries and other supplies. The wait returned to normal by 2 p.m. 12:50 p.m.: Parks and offices closing Jackson County closed its park and recreational facilities today. County offices and the landfill will close at noon Wednesday. Waste Management trucks will run the regular schedules Wednesday and Thursday. Residents should secure their garbage and recycling containers. 12:20 p.m.: More school closures Pascagoula-Gautier and Ocean Springs school districts are the latest to cancel Wednesday classes. Noon: Francine disrupts more schools and Shuckers game The list of schools closing Wednesday and possibly Thursday continues to grow across South Mississippi. Heres the latest list. Francine also is closing Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport Wednesday and canceling the Biloxi Shuckers game in the last homestead of the season. The games against the Mississippi Braves are postponed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesdays game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, starting at 5:35 p.m. Wednesdays game will be made up at a later date. Gates will open at 5 p.m. Thursday and both games will be seven innings. The weather is expected to be sunny in Biloxi at 4 p.m. Saturday, when the stadium officially is renamed Keesler Federal Park. 11:30 a.m.: Boat evacuation is a slow go Bay St. Louis issued a mandatory evacuation order for the marina at the foot of downtown. Evacuation should begin immediately and be completed by days end, city officials say. The city has 184 slips in use. Bay Harbor Master Sean Hales is at the harbor and says not a lot of boats are evacuated. Owners scramble to get their boats out of the water Tuesday after the city issued a mandatory evacuation of the harbor as Tropical Storm Francine nears. Im not looking for a whole lot of movement because its kind of a little bit of short notice, he said. The mandatory evacuation of the marina was ordered Tuesday morning, and by 11:30 a.m., about 20 vessels had been removed. Hales is helping remove power pedestals on the docks at the marina.We dont want them to go under water with all the electric components in them.The power pedestals are used to connect boats to power in the harbor. Doug Abbott, who lives on a bayou slip, parks his boat at the Auto Zone parking lot in Waveland on Tuesday, ahead of Hurricane Francine. 11 a.m.: Cell phones blare more storm warnings Cell phones and emergency radios blared tropical storm and storm warnings warnings for the three Coast counties. Flood warnings also are in effect: Surge Warnings means a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline in the next 36 hours. The risk continues through Friday morning. Hancock County: Peak winds forecast of 25-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Flood Watch is in effect with rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches possible, with locally higher amounts. Harrison County: The potential for 3-5 feet storm surge above ground. Peak wind forecast of 10-20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Flood Watch is in effect. Rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches, with possibly higher local amounts. Jackson County:wind forecast of 10-20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Potential for major flooding rain. Flood Watch is in effect. Rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches with locally higher amounts. Workers at North Beach in the Bay are removing outdoor tables and umbrella at the restaurant near the marina. The employees said they are doing it in preparation for the higher wind and potential tornado predicted in Hancock County during Francine. 10 a.m.: Schools closing Bay-Waveland and Hancock County were among the first school districts in South Mississippi to announce closings ahead of Francine. Pass Christian and other school districts in Harrison County are expected to decide whether to close schools after meeting with the Harrison County Emergency Management Agency Tuesday afternoon. 8:30 a.m. update As South Mississippi residents head out to fill their gas tanks and stock up on batteries, eggs and Pop Tarts, extra supplies are being shelved. Weve stocked up with extra truckloads of water, ice and other supplies, Rouses Market posted Tuesday morning. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency says, No matter the category of the storm, damaging winds, and flooding will occur. MEMA says residents on the Coast should have: A go-kit ready with food, water, supplies, and important documents stored in a waterproof container; multiple ways to monitor the forecast and a plan in place on where to evacuate if necessary. Beth Hatch, of Gulfport, fills sandbags in preparation for Hurricane Francine from a pile provided by Harrison County at the end of Courthouse Road in Gulfport on Tuesday. 7 a.m. update Sandbag self-serve locations are opening across the Coast as rain moves in. Biloxi and other school districts in South Mississippi continue to watch the storm and will update parents when decisions are made whether to dismiss early or cancel classes. Biloxi has a marina voluntary evacuation order for boats in the marinas. Vessels should be moved to safe anchorage at the discretion of the boat owner, the city said Monday. Other harbors also are under voluntary evacuation. In Waveland and other cities on the Coast are reminding residents to secure garbage cans and check drainage ditches near their homes to make sure they are clear of litter and debris that might restrict water flow. Shelters open Hancock County Kiln Safe Room, opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 18320 Highway 43, Kiln, MS. Harrison County County Farm Road Shelter opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 10399 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Lyman Community Center opens at 9 a.m., Wednesday, 14592 County Farm Road, Gulfport, will accommodate pets. Lobouy Road Shelter opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, 9505 Lobouy Road, Pass Christian. Safe Room opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 15625 Lamey Bridge Road, Biloxi. Jackson County Central Jackson County Shelter opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, 5500 Ballpark Road, Vancleave, MS County Safe Room, opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 5500 Ballpark Road, Vancleave. Pearl River County Picayune Community Safe Room opens at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, 501 Laurel St. Pets are not allowed. Please bring food, water or any other needed items. Poplarville Community Safe Room opens at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, 124 Rodeo St. Pike County McComb Safe Room opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 2017 Quinlivan Road, McComb. City and county closings and garbage Hancock County Coastal Environmental Services schedule has changed. Only the Diamondhead route will run as scheduled Wednesday and carts should be at the curb no later than 4 a.m. All other customers normally serviced Wednesday will be serviced on Saturday. Regular runs are planned for Thursday and Friday. Jackson County Parks, ball fields, boat launches and arenas in Jackson County are closed. Jackson County offices and the Jackson County Landfill will close Wednesday at noon. Waste Management trucks will run the regular schedules in Jackson County Wednesday and Thursday. Residents should secure their garbage and recycling containers. Gautier City offices will be closed Wednesday. Waste Pro will collect garbage Wednesday morning. Residents are asked to bring in their containers immediately after pickup. Long Beach Municipal Court is canceled on Wednesday, For more information call 228-865-7840. City offices will be closed along with the senior center. The Jeff Davis Avenue entrance to the harbor closes at midnight Wednesday. The Cleveland Avenue entrance remains open for sandbags and access to restaurants. Ocean Springs city offices and parks will be closed Wednesday. Pascagoula City offices and parks will be closed Wednesday. Waste Pro will run the normal route Wednesday but will start earlier. Waveland City Hall is closed Wednesday. Restaurant and business closings Coterie restaurant in Long Beach will be closed Wednesday. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula has altered its work shifts for Wednesday. The first shift will operate as usual. Second shift will end at 7 p.m. Third and fourth shifts are canceled. Operations are scheduled to resume at 6 a.m. Thursday. Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry in Gulfport will be closed Wednesday. Silver Slipper Casino will close the buffet and table games Wednesday, along with Blue Bayou restaurant, the gift shop and valet. Southeast Commercial Real Estate office in Gulfport will be closed Wednesday. Closings and cancellations Keesler Air Force Base will close Wednesday until further notice to all nonessential personnel. The Youth Center and Child Development Centers also will be closed. The Commissary and Base Exchange will not stay open after hours, today Sept. 10, 2024. County Health Departments are closing Wednesday. Pearl River and Hancock counties will be closed all day. Harrison and Jackson counties are closing at noon. Stone County closing at 2:00 p.m. Keesler Air Force Base announces a closure for all non-essential personnel on Wednesday. Keeslers Division Street gate will close at 6 a.m. until further notice. The Youth Center, Child Development Centers and the Commissary and Base Exchange will be closed Wednesday. Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport will reduce manning Wednesday and several base services will be closed. The Navy Exchange Commissary, Child Development Center, Youth and Tenn Centers and all Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities also will be closed. Colmer Dining Facility will be open for breakfast only. The NEX mini-mart will be open until 11 a.m. The gates at 28th Street and Broad Avenue and the Visitor Control Center close at noon. The The Pass Road Gate will remain open. Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport will be closed Wednesday. Plans are to reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday. All Jackson-George Regional Library branches will close Wednesday. All library programming scheduled for Wednesday also is canceled. Southern Rail Commission changed the date of its virtual quarterly meeting that was scheduled Friday to Friday, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. Gulf Islands National Seashore will close the entire Mississippi District at 4 p.m. Davis Bayou Campground closed at noon. Gulf Islands National Seashore on Monday closed the National Park Service-managed areas of the barrier islands in Mississippi. Ship Island Excursions to Ship Island is closed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service temporarily closed these recreation areas in South Mississippi: De Soto Ranger District, all recreation areas, including the Big Biloxi Recreation Area and Campground, Cypress Creek Campground, POW Lake, and Black Creek Wilderness Chickasawhay Ranger District, Turkey Fork Recreation Area, Chickasaw ATV/motorcycle trail, and Longleaf horse trail Homochitto Ranger District, Clear Springs Recreation Area close at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Sandbag sites Harrison County sites open at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Bags and sand will be provided. Residents must bring their own shovels and fill the bags themselves. Harrison County Road Department, 10076 Lorraine Road, Gulfport DIberville Work Center, 10085 First Ave., DIberville Woolmarket Work Center, 16395 Woolmarket Road, Biloxi Lyman Work Center, 15001 County Farm Road, Gulfport Orange Grove Work Center, 8300 34th Ave., Gulfport Courthouse Road Pier, 96 Courthouse Road, Gulfport Long Beach Harbor, 720 S. Cleveland Ave., Long Beach Biloxi self-serve sandbags are available Tuesday and Wednesday at: Henry Beck Park, 671 Division St.; Migues Park, 425 Parker St.. A.J. Holloway Sports Complex, 765 Wells Drive, Fire Station 8 at 8479 Woolmarket Road; and Fire Station 9, 9370 Oaklawn Road. Gulfport Self serve sand and bags are available at one location. Corner of Hewes Avenue and Glover Street. Hancock County Self serve sand and sand bags begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Bring your own shovel. Those who need help getting the sand bags should call Hancock County Emergency Management Agency at 228-255-0942 or Hancock County Central Dispatch at 228-255-9191. Emergency Operations Center/Storm Prep Building, 18333 MS 603 Old Hancock County Complex, 3068 Longfellow Drive Lakeshore Community Center, 6440 Lower Bay Road Bayside Fire Department, 6215 West Hinds St. West Hancock Fire Department, 16006 Washington St. Diamondhead City Hall, 5000 Diamondhead Circle Jackson County Self-serve locations open at 7 a.m. Tuesday Ocean Springs Public Works Department, 712 A Pine Drive Ocean Springs West Division Roads Department, North Washington Ave. (MS 609) Ocean Springs Fountainbleau Fire Department, 3901 MS 57 South Ocean Springs St. Andrews Fire Dept., 1401 Elm St. Gautier Behind City Hall on U.S. 90 Moss Point Forts Lake Fire Department, 10701 Forts Lake Road Moss Point New Central Fire Station, 4204 Bellview St. Moss Point East Division Roads Department, 10825 MS 63 Vancleave Central Division roads Department, 8500 Jim Ramsey Road The Sun Herald will update this article throughout the storm. Send closings to MyNews@sunherald.com. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The state and defense gave their closing statements during the penalty phase in the trial of a man convicted for his role in killing seven people Tuesday. On Wednesday, August 28, a jury found Frederic Rogers guilty of three counts of capital murder after seven days of testimony, arguments and four hours of jury deliberation over two days. The State of Alabama is seeking the death penalty against Rogers, which is what the jury will now decide in this phase of the trial. Rogerss defense said at the trial opening he was guilty, but they hoped to spare his life. The penalty phase is almost a mini-trial, in which jurors will hear from character witnesses as the defense will argue Rogers should be given life in prison without the possibility of parole. On Friday, the jury mainly heard from Dr. Julia Banic. She is a human geographer, an expert in why and how things happen in human relationships. Dr. Banic said her work helps describe why Rogers acted the way he did at home, at school and in life. She described his struggle with mental health issues, eczema, asthma, bullying and his troubled home life and how that impacted him as he grew up and developed. In the courtroom, Dr. Banic showed the jury a body map Rogers drew: a damaged guitar. Dr. Banic said he also drew his grandfathers house and books. She said these were his safe places and his escapes from reality. The state then called Dr. Christian Bolden to the stand. He is a professor of Criminal Justice at Loyola University who has experience in the prison system. He said, Substance abuse, depression and fear of the Aryan Brotherhood may have led Rogers to commit the crime. The state introduced new evidence: a video of Rogers talking to a law enforcement officer about how he would never put his hands on a woman. After this video was shown, the jury was dismissed. News 19s Investigative Reporter Dallas Parker is in the courtroom today to bring live updates on the trial. To begin the day, the state and defense both rested. The state then started its closing arguments with Courtney Shellack. Shellack said in his closing statements asking the jury, Were going to ask that you find this defendant accountable and recommend a sentence of death. Brent Burney then started his closing statements for the defense. He spoke to the jury saying how his daughter and Rogers were born 40 days apart but were brought home to very different upbringings that impacted the way they grew up and developed. He recounted testimony from earlier in the trial talking about the drug addiction in Rogers family and how he never had a real stable family. He continues saying, If the jury votes for death its because you want it. Not because its required. Burney talks about why the jury should choose to spare Rogers life saying he is remorseful and that taking responsibility is a sign of remorse. The state rebutted with Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery. He started by telling the jury that he had a dad who was bipolar and his family was poor. I say that not to garner sympathy. But tell you he had choices. He had options. Vickery continues by saying Who fired the first shot? Who fired the last shot? Who poured the gasoline and set the victims on fire? Who knew where they could escape to? This defendant. Vickery concluded his statement by saying, Remember its the defendants actions that require you to be here today. Nothing else. Voting for the death penalty is a heavy thing. But its also the right thing. After lunch, the jury was instructed on their second round of deliberations. They will decide Rogers sentence: Life in prison or death. To sentence Rogers to death, 10 of 12 jurors need to agree to the sentence. Seven jurors are required to get life without parole. At 2:25 p.m., the jury began deliberating Rogers sentence. The jury then left for the day around 3:40 p.m. and will return to court Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to continue deliberations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LLANO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) A man was sentenced Friday for the 2022 death of a 33-year-old woman in Llano County. Dennis Price II was sentenced to 40 years in Texas prison, according to court documents. PREVIOUS REPORTING: Man charged with murder in Kingsland Price was previously charged with murder, but he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter as part of a plea bargain, according to court records. Price also waived his right to appeal or motion for a new trial. In October 2022, the Llano County Sheriffs Office responded to a home in Kingsland after a 911 call from a man crying. The sheriffs office said deputies found an unresponsive woman, later identified as 33-year-old Carrie Ann Price, on the ground. She died at 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 KXAN Austin. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Wednesday marks the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. The terrorist attacks in New York City, Arlington, Virginia and Shanksville, Pennsylvania killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others. To honor the memory of those who perished, several local events are taking place on Wednesday. Take a look. Bluffton The town is hosting a ceremony and a new volunteer fair. Everything kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at Buckwalter Place Park/Blufftons Veterans Memorial (2 Venture Drive). The fair is a new addition to the ceremony, giving people a chance to contribute to the community. Glynn County A remembrance ceremony, open to the public, will be held at Glynn County Fire Station 8 (147 Carl Alexander Way) at 8:30 a.m. A 9/11 anniversary tradition is handed down to a new generation Hilton Head Island The community is invited to the towns ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (59 Shelter Cove Lane). Coordinated by the Towns Fire Rescue Department, the service will feature guest speaker Kevin Stout, who worked in public safety for more than 30 years in New Jersey. Bells will toll throughout the ceremony, followed by brief periods of silence, to coincide with the times of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93. Statesboro Georgia Southern Universitys Eagle Battalion Army ROTC will participate in a memorial stair climb through Paulson Stadium early Wednesday morning. Campus veterans, local law enforcement and local fire departments are also invited to attend. The march will begin between 5:45 and 6 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 WSAV-TV. Local festivals, ghost tours, haunted houses, and trick or treating this fall SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Fall has unofficially arrived, and there are dozens of options for fall fun across the area. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, and ghost tours are just a few of the events you can find to get you into the fall spirit or to celebrate the spooky season. Here are some of the best-known seasonal fun and frights in the ArkLaTex for all ages! These events are confirmed, but as more cities and events release their plans for 2024, we will add them to the list below. Jump to: Haunted Houses / Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Fall Fun / City Trick or Treat Times / Neighborhood Trick or Treat Maps Ghost Tours Famous haunted locations around ArkLaTex offer ghost tours, during which you can learn local history and possibly spot something spooky. Many, LA Halloween at the Fort Fort Jesup Historic Site Oct 11 11:30 a.m. Hayride, Watchmans post, military graveyard, medical tent, and soldiers campsite. Call (318) 256-4117 to register. Many, LA History of Ghost Stories Fort Jesup Historic Site Oct 12 11:24 p.m. Earliest American ghost stories, folklore, and myths. Call (318) 256-4117 to register. Shreveport, LA Oakland Cemetery at Dusk Oakland Cemetery Sept 27, Oct 4, 11, 25, Nov 1 5:30 p.m. Meet at Milam Street gate $20 general admission Washington, AR Washington After Dark Washington State Park Oct 26 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. $15 general admission Registration required. Call (870) 983-3684 to register. Jefferson, TX Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk 123 W. Austin St. Jefferson, TX Meet in front of the Kahn Hotel Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. $20 general admission, $10 children 6-11, children under five free Purchase tickets online or at 7:30 before the tour in person. Jefferson, TX Fall History Haunts and Legends 305 E. Austin St., Jefferson, TX Jefferson Visitor Center Nov 2 8:00 p.m. Special guests, authors, vendors & night tour Call (903) 601-3375 to purchase tickets. KTAL/KMSS celebrates Halloween Jump to: Ghost Tours / Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Fall Fun / City Trick or Treat Times / Neighborhood Trick or Treat Maps Haunted Houses Monsters and more wait to meet you in the dark; these are not for the faint of heart. Bossier City, LA NecroManor Haunted House 505 Boardwalk Blvd., Bossier City, LA, beneath the Texas St. Bridge Sept 13 Nov 3 Fridays 7:00 p.m. 12 a.m. Saturdays 6:00 p.m. 12 a.m. Sundays 6:00 p.m. 10 p.m. Halloween 6:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m. Fri-Sat admission $15.00, Ages 12 and under $10 Sun admission $10, Ages 12 and under $5 Haughton, LA The Devils Knot Haunted Trail 2663 Mayflower Rd. Haughton, LA Oct 11-31, Nov 1-2 8:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m. $30 admission $55 fast pass A waiver must be signed for minors to participate. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Cash is needed for merchandise and food trucks. Natchitoches, LA Dark Woods Haunted Attraction 4343 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA Oct 4-Nov 2 Fridays & Saturdays 6:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Halloween 6:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. $35 general admission, $48 fast pass One year and younger are not permitted. Older children are at the discretion of the parents. El Dorado, AR El Dorado Haunt 2974-2984 Haynesville Highway El Dorado, AR Ballfields in Parkers Chapel off Highway 15 Oct 12-13. 18-20. 26-27, 31 7:00 p.m. no closing time listed $15 general admission Mt. Pleasant, TX Haunted Hallows 3302 FM 2348, Mt. Pleasant, TX Oct 4-26, 31 Fridays 8:00 p.m. 12:30 a.m. Saturdays 7:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m. Halloween 7:30 11:30 p.m. $20 general admission $15 admission for children under 13 Talco, TX The Asylum Haunted House 205 N Broad St, Talco, TX Oct 4-12 Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Oct 18-26 Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m. $20 general admission, $30 fast pass Jump to: Ghost Tours / Haunted Houses / City Trick or Treat Times / Neighborhood Trick or Treat Maps Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, & Fall Fun With pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, barnyard animals, and more, these places are great places for family fun. Many have special activities for children, take reservations for groups or classes, and nighttime spooky events. Offerings and events vary, so be sure to check the websites of the location you plan to visit! Shreveport, LA DixieMaze Farms 9596 Sentell Rd, Shreveport, LA Sept 28 Nov 2 Wednesdays & Thursdays 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 a.m. 12:00 a.m. Sundays 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Hours differ the week of Caddo/Bossier Fall Break Oct 6 11 $14.17 farm adventure pass $26.88 farm season pass $28.95 Fright nights $43.28 Fright Nights speed pass $42.36 Fright Nights season pass $56.15 Fright Nights season pass with speed pass Shreveport, LA Pumpkin Shine On-Line Betty Virginia Park 3901 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA Oct 22 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. iShuttle provided at Sears 4:00 8:00 p.m. (Mall St. Vincent) Admission is free *Rain date is Oct 23 Shreveport, LA JLSB Pumpkin Patch at Provenance 1968 Bridgewater Ave. Shreveport, LA Oct 1 31 Tuesdays Fridays 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. $1 to $35 depending on the size and variety of pumpkin. All ages are welcome to walk around the patch. Various activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Shreveport, LA St. Lukes Pumpkin Patch 6012 Youree Dr in Shreveport, LA Sept 22 Oct 31 Mondays Saturdays 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Sundays 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. No pets or professional photography is allowed. Contact St. Lukes for field trip info for teachers and daycares. Shreveport, LA Shreveport Aquarium Wands and Wishes Mermaids 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy. Shreveport, LA Oct 5, 6, 10-13 from 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Underwater mermaid viewing, meet and greet Children ages 2-12 $17.95, Age 13+ $20.95 VIP add-ons include Mermaid Magic Pass, $30, and Mermaid Makeover Experience, $50 Bossier City, LA SBC Zombie Walk 2024 600 block of Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, LA Oct 12 4:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Costume contests, door prizes, live music, dance competitions, games, vendors, and food trucks Many, LA Fall Fest in Main Main St. Many, LA Oct 19 3:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Minden, LA Minden FUMC Pumpkin Patch 1001 Recreation Dr. Minden, LA Oct 6 Oct 31 Mondays Saturdays 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Foreman, AR Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival & Wild Game Cook-off Schuman St., Foreman, AR Oct 19 9:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. Magnolia, AR Fall Festival & Chili Cook-off Magnolia Square, Magnolia, AR Oct 26 Activities for the whole family all day, live music, chili cook-off Texarkana, AR Haunted Fall Festival Dancing Ranch Farm, 490 Miller County Rd. 218 Texarkana, AR Sept 20 Oct 26 Fridays & Saturdays 7:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m Corn maze, pumpkin patch, haunted walking trail, clown house, haunted hayride, music, and more Jefferson, TX Zoo Boo Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park, 1100 W. Prospect Rd., Jefferson, TX Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Pumpkin patch, trick or treating, face painting, games, prizes for best costume, petting zoo, and more $25 general admission, $20 admission children 2-12 Children under two must remain in your lap at all times during the trailer tour. Marshall, TX Fall Festival & Spooky Trail 600 Martin Lake Rd., Marshall, TX Piney Park Sept 27 Oct 31 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Candy, games, and a haunted house Marshall, TX Dia de los Muertos Celebration 216 North Blvd. Marshall, TX Michelson Museum of Art Oct 26 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Learn the customs surrounding this celebration and pay tribute to loved ones lost. The Michelson Museum of Art will also have sugar skull decorating stations, traditional Dia de los Muertos bread, and music. Broken Bow, OK Fall in Love with Downtown Downtown Broken Bow, OK Oct. 12 7:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. Local vendors, food trucks, art, live music, and 5k Turkey Trot Broken Bow, OK Folk Festival & Craft Show Forest Heritage Center in Broken Bow, OK Nov 8 10 Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Outdoor food court, rooms of handcrafted toys, wines, textiles, and arts and crafts Jump to: Ghost Tours / Haunted Houses / Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Fall Fun / Neighborhood Trick or Treat Maps Emergency dental care the nightmare after Halloween City Trick or Treat Times Louisiana This information will be updated as cities release it. Arcadia Blanchard Bossier No city-wide event: Nextdoors Treat Map Greenwood Homer Logansport Many Minden Shreveport Vivian Zwolle Arkansas This information will be updated as cities release it. Ashdown Trunk or Treat Family Movie Night: Ashdown City Park Oct 31 from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. De Queen Hope Prescott Trick or Treat on Elm Street: Oct 31 begins at 5:30 p.m. Texarkana No city-wide event: Nextdoors Treat Map Texas This information will be updated as cities release it. Carthage Daingerfield Linden Marshall Trunk or Treat with CASA: Marshall Main Street Oct 26, time not yet announced Mt. Pleasant No city-wide event: Nextdoors Treat Map New Boston Texarkana Oklahoma This information will be updated as cities release it. Broken Bow Idabel Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat Maps Nextdoors Treat Map is an interactive local guide for neighbors to share if they will be handing out treats, decorating, or both. Jump to: Ghost Tours / Haunted Houses / Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Fall Fun / City Trick or Treat Times / Neighborhood Trick or Treat Maps Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEDINA, Ohio (WJW) First responders often work through extremely stressful situations. Most of the time theyre responding to an accident or worst-case scenario event for residents. Those bad days often stick with them, and those emotions stay bottled up. To counteract that negativity, the Erhart York Township Fire Department hired an expert in happiness: a 4-month-old puppy named Hank, who was sworn in on Wednesday at the fire station. 32 missing children in Northeast Ohio safely located He is a Bernese Lab mix, four months old, and he is going to be our new trauma crisis canine for first responders, his handler Monica Zieja said. Zieja is a 29-year firefighter and paramedic at Erhart, who said this is a first-time thing for her department something they desperately need. Unfortunately, theres been a rise in suicide with first responders, police, fire, she said. And there was one not too long ago in Wadsworth. And that one really hit home. And I started thinking, you know what? We need to do something. First responders often view the worst of the worst when responding to emergencies, and its easy to harbor those experiences. Fires, obviously, but also emergency medical calls, car accidents, rescue situations, all sorts of different situations, Captain Daniel Sparks said. But its almost always a bad thing for somebody in our community. Hank is just getting started, and is still in training, but hes already making a difference. Just always lighten the mood, he said. Just brings everybody down a notch. Really allows people to open up. Just makes us all happier. I have young guys that, you know, macho guys, and they just melt, Zieja said. They melt. They lay on the floor, they play with him, they roll around with him. Mystery surrounds suspect secretly recording women in Cleveland restaurant bathroom Hank is going to be a very big boy once hes fully grown. I really hope this builds, and we get it out to the whole state, Zieja said. Theres only certain areas right now that have them. And fortunately, Hank will be the first one in Medina County. Hank will also respond to crisis intervention calls within the jurisdiction. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) For the first time, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off against each other on the debate stage Tuesday night. Harris, Trump prep for debate The debate is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia inside the Constitution Center. According to the Harris campaign, the vice president has been practicing two-minute answers. Her team says shes been focusing on ways to provoke the former president. The Trump campaign has dismissed the need for in-depth preparations. Dr. Benjamin Melusky, Old Dominion University Associate Political Science Professor, said the nominees preparations speak to each candidates character. Harris is very much your kind of that quintessential politician type, Melusky said. She wants to be polished she wants to be ready. Trump is going to be much more off the cuff. Dr. Eric Claville, Political and Legal Analyst with Norfolk State University, told 10 On Your Side what is likely to be discussed at the debate. The economy, immigration, our place in the world as it relates to world conflicts, and also the issue of womens right to choose, Claville said. But will the debate make any sizable change in the minds of voters, especially with early voting in Virginia stating on Friday, Sept. 20? Melusky said its not likely. Were talking about a very small slice of undecideds, maybe 6%, and by all indications, probably lower than that, Melusky said. Recent polls show a tight race between the two candidates in Virginia, with Harris at 50% and Trump at 42% in the state, according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll. Harris tops Trump in Virginia: Polls The debate is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. on 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 WAVY.com. The Colorado Springs Fire Department has responded to several structure fires over the past few weeks. On Tuesday, the department released the causes of four of those fires as officials wrapped up their investigations. Fir Tree Apartments On Aug. 30, just after 6 a.m., the department responded to a structure fire at the Fir Tree Apartments on Radiant Drive. According to the press release, due to the size of the structure and the number of occupants, a second alarm was issued for the fire. Multiple ladder rescues were responsible for assisting residents exit the structure. One female reportedly jumped from a third-story window to escape the flames. She was then transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, the department said. Fire investigators responded to the scene and determined the fire started in the kitchen of an apartment and was deemed accidental due to a burner being turned on. "Kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of fires CSFD responds to," the release stated. "It is imperative to ensure all combustibles are away from the stove and oven area, that all appliances have been turned off before leaving the home, and that smoke alarms are properly working in the residence." 4200 block of Forest Hill Road The same day as the Fir Tree Apartment fire, the department responded to another call at 3:45 p.m. regarding a fire on Forest Hill Road. According to the release, on-scene firefighters were met with heavy flames and hoarding conditions at the home. Due to the multiple possibilities of origin and cause, investigators deemed the fire cause to be undetermined. This ruling only happens when there are too many potential causes. Featured Local Savings Ray Nixon Power Plant On Sept. 5, the department responded to a possible explosion due to a vehicle fire near the Ray Nixon Power Plant at the Clear Spring Ranch. The fire department, Fountain Fire Department, Security and Widefield Fire Department and Colorado Springs Utilities responded to the vehicle on fire and investigators determined the cause was accidental caused by welding equipment. The welding equipment likely caused a loud explosion-like sound, according to the department. The incident involved an outside contracted employee of Utilities and they were airlifted to Denver in serious condition. Their status is unknown at this time. Greenway Flats On Friday, the department responded to a structure fire at the Greenway Flats on West Las Vegas Street. Investigators have deemed the fire accidental and was caused by an unattended candle. The fire did not extend into any other apartments and tenants were allowed back in upon the completion of investigator work. Unattended candles are also another leading cause of fires locally, according to the fire department. "Never leave a candle burning when you leave your home or go to sleep, always keep the candle away from combustibles and ensure all candles are secure and out of reach of children," the release Tuesday stated. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) This past weekend was one night residents of Laurel County and surrounding counties will never forget, with people frantically trying to find places to hide. A London business owner and his family took it upon themselves to help protect their neighbors. When you first hear about it suddenly, its scary. Theres uncertainty. You dont know whats happening or whats taking place, the owner of London Travel Plaza, Jonathan Arnett, said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Arnett works with his family at his gas station/restaurant known as London Travel Plaza. As scary as the situation was, Arnett said he knew he had to jump into action. Youve got family, friends, customers that could be in harms- way. Instinctively you want to try to protect those, Arnett said. Between security cameras everywhere, Arnett said his goal was to welcome everyone in to at least give some relief to a night like that. We have people on the perimeter keeping eyes out. I wont say its a security team, but we have people involved in security. My son-in-law Mackenzie is a former police officer with many years of training and a lot of experience. Hes helping us with the perimeters and the inside as well, Arnett said. The situation still has a lot of people on edge, but Arnett is determined to show his community that now is the time to band together. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: What makes me feel even better is knowing my employees are safe, my customers are safe. We used this that night when we heard it as a place of refuge for our employees and customers. We locked down. Were here to protect, and we believe in neighbor helping neighbor, friend helping friend, stranger helping stranger, anywhere we can lend a hand, Arnett 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 FOX 56 News. One swears he is 6 foot 3. The other vehemently denies she is 5 foot 2. But Tuesday night in Philadelphia, Americans will witness the greatest height differential between presidential candidates in history in the fleshand be left to wonder, what difference does it really make? On the Republican side, former Pres. Donald Trumps height has been an unusually present part of his biographymostly because Trumps actual height is open to argument. In April 2023, when he was booked in New York for falsifying business records, he was listed at 6 foot 2. A few months later, when he was indicted in Fulton County, Georgia, for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, official documents stated he was 6 foot 3. Wikipedia has him at 6 foot. Kamala Harris Says Donald Trump Is Gonna Lie at Presidential Debate And an internet sleuth studying pixels in a photograph of Trump and his 6-foot-7 son Barron concluded that Trump is exactly 5 foot 11 inches. Whatever the reality, Trump insisted in a Truth Social post on Saturday, 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, Trump wrote. Harris and Trumps lecterns at the debate will be of different height meaning the contrast will show up when both can be seen in the same shot. ABC News (In 2020, Trump claimed Mini Mike Bloomberg was 5 foot 4. Bloomberg is actually 5 foot 7, the AP reported, although the former New York City mayor once listed himself on his drivers license at 5 foot 10. Incidentally, Trumps Little Marco insult to Marco Rubio was apparently not about height.) Trump has played the height card against previous adversaries. In one of his 2016 debates against Hilary Clinton, Trump famously lurked and loomed in the background while Clinton spoke. Height played a key part in the way Donald Trump loomed behind Hillary Clinton in one of their 2016 debates. Rick Wilking/Reuters At the time, Clintons height was the subject of its own minor mystery. In her first run for president in 2008, her campaign reported that she was 5 foot 5. By 2016, she had grown two inches and was listed at 5 foot 7, according to Jay Mathews, 5 foot 2, of The Washington Post, who has written extensively on candidate tallness or what he calls the most important but least-covered issue in U.S. politics. Harris, meanwhile, has battled online claims that shes actually 5 foot 2. In a January 2024 interview interview, Katie Couric casually asked Harris: Why did I think you were much taller? I recently learned youre only 5 foot 2. Is that true? That is absolutely incorrect, Harris fired back. I am 5 foot 4 and a quartersometimes 5 foot 4 and a half, and with heels, which I always wear, Im 5 foot 7 and a half, thank you very much. Couric replied: OK, Wikipedia, youre wrong, and we need to correct that." Totally wrong, Harris said. I dont know where it came from. I was 5 foot 2 when I was 12. They say Im 5 foot 1 on my Wikipedia page, Couric said, explaining shes actually 5 foot 3 and three-quarters. Its like literally they just want to just make us smaller in every way than we are, Harris said. Harris told Katie Couric in an interview that she is 5 foot 7in her heels, seen on show at the 2024 State of the Union. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters I know, Couric laughed, joking that she was relieved to learn that Harris was short too. No, Im not! Harris insisted. I literally am not. Theyre just trying to take 2 and a half inches off my, you know, being. Both may be telling the truth. Or maybe theyre exaggerating. But when they stand on the same stage in their first debate on Tuesday night, they both know that every inch counts: In presidential politics, heightat least until nowhas always mattered. The taller candidate has won two-thirds of U.S. presidential races since 1900. Out of the 31 contests between 1900 and 2020, the taller candidate prevailed 21 times. Over that period, winners were an average of 1.2 inches taller than losers. Harris and Trump have both been preparing for the most important 90 minutes of the campaign. Harris is rehearsing with TV-style lighting against an aide dressed in an oversized suit and tie like Trump andaccording to one reportwearing an orange wig and elevator shoes. Both candidates have practiced handling tough policy questions and dishing out and blunting attacks. This image, taken at the funeral of Trumps first wife Ivana, is one of those used by people eager to work out his true height by triangulating from his 6 foot 7 son, Barron. Brendan McDermid/Reuters But for all the prep, the do-or-die debateand the election itselfmay come down to a simple, inescapable physical comparison (underscored by the report of Harriss mock debate opponent wearing three-inch platform shoes.) Height has had a huge effect on our politics, according to Mathews. If...voters have a chance to see candidates standing side by side, they tend to vote for the taller one, Mathews wrote. Of course, in every presidential general electionexcept one in 2016the physical stature of one man was compared with another mans. The perceptions of male versus female presidential candidates are obviously different. But the basic psychology of size is primal, experts say. Voters connect height with strength, communication skills and leadership consciously or not. USA-ELECTION/BIDEN-HARRIS Harris is shorter than 6 foot Joe Biden. The last president whose official height was under 6 feet was, by half an inch, George W. Bush. The last significantly shorter president was 5 foot 9 and a half Jimmy Carter. Quinn Glabicki/Reuters We conclude that height is an important characteristic in choosing and evaluating political leaders, according to a comprehensive study in The Leadership Quarterly. While the height gap is the widest in history, neither candidates height is for the record books. If elected at her official 5 foot 4 and a half, Harris would not be the shortest president in American history. That distinction belongs to James Madison who was 5 foot 4 and barely weighed 100 pounds. And Trump, if he is 6 foot 3, is still an inch short of Abraham Lincolns 6 foot 4. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The longer Ukraine holds positions in Kursk Oblast, the weaker Putin becomes UK Defence Secretary UK Defence Secretary John Healey has updated the House of Commons on Ukraine's military operation in Russia, stating that the longer Ukrainian defence forces hold positions in Kursk Oblast, the weaker Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin becomes. Source: UK government statement, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Ukrainians need to strengthen their front line in the east and they will look to hold the territory in Kursk. The longer they hold Kursk, the weaker Putin becomes. The longer they hold Kursk, the better defended Ukraine will be." Details: Stating that the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine, Healey said he is certain that if big countries redraw international borders by force, it will undermine the sovereignty and security of all nations. Previously: Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said on 4 September that Ukraines operation in Kursk Oblast could enhance its position in future negotiations with Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraine had achieved "a lot" during its offensive operation in Russias Kursk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! TOPEKA (KSNT) A taco shop that has served the Capital City for over 60 years shared with heavy hearts the passing of its owner. On Monday, Sept. 9, Taco Als announced on social media that Al Ward, also known as Taco Al, had passed away after battling health issues for the past few months. According to the post, Ward died surrounded by family and his wife of 65 years. Taco Als was opened as Taco Casa in July 1963. Later on July 17, 2018, Ward and his wife retired the Taco Casa name and the Taco Man caricature to adopt the name Taco Als. Ward was The Boobie Traps landlord for 27 years. During the pandemic, Ward told The Boobie Trap and every other business in the building to forget about the rent for two months. Id rather have them make money and stay in business than go broke paying me extra rent, said Ward. I just think its important for me as a small businessman to give back to the community. I like to help people. Kansas sheriffs office offers to salvage roadkill venison Taco Als said it would release more information about Wards passing in the coming days. 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. A look inside restaurants opening soon at the Steel District SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) In just a little over a months time there will be some new options for a night out in downtown Sioux Falls. But for now, crews are still putting the finishing touches on the new restaurants. So were really super excited, finally after its been about five years, have these restaurants up and running, Josh Thoma, owner and chef of the restaurants, said. For Mexican food and tequila lovers, there will be Dahlia, named after Mexicos national flower. Not only do we have kind of authentic Mexican cuisine, but we also have a great, kind of a chefs take on modernizing some of that as well, Thoma said. Across the hall is a spot for burger lovers. Sioux Falls Police Chief: String of recent homicides not random Big Sioux Burger is kind of a classic riff on a diner with smash burgers, Thoma said. So this one is open from 7 a.m. until Midnight seven days a week. So were excited also to bring breakfast over to the Steel District as well. The third restaurant coming to the Steel District is located directly above the Falls and will feature a partnership with a name familiar to the city. Ironwood is our take on a classic supper club but a little bit elevated with some grilled steaks that youd normally find, Thoma said. So were doing a dry-aged collaboration with Looks Market. Josh Thoma already owns multiple restaurants in the Twin Cities, and is looking forward to bringing new concepts to life in Sioux Falls. I think Sioux Falls is such an amazing market, Thoma said. It has such a great art scene, a great restaurant scene that were really excited to be a part of it. Both Dahlia and Big Sioux Burger are set to open on October 15th while Ironwood has an opening day set for October 29th Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) The John A. Burn School of Medicine (JABSOM) is shining a light on hidden health disparities and showing the world the importance of disaggregating data. Ryan Hiroshi Kelii Shontell has embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden truth about Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You As an investigator in a lab run by Kekoa Taparra, MD, PhD, MPH, Shontell has embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden truth about Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health which will shine a light on the systemic racism that led to entire people groups being lost in the data. Shontell is part of a group of researchers at JABSOM who are shining a light on hidden these health disparities and showing the world why it is necessary and important to disaggregate data. A second-year medical student at the JABSOM, Shontell began his journey into medicine driven by personal experiences and the need for change. Born and raised on Hawaii Island in Hawi, Shontells family history of cancer and the challenges of accessing healthcare in his rural community inspired his passion for medical research and health equity and led him to follow a journey to becoming a physician and medical researcher. A call for accurate representation Shontells research underscores a critical issue in healthcare: the problematic aggregation of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) data with Asian data. This practice has historically led to misleading conclusions and inadequate healthcare responses, highlighting a need for more accurate representation of NHPI populations. Historical aggregation and its consequences Shontell points out that health data for NHPI and Asian populations have been historically aggregated into a single category, which has skewed the results and led to misinformed healthcare policies. Historically, when you look at data in the literature, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander patients and Asian patients have been lumped together or aggregated into a single racial group, explained Shontell. This aggregation has particularly adverse effects because NHPI populations are significantly smaller compared to broader Asian populations. It leads to their health issues being obscured. This misrepresentation results in a lack of tailored healthcare responses for NHPI communities. Impact on health data and disparities The aggregation of NHPI and Asian data has led to misleading conclusions about the health of NHPI individuals. For instance, Shontell discusses a 2024 JAMA paper that reported generally good survival rates for aggregated groups: In that paper they looked at adolescent and young adult patients they had aggregated NHPI and Asian patients into a single category they said specifically in those conclusions that NHPI patients were doing just fine essentially, said Shontell. Contrarily, Shontells own research found significant disparities, particularly in melanoma survival rates. For NHPI patients, if you have melanoma, you are 38% more likely to die from that melanoma diagnosis than a white patient the rates for melanoma are pretty staggering, he pointed out. Systemic issues and data disaggregation The aggregation issue is compounded by systemic problems within healthcare data collection and research. Shontell highlighted the challenges in gathering disaggregated data One, its easier just to lump Asian and Pacific Islander patients in a single blanket category, Shontell said. One of the issues has been sample size. Moreover, he noted that despite revisions in 1997 to disaggregate data, the problem persists. Despite the 1997 revisions for OMB, there has been a lot of literature leading all the way up until current day where NHPI and Asian data is aggregated, he noted. This continued aggregation results in NHPI populations being virtually invisible in policy decisions, further exacerbating disparities in healthcare funding and interventions. If were hidden in the data, we are virtually invisible in the eyes of policymakers, explained Shontell. This has led to these huge disparities in health care that are really lowering our lifespans. Call for action and improved representation Shontell advocates for more accurate data collection and better representation to address these disparities The implications are huge, and there needs to be action made moving forward to actually implement any changes in order to close some of these gaps in health care, he pointed out. He also stressed the importance of patient education and self-advocacy, particularly in recognizing and addressing health conditions like melanoma where death rates amongst NHPI is nearly 40%. Shontells research highlights a significant issue in healthcare data representation. The historical and ongoing aggregation of NHPI and Asian data has led to misrepresentations of NHPI health issues and inadequate responses to their needs. Hence, addressing these problems requires more accurate data collection, better representation in research and proactive healthcare policies to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for NHPI populations. The legacy of Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka The push to separate NHPI data from broader Asian categories is not new. Senator Daniel Akaka championed this cause in 1997 because he recognized that combined data masked significant health disparities. Shontell emphasized that despite this push, there are still papers being published where NHPI and Asian data is aggregated. This ongoing issue highlights the importance of disaggregating data to reveal true health disparities affecting NHPI communities. Health disparities unveiled Shontells research has uncovered alarming disparities in cancer survival rates between NHPI and white patients. In a recent study, Shontell and his team found that NHPI patients face significantly worse outcomes for several types of cancer. For instance, NHPI patients with melanoma are 38% more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients. We found that NHPI patients are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a later stage, which correlates with that increased risk of dying from the disease, Shontell said. This late diagnosis is critical because melanoma, especially in darker-skinned individuals, can be very aggressive. The study also revealed higher mortality rates for lymphomas, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancers among NHPI patients. Surprisingly, these cancers did not show later-stage diagnoses, suggesting other factors might be at play. Theres access to care, utilization of care, socioeconomic status, and social determinants of health that need further investigation, Shontell noted. Why disaggregated data matters The significance of Shontells research extends beyond individual health outcomes. Accurate data is essential for policymakers to make informed decisions about healthcare funding and public health initiatives. Aggregated data often leads to inadequate responses because it can mask the specific needs of smaller populations. If were hidden in the data, we are virtually invisible in the eyes of policymakers, Shontell explained. This invisibility results in a lack of targeted interventions and funding for NHPI communities, perpetuating health disparities. The impact of aggregated data An example of the consequences of aggregated data can be seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Shontell noted that some states collected aggregated data, which suggested that NHPI populations were doing well during the pandemic. However, the reality was different. States that were collecting disaggregated data showed that NHPI patients had some of the highest mortality rates for COVID, he said. It was only after public health workers and advocates raised concerns that states began to collect more specific data, revealing the true extent of the disparities. Educating the public and advocating for change One crucial aspect of Shontells research is patient education. For instance, melanoma has traditionally been considered a disease affecting lighter-skinned individuals. However, darker-skinned individuals, including NHPI patients, can also develop aggressive forms of melanoma. Shontell pointed out that darker-skinned patients have a tendency to develop melanomas that tend to be very, very aggressive and get diagnosed much later. A historical figure like Bob Marley, who died from melanoma in his toe, illustrates the dangers of late-stage melanoma in darker-skinned individuals. Shontell emphasized the importance of being vigilant about skin changes and advocating for early screening. Addressing systemic issues Shontells research highlights broader systemic issues in healthcare. The disparities faced by NHPI patients are part of a larger pattern of inequities affecting various minority groups. Its not just an NHPI issue. Even within the Asian category, Filipino patients also have dismal survival rates for many chronic diseases, Shontell observed. These disparities are indicative of systemic racism and the need for more inclusive and accurate data collection. Its a systemic issue, really, Shontell said. Addressing these issues requires dedicated efforts from researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers. The path forward The path to closing these health disparities involves several steps. Firstly, there needs to be continued advocacy for disaggregated data collection. Shontells work is a crucial part of this effort, but it must be supported by policy changes and increased funding for targeted research. Disaggregation research is a good starting point, but there needs to be action made moving forward to actually implement any changes in order to close some of these gaps in healthcare, Shontell emphasized. Secondly, increasing awareness and education about the health risks faced by NHPI populations is essential. Healthcare providers and communities need to understand these risks to ensure better early diagnosis and treatment. Systemic changes in healthcare policy and practice are necessary to address the root causes of health disparities. This includes addressing social determinants of health, improving access to care, and ensuring that all populations receive equitable treatment. Shontells research sheds light on the critical need for disaggregated health data and its impact on addressing health disparities. By revealing the hidden struggles of NHPI populations, Shontells work advocates for more accurate representation and targeted interventions. As Shontells research continues to influence the field of medicine, it serves as a reminder of the importance of equity in healthcare. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 The journey toward closing health disparities is ongoing, but with continued efforts and advocacy, there is hope for a future where every community receives the care and attention they deserve. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Louisiana awarded $70 million to help student be better readers LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS)The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has been awarded $70 million through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program to help students become better readers. $1,500 voucher for eligible Louisiana students in grades K-12 Through the U.S. Department of Education, the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program aims to create a literacy program to advance skills. These skill-sets include pre-literacy skills, reading, and writing for children from birth through grade 12, with an emphasis on disadvantaged children, including children living in poverty, English learners, and children with disabilities. The five-year grant will assist and expand the states literacy plan and provide support to those students, teachers, and schools that may be struggling. This considerable investment reflects the success of our current literacy efforts and the strong academic return on investment weve achieved with previous funds, said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. These funds will help teachers and leaders improve in their profession so they can have the greatest impact on students. The LDOE will target the grant towards four main areas: Building teacher and leader capacity around evidence-based practices in the most struggling schools and systems Providing targeted capacity and resources for schools serving high rates of the highest-need students Ensuring every child has access to a highly effective teacher by providing literacy mentors to new teachers within three years of service in schools with high teacher turnover and/or high numbers of new teachers. Implementing high-quality, evidence-based practices, interventions, and opportunities to support children and families. Over the past four years, Louisiana educators have made a significant shift in the way we teach students to read, and we are seeing steady increases in our literacy rates, said Executive Director of Literacy Shanna Beber. This grant will allow us to continue the momentum as we push for all Louisiana children to have improved literacy outcomes. Emotions run high as community pushes back on superintendent search process The funding will be used to serve schools that meet at least one of the following criteria: Chronically failing High teacher turnover A high percentage of new teachers Growing number of English Learners High schools with low graduation rates High number of third graders at risk of retention The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) will award funding to schools and systems through a competitive grant process beginning this 2024-2025 school year. The first round of funding will be for the 2025-2026 school year. School and system leaders can subscribe to the LDOE newsletter to stay up-to-date on opportunities to apply for competitive funding. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Louisiana braces for Francine, local firefighters to assist with disaster response SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport firefighters will join the Louisiana Task Force 3 Urban Search and Rescue group to prepare for Tropical Storm Francine. A news release from SFD said on Tuesday that five department members and one member of Caddo Fire District 1 will assist with storm efforts in anticipation of the storm, which is expected to make landfall as a hurricane sometime Wednesday. The team is being deployed to support emergency search and rescue efforts as part of disaster response and will remain on standby unless activated by emergency notice. SFD urges all residents to remain up-to-date with weather reports and any severe weather alerts. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Prepareness, addresses the media ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane, Monday. Gov. Landry stands directly to the left of Thibodeaux. (Photo by Julie O'Donoghue/Louisiana Illuminator) Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Prepareness, addresses the media ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane, Monday. Gov. Jeff Landry declared a statewide emergency Monday for Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane when it hits the Louisiana coast Wednesday. We dont want to downplay the event, but we also dont want people to panic, Landry said during a press conference Monday afternoon. The storm was forecast to be a Category 1 hurricane but could strengthen into a Category 2, said Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Tormenta tropical Francine adviso publico en Espanol Francine is expected to make landfall anytime from mid-afternoon to the evening Wednesday, Thibodeaux said. Residents can anticipate heavy rain from 7 to 9 inches, with the potential for inland flooding in low-lying areas and inundation from storm surge. The Landry administration said coastal parishes in general are expected to be affected, but didnt specify where they feel the storm poses the greatest threat to come ashore. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service places the highest likelihood for Francines landfall along an area between the mouth of the Sabine River at the Texas-Lousiana border east to St. Mary Parish south of Morgan City. The National Weather Service also has a tropical storm warning in place from Morgan City to Grand Isle and from High Island, Texas, to Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish. Stay off the roads and remain vigilant, Thibodeaux said at a Baton Rouge press conference Monday afternoon. A composite satellite image shows Tropical Storm Francine in the western Gulf of Mexico just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. The system is expected to increase in strength and become a hurricane before it makes landfall sometime Wednesday evening. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration image) The governor said he has already been in communication with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and hopes President Joe Biden will issue a federal disaster declaration prior to the storm reaching Louisiana. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy has also asked Biden for an emergency declaration. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Disaster declarations typically make it easier for Louisiana and the federal government to respond quickly to a weather event. Those people living along the coast should heed their local officials warnings, Landry said. The governor said he plans to issue an executive offering further guidance on how nursing homes that are vulnerable to the storm should evacuate. Landry directed Louisiana residents to getagameplan.org and the corresponding mobile app for information on how to prepare for the storm. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said residents should make sure their property insurance information is up to date and take photos of their home and its contents to capture their pre-storm condition. Homeowners should trim back limbs of trees near their houses that pose a damage risk if they fall, he said. Make copies of your policy and your insurance agents phone number, Temple said. If your home does have damage, make sure to document it. Landry said he plans to meet with statewide officials and his cabinet Tuesday morning ahead of an 11:30 press conference. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Florida Republicans had reason to be pleased with the states elections in 2020. Not only did GOP candidate excel at multiple levels, but the elections were effectively controversy-free. The Sunshine State has traditionally billed itself as the gold standard in election administration, and 2020 was no exception. But Donald Trumps conspiracy theories fueled tiresome hysteria in Florida Republican circles, leading GOP officials to impose new restrictions to address a problem that didnt exist. Among the reforms was the creation of an Office of Election Crimes and Security, which far-right Gov. Ron DeSantis intended to use to pursue election crimes that largely didnt (and dont) exist. Not surprisingly, the special unit has become controversial, and several of the cases its pursued ultimately collapsed. After the multi-million-dollar office was approved in 2022, the Cato Institutes Julian Sanchez summarized the problem nicely: There are few things more dangerous than a government agency handed cash and resources with a mandate to solve a problem that does not exist. As a rule, theyll invent it if they have to. That quote came to mind anew this week. The Washington Post reported on the Republican governors election police unit investigating alleged fraud in signature gathering for the states upcoming abortion referendum. In the past week, two people reported that an agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrived at their homes and asked them about petitions they had signed months ago to add Amendment 4 to the November ballot. One voter, Isaac Menasche, posted on his Facebook page Wednesday that a detective questioned him about his signature and showed him a folder containing 10 pages of his personal information. In his social media message, the local voter wrote that the experience with law enforcement left him shaken. He added that it was troubling to see the DeSantis administration devote so many resources to such an endeavor. In case this isnt obvious, it was just last year when the GOP governor and his state legislative allies created a controversial and unpopular six-week abortion ban. Soon after, voters statewide began collecting signatures for a ballot measure that would undo DeSantis abortion ban and enshrine reproductive rights in Floridas state constitution. The governor has claimed that wealthy philanthropist George Soros is secretly behind the effort, and DeSantis denounced the all-Republican state Supreme Court for allowing voters to consider the issue. Evidently, however, that was not the totality of the governors response. The DeSantis administration also appears to have dispatched police officers to some Floridians homes to inquire about their signatures on the abortion rights petitions. Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani responded soon after, This is unhinged and undemocratic behavior being pushed by Governor Ron DeSantis in an effort to continue our states near total abortion ban. Its clear voter intimidation and plain corruption continue to call it out and fight back. I dont imagine weve heard the last of this one. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In an effort to combat hunger and food insecurity, Widefield School District 3 is now providing healthy options for its students and families most in need. Partnering with the nonprofit Goodr and the Colorado Community Health Alliance, D-3 announced the opening of a new free grocery store for eligible D-3 families. Were excited to provide this opportunity for many of our families here at Widefield School District, D-3 Superintendent Aaron Hoffman said Monday. Goodr is a waste management and hunger relief company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia that repurposes edible food waste from local businesses. The new grocery store will resemble a typical local store and feature fresh produce, canned and frozen food and other items that get restocked once a week. The stores financing was secured by CCHA for the next two years while the district will identify approximately 200 families in need per month who will have access to the grocery store located at the Security Public Library. The store will be open on Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. We know that kids do better (in school) when theyre fed and teachers probably know they pay attention much better, said state Sen. Tony Exum who attended Mondays ribbon-cutting ceremony. So, I was very excited to hear about this initiative on feeding families that are in need. Families do not need to meet any specific qualifications to get referred to the grocery store and only need to fill out a referral form and wait to hear back from the school district. Since the store is located at the library, the families selected will additionally have access to other nearby community resources like Security's parks and rec center. Rachel Lake is the districts special education executive director and said she first heard about students struggling with food insecurity last fall from various employees throughout the district. We recognized over the past few years an increased need that some families were facing, due in part to rising costs for food and other necessities, she said. And so weve been discussing for a while now how we might be able to serve them. Featured Local Savings Lake then connected with Goodr and CCHA and presented the potential partnership to D-3's leadership and Board of Education, who unanimously approved it. According to a February report by the Colorado Health Institute, food insecurity in Colorado jumped over 3 percentage points to 11.2% since 2021. Food insecurity refers to insufficient access to food that affects individual intake and health. Causes range from health conditions to financial challenges to local food deserts. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, expiring SNAP Benefits and rising food prices increased food insecurity across the country. The USDA reported that 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2023, up from 12.8% in 2022. In El Paso County, it was reported that 12.2% of people reportedly ate less than they thought they should because of increased food costs. The new grocery store comes following two similar Goodr grocery stores that opened in Denver Public School's Colfax Elementary and Place Bridge Academy in 2022. Although CCHA formed in 2010 to meet the needs of Health First Colorado recipients (the states Medicaid program), the alliance also works to improve quality of care and reduce avoidable costs for members in Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Park and Teller counties. "This grocery store represents a powerful step forward in supporting our community's health," said Amy Yutzy, CCHA Behavioral Health Plan president. "By ensuring that families have access to nutritious food, we are tackling food insecurity head-on and helping to create a healthier future for this community." Since the grocery stores funding was secured by CCHA, operational costs will not impact D-3s general fund. The funding lasts for the next two years, but Lake said the store is here to stay. The goal is to continue the program with the intention of having one partner or another continue to help us serve these families, she said. When Donald Trump boasted to Fox News in June that hed fire U.S. military leaders he deemed woke, it was not an isolated comment. On the contrary, the Republican repeated the commitment in July and then again in August. The former president might not have much of a governing vision, but hes made no secret of the fact that he intends to purge the nations military leadership of officers he considers insufficiently loyal to the MAGA vision. Whats more, this isnt altogether new. While in office, for example, Trump reportedly lashed out at generals as a bunch of dopes and babies, while publicly going on the offensive against his own former Defense secretary, retired Gen. James Mattis, whom he accused of acting like a Democrat for questioning the White Houses less-defensible national security moves. After leaving office, Trump went after retired Gen. Mark Milley the man he tapped to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff falsely accusing the Army general of having committed treason. Vice President Kamala Harris relationship with U.S. military leaders is noticeably different. Two weeks ago, for example, retired four-star Gen. Larry Ellis, a highly decorated veteran who served under 10 presidential administrations, announced his support for the Democratic nominee. Ellis, who served his country for nearly a half-century, had never before endorsed a candidate for elected office, but in the 2024 presidential election, he made an exception, writing that this is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe necessary. The retired general was the first senior military leader to publicly back the vice president, but we now know he wasnt the last. NBC News reported this week on the launch of National Security Leaders for America and the groups support for Harris. The group said in a statement, signed by several [retired] generals and admirals, that Harris is the best and only presidential candidate in this race who is fit to serve as our commander-in-chief. She has demonstrated her ability to take on the most difficult national security challenges in the Situation Room and on the international stage, from rallying our allies against Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine to standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the Indo-Pacific against Chinas provocative actions, to advancing U.S. leadership on space and artificial intelligence. She is a steadfast supporter of service members, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors, the group wrote. Members, who include a former George W. Bush advisor, went on to describe Trump as a danger to our national security and our democracy. At his core, he does not understand selfless service and sacrifice, and he should never be allowed to again serve as commander-in-chief of the greatest fighting force in the world, the group wrote. This list might yet grow. Around this time four years ago, a surprising number of retired military leaders, many of whom had been apolitical for decades, stepped up to denounce Trump, endorse Joe Biden, or both. For the most part, however, they waited until October to express their election-related opinions. Will many of those same retired generals and admirals step up again as Election Day nears? Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Over the weekend, I shared what I believe to be the real reasons Donald Trump showed up to Fridays oral argument in his appeal of E. Jean Carrolls first civil verdict against him. But I didnt focus on what happened at the argument itself or at his purported press conference thereafter. Friday's argument where the legal focus was whether the admission of evidence of Trumps alleged, prior sexual assaults was erroneous, and if so, whether that error was or was not harmless turned out to be much less about Carroll herself than another octogenarian, Jessica Leeds. Shortly after the Access Hollywood tape was leaked in 2016, Leeds alleged that an octopus-like Trump groped her breasts and reached under her skirt as they sat in adjoining seats in the first-class cabin of an airplane in the late 1970s. And her testimony in Carroll's first trial, Trumps lawyers maintained, should not have been admitted because it was not yet a federal crime to commit sexual assault on a plane at the time of the alleged assault. The amount of time devoted to discussing Leeds' testimony was a surprise, yes. But the real shock came hours later when, holding court at Trump Tower, the former president decided to attack Leeds, insisting "she made up the story," and continuing, in part: So think of the impracticality of this. I'm famous. I'm in a plane. People are coming into the plane, and I'm looking at a woman, and I grab her and I start kissing her and making out with her. What are the chances of that happening? What are the chances? And frankly, I know you're going to say, "It's a terrible thing to say," but it couldn't have happened. It didn't happen, and she would not have been the chosen one. Perhaps realizing what he had said, Trump ruefully concluded, Now I assume shell sue me now for defamation. Jessica Leeds in 1978. While Leeds hasnt sued, its not clear that Trumps prediction is wrong. Indeed, at a press conference of her own Monday, Leeds said she is considering a number of options because of Trumps latest remarks. It might seem strange that Leeds could file suit now; after all, the alleged incident itself happened, as Leeds acknowledged, nearly 50 years ago. But the timeliness and validity of a defamation claim turns not on the age of the underlying events but rather when the defendant makes a knowingly false statement and with malice. That's why, for example, Carroll successfully sued Trump twice: once for statements he made in June 2019 after an excerpt of her book was published in New York magazine and again after an October 2022 social media post renewing his attacks on Carroll. That post in an eerie parallel to his bashing of Leeds similarly accused Carroll of making up the story, asserted the assault never happened, and insisted Carroll was not his type. It's also why when, days after Carroll's first trial victory, Trump again publicly denied knowing Carroll and called her story fake, a judge allowed Carroll's lawyers to seek even greater punitive damages at her second trial. And it's why Leeds is now contemplating going to court. The only question is whether her claim might be even stronger after Tuesday night's debate. Jessica Leeds hosts a press conference outside Trump Tower in New York on Monday. Why, you ask, would that be the case? Recall that Kamala Harris chief goal at Tuesday's debate is to demonstrate that she is ready and able to be president on Day 1. Key to her case and there are indications that she is approaching the debate like a trial where she bears the burden of proof is highlighting her own fitness for the office versus that of her opponent. And given that her 30-plus-year history in public service includes years of prosecuting sex crimes, is it likely that somewhere, somehow, she'll bring up the panoply of women who have accused Trump of sexual assault? I'd bet on it and I'd also bet on Trump lashing out at one or more of those accusers. The bottom line? Tuesday's debate could be the first time in American history a major party nominee's debate performance helps nudge a potential defamation plaintiff from press conference to court. Something tells me Leeds might be one of the debate's most attentive viewers. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Madison County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) is warning residents of a recent uptick in jury duty-related telephone scams. MCSO said the scammers have been claiming that their victims missed jury duty while posing as representatives of law enforcement and the court system. Authorities said the scammers then tell residents that they will be arrested unless they do as they say. Smile-A-Mile brings joy to children battling cancer, Huntsville bakery running fundraiser in support The sheriffs office said victims of the scam reported they received automated or live calls from individuals claiming to be from the court and telling the residents they must pay a fine or be arrested over missed jury duty. According to MCSO, the scammers use threatening language and try to create a sense of urgency to get residents to comply. MCSO said the scammers may even provide what appears to be legal documents to trick their victims. Here is an example of one of these fake documents: The sheriffs office said this is a scam and that no legitimate court or law enforcement agency will contact you by phone and demand payment or personal information. Family and friends concerned about a potential threat to a Tuscumbia City School and how the school system handles threats We understand that these scams can be alarming and stressful for our citizens, Sheriff Kevin Turner said. We want to reassure the citizens of this county that we are doing everything in our power to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these scams. MSCO said that to avoid becoming victims of scams like this one residents should remember the following tips: Never give personal or financial information to someone you dont know or trust. Avoid unsolicited calls or emails asking for payment or personal information. Verify the callers identity by contacting the court or law enforcement agency directly. Do not make payments or provide sensitive information over the phone. The sheriffs office said if you have received a similar call and are concerned about its legitimacy you should call the Madison County Sheriffs Office at (256) 722-7181. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For years, car manufacturers have been heralding the age of electric mobility. But despite many brands aiming to go all electric in the coming decade, cracks are starting to appear on the road to Electric Avenue. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa Several leading carmakers are backing away from ambitious electric car targets, saying slow sales and a lack of charging stations will leave room for a few cars that still need fossil fuels. One of the most prominent among them is Sweden-based Volvo Cars, which is majority-owned by Chinea's Geely Holding. Earlier in September the company cancelled its plans to become an all-electric car manufacturer by 2030. Instead, some hybrid models will still be on offer at that time. "We firmly believe that our future is electric," said Volvo chief executive Jim Rowan. "However, it is clear that the transition to electrification will not be linear." Volvo is not alone in altering its strategy to keep pace with customer hesitation when it comes to buying a new electric car. Toyota said it intends to remains loyal to the combustion engine and is positioning itself more broadly than ever. "CO2 emissions are our enemy - not a specific combustion engine," chief executive Akio Toyoda recently said, arguing that combustion engines are far from old hat. Toyota cites its "multi-path strategy" which includes electrics and ICE-powered vehicles. As a global car manufacturer, the firm said it does not produce solely for wealthier markets like Germany, with a greater focus on electric cars. The Japanese maker said it must instead satisfy customer needs around the world. Last year, the car manufacturer sold 11.2 million vehicles in over 170 markets worldwide. Global car companies using unified model platforms or many models also need to keep an eye on car markets in developing countries, where electrification is moving at a much slower pace. Consultancy firm Mordor Intelligence forecasts growth in electromobility in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, but while the Gulf States have launched strong electrification initiatives, the trend elsewhere is still weak. In South Africa, for example, the proportion of purely electric vehicles is far below 1%. Advocates of electric cars are hopeful they will help reduce emissions in cities where poor air quality from heavy traffic has been linked to lung diseases and a shorter life expectancy. However, the vehicles are beyond the financial means of most people, added to which the mining of the minerals used in their batteries poses serious risks for the environment, reports the United Nations body on trade and development, UNCTAD. Over at Audi, the company has unveiled the successor to the A4, the new A5 and it will be available exclusively with combustion engines. Audi has opted for mild hybrid technology for the drive system in the new A5. Although this technology allows a certain degree of electrification, it remains limited in comparison to plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. Audi has pledged to stop making ICE cars altogether from 2026. Meanwhile, car buyers put off by high EV prices and scarce charging facilities are increasingly demanding cars with combustion engines. Germany's Autobild car magazine reports. This is partly due to the widespread scrapping of state subsidies which bring down the price of still-expensive EVs. In the current year 2024, the trend in Germany is increasingly moving towards petrol, diesel and hybrid cars: the market share of electric cars is currently only 12.6% (January to August 2024), compared to 18.4% in 2023. In addition, 87% of all new cars in Germany have a combustion engine on board that runs on petrol or diesel. Like other manufacturers BMW is now looking for a way out of the ICE moratorium and is preparing to continue offering and selling cars with combustion engines in Europe after 2035. "In our view, the ban on combustion engines was naive and needs to be adjusted," chief executive Oliver Zipse recently told Autobild. BMW's international business partners would ask why the EU is banning a technology in which Europe has the greatest competitive advantage and which still offers so much potential thanks to low CO2 fuels. In particular, Zipse urges for the EU Commission to do more for the production of synthetic so-called e-fuels. Petrol and diesel engines are to be offered in the BMW X series SUV well into the next decade. BMW said it was not yet possible to predict which drive concept will be in demand by the majority of BMW customers between 2023 and 2035. Meanwhile, cars from budget manufacturer Dacia are set to be equipped with combustion engines for many years, in contrast to the parent company Renault and its strong electric strategy. Dacia does not want to say goodbye to fossil fuels as a means of propulsion until 2035, whereas Renault wants to go all-electric as early as 2030. Ford also seems to be having doubts about plans to operate as a pure manufacturer of electric cars from 2030. Provided demand holds up, Ford said it will continue to build combustion and hybrid cars for longer, he said. Advocates of electric cars are hopeful they will help reduce emissions in cities where poor air quality from heavy traffic has been linked to lung diseases and a shorter life expectancy. However, the vehicles are beyond the financial means of most people. Carsten Koall/dpa BMW says petrol and diesel engines are to be offered in the BMW X series SUV well into the next decade. Uwe Anspach/dpa Many kids are not equipped to deal with misinformation on social media. Forty-two attorneys general want Congress to require warning labels for youth on social media platforms. (Tim Robberts/Getty Images) Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is leading a bipartisan campaign with 41 state attorneys general who are prodding Congress to require a U.S. surgeon general warning for young people on social media platforms. Rosenblum, president of the National Association of Attorneys General, sent a letter on Monday to Congress urging action amid heightened concern about the role that algorithms of social media can play in youth mental health, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms, attorneys general wrote in the letter, sent to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7. The letter also noted how platforms feature irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling that automatically loads new content as the user scrolls down a page and a constant stream of notifications that are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platforms, even at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping. The letter follows the National Association of Attorney Generals summit last week in Portland, which highlighted Rosenblums push as the groups president to focus on youth issues. Rosenblum said in a statement that youth face challenges and asked Congress to move with urgency and hold the tech industry accountable. Our youth face challenges we never had to contend with when we were young, and many of those challenges are amplified by the platforms, companies and features prevalent across social media, Rosenblum said. Surgeon general recommendations In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthym released an advisory about social media use and its potential negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing. The most common question parents ask me is, is social media safe for my kids. The answer is that we dont have enough evidence to say its safe, and in fact, there is growing evidence that social media use is associated with harm to young peoples mental health, Murthy said in a statement. Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content, to bullying and harassment. And for too many children, social media use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. The surgeon generals 2023 advisory recommends that technology companies design and assess their platforms to prioritize childrens safety and health and for parents to establish tech-free zones to encourage in-person relationships. The advisory also calls for more research to establish standards for social media and youth mental health and encourages youth to limit their time on social media. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 reported they use social media, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, the advisory said. Those figures come from a 2022 Pew Research Center report that looked at youth use on platforms that include Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. That report also found disparities in social media use among youth in minority communities. Overall, 47% of Hispanic teens and 45% of Black teens reported they used an online platform almost constantly, while 26% of white teens did, the report said. Besides Oregon, the letter was signed by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Attorneys general from American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both U.S. territories, also signed the letter. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Forty-two attorneys general want Congress to require warning labels for youth on social media platforms. (Tim Robberts/Getty Images) Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is leading a bipartisan campaign with 41 state attorneys general who are prodding Congress to require a U.S. surgeon general warning for young people on social media platforms. Rosenblum, president of the National Association of Attorneys General, sent a letter on Monday to Congress urging action amid heightened concern about the role that algorithms of social media can play in youth mental health, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms, attorneys general wrote in the letter, sent to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7. The letter also noted how platforms feature irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling that automatically loads new content as the user scrolls down a page and a constant stream of notifications that are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platforms, even at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping. The letter follows the National Association of Attorney Generals summit last week in Portland, which highlighted Rosenblums push as the groups president to focus on youth issues. Rosenblum said in a statement that youth face challenges and asked Congress to move with urgency and hold the tech industry accountable. Our youth face challenges we never had to contend with when we were young, and many of those challenges are amplified by the platforms, companies and features prevalent across social media, Rosenblum said. Surgeon general recommendations In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthym released an advisory about social media use and its potential negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing. The most common question parents ask me is, is social media safe for my kids. The answer is that we dont have enough evidence to say its safe, and in fact, there is growing evidence that social media use is associated with harm to young peoples mental health, Murthy said in a statement. Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content, to bullying and harassment. And for too many children, social media use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. The surgeon generals 2023 advisory recommends that technology companies design and assess their platforms to prioritize childrens safety and health and for parents to establish tech-free zones to encourage in-person relationships. The advisory also calls for more research to establish standards for social media and youth mental health and encourages youth to limit their time on social media. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 reported they use social media, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, the advisory said. Those figures come from a 2022 Pew Research Center report that looked at youth use on platforms that include Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. That report also found disparities in social media use among youth in minority communities. Overall, 47% of Hispanic teens and 45% of Black teens reported they used an online platform almost constantly, while 26% of white teens did, the report said. Besides Oregon, the letter was signed by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Attorneys general from American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both U.S. territories, also signed the letter. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X. A bipartisan group of state attorneys general are asking Congress to require a U.S. surgeon general warning for young people on social media platforms. (Illustration by Alex Cochran for Utah News Dispatch) Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is leading a bipartisan campaign with 41 state attorneys general who are prodding Congress to require a U.S. surgeon general warning for young people on social media platforms. Rosenblum, president of the National Association of Attorneys General, sent a letter on Monday to Congress urging action amid heightened concern about the role that algorithms of social media can play in youth mental health, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. A warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms, attorneys general wrote in the letter, sent to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7. The letter also noted how platforms feature irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling that automatically loads new content as the user scrolls down a page and a constant stream of notifications that are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platforms, even at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping. The letter follows the National Association of Attorney Generals summit last week in Portland, which highlighted Rosenblums push as the groups president to focus on youth issues. Rosenblum said in a statement that youth face challenges and asked Congress to move with urgency and hold the tech industry accountable. Our youth face challenges we never had to contend with when we were young, and many of those challenges are amplified by the platforms, companies and features prevalent across social media, Rosenblum said. Surgeon general recommendations In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthym released an advisory about social media use and its potential negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing. The most common question parents ask me is, is social media safe for my kids. The answer is that we dont have enough evidence to say its safe, and in fact, there is growing evidence that social media use is associated with harm to young peoples mental health, Murthy said in a statement. Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content, to bullying and harassment. And for too many children, social media use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. The surgeon generals 2023 advisory recommends that technology companies design and assess their platforms to prioritize childrens safety and health and for parents to establish tech-free zones to encourage in-person relationships. The advisory also calls for more research to establish standards for social media and youth mental health and encourages youth to limit their time on social media. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 reported they use social media, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, the advisory said. Those figures come from a 2022 Pew Research Center report that looked at youth use on platforms that include Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. That report also found disparities in social media use among youth in minority communities. Overall, 47% of Hispanic teens and 45% of Black teens reported they used an online platform almost constantly, while 26% of white teens did, the report said. Besides Oregon, the letter was signed by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Attorneys general from American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both U.S. territories, also signed the letter. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X. Man accused of assault on Northern California mayor could face one year in jail (F0X40.COM) A homeless man who is accused of assaulting a Northern California mayor and councilman could spend a year in county jail if convicted. On Aug. 22, 36-year-old Derek Hopkins was arrested and booked into the Yuba County Jail after he allegedly sucker-punched Marysville mayor Chris Branscum and attacked Marysville councilman Dom Belza. Branscum and Belza were with a group of city officials at the intersection of 5th and D Streets in Downtown Marysville, waiting to discuss with Congressman Doug LaMalfa the issues surrounding the destroyed Hotel Marysville, according to the Yuba County District Attorneys Office. Homeless man allegedly sucker punches Northern California mayor, councilman jumps in The DA said Hopkins was walking by the group when he suddenly punched Mayor Branscum in the back and ran. Councilman Belza saw the assault and chased Hopkins. Hopkins stopped, turned around and punched the councilman in the face. Belza reportedly tackled Hopkins to the ground and held him there until Marysville Chief of Police Chris Sachs arrived. Hopkins was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery but pleaded no contest, according to the DA. He faces up to the maximum punishment of six months in county jail for each battery. Massive fire destroys historic Hotel Marysville in Northern California I am so thankful to live in a community where we look out for one another, said Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry. Derek Hopkins is going to be held responsible for the senseless assault he committed on Mayor Branscum because Dom Belza chose to be an upstander rather than a bystander. He deserves all of our thanks. Hopkins is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 30. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Man accused of killing his father in Panama City Beach sentenced to 45 years PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) A man accused of killing his father in Panama City Beach will spend the next 45 years behind bars. 29-year-old Tyler Davis pleaded no contest Monday to the second-degree murder. On September 22, 2022, he was charged with shooting his father in the head while he was lying in bed at his Panama City Beach home. According to the State Attorneys office, Davis was captured later that same day in Forsyth County, Georgia. Investigators say he confessed to the killing and also told authorities where he hid the gun. The judge sentenced him to 45 years in prison, the first 25 are mandatory. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Mesquite Police Department arrested a man after he allegedly nearly defrauded $45,000 from an elderly Nevada woman, according to police. On Sept. 7 Mesquite police responded to a disturbing case of fraud after the elderly victim reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a representative from her bank and that her account had been compromised. The victim was transferred between multiple callers with the scammers claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The suspected instructed the victim to withdraw as much money as possible from her bank accounts and over two separate transactions she withdrew a total of $45,000 in cash. The suspects then told her that an undercover U.S. Marshal would meet her at a local business to retrieve the cash in a locked box and to complete the handoff, she was given a specific password to use, police said. Mesquite police were alerted about the situation and responded to the location where they saw a man slowly driving around the parking lot. Police stopped him for further investigation and he was arrested in connection to the incident. The man arrested was 32-year-old Mihirkumar Amin, of Anaheim, CA who faces charges of felony exploitation of an elderly person and felony conspiracy to commit grand larceny. Mihirkumar Amin, 32, of Anaheim, California faces felony exploitation of an elderly person and felony conspiracy to commit grand larceny (Mesquite Police Department/KLAS) When police searched Amins vehicle they found nearly $100,000 worth of gold and silver, which was seized under the suspicion of being connected to a separate fraud case, according to police. Police said the investigation is still ongoing and further charges are pending for all suspects involved. The Mesquite Police Department wants to remind the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, especially scams targeting vulnerable individuals. This arrest is a critical reminder of the growing sophistication of scammers, and the lengths they are willing to go to scam you out of your hard-earned money. I commend the quick actions of our officers in preventing harm to the victim, Chief Chesley 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 KLAS. JW Roth, the founder, chairman and CEO of Ford Amphitheater developer VENU, plans to speak at the Colorado Springs City Council's regular meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday "to discuss the vibrancy and cultural impact that Ford Amphitheater has brought to our city." Roth's remarks are anticipated to occur two weeks after about 30 residents spoke for hours at the council's regular meeting Aug. 27, arguing excessive sound levels emanating from the 8,000-seat outdoor venue have interrupted their daily lives. In his recent newsletter and in a weekend post on the public Ford Amphitheater Enthusiasts Hub Facebook page, Roth encouraged supporters to join him in speaking at the Tuesday council meeting. "Share the vibrancy, cultural impact and your incredible Ford Amphitheater stories firsthand," Roth said. Among 64 comments more than a week ago on Roth's post to the Facebook group, several people expressed interest in attending next week's council meeting to support Roth and the amphitheater. Featured Local Savings "I'm beyond excited to have this venue (I'm walking distance)," Michael Borden wrote in a comment. "I'm also excited you plan to mitigate the sound further for us neighbors. Win win, can't wait to catch a show!" Others like Craig Steiner, who said he lives 3 miles from the amphitheater, disagree. "Your statement is that rather than honestly trying to be a good neighbor to the residents of the area and work on a solution that doesn't wreck the local community, you want to further antagonize us. You're not a good neighbor," Steiner wrote. The regular council meeting is scheduled to begin Tuesday at 1 p.m. The meeting is scheduled to start later than usual, because Mayor Yemi Mobolade delivered his State of the City speech earlier today. Meetings are held at City Hall, 107 N. Nevada Ave. They are also livestreamed on the Colorado Springs City Council Facebook page and on SpringsTV. Meeting agendas are available online at coloradosprings.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man wanted in connection to the death of a 12-year-old out of Youngstown was arrested by U.S. Marshals Tuesday. Brandon Kennedy, 31, was wanted by the Youngstown Police Department for aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. YPD issued a warrant for Kennedys arrest on Monday. Within a day of the warrants issuance, he was arrested in the 20 block of Broadview Avenue in Girard. On Nov. 17, 2023, Kennedy was driving at a high rate of speed in a residential area of Youngstown when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Juanita and Alameda avenues, striking another car as it passed through the intersection. A 12-year-old boy who had been a passenger in Kennedys vehicle died as a result of the crash. Court records show Kennedy is also charged with operation in willful wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property and driving under FRA suspension. Records have not yet been updated to reflect his next court appearance. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PALO ALTO, Calif. (KRON) Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) said they arrested a 63-year-old man on Sunday after two violent incidents at the Palo Alto Transit Center. John Doe found in railroad boxcar in Santa Clara 30 years ago identified Charles Murphy, of East Palo Alto, allegedly approached two men, shouting slurs at one and assaulting both, said PAPD. The first incident involved a Hispanic man in his twenties who was seated at the bus platform. Murphy reportedly yelled derogatory remarks about Mexicans and punched the man multiple times, causing minor injuries, said police. In a second incident, Murphy allegedly punched a cigarette out of a mans hand after he refused to give him one. Murphy faces charges of battery and a hate 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 KRON4. Man who broke into home, robbed person at gunpoint sentenced A man who broke into a home and pointed a gun at a resident has learned his punishment. Dakota Maddox was sentenced to a maximum of 6.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary, abduction, grand theft, and theft charges. TRENDING STORIES: In the early morning hours of May 31 Maddox and another suspect entered a home on Daleview Avenue, according to prosecutors. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man accused of breaking into home, robbing person at gunpoint formally charged Maddox and the other suspect forced the victim into a bedroom and gunpoint and took his cell phone, money, and guns. They both then took off from the scene. Maddox was located in Kettering on June 4 and arrested. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Man charged with eight counts of attempted murder from series of violent attacks on San Francisco pedestrians A man stabbed, ran over and assaulted several pedestrians and firefighters in San Francisco in a series of violent attacks that stretched over three hours, authorities say. Anthony Carl Sheldone, 42, from Brownsville, Calif., was arrested on suspicion of carrying out the unprovoked attacks, which began shortly after 7 a.m. on Sept. 1, the San Francisco district attorney's office announced Monday. Sheldone first tried to attack multiple people while driving his car on Haight Street, according to prosecutors, who say he ran over a person at a crosswalk who was walking a dog, then drove into oncoming traffic and physically assaulted someone at a bus stop. He then ran over two people crossing the intersection of Stanyan and Fulton streets, prosecutors said. Sheldone then asked a woman to take off her clothes, and when the woman's husband confronted him, Sheldone stabbed the man, prosecutors say. He then allegedly attacked two San Francisco first responders. More than an hour after the rampage began, Sheldone ran over a 70-year-old pedestrian crossing the street at Van Ness Avenue and Golden Gate Avenue, prosecutors allege. He was eventually arrested by police after he climbed a 35-foot-tall tree and jumped back onto the street, according to court records. Sheldone was charged with eight counts of attempted murder, seven counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, one count of criminal threats, one count of attempted assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery with injury to emergency personnel, two counts of assault upon a peace officer, one count of evading against traffic and one count of evading an officer with willful disregard, according to the district attorney's office. The case against Sheldone remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 575-4444 or text tips to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Shawnee County District Attorney has filed charges against a man accused of shooting and killing a man in Topeka earlier this year. Katie Garceran with the Shawnee County District Attorneys office said in a press release that Silas B. A. Kriner, 21, is being charged with murder in the first degree and aggravated robbery. These are in connection to the recent deadly shooting of Earon D. D. Cooper, 31, in Topeka this summer. Police were called just after midnight on July 20, 2024 to the 2900 block of South Topeka Boulevard on reports of a shooting. Topeka police arriving at the scene found a man, later identified as Cooper, in his vehicle near a local fitness center. He was suffering from numerous gunshot wounds and declared dead at the scene. Investigators connected Kriner to the shooting and took him into custody on Sept. 4, 2024. Coopers death is the 11th homicide case for Topeka so far in 2024. Man found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in central Topeka, police investigating For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. A man faces felony charges for public indecency he allegedly committed at a convenience store in Fairview Heights shortly after he had applied for a job at the store, police say. The St. Clair County States Attorneys Office has charged Thonchel B. Brazier-Scott, 32, with two counts of public indecency, one count of public indecency within 500 feet of a school and one count of failure to register as a sex offender amid the investigation. The Fairview Heights Police Department was first informed of indecent exposure at an undisclosed convenience store on Aug. 26. Florissant cop stole nude photos during traffic stop: Lawsuit According to a press release from the department, an employee observed a suspect, later identified as Brazier-Scott, committing a lewd act. The employee also reported to police that the suspect had exposed himself to two other employees on the previous day. Police quickly identified Brazier-Scott as a suspect and issued a Be On the Lookout alert to patrol units. Thats also when police learned that he had recently applied for a job at the same store. On August 30, a Fairview Heights officer recognized Brazier-Scott riding a bicycle in the vicinity and, after confirming his identity, took him into custody without incident. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Police say Brazier-Scott is a registered sex offender who had failed to register his new address with the police department after moving to the area from Springfield, Illinois, which is a violation of state law. The Fairview Heights Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will continue to work diligently to bring justice to all involved, said the department in a news release Tuesday. At the time of this writing, Brazier-Scott is being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending his court 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 FOX 2. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A man is facing numerous charges after reports state he held two women, along with children, in a vehicle and threatened to shoot them. Read next: Suspect wanted by U.S. Marshals arrested in traffic stop Just after 7 p.m. Friday, Warren police were advised that a female caller was on the line whispering to dispatch from a vehicle where she and a friend were being held by Jamir Fudge, who she told authorities had a gun. Police were able to locate the vehicle in a parking lot in the 700 block of East Market Street, where they discovered Fudge had fled on foot and was found in the 500 block of East Market Street, where he was taken into custody. One of the victims told police she and Fudge got into an argument, which caused him to drive erratically, reports state. The victims advised Fudge to drive safer due to multiple children in the vehicle, at which point he threatened to shoot them, according to reports. Eight bullets were found in Fudges pocket at the time of his arrest, and reports did not reflect that a firearm was found on his person. Records show Fudge is charged with aggravated menacing, unlawful restraint, obstructing official business and domestic violence. He was arraigned Monday before Judge Patricia Knepp where he entered a not-guilty plea. He is set to return to court Sept. 16. Court records show Fudge was also indicted on two felony charges of domestic violence in the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas for a July incident. He has a court date for that case on Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. DENVER (KDVR) The Denver Police Department has cited a 56-year-old man for posting anti-migrant signs near the Colorado Capitol in late March. The agency said Monday that Christopher Balli was cited on a municipal code violation on Thursday for illegally posting on public or private property, as the signs were attached to city street sign poles on March 22. However, Balli is not facing hate crime charges at this time. Denver sidewalk fee up for final vote Monday The signs were bolted to the same posts as the citys metal street signs and made to look like a normal street sign. However, the signs featured the words hookers, migrants and undocumented. One sign said, Caution undocumented Democrats and showed people running with weapons, including one person hand-in-hand with a child. Another insinuated that migrants were acting as sex workers, with a sign below reading $20. The driver who reported the signs before sunrise in March told FOX31 that they thought the signs were legitimate and some kind of caution signs. The signs were removed by Capitol crews and the Colorado State Patrol was investigating the matter. The signs were placed around the Colorado Capitol as Denver was dealing with an influx of migrants who were being bused into the city. The signs were found at three locations: West 12th Avenue and North Acoma Street West Colfax Avenue and North Broadway 1400 block of North Grant Street As of Monday, Denvers Newcomer Sheltering and Support dashboard was reporting four people were in short-term shelters provided by the city, and two people had arrived in the city as of Sunday. In total, the city says it has helped 42,785 migrants and asylum seekers. Denver police investigated signs for possible hate crime DPD said the Denver Police Bias Motivated Crime Unit was assigned to the investigation because of the signs contents. Investigators reviewed surveillance video to develop suspect and suspect vehicle information. Detectives also reviewed open-source online and social media content, which the department said helped the agency confirm Balli was the suspect. On the streets of a Colorado city, pregnant migrants struggle to survive The findings were presented to the Denver District Attorneys Office, which determined the case did not meet the requirements for a Bias Motivated Crime charge. The Denver City Attorneys Office determined the appropriate municipal charge. Sign maker appears to be controversial online artist An investigation is still ongoing into similar signs posted in Denver on Aug. 29 and investigators said it appears that the incidents are related. However, no citations or arrests have been made in the Aug. 29 incident, which referenced Kamalas illegals, and showed silhouettes of people running and the silhouettes appear to be the same as the Caution undocumented Democrats sign. Another sign referenced historical racism against Black people who were forced to sit in the back of public buses. However, DPD told FOX31 that Balli appears to go under the internet alias Sabo. During the afternoon of Aug. 29, an email account linked with a website known for its controversial street art against progressive political candidates, sent an email to FOX31 enclosing pictures of some signs near the intersection of Nome Street and East Colfax Avenue. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather In another email to FOX31, the sender, who wished to be referred to as Sabo, said the signs show how minority groups in Denver are now neglected in favor of migrants. Racist is allowing and funding with our tax dollars violent illegals (not migrants) on our streets to terrorize the poorest people of color in our communities, Sabo wrote. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Man Who Drugged Wife and Invited Men to Rape Her Is Hospitalized on Day He Was Supposed to Take Stand Dominique Pelicot was suffering from abdominal pain, his attorney reportedly said Sipa via AP Gisele Pelicot The French man who admitted to drugging his wife and inviting dozens of men to rape her was hospitalized on a day he was set to testify during his Avignon, France. Dominique Pelicot, 71, has previously pleaded guilty to having drugged his wife, Gisele Pelicot, 72, for nearly a decade, from 2011 to 2020. Authorities have alleged Gisele was raped by 83 different men and was assaulted at least 92 times, U.K. paper The Times reported. But on the day he was set to be cross-examined for the first time, Dominique was taken to the hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 10, leading to an adjournment, Le Monde, The New York Times and Reuters reported. "Mr. Pelicot is not trying to shirk his responsibility, he will not shirk his responsibility, his attorney, Beatrice Zavarro, told reporters, according to Reuters. Zavarro reportedly said that Dominique had been suffering from abdominal pain and was having trouble urinating. Related: Husband's Case Goes to Trial as He's Accused of Drugging His Wife and Inviting Dozens of Men to Rape Her: Reports Dominique is one of 51 men facing trial in connection with the repeated abuse of Gisele, who had no knowledge of the alleged rapes until police informed her after they discovered thousands of photos and videos taken by her husband, who had documented the abuse after recruiting strangers on the internet, NYT reported, citing the investigating judges report. Prosecutors say the Frenchman was arrested in December 2020 after police seized his electronics while investigating him for filming up the skirts of three women. 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. Approximately 20,000 videos and photographs of the abuse were allegedly found on his devices by police, according to NYTs reporting. Zavarro previously said that her client was not disputing the charges, and that he has always declared himself guilty, according to The Times, Dominique and Gisele are reportedly in the midst of divorce proceedings. They have three children together. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Man facing child porn charges accused of taking pictures of children in Ohio parks A man indicted on multiple child porn charges is accused of taking pictures of children at Ohio parks. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Eric Zachary Johnson, 30, was indicted by the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office on 30 counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor, a fourth-degree felony, Local12 reported. He has also been indicted on five counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, a second-degree felony, WLWT reported. During the investigation, deputies found nearly 100 videos of women and children playing in public, the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office told Local12. TRENDING STORIES: After executing a search warrant at Johnsons home, authorities also found over 100 images categorized as Child Sexual Abuse Material, 42 images categorized as child exploitative material, and 39 files of interest, which included screenshots of childrens Instagram pages, WLWT reported. Johnson could face 77 years in prison if convicted of Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor, Local12 reported, he is not facing charges for the videos of women and children playing at local parks. The investigation is ongoing, and Johnson is being held in Hamilton County Jail without bond, according to Jail records. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] UPDATE: Colorado Springs School District 11 reported at 7:30 p.m. on Monday that Trevor Frachner has been located and is currently being reunited with his family. The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for help from the community in locating a missing at-risk juvenile, 11-year-old Trevor Frachner. Frachner was last seen around 12:35 p.m. near Grant Elementary School, heading south towards Grant Park. He is described as a white male, standing approximately 4 feet tall and weighing 75 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, red shorts, and black shoes, according to police. According to a statement by the Colorado Springs School District, the fifth grader was reported missing after being given permission to use the restroom. Upon discovering him missing, school personnel along with the school district security personnel and police "immediately launched a comprehensive search, which remains underway." The Colorado Springs police report using a drone to scan the surrounding area, but did not locate Frachner. If anyone has any information regarding Frachner's whereabouts, they are encouraged to call 719-444-7000. Police found 287 cannabis plants at a house in Gateshead in May (file photo) [HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock] A man who farmed cannabis plants worth up to 105,000 out of "honour" to repay a debt has been jailed for 20 months Albanian national Arben Kolgjoku, 47, said it was part of his culture that people worked to pay off debts, which he did by tending to the illegal grow at a house in Gateshead after owing 7,000. The married father-of-two, of no fixed abode, admitted the production of cannabis. He will be automatically returned to Albania upon his release from prison, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said police raided a three-storey home on Windmill Way on 17 May, which had been turned into a cannabis farm. They found 283 plants worth up to 105,000 and a further 127 cuttings in a makeshift nursery in a cupboard, the court heard. 'Very sorry' Mr Wardlaw said Kolgjoku, who had been in the UK for three years, admitted his involvement on the basis the farm had been set up by somebody else and his role was only to "tend to, water and feed" the plants. The court heard he racked up a 7,000 debt after getting a loan to pay for medical treatment for his wife, who lives in Albania. Kolgjoku said in his culture it was "deemed a matter of personal pride and honour" to work to pay off a debt and "his parents brought him up to never walk away from his responsibilities and obligations", Mr Wardlaw said. He refused to say who he owed the money to for fear of repercussions, the prosecutor added. In mitigation, Rachel Hedworth said Kolgjoku was "very sorry", had learned his lesson and would be automatically returned to Albania upon his release. She said he was the son of farmers, got a degree in biochemistry and worked as a bodyguard in his home country and in agriculture in Italy, before coming to the UK. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links Man who fired gun into Circle K, at Cartersville police returns to prison A man who got into a shootout with officers after firing a gun into a Circle K has been sentenced to prison. Channel 2 Action News first reported on the shooting back in Nov. 2022. Police said Jose Rivera threw a cinderblock through the front door of a store in Cartersville where he stole a pistol. He then went to a nearby Circle K where he pointed the gun at customers and then fired the gun, according to investigators. After Rivera left the Circle K, an officer chased after him and then Rivera turned and shot at him. The officer then shot back, hitting Rivera in the leg and foot. The 46-year-old Rivera was then arrested after medical treatment. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The complete disregard shown by Rivera for the safety of civilians, and the law enforcement officer who was shot at, is inexcusable, said Mitchell Jackson, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlantas Cartersville Office. This disturbing trend of attacking law enforcement officers will not be tolerated by the FBI and we will continue to work with our partners in these cases to successfully prosecute dangerous repeat offenders. Rivera pleaded guilty on April 26. This week, Rivera was sentenced to 18 years with four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The U.S. Department of Justice described Rivera as a convicted felon. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Man gets 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder GRIMES COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) A 40-year-old man has pled guilty to murder and has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. According to the Grimes County District Attorneys Office, Leon Burrell, Jr. pled guilty in 12th District Court on Monday. He was sentenced in a plea agreement with the state. The Navasota Police Department originally received a report on July 14, 2021 regarding a man found with a gunshot wound at 520 Laredo Street. Law enforcement and emergency medical services responded to the scene and found 45-year-old Clifton Love with a wound to the abdomen. The D.A.s Office said Navasota Police Chief Mike Mize was one of the first people on scene. He was able to speak to Love, who said to the chief, Junior shot me. Love identified Junior as Burrell. Love was flown by helicopter to the hospital, but did not survive his injuries. Jury selection begins in Jeremiah Walker murder trial Investigators with Navasota Police, along with a Grimes County D.A.s Office investigator, determined Burrell acted alone when the shooting occurred. Police discovered there was a history of issues between Love and Burrell. The D.A.s Office said Burrell is in custody at the Grimes County Jail awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Friends and family of Love were inside of the courtroom to observe Burrells 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 KWKT - FOX 44. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who served a two-year prison sentence for beating a man at a city bar was arrested over the weekend on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. Charles Bulatko, 31, was arraigned on the charge Monday in municipal court. He is set for a pretrial hearing on Oct. 17. Court records did not mention bail. Bulatko was arrested about 10:40 p.m. Sunday at a home on Haseltine Avenue after police were called for a report of a juvenile being assaulted by his family member, who reports said was Bulatko, at a home in the 600 block of Benwood Avenue. Witnesses told police Bulatko became upset when the juvenile dropped a plate and threw him to the ground and punched him several times. The juvenile managed to break free, reports said, and walked to Haseltine Avenue, where police were called. Bulatko was arrested at the Benwood Avenue home, reports said. In December 2020, Bulatko was charged with felonious assault for the beating of a man at a West Side bar. Reports said the victim lost several teeth, had a broken jaw and had to be intubated. Bulatko pleaded guilty on June 23, 2021, to an amended charge of attempted felonious assault in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court and was sentenced to two years in prison. That sentence ran consecutively to a probation violation in a 2013 case, court records show. Bulatko is presently on 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 WKBN.com. CHICAGO Emonte Morgan, who was convicted in Chicago police officer Ella Frenchs murder earlier this year, has been sentenced to life in prison two times over. The sentence was handed down Wednesday evening, where Morgan received life without parole for the first degree murder charge he was convicted of in the killing of French, and the attempted murder of Chicago police officer Carlos Yanez. Morgan was also sentenced to 50 years for the attempted murder of another officer, and seven years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW). Morgan was convicted of first-degree murder in March on top of two other counts of attempted murder for killing French and shooting Yanez, her partner. Morgan was pulled over with his brother Eric on the night of Aug. 7, 2021 in the 6300 block of South Bell Avenue. During the trial, prosecutors said at no time did either officer draw a weapon during the traffic stop. Emonte Morgan fired shots at both officers killing French and striking Yanez four times in the face. He lost an eye as a result of the shooting. The murder weapon, which was a fully-loaded .22-caliber handgun, was later recovered, along with an extra magazine of bullets. Morgans defense team filed a motion for a new trial in July. The judge ruled just before noon on Wednesday that the motion for a new trial was denied setting up sentencing Wednesday afternoon. Morgans defense team argued he should have received a new trial, claiming there was no proof that Morgan actually pulled the trigger and the jury should have been instructed that he could have been convicted on a lesser crime. Previous: Defense team for man convicted of killing Chicago officer Ella French file motion for new trial Eric Morgan, was sentenced to seven years in prison in October for his role in the shooting. Eric pleaded guilty to several felonies in exchange for a seven-year sentence and his cooperation. Emonte Morgan faces life in prison. The 29-year-old officer, left behind her mother, who adopted her when she was one, and her brother. Frenchs mother was seen walking arm-and-arm with Yanez at the courthouse on Wednesday with several CPD officers showing support. Last October, the first group of Ella French scholars were awarded scholarships in her honor. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAMDENTON, Mo. One of two men charged with murder in a shooting death at a Lake of the Ozarks bar in 2021 has been sentenced. Chad Tariq Brewer of Jefferson City had been accused in the death of Vonza Watson at Lazy Gators bar in 2021. Online court records show Brewer had pleaded not guilty to all charges in 2022, but was back in court on Sept. 5, 2024 and changed his plea to guilty. A Camden County judge sentenced Brewer to 15 years in prison. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One of two men charged in Lazy Gators homicide pleads not guilty Brewer and his co-defendant, Craig Hawkins, were allegedly seen on security footage, which showed Watson being beaten by Hawkins before being shot by Brewer. According to documents, investigators found a fight had occurred shortly before the shooting. Hawkinss next court date is Nov. 6, 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) A man was sentenced to community supervision in connection with a 2023 theft of famous cyclist Lance Armstrongs storage unit in Austin. Shaun Thompson, 37, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years of community supervision in August, according to court documents. He was charged with theft of property between $30,000 and $150,000. PREVIOUS: Lance Armstrongs storage unit burglarized, over $100K in bikes stolen An arrest affidavit said the stolen bikes were valued at over $100,000. Armstrong, who is a former Austin resident, won seven Tour de France titles from 1999-2005. Those titles were stripped in 2012 after he admitted to doping while racing. He was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer in 1996 and was considered one of the best cyclists in the world at the time of the diagnosis. Thompson was one of two suspects arrested in connection with the thefts. The second suspect has their next court date scheduled for Sept. 24. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. HONOLULU (KHON2) A Colorado man has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for cyberstalking and obstruction of justice while living in Hawaii. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The man, 54-year-old John B. Hart, of Louisville, pleaded guilty on April 12. Hart lived in Hawaii when he launched a cyberstalking campaign against his former girlfriend, Jane Doe 1; her former partner, John Doe 1; and her then-partner, John Doe 2 from May to August 2022. Among the acts he admitted to, are: (1) sending communications to Jane Doe 1 criticizing her and encouraging her to kill herself, and advising her that he had posed as Jane Doe 1 online and solicited strange men to engage in gang bang and other sexual activities with her; (2) sending communications to Jane Doe 1, her family members, and her associates claiming that he had followed Jane Doe 1 and John Doe 2 when they traveled to Washington state, and falsely asserting that John Doe 2 was a human trafficker who may have kidnapped Jane Doe 1 while she was in Washington; (3) sending communications to Jane Doe 1s family members, John Doe 2, and their associates that contained express or implied threats to kill, kidnap, rape, and otherwise injure Jane Doe 1; (4) creating online dating profiles in Jane Doe 1s name, and soliciting men to date and/or engage in casual sexual encounters with her, and sending messages causing multiple men to appear at Jane Doe 1s workplace for dates and/or sex; (5) sending communications to John Doe 2 criticizing Jane Doe 1 and encouraging, directing, and threatening John Doe 2 to terminate his relationship with her; In upcoming volatile elections, what you need to know (6) sending communications to John Doe 2 claiming to have sexual photos and videos of Jane Doe 1 and threatening to post them online and distribute them to her friends and family; (7) purchasing and shipping sex toys to one or more residences of John Doe 2s family members, using Jane Doe 1s name and credit card without authorization in the purchase order, and sending taunting communications to John Doe 2 about the purchases; and (8) spray-painting Jane Doe 1s vehicle and placing metal spikes on the ground near her tires, while her vehicle was parked outside of her place of employment/training. Lost in data: JABSOM uncovers hidden NHPI statistics, diagnoses John Hart engaged in a relentless cybercampaign to harass and terrorize his ex-girlfriend and others in her life, masking his own identity and attempting to frame an innocent man in the process, said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors, whose office prosecuted the case. Hart was arrested in Colorado in April 2023. While no sentence can ever make up for the devastating impact John Harts actions had on the victims in this case, we hope that this provides a sense of relief to those he affected, said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill, whose office 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 KHON2. CHICAGO - A 30-year-old man was fatally shot while driving in the city's Chatham neighborhood on Monday. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Lafayette Avenue. The victim was driving westbound on 79th Street when someone inside a sedan that was also heading westbound opened fire, striking the victim multiple times in the head and body. The victims vehicle then crashed near the intersection of 79th Street and Lafayette Avenue. He was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Nobody was reported in custody. The investigation is ongoing. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Authorities arrested a suspect after the shooting and killing of a man last month in the City Heights area. Jesus Alvarez, 33, of San Diego, was taken into custody and booked at the San Diego Central Jail, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release Monday. Alvarez faces murder charges. The shooting occurred Aug. 8 at a homeless encampment at the University Avenue off-ramp from the northbound Interstate 805 freeway, resulting in the death of 30-year-old Edgar De La Cruz, according to law enforcement. Camp Pendleton Marine, no longer considered missing person, in desertion status: military base I would like to thank the investigators involved in the successful arrest of Jesus Alvarez. This accomplishment is a testament to the tireless dedication, skill, and teamwork in ensuring the safety and security of our community, said Border Division Chief, Tommie Cocroft. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP Border Division Major Crimes Unit at 858-944-6300. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Man suspected of being affiliated with Venezuelan gang arrested in Wisconsin on multiple charges PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WIs. (WFRV) Authorities in western Wisconsin say they arrested a man that they suspect of being affiliated with a Venezuelan gang on Thursday afternoon for multiple domestic charges. According to a release from the Prairie du Chien Police Department, officers responded around 12:30 p.m. to the 300 block of East Wells Street in Prairie du Chien for reports of a physical disturbance. Sheboygan man shot by police after allegedly attacking an officer Upon arrival, officials learned that a man had allegedly been physically and sexually violent towards an adult woman, and a juvenile girl was also found on the scene who appeared to be injured during the altercation. The suspect, 26-year-old Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate from Venezuela, was arrested and taken to the Crawford County Jail on the following charges: Domestic Disorderly Conduct Two counts of Domestic Battery Strangulation/Suffocation Physical Abuse to a Child Disorderly Conduct Two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault Police say Coronel Zarate, at the time of his arrest, also had warrants through Dane County for charges of Strangulation/Suffocation, False Imprisonment, Battery, and Disorderly Conduct. Officers add that they suspect Coronel Zarate of being affiliated with the violent transnational crime organization known as Tren de Aragua. Officials report that the criminal group has become known for a variety of criminal activities including homicide, abduction, extortion, drug trafficking, arms/weapons trafficking, human smuggling, and human trafficking. One woman dead, three people hurt following head-on crash in Oconto County The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified of this recent incident and a detainer was placed on Coronal Zarate as he is said to not be a citizen of the United States. Mr. Coronel Zarate was brought to Prairie du Chien from the Dane County area. The victims in this case knew Mr. Coronel Zarate, this was not a random event. This incident highlights the need to be aware of the dangers that affiliates of these transnational criminal organizations pose to our communities. Violence towards others, no matter the circumstances, cannot be tolerated in our community. Our agency remains committed to holding violent actors accountable for their criminal offences. Kyle Teynor, Prairie du Chien Police Department Chief of Police There are no other details available on this incident 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police said they were investigating after a homeowners camera caught a man performing a sex act on himself with a cucumber in her driveway. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it happened around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 in the Truxton Circle neighborhood, not far from Dunbar High School. DC News Now obtained video of the incident from the owner of the security camera who hoped sharing the footage, which she posted on Reddit, would help police identify the man in order to protect her neighbors and students. I was so disgusted, and freaked out, Catherine Baker said, after reviewing the footage. (Metropolitan Police Department) It was around dinnertime when Bakers camera recorded a man with an apparent lunch box entering her driveway and lodging a cucumber in the grille of Bakers SUV. The video shows the man checking to see if the coast is clear before turning his back to the SUV and beginning to use the cucumber in the sex act. I want people, I want my neighbors to know and keep an eye out for this person. I want parents to be mindful. Theres a lot of kids, there are high school students, they walk themselves to and from school but we all have to be vigilant about this kind of thing, Baker said. The police report Baker filed details something else that is clear in the video: the man chose to keep going. He comes around the passenger side of the SUV, then performs the sexual act again. He appears to notice the security camera before putting the cucumber back in the lunchbox and then walks away down the adjacent alley. It was that eye contact that really unsettled me, because it then continues for longer than one would imagine. And of course, then he saves the cucumber for later, so it really leaves one with a lot of questions that no one wants to have on their mind, said Baker, who had not seen the man prior to his appearance in the video. D.C.s indecent exposure law says that any public penetration for sexual gratification violates the law. Penalties include a fine of up to $300, prison time of no more than 90 days, or both. Outside Dunbar High School Tuesday, Safe Passage Ambassador Vinnia Narh told DC News Now: There are children walking around, neighborhood kids, elementary school, middle school and high school. So, its just a kid-friendly neighborhood so we definitely want to get him out of the way. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A man who spent nearly a decade in prison after he was wrongfully convicted in a 2008 murder was awarded $50 million by a federal jury on Monday. The multi-million dollar verdict was the result of a civil suit against the city, the Chicago Police Department and the prosecutor for their alleged misconduct that led to Marcel Browns arrest and false conviction. Brown was arrested in 2008 at the age of 18 for the murder of Paris Jackson, who was fatally shot in Amundsen Park on Aug. 30 of that same year. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Brown had been tied to the case after officers interviewed Marisol Ocampo, a person who had been at the park the night before. The lawsuit stated that Ocampo had falsely told officers that Brown had been driving a car when his cousin, Renard Branch, opened fire in the direction of a group of young men at the park. Branch and another person were involved in a separate shooting in the area, but the lawsuit said he and Brown were not responsible for Jacksons death. According to the lawsuit, following Browns arrest on Sept. 3, 2008, officers took him to detective headquarters where he was subject to a 34-hour interrogation in a windowless room. The lawsuit said during the interrogation, officers denied Browns repeated requests to call his mother, violating his right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. The lawsuit also alleged that detectives then coerced false and inculpatory statements from Brown during the course of their investigation, in an effort to close the case without delay and with minimal effort. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland The lawsuit further alleged that the misconduct practiced by the detectives to close serious crimes was tolerated and encouraged, and often targeted young African-American men and boys. Brown was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to 35 years in prison. He spent seven years in prison before he was exonerated and certified innocent in 2018. Following his release, Brown filed the lawsuit in 2019, seeking damages for the emotional pain and suffering of his incarceration and having to rebuild his life. Alongside the $50 million, Brown was also awarded $50,000 in punitive damages. Brown spoke at a press conference on Monday afternoon, thanking the jury and his attorneys who fought for him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Manager pleads guilty to using ABC Stores debit card to gamble RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (WSPA) The manager of an Alcohol Beverage Control Board store in Rutherfordton pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $375,000 which was used to gamble at a North Carolina casino. 72-year-old Russel Edward Hester pleaded guilty Tuesday to wire fraud and money laundering, according to the Untied States Attorneys Office. Hester embezzled at least $374,807 from the Alcohol Beverage Control Board of Rutherfordton which manages the ABC Store where he had worked as manager for nearly 10 years. Beginning in late 2021, Hester used the boards debit card to withdraw money at Two Kings Casino. The U.S. Attorneys Office said he used the card at the casino 192 times to withdraw money. Hester primarily used the money to play slot machines at the casino, winning jackpots totaling $1,469,368. He later deposited that money into his personal bank account. In one instance, on July 4, 2023, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Hester withdrew $3,000 at the casino, put the money into a slot machine, and won a jackpot of $18,350. Hester also covered up the embezzlement by providing altered and falsified bank statements to an independent auditor. In those statements, Hester added fake transactions and removed casino transactions. Hester faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and 10 years in prison on the money laundering charge. The case was investigated by the IRS, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Rutherfordton 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Polaris Dawn, the second fully private mission for SpaceX, is set to stretch the boundaries for human spaceflight, including achieving the farthest orbit around Earth and the very first civilian spacewalk. At 5:23 a.m. EDT, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, after two weeks of enduring delays, the crew of the Polaris Dawn mission finally blasted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Transported to orbit on board the Crew Dragon spacecraft, Resilience, is SpaceX's second all-civilian astronaut crew. Polaris Dawn Falcon 9 launch - Sep 10 2024 - SpaceX A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster dispels the pre-dawn darkness around Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it blasts off, carrying the Crew Dragon Resilience and its four civilian crew members into space. (SpaceX) Commanding the mission is billionaire philanthropist Jared Isaacman, who previously led SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission in 2021. His crew consists of Mission Pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis, who oversees SpaceX's astronaut training program, and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Menon, who manages the development of SpaceX's crew operations in addition to her duties as Mission Director and crew communicator in SpaceX mission control. While Polaris Dawn is the second trip to space for Isaacman, this is the first human spaceflight for Poteet, Gillis, and Menon. Polaris Dawn Dragon in Orbit -Full- Sep 10 2024 - SpaceX A camera on board the Falcon 9 second stage shows Crew Dragon Resilience as it hangs over the curved limb of the Earth, with a spectacular view of our planet below and the Sun shining bright in the darkness of space beyond. (SpaceX) Now in orbit, the Polaris Dawn crew will spend the next five days in space before splashing down off the coast of Florida. During the flight, they will conduct a total of 36 different science experiments. Some of these will be performed while the crew sets a new record for the farthest orbit around Earth, as Resilience takes them up to 1,400 kilometres out into space, where they will briefly fly through the planet's Van Allen radiation belts. That distance will break the record set by the Gemini 11 crew, back in 1966, by about 30 kilometres. Polaris Dawn Orbit - SpaceX This graphic shows the distances the Polaris Dawn mission will be from Earth during two mission objectives, compared with the altitude of the International Space Station and SpaceX's first private mission, in 2021, Inspiration4. (SpaceX) The rest of the experiments will be conducted while in low-Earth orbit, at altitudes of between 190-700 kilometres. For comparison, the orbit of the International Space Station is typically at around 420 kilometres above sea level. On Thursday, September 12, while in that lower orbit, the crew plans to don their spacesuits and depressurize the Crew Dragon capsule, so that Isaacman and Gillis can exit to perform the very first private astronaut spacewalk. SpaceX-Polaris-Dawn-Private-Spacewalk This artist's conception drawing shows a Polaris Dawn private astronaut exiting the Crew Dragon spacecraft for the first ever civilian spacewalk. (SpaceX) "After more than two years of training, we are excited to embark on this mission," Isaacman said in a press release back in August. "We are incredibly thankful for this opportunity and to the thousands of SpaceX engineers who have contributed to this endeavor. We hope the results from our mission will accelerate SpaceX's vision to make life multiplanetary and support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and its efforts to improve global survival rates for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Throughout our mission, we will aim to inspire humankind to look up and imagine what we can achieve here on Earth and in the worlds beyond our own." Stay tuned for more updates. Watch below: Why are space agencies heading back to the moon? Out Of This World Click here to view the video LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. A man from Marionville has pleaded guilty on Tuesday to shaking a baby and raping their mother earlier this year. Zachary Bridwell mugshot On Tuesday, a Lawrence County Circuit Court judge sentenced Zachary Bridwell to 23 years in prison for first-degree assault, sexual exploitation of a minor and second-degree statutory rape. An abuse or neglect of a child charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Marionville man charged with shaking baby, raping mother On January 4, 2024, the Missouri Department of Social Services Childrens Division told the Aurora-Marionville Police Department that a six-month-old infant was in critical condition at a Springfield hospital due to a stroke caused by Shaken Baby Syndrome and also had bruises all across her body. Bridwell admitted to investigators that he shook her daughter by the neck as she cried on January 2 but told them he wasnt trying to kill her, just hurt her. He also admitted to being in a sexual relationship with a minor, who was the mother of the baby. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) Marsh Regional Blood Center will host its annual 9/11 memorial blood drive on Wednesday in Bristol. The drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bristol Motor Speedways north entrance. Marsh will provide each donor with a card bearing the name of someone who lost their life on Sept. 11. Donors will also receive a special t-shirt and 20-ounce tumbler. Remembering 9/11: Events happening in the Tri-Cities In the weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, people wanted to help in whatever way they could, so they came out in droves to give blood, said Steffanie Sukel, director of Marsh Regional. We wanted to honor that selflessness, so we began the 9/11 memorial blood drive to give our community members the chance to continue the legacy of saving lives through blood donation. This is an annual drive that really lets the generosity and heroism of our region shine. According to Marsh, as many as three lives can be saved with one blood donation. The blood center says blood donations will stay in the region. To donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. People with a cold, sore throat, fever, flu, or fever blisters or who are taking antibiotics are not eligible to donate. Donors are encouraged to eat a well-balanced meal before giving blood. Donors may also give blood at one of Marsh Regionals donor centers: Bristol, Tennessee, 1996 W. State Street: 423-652-0014 Johnson City, 2428 Knob Creek Road: 423-282-7090 Kingsport, 111 W. Stone Drive: 423-408-7500 Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police are investigating after a man from Maryland was found stabbed to death in Southeast D.C. after a crash on Tuesday morning. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) shortly after 3:30 a.m., officers responded to the 4600 block of Livington Road for a crash. 5 arrested after multiple businesses burglarized across DC; police increase presence Upon arrival, police found a vehicle on the sidewalk and a man lying in the road with stab wounds He died there. MPD identified the victim as 70-year-old Johnathan Reeves, of Upper Marlboro, Md. Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Shane Curry, 20, is accused of killing Nevaeh Goddard, 17 Go Fund Me Nevaeh Rose Goddard, Shane Curry A 20-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with murder, with police accusing him of stabbing his 17-year-old partner with a sword. Shane Curry, of Stow, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Nevaeh Goddard, 17, in Stow, on April 5, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Stow Police Chief Michael Sallese announced in a statement on Friday, Sept. 6. On the afternoon of April 5, Curry's mother went to the Stow police station asking if officers could check on Curry at the home where he lived with Goddard, according to the indictment, which was obtained by PEOPLE. When officers arrived, Curry refused to open the door to a bedroom in which he had locked himself, the indictment alleges. The officers asked Stow Police Chief Michael Sallese to come help because he had "a good rapport" with Curry and had interacted with him before, including during a mental health crisis, the indictment alleges. After Sallese banged on the door, Curry allegedly opened the door a few inches and said, "Get the f--- out, you creeps," the indictment claims. When Sallese knocked again, "the door opened slightly" and Sallese could see Curry and Goddard lying on a mattress on the floor, curled up next to each other, according to the indictment. Officers pulled a blanket off of Goddard and Curry and saw the victim had cuts and bodily bruises and wasn't moving. The victim was declared dead at the scene. Curry was handcuffed and taken out of the room, where he allegedly told police that he and Goddard had gotten into a "brawl-level argument," adding, "that's why [the victim] is so bruised up," the indictment alleges. According to the indictment, Curry said Goddard was his "twin flame." During the violence, he allegedly said he was "hitting" the victim, adding, "that's not working, so ok, I have to knife" the teen, the indictment claims. He allegedly said he "stabbed" the victim with a sword in the abdomen, the indictment claims. Shane Curry's residence Officers found a sword and a kitchen knife in Currys bedroom, according to the indictment. Curry allegedly told police he stabbed the victim again, saying that "it was horrifying," the indictment alleges. According to an autopsy, Goddard was stabbed in the neck, torso, liver and arms. Curry allegedly told police he tried to die by suicide by cutting his arms when he "realized [the victim] was dead, dead," the indictment claims. 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. Curry was taken into custody and transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Curry was arraigned in Concord District Court on April 6 on charges of assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. Prosecutors said at the time that more charges were possible. After he was charged with murder, Curry was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court and ordered held without bail by Judge Patrick Haggan. Goddards family started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral expenses. Nevaeh had such a genuine, pure, loving, caring soul, Heather Coyne, the mother of the victim's fiancee, wrote. Goddard was reportedly missing for years before being found dead, GLAAD said in a statement in April. Goddard, went by both River and Nevaeh, used they and she pronouns, and was pansexual, GLAAD said in the statement. We are absolutely heartbroken to hear of the death of another nonbinary teenager, River Nevaeh Goddard, who had been reported missing for years after reportedly surviving childhood abuse and time in foster care, the organizations president and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis said in the statement. Goddard, who is from Rhode Island, was failed in life, and its up to all of us to make sure we dont fail them, or any other LGBTQ youth, now, Ellis said. Goddards grandfather, Michael Simmons, told WJAR that Curry promised to take care of" the teen. He told WJAR the teen had a difficult upbringing, starting with being born in prison and then spending time in the care of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. "There couldn't have been a nicer, more soulful and more spiritual person," he told WJAR. Curry's attorney could not be immediately reached for comment. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Mass. man pushed child to ground for splashing water on him during family gathering, police say A Massachusetts man was arrested last week after police say he pushed a child to the ground for splashing water on him during a family gathering in New Hampshire earlier this summer. Xavier Simonin, 29, of Newburyport, is slated to be arraigned in October in Nashua District Court in New Hampshire on a felony charge of second-degree assault, according to the Nashua Police Department. Officers responding to a residence in Nashua on June 10 to investigate information received from the Division for Children, Youth, and Families learned a 9-year-old child was treated at a local hospital and transferred to Boston Childrens Hospital for injuries resulting from an assault by a relative of the victim, police said. The investigation found that Simonini allegedly pushed the child to the ground due to the child splashing water onto him at a family gathering, police stated in a news release. Police said the child was left hospitalized with serious, non-life-threatening injuries after the assault. Detectives later applied for an arrest warrant and took Simonin into custody on Friday, Sept. 6. Simonini was released on personal recognizance pending his arraignment. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Nashua police at 603-589-1665. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW At least one person was injured following a rush-hour crash in Colorado Springs Tuesday morning. Officials announced the crash at 7:11 a.m. Tuesday, reporting the roadway to be partially blocked by the crash and at least one person to be injured. . According to police department spokesperson Caitlin Ford, the crash involved two vehicles and at least one person was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the crash. The roadway remained partially blocked for over an hour and reopened at 9 a.m., officials said. Little information is available at this time regarding the details of the crash and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Click or Tap Here for live traffic updates. A massive Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow closed 3 of its 4 airports A massive Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow closed 3 of its 4 airports Russia said it suspended flights at three of Moscow's four international airports. Russian officials reported shooting down 144 drones, including 20 over Moscow. One woman died in the Ramenskoye district after drones set several flats on fire, Russia said. Russia suspended flights at three of Moscow's four international airports after Ukraine launched a huge drone attack overnight. Russian officials said they shot down 144 drones in the attack, including 20 over Moscow. The Tass state news agency, quoting the federal agency for air transport, Rosaviatsia, said that around 50 flights were diverted from three international airports. The airports Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Vnukovo have since resumed operations, it said. According to the Financial Times, some flights were also suspended at the airport in Kazan in central Russia. Rosaviatsia did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Andrei Vorobyov, governor of Moscow, said one woman died in the Ramenskoye district after drones set several flats on fire and damaged at least two high-rise apartments, according to Sky News. Alexander Li, an eyewitness to the fires, told Reuters he saw a window get "blown out by the shock wave." Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the attack. It comes after Russia recently launched several strikes on cities across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force posted on Telegram that it had hit 38 out of 46 drones Russia launched at it on Tuesday. The drones were shot down over several regions, including the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as well as Odesa and Kharkiv. Ukraine has accelerated its domestic drone production over the last few years. In July, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's minister of strategic industries, said Ukraine was on track to manufacture "significantly" more small attack drones by the end of the year than it had originally planned. Ukraine has repeatedly pleaded with its Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range ballistic weaponry to attack targets deep in Russian territory. Ukraine's last drone attack of this scale was in May, when Russian officials said they intercepted 102 air and sea drones which knocked out power in southwestern Russia and parts of Crimea. Read the original article on Business Insider MEMPHIS, Tenn. A recent decision to suspend downtown trolley services comes shortly after Memphis Area Transit Authority spent millions of dollars on improvements for the system. WREG Investigators continue to dig deeper into the Memphis Area Transit Authority and its $60 million deficit. MATA said in order to balance its budget, its cutting staff and services and pulled the trolleys last month because recommended repairs are too expensive. MATA to slash hundreds of jobs, bus routes and trolleys The vintage streetcars, praised on tourism website Memphis Travel as a must-do in Memphis, bring new faces to downtown. There were just over 318,000 riders in the fiscal year of 2023, which came close to the count clocked before COVID, according to a report given to the MATA board this spring. Were committed to one day bringing this back, MATA Interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin told city councilmembers. But she also said they laid off 18 employees in the trolley division and admitted they cant afford the $200,000 in brake repairs the state recommended. READ: MATA spent millions on new office, furniture, Grizzlies suite, more Its a small price tag though, when you compare it to whats been spent on the trolleys in recent years. In 2014, the trolleys were pulled after two caught fire. MATA later revealing in a 2015 meeting, 19 of their 20 trolleys needed work. When the trolleys were pulled in 2014, MATA said one million people annually were riding the trolleys and that number dropped 40 percent when hybrid buses started running the routes. It took four years to get the Main Street line back while work continued on the Madison line, as MATA tested modern trolley cars. In all, a costly venture according to contracts the board approved in the last three-and-a-half years In 2021, they signed off on a $1.4 million overhaul of trolley trucks. More than $800,000 was spent on seven new rail cars and shipping containers of spare parts. Also, two staffers took a trip to San Diego to inspect and assess the condition of those cars, according to a memo. There is no mention of what that cost. Add another $2.5 million in track repairs and paving over the past three years, $141,000 to demolish a building to make space for future trolley development, $88,000 for a rail pickup, $253,000 for six new pickup trucks and 2 SUVs for the trolley staff, and another $383,000 on equipment and lighting fixtures. It adds up to a total of nearly $6 million in all of the contracts we found. We asked MATA officials if that money could have been better spent since they chose to cut the service indefinitely. In a statement, they wrote theyre committed to maintaining all assets in excellent condition, and theyre required to maintain all assets in a state of good repair [sic]. They went on to state, Due to stringent safety requirements and the long life cycles of many assets, repairs and maintenance can be costly. There have been calls on the city to help out. Thats on top of the money they, the state and feds already gave. Keep in mind, only MATA decides how to spend the money. Their governing body is their board, which is appointed by the mayor and approved by the council. The popular Trolley Night in South Main rolled on recently without the street cars. Business owners are among the many waiting for answers from MATA and for some kind of detailed plan for its future. Theyre all anxious to see the impact these cuts will have. I think we are talking about four miles of trolleys. What the heck? Four miles, and we cant manage that? Come on now, South Main business owner Tawanda Pirtle told WREG recently. She owns Feelin Memphis and is concerned what impact this could have. Dont think its going to take us down, because its not. Its a piece of something that belongs to us that you guys, when I say you guys, the people in charge, mismanaged, Pirtle said. Tuesday morning, MATA will give another update at a council committee meeting. WREG Investigators will keep you updated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A week after a 14-year-old student allegedly opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia and killed four people, the issue of gun violence and school safety remains at the forefront of parents' consciousness. It's an issue Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves McConaughey are on a mission to change. Last July, the McConaugheys co-founded the Greenlights Grant Initiative in a bid to improve school safety by providing school districts with free grant writing services and information on grants, aimed at boosting mental health and security resources in schools. The co-founders joined "Good Morning America" Tuesday to open up about the program's successes and what they feel still needs to be done. PHOTO: Matthew McConaughey on Good Morning America Sept. 10, 2024. (ABC News) "We have to keep it on top of our consciousness," McConaughey said. "Lawmakers, with enough pressure, it helps them keep it on top of their desk and do something about it, and hopefully keep re-funding things like they did with the bipartisan Safer Communities Act." According to the actor, the Greenlights Grant Initiative has helped schools across the U.S. identify and apply for federal grants, money earmarked from the bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The legislation was signed into law in June 2022, one month after the May 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in McConaughey's hometown of Uvalde, Texas, which left 19 children and two teachers dead. Matthew McConaughey visits hometown of Uvalde days after Texas school shooting Out of 30 school districts so far, the Greenlights Grant Initiative says it has helped four districts successfully secure over $1 million dollars in grant money. The Jasper R-V School District in Missouri is one of the districts that has benefited from a federal grant and launched a teacher-student walking club that's quickly gaining momentum. "It makes a difference if kids feel seen and heard," Jasper R-V School District Superintendent Dr. Cindy Hansen said. "And the impacts of that will extend far beyond this time and place in the lives of those young people." Matthew McConaughey details how Greenlights Grant Initiative works But the grant money isn't limitless and McConaughey said more support is needed to maintain grant funding for school security and mental health counselors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data shows guns remain the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., despite the bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Deaths by firearm accounted for 18% of deaths in children, in 2022, the latest year in which data was available, up from nearly 15% in 2018. PHOTO: Camila Alves McConaughey on Good Morning America Sept. 10, 2024. (ABC News) Co-founder Alves McConaughey also said a team effort is required to make schools safer for students, families, teachers and administrators. "Every child should be able to go to school and feel safe at school. Every young adult should be able to walk into campus and feel safe. Every parent should be able to drop off their kids at school and not have to look over their shoulders," she said. "But if the schools cannot access the money, they can't make the change that they need on the ground." Matthew McConaughey shares how his Greenlights Grant Initiative aims to make schools safer originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com KANSAS CITY, Mo. In less than 12 hours, Missouris Supreme Court will hear an argument on whether an amendment on abortion rights makes it on the November ballot. The High Court took the appeal after a trial court judge ruled the reproductive rights amendment violated state law. Kansas City veterinarians seeing spike in disease impacting dogs Monday, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft decertified the amendment. It no longer appears on his office website. A vote yes on amendment three supports amending the state constitution to provide the right for reproductive freedom, giving individuals the right to abortion until fetal viability, which is typically around 24 weeks, and make other reproductive health decisions. As it stands today, Missouris law bans abortion except in a medical emergency. But whether it makes it in front of voters come November, is now in the hands of the Missouri Supreme Court. A Cole County circuit judge ruled on Friday that the full text fails to mention the specific laws to be repealed if voters were to approve. He said that violates state law. Ashcroft, whos anti-abortion and who saw his fair ballot language for the amendment overturned by a judge, decertified the entire amendment late Monday. On Monday night, attorneys supporting amendment three filed a motion for Ashcroft to be held in contempt and ordered him to recertify the amendment. Ashcrofts office had no comment. Meanwhile, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas firmly believes the state Supreme Court will reverse the judges decision. Dozens of KC metro schools, police investigating school shooting threats What is the problem with letting people vote. Thats why I would say here, it was a creative lawsuit filed by conservative interest. But I think the Missouri Supreme Court is going to make sure we have an opportunity to have that vote in November. Mayor Lucas and the Public Rights Project, a non-profit working to support rights to reproductive health care, filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the state Supreme Court. I think its important to stand up for the rights of women in Missouri. Thats why we filed an amicus brief myself and other mayors throughout Missouri. As voters wait for a decision whether the amendment being on the ballot is critical to Democrats hopes in other major races remains a question. During an interview on 4 The People, editor-in-chief of the Missouri Independent Jason Hancock says polls show it wont play a part. You have this dichotomy of Missouri voters seeming to favor liberal progressive ballot measures and then voting for Republicans statewide. Where does Patrick Mahomes rank among the highest paid QBs? The hearing is set for Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Jefferson City. The state Supreme Court bypassed an appeals court to take the case because the deadline for ballots is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. So a quick ruling is expected. FOX4 will have a crew at the capitol and will bring you coverage on-air and 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin mayoral candidate Doug Greco the former leader of Central Texas Interfaith filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the city over its rule that limits the amount of money local candidates can take from people outside of city limits. That rule caps city council and mayoral candidates to an aggregate of $47,000 from outside donors, the lawsuit says. One-on-one with Austin mayoral candidate Doug Greco Why should my niece who will be voting for the first time, shes 18why is she not able to donate to her uncle, but another candidates niece in west Austin can donate to their campaign? Thats not fair, Greco told reporters outside of the federal courthouse in downtown Austin Tuesday. Greco and his attorney are asking that a hearing be set no later than early October to potentially allow that cap to be lifted heading into the November election. Greco is running against current Mayor Kirk Watson, former Austin City Council Member Kathie Tovo, Carmen Llanes Pulido and Jeffery Bowen. A city of Austin spokesperson responded: The City of Austin is aware of the recent federal lawsuit challenging its Charter provision limiting campaign contributions from donors outside the City limits. The City will respond to the lawsuit through the appropriate court process. The challenged aggregate contribution limit was part of a voter-led initiative in the late 1990s to maintain the integrity of the Citys local council elections. One-on-one with Greco Grace Reader: I wasnt around when this rule was put in place, but my guess would be that the goal is to make sure that the folks who were funding these races would benefit from them they live in Austin. What do you say to folks who dont want your niece or someone from Pennsylvania sending you money? Greco: Whatever the intended effect was in 1997 disadvantages the folks who need a broad base of support. The majority of Austinites have not grown up here, but we come here to work and make this a better city. Im representing them as well. If we run for office after a lifetime of service here we shouldnt be disadvantaged because you grew up in the coal region of Pennsylvania or you grew up in Tyler, Texas. Reader: Do you not ultimately think that this could set the precedent that, for example, a candidate down the road could get tens of thousands of dollars from someone in Colorado and have it really impact whats happening here in Austin? Greco: Look we have $450 caps. So there are individual caps. Everything has to be disclosed. So if someone is taking money from developers that obviously have an interest in Austin but live outside, that has to be disclosed, what their occupation is. The check against it is the fact that those donations have to be disclosed. Other candidates respond Candidate Kathie Tovo reached out to KXAN in support of the campaign finance rule. Austin voters passed this campaign reform rule overwhelmingly because they didnt want our city politics dominated by outside special interests, Tovo a former Austin City Council member said. Austins campaign rules were passed to protect the power of voters. I support the law. We need reform to give Austinites more of a voice, not to open the doors to outside money. Mayor Kirk Watsons campaign team declined to comment as did Carmen Llanes-Pulido. As someone that has been a plaintiff against the city and served this country to protect our rights, if Mr. Greco wants to take his issue to the courts, he is within his right to do just that, Jeffery Bowen said. Hopefully, he realizes this also favors Mr. Watson in regards to how much he collected outside the city limits. I have questions about who set the limit and who determined the limit amount. You can read more about each mayoral candidate here. Greco trails Watson in donations Mayor Kirk Watson pulled in more fundraising dollars than all of his opponents combined last reporting period from the first of the year until the end of June by a significant margin. During that period, Watson reported $710,580.84 in contributions. Greco was his closest opponent at $88,334.00 in contributions. Carmen Llanes Pulido gathered $71,007.00 and former Austin city council member Kathie Tovo fundraised $57,457.42. The final candidate, Jeffery Bowen had not yet filed when that report was due. We have the resources to get our word out around working-class families and standing up for civil rights. Were continuing to raise money and, you know, were raising what we need to communicate our message, Greco previously told KXAN of that fundraising. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) McCook Lake has reopened its waters to boating, with a no-wake zone declared for the entire lake, according to a news release from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Residents worry about hazardous items at McCook Lake Boaters are reminded to be cautious of debris floating below the surface and respect the local homeowners by following the no-wake restriction. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The McWane Science Center will host its Community Heroes Day on Saturday. According to a news release, the event will honor those who work to keep communities safe. Those who attend can meet first responders, see the vehicles and tools they use during work and participate in hands-on activities. Visitors will learn about the skills and knowledge these professionals use every day. AAA Alabama hosts TSA PreCheck event in Birmingham The event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Staff at the clinic in Lwiro, which is now solely dealing with mpox cases, are exhausted [Glody Murhabazi] Medical staff on the front line of the battle against mpox in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have told the BBC they are desperate for vaccines to arrive so they can stem the rate of new infections. At a treatment centre in South Kivu province that the BBC visited in the epicentre of the outbreak, they say more patients are arriving every day - especially babies - and there is a shortage of essential equipment. Mpox - formerly known as monkeypox - is a highly contagious disease and has killed at least 635 people in DR Congo this year. Even though 200,000 vaccines, donated by the European Commission, were flown into the capital, Kinshasa, last week, they are yet to be transported across this vast country - and it could be several weeks before they reach South Kivu. We've learned from social media that the vaccine is already available, Emmanuel Fikiri, a nurse working at the clinic that has been turned into a specialist centre to tackle the virus, told the BBC. He said this was the first time he had treated patients with mpox and every day he feared catching it and passing it on to his own children - aged seven, five and one. You saw how I touched the patients because that's my job as a nurse. So, we're asking the government to help us by first giving us the vaccines. The reason it will take time to transport the vaccines is that they need to be stored at a precise temperature - below freezing - to maintain their potency, plus they need to be sent to rural areas of South Kivu, like Kamituga, Kavumu and Lwiro, where the outbreak is rife. The lack of infrastructure and bad roads mean that helicopters could possibly be used to drop some of the vaccines, which will further drive up costs in a country that is already struggling financially. At the community clinic, Dr Pacifique Karanzo appeared fatigued and downbeat having been rushed off his feet all morning. Although he wore a face shield, I could see the sweat running down his face. He said he was saddened to see patients sharing beds. You will even see that the patients are sleeping on the floor, he told me, clearly exasperated. The only support we have already had is a little medicine for the patients and water. As far as other challenges are concerned, there's still no staff motivation. More and more babies with mpox are being admitted to Lwiro community hospital [Glody Murhabazi] Another problem, he said, was that there was not enough personal protective equipment [PPE] for the medics. We try to do what we can to look after the sick and not put ourselves at risk either. We're not spared from disease. As you enter Lwiro community hospital, which is about an hours drive north of South Kivus main city of Bukavu, two main things hit you. First the resounding and loud cries of babies. The second is the stench - a mix of urine and stagnant water. The clinic is running out of clean water, meaning they have to ration what they have in the small jerrycans underneath their beds. Within the last three weeks, the clinic, which usually treats about 80 patients a month, has been inundated with nearly 200 patients - who are getting younger. Its sad to see my firstborn suffering from this strange disease. I have a lot of pain in my heart, 18-year-old Faraja Rukara said. Her son, Murhula, is currently the youngest mpox case at the clinic - at only four weeks old. This is the first time she, like many others here, have encountered mpox, which is caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. The disease causes a loss of appetite, leaving many of the children malnourished. In an adjacent room, several women and children - nearly 20 - were crammed inside, sharing only seven beds and two mattresses that were laid on the floor. The hospitals first mpox case did recover - 10-month-old Amenipa Kabuya. But not long after being discharged, her mother, Yvette Kabuya, returned as she too has fallen ill with mpox. Witnessing what the disease does to the body - the painful puss-filled lesions, the fever and the weight loss - means people are keen for the vaccines - unusual in an area that has witnessed vaccine hesitancy in the past. Beatrice Kachera, 50, gently caressed the cheek of her three-year-old granddaughter who she had rushed here in a panic: I just saw the child get sick, I didnt even know the name of the disease. We can't wait for children and even adults to die. Bring on the vaccines, she told the BBC. Beatrice Kachera, whose granddaughter has mpox, is anxious for the vaccine rollout to begin [Glody Murhabazi] But some fear the ongoing armed conflict in eastern DR Congo between the army and several armed groups, most notably the M23 rebels, is not going to make this easy. "The conflict is having a profound effect on the vaccination programme in general, Dr Gaston Bulambo, head of North Kivu Provincial Health Division, told the BBC. It's not just vaccination against mpox, but all vaccination programmes are suffering because of difficulties in getting vaccines to health zones. This is due to the insecurity." South Kivus governor, who hails from Lwiro himself, told the BBC the intense fighting was driving many from their homes to his province, which was exacerbating the spread of the disease. We are accommodating thousands of IDPs [internally displaced people], and still struggling with many issues, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki said. Most of the money is being injected in tackling the war which is going on, to buy military equipment, to feed the military, he said. The country is losing a lot of money in trying to address this war, rather than injecting [this money] into social development including the health sector. Lwiro hospital is overcrowded with patients with the highly infectious disease [Glody Murhabazi] However, the governor believed that the rebel groups would not disrupt vaccine deliveries as mpox was also affecting people in the areas they controlled. He said the government was doing its best to get medics what they need: In the next two days, I am going to Lwiro myself. I will deliver definitely what is available in terms of urgent assistance for the population, until the government in Kinshasa can offer more support. The authorities say vaccinations will begin in October, with children under the age of 17, as well as those who have been in close contact with infected patients, first in line. Governor Purusi Sadiki is convinced the outbreak in his province will be contained: Its a matter of political will. I am confident that we will succeed. It is a sentiment not yet shared by exhausted medics, like Dr Karanzo, at Lwiro hospital - but they are at least heartened that mpox awareness appears to be growing in their region. People appear to be coming to the clinic as soon as they get symptoms rather than first going to traditional healers, which means the hospital is yet to experience an mpox fatality. Yet with 5,049 confirmed cases since the start of the year in DR Congo, the clinics staff say speed is of the essence - only with a combination of vaccines, medicine and other supplies to allow for better hygiene, will the outbreak be curbed. Map More BBC stories on mpox: Watch now on iPlayer (UK only) [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Meet the 4 Civilian Astronauts Hoping to Make History with Polaris Dawn, Going Deeper Into Space Than Anyone in Years We can make huge strides for our collective future, Anna Menon told PEOPLE Getty From left: Anna Menon, Scott "Kidd" Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis Four civilian astronauts blasted off into space on Tuesday, Sept. 10 launching from Cape Canaveral, Fla., en route, they hope, to fly deeper into the cosmos (870 miles, to be exact) than any other since the Gemini 11 took off in 1966. Early on Thursday, Sept. 12, the crew of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission will attempt the first all-civilian spacewalk. (Observers can watch along online.) Over five days, they're also planning dozens of studies and experiments while in orbit to help understand the effects of spaceflight and radiation on humans. This is a stepping stone, Anna Menon, a SpaceX mission specialist and medical officer, told PEOPLE earlier this year as she and the other astronauts prepared for takeoff. Its helping to build technologies that will get humans closer to Mars and beyond. Menon will be joined by commander Jared Isaacman, a billionaire tech entrepreneur who is funding the flight, as well as pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet and Sarah Gillis, another mission specialist. Related: Astronaut Mom-of-2 Will Join the First All-Civilian Spacewalk While Helping Sick Kids Back Home (Exclusive) Isaacman previously led SpaceXs Inspiration4 in 2021. He has told PEOPLE that the flights are small steps in opening this last frontier. There is so much we stand to learn. Both he and Gillis plan to go outside their capsule on the spacewalk, though all four will technically participate because they will be exposed to the void of space. We hope to inspire future generations, Gillis previously told PEOPLE. For his part, Poteet, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, has said his discipline in stressful situations and his bond with the team will serve him well. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty The crew of the Polaris Dawn mission launches from Florida on Sept. 10 The Polaris Dawn expedition was pushed back several years as the team worked to fine-tune the dizzying array of technology they needed, including suits for the crew to wear outside their capsule as it travels 17,500 mph in temperatures ranging from 250 degrees below zero to 250 degrees above. (They wont feel the velocity in the same way as on Earth.) Past astronauts have recounted a curious detail from their trips, insisting that space sometimes smells like gunpowder or burnt food. What does the Polaris Dawn crew expect? Ill let you know, Menon told PEOPLE, when we come back. 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. Once the group is floating among the stars, there is another goal: Im going to read a childrens book I wrote, Kisses from Space, to both my kids as well as some of the brave kids at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Menon said of a live feed to raise funds for the Tennessee-based health care facility that focuses on childhood cancer and other pediatric diseases. The Inspiration4 pulled in more than $250 million and Menon said they want to add to that: We can make huge strides for our collective future but also address the problems here on Earth today. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Innov865 Week is back with six new finalists each with a new idea for 2024. The pitch competition finalists were chosen by the Innov865 Alliance to face off on October 1 for Startup Day 2024. This annual event will be held at Mill and Mine in downtown Knoxville. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Meet 6 Knoxville-based startups competing for $10K in 2023 The competition is held before a live audience and is free to attend. A panel of judges will decide on two winners who will receive a share of $15,000 in cash prizes. Andrew Hanna Chief Product Officer, Safire Technology Group Dan Lee CEO & Co-founder, Perseus Materials John Derrick CEO, Authentrics.AI Luke Wiseman Co-founder & CEO, Loop Nick Sokol Algaeo Preston Garland Co-founder, HumanAI In 2023, Vitriform3D won the $7,000 Judges Choice Award, and B-Roll Bank won the Crowd Favorite cash prize of $3,000, presented by Boston Government 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Afro hair should be a protected characteristic, says campaign backed by Mel B Mel B says she was told to straighten her hair before a Spice Girls video shoot, and that she's a proud supporter of World Afro Day - PA/Lucy North Afro hair should be made a protected characteristic, says a campaign backed by Mel B. The World Afro Day (WAD) group has written to MPs calling on them to amend the 2010 Equality Act to add the specification for afro hair. More than 100 public figures, including Mel B, Beverley Knight, Patrick Hutchinson, Fleur East, Evelyn Forde and Prof Patrick Vernon, have signed an open letter to the Government supporting the change. The group argues that while race is already a protected characteristic, schools and workplaces can still unfairly target people of colour due to their natural hair. Mel B said she was proud to support WAD having been told before a video shoot during the Spice Girls heyday that she had to change her hair. The very first video shoot I did as a Spice Girl for Wannabe, the stylists took one look at my hair and told me it had to be straightened, the pop star said. My big hair didnt fit the pop star mould. But I stood my ground backed by my girls and I sang and danced as me, with my big hair, my brown skin and I was totally proud of who I was. So yes, Im proud to support World Afro Day in its call for the Equality Act to protect against afro hair discrimination in the UK. World Afro Day is calling on the Government to to amend the 2010 Equality Act to add the specification for afro hair - Getty Images Sponsoring a drop-in clinic in Parliament on Tuesday, Paulette Hamilton, Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, said she had previously felt that would never succeed in a career with her hair. Id wear wigs, Id have perms, Id wear extensions, because thats what people said I had to do, she said. I also have four girls, and I wanted to show them that I could be my authentic self and achieve. Ms Hamilton said existing legislation does not go far enough to protect people of colour in the workplace, as she urged Labour colleagues to make a lot of people very happy by adding to the Equality Act. You had employers that, one in three possibly, wouldnt even employ people if they had their natural hair and that is true discrimination. This is why there is a large group of us out there. It isnt just a small group, its a large group, she added. This is why I absolutely believe that we need to change the [Equality] Act. Were amending it at the moment, and I believe its an easy win for the Government to change the [Equality] Act and actually to include afro hair as a protected characteristic. What they absolutely do is use your hair to not employ you, and then say, oh, its not because she was black, its because of her hair, and they can get away with it, and that has to stop. Paulette Hamilton, Labour MP, says 'employers use your hair not to employ you' - PA/Claudia Savage Michelle De Leon, WAD founder, said she had felt under pressure to use chemicals to straighten her natural hair since she was a child. She said: When youre a little black girl or a little brown girl, you kind of look at princesses and the things you see on TV and your friends at school, and you see their hair blowing about, and you have this real kind of hair envy, really, and this kind of feeling that your hair isnt as nice as everybody elses hair. Ms De Leon said for many people of colour, concerns about how their hair will be perceived are in the front of their mind from the beginning of the employment process. I think it starts even before you get to the workplace, like an interview, she said. Can I wear my own hair to the interview? Will I be accepted with my own hair? Should I change myself to be accepted? So that psychology starts before you even get the job, before you even walk into the office, and then sometimes you kind of choose not to have your own natural hair. Its just part of the fabric of society that straight hair is considered the right type of hair, the most appropriate type of hair, so people sometimes dont even realise that its discrimination to say that hairstyle is not acceptable in our workplace. World Afro Day campaigners have been lobbying for changes to be made to the Equality Act - PA/Claudia Savage Chi Onwurah, the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, also attended the event in Parliament, and said it is important to promote and recognise the importance of equal treatment for all, adding theres so much ignorance and prejudice about afro hair. 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. Melania Trumps promotional activities for her new book took a turn for the wackadoodle Tuesday with a video in which she raised the possibility that the attempt to assassinate her husband was actually some kind of conspiracy. The attempt to end my husbands life was a horrible, distressing experience, the former first lady says in the clip. Now, the silence around it feels heavy. I cant help but wonder: Why didnt law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There is definitely more to this story and we need to uncover the truth. The brief clip released on Melanias X ends with a message encouraging viewers to pre-order her forthcoming book, Melania. The post also contained a link to her website, where a Collectors Edition of the memoir is available to buy for $250. Precisely how the July 13 attempt to kill Donald Trump relates to the book isnt clear. The tone of her video is markedly different from that which Melania took in the letter she released the day after the shooting, in which she thanked the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband. At the time, she also called for Americans to ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence. Melania was not at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the stage where her husband spoke, wounding the former president and several attendees, including one fatally. Crooks was killed by countersnipers during the attack. An FBI investigation has yet to establish a motive for the incident. Melania Trump Breaks Silence to Complain About 2020 Defeat In the wake of the attempt on Donald Trumps life, questions were raised about how Crooks was able to get so close to killing the former president. Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her position as the director of the Secret Service after acknowledging her agency was responsible for lapses in security at the event. By contrast, some of the Republican nominees most ardent supporters have interpreted the law enforcement failure to stop Crooks before he opened fire as evidence of a conspiracy. Donald Trumps son, Eric, quickly blamed Democrats, as did Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) who baselessly claimed the party had tried to murder President Trump (Crooks was a registered Republican). Despite being largely absent from her husbands campaign trail this year, Melanias remarks about the assassination attempt are the latest in a recent flurry of public comments to promote her book. Last week, she released a black-and-white video advertising the memoir, saying its composition had been a deeply personal and reflective journey for me. As a private person, who has often been the subject of personal scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts, she said in the clip. Melania then dropped another clip on Sunday bemoaning the outcome of the 2020 electionseemingly contradicting her husband by acknowledging Joe Bidens victory. It impacted our quality of life, cost of food, gasoline, safety and even the geopolitical landscape, the billionaires wife said in the video. She went on to say that America is more divided today than ever before and claimed there are significant challenges to free speech as demonstrated by the efforts to silence my husband. 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. Melania Trump insisted there must be more to the story of her husbands assassination attempt as she demanded the truth in a new social media video promoting her memoir. The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience, she said in a video shared on X on Tuesday morning. Now the silence around it feels heavy. I cant help but wonder why didnt law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech. There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth. Former President Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet that struck him in the ear during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. One attendee was shot and killed, and two others were wounded. Trump was immediately covered by Secret Service agents who moved him to his secure vehicle, but not before the former president got to the front of the stage, stuck his fist up in the air, and urged his supporters to fight, which has since become a rallying cry for the MAGA faithful. The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight shots before he was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers. Bystanders spotted him before the shooting took place, and the many security failures that day ultimately led to Secret Services chief, Kimberly Cheatle, stepping down. The FBI announced late last month that Crooks had a mixture of ideologies and that he didnt appear to have any collaborators. Investigators think Crooks engaged in detailed attack planning, the head of the FBI field office in Pittsburgh, Kevin Rojek, said during an August press briefing, according to CBS News. He added that Crooks was hyper-focused on the rally in Butler following its announcement and looked at it as a target of opportunity. Melania Trump speaks in a video shared on social media as she promotes her new book. She said the silence around her husbands assassination attempt feels heavy (Screenshot / X / Melania Trump) One online account connected to the gunman was used to search for Trump events in Pennsylvania starting in September last year. Between April of this year and the day before the shooting, Crooks also searched for President Joe Bidens campaign events. The former first lady hasnt been seen on the campaign trail and while she did attend the Republican National Convention, she didnt make a speech, as is custom for the spouse of the nominee. Melania also stayed away from her husbands five-week-long hush-money trial over a payment to adult actor Stormy Daniels for her silence about an alleged 2006 affair, which the former president denies. He was convicted on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, but sentencing has been delayed until after the election in November. The former first ladys new memoir, Melania, is set to be released on September 24. Writing this memoir has been a deeply personal and reflective journey for me, she said in a video shared on September 5. As a private person who has often been the subject of public scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts. I believe it is important to share my perspective the truth. On Sunday, she added in a subsequent video, The 2020 election results changed our lives forever. It impacted our quality of life, cost of food, gasoline, safety, and even the geopolitical landscape. America is more divided today than ever before. It has become increasingly apparent that there are significant challenges to free speech, as demonstrated by the efforts to silence my husband, she claimed. Former first lady Melania Trump described the July 13 assassination attempt on her husband, former President Donald Trump, as "a horrible, distressing experience" in a new video. She also questioned official accounts of the security failure at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally, suggesting there's "more to this story." Melania Trump has been posting videos defending her husband ahead of tonight's presidential debate as a part of her promotional campaign for her forthcoming memoir, titled "Melania." "The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience," Melania Trump said in the short video, posted Tuesday morning on X. "Now, the silence around it feels heavy. I can't help but wonder why didn't law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech?" MORE: Harris-Trump ABC News presidential debate: What time tonight, how to watch "There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth," she continued. PHOTO: Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 18, 2024. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images) The FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the shooter. Crooks, who also shot and killed a spectator at the rally and injured two others, was killed at the scene. In an Aug. 28 media call, Kevin P. Rojek, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, said that their investigation to that point had provided "valuable insight into [Crooks'] mindset, but not a definitive motive" for the shooting. "To date, we have not uncovered any credible evidence indicating the subject conspired with anyone else," Rojek also said, adding that the FBI will "continue to pursue all investigative leads to determine any possible links to co-conspirators." U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who came under scrutiny for the agency's failure to prevent the assassination attempt, resigned her position on July 23. In an audio clip posted to X on Monday, the former first lady described how the 2020 election "changed" some people's lives forever, and said that there are "efforts to silence" her husband. "The 2020 election results changed our lives forever. It impacted our quality of life, cost of food, gasoline, safety, and even the geopolitical landscape," Melania Trump said. "America is more divided today than ever before. It has become increasingly apparent that there are significant challenges to free speech, as demonstrated by the efforts to silence my husband." Both the video and the audio clip end with promotional messaging for her memoir and where to order the book. In yet another video posted last week on X, Melania Trump described the experience of writing the memoir as a "deeply personal and reflective journey." "As a private person who has often been the subject of public scrutiny and misrepresentation, I feel a responsibility to clarify the facts. I believe it is important to share my perspective, the truth," Trump said. PHOTO: Donald Trump raises his arm with blood on his face during a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at Butler Farm Show Inc. July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pa. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Melania Trump's memoir, which she began promoting in July, is scheduled to be released on Oct. 8. Her website describes it in part as "the powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has defined personal excellence, overcome adversity, and carved her own path." MORE: New video of Trump assassination attempt "The former First Lady invites readers into her world, offering an intimate portrait of a woman who has lived an extraordinary life," and includes "stories and images never before shared with the public," the according to the website. "Melania" is available in three editions ranging in cost from $40 to $250 for a signed, expanded "collector's edition." Melania Trump questions security failure at Donald Trump assassination attempt in video post originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Melania Trump Suggests More to the Story of Assassination Attempt in Cryptic Video: We Need to Uncover the Truth Melania Trump suggests there is more to the story of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in a cryptic video posted to X on Tuesday, a rare public statement from the reclusive former First Lady whose memoir is coming out soon. The attempt to end my husbands life was a horrible distressing experience, she says, addressing the camera directly. Now, the silence around it feels heavy. I cant help but wonder: Why didnt law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There is definitely more to this story. And we need to uncover the truth. Local police assisting the Secret Service during the July 13 shooting in Butler, Pa., reported seeing Thomas Matthew Crooks in the area and up on a rooftop before his bullet grazed the former presidents ear. Crooks was shot and killed, but not before his hail of gunfire killed 50-year-old spectator Corey Comperatore and bloodied its intended target. https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1833476085998063741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1833476085998063741%7Ctwgr%5E3ce82b320fd6674dc8323a70ff2b66e1b5736044%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mediaite.com%2Fnews%2Fwe-must-uncover-the-truth-melania-trump-floats-conspiracy-about-the-assassination-attempt-on-her-husband-in-ominous-video%2F Its not imminently clear whether she addresses the shooting in her memoir Melania, which will be released by Skyhorse Publishing on Oct. 8. In a release announcement, Skyhorse says the book invites readers into her world, offering an intimate portrait of a woman who has lived an extraordinary life. Melania includes personal stories and family photos she has never before shared with the public. Donalds third wife was notoriously private during her husbands first term, focusing on her son Barron and promoting her Be Best initiative regarding childrens health. Apart from an appearance at Trumps campaign-launch event and another at the RNC, Melania has largely stayed off the 2024 campaign trail. The post Melania Trump Suggests More to the Story of Assassination Attempt in Cryptic Video: We Need to Uncover the Truth appeared first on TheWrap. The Memo: Harris and Trump get their biggest chance to reshape White House race Vice President Harris and former President Trump each has their best chance to reshape the race for the White House when they meet for their first, and perhaps only, debate Tuesday in Philadelphia. The debate comes amid some signs that the honeymoon period Harris has enjoyed since wrapping up the Democratic nomination may be coming to an end. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Sunday showed Trump leading among likely voters nationwide by 1 point. It offered a bracing reminder to Democrats, who have been riding a wave of relief and excitement for much of Harriss candidacy, that the election remains extremely tight. On Monday, a Pew Research Center poll showed the race precisely tied among registered voters, with 49 percent apiece supporting Harris and Trump. In the national polling average maintained by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), Harris is leading by just more than 3 points. Among the seven battleground states that will decide the elections outcome, the margins are much tighter. Two of those states, Arizona and Georgia, are precisely tied, while in only one battleground state does either candidate have a lead greater than 2 points Wisconsin, where Harris is up by 2.8 points. The received wisdom about the debate is that the candidates must do their utmost to avoid any significant error. There is some obvious truth to that, given how often in the past it has been mistakes rather than stellar performances that have proven most memorable on the debate stage. The prime example is President Bidens disastrous showing in his June 27 clash with Trump in Atlanta a debacle that set off the chain of events that resulted in Harris becoming the Democratic nominee. But there may also be room for the candidates to go on offense Tuesday. Thats particularly true of Harris, who looks to have more room than Trump to win voters over with an affirmative case for her candidacy. In the New York Times/Siena College poll, 28 percent of likely voters said they needed to know more about Harris. The number was roughly three times larger than the 9 percent who said the same thing about Trump. At a minimum, those figures suggest there is a curiosity about Harris that simply does not exist for Trump, who has been the central figure in American politics since he launched his first bid for the White House back in 2015. But there are also clear vulnerabilities for the vice president potential weaknesses that the debate will either ease or exacerbate. The Pew poll, for instance, showed Trump holding a 10-point advantage when voters were asked which candidate they trusted to make good decisions about economic policy. Similarly, Trump had a 7-point edge in terms of voter confidence about making wise decisions about immigration policy. Those figures mirror Bidens weakness on both topics and how closely Harris is tied to him as his deputy. She is considered to be especially vulnerable on immigration because of the prominent role she played during the early years of the Biden administration in seeking to address the root causes of migration from Central America. The broader question for Harris is how to explain her propensity to change her policy positions. She has shifted toward the center on fracking, health care and the criminalization of border crossings. In the sole major TV interview she has done since becoming the Democratic nominee, with CNN, Harris insisted her values have not changed. But in the adversarial setting of a debate stage, she may be put under more pressure than she was by her CNN interviewer, Dana Bash. Harris has the opportunity to score points, as well as simply ease doubts. The Pew poll indicted abortion is a politically strong issue for her, with voters favoring her by 11 points over Trump to make good decisions about abortion policy. Just as importantly, Harris, a former prosecutor almost 20 years younger than Trump, can be expected to perform far more strongly on the debate stage than Biden managed to do in the June 27 clash. In an interview with The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, broadcast Monday, Harris said there was no floor for Trump. She also said she intends to point out [that] he tends to fight for himself, not for the American people. From Trumps perspective, he is almost certainly going to come under pressure about his unfounded claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, as well as threats he has been issuing about this years contest. In a social media post Saturday, Trump suggested anyone who CHEATED in this years election could be prosecuted and given long term prison sentences. Trumps precise meaning was unclear, as is often the case, but many Americans will discern a whiff of authoritarianism in the broad threat. Still, Trump has been hitting Harris hard on the campaign trail. There are more moderate Republicans who worry any debate attacks on Harriss intelligence or personality could backfire with swing voters. Trump aides suggest he may focus on Harriss record. In an emailed statement, Trump senior adviser Jason Miller said, Harris has to explain both the damage shes done to our economy as the sitting Vice President, as well as answer why she hasnt implemented any of these new plans during the last 3 1/2 years. Miller, who also accused Harriss campaign aides of keeping her away from the media, added, The one thing we do know, however, is that Kamala Harris values have not changed, and we will be educating the American public as to what that means policy-wise, in great detail. In a race that is so tight as this years, any moment of Tuesdays debate could matter and resonate all the way to Election Day. The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. It's a hallmark of the American electoral process: the presidential debate. Millions of people tune into the time-honored tradition, which has long been considered the ultimate showcase for candidates seeking to hold the nation's top office. "Those are the only times we see them side-by-side," said Mitchell McKinney, a professor of political communication at the University of Akron. "They provide opportunities for candidates to either help themselves or hurt themselves." Here's a look back at some of the most memorable debate moments in U.S. political history. Nixon's sweating PHOTO: Republican vice president Richard Nixon and democratic senator John F. Kennedy take part in a televised debate during their presidential campaign in 1960. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The first nationally televised debate in history featured John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The visuals did not play in Nixon's favor, as he was seen sweating and looking pale after previously being hospitalized for an infection, while Kennedy looked young and gave a more vigorous performance. "There's a lot of speculation that Nixon's failure to account for the way that appearance mattered led to his failure in the debate and hence the election," said Jacob Thompson, a communications professor at the University of Nevada. Ford's "Soviet domination" blunder PHOTO: Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford take part in the first televised debate between candidates for the President of the United States during the 1976 election. (Universal History Archive/Getty Images) Incumbent President Gerald Ford made a critical mistake during his general election debate against Democrat Jimmy Carter. Ford asserted there was "no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe" under his leadership, a remark that prompted the moderator to ask, "I'm sorry, what?" Ford doubled down on his answer during the debate, though later said what he meant was that the spirit of Eastern Europeans under communist control were not crushed. "He didn't mean exactly what he said, but the damage was done," said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. Reagan shuts down age questions PHOTO: President Reagan and Democratic candidate for President, Walter Mondale, shake hands as they greet one another before the start of their debate in Louisville, Ky on Oct. 7, 1984. (Brettmann/Getty Images) Ronald Reagan, the oldest sitting president at the time, shut down some questions about his age during his debate with Democrat Walter Mondale. "I want you to know I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience," Reagan said, prompting laughter from the room and even from Mondale. "Mondale said in his biography later and in a documentary that you could see him on stage at that point laughing, but what was really happening in his own head was that he was crying because he knew that he had lost the debate and probably lost the election," Thompson said. 'You're no Jack Kennedy' In this vice presidential debate, Lloyd Bentsen tore into Dan Quayle after Quayle invoked Kennedy. At the time, Quayle was drawing comparisons to the late president given both were young when assuming office. "I served with Jack Kennedy," Bentsen said. "I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." Dukakis' stoicism Democrat Mike Dukakis was widely panned for what critics said was a steely response to a 1988 debate question about the death penalty. CNN's Bernard Shaw invoked a graphic hypothetical involving Dukakis' wife -- but the governor didn't miss a beat in his matter-of-fact response. "Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer?" Shaw asked. "No, I don't, Bernard, and I think you know that I've opposed the death penalty during all of my life," Dukakis responded. Watch glances, sighs PHOTO: President George H.W. Bush looks at his watch during the 1992 presidential campaign debate with other candidates, Independent Ross Perot, top, and Democrat Bill Clinton, at the University of Richmond, Va. on Oct. 15, 1992. (Ron Edmonds/AP) President George H.W. Bush was criticized for looking down at his watch during the 1992 trilateral debate with Democrat Bill Clinton and independent candidate Ross Perot. Bush was seen glancing at his wrist after a question posed by an audience member about how the national debt personally impacted every candidate. In 2000, Democrat Al Gore was mocked for his audible sighs during his debate with George W. Bush, as well as his decision to walk over and stand in front of Bush at one point in the debate. Rick Perry's "oops" PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry looks at his notes during a Republican Presidential Debate at Oakland University, Nov. 9 2011, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (Paul Sancya/AP) In a 2012 Republican primary debate, then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry forgot part of the answer to a question about his plan to eliminate three federal agencies. Perry named two agencies but couldn't remember the third, saying "oops." Rottinghaus, who is currently working on a book on Perry, said the moment "was effectively the death knell of the Perry campaign, which had been languishing at that point but then was officially dead." Christie vs. Rubio PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate, Gov. Chris Christie, speaks with Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, during the Republican presidential debate at the North Charleston Coliseum, Jan. 14, 2016, in North Charleston, S.C. (Chuck Burton/AP) In a 2016 Republican primary debate, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was attacked by then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for using a similar line over and over again throughout the debate. Rubio repeatedly said then-President Barack Obama "knows exactly what he's doing." "There it is. There it is. The memorized 25-second speech. There it is, everybody," Christie said at one point. Christie, who ran for president again in 2024 but dropped out before the first primary votes were cast, has said the moment took down Rubio's campaign -- which Rubio has significantly pushed back on. 2020 Democratic primary debates PHOTO: Democratic presidential hopeful former Vice President Joe Biden listens as U.S. Senator Kamala Harris speaks during the second Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on July 31, 2019. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) McKinney said two moments from the most recent Democratic primary debates stand out, the first being when Sen. Elizabeth Warren took on Michael Bloomberg. "I'd like to talk about who we're running against: a billionaire who calls women 'fat broads' and 'horse-faced lesbians,'" Warren said. "And no, I'm not talking about Donald Trump." Warren said she didn't believe the Democratic Party should "substitute one arrogant billionaire for another." Another highlight, McKinney said, was Kamala Harris' challenge to Joe Biden on the issue of segregation and busing. Harris challenged Biden on his past working relationship with two segregationist lawmakers. "There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day, and that little girl was me," Harris said. "I will tell you that on this subject, it cannot be an intellectual debate among Democrats. We have to take it seriously. We have to act swiftly." Biden-Trump general election debate PHOTO: People watch the CNN presidential debate between Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden at a watch party at The Continental Club on June 27, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Mario Tama/Getty Images, FILE) President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump's debate ultimately changed the course of the 2024 election, after a poor performance by Biden exacerbated Democratic and voter concerns about his age and fitness to serve another four years. Pressure after the debate for Biden to step down from the ballot intensified for weeks. He announced he was dropping out of the race 24 days later. The showdown was held in June, making it the earliest general election presidential debate ever. Biden's raspy voice, which he attributed to a cold, coupled with his inability to hit Trump on key Democratic issues stood out from the debate as Trump steered clear of some of his more bombastic claims. Do debates change election outcomes? Whether debate moments are game-changers in election outcomes has itself been, well, long-debated. Experts said scholarship shows debates typically don't shift the outcome enough to make a big difference in terms of which candidate ultimately wins or loses the race. "At best debates provide a nudge, like in close elections in 1960 and in 2000," Rottinghaus said. "All of those moments were very punctuated and had close elections and ultimately, the debates had a slightly larger role than traditionally they would have." The outsized effect the debate played in Biden's campaign is something of an outlier, experts said. "There are these moments where debates really do matter and can change the course of a race, but it rarely happens," said Rottinghaus. Thompson said there are two strong indications in social scientific data about presidential debates, the first being that voters learn from them and the second being that the educational and preference effects of primary debates are much higher than those of general election debates. "The primary primary debates do have a big impact because people are less settled in their opinion on candidates and at the same time partisanship is playing less of a role," Thompson said. Thompson also noted that primary debates are consequential in that they tend to have a "winnowing effect" on the field of presidential hopefuls. "People will leave the race because of poor performance, or that poor performance leading to a reduction in their polling averages and donations to the campaign," he said. Memorable moments from political debates past originally appeared on abcnews.go.com MILWAUKEE - New federal regulations aim to make mental health and addiction services more affordable. But, critics say it'll spark higher premiums. Top Biden administration leaders came to Milwaukee on Monday, Sept. 9, as they released the finalized rule. The rules were announced at an event featuring administration officials and members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "Mental health was considered a specialty care, so I ended up paying anywhere from $125 to $213 for a single session, about $430-500 for a single psych session, which is 20 minutes, just for a refill, not a new service or anything," Okoronta said. "I saw accessing healthcare as a right to life for me. So I choose to elect a second job." On Monday, the Biden administration finalized a new rule requiring insurance companies to review their plans and make sure they are treating mental health care on par with how they treat physical health care. That was already part of law with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, but the Biden administration said there have still been barriers. "Insurance companies were profit-motivated," Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said. "They were putting their profits before people." Insurance companies will have to review if they require more prior authorization for mental health. "There are certain insurance companies that require us to do a prior authorization for a 60-minute session, which is a typical, standard session length, so that requires that our therapist takes time out of their day to call the insurance company, to answer their ten questions, or whatever," Director of Clinical Services at Wellpoint Care Network, Carey Jacobsen, said. The insurance companies will also have to make sure reimbursements are on par with what they pay medical providers. "There are agencies that wont take certain insurances because the reimbursement rate is so low," Jacobsen said. "We cant cover the cost of our therapists, we cant cover the supervision thats required, the licensing and regulation management." Another issue is whether the insurance company has enough providers in network so people dont have to wait months to get help and dont have to turn to what can be more expensive out of network help. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android. "Every day we hear from somebody who either cant find the care they need, that their insurance doesnt cover it," NAMI executive director Mary Kay Battaglia said. According to a study by Mental Health America , 53% of Wisconsin teenagers who had depression in 2023 did not get mental health services. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, blasted the final rule, writing: "For over a year, weve been telling the Biden-Harris administration that these rules will not work. They are too vague and burdensome; they overregulate instead of allowing health plans to build robust networks; and they will increase premiums for employees already facing high health care costs. These rules do nothing to improve mental health care access and instead put paperwork over patients. Reporting regulations cannot be more important than workers mental health." The new rules do not go into effect immediately, and its possible the insurance industry could sue to stop it. "Itll drive down acute care needs, other care needs," White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden said when asked about insurance companies increasing their prices. "We really think that mental health care is an important preventive benefit as well, so we dont expect to see those kinds of costs." Livestock farming is a major source of methane, along with energy generation and landfills (William WEST) (William WEST/AFP/AFP) Concentrations in the atmosphere of the powerful greenhouse gas methane are rising at an accelerating pace, threatening efforts by countries to meet their climate targets, researchers warned on Tuesday. "Methane is rising faster in relative terms than any major greenhouse gas and is now 2.6-fold higher than in pre-industrial times," said an international group of researchers under the aegis of the Global Carbon Project in a study published in Environmental Research Letters. Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas produced by human activity after carbon dioxide, with agriculture, energy production and organic waste rotting in landfills the major sources. In the first 20 years, its impact on the atmosphere is about 80 times more powerful that of carbon dioxide but it breaks down more quickly than CO2. That opens a possibility to sharply reduce climate impact in the short term. But the researchers found that despite efforts to cut methane emissions, atmospheric concentrations of the gas are still rising. - Rising in most countries - An average of 6.1 million tonnes of methane were added to atmosphere per year in the 2000s. That rose to 20.9 million tonnes per year in the 2010s. It hit 41.8 million tonnes in 2020. "Anthropogenic (human-made) emissions have continued to increase in almost every other country in the world, with the exception of Europe and Australia, which show a slow declining trend," Global Carbon Project executive director Pep Canadell, one of the study's co-authors, told AFP. The largest increases have come from China and southeast Asia and have been primarily linked to coal extraction, oil and gas production and landfills, the researchers found. The La Nina weather phenomenon has also led to an increase in methane from natural sources, they said. A drop in nitrogen oxides pollution in 2020, when use of transport plunged due to the Covid-19 pandemic, had a paradoxical impact. It is key in preventing methane from accumulating in the atmosphere. - 'Mirage' - Rising methane pollution is undermining efforts to keep the Earth's average temperature from rising by more than 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A "Global Methane Pledge" was launched in 2021 by the European Union and United States to cut global methane emissions by 30 percent from 2020 levels, by the cutoff date of 2030. More than 150 countries have signed up -- but not China, India or Russia. "Right now, the goals of the Global Methane Pledge seem as distant as a desert oasis," said lead author of the Environmental Research Letters paper, Stanford University scientist Rob Jackson. "We all hope they aren't a mirage." China and the United States are preparing to host a summit on greenhouse gasses other than CO2 later this year, potentially raising the prospect of further pledges by governments. jmi/rl/giv (Bloomberg) -- A last-minute replacement of an opposition Mexican senator and allegations that another had been arrested fueled suspicion that the ruling party was moving behind the scenes to ensure it had the votes to pass President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors controversial judicial overhaul. Most Read from Bloomberg On Tuesday, hours before the vote was supposed to begin, Senator Miguel Angel Yunes Marquez who media outlet had indicated could change his vote against the proposal sent a letter to his fellow congressmen saying that because of health problems he could not perform his job. Another senator, Daniel Barreda of the Movimiento Ciudadano party, could switch to his vote to support the ruling partys coalition by becoming a member of the Green Party, stated journalist Joaquin Lopez-Doriga in a post on X. The news fueled reports that the Morena party had put extra pressure on opposition lawmakers in order to obtain the 86 votes of a total of 128 senators needed to make the changes to the constitution. The reform would require the Supreme Court and other judges be elected by popular vote. Lawmakers in the Senate approved Yunes Marquezs bid to have his father, his official replacement, take his place. The fill-in senator for the PAN opposition party declined to say what his opinion was about the reform, but insisted in a speech that every person should have a free vote. The coordinator of the Movimiento Ciudadano party in the Senate on Tuesday alleged that Barredas father was arrested, a charge that was denied by the Morena coordinator in the Senate, former Interior Minister Adan Augusto Lopez Morenas ruling coalition had originally proposed to present the latest bill to lawmakers on Tuesday, with the intention of starting the vote on the same day. They warned that the polemic discussion could carry on into the early hours of Wednesday. The peso was down 1% as of 4:30 p.m. New York ahead of the vote, trading above the 20-per-dollar level. Mexicos currency was the second-worst performer on the day among major currencies, behind only the Brazilian real. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Mexican senators changed the location of the debate of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors proposal to overhaul the countrys judiciary, after hundreds of protesters opposed to the plan entered the main floor. Most Read from Bloomberg The discussion in the Senate of the presidents plan that many consider a threat to the balance of power in Latin Americas second-biggest economy started around 3 p.m. Tuesday in Mexico City and it was suspended after about 90 minutes due to the protest. Debate resumed later in the evening in a former Senate building in the city. Before the break, Senate President Gerardo Fernandez Norona said the discussion of the bill, which would require all of the countrys federal judges be elected by popular vote, could take more than 30 hours. The plan was approved in the lower house of Congress last week, making the Senate its last major hurdle. Upon entering the Senate chamber, the protesters, including judiciary workers, yelled, The judiciary will not fall. Others demonstrators held banners that read, Judiciary: national counterweight. The ruling Morena party and its allies are only one vote shy of reaching the two-thirds majority required to approve a constitutional reform. They know that we have the two-thirds [majority] and thats why they tried to suspend the session, Fernandez Norona added. Government allies seemed to be moving to obtain that majority: one opposition senator requested a leave of absence for health reasons and was replaced by his deputy, whose position on the matter is unclear. Another opposition senator could not be reached by his colleagues, who claimed he and his father had been arrested. The leader of Morena in the Senate, Adan Augusto Lopez, dismissed the allegations, saying both were fine. Theyre Pressuring Us If only one opposition senator misses the debate, Morena could reach the majority needed to pass the bill that has been pushed through by AMLO, as the nations president is known, in the final 30 days of his mandate. Were not going to support this reform, which is a madness that destroys the judicial system in the country, Senator Alejandro Moreno, head of the opposition PRI party told reporters before the debate started. Theyre pressuring us, but we stand firm against the reform. If its approved in the Senate, the plan must then receive the backing of state legislatures most of them controlled by Morena. AMLOs proposal seeks to elect approximately half of Mexicos federal judges by popular vote in 2025, including all Supreme Court justices. The other half would be replaced in 2027, when electoral court judges are expected to be elected. The plan is a priority for the outgoing president, who says it will root out judicial corruption. But it has drawn backlash from judges, who have gone on strike against it, as well as the Mexican opposition, investors and the US, who all say it will give the ruling party control over the judiciary, eliminating checks and balances to its power. --With assistance from Valentine Hilaire. (Updates lede and second paragraph with debate resuming) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Chief Troy Weisler has more than a year in on the job of leading the New Mexico State Police. The NMSP employs around 700 sworn officers across 12 different districts in New Mexico. As a 22-year veteran of one of the states largest police departments, Chief Weisler shares his perspective with Chris and Gabby on the states crime problem, and how his department is uniquely positioned to help address it. The Chief also details his thoughts on the lack of traffic enforcement across the state and what he hopes to do with the department under his leadership. How is the New Mexico State Police helping to address violent crime? Will there be more officers pulling speeders over on your morning commute? Those questions and more are addressed in the full interview above. Story continues below Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, among others. You can now watch our podcasts in video form both on-air or online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13. Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each respective service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion as to who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email the hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Mikmaq Nation Vice Chief Richard Silliboy poses with a basket he wove. Silliboy will research PFAS uptake in ash wood and other culturally significant plants as part of the EPA grant. (Photo by Emma Davis / Maine Morning Star) More research into ways to reduce forever chemicals in the food supply will be conducted in Maine through millions of dollars in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week. Three of the ten institutions awarded grants will focus their work in Maine. The Mikmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe and the University of Maine were each awarded roughly $1.6 million to embark on research into mitigation at various points throughout food production where per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, can contaminate plants and livestock. PFAS have been linked to long-term adverse health outcomes, such as cancers and weakened immune systems For the Mikmaq Nations project, which is being conducted with the University of Virginia, this will include finding ways to reduce contamination from farms irrigated with water that contains PFAS, which is a well-known reality for Aroostook County, the area of focus for the project. The Aroostook River is known to be contaminated with PFAS, explained Bryan Berger, associate professor of chemical engineering at UVA. Youre in a contaminated environment, thats not going to change soon, so how do you mitigate or maximize the safety of whats coming out of that process? The EPA grant will allow for the continuation of PFAS remediation work that Berger, other researchers and the Mikmaq Nation have already begun at the former Loring Air Force Base in the County, where the team has seen early success with using hemp plants to remove PFAS from soil a process called phytoremediation. Maybe you cant mitigate or clean the irrigation water, but you can plant something that acts as a sponge to sequester PFAS, Berger said. Another idea the team is looking into is identifying what are called resistant cultivars, certain varieties of crops that dont uptake as much PFAS as other varieties. The plan is also to zoom into the molecular level of these crops to determine exactly where PFAS accumulate. For example, do the chemicals only accumulate on the skin, which perhaps could then be removed for safe consumption, or seep into the flesh of the potato? While it is known that there is PFAS contamination in Maine and across the world, the full extent of the contamination and in which specific materials the chemicals are found remains undetermined. This is the case for many culturally important plants to tribal communities. For example, Mikmaq Nation Vice Chief Richard Silliboy, who is also a part of the research team, has been weaving baskets for decades. However, there isnt conclusive evidence of whether the ash wood used contains PFAS and, as a result, whether Silliboy and other basket makers may be ingesting the chemicals in the weaving process. There are also inconclusive findings about the potential risks of consuming fiddleheads, a traditional food source of the Wabanaki Nations, that are grown in areas where PFAS have been detected. Berger has been testing out biosensors to detect PFAS, a twist on the idea of sentinel plants, which are alternative species that display visible symptoms of infection to provide warning signs. So far, this work has been limited to the lab but Berger hopes to expand testing to the field with the help of the EPA grant. The projects supported by the grants are each roughly slated for four years, though much of the research being conducted precedes and is expected to continue well after that period. I think with all of these types of research projects, especially in PFAS and agriculture where we dont have very much work in the field, each season raises new questions, said Ellen Mallory, a professor of sustainable agriculture at UMaine who is a part of that teams project. UMaines project will also examine ways to disrupt the PFAS contamination cycle, including by limiting the chemical uptake by forages (the plants eaten by livestock), livestock, and animal byproducts such as milk, meat and manure. Mallory, who is leading the forage crop research, is building on work she started two years ago on a farm in Unity. These grant-funded projects each have a community engagement focus, too. The ultimate goal of the research is to equip farmers with integrated and scalable mitigation strategies so they can proactively reduce the risk of PFAS contamination in their products, Mallory said. This community-centered model is evident in the intentional collaboration between UVA and the Mikmaq Nation, which has intimate and long-standing knowledge of the affected land. The Passamaquoddy Tribe, specifically the Sipayik Environmental Department at Pleasant Point, will assess PFAS in water and fish from watersheds in Tribal and disadvantaged regions of Northeastern Maine. Results from that research are intended to inform the health of Tribal members and others in the area who depend on recreational fisheries as food sources. While this research is important, Mallory said, its just one piece of a huge amount of effort going on in the state of Maine to address the PFAS crisis for farmers. Maine has been a leader in establishing PFAS protections. In 2021, the state was the first to pass a rule requiring manufacturers to report intentionally added PFAS in their products and, by the turn of the decade, ban the sale of products with intentionally added PFAS. Maine has also passed laws to improve testing of land and groundwater, and invest in remediation efforts, after the state-sanctioned practice of sludge spreading led to PFAS contamination on dozens of farms that have since had to close. Earlier this summer, the state established a program that offers Maine farmers tailored assistance to manage the impacts of forever chemicals on their farms. The issue of PFAS contamination extends beyond agriculture programs, however. Last month, the largest spill of PFAS-laden firefighting foam in Maines recorded history occurred in Brunswick and has sparked calls for reform in how the state handles forever chemical-contaminated products. Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maine Morning Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lauren McCauley for questions: info@mainemorningstar.com. Follow Maine Morning Star on Facebook and X. Florida inmate Corey Smith, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, could have his life spared after prosecutorial misconduct undermined the states case against him. Prosecutors with the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office announced Tuesday morning in court that their office is formally considering whether to waive the death penalty in Smiths case the first public acknowledgment that they might drop their effort to see the gang leader put to death for murder. At this point, we are submitting documents to our death penalty committee, prosecutor Rebecca DiMeglio told the judge Tuesday morning, referencing the offices formal process for making death penalty decisions. A court hearing was set for Nov. 13 to revisit the case. Weve sent a request asking the state to waive the death penalty, defense attorney Allison Miller told Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson, and we hope they do so. Corey Smith At one time, Smith appeared destined for execution, having been sentenced to death in 2005 in a drugs-and-murders case as the alleged leader of the ruthless John Does gang in the 1990s. Smith was convicted in the murders of Leon Hadley, Jackie Pope, Cynthia Brown and Angel Wilson, and the manslaughter deaths of Melvin Lipscomb and Marlon Beneby. He was accused of ordering most of the deaths, and participating personally in the drive-by shooting of Hadley, according to court documents. He received multiple sentences, including death for the murders of Brown and Wilson. Changes in Floridas death penalty in recent years, however, dictated that he receive a new sentencing trial. Smith still was facing the death penalty when in March, Judge Wolfson removed the prosecutors from his case, a rare move amid damning evidence of witness tampering and improprieties. Prosecutor Michael Von Zamft, a senior employee in State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundles office, retired that day. His co-prosecutor, Stephen Mitchell, who was accused of defending Von Zamft too vigorously given the accusations, still works for the office. In court Tuesday, a phalanx of top chiefs from the Miami Dade State Attorneys Office filed in, along with the cases new prosecutors, DiMeglio and Justin Funck. Were they to re-try Smith to reimpose a death penalty, theyd be virtually starting over with a complex and long-running case filling some 161 boxes of materials. Adding to the difficulty, Smiths new prosecutors are not allowed to communicate with the prosecutors who were removed. Theyd also be challenged in court with the relatively fresh accusations that 20 years ago, the states witnesses were brought together almost daily to coordinate testimony against Smith, and were given food and cigars. One witness allegedly was allowed sexual contact. At the time, the case was under the leadership of then-prosecutor Bronwyn Miller, now an appellate judge. Miller appeared as a witness in case, replying no, when asked if she witnessed anyone drinking alcohol or having sex. Recorded jail calls also captured prosecutor Von Zamft, who was handling the resentencing case, admitting he tried to get witnesses together on the jail courtyard with a longtime informant. The informant, William Little Bill Brown, had a relationship with Von Zamft and provided information for him from inside the jail, the Miami Herald previously reported. Von Zamft also was captured on a recorded jail line discussing whether to make a recalcitrant witness unavailable. Though the word is a legal term that could mean the witness had an authorized excuse from testifying, Judge Wolfson said it also could be viewed as a veiled threat on the witnesss life. If the death penalty is waived, Smith still could spend the rest of his life in prison. But thats not what his attorneys aim for. They filed motions to vacate his conviction and sentence. Miller said shes hoping for a negotiated plea deal with a reduced sentence, much like the recent case of Taji Pearson, whose life sentence was reduced in July to 15 years. Pearson, the driver in a botched gang shooting that took the life of teen girl, wasnt involved with Smiths gang, but he had the same two prosecutors accused of misconduct in the Smith case: Von Zamft and Mitchell. Like Smith, Pearsons case was also taken over by DiMeglio and Funck. Smith also has a federal drugs and firearms sentence hanging over him that would keep him in prison until 2051, a State Attorneys Office spokesman said. Hed be almost 80 years old. Miami man used dating app in kidnapping and armed robbery, police say. Hes locked up What one man presumed would be a second meet-up with a woman he met on a dating app over the summer turned out be a coordinated scheme that ended as a violent kidnapping and armed robbery. Miami officers booked Robert Andre Maytin, 20, into jail Friday on kidnapping and armed robbery charges after detectives investigated and determined that he and a woman weaponized the BLK dating app to find and target their victim in July, according to police. In addition to those charges, Maytin faces a charge of unlawful use of a debit card, since hes accused of forcing his victim to withdraw money from his bank account. As of Monday night, he was still held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond. Information regarding his legal representation was not immediately available. The woman, who is not named in the report, contacted the victim using BLK on July 18, and the two agreed to meet, detectives note in their arrest report. However, the report reveals she called him on the way to his house, saying her car broke down and that she needed $800 to get it towed. The victim gave her $600 when she arrived at his house, detectives say. The next day, she called him and asked if he wanted to meet again, to which he agreed. But when she arrived in a white SUV, Maytin was in the back seat. The victim got in the car and sat in the back with Maytin, the report states. The three drove around the Wynwood area before the woman pulled over the car, according to detectives, Maytin then pulled out a knife as he demanded the victims money, wallet and cell phone. Shortly thereafter, Maytin punched the man in the face and forced him to send money via cash app. The victim transferred $393, according to the report. It didnt stop there. Maytin then demanded more money and the woman drove him to an ATM at 1902 NW 14th Avenue, where police say the victim withdrew $1,000 during several transactions. Afterwards, the couple dropped the victim off, and he walked to a Baptist Heath Urgent Care at 14150 SW 136th Street to receive treatment for facial injuries, the report states. Last Wednesday, the victim identified Maytin from a police photo lineup, according to the report. Police apprehended him two days later. It was not immediately clear whether police have arrested the woman. Judge Kathleen Ryan was removed from the bench in Detroit last month, with new details of her unspecified misconduct now surfacing. According to local news affiliate WXYZ, audio was secretly recorded by Oakland County Probate Court Administrator Edward Hutton highlighting Ryans alleged racist and homophobic behavior. Shes made it a living hell in the past six years. I mean, its been terrible, explained Hutton. Its cost me relationships. I think its affected my health. Cant sleep. He continued, I just want to make it right, adding, I havent filed a lawsuit. Im not looking for a payday. I want to keep my job and do it in peace. 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. In the clips, Ryan can be heard making remarks regarding race and sexuality. I can honestly say that, ok, Im not systemically racist Im a new racist. I never was. But now I am because youre shoving this sh*t down my throat making allegations that you dont know sh*t about. Youre telling me who I am and youve never even f**king met me. F**k you! she exclaims in one. From England, if youre a Black from any other country youre doing way better. If youre an American Black person then youre a f**king lazy piece of sh*t, she says in another. Judge Gavel There is absolutely no place for harassment of any kind or for racist or homophobic language by anyone at Oakland County, especially by someone the public must be confident will act fairly and impartially. The alleged conduct and abhorrent comments made by Judge Ryan merited her removal from the Probate Court docket pending further investigation. I have confidence that the agencies reviewing this matter will treat it with the seriousness it deserves and will take further action if warranted, explained Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Oakland County Executive David Coulter. Oakland County Chief Probate Judge Linda Hallmark detailed that the evidence has been sent to the Judicial Tenure Commission, which will decide whether to investigate it further. Ryan has not publicly responded to the allegations, however her legal team issued the following statement: We respect the authority of the Michigan Supreme Court. However, we look forward to vindicating Judge Ryan in the appropriate forum. Detroit downtown According to the Detroit Free Press, in November 2021, Ryan was charged with domestic violence. A police report of the incident obtained by the outlet from the Wixom Police Department detailed that Ryan had been drinking and repeatedly struck a male companion during an argument, causing injury. At the hospital, she was evaluated, although she did not have any injuries. She allegedly shouted obscenities at police officers and hospital staff, tried to walk away from custody, and told everyone that she was a judge and would be coming after them. The case was dismissed in March 2022. Ryan was elected to the Oakland County Probate Court on Nov. 2, 2010, according to the Oakland County official government website. She ran a private practice from 1996-2010, with a primary emphasis on family and probate litigation. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Two Michigan musicians have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trumps campaign for copyright infringement after using one of the bands songs in a social media video. Jack White, formerly of the White Stripes, announced the lawsuit Monday evening with a social media post saying, This machine sues fascists. The lawsuit includes Whites ex-wife, Meg, the other half of the former rock duo. It was filed in federal district court in New York against the campaign and Margo McAtee Martin, the campaigns deputy director of communications. The former presidents social media team posted a video on Aug. 29 featuring the bands 2003 chart topper Seven Nation Army. Almost immediately, White called out the campaign, stating, Dont even think about using my music, you fascists. The video was quickly taken down by the campaign but has since been reposted by many other accounts. It is the latest in a long run of lawsuits against the former president by artists who dont want their work connected to his campaign. According to The Washington Post, a federal judge in Atlanta issued a temporary order banning Trumps campaign from playing the song Hold On, Im Coming after a request from the estate of Isaac Hayes, one of the songs co-writers. The same week, a New York judge heard arguments from Eddy Grant over the campaigns use of his hit Electric Avenue. In both cases, Trumps legal team has argued the songs should fall under the fair use defense. Musician Jack White performs the national anthem before a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park on Friday, April 8, 2022. (AP file) This isnt a new problem for Trump. He faced similar backlash in 2016 and 2020. According to The Detroit News, Jack White first spoke out eight years ago when the Trump campaign used one of his songs without permission. In the lawsuit, Whites lawyers argue the campaign never sought out licensing for the song, and even if it had, it would have been rejected. (Jack and Meg White) do not want to be associated with Defendants in any manner, the lawsuit said. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Jack White is a Detroit native, while Meg was born and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, about 10 miles east of the big city. The two got married in 1996 and launched the rock duo one year later. The duo worked together until disbanding in 2011, releasing six albums and two best-of complications. They won six Grammy Awards, including best rock song for Seven Nation Army and best alternative music album for Elephant in 2004, Get Behind Me Satan in 2006, and Icky Thump in 2008. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Presidential candidate Cornel West in Detroit on Feb. 5, 2024 | Ken Coleman The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that independent presidential candidate Cornel Wests name will remain on Michigans Nov. 5 presidential ballot. In an order issued Monday, the states highest court upheld a ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals last week, which upheld an earlier decision by the Michigan Court of Claims that West should appear on the ballot. In its decision, the MSC said it had not been persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court. Those questions had been raised by elections lawyer and former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer, on behalf of Rosa Holliday, a longtime civil rights and community activist, claiming, among other issues, that Wests affidavit of identity (AOI) was not properly notarized. Brewers complaint also alleged that the bipartisan Michigan Board of State Canvassers had failed in its duty when it approved Wests ballot petitions, despite claims they were rife with forged signatures. On that point, MSC Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement offered some validation in a concurring opinion. I write separately to note that plaintiff Rosa Holliday raises a potentially meritorious argument that the Board of State Canvassers failed to fulfill a clear legal duty under MCL 168.552(10) to investigate and resolve all challenges to nominating petitions before deciding to certify a candidate, Clement wrote, although she said that argument had not been raised in the proper manner. In response, Brewer told the Michigan Advance the entire episode has highlighted the need for ballot petition reform in Michigan. We are very disappointed that Cornel West, whos been secretly financed and supported by Republican interests, who has committed large scale petition signature forgery in Michigan and other states, and who couldnt competently fill out simple election paperwork will appear on the ballot, said Brewer. Even before the Kennedy and West candidacies, Michigans laws governing minor parties and independent candidates were a muddled mess, full of contradictory, outdated, and unconstitutional provisions. Their candidacies have reinforced the need to reform those laws so that legitimate minor parties and independent candidates have access to the ballot but fraudulent parties and candidates do not. Mondays ruling came the same day that the Supreme Court also ruled independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.s name would also remain on the Nov. 5 ballot, despite his motion to have it removed after the 70-year-old suspended his independent campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump in his bid for another White House term. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A fundraiser took place at Bob Roes last month to help benefit Midwest Honor Flight. On Monday, My Tree Guy and Bob Roes presented a check to the group for more then $8,500. The organization helps fly veterans to Washington D.C. in an all-expenses-paid trip to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a way to say thank you for their dedication and service. Every $1,000 raised will support a veteran to fly to D.C. Midwest Honor Flight plans to start their trip in 2025. Sioux-Lebrities compete in Rumble On The Range Aaron Van Beek, President and CEO of Midwest Honor Flight, says they havent made their goal quite yet but are hoping the donations will take off soon. These flights are not funded on hugs and kisses alone, Van Beek said. Its going to take $200,000 to get a flight out of Sioux City, so this is tremendous help towards that goal of raising that amount of money here in time for us to book that flight and start confirming the veterans. Theyre all local to the Sioux City area here that will be getting the chance to go out to Washington D.C. on their honor flight. Midwest Honor Flight is a nonprofit that relies on donations. Anyone interested in helping them achieve their goal can donate 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Residents of a small Alabama city were up in arms at the migrant influx during a recent city council hearing that lawmakers suddenly cut short amid the outcry. Meanwhile, state leaders demanded answers from the feds as the migrants appear to be in the country legally under Temporary Protective Status provisions extended to Haitian nationals by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In Sylacauga, just south of NASCARs Talladega Superspeedway, City Council President Tiffany Nix abruptly curtailed public comment as residents demanded accountability for the at least 50 migrants that appeared in the city. "Were done," Nix responded to resident David Phillips, who had criticized councils attitude as "entirely unacceptable" during the meeting last week. "[Haiti is] a failed state their president (Jovenel Moise) was assassinated in 2021 there is no way the State Department can vet these individuals," Phillips said before Nix cut in as another resident called out, "Please let him talk." MIGRANT CRISIS ROILS BOSTON AREA AS SCHOOL STANDS FIRM ON RESIDENCY POLICY READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Nix then made a motion to adjourn the meeting and ordered the gallery cleared. "This is our city," a woman in the gallery said. "Good to know, they dont want to hear the truth," another said. Another resident wondered aloud how local schools will be able to handle the new migrants, noting that financial resources would be needed for children that only speak French-Creole and not English. Amid the murmuring, Nix could be heard asking, "What would you like us to do?" Earlier in the meeting, Nix said there is no reason to launch a municipal investigation and that people should not treat others "differently because of how they look." State Rep. Benjamin Robbins, who represents the city, wrote a letter Thursday to Mayorkas, demanding a federal response. "As the secretary of Homeland Security, you are charged with overseeing immigration enforcement and refugee resettlement," he wrote. "Recently, my district has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants. You and your agency have failed in your responsibility to notify our community of the relocation of refugees, provide any information to local leaders or answer questions." Robbins said the situation has caused "panic and confusion" and left local leaders "helpless." Robbins said he would demand Congress investigate if DHS does nothing. Sylacauga Mayor Jim Heigl separately told Alabamas 1819 News that information the migrants were in his city legally "came out from [Gov. Kay Iveys] office and also came from Mike Rogers office, [Sen.] Katie Britts office and [Sen. Tommy] Tubervilles office." BIDEN'S LATEST BORDER ORDER MAY EMBOLDEN MIGRANTS TO FLOUT IMMIGRATION LAWS, COMMIT MARRIAGE FRAUD CRITICS SAY Rogers, the chair of the House Armed Services Committee, called the situation in his district "yet another example of the Biden-Harris administrations moronic immigration policy failures." "Those two never cease to amaze me with their total incompetence and outright antagonism toward hardworking Americans. The way to fix this is to re-elect President Trump," Rogers said. Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter added his biggest concern is the lack of information from the feds on the migrants already inside the state. "We have asked repeatedly," said Ledbetter, R-Rainsville. "Once they are here, communities like Sylacauga and Albertville are left to deal with the disaster. Our schools dont have the ESL resources to support the immigrant children, housing these people is an issue, crime is an issue, and the federal government has offered zero support whatsoever." Tuberville told Fox News Digital the feds are abusing their parole authority, which he said is supposed to be used sparingly and only for humanitarian purposes. Instead, he said the administration is using it as a tool of "mass amnesty to millions of people." "We have no idea who most of these people are," Tuberville said. Fox News Digital reached out to the city and was directed to Nixs email but did not receive a response. Meanwhile, in Montgomery, state Senate President Pro-Tempore Greg Reed, R-Jasper, said Monday the Biden administration has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to "pour in" and cause a crisis. "The immigration catastrophe they have openly incentivized is hitting home right now for Americans across the country, including right here in Alabama," he said. Immigrants line up at a remote U.S. Border Patrol processing center after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on Dec. 7, 2023, in Lukeville, Ariz. "Alabama officials are prepared to use the tools at our disposal to clean up the mess and confusion their reckless policies have created," Reed went on, adding that the crisis in Sylacauga emphasizes the importance of the presidential election. A spokesperson for Ivey responded to a question about the mayors comments by saying her office has not received any facts or communications from the feds or to local officials on the matter. "Separately though, Alabamians and Americans all over the country are rightfully concerned over the current Biden-Harris pro-illegal immigration policies. No doubt this is a contributing factor to the concerns of people in Sylacauga and other areas," Gina Maiola said. "People are on high alert. Gov. Ivey will continue taking action to enforce the law, doing everything in Alabamas authority to secure the U.S. southern border and protecting our citizens from the harmful effects of illegal immigration." DHS did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Original article source: Migrant controversy hits heartland as Alabama council meeting boils over, state officials slam feds' 'mess' EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A Turkish migrant family, who requested asylum at the Ysleta Port of Entry in January, is calling for the Borderlands help to locate their dog, who they allege was stolen by a Texas National Guardsman who has refused to return the pet. We are all in a very bad state mentally. Our longing for Alice (the familys dog) has increased, a family member said. The family did not want to be identified as their asylum case is pending. Bridge Pups Rescue, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping migrants reunite with their pets after being separated while requesting asylum at ports of entry, is assisting the family in getting answers. When the (family) arrived at the border seeking asylum, they were immediately told by the Texas National Guard and Border Patrol Agents that they would not be able to cross with their dog, but leaving the dog behind was not an option for them, said Ruby Montana, founder and director of Bridge Pups Rescue. A family member explained that the older brother in the family decided to stay behind to figure out a solution. They allege a Texas National Guardsman then approached the older brother of the family offering to care for their dog while he awaited to be processed and released. My older brother told me that (the National Guardsman) gave him a bottle of water and made herself seem like a very good person. She told my brother that she had two dogs at home and that she could take care of our dog until my brother was released, the family member said. The family said they reached out to the National Guardsman 13 days after the older brother entrusted the dog to her care, when she told them the dog had died of depression at an animal clinic in East El Paso and even provided information on the veterinary clinic. We do not believe this; no one believes this lie, the family member said. Montana said the family, who are non-English speakers, were able to get assistance to contact the animal clinic where the National Guardsman allegedly told them the dog had died, and discovered that there was no record of their dog ever being treated there. Since they discovered that, the family said they have been unable to contact the National Guardsman. It was pretty promptly after this that the specialist then decided to block the family from all forms of contacting her, which is incredibly cruel. Since then, this family has been feeling immensely helpless. They felt like they had nowhere to turn, no one to help them. She had no right to take the dog upon herself, especially with no paper trail, with no record of the dog whatsoever, Montana said. Montana said that she has actively tried to reach out to the woman since the family contacted her for help, but to no avail. She added that they received a prompt response from Texas National Guard, and were told that there was an ongoing investigation and that the woman now claims to have given the dog away. KTSM did reach out to the Texas National Guard for comment, but have yet to receive a response. Montana said that the U.S. Border Patrol follows a protocol where they reach out to El Paso Animal Services, with whom her organization is partnered with, so that they can see that they find foster care for the animal while their owners are processed. Border Patrol agents, or anyone at the border need to take the animal in and immediately contact El Paso Animal Services. That way, there is a clear record, a clear paper trail of where the dog is, Montana said. Montana said that since she tried establishing contact and demanding answers from the Texas National Guardsman, shes received suspicious and intimidating texts from someone posing as a military police, trying to obstruct further inquiries into the incident. Our pets are our family members; it would be anyones greatest fear to hear that their family member has gone missing after trusting an authority figure to safeguard and protect them, said Montana in a separate statement. The Texas Army National Guard appears to show little regard for the property and rights of immigrant families. We demand for the specialist to do the right thing and return Alice to his family. Montana and the family ask that anyone with information to reach out to Bridge Pups Rescue at their email: bridgepups@gmail.com. Or by visiting their social media pages: https://www.instagram.com/bridgepupsrescue/ https://www.facebook.com/BridgePupsRescue Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With less than three weeks to avert a government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson is back to begging his caucus to keep the money flowing. The Louisiana politico has vowed to bring a continuing resolution to the floor as soon as possible. In a meeting with House Republicans on Tuesday, Johnson reportedly encouraged his fellow conservatives to back the six-month funding bill, claiming that Americans around the country had been enthusiastic about the measure when he shopped it around in August, reported Politicos Olivia Beavers. Johnson can only afford to lose four House Republican votes on the continuing resolution, which has been integrally tied to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibilityor SAVEAct, a piece of legislation that would require proof of citizenship in order to vote. So far, hes got six nos, including Representatives Tim Burchett, Jim Banks, Mike Rogers, Cory Mills, Thomas Massie, and Matt Rosendale. Five House Democrats voted for the SAVE Act before it was rolled into the continuing resolution, which would extend government funding until March. Republicans have warned that any opposition from those five, who include Representatives Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, Jared Golden, Vicente Gonzalez, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, would be pure politics. But there are other, fiscal reasons why the continuing resolution has a rocky future in the House, including fears that such a measure would have a negative impact on the Pentagon. And even if the stopgap bill does manage to scrape by the House, its chances of passing through the Senate are slim to none, setting the stage for an ominously familiar experience to the one that preceded former House Speaker Kevin McCarthys exit. As we have said repeatedly, avoiding a government shutdown requires bipartisanship, not a bill drawn up by one party. Speaker Johnson is making the same mistake as former Speaker McCarthy did a year ago, by wasting precious time catering to the hard MAGA right, Senate Democratic leaders said in a statement issued last week. This tactic didnt work last September, and it will not work this year either. The House Republican funding proposal is an ominous case of deja vu. If Speaker Johnson drives House Republicans down this highly partisan path, the odds of a shutdown go way up, they continued. Americans will know that the responsibility of a shutdown will be on the House Republicans hands. House GOP leaders' plan to avert a partial government shutdown at the end of this month could be derailed by mounting opposition from fiscal hawks within their own party. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., rolled out legislation late last week to extend the current year's government funding levels through March via a continuing resolution (CR) to give congressional negotiators more time to work out the next fiscal year's spending priorities. It's attached to a Republican-led bill for a proof of citizenship requirement in the voter registration process. At least five House Republicans have come out against the plan as of Monday evening, meaning Johnson almost certainly needs Democratic votes to get it passed. CLUB FOR GROWTH POURS $5M INTO TIGHT HOUSE RACES AS GOP BRACES FOR TOUGH ELECTION Speaker Mike Johnson Despite former President Donald Trump blessing the plan, Johnson can afford little room for error with a razor-thin House majority of just four votes. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., told reporters on Monday that he and Reps. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are all opposed. "I've made it clearthat I'll be a no on the CR," Mills said. "As far as I'm concerned, this is nothing more than messaging." Fox News Digital reached out to Burchett to confirm his stance. Massie told Fox News Digital last week that he believed it was a mistake for Johnson not to push for a longer CR. Under a bipartisan deal passed last year, a CR extending past April 30 would automatically trigger a 1% government funding cut. "Speaker Johnson has this teed up in front of him. The 1% cut is in law. All we need is a one-year CR to queue it up. When the April 30 deadline arrives, he could even trade the cut for something. But hes afraid to even create a spending cut deadline," Massie said. JOHNSON UNVEILS TRUMP-BACKED HOUSE GOP PLAN TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, SETS UP BATTLE WITH SCHUMER Rep. Cory Mills came out against the bill to reporters on Monday. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., who is retiring at the end of this year, also told Fox News Digital last week that he is against the bill. Meanwhile, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., told Punchbowl News he was against the CR over concerns within the defense community about the impact of an extension into the new year. It has spurred concern and confusion among House Republicans just hours after they returned from a six-week recess. "I think we ought to have some conversation with those five," Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., a conservative Republican, told Fox News Digital of the plan's opponents. "And I think those five ought to bear responsibility for blowing some opportunities that are right at hand." MCCARTHY'S 'FINAL STRUGGLES' THREATEN TO HAUNT JOHNSON'S GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN FIGHT Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., a national security hawk in a swing district, said he wanted to hear whether Johnson had a backup plan. "I think it's a good first position. I think, you know, the question is, [what is] position two? Position three look like?" Garcia told reporters. "We don't need to share that with you guys in the media right now. But we should internally [have an] understanding of the strategy. And I think hopefully we get more clarity on that." Lawmakers anticipate a Wednesday vote on the plan, but enough opposition could force House GOP leaders to scuttle the vote. It's possible that some Democrats will vote for the bill. Five House Democrats voted with Republicans to pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act earlier this year. But Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have both come out in opposition to the plan. The White House also announced Monday that President Biden would veto the bill if it got to his desk. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is opposing the GOP plan. Johnson told reporters earlier in the day that he did not have a fallback plan in case of failure. "There is no fallback position. This is a righteous fight. This is what the American people demand and deserve," Johnson said. It's a position that is likely to worry moderates who worry the political fallout from a government shutdown weeks before Election Day could cost them their seats. "If we shut down, we lose," one Republican told Fox News Digital last week. Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson for comment on the "no" votes. Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed to this report. Original article source: Mike Johnson faces conservative mutiny over Trump-backed plan to avert government shutdown Millions of student-loan borrowers' payments are being 'wildly' mismanaged by a major servicer and it might be time to terminate its contract, over 50 Democratic lawmakers say Millions of student-loan borrowers' payments are being 'wildly' mismanaged by a major servicer and it might be time to terminate its contract, over 50 Democratic lawmakers say A group of Democratic lawmakers requested increased oversight over student-loan company MOHELA. They said that the Education Department should consider ending MOHELA's contract. MOHELA has faced two recent lawsuits accusing it of mismanaging borrowers' accounts. It might be time for the Education Department to consider firing a major student-loan company, a group of Democratic lawmakers say. On Monday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Jim Clyburn led over 50 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona regarding the performance of student-loan company MOHELA. The lawmakers said they were concerned MOHELA was failing to meet its contractual obligations regarding delivering accurate and timely information to borrowers regarding their payments. For example, in October last year, the Education Department withheld over $7 million in pay from the servicer over its failure to send on-time billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers. Since then, two advocacy groups have filed separate lawsuits against MOHELA, accusing the company of overcharging borrowers and denying relief to those who experienced school misconduct. A MOHELA spokesperson previously told Business Insider that "providing support to student loan borrowers is the utmost priority to MOHELA, and any claims to the contrary are false." However, the lawmakers argued that the servicer is continuing to harm borrowers, and they want the Education Department to provide answers. Given the lawsuits' accusations of "MOHELA's billing errors, poor customer service record, and decisions to avoid public and private accountability at every turn, we request that ED immediately conduct an evaluation of MOHELA's fulfillment of its contractual obligations as a servicer, share key data with our offices and federal and state regulators, and act quickly to apply corrective measuresincluding the potential termination of MOHELA's federal contract if such action is justified," the lawmakers said. They requested a range of information from the department regarding MOHELA by September 22, including the servicer's performance metrics compared to other servicers and the number of complaints the department has received from borrowers regarding MOHELA. The Education Department released an accountability framework in December to ensure servicers meet their contractual obligations. Cardona said in a statement at the time that "the Department of Education will continue to engage in aggressive oversight of student loan servicers and put the interests of borrowers first." "When unacceptable errors are uncovered, servicers should expect to be held accountable and borrowers should count on this administration to hold them harmless," Cardona said. Ongoing lawsuits against MOHELA In July, the American Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against MOHELA accusing the company of illegally overcharging borrowers and providing them with inaccurate information that prevented them from obtaining lower payments and debt relief. As one of the largest teacher unions in the US, many of AFT's members qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which forgives student debt for government and nonprofit workers after 10 years of qualifying payments. The lawsuit said that MOHELA did not properly communicate billing changes to borrowers, leading to confusion and delays in relief. Additionally, a group of student-loan borrowers in California filed a lawsuit on September 5 that accused MOHELA of failing to deliver debt discharges to borrowers who have faced school misconduct. Beginning in 2022, the Education Department approved discharges for a range of for-profit schools, including Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute. However, the lawsuit said that MOHELA put some of those loans already approved for discharge back in repayment status and has since failed to rectify the situation. The lawsuits are still pending, and they build on pressure from Democratic lawmakers to increase oversight over MOHELA. In February, Warren joined Sens. Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer in calling for an investigation into MOHELA, and Warren later held a hearing in April to examine MOHELA's performance. "Our respective organizations have filed suit against MOHELA to vindicate borrowers' rights in court and will continue to fight until borrowers get the justice they deserve," advocacy groups the National Consumer Law Center, Project on Predatory Student Lending, and Student Borrower Protection Center said in a joint statement. "It is long past time for ED to conduct a robust review of MOHELA's failures," they continued. "We are thrilled to see such a broad coalition of policymakers stand in solidarity with the millions of student loan borrowers calling for accountability and urge the Department to act immediately." Read the original article on Business Insider The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is planning to build two new elementary schools, slated to open in the first half of 2026. St. Rafael the Archangel School, pictured, will replace the current St. Rafael the Archangel, on South 32nd and South 31st streets. The archdiocese also plans to build a new Prince of Peace school, on South 25th and South 22nd streets. For the first time since the 1960s, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will build two new elementary school buildings in the city, leaders of the Archdiocese and Seton Catholic Schools announced Tuesday. Saint Raphael the Archangel School and Prince of Peace School, both on the south side, are tentatively scheduled to move into new buildings in the first half of 2026. Both schools operate now in old buildings at two locations for each school. Archbishop Jerome Listecki told a gathering outside of one of the Saint Raphael schools near South 31st Street and West Lincoln Avenue that the new buildings are a sign of the Catholic churchs commitment to Milwaukee. These schools are anchors for the neighborhoods, he said. In a statement, Listecki said, the announcement was a major milestone for Catholic education not only in Milwaukee, but regionally and even nationally. He said, This sends a strong message about Setons deep commitment to urban, Catholic education in Milwaukee. Brian Couch, president and CEO of Seton Schools, said the buildings are expected to cost $23 million. Seton has undertaken a $40 million campaign to support the schools it operates in the Milwaukee area and has raised more than half of that, Couch said. Both St. Raphael and Prince of Peace received four-star, exceeds expectations ratings from the Wisconsin school report card program a year ago. Both serve student bodies that are predominantly Hispanic. Prince of Peace operates now at 1114 S. 25th St. and 1646 S. 22nd St. St. Raphael operates at 2075 S. 32nd St. and 2251 S. 31st St. Couch said the two schools have enrollment totaling about 700. In 2023-24, almost all the students in both schools were part of Wisconsins school voucher program, which provides public money to support their education. Each of the new buildings will have a capacity of 500 kindergarten through eighth-grade students, Couch said. He said he expects Seton to work with developers on what to do with the four existing buildings used by the two schools, and he hopes they will be used for meeting community needs, perhaps including housing and child care centers. Seton was started in 2015 to provide education and administrative services to Catholic elementary schools that are part of parishes in the archdiocese. This year, Seton is running 14 schools, including two on the north side that moved this fall from being operated by Messmer schools to Seton. They are St. Rose of Lima and St. Mary of Czestochowa. Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette Law School. Reach him at alan.borsuk@marquette.edu. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two new Seton Catholic elementary schools to open in 2026 Student walk through the downtown campus of MATC on Feb. 28 in Milwaukee. Milwaukee police are investigating an alleged sexual assault that occurred in a student center bathroom at Milwaukee Area Technical College's downtown campus, according to the college. The alleged assault took place at about 1:45 p.m. Sept. 5 on the 700 block of West State Street, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. According to a statement provided to the Journal Sentinel from an MATC spokesperson, the college's Public Safety Department has identified a person of interest. Campus police are conducting additional patrols as a precaution. "The individual is cooperating and we are referring them to the Milwaukee Police Department, which is leading the investigation," MATC's statement reads. MPD confirmed it continues to seek a known suspect. According to a statement from MATC, both the alleged victim and assailant are believed to be students. The alleged victim was taken to a hospital for treatment, according to a statement from Milwaukee police. From 2021-2023, the most recent years available, there were eight reports of sexual assault at the Milwaukee campus, including four reports of rape and four reports of fondling. The campus safety report defined sexual assault as rape, statutory rape, incest and fondling. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7401, or to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips. Where to find help for sexual assault and domestic violence in Milwaukee The city of Milwaukee Health Department has resources for sexual assault survivors. Advocate Aurora Health's Healing and Advocacy Services for sexual assault survivors includes a 24-hour hotline at 414-219-5555 and a confidential text line at 414-219-1551. The Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee operates a 24-hour confidential hotline at 414-933-2722 and offers assistance with e-filing for restraining orders at 414-278-5079. The Milwaukee Women's Center also offers a hotline at 414-671-6140. The Asha Project, which serves African American women in Milwaukee, provides a crisis line from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 414-252-0075. Diverse & Resilient, which serves the LGBTQ community, operates the "Room to Be Safe" resource line at 414-856-5428 and has online resources at roomtobesafe.org. The Hmong American Womens Association, which serves the Hmong and southeast Asian community, has advocates available at 414-930-9352 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The WI Hmong Family Strengthening Helpline is available after hours at 877-740-4292. The UMOS Latina Resource Center in Milwaukee offers bilingual, bicultural, domestic violence, sexual assault and anti-human trafficking supportive services and operates a 24-hour hotline at 414-389-6510. Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police investigating alleged sexual assault at MATC campus Ivonne Hernandez Milwaukee police located the critically missing 78-year-old woman. Police said she was last seen Monday afternoon, but sent an update Monday night that she was located and safe. "Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police locate critically missing woman MILWAUKEE - Three people were arrested after a body was found in Milwaukee late last week. The Milwaukee Police Department executed a search warrant for drugs on Thursday, Sept. 5, near 31st and Lisbon. The 49-year-old decedent was determined to have sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Three persons of interest, a 49-year-old man, a 46-year-old man and a 43-year-old man, were arrested. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News MPD continues to seek additional information. Anyone with any information is asked to contact MPD at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A man charged with murder for a deadly shooting this month in Minneapolis told police he was smoking PCP and couldn't remember why he did it, according to a criminal complaint. What do we know? William Howard Sanders, 38, was charged on Sept. 6 with second-degree murder for the deadly shooting on East 19th Street, between Nicollet and 1st avenues on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Police said they responded that evening at around 7 p.m. to a report of shots fired in the area. At the scene, they found a 24-year-old man, later identified as De'Jaun Hall, who had been shot. He was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Brian O'Hara told the media that it appeared an altercation between a group of ten people led to shots being fired. What's new? The charges against Sanders detail what officers saw when they reviewed security video showing the shooting. According to the charges, the video showed the victim had been involved in an argument with Sanders when Sanders ultimately pulled something out of a fanny pack strapped. Police say the video shows Sanders chasing down Hall, ultimately shooting him in the back. Then, as he was lying on the ground, police said Sanders walked up and fired two more shots before slowly walking away from the scene. Sanders was arrested at a hotel two days after the shooting. In a vehicle police linked to Sanders, they found a fanny pack with a handgun inside. What did he say? Speaking with police, officers say Sanders admitted to the shooting, saying: "he was smoking PCP and that he did not remember what was going on [in] his own mind when he shot [Hall]." Later, police say Sanders claimed Hall had threatened him, and he acted in self-defense. He also said he was "suspicious" of Hall because Hall was wearing a hoodie on a nice day. What's next? Hall made his first appearance in court on Monday. He has been granted a public defender and is set to appear in court in October. A search for a Boise student ended Monday when his body was found in a lake. A 13-year-old Riverglen Junior High School student was reported missing Sunday from the Middleton Lakes subdivision and emergency services responded at 4:43 p.m., the Middleton Police Department said in a Facebook post. The boys belongings were found near the shore of a large lake, leading law enforcement to launch a coordinated search and rescue operation, the police department said. Police posted to social media at 6:22 p.m. Sunday asking people to avoid the area near Sawtooth Lake Drive and South Redfish Avenue. After several hours of search and rescue efforts, operations were restricted due to darkness and poor visibility, police said. After search efforts resumed in the morning, law enforcement said, they recovered the boys body from the lake at 8:30 a.m. Monday and pronounced him dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected, police said. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this tragic time. The family has been notified and they request privacy during this difficult time. Assisting agencies included the Ada County Sheriffs Office, Canyon County Sheriffs Office, Middleton Rural Fire District and Star Fire Protection District. Riverglen Junior High sent an email Monday informing parents about the teens death, describing it as a drowning incident. The school is offering counseling services to students and staff, according to the email. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and all those impacted by this devastating loss, Riverglen Principal Trevor McKenna said in the email. During this incredibly difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences and support to those grieving. Middleton Police did not immediately provide answers to the Idaho Statesmans questions. The Canyon County Sheriffs Office declined to comment, saying it had only assisted. UPDATE (9/10) The Greenville County Sheriffs Office announced that Avis was located safely. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) The Greenville County Sheriffs Office is searching for a woman in need of immediate medical attention. According to the sheriffs office, Avis Marissa McGinnity was last seen around 4 p.m. Monday, near East Phillips Road in Greer. She was seen in a white Infiniti QX60 SUV with the tag TLM650. McGinnity, 46, is a white woman with brown eyes and salt and pepper, medium length hair. She was last seen wearing a white and blue dress. Deputies said she has a tattoo on her left forearm. Officials said McGinnity may be in or around Anderson County. Anyone who sees Avis or knows her whereabouts is asked to call 911 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Alligator hunter Jason Ullendorf landed a massive, record-breaking gator on the Pascagoula River on Saturday, the last weekend of the 10-day Mississippi season. Ullendorfs female gator measured 37 inches around the belly, had a tail girth of 32 inches, and was 11 feet, 3/4 inches long. The massive reptile weighed in at 324 pounds, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The monster gator will set new female length and weight records for the state and was certified by Andres Arnett, the MDWFP Alligator Program coordinator. Its possible that Ullendorfs gator could set a new world record for longest female alligator. Ullendorfs cousin was tipped off to the gators location at a local boat shop, according to the Clarion Ledger. The alligator had made some tourists antsy when they spotted it lounging on a sandbar. We figured wed help them out and get it out of there, Ullendorf told reporters. We went down there to look at it, and it was a pretty good gator. Unfortunately, finding the gator was far easier than catching it. Ullendorf and his buddies chased the mammoth reptile for most of the night. She would take their bait and dive under structure, throwing the hook in the process. By 3 oclock the next morning, the crew had lost every hook they had. Ullendorf returned the following night to find the gator in the same spot theyd left her. Unfortunately, their night became a repeat of their previous outing. They hooked the gator multiple times, only to have it get away. It was frustrating, Ullendorfs hunting partner Joseph Manango told the Clarion Ledger. At one point, we got so frustrated that we left it and, an hour later, started again. We knew we would hook it, but we were going to have to get it out of the trees. A few hours before sunrise, the hunters spotted the big gator on the surface near her favorite sandbar. They hooked the gator on a rod and reel and then were able to handline it toward the boat. When she came up, she was under the bottom of the boat between the pontoons, Ullendorf said. She was slapping the boat with her tail and all that. I thought she was going to knock my motor off. Jason Ullendorfs Mississippi alligator could set a new world record for longest wild female. Photo by MDWFP/Facebook But at the time, Ollendorf had no idea the gator slapping around his pontoon was a female. Before this, the longest female alligator caught in the Magnolia State measured 10 feet, 2 inches. The two men automatically assumed the gator they hauled in was a male because of its size. Once they got the animal to shore, they realized the animal was missing male sex organs. Thats when they knew they had caught a massive female, so they called Arnett to come down and confirm it. Arnett verified the gator was indeed female and certified its weight and length. Ullendorfs monster dethroned the previous record female killed by Jim and Richie Denson on the Pearl River in 2022. A gator that measured over 10 feet 6 inches and weighed an impressive 375 pounds currently holds the female Florida record in a state famous for its alligators. That gator was hooked by Chester and Barrett Koerner of Woodland, Texas, in 2019. Read Next: How to Hunt Your First Alligator. Plus, the 7 Best Gator States Although those measurements are impressive, they are dwarfed by the male record gators. During the 2023 Mississippi alligator season, a group of hunters tagged a 14-foot, 3-inch long, 802.5-pound gator with a 66-inch belly girth. However, Alabama claims the world record alligator. The giant was killed in 2014 and measured 15 feet, 9 inches. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) has declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Francine. Ive declared a State of Emergency. This will allow us to mobilize state assets, and respond as necessary, Reeves said on Tuesday, September 10. LIST: Mississippi school closures due to Francine Officials have encouraged Mississippians to prepare for the storm. Sandbags are being offered at multiple locations across the state to help homeowners and businesses. Several schools have also announced closures ahead of the storm. Francine became a hurricane Tuesday evening as it barreled toward south Louisiana, strengthening over extremely warm Gulf waters as those in possible harms way rushed to complete storm preparations, filling sandbags, buying gas and stocking up on necessities for an expected landfall in the coming day. The freshly minted Category 1 hurricane packed top sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and forecasters warned it was expected to crash ashore Wednesday afternoon or evening in Louisiana with a potentially life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds perhaps even as a Category 2 storm with winds of 96 to 110 mph (155 to 175 kph). Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Need sandbags in Mississippi? Heres where you can go A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of New Orleans, according to the center. A storm surge warning stretched from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border Such a warning means theres a chance of life-threatening flooding. Click here to keep up with the Storm Team 12 forecast. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Weather Forecast Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson's executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent). Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is creating a new specialized unit to assist the states alcohol and tobacco regulators in cracking down on intoxicating hemp products, Bailey announced at a Capitol press conference Tuesday afternoon. The announcement comes after Gov. Mike Parsons ban on these products hit a delay of up to six months. The ban was supposed to take effect on Sept. 1, after Parson signed an executive order on Aug. 1 to remove all hemp-derived THC edibles and beverages from store shelves. However last month, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft rejected the emergency rules detailing how it would have been enforced. That meant regulators at the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control didnt have the authority to enforce the ban among stores that have licenses to sell liquor or tobacco products which is where the vast majority of products are being sold, Parson said. Ashcrofts action did not prevent the Department of Health and Senior Services regulators from investigating nearly 60 facilities, Parson said. DHSS investigations have confirmed our fears, Parson said. Product after product resembles popular snacks and candies that would be hard for me to determine that contained cannabis, let alone my five-year-old granddaughter. Because hemp isnt a controlled substance like marijuana, theres no state or federal law saying teenagers or children cant buy products, such as delta-8 drinks, or that stores cant sell them to minors, Parson said. And theres no requirement to list potential effects on the label or test how much THC is actually in them. State lawmakers have failed to pass such requirements the last two years. Parson said the main target of his order are companies that sell intoxicating hemp edibles that mimic popular candy. However, hemp industry leaders argue the order also bans products that arent attractive to children, have gone through lab testing and are only sold to customers 21 and up. The Missouri Hemp Trade Association agrees that illegal products should be removed from store shelves, said Craig Katz, spokesman for the association. But DHSS is casting such a wide net that it is not differentiating legitimate products from bad products, and in the process, it is trampling on the constitution and ruining small businesses. The association has decried DHSS enforcement of these products. It filed a lawsuit on Aug. 30 in Cole County Circuit Court in hopes of stopping the governors ban through a preliminary injunction. The association argues the products are legal and state law prohibits regulators from deeming them as adulterated. DHSS must stop seizing and destroying products that are legal and follow the letter of the law, Katz said. At the Tuesday press conference, Bailey said his office will create a dedicated electronic repository for the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control to submit actionable referrals to his office. The division will be responsible for investigating its licensees, collecting evidence of deceptive marketing practices, Bailey said. Baileys specialized new unit within his offices Consumer Protection Division will work with the ATC to offer legal support, he said. His office will use its authority under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to bring legal action against licensees who continue prohibited practices related to unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, he said. The ATC will assist by making its investigators available as witnesses for legal proceedings resulting from actionable referrals, Bailey said. Our enforcement toolkit will be robust from cease-and-desist letters and investigations to subpoenas and lawsuits to referrals for criminal prosecution where appropriate. He believes this partnership will lead to a significant reduction in these products. Were committed to keeping unsafe products away from our kids, Bailey said, and ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable. This story was updated at 4:15 p.m. to include the Missouri Hemp Trade Associations comment. Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger speaks during a State Board of Education meeting (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is asking for over $174 million in supplemental funding for this school year after receiving $1 billion less in appropriations compared to the previous year. When the State Board of Education reviewed the budget bill approved by lawmakers in May, Board Chair Charlie Shields predicted that the mother of all supplemental budgets would come, possibly in a special session. In its meeting Tuesday, the board approved a supplemental budget with a high request from the state in general revenue and a budget for next year with increasing costs associated with an education bill that was recently signed into law. We cant assume that this is all going to be able to be funded. Theres going to be some really hard decisions and prioritization that has to happen throughout the process, Kari Monsees, DESEs commissioner of financial and administrative services, told the State Board of Education Tuesday. That might be the understatement of the year, he added. The supplemental request includes over $100 million from the states general revenue fund. Last year, the department asked for under $2 million in state funding. Nearly half of the general-revenue request $48 million is from changes to the formula that funds school districts and charter schools. The board did not discuss what changes drove the supplemental, but multiple additions to the formula will boost funding in its fiscal year 2026 request. Other drivers of the expense is an increase in the early childhood special education caseload, which the department requests $20.8 million to manage. The last three or four years, weve been fairly flat in (early childhood special education enrollment) because of the covid impact, Monsees said. We had fewer students entering those programs for a few years, and so we didnt need much in the way of additional funding. Well, that kind of came home to roost last year, and the numbers are up. The department is also requesting $15 million for a grant program it provides to schools with under 350 students. The education package passed by the legislature this year increased the size of the program, so the supplemental request is to meet that demand, Monsees said. He noted that budget instructions for fiscal year 2026 direct the department to specify mandatory new decision items. For that, the department requests an increase of $810 million from this years appropriation of $8.73 billion, of which $719 million would come from the states general fund. A sizable portion of the request is powered by expenses in the education package passed by lawmakers this year, which had a $230 million fiscal note for next year. Requests from state agencies are due to the Missouri Office of Administration by Oct. 1. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX With Missouri regulations in flux, whats the difference between hemp and marijuana? Hemp and marijuana are essentially terms the government uses to distinguish between the part of the cannabis plant that can get you high when smoked thats marijuana and the part that cant thats hemp (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent). Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has vowed to run intoxicating hemp products out of Missouri, banning their sale and threatening penalties to any business that makes or sells them. In many ways, its the latest showdown between the marijuana industry which has operated legally in Missouri since 2018 but is outlawed federally and the hemp industry, whose products were legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill. But at the end of the day, whats the difference between intoxicating hemp products and intoxicating marijuana products? Hemp and marijuana are essentially terms the government uses to distinguish between the part of the cannabis plant that can get you high when smoked thats marijuana and the part that cant thats hemp. It all boils down to their THC content, or their psychoactive component. Any part of the plant containing 0.3% or less THC by dry weight is defined as hemp. That means if you were to smoke a joint of dried hemp, you shouldnt get high. And thats why in 2018 Congress removed hemp and hemp seeds from the Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) schedule of controlled substances as part of the Farm Bill. However, theres a big complicating factor with a definition based on dried weight. Todays intoxicating edibles, pre-rolled joints and other products using both marijuana or hemp often incorporate extracts of highly concentrated THC, or distillates. Laboratories can take a large amount of hemp and extract enough THC to make intoxicating edibles and drinks with 5 to 20 mg of THC in them. Up until the governors Sept. 1 ban on these products, they were found in regular Missouri gas stations, stores and bars. When THC is extracted in this way, theres no way for regulators to tell whether the THC came from hemp or marijuana. Hemp is full of CBD, a nonpyschoactive cannabinoid that helps people relax and often found in massage oils and sleep aids. Some companies synthetically convert CBD to THC to make their products. CBD can be converted into delta-8 THC, as well as delta-9 THC, using a solvent, acid and heat to produce higher concentrations of THC than those found naturally in the plant. Leaders of the Cannabis Regulator Association have asked Congress to close the 0.3% loophole in the pending Farm Bill to prevent intoxicating hemp products from going unregulated, according to the associations statement last summer. While the threshold of 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight is a small amount of THC in a hemp plant, when applied to things like chocolate bars or beverages that can weigh significantly more, 0.3% by weight can amount to hundreds of milligrams of THC, the association said. For example, a 50-gram chocolate bar at 0.3% THC would have around 150 mg of THC 30 times the standard 5 mg THC dose established by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A family sized pack of cookies weighing 20 oz can contain around 1,700 mg of THC using the 0.3% THC threshold. Hemp industry leaders dont want to see these intoxicating products banned. Instead, theyve suggested the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau handle their regulation. Thats also been the case locally in Missouri. States have passed a patchwork of different laws to attempt to regulate the products until the new Farm Bill is passed. Many of the laws have been challenged by the hemp industry, and federal judges have differing opinions on whether states can legally regulate these hemp products without Congress changing current federal law. Parson signed an executive order on Aug. 1 banning intoxicating hemp products and threatening penalties to any establishment with a Missouri liquor license or that sells food products for selling them. It also bans companies from producing hemp-derived THC beverages in Missouri. The Missouri Hemp Trade Association filed a lawsuit two days before the order took effect, asking for a state judge for a preliminary injunction. Missouri is currently shining a light on the THCA loophole. After more than 60,000 cannabis products were recalled last year, a company has revealed that it was importing THCA extracted from the hemp plant and putting it in marijuana products arguing that THCA is not actually intoxicating until it is heated, so it doesnt count as total THC. CANNRA told Congress that despite some states efforts to address this issue, many hemp businesses are selling THCA hemp flower that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC but has a total THC concentration of 15% to 20%. This so-called hemp is indistinguishable from marijuana flower, the association stated. Chuck Hatfield, an attorney for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, argues before the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 in Jefferson City as the court hears a case questioning whether an amendment to overturn the state's abortion ban should remain on the November ballot (Pool photo by Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch). The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday morning over whether to allow an abortion-rights amendment to remain on the Nov. 5 ballot. The court will decide whether the campaign behind Amendment 3, which would legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability and protect other reproductive rights, failed to comply with state law when drafting its initiative petition, the text circulated among registered voters. They are expected to rule quickly, since the deadline to remove a question from the ballot is 5 p.m. A group of anti-abortion lawmakers and activists filed a lawsuit late last month asking the court to take the measure off the ballot, saying the initiative petition failed to list what specific existing laws would be repealed if the amendment passed. Missouri law requires that initiative petitions include all sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure. Hours after a bench trial in circuit court on Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, recommending that the measure be taken off the ballot because 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. But he left the ultimate authority up to a higher court. In their briefing to the Supreme Court, the attorneys representing the anti-abortion group wrote that no comparable case has been brought before the court in the past. That is because proposed Amendment 3 is novel in its attempt to attach unlimited other subjects to a single, enormous issue that is so controversial that it eclipses all others in the minds of voters, the media and even the secretary of state, they wrote. Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the amendment, argued to the Supreme Court Tuesday that the oppositions briefs were light on legal arguments but weighty with political argument. He chalked the lawsuit filed by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, state Rep. Hannah Kelly, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and shelter operator Marguerite Forrest up to politics. The fact that [abortion] is controversial does not mean that the courts and state officials should cast aside the fundamental right to have that vote, he said. He maintained that because the amendment would not literally repeal any part of the law on its own, the campaign did not err. He added that constitutional amendments never repeal state statutes from the books. Instead, courts can render other statues invalid as a result of further legal action. Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas More Society arguing the case Tuesday on behalf of the plaintiffs, reiterated her contention that the initiative petition illegally included more than one subject, pointing to language protecting a persons fundamental right to reproductive freedom and saying such a phrase encompasses infinite subjects. Attorneys for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom said the single subject is reproductive freedom. While Limbaugh did not rule on this single subject claim, the Supreme Court has the opportunity to. After the hearing, both sides agreed on one point: the case is novel. Martin called the amendment novel in all that it encompasses. Tori Schafer, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, which is part of the coalition behind the amendment, said the same of the plaintiffs procedural arguments. Schafer said while an amendment hasnt been ordered off the Missouri ballot in several decades, Limbaughs ruling threatens to grind our system of constitutional initiative petition to a halt at the last minute, leaving in its wake the disenfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of voters Martin said they are not trying to undermine voters, but rather protect them. Weve worked for 50 years for the right to vote on abortion and I would desperately like, along with all Missouri voters, the opportunity to actually do so, she said. And not to have to vote on all of these issues at the same time. 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. Abortion is illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. Since the Supreme Court decision in June 2022 through March 2024, there were 64 abortions performed in Missouri under the states emergency exemption, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Meanwhile, thousands of Missourians have crossed state lines for the procedure. Last year, about 2,860 Missourians traveled to Kansas and 8,710 traveled to Illinois for abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research group that closely tracks abortion data. Ashcroft decertifies measure ahead of ruling On the eve of the Supreme Court hearing, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft decertified the ballot measure, a potentially unprecedented attempt to rescind his previous decision in an attempt to block the measure from the ballot. As of Tuesday morning, Amendment 3 remained absent from the secretary of states website listing measures to appear on the November ballot. Ashcroft said hed mistakenly certified Amendment 3. Attorneys representing Ashcroft in Cole County Court on Friday defended his decision. But on Monday, they said hed realized his error This court should simply dismiss this appeal because the appeal has now become moot, an attorney for Ashcroft told the Supreme Court on Tuesday, adding that Ashcroft believes he has the authority to decertify any measure up until eight weeks before the election. Attorneys for the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom in a filing Monday evening asked that Ashcroft be held in contempt of court, adding that his decision went against the courts stay order filed Monday morning that kept the amendment on the ballot until the highest courts decision was made. Hatfield told the judges Tuesday that his team filed a motion asking the court to stay the lower courts order and keep the amendment on the ballot until they made a decision because the secretary of state is going to be up to shenanigans and we need a stay to prevent a crisis in the system. He recognized the contempt request was highly unusual and put the court in a predicament. Its open contempt for your authority, Its open contempt for the rule of law, Hatfield said of Ashcroft. Its open contempt for the proper administration of justice to tell the public that hes going to take it off the ballot even though were here this morning having this discussion. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Missouri Supreme Court takes the bench on Sept. 10, 2024, in Jefferson City to hear a case questioning whether an amendment to overturn the state's abortion ban will remain on the state's November ballot. From left are Judges Kelly C. Broniec, Robin Ransom, W. Brent Powell, Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, Zel. M. Fischer, Paul C. Wilson and Ginger K. Gooch (Pool photo by Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Missourians will have the opportunity to vote to enshrine abortion in the state constitution this November, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. In a decision published less than three hours before the constitutional deadline to remove a question from the ballot, the Supreme Court reversed a lower courts ruling that recommended the measure be stripped from the Nov. 5 ballot. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft shall certify to local election authorities that Amendment 3 be placed on the Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballot and shall take all steps necessary to ensure that it is on said ballot, the judgment read. The court has not yet issued an opinion. This fight was not just about this amendmentit was about defending the integrity of the initiative petition process and ensuring that Missourians can shape their future directly, Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the amendment, said in a statement. In a lawsuit filed late last month, a number of anti-abortion lawmakers and activists sued Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft for certifying Amendment 3 for the ballot. The suit was brought forward by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, state Rep. Hannah Kelly, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and shelter operator Marguerite Forrest who in a statement Tuesday said the Supreme Court turned a blind eye in its ruling. The fight continues against the vile forces who have no regard for innocent life, they wrote. On the eve of the Supreme Court hearing, Ashcroft announced he was decertifying the measure, a potentially unprecedented attempt to rescind his previous decision in an attempt to block the measure from the ballot. The Supreme Court judges said Ashcroft missed his statutory deadline to change his mind. Respondent Ashcroft certified the petition as sufficient prior to that deadline, and any action taken to change that decision weeks after the statutory deadline expired is a nullity and of no effect, the judges wrote. Amendment 3 which had been stripped from the Secretary of States website on Monday was again listed under 2024 ballot measures as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. In order to get a citizen-led Amendment on the ballot, the campaign behind the measure must first collect enough signatures from six of Missouris eight congressional districts. When asked for signatures, state law requires that the amendment be attached in full. The initiative petition circulated by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom did not include any current law that would be repealed, the issue at the crux of the lower courts ruling. There is also a section of state law that requires initiative petitions include all sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure. Attorneys for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom have said the amendment would not repeal the states current abortion law or take it off the books. Instead, they said, it would create a new law that would supersede much of the existing one because not every element of the current law would be rendered moot, including laws protecting women who get abortions from prosecution. And, they added, anything that falls under the scope of the amendment would be left to the judicial system to interpret. Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh did not agree. On Friday he ruled that the campaign did not 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. While Limbaugh recommended the amendment be taken off the ballot, he ultimately left the decision up to a higher court. Four days later, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom. What this decision really says today is that we deserve to be on the ballot, said Tori Schafer, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, which is part of the coalition behind the amendment. That people deserve to make this decision for themselves. If passed on Nov. 5, the amendment would go into effect 30 days later. At that point, Schafer said there will likely be a series of legal challenges to clarify what the amendment means. But its very clear that when the amendment goes into effect, our states total abortion ban is over, Schafer said. The amendment reads in part: The government shall not deny or infringe upon a persons fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which is the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care. Abortion is illegal in Missouri with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. If the amendment passes by a simple majority, it would legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability and protect other reproductive rights, including birth control. Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas More Society who argued the case on behalf of the plaintiffs, called the Supreme Courts decision a failure to protect voters. We implore Missourians to research and study the text and effects of Amendment 3 before going to the voting booth, she said in a statement. Forck, one of the plaintiffs, was among a handful of anti-abortion activists who remained outside the Supreme Court building once a decision came down. We are resolved firmly to let the people of Missouri know exactly how insidious this Amendment 3 is, she said, later adding: This is a very slippery slope. The Missouri Republican Party called the ruling devastating. This ruling marks the most dangerous threat to Missouris pro-life laws in our states history, the party said in a statement Tuesday. Make no mistakethis amendment, bankrolled by radical out-of-state interest groups, is a direct assault on Missouri families and the values we hold dear. So far, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom has raised more than $15 million for the campaign, including seven-figure donations from national groups whose funders are not listed, including the Fairness Project. With the general election only eight weeks away, Democratic candidates drew on news of the Supreme Court decision to call on supporters. Voters will overturn Missouris cruel ban that has zero exceptions for rape and incest, Crystal Quade, the Democratic nominee for governor, said in a statement. And they deserve a governor who will protect the will of voters and the rights of every Missourian. Lucas Kunce, the Democrat running against incumbent U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, took an opportunity to call out Hawleys opposition to Amendment 3. The lies and lawfare, Kunce said, used by Josh Hawley and his allies to try to block a citizen-led effort to end their total abortion ban have failed. This story was updated at 4:50 p.m. to include reaction to the ruling. BOONE COUNTY, Mo. The Missouri Task Force 1 will be deploying to Louisiana ahead of Tropical Cyclone Francine making landfall. The task force was activated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ahead of the tropical storm making landfall on Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane near New Orleans. The team will join Tennessee Task Force 1 in Alexandria, LA, in assisting in rescue operations, medical support and other emergency services. Florissant cop stole nude photos during traffic stop: Lawsuit MO-TF1 will be deployed as a Type III task force, involving 35 personnel, 10 ground support personnel, over 100,000 pounds of equipment, and two live-find k9 units. Upon arrival in the staging area, the group will be given mission assignments based on the needs of local authorities and communities. The team will be accompanied by two members of a FEMA Incident Support team, who will serve as the Operations Section Chief and the Hazardous Materials Technician. The two will help support the effort by providing specialized expertise. MO-TF1 recently departed from the Boone County Fire Protection District Headquarters at 7 a.m. Tuesday and expects to arrive in Alexandria before 9 p.m. CST the same day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Missouri's top court on Tuesday ruled that a proposed abortion rights amendment to the state constitution will appear on the ballot in November. The decision will allow voters to decide whether to restore legal abortion in Missouri for the first time in more than two years. The state enacted a "trigger" law in 2022 that effectively banned abortion, following the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down a federal right to the procedure. The Missouri ruling overturned a lower court's decision last week to remove the amendment following a lawsuit from anti-abortion groups. Missouri is among the US states with the strictest abortion laws. Currently in effect is a total abortion ban outside of specific medical emergencies. It is now one of nine states that will vote on abortion rights at the same time as choosing the next president in November. The decision came just hours before the deadline to amend the the general election ballot. It is to begin taking "all steps necessary" to ensure that Amendment 3 is on the ballot, the court's judgement read. Mary Catherine Martin, a lawyer for the Thomas More Society, the group that filed the lawsuit opposing the measure, told judges on Tuesday that Amendment 3's wording would "absolutely mislead" voters. "The average voter reading this would have no way of knowing that it has a limiting effect" on the state legislature's ability to regulate abortion, Ms Martin said, the Washington Post reported. The measure, which offers to protect the right to abortion in Missouri until foetal viability, arrived after organisers had gathered more than 250,000 petition signatures. The secretary of state's office verified them last month. However, a lawsuit by anti-abortion groups to remove the amendment was accepted on Friday by a Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh, who agreed the measure failed to list what existing laws would be repealed if passed. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the group sponsoring the measure, appealed against the ruling over the weekend. Per state law, the ballot measure would need support from at least 50% of voters to pass. According to a St Louis University/YouGov poll in August, the measure received support from 52% voters. An attorney for a campaign to overturn Missouris near-total abortion ban told the state Supreme Court on Tuesday that the amendment should stay on the Nov. 5 ballot, arguing against a Cole County judges ruling. The court is weighing whether to remove the amendment, called Amendment 3, from the ballot, a major decision that will decide whether voters have the chance to overturn the ban this year. The amendment at issue would enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution. Chuck Hatfield, an attorney for the campaign, argued against Cole County Judge Christopher Limbaughs finding on Friday that the amendment did not adequately describe the existing state laws that would be changed by the abortion rights amendment. Constitutional amendments do not repeal statutes ever, Hatfield told the court on Tuesday. He said that the amendment does not expressly repeal state laws and that Limbaughs ruling was unprecedented. Tuesdays roughly 30-minute hearing centered on whether to uphold Limbaughs ruling that the measure was legally insufficient. The court is likely to rule later on Tuesday amid a tight 5 p.m. deadline before ballots have to be finalized. Limbaughs ruling was in favor of a lawsuit brought last month by two Republican lawmakers and an anti-abortion activist. Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney representing the Republican lawmakers and the anti-abortion activist, argued that the amendment violated state law and should be removed from the ballot. Martin, who works for the conservative law firm Thomas More Society, said the wording of the amendment does not reveal, on its face, what its doing. She claimed that it would mislead voters. At one point during the hearing, Judge W. Brent Powell appeared skeptical of some of the case law cited by the attorneys against the amendment. Ive not found any cases that analyzed whether and when there was a constitutional provision that may conflict with the statute, Powell said. Another focus of Tuesdays hearing centered on an attempt by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican, to unilaterally remove the amendment from the Nov. 5 ballot. Ashcroft sent a letter to the abortion rights campaign on Monday claiming to have rejected it after Limbaughs ruling. Hatfield excoriated Ashcrofts move and asked the court to hold him in contempt. Its open contempt for your authority, Hatfield told the judges. Its open contempt for the rule of law. Its open contempt for the proper administration of justice to tell the public that hes going to take it off the ballot, even though were here this morning having this discussion. Joshua Divine, the solicitor general of Missouri who defended Ashcroft, argued that Ashcroft was never under any court orders that barred him from removing the measure from the ballot. Powell also questioned that argument, saying that state law gives Ashcroft the authority to certify the measure for the ballot not to decertify it. Tuesdays likely decision comes after the abortion rights campaign, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, had campaigned for months across the state. The coalition of abortion rights groups raised millions of dollars and collected signatures from more than 380,000 voters to place the measure on the ballot. The proposed constitutional amendment would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution but also give lawmakers some room to regulate the procedure after fetal viability. The proposal defines fetal viability as the point in a pregnancy when a health care professional decides, based on the facts of the situation, there is a significant likelihood of the fetuss sustained survival outside of the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures. After Tuesdays hearing, Martin told reporters that she felt that voters would not approve the amendment if they knew of its full effect. I think if people understood its effects, no one would vote for it, she said. But Tori Schafer, the lead attorney representing the abortion rights campaign, told reporters that the state Supreme Court should reject Limbaughs ruling. The trial courts decision, siding with politicians, threatens to grind our system of constitutional initiative petition to a halt at the last minute, leaving in its wake the disenfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of voters, she said. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A new mobile grocery store in Trumbull County is bringing fresh food directly to neighborhoods across the county. Members of ACTION, Flying HIGH Inc., and elected officials cut the ribbon in front of the Trumbull County Mobile Market bus on Tuesday. In partnership with Flying High its GROW Urban Farm program, ACTION first launched the Mahoning Valley Mobile Market in 2022 with a goal of addressing food insecurities by bringing nutritious options to underserved parts of the community. Since then, its been able to reach more than 22,000 families in Mahoning County. Thanks to ARPA funding from the City of Warren and Trumbull County Commissioners, the group was able to launch its second mobile market in Trumbull County. Theyre going to go from Kinsman to Mesopotamia, from Newton Falls to Hubbard and everywhere in between, said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy. The mobile market will travel throughout Trumbull County, bringing the amenities of a grocery store, including pastas, milk, meat and fresh produce to people in underserved areas. A lot of our citizens are relegated because of geography, relegated to shopping at convenient stores, dollar stores, and they pay a high price for food thats not necessarily the highest quality, said Mayor Doug Franklin. Now, this grocery store on wheels will bring fresh options right into the community. The great thing about it is the food comes from local buyers and local producers, local farmers, eggs that are a little cheaper, said Rose Carter, executive director of ACTION. Anyone is eligible to shop with the mobile market. Its really neat thing, Malloy said. Instead of somebody eating dollar store dinners and eating at the local fast food restaurant, for them to have access to good healthy food is something thats going to just bring the morale and spirit up of everybody. The mobile schedule is listed 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 WKBN.com. Moderators shouldn't let Trump lie in this debate. Ask him these questions instead. The moderators at Tuesday nights presidential debate know full well what theyre going to get out of Donald Trump. Asked about an economic plan, hell say the word tariffs over and over, as if that means anything. Asked about immigration, hell say something along the lines of, Two words: Mass. Deportation. Two beautiful words. Questioned on his past lies about the 2020 election or any of his multitudinous legal problems, hell say RIGGED and WITCH HUNT until exhaustion sets in. Sprinkle in a heavy dose of bigotry and not-too-veiled racism and a bit of far-off-topic rambling and thatll be that. Trump has the depth of a kiddie pool. If hes asked general debate questions by ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, theyll get the same load he dumps on his rally goers. If Harris has to define herself, Trump needs some sharp questions as well Many see this debate as pivotal moment for Trumps opponent. The thinking is that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, having replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket in late July, has yet to fully introduce herself to voters. Thats fine, and I hope the moderators ask the vice president smart and pointed questions. But of at least equal importance is that Davis and Muir press Trump on the absurd and dangerous things he has said, and demand specifics from a man who avoids specificity like he avoids the truth. Why is Trump getting a pass? Trump is 78 and barely coherent. Where's everyone who questioned Biden's age and fitness? I have my doubts that the moderators are up to the task. Simply presenting Trump as a normal presidential candidate standing onstage next to the sitting vice president without also highlighting that he's a convicted felon who refused to participate in the peaceful transfer of power is giving the man a leg up. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to partake in the 2024 presidential debate on ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The reality, for those who still believe in such a thing, is that Trump is a historically abnormal candidate. He spouts conspiracies like a high-pressure sprinkler, he has been indicted for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election, he paints a dystopian picture of present-day America and he's surrounded by people who keep going to prison. He never shuts up about "the late, great Hannibal Lecter," and he's forever fleecing the followers he has hooked with violent rhetoric, selling them Trump-branded sneakers and Christmas ornaments and cheap hats. ABC News moderators will need to hold Trump's feet to the fire Sadly, normalizing him has become reflexive for news outlets in moments like this. So if the moderators want to do a true public service for voters, they will ask Trump questions like these: You have said you plan to remove millions of immigrants from the country in what youre calling a mass deportation effort. Can you explain specifically how that would work, what it would cost, where the money for such a massive program would come from and how it would impact communities across America and employers who rely on the people youd be deporting? On that same subject, at a recent rally you said mass deportation would be a bloody story. What did you mean by that, and are you expecting this program to be violent? Dick Cheney picks Kamala Harris, giving conservatives a final path to save GOP from Trump Trump should explain, in detail, his alleged understanding of tariffs Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump rallies his Wisconsin supporters in Mosinee on Sept. 7, 2024. At a recent event, you said tariffs alone would lower child care costs. Economists agree tariffs on foreign goods are effectively taxes that get paid by U.S. businesses, with the costs passed along to consumers. So how could that possibly impact an Americans child care costs? Please be specific. You have spent the years since your 2020 presidential election loss claiming the results of that election were not legitimate. Many of your supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, are now in prison because they believed you. But you recently said in an interview that you lost by a whisker. What changed your mind, and do you now accept the results of the previous election? A plan to imprison political opponents? That deserves a debate question. On Saturday, you posted on your social media site Truth Social that you will imprison your political opponents and anyone you feel has, in your words, cheated in the upcoming election. You wrote, in part: Please beware 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. In a democracy, how do you justify, with zero evidence, threats of political reprisals like this for things that havent happened? You have recently been saying that a child may go to school and, in your words, he comes home a few days later with an operation. Youre clearly referring to some kind of gender-affirming surgery, and you have been saying that the school decides whats going to happen with your child. You must know that none of that is true. That isnt something that is happening anywhere. Can you explain why you keep repeating such an obviously false story? Your opponent is biracial, and you have openly questioned her racial identity, suggesting she only recently happened to turn Black. Many Americans found that offensive. Would you like to apologize for that statement here in front of Vice President Harris? The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, site of the Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, has several interactive exhibits and educational resources about our founding document. Asking Trump generic debate questions won't help voters a bit If part of the moderators job is to help voters learn more about Harris, then its incumbent on them to ask questions that pierce Trumps armor of blather. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. When he doesnt answer, they need to ask follow-ups, and they should continue until he reveals something beyond his carnival-barking patter. Its a tall task, but anything less is a disservice. Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on X, formerly Twitter, @RexHuppke and Facebook facebook.com/RexIsAJerk You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump lies in every debate. ABC must hold his feet to the fire In the Spotlight is a Modesto Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@modbee.com. Stanislaus Surgical Hospital said Monday it will suspend operations indefinitely and lay off employees, due to a federal agency decision not to renew its provider agreement for serving Medicare and Medi-Cal patients. The temporary closure of the 23-bed hospital at Oakdale Road and Orangeburg Avenue is effective Saturday, a spokesperson said in a statement Monday. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is terminating the provider agreement with Stanislaus Surgical effective Sept. 15 because the hospital is not in compliance with conditions of participation in the programs, a CMS legal notice said. It is extremely unfortunate the hospital is losing its Medicare certification despite months of concerted efforts to work with the federal government, the hospitals statement said. The hospitals leadership disagrees with the action and will continue to weigh options for long-term direction, including a potential appeal, the statement added. There was no information on how long an appeal would take. The hospitals human resources director notified Stanislaus County officials on Monday the facility is starting to lay off 160 employees. The layoffs are anticipated before Sept. 15. The list of staff members includes registered nurses, admissions and office staff, nursing assistants, housekeepers, supervisors, physical therapy assistants, midlevel providers and imaging technicians. The letter to the county said the hospital will work with other Modesto-area healthcare providers to find new jobs for affected employees. Patients are being rescheduled for procedures or surgeries at other facilities. Last year, the Modesto hospital reportedly provided radiology services, surgeries and preventative screenings to 1,800 patients per month; between 60% and 80% of the patients were covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal. According to the CMS notice published Aug. 30, the provider agreement is being terminated because the surgical hospital is not meeting Medicare requirements under three categories: Basis and Scope, pharmaceutical services and infection prevention measures. The hospital wont receive payments for serving Medicare patients on or after Sept. 15, which will make the physician-owned facility financially unstable. Findings of health and safety problems that put patients at risk The owners of Stanislaus Surgical previously announced in April the hospital was likely to close May 1 after numerous health and safety issues were documented in critical regulatory surveys. But political support from Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, and other Central Valley politicians resulted in deadline extensions to meet the Medicare requirements. A CMS notice in April said the Modesto hospital was not complying with nine conditions of participation in Medicare. Officials with the hospital and its parent organization, Physicians Surgery Centers, were not made available Monday to discuss the unresolved issues with CMS. The federal decision in April to remove the for-profit hospital from Medicare was based on inspections in August 2023 and February that uncovered health and safety problems that jeopardized patients. Many of the allegations detailed in reports totaling 562 pages focused on equipment sterilization, infection control processes, anesthesia services and lack of qualified staff to assist patients who suffered serious complications after surgeries. Inspections found the hospital didnt have a code blue or rapid-response team for patients in medical emergencies. At the urging of Duarte and others, CMS reversed the April 11 decision and granted more time for the hospital to submit an acceptable plan for addressing the deficiencies and come into compliance. The federal agency promised an unannounced inspection before July 31 to see if the hospital was substantially complying with the requirements and had made sufficient progress. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services didnt have a comment Monday to elaborate on its decision. The facilitys 40-year history Stanislaus Surgical Hospital began in 1985 as an ambulatory surgery center founded by a private group of surgeons. The facility was licensed as an acute care hospital, without an emergency department, in early 2000. For some years, the short-stay hospital was known for letting overnight patients order chef-prepared meals from a gourmet menu. Sacramento-based Sutter Health became majority owner of the hospital in 2016. The hospital became part of Physician Surgery Centers LLC of Woodland Hills in 2022. (Stanislaus Surgical) has provided a unique patient experience to the community for over 20 years, earning us a five-star satisfaction rating from those patients, the hospitals statement said Monday. We are proud of the care we have delivered. Rahul Gandhi was appointed in June to lead India's opposition in parliament, a key post that had been vacant for a decade (Arun SANKAR) (Arun SANKAR/AFP/AFP) Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday denounced an "ideological war" in the South Asian country, ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party. Rahul Gandhi said there were "two completely different visions" between his Congress party and Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as he spoke to the National Press Club in the US capital Washington. "We believe in a plural vision, a vision where everybody has a right to thrive... an India where you're not persecuted because of what religion you believe in, or what community you come from, or which language you speak," he said. Gandhi, 54, was appointed in June to lead India's opposition in parliament, a key post that had been vacant for a decade. He is the scion of a dynasty that dominated Indian politics for decades and is the son, grandson and great-grandson of former prime ministers, beginning with independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru. His party's result in the 2024 election -- nearly doubling its parliamentary numbers -- defied analyst expectations and forced Modi's BJP to form a coalition to govern. In Washington, Gandhi said India had a problem with participation of weaker castes, pointing in particular to Dalits -- the once so-called "untouchables" in India's caste system. "So there is a very small percentage of India which is controlling the entire infrastructure," Gandhi said. He also criticized Modi's handling of relations with China, with which India shares a 2,100 mile (3,500 kilometer) border that is a constant source of tension and occasional confrontation between the two nations. "We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi. I think that's a disaster. I don't think Mr Modi's handled China well at all," he said. Gandhi, on a multi-day visit to the United States mainly to engage with its large Indian diaspora, has also met with US lawmakers. lb/bjt/st ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) In a unanimous vote Monday night, the Elmira City Council approved the repeal and replacement of its Fight on Blight list of worst landlords. The council first approved the bi-partisan resolution in April. It was co-sponsored by Mayor Dan Mandell and Fourth District Councilmember Gary Brinn. The original list included names and addresses of rental property owners who had active code violations, were not properly registered, or refused inspections. Mondays resolution says Elmira City Manager Michael Collins will now publish a new Fight on Blight housing report on the 15th of every month. The city says the report will include information on programs, partnerships, grants, enforcement actions, including civil filings. The monthly report will remain in effect until December 16, 2027. On Friday, Mayor Mandell told 18 News the new monthly report would still include names and addresses of property owners with multiple active code violations, who are persistent violators. Elmiras most unsafe blighted properties In a Facebook post Monday night, councilmember Brinn wrote: Tonight, we improved our Fight on Blight reporting. The new format is less restrictive, allows us to address landlord concerns, and allows us to celebrate our successes. Dont let anyone mis-characterize this effort. This was a win for Elmira. First District councilmember Nick Grasso issued his own statement while replying to Brinns post. Grasso said: Repealed in its entirety was the REAL win for Elmira! It added cumbersome work to an already resource and manpower strained department (code enforcement), without much of any gain for the City or residents. Publishing a list of naughty landlords on social media contributes absolutely zero productivity to the Flight on Blight. In fact, its very counterproductive. And EXACTLY why I was the only one to vote NO on it (per usual) from the beginning. Evidently, its hard for my peers to ever acknowledge, let alone admit that Im right about anything, however the record says it all! Councilmember Grasso was among the ayes in a 6-0 vote Monday to repeal and replace the original law. Fifth District councilmember Jackie Wilson was absent. Which unsafe properties will be demolished next in Elmira? Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A new monument at OSU pays tribute to two iconic Cowboys A new monument at OSU pays tribute to two iconic Cowboys STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) Meeting his hero was a big deal for 5-year-old Harold Holden, after winning first prize in the Enid Cherokee Strip Days Parade in 1945. No one could have predicted what those moments between Frank Pistol Pete Eaton and the future artist would turn into nearly 80 years later. GREAT STATE: The Annual Round Barn Ukulele Festival brings together an instrument that enjoys company On a Friday afternoon in September, 2024, Holdens friends and family, along with Pistol Petes, and re-Petes in the form of the Oklahoma State University mascot, came together to celebrate the spark created in a boys imagination. Holden became a celebrated western artist, a painter and sculptor whose monuments already grace 3 other spots on the OSU campus. Harold was working on a huge likeness of Eaton when he passed away in December of 23. We watched the next spring as two artist friends finished Holdens work, and supervised as the clay made its way to a bronze foundry. Fellow sculptor John Rule told us in March, We want to leave as much of what H did as we can. Unveiled, people close to both men agreed. This huge, statue of Eaton sitting a little cockeyed in the saddle, with a faraway look in his eye, manages to capture both cowboys perfectly. Its great to see it come to fruition, says Rule at the unveiling ceremony. Harolds widow Edna Mae Holden said this day was long in coming. This is the piece he wanted to do longer than any of the rest of them, she said, so its been a good bookend. Frank Eatons great-grandson David Case, who bears more than a passing resemblance to Pete says his family couldnt be happier either. Fantastic, he gushed. This is the coolest thing that anyone could ever do for any family. Edna Mae told the audience Harold would have been nervous about appearing at an event like the unveiling, and might have needed a stiff drink to get him through. GREAT STATE: Here Today: Marketing Prof. writes a book about his search for Oklahomas ghost towns He, of course, would be fretting about having to talk in front of an audience, and would probably need to make a little detour to Crown Town (Crown Royal whiskey was a favorite of his) to have gotten up here in the first place. Neither cowboy could be here to see it, but a whole bunch of Cowboys are glad to have a permanent reminder of their undying spirit. Harold Holdens sculpture of Pistol Pete is located on the corner of Duck and McElroy in Stillwater just beyond the outfield at the Cowgirl Softball stadium. Great State is sponsored by Oklahoma Proton Center Follow Galens Great State adventures on social media! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than 127 dead in Vietnam super typhoon Typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to hit Vietnam in 30 years [Reuters] At least 127 people have now died and 54 others are missing in northern Vietnam, according to officials, as a super typhoon which hit on Saturday continues to bring heavy rainfall, landslides and flooding. Thousands of people were seen stranded on rooftops in some northern provinces, while others posted desperate pleas for help on social media on Tuesday. Typhoon Yagi - Vietnam's most powerful storm in 30 years - has wreaked havoc across the north of the country, leaving 1.5 million people without power. On Monday, dashcam footage showed the moment the Phong Chau bridge in Phu Tho province gave way, plunging several vehicles into the water below. Yagi brought winds of nearly 150km/h (92 mph) to northern Vietnam [EPA] Although it has now weakened into a tropical depression, authorities have warned Yagi will create more disruption as it moves westwards. Phan Thi Tuyet, 50, who lives close to the river, told the AFP news agency that she had never experienced such high water. "I have lost everything, all gone," she said, clutching her two dogs. "I had to come to higher ground to save our lives. We could not bring any of the furniture with us. Everything is under water now." The storm - which brought winds of nearly 150km/h (92mph) - has damaged bridges, torn roofs off buildings, damaged factories and triggered widespread flooding and landslides, leaving 64 people still missing. Authorities have now issued flood and landslide warnings for 401 communes across 18 northern provinces. One-storey homes in parts of Thai Nguyen and Yen Bai provinces were almost completely submerged in the early hours of Tuesday, with residents waiting on the roofs for help. As well as the dead and missing, flooding and landslides have also injured at least 752 people, officials at the ministry of agriculture said on Tuesday. Before hitting Vietnam, Yagi left 24 people dead across southern China and the Philippines. Meteorologists say that as the world warms typhoons can bring higher wind speeds and more intense rainfall, although the influence of climate change on individual storms is complicated. Parts Thai Nguyen province, just north of Hanoi, have been almost entirely submerged [Getty Images] Over two months have passed since President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump squared off in this 2024 presidential elections first debate. On Tuesday, when Trump takes the stage against Vice President Kamala Harris, the two candidates kick off a frantic final sprint to Election Day against the backdrop of an entirely different race. In the weeks following Bidens poor performance in that June debate, the election flipped on its head: a would-be assassin made an attempt on Trumps life, Biden dropped out of the race, and Harris breathed new life into Democrats White House hopes. With less than two months until Election Day, Tuesdays debate is Harris and Trumps best opportunity to gain momentum. Both campaigns need something to shift the dynamic in their favor right now, said Ben Warner, director of the University of Missouris Political Communication Institute. Theres no better opportunity than this debate. Audience expectations for debate If past presidential debates are any indication, the Tuesday night event in Philadelphia (7 p.m. MT, ABC) should play host to a massive audience, likely over 70 million people. Its almost certainly going to be the most-viewed single event this year, other than the Super Bowl, Warner said. Its an opportunity that the two campaigns are managing in markedly different fashions. Trump has opted to prepare for the debate by holding a half-dozen policy sessions with top aides in recent weeks, The Washington Post reports, assisted by former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who ran against Harris in the 2020 presidential primary. Harris, meanwhile, has participated in a debate camp, where her team crafted a mock debate studio and enrolled a Trump stand-in to lead hours of debate role play. Trump, whose performance in the June debate launched Republicans into weeks of celebration, looks to replicate that success. Ever since Biden dropped out in late July, Trumps lead in national polling has vanished. Trump and Harris are now neck-and-neck in polls. If either candidate has an opportunity for a post-debate polling bump, its Harris, according to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll: 28% of likely voters said they still need to know more about Harris, while only 9 percent said the same of Trump. The tens of millions of people that tune into this may be seeing Harris for the first time, Aaron Kall, the director of debate at the University of Michigan, said. She needs to reassure people that they know what theyll get from her. Harris has faced criticism throughout her short-lived campaign for being sparse on her policy plans. She unveiled key parts of her economic agenda in an August speech and detailed her foreign policy strategy during her DNC acceptance address. But in the debate, when Trump attacks her for not being forthright, Harris cannot wiggle her way out with more ambiguity, said Scott Howell, the former Utah Senate minority leader. In the debate that shes having with Trump, she has got to be forward in those answers, and no excuses, said Howell, who hosted Harris in Salt Lake City for the 2020 vice presidential debate. The debate is a prime opportunity to explain to voters who she is, Warner added. A lot of voters know she is the vice president, but not much more, he said. They really want to see the kind of person she is, and want to feel they know what she stands for. Thats the type of learning you get from watching someone for 90 minutes, unscripted, against their opponent. Will Trump stay on message? Trump, meanwhile, will attempt to convince voters that they already know enough about her. Even as Harris polls near Trump head-to-head, a majority of American voters remain pessimistic about the economy and the overall direction of the country, according to an August Deseret News/HarrisX national poll. The Trump campaign has attempted to pin that unpopularity on Harris. Its not complicated: (Trump) needs to focus on his record versus her record, said Larry Elder, an ally of Trump and a Republican political commentator. Most Americans think were on the wrong track on the economy. They think were on the wrong track on immigration. (Harris) says shes the last person in the room on every major decision, but somehow shes distanced herself from the bad ones. That strategy will require Trump to be disciplined and focused. In his six general election presidential debates in 2016, 2020 and 2024 Trump has often come across as brash and derogatory, which hurts him among undecided voters. You dont need to call Kamala dumb, Nikki Haley, who endorsed Trump at the RNC in July, said on Fox News Monday. You dont need to talk about intelligence or looks or anything else. Just focus on the policies. Trump has shown short flashes of discipline, Kall said. He should try to emulate the beginning of the June debate, Kall said. The beginning of that debate was good, and the beginning of his RNC speech was good. He was not as nasty as hes been in past debates. That approach will help him among undecided voters, Elder added. Trump needs to understand his audience isnt The New York Times; its the handful of people who havent made their decision who think hes erratic and chaotic, he said. He needs to be calm and make his case: are you better now than you were four years ago? Will Trump do that? I think hell be advised to do that, Elder added, laughing. Trump is Trump. Hes a spontaneous guy. Thats what makes him great. But he can also be his own worst enemy. At a recent rally, Trump seemed to say which route he would choose. You know, they always say, Sir, please stick to policy, dont get personal, Trump said, probably referring to his advisors. Later at the rally, Trump let the crowd decide. Should I get personal, or should I not get personal? The first option, Politico reported, got the loudest cheers. More Mecklenburg residents are getting access to health care, but the county is struggling to address maternal mortality and a mental health crisis, county public health officials say. County health director Dr. Raynard Washington on Tuesday presented the 2024 State of the County Health Report to county commissioners. The health department presents the report during years when it doesnt have a new multi-year Community Health Assessment, which examines local needs. The 2024 report shows Mecklenburg made strides decreasing the number of uninsured adults, down to 13.2% of residents from about 16% in 2018, and adults without a primary care doctor, down to 22.3% of residents from about 28% in 2018. The county also reported a decrease in the number of residents unable to see a doctor due to the cost, down to 15.1% of residents from about 19% in 2018. The data came from multiple local, state and federal sources. Washington attributed some of the gains in access to health care to the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina and predicted the expansion would lead to more progress. We hope it will continue to improve, he said. Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Washington also highlighted two areas of concern: mental health and maternal and infant health. The rates of young people in Mecklenburg going to emergency rooms due to suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt and of adults going to emergency rooms due to depression are getting worse, according to the presentation. The rate of adults reporting eight or more days per month of not good mental health also increased, to 20.1% of residents from about 15% in 2018. Theres just a general level of mental distress in the community, Washington said. Washington told commissioners the health departments goal is to slow the growing rate of people experiencing mental health issues. Change in these areas is not immediate. Its not like dealing with an infectious disease, he said. The county is also struggling to meet its goals to decrease rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality, preterm birth and low birth weight, especially when it comes to how pregnancy complications disproportionately affect women and children of color. We continue to see disparities across racial groups, he said. Asked how Mecklenburg compares to other communities, Washington said the county is broadly above the middle, but its overall health is definitely poorer than some other parts of the state particularly Wake County. It just depends on which community you compare us to, he said County health director addresses measles case Washington also addressed a case of measles announced earlier in the week. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Monday announced a child in Mecklenburg County was diagnosed with measles, the first confirmed case in North Carolina since 2018. Washington said the county health department is working with state and federal partners to follow up on any potential exposures related to the case. Right now, it does appear the situation is largely isolated. There are not a significant number of potential community exposures, which is good news, he said. He reiterated the importance of vaccinating kids against preventable diseases, including measles, mumps and whooping cough. We are seeing a resurgence of these conditions that are essentially preventable if kids get vaccinated, he said. A new trove of sunken Nazi ships has emerged in the River Danube, following a blistering summer drought that caused water levels to drop, according to new reporting by Reuters. The German vessels, still decked out with explosives, were discovered by the Serbian town of Prahovo. Hundreds of miles up the river, receding water revealed four other ships by Hungary's Danube-Drava National Park. This set of vessels was from before 1950, the outlet said. This isn't the first time ships have cropped up in the River Danube, Europe's second-longest river at 1,770 miles. Perennial droughts and heat waves have led to drastic drops in water levels each year, exposing German ships while simultaneously threatening the drinking supply and frustrating navigators weaving their way down the water route that stretches from the Black Forest in southwestern Germany to the Black Sea in eastern Romania. "Captains must be extremely cautious and incidents such as grounding frequently occur," Damir Vladic, the manager of the port of Prahovo, told AFP. "It only takes a slight deviation from the navigable route to cause problems." Dozens of scattered ships operated by Nazi Germany's Black Sea fleet appeared in 2022 near Prahovo after water levels reached record lows. That year, the Copernicus program, managed by the European Commission, documented the water scarcity along the Danube and said certain parts of the river in western Europe were unnavigable. The lowest level recorded in the Danube was 1.3 feet in October 2018, according to Reuters. On Tuesday, the Danube measured 3.8 feet high by Budapest, the outlet said. How the Nazi ships ended up stuck in the Danube Nazi Germany and its allies occupied the Western Balkans from 1941 to 1945, where they imposed an iron-fisted rule and fought communist partisan guerillas. But following the disastrous invasion of the Soviet Union, German forces were steadily driven back to its borders. As Nazi troops retreated west, Germany scuttled scores of ships from its Black Sea fleet across the Danube in September 1944. The aim was to slow the Red Army by clogging the river, but also to prevent the vessels from falling into Soviet hands. "The Germans were retreating from the Red Army," said historian Velimir Miki Trailovic. "They wanted to pass through the Djerdap Gorge," he added, referring to a nearby narrow river pass. "But when they realized they couldn't, they decided to scuttle the ships." The Nazis sank nearly 200 vessels during their retreat, including transport ferries, barges and torpedo boats, according to Trailovic. Clearing the river of the WWII boats For 80 years, the boats remained largely undisturbed on the bottom of the Danube. During droughts, the hulking steel hull of a German tugboat marked UJ-106 pierced the surface near Prahovo. A 2022 initiative financed by the European Investment Bank and Western Balkans Investment Framework has provided nearly 30 million euros to oversee a salvage operation to remove the crafts. The first ship a minesweeper was pulled from the Danube in August. Local port workers even suggested the vessel could be relaunched after patching up its holes and extensive cleaning. But removing the ships is complicated by the submerged munitions buried with them, which require careful maneuvering to avoid any risk of detonating them. "The ships are full of mines, shells and unexploded ordnance, which could cause major, catastrophic problems if they were to explode," Trailovic told AFP. Serbian officials estimate it will take a year and a half to remove the ships. "In the coming months, we will retrieve 21 ships that have been lying on the bottom of the Danube," said Goran Vesic, Serbia's minister of construction, transportation and infrastructure. What Harris, Trump have said on economy, immigration ahead of debate How Trump and Harris are navigating ABC's debate rules Election officials discuss threats, anxiety as Election Day approaches Pope Francis meets clergy, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili. East Timor also known as Timor Leste is the third stop of a marathon 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific region. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa More than one-third of the entire population of former war-torn East Timor poured onto the streets near its capital Dili on Tuesday to celebrate mass with Pope Francis on the penultimate stop of the 87-year-old pontiff's longest foreign trip to date. More than 600,000 worshippers took part in the open-air service near Dili, local authorities said. The capital has a population of around 222,300. The entire country counts 1.5 million people as residents. Tens of thousands lined the streets on the way to the service and other public life was essentially paralysed. East Timor has only been independent from Indonesia since 2002. It is one of the only two states in South-East Asia, together with the Philippines, with a majority Christian population. As a result of colonization by Portugal, almost all inhabitants are Catholic. All state institutions, including schools were closed for three days because of the pope's visit. There were complaints in the run-up to the visit because the government had confiscated several hectares of land for the open-air mass. Non-governmental organizations charged that more than 180 families who had made their homes there were relocated. There were also protests because the costs to host the pope are running into the millions. Large sections of the population in East Timor live in poverty. In his sermon, Francis urged people not to abandon the poor. President Jose Ramos-Horta, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 together with Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, were also present at the mass. The bishop, however, is now considered a persona non grata after accusations of having sexually abused boys. He was reprimanded by the Vatican and is hardly ever seen. However, Belo is still popular with large sections of the population. Francis did not address the scandal in his sermon. The elderly pope is travelling on to Singapore on Wednesday and will return to Rome on Friday. His previous stops were Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The 12-day trip is part of the Argentinian-born pope's programme to visit countries and people far away from Rome and on the margins of society. Pope Francis meets clergy, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili. East Timor also known as Timor Leste is the third stop of a marathon 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific region. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa Pope Francis meets clergy, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili. East Timor also known as Timor Leste is the third stop of a marathon 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific region. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa Pope Francis meets the Jesuits at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili. East Timor also known as Timor Leste is the third stop of a marathon 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific region. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa More than shelter, campus to provide wrap around care to a growing population in Louisville Renderings of the Community Care Campus under construction in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood. (Volunteers of America) LOUISVILLE Construction has begun on Louisvilles Community Care Campus, a multi-building site in the Smoketown area aimed at providing housing, medical and other services to unhoused people in Kentuckys largest city. The campus, funded in part by the General Assembly, is now slated to open in 2027, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday. Demolition of several existing structures on the campus grounds will begin next week. Greenberg was joined on the future grounds by Jennifer Hancock, the president and CEO of Volunteers of America, which is planning and will operate the campus. Every day, we see how homelessness has increased on our city streets, and the need for more housing services has become even more urgent, Hancock said. My colleagues and I are ready and eager to address this challenge and opportunity for our city head on. House Republican Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, and Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, also spoke. How is the campus funded? The $58 million campus will include shelter for unhoused families, a health clinic, transitional housing for young adults, food services and an office for Louisville Metro Police. The campus will also include a playground, activity courtyard and family lawn, according to 2024 floor plans. Of the $58 million price projection, $23 million was appropriated by the General Assembly and Louisville Metro Government. Another $19 million came from low income housing tax credits. VOA raised an additional $1 million, and says it will announce a major investment next week, which will go toward the remaining $16 million needed to finish the project. During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers approved a two-year budget, which included $100 million for projects in Louisville, including the Community Care Campus. Hancock said the police office on the campus is not built on a premise of enforcement. If that has to happen, of course, we need them to do their jobs, she said. But there is so much upside to having them be part of the community that we are going to create. Greenberg said having a police presence in the campus will be a chance for police to develop stronger relationships with nonprofit partners and build relationships with individuals themselves to show that we are policing in a new way in this city. In August, the Department of Justice said Louisvillians needed better access to community based services to end a cycle of over-policing as a solution to mental health crises. Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said the Community Care Campus is a response to the DOJ report, but it is not in response to the DOJ report. What the data shows A report from The Coalition for the Homeless showed that between 2018 and 2021, homelessness in Louisville increased 41%, from 7,572 to 10,640. The number of people who sought non-shelter services also increased from 75 to 3,724. Of those in need, Hancock said Tuesday, the greatest problem today is the number of families who are unhoused. So, while the Community Care Campus will help individuals, she said, it will prioritize families. The campus will have an economic benefit to the city, Greenberg and others said. In 2023, Greenberg said, 15% of fire department runs involved encampments or interactions with people experiencing homelessness. That includes medical responses and runs to fires in homeless shelters, encampments, vacant house fires and fires started by squatters, a VOA spokesperson said. Also in 2023, the city spent $400,000 on removal of solid waste both garbage and human waste left at encampments. Thats down from $600,000 in 2022, according to VOA data. Stivers praised Greenbergs efforts to make sure Louisville has a great downtown for the purpose of being functional and aesthetically really good looking. But its not going to be someplace that people want to come to if theres a large homeless population in and around the area that dont feel safe, Stivers said. I can talk about all the economics, I can talk about all the tourism, but lets talk about basic humanity. We need to take care of those who most need help. While VOA works on the campus, it will also open a temporary shelter for families and children during the upcoming winter months, Hancock said. Rep. Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville, said the campus is a great step in addressing one of our most important issues in her county. Its not only about housing, she said. Its about providing critical services in one place that truly wraps around an entire individual, young person, family and sets them on a path to stable housing in the future. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The crew on MSNBCs Morning Joe slammed JD Vance on Tuesday for pushing a bizarre claim that illegal immigrants are eating peoples cats in his state. The bizarre conspiracy spread like wildfire online as MAGA figures pushed the claims, which appear to stem from a post in a Facebook group for Springfield, Ohio, residents that said Haitians in the area were hunting animals including cats and ducks. In an X post Monday, Vance said hed complained months ago about the impact of Haitian illegal immigrants in Springfield and that unspecified [r]eports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? JD Vance Pushes Bonkers Theyre Eating Cats Conspiracy Police in Springfield quickly debunked the viral rumors, confirming they hadnt received reports of pets going missing or being eaten, adding that the purported issue is not something thats on our radar right now. On Tuesday, Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski said she didnt even know where to begin with the story. In 2018, 2020, the lie about immigrants and illegal immigrants [...] was that they were bringing leprosy to America, co-host Joe Scarborough said with a laugh. Which of course they were not. Now, it is that they are eating your dogs. Cats, appositely named co-host Katty Kay corrected. This is absolutely ridiculous and scraping the bottom of the barrel, she added. And JD Vance has been amplifying this. Scarborough expressed dismay that we now have people on the presidential ticket actually spreading these lies. Now you have JD Vance running around going: They are eating your cats, Scarborough said. Whats this guys obsession about cats? First he hates them, then he likes them, hes trying to save them [...] I dont get it. The comment appeared to be a reference to the Ohio senators previous controversial remarks about childless cat ladies. Scarborough also slammed those boosting the complete lie about cat-eating and later in the show singled out Vance for particular criticism. The guy who has this singular obsession with catsfirst talking about childless cat ladies, and now talking about the eating of catsJD Vance knows better than anybody else the contributions immigrants have made to this country, he said. The immeasurable contributions. Because he worked with them for years in Silicon Valley and got rich doing it. And so he knows hes lying, he knows this is nonsense, he knows hes playing to the lowest common denominator. Later on Tuesday, Vance doubled down in a post on X, saying his office had received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield over the last several weeks saying their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, he added. 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. Ukraine has unleashed the heaviest drone attack so far against Moscow. The overnight raid on the Russian capital killed at least one person and caused widespread damage and disruption. The long-range strikes come as Ukrainian officials are increasingly frustrated by Western restrictions on using weapons that they have supplied to hit targets deep within Russia. Ukraine has unleashed what was reportedly the heaviest drone attack so far against Moscow. The overnight raid on the Russian capital killed at least one person and caused significant damage and disruption. As is typical for Ukrainian attacks of this kind on targets in Russian territory, there was no immediate comment from Kyiv. Russian officials, however, responded angrily, accusing Ukraine of deliberately attacking civilian areas. One of Putin's slaves goes to film herself watching Ukrainian drones pour onto Moscow. pic.twitter.com/rtZob2gplv Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) September 10, 2024 A Moscow woman with the sounds of bestial glee as war comes home. pic.twitter.com/40KgKJ1YGf Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) September 10, 2024 In all, Russia claims that it brought down at least 20 Ukrainian drones over the Moscow region, and 124 more over eight other regions. While these claims cannot be independently verified, available videos posted to social media make clear the fact that this was a significant and sustained attack, with the Moscow region being particularly heavily hit. At least one person, a 46-year-old woman, was killed in Ramenskoye, near Moscow, according to Russian authorities, when fire engulfed a high-rise residential building, leaving another three people wounded, according to regional governor Andrei Vorobyov. Meanwhile, 43 people were evacuated to temporary accommodation centers. Dozens of homes in the region were reportedly hit. Several videos show, from very close quarters, a drone impacting a Moscow high-rise building, although its unclear if this is the same one that was struck in Ramenskoye. Lucky: Ukrainian kamikaze UAV hits a high-rise building in Moscow region, filmed very closely. pic.twitter.com/Kl9xct4Oc3 Clash Report (@clashreport) September 10, 2024 Karma is real and its coming to you, russia pic.twitter.com/kgc3WKb24r Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) September 10, 2024 Consequences of drone attacks on anthills near Moscow https://t.co/EFizIJU5sKpic.twitter.com/5jWkqzXisU Aurora Diogo (@aurora_diogo) September 10, 2024 Footage purportedly taken by residents in Moscow this morning shows palls of smoke continuing to rise over the capital. The disruption in the wake of the drone strikes led to the closure of Moscows four main airports (other reports state three) for more than six hours, during which time around 50 flights had to be diverted. Among the airports that were temporarily closed to air traffic was Domodedovo International, which was reportedly targeted for the first time. At Zhukovsky, a fire was started on the runway by falling debris from a drone, Moscows mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, confirmed. A series of videos posted to social media show a blaze next to an airliner and an airport bus. There was a disco at Zhukovsky airport at night pic.twitter.com/fsYb77VENQ (@TheDeadDistrict) September 10, 2024 Zhukovsky is a joint civilian-military airfield, well-known as being the home of Russian flight testing and also the location for the Moscow International Aviation and Space Show (MAKS). A satellite image of Zhukovsky International Airport, dated October 2022. Google Earth Ukraine launches a massive drone attack on the Moscow region, targeting airports for the first time. There havent been any civilian flights in Ukraine since February 2022, and Ukraine is seeking some reciprocity. Here is a drone burning on the runway of Moscows Zhukovsky pic.twitter.com/YkcTrAJzfm Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) September 10, 2024 One of the intercepted Ukrainian UAVs in the Moscow region and its burning remains on the grounds of Zhukovsky Airport. pic.twitter.com/qzRvHkZfPB War Watch (@WarWatchs) September 10, 2024 Zhukovsky Airport is closed for aircraft arrivals and departures.#Moscow pic.twitter.com/iBJO3kjQha Aurora Borealis (@aborealis940) September 10, 2024 One of the major arterial roads serving Moscow, the Kashirskoye highway, was reportedly blocked due to falling wreckage. There is no way that nighttime strikes on residential neighborhoods can be associated with military action, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Kyiv regime continues to demonstrate its nature. They are our enemies, and we must continue the Special Military Operation to protect ourselves from such actions. Outside of the Moscow region, drones were reportedly brought down by Russian air defenses over the regions of Bryansk (more than 70 drones brought down, per the Russian Ministry of Defense) and Tula (where officials said drone wreckage landed on a fuel and energy facility but didnt put it out of action). Other regions where Ukrainian drone activity was reported comprise Belgorod, Kursk, Oryol, and Smolensk. A famous Russian rapper showed the aftermath of a drone raid on Moscow from his apartment window. pic.twitter.com/6mkbnIXQ6Z WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 10, 2024 A recent spate of long-range drone strikes has accompanied the Ukrainian cross-border assault into the Kursk region of western Russia, which began just over a month ago. At the same time, Russian troops have continued to make small but steady advances in eastern Ukraine. At the beginning of the month, Ukraine launched another large-scale drone attack that primarily targeted Russian energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries. While civilian areas of Moscow and other major Russian cities have seen fewer drone strikes, any successful raids launched against the Russian capital are a major propaganda coup for Ukraine and a morale blow for the Kremlin leadership. In response to earlier, smaller-scale drone attacks on Moscow, the citys air defenses were bolstered, including the deployment of Pantsir short-range air defense systems on the tops of buildings. Importantly, the overnight drone raids employed Ukrainian-made long-range one-way attack drones, with at least one video seemingly indicating the use of the twin-boom Lyutyy, a drone that is superficially similar to the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 also used by Ukraine, but very different in mission and capabilities, with a significantly longer range. Morning wave of drones in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/HCUbXRmMSQ (@TheDeadDistrict) September 10, 2024 Ukraine continues to use domestically developed weapons for these long-range strikes, which began primarily as a means of taking the war to Russia, while the odds on the battlefield were very much weighted against Kyiv. Increasingly, the asymmetric advantage offered by ever more sophisticated drones has seen the campaign ramped up and used to target critical infrastructure targets, especially those associated with Russian energy production and exports. Ukrainian officials, like their Russian counterparts, have insisted that they do not target civilians, although the overnight attacks on Russia appear to have hit multiple civilian buildings, causing death and injury in the process. Its unclear whether non-military objectives were deliberately targeted, or whether drones missed their intended targets, due to technical malfunctions, electronic warfare jamming, or simply being shot down over civilian areas. The wreckage of one of the drones that attacked 9 regions of Russia tonight fell on the territory of Zhukovsky airport near Moscow. pic.twitter.com/ObGWM76CZI NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 10, 2024 Russia, for its part, also continues its campaign of long-range drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, during which civilian areas have been heavily impacted, killing thousands while also having a major impact on the countrys energy infrastructure. Overnight, Russian drone and missile attacks injured at least three, damaged buildings, and caused fires across Ukraine, according to authorities. The Ukrainian Air Force claimed the destruction of 38 out of 46 Russian drones during a wave of strikes against 13 regions. Two Russian missiles were also used in the strikes, the Ukrainian Air Force added. While Kyiv is very clearly set upon striking targets deep within Russian borders, including the most high-profile ones, it remains to be seen what the longer-term effects are upon the population within Russia. After all, since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the war has seemed distant for many Russian citizens. The combination of long-range drone strikes including heavy raids on Moscow and the continued cross-border operation into the Kursk region is now bringing the realities of the war much closer to home for many Russians. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com A total of 14 drones flying towards Moscow were shot down in Russia on the night of 9-10 September. Source: Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram; Russian news Telegram channel SHOT Details: The drones were shot down in the urban districts of Podolsk, Ramenskoye, Lyubertsy, Domodedovo and Kolomna. Sobyanin also said that early reports indicate that there was no damage or casualties at the crash site. Emergency services are working at the scene. Russian media reported that Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports had been closed, and the Kovyor (Carpet) Plan had been announced. [A Kovyor plan is an airport operational safety procedure for airport services and personnel when an unidentified object appears in the sky ed.] Updated: Later, Sobyanin wrote that air defence systems in the Domodedovo urban district had allegedly shot down two more drones flying towards Moscow. A series of explosions also rocked the city of Zhukovsky near Moscow. Witnesses said they had heard at least ten loud explosions in the sky. The wreckage of one of the downed UAVs fell on a motorway. There is currently no information about any casualties. Also, residents of Ramenskoye near Moscow report that the wreckage of one of the UAVs hit a residential high-rise building. A fire is visible at the scene. There is currently no information about casualties. The ninth and tenth floors of the building are on fire. Later, there was information about two more buildings that were allegedly hit by drone debris. In addition, the Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow was damaged, and Sobyanin said that firefighting operations were underway at the airport. Background: On the night of 9-10 September, authorities and media reported a drone attack in seven oblasts of Russia. Support UP or become our patron! The most famous book set in every state We identified the most famous book set in every state.Natalia Bostan/Shutterstock Business Insider identified the most famous book set in every state through surveys and research. The list features various genres, from historical fiction and thrillers to romance novels. This compilation highlights America's diverse literary landscape. One of the best ways to learn more about a place and its people is by traveling there but when you can't do that, books are your next best bet. To borrow from Dr Seuss' "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!": "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." In the US, where each state has a storied past and varied cultures and traditions, there's so much to explore. If you're curious about life in Louisiana or itching to experience the many neighborhoods in New York City or just love reading about new places one way to travel across the country without going through the trouble of rental cars or airports is by picking a book in the comfort of your home. To ensure you have the most wholesome literary tour around the country, Business Insider scoured published listings and surveyed our reporters for their best picks, rounding up the most famous book set in every state and, as a bonus Washington DC, too. Here are the most famous books set in every state. Melissa Stanger contributed reporting on a previous version of this post. ALABAMA: "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Amazon When a local attorney is asked to defend an African American man accused of rape, he has to decide between doing what's right and doing what society expects of him, launching his children right in the middle of the conflict. This Pulitzer Prize winner is set in Maycomb, a community divided by racism and inspired by Lee's hometown of Monroeville. Find out more about this book here. ALASKA: "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. Amazon Christopher McCandless, a young man from a family of money, donates all of his savings to charity and abandons his possessions before hitchhiking into the Alaskan wilderness to reinvent himself. This true-story survival-drama was made into a movie of the same name in 2007, directed by Sean Penn and starring Emile Hirsch, shedding light on McCandless' idealism of a life unburdened by material possessions and the harsh realities of the Alaskan wild. Find out more about this book here. ARIZONA: "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver. Amazon Taylor is well on her way to escaping small-town life. But shortly into her journey to Tucson, Arizona, where she hopes to start over, a stranger leaves her with a Native American toddler with a traumatic past. Kingsolver's story of finding salvation in a barren situation is packed with real places and events. Find out more about this book here. ARKANSAS: "A Painted House" by John Grisham "A Painted House" by John Grisham. Amazon Luke Chandler lives on a cotton farm with his parents and grandparents and suddenly finds himself keeping the deadly secrets of harvest workers. The legal-thriller follows the 7-year-old as he grows up and loses his innocence in the 1950s. The narrator's upbringing in rural Arkansas inspired this coming-of-age tale. Find out more about this book here. CALIFORNIA: "Play It As It Lays" by Joan Didion "Play It As It Lays" by Joan Didion. Amazon Joan Didion's 1970 novel established her as a master fiction writer in addition to an already acclaimed nonfiction one. Set in Nevada, New York, and Hollywood, it's "an indictment of Hollywood culture" in the 1960s and utterly gripping in its intensity. Didion and her husband, John Gregory Dunne, adapted the book into a movie in 1972. Find out more about this book here. COLORADO: "The Shining" by Stephen King "The Shining" by Stephen King. Amazon A recovering alcoholic writer accepts a position as winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, which sits in the Colorado Rockies. He moves in with his family, including 5-year-old son Danny, who has psychic abilities and begins to witness aspects of the hotel's horrific past. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, which inspired the fictional Overlook, offers a Ghost Adventure Package for guests. Find out more about this book here. CONNECTICUT: "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates. Amazon Considered the original anti-suburban novel, "Revolutionary Road" follows a young, bright couple marooned in Connecticut and trying to escape pressure to conform in the 1950s. Their failed attempts to be different lead to self-destructive affairs and a psychotic breakdown. In 2008, the book was adapted into a movie of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Find out more about this book here. DELAWARE: "The Saint of Lost Things" by Christopher Castellani "The Saint of Lost Things" by Christopher Castellani. Hachette Group Seven years after settling in Wilmington, an Italian couple is still in pursuit of the American Dream. Maddalena sews at a factory, but desperately wants to be a mother, while her husband's nighttime escapades threaten to unravel all their hard work. Castellani wove bits of his own family history into the book. His Italian father, who emigrated to Wilmington after World War II, dreamed of opening a restaurant in Wilmington's Little Italy neighborhood just like Maddalena's husband did. Find out more about this book here. FLORIDA: "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. Amazon A classic work of African-American literature, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is about Janie Crawford, a woman living in the town of Eaton, Florida. Hurston was one of the most prominent writers of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s, publishing the novel in 1937. But she slipped into obscurity in the later years of her life, and "Eyes" went out of print until Alice Walker championed her in the 1970s. Now, the book is taught in classrooms around the country. Find out more about this book here. GEORGIA: "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. Amazon Mitchell's 1936 classic love story, set in the South during the Civil War and its aftermath, introduced the world to Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. O'Hara, the young spoiled daughter of a plantation owner, and her rogue star-crossed lover are torn apart and reunited through the tragedies and comedies of the human existence. Mitchell spent nine years writing her manuscript, and the ensuing, unwanted fame led her to vow she would never write again. But the book has been criticized for its portrayal of slavery, for romanticizing the Confederacy, and for its inclusion of racist stereotypes. In 2023, a new edition of the book came with a warning from its UK publisher, Pan Macmillan, that "there may be hurtful or indeed harmful phrases and terminology that were prevalent at the time this novel was written," The Telegraph reported. Find out more about this book here. HAWAII: "Hawaii" by James Michener "Hawaii" by James Michener. Amazon The first of Michener's mammoth sagas, "Hawaii" tells the islands' history, from its creation by volcanic activity to its evolving identity as the most recent of the 50 US states. Michener sought to show how Hawaii harmonizes different cultures and races, as a template that would benefit the rest of the country. However, he and his wife, the daughter of Japanese immigrants, faced harsh discrimination while living there. Find out more about this book here. IDAHO: "Housekeeping" by Marilynne Robinson "Housekeeping" by Marilynne Robinson. Amazon Little to do with housekeeping, Robinson's poetic story follows two orphaned girls who are cared for by eccentric female relatives in the fictional town of Fingerbone. Robinson describes the town as "chastened by an outsized landscape and extravagant weather." This, and many other details in "Housekeeping," conjure images of her own Idaho hometown of Sandpoint. Find out more about this book here. ILLINOIS: "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair. Amazon The story of a Lithuanian immigrant employed in Chicago's stockyards, where Sinclair worked undercover to research for the book, revealed the poverty, hopelessness, and unpleasant living and working conditions experienced by meatpacking laborers in the early 20th century. The book's graphic depictions of the slaughterhouse work caused a public uproar that contributed to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act six months after "The Jungle" was published. Find out more about this book here. INDIANA: "The Magnificent Ambersons" by Booth Tarkington "The Magnificent Ambersons" by Booth Tarkington. Amazon Written by a native Hoosier, the novel centers on characters struggling to preserve their status during the rapid industrialization between the Civil War and 20th century. The aristocratic Amberson family loses its prestige and wealth as "new money" tycoons take over. Woodruff Place, Indianapolis' earliest suburb, was the setting for Tarkington's "The Magnificent Ambersons," which Orson Welles later adapted as a movie. Find out more about this book here. IOWA: "A Thousand Acres" by Jane Smiley "A Thousand Acres" by Jane Smiley. Amazon When an Iowa farmer decides to retire, he plans to divide his thousand acres of land among his three daughters. The youngest objects, setting off a chain of events that unleashes long-suppressed emotions and secrets. It's a modern-day "King Lear." Smiley's narrator describes the farm in Zebulon County as "paid for, no encumbrances, as flat and fertile, black, friable and exposed as any piece of land on the face of the earth," like a lot of land in Iowa. Find out more about this book here. KANSAS: "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. Amazon There's no place like the Great Kansas Plains. Baum's imaginative tale of Dorothy Gale from Kansas and her Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion friends was the best-selling children's story of the 1900 Christmas season and spawned the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." Find out more about this book here. KENTUCKY: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Amazon Uncle Tom, a long-suffering enslaved person, is sold by the Shelby family and begins a journey that, for 19th-century readers, depicted the realities of slavery and endorsed the power of Christian love to overcome all obstacles. Stowe based the abolitionist novel on the first-hand stories of former enslaved people in Kentucky, a slave state, while she lived across the Ohio River in Cincinnati. Its powerful condemnation of slavery fueled the human rights debate in the mid-19th century. Find out more about this book here. LOUISIANA: "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. Amazon "A Confederacy of Dunces" is one of the funniest American novels ever published. It's hard to describe, but it's basically about a 30-year-old man named Ignatius J. Reilly who lives with his mother in New Orleans. Reilly is educated and philosophically opposed to having a job, but has to confront reality when his mom makes him get one. The story behind the novel is as famous as the novel itself. It was Toole's first published novel, published 11 years after his death after being championed by his mother and the writer Walker Percy. It was released to instant acclaim, winning a rare posthumous Pulitzer Prize. Find out more about this book here. MAINE: "Carrie" by Stephen King "Carrie" by Stephen King. Amazon Carrie, a shy high school girl raised by an unstable, Christian fundamentalist mother, discovers she has telekinetic powers. When her classmates falsely crown her prom queen in an elaborate effort to humiliate her, she enacts her supernatural revenge. Stephen King is Maine's biggest champion in literature, and "Carrie" takes place in the fictional town of Chamberlain. Find out more about this book here. MARYLAND: "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" by Anne Tyler "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" by Anne Tyler. Amazon Another Baltimore-based novel by Tyler, "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" tells how three siblings remember growing up with their perfectionist mother as she lies on her deathbed. The Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel examines how the siblings' recollections vary drastically. Tyler's characters live in Charles Village, near her long-time residence. Find out more about this book here. MASSACHUSETTS: "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. Amazon "Walden" is the product of transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau's two-year retreat into the woods, an experiment in isolation, simple living, and self-reliance. By immersing himself in nature, he hoped to understand society more objectively. Encompassing 61 acres, Walden Pond is the crown jewel of the greater Walden Woods ecosystem in Concord. Find out more about this book here. MICHIGAN: "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides. Amazon "The Virgin Suicides" is a gripping tale of five beautiful yet eccentric sisters who all die by suicide in the same year in Gross Pointe, Michigan. It is written from the perspective of an anonymous group of boys who are observant, infatuated, and endlessly struggling to explain the tragedy. Eugenides said he was inspired by the deterioration of the state's auto industry and the "feeling of growing up in Detroit, in a city losing population, and in perpetual crisis." Find out more about this book here. MINNESOTA: "Main Street" by Sinclair Lewis "Main Street" by Sinclair Lewis. Amazon "Main Street" reveals two sides of Minnesota: the thriving metropolis of Saint Paul, where the heroine is from, and the dried-up small town she moves to after much convincing from her new husband. The young woman falls victim to the narrow-mindedness and unimaginative nature of the townspeople. The author used his birthplace of Sauk Centre as a mold for the fictionalized Gopher Prairie setting. Find out more about this book here. MISSISSIPPI: "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner. Amazon "The Sound and the Fury" encapsulates the decline of the American South through the dysfunctional Compson family, who face financial ruin during the Roaring '20s and lose the respect of the townspeople in Jefferson, Mississippi. Many readers complained that the book's stream of consciousness style was hard to follow. Faulkner's advice was to "read it four times," he told the Paris Review. Find out more about this book here. MISSOURI: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. Amazon This classic coming-of-age story set alongside the Mississippi River follows Tom Sawyer, a young boy who preoccupies himself with pulling pranks and impressing a girl until he witnesses a murder. Tom and his companions run away to an island, but eventually return to take up treasure hunting. Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, which inspired the setting of "Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Find out more about this book here. MONTANA: "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclean. Amazon "A River Runs Through It" is the semi-autobiographical tale of everyday life in the west for two brothers who are the sons of a local pastor. Set amidst the beautiful, wondrous landscape of Montana, the two boys one dutiful and one rebellious each grow up and discover themselves, turning, at times, to dark places, but always under the footfalls of their father. Find out more about this book here. NEBRASKA: "My Antonia" by Willa Cather "My Antonia" by Willa Cather. Amazon The reader meets Antonia Shimerda through a written account from the narrator, Jim Burden, a young man who moves to the fictional town of Black Hawk, Nebraska, to live with his grandparents. Through Jim's lens of love and infatuation, Antonia is brought to life as a young Bohemian girl with many trials and triumphs. The reader grows to know her and, simultaneously, the author as well, who wrote the novel from details of her own life in Nebraska. Find out more about this book here. NEVADA: "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson. Amazon "Fear and Loathing" follows a journalist, Raoul Duke, and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, on a trip to Las Vegas to cover an event taking place there. However, the two are preoccupied and saddened by what they perceive as the decline of 1960s American pop culture and begin experimenting with drugs. Much of the book is seen through their hallucinations and twisted realities, which are only fueled by the hyperreal surroundings of Sin City. Find out more about this book here. NEW HAMPSHIRE: "The Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving "The Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving. Amazon Containing all the classic John Irving tropes a bear, rape, body-building, and social privilege "The Hotel New Hampshire" follows a peculiar family as they open hotels in New Hampshire, Vienna, and Maine. The book evokes Irving's upbringing in the back woods of New Hampshire. Find out more about this book here. NEW JERSEY: "Drown" by Junot Diaz "Drown" by Junot Diaz. Amazon Based on Diaz's own experiences as a Dominican immigrant who moved to New Jersey, the 10 short stories in "Drown" tell of the struggles the New Jersey immigrant community faces, from poverty to homesickness to the language barrier. The outlook is often grim, but thanks to Diaz's riveting and intoxicating narrative, we manage to see the characters' unsentimental determination for a better life. Find out more about this book here. NEW MEXICO: "Cities of the Plain" by Cormac McCarthy "Cities of the Plain" by Cormac McCarthy. Amazon The final book in McCarthy's Border Trilogy, "Cities of the Plain" is about a doomed romance in the American frontier between a man and a sex worker who runs afoul of a pimp. The novel is set in New Mexico on the border of the United States and Mexico. Find out more about this book here. NEW YORK: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Amazon "The Great Gatsby" tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a young, lovesick millionaire, through the eyes of his friend and next-door neighbor, Nick Carraway. The novel progresses as Gatsby tries to rekindle his love with Daisy Buchanan, Nick's cousin. Through Gatsby's shady business dealings and his extravagant wealthy lifestyle on Long Island, Fitzgerald reveals a world in New York that is both terribly beautiful and terribly corrupt. Find out more about this book here. NORTH CAROLINA: "A Walk to Remember" by Nicholas Sparks "A Walk to Remember" by Nicholas Sparks. Nicholas Sparks Website This Sparks romance novel, made famous by its film adaptation starring Mandy Moore, shows the unlikely, blossoming love between two high school students from Beaufort: Landon Carter, a popular rebel, and Jamie Sullivan, a quiet bookworm. While Landon tries to get closer to Jamie, she pushes him away, fearing that a secret will end things between them before it begins. Find out more about this book here. NORTH DAKOTA: "The Round House" by Louise Erdrich "The Round House" by Louise Erdrich. Amazon A woman living on a North Dakota Indian reservation is attacked, but police have a hard time investigating the case when she is unwilling to discuss what transpired. Her son takes matters into his own hands, recruiting his friends to find out what happened and bring justice to his family and tribe. Find out more about this book here. OHIO: "The Broom of the System" by David Foster Wallace "The Broom of the System" by David Foster Wallace. Amazon In Foster Wallace's slightly altered view of Ohio in 1990, we follow our heroine, Lenore Stonecipher Beadsman, a telephone operator and secretary who juggles a job with barely any purpose, a relationship with her much-older boss, and the task of finding her decrepit grandmother. The grandmother, along with 25 other residents of the Shaker Heights Nursing Home, has managed to disappear without a trace. Find out more about this book here. OKLAHOMA: "Paradise" by Toni Morrison "Paradise" by Toni Morrison. Amazon "Paradise" chronicles tensions between the patriarchal, all-Black town of Ruby, which was founded by the descendants of free slaves intent on isolating themselves from the outside world, and a nearby community of five women, each seeking refuge from the past. Morrison conceived the idea for "Paradise" after researching the all-Black towns in Oklahoma that formed when newly freed men left plantations under duress. Find out more about this book here. OREGON: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey. Amazon Randle McMurphy barges into an Oregon mental institution one day and decides to rally the patients against the tyranny of Nurse Ratched. McMurphy stirs more trouble as he smuggles in women, alcohol, and other contraband, leading to an all-out war between him and the institution. Told through the eyes of one of the patients, Kesey's novel reveals bits of his own background. He previously worked as an orderly in a mental health ward. Find out more about this book here. PENNSYLVANIA: "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. Amazon "The Lovely Bones" is a dark, gripping tale about Susie Salmon, a young girl who was brutally raped and murdered in the cornfields of Norristown. It's told from her point of view after her death. Looking down on her family from heaven, Susie watches as they come to terms with what happened to her and try to solve a case that, to police, seems to lead nowhere. Find out more about this book here. RHODE ISLAND: "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. Simon & Schuster Anna has always been her older sister Kate's lifesaver. She's undergone countless surgeries, transplants, and donations to help save her sick sister, but when doctors discover that Anna is now a match to be Kate's bone marrow donor, Anna decides to sue for the right to control her own body. Picoult shows the heartbreaking pull between freedom and family in this Rhode Island-set novel. Find out more about this book here. SOUTH CAROLINA: "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. Amazon Lily Owens is a young girl growing up in 1960s South Carolina with an abusive father and an African American nanny who serves as a surrogate mother. When her nanny ends up in jail for insulting some white men, Lily breaks her out and the two run away, seeking refuge among three eccentric bee-keeping sisters. Monk Kidd injects some of her own Southern upbringing into this contemporary heartwarming novel. Find out more about this book here. SOUTH DAKOTA: "A Long Way From Home" by Tom Brokaw "A Long Way From Home" by Tom Brokaw. Amazon "A Long Way From Home" details Brokaw's own "American pilgrimage," from boyhood on the Missouri River into a career in broadcast journalism in the '60s. In Brokaw's honest narrative, we see how much his life has been shaped by growing up in South Dakota and the historic events he lived through as a child and young adult. Find out more about this book here. TENNESSEE: "A Death in the Family" by James Agee "A Death in the Family" by James Agee. Amazon "A Death in the Family" is the only novel by the polymath writer James Agee. It's a semiautobiographical book about the emotional reverberations in a family after a father dies in a car accident. Set in Knoxville, it lyrically captures the feelings of every character, from the inner mind of a child to the tragedy of a widow. The novel was published posthumously, after Agee died of a heart attack at 45, and won the Pulitzer Prize. He was also an acclaimed screenwriter, critic, and journalist. Find out more about this book here. TEXAS: "No Country for Old Men" by Cormac McCarthy "No Country for Old Men" by Cormac McCarthy. Amazon Made famous by the film of the same name starring Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men" is Cormac McCarthy's masterpiece about a drug deal-gone-wrong on the Texas-Mexico border. The event left a group of men dead and $2 million in an abandoned truck. Llewellyn Moss, who discovered the scene, takes the money and gets swept up in the illicit drug business. Find out more about this book here. UTAH: "The 19th Wife" by David Ebershoff "The 19th Wife" by David Ebershoff. Amazon Ebershoff weaves a novel based on the life of Ann Eliza Young, one of the wives of Mormon leader Brigham Young, who escapes her oppressive husband and embarks on a mission to end polygamy. The tale is juxtaposed against a modern-day story, following a young Mormon man who was cast out of the church and is trying to re-enter to solve his father's murder. In this work of historical fiction, Ebershoff takes a critical look at polygamy through his side-by-side narratives. Find out more about this book here. VERMONT: "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. Amazon Tartt's debut novel tells the story of six classics students at a fictional Vermont college and was a sensation when it was released in 1992. It's narrated by Richard Papen, one of the students, who recounts the story of a murder that happened among them. The story takes a classic whodunnit premise and situates it in an coming-of-age story as well as the intellectual world of classic literature. "Forceful, cerebral and impeccably controlled, 'The Secret History' achieves just what Ms. Tartt seems to have set out to do: It marches with cool, classical inevitability toward its terrible conclusion," Michiko Kakutani wrote in The New York Times in her review of the novel. Find out more about this book here. VIRGINIA: "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Patterson "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Patterson. Amazon Jesse Aarons wants to be the fastest runner in his rural Virginia elementary school and almost realizes his dream until a new girl shows up and outruns everyone. This leads to an unlikely friendship between Jesse and the girl, Leslie, who together invent a magic wooded kingdom they call Terabithia. The book is loosely based on events from Patterson's own childhood, which she spent in the greater DC area. Find out more about this book here. WASHINGTON: "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. Amazon The small town of Forks, Washington, became famous as the setting for Meyer's best-selling vampire book series. Bella Swan moves from her mom's house to live with her dad in Forks where she meets Edward Cullen, a quiet, handsome young man at her new high school. Edward usually keeps to himself, but he is drawn to Bella and can't seem to stay away from her for a shocking reason. Find out more about this book here. WASHINGTON, DC: "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown. Amazon In this story of espionage, conspiracies, and buried American secrets, "The Da Vinci Code" author Dan Brown has done it again. Brown's beloved character Robert Langdon returns, this time chasing down his mentor's kidnapper in DC while trying to decode five puzzling symbols linked to the Free Masons. Find out more about this book here. WEST VIRGINIA: "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Amazon In Friendly, a young boy finds a puppy he names Shiloh in the hills behind his home. But Shiloh belongs to Judd, a scary town-drunk who beats the dog. Now the boy, who's made a friend in Shiloh, will do anything to save him. Find out more about this book here. WISCONSIN: "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Amazon The classic characters Laura, Mary, and their family struggle to make a home for themselves in Ingalls Wilder's beloved "Little House" children's book series. Based in part on Ingalls Wilder's own journey around the Midwest, young Laura and Mary, along with their parents and baby sister Carrie, learn to survive the long winter, fend for themselves, and take care of each other in this true-to-life work. Find out more about this book here. WYOMING: "The Laramie Project" by Moises Kaufman "The Laramie Project" by Moises Kaufman. Amazon Kaufman wrote "The Laramie Project" as a play to recount the murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who became the victim of an extreme hate crime in a quiet Wyoming town. Shepard is remembered and honored from the perspective of family and friends as Kaufman takes a lens to the stubborn intolerance in society. Find out more about this book here. Read the original article on Business Insider University of Alaska President Pat Pitney gestures while speaking to the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce on March 11, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) University of Alaska President Pat Pitney gestures while speaking to the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce on March 11, 2024. She apologized to affected staff in an email last week.(Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) An unspecified number of University of Alaska staff, mostly graduate students, went unpaid last week because of paperwork issues that the administration did not detail. Eighty-five of the University of Alaska faculty members affected by the paperwork problem were paid on time last Friday, university officials said. The university said all remaining staff will be paid by early this week. In a Thursday all-staff email, UA President Pat Pitney apologized for the problem and gave staff details about how the university would work towards a solution. I sincerely apologize to you and them for that uncertainty and lapse in operational consistency. I know it has made employees incredibly anxious and stressed. You deserve to be paid for your work, and none of this is your fault. We value you. We cant do what we do without you, and Im sorry for this frustrating experience, Pitney wrote, in part. I take responsibility for it and want you to know that it is all hands on deck from me and my office down as we resolve the issues. Pitney said the university would pull resources from other areas to help the human resources department work more quickly. The university usually has two payroll runs, the technical term for all processes required to validate time cards and issue paychecks, per pay period, according to a university spokesperson. It added three runs last week and will add three this week, according to Pitneys email. In a Monday email, university spokesperson Jonathon Taylor said the paperwork issue was resolved. No employees remain to be paid due to the paperwork issue. The vast majority of them were paid Friday, and a small number have been or will be paid either today or tomorrow, he wrote. He said the remaining graduate students who have not yet been paid are still waiting on paychecks because of structural delays within the U.S. financial system, such as the amount of time it takes for transfers to occur. The university asked its bank to temporarily lower the standard 48-hour hold on Automated Clearing House transactions to 24 hours to minimize that particular hold-up. The University has an influx of paperwork as the semester starts, just as part of the business flow. As of today, were about where we would expect to be for this time of year, the email also said. Pitney closed her Thursday email to staff with an additional apology, and a commitment for the future: You all deserve better than this, and I am committed to making sure that, once we get everything resolved through this pay period, we address the root causes of this lapse in operations. Correction: This article has been updated with the correct spelling of Johnathon Taylors name. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'Most Wanted' Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing Minors Under Threat of 'Eternal Damnation' Is Arrested Apollo Carreon Quiboloy was arrested Sunday after a two-week standoff with police AP Photo Apollo Carreon Quiboloy A well-known pastor in the Philippines was arrested on Sunday following a weeks-long standoff, and now the FBI is hoping to extradite him to the United States where he would face the possibility of life in prison stemming from allegations of sex trafficking and child abuse. Apollo Carreon Quiboloy was arrested Sunday in the Philippines, according to NPR, CNN and CBS News. Quiboloy, 74, is the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church and reportedly has a long relationship with former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, dating back to when Duterte was the mayor of Davao City, where Quiboloys church is based. "No one is above the law, the country's interior secretary Benjamin Abalos wrote in a statement on Facebook, sharing Quiboloys mugshot. NPR likened the standoff between authorities and Quiboloy and his followers to that of the U.S. governments standoff with the Branch Davidian group in Waco, Texas in 1993. The standoff with Quiboloy began on Aug. 24, and at points saw Quiboloys followers place themselves outside his church as human barricades in an effort to stop roughly two thousand police officers who surrounded the church grounds in Davao City, according to CNN. Quiboloy, who is allegedly known to his followers as "The Appointed Son of God," is accused of using his church to run a sex trafficking operation that coerced young women, including minors, into performing sexual acts for him by threatening them with eternal damnation if they didnt comply, according to a 2021 indictment against him, which was obtained by PEOPLE. FBI Apollo Carreon Quiboloy The pastor, who broadcast his church proceedings throughout the Philippines, has also been on the FBIs Most Wanted list since federal authorities in the U.S. issued a warrant for his arrest in November 2021. The FBI has accused Quiboloy of participating in labor trafficking, accusing the pastor of sending followers to the U.S. via fraudulently obtained visas and forcing them to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations the FBI says were actually used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders," according to his Most Wanted poster. The FBI also accuses Quiboloy and his church of recruiting women to work as personal assistants, called pastorals, to serve the pastor, according to the poster. The FBI alleges the women were given shifts called night duty in which victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with Quiboloy. 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. According to the indictment, the women recruited to be "pastorals" ranged from 12 to 25 years old. The women were also reportedly forced to write commitment letters in which they pledged their lives to Quiboloy as The Appointed Son of God, according to the indictment. Quiboloy was officially indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Nov. 2021 for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling, the FBI says. According to NPR, Quiboloy could face life in prison if brought to the U.S. to face the federal charges against him. First, Quiboloy is set to face charges locally in Davao City, according to the outlet. It's not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. XENIA, Ohio (WDTN) For the second year in a row, a local motorcycle group is holding a benefit ride for an officer shot in the line of duty two years ago. Taking off from Harley-Davidson of Xenia, the Miami Valley Chapter of the Copperheads Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is riding again to raise money for retired Clearcreek Township Police Officer Eric Ney. Officer Ney was shot in the head by a domestic violence suspect in July 2022. He retired from the force in April 2023 and continues to recover. You know, one of the things he told us last year is his insurance is like $1500 dollars a month, states Todd Younkin whos a member of the Copperheads LEMC. Last year the group says they raised about $4,500 and had about 65 bikes come out. This year, theyre hoping for even more. It just always feels good to be with a big group of people that one purpose is to just give back and to help somebody, says Dana Wiseman, whos also a member of the Copperheads LEMC. The ride will be held Saturday, September 14 with registration at 10:30 a.m. and kickstands up at noon. After the ride, theyll end back where they started at Harley-Davidson of Xenia at 1213 Cincinnati Avenue for a party around 4:30 p.m. and raffle prizes, similar to last year. It literally was awesome. I mean, to have Eric here, and hes going to be here again this year, says Younkin. Its $20 to ride and an extra $5 for a passenger. If you cannot attend and would like to donate, contact Todd Younkin at 330-354-2872. You can also make a donation via Venmo @Todd-Younkin-2 All of the money raised goes to Officer Ney. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK Mayor Eric Adams, whose loyalty to embattled aides deepens as their problems mount, is facing one of the most difficult decisions of his term: whether, and how, to force out a police commissioner caught up in an expansive federal investigation. The challenge is exacerbated by Wednesdays solemn Sept. 11 commemoration, which NYPD leaders past and present customarily attend at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. Adams is skipping the memorial on account of his recent Covid diagnosis, an aide said, continuing a week of high stress and low morale in city government. His bigger problem: what to do about NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, whose home last week was raided by federal investigators. They seized his phone and requested phones from his twin brother, James, chief of staff and others in the police department. Caban is refusing, so far, to leave the job and has support from fellow Latinos who question why he is being pushed out when so many other troubled aides appear to be getting a reprieve. Adams and Caban met privately Monday morning to discuss the possibility of the commissioner stepping down, according to one person granted anonymity to speak freely about a private talk. A few hours later, Caban did not attend a planned meeting with police brass, two people with knowledge of the sitdown said, and he did not show up to a Sept. 11-related event attended by other city higher-ups. Yet by Tuesday evening Caban had not resigned. Hes dug in. He is challenging Adams to fire him, Ken Frydman, the CEO of Source Communications and a longtime consultant for city police unions, told POLITICO. Its up to Adams to decide if he remains the PC. Most members of the mayors inner circle think Caban should leave his role though two of his closest advisers are in disagreement. Frank Carone the mayors former chief of staff who remains a close friend and adviser believes Caban can no longer effectively lead the storied police department. Chief Adviser Ingrid Lewis Martin, known for her own fierce brand of loyalty, wants Caban to stay. Their opposing views were conveyed to POLITICO by a person with knowledge of both, who was granted anonymity to freely discuss private conversations. The mayor carefully avoided defending Caban at a media availability Tuesday, while calling into question POLITICOs and other outlets reporting that the commissioner is expected to soon resign. I am City Hall, and any orders that come from City Hall to make a personnel shift is going to come with my blessing, he said. And it did not come from my blessing and Im not aware of anyone else communicating, doing such. But abandoning a top appointee contradicts the mayors MO of sticking by friends under pressure and giving second chances. Throughout the sprawling federal investigation, he has repeatedly defended aides while saying he is cooperating with authorities. No one has been accused of wrongdoing. Eric Adams is very loyal to his people, said a friend of the mayor who was granted anonymity to speak about his thinking. Until somebody is proven guilty, Eric Adams is probably the most loyal person you can have in government. Theres a racial element to the decision too. Caban is the first Latino police commissioner in the citys history. He was caught up in a federal investigation last Wednesday along with other top Adams administration figures, including Deputy Mayors Phil Banks and Sheena Wright, Senior Adviser Tim Pearson and Schools Chancellor David Banks all of whom are Black. But only Caban has faced high-profile calls for his resignation, and its only Caban who the mayor has met with to discuss the possibility of parting ways. Theyre making him the scapegoat. I am concerned, said City Council Member Diana Ayala, a Democrat who, like Caban, is Puerto Rican. It is suspicious to me, she added, that so many members of his administration have a microscope on them, and yet were laser-focused on the one Latino without fully understanding what the investigation is about. Among Cabans allies, theres a sense hes being held to a different standard. Hes hurt, said a friend of Caban who has texted with him in recent days, and was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. They said he is not going to resign, and theyre encouraging him not to. Caban, for his part, is keeping a low profile. While he skipped a Sept. 11 event on Monday, he delivered a brief speech at police headquarters to Jewish leaders later in the day, but left without taking questions. He is expected to attend a ceremony marking the anniversary of the terror attacks Wednesday, Gothamist reported. The NYPD didnt respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Theres political logic to removing Caban. He occupies an extremely high-profile position leading a massive law enforcement organization, and even the appearance of impropriety is problematic. Its a position more well-known to the public than others held by top officials who have also been ensnared in the federal probes. And Adams frequent defense is that he knows the importance of the law because he served in the NYPD for more than two decades. A cloud of corruption around the leader of the NYPD threatens to undermine Adams rhetoric which is already on shaky ground, given countless cases of members of law enforcement blatantly violating the law. However, removing Caban could further harm Adams and would likely appear to some as an admission of guilt, or at least a suggestion that Caban is likely to be charged by the feds. POLITICO and other outlets have reported the investigation involving Caban involves whether his twin brother James financially benefited from his brothers position as police commissioner, but the full scope of the probe is not yet known. There also may be a pressing practical consideration regarding Caban: how the feds seizure of his phones might impact his top-level security clearance to view federal intelligence materials. The clearance allows Caban to be briefed on specific threats against New York City that NYPD detectives and the FBI investigate through the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Asked Tuesday if Cabans security clearance should be impacted, Adams said he did not believe it should be, and noted he was briefed by the task force the day before. But a former NYPD executive who has held government security clearances said the FBIs execution of the warrant for Cabans devices means that a judge has decided there is probable cause to believe the New York City Police Commissioner's phone contains evidence of a federal crime. Let that sink in, the former high-ranking cop said. If you are the NYPD Police Commissioner charged with protecting New York City and running highly-sensitive counterterrorism and intelligence divisions to protect residents, Wall Street, the U.N. and countless other targets that are some of the most sensitive in the world you can't do your job if you don't have a clearance because the FBI considers you a suspect in federal crimes. The former cop added that such logic especially applies if the suspected crime involves influence peddling or anything that makes you susceptible to blackmail. It's a nonstarter in terms of national security, the person said. New mpox strain raises concern among scientists: What to know about cases, spread Global health leaders are concerned about a newer and more transmissible subtype of mpox that has spread for the first time to Europe, Asia and several countries in Africa outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the clade I strain of the virus has been endemic for years. Called mpox clade Ib, it appears to not only spread more easily, but also may cause a higher rate of severe disease and death, especially among children. Scientists, however, say more research is needed to determine its virulence and how it's spreading. As of Sept. 3, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said no cases of mpox clade I had been identified in the United States. However, the agency said it is "testing a high proportion of presumed mpox specimens" to determine the clade, and several commercial and other laboratories also now can perform clade testing. An illustration of mpox virus particles. Cases and deaths from mpox clade I and mpox clade Ib continue to ratchet up in Africa, leading the World Health Organization to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern on Aug. 14 its most elevated global alert. One day after the WHO declaration was made, a case of mpox clade Ib was identified for the first time in Sweden. Thailand confirmed its first case of mpox clade Ib on Aug. 22. Reuters reported: "The case is a 66-year-old European man who had arrived in Thailand last week from an unspecified African country where the disease was spreading." Although the CDC says the risk to the average American from mpox remains low, in an assessment published Aug. 30, it said the risk for men who have sex with men (MSM) with more than one sexual partner is "low to moderate." The risk level also is considered low to moderate among people, regardless of gender, who have sex with MSM. However, the CDC also noted that its confidence in its own risk assessment is low because of the recent spread of mpox clade I outside of central and eastern Africa and beyond networks of men who have sex with men. It issued a Level 2 travel health advisory, urging Americans to practice enhanced precautions when traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the following countries that share its borders: Burundi, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Here's what you need to know about mpox. What is mpox? Formerly called monkeypox, the virus was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for clinical research in Denmark. The first human case was reported in 1970 in a 9-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the World Health Organization. Mpox is an orthopoxvirus that is related to smallpox, and spreads among rodents, squirrels and monkeys, as well as from infected animals to people and from person-to-person. There are two known types of mpox: Clade I is the deadlier type of the mpox virus. In some outbreaks of mpox clade I, the mortality rate has been as high as 1 in 10, according to the CDC. However, in more recent cases, mpox clade I appears to have a mortality rate of about 3.6%. Historically, human cases of mpox clade I mostly have been identified in the Congo basin of central Africa and east Africa. The disease is endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Gabon, part of Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. But in 2023, mutations in the mpox clade I strain were identified. The subtype, called clade Ib, is concerning global health leaders. Clade II of the mpox virus causes less severe disease and has a lower mortality rate, estimated to be about 0.1%, according to the CDC. It is endemic in the western African countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire along with the western region of Cameroon. In 2022, the clade II type of the mpox virus spread widely around the U.S. and the world, particularly driven by infections among men who have sex with men though others also were infected in that outbreak. In that year, Michigan reported 451 confirmed or probable cases of mpox, according to the Michigan Disease Surveillance System, and the state has continued to see sporadic cases since then. As of Aug. 31, the state's surveillance system report shows 26 confirmed or probable cases of mpox this year in Michigan. What are the symptoms of mpox? It can take up to 21 days for symptoms to develop after a person is infected, according to the CDC. But when symptoms appear, they typically begin with a general flu-like malaise that can include fever, chills, exhaustion, headache, backache, other muscle aches and the swelling of lymph nodes. Some people have reported respiratory symptoms, such as sore throat, nasal congestion or cough. This is what mpox rashes can look like. From one to three days after the flu-like symptoms begin, people typically develop a rash with flat sores that might begin on one part of the body and spread to others. The WHO reported that mpox lesions can appear on the face, palms of hands, soles of feet, the genital area and even inside the mouth, throat and anus. Over time, the flat sores become fluid-filled blisters that can be painful or itchy. Over the course of two to four weeks, the lesions typically progress through stages and scab over before they fall off. Once healed, they can leave considerable scarring. Although most people with mpox begin to feel generally sick before the rash starts, there have been cases in which the first symptom is the rash and others in which the rash and general malaise begin at the same time, the WHO reported. People with mpox also can develop secondary infections, such as pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, myocarditis, as well as infections of the skin that can cause abscesses and infections of the cornea that can cause blindness. Some people with mpox have swelling of the anus, urinary passages and genital organs. How does mpox spread? According to the CDC, all clades of mpox can spread through direct contact with infected wild animals in western and central Africa, where the virus is endemic. If an animal with mpox bites or scratches a person or if a person has contact with fluid or waste from an infected animal, that also can spread the disease. When mpox spreads from person to person, it can occur: Through close physical contact with someone who has an mpox infection. Close physical contact includes skin-to-skin contact, hugging, massage, kissing and intimate touching, oral, anal or vaginal sex. Through contact with saliva, mucus or other bodily fluids from a person who has mpox. Through prolonged face-to-face interactions, such as talking or breathing in close proximity, to someone with an mpox infection. During pregnancy, mpox can be passed to the fetus. Transmission also can occur to the newborn during and after birth. By touching contaminated objects, including fabrics and surfaces that were used by someone with mpox but were not disinfected. This includes bedding, towels and clothing. Though the CDC reported that most transmission occurs from the time when a person's symptoms begin until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, which generally takes two to four weeks, the agency acknowledged that "some people can spread mpox to others for up to four days before they have any symptoms of the virus. "Currently, no evidence suggests that people who never have symptoms can spread the virus to someone else. CDC is monitoring the latest information about how mpox spreads" and research about transmission of the virus remains ongoing. Christine Diatto, 51, of Berkley is a public health nurse at the Oakland County Health Division in Pontiac and holds up a vial of the monkeypox and smallpox vaccine on Thursday, August 11, 2022. How is mpox treated? Because the mpox and smallpox viruses are related, the tools used to tame smallpox outbreaks in the past can be used in response to mpox outbreaks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Jynneos vaccine, made by Denmark-based pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, to prevent smallpox and mpox, and to use after exposure to reduce the severity of the disease in people ages 18 and older. The sooner the Jynneos vaccine is given after exposure to the virus, the better. Ideally, a person who was exposed to mpox should get vaccinated within four days of exposure to prevent disease or four to 14 days after exposure to limit severity of disease. The vaccine should be administered in two doses, 28 days apart. It isn't recommended for the general public, but a CDC advisory committee recommends vaccination for people who are 18 or older and are at risk of mpox during an outbreak, those who have had close physical contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox or have a sexual partner who was diagnosed with the virus. Others at risk are men who have sex with men, are gay, bisexual, transgender or nonbinary who in the past six months have had one of the following: A new diagnosis of at least one sexually transmitted disease More than one sex partner Sex at a commercial sex venue Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring Sexual partners of people with the risks described above People who anticipate experiencing any of the above An investigational antiviral drug called tecovririmat, or Tpoxx, also was made available for certain people with mpox under an expanded investigational drug protocol during the 2022 outbreak. An mpox vaccine is administered in 2022. More: Wayne County mpox infection is clade II variant of virus: Why that matters More: New Wayne County mpox case reported amid concern of more transmissible, severe strain Studies about how effective Tpoxx is in reducing severity of disease and death remain ongoing, but the treatment still is available to vulnerable populations and through a clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease for people who have severe mpox disease, are severely immunocompromised, those who have certain skin conditions, such as eczema, are pregnant, lactating or are under the age of 18. It also is available through an expanded use protocol. What should I do if I have a rash or want a vaccine? County health officials urge anyone with a new rash that they suspect might be mpox to see a health care provider right away for an evaluation and avoid close contact with others until that evaluation. The Wayne Health Center at 33030 Van Born Road in Wayne can test for mpox either for free or at a low cost and can provide free vaccines. It also has an mpox outbreak response line you can call at 734-858-1922. Vaccines are available there from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, vaccines are available 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. Walk-ins will be accepted. For anyone who may have previously received only one dose of the Jynneos vaccine, a second dose is recommended as soon as possible. The vaccine also is available at no cost at the Wayne County Public Health Division by calling 734-727-7101 to schedule an appointment. Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mpox virus cases 2024: Symptoms, treatment, how it spreads, vaccines MS man sentenced to 30 years in prison for videoing sexual assault of minors MS man sentenced to 30 years in prison for videoing sexual assault of minors MEMPHIS, Tenn. A DeSoto County, Mississippi man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for filming his sexual assault of at least two minors, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Tuesday. Joshua Anderson pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of minors. In addition to 30 years in prison, Anderson was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender wherever he resides, is employed, attends school or is a temporary resident. According to court documents, while Southaven Police were investigating the sexual assault of an adult acquaintance, they uncovered videos Anderson, 29, had made and kept on his cell phone. The videos allegedly included the sexual assaults of at least two minors. Anderson was identified by a distinctive physical trait on his left hand. University of Mississippi official charged with animal cruelty After choosing to victimize innocent children for his own warped sexual gratification, this defendant has earned every day of the 30-year sentence imposed in this case, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort remains under a mandatory Level 3 evacuation due to the Backside Fire burning on the mountains west slope. As of Sept. 10, the Backside Fire is 80 acres in size. The fire is one of more than a dozen lightning fires that sparked on Mount Bachelor between the Deschutes National Forest between Sept. 7 and 8. Firefighters named the cluster of fires the Bachelor Complex. Caught on camera: Humpback whale sighting in the Columbia River The Backside Fire prompted evacuations on Mt. Bachelor Sept. 7, 2024 (Central Oregon Fire) The Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort suspended activities on Sept. 7 and the resort was evacuated because of the encroaching wildfire. Resort spokesperson Lauren Burke told KOIN 6 News that employees have not returned to the resort since it was evacuated. If the evacuation order is dropped, the resort plans to reopen to the public on Thursday, per its regular fall operating hours. However, if the evacuation order remains in place, the property will stay shuttered. We are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to assess conditions daily and will provide updates if we can reopen on Thursday, Burke said. Caught on camera: Humpback whale sighting in the Columbia River The Little Lava Fire burning on the south end of Mount Bachelor saw significant growth to the east on Monday, the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office said. More areas were evacuated in response to the growing fire. A rainstorm will move into Oregon between Tuesday night and Wednesday. Heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms are possible on Mount Bachelor. Officials with Central Oregon Fire told KOIN 6 News that firefighters hope to gain better control of the fires during the rainy period. However, the thunderstorms could also start more lightning fires in the area. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) A 52-year-old Marion County man has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine. Mark McGarret Lewis Mullins pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution of crack cocaine in U.S. District Court in Florence. He was sentenced to 110 months by Judge Sherri A. Lydon, who also ordered six years of supervision after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal criminal justice system. According to prosecutors, Lewis distributed crack cocaine to an informant on five separate occasions in April 2019. His criminal record also includes two prior federal convictions one for bank fraud and one for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine along with two other state drug convictions for distribution and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marion County Combined Drug Unit, and the Mullins Police Department. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office has created a new web page dedicated to unsolved murder cases in Multnomah County. Detective Sgt. Brad Robertson said that the sheriffs office is seeking justice for the listed cases, which date back to the early 90s. Anyone with information about the listed cases is asked to contact the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office tips line. Victims of Grants Pass torture suspect share experiences in Netflixs Worst Ex Ever The individuals involved in these cases and their loved ones deserve justice, Robertson said. We are dedicated to pursuing a resolution to these crimes and hope anyone with information will come forward. The announcement comes after the countys cold case unit dissolved roughly five years ago due to staffing. In fact, one detective told KOIN 6 News he hasnt seen a single cold case solved in the seven years hes been with the sheriffs office. If law enforcement detectives dont speak for those that have lost their lives, then those cases never come to a resolution for their families, Robertson said. The new webpage aims to bring fresh eyes to these cases as detectives build a database for the roughly 24 cold cases dating back to the 70s. Gresham firefighter badly burned in duplex fire expected to return home soon The victims currently listed on the webpage include: Charly Richards: Last seen alive on Aug. 21, 1992 A hiker found Richards body on Aug. 31, 1992, in a wooded area in Troutdale Richards was a Clark College student and U.S. Army reservist Bonifacio Rodriguez-Rodriguez: Last seen alive on the evening of Sept. 25, 1994 His body was found on Sauvie Island with a gunshot wound a week later Rodriguez came to Oregon from Mexico to find work John Warner Nolen: Body of an unidentified male found in the Columbia River on April 29, 1992 Reported missing by family in Washington State in April 1993 In 2013, dental records were used to identify Nolen Charly Richards siblings spoke with detectives ahead of the website launch. His sister, Tammie Jamison Hitt, said he loved to cook. He was just a really beautiful heart, a beautiful soul, Hitt said. Who would want to kill a nice guy like Charly Richards? The Clark College student and army reservist was last seen leaving his job as a cook at the VA Medical Center on Aug. 21, 1992. Investigators believe Richards Ford 44 was involved in a minor crash around 9:30 p.m. His truck was found empty off SE 30th Avenue and Salmon Street the next day. St. Helens cheer coach arrested on multiple sex abuse charges, police seeking additional victims Ten days after Richards was last seen alive, detectives say a hiker found his body here off Thousand Acres Road. That was 32 years ago. Hes been gone longer than hes been alive, Richards brother Donny Jamison said. The site wont bring the men back, but detectives hope the new tool along with advancements in DNA technology will lead to justice for families long overdue. Any piece of information, people might think its insignificant, but they dont know because they dont have the context of these investigations, Robertson said. And thats what we want to draw from the public to help us resolve these cases. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. New mural unveiled in Downtown Peoria as is a new candidacy for city council PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) The unveiling of a mural on a Downtown Peoria decking brought another revelation the artist is running for City Council. The 32-foot by 35-foot mural which hangs on the Adams Street side of the Niagara parking deck is dubbed Live Greater and was created by Alex Carmona who moved to Peoria five years ago from Colorado. The mural features the images of six people, each of which corresponds to a letter in the word Peoria. Pictured are: Edgar Sandoval, John Parks, Lynette Fernandez, Ben Davison, Alessandra Carmona and Divine Sarfo, all of whom are from the Peoria area. The mural, he said, was to capture the joy of our vibrant diverse community. Mayor Rita Ali, during a news conference before and after the unveiling, praised the artwork, saying it would grab attention. Well, I think its going to really grab the attention of local residents, visitors, workers, especially in the Downtown area, she said. I think that people will come Downtown just to see this beautiful, new piece. Then, stating Carmona had other skills as well, he announced he was running to represent the citys 2nd District which includes parts of Downtown and the West Bluff. The move, the mayor said later, was a surprise. It was unclear if Carmona had enough signatures for his petitions to run. An attempt to reach him was not immediately successful. Hes seeking to replace Chuck Grayeb who is not seeking reelection for the 2nd District. Instead, Grayeb, who has been on the council for more than 20 years, is running for mayor. The mural was underwritten as a partnership between Big Picture Peoria, Gilmore Foundation, and Community Foundation of Central Illinois. According to City Hall, it reflects the spirit, diversity, and unique qualities that make Peoria a great place to live, work, and thrive another reason to Choose Greater Peoria! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Sioux Falls man is behind bars charged with murder. Its the 8th homicide investigation in Sioux Falls this year. In this latest shooting, police say it stems from an alleged incident of a man inappropriately touching a young child. Sioux Falls Police Chief: String of recent homicides not random On Friday night, court documents say 30-year-old Dylan Farmer went to the Minnehaha County Jail and tried to turn himself in. He told police he wanted to go to jail because he had shot a man in the face, because that man had touched a boy. The police chief says it isnt unusual to get false confessions, so police let Farmer go. Around seven hours later, a woman had called police to have a man removed from her apartment on Bailey Avenue, which is northwest of Covell Lake, before she and her child returned home. So when officers arrived on scene they found a male dead with apparent gunshot wounds inside, Lt. Aaron Nyberg said. That man was identified as 30-year-old Casey Shawn Edward Shaffer, who also lived in that apartment. Police say Farmer, Shaffer and the woman who called police are no strangers. They all knew each other, Nyberg said. Its the 8th homicide investigation in Sioux Falls. The chief of police says its a tragic trend he doesnt want to see continue. Our aggravated assaults are down for the year, our stolen cars are down for the year, all of our major property crimes are down for the year, so we are a year by year trend by trend monitoring what happens and this year we have the unfortunate spot to be in where are homicides are trending up, Chief Jon Thum said. Chief Thum says while they continue to investigate other homicides, including this one, theres a way the community can help turn this trend around. I think responsible gun ownership is not a political issue, I think leaving your gun unlocked in your car is a common sense issue, if that offends somebody Im sorry, but it is what it is, Thum said. Farmer made his first court appearance Monday afternoon when bond was set at $1 million dollars cash only. KELOLAND News looked into Shaffers criminal history. He was not charged in connection with the latest allegations and is not on South Dakotas sex offender registry. However, Farmer was charged with rape in 2015. The charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A conviction for a Muskingum County man who was sentenced to life in prison for raping three children over the course of several years was upheld in court. According to the Muskingum County Prosecutors Office, Jason Newlon, of Dresden will serve life in prison with parole eligibility after 61 years after being found guilty after a jury trial on 31 total charges related to the sexual assault of children. Newlons legal team filed an appeal from the September 2023 conviction and on Friday, judges on the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals affirmed the sentence. He was found guilty on 18 counts of rape, 10 counts of gross sexual imposition and three counts of endangering children. The prosecutions office said the charges stemmed from an investigation that began in 2022 when one victim reported to Zanesville police that Newlon raped and molested her over six years. Two other victims later came forward. Man shot and killed by Columbus police in University District The victims said Newlon molested and raped them for years, beginning when they were 12, 9 and 8 years old and that Newlon threatened physical and emotional consequences should they report his behavior. When the victims eventually went to law enforcement, they explained that they first told members of the Newlons family of the abuse but were encouraged to keep it private and not involve police. Defense counsel raised seven assignments of error some procedural and some based on testimony for the judge panel to consider. All seven were overruled. Newlon, 42, will be 102 years old when he is eligible for parole. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. London's fire chief has said myths "need to [be] bust" around the economic effects of strict regulations on building safety, as he promised Grenfell Tower bereaved and survivors lessons would be learnt from the 2017 fire. London Fire Brigade (LFB) Commissioner Andy Roe pointed at countries such as the US which have strict rules as well as profitable construction firms and asked "why can't we do it here?". He posed the question to the construction industry and the government while speaking at the London Assembly Fire Committee. Last week the Grenfell Tower Inquiry found the fire, which killed 72 people, was partly due to "defective" safety regulations. London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe [Mayor of London] Speaking in front of the committee, Mr Roe said the US was "a huge functioning democracy built on a capitalist model, and yet they have probably some of the strictest building regulations for high-rises in the world. "It is so prescriptive in terms of their construction methodology, the levels of mitigation they place into their buildings, whether it be sprinklers or alarms or evacuation lifts or staircases, the method of construction. "I think we do have to state the obvious - which is why can't we do it here?" He added: "I do think we need to bust some of these myths because there are other examples around the world with well-functioning models of economy and commerce that seem to be able to do this in a safer way." The inquiry also found there had been a "chronic lack of effective leadership" in the fire service at the time of the disaster. Mr Roe insisted many lessons had been learned by LFB since the Grenfell fire in 2017 and changes made, pointing to the response of crews to recent fires including one in a seven-storey block in Dagenham. But, he said the brigade was not complacent. 'Most terrible personal experience' Asked what assurances he could give bereaved and survivors, as well as people living in buildings which had not yet had unsafe cladding removed, he said: "I don't expect to convince you with my words. I have to demonstrate it in our actions as a service. "So I think I would ask to be judged on what you see in our response, in our interactions with you." His voice seemed to break with emotion when speaking about his commitment to making changes following the disaster, saying it was "borne out of the most terrible personal experience, to be frank, and the loss of life we witnessed that night". Mr Roe said the LFB would discuss the inquiry's recommendations with the Grenfell community and would report back within "weeks". Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said each of the deaths in the fire was avoidable and had been preceded by "decades of failure" by the government and the building industry to act on the dangers of flammable materials on high-rise buildings. The government has said it will respond in full to the Grenfell report in six months and then provide annual updates on the implementation of the recommendations. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related internet links Samantha J. Garnier, 29, was five months pregnant at the time of her death, police say Erin Leahy/GoFundMe Samantha J. Garnier and her daughters Adelina and Izzie A New York man has been accused of killing his pregnant wife and injuring his two young daughters in a stabbing, authorities said. Drew J. Garnier, 32, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder in connection with the alleged incident, according to a press release from the New York State Police. On Sept. 4, at about 11:30 p.m. officers responded to a home in Masonville, N.Y., on a report of a domestic dispute, police said. There, authorities found the body of 29-year-old Samantha J. Garnier, whom they identified as Drews pregnant wife. Officers also found the couples two children, ages 6 and 9, in the home. Police allege they were all stabbed by Drew. Samantha, who was five months pregnant, was pronounced dead at a local hospital, police said. Both children were also treated at hospitals but are expected to make a full recovery, according to release. Police did not discuss a possible motive. "Sammi was a beautiful, compassionate, and loving mother who always wanted the best for her babies, reads a GoFundMe campaign created by loved ones to help with expenses for her daughters, Adelina and Izzie. 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. The fundraiser states Samanthas third daughter was due to be born in February 2025 and that she was two weeks away from celebrating her 30th birthday. According to police, Drew was arraigned at Delhi Town Court and remanded to the Delaware Jail on no bail. It's unclear if he has entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. NARRAGANSETT Twenty-two University of Rhode Island students, including two accused of assaulting police officers, were charged by the Narragansett Police Department in various incidents over a one-week period, from Sept. 2 to 8, according to Chief Sean Corrigan. Corrigan said in a press release that charges included: underage possession of alcohol public consumption of alcohol, littering urinating in public transportation of alcohol misrepresentation of age DUI violating the state's social host law Two students accused of assaulting a police officer The most serious charges were lodged against two male students, ages 20 and 21, who are alleged to have assaulted police officers Friday, Sept. 6, during an "unruly gathering" in the Bonnet Shores neighborhood, Corrigan said in a press release. One police officer was injured. The two students will be arraigned on those and additional charges in District Court, Wakefield, at a later date, he said. Residents and renters are also being summoned to court over 'public nuisance' Homeowners of three separate residences and their renters will also be issued summonses for violations of the town's public nuisance ordinance, Corrigan said. As a result of a recent amendment, renters and their guests may now face fines for a first offense, he said. "The Narragansett Police Department will continue to arrest and prosecute offenders in the student-renter community who choose to violate town statutes and ordinances," Corrigan said. "Students are reminded of the potentially life-altering consequences of bad choices, and are urged to show respect for each other, the police and the community at-large." In the same press release, URI said the incidents would be reviewed by the school and could result in sanctions against the students, including suspension or dismissal. "The University is aware of several incidents that occurred in Narragansett over the past weekend and does not condone the reported behavior," URI said in the statement. "The University appreciates the efforts of local law enforcement and is working closely with the Narragansett police department to uphold and promote the well-being of our community," URI said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Narragansett police: 22 URI students charged in one week As NASA's Mars Sample Return Stumbles, China Is Looking to Beat Them to the Punch Rocks Off The space race continues as China moves up the date for its historic Mars sample return mission while the US slashes its own trip to collect rocks from the Red Planet. As SpaceNews reports, the chief designer of the Tianwen-3 sample return mission, Liu Jizhong, announced during a recent conference that China's space agency is moving the program's timeline to launch up to 2028, after previous estimates put it at around 2030. The mission's top scientific goal is, as Liu told the state-run Central China Television, finding evidence of life. Because conditions to fly to Mars are only optimal every 26 months, Chinese officials have over the years sometimes alternated between a target of 2028 and 2030. The mission will involve, as SpaceNews notes, launching two separate Long March 5 rockets from Earth: one carrying ascent and landing vehicles, and one carrying an orbiter and return module. Building on its Tianwen-1 Mars mission, this sample return project may also include a helicopter and six-legged crawler that will traverse regions of the Red Planet preselected for their astrobiological relevance, SpaceNews notes. Sun Zezhou, a senior engineer at the China Academy of Space Technology, told press earlier this year that planning the mission has gone "relatively smoothly" thus far, and gave the 2030 launch estimate that has since been reduced by two years. Planet B While China's space agency charges ahead, NASA's Martian sample mission has been forced to completely restructure its counterpart program after its projected costs ballooned from an already-pricey $8 billion to an eye-watering $11 billion. Initially slated for 2026, the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission was lambasted by an independent expert review last year. In the scathing report, the assembled outside experts assailed the mission as overly complicated and found there were was essentially no way NASA could pull it off on time with the "available funding." After conducting its own internal review of the external review [!], NASA agreed and decided to ask for help from seven private companies, including SpaceX and Northrup Grumman, to come up with "out of the box" solutions to make it cheaper and less complex. As SpaceNews notes, China will likely face its own complications when designing the Tianwen-3 mission, not least that nobody has ever launched a return craft from an alien planet before. The country said in its announcement of the latest launch date that it plans to cooperate with other nations when it does return its Mars samples though if recent history is any precedent, the Americans may have to wait to get their own rocks off the Red Planet instead of sharing with their Chinese competitors. More on Mars: Elon Musk Says Starship, Which Has Never Landed on Earth in One Piece, Will Be Landing on Mars by 2026 NATO shepherds 10 firms whose tech could help the alliance NATOs defense technology accelerator announced Tuesday it picked 10 companies to transition to the second phase of competition, which not only brings additional funding but tailored support as they look to break into the national security sector. The firms are part of the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantics inaugural cohort, which NATO announced last year. The organization, known as DIANA, chose 44 companies for Phase I, selecting firms whose technology could address needs in both defense and commercial markets. The companies participated in a competition series last fall that took place across five cities: Tallinn, Estonia; Turin, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Boston; and Seattle. During the events, companies used emerging technology to solve real-world defense challenges. To move into Phase II, innovators had to demonstrate progress in their commercial and defense market potential, the technical viability and novelty of their solutions, and their investment readiness, NATO said in a statement. Review panels comprised technical, defense and innovation experts. The 10 companies that will transition to the next phase of DIANAs challenge series are: Aquark Technologies, a quantum firm based in the United Kingdom Astrolight, a laser communications company in Lithuania Dolphin Labs, an ocean-observation company in the U.S. Ephos, a computing firm based in Italy Goldilock, a UK-based privacy firm IONATE, a U.K. firm specializing in smart energy platforms Lobster Robotics, a mapping company based in the Netherlands Phantom Photonics, a Canadian quantum sensing company Revobeam, a polish antenna firm Secqai, a computing company in the U.K. The selected firms will receive up to 300,000 ($330,000). DIANA is jointly funded, which means NATO doesnt draw from the common fund that allies are required to contribute toward. Instead, member nations choose whether to pay into DIANA. The U.S. Defense Department last year appointed Jeffrey Singleton, U.S. principal member and head of the delegation to the NATO Science and Technology Board, as the U.S. representative to DIANAs board of directors. The accelerator has more than 100 affiliated test centers across nearly every country that partners with NATO. That includes 28 deep-tech accelerators, two of which are located in North America. Female Navy chef pulled colleagues head into her chest during New Years party on warship A female Royal Navy chef who pulled a male colleagues head into her chest during boozy New Years Eve celebrations on a warship has avoided jail. Crass and offensive Leading Rate Natasha Crawley also left another man with panic in his eyes as she straddled and tried to kiss him, a court martial heard. The 30-year-old who had previously been disciplined for having sex aboard a ship walked into the celebrations with a bottle of red wine and with her lips already stained red. After admitting three counts of misconduct, she was reprimanded by a judge who said her behaviour was demeaning and intrusive. However, in an exceptional ruling, he spared LR Crawley who is now seven months pregnant and cried after the hearing from jail, suspending her 16-week sentence for 18 months. Bulford Military Court heard that the incident took place in the early hours of January 1 this year on HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 frigate which was deployed to the Red Sea to hunt down drug smugglers and arms traffickers. Just a week earlier, on Christmas Day, the warship had come under missile attack, the court heard. Prosecutor Rupert Gregory said: This case involved the defendant getting very drunk on board HMS Lancaster while it was at sea. Others joined a mess party after the countdown for the new year had taken place. Mr Gregory continued: She sang on karaoke while drinking red wine she brought in with her. At 2am, [the victim] was watching a Royal Marine singing when this defendant stumbled into her. He said her eyes looked dead and she put her arms against his shoulders. The court heard from a witness who said she told him: Im open, Im open right now and you know exactly what that means. She then grabbed [him] with both hands and pulled him into her, his head into her chest. The court heard it had taken some force to separate the pair. Mr Gregory said the second victim was left with panic in his eyes from her actions. HMS Lancaster, the warship where the incident took place - Solent News & Photo Agency He saw the defendant arrive looking tipsy at 1am, he said. At 2am, the defendant was spaced out and came and straddled his lap, facing him. She slid down and was staying on his lap. He pushed her away as two others dragged her away by her shoulders. Describing LR Crawley, another sailor said: She was extremely drunk as to be incoherent, unaware of her surroundings or what was happening. The court heard as a result of her not being able to talk or walk, it took 90 minutes to get her to bed. The final charge consisted of making a nuisance of herself during this process as she was screaming and shouting on her way to her cabin, where she was finally put to bed at 4am. LR Crawley was reported and interviewed by Royal Navy police. She admitted the offence. The court heard she had two previous offences of contravention of standing orders by having sex on a ship in 2015. Fiona Edington, representing the sailor said copious amounts of alcohol had been drunk in the new year celebrations. She had drunk too much and she apologises for that, she said. She was unruly and it took her shipmates some time to get her to bed and that should not have happened. She told the court LR Crawley was working 18 hours a day, providing three meals for the sailors aboard the ship, which had been attacked by missiles on Christmas day. She has done exemplary service, she added. Perhaps her private behaviour has not been the best. Sadly, she let herself down on December 31 by coming into that mess drunk, something which she regrets deeply. Addressing her, Assistant Judge Advocate John Atwill said: Your behaviour did have an impact on [the first victim] who was entitled to be safe from behaviour of that sort. Even though, luckily for you, he found it embarrassing rather than anything more. LR Crawley has avoided a reduction in rank but was warned to reflect such behaviour is utterly unacceptable. 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. YoungBoy Never Broke Again has received his sentence in the federal gun case hes been battling for more than four years, placing the rapper one step closer to resolving his ongoing legal issues. On Monday (Sept. 9), Bradford Cohen, YoungBoy Never Broke Agains attorney, shared the news of the latest development in his clients case with his followers on Instagram. The lawyer, who also represents rap star Kodak Black, took joy in his previous prediction that YoungBoy Never Broke Again would likely dodge a lengthy sentence coming to fruition. Being right is a bad habit of mine, Cohen wrote in the caption of a post of a photo of the Baton Rouge native smirking in court. Global plea 27 monthswill be out with credit time served in prob 12 monthslawyer did a nice job with resolving the matter successfully. In addition to his prison term, YoungBoy Never Broke Again will also have to serve five years probation as part of his plea agreement. His sentence comes after his federal gun case was moved from his home state of Louisiana to Utah. YoungBoy Never Broke Again YoungBoy Never Broke again pleaded guilty to illegal firearms possession as a convicted felon last month, a charge stemming from a 2020 incident in which he was one of 16 people arrested at a music video shoot in Louisiana. He was indicted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record the following year, a charge that was later dismissed. YoungBoy Never Broke Agains legal issues have continued throughout the years, as he was slapped with prescription drug fraud charges on two occasions, first in April and again in May. The rapper also picked up two gun charges in 2024, the first in May and the second coming this past month. NBA YoungBoy More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NC charter school is rejected despite having GOP backers. Heres why it didnt pass. A proposed North Carolina charter school that some Republican lawmakers tried to ramrod approval for has been rejected by the state. The N.C. Charter Schools Review Board on Monday turned down the application for Trinitas Academy, which had sought approval to open in 2025 in Iredell County. Review board members questioned both details in Trinitas application and the process used to circumvent the normal approval process. In June, the state House passed a bill requiring the Review Board to authorize Trinitas to open this year, the Charlotte Observer previously reported. The Senate didnt act on the legislation. Theres a process, Alex Quigley, a member of the Review Board, said Monday. I have real questions about a board that says, Eh were going to do something completely outside of the scope and the process regardless of whether its offered to you. The Review Board consists of charter school supporters, many of whom operate charter schools. Members are mainly selected by the Republican-controlled General Assembly. Charter school Trinitas has GOP ties Joe Higgins, a member of Trinitas board, told the Review Board that some legislators had included the Trinitas provision based on the need for more schools in the fast-growing Mooresville area. Trinitas can appeal the rejection to the State Board of Education. School leaders can also apply again next year. The board of directors listed on Trinitas application includes Will Bowen, communications director for Republican U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, and Susan Tillis, the wife of Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. Susan Tillis name is no longer listed on the board on Trinitas website. Promoting classical education Trinitas means three in one in Latin a reference to the Holy Trinity. Trinitas promoted that it will provide students with a classical education, which is historically popular among Christian schools and prep schools. It also has become a buzzword for school choice activists since the pandemic, with new schools popping up across the country, usually run by religious conservatives. You said a large number of your parents are looking for a school that provides I guess a different type of moral and religious instruction, said Bruce Friend, chair of the Review Board. Again, a charter school is a public school. It cannot be faith-based. It just seems like throughout the application it mentions a lot about reaching out to students who are involved in homeschooling or churches. Higgins said Trinitas would remove the religious components when teaching classical education. He said theyd teach religion from a world history view but not a doctrinal point of view. Its a natural affinity group, Higgins said. Those families who are in the Christian world, or Jewish world or Muslim world who are looking for a values and virtues based education. Conflict of interest concern raised Review Board members questioned how the application repeatedly talks about reaching out to the homeschooling community. Higgins said theyd invite homeschoolers to come to the campus to serve as a bridge for getting them to eventually enroll in Trinitas. Higgins said homeschoolers could buy the classical education curriculum developed by his company to follow along with what Trinitas students are studying. Youre using your facility to bring homeschoolers in to purchase your curriculum? Friend asked. If theyd like to, Higgins replied. When questions about conflict of interest were raised, Higgins said hed donate everything to the school for the first couple of years. Higgins said that his mission is to grow classical education. Accuracy of application questioned Review board members questioned the accuracy of the schools numbers for how many economically disadvantaged students and how many students with disabilities it expected to serve. Board members also questioned whether Trinitas had a strong enough transportation plan to help students attend the school. Given the questions, Review Board vice chair John Eldridge said he didnt feel comfortable just releasing the $4.6 million in state funding that Trinitas would get in its first year. Trinitas leaders asked the Review Board for a chance to address its concerns, pointing to how it has a building ready unlike many proposed charter schools. The K-8 charter school would be located in the old Mt. Mourne School building in Mooresville. Yes, I know all the Is are not dotted and the Ts are not crossed, but that will happen in time, said Mikhail Clark, an attorney and member of the Trinitas board. 13 new charter school applications Trinitas is among 13 new charter school applications submitted this year. Most of the new schools want to open in 2026. Trinitas and 2 Hour Learning Online, a proposed statewide online charter school, both sought accelerated approval to open in 2025. Both applications were rejected on Monday. The Review Board will interview the remaining 11 applications over the next several months. This group includes three in Wake County and one each in Chatham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Union and Warren counties. There are also two applicants who want to start statewide online-only charter schools. One of the online applicants is N.C. Connections Academy, which would be managed by the global education company Pearson. There was previously an N.C. Connections Academy managed by Pearson. The two groups split and the school was renamed as N.C. Cyber Academy. Wake-up call on charter management contracts Under state law, charter schools are given to non-profit boards. The boards of many charter schools contract with for-profit management companies to run the day-to-day operations. Review board members said they got a wake-up call on Monday when they voted to allow Legacy Classical Academy in Rockingham County to end its management agreement with American Traditional Academies. Legacy Classical will operate as an independent charter school. In its termination request, Legacy Classicals board raised concerns such as how it felt the 14% management fee charged by American Traditional Academies was too high. Eric Sanchez, a Review Board member, said some of the concerns members had when they first reviewed Legacy Classicals application have now come to bear. This is a wake-up call, Sanchez said. Weve got to find a way to start being able to look into the contracts. Weve got to be part of the discussion and ultimately its got to be part of our vetting process, and if we think otherwise were mistaken. Based on what happened at Legacy Classical, the Review Board is now recommending that charter school applicants have their own legal counsel review agreements. Often times the applicants will rely on attorneys from the management organization. Ive certainly passed some votes in favor of applicants you know whether its a year or two years later that I sometimes wish I could have that vote back, Friend said. That happens. Were not perfect around this table. NC coast fentanyl dealer gets 15 years after wild 120+ mph chase, fiery crash with 2 kids in car, officials say RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Officials said Monday that a North Carolina man was sentenced in a fentanyl operation that continued even after his arrest in a 120 mph car chase with two children that led to a fiery crash. Daquan Wainwright, 26, of Onslow County was eventually busted on drug charges when deputies responded to his home for a domestic dispute, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Even after his eventual arrest, Wainwright ordered others to collect the drug debts owed to him and give the money to his mother, officials said. Wainwright was first busted in March 2022 and authorities ended his fentanyl trafficking six months later thanks to a search of a house in which the woman he lived lied about children being home, officials said. Fentanyl was found in a pitcher (top left) during a search of Wainwrights home, located about 7 miles from the beaches of Onslow County, deputies said. Onslow County Sheriffs Office photo Wainwright, with London Kebe, as a co-defendant, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl while armed with firearms, a Monday U.S. Attorneys Office news release said. A 2021 Audi luxury car was seized during his eventual arrest, deputies said. CRIME TRACKER Sign up for CBS 17s newsletter with the latest in local crime Officials first began looking into Wainwright after police and deputies received around 15 complaints about him selling drugs in Onslow County, the news release said. On March 1, 2022, Wainwright with two children in his car led cops on a 120 mph chase before crashing into a ditch. The car erupted in flames, but no one was injured, officials said. Some of the 40 pounds of marijuana found in a search of Wainwright and London Kebes home, deputies said. Onslow County Sheriffs Office photo But from the charred car wreckage deputies found 681 grams of marijuana in the car, officials said. After that, an investigation into Wainwrights criminal activities continued with a sting buy of two ounces of fentanyl from Wainwright, officials said. But, Wainwrights criminal enterprise only came to an end with a lie about children during a domestic dispute on Sept. 29, 2022, the news release said. After being called about the domestic matter, deputies arrived at the Eider Loop Road home of Kebe and Wainwright. Kebe opened the door, and deputies immediately smelled the odor of marijuana in the house, located south of Jacksonville, officials said. Deputies tried to take Kebe into custody on an active warrant but she claimed there were children in the home. Authorities searched the house but found no children. However, officials said they did find: 2+ kilograms of fentanyl 40 pounds of marijuana drug paraphernalia a loaded Highpoint handgun a loaded AR-15 rifle a stolen 9mm handgun a rifle with an obliterated serial number another 9mm loaded handgun several rounds of ammunition nearly $15,000 in cash As deputies were at the house, Wainwright drove by the home several times and was eventually arrested there. He tried to destroy his phone as he was being handcuffed but officials said they were able to locate pictures and other evidence in the phone of drug trafficking and firearm possession. After he was in custody, Wainwright continued to direct others to collect debts owed to him for drugs and provide the payment to his mother, the news release said. The Onslow County Sheriffs Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the DEA investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan oversaw the guilty plea agreement. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Robert F. Kennedy Jr Former Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s name will not appear on North Carolina ballots, following a ruling from the state Supreme Court. In a 4-3 ruling, the court on Monday rejected the state Board of Elections appeal of an Appeals Court order. Counties had already begun printing ballots with Kennedys name on them when he asked to withdraw in late August. A Superior Court judge last Thursday agreed with the elections board that Kennedys name should remain on the ballot. A panel of Appeals Court judges overturned that decision Friday. More than 2.9 million ballots had been printed by Friday, according to the state Board of Elections. The order delayed the mailing of absentee ballots to people who have requested them. Ballots must now be reprinted at the counties expense. It will cost about $1 million to remove Kennedys name, a lawyer representing the state Board wrote in a court filing. The state may have to ask for a waiver of the Sept. 21 federal deadline for mailing absentee ballots, Board spokesman Patrick Gannon said in an email Friday. Supreme Court Justice Trey Allen, writing for the majority, said people who mistakenly vote for Kennedy would be disenfranchised. Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell should have paused ballot printing when Kennedy announced on Aug. 23 that he was suspending his campaign, Allen wrote. We acknowledge that expediting the process of printing new ballots will require considerable time and effort by our election officials and significant expense to the State, Allen wrote. But that is a price the North Carolina Constitution expects us to incur to protect voters fundamental right to vote their conscience and have that vote count. Kennedy fought to have his name placed on the North Carolina ballot, starting a party called We the People to help him more easily gain ballot access. The state Board of Elections certified We the People as a political party, which allowed Kennedy to run as the partys candidate. The state Democratic Party sued the Board over the certification. A Superior Court judge in August sided with the Board, which allowed Kennedy to stay on the ballot. When he announced he was suspending his campaign, endorsing former President Donald Trump, and withdrawing his name from 10 battleground states, Kennedy did not identify the states. Kennedy encouraged people in noncompetitive states to vote for him. In her dissent, Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs wrote that as the nominated candidate of a political party, Kennedy could not unilaterally remove his name in the run-up to an election. Electionsthe cornerstone of our democracyare not games or exercises in ego-stroking, she wrote. Forcing the state to put his name on the ballot, creating for the state costs both practical and legal, he now wants to reprint millions of ballots because he has decided to suspend his campaign without actually ending it or foreclosing the possibility of his election. Four of the courts Republicans rejected the Boards appeal, while the courts two Democrats and one Republican dissented. NE auditor warns of fast statewide growth of TIF use, saying that poses risk to property tax burden (Courtesy of Omaha Streetcar Authority) Editors note: This article has been updated to add comments from Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. OMAHA More than a half-billion dollars in property tax collections were directed during the past five years to fund urban redevelopment across Nebraska marking a remarkable increase in tax-increment financing use that has sparked a warning from State Auditor Mike Foley. In a 26-page advisory letter Tuesday to Nebraska lawmakers, Foley said that growing use of the economic development incentive called TIF risks further upward pressure on skyrocketing local property taxes. Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley Count me a skeptic if anyone tries to claim that the rapid escalation in TIF-funded projects has nothing to do with the ever-higher property tax obligations in our state, the auditor said in a related media release. Omaha streetcar project highlighted Foley offered examples of how sometimes loose and inconsistent interpretations of governing statutes allowed cities not only to accumulate significant amounts of unwarranted TIF proceeds but also to engage in activities he said pose legal concerns. In particular, he took aim at the City of Omaha. Among flags raised by Foley was use of TIF for Omahas streetcar project. Foley said his purpose was not to pass judgment on this half-billion dollar undertaking, which uses TIF on over 1,100 parcels of prime real estate. He said he hoped to shed light on the potential impact of financing techniques being employed on the project, which is poised to be up and running in 2027. In the final analysis, construction of the streetcar project will be anything but free, Foley said. Many Omaha government and business officials have touted the downtown-to-midtown streetcar route as a way to retain and attract a workforce and to accelerate development in the city. Mayor Jean Stothert has said repeatedly that anticipated development and higher property values sparked by the streetcar should produce enough TIF revenue to pay off bonds without requiring a tax increase. At a June news media conference to update elevated costs, she said: Taxpayers will not pay for the streetcar, there will not be a tax increase, and the streetcar will not put the city in debt. Foley called the streetcar project the largest diversion of property tax dollars for an economic development project in Nebraska history. He said, The resulting impact upon the budgets of those governmental agencies reliant upon property tax revenues remains to be seen. The total cost to prepare the corridor and build the streetcar venture is expected to be $459 million. City officials have said that TIF will pay off $389 million in bond revenue. The remainder is to be covered by sources including public utilities. Review sparked by concerns While debate over TIF has been long-running, Foley told lawmakers that the statewide review of related spending and statutes was spurred by several concerns that had been relayed to his office. Letter to lawmakers In a letter issued Tuesday to lawmakers, the State Auditors Office underscored that TIF is not a tax reduction. It said: The overall property tax paid on an improved area remains the same whether the renovation is financed privately or through TIF pursuant to an approved redevelopment project. TIF merely diverts temporarily the revenues from that portion of the increased property tax valuation generated by any improvements financed with public funds. During the time that they are restricted exclusively to paying off the costs of the redevelopment project, those excess taxes are unavailable for any other public purpose. Created decades ago by the Legislature, the financing mechanism is praised by many as key to rooting out urban blight. Foley noted that others go as far as to describe TIF as an off-budget scheme creating an illusion of cost-free financing with no impact on property taxes or municipal revenues. Any project financed by TIF must first be approved by the local government and deemed to be in a blighted area. The way it works typically: For up to 20 years, the property taxes generated by new improvements on TIF sites go to help private developers pay costs of transforming the area. That means the increased tax increment during that time does not go to the usual recipients of property tax, such as schools and local municipalities. Meanwhile, the pre-redevelopment value of a site (which existed prior to TIF approval) is frozen during the 15- to 20-year TIF loan period, and the fixed property tax revenue generated from it continues to be collected from the owner and distributed as usual. (The longer 20 years is allowed for extremely blighted areas.) After the developers TIF loan is paid off, all property taxes flow to traditional tax recipients. The positive impact of TIF financing on economic development is evident, Foley said. When overused or misused, however, this popular financing tool risks undermining the interests of local property taxpayers. The core concern, he said, is ensuring the tool is applied in a manner that properly balances economic development needs and reasonable property tax burdens on citizens. During the past decade, Foleys letter said, the number of TIF projects in Nebraska has nearly doubled to more than 1,350 separate ventures totaling more than $6 billion in increased property valuations. In 2023 alone, he said, $121.6 million in property tax collections went to pay for TIF projects approved by municipal authorities more than double the annual amount a decade earlier. Arguably, much of those resources could have gone to fund public education and local government obligations, Foley told lawmakers. He said non-TIF property owners may be required to make up the difference needed to finance governmental functions. Foley said his intention is to inform policymakers of the implications and status of TIF use, without advocating for specific legislative action. But he did point out that the Community Development Law governing TIF allows cities an inordinate degree of flexibility. Foley said that may be seen by some as an open invitation to push the boundaries of TIF beyond what is either ethical or beneficial to the citizens. Stothert pushed back on Foleys assertions. She said the City of Omaha has been properly using TIF both for redevelopment projects and the streetcar. She called misleading Foleys statement regarding the $121.6 million in TIF proceeds that he said could have been used for some other public purpose instead of paying costs of a local redevelopment project. Said Stothert: This number does not reflect a basic principle of TIF financing, the but for test. Without the TIF financing, the project would not occur and there would not be the additional property tax revenue. Also, TIF projects do involve a public purpose. Probe went statewide The state auditor in the past few years examined and disclosed concerns about TIF projects in the cities of Benkelman and Auburn. The latest review looked closely at 44 additional Nebraska TIF projects, in Omaha, Lincoln, Valley, Sidney, Ralston, Waterloo, Beatrice, Broken Bow, Cambridge, Friend, Gothenburg, Holdrege and Lexington. In the media release, Foley pointed to an Aksarben Village apartment project as emblematic of various Omaha redevelopments for which he said TIF proceeds were collected after a statutory deadline had passed. He alleged that, as a result, $1.2 million related to the Aksarben apartments was withheld wrongly from other units of local government that could have used that money to pay for important citizen services. The City of Omaha denied wrongdoing in a response that was included in the Foley letter to state senators. Omaha officials said that while the financing structure of alleged TIF-expired projects might cause confusion in calculating dates, their process was within the law. Statewide, Foley said, it appears that tens of millions of dollars were improperly collected on up to 17 of the 44 TIF projects reviewed. That revenue, said Foley, might have proven helpful in lowering property taxes in the affected communities. The auditor team highlighted details of the Omaha streetcar, saying its financing plan directly impacts a swath of about 50 city blocks that stretches more than three miles. Foley said that some areas within that TIF financing area are as much as six city blocks away from the proposed streetcar route and do not appear deteriorated enough to fit a blighted area designation. Nevertheless, those properties are also having a portion of their tax obligations diverted to provide TIF funding for the project, he said. The City of Omaha, in its response to lawmakers, cited a statute that allows TIF to be used in a project site if more than 50% has been declared blighted. The city said amendments were passed to update existing redevelopment project plans within the streetcar TIF area to conform to the law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Through violence and intimidation, a Venezuelan gang took over the Whispering Pines apartment complex in Aurora and sought to collect up to half of the rent from leaseholders, drying up collections for the landlord, according to a law firm's investigation. At the behest of a lender, the international law firm Perkins Coie investigated the alleged criminal activities at Whispering Pines apartments, a 54-unit complex in Aurora, and outlined an operation that included establishing a "lower-level" presence last year, which then escalated into violence and intimidation, the apparent goal of which was to turn the complex into a steady source of income for the gang. The law firm said once the gang was entrenched at the complex, it used the units for illegal activities, including the prostitution of minors. The gang, the law firm added, "operated in the open," patrolled the area and "terrorized the community." The evidence we have reviewed indicates that gang members are engaging in flagrant trespass violations, assaults and battery, human trafficking and sexual abuse of minors, unlawful firearms possession, extortion, and other criminal activities, often targeting vulnerable Venezuelan and other immigrant populations, Perkins Coie, the law firm representing U.S. Bank Trust Company, wrote on Aug. 9. The law firm based its conclusions after conducting "multiple witness interviews and reviewing video." Because the gang had "apparently actively attempted to kill" members of the Whispering Pines management, the law firm said it has omitted all names in its report to help ensure the safety of witnesses. The firm's findings were emailed to then-Interim Police Chief Heather R. Morris, Mayor Mike Coffman, and Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor on Aug. 9, four days before officials boarded up a sister property, Aspen Grove. The 10-page letter provides an exhaustive list of details that paints the picture of a terrorized community. Those details includes death threats and attempts to extort the property manager, who later fled the property. The gang also told staffers and housekeepers that they are now working for the gang. The gangs modus operandi appears to be to unlawfully move gang members as well as vulnerable immigrant families into vacant units, the law firm wrote. The gang also forces rent-paying residents out to create more open units and uses the apartments for purposes of illegal activities such as prostitution. In addition, the gang attempted to use threats of violence to extort the property manager into paying it some 50% of all rental income. The Tren de Aragua, which originated in the Tocoron Prison in Venezuelan, is linked to criminal activities that include human trafficking particularly of immigrant women and girls drug trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering, among others. Police: Gang activity 'will not be tolerated' TDA has extended its tentacles to Denver, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The gangs victims according to U.S. officials are often killed, with their deaths publicized as a way to intimidate others from coming forward. Such intimidation tactics can be glimpsed from Perkins Coie's outline of the gang's activities in Aurora. While CBZ Managements properties have been the focus of the media's attention, the landlords attorney has said that these were not an isolated event and that other multi-family projects in Colorado were subject to the same gang control. Officials including Coffman initially pushed back on the gangs involvement in the decline of the properties owned by CBZ Management, claiming the deteriorating condition at Aspen Grove was solely because of neglect by the apartment's ownership. A city spokesperson earlier criticized the company, saying it engaged in "diversionary tactics." Instead of expending the resources to address the documented issues, CBZ and its stakeholders have hired a team of attorneys and, as we learned today, a Florida-based public relations firm to engage in diversionary tactics, fight the city in its city charter-mandated duties to enforce city code, and alternative narratives with many of you, Ryan Luby, a city spokesperson, said in an email on Aug. 5. The issues cited by the city at the time included rodent infestations, sewage backups and trash pileups, water leaks, shattered or missing windows and a lack of electricity. The law firms letter, though, for the first time, offered an explanation why the landlords appeared to have deserted the residents. The property manager also shared that since Tren de Aragua took over the property, management has been unable to service it, and rent collections have all but dried up, the Perkins Coie law firm wrote City officials have since walked back their initial claims. The city received the letter and immediately included it in its ongoing investigative work. APD has been and continues to aggressively investigate and pursue any criminal activity reported on or related to the properties owned by CBZ Management, Michael Brannen, a city spokesperson, said in a statement. Featured Local Savings The information in the letter, Brannen said, underscored why the Aurora Police Department formed a special task force to investigation violent crimes against immigrants. While we are not able to share details and information that could compromise an active investigation, we want to ensure the public that any presence of criminal activity, including gang activity, will not be tolerated. APD continues to identify criminals and make arrests, Brannen said. Whispering Pines, Aspen Grove and The Edge at Lowry are owned by CBZ Management, a Brooklyn-based business that operates rental apartments in New York and Colorado, with 11 properties in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. A lot of balls dropped Aurora officials have struggled with crafting a coherent response to the issue, which sparked national and international interest. The city acknowledged bringing on a former city staff person to assist with the volume of inquiries, according to Kim Stuart, an Aurora spokesperson. Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky put the blame on the police department, which at the time was under an interim chief who has since been replaced. There were a lot of balls dropped from the police department, Jurinsky said on Tuesday. Jurinsky also took aim at Gov. Jared Polis. Last month, Polis dismissed concerns about the gang take over, despite a video showing armed men believed to be TDA gang members storming an apartment complex. He (Polis) should have just brought the help in, Jurinsky said. He shouldnt have had to wait for us to ask for help. Shelby Wieman a Polis spokesperson who has called out Jurinsky for airing the citys dirty laundry to right-wing media disputed the assertion. Polis, Wieman said, and his team have been in regular contact with Aurora officials including Coffman for weeks and have provided ongoing assistance. Colorado is a zero-tolerance state for illegal activity, Wieman said in an email to The Denver Gazette on Tuesday. Wieman added: The state has been proactive, responsive, and delivered everything asked by the Aurora Police Department, the lead entity in the investigation, and cannot take actions that get ahead of or interfere with their investigation. On Friday, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert fired off a letter to the secretaries of DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and Polis, criticizing what she and her Republican signatories called the Biden administrations open border policies and demanding to know among other things how many TDA gang members have crossed the border and when authorities knew about the gangs presence in Aurora. The Biden-Harris Administrations open border policies coupled with the state of Colorados sanctuary policies and the city of Denvers sanctuary city status have fueled and exasperated the immigration crisis in Colorado. Non sanctuary cities and neighboring communities have suffered harm from these policies and dont have the resources or authorities to mitigate the influx of illegal aliens and TdA gang members, Boebert and her colleagues wrote on Sept. 6. Boebert and her colleagues also wanted to know what policies may be hindering local authorities from removing TDA gang members and immigrants unauthorized to live in the U.S. Nearly 43,000 immigrants mostly from South and Central America have come to Denver over the past 22 months after crossing the U.S. southern border illegally, setting off a costly crisis that at one point threatened to overwhelm the citys ability to respond. An untold number of immigrants have fled Venezuela under President Nicolas Maduros rule, which has been marked by economic and political chaos since he assumed office in 2013. More than seven million Venezuelans have since fled, seeking refuge in countries around the globe, including the United States and Denver. Nearly 200 land and environment defenders killed in 2023, says NGO Nearly 200 environmental and land defenders around the world were murdered in 2023, with Colombia once again the deadliest place for activists, watchdog Global Witness said in a report Tuesday. The report also sounds the alarm on a "crackdown on environmental activists across the UK, Europe and the US", warning "laws are increasingly being weaponised against defenders". The annual report found Latin America remains the most dangerous part of the world for environmental and land defenders, accounting for 85 percent of the 196 murders documented last year. The majority were concentrated in just four countries: Colombia, Brazil, Honduras and Mexico. The group documented 79 murders in Colombia alone -- the highest figure recorded in any country since Global Witness began its annual review in 2012. Most occurred in several of the country's southwestern regions, and organised crime groups are suspected of carrying out at least half of the murders. Colombia will host this year's COP16 meeting to discuss the Convention on Biological Diversity, but "violence against human rights defenders and social leaders appears to be increasing", Global Witness said. The report also highlighted the toll in Honduras, which recorded 18 murders, the most per capita. Among them was a father killed alongside his 15-year-old child. - Critical issue - In Asia, the Philippines continued to be the most dangerous place for environmental and land protection, with 17 murders, and Global Witness highlighted a growing trend of abductions across the region. This "has emerged as a critical issue, reflecting broader systemic efforts by power holders to suppress dissent and maintain control over land and resources", it said. Among those affected were Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, two young activists opposed to land reclamation projects in Manila Bay in the Philippines. They have accused the military of abducting them, though authorities claim the women belonged to a communist insurgency and had sought help after leaving the movement. "Since our release, the threats have continued," the pair said in the report. "The government is filing trumped-up and malicious charges against us in an attempt to prolong their intimidation tactics." In Africa, Global Witness recorded just four deaths, but warned the figure was likely a "gross underestimate" given the challenge of collecting information. Elsewhere, the group warned that governments and corporations are increasingly wielding the law to suppress environmental activism. It pointed to legislation in Britain and United States allowing harsher penalties for protesters and activists facing "draconian levels of surveillance" in the European Union. In Britain it highlighted the case of activist David Nixon, who served four weeks in jail after defying a judge's order barring him from using climate change as a defence. "We should be allowed to mention the climate crisis wherever we go, especially in front of a jury," he told AFP. Global Witness urged "decisive action" from governments to protect defenders. "Activists and their communities are essential in efforts to prevent and remedy harms caused by climate damaging industries," said the report's lead author Laura Furones. "We cannot afford to, nor should we tolerate, losing any more lives." sah/fox How does the huge crowd for the pope's Mass in East Timor compare to others? FILE - Pilgrims and residents gather on Copacabana beach before the arrival of Pope Francis for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File) TASITOLU, East Timor (AP) Popes are popular. So much so that nearly half the population of East Timor gathered Tuesday in a seaside park for Pope Francis final Mass in the small Southeast Asian country whose people are deeply Catholic. Other papal Masses have drawn millions of people in more populous countries, such as the Philippines, Brazil and Poland. But the estimated crowd of 600,000 people in East Timor was believed to represent the biggest turnout for a papal event ever in terms of the proportion of the population. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, has been overwhelmingly Catholic ever since Portuguese explorers first arrived in the early 1500s and some 97% of the population today is Catholic. They turned out in droves to welcome the first pope to visit them since their independence in 2002, on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed in 1989 during the nations fight to separate from Indonesia. While the East Timor gathering stands out, experts caution against relying on crowd counts that cannot be independently verified. The Vatican communicates crowd estimates that come from local organizers who have an interest in overestimating the popularity of the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Still, there's no doubt that popes can pack a room or a park. Here's a look at other popular papal Masses: Philippines Pope Francis' Mass in Manila drew an estimated 6 million people a record that still stands more than a decade later to Rizal Park and surrounding areas in 2015. The faithful poured into Manilas rain-soaked streets and the city's biggest park as the pope ended his Asian pilgrimage with an appeal for Filipinos to protect their young from sin and vice so they can become missionaries of the faith. A sea of humanity in colorful rain ponchos spread out across the parkland and nearby boulevards, lining the motorcade route. A Vatican spokesman said the Holy See had received the 6 million figure officially from local authorities and it had surpassed the record of 5 million people who turned out for then-Pope John Paul IIs final Mass in the same park in 1995. He was declared a saint in an unprecedented fast-tracked Vatican ceremony in 2014. Rio's Copacabana Beach Vatican and Brazilian officials said 3.7 million people gathered on July 28, 2013, to see Pope Francis celebrate World Youth Day on the iconic Copacabana beach in the worlds biggest Catholic country. But number crunchers disputed the figure, saying the real number was not even half that. The research director of Datafolha, one of Brazils top polling and statistic firms, said that based on the size of the crowd area and reasonable density estimates, turnout was more likely between 1.2 million and 1.5 million people. By the Vaticans count, the crowd density throughout the entire area about 497,000 square meters (594,400 square yards or 5.3 million square feet) would have been 7.4 people per square meter, which wouldnt allow for movement of any kind, let alone the jumping, arm-waving, singing and dancing seen at the papal events. Video and photos of the crowd also showed that while it was packed close to the gigantic altar built on Copacabana beach, the faithful thinned out along the 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) -long beach. Poland In 1979, St. John Paul II returned to his hometown of Krakow for his first visit to Poland after his elevation to the papacy. His Mass drew nearly 2 million people, according to the Polish Catholic news agency KAI, despite pressures from the Soviet-backed regime. All told, at least 6 million of Polands 35 million people saw the pontiff along the route of his pilgrimage through multiple cities, including in city squares and open fields across the country. He said his farewell Mass on the outskirts of Krakow in a voice that was hoarse and wavering after nine days of speeches, Masses and other appearances before enthusiastic and adoring crowds. The 1979 journey to Poland was later credited with helping to bring about the collapse of Communism. More than 20 years later, the pontiff returned to Krakow. A 2002 open-air Mass there brought an estimated 2.5 million people to see the pope, KAI reported. Congo Pope Francis celebrated a Mass for 1 million people in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, in 2023, at which he urged the country's people to forgive those who committed inhuman violence against them. Roughly half of Congos 105 million people are Catholic, according to the Vatican, which also cited local organizers for the estimate of 1 million people in the crowd. Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, led the No 10 policy unit under Tony Blair A very negative view of work among young people is helping to fuel the worklessness crisis, according to the head of an influential NHS body. Matthew Taylor, who led the No 10 policy unit under Tony Blair as well as a government review on workers rights for Theresa May, said tackling the post-pandemic rise in youth inactivity and unemployment was complex and needed a cross-government approach. Mr Taylor, who is now chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said tackling youth worklessness had to start in the classroom to stamp out the poor perception of work by youngsters. I think some young people have a very negative view of what working life is. And a lot of their friends have responded by becoming economically inactive, he told an event hosted by the Boston Consulting Group. It makes it more likely the next person will do that. The comments come as official figures showed youth unemployment hit 13.3pc in the three months to July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This represents the highest rate since early 2021 during lockdown. It also means almost 500,000 people are out of work, presenting an extra challenge to Sir Keir Starmers plans to boost jobs and growth. Mr Taylor suggested that many young people were struggling to deal with the ups and downs of life, which had led them to turn their backs on work. He said: Shifting that norm is something we have done in the past, particularly around older men. When I went into government, initially there was a norm in many communities that many working class men over 50 didnt work. And then that did change over time, you know, quite substantially. Mr Taylor also said government departments had to tackle the issues together. We have to build in mental health and wellbeing support as a core part of what we do in schools, not just something that is slowly growing in the margins. I think there is good work now starting to happen in schools around mental health support teams, but its still only in a minority of schools. Speaking at the event, Anita Charlesworth, a director at the Health Foundation think tank, said there was an added layer of complexity linked to getting young people with health conditions back to work because the approach to worklessness was not compatible with how the NHS operates. Citing the New Deal programme in the 1990s that focused on the scarring impact of being out of work for long spells, Ms Charlesworth said the success of the programme partly involved early intervention targeted at young people. However, Ms Charlesworth, who is a member of the Governments new advisory board to tackle worklessness, added that it would be almost impossible for the NHS to take the same approach and treat younger patients first. What that implies is that we wont actually prioritise according to clinical needs [and instead] throw the kitchen sink at people early because of the impact that has on lifetime trajectories. [But] if we actually wanted to say were really worried about young people, we recognise that we need to come up with different, more joined-up services. 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. An Oregon man accused of killing a nurse reported missing days after returning home from her wedding made his first court appearance on Monday. The Beaverton Police Department arrested Jonathan Bryce Schubert, 27, who authorities say was a neighbor to Melissa Jubane, 32, whose body was found days after she was reported missing when she failed to show up for her shift at work. Officials said Schubert is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and second-degree abuse of a corpse. He is being held without bail at the Washington County jail due to the murder charge. Schubert appeared on video during Monday's hearing and did not enter a plea during his arraignment, according to KATU News. MISSING OREGON NURSE FOUND DEAD DAYS AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM HER WEDDING, NEIGHBOR ARRESTED Oregon nurse Melissa Jubane, who vanished days after she returned home from her Hawaii wedding, was found dead Saturday after a three-day search. Police have accused her 27-year-old neighbor of murder. Officials said that as a result of an extensive investigation, it was determined that Schubert was involved in her disappearance. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP FOX 12 reported that Schubert worked as a nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center from September 2022 to October 2023. However, Schubert was not employed at Providence St. Vincent, where Melissa worked, Providence said in a statement Saturday morning. Beaverton police confirmed on Saturday that the remains of Jubane were found following a three-day search and just two weeks after she tied the knot with Bryan Llantero, a native of Kalihi, Hawaii. MISSING FLORIDA RUNNER ARIELLE VALDES FOUND DEAD AFTER FIVE-DAY SEARCH Oregon nurse Melissa Jubane was found dead days after getting married in Hawaii. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community members who have assisted with the search for Melissa. Our deepest condolences go out to Melissas family, friends and coworkers," Beaverton police said in a previous statement. "While we acknowledge the significant community interest and concern, we must withhold further details to preserve the integrity of the investigation," the statement continued. Jubane's family declined to comment on the investigation, but provided a statement to KATU News. SOUTH CAROLINA AUTHORITIES REVEAL MASSACHUSETTS MAN'S CAUSE OF DEATH AFTER HE VANISHED IN HILTON HEAD Police found Melissa Jubane's remains three days after she disappeared. "We are extremely grateful for the detectives and other staff working diligently on this case, for the love and support we are receiving from the entire nation (especially from the city of Beaverton and the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, her work family at Providence St Vincents, and the Llantero family), and for all the prayers." The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) also released a statement and offered full support to anyone suffering from Jubane's death. "The Oregon Nurses Association is devastated by the loss of Melissa Jubane, an extraordinary nurse at St. Vincents Hospital and a member of the Oregon Nurses Association. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Melissa during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with our community in mourning and offer our full support to all those impacted by this devastating loss." The organization held a vigil in Jubane's honor on Monday evening. Schubert's case is set for a status check on Tuesday morning, and he is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary probable cause hearing Sept. 16, KPTV reported. Officials encourage anyone with information on Jubane's case to contact Beaverton police at 503-526-2280. Original article source: Neighbor accused of killing missing Oregon newlywed nurse makes first court appearance MIAMI, Okla. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College is extending a helping hand to students in its physical therapy assistant program by establishing the Sidney Morgan Memorial Scholarship. On Monday, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Development Foundation announced the establishment of the Sidney Morgan Memorial Scholarship. Sidney Morgan Only 15 applicants are accepted into the technical portion of the program each year at NEO. Instructors work closely with the students. Classes combine hands-on experience in a lab setting with lectures, allowing students to learn by performing the new skills. Sidney Morgans legacy through this endowed fund will significantly impact the lives of students at NEO A&M College, providing them with the financial assistance necessary to pursue their academic and career goals as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Estimated costs Physical Therapist Assistant Program** Tuition & Fees (43 credit hours)* $7471.25 Books & Supplies $242 for 3 semesters (approximate) Physical Exam $65 (approximate) Liability Insurance $15 Immunizations (Hepatitis B) $150 (approximate) Criminal Background $110 (approximate) Drug Screen $40 CPR Certification $10 Name Badge for clinicals $10 Program Exit Exam $35 NEO PTA Program Polo $30 Total $8,126.25 Morgan was a dedicated learner and educator. Her background includes an associate degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant from NEO A&M College, a bachelors degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a masters degree in education from Pittsburg State University. A lifelong Norseman, Morgan devoted 21 years of her career to educating others as an instructor at NEO A&M College and later as a Clinical Coordinator for the NEO Physical Therapy Assistant Program. To be considered for the Sidney Morgan Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be admitted to the NEO A&M College Physical Therapy Program and complete the foundations scholarship application. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, have strong scholarship aptitude, and exhibit notable academic achievement. For more information about the Sidney Morgan Memorial Scholarship or to apply, contact NEO A&M College Development Foundation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Netflix is embroiled in a legal dispute with Asian News International (ANI) over the streaming giants hit series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The drama, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is a fictionalized version of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which was en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi when it was diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The series is currently No. 2 on Netflixs Global Top 10 Non-English shows. More from Variety In a suit filed with the Delhi High Court, the news agency alleges copyright infringement over archival ANI footage used in the series and wants four episodes of the six-episode show to be taken down. Netflix declined to comment when approached by Variety as it is an ongoing legal matter. The court will hear the matter on Friday. The series has experienced turbulence since it started streaming on Aug. 29. Some social media users took umbrage with the fact that the hijackers depicted in the series called each by Hindu names, despite being Muslims from Pakistan. A member of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) posted on X: The hijackers of IC-814 were dreaded terrorists, who acquired aliases to hide their Muslim identities. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, legitimized their criminal intent, by furthering their non-Muslim names. Result? Decades later, people will think Hindus hijacked IC-814. However, a statement issued by Indias home ministry in 2000 (India was under BJP rule from 1998 to 2004) available in the public domain confirms the Pakistani Muslim identities of the hijackers and states: To the passengers of the hijacked place these hijackers came to be known respectively as (1) Chief, (2) Doctor, (3) Burger, (4) Bhola and (5) Shankar, the names by which the hijackers invariably addressed one another. To clarify the matter Netflix updated the disclaimer that appears before the show in India. For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers, Netflix said. The drama, adapted from the book Flight Into Fear by Captain Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury, explores the crisis from multiple angles. It offers a multifaceted look at the incident, showcasing the tense negotiations in Delhis War Room, the high-stakes diplomacy at Taliban-controlled Kandahar, and the terrifying ordeal faced by passengers and crew aboard the hijacked aircraft. This is the second time this year that Netflix has faced calls to remove Indian content from its service. In January, Tamil-language film Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food, headlined by Jawan actor Nayanthara, was pulled from Netflix after attracting multiple complaints from Hindu groups, who filed police complaints on the grounds that it offended Hindu religious sentiments. The film has been removed at the licensors request, a Netflix spokesperson had told Variety at the time. The film has since resurfaced on streamer Simply South. In 2021, Prime Video had to apologize for its Indian original series Tandav, some parts of which had offended members of the ruling Hindu nationalist dispensation. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Netflix, others alleged to have accused Buster Murdaugh of murder, want out of state court Defendants in a defamation case brought by Buster Murdaugh against national media companies that allegedly accused him of killing a gay teen have removed the case from Murdaughs home county of Hampton to federal court in Charleston. Buster Murdaugh is the son of ex-lawyer and convicted killer Alex Murdaugh, The case is now before U.S. Judge Richard Gergel in the Charleston Division in South Carolina federal courts. The removal, unless reversed by Judge Gergel, by Netflix, Warner Brothers Discovery Inc. and others, means that Buster Murdaugh wont have a presumably friendly hometown jury at the Hampton County Courthouse hearing his case. Instead, jurors if the case were to go to trial in Charleston federal court would be chosen from a multi-country Lowcountry region. Shaun Kent, Buster Murdaughs lawyer, was not immediately available for comment. He has the right to object to the companies position and ask Judge Gergel to transfer the case back to Hampton County. For years, the Murdaughs a four-generation family of lawyers based in Hampton County have had the reputation of enjoying friendly juries when their cases came to trial on their home turf. In June, Buster Murdaugh filed suit in Hampton County, alleging three separate documentaries by well-known media companies had defamed him by falsely suggesting that he murdered, or helped murder, a local gay man, Stephen Smith, 19, nine years ago. Smiths body was found with fatal head injuries on a rural Hampton County road in July 2015. Baseless rumors began to swirl on social media that the Murdaugh family and Buster, in particular, had a hand in Smiths death. For years, the State Law Enforcement Division and numerous journalists have investigated the case, but no one ever found any evidence that Buster Murdaugh was involved in Smiths death. Buster Murdaugh issued a statement denying involvement. The death remains unsolved and no suspects have been named by law enforcement. Despite the fact no evidence is known to exist to link Buster Murdaugh to Smiths death, various media companies broadcast documentaries in which they falsely, to one degree or another, suggested that Buster was involved in Smiths death, according to the lawsuit filed in Hampton County state court. The documentaries were Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty, Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty, and Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. They were viewed by millions on such platforms as HBO Max, Netflix and Discovery+, Buster Murdaughs lawsuit said. Local newspaper editor also sued The only non-documentary defendant in Buster Murdaughs lawsuit was Michael DeWitt, the longtime editor of the Hampton County Guardian and author of the book, The Fall of the House of Murdaugh. The lawsuit alleged that DeWitt had made alleged defamatory statements when he appeared on a Netflix documentary about Buster Murdaughs alleged involvement in Smiths death. It is clear that Mr. DeWitt is falsely accusing [Buster] of being involved in the murder of Stephen Smith, Buster Murdaugh said in his lawsuit. Mr. DeWitts false statements defamed the plaintiff and damaged his reputation. But in their notice of removal to federal court, the defendants asserted that DeWitts statements were not defamatory, were in fact true and were within the bounds of free speech. It is clear from the context that DeWitt was not stating any facts of which he had personal knowledge, but rather, speaking as a local expert about what he had learned about the law enforcement investigation [into Smiths death] and heard from others in the community. Both DeWitts comments and the Series as a whole are focused on the power and influence of the Murdaugh family and how that may have impacted the course of justice in multiple situations, not making factual claims about who actually killed Stephen Smith, the companies said in their federal filing. The defendants asked that DeWitt be dropped as a defendant since everything he said was true and protected by the First Amendment. DeWitt has declined to comment. The defendants also said the only reason that DeWitt was included in Buster Murdaughs lawsuit was to make sure the lawsuit would be tried in Hampton County. Since all the defendants except DeWitt are out-of-state, the proper and lawful place for a legal action against them by a South Carolinian such as Buster Murdaugh is in the federal courts, Netflix and the other companies said in their notice of removal to federal court. This case arises from three documentary series that reported on historical events and official investigations involving a well-known and influential family, the Murdaughs, that for years have been the subject of discussion, debate, and speculation by the populace of Hampton County, South Carolina, and that have been extensively covered in the local, state, and national news media, the documentary companies said in their notice of removal. Busters father, Alex Murdaugh, is serving two consecutive life sentences in state prison for the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and his younger son, Paul, Busters brother. Alex Murdaugh has also been convicted in state and federal court of massive fraud involving millions of dollars against his clients, his former law firm and others. The Murdaugh saga has for several years attracted swarms of media, documentary companies and journalists. At least nine books have been written about it, and documentaries are still in production. Lawyers representing the documentary companies include John T. Lay, Marguerite Willis, Cheryl Shoun, Jessica Laffitte, David Dukes and Merritt Abney, according to federal court records. SACRAMENTO, California The governors of Arizona and Nevada urged California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a letter Tuesday not to rush to impose new storage requirements on California oil refiners, raising concerns the requirements could raise costs in their states. The letter from Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, came in response to a Newsom-backed Assembly proposal, that would give the California Energy Commission authority to require refiners to store more gas to try to prevent price spikes caused by shortages. Newsom called a special session of the Legislature on Aug. 31 to consider the proposal after the Legislature balked at passing it in the last days of the regular session. The letter raises the political stakes for Newsoms bid to address gas price spikes that occurred in the last two years amid a presidential election in which Californias high gas prices could be used as a line of attack on state Democrats. The governors of the neighboring states, which get a significant portion of their gas from California refineries, said they were concerned that mandating refinery inventory would directly raise the cost of fuel for all of our constituencies and create further economic instability in the region. They cited refiner concerns that the requirements could induce shortages by keeping supply off the market to maintain the reserves. They also quoted a California Energy Commission letter that said a supply requirement came with the potential for shortages. The people of Nevada and Arizona shouldnt have to foot the bill for Californias misguided policies, Lombardo said on X. "Arizonans are struggling with the high cost of living, we cant afford yet another price hike," Hobbs said on the site. Newsom has been focused on gas prices since the fall of 2022, when California prices reached an average $6.44 per gallon. He called a special session that December that resulted in a law that directed the CEC to analyze gas prices and consider capping refiners profits. The agency suggested the idea of new supply requirements in January of this year, along with suggesting new regulations on oil spot markets where prices are set. Most of Californias Assembly Democratic Caucus saw the language for the first time two weeks ago, with just days left to pass it. Moderates balked at the timeframe, raising concerns about unintended consequences, leading to Newsoms decision to call another special session an idea Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas supported but Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire did not. Nevadas Lombardo already raised concerns back in May about the CECs potential regulations, provoking a sharp response from Newsom, whose spokesperson called it a stunt to appease Big Oil donors. The concerns from a Democratic governor in Hobbs could be more complicated for Newsom to address. The governors office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The first hearing of the special session is scheduled for Sept. 18. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The record summer heat led to more than a dozen workers being hospitalized in June and July in Clark County, according to the Nevada State Occupation Safety Hazard Administration. 8 News Now obtained data from OSHA through a public records request, which showed that at least 19 employees were hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses. The agency is still working on collecting numbers for August. In Nevada, there were 127 heat-related complaints filed to OSHA in June and 208 in July. The majority of them were against businesses in Clark County. Throughout the summer, 8 News Now reported on employees who had to work in the heat and the ways they tried to keep cool. About every hour or so, Ill try to do some stretches on here, Kevin Roman route manager for Tahoe Springs Water said back on July 19. Part of the gig, Las Vegas water delivery drivers navigate high demand and heat Jason Cohn of Brooklyns Best Pizza also took safety precautions. This is like a little personal air conditioner I use. I got it on the internet. It just blows air up, blows air down. Keeps me cool, Cohn said on July 5. Las Vegas restaurants take steps to cool employees, heat complaints to OSHA rise According to OSHA, two Las Vegas strip hotel employees were hospitalized in June due to the heat. One was a bartender who suffered a heat stroke, and the other was an employee working on a pool deck who fainted. Heat-related hospitalizations jumped to 17 in July, according to OSHA. A landscaper on July 12 spent the night at Mountain View Hospital after he suffered from heat stress while installing plants. On July 24, a construction worker was rushed to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center after partial facial numbness. On that same day, a utility worker fell ill on the job and spent two days at UMC. The next day on July 25, a package delivery employee went to the emergency room of Centennial Hills Hospital and was treated for dehydration, according to OSHA. Dr. Ketan Patel at UMC recommends those working in the heat take extra precautions. You have to think of heat like stress. Thats what it is. It puts stress on our body. It puts stress on everything, Dr. Patel said. 8 News Now isnt identifying the business listed by OSHA with heat-related complaints, since most of the agencys investigations remain active. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. What happened: Shortly after marrying her husband, Bryan Llantero, on Aug. 24 in Hawaii, Jubane was reported missing by her coworkers and family after failing to show up for work, leading to an investigation by Beaverton police. The main suspect for her death is her neighbor, Bryce Johnathan Schubert, 27, who was arrested and charged with her murder on Saturday. Investigators reportedly traced Schubert through an extensive investigation, which ultimately led to the discovery of Jubanes remains. Exact details surrounding her death and how her remains were found have not been disclosed. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) rejected calling Vice President Harris an underdog in the 2024 presidential election, arguing that Democrats should be standing tall for their policy accomplishments and showing more pride. Shes not, I dont like hearing about that, Newsom said during a Tuesday appearance on CBS Mornings ahead of the ABC News debate between Harris and former President Trump. Theres something about, I think your own lives, your own success, we manifest. And theres some, I dont know what it is about Democrats, theres a timidity. The stock market hits record-breaking, but we are like well, not everyones in the stock market. Theres a timidity, how about some pride, how about standing tall for your accomplishments. Newsoms remarks come as Harris and her campaign have leaned into the image of her being an underdog against Trump. Since she became the nominee, Vice President Harris has considered herself the underdog in this race. She continues to campaign with that mentality. A lot of work to do in these last 50+ days, Harris spokesperson Brian Fallon said Sunday on the social platform X. A former Harris aide told The Hill the campaign is not taking anything for granted, highlighted by the vice presidents busy travel schedule. The polls continue to show the point theyve been making from the outset: She is the underdog and its going to be a close election, the former aide said. National polls, as well as polls in key swing states, have consistently showed Trump and Harris neck-and-neck, with little change in recent weeks. Thats a drastic improvement on where President Biden stood against Trump, but most oddsmakers still have Trump as a slight favorite. What Kamala Harris has done in last eight weeks is unprecedented in U.S. history, Newsom said. Shes closed the gap. We are not just winning on the margin of error, weve expanded the map in the United States. You saw new polls this morning, states that were not even in the conversation. Now Donald Trump has to either defend or he has to go out and invest millions, millions of dollars [that] were never imagined a few weeks ago. The California governor said the 2024 White House race is the easiest election of my lifetime. I love where we are. Newsom said that Trump is less interesting than Harris. I mean listen to these rambling speeches for hours and hours, the audience is even losing him. People are walking out. Since replacing Biden at the top of the ticket, Harris has broken fundraising records, drawn massive crowds at rallies and injected new confidence into the partys members who had doubts about Bidens chances of winning in November. However, the vice president has been criticized for her lack of media appearances, particularly by Republicans. Newsom argued that she should interact more with the media, but said its ultimately ther call to make. Thats up to the campaign, he said. You know what I mean, Im not here to advise in that respect. I think absolutely she should do that, but thats up to her. Whatever, look you got to flood the zone. You got to dominate the conversation. However you can do that, is that rallies, is that one-on-one conversations, town halls, thats up to the campaign. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris greets members of the media as she arrives at Pittsburgh International Airport, in Coraopolis, Pa., where she is expected to prepare for the first presidential debate. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) Vice President Kamala Harris spent nearly four years working alongside a U.S. president for whom foreign policy is a passion bordering on political religion one rooted in Cold War memories and a largely unchallenged U.S. global dominance. Harris brings her own distinct worldview to the job of global leader a next-generation outlook shaped instead by her life as a woman of color coming of age post-Cold War, a daughter of immigrants and someone who spent a career in law enforcement in California, the most diverse and progressive state in the U.S. Specifics of Harris' foreign policy have yet to be revealed; some aspects could become clearer during tonight's presidential debate. But those who know and have observed Harris anticipate a more modern outlook that embraces multilaterialsm even as it acknowledges the primacy of the U.S. role on the global stage. They see Harris' policies as driven less by dated political ideologies and more by ever-changing realities on the ground, but with a deeper emphasis on the core American values of rule of law and human rights, particularly when it involves women. Two decades younger than Biden, Harris, 59, ascended onto the national political stage amid an era of threats and challenges to the U.S. that would put different issues to the fore in her foreign policy, current and former aides say, such as climate change, food security and the dangers of artificial intelligence. Her background as daughter of a Jamaica-born economist and India-born cancer researcher has undoubtedly widened her aperture geopolitically. Such nuances could be observed amid the Israel-Hamas war. While affirming strong support for Israel's right to self-defense, she has become the Biden administration's loudest voice in support for Palestinians suffering in Gaza, inviting comparisons to America's own civil rights struggle. Read more: Europe turns from Trump-proofing to hope as Kamala Harris is anointed Democratic candidate "Her upbringing, both as a daughter of immigrants but also the daughter of civil rights activists, did shape her, her political views and her worldview," said Halie Soifer, who served as Harris' national security advisor in her first two years as senator. As vice president, Harris has focused efforts on the oft-neglected Caribbean region and its urgent struggles with climate change, where island nations are in danger of drowning in the sea. Her first overseas trip as a U.S. senator was to a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where most of the desperate occupants were women and children. (She also visited U.S. military troops from California stationed in Iraq.) She is the most senior official in the Biden administration to travel to sub-Saharan Africa. "I expect to see her focusing more on parts of the world that traditional folks of European American background may be focused less on," said Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former top State Department official under the Obama administration, during a recent Foreign Policy webinar. Read more: With conventions over, a 10-week sprint to the White House begins Harris' first foray on the global stage as vice president backfired badly. Biden handed her the thankless task of attempting to curb illegal immigration by tackling the "root causes" of the northward exodus from Latin America. Although Republicans falsely brand Harris as the "border czar," her mandate was never to control border crossings. She was tasked with launching programs that would alleviate the suffering and lack of opportunity and basic rights of people living in the countries that were among those sending the largest numbers of migrants: El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Harris found she had no partners to work with. The governments of the three countries were riddled with corruption and un-democratic players, making honest negotiation impossible. Biden, who often felt confident he could charm and cajole difficult leaders into concessions, might have taken them on despite their unsavory characteristics. Harris instead did not confront them publicly and sought out other partners to work with, like civic and business groups. Some of her initial efforts have begun to bear fruit. She has chalked up more than $5 billion in mostly private-sector investment for the region. Meanwhile, illegal immigration from the three countries fell and shifted to other countries. Read more: From international allies, quiet relief and public praise as Biden quits race The difficulty of those dealings may have made her less willing to be bold in some initiatives, especially in foreign policy. She is not known for taking risks. In speeches and actions, Harris has advocated for continued support of some of Biden's marquee foreign policies, such as shoring up Ukraine in its fight against Russia and, with the same goal in mind, uniting and expanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. She replaced Biden for three years running at the Munich Security Conference, a major decades-old annual meeting of world leaders in Germany to discuss peace. This year, she delivered a forceful address that acknowledged international jitters over the direction the U.S. might take under a new Trump administration. Her government, she said, has "built and sustained alliances" that made the U.S. the most "powerful and prosperous" country on Earth "alliances that have prevented wars, defended freedom, and maintained stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific." She added a shout-out to advancing "rules and norms for outer space" and "to empower women around the globe." She has met with President Xi Jinping of China, mended fences with France's Emmanuel Macron after a diplomatic blowup over a submarine contract, reassured Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine over continued supply of weapons and helped persuade NATO countries to welcome Sweden and Finland to their ranks. She has traveled to 21 countries, including in Africa, and met with 150 world leaders, her office says. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who attended the Munich meetings with Harris, said he has seen her "command a room full of world leaders." "And what Ive observed is someone who asks time and again penetrating questions, who cuts to the chase and is intensely focused on the interests of the American people and making sure that our foreign policy is doing everything it can to advance those interests," he said in July shortly after Biden dropped out of the presidential race. "In my experience, [foreign policy] is very much her forte," Blinken added. It remains to be seen if Harris would be less willing than cold-warrior Biden to use military force against U.S. enemies or if she might follow the more restrained practice of former President Obama. One of Obama's principal advisors, Phil Gordon, has served as Harris' national security advisor for the last two years and is considered a leading candidate to follow a President Harris into the Oval Office in the same role. Steeped in diplomacy in Europe and the Middle East, Gordon is generally placed in the progressive category of national security operatives. He served in senior European-affairs posts under both the Clinton and Obama administrations and more recently accused Trump of inflicting a "deathblow" on the U.S. alliance with NATO. Read more: Why Ukraine and much of Europe is alarmed over Trump's selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate During the Obama administration, Gordon's advice translated into a short-lived rapprochement with Russia, outreach to the Arab world and ardent support for the international Iran nuclear accord that curtailed Tehran's nuclear program. In a 2020 book, Gordon reviewed seven decades of failed U.S. interventions in the Middle East in scathing fashion, arguing that "regime change" rarely works and offers "false promise." He advocated for a less hubristic and hegemonic U.S. role in the world and one with lower U.S.-centric ambitions. He joined Harris' national security team as the deputy advisor on her first day as vice president and was promoted to the top job 14 months later. Gordon, along with his deputy Rebecca Lissner, is said to have considerable influence on Harris in the formation of her foreign policy ideas. Matthew Duss, a global affairs expert at the Center for International Policy, said Gordon and Lissner are likely to help Harris move foreign policy away from Biden's Cold War prism of "America and the good guys versus the bad guys." "There's an opportunity for her to diminish that kind of tension," Duss said in an interview. "They have a different view of how America can act in the world. Not to say we want to withdraw or retrench from global affairs. ... But part of using [U.S.] power effectively is being seen as legitimate when we use that power and influence, not doing so in just a completely self-interested, nationalist way." Times staff writer Noah Bierman contributed to this report. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Crews work on the site of the new Alabama Statehouse on Tuesday, September 9, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. Officials are waiting for bids on a general works package that comprises the bulk of the construction project. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector) The floors and foundation of Alabamas new statehouse are being laid as officials prepare to receive bid proposals on the most significant, and likely most costly, package for the new building. Companies will submit bid proposals next month for a general works package, comprising the bulk of the work for the statehouse. (Its) all the stuff that takes a building from being a shell to a functional building, said Othni Lathram, director of the Legislative Services Agency, who has been involved in the construction process for the new statehouse, in an interview on Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Retirement Systems of Alabama is fronting the full capital cost, with the state making lease payments that will net Retirement Systems an 8% return over 25 years. In December, David Bronner, CEO of Retirement Systems of Alabama, projected that the new statehouse would cost Alabama about $325 million. We still feel very good about that number, Lathram said. That number is for the building itself. He estimated the cost for the total project at $400 million, which also incorporates the demolition of the current statehouse and the construction of a parking deck, along with a park between the capitol building and the new statehouse. Officials have the option to terminate the lease payments and pay the remaining cost to own the structure outright. Thus far, according to Lathram, the timeline and the cost have been in line with what officials expected. Very rough strokes, somewhere between 20%-25% have been bid out to date, Lathram said. However, by the time we reach that October 1st date and have this general works package, we will be closer to 80% having been bid out. The general works contract includes projects such as the drywall, the ceilings and the flooring, as well as much of the internal work of the building, which includes the electricity for the structure and the plumbing. There is no cost estimate for that contract. Senators and members of the Alabama House of Representatives authorized the construction of a new statehouse in spring 2023. A handful of legislators from both parties were selected that July to select a design, which they did in November. The number one concern has always been creating a more functional building, Lathram said. It was really important to all the folks involved in design that we had a building that was easy for the public to get into and circulate in, that the public spaces were sized appropriately, so that we would have significantly better opportunities for public participation. The building will replace the current statehouse, the former Highway Department building, which lawmakers moved into in 1986. The current building faces structural issues, such as mold and flooding, along with roughly $100 million in deferred maintenance costs. The building does not have a central gallery, and the hallways are often crowded with lobbyists and spectators. According to designs approved by lawmakers, the Senate chamber will have 10% more floor space than the chamber in the current statehouse. The House floor will also be about 800 square feet larger than the current statehouse. Lathram also said that legislators wanted the space to be more functional, with additional conference rooms, more spaces for lawmakers to meet with constituents and groups, and dedicated space that allow staff to work. The building we are in now was originally an office building, Lathram said, There are a lot of small, tight spaces, with columns that obstruct views and participation. The new statehouse is expected to be functional by January 2027 for that years legislative session. If completed, it will be the first new statehouse in the nation since Florida finished work on its Capitol Complex in 1977. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Next time in your office: Court testimony details alleged sexual relationship between Oklahoma judge, bailiff before resignation Next time in your office: Court testimony details alleged sexual relationship between Oklahoma judge, bailiff before resignation OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Health concerns were the sole reason Garfield County Judge Brian Lovell gave for his resignation when he submitted it to Governor Stitt on Monday, exactly one year to the day after he allegedly had sex with a court bailiff inside the very courthouse they both worked. Garfield County Associate District Judge Lovell submitted his resignation letter to Governor Kevin Stitt on Monday, citing a recent dementia diagnosis. Some people think theyre above the law: OSBI investigating Garfield County judge after drive-by shooting His resignation comes several weeks after Chief Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice John Kane recommended Lovell be removed from the bench, after a judicial complaint alleged he wrongfully sealed case records and had a weeks-long sexual relationship with a bailiff who worked under the judge who presided over the case. Lovell was also previously indicted for a road rage shooting in Austin, Texas, and for a drive-by shooting at his brother-in-laws home in Bison, Oklahoma. Prosecutors said shell casings connected Lovell to both shootings. As first reported by the Enid News & Eagle, Lovell sent a letter to Governor Stitt, announcing his immediate resignation on Monday. In the letter, he specifies that the decision to resign comes solely as a result of his recent dementia diagnosis. According to an August 13 court filing from Chief Justice Kane, the State of Oklahomas Council on Judicial Complaints received a complaint alleging Lovell ordered records for a recent case heard by Garfield County Judge Paul Woodward to be sealed. According to court documents, the complaint was filed by a person associated with the victim in the case. In his filing recommending Lovell be removed from the bench, Chief Justice Kane alleged Lovell never consulted state attorneys in that case before ordering the records be sealed, and only communicated with the defense attorney. The court filing included pictures of text messages Lovell sent back and forth with the defense attorney. JOHN-KANE-LOVELL-FILING-WATERMARKED-KFORDownload In the texts, Lovell falsely claimed Judge Woodward had filed the judicial complaint against him. Court documents revealed Lovell also made similar false claims to the bailiff who worked for Woodward and managed his digital records system. The filing identified that bailiff as Cynthia Cindy Tubbs. Garfield Co. Judge indicted for allegedly firing gun at cars in Texas Chief Justice Kanes filing included a transcript of sworn testimony Tubbs gave investigators looking into the complaint against Lovell. TUBBS-TESTIMONY-WATREMARKED-KFORDownload Investigators asked Tubbs if Lovell ever told her Woodward was the person who filed the complaint against him. Correct, Tubbs responded. But Tubbs also told investigators much, much more. She told them shed had a sexual relationship with Lovell beginning in August 2023. She said it started with text messages. Flirting from both sides, she told investigators. But she said the affair quickly progressed. We made out one time in Judge Woodwards bathroom, she told investigators. I wouldnt say we had full on sex. Third base, I dont know. Investigators uncovered some text messages sent between Tubbs and Lovell. On Sept. 8 last year, Lovell texted Tubbs: You have no idea how many times I think about the backseat of my car and the judges bathroom. Later that day, he texted Tubbs again, asking to see some partially-nude boudoir pictures shed taken of herself. I was going to show you one, but I would show it to you not send it, Tubbs texted back to Lovell. Deal, Lovell texted Tubbs in responseallegedly while presiding over a case in his courtroom. Let me do this plea and I will try to cash in on that promise. Tubbs told investigators he came over to my office, where she showed him those naked pictures, and the two kissed. That kiss was amazing she texted him after the alleged encounter. Then investigators asked her: Did you ever have any sexual relationship with Judge Lovell on some new table that you purchased for your office? That would have been on the September 9th date, yes, Tubbs responded. I was really proud of that table. Embattled Garfield Co. judge resigns, cites dementia diagnosis Two days later, on Sept. 11, the same day he was arrested in Texas in connection to a drive-by shooting, Lovell texted Tubbs: Next time in your office. But Tubbs told investigators there would be no next time, that the affair ended with his arrest in Texas. In a previous filing in response to the complaint, Lovells lawyers claimed there was no sexual conduct between Lovell and Tubbs and that the relationship was limited to flirtatious texting. His lawyers went on, arguing, even if he did have the affair, it shouldnt matter. They mentioned former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, arguing Clinton was allowed to remain in office after his affair with Monica Lewinsky became public, and that Trump was elected president in 2016 despite wide knowledge the public had of comments he made about grabbing women inappropriately. Judge Lovell could run for reelection today, Lovells lawyers wrote. And if he did, he would win. Chief Justice Kane responded, saying Lovell and his attorneys had clearly been untruthful in their claims that the affair did not go beyond flirtatious text messages, given what was revealed in Tubbs sworn testimony. Lovell and his lawyers responded to that, claiming Lovell will seek a medical retirement and not return to the bench after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and dementia. On Monday, his lawyers sent his resignation letter to Governor Stitt. They wrote Lovell wanted to make it unequivocally clear that his resignation is motivated by considerations of his health only. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nicaraguan citizens wave from a bus after being released from a Nicaraguan jail and landing at the airport in Guatemala City, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) MEXICO CITY (AP) Nicaragua said Tuesday it was revoking the citizenship and seizing the property of 135 people who were expelled from the country last week after serving prison sentences in a government crackdown on dissent. The decision was announced in a press release from the Supreme Court of Justice, which said those released were convicted of criminal acts that went "against sovereignty, independence and self-determination of the country, in addition to promoting violence, hatred, terrorism and economic destabilization. The government also said it would confiscate all their assets. The prisoners were released and expelled from Nicaragua under a deal with the United States and Guatemala. They will reportedly stay temporarily in Guatemala before relocating to the U.S. While details of the deal have not been disclosed, American authorities claimed no concessions were made to secure the prisoners' release. Nicaragua's government has for years clamped down on dissent, imprisoning opponents of President Daniel Ortega and shutting down civil society organizations. The recent prisoner release follows a similar initiative last year, when Nicaragua freed 222 political leaders, priests, students, activists and others, who went to the U.S. They were later stripped of their citizenship, leaving many stateless," which is illegal under international law. Without their citizenship and property, and unable to return to their country, former prisoners say they feel unmoored and struggle to make ends meet. Analysts and activists claim say the release is a way for the government to continue harming its opponents while shielding itself from criticism by the international community. The United States has offered the group of released prisoners access to legal avenues to qualify for residency. Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said on Monday that Washington has made available to the 135 Nicaraguans an expedited refugee procedure, which has also been extended to their family members still in Nicaragua. Meanwhile, a United Nations group of human rights experts released a report Tuesday sharply rebuking the Nicaraguan government, and saying that the government had left the Nicaraguan people defenseless against serious human rights violations." The report highlighted the 135 people. The report is based on more than 1,200 interviews and nearly 5,000 documents on facts that constitute crimes against humanity and that have gone unpunished and without redress, including political persecution of stripping of nationality, said Jan-Michael Simon, president of group. The report criticized the cross-border reach of government repression, expressed in a recent reform to Nicaraguas Penal Code that will allow Ortega to prosecute and expropriate individuals and organizations, Nicaraguan or foreign, who call for sanctions against the government or commit acts of terrorism and other crimes. Nicaragua does not meet even the minimum reasonable standard of judicial independence, wrote Simon in a release. Continued violations are leaving entire sections of the population in a state of defenselessness. Tuesday marked the first time that the Nicaraguan government publicly acknowledged the release and banishment of the 135 former prisoners. Those individuals included 13 Nicaraguan members of the U.S. church Mountain Gateway, who spent nine months in prison accused of money laundering and other serious crimes. The church, which was shut down and its property confiscated by the Nicaraguan state, has emphatically denied the charges against its members. Opposition sources say the latest mass release cuts the number of people considered to be political prisoners to about 40, including 10 who have been in prison since before the 2018 social protests. Nikki Haley Rejects Liz Cheney's Suggestion That Her Backing Of Trump Is Unprincipled Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Monday took issue with ex-Rep. Liz Cheneys (R-Wyo.) criticism of her offer to campaign with former President Donald Trump to help him secure victory in November. Cheney, who endorsed Kamala Harris last week and has repeatedly warned Trump poses a threat to U.S. democracy, told ABCs This Week on Sunday that she cant assess Haleys decision to embrace Trump in any kind of a principled way given her past criticism of the former president during the Republican primary. In an interview with Fox & Friends, Haley said she disagreed with Cheneys assessment. I respect her decision but she cant say my decision is not principled, Haley said. It actually is. We can either vote based on style or we can vote on substance. Im voting based on substance. Haley also claimed Trumps policies on several issues, including the economy, immigration and foreign policy, are better for the country compared with the current administrations record, which she pinned exclusively on Harris. We should be very clear. If you dont like him, say you dont like him, Haley said of Trump. But you cant say that his policies are worse than Kamala Harris. Thats just not a fact. Haley conceded the upcoming election will be tightly fought and, once again, said she would be willing to appear with Trump on the campaign trail if he wanted. Im on standby, she said. Im happy to be helpful. I dont want to see Kamala Harris win. Hes the candidate. He can decide whether he needs my support or not. Haley, who withdrew from the Republican presidential primary in March, had repeatedly described him as unfit to serve another term in the White House, calling him unstable and unhinged. While she did not immediately endorse Trump after dropping out of the race, she eventually said in May that she would vote for him and spoke in support of his White House bid at the Republican National Convention in July. Haley also previously served in Trumps administration as United Nations ambassador. Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, publicly announced their support for Harris last week. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution, Dick Cheney wrote in a statement. Still, many Republicans on Capitol Hill dismissed the elder Cheneys unprecedented move as irrelevant. I think hes out of touch, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) said. Related... RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (PIX11) You wont find many towns in New Jersey with higher property taxes than Ridgewood. It is not uncommon for somebody to be paying $25,000 or $30,000 a year in property taxes, said Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos. Around 15 months from now, many New Jerseyans could see a reprieve stemming from the federal level. When it comes to restoring SALT, the state and local tax deduction, and getting tax cuts for our hard-working Jersey families, the fight is just beginning, said U.S. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat representing New Jerseys 5th Congressional District. More Local News In 2017, Congress passed a salt deduction cap, limiting the amount taxpayers can write off for state and local taxes to $10,000. That cap is set to expire at the end of next year. Visiting Ridgewood on Monday, Gottheimer expressed his continued support for fully restoring SALT. We have to bring the full salt shaker back and give families a tax cut, said Gottheimer. Gottheimer launched a soft comment portal on his website for residents to share why SALT matters to them. The responses will be collected and used in a report made by his office. Attorney and former state legislator John Wisniewski serves clients in property tax appeals. Many people come to see me because they feel like theyre paying too much and because theyve lost that deduction, so they believe that one way to address it is by filing property tax appeals, said Wisniewski. In many cases it doesnt work out, but it underscores how this issue touches so many New Jersey families. SALT is a deduction that has been active for more than a century. The real issue in this national debate is that more conservative-leaning legislators have that they feel like they are underwriting New Jersey by allowing this deduction, said Wisniewski. The fact is that its a deduction for all 50 states. Gottheimer said residents have until Oct. 4 to submit their comments. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 New Jersey Lottery offers multiple draw games for people looking to strike it rich. Heres a look at Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 winning numbers for each game: Pick-3 Midday: 4 - 2 - 7; Fireball: 8 Evening: 7 - 4 - 3; Fireball: 4 Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here. Pick-4 Midday: 5 - 6 - 2 - 6; Fireball: 8 Evening: 1 - 2 - 2 - 0; Fireball: 4 Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here. Jersey Cash 5 03 - 05 - 13 (Bullseye) - 17 - 39; Xtra: 4 More: Jersey Cash 5 now $2; what is the NJ Lottery Bullseye Check Jersey Cash 5 payouts and drawings here. Cash4Life 14 - 31 - 34 - 44 - 52; Cash Ball: 03 Check previous Cash4Life drawings here. Pick-6 14 - 19 - 31 - 35 - 38 - 39 Double Play: 19 - 21 - 26 - 31 - 42 - 44 Check previous Pick-6 drawings here. Winner: New Jersey grandmother of 10 planning Disney trip after winning $1 million in Powerball Quick Draw Drawing are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here. Cash Pop Drawing are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here. Beware: No, a lottery jackpot winner isn't giving you money. How to spot a scammer Gambling too much? You can get help by calling 1800-GAMBLER or clicking on www.800gambler.org This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Lottery Pick-3, Pick-4 winning numbers for Monday, Sept. 9 MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Schools in and around Marshall County were alerted Tuesday morning about possible threats. Boaz and Albertville City Schools posted statements about the possible threats made to their school, but both schools say the threats have not been found to be credible at this time. The post from Boaz City Schools says the system is on heightened awareness until further notice. Here is the full statement from Albertville City Schools: Today, Tuesday, Sept. 10, social media posts have surfaced containing statements related to Albertville City Schools. We want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. The Marshall County Sheriffs Office, our School Resource Officers (SROs) and the Albertville Police Department are actively monitoring the situation. At this time, no credible threat has been identified. However, we are taking all statements regarding school safety seriously. We are grateful for the continued vigilance of our local law enforcement agencies and the community in ensuring the safety of our students. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a secure environment for everyone. Albertville City Schools News 19 reached out to the Albertville Police Department and Assistant Chief John Amos said the department has been working with the school systems administration about this incident and said there was no credible threat at this time. Assistant Chief Amos said, It is believed that this may be related to similar concerning posts that have circulating on social media in other areas of the State over the past week. You can read the full statements from Boaz City Schools below. This morning we were made aware of a possible threat to several school districts in and around Marshall County. Boaz City Schools has been placed on heightened awareness until further notice. Although we have been informed this is not a credible threat, we will continue to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of our students and staff. Boaz City Schools Guntersville City Schools provided a statement even though there was no mention or association of Guntersville City Schools within the alleged threats. Today, Tuesday, September 10, social media posts have surfaced containing statements related to some of our neighboring school systems. While there has been no mention of or any association of Guntersville City Schools with these alleged threats, we do want to assure you that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. It is our understanding that based on their investigation, that there is no credible threat towards these schools at this time. Please know that we are in communication with Guntersville Police Department to increase patrol and will collaboratively be monitoring the situation closely. If any additional information arises, we will communicate those changes at that time. Guntersville 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. Has Kamala Harris flip-flopped on her support for paper ballots in elections? A viral post claims that Harris previously supported paper ballot requirements and implies that the Democratic presidential nominee has changed her mind since the 2020 election. Kamala Harris sounded very supportive of using paper ballots in elections before the 2020 election. She even suggested that paper ballots might be the best and most secure option when it comes to elections, reads a short article linked from the first comment on the post. However, where does she stand on paper ballots now? The post attributes the following quote to Harris: For all that technology has brought us, good and bad, the best and most secure way to conduct elections? Paper ballots, Kamala Harris once said. The quote is accurate, but the post lacks important context. A majority of jurisdictions already use paper ballots for federal elections, and there is no evidence that Harris now opposes their use. The context. Harris comments came during a February 2019 speech at Saint Anselm Colleges New Hampshire Institute of Politics, almost one month after the then-senator announced her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Answering a question about federal infrastructure spending, Harris noted the prudence of further investment into election infrastructure and discussed a bipartisan election security bill she co-sponsored with Republican Sen. James Lankford. We have proposed that part of the investment in infrastructure has to be upgrading the infrastructure of states around elections, Harris said. Because guess what? As it turns out, for all that technology has brought usgood and badthe best and most secure way to conduct elections: paper ballots. Russia cant hack a piece of paper. Harris expressed support for paper ballots again a month later, posting on Twitter that it was the smartest and safest way to protect U.S. elections from malign influence. Paper ballots are the smartest, safest way to ensure your vote is secure against attacks by foreign actors. Russia cant hack a piece of paper like they can a computer. We introduced the Secure Elections Act to ensure our elections are safeguarded. We must be ready. Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) March 31, 2019 In her comments, Harris references the Secure Elections Act. The bill was introduced in March 2018 by Lankford and initially featured seven co-sponsors: three fellow Republicans and four Democrats, including Harris. The bill eventually gained six additional co-sponsors, including Utah Republican Orrin Hatch and California Democrat Dianne Feinstein. Its initial consideration by the Rules Committee was postponed indefinitely in August 2018, and the bill never advanced to a full vote. Under the bill, the Department of Homeland Security would have been assigned responsibility to share information on election-security threats, incidents, and vulnerabilities within the federal government and would have directed the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to appoint an advisory panel of independent experts to develop a range of security and audit guidelines for federal elections. The bill would have also directed the EAC to make cybersecurity and modernization grants to states for the implementation of new security guidelines, including the replacement of electronic voting systems that are not optical scanners that read paper ballots. House Democrats introduced legislation with similar paper ballot requirements in 2019. The Securing Americas Federal Elections Act (SAFE Act) passed the House in a 225-184 vote that fell almost entirely along partisan lines, but was not taken up by the Senate, which then had a Republican majority. There is no evidence that Harris has changed her views on paper ballots, and she actively supports legislation that would require their use. In February 2024, Harris urged Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Actfirst introduced by Democrat Amy Klobuchar in September 2021which, among other measures, would require the use of an individual, durable, voter-verifiable paper ballot of the voters vote selections, and provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any error on the paper ballot before the permanent voter-verifiable paper ballot is preserved. The Harris campaign has not returned a request for comment from The Dispatch Fact Check. We will update this piece if we get a response. Why paper ballots? Experts on election integrity and cybersecurity generally agree that using paper ballots marked directly by voters is the best way to protect against electoral fraud, mostly because of the vulnerabilities inherent in computer systems. This is really a strong consensus, Andrew Appel, a professor of computer science at Princeton University and expert on voting machines and election systems, told The Dispatch Fact Check. There are people on both sides of the aisle these days who would like to see paper ballots hand marked. Its not, you know, a particularly partisan thing. According to Verified Voting, an organization that promotes best practices for the use of technology in voting, approximately 69.8 percent of Americans live in jurisdictions that will use hand-marked paper ballots for most voters in the November elections. Typically, a voter will fill out a paper ballot and then insert that ballot into an optical scanner that records their selections. The remaining 30.2 percent of Americans will cast votes in jurisdictions that present them with electoral selections digitally, either with ballot-marking deviceswhich print digital selections onto a paper ballotor direct-recording electronic systemswhich store voter selections electronically. While all three voting methods integrate technology and computer systems into the voting process, and thus are theoretically vulnerable to hacking, ensuring that voters personally marked a paper ballot provides jurisdictions with a reliable method of auditing election results and determining the original intent of each voter. As election technology experts, we have seen no conclusive evidence that voting machines or other election technology have ever been maliciously used to alter votes or election results in the United States, Appel noted in a letterco-signed by more than 20 election cybersecurity expertsresponding to a request for policy advice from the Pennsylvania state government. We oppose efforts to reject election results based on speculative claims that vulnerabilities have been exploited. However, while we have not identified evidence sufficient to justify overturning of prior elections, neither can we rule out the possibility that malicious and sophisticated actors exploited voting machine vulnerabilities with sufficient skill as to conceal their tampering. Therefore, existing vulnerabilities in current voting systems urgently need to be addressed. If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com. 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. The Caribbean nation of Haiti has been riddled by gang violence since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, causing its civilians to flee the island at extraordinary rates. According to the U.S. Census Bureaus monthly Current Population Surveyweighted to include illegal immigrantsthe Haitian-born population in the United States numbered more than 1.1 million in July 2024, a nearly 40 percent increase from its mark of more than 800,000 in July 2021, the month of Moises assassination. Immigration opponents have called attention to the influx of Haitian immigrants in recent weeks, particularly in the town of Springfield, Ohio. It is true that the citys Haitian population has grown in recent years. In a July letter to two U.S. senators appealing for housing assistance, Springfields city manager wrote that the citys Haitian immigrant population has grown to 15,000 to 20,000 people since the start of 2020, when Springfields population was just shy of 60,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But claims that immigrants residing there have been eating petsincluding cats, dogs, ducks, and geese are false. Springfield is a small town in Ohio. 4 years ago, they had 60k residents. Under Harris and Biden, 20,000 Haitian immigrants were shipped to the town. Now ducks and pets are disappearing. That post was from the End Wokeness account on X, which has 2.9 million followers Residents in Springfield Ohio are dealing with a surge of Illegal Migrants from Haiti that are eating pets, cats, dogs, geese, another prominent X account posted on Sunday. One woman came home to find her cat skinned and hanging in a tree. THOUSANDS of Haitian Migrants TERRORIZE Ohio, EAT Family Pets, Cats, Dogs & Ducks, right-wing online personality Benny Johnson titled his Monday video podcast. Catturd, a right-wing personality with 2.9 million followers on X, attempted to tie these claims to the presidential election. Unless you want your pets eaten, you better vote for Trump, he tweeted on Monday. Soon enough, congressional Republicans were contributing to the virality of the claims. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas tweeted an image of two kittens, captioned, Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio! the Republican House Judiciary Committees X account shared alongside an AI image of former President Donald Trump hugging the two animals. Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance has also commented on the matter. Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, he tweeted on Monday morning. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? However, the Springfield, Ohio, police department confirmed Monday that it found no credible reports of immigrantsillegal or legalharming or eating pets, and no evidence of other concerning illegal behavior. Karen Graves, the citys strategic engagement manager, released the following statement on Monday: In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic. The most recent police blotter from the Springfield News-Sun shows that 20 people were indicted in Clark County last week, but mostly on drug charges or for theft or robbery. While there were no incidents of pet-eating or other forms of animal abuse in Springfield, Ohio, there was a recorded cat abuse-related incident in the state late last monthmore than 150 miles away in Canton. According to the report, law enforcement arrested a 27-year old woman accused of killing and eating a cat in a residential neighborhood. Critically, there is no indication that the suspect was an immigrant. Springfield citys official website states that Haitian immigrants residing in the Ohio city are legal residents, and did not immigrate to the U.S. illegally. Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program, the city states. Once here, immigrants are then eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). In January 2023, the Biden administration expanded parole eligibility for Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans seeking to entry in the U.S., providing up to 30,000 migrants from those countries per month with residency in the U.S. for up to two yearsgranted they have an eligible sponsor and pass background and security checks. Under this program, Haitian immigrants are allowed to legally move to the U.S. and apply for temporary residency. TPS is granted to certain countries by the secretary of homeland security, if it is determined that migrants would face dangerous and unsafe conditions in returning to their origin country. Many Haitians settled in Springfield, Ohiowhere companies reported labor shortages following the end of the COVID-19 pandemicbecause of the citys job availability. If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com. 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. UPDATE. 12:43 PM: (Updated with ABC News statement) There will be no presidential debate on ABC for DirecTV customers tonight. Unfortunately, DirecTV has rejected our offer, a Disney spokesperson bluntly told Deadline just now. As talks go on with DirecTV over a new carriage contract and Disney channels remain dark on the service, the Mouse House proposed three-hour primetime carve out for the first match-up between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. More from Deadline Almost 10 days into the dispute that has seen all of the 16 Disney channels on DirecTV essentially disappear, the satellite cable company today said that it was not interested in making a one-time only deal for tonights historic debate. A decision that was made because DirecTV were apparently worried subscribers would get confused. RELATED: How To Watch The First Presidential Debate Of 2024: Is It Streaming? On Tuesday, Disney requested a unique exception to return ABC-only for tonight because its hosting the 2024 Presidential Debate, an event widely available across other major broadcast stations and news networks, DirectTV wrote online this afternoon. Unfortunately, returning only Disneys ABC stations from the entire portfolio of channels for a limited 3-hour window will cause customer confusion among those who would briefly see the debate only to lose the channel again shortly after. Or does this all come down to football for DirecTV? RELATED: 2024 Presidential Election Debate Schedule: Dates, Times, Wholl Be There & Who Wont On a rather long blog post, the company Tuesday went on to say: DIRECTV agreed to return ABC in time for tonights Presidential Debate if Disney is also willing to return all its channels across platforms through the end of Monday Night Football at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 17. Returning the Disney-owned channels for the next week while we work to reach a new agreement would benefit customers who would regain access to ABC for the debate and the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 16 as well as their favorite college and professional football games on ABC and ESPN, ACC or SEC networks. DirecTV assert that their offer to bring ABC and the 15 other Disney channels back for a week remains on the table. BTW the Emmys are on September 15, not September 16 as DirecTV just wrote in the heat of this battle. While unavailable on ABC for DirecTV customers, tonights 9 pm ET/6 pm PT starting debate is being simulcast on CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, the BBC, and C-Span. The debate will also be live streamed on Hulu, Disney+ and ABC News Live. To DirecTV customers: We did everything possible to make the ABC News presidential debate widely available to the American public including giving DirecTV the ability to serve you with access to our debate coverage. They rejected that offer. If you are impacted by DirecTVs pic.twitter.com/DuM1UwLkjc ABC News (@ABC) September 10, 2024 Or as Luke Skywalker himself noted: Anything worth watching on TV tonight? Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) September 10, 2024 PREVIOUSLY, 11:43 AM: The first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will be available for DirecTV customers tonight despite the carriage battle between the company and Disney if the satellite cable company accept the Mouse Houses offer. As we announced in May, the ABC News presidential debate will be widely available across broadcast, cable and streaming, a Disney spokesperson told Deadline this morning, just hours before the candidates meet up in Philadelphia. Although we have yet to reach an agreement, we are providing a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all impacted DirecTV customers at no cost because we want all Americans to be able to view tonights debate at this important moment in our history, the spokesperson added. We remain at the table negotiating with DirecTV and the restoration of our programming to their subscribers is completely within their control. If all goes to plan, the three-hour window will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT with pre-date coverage and then the Linsey Davis and David Muir moderated debate itself. A short post debate segment is expect to air for DirecTV customers as well as everyone else across the nation too, we hear. However, this all depends on DirecTV agreeing to Disneys temporary no blackout proposal. We hear that the offer had been on the table for hours, so to speak, with no response from the Bill Murrow run company. Deadline reached out to DirecTV, and will update this post if and when we hear a response. Over a week into Disneys dust-up with DirecTV, and one day after the season debut of the NFLs Monday Night Football was unseen by DirecTV subscribers yesterday, the deft debate move today by the Bob Iger-run media giant also comes as DirecTV hit Disney hard Tuesday. Accusing Disney of blocking the Presidential debate the AT&T majority owned company started pushing viewers with an on-air slate to go to CBS, FOX, NBC, C-SPAN or one of the may 24/7 news networks to watch the poll-tied Harris and Trump spar. Even with DirecTV CFO Ray Carpenters big game tough talk soon after Disneys 16 channels on DirecTV went dark, it was a surprise in this game of carriage chicken that a deal wasnt reached before MNF. With the debate now a possibility, the next shoe to drop will be the ABC-hosted Emmys on September 15. Right now, even with Disney topping the number of nominations this year, there is no streaming back-up plan for DirecTV customers to watch the Eugene and Dan Levy hosted ceremony. In fact, todays offer for a carve out for the much anticipated debate could be a stress test by Disney for a similar move for TVs big night on Sunday. Still, if CNNs set up for the simulcast June 27 debate is any indication, matter what channel you are watching the high stakes POTUS debate tonight, it will likely be readily apparent to any viewer of the debate that ABC News is sponsoring it. At the Philadelphia Convention Centers media filing center and the spin room the ABC News logo has been placed throughout: On walls, in circular banners and on backdrops. The actual debate itself is being held several blocks away, at the National Constitution Center, sealed off by a security perimeter that takes up about half of Independence Mall. Although there is no debate signage visible from outside the fencing, a smattering of campaign supporters already had gathered in an open area of the mall. One mans sign read Kamala Loves Hamas. A womans large banner read Loser, in the Trump campaign typeface. There was at least one vendor selling solely Harris merchandise, including a T-shirt that read The Prosecutor Vs. The Felon. Additionally, Harris supporters waved signs and cheered in front of the hotel where she is staying near Rittenhouse Square. Trump supporters gathered across the street. As of yet, there is no more debates officially scheduled between Vice President Harris and former president Trump. However, their respective running mates Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) will go head-to-head on October 1 on CBS. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. No need to be so scared: Man bitten by venomous snake downplays dangers in Facebook post hours before strike FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) Just hours before Jeffrey Leibowitz was bitten by one of the worlds deadliest snakes, he was freely handling the reptile, taking to Facebook with advice on how to keep the creature at bay. Theres no need to be so scared of them if you just know their limitations and you use them, Leibowitz said on a short video posted at 7:50 p.m. on Thursday. By 2 a.m., that same inland taipan sent him to the hospital, where he remains in what police say is critical condition. A viewer tipped News13 to a Facebook page belonging to a man by the same name that shows photos and videos of the man believed to be Leibowitz handling many different types of snakes, including several known to be venomous. News13 has asked the viewer for permission to show the compelling footage, but has yet to hear back. The page features dozens of short-form clips, known as reels, depicting the man believed to be Leibowitz free handling several of the animals a dangerous method that organizations including the African Snakebite Institute, Rattlesnake Conservancy and state Department of Natural Resources discourage. Often if one is calm when working with a snake and does not restrict its movement too much, the snake may be reluctant to bite. However, these animals are still unpredictable and at any moment the situation can turn bad, the African Snakebite Institute says on its website. The man depicted on Leibowitzs Facebook page knew this. They have nothing in their DNA whatsoever that says, be friends with humans, he said in Aug. 31 post showing him petting an inland taipan. I just want to get him used to my presence. Florence police who went to Leibowitzs home encountered substandard living conditions and dangerous snakes in plastic totes with holes big enough that they could escape. Police began investigating on Friday after he was bitten in the webbing between his index finger and thumb, a police report said. The snake, one of 14 venomous snakes he owned, is native to Australia and is known for having the most potent and dangerous venom among its species. The police report said due to a prior inland taipan snake bite in recent months, the antivenom was in short supply. However, Leibowitzs father told police that his son had been given antivenom. Police said Tuesday morning that he was still in serious condition at a hospital. During their investigation, police talked with an EMS supervisor, who said Leibowitz was known on social media for having a large collection of venomous snakes in his home. Officers then looked at videos Leibowitz had posted on Facebook, which included one where he asked if anyone had antivenom for an inland taipan, reports said. He then said he would be at McLeod Hospital. As authorities tried to figure out what to do with the snakes, Dillman said it was unlikely that any zoo or reptile sanctuary would accept them because of their conditions and unknown diseases they may have. Officers contacted multiple organizations, including River Banks Zoo, Alligator Adventure, Reptile Lagoon, Edisto Island Serpentarium, and South of the Border. However, none would accept them due to the safety risks they could pose. Eventually, the snakes were secured and Leibowitzs father gave Florence police permission to have them euthanized. The man shown on Leibowitzs Facebook page often spoke in hushed tones to the snakes, calling them cute and admiring how much they enjoyed cuddling. Shes fine. Shes a good girl. I love her, he said on Aug. 31 as a South Pacific rattlesnake coiled around his arm. Unfortunately, sometimes she tries to bite, but weve talked about it They all give what they get. Give them lots of love, thats what youre going to get. * * * 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. No, you werent imagining it. Boise really did have unusual weather this summer In 1864, the Idaho Territorial Legislature voted to make Boise the state capital, the Idaho Statesman published its first edition and officials at Fort Boise began keeping local weather records. In the 160 years since then, 2024 was the second-hottest summer recorded in Boise, according to the National Weather Service. Only 2021 saw a more sweltering summer here. Weather experts wanting to calculate how unusual a summer was can compare temperatures to the overall average temperature for Boise summers between 1991 and 2020, which was 73.63 degrees. Idahos average temperature this summer was 77.4 degrees, coming close to 2021s summer record of a 78-degree average, according to Sophia Adams, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Boise. Junes average temperature was 4.4 degrees above the overall average, Julys was 5.2 above and Augusts was 1.7 above, Adams said. Valeria Campos, 7, plays in the water fountain at Ann Morrison Park in June. 2024 saw 20 days over 100 degrees, which didnt quite break 2022s record of 23 days of 100-plus weather, according to the National Weather Service. When it comes to lows, 2024 tied the 2021 record of 21 days with a low temperature above 70 degrees. A weather transition period is likely part of the reason for the extreme heat. The climate is in the process of shifting between two different oceanic weather cycles, going from an El Nino summer to a La Nina winter, according to Adams. Typically, during those transition times, we can see extreme heat or extreme cold, Adams said by phone. This year, Adams said, the transition brought with it a prolonged period with an extensive upper-level high-pressure system that stayed over the western United States for weeks at a time. That type of high-pressure system is typical for the Rocky Mountains region, but usually lasts only a few weeks before moving on, allowing the temperature to lower. Caldwell firefighter Mike Aguilar sprays water into the air for children and families to enjoy at Brothers Park in Caldwell in July. That system is still affecting the weather, making for a hot September in Idaho so far. Boises low of 71 degrees on Sunday was the warmest low temperature recorded so late in the year, beating out previous records set in 2014 and 2017, according to the National Weather Service. But Boise wasnt alone in trying to beat the heat over the past three months. The European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service found 2024 was the hottest summer recorded on Earth since the 1850 pre-industrial period. During the past three months of 2024, the globe has experienced the hottest June and August, the hottest day on record, and the hottest boreal summer on record, Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said in the organizations recent report. This string of record temperatures is increasing the likelihood of 2024 being the hottest year on record. One of the most obvious consequences of this extra heat in Idaho is the increased risk of wildfires. The lack of precipitation and those extremely hot, hot temperatures leading to much drier conditions and lower relative humidities across the region has led to this fire season being pretty extreme, Adams said. More than 389,00 acres have burned in Idaho so far this year, according to the Department of Lands. The Caldwell Fire Department brought trucks to various Caldwell parks to spray the hose and give people an option to cool down as temperatures topped 100 degrees in July. Cooler days on the horizon But theres hope yet for those craving cool, autumn days. The National Weather Service said an upper-level low-pressure system from the Pacific Ocean is headed for Boise. Its a pretty significant pattern shift, which will be a welcome relief, especially after some of those hotter temperatures across the region, Adams said. Adams predicted the cold front would begin moving in Wednesday, ushering in rain and scattered thunderstorms either in the afternoon or overnight into Thursday. Temperatures are expected to drop to 76 degrees on Wednesday and the upper 60s on Thursday. That could give us at least a quarter of an inch of rain in the Boise area and maybe higher amounts in the mountains, Adams said. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its Tuesday, September 10. Take a look at our top stories with KELOLAND On The GO. The Sioux Falls police deemed a Monday night threat to the school district not credible at Tuesdays police briefing. SFPD: Monday night school threat is not credible This morning brought a heated Minnehaha County Commission meeting in Sioux Falls. DEVELOPING: Commissioner calls for Auditors resignation Isolated showers and thunderstorms have developed overnight and this morning in KELOLAND. We captured a few lightning strikes on our Yankton LIVE Cam at 5:30 am. Warm weather ahead; Critical fire danger possible West River tomorrow Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are gearing up to take the stage for Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia, where theyll fight to sway 2024 election voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics. The Latest: Trump and Harris are set to debate in Philadelphia Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A non-credible threat was made against three local school districts, school officials and police said. According to a letter sent to families in the Canon-McMillan School District, officials became aware of the post as students were walking into the building Tuesday morning. A screenshot of the post referenced a threat toward a school district in Ohio, specifically targeting grades 6, 7 and 8. Someone added the statement canon mac, Trinity, and Chartiers are next to the original post, officials said. The North Strabane Police Department was immediately notified and began investigating the matter. The Canonsburg Police Department and Cecil Police Department were informed, and all three departments dispatched extra police officers to the 5-8 school buildings. North Strabane police found that the threat was non-credible. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are of utmost importance to us. We will continue to work closely with the police departments to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for everyone. Should there be any further updates or developments, we will promptly communicate them to you, officials at Canon-McMillan said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Leaders calling on DA to close South Side bar after officer breaks ankle trying to stop a fight Pitt director of athletics Heather Lyke relieved of duties Man stabbed during argument over parking space in Turtle Creek, police say VIDEO: Lifesaving protocol for cardiac arrest patients piloted in Pittsburgh seeing success DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts As someone who witnessed the tragic consequences of conflict, genocide and forced displacement in the Balkans, every time an attempt is made to normalise relations with a dictator fuelling a decade-long war marked by repression, ethnic cleansing and major war crimes, it leaves me questioning who thought that would be anything but the worst possible idea. Yet, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg have just called for a change in Europes strategy toward Syria specifically suggesting the normalisation of relations with the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Their words, published in the Italian press, echo a call joined by six other countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia facing increasing domestic political pressures to act against the increasing refugee flows toward Europe. Their demands will be discussed in a meeting of all 27 EU member states on 13 September. Informed by Bosnias painful history and years of work studying the Syrian crisis, I must warn that normalising relations with al-Assad would have disastrous consequences, especially in terms of refugee return and stability of Europe. Legitimising a regime that has systematically destroyed its own population and which continues to pose a threat to both the Syrian people and European security will result in more refugees reaching European borders, not less. It's not about the economy The position articulated by the eight European governments seems to suggest that normalising relations with al-Assad could facilitate the return of Syrian refugees, thus easing the pressure on Europe. This argument is fundamentally flawed. Syrian refugees are not simply economic migrants who can be coaxed back with promises of aid and reconstruction. They are people who fled unspeakable violence, torture, and repression at the hands of the al-Assad regime. Any proposal to return refugees to Syria under al-Assads rule ignores the reality that many of these people are viewed as enemies by the very government that Europe seeks to normalise relations with. Al-Assads regime has made it clear that it has no interest in welcoming back refugees, especially those who were part of the opposition or fled regime-controlled areas. The regime has enacted numerous laws that allow it to seize the properties of displaced Syrians, labelling them as terrorists or traitors. According to repeated surveys by the Syrian Association for Citizens Dignity, more than 70 % of displaced Syrians would rather risk their lives trying to reach Europe than accept a return to al-Assad-held Syria. Syrian refugees near trucks with their belongings, as they prepare to go back to Syria as a part of a voluntary return, in the Lebanese border town of Arsal, May 2024 - AP Photo/Hussein Malla Moreover, recent decrees, like the one issued in November 2023, allow the regime to confiscate the assets of those who oppose it, further disincentivising any potential return. A UNHCR report from 2023 showed that less than 1.1% of Syrian refugees expressed a willingness to return to Syria under current conditions. They demand security, freedom from arbitrary detention, access to livelihoods, and the resolution of issues surrounding detaineesall things that the al-Assad regime has shown no interest in providing. Any attempts to force or even encourage refugees to return to al-Assad-controlled areas will only lead to renewed cycles of displacement. According to repeated surveys by the Syrian Association for Citizens Dignity, more than 70 % of displaced Syrians would rather risk their lives trying to reach Europe than accept a return to al-Assad-held Syria. There can't be any 'safe zones' if violence never stopped As a Bosnian, it makes me shudder to hear well-informed insiders warn that one of the central proposals championed by a number of European and some non-European states and international organisations is the creation of safe zones within al-Assad-held Syria where Syrian refugees would be returned to. On paper, this may seem like a practical solution to Europe's concerns over migration. However, in reality, the concept of safe zones in al-Assad-controlled areas is a dangerous illusion. In Bosnia, we experienced first-hand how the concept of safe zones can fail catastrophically. The international community declared Srebrenica a safe zone, only to watch in horror as 8,000 men and boys were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces. The failure of the international community to protect those who sought refuge there should serve as a permanent lesson in the limitations of such zones, especially when they are established in areas where the very forces responsible for war crimes are in control. Forcing refugees back into al-Assad-controlled areas under the guise of "safe zones" would not only violate their basic human rights but would also lead to new waves of displacement. Many Syrians would choose to flee again rather than live under al-Assads brutal rule. People ride their motorcycle by damaged buildings in the old town of Homs, August 2018 - AP Photo/Sergei Grits In Syria, the situation is even more complex. Al-Assads regime may nominally control large parts of the country, but key areas are actually under the influence of Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah, as well as Russian forces. These are not regions of stability or safety; they are militarised zones where civilians continue to live in fear. Violence, arbitrary arrests, and detentions remain widespread in al-Assad-controlled areas, making the idea of establishing safe zones within these territories not only unrealistic but also unethical. Any attempt to push refugees into these zones would place them directly into the hands of a regime that considers them traitors and enemies. Furthermore, in areas like Daraa, which have nominally reconciled with the regime, the violence has never stopped, in fact it is on the rise. Residents continue to face threats, repression, and new waves of displacement. Refugees who return to these areas are not returning to safetythey are returning to insecurity, intimidation, and the potential for renewed violence. This rise in violence is these days spreading to other areas, including Homs and Sweyda. Related The experience of Daraa, where the head of the Military Security Branch of the regimes forces only last week threatened to turn the town into a Gaza like situation, should serve as a stark warning to Europe about the dangers of relying on al-Assad to ensure security for returning refugees. Forcing refugees back into al-Assad-controlled areas under the guise of "safe zones" would not only violate their basic human rights but would also lead to new waves of displacement. Many Syrians would choose to flee again rather than live under al-Assads brutal rule. As a result, Europe could face renewed refugee flows, this time from Syrians who have been pushed back into an unsafe homeland. This scenario would only exacerbate the refugee crisis that European leaders are so eager to solve. The dangers of normalising al-Assad Normalising relations with al-Assad would have far-reaching consequences, not just for Syria but for Europe itself. Al-Assad has shown no interest in meaningful political reform, accountability for war crimes, or human rights. Instead, he has relied on the support of Iran and Russia to maintain his grip on power while continuing to oppress his people. The push to normalise relations with al-Assad is not just misguidedit is dangerous. Proponents argue that normalisation would bring stability to Syria and allow for economic recovery. But this argument ignores the fundamental nature of al-Assads regime. Al-Assad has not survived because he is a capable leader committed to the welfare of his people. He has survived because he has ruthlessly crushed any opposition, starved his people into submission, based his economy on the manufacturing and smuggling Captagon, and relied on external actors namely Russia and Iran to prop up his regime. Some 13 years of international engagement, from the Four Baskets to the Constitutional Committee to Step for Step to Arab normalisation, have all yielded the same result: al-Assad has refused to make any concessions. He has no reason to change course now. Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Moscow, July 2024 - Valery Sharifulin/Sputnik via AP Normalising relations with al-Assad would not bring stability; it would entrench a corrupt, brutal dictatorship. The al-Assad regime has systematically weaponised humanitarian aid, diverting it to loyalists and using it to further its military objectives. The regime has no interest in political reform or national reconciliation. Some 13 years of international engagement, from the Four Baskets to the Constitutional Committee to Step for Step to Arab normalisation, have all yielded the same result: al-Assad has refused to make any concessions. He has no reason to change course now. For Europe, normalising al-Assad would be a political and moral disaster. It would send a clear message that dictators can commit war crimes, displace half their population, and still be welcomed back into the international community. This would not only embolden al-Assad but also set a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes. What should Europe do? So, what should Europes strategy toward Syria look like? First, Europe must maintain its commitment to sanctions and diplomatic isolation of the al-Assad regime until there are real, verifiable changes on the ground. These changes should include the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests and torture, and the establishment of conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees. Any discussions of reconstruction aid should be tied to progress on human rights and accountability for war crimes. Second, Europe must continue to support the work of international organisations that are documenting war crimes and building cases for future prosecutions. Just as the ICTY was essential in holding perpetrators accountable in the Balkans, future justice mechanisms will be crucial for Syria. The issues of detainees and accountability for crimes continue to be the most important return conditions for the vast majority of displaced Syrians. Finally, Europe must reject the idea of creating safe zones in al-Assad-controlled areas and focus instead on supporting refugees where they are. This means increasing support for host countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan while at the same time using its political weight to elevate the creation of a genuinely safe environment for all Syrians to the top of the political process in Geneva. There is one point Tajani, Schallenberg and I agree on: Europe indeed faces a critical choice in its approach to Syria. It can either opt for the normalization of the Syrian regime and the creation of safe zones in al-Assads Syria and start preparing for new waves of Syrian refugees that are bound to seek safety in Europe as a result, or it can stand firm in its commitment to human rights, justice, and accountability, and start the hard work of convening a genuine political process which will move Syria towards the establishment of a genuinely safe environment for all Syrians. Only one of these two paths is not only a moral obligation to the millions of displaced Syrians but also in Europes interest. Refik Hodzic is a transitional justice expert, former ICTY spokesperson and former Communications Director of the International Center for Transitional Justice. At Euronews, we believe all views matter. Contact us at view@euronews.com to send pitches or submissions and be part of the conversation. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Authorities are taking all threats seriously to ensure the safety of students and staff. The latest local school threat happened Sunday when a North Bay Haven Charter Academy student posted a picture on Snapchat. The photo warns students against attending classes on Monday due to a possible shooting. The post caught the attention of Bay County Sheriffs officials, who visited the students home. We were dealing with a situation at North Bay Haven that we determined to be a false report of a threat. In other words, thats not a situation where an individual threatens the school. They make up the threat and then they disseminate that threat. So that student was arrested and charged in reference to making a false report of a threat, Sheriff Tommy Ford said. Juvenile charged in social media threat towards North Bay Haven Charter Academy The student is charged with a misdemeanor criminal charge. The student could also face school discipline. So it depends on the event and what has been found out through the investigation, but it includes not only out-of-school suspension, up to including placement to alternative schools or up to including expulsion, Superintendent Mark McQueen said. Ford said the sheriffs department takes all threats seriously. We put quite a few additional resources in the schools this morning and today, and I reached out to my partner, police chiefs, and made them aware were dealing with these threats. We have the guardian program, which places armed volunteer teachers and administrators that weve extensively trained to be able to respond to those types of threats, Ford said. The schools also have monitoring camera systems, locking mechanisms, complete fences, and monthly safety meetings. Ford said the sheriffs office receives an uptick in school shooting threats after a major shooting, like last weeks shootings in Georgia. He said students do it to scare people or simply to get out of 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 mypanhandle.com. Right up front, first and foremost, theres a low chance to see the Aurora Borealis on the northern horizon late tonight through early Wednesday morning. However, a chance is a chance and we wanted you to be aware of it. This geomagnetic storm will only register as a G-1. Compare that to our summer flare ups of geomagnetic events that produced G-3 to G-5 storms with prolific color in our night skies. Tonights storm will be much weaker and will not produce the colors you see in the viewer-submitted photo below from May 2024. Theres a chance to experience those dancing lights across our night sky in communities located across northern New York, northern Vermont, and northern New Hampshire. Its southern Quebec that has the best opportunity to enjoy the Aurora Borealis. However, if youre a night owl this could be worth your while. Overnight and until about a few hours before Wednesdays sunset is the timing we think the lights will be most visible, that is if you can see them at all. Clearing skies are likely overnight as high pressure builds in across southern New England. It will also turn chilly for viewing time with those clearing skies, light winds, and dry weather. Nevertheless, perfect visibility is expected overnight with fog not becoming dense until daybreak Wednesday. Good luck and dont forget to snap some photos if you see the Northern Lights. Dont forget, you can send us your local photos to be shown on-air and online just by visiting our SkyTracker Weather Page. Thanks for considering and have fun! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. By Nerijus Adomaitis STAVANGER, Norway (Reuters) -The head of Norway's foreign intelligence service believes Russia has become more likely to try to sabotage its infrastructure, such as oil and gas, than a year ago as Moscow becomes bolder in countering Western support for Ukraine. "The risk level has changed," Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS), told Reuters. "We believe sabotage is more likely, and we see acts of sabotage happening in Europe now which indicate that they (the Russians) have moved a bit on that scale." Russia rejects such accusations as Western scaremongering. Its embassy in Oslo said Stensoenes' statements were "made out of thin air". "(They) are used to justify the West's chosen course of confrontation with Russia and the corresponding military preparations, including in Norway," it said in a statement to Reuters. Earlier this year, Norway's intelligence agencies assessed that Russia "may find it prudent" to conduct acts of sabotage, with petroleum the prime target, while last year they judged that unlikely. Norway is Europe's largest gas provider and a major crude oil exporter. Stensoenes, whose agency is responsible for collecting intelligence abroad and supporting Norway's military, did not offer specifics about Russian threats in a brief interview on the sidelines of an energy conference in the city of Stavanger. But he said President Vladimir Putin's nation had become "more or less a pariah state" for the West, meaning it had little to lose with more risky steps, though it would be careful not to trigger the NATO alliance's collective defence clause. HUGE UNDERSEA INFRASTRUCTURE After the Nord Stream pipelines sabotage in September 2022, Norway deployed its navy to protect its North Sea oil and gas platforms, with support from NATO allies. Still, the Norwegian undersea infrastructure is so vast, consisting of gas pipelines stretching some 9,000 km (5,590 miles), it is difficult to protect. Norway also has more than 90 offshore oil and gas fields. Moscow has repeatedly complained that Germany, in charge of the Nord Stream investigation, has not been doing enough to probe the explosions, which ruptured two pipelines built to carry Russian gas to Europe under the Baltic Sea. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts which occurred seven months after Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine. Moscow says it is not responsible for the blasts. German prosecutors last month said they had issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor in Poland in connection with the attacks. Kyiv has denied involvement. (Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis; Editing by Gwladys Fouche, Andrew Cawthorne and Mark Potter) By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Maggie Fick COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Novo Nordisk said on Wednesday its highly anticipated experimental weight-loss pill amycretin was safe and tolerable for patients in an early-stage trial, with mild-to-moderate side effects. The maker of blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic said in March that a Phase I trial of the pill version of amycretin showed participants lost up to 13.1% of their weight after 12 weeks, prompting shares to surge more than 8%. That compared to weight loss of about 6% after 12 weeks and 15% after 68 weeks in trials of Wegovy. Shares in Novo, which presented full data from the Phase I study at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Madrid, were trading up 2.4% at 1307 GMT. "What we see in the study period is a 13.1% weight loss with a side effect profile comparable to what we normally see with incretin-based therapy, so primarily gastrointestinal side effects," Martin Holst Lange, Novo's head of development, said in an interview ahead of the presentation. One serious but non-fatal adverse event was reported during the trial with 60 participants, according to the data presented at the conference. There were no reports of severe side-effects for patients taking amycretin, while there were a total of 242 reports of mild and moderate side effects. Amycretin targets the same gut hormone that Wegovy mimics, known as GLP-1, but also a pancreas hormone called amylin that affects hunger. In the amycretin trial, the side effects were related to gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomiting, similar to those seen in trials of its other medicines from the same GLP-1 drug class, the company said. Novo is also developing another two-drug combination known as CagriSema that also targets the amylin hormone, which the company has said has a potential of up to 25% weight loss. "The data that I've seen so far suggests that amycretin has at least the same weight-loss potential as CagriSema," Lange said. In the study, overweight or obese patients without diabetes received increasing doses of amycretin, starting from 3 milligrams and up to a final dose of two 50 mg pills, Novo said. Patients who took 50 mg of amycretin at the end of the 12-week trial reduced body weight by 10.4% on average, while those taking the maximum dose of 2x50 mg lost 13.1% of their starting weight, the company said. The weight loss did not plateau by the end of 12 weeks. That compared to an average weight loss of 1.1% among those taking a placebo. The data warrants further clinical development, Lange said. A decision on whether to skip a Phase II trial for amycretin and proceed directly to phase III - typically the final stage of human testing before seeking approval - will be taken once data from an early study on a subcutaneous version of the drug is ready next year. Existing obesity drugs like Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound are injectable. Pills require larger amounts of active ingredients, which can make them more costly to produce but are often favoured by patients. Both companies are racing to increase output of the active ingredients needed to make their hotly demanded GLP-1 obesity drugs. Novo's shares have increased more than three-fold since June 2021, when it launched Wegovy in the U.S., but have shed 15% since peaking in June this year. Around 40% of Novo's valuation is pinned to its pipeline of experimental drugs, analysts at Berenberg said last week. Last year, Novo became Europe's most valuable listed company, ahead of LVMH. (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen and Maggie Fick in London; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Louise Heavens and Jan Harvey) AUSTIN, Texas NPR CEO Katherine Maher was largely defiant during a rare public acknowledgment of longtime editor Uri Berliners claims that the government-funded organization lacks "viewpoint diversity" and caters to a liberal audience. "I stand here to defend the integrity of the newsroom and to defend the integrity of the reporting and to say that every single day our folks get up, and they want to stand there and make sure that they are serving the American public in the best possible way from a nonpartisan perspective," Maher said Saturday at the Texas Tribune Festival. Berliner stunned the media industry earlier this year when he blew the whistle on liberal bias at the organization. Berliner, who was suspended and ultimately resigned over the criticism, penned a scathing takedown of NPR in the Free Press that criticized NPRs coverage of Russiagate, the COVID lab leak theory, Hunter Bidens scandalous laptop, embrace of the theory of systemic racism, in addition to saying it downplayed antisemitism following Oct. 7. 5 THINGS VETERAN NPR EDITOR EXPOSED IN STUNNING CRITICISM OF OWN EMPLOYERS LIBERAL BIAS NPR CEO Katherine Maher was largely defiant during rare public acknowledgment of longtime editor Uri Berliners claims that the public news organization lacks "viewpoint diversity" and caters to a liberal audience. Maher was asked about the situation during a lengthy on-stage Trib Fest conversation about the future of public media with former New York Times public editor Margaret Sullivan. Maher insisted early in the conversation that she is "not a journalist" and she relies on NPR editors and newsroom leaders to direct coverage. "My responsibility is ensuring the big picture, and their responsibility is ensuring the integrity," she said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "We want to be down the line, we want to serve the American public well," Maher continued. "We want to serve people from a range of perspectives and backgrounds. And they should feel as though that coverage is meaningful to them." Maher said her "strategic view" is that NPR needs to be "really thoughtful about our role as a nonpartisan media organization." Maher said that Berliners criticism was received inside NPR as an "affront to the individual journalists who work incredibly hard to report the news and report the news well and report the news with integrity in a nonpartisan way" by his now-former colleagues. Maher said that Berliners criticisms fell flat when she examined the individual stories he publicly complained about, but she recognizes that it opened the door for a larger conversation about NPR. NPR EDITOR REBUKES OUTLET'S OWN COVERAGE OF HUNTER BIDEN LAPTOP, COVID LAB LEAK AND RUSSIAGATE Longtime editor Uri Berliner stunned the media industry earlier this year when he blew the whistle on liberal bias at NPR. "Whether you want to call that sort of selective review or cherry-picking or what have you it was meant to drive a thesis, and that thesis certainly got legs. Whether or not the criticism itself had validity or not, [the] thesis got legs, which means, at least in part, it tapped into some sort of sentiment," she said. "What I would love to disaggregate is the difference between what I think of as, sort of, an agenda-driven critique, which may be in part around broader conversations around public media receiving federal funding. And that is a long-standing conversation that happens in this country, you know, within political discourse," Maher continued. Maher said Berliners remarks underscore that NPR must ensure that it looks inwards in the face of "perceived criticism" to make sure the company is upholding its mission and serving a broad audience. She insisted that NPR faced criticism from all sides and some listeners even think the organization is too friendly to former President Trump. "I think it's important for us to say, If you feel as though NPR was something that was a resource for you, and you no longer feel that it's a resource for some sort of reason, why is that the case? And what is it that we need to interrogate about our own practices, editorial decisions, programming decisions that that makes it feel that way? And some of the answers that we came up with were kind of worthwhile," Maher said. Maher said that a constructive critique she has heard is that NPR is "too repetitive" on particular stories, because headlines of the day are cut in throughout various programs and could be heard a variety of times. So, if a listener hears the same story multiple times, it could seem like NPR is "putting our thumb on the scale." Maher pointed out that Berliners bombshell came only two weeks into her tenure, and everything the longtime editor objected to predates her time running NPR. However, Maher understands that it was her mess to clean up. "When you step into an organization, you assume the responsibility for all that comes before it. That's appropriate. That's fine. It's my responsibility to do with that criticism what we need to do in order to be able to address it," Maher said. NPR EDITOR KNOCKS OUTLET'S 'TROUBLING' AVOIDANCE OF GROWING ANTISEMITISM FOLLOWING OCT. 7 NPR CEO Katherine Maher appeared at the Texas Tribune Festival. Sullivan asked Maher about a series of her social media posts from before her time at NPR that went viral following Berliners remarks. Maher showed support for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden's presidential runs while regularly sharing far-left talking points and criticizing Donald Trump on social media before landing the NPR top job. Maher said that once she assumed the role, she stuck to the same standards that everyone at NPR must adhere to and her only priority is to uphold the organizations mission to serve the public. "Those are past positions," she said. "I wasn't a journalist previously, and I work in a journalism organization now. I think it's fair to have some level of critique around it," Maher added. "The question is, Was it a disproportionate level of critique?" She believes that criticism of her past tweets had "some degree of disproportionate treatment," because her predecessor, John Lansing, previously oversaw the Obama-era, government-supported Broadcasting Board of Governors but never received such harsh claims of being partisan. "I never worked for government. I never worked for a partisan organization, I was a private individual with personal beliefs," she said. Maher said that "every single thing" in her life was combed through, and her family was doxxed and threatened along the way. She isnt even sure if shell vote in Novembers presidential election because her current address would become accessible once she registers, and shes concerned people still have a bone to pick. NPR EDITOR'S BOMBSHELL ESSAY CAUSING 'TURMOIL' AT LIBERAL OUTLET: REPORT NPR CEO and President Katherine Maher's old tweets about looting, her support for Hillary Clinton and Biden-Harris resurfaced earlier this year. "It was really ugly," she said. "There were security questions, I had to change the way I went to work in the morning. It was not a super fun experience." Once Maher and Sullivan wrapped up their one-on-one interview, Fox News Digital asked the NPR honcho to address Berliners claim that voter registration records in 2021 showed an astonishing disparity between Democrats and Republicans in the NPR newsroom. Berliner said he found 87 registered Democrats and zero Republicans. Maher said the numbers need to have context, as roughly 600 people work in the newsroom and the stats provided by Berliner represent a "small fraction" of individuals who self-reported their political affiliation. She also said Washington, D.C., does not allow hiring or screening candidates based on political affiliation, so hiring managers would "never" ask if a potential staffer was a Democrat or Republican. "I do think it's incredibly important for us to have people of diverse viewpoints in the newsroom, and the totality of the lived experience. It's one of the things that we also seek to do by expanding the newsroom just outside of D.C.," she said. Maher said NPR has been investing in "collaborative newsrooms" across the country to give a voice to staffers from places like the Appalachia region, the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, Texas and other rural areas. "Thats a great way for us to start getting out of D.C. and bringing in people who have a variety of different lived experiences and backgrounds," she said. "I think it's important for us to be hiring reporters who are reporting based on their beats and experience, as opposed to looking and screening by political ideology," Maher added. "Then ensuring that the work that they do is engaging with diverse sourcing and making sure that we're representing all the stories that we cover in a way that it feels very balanced." Fox News Digitals Joseph A. Wulfsohn and Hannah Lambert contributed to this report. Original article source: NPR CEO Katherine Maher says viewpoint diversity is critical, defiant when grilled on liberal bias claims NRA bets big on Montana in gun rights push as Tester teeters in Senate race FIRST ON FOX: The National Rifle Association (NRA) is going live on Montana's airwaves with a massive push against vulnerable Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., on Tuesday, specifically attacking his record on gun rights. "Where I live, you can't wait for 911. My family's safety is in my hands alone," a female narrator says in a new ad from the NRA's political action committee, the NRA Political Victory Fund. DEMS FACE TIGHT TIMELINE TO CONFIRM BIDEN-HARRIS JUDGES, SURPASS TRUMP LEGACY The NRA is going up with a new ad against Tester in Montana. The video depicts a would-be intruder approaching a home with a woman alone inside who grabs her firearm when she realizes someone is outside. The narrator says Tester "failed to protect my right to self-defense." "And that's why moms like me can't wait to fire him in November," she continued. The more than $2 million reservation will be seen across the Big Sky State and will also reach Montana voters on digital platforms, through text and direct mail components. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The expenditure is the NRA Political Victory Fund's first television ad of the cycle. MCCORMICK SAYS 'PEOPLE ARE RECOGNIZING' IMPORTANCE OF 2024 ELECTION AS PENNSYLVANIA SENATE POLLS TIGHTEN Tester is running for re-election in red Montana. According to the PAC, the ad was filmed on location and also features a real Montana mother. "This November, gun owners can't afford to sit on the sidelines," Randy Kozuch, chair of the NRA Political Victory Fund, said in a statement. "With this seven-figure ad buy, only a portion of our electoral engagement in Montana, we are calling out Jon Tester," he said. POLITICAL HANDICAPPER SHIFTS MONTANA SENATE TO LEANS REPUBLICAN AS TESTER FALLS BEHIND Per Kozuch, Tester's "voting record in the Senate makes clear he is not on the side of Montanans who support the 2nd Amendment." He specifically pointed to Tester's support for "anti-gun" Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. The NRA is highlighting gun rights for rural Americans. "He has voted to spend taxpayer dollars to promote state-level red flag laws, which are ripe for abuse, and deny gun owners basic due process protections. And he's voted multiple times to criminalize private firearms transfers while supporting government blacklists," he said. The Montana Democrat notably voted in favor of bipartisan gun legislation in 2022 that made millions of dollars in grant funding available to states for the purpose of enforcing protection orders for those deemed to be extreme risks, colloquially referred to as "red flag laws." The grants also assist states in closing what's referred to as the "boyfriend loophole," expanding limits on firearm ownership for domestic abusers to a variety of relationships, as opposed to only spouses. Fifteen Republicans joined Senate Democrats at the time to support the bill. However, the majority of the GOP conference did not back the measure. SENATE GOP BRACING FOR LAST-MINUTE LEADER BIDS POTENTIALLY BY KEY TRUMP ALLY Tester campaign spokesperson Monica Robinson told Fox News Digital in a statement, "As Tim Sheehy himself said, Im not the biggest fan of the NRA, because I dont think the NRA is really, truly worried about Second Amendment rights. Theres one champion who has always defended Montana gun owners, and thats Jon Tester, who is a proud gun owner himself." Robinson was referencing a June Politico report that Sheehy was skeptical about the NRA's interests during an event last year. A Sheehy spokesperson responded at the time, pointing to the fact that he is a "political outsider who calls it like he sees it." Sheehy, left, is favored to win the Montana Senate race against incumbent Tester by one handicapper. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Sheehy's campaign said, "The choice is clear this election. Tim Sheehy is A rated by the NRA because hell always protect our Second Amendment rights and Jon Tester is F rated by the NRA because he supports the Obama-Biden-Harris radical liberal gun control agenda." The Montana Senate seat is considered Republicans' No. 1 target in the upcoming Senate elections, aside from West Virginia, which is expected to easily turn red after independent Sen. Joe Manchin's retirement. Tester's race is also believed to be the Senate GOP's key to the majority in 2025. A top political handicapper, the Cook Political Report, has long rated the race between Tester and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy as a "toss up." However, another respected handicapper recently shifted the matchup to "leans Republican." Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics explained the change, pointing to a new poll from the AARP showing Sheehy with a six-point 51%-45% advantage over Tester in a two-way race. In an expanded field, Sheehy still defeated Tester, 49%-41%. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: NRA bets big on Montana in gun rights push as Tester teeters in Senate race MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) The National Transportation Safety Board will remove the wreckage of a deadly plane crash that killed four people from Connecticut and send it to a facility to be examined, according to an announcement on Tuesday. The wreckage will be removed on Tuesday evening and examined to see if there was a mechanical issue that caused the plane to crash not too far from a Vermont runway. Investigators will also be looking into the conditions surrounding the pilot. Vermont State Police have identified the victims as 55-year-old Paul Pelletier of Columbia, 88-year-old Frank Rodriquez of Lebanon, 51-year-old Susan Van Ness of Middletown and her 15-year-old daughter, Delilah Van Ness. The announcement comes on the same day that Middletown High School closed to mourn Delilah Van Ness, a sophomore at the school, and Pelletier, an aerospace and manufacturing teacher. Inseparable: Family remembers mother-daughter pair that died in Vermont plane crash Middletown police said Delilah was taking flight lessons with Pelletier. Susan Van Ness was an active volunteer and chief of programs for the National Diaper Bank. The four were in a single-engine Piper PA-28 aircraft that departed the Windham Airport Sunday afternoon for a flight to Ferrisburgh, Vermont. The group ate brunch, and took off for the return trip at about noon. Family alerted state and Middletown police after they never arrived home. The wreckage was found just after midnight on Monday. The private airport has a grass runway and no air traffic control, according to an NTSB investigator. While the small plane was not required to have a black box, its equipment could have still contain data about the moments leading up to the crash. A preliminary report into the crash is expected within 30 days, with a full report released in between 18 and 24 months. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HAMILTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11) A New York City Department of Education employee was arrested on Monday, according to the NYPD. Anthony Wicks, 46, was taken into custody around 5 p.m., per police. Hes accused of choking a child at a Manhattan elementary school, sources told PIX11 News. Wicks was immediately moved from the site, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Education. More Local News Its not known what led to the incident, sources said. Wicks was charged with assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child, according to authorities. This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable, and this employee has been immediately removed from this site. Pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue their termination, the spokesperson told PIX11 News. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students. 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). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEW YORK (PIX11) A free job placement program in New York City has helped thousands of people find work. The New York City Human Resources Administrations Business Link program offers free job placement to people receiving cash assistance, SNAP, housing support or other forms of financial assistance. New York City will text you job openings: Heres how to sign up Many of the available jobs are within the industries of home health care, security, culinary, maintenance, retail, and customer service, among others. Jobs range from entry level to professional. Learn more on the Business Link website. Business Link contact information Reach out to DSS One Number: 718-557-1399 Business Link email: businesslink@hra.nyc.gov Business Link address: 123 William St., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10038 Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEW YORK (PIX11) Although he has only been at the helm for 13 months, there is mounting pressure for NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban to step down from the role. In an effort to silence speculation about his potential resignation, Caban made his first public appearance since news of a federal investigation emerged last week. PIX11 was invited inside to see the top cop at work. On Monday night, Caban received a round of applause after addressing a group of Jewish leaders and law enforcement officials at One Police Plaza. The 57-year-old did not address the controversy during his appearance. Late last week, it was revealed through sources that Caban and his twin brother had surrendered their cellphones to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan amid a corruption investigation. Federal authorities are reportedly examining allegations of strong-arming nightlife executives for security contracts, according to those with knowledge of the investigation. If any part is true, then the commissioner should step aside, said Queens Councilmember Bob Holden, one of several influential voices calling for Cabans resignation. Holden criticized the investigation as a distraction that compromises the citys safety. Its a cloud hanging over NYPD and Commissioner Caban. Its not worth compromising the integrity of the NYPD, Holden added. Just before a COVID diagnosis on Monday, Mayor Eric Adams worked to deny and downplay the rumors, along with the NYPD communications team, which told PIX11 News that the reports were not true. There was nothing that came from me that fed [any] rumors. I have a job to do to keep the city safe, Adams said. The federal investigations extend beyond police headquarters. A separate investigation revealed last week involves Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, her fiance Schools Chancellor David Banks, and his brother, Public Safety Czar Phil Banks. Each had their homes raided and cellphones seized, according to sources. No charges have been filed. Ive definitely heard from concerned New Yorkers about this distracting from leading the city, said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol offered a blunt assessment of the impact on public safety as not good. His office told PIX11 that Iscol, a former Marine, instructed his team to remain focused and avoid distractions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NYPD searches for suspect who stole tow truck and crashed it into parked cars NYPD searches for suspect who stole tow truck and crashed it into parked cars BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) The NYPD is looking for a man who stole a tow truck in Brooklyn when the driver wouldnt unhitch his pickup truck, according to police and video. As the suspect sped away in the tow truck, his pickup truck, which was still attached on the back, swayed and crashed into several parked cars on 53rd Street off Second Avenue. The entire incident was caught on multiple surveillance cameras and bystanders cell phones. More Brooklyn News A witness who didnt want to be identified told PIX 11 News, This situation is ridiculous and described it as a grand theft auto moment in real life. He said he saw the suspect drive off down the block in the tow truck after first trying to free his pickup from the hitch. Literally spinning his wheels off the tow truck rig, that clearly had his tow truck on it, there was no way that was coming off, he said. Police said it happened around 10:40 a.m. Sept. 6, when officers responded to a 911 robbery call in front of 170 53 St. in Sunset Park. More Local News The suspect abandoned the tow truck at Third Avenue and 55th Street after his pickup truck fell off the rig at the corner of Second Avenue and 53rd Street. The male was last seen fleeing on foot. The tow truck operator suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention at the scene. A 62-year-old male inside one of the parked vehicles suffered minor injuries and was removed by EMS to NYU Langone Hospital- Brooklyn in stable condition. 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. Oakland County woman lost $16,500 in gift card scam that went on for more than a year She only knew him as "William." Frankly, she had done all she could to forget him over the past three years. Forget that she ever talked with him. Forget that one late September day in 2021 during this odd journey he convinced her to drive to the Best Buy on Telegraph Road to put another $1,000 on gift cards and then head back two days later to buy two more $500 gift cards. She tried to forget the trips to Target, too, where she put more money on gift cards. Forget it all and move on. Then, an official looking envelope stuffed with six pages of legal jargon arrived this summer. The paperwork mentioned a totally different name "Sunyu Qian." And the letter raised the notion that more than $3 million was stolen in an elaborate gift card scheme that hit victims across the country. The scam, according to court documents, ran from Nov. 19, 2020, through Aug. 13, 2023. Hundreds of victims had been scammed online, the letter said, by a 31-year-old man in Fairfax, Virginia. Court records that I later reviewed in the Qian case refer to unnamed victims in California, Utah, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Does she think, I had to ask her, that Sunyu Qian could be William? "Do I really want to think about that?" she asked bluntly, as she sat across from me in a booth at a Panera in Royal Oak. "It's trauma." When she first got the letter, she even questioned whether it was legitimate. She reached out to me by email. Not having seen the letter, initially I told her not to respond as sometimes scammers will try to target those who have lost money with some sort of "recovery" scheme. I told her I'd check it out for her and, and then asked her to send me copies of the letter. She texted me the copies. It didn't look like a scam. And I checked it out with the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia. It's a real case. It's a real letter. It makes no promises about getting her money back. A stack of Best Buy gift cards and a notebook The woman, who lives in an upscale community in Oakland County, asked that I not publish her name because she continues to work and has told no one not a family member, not a friend, not a co-worker about an experience that has left her deeply embarrassed. She never filed a police report, saying it never occurred to her to do so. "Nobody knows about this except you now," she told me by phone in an earlier interview. She brought her old files when we met at the Panera, including the remnant Best Buy gift cards with receipts paper clipped to them to show how much she purchased. She has credit card statements, bank statements, William's phone number. A spiral notebook where she has kept a log has a page that indicates $14,500 in losses that later added up to $16,500 in losses. She tried to treat it all as a mistake, a bad investment, like money lost in a 401(k) when the market tumbled. "I had told myself it was a mistake," she said. But it wasn't an investment. It was money that someone snatched in a multipronged attack at her wealth that started with an alert about a Norton digital security subscription and then morphed into threats that she was being investigated herself by the federal government. The scammer had her thinking she'd get all the money back eventually, but that never happened. She doesn't remember each exact time she put money on the gift cards during much of 2021, the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when so many people felt isolated and under a great deal of stress and scammers pounced on everyone's vulnerability. He didn't text her every day but oddly enough, her receipts and paperwork show that he would seek money at various times in 2021, including May, September and December. "Twenty-twenty hindsight," she recalls now, "when I went to purchase the gift cards William told me where to get them. And he said don't let anybody know what you're getting them for. Do you think I would pay attention to that?" She bought the cards and then read off the numbers on the back; he got the money. And he kept asking for more. He had already gotten plenty since the whole thing started in December 2020, including thousands of dollars on Target gift cards bought at the Target on Southfield Road. She finally ghosted him in December 2021 after, it appears, according to her paperwork, she put another $2,000 on gift cards. He wanted more. "It was too much money," she said simply of the ongoing texts and requests. She tried to forget about all that. Yet, the letter she received last month from the U.S. Department of Justice informed her that she had been identified as a victim of computer crime, involving the purchase and redemption of Best Buy gift cards. "It brought it all up again," she said. More: Scammers love impersonating these 5 major brands to steal your money How scam artists targeted Best Buy The letter included a three-page victim impact statement that she was asked to fill out by Sept. 13. It also gave some interesting insight into the gift card scam showing that she was hardly a lone victim. And the letter gave a hint to how the criminal investigation was launched and the Best Buy connection. "In August 2023, fraud analysts from Best Buy Corp. presented an internal fraud investigation to law enforcement," according to the letter dated Aug. 16 from the U.S. Department of Justice. More details on the case are found in various court documents. "According to Best Buy records, Qian redeemed portions of gift cards, which had been purchased by victims of scams," according to court documents. Best Buy was able to identify Qian, in part, according to documents, because "he made some purchases from Best Buy that combined fraudulently obtained gift cards and his personal credit and debit cards." He also had signed up for rewards points. Law enforcement reviewed credit card and debit card records, and Best Buy provided surveillance. Qian conspired and worked with others, according to court documents. Best Buy did not respond to questions from the Detroit Free Press. An Oakland County woman estimates she lost $16,500 in a scam that strung out over a year. These are some Best Buy cards she bought in Southfield; she later read the numbers to the scammers. The scammers used the money to buy electronics, according to authorities. The gift card scheme was an elaborate one that ran nearly three years, according to court documents, and involved tricking people into buying gift cards that were later used to buy electronics in the store or buy items online. In some scams, authorities note, the criminals are able to load the money from the gift card on to phone-based payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. The Best Buy cellphone app, according to court documents, allows users to set up an account and add gift cards to the wallet, either by scanning the barcode of a gift card or entering the serial number of a gift card. As a result, someone could aggregate funds from multiple gift cards used to make purchases. The goods are typically bought shortly after the victim has loaded money onto a gift card. Qian would buy computers and other high-value items and then deliver the good to various co-conspirators, according to the court documents. The co-conspirator would then pay Qian in cash, the documents stated, which Qian would deposit into his bank account. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, members of a criminal organization contacted individuals, mostly elderly victims, across the U.S. via telephone or email. The Oakland County woman is in her 70s. How Microsoft scam hooked a California man The pretense of the call or email would vary. Ultimately, the goal was to convince people to go out and address a problem by putting money on gift cards from large retailers. Maybe it would fix some sort of hacking. A California man, for example, received a pop-up purportedly from Microsoft back in November 2022, according to court documents. His computer supposedly had been compromised, and he was directed to call a certain phone number. He called and was transferred to someone who told him that his credit card had already been compromised. He was told to buy gift cards to counter the fraudulent charges. He bought two Best Buy gift cards for $500 each at a Best Buy store in Los Angeles, according to court documents. He later also bought $1,000 in Macy's gift cards and $1,000 in Target gift cards. Crooks do not need the physical gift card, if they have the numbers, to buy items. What might be even more shocking to some is that stolen money on gift cards from one victim in this case could be combined with gift cards from victims in different states. Court documents indicated that Qian redeemed two $500 Best Buy gift cards from the California victim on Nov. 28, 2022, along with a small amount left on a third gift card bought Nov. 1, 2022, at a Best Buy in Kentucky by another victim. "Qian redeemed the gift cards for a computer monitor and Sony Bluetooth speaker for a total amount of $1,006.98," according to court documents. Another victim in St. Petersburg, Florida, also was hit by a Microsoft-related scam in January 2022, according to the court documents. That victim initially bought four $500 Best Buy gift cards at a drugstore and four $500 Target gift cards at a supermarket at the direction of the fraudster. On Jan. 14, 2022, at 11:58 a.m., the court documents indicate, partial amounts from the gift cards were redeemed by Qian to buy an Apple MacBook Pro at a Best Buy store located in Charlotte, North Carolina. About two hours later, partial amounts from the gift cards were redeemed by Qian to buy three sets of Apple Airpods Pro at another Best Buy store in Charlotte. When the first purchase was made, a wireless phone was scanned at the register. Qian's Virginia phone number and address were connected to the Best Buy rewards account being used. Qian pleaded guilty on May 15 to two scams, one involving gift cards and another involving another elaborate scheme regarding the purchase of baby formula. Qian pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The maximum penalty is 25 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. "Qians total culpability over the two schemes is approximately $1.25 million," according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia. More: Cash, bitcoin, gold scams in metro Detroit send couriers, directions to ATMs The baby formula scam involved using counterfeit price tags to buy large containers of baby formula for the lower price charged for single serve containers of formula. According to court records, Qian was identified by Target in that baby formula scam. Target did not respond to questions from the Detroit Free Press. Qian would deliver the baby formula to co-conspirators who paid him in cash. "During this scheme, Qian defrauded two retailers of a total of at least $124,000," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia mailed victim impact statements to those who lost money in an elaborate gift card scam, including to one victim in Oakland County. The stress after a scam can be ongoing The impact statement sent to the Oakland County woman gave her one bit of reassurance: "I thought 'OK, you weren't the only one.' " She plans to fill out the form but hadn't done so when we met three days after Labor Day. The impact statement starts out asking her to check boxes relating to her feelings. Guilt. Scared. Fear. Those all seem like good ones to check, we both agree as we sit and talk at the Panera. The form has another section of boxes relating to experiences, including phrases like "no trust in anyone" and "fear the defendant will return." Another page offers room to write about how a family has been impacted and tell the judge what you'd like to see happen to the person who committed the crime against you. The written victim impact statements are usually seen by the defendant and the defense attorney. Any personal identifying information such as the victims name is redacted. Judges can also order defendants to pay restitution based on a victim's losses, but there is no guarantee that the victim will see that money. The pages sit blank, and the woman gives no indication of what impact she'd like to share. Financially, she tells me, she's still doing OK. She's attractive, nicely dressed, well-read, and frankly, no one would even imagine she could have been hit by a widespread scam that snagged people across the country. And you can tell that she doesn't really want to drudge up old feelings or memories. She shows no anger or resentment. She says her response is to be cautious, especially about using anything online. And she focuses on looking forward, such as new opportunities at her job. She's a counselor who is used to helping people dealing with substance abuse go through recovery, where one message she shares is that you're not the only one. She still won't go into a Best Buy store because it reminds her of the incident. But she has gone back to the Target. When she wants to shop at Target, well, she knows it might open up an old wound. But she reassures herself that she's not going into Target to buy gift cards for a scammer now. Those texts from William happened a long time ago. "I just have to say, 'but it's not happening now.' " Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) @tompor. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Oakland County woman bought Best Buy, Target gift cards in Norton scam UPDATE (9/27/24) The Allegheny County Health Department has removed a consumer alert issued for Lucca Ristorante & Wine Bar. ORIGINAL COVERAGE (9/10/24) An Italian restaurant in Pittsburghs Oakland neighborhood was hit with a consumer alert after a recent inspection. Allegheny County Health Department inspectors found 11 violations at Lucca Ristorante & Wine Bar on Monday. Three of those violations are considered to create a high risk for foodborne illness, according to the inspection report. Those violations include an in-use tong and ice cream scoop sitting in stagnant water, scallops sitting on a dirty cloth, old food residue on a deli slider and can opener, a black-mold-like substance on the ice machine and mouse droppings observed on several food contact surfaces and throughout the restaurant. Some of the high-risk violations, categorized under cleaning and sanitation and pest management, were considered repeats. The inspection report states that the restaurants pest management is inadequate because rodent droppings arent being removed, affected areas arent being disinfected and back doors are permanently open. Inspectors also found several lower-level violations, like employees processing vegetables without washing them first, a lack of hot water at a handwashing sink and boxes of food stored on the floor in a cooler. A re-inspection date has not yet been set. Click here to see the full report. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Non-credible threat on social media targeted 3 local school districts, officials say Sheetz ranked second on Fortunes Best Workplaces in Retail list Leaders calling on DA to close South Side bar after officer breaks ankle trying to stop a fight VIDEO: Lifesaving protocol for cardiac arrest patients piloted in Pittsburgh seeing success DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego Police Officer Zachary Martinez is recovering at home from injuries sustained in a severe car crash at the end of August that left his patrol partner and a suspect dead. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl was in the KUSI studio on Monday with an update on Officer Martinezs recovery progress. The officers parents on Tuesday spoke in an interview with the police department on his continued recovery and what it was like getting that fateful phone call. Officer severely hurt in deadly crash released from hospital Chief Wahl said when they got the news last week that Officer Martinez was being released from the hospital, they were floored as they expected him to remain at the hospital for much longer and were just on KUSI that morning saying as much. According to Chief Wahl, Officer Martinez is at home recovering from second and third-degree burns and broken bones all over his body. The chief noted the hospital wanted him in a less sterile environment as he continues to recover. Pursuit suspect in crash that killed police officer, critically injured another identified Officer Martinez, 27, is a Texas native and has been with the San Diego Police Department for one-and-a-half years. Martinez was injured in the crash that left his patrol partner, Officer Austin Machitar, dead. The suspect also died after the high-speed police pursuit in Clairemont turned into a fiery crash. San Diego Police Sergeant Jared Wilson said last week the police department flew out Officer Martinezs family from Texas and are providing his mother and father with food and housing. Chief Wahl during Mondays update said Officer Martinezs family is staying in town, helping him recover from his severe injuries, which is expected to take several months. On Tuesday, Officer Martinezs mother and father spoke on his recovery for the first time since the crash in an interview with the police department that was shared with the media. They started by saying it has been a long road to recovery and will continue to be a longer road as he recovers from a broken neck, broken bones and significant burns. HIs mother said it was very emotional when she first saw him lying in that hospital bed covered in gauze, but she is thankful he has pulled through as he has. She told the story about how Officer Martinezs condition was so bad at first he didnt even recognize her and kept asking for her. His parents went into detail about how Zachary and Austin were best friends. Austin trained Zachary and they worked out together and eventually became partners. Its very hard for Zachary right now. Hes kind of struggling with that, because his best friends gone and hes still here, his mother said while holding back tears. The wounds will heal, the aspect that he lost his partner will take him a while, his mother said. His parents said they have since met with Austins family and have vowed to keep in touch with each other. They went on to thank the community here in San Diego and back home in Texas and the police department for their support during this time. Hes always had a very compassionate heart his mother said. His calling was to help other people. When asked if they think Officer Martinez will return to the police force after his recovery, they said they are taking it one day at a time, but emphasized the choice is ultimately up to him. First responders hold procession for SDPD officer killed in Clairemont crash The community can donate to help the families of both officers at https://porac.org/fundraiser/sandiegopd_officers/. The police fundraiser is nearing its goal of $250,000. 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Officers arrested Martin Torres-Espindola, 57, of Montclair for murder after finding his wife dead in their home with stab wounds on Friday. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said Chino Hills deputies responded to a call around 12:09 p.m. that reported Torres-Espindola killed his wife, Maria Torres. Deputies and medical personnel arrived at the home in the 11400 block of Hartford Lane to find Torres deceased. Torres-Espindola was found inside the home with self-inflicted injuries. He was treated and released from the hospital before his arrest. Detectives concluded the investigation and booked Torres-Espindola at the West Valley Detention Center without bail. The department urges anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.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 KTLA. MOAB, Utah (ABC4) Manti-La Sal National Forest plans to burn about 3,100 acres across Grand and San Juan County over the next two months, warning residents that they might see smoke during the burns. The prescribed burns are expected to start in mid-September with the final burn planned for mid-October. During the burns, smoke will be visible within the immediate areas and from vantage points in both counties. Officials said they do not expect smoke to impact nearby residents in the lower elevations as it should lift and clear away quickly. Looking for work? More than 1,500 opportunities available at Utah virtual job fair The first burn will affect about 1,000 acres within the North Elk Ridge project area in San Juan County. Manti-La Sal National Forest officials said the burn is focused on encouraging a mosaic of vegetative species and promoting the improved health of forest stands. Another 1,500 acres will be burned within the Shingle Mill area of San Juan County, about three miles southwest of Monticello. Much like the first burn, the second prescribed burn will improve vegetation as well as watershed conditions. Officials say this burn will also help improve forage production for big game such as mule deer and elk and reduce the fire-hazard in the area. Finally, officials will burn about 600 acres in piles in the Mill Creek area near Moab. Officials said this will be the final burn for the West Slope Wildland-Urban Interface project to reduce fire hazards and risks to forest resources and life. For more information about the planned burns, Utahns can contact the Moab Ranger District Office at 435-259-7155 or the Monticello Ranger District Office at 435-636-3350. Information can also be found online on the Manti-La Sal National Forest 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 ABC4 Utah. Officials say North Carolina might not meet its absentee ballot mailing deadline. PREVIOUS STORY: NC Supreme Court sides with RFK Jr., orders ballots reprinted without his name In a 4-3 ruling, North Carolinas highest court said Monday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s name should not be on the states presidential ballots. MORE PREVIOUS STORIES: RFK Jr. sued to have his name removed from the ballot after endorsing former President Donald Trump. The North Carolina State Board of Elections resisted RFK Jr.s initial attempts for removal, citing the large number of ballots that were already printed. But the North Carolina Supreme Court sided with the three judges on the Court of Appeals who ordered ballots to be reprinted without RFK Jr.s name. Now, county boards of elections are working to design and print new ballots for the 2024 general election. Because of the order to reprint, the State Board of Elections is preparing for the possibility that North Carolina cannot meet the federal 45-day deadline for distributing military and overseas ballots to voters. That date falls on Sept. 21. Channel 9 caught up with some veterans on Tuesday at the VFW Post 9488 in east Charlotte. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Steve Coulson fought in Korea and Vietnam but said he still had time to vote. Im a Democrat and proud of it, he said. Just because youre in the military, youre not off the books you know. You need to vote. Retired military auxiliary member Donna Gardner agrees. I think thats ridiculous, she told Channel 9. That were going to spend our tax money to take something off that he fought to get on. On Tuesday, state elections officials said if ballots are not ready in all counties by that date, theyve started talks with the U.S. Department of Defense to seek a potential waiver of that deadline. We will continue to consult with counties and ballot vendors to determine the feasible start date for distributing absentee ballots statewide, mindful of the goal to meet the 45-day federal deadline, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, said in a statement. This decision imposes a tremendous hardship on our county boards, at an extremely busy time. But our election officials are professionals, and I have no doubt we will rise to the challenge. State officials have asked county workers to strictly separate and move the old ballots to storage. This is to prevent the possibility of voters getting the wrong ballots. As of Monday, 146,603 voters, including more than 12,900 military and overseas voters, had requested ballots. Below are key dates and deadlines for the 2024 general election in North Carolina: Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.) Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration is available Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.) Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.) Nov. 5: General Election Day Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.) (WATCH BELOW: As mail ballots prepare to go out, leading NC Gov candidates visit area) (Bloomberg) -- Offshore wind proponents gathered in Manhattan on Monday evening to throw support and dollars behind Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, underscoring mounting concerns about the electoral risk hanging over the nascent US industry. Most Read from Bloomberg About 70 to 80 people attended the fundraiser at the offices of a law firm in midtown Manhattan, billed as an offshore wind and clean energy for Harris reception. The event was described by people familiar with it who asked not to be named because it wasnt public. The fundraiser comes at a pivotal time for the sector, which is in the early stages of a potentially massive deployment of turbines in federal waters along the US East Coast. The US government has approved 10 commercial-scale offshore wind farms in federal waters some being built by major oil companies. The rush of activity also is spurring inland investments in the domestic construction of ships, monopiles and other equipment to be used at the sites. Yet the industry is increasingly concerned that the pace of development will be chilled if Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump wins the election in November. Trump, a longtime wind-power critic, has threatened to target the sector if he wins a second term, potentially by pausing project approvals and the sale of new offshore wind leases. The sector will persevere to deliver critically needed electricity no matter what happens in November, said Kris Ohleth, an event co-host and director of the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind advocacy group. Even so, she said, we continue to be in a fragile place with supply chain development, and signals about potential interruptions threaten the investment we need to continue to bring costs down and really continue on the pace we need. Representative Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey running to represent the state in the US Senate, spoke at Mondays gathering, emphasizing how offshore wind gives the US a chance to expand its energy might and out-innovate competitors overseas. Amanda Lefton, who previously oversaw offshore wind leasing as director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and is now working for energy company RWE AG, also addressed the receptions crowd of lawyers, consultants and lobbyists, each invited to spend at least $250 for tickets. Hosts identified on an event website included a slew of offshore wind advocates, generally involved in their personal capacities and not on behalf of specific companies or groups. They included Kit Kennedy, a managing director at the Natural Resources Defense Council; Josh Kaplowitz, senior counsel with Locke Lord LLP; Fred Zalcman, former director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance; and Tom Carlson, a regulatory affairs director at EDF Renewables. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Tuesday declined to denounce a racist and xenophobic conspiracy theory about local Haitian immigrants, just hours after Ohio Senator J.D. Vance doubled down by spreading the blatant misinformation. As DeWine noted in Tuesdays press conference, the city of Springfield has seen an influx of 15,000 Haitian immigrants over the past four years as a result of the chaos and widespread gang violence caused by the assassination of Haitis president in 2021. The United States has granted these immigrants temporary protected status, allowing them to move to the U.S., pay taxes, own homes, and work. Some Republicans, wanting to look tough on immigration, claim that Springfield is being overwhelmed by the immigrantsand to make their point, theyre even spreading malicious lies about the Haitians. Vance, who is Donald Trumps running mate, tweeted Monday, Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. On Tuesday, he repeated the claim, only allowing that its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false. And yet, DeWine refused to condemn such rhetoric. When asked whether he would denounce other Ohio Republicans who are elevating those claims, the governor said he was just there to establish the essential facts, and referred to the city managers statement about any of these particular matters. Look, he added, I came here today because I thought it was important to outline for the people, not only of Springfield, but of Ohio and the country, what the essential facts are. The essential facts I have gone over to the best of my knowledge, are the essential facts. DeWine referred to statements by Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and City Manager Ryan Heck. Heck, who had written to Vance in July asking for federal support to deal with the influx of immigrants, outright denied the right-wing rumors. He said there were no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Additionally, Heck said, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic. When asked about a school bus crash caused by a Haitian immigrants reckless driving, which injured 20 students and killed one, DeWine said that there had been an uptick in traffic accidents. While he said he did not blame any one group, he also claimed that many Haitians had never driven before. When asked specifically about the false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating cats or killing geese, DeWine did not condemn them. Look, Im not going to comment on that, he said. The local officials [and] people who live in Springfield have talked about different things that might appear on the internet. A lot of things can appear on the internet, he added. But they have talked about those, and they have said theyve not seen evidence of that. And they are the ones who are in the community. When asked about Vance specifically, DeWine said, I would expect a United States senator to be talking about the border. DeWine was also asked whether he had spoken to any Haitian immigrants in Springfield. He said he had not. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Ohio Rep. Tex Fischer in the video player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A Republican running to keep his Ohio House seat has been cleared to campaign after he was nearly kicked off the ballot by a state law that also disqualified a transgender candidate for omitting their former legal name. Secretary of State Frank LaRose ruled on Sept. 6 to break the Mahoning County Board of Elections 2-2 tie and allow Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) on the ballot after the countys Democratic Party argued he should be removed for failing to include his former name, Austin James Fischer, on filing paperwork. The 28-year-old representative changed his legal name in 2020 to Austin James Texford Fischer when he began going by Tex. It was disheartening that we had to deal with such a petty and blatantly partisan stunt that undermined that principle and attempted to deprive the people of their voice, said Fischer in a statement. Im grateful for the opportunity to serve and keep working to earn the voters trust in November. Fifth former Columbus Zoo executive receives sentence in theft scandal Chris Anderson, chair of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, had cited Ohio revised code that requires Statehouse candidates who change their name within five years to submit their statement of candidacy and nominating petition with their current and former name. Fischers party nomination form submitted to the countys board of elections shows that he only included his current name. However, LaRose noted that Ohios name-change law only requires a candidate to provide their current and former name on documents like a statement of candidacy and a nomination petition and not on a party nomination form, which is officially known as Form 289. Fischer, who is running against Democrat Laura Schaeffer to represent House District 59, only needed to sign a party nomination form because he was appointed in June to take over the seat of another representative who was named to the Ohio Senate. This meant Fischer was able to forego the primary process, also allowing him to skip completing traditional paperwork like the statement of candidacy and nomination petition. The basis for Mr. Andersons protest do not implicate Mr. Fischers candidacy, said LaRose, announcing his decision in a letter to the Mahoning County Board of Elections. Despite arguments to the contrary, the statute does not extend the requirement of listing a persons former name to the partys selection committees Form 289 certification. Can you take me higher? The marketing that got six Ohio marijuana dispensaries fined Corey Colombo, the attorney representing the countys Democratic Party, had noted the law has been used to question the legitimacy of trans candidates also running for the Ohio House. Vanessa Joy, a Stark County Democrat, was disqualified from running in House District 50 for not including her deadname the name a trans person was assigned at birth but does not align with their gender identity on her nomination petition. While Joy appealed her disqualification, the board of elections voted to keep her off the ballot. Bobbie Arnold, a West Alexandria trans candidate, had her possible disqualification dismissed by the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Ari Faber, an Athens County trans candidate, is cleared to run for an Ohio Senate seat but must use his deadname since he has not legally changed it. LGBTQ candidates were not certified to the ballot because they did not include their former names on their paperwork, Colombo said during the Aug. 15 board of elections meeting. At that time, Secretary of State Frank LaRose said it is important for people to disclose who they are and any former identity so the voters know who is asking to be put on the ballot. Arienne Childrey, another trans candidate who was nearly disqualified from running as a Democrat in House District 84 due to the name-change law, spoke out in August and said Fischer should not be removed from the ballot over this issue. However, in a new statement, Childrey said LaRoses decision reveals a disturbing pattern. Ohio-based Big Lots files for bankruptcy after store closings It seems LaRose only supports such removals when the candidate in question is transgender, said Childrey. LaRoses vote is not just a political decision its a stark message that discrimination against trans candidates is tolerated, if not encouraged, by his office. As Ohios name-change law has come under the spotlight again, dueling bills have been introduced to deal with the matter. Two Republican lawmakers running against Childrey and Arnold introduced legislation to allow any eligible voter, regardless of party affiliation, to formally protest a political partys candidate, while current law only allows an individual to challenge a candidate who is part of their same party. The other bill introduced by Democrats would amend the former name requirement, adding an exemption from disclosure if the change of name was granted by any court in the state of Ohio. The bill would also add space to Ohios Declaration of Candidacy form so that candidates who are required to provide previous names used in the last five years will have space to do so. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks Friday at the U.S. border with Mexico in San Diego. Police in Springfield, Ohio, said Monday they had received no credible reports of immigrants harming pets, contradicting a claim by Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance. The senator from Ohio, as well as other Republican lawmakers and several conservative commentators, have in recent days asserted without evidence that the arrival of thousands of immigrants from Haiti had created chaos in Springfield. In a post on X, Vance wrote Monday that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. The Springfield Police Division said in a statement that they were aware of the rumors and had no information to support them. In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, the police said in a statement emailed to NBC News. They added that they had no information to support similar assertions about immigrants squatting or disrupting traffic. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic, the police said. After NBC News asked the Vance campaign about the lack of evidence for his claim, a spokesperson said that the senator had received a high volume of calls and emails over the past several weeks from concerned citizens in Springfield and that his tweet is based on what he is hearing from them. The spokesperson did not say, however, whether any of those calls or emails had included evidence of violence against pets, and did not offer proof of Vances statements. There is a long history of conservative politicians and pundits denigrating Haitian immigrants in particular, including with baseless allegations of cannibalism, according to historians who have studied the former French colony. Viles Dorsainvil, president of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, a nonprofit organization in Springfield, condemned the recent rumors as uninformed and racist. Its just bigotry, discrimination and racism, he said. There is a group of people who have been fabricating some news just to denigrate Haitians. Dorsainvil said his organization helps immigrants with job applications, legal support and more. He added that Haitians have moved to Ohio because of the gang conflict and political turmoil in their home country. They are looking for a place to raise their family and look for a job. But it happens that the city has not been prepared for the influx of Haitians coming here, he said. The false claims about threats to pets began going viral on social media over the weekend, fueled in part by a fourth-hand story that appeared to come from a Facebook group focused on local crime in Springfield. The group was set to private on Monday, but according to screenshots posted on X, someone in the Facebook group posted that my neighbor informed me that her daughters friend had lost her cat. The poster went on to describe Haitians allegedly taking the cat for food. Conservative pundit Charlie Kirk posted a screenshot of the Facebook post Sunday on X, and within 24 hours, it had received more than 3 million views. The rumor was picked up by other right-wing commentators, including Jack Posobiec, who posted about it on X more than 30 times Sunday and Monday. Others echoed the allegations, including X owner Elon Musk, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us, Cruz wrote on X, as a caption on a photo of cats. By midday Monday, Haitians were the No. 1 trending topic in the U.S. on X. In his post on X, Vance attributed his information about pets to unspecified reports and suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris was to blame for Haitian immigrants generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. In 2021, President Joe Biden tasked Harris with tackling the root causes of migration. Vance also asserted without evidence that the Haitian population in question is made up of illegal immigrants. A Springfield city website says thats not true. Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program, the website says, referring to a federal humanitarian program for migrants. Representatives for Kirk, Posobiec, Musk, Cruz and Jordan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. X and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. As many as 20,000 Haitian immigrants have arrived in the Springfield area in recent years, and although theyve helped to revitalize the city, there have been protests, The New York Times reported this month. In May, a jury found a Haitian immigrant guilty of causing a school bus crash that killed an 11-year-old boy. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Ohio residents in small town erupt over havoc caused by massive influx of 20,000 of Haitians Residents in Ohio are fuming about the cultural clash between locals and Haitian migrants at city council meetings, demanding the city take action on the issue. Thousands of Haitians have arrived in Springfield since the COVID-19 pandemic, and residents have been pointing to an uptick in crime, mayhem and car crashes due to the massive influx of new residents. In a town of 58,000 people, about 20,000 Haitians have arrived, according to city officials. "I see what's going on in the streets. And I see you guys sitting up there and, comfy chairs and suits I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something," said Anthony Harris, 28. "These Haitians are running into trash cans. They're running into buildings. They're flipping cars in the middle of the street, and I don't know how like, y'all can be comfortable with this." SCIENTIST CALLS FOR AMERICANS TO CUT OFF AIR CONDITIONING IN SUMMER, CLAIMING IT CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING Resident Lisa Hayes, 64, recounted an incident where migrants were bullying her at a supermarket. They blocked her cart and refused to let her pass through the aisle. "I don't know what kind of label you put on this," she said, perplexed by the incident. "I would like to see them have some common respect." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Residents mentioned how migrants are crowding public areas, hitting people with cars and some said the city needed to start giving driving lessons. Resident Diana Daniels blamed cultural clashes for the issues. "Countries are defined by their culture and their language, not the color. When folks stand up here and describe what is happening to them, they are often painted with the broad brush of racism that has nothing to do with it." "Shame on you," she told city leadership. At another hearing, a woman named Noel said she doesn't feel safe in Springfield anymore and that migrants are camping out near her home. "I try to help them the best I can to keep them from trying to squat on my property. But it is so unsafe. I have learned they cannot speak English in my front yard, they're screaming at me, throwing mattresses in my front yard, throwing trash in my front yard," she said. "Look at me, I weigh 95 pounds. I couldn't defend myself if I had to pack up and move." "It's killing both of us mentally," she continued. "I don't understand what you expect of us as citizens Who's protecting me? I want out of this town. I am sorry. Please give me a reason to stay." "How do you know we arent getting criminals, rapists?" a man in a blue Harley-Davidson T-shirt said during a hearing about the migrant issue after a bus crash killed the son of two teachers. Another resident called out general failures in leadership. "When am I getting my money back?" he said. Original article source: Ohio residents in small town erupt over havoc caused by massive influx of 20,000 of Haitians In January 2023, Cincinnati Republican Joe Deters traded his long-time job as Hamilton County prosecutor for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court but rather than run to hold the seat the governor appointed him to, Deters is challenging a colleague. Deters opted to run for a full six-year term against Justice Melody Stewart, a Cleveland Democrat. Stewart is irritated but Deters is amused. More: Ohio Supreme Court election has 6 candidates running for 3 seats "I think it's kind of funny because somebody's going to run against her. I don't know what they were thinking. Somebody was going to run," he said. Had Deters run for his appointed seat, he would've had to run statewide again in two years when the unexpired term ended. Despite this intra-court race, Deters said the justices are professional and collegial and have made him feel welcome in the new job. Deters became the first Ohio Supreme Court justice in 30 years to join the court without prior experience as a judge. "I bring a prosecutor's perspective to the court, and I think a trial lawyer's perspective," Deters said. "There may be people on the court that had trials before but if you combined everybody's trial experience, I think I still have more than all of them combined." Party labels for some judicial candidates A new state law adds party label to candidates for appellate and supreme courts. That is expected to work in Deters' favor this year with former President Donald Trump, who twice won Ohio, at the top of the Republican ticket. Many Republicans see adding party labels as a means to give voters more information about candidates. Democrats say judicial races should be nonpartisan and doing otherwise erodes public trust in the judicial branch. Deters calls party labels in judicial races "very problematic" because it doesn't give voters enough information about the candidates. Republicans, who now hold four of the seven seats on the court, have controlled a majority of seats since 1986. Who is Joe Deters? Deters' roots are firmly planted in his hometown of Cincinnati. Deters earned undergraduate and law degrees from University of Cincinnati, became the longest serving elected prosecutor in Hamilton County history and married long-time WCPO evening news anchor Tanya O'Rourke. While most of his career has been as a county prosecutor, Deters won two statewide campaigns for state treasurer in 1998 and 2002. In 2004, Deters' chief of staff Matt Borges and campaign fundraiser Eric Sagun were investigated for funneling contributions to Deters' campaign from donors seeking to do business with the treasurer's office. The two men pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges connected to the bribery investigation and were fined. Prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to determine whether Deters knew of any criminal conduct. Deters resigned as treasurer in January 2005 to return to the prosecutor's job. Nearly two decades later, Deters said a crime-and-punishment issue piqued his interest in being on the court. In a 4-3 decision issued in January 2022, the court said that excessive bail is unconstitutional, and judges should only consider a defendant's flight risk when establishing bail. Courts have long had the option of holding a hearing on whether to deny bail. Deters joined other Republicans in campaigning for a constitutional amendment to require judges to consider public safety when setting bail. Voters endorsed it in November 2022. Just months later, the governor appointed him to the court. The friendship between the DeWine and Deters families stretches back at least 30 years by some accounts. The governor appointed Dennis Deters to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. And as prosecutor, Joe Deters hired Justice Pat DeWine's senior staff attorney, Mary Stier, as an assistant prosecutor in the appellate division. Stier and Justice DeWine are currently in a relationship. Stier is Deters' senior judicial attorney at the Supreme Court. When asked about how his connections to the DeWine family helped him win the Supreme Court appointment, Deters said "I don't think Mike DeWine would have appointed me if he didn't think I was competent to handle the job." Deters said the biggest adjustment to the job has been abiding by judicial ethics rules that curtail what he's allowed to say. "When I was prosecutor, I could shoot my mouth off all the time and now I can't do anything. All I do is yell at the TV every night," he said. Abortion cases Abortion cases are more likely to find their way to the Ohio Supreme Court now that the Dobbs ruling at the U.S. Supreme Court said abortion restrictions are up to states to decide. Likewise, Ohio voters in 2023 approved a constitutional amendment covering reproductive rights. So, any legal questions regarding how that amendment should be interpreted and applied will likely be decided by the Ohio Supreme Court. The Democrats running for the Supreme Court are endorsed by Planned Parenthood while the Republicans are backed by Ohio Right to Life. All six candidates said they pledge to follow the constitution and law. Criminal sentencing database The Ohio Sentencing Commission scrapped a contract it held with University of Cincinnati that aimed to get judges to use the same form for writing their criminal sentencing decisions. Ultimately, the goal was to create a database of criminal sentencing decisions so that the courts and researchers could identify trends, biases and areas for improvement. Some judges didn't like the idea of a searchable database and raised questions about how the data would be used. The commission, which is chaired by Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, is now deciding its next steps. Deters said a criminal sentencing database is worthwhile but he's not sure how to accomplish it. He noted that voters elect county judges, whose decisions reflect community standards in those counties. "There are some people that think that every county should treat every offense the same way. That's not necessarily the case," he said. How did Deters rule on key cases? Reagan Tokes: Deters wrote the court decision that upheld a 2019 state law named after Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student who was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 2017 by a man who had been released from prison. The law allows the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to hold some people in prison longer for bad behavior without the involvement of the sentencing judge. Deters called it his most significant opinion in his 18 months on the bench. Stewart joined Deters' opinion. Boneless Chicken Wings: A man seriously injured by a bone embedded in his "boneless" wings sued but wasn't allowed to have his case heard by a jury. Deters wrote the majority opinion said the customer should expect to find bones in a boneless wings order because chickens have bones. The court said the lawsuit was properly dismissed. Stewart joined the dissent. Open records: In January, the court ruled 4-3 that expense records for state troopers to accompany Gov. Mike DeWine to the 2020 Super Bowl were exempt from disclosure under Ohio's open records law. Deters and Stewart were on opposite sides of the decision. In a 5-2 decision released in April, the court said names and addresses contained in a state database of people who died are not subject to disclosure under the state's open records laws. Justices decided that particular information is protected health info. Deters and Stewart were both in the majority. Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Election 2024: Republican Joe Deters challenges Dem Melody Stewart (Bloomberg) -- Plunging oil prices helped drive Russia's revenues from crude sales to the lowest since February, highlighting the challenges Moscow faces from a weakening global market. Most Read from Bloomberg The price slump sent Russias flagship Urals crude back down toward the $60-a-barrel threshold that the Group of Seven sought to impose on the Kremlin as punishment for the Ukraine invasion. The grade from Russias Baltic ports traded at an average $60.12 on Friday, Argus Media data showed. Four-week average crude volumes slipped to 3.13 million barrels a day in the week, down by 30,000 barrels a day compared with the previous period. Weekly flows, which are far more volatile, moved in the opposite direction, edging up by about 40,000 barrels a day. The decline in global prices prompted several OPEC+ member countries, including Russia, to postpone until December the easing of output curbs that had been planned to start in October. The delay means that Moscow will actually have to cut production in October and November to make up for pumping above its OPEC+ target earlier this year, rather than being able to offset the compensation cuts against a rising target. Crude Shipments A total of 29 tankers loaded 21.99 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Sept. 8, vessel-tracking data and port-agent reports show. The volume was up from 21.67 million barrels on 29 ships the previous week. It means Russias seaborne daily crude flows in the week to Sept. 8 rose by about 40,000 barrels to 3.14 million. The less volatile four-week average moved in the opposite direction, falling by 30,000 barrels a day to 3.13 million from 3.16 million the previous week. Apart from one week when they dipped below 3 million barrels a day, shipments using this measure have ranged between 3.13 million and 3.25 million barrels a day since the beginning of July. Crude shipments so far this year are about 45,000 barrels a day below the average for the whole of 2023. One cargo of Kazakhstans KEBCO crude was loaded at Novorossiysk and one at Ust-Luga during the week. Russia terminated its export targets at the end of May, opting instead to restrict production, in line with its partners in the OPEC+ oil producers group. The countrys output target is set at 8.978 million barrels a day until the end of November, after a planned easing of some output cuts was delayed by two months. Moscow has also pledged to make deeper output cuts in October and November this year, then between March and September of 2025, to compensate for pumping above its OPEC+ quota earlier this year. Russian data show the nation got very close to meeting its OPEC+ crude-output target last month, following a push from the group to improve adherence to its supply deal. Export Value The gross value of Russias crude exports fell to $1.44 billion in the seven days to Sept. 8, from $1.52 billion in the period to Sept. 1. The small increase in weekly flows was more than offset by a slump in prices for Russias major crude streams. That took the weekly value of overseas shipments to its lowest since January. Export values at Baltic ports were down week-on-week by about $6.30 a barrel, while shipments from the Black Sea fell by about $5.90 a barrel. Prices for key Pacific grade ESPO held up better, losing about $2.70 compared with the previous week. Delivered prices in India were also down, falling by about $5.90 a barrel, all according to numbers from Argus Media. Four-week average income fell to its lowest since February at about $1.51 billion a week. The four-week average peak of $2.17 billion a week was reached in the period to June 19, 2022. During the first four weeks after the Group of Seven nations price cap on Russian crude exports came into effect in early December 2022, the value of seaborne flows fell to a low of $930 million a week, but soon recovered. Flows by Destination Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, fell to 2.92 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Sept. 8. Thats about 10% below the average level seen in April. About 1.25 million barrels a day of crude was loaded onto tankers heading to China. The Asian nations seaborne imports are boosted by about 800,000 barrels a day of crude delivered from Russia by pipeline, either directly, or via Kazakhstan. Flows on ships signaling destinations in India averaged 1.62 million barrels a day, down from a revised 1.68 million for the period to Sept. 1. Both the Chinese and Indian figures are likely to rise as the discharge ports become clear for vessels that are not currently showing final destinations. The equivalent of about 30,000 barrels a day was on vessels signaling Port Said or Suez in Egypt. Those voyages typically end at ports in India or China and show up as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent. Russias oil flows continue to be complicated by the Greek navy carrying out exercises in an area thats become associated with the transfer of Russian crude. These naval drills are due to continue until Sept. 15. As a result, recent cargo switches have moved to the waters off Egypts Port Said, the Gulf of Oman off the port of Sohar and, most recently, at the Omani port of Duqm. Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries have ceased, with flows to Bulgaria halted at the end of last year. Moscow also lost about 500,000 barrels a day of pipeline exports to Poland and Germany at the start of 2023, when those countries stopped purchases. Pipeline deliveries to Hungary, which cross Ukraine through the southern leg of the Druzhba pipeline system, appear to have been disrupted in August by Kyivs ban on crude belonging to Lukoil PJSC crossing its territory. Shipments to Slovakia along the same route seem to have been unaffected, according to industry data. Hungarian refiner Mol Nyrt. said it reached a deal that will ensure the continued supply of Russian crude oil via the pipeline through Ukraine. Turkey is now the only short-haul market for shipments from Russias western ports, with flows in the 28 days to Sept. 8 unchanged at about 210,000 barrels a day. NOTES This story forms part of a weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the gross value of those flows. The next update will be on Wednesday, Sept. 18. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga and are not subject to European Union sanctions or a price cap. The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export stream. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies. Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd. If you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations. --With assistance from Sherry Su. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The Greek-flagged Sounion was struck on August 21, 2024 by Yemen's Huthi rebels (-) (-/EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/AFP) An abandoned tanker carrying more than one million barrels of crude oil could contaminate vast areas of the Red Sea in a severe, long-term environmental disaster if it breaks up or explodes, experts warn. The Greek-flagged Sounion, struck on August 21 by Yemen's Huthi rebels, was still on fire as recently as Saturday, maritime monitors said. Threatening an oil spill four times the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska, a leak or on-board blast could cause almost irreparable damage, said Julien Jreissati, Middle East and North Africa programme director at Greenpeace. "Once released, an oil spill of this magnitude could be nearly impossible to contain, spreading contamination across vast areas of seawater and coastlines," Jreissati told AFP. "The long-term impacts on marine biodiversity could be devastating, with oil residues potentially persisting in the environment for years or even decades." The Huthis have been firing drones and missiles at ships in the vital commercial route since November, saying they are targeting vessels linked to Israel, the US and Britain in a show of solidarity with Palestinians over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, lost engine power and caught fire after the initial strike, forcing the evacuation of its 25 crew members by a French frigate serving with the European Union's Aspides force, which is patrolling the area. The Huthis then returned and detonated charges on the ship's deck, setting off new fires. It is anchored west of the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, midway between Yemen and Eritrea. - 'Extremely hazardous' - An attempt by private companies to tow away the burning ship was abandoned because it was "not safe" to proceed, Aspides, which was guarding the tug boats involved, said last week. "Given that the vessel is a large, heavily laden oil tanker, now immobilised and on fire, the situation is extremely hazardous and unpredictable," Jreissati said. "The potential for a major environmental disaster is significant as the vessel could break apart or explode at any time." The 10-month Huthi campaign against shipping has killed at least four sailors and sunk two ships, including the Rubymar, which went down in March carrying thousands of tonnes of fertiliser. The Sounion, however, poses the gravest danger yet. "This situation is an environmental catastrophe slowly unfolding in front of our eyes," said Wim Zwijnenburg of Dutch peace-building group PAX. The Joint Maritime Information Center, run by an international naval coalition, on Saturday said daily surveillance flights had reported "several" fires on deck but no visible cargo oil slick. A salvage and firefighting operation was expected to start this week. "Minor oil slicks were detected in some satellite images, likely linked with burned oil after the explosions or from the engine," added Zwijnenburg. But "there has been no indication of a crude oil spill from the cargo that the ship is carrying". - 'Challenging' operation - The Sounion recalls the danger posed by the FSO Safer supertanker, a 48-year-old ship with a corroding hull that lay abandoned for years off Yemen's Red Sea coast. The ship had gone unserviced due to Yemen's war between the Huthis and a Saudi-led coalition, which started in March 2015 and has caused a major humanitarian crisis in the impoverished country. In August 2023, the United Nations successfully completed the transfer of its cargo of more than a million barrels of oil in a costly operation that took years to organise. Noam Raydan, an expert tracking maritime attacks for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank, said the Sounion operation carried heavy risks. "Conducting salvage operations during the Huthis' months-long attack campaign in the Red Sea has been challenging, and the Sounion incident will be no different," Raydan said. "Finding suitable tugboats that are located near the region and willing to operate in such a risky environment can be difficult," the expert added. Adding to the problems, naval forces "will need to remain near the tanker to prevent the Huthis from interrupting the (salvage) process", Raydan said. ho/th/jsa/smw Old nuclear plant site to be home to planning hub The old nuclear plant site will be home to the new planning hub [BBC] A former nuclear power plant in southern Scotland is to play a leading role in the development of hydrogen technology in Scotland. Chapelcross near Annan has been chosen as the site for a new national "planning hub" to help fast-track local authority decisions on projects across Scotland. It will initially focus on improving consenting speed for hydrogen developments until March next year. Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee unveiled the plans during a visit to the site. He said: "Communities across Scotland benefit from a planning system that is efficient, effective and well-resourced. "The planning hub will utilise and build capacity and skills to enable good quality development that improves places and quality of life, whilst growing our economy and supporting the transition to net zero. "In the first instance, it will have a focus on hydrogen applications a vital industry that Scotland is embracing as we diversify our energy supply." Chapelcross is the site of a multi-million pound, net-zero focused development which includes plans for hydrogen production storage, advanced manufacturing, and energy and enterprise campuses. 'Primed to lead' Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council Gail MacGregor, said: "Anything that comes to Dumfries and Galloway I will, of course, grasp with both hands. "We have a huge amount of innovation here - we are at the forefront of green energy. "The possibilities for this site are going to be immense and to enable that we are going to have to have a good planning and infrastructure system in place. "I think we are primed to lead on this." South of Scotland Enterprise chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross, said there was already a waiting list of companies wanting to come to the site. She said it included a "mixture of inward investors but also local entrepreneurs who are developing solutions in this space". The Scottish government said it hoped the planning hub would be open in the next few months. OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV) Lafayette County deputies announced the Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs at the University of Mississippi has been indicted on felony charges of animal cruelty. The Oxford Eagle reported Charlotte Fant Pegues was indicted by the Lafayette County grand jury on 10 counts of animal cruelty. Woman shot, killed at North Jackson hotel According to deputies, Fant Pegues turned herself into the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office on Monday, September 9. She was released on a $75,000 bond. This comes after her husband, Terry Pegues, was previously arrested in August 2024 and charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty. His bond was also set at $75,000. Charlotte Fant Pegues (Courtesy: University of Mississippi website) Terry Pegues (Photo courtesy of the Lafayette County Sheriffs Department) Investigators said numerous malnourished and dead dogs were allegedly found on Pegues property. Investigators conducted a search warrant on the residence. In total, 20 animals were rescued and taken to a local veterinarian for care, and 10 animals were found dead. Officials with the University of Mississippi said Fant Pegues has been placed on leave. 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. Despite the governments efforts to stem the flow of Xinjiang cotton products into the U.S., theyre still making their way into the hands of consumers. One in five cotton products in the average American household contains fibers harvested with forced labor. That startling statistic persists even amid the federal governments attempts to tighten Chinas access to the U.S. market, according to MeiLin Wan, vice president of textile sales for Applied DNA Sciences. The DNA authentication firms recent reporting showed that the supply chain for cotton textiles and apparel is still woefully marred by the presence of Xinjiang cotton. More from Sourcing Journal The group, which was represented by Wan on a podcast released by the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) on Monday, provides cotton textile traceability solutions including isotope testing, which shows where cotton was grown, and PCR DNA testing to provide information about how it was farmed, among other characteristics. Since 20 percent of the worlds cotton is grown primarily in the Xinjiang region, its really critical that apparel brands and their manufacturers know their supply chainsand this means everything from the bale of fiber to the finished product, Wan said. The basic question is, Can you prove it? How do you prove it? Its a question that has become all the more critical since the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) took effect in 2022. A little over two years since its implementation, both the industry and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are still working out the kinks when it comes to compliance and enforcement. On the brand side, the requirements to prove that shipments are compliant with the law are murky, with brands dreading detentions at ports and borders. And for CBP, there remain serious issues regarding UFLPA enforcement, Wan added. Millions of goods coming in as a result of the de minimis loophole are causing real problems with enforcing forced labor in supply chains, the VP of sales said. If there are solar panels, cotton products, automotive parts also on the list, how can Customs and Border Protection do all of those things and be expected to be effective in their enforcement? While certain types of genetic tagging have been around for more than a decade, they have advanced significantly, and are beginning to play a bigger role in both tracing supply chains and unearthing forced labor violations, Wan said. Typically, a DNA tag would be applied to the fiber at the gin level, but now, it can be done at the spinning location using the companys technology. This enables everyone in the supply chain to know that at the point at which it was tagged, that it stays not only on the cottonbut it actually allows you to link that cotton to the supplier and to the supply chain. Visibility into the chain of custody serves to reinforce brand claims around their cotton supplywhether it was farmed regeneratively, whether it is organic, or whether its been certified by a third party. It can help protect your brand. It can help protect the supply chain, and ultimately protects the consumer, because then theres a way to proveyou are actually doing what you say youre doing, Wan added. Its not just about getting a gold star from shoppers, though. A study conducted between February 2023 and March of 2024, in which 800 samples ranging from cotton socks, swabs tea towels, fabrics, finished garments, home textiles and industrial textiles were tested, revealed that 19 percent, or roughly one-fifth, contained Xinjiang cotton. Wan said the alarming percentage was especially notable given that traces of illicit cotton were found across such a wide assortment of goods. There needs to be some serious attention on importers and retailersproviding evidence that they do not have Xinjiang cotton in their supply chains, she said. Simply buying products from a different country of origin is no guarantee that the cotton is clean; increasingly, Xinjiang cotton is being found in product hailing from Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, she said. When you walk around your house and you see the number of cotton products that you have, that youre using on a daily basisthats one in five products, she reiterated. Thats not a slight issue. This is a serious issue. Beyond scientific and technological solutions, tightening regulations is essential, she believes. I would point to the de minimis loophole as something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, Wan added. The fact that the millions of goods that come in per day under de minimis are not subject to duties, and secondly, not checked, is harmful to the industry as a whole, harmful to all the businesses, and harmful to American consumers. As trade tensions continue to percolate, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are looking at myriad ways to control Chinas influence on the American market. This week, coined China Week on The Hill, House lawmakers will vote on more than two-dozen bills aimed at reining in Beijing, from one that would prohibit China-made EVs and batteries from receiving tax credits to another that would limit the ability of Chinese individuals and companies to purchase farmland in the U.S. Other bills take on election interference, Chinese drone surveillance, aggression toward Taiwan and currency manipulation. According to Emily Kilcrease, senior fellow and director of the Energy, Economics and Security Program at Center for a New American Security, cutting China off from U.S. consumers and businesses might not yield the benefits lawmakers are hoping for, especially when it comes to technology. Of tech titans like Tik Tok as well as e-tailers like Shein and Temu, she said, I think that the way you can connect the dots across those cases is that when there is this unexpected emergence of a major Chinese tech player, whether its a software based e-commerce provider or whether its in actual manufacturing of hard goods, policymakers just grab for whatever tool is available to them to try to stem the perceived economic or security harms, she said during a webinar with the Center for American Progress. Thats the common thread between themwhether [the tool is] de minimis or something else. But when it comes to certain advanced technologies, like ones that could help in the movement toward green energy, thumbing a nose at Chinese producers might only serve to inhibit that sectors growth. China is a leading producer of these technologies, and theres this lack of clarity on how we think about de-risking alongsideand potentially in tension withother goals, like the climate transition, she explained. Thats a big, tangled knot that we havent totally figured out how to unweave here yet. The same goes for manifold industries where the U.S. is flush with expertise and technology but lacks the ability to produce at scale. Theres this whole manufacturing capacity aspect of things, where China does have an advantage in some respects, she said when talking about the production of chips. The U.S. is trying to figure out how to, in essence, re-industrialize parts of these key supply chains in the United States, whether its for an economic argument ormore often a security argument. Lori McCammon of Alma, Wisconsin, has recorded a video for Republican Voters Against Trump. (Screenshot | YouTube) Eight years ago Lori McCammon cast her presidential ballot for Donald Trump. Since 2020, however, shes been part of a vocal national effort involving former Trump voters to keep the former president from returning to the White House. I dont know if I could bring myself to vote for any Republican again, says McCammon. If they backed Trump in any way, they will never get my vote. McCammon, 69, lives in a house with a view overlooking the Mississippi River in the Buffalo County community of Alma, about 55 miles north of La Crosse. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she moved around the country with her family growing up, graduating from high school in Fountain City, Wisconsin. She graduated from Brandman University in California and lived in southern California for some 35 years until moving back to Wisconsin in 2017 after a high school reunion. For most of her life, McCammon says, she avoided paying much attention to politics. I dreaded election years because of all of the ads, she says. Ive got to be brutally honest, if I had not been called on the carpet by a gentleman my dad used to work with years ago about voting, I dont know that I would have been voting, McCammon says. By the time he was done lecturing me about the importance of voting, Ive never failed to vote since then. GOP was a safer bet More often than not, she cast those votes for Republicans. I think I paid just enough attention that I felt the Republicans were a safer bet, she says. She voted for George W. Bush for president in 2000 and 2004. She admired Arizona Sen. John McCain and says she would have voted for him in 2008 until he picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. I think he was just trying to get the female vote. She was an insult to female intelligence, McCammon says. She was happy to have voted for Barack Obama in 2008, but when Hillary Clinton was the Democratic nominee in 2016, she voted for Trump because I thought eight years of Clinton was enough. Looking back, she adds, I was so very wrong. In her day-to-day life, though, McCammon says she didnt really follow political news until the 2016 election. I only started paying attention when Trump came on the scene, she says. My thought was, maybe we need someone who is not a career politician. Maybe we need somebody with a fresh set of eyes. In her community, we had a challenge with illegal immigrants, McCammon says. I have absolutely no problem with anyone who wants to come to this country I mean, why wouldnt they want to? But it was the illegal part of it. So, of course, I believed him when he said, I have a plan, and Mexicos going to pay for the wall. Well, I didnt realize that was all a lie. Even though choosing Trump that year was in line with many of her past votes, she says she found herself regretting that choice almost immediately. And when it comes to politics, Ive paid very close attention ever since then. Revolving door at the White House Trumps public statements quickly soured on McCammon. A friend introduced her to the cable channel MSNBC and commentator Rachel Maddows program. She became a regular viewer of Maddow and other MSNBC regulars, particularly Lawrence ODonnell and Brian Williams. Trump had a revolving door on the White House. I mean, he just fired people and fired people and fired people, McCammon says. He turned the presidency into literally a joke. McCammon says she was disturbed to learn that as president Trump accepted the word of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a 2018 meeting in Helsinki that there was no Russian attempt to interfere with the 2016 election contrary to what U.S. intelligence agencies had found. Trumps exchange of warm, flattering correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was an embarrassment, McCammon says. Along with Maddow, ODonnell and Williams, McCammon particularly took to the programs of another MSNBC host, Nicolle Wallace. Shes a former Republican, and shes worked in the White House, and I appreciate listening to people who kind of went the same way I did for years and then woke up and realized that they were in the wrong universe, McCammon says. TV ads in 2020 for Republican Voters Against Trump caught McCammons attention. She went to the website listed on the screen and watched videos posted there. There was an invitation to record her own story, and she took it. At the end of that one, I remember I was almost starting to get emotional, because I was begging the Republicans to do something just begging them, she says. Sometime in the week that followed she got an email from RVAT, asking if she would speak to news organizations. She agreed and was interviewed by ABC and CNN, and then it just rolled from there. In all, she did interviews with journalists from eight countries, she recalls. The most memorable might have been a BBC correspondent, who expressed concern about the future of NATO if Trump won reelection in 2020. She also recorded a video for the Democratic super PAC American Bridge. Keeping the peace with neighbors In 2024 she has again recorded a spot for the Republican Voters Against Trump. She begins the video by talking about the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by people attempting to stop the certification of the election that had just been won by Joe Biden. Trump is 100% responsible for what happened on Jan. 6, she tells the camera. In the video McCammon goes on to criticize Project 2025, the policy agenda for the next GOP president that was assembled by former Trump advisors, for proposals she fears would jeopardize her Social Security benefits and her Medicare coverage. McCammon was a one-day spectator at the Democratic National Convention as a guest of American Bridge, and she was recognized at a panel discussion about suburban voters, where she says members of the audience came up to her and thanked her for speaking out. Back home in Alma, McCammon has friends and neighbors who share her views, and others whom she knows remain Trump supporters. I kind of know where they stand, she says. I dont want to create any challenges, so I dont. If they ask me, Ill talk about it, but otherwise we dont. McCammon, an enthusiastic supporter of the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, says she admires Republicans including former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan who have endorsed Harris and condemned Trump. And shes angry and frustrated by Republican lawmakers who criticized Trump, sometimes harshly, before he won the GOP nomination in 2016 and have since fallen in line to support him. McCammon allows that becoming a vocal critic of the former president has been an unexpected journey. All I wanted to do is just go on the website and record my little video and have people watch it and hope that it would change somebodys mind, she says. And then it just snowballed from there. Correction: This report has been updated to correct the birthplace and high school for Lori McCammon. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX More than 30 children missing from Ohio were located during an operation led by the U.S. Marshals. The operation focused on the safe recovery of children missing from the Akron and Summit County areas, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators worked for weeks to identify missing and endangered children in the area. The children they safely recovered range in age from 13 to 18 years old. We compiled this gallery of children currently missing across Ohio. Dedicated work by our Missing Child Unit along with Akron Police and the Sheriffs Office have made an incredible impact in the safe recovery of these children. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to dedicate its time and resources to the safe recovery of missing children in our communities throughout northern Ohio, said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot. TRENDING STORIES: Most of the children were found around Akron and in Cleveland but one child was found as far away as Washington state, according to the news release. Law enforcement is working with Childrens Services to make resources available to the children who were found, according to a Facebook post by the Akron Police Department. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. 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Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Children missing in or around the Miami Valley. Democracy depends on a well-informed voting public. This concept is foundational to our democracy. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson insisted that a democratic government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. Consistent with that view, George Washingtons Farewell Address urged the new nation to create and nurture institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge in ways that would secure an enlightened public. The Supreme Court has provided a constitutional dimension to the concept, recognizing that [i]n a Republic, where the people are sovereign, the ability of the citizenry to make informed choices among candidates for office is essential. Public debates between candidates seeking office offer the capacity to promote an informed electorate. But the educational value of debates can be corrupted by erroneous and misinformed assertions advanced by the candidates. We, therefore, need to build into our debate protocols a meaningful opportunity for real-time fact-checking. A debate between the two principal presidential candidates is scheduled for Tuesday. In theory, that debate promises to perform several important functions. First, it will allow the two major candidates to explain their policy positions and to challenge the positions advanced by their adversaries. Second, it will allow the voters to evaluate the presentation skills of the candidates and their abilities to defend their positions succinctly, persuasively and in ways understandable to the voting public. Third, it will provide voters with the opportunity to consider the character and personality of the candidates to the extent that qualities such as kindness, empathy, optimism and a sense of humor might also be revealed during the presentations. Finally, it will provide the candidates with opportunities to convey to the voters their vision for our future and their understanding of our past. But if debates seek to inform voters about policy differences between the candidates, the protocols need modest adjustments to serve that interest effectively. During candidate debates, claims are often made which are not entirely accurate. In the heat of the moment, candidates occasionally exaggerate. Some may do so more than others. Some may even do so intentionally. And the intense back and forth of a debate may often fail to provide sufficient opportunities for the candidates themselves to correct the misinformation conveyed by their adversaries. In the previous presidential debate, commentators identified dozens of inaccurate claims made by the participating candidates, many of which went unchallenged. The consequence of such unaddressed misstatements is that the voting public comes away from the debate not well-informed but misinformed. To remedy this deficiency, it might be helpful to structure the debate by calling upon the moderators to fact-check at intervals during the debate. The debate protocol could have the moderators raise one or two topics with the candidates; and after the candidates complete their responses and counter-responses, the moderators could pause the questioning to allow for fact-checking of the candidates statements. In an age of instantaneous electronic research, such a pause in the proceedings need not be excessively time-consuming. This fact-checking pause could also be employed to address a second problem often encountered during candidate debates. It is quite common in ordinary conversation for individuals to convey their opinions without identifying the factual basis for their beliefs. Political debaters often engage similarly in conclusory assertions. In this regard, it is worth remembering that Washington, in his Farewell Address, was seeking an enlightened public. Enlightened had a particular meaning in the 18th century and among the Founders of this nation. To them, the term embodied a process of reasoning through empirical and fact-based inquiry. Like Washington, we should aspire to reasoned discussion of public policies. Presidential debates should provide an opportunity for such discussion. Accordingly, when candidates offer conclusory opinions, the moderators should challenge them to identify the factual support for their assertions. And these facts, as well, should be evaluated during the fact-checking process. In these simple ways, we can enhance our public discourse and promote a better-informed voting public. This refinement of our debate protocols would provide a modest step towards Washingtons vision. Arthur Eisenberg is executive counsel of the New York Civil Liberties Union. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Every week, like clockwork, another call comesanother deathanother overdoseanother friend or community member failed by a broken system. With a little less than two months until Election Day, much of my time is spent stocking up on naloxone, the overdose-reversal drug, and ensuring it gets in the hands of those who need it most. I understand these calls as a signal that Americas drug crisis is far from over. In fact, on the ground, it feels like its getting worse. It is disheartening to feel like the issue is fading away with so little time left before voting begins. Buried, you could say, along with so many people I loved and cared about. During this summers disastrous presidential debate, the CNN moderator Jake Tapper asked both candidates how they plan to help millions of Americans in the throes of addiction. The answers, like many from that night, were baffling. Former President Donald Trump responded by discussing Americas trade deficit with China, calling President Biden a Manchurian candidate. When pressed to answer the actual question, he mentioned buying a certain dog that can spot fentanyl. President Biden didnt do much better. He emphatically repeated a line about needing more fentanyl machines to help border patrol agents detect drugs. I cant say I was surprised by these non-answers. Americas addiction and overdose crisis is constantly overshadowed in our politics. As an advocate on the front lines and a person in recovery myself, I know the human cost of inaction. In this tumultuous 2024 campaign season, both parties have yet to make a compelling case for solving Americas deadliest drug crisis in recorded history. In the upcoming debate with an entirely new race, I hope the moderators ask the same question. Meaningful solutions to this crisis have eluded us for far too long. Its time for policymakers to show the American people that government can still solve complex problems. Its good policy and good politics. Polling consistently shows that Americans consider opioids like fentanyl a serious public health issue. The most recent Axios-Ipsos American Health Index shows opioids are tied with obesity as top threats to public health, outpacing mental health, guns and COVID-19. The Bipartisan Policy Center found that a majority of Democrats, Republicans and Independents view opioids as a major crisis. Urban and rural Americans agree. The unanimous agreement across party lines, as well as with urban and rural voters, has to do with the fact that an estimated 48 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders, while more than 100,000 people die from overdose deaths each year. Such staggering figures means almost every American knows a friend or loved one who has struggled with addiction. Thousands of families are actively grieving. Our candidates have a chance this election cycle to implement policies and strategies with popular support. Americas drug problem has gone from bridging political divides to being subsumed into todays brand of toxic political division. Over the years, Ive seen how political rhetoric about fentanyl became more divisive and polarized as more and more people died from preventable drug overdose deaths. Its as though, as a country, were trapped in the first two stages of grief: denial and anger. Before COVID-19, drug-related deaths were considered a generational public health crisis. But after decades of opioids wreaking havoc, Ive noticed a waning level of sympathy and compassion. This compassion fatigue is understandable, but it must be resisted. Addiction, whether to opioids or alcohol, affects millions of Americans and families from all walks of life. If both parties can cool down the overheated rhetoric and lean into an optimistic message of getting people the help they need, I believe the addiction issue can bring us together and once again act as a bridge for the parties. Politically, ending overdose and supporting recovery can and should be a unifying issue. Lets start with treatment. Only 13 percent of people with addiction receive any kind of treatment for it, and only 11 percent of people with opioid addiction receive medications that save lives. The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, currently introduced in the Senate, is aimed at solving this very problem. Both parties say that addiction ought to be vigorously treated, yet legislation meant to fix it is languishing without so much as a proper hearing. Lets also focus on drug education and prevention. Young people today are at grave risk of encountering counterfeit pills made to look like Xanax or oxycodone, but actually contain fentanyl. These fake pills are largely why overdose mortality among adolescents jumped by 249 percent between 2019 and 2021. Many parents and young people today have no idea how dangerous the drug supply is. Its a problem that the federal government can take bold steps to solve by funding a robust, evidence-driven national education campaign. Expand mobile health and telemedicine. Rural communities lack access to high quality and affordable addiction treatment. There are innovative ideas trying to address this disparity that the government can support. A state program in Colorado turned RVs into mobile clinics that drive to remote areas and treat addiction. Expanding addiction treatment via telehealth is another surefire way to close the treatment gap and ensure Americans can get help no matter where they live. These ideas are not new. Experts and activists constantly tell me that we already have the tools to make a meaningful dent in the crisis. Its that we lack the political will to deploy them. But not everything about solving the addiction crisis is about politics and policy. Changing our language and attitudes can go a long way toward bringing the issue into the light. Whether we like it or not, substance use is an enduring fact of human behavior. Its time we agree to heal our divides to reduce the suffering and loneliness in our society that leaves far too many people reaching for a substance to numb their pain. If the parties dont come together and get serious about this, if all we get is more polarizing rhetoric and political gridlock, then Im afraid the calls about overdoses will never stop. I know America is better than this. And we all deserve real answers with thoughtful solutions on Tuesday when Trump and Harris face each other for the first time on the national stage. Ryan Hampton is a national addiction recovery advocate and author of the forthcoming book Fentanyl Nation: Toxic Politics and Americas Failed War on Drugs to be released by St. Martins Press on Sept. 24. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In some very convoluted theology, a new group calling itself Evangelicals for Harris supports Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris because the group claims her big-government entitlement programs are rooted in principles that align closely with our [evangelical Christians] faith and values, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and justice. It is true that Jesus often showed concern for the poor, sick and disadvantaged and admonished his followers to help them. But that responsibility was on his followers as individuals; it cant be offloaded to the government. Its common in American politics to portray politicians as people of faith, and the Harris campaign is no exception. In a section called Kamalas Faith Story, the Evangelicals for Harris website claims she is a deeply committed and faithful Christian, and quotes her saying, I can trace my belief in the importance of public service back to learning the parable of the good Samaritan and other biblical teachings about looking out for our neighbors The groups supporters believe that Harriss embrace of big-government entitlement programs reflects Christian values, and lists some of her proposals: a $25,000 home subsidy, a $6,000 tax credit for families with newborns, eliminating medical debt and price controls. It has been a hallmark of liberal theology to equate the Christian obligation to care and provide for the poor with using the power of government to tax and redistribute money to others some of whom, it turns out in practice, are decidedly not poor. But is that what the New Testament says? Is that meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? In the story, a man walking from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers who stripped him, beat him and left him for dead. Both a priest and a Levite passed by the man but walked on offering no assistance. Then a Samaritan saw the man, bandaged his wounds and took him to an inn where he cared for him. The next day the Samaritan gave the innkeeper money and promised to cover any additional costs when he returned. Notice that upon encountering the victim, the Samaritan voluntarily took on the responsibility of helping the man. He did not say, This is terrible. I will immediately go to the palace and try to convince Herod to tax the wealthy and use the funds to create Herod-Care so that people like this man can get the health care they need. The Samaritan did not say, I will go to the Sanhedrin and encourage them to provide a universal basic income so that unfortunate fellows like this have the funds to meet their needs. And he did not say, This just demonstrates why the Romans should provide a tax credit for buying a home so people like this victim can recover in their home rather than an inn. No, the point of the parable is that a Samaritan people who had a long and contentious relationship with the Jews was willing to sacrifice his own time and resources to care for the victim. The New Testament lauds people who give sacrificially of their own resources think of the story of the Widows Mites and seek no praise or recognition for their sacrifice. By contrast, politicians and especially liberal politicians like Harris want to use the tax system to force others to give sacrificially and then seek recognition, and votes, for their generosity. Listen to recent speeches by President Joe Biden as he boasts of all the taxpayer money he and Harris have given to various projects they support. Ironically, if not hypocritically, many big-spending, liberal politicians devoted very little of their own resources to charitable causes before they hit the political big time. Just check out Barack Obamas and Harriss pre-big-time tax returns. Obama gave between 0.5 and 1 percent of his cushy income to charity in the early 2000s. As an unmarried attorney general of California, Harris declared zero charitable contributions on her 2011-13 tax returns. To be clear, I am not questioning Harriss faith or the faith of those who have joined Evangelicals for Harris. I am only challenging their interpretation of New Testament scripture passages that admonish Christians to care for the poor. That admonition is for Christians, either individually or as a group (i.e., the church), to give of their own time and resources to help the poor. Voting for Kamala Harris does not fulfill that obligation. Merrill Matthews is a public policy and political analyst and the co-author of On the Edge: America Faces the Entitlements Cliff. Follow him on X@MerrillMatthews. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last week, the Library of Congress made an important announcement: The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is getting a new director. Karen Donfried will begin her 10-year term on Sept. 23. She takes over for interim director Robert Newlen, who has led the agency since July 2023. Little known off Capitol Hill, CRS is a hugely important agency. CRS analysts and reference librarians are an invaluable resource to legislators and staff who want to learn about legislative procedure, the ins and outs of budgeting, the history of various agencies and policies and facts and figures on just about anything. CRS employees are an island of honesty in a town filled with partisans and special interests pushing their own narratives and alternative facts. Congress heavily leans on CRS to inform the legislative debate. CRS staff provided Hill staff and legislators with 479 in-person briefings, 2,754 confidential memoranda, 22,212 telephone responses and 36,222 email responses, according to the agencys 2022 report. The agency also wrote 1,093 reports and general distribution products for Congress and 9,652 bill summaries, which the Hill and all of America can find on Congress.gov. In my 20-plus years in Washington, there have been many times when I met someone who either worked on the Hill or had previously served as a congressional staffer. When I mentioned that I formerly had worked at CRS, the response inevitably was along the lines of: Oh, I love CRS. They have saved my bacon so many times. My boss asked me about an issue that broke and neither of us knew anything about it. So I called CRS and someone there got me up to speed. Donfried appears very well qualified to lead the agency. She worked at CRS from 1991 to 2001 and had subsequent stints in high positions at the National Security Council, the German Marshall Fund and the Department of State. She has a Ph.D. from Tufts Universitys Fletcher School. Being the CRS director is no easy job. It requires overseeing a workforce of more than 600 people. Leading CRS also necessitates developing strong, trust-based relationships with members of the House and Senate committees that oversee the agency and appropriate its budget. And that is to say nothing of keeping happy the 535 legislators and thousands of congressional staff. But the challenges for Donfried do not stop there. Like any new leader, she will have to earn the trust of staff. Doing that will require spending a lot of time managing by walking about and encouraging staff to explain what they do along with what is working well and what isnt. And then she will need to start remedying the troubles, which are many. For example, various technology issues hinder CRS staffs capacity to serve Congress. Staff works on buggy software and their phones often do not work due to cellular dead spots in the Madison Building, where CRS is headquartered. Donfried also will have to address some of the management problems, which she will no doubt learn about during her listening tour. Poor leadership has driven away a lot of staff, as Congress learned at a hearing in 2023. CRS too often has placed people who are highly expert in policy analysis in management positions despite them not being people persons. Those individuals will need to be replaced. She also will need to figure out how to position CRS in the 21st century. Fifty years ago, the agency had a quasi-monopoly on the provision of expert information and analysis to Congress. These days, it faces stiff competition from think tanks, foundations, interest groups and private research firms. As I see it, the way forward is for CRS to lean into its six core strengths: It is a nonpartisan organization with deep expertise and long institutional memory that can provide rapid responses to congressional requests with customized research products and services that draw on diverse, in-house knowledge. To fully leverage those superpowers will necessitate Donfried to rethink the agencys internal organization and processes, and to continue to evolve and improve CRSs product and service offerings. Doing these things will not be easy, but few things worth doing are. I wish her the best of luck, and I hope that Congress supports her in her efforts to build a leadership team and execute a strategy that will make CRS the best it has ever been. The good of the agency and Congress depends on it. Kevin R. Kosar is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He hosts the Understanding Congress podcast and edits UnderstandingCongress.org . He worked for the Congressional Research Service for a decade. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In politics, weve seen many eyebrow-raising friendships built across the aisle. President Ronald Reagan and Speaker Tip ONeill (D-Mass.) famously got along like Irish pols and pals. Senate Leaders Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Trent Lott (R-Miss.) worked together and liked each other. So did progressive hero Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and conservative leader Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). But even though I know that politics can sometimes make strange bedfellows, I never dreamed, figuratively speaking, Id ever crawl in bed with Dick Cheney. But I happily did so this week when the former vice president announced he would not only not vote for Donald Trump but cast his vote for Kamala Harris. Cheney is my new BFF. In our nations 248-year history, Cheney said in a statement released on Sept. 6, 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. Americans have a duty to put saving the republic over playing partisan politics, Cheney added, warning that Trump can never be trusted with power again. For this dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, its hard to describe what an image-shattering transformation that statement is. During the build-up to the Iraq War, Democrats loathed Vice President Dick Cheney even more than they hated his boss, President George W. Bush. We called him Darth Vader. Books have been written about how Cheney led the younger Bush by the nose; Cheney who pressured the CIA to cherry-pick evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction; and Cheney who convinced Bush to launch the war in Iraq. And now the bad guy is suddenly the good guy. Its enough to make your head spin. Dick Cheney, of course, follows the heroic example of his daughter former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who broke with Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 riot, served with courage and honor as Republican vice chair of the House Select Committee on January 6 and last week announced her intention to vote for Kamala Harris. Shes joined by fellow January 6 Committee member former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who endorsed Harris at the Democratic National Convention. In the world of politics, Dick Cheney, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger are todays profiles in courage: those rare politicians who are willing to put the good of the country ahead of the good of their political party. What a contrast with so many other Republicans, who are afraid to stand up to Trump. They fall into two camps. First, those like Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and former Vice President Mike Pence, who say they wont vote for Donald Trump but also wont commit to vote for Kamala Harris. Romney and Pence say theyll write in someone else. Thats not good enough, as Liz Cheney has advised: Given the closeness of this election, particularly if youre going to find yourself voting in a swing state, youve got to take the extra step [and endorse Harris] if you really do recognize the threat that Donald Trump poses. But the worst are those in the much larger second camp: Republicans who have fiercely condemned Trump in the past, but who now line up behind him like spineless puppy dogs, including: Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp; and even Trumps own vice presidential nominee, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). Unlike Dick Cheney, theyve put their own political futures over country. Still, you have to give Trump credit for one thing. Only Donald Trump could turn Dick Cheney from Darth Vader into Luke Skywalker. Press is host of The Bill Press Pod . He is the author of From the Left: A Life in the Crossfire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Debates are part performance and part policy. Tuesdays debate will be no exception. In October 2020, a day before Sen. Kamala Harris was set to meet Vice President Mike Pence for the only vice presidential debate, she and her team met in the ballroom of a hotel in Salt Lake City for the last time. Standing on a nearly identical version of the stage where she and her opponent would face off the following night, Harris did a final run-through of the coming debate, then huddled her with her prep team. The following evening, Harris delivered a strong performance, deftly handling Pences attempts to throw her off her mark. She proactively reminded the American people about the stakes of the election and the histories of her opponent and his running mate. She was personable, yet powerful. When Pence attempted to interrupt her, she effortlessly delivered a line everyone remembers: Excuse me, Mr. Vice President, I am speaking now. Backstage, her senior advisers were ecstatic. I should know I was one of them. Follow live updates on the Trump-Harris debate. Nearly four years later, Vice President Harris has now set up shop in a hotel in Pittsburgh for final preparations for Tuesdays debate against former President Donald Trump. It is a fact that Trump has stood on more presidential debate stages than the vice president, but to suggest she is inexperienced on the debate stage is untrue. She participated in at least a dozen debates during the primary in the race for district attorney in San Francisco. Three during the race for attorney general in California. Three more during the 2016 U.S. Senate race. In 2019, she participated in five debates during the Democratic primaries. Tuesday night, however, will be different in many ways. First, the vice president will be standing on a stage next to a former president she has never met. After inciting the violent mob that attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election on Jan. 6, then-President Trump declined to attend the inauguration. Still, Vice President Harris says she knows his type. On the campaign, she has regularly drawn contrasts with the former president through her time as a prosecutor who took on fraudsters who ripped off consumers, predators who abused women and cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain, and she details how Trump fits her aforementioned descriptions. Tuesday presents another opportunity to do just that with a huge audience. Weaving in her personal narrative while contrasting with her opponent is an approach the vice president has leaned into since the switch at the top of the Democratic ticket. In an interview with Univision just last week, Harris leaned into her middle class upbringing versus Trumps rich daddy. Trump, too, will have a decision to make will he repeat the vile and derogatory comments he has made online? It is one thing for him to post inflammatory rhetoric on his social media site about the most powerful woman in the country. It is another thing for him to stand on a stage next to her and say the same things just as forcefully. How will he react when Harris dismisses his comments to his face, as she has done in the past when asked about them? Second, unlike in the crowded early days of the 2020 Democratic primaries, Harris will not be one of 12 candidates on a stage looking to play to the audience in the room. Rather, the stage is set for two; while one candidate is speaking, the others microphone will be muted, and an audience will notably not be physically present. In many of her past debates, Harris like many candidates has fed off the energy of the crowd. With the absence of a crowd, perhaps the vice president will pull from her experience in Senate hearings or courtrooms. Notably, she has thrived in both venues. With the addition of the muted microphones, the onus will be on the vice president to decide whether or not to illuminate her opponents comments from the stage if he tries to interrupt her. She will also need to find moments, much like during the 2020 primary debates and again during her debate with Pence, when she rose above the discourse in the room and spoke to the voters watching at home. The opportunity in this debate belongs to Harris, as there are voters who say they still do not know much about her or her policies. Donald Trump has a record of playing fast and loose with the truth both on and off the debate stage. Harris will have to make in-the-moment decisions about when she responds to Trumps bluster with words or her facial expressions and when to ignore him and talk about her plans. She can still grow her support, while Trump has a ceiling. Yes, voters feel like they know who Trump is, and they rejected him and his policies in 2020. Harris has the opportunity to remind the American people of that by contrasting her joyful and positive vision for the future with Trumps dark view of retribution. As Vice President Harris has huddled with her debate prep team in Pittsburgh, I have no doubt she has stood on a stage nearly identical to the one she will meet Trump on and is well prepared to meet the moment. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com We might expect former President Donald Trump, in Tuesday nights debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, to claim that Tren de Aragua, a gang based in Venezuela, has taken over an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado. Thats not true, as firsthand accounts from residents of the apartment complex, the Aurora Police and an editorial in The Denver Post attest. But the truth doesnt matter to Trump. If you look at Aurora, Colorado, theyre taking over the place; they took over buildings, he said last Friday. This is just the beginning. Getting them out will be a bloody story, he said this weekend at a rally in Wisconsin. They should never have been allowed to come into our country. Nobody checked them. Trump and the Republican Party are determined to scare us all, and they intend to do all they can do to conjure up images of marauding brown invaders who are here to destroy the United States. The idea that members of Tren de Aragua, TdA, are taking over an apartment complex in Aurora originated with a video posted by a Denver news station that went viral. The images of gun-toting Venezuelans was confirmed by Aurora Police. Nobody is disputing the fear that residents are facing from the violence they are seeing. However, interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris visited the complex and said, contrary to reports and even a statement from Auroras mayor, that members of the gang had not taken over and werent forcing residents there to pay rent to them. After residents of the building held a news conference to dispute the claims of a gang takeover, Republican Mayor Mike Coffman, a former congressman, acknowledged that he was not sure where the truth is in all of this and he said that reports that Aurora is unsafe are not true. But despite that fuller context, the video suggesting a TdA takeover was picked up by Trump-friendly outlets, and Republicans amplified it. Kamala Harris has managed to import the worst of Latin American gangs right in Colorado, Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Col., said on X. And were not even a border state. This is pure insanity. I was raised in Aurora. This is something that we never had before. How are children supposed to grow up with this mess around them? Colorado is under violent attack, the Colorado Republican Party said in a fundraising email about the news, noting that Tren de Aragua, or TdA, a transnational gang based out of Venezuela, is terrorizing Aurora residents. The gang, which boasts about 5,000 members, has a motto of real until death. Law enforcement is largely allowing TdA terrorists to do whatever they want, the email added. Republicans want us to believe that Venezuelans are taking over. Republicans want us to believe that the United States isnt safe. That is the narrative Trump wants. It is the narrative his supporters want to hear, and the right-wing media distribution network has helped make that narrative go mainstream. But heres what The Denver Post argued in a Sept 3. editorial: The Denver Post and other mainstream news outlets have covered the emergence of this gang in America, but also have maintained perspective on the size, threat and activities of the gang, unlike some who are using incidents in Aurora and Denver to fuel fear of other Venezuelans and asylum seekers. The editorial continues: Others, like the owners of an apartment beset with crime in Aurora, are using the gang as a scapegoat for the unsanitary, unsafe and unhealthy conditions of their apartments that were condemned by the city this month. Its all coordinated. Whipping up fear about a Venezuelan gang taking over is a campaign strategy, and the Aurora example is not just an isolated incident. Days after the Venezuelan gang video got millions of views, there was a similar misrepresentation, from Libs of TikTok, that TdA had taken over a building in Chicago. That lie caught Elon Musks attention, who responded on X with two exclamation points. Though there have been reports that members of the gang are in Chicago, police say there was no attempted takeover of a building and that police responded to a call of service at the building that was logged as a noise disturbance with no police service necessary. With less than two months before the presidential election, such narratives must be confronted. As much as Republicans want you to believe the opposite, rampant migrant crime is a myth. Homicides and violent crime in the U.S. continue to decrease. Still, no matter how many facts are presented to counter Republican hysteria, the online push has already convinced people to accept falsehoods as truth. Stories get picked up. Then we have to prove why a falsehood is a falsehood. Oscar Rojas, a Venezuelan tenant in the Aurora apartment complex in question, told local Denver7 last week that he was scared to go out because theyre accusing all of us at the complex of being in gangs, and this is completely false. Its completely false. There are good people here, families. Theres always going to be crime everywhere, Rojas said. There werent 32 armed people here last night. Thats a lie. Look, theres no one outside, a resident from Venezuela told the Chicago Tribune about the building in question there. We all know each other. No one is hurting anyone. Who are you going to believe? A right-wing media machine known to share misinformation to prop a Republican presidential candidate who continues to say that immigrants have poisoned the country, or actual brown and Black people who live in the places that are allegedly being overrun? The right-wing media machine knows that fear of a changing country is an outrage winner. That machine will keep manufacturing and amplifying it in hopes of electing Trump. If Trump repeats the lie about Aurora or Chicago tonight, then Harris needs to be ready to counter with the facts and demonstrate that we can never let such lies become accepted truths. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As leaders dedicated to public education, we have seen numerous reforms come and go. Battles have been fought in classrooms, boardrooms and communities, with many education advocates always striving to build a system that serves all students equitably. Yet, despite decades of policy- and community-building efforts, a persistent structural issue remains: public education is built on a governance system that excludes those it is meant to serve. While public education is the cornerstone of democracy, the technical causes that make school elections unrepresentative are many. Off-year elections lead to low voter turnout for choosing the nations approximately 82,000 school board members. Students those most affected by what happens in the classroom are excluded from casting ballots. The unchecked influence of dark money remains prevalent. Extremists inject national culture-war issues into local races to spur battles that distract education leaders from their core mission. And few states or communities mandate any kind of legal right to a quality public education. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter This status quo results in unrepresentative decision-making, which threatens American public education and democracy as a whole. Related Involving Young People on School Boards Is Good for Students and for Democracy According to a recent poll, 81% of voters believe democracy is under threat. But in places where democratic innovations are implemented, voter participation increases, dark money decreases and governance becomes more representative of the communities it serves.This is an emerging opportunity that education advocates must seize. Across the country, promising signs of progress are emerging. In Portland, Maine, the school board now uses ranked-choice voting. In California, districts are moving en masse to even-year elections, which dramatically increase voter turnout and produce representatives better aligned to their constituents. Cities in Maryland have added students to school boards, and many states are considering a new legal right to a quality education. These nonpartisan, pro-democracy reforms are creating more inclusive, representative and responsive educational governance systems that reflect the diverse voices of their communities. Yet, this progress is uneven. In states like Texas and Florida, the opposite trend is evident: increasing centralization, a shift toward partisan elections and erosion of community control. Related Are Partisan School Board Races Good or Bad? Legislation Goes to Florida Senate for Consideration In response, The Cornerstone Project was founded by Education Civil Rights Now, The Open System Institute and Seek Common Ground to advance these trends and support this emerging movement in education to build a stronger democracy. But early on, it became clear that most education leaders were not aware of this critical landscape. For six months, a team researched and now has produced The National EduDemocracy Landscape Map a unique nationwide analysis that highlights promising policies and challenges (like ranked-choice voting bans) and zeroes in on communities and states with the potential to unrig the system. The research seeks to be the starting point for leaders in education and democracy to work together in a shared pursuit that could accelerate the power of both movements. How does this get started? First, communities and states can use the map to assess the current status of their edudemocracy. Second, leaders must identify starting points at which governance and electoral design could be changed. Building coalitions to reimagine and create these new systems ensures the result isnt a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a strategic push for innovations that meet local needs. Lastly, education and democracy leaders should form learning communities to support one another and commit to the long, hard work of generating even more innovative ideas over time, increasing participation and decreasing polarization. Achieving these goals will not be possible unless leaders from across the political, practitioner and philanthropic spheres unite in common purpose. This fall and beyond, Cornerstone intends to do its part by raising funds to empower organizations on the ground in states and communities. They will commit to building coalitions working with state legislatures and local school boards, among others to pass policies and practices that will open up education democracy. Hopefully, more will join them to learn from the first group and chart their own path to implement high-impact reforms. Related Threatened & Trolled, School Board Members Quit in Record Numbers Our goal is that by the 2030s, the nation should have a transformed educational election landscape,where innovations like expanding voting rights to 16-year-olds in school board elections, attaining school board turnouts as high as those for presidential elections and enshrining high-quality public education as a civil right are the norm, not the exception. The decisions made today will shape the future of the education system and democracy for generations to come. The new National EduDemocracy Landscape Map offers a roadmap for navigating this opportunity and rebuilding trust in institutions, reinvigorating public participation, decreasing polarization and ensuring that all children receive the education they need to secure the future they deserve. A film about Russian soldiers taking part in the war against Ukraine was recently presented at the Venice Film Festival. The film portrays ordinary people who care about their families, joke, and have doubts, fears, and dreams. Some fight to avenge a fallen comrade, some just to make money, while others have no idea what theyre risking their lives for. Spoiler: We dont see a Russian army killing, raping, robbing, or abducting people. The films director, Anastasia Trofimova, openly states that Western media is oversaturated with reports of Russian war crimes, and she wanted to show "the true human stories theyre made of." The films ambitious goal is to help Russia and the West "see each other." But if thats the case, the film should also ask why Russia has been constantly at war for decades in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, Mali, Libya, and Ukraine. Why does the Russian army follow the "same war crime playbook," as the Russian human rights organization Memorial aptly puts it, in each of these conflicts? After all, its not just Russian President Vladimir Putin committing atrocities in Ukraine and beyond its these same ordinary Russians. The film echoes Russian propaganda, yet it lacks any critical reflection. One character deliberately states that Ukrainians are Nazis an idea weve heard countless times before, widely spread by Russian media, including the state channel Russia Today (RT), for which Trofimova has previously directed a series of documentaries. Denazification, as declared by Putin, was the supposed goal of Russias so-called "special military operation." In reality, its just a rhetorical device to justify subjugating or annihilating Ukrainians who resist the Russian World. Read also: Opinion: How Kamala Harris foreign policy could depart from Bidens legacy Even before the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russias powerful propaganda machine was hard at work portraying Ukraine as a stronghold of modern-day fascism a baseless claim with no grounding in reality. These narratives are spread not only in Russia but also in the Ukrainian territories under Russian control, including parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, which have been occupied for more than a decade. By February 2022, Russian state media had firmly entrenched the false narrative: Ukraine, its leadership, and all Ukrainians who identify with the Ukrainian nation were branded as Nazis, worms, and Satanists. Ukrainians are depicted as Russophobes devoid of morals, allegedly committing genocide against Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine. These dehumanizing stories are meticulously crafted by the Russian presidential administration and spread through state-aligned media, bot farms, and key propagandists like Margarita Simonyan, Vladimir Solovyov, and Olga Skabeeva. This rhetoric mirrors the hate speech blueprint used by Nazi propagandists during the Holocaust and has been refined in more recent genocides, such as those in Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, and Myanmar. Just as the radio hosts of Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines likened Tutsis to cockroaches during the Rwandan genocide, Russias Solovyov, who has hours of daily airtime on state television and his own YouTube channel, compared Russias military actions in Ukraine to the deworming of a cat. In this grotesque analogy, Ukraine is the cat, Ukrainians are the worms, and Russia is the doctor administering the cure. A man pushes his bike through debris and destroyed Russian military vehicles on a street in Bucha, Ukraine on April 6, 2022. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images) This relentless hate speech campaign has done more than distort the truth it has dehumanized Ukrainians in the eyes of millions of Russians, including soldiers who are literally hunting for Nazis in occupied Ukrainian territories. This dehumanization has normalized and justified brutal violence, from atrocities committed against civilians in Bucha, Kherson, and Izium to the creation of filtration camps around Mariupol. These camps detain and interrogate Ukrainians for any signs of loyalty to their homeland. Those who fail the filtration process are imprisoned, forcibly transferred to Russia, or worse. Russian forces have also targeted schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure, committing crimes that would be unthinkable without the propaganda portraying Ukrainians as less than human. Hate speech now saturates not only Russian media but also the very ethos of its war machine. The systemic dehumanization of Ukrainians has created a culture of impunity, where Russian soldiers feel justified in committing war crimes, from conflict-related sexual violence and torture to indiscriminate bombings of civilian targets, like the recent attack on a childrens oncology hospital in Kyiv Ohmatdyt. In response, a coalition of NGOs, including the International Federation for Human Rights and the Center for Civil Liberties, has submitted a formal communication to the International Criminal Courts (ICC) prosecutor. It calls for an investigation into six prominent Russian propagandists, including Solovyov, Simonyan, Sergei Mardan, and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Read also: Opinion: How to make the most of the Kursk gambit The communication underscores the role of aggressive, dehumanizing rhetoric in inciting violence and crimes against humanity. It urges the international community to take a stronger stance against hate speech, especially when it incites violence as part of a broader campaign of systematic discrimination. This call for accountability highlights a gap in international law: Hate speech, despite its role in inciting violence and dehumanizing victims, is not explicitly covered under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which defines crimes against humanity. This glaring omission particularly given that most states, including Ukraine and Russia, have criminalized hate speech domestically must be addressed at the international level. Hate speech, especially when it incites systematic violence or dehumanizes a group, should be explicitly recognized as a crime against humanity. The international legal framework must evolve to include mechanisms for prosecuting those who incite violence through aggressive rhetoric. The failure to regulate propaganda and hate speech has created an environment where mass atrocities can flourish unchecked, especially with the rise of media platforms like Telegram and X, which operate at the whim of their owners. Its no longer enough to dismiss such speech as mere disinformation or to rely on name-and-shame tactics. The international community must actively work to curb the spread of hate speech, especially across borders, where it has the potential to fuel violence. This could be achieved through stricter regulation and prosecution of hate speech on both national and international levels. The global response to Russias propaganda machine must go beyond condemning disinformation it must dismantle the legal and institutional structures that allow such dangerous rhetoric to thrive. Words matter. This truth comes into sharp focus in Peaceful People, a film by Oksana Karpovych that wasnt screened at the Venice Film Festival. Based on intercepted conversations between Russian soldiers and their families, the film also portrays Russians fighting in the war as ordinary people who call home to discuss their concerns. However, through the "fog of war," the film reveals a starkly different reality. Editors Note: 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 or the authors' respective institutions. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Breaking news: The Russians, Chinese and who knows who else are moving heaven and Earth to influence the U.S. presidential elections. The Justice Department has moved to indict several groups as paid Russian agents set on helping to elect one or the other candidate for president or to disrupt and confuse the political process. Need proof? Did not Russian President Vladimir Putin call Kamala Harriss laugh infectious as a clear sign of support, despite all the allegations of Russian control of Donald Trump? And do not dismiss Chinese involvement. New York Gov. Kathy Hochuls (D) former deputy chief of staff, Linda Sun, was arrested for acting as a paid Chinese agent. Explaining how she and her husband could have owned multimillion-dollar homes on Long Island and in Hawaii on their modest incomes led to evidence of massive payoffs with Chinese origins. Foreign interference in Americas elections is as old as the Republic. The Soviet Union began such efforts a century ago. Indeed, in those days, the Communist Party of the USA existed with its own newspaper, The Daily Worker. Soviet propaganda was ubiquitous. And it comes as no surprise that the U.S. had a long and rich history of subverting elections in other states. At the beginning of the 20th century, America was hard at work south of the border. After World War II, the U.S. intervened in Greece, Italy and Iran. In Vietnam, the U.S. went out of its way to ensure that its preferred presidential candidate received landslide numbers. And through Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the U.S. sought to influence those living on the other side of the Iron Curtain. It is easy to regard these election-influencing activities as nearly comical spy versus spy interactions. But that would be a huge political and strategic blunder. Americas adversaries are out to exploit, widen and if successful, destroy political coherence and unity through what Clausewitz termed other means. This is what happened in Britain nearly a decade ago over the Brexit vote. Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnsons former chief adviser, discovered that about 1 million British voters were unaffiliated as Conservatives or Labor. Cummings focused on this cohort using misinformation and outright falsehoods to influence voting to leave. Few realize that Russia was also waging a campaign to secure a leave vote, since Brexit would weaken European cohesion and the spillover would affect NATO. Hence, it was in Russias interest for the UK to leave. From the perspective of Americas Russian adversary, the U.S. is irreversibly and almost equally divided over politics with about 45 to 46 percent supporting the Democratic and Republican parties. With the presidency likely to be determined by as few as 100,000-150,000 votes in a handful of key states, as in 2020, the election results would be rejected and almost certainly contested in the courts. So the strategy would be to exacerbate these conditions. As in Brexit, Russia is using influence campaigns to plant the seeds of electoral gridlock. Congress and many states have set up guard rails to prevent a recurrence of 2020 and challenges to the validity of the vote. Some argue that Putin prefers Trump as president, given the Russian leaders past interactions and Trumps seeming deference to him. China has taken a different approach. It is employing an intelligence vacuum cleaner strategy to gather information on the U.S. that it can exploit. China is also recruiting fellow travelers with either financial incentives or on a more idealistic basis of improving U.S.-Sino relations. Iran and North Korea are employing elements of Russias influence campaign and Chinas information and intelligence-gathering operations. The advantages these adversaries have rest on the very open basis of American society and its Constitutions Bill of Rights pushing both to the limits. The explosion of social media makes exploiting this openness far easier. The U.S. response has been principally through law enforcement. But, as long as both political parties use their own misinformation and disinformation campaigns, largely fact and truth-free, law enforcement is insufficient to limit foreign intrusions. And that is a brutal recognition of todays reality. Harlan Ullman, Ph.D., is a senior advisor at the Atlantic Council and the prime author of the shock and awe military doctrine. His 12th book, The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Became the Looming Existential Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large, is available on Amazon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. American technological innovation has led the world for decades, but excessive government regulation risks undermining this national asset. American companies, especially in tech development, are feeling the pinch from protectionist policies and unfair trade practices abroad, from both allies and adversaries. In recent years, Americas greatest tech innovators have navigated this hostile economic environment on their own. But this hands-off model is no longer tenable. Tech leadership is indispensable to Americas national security and geopolitical power. To ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in tech and digital innovation, Washington must take a more direct approach to guarantee that American tech companies do not face unreasonable obstacles to success. Failure to do so risks ceding the field to our adversaries, as we have done before in other industries. The headwinds American technology companies face abroad include protectionism, state-funded competition, significant regulation and intellectual property theft across a variety of established and emerging technologies. These challenges are not limited to a handful of countries or just a specific region. Rather, they are part of a global trend toward undermining American tech leadership, precisely because our tech companies have led the international markets for so long. Our lead has been bolstered by breakthrough innovations, including semiconductors, personal computers, wireless communications, cloud computing and now AI. The goal of interventionist regulatory efforts is clear: Foreign governments are using regulations and non-market actions to impose a higher cost of doing business on American tech companies, inhibiting their ability to innovate and compete or forcing them out of markets entirely. The most prominent example of unfair competition comes, of course, from China. The ruling Chinese Communist Partys massive state subsidies to industries and companies, such as electric vehicle giant BYD and telecom manufacturer Huawei, are part of Beijings Made in China 2025 plan, designed to supplant American leadership in high-tech sectors. American social media companies are banned in China, whereas Chinese apps such as TikTok and WeChat are allowed to thrive here. Chinese companies also benefit from organized intellectual property theft from the U.S. and its partners, which FBI Director Chris Wray called one of the biggest transfers of wealth in human history. Also concerning are the European Unions increasingly protectionist regulations. These disproportionately affect American companies while giving free rein to other tech giants from around the world. The EU apparently feels it can take on Americas leading companies with impunity, but it fears Communist Party retribution if it treats Chinese companies with a heavy hand. Countries that are important digital trade partners with the U.S. and, crucially, American allies such as Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Turkey are considering similar efforts to hamstring American tech competition in support of their domestic enterprises. The enactment of laws and regulations that give an edge to these countries own firms is short-sighted, hurting both the global economy and global security. European-style regulation aimed at the most innovative firms in the world stifles innovation and leaves the door wide open for Americas adversaries to leap ahead of the free world in the tech race. Our government needs to go on offense to push back against these non-market restrictions and ensure that American innovation is harnessed in Latin America, the Global South and elsewhere. Failing to do so, particularly in digital infrastructure, will have long-term national security and economic costs. Consumers around the world want the best products. American companies are well-positioned to provide those, as they have for decades. But the failure to promote American industry affects long-term national security interests. Chinese companies, often propelled by massive state subsidies, are working hard to fill the gap. If they succeed, then it is not far-fetched to imagine your personal financial and healthcare information sitting in a data center owned and operated by China, transmitted to China by Huawei telecom infrastructure and leaked for the world to see on TikTok. This is a risk for millions of people around the world already. We must counter it by presenting better solutions. America is still the best business partner in the world and the safest bet for long term success, which is our other advantage. Unfortunately, this core tenet of U.S. diplomatic and economic efforts is not being communicated effectively. Washington should remind the world that our adherence to the rule of law and transparency provides the opportunity for anyone to succeed. Leaders in Washington must ensure that American tech companies are not being unfairly targeted by foreign regulators, including onerous rules or unduly burdensome fines. And the U.S. should ensure that markets are not closed to American companies because of the unfair dumping of products by China. Meanwhile, state-sponsored intellectual property theft must become an uncrossable red line. Our leaders must clearly articulate that if unreasonable policies or actions are inflicted on American tech companies, the U.S. will respond. And Washington must back up its words with actions by empowering negotiators and regulators to actually follow through on such warnings when foreign governments ignore them, protecting our technological primacy, economic prosperity and national security. Similarly, the federal government should ensure that regulations here at home are calibrated to achieve an articulable national interest, with sufficient industry stakeholder input, and be aligned with our allies and partners. Washingtons message abroad wont be taken seriously if other countries see that American regulators are imposing broad and onerous rules on our own companies. Americas tech leaders can innovate and compete on their own, as they have done exceptionally for decades. What our tech companies require is a level playing field in America and trade relationships abroad that are fair. Unfortunately, that level playing field is in danger of disappearing and taking our strategic edge with it. With a renewed focus on preserving Americas tech competitiveness at home and around the globe, Washington can ensure that our great innovators power the free world to victory in the tech race that will determine whether our way of life is passed down to future generations. Amb. Robert C. OBrien (ret.) was U.S. National Security Advisor from 2019 to 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 - New York isnt a swing state, but Democrats are doing their best to make it one Among the few verities in politics is that New York State will never vote for a Republican presidential candidate especially if his last name is Trump. Or at least, thats what we thought until six weeks ago, when President Biden was still running for reelection and his lead in public polling over Trump in New York, a state with twice as many Democrats as Republicans, narrowed to 8 points. I truly believe were a battleground state now, said Democratic Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. Like Democrats in all other states, New York Democrats breathed a sigh of relief when Vice President Kamala Harris replaced Biden as the nominee. Polling shows Harris with a 14-point lead in the state healthier if still well below Bidens 23-point margin in 2020. But Democrats have a deep hole to dig themselves out of in New York. The top two Democrats in the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, are infuriating voters through incompetence and corruption. Hochul torpedoed a years-in-the making congestion pricing plan in Manhattan after supporting that plan as essential to improving mass transit and air quality. She was unaware that her deputy chief of staff for years was a Chinese government agent. Her hand-picked lieutenant governor resigned over bribery allegations. After running a lackluster, widely-criticized campaign, Hochul won the 2022 governors race over her Republican opponent only by 6 points, compared to the 24 percent margin that her predecessor Andrew Cuomo had won in 2018. Since January, Hochuls approval ratings have dropped 11 points. Barely 40 percent of New Yorkers view her favorably. Adams is in even worse shape. Law enforcement agencies are conducting multiple criminal investigations involving the mayor, in which the FBI seized his phone and those of five of his top officials, including the schools chancellor and the police commissioner. (Adams denies any wrongdoing.) A recent poll showed that only 16 percent (thats not a typo) of likely voters in New York City would vote for Adams in next years mayoral election. The state and citys voting trends should terrify Democrats. In the 2016 election, Trump vastly improved on GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romneys 2012 performance in New York. In 2020, despite a chaotic, sometimes grotesque, presidency, Trump improved his vote in deep-blue New York City by nearly 5 points. Then came the 2022 stunner, when Republican congressional candidates flipped several seats in New York, costing Democrats their House majority in an otherwise strong off-year election. Those trends will only worsen for Democrats, unless they start solving problems that directly affect peoples lives. This is especially so in New York City, whose votes Democrats depend on to win statewide elections, because upstate voters largely go Republican. The citys resources have been severely strained by the arrival of immigrants over the last two years. The homeless shelters are overflowing with them. Nearly half of the residents in this traditionally pro-immigration city now say that immigrants are a burden and not a benefit. Three-quarters of city residents tell pollsters that crime is a very serious problem. Complaints about uncollected trash rose during the Adams administration, and correspondingly so did the sightings of rats, numbering an estimated 3 million, a 50 percent increase from a decade ago. After Oct. 7, Jewish students no longer feel safe at Columbia University. As recently as 1988, California was a solidly Republican presidential state, and then suddenly it wasnt. Unless New York Democrats wake up, the same thing could happen to them. Gregory J. Wallance was a federal prosecutor in the Carter and Reagan administrations and a member of the ABSCAM prosecution team, which convicted a U.S. senator and six representatives of bribery. He is the author of Into Siberia: George Kennans Epic Journey Through the Brutal, Frozen Heart of Russia. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Coming soon to a livestream near you: Oprah Winfrey. The television host and producing powerhouse will hold a virtual rally next week to corral support for Vice President Kamala Harris presidential bid, according to a press release. Winfrey will headline Unite for America, billed by organizers as a call to action for pro-Harris grassroots groups. To produce the event, she is partnering with Win With Black Women, as well as more than 140 other organizations, including Cat Ladies for Kamala, Swifties for Harris, and White Dudes for Harris. Around 400 in-person voters will also attend the event, which will be beamed out to platforms including YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram. Oprah Winfrey speaks on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 21, 2024. Kevin Wurm/Reuters The vice presidents campaign has found considerable success in the realm of virtual programming, with pro-Harris groups hosting giant, hourslong Zoom calls that have pulled in millions of dollars in fundraising, most of them small donations by first-timers. On the night President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris, Win With Black Women, which had hosted a weekly organizing call for the past four years, held a virtual gathering that attracted 44,000 people. With Zoom in danger of crashing, a further 30,000 participants dialed in through Clubhouse, and 10,000 more got in on someones conference-call line, according to New York magazine. The success of the call, which raised $1.6 million over four hours, sent up a flare signal to other pro-Harris groups. The next day, a call organized to rally Black men to her campaign drew 53,000 attendees and raised $1.3 million. Later that week, White Dudes for Harris and Answer the Callessentially, White Women for Harrissaw 190,000 people and 164,000 people cram into a virtual meeting room. (There have also been well-attended calls hosted by more esoteric groups, including Dead Heads for Kamala and Realtors for Harris, according to New York.) I cannot think of anyone better to host this event than Oprah Winfrey, who has brought Americans of different generations, backgrounds, and experiences together in conversation for decades, Jotaka Eaddy, the founder of Win With Black Women, said in the release. Oprah Speaks Up For Childless Cat Ladies in Burn on Vance Winfrey made a surprise appearance at last months Democratic National Convention to offer Harris her endorsement in her first-ever convention speech. Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy, Winfrey told the roaring audience. Because that is the best of America. The 70-year-old also inadvertently made a viral star out of a woman in the crowd to whom the cameras cut after she made reference to childless cat ladies, a phrase disparagingly dropped by Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance earlier this summer. Although she has historically remained taciturn on political matters, Winfrey offered Biden and Harris her support in 2020, and helped campaign for former President Barack Obama in 2008. (She did not give him another endorsement during his 2012 re-election bid, saying it wasnt necessary.) Winfrey herself was not quoted in Mondays release. Over the weekend, she reunited with friend and fellow Montecito resident Meghan Markle for a light-filled evening at the opening of an independent bookstore in Santa Barbara. Unite for America will stream on Sept. 19. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. (The Hill) Oprah Winfrey is using her hosting experience to support Vice President Harriss White House bid, headlining a virtual event aimed at connecting grassroots groups and bringing together voters from all over the country. The former daytime talk show host will lead a free, livestreamed Sep. 19 event called Unite for America, organizers announced Monday. Winfrey is partnering with Win with Black Women and more than 140 other pro-Harris grassroots groups for the virtual gathering. Oprah Winfrey speaks during the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. The efforts goal is to connect voters from across the U.S. with each other in a discussion about why they are supporting Kamala Harris, whats at stake in this election and why voting in this presidential election matters, according to a news release. Four hundred local voters will also attend the event in-person. Plenty of demographic-based groups have popped up in various mobilization efforts in support of Harris since the vice president entered the White House race in July after President Biden dropped out. More than 40,000 people joined a Win with Black Women call that month, while a group called White Dudes for Harris raised more than $4 million during its own virtual meet-up. In a statement, Win with Black Womens Jotaka Eaddy suggested Winfreys involvement in the September gathering was a no-brainer: I cannot think of anyone better to host this event than Oprah Winfrey, who has brought Americans of different generations, backgrounds, and experiences together in conversation for decades. Winfrey backed then-Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in 2008s presidential election, marking the first time she made a public political endorsement. Last month, the 70-year-old media mogul spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, identifying herself as an independent and telling the audience that decency and respect are on the ballot in November. Winfrey said in a message aimed at independent and undecided voters, You know Im telling you the truth, that values and character matter most of all, in leadership and in life. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Win with Black Women, the collective of community leaders working to elect female leaders of color is partnering with Oprah Winfrey for a live-streamed event that will unite the many grassroots political groups that have hosted Zoom events for Kamala Harris presidential campaign, they announced on Monday. The grassroots groups, which include White Dudes for Harris, Win with Black Men, Comics for Kamala, Republicans for Harris, Latino Men for Kamala and several others, quickly emerged after Harris replaced President Joe Biden in the Democratic ticket for the 2024 presidential race. With many identity-driven groups hosting lengthy, celebrity-studded online meetings, the 140 groups have raised millions for the vice presidents election bid. More from The Hollywood Reporter This Unite for America call will be a powerful moment that demonstrates the urgency that we all feel in this moment and more importantly the impact of our collective activation to move our nation forward with Vice President Kamala Harris as our 47th President, Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win with Black Women (WWBW) said in a statement. I cannot think of anyone better to host this event than Oprah Winfrey, who has brought Americans of different generations, backgrounds, and experiences together in conversation for decades. To date, over $20 million has been raised during the multiple Zoom calls for the Harris campaign, according to event organizers. The event on Sept. 19 from Winfrey and the leaders of Win With Black Women will serve as a call to action to work in communities throughout battleground states to register people to vote and build support, according to a press release. Winfrey will also bring in voters from all over the country to discuss why they support Harris, what they believe is at stake in this election, and why voting in this presidential election matters to them. The idea for this event was born when Winfrey and Eaddy connected and discussed how to create a sense of unity among the electorate and create a call for voters across the country, the release for the event states. The event is set to take place on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. and will be viewable on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitch and other online platforms. Anyone interested in viewing the event can to join the conversation at UniteForAmerica2024.com With the announcement on Monday of Winfrey and WWBWs event, several leaders of the groups for Harris released statements regarding the value they anticipate will have for Harris campaign and for voter turnout in the general election. We understand the importance of showing up for progress that benefits all women, said Shannon Watts, organizer of White Women: Answer the Call and Show Up for Kamala Harris. There is no better person than Oprah Winfrey to lead this event and bring together so many diverse groups of people who are fiercely determined to uplift every community in our nation and elect Kamala Harris. You have seen so many groups come together because we realize that an injustice to one of us is an injustice to all of us, said Regina Montoya, co-lead of Latinas for Harris. The next several weeks will be crucial for the future of all of these groups, which is why we are thrilled to join and show our solidarity. We are ready to Unite for America and show what these groups are capable of. We couldnt be more excited to be participating in Unite for America, said Ross Morales Rocketto of White Dudes for Harris. We stand on the shoulders of the incredible work of Win with Black Women and Win With Black Men. We exist to create space in the Democratic Party for white men to do their part to help elect Kamala Harris to become the 47th President of the United States. As the official AANHPI affinity group working with the Harris Walz campaign to mobilize the South Asian community nationwide, we know the importance of South Asian voters as a key voting bloc in many battleground states, said Harini Krishnan of South Asians for Harris. From knocking on doors to recurring phone banks to combating misinformation through digital media campaigns to assembling a voter protection team, we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that South Asian voters are the margin of victory this cycle in electing Kamala Harris as our first Black and South Asian woman President. JD Vance and the Project 2025 agenda would reduce us to our roles as mothers or the expectation of becoming one, but our value extends far beyond that, said Blaire Postman of Cat Ladies for Kamala. Were proud to stand with everyone on this call to create a future where women are defined by their impact, not outdated stereotypes. This Unite For America rally represents a resurgence of joy, hope, and optimism, said Pastor Mike McBride of Win With the Black Church. That is because we are not gathering just to celebrate an individual were proud to be coalescing around a shared set of values, like justice, equity and the betterment of our communities. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Oregon hunter rescued after missing in Tillamook State Forest for over 12 hours PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) An 82-year-old hunter was found more than 12 hours after he had gone missing in the Tillamook State Forest on Saturday. The hunter and his party had been pursuing a bull elk west of the parks Jones Creek Equestrian Staging Area when he did not return to their predetermined location. The rest of the party called 911 to report him missing around 9 p.m. Lawyer for Melissa Jubanes accused killer said client pleads not guilty A search continued through the next day until the hunter was found before noon on Sunday, Sept. 8. This was a successful mission thanks to our dedicated TIllamook County search and rescue volunteers, TIllamook County Emergency Dispatchers, Oregon Department of Forestry employees, and TIllamook County Sheriffs Office Deputies, Deputy Chris Barnett said. All of those people searched throughout the night and into the following day, with minimal or no sleep. Three people rescued from river near Lebanon According to rescuers, the hunter said he had an emergency location device but was not familiar with its operation essentially making the device useless. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Springfield Post of Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving an ATV and a toddler. According to OSP, troopers were dispatched to an injury crash in the 2700 block of Dale Ave. in Springfield Township around 5 p.m. on Monday. Heck: Social media post led to murder of sleeping 12-year-old girl A two-year-old pedestrian crossed Dale Ave. in front of a 2018 Kawasaki ATV. The driver of the ATV struck the juvenile in the roadway. The child was transported by air ambulance to Dayton Childrens Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Canadian broadcaster TVO's statement. TVO has withdrawn support from the documentary "Russians at War" following protests from the Ukranian community. Hot Docs contacted the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 11 to clarify that the 85,000 Canadian dollars was the total sum for all projects in the round of grants that included "Russians at War." The article has been updated to reflect the specific amount awarded to the filmmakers. The controversy surrounding Canadian-Russian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova's "Russians at War" documentary has intensified following revelations that Canada, despite being a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russia, awarded public funds to a film that is accused of whitewashing Russian war crimes. Russians at War is being marketed by the filmmakers as an anti-war documentary, and Trofimova has claimed in press coverage that she came to view the Russian soldiers she filmed as absolutely ordinary guys who are tools in a political game. Critics say that the films attempts to "humanize" Russian soldiers are an affront to Ukrainian victims, particularly in light of the nearly 150,000 documented Russian war crimes committed in Ukraine since 2022. The film was recently showcased at the Venice International Film Festival and, in spite of public backlash, is being presented at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the largest organization representing the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, has been one of the most vocal critics of Russians at War. They have repeatedly raised the issue over the amount of public and private Canadian funding at least $261,271 (355,000 Canadian dollars) the film received. "Russians at War" documentary promo material. (TIFF/YouTube) Theres a lot of finger-pointing at who made the decision, and it looks like there are actually many organizations, public and private, who funded this film, Ihor Michalchyshyn, executive director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, told the Kyiv Independent. We will be asking and demanding accountability with regards to the public money and for all private funders to justify how they could have decided this was a good project to spend money on. Its easy to understand how this is a piece of Russian propaganda. Ethical issues While initial public outrage over Russians at War related to the film's premise, attention has since shifted to the questions surrounding the ethics of Trofimova's reporting. In an Aug. 19 letter to Jeffrey Remedios, chair of the Toronto International Film Festivals Board of Directors, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress raised its concerns over the possibility of Trofimova not having entered Ukraine through official channels. "If it is indeed the case (that Trofimova) has illegally crossed the internationally recognized Ukraine-Russia border, (then she has) violated Ukrainian law and possibly breached Canadian sanctions," the letter read. Trofimova later publicly acknowledged reaching the front line by entering from the Russian side, where border control is essentially non-existent due to heavy fighting, in a Sept. 8 interview with the Globe and Mail. For me to go to Ukraine as a Russian, I would be branded a spy or attacked. The fact that I used to work for RT Documentary doesnt help. I wouldnt have been able to cover both sides of the front," she said. I got this incredible chance did (critics) expect that I would phone up the embassy in Kyiv and ask if it was okay? Im a citizen of Russia and by Russia standards, this is now considered to be Russian territory, you can just pass through there if you have your passport, she added in a Sept. 8 interview with POV Magazine. Trofimova claims that she embedded with the Russian military in Ukraine for seven months without obtaining the Russian Defense Ministrys permission. This claim has been met with skepticism, particularly due to the work's portrayal of Russian soldiers in a sympathetic light. (L-R) Editor Roland Schlimme, producer Sally Blake, director Anastasia Trofimova, producer Cornelia Principe, and producer Philippe Levasseur attend the photocall of the movie "Russians at War" presented out of competition during the 81st International Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sep. 5, 2024. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images) The Kyiv Independent was not able to note any instances of an independent journalist without any affiliations to Russian-state media who reported on the ground with the Russian military without such permission. Questions of accountability The ambiguity surrounding Trofimovas front-line reporting is further complicated by the fact that the film received $250,000 (340,000 Canadian dollars) from the Canada Media Fund a public-private partnership supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The films end credits state that it was produced by the publicly-funded broadcaster TVO, formerly TVOntario, in collaboration with the Canada Media Fund. Canadian officials have stressed that the Canada Media Fund operates independently in its funding decisions, without direct government involvement. "Our government has stood with Ukraine every step of the way through this illegal and unjustified Russian invasion. The Canada Media Fund is independent and is looking into this. We defer to their comment, a spokesperson from the Canadian heritage ministers office told the Kyiv Independent. The spokesperson declined to be identified in the article by name. According to Matheiu Chantelois, executive vice president of marketing and public affairs at the Canada Media Fund, TVO chose to fund Russians at War through the funds broadcaster envelope program, where broadcasters independently choose projects. The Canada Media Fund relies on trusted and Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission-regulated broadcasters to ensure the project conforms to the programming standards, he added. In light of the controversy surrounding the film, the Canada Media Fund has reportedly been in contact with both the Toronto International Film Festival organizers and the documentarys producers. The Kyiv Independent asked Chantelois to initiate contact with both parties to get their perspective on the public outcry. While the Canada Media Fund said that they forwarded the request to the organizers of the film festival, no acknowledgment was given regarding the request to be put in touch with the films producers. The Toronto International Film Festivals organizers did not respond, including to the Kyiv Independents separate media request, by the time of this articles publication. General view of TIFF signage during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario on Sep. 7, 2024. (Mat Hayward/Getty Images) The Canada Media Fund declined to comment on concerns regarding potential lapses in due diligence related to the the funding of Trofimova's film, such as her previous collaboration with Russian state-controlled media outlet RT, which is sanctioned in Canada, and her illegal crossing into Ukraine. They told the Kyiv Independent that they "cannot speak on behalf of TIFF or TVO." We remain committed to supporting Canadian content that reflects a wide array of voices and stories, while also understanding the sensitivity of the subject matter and the potential for differing interpretations, Chantelois wrote. The documentary also received private funding totaling $11,040 (15,000 Canadian dollars) from the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund, a major fund for Canadian documentary filmmakers. According to its 2022 annual report, the Rogers Documentary Fund also awarded Russians at War among 42 other provocative productions that together received $2.2 million (3 million Canadian dollars) in total. However, the exact amount each film received in the report is not specified. Trofimova is the only recipient whose last name was withheld from the report, and the project is described as reporting on the ground in Russia. Neither Hot Docs nor the Rogers Documentary Fund responded to the Kyiv Independents requests for comment. Calls to stop Russian propaganda Despite numerous calls to pull the screenings of Russians at War, the film is still slated to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10, 13, 14, and 15, according to the festivals official website. The CMF provided $14,696 (20,000 Canadian dollars) in funding to the Toronto International Film Festival this year, which they told the Kyiv Independent is comparable to many other Canadian screen industry events and film festivals. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress organized a protest on Sept. 10 in light of the festivals failure to cancel screenings of "Russians at War." A correspondent from the Kyiv Independent who was at the protests reported that hundreds of people attended. The demonstration featured vocal chants such as "Russia is a terrorist state" and "Shame on TIFF." 0:00 / 1 Yvan Baker, one of the most prominent Ukrainian Canadian lawmakers, released a public statement not only calling for the Toronto Film Festival to cancel all screenings but for the Canada Media Fund to investigate how and why their funding was used, as well as for TVO to call back their public support of the film. The documentary whitewashes Russias crimes against the people of Ukraine by falsely portraying members of Russias military as victims and by absolving them of their responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine and the war crimes they have committed, Baker wrote. TVO receives an annual Canada Media Fund allocation, which includes some federal contributions, and it should live up to the expectations of Canadians in the content choices it makes. TVO did not respond to the Kyiv Independents request for comment by the time of the publication of this article. On Sept. 10, TVO announced that it will not be airing the controversial documentary about Russian soldiers following protests from the Ukrainian-Canadian community. TVO's board of directors said in a statement that they have chosen to "respect the feedback" from the community regarding the documentary. TVO had earlier defended the documentary, describing it as an "antiwar film" created at great personal risk by the filmmaker. The broadcaster also encouraged viewers to watch the film "for themselves" before forming an opinion. TVO had originally intended to broadcast the documentary "in the coming months." Instead, the broadcaster will no longer support or air "Russians at War." "TVO will be reviewing the process by which this project was funded and our brand leveraged," reads the statement. Prior to the latest statement from TVO, Michalchyshyn said the Ukrainian Canadian Congress was determined to continue any necesssary pushback against "Russians at War." The filmmaker has been very manipulative of how shes been looking for support and receiving it, Michalchyshyn said. Canadians beyond the Ukrainian community are also outraged. Were all concerned and we will continue to work on this and make sure theres accountability. Note from the author: Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, sharing an important culture-related story from Ukraine. It's honestly a bit maddening to see that this film about Russian soldiers got funded and made in the first place but that's why we need to ask the right questions to get accountability. If you like reading such stories, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent. Read also: Opinion: Russian soldiers in Ukraine are ordinary guys who commit horrific war crimes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) As hunting season begins to kick off in full swing, officials with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are warning hunters not to illegally poach wildlife and to obey hunting laws. Since Aug. 1, conservation officers have reportedly issued 849 citations for wildlife-related violations and discovered 104 illegally killed animals. The animals included nine deer, six elk, two moose, one bear, one pronghorn, 60 fish, and 25 other protected wildlife. Hunters need to take responsibility for knowing the law, having a current hunting or combination license, and also knowing what species and areas their permits allow them to hunt before they go out into the field, said DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge. According to DWR, 53 conservation officers are patrolling all of Utah, responding to more than 200 tips made through the divisions various reporting tools. However, these officers cannot be everywhere which makes the tips that much more valuable. Looking for work? More than 1,500 opportunities available at Utah virtual job fair Bettridge said the Division of Wildlife Resources needs the publics help by keeping their eyes and ears open and reporting suspicious activity. With the information you share, we can enforce wildlife laws, which help with wildlife conservation and maintaining healthy populations and also keep our recreating public safe, said Bettridge. Tips can be made to the Division of Wildlife Resources in a number of different ways. Tips can be made via text message by texting 847411 or over the phone by calling 1-800-662-3337. Reports can also be made through the UTDWR Law Enforcement app or online on the DWR website. Another option would be to call the local police dispatch, who will pass on the information to a conservation officer. DWR said, however, that you should avoid calling the police unless you witnessed a poaching violation you feel needs to be reported immediately. The most critical piece of information a tip can have is the alleged violators license plate number. Bettridge said a license plate number can help conservation officers find the person for an interview to help the investigation. Other helpful details include the type and color of the vehicle the person was driving, how many people were involved, and a description of what you saw, said Bettridge. And, if you can give us a GPS coordinate, that can guide us quickly to the area where the possible violation occurred. DWR warned you should never confront an alleged violator so that you arent put into harms way or put into an uncomfortable situation. Bettridge said it is fine to wait and make the report if you need to move somewhere that has better cell reception or arent in a position to make the report just 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 ABC4 Utah. The recalled products were sold at Walmart, Aldi, Dollar General, and more stores. Getty Images/Allrecipes According to a posting by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), more than 133,000 cases of apple juice sold nationwide have been recalled after the products were found to contain potentially harmful levels of arsenic. This is an expansion of a previous recall initiated in late August, wherein 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice were recalled. The Great Value brand juice was sold in Walmart stores in 23 states as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Both recalls were initiated by the products' manufacturer, the Florida-based company Refresco Beverages US Inc. However, the expanded recall now affects products sold in 9 different retailers, including Walmart as well as Aldi, Dollar Tree, Walgreens, and BJ's Wholesale Club. The recall was initiated after the apple juice was found to contain levels of inorganic arsenic that exceeded industry guidance. What Apple Juice Is Being Recalled? The recall affects 133,500 cases of apple juice sold at the following retailers under the following brand names: Aldi: According to an Aldi press release, the store is recalling 64-ounce plastic bottles of Nature's Nectar 100% Apple Juice with "Best By" dates of March 26, 2025 and March 27, 2025. The recalled products will also bear the UPC code 4099100036381. The recalled apple juice was distributed to and sold in Aldi stores in 16 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Walgreens : This recall affects 64-ounce bottles of Nice! 100% Apple Juice with the "Best By" date March 25, 2025. The Nice! brand apple juice was sold in Walgreens stores in Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Key Food: This recall affects 64-ounce bottles of Urban Meadow 100% Apple Juice with the "Best By" date March 26, 2025. The Urban Meadow brand juice was sold in Pennsylvania. BJ's Wholesale Club: This recall affects 96-ounce bottles of Wellsley Farms 100% Apple Juice with the "Best By" date March 26, 2025. The Wellsley Farms brand juice was sold in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Dollar General: This recall affects 64-ounce bottles of Clover Valley 100% Apple Juice with the "Best By" date March 27, 2025. The Clover Valley brand juice was sold in Dollar General stores in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, and South Carolina. Weis: This recall affects 64-ounce bottles of Weis 100% Apple Juice with the "Sell By" date March 25, 2025. The juice was sold in Weis stores in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Market Basket: This recall affects 64-ounce bottles of Market Basket 100% Apple Juice from concentrate with the "Best By" March 25, 2025. The juice was sold in Market Basket stores in Maine. Lidl: This recall affects 64-ounce bottles of Solevita 100% Apple Juice with the "Best By" March 27, 2025. The Solevita brand juice was sold in Lidl stores in Virginia. The previous recall also included Great Value 100% Juice Apple Juice sold in a six-pack of 8-ounce plastic bottles with the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5 and "Best if Used by" Dec. 28, 2024. The Great Value brand juice was sold in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C., and the territory of Puerto Rico. If you have the recalled apple juice, the FDA has not posted specific actions consumers should take, however typically the best course of action in such recalls is to not consume the recalled products. They should be thrown away or returned to the original place of purchase. While the levels of inorganic arsenic found in the recalled apple juice exceed the industry standards, they are low enough that the FDA does not expect them to cause severe health consequences. However, the FDA did classify the initial Great Value apple juice recall as a Class II recall, meaning the product "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," but the risk of serious adverse health consequences is "remote." Elevated levels of arsenic (both organic and inorganic) can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the feet and hands, as well as stomach pain or diarrhea. For more information on how arsenic can affect health, especially children's health, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s Arsenic Toxity page. Read the original article on All Recipes. Over a dozen snakes killed after a venomous one bit their owner at his SC home, cops say A man who owned more than a dozen snakes remains in serious condition days after one of the venomous reptiles bit him at his South Carolina home, according to the Florence Police Department. As he recovers, the 14 snakes that were seized from his home were killed, police said Tuesday morning in a news release. Police said they tried to avoid euthanizing the venomous snakes. But none of the multiple facilities that police said they contacted to hold and care for the reptiles would accept them because of potential health issues that the snakes could introduce to the sterile environments because of their unknown health conditions. There also was concern that the snakes could harm the animals currently living at places like Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach, Reptile Lagoon at the South of the Border complex in Dillon County and Edisto Island Serpentarium, according to the release. After speaking with the facility experts and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources officials, police said they determined that the current habitats for these snakes were unsuitable and unsafe ... (and) were especially dangerous for private ownership. The police attempted to have these animals collected by numerous professional facilities so that they WOULD NOT be euthanized, but instead could be studied or displayed in a professional environment, police said in the release. Since these facilities would not do that, our only course of action was to have them euthanized. The euthanized snakes included two Gaboon vipers, two Black Forest cobras, two adult rattlesnakes, two neotropical rattlesnakes, as well as a single green mamba, Fer-de-Lance, death adder, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, an unknown small rattlesnake as well as an Inland taipan, according to the release. Animal control also collected two domestic cats from the home which were taken to a local shelter for care, police said. The animal seizure followed a Sept. 6 incident where the man reported being bitten by a snake and asked for medical attention, according to the release. At about 2 a.m., emergency responders went to a home in the 800 block of Marion Street, and took the man to an area hospital, police said. The man did not immediately admit that the bite was from a venomous snake, according to the release. Later that morning, officers learned that the victim privately owned a collection of venomous snakes and was bitten by one of them, police said. It was determined that the snakes were being kept at the home, so a search was conducted to determine if there was a threat to the publics safety, according to the release. This information was gathered from the victim and from posts on his public Facebook page, police said. Prior to the search, police said they contacted South Carolina DNR seeking guidance about handling any wild or venomous animals. Police also wanted to know how the snakes should be stored and properly cared for, as well as an assessment of the danger involved with the specific types of snakes that could be in the home, according to the release. Thats when the 14 snakes were discovered, police said. Because of the serious nature of the injury and the victims condition, a family member of his was contacted regarding the animals, and that relative took possession of the animals before signing a voluntary surrender form, giving possession of them to police with the understanding that animals would be humanly euthanized, according to the release. No other injuries were reported and police said they do not believe any threat to public safety exists. Further information on the victims condition was not available. Early Tuesday morning, he posted #notdeadyet, on his Facebook page. He has taken some criticism for the incident. This wasnt your run of the mill snake bite. This was a product of the irresponsible handling of literally the worlds deadliest venomous snake, said KP Exotics, a pair of exotic pet experts based out of Arkansas, on Facebook. Katherine Hamilton, who said shes a venomous snake handler and breeder, reached out to The State and was also critical of the victim. She said the Florence incident is the only thing being discussed in the global snake handler community, and that many of its members are saying he had this coming, because he insists on free handling deadly snakes. Hamilton also questioned how the snakes were stored and cared for, and if they were all obtained legally. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C.s troubled 911 system will soon see greater oversight. Councilmember Brooke Pinto is introducing legislation she said will improve performance, transparency and accountability. DC 911s call center to offer $800 bonus to employees who show up for work Pinto took a tour of the 911 center on Monday where she said staffing levels seemed decent, but the data shows thats not been the case overall this summer. Its one of the main reasons shes cracking down on the Office of Unified Communications. This July alone, we only had 13% of our shifts that met the minimum staffing ratios that they were supposed to, Pinto said. (Image courtesy of D.C. government) Its an ongoing problem at D.C.s 911 center that worsened this summer, which Pinto plans to address. Im introducing legislation to require public release of after-action reports following incidents that resulted in errors or a departure from regular protocol, Pinto said. Changes, upgrades coming to DCs 911 system after major outages Her bill would also require the release of the computer-aided dispatch reports and transcripts and recording of the 911 calls. Public safety watchdog, Dave Statter, is cautiously optimistic. In a sense, they are good things to have more transparency. But there are things that could have been done long ago and in the past, OUC as not followed the law. The law that Ms. Pinto created, Statter said. Statter is referring to Pintos Secure DC Bill that was passed six months ago. It calls for key data to be published to a dashboard, including how long it takes for calls to be answered and how long it takes to get crews dispatched. That dashboard is still missing some of that data. We are very disappointed that that information is not public yet, Pinto said. Weve followed up throughout the spring and the summer with, oh, you see, they told us that it will be live by the beginning of the fiscal year, which is this October 1. Pinto will be making unannounced visits to the call center every two weeks and holding monthly oversight hearings on the OUC. She really has to move the ball forward with these hearings to give new ideas and maybe a new structure to D.C. 911, Statter said. Im happy to see the oversight hearings. Id like to see a good hearing on the bill that Councilmember Nadeau introduced about removing fire and EMS from OUC and putting it back to the fire department. She has not allowed a hearing on that bill. Former employee of DCs 911 Call Center criticizes agency Statter said hes concerned the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency is still in charge of authoring after-action reports. Two reports written over incidents in 2023 by HSEMA were cover-ups. They covered up the key material that said what happened in those incidents, Statter said. Thats the District Dogs flood and when a car went into the Anacostia River killing three people and fire police, and EMS were sent to the wrong location. Pinto said the hearings will focus on recent failures from this summer, performance and transparency metrics and technology and multi-agency coordination. If you are a resident or visitor to Washington, D.C., you have a right to have a 911 call center that is 100% fast and accurate and transparent, and we are going to be working every single day with this agency to make sure that we get there, Pinto 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG This year, all Pennsylvania House representatives and half of state senators will be on the ballot. These races receive less media attention than top-of-the-ballot ones, such as those for president and U.S. Senate. Thats why Spotlight PA has compiled this guide to help you evaluate which candidates you want to send to or keep in Harrisburg. Those positions come with a six-digit base salary, perks such as per diems, and the ability to hire a full-time staff. In return, legislators are expected to act as a front door to state government. They also work with their elected colleagues to solve problems and represent their constituents interests. Keep reading to learn more about how to vet both incumbent lawmakers as well as candidates hoping to win office: How to vet incumbent legislative candidates Use this tool to find out who your legislators are. Reminder: All state representatives will stand for election this year, while only state senators in odd-numbered districts will be on the ballot. Each state House and state Senate lawmaker has a web page that lists every legislative memo theyve circulated (under co-sponsorship memoranda) and bill theyve signed on to this session (under sponsored legislation). Alex Garlick, a University of Vermont professor who studies American legislatures, previously told Spotlight PA that you can understand a lawmakers priorities by looking at the legislation they back. There are a few other ways to evaluate lawmakers, though all have pros and cons, Garlick said. For instance, you could count how many bills introduced by a lawmaker became law. But that method alone isnt sufficient, Garlick said, because a lot of bills fail along the way. Bills that move through the Pennsylvania legislature are often rewritten, meaning what becomes law may be completely unrelated to what was introduced. Also, sometimes a lawmakers bill gets absorbed into a larger measure. Most rank-and-file lawmakers especially those in the minority party dont have the power to ensure their bills are considered. That ability belongs to committee chairs and members of the majority leadership team, who make these decisions based on their own priorities. How a lawmaker votes on bills, however, can be informative. Do they buck party lines? Do they abstain from politically tricky measures? Do they prioritize unity? Both chambers have advanced some weighty proposals over the past year. You can see how your lawmakers voted by clicking the below links. Major initiatives considered by the state House over the past year include: Major initiatives considered by the state Senate over the past year include: The 2023 and 2024 state budget deal. A proposed omnibus constitutional amendment that would give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a two-year window to file lawsuits, require people to show ID every time they vote, and make it easier for the legislature to override regulations. A law that would allow police to pull a driver over solely for using their phone A law that establishes a state regulatory regime for carbon capture and storage. A law that requires electric vehicle owners to pay a $200 fee starting in 2025 and increasing afterward to the state Department of Transportation for highway funding. A law that created a special prosecutor to tackle SEPTA crime. A law allowing beer distributors to sell canned cocktails A bill that would ban safe injection sites in Philadelphia. A bill that would require school districts to catalog every book that includes sexually explicit content. A bill that would have moved the states 2024 primary election. A measure that would require every school to have at least one full-time armed security guard. A proposal to cut the states personal income tax from 3.07% to 2.8%. A bill to expand Sunday hunting You can also understand a legislators values by looking at the organizations that support them. As of early September, the following notable organizations have endorsed candidates in some races: Other groups do not endorse candidates, instead recommending or not recommending a candidate based on their position on a particular issue: Firearms Owners Against Crime, an influential Pennsylvania-based gun rights group. Pennsylvania State Education Association, the states largest teachers union. Other organizations issue report cards that grade lawmakers on their votes. These report cards inherently reflect the organization and its values; groups in the same advocacy space, such as gun rights, may issue different grades to the same lawmaker. Some report cards note which votes the organizations considered: How to vet legislative candidates who arent incumbents For legislative candidates who arent incumbents, the best way to start your research is through the search engine of your choice. A candidates official campaign website or Facebook page often includes a bio, information about their priorities, and noteworthy endorsements from politicians and organizations. The organizations referenced above may endorse candidates who arent incumbents based on internal interviews or questionnaires. Other groups, such as the conservative Pennsylvania Family Institute, skip endorsements or grades, and instead publish surveys in which candidates, both incumbents and nonincumbents, are asked questions about their priorities. The nonpartisan League of Women Voters Education Fund also publishes questionnaires for all legislative candidates. Local chapters of that organization as well as news outlets, business groups, and local political committees may host candidate forums or debates. These events allow you to see candidates interact in real time and may allow you to meet them in person. Checking campaign finance records online through the Pennsylvania Department of State allows you to see which people and groups fund a candidate. Its best to search by last name. Donations are divided by size on the report, and by whether the money came from an individual or a political action committee associated with a corporation, union, or other interest group. Legislators have already filed at least two campaign finance reports; they wont have to file a report showing how much theyve raised over the summer and fall until Oct. 25. You also can look at candidates statements of financial interest, which show their sources of income, creditors, property, and gifts among other information. The state Ethics Commission holds onto them; you can search for one here. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. MAUMELLE, Ark. Many parents in Maumelle kept their kids home Monday as police investigate two school threats made amid the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Georgia. Authorities said they solved the first threat from a Maumelle High School parent quickly Thursday. The second perceived threat brought increased security to all area schools on Monday. Maumelle police says social media post is believed not to be a threat to local schools According to police, the Thursday threat was made over the phone by an angry and drunk parent who said he would blow the head off of staff of Maumelle High School. Authorities said that person was arrested and remains in jail for first-degree terroristic threatening. The scene of officers surrounding the high school on Thursday was repeated at schools across Maumelle Monday as officers formed a protective shield around students, at least those who came to school. According to the Pulaski County Special School District, some schools attendance was halved because of a reaction to a threat against a Maumelle school. Meagan Harrison is one of the parents who pulled her kids out of class as she waited for details. It kind of gave me chills honestly, she said. I was like, A school? What school? Whats the threat? Maumelle Police Department officials shared many of the answers to parents questions early Monday afternoon. On Sunday, police said someone tipped the MPD about a screenshot of a social media post that was thought to be a threat. They said they learned it was being shared across the country, and during the investigation, a juvenile admitted to adding a comment to that post which launched the investigation. Russellville school safety protocol on alert after social media threat, arrest Most of the schools affected are inside the Pulaski County Special Schools District. Superintendent Charles McNulty said they take every threat seriously. Its disheartening. Its unfortunate, McNulty said. Its really unacceptable, but these are the times were living in right now. He and MPD Public Information Officer Cpt. Shannon Giompoletti encourages parents to talk to their kids about their feelings and the consequences of what they may see as a joke or lie. Terroristic threatening is a felony. This is something that can ruin their life, so hopefully parents at home are talking to their children, Giompoletti said. Maumelle police continue their investigation, but said Monday afternoon, based on context, they currently dont see the post as a threat to a school. Wed rather you make a big deal and it not be anything than you stay quiet and it ends up being something, Giompoletti said. Police arrest juvenile accused in social media threat made against Russellville Junior High School Harrison says anything from excused absences for these events to purchasing metal detectors should be considered if they can protect lives. Im thankful for all our officers, I really am, but you can never be too safe, Harrison said. My kids are terrified. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In June of 1992, 31-year-old Kenneth Meers was killed by a single bullet during a robbery at the convenience store he owned in Oklahoma City. Prosecutors charged 26-year-old Glenn Bethany and 20-year old Emmanuel Littlejohn with robbery and first-degree murder. It was possible to charge two men with one murder committed by one person because of a legal doctrine called felony murder, which states that anyone involved in a felony that leads to a death is criminally responsible for that death, regardless of their role in the actual killing. At Bethanys trial, the prosecutor argued he was the sole gunman who shot and killed Meers. Bethany was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But when Littlejohn went to trial the following year, prosecutors flipped the script. This time they argued it was Littlejohn, not Bethany, who shot and killed Meers. Littlejohn was sentenced to death. Littlejohn, who is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Sept. 26, admits his role in the robbery but denies shooting Meers. Last month, he made a final plea for mercy to Oklahomas Pardon and Parole Board. In an unusual move, the board voted 3-2 to recommend that Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt commute Littlejohns death sentence to life without parole. Littlejohns case marks the fifth time the board has recommended clemency for people on death row since Oklahoma resumed executions in 2021. Of those, Stitt has granted clemency to only one person, Julius Jones, whose high-profile innocence claim attracted celebrity support. Thirteen others have been executed, some of whom showed signs of apparent suffering as they died. Oklahoma is responsible for some of the most infamous botched executions in the nation, and its lethal injection protocol has been the subject of extensive litigation. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment. In an interview with HuffPost, Littlejohn expressed sorrow for the pain felt by the Meers family but said he was grateful for the pardon and parole boards clemency recommendation. Im just trying to stay strong, he said. And praying the governor gives me clemency. Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board recommended that Gov. Kevin Stitt commute the death sentence given to Emmanuel Littlejohn to life without parole. courtesy of Emmanuel Littlejohn's legal team Like most people on death row, Littlejohn experienced violence and poverty as a child. His mother, who was 15 when he was born, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, according to a petition for clemency filed by his lawyers. Littlejohns father was abusive, according to the petition, and the child spent time living with his grandmother, who ran a prostitution house. As a teenager, Littlejohn began selling drugs as a way to make money. At the time of the robbery that led to Meers death, Littlejohn and Bethany owed money to a drug dealer who had threatened violence if they didnt repay. When Littlejohn went to trial, jurors were unaware that prosecutors had already argued Bethany killed Meers and that Bethany had been sentenced to life without parole. The prosecutions claim during Littlejohns trial that he was the shooter was a key part of the states argument that he deserved the death penalty. Littlejohns first death sentence was overturned by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals because of prejudicial, uncorroborated testimony by a jailhouse informant. During his resentencing, at least one juror expressed confusion about the punishments they were choosing between. In a note submitted to the judge, the jury asked, [I]s is possible to change the verdict of life without parole to with parole after our verdict and without another jury verdict? The jurors question suggested a concern that if they sentenced Littlejohn to life without parole, he might someday get out of prison. Life without parole sentences do not offer the opportunity for release; they are often criticized as death by prison sentences. But the judge simply referred jurors back to the jury instructions, which listed their sentencing options: death, life without parole, or life. Ultimately, the jurors resentenced Littlejohn to death. When Littlejohn raised this issue on appeal, the appeals court acknowledged the confusion and suggested providing jurors with clarifying information in future cases but did not grant relief to Littlejohn. Since then, jurors from both Littlejohns 1994 trial and his 2000 resentencing trial have signed sworn affidavits indicating they did not believe a death sentence was the appropriate punishment but chose death because they believed the alternative might allow him to one day walk free. Littlejohn, who is now 52, has not been disciplined for violent misconduct in more than 20 years, according to his clemency petition. After having a stroke last year, he uses a wheelchair to go more than a short distance. He stays in close contact with his daughter, sister and mother, who is now sober. Theyre my heart, Littlejohn said. Thats my support. Thats who I love. Related... Parole check uncovers over four ounces of cocaine in Chautauqua County (WJET/WFXP) Two New York men are facing serious criminal charges after a parole visit uncovered a drug operation in Chautauqua County. New York State Parol was conducting a home parole visit Monday afternoon in the 100 block of East 2nd Street in Dunkirk, NY when police said they found drugs in the house. Four-wheelers, leaf blower stolen from barn in Crawford Co. Members of the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office and Dunkirk Police were called to the scene and a search warrant was served. Police said they found 4.85 oz of cocaine, 11.38 grams of crack cocaine, .61 grams of fentanyl, scales and packaging material for distribution along with $2,788 in cash. State police investigating armed robbery at a Harborcreek Country Fair Two Dunkirk men ages 26 and 45 were taken into custody on charges of second and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree using drug paraphernalia. Both men are awaiting arraignment in the City of Dunkirk 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Pasadena dog owners beware: Someone is leaving food on the street that could kill your pet Taky Cheung, 52, of Pasadena, walks a pack of dogs on Lake Avenue in Pasadena last year. Los Angeles County officials are asking the Pasadena community for help identifying a person who has been leaving foods that are poisonous to dogs near a canine boarding and day-care facility. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles County officials are asking the Pasadena community for help identifying a person who has been leaving foods that are poisonous to dogs near a canine boarding and daycare facility. On Tuesday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger called on Pasadena residents who live or work near Foothill Boulevard to look out for a person who is leaving grapes and chocolate alongside rice or noodles to entice dogs by Dogtopia of East Pasadena. Grapes and chocolate are poisonous foods for dogs, according to the Humane Society of the United States. In a news release Barger said the unidentified person needs to be stopped because "animal cruelty should never be tolerated." I am outraged that someone is going out of their way to hurt dogs and their unsuspecting owners who are just enjoying a trot down Foothill Boulevard, Barger said. Read more: Abandoned German shepherd found in Malibu with mouth zip-tied shut In a video shared by the boarding facility, a person can be seen crouching by a dirt patch on the street corner in front of Dogtopia and putting something on the ground the corner is shaded and it's unclear what the person is doing. Jacks Vasquez said the act captured by her business' surveillance camera is just one incident. Someone has been leaving grapes and chocolate M&Ms at various spots along a 1.5-mile stretch of Foothill Boulevard for several months now, according to a news release. Im sick to my stomach knowing that someone is doing this in broad daylight, Vasquez said. The person is leaving food in walkways on Foothill Boulevard between Sierra Madre and Rosemead boulevards. Vasquez, who has been in the animal care and veterinary field for over a decade, said "consuming even the smallest amount of grapes can be lethal" to dogs. Chocolate, she added, can make dogs very sick "and result in thousands of dollars in veterinary bills." "Ive been warning customers but am worried the word wont get out to the community at large," she said. Read more: More than 40 dogs, half of them dead, found in Riverside County hoarder's home, officials say Pasadena police officials said reports of any suspicious activity related to the incident can be directed to the police department. "Any actual and reported cruelty to animals will be taken very seriously and with assertive enforcement," said Gene Harris, Pasadena police chief. Anyone with information should contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501 or go to cityofpasadena.net/police and click on the Report A Crime link. 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. CYPRESS CREEK, Fla. (WFLA) A student in Pasco County was arrested for threats made on social media, the Pasco Sheriffs Office (PSO) announced Monday. The sheriffs office said that the student was arrested for disruption to school function after online threats circulated with tags that included Cypress Creek High School, Cypress Creek Middle School, and Zephyrhills High School. PSO said the photo that circulated online had originated out of state and had been shared in other school districts in the Tampa Bay area. There are no known threats to any Pasco County Schools, PSO wrote in a Facebook post. We encourage our community members to always report suspicious activity or behavior. The sheriffs office also encouraged parents and guardians to speak with their students about the consequences of making threats online, both serious and as a joke. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Looking at the past debates of both presidential candidates can give an indication of what Tuesday nights matchup may bring. While the public has not seen Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump go toe-to-toe on the debate stage, they have debated other candidates many times in the past. This may give a better indication of what their styles are like. Analysts can look to at least two previous debates to predict performance. One includes former President Trumps debate with President Joe Biden a few months ago. The other includes Vice President Harris debate with then-Vice President Mike Pence four years ago. Trump-Harris debate has highest stakes in history, experts say The former president was more disciplined while debating President Biden than he had been previously, and on the other hand, the current vice president appeared respectful yet assertive against the former VP. However, both Harris and Trump are very different candidates now. Trump can sometimes tie himself in knots, says NewsNation correspondent Robert Sherman, while Harris is not going up against the more reserved Pence. Thats the future, which cant be fully predicted, but the past and present can offer some insight. Currently, Harris has spent the weekend in Pittsburgh going through her debate preparation, and she has made a couple of public appearances around the city as well. Her debate preparation has focused on watching tapes of what the former president has said in the last couple of debates, trying to determine what could come her way Tuesday night. In a 2019 Democratic presidential primary debate, then-candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard went on offense against Harris. What polls are saying ahead of Trump-Harris debate Trump could emulate Gabbard in his preparation for the debate, as his style is known to be offensive, finding ways to turn the conversation around, pivot and hit his opponent. The debate in Philadelphia will be at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 10, and air on ABC 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 NewsNation. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. | John Raoux Tech billionaire Jared Isaacman blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, early Tuesday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket powered SpaceX Dragon capsule, headed out on his second, self-financed mission to space and this time, he and a fellow passenger are aiming to become the first civilians to ever perform a spacewalk. The 41-year-old Isaacman, who found success with a digital payment processing platform he started while still in his teens, is a licensed jet pilot who is also functioning as the mission commander for the first in a series of spaceflights that SpaceX has dubbed its Polaris program. Watch live as Falcon 9 launches the @PolarisPrograms Polaris Dawn crew on a multi-day mission orbiting Earth https://t.co/u1KqQx5AFr SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 The five-day mission will carry its four passengers higher than any crewed flight since NASAs Apollo missions, shooting for an altitude of 870 miles above Earths surface. Joining Isaacman aboard the Dragon Resilience spacecraft are former U.S. Air Force pilot Scott Poteet as well as SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Hazards in space The four civilians will encounter extra hazards on the journey as they will be exposed to high levels of radiation at their peak altitude, which falls within the inner band of the so-called Van Allen belts, a region that is rife with charged particles emitted by the sun and captured and held in place by the Earths magnetic forces. The spacewalks, scheduled for Thursday, will be performed by Isaacman and Gillis, but the configuration of the Dragon capsule, which does not include an isolated exit hatch for leaving the vehicle, will expose the interior of the capsule to the vacuum of space. All four passengers will be geared up in spacesuits during the separate excursions, which will require Isaacman and Gillis to maintain handholds, along with the anchoring provided by a 12-foot tether, during their brief times outside the capsule. The extravehicular activities, which provide an opportunity to test out a new spacesuit design that Isaacman also helped fund, will occur while the Dragon capsule is at an altitude of around 435 miles. If successful, the spacewalks will be the first to be performed by nonprofessional astronauts. Its the first of three trips that Isaacman bought from Elon Musk 2 1/2 years ago, soon after returning from his first private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021, according to The Associated Press. Isaacman bankrolled that tourist ride for an undisclosed sum, taking along contest winners and a childhood cancer survivor. The trip raised hundreds of millions for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The current mission is also aiming to fundraise for charitable groups. SpaceX to the rescue Besides creating new options for civilian journeys into space, SpaceXs successful Dragon vehicle has become the primary workhorse for shuttling crews and cargo back and forth to the International Space Station since it became the first commercial spacecraft to dock at the station in 2012. Dragon, developed by the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX under a NASA contract, has also taken on a new role as a rescue vehicle, following NASAs decision to send the Boeing Starliner capsule back to Earth last week without the two-person crew that flew the ship to the space station in early June. While veteran astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were originally scheduled to return on Starliner after an eight-day mission, issues with the capsules propulsion systems and helium leaks stretched the mission out for months and eventually led NASA to keep the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, citing safety concerns with Starliner. Williams and Wilmore will return in February aboard another Dragon capsule, which is due to launch on the SpaceX Crew-9 mission later this month. The Crew-9 mission has been modified, trimming the original four-person crew to two so there are empty seats for Williams and Wilmore to ride along on the return journey. A Penns Manor Area School District student is facing charges over accusations he made a bomb threat to the high school. On Monday, Pennsylvania State Police said Penns Manor students were dismissed early after a threatening note was found in the high school bathroom indicating there was a bomb in the building. No explosive devices were found during a sweep of the building. >>> No explosives found at Penns Manor Area School District, police say On Tuesday, PSP released more information about the note, saying it was handwritten and claimed a bomb was in the building and would detonate at 1:30 p.m. When the note was found around 9:30 a.m., the schools security cameras were reviewed and a 14-year-old male student was identified as a suspect. He was detained by school staff and they found he had a pocketknife. He was later taken into custody by a state trooper without issue. The boy is charged with a felony count of threatening to use weapons of mass destruction and a felony count of terroristic threats. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of possessing a weapon on school property. The student was interviewed by police, and then later released to a guardian. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) If the city of Peoria gets its way, the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino could move across the river to a landlocked site within the city. The idea was first reported by WMBD-AM 1470 on Monday but its not new. The casinos owners, Boyd Gaming, and City Hall have been discussing this for the past four years, according to the radio station. If true, the proposal would throw into chaos a profit-sharing deal that has been in place for decades and possibly cause animosity between the two cities, according to the radio station. Par-A-Dice Casino owner presents plan for new gaming facility to state board The riverboat casino has been docked in East Peoria since 1993. The two cities had reached an agreement in 1991 whereby Peoria would have the gambling for two years until East Peoria had a facility built for the boat. Then, it would move there. The two cities would split the taxes on the gambling revenue which came out to about $3 million a piece. East Peoria, however, would get all the other taxes and revenues generated by the facility. At the time, factions in both cities wanted the gambling and the taxes it generated but then-Mayor Jim Maloof was adamant in his opposition to the riverboat. Earlier this year, the states gaming board renewed the license for the Par-A-Dice Casino after the riverboat facility announced plans to develop what is described as a new, modern, and fresh gaming facility. But where that would go is now up in the air. Under the deal reached years ago and a 2019 state law, land-based gaming must be on the Peoria side of the river while waterborne gambling is located in Tazewell County. The radio station reported Monday that Peoria wants Boyd Gaming to abandon the riverboat and build a new land-based facility within its city limits. The radio station said Boyd had met with leaders here at least twice over the past four years. According to state data, Illinois has 15 casinos, 14 licensed sportsbooks, and a network of over 8,500 licensed video gaming establishments. But there can be only one in the Peoria area. The radio station reported that City Hall offered up a proposal to Boyd Gaming this summer where they would build a land-based facility here. That would essentially flip the finances for the two cities. There would still be a split of tax on gambling revenues but under the citys plan, East Peoria would get none of the additional revenues from real estate, hotels and other things that are taxed at a casino or a hotel, the radio station reported. Peorias City Manager Patrick Urich gave WMBD-TV the following statement. We have an agreement with East Peoria that goes back to 1991 and that agreement states that all land-based gaming shall be in the city of Peoria, so from the citys perspective we feel that the agreement should be honored and if there is going to be land-based gaming it should be here in Peoria, he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Stacie Adams went back and forth for years questioning if she should say something about what happened to her in middle school. Shes not alone. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police its the most underreported crime. But more than two decades later, this West Michigan woman found the courage to say something. For more than 25 years I have protected this man. I protected his freedom, his reputation, and his family above my own. Ive continued to care for him in an irrational and unhealthy way. Ive ignored my gut, said Adams as she read from her victim statement to the judge. Court records: Man admitted to abusing student decades ago Now shes listening to it. But for more than two decades, Adams dealt with all kinds of emotions, anger, sadness and conflicting feelings. While she always wanted to say something, she was never able to muster the words. A large part of healing comes from telling your story, from breaking the perverted attachment bonds that persist for years and for standing up for the little girl who couldnt stand up for herself, said Adams. At 39 years old, Adams is ready to stand up for that girl. The only way to let go was to say something about what had happened to me, she said. It all started back in 1998. I was the ultimate goody two shoes, straight As, never in trouble, band nerd, Adams said. An undated photo of Stacie Adams. An undated photo of Stacie Adams. Even so, this 13-year-old eighth grader at Northview Public Schools had her own struggles at school and home. So she wrote a letter sharing those feelings to her eighth-grade teacher, James Christians. He said to me, What would you do if I kissed you? Adams remembered. I just laughed and said I would punch you in the face, you have a wife, why would you ask me that? Adams said Christians comments became more and more sexual over time. An undated photo of James Christians. I didnt know what grooming was at that time in my life. I didnt know I was the perfect victim. I didnt know I needed to fear the adults in my life. So, I didnt see it. I didnt see how the comments slowly changed, how they became about my maturity, or my intelligence, or my outfit or my body. I didnt notice when our vent sessions turned into detailed descriptions of how special I was and the sexual fantasies he couldnt stop having about me, Adams read from her victim statement in court. Christians would even tell her he loved her, Adams said. Eventually, he went beyond comments and kissed her. It didnt stop there. He went from a kiss to committing sexual acts. I had thought about saying something on and off for many years, said Adams. She went onto college in North Carolina, studied medicine and had kids of her own. As a mom, a pediatrician, it was no longer consistent with the person I am today to not say something about what happened, said Adams. That creepy white van is actually your kids cellphone, says MI sheriff More than 25 years later, she did find the courage to say something. On Jan. 31 of this year, Adams walked into Lowell High School, where Christians was last teaching. She spoke to the principal directly. I know youre going to have to do something after I tell you this, but I want you to know this, and all I want is for this person to not be in the classroom around young girls, Adams recounted of the conversation. She said deputies showed up at her home the next day to interview her and an investigation began. Christians admitted to sexually abusing Adams. Man gets prison for abusing student decades ago During his sentencing, he read a letter to the courtroom and looked back at her. I was wrong. I know that I truly hurt you and Im ashamed of my conduct and I am sorry, he said, in part. James Christians stands next to his attorney during a sentencing hearing in Grand Rapids on Aug. 14, 2024. Adams didnt speak at Christians sentencing but sent a letter to the judge. This was a carefully premeditated and prolonged process of manipulation. While my life was so absorbed with this crime, I missed my entire adolescence and struggled my entire adult life, said Adams. After taking years to realize what happened to her was wrong, Adams wanted to share her painful story not just for her, but for her kids and other peoples kids. The whole reason to say something isnt about me or what happened to me, although that girl certainly deserves justice. Its about kids today, making sure this doesnt happen, and they know this is not OK, and they know its OK to say something, said Adams. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Abortion-rights protesters gather in front of the Florida Supreme Court on May 3, 2022. Credit: Danielle J. Brown A South Florida appellate attorney asked the Florida Supreme Court Tuesday to stop Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials from interfering with the election for the proposed abortion-rights amendment. In his petition, Adam Richardson alleges that Floridas top leaders are misusing and abusing their offices in opposition to Amendment 4, which would protect abortion access until the point of viability. The attorney filed the paperwork asking the court to step in after the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration published a webpage on Thursday declaring that the abortion-rights amendment threatens womens safety. Subsequently, the agency posted a video directing people to the website. I think that the DeSantis administration is engaging in outrageous and unlawful electioneering to put his thumb on the scale on Amendment 4. Its a blatant abuse of state resources, Richardson said in a phone interview with Florida Phoenix. Theyre spending taxpayer money on it and, given that there are only 56 days until the election, this kind of a petition was the fastest way to, hopefully, get a resolution. DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and AHCA Secretary Jason Weida are respondents in the petition that Richardson filed claiming standing as a state taxpayer. The agencys website is not the only act Richardson called out in the filing. He also mentioned a Sept. 5 email from the Executive Office of the Governor inviting faith and community leaders to an event titled, Your Legal Rights & Amendment 4s Ramifications. Richardson claims those actions are against Florida law banning officers and employees of the state from using their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with an election. During a press conference in Lake City on Tuesday, DeSantis said the webpage was 100% accurate. He dismissed the backlash on Monday too, comparing the move from the health care agency to a public service announcement. Its not an anti-Amendment 4. What it is, its providing information about what Florida law is and the resources that are available under that law, he said. Richardson won the race to the courthouse with Florida Democrats. On Monday, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Friend said the party was exploring legal options, including seeking an injunction against the webpage. The governors office and Moodys office did not respond to the Phoenixs request for comment. AHCA directed the Phoenix to the comments the governor made during the Tuesday press conference. (Bloomberg) -- Colombias government is proposing new tax increases on wealthy individuals, gambling platforms and carbon emissions to rein in the fiscal deficit without cutting social programs. Most Read from Bloomberg Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla submitted a bill to congress on Tuesday intended to raise 12 trillion pesos ($2.8 billion) next year. The changes would lower the threshold for paying wealth tax, and impose higher levies on online gambling and hybrid vehicles. The bill also includes a gradual reduction over five years of the corporate tax rate, to 30% from 35%, though this excludes coal and oil companies, Bonilla told reporters in Bogota Tuesday. Nearly half of the extra revenue would come from an accounting change: bringing forward the implementation of the fiscal rule to 2025, will give the government an additional 5 trillion to spend, according to the text of the bill. The government says it needs extra revenue to finance its 2025 budget without taking on excess debt. A group of lawmakers, including members of the opposition and independent political parties, have proposed a proposal to slash the 2025 budget by the same amount the government aims to collect through taxes. Despite this, President Gustavo Petro said that his administration will push ahead with the tax bill regardless of congresss decision on the budget cuts. The leftist leader said in a post on X that his administration will cut public spending without touching the poor and social spending, if congress decides to lower the budget. The fiscal deficit will widen to 5.6% of gross domestic product this year, its highest level since the pandemic, according to the governments forecast. Second Round If passed, this would be the second round of tax hikes since the leftist leader took office in 2022, pledging to improve the welfare of poorer Colombians. Colombias congressional committees responsible for budget matters will vote on the proposal to reduce the budget on Wednesday. Senator Angelica Lozano from the Green Alliance political party said her budget committee has enough votes to force spending cuts next year. Petro recently emerged from a social crisis triggered by a truck drivers strike protesting a rise in diesel prices. Following disruptive blockades, the government agreed to a more modest fuel price rise than it had initially sought, dealing another blow to the fiscal accounts. --With assistance from Andrea Jaramillo. (Updates with more details from the bill and Petros comments from 4th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Karen Miles, 61, was last seen on Aug. 21, in Houston, according to her family Karen Miles/Facebook Karen Miles A Texas philanthropist has been missing for nearly three weeks and a man was arrested for allegedly driving her car with a stolen plate. The man has not been charged in connection with the missing womans disappearance. Karen Miles, 61, was last seen on Aug. 21, in Houston and reported missing by family members on Aug. 29, the Missouri City Police Department said in a statement at the time. She was reported missing from her home in nearby Missouri City, Texas, per the statement issued on Aug. 30. Days before she was reported missing, however, a man named Davante Clark was seen in nearby Pearland on Aug. 25, allegedly driving Miles car with a stolen license plate, according to Pearland police officer Chad Rogers. Authorities allegedly found a gun in Clark's car. Clark was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, knowingly altering a license plate and for being a fugitive because of active warrants out of Harris County, Rogers says. The active warrants are for evading arrest and unauthorized use of a vehicle, Rogers said, adding that those charges have no connection to Miles disappearance. Clark has not entered a plea. However, Missouri City police consider Clark a person of interest, per Click 2 Houston, ABC 13 and CW 39. Police did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comments for further information. Missouri City Police Davante Kenyatta Clark An active member of the community who was always in contact with her friends and family, Miles' absence on her social media was promptly noticed by some, per Click 2 Houston. Wendy Lewis Armstrong, who has worked with Miles through several community platforms, told the outlet she began to get worried when she saw others posting on Miles' Facebook to get her to respond. "I saw the second [Facebook] message and called her phone and it went straight to voicemail, Armstrong told the outlet. Friends went to her home to check on her, per the outlet, and notified Miles' family members when she didn't respond. Missing People in America/Facebook Karen Miles Missing Person poster 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. Miles is a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeos Black Heritage committee, per Click 2 Houston and KHOU 11. "She's a part of so many organizations. She gives so much, she's constantly volunteering," her friend Danessa Bolling told ABC 13. Now, the community she actively and devotedly served is rallying to help raise awareness about her disappearance and pushing authorities to speed up their investigation. "(She) is light, and so, this feels dark because we don't know where she is," Bolling said, per ABC 13. My mom is a pillar in the community is what I will call it," her daughter Janice Bond said, per Click 2 Houston. "One of the things I noticed throughout this process is the sense of community. Shes always volunteered and did a lot of things, but I never caught a sense of what that actually meant until now." Anyone with information should contact Missouri City police at 281-403-8700 CID Division. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. With local news struggling to survive, a collective of Los Angeles media executives and philanthropists launched an ambitious nonprofit group Tuesday to bolster L.A. County's local news ecosystem, support small independent media and build public trust in media. The new organization, Los Angeles Local News Initiative, has raised almost $15 million to provide underserved county residents with free access to neighborhood, regional and state news that will help them be more engaged in their communities and hold officials accountable. Funded by organizations including the American Journalism Project, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the Spiegel Family Fund, the initiative will support a network of community-first media outlets to report across digital, print and radio platforms for L.A. County's 10 million residents. Those hyperlocal outlets will work in partnership with CalMatters, a nonprofit newsroom that focuses on explaining California politics and policy, and LAist, part of the Southern California Public Radio group, to deliver enhanced regional accountability journalism that fills news gaps. L.A. County is far too complicated and diverse a place for any one outlet to serve all local news needs of all residents, said Michael Ouimette, the chief investment officer of the American Journalism Project. Los Angeles County, like many parts of the nation, has seen reductions local news organizations over the last two decades, including newspapers closing down. Some questionable local news sites have risen up in the void. California has seen both successes and challenges in hyperlocal news start-ups. Look Out Santa Cruz was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News reporting earlier this year. But the Long Beach Post, once hailed a model in the industry, went though an ugly round of layoffs and labor unrest as some of its funding dried up. The new initiative is one of many investment efforts by nonprofits and foundations to stem the losses in journalism and counter a growing tide of online misinformation. The idea for the nonprofit which organizers say will create more than three dozen journalism jobs in the next three years came from L.A. residents in historically underserved areas. In 2022, the American Journalism Project partnered with local civic leaders to interview 845 L.A. County residents in difficult-to-reach communities spanning 244 ZIP Codes from Newbury Park to South Central L.A. They found many county residents feel their needs arent met by local news. They want access to more freely available, high-quality, hyperlocal news that provides information to keep them safe and meet their basic needs, holds government accountable and tells the full stories of the region without sensationalism. At a time when more than 200 counties in the U.S. have no news outlets, L.A. County has 104, more than any other county than Cook County in Illinois, where Chicago is located, according to a 2023 report by the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University. But its population is higher than many states, and most news outlets here are too stretched to cover many city council and school board meetings. When people think about news deserts, they're thinking about rural America, or communities that are off grid, but we have those same sorts of deserts in the region, said Monica Lozano, board chair of the new L.A. Local News Initiative and the former editor, publisher and chief executive of La Opinion. It was that dearth of trustworthy, verifiable, nonpartisan information that allows people to make informed decisions about their neighborhoods that served as the genesis for what has now become the L.A. Local News initiative. The group identified a model that is connecting with residents in a disadvantaged community and doing the service journalism they want to replicate across the region: Boyle Heights Beat. A bilingual nonprofit newsroom that began training high school reporters in the historic Latino community of Boyle Heights in 2010 to report on the communities they live in, Boyle Heights Beat has expanded into a digital news outlet covering East L.A. with nine staff members, three of whom are full-time reporters, and a network of 30 youth reporters. Boyle Heights Beat has gained the trust, the respect, the credibility, the relationships necessary to report on a local community from people that live in that community and experience it every single day, Lozano said. The news outlet holds quarterly community meetings to touch base with residents and hear their concerns. It gets news tips from local students and their parents. Its reporters, editors and coordinators personally hand-deliver 30,000 quarterly print editions to local libraries, restaurants and community centers. This summer, Boyle Heights Beat reported on a program that was giving out free air purifiers to residents, a story that was widely shared in a community at the crossroads of five freeways whose residents have high levels of cardiovascular issues. Community-centered journalism is in our DNA and were going to go to other communities and really explore what those communities need, using Boyle Heights Beats as a model, said Kris Kelley, the Beat's executive editor. It remains unclear how far the Boyle Heights Beat model can spread. There are 88 independent municipalities in Los Angeles County, in addition to scores of neighborhoods within the city of Los Angeles and unincorporated county communities. Some have local news outlets, but many others don't. The L.A. Local News Initiative is just the latest in a national movement of philanthropic and local leaders working to support and revitalize local news in the digital age. As Big Tech companies run advertising alongside news content, eroding the financial basis of journalism, California local news is in steep decline. A report last year found that California has lost 68% of its reporters since 2005. Press Forward, a national coalition of more than 20 major donors led by the MacArthur and Knight foundations, unveiled a plan last year to distribute half a billion dollars to news organizations across the country over five years. Neighborhood-focused concepts are taking places across the country, from Block Club Chicago to Canopy Atlanta. The initiative has already forged partnerships with nearly 20 media outlets and universities across L.A. County. Next year, the group plans to launch new publications in additional communities, but few details were released. We believe this is an opportunity to make sure that historically underserved communities aren't further disenfranchised because their residents lack access to trusted and factual and nonpartisan news, said Gerun Riley, president of the Broad Foundation. 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. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Picture a clock ticking so steadily that it doesnt lose a second, even after running for 1 billion years. Scientists are now closer than ever to realizing that level of timekeeping precision, new research has revealed. Such a device would greatly surpass the capabilities of atomic clocks, which define the span of a second through controlled energy jumps in atoms electrons and are currently the pinnacle of accuracy for measuring time. In atomic clocks, signals that excite the atoms oscillate at a frequency of billions of times per second. Researchers recently developed a technique that could elevate this accuracy by triggering and measuring oscillations in an even trickier target: an atoms nucleus. For this nuclear clock, the scientists used ultraviolet light to excite nuclear particles in an atom of thorium-229 embedded in solid crystal. They then measured the frequency of the energy pulses affecting the nucleus the equivalent of a pendulum in a regular clock by counting the waves in the UV signal using a tool called an optical frequency comb. Causing energy jumps in a nucleus requires a much higher frequency signal than is required for atomic clocks. With more wave cycles per second, this approach is expected to provide more accurate time measurements. Scientists measure the frequency of energy pulses affecting an atom's nucleus by counting the waves in the UV signal. Wavelengths that can induce a nucleus transition oscillate at higher frequencies, enabling more precise time measurements, the researchers say. - National Institute of Standards and Technology While their nuclear clock is still a work in progress, once realized it could transform not only timekeeping but also the study of physics, even affecting how scientists investigate the fabric of the universe. The prototype is not yet as accurate as an atomic clock, but future versions are expected to be potentially even more precise and stable, according to research published September 4 in the journal Nature. Now that the researchers have shown that its possible to produce and measure these signals, there are a lot of things that we can push to further improve the accuracy, said study coauthor Chuankun Zhang, a graduate student in Dr. Jun Yes lab at JILA a joint research center funded by the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. For example, Zhang told CNN, adjustments could include tweaking the alignment and frequency of the lasers pinging the nucleus. This work truly marks the dawn of a nuclear clock, said Dr. Olga Kocharovskaya, a distinguished professor of physics at Texas A&M University who was not involved in the research. In 2023, Kocharovskaya and other researchers tested nuclei of scandium-45 atoms as possible candidates for a nuclear clock. At the time, those atoms produced the most robust energy transition and measurable pulse ever seen in a nucleus, but the new results from thorium-229 generated a stronger signal and were more stable, Kocharovskaya told CNN in an email. The broader significance is in the confidence this paper provides in the reality of the nuclear clock, she said. It leaves no doubts that such a clock is feasible and will be built soon. Time after time In atomic clocks, an atoms electrons are pinged with electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies. Bursts of energy excite the electrons, pushing them into a higher orbit around the atom. Oscillations that trigger electrons transitions between states mark the passage of time, according to NASA. The reliability of atomic clocks is far greater than in everyday clocks that measure seconds in vibrations of quartz crystals, which are prone to dropping out of sync. For decades, atomic clocks have been used in GPS technologies, for space exploration and for keeping international time. However, atomic clocks are also vulnerable to sync loss. Electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt excited electrons and affect the precision of the timekeeping, Zhang said. Particles in an atoms nucleus, on the other hand, are harder to agitate than electrons. Protons and neutrons are tightly bound together by the strong nuclear force the most powerful of all the fundamental forces. Wavelengths that can induce a nucleus transition oscillate at higher frequencies, enabling more precise time measurements, the researchers reported. Before this study, there were several important breakthroughs for the development of nuclear clocks. The first, in 1976, was the discovery that the thorium nucleus was uniquely low-energy and could be pushed into an excited state by using vacuum ultraviolet, or VUV, laser light. By 2003, scientists were proposing that because thorium required less energy to excite its nucleus than most other types of atoms did, the isotope thorium-229 would be a good candidate for nuclear clocks, according to the study. In 2023, scientists pioneered a method of embedding thorium-229 into crystals; this solid state system suppressed signals from nuclear decay, making desired signals easier to track. Earlier this year, other researchers measured the wavelength of VUV light required to excite the nucleus in thorium-229. Our work builds on top of that, Zhang said. With our frequency comb light source and this crystal, we were able to excite the nuclear transition and the various transition energies. Their results were about 1 million times more precise than previous measurements, Zhang added. This paper is a real tour de force, said Dr. Shimon Kolkowitz, an associate professor and chair of physics at the University of California, Berkeley. The quality of the data and the speed with which they achieved the remarkable results in this new manuscript is really amazing, said Kolkowitz, who was not involved in the research. It represents a major step forward in the development of nuclear clocks, which physicists have been working towards for decades. Revolutionizing physics Atomic clocks accuracy and stability have already given scientists important tools for studying earthquakes, gravitational fields and space-time. These fields could experience a major boost from nuclear clocks, Kocharovskaya said. Nuclear clocks would be not only more precise but also simpler and more portable, because unlike atomic clocks they wouldnt require high vacuum conditions, extreme cooling and powerful shielding from magnetic and electric disruption, she said. The study of physics itself could be revolutionized by using nuclear clocks alongside atomic clocks, according to Zhang. Monitoring and comparing frequency ratios in the two types of clocks over time could help scientists tell whether fundamental physics constants are truly as constant as they seem or if they shift at levels previously too minuscule to measure, Zhang said. This paired clock technique could be a game changer for the study of dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up 80% of the universe but which has never been directly measured, he added. Some scientists have proposed that dark matter interacts with particles such as electrons, quarks and gluons, but in amounts that are currently undetectable. We want to see if dark matter could interact with the atomic nucleus in a slightly different way compared to the electron orbit in the atom, Zhang said. If the nuclear clock and the atomic clock transition frequency ratio is changing over time, it would be an indication of new physics. Though there is still much progress to be made before nuclear clocks surpass the performance of atomic clocks or replace them these findings hint that such a time isnt far off, Kolkowitz said. As better UV laser sources are developed and as some of the mysteries and tricks of nuclear clocks get worked out, I expect that eventually some of the kinds of experiments we are currently doing in my lab to test relativity and search for new physics with atomic clocks will instead be performed with nuclear clocks, Kolkowitz said. Whats next for nuclear clocks? At this point, only time will tell. Mindy Weisberger is a science writer and media producer whose work has appeared in Live Science, Scientific American and How It Works magazine. The story has also been updated to clarify Chuankun Zhangs professional affiliation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced a new program on Tuesday to help make finding and starting a daycare a bit easier. On Tuesday, September 10, Picente announced a Family Daycare Startup Grant Program that would grant up to $2,500 to create new home daycare businesses or help existing ones expand. This grant program was established on recommendations by the Oneida County Childcare Taskforce. In a report released by the task force, they found that one of the major barriers to starting a home daycare is the initial cost, which is the responsibility of the owner. According to the task force, those startup costs could be prohibitive to lower-income families that wish to start up their own home daycare. The inadequate supply of childcare is a major hurdle faced by families and employers across Oneida County, Picente said in a statement. The startup costs associated with creating a family daycare is a barrier that many cannot overcome. This grant program will alleviate that burden, and in turn, expand childcare capacity by strengthening the workforce pipeline, generating jobs and giving more options to families looking for affordable daycare. Startup costs for a new home daycare include such things as diapers, educational materials, and toys, among other things provided for the development and safety of children. According to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, in Oneida County, there are: 67 licensed family daycare homes, 51 licensed group family daycare homes and 34 licensed daycare centers in the county. The $250,000 fund allocated by the County will be administered by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. They will also be providing benchmarks for recipients, as well as quarterly reports on the results of the program. According to Oneida County, the grants could provide for 100 home daycares and slots for up to 1,000 additional children. The county will also be providing the Cornell Cooperative Extension with just over $42,000 to fund a Childcare Navigator position. The person hired to that position will help families connect with daycares and also help people who wish to start their own daycares. I applaud County Executive Picente for recognizing the impact that a lack of quality childcare has on children, families and the economy in Oneida County and for starting the Childcare Taskforce to identify solutions that address this challenge, Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Mary Beth McEwen said in a statement. Cornell Cooperative Extension is happy to work with the County Executive and Oneida County Government to assist and encourage the creation of new childcare businesses throughout the County. Adequate quality childcare is an integral part of a thriving economy, and even more importantly, investing in quality childcare invests in the future of the children, building the foundation that they need to succeed in school and throughout their lives. Interested applicants can begin the process by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension at 315-736-3394, extension 243. You may also e-mail them at earlycareandlearning@cornell.edu. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. How to pick the best cruises to see the northern lights, eclipses, and galaxies, according to an astrophysicist Astrophysicist Hakeem M. Oluseyi has seen the stars from many cruises. As long as the ships dim their lights, passengers should be able to stargaze from the sea. Cruise lines also plan trips for celestial events like eclipses and the northern lights. Astrophysicist Hakeem M. Oluseyi has been to dark sky parks and observatories all over the world, but some of the best stargazing he's done has been in the middle of the ocean. As long as cruise ships are mindful of their light pollution, he said, they can be a great way to stargaze. In the past, Oluseyi partnered with Princess Cruises and Discovery to bring stargazing programs on board the ships. He's seen some spectacular sights on cruises, including the northern lights and other galaxies. Here are Oluseyi's tips for the best stargazing on cruise lines, including seeing eclipses, galaxies, the northern lights, and meteor showers on your next cruise. Get a wake-up call for the northern lights. Some cruise lines have voyages dedicated to chasing the northern lights. SERG_AURORA/Getty Images Oluseyi has been on five cruises in various parts of the world. "The most amazing one was a trip to Norway on a cruise called Chasing the Northern Lights," he said. That's when he saw the aurora borealis, aka the northern lights, for the first time. "There are certain astronomical phenomena that sort of just brings the universe to your doorstep, and the northern lights, for me, was like that," he said. The northern lights are only visible at night. To make sure you don't miss them, you can see if your cruise offers wake-up calls when the lights appear. Many cruises do. Moreover, location and timing are important. The northern lights are visible most often in northern latitudes including Canada, Alaska, and northern Scandinavia. You likely won't see them year-round, however. The fall and spring equinoxes are the best time for viewing the northern lights, NOAA notes. Winter can also be a good time, according to a Viking Cruises representative who told BI over email that daylight only lasts a few hours north of Scandinavia during winter time, offering more opportunities to see this spectacular light show. Choose a destination with clear skies for stargazing. Some parts of the world have better skies for stargazing than others. In particular, "the Canary Islands and Chile are some of the best places to stargaze on the globe," Paul Grigsby, Holland Cruise's vice president of revenue planning and deployment, told Business Insider via email. Both destinations have cultivated reputations as astrotourism sites and have areas that are dark sky reserves. Plus, Chile's latitude puts it right under the Milky Way. If you don't mind chillier weather, remote destinations like the Arctic and Greenland also take passengers far from cities' light pollution. Keep in mind, though, that the sun sets late during the Arctic summer, so nights are short. You might also want to time your trip with a meteor shower, like the Perseids in August. The nice thing about that is that you should be able to see the celestial show from almost anywhere, Oluseyi said. Though, if epic stargazing is your goal, you should try to avoid areas with notoriously cloudy weather. "I'm not going to cruises in Seattle or London," Oluseyi said. Chase a solar eclipse from the ocean. Several cruise lines make voyages to locations with total solar eclipses. GOH CHAI HIN/Getty Images Cruise lines are already gearing up for eclipses in 2026 and 2027. The 2026 eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and part of Portugal, according to NASA. Holland America, Cunard, and Princess are just a few of the cruise lines planning trips near some of these destinations for the 2026 eclipse. For the 2027 eclipse, Egypt's pyramids will have a spectacular view and Viking is planning a Nile River cruise. Oluseyi chased eclipses for a decade and said you need to be in the right place and have clear weather. The weather can turn quickly "because of the temperature drop that accompanies the moon shadow," he said. Being on a boat may offer some flexibility. "The deck team can make decisions to reposition based on weather and visibility reports and will do all they can to ensure guests see these events," Grigsby said. See something new in the Southern Hemisphere. For those who live in the Northern Hemisphere, crossing the equator offers some new views of the sky. "What's really dramatic about the Southern Hemisphere is the galactic sky that you don't really get in the Northern Hemisphere," Oluseyi said. In the Southern Hemisphere, the star-packed center of the galaxy, the galactic bulge, is directly overhead. There are also two satellite galaxies the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. The first time he saw them, Oluseyi said he couldn't stop staring. They're "so dang big, bright, and ever-present," he said. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Viking all offer cruises to Australia and New Zealand, southern Africa, and South America. You can see the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds year-round but keep in mind that the best southern hemisphere stargazing occurs in March through September when the sky is dark for longer. You can also get a better view of objects in the night sky during a new moon when there's no moonlight to drown them out. Stargazing only works with the deck lights off. Cruise ships can have their own light pollution, which significantly diminishes how well you can see the stars. "The lights can be so bright that you can't really see the dimmer objects, and most of the cool stuff is dim," Oluseyi said. When the lights are down, the unobstructed view can be spectacular. "I have been literally all over the world to dark sky locations," Oluseyi said, "but, man, being out in the middle of the ocean and when they turn off the deck lights it is one of the best." Some ships turn off their deck lights so passengers can see the skies better. You may want to inquire before you book about the cruise line's policies on this practice. Viking's rep said the cruise line's special bird-safe lighting mode helps keep birds from flying into windows but also allows passengers to see stars. If your ship is dark enough, you might still want some help seeing the stars. You can probably leave your telescope at home. The waves make it too unstable to view objects well. However, wide-field binoculars will let you see more than your naked eye, Oluseyi said. Oluseyi's general tips for stargazing wherever you are. You'll want to stay warm and comfortable while you stargaze. Igor Chekalin/Getty Images Once it's dark, you want it to stay dark. "Eye adjustment is a very precious thing," Oluseyi said. It takes 30 minutes for your eyes to acclimate to the darkness, according to The BBC. Avoid peeking at your bright phone screen because once that light hits your eyeballs, they'll have to readjust again. You can also use your phone's settings to apply a red filter, which will help your eyes stay adjusted to the night sky. You'll want to prepare to be outside for a while. "It can get cold at night," Oluseyi said. His advice for stargazing from an observatory is to dress warmly and bring snacks. But it applies anywhere. You'll want to stay comfortable and awake so you don't miss the view. "You'll find yourself freezing," he said. "You'll find yourself sleepy, but it's so worth it." Read the original article on Business Insider ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) A Pickerington man has been indicted on multiple felonies after allegedly making terroristic threats against Ohio University over social media. Michael Rinthalukay, 27, was arrested and banned from all of the universitys campuses Tuesday following the concerning posts. On Monday, he was indicted on the following charges: Having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony Making terroristic threat, a third-degree felony Inducing panic, a fifth-degree felony These charges come down as Rinthalukay stands accused of possessing an AR-15 in Athens County despite being prohibited from possessing firearms under Ohio law and using social media to make threats toward several groups of OU students. On his Instagram page, Rinthalukay allegedly posted several videos of himself shooting an assortment of firearms. He also made posts to other platforms, which included videos of himself, making threatening statements. What we know about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio Rinthalukay is currently in custody at the Franklin County Jail. After a Rule 4 hearing in Franklin County, he will be transported by Athens County to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, where he will be scheduled for an arraignment before the Athens County Court of Common Pleas. Anyone with information on Rinthalukay is asked to contact the Athens County Prosecutors Office at 740-592-3208. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Is this your pig? Franklin police searching for owner of large swine found in the city Franklin police found a pig in the area of West Ryan and West Loomis roads on Sept. 8. Police have asked if someone recognizes the pig they should call dispatch at 414-425-2522. Franklin police are searching for the owner of a large pig found loose in the city Sunday. It's kind of a pig deal. The animal was found around West Ryan Road and West Loomis Road, police said. If anyone recognizes the sizable swine, police are asking they call Franklin dispatch at 414-425-2522. Were attempting to reunite this bundle of joy with its rightful owner, a Sept. 8 post on the Franklin Police Department Facebook page said. The post has been shared over 370 times and has nearly 60 comments on the platform. This isnt the first time Franklin Police have worked to return a not-so-commonly encountered animal to its rightful owner. In June 2020, a kangaroo was spotted loose in the city. Kangaroos are legal to own in Wisconsin with no city ordinances mentioning the marsupial and no state law requiring a permit. Wisconsin is one of only three states along with South Carolina and West Virginia where residents are able to own a kangaroo without a permit. Then-Chief Rick Oliva of the Franklin Police Department said the kangaroo was reunited with its owner, a Franklin resident. More: 'Oak Creek unicorn': A white deer was spotted in Oak Creek, and residents are naming it Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Franklin police are searching for owner of large pig found in city Reading or watching the news isn't always an uplifting experience. Every day, it seems like there are enough negative stories about things happening around the world and in our own communities to make someone feel pessimistic for eternity after just one day of getting caught up. But there are still positive stories being shared. There are every day heroes making a difference in the lives of people everywhere if you know where to look for them and as this special story reminds us, some of those heroes are even dogs. As Sacramento, California local news outlet KCRA reported in a story published on Monday, September 9, an 8-year-old Pit Bull mix named Maya recently went above and beyond the call of duty to rescue her disabled mom, Melissa Hoffman, when their house caught fire. According to what Melissa's husband, David, told the outlet, he wasn't able to save his wife from the burning home. But that's when Maya really came through. When the Sacramento Fire Department responded to the call, they found the pup laying on top of her mom. "They found the dog passed out on top of my wife, which took the burns away from her chest. It likely saved her life," David said. Heartbreakingly, this means that Maya suffered burns herself to her mouth and tongue, which veterinarian Nicole McArthur said probably happened because she was licking her mom during the fire but thanks to quick thinking fire fighters who used an oxygen mask on Maya, the dog was saved, too. More About Maya & Her Amazing Rescue While talking to The Sacramento Bee about the fire, David shared more about his heroic pup and the special relationship that Maya and Melissa have with each other. Maya's quick action to protect her mom was so important because, after suffering from a stroke in February, Melissa has been bedridden, so she was unable to escape the fire herself. My wife calls her Sweet Pea, he said. The dogs with my wife 24/7. The dog is present all the time. And when the fire happened, the dog didnt leave my wifes side." Now, Melissa will remain hospitalized until November as she continues to recover from burns on 60% of her body, but Maya has been released from veterinary care and reunited with David after experiencing burns on 20% of her body and suffering from smoke inhalation. Veterinary Specialty Hospital, where Maya was treated, also decided to cover the dog's $7,000 vet bill for her treatment, which no doubt took a lot off of the family's plate during what has to be a stressful and heartbreaking time. A fire like that must have been so terrifying for Maya, but the dog went above and beyond the call of duty to keep her human safe. She deserves unlimited treats until the end of time! Ranchers who have lost dozens of livestock to wolves no longer have confidence in Colorado Parks and Wildlife and have now asked the federal government to intervene. On Aug. 28, Don Gittleson of Jackson County and Conway Farrell of Grand County and their families wrote to regional officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, asking the agency to take control over decision-making regarding the program to reintroduce wolves in Colorado. While Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages Colorado's wolves, under the wolf restoration plan and the 10(j) rule issued by U.S. Fish & Wildlife, the federal agency still maintains primary oversight. A spokesman for the federal agency told Colorado Politics on Tuesday the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the authority to make decisions regarding gray wolf management in areas where the species is federally protected. However, with the exception of the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Reservations per the memorandum of agreement CPW has assumed lead management responsibility and authority for wolf conservation and management within the borders of the nonessential experimental population area for gray wolves in Colorado. The federal agency is providing program oversight and coordination of management decisions with Colorado, while allowing the state to implement those decisions on the ground as outlined in the memorandum of agreement. Under that 2023 agreement between Colorado and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that implemented the 10(j) rule, the federal agency is responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act "and has primary oversight over the conservation and management of federally listed species." Colorado's wolves are covered by the ESA but are listed as a nonessential experimental population, allowing the state to reintroduce the species in Colorado. The agreement further states the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is responsible for ensuring the state's management of wolves is "conducted in full compliance" with the Colorado 10(j) rule and for coordinating and collaborating with CPW on gray wolf monitoring and management, non-lethal and lethal conflict mitigation, and overall management on lands in Colorado, except for tribal lands on the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain reservations. The letter from Gittleson and Farrell pointed out that the decisions on wolves are actually not being made by CPW they claimed it's the governor and the first gentleman, Marlon Reis. "We believe that due to the governors and his spouses relationship with wolf advocacy groups and their own feelings, he is not allowing Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leaders to make adequate and reasonable decisions in regards to the management of wolves," the letter states. "We have actually been told by members of CPW that the governor is making the decisions." Reis has been involved in several Facebook interactions with ranchers in recent weeks, including the Gittleson family. In one exchange with Gittleson, Reis said: "The truth is I don't care. I don't care what you do or don't eat. I don't care what you think you know of what you think you're qualified to comment on. I don't care why your family seems to love the limelight and never misses an opportunity to trash talk the Front Range. If you're proud of being a rancher, act like it. All this complaining is leading nowhere fast." Reis ended up taking down his Facebook page for a short time after the arguments. The exchanges have since been deleted and Reis' Facebook page is live again. Wolf depredations in Jackson County, most of it on Gittleson's ranch, have numbered close to two dozen, including killings of calves, cattle and working dogs. In Grand County, at least 16 sheep and cattle have been killed by wolves since April 2, most of them belonging to Farrell. Gittleson told Colorado Politics that there have been more killings, but if CPW staffers are unable to get to the site within 12 hours, what's left of the livestock often isn't enough to confirm a wolf attack. And that's becoming more common, he said. The wolves killing Gittleson's livestock aren't from the 10 released in Colorado last December. Those wolves migrated down to Colorado from Wyoming. At least six were confirmed in the area over the last several years, but only two are still in the area, according to Gittleson and others in Jackson County who met with reporters in June. Farrell and his family have seen wolves as close as 30 yards from their home, near sheep raised by their children. The letter to Scott Becker, the regional wolf coordinator, and Matt Hogan, the regional director for U.S. Fish and Wildlife, claimed CPW is falling short on following the wolf restoration and management plan. Featured Local Savings The plan calls for "building trust, maintaining relationships, setting expectations, emphasizing transparent and meaningful outreach with stakeholders and the public," the letter said. The letter added that the state agency has been anything but transparent with the ranching community, the media and the public. That included a lack of transparency between CPW leadership and the CPW regional staffers, the letter said. Ranchers have told the state's wildlife agency its staff are no longer welcome on their properties. The agency relies on relationships with ranchers for wildlife habitat and conservation projects. The reintroduction plan also said no wolf with a known history of chronic depredation would be relocated to Colorado. CPW has so far refused to define this term, as wolf advocates fear it could lead to lethal management. The letter stated all the wolves brought to Colorado from Oregon were "either directly from packs" with a history of depredation of livestock or in areas where livestock depredation occurred. Oregon's Fish and Wildlife Service reported livestock depredations in 2023 from wolves in Wallowa County. The two adult wolves captured by CPW last week, believed responsible for at least two dozen livestock depredations in Grand County, were also from packs in Wallowa County. Oregon's investigations showed there were nine wolf packs in that county, and reported at least a dozen livestock depredations, with the most recent less than two months before the Wallowa wolves came to Colorado. The letter also addressed the way CPW is managing depredation investigations, noting that the state wildlife agency only pays claims when there is a preponderance of evidence. "But in reality, they only pay if it is beyond a reasonable doubt. They don't pay at all for 'probably,'" the letter said. The wolf plan's Stakeholders Advisory Group also said addressing wolf-livestock conflicts is "an essential part of this plan. The agricultural industry is a vital component of the Colorado economy and provides important open space and habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife." Instead, the only consideration, the letter said, is not to affect the restoration process, based in part on pressure from wolf advocates. CPW pressures ranchers into using non-lethal tools, regardless of whether they will work, the letter stated. "It is very evident that Gov. Polis is at the helm of all decisions regarding wolf management," the letter said, and also pointed to the recent comments by Reis on Facebook. "Management decisions are being based on emotions and their personal involvement with many wolf advocacy groups, rather than rules, common sense, and to protect the agricultural community as well as wolves." CPW's management is ruining relationships with many in the ag community, and it isn't doing the wolves any good either, the letter concluded. On Monday, the state announced it had captured the Copper Creek pack an adult female and male, and four pups. The adult male died several days later from injuries unrelated to the capture. CPW Director Jeff Davis said that if the male had survived, he would have been kept in captivity for the rest of his life. The pups will not be released until they are fully grown. On Tuesday, another dead calf was found in Grand County, believed to be the result of a wolf attack and a week after the removal of the Copper Creek pack from the area. A spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the agency does not comment on correspondence. Two Delta planes collided Tuesday morning while taxiing on the tarmac of an Atlanta airport, the airline confirmed in a statement. No injuries were reported. The wing of one plane, an Airbus A350 headed to Tokyo, struck the tail of a second plane, an Endeavor Air CRJ-900 headed to Lafayette, La., according to statements from the airline and from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA said the incident took place at the intersection of two taxiways at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday. Delta said the wing of one plane and the tail of the other were damaged by the collision but that there were no injuries at this time. The FAA said it will investigate the incident. Deltas statement indicated the airline is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities on this incident. After the incident, passengers were transported back to the gate, where the airline said they would be reaccommodated on alternative flights. Delta said there were 221 customers on the flight to Tokyo, and there were 56 customers on the regional flight to Lafayette. By early afternoon, the airport was experiencing significant delays. Delays affected a total of 112 departing and arriving flights. Five percent of departing flights were delayed, and 4 percent of arriving flights were delayed, according to FlightAwares delay tracker. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 site for the planned National Juneteenth Museum is changing. Heres what we know. The targeted location for construction of the planned National Juneteenth Museum is shifting to a new spot in Fort Worths Historic Southside neighborhood. The museums original location was to be on vacant land in the 900 block of East Rosedale Street, but the organization was not able to acquire the land, which is near the corner of Veal and Verbena. The museum now wants to use the site of the Southside Community Center at 959 E. Rosedale St. Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum, said he and museum staff have had their eye on the community center since they first had the vision for the museum. Weve always wanted to acquire as much real estate as we possibly could, Howard told the Star Telegram. The pivot in our original footprint is what caused us to push through this quicker than we might have originally. The representative of the city of Fort Worth could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. The plan received unanimous support in a meeting of the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association on Monday night. Howard says the plans for the museum remain the same. It is to include a food hall, a performance theater, a black box space to hold events, and a business incubator. He says the next steps are to continue negotiations with the city to acquire the site, while museum staff shifts its planning based on the new location. The museum would be responsible for the demolition of the community center and the cost of the new museum building. The city council voted Aug. 27 to shift $370,500 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds designated to improve the Southside Community Center to the Healthy Homes for Heroes Veterans Home Repair program. A report on the condition of the community center by an architectural firm showed a number of challenges that would make it difficult to bring the facility up to the citys standards. The city determined that renovations to the facility would not be the best use of city or grant funds, according to a city spokesperson. One mile southeast of downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Southside is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the city. The neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 35W to the west, Vickery Boulevard to the north, Riverside Drive to the east, and Rosedale Street to the south. Opal Lee, considered the Grandmother of Juneteenth, symbolically walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth to Washingotn, D.C., in 2016 to bring attention to the importance of the Juneteenth holiday. In 2021, Lee, who lives in Fort Worth, was in attendance when President Joe Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday. In July, the museum held a History Harvest where people could share a variety of artifacts ranging from letters, family photos, birth certificates, marriage licenses, clothing, audio and video recordings of family, artwork, maps, awards, cookbooks and more to be in the museum. Youre planning to vote by mail in NC. Now what? Photo: Adobe Stock Mail distribution of absentee ballots remains on hold in North Carolina after the state Supreme Court in a 4-3 ruling late Monday granted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s wish to have his name removed. The first wave of absentee ballots was set to go out last Friday, before Kennedys lawsuit and appeal froze the action. Counties will still mail absentee ballots for this election, but the printing and mailing schedule is thrown off. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Oct. 29. Ballots are expected to go out in the next couple of weeks, but the exact date is uncertain, according to a state Board of Elections email. Local elections offices wont begin sending out absentee ballots until all 100 counties are ready to go. The Board is talking with the U.S. Department of Defense about the possible need for a waiver of the Sept. 21 federal deadline for distributing military and overseas ballots. More than 2.9 million ballots had been printed by Friday. Counties will put those ballots in storage to ensure they arent sent to voters by mistake, the email said. Counties bear the cost of printing new ballots, a job performed by outside vendors. Removing Kennedys name will also require rewriting software code so tabulators read the ballots correctly. Through Monday, 146,603 requests for absentee ballots, including more than 12,900 from military and overseas voters, had been received. We will continue to consult with counties and ballot vendors to determine the feasible start date for distributing absentee ballots statewide, mindful of the goal to meet the 45-day federal deadline, Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell said in a statement. This decision imposes a tremendous hardship on our county boards, at an extremely busy time. But our election officials are professionals, and I have no doubt we will rise to the challenge. One thing that hasnt changed is the deadline for getting absentee ballots back to county elections offices. Whether theyre hand-delivered or sent through the mail, the deadline is 7:30 pm on Election Day. Republican legislators repealed a three-day grace period last year over Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) September is PNMs Copper Theft Awareness Month and PNM is educating customers on how to help prevent copper theft and what to do if you are a victim. How New Mexicos Top Cop Is Addressing Crime, Traffic Enforcement PNM says it has received 92 reports of copper theft from business in 2024. PNM received 84 reports in 2023. PNM says signs of potential copper theft could be fluctuating power, sparks, or visible arcs around transformers and meters. PNM warns business and residents against touching any transformers or wires if they suspect copper theft and immediately report it to PNM. Tips to help deter copper theft: Install protective devices on transformers and meters Illuminate area using motion sensors Install security cameras Dont leave equipment or metals exposed To report copper theft contact PNM at 888-342-5766. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Razor wire is seen near the fence on Belarusian-Polish border in the forest near Topilo village WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland will extend the implementation of a buffer zone on its border with Belarus for 90 days, the interior ministry said on Tuesday, adding that the measure had been effective in reducing illegal migration. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European coalition government reintroduced a no-go zone on a 60-kilometre (37 mile) stretch of the border in June after a surge in attempts by migrants to cross and a string of violent incidents, one of which resulted in a soldier being killed. The border has been a flashpoint since migrants started flocking there in 2021, after Belarus, a close Russian ally, reportedly opened travel agencies in the Middle East to offer a new unofficial route into Europe - a move the European Union said was designed to create a crisis. "The zone has brought concrete, positive results," Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said in a statement. "It is primarily aimed at people smugglers who pick up people who are smuggled across the border." The interior ministry said the number of attempts to cross the border illegally had fallen by 64% since the zone was introduced. The extension will come into effect on Wednesday. Human rights organisations have criticised the policy, saying it impedes efforts by aid workers to help migrants, including women and children, trapped on the border. Poland's nationalist opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party accused the government of hypocrisy for introducing a buffer zone after having criticised the policy while in opposition. Tusk said on Tuesday Poland needed more support in its efforts to secure the eastern frontier, as he criticised a German decision to tighten controls on its land borders. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Gareth Jones) German police conduct random checks at border with Austria, soon to be introduced at all land frontiers By Barbara Erling WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticised a decision by Germany to tighten controls on its land borders, calling on Tuesday for urgent consultations with other affected countries and more support for Warsaw's own immigration policies. Relations between Poland and Germany have become warmer since Tusk's pro-European coalition came to power in December, but there is exasperation in Warsaw at Berlin's reluctance to commit to joint European Union financing for defence and strengthening the bloc's eastern border. Poland has been facing what it says is a migrant crisis orchestrated by Belarus and Russia on its eastern border since 2021. With Germany seeking to toughen its stance on immigration following a surge in arrivals, Berlin on Monday announced plans to impose tighter controls at all of the country's land borders, which would normally be part of the Schengen free-movement zone, for six months starting on Sept. 16. "Such actions are unacceptable from the Polish point of view," Tusk told a meeting of Polish ambassadors in Warsaw. "Today we need full support from Germany and the entire EU when it comes to help in organising, financing, arming the eastern border, also in the context of illegal migration." He said that what Poland needed was not tighter controls on its border with Germany, but more engagement from Berlin and others in securing the EU's external border. "In the coming hours we will contact other countries affected by Berlin's decisions for urgent consultations on action on the EU level," he said. The German interior ministry did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment. Tusk said that the decision was a reaction to failed German policies on immigration from the past, not to failures from Poland's side. Recent deadly knife attacks in Germany in which the suspects were asylum seekers have stoked concerns over immigration. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a knife attack in the western city of Solingen that killed three people in August. Germany's AfD earlier this month became the first far-right party since World War Two to win a state election, in Thuringia, after campaigning heavily on the issue of migration. (Reporting by Barbara Erling, Alan Charlish, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk in Warsaw, Miranda Murray in Berlin; Editing by Hugh Lawson) A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the four private astronauts of the Polaris Dawn mission has launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the early hours of September 10 after a few weeks of delays. The mission was scheduled to lift off at the end of August but was postponed first due to technical issues, then because of poor weather conditions forecasted for the crews return. On board are Jared Isaacman the billionaire who funded the mission retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott Kidd Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Theyll attempt several firsts during the five-day flight, including the first-ever commercial spacewalk. That attempt will also mark the first spacewalk from a Dragon capsule. Among Polaris Dawn's other goals is to send its crew farther than anyone has traveled since the Apollo program, targeting an altitude of about 870 miles from Earth. The journey will take the capsule and its crew briefly into the Van Allen radiation belt. The @PolarisPrograms Polaris Dawn mission will be the first crew to perform a spacewalk from Dragon, fly higher in Earths orbit than anyone since the Apollo program, test laser-based @Starlink communications, and conduct research to help provide insight on human health during pic.twitter.com/RW387QWShY SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 22, 2024 Polaris Dawn is meant to be the first of three human spaceflight missions under Isaacmans Polaris Program. Its crew will put SpaceXs new Extravehicular Activity space suit to its most important test yet, as theyll all wear it for protection against the vacuum of space when the Dragons doors open for the spacewalk. The spacewalk will take place at an elliptical orbit roughly 435 miles above Earths surface, and two crew members will leave the capsule. SpaceX's Polaris Dawn rocket blasted off at 5.23am from its Florida base - AFP Elon Musks SpaceX has successfully launched a mission carrying a billionaire astronaut further from Earth than any human has travelled in half a century. After several delays, the US space company blasted off at 5.23am local time from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with four astronauts, including ultra-wealthy entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, aboard one of its Falcon 9 rockets on a five-day mission into space. The Polaris Dawn mission will take the crew as far from Earth as any space flight since the end of the Apollo Moon landing programme in 1972, roughly 745 miles from earth and include a spacewalk by its crew. The spacewalk will be the first on a privately-funded space mission and test several key new technologies included on the companys new space suit. After the successful launch, the astronauts will attempt the spacewalk on Thursday before returning to Earth after five days above the planet. Polaris Dawns mission commander, Mr Isaacman, is private astronaut and billionaire, performing his mission with SpaceX. The founder of tech business Shift4 payments, he has a net worth of around $2bn. The launch comes as SpaceX prepares to send humans back to the Moon for Nasas Artemis III mission, scheduled to take place in 2026. SpaceX has said the tests on Polaris Dawn are key for future missions that will carry humans to the Moon and Mars. Watch the launch as it happened in our video below: Click here to view this content. 11:04 AM BST Thats all until Thursday Polaris Dawn's mission is now well under way. SpaceX has launched a mission carrying four crew, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, which will carry humans further from Earth than any mission in 50 years. The astronauts will now travel far from the Earth before attempting a spacewalk from the crew capsule on Thursday. The crew will now begin a two day process of acclimatising to the space environment before attempting to leave the craft. They will then return home in around five days time. Dragon will initiate a two-day pre-breathe process to prepare the crew for their upcoming spacewalk on Thursday, September 12 pic.twitter.com/xxL2TRV6JX SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 10:47 AM BST Polaris Dawn launch: in pictures A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon Resilience capsule SpaceX video shows the launch of the Polaris Dawn A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon Resilience capsule A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon Resilience capsule Polaris Dawn on its way to space 10:39 AM BST SpaceX crew: God speed Polaris Dawn Frank Messina, SpaceX's launch director, says: "Each of you has trained tirelessly for this moment... The entire team back here is with you every step... God speed Polaris Dawn crew, may you history." The Polaris Dawn crew respond with a matter of fact: "We're going to get to work now." The crew will now spend five days in space conducting tests and a spacewalk. 10:37 AM BST Crew capsule separation Incredible visuals as the crew module separates from the second stage rocket as Polaris Dawn emerges into the sunrise. Now 13 minutes into the multi-day mission. 10:34 AM BST Stage one boosters land successfully Falcon 9's stage one booster rockets land safely back on their landing pads, demonstrating their reusability once again. It comes after a previous mission ended with the destruction of one of the rocket's boosters after it fell over on landing. The landing prompts a huge cheer from the SpaceX team on the ground. 10:27 AM BST Stage separation Falcon 9s first booster stage disconnects and falls back towards Earth. The second stage lights up. Everything appears nominal with the Crew module. Now onto seeing whether Falcon 9's booster rockets can return to Earth and land safely on a droneship in the ocean. 10:25 AM BST Falcon 9 is supersonic A thumbs up from Jared Isaacman as the Falcon 9 passes the moment of Max-Q - or maximum strain. 10:24 AM BST Blast off! Polaris Dawn flies off into the night... SpaceX Polaris Dawn blasts off - AFP 10:23 AM BST SpaceX is go for launch T-Minus 30 seconds 10:22 AM BST T-Minus 2 minutes Liquid oxygen loading complete. 10:14 AM BST T-Minus 10 minutes After weeks of delays, Polaris Dawn should be launching in a few minutes. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon carrying Polaris Dawn - AFP 10:10 AM BST Falcon 9 propellant load in progress The SpaceX rocket's propellant load is underway and the crew's emergency escape system has been armed. T-35 minutes until liftoff. Propellant load of Falcon 9 is underway and Dragon's escape system is armed SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 10:08 AM BST First private space walk on Polaris Dawn While today we will be watching Polaris Dawn finally blast off, perhaps the most exciting element of the mission will be the first privately funded spacewalk. Hundreds of miles above the Earth, the two of the SpaceX crew will test the companys new EVA - or extra-vehicular activity - suits, emerging from their Dragon crew capsule. SpaceX says: The EVA suit provides greater mobility, a state-of-the-art helmet heads-up display (HUD) and camera, new thermal management textiles, and materials borrowed from Falcons interstage and Dragons trunk. All of these enhancements to the EVA suit are part of a scalable design, allowing teams to produce and scale to different body types as SpaceX seeks to create greater accessibility to space for all of humanity. 09:58 AM BST Who are the Polaris Dawn crew? Polaris Dawns mission commander is private astronaut and billionaire Jared Isaacman. The launch is his second spaceflight, having flown with SpaceX on its Inspiration4 mission in 2021. The founder of Shift4 payments, he has a net worth of around $2bn. He is an accomplished pilot with over 7,000 hours of flying and owns the worlds largest private fighter jet fleet, the Black Diamond Jet Team, which conducts acrobatic demonstrations. He is joined by Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel with 3,200 hours of flying experience on military jets and 400 hours of combat experience. Also on board is Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer and mission specialist who has previously trained astronauts for their flights on the companys rockets. She will conduct a spacewalk with Isaacman. The final crew member is Anna Menon, a SpaceX engineer and the flights medical officer. She has worked on mission control for multiple NASA and SpaceX missions. Polaris Dawn is go for launch pic.twitter.com/tx1gUyZjZr SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 09:48 AM BST Polaris Dawn mission aims The aim of the mission is to carry astronauts further from Earth than any human since Nasas Moon landing programme ended in 1972. Polaris Dawn will peak at an apogee of 745 miles from Earth. The launch will take place using one of SpaceXs Falcon 9 vehicles, its workhorse rocket which is smaller than its experimental Starship superheavy. That is about hundreds of miles above the international space station, with SpaceX planning its first ever space walk in new space suits designed for its future missions to the Moon. It is still hundreds of thousands of miles from the Moon, which orbits the Earth at an average distance of 238,855 miles. The rocket will travel through the radioactive Van Allen belt and conduct research on the impact of its radiation on humans. The crew will also be wearing new space suits developed by SpaceX. They will attempt the first ever all-civilian space walk, conducted by Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, at around 435 miles above the Earth. SpaceX says of the suit: Building a base on the Moon and a city on Mars will require millions of spacesuits. The development of this suit and the execution of the spacewalk will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions as life becomes multiplanetary. Just over an hour to go before liftoff https://t.co/E1gCss8TUv Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 10, 2024 09:46 AM BST Good morning Welcome and thank you for joining us in following SpaceXs latest mission. Todays Polaris Dawn launch is due to take place in under an hour, with the Falcon 9 rocket blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket will carry four astronauts on a privately funded space mission, backed by billionaire astronaut and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Reports said police arrested a woman Monday evening for firing a gun in the parking lot of a South Side bar and that she picked up additional charges after she was combative with police at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Tierea Jennings, 29, is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in municipal court on charges of felonious assault, a second-degree felony; and assault, a fifth-degree felony. She is presently in the Mahoning County Jail. Jennings was arrested after police were called about 9:15 p.m. to a 1508 Glenwood Ave. bar for a report of a fight with gunfire. Reports said when they arrived, a woman told them she had been arguing with her sister, later identified as Jennings, and the two physically fought in the parking lot before Jennings pulled a gun and pointed it at the victims head. The two fought some more before Jennings fired several shots in the air, reports said. Reports said several patrons managed to pry the gun away from Jennings and throw it into the woods. Police could not find the gun, but they did find several 9mm shell casings in the parking lot, reports said. Reports said Jennings argued with her mother while police were investigating and appeared to be very drunk. At the hospital, where she was being treated for cuts on her face, she was combative with a city police officer there which led to the assault charge, reports said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Officers took Colt at his word last year that he didnt threaten to shoot up school. Body camera footage released Monday showed the interview between Georgia police and suspected school shooter Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, as part of a 2023 investigation. Colt, who was then 13, was interviewed after the FBI received anonymous tips that someone was threatening to shoot up a nearby school with an AR-style rifle and shotgun. The footage, which has been shared across news outlets and social media, shows Colt denying to police that he made the threats on Discord, a social media site. Colin tells officers that while Colt has access to unloaded hunting rifles in the house, he is learning about firearms and safety. The father also acknowledges that we do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting. During the interview, Colin says he knows nothing about Colt making threats and expresses concern, saying, Im going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away and they wont be accessible to him. Colin also tells officers that he and Colt had discussed school shootings in the past and that "he's getting picked on at school." Police, in the bodycam footage, tell the Grays they have no choice but to take Colt at his word that he did not make the threats. Colt and his father have both been arrested and charged in the Sept. 4 shooting that killed four and injured nine at Apalachee High School. In text messages shared with Yahoo News between officers from the day they visited the Gray residence, there is mention of the specific FBI tip about the AR-style rifle. Police have said an AR-style semiautomatic rifle was used in last weeks shootings. Later in the text conversation, Capt. Kelly LaCount asked, Did he have an AR-15? to which former Capt. Dale Dillow replied, Only hunting rifles. When asked whether the officers physically searched the property, Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum told Yahoo News, The bodycam shows what was done. Questions and concerns remain on whether school officials mishandled warnings of a potential school shooting, especially as Colts mother, Marcee Gray, and other family members have spoken out about being in contact with the school as recently as 30 minutes before the shooting happened. Apalachee High School and the Barrow County Sheriff's office did not immediately respond to Yahoo News request for comment. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation directed Yahoo News to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office, which did not immediately respond. Marcee Gray told family members over the weekend that she had called Apalachee the morning of Sept. 4 to warn a counselor about her son, the Washington Post reported. She allegedly made the 10-minute call to the school around 9:50 a.m. while at her fathers house in Fitzgerald, Ga., CNN reported, which is about a three-and-a-half hour drive away. Marcees father, Charles Polhamus, told CNN that he was next to her when she got a text from Colt that morning saying, Im sorry, mom. Its not clear whether the message is what made her decide to call the school counselor. Annie Brown, Marcee's sister, told the Washington Post that the counselor told Marcee during the call that Colt had been talking about a school shooting that morning. The school and family had been in contact about concerns about Colts mental health a week before the shooting. Lyela Sayarath, a student who was in Colts class at the time of the shooting, told the Washington Post that a school administrator visited the classroom that morning, but there had been some confusion about Colt and another student who had a similar name. Neither student was in the room at the time the administrator came by, and the administrator had left with a backpack belonging to the wrong student. I am so, so sorry and can not fathom the pain and suffering they are going through right now, Marcee Gray told the Washington Post. A since-deleted Facebook post that Brown, the aunt, posted on the afternoon of Sept. 4 was discovered by the Daily Beast. In it, Brown said, Just check yourself before you speak about a child that never asked to deal with the bullshit he saw on a daily basis. Correction, Sept. 10, 11:12 a.m.: Due to a miscommunication with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, an earlier version of this story misstated the nature of the body cam footage released by the sheriff's office. The footage was from the 2023 investigation into the Grays. A crew uses construction equipment to clear out items left behind during a sweep of a homeless encampment in Denver in June. (The Gazette file) HAZARD, Ky. (FOX 56) A man is dead after a trooper-involved shooting in Knott County on Monday. Kentucky State Police said the shooting happened around 8:06 a.m. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: A man was declared dead by the Knott County Coroner at a home in the Litcaarr community. Kentucky State Polices Critical Incident Response Team is currently investigating the shooting. No other injuries were reported. Kentucky State Police are responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings in the Commonwealth. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Cobb County police have launched an investigation after an unidentified man shouted anti-Semitic slurs directed at a Jewish board member during Mondays Cobb County Board of Elections meeting. The election board was holding its monthly meeting when someone in the crowd shouted Heil Hitler! Heil Hitler! The comments came just moments after a Cobb County resident criticized board member Jennifer Mosbacher, who is Jewish, for her decision to not stand during the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Chair Tori Silas, who is not Jewish, was also offended by the comments and tried to identify the man in the crowd who made them. Im sorry, we are going to stop this proceeding, Silas said following the incident. That is extremely unacceptable. I believe I saw who said it. If youre proud enough to say it out loud, stand behind whatever you said and remove yourself from the room now, she added. Mosbacher also tried to identify the man who refused to leave the public meeting. Excuse me. Im a Jewish member of this board, she shouted. Who said that? Board members continued to ask the man to leave the room, but he when didnt listen, the board voted 4-0-1 in favor of ending the meeting. The only board member who abstained from the vote was Debbie Fisher. TRENDING STORIES: Channel 2 Action News reached out to Fisher to ask her why she decided to abstain from the vote. So far we have not received a response from her. We also spoke with board member Stacy Efrat about the incident. Whether its anti-semitic remarks or racist remarks or any hateful remarks about any marginalized group is completely unacceptable, said Efrat, who is also Jewish. Im very angry because I love our country. I love that we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion and that America is the melting pot, and I believe that we can disagree on policies, and politics, and have discussions and debates. Rabbi Dan Dorsch, of Congregation Etz Chaim, was not at the meeting but he watched the video after he started receiving calls from concerned community members. To hear that that was taking place and that there was antisemitism mixed in with a political site with a place of politics rub me the wrong way, he said. It made me feel very uncomfortable as a Jewish person living here. We have got to remember that we all share this country and this space together and each and every one of us has a responsibility to speak out against hate, he added. When we see it, there needs to be no place for hate in our communities, especially in Cobb County. " As of Tuesday afternoon, it remained unclear if the board would call another special meeting ahead of its Sept. 30 meeting. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Cobb County Police Department sent the following statement regarding the incident: There is an active investigation into the disruptive incident which occurred at last evenings board of elections meeting, according to the statement. Additionally, efforts are still ongoing to identify the man involved. At this point, no charges have been filed. IN OTHER NEWS: SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Sioux Falls School District and police are investigating threats made on social media regarding school safety. School officials said in a Tuesday email to parents that law enforcement has confirmed the social media post circulating on Monday was not created locally. The email said it was a copycat of a message that was showing up in other states. School officials sent an email to parents Tuesday that said school was on time. On Monday, police were visiting the homes of students whove reposted the threat. Murder suspect held on $1 million cash only bond The school is asking parents to talk with their kids about not reposting such remarks. Law enforcement in several states are also dealing with similar 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 KELOLAND.com. Footage has emerged of the 14-year-old suspect in a Georgia school shooting being interviewed by police over online threats of a similar attack more than a year ago. Deputies with Jackson Countys Sheriffs Office in Winder, Georgia, visited the home of Colt Gray, then 13, in May 2023 following a tip-off from the FBI that somebody had posted on Discord about planning to shoot up a middle school tomorrow. Gray has now been charged with the murder of four peopletwo students, and two teachersin a shooting spree that also saw nine others wounded at the towns Apalachee High School. Local police say Gray has admitted I did it while being interrogated after his arrest on September 4, while his mother has claimed to have warned the school around half an hour before the attack took place. Georgia Gunmans Mother Says She Warned School About Rampage In the bodycam footage of the 2023 visitreleased by the sheriffs office on Monday, and shared online by NBC and other outletsGray denied posting the comments on Discord, assuring them: I would never say something like that, and insisting that he had deleted his account on the chat platform several months earlier. One of the deputies responded by telling the teenager: I got no choice but to take you at your word right now, but like I was telling your dad if we found out otherwise, then its a different story. Colts father, Colin Gray also appears in the footage, telling officers that despite being bullied his son was doing really good at school. Colin Gray has since been arrested on four counts of manslaughter, two of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children in the wake of the killings earlier this month. The father told officers during the visit last year that his son had been struggling with family-related stress at the time, following his parents separation and subsequent eviction from their home. He added that hed been training his son in the responsible use of firearms, taking him on hunting trips in an effort to get him out of the house and to stop playing video games. We do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting. He shot his first deer this year, Gray is heard to say in a longer clip of the interview, shared by CNN. I dont know anything about him saying sh-t like that [but] Im gonna be mad as hell if he did, he added. Colts grandfather, Charles Polhamus, has since described Colin as evil, alleging he drove the 14-year-old to do what he did last week through a relentless campaign of psychological and physical abuse. His aunt, Annie Polhaumus Brown, has also spoken about her nephews troubled childhood, and vowed to stand by him at trial. If convicted, Colt faces up to life in prison, with his father facing a maximum total of 180 years behind bars. 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. Police rescue baby turtles near Florida parking lot NAPLES, Fla. (WFLA) Newly hatched baby turtles were rescued from a Florida parking lot last month, the Naples Police Department announced. In a video shared on the departments Facebook page, Master Officer Jesse Granese, Officer Yasmin Pacheco, and Officer Kylie Goodbred are seen helping the new hatchlings make their way into the ocean. Late Saturday night, several newly hatched baby turtles were found near the parking lot of Via Miramar Beach, heading in the opposite direction of the water due to the lack of moonlight, the Facebook post reads. Master Officer Jesse Granese, Officer Yasmin Pacheco, and Officer Kylie Goodbred assisted with turning the confused hatchlings around and guiding them to the ocean. It is currently the nesting season for sea turtles in Florida, which runs annually from March through October according to Florida State Parks. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police respond to possible explosive device found at NW OKC home UPDATE @ 5:12 P.M. Police have given the all-clear after the bomb squad determined the object was not an explosive. According to a bomb squad supervisor, the device was a novelty alarm clock made to look like sticks of dynamite with wires. ORIGINAL STORY OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City Police have closed off a section of St. Clair Avenue near NW 10th and Portland on Tuesday afternoon after an area resident says they found a possible explosive device at her home. According to police, a woman who recently bought a home in the neighborhood was cleaning things out when she found an object that resembled a bomb before calling 911. The police bomb squad reportedly arrived at the scene just before 4:15 p.m. to assess the situation. News 4 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Dayton Police Department is asking for your help to identify a man accused of robbing a woman Monday. According to Dayton Police, the unidentified man in the surveillance footage, along with another individual, are accused of robbing a 73-year-old woman just before 3:50 p.m. on Sept. 9. Police claim the alleged robbery occurred in the 2400 block of South Smithville Road in Dayton. OSP: 38 drivers cited in 1 day for traveling 100+ mph in Ohio Dayton Police Department Authorities claim the man in the photo is believed by police to be the driver of the vehicle that dragged the woman, while someone else reportedly pinned the womans arm in the vehicles door. The pictured suspect is the driver of the vehicle that dragged the victim approximately six feet while another suspect pinned her arm in the car door, said the Dayton Police Department. If you have information relating to the identity of the person or incident, you are asked to call Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-7867. You can remain anonymous. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Police: Suspect in San Antonio deadly shooting may be in Austin AUSTIN (KXAN) San Antonio police believe a suspect connected to a deadly shooting that happened in July may be in Austin. According to the San Antonio Police Department, the shooting happened around 9:37 p.m. on July 7 at the Sonic Drive-In located at 5510 Babcock Road in San Antonio. SAPD and EMS responded and located a victim, identified as Daniel Lacy Shrewsbury, who was the manager of the Sonic location. Police said he had been shot in the chest and died on the scene. Police said Shrewsbury was shot by a customer, identified as Adiah Namir Roberson. SAPD said she had, created a disturbance over counterfeit money she had passed and stealing money, according to a release from SAPD. The Austin Police Department is helping the San Antonio Police Department in trying to locate a homicide suspect connected to a deadly shooting that happened at a Sonic Drive-In in San Antonio July 7, 2024. (San Antonio Police Department Photo) According to the release, when Shrewsbury was arriving to work, he learned that Roberson had taken money from an employee. Shrewsbury went outside to take a photo of the suspect vehicles license plate, and the person who was with Roberson became upset and threatened to assault Shrewsbury and warned him he was going to get shot, according to SAPD. Roberson then exited the suspect vehicle with a gun and shot Shrewsbury, according to SAPD. A homicide arrest warrant was issued for Roberson. According to SAPD, Roberson has eluded law enforcement since then. SAPD said Roberson is wanted for Murder and Forgery Govt/National Inst/Money/Security. Police are looking for information on Robersons whereabouts and believe she may be in Austin. San Antonio Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to felony arrests in this crime. Anyone with information may submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. 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 KXAN Austin. A Columbus man is believed to have shot and killed his girlfriend during an argument on the city's Northeast Side Monday night before shooting himself, according to records obtained by the Columbus Dispatch. Kristian Hives, 31, and Nicole Pannell, 41, both Columbus residents, were found suffering from gunshot wounds after officers responded to a shooting report on the 5900 block of Pine Rise Court at about 11:14 p.m. Monday, police said. Hives was found in the backyard, and Pannell was found inside the house, according to a Columbus police news release. Pannell's son called 911 after he heard Pannell and Hives fighting and several gunshots, and his mother screaming. Hives was her boyfriend, and the argument seemed to come "out of the blue," he said. "I never knew they were having any problems," the son told a dispatcher. The son ran out of the house and hid behind a bush a few houses down to call police, according to the call. Hives and Pannell were pronounced dead at the scene by EMS just after 11:30 p.m. Investigators believe the two died in a murder-suicide, with Hives shooting Pannell and then himself, according to the incident report. Hives was found with a gunshot wound to his head. Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Detective Zimmer at 614-645-4217 or provide an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. bagallion@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police: Nicole Pannell, 41, dead in suspected-murder suicide Vice President Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential hopeful (left) and former President Donald Trump, who is the Republican nominee. (Jonathan Ernst/Scott Olson/Getty Images) As Vice President Kamala Harris gears up to debate former President Donald Trump at what may be their only presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, new polling shows the Democrat with a significant lead over the Republican nominee in Virginia. A poll by Morning Consult conducted between Aug. 30 and Sept. 8 among 498 likely voters and published Monday has Harris up by 10 percentage points (52-42%) over Trump in the commonwealth roughly the same margin by which Democrat Joe Biden defeated the then-incumbent in 2020 (54-44%). Among self-identified independent voters, Harris leads Trump by eight points, or 48-40%. The survey signals better news for the Harris campaign than a Roanoke College poll released last month, which had the vice president ahead by just three points (47-44%) and within the margin of error. It also marks a substantial improvement compared to an earlier poll from May that had Biden and Trump tied by 42-42% in a head-to-head matchup, putting Virginia in play for Republicans for the first time in years. For a brief moment, when Biden was at his lowest, it was possible to believe that Virginia would be competitive, said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. While we always want to see more polling, Id say a lead of +10 for Harris strongly suggests Virginia is headed for a fifth Democratic presidential victory, Sabato said, adding that other in-reach states for Trump, such as Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New Mexico, have disappeared from the discussion since Harris entered the race. Jeff Ryer, a spokesman for the Trump campaign in Virginia, said in an email that the new polls are in no way reflective of what were hearing at the doors and on the phones from the tens of thousands Virginia voters our thousands of volunteers have personally contacted. And since the Democrats have confirmed they have 25 offices and 132 staffers on the ground in Virginia, its obviously not what they are hearing either, Ryer said. A spokesman from the Harris campaign declined to comment. Nationally, the Morning Consult poll finds Harris leading Trump by just three percentage points (49% to 46%), which is roughly in line with the surveys results among registered voters in the previous weeks. The survey also found that Harris popularity has declined a bit among likely voters over the past week, with voters just one point more likely to hold favorable opinions about her than unfavorable ones (50% to 49%). But nationwide Harris remains more popular than Trump, whose net favorability rating is 10 points underwater, as she continues to receive more positive news coverage than the former president has ever received in Morning Consults tracking dating back to November 2022. A new Washington Post-Schar School poll released Tuesday morning has Harris ahead of Trump by eight percentage points (50-42%), largely owed to an 18-point advantage among women voters and by a sense of unity among Democrats. The survey also found that 53% of Virginia voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former president, while 39% view him more favorably. In contrast, Harris enjoys a 49% favorability rating, with 42% of voters finding her unfavorable. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is also ahead of his Republican challenger, former Navy Capt. Hung Cao, by 12 points, or 53-41%, the poll says. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Assyrians Celebrate Feast of the Cross in North Iraq The Feast of the Cross has brought Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac Christians together from different churches throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Hundreds of Christians flocked to Saint John the Baptist Assyrian Church of the East in the predominantly-Christian district of Ainkawa in Erbil to celebrate one of the most important commemorations in Christian liturgical calendar. Christians of various backgrounds in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are coming together to celebrate the feast from Monday through Saturday with festivities taking place in a different church each day. "Churches used to celebrate this commemoration separately every year," Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda told Rudaw. "But it was different this year. People from all churches are here in Erbil's Ainkawa." A large cross made its way to Saint John's Church on Monday, accompanied by clergy and the faithful, who were carrying lit candles and singing. Just outside the church, people held cultural festivities, where locals sold garments and adornments. "I was indeed very happy that I took part in this celebration. This festival is very important to us. It was very timely and the things I'm showcasing are T-shirts and flags and so on." said Brita Mouneer, a Christian in Ainkawa. Honoring the cross on which Christians believe Jesus Christ was crucified, the feast follows the Christian liturgical calendar. The event, also called The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is celebrated most commonly on September 14 or 27 per the Gregorian or Julian calendars. "Hopefully it brings peace and no misfortune will happen to us. Hopefully, we will maintain this prosperity," said Martina Fakhri, a Christian at the feast. Iraq's Christian community has been devastated in the past two decades. Following the US-led international coalition invasion in 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee; the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014 hit already-vulnerable minority groups like the Christians especially hard. Lacking recent and reliable census data, fewer than 300,000 Christians remain in Iraq, Archbishop Warda told Rudaw in 2022. Translation by Rekar Aziz. Charlie Danaher is the founder of Danaher Cryogenics, a father of five and a mechanical engineer. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say they are part of the working class. And Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say they are union members. Unions still enjoy broad support in the U.S., but there are some partisan differences. It is not a novel observation to note a shift in who says they are part of the working class. 2012 was the high point for Democrats who identified as part of the working class (49%), according to Gallup. Twelve years later in 2024, 35% of Democrats identify that way. But a near-majority of Republicans say they are working class now. Another poll taken in 2024 of 8,638 U.S. adults found 62% of Republicans and 48% of Democrats say they are working class. But there is another trend changes in party affiliation and union membership. At least 71,114 adults were surveyed each year since 2017 by Morning Consult. When the polling first started in 2017, 40% of union members said they were Democrats and 30% said they were Republicans. By 2023, those numbers shifted a very slight majority (51% 1% margin of error) of union members said they were Democrats and only 23% said they were Republicans. In fact, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows union membership has hit a low point since 1985. It used to be 20% then, but its dropped to around 10%. Gallup data shows the majority of workers are not interested at all in joining a union. So, why then do unions have broad support? There is polling data showing more specifically why people support union the functions of unions that they feel are important. When asked to select the most important reasons for joining a labor union, two got more than 50% support: better pay and benefits as well as employee representation. The four reasons that were selected the least (25% or less) were improving the work environment, fairness and equality at work, health and safety and positive effect on the country, according to Gallup. Why some people dont want to join unions Survey data explaining why Americans are not joining unions isnt common. But there is one survey that explores these attitudes more. American Compass, a right-leaning think tank, in partnership with YouGov, surveyed 3,000 working-age adults in the U.S. about their attitudes toward unions. When asked why American workers vote against labor unions, 75% said union political activity, 73% said member dues and 66% said union corruption. The sample size for this particular question was small (141). More potential union member respondents (523) answered a question about what political issues they wanted unions to speak out on. No issue was ranked more than 45% workplace health and safety. Minimum wage and social security/retirement were the only other issues to receive more than 40%. The union activity most important to American workers was collective bargaining followed by benefits and training. Politics and social activism were considered the least important. Union members (34%) were more likely than non-union members (26%) to say they want their unions to engage in national politics and workplace issues. The sample size on this question was more than 2,000. Seventy-four percent of all potential union members said they wanted unions to focus on workplace issues only. More broadly, this polling data also showed middle and upper-class Democrats had the most favorable views of labors unions whereas lower and working-class adults had less favorable views. Most lower and working-class Americans also say they either want politicians to ignore labor unions or dont care what politicians say; when it comes to specific organizing efforts though, the vast majority of workers say that politicians should support the effort, including majorities of lower and working-class Republicans, said the report. Approval or disapproval depends on union type Since Gallup started tracking public onion on approval of labor unions, there has been only one year where a majority of Republicans said they approved of labor unions and that was 2022. In 2024, Republican approval sits at 49% while the overwhelming majority of Democrats at 94% say they approve of labor unions. The majority of Democrats have supported labor unions since 2002. Republicans have more variance on the kinds of unions they support compared to Democrats, according to a 2024 YouGov poll of 1,130 U.S. adults (4% margin of error). For all types of unions listed (labor, auto workers, actors, electricians, firefighters, postal workers, etc.), Democrats supported them at rates higher than 65% that is, except for police unions, which received 58%. Unions for firefighters, nurses, electricians, construction workers, railroad workers and police were the only ones the majority of Republicans said they favorably viewed. Actors, journalists, screenwriters, university instructors and government employees unions had particularly low approval rating among Republicans. Other survey data from Pew Research shows a majority of Republicans (61%) say unions have a negative impact on the country (conservatives are even more likely to say that at 69%). The majority of Democrats think unions have a positive impact on the country. Even the majority of Republicans who are not college graduates say the reduction in unions has been good for the country, according to Pew. That is significantly higher than both the total average of people surveyed (39%) and Democrats (30%). What about the working class? The Progressive Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, commissioned a report in partnership with YouGov aimed at better understanding the working class. This report shed light on what the working class thinks of unions. Sixty-eight percent said the Democratic Party is heavily influenced by special interests like public sector unions, environmental activists and academics. Only 1% of respondents said the most significant challenge facing the U.S. economy today was not enough workers are unionized. When working class voters were asked to choose what would help working people the most: a federal government push for stronger labor unions, student loan forgiveness for college students or more public investment in apprenticeships and career pathways to help non-college workers acquire better skills, only 15% said a push for labor unions. Pollution of the potent warming gas methane soars and people are mostly to blame FILE - A wastepicker walks past on a pile of garbage at a landfill in Depok on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, File) The amount and proportion of the powerful heat-trapping gas methane that humans spew into the atmosphere is rising, helping to turbocharge climate change, a new study finds. Tuesdays study finds that in 2020, the last year complete data is available, the world put 670 million tons (608 million metric tons) of methane in the air, up nearly 12% from 2000. An even more significant finding in the study in Environmental Research Letters was the source of those emissions: those from humans jumped almost 18% in two decades, while natural emissions, mostly from wetlands, inched up just 2% in the same time. Methane levels in the air are now 2.6 times higher than in pre-industrial times, the study said. Methane levels in the air had plateaued for a while in the early 2000s, but now are soaring. Humans cause methane emissions by burning fossil fuels, engaging in large-scale agriculture and filling up landfills. Methane is a climate menace that the world is ignoring, study lead author Rob Jackson, head of the Global Carbon Project, which is a group of scientists who monitor greenhouse gas emissions yearly. Methane has risen far more and much faster than carbon dioxide." Carbon dioxide is still the biggest threat, said Jackson, a Stanford University climate scientist. Humans, mostly through the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, put 60 times more carbon dioxide in the air than methane and it lasts thousands of years. Because methane leave the atmosphere in about a decade, it's a powerful lever that humans can use to fight climate change, Jackson said. That's because cutting it could yield relatively quick benefits. In 2000, 60% of the methane spewed into the air came from direct human activity. Now it's 65%, the study found. It's a very worrying paper, but actually not a big surprise unfortunately, said climate scientist Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, who wasn't part of the research. He said for the world to keep warming to an agreed-upon limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times, the world needs to cut carbon dioxide emissions nearly in half and methane by more than one-third. But Jackson said the current trend with methane emissions has the world on target for warming of 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit), twice the goal of the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Jackson's study mostly focused on where the methane is coming from, both by location and source. Geographically, everywhere but Europe is increasing in human-caused methane emissions, with large jumps in Asia, especially China and India, Jackson said. In the last 20 years, methane emissions from coal mining, oil and gas have jumped 33%, while landfill and waste increased 20% and agriculture emissions rose 14%, according to the study. The biggest single human-connected source of emissions are cows, Jackson said. Cornell University climate scientist Robert Howarth faulted the study for not sufficiently emphasizing methane emissions from the boom in shale gas drilling, known as fracking. He said that boom began in 2005 and coincided with a sharp rise in methane emissions, including a spike of about 13 million tons (11.7 million metric tons) in the United States alone since then. Jackson said the rise in natural methane from tropical wetlands was triggered by warmer temperatures that caused microbes to spew more gas. He called it disturbing because we don't have any way of reducing those emissions. In 2021, countries promised to do something about methane, but it's not working yet, Jackson said. Though Jackson's data runs only through 2020, he said global monitoring of methane levels in the air show that we know that concentrations in the last four or five years rose faster than at any time in the instrument record. So that alone tells us that the global methane pledge is not having a substantive effect on methane emissions and concentrations, he said. University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver, who wasn't part of the research, said, we have a lot more work to do if we want to avoid the most dire consequences of global warming. ___ Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment ___ Follow Seth Borenstein on X at @borenbears ______ The Associated Press climate and environmental 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. Almost half the population of East Timor gathered this week for an outdoor mass held by Pope Francis. The pontiff held East Timor's first papal mass on Monday with over 600,000 worshipers in attendance a jaw-dropping turn-out for a country with a population of approximately 1.3 million. "May the faith, which has enlightened and sustained you in the past, continue to inspire your present and future," Pope Francis told the gathered crowds. "May your faith be your culture, may it inspire principles, projects and choices in conformity with the Gospel". POPE FRANCIS CALLS OUT LACK OF PARENTS, LAMENTS MANY ADULTS 'HAVE A CAT OR A LITTLE DOG INSTEAD OF A CHILD' Faithful react during the holy mass led by Pope Francis at the Esplanade of Tasitolu in Dili, East Timor. Officials sometimes refer to East Timor as the second-most Catholic country in the world, beside Vatican City a claim that's more serious than in jest. Over 97% of the East Timorese people are Catholic and the faith is a foundational bedrock of the national culture. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The pope's arrival in East Timor on Monday marked the first papal visit to the intensely Catholic country since it became independent of Indonesia in 2002. HOLY SEE URGES 'MORATORIUM' ON DEVELOPMENT OF AUTONOMOUS KILLING WEAPONS AT UNITED NATIONS Pope Francis participates in a holy mass for the people of East Timor, one of the most devoutly Catholic countries in the world. It was the first visit of a reigning pontiff to the region since the Timorese people won independence in 2002. Pope St. John Paul II visited the region in 1999 to support the Catholic population during their struggle for independence. Activists at the time faced violent suppression and persecution from Indonesian authorities the pope's visit marked a major shift in global attention towards the plight of the Timorese. During his Monday visit, Pope Francis praised the Timorese people for their high birthrate and increasingly youthful population an average of almost seven children per mother. POPE FRANCIS CALLS LIBERALIZATION OF DRUG LAWS A 'FANTASY' AND BRANDS TRAFFICKERS AS 'MURDERERS' "I wish for you peace, that you keep having many children, and that your smile continues to your children," Pope Francis said during the mass. Pope Francis's stop in East Timor is part of his ongoing apostolic journey across four countries between Sept. 2 and Sept. 13. The pontiff has already completed his visits to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Following his departure from East Timor, the Holy Father is headed to Singapore for the final leg of his apostolic journey. Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after leading holy mass at the Esplanade of Tasitolu. The pontiff is currently traveling on an apostolic journey across four countries in Asia and Oceania. It is the forty-fifth apostolic journey of his pontificate. This is the 45th apostolic journey of Pope Francis' reign. His pontificate has been defined by the Holy See's outreach to Catholics in regions normally outside the attention of the Catholic leadership. His trip to Indonesia, the largest population of Muslims in the world, was undertaken for the benefit of just 3% of Indonesians who are members of the Catholic Church. The largest papal event by sheer attendance ever recorded was Pope Francis' 2015 mass in Manila, which drew between six million and seven million worshipers. Original article source: Pope Francis mass draws 600K, nearly half the population of East Timor Itinerary of Pope Francis during his 12-day visit in Southeast Asia, and Catholic populations in Indonesia, Singapore, Timor-Leste and PNG. (Thierno TOURE) (Thierno TOURE/AFP/AFP) Pope Francis celebrated a mass for hundreds of thousands of faithful in East Timor on Tuesday, rallying nearly half the population of the world's most Catholic country outside the Vatican in stifling tropical heat. Pilgrims clamoured to catch a glimpse of the 87-year-old pontiff who appeared in good spirits, greeting him with a rapturous reception in a wide coastal area of the capital Dili. Around 600,000 people out of a population of 1.3 million attended the mass, the Vatican said in a statement, citing local authorities, in the biggest turnout for a papal event by population proportion outside the Holy See. "I am so happy for everyone in East Timor. Now I want to see Papa Francisco here and give my present to Papa Francisco. I am so emotional," said Mary Michaela, 17, who attended the service. The mass was the main event of the third leg of Francis's 12-day Asia-Pacific tour, which has already taken in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and will conclude in Singapore. Francis used it to hail East Timor's birth rate. "How wonderful that here in Timor-Leste there are so many children. We can see every corner of your land teeming with life," he said. He then went off-script once the mass ended, turning to the country's rising rate of crocodile attacks to seemingly make a point about imposing values on other nations. "Be careful, because I was told that crocodiles are coming to some beaches," he told the crowd. "Be attentive to those crocodiles that want to change your culture, your history. And stay away from those crocodiles because they bite, and they bite a lot." As night fell, the elderly pontiff toured the crowd in his popemobile as the crowd shouted "Viva Papa Francesco!". Many pilgrims had arrived hours before his address to get a prime spot, waiting in the heat. They held white-and-yellow Vatican umbrellas to protect themselves from the glaring sun, while firefighters sprayed devotees with water. - Colossal crowd - Earlier on Tuesday Francis met the Catholic faithful at a cathedral, calling for the "perfume of the Gospel" to be spread against violence and a lack of respect for women. But it was the mass that energised the faithful of Asia's youngest country. "I am grateful I can join this Holy Mass regardless of my age. I don't know if I would still be able to come if the pope visited even a few years later," said 49-year-old housewife Felicidade do Rosario. Around 300,000 people had officially registered for the event, the government said. Hundreds of thousands more were estimated to have shown up, bringing the total to nearly half the country's entire population, according to the Vatican. The sheer number of people descending on Dili caused at least one local telecom company to inform customers their signal would be affected by the pope's visit. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao even got involved, joining crowds to lift spirits with a sing-along, before pouring water into the mouths of those waiting to perform for the pope. Colonel Domingos Soares, a commander of East Timor's military, told AFP 4,000 soldiers and police officers were deployed to secure the mass. This visit is only the second papal trip to East Timor, where around 98 percent of the population is Catholic, after John Paul II in 1989. - Cost criticism - On his first day in East Timor, Francis addressed the country's leaders, hailing a new era of "peace" since independence in 2002. But he also called on them to do more to prevent abuse against young people, in a nod to recent Catholic Church child abuse scandals. East Timor's capital had a $12 million makeover before the visit, including $1 million spent on an altar where the pope sat on stage next to a crucifix. The cost has attracted criticism because East Timor is one of the poorest countries in the world. Rights groups also say some makeshift homes were demolished in preparation for the mass. The government says they were erected illegally. Those who made the journey to see the pope were more optimistic about the occasion. "There are still many problems that need to be taken care of, but the pope has come here to bring joyful news," said Felix Kosat, an Indonesian Catholic priest. "So let's make changes." cmk-jfx/mtp Almost half of Timor-Leste's population turned out for the Pope's mass. [Getty Images] Some 600,000 people have gathered in a field outside Timor-Lestes capital Dili for one of the biggest masses of Pope Franciss papacy. The open-air congregation represents nearly half the population of the small Southeast Asian country - one of the most Roman Catholic places on Earth and the only Catholic-majority nation the pontiff is visiting on his Asia-Pacific tour. In anticipation of the crowds, at least one local telecom company had informed customers that their signal at the venue would be affected. Tuesday's mass is being held on disputed ground in Tasitolu, where authorities recently demolished homes and evicted nearly 90 people. "They even demolished our belongings inside the house, Zerita Correia previously told BBC News. Now we have to rent nearby because my children are still in school in this area. The move attracted strong criticism from local residents, hundreds of whom had moved there over the past decade from rural parts of the country. Many came looking for work in the capital and built basic homes in the area. The government says they are squatting and have no right to live on the land. A government minister told the BBC previously that residents had been made aware of plans to clear the area in September 2023. It is one of several controversies that has darkened the pontiffs visit another being the case of a prominent East Timorese bishop, hailed as an independence hero, who was accused of sexually abusing young boys in the country during the 1980s and 90s. The pontiff is on a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region [Getty Images] A Vatican spokesman earlier said the Church had been aware of the case against Nobel Peace Prize-winning Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo in 2019 and had imposed disciplinary measures in 2020, including restrictions on Bishop Belos movements and a ban on voluntary contact with minors. Many had wondered, however, whether the Pope would address the scandal during his time in Timor-Leste. While not mentioning that or any other case specifically, Pope Francis used his speech on Monday to call on young people to be protected from abuse, telling officials: "Let us not forget the many children and adolescents whose dignity has been violated." He then called on people to do "everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people". In an open letter, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests in Oceania said there had "still not been redress for the victims" and called on Pope Francis to use Church money to pay compensation to them. The Pope has not met with any of the victims so far. The pontiff also used his speech to praise Timor-Leste - formerly known as East Timor - for its new era of "peace and freedom", more than two decades after it achieved independence from neighbouring Indonesia. "We give thanks to the Lord, since you never lost hope while going through such a dramatic period of your history, and after dark and difficult days, a dawn of peace and freedom has finally dawned," he said. Pope Francis, who landed in Dili on Monday afternoon, will have spent less than 48 hours in Timor-Leste when he flies to Singapore on Wednesday for the last leg of his 12-day tour. The people who call the area around the Venice Beach Boardwalk home - shopkeepers, restauranteurs, musicians, artisans and locals - are a tight knit community of Angelenos who call out to each other by first names and have one another's backs. This week the neighborhood was rocked by the death of one of its most popular denizens: Hugo Aragon Hernandez, who died of a sudden heart attack that many believe stemmed from an unprovoked stabbing by an unknown assailant months ago. The suspected assailant, one area resident Kareem Akbar says, "was a scrambler," a miscreant who passed through the area hellbent on causing trouble before fleeing. He remains at large. "We are all looking for him," Akbar added. "So it's unlikely he won't be back." The stabbing happened lightening fast, a witness Bass Alas, 27, told Los Angeles. The "scrambler" had an issue with Hugo's beloved dogs Fiona and Nala who were favorites on the Boardwalk. Hugo told the assailant to back off and "Boom! The guy jabbed him real fast and was gone," said Alas. "Because of that, Hugo got an infection, and it took him." His official cause of death was a heart attack, according to a GoFundMe page. But up and down the boardwalk where his face is hanging in memoriam at well-known tourist attractions and local favorites, people believe his real cause of death was complications from the unsolved attack that took place on an unknown date a few months ago. "Hugo was a real good dude. We all loved him, and we love his sister Shorty," said Darick Breland who works with Shorty, whose real name is Rocio Hernandez. "Hugo was known throughout Venice Beach not only because of his unwavering positivity and constant smile but his deep-rooted kindness and generosity. His death has left a void that can never be filled." Hugo (left) was beloved in Venice Beach as is his sister, Rocio aka "Shorty." The neighborhood is now raising money to send his body home to Mexico. GoFundMe Hugo, Shorty and Darick have long been integral components to the heart of the beach community as managers at a well-known Boardwalk T-shirt shop at the corner of Westminster Avenue under the upscale Venice V Hotel. Outside the shop there is usually a massive hand drawn, multi-hued chalk hopscotch court that is an Instagram hotspot for tourists. But it's also a place where locals gather to shoot the shit and trade alerts about anyone who is perceived to be a danger to the community while taking in the glorious colors of the sunset that inspire Greland's chalk playground. "This neighborhood is special," said Marisela Ortiz, who welled up when hearing that Hugo had passed. "When we lose one of us everyone feels it." His family is hoping to raise enough money to send his body back to Mexico. Donations can be made at the GoFundMe page and at many local establishments in Venice. Rescue deal could see Port Talbot steel used for Ed Milibands giant wind turbines A key part of the new deal is expected to be a stronger commitment to helping former Port Talbot workers retrain or find new work - Guy Smallman/Getty Images Europe Welsh-made steel from Port Talbot could be used to build giant floating offshore wind turbines as part of a 500m government support package being finalised with ministers. Owner Tata Steel is scheduled to close the remaining blast furnaces at the South Wales industrial site. But the government deal will help secure investment in a planned 1.2bn electric arc furnace, ensuring steel production continues there. The Government will provide 500m towards the furnace, as previously announced under the Conservatives, but Whitehall and union sources said the new funding deal would build on the earlier agreement. They said this would include stronger support for laid-off workers and commitments from Tata to examine expanding Port Talbots operations in future. This could include building facilities such as a mill to produce steel plates for wind turbines, at a time when massive floating offshore wind farms are being planned in the Celtic Sea. However, this type of facility would cost hundreds of millions of pounds and is expected to create only hundreds of direct jobs at best. By comparison, the closure of the blast furnaces is expected to result in the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs. The Government has made clear that some of the money for such an investment could potentially be provided by taxpayers through a 2.5bn green steel fund. The negotiations were ongoing on Tuesday. The closure of Port Talbot's blast furnaces is expected to result in the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs - Ben Birchall/PA Parallel talks are taking place with Jingye, the Chinese owner of Scunthorpe-based British Steel which is also preparing to close its blast furnaces, but are less advanced. It comes after ministers, including Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, vowed to get a better deal for Port Talbot workers. During the general election campaign, they warned Tata not to proceed with any irreversible decisions; and after winning power in July immediately began formal talks with the steelmaking giant. Mr Reynolds is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons about the new agreement on Wednesday. One person close to the discussions insisted that the Labour Government had secured meaningful changes to the prior agreement struck with the Conservatives. They added: There are marked improvements it is not just the 500m. However, with plans to close the ageing blast furnaces already well advanced when the election was called, the source claimed ministers and the unions were limited in what they could realistically achieve. The inaction under the last government means we were to some extent timed out, they admitted. But under those circumstances, what has been achieved is good. Another person added: There are commitments on future investment that were not there before. A key part of the new deal is expected to be a stronger commitment to helping former Port Talbot workers retrain or find new work. That is reportedly at the centre of negotiations ahead of Wednesdays announcement, but it is unclear what specific concessions ministers have secured. Tatas commitments on future investment are also likely to be conditional on a favourable business case, although Labour has made clear that the company could apply for further support through the 2.5bn green steel transition fund. Last month, the Government also said it was pressing ahead with the immediate release of 13.5m from a 100m fund set up to support workers losing their jobs. Labour had previously criticised the Conservatives for not disbursing money quickly enough. The Government has contributed 80m and Tata another 20m to the fund, but as of May no cash had been spent. On Tuesday, the Department for Business and Trade said: Steel is vital for a vibrant, secure economy. Our steel sector needs a government working in partnership with trade unions and business to secure a green steel transition thats both right for the workforce and delivers economic growth. Decarbonisation does not mean deindustrialisation, and we will be working to safeguard jobs as part of these negotiations, securing the future of steelmaking communities for generations to come. Meanwhile, the Welsh Conservatives claimed Labour had come to its senses and effectively adopted the deal negotiated by the previous government, the BBC reported. Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, added: Since the election the Government has had extensive discussions with Tata and has strengthened investment assurances. Tata has now given binding commitments to work quickly to invest and unlock further investments. A spokesman for Tata said it would not be appropriate to comment in advance of any formal announcement. 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. Getty Images In the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court started allowing states what has become almost half of the country to ban all or most abortions, doctors continue to report that these laws have detrimentally changed their jobs and the quality of care they can provide pregnant patients. A research team led by Dr. Daniel Grossman at the University of California San Francisco has been studying the impacts on medical care of the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned the federal right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. On Monday they released their latest Care Post Roe findings. Having grown from 50 to 86 submissions since the preliminary findings were released in May 2023, the survey details medical situations gone wrong because of legal concerns over a states abortion ban. When Grossman a clinical and public health researcher who specializes in abortion and contraception talked to States Newsroom last year about the early findings, he emphasized the patient fear palpable in the narratives of their doctors. They told stories about women traveling outside their ban states just to check if they could be pregnant, or during a medical emergency. But as more submissions continue to flow in, Grossman recently said hes struck by the distress coming from the medical community. One thing that was notable in some of these more recent submissions, Grossman told States Newsroom, is how moral distress is being incorporated into medical education, like medical students and residents are essentially now learning about the moral distress as part of their medical education, as theyre learning about the care that they cant provide. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Care Post Roe study details 86 submissions received between September 2022 and August 2024 from health professionals recounting cases involving patients from 19 states that, during the studys time frame, fully or partly banned abortion. Participants described cases that deviated from the usual standard of care because of a state abortion ban, some that resulted in preventable complications like severe infections or the placenta growing too deep into the patients uterine wall. The participants were directed not to give details that could identify themselves or their patients. Grossman said the study was designed this way to protect the identity of health providers and patients, many of whom currently fear prosecution for their medical decisions. Researchers also conducted optional in-depth interviews with more than 30 of the participants, but those findings were not included in Mondays report. The majority of submissions so far have come from Texas, Grossman said, the largest of the states and where abortion has been illegal the longest. According to the study, the narratives represent a range of different ages, income levels and racial and ethnic backgrounds, though a high proportion are Black and Latinx. Submissions were also reviewed by two physicians and were rejected if they did not contain information about a specific case or did not relate to a change in care since the Dobbs ruling. Grossman said the study is limited in size and scope and doesnt say how common these medical situations are or how they will trend over time. But he said the stories are consistent with ongoing news reports and lawsuits wherein doctors and patients describe denying and being denied care because of abortion bans. He said the study, which includes excerpts from health providers narratives, serves as a qualitative representation of the types of medical emergencies that doctors all over the country have been reporting. The submissions were organized into several categories, including: Second-trimester obstetric complications The most common type of reported scenario involving second-trimester complications is the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). A doctor described treating a patient who had ruptured membranes at 16-18 weeks gestation but instead of being offered an abortion procedure or an induction termination, she had been sent home, where she had developed a severe infection. I meet her 2 days later in the ICU. She was admitted from the ER with severe sepsisand bacteremia. Her fetus delivers; she is able to hold [the fetus]. We try every medical protocol we can find to help her placenta deliver; none are successful, the physician writes. The anesthesiologist cries on the phone when discussing the case with me if the patient needs to be intubated, no one thinks she will make it out of the OR. I do a D&C. Ectopic pregnancies Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. They are medical emergencies, but study participants reported cases of ectopic pregnancy requiring extra steps, such as consulting multiple physicians, as well as patients delaying care because they were too scared to be seen in their home states where abortion is banned. If [the patient] had seen [a] provider in [her home state] when bleeding started, one doctor wrote, she would have had the ectopic diagnosed about 6 weeks earlier, potentially eligible for [methotrexate] and therefore potentially avoided surgery, and even if [she] needed surgery [it] would have been at home with her family and support. Instead [she] had to recover alone in a hotel room in a random state she had never been to before. Underlying medical conditions Some physicians described cases where patients had underlying medical conditions that complicated their pregnancies. In some cases, patients were delayed or denied treatment, worsening their conditions. She was mid-second trimester [16-18 weeks] when she presented. She has [more than 5] children at home and had severe postpartum cardiomyopathy when she gave birth a year ago, which has persisted, a doctor wrote. The risk of her dying from childbirth would have been extremely high but she was unable to find anyone in her state willing to do the procedure. Miscarriage Respondents also reported challenges with miscarriage management in states with abortion bans. The pharmacy refused to fill the medication until they had confirmation of its use but was unable to list what that confirmation needed to include, one clinician wrote. The back and forth delayed the care and ultimately the client could no longer face attempting to pick up the medication and decided to utilize expectant management [i.e. waiting for the tissue to pass naturally] due to the trauma of being refused her prescribed treatment. Fetal anomalies Several submitted narratives involved patients whose pregnancies were complicated by fetal anomalies, many of which were described as being incompatible with neonatal life, though termination was not possible in their state. Due to the anencephaly, as soon as the umbilical cord was cut, the pink skin of the baby rapidly progressed to navy, only for the baby to be completely dark navy by the time they were wrapped in a blanket and handed to the mom, a medical studentphysician wrote. The patient was letting out a loud scream throughout the labor due to the sheer pain of giving birth, but the scream and wailing she let out once she saw the baby was soul-crushing. Denied other types of medical care One of the more shocking examples for Grossman involved a patient with a postpartum hemorrhage who needed a common procedure known as dilation and curettage, or D&C, which is used for abortions, miscarriages and sometimes to empty the uterus after the baby has been born. But according to the narrative submitted, a patient had been told by the labor and delivery staff that D&Cs were now illegal for any reason. In another case, an abortion ban allegedly led to the cancellation of a patients liver transplant. Patient with [an intrauterine device (IUD)] in place came in for liver transplant after there was a donor match found, the physician wrote. On routine pre-surgical testing she had a positive urine pregnancy test, and her bHCG quant was in the 1000s. Her transplant was cancelled because of her positive pregnancy test despite it being an undesired, very early pregnancy. Carceral system Three submissions highlighted how patients in detention, awaiting trial, or on parole faced additional obstacles obtaining an abortion in states with bans. Asked for permission to leave her county (and state) to receive abortion care and was told NO, a physician wrote. Patient left the state for abortion care anyway. Given 24-hour waiting period in [state with legal abortion] and need for a 2-day procedure, was away for 3 days (2 separate trips). She also refused any sedation because she needed to be drug tested and couldnt admit to leaving the state for a procedure. Researchers predict more poor-quality care if EMTALA ruled to exclude abortion care It is notable that the narratives reported here describing delayed and denied care have occurred with EMTALA still intact and hospitals required to provide emergency abortion care, the studys authors write, referring to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which the federal government has stipulated includes emergency abortion care, and which states with abortion bans have sued over. The U.S. Supreme Court this summer declined to rule on Idahos lawsuit challenging the federal requirements, allowing doctors to provide emergency abortions while litigation continues. Although it is difficult to assess from the narratives, some may have been EMTALA violations since stabilizing care was not provided, the researchers write. Other cases, such as those where the patient was admitted to a hospital for observation or those involving a patient pregnant with a fetus with an anomaly incompatible with life, are likely not EMTALA violations. Regardless, we anticipate these cases of poor-quality care would become even more common if the Supreme Court were to rule that EMTALA does not apply to emergency abortion care. Overall, participants reported that their patients suffered emotionally and financially, sometimes even insured patients having to pay out of pocket for medical care because it was in another state. Grossman also noted that affected patients could face long-term physical and mental-health consequences because of the medical care they did or did not receive. When we came out with our first report, maybe I was a little bit more optimistic and thought that perhaps this information could be used to help streamline care, reduce these delays, and identify workarounds, Grossman said. And perhaps that has happened in some places, but I think its really clear now, more than two years out, that those kinds of fixes or Band-Aids on a bad policy just arent going to work, and that really its not possible to provide evidence-based care in these states. These bans need to be repealed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Doctors are dealing with 'moral distress' as they try to determine care for pregnant patients in states with abortion ban, particularly those facing medical emergencies, according to the Care Post Roe study led by Dr. Daniel Grossman at the University of California San Francisco. (Kieferpix/Getty Images) In the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court started allowing states what has become almost half of the country to ban all or most abortions, doctors continue to report that these laws have detrimentally changed their jobs and the quality of care they can provide pregnant patients. A research team led by Dr. Daniel Grossman at the University of California San Francisco has been studying the impacts on medical care of the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned the federal right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. On Monday they released their latest Care Post Roe findings. Having grown from 50 to 86 submissions since the preliminary findings were released in May 2023, the survey details medical situations gone wrong because of legal concerns over a states abortion ban. When Grossman a clinical and public health researcher who specializes in abortion and contraception talked to States Newsroom last year about the early findings, he emphasized the patient fear palpable in the narratives of their doctors. They told stories about women traveling outside their ban states just to check if they could be pregnant, or during a medical emergency. But as more submissions continue to flow in, Grossman recently said hes struck by the distress coming from the medical community. One thing that was notable in some of these more recent submissions, Grossman told States Newsroom, is how moral distress is being incorporated into medical education, like medical students and residents are essentially now learning about the moral distress as part of their medical education, as theyre learning about the care that they cant provide. The Care Post Roe study details 86 submissions received between September 2022 and August 2024 from health professionals recounting cases involving patients from 19 states that, during the studys time frame, fully or partly banned abortion. Participants described cases that deviated from the usual standard of care because of a state abortion ban, some that resulted in preventable complications like severe infections or the placenta growing too deep into the patients uterine wall. The participants were directed not to give details that could identify themselves or their patients. Grossman said the study was designed this way to protect the identity of health providers and patients, many of whom currently fear prosecution for their medical decisions. Researchers also conducted optional in-depth interviews with more than 30 of the participants, but those findings were not included in Mondays report. The majority of submissions so far have come from Texas, Grossman said, the largest of the states and where abortion has been illegal the longest. According to the study, the narratives represent a range of different ages, income levels and racial and ethnic backgrounds, though a high proportion are Black and Latinx. Submissions were also reviewed by two physicians and were rejected if they did not contain information about a specific case or did not relate to a change in care since the Dobbs ruling. Grossman said the study is limited in size and scope and doesnt say how common these medical situations are or how they will trend over time. But he said the stories are consistent with ongoing news reports and lawsuits wherein doctors and patients describe denying and being denied care because of abortion bans. He said the study, which includes excerpts from health providers narratives, serves as a qualitative representation of the types of medical emergencies that doctors all over the country have been reporting. The submissions were organized into several categories, including: Second-trimester obstetric complications The most common type of reported scenario involving second-trimester complications is the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). A doctor described treating a patient who had ruptured membranes at 16-18 weeks gestation but instead of being offered an abortion procedure or an induction termination, she had been sent home, where she had developed a severe infection. I meet her 2 days later in the ICU. She was admitted from the ER with severe sepsisand bacteremia. Her fetus delivers; she is able to hold [the fetus]. We try every medical protocol we can find to help her placenta deliver; none are successful, the physician writes. The anesthesiologist cries on the phone when discussing the case with me if the patient needs to be intubated, no one thinks she will make it out of the OR. I do a D&C. Ectopic pregnancies Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. They are medical emergencies, but study participants reported cases of ectopic pregnancy requiring extra steps, such as consulting multiple physicians, as well as patients delaying care because they were too scared to be seen in their home states where abortion is banned. If [the patient] had seen [a] provider in [her home state] when bleeding started, one doctor wrote, she would have had the ectopic diagnosed about 6 weeks earlier, potentially eligible for [methotrexate] and therefore potentially avoided surgery, and even if [she] needed surgery [it] would have been at home with her family and support. Instead [she] had to recover alone in a hotel room in a random state she had never been to before. Underlying medical conditions Some physicians described cases where patients had underlying medical conditions that complicated their pregnancies. In some cases, patients were delayed or denied treatment, worsening their conditions. She was mid-second trimester [16-18 weeks] when she presented. She has [more than 5] children at home and had severe postpartum cardiomyopathy when she gave birth a year ago, which has persisted, a doctor wrote. The risk of her dying from childbirth would have been extremely high but she was unable to find anyone in her state willing to do the procedure. Miscarriage Respondents also reported challenges with miscarriage management in states with abortion bans. The pharmacy refused to fill the medication until they had confirmation of its use but was unable to list what that confirmation needed to include, one clinician wrote. The back and forth delayed the care and ultimately the client could no longer face attempting to pick up the medication and decided to utilize expectant management [i.e. waiting for the tissue to pass naturally] due to the trauma of being refused her prescribed treatment. Fetal anomalies Several submitted narratives involved patients whose pregnancies were complicated by fetal anomalies, many of which were described as being incompatible with neonatal life, though termination was not possible in their state. Due to the anencephaly, as soon as the umbilical cord was cut, the pink skin of the baby rapidly progressed to navy, only for the baby to be completely dark navy by the time they were wrapped in a blanket and handed to the mom, a medical student physician wrote. The patient was letting out a loud scream throughout the labor due to the sheer pain of giving birth, but the scream and wailing she let out once she saw the baby was soul-crushing. Denied other types of medical care One of the more shocking examples for Grossman involved a patient with a postpartum hemorrhage who needed a common procedure known as dilation and curettage, or D&C, which is used for abortions, miscarriages and sometimes to empty the uterus after the baby has been born. But according to the narrative submitted, a patient had been told by the labor and delivery staff that D&Cs were now illegal for any reason. In another case, an abortion ban allegedly led to the cancellation of a patients liver transplant. Patient with [an intrauterine device (IUD)] in place came in for liver transplant after there was a donor match found, the physician wrote. On routine pre-surgical testing she had a positive urine pregnancy test, and her bHCG quant was in the 1000s. Her transplant was cancelled because of her positive pregnancy test despite it being an undesired, very early pregnancy. Carceral system Three submissions highlighted how patients in detention, awaiting trial, or on parole faced additional obstacles obtaining an abortion in states with bans. Asked for permission to leave her county (and state) to receive abortion care and was told NO, a physician wrote. Patient left the state for abortion care anyway. Given 24-hour waiting period in [state with legal abortion] and need for a 2-day procedure, was away for 3 days (2 separate trips). She also refused any sedation because she needed to be drug tested and couldnt admit to leaving the state for a procedure. Researchers predict more poor-quality care if EMTALA ruled to exclude abortion care It is notable that the narratives reported here describing delayed and denied care have occurred with EMTALA still intact and hospitals required to provide emergency abortion care, the studys authors write, referring to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which the federal government has stipulated includes emergency abortion care, and which states with abortion bans have sued over. The U.S. Supreme Court this summer declined to rule on Idahos lawsuit challenging the federal requirements, allowing doctors to provide emergency abortions while litigation continues. Although it is difficult to assess from the narratives, some may have been EMTALA violations since stabilizing care was not provided, the researchers write. Other cases, such as those where the patient was admitted to a hospital for observation or those involving a patient pregnant with a fetus with an anomaly incompatible with life, are likely not EMTALA violations. Regardless, we anticipate these cases of poor-quality care would become even more common if the Supreme Court were to rule that EMTALA does not apply to emergency abortion care. Overall, participants reported that their patients suffered emotionally and financially, sometimes even insured patients having to pay out of pocket for medical care because it was in another state. Grossman also noted that affected patients could face long-term physical and mental-health consequences because of the medical care they did or did not receive. When we came out with our first report, maybe I was a little bit more optimistic and thought that perhaps this information could be used to help streamline care, reduce these delays, and identify workarounds, Grossman said. And perhaps that has happened in some places, but I think its really clear now, more than two years out, that those kinds of fixes or Band-Aids on a bad policy just arent going to work, and that really its not possible to provide evidence-based care in these states. These bans need to be repealed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE People walk past posters of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, after the presidential elections results were announced and Tebboune being declared the winner of Algeria's election, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in the capital Algiers. (AP Photo/Fateh Guidoum) ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) The two opposition candidates who ran in Algeria's presidential race legally challenged on Tuesday the provisional result while harshly rebuking election officials and disputing the vote count. Islamist Abdellali Hassani Cherif and socialist Youcef Aouchiche filed appeals with Algeria's Constitutional Court, taking the first step required to challenge the results of the election, which incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune won with a 94.7% share of the vote. Algerian law provides the court 10 days from the announcement of provisional election results to rule on the appeals. A verdict could require the election authority to recalculate each candidates totals without calling into question Tebbounes victory, for which he has already begun receiving congratulatory messages from Algerias foreign allies. A day before lodging their appeals, both candidates took aim at Mohamed Charfi, the President of Algerias National Independent Electoral Authority (ANIE) for how the results of Saturdays election were reported. President Tebboune didnt need this stuffing. We knew hed be reelected, but with these results, ANIE hasnt done him any favors," Cherif said. We want our votes the votes of the people who voted for us to be returned to us. I know it wont change the outcome of the vote, but it will go down in history. Meanwhile, Aouchiche held a news conference where his campaign manager showed graphics that he said proved the results had been distorted and called the outcome a shameful and gross manipulation." "These results, which do not correspond at all to the number of votes communicated to us by the regional delegations of the same ANIE, are a disgrace for the Algeria of 2024, taking us back to the 1970s, he said, referencing a time when the country's only legal political party ran its chosen candidate unopposed. The two challengers have taken issue with discrepancies between the number of votes used to tally the results and the turnout figures that election officials published a day earlier. Late Sunday, Tebboune joined them in denouncing ANIE, aligning himself with popular anger that his challengers had drummed up against it. In a shared statement, campaign managers for Tebboune, Aouchiche and Cherif called into question the results that ANIE had reported and how they didn't correspond with the regional figures that local authorities had reported. We inform national public opinion that inaccuracies, contradictions, ambiguities and inconsistencies were noted in the figures when the provisional results of the presidential election were announced by the chairman of the National Independent Election Authority, they wrote. The unprecedented turn of events marks a departure for Algeria, where elections have historically been a carefully choreographed affair by the ruling elite and military apparatus that backs it. ANIE, the election authority, was established in 2019 in response to demands from pro-democracy protests whose weekly demonstrations were convulsing Algeria. Replacing Algeria's Interior Ministry, the independent body was designed to guarantee election integrity and transparency. But its independence has been called into question, particularly after it reported Saturday that Tebboune had won with a larger share of the vote than Vladimir Putin in Russia's March presidential election. In local media, commentators speculated Tebboune's decision to criticize the election authority after being announced the winner suggested a clan war among the shadowy ruling elite thought to run Algeria. Charfi, the top election official, was pilloried for acting as a troublemaker and having discredited the election in the regional daily newspaper the Republican East. Five years after the pro-democracy Hirak movement brought about the ouster of Tebbounes predecessor, for many Algerians the latest developments have shown how little has changed. Though the Hirak called for a boycott of the vote, its critiques of the system have been seen and heard after how the election played out, former Communications Minister Abdelaziz Rahabi said. What I feared and denounced has happened. The country has become ungovernable because of its failure to satisfy the Hirak's key demands and the shuttering of political and media spheres, he wrote on X. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert is among a group of Republican lawmakers from Colorado and Texas demanding answers from Homeland Security officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigation about Venezuelan gang activity in Aurora. Its primary day in New Hampshire. Here are some of the races to watch. Republican and Democratic voters will cast ballots for their preferred candidates during Tuesday's state primary elections. (Kate Brindley | New Hampshire Bulletin) Voters will cast ballots in Tuesdays primary elections for dozens of elected offices, from two federal seats to the register of probate. There are a few contested races to watch, particularly two where the incumbents are not seeking reelection. The corner office The governors race is wide open for the first time in eight years with Gov. Chris Sununus decision to forgo a fifth term. Voters will decide between multiple candidates on the Democratic and Republican ballots but the race has come down to four front-runners. Former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and Cinde Warmington, a health care attorney and lone Democrat on the Executive Council, are in a close contest for the Democratic nomination. An Aug. 22 poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center had Craig up by nine percentage points, but 23 percent of people surveyed said they were undecided. Both candidates have said they oppose the states abortion law that prohibits the procedure in most cases after 24 weeks and would repeal education freedom accounts. Craig has touted her time as mayor, saying her experience writing budgets and negotiating with different viewpoints on city policies makes her the better candidate. Warmington has pointed to her experience on the Executive Council fighting for reproductive health funding that the councils Republicans have repeatedly rejected. Warmington has challenged Craigs claims about reducing crime and opioid use, and improving education, in Manchester. Craig has criticized Warmingtons role 22 years ago as a lobbyist for Purdue Pharma and its painkiller drug Oxycontin. On the Republican side, polls have shown former Attorney General and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte with a considerable lead over rival Chuck Morse, former state Senate president. Both have said theyd prioritize fighting illegal immigration and securing the states border against drugs. They have also vowed to leave the states abortion law in place and not seek further restrictions. Morse has criticized Ayotte for her decision in 2016 to break with former President Donald Trump after a tape showed him making crude comments about women and boasting about grabbing them without their consent. Ayotte now supports Trump. Ayotte, who has been endorsed by Sununu, has pointed to Morse votes in the Legislature and questioned his commitment against illegal immigration. Two congressional seats open U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas is seeking to serve a fourth term in the 1st Congressional District. The nearly 10 Republicans are vying to challenge him, including Russell Prescott, former state senator and executive councilor, and Joseph Kelly Levasseur, a member of the Manchester Board of Alderman. But its the Democratic race for 2nd Congressional District seat thats drawing the most attention, largely for the acrimony between candidates Colin Van Ostern and Maggie Goodlander. Goodlander, a lawyer, has spent her career in Washington, working as a deputy assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice, a U.S. Supreme Court law clerk, and senior adviser to two late senators, Republican John McCain and Democrat and later independent Joe Lieberman. Van Ostern served on the Executive Council and has worked for Stonyfield Yogurt and Southern New Hampshire University. He also helped lead Alumni Ventures, a venture capital company. He lost a bid for governor in 2016. The two candidates largely agree on the issues. While Van Ostern has the endorsement of outgoing Congresswoman Annie Kuster, whose past campaigns he advised, he recently lost the backing of two prominent Democratic supporters. Former Gov. John Lynch announced recently that hes shifting his support to Goodlander, saying Van Osterns campaign is among the nastiest hes seen. Stonyfield Farm co-founder Gary Hirshberg, whom Van Ostern worked for, recently said he was backing Goodlander. Van Ostern has questioned Goodlanders commitment to protecting reproductive rights, citing her work for McCain, who opposed abortion. Hes also called into question her recent campaign financial filings where she stated verifiable assets, such as checking and retirement accounts, were undetermined. Goodlander has called out Van Ostern for accepting money from a corporate PAC for this race and prior campaigns after saying he hadnt and would not. After questions from the media, Van Osterns campaign refunded the 2024 contribution. Two to watch in the state Senate There are two primaries to keep an eye on in the state Senate, one for an open seat and another in a Republican race where a House incumbent is taking on a sitting senator. Republican Sen. Bill Gannon of Sandown, who is seeking his third term, is facing a challenge from first-term Rep. Emily Phillips of Fremont in District 23. Phillips has said she jumped into the race to increase transparency in the Senate. Specifically, she wants to stop the use of voice votes, where lawmakers individual votes are not recorded. Phillips served as assistant majority leader in the House until late last month, when she endorsed Rep. Ellen Read, a Newmarket Democrat, in her primary race. Phillips and Read co-sponsored two circumcision-related bills this year that would have eliminated Medicaid coverage for elective circumcisions and required providers to give parents specific, detailed information prior to performing circumcisions. Neither bill made it out of the House, but Phillips support for Read cost her her leadership post in the House. In a statement, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne of Auburn said Republicans cannot support far-left Democrats. Phillips also co-sponsored a bill banning schools from adopting mask policies. It passed both chambers but was vetoed by Gov. Chris Sununu. Gannons vote on that bill was not recorded because the Senate passed it on a voice vote. Gannons bills this year included two targeting undocumented individuals and a third in favor of requiring people who receive federal food assistance to work. None made it out of the Legislature. On the Democratic side, three candidates in District 15 are vying to fill the seat left vacant when Sen. Becky Whitley of Hopkinton announced a run for Congress. Whitley has since dropped that bid. All three candidates have experience serving in the House. Angela Brennan of Bow is serving her first term and Rebecca McWilliams of Concord is wrapping up her third. Tara Reardon served in the House from 1997 to 2009. She is currently a Merrimack County commissioner. Brennan cosponsored a bill this year that would have expanded eligibility for free and reduced-price lunch; it failed. The governor signed another of Brennans bills, that one prohibiting state agencies from using artificial intelligence to manipulate, discriminate, or surveil members of the public. McWilliams cosponsored several bills aimed at expanding housing and child care options. One signed by the governor aims to expand in-home child care by easing permitting local regulations. Reardon, who worked for the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, which helps manufactured housing residents purchase their parks and has supported local food initiatives, has said she will prioritize affordable housing, clean energy, and supporting public schools. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be planning a third quasi royal tour this year after the success of their trips to Colombia and Nigeria. Despite having been carried out in their capacity as private citizens, the visits have many of the hallmarks of royal tours and have been used to highlight important, often charitable causes. The couples visit to Nigeria in May celebrated the 10th anniversary of Prince Harrys Invictus Games, which showcases the sporting talents of wounded, sick and injured service people. More recently, the Sussexs four-day visit to Colombia was designed to illuminate the countrys role as a beacon of culture and innovation. Now, an insider has told Hello! magazine ahead of Prince Harrys 40th birthday on 15 September, that the couple have set their sights on Lesotho or Botswana as potential next destinations. These locations are said to be of interest because it is where Harrys charity Sentebale operates, and it has been some time since he last visited the countries in 2019. Established in 2006, the Sentebale charity exists to help young people come to terms with aids and HIV diagnoses. The insider said: Thats his world, thats what hes used to and thats what he knows. He can still add value. The Sussexes shed a light on Colombian culture on their recent faux royal tour. (AFP via Getty Images) Harry will similarly engage with his world this month when he travels to New York on a solo visit his representatives said would advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives. Reflecting on Harrys life now that he is no longer a working royal, a friend said he and Meghan removed time pressure they faced within the monarchy and are free to use their profiles to promote causes on their own terms. He has longer to work things out now, an old friend added to the outlet. He and Meghan are not under any time pressure its all on their own terms. Meghan Markle did not join Prince Harry when he visited the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. (Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation) The magazine reports that Harry, who was once famed for his party-loving ways, will enjoy a low-key celebration with his wife and children when he turns 40 this weekend. He will then embark upon a weekend getaway with friends to mark the milestone birthday. Harrys low-key life in Montecito was attested to by neighbours, who told The Telegraph: They keep themselves to themselves. I havent seen Harry around much. Normally when you see him around here, hes walking his Labrador on the beach or on his bicycle followed by his security in a Range Rover. The Independent has reached out to a representative for the Sussexes for comment. An eccentric German aristocrat nicknamed Princess TNT because of her explosive views and big personality says Justice Samuel Alito and his wife stayed at her castle during a 2023 music festival. The trio then attended the opening of the world-famous Bayreuth Festival together last year. The trip was revealed after it emerged that the Supreme Court justice accepted $900 worth of concert tickets from the right-leaning Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis. There were no further details of the tickets on the required financial disclosure form for Supreme Court justices. Controversial German Princess Bought SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito Concert Tickets But the 64-year-old princess told the New York Times that Justice Alito and his wife, Martha-Ann, are friends. She described Alito as a hero and reportedly wrote in a text: He is pro-life in a time where the majority follows the culture of death. With a skull emoji, she added: Christians believe in life. The Zeitgeist is nihilistic and believes in destruction. The 2023 summer Palace Festival at St Emmeram Palace, the royals 500-room Bavarian castle in Regensburg, Germany, featured a performance of Mozarts The Magic Flute, a childrens musical about a witch, and a Michael Jackson tribute show, among other acts. In an interview filmed during the visit, Alito told Christian Eckl, the editor of the citys newspaper, that he was looking forward to seeing Wagners operas at the Bayreuth Festival. I will enjoy it. A friend of mine has waited his whole life to get tickets to go, and so its quite a privilege to be able to go, said the judge. The revelations came amid increased scrutiny over undisclosed gifts and trips for justices paid for by wealthy benefactors. Justice Clarence Thomas has acknowledged benefitting from travel to Bali and California paid for by Republican donor Harlan Crow. Alito allegedly took a private plane for a luxury fishing trip to Alaska in 2008. Known as the Punk Princess as a young woman, Princess Gloria was also given the nickname Princess TNT of Bavaria by Vanity Fair. The royal jet-setted around the world with the likes of Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, ex-Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley and Hilary Clinton. She did not respond to questions from the Times about how long she had known the Alitos and if she had paid for any travel or other gifts. 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. PRINCEVILLE, Ill. (WMBD) Princeville High School won $5,000 from the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. According to T-Mobile, Princeville was one of the first 150 high schools across the U.S. that received money from the program. Between Aug. 1 and Sept. 20, T-Mobile is giving away $5,000 prizes to 300 schools. In early October, 16 schools will be selected as finalists, which will receive $25,000. The grand prize winner will be selected in December and will receive a $100,000 grant, an upgraded weight room, and a new scoreboard. Princeville Superintendent Tony Shinall said they were extremely excited about the award, and are still discussing what they will spend the money on. Illinois offering grants to strengthen mental health in school More than 30 schools in Illinois are aiming for the grand prize. Locally. In addition to Princeville, both Richwoods and Peoria Manual High School have also entered to win. The programs goal is to bring awareness to the investments T-Mobile made in rural America since it launched 5G for All in April 2021, More information on the rules is available on the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights programs 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 CIProud.com. Chris Mason: Prison release plans spark fears but for ministers it is the only option Criminals leave prisons every day. But Tuesday is different; it is on a different order of magnitude - with many, many more times as many people walking beyond the gates behind which they have been incarcerated and on to the streets than would normally ever happen in one go. The fact it is happening isnt a surprise. Labour stands accused of doing things in government it didnt advertise in advance when the party was trying to woo you during the election campaign. Take the campaign about the winter fuel payment for a start. But on the issue of letting prisoners out early, it was mentioned before polling day. I asked Sir Keir Starmer about it in the week of the election and he said it would be necessary "in all likelihood". The last government also set criminals free before they had originally intended to for the same reason. There arent enough prison places. Capacity has come within 100 places of being exhausted in England and Wales in recent weeks. It currently stands at around 350, I am told - ie pretty much full. So, ministers argue, they have no other option. I am also told that by setting out their plans earlier in the summer, the Probation Service and others have had chance to prepare for about 1,700 being set free today, putting in plans for each of them. But there are people working within the Prison Service and the Probation Service who have contacted me deeply worried about what is happening. One worker in the Probation Service, which has the job of "supervising offenders realised into the community from prison" as the government puts it, told me they were worried - despite ministers insisting otherwise - that "dangerous" people would be released early. Someone else, who works in the Prison Service and had seen the BBCs reporting last week from inside Pentonville Prison in London, wrote to me to express their fear that members of rival gangs would be released from prison on Tuesday at the same time and could end up in fights with each other in the prison car park moments after walking free. And what about the safety of the rest of us? Imagine if one of those released early goes onto to reoffend, when a court had originally decided they should have still been inside when they then commit another crime. Government sources acknowledge "of course there are always risks" when offenders are released, but they hope they have done as much as they can to mitigate those risks. Lets see. And this is just the start. A similar number of offenders, probably slightly more, will be released early next month too. BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)At a time when most of the states powerful Democrats are decrying private equity investments in the health care system, Sen. Elizabeth Warren was in the Bay State on Monday making a pitch against investment firms wading into the care of animals as well. Private equity has bought about 30 percent of all veterinary practices in the United States, Warren said during an appearance at the Heal Veterinary Clinic on Monday. These firms have also vertically integrated in the industry, many also buying up the labs where medical testing is done, and the insurance firms that pay for and more and more frequently deny coverage for a pet owner, the senator said. Private equity more common in Mass. health care The consequence has been that the quality of care has gone down while prices have gone through the roof. Weve seen about a 60 percent increase in prices overall, Warren said. Steward Health Care used private equity investments in their eight community hospitals in Massachusetts. Those hospitals were reportedly mismanaged before the company went bankrupt earlier this year, leaving two hospitals closed in its wake. The senator from Cambridge met with owners of private practice vet offices, veterinary technicians working in the field, and one vet tech who said he left the industry in December after working under a corporate company because of the structural issues he saw. They described vet offices bought out by these companies as dedicating less time to patients and focused on upselling pet owners to opt into more expensive care, and vets feeling overburdened and leaving the industry due to working longer hours while understaffed what they described as profit-enlarging measures that arent reflected in their paychecks. Theres these average cost-per-transaction expectations for doctors, and theyll say they want to offer the gold standard of medicine, which is full diagnostics, full blood work, panels done in hospital which is more expensive than sent out full X-rays, sometimes urinalysis as well, when its not necessary for what theyre there for, said Isabel Urban, a veterinary technician. Its pushing clients to do more than they really need to do. Urban works at a corporate-owned veterinary office, but asked that her employer not be named. Karen Holmes, owner of Holmes Family Veterinary Clinic in Walpole, said one of her patients had to go to a private equity-owned urgent care for emergency care recently when her dog was throwing up, where she paid $1,700 for a full examination when they proposed a laundry list of possibilities but but ultimately just sent them home with stool softener. Holmes said she does not blame the vets for being thorough, but that she could have given more focused medical attention that would not have racked up the same cost and that as a private practice owner she sometimes absorbs the price of certain things for her patients. Shes an older woman. I dont know what her income is, but its not a lot, and she loves her dog, Holmes said. I see my clients struggling and suffering, and Im loath to send them to places where I know the same blood work that I run, that I send to the same labs, is going to be two or three times what I charge them. Urban said that patients have accused her of killing their pets when she presents them with the high cost of their care. Zack Beckwith formerly worked at a private equity-financed vet hospital, but said he had to quit in December because his mental health was suffering due to the job. He said he was working in unsafe conditions with the animals, he was often putting in extra hours outside of his shift to help when they were understaffed, and that employees were chided for taking time off for family emergencies. Theyre continuously looking for more profit, more hospitals, Urban said. They want to open 60 hospitals in a year, and they dont care that these corporations cant staff these hospitals. Theyre like, well, its okay, if one person works overnight and theyre drowning, as long as they continue to do that and they can continue to be paid the minimum amount, its okay. Beckwith said the suicide rate for veterinary technicians is five times higher than the general population. When Warren asked what they could do to get him to rejoin the understaffed industry, he said he didnt think he would ever go back. Right now it seems so hard to get out of the hole thats been dug in this field, he said. I just wish humanity would come back to the field. My management, over time, just got less and less human and cared less and less about our people. Warren asked the veterinarians what they thought of the argument that private equity comes into businesses that are not running as profitably as they could be, and disciplines them to become more profitable. Amanda Leef, co-owner of Heal Veterinary Clinic in Watertown, and Holmes said they get approached multiple times a week by firms interested in buying their companies. Every business should be profitable, and sure, it allows us to buy a new X-Ray machine, because we have capital to invest. But whats really different is having profit be the only value in the decision mix, said Jamie Leef, co-owner and general manager of Heal. He continued, We have other values. They are about community. Theyre about taking care of clients. Once you bring those things into the mix, the profit starts to subside a little bit as being the driver of decisions. Warren sent a letter last month with Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut to private equity firm JAB Holding Company with their concerns about their spending billions on buying up veterinary practices and the rapid consolidation of veterinary care. Private equity isnt exclusively seeping into health care industries. It is infiltrating other markets, managing roughly 20 percent of all business in the U.S. as of 2021, according to Forbes. For more than a decade, private markets have enjoyed a remarkable period of sustained growth, more than doubling from US$9.7 trillion in assets under management (AUM) in 2012, and are estimated to have reached $24.4 trillion AUM by the end of 2023, says a report from EY. Private equity companies benefit from tax advantages carved out by Congress. Your tax dollars are helping private equity come chew up the veterinary industry, and this is something we have got to make changes in this area, but particularly when health is involved, Warren said Monday. Warrens visit was aimed at garnering support for a bill she filed with Sen. Ed Markey, in light of the Steward Health Care hospital crisis, to better regulate private equity in health care. It would take away the tax advantages that they have. It would force them to be more transparent. So if your veterinary practice gets bought out by private equity, you will know that, so that our regulators will know to take a closer look at what goes on, and then special provisions in the healthcare field when life and death is on the line. We need to have more oversight when private equity moves in, and we need more responsibility when these private equity executives alter the delivery of health care so that lives are put at risk, then they need to be held personally responsible for that, Warren told reporters. The bill hasnt had much traction with her colleagues as her previous attempts to take on private equity in health care have also been met with resistance in Congress. I have not enough to get it across the finish line, Ive got a lot of people who are learning about private equity, but it wont surprise you to learn private equity hires lobbyists and family veterinary practices dont, so its not a level playing field in trying to get the message across, she said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. While swing state Republican officials, former Republican National Committee leaders and strategists are ringing alarm bells over the party's lackluster get-out-the-vote effort, some pro-Trump organizers suggest that the GOP ground game is successfully targeting voters at the margins. In the spring, the conservative activist group Turning Point USA announced a plan to spend more than $100 million on a marquee Chase the Vote program, aimed at getting low-propensity Republican-leaning voters who might not have voted in 2020 or 2022 out to the polls. However, the lofty goals set by the organization are meeting a more modest reality. According to Federal Elections Commission disclosures, Turning Point PAC has only raised about $2 million this cycle, with the bulk of their funding coming from the conservative Right for American organization, real estate developer Stephen Wynn and the Claremont Institutes Thomas Klingenstein. The Turning Point PAC has also only spent about $1.1 million, a far cry from the $108 million Turning Point Action promised earlier this year. While the greater Turning Point organization may be deploying other resources via a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, a member admitted to Semafor that the organization has not met their fundraising and spending goals. A spokesperson for Turning Point Action told Salon after publication that the PAC "never aimed to raise $108 million" and is unrelated to the "Chase the Vote" effort. "Chase the Vote is run through The 501c4 called Turning Point Action, and we have been extremely successful raising funds there," the spokesperson said. "We have raised tens of millions of dollars, enough to blanket two entire states with hundreds of full-time ballot chasers in each Wisconsin and Arizona, and we are staffing two additional congressional districts in Michigan and Nevada, plus we have additional staff in multiple other key states including Georgia and Pennsylvania. Regardless of the final amount raised, Chase the Vote has been a massive success and is poised to have a very impactful October and November." Federal Election Commission records do not show any financial disclosures from Turning Point Action since 2022. Turning Points failure to meet its fundraising and spending goals highlights broader issues with the get-out-the-vote tactics being deployed by the RNC and GOP-friendly groups in 2024. The plan from Republicans revolved around the efforts by the RNC and former President Donald Trumps campaign to deploy their combined resources under the banner of Trump Force 47. The plan included mirroring some successful tactics deployed by Democrats, like partnering with local issue-focused organizations, as well as a neighbor-to-neighbor get-out-the-vote scheme, where more enthusiastic Republican voters recruit their less enthusiastic friends to make a plan to vote early, by mail or on election day. However, it doesn't look like the GOP's direct efforts are on par with the Democrats program this year. In Georgia, for instance, the RNC said in an email it had recruited some 10,000 volunteers to help with get-out-the-vote efforts. Democrats, meanwhile, report having recruited upwards of 35,000 volunteers. Nationally, the RNC says that it has recruited some 100,000 volunteers, about one-quarter of the 400,000 volunteers Democrats say theyve recruited to support Vice President Kamala Harris campaign. Its notable too that the RNCs Protect the Vote program, part of their Election Integrity Department, has absorbed some portion of the enthusiasm of the partys faithful this year, despite the fact that the departments legal teams and poll watching programs are unlikely to get voters to the polls. In private, some Republican strategists have expressed concern that the get-out-the-vote plan isnt going as well as theyd hoped. The Guardian also reports that some within the party regard the current hiring spree by the GOP and some of the committees supporting it may come too late in the cycle to make the difference. However, there are signs that the constellation of pro-Republicans outside groups angling to get low-propensity conservative voters to the polls this year are meeting with success on the margins and that this might be all that it takes to win. Cliff Maloney, the founder of the conservative Citizens Alliance organization, said that he sees the perceived messiness as a sign that the GOP is taking voter turnout efforts more seriously this year and that some of the Republicans griping over the apparent messiness of the efforts this year are used to a party that was behind the Democrats in terms of its ground game. Under [RNC Chair Michael] Whatley and under [co-chair] Lara Trump Ive been extremely impressed, Maloney said. Im extremely positive on the GOP now under new leadership and youre going to have a lot of people from the old leadership who are unhappy. According to Maloney, the overarching goal of his organization and other outside groups working on get-out-the-vote efforts is not to reach parity with Democrats in terms of mail-in balloting but just to improve on where they were in 2020. In Pennsylvania, for instance, Republicans accounted for 25% of mail-in ballot requests. Maloney says that, according to his organizations models, Trump could win the state even if they only increase that number to 27%. Their goal is to get it to 33%. To accomplish this, his PA Chase program has recruited 120 full-time ballot chasers who wouldnt be reported as members of the RNC or the Trump campaigns staff. Theyre also working to improve the proportion of ballots Republicans return. In 2020 in Pennsylvania, Democrats returned 88% of ballots requested while Republicans returned just 79% of the ballots they requested. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Behind the scenes, Maloney also said that his group maintains an FEC-compliant data-sharing agreement with the RNC. PA Chase, for instance, uses this data to maintain an app that helps their ballot chasers organize their efforts and contact voters. I think that Democrats have worked through the messiness for a long time, this is just the first time Republicans have done it, Maloney said. One organizer with Turning Point also indicated in a phone call that they see their efforts in Pennsylvania as a success and that the pro-Republican efforts have doubled the number of mail-in ballot requests from 2022. This would still only put total Republican mail-in ballot requests in line with the 2020 presidential election. In 2022, about 303,000 Republicans requested a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania. In 2020, Republicans requested about 785,000 mail-in ballots in the Keystone State. The same organizer indicated that the group was getting creative in an attempt to reach low-propensity voters describing one plan to get a single voter to recruit 100 other voters to make a plan to vote. Turning Point also says its been going after Amish residents in Pennsylvania with a culturally conservative message and by telling people that the states governor, Josh Shapiro, is cracking down on the sale of raw milk. Other conservative activists like Scott Pressler, who founded the Early Vote Action PAC, have also highlighted the raw milk angle in Pennsylvania. Presslers Early Vote Action committee has raised about $512,000 this year. When asked about the ground operations of Republican-leaning groups, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign expressed confidence in the Democrats efforts, highlighting Harriss New Way Forward barnstorming tour, where Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are set to visit every media market in every battleground state in the days after the debate. The Harris campaign also pointed to a recent memo from campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillion, in which she said that the campaign has opened some 312 offices and hired 2,000 staffers across the battleground states and indicated that the campaign is not taking anything for granted. Neither a Turning Point USA nor a spokesperson for the RNC immediately replied to a request for comment. Editor's note: The headline for this article previously stated that Turning Point PAC was 99% short of its spending goals. It has been updated to reflect Turning Point Action's claims about the overall get-out-the-vote effort. The allegations: The company is believed to be Tenet Media, which was founded by Chen and Donovan in 2023. The platform gained significant traction by pushing content that aligned with pro-Kremlin and pro-Donald Trump narratives, featuring influencers like Tim Pool, Dave Rubin and Lauren Southern. The indictment, which charges two employees of Russian state-controlled media outlet RT, suggests that Chen and Donovan disguised the source of Tenets funding, creating a fake private investor called Eduard Grigoriann. Chen herself reportedly contributed articles to RT in 2021 and 2022. Whats next: The FBI continues investigating the alleged scheme. Chen and Donovan were not charged in the indictment, but its unsealing led to Chens termination from The Blaze another conservative media outlet and the removal of her and Tenets YouTube channels. As the U.S. prepares for Novembers election, the case highlights growing concerns over foreign influence through social media. We will continue to do everything we can to expose the hidden hand of foreign adversaries like Russia and disrupt their efforts to meddle in our free and open society, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said. How proposed affordable housing funds will be spent in Charlotte The city of Charlotte laid out how it will spend affordable housing funds if voters approve them. LINK: AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCES Charlotte voters will decide whether to authorize $100 million for affordable housing. If approved: $35 million will go to rental units $25 million to homeownership $14 million to anti-displacement $9 million to shelters and supportive housing The rest of the funds will go to pilot programs, emergency repairs, and land acquisition. NEW YORK A City Council bill set to be introduced this week would direct the Department of Investigation to use its oversight powers to obtain records detailing what the city knew about toxic air conditions in Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks opening up a new front in a long-running effort to unearth the records. Several consecutive mayoral administrations, including Eric Adams current one, have refused to disclose the documents amid concerns that their release could result in the city facing an avalanche of lawsuits from first responders and others subjected to hazardous toxins near ground zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 attack. Thats in spite of a tranche of Freedom of Information requests seeking their release, demands for transparency from members of Congress and a lawsuit filed this June by a 9/11 survivors advocacy group asking a state judge to intervene. Amid the stalemate, Manhattan Councilwoman Gale Brewer, a senior Democrat who chairs the legislative bodys Oversight and Investigation Committee, plans to introduce the new Council bill at Thursdays stated meeting. The bill, a copy of which was exclusively provided to the Daily News ahead of its introduction, would invoke a never-before used provision in the City Charter that allows the Council to order the Department of Investigation to undertake investigations. Under the bill, the DOI would be ordered under that authority to conduct an investigation to ascertain the knowledge possessed by mayoral administrations on environmental toxins produced by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. The DOI would have two years to finish the probe, though itd be required to produce biannual updates on its inquiry. At the end of the two years, the department would produce a final report laying out all the information it uncovered, the bill says. In an interview, Brewer noted the DOI has subpoena power, which she said the agency should use as part of its investigation to secure the records. DOI can subpoena information and, if theres criminal suspicion, they can even refer things to federal authorities. This is just one more attempt to get these records out, and its interesting that it hasnt been done before, so I at least want to try, Brewer told The News. Spokespeople for Adams office didnt return requests for comment Tuesday. Brewers bill is a binding resolution, as opposed to a legislative introduction, meaning the mayor couldnt veto it. Still, Adams administration could presumably mount a court fight against any DOI subpoenas issued for the records. Brewers bill will go through a Council hearing before any vote. Fighting City Hall to get the city to even admit that records exist has been a struggle, but now that we have (Brewer) on our side, I expect we will get answers, said Benjamin Chevat, executive director of 911 Health Watch, the group that filed the June lawsuit. According to a 2022 report from the New York Times, an aide to Robert Hardin, a top deputy to then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, warned in an October 2001 memo the city could over the next few decades face some 10,000 liability claims from New Yorkers who were exposed to hazardous toxins at Ground Zero and later developed health issues. That memo is among the records 9/11 survivors advocates have long sought direct access to, but every mayoral administration since Giulianis has refused to release them. Some 9/11 survivors advocates have estimated the actual number of potential liability claims is well north of 10,000 at this point. More than 125,000 people had as of earlier this year been enrolled in the U.S. Center for Disease Controls WTC Health Program, which was launched by Congress in 2010 to fund medical care for individuals exposed to Ground Zero toxins. Of them, roughly 6,900 have died, more than double the 2,996 people who perished in the 2001 terror attack in Manhattan, federal data shows. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, the bodys top Democrat, said Brewers bill could help bring some solace to the families of those victims. Our city government owes New Yorkers transparency about its knowledge on the toxins produced by the attacks, the speaker said. This resolution takes a crucial step towards requiring disclosure of public health information, which should be considered a basic responsibility of government in a democracy. _____ Ohio lawmakers have been discussing how to regulate adult-use recreational marijuana and how to advertise it. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Adult-use recreational marijuana has been sold legally in Ohio for more than a month. Since then, state lawmakers have been finalizing guidelines for advertising it and theyre more restrictive than those in other states. Tracey McMillan, Chief Operating Officer of Pure Ohio Wellness, said they still cant put signs up anywhere other than their property. We cant put up billboards. You cant hand out leaflets, McMillan said. She said that trying to advertise her store legally has been tricky. Weve increased our social media posts somewhat, McMillan said. Changed a few words on Google to try and be picked up that way. Otherwise, theres really not a lot you can do. TRENDING STORIES: As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, Ohios cannabis advertising rules restrict public advertising in an effort to keep ads from targeting children. I kind of see the point in restricting that for ads, especially for children and other stuff like that and influencing the wrong people, but then youve got freedom of speech, Elissa Ward, of Beavercreek, said. McMillan told News Center 7s Mason Fletcher that Pure Ohio played it cautious thus far and would rather be safe than sorry. They had high expectations for us following the rules, she said. And clearly, they did because of the fines that theyve imposed on the companies that didnt. Several fines have been handed out by the Division of Cannabis Control. They gave out six fines, five of which were for $12,500. One was because a dispensary said recreational marijuana instead of adult-use marijuana in an email to customers. The largest fine totaled $150,000 because a dispensary gave out free ice cream from a truck in their parking lot on their opening day. McMillan said the fines can hurt a dispensary, which is why theyve played it safe. It can cost you when it comes time for bond reductions and things like that, she said. So yeah, its a big deal. McMillan said she expects these laws to become more flexible as time passes. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Catholic Charities of West Virginia has recently taken over operation of an emergency shelter formerly called Barlett House, at Hazel's House of Hope in Morgantown, W.Va. The shelter, to be renamed Grace Shelter, will be one of two emergency shelters in the city. (Courtesy photo) While supporters of Morgantowns new camping ban targeting homeless people say one of its objectives is getting people into housing, homeless providers there say more investment is needed in order to meaningfully address the problem. The new law prohibits camping on any public property including streets, parks and trails and prohibits storing personal property in public areas. A spokesman for the city said officials are planning for it to go into effect Oct. 3. In a statement last week, city manager Kim Haws said the ordinance will support the citys belief that all residents should have permanent housing. Enforcing this ordinance doesnt mean that we are being insensitive to a persons housing instability, she said. Instead, we hope to use this policy as a tool to connect campers to services or organizations that can help them get off the streets and better their lives. Second and third violations of the law are punishable by fines of $200 and $300 and/or 30 days in jail, respectively. Councilman Dave Harshbarger, one of four council members who voted in support of the ban, said the law is an effort to balance the needs of vulnerable people with those of the rest of the community who want a safe, vibrant downtown. Our goal is really to have adequate [housing] options so that when this goes into effect, that can be provided to people, Harshbarger said. Because thats ultimately what we want to remove people from a homeless situation into, ideally, permanent shelter moving forward, but at least temporary shelter in the interim. Providers say theres not enough emergency shelter beds available to house all the people who may be affected by the ban. Project Rainbow, with 26 beds, is currently the citys only homeless shelter operating at full capacity. Catholic Charities of West Virginia recently took over operation of a 28-bed emergency shelter. The facility has five or six people staying there now and plans to ramp up to full capacity by the end of the month, CEO Mark Phillips said. Officials from Morgantown Community Resources, the property owner for the emergency shelter have indicated theyre open to the possibility of developing tiny houses or shelters on the land there, but Phillips said they would by no means be up and running when the ordinance takes effect early next month. According to the latest point in time count an annual government-mandated census of those in shelters and on the street that experts say underestimates the true number of people in homelessness there were 100 homeless people in Monongalia County earlier this year. The law says that no one will be cited or face a criminal penalty unless theyve been offered and refused alternative shelter, including a place in an emergency shelter or another place outside or inside where they may sleep overnight. One of my biggest concerns is that there are not going to be places for folks to be referred to, said Erin Shelton, project coordinator for Project Rainbow. Shelton estimates there are between 50 to 70 people staying outside not accessing shelter at all in a given week. A spokesman for the city of Morgantown said in accordance with the law, camps may be removed once the law is in effect early next month, but no one will be cited or face a penalty unless they turn down an offer for alternative shelter. Haws said in the statement that the city will approach each situation with compassion and care, giving camping violators every available chance to engage various services that will address their specific needs before any legal action takes place. Phillips, with Catholic Charities, said hes sympathetic to city council members who are hearing from business and property owners about health and safety concerns, but if the council wanted to help people out of homelessness, a camping ban isnt effective. Unless there are structures that support transitioning folks from living outside, like enough emergency shelter space along with supportive housing, it just doesnt help to continue to penalize folks for changes that theyre unable to make right now, he said. The city of Morgantown and the Monongalia County Commission each gave Catholic Charities $165,000 to help fund its takeover of the emergency shelter. Bartlett Housing Solutions stopped operating it earlier this summer. Phillips said costs for the first year of operating the shelter will be more than $500,000. I think [city officials] want to have a little bit of a both and, where they can provide pathways for people [out of homelessness], but also crack down on folks that are setting up shop somewhere, either on public or private property, Phillips said. But I think that theres more investment needed on the side of helping people to transition out of homelessness. Harshbarger said Morgantown police have indicated that discussion of the ban has led to some homeless people moving out of the city, though thats not the ultimate goal of the law. Ultimately, there are going to be some people that say, You know what, Im going to move to a different community where I can be homeless and choose the lifestyle I want. And thats fine, he said. Thats not necessarily a goal, but in reality, thats going to happen. If that happens, more power to them, and best of luck. But for those that are truly homeless, that want our help, that are here in our community, we want to provide that assistance. In passing the ordinance, Morgantown joined dozens of cities across the country that have passed or considered similar camping bans in the two months after the Supreme Courts decision this summer upholding them. The new bans come after the United States saw an increase of 12% last year, the highest reported level since the US started doing point in time counts of homeless people in 2007. Advocates for homeless people say camping bans not only do nothing to address homelessness, they make it worse by imposing fines, potential jail sentences and criminal records on homeless people and making it more difficult for them to get into permanent housing. In West Virginia, Wheeling and Parkersburg passed camping bans last year. Huntington also has a camping ban on its books. Phillips, whose organization describes itself as the states largest private provider of social services, said enforcement of camping bans looks different in each community. In Huntington, for example, enforcement is spotty, he said. Parkersburg doesnt enforce its ban except for people who are creating a significant disturbance, he said. We dont know what it will look like in Morgantown once it goes into place, Phillips said. Were not sure how officers are being instructed to enforce it. Phillips said advocates want to be partners with the community to help solve issues, but they havent had a chance to talk with officials outside of city council meetings, he said. I know that many city councilors really have a heart to try to serve the most vulnerable but its not going to be quick, Phillips said. Were talking about 25, 30 years of increasing homelessness in these communities, mostly driven through the opioid crisis. The idea that you can have a couple city council meetings in a row where you just put forth a ban, talk about it, and then at the next one, approve it, and thats going to make anything better? Its not a real solution. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) About a year ago, Penn State Grad Student Matthew Hollinghams fiance Lovisa died after being hit by a car. Now hes honoring her legacy by hiking Mt. Nittany nearly 50 times. The hike will be continuous, totaling over 30 hours. He will walk up and down the mountain until he equals the height of Mt. Everest. Red Cross asks for donors in wake of critical blood supply This is really me trying to do something positive in her name, Hollingham said. Hollingham says hes been training his body for long distances, so hes confident he can make the climb despite its difficulty. While hes doing it for Lovisa, hes also doing it for Save the Children, an organization dedicated to investing in the future of children. Its really because Lovisa really wanted to be a mom, Hollingham said. Its for the children she never had in a way. For anyone who wants to join him, he plans to kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 and will hike until late Sunday. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Theres also a site to donate that 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Editor's note: This story includes references to allegations of grooming and sexual assault of children. Sexual assault resources for victims and their loved ones are available at the bottom of this story. A Colorado corrections officer from Pueblo West is facing rape charges in Utah after he allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl numerous times over a three-day period in 2023. Kevin Aaron Young, 37, was charged Sept. 5 with several felonies in Piute Countys Sixth Judicial District for offenses that allegedly took place in Circleville, Utah, between July 15 and July 18, 2023. Young was arrested Sept. 6 at his home in Pueblo West, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. He is currently in the Pueblo County jail awaiting extradition to Utah. A Colorado Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed Young's employment to the Chieftain on Sept. 9 and said he was working in the Centennial Correctional Facility prior to being placed on administrative leave. Our special investigations detectives arrested Kevin Young, 37, of Pueblo West on Friday after learning he was wanted on a warrant for several felony sex assault charges out of Piute County Utah. More at https://t.co/AjFMXZ0ieW pic.twitter.com/4odC3QManF PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) September 9, 2024 According to court documents, the charges against Young include rape and five counts of object rape both first-degree felonies as well as two counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. In Utah, a person commits object rape if they sexually assault another person using a substance, instrument, device, or part of the human body other than the mouth or genitals with the intent to cause emotional or bodily pain, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any individual 14 years old or older, according to state statutes. According to a probable cause statement authored by the Piute County Sheriffs Office, Young showed up at a friends Circleville home on July 15, 2023, despite his friend not expecting him to visit until mid-August. The juvenile victim later told investigators that Young repeatedly sexually assaulted her over the next three days, beginning the day after his arrival and continuing through the duration of his visit. At one point, the juvenile said Young raped her. After Young, a Colorado corrections officer who at the time of the alleged assault had recently been promoted to sergeant, returned home to Colorado, a younger girl in the home reported to her mother that Young is not a very good person and said that she'd seen him inappropriately touching the victim. The Piute County Sheriffs Office then opened an investigation July 19. The girl told investigators that Young had first contacted her on Instagram when she was just 14 years old. She said Young would comment on her photos and tell her she was beautiful and wanted to send her money, according to charging documents. Young also allegedly told the teenager that he and his wife were in an open relationship and sent her photos and videos of his genitals, as well as videos of him having sex with unidentified females. In August 2023, Utah investigators learned that the juvenile had retained the underwear she was wearing on the night of the alleged rape and had not washed them. The underwear was collected and sent to the Utah State Crime Lab. In December, the crime lab tested the underwear and determined the presence of human alpha-amylase, a component of human saliva. Utah investigators then worked with Colorado law enforcement to obtain Youngs DNA through a buccal swab, which detects DNA in cells inside of a person's cheek. In July 2024, Youngs DNA was collected and delivered to the Utah State Crime Lab. Later that month, the investigating detective interviewed Young, who claimed he never touched the juvenile and stated there was no possibility his DNA would be present on her, according to charging documents. On Aug. 19, 2024, the crime lab determined the human alpha-amylase on the girl's underwear was a match for Youngs DNA with very strong support. A warrant for Young's arrest was issued Sept. 6, the same day he was booked into the county jail by PCSO deputies. His initial appearance in court is scheduled for Sept. 16. Resources for sexual assault survivors According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, a person is sexually assaulted in the United States once every 68 seconds; once every nine minutes, that victim is a child. To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, call 800-656-HOPE (4673.) For more resources for sexual assault survivors and their loved ones, visit rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime. More Pueblo crime news: Man arrested for assaulting Pueblo sheriff's deputies is Colorado corrections officer Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com, or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Colorado corrections officer charged with Utah teen's rape (PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) A man has been arrested in Pueblo West on numerous warrants out of Utah for numerous sexual assault charges. According to the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office (PCSO), detectives arrested 37-year-old Kevin Young on Friday, Sept. 6, at his home in Pueblo West. PCSO said Youngs no-bond warrant out of Piute County, Utah stemmed from an incident in July of 2023, which led to him being charged with rape, five counts of object rape, and two counts of forcible sexual abuse. Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office PCSO said Young was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Pueblo County Jail, where he is being held pending extradition back to Utah. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Purdue University has announced record enrollment numbers for the fall 2024 semester. Enrollment of new undergraduate students across both locations of Purdues main campus can be highlighted through three numbers, the multiplication of which leads to the enrollment number, according to a Purdue news release. Applicant numbers and yield rate reflect how students make their choices. Applicant numbers: set a record at 78,526 Admission rate: a record low at 49.8% Yield rate (post summer melt): higher than the 10-year trend at 29.1% and the highest since the use of Common App Purdues total enrollment for West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations is 58,009. That figure includes 10,628 new students in West Lafayette campus plus 760 new students in Indianapolis, an expansion of Purdues main campus launched this fall in the states capital city after IUPUI was dissolved. Provost Patrick Wolfe said in the release, We are incredibly proud to see our decade-long trend of unprecedented demand for a Purdue education accelerate with our most selective and most qualified incoming class ever and, crucially, establish itself rapidly at our new Indianapolis location. A key driver for the record enrollment: This falls class of undergraduate students in West Lafayette and Indianapolis was selected at an admission rate of 49.8% from a record-setting pool of 78,526 applicants, with a significantly higher-than-historical (post summer melt) yield rate of 29.1%. Purdue will take into account the historic jump in yield rate and reduce the admission rate further next year. By the numbers, the total head count for fall 2024 includes a record 44,170 undergraduates at both West Lafayette and Indianapolis from all 50 states and more than 120 countries. The number of underrepresented minorities increased by 614 students this year, representing 12.5% of the undergraduate population. Total head count also includes 12,917 graduate students, the most ever, pursuing advanced degrees up 51% over the past decade. Another 922 students are pursuing professional degrees. For Indiana resident applicants, 74% were offered admission to Purdues main campus this year, compared to 45% for out-of-state applicants, and most other in-state applicants received offers of admission elsewhere within the Purdue system. Purdue is serving the most Indiana students in our history, with students from every Indiana county enrolled, said Cherise Hall, vice provost for enrollment management. Total enrollment (both undergraduate and graduate students) includes 1,619 Black or African American students and 4,032 Hispanic students both numbers the highest in at least 15 years. The racial diversity of new students from Indiana is also higher than it has been for at least 15 years, with a higher number of Indiana residents who are Black (897) and Hispanic (1,903). Seventy-one percent of undergraduate applications came from Purdues College of Engineering (28,134), College of Science (18,912) and the newly reimagined Mitch Daniels School of Business (8,322). Purdues record graduate enrollment includes over 5,584 residential PhD students across 89 areas of study, more than 3,400 masters students enrolled through Purdue University Online and nearly 3,200 residential masters students, among others. Purdue has kept tuition at $9,992 per year for Indiana residents and $28,794 for out-of-state students for 12 consecutive years since 2012-13. The average SAT score for students accepted this fall was 1,328, also an all-time high, while the average beginning-student GPA was 3.76, just slightly below the 3.78 average GPA posted in fall 2023, which was that measures highest mark in 15 years. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue's West Lafayette, Indy campuses hit record 58,000 students Putin said he won't attack Ukraine's energy sector, but that was before Ukraine's Kursk offensive Russian Security Council Secretary Russian Security Council Secretary (and former defence minister) Sergei Shoigu has said that before Ukraines offensive in Russias Kursk Oblast Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed to Turkiyes proposal to stop Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure and commercial and civilian ships. Source: Sergei Shoigu in an interview with pro-Kremlin Russian media Read also: From Zelenskyy's "surrender" to Putin's surrender: how the negotiations with Russia are going Quote: "Turkiye said to us, they [Ukraine] have this proposal, lets have [Russia] vouch we wouldnt strike energy infrastructure, we wouldnt strike nuclear energy facilities, and we wouldnt strike commercial civilian fleets in the Black Sea. Our president [Vladimir Putin] made a decision and agreed to this." Details: Shoigu also claimed that Ukraine rejected this agreement, likely suggesting that the Ukrainian offensive in Russias Kursk Oblast is evidence of Ukraines alleged rejection. Read also: Before and after the counteroffensive: Are there perspectives in peace negotiations with Russia? Background: Since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been trying to negotiate peace. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly called on Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to discuss all pressing issues in person. The Russian ignored Zelenskyy. Eventually, Zelenskyy stated that Putin's statements about his desire for peace were not sincere and approved the National Security and Defence Council's decision about the impossibility of negotiating with him. A few weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a peace deal could have been signed. The conditions for ending the war then were spelled out in a 17-page draft agreement that the parties agreed on on 15 April 2022. Russia demanded neutrality from Ukraine, and a limit on the number of troops, weapons, equipment and vehicles. The then-occupied territories were to remain with Russia. However, in April 2022, Russia effectively disrupted peace talks with Ukraine by including a clause in the draft agreement stating that it would have a veto over the international community's response in the event of a repeated attack on Ukraine. In September 2024, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia had not abandoned the idea of negotiations with Ukraine but they should be based on the "documents" agreed upon in Istanbul in 2022. Support UP or become our patron! The News David Rubenstein, the co-founder of the private equity giant Carlyle Group and collector of Americas founding documents, is the author of a new book on a running fascination of his: The American presidency. The Highest Calling is a series of 21 interviews with presidential historans and biographers, as well as with two former presidents. The most striking moment in the book comes in a conversation with former president George W. Bush, who offered a simple diagnosis of the current political moment: You wonder why populism is on the rise. It starts with taking taxpayers money and giving it to the powerful. Rubenstein and I talked about that and more in this interview, which has been edited for space and clarity. Rubenstein is also an investor in Semafor. Q&A Ben Smith: You write about how different these people are who became president, and what a diverse group it is in a certain way. I was curious what they have in common. Why would anybody want this job? David Rubenstein: Well, look, obviously, if youre going to be a leader of any organization, you have to have a certain leadership interest or a certain willingness to kind of put yourself ahead of other people and say, Look, Im competent enough to lead this organization, this newspaper, this nonprofit, this university, this presidency, this country. Well, they obviously have certain ambition. Now you can argue Calvin Coolidge wasnt the most ambitious person in the world. He didnt really like the job. He did run for for Governor of Massachusetts. He did put himself forward in that way, and obviously put himself forward to be president one of the campaigns. So I think they have that in common. They also have the ability to, I think, communicate reasonably well to other people what they want. The key to being a leader is you have to communicate to your followers what you want, and you do that through either writing well, speaking well, or leading by example. And all of these people have some skill set in either writing reasonably well, talking reasonably well, or doing things that other people will follow. And therefore they lead by example. I think they all the ones in the book generally have, I would say, you know, reasonably good family lives. Theyre all complicated, as you probably know, no politicians family life is perfect, unlike everybody elses family life, of course. And you know, all the presidents you know had spouses, except one But all of them have, I think, got a lot out of their family life, either their children or their spouse. All of them really wanted to do something to help the country, make the country better in some way. Maybe some were better at it than others. Ben: The Lincoln chapter, you write in passing about how narrow his election was. There is a sense here now that our very, very divided elections produce a weaker federal government, a weaker president that its been a long time since anybody had an electoral mandate to govern. Do you think thats overrated? David: It might be overrated. Look, if we had a parliamentary system, we wouldnt do what we do in the House of Representatives. House of Representatives, lets say the Democrats, Republicans, are ahead by five votes, yet they run as if theyre ahead by, they operate as if theyre ahead by 50 votes. And the presidency is somewhat that way. Even if you win narrowly, you feel youve got a mandate and you dont have to put a lot of people from the opposite party in your cabinet. So the other day, Kamala Harris got a lot of news by saying, Im going to put one Republican in my cabinet. Wow. Suppose she wins by 1% is one Republican enough? Why not have three or four Republicans? Or the same would be true if the Republican got elected. We dont tend to do that. But also, when you think about it, when you get somebody who won overwhelmingly, and they theoretically, by what youve just said, should govern by being very strong, they often have had weaknesses that were such that their governance post their very big landslide victory didnt work well. Obviously, Nixon won 49 states. Didnt survive that term. Reagan won, what, 49 states as well, and he had Iran-Contra second term. Some presidents who had very, very narrow victories managed to be seen as strong leaders. John Kennedy being a good example, he barely won the election, more or less. Its hard to say, in my view, Im not sure that winning narrowly means youre a weaker president, or winning overwhelmingly means youre going to be a better or stronger president, because it just hasnt worked out that way. Ben: You write about the expansion of the power and grandeur of the presidency, first with Wilson and then with Franklin Roosevelt. Do you think it would be healthy for the United States to shrink that office back down? David: Well, remember, if you shrink the office to less power, then youre really going to have a hard time getting almost anything done in the government. Because look, right now, with a reasonably powerful president, and hes still the most important figure in the world, presidents rarely can get everything they want through Congress. Congress still feels that its a truly equal branch and doesnt really want to succumb to just what the president wants to do. Weve rarely had times in your lifetime or mine where the president was so powerful that he could get almost anything he wanted through Congress doesnt happen that way. He got 535 members of Congress, each of whom thinks they should be president. Ben: The part of the book that kind of stuck with me most was something George W. Bush said to you about the financial crisis of 2007: Do you agree with his diagnosis of this political moment? David: George W. Bush, although he went to Harvard Business School, was not basically a Wall Street fan, needless to say. And when the financial crisis came, he couldnt believe that his Secretary of Treasury and everybody were telling him, Ben Bernanke, that they have to do this kind of bailout, because he thought this is basically bailing out the banks for the mistakes they made. But eventually he became convinced that if he didnt do that, the economy would collapse. So I think to a large extent, what was going on in that period of time was that Hank Paulson did not want to be Secretary of Treasury. He had to be importuned several times to take the job. And in the end, he took it because he was assured that he could run economic policy, wasnt going to be run out of the White House, and therefore Bush tended to honor that commitment and basically delegated everything to Paulson. And so Bush went along with what Paulson wanted. Though I think George Bushs Midland Texas instincts were the opposite of what his administration actually did. Ben: Youre such a good interviewer, but youre an elusive interviewee. Do you agree with Bushs diagnosis, that, like the root of contemporary populism is that bailout? David: I dont really know that thats the case, because populism has been around for a long time, and Im not sure that that bailout by itself did. I think what my own view of whats going on now is something along these lines, that the United States in 1960 for example, was a white country. It was 90% white, 8% black, 2% Hispanic. That was it. And around that time, and you could say the 1950s as well, when the population percentages were roughly the same, people who were white, who were not college educated, kind of saw the country as their country. It was started by white Anglo-Saxon Protestants, and they kind of thought that they were descendants of that, and this was their country. Then the world changed, and as globalization came about, many of these people in the Midwest, the South, the kind of people that JD Vance has written about. They kind of feel they were losing power. Their country was going away, and as more and more percentage of the population became non-white Christian, they felt they were losing more and more of their power and more and more of their influence. And so today, for example, 60% of the US adult population is not college educated. Those people are not doing as well as the college educated people, and as globalization has made our economy much different than it was before, manufacturing jobs have gone offshore and so forth. I think that is the root of populism, that shrinking of power, and many people fear that its going to the elites on Wall Street or in Hollywood, or California or other elite kind of cities. I think thats kind of whats been going on. What Trump has been able to do brilliantly, from his point of view, is to capture that. Despite the fact that Donald Trump is not a poor person, didnt work his way up from nothing, and lives a lifestyle thats not one that a lot of his constituents could ever dream of. Hes been able to make those people feel like he is one of them, and its a masterful job that hes done in that respect, because hes probably not one of them, but hes made them feel that the white, Anglo-Saxon country that they grew up in or they dreamed about is now moving away, and thats his core base. Ben: Im curious where you see Barack Obama as a historical figure. Is he overrated? Is he underrated? David: Well, as I tried to say in the book, hes going to be remembered for two things. Being the first African American president. But Id say Obama also will be remembered for Obamacare, which only passed the House by, I think, one vote. And you think about it, remember when Trump was running for president the first time, he said, I was going to get rid of Obamacare, and he was railing against it. Im not sure if you ask him, What specifically would you like to change in Obamacare, or what do you specifically object to? Whether he would have had a really good answer, but he railed against it, and then now he doesnt talk about it. Why? Because its now accepted. So Obamacare is like Medicare. Its now part of our social fabric, and isnt going to change. And therefore Obama deserved credit for it. I think it probably was prescient to think that he should get it out of the way early in the administration, before he became unpopular. Ben: Did you leave the conversations in this book with any surprises? David: Well, I guess Im surprised at how people are still interested in the presidency, like, people write so many books about it. You know, more books have been written, about eight about Abraham Lincoln, any other person whos ever been on the face of the earth, other than Jesus Christ. It is amazing. Its amazing how the presidency fascinates people and thats something Ive always taken away, and also how presidents, when you get to know them, they have the same human frailties and worries and concerns that other humans do. If you spend time interviewing presidents, and you probably have done that, you can see that they are, you know, theyre humans, and they make a lot of mistakes, and they, you kind of wonder how this person gets to be president. Ben: What do, you know, we now have Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, two major party nominees, election couple months out. What do you think of the process that put those two people on the ballot? David: Well, Donald Trump is an amazing phenomenon. He is the nominee three straight times. I dont think the Republican Party has ever nominated anybody three straight times to be president of the United States, and this is even after he was indicted many times and all the events of January 6, nominated three times. So he obviously has political skills that were unseen by people like you and me who are probably part of the Eastern establishment. We didnt see those political skills. We didnt take them seriously when he said he was going to run, and he was one of 17 people. I interviewed him one time at the Economic Club of Washington when he was thinking of running. It was December of 14, he came down. We had 800 people, and when I interviewed him in the green room, he said, Ask me any question, but ask me for sure if Im going to run for president. I said, President, president of what? He said, President of the United States. I said, Come on, youre not going to be president. He said, I know, itll help my brand. Because I dont think he really thought he would be president of the United States, and then obviously turned out to be more skilled in the debates and other things than other people. In Kamala Harris case, I think she never, never thought this would happen, because she didnt think Biden was going to pull out. Ben: You write a bit about the role of ex-presidents. Should we pay them and ask more of them? David: Well, we do pay them. Ben: Or pay them better? David: No, I wouldnt say that, because presidents get paid staggering sums. You know, in other countries, as I say, in some part of the book. You make your money while youre president. You can get paid a lot of money, obviously, illegally, but in our country, we pay our presidents when they leave. So, you know, it was very unusual at the time, when Dwight Eisenhower left, he got a book deal that was thought to be very attractive. He made a lot of money doing that. Truman did the same. But thats basically all they did, they would write their memoirs, and that was how they made their money. Ulysses S Grant made money writing the most famous memoirs. Today we have, when Gerald Ford left the presidency, he went on corporate boards, that shocked people. Ronald Reagan made $2 million in one speech in Japan, that shocked people. But today, nobody is shocked if you say somebody, Barack Obama charges a million dollars a speech, his wife charges $750,000 a speech. Nobodys shocked because, you know, its just accepted as part of the system now that ex presidents are going to make money. My former boss (Jimmy Carter), for all of his flaws and weaknesses, never actually got into that. He didnt. He never charged for speeches, and he made his money writing books. But that doesnt mean hes better or worse than the others, its just different. Q&A: How to talk about politics with people who don't agree with you These days, there's no surer way to start a fight than to talk politics with someone who disagrees with you. And with election day drawing near, political conversations are increasingly difficult to avoid. You could muddle your way through the next two months and hope for the best. Or you could take Tania Israel's advice and embrace the opportunity to help bridge America's political divide. Israel, a professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology at UC Santa Barbara, has been facilitating difficult conversations since the 1990s, when she brought together people on opposite sides of the abortion debate. "It was a transformational experience for me," Israel recalled. "It didnt change anything about how I felt about reproductive rights, but it changed so much about how I felt about people who disagreed with me." In the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, she stepped up her efforts to connect with people outside her bubble and wrote a book to guide others willing to do the same. "Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation," inspires readers to listen to their fellow Americans rather than debate them. Israel spoke to The Times about how individual conversations can help the country heal. The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Why does it seem like there's more political conflict than there used to be? People are struggling not just with arguments with their uncle, but arguments with their phone, with the news, and in their own heads. All of that makes us very emotionally activated, which is part of the reason stress-related political conflict is on the rise and keeps going up. Its not healthy for us, its also not healthy for our relationships, and its not healthy for our democracy. Read more: Fed up with the election? Science explains how politics got so awful Is it good to try to bridge the divide, or is it better for your mental health to steer clear? I think whats best for people is to build the capacity to be able to do both to be able to have those conversations, and also to be able to know when its best not to. What motivates people to engage with someone from the other side? Some people say, "I want to maintain a relationship with somebody in my life and were having trouble doing that because of political conflict." Some people say they want to persuade or convince someone else. Some people say they want to find common ground or heal the divide. And then some people say, "I simply cannot fathom how people can think or act or vote like they do," and theyre looking for some insight. Are we so used to being on our phones and that makes it hard to deal with people in real life? Its much easier to have stereotypes of people when were engaging with them only as social media accounts. It distorts our understanding of who other people are. Read more: Many California voters get their info from social media, even if they don't trust it, poll shows Are stereotypes the only problem? As humans, we have these cognitive biases where we see ourselves as being very rational, basing our ideas on solid information. But we see people on the other side as being irrational, illogical, and being brainwashed by misinformation. Both sides are seeing things this way. My favorite cognitive bias is called motive attribution asymmetry, where we see ourselves as being motivated by protective, caring motives, and we see the other side as being driven by selfishness and by hostility. How can we correct our cognitive biases? Recognizing them is probably the most important thing. We can recognize the other sides biases. If we just recognize that we are susceptible to all of those same things, that can help us to have that curiosity to correct them. If you find yourself in the middle of a polarizing argument, how can you turn things around? The best thing we can do if were trying to find common ground, persuade somebody, or gain insight is to try to understand them better. The way we do that is we listen. We encourage people to elaborate. We manage our own emotions. And when we do share with people, we share stories instead of statistics and slogans. Read more: Second Opinion: Why storytelling is a necessary tool for social change Thats not what people think theyre supposed to be doing. They think theyre supposed to be having a debate, where theyre bringing in all the information and the stats and the rationale. Why are stories better than statistics? When were using stats and arguments, were drawing those from our trusted sources, which are very often not the same as the trusted sources of the person that were talking to. Confirmation bias causes us to accept information that supports what we already believe to be true, and ignore or dismiss information that conflicts with our beliefs. So when were telling people things that are in conflict with what they believe, they are more likely to dismiss what were saying and frankly, to dismiss us as a trusted source. When we embed information in stories, people remember it better and they accept it more. Its also how humans relate to each other. Not only is it more effective, its a more interesting conversation. Scientists will say an anecdote is not data. But youre saying an anecdote is better than data. Right. We can have all of the information, but when weve got another human being involved, it turns out that just telling them all the information doesnt help. If we believe in science, we also need to believe in the science that says thats not the way you get someone to change their behavior. Why would someone who doesnt trust your facts trust your story? Stories feel more true. And you cant argue with stories, you know? Heres my story of my life. You cant argue with my story of my life. Also, if theres some emotion in the story, people connect with that. We often put our ideas out there to say, "Here are my ideas. This is why you should believe it." Or to say, "Here are my ideas. This is why this justifies what I think or do." We very rarely put our ideas out there to say, "Here are my ideas. Here are the limits of my understanding of this. What am I missing?" That is a completely disarming approach because it brings intellectual humility into it. We can have very strong beliefs but still have curiosity about and respect for views that might be different from our own. Thats going to help to broaden our understanding. Read more: Why both sides in America's partisan war feel like they're losing It seems like you'd have to be in the right mindset to want to talk with someone you're used to disagreeing with, no? We have to work up the capacity to do this. There are habits we need to form and habits we need to reform. All of that training is going to help us be able to face political division, as well as other challenges in our lives. What's involved with that training? The first step is to reduce polarizing input. We can consume news more wisely, use social media more intentionally and correct our cognitive biases. Thats going to help us be in a space of equilibrium. Next is building our individual capacity through emotional resilience. That's being able to face a person or a lawn sign and not completely melt down. Intellectual humility helps us broaden our minds, and youre absolutely right that you have to want to do that. Its about having the curiosity to recognize that you might not have the full story and that theres something more you can learn. And then there's compassion. Youve got to take all these steps before you can even get to building empathy and compassion. Once youve done all of that, now youre ready to strengthen connections. How? If you want to engage across the divide, you want to do so effectively listening to others, telling stories, all of that. It's also engaging with our communities and our country. Civic engagement is a really important activity. Do something meaningful to support the causes that you care about. Volunteering not only benefits us as society, it also benefits our mental health. Posting something on social media is not a very effective form of advocacy. Turning away from our screens and engaging with other three-dimensional human beings is probably the best thing we can do for any of these issues. Read more: Column: The rise of Kamala Harris shows that our political 'polarization' was always a myth Theres also this thing most people have never heard of, which is the bridging movement. What's that? There are over 500 organizations that are working on bridging divides and strengthening our democracy. If people join that movement, its great. But just knowing that thats happening can make people more optimistic about their fellow Americans, and about the future of our country. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. [Source] New York State Assemblymember Ron Kim of Queens claims that groups tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempted to unseat him in the June Democratic primary. Kim, who is the only Korean American ever elected to the New York State Legislature, is speaking out following the arrest of Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors who is accused of being an unregistered CCP agent in exchange for millions of dollars in kickbacks, allowing her and her husband to purchase expensive properties and luxury items. Kims statement: Kim believes foreign influence played a role, particularly through the American Chinese Commerce Association, which endorsed his opponent Yi Andy Chen and whose chairman, John Chan, has close ties to Beijing. There were clear patterns of foreign influence trying to dictate the outcome of the election groups with ties to mainland China and the CCP. They were trying to steal the Flushing seat, Kim told the New York Post. He added, Its a very layered operation. Were entering dangerous territory. I dont know how we can stop it. CCP supporters: In November, Chan, who has close ties with the Chinese Consul General, reportedly organized efforts to silence protesters in San Francisco criticizing Chinese President Xi Jinpings government. The protests were suppressed with violence by pro-CCP supporters. Chan later sponsored a trip for New York Assembly Republicans to meet with CCP leaders. Kim also recalled an incident where the Chinese consulate expressed displeasure over his resolution supporting Taiwan, noting that he was stunned by the attempted influence. Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Quincy city councilors passed a resolution Monday calling on the state to amend its decades-old right-to-shelter law amid the migrant housing crisis. City Council President Ian Cain introduced the resolution two weeks after nearly 50 homeless migrants, including children, began sleeping outside the Wollaston MBTA station in his city. Its heartbreaking, and thats part of this, Cain said. This is not a compassion project when were letting people sleep on the streets and become homeless. We need to do something about it. The resolution asks that state legislators and Gov. Maura Healey limit state-supported emergency shelter to individuals and families who have been residents of Massachusetts for at least six months and are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents. We continue to have migrants coming into Massachusetts, which is straining both from physical and financial perspective, Cain said. As the state became overwhelmed by a historic influx of migrants, Gov. Healey put restrictions on the number of migrant families granted emergency shelter and just how long they could stay in that housing. Some migrants slept at Logan Airport; others tucked their children to bed on blankets outside T stops. In Quincy, the state opened a migrant welcome center and temporary shelter at Eastern Nazarene College. But Cain told Boston 25 News Quincy is feeling the financial toll of assisting its large number of migrants. Police are being called on a more frequent basis because of the center at Eastern Nazarene College, Cain said. To continue to allow people to come here when were turning them into the next class of homelessness does not make sense. And from a financial perspective, our community organizers are then having to take up the burden and otherwise foregoing other people they also need to be caring for. The resolution passed 6 to 3, with Councilor David McCarthy expressing his concern over the shelter crisis. Its out of control across the country, McCarthy said. Its definitely affected us, and its definitely put folks that are from Massachusetts, citizens of Massachusetts, veterans of Massachusetts I could go on and on on the back burner in a lot of cases. Despite no public comment opportunity for residents, one man expressed his disgust with the resolution. Thinking that people need to be citizens, children to have a place to stay inside is [expletive] ridiculous, he shouted as he left Mondays city council meeting. Jeff Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England, helps provide various services to immigrants and protects their rights through the organization. Thielman believes changing the law is not the correct approach. He argues that when a community invests in immigrants, it pays off in tax revenue and workers building the economy. Amending the law is not the solution, Thielman said. There is some short-term pain when newcomers come to a community because there is a cost to that community and there is a cost to the state. But over time, newcomers, new arrivals, immigrants bring value to communities and we have to kind of think long term. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW An Elk Grove woman arrested Friday has been accused of helping to lead an online network of would-be and committed white supremacist terrorists with members in countries around the globe. Dallas Erin Humber, 34, is accused of fostering a loosely connected online haven for extremists seeking to incite a race war. In pursuit of ways to accelerate violent clashes around the globe to speed up the creation of a white ethnostate, the conspirators looked to radicalize new recruits and incentivize their violent ideations, calling attackers saints and promising to commemorate those who succeeded, authorities said. One document that was in the works, called the Saint Encyclopedia, included mugshots of white supremacist killers and still photographs from a shooters 2019 livestream of a Christchurch, New Zealand, massacre, which killed 51 Muslims attending prayer services. The network of communications channels, group chats and archives was built on the social media app Telegram and is known as Terrorgram. The activities on the platform and charges against alleged co-conspirator Matthew Allison, a 37-year-old Boise resident, were detailed in a 37-page indictment released Monday by the Justice Department. The Telegram web was replete with instructional manuals for how to make bombs, videos valorizing past attacks motivated by racist ideologies, detailed instructions for targeting important infrastructure and words of encouragement for any would-be attackers. Humber appeared Monday in federal court in downtown Sacramento on Monday, where a public defender entered not guilty pleas on her behalf. Allison is scheduled to appear in court in Idaho on Tuesday afternoon. Here are some of the international terrorist attacks that federal authorities linked to Allison and Humber, and documented in the indictment. Slovakia A 19-year-old Slovakian killed two people and injured a third in a shooting at an LGBTQ+ bar in Bratislava in October 2022. He then killed himself. Before the attack, the shooter authored a manifesto and sent it to Allison, thanking Terrorgram for inspiring and guiding him. A section of Recommended Reading included one of the Terrorgrams documents, which the shooter called a practical guide to carrying out their agenda. Humber later created an audiobook version of the manifesto. Humber one day after the shooting posted a New Saint Announcement thanking the 19-year-old and calling him Terrorgrams very first Saint. Before his attack, the shooter had been in frequent conversation with Allison and Humber online, prosecutors wrote. New Jersey In July, an 18-year-old was arrested for allegedly plotting to attack an electrical substation in New Jersey. He had been an active member of Allison and Humbers Telegram group chats, and had thanked other members for sending him accelerationist propaganda videos created or spread by Allison. Humber in January sent the 18-year-old an audiobook of a manifesto she had narrated in response to the attacker asking for a recommended documentary. One of Allisons videos had recommended a particular method to break an electrical transformer; the New Jersey attacker recommended that an accomplice who turned out to be an undercover agent use the same method. Turkey In mid-August, an 18-year-old from Turkey was arrested in the stabbing of five people outside a mosque in a city southeast of Istanbul. He wrote in his manifesto that he had used Terrorgrams documents to plan his attack, and also shared the 2022 manifesto of the Slovakian attacker. Humber in a post after the stabbing wrote: He included the Terrogram books and other Saint manifestos in his file dump, gives shoutouts to the other Saints in his manifesto ... But hes not White so I cant give him an honorary title. We still celebrating his attack tho, he did it for Terrorgram. In a separate instance last December, Allison encouraged another user who had expressed his plans to commit a mass shooting, the indictment said. Wish you the best in everything homie, Allison wrote to him. Humber and Allison also allegedly helped manage a list of people targeted for assassinations, including an unnamed U.S. senator, a federal district judge and a former U.S. attorney. The list included officials names, photographs and home addresses. Humber and Allisons arrests came less than two weeks after authorities in France detained Telegrams billionaire founder, Pavel Durov, on charges connected to the illicit networks that have been created on the app. The arrest came as part of a wide-ranging investigation into illegal activity on the platform, according to news reports. The Sacramento Bees Ishani Desai and Michael McGough contributed to this story. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) The Raleigh County Commission has called a special meeting to vote on the hiring of a new Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. It was confirmed to 59News that the Raleigh County Commission would be meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to vote on hiring Tom Truman as a new Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Notice of intent against Benjamin Hatfield alleges sexual misconduct The hiring is aimed the continued judication involving Natalie Cochran. We called a special meeting to vote on the hiring of Tom Truman. Hes been tasked with satisfying the judication of the Natalie Cochran case. He will be prosecuting that case as we move forward. Tom Truman has worked in that office, in and out, for over 30 years. He has more experience than anyone I know, and he brings experience that is unparalleled. Greg Duckworth | President, Raleigh County Commission The hiring also comes after Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield was placed on administrative leave by the Raleigh County Commission in August. It was also noted to 59News that Ben Hatfield has not resigned from his position as Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney by any means. Hatfield has not resigned. We really dont expect to hear much until some of these investigations are done. That hasnt changed since the first day. Greg Duckworth | President, Raleigh County Commission Stick with 59News for more local news, weather, and traffic 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 WVNS. Rand Paul, the Republican senator from Kentucky and famous libertarian contrarian, explained why he still hasnt endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In an interview with CNBCs Squawk Box, Paul said he was supportive of the Republican nominee, but explained that he was holding back his endorsement due to concerns about the national debt. Im a deficit hawk, Paul told the program. The Trump administration added $8 trillion. The Biden administration is going to add $8 trillion. This year, were going to add another $2 trillion. But Paul also voiced his opposition to the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, specifically criticizing her proposed tax increase on unrealized capital gainswhich he called not only moronic, its so destructive that she should be disqualified from any thoughtful person considering her. Libertarian Republicans Love Local Control, Unless Its About COVID Safety Harris has proposed a 28% tax on unrealized capital gains for Americans earning more than $1 million per year. Her campaigns platform says the tax plan is designed to ensure the wealthiest Americans and the largest corporations pay their fair share, so we can take action to build up the middle class while reducing the deficit. The Kentucky senator continued to rattle off a list of issues he had disagreements with Trump aboutmostly concerning his administrations handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Trump left office, he was advocating for $2,500 checks again passed out to everybody. Im not for that, Paul said. The libertarian was one of only six Republicans to vote against the relief package passed in December 2020, which included stimulus checks for businesses and individuals. In a press release from 2020, Paul again cited the national debt as his reasoning for voting against the spending package. The answer is not printing up and distributing free money. Its opening the economy. Rand Paul Shivs Anthony Fauci Again as Dems Deliver Dumb Speeches Paul repeated this sentiment on Tuesday. I was against the lockdowns, and I want to hear stronger language in that sense. I also want to get to the bottom of the funding of the research at Wuhan, referring to the inquiry he launched as the ranking Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee earlier this year. My investigation hangs in the lurch, and I want a promise, frankly, from Donald Trump that he will continue, allow me to do that investigation, and he will sign legislation that I have written that will regulate gain of function research, Paul said. The day before, Paul told Semafor that my enthusiasm has flagged a little for the Republican nominee, again citing his record on the national debt. He also criticized the last Trump administrations record on American military interventionsspecifically criticizing his picking of John Bolton as National Security Advisor, who served in the White House position from 2018 through September 2019. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The News Even after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. exited the presidential race and endorsed Donald Trump, one of Kennedys bigger fans in Congress isnt quite sold. Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentuckian who ran against Trump in 2016s GOP primary and diverged from Trump on some major policy fronts during the four years that followed, said on Monday that hes not ready to throw himself fully behind the former president. Sure, Paul said, theres no question that Trump is better than Vice President Kamala Harris and hes generally supportive but he still has hesitation about a full endorsement. My enthusiasm has flagged a little, Paul said of Trump. One, because I think the debt will be about the same under Biden that it was under Trump. Pauls second concern, befitting his record as a frequent critic of American military intervention abroad, was that if theres a Trump victory, that theres not, like, a John Bolton in the administration, whos for eternal war. He added that I dont think Trump shares the foreign policy inclinations of Bolton, a former Trump national security adviser and staunch hawk. But Bolton was a bad pick. Paul said hes offered to sit down with Trumps team to discuss his endorsement and that hes persuadable, if they want to talk. His Trump holdout status, at a time when the former president would benefit from maximum party unity, is vintage Paul; the senators one-man contrarian displays are now legendary. And its not without consequence: Pauls libertarian-leaning stances count legions of Internet fans, particularly among the younger men whose votes Trump needs. Asked for comment on Pauls ambivalence, Trump spokesperson Brian Hughes said President Trump has unified the GOP like never before and is also attracting a broad coalition of support with independents and disaffected Democrats. Americans know that he is the candidate to make our nation prosperous again and restore a peace through strength doctrine that puts America first. Burgesss view The warm Paul-Trump relationship during the former presidents first term was something of a surprise, given their rivalries early in the 2016 campaign. Even as Paul made relatively frequent breaks with Trump on policy issues, though, he also stuck by his partys standard-bearer when it counted during both impeachments, in particular. Its clear now that Paul would like to feel a little more love on the topics he cares about. He dislikes government surveillance and wants absolutely nothing to do with foreign entanglements. So hes still miffed about the way his party handled a warrantless government surveillance vote this year which featured House GOP leaders helping squash a bid to require a warrant for certain queries of Americans data. That House vote failed narrowly as hawks in both parties and national security officials argued it was unworkable, while libertarians and progressives argued for the change as critical to protecting civil liberties. I fought for [warrantless surveillance] reform before there was a Donald Trump. You know, libertarians have always been opposed to [warrantless surveillance] abuse of Americans, Paul said on Monday. The deciding vote against reform was Mike Johnson, the speaker. And Trump sort of embraces him he never seems to have any restraint until he decides to have restraint with criticizing Johnson over what was a terrible vote. Still, theres still plenty of time for Paul to get behind Trump before Election Day and harmonize with Kennedy Jr. And Paul isnt closing the door: Weve offered to have a discussion, and we havent really gone beyond that. A 25-year-old man who raped a teenage girl in Tacoma and then sexually assaulted another girl while DNA tests pended in the first incident was sentenced Friday to three years to life in prison. Carlos Manuel Mora pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in the Sept. 15, 2020 rape of a 15-year-old girl and second-degree assault with sexual motivation for a Jan. 22, 2021 incident with a 13-year-old girl. According to court records, the assaults occurred after Mora began talking with the girls on social media. Investigators received the results of a sexual-assault forensic exam conducted in the first incident 13 months after the exam was completed. The exam was sent to one of the Washington State Patrols crime labs. According to the Washington State Attorney Generals Office, a backlog of more than 10,000 sexual assault kits across the state was cleared in October last year. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Edmund Murphy sentenced Mora to 41 months to life in prison, which was in line with prosecutors recommendation. It is an indeterminate sentence, which means Mora must serve a set amount of time before he is eligible to petition the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board for release. The punishment carried a 24-month enhancement because the second-degree assault was sexually motivated. The standard sentencing range for defendants prosecuted in similar cases is 13 to 17 months to life. Mora will have to register as a sex offender. His defense attorney did not respond to a request for comment Monday. The defendant originally was charged with second-degree rape for the Tacoma incident and second-degree rape of a child for the subsequent incident. Deputy prosecuting attorney Adam Roberts wrote in a court filing that charges were amended as part of plea negotiations and in consideration of the facts of the case. Roberts said the resolution avoided a potential proof issue in the second-degree rape incident and that the mother of the victim in that assault supported the case resolving. He noted that the mother of the second victim did not support the plea outcome because she thought the amount of prison time prosecutors recommended was not enough. In the first incident, Mora was driving the 15-year-old girl around in his car when it broke down in South Tacoma near 64th and South Warner streets. According to the probable cause document, they walked into an alley and Mora choked the girl unconscious, then raped her when she woke up. She flagged someone down for help and was driven to the St. Joseph Medical Center, where she completed a sexual-assault forensic exam. Officers from the Tacoma Police Department responded to the hospital. The second incident was investigated by the Puyallup Police Department. Records state police were called about a man possibly masturbating in his vehicle in a parking lot. When police arrived, they found Mora with his pants around his ankles and a 13-year-old girl in the seat next to him. In an interview with police, the girl reported that Mora had forced her to perform a sex act on him. Investigators got the results of the first victims forensic exam Oct. 27, 2021. It showed that some DNA present was very likely from Mora. Prosecutors filed charges against him two weeks later. The Davis Fire is burning near the boundaries of Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe and Sky Tavern, two ski areas outside Reno, Nevada, as a rare National Weather Service warning looms. The fire, reported in the afternoon on Saturday, September 7th, has burned over 5,000 acres. A red flag warningindicating increased fire risk due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and stronger windsis in place for the Western Nevada Sierra Front until 8 p.m. Wednesday. Its going to be an active day, Celeste Prescott, the lead public information officer on the Davis Fire, told the Reno Gazette Journal Tuesday morning. Fire conditions could worsen on Wednesday. A notice published by the National Weather Service noted the development of a Particularly Dangerous Situation, or PDS, tomorrow, September 11th, at 11 a.m., which includes the Davis Fire. "New and existing fires will grow rapidly out of control, in some cases people may not be able to evacuate safely in time," the notice reads. This is only the sixth PDS Red Flag Warning issued in National Weather Service Reno history, and the forecasting group called it an exceptionally rare event on X. The National Weather Service Reno also advised those at risk to "Prepare now by having an emergency kit prepared and your evacuation route planned." A PDS Red Flag Warning is in effect Wednesday from 11 AM to 8 PM for the Sierra Front including the #DavisFire. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. Gusty winds & dry conditions will lead to very rapid fire growth. #nvwx pic.twitter.com/SJTrBnce4d NWS Reno (@NWSReno) September 10, 2024 Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe has enacted several precautionary measures. Key assets are being repositioned, and sprinklers are in place around the base lodges, said resort marketing director Mike Pierce, as cited in an article from Ski Area Management published on September 9th. Special thanks to all agencies working diligently to fight this fire and protect everyone affected. Sky Tavern shared a social media post on the morning of September 9th, noting that it remains closed until further notice. We have no further information at this time but will continue to monitor the situation. Decisions on upcoming events will be made as we learn more, the post reads. According to CNN, the Davis Fire has consumed at least 14 structures, and between about 12,000 and 14,000 people are under evacuation notice. Its not the first fire to threaten a ski resort this summer. In July, the Vista Fire neared but didnt burn Mt. Baldy Resort, California. Three years ago, the Caldor Fire burned Sierra-at-Tahoe, California, a ski resort roughly 60 miles south of Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe by car. Since then, Sierra-at-Tahoe has recovered despite sustaining significant damage. Related: New Yorkers Claim First Ski Day of East Coast Season Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the worlds best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed. Submit your best clips for a chance to be featured on POWDER. Tune in and watch handpicked, high-quality ski videos streaming all day long on POWDER TV, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN) For the last 75 years, the Raymond John Wean Foundation has been providing philanthropic assistance to the community. On Tuesday, leaders with the Foundation invited the community for a celebration at the Grand Resort in Howland. They held a number of sessions gathering input on how to encourage what leaders say is more equitable compensation among employers across the Mahoning Valley. Its far beyond fair pay; it includes benefits, not just healthcare but child care and retirement savings and time off, Wean Foundation President Jennifer Roller said. And really being able to enjoy the task and being compensated for it fairly. Mondays discussions brought together local residents, civic and social service agencies, and government leaders. Organizers say they will take what theyve learned today to help them with future philanthropic efforts in the Valley. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Raymore, Missouri man is facing charges in connection to a 2020 arson fire that destroyed a historic Johnson County church. Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney Robert W. Russell filed charges last week against Scott Gregory Taylor, 36, who is accused of burning rural Leetons Harmony Baptist Church to the ground in July 2020. Dozens of KC metro schools, police investigating school shooting threats Taylor is charged with one count of second-degree arson. He was arrested on Monday by Kansas City police and is currently being held in the Jackson County jail on a $25,000 cash bond. The Johnson County Fire Protection District responded to the Harmony Baptist Church late on Sunday, July 5, 2020, after a neighbor observed the over 100-year-old church on fire. The church was not able to be saved and has since been closed and demolished. The origin and cause of the fire was determined to be arson. Further investigation found security camera video recovered from the church showing a man setting the church on fire where investigators had determined the fire originated. Back in July, the fire district and Missouri State Fire Marshal announced a renewed effort to solve the arson case and asked for anyone with information to come forward. A loss of a landmark and place of worship is always difficult for a small community and this fire had a deep impact on the area, said Fire Chief Larry Jennings. We are pleased to see an arrest has been made concerning this heartbreaking fire. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Jennings went on to say they appreciate the assistance received from community members and encourages anyone else who may have additional information to call the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-392-7766. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Photo illustration by Getty Images. In The Spirit of 1889, a new book by my friend Samuel Western, Sam asked long-time Wyoming Senator Simpson why Wyoming has such a long history as a Republican state. Simpson replied, Well we can forget that notion. The longest-serving U.S. senator in Wyoming history was a Democrat, Joseph Mahoney. He was in office for more than 20 years. Look at Ed Herschler (another Democrat and the) only three-term governor we had. And he was just what we needed. Se we do not have a history of being a Republican-only state. Montana can say the same thing. As Western points out, from 1913-1989, Montana only elected one Republican to the Senate, the largely forgettable Zales Ecton, who only served one term and was beaten in the next election by probably the most famous politician in Montana history, Mike Mansfield. I actually just happened to see Alan Simpson a few days ago, when I took my mother to the Billings Clinic to get some blood drawn, and he walked into the waiting room with what I assume were his wife and daughter. Nobody else seemed to recognize him, but I went up and told him how much I enjoyed a public discourse he had a few years ago with Max Baucus. It was just the two of them, with a moderator, asking them mostly about whats gone wrong with the American political system, and why there seems to be such a divide between the two parties. They had served together for 18 years, and became good friends, working to pass many bills that benefited both states. Simpson is 93, but shows no sign of losing his mental faculties, and we had a nice chat about how he hasnt seen Max for a while, but really enjoyed that conversation. Its hard to imagine Simpson, who is still held in high regard in Wyoming, being elected today, in a world where a life-long Republican stalwart, Liz Cheney, was ousted by her own party because she had the nerve to stand up to a bully. In Montana, we currently have a whole host of bullies, led by a body slammer, with an attorney general who filed a cease-and-desist order against this very publication for publishing a very relevant survey requested and carried out by his own office. The survey shed a very negative light on the lack of respect the people who work for Austin Knudsen have for him. It seems that Knudsen doesnt fall far from the tree as his parents have recently run afoul of the authorities in Sheridan County, where the Knudsens have been tampering with an easement road that was built under the authority of the Montana Supreme Court to provide public access to the American Legion Park in Culbertson. The Knudsens have apparently destroyed about 1000 feet of the easement road and erected several obstacles, including gates, to prevent public access. This is, of course, the same Austin Knudsen who has pending charges against him for 41 violations of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct. I had the pleasure of interviewing Marc Racicot earlier this year, another Republican who has fallen out of favor with his party for speaking out against the behavior of people in his own party, and as many of you probably know, the state Republican party actually censured him from the party after he endorsed a Democrat in one of our previous elections. Montana has long held the idea of personal liberty in high regard. To me, theres nothing more important in terms of being free than being able to think for yourself and speak your mind without worrying about repercussions from anyone, let alone a political party. I know people in rural areas are struggling right now with feeling as if they are being heard, but I would hope that there are enough people in those areas, people whose parents and grandparents voted for FDR and Mansfield and Metcalf and Brian Schweitzer, who are paying close enough attention to realize that they are not being allowed to speak for themselves. Their governor is lying about who raised their property taxes, blaming their own counties, and their attorney general has bullied his staff into submission, firing anyone who has the courage to speak against him. Two people have already won lawsuits against Knudsen for unlawfully dismissing them. Montanas recent history in politics includes a lot of Republicans, but its even longer tradition includes people who are willing to vote independently to ensure that politicians are listening to the people. The year 2001 was a bad one for Larry Silverstein, the New York real estate developer. First, he got hit by a car. In the true fashion of a Manhattan real estate boss, he was coming back from a celebratory dinner at Le Cirque carrying a jeroboam of wine when someone ran a red light, smashing into him and breaking his pelvis in 12 places. His recovery was certainly improved by the news that the preferred bidder on the World Trade Center property had dropped out due to problems with the Port Authority (the owner of the site) and Silverstein would be taking on the 99-year lease for $3.2 billion. Unfortunately, that moment of triumph was in July 2001. By this point in his career, Silverstein was already 70 years old and had recently purchased a 180-foot boat with a pool, gym, and elevator. Yet, as he makes clear in his memoir, The Rising: The Twenty-Year Battle to Rebuild the World Trade Center, he is not the kind of billionaire who wants to sail off into the sunset with a daiquiri in hand. This was why, when terrorists smashed two planes into the Trade Centers, killing almost 3,000 people and throwing the future of Lower Manhattan as a financial center into question, he chose not to simply take a check for his losses (he was offered the full amount along with compensation for his time). His reflection on thiswhich he relayed immediately to then-Governor George Patakiis written with the typical brevity and bombast of the book: We need to rebuild. Theres no doubt in my mind. WeAmericans, New Yorkerscould not allow the terrorists to triumph. Silverstein does not think too much about the complaints of family members whose loved ones remains are still on the site (many bodies were not recovered and were vaporized into the rubble) or those who said that replacing the commercial uses would be inappropriate and the entire area would be better as a park. No, he did not become the owner of the worlds largest office building through self-doubt or emotional attachment to empty lots, he plainly states: We cant let the site remain a pit. We have to rebuild, or else they will have won. The only possible solution was to restore the 10 million square feet of office space to Lower Manhattan, or else America would live in perpetual shame. If Silversteins idea of patriotism sounds a lot like George W. Bushs exhortation to go shopping after 9/11, that is because they both come from the same era of naive patriotism. Silverstein relished the challengesengineering, financing, architecture, and political wranglingof redeveloping the WTC site. Written in the short punchy sentences favored by get-things-done Manhattan moguls, The Rising does not pause to reflect on what the site could have been and what rebuilding could have meant to New York as a whole and to a broader range of New Yorkers than this first-person narrator. It might have served as a forested park with 3,000 trees to commemorate the dead and to suck carbon out of the overheated streets of Lower Manhattan, or it could have been a new neighborhood with housing and schools like nearby Battery Park City. Was office space what the city most needed? Even as early as 2001, financial firms began to move to Connecticut and New Jersey to take advantage of tax deals and larger office spaces. More importantly, many firms were still skittish about creating identifiable landmark towers where a terrorist attack had taken place, and law enforcement required expensive building modifications like One World Trades meter-thick blast-resistant concrete core. Silverstein does not ponder noncommercial uses for the huge chunk of land. His hackneyed life philosophies are far simpler: I am a very tenacious guy. When I start something, I am determined to finish it. However, he does have a point: There were far easier ways to make money in the early 2000s than fighting with New York politicians, insurance companies, and architects to build on one of the worlds most emotive, highly used, and structurally complex pieces of land. Silverstein Properties had been, by Larry Silversteins account, an unlikely company to take control of the World Trade Center: two megatowers with their own zip code in Lower Manhattan. His privately held family firm was big but nothing like some of his giant, publicly traded competitors. In his estimation it all boiled down to his ability to be the Port Authority whisperera skill he developed when he was chosen to build 7 World Trade Center in 1984. Silverstein found he was able to accept delays, intricate bureaucratic processes, and nonstandard contracts in ways that larger firms would not. The Port Authority, begun in 1921, is a partnership between New York state and New Jersey, owning multiple transportation systems and properties, and self-funded through tolls. Although never actually under the supervision of Robert Moses (the infamous planning czar of New York, who loomed large over the middle of the century), it embodies his thinking of centralized technocratic power that moves across state lines and seeks to supersede politicians by maintaining its own treasury. Developers found dealing with this system challenging, hence Silversteins advantage when a larger firm dropped out of the bidding for the World Trade Center in exasperation. Silversteins odyssey to rebuild after 9/11 started with a poisoned relationship with Rudolph Giuliani, who consistently vilified him in the tabloids. Silverstein was eventually able to collect insurance money from 25 recalcitrant lenders and to convince political officials that the WTC site needed the building that at first was known as the Freedom Tower, as well as a memorial and several more office towers. Silverstein was never a fan of the design of the original World Trade Centers; he more or less agreed they looked like glass and steel shoeboxes. He wanted to see a range of compellingly designed towers built in their place. He appreciated One World Trades design by Daniel Libeskind, the starchitect who made the Berlin Jewish Museum, but he found him to be an insufferable prima donna who was completely out of his depth when it came to project management. Silverstein prefers corporate architects with experience building massive structures, thus he speaks glowingly of David Childs of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (the preeminent behemoth architecture firm in the world), who eventually replaced Libeskind when Libeskind irritated too many important people. Silverstein also assembled a slate of Pritzker Prizewinners to complete his other office buildings on the WTC site: Fumihiko Maki for Building Four, Richard Rogers for Building Three, and Norman Foster for Building Two. Despite the big names, they are all typical Manhattan office slabs you probably would not look twice at if they were not standing next to the Michael Araddesigned memorial: two open chasms filled with water on the exact footprints of the former Twin Towers. The exasperation felt by Silverstein toward the Port Authority is, on one hand, the crocodile tears of a developer Goliath pretending to be a David, but he also deserves some sympathy. He constantly had to work with people who would not stick to plans or a timeline while he also continued to pay a monthly installment of $10 million in ground rent. He had to witness the colossal mismanagement of the Oculus transit hub, designed by Santiago Calatrava, which eventually cost $4 billion. At the same time, Silverstein has always received the goodies of the corporate welfare built into public-private development ventures: He took advantage of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, agreement started in 1973 that saved him approximately 75 percent in annual tax bills; the city used eminent domain to switch his ownership of Greenwich Street to Vesey Street to make his plans work; and he received $2.6 billion in tax-free bonds for constructing the post-2001 WTC. So when Silverstein rails against the inefficiency of the public sector, it is mostly the process that galls him and not the deep pockets, planning authority, or tax abatement. For over 20 years, Silverstein has been pilloried in the press as the characteristic rapacious developer willing to do anything for a buck (even worse, 4chan-style blogs tied him to antisemitic conspiracy theories that no Jews showed up to work on September 11, 2001). He complains: They never appreciated my deep patriotic and civic commitment to rebuilding the site. Sure, I am a businessman. But that was far from the energizing motive in my setting out to bring the World Trade Center complex back to life. And he is right: No one would have put up with the stress of this endeavor without commitment beyond their wallet, particularly not at post-retirement age, as Silverstein was when it all started. At the same time, the rejuvenation of Lower Manhattan is very much the work of real estate developers who only see office buildings when they look at plots of land, despite diminishing need for this use. Indeed, finding tenants for One World Trade has been vexing. Eventually Conde Nast was coaxed down from midtown and several government agencies took space. The rebuilding of the WTC site was mired in the ideas of mid-twentieth century urbanism: big name architects, soaring glass towers, and business districts neatly separated from where people live, raise families, and entertain themselves. Those ideas no longer function in 2024. Silverstein barely mentions the Perelman Performing Arts Center, which opened on the WTC site in 2023, because it is not rentable land. A bigger problem for the arts center is that it attempts to add life to a precinct where no one lives. If Silverstein and other movers and shakers truly wanted to demonstrate the phoenix-like potential of Lower Manhattan, they should have added residents, not just office workers, to the massive plot of land they restored. The only time the neighborhood felt like a place with a beating heart past sundown was during Occupy Wall Street, and that was probably not what Larry Silverstein had in mind for activating the WTC precinct. The failure of imagination for the WTC site is intertwined with two larger problems. One is the housing crisis and questions of why the redeveloped plot did not include mixed-use commercial and residential: If it was appropriate to have offices on top of the remains of several thousand New Yorkers then surely apartments would also be viable? Second, the office building sector is facing an existential crisis due to remote work and dispersed employees. Starting before Covid-19 and accelerating rapidly after 2020, the expensive, imposing Manhattan office tower is starting to look like a relic of the past and an urban planning problem necessitating expensive adaptive reuse plans. The billions of dollars spent on recreating the WTC look in retrospect expensive, hubristic, and ultimately pointless. Silverstein succeeded in getting the Manhattan of the past rebuilt, but, in all likelihood, the New York of the future will look quite different. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) An alleged attempted aggravated robbery is under investigation in Dayton. Officers were called to the 4700 block of Queens Avenue in reference to a shots fired call just before 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 7. According to Dayton Police Lt. Steven Bauer, individuals met officers at an alternate location. During that interaction, the people reportedly told officers they had been subject to a failed aggravated robbery. Bauer said in a statement that a suspect allegedly tried to steal items from the impacted individuals. After the incident was unsuccessful, it is believed by police that shots were then fired by the suspect and their associates, as well as one of the individuals impacted by the alleged attempted robbery. When this failed, the suspect fled while firing shots at the victims, said Bauer. A victim returned fire, and some of the suspects associates then shot at the victims. The suspects Kia Optima, which is suspected to have been a stolen vehicle, was reportedly located in the 4700 block of Eichelberger Road in Dayton. Police claim the Kia had crashed into a residential fence. If you have any information that could assist investigators, stay anonymous by calling 937-222-7867. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Hundreds of people, most of them Latino, attend a Hispanic Cultural Day rally outside the Oklahoma State Capitol on May 15 to protest the newly enacted House Bill 4156, which creates the criminal offense of impermissible occupation. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visa Task Force issued recommendations to find ways to aid immigrants who want to live and work in the state. The task force, created by Gov. Kevin Stitt in April, was tasked with finding ways to bolster our workforce and create opportunities for those who are here contributing to our communities and economy. The recommendations have drawn criticism from conservative voices in the Legislature, including Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, of the newly formed Freedom Caucus, as well as praise from others like Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, chair of Oklahomas Latino Caucus. The task forces report, released at the end of August, included recommendations to: Create the Office of New Oklahomans, Issue qualified migrants with Driving Privilege Cards, Promote policies to help international talent navigate credentialing processes, Pilot programs to issue more work permits and visas to non-citizens, and Empower employers to seek non-citizens to fill high-demand jobs. Deevers, on social media and in an official statement, criticized the recommendations. He said they failed to put the well-being of Oklahomans first. If we are headed down a path to becoming like Utah on immigration, we have taken a wrong turn, Deevers said in a statement. I respectfully oppose implementing the unhelpful recommendations of this Task Force which do not align with an Oklahoma First policy or the bill that we just passed into law. He referenced House Bill 4156, signed by Stitt in April, which creates a crime called impermissible occupation for willfully entering the state without legal authorization to be in the United States. The law was put on hold by a federal judge, pending legal challenges, and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has appealed this order. Brooks, however, lauded the task force for recognizing the importance of immigrants in Oklahoma. Were excited that the task force understood that embracing immigration is something that means growth for the state of Oklahoma, whether or not thats economically or population wise, that immigration is a good thing, and not to forget that were a nation of immigrants, he said. In reference to the recommendation to issue qualified migrants Driving Privilege Cards, Brooks said he has previously tried to get legislation on this issue passed. He said issuing the cards will bring revenue to Oklahoma and increase safety for law enforcement in traffic stops because they would be able to confirm the identity of cardholders. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Abegail Cave, a spokesperson for Stitt, said that the governor has always been and will always be strong on the border. Stitt has sent members of the Oklahoma National Guard to the border and has been highly critical of the Biden administration handling of immigration and the border. Cave said that Stitt will not follow the recommendations of the task force. She wrote that Stitt will NOT issue drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. He wont give jobs to illegal immigrants. Hes not making an office for illegal immigrants. These recommendations are not law and not effective without legislative action to enact them. Stitts office did not return a request for comment on if he would support any legislative efforts to put the recommendations into effect. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Ms Reeves fought off a backbench rebellion over her decision to restrict eligibility for the benefit - WPA Pool/Getty Images Have you had problems with the DWP and your Pension Credit application? Let us know at money@telegraph.co.uk Rachel Reeves claimed 4,400 of taxpayer cash towards her energy bills before axing winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. In the past five years alone, she has claimed 3,700, Telegraph analysis reveals. The Chancellor and other Labour MPs spent more than 400,000 of taxpayer money heating their own homes over the past five years, with some claiming thousands a year more than a typical household spends. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves fought off a backbench rebellion over the decision to restrict the tax-free payment of up to 300 to only those retirees entitled to claim pension credit. Since 2019, 162 Labour MPs have claimed 425,000 on expenses for home energy use, according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). However, this was 83,000 more than the average amount a similar number of households would have spent in that period, Telegraph analysis shows. MPs, who now earn a basic salary of 91,346, can claim accommodation costs on expenses provided they are for a rental property and not one they own, subject to an overall budget cap of 29,290 in London and 19,940 elsewhere. This includes home energy bills, but there is no specific cap for how much MPs can claim, an IPSA spokesman said. MPs typically claim expenses on energy bills for their second home which could either be in London or their constituency. Meanwhile, only retirees with an income of less than 11,343 are now eligible for the winter fuel payments via pension credit support. Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, has claimed 5,700 to cover her home energy bill over the last five years enough to pay winter fuel payments to 19 pensioners this winter. Over the weekend, Ms Kendall was understood to be ringing MPs in an attempt to quell a rebellion over the policy. Ms Kendall did not respond to requests for comment. In January, Ms Reeves claimed the cost of living had left her increasingly short despite her MP salary of 86,584, adding that she winced at her mortgage, energy and shopping bills each month. Sir Keir has not claimed the energy bill support as his constituency is in London and he does not need a second home. Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, claimed 15,881 over the past five years the most out of any MP in the Commons. Mr Byrne said the bill was high because the energy supplier hugely overcharged and is now in the process of drawing down the very large credit balance we have with them, and bills in the period ahead would be lower. Other Labour MPs with high bills included Yasmin Qureshi, of Bolton South and Walkden. Ms Qureshi, who did not respond to requests for comment, claimed 11,800 over five years, 5,200 more than the national average. Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, has claimed 10,300 for domestic energy use since 2019. Mr Shah also did not respond to requests for comment. This winter, some 10 million pensioners will lose the winter fuel allowance, following the decision by Ms Reeves. The move prompted immediate backlash from charities warning that pensioners just above the pension credit threshold would struggle to heat their homes. On Monday, it emerged that Labour had previously warned up to 4,000 pensioners could die if the allowance was scrapped. Simon Francis, of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition charity group, said: As MPs warm themselves at the public expense, the reality for pensioners will be very different this winter. If Labour MPs are so keen to save money for the Treasury, maybe they could look closer to home for savings rather than taking from pensioners in need? Successive governments have spent millions on awareness campaigns to encourage households to conserve energy and keep bills down. In 2022, a campaign previously blocked by Liz Truss was relaunched by Rishi Sunak, costing the taxpayer 18m. It included a TV advert suggesting households could save money by turning down their boiler flow, switching off lights, closing curtains in the evening or reducing washing machine temperatures. At the time, Jeremy Hunt warned that all households would have to take responsibility for their energy bills, adding that bill payers need to change their behaviour. The then-chancellor suggested households could save themselves 500 in the years to come if they hit a national target to cut their energy use by 15pc by 2030. Over the last five years, Telegraph analysis shows that MPs claimed a total of 1.2m in domestic energy bills alone, 305,000 more than the typical household bill over that period. Conservative MPs accounted for 745,000 of the total bill. John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpayers are tired of taking lectures from politicians unable to practice what they preach. Failed policies have driven up energy prices to levels that families are struggling to meet, yet MPs are insulated from the soaring costs. Our representatives should remember their voters when deciding policies. On Tuesday, Keir Starmer told unions that he would make no apologies for the spending cuts and suggested critics were stuck in the 1980s. Speaking at the Trade Union Congress annual conference in Brighton, he said: We ran as a changed Labour Party and we will govern as a changed Labour Party. And so I make no apologies for any of the decisions we have had to take to begin the work of change and no apologies to those still stuck in the 1980s who believe that unions and business can only stand at odds, leaving working people stuck in the middle. An IPSA spokesman said: IPSA supports MPs to carry out their jobs by giving them the funding they need to run an office, pay their staff, or travel for work. CORRECTION: This article has been amended to reflect that the amount claimed by Liam Byrne MP for energy bills was 15,881 and not as previously published 18,400. 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 new tourism strategy for the North East was launched at Newcastle Cathedral [Steve Brock/Destination North East England] Cultural leaders have laid out plans to double a region's tourists by 2034 without damaging the environment, heritage or local communities. But they have been warned a boost to the North East's 6.1bn tourism industry must not spark a public backlash. Plans would include capitalising on growing demand for more sustainable holiday destinations from travellers conscious of their carbon footprint. At the event at Newcastle Cathedral on Monday, Destination North East England chair John Marshall set out a need to avoid the "resentment" and protests caused by over-tourism. He said: "We want to grow the benefits of tourism without losing the unique identity and environment that makes the region so special." 'No international profile' The meeting heard while about 69 million people visited the region in 2023, the North East sat bottom of the league tables for both domestic and international tourist spending in the UK. It recorded 459,000 international visits, bringing a 360m spend, by far the lowest in the country, according to Visit Britain. Durham County Council leader Amanda Hopgood told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the North East lacked the national or international profile it should have and needed to "go to the right audiences". The Liberal Democrat councillor, who leads on tourism issues in the new North East Combined Authority, said: "We want to increase [tourism], but we want to do that in an environmentally sustainable way and to do it with our residents instead of to them." No quick fix Spikes in visitor numbers to popular spots like the Northumberland seaside village of Seahouses have already led to complaints of travel chaos and people being priced out of living locally due to the surge in holiday lets. Hopgood warned that she did not want "areas to be overrun and residents feeling like strangers". A major uplift in tourism would require a significant boost to public transport capacity, hotel availability, and other infrastructure. North East mayor Kim McGuinness admitted that such efforts, like the extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro system, had no quick fix. "We can't think in one-year, two-year, five-year cycles - that is where we have failed before, that is why Levelling Up failed," she said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. More stories from BBC North East and Cumbria Related internet links Remembering 9/11: Events happening in the Tri-Cities TRI-CITIES, Tenn./Va. (WJHL) Wednesday, Sept. 11 marks twenty-three years since terrorist attacks in the United States killed nearly 3,000 people. Below are events happening around the Tri-Cities on Wednesday to honor those fallen. American Legion 9/11 Remembrance Hosted by the Kings Mountain Post 24 of the American Legion. Ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. Memorial Park Community Center Amphitheater (510 Bert Street, Johnson City) VFW Post 4933 Patriot Day Free BBQ for all fire, police and first responders. Meals will be served starting at 6 p.m. 830 Minga Road, Kingsport More information Marion 9/11 Ceremony Begins at 8 a.m. Marion Fire Hall (231 West Main Street, Marion, Virginia) Glade Spring Fire Department Remembrance Service Service starts at 8 a.m. 318 East Glade Street, Glade Spring, Virginia Americano Steak House & Wine Bar Complimentary Dinner A complimentary Sirloin dinner with two sides will be offered for all first responders, including police officers, sheriff deputies, detention officers, county jailers, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, firefighters and search and rescue members. 4 8:30 p.m. Americano Steak House & Wine Bar (8362 US-19E, Roan Mountain) Marsh Regional Blood Center 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive Marsh will provide each donor with a card bearing the name of someone who lost their life on Sept. 11. Donors will also receive a special t-shirt and 20-ounce tumbler. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Bristol Motor Speedway 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Rep. Frank to file for Speaker of the Texas House WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Ahead of the next Texas House of Representatives session, a local representative is calling for a changestarting with himself. State Representative James Frank of District 69 sent a letter to the members of the Texas House of Representatives asking them to consider if he represented the direction of change they were seeking. Every season is fire season: Fire chief, city talk safety, prevention during town hall After much thought, prayer, and consideration, I have decided to file for Speaker of the Texas House, Rep. Franks letter read. Following the end of the last session, and especially after the primary election results of March, it became clear to me that the house itself and our voters want to move in a different direction. As the letter continues, Rep. Frank writes about the improvements and changes he wishes to bring to the chamber, such as clear and personal communication, member empowerment, and floor management. I believe I have the ability, integrity and available time to be the next speaker, Rep. Frank wrote, continuing, If you agree, I would be honored to have your support. I look forward to talking with you over the coming weeks to hear your input. Rep. Frank has represented District 69 since 2013. He joins three other Republicans in challenging the current Speaker of the Texas House, Dade Phelan. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane referred Michigan Representative Neil Friskes (R-107) case regarding alleged assault, sexual assault and gun charges to the Michigan Attorney Generals Office on Tuesday. Dewane says this decision was made due to Friskes potential crimes spanning multiple county jurisdictions. Dewane added that the Attorney Generals office was best situated to handle the case since it has statewide jurisdiction. (Photo: https://gophouse.org/member/RepNeilFriske) PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rep. Friske investigated on gun, sex assault allegations, Ingham Co. Prosecutor says Police arrested Friske in Lansing on June 20 in response to a shots fired call in the 2100 block of Forest Rd near Aurelius Rd at around 2:45 a.m., but he was released from custody on June 21. He returned to his office the week afterand had not been charged by the Ingham County Prosecutor at the time. Upon his initial arrest, police requested the Ingham County Prosecutor to file three felony charges: Sexual Assault, Assault Excluding Sexual, and Weapons Offense. Rep. Neil Friske was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022. He represents the 107th House District in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The district includes all of Charlevoix and Emmet counties and portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) Haitian immigration in Springfield has been a hot topic as of late, drawing national and worldwide attention. The city of Springfield estimates at least 12,000 Haitian immigrants currently live there. Based on data from the Springfield City Commission, Springfield City Schools have 1500 students learning English. Sixty percent of those students are Creole-speaking. LIVE NOW: Springfield mayor to speak on growing Haitian community At a recent city commission meeting, leaders cited challenges Springfield is having due to the migrants. This includes speed and volume of the migration, lack of resources, language barrier, and even racism. According to The New York Times, the Springfield population dwindled in 2014 to 60,000. But new businesses attracted to the area called for a bigger work force. By 2017, they had created more than 8,000 jobs and attracted thousands of Haitian migrants to Springfield for work. Congressman Mike Turner represents Springfield. He says these migrants arrived in the city through a federal program, not illegally across the southern border. Springfield to get state help in handling influx of migrants He says now that theyre here, the focus needs to be on getting the city the help it needs to provide the best services for all of its citizens. They are in desperate need of federal assistance from a federally created influx of population that have specialized needs of which theyre not getting any aid, said Turner. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A supporter of President Donald Trump holds a 'Latinos for Trump' sign at a campaign rally. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Could the states Latino voting population be the key demographic that decides the U.S. Senate race between Rick Scott and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell? Both candidates have been making direct appeals to Latino voters. Over the weekend, Mucarsel-Powell launched her first Spanish-language television ad, called The Important Things. Her campaign began airing Spanish-language radio ads last month and NPR reported last week that she has launched a campaign on WhatsApp to reach out directly to the states Hispanic community. Scott speaks fluent Spanish. Earlier this year, he released a series of four television and radio ads targeting Spanish-speaking voters, and a super PAC backing Scott is airing an ad in Spanish in the Orlando market this week. According to a report released Tuesday, investing in Spanish language outreach is a key to reaching the 3.3 million eligible Latino voters in Florida. The states Latino eligible voting population has significantly higher rates of speaking Spanish, says the data brief from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute. Four in five Latino eligible voters in Florida are Spanish speakers, including 30% of Latinos who only speak Spanish. These high rates are more pronounced in Miami-Dade County, where more than 90% of Latinos speak Spanish. The report says 50% of Latino eligible voters in Florida are bilingual and could be contacted in both English and Spanish. In Miami-Dade County, fewer than 10% of Latinos only speak English while 40% speak only Spanish. The investments in Spanish media could be decisive in what has become closer contest with eight weeks to go before Election Day. Significantly more Latinos speak Spanish (and speak only Spanish) in Florida and in areas like Miami-Dade County than in the U.S., so Spanish language campaign materials will be crucial to reaching and engaging the Latino population, co-author and research analyst Juliana Phan said. Socialism? Although a Morning Consult survey released Monday shows Scott with a five-point edge, 47%-42, a poll released by Emerson College last week showed the Senate race in a virtual tie, with Scott up by just a single point, 46%-45%. Scotts Spanish-language ads and much of his platform has assailed Mucarsel-Powell as being a socialist, a familiar campaign attack against Democrats, particularly in South Florida with its substantial population of eligible Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan voters who have fled socialist governments. One of Scotts Spanish-language ads was called Socialismo. And a new ad again calling her out as a socialist is airing in both Spanish and English in Orlando by Project Rescue America, a federal super political action committee backing Scott. Mucarsel-Powell was born in Ecuador and speaks often of becoming the first South American immigrant elected to Congress. As a way to address Scotts criticisms, she has challenged him to one debate exclusively in Spanish. (Last week her campaign announced she had accepted offers by three local television stations to broadcast debates statewide before the election. The Scott campaign has not publicly responded.) The UCLA report used data from the Latino Data Hub, which took information from the 2002 American Community Survey. It says that while 33% of Latino voters in Florida are affiliated with the Democratic Party and 28% of Latino voters are affiliated with the Republican Party, 39% of Latino voters are independent. An online survey of 567 Hispanic voters from Florida compiled from Aug. 1 to Aug. 5 from Televisa Univision found that 30% of those surveyed said that they were undecided about their presidential choice. The survey showed that 45% of Hispanic voters would definitely or probably vote for Scott for Senate, and 39% would definitely or probably vote for Mucarsel-Powell. However, 33% said they were not completely certain about their vote for senator. Fluidity An additional 43% of Hispanic voters said they were very likely or somewhat likely to vote for a candidate from a political party that they have typically not voted for in the past. The fluidity in voting choices of Latino Floridians can be attributed to them resonating more with specific political messages and candidates than they do with political parties, particularly as the messages relate to religion and freedom, the brief says. In terms of Latino voters by descent group, 28.6% of voters are Cuban; 26.6% Puerto Rican; 9.7% Mexican; 7.8% Colombian; 4.8% Dominican. The report says that other descent groups were excluded due to small sample sizes. When it comes to the median income of eligible voters in Florida by race, Latinos are at $64,000. Thats compared to $73,000 for white voters, $50,000 for Black voters, $68,700 for multiracial voters, and $87,300 for Asian or Pacific Islander voters. The brief says the vast majority of Latino voters in Florida have access to the internet, a smartphone, and a car, but fewer have access to broadband internet. Republican pollster says: I have never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election (than Trump) Republican pollster says: I have never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election (than Trump) A top Republican pollster says he has never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election than Donald Trump. Frank Luntz, a pollster and GOP strategist for the likes of ex-New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, posted on social media on Saturday to take the shot at the Republican nominee. I have never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election, Lutz wrote in response to Trumps promise to imprison his political opponents. Instead of talking about affordability and immigration security (the top public issues), Trump is once again screaming about prosecuting his opponents. Message to Donald: Focus on helping voters, not yourself, Lutz concluded. A Republican pollster said he has never seen a candidate more determined to blow an election than Donald Trump. He made the comment after Trump discussed prosecuting his political enemies. (AP) The pollsters statement was in response to an unhinged comment by the Republican nominee for president on his Truth Social platform on Saturday night. Trump went on a rant about election interference and, again, accused Democrats of cheating in 2020 without any proof. Therefore, the 2024 Election, where Votes have just started being cast, will be under the closest professional scrutiny and, 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. We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WONT! Please beware 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. The post was the latest from Trump claiming that he will be cheated out of the election - before the vast majority of ballots have even been cast. Trump posted over the weekend, without proof, that the 2020 election was stolen and that he will prosecute those involved after he is elected in 2024. (Getty Images) Earlier this month, the Republican Mayor of Mesa, Arizona, John Giles warned that if Trump loses, he and his allies will try all tactics to create doubts over the results. Theyll claim everything went wrong if they lose. Id be surprised if Trump doesnt try to foment insurrection if he loses the election, the mayor said. Other experts have warned that the MAGA loyalists are trying to raise doubts over the election, two months before its called. David Becker at the Center for Election Innovation and Research told The Guardian that a lot of false claims are masquerading as efforts to change policy to improve election integrity when in actuality theyre just designed to sow distrust in our system if Trump loses. This is all designed to manufacture claims that if Trump loses, the election was stolen and to sow discord, chaos and potential violence, he added. WASHINGTON Republicans in Congress slammed the Biden administration in a Monday report on the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, faulting the president for the chaotic withdrawal of American troops and the collapse of the country's government nearly three years ago. A special representative for former President Donald Trump's administration negotiated the withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, excluding the Afghan government, the report states, which undermined a longstanding U.S. position that it does not negotiate with terrorist organizations. But the 353-page report by the House Foreign Affairs Committee argues that President Joe Biden would have pulled U.S. troops anyway, as shown by his adherence to the Trump deal, and it says his administration did so in a way that created unsafe conditions for American personnel. WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 9: White House national security communications adviser John Kirby speaks during a news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on September 9, 2024 in Washington, DC. Kirby defended the Biden Administration after House Republicans released a report criticizing the administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. "His decision allowed the Taliban to conquer Afghanistan, left the U.S. in a perilous counterterrorism position for years to come, and set the stage for the chaotic evacuation from Kabul in August of 2021 that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers," the report charges. "To this day, the president has yet to acknowledge his role in this tragedy." Democrats on the committee accused Republicans of attempting to "politicize" the withdrawal in a minority report on the yearslong investigation. They said they were not involved in writing the main committee report and did not receive a draft copy before its release. In their rebuttal, they hit Trump, who is set to meet Vice President Kamala Harris in a presidential debate on Tuesday, for his role in the withdrawal and for using the anniversary of the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport to attack the Biden-Harris administration. The Biden administration had previously released a review of its own, in which it admitted that aspects of the withdrawal were poorly executed. White House national security spokesman John Kirby reiterated on Monday that "clearly there were moments of great violence and there were moments of mission execution that didn't go exactly the way we wanted it to go." "We mourn the loss of those 13 lives ... every single day, their sacrifice doesn't, doesn't, is not forgotten," Kirby told reporters. "But again, we hold ourselves all accountable." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republicans fault Biden in report for Afghanistan withdrawal Republican senators on Monday dismissed former Vice President Dick Cheneys extraordinary endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, calling his stark warning about former president Donald Trumps threats to democracy irrelevant. Oh, brother, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) responded when asked about her fellow Wyoming Republicans plan to vote for the Democratic presidential nominee in November. I think hes out of touch, she added of the former vice president. Last week, both Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, announced they would be supporting Harris in November due to Trumps unprecedented effort to overturn an election that he lost, culminating in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, the former vice president warned 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. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution, he wrote. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. The statement from Cheney, a conservative icon who has been revered in GOP circles since stepping down as George W. Bushs vice president in 2009, took many in Washington by surprise, including some veteran Republicans who aligned with his expansive view of presidential power and foreign policy. He believes, I guess, Trumps the worst thing in the world. I think the world is on fire, and that Trumps policies are much better than hers, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who was first elected to the Senate in 2002, told HuffPost. I dont think it will matter to most Republicans, he added. Youre going to have a hard time convincing a Republican that Harris is the answer. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the Senate Pro Tempore whose tenure in Washington predated Cheneys political rise and has long outlasted him, called Cheney a free agent who can do whatever he wants. Its a fascinating time when you have Dick Cheney supporting [Harris] and you have Robert Kennedy Jr. supporting President TrumpI dont know how much any of these endorsements matter, added Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who also served in the Senate chamber when Cheney was vice president. Meanwhile, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Democrats calls to eliminate the Senate filibuster, the chambers supermajority requirement for advancing legislation, is a much greater concern than what electing Trump could mean for the future of democracy. That, to me, is a very clear and present danger to this institution, and I think it would be a turning point in American history, he warned of Democrats potentially moving to change filibuster rules if they win control of the Senate next year. Harris previously indicated her support for suspending the filibuster rule to pass Democratic legislation protecting access to voting nationwide and codifying access to abortion. Her campaign has not said what she would do if elected president next year. The Cheneys are only the latest prominent Republicans to back Harris campaign. Others include former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig. Jimmy McCain, the son of the late Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain, also changed his voter registration to Democrat and plans to vote for Harris. Im impressed with the range and number of seniority of Republicans who have endorsed Vice President Harris, said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.). Not because they agree with her policies, but because they see Trump as such a threat to our constitutional order, and I thought Vice President Cheney was particularly clear in his statement. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) This week marks 23 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 a day that is now referred to as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. For many people, the memory of 9/11 is associated with the images of the twin towers falling but it is also associated with the image of the nation coming together during a time of heroes. READ NEXT: Wirth Watching honors the jobs and the workers of the past on Labor Day A few years ago, ABC4s Craig Wirth spoke with a local first responder named Dave Richards who made a very special friend as they responded to Ground Zero: A rescue dog named Cowboy. In training sessions in Utah, prior to 9/11, Dave said there was something amazing about Cowboy. He doesnt have gloves and kneepads and a hard hat and steel-toed boots, Dave said. He just has what God gave him and hes out there giving his all in conditions without a respirator, working his little butt off. Dave and Cowboy were among the first responders at Ground Zero after being deployed to Hill Air Force Base in Ogden as the towers fell, and Cowboy was among four other Utah canines who were sent to Ground Zero. Something about Dave and Cowboy became very special some might even call it magical. I think he knew I think he spoke English, Dave said of Cowboy. I could tell him anything. The pair walked on top of beams that were still hot from explosions, and over fire from the smoldering debris. We hadnt done anything like that before, Dave said. For eight days, the pair searched and searched for a miracle of life in the rubble but there were no miracles. Daves hand was Cowboys pillow as they got a few hours of rest every now and then. In the rough conditions, Cowboy seemed to sense he might have a unique gift that could bring some moments of relief to the responders. The firefighters that were all sitting down, exhausted in these rows outside the pile he would come up to them and he would look at them, and he would pick up something and flick it at them, Dave said. They just loved it, so they would, they started finding things to get him to flick. I think he helped bring some sanity to the situation. Cowboy would go on to work Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but cancer eventually set in and Cowboy succumbed. Just as they had spent all the other days, Dave and Cowboy would spend their last day together as one. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Northern Vietnam has been hit by severe flooding after Typhoon Yagi tore through (NHAC NGUYEN) (NHAC NGUYEN/AFP/AFP) Emergency workers raced to evacuate thousands of people from severe floods Tuesday after Typhoon Yagi swept through northern Vietnam, killing 63 people and leaving 40 others missing. Yagi struck on Saturday with winds in excess of 149 kilometres (92 miles) per hour, making it the most powerful typhoon to hit northern Vietnam in 30 years according to meteorologists. The storm downed bridges, tore roofs off buildings, damaged factories and triggered widespread flooding and landslides. The north of the country -- densely populated and a major manufacturing hub for global tech firms including Samsung -- is now battling serious flooding, with several communities partially underwater. One-storey homes in parts of Thai Nguyen and Yen Bai cities were almost completely submerged in the early hours of Tuesday, with residents waiting on the roofs for help. Rescue forces were trying to reach residential areas to retrieve old people and children. On social media, relatives of those stuck in floodwater posted desperate pleas for help and supplies. In Hanoi, communities along the swollen and fast-moving Red River, which flows through the capital, were also partially under water, with people forced to evacuate. Phan Thi Tuyet, 50, who lives close to the river, said she had never experienced such high water. "I have lost everything, all gone. I had to come to higher ground to save our lives. We can not bring with us any of the furniture. Everything is under water now." As well as the dead and missing, flooding and landslides have also injured at least 752 people, officials at the ministry of agriculture said Tuesday. - Bridge collapse - Authorities stopped heavy vehicles crossing a major bridge over the Red River in central Hanoi Tuesday and suspended a train line across Long Bien bridge as the water level rose. The action followed the dramatic collapse of a bridge higher up the river in northern Phu Tho province Monday. Pictures on state media showed half of the 375-metre Phong Chau bridge gone. Five people who were crossing the bridge at the time have been rescued, but eight others were still missing Tuesday, authorities said. Forecasters warned central Hanoi would be affected by flooding later Tuesday. The storm has also caused power blackouts and major disruptions to factories in northern Vietnam, which is a major production hub for global tech firms such as Samsung and Foxconn. At least 24 others were killed as Yagi tore through southern China and the Philippines before hitting Vietnam. Typhoons in the region are forming closer to the coast, intensifying more rapidly, and staying over land longer due to climate change, according to a study published in July. bur-aph/pdw/hmn The effects of climate change are being felt more and more each year. The increased heat is making everything more wet, which may seem counterintuitive at first, because heat waves are usually associated with dryness. But the more heat is in the air, the more moisture can actually be present. This is why rainfall has become so much more intense in some areas, with precipitation in the U.S. increasing at an average rate of 0.18 inches per decade since 1901. As climate change spirals out of control, rare and severe weather patterns are becoming far more common. This means stronger hurricanes, more massive storms and bigger floods thanks to burning fossil fuels that spew heat-trapping greenhouse gases. And it will only get worse, experts warn, if we don't curb emissions. Unfortunately, as we just recorded our hottest summer ever, for the second year in a row, we're clearly going in the opposite direction, so we can expect a future with even more extreme weather. A recent study in the journal Nature Geoscience underscores just how severe these changes are going to be, and for how many people. According to researchers from Oslo, Norway's CICERO Center for International Climate Research and the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology, nearly three out of four humans alive today will experience intensified heat and rainfall over the next two decades unless global heating is curbed. "Our study shows that extreme temperature and rainfall will increase rapidly over many regions of the world over the next two decades compared to the changes we have experienced in the past due to natural variations in the climate," lead author Dr. Carly Iles from the CICERO Center told Salon. "While absolute changes in climate extremes are well studied, the speed at which they change is not, and yet this is important because the faster extremes change, the less time there is to adapt, and the more likely we are to see unprecedented extremes." Iles added that a majority of the planet's residents will experience changes in terms of extreme weather that "come faster than weve experienced in modern history. This applies even if we cut emissions of greenhouse gases drastically, but such cuts will still help make the problem much more manageable." Dr. Michael E. Mann, a climatologist at the University of Pennsylvania who was not involved in the study, argued that if anything the new report "may vastly underestimate" the real problems being caused by climate change, such as floods, rainfalls, droughts and wildfires. "Theyre using boundary conditions from climate models that dont resolve some of the critical physics behind how climate change is impacting these events specifically, resonant atmospheric planetary waves," Mann said. "We recently published an article in PNAS, for example, showing that the climate models fail to capture the mechanisms that made the 2021 Pacific Northwest 'Heat Dome' event so extreme." Monsoon flood water Bagmati River Nepal Dr. Kevin Trenberth, a distinguished scholar at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, who was also not involved in the study, told Salon that he also believes the study likely understates the severity of climate change threats. "By using ensembles, these authors explore aspects of natural variability, but the models they use are flawed, especially with regards to extremes of precipitation and also El Nino," Trenberth said, referring to the global climate cycle. "They likely understate the actual threats. Nevertheless, time and time again, warnings of possible or even likely future events and risks typically bring only limited responses and even insurance is not taken out. The nearer term local and regional issues are always of bigger concern. Only when one adopts a longer term, 10 to 20 year perspective, does one's values and perceptions change." Trenberth observed that this short-term perspective is especially common in areas beset by conflict and war. "Who cares about 20 years from now when you might be dead tomorrow?" Trenberth said. "Who plans for such risks when there are shortages of money and food?" Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. While the exact magnitude of this impending intense heat is up for question, Iles told Salon that there are some certainties, including how it will impact ordinary people and what could possibly be done to mitigate this impact. "The 70% [of the population impacted by new intensified heat, particularly closer to the equator] should anticipate a rapid intensification of temperature extremes in particular, but also heavy rainfall events in some regions," Iles said. "Rapidly cutting greenhouse gas emissions reduces this number to 20%. Nevertheless, in either case it is important for populations to be aware that weather extremes are likely to worsen, and for adaptation strategies to be implemented." Among other things, Iles called for "heat action plans" and legislation that protects outdoor workers, prepares for floods and upgrades buildings and infrastructure to withstand extreme heat and flooding. "The first step in adapting to a new climate is knowing what may come," Iles said. "Wherever we live, we all need to consider if were vulnerable to more intense rainfall or more powerful heat waves, and then take the steps we can in order to make our lives and our communities more resilient." Mann also argued that people need to accept that climate change models will always have a level of uncertainty baked into them which, unfortunately, can make it more difficult to convince people of the need to prepare. "The point is that climate model-based projections of extreme weather are very likely underestimating the potential for increased extreme events in the future," Mann said. "Uncertainty, once again, is not our friend, and its another example of how the models have if anything been conservative in their projections of some of the key impacts of climate change." Iles echoed that observation. "Our key result is really how quickly damaging weather conditions are changing around the world," Iles said. "Adaptation now needs to be put as high on the agenda as cuts in emissions and nature conservation." Villa Vie's residential cruise ship has been delayed yet again as the company awaits a certificate. The ship was initially scheduled to set sail on its never-ending around-the-world cruise in May. In the interim, Villa Vie said it will no longer pay for its would-be residents' accommodation. Villa Vie Residences' highly anticipated residential around-the-world cruise has been delayed yet again from its original May target date, it told waiting customers on Monday. The company also said it can no longer afford to pay for its would-be residents' accommodations near the ship, which has remained stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for almost four months. Villa Vie Odyssey has been readying to embark on a never-ending vacation that would circumnavigate the world every 3 years, stopping at 147 countries and 425 destinations along the way all while providing travelers with the comforts of a traditional cruise. Dual occupancy cabins start at $120,000, with an additional monthly fee of $1,750 per person. The highly anticipated vessel was initially scheduled to set sail in May following the company's acquisition of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' more than 30-year-old Braemar vessel, now renamed Villa Vie Odyssey. However, issues like the aging ship's rudder stocks and certifications have since delayed its departure. Villa Vie acquired Odyssey, formerly the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' Braemar vessel, in December. Lanette Canen Mikael Petterson, the founder and CEO of Villa Vie, told Business Insider in an email in early September that his "best guess" is that Odyssey would set sail on September 9 or 10, noting that it was still a "moving target if it's either of those days." But come September 9, instead of embarking on their around-the-world journey, buyers were notified of yet another delay. The residential ship recently completed its highly anticipated sea trials, a milestone "test drive" for cruise liners. However, in the memo to customers, Petterson told would-be residents that the vessel was still awaiting its Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, which is necessary to set sail. "We are truly at the end of the tunnel and can finally see the light," he said. Villa Vie Odyssey is currently docked in Belfast, Ireland. Angela and Stephen Theriac Since May, more than 100 Villa Vie buyers have stayed in the UK in anticipation of the ship's departure. Residents can spend their days on Odyssey but aren't allowed to stay overnight. In the interim, the company had provided shuttles to and from the ship, food, drinks, excursions, and lodging or a daily per diem for those who "choose to do their own thing." That is, until Monday. In the memo, Villa Vie has asked its residents to pay for their own accommodations for the next seven days "or so" until the floating condominium receives full certification. Since the initial delay, Petterson told BI that Villa Vie had paid almost $2 million for its buyers' hotels. "I wouldn't say it's crushing, but it does compound the stress of still not having launched and still not making revenue," he said. Angela and Stephen Theriac purchased a cabin on Villa Vie Odyssey in March and have been awaiting the ship's departure in Belfast since May. Angela and Stephen Theriac For some would-be tenants, like Angela and Stephen Theriac, this announcement means they'll have to leave the UK, where they've been since Odyssey's initial departure date in May, to return to the US. "Seven days is a lot in Belfast," the couple said in a video posted to their YouTube channel, MidLife Cruising. "The prices are a minimum of $200 a night. It's cheaper for us to fly back to the US." Read the original article on Business Insider CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Charleston County residents gathered with a former North Charleston mayor Monday to discuss a sales tax referendum that would provide funding for county transportation projects. Those in favor of the proposed tax joined former Mayor Keith Summey to discuss why the tax must pass. The referendum, which will be on the Nov. 11 general election ballot, will ask voters to approve a half-cent transportation sales tax. Officials say this referendum is not new but a continuation of an approved 2004 sales tax that is set to expire. The county estimates the tax would generate $5.4 billion for various infrastructure projects, including the Mark Clark (I-526) extension. According to Citizens for Safe Roads, the referendum addresses more than just extending the Mark Clark Expressway; it is also about making the county safer. $1,200 a year is what it roughly comes to per family in Charleston County if we were to vote yes on this, said a referendum opponent, Adam Friend. You do the math, thats almost 25 plus thousand dollars a family, and thats just were tired of it. They dont do what they say, and were standing up against them. Summery said at the meeting that the tax would allow officials to make the entire community a better place for everyone. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Respiratory infection vaccine to be rolled out The vaccine will be offered to certain groups from September [PA Media] A vaccine to protect babies and older adults against a common but potentially dangerous respiratory infection is set to be rolled out on the Isle of Man. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Manx Care will offer the jabs to pregnant women and those aged between 75 and 79 years old from September. It follows the introduction of similar schemes in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The health care body said the eligible groups were "at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation". Manx Care said: "Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public." "However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally," it said. 'Challenging winter months' For most people, RSV causes a mild respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms. The island's health care body said unlike some other vaccines, such as those for seasonal flu, the RSV vaccine is given all year round and "older adults only need one dose to protect them for several years". "These programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the impact on Manx Care services during the challenging winter months", it added. Those eligible will receive invitations from Manx Care to attend a vaccination appointment. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk More on this story Related internet links Then-Democratic vice presidential candidate California Sen. Kamala Harris speaks during the vice presidential debate against then-Vice President Mike Pence at Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. | Spenser Heaps, 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. Hello, friends. Happy debate day. Id love to hear your real-time thoughts about the debate drop me a line at onthetrail@deseretnews.com. (If youre willing to let me include your comments in our debate coverage, include your full name, your party affiliation and your state.) 3 things to know Harris and Trump meet tonight in Philadelphia for the first (or second?) presidential debate. Its expected to draw huge viewership: Its almost certainly going to be the most-viewed single event this year, other than the Super Bowl, one expert told me. Here, I break down what Donald Trump and Kamala Harris each need to do to win. Read my analysis here. Not only did Liz Cheney endorse Harris, but her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, did, too. At present, Trump enjoys support from not a single living former Republican presidential or vice presidential nominee: Mike Pence, Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, George W. Bush and Cheney have all said they will not vote for Trump or have not endorsed him. Read more here. Is the Harris honeymoon over? Her polling uptick aided by a post-convention bump seems to have plateaued, according to the latest NYT/Siena poll. Her biggest hurdle? A majority of voters think her presidency would be much of the same as the current Biden administration even as Biden faces low favorability and widespread pessimism on the economy. Read more here. The big idea I rewatched Kamala Harris last debate so you dont have to When Harris and Trump take the stage tonight, most Americans know what to expect from Trump. Its his seventh presidential debate his second this cycle, plus two in 2020 and three in 2016. Harris, however, is more of a wild card. Shes participated in her fair share of debates against state attorney general candidates in California, in her run for the U.S. Senate, in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary but she has never participated in a presidential general election debate. The closest shes come is a 2020 vice presidential debate against Mike Pence in Salt Lake City. I rewatched that debate yesterday, so you dont have to. Heres what I learned. The event was an unusual affair: due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the two candidates podiums were spaced far away and divided by plexiglass barriers, and the limited audience members all wore face masks. There were questions about whether the debate would even happen, but the University of Utah which played host worked to make accommodations. It was certainly a pandemic-informed setup, Aaron Kall, the director of debate at the University of Michigan, told me. (Kall attended in person in 2020.) Upon rewatching the footage, though, much of that is hardly noticeable. The debate was largely respectful, especially when compared to the Biden-Trump debate weeks earlier. Pence, true to form, was on message and unflappable; Harris, a former prosecutor, showed her talent in litigating the Trump-Pence administrations record on COVID-19. Harris looked every bit the part of a former attorney general. In the annals of social media, the most memorable moment of the evening thanks to the proliferation of post-mortem memes was the fly on Pences head. But the most impressive moment, upon rewatching, is what happened long before that moment, and again shortly after. Harris was midway through a response when Pence interrupted her. Mr. Vice President, Im speaking, she said, forcefully. Later, Pence again attempted to rebut her mid-sentence: Mr. Vice President, she repeated, Im speaking. The interaction occurred once again later in the debate, after the fly incident. It was a forceful and effective way to command the debate, after the moderator, USA Todays Susan Page, seemed to struggle to keep both participants in line. I thought Kamala had more control of the debate than Susan Page did, Scott Howell, the former Utah Senate minority leader who hosted Harris in Salt Lake City, told me. (Page admitted as much this week: Harris tactic caused Pence to finally stop speaking out of turn, she wrote. Its just possible she was more successful than I was in enforcing that rule.) Harris performance was not blemish-free, however. She largely dismissed several questions Page asked, including a query about whether Harris had discussed safeguards or procedures regarding presidential disability with Biden. When asked if she would take the COVID-19 vaccine if it were approved, she said she would if Dr. Anthony Fauci told her to, but not if Trump said to causing Pence to call out her hypocrisy after shed accused him of politicizing the pandemic. In the end, it was a successful outing for Harris: most viewers said Harris won the debate, and her favorability ratings ticked up afterward, per Ipsos. When viewers were surveyed before and after watching the debate, they largely seemed to view Harris as more trustworthy, smart, likable and competent afterward, according to research by Ben Warner, director of the University of Missouris Political Communication Institute. She would love to have another performance like she had in 2020, Warner said. Will she? Her strongest moments in that 2020 debate cutting of Pences interruptions wont be replicated, as the Harris campaign lost a backstage battle to keep Harris and Trumps microphones unmuted throughout the duration of the debate. But Harris will have one thing she didnt get in Salt Lake City: a morning coffee. In Salt Lake City, Harris lodged in an upscale City Creek condo. Her first morning there, Howell, the Utah Democrat who arranged her lodgings, got a call. Theres no coffee machine here, Harris team said. Can we go buy one? Poll pulse Earlier in the summer, much was made of Trumps growing support among Black voters. That momentum seems to have been stifled by Harris entry into the race: according to a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll , more Black Americans say they will vote than earlier this year and 82% say theyll back Harris. A new New York Times/Siena College poll provides important context to tonights debate: 28% of likely voters say they need to know more about Harris, while only 9% say the same of Trump. What Im reading Jan. 6 is still being litigated, but many of the facts are not up for dispute: hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, 140 police officers were injured, and many participants carried weapons. Over 950 individuals have been sentenced for their actions on that day. The Associated Press does great work here in laying out what we know from the 1,500 court cases across the country: The Cases of January 6th (Associated Press) Trumps ground game in key swing states is targeting individuals who dont vote, Reuters reports here: In a risky ploy to beat Harris, Trump is targeting voters who dont usually vote. Its not the strategy that concerns insiders; its the manpower, as Trumps paid staff and volunteer list is much shorter than elections past. Trump has scant voter turnout operation in swing states, GOP worries (Hugo Lowell, The Guardian) Lets say Harris wins in November. What happens to the Republican Party? Does it double down on MAGA and gear up for Trump 2028? Does one of Trumps acolytes (Greene, Gaetz, et al) take the reins? Does Jeff Flake step in and redirect the party? An interesting thought experiment here, aided by an analogy of a salt lake that shouldve been the Great Salt Lake: The Salton Sea (Kevin Williamson, The Dispatch) Bonus: Trump pledges to jail opponents, baselessly suggests election will be stolen from him (Amy Gardner, Colby Itkowitz and Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post) 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. RFK Jr. Made His Mark As An Environmental Lawyer. Now Hes All In On MAGA. As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about the spiritual connection he feels toward the natural world and humankinds duty to protect it, Tucker Carlson was left visibly starstruck. That is where we sense the divine. God talks to us through the fishes, the birds, the leaves. Theyre all words from our creator, Kennedy told Carlson in an Aug. 26 interview. That is why we preserve nature. Yes! Carlson agreed, emphatically. Its not because of the quantity of carbon, Kennedy added, condemning the environmental movements focus on planet-warming carbon emissions. I feel what you said so deeply I can hardly even express it, Carlson marveled. Kennedy, who worked for decades as an environmental attorney, fancies himself as an old-school environmentalist apparently one who thinks that humans can somehow safeguard the environment while ignoring carbon pollution, the 13,000-pound elephant in the room that is wreaking havoc on all the nature that Kennedy purports to care about so deeply. Numerous former colleagues in the environmental movement have comeforward to condemn Kennedy, arguing he lost his way long ago and forfeited any claim to the title of environmentalist. After suspending his own presidential campaign last month, Kennedy became a surrogate for Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed climate change as a hoax and as president dismantled dozens of environmental rules and regulations to the benefit of corporate polluters. Dan Reicher, a senior researcher at Stanford Universitys Woods Institute for Environment, worked with Kennedy at the Natural Resources Defense Council in the late-1980s and early 1990s. The man he knew then, whom he called a strong advocate who spoke his mind on environmental protection and with whom he bonded over a shared passion for kayaking, is not the same man today. Kennedy got his start in the environmental movement as a volunteer at NRDC, which fulfilled a community service requirement of his probation stemming from a heroin possession charge in 1983, as a recent New Yorker profile detailed. Later he was hired as an attorney at Riverkeeper, where he helped lead the organizations fight against companies polluting the Hudson River in New York. Over his long career in environmental law and advocacy, Kennedy battled against oil and mining giants, the military, factory farms and pesticide manufacturers, and Canadian and Chilean dam projects. That Bobby is gone, Reicher said, and his environmental advocacy has been replaced with unhinged craziness. Just look at his anti-vaccine crusade, his anti-government rhetoric and his current work with some of the strongest climate denialists we know in this country, he said. Its hard to see how you can square his case that hes pursuing environmental protection when hes aligned himself with one of the strongest anti-environment leaders this country has ever seen. Reicher joined dozens of other former NRDC colleagues in signing onto an open letter in April calling for Kennedy to drop his independent presidential bid. The letter, titled Earth to RFK, Jr and which the NRDCs political action arm ran as ads in several swing state newspapers, condemned Kennedys record of spinning anti-vaccination conspiracy theories, denying science, and putting lives at risk. Reicher sees Kennedy as having adopted a narrow, boutique view of environmental protection that ignores the biggest environmental crisis the world faces. Hell wax eloquent about these kind of narrow issues in the broader environmental protection sphere but never get around to even acknowledging, to say nothing of pushing harder to address, the existential threat of climate change, he said. Kennedys press team did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Five siblings called his endorsement of Trump a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is greeted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on stage during an Aug. 23 campaign event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images For a clear view of Kennedys fall from environmental grace, look no further than his interview with Carlson, when Kennedy condemned environmentalists for adopting what he calls a carbon orthodoxy, the idea that everything is measured by its carbon footprint. When we destroy nature, we diminish our capacity to sense the divine, he said. Its not about quantifying stuff. Thats what the devil does; he quantifies everything. That is what he wants us doing put a number on it. And the reason were preserving these things is because we love our children. Its because nature enriches us, it enriches us economically, spiritually, culturally and historically. It connects us to those ten thousand generations of human beings that were here before there were laptops. What Kennedy conveniently failed to mention or grapple with is the fact that climate change is devastating communities the world over, with economic damages forecast to reach $38 trillion annually by the middle of this century. For many, confronting the threat is both a spiritual and cultural endeavor. Kennedy went on to attack the modern environmental movement with several falsehoods. He declared that offshore wind is exterminating the whales, parroting the evidence-free talking point of some of the nations most hard-line organizations denying climate change. He said the environmental movement no longer talks about toxics anymore, they dont care about it, they dont care that were mass-poisoning our children. Every major environmental organization has a toxics program. Tucker Carlson to RFK Jr both men nearly moved to tears. I hope what you just said is chopped up and put all over every social media platform in the world! Well here it is. What Kennedy said in the BEST 12 mins of Tucker maybe ever. Stunning. LFG. #MAHA pic.twitter.com/vLXrxpzcvF Indy Cat 2000 (@TheFinalBot1) August 27, 2024 John Walke, the director of NRDCs clean air program, said in a post to X (formerly Twitter) that Kennedy has absolutely no idea what he is talking about, noting that the environmental nonprofit has multiple staff working exclusively on toxic chemicals. Ive worked on reducing toxic air pollution for 24 years. Hell I testified NEXT TO Bobby in Congress about toxics, Walke wrote. His bid to advance himself & rehabilite [sic] Trump ignoring, forgetting all the correct & harsh criticisms he directed at Trumps anti-environmentalism now means demonizing environmentalists with lies, trafficking in conspiracies. Kennedy argues Americas national climate policy should be restoring soils, not curbing carbon emissions which, ironically, are contributing to the degradation of soils around the globe. In other words, a fix-it-after-its-a-problem approach. If you want to make Americans fight each other, talk about carbon, Kennedy told Carlson. If you want to bring Americans together, talk about habitat protection. Kennedys entrance into the Make America Great Again movement has given rise to a similar slogan meant to boil down what Kennedy brings to the table: Make America Healthy Again. But in backing Trump, Kennedy is teaming up with someone with a well-documented and abysmal environmental and public health record. The Trump administration worked to weaken safeguards for nearly 35 million acres, a number that the left-leaning Center for American Progress said earned Trump the title of the most anti-nature president in U.S. history. In January 2021, The New York Times compiled a list of more than 100 environmental rollbacks under Trump, including rules meant to safeguard air, water and wildlife habitat, as well as prevent exposure to toxic chemicals. In a meeting with oil and gas executives earlier this year, Trump vowed to fulfill the fossil fuel industrys wish list and undo President Joe Bidens climate and green energy policies if they donated $1 billion to his reelection campaign. It is the very sort of corporate capture of government that Kennedy decries at every turn. Kennedy expects to be able to influence a future Trump administration on environmental issues. I have found to my surprise that many people on the Trump team, including President Trump himself, care about the same environmental issues I do, Kennedy wrote in a post to X late last month. Furthermore, these issues can help to unify our nation because almost everyone wants clean air, water, food, and soil. Almost everyone values thriving ecosystems and wildlife. Environment was a unifying issue in the 1960s, supported by Democrats and Republicans alike. I am committed to reviving that consensus in the next Trump administration. I am an old-school environmentalist -- a lover and protector of nature. The Democrats obsess about counting CO2, while neglecting urgent issues such as the chemicals in our food, soil, and water. Ironically, many carbon-motivated environmental policies actually harm the Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 29, 2024 Reicher said Kennedy is grasping at dangerous straws and expects his embrace of Trump will end in failure. Any possibility that Kennedy will green up Trump is about as likely as the former president taking down the border wall, he said. I just dont see how it all adds up for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. if he has a shred of environmental protection left in his brain. And it may well be that he doesnt. You just think, Why has he been welcomed by Trump? Reicher added. Its not because of Bobbys early, strong environmental credentials but his now much later craziness on things environmental. Reicher and others date Kennedys departure from the environmental movement to the early 2000s, when he began to embrace conspiracies about vaccines and autism a torch he continues to carry and became a prominent figure in the fight against a proposed offshore wind farm near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. But Brett Hartl, government affairs director of the Center for Biological Diversitys political arm, points to a fiasco Kennedy set in motion at Riverkeeper in 2000. That year, Kennedy, then Riverkeepers lead attorney, hired William Wegner, a convicted smuggler of wild bird eggs, to help the organization monitor New York Citys compliance with environmental rules. Eight of Riverkeepers board members resigned in protest. Ever since that incident, Hartl, who grew up along the Hudson River, has viewed Kennedy as a foe and told HuffPost hes been baffled by the comments of other environmental advocates that cant believe what has happened to him. RFK has been twisted for decades, nothing is new, people just tolerated his untethered and bizarre beliefs because his last name was Kennedy, Hartl said in an email. In my view, RFK Jr is an environmental criminal and an environmental villain. In a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last month, Hartl called on federal officials to investigate an incident in the 1990s when Kennedy, according to his daughter, cut the head of a dead, beached whale off using a chainsaw, strapped the head to the hood of his minivan and drove it home to Mount Kisco, New York. Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet, his daughter, Kick Kennedy, told Town & Country magazine in 2012. The disturbing and graphic whale story resurfaced just a few weeks after Kennedy made national headlines for admitting to dumping the carcass of a bear cub in New Yorks Central Park in 2014 and just one day before he told Carlson about how whales and other wildlife were the foundation of his environmental work. I got into the environment because I wanted this connection to the fishes and the birds and the wildlife and the whales, he told the right-wing host and Trump ally. Most of us got into this because of the whales. Related... RFK Jr. will not appear on ballots in North Carolina, delaying the start of mail-in voting ASHEVILLE, North Carolina - Former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s name will not appear on North Carolina ballots this year, a decision that's seen as helpful to Republican nominee Donald Trump's chances in the 2024 battleground state. The North Carolina Supreme Court ordered state election officials on Sept. 9 to remove Kennedys name from ballots and reprint them, which will likely cut weeks off the states mail-in voting period. Its decision came a day after Michigan's Supreme Court ruled Kennedy's name must stay on that state's ballot and in turn helping Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Kennedy in August suspended his presidential campaign, endorsed Trump and has tried to use the courts to ensure his name isn't directly available for voters in critical swing states - with mixed success. The Asheville Citizen Times, a USA TODAY Network partner, previously reported that Kennedys name would remain on the ballot following a Wake County Superior Court ruling on Sept. 5, denying Kennedys request to have his name removed. Kennedy appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, who ruled in his favor on Sept. 6, the state-mandated deadline for counties to begin distributing mail-in absentee ballots. The State Board of Elections appealed to the N.C. Supreme Court, which issued its ruling late on Sept. 9. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks at the Crowne Plaza in Asheville, October 15, 2023. We acknowledge that expediting the process of printing new ballots will require considerable time and effort by our election officials and significant expense to the State, Justice Trey Allen wrote in his opinion for the majority. But that is a price the North Carolina Constitution expects us to incur to protect voters fundamental right to vote their conscience and have that vote count. The N.C. State Board of Elections said in a news release Sept. 10 that counties will begin distributing ballots on the same date, "to ensure voters across the state have the same amount of time to cast their ballots," though that date is unknown. The Citizen Times previously reported that prepping and reprinting ballots without Kennedys name could take weeks. The State Board also said it's in talks with the U.S. Department of Defense about a potential waiver if it misses the Sept. 21 federal deadline for sending out military and overseas ballots. Elections boards are required to send those ballots out no later than 45 days prior to the election. We will continue to consult with counties and ballot vendors to determine the feasible start date for distributing absentee ballots statewide, mindful of the goal to meet the 45-day federal deadline, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, said in the release. This decision imposes a tremendous hardship on our county boards, at an extremely busy time. But our election officials are professionals, and I have no doubt we will rise to the challenge. More: RFK Jr.s We the People party nominates NC candidates after denial by board of elections On Sept. 10, Buncombe County Elections Director Corinne Duncan said in a Facebook Live event that 5,300 ballots will need to be reprinted. Duncan said it cost the county $30,000 to print those ballots. She estimated reprinting them would cost the county $28,500. The total cost of reprinting ballots in North Carolina is unclear, though Common Cause North Carolina, a nonpartisan pro-democracy nonprofit, said in a Sept. 10 news release it could cost state taxpayers nearly $1 million. This ruling hurts voters, Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause North Carolina, said in the release. And it unduly burdens county election budgets, which are already struggling with limited resources because the state legislature refuses to provide sufficient funding for our elections. Jacob Biba is the county watchdog reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Reach him at jbiba@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: In North Carolina, state Supreme Court orders RFK Jr. off ballot PROVIDENCE A supervisor for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services is accused of fraudulently making use of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. The scheme employed by the 57-year-old Warwick woman, Nadine Jean Baptiste, involved the electronic benefit transfer cards that help legitimate food aid recipients pay for food, federal prosecutors say. Baptiste, they say, repeatedly checked on the balances of individual aid recipients by telephone and she frequently changed the pin numbers for their SNAP cards. Some of these recipients were minors and some were homeless, prosecutors say. Complaints prompt investigation in 2023 Some aid recipients, prosecutors say, complained to the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit on a fraud hotline last year, asserting that their cards had not arrived in the mail or the cards had not been provided directly by RIDHS. An investigation led to Baptiste, who was arrested Tuesday at her office, and one other person, say prosecutors. Both are charged with aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, and conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha listens to questions as he holds a press conference to announce violation of federal disability laws for over-hospitalization of children with behavioral disabilities in RI state care. Investigators from Inspector General offices with both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Social Security Administration participated in the investigation. The U.S. Marshals Service, Warwick police, Providence police, and Woonsocket police provided valuable assistance, prosecutors say. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI human services supervisor stole from food aid program, U.S. says The major party candidates running for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat will be part of two televised debates in early October. On Monday, WOOD-TV 8 in Grand Rapids announced it would host the first debate between the Democratic nominee, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Holly, and Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton at 7 p.m., Oct. 8. Political reporter Rick Albin will moderate and the debate will also be carried on several stations across Michigan. Slotkin and Rogers are then scheduled to be part of a second debate to be held at WXYZ Channel 7 in Detroit on Oct. 14, according to WXYZ. No other details about that date have been released. Michigan has an open U.S. Senate seat this year because current U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat, announced early last year that she would not run for a fifth six-year term. Slotkin has represented a mid-Michigan district since 2018 and is a former intelligence officer and former acting assistant Defense Department secretary. Rogers, who left Congress in 2015 after seven two-year terms, is a former FBI agent who rose to become chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. A recent Free Press poll showed Slotkin with a 4-percentage-point edge on Rogers, winning 46%-42%, with 12% undecided. A task force developed by a coalition of Michigan groups that included the Detroit Economic Club, Oakland University and others had urged Slotkin and Rogers to hold three debates ahead of the election beginning in September, with a third debate to have been held in Traverse City. Dave Dulio, the director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University who had been part of the group, said Tuesday he was pleased two debates were happening but voiced concerns that campaigns and media organizations were negotiating debates, rather a neutral third party. "The Task Force maintains ... that debates negotiated only by TV stations and candidates are not in the best interest of the public as they tend to focus on the candidates communication goals rather than what voters want and need to know," he said. Rogers' campaign said it has also agreed to another Senate debate but it was never finalized. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rogers, Slotkin agree to 2 televised US Senate debates Update 6:08 p.m.: The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has released the crash log for the rollover on U.S. 75 in Osage County. According to the KHP crash log, a Toyota pickup was driving northbound on U.S. 75 and did not see a Chevy SUV traveling southbound on U.S. 75 and attempted to to west onto South Topeka Avenue. The SUV used an evasive maneuver was used to try and miss being struck by the pickup. The pickup hit the SUV on the drivers side door, causing it to roll once. Both drivers of each vehicles were taken to area hospitals with suspected minor injuries. Update 3:42 p.m.: U.S. 75 is back open to normal traffic. Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) will be working the crash. OSAGE COUNTY (KSNT) Sheriffs deputies in Osage County encourage drivers to avoid parts of U.S. 75 after a rollover crash occurred. According to the Osage County Sheriffs Office social media, the agency is currently working a rollover near mile marker 138 on U.S. 75, just south of U.S. 56. This embedded content is not available in your region. The Sheriffs Office urges drivers to avoid the area and take alternative routes at this time. KSNT 27 News will provide more information as it becomes available. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Romania to consider amending law to allow downing of drones that enter Romanian airspace The Romanian Senates Defence Committee is to consider legislative changes that would allow its military to shoot down drones that infringe the nation's airspace, the Agerpres news agency has reported. Source: Agerpes, as reported by European Pravda Details: Representatives of Romania's Ministry of National Defence will attend a meeting of the Senate Committee on Wednesday, 11 September. According to parliamentary sources of Agerpres, one of the items on the agenda will be a review of legislative amendments that would allow the military to destroy drones entering Romania. Earlier, Senate President Nicolae Ciuca proposed signing a protocol with Ukraine to ensure that Russian drones entering Romanian airspace "could be destroyed by air defence systems". Background: At least two Russian Shahed loitering munitions infiltrated Romanian airspace on the night of 7-8 September. The Romanian authorities issued mobile phone alerts to residents in the counties of Tulcea and Constanta, which border Ukraine. The wreckage of one of the Shahed UAVs was found in Tulcea yesterday. Romanian Prime Minister Ion-Marcel Ciolacu said that Romania had responded in real time and monitored the situation with F-16 fighters, noting that the drones were not aimed at Romanian territory. Support UP or become our patron! As China battles longer and hotter heatwaves, some parents are calling for schools to install air conditioners [Getty Images] A row has erupted on Chinese social media over the use of air conditioners in classrooms as the country endures an unseasonal heatwave. Parents in some of China's hottest cities have called on schools to install air conditioners as temperatures exceed 35C. The conversation heated up in the southern city of Changsha where the education department responded saying it will not install air cons so students can "cultivate the spirit of hard work and endurance". The comment drew outrage online, sparking a debate on who should pay for the air conditioners and whether they should be used at all. "Hard work and endurance? Can we please then ask the education bureau to work in 40-degree heat, then discuss whether this is the way to cultivate such spirit in children," wrote one Weibo user. Another wrote: "Global warming has become so serious. What do you want the children to do?" Most classrooms in China do not have air conditioners and rely on ceiling fans instead. But calls to install them have intensified in recent months. Without air conditioning, it would be challenging to concentrate on studying, Lin Yujun, the father of a junior high school student in Guangdong in southern China, told Shanghai-based news site Sixth Tone. Not all parents are in favour of installing air conditioners. Some have voiced concern about the higher risk of catching a cold or other infections at school in air-conditioned classrooms. Others have suggested changes to the school calendar. It was never so hot in September in previous years. Perhaps the education board can extend school holidays, according to the weather, a parent told CQ News in Chongqing. Earlier this year, China's weather bureau warned of hotter and longer heatwaves, adding that maximum temperatures across the country could rise by up to 2.8C within the next 30 years. Schools, however, are reluctant to commit to the steep cost - of the aircons and the electricity bills that would follow. A primary school in the southern city of Xiangtan drew criticism for asking parents to pay for the air conditioners - the school invited them to donate, reported Sixth Tone. The local education bureau later ordered the school to reimburse the parents. But comments online supported the school's request as reasonable, saying that students' comfort should be the priority. "Now that [authorities] have stopped parents from contributing, when will school students be able to use air conditioners under such persistently high temperatures," wrote Long Zhi Zhu, a commentator for local media outlet The Paper. "[Everyone] has been going around in circles on this issue. Ultimately, the children are the ones who suffer," wrote a Weibo user. Some schools are trying to cope with the heat without the help of air conditioning - they have taken to placing buckets with large blocks of ice inside classrooms to cool the space down. Some schools in eastern Jiangxi province and south-western Sichuan province postponed the start of the autumn semester, due to begin on 2 September, by a week. Who will gain control of Rupert Murdochs massive media empire? In Nevada, a court case begins Tuesday that pits two wings of the Murdoch family up against each other in a battle that brings the intrigues and rivalries of Succession to very real life. The prize: control of media diamonds like The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and Fox News. Will Murdoch and his favored son Lachlan, 53, prevail, or will three other Murdoch children (James, 51; Elisabeth, 56; and Prudence, 66) wrest control from Rupert and Lachlan, and in so doing seek to change the fervently right-wing ideological zeal of Murdochs media propertiesFox News prime among themforever? Is Murdochs Wall Street Journal About to Dump Trump? The first hearing in Murdoch Sr.s quest to alter his family trust to give sole control over the familys media empire to Lachlan is set for Tuesday afternoon, kicking off a two-week courtroom saga. Access to the hearing is prohibited. Knowing the case existed at all was limited to the Murdoch familys various lawyers and a judgeuntil July, when The New York Times broke the news of the Succession-esque feud. The court was crystal-clear on the only web page referencing the case, which provides an abbreviated docket: No other public information related to this matter is available through the Court. Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of News Corp and chairman of Fox News, and Lachlan Murdoch, co-chairman of 21st Century Fox, walk together as they arrive on the third day of the annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, July 13, 2017 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Since then, various consortiums have sought to break open the case for public consumption. A group of media outletsincluding the Times, CNN, The Washington Post, NPR, Reuters, and the Associated Pressfiled a brief last week demanding press access to the hearing. A Nevada software engineer has pinned his watchdog nonprofit Our Nevada Judges onto the case, demanding it be televised in a state with some of the most restrictive laws regarding access to probate hearings. What is going on in this case is what has been going on in all of these cases in Nevada for as long as I know, said Alex Falconi, 40, the founding director of Our Nevada Judges. They will seal as much as they can just because they can. The 93-year-old mogulwhose familys net worth amounts to $20.2 billion, according to Forbesupended his family trust late last year when he sought to amend it and give full control to his son Lachlan, arguing only he could maintain his media empires commercial value, according to The New York Times. The brazen attempt to undermine the three other children party to the trustJames, Elisabeth, and Prudenceroiled them. The trio banded together to try and end their fathers subterfuge, arguing Murdochs attempt was a bad-faith quest that undermines the spirit of the trusts equal governance provision, according to the Times. (All six of Murdochs children have equal equity stakes in the trust, but only the four in disputeand their father have voting rights, according to the Times. Once Murdoch dies, the four oldest children would each get a single vote.) Prudence Murdoch arrives at St Brides Church for the Wedding of Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch on March 5, 2016 in London, England. Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle/GC Images The trust came into place after Murdochs divorce from his second wife, Anna Murdoch Mann. As part of the settlement, and acquiescing to Manns demand, Murdoch granted equal voting rights to the four children and cemented it as part of an irrevocable trust. In the decades since, Murdoch has telegraphed his desire for Lachlanwho oversees the parent companies of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Postto succeed him. Lachlans appointment to the top of Fox Corp. in 2019 following Disneys acquisition of 21st Century Fox was widely seen as an opportunity for the eldest sons ascension to the top of the empire, and Murdoch stepped down as chairman of News Corp. last year in favor of Lachlan. The Fox Corp. appointment came a year before James Murdoch, the liberal-leaning Murdoch child who endorsed Kamala Harris last week, criticized his familys editorial decisions before he resigned from the board of News Corp. over its right-wing tilt. My resignation is due to disagreements over certain editorial content published by the Company's news outlets and certain other strategic decisions, he wrote in his July 2020 resignation letter. Murdochs argument is that the three children would disrupt the leadership of his TV stations and publications, thereby preventing them from making money and squandering their own personal profits. That, his attorneys argued, allow him to change the terms of the trust. Rupert Murdoch with his sons Lachlan Murdoch (L) and James Murdoch (R) arrives at St Bride's Church for a service to celebrate his marriage to Jerry Hall on March 5, 2016 in London, England. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Its not hard to understand why Murdoch would want the case shrouded in secrecy, as his moves have already gotten personal. According to the Times, Murdochs representatives have referred to James as the troublesome beneficiary. An open court hearing could potentially allow for other Murdoch family secrets to be exposed for public consumption. It also would prevent the public from hearing from the media mogul himself. According to Puck, Murdoch plans to testify as to why he believes he can amend the trust and strip control away from three of his children. His eagerness to testify is likely a strategic attempt to explain his intent behind the trusts language, Nevada attorney Caren Jenkins told the Daily Beast, as these matters are typically handled and resolved by lawyers who appear before the judge. Its not unusual to bring the person who wrote it in to provide testimony about what that writing was intended to mean if theres an ambiguity, said Jenkins, who specializes in probate law and family trusts. The best interest of the beneficiaries is pretty ambiguous to me. That would extend to whether any of the Murdoch children appear themselves, Jenkins said. If his credibility is undermined, his veracity as a witness is undermined by their testimony, then perhaps their counsel would have one or all of them testify, Jenkins said. Elisabeth Murdoch in Edinburgh, Scotland on Aug. 23, 2012. David Moir/Reuters Murdochs family feud is one of two battles over control of his media empire. Starboard Value, a hedge fund managed by activist Jeffrey C. Smith, submitted a nonbonding shareholder proposal to the News Corp board protesting Murdochs plan to pass down his controlling stake in the company, according to Reuters. Murdoch has a dual-class stock structure, which gives him a 40 percent voting share despite an economic stake of 14 percent. Starboard wants that structure nixed entirely. There are no reasonable arguments to extend super-voting rights and de facto control to the inheritors of a founder, Smith wrote in the letter, according to The New York Times. Smith noted the political squabbles between the Murdoch family, arguing they could be paralyzing to the strategic direction of News Corp. He also wonders why the views of the kids, none of which are involved in the company other than Lachlan, should carry greater weight than the views of other shareholders. Because the proposal is non-binding, News Corp.s board does not have to act on it. Still, the dispute indicates Murdoch faces both professional and personal challenges to the management of the family trust. As to what the public will or will not know when it comes to the Murdoch family saga, media outlets argued to Nevadas Second Judicial District Court last week that the complete secrecy of the case prevented outlets from holding it accountable to Nevada law. Nevadas courts are accountable to the public, and the public is entitled to know whether the trust at issue is being administered in accordance with the law, the filing stated, according to CNN. Certainly, an entire matter cannot be sealed such that its very existence is not a public record, even if all parties to the litigation agree. Rather, the court must apply the presumption of access and make specific findings to underpin any sealing. Falconi believes the sameand, he says, his past success prove hes right. Falconi convinced the Nevada Supreme Court in February that a local law that automatically closed proceedings in family court cases violated the First Amendment. Hes also successfully sued to get cameras in courtrooms, offering some sunshine to the legally secretive state. If people want to close the proceedings, or if they want to seal or redact certain documents, that they should have to follow through the same procedures that anyone would have to follow in any civil case: the ordinary procedure to seal and redact documents and close the court, Falconi said. These statutes that just automatically close the court and seal stuffI don't think it makes any sense. The decision to grant media access could come at any moment, signifying whether media outletsand Murdoch competitorswould get a full glimpse of whether Murdoch will ostracize three of his children from deciding his international, influential empires future. To Jenkins, however, whether anyone gets access at all is irrelevant. Its none of our business, she said. A private individual has accumulated wealth in this lifetime, and he should be able to do with it whatever it is that he decides to do, Jenkins said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Russias new ballistic missiles from Iran to be used against Ukraine within weeks In addition to missiles, Iran already sells attack drones to Moscow and has helped build a factory inside Russia to produce them for use against Ukraine - Vahid Salemi/AP Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran and is likely to use them against Ukraine within weeks, the US secretary of state has said. Antony Blinken told reporters in London that the shipment of short-range missiles would pose a threat to all Europe. It came as Mr Blinken and David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, announced that they would travel to Kyiv together to consult with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, on military aid and strategy before a key US-British summit on Friday. In London, Mr Blinken said: Dozens of Russian military personnel ... were trained in Iran to use the Fath 360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians. This is a threat, not only to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, but to all of Europe. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, will travel to Kyiv to consult with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president - Neil Hall/EPA Iran already sells Shahed attack drones to Moscow and has helped build a factory inside Russia to produce them for use against Ukraine. The Fath 360, a satellite-guided missile with a 150-kilogram warhead, is a significantly more powerful weapon and will allow Russia to dedicate more of its longer-range missiles, such as the Iskander M, against targets deeper inside Ukraine. Mr Lammy described the move as a significant and dangerous escalation. He said: Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security. Britain, France, and Germany said that they were cancelling bilateral arrangements with Iran that allow Iran Air, its national carrier, to fly services into the UK and Europe. Sanctions were also announced on five Russian cargo ships said to have transported the weapons across the Caspian Sea. Russian missile and drone strikes have inflicted severe damage on Ukraines energy grid in recent months. A man walks past a billboard in Tehran displaying images of Iranian missiles - Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Mr Zelensky has been pushing for permission to use Western-provided long-range missiles to target launch sites inside Russia in response, but Joe Biden, the US president, has so far vetoed the request because of risks of escalating the war into a direct Nato-Russian conflict. Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken announced that they would travel together to Kyiv to consult with Mr Zelensky about Ukraines needs this week, but refused to say whether the restrictions would be lifted. The purpose was to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership how they see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support them, Mr Blinken said. The trilateral discussions are expected to inform a summit in Washington between Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, and Mr Biden on Friday. The strategic in-depth discussion in Washington is expected to cover both aid to Ukraine and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and reduce tensions in the Middle East. Mr Lammy said of the Iranian missile move: 'We are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security' - Pacific Press/LightRocket Britain has officially granted permission to Ukraine to fire Storm Shadows, but in practice such strikes would rely on American technology to succeed. The flurry of transatlantic diplomacy follows reports of tensions between Downing Street and the White House over both Ukraine and the Middle East. US officials were reportedly annoyed by Mr Lammys decision last week to suspend exports of some weapons to Israel over concerns about war crimes in Gaza. British officials have let it be known that the US is effectively blocking Ukraines use of UK-made missiles in Russia. On Saturday, Richard Moore, the chief of MI6, and Bill Burns, the director of the CIA, made a joint appearance at a Financial Times event in London, during which they praised the importance of the special relationship in maintaining peace and security around the world. 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. Russian and Chinese warships began joint drills in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, part of a major naval exercise that President Vladimir Putin said was the largest of its kind for three decades. Moscow and Beijing have deepened military and economic cooperation in recent years, as both countries seek to counterbalance what they see as a United States-led global order. Russia's Ocean-2024 exercise will take place in the Pacific and Arctic as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas and is the first of its type "in the last three decades", Putin said in a televised address. "Under the pretext of countering the alleged Russian threat and containing the People's Republic of China, the US and its satellites are increasing their military presence near Russia's western borders, in the Arctic and in the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said. "Russia must be prepared for any development of the situation," he added. He said the drills were aimed at testing the "combat readiness" of Russia's military leadership, without elaborating. The drills will involve more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels and last until 16 September, according to the Russian defence ministry. China sent four warships and a supply vessel to the exercise, joining Russia's naval fleet in the Sea of Japan, it said. Also taking part are "more than 120 aircraft and helicopters ... about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment, and more than 90,000 personnel," the ministry added. The Japanese defence ministry said it had observed five Chinese naval ships entering the Sea of Japan heading in the direction of Russia over the weekend. It "confirmed that these vessels sailed north-eastwards through the Tsushima Strait towards the Sea of Japan from Saturday to Sunday". Japan's Self-Defence Forces "conducted vigilance monitoring and intelligence gathering" with a vessel and patrol plane, the ministry said, releasing photos of the ships. The Tsushima Strait lies between South Korea and Japan and connects the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan -- known as the East Sea to Koreans -- and is not within Japanese territorial waters. - Rising tensions - In his address at the opening of the drills, Putin accused Washington of spurring a global arms race and said Moscow had the right to defend its interests. "The United States is provoking an arms race without regard for the security of its European and Asian allies, and is creating the preconditions for a dangerous crisis situation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said. "Our armed forces must provide reliable defence of Russia's sovereignty and national interests and repel possible military aggression in any direction, including in the ocean and maritime zone," he added. Russia and China have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, with both railing against "Western hegemony", particularly what they see as US domination of global affairs. China's growing economic and military clout and its assertiveness in territorial disputes, most recently with the Philippines, has also rattled the United States and its allies. On August 26, Japan scrambled fighter jets after what it called the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace. Last week, Japan protested after a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters. Japan and Russia also have a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands -- known in Japan as the Northern Territories -- and their relations have deteriorated sharply since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Japanese and Chinese vessels have been involved in tense incidents in other areas, in particular, the remote Senkaku islands in the East China Sea claimed by Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyus. Tokyo has reported the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels, a naval ship and even a nuclear-powered submarine in the area, and there have been a series of confrontations between Japanese coastguard vessels and Chinese fishing boats. bur/gv Russia and China launch large-scale naval exercises in two oceans and three seas The Russian Ministry of Defence has announced the start of the Great Ocean-2024 strategic command and staff exercise during which naval forces will train to strike strategic targets of a simulated enemy. China will join the exercise. Source: Russian Ministry of Defence on Telegram; Associated Press Quote: "The manoeuvres, which will take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas, will involve more than 400 warships, submarines and auxiliary fleet support vessels; more than 120 aircraft and helicopters from the naval aviation of the Navy and Air Force; about 7,000 pieces of weapons, military and special equipment; as well as more than 90,000 personnel." "-2024" , , pic.twitter.com/FQiPAu6cKq (@rianru) September 10, 2024 Details: During the first stage of the Ocean-2024 exercise, the Russians will practise deploying groups of forces to designated training areas. At the second stage, they will rehearse "combat operations" to destroy strategically important targets and forces of a simulated enemy. Operational groups of military command and control bodies and military contingents from foreign partner states of the Russian Federation have been invited to participate in the Russian Navy's exercises. China's Ministry of Defence has announced without giving details that the country's military will participate in the exercise. The ministry reports that the two fleets will sail together for the fifth time in the Pacific Ocean and participate in the Russian exercise Great Ocean-24. The Chinese military said it is also planning to hold Northern United-2024 exercises with the participation of the Russian Federation, which will take place in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk in September. Support UP or become our patron! Russia increases number of attacks in Ukraine's south, putting most pressure on left bank of Dnipro River The Russian forces have significantly increased the number of attacks in the operational area of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group of Troops. On 9 September, they launched more than 330 strikes with kamikaze drones, the most in several months. Source: Captain Dmytro Lykhovii, spokesperson for the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group of Troops, on Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Online Quote: "The intensity of the enemy's assault and the number of attacks have increased significantly. The Russians are putting the most pressure on our [Ukrainian ed.] positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that over the past day, the enemy launched more than 330 strikes with kamikaze drones, not counting Shaheds, and this is the most in the last few months. Most of these strikes (by kamikaze drones) took place in Kherson Oblast." Details: Lykhovii said that the number of Russian artillery attacks has also increased significantly - 312 over the past day - and the number of ammunition drops from UAVs was 224 over the day of 9 September. Support UP or become our patron! Russia's plans to increase gas exports will be based on a project to produce liquefied natural gas in the Arctic which is subject to US sanctions. Source: Bloomberg Details: Moscow intends to export 35.2 million tonnes of the supercooled fuel this year and until 2030, according to the baseline scenario of the new macroeconomic forecast. This is 1.9 million tonnes more than last year, equivalent to about 30 cargo ships. With Russia's two liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities already operating above capacity, at least half of these volumes should come from Novateks Arctic LNG 2 project, the main target of US energy sanctions against the Kremlin this year. Washington and its allies are working to reduce the Kremlin's future energy export revenues amid the war in Ukraine. To achieve this goal, the US has imposed sanctions not only on Arctic LNG 2, which started operating in late 2023, but also on tankers associated with it, which has significantly limited the pool of vessels available to the plant. Russia has responded by creating a small shadow LNG fleet to deliver new Arctic cargo to the global market. However, not all the vessels serving the plant are yet ice-classed. This means that they cannot take cargo from beyond the Arctic Circle when the summer navigation season ends. Background: Russia has been forced to start storing gas from Russian leader Vladimir Putin's flagship Arctic project in a sign that Western sanctions are scaring off buyers. A Russian LNG export plant which is under sanctions has shipped cargo to Asia for the first time. Support UP or become our patron! Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least four people and injured at least 20 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Sept. 10. Ukraine's air defenses shot down 38 of the 46 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, according to the Air Force. Three drones flew off course away from Ukrainian-controlled territories, and three others were "lost" as a result of electronic warfare means. Russia also launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile from occupied Crimea, a Kh-31P anti-radar missile, according to the report. The air defenses shot down 14 drones over Cherkasy Oblast. Two people were injured, and several houses and enterprises were damaged by fallen debris, Governor Ihor Taburets reported. An unspecified infrastructure facility was also damaged in the Uman district, according to the governor. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian shelling of the city of Nikopol on Sept. 9 killed a 16-year-old girl and injured three people aged 66, 74, and 79, Governor Serhii Lysak said. Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed three people and injured five others over the past day, according to the regional governor, Vadym Filashkin. The fatalities were reported in the settlements of Hirnyk, Kleban-Byk, and Shchurove. Two people were injured in Hirnyk and one each in Kleban-Byk, Shchurove, and Toretsk. Four people were reported as injured in Russian attacks against Kharkiv Oblast: two men aged 71 and 49 in the town of Kupiansk, a 52-year-old man in the village of Velyki Prokhody, and a 57-year-old man in the village of Zakharivka. Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured five people over the past day, according to the regional governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. A medical facility, a kindergarten, a car park, a multi-story building, and 24 houses were damaged. One civilian was injured during an airstrike against the Sumy community of Sumy Oblast on Sept. 9, the regional military administration reported. Chernihiv, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts were also attacked, but no casualties were reported. Read also: Russia ramps up offensive on Vuhledar, Ukrainian stronghold in the east Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian Navy has started the naval exercise Ocean-2024, which will take place on five seas and test operational readiness and the use of high-precision weapons, among other objectives, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Sept. 10. The Russian Defense Ministry described Ocean-2024 as "one of the main events of the operational and combat training of the Russian Armed Forces in 2024." The exercises will take place on the Pacific Ocean and Arctic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas. Ocean-2024 will involve more than 400 Russian Navy warships, submarines, auxiliary fleet support vessels, more than 120 aircraft and helicopters, around 7,000 weapons units, military and special equipment, and over 90,000 personnel, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed. Ocean was also used as a code name for naval exercises conducted by the Soviet Navy in the 1970s and 1980s. They were the "largest operational and combat training events of the Soviet Navy in the post-war period and the largest in world history for their time," the Russian Defense Ministry said. The Chinese Defense Ministry said on Sept. 8 that the Chinese Navy will join Ocean-2024 and that the Russian military would also send its naval and air forces to participate in China's drills later in September. The North-Joint 2024 will take place in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, with the aim of "enhancing strategic cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries and their ability to jointly respond to security threats," the Chinese Defense Ministry said. Moscow has deepened military ties with Beijing amid growing tensions with the West, which have escalated after the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Read also: Russia ramps up offensive on Vuhledar, Ukrainian stronghold in the east Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Tankers of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" transporting oil through Denmark's unsafe shipping straits are more frequently refusing to use pilots' service, increasing the risk of an oil spill off the Danish coast, Bloomberg reported on Sept. 10. The Russian "shadow fleet" includes aging and largely uninsured oil tankers that Russia uses to transport oil above the $60 per barrel price cap that the EU, the U.S., and the Group of Seven (G7) countries imposed in December 2022 as part of the effort to cut Moscow's fossil fuels revenue. The older vessels, which are also poorly maintained and have undeclared owners and questionable insurance, make up the majority of Russian oil transportation due to Western sanctions. Such vessels mostly refuse to use pilots' service, according to Bloomberg. From May to July, 20% of the "shadow fleet" tankers transporting Russian oil through the Danish straits refused to use experts who know the local waters, according to data compiled by Bloomberg and Danwatch. That proportion has increased from 4% a year earlier. The straits that maritime traffic crosses daily can be difficult to navigate, with many shoals, strong currents, and varying depths, which is why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommends the use of pilots. Bloomberg said that the involvement of local experts has helped to avoid major oil spills throughout this time. According to the media outlet, since the beginning of 2023, nearly 1,200 tankers carrying Russian oil have left the Baltic Sea, and the share of "shadow fleet" vessels in this flow has been steadily increasing. From May until the end of July, six out of 10 shipments were carried out by "shadow fleet" tankers, up from four out of 10 in the first quarter of 2023. One in five of these vessels refused the services of Danish pilots between May and July. A year earlier, only one out of twenty vessels refused, according to data obtained at the request of Danwatch. If Copenhagen tries to make pilotage mandatory, it could aggravate relations with the Kremlin and disrupt an important source of global oil supply, Bloomberg said. Read also: Opinion: Europe must clamp down on Russian oil flows through Turkey Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russians attack critical infrastructure in Sumy Oblast; three drones shot down The Russian army attacked infrastructure facilities in Sumy Oblast on the night of 9-10 September. A total of three Shaheds were shot down by Ukraines air defence forces. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote from Sumy Oblast Military Administration: "On the night of 9-10 September, the enemy attacked critical infrastructure facilities in Sumy Oblast with Shahed UAVs. Thanks to the professional work of the air defence forces of Sumy Oblast, three enemy drones were destroyed." More details: The Oblast Military Administration thanked the defenders of the sky. There were no reports of any aftermath of the attack as of 07:00. Support UP or become our patron! The Russians have attacked civilian energy infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson and Chernihiv oblasts over the past 24 hours. Source: Ukraines Energy Ministry Details: In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, attacks twice cut off power to a substation, household consumers and a water utility. Additionally, another substation, consumers and the railway were also left without power, although there were no train disruptions. The power supply has been restored via a backup scheme. In Sumy Oblast, an attack on an overhead line resulted in the blackout for a substation and residential consumers in Kharkiv Oblast. The power supply has been restored via a backup scheme. During an air raid in Poltava Oblast, an overhead line was disconnected, causing a power outage for consumers. The power supply has since been restored. Attacks caused the disconnection of overhead lines, affecting 947 consumers in 15 settlements in Chernihiv Oblast. Russian attacks damaged equipment at one of the mines in Donetsk Oblast. At the time of the incident, there were no people in the mine. One person received medical assistance. Support UP or become our patron! (FOX40.COM) Wednesday will mark 23 years since the terror attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City that killed nearly 3,000 people and led the U.S. to begin its efforts to combat global terrorism. In remembrance of the lives lost and the sacrifice made by first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, and the days following, communities across the Sacramento region will be holding memorial events. Sacramento County Cal Expo Memorial 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cal Expo September 11 Memorial Plaza The ceremony will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and feature speeches from Sacramento Police Department Acting Captain Doug Morse, California State Senate Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs Jenny Callison and California Chaplain Corps Executive Director & Chaplain Mindi Russell. More information on the event can be found here. Folsom The event begins at 8:46 a.m. at the Folsom City Lions Park near the gazebo and Folsom Public Library. This remembrance gathering is hosted by the Folsom Fire and Police departments to honor the lives lost and the sacrifice of first responders. Placer County Rocklin From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 15 Johnson-Springview Park, 5840 5th Street Rocklins Patriot Day is a family event featuring live demonstration events from first responders and military personnel. More information about this event can be found here. Nevada County Grass Valley 9:01 a.m. on Mill Street Plaza near the Del Oro Theatre, 165 Mill St, Grass Valley. This memorial is hosted in part with the Greater Grass Valley Chamber, City of Grass Valley, Grass Valley Police Department, Grass Valley Fire Department, Nevada County Sheriffs Office and American Legion Post 130. Stanislaus County Fire departments in Ceres, Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, Knights Ferry and Turlock will be hosting memorial ceremonies at fire stations in their respective cities. The ceremony in Ceres will begin at 8:30 a.m. while all other ceremonies will begin at 8:46 a.m. Modesto: Station 1: 600 11th Street Riverbank: Station 26: 3318 Topeka Street Oakdale: Station 27, 450 S. Willowwood Drive Knights Ferry: Station 29: 17700 Main Street Turlock: Station 31: 540 East Marshall Street Ceres: Whitmore Park 2nd & North Streets (hosted by the American Legion Post 491) Yolo County Woodland Starting at 6:50 a.m., the Woodland Fire and Police Departments will be hosting a flag-raising ceremony at Woodland Fire Station #3, 1550 Springlake Ct, Woodland. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Why does Sacramento County want to spend more than $19M on just 82 beds for homeless? | Opinion Exactly two years ago, when I was but a young pup of a columnist and the California budget resembled nothing so much as Scrooge McDucks gold coin-filled swimming pool, I mused on the $25 million deal between the state and the County of Sacramento to address the concerns of (the) unpermitted homeless population on the American River Parkway. Though they dont deserve this additional funding, maybe the supervisors will use it wisely this time, I wrote back in September of 2022. Youthful hope springs eternal. Opinion The fact that its taken two years to even get a plan for this money in front of the supervisors, is yet more proof of Sacramento Countys tediously slow efforts to address the growing homeless population along the parkway. It is the No. 1 issue for voters in our area, it frustrates local cities and daily places homeless lives in danger. Yet, in response to all of that, the county seems set to use the money in a way that would benefit very few of the people who are actually living along the parkway. County wants $19.4 million for 82 beds The countys proposed plan for the money, which will be heard at 10:45 a.m. this morning at the Board of Supervisors meeting, is to spend $19.4 million of the $25 million to fund three projects and a little more than 80 beds for a population that Sacramento County admits can number anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people nightly along the parkway. At a cost of approximately $13.5 million for 82 beds, each will cost the county approximately $164,600, including supportive services anywhere from three to 10 years. An old Residence Inn will be renovated and 32 units will be reserved for people making at or less than 30% of the Area Median Income that works out to about $25,000 per year for a single householder or $35,000 for a family of four. The other 142 units (80%) will go to residents who are making no more than 80% of the Area Median Income, which works out to roughly $66,050 annually for single residents and $94,300 annually for a family of four. The county is hoping the few people who get one of the units at 30% will eventually graduate into the 80% units. These units would target those with lower acuity, who need on-going rental subsidy, but who can be successful with field-based supportive services, according to the countys proposal to the supervisors. But thats not exactly the same class of Sacramentans who were living on the river. (Ironically, I would almost qualify for that housing as a single woman, with what I make as a full-time columnist at The Bee.) Sacramento City councilwoman for District 3, Karina Talamantes, said she asked the county many times over the last two years to come to the table with her and discuss their plans for the $25 million project. She also sits on the city and county 4x2 and the project was never discussed there. Talamantes said she confirmed the county never discussed the money or proposal with the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, and she had no idea the project was moving forward with a county vote until everyone got a memo last Thursday about it. Theres a lot of things that I feel could have been vetted more, Talamantes said. I just think its too much money for too little promises. Where the money is going Theres $25 million available, but the county has a proposal for just $19.4 million. Of that, $8 million will go toward buying 32 units 20% of an old Residence Inn at 1530 Howe Ave., near the intersection at Arden Way. Another $5.5 million will fund 50 beds of interim housing on scattered sites around the county for up to three years, making up the rest (and bulk) of the proposed beds. Finally, $5.9 million will be used as a rental subsidy for 32 eligible tenants for the next 10 years, and include supportive services for the same period. The 176-unit property near Howe and Arden will be bought by Sutter Capital Group, which has never worked with the county before, but said it operates similar sites in South Sacramento. The county got three responses to their request for proposal for the money, but Halcon said none of them were right for the countys budget and time frame. Talamantes said she would like to publicly see the countys reasoning for dismissing those offers, especially since some of them came in under the Sutter Groups budget. On Tuesday morning, Sacramento City Mayor Darrell Steinberg announced on X that he urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the staff recommendation, with one addition: To invest the remaining $5.6 million directly to Talamantes District 3 and Shoun Thaos District 2, both of which feel a pinch each time the parkway is swept of encampments. City asked for emergency meeting Talamantes said she asked for an emergency meeting with McCarty, Halcon, County Supervisor Rich Desmond and other county officials on homelessness to discuss the proposal and perhaps delay the vote until various stakeholders could better understand what the money would go to. Halcon told me on Monday afternoon that, as far as she understood, the vote was set to go forward regardless of the outcome of that meeting. I strongly believe that the county could have been a partner to the city of Sacramento and the $25 million that was allocated, Talamantes told me afterward. I really hope that tomorrow at the Board of Supervisors meeting, theres a commitment from the supervisors that the money can be used for what it was intended for. Its no small wonder people gravitate toward the bushy privacy of the riverbanks, seeking some respite from constant encampment sweeps by the city and county of Sacramento when they have no other place to go. Moreover, the countys lack of communication with the city, the Housing and Redevelopment Agency and other stakeholders in the region is unacceptable. When I first got this, I thought to myself, This is ridiculous, McCarty said. But the county memo was really poorly-written, so it doesnt clarify that, no, none of this money is going for populations that are non-homeless. A poorly written proposal after two long years of waiting is as worthless as the paper its written on. All this does is allow Sacramento County to continue paddling in circlesspending millions of dollars to add a handful of beds here and there and then crying foul when anyone asks what progress has been made on the issue. County needs to share The county is not the only stakeholder in the issue of homelessness on the American River Parkwaywhen they sweep the parkway, those people mostly wind up in the neighborhoods of the city of Sacramento. Steinbergs plan to invest the remaining millions seems like a practical solution to placate the city councilors who were upset, but it doesnt address the problem that theres still too much money being spent on too few units. I had hope that this (money) would provide the neighborhoods that I represent with a level of relief. And fast forward now to September of 2024 and we get a plan on Thursday about how the $25 million is going to be allocated? I dont think it does enough, and I am disappointed in the proposed plan, Talamantes said. I hope that the supervisors vote down the staff recommendation and go back to the drawing board, because I believe that Sacramento, including the neighborhoods that I represent, deserve better. Its regrettable to suggest another delay, but with the state of this proposal, the supervisors must postpone their vote today until representatives from the city of Sacramento and the state have at least been brought in on the conversation. Even if those stakeholders arent given final approval, then their voices must least be heard. Sacramento man arrested after stabbing on Amtrak train. A bystander stopped him, police say Authorities in Solano County arrested a Sacramento man Sunday night on suspicion of stabbing a man repeatedly while aboard an Amtrak Capitol Corridor train that had made an emergency stop in Fairfield. An Amtrak conductor called dispatchers about 10:30 p.m. to report a stabbing and said the train would stop at the Fairfield-Vacaville station in Fairfield, the Fairfield Police Department said in a news release. The train, which began its journey in San Jose, was headed to Sacramento, said Olivia Irvin, an Amtrak spokeswoman, in an email. Officers began to evacuate riders as the train arrived and began searching for the suspect, the news release said. During the search, officers found a 21-year-old man suffering two stab wounds to the chest. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police said. Officers also happened across a man holding the knife but realized he was actually a victim who manage to thwart the suspect and was was bravely holding him at bay until help arrived, the news release said. The suspects motive is unclear, Fairfield police said. An investigation is underway. The suspect was booked into custody in Solano County and faces charges of attempted homicide, false imprisonment and violating parole, police said. SALEM, MA Salem State University's efforts to engage students in the political process were recognized with the Silver Seal after between 30 and 39 percent of the campus voted in the 2022 midterm elections. The nonpartisan "ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge" cited Salem State as having the highest voter engagement of any public campus in Massachusetts. "Casting a ballot on election day is among the highest responsibilities a citizen has. With our campus community about to embark on one of the most consequential elections in their lifetime, we're honored to be recognized for our student voter engagement efforts in the last major election cycle," SSU President John D. Keenan said. "Civic engagement is at the core of our mission here at Salem State University, and theres no greater way to support the civic health of the Commonwealth than through voter engagement efforts." Salem State was also recently honored for its plans to support students in this year's election cycl "Voter engagement and civic participation are hallmarks of a Salem State education," said Cynthia Lynch, assistant vice provost for the Center for Civic Engagement. "It is wonderful to be recognized for excellence in student voter registration and turnout during the 2022 midterm elections from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The 2022 fall election was a difficult election to navigate and draw participation in given the COVID-19 pandemics impacts on campus life at the time, so receiving this award is extra special." During the 2022 cycle, Salem State's student ambassadors assisted in a "Voterpalooza" campaign to get more students registered to vote and educated on campaign issues. "As we head into the 2024 presidential election, we recognize that 18- to 29-year-olds are the largest and most diverse group of potential voters, and that gives them the power to elect candidates who will fight for the issues and futures they care about," Lynch said. "The Berry Institute of Politics has welcomed students to campus, and our Viking Vote Ambassadors are making sure they are registered to vote if they are able, educating students on the issues, and leading a robust Get Out the Vote effort the week before the election." (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.) Salem State Earns Silver Seal For Student Voting Outreach Efforts originally appeared on the Salem Patch The Salt Sulphur Springs Resort listed for sale at more than $1.7 million SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WVNS) A former resort has been listed for sale by Foxfire Realty for $1,795,000. The Salt Sulphur Springs resort, listed on the National Register for Historic Places, is a complex that has potential as a tourist attraction, according to David Sibray, an agent and preservation consultant. Given the growth of the travel industry in West Virginia, we expect much interest in the resort as a historical attraction, though it could remain chiefly residential, as it has for many years. David Sibray The resort is the most well-preserved of many in the region that attracted visitors of wealth in the era before the American Civil War. Nearby resorts similar to it include in the town of White Sulphur Springs, where the Greenbrier Resort is located, as well as Blue Sulphur Springs. The Greenbrier named Best Historical Hotel in the nation The Salt Sulphur Springs Resort before the Civil War (Courtesy of David Sibray) Map of the resort (Courtesy of David Sibray) Sibray and Burdette outside of the resort (Courtesy of David Sibray) In the early years of the 19th century, wealthy travelers went about visiting the springs in the area to take part in the supposedly medicinal waters. Agent Randy S. Burdette joins Sibray in focusing on the areas history to speak to a different audience. Mr. Burdette has been burrowing into the Civil War period and the lore surrounding its mineral waters. David Sibray The pair recently found owners for the Itmann Company Store, known as the Castle of the Coalfields in Wyoming County, as well as the Tyree Tavern in Ansted. Both locations are in the process of becoming historical tourist attractions. We dont only sell properties with tourism potential, but the fact is that theres a market for historic properties in West Virginia given the growth of the travel industry and the advent of the remote-work revolution. David Sibray For more information regarding the resort and its history, visit the brokerage web page. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Salvation Army to assist those affected by Francine JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Salvation Army of Jackson plans to support communities in the path of Tropical Storm Francine, which is forecasted to hit the Louisiana coast as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane before moving inland. The storm could bring severe weather conditions to Mississippi and Alabama. Need sandbags in Mississippi? Heres where you can go As Francine approaches, our Jackson Emergency Disaster Canteen and crew are on standby, ready to deploy and serve our neighbors in South Louisiana and Mississippi. We are prepared to meet the needs of those affected, providing support, hope, and comfort in the midst of the storm, said Major Timothy Delaney of The Salvation Army Jackson. The Salvation Armys efforts will be coordinated with local authorities and other relief groups to ensure effective aid delivery. For those seeking assistance or wishing to contribute to the relief efforts, please visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Weather Forecast Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) State prosecutors have dropped a murder charge against a man accused of a Santa Fe murder. Court documents show Santa Fe County prosecutors dismissed charges against Zachary Babitz related to the murder of 83-year-old Gordon Wilson at a Santa Fe Best Buy last month. Santa Fe police chief calls for change after reckless driver, shooting incident Those documents said prosecutors are working with federal officials on their case against Babitz which is also related to Wilsons murder. Babitz was also facing charges related to a bank robbery in Albuquerque in July but those charges have also been dismissed for now. Babitz is also facing robbery charges in Las Cruces. Court records do not show if those charges have been dropped yet. Prosecutors will be able to bring charges back at a later time if necessary. Babitz is facing federal carjacking and firearm 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Santa Fe Drive to close this weekend at C-470 DENVER (KDVR) Drivers are warned to plan for extra time or an alternate route because U.S. 85/Santa Fe Drive will close this weekend at C-470. The closure will be part of the U.S. 85 widening project. Crews will close a stretch of U.S. 85 and the eastbound C-470 on- and off-ramps for paving work on the bridge over C-470 and to connect the new eastbound ramps, according to Douglas County. The newly widened roadway and reconstructed interchange will alleviate traffic and create safer travel as part of the US 85 Widening Project and corridor improvements being made from Highlands Ranch Parkway to north of C-470 by Douglas County, reads a release from the county. US 85/Santa Fe Drive closure schedule It begins at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, and lasts through 5:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16. Southbound US 85 full closure at County Line Road No access to westbound C-470 or County Line Road from southbound US 85 Northbound US 85 full closure at Blakeland Drive No access to eastbound or westbound C-470 from northbound US 85 Eastbound C-470 off-ramp to US 85 full closure No County Line Road access to or from southbound US 85 Part of eastbound I-70 to close for 3 nights During the closure, the Wolhurst neighborhood will only be accessible from County Line Road. Northbound U.S. 85 and County Line Road will be accessible from the neighborhood, but southbound U.S. 85 will not. Drivers can access detour plans at this link. The work is weather-dependent. If issues arise over the weekend, work will continue through Monday, Sept. 16. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The iconic Santa Fe Plaza was lined with crime scene tape and patrolled by police in body armor after a carjacking and a series of police shootings on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) One day after a carjacking followed by a series of police shootings abruptly ended a popular New Mexico cultural celebration, local officials say theres no indication the violence was directly connected to the controversial event. Santa Fe Police and at least one Santa Fe County Sheriffs deputy shot at Justin Jimenez, 21, after he allegedly stole a 2015 white Jeep Grand Cherokee and recklessly drove it through downtown Santa Fe on Sunday morning as thousands were gathered for 2024 La Fiesta de Santa Fe. State and local elected officials weighed in during and after the incident occurred, however, Jimenez has not stated any specific motivations for what led up to the violence. Court records show that he lives not far from where the incident took place. The Santa Fe Police Department alleges when police officers approached Jimenez, he tried to hit them with the vehicle. Several fired their weapons at him, but it is unclear at this time how many. As police chased Jimenez, Santa Fe police and a sheriffs deputy fired at him four different times at four separate locations, according to New Mexico State Police. The State Police are investigating the local police shootings. They will gather facts and pass on their findings to the First Judicial District Attorneys Office, who will decide whether the police shootings were justified, according to a news release. Eight Santa Fe Police officers and one Santa Fe County Sheriffs deputy are on administrative leave while the New Mexico State Police investigate the shootings, according to spokespeople for the two local police departments. Jimenez was treated at a local hospital, medically cleared for incarceration, and booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center on Monday morning, according to a Santa Fe police news release. It is unclear how exactly Jimenez was hurt or whether he was hurt by police. Santa Fe police are charging Jimenez with 11 crimes, including four separate felony counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer using the vehicle, according to a criminal complaint filed in the local magistrate court on Monday. Santa Fe police, mayor deny political motive Partygoers on the Santa Fe Plaza panicked and rushed for shelter inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, where Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) wrote on social media that he was attending Mass. Ten minutes later, at 10:59 a.m., Cervantes wrote, Its now all hugs and tears though many remain sheltered in place concerned with reports the shooting is political in Santa Fe. Santa Fe Police Department Deputy Chief of Police Ben Valdez said Monday that Jimenez did not have any political motivations for his actions during the Fiesta. At this time, we do not have any information to support that the offenders motive was political for the incident, Valdez said. Emails and messages seeking an interview with Cervantes about his experience were not returned as of Monday afternoon. Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber said in an interview he does not believe the incident had anything directly to do with the Fiesta, according to audio shared with Source NM from freelance journalist Ben Montoya. I believe and I cant prove it but I believe that this incident actually had nothing to do with Fiesta, Webber said. I dont think it was aimed at Fiesta. I think we had an individual just acting in a lawless manner that happened to be at a time when we were all getting ready to gather for a celebration. Recolonization celebration ends with violence Fiestas in Santa Fe and elsewhere in New Mexico are flashpoints for social and political conflict over what it means to be a New Mexican. For example, protesters in Fall 2020 tore down the Soldiers Monument on the Plaza, less than a block away from where the stolen Jeep broke down on Sunday. About an hour after the incident, Santa Fe police announced they had captured Jimenez and he hadnt hurt any police. No members of the public were hurt, according to a statement by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The parade and all other Fiesta events slated for Sunday were canceled, though by midday many members of the public who were unaware of the shootings were still trying to find the parade route. It makes it more painful, Webber said. You dont like to see your traditional celebrations interrupted by somebody acting in a lawless manner. The governors office issued a statement thanking police for a swift and effective response, saying the incident reenforces need for public safety reforms, but did not specify which ones. I condemn violence on the streets of Santa Fe, or anywhere else in our state or nation, in the strongest possible terms, Lujan Grisham said. The neighborhood is represented in part by Santa Fe Councilor Alma Castro, who indirectly responded to the governors statement in a post on Instagram. The calls for further criminalization and division of our communities will not solve Santa Fes problems, Castro wrote. Today, more than ever, we must act from a place of love and compassion. Clarification: Sept. 17, 2024 at 2:21 p.m. This story has been updated to clarify the origin of a quote from Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A sign on Third Street Promenade that read "Santa Monica IS NOT Safe" sparked controversy in 2022. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) The Santa Monica City Council is set to consider amendments to its anti-camping ordinance Tuesday night that would remove a section that allows homeless people to use pillows and blankets while sleeping on public property. The existing ordinance prohibits tents and makeshift shelters in public areas but allows homeless people to sleep using blankets and pillows under certain circumstances. The proposed amendments would continue the current distinction between camping on public property, which is forbidden, and sleeping on public property, which is not. To help define and identify people who are camping illegally, the proposed amendments would add sleeping bags and bedrolls to the list of items prohibited in public areas. But the most controversial proposed change would strike out a small section of the ordinance that allows homeless people to use pillows, blankets and bedrolls while sleeping on public property, exemptions that were added in 2022 to comply with an appeals court ruling. City officials maintain that despite the proposed change, they are not considering banning sleeping in public places, nor would they ban the use of blankets. The changes, they say, are meant simply to clarify what constitutes "camping." Read more: Santa Monica considers homeless ban to prohibit pillows and blankets outdoors Mayor Phil Brock did not respond to requests for comment. But in an interview with KTLA , Brock said the changes are an attempt to clean up the streets. Its nothing draconian nothing onerous, he told the station. "But I feel that if you have someone youve offered help to four, five, six times and they wont move off the street, then we need to somehow get them off the street, get them into treatment, get them into rehab. Santa Monica Councilmember Jesse Zwick said that while he understood the need to control public spaces and encourage unhoused people to go indoors, he didnt think the proposed changes were an effective approach. I think it's sort of a fantasy on the part of legislators to believe that if you write down something [as] illegal that it will go away, he said. Zwick hopes the city will instead spend its energy on increasing its supply of affordable housing and permanent supportive housing. Not doing so, he said, would be cruel and cynical, given the changes the council is considering. Although city staff have recommended that the council approve the amendments, it also provided city leaders with two other options: take no action, or wait to see what other cities do to address homeless encampments. The amendments were scheduled to be addressed at the last council meeting Aug. 27, but the discussion was postponed. That meeting drew dozens of residents who wanted to voice their opinion on the anti-camping ordinance, while others showed up to speak against a proposed permanent supportive housing project. Read more: Long Beach begins citywide homeless sweeps. But where will the unhoused go? Homelessness is not a new issue in Santa Monica. People have long been drawn to the popular beach town, but a series of violent crimes on the citys promenade and beaches where tourists gather has raised concerns about public safety and frustration over the citys handling of the homelessness crisis. Last summer, a man who appeared to be homeless assaulted Brock on the Third Street Promenade. Brock was a councilmember at the time of the attack. In May, a homeless man assaulted three people on the same street , stabbing at least two German tourists. The following month, Santa Monica police arrested a homeless man who attacked three people on the beach, including an elderly woman and a 17-year-old girl. Currently, there are an estimated 774 people experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica, a 6% drop from 826 in 2023, according to the citys recent homeless count. At least 62% of the unhoused population lives outdoors. Officials say the city has been able to enforce its anti-camping laws in part because of programs that help prevent people from falling into homelessness, such as STEP Court, which allows people to clear misdemeanor records by obtaining housing assistance and mental health and substance use treatment. The city also partnered with Los Angeles County to launch the Therapeutic Van Transport Team, which works alongside first responders to provide support for people experiencing behavioral health crises. The city said it also has shelter beds to move people indoors, although the city still falls about 100 beds short of the number needed to fully accommodate the unsheltered population. Read more: LA officials direct traffic officers to enforce parking laws, tow RVs that people live in The proposed changes to the citys anti-camping ordinance stem from a July City Council meeting in which Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre asked city staff members to evaluate and provide options to amend the citys municipal code in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Negrete and de la Torre did not respond to requests for comment. In June, the countrys high court overturned a ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that ordinances in Grants Pass, Ore., banning camping and sleeping in public violated the 8th Amendment by constituting cruel and unusual punishment for people who had no other place to go. The Supreme Court decision freed cities and counties to ban people from sleeping or camping on public property, even if there was no available shelter. Shortly after that ruling, California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed state agencies to begin clearing homeless encampments from state lands and urged cities and counties to do the same. Newsom also threatened to take money away from cities and counties that did not make progress in clearing homeless camp sites. Shortly thereafter, city officials in Long Beach began to crack down on homeless encampments that they deemed to be problematic, issuing citations to anyone who violated the citys anti-camping ordinance. Long Beach officials maintained that citations and arrests would be used only after outreach teams exhausted every effort to encourage people to go indoors. The Santa Monica City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. 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. (KRON) A Santa Rosa man has been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison for stealing over $350,000 from customers of his classic car restoration business, the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office announced Monday. Driver dies in crash while trying to practice with new motorcycle in Fremont parking lot: PD Suede Lee Barganski, 57, defrauded at least 22 individuals during the 10 years he operated RadRods of Norcal, Inc., according to the D.A.s office. Many of his victims were elderly, and some have since passed away. Barganski was well-known in the area as one of the few specialists in vintage car restoration. However, many victims reported waiting months or even years before realizing that no work had been done on their vehicles, despite having already paid. On at least two occasions, Barganski forged vehicle titles and sold the cars to unsuspecting buyers, said the D.A.s office. Many victims found their cars abandoned in a field south of Santa Rosa, in various states of disrepair with parts missing or stuffed inside the passenger compartments, said District Attorney Carla Rodriguez. Before a 2022 preliminary hearing, Barganski fled to Idaho, where he allegedly committed similar crimes. He was arrested in Texas in October 2022 and brought back to Sonoma County to face charges. Barganski pled to six felony charges with an out-on-bail enhancement, Rodriguez said. Mr. Barganski took advantage of his trusting customers for more than a decade and needed to be held accountable. Once he completes his sentence, we will ensure he pays full restitution to all Sonoma County victims. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) LSU Shreveport knows that the U.S. Constitution is one of the most important documents in American history, and on Sept. 17 the university will honor that document in a series of events. Join LSU Shreveport at The Robinson Film Center for educational activities that will help you understand our constitutions place in modern society. After youve visited the film center, head on over to the Noel Memorial Library on the LSU Shreveport campus and check out constitution-themed exhibits. Two LSUS students make startling scientific discovery, win prestigious award You can also register to vote on-campus at the University Center Lobby between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A Hamilton Karaoke session should be a big hit at The Port Grill, 11:00 a.m. At 2:oo p.m., you can attend a student town hall called Know Your Student Government Rights on the second floor of the University Center. Then head back over to The Robinson Film Center at 6:00 p.m. and catch a free movie: Citizen Kane. There will also be a discussion thats centered around the concept of freedom of the press. Registration is required. The Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities supported Constitution Day activities through a grant that covers venue rental, speaker honoraria, tech support, and program-specific publicity. LSU Shreveport and KTAL NBC 6 partner for Caddo Parish Civil Rights Heritage Trail project Ashley Dean, the assistant director of the strategy alternatives consortium at LSU Shreveport, said that LSU Shreveport is deeply grateful to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for their generous support. The funding will allow us to create a dynamic and thought-provoking Constitution Day celebration that highlights the critical role of the press in our democracy, said Dean. Visit the schools website to learn more details about Constitution Day 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 KTALnews.com. A pair of bills advancing in Congress would inhibit innovation in farming and harm public safety by restricting the use of the highest-quality drones in the marketplace. The laws, both co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, recently passed the House and are under Senate consideration as part of a must-pass annual defense bill. Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., introduced the Countering CCP Drones Act in late July as an amendment to the defense bill. It would prohibit Chinese drone-makers from obtaining FCC licensing for future models and would create a two-year U.S. Department of Transportation program to provide grants to local public safety agencies to buy drones not produced by a foreign entity of concern. Chinese-based Da-Jiang Innovations accounts for 90% of the drones used by American public safety agencies, according to a 2020 data analysis by Bard College in New York. The supply of American drones is limited and drone buyers face wait times of five months while DJI drones are immediately available, according to the Wall Street Journal. DJI drones provide a $116 billion impact on the American economy, sustaining 450,000 jobs, according to a 2023 estimate by the company. [I]t would basically outlaw DJI drones and the government could then pressure current drone owners to turn in their newly unlawful drones, according to a legislative analysis by the nonprofit Law Enforcement Drone Association. The other bill is called the Drones for First Responders Act. However, virtually every state law enforcement and emergency management agency that uses drones opposes it. The bill would tax Chinese-made drones at 30%, establish a grant program for first responders and farmers to buy American-made drones, and ban the import of drones and drone components made in China by 2030. These bills do not consider other methods to address legitimate security concerns posed by the government of China. Lawmakers have not held a public hearing to consider the massive impact this protectionist measure would have on the agricultural industry or emergency responders. [I]ve heard from Iowans whove raised national security concerns, as well as those whove shared insights about the value of the technology to their work. The Senate hasnt considered this bill yet, so Ill need to review it before forming an opinion on whether Id vote for it, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in a statement to KCRG. Federal lawmakers should consider how this approach has decimated public safety agency budgets and needlessly put citizens at risk with similar state bans and restrictions on Chinese-made drones. A Republican state legislator in Florida estimated that local governments invested $200 million on DJI- and other Chinese-manufactured drones. Lawmakers budgeted only $25 million for a grant program to replace them. The cost of replacement will likely increase to more than $400 million, as American drone makers recently doubled their prices. Local law enforcement agencies use Chinese-manufactured drones to pursue armed criminals, locate missing persons using thermal imaging, investigate crimes, and survey natural disasters just to name a few life-saving benefits. These drones are used for everything, Buchanan County Deputy Sheriff Cory Hartmann told KCRG. We dont run top secret missions. Were not running around critical government infrastructure. The public safety factor in this is just really critical for us. Flight logs and data from DJI drones are not synced with the companys network unless the user chooses to opt-in, according to the company. DJIs products offer an option to cut the connection between the flight app and the internet, called local data mode. Customers may also disable the DJI flight app in favor of farm management information solutions developed by U.S.-based companies, such as John Deere Operations Center and Corteva. Lawmakers supporting this bill have provided no evidence that data collected by drones is transferred to a Chinese government entity. The economic risks posed by how China may react to this proposed ban could be massive. In 2022, the U.S. exported $36.4 billion in agricultural goods to China, the largest market for American ag exports. These bills would radically restructure Americas agricultural economy and threaten public safety. The Senate owes it to farmers and first responders to hold a hearing to hear testimony and consider evidence about how these bills would impact their lives and livelihoods. A campaign finance scandal. A former governor switching his endorsement because the campaign was so negative. Democrats bemoaning ugly infighting in important battlegrounds. These are just some of the storylines capping off the final primary night of 2024, after races in Delaware and New Hampshire devolved into contentious battles. These messy primaries are taking place in open seats: In Delaware, voters will be picking their nominees for the successor to outgoing Gov. John Carney, whos term-limited and is running for mayor of Wilmington. Democrats are favored here in the fall, but they have to get through their bitter primary first. In New Hampshire, Republican Gov. Chris Sununus decision not to run for reelection has sparked heated primaries on both sides of the aisle for a state that Democrats are hoping to flip in November. And Democratic Rep. Ann McLane Kusters retirement has led to a fierce contest to replace her in the states battleground 2nd District, too. Rhode Island is also hosting primaries on Tuesday, though those are far less competitive. Heres what to watch in the last primaries of the year (except for Louisianas unusual Election Day contests): Delaware: Major players in the Delaware Democratic establishment coalesced early around Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long to be the next governor. But her victory isnt guaranteed on Tuesday. Hall-Long has the support of the state Democratic Party, along with Carney. Theyve stuck by her as more details have come to light regarding her campaign finances, including a report conducted for the state elections department that found her disclosures to be incomplete, inconsistent, and often inaccurate. (The report did not suggest pursuing criminal charges against Hall-Long, who has pushed back against the findings.) Still, her opponents have seized on those missteps in their attacks. Hall-Longs most prominent competition is New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, who has far outspent Hall-Long on advertising $1.8 million to around $370,000 through the primary, according to ad tracker AdImpact. Meyer has also been boosted by Citizens for a New Delaware Way an anti-Hall-Long PAC backed by Phil Shawe, CEO of translation services company TransPerfect and Change Can't Wait PAC, both of which have gone after Hall-Long for her campaign finances. And the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association has taken the unprecedented step of playing in the primary, pouring in around $1 million on advertisements to boost Hall-Long and hit Meyer. DLGAs executive director Kevin Holst told POLITICO in a statement that its the first time ever that a down-ballot Democratic Party sister committee has spent in a race on behalf of one of their members seeking higher office. Public polling has been sparse, though internal polling for both campaigns shows a tight race between Meyer and Hall-Long, with former state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin OMara in third and a significant number of undecided voters. Delawares congressional primaries are not as competitive as the gubernatorial race, though they have the potential to put forward history-making candidates. The primaries were canceled in the race for Senate because only one candidate filed on either side, and Democratic Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester is the favorite in November to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Carper. Shell be just one of a handful of Black women to ever serve in the upper chamber, and would be the first Black senator from Delaware. And in the primary to replace her in the House, state Sen. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history, is the front-runner. If elected, McBride would be the first out transgender person in Congress. Polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern. New Hampshire: Republican former Sen. Kelly Ayotte is looking to make a comeback in the governors race. And she has some notable support: Sununu is backing her, and the Republican Governors Association has dumped more than $2 million into her campaign. But former state Senate President Chuck Morse, who ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2022 and has emphasized his loyalty to former President Donald Trump (but lacks his endorsement), is looking to stop her. Hes hit Ayotte for not supporting Trump when they shared the ballot in 2016 they both lost the state narrowly though Ayotte has backtracked this year. And thats only opened her up to more attacks from the left. As the likely Republican nominee, Democrats have been investing heavily in the primary a group backed by the Democratic Governors Association has spent around $9 million on ads through the primary, per AdImpact to attack her for her newfound fealty to Trump, as well as over abortion. Ayotte has insisted that she supports the states current law, which allows abortions until the 24th week of pregnancy, and has criticized Democrats for lying about abortion to scare women. Ayotte also has her sights set on the general election. Shes gone after Democrat Joyce Craig once considered the favorite on that side, though the race has narrowed in polling for her tenure as mayor of Manchester, pointing to crime and homelessness in the city. Craig must first survive a primary against Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, with the two Democrats lobbing attacks against each other in the runup to Tuesday. Just days before the primary, Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan threw her backing behind Craig, in what could be a boost in the tight primary. Further down the ballot, national Republicans are targeting both House districts, which President Joe Biden won by single-digits and are currently held by Democrats. Most of the drama is happening in the Democratic primary for the 2nd District, as Kuster is playing a prominent role in uplifting her successor of choice. The retiring incumbent has endorsed former Democratic New Hampshire Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, who was previously her campaign manager, as hes locked in a fiery battle against Maggie Goodlander, a former DOJ official in the Biden administration and wife of National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Kuster cut a controversial ad attacking Goodlander on Van Osterns behalf, accusing her of donating to pro-life Republicans. Goodlander has taken issue with that characterization, noting that she fought against Roe v. Wade being overturned and had her own experience losing her son at 20 weeks. VoteVets, an outside group that supports Democratic veterans, has jumped into the race as well to go after Van Ostern, who lost to Sununu in 2016, as perennial candidate, and for how hes run his business. Goodlander has outraised and outspent Van Ostern in the leadup to the primary. The vitriol of the campaign prompted former Democratic Gov. John Lynch to rescind his endorsement of Van Ostern and back Goodlander, calling Van Osterns campaign one of the most dishonest I've ever seen. And hes far from the only prominent Democrat bemoaning how nasty both of the partys marquee primaries, which have deeply divided the Democratic establishment in the state, have become. A crowded field of Republicans are also vying for the open seat. Recent polling showed businessperson Vikram Mansharamani in the lead, with his closest contender being Lily Tang Williams, who came in third in the 2022 GOP primary for the seat. In the 1st District, around a half-dozen Republicans are looking to take on Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, though no one has managed to significantly pull ahead of the pack. Public polling in the race is scarce, but a recent survey showed former state legislator Russell Prescott, who has a fundraising advantage, in the lead, with most voters undecided. Polls close at 7 p.m. Eastern in most of the state. The last polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern. Rhode Island: Its much quieter over in the Ocean State on Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is running for a fourth term and faces a nominal challenge from Michael Costa, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in the midterms as a Republican. On the Republican side, state Rep. Patricia Morgan will face off against veteran Raymond McKay though the winner will have an uphill come the general election. The Democratic and Republican primaries in the states 1st and 2nd Districts are uncontested. Polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern. Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz would like Russia to participate in the next Peace Summit, but "it will not work" if attacks on Ukraine continue. Source: Scholz at the event organised by Vorwarts, writes Tagesschau, as reported by European Pravda Details: The chancellor emphasised that, in addition to providing military support to Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian aggressor, it is also vital to investigate ways out of the war situation. Scholz said that he, like the Ukrainian leadership, wants another peace meeting with the participation of Russia. Quote: "Of course, this will not work if the person who should be sitting there says: And I continue to attack," he said, referring to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The official is certain that clarity, toughness, and character are required in this situation, as they always are in politics. "That's the gist of it if you want to ensure peace and security in Europe," Scholz added. In a wide-ranging interview with ZDF, Scholz advocated in favour of Russia's involvement at the forthcoming Peace Summit, saying that "now is the moment for us to discuss how we can end the war and achieve peace sooner than currently seems possible". It was later reported that Scholz had come under harsh criticism from Germanys largest opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union, for saying that it was time to begin searching for ways to stop the war. On 9 September, Steffen Hebestreit, a spokesperson for the German federal government, stated that the process of establishing peace in Ukraine is an arduous one, but it has begun, and peace should not be dictated by the Kremlin. Earlier, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, noted that an invitation for a Russian representative to attend the second Peace Summit should not be interpreted as the start of negotiations with Russia Support UP or become our patron! Olaf Scholzs rejection of Angela Merkels open borders policy is now complete but it comes too late to stop him from losing the chancellorship of Germany. Imposing temporary controls at all of Germanys borders has only strengthened opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the centre-Right CDU before federal elections next September. He already looks like a chancellor in waiting, and has been polling far stronger than Mr Scholzs SPD and his warring coalition partners. After claiming credit for the new policy, Mr Merz warned his rival that he needed to do much more. Mr Merz has long since disowned the legacy of Mrs Merkel, a CDU chancellor for 16 years, who threw open the borders to more than a million Syrians crossing Europe. That move, during the 2015 migrant crisis, saved the EUs Schengen zone policy of passport-free movement. It came when many member states were reintroducing border controls to deal with the biggest movement of displaced people on the continent since the Second World War. Friedrich Merz has warned Olaf Scholz that he needs to do more - Tobias Schwarz/AFP In 2021, the centre-Left Mr Scholz, Mrs Merkels vice chancellor in a coalition government, won the first election to be held following her resignation after he campaigned as a Merkel 2.0. Since then, her policies on Russia and immigration have been discredited in a country that has taken in a million Ukrainian refugees in the wake of Vladimir Putins invasion. In June, Mr Scholz led his SPD to their worst-ever nationwide results in the European elections, which they lost to the CDU and Alternative for Germany (AfD). Immigration was the voters main concern, but Mr Scholz did not take significant action until after a migrant was arrested as a suspect in the terror attack in Solingen in late August. A week after the knifemans rampage, the AfD won state elections in Thuringia and just missed out on victory in Saxony in the best results for the far-Right in Germany since Adolf Hitler. Immigration is also the primary concern of voters in the state of Brandenburg, which is set to hold elections in two weeks. Liberal modern Germany, which prides itself on being a good EU member state, will not propel the extremist and Eurosceptic AfD to national power. However, voters do not want cosplaying politicians when they can have the real thing, and Mr Merz, who has called for a Rwanda-style plan for Germany, is far more credible on migration than the dithering chancellor. In June, Olaf Scholz led his SPD to their worst-ever nationwide results in the European elections - Annegret Hilse/Reuters Mr Scholzs apologists are keen to play down the importance of the new, temporary Schengen controls and stress that they are in line with EU law. Some controls were already in place at German borders with, for example, the Czech Republic. They are smart controls, in the form of intelligence-led spot checks, rather than fully-fledged border posts. What Berlin does matters in Europe. Germany is the EUs richest member state. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, is a former CDU minister. The new controls are at the borders with France, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Netherlands. These are long-standing Western member states and mostly founder members of the EU and Schengen, unlike Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic and non-EU Switzerland, where there are already checks. This is not the death of the Schengen zone, but it is a symbolic blow to one of the EUs most cherished achievements. Migration is hugely divisive at EU level, and the risk of copycat moves in other member states is real which could put Schengen under more pressure. Angela Merkels open borders policy has been rejected by her successor - Pool/Getty Images Europe Austria has already warned it will not take back any migrants turned away from Germany. Germany is not alone. Michel Barnier, Frances new prime minister, whose job hangs on the tacit support of Marine Le Pens hard-Right National Rally, has promised to take tougher action on illegal immigration. Sir Keir Starmer can exploit this to get a deal to help stop the boats as part of his post-Brexit reboot of relations with the EU. The tougher mood in the blocs two most influential countries will make it more difficult to get an EU-wide migrant returns deal but that was always going to be very difficult. However, it could help the Prime Minister get Berlin and Paris on board with his efforts to agree a new security pact with the EU, including pledges to drive down illegal migration. 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. PERMIAN BASIN (KMID/KPEJ)- UPDATE: Ector County ISD provided an update on social media threats aimed at schools that began making the rounds on social medial late last week. Heres what a district spokesperson said about the investigation: We want to update you on the social media threat that included a list of our ECISD schools as targets. The FBI has tracked the message to another region of the United States and thinks the original threat message may even have originated outside of the country. It is making the rounds on social media in El Paso today. Law enforcement does not consider it to be a credible threat toward schools in West Texas. The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges will be pursued, if possible. Thank you for your support throughout this incident. We continue to rely on our staff and our families to report anything or anyone that seems out of place by calling ECISD Police, Odessa Police Department or another agency. School districts across the Basin responded to social media threats which warned of a possible school shooting on campuses in Odessa, Midland, Kermit, Andrews, and beyond. The threats prompted swift investigation and an increased police presence at numerous campuses throughout West Texas. In a message to parents and staff, Andrews ISD said the threats were sent out nationwide and were deemed non-credible by agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Midland ISD sent an email to parents on Monday, and assured students and staff that there would be a police presence on campuses as a precaution. Kermit ISD issued a similar statement as well which read, in part, To the Kermit ISD family and community of Kermit. Last Friday, we were made aware that the Kermit Police Department was investigating threats made against the high school. The aggressive proactive investigation by our local police revealed no specific evidence of a credible threat at this time. However, since these threats were rumored to involve weapons, and in light of recent events, in an abundance of caution, I decided to implement additional safety protocols at all three campuses. These safety protocols involved the Kermit Police Department, Winkler County Sheriffs Department, and the Department of Public Safety. There are two reasons a message was not sent out prior to today. First, the threat was not credible enough to warrant such a message. Second, we did not want to tip off bad actors to our security measures. If there had been a credible threat, you would have received word through our official notification system Parents Square and/or various social media posts. Ector County ISD followed with a similar email on Tuesday which read: Last night, several of you reached out to us to alert us to a social media post, a list of all our ECISD schools, as targets for shootings. ECISD police, other local enforcement agencies, and the FBI actively investigated it throughout the night but have been unable to track the original source of the message. It appears to be a follow up, or copycat, to a message that circulated through our area for a time Monday morning stating people were going to shoot up schools in the 432 area. Law enforcement do not view either threat as credible, however, these types of messages are frightening, and we always take them seriously. We will continue to investigate and use all of our safety procedures to protect our students and staff members. Officers from multiple agencies will be visible across the community and around our schools today. Thank you for joining us in being vigilant in looking for anything or anyone that seems out of place. Please report any suspicious behavior or any additional social media posts to ECISD Police, Odessa Police Department or other agency. Law enforcement agencies across West Texas have asked students and parents to report all threats so they may be investigated fully. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As poverty rates rise, reading proficiency rates tend to fall. Every state has a downward-sloping line like this. But its not fate. Districts, schools and students nationwide are outperforming what might be expected of them. Heres the data for Ohio. Each dot is one district. The dot way up in the top right corner is Steubenville City. Despite a relatively high poverty rate, nearly all its students read proficiently by third grade. In this project, we set out to find and celebrate the Steubenvilles around the country. According to the latest national results, low-income fourth graders read an average of two to three grade levels below their higher-income peers. Its not new that students in poverty have lower scores on reading tests than more affluent students. Housing prices, parent perceptions and online school ranking websites all focus on those raw, unadjusted scores, which ignore the fact that some schools and districts simply have a harder job. But poverty is not destiny, and some schools and districts hugely outperform what might be expected of them based solely on which students they serve. Working with Eamonn Fitzmaurice, The 74s art and technology director, I set out to find districts around the country that succeed with the students they actually serve. We calculated each districts expected reading proficiency rate, based on its local poverty rate, and compared it to its actual third grade reading scores. This methodology helped us identify districts that are beating the odds and successfully teaching kids to read. Select from the menu below to find the high fliers in your state. INTERACTIVE Third Grade Reading Proficiency Reading Proficiency Poverty Rate 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 0% 20% 40% 60% Select a Location: exceptional districts 3rd grade reading proficiency rate Poverty Rate 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 0% 20% 40% 60% View fully interactive chart at https://www.the74million.org/article/which-school-districts-do-the-best-job-of-teaching-kids-to-read Steubenville City, in the Rust Belt along the very eastern edge of Ohio, topped our rankings. It has a very high poverty rate greater than 96% of districts nationally yet 99% of its third graders were proficient in reading last year. (For more on how Steubenville achieves such impressive results, see this 2012 story and this profile.) Every state has its own pockets of success (represented as gold circles in the graphs). These exceptional districts are in the top 5% of their state, in terms of outscoring their expected reading proficiency rate. For example, Worcester County in Maryland serves about 7,000 students along the Atlantic coast. Worcester falls in the middle of the pack in terms of poverty, but it has by far the highest third grade reading proficiency rate in the state. Related Louisiana Pilot Program Tests New Kind of Reading Exam That Could Be a Model We found positive outliers in every state. Among these are some higher-income districts like Maryville, Tennessee; Mountain Lakes, New Jersey; and Bainbridge Island, Washington, that are exceeding already lofty expectations. They also include lower-income communities, like Dearborn, Michigan, and Neshoba County, Mississippi, that are helping students achieve results that although maybe not high in absolute terms should still be considered achievements, given the poverty the schools and students are facing. In some states, poverty has more of an effect than it does in others. Given the correlation between income and test scores, readers might assume that every states graph looks like Rhode Islands, where poverty is highly correlated to district reading scores and districts are tightly bunched around those expectations. The diagonal line in the graph is called the best fit line. It is meant to go through the middle of all the points on the graph, and the closer the points are to the line, the stronger the correlation is. After Rhode Island, Connecticut, Alabama, Massachusetts and Alaska have the strongest relationship between a districts poverty rate and its third grade reading proficiency. But not every state has such a tight relationship. For example, contrast how tightly districts are bunched around the best fit line in Rhode Island with the same graph (below) for Virginia. In Virginia, the relationship between poverty and reading scores is much weaker. States like Nebraska, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Dakota and especially Nevada have weaker relationships between district-level poverty and reading outcomes. The number of districts a state has, how students are sorted across districts and differences in the state tests themselves can all affect this relationship. But without controlling for poverty, a good school district may receive credit for student learning that it actually had little part in. This issue is especially misleading in reading. Unlike math, where learning is more closely tied to school-based instruction, reading skills are multi-faceted, and theyre more closely tied to language skills and background knowledge that children acquire at home. Related Petruzzi: In Growth-vs.-Proficiency Debate, Data, Trust, and Time Are Keys to True Student Performance As a result, some wealthier districts may show high (raw) reading scores even though their students are picking up their skills at home or, worse, from private tutors that families with means are able to afford out of their own pockets. Meanwhile, districts doing a good job serving low-income students have a harder time showing the same proficiency rates. But some truly are beating the odds at helping kids learn to read, and their leaders deserve praise and celebration. Methodology and Limitations: The data for this project come from two sources. Poverty rate data comes from the 2022 district-level figures from the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Program. Third-grade reading scores were downloaded from Zelma.ai, an initiative from ParentData.org and Brown University to compile state test scores and make them publicly available. Because the poverty rate data from SAIPE is reported at the district level, we could not look at results for individual schools. The data also do not include standalone charter schools, so these are included when they are part of a district but not when they are considered their own district. Similarly, the data provide only one poverty rate for all of New York City, so readers should interpret those results with caution. We limited our sample to districts with at least 30 test-takers in spring 2023. Because different states use different tests, we encourage readers to focus on within-state comparisons only. For example, we could not include places with only one district (e.g. Hawaii and the District of Columbia). Vermont had not reported its 2023 district-level proficiency rates by the time of publication, so it is excluded. Maine did not break its results down by grade level, so its numbers use an aggregate across grades 3 to 8. All told, we had comparable data for 9,605 districts across the country. This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune. Former Uvalde schools police Chief Pete Arredondo asked a state district court on Friday to quash ten felony charges of child endangerment for his response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. Arredondo is one of two law enforcement officers who face criminal charges for their response to Texas deadliest school shooting, which left nineteen children and two teachers dead on May 22, 2022. An indictment handed down in June by a Uvalde County grand jury called Arredondo the incident commander and accused him of causing imminent danger to ten children by delaying law enforcements response to the active shooter and not responding as trained. In their motion to toss out the indictment, Arredondos lawyers say school districts and their employees dont have a duty to protect students from third-party threats. The lawyers also point out that the children were already in danger when Arredondo responded. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The indictment does not allege that Mr. Arredondo engaged in any conduct that placed a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment, the filing states. To the contrary, the language in the indictment itself makes clear that when Mr. Arredondo responded as part of his official duties, an active shooter incident was already in progress. Arredondo said soon after the shooting that he did not think he was the incident commander and that he did not give any orders. Nearly 400 local, state and federal law enforcement officers descended upon the school but failed to act decisively, instead waiting for more than an hour to confront the gunman. Related School Bus Company Deeply Sorry for Stranding R.I. Students in Rocky Start to School Year Border Patrol agents ultimately decided to breach the classroom and killed the shooter. Since the school shooting, families of Uvalde victims have called on local and state elected officials to hold officers accountable for their failures in leadership. Many said they were disappointed that the grand jury indicted only two officers. In addition to Arredondo, former district officer Adrian Gonzales was indicted on 29 counts of child endangerment. Gonzales has also denied violating school district policy or state law. Both officers were released from Uvalde County Jail on bond. Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As The Texas Tribunes 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. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/06/uvalde-charges-arredondo-schools-police-chief/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Multiple schools were closed on Monday while authorities continued to search for an alleged shooter, 32-year-old Joseph Couch. On Sunday, authorities announced Couch was the suspect in the shooting that injured five people and damaged 12 vehicles traveling down I-75 near exit 49. Kentucky State Police said Couch should be considered armed and dangerous. Theres a $15,000 collective reward out for information that leads to his arrest. Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people At least 18 school districts and college campuses were impacted on Monday, the third day of the search. On Monday, Laurel County Public Schools announced they would be closed again on Tuesday. Student and staff safety is a priority in the Laurel County Public Schools, Laurel County Public Schools said. More closures or campus impacts are possible as the search continues. A full list of closures can be found on the FOX 56 News website as they become available. Search resumes for suspect after shooting on I-75 in Laurel County Anyone with information about Couchs whereabouts should contact police. Kentucky State Police Post 11: (606) 878-6622 Crime Stoppers: (606) 682-1013 County Communication: (606) 878-7000 Laurel County Sheriffs Office: (606) 864 6600 The investigating agencies said theyre confident in their search efforts but continue to encourage people to stay vigilant. Authorities emphasized that if you see Couch, do not approach him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Janet White-Dixon, left, on board the Sentara 3D Mammography Van before being screened by Darlene North, right, head of Sentara's mobile mammography team. The team provided mammograms to women in Newport News as part of its mission to improve access to screening. (Leah Small/Virginia Mercury) Tasha Cade was more than two months pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For nearly two years, a painful, discolored lump had been growing in the 43-year-old Virginia Beach residents left breast. I find out that I am pregnant, one of the happiest times of my life, only to be dealt such devastating news, Cade said. I was so happy yet so sad, scared and uncertain of the diagnosis, of what was going to happen. Cade is a Black woman. In the U.S., Black women die from breast cancer more than any other racial group. They are slightly less likely than white women to develop breast cancer but are about 42% more likely to die from it. Breast cancer deaths for all women in the U.S. have decreased, but the mortality gap between Black and white women persists. As a group, Black women diagnosed before age 50 are 50% more likely to die from the disease than white women diagnosed before age 50. In Virginia, the situation is worse. The state has the nations ninth highest breast cancer death rate and is one of only four states in which Black women develop cancer at a higher rate than white women, according to recent data from the Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center at Old Dominion University and the American Cancer Society. Virginias eastern Tidewater region, where Cade lives, is one of the ten metro areas in the U.S. with the highest number of Black women dying from breast cancer, a 2021 report by Susan G. Komen shows. In 2020, Black women in Tidewater were 60% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women, up from 41% in 2014, according to data from Komen. Suffolk and Chesapeake stand out for having the biggest gap between Black and white women in late-stage diagnosis and survival rates. In February of 2021, before her pregnancy, Cade expressed her worries about the lump in her breast to a local radiologist, medical records show. But findings from a mammogram followed by a breast ultrasound didnt indicate cancer, the physician said. Cade sought a second opinion and records show both physicians agreed that the lump wasnt cancer. They instead connected the problem to Cades dense breast tissue. Breast tissue varies among women; breasts that are dense have more glandular and connective tissue than fat. They said youre fine, its nothing to be concerned about, Cade said. They considered it fibroglandular tissue, (and said) it is not unusual for it to get larger or to be more painful; its not cancerous. Dense breast tissue can prevent a mammogram from detecting cancer and can increase a womans overall cancer risk. Physicians said that readings from both mammograms and breast ultrasounds were normal for Cade, but she was doubtful. She knew she had multiple risk factors linked to developing or dying from breast cancer. I asked questions like, why is it getting larger? Can I have a biopsy? Cade said. They didnt want to do a biopsy despite (me) having dense breast tissue, despite me being a Black woman. In October 2022, Cade found out she was pregnant with her son, whom she calls her unexpected miracle baby. She worried more about the lump, which her OBGYN insisted be biopsied by a local surgeon. The biopsy revealed that it was cancerous at stage zero and could spread during pregnancy. Anger was one of my biggest emotions, Cade said. I knew something was wrong. I know my body and I knew this lump was a problem. What is fueling the disparity? The reasons for the breast cancer mortality disparity are multifaceted. Studies show that tumor biology and the interplay of genetics and environmental factors explain part of the problem. Both factors partially explain why Black women are more likely to develop highly aggressive tumors and to be diagnosed at an earlier age, negatively impacting survivorship. Black women are also more likely to be obese, have heart disease, and to not breastfeed after pregnancy all risk factors for breast cancer. But other factors including racism in medicine and systemic racism that drives high poverty among Black women, and the lack of insurance and access to quality breast health facilities are also greatly to blame. The differences in death rates are not explained by Black women having more aggressive tumors, said Rebecca Siegel, an American Cancer Society epidemiologist. It is time for health systems to take a really hard look at how they are treating Black women differently. Breast cancer deaths in Tidewater Virginia are driven significantly by where a person lives and their race, Komen wrote in its report. Part of the problem is poor access to transportation tied to poverty, in an area connected by bridges and tolls, which often prevents Black women from seeking follow-up mammograms to diagnose suspected cancers, said Natasha Mmeje, a Komen spokesperson. Some progress has been made. New national guidance lowers the recommended age most women should start mammography, which helps early cancer detection. States that adopted Medicaid expansion earlier than Virginia have improved access to care for Back women, positively impacting cancer outcomes. And more scientific research is focused on finding out why Black women are less likely to survive a cancer diagnosis. The fight to prevent more Black women from dying of breast cancer at disproportionate rates is on multiple fronts and more must be done, Mmeje said. Black women should have the same chance of surviving breast cancer as anyone else, she said. We must work together researchers, lawmakers and key stakeholders to decrease breast cancer disparities in the Black community. Failings in medicine and science Cade was rushed into an emergency lumpectomy in Hampton Roads to remove her tumor the same week her cancer was diagnosed in December 2022. But scans showed that the cancer had spread to another part of her left breast. She consulted physicians at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center who said that the breast should be removed. They performed a mastectomy while Cade was four months pregnant and frightened for her life and her unborn baby. Surgeons removed her right breast in a later procedure. I remember being wheeled into that operating room, and Im crying so hard, Cade said. I was just thinking about my child Ive wanted this child all of my life. Early cancer detection improves chances of survival and often results in less invasive treatment. But Black women in the U.S. are far more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages despite being screened for it at higher rates than other races. In Tidewater Virginia, Komen found that Black women have roughly the same rate of regular mammography screening as white women. And in about half of the cities Komen studied in the region Newport News, Hampton and Portsmouth white women are diagnosed with more late-stage cancers than Black women. But Black women are still dying disproportionately of breast cancer throughout the metro area. Systemic racism is a huge part of why Black women are still dying [disproportionately], and that is regardless of the economic status for Black women, Mmeje said. In the Komen report, undiagnosed women and breast cancer survivors in the area said they experienced discrimination while seeking care. Bias held by healthcare providers is part of the problem, though its impact is difficult to prove, said Arnethea Sutton, a breast cancer health equity researcher at Virginia Commonwealth University. Its whats happening once women get to care theyre not being treated fairly, and their process is being delayed or theyre not being listened to, Sutton said. Those are the kind of things we cant capture in hospital metrics. The history of racism in healthcare institutions has also slowed the development of treatments that could be more effective for Black women. The collective cultural memory in the Black community of medical wrongdoings, such as the Tuskegee syphilis study, has contributed to low participation in clinical trials by Black women. And less health research has focused on women, and Black women in particular, than white men. To fill the information gap, the American Cancer Society is conducting what would be at completion the largest ever study on Black women and cancer. American Cancer Society researchers aim to enroll at least 100,000 women from Virginia, 19 other states, and Washington D.C. for the Voices of Black Women study, which would shed more light on why Black women have some of the highest mortality rates for most cancers. The states represent where 90% of Black women live in the U.S. Realizing that eastern Virginia is a breast cancer hotspot, The American Cancer Society partnered with Macon & Joan Brock Health Sciences at Old Dominion University to recruit women in Hampton Roads for a pilot study in 2023. Atlanta was another pilot site. A target of 3,000 participants has been set for Virginia. Researchers aim to gather a wide range of environmental, behavioral and health data from a cohort of women ages 25 to 55, over 30 years. This study really puts us in an extremely powerful position to be able to understand cancer and other health outcomes in black women, and then identify opportunities to intervene in a way that will be successful for black women, said study co-investigator Alpa Patel. Early detection is key Cades grandmother, Judy Hall, died from breast cancer at the age of 64. Cade had worried for years that breast cancer could run in her family. My anxiety was through the roof, I would constantly think about the possibility of getting cancer, passing away from cancer, Cade said. Then for it to actually happen, it just takes a toll thinking about it constantly. Cade began receiving mammograms in her late 30s, slightly earlier than the recommended age of 40, due to her family history. Her employers insurance plan partially covered the early screenings. But many Black women face significant insurance and financial hurdles to receiving preventive screening and testing, diagnostics and treatment all factors that impact survivorship. Screening for breast cancer at an earlier age is even more impactful for Black women, who tend to develop breast cancer younger. In April, The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a leading independent panel of experts, lowered its recommendation on when women should start biennial mammography screening from age 50 to 40, and said the change would improve early detection for Black women. The panel had previously recommended that women at high risk of breast cancer consider screening earlier than 50. Under the Affordable Care Act, USPSTF recommendations guide insurance coverage for mammograms and other preventive screenings. But nearly all insurers are currently required to fully cover more frequent, annual mammograms, for women 40 and older, under a federal law up for renewal in 2026. Komen and other advocacy organizations favor annual screening. The guideline changes dont fully address the needs of Black women, said Ifeoma Udoh, a policy advisor for the Black Womens Health Imperative. Were suffering from late-[stage] diagnoses were getting screening too late, Udoh said. We have 35-year-olds being diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly if theres some genetic predisposition. Women should speak to their primary care physicians about their family history of breast cancer and ask about genetic testing. High risk women may benefit from screening as early as age 30, even if genetic testing is negative, said Rachel Burke, a professor of surgery at ODU. Women experiencing barriers to screening, diagnosis or treatment can contact Komen patient navigators for information about health services and financial resources. Women without insurance who are low income are eligible for free or low-cost breast cancer screening and diagnostics under the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. And patients diagnosed through the NBCCED may be eligible for Medicaid coverage for treatment. Patients who feel they are receiving poor treatment should seek a second opinion or find a new provider, Cade said. Women must feel empowered to advocate for their health, she said. Your voice matters in every healthcare conversation. In May of 2023, Cade gave birth to a healthy son. She is now cancer free. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Scouting Americas Michigan Crossroads Council on Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with its annual Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute. We were just kind of glued to the TV, Matt Keusch, battalion chief for the Grand Rapids Fire Department, recalled the Sept. 11 attacks. When the first tower collapsed, I thought, Firefighters just died. Those guys knew what they were doing. Im sure some knew, This is it. This is going to be our last call. I just never want people to forget the sacrifices that Americans made that day. The Scout Salute was scheduled to run from sunrise to sunset across several locations in Michigan. The days main event was at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. There, the community gathered for a daylong Scout Salute. Color guards from the Grand Rapids Police and Fire Departments were scheduled to raise and lower the flag at sunrise (7:19 a.m.) and sunset (7:59 p.m.). A performance by the Salvation Army Band was scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by a program at 6 p.m. featuring speakers including Donald Shepard, CEO of Scouting America Michigan Crossroads Council, and Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. The day was scheduled to end with echo taps at 7:59 p.m. This happened not even that long ago just a few years before I was born, said Scout Jane Mancewicz of Troop 283G. Im learning it from history class and also hearing the stories and what my mom and dad and family members thought about it and what happened. Mancewicz, now in 10th grade, is among the 15,000-plus expected to pay their respects throughout the day. Its amazing that everyone is coming out to do this, even if they werent necessarily there when it happened, she explained. They understand it and its really meaningful. The annual Sept. 11 Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Jacob Benoit of Troop 283B was also born in 2009 and attended many 9/11 Scout salutes in previous years. A sophomore at West Catholic High School, he wanted to pay his respects before heading to class and encouraged others to do the same. It shows that no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, whats your background it still shows that you care about others and you care about whats happened here, said Benoit. 9/11 was taught to me pretty early, honestly. It was seen as something to respect and something to remember and commemorate, because of its importance and what it showed us. For those who cannot attend in person, the event was streamed live on the Scouting America Michigan Crossroads Council Facebook page. Details and schedules are available at www.michiganscouting.org/911salute. Other remembrance activities were scheduled across Michigan: Albion: The American Legion Post 55 will hold a short program at Riverside Cemetery from 6-7:30 p.m. Bay City: The USS Edson at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the public to pay respects. Farmington: The Groves-Walker American Legion will host an event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Walter Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park. Muskegon: A program at the USS LST 393 will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Paw Paw: The Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post will observe from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Riverview: Young Patriots Park will hold a commemoration from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Traverse City: A ceremony at the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station will begin at 8:30 a.m. All events were set to be outdoors. Organizers encouraged people who could not attend in person to participate virtually by sharing pictures of themselves saluting or by viewing the activities at the Scouting America Michigan Crossroads Councils Facebook page. Various activities from all locations were scheduled to be streamed live there as well. Every time that bell rings and they announce why that bell is ringing, everybody stops what they are doing. They listen. They remember, Travis Babcock, Michigan Crossroads Council activities committee chair, told News 8. Scouting has a lot to do with being a good citizen. (Its) about being the best version of yourself and giving back to your community. Its about servant leadership. News 8s Duncan MacLean 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 WOODTV.com. UPDATED: In the latest legal setback for Sean Diddy Combs, a Michigan inmate has won a $100 million default sexual-assault judgment against the embattled producer and entrepreneur, who has been slammed with multiple sexual-misconduct allegations over the past year. According to Detroits Metro Times and court documents, the award was issued Monday by a Lenawee County Circuit Court Judge following a temporary restraining order against Combs granted to Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, who it describes as Michigan inmate known for his long history of challenging the judicial system with civil lawsuits. The lawsuit claims that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted Cardello-Smith in 1997 at a party in Detroit; the judge set out a payment schedule of $10 million per month, starting October 1. More from Variety The default judgment was reached after Combs failed to appear for a virtual hearing on Monday. However, Marc Agnifilo, an attorney for Combs, disputed the judgement and Cardello-Smiths account: This man is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years. His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed. A source close to the situation tells Variety that the paperwork for suit was sent to an out-of-date address and was not received by Combs team in a timely manner. The suit states that Cardello-Smith encountered Combs while he was working at a Detroit-area restaurant. The two met a group of women at a party and were having sex with them when Cardello-Smith says he was he felt a male hand touching him, which he claims was Combs. He said Combs later offered him a drink, which was spiked and caused him to pass out. He said he awoke and saw Combs having sex with a woman; Combs allegedly said to him, I did this to you too. According to the Metro Times, Cardello-Smith, who is serving an unrelated sentence, is a self-taught student of civil and criminal statutes. Cardello-Smith claims that in August Combs offered him $2.3 million dollars to dismiss the lawsuit, but he declined and said he would proceed with the legal action. Combs allegedly responded, You know how we get down; Cardello-Smith said he responded, I disagree with how you get down. While Combs has denied most of the multiple sexual-misconduct allegations leveled against him, in June he admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura after video footage leaked of a 2016 incident in a hotel. He apologized and said he was fucked up. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Georgetown MSF vs UCLA MFE? [ #permalink Background: I majored in finance and computer science at an undergraduate school considered to be a "semi-to-non-target" within the financial industry. Due to depression and personal issues, my grades during my first two years of undergrad were abominable. However, I was able to get my act together and achieve mostly A's during my final 2 years of undergrad, but this was only enough to raise my final cumulative GPA to a lackluster ~3.3/4.0. My extracurriculars aren't impressive, consisting of one internship at a local business, one internship at a small IB/PE firm, one externship at a mid-sized VC firm, and a few entrepreneurial endeavors. I've applied to hundreds of financial firms, from MMs to BBs, and I keep getting rejected, most of the time without even getting an interview. Since graduating in December 2023, I have been unemployed for five months. Therefore, I have applied to several graduate programs, including various Master of Science in Finance, MSFs, to "reset my GPA" and enhance my prospects in the industry, as well as several Master of Financial Engineering, MFEs, to not only "reset my GPA" and enhance my prospects in the industry, but also immerse myself in the confluence of tech and finance to propel myself into a career in quantitative finance. In my undergraduate education, I obtained dual degrees in finance and computer science but did not receive an education that combined these two disciplines. Just to be clear, I would be happy with any role in the financial industry, whether it be consulting, investment banking, private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, or a more quantitative role, but I seem to keep getting rejected everywhere. I recently took the GMAT Focus, achieving a score of 715 (99th percentile), and the GRE, scoring 337/340 (Q: 170/170, V: 167/170). Regarding the MSF programs I applied to, I was accepted by Georgetown and Villanova, rejected by Vanderbilt, and am awaiting a decision from UT Austin. As for the MFEs, I was turned down by Carnegie Mellon and Berkeley, am waiting to hear from Columbia, and was surprisingly accepted by UCLA today. I had assumed that UCLA would not accept me, so I settled on the belief that Georgetown was the best school I could attend. As a result, I have already paid the $850 enrollment deposit at Georgetown and registered for classes. Based on my situation, should I choose UCLA MFE or Georgetown MSF? UCLA's MFE would provide me with a more technical, quantitative education where I'd learn much more, whereas I probably learned everything in the Georgetown MSF curriculum during my undergraduate studies as a finance major (although one could argue that this would be a reason for choosing Georgetown since I would be more likely to achieve easy A's). Georgetown MSF is remote, while UCLA MFE is in-person. UCLA MFE has a far lower acceptance rate (Georgetown MSF is far easier to get into than Georgetown undergrad, I've heard the former accepts almost everyone). UCLA seems more prestigious. Which of these two schools has a higher placement rate within the financial industry? At first, UCLA might seem like the obvious choice, but there are two factors that complicate this decision. Firstly, Georgetown is much cheaper. Georgetown is giving me a $40K scholarship, making my total program cost just another $40K. Additionally, the remote option would save me so much money on housing and other expenses. The UCLA program costs $85K in total, and I don't know how much scholarship I will receive yet, but it probably won't be anywhere near as much as Georgetown's. Secondly, although I wouldn't mind living in LA for a temporary 1.5-year program, I would hate to live there long-term. While UCLA might have better placements overall, I believe Georgetown has more placements in NYC than UCLA (correct me if I'm wrong). LA is near the bottom of my list of major US cities I would like to live in long-term, and I would STRONGLY, STRONGLY prefer to reside in NYC. As an additional question, although I do not plan to do this, would it be possible to pursue both programs at the same time? Since Georgetown is a remote program and offers part-time options, I could easily do both at the same time if I wanted to. Do you think this would be allowed, and if so, would it be worth it? Thank you for your time and consideration. Sean Diddy Combs was ordered to pay a $100 million default judgment from a civil lawsuit filed by a Michigan inmate who says the music mogul drugged and sexually assaulted him during a 1997 party in Detroit. A Lenawee County Circuit Court judge ordered the award to be paid in $10 million monthly installments beginning Oct. 1, according to the Detroit Metro Times. The default judgment came after 51-year-old Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith successfully filed a restraining order. Default judgments are awarded to a plaintiff when the defendant fails to formally respond to legal proceedings. Combs did not appear at a virtual hearing Monday, which triggered the default. Cardello-Smith, a self-taught student of law who is serving an unrelated sentence in a Michigan prison, has a history of filing civil lawsuits. The judgment is just one of Combs many legal challenges after multiple people have come forward with sexual assault and misconduct claims. The plaintiff produced prison visitation records showing that Combs came to see him, saying he was offered a more than $2 million settlement, but rejected it. Representatives for Combs did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Cardello-Smiths lawsuit claims the hospitality worker encountered Combs in a Detroit-area restaurant and the two partied that night with a group of women. He says Combs offered him a drink that caused him to pass out and that the rap mogul assaulted him while he was unconscious. Combs has denied nearly all the sexual misconduct claims against him, but admitted to assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura after video leaked of their altercation in a hotel hallway. The post Sean Diddy Combs Ordered to Pay $100 Million in Civil Sexual Assault Case appeared first on TheWrap. By Danielle Broadway (Reuters) - A Michigan inmate who accused Sean Diddy Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a party almost 30 years ago has been awarded a $100 million judgment against the rapper and record producer. Derrick Lee Smith, 51, won the multimillion-dollar judgment by default in Lenawee County Circuit Court during a virtual hearing on Monday after Combs, 54, failed to show up. An attorney for Combs said the rapper would move to have the judgment dismissed. This man (Smith) is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years," attorney Marc Agnifilo said in a statement. "His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed," the statement added. Smith, who was sentenced to prison for 75 years on sexual misconduct and kidnapping charges, filed complaints against Combs in June and August. He was given a temporary restraining order against Combs, who has several other sexual assault cases still pending. Combs, founder of the landmark label Bad Boy Records, is one of the most influential producers and executives in hip-hop and a hugely successful performer, as well as the impresario of his own Sean John clothing line. (Reporting by Danielle Broadway and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Edward B Johnson, a CIA officer who helped to pull off the daring rescue of six US diplomats left in hiding in Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has died aged 81. The operation, which caught the public's imagination after it was dramatised by Ben Affleck's 2012 Oscar-winning film Argo, saw a CIA team enter Iran undercover as Hollywood filmmakers. Amid growing scrutiny of the CIA and its perceived lack of accountability, the agency encouraged Johnson's partner in the operation, Tony Mendez, to speak openly of the rescue in 1997. But Johnson's own role remained classified for decades, and he was only identified only as "Julio" in a a book written by Mendez about the rescue. In the CIA, however, Johnson's role in the plan was acknowledged. At the agency's headquarters in Langley, Virginia, a faceless painting celebrated his role in the operation. Only in 2023 - over a decade after the release of Argo - was his contribution publicly recognised. A podcast released by the CIA which cast light on the operation - known as the Canadian Caper - included interviews with the Cold War-era spy. Eds legacy will continue to inspire those who walk the halls of Langley for generations to come," the agency said in a statement shared with the BBC. Johnson was born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. After serving in the army during the Vietnam War, he moved to Saudi Arabia where he worked as an English teacher, before gaining a master's degree in French at the Sorbonne in 1971. The specifics of his subsequent professional life remain largely unknown or classified. What little information that has been made public largely comes from a 2023 podcast - The Langley Files - which lifted the veil on some aspects of an intelligence career which spanned over two decades. He joined the CIA as an officer with the agency's Office of Technical Services - a unit dedicated to supporting clandestine operations across the globe by designing gadgets, obtaining weapons and creating disguises and forging documents. By the time of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 - which saw the regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi overthrown amid mass strikes and demonstrations - Johnson was posted overseas. It was after after having gotten the on-the-ground experience in the Middle East and the educational experience and the language [came] into play... that I was considered to be a good candidate, he later recalled. On 4 November 1979, Islamist students supportive of the new Iranian regime scaled the fence of the US embassy in Tehran, taking dozens of staff hostage and sparking a 444-day hostage crisis. Six diplomats managed to slip away and took refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. For about three months, they took refuge there, while US officials sought to concoct a plan to smuggle them out of the country. Eventually, President Jimmy Carter approved the Canadian Caper - a plan which would see Mendez and Johnson pose as Canadian filmmakers scouting locations for a supposed Star Wars spin-off called Argo. Mendez posed as an Irish filmmaker, while Johnson was an associate producer representing [a] production companys ostensible South American backers". As with much of Johnson's career, his exact role in the plan and why he was chosen remain shrouded in mystery. But Mendez wrote in an internal CIA document that his partner had "considerable exfiltration experience during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, without elaborating. The pair arrived in Iran on 25 January 1980, where they were directed to the Canadian ambassador's residence by a student revolutionary patrolling outside the US embassy. The young man called a taxi for the pair and refused a tip after writing down directions. I have to thank the Iranians for being the beacon who got us to the right place, Johnson later recalled. Over the next several days, Johnson and Mendez worked with the stranded diplomats, providing them with fake passports, backgrounds, exit slips and even scripts for the film. The biggest thing I think we did was to convince them that you can, you can do it - as simple as that, Johnson remembered. "They were people who were not trained to lie to authorities. They werent trained to be clandestine, elusive, he added, referring to the six as complete "rookies" when it came to his line work. The team eventually slipped out of the country aboard a Swissair flight on 28 January 1980. Johnson was awarded an Intelligence Star, the CIA's second-highest award for valour. Publicly, credit went to the Canadian embassy for harbouring the diplomats, with the CIA's role kept secret. Johnson was awarded the intelligence star from John N McMahon, then CIA deputy director for operations [CIA handout] Johnson retired from the agency in 1995 as the old tensions of the Cold War receded into memory, and worked as a contractor while exploring a growing interest in photography, his family said. Two years later, the CIA was facing intense criticism for some of its activities abroad - which included backing coups - and a lack of accountability. One Democratic senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, was championing a long-running campaign to abolish the agency. In response, Director George Tenet contacted Tony Mendez and encouraged him to tell the tale of his daring rescue of the diplomats. But Johnson's role remained a secret to the world. Even as the world celebrated his heroism, he remained a ghost, a figure shrouded in anonymity, his family said on Monday. For decades, his identity was a closely guarded secret. It was only in the twilight of his life that he finally emerged from the shadows, a legend in his own right. His son, Harold Johnson, said he died from complications related to Alzheimer's disease and pneumonia. He is survived by his wife Aileen, five children and nine grandchildren. A copy of the painting hanging at CIA HQ showing planning for the Iran operation, with Johnson's face obscured [Central Intelligence Agency Museum] Second Gentleman to travel to Henderson for campaign event LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Nevada this week to talk at a campaign event in Henderson. According to a release from the White House, Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris, will travel to Henderson for the New Way Forward Tour on Thursday, Sept. 12. Emhoffs visit to Nevada will follow the first presidential debate between Vice President Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. While in Henderson, Emhoff plans to deliver remarks at a campaign event which will be open to pre-credentialed media. The event is part of the New Way Forward Tour, which aims to mobilize support, drive enthusiasm, and reach the voters who will decide this election as we approach the closing weeks of the campaign, according to the Harris Campaign. Following that campaign event, the Second Gentleman will travel to Arizona for another event. The next day he is scheduled to travel to Florida. Harris running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was in Las Vegas on Tuesday as part of a Sun Belt State Tour. Harris was last in the Las Vegas Valley in August, when she made a campaign stop at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON As Monday night brought news of another devastating episode in Israels U.S.-backed offensive in Gaza a strike on a tent camp sheltering desperate Palestinians key players in Middle East policy in Washington and beyond were sipping cocktails at the Waldorf Astoria, toasting the end of a secretive conference about the regions future. The evening marked the conclusion of the inaugural Middle East-America Dialogue summit a first-of-its-kind event that some participants say almost totally ignored the Palestinian perspective despite the communitys central relevance to developments in the region. One attendee noted that only three Arab voices were featured on the conferences stage: Those of the ambassadors to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Morocco. There were no Palestinians. Nor did anyone meaningfully address their concerns. While MEAD says it aims to solidify the United States critical role in promoting stability across the Middle East, the gathering did not include a speaker who highlighted the experience of the community living through its deadliest war in decades, and, said one attendee, had very few words about the plight of the Palestinians. The multiday confab was invite-only, and the content of the discussions was largely kept private (HuffPost was not invited). But by obtaining MEADs agenda, marked confidential, and discussing it with several participants, HuffPost got a view into a gathering that focused heavily on closer U.S.-Israel ties and conflict with Iran while being dominated by longtime foreign policy hawks. The conference agenda runs the gamut of views from conservative to settler the whole point is to erase the Palestinians, said Matt Duss, the executive vice president at the Center for International Policy think tank, who reviewed the document. The conference did not commit policymakers to any particular moves, and its just one of several annual gatherings among national security officials and analysts from the U.S. and its allies. Still, it offers a snapshot into how some important figures in Middle East policy are maneuvering at a significant moment. Fighting in Gaza is entering its 12th month without a deal for a cease-fire and the release of hostages in sight, and a change in president looms in the U.S. which is key to the region, given its tens of thousands of troops and deep relationships there. It was Israel-America dialogue more than anything else, one attendee told HuffPost. A through line of the discussion was that the United States needed to do something about Iran, although exactly what, how, and to what effect was left vague, another said. (HuffPost provided anonymity to allow the attendees to speak freely.) MEAD drew several top aides to President Joe Biden. Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas each offered remarks. So did Brett McGurk, the presidents top Middle East adviser, and Amos Hochstein, who leads the administrations attempt to manage tensions in Lebanon. Panels on digital matters, leadership and greater defense cooperation among the U.S. and its partners featured, respectively, senior White House official Anne Neuberger; former U.S. ambassador to Israel and current Pentagon official Dan Shapiro; and Mira Resnick, the State Departments new chief official for Israeli-Palestinian affairs. (HuffPost broke the news of Resnicks appointment last month.) Some potential major players in a future U.S. administration weighed in, too. Michele Flournoy, a candidate for the first female secretary of defense if Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris wins in November, was on a panel on Gazas future. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a possible leader in a second Trump presidency, spoke, as did Mike Pompeo, Donald Trumps former CIA director and secretary of state, and Trump-era Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who, like the former president and his family, has cultivated business ties in the Middle East. The involvement of figures with ties to both the Republican and Democratic parties was by design. MEADs four cochairs include Tom Nides, Bidens former U.S. ambassador to Israel who is rumored to be in the running for a senior Harris administration job, and David Friedman, who was Trumps ambassador to Israel. The selection of cochairs shows our commitment to a nonpartisan approach to advancing U.S.-Middle East dialogue, MEADs website reads. Yet the seeming diversity of political ties belies a unifying theme: ardent support for U.S.-Israel ties. David Friedman (left), who is close to former President Donald Trump, helped organize the just-concluded Middle East-America Dialogue summit, at which several senior Biden administration officials spoke. Former Trump Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (right) was another speaker. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images Friedman is a longtime advocate for Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law and which the U.S. and human rights groups say fuel violence in the region. He is now pushing the idea of Israel taking over the area using U.S. funding a move experts say would spark huge tensions and torpedo the idea of a future Palestinian state existing alongside Israel. The two other cochairs are Dennis Ross and Elliott Abrams. Abrams is a hard-liner who has downplayed Israeli attacks on civilians and restrictions on humanitarian aid during the Gaza war. Ross, who has worked on Israeli-Palestinian mediation under Democratic and Republican administrations, was described by his longtime aide Aaron David Miller as having an inherent tendency to see the world of Arab-Israeli politics first from Israels vantage point rather than that of the Palestinians. The summit held itself out as a wide-ranging strategy discussion. Diversification of opinion isnt just encouraged; but pivotal, the website for the summit reads. Our policy fosters a rich tapestry of perspectives, welcoming voices from across the spectrum of political, social, and economic thought. But in the midst of historic upheaval for Palestinians and across the region due to the war in Gaza, the split of voices was striking to a wide range of participants. Israelis in the audience told me they were surprised there were so many Israelis there, the second attendee said. The move reflects a tendency that many officials believe helped drive the Palestinian militant group Hamas to launch its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel: the choice by the U.S., under both Trump and Biden, to discount Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy and instead focus on building relationships between Israel and other Arab nations. MEAD provided comment through an official at the public relations firm SKDK. Cofounded by close Biden adviser Anita Dunn, SKDK has, amid the Gaza war, helped launch a project from Jewish groups targeting misinformation on the conflict, and in the process targeted journalists it perceives as unfair to Israel. The goal of the MEAD summit is to bring together leaders in the United States and across the Middle East to have in-depth and honest conversations about the future of the region, the MEAD spokesperson wrote in an email. All parties in the region are important to this dialogue, and we are proud to have diverse perspectives represented at the Summit, ranging from Israeli leadership to ambassadors from the region like Saudi Arabias Ambassador to the U.S. HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Moroccos Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Amrani, and Bahrains Ambassador to the U.S. Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa. We look forward to building upon our progress and continuing to engage a diverse set of voices in the Middle East and the U.S. at future gatherings, the spokesperson continued. The spokesperson did not address a HuffPost query about the source of MEADs funding. Entry to our summit is not a commodity to be bought, nor can our stage be sponsored for promotion, the organization states on its website, calling itself a non-profit that has not received funding from any government. Middle Eastern governments and individuals with interests in the region have a long and controversial history of funding research and events in Washington, sometimes covertly. Spokespeople for the White House did not respond to HuffPosts inquiries about the Biden administrations view of whether there should have been greater Palestinian representation. Beyond featuring members of Israels current government, the summit did include Israelis from the opposition, including politician Benny Gantz. According to an attendee, the conversations emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire deal in Gaza that involves Hamas releasing Israeli hostages an approach that current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly undermined. Yet Gantz used his appearance to promote the idea of the Israeli military refocusing its attention to the Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. officials worry a conflict there would be even more devastating than the Gaza offensive. Gantzs suggestion reflected the mood music: As Hochstein, the Biden aide trying to stop escalation in Lebanon beyond the current cycle of tit-for-tat Israel-Hezbollah attacks, did try to humanize the Lebanese and made a strong case against war, he did so in front of a particularly cynical moderator, an attendee said. Other top Israeli politicians who spoke include former minister Ayelet Shaked, a right-wing proponent of settlements in the West Bank. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) delivers election night remarks to supporters and staff on Nov. 3, 2020 in Bangor, Maine. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images) Maines congressional leaders have a mixed record when it comes to supporting pro-democracy measures such as voting rights, increased transparency in campaign finance and accountability for the U.S. Supreme Court, and preventing misinformation. In a national evaluation of every member of Congress, Maines leaders ranged from top scorers such as Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, to Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins record of opposing every featured pro-democracy measure. Thats according to a biennial scorecard of the 535 members of Congress, published on Monday by Common Cause, a national organization focused on voting rights and fair elections. Each pro-democracy bill a member supported either by co-sponsoring or voting for it earned them one point. U.S. representatives were evaluated on 13 bills, and senators on 10. For the past ten years, Common Cause has tracked every U.S representative and senator to determine the extent to which they support or oppose measures that the organization believes are known to strengthen democracy. The bills that the organization selects have largely remained the same throughout the decade, and have received support from Republicans, Democrats and independents for years at the state level, said Aaron Scherb, senior director of legislative affairs at Common Cause. At the federal level, issues such as voting rights continue to be partisan, but these are largely measures that voters want to see passed, he said. There are overwhelming bipartisan majorities of voters who want to get big secret money out of politics, want to end partisan gerrymandering. Americans like and appreciate no excuse for absentee voting, they like options and choices to how they want to vote, said Scherb. Supporting these issues by co-sponsoring bills or voting for them means leaders are listening to their constituents and representing their interests at the federal level, he said. An increasing number of leaders appeared to be in support of these measures in this years evaluation compared with previous years. Pingree was the only Maine leader to receive a perfect score, voting in favor of or co-sponsoring all 13 bills that Common Cause tracked for representatives. She was one of 117 lawmakers nationwide that received perfect scores. Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, who often does not vote along party lines, supported nine of the 13 measures. Sen. Angus King, and independent, supported 7 of 10 measures Common Cause tracked for senators while Collins, who supported none of the 10 measures in the Senate, was the only member of Congress in New England to score zero. I think it just shows that she just doesnt have the same level of commitment to democracy reform that a number of other members of Congress do from the overall region, Scherb said of Collins. Overall, Maines congressional delegation scored worse than every other New England states lawmakers, with all of Rhode Island and Vermonts elected leaders receiving perfect scores. The measures included the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act focusing on voting rights, the DISCLOSE Act, which would have required election finance transparency, and the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act. Common Cause tracked representatives voting record on the expulsion of U.S. Rep. George Santos (D-NY) and requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, while senators were evaluated on whether or not they voted for increasing media literacy to prevent disinformation and restricting who can be counted in the U.S. Census. As we prepare to go to the ballot box this fall, voters have a decision to make: between democracy and authoritarianism; between freedom and oppression; between accountability and corruption, Virginia Kase Solomon, president of Common Cause, said in a statement accompanying the scorecard. We hope that this Democracy Scorecard can, in some small way, help voters as they make a decision about the direction of our country, Kase Solomon said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JENKINS COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff announced $875,000 in Federal funding is coming to several counties in Georgia to prevent drug abuse among youth, including Jenkins County. According to a press release from Sen. Ossoff on Sept. 9, Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center will receive $125,000 through the Drug-Free Communities Support Programs (DFC) grant. Im delivering this Federal funding that will empower Georgia communities to keep kids safe from addiction and overdose, Sen. Ossoff said. ALSO ON WJBF: VA Augusta organizes suicide prevention events for the month of September With the funding, communities can identify needs prevent and find solutions to reduce youth substance abuse. The recently announced grant comes after $2.8 million in federal funding was allotted to several areas in Georgia on July 29, including $125,000 each to Grovetowns Drug Free Community Coalition and Warrentons Warren County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention 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 WJBF. Senator Manchin releases statement on the death of a coal miner in Logan County LOGAN COUNTY, WV (WVNS) U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released a statement about the death of a Logan County coal miner that occurred on Friday, September 6, 2024. 33-year-old Gary Chapman, of South Williamson, Kentucky, died on Friday, September 6, 2024 after being injured at the Mountaineer II Mine in the Sharples area of Logan County. Governor Justice releases statement on the death of a coal miner in Logan County Gayle and I are devastated by the passing of Gary Chapman. We ask that all West Virginians join us in keeping his family, friends and loved ones in our prayers during this enormously difficult time. West Virginians and all Americans are forever grateful for the brave miners, like Gary, who risk their lives every day to power our great nation. Garys bravery will never be forgotten. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jennifer, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) Chapmans death is the fourth West Virginia mining death in 2024. The Mine Safety and Health Administration and the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training are 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 WVNS. SENECA, Mo. Seneca residents and business owners help shape the future of flood mitigation in their community. Earlier this year, an update to flood plain maps in Southwest Missouri took in new parts of the city of Seneca. Tuesday, representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency and an engineering firm met with city leaders and residents to discuss what can be done to mitigate flood risks. 2021: Seneca residents evacuated after Lost Creek floods For example, the Seneca School District, portions of which are now in the flood plain, took part in the meeting, offering insight on how floodwaters behave and learning what can be done in the future. Missouri has, in cooperation with FEMA, they have what they call the Real Time Technical Assistance Program, where theres a small pool of money we can petition some funding from to maybe look at what could be done to maybe reduce those flood elevations, to remove some of those buildings and houses and businesses from the flood plain, said Stephen Noe, WSP Risk Program Manager. 2023: Seneca groups look at disagreements to city flooding issues Weve had a lot of citizens come out and say, hey, you know, this culvert is not big enough, the ditch is full of sediment, theyve paved a parking lot, which redirected water, theres just a lot of things that can effect this, said James Altic, Seneca Flood Plain Manager. Along with Seneca, similar meetings were held in Monett and Cassville. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. (Bloomberg) -- Senegals dollar bonds outperformed emerging and frontier markets on Tuesday as investors closely followed political developments in the country. Most Read from Bloomberg The yield on the West African nations 2048 dollar bonds fell 15 basis points to 9.7%. That was the best performance of the 678 securities in a Bloomberg index of emerging and frontier sovereign debt. Rates on Senegals 2031 and 2033 securities also declined. The drop in yields marks a reversal from last week, when the rate on the 2048 debt initially climbed about 30 basis points after President Bassirou Diomaye Fayes administration signaled plans to dissolve the opposition-controlled parliament in a bid to secure a majority. According to Barclays strategists Fabian Herold and Andreas Kolbe, the volatility driven by political uncertainty has made the bonds cheap relative to some peers in the same rating bucket. They recommend purchasing Senegals 2048 notes. Fayes decision to dissolve parliament is anticipated after Sept. 12, when the current legislature has served for two years the threshhold when the president can call new elections. The step is part of his broader strategy to consolidate power and implement his reform plans. Despite his election on promises of significant change, Faye has faced resistance from lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Macky Sall. Political uncertainty and delays in an International Monetary Fund program have weighed heavily on Senegalese bonds, particularly compared to peers like Ivory Coast, said Carmen Altenkirch, an analyst at Aviva Investors Global Services Ltd. The IMF recently revised Senegals 2024 economic-growth forecast down to 7.1%, from an earlier estimate of 8.3%. It attributed the downgrade to weaker economic activity in the first quarter, stemming from political tensions around presidential elections that took place in March, as well as delays in the start of gas production, now pushed to December 2024. If parliamentary elections are called and the president secures a majority in parliament, Senegals reform agenda and IMF program could quickly be reinstated, Altenkirch said. Such a scenario could position Senegal to outperform its peers, with yields on 10-year bonds potentially falling below 8% if everything goes right, she said. --With assistance from Katarina Hoije. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Washington and Beijing remain at odds on issues from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan and China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions (Pedro Pardo) (Pedro Pardo/AFP/AFP) A senior US military official warned his Chinese counterpart against Beijing's "dangerous" moves in the South China Sea during the first talks of their kind between the commanders. Washington and Beijing remain at odds on issues from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan and China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions. But they have sought to re-establish regular military-to-military talks in a bid to prevent flashpoint disputes from spinning out of control. Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese army's Southern Theater Command talked via video call on Tuesday China time. Paparo "underscored the importance of sustained lines of communication between the US military and the PLA," a statement from his command said. "Such discussions between senior leaders serve to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation," he said. But he also raised recent "unsafe interactions with US allies" by the Chinese side. Paparo "urged the PLA to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond," the statement said, referring to the Chinese military by its official name. Wu's Southern Theater Command is responsible for the Beijing military's activities in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in recent months. China claims almost all of the economically vital body of water despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. This month, Beijing insisted it was defending its "rights" in the waters, after the Philippines released footage appearing to show a Chinese coast guard vessel ramming one of its ships during an at-sea confrontation. - 'In-depth' talks - Beijing's readout of the talks said that Wu held "an in-depth exchange of views" with his US counterpart. The two officials discussed "issues of common concern", it added. The talks were the first of their kind since China scrapped military communications with the United States in 2022 in response to then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Tuesday's high-level military dialogue between the geopolitical rivals comes on the heels of the first visit to China by a US national security advisor since 2016. Top White House aide Jake Sullivan visited Beijing last month, where he held talks with senior army official Zhang Youxia. Sullivan's meeting with Zhang saw the officials agree to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders in the near future, the White House said. The top aide also raised the importance of "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea and "stability" in the Taiwan Strait, Washington said. Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations". "China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added. He also asked the US to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers". bur-pfc-oho/dhw A group of key House Republicans have written to President Joe Biden urging him to lift the restrictions on the use of US-provided long-range weapons systems and allow Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russia. The letter, dated Monday, echoes repeated appeals from the Ukrainian government itself, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was sent ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinkens visit to the Ukrainian capital Wednesday and as the Biden administration continues to assess Kyivs request to carry out strikes deeper inside Russia. US officials expect Blinken, who traveled to Ukraine Wednesday with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to gather information during his trip to Kyiv on how these longer-range strikes would factor into Ukraines broader battlefield strategy. The UK is also considering whether to allow Ukraine to strike deeper inside Russia with its own long-range system, the Storm Shadow. Blinken said he expects the topic to be discussed when Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet Friday in Washington. Well be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners. Well both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days. And I fully anticipate this is something theyll take up when they meet on Friday, the top US diplomat said in London Tuesday. Asked later Tuesday if the US will lift the restrictions, Biden answered, were working that out right now. Two US officials later told CNN that the Biden administration is not anticipating any policy changes when it comes to lifting restrictions. No change to policy, one senior administration official said, adding that there is currently no openness to lifting restrictions. Another US official echoed this, saying despite the fact that American and Ukrainian officials discuss this issue with regularity, the administration is not anticipating policy changes on ATACMS. The Republican lawmakers argue that the restrictions have hampered Ukraines ability to defeat Russias war of aggression and have given the Kremlins forces a sanctuary from which it can attack Ukraine with impunity. It is far past time the administration reverses course and lifts the remaining restrictions on Ukraines use of U.S.-provided weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia, the lawmakers wrote. The letter was signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Michael Turner, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, House Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Thomas Kean, and Helsinki Commissioner Richard Hudson. It hits out at decisions from the Biden-Harris administration, but stands in contrast to sentiments from the Republican presidential and vice presidential contenders, who have suggested they could stem assistance to Ukraine if elected. Former President Donald Trump has also repeatedly vowed to bring an end to the war. Last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pushed back on the notion that lifting the restrictions and hitting deeper into Russia is a silver bullet, saying that theres no one capability that will, in and of itself, be decisive in this campaign. There are a lot of targets in Russia a big country, obviously, Austin said at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany on Friday. And theres a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of (unmanned aerial vehicles) and other things to address those targets. A US official said several hundred ATACMS have been transferred to Ukraine and Ukraine has used most of them. As with previous steps the US has taken to bolster Ukraine on the battlefield, there are concerns within the administration that allowing Ukraine to strike further inside Russia could escalate the conflict and cause Russia to further accuse the US of being a part of the war. However, the Republican lawmakers argued that the administrations concerns about escalation have been consistently invalidated since Day One of the war. Neither Ukraines use of U.S.-provided weapons in Russia nor its military incursion into Russias Kursk region the first foreign occupation of Russian territory since World War II have triggered a Russian escalatory response, they wrote. Debate ongoing with administration The debate on Ukraines request is ongoing and some US officials expect the administration to green-light the Ukrainian ask, while others said it is possible the ultimate answer will be no. A Ukrainian lawmaker told CNN that they hope that the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia will be enough to tip the scales and shift the administrations position. The US official noted that they had been tracking the expected delivery of the missiles for months and the US has been accounting for it. Still, in London on Tuesday, Blinken indicated a willingness to change the US posture on the topic, saying that the US has routinely showed a willingness to adapt and adjust support for Ukraine based on battlefield conditions. One objective of the trip will be learning from Zelensky exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs, Blinken said. US intelligence assesses that more than 90% of Russian aircraft launching glide bombs and firing missiles against Ukraine are based at airfields that are at least 300 km from Ukrainian-controlled territory, putting them outside of ATACMS range, the US official explained. We expect this number to continue to increase. For example, Russia recently relocated its glide bomb missions from two airfields, which were located closer to the front, father east to airfields that are outside of range of ATCMS, the official said. In their letter, the Republican lawmakers argued that there remain numerous other legitimate military targets in range in Russian territory. The Institute for the Study of War assesses that, excluding airfields, there are over 200 legitimate military targets within range of U.S.-provided weapons to include military bases, logistics nodes, fuel depots, ammunition warehouses, and command and control systems, they wrote. Last month, senior Ukrainians presented US officials with targets they would like to strike in Russia during a visit to Washington. US officials reviewed their lists but did not ultimately give the Ukrainians a decision. The US also has a limited stock of ATACMS available to provide Ukraine without impacting US military readiness, and using the weapons to strike far inside Russia would deplete Ukraines stockpile of ATACMS that could be used for other parts of their military campaign such as inside Crimea. But the Ukrainians say there are weapons productions facilities that would be within reach of the ATACMS inside Russia that are worthy military targets, a source familiar with the Ukrainians position told CNN. These discussions come as Ukraine has shown a willingness to possibly engage with Russia to begin talks to end the war. While US officials do not expect any talks to begin in the coming months, some are wary of Ukrainians going to the table with Russia before they are in the best possible position to begin those talks. Its going to be up to President Zelensky if and when he wants to negotiate an end to this war, certainly a negotiated end is the most likely outcome here, but when that happens, and under what conditions and circumstances thats going to be up to President Zelensky, John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council, said on Tuesday. The point that Secretary Blinken will make is that that were going to do everything we can to make sure that if and when hes ready to make that decision, that he does so from the best possible position. And so thats what, thats what this trip is really about. Its not arm twisting. Its about learning. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs MJ Lee contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The first Wine Line column was printed on Sept. 5, 2007. It appears twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays in three valley newspapers. I enjoy writing about wine, reading about wine, talking about wine, discovering new wines and, of course, tasting and sharing wine. My business card has the statement a consumer-friendly approach to wine. This means Im on your side. Were all consumers looking for the best possible wine experience. I wrote this five-step mission statement back in 2010, hoping it would help ease you into discovering the joys of wine. Enjoy wine. Wine is supposed to be fun, enjoy it. Enjoy it alone or with food and if you like ice in your red wine, do it. Have some fun! Wine is simple. Wine is just grape juice in which the yeast has converted the sugar into alcohol. It is not rocket science. To learn about wine, do your homework which is tasting different varieties, wine regions and countries Ignore wine snobs. Wine snobs/geeks and their adjective-laden wine-speak are boring, avoid them. Trust your palate. Develop your own taste and enjoyment of wine. Dont out-source your palate to someone else. Ratings are just someone elses opinion. What is your opinion? Drink what you like. If you like White Zinfandel with rib eye steak or a Chardonnay with lime jello, what the heck, do it. Food and wine pairings are just suggestions. The bottom line is drink what YOU like and pair it with whatever works for YOU. There you have it. I couldnt possibly fit all that on a business card so a consumer friendly approach to wine will have to do. The 17 years of 408 Wine Line columns, to me, is unreal. How did that happen? Is it really 2024? Where did that time go? Is the wineglass half full or half empty? Well, Ive made a decision. Im not quite throwing in the towel just yet. Im planning to drop down to one column each month and have it published on the second Wednesday. Yes, its a bit of a compromise. However, it will give me more time to find good deals for the whats on our table section. Thank you for reading Wine Line and now on to year 18. Cheers! California wine month Raise a glass of California wine to celebrate this 20th annual event officially recognized by the California State Legislature. Here are some wine events to consider: the annual Lodi Grape Festival, Sept. 12-15; Paso Robles Wine Tasting Tour in Fresno, Sept. 12; Sonoma County Wine Celebration, Sept. 19-21; CRU Winery Clam Chowder Cook Off, Sept. 21; seventh annual Pacific Wine & Food Classic, Sept. 21; 27th annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, Sept. 21-22; Sample the Sierra Foothills @ South Lake Tahoe, Sept. 21; La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Sept. 28-29; and Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, Sept. 26-28. You can check out websites for details. Coming up on Oct. 5-6 is the Big Crush Harvest Festival in Amador Wine Country with 45 wineries, music and food. The 31st annual Calaveras Grape Stomp is Saturday Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Murphys Community Park. And finally, dont forget the Come Over October campaign which encourages friends, family and colleagues to come over during the month of October to share wine, celebrate friendship and leave your phones at home. Whats on our table The 2023 Bogle Family Vineyards Rose is readily available in most supermarkets. The SRP is $14, sale priced around $12. It is a Best Buy (91 pts.) from Wine Enthusiast. The 2021 Louis Bernard Cotes Du Rhone Rose Imported by Boisset America, is an easy screw cap steal at the Grocery Outlet for just $4.99. The 2022 Kirkland Signature Prosecco Rose D.O.C. is extra dry, food friendly and an unbelievable price of $7.99. Great bargain Roses from Italy, France and the United States, life is good. Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com. OVERLAND PARK, Kan. The 9/11 memorials scheduled for Wednesday will mark the 23rd anniversary of the attacks at the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania where nearly 3,000 people were killed and many more were impacted in other ways. While 9/11/01 reminds Americans of terror in New York City, April 13, 2014 shows us when another hateful attack came to Overland Park. Three people were killed in shootings at a Jewish Community Center and retirement community by a person who was a former Klansman and neo-Nazi. Two organizations born out of those tragedies came together this week to continue their efforts to fight hate. There are awful things in the world that many of us cant do anything about but you can do something in your own community thats kind, said SevenDays Director of Media and Community Relations Ruth Baum Bigus. SevenDays was created after the 2014 shootings to spread kindness. Its a remarkably similar mission to Pay It Forward 9/11, which was created after Kevin Tuerff was stranded in Gander, Newfoundland in Canada on 9/11 when his plane was grounded. Roughly 7,000 travelers and their 38 planes suddenly descended in a city of roughly 9,000 people and inspired the Broadway show Come From Away. These people opened up their hearts, their homes, they opened up everything, said Pay It Forward 9/11 Board Member Ben Walker. They fed, they clothed, and they nourished people spiritually and I just think that what those people in Gander did exemplifies the best of what wed like to happen in Kansas City and around the world. Every year, Pay It Forward 9/11 encourages people to do random acts of kindness in the days leading up to 9/11. It doesnt have to be a big thing, but three acts of kindness as you go about your day, said Walker. Walker is Tuerffs friend, and was stranded in Toronto when the northern border closed after 9/11. After being unable to fly home for a few days, he eventually crossed the border into Buffalo and drove 29 hours home to Texas. This year, SevenDays Kindness Youth Leadership Team members helped the Overland Park Fire Department clean up its 9/11 memorial before its 9/11 ceremony Wednesday. These kidswerent even born when 9/11 happened but they can relate to something really awful even by being involved with us and the three people who lost their lives because of a hateful act, Baum Bigus said. For me, its very close, Walker said. I remember exactly what happened to me that day. But these kids dont have that so they need human ways to connect with what happened on 9/11. Two organizations born from single days that show the worst of humanity, showing how people can be better. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Hopefully to empower them and be kindness influencers and say, You dont have to go down that road. Follow me and well do it together, Baum Bigus said. You can find Pay It Forward 9/11s chart showing where people have committed to doing acts of kindness 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Rep. Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix) discussed recent efforts introduced in the House aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigration. | Kyle Davidson. The case against state Rep. Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix) has been sent to the state Attorney Generals Office for review. That comes after local police arrested the northern Michigan lawmaker in June and requested charges of sexual assault and assault, as well as a weapons-related charge. The investigation looked into potential criminal acts across multiple counties, making the Michigan Attorney Generals office better suited to examine the case, Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane said in an email to media Tuesday. It has been nearly three months since Lansing police arrested Friske in the early morning hours of June 20 after responding to a report that there was a male with a gun and possible shots fired at around 2:45 a.m., according to the Lansing Police Department. Shortly after the arrest and investigation, Lansing police requested Friske be charged with felony sexual assault, assault charges and a weapons-related charge. At the time, Dewane directed local police to then investigate the matter further. Nearly three months later, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office is taking over the reins of the case, with Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel telling reporters Tuesday that its common for prosecutors examining cases that concern multiple counties to ask for her offices help. We very frequently make that offer to all the county prosecutors where there are multiple jurisdictions involved that if they would like our department to handle it because of that, because obviously we have jurisdiction in all 83 counties, that were happy to assist, Nessel said. And so apparently after some pretty extensive investigation, that was the decision made by Prosecutor Dewane, so we accepted. Friske, who lost his reelection bid in the August primary to Republican challenger Parker Faribairn, did not respond immediately to a request for comment. He has said in the past that hes being framed in the case. Friske, who is considered one of the most conservative members of the Michigan Legislature, talked about his case on June 24 with GOP activist Trucker Randy Bishop on his right-wing Your Defending Fathers radio program. Bishop spoke at length and claimed that Fairbairn and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet), who had endorsed Fairbairn, were working to destroy Friskes campaign. Friske responded on-air by saying everything Bishop said was 100% accurate information. The way events unfolded, it was very clear to me that something wasnt right, and I was being framed, trying to be framed, and being set up, Friske said. And thats how these people work and its just so frustrating. Its just amazing to me how desperate people are that they go to these kinds of lengths to try to destroy someone. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The sexual harassment allegations in Mayor Hogsett's administration: What you need to know Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's administration is dealing with claims from multiple women who are alleging sexual harassment by some of the staffers in Hogsett's administration, including his former chief deputy mayor and right-hand man Thomas Cook. An IndyStar investigation in July revealed that the mayor heard complaints about Cook's alleged conduct as far back as 2017 but kept Cook in his inner circle until 2023. Three women - Lauren Roberts, Caroline Ellert and an anonymous accuser - who worked under Cook have come forward to say he harassed them. Since then, the fallout over the situation has led to an inquiry from the City-County Council, new HR investigations, at least one firing, and calls for transparency and accountability from survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Here's a roundup of IndyStar's detailed coverage of the sexual harassment claims within Hogsett's administration. 'I kept saying no': Women accuse top Hogsett aide of preying on subordinates for years Mayor Hogsett's right-hand man targeted younger women who worked under him, showering them with praise, poetry and gifts and promising career growth as he pressured them toward intimacy and unwanted sexual encounters, three women told IndyStar. The women accuse Thomas Cook of abusing his power for nearly a decade while serving under the Democratic mayor. Read the full story here. Caroline Ellert who made sexual harassment allegations along with 2 other women against Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsetts former chief of staff Thomas Cook, listen as Mayor Joe Hogsett apologizes during a City-County Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Indianapolis. Who is Thomas Cook? Hogsett's former right-hand man accused of sexual harassment Cook, now 39, served under the Democratic mayor in a variety of roles for almost a decade, including five years as chief deputy mayor, the No. 2 position in city government. Read the full story here. Mayor Joe Hogsett (middle), who supports Tim Moriarty, shakes the hand of Moriarty's challenger for county prosecutor Ryan Mears, outside a special election for democrats, Indianapolis, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Mears went on to win the race. Indy councilors want change, probe into handling of complaints against top Hogsett aide Hogsetts administration is trying to quell concerns about how it handles sexual harassment complaints in the wake of allegations related to Cook. Hogsetts human resources department sent a memo to all City-County employees reiterating the citys commitment to maintaining a workplace free from harassment and its zero-tolerance policy for such behavior, following an IndyStar investigation detailing the behavior. Read the full story here. Indy councilor calls on Mayor Hogsett to resign over handling of sex harassment accusations First-term Indianapolis Councilor Jesse Brown called for Hogsett to resign over allegations that his former chief of staff pressured at least three subordinates into sexual relationships. Brown, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who has previously butted heads with Democrats, also accused Hogsett of dodging discussions about the issue with council members. Brown so far is the only council member to call for Hogsett to resign. Read the full story here. Joe Hogsett apologizes; council moves to investigate response to alleged sexual harassment Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert, two former Hogsett staffers who now live out of state, sat in the audience at the August City-County Council meeting as Hogsett acknowledged I, myself, fell short in his handling of harassment allegations against Cook. First, I regret that the two women who spoke up about this did not feel heard for far too long, Hogsett said. We werent heard, Roberts interjected, as she held up a sign. Watch the video here. Mayor Joe Hogsett to require sexual harassment training for Indy employees. Will it work? Thousands of Indianapolis City-County employees will now be required to complete sexual harassment training as fallout continues over Hogsetts handling of harassment claims made against his former top aide. But experts in workplace sexual harassment issues said it remains to be seen if Hogsetts actions after the controversy involving Cook will be effective in combating future instances of harassment. Read the full story here. Hogsett staffer fired amid Indianapolis' reckoning on sexual harassment Indianapolis' #MeToo moment has led to a surge in reports of harassment and unwanted advances among current and former city workers, sparking internal investigations and one firing. The city terminated a staff member in the Department of Metropolitan Development on Wednesday after an investigation revealed "overwhelming evidence" of sexual misconduct. The city's human resources department is also conducting six other investigations into current and former staff, officials confirmed to IndyStar. Read the full story here. Council may subpoena Hogsett administration Members of the Indianapolis City-County Council could subpoena Mayor Hogsetts administration as they move to investigate the sexual harassment allegations levied against his former chief deputy. Our priority is to restore trust in city leadership and to ensure that Indianapolis is a place where every employee feels secure, valued and supported, Democratic Majority Leader Maggie Lewis said. Read the full story here. Indianapolis council votes to investigate sexual harassment in Hogsett administration The Council overwhelmingly voted to hire an independent firm to thoroughly investigate allegations made against Cook and others. The council could subpoena the administration as they investigate how claims against Cook and others were handled. "Our job is to figure out where the systems went wrong and fix those systems so this never happens again," said Council Vice President Ali Brown. Read the full story here. Hogsett official says 'I'm running from things' comment was a joke In the brief clip, recorded at a Mike Epps concert, Hogsett said: "I want you all look, I ain't on the ballot. I ain't running for nothing. I'm running from things, but I ain't running for nothing, but I want everybody here to make sure you get registered to vote at this election in November." He was making a joke," a senior Hogsett administration official told IndyStar on Sunday. "It was received as a joke. Hes not going anywhere." Read the full story here. Other IndyStar coverage of the Hogsett administration's sexual harassment crisis IndyStar executive editor Eric Larsen weighed in on the situation, stating that "we still have too much evidence that too few of our leaders have taken firm action to eliminate workplace sexual harassment. That has to change." "It will be of little comfort that an accused serial harasser is out of his latest job if the inaction of the past seven years persists," Larsen writes. Read the full editorial here. IndyStar columnist James Briggs tackled the mayor's leadership crisis, stating that "Hogsett only has himself to blame for the latest round of questions over whether he understands the gravity of the problems that have occurred under his watch." Read the full column here. Check back with IndyStar as our coverage continues. Get in touch We're continuing to cover the aftermath of the sexual harassment accusations in Hogsett's administration, and issues of sexual harassment and assault elsewhere in Indiana government. Do you have a story or feedback to share? Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or columnist James Briggs at jbriggs@indystar.com. Note: IndyStar typically does not name people who say they have experienced sexual harassment or assault without their consent. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What to know about Hogsett administration's sexual harassment crisis SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The San Francisco Fire Department responded to a fire at a high-rise in the citys Park Merced area on Monday night. The fire has since been extinguished. The fire happened at a 13-story building at 55 Chumasero Drive. SFFD posted about the fire on X at 10:54 p.m. The fire happened on the ninth floor of the building, which was evacuated. No injuries or rescues were reported. SFFD established a shelter-in-place refuge on the 10th floor for firefighters. This is a developing story. Stick with KRON4 for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A San Francisco police officer was hospitalized after attempting to detain a robbery suspect in the south Mission District on Monday, police said. The San Francisco Police Department said officers were patrolling the area of 24th and Mission streets on Wednesday night. At around 7:32 p.m., officers said they were attempting to detain a possible theft or robbery suspect. During the investigation, SFPD said the suspect resisted arrest, which led to a physical altercation. The suspect was eventually detained, but one of the officers was injured during the incident, San Francisco police said. After the arrest, the police officer who was not identified by PD was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Police said this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about the altercation is asked to contact SFPD. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JD Vance on Tuesday doubled down on his xenophobic claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio, insisting that while the specifics of a bizarre conspiracy theory about pet-eating migrants he endorsed may turn out to be false, it represents the real danger they supposedly pose to suffering Americans. Recent viral claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating petscats, ducks, and geesein Springfield, Ohio, have been seized upon and amplified by Vance and other Republican lawmakers in recent days. The senator and Republican nominee for vice president tweeted on Monday that hed previously raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield. He added, Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Vance wasnt the only one to indulge in a little baseless fear-mongering on Monday. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) posted a meme of two cats holding each other under an impact font caption reading Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. Elon Musk tweeted Ohio rn over a screenshot of a Simpsons episode showing Bart and Lisa staring at a cats grave. The conspiracy theory was also thrown around by the Trump campaign, which said in a news release that Haitian migrants had reportedly been caught decapitating ducks and hunting geese and other livestock in public parksand even kidnapping residents petsthen eating them. Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio! pic.twitter.com/YnTZStPnsg House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) September 9, 2024 Even the official X account of the House Judiciary GOP got in on the fun, posting an A.I.-generated image of former President Donald Trump cuddling a duck and a kitten in a river. Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio! it wrote. A spokesperson for the city Springfield told CBS News that there had been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by immigrants. The citys police department told the Springfield-News Sun that it had received no reports related to pets being kidnapped and eaten. The White House similarly pushed back on the dangerous claims. This kind of misinformation is dangerous, national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday. Because there will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is. And they might act on that kind of misinformation and act on it in a way where somebody can get hurt so it needs to stop. But that didnt stop Vance from digging his heels in. He defended himself against both criticism and reality in a lengthy X post, saying his office had received many inquiries over the past few weeks from Springfield residents saying that migrants had absconded with their neighbors pets or local wildlife. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, he admitted, before plunging onward. Morning Joe Tears Into JD Vance for Boosting Cat-Eating Conspiracy Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here, he said, seemingly referring to a 2023 incident in which an 11-year-old boy was killed after a Haitian driver whose license was not valid in Ohio slammed into a school bus just outside of Springfield. Vance went on to outline the strain that the recent influx of as many as 20,000 Haitians, according to city officials who spoke to The New York Times, has put on Springfields health and education services. (The citys population was around 58,000 people as of the 2020 census.) In short, dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, Vance urged. Keep the cat memes flowing. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) was quick to call Vance out for his alarmism, tweeting, You and your gerbil can come out from under your couch, JD. The pet-eating story isnt real. It was also Swalwell, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, who took his Republican colleagues to task for their A.I. meme, furiously calling Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) out in a Tuesday hearing. Are the aliens that are eating your ducks in the room with us now, Jim MAGA. Are. Not. Serious. pic.twitter.com/IiL8T5JIxa Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 10, 2024 What the hell is this? he asked, pointing to a blown-up printout of the image propped up on an easel. The chairman tweets, Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio because he goes down some crazy rabbit holecompletely debunkedthat aliens are eating pets. My God, are you OK, Mr. Chairman? The bogus claims appear to have originated from a number of different sources. At least one Springfield resident has alleged at a recent city commission meeting that migrants were grabbing and killing ducks at a local park. Another claimed, in testimony picked up by the The Daily Mail, that she and her husband were being driven from their home because of screaming migrant squatters in their front yard. Other reports about supposed pet-killing migrants have surfaced on social media, including in a local crime-waters group on Facebook, where a commenter attributed it to a neighbors daughters friend whod found her lost cat hanging from a tree, according to the News-Sun. There was also the separate incident last month in which an Ohio woman was arrested and charged with killing and eating a cat, as reported by Fox News. The woman, Allexis Telia Ferrell, does not appear to have a migrant background or any ties to the Haitian community, according to Mediaite. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The City of East Moline will hold a public meeting focused on improvements to the Rust Belt area as part of the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project, a news release says. On Thursday, Sept, 12, all residents and community members are invited share their input on the proposed improvements that aim to strengthen connections, enhance safety, and create a more vibrant community asset. The meeting will take place in The Rust Belt Common Area, 533 12th Ave., from 4-6 p.m. The Rust Belt (therustbeltqc.com) From the music venue to the dining and shops, the redevelopment at the Rust Belt has brought new energy to greater downtown East Moline. Unfortunately, the lack of sidewalks along 12th Avenue and the location of the railroad tracks have not made it easy to get there or for visitors to the Rust Belt to see what else downtown has to offer. The proposed improvements are a crucial step toward building a greater downtown thats better connected and accessible to everyone in East Moline, said Mayor Reggie Freeman. The City of East Moline is working with a design and engineering team to develop proposed improvements that will make the Rust Belt more accessible and better integrated with the greater downtown area. Proposed improvements include full reconstruction of 12th Avenue between 1st and 7th Streets, a new bike and pedestrian path, improved intersections at 3rd and 7th Streets, and significant upgrades to the railroad crossings to improve safety and accessibility. These proposed improvements will transform the Rust Belt area into a safer, more connected community asset, fostering economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life for everyone in East Moline, said Freeman. We encourage all residents to attend this meeting and share their thoughts on how we can make the Rust Belt area even better. Attendees can stop by at any time during the meeting to view proposed designs, talk with the project team, and ask questions. Visit here to learn more, sign up for updates, and share comments online. The Rust Belt improvements are part of the larger Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project, supported by a $23.7 million federal RAISE grant. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity, safety, and accessibility between 15th Avenue, the Rust Belt, and The Bend, benefiting both residents and visitors alike. The city plans to begin construction in 2025, with input from the community helping to shape the final designs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After vocal back-and-forth and a complicated amendment process, Helena has passed a new sign ordinance code that will cap billboards in town. The new code will require billboards to have an annual permit to help cap and count billboards within city limits. Itll keep the total number of billboards at just over 100. Digital signs within 100 feet of a residential zone must be turned off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless it's for a business that is still open, and digital signs will need to adjust with ambient light to not be too bright. However, the new rules are a hard compromise between business owners and nonprofits that worry for their economics and locals that want their skies clear. Throughout the 18-month process, several passionate public comments were submitted both for and against added sign rules, and even the final adoption on Sept. 9 was fraught with tweaks and clarifications from city commissioners. Im ready to resign, Mayor Wilmot Collins muttered when asked to give the fourth tiebreaker vote on the topic. Public commenters and audience members scoffed and whispered throughout the process. The change was prompted by U.S. Supreme Court case Reed vs Town of Gilbert, which declared in 2015 that city sign laws had to be content neutral. That meant cities couldnt change their sign rules based on what the sign was advertising. While Helenas old sign laws werent outright unconstitutional, the case was enough of a push to revamp the rules as a whole especially since they hadnt seen a significant update since 1997. The plan that made it in front of city commissioners Aug. 12 wouldve required billboards to reapply every year with a $100 fee. It also had stricter rules against digital signs with a lot of motion, such as bright animations. An earlier idea to remove all billboards by 10 years of passage, which received both vehement support and opposition, was scrapped. However, that Aug. 12 meeting saw even more public comment from people in the sign industry. The city commissioners asked city developer and project presenter Michael Alvarez to find a less costly compromise and meet again Sept. 9 after an administrative meeting. On Monday, Alvarez proposed some ideas to tweak the sign and billboard laws, and city commissioners picked through their options. City Commissioner Sean Logan took the lead on accepting the new sign ordinance with some changes. Even if some of the billboard and digital sign changes were controversial, the bulk of the sign ordinance is an essential roadmap for Helena business owners and planners, he said. But he also suggested multiple amendments that saw split votes among the other city commissioners. The first few amendments were split but went in his favor. One would strike rules restricting motion on digital signs, allowing more animations and bright transitions. Another would require businesses within 100 feet of a residential zone to turn off digital signs between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless the business was still open. This is shrunk from the originally proposed 300 feet. City Commissioners Logan and Andy Shirtliff voted in favor of both changes while City Commissioners Melinda Reed and Emily Dean voted against. Reed said she views the current ordinance as a healthy compromise between business owners and locals who dont want the distractions or aesthetic clutter. Logan argued the rules were an unnecessary restriction on industry stakeholders. Mayor Collins was the 3-2 tiebreaker in favor of both changes. The last amendment was a complicated process. Logan wanted to eliminate the cap-and-release billboard rule that would require businesses to apply for billboards with a yearly $100 permit fee, something he called a layer of bureaucracy. However, Reed said the yearly permit should remain as a way to keep track of billboards and enforce the 100-or-so billboard limit. She offered to eliminate the fee but keep the process. Collins, Reed and Shirtliff voted in favor of Reeds proposal, and Logans idea to remove the yearly permit in its entirety failed in a nail-biting 3-2 vote. Reed, Dean and Collins voted against it. Afterward, Logan and Shirtliff met with some public commenters and asked what they took away from the evenings results. Audience folk lingered in the hallway and shook hands with Alvarez. Not perfect, but Im fine with it, one person in the sign industry said. As long as the motion rules are out, play ball, a local business owner replied. Bob Alvarez, who represents sign company YESCO out of Salt Lake City, said he was relieved Helena opted not to charge for a yearly permit. Beyond being costly, hed worry surrounding cities or states would begin mirroring the policy. Kelly Strobel of Lamar Advertising said he was satisfied with the results. Weve been blessed to work with the people of Helena. Michael Alvarez was very polite, Strobel said. Our whole industry is working with different municipalities and we were listened to. She endured a traumatic cavity search when visiting a California prison. Now she won a $5.6-million settlement Christina and Carlos Cardenas in an undated photo. (Allred, Maroko & Goldberg via AP) When Christina Cardenas visited her husband in 2019 at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, she was forced to undergo a traumatic, hours-long cavity search that involved her stripping, being X-rayed and squatting over a mirror, she said. On Monday, Cardenas' attorneys announced a $5.6-million settlement of a lawsuit filed against the prison and the hospital system that supervised the search. "There's no recompense that can fully heal the pain caused by the sexual violation," Cardenas said at a news conference Monday. The Times generally does not publish the names of sexual assault victims unless they come forward publicly. The ordeal began on a September morning in 2019 when she said she drove four hours to visit her husband, Carlos Eugene Cardenas, who is in prison in Tehachapi for armed robbery. The conduct of the officials who searched her for contraband over the next several hours amounted to "state sanctioned torture," according to a statement by attorney Gloria Allred, whose firm represented Cardenas. Officers informed Cardenas that they had a search warrant and would be conducting a strip search, according to the lawsuit Allred brought against the California Correctional Institute, Adventist Medical Center Tehachapi and 10 other defendants. As officers informed her of the intent to search her and her belongings, Cardenas began to cry, the lawsuit said. Oh wipe away your tears! You know what you and your husband have been doing! an officer told her, according to the lawsuit. Dont tell me to wipe away my tears, I am innocent, and what you are saying to me is inappropriate, Cardenas replied. Read more: Widespread sexual abuse of women in two California prisons draws federal investigation Officers then made Cardenas take off her clothes and "squat over a mirror placed on the ground and cough," the lawsuit said, then to "squat wider apart and to spread her genitalia." They found no contraband. Cardenas was then handcuffed and taken to Adventist Medical Center Tehachapi, arriving around 9:45 a.m. A doctor at the medical center "unlawfully forced Christina to complete a pregnancy test," then asked about her medical history, "including personal womens health history and mental health," the lawsuit said. She was denied water and food and had to urinate in a pan instead of being allowed to use a restroom, the lawsuit said. She was imaged by X-ray; the images showed no contraband. The search warrant explicitly stated that without Cardenas' consent, a body cavity search could be conducted only after X-ray confirmation of a suspected foreign object within her. She did not consent, the lawsuit alleged, but the search happened anyway. As Cardenas protested, the male doctor engaged in "unwanted and forceful penetration of Christinas vagina and anus" using a "grabbing motion" with his fingers, according to the lawsuit. Officers then brought her back to the prison and told her that she would not be able to see her husband. Her visit had been canceled. The California Correctional Institution and Adventist Health did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Read more: San Jose to pay record settlement of $12 million to man exonerated in 2002 gang shooting In response to the lawsuit, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation agreed to distribute a memo to its staff instructing them to be "more protective" of visitors undergoing body cavity searches. The initial filing had sought an injunction to stop the practice of body cavity searches of female visitors entirely, but that was not part of the settlement agreement detailed Monday. Cardenas said she filed the suit "to ensure that others do not have to endure the same egregious offenses that I experienced," she said. She emphasized that corrections officers should "treat visitors not as criminals, but with humanity," adding that she hoped she could be a "beacon" for other families of incarcerated people. "It is crucial not to criminalize or victimize those who are visiting and supporting true rehabilitation," Cardenas said, wiping away her tears. 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. SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A Shelbyville man will spend almost half a century in prison after he pleaded guilty on Monday to murdering his pregnant girlfriend five years ago. Ruth Woolery, the Shelby County States Attorney, said 29-year-old Deven Barger pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter of a family member in connection to the July 8, 2019, murder of 22-year-old Samantha Cushing. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated battery to a corrections officer in a separate case that was opened three years later. Urbana man convicted of murdering neighbor in 2022 Barger was given the maximum sentence for each count 20 for murder, 14 for involuntary manslaughter and 14 for aggravated battery and those sentences will run consecutively. At the time of the murder, Barger was on parole for a 2017 conviction that included charges of running from police and aggravated battery to officers. When he was released from prison in December 2018, he reunited with Cushing, his on-and-off again girlfriend with whom he shared a daughter. Cushings friends described her as a wonderful person, with a big heart, and who loved her daughter. But they also expressed concerns about her getting back together with Barger given his history of violence. Murder charges expected for man who ran from police Seven months after reuniting with Barger, Cushing was six months pregnant when Barger shot her in the face during an incident of domestic violence. He left the murder scene with his and Cushings daughter, who was three years old. Hours later, now wanted for Cushings murder, Barger and his daughter were located in Effingham. He fled from the attempted traffic stop and led officers on a chase through Effingham, Shelby and Christian Counties before he was arrested in Taylorville. Barger has been in custody since his arrest, splitting time between the Illinois Department of Corrections for his parole violation and the Shelby County Detention Center. Barger pleaded not guilty in 2019 to the charges against him, which included first-degree murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child. Five years later, on the day a jury trial was scheduled to begin, Barger reached a deal with prosecutors and he pleaded guilty to reduced charges. While no sentence could ever be sufficient when an individual takes the life of another, I am hopeful that finally bringing this matter to a close will provide the family and community with the first step towards healing, Woolery said in a 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. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden was supposed to go to trial to face civil allegations of sex discrimination and fabricating an incident report on Monday. But on Friday, McFaddens lawyer filed a document in Charlottes federal court: a notice of settlement. The lawsuit was settled with terms favorable to Chandler Craig, the former detention officer who filed it in 2023, according to a statement from her lawyer. Craig claimed McFadden created a culture where female employees have been treated far worse than male employees when facing same or similar allegations of wrongdoing in the workplace. McFadden discriminated against Craig, she said, when he fired her after she allegedly assaulted an inmate in 2021. It was a minor scrap, but McFadden fabricated an incident report in retaliation, the lawsuit alleges. Craig, who started working for the sheriffs office in 2015, said in the lawsuit that she had recently criticized McFadden for how he treated female employees. McFadden paid Craig an amount that exceeds her lost wages and wiped her termination from her employee file, said Craigs lawyer, M. Anthony Burts, in a statement Tuesday. She can now to move forward without the stigma of previously being fired, he said. In the lawsuit, Craig accused McFadden of violating the workplace sex-discrimination ban included under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. She also called for court-ordered training throughout McFaddens office to head off sex discrimination and retaliation. Craig said she hopes the now-settled lawsuit will prompt positive change for women in the workplace, according to Burts statement. McFaddens office didnt have immediate comment on the settlement. A minor scrap On Sept. 13, 2021, Craig was caught assaulting a handcuffed inmate on security camera footage, according to a 2021 news release from the sheriffs office. She was fired a week later and charged with misdemeanor assault. That charge was later dismissed, Burts said. She used a level of physical force that went beyond office policies and training, the sheriffs office said at the time. A sheriffs press release also accused her of withholding relevant details of the incident from a report, but in her lawsuit, she said she wasnt even allowed to see the report or give more details about the incident. The inmate, who Craig had handcuffed, slammed into her and threatened to spit on her, she said in the lawsuit. Craig argued she was placed in physical danger and forced to defend herself. According to the lawsuit, the inmate was not injured. Craig claimed her case was just one in which McFadden disciplined female employees more harshly than male employees. She alleged in the lawsuit the sergeant who filed the report did not witness the incident and exaggerated what happened, under orders from McFadden. Meanwhile, according to the lawsuit, a male jail corporal was not disciplined for sending an inmate to the hospital after striking him 85 times. From 2020 to 2022, in the middle of the pandemic, dozens of deputies resigned and several male employees were fired, criminally charged, or both, according to previous Charlotte Observer reporting. Craigs 2021 firing happened in the middle of this time period, one now marked by lawsuits over inmate suicides and attacks on jailers. Craig in the lawsuit asked McFadden to remedy her emotional distress, humiliation, embarrassment and anguish with back pay and benefits and punitive and compensatory damages. Sheriffs office asks for help to locate missing woman last seen in June Sheriffs office asks for help to locate missing woman last seen in June BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Kern County Sheriffs Office is asking for help to locate a woman who last seen in June after being released from jail. Officials said Kelly Molloy, 54, was reported missing. She was last seen on June 24 after being released from Lerdo Correctional Facility. Kelly Molloy, 54 / Photo: Kern County Sheriffs Office Molloy is described as being 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black shirt with camouflage pants and slip-on shoes, according to the sheriffs office. Anyone with information on Molloys whereabouts is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriffs Office at 661-861-3110 or the Kern Secret Witness hotline at 661-322-4040. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Shiloh woman at large after being charged with battering a 3-week-old child A Shiloh woman remained at large on Tuesday after being charged in St. Clair County with aggravated battery of a child, police say. Roxana L. Miranda, 39, of the 100 block of Kathy Drive in Shiloh, faces a three-count charge that was filed Monday morning by St. Clair County Assistant States Attorney Airika Detmer. Shiloh police officers were dispatched to an area hospital on July 14 at about 8:37 a.m. to investigate injuries on a 3-week-old child. The child was treated locally, but transported to a St. Louis hospital due to the seriousness of the injuries. Investigators determined the child had been left in the care of Miranda, who is a family member of the victim, police said. Its not clear how the two are related or what current condition the child is in. Miranda has been charged with aggravated battery of a child, a felony, along with two misdemeanor counts of endangering the life and health of a child. Anyone with information on Mirandas current whereabouts is asked to contact the Shiloh Police at618-632-9047. Two juveniles arrested after shooting in New Bern kills 14-year-old UPDATE (WNCT) The 14-year-old victim in this case, Dior Simmons, has died overnight from his injuries. The investigation determined that another two 14-year-olds were responsible for his death. One was taken into custody on Tuesday night and police found the other Wednesday morning. Both suspects are currently in the Pitt County Juvenile Detention Center. Both juveniles are New Bern residents. The Craven County District Attorneys Office has authorized charges of 2nd Degree Murder for each teen. ORIGINAL STORY: NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) On Tuesday afternoon, officers with the New Bern Police Department were dispatched to the 1300 block of Harrison Street for a report of a gunshot victim near a child development center. Upon arrival, officers spotted a person suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The responding officers searched the scene and helped the victim who was later transported to CarolinaEast Medical Center, then ECU Health Medical Center. The victims condition remains unknown at the time. The Duffyfield Child Development Center went into lockdown but has reopened since. The investigation is in the early stages, but does not appear to be an ongoing threat to 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 WNCT. Shooting on Walnut St leads to the arrest of 2 BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Two people from North Carolina are accused of firing a weapon inside a Binghamton park. Binghamton Police responded to a report of shots fired last Friday at about 10:15 p.m. Police arrested 33-year-old Francisco Sanchez of Star, North Carolina and 27-year-old Hailey Allred of Sea Grove, North Carolina. Sanchez allegedly had a loaded .45 caliber handgun on him and officers say they found three .45 caliber shell casings in the park. Police believe Allred fired the gun while Sanchez watched. Officers dont believe there was a specific target. Both face a variety of weapons and tampering charges. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Sickle Cell Awareness Month: One man says living with the disease is not a death sentence Sickle Cell Awareness Month: One man says living with the disease is not a death sentence BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) Alvin Henry was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at the age of 2 after appointments with doctors and testing. My mother noticed my behavior changing when I was about 2. She couldnt calm me, so she ended up taking me to multiple doctors, Henry said. An African-American doctor suggested that he get tested for sickle cell. From that moment forward, everything changed with his health. The Louisiana Department of Health data shows about 80 infants are born with the blood disorder each year in Louisiana. The disease changes how red blood cells are shaped, which can cause major problems in the body like stroke, blindness, organ damage and pregnancy complications. It kinda turns that red circle shape into like a sickle shape, Henry explains. It loses its oxygen and nutrients, and its kinda long and sticky. New Baton Rouge General clinic helps treat patients with autoimmune diseases That can be very painful. According to Mayo Clinic, there are treatments to relieve pain and prevent complications. Data shows newer treatments could cure the disease. When I was young, there was kind of no treatment, Henry said. If you had this pain, you just took pain meds or you ended up going to the ER or hospital. Now theyre several different therapies, several different companies. He mentioned how some treatments are more expensive than others. It didnt kill his hope. Keep pushing, keep fighting, attitude that you have to have. That the, kinda the only way you can get through a disorder like this, Henry said. He is the Board President of the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana. We advocate for those who are living with sickle cell. Go out there and educate the community, Henry said. Every year, the nonprofit works across the state to spread awareness about the disease. This month, they will hold a statewide symposium in Lafayette from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sept. 19. 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 BRProud.com. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) At Mondays city council meeting, the council voted to defer the official vote on the requested rezoning of 3700 Jefferson Street from General Commercial to General Industrial. Knife River is trying to buy the 30 acres of land. The company would use it for a ready mix plant, aggregate stone stockpile area, and mixing truck parking area. Many people in the nearby Leeds neighborhood say some of the concerns they have are chemical odors, dust, and heavy traffic. Sioux City mayor Bob Scott was among those with strong feelings on the proposed rezoning. You know, there are places where you develop, and I dont think this is the right place, Scott said. I told Knife River that. I dont have as big of a problem with Knife River not being a corporate citizen because by and large they are a very good corporate citizen here. But there are just places where projects dont belong and this is one of them. Its way too close to residences. Officials investigating water bypass in Denison, Iowa Many Leeds residents also expressed their frustration and worry on Monday. No matter what is promised, Knife River came to us and said they will try, resident Barry Bohlke said. The key word is try. That doesnt mean they will do. Please vote against this bill in my neighborhood. The vote will now take place next week on Sept. 16 due to Alex Watters being absent from the meeting Monday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former DUP leader, has denied a series of historical sex offences over more than 20 years. The veteran unionist, 61, pleaded not guilty to 18 charges including rape at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday morning. Sir Jeffrey will go on trial next year over the alleged offences against two victims, which include one charge of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 of indecent assault. His wife Lady Donaldson, 58, faces five charges including aiding and abetting her co-accused on four occasions and one charge of child neglect. She also denied charges against her. During the hearing before Judge Ramsey, the pair formally entered not guilty pleas, while Lady Donaldson has also made a legal challenge to drop two of the charges. Amid a tight security operation, Sir Jeffrey, the ex-MP for Lagan Valley arrived in court, where police formed a protective line outside the building. Lady Donaldson arrived a short time after her husband had entered the court, and the pair sat with a court officer between them. Lady Donaldson faces five charges - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Sir Jeffrey wore a navy suit and turquoise tie as he sat in the courtroom where he was asked to confirm his name, age and address. He sat with his arms folded during the hearing and, after the charges were read to him, he was asked if he was not guilty or guilty. The former MP replied not guilty to each charge and will go on trial in March, with the trial expected to last for two weeks. Lady Donaldson, wearing a floral dress and black blazer, also pleaded not guilty to three charges. Her lawyers have made a no bill application over two other charges, which would seek to throw them out. Both defendants were released on bail. The arraignment followed a hearing in July, where a judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence to send the case to trial. Sir Jeffrey was arrested along with his wife on the morning of March 28, when police arrived at their home in Co Down. They were taken to Antrim police station, where they were questioned separately throughout the day. They were charged that night, with Sir Jeffrey quitting as DUP leader after he was charged. He had originally faced 11 charges, but another seven were laid against him after Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service considered police evidence. They are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims. An extra charge was also laid against Lady Donaldson, whose five charges are one count of aiding and abetting rape, three charges of aiding and abetting indecent assault and one count of cruelty to a person under 16 years. Lady Donaldsons aiding and abetting charges relate to two complainants and are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2006. In May it was confirmed Sir Jeffrey would not stand in the general election and Sorcha Eastwood of the Alliance Party took his former seat. Sir Jeffrey, Northern Irelands longest-serving MP, was elected leader of the DUP in 2021. In 2003, he left the Ulster Unionist Party because of his opposition to the Good Friday Agreement and joined the DUP. 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. Slashs stepdaughter Lucy-Bleu Knight left suicide notes before tragically taking her life in a rental unit, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner confirmed to The Post on Monday. The Guns N Roses guitarists 25-year-old stepchild passed away on July 19 of hydrogen sulfide toxicity. Her manner of death was ruled a suicide. The coroner just released an official report on her passing, revealing she left notes to her loved ones and had a history of undiagnosed mental illness. The examiner also stated that her family said she was paranoid and would have hallucinations. Slash with Lucy-Bleu Knight and Meegan Hodges. Meegan Hodges/Instagram Lucy-Bleu Knight. Lucy-Bleu Knight This 25 year old female was found in a residence with suicide notes and evidence of hydrogen sulfide inhalation, the report read, disclosing her toxicology results tested positive for the presence of thiosulfate. According to the report, Knight was found on the bathroom floor of her Airbnb. She was scheduled to stay in the unit for four days after checking in on July 15. The property manager attempted to contact her several times. When they didnt hear from Knight, the manager checked on her but was unable to access the front door, which seemed to have resistance when she attempted to open it. The property manager contacted emergency services for a welfare check. Lucy-Bleu Knight and mom. Lucy-Bleu Knight/Instagram What happened next is grim. The Post has chosen not to include all the details out of respect for the familys privacy. When police arrived on the scene, they also noticed resistance they described as suction when opening the front door of the unit. Upon opening the locked door, Officers observed a hand-written sign apparently meant for first responders warning about toxic gas. A chemical scent was also detected by Officers, who immediately backed out of the residence and called for assistance. Lucy-Bleu Knight. Lucy-Bleu Knight/Instagram The L.A. Fire Department Squad 87 Hazmat Unit and Engine 287 were next on the scene. They discovered that Slashs stepdaughter had used a cooler to mix a lethal dose of chemicals, including cerium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium thiosulfate. Knight had also used plastic bags and tape to seal light fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling vents, and cracks in the bathroom window and floors. The report noted that Knight had pills in her wallet, including escitalopram, which helps maintain mental balance, and paliperidone, used to treat the symptoms of mental disorders. Lucy-Bleu Knight with her mom. Lucy-Bleu Knight/Instagram A packet of suicide notes was found on a side table in the main room. According to family, she had no previous suicide attempts but did have prior ideations, the report read. It also stated that Knight had been hospitalized for 5150 holds twice in 2024. The doctors were attempting to diagnose the decedent, but no official diagnosis was available. Family stated that she was paranoid and would have hallucinations. Lucy-Bleu Knight with Slash. Facebook Slashs tribute post. Slash/Instagram Slash revealed his stepdaughters passing in a heartfelt tribute. Lucy-Bleu Knight (December 6, 1998), beloved daughter of Meegan Hodges and Mark Knight, stepdaughter of Samantha Somers Knight and Slash, sister of Scarlet Knight, stepsister of London and Cash Hudson, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, California, on July 19, 2024, the legendary guitarist wrote in part. He called her an incredibly talented artist, a passionate dreamer, and a charming, lovable, sweet soul and asked for the familys privacy. Knight was the daughter of Slashs longtime partner, Meegan Hodges, and her ex, Mark Knight. The rocker first dated Hodges in 1989. They rekindled their relationship in 2015. Slash shares two children sons London, 21, and Cash, 20 with his ex-wife, Perla Ferrar. The musician and Ferrar were married from 2001 to 2018. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Recovery efforts continue in Dorchester and Colleton Counties for people who were impacted by Tropical Storm Debby last month. Angela Brigmon is the owner of Brigmon Farms. They started their farm three years ago and attend area farmers markets. Floodwaters associated with Tropical Storm Debby were deadly for some of their animals. The flooding came rather quickly. So, we werent able to prepare because we didnt know the flooding was going to be up to 18 feet, Brigmon said. They live near the Edisto River, so as the river rose, their animals were impacted. We had to have our hogs, our Berkshires rescued, and theyre currently still at a friends farm who is housing them. And then a lot of our broilers, we had young ones and we had about 50 of them that were ready to be processed and sold to the community; however, a lot of them didnt make it. They still have quite a few chickens. Since the broiler chickens were in the floodwaters, they are just going to allow them to lay eggs from now on. In Dorchester County, the recent FEMA visit means public facilities like road damage may be covered. But due to the amount of damage to individuals, it is possible that individual assistance from FEMA may not happen. The next steps are the state of South Carolina will be formally, through the governors office, requesting to the federal government that we get public assistance declaration and individual assistance declaration for South Carolina, said Thomas McNeal, Dorchester Director of Emergency Management. Brigmon had insurance for their home, but not the farm. She expects it will cost about $50,000 to get things rebuilt. Our goal is to when we rebuild their houses to be able to build hen houses that will be able to rise if floodwaters should come again, she said. Brigman said theyre hoping to have things built and back to normal by the beginning of next 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 WCBD News 2. Smart mask could detect asthma, COPD and other medical conditions, researchers say Smart mask could detect asthma, COPD and other medical conditions, researchers say Your breath could hold clues to your health, researchers say and they have developed a "smart mask" to tap into them. Wei Gao, professor of medical engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, led the team that created the EBCare, a mask that analyzes the chemicals in someones breath to detect any existing health issues. The mask is designed to screen for medical conditions like respiratory infections, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma and post-COVID infections, according to a press release from Caltech. YOUR SWEAT COULD HOLD SECRETS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, RESEARCHERS SAY HERES HOW EBCare works by cooling the breath to convert it into a liquid, then transports it to sensors to be analyzed for specific biomarkers. Researchers have developed a "smart mask" (pictured at left) to detect signs of medical conditions. In an email to Fox News Digital, lead researcher Gao noted the masks ability to enable "continuous, real-time monitoring of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in a non-invasive and wearable format." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor respiratory health by providing valuable insights into conditions like asthma, COPD and other metabolic disorders," Gao said, noting that it could be a path to more personalized health care. BLOOD PRESSURE IS 'HIGHER THAN NORMAL' FOR 1 IN 7 KIDS, SAYS AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION "It can also be applied to pandemic management by monitoring respiratory infections on a wide scale," he added. The ultimate goal is for the EBCare technology to go beyond respiratory diseases, Gao noted. "As research progresses, we envision that the smart mask can be adapted to detect a wider range of biomarkers, including those related to metabolic, cardiovascular and infectious diseases," he said. A study of the masks capabilities included 31 healthy adults who wore the EBCare in real-life settings over a 14-hour span, according to Caltech. They only removed the mask for three-minute intervals to eat. Ten of the participants were smokers, 10 had asthma, nine had COPD and 12 had recently recovered from COVID-19. WOMENS HEART DISEASE RISK COULD BE PREDICTED UP TO 30 YEARS IN ADVANCE WITH ONE BLOOD TEST, STUDY FINDS The masks accurately detected the biomarker for asthma and COPD in participating patients. They also successfully detected signs of kidney disease. EBCare also produced accurate readings of blood alcohol levels. "Monitoring alcohol levels in real time offers a non-invasive and continuous alternative to breathalyzers or blood tests," Gao said. The research which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Tobacco Related Disease Research Program, and the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity was published in the journal Science on Aug. 29. The idea is not for the smart mask to replace traditional medical diagnosis, but to provide "early warning" through continuous health monitoring during daily activities and to "bridge the gap" between doctors visits, Gao said. FDA APPROVES NEW BLOOD TEST FOR COLON CANCER SCREENING: EARLY DETECTION IS CRITICAL "The goal is to identify subtle physiological changes before they develop into more severe conditions, giving individuals the opportunity to take proactive steps in managing their health," he said. This is especially important for those who need regular monitoring, such as patients with chronic conditions or those recovering from respiratory infections like COVID-19, according to Gao. The mask (not pictured) is designed to screen for medical conditions like respiratory infections, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma and post-COVID infections. "I recommend that health care providers consider integrating real-time EBC analysis technology into their diagnostic and monitoring practices, especially for chronic conditions like asthma and COPD," he said. "For individuals, the ability to monitor one's health non-invasively through a wearable device offers the opportunity to be more proactive in managing personal health, which can lead to early intervention and better health outcomes." FIRST AT-HOME SYPHILIS ANTIBODY TEST GETS FDA AUTHORIZATION AS STD CASES SPIKE IN US MarkAlain Dery, DO, MPH, infectious disease doctor and chief innovation officer at Access Health Louisiana , who was not involved with the development of the smart mask, agreed that it is an "exciting concept." "Could it work? Sure," he told Fox News Digital. Wei Gao, professor of medical engineering at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, led the team that created the EBCare mask. "However, we would need to see at least a few clinical studies demonstrating that the masks can diagnose better or more rapidly or with more sensitivity than the standard of care," he went on. "Then, we would need studies that demonstrate clinical improvement." Some external doctors not involved in the masks development questioned whether this mode of data collection is beneficial. AI FAST-TRACKS DEMENTIA DIAGNOSES BY TAPPING INTO HIDDEN INFORMATION IN BRAIN WAVES "While the mask introduces an innovative method to monitor exhaled breath condensate (EBC), we need to ask an important question: Do these continuous, real-time measurements genuinely make a difference in everyday life?" said Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon, in a conversation with Fox News Digital. "For the average person, the biomarkers it detects ammonium, pH, nitrite and alcohol do not need constant monitoring, especially when routine blood tests can provide this information more accurately and with greater relevance." "For the average person, the biomarkers it detects do not need constant monitoring, especially when routine blood tests can provide this information more accurately and with greater relevance," a doctor said. Osborn believes that the concept of the EBCare mask is better suited for "specific, high-stakes environments," such as real-time monitoring of toxic gases in military or industrial settings. "However, for the average person, especially in a post-pandemic world, the idea of wearing a mask like this is counterproductive," he said. Dr. John W. Ayers, PhD, vice chief of innovation in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego, also questioned the idea of having patients with asthma or COPD who already experience breathing difficulties wear the masks. The lead researcher, Gao, responded to some of these comments. "While routine blood tests are indeed reliable, they are typically periodic and require a clinical setting, which limits their ability to capture dynamic, day-to-day physiological changes," he told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "The real innovation of the EBCare mask lies in its ability to continuously monitor health in real time, offering insights that might not be detectable with intermittent tests." For individuals managing chronic conditions like asthma, COPD or metabolic disorders, fluctuations in certain biomarkers can provide early warning signs, according to the researchers. For individuals managing chronic conditions like asthma, COPD or metabolic disorders, fluctuations in certain biomarkers can provide early warning signs before symptoms worsen, allowing for timely intervention, according to the researcher. Gao, however, did acknowledge some limitations with the EBCare device. For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health "One limitation was the relatively small sample size in some of the clinical trials, particularly for conditions like COPD and asthma," he told Fox News Digital. "Future studies with larger and more diverse populations will help to further validate the devices performance across a broader range of conditions and environments." Original article source: Smart mask could detect asthma, COPD and other medical conditions, researchers say SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) The Smyth County School Board has begun the replacement process for a vacant position left by its now-resigned vice chairman Todd Williams, who faces numerous criminal charges related to sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation into Williams began after a 15-year-old in Oklahoma reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that Williams had asked for nude images and videos of him on Snapchat. Williams was arrested at his home on Aug. 23 on charges of child exploitation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). JCPD identifies victim in fatal downtown shooting The board called for Williams resignation after his arrest, citing its inability to remove him from that elected position. Now after his Sept. 5 resignation, the board has moved forward with his replacement process. The boards chairman Susan Williams told News Channel 11 after a Monday night meeting that the process will consist of advertising the position, accepting applications, a public hearing and holding interviews with possible candidates. Once the replacement board member is determined, that individual will fill the position until the November 2025 election takes place, where a new vice chairman will be formally elected. At the interviews, well select the person that will remain in that seat until the regular election next November of 2025, she said. Those interviews with selected candidates will be timed and held in front of the full Smyth County School Board. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Remarks by the head of India's opposition Congress party Mallikarjun Kharge have been taken out of context on social media to falsely claim he said his party would take money from Hindus so it could be "distributed to Muslims". He was in fact responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of a proposal by the opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to conduct a study on wealth inequality in India. One of the false posts was published on September 2, 2024 and included a 27-second clip of Kharge giving a speech. "Do you know what the Congress is doing? These Congress people will enter your homes, break your banks and then will distribute your money to people outside, to the Muslims," he said in the clip. It was posted along with a caption that read: "Money will be distributed to Muslims from the wallets of Hindus!" "The national president of Congress has said it clearly! Congress has only one motive: to break the banks of Hindus and distribute money among Muslims," the caption went on to say. The video has been viewed more than 1,400 times after it was shared by a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who has more than 5,600 followers on Facebook. It was also shared with similar claims on X here and here. Screenshot of the false post The false claim surfaced after Gandhi said in a speech that as part of the Congress party's manifesto, it would survey how wealth was distributed in Indian society across different groups if elected to power. Indian media reported Modi said in response the plan would mean "snatching" wealth from Hindus and distributing it to Muslims, but Gandhi said it only meant a study into "how much injustice is happening" (archived link). The false posts also surfaced ahead of legislative elections in Jammu and Kashmir and in Haryana, expected in September and October respectively. However, original footage of Kharge's speech shows the false posts have taken his remarks out of context. Modi's accusation A reverse image search of a keyframe from the clipped video revealed a longer version published on the Congress party's verified YouTube channel on May 3, 2024 during the Indian general election (archived link). "Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge addresses the public in Ahmedabad, Gujarat," the video's caption read. Below is a screenshot comparison of the clip shared in the false posts (left) and the video uploaded on Congress' YouTube channel (right): Screenshot comparison of the clip shared on Facebook (left) and the video uploaded on Congress' verified YouTube channel (right) About 31:50 into the YouTube video, Kharge said in Hindi: "We are going to conduct a cast census to see how many educated people there are in different places, in different communities, how many graduates there are, how much income there is, how much per capita income there is, we are going to conduct a caste census." (archived link) He went on to say "then Modi immediately said" before making the remarks in the false post. "We (Congress) are not going to distribute, we are not giving anyone (anything) by taking something. Please forgive me but the kind of thoughts that Modi is spreading are wrong. It is wrong for society, it is wrong for the country and it is wrong for all of us," he continued. AFP has debunked several false claims made about politicians during India's April to June 2024 general election, including here, here and here. Sons of Confederate Veterans appeal ruling that allowed for Williamson County to remove Confederate flag from seal WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Williamson County will have to go through an appeals process before it could remove the Confederate flag from its seal. In a Monday Board of Commissioners meeting, county attorney Jeff Moseley said that the Sons of Confederate Veterans had filed an appeal to a Davidson County Chancellors August ruling. Click here to read the August ruling The August ruling had found that the seal, which features the Confederate flag draped over a cannon, is not protected under the Heritage Protection Act. The act prohibits the removal, relocation or renaming of a memorial that is, or is located on, public property. We are still several months from completion of the appellate process, Moseley said. The Chancery Court has to file the record with the Court of Appeals. Then, Moseley said that the Sons of Confederate Veterans will have 30 days to file a brief. Williamson County would then have 30 days to file a reply brief. After the reply brief is filed, there would be 14 days for a response from the appellant. Then, the appeal would be docketed for hearing. The county seal was adopted in 1968. It was designed by county historian Virginia Bowman and journalist James H. Armistead, and according to the countys website, features four quadrants representing the diversity of the county. PREVIOUS: Judge rules that Williamson County can legally remove Confederate flag from seal In 2020, Dustin Koctar created a Change.org petition calling for the removal of the flag from the seal it got more than 12,000 signatures. A nine-member task force recommended replacing the flag in the seal with another flag or removing it altogether. In a meeting held in April 2022, the Tennessee Historical Commission ruled unanimously the Williamson County seal was not a memorial and therefore did not fall under the protection of the Heritage Protection Act. According to the Tennessee Historical Commission, the Heritage Protection Act was enacted in 2013 and has since been amended three times. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 girlfriend of the South Carolina killer who kidnapped, raped and murdered a teenager on spring break in Myrtle Beach in 2009 has admitted to lying to the FBI. Court documents filed Monday show that Angel Vause, the girlfriend of convicted Brittanee Drexel murderer Raymond Moody, pleaded guilty to three counts of making false statements, including making false statements to a government jurisdiction. Vause, 56, told the FBI in 2022 that Drexel maintained possession of her own cellphone when, in reality, Vause took Drexel's cellphone "and traveled away from her, disposing of it between Georgetown and Charleston," South Carolina, a complaint filed in March states. She also falsely told the FBI that Drexel had voluntarily joined her and Moody "to consume marijuana and cocaine when, in fact, [Drexel] was abducted under false pretenses." BRITTANEE DREXEL MURDER CASE: SC RESORT SAYS SHE WAS NEVER REGISTERED AS GUEST WHEN SHE VANISHED Drexel, a 17-year-old from Rochester, New York, went missing on an April 2009 spring break trip to the popular vacation town before her remains were found in May 2022. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Surveillance video footage from the hotel Drexel was staying at on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach captured her leaving on the evening of April 25, 2009. She was meeting a friend at the nearby Blue Water Resort, which was the last time anyone other than Moody saw the teenager. NEW YORK TEEN BRITTANEE DREXEL SENT EERIE TEXTS TO BOYFRIEND BEFORE DISAPPEARANCE, DEATH: REPORT Brittanee Drexel's mother, Dawn Pleckman, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 2, 2023, accusing Raymond Moody, the man who murdered her daughter; Bar Harbor Resort, Inc.; and Smith Family Partners, LLC, of "wrongful conduct" resulting in Drexel's murder while the 17-year-old was visiting Myrtle Beach with her adult friends in April 2009. At 9 p.m., Drexel was walking alone in Myrtle Beach when Moody approached her while driving a Ford Explorer and kidnapped Drexel in his vehicle . He then transported the teenager to a remote campsite near his home at the Sunset Motor Lodge in Georgetown, where he held her against her will, tortured and killed her, court documents filed in South Carolina state. Moody discarded Drexel's phone in the North Santee River and buried her body in a "shallow grave." Drexel's family went 13 years without knowing what happened to her until authorities found her remains in 2022. REMAINS OF NY TEEN BRITTANEE DREXEL FOUND 13 YEARS AFTER GOING MISSING IN SOUTH CAROLINA, SUSPECT CHARGED At 9 p.m., Drexel was walking alone in Myrtle Beach when Raymond Moody approached her while driving a Ford Explorer and kidnapped the teenager. Dawn Pleckan Conley, Drexel's mother, told reporters on Monday that she thinks the guilty plea is "a resolution to what happened, and she will pay dearly for what she did to" Drexel, according to WMBF News. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Drexel's father, John Kahyaoglu, said he "got some happiness out of" Vause's plea. "I got a lot of happiness out of it, that shes not just going to walk out of here," Kahyaoglu said, according to WMBF. "A lot of people have been working on this and been waiting for this day. I cant wait until sentencing, of course, but its been a long journey." Moody, now 64, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to kidnapping, raping and murdering the teenager. "I served 20 years, and I thought it was enough, but it wasnt. I was a monster then, and I was a monster when I took Brittanee Drexels life," Moody said in the Georgetown County courthouse when he pleaded guilty. Vause pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors and faces a maximum of five years in prison for each of her three charges. Original article source: South Carolina girlfriend of Brittanee Drexels spring break killer stuns with key admission a decade later CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The South Carolina Supreme Court is holding court in the Lowcountry this week as part of its ongoing effort to educate and familiarize South Carolinians with the states judicial system. Dozens of attendees, including current and former attorneys, members of the public, and students, gathered in Capers Hall Auditorium at The Citadel on Tuesday to hear lawyers argue cases in front of the five justices. The high court occasionally hosts arguments outside of Columbia to provide people an opportunity to observe the proceedings. A term was set to be held several years ago in Charleston but was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The scheduled cases a mix of civil and criminal are designed to stimulate critical thought, and give the audience a front-row perspective of the law in action, according to the court. James Moore, a trial lawyer arguing one of the cases this week, said he hopes that opening these hearings to the public will improve transparency in the system. This is an opportunity for the public to come in and see what the Supreme Court doesso were excited to be here, Moore said. Highlighting the legal field as a possible career option for students is another reason why the court opts to hold out-of-town arguments, Chief Justice John Kittredge said. The main reason we travel is to reach young people and to allow young people to see us in action and get a civics lesson in what the third branch of government is all about, Kittredge said. A federal judge tosses a lawsuit over the ban on recorded inmate interviews in South Carolina Spectators also had a chance to ask the justices and attorneys questions, which ranged from soliciting advice for future lawyers to queries about bias and case preparation. Two questions asked by audience members sought to gauge the justices attitude toward the states controversial process for selecting judges. South Carolina is one of only two states where the General Assembly picks judges. This is done through a process in which a panel known as the Judicial Merit Selection Commission screens applicants and then presents a pool of qualified candidates to the full legislature for a vote. The process has been heavily criticized as giving undue influence to lawyer-legislators and for perceived transparency and accountability issues. The justices, however, defended the Palmetto States method, suggesting that although it is flawed, it is better than the process in some other states where judges are elected by popular vote. There is no perfect method of selecting judges, Kittredge said, adding We want to be guided by the rule of law and not the vagaries of public opinion. In addition to the oral arguments, lawyers from South Carolina Legal Services and Charleston Legal Access were on hand to provide free legal services to people in the community who otherwise may not be able to afford them. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear two more cases at The Citadel on Wednesday, September 11. Those arguments are free and open to the public. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DALLAS - Police say a high school freshman was shot Monday afternoon just off the South Oak Cliff High School campus in Dallas. It happened shortly before students were supposed to be dismissed from class. The Dallas ISD student was at South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park across the street and not on campus. She ran back to the campus after she was shot to get help. Home surveillance footage captured the sound of what sounds like seven gunshots ringing out through a neighborhood backing up to the high school. After the shots, you can see a group scattering. Daniela Carrillo lives nearby and was home when it happened. "I was just laying in my room, and then I heard the gunshots," she recalled. "And then I look out the window, and I see some kids running down the direction to the school." A freshman girl was struck by a bullet but is expected to be okay, according to Dallas ISD. The shooting happened moments before school was supposed to let out for the day. Dallas ISD didnt make it immediately clear why the victim wasnt in class at the time. Its unclear how many witnesses were there and how many of them were students. Dallas City Councilmember Carolyn King Arnold, who was on scene Monday, spoke about how unsettling it is to hear of another shooting involving a student. "Im sure there was someone who saw this gathering in the park. It is not okay to be quiet," she said. "And I know young people feel like they might be called snitches, but I would much rather for an individual to know we have their back." Just last Friday, 17-year-old Kimball High School student David Washington was killed at a gas station across the street from John Kincaid Stadium. South Oak Cliff played Duncanville at the stadium that night. A 16-year-old was arrested for murder. "And it just tends to make everyones blood pressure go up," Arnold said. "Because, once again, its about the thought, Not again. Not again. And Surely not in our neighborhood." Dallas police say the girl was grazed and taken to the hospital to be checked out but will be okay. Dallas ISD believes the girl was a bystander and not the intended target. Carrillo is glad no additional bystanders were shot. "My brothers were in the living room, and they sounded like really close," she said. Police have not released any information about the shooter. The Space Space: Moon missions are lifting off across the solar system The Space Space: Moon missions are lifting off across the solar system SPACE (KXAN) NASAs next big space mission has been approved for launch and the Earths moon takes the spotlight this month. Set to launch in 2024, NASAs Europa Clipper will travel to Jupiters moon Europa to investigate whether the moon has conditions necessary to support life. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech The weekend brought some wild space news, including a sailing spacecraft and, of course, a couple of astronauts stranded on the International Space Station. Heres a breakdown of all the big news in space this week: Travel to Jupiter is a go On Monday, Sept. 9, NASA announced that the Europa Clipper mission is approved for launch. The six-year journey to Jupiters moon, Europa, will begin on Oct. 10. Europa Clipper is the biggest spacecraft NASA has ever built for investigating another body in space. It spans more than 100 feet once deployed. During the mission, the craft will perform dozens of fly-bys just 16 miles above the surface of Jupiters icy moon. Scientists believe a liquid ocean exists under the moons shell, which could contain alien life. Europa Clipper will study the moon with several devices, including cameras and special forms of radar. Some of those devices were developed at the University of Texas in Austin. Texas students work travels to Jupiter, helps track climate change on Earth Exploring Earths Moon with Artemis In the next couple years, NASA will at long last return to Earths moon as part of the Artemis missions. Theyre going to need some help finding their way around the lunar surface. Illustration of SpaceX Starship human lander design that will carry NASA astronauts to the Moons surface during the Artemis mission. Credits: SpaceX On Sept. 9, the space administration announced the Lunar Navigation Challenge. NASA wants the public to help design new navigation tools for astronauts. While similar tools were available during the Apollo missions, it is time for an upgrade. Devices must be accurate, easy to use, able to be used on the moons surface by an astronaut wearing pressurized gloves. People can submit their ideas through NASAs website. The winner could be eligible for a share of a $15,000 prize. NASA also needs help exploring Shackleton Crater, one area the administration hopes to explore. According to NASA, this design must work in the extreme conditions of the lunar south pole and Shackleton Crater, map the crater, characterize and quantify what is in the crater, and send the data back to be used for future missions. Winning devices for this challenge will share a prize purse of $30,000. Submissions for the challenge are due by November 25, 2024. Praise the moon Dec. 5, 2022 A portion of the Moon looms large just beyond the Orion spacecraft in this image taken on the 20th day of the Artemis I mission by a camera on the tip of one of Orions solar arrays. (Credit: NASA) This Saturday, Sept. 14, is International Observe the Moon Night. Astronomers around the world are being asked to step outside and take a look at our space neighbor. NASA will host an event in Greenbelt, Maryland, which will also be live-streamed. According to the administration, almost a million people across 123 countries participated in the event last year. This is the 15th year NASA has run the program. It is sponsored by the LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division of NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center. This year, the moon will be in its first quarter, which NASA says is great for observing. Solar sailing through the stars NASA is testing out a new method for space travel: sailing. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System relies on the suns rays to propel a spacecraft. It launched on April 23, 2024. Stargazers can now spot the spacecraft sailing through the stars over Earth. NASAs mobile app will now include a tracking feature so you can find the sail through a telescope. An artists concept of NASAs Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft in orbit as the Sun crests Earths horizon. (Credit: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart) Solar sails eliminate the need for rocket fuel, allowing smaller ships to sail on sunlight. The idea could allow for low cost deep space missions to become more common. If you spot the ACS3 system in flight, tag your photos with #SpotTheSail to be featured on NASAs website. Starliner returns to Earth, Astronauts do not Finally, the Boeing Starline landed on Earth at 10:01 p.m. on September 6, following a three-month mission aboard the International Space Station. What was supposed to be an eight-day stay for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams turned into a PR nightmare. Two astronauts are left behind in space as Boeings troubled capsule returns to Earth empty A helium leak and issues with the control thrusters on Starliner led NASA to the decision not to include the astronauts on the return trip. They are now stranded on the International Space Station until February 2025. This photo provided by NASA shows Boeings Starliner spacecraft which launched astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station docked to the Harmony modules forward port on July 3, 2024, seen from a window on the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft docked to the adjacent port. (NASA via AP) 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 in a press release. 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. The June 5 launch was the first manned spaceflight of the Starliner craft. It will now be shipped to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida for inspection. On Sept. 13, Wilmore and Williams will participate in a press conference. Media will get a chance to chat with the stranded scientists at 2:15 p.m. EDT. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft on a private human spaceflight mission Polaris Dawn at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Jennifer Briggs/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa SpaceX's Polaris Dawn space mission launched successfully on Tuesday, with the four astronauts on board embarking on a journey that will take them up to 1,400 kilometres away from Earth. SpaceX says "the crew will endeavor to reach the highest Earth orbit" since the last Apollo missions to the moon in the early 1970s. By comparison, the International Space Station (ISS) is located around 400 kilometres from Earth. Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman is leading the mission, which will last up to five days, in coordination with SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who will remain on the ground. Isaacman, along with astronauts Kidd Poteet, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, lifted off aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft with a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral spaceport on the west coast of Florida. During the mission, the astronauts are to carry out the first commercial spacewalk, at an altitude of around 700 kilometres, during which the private space company is looking to test a new space suit, designed for use on potential missions to the moon and Mars. The astronauts will also carry out experiments on the effects of space flight and space radiation on human health. The launch of Polaris Dawn was postponed several times due to unfavourable weather conditions. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also temporarily withdrew the Falcon 9's launch permit due to an incident during an earlier launch. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft on a private human spaceflight mission Polaris Dawn at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Jennifer Briggs/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Who is on SpaceX's historic private spacewalk mission? Four US civilians are set to attempt the first-ever private spacewalk on Thursday -- a risky endeavor usually reserved for trained astronauts from government agencies. The ambitious mission, dubbed Polaris Dawn, is being carried out on a SpaceX capsule that launched early Tuesday from Florida. Who are the select few to pioneer this new chapter of space exploration? - Jared Isaacman, billionaire - The driving force behind the mission is Jared Isaacman, a billionaire who serves as mission commander. The 41-year-old American from Pennsylvania is the CEO of the digital finance company Shift4 Payments, which he founded in his family's basement when he was only 16. Isaacman is a seasoned pilot who is qualified to fly military aircraft and holds several world records. He had previously gone into space in 2021 as part of another SpaceX mission he chartered, Inspiration4, which was the first orbital spacecraft to feature no professional astronauts. His lifelong passion for space exploration aligns with SpaceX's stated goal of making humankind a "multi-planet species." "Throughout Earth's history, there have been periods when humans, had we existed, would have been wiped out," Isaacman wrote on X in August. "If there's a technical path to ensuring humanity's survival...it seems irresponsible not to pursue it." Isaacman is married with two daughters. - SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon - For the first time, SpaceX has sent two of its own employees into space. Sarah Gillis, 30, oversees astronaut training for SpaceX, and had trained Isaacman for his Inspiration4 mission. Her husband also works for Elon Musk's company, having helped develop the propulsion system for the spacecraft used in Polaris Dawn. Anna Menon, 38, worked for NASA before joining SpaceX. She wrote a children's book about space titled "Kisses from Space" that she will read an excerpt from during the mission. Proceeds from the book go to support a children's hospital. Her husband Anil Menon was selected to be an astronaut by NASA in 2021, but unlike his spouse, he has yet to go to space. - Pilot Scott Poteet - The last Polaris Dawn participant is Scott Poteet, a US Air Force veteran who enjoys completing triathlons in his spare time. Poteet flew combat aircraft for 20 years, including as part of the esteemed Thunderbirds air aerobatic patrol. He serves as the mission's pilot, given his professional experience. Poteet is also a close friend of Isaacman's, having worked for several of the billionaire's companies. la/rle/jgc/des The News Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Norwegian Prime Minister Gahr Stre are in China this week hoping to fix political tensions with Beijing. Chinas probe into EU pork imports retaliation for the EUs tariffs on Chinese EVs is Sanchezs primary concern as Spain is the EUs largest exporter of pork products. He could make a breakthrough with Beijing, because unlike other EU countries, Spain is a source of good vibes in China, a Spanish sinologist argued. Stre, meanwhile, will press Chinese leader Xi Jinping over his support of Russian aggression, broadcaster NRK reported, and Moscows broader threat in the Arctic. Oslo needs Beijings cooperation in its goal to build a peaceful and ecologically responsible future in the Arctic, a China security analyst wrote. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for 'a negotiated solution' at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to end a trade stand-off between Beijing and the European Union (HECTOR RETAMAL) (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/AFP) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for "a negotiated solution" at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to end a stand-off between Beijing and the European Union. Sanchez's visit to China has seen him meet top officials including President Xi Jinping and call for "dialogue and cooperation" with the world's second largest economy. The trip comes against the backdrop of mounting trade tensions between the European Union and China, primarily over Beijing's subsidies for its electric vehicles sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the Spain-China Business Forum in economic powerhouse city Shanghai, Sanchez called for a "a European Union and a China open to the world, beyond geopolitical and economic tensions". "That's why we are betting on honest dialogue to solve existing tensions, that result in large part from the imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles," he added. "And what do we propose from Spain? A solution negotiated and agreed in the WTO framework, that contributes to developing balanced and fair and avoids commercial escalation that benefits no-one," Sanchez said. The European Commission, which oversees the bloc's trade policy, announced last month that it planned to impose five-year import duties of up to 36 percent on electric vehicles imported from China. The following day, Beijing said it would launch a probe into EU subsidies of some dairy products exported to China. In June China launched an anti-dumping investigation into pork imports from the bloc in response to an application submitted by a local trade grouping on behalf of domestic producers. The Iberian nation is the EU's largest exporter of pork products to China, selling more than 560,000 tonnes to the world's second-largest economy last year at a total value of 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion), according to industry body Interporc. In China's capital Monday, Sanchez called for Madrid and Beijing to defend what he called a "fair trade order". "We must work together to resolve differences through negotiation, in a spirit of dialogue and collaboration, and within multilateral frameworks," he wrote on social media after meeting President Xi. bur-ka-oho/je/fox A row of slot machines stands at Harrah's casino in New Orleans. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) This story was updated Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9:40 a.m. to include a statement from the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee. A special master to the Arkansas Supreme Court found nearly 6,000 signatures supporting an anti-casino ballot initiative should be disqualified because of insufficient addresses, according to a report submitted Monday. Other challenges to the proposed ballot measure such as potential issues with an agent signing affidavits in place of a sponsor that were made in an original action petition filed last month were rejected. Special Master Randy Wrights report will inform the states highest court as it determines whether votes cast on the proposed constitutional amendment in November will be counted. Additional briefs are expected in the coming weeks, and petitioners said a ruling is likely in mid-October. The proposed amendment aims to repeal a Pope County casino license and require any new casino built in the state to be approved in a countywide special election before a license is issued. Were pleased, but not surprised by the Special Masters report, said Hans Stiritz, spokesperson for Local Voters in Charge, a group supporting the measure. As weve said from the beginning, thanks to the support of Arkansas voters signing our petition in unprecedented numbers across the state, we are committed to ensuring that local voters throughout Arkansas have the final say on whether a casino should be built in their communities. Local Voters in Charge submitted more than 162,000 signatures on the states deadline of July 5, well surpassing the required 90,704. Secretary of State John Thurstons office validated more than 116,000 signatures on July 31. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The following day, the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee formed and filed a petition against Thurston challenging the anti-casino initiative. The group asked that all signatures be disqualified. A week later, the Arkansas Supreme Court appointed Wright as special master to resolve factual disputes raised in the petition as it pertained to petitioners claim of insufficient signatures. Wrights report addressed allegations against Local Voters in Charge, such as paid canvassers insufficient addresses, monetary incentives for signature collection and paperwork technicalities. While Wright largely found no violations in the ballot question committees collection, he took issue with nine addresses of paid canvassers, which resulted in his recommendation to throw out 5,966 signatures. The attorney generals office, while representing Thurston, argued all signatures collected by Local Voters in Charge should be disqualified because of a technicality regarding who signed their affidavit documents. Because an agent signed on behalf of the ballot question committee, and not the groups sponsor, the signatures should not be counted, the attorney generals office argued. Wright says in his report that the secretary of states office knew Local Voters in Charge had agents submitting and signing documents, which the office accepted as it had done in the past. Wright said the ballot question committee did not know that the respondent [Secretary of State] would later change the interpretation of sponsor in Section 601(b)(3) or deem their submissions and certifications non-compliant. Wright said Local Voters in Charge relied on the secretary of states office to its detriment. In a recent case before the Arkansas Supreme Court, justices ruled 4-3 to keep a proposed constitutional amendment to allow Arkansans limited access to abortion off the November ballot because of paperwork issues. While the sponsor signee issue was raised in the case, the courts majority said supporters to the amendment did not file the correct paperwork at the right time. When asked about Wrights report, Attorney General Tim Griffin said, I thank the special master for his careful review of the factual disputes in this case. But the dispute about how to read 7-9-601 is a question of law not of fact that will be determined by the Arkansas Supreme Court. Wright found that ACCC did not provide enough evidence to prove Local Voters in Charge had given, or offered, monetary incentives for canvassers who collected more signatures. We are currently reviewing the special masters report in detail and look forward to filing our opening brief with the Arkansas Supreme Court on Sept. 16 as the legal process continues, said Allison Burum, spokesperson for the ACCC. This story was updated on Sept. 10 at 11:11 a.m. to clarify the Arkansas Supreme Courts ruling on the abortion amendment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX I spoke to people who have debated Harris and Trump. This is what they told me Trump and Harris will face off tonight for the first and possibly only time (AFP via Getty Images) It all comes down to this. Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump will square off in Philadelphia tonight for what is so far their only scheduled debate. Harris will be abiding by the rules put in place when President Joe Biden was still the nominee. That means microphones will be turned off when its the other candidates turn to speak. There will be no live audience and there will be no pre-written notes or sitting. Even though she must abide by rules Biden set, Harris must, to borrow a phrase, be unburdened by what has been. As Susan Estrich, who ran Michael Dukakiss campaign in 1988, told The Independent, It can't be just Biden 2.0 it's got to be Harris 1.0. So what does Harris 1.0 look like? She only had one major one-on-one debate on the national stage in 2020, when she squared off against the unflappable Mike Pence. Otherwise, she mostly participated in the television gameshow that was the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, though she famously got a good swipe in with Biden on busing. Quite frankly, Trump has to prove himself too. He went through the ringer of Republican debates in 2016. But he largely avoided direct hits as his opponents attacked each other. He skipped all of the Republican prmary debates this year and very few people remember his performance against Biden thanks to the presidents meltdown (save for that infamous joke about Black jobs.) The Independent spoke multiple Senators who have been in the ring with Harris and Trump about what that experience is like, and where their respective strengths and weaknesses lie. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Harris notably clashed onstage one time, specifically about whether to ban Trump from using Twitter as Warrens campaign began to eclipse Harriss in momentum. Donald Trump should worry about having to meet a tough woman who will not be bullied, Warren told The Independent in August. She's smart. She's always well-prepared. And she just doesn't put up with any nonsense. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado also debated Harris in what hes called his not very-well-noticed presidential campaign. But he is also friends with Harris and they crafted one of her signature policies: an expanded Child Tax Credit. He only had one sentence when asked about Harriss expected performance: I think she'll crush Trump on the debate stage. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Harris were two of the first senators to call on Al Franken to resign amid multiple accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior. Gillibrand was also a part of those 2020 Democratic primary debates. I think she'll be able to cross-examine Trump very effectively, especially when he says things that aren't true, Gillibrand told The Independent. And I think she'll be able to share a vision very clearly. The final stretch of the 2016 primary turned into a showdown between Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Trump, with former Ohio Governor John Kasich serving as a third wheel. Cruz famously bested Trump in the Iowa caucuses, which led to Trump accusing him of dishonesty and giving him the moniker Lyin Ted. Cruz, for his part, has an Ivy League debating pedigree, having worked on the competitive debating circuit when he was a student at Princeton. When he spoke to The Independent, he showed off his special debate skill that he honed there: Gish-galloping. Look, they're both effective debaters, he told The Independent. Kamalas weakness is her abominable record. This is a very different election. Cruz who is running for Senate in a tighter-than-expected race then went on to soliloquize about Harriss record on the US-Mexico border and Trumps own presidential record. I thought the last debate against Joe Biden was by far the most effective debate Trump has done and I think that augurs well for the next debate, he concluded. Of course, Trump didnt just steamroll Cruz. He did the same to Cruzs colleague from Florida, Senator Marco Rubio. Telegenic and charismatic, Rubio was once seen as the savior of the Republican Party. But Trump continuously belittled him, famously calling him Little Marco. Rubio tried to respond by calling him Big Don and mocking the size of Trumps hands. That one might have been an example of mud-wrestling with a pig: Rubio got dirty and Trump liked it. We were with 12 other people and eight other people on the stage, but he's very good debater because he's a very good communicator, Rubio told The Independent, when asked about the secret to Trumps effectiveness. He knows how to play the television audiences and get his message across. Hes unorthodox. You can't really practice a debate against him. Of course, the debate on Tuesday evening will not have an in-person audience, which will make it harder for Trump to work the crowd the way he did in the GOP primary debates. And Harris has never debated at the top of the ticket, let alone against someone like Trump. The chances are, as a woman, she would face a sexist backlash if she tried saying, Will you shut up, man? the way Biden did in 2020. Trump, for his part, will not be able to swat away Harris the way he did Cruz or Rubio. And he can forget about calling her low energy like Jeb Bush. Nor will he get away with calling Harris ugly, as he did with Carly Fiorina (before backing away from his comments when confronted by them and subsequently calling her beautiful.) That kind of behavior just wont fly this time. And we arent talking about the one that landed on Pence. One deputy was convicted of driving drunk with a loaded gun in the car. Another was suspended for failing to promptly report an on-duty traffic accident. An experienced detective was accused of lying on his job application. And a commander was demoted to captain for turning a blind eye to a cheating scandal in a popular law enforcement relay race. For five months, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bontas office has fought to keep secret the names of eight Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies at the center of the case against Diana Teran, a top district attorneys office advisor accused of misusing confidential personnel records as part of an effort to track cops with disciplinary histories. She is now facing six felony charges under what legal experts say is a novel use of the states hacking statute. Courtroom testimony during a preliminary hearing last month showed that the allegedly confidential records in question were actually court records. But state prosecutors still fought to hide the deputies names and the details of their past behavior by redacting identifying portions of key documents in the case. After comparing gaps in the governments redactions with hundreds of public civil suits, appeals and publicly posted disciplinary records, the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Public Press identified seven of the deputies and tracked down court and public law enforcement records that shed light on the allegations against them and their efforts to overturn their punishments. In five of the seven cases the disciplinary actions were reduced or overturned. This just shows how Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has wasted the time of several Los Angeles judges by asking them to keep these court records secret, said Susan Seager, the UC Irvine law professor who has been fighting on behalf of the L.A. Public Press for the release of the deputies names since May. Anyone can go to the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse today and find all the deputy lawsuits challenging their discipline and post them online. What happens in our public courts belongs to the public. Read more: Felony charges against Gascon's top advisor spark confusion, criticism in L.A. D.A.'s office Bontas office has argued that releasing the deputies names would be a violation of state laws that keep police personnel records secret, as members of the public would then be able to connect the deputies names to their past conduct and discipline. A review of the deputies legal filings shows that at least half of the identified officers were disciplined for incidents involving an allegation of dishonesty. The punishments included everything from terminations to demotions to suspensions. None of the deputies agreed to speak on the record, though one said he had never been officially informed about the case. James Spertus, the attorney representing Teran, said the news organizations efforts called into question the states theory of the case. The fact the court orders at issue in Ms. Terans case were located independently by the LA Times and the LA Public Press establishes the arguments that we have been trying to make since the case was first filed, he said in a statement Monday. She does not need permission to use public court orders. The California Department of Justice did not immediately offer comment. In a statement, Steve Johnson, the president of the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Assn., vehemently disagreed with release of personnel information, which he described as "stolen, even though they were court records, and said that it would endanger deputies, families and peace officers who serve the community. :: The allegations at the center of the case against Teran date to 2018, when she worked as a constitutional policing advisor for then-Sheriff Jim McDonnell. Her usual duties included accessing confidential deputy records and internal affairs investigations. A few years after leaving the Sheriffs Department, Teran joined the district attorneys office. While there, in April 2021, she sent 33 names and a few dozen related court records to a subordinate to evaluate for possible inclusion in either of two internal databases prosecutors use to track officers with histories of dishonesty and other misconduct. One is known as the Brady database a reference to the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brady vs. Maryland, which says prosecutors are required to turn over any evidence favorable to a defendant, including evidence of police misconduct. According to a 2021 Los Angeles County district attorneys office manual , material relating to dishonesty, assaults, racial bias and acts of moral turpitude can all be relevant Brady material. Under office policy, prosecutors are required to turn over any material that could call into question the officers credibility even if they believe that information might be false. The state Department of Justice alleged several of the names Teran sent to her subordinate to consider including in D.A. databases were those of deputies whose files she had accessed while working at the Sheriffs Department years earlier. However, testimony during the preliminary hearing last month showed she did not download the information from the Sheriff's Department personnel file system. In most cases she learned of the alleged misconduct when co-workers emailed her copies of court records from lawsuits filed by deputies hoping to overturn the departments discipline against them. But after searching news articles and public records requests, state investigators said they found that 11 of the names hadnt been mentioned in public records or major media outlets. Thus, prosecutors said Teran wouldnt have been able to identify the deputies, or know to look for their court records, were it not for her special access while working at the Sheriffs Department. At first, prosecutors charged Teran with 11 felonies under state hacking statutes but they refused to release the names of the deputies or details of their misconduct, making it difficult for reporters or members of the public to fully understand the allegations at the center of the case. After the Los Angeles Public Press fought in court for more information, in June the state released two of the names . Both deputies whose records were easily discoverable through a Google search had been fired for incidents involving dishonesty or false statements. Without explanation, prosecutors later dropped the two counts against Teran involving those deputies, as well as a third count. According to what Spertus previously told The Times , the alleged victim described in the third count identified as Deputy Doe 11 in court records was a civilian employee and not a deputy. Last month, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta tossed out two more of the counts against Teran following a four-day preliminary hearing at which he determined there was enough evidence to move forward to trial on the six remaining counts. At the same time, in response to motions filed by lawyers for The Times and L.A. Public Press, Ohta ordered the release of unredacted exhibits that would identify most of the deputies. But he held the release of that information for three weeks to give the state time to file for appellate relief which it did, arguing in a petition that the deputies disciplinary matters here do not implicate any Brady obligations and/or were determined to be unfounded by the superior court in the litigation of those matters. The court of appeals denied the request. But the redacted documents already made public contain distinctive notes and markings, as well as identifying dates and apparent redaction oversights, which make it possible to match them to public court records containing the deputies names. On one exhibit, state prosecutors left public the department identification numbers corresponding to Deputy Does 7, 8 and 9. On another, they left public a connected civil case number. In at least four cases, handwritten margin notes and signatures made it possible to match redacted exhibits to the public versions of the same documents already in L.A. County Superior Court records. To narrow down which court records to scour for matching pages, reporters created a database of disciplinary files already made public by the Sheriffs Department, then searched those records for a series of dates referenced in an affidavit the state filed in June to justify the charges. Of the seven deputies identified through those methods, at least two had legal appeals easily discoverable through a Google search. One had been demoted as part of an incident covered in 2013 both by The Times and by the news blog Witness LA . Then-Cmdr. Patrick Jordan was knocked down to captain after a cheating scandal at the 2012 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race, a 120-mile footrace that draws teams of law enforcement officers from around the world. A team representing the Sheriffs Department swapped out a deputy for an ineligible runner who was not a department employee. Though court records indicate Jordan didnt learn about the switch until the morning after the race, he was later demoted because he failed to report it. He appealed unsuccessfully to the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission, which upheld his discipline. In 2016, a judge denied Jordans final attempt to reverse the disciplinary action. One of the documents in his civil case matches an exhibit in the Teran case, including a handwritten mark in the margin and a description of the discipline imposed. His employee identification number matches the one listed in another exhibit. Jordan could not be reached for comment Monday. Read more: Case against D.A. advisor will move forward to trial on six remaining charges Another case involved a deputy working in Court Services. In 2009, Gerald Jackson used force on an incarcerated person who allegedly assaulted him and a fellow deputy, according to records from the lawsuit Jackson filed to overturn his discipline. A civil lawsuit filed by the incarcerated person which was ultimately dismissed alleged that Jackson struck the jailed mans eye repeatedly with a container, and beat and pepper sprayed him after a verbal altercation. Jackson was investigated and eventually discharged in 2012, but court records show a judge reversed the decision two years later, when Jackson argued that the Sheriffs Department had missed the deadline to impose discipline on him. A review of his court records showed that one document matches an exhibit in the Teran case, including a reference to the case number of another deputy who was involved in the incident. Most of the cases involved deputies who entered their own disciplinary histories into court records when they filed suit. But in one case Sheriff's Department officials brought the matter into the public record when they sued to challenge a decision by the Civil Service Commission to reduce a deputys discipline from discharge to a 15-day suspension. Andrew Serrata, a former police officer from the defunct Maywood Police Department, was hired by the Sheriffs Department in 2011 and later fired when the department realized that Serrata had incorrectly answered questions on his application related to his legal history, liabilities and debt. Serrata had successfully been sued by an ex-girlfriend, had his wages garnished for several months, and still owed money all of which he failed to disclose properly on his job application, according to a 2013 letter the department sent notifying him of its disciplinary decision. Serrata whose employee number matched one listed as a Deputy Doe in the Teran case later appealed his discharge to the Civil Service Commission. The Sheriffs Department objected, vigorously petitioning the court to overturn that decision and writing that Serratas claims were simply, inherently unbelievable, and inexplicable for one filling out a form which warns that dismissal would result from misstatements." Ultimately, a judge sided with Serrata and the commission, and he kept his job until he retired in 2021. When reached by phone Monday, he declined to comment for this story. The other deputies reporters identified faced discipline for allegations ranging from criminal convictions to crashes, according to records from the civil lawsuits they filed to challenge their punishments. David Carbajal damaged his patrol vehicle and failed to promptly notify his supervisor about the damage or fill out the required forms to report the situation, resulting in a 10-day suspension. Rachel Levy got into an altercation with a driver and used profanity after already being relieved of duty stemming from a separate incident. She was fired but ultimately successfully appealed her discipline to a 30-day suspension. Salvatore Guerrero was discharged after a complaint stemming from a call for service in which a woman accused him of inappropriate behavior, including returning to the residence while off-duty. A judge ultimately ruled that the evidence did not support the allegations. Jordan Kennedy pleaded guilty in Orange County Superior Court to driving drunk with a loaded duty weapon in his car. He was notified of the planned punishment a 20-day suspension while he was deployed overseas with the military. When he returned, he said hed never been properly notified of the disciplinary decision, and a judge eventually ordered the department to overturn it. Read more: Baca names transit supervisors to replace demoted officers They could not be reached for comment, or did not respond. Jonathan Abel, an expert on Brady material and associate professor at UC Law San Francisco, reviewed court records from the seven deputies cases reporters identified. "There is nothing untoward about investigating these types of things, he said, explaining that although dishonesty is the core of Brady material, past convictions could be a sign of moral turpitude. And sometimes uses of force can be relevant, as in cases in which a defendant accused of assaulting an officer aims to show the officer had a pattern of using excessive force. To build that [Brady] list, you would have to sink a few dry wells, he continued, explaining the need to evaluate material that might ultimately be irrelevant. How can you know whether something's Brady or not until you've read the documents?" A family member of one Deputy Doe who asked to remain anonymous to avoid negatively affecting the deputys current job said shed been following the Teran case, even before the Sheriffs Department reached out to alert the deputy to it several weeks after the matter became public. By that point, state prosecutors had already released two of the deputies names. It almost feels like they keep getting punished over and over, she said. This article was published in partnership with Los Angeles Public Press, a nonprofit news organization for the residents of Los Angeles County. Subscribe to its newsletter, and follow it on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Threads. Blakinger is a Times staff writer and Dugdale is a contributing writer with L.A. Public Press. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and Clark County Commission President Melanie Flax-Wilt held a joint press conference Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. In the press conference, Flax-Wilt and Rue addressed recent rumors circulating about the Haitian community in Springfield. Rep. Turner says Springfield in desperate need of federal aid Flax-Wilt spoke about the lasting impact of the devastating school bus crash that killed Aiden Clark. She shared that Springfield is doing things that have never been done before regarding driver education efforts. Mayor Rue said there are approximately 12 to 15,000 Haitian immigrants, a number that has been inflated online. Flax-Wilt addressed that outdated Census numbers have prevented accurate figures. However, she cited numbers from Jobs and Family Services that claim at least 6,500 non-resident Medicaid recipients live in Springfield. 77 percent of those individuals have identified Haiti as their country of origin. Its also important to note, many other individuals have not sought aid. Springfield City Commission will meet Tuesday evening, and public comment will be 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 WDTN.com. Springfield, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Springfield is gaining national and political attention after social media posts accusing Haitian immigrants of crimes went viral, despite Springfield Police confirming there are no credible reports of those claims. For the past few years, Springfield has seen a massive population influx due to legal immigration. Now, national attention has been brought to the citys struggle with accommodating the growth. City leaders requested federal aid in July, but strain continues to cause tension in Springfield. Now politicians are starting to take notice. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost commented on the issue of overworked public services in the city, saying that his team is looking into legal recourse to curb immigrants from coming to Springfield specifically. I want to get in front of a federal judge to review this because whats happening in Springfield shouldnt happen to any city. Its simply unsustainable, said Yost. Heck: Social media post led to murder of sleeping 12-year-old girl Citizens and Springfield officials believe something needs to be done to accommodate the sudden growth. While residents and local leaders continue to have conversations about resources, a social media post making claims authorities say are not true is making national headlines. Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance posted on X Monday that he had heard from residents that their pets were being abducted and then eaten. That post was viewed more than 4.7 million times. Springfield Police shut that accusation down, saying in part: We wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. 2 NEWS spoke with Viles Dorsainvil, president of the Haitian Help and Community Support Center, who says hes shocked by the unfounded claims of Haitians killing other residents pets. You are hurting people by spreading fake news without knowing that it can hurt an individual but an entire community, said Dorsainvil. Springfield police have also refuted claims that immigrants are squatting and performing illegal activities, saying this information has no verified instances of such activity. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPDATE 9/10/2024 A Springfield man who pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession in January 2024 has been sentenced to federal prison time. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Missouri, Ezekiel Josiah King will serve six years and six months in federal prison without parole. Original story: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A Springfield man who was part of a local rap group pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession Tuesday. United States Attorney Teresa A. Moore says that 20-year-old Ezekiel King admitted to one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms. 20-year-old co-defendant Jardell Williams pleaded guilty on May 16, 2023, to two counts of the same charges. Springfield police detectives stopped King and Williams in their gold Nissan Altima on Feb. 15, 2022, where they found illegal firearms, multiple magazines and multiple boxes of ammunition. According to the U.S. Western District Court of Missouri, King will be sentenced to up to 10 years in federal prison without parole, while Williams will be sentenced to up to 25 years without parole. Kings sentencing hearing will come after an ongoing investigation by the United States Probation Office. The hearing for Williams is scheduled for Feb. 5, 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Cases of COVID-19 surged in Montana late this summer, hitting a 12-month peak on Aug. 10, according to wastewater testing results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This notable uptick came amid a national surge that yielded the highest viral activity levels in wastewater since July 2022. Montanas health department shuttered its online dashboard about a year ago to coincide with the end of the federal public health emergency. The dashboard published the number of COVID cases and vaccines administered. The agency monitors a slew of metrics, but does not make them available to the public year-round. COVID-19 is considered a reportable condition under state law, which means that any medical facility that tests for the virus must report results to health officials. If someone tests positive at home, they are not required to report, and someone who never tests is not captured by this approach either. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reviews hospitalizations, deaths and outbreaks weekly to identify any trends in the data that may indicate increased activity on the horizon, Holly Matkin, an agency spokesperson, said in an email. DPHHS then communicates with local health departments about notable trends. While Montanans once had centralized and easy access to COVID-19 metrics, now how much information a person can get on the caseload in their community largely depends on where they live. Gallatin County, for example, puts out a weekly communicable disease recap that includes the number of cases identified in the county and a six-week trendline. It also includes a more detailed section that shows which age groups the virus is hitting the hardest and how current trends compare to historical ones. Take August 2024, which brought an 11.5% increase in case number compared to August 2023. Joanna Walker Fink, the epidemiologist from Gallatin County said her team knew that the data was going to continue to be important to residents and community partners, so they decided to continue tracking the data closely and make it readily available. The state is still one of our strongest partners, she said. Especially post-COVID, that partnership was really thriving. Lewis and Clark County has an interactive dashboard that lists the number of cases over the last week as well as hospitalizations. Missoula County, by comparison, does not track individual cases, just hospitalizations and deaths as well as outbreaks in congregate living situations, senior and long-term care facilities. Regular tracking at the state level is only available publicly between October and May, the period considered respiratory virus season. Starting Oct. 11, DPHHS will publish weekly updates online for the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID, flu and RSV. DPHHS operates six wastewater surveillance sites across the state in East Helena, Helena, Livingston, Missoula, Choteau and on the Rocky Boy Reservation. Wastewater, otherwise known as sewage, can show signs of viruses like COVID as soon as five days after the toilet flush. Viral activity shows up in feces even if someone doesnt have symptoms, so it often shows up earlier than major outbreaks. Wastewater technicians are able to remove wastewater from the sewage system before its treated and test samples for signs of viral activity in the lab. Those viral levels are recorded and studied by public health officials to identify community-specific trends that can influence where they should decide to have a mobile testing clinic, send more free vaccines or other interventions. DPHHS plans to expand wastewater testing of COVID-19 to additional sites as well as implement testing for influenza A, influenza B and RSV at some sites, according to Matkin. Numerous people at DPHHS work on COVID efforts, including at least three epidemiologists focused on surveillance, wastewater and hospital emergency department trends, respectively. Federal funding supports wastewater surveillance efforts. It also bolsters response to COVID-19 outbreaks and surveillance of other respiratory diseases. This funding is essential for supporting day-to-day surveillance and to respond to outbreaks of these diseases, Matkin said. Springfield to get state help in handling influx of migrants Springfield to get state help in handling influx of migrants DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) While not speaking on those spreading conspiracy theories about the Haitian migrants in Clark County, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced two moves by the state government to assist the city of Springfield: Directed Ohio State Highway Patrol to surge patrol cars into Springfield to assist the Springfield Police Division in dealing with traffic concerns. Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff to work with the Clark County health department to expand access to primary care. The state is committing a minimum of $2.5 million over the next two years to address the surge in migrants and their need to access health care. DeWine said that the early stages of a migrant surge are already being seen in Findlay and Lima. The federal government simply has to be part of the solution, said the governor. They have to step up. Its their policies that have created these surges. Residents can expect to see a significant increase in police presence on the roads starting tomorrow. Tonight at 7 p.m., the Springfield City Commission will meet to discuss the issues further. Public comments will be available during the meeting. Springfield Police on claims of Haitian crimes: no credible reports Vance pushes false accusations of Haitians eating pets Vance fires back at criticism over Haitian pet-eating online conspiracy theory Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Springfield Public Schools are celebrating a milestone within the arts community. State awards schools support funding for homeless students The latest mural unveiling in Springfield is encouraging student creativity and community. Each art piece was carefully drawn by a Springfield student and then brought to life by local artists. Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnell told 22News, This is by far one of the most beautiful representations of the goals, dreams, and aspirations of our students in our city. Its such a beautiful culmination of our young people, having the courage and the talent to share out their art, says Eileen McCaffrey, Executive Director for the Community Music School of Springfield. Its all part of a collaborative passion project of local creative organizations and Springfield Public Schools. To showcase the creative vision of students throughout the city of Springfield through art giving them a voice. McCaffrey adds, This Intersection of the arts and public health and young people being lifted up is all part of the big idea, and literally the big mural behind us today. Mondays unveiling celebrates the creativity and passion students bring to the classroom every day. With 4 more murals set to be unveiled around the city by June of next year. The community-based aspect of it I think is what drew me to it and is what keeps me energized by this work and the incredible team I get to work with, says Giselle, the artist. 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. St. Louis man going to federal prison for fraud, tax offenses HARTFORD, Conn. A St. Louis man appeared in a federal court in Hartford, Connecticut, on Tuesday to plead guilty to his role in two different fraud schemes. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut said Lyell Champagne Jr., 24, conspired with Kristian Gupta between March 2021 and April 2022 to steal online banking information from victims and then transfer money from the victims accounts to cryptocurrency accounts managed by Champagne and Gupta. Prosecutors said Champagne and Gupta tried to recruit banker insiders to help them, but they encountered undercover law enforcement and ultimately were prevented from transferring any money from the victims accounts. Champagnes other scheme saw him create and file tax returns for Shireberk International, a fictitious company, for tax years 2018 to 2021. The tax returns resulted in Champagne receiving $3,449,935. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News This past June, Champagne pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of filing false claims with the IRS. A U.S. District Court judge sentenced Champagne to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Since law enforcement recovered nearly all the money, the judge only ordered Champagne to pay $111,738.52 in restitution. Meanwhile, Gupta pleaded guilty on April 19 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Hes out on a $100,000 bond until hes sentenced on Sept. 19. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. LOUIS Sam Goodwins roots are in St. Louis. Ill just answer the question before everyone asks; I went to DeSmet High School, he said. He branched out after college, moving to Singapore to work for a tech startup. While he was there, he was bitten by the travel bug. I had flexibility in my work schedule, the worlds best airport in my backyard, and I just took advantage of the opportunity to explore as much of the region and beyond as possible, Goodwin said. By the spring of 2019, Sam had traveled to 180 countries and some dangerous places: Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and North Korea. One of the most significant things that I had learned through my travels is that places that are negatively perceived or that Western media tells us were not supposed to like these were the same places where I had had many of my best experiences and where my perspectives were most meaningfully impacted, he said. But on May 25, 2019, while traveling in Syria, Goodwin found himself in danger. St. Louis suburb among 20 US cities where the middle class is shrinking fastest I was walking through a roundabout on the way to meet up with my guide when, all of a sudden, a black pickup truck abruptly pulled up next to me. Two armed men jumped out of the back seat and instructed me to get inside, he said. Sams captors were loyal to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. They accused him of being an American spy and collaborating with terrorists. He was driven to an airfield and flown to a prison in the Syrian capital of Damascus. I was handcuffed, blindfolded, interrogated, put in some pretty uncomfortable situations, and at one point, the interrogator told me that if I didnt start telling the truth, he would do a 180 with my life and hand me over to ISIS, Goodwin replied. In St. Louis, Sams family sensed trouble. They reported his disappearance to the US government. Authorities shared instructions and a grim outlook. (They said) Dont let the press get ahold of this, because if they do, and Sams captors, depending on who they are, feel that type of pressure. They might just kill him. The second thing they said was, You should really manage your expectations. he said. After 27 days, he was transferred to a different prison. He befriended a fellow inmate there who smuggled a note out on Sams behalf. A note that successfully navigated this game of geopolitical telephone and made it to my father in St Louis. It served as the first time I managed to communicate that I was alive, Goodwin said. The message was good news, but it was good fortune that ultimately saved Sam. His sisters former college roommate had an unbelievably important connection. Her uncle is good friends with the head of Lebanons internal security, kind of like the head of the FBI or the CIA here in the U.S., and his names Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, and he was able to mediate my release with his counterparts within the Syrian government, Goodwin said. As he escorted me out front, he stopped, and he said, Sam, youre very lucky. President Assad has agreed to release you, Goodwin added. Who won the Trump-Harris presidential debate? On July 26, 2019, after 62 days in Syrian prisons, Sam learned he was going home. Still in disbelief, Sam says he was loaded into an SUV, destination unknown. We came up to a checkpoint that seemed to be some kind of significant border. As we passed through, the officer in the vehicle tapped me on the leg, and he said, Sam, youre in Lebanon. Youre safe now, he said. It was this culmination of a moment that was indescribably emotional, one that many people thought would never happen, and frankly, a breathtaking display of God answering prayers. Lebanese Special Forces had secured his release and taken him to Beirut. Waiting inside an office there were Sams parents. Five years later, Sam shares his message of embracing uncertainty with crowds around the world. Now hes telling his story in the book Saving Sam out now, wherever books are sold. I dont want to be known for the things that happened to me. I want to be known for the way Ive responded to them, and I hope that the readers of this book will adopt a similar mindset and implement it into their own life, Goodwin 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 FOX 2. WASHINGTON, D.C. (WATE) Lawmakers held a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Tuesday to posthumously award the 13 U.S. service members who were killed in a bombing outside the Kabul airport amid the U.S. troops withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress highest honor. The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that both Democrats and Republicans supported the legislation to honor the 13 U.S. troops. President Joe Biden met with the service members grieving families days after the attack and signed the legislation in December 2021. Charitable foundation honors life, legacy of fallen Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan Among the service members was East Tennessees Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. Knauss was honored by East Tennessee in a funeral procession that passed through the heart of Knoxville before he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in September 2021. The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony was hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana). The office of Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee) said that he was in attendance with other lawmakers from both chambers of Congress. Im reminded every day when I drive home on the Ryan C. Knauss Memorial Highway just how deep this thing goes, Burchett stated, This administration was focused on optics instead of taking proper security measures and 13 Americans were killed. Ryan had his whole life in front of him and it was taken due to incompetence from the Biden-Harris administration. Flint Gap Fire not contained, will continue to grow: Blount County Fire Protection District Knauss, 23, had attended Gibbs High School before enlisting in the Army in 2016. Knauss was a member of the Armys 82nd Airborne Division and a staff sergeant assigned to the 9th Battalion, 8th Psychological Operations Group. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Elizabeth Hudson, who says she would have died if she hadnt escaped from her then-boyfriends attack, has called the early-release scheme unbelievably cruel - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian What strange, mixed-up times we live in. A 78-year-old farmer has been fined 3,500 and must undergo 25 days of rehabilitation for letting his grandchildren ride on his tractor. Howard Walters was handed a prohibition notice by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) four years ago, but was filmed by neighbours (the spiteful sneaks) breaching the notice. An HSE executive explained it was not safe to let children ride on agricultural machinery. Shhhh! Whatever you do, dont tell the HSE that more than 1,700 prison inmates were released early today with a senior government source warning that a high proportion of those let out would be domestic abusers. Given the choice between sitting in a tractor cab with a fun-loving Welsh grandad and walking the same streets as Dwayne the Impaler, a woman-hating recidivist, I reckon I know which kind of health and safety risk most of us would prefer to run. Unfortunately, we dont have a choice. Jailbirds are being set free across the country after serving only 40 per cent of their sentence, and abused women are glancing nervously over their shoulders, because our prisons are full. Room must be found for all those hastily-tried, middle-aged white people who posted unpleasant racist remarks on Facebook during the riots which followed a massacre of little girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. According to The Sun, leaked documents show that some of the usual checks done prior to release can now be done up to eight weeks after an inmate is let out ample time to return to their dastardly ways or assault a former partner at their leisure. Sir Keir Starmer in his sanctimonious, stony way told BBC News that no high-risk prisoners will be released. Really, Prime Minister? Among those who were scheduled to walk free today are a man who told his partner he was enjoying attacking her and another who strangled his girlfriend and broke her jaw. Another beneficiary of the early-release scheme (due out in December, nine months earlier than scheduled) is Martin Underwood who, in 2021, repeatedly punched his partner, Elizabeth Hudson, in the stomach, hit her in the face with a phone, slashed her arm with a knife and told her he was going to kill her, then himself and make their young children orphans. Hudson, who says she would have died if she hadnt escaped from the attack, has called the early-release scheme unbelievably cruel. The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood claims she aimed to reduce the number of domestic abusers set free, announcing that those serving time for coercive control, stalking, harassment or breach of a restraining order as well as non-fatal throttling would be exempt. Are we reassured by the temporary exclusion of non-fatal throttlers? I fear not. Some of the UKs worst criminals were released early from jail. In 2022, Jordan McSweeney had been free for just nine days when he sexually assaulted and murdered Zara Aleena, a 35-year-old law graduate. Time and again, we have seen that one mans benefit of the doubt is another human beings avoidable death. This reckless, under-supervised mass early release of prisoners (another 5,500 will be let out through September and October) comes at a time when a record 88,521 are behind bars. The situation could be alleviated immediately if some of the 10,000-plus foreign nationals currently in prison in England and Wales were repatriated. Admittedly, its not straightforward, but there appears to be a curious lack of will to do anything. Sometimes, the home country Pakistan, Jamaica and Romania are the prime offenders simply refuses to take them. Or, predictably, the FNO (Foreign National Offender) claims his human rights wont be respected in his home country; his failure to respect human rights in ours doesnt count, of course. It doesnt help that our Home Office is notoriously feeble in these matters. As Kemi Badenoch explained recently, many staff in that department have worked previously for refugee charities. According to Badenoch, they are more activists than civil servants. In practice, the result is that thousands of young males arriving illegally in the UK from lawless, misogynist countries are given leave to stay, and to hell with the Britons they endanger. (Frances grant rate for asylum seekers is 27 per cent; the UKs is 57 per cent. Why do we accept double the number the French take if being a soft touch is not official policy?) Were it not for those Home Office activists, a wonderful young man called Tommy Roberts, an aspiring Marine, would be alive today. Tommys killer, an Afghan asylum seeker called Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai, arrived in the UK in 2019 on the back of a lorry having been refused asylum by a non-pushover country, Norway. He told Border Force officers he was 14 and fleeing the Taliban. Had Abdulrahimzai claimed to be gay and a Christian convert, he would have had a full house on the asylum seekers Bingo card. In fact, he was at least 19 and a double murderer. But where age is in question, case workers are under instruction to give the benefit of the doubt. Its not easy to get up-to-date figures, but Alp Mehmet of Migration Watch tells me that between 2012 and September 2021, of the asylum cases where age was disputed and which were resolved, 5,500 of the asylum seekers claiming to be children were over 18. (If the disputed claims being resolved continued at the 2021 rate, there would be a further 4,000-5,000 lying, cheating Abdulrahimzais living as children among us. A horrifying thought.) It gets worse. Deemed to be 14, Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai was placed with a foster carer and given a place at a secondary school in Bournemouth. None of the teachers or teenagers had any clue that the new classmate had killed two fellow Afghans in Serbia with a Kalashnikov rifle. In January 2020, a dentist said Abdulrahimzai was older than he claimed. While the authorities agreed an age assessment was required, they felt that a mental health assessment was needed first. Once again, the needs of an illegal migrant were deemed paramount. Try getting a mental health assessment for a British teenager. From 2020 onwards, there were several incidents of Abdulrahimzai carrying knives with which he was obsessed. He was accused of assaulting a student. Frankly, its a miracle no children were killed. In January 2022, the grievously complacent authorities confirmed an age assessment would finally be carried out because Abdulrahimzai had been bringing females back to his placement. Just two months later, police received a call about a youth carrying a machete-style knife in public. In the early hours of March 22 2022, Abdulrahimzai got into an altercation with a friend of Tommy Roberts. Tommy intervened to protect his mate and Abdulrahimzai stabbed him to death. The catalogue of errors is grotesque. Only after Tommy Robertss murder was Interpol contacted and Abdulrahimzais criminal record revealed. A heartbroken Roberts family was dumbfounded to discover their beloved boy lost his life because Border Force had neither checked the Afghans age nor his identity, and failed to share the fingerprints which would have revealed both. Last year, a pre-inquest hearing was told that a review commissioned into the Home Offices role in processing Abdulrahimzais immigration status had been completed but would remain confidential as it contained details of the procedures used when processing applicants, which were highly sensitive. I bet they were. We dont want the public finding out how insanely negligent and pro-migrant is the system which is supposed to protect us, do we? Angry people might, you know, take to the streets and get arrested for being the PMs favourite whipping boys far-Right thugs. To rub salt in the familys open wound, last week Rachel Griffin, senior coroner for Dorset, ruled that there was no need for a full inquest into the circumstances surrounding Tommy Roberts death. Griffin said the case did not meet the criteria because, although there were individual errors, they do not amount to a systemic failure. Would that be the same system which was so hoodwinked, so hellbent on accommodating an illegal arrival from a dangerous country that it allowed a murderer to attend school with innocent British children? Any fair person would call that a systemic failure, I think. Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai is now a Foreign National Offender, serving 29 years in our overcrowded prison system. We dont want him. He should never have been here in the first place. Ten days ago, Germany deported 28 hardened criminals to Afghanistan after secret talks with the Taliban. Among the deportees were an Afghan found guilty of raping an 11-year-old girl, and another who took part in a notorious gang-rape where the victim was 14. Sexually assaulting Western girls is practically a perk of illegal migration. What do we expect? Afghanistan is now the world capital of misogyny. A hellish Handmaids Tale of a place where women are lower than livestock. Not only must they cover every inch of themselves, they are no longer permitted to speak in public or sing, let alone dance to Taylor Swift. One in five of the young males arriving every day on small boats crossing the Channel is Afghan. Does Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, think their misogyny magically dissolves on arrival at Dover? Does she believe its consistent to announce shes thinking of making extreme misogyny a terrorist offence while continuing to grant admission to some of its foremost exponents? If Germany can deport those varmints to Afghanistan while still under the European Convention of Human Rights, what excuse does the British Government have? Afghanistan is the largest single recipient of our aid to my astonishment, I learnt the country received 350 million of taxpayers cash in 2022-23. Is it really beyond the wit of the Home Office to leverage our largesse and get Kabul to take back its criminals and make Britons safer? Across Europe, liberal politicians who have been disastrously soft on migration are rapidly changing their tune. Talking about the Afghan deportations, Nancy Faeser, German interior minister, declared: Our security is what matters. Our state has shown that it can act. Germany is also tightening its borders. Our Home Office has taken the opposite view: Refugees Welcome, Tough Luck, Britons. Tommy Roberts deserves a full inquest to reveal how those deluded activists betrayed him. I was talking the other day to a friend who works internationally in the field of VAWG (violence against women and girls). She said it was increasingly accepted that the rapid influx of migrants from countries that dont share Western values was gradually limiting the space in which women and girls can safely exist. I flinched because I suppose I knew it was true. We all know its true, which is why we are angry and so helpless. A country obsessed with health and safety has let in the biggest risk of all. From naively welcoming dangerous foreigners to releasing domestic abusers, Britain no longer feels like a safe country to be a woman. 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. GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) A sculpture project honoring Great Barrington native and civil rights activist W.E.B Du Bois has received funding from the state. The Massachusetts Office of Economic Development has awarded the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project $50,000. The bronze statue will be built in front of the Mason Public Library in Great Barrington. The Sculpture Project has raised $290,000 from foundations and private donors. 19 western Mass. tourism attractions receive state grants State Senator Paul Mark represents the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire district and is the Chair of the States Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. He requested the funds. Few people know that Du Boisa civil rights giant and founder of the NAACPwas born and raised in Great Barrington, said Mark. These funds will help complete the monument and promote Black history and tourism in the Berkshires. We are grateful to Senator Mark for supporting our efforts to recognize Du Bois and eager to join him in promoting Black history in the Berkshires, said Ari Zorn, co-chair of the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project. The non-profit Sculpture Project has partnered with Great Barrington and the Mason Public Library to redesign the library front as a community meeting place. In addition to the life-size sculpture on the lawn, inside the library a collection of Du Boiss books and private papers will be on display. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, and North Adams are among 47 public school districts across the state to receive federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education grants. The state released the more than $1.7 million in federal funds to allow districts the additional support and resources needed for students experiencing homelessness including family engagement, staff training, English language services, tutoring, school supplies and other services. Childcare grant program increases daycare enrollment Were deeply grateful to the school districts across the state that have been going above and beyond to support students experiencing homelessness and their families, including those who have long lived in Massachusetts and those who have newly arrived in Massachusetts. The dedication and hard work of educators and staff makes all the difference for these students at a very difficult time in their lives, said Governor Maura Healey. We also understand the strain facing school districts and the need for more resources. Thats why were proud to be delivering these federal funds to help schools support these students. Our administration will continue to advocate for additional federal support to address this federal problem. Local school districts play an important role in supporting students and families experiencing homelessness providing children with a high-quality education, free breakfast and lunch, connecting them with community resources, and so much more. Were glad to see school districts apply for and receive these federal grants, and we will continue to work at the state level to offer support, said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Students experiencing homelessness have the right to the same free public education as every other student in Massachusetts. I am grateful to the federal government for this grant funding that complements the states efforts to provide local school districts with resources and supports to help children succeed and thrive, regardless of their immigration or housing status, said Secretary of Education Patrick A. Tutwiler. Massachusetts schools have welcomed a variety of students experiencing homelessness over the past year, said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. Im proud of the way schools have responded and of the fact that so many of them are looking to improve their supports for students and families. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also offers other state resources, technical assistance, and professional learning opportunities available at no cost to districts. Last month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the City of Boston won more than $20 million in federal funding to support family shelter costs. The grant awardees and amounts are as follows: Acton-Boxborough Public Schools $20,000 Athol-Royalston Regional School District $20,000 Attleboro Public Schools $20,000 Auburn Public Schools $20,000 Barnstable Public Schools $40,000 Beverly Public Schools $20,000 Boston Public Schools $80,000 Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District $38,950 Brockton Public Schools $50,000 Cambridge Public Schools $30,000 Cape Cod Collaborative (Osterville) $25,000 Chicopee Public Schools $25,000 Concord Public Schools $20,000 Dracut Public Schools $20,000 Everett Public Schools $30,000 Fall River Public Schools $50,000 Fitchburg Public Schools $30,000 Framingham Public Schools $65,000 Gloucester Public Schools $75,000 Haverhill Public Schools $30,000 Holyoke Public Schools $60,000 King Phillip Regional School District (Norfolk) $20,000 Lawrence Public Schools $30,000 Leicester Public Schools $20,000 Leominster Public Schools $20,000 Lowell Public Schools $85,000 Lynn Public Schools $85,000 Map Academy Charter (Plymouth) $15,000 Marlborough Public Schools $50,000 Marshfield Public Schools $10,000 Milford Public Schools $30,000 New Bedford Public Schools $125,000 Norfolk Public Schools $20,000 North Adams Public Schools $20,000 Norwood Public Schools $40,000 Oxford Public Schools $20,000 Peabody Public Schools $20,000 Plainville Public Schools $40,000 Quincy Public Schools $20,000 Revere Public Schools $30,000 Salem Public Schools $30,000 Springfield Public Schools $50,000 Tantasqua Regional School District (Sturbridge) $20,000 Triton Public Schools (Byfield) $20,000 Weymouth Public Schools $20,000 Woburn Public Schools $20,000 Worcester Public Schools $60,000 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 WWLP. State and city leaders are speaking out after a local surge in immigrants gained national attention. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 and 6:00, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Clark County Commission President Melanie Flax-Wilt, and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue held press conferences to speak on the Haitian population in Springfield. On Monday, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator JD Vance posted to social media saying he has previously addressed the issue and now immigrants are eating peoples pets. He said in part, Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. A day later Vance made a second post on these claims. In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, the post said, in part. Flax-Wilt and Rue said they have investigated those rumors, and they are false. On Monday, the City of Springfield provided the following statement: In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic. Karen Graves, Springfield Strategic Engagement Manager In the same post, Vance touched on other real and true strains this immigration surge is putting on Springfield. In particular, he mentioned how its impacting the healthcare and local school system. City and county leaders have told News Center 7 its also impacting translation, fire, and police services. They have also had problems with unlicensed and uneducated drivers. Leaders have asked for help from Washington and Columbus. Earlier this afternoon, DeWine outlined some additional steps the state is taking to help. The Ohio Department of Health will work on this effort with the Clark County Health Department and other healthcare providers to expand primary case access for all Springfield residents. The state is providing $2.5 million in funding for this effort. Starting Wednesday, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will support Springfield police by patrolling local roads with the highest crash rates and hold anyone who drivers erratically and risks the safety of others accountable. The federal government needs to assist these communities with funding because these dramatic migrant surges impact every citizen in the community -- the moms who have to wait hours in a waiting room with a sick child, everyone who drives on our streets, and the children who go to school in more crowded classrooms, DeWine said. The federal government does not have a plan to give any support to the communities impacted by surges, and we have absolutely no indication that a plan is coming in the near future. News Center 7 asked what else city and county leaders need from the state and federal governments to help address these issues. Funding is the biggest, is the number one thing, because federal funding is based on population data and we dont have good population data on immigration. We arent accessing the federal funding that would be necessary. Same with state funding. But I dont believe anybodys going to save us but ourselves and the leadership to do that has to come from this community, Flax-Wilt said. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story and provide updates. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] About 100 state employees marched for a fair union contract during their lunch break on Tuesday at the Washington state Capitol Campus. Dubbed Walkout for Washington, 10 walkouts were scheduled around the state to support a fair contract for Washington Federation of State Employee members and to bring attention to the staffing crisis in public services. One group of employees from departments around the campus marched from the Department of Enterprise Services at 1500 Jefferson St. SE to meet another group at the Tivoli Fountain. Before marching, Ashley Fueston, vice president of AFSCME Council 28, said the walkout represented a moment of unity for all public employees in Washington. Were in the middle of bargaining, and in the midst of a staffing crisis in the public sector, our employers are proposing what amounts to a pay cut for WFSE members 2025-27 union contract, said Fueston, who works for the Employment Security Department. Fueston said 40% of the states workforce has turned over in the last eight years due to resignations alone. She said the only way to recruit and retain the most qualified professionals for public service is to raise pay. Our employers proposals at the bargaining table are going to harm public workers, their families and the Washingtonians that depend on us and our work, she said. Rally participants were handed a sheet of chants to sing while marching to the fountain. On the way, the group picked up a few more state employees. Once they reached the fountain, the two groups chanted back and forth across Capitol Way. One of the chants said if the union doesnt receive a fair contract, Shut it down. Kurt Spiegel, executive director of AFSCME Council 28, said the committee of about 20 people has been at the bargaining table since April, and they arent getting very far. Public employees deserve better, Spiegel said. They do hard work every day. Some put their lives on the line, either on the side of the road or in some of our critical 24/7 institutions on a daily basis. He said the governor and the Office of Financial Management are giving them a proposal thats ultimately a pay cut. They are taking away pay where theyre experiencing severe staffing shortages and they cant hire enough people, and they dont want to stay mainly because theyre not well paid, he said. So we just want the money that state employees deserve to do the important work for the state of Washington. Our members make this state happen, from DOC to DOT to State Parks to our institutions, they work hard every day, and they just want a fair wage and a fair contract. He said the bargaining committee has been spending back-to-back late nights at the table, and their next meeting is Sept. 12. Were trying to partner to solve problems with OFM, and theyre just not coming to the table to problem solve, Spiegel said. Theyre pretty much just telling us theyre not interested, and telling us about the state of the budget. And we understand the state of the budget, but its about priorities, and the work of the state has to get done. So they need to prioritize state employees and the public service they provide. He said the walkout was a major action, but if it doesnt send a clear enough message to OFM and the governor, the union is prepared to escalate tactics, though he couldnt specify what that meant. Mike Faulk, spokesperson for Gov. Jay Inslees office, said OFM is leading these negotiations, and that hed defer to them about the bargaining process and any claims being made about it. The Olympian has reached out to OFM for comment. The governors support of our hard-working public employees over his 12 years in office speaks for itself, Faulk said. Voting is a direct way to have your voice heard in our country. Democracy thrives when people participate. As we approach the general election, registering to vote and casting your ballot can make a huge difference in our everyday lives. Lets first talk about the importance of voting. Beyond the presidential race, Montanans will elect a U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state legislators, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, Supreme Court justices, and other leaders. Montana voters will decide on ballot initiatives that affect our daily lives. If you are not registered, you cannot vote, and thats an opportunity lost for your voice to be heard. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Get yourself ready by doing the following: Check your voter registration: Visit MyVoterPageMt.com to confirm your registration status. If your status is active, you are ready to vote. If your status is inactive, update your voter registration by completing a new voter registration form and either mail it or take it to your county Election Office. When registering, you will need a Montana drivers license, Montana State identification card, military ID, tribal ID, US passport, Montana concealed carry permit, OR a school identification card. If you dont have a photo ID, you can use a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck stub, or government document. Your registration status becomes inactive if you fail to vote in a federal election and you did not respond to two confirmation mailings from the county election office OR if your mail-in ballot was returned as undeliverable, and you failed to respond to one confirmation mailing from the county election office. Check your polling place: Some polling places may have changed since the last presidential election, especially in rural parts of the county. Check the updated list of polling places by visiting voterportal.mt.gov and then click on Polling Places. Important dates to remember: Sept. 17: National Voter Registration Day. Watch for voter registration opportunities in your community. Oct. 7: This is the end of regular voter registration. Mailed forms must be postmarked by Oct. 7 and received by the county election office by Oct. 10 to register by mail. From Oct. 8 until noon on Monday, Nov. 4: This is the late registration period where you may still register to vote, update your registration, or request an absentee ballot, but you need to do it in person at your county election office. Oct. 11: absentee ballots mailed to voters. Nov. 5: Election Day. Polls for in-person voting are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. with some smaller polling places opening later than 7 a.m. Montana law allows same-day registration, so you can go in and register and vote on Election Day. However, lines are likely to be long, so it is better to register before Election Day. Absentee ballots must be received by your county Election Office by 8 p.m. on November 5. You can also drop off your absentee ballot at your polling place on Election Day. Getting registered to vote is just the first step in voting. Get a plan together for voting. Know what your candidates stand for and what is on the ballot. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, there are websites to help: VOTE411.org/montana has voting information and will have candidate information starting September 17 Go to the website for your county Election office for more information on polling places and times Montana Secretary of States Office sos.mt.gov Let your voice be heardVOTE 2024! In our In the Spotlight stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you continuing coverage of news and events important to our Central Kentucky community. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com. The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission has voted unanimously to move forward in its investigation into State Rep. Daniel Grossberg. After a closed-door session Tuesday morning where members discussed confidential complaints against Grossberg, the commission publicly voted 8-0 to launch a formal probe into the Louisville Democrats conduct. The decision to investigate Grossberg means there was reason to believe (Grossberg) has committed or is about to commit a violation of the state ethics code, Commission Chair Dave Nicholas said. This determination means only that the alleged violations merit further inquiry and is not a finding that (Grossberg) has violated the ethics code, he said. The commission voted to do so in response to a complaint from House Democratic leadership against Grossberg. While the commission publicly identified the vote only by case number, a source familiar with the investigation confirmed to the Herald-Leader the vote pertained to Grossberg. The 45-year-old lawmaker has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women via reporting in the Herald-Leader beginning in late July. The women detailed their experiences with the lawmaker and provided text messages corroborating their accounts. Inappropriate interactions with women was one of several aspects of the complaint House Democratic leadership filed against Grossberg. Grossbergs camp has already offered public retorts to many of the allegations brought forth in House Democrats letter. Other aspects of the complaint include allegations of improper behavior related to fundraising calls, a car purchase, harassing messages and more. After learning of the commissions unanimous decision to investigate, Grossbergs attorney, Anna Whites, said Tuesday she and her client are looking forward to the name clearing we requested. She added, For the public process to work as the legislature intended, claims in a complaint must be truthful and accurate. Herald-Leader reporting on Grossberg has featured stories and messages shared by six different women. In one story published last month, the Herald-Leader reported on two women who received inappropriate, harassing or sexually-tinged messages from Grossberg. A third woman in the story recounted an incident of alleged sexual harassment in Grossbergs office wherein he consumed multiple alcoholic drinks in front of her and asked questions about her genitals and sex life. In a statement responding to the commissions decision, the House Democratic caucus expressed faith in the process. The House Democratic Caucus voted earlier this summer to initiate the complaint against state Representative Daniel Grossberg, so we appreciate the Legislative Ethics Commissions unanimous decision today to investigate, a spokesperson for the caucus wrote. Our caucus believes that the commission is the best venue to resolve this matter, and we stand ready to work with that agency as this case now officially moves forward. Your trusted source for contextualizing Americas core issues. Sign up for our daily newsletter to read future poll stories first, or donate today to support more projects like this. This is the third annual poll from The 19th and SurveyMonkey, designed to shed light on what women, particularly women of color, and LGBTQ+ people think about the issues animating our politics. It comes as Americans face another critical election, one that could make Democrat Kamala Harris the first woman to hold the countrys highest office or give Republican Donald Trump a second term. Heres what we learned about how Americans view the candidates, as well as opinions on abortion and on reproductive care more broadly, the ability to access gender-affirming care and more. Interactive toplines | Full cross-tabs | Methodology | 2023 data | 2022 data Election 2024 Among registered voters, Harris leads Trump, 44 percent to 41 percent, with 48 percent of women supporting the vice president and 47 percent of men supporting the former president. To find out whether Harris chance to make history impacted voters enthusiasm, we split Harris supporters into two groups. Both groups were asked how excited they were to vote for her, but to one group, we pointed out that she would be the first woman president. When her gender was emphasized, 93 percent said they were somewhat or very excited; when it was not mentioned, 91 percent did. Among women, the percent who said they were very excited rose from 73 percent to 81 percent when her gender was mentioned. Eighty-seven percent of Trump supporters are either very or somewhat excited to vote for him. Read the full story. Reproductive health The vast majority of Americans either want the government to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technologies, birth control and emergency contraception or to not make rules on them. Democrats are more likely to want elected officials to protect access, while Republicans are more likely to want them to not make rules. Restrictions on assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization are extremely unpopular among Americans (9 percent support restrictions), as are limits on birth control methods like the pill and condoms (6 percent). Only 13 percent of Americans though 22 percent of Republicans believe politicians should restrict access to emergency contraception. Overall, Americans opinions on abortion have moved little since last year; nearly two-thirds of voters think the procedure should be legal in all or most cases, with women more likely than men to say abortion should be legal in all cases. The poll did find a slight but persistent increase in the percent of people who think abortion should be legal when the pregnant persons health or life is in danger, in cases of rape and incest and when the fetus is not expected to survive or is expected to have serious birth defects. This follows two years of political campaigns in which such circumstances have often been highlighted by candidates who oppose abortion bans. Half of people in states where abortion is totally banned say the laws in their state are too restrictive; people in states where it is always or mostly legal are more likely to say laws in their state strike the right balance than those in states with partial or complete bans. Read the full story. Gender-affirming care Theres not as much polling about how Americans feel about gender-affirming care as on other issues central to the election, so The 19th and SurveyMonkey asked a number of questions this year and last as policies that impact transgender Americans became a focus for some politicians. This year, we found that 72 percent of Americans dont believe that politicians are informed enough about gender-affirming care for minors to make fair policy, roughly the same as in 2023. Last year, the majority of Americans said they opposed the right of minors to access gender-affirming care, but only 17 percent thought lawmakers should focus on restricting such care. So this year, The 19th and SurveyMonkey tried to probe the difference between opposition generally and the desire for politicians to take action. First, respondents were given this definition: Gender-affirming care for transgender minors includes any kind of care designed to support and affirm their gender identity, including therapy, consultations with doctors, hormones or puberty blockers, other medication, and, rarely, surgery. Then, half the respondents were asked their opinion on the right of transgender minors to have access to gender-affirming care, and the other half were asked their opinion on lawmakers restricting such care. Sixty percent of Americans oppose the right of transgender minors to access gender-affirming care, but these attitudes do not necessarily translate to support for bans. Fifty-four percent of Americans do not support lawmakers banning or restricting such care, including half of Republicans. The split indicates that legislation banning such care is not popular, even among many who dont want minors to have access to gender-affirming care. Similar to last year, a majority of Americans continue to support the right of transgender adults to access gender-affirming care (56 percent). Education The vast majority of Americans, across partisan lines, think schools should teach the countrys history of slavery, racism and segregation including 85 percent of those who identify or lean Republican. More than half (51 percent) of Americans think students should learn about LGBTQ+ people in history or literature, but theres a strong partisan split: 81 percent of Democrats strongly or somewhat favor that, while only 24 percent of Republicans do. Sixty percent of Americans favor teaching Judeo-Christian values, such as the Ten Commandments, in schools, though theres a partisan divide here, too, with 83 percent of Republicans and 41 percent of Democrats in favor. Elections and democracy Americans are more likely to trust that elections in their precinct will be run securely compared with their trust in the countrys elections overall. The largest difference was with Republicans, with 76 percent saying they trust elections in their precinct and 43 percent saying they trust elections in the country. This 19th News The State of Our Nation poll was powered by SurveyMonkey, the fast, intuitive feedback management platform where 20 million questions are answered daily. It was conducted online from August 26, 2024, through September 4, 2024, among a national sample of 20,762 U.S. adults 18+. Respondents were selected from the more than two million people who take surveys on SurveyMonkey each day. Results for this non-probability survey have an error estimate of plus or minus 1.0 percentage point. Data have been weighted for age, race, sex, education and geography using the Census Bureaus American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States aged 18 and over. In addition, data for transgender respondents have been weighted for political party identification and gender using the KFF/The Washington Post Trans Survey to reflect the demographic composition of that subgroup. Learn more about SurveyMonkey elections research. The post The State of Our Nation: Polling Americans priorities for Election 2024 appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. State Rep. James Frank, R- Wichita Falls, chairs the House Human Services Committee hearing at the Capitol on March 21, 2022. The committee is investigating reported allegations of sexual exploitation at a facility in Bastrop. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune State Rep. James Frank, a Wichita Falls Republican who is one of the Texas Houses leading voices on health and foster care, announced Tuesday he is running for speaker, making him the fourth member to challenge the lower chambers current leader, Beaumont Republican Dade Phelan. In a statement announcing his bid for the speakership, Frank said he would work to bring better communication, member empowerment and management of the flow of legislation if he became the chambers leader. Like the three previous challengers to Phelan, he pledged to appoint only Republicans to leadership positions on legislative committees. Following the end of last session, and especially after the primary election results of March, it became clear to me that the House itself and our voters want to move in a different direction, Frank said in his announcement. By todays actions, I am asking you to consider whether I represent that direction. Pushing back against critics who say appointing only Republicans to leadership positions would take Democrats out of the legislative process, Frank said Texas is one of only three states that continues to give the minority party leadership positions. He said restricting committee chair positions to the majority party would "allow significantly more Republicans to participate in leadership roles." Without naming Phelan, Frank was critical of the current speaker's communication with the members of the chamber and with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott. By the end of last session, relationships between the "Big 3" Phelan, Patrick and Abbott had been the worst in recent years with Patrick frequently sniping at Phelan on social media. "Relationships don't get better by not talking," Frank said. "I have the time, willingness and understand the importance of spending as much energy as necessary to ensure communication flows between the chambers and among the members." Frank also pledged to decentralize power away from the speaker and to "empower members" of the chamber to represent their constituents. He also said he would fast-track the passage of GOP priority legislation at the beginning of the session so that Republican priorities aren't killed in end-of-session battles. "This will allow us to ensure that Republican members can fulfill their promises to their constituents," he said. "It will also allow members of both parties to spend the rest of session focused on the 90-95% of other bills that constituents on both sides of the aisle want us to debate and pass." Phelan has said he plans to seek another term as speaker when the House reconvenes next January. But his control of the chamber is tenuous: In May, Phelan narrowly fended off a primary challenger backed by his partys rightmost flank, and three GOP members were already trying to wrest control of the gavel before Frank joined the fray. Much of the opposition to Phelan stems from his support for last years impeachment of fellow Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton on corruption and bribery charges, which drove a wedge between Phelans allies and the partys right flank. Frank was among the 60 House Republicans who voted to impeach Paxton. Frank has served in the House since 2012 and chaired the chambers Human Services Committee since 2019. He is the second committee chair to challenge Phelan, joining state Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, who was tapped by Phelan to oversee the House Insurance Committee. Also running for speaker is state Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville and Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield. Slawson was one of 23 who voted against Paxtons impeachment and Oliverson missed the vote. Cook voted for impeachment but later clarified he would have voted against three of the articles against Paxton. Frank is a staunch supporter of private school vouchers, the other issue that has emerged as a political litmus test for GOP lawmakers amid backing from Abbott. Oliverson and Slawson also support school vouchers, or the policy of using taxpayer funding to help parents pay for their childrens private school tuition. Phelan kept his personal feelings about vouchers close to the vest as the issue fractured House Republicans last session. He did not cast a vote on a measure that ultimately killed the voucher bill, which is often the case for the House speaker. He later told The Texas Tribune he would have supported a limited voucher program. Within the chamber, Frank is best known for his work on health care policy and child welfare legislation. He was the House sponsor of a 2017 law overhauling the states beleaguered foster care system, adopting a new model that relied on third-party contractors to place children in residential facilities or find foster parents. This so-called community-based care model has progressed slowly since the law took effect, the Tribune has reported. Frank has also led efforts on legislation limiting the ability of Child Protective Services to remove children from their homes. Additionally, he has ushered a number of bills through the Human Services Committee aimed at improving Texas Medicaid managed care program, the privatized system used to deliver the majority of the states covered benefits, such as drug and treatment services. Frank, a 57-year-old businessman, owns an iron manufacturing company in Wichita Falls, where more than half his district lives. He represents a rural and solidly Republican swath of 14 counties, several of which run along Texas northern border with Oklahoma. The district also covers some of the states most sparsely populated areas south of the Panhandle. The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form. 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. On Sept. 7, we wrapped our 2024 Festival three unforgettable days packed with 100+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events on the Tribunes Festival news page. EVANSVILLE, In (WEHT) Prosecutors have rested their case against an Evansville man who is charged with neglect after his child was bitten over 50 times by rats. David Schonabaum is charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury after his six-month-old son was alleged to be found covered in over 50 rat bites to his forehead, right cheek, nose, fingers and toes. The rest of the states witnesses were called including another one of Schonabaums sons. He said when he would visit, there was rats and mice in the house. Former Maglinger employee Allison Grant said she provided services to the house earlier in the year due to concerns from Department of Child Services about the condition of the home. She said the checks included sanitation of the home due to the presence of rats, maggots, flies, roaches, dirty floors, trash and other issues. She also said there was dog feces throughout the house and chickens in the kitchen. Grant claimed after addressing the issues, there would be periods of visual improvement followed by periods of regression. She also claimed before the incident, there was improvement with no rodents being present. Terminix Olivia Eli said she was over at the house five times prior to the incident. She said she would see clutter, trash, feces and German cockroaches. She also said there were improvements made at first but made it clear that as long as the cleaning was not kept up, the rat problem would not improve. She testified there would always be clutter around the baseboards, making setting traps difficult since rats use the baseboards to run. She also said after some time, she would provide Schonabaum with five to ten traps two separate times with no evidence that the traps were used. During cross examination, Eli said she was originally called to the house for the roach problem, and the rats became an issue a couple of months later. Other people that did testify included DCS member Taylor Forston, pediatric surgeon Dr. Brett Engerecht from Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, Dr. Cortney Demetris from Payton Manning Childrens Hospital in Indianapolis, nurse practitioner Stratton Dowland and registered nurse at St. Vincent Brandi Beron. Dowland and Beron said they treated injuries to two other children that were at Schonabaums house due to them claiming that a mouse had bitten their toes. During cross, Beron said that one cannot distinguish a rat bite from a mouse bite. The defense did not call any witnesses, and Schonabaum chose to not testify. The trial will resume on Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. Closing arguments followed by the start of jury deliberations are expected to be given on Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Stellantis recalls 1.5M Ram trucks to fix software bug that can disable stability control DETROIT (AP) Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide to fix a software problem that can disable the electronic stability control system. The recall covers certain trucks from the 2019 and 2021 through 2024 model years, mostly in North America. Stellantis said in a statement Saturday that the trucks may have anti-lock brake software that could inadvertently shut down the stability control, which manages the throttle and brakes to avoid skidding. If that happens, the company said the brakes would still work. Stellantis said its not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem. U.S. safety standards require electronic stability control to work during nearly all phases of driving, the company says. Dealers will update software to fix the problem at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters starting Oct. 3. 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. FORT WORTH, Texas - A stolen daycare bus led Fort Worth police on a chase through several neighborhoods. Cell phone video captured the chase as it entered a Grand Prairie neighborhood before eventually coming to an end in an alley. The chase began Monday around 2:30 p.m. when Fort Worth police say they tried to pull over a bus that was reported stolen from Tender Love Childcare in Arlington. However, the bus driver refused to stop, and a chase began. After going through several neighborhoods, the chase ended on Silver Trail in Grand Prairie. "It shook up the neighborhood. All the neighbors came out and were looking and saying, This is crazy! Whats going on?!" recalled witness Krystal Powell. "There were six cops chasing him! It was a lot." After a short foot chase, police arrested two people who were inside the bus. DAYCARE BUS CHASE: Two people were arrested after a police chase involving a stolen daycare bus in Fort Worth Monday. Police say they tried to pull over the driver, but the driver refused to stop. The chase made its way through several neighborhoods, but no one was injured, and pic.twitter.com/7frXEFqtt7 FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) September 9, 2024 Tender Love Childcare Owner Belinda Langley says the buses and vans are used to take kids to and from school. "Im still so confused and in shock because out of six years, weve never had a bus stolen from us," she said. Staff told Arlington police they saw the bus parked in the back of the daycare on Friday. By Saturday morning, it was gone. After Langley got the call Monday that the bus had been found, her reaction went from joy to disappointment when she saw the condition it was left in. "Whole lot of clothes, baby formula, different food, all kinds of trash in there, alcohol," she said. "Whatever you want to think of, they just moved up there." Langley believes someone was living in it. "Seats gotta be replaced. Air conditioning gotta be taken care of. And I dont know how were gonna get the paint off of there," she said. Still, Langley is grateful no one was hurt during the wild police chase. "I just thank God no kids were on there," she said. "The most important thing to me is to make sure the kids are all safe at all times." The daycare does have surveillance cameras. An employee said there have been prior incidents where people have stolen catalytic converters from the buses and vans. Police have not released the names of the suspects or the charges theyre facing. The legal battle over the outcome of the 2024 election has already started, and this time around, Republicans are not waiting until after the votes are cast to launch their strategy. A well-organized juggernaut has been laying the groundwork to dispute this years results in the years since the chaos and violence of the 2020 presidential election. GOP think tanks and funders have set about reshaping election boards and rewriting election laws, state by state. On this weeks episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick was joined by Ari Berman, Mother Jones national voting rights correspondent and author of Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the Peopleand the Fight to Resist It. Their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: This idea of noncitizen voting is now a loud drumbeat and dog whistle. The argument is literally being made now that noncitizen votes are canceling out the votes of citizens. Ari Berman: And none of it is grounded in any kind of fact. Theres no evidence of noncitizen voting, and it doesnt even make any logical sense why someone would come here in search of a better life and then risk deportation, or worse, to cast a ballot. Thats probably the last thing on their minds. But its the newest version of the Big Lie, and its really a twofer for them because they are fusing voter fraud paranoia with anti-immigrant hysteria. And in doing so, theyre building support both for new restrictions on voting, but also for new restrictions on immigration. So its basically taking two of the most important planks of the MAGA agenda and putting them together. One of the stories we dont get entirely right about what happened in 2020 is: They tried to steal the election and they failed, therefore, the system held. Trumps lawyers filed these 60-plus lawsuits after the election, and they were all tossed. In lots of those cases, the issue was, If you didnt like the way the election was being run, you should have sued before. But a lot has changed since 2020. This time around, nobodys waiting. Republican lawyers have already filed around 100 lawsuits. This has been a period of real learning by the folks who wanted to steal the 2020 election. Weve got this very well-funded, well-organized juggernaut challenging elections in ways that I dont think map onto what we saw happen in 2020. Thats right. This is not the Four-Seasons-Total-Landscaping, Rudy-Giulianis-hair-dye-dripping form of election stealing. This is a much more organized effort, because they have changed the laws in a number of places to make it easier to effectuate these outcomes. They dont need to bang on the doors outside the polling place in Michigan anymore, because theyre inside the polling places in a lot of these places now. They are the election officials who will be counting the ballots, or election observers who will be much closer to counting the ballots. Thats why they changed the rules in Georgia well ahead of time. To get ahead of the thing so they dont need to challenge it after the election. Theyre already laying the groundwork not to certify the election in Georgia. We dont know if theyll be successfulits very likely their efforts to try to not certify elections will be blocked by the courts ahead of time or blocked by the courts after the fact; I think most people are confident of that. What I worry about most is that theyre also trying to send a signal to other states and other Trump people to do this ahead of time. I worry that the votes were counted in 2020 and then lawsuits were filed to overturn the votes, but the votes had already been counted. What if the votes arent counted? Whats a court going to do then? That changes the whole process. Then you might have disputes that look much more like Bush v. Gore as opposed to what we saw in 2020 and just outright trying to steal an election. Just take Georgia, and these concerns about the election certification there. Post-2020, they passed a sweeping voter suppression law in the state. It included all of these different provisions making it harder to vote. I said at the time: Pay attention to what theyre doing in terms of the administration of elections. They kicked the Republican Secretary of State who stood up to Trump off the board of elections there. They did that for a very specific reason. They wanted to put a MAGA majority on the state election board in Georgia, and clearly that was the most important part of that law. It didnt get as much attention, not nearly as much as the stuff about not being able to give water to people who are waiting in line to vote. But I guarantee you, this new MAGA majority in Georgia thats passing rules to not certify an election is a whole lot more consequential than not being able to give someone a bottle of water in line. We need to pay attention to the most important parts of how the election process has changed since 2020. So Georgia looks like it now has a kind of permission slip to just refuse to certify the election, which Secretary of State Raffensperger actually couldnt do last time, but presumably can do this time. Its a permission slip in some sense to ratify the insurrection theory into law this time. The other thing thats so important is that its not just Georgia. In your book, you really focus on the ways in which this is another one of those astroturf efforts that pops up everywhere. You mention that the Heritage Foundation spent $24 million in two years and eight battleground states to create what you describe as an election integrity echo chamber. Weve got Stephen Millers America First Legal also being very active, with lots of money being poured into this idea. The narrative they are pushing from 2020 is that elections are insecure, and they are using that story to further suppress the vote. When I was reading your book, I was staggered by the fact that heres Cleta Mitchell showing up again, heres John Eastman popping up. These are the people who did the last insurrection, and they are the engine of this effort to make election integrity an issue. Thats whats so disturbing. Not only did the Stop the Steal people seemingly face no accountability other than maybe being slapped on the wrist here or there, maybe disbarred or losing their license, but basically they have been resurrected to lead Stop The Steal 2.0, which is a lot more sophisticated than it was the last time. All of these Trump-aligned think tanks are laying the groundwork for these policy changes this time around. You have the Conservative Partnership Institute raising millions and millions of dollars to work with state officials and to put election deniers in positions of authority. Cleta Mitchellwho was on the call where Trump demanded that the Georgia Secretary of State find 11,780 votes to reverse Bidens victoryhas been leading this effort to put election deniers in all of these places like the Georgia state board. Heritage Action and Heritage Foundation, the Project 2025 people that you hear so much about trying to take away abortion rights and other rights, have been leading the push to suppress voting rights. Weve known much of this since 2021, when we saw the video essentially explaining how quietly and quickly they have pulled this off. They were bragging about how they got Republicans and all of these Republican-controlled states to change the voting laws. That was the first thing they did after the insurrection. They institutionalized the insurrection in that way. They also began changing the election machinerychanging whos on county boards of elections, state boards of elections, recruiting all of these poll watchers. That whole system is in place now in a way that it wasnt in place in 2020. I dont want people to get so freaked out that they feel like My vote doesnt matter. But I think people need to know what theyre up against here. One of the things thats been disturbing to me is watching, for example, the Georgia state board of elections meetings. Its all MAGA election deniers there. Where are the Democrats? Where are the progressives? Theyre so busy talking about joy and hope theyre not attending the meetings where the plot to steal the election is being held. Im not saying that people arent working on voter protection, or that people arent filing lawsuits, but theres definitely an asymmetric warfare here. Not just in terms of changing the laws, but what the priorities are for them. Theyre not fighting on policy. They dont care about policy. Theyre laser-focused on changing the rules to make sure they can succeed where they failed in 2020. That is the overriding goal of the MAGA movement right now. Stormont departments are currently facing spending pressures of 767m, the finance minister has told MLAs. That means departments believe they need this amount more than what is currently in the budget. Caoimhe Archibald said Stormont can expect to get about 500m extra as a consequence of Octobers Westminster budget. She said while that will go a "significant way" towards easing the pressures, ministers will have to play their part and there would only be "full certainty" of the amount towards the end of this year. Ministers were warned not to trigger the repayment of a previous overspend [BBC] Ms Archibald also warned that if ministers did not operate within budget it would have "grave consequences" for future public funding. She said the Treasury has been "explicit" that any overspend this year would trigger the suspended repayment of a previous 559m overspend. "We must face up to the challenges, strive to live within our budgets and avoid a scenario in 2025-26 of having to deal with paying back any overspend from this year along with a further 559m from previous years, by taking the responsible decisions that we need to achieve financial balance this year," she told the Assembly chamber. The finance minister said she will bring forward proposals to make rates higher for some households and businesses [Getty Images] Ms Archibald also signalled that she is set to propose measures which will mean higher rates bills for some households or businesses. Rates are a property tax and the main way by which Stormont can raise additional revenue. The minister said she wants to "build a progressive rates system which grows our tax base and stimulates our economy". Her department has published responses to a rates consultation which was started by the UK government while devolution was suspended. She said: "I will be bringing forward short, medium and long-term rating policy proposals including a more strategic longer-term policy approach in the coming weeks." The consultation included a proposal to increase rates for the most valuable houses. Rates are based on property values and the rateable value of houses is currently capped. No houses are assumed to be worth more than 400,000 at a 2005 valuation. That means that large homes in more affluent areas of north Down, for example, currently pay the same rates as much more modest detached houses. CORONA, Queens (PIX11) They are as much a part of life in New York as the lemon ice and hot dogs they sometimes sell. Some street vendors said that over-policing vendor regulations are violating their rights. Theyre calling for a group of proposed protections for vendors to be passed into law, and they did so on Monday in a vocal way. More Queens News Dozens of street vendors, carrying signs and chanting, held a protest at the corner of Junction Boulevard and 37th Avenue. Its where, late last month, one of their own, a grilled meat vendor named Blanca Alvarado, was cited by police, and her cart was tossed by responding officers into a waiting city garbage truck. On Monday, she came to the protest carrying a small stack of citations shed been writing for various offenses, of which she said she was not guilty. Alvarado also showed her vendors license and said, through a Spanish interpreter, that shed followed all of the rules for her grilled meat cart, on which she and her family had heavily depended. I started street vending because my husband died, she said. The other protesting vendors said that they were also licensed but that the process to do so is slow and laborious and that even when they get approved by the city, law enforcement gets in the way of their businesses through overzealous enforcement. They called police actions against them illegal. Licensed vendor Lulu Ye said that her case is representative of what many street vendors go through. Shed brought with her her own sheaf of tickets that police had written against her this year. When they come to here, we have to stop the work, she said. They waste our time. Customers dont come to us to buy something. We lose the money. The protesters, who are members of the Street Vendor Project organization, said that the NYPD 115th Precinct, in particular, overpoliced the vendors in eastern Queens. They noted that overzealous enforcement is an issue city-wide. More Local News Thats why theyre pushing for passage of the Street Vendor Reform Platform in the New York City Council. Its a set of bills designed to ensure that more vendors get licenses more quickly, that a small business office focused on street vendors is established in city government, and that clearer enforcement guidelines are issued. PIX11 News contacted the NYPD, seeking comment regarding the accusations that the department was over-policing. The department would only report that Mondays protest was peaceful and orderly. It did not address the allegations against its officers. For its part, the protests organizers, the Street Vendor Project, said that their hours-long demonstration, which also featured a mariachi band, dancing, and a full lunch for participants, was meant to emphasize how important street vendors are to the citys financial health. This is what a real, local economy looks like, said Carina Kauffman-Gutierrez, a director of the Street Vendor Project, and we need the support to be able to formalize it. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kolkata doctors will not return to work until rape case demands met Medics march along a street during a protest condemning the rape and murder of a trainee medic at a government-run hospital, in Kolkata By Subrata Nag Choudhury KOLKATA (Reuters) -Junior doctors in India's West Bengal state have vowed to keep up a strike in protest at the rape and murder of a trainee doctor unless their demands are met, defying a Supreme Court deadline for Tuesday. While demonstrations in other states have been gradually called off after the Supreme Court formed a hospital safety task force, doctors in West Bengal, where the incident happened at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, have continued their protest. The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front marched in Kolkata on Tuesday, with junior doctors from several medical colleges in the state lending support, to press its demands for justice for the victim and better security at hospitals. The group had said it would "consider" the court's order on Monday directing protesters resume work by Tuesday evening only if its demands were tackled by the deadline. "Otherwise, we will understand that the government does not wish to end the deadlock," the group, which represents about 7,000 physicians in the state, said in a statement on Monday. "In that case, we will hold the government responsible for the situation arising across the state." Officials from West Bengal's health department told Reuters that the protesters' concerns, including additional CCTV coverage, deployment of female security personnel, adequate lighting, toilets, and resting spaces, were being addressed. "Funds have been released but it will certainly not meet the deadline of today (Tuesday)," said a senior official who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "It will take some time for these things to happen on the ground." Protests over the incident spread overseas at the weekend, as thousands of Indians staged demonstrations in 25 countries, including the United States and Japan, to demand justice for the woman. Rights activists say the attack provides further evidence of the sexual violence Indian women face despite tougher laws introduced after a horrific incident of gang rape and murder in the capital, New Delhi, in 2012. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime and the former principal of the college has been arrested over accusations of graft. (Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Alison Williams) KANSAS CITY, Mo. Police confirmed that a suspect has been arrested after threatening a Lees Summit middle school. Law enforcement was made aware around 3 p.m. Monday. Our investigators took it immediately. We were contacted by the school, Sgt. Chris Depue with the Lees Summit Police Department said. They notified us, and our guys went to work immediately. Theres nothing anonymous on the internet. No matter what you think youre doing. It creates its own electronic paper trail, Depue added. Lees Summit Superintendent Dr. David Buck released a statement Tuesday morning confirming that a student has been taken into custody after threatening a district middle school on social media. In a letter to students, family and staff, Buck said the student had made a vague social media threat on TikTok toward East Trails Middle School on Monday, causing local law enforcement at the FBI to get involved. Kansas City, Kansas, middle school looking into possible bomb threat Bucks letter said: Dear LSR7 Families & Staff: Yesterday evening, East Trails Middle School and district administration, the Lees Summit Police Department and the FBI swiftly responded to a threatening message posted on TikTok referencing that school. LSPD officers have since identified and made contact with a student connected to the post. That student was taken into police custody and is not in school today thanks to this quick action. Earlier this week, we communicated to four school buildings about a vague social media threat that police were unable to corroborate. Threats like the ones we have responded to this week disrupt the learning environment for students and consume staff resources. Please help us emphasize to all students that making a threat against a public school, even as a joke, has serious legal and disciplinary consequences. We are processing this incident in full accordance with school policy and in partnership with our police partners. These situations reinforce the importance of each and every member of our school community always reporting any threatening post or communication to our school staff and police. We will continue to encourage an environment where students, staff, and families feel empowered to report anything that might be suspicious or out of the ordinary; prompt reporting is important in enabling us to be proactive in maintaining a safe school environment. Were grateful to the students and parents who exhibited this quick thinking this week. Finally, if you see a social media threat, please dont forward or repost it. Instead, take a screenshot and share it with our school administrators and police. Sharing the post makes it harder to find out who started it and slows down the investigation. Our SafeSchool hotlines, accessible on our school websites, are another way to confidentially share information with our leaders. Thank you for your cooperation, support and patience as we make decisions to keep our students and staff safe. Please also help us thank our law enforcement partners who partner with us each and every day to support safe learning environments in LSR7. Dr. David Buck Superintendent At this time, the details of the post and what the threat contained have not been released by law enforcement, however, this incident follows several other threats, including shootings and bombs, to schools and districts across the Kansas City metro over the last week. Dozens of KC metro schools, police investigating school shooting threats Parents told FOX4 that they are thankful for quick action from the police department and school administration. At 6 a.m., we got an email saying the person was caught, Adam Jameson, a Lees Summit school district parent added. I want to thank the school district and the department for their swift action, as a family and the community. We felt the stress. Thank you to everyone who helped out, Jameson shared. On Monday morning, letters to families, students and staff at Eisenhower Middle School were sent out after a bomb threat was reported at the Kansas City, Kansas school. The district claimed that the threat may have been part of a prank it had dealt with last week and that the school will have extra support just in case. As well as this, another arrest was made on Monday after reports of a threat toward Blue Springs High School were made on Snapchat. According to law enforcement and school administrators, the juvenile responsible for the threats was identified and arrested. They face legal and disciplinary actions. The student who threatened the school and administration at East Trails Middle School, however, remains in police custody and will not be present on school property until further notice. For more information, tune into FOX4 News for the latest details and 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 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Student charged with having gun at Statesville High School: Police Student charged with having gun at Statesville High School: Police STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A 16-year-old student is charged with having a gun at school on Monday, according to the city of Statesville and its police department. Just before 9 a.m. on September 9, police were alerted that a 16-year-old student tripped the metal detector at Statesville High School. School Resource Officers searched the students backpack and reportedly found a loaded 9mm handgun. Missing, endangered alert cancelled for 14-year-old boy from Statesville Officials stress that no one was hurt and no threats were made. The gun was seized and secured without issue. Statesville Police and Iredell-Statesville Schools launched an investigation, which resulted in the student being charged with Felony Possession of a Firearm on Educational Property. Students in the district started the fall semester on August 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 Queen City News. States ranked for financial literacy by Credit Secrets online site. Nebraska is rated No. 1. (Courtesy of Credit Secrets and Data Wrapper) LINCOLN A new study by Credit Secrets ranks Nebraska as the most financially literate state in the country. The No. 1 spot in the analysis by the online site that offers resources to boost credit scores was pleasing, though not necessarily shocking, to Richard Baier, president and CEO of the Nebraska Bankers Association. Its a reflection of the things weve done well in Nebraska over the last four or five years, said Baier. Using data from institutions including the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the online site said its analysis used nine metrics across two areas: education and economic habits. The study also weighted financial stability and challenges. Top 10 financial literate Nebraska. Minnesota. Virginia. Vermont. Oregon. Utah. North Carolina. Maryland. Iowa. Ohio. Source: Credit Secrets Baier said the analysis pulled in information, such as high school diploma rates, that he hadnt commonly seen in other comparative studies. Among efforts that likely contributed to the Husker states A grade in the study, Baier said, is a 2021 state law intended to improve students personal finance skills, including budgeting, taxes, debt, risk management, investment strategies and credit-building. The legislation added a half-credit high school personal financial literacy course as a graduation requirement in Nebraska and required incorporation of financial literacy into each public school districts K-8 curriculum. Baier recalled the united force on that bill by lawmakers who are often on opposite philosophical sides, State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha and State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar. He highlighted other fun learning activities aimed at young people including In School Savings Programs supported by the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. Some 60 Nebraska schools participate in the program, which allows banks to set up real-life experience with banks in schools, with another 10 set to open this fall, said Baier. Other student-targeted efforts include stock market game challenges and train the trainer workshops. Rock bands with a financial literacy message also have given school concerts, Baier said. The Credit Secrets study also considered measures such as average credit scores, unbanked households and ratios of financial institutions and predatory lenders. Credit Secrets said its report aims to spark a conversation about the need for stronger financial education across the nation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) Florence police who went to the home of a man bitten by a venomous snake encountered substandard living conditions and dangerous snakes in plastic totes with holes big enough that they could escape. Police began investigating on Friday after Jeffrey Leibowitz was bitten by an inland taipan snake in the webbing between his index finger and thumb, a police report said. The snake, one of 14 venomous snakes he owned, is native to Australia and is known for having the most potent and dangerous venom among its species. The police report said due to a prior inland taipan snake bite in recent months, the antivenom was in short supply. However, Leibowitzs father told police that his son had been given antivenom. Police said Tuesday morning that he was still in serious condition at a hospital. No need to be so scared: Man bitten by venomous snake downplays dangers in Facebook post hours before strike Police initially responded after being contacted by Florence County Emergency Medical Services. At that time, Leibowitz gave no other information about the location or number of snakes in his apartment, nor if the inland taipan was back in its cage after the bite, the report said. During their investigation, police talked with an EMS supervisor who said Leibowitz was known on social media for having a large collection of venomous snakes in his home. Officers then looked at videos Leibowitz had posted on Facebook, which included one where he asked if anyone had antivenom for an inland taipan, reports said. He then said he would be at McLeod Hospital. Reports state that Leibowitzs Facebook page provided evidence that there were more dangerous snakes in his apartment. Police then obtained a search warrant based on the potential safety threat. Before entering the apartment, the report said officers saw a large number of flies that were visible through the windows. Once inside, they met with the overpowering smell of ammonia, feces, and rotting meat. They found a cat bed soaked with urine and feces on the floor of the main living area, raw meat in the kitchen, along with fly larvae and overflowing garbage, the report said. There were also open yogurt containers, spoiled cat food, and other filth on the floor. Because of the conditions, several officers had to step outside momentarily to get a breath of fresh air, the report said. Authorities determined that Leibowitz had only been living in the apartment for a couple of months. While in the apartment, authorities also found two cats, which were turned over to Animal Control. News13 asked Florence police about photos from Leibowitzs apartment. but was told they would not be released because it is not a criminal matter and the public has been informed, so there would be no benefit to public interest in releasing photos that reveal the victims home. While investigating on Friday, officers were in contact with Leibowitzs father, who authorized police to take custody of the snakes, reports said. Assistant Chief of Wildlife Will Dillman then assessed the conditions of the snakes and their enclosures. He noted that the plastic totes they were in were below acceptable standards and not adequately secured, posing a significant public safety risk. As authorities tried to figure out what to do with the snakes, Dillman said it was unlikely that any zoo or reptile sanctuary would accept them because of their conditions and unknown diseases they may have. Officers contacted multiple organizations, including River Banks Zoo, Alligator Adventure, Reptile Lagoon, Edisto Island Serpentarium, and South of the Border. However, none would accept them due to the safety risks they could pose. Eventually, the snakes were secured and Leibowitzs father gave Florence police permission to have them euthanized. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Theres nothing new about genetic engineering. By cross-breeding plants and animals, our Stone Age ancestors realised they could boost the amount of food they produced. Modern genetics has enabled scientists to do much more: to make precise, targeted changes to the DNA of organisms in a lab. And that, they claim, will lead to new, more productive, disease-resistant crops and animals. The science is still in its infancy, but gene-edited foods are already on the shelves in Japan: tomatoes rich in a chemical that supposedly promotes calmness; red sea bream with extra edible flesh; and puffer fish that grow more quickly. In the US, too, firms are developing heat-resistant cattle, pit-less cherries and seedless blackberries. Supporters of the technology say it could reduce animal diseases and suffering and lead to the use of fewer antibiotics. They also believe it could tackle climate change by lowering emissions of the greenhouse gas methane - produced by livestock such as cows, goats and deer when their stomachs are breaking down hard fibres like grass for digestion. But opponents say gene editing is still not proven to be safe and that they remain concerned about the implications for animal welfare. Now a law permitting gene-edited food to be sold in the UK has been paused and some British scientists warn they could be overtaken by other countries. The new Labour government has pledged closer alignment with the European Union, particularly on regulations that might affect trade. And currently, the EU has much stricter rules around the commercial sale of gene-edited and genetically modified crops. The EU set stringent regulations on genetically modified (GM) crops decades ago because of safety concerns and public opposition to the technology. Gene-edited crops are covered by the same regulations. But to scientists, the terms gene editing and GM refer to different things. GM, a much older technology, involves adding new genes to plants and animals to make them more productive or disease-resistant. Sometimes these new genes were from entirely different species - for example, a cotton plant with a scorpion gene to make it taste unpleasant to insects. By contrast, gene editing involves making more precise changes to the plant or the animals DNA. These changes are often quite small ones, which involve editing sections of the DNA into a form that, its advocates say, could be produced through natural means like traditional cross-breeding, only much faster. Dashed hopes Along with the US and China, the UK is among the countries that lead the world in gene editing. Last year the previous government passed the Precision Breeding Act, which paved the way for the commercial sale of gene-edited food in England. At the time, many scientists working in the field were overjoyed. I thought: Great, this is going to uncork a whole area of activity in the public and private sector and we could build an entrepreneurial community for gene editing in the UK, says Prof Jonathan Napier of Rothamsted Research, a government agricultural research institute in Harpenden. But he says his hopes were soon dashed. For the law to come into effect, secondary legislation was required, and this was due to be passed by Parliament this July. But the earlier-than-expected election meant that it was not voted on by MPs and the Act is currently in limbo. Prof Napier was among 50 leading scientists to write to the newly appointed ministers at the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at the end of July asking them to act quickly and decisively to pass the secondary legislation. The Defra minister responsible, Daniel Zeichner, responded to the scientists plea last week by stating that the government was now considering how to take forward the regulatory framework outlined in the Act and will share our plans with key interested parties soon. One of the prime movers behind the scientists letter, leading expert Prof Tina Barsby, described the ministers response as a encouraging but said that his promise of clarity soon had to mean really soon. Other countries, she said, were pressing ahead with their plans for gene edited-crops at great speed. Thailand recently joined Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and the USA in adopting regulations around gene editing. Even New Zealand, which according to Prof Barsby has historically taken a more cautious regulatory approach to genetic technologies, has announced that it will also introduce new legislation. Prof Barsby added: With our world-leading science base in genetic research, we cannot afford to be left behind. But Defra ministers also have to consider the views of environmental campaigners, such as Dr Helen Wallace of Genewatch UK, who have concerns about the unwanted consequences of the Precision Breeding Act. If you remove these plants and animals from GM regulations then you dont have the same degree of risk assessment, you dont have labelling and you risk markets because many of them regulate them as GMOs, she says. Sceptics of gene editing worry about what it will mean for the welfare of animals [Getty Images] Dr Peter Stevenson, who is the chief policy advisor to UK-based Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), also fears that the technology will further add to the intensification of animal farming - with negative consequences. The use of selective breeding over the past 50 years has brought a huge number of animal welfare problems, he says. Chickens have been bred to grow so quickly that their legs and hearts cant properly support the rapidly developing body and as a result millions of animals are suffering from painful leg disorders, while others succumb to heart disease. Do we really want to accelerate this process with gene editing? CIWFs biggest fear is that gene-editing animals to make them more resistant to diseases will mean that the industry will not be motivated to deal with the conditions that lead to the animals getting ill in the first place - such as crowded, unsanitary conditions. The intensity of the production of milk, meat, and eggs currently leaves many animals exhausted and broken, Mr Stevenson told BBC News. Any genetic alteration to an animal has the potential to have negative effects. But advocates say that for any commercial application, firms have to demonstrate to the regulator that their changes do not harm the animal and back this up with data. Indeed, many of those who argue for the use of gene-editing technology do so partly on animal welfare grounds - because it could make farm animals more resistant to disease and, since fewer would die as a result, fewer would be needed in the first place. Another of the letters signatories is Prof Helen Sang, who has laid the foundations for using gene editing to develop bird flu resistance in chickens. With a virulent strain of (the pig disease) PRRS wiping out pig herds in Spain, African Swine Fever on the march north through Europe, and bird flu virus detected in both dairy cattle and their milk in the US, the importance of enabling all possible solutions, including precision breeding, cannot be overstated, she said in response to Mr Zeichner. Some of the solutions to the problems Prof Sang mentions are already waiting in the wings. She works at the Roslin Institute, where Dolly the Sheep was cloned nearly 30 years ago. It now leads the world in developing gene-edited animals. In July 1996, scientists at the Roslin Institute cloned Dolly the sheep [Getty Images] Prof Sangs colleagues at Roslin developed a strain of pig that is resistant to the PRRS pig disease six years ago. They cant yet be commercially sold to UK pig farmers - but Genus, a British company that has commercialised the PRRS-resistant pigs, has received regulatory approval for their use in Colombia. The firm also has an application for permission to introduce the pigs to the US market which, if given the green light, could be approved as early as next spring. Genus is also planning to seek approval for the commercial use of their gene-edited pigs in Canada, Mexico and Japan. Despite the strong opinions on both sides, there appears to be scope for consensus around some applications of the technology. For instance, Mr Stevenson of CIWF does think its at least possible that gene editing could be applied in an ethical way. To do so, he says, it would need to meet three criteria: that any change it brings about is unlikely to cause animal welfare problems; that its objectives cannot be met by any less intensive means; and that it will not have the effect of entrenching industrialised livestock production. The PRRS-resistant pigs may tick all three boxes in specific circumstances, according to Mr Stevenson, as do efforts to use gene editing to enable the egg-production industry to produce female-only chicks to avoid the need for billions of male chicks being killed each year when they are just a day old. Likewise, Prof Mizeck Chagunda, who is the director of the Centre for Tropical Genetics and Health, which is also based at the Roslin Institute, believes both in the positive potential of gene editing and that it needs to be carefully overseen. He says the technology could improve the lives of the poorest farmers in the world: 70% to 80% of farmers are smallholding farms with two to three animals. A devastating disease can leave a farmer and their family with nothing. So, giving them animals that have been prepared with these technologies would help to protect them from this huge risk to their livelihoods, says Prof Chagunda. However, Prof Chagunda warns that there needs to be good, strong regulations in place if this technology is to be accepted by the public. Some changes can be too experimental, and we should not be doing them, he says. Scientists should be working with the regulatory authorities to achieve the good products that the farmers and consumers are looking for. We should be doing science that is ethical and at the same time helping humanity. The gene editing work at Roslin is led by its director, Prof Bruce Whitelaw, who was a scientist at the institute when Dolly the sheep was cloned. In the past he has been through the process of explaining the potential benefits of seemingly alarming technological developments and he believes there is an urgent need to do so again now. We are world leaders in the technology and sitting at top table in terms of developing it, he says. If we dont have the legislation to do that, then our credentials to sit there will slowly wither away and we will lose investment, scientific talent and the boost to our economy to other countries. More from InDepth There are lessons here from the past. Genetic modification was rejected by many consumers in the UK, the European Union and other countries 30 years ago because of its perceived unnaturalness. GM crops were publicly trampled by protestors who saw this as a technology that they didnt need, want or consider safe. At the same time, scientists were angry and upset that what they believed to be their world-saving technology was being destroyed by, in their view, a wave of anti-scientific hysteria fuelled by the media. Gene editing seems to be a more palatable version of GM to some, arriving at a time when the debate is less polarised, the need for environmental solutions is even more urgent and there seems to be a greater readiness for some scientists and campaigners to see each others perspectives. Mr Stevenson of CWIF believes that in the long run, there has to be huge reductions in global livestock production to deal with climate change, but pragmatically, the fact that climate change is already destroying so many lives, the use of gene editing could be legitimate. But he is wary. It is hard for me to trust that part of the scientific world who say: Hey now, we have a new way to alter animals. The danger is of animals being thought of as things, units of production, more so than they are now, because we can modify them to make them more amenable to our uses and taking us away from this notion of animals as sentient beings. What happens next, not just in the UK, but the rest of the world, depends on whether the advocates of gene editing can convince the open-minded, but wary, such as Mr Stevenson, that they can act safely, ethically and in a way that makes lives better, not worse - for people and animals alike. BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists. Under a distinctive new brand, well bring you fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions, and deep reporting on the biggest issues to help you make sense of a complex world. And well be showcasing thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. Were starting small but thinking big, and we want to know what you think - you can send us your feedback by clicking on the button below. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN/AP) After back and forth in the North Carolina courts, the state Supreme Court Monday ruled that ballots for the upcoming Presidential election must be reprinted without Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listed. The court decision Monday is a win for former president Donald Trump, a Republican who is running in the 2024 election and who RFK Jr. has chosen to help in battleground states, such as North Carolina. Kennedy is attempting to withdraw his name from states where the presidential race will be close in November. He had scored a legal victory in North Carolina on Friday before Mondays Supreme Court decision. On Friday, North Carolinas intermediate-level Court of Appeals issued an order granting Kennedys request to halt the mailing of ballots that included his name, upending plans in the state just as officials were about to begin sending out the nations first absentee ballots for the Nov. 5 presidential election. The court a three-judge panel ruling unanimously also told a trial judge to order the State Board of Elections to distribute ballots without Kennedys name on them. No legal explanation was given. North Carolina law required the first absentee ballots to be mailed or transmitted to those already asking for them no later than 60 days before the general election, making Friday the deadline. The process of reprinting and assembling ballot packages likely would take more than two weeks, state attorneys have said. In Mondays ruling, the North Carolina Supreme Court noted the logistical issues. We acknowledge that expediting the process of printing new ballots will require considerable time and effort by our election officials and significant expense to the State. But that is a price the North Carolina Constitution expects us to incur to protect voters fundamental right to vote their conscience and have that vote count, the N.C. Supreme Court said. The State Board of Elections formally asked the state Supreme Court late Friday to reverse the Court of Appeals decision. State lawyers asked the justices to act quickly before adjustments to the ballots ordered earlier Friday is complete likely in a few days. Five of the seven Supreme Court justices are registered Republicans. Kennedy, the nominee of the We The People party in North Carolina, had sued last week to get off the states ballots after he suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. But the Democratic majority on the State Board of Elections rejected the request, saying it was too late in the process of printing ballots and coding tabulation machines. Kennedy then sued. Wake County Superior Court Judge Rebecca Holt on Thursday denied Kennedys effort to keep his name off ballots, prompting his appeal. In the meantime, Holt had told election officials to hold back sending absentee ballots until noon Friday. More than 136,300 people military and overseas workers and in-state civilian residents have requested North Carolina absentee ballots so far, the State Board of Elections said late Friday. In an email, state board Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell told election directors in all 100 counties to preserve current ballots and coding in case rulings revert to keeping Kennedy on the ballot. More than 2.9 million absentee and in-person ballots with Kennedys name on them had been printed. Counties would have to pay for the cost of reprinting ballots. With Fridays deadline not met, North Carolina election officials still are faced with meeting a federal law requiring absentee ballots go to military and overseas voters by Sept. 21. They may try to seek a waiver if new ballots cant be produced in 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 CBS17.com. Surge of imports to US continues as possible East Coast port strike looms FILE PHOTO: Docked cargo ships are loaded with shipping containers in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey By Lisa Baertlein LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Imports of U.S. container cargo in August jumped 12.9% from a year ago as a summer volume surge delayed cargo at major ports and anxiety builds over a threatened longshore worker strike on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico on Oct. 1, trade data provider Descartes Systems Group said on Tuesday. U.S. seaports processed almost 2.5 million 20-foot equivalent units in August. That was 3% less than in July, when imports hit a 26-month high. Volume above 2.4 million TEU created bottlenecks and cargo backups in the early days of the pandemic, according to Descartes, a supply-chain software provider. The International Longshoremen's Association represents 45,000 dock workers at three dozen U.S. ports from Maine to Texas and handles almost half of the nation's ocean trade. ILA said last week its members are prepared to hit the streets if they do not have a new contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group in place when the current six-year agreement expires on Sept. 30. The two sides are at an impasse over issues ranging from wages and benefits to automation. A.P. Moller-Maersk, the second-largest container carrier and a member of USMX, told customers on Tuesday that the possibility of a strike at ports including New York/New Jersey, Houston and Savannah, Georgia, increases each day without a settled contract in hand. "Should a general work stoppage occur on the U.S. Gulf and East Coasts, even a one-week shutdown could take 4-6 weeks to recover from, with significant backlogs and delays compounding with each passing day," Maersk said. A recent trend by U.S. retailers to push forward holiday promotions suggests they have been rushing in seasonal goods to mitigate the risk of cargo getting stranded during a strike. Walmart and Target, two of the largest container shipping customers, held early back-to-school sales to fend off competition from Amazon.com's Prime Day. The late timing of Thanksgiving this year is shortening the Christmas shopping season and boosting the likelihood of early promotions. An increase in industrial-sector shipments also amplified the early rise in incoming volume, trade researchers said. (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen; Editing by Matthew Lewis) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The fourth University of Nevada, Las Vegas professor injured in the Dec. 2023 shooting that left three others dead returned to the campus Tuesday. Prof. Daraboth Bot Rith and his wife, Dimanche, were recognized at a Tuesday UNLV town hall meeting held for staff and faculty. Since the shooting, Rith has been identified as the unnamed fourth victim. Las Vegas Metro Police Officer Jake Noriega takes a photo with Daraboth Bot and Dimanche Rith. (Josh Hawkins/UNLV) Rith met with Officers Jake Neriego and Ty Vesperas, who saved him during the shooting on Dec. 6, 2023. The professor had been shot 10 times before fleeing down four flights of stairs, escaping Beam Hall, according to reporting by Francis McCabe on UNLV.edu. It was immense, immense pain, he said. These cops saved my life. The report said Rith spent nearly three months in a hospital with his wife by his side. The professor was new to Las Vegas, having only worked at the university since Jan. 2023. His wife and daughter were living in Australia at the time of the shooting. UNLV leadership worked to relocate them during his recovery. He spent three months in the hospital. He described his arduous journey back to the classroom. The nurses, the doctors, they keep asking me, whats your intention? I say I keep telling them that I want to stand up and be able to walk again, he said. Miraculously, when the fall semester began, he quietly returned and was able to meet with his heroes for the first time. He said it was his own courage and community support that helped him persevere. All the words from anyone, from colleagues, from friends, from students, from family, they are very meaningful for me, he expressed. With his wife by his side, on Tuesday, he received a standing ovation from UNLV faculty and staff. Hed only been in Las Vegas for about a year when the shooting happened, but, he told the crowd this is where he belongs. We are the UNLV family, he expressed. Photos of Patricia Navarro Velez (left), Naoko Takemaru (center), and Cha Jan Jerry Chang (right), provided by UNLV. Professor Cha Jan Jerry Chang, 64, of Henderson; Associate Professor Naoko Takemaru, 69, of Las Vegas, 69; and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, of Las Vegas, were killed during the Dec 6 shooting. The shooter, Anthony Polito, 67, was shot and killed by a university police officer about 10 minutes into the incident on the Las Vegas campus. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Survivor of 9/11 shares unparalleled story of resilience, bravery while fleeing 78 floors of the North Tower Its been 23 years since the most deadly attack on American soil and, in the wake of the commemoration of Sept. 11, 2001, one survivor who escaped from the North Tower of the World Trade Center is looking back at the resilience shown that day and encouraging a new generation of learners to listen in. Michael Hingson, a best-selling author and keynote public speaker, was a computer hardware sales manager recruited in 1999 to open an office and manage a team of people on the 78th floor of 1 World Trade Center. "We were going to be doing some sales training that day," Hingson told Fox News Digital during a video interview. On a crisp, clear September morning, the entire world fixated on their televisions and radios in horror as four American planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, the Pentagon and the Twin Towers in New York City. VICTIMS TRAPPED IN TWIN TOWERS ON 9/11 SOUGHT HELP FOR THEMSELVES, OTHERS THROUGH PHONE CALLS Michael Hingson worked as a sales manager in the North Tower of the World Trade Center beginning in August 2000 when his offices on the 78th floor opened. "I was in my office. A colleague, David Frank, was also with me," Hingson said. "He was from our corporate office. The two of us were going to be doing these sales seminars." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP At 8:46 a.m., jihadist terrorists on American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower. The Boeing 767 with 92 persons aboard plowed into floors 93 through 99, according to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Unbeknownst to them, Hingson, with his colleague and terrified survivors at the top half of the North Tower, were the first victims of a terrorist attack on the United States of America. "None of us knew what happened," Hingson said. Hingson called his wife, Karen, at 8:47 a.m. Only seconds after the first tower was struck, the media had yet to understand the magnitude of the attacks, and Karen could not relay any information to her husband. HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT 9/11 AND THE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED Michael Hingson and his guide dog Roselle were in the North Tower on Sept. 11, 2001, when the building was struck by American Airlines Flight 11. "Tall buildings are made to flex in windstorms, and the building just started tipping and tipping," Hingson said. "We actually moved maybe about 20 feet. David and I actually said Goodbye to each other because we thought we were about to take a 78-floor plunge to the street. But then the building stopped flexing, and it came back and became vertical." As soon as the building stood upright, Hingson, a blind man, returned to his office and met his guide dog, Roselle, who was lying under his desk sleeping. "About that time, the building dropped straight down about six feet," Hingson said. "The reason it did is because the expansion joints went back to their normal configuration. The building did everything that it was supposed to do." As the city skies were clouded with smoke and debris, and amid panic and disarray inside the building, Hingson remained calm. HEROISM, BRAVERY DISPLAYED ON 9/11 BY PLANE PASSENGERS WHO MADE PHONE CALLS FROM HIJACKED AIRCRAFT The former sales manager spent a lot of time adapting to his surroundings, locating exits and consulting with the New York City Port Authority, law enforcement officers and the fire department. In case of an emergency, Hingson learned his whereabouts to easily retreat both himself and his team members out of the North Tower. Roselle, at the time, was wagging her tail, which provided Hingson with a clear mindset to help coordinate the evacuation. "She was exhibiting no fear at all, which told me that whatever was occurring wasnt such an imminent threat that we couldnt try to evacuate in an orderly way and that we didnt need to panic," Hingson said. Guide dogs are taught to work with their handlers as a team, and when they demonstrate obedience and knowledge of commands and cues to assist their owners in safe navigation, they are certified. MEMORIALS HONORING 9/11 VICTIMS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES WHERE YOU CAN PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO THE FALLEN Roselle was sleeping under Michael Hingson's desk in the North Tower when the plane struck the building, according to Hingson. "Guide dogs don't know where we want to go," Hingson said. "The job of the dog is to make sure we walk safely. Its a team effort. We have to work together." The decision to flee the 78th floor was quick, and a group of people, including Hingson, began the hellish journey to the first floor. "At about the 50th floor, David suddenly said, Mike, were gonna die. We're not gonna make it out of here,'" Hingson said. "I just said Stop it, David. If Roselle and I could go down these stairs, so can you." "I did that very deliberately and in a very sharp voice because I needed to get him back," Hingson said. Later, Hingson said his colleague revealed that snapping at David regrounded him. By way of distracting himself from the uncertainty, Hingson said David chose to walk one floor in front of him to advise him on the scene ahead and safety precautions while descending. LEGNEDARY 9/11 FIREFIGHTER BOB BECKWITH WHO STOOD WITH PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH AT GROUND ZERO DIES AT 91 "David, by shouting up to me, was actually a focal point for anyone within the sound of his voice who could hear him," Hingson said. "Anyone who could hear him knew that somewhere on the stairs, there was someone who was okay and going down the stairs. That had to keep a lot of people from panicking. And we worked really hard, all of us, to keep panic from occurring on the stairs. I think it's one of the most miraculous things I saw that day." At 9:03 a.m., the South Tower was hit by hijacked United Airlines Flight 175. At 9:49 a.m., one hour and two minutes after the North Tower was struck, the South Tower collapsed. With their feet planted on the New York City streets, Hingson and David heard the deafening sound of 2 World Trade Center plummeting just feet away from them. FDNY SLAMS 9/11 PLEA DEAL WE ARE DISGUSTED AND DISAPPOINTED "David looked around and said, Oh my God, Mike, theres no Tower 2 anymore.' And I asked him what he saw, and he said All I see are pillars of smoke hundreds of feet tall,'" Hingson said. "'Its gone." Hingson said David indicated to him that a dust cloud was coming, so with Roselle by their side, they ran through the streets of the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, losing each other for a short while. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower was gone. In the 102 minutes it took from the time the plane crashed to the shattering of the building, Hingson, David and the others they fled with escaped. "Less than three hours before, we had gone in just to do our jobs and mind our own business and in the blink of an eye, essentially it was all gone," Hingson said. ICONIC 9/11 PHOTOS AND THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO SHOT THEM: HERE ARE THEIR STORIES People can pay their respects to fallen victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks at the various monuments across the U.S. In Arlington, Virginia, the lives of 184 people, both on board American Airlines Flight 77 and in the Pentagon, were taken when a third hijacked plane crashed into the government building at 9:37 a.m. At 10:03 a.m., aboard United Airlines Flight 93, four members of al Qaeda meant to crash into the nations capital, but 40 passengers and crew heroically took back the plane in an attempt to save lives. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. "It really did happen, and we should remember it and we should learn lessons about how to prepare for emergencies, how to deal with things that come along," Hingson said. "How to work together as a team." Family members of 9/11 victims and people tribute their loved ones on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City on Sept. 11, 2023. Hingson, the author of "Thunder Dog," "Running with Roselle" and "Live Like A Guide Dog," said that he expected Roselle to keep him safe amid his escape, which he says she did. "The dog wasnt trained to deal with that kind of emergency," Hingson said. "None of us were." However, Hingson advises that preparedness ahead of an emergency situation can help save lives and maintain calmness in the wake of one. "We are so afraid of everything in our world," he said. "Fear is all around us. And usually, were afraid of things over which we have no power, no control or no influence, but we worry about them, and we become afraid anyway." Original article source: Survivor of 9/11 shares unparalleled story of resilience, bravery while fleeing 78 floors of the North Tower HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) Police are searching for a suspect in connection to a 72-year-old womans fatal fall in Harlem last month, authorities said Tuesday. The woman died after she was bumped into by a man being chased by an armed suspect during a fight near 720 Lenox Ave. at around 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, according to the NYPD. The bystander, identified as Martha Rodriguez, fell and hit her head on the pavement. Rodgriguez was rushed to the hospital with head injuries and died three days later, police said. The man was running from another man who pulled a knife and began chasing him during an argument outside the apartment building, police said. Rodgriguez was accidentally pushed to the ground during the pursuit. The citys medical examiners office deemed the incident a homicide. The NYPD on Tuesday released a photo of the suspect who was chasing the man who crashed into the woman, police said. The man who ran into her is not expected to be charged. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Weeks after Ukraine received its first batch of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets from European allies and more than a year after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the start of test trials on Swedens prestigious Gripen multipurpose variants, Stockholm signaled that their possible transfer to Ukraine remains on the table. Known to be light and highly maneuverable, the JAS 39 Gripen can conduct offensive and defensive operations. It is equipped to carry various weapons, from Meteor air-to-air missiles to Taurus cruise missiles and guided bombs. But unlike the older and war-tested F-16s, the NATO-standard fighter jets, which have an abbreviation of the Swedish words Jakt, Attack och Spaning (hunting, attack, and reconnaissance), lack quantity. Swedens Defense Ministry on Sept. 9 announced the inclusion of Gripen jet spare parts in its latest military aid package for Ukraine, valued at $443 million. While providing Ukraine with Gripen jets is ruled out for now, Sweden is acquiring parts for the JAS 39 Gripen worth approximately $221 million, according to the ministry. "By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of JAS 39C/D will be saved from being dismantled and can if the Swedish government decides so be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement. Talks on near-term supplies of Gripens are on pause for now, according to a source at the Air Force who asked for anonymity to speak without authorization of the higher command. The Air Force source told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine and Western allies considered multiple options of jets but F-16 was chosen due to wide availability of the actual planes and spare parts. The source elaborated that there are only up to 20 Gripen jets that Sweden can realistically provide to Ukraine. "That's why the decision was made to work with (the integration of) F-16s for now, and when the time comes, we can consider it, the source said, suggesting that Stockholm may be acquiring necessary components to make (the Gripen) combat-ready while there is still time. The Swedish Defense Ministry also said that transferring Gripens to Ukraine is currently "not a viable option, as it would interfere with the prioritized introduction of F-16 fighters," but Sweden is willing to prepare the conditions to send Gripen jets to Ukraine in the future. In comments to the Kyiv Independent, the Swedish Defense Ministry said Stockholm has not made a decision on whether "Gripen should be donated or not," and doesn't have a timeframe on the potential transfer. "A future decision depends on the ability to maintain Swedish security and Ukraine's ability to receive Gripen fighters," and a donation would require cooperation with other countries to introduce a new aircraft in Ukraine. Swedens Sept. 9 announcement is a preparation to get Gripens ready for the potential transfer to Ukraine one day, according to former Swedish pilot and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Wilson. A JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft takes off from Lulea-Kallax Airport, Sweden during the NATO Nordic Response 24 military exercise, a Norwegian national exercise carried out in northern Sweden, Norway and Finland with associated airspace and waters, on March 4, 2024. (Anders Wiklund/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images) Sweden currently has 96 Gripens, but it doesnt mean that all of them are ready for combat use and might indicate that you can launch half of them to start with, said Wilson, who teaches at the Swedish Defence University. Thats why if you receive 20, you can't count to fly with all those 20 all the time, (it is) impossible, Wilson said. Wilson also stressed that the aircraft alone would not be a game-changer, adding that its effectiveness depends on its weapons. Ukraine continues to pressure Western allies to provide more long-range weapons, including missiles fired from land and aircraft. The U.K. and France have since last year provided Ukraines Air Force with long-range cruise missiles that can be fired from aircraft, the Storm Shadows and Scalps, respectively. But Berlin has thus far refused to provide Taurus, a joint German-Swedish-made cruise missile that can travel up to over 500 kilometers. Washington is considering supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, and the talks are in advanced stages, according to a source close to the Zelensky administration. However distant Ukraines hunt for longer-range missiles may be, Kyiv continues to campaign for more high-class Western fighter jets to draw a wild card in competing against an enemy equipped with significantly more resources in terms of firepower and manpower. Read also: Silent killer: Russia boosts grinding Donbas advance with chemical warfare The Pride of Sweden Earlier in July, Ukraine received its first small batch of the American F-16 fighter jets. The quantity was not disclosed, but they only arrived a year after U.S. President Joe Biden greenlighted allies request to transfer their F-16s to Ukraine. One was already lost in action. Speaking with the Kyiv Independent, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said in February that the Nordic country is open to providing Ukraine with modern fighter jets. In a July interview with the Ukrainian-language Voice of America, then-Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said the pause on the possible transfer of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine has nothing to do with the Swedish government's decision. Such a decision was made due to the fact that Ukraine came to the conclusion that having two fighter systems at the same time both F-16 and Gripen is too much, he told Voice of America. Ukraine is open to receiving the Gripen jets even if the near-term priority is on F-16s, the Air Force source said. Ukraine is not refusing any help, but the priority is on F-16s, and many countries are now ready to provide more F-16s, and we need to prepare the people and the infrastructure so this procedure will be step by step, the Air Force source said. An honor guard member stands in front of the first General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon received by Ukraine, on the Day of Ukrainian Air Force in Unspecified location, Ukraine on Aug. 4, 2024. (Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Visiting Sweden in August 2023, Zelensky described Gripen fighter jets manufactured by the Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB and in service since 1996 as the pride of Sweden. A number of countries operate the Gripens, including Czechia, Hungary, South Africa, and Brazil. Thailand announced in late August that it would acquire Gripens to renew its older fleet. Ukrainian aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi said that the Air Force has considered the JAS 39 Gripen as a promising option for service since 2015, as it outperformed in terms of maintenance costs and infrastructure modernization. Khrapchynskyi estimated that Ukraine needs at least five or six full squadrons of modern multi-role fighter jets, which is around 132 aircraft, agreeing with the Air Force that F-16s are more favorable given the aircraft and spare part availability. The experts say that Gripens and F-16s are quite similar since they belong to the same class of aircraft, but the Swedish fighter jet can take off from shorter runways, while F-16s need a length quite similar to that of airfields for civilian use. In fact, Swedens military doctrine includes the use of military equipment in any challenging conditions, even landing on regular, non-equipped roads, Khrapchynskyi said. The Gripen is constructed from the beginning to be able to land on regular car roads that are, let's say, 1,000 meters long, and at that car road, they can prepare for the next mission, Swedish expert Wilson said. A makeshift runway would be really hard for the Russians to find, he added. The biggest difference between the two modern jets is that the Gripen requires less time on the ground and has the capacity to fly longer, according to Wilson. The jets share similar weapon capacity, but the Gripen is easier to adopt for pilots because information is better sorted out than in F-16s, he added. Whether it comes to Gripen or F-16s, knowing the precise targets is important for them to be effective when using high-precision weapons because they will hit exactly where you pointed, according to the Swedish expert. He added that the situation is the same for a scenario where the jets are trying to shoot down incoming Russian missiles to defend cities like Kyiv. If you don't know where to look at exactly which time for that cruise missile, they wont find it, Wilson said. Experts say pilot skills define how effective the Western jets operate. Its important to understand that, with the existing fleet provided by partners, much depends on the pilot, the planned operation, and coordination with other defense forces, Khrapchynskyi said. In any case, both the F-16 and JAS 39 Gripen will significantly enhance our capabilities. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The scheme aims to build confidence and teach critical survival skills on the water [Stevie-Jo Fowler ] A charity has been helping refugees and asylum seekers overcome 'sea trauma', after suffering adverse experiences on the water. Reclaim the Sea (RTS), which launched in 2022, hosts lessons for people to learn basic swimming skills. Partnering with Refugees Welcome North Somerset (RWNS), the group recently welcomed eight women to Weston-super-Mare's Marine Lake for a four-week programme. Alongside teaching survival skills, the charity says it wants to see "safe and legal" immigration routes to prevent other refugees experiencing "trauma". The participants have each been paired with volunteers on a one-to-one basis [Stevie-Jo Fowler ] Plymouth-based charity RTS helps refugees and asylum-seekers learn to swim, surf and stand up paddleboard (SUP) along the south coast, where many have found a home. The two charities have now joined forces to meet what they say is a demand for similar services in North Somerset. They say refugee fears can come from personally experiencing difficult crossings to the UK, knowing people who have had bad experiences on migrant boats or not having access to the sea in their home countries. The participants meet on Friday mornings to build upon their skills [Stevie-Jo Fowler ] Rebecca Wetten, programme lead and swimming instructor, said the lessons offer a "refugees and asylum seekers a chance to find joy and safety in the sea". "For refugees and asylum seekers, learning to swim or overcoming water-based trauma can be truly life-changing, she added. [Stevie-Jo Fowler ] Building on new skills each week, the programme covers the basics of swimming and critical survival skills in the marine lake. Donna King from RWNS says: "We are once again inspired by the courage and trust shown by women who have been through so much. "We are lucky to have the marine lake on our doorstep, and being able to share this with our new friends has been an absolute privilege. [Stevie-Jo Fowler ] Rebecca van der Veer, director of RTS, says the programme expansion has been "beautiful to witness". The group said it will continue to campaign for safe and legal routes established for refugees. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Related Internet Links FILE - In this Feb. 7 2016 file photo, Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan delivers a speech during a French Muslim organizations meeting in Lille, northern France. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File) GENEVA (AP) A Swiss appeals court has found noted Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan guilty of rape and sexual coercion nearly 16 years ago and sentenced him to a year in prison, overruling an acquittal by a lower court. In a written ruling made public on Tuesday, the court in Geneva handed Ramadan, 62, a three-year prison sentence of which two were suspended, according to a copy of the decision. He was ordered to pay damages to the plaintiff as well as legal and other fees totaling more than 100,000 Swiss francs (about $118,000). The verdict included intimate details of Ramadan allegedly forcing the woman to have sex and preventing her from leaving a Geneva hotel room in October 2008, as well as social media exchanges they had beforehand and afterward. Ramadan can appeal to Switzerlands highest court. The verdict comes roughly nearly 17 months after a lower court cleared him, citing a lack of material evidence. The original acquittal marked a first victory for the former Oxford scholar with a worldwide reputation who had a brutal fall from grace after similar accusations in neighboring France in 2018. Ramadan faces potential trial in France over allegations by several other women that emerged more than five years ago. Ramadan, who is Swiss, was handed preliminary charges for rape over two alleged assaults in France over a decade ago. He was jailed in February 2018 and released on bail nine months later, pending trial. A third woman filed a rape complaint against him in France in March last year. The outspoken scholar has consistently denied wrongdoing and filed suit saying the allegations were false. CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A tight-knit community came together at the Clovis Rodeo grounds on Sunday to bring awareness and support for those with ALS at the 25th Annual Central Valley Burnout, Walk and Roll to Cure ALS. Every year since its start in 2000, the ALS Network holds a walk with vendors and resources to bring aid and raise money for the services provided to patients with ALS. This year, a car show and burnout added to the excitement of the annual event. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrigs disease is a fatal neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. While officials say those diagnosed with ALS are given a life span of two to five years following diagnosis, some patients are fueled by their drive to help others persevere. Steve Springs says his wife was diagnosed with ALS in 2000 and despite being hesitant at first to be a part of the ALS community, she used the next 19 years of her life to help others with her condition. She really didnt want to be involved because she was kind of in denial and then by year six we were the Northern California Walk Chairs, Springs said. She started doing quilts, making quilts while she still could and then we started doing silent auctions, live auctions, and making more and more impacts financially. The event, which is the biggest fundraiser held for patients with ALS in the Central Valley, brings people from all walks of life. The community often times inspires itself. I think her just being there with the longevity that she had gave people hope and that was really important. Because if youre stuck in a wheelchair and not thinking anything is gonna happen and then to see somebody that was still moving around doing some good and participating and talking even when she couldnt talk very well, but trying to give people hope. Thats what she wanted to do and thats what she did, Springs said. Similar to Springs wife, many of those diagnosed with ALS cannot stress enough just how vital spreading awareness is for a potential cure. Organizers say current treatments are moderate at best, only slowing progression of the disease. I really hope that this walk and car show continues to grow every year because really awareness is what we need to find a cure. And the more people know about motor neuron disease and ALS and PLS and all the other motor neuron diseases, the better because thats how were going to reach a cure is by raising funds, said Mandy Silveira, a participant with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS). Events like these are important not just because they spread awareness, but because of the relief organizations like the ALS Network bring to the community. When I was diagnosed I really didnt know what to do or what resources were out there for me and when I finally was connected with [the ALS Network] and my care resource manager it was such a relief. I felt like I had so much weight taken off my shoulders because I finally felt like I wasnt alone in this process and they have been absolutely amazing, Silveira expressed. For people with ALS like Laura Miller, she says the disease is somewhat of a blessing in disguise because of the people she encounters on her journey. I cant say enough, theyre like extended family, and theyre part of this mixed blessing that is ALS because I wouldnt know these people without it. And I wish I didnt have it but they are like part of the family now so Im very grateful, said Miller. Miller adds the ALS Network is nothing short of supportive as they are always there for their patients. The ALS Network provides all these services for us for free, helps us connect with other patients with ALS, gives support to our caregivers whether its from the top of the corporate ALS Network, to my care manager, or local outreach here in Clovis they are right there, I can text them, Miller said. The ALS Network says until there is a cure, there is always support. Anyone seeking to get involved or contact the network can visit their 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. Tariq Ramadan's star began to wane in the late 2010s with a string of rape allegations (Fabrice COFFRINI) (Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/AFP) Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, convicted on appeal of rape and sexual coercion by a Geneva court, is a Swiss intellectual accused of masking violence and radicalism behind a mild facade. Ramadan, 62, is the grandson of the founder of the Islamist movement the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and wrote his doctoral thesis on his ancestor. He basked in the public spotlight in the 2000s as a professor at Britain's prestigious Oxford university, lecturing across Europe as well as Morocco, Qatar and Japan, drawing crowds of students wherever he went. Named by Time Magazine in 2004 among the 100 most influential people in the world for his influence on European Muslims, Ramadan has nevertheless stirred controversy throughout his career. He has rejected allegations of anti-Semitism as attempts to silence what he sees as legitimate criticism of the Israeli state. And French defenders of the country's fierce secularism have accused him of smuggling an identitarian subtext within his modernising message, encouraging young girls to wear the Islamic headscarf or spreading religious fundamentalism. Well turned-out with trademark trimmed grey hair and beard, Ramadan engaged in verbal jousts with opponents including French polemicist Eric Zemmour, who went on to stand as a far-right presidential candidate in 2022. He fought back against allegations of fundamentalism, saying he encouraged young Muslims to involve themselves in their societies, calling the headscarf a matter of personal choice, urging "contextualisation" of Islam's founding texts and condemning violence. Nevertheless, his attempt to acquire French nationality in addition to his Swiss passport to "provide a concrete, positive example of upholding the values of the Republic" was rejected in 2016 by the then prime minister Manuel Valls. - Court battles in France - Ramadan's fall from grace began in 2017, when he was first targeted with allegations of sexual violence in France. In total, four women in France ultimately accused him of rapes between 2009 and 2016, while a Swiss woman converted to Islam filed a criminal complaint in 2018 for a rape she said took place in Geneva 10 years before. The Swiss case is the one in which Ramadan has now been convicted on appeal. As the allegations broke, he put his 12-year professorship in contemporary Islamic studies at the University of Oxford on hold as support for him haemorrhaged, including from Qatar. His 2018 admission that he had sex outside his decades of marriage, in which he had four children with a French woman convert, tarnished his image for some religious and community leaders. Saying he suffers from multiple sclerosis and depression, Ramadan retired early. Alongside the Swiss case, a Paris appeals court ruled in June this year that Ramadan should be tried for raping three women between 2009 and 2016, a decision his lawyers have challenged. The scholar spent more than nine months in pre-trial detention in 2018, but was released in November that year. - 'Fragile' women - French investigators in 2023 said they had identified a pattern across all the rape allegations. Ramadan would enter private conversations with women who were "especially fragile, with tumultuous life stories, looking for love, validation and spirituality". The discussions would quickly take an intimate and then sexual turn, prosecutors said, leading to an in-person meeting. Psychiatric experts told the investigation that the women had been fervent admirers of Ramadan as a public figure with religious and academic credentials. But when it came to the meetings, several women described a complete change of character, with Ramadan becoming violent, ranging from slaps to blows and non-consensual penetration. Ramadan said he had not carried out "a single act, behaviour or sex act that was not discussed beforehand" with the women. grd-kp/tgb/as/fg EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) The Columbiana County Sheriffs Office announced Tuesday its recent participation in two area drug-related raids. Read next: Suspect wanted by U.S. Marshals arrested in traffic stop Last week, the Columbiana County Drug Task Force executed two search warrants in East Liverpool with assistance from the Columbiana County Sheriffs Office and other local departments. On Sept. 4, agents raided a home in the 200 block of Ravine Street. They reported the recovery of suspected narcotics, currency, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. Agents later searched a home in the 600 block of Minerva Street on Friday, where they reported finding suspected methamphetamine and crack cocaine in addition to more currency and drug paraphernalia. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Teachers union voices concern after AC outage caused 3 students to be taken to hospital The Orange County Teachers Association is asking members to contact them if they were impacted by Mondays air conditioning outage at Ocoee Middle School. The teachers union posted on Facebook that there is contract language that guarantees safe and healthy working conditions. Students and staff at Ocoee Middle School will be relocated Tuesday to where the AC is working. Original report: 3 students taken to hospital after Ocoee Middle School experiences AC issues Officials said three students were taken to a hospital for treatment after the AC issues on Monday. They are all expected to be OK. Read: Florida high school football player collapses during game, later dies The Ocoee Fire Department said the outage happened around 7 a.m. Orange County Public Schools said maintenance staff has been able to get one of the chillers back up and running. Watch: New data show that number of kids, teens vaping is down Some areas of the campus are getting cooler. Students will be relocated to those areas of campus and additional water breaks were provided, said a spokesperson for OCPS. See more in the video above. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The past two months in American politics have been a whirlwind: Joe Biden fumbled the first debate so badly he had to drop out of the presidential race. Someone tried to assassinate Donald Trump. The new Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, reinvigorated the partys presidential hopes, sparking widespread joy among a previously dejected base while generating an unprecedented fundraising groundswell. On the surface, it may have seemed like the race fundamentally changed: Harris had an impeccable campaign launch, and Trump has been in absolute hell angrily posting away his feelings while repeatedly complaining that Harris replaced Biden as the nominee. And yet, despite all the upheaval, the broader contours of the 2024 election remain eerily similar: The race is deadly close and Trump may well still be the favorite. The stakes of Tuesdays presidential debate in Philadelphia the second of the campaign, and the first between Harris and Trump could not possibly be higher. With the race between the vice president and the former president trending uncomfortably close particularly in recent private and public polls conducted in the handful of battleground states that will decide the election various officials in each camp say Tuesday nights contest could make or break their candidates chances at taking the White House. Those on Team Harris believe the debate is crucial to preserving the democratic order in the face of Trumps fascistic whims. There is no room for error. None, says a Harris ally, who adds that a lackluster performance could cost us the election. In the estimations of Democrats working on her campaign, the debate is very likely to set the tone in the political press and elsewhere for the final two-month sprint of the 2024 contest. And if Harris fails to define herself to the American people on live television, it could prove catastrophic, in a presidential election that appears destined to be fought at the margins. New polling from The New York Times and Siena College indicates many voters still want to know more about Harris and her plans for what she would do as president. A majority of likely voters think Harris deserves blame for rising prices and for problems at the border, as the Times/Siena survey put it suggesting that Republicans attacks on Harris and attempts to define her may be resonating. So much for coasting on positive vibes. The Harris campaign finally published an issues page on its website Sunday, a month and a half since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee, two days before the debate. Now, she needs to communicate her policy vision directly to the millions of Americans who will tune in on Tuesday, all while standing a few feet away from Trump. It will be devastating if we screw this up, one Harris adviser tells Rolling Stone, adding: It really is one of those failure is not an option kinds of evenings, isnt it? As Harris and Trump have prepared for Tuesday night in Philly, their campaigns have actively brainstormed tactics and canned lines that each side thinks would work best at getting under the other candidates skin in the hopes of provoking an overreaction or stumble that sticks in the minds of voters. In the lead-up to the debate, Trumps team and allies have pressed him to be happy Trump at the debate, not mean, bully Trump, according to the Times. According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, when some members of Team Harris were reviewing recent and older videos of Trump at events, during media interviews, onstage at televised debates they noticed that Trump is sometimes not as easily baited as some would assume. Donald Trump is famous for being easily lured into acting like the oaf and bully that he is, but if you watch him at points during, and also after, his time in office, you will be able to spot the times when he knows somebody is trying to get a rise out of him, and then he just refuses to give them what they want at least for that short amount of time, one of these sources says. In the weeks leading up to the Philadelphia debate, this led to further brainstorming among these Harris 2024 officials, who wanted to flesh out every angle for the kinds of onstage barbs and attacks that stood a chance at effectively triggering the former president. The two sources declined to share what the new ideas were, which they added were shared with the vice president, as they aim to catch Trump off-guard on Tuesday. 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. MADISON, Wis. (AP) The case against a Wisconsin teenager accused of killing a 10-year-old girl he allegedly lured into the woods will remain in adult court, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday. Prosecutors charged the teenager, identified in court documents only as C.T.P.-B, as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of sexual assault in connection with the death of Iliana Lily Peters. Investigators say Peters was riding her bike home from her aunts house in Chippewa Falls on April 24, 2022, when the teenager, who was 14 at the time, persuaded her to leave a trail and explore the surrounding woods with him. We are relentless in the pursuit of justice: Second suspect from 2023 shooting in Wisconsin arrested in Illinois The girls body was discovered the next day. An autopsy determined she had been beaten, strangled and sexually assaulted. The teenagers attorneys, Michael Cohen and Alicia Linzmeier, asked Chippewa County Circuit Judge Steven Gibbs last year to move the case into juvenile court, where proceedings are secret. They argued that the teenager would not receive the mental health treatment he needs in the adult criminal justice system. The judge refused, finding earlier this year that such a move would depreciate the seriousness of the offenses. Semi-truck crash in Waupaca County, driver dies due to medical condition The 3rd District Court of Appeals upheld that decision Tuesday, finding that Gibbs properly exercised his discretion. The appellate court noted that Gibbs detailed the severity of Peters injuries, that the teenager told investigators that he attacked her, that he lured her into the woods and that the crime was premeditated. A message left at Cohens office wasnt immediately returned. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Teens rally together to rebuild mangrove forest while searching for a way to help community: 'It's a win-win for everybody' Mangrove revival efforts in Sarasota Bay were given a huge boost by Fort Myers High School's environmental action group. The Green Shore Club teamed up with biologists for a mission to plant more than 2,500 seedlings in two hours at the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage. A 10 Tampa Bay News report revealed that environmental experts project Florida's coasts, still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Ian in 2022, will lose thousands of acres of mangrove vegetation in the next 30 years due to overdevelopment, illegal harvesting, and rising sea levels caused by warming temperatures. The club was founded by seniors Benjamin O'Brien and Luke Scrabis, who would bike by the destruction routinely and decided they wanted to be a part of the solution. In an effort to build their community back together, they spoke to scientists and were shocked at what they learned. "All you have to do is plant them in the ground, in the right spot along the water, in the waterline, and then they will grow. It just really was eye-opening to us to how much impact we can contribute to our area," O'Brien said in the 10 Tampa Bay report. Every single seed counts in the massive effort to restore mangroves. The group has ambitions to plant more than 5,000 mangrove seedlings before the end of the summer. Mangroves need our protection the way they protect us. They stabilize shorelines protecting the land and the people and animals who live there from erosion, waves, and storms. "And when the mangrove leaves drop into the water, they produce tannins that help keep algae blooms under control, and also, as those leaves decompose, they are the basis of the food chain that actually helps create a healthy estuary," Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, told 10 Tampa Bay. Preserving these trees needs to be important to all of us, as our planet's changing climate has created higher tides and stronger currents, which threaten the trees' root systems. A couple on the Pacific Coast of Mexico hopes to accomplish a similar goal by training community members on how to grow and restore mangroves. Education is the first step in creating change. "Two months ago, I didn't know anything about mangroves," Scrabis told 10 Tampa Bay, demonstrating how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. "It's a win-win for everybody. We're making the world slightly better by these mangroves, and we're also enjoying ourselves out on the beach," O'Brien added with a smile. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Millersville has seen more change in six months than some communities see in a generation. The city was in the news Sept. 4 after agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation raided its police department and the home of assistant police chief Shawn Taylor. Police chief Bryan Morris said investigators took laptops and case files as part of that raid. Taylor said in a recording, posted on social media Sept. 9, that TBI agents left something behind when they visited his Robertson County home. "One of the things that happened that really upsets me the TBI did at my residence, was they urinated in my bathtub and tracked urine throughout my home," Taylor said. "To me, that was the government saying 'piss on you, America.' And that's not OK." TBI spokesperson Josh DeVine said Taylor's claims aren't true. "There was a dog in the home our agents found in the bathtub while conducting their work. When the dog was found to have urinated, an agent took the dog outside to finish relieving itself," DeVine said in a emailed statement Tuesday. "News footage, in fact, captured this moment. To suggest our agents were anything less than professional in the lawful execution of this search warrant is patently untrue." More: Millersville chief: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation cut crime data access before raid Millersville city officials took in a stray dog, Iroh, in June, and made him a therapy dog. TBI did not comment Tuesday on how many dogs were at Taylor's home, or if the dog in the bathtub was the department's therapy dog. Iroh is a one-year-old husky shepherd mix. TBI has declined to comment on the investigation, or what agents were seeking during the raid. In Taylor's online video post, the assistant police chief said the cases his department has been working on "affect every American." He explained that the cases involve mortgage fraud, human trafficking, narcotics trafficking and other crimes. Taylor did not provide details on the alleged crimes but said they were tied to China, and investment companies that issue fraudulent mortgages on homes in the United States. "It goes into the election integrity and fraud and is creating a geo-political shift within our political system," Taylor said. "This a multi-faceted attack from a foreign adversary who is paying off our local municipal, county, state and federal politicians to keep from coming to light." The department is moving forward with the case in other states, Taylor said in the post. Thrust into the spotlight Morris is serving Millersville in dual roles. He was hired as police chief in February and appointed interim city manager on April 26. Before that, Tina Tobin served as Millersville's city manager. Her appointment came during the Jan. 23 city meeting, when commissioners voted 3-2 to fire then city manager Scott Avery. Before Tobin resigned, she fired city attorney Jack Freedle, police chief Rob Richman and fire chief Brandon Head. Some of the firings happened days after she took office. She also suspended city recorder Holly Murphy before ultimately reinstating her. Murphy eventually announced her retirement, effective Sept. 1, but she ended up leaving early, in May, "due to city financial issues," she said at the time. Although Morris and other current Millersville leaders say they believe the city is on the right path, the turnover has caused strife, especially with city commissioners David Gregory and Cristina Templet, who have pushed back against decisions made by other commissioners at almost every meeting. Gregory says the city's finances are a "mess" and believes the Sumner County Constitutional Republicans are to blame. "I don't think they care if the city goes bankrupt," Gregory said. "I just don't understand why they would." And then, there's Morris, serving in two high-profile roles. A surprise appointment Even though four people submitted resumes for the city manager job, Morris was tapped by the city commission to take on the second role. "I was a little surprised, but I had been working closely with Tina (Tobin) the last couple of months, so I assume they thought I could handle the interim," Morris said via email. And Morris' interim tag could last for months, at least until after the November election. That's when Gregory has asked the board to appoint a new full-time city manager. "It has been challenging to do both," Morris said. "I am splitting the roles as they day dictates." Morris is generally performing city manager duties about 75% of the time, he said. He's working as police chief about 25% of the time. He accepted the position because the city had pressing issues, such as obtaining new liability insurance and grant funding, he said. "Things are busy, but very manageable," Morris said. "I have a lot help, and I am enjoying the challenge." Morris does not see his dual roles lasting forever. After all, he was hired as police chief with a salary of about $79,000. He now makes an additional $3,000 per month on top of his police salary for working as Millersville's city manager, city records show. Gregory said Morris has exceeded expectations as city manager, but he prefers someone with experience to fill the role full-time, so the city can get back in order. The commissioner also said Morris' dual roles go against Tennessee state laws. But the only way to remove someone who's double-dipping is to sue them, and Gregory says he and Templet have declined to file a lawsuit because the proceedings could drag beyond the November election, when a new board could appoint a city manager. Who's running Millersville Police? With Morris pulled in two directions, Taylor is tasked with running most of the police department's day-to-day operations as assistant police chief. Before the TBI raid in Millersville earlier this month, Taylor came under fire for comments he made on multiple podcasts, alleging child sex trafficking conspiracies involving Nashville Covenant School shooting victim Katherine Koonce. Gregory asked Taylor to resign after the comments came to light, and for commissioners and Morris to apologize to the families of Covenant victims at a June meeting. No one said anything. "He doesn't need to be a police chief in this city," Gregory said at that time. "People, especially women, are scared to death of him." Change is happening in Millersville by a 3-2 vote. Mayor Tommy Long, Vice Mayor Milton Dorris and Commissioner Alisha Huiling represent that majority. Gregory and Templet are the outsiders. The two have requested multiple special-called meetings, including one to discuss Taylor's hiring and a possible psychological evaluation for him, but they've been denied by the other commissioners. Long and Morris have both said publicly that they believe the police department is at or near full staff. They praised the addition of two detectives with 40 years of service, something they say adds another level experience to the growing department. Morris believes the police department was in shambles before he took on the role of chief, he said. Therapy dog for an uncertain time Amid the change, the city also wanted to do something positive through the addition of a new staff member in June. Iroh, the 1-year-old Shepherd and Husky mix is a therapy dog for the Millersville Police Department. Iroh will work as a department therapy dog for the foreseeable future, Morris said, noting similar programs in Sumner County and across the country. "We have new mandates in Tennessee for community service for the police department," he explained. "We felt this would be a great way to interact with the kids in the city while also saving a dog." The chief hopes he can soon return to police work once the city's issues are settled. "I am a police chief, and have been for years. I am just now learning the city manager job. I will do whatever the city needs to succeed. I am blessed to have two lieutenants that have over 50 years experience between the two," Morris said. Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Fires, hires and pee: Inside a Tennessee town's tumultuous 2024 Secretary of States Honor Vote Program Reminds Voters of Sacrifices Made in Sept. 11 Aftermath & Throughout History On a clear, peaceful, September morning 23 years ago, our world and our lives as we knew them changed forever in only moments. Terrorists struck our country at home on American soil, claiming 2,977 innocent lives in New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Rising from the ashes of burnt and collapsed buildings and the immense grief that still feels all too familiar to many, Americans united and rallied around victims, their families, and our military members. Reflecting on some of the darkest days in our history is a reminder every year that we must never forget the overwhelming sense of pride we felt in our service members. Once again, they answered the call, protecting us from evil and defending our nations founding principles. Sign up for Honor the Vote and dedicate your vote to a service member These courageous patriots including 28,000 Tennesseans went overseas, putting themselves in harms way, thousands of miles from their homes and their loved ones during the War on Terror. Nashville firefighter Moe Monast helps raise an American Flag over Broadway at Third Ave. for a procession ahead of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. We will always be grateful for their selfless service, and this fall, we have two opportunities to continue expressing our gratitude by honoring them. The first is for registered voters to cast a ballot during early voting or on Election Day. Before heading to polling locations to participate in the Nov. 5 State and Federal Election, voters should also sign up for the Secretary of States Honor Vote program. Honor Vote provides an opportunity to dedicate a vote in honor of those who have fought and continue fighting for our rights including our right to vote. Registered Tennessee voters can sign up for Honor Vote through our website, and they will receive an official button to wear to polling locations when casting a ballot. Tennesseans must never forget 9//1 or dedication of those who served U.S. When Tennesseans vote, they can dedicate their vote in honor of a service member or veteran of their choice. Participants are also encouraged to share their vote dedication on individual social media platforms using #GoVoteTN. This small gesture can have a big impact on a service member or veteran in your life. There is no more patriotic way to thank those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms and rights than exercising your right to vote. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett Before you vote, remember to sign up for the Secretary of States Honor Vote program a great way to ensure we never forget those who served in the aftermath of September 11 and during our 248 years in existence as the greatest nation our world has ever seen. Tre Hargett was elected by the Tennessee General Assembly to serve as the 37th secretary of state in 2009; he has been re-elected to this position in 2013, 2017, and 2021. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee citizens can appreciate service members through Honor Vote Tennessee state lawmaker Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, stands with U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond at Ettrick Deli on Sep. 5, 2024. Charlotte Rene Woods Virginia Mercury Tennessee state lawmaker Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, on Thursday joined U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, in Ettrick to engage young Democratic voters ahead of the presidential and congressional elections this fall. His visit to support Virginia Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris came as Axios reported that former President Donald Trumps campaign is scaling back in Virginia and other states hed been focused on earlier this summer. Recent polling shows Harris with a slight lead over Trump. On Thursday afternoon at Ettrick Deli near Virginia State University, McClellan hosted a meet and greet with Pearson to talk about key issues, two months before the general election that will determine the outcome of McClellans race against Republican challenger Bill Moher to represent Virginias 4th Congressional District. Though the district is reliably Democratic, McClellan said she hopes to gain re-election with higher margins than she did when she first won the seat by a special election in 2023. With that win, McClellan became the states first Black congresswoman. She and Pearson said that driving up interest about Harris campaign in Virginia and elsewhere can benefit Democrats up and down the ballot. McClellan also called Pearson, 29, a rising star in her party who she believes may go on to serve in congress someday. He made national headlines last spring as one of two state lawmakers to be expelled from the state legislature for participating in a protest from the House floor concerning gun violence. Dubbed the Tennessee Three by supporters, he and colleagues Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson were reprimanded for speaking without formally being recognized on the House floor. Johnson, a white woman, was spared from the expulsion while her Black male counterparts were temporarily kicked out of the legislature. Pearson and Jones went on to win reelection to their seats. Pearson is still hopeful for more gun violence prevention policy to prevail in state legislatures and said that he thinks a federal assault-style weapon ban would be a big step in gun violence prevention. This year, Virginias own proposed version of an assault firearm ban cleared the Democratic-controlled legislature before being vetoed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. While speaking with Virginia State University students on the delis patio, Pearson noted young voters role in helping to shape their own future. Folks from the age 18 to 36 are the largest voting bloc in the country, he said. Tennessee state lawmaker Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, at a rally for presidential hopeful Kamala Harris in Ettrick organized by prominent Virginia Democrats, Sept. 5, 2024. (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) In Virginia, of the over 36,000 new voter registrations last month, over 22,000 of the people are under the age of 35, according to Department of Elections data. Research also shows that Democrats have an edge in younger voter demographics while Republicans tend to have an edge with older voters. Youve already got the first Black woman congressperson from the state of Virginia (and the) first Black woman vice president of the United States of America, Pearson said, before suggesting that young Democrats are going to be the deciders. While environmental and social issues have been prominent for young voters, Pearson noted that economics and affordable housing are concerns hes hearing from younger constituents, as well. Were talking about a fight for our future, he said. Were talking about the climate. Were talking about having enough money to be able to find a home and start a family. (Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and X.) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) A Memphis, Tennessee, man whose wife is due to give birth to their second child in just a few weeks has died from a wasp sting. Matt Johnson, 40, who developed an allergy to wasp stings as an adult, was checking his duck blind in the West Memphis area Friday when he accidentally disturbed a wasp nest, said friend Patrick Wredling. He always carried his EpiPen with him, and hes a big old beast of a guy, you know. So, its wild that a bug bite could do something like this, Wredling said. He hit himself with the pen and called 911, he said. They were out in the middle of nowhere, so they were trying to get somewhere to meet the ambulance, and they did find them, thankfully, but I think he was unconscious when he got into the ambulance. Matt, Ashton and Rhett Johnson. Courtesy: Robert Johnson Matt and Rhett Johnson. Courtesy: Robert Johnson Matt and Rhett Johnson. Courtesy: Robert Johnson Matt and Rhett Johnson. Courtesy: Robert Johnson Johnson was the co-owner of trucking company Southern Xpress and leaves behind a wife and a 3-year-old son. Wredling said Johnsons wife is just three weeks away from giving birth to their second child, already named Cole. Its a well-known thing that he dresses his other son kinda like him with cowboy boots and jeans. So, I imagine it was going to be in store for Cole as well, Wredling said. This is dangerous: Newborn baby abandoned in NY house Wredling said he has known Johnson since he was a child and wanted to do something to help his family deal with the sudden loss. He said Johnson was the primary breadwinner, and the last thing his wife should worry about is money. Wredling set up a GoFundMe page to help his friends family. So far, it has raised over $30,000. Its great. People are just so generous and he would be the first one to donate to something like this himself. So, I think things like that come back when you treat people right your whole life and have peoples back that it comes back, said Wredling. Im not surprised at all. Wredling said Johnson was a man of faith who didnt know a stranger. He said friends and family will celebrate his life after the baby is born. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Is it a harmless gesture, or a serious threat? One East Tennessee high school student found out the hard way pointing a finger gun is loaded with consequences, thanks to two new state laws aimed at cracking down on school threats. According to law enforcement, the student was caught on camera reaching into the front of his waistband and acting like he was pulling out a firearm and shooting toward the front of the bus at middle/elementary students who were singing/chanting an ABC song, the incident report said. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts When the school resource officer asked the student why he made the gesture, the student reportedly said the kids singing were making him angry, so he responded by making that gesture, according to the report. The high school student, who News 2 is not naming, along with his school and district at his mothers request, was suspended and charged with making threats of mass violence on schools, a Class E felony. The students mother talked to News 2 on the condition of anonymity. Now hes been out of school for two weeks, and hes behind in his classes, and its a big mess. His mother added her son isnt violent. I asked him, Why did you do that, and he said, I was just joking around,' his mother continued. We dont own guns. We have no guns in our house; a pellet gun, and you cant even kill a squirrel with it. He doesnt play shooter games, anything like that, and now we are fixing to have Homeland Security come into our home. According to the report, a special agent with the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security was notified of the incident. Expulsions for school threats increase one year after zero-tolerance law passes The consequences the teen faces are a result of two new Tennessee laws aimed at cracking down on school threats one that made threats of mass violence on school property a zero-tolerance offense, resulting in a year-long expulsion, and another that increased the penalty of making a school threat from a misdemeanor to a felony. Rep. Bo Michell (D-Nashville), who sponsored the bill making it a felony to make a school threat, told News 2 in March of 2024 he drafted the bill after several threats were made against his own sons school. As a parent, if you get those text messages from your child who is hiding in a storage room closet saying, My teacher has a hammer in her hand and me and my friend have scissors, were ready, it would make a difference to you, Michell said. Too many people are experiencing the same thing, and I feel as a legislator, we need to act. However, the East TN students mother believes her childs punishment goes too far. There have been no notes sent out to the parents dictating what this new law is that our students need to be aware of, the mother said. I understand the severity of the school shootings and things like that. I absolutely do, and I want my kid to be safe when he does go to school, but I think some things are getting blown out of proportion. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The mother is currently searching for an attorney or civil rights group to help with next legal steps. The teen has a disciplinary hearing with the school and a juvenile court hearing later this month. News 2 reached out to the director of schools multiple times since Wed., Sept. 4 about the incident, but has yet to hear 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 WKRN News 2. Tens of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material found on Charleston County mans electronic devices: SCAG CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Tens of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material were located on a Charleston County mans electronic devices, according to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. Michael Bentz, 35, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual exploitation of minors last week after pleading guilty in a Charleston County courtroom. It stems from a report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in April 2021 saying a user of a messaging application placed files of child sexual abuse material on the platform. Subscriber information for that user led investigators to Bentzs home on Wadmalaw Island. Investigators in Charleston County executed a search on his home in February 2022. While there, officials say he admitted to being responsible for the material. The Attorney Generals office said tens of thousands of additional files of child sexual abuse material were found during an examination of his electronics. Judge Jennifer McCoy sentenced Bentz to 10 years in prison. He was given credit for the time hes already served and will have to register as a sex offender once released. He also forfeited his electronics. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Texas could soon make its own textbooks available to elementary schools across the state that contain lessons about the Bible, but first the decision makers listened to what dozens had to say in favor and against the proposal. The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) held its last meeting Tuesday before members reconvene in November to officially vote on the proposed reading and language arts curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade students. The fifth-grade curriculum, for example, contains a section about Leonardo da Vincis painting The Last Supper along with select verses from the Gospel of Matthew as well as a narrative about Jesus resurrection. Additionally, in a kindergarten lesson about serving our neighbors, there are references to the parable of the Good Samaritan and instruction about the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Another teaches third graders about the Bibles story of Jesus life in a broader lesson about ancient Rome. Some supporters, like Cindi Castilla, argued this all highlights a fundamental part of the states history for children. When were teaching what our founders believed, thats not enforcing a religion on anyone. Its teaching this nation, the very nation people live in, Castilla, whos president of the Texas Eagle Forum, said Tuesday. For children to be able to thrive here and really understand their own country, they need to be able to understand some Biblical context, and were giving them some little bits of foundation in that. Texas Values, a conservative advocacy organization, spoke in favor on Sept. 10, 2024 of the new proposed curriculum that includes lessons about the Bible. (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez) However, opponents slammed the proposed textbooks, claiming theyre filled with errors and bias toward Christianity. Teaching about the influence of religion and history and culture is an important part of a well-rounded education, but you cant turn public schools into Sunday schools, Carisa Lopez, deputy director of the Texas Freedom Network, said. This is fundamentally a question of respect for religious freedom. Public schools cant favor one particular religion and promote religious beliefs many families simply dont share. Texas Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, argued the coursework could open up constitutional challenges. He pointed out the legislators who wrote the law that led to the development of this curriculum House Bill 1605 gave teachers immunity from potential violations of the First Amendments establishment clause, which prevents the government from establishing a religion. I as a Christian dont want the government teaching my religion. It violates our religious freedoms. It violates parental rights, Talarico said at a news conference Tuesday. Parents should have the freedom to teach their religion to their children. Thats not the job of government bureaucrats. I would hope that Christians around the state would be outraged that we would attempt to replace the church with the government. Jonathan Saenz, president of the conservative advocacy group Texas Values, said these religious lessons could withstand scrutiny. It is legal and constitutional in my opinion, Saenz said. It is very important to be teaching these things. If the board ultimately adopts these lessons in November, then the state would provide financial incentives for districts to use them in their schools. They could receive as much as $60 per student. That may make it more enticing for the growing number of districts that are experiencing budget shortfalls since state lawmakers have not approved any increases in public school funding since 2019. The curriculum would be available for districts to use starting in August 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 KXAN Austin. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) REV UP Texas, which is an organization working to empower people with disabilities to get more involved in electoral politics, brought together over 300 voters statewide on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to demonstrate the power of the disability vote in celebration of National Disability Voting Rights Week. The event, Power the Disability Vote, was held from noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room, 409 E. Missouri Ave. in Downtown El Paso. A Rutgers study shows that 15.8 million citizens with disabilities reported voting in the November 2022 election. Still, if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 2 million more voters, read a news release sent by El Paso Desert ADAPT. If the disability vote can mobilize for our shared interests, we will be a major influence on both the presidential as well as all state and local elections, said Josue Rodriguez, longtime disability rights activist. Satellite events in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Killeen, Dallas, McAllen, Beaumont, Lubbock and Corpus Christi were all connected to the El Paso event via Zoom, according to the news release. People who could not attend the event in person could join that Zoom call as well. In addition, the recorded event will later be posted to the Power the Disability Votes Facebook page and YouTube channel. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Some Texas school districts say a new system to submit student data to the state needed more testing before it was launched this month. The system was piloted last school year and led to thousands of errors, school officials say. The state's education agency said it's confident errors will be resolved before districts' reporting deadline. Credit: Julius Shieh/The Texas Tribune Upgrades to the system Texas uses to collect student, staff and financial data from school districts are causing serious concerns among school administrators and data specialists across the state who say the changes have led to thousands of unresolved errors that could potentially cause them to lose out on state funding. Each of Texas more than 1,200 school districts is required to regularly submit data to the state, including information on attendance, enrollment, students who receive special education, children experiencing homelessness and the number of kids who have completed a college preparatory course. State officials use the information to determine whether schools are meeting performance standards and how much funding they receive each year. Three years ago, the Texas Education Agency announced major changes to the reporting system. The goal was to make it easier for school districts and the state to share data and reduce the amount of manual labor required from school officials. Districts were supportive of the proposed changes. Almost a dozen other states are using the same standard on which Texas based its system upgrade, said Eric Jansson, vice president of technology for Ed-Fi Alliance, the organization that created the standard. Texas is the largest state to implement the changes. More than 300 districts participated in the pilot program during the last school year, according to the TEA. All school districts began using the new system this school year. Before the upgrade, school districts would submit data directly to the TEA after working with a software vendor that would ensure the education agency didnt have any problems interpreting the information. Under the new arrangement, the software vendors are now responsible for transmitting the data to the state, a change that school officials say leaves them without a chance to fact-check the information before it goes out. They also say a litany of errors and inaccuracies surfaced during the pilot program. In some instances, hundreds of student records from enrollment figures to the number of students in certain programs did not show up correctly. A TEA spokesperson said the agency is confident districts will have ample time to resolve any errors between now and the first reporting deadline on Dec. 12. The agency also noted that districts have until Jan. 16 to resubmit any data needing corrections. But districts say they have no idea how to solve some errors. Their concerns, shared in interviews with The Texas Tribune, have not been previously reported. In an August letter to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, Lewisville Independent School District Superintendent Lori Rapp requested that the agency delay the full transition to the new reporting system until all districts are able to submit 100% of all data elements successfully. Rapp said thousands of errors surfaced after the districts software vendor submitted data to the new system during the pilot. Her staff spent tons of hours trying to figure out why the miscalculations had occurred, she said in an interview. While Rapp's staff had made some progress working with the new system since the pilot started, "[w]e have not been able to fully send, promote, and validate our data to the point where a successful submission could have been made," Rapps letter said. After receiving the note, the TEA organized a virtual meeting with Lewisville ISD officials to discuss their concerns. Rapp said the state did not seem concerned about whether school districts were prepared to make the transition. Maybe because theres no ramifications to them and the stakes aren't as high, they don't have a concern, Rapp said. But for districts, the stakes are extremely high, and it's a gross oversight on their part if they are failing to recognize that. While the TEA says it has resolved more than a thousand tickets submitted by school officials reporting problems with the new system, officials from nearly a half-dozen districts told the Tribune the state has not explained whats causing some of the errors or told them if they have been resolved. School administrators and data specialists who participated in the pilot say the implications of adopting a system that still doesnt have a clear process to correct mistakes are massive. An inaccurate assessment of the students enrolled in Texas public schools could mean school districts receive less funding from the state. Schools are funded based on students average daily attendance, and they receive additional dollars if they have children with specific needs, like students with disabilities or kids learning English as a second language. Funding has been a major point of contention between Texas schools and state officials in recent years. Many districts entered the school year having to spend more money than they have, largely because of the states rising costs of living and a half-decade of no increases to the base-level funding they receive from the state. Public school leaders remain upset that last years legislative sessions ended with no significant raises despite the state having a record $32 billion surplus. Texas school accountability system also relies on the data school districts submit to the state. Some parents rely on those performance metrics to make decisions on where to enroll their children. Poor performance can also lead to state intervention like it happened when the state ousted Houston ISDs locally elected school board and superintendent last year. Full accountability ratings have not been released in five years due to litigation over changes to how districts are evaluated. Many have publicly released their unofficial ratings to share their progress with their communities. School districts say they cant afford to have mistakes in their student data. I think everybody understands the situation that public education is in right now, said Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip. And there is no confidence by anyone that I've spoken with that that data is accurate or will be accurate when it comes time to submit it to the state. School districts that have piloted the new system say they understand errors are part of the process. They just wanted more time to troubleshoot them before it went live. We need more answers around not only supporting the system to be successful, but while we are making sure that it's successful, how are we going to continue to assure that we're not suffering consequences for a delay or inaccuracies in the data? said Mark White, assistant superintendent of accountability for the Tomball Independent School District. And none of those assurances have been received by districts. A TEA spokesperson said the agency did not see a need to expand the trial period because the pilot showed the channels through which it receives data from software vendors worked. The TEA said it plans to continue working with districts to help resolve any errors well before the first reporting deadline. The agency said districts should reach out if they are still experiencing problems. Tammy Eagans, who oversees the student data reporting process for Leon ISD, said the agency was helpful throughout the pilot year whenever the school district had problems submitting information. She added that the task of switching to the new system may not pose the same problems for her small district of fewer than 800 students as it might for larger districts with thousands of children. Still, she said she is not 100% confident that the system as its being rolled out works as intended. Extending the pilot would not have been a bad idea, Eagans said. But she is also hopeful that the education agency will be understanding of districts concerns and not blame them for errors out of their control. The upcoming reporting deadline just kind of puts a little extra pressure on us, said Eagans, adding that shes a little nervous, a little apprehensive, but hoping that it goes smoother than I think it will. Other school officials say the pilot was unsuccessful, and if adopting the new system requires more time, the state should be willing to cooperate. While districts summer data submissions are the largest and have major funding implications, each reporting period is significant in helping paint an accurate picture of a districts latest demographic, financial and personnel situation. For Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora, the looming fall reporting deadline the first since the adoption of the new system is the most important. If the data is inaccurate, then we live with that inaccuracy throughout the entire year, she said. So it has a lot of relevance on many levels. Mary Mitchem, a former TEA employee, said she started worrying about the systems readiness shortly after she was hired in June to make sure the system met the needs of its users. Mitchem no longer works for the agency as of early August. Within days of being hired, she said it appeared that no one had done the work to ensure the data coming from software vendors accurately translated into the education agencys system. Having helped manage data systems for Texas school districts and worked on statewide software projects across the country, she said she was also surprised that, two months before the pilot was set to conclude, no one had audited or tested the system. You're converting a state accounting system, and you have to make sure it balances you have to, said Mitchem. Mitchem sounded the alarm up the chain of command, but a supervisor told her that anything beyond making sure the data was flowing into the new system was the responsibility of the software vendors and school districts. It just blew my mind, Mitchem said. In early August, she sent an email to Morath saying, in part, You will be in litigation if you don't help fix it, and it will be with the largest districts in the state of Texas. 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. On Sept. 7, we wrapped our 2024 Festival three unforgettable days packed with 100+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events on the Tribunes Festival news page. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, addresses the crowd at a grassroots event in McAllen on Wed. Sept. 4, 2024. Credit: Veronica Gabriela Cardenas for The Texas Tribune WASHINGTON Texas senate race is not the priority for national Democrats who face a difficult map this year, but they still see promising signs of a flip in the state, Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Chair Gary Peters said Tuesday. "To be candid, my number one priority is to bring back all of the incumbents," Peters said when asked how important Texas is for the Democratic fundraising and organizing group. But we also want to go on the offense, and the offense is going to be very important. And right now our focus is Texas and Florida. Both of them are very real. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, is challenging Sen. Ted Cruz this November. Its Cruzs first challenge since his close 2018 reelection where former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke came within 3 percentage points of beating him. The DSCC showed early interest in the race when it included Texas in its $79 million ad reservation last spring and funded staffers to work in Texas tracking Cruz. The DSCC named Texas and Florida as its top flip opportunities this cycle. A DSCC aide declined to say what other investments the group would make or how much of the spring ad reservation was going to Texas, though Politico reported a seven-figure amount would go to the state. The Senate Majority PAC, an independent super PAC linked to Senate Democratic Leadership, has not yet announced any investments in the state. We're committed. We have investments we're making on the ground, Peters said. It's very real. Ted Cruz did not win his last race by very much. It showed that he was vulnerable. But flipping any seats has always been second place to Democrats uphill battle to keep its current majority. Democrats have a one-seat majority, with several incumbents up for reelection in otherwise red or purple states. Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jon Tester of Montana and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania are all up for reelection. Democrats in Michigan, Arizona and West Virginia are running to replace retiring Democrats or independent Senators who caucus with Democrats. Meanwhile, every Republican up for reelection this cycle is in a comfortably red state, except for Cruz and Floridas Sen. Rick Scott. Peters said there are signs to stay optimistic about Texas. Cruzs national fame as a right-wing celebrity could be a vulnerability for Republicans, he said. Ted Cruz has very high name recognition. He also has very high negatives, Peters said. High name recognition with high negatives is not a strength, and it's a weakness that Colin Allred is going to be able to exploit. Peters said Allred will need to work for greater name recognition in the state. He defended Allreds understated campaign strategy prioritizing ad buys across the state, which has garnered pushback from some Democrats who hoped he would recreate ORourkes 2018 barnstorming campaign where he held rallies and town halls in every county. Allred has placed ads in the states biggest markets North Texas, Houston, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley. Houston and North Texas are among the most expensive media markets in the country. Allreds campaign declined to say how much it has spent on ads, but ad-tracking firm AdImpact reported the campaign spent $21.7 million on aired ads as of late August. He has to get his name out. He's not as well known as Ted Cruz. The most efficient way to do that is going to be through media, whether electronic, digital, however, you're going to get that out. He has to do that in a very, very large state, Peters said. But that doesn't mean you don't do ground as well. You still do both, because every single vote is going to matter, particularly in Texas. Peters also said he was happy with Allreds fundraising numbers, which he said illustrated Allreds strength. Allred raised $38.1 million through the end of the second quarter of this year to Cruzs $23.4 million. That doesnt include the candidates affiliated political action committees, which would bring the total up to $40 million for Cruz and $41.2 million for Allred. Allreds campaign is running largely independently of his national counterparts. Texas Democrats dont expect investment from the presidential campaign, considering its short runway and laser focus on the most obtainable battleground states. Texas Democrats launched a coordinated campaign with Allred at the top of the ticket to bundle resources down ballot. Texans are sick and tired of Ted Cruz taking things too far and hurting Texas families, like the extreme abortion ban forcing Texas women to flee our state, or voting to raise the retirement age for hard-working Texas seniors," Allred campaign manager Paige Hutchinson said in a statement. "Congressman Allred has built a campaign to win, and were not taking our foot off the gas. The National Republican Senatorial Committee, the GOP counterpart to the DSCC, is working closely with Cruz, who is one of the party's biggest fundraisers. The group cast Allred as "hiding in his basement" instead of campaigning. "But no matter how much cash liberal billionaires pour into Texas, the NRSC will do whatever it takes to make sure Ted Cruz has what he needs to beat back Chuck Schumers hand-picked candidate in Colin Allred," NRSC spokesperson Philip Letsou said in a statement. Allred made 50 visits to 22 cities for his campaign last month. Cruz has warned his fellow Republicans that he is public enemy No. 1 on the left behind former President Donald Trump and that the Texas Senate race is likely to attract millions in donations from liberal donors outside of the state. Cruz and ORourke spent over $93 million in 2018, the most ever spent in a U.S. Senate race at the time. Cruz predicts this years race to be upwards of $100 million. If you are a left-wing partisan Democrat after Donald Trump, there is nobody in the country you want to beat more than me, Cruz told Texans at the Republican National Convention. And so every crazy wild eyed leftist in New York City or Chicago or San Francisco, they go online and they give to whoever's running against me. By the way, I'm kind of proud of that. Disclosure: Politico has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form. 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. On Sept. 7, we wrapped our 2024 Festival three unforgettable days packed with 100+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events on the Tribunes Festival news page. (NewsNation) Thousands of people had to evacuate their homes over the weekend in California and Nevada as fast-moving wildfires ravaged the states. One in Angeles National Forest in California, the Bridge Fire, broke out in the last 24 hours. Crews report zero containment so far. Firefighters tell NewsNation that theyve been working on the Bridge Fire throughout the night. Getting to the flames, however, is difficult because not a lot of roadways lead to the areas that are on fire. Ravines make it tough to get into active fire zones, and all the dry bush is making things even more challenging, the firefighters said. Bryan Kohberger case will be moved out of Moscow, Idaho Another huge fire at the edge of Californias San Bernadino National Forest called the Line Fire, was just 3% contained as of Monday afternoon. It charred about 32 square miles of grass and brush and blanketed the area with a thick cloud of dark smoke. Three firefighters were injured, per a state website, and more than 35,000 structures are under threat. California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday proclaimed a state of emergency in San Bernardino County. Redlands Unified School District canceled classes Monday, affecting around 20,000 students. The National Weather Service for San Diego said the Line Fire caused pyrocumulus clouds to form, creating very dangerous conditions for firefighters. In Nevada, a fire outside Reno originating in Davis Creek Regional Park ignited Sunday afternoon, growing to about 10 square miles by Monday. That is also at 0% containment. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo on Sunday said about 20,000 people were evacuated from neighborhoods, businesses, parks and campgrounds. Parts of south Reno were still under this evacuation order, with some homes and businesses in the area without power. 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. GLEN LYON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Three men are facing charges after an argument led to a stabbing at a gas station in Glen Lyon, police stated. The following three men are facing charges for a stabbing that took place at KVAL Food Outlet on East Main Street in Glen Lyon on August 25; Joseph Nace, 43, of Wyoming Nicholas Suprum, 23, of Nanticoke Joshua Deyo, 24, of Glen Lyon According to the affidavit, officers were called to the gas station around 9:00 p.m. where screaming could be heard. Through video footage, police learned Suprum and three others arrived at the gas station store when Nace, Deyo, and two others pulled up to the parking lot. Suspect arrested, victim dead after shooting near Movies 14 Suprum walked out of the store and began yelling at the car occupied by Nace, officers said. Investigators say when Suprum and the group tried to leave the parking lot, the car Nace was in blocked them. Nace and Deyo then exited their car, Nace threw a hammer at the car occupied by Suprum, and Deyo then sat in front of it, police stated. As stated in court documents, Suprum got out of his car and charged at Nace who drew and fumbled a gun, Suprum then stabbed Nace in the chest. Suprum is charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. Nace faces unlawful restraint, disorderly conduct, firearms not to be carried without a license, and other related charges. Deyo is charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful restraint. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. At our most recent installment of the American Enterprise Institutes Election Watch, we heard from Bill McInturff, the Stan Musial of Republican pollstersgifted but not gaudy. Bill shared a story from his time working at the Republican National Committee back in the days when parties, not super PACs, really ran campaigns. He and his team were looking for ways to teach political strategy to the young people, so they went to the folks who taught strategy at the military war colleges for advice. Bill learned that in the war games that were used to assess the capacities of Americas military elite, only 30 percent of the grade was based on execution of a strategy. The other 70 percent was based on how well the participants could predict what their opponents would do. That struck Bill as a good way to think about it, which is why it came to mind when he was talking about the presidential debate to be held tonight, hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center, just up the mall from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. A candidate might get a passing grade if she or he could only properly predict their opponents strategy, but the margin of victory comes in the next 30 points for effective execution. In that sense, Vice President Kamala Harris starts at a distinct disadvantage. For all of the more than a dozen times that Trump has debated as a presidential candidate in the past nine years, its anybodys guess who will show up on stage with Harris. Will it be the Trump who mostly stayed on talking points with some notable exceptions in his June matchup with then-opponent President Joe Biden? Or maybe the scenery-chewing pro wrestling villain of his first debate with Biden in 2020? Maybe it will be sad Trump, bearer of his many grievances. There are hundreds of people in Trumps orbit who devote considerable time and energy to predicting and controlling his many moods a kind of red socks brigade. If Cabinet secretaries and generals couldnt figure out how to deal with Trumps mercurial nature, what chance do Harris and her team have of accurately predicting which version of the former president they will get? Harris has reportedly been doing full 90-minute dress rehearsals with longtime Hillary Clinton aide Philippe Reines even dressing up like Trump to play the role of her adversary. But how would Reines know which Trump to impersonate? At least the Harris campaign isnt making the same mistake Clinton did in her debates with Trump, when she tried to dismiss him as unserious, and got a snoot full of Trumps most effective setting: the defiant one. This is made even harder for Harris by the fact that Trump has only one job: to keep himself under control. It wont be easy for him. But Harris has at least three tasks that she must accomplish. First, she has to seem plausible. She certainly managed that in her first make-or-break moment of the campaign, with a Democratic National Convention acceptance speech that looked and sounded very much like something a president might do. But she has never met Trump, let alone been on stage with him. Hes physically imposing, and hes devoted himself to playing the role of president for a decade. Indeed, his is the image that still springs to mind for many when they think about that office, even the ones who despise him. Theres not much Harris can do about the plausibility problem. Either she has it, or she doesnt. The 6 percent or so of undecided voters will take most of their conclusions from how the candidates look and seem on stage. Trump is fond of describing people as being out of central casting, but lots of low-information voters will make up their minds in the same way. The good news is that she has very modest expectations for her performance and plenty of voters still open to letting her pass the plausibility test. She just needs to be someone those voters can imagine leading the country at war or in a crisis, and she certainly looks the part. Next is remediation. Harris has sprinted to the center on a host of subjects. This will be the moment we find out if she has a compelling story to tell about why she did. Shes working against a double standard with Trump here. The good news for Harris is that by a wide margin voters think she is of better character than Trump. The bad news is that she could disappoint them, while Trump is a known quantity. In the most recent Pew Research poll, Harris was 8 points ahead of Trump on the question of honesty. Lots of people who think Trump is a liar will vote for him anyway, either believing that he lies on their behalf or that they can accept the dishonesty as a price for policies they prefer. When Trump flip-flops, no one is surprised. Harris not only has to explain a radical change in her positions since her first presidential run in 2019, but do it in a way that doesnt seem phony. Americans very nearly reelected Trump knowing that he was unserious about policy and serially dishonest because many likedand still dothe way things went under his administration. Americans generally dislike the direction of the country in the Biden era, so Harris has to get distance from her boss, but wont be afforded the same low expectations for integrity and coherence that voters have accepted for Trump. To remediate her policy problems, Harris has to tell a convincing story that will depend more on a narrative arc than details or semantic technicalities. She has some good options, including explaining how both she and the world are different from five years ago, but its not a forum well suited to storytelling. Shell have to do it anyway. Her third task is to annoy Trump without being annoying to the rest of the country. Clinton, via the New York Times, gave Harris some unsurprisingly bad advice, starting with the claim that, The consensus was that [she] won all three debates and that [she] was well prepared. Ugh. One of Clintons suggestions was to brush Trump back and not let him be the center of attention all the time because he can be rattled by substantive, direct attacks. This is almost exactly wrong. Harris should very much hope that Trump is the center of attention. In a perfect world for her, Trump would be the one talking well more than half the time. As we saw in his own convention acceptance speech, the longer he talks, the worse he gets. Clintons advice may be good for winning an individual debate, but it is certainly possible to win a debate and lose the presidency. Voters who might be swayed by substance have mostly been swayed already. The persuadable ones are watching this debate and the coverage of it after the fact for a sense of what the new candidate is like. Harris needs to know the subject matter forward and backward, but it will be her mastery of herself, not the material, that will make the difference. Rather than focusing on direct attacks to rattle Trump, shed be better off to make sure she keeps her cool. Little annoys Trump more than being ignored. Rather than emulating Clinton and acting like a college debater, Harris would do better to follow the example of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who really got up Trumps nose by refusing to engage. Harris has shown she understands the virtues of giving Trump the cold shoulder, and would be well advised to stay aloof rather than trying to rattle him. Nothing rattles Trump more than being ignored. Thats also the best way to achieve her third objective of annoyance without doing any violence to the work of plausibility and remediation. Thats her path to taking care of the 30 percent of this contest she can controla solid strategy for political warfare. Tonight we find out what the other 70 percent will look like. 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. Protesters gather outside the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) screening of 'Russians at War', in Toronto Protesters gather outside the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) screening of 'Russians at War', in Toronto By Wa Lone TORONTO (Reuters) -Ukrainian diplomats and activists in Canada on Tuesday urged the Toronto International Film Festival to cancel further screenings of a documentary portraying Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, claiming the film serves as Russian propaganda. "Russians At War" was filmed by Anastasia Trofimova, a Russian-Canadian director and cinematographer who spent seven months embedded with Russian troops near the front line in Ukraine. The documentary is a raw and visceral look at the war from the unfiltered perspective of soldiers fighting on the ground. They speak directly to the camera about fear, death and hope as the war rages around them. Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko said the documentary was an attempt to white-wash war crimes committed by the Russian military since its invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. "This is highly crafted Russian propaganda and unfortunately the festival has not demonstrated any willingness to address our concerns," he said in an interview, referring to TIFF's decision to allow the screening. Trofimova denied that her documentary was propaganda. On the contrary, she said, it was filmed without permission of the Russian government, putting her at risk of criminal prosecution in Russia. "I want to be clear that this Canada-France co-production is an antiwar film made at great risk to all involved, myself especially," she said in a written statement. "I unequivocally believe that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is unjustified, illegal and acknowledge the validity of the International Criminal Court investigation of war crimes in Ukraine," she wrote. "Russians at War" was funded by the not-for-profit Canada Media Fund, supported in part through government grants, according to a TIFF media statement. It made its North American premiere at the festival after showing out of competition at the Venice Film Festival this month. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, herself of Ukrainian descent, also condemned the film and its inclusion in TIFF's program. At a Liberal Party retreat in British Columbia, she told reporters that Ukrainian diplomats and the Ukrainian-Canadian community have expressed grave concerns about it. "It's not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this, she said. "We have to be really clear that this is a war where there is no moral equivalency. This is a war of Russian aggression." 'FAIR POLITICAL COMMENT' TIFF on Wednesday defended the film's inclusion, saying it could not be classified as propaganda, having been made "without the knowledge or participation of any Russian government agencies." "As a cultural institution, we stand for the right of artists and cultural workers to express fair political comment freely and oppose censorship," TIFF said in a statement. Outside a Toronto theatre on Tuesday, dozens of protesters gathered to decry the festival's decision to not comply with demands to cancel the documentary's screenings. Olya Glotka, a Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker who helped organize the protest, told Reuters that the Canadian government should investigate the funding of the film. "This is not the right time to give voice to people who are daily committing war crimes, killing civilians and abducting children," she said. (Reporting by Wa Lone in Toronto; Editing by Frank McGurty, Bill Berkrot and Diane Craft) After facing a failed attempt by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu to block their world-premiere screening, the filmmakers behind the anti-Netanyahu documentary The Bibi Files carried on Monday night debuting their work at the Toronto International Film Festival with a mix of grim resolve and giddy triumph. Alexis Blooms film, which builds its case against the long-serving Israeli prime minister on a foundation of never-before-seen interrogation tapes, at times played like a rally to the Israeli-skewing, often anti-Netanyahu crowd. More from The Hollywood Reporter You need to find a way to take this film and airdrop it over Israel, one Israeli attendee said from the audience after the screening, though judging by the growing crowds of protesters on Tel Aviv streets in the wake of six dead Israeli hostages, the message may have already been received. The Bibi Files was produced by the Oscar- and Emmy-winning documentarian Alex Gibney, who said he and Bloom pushed to show the work at Toronto in light of the ongoing war and tragedies it has brought on all sides. People are dying every day, and we wanted to make a statement with this film, Gibney told the audience after the screening. Bloom, who is still shaping and adding material to the doc, said that while her work has taken on added urgency in light of the Hamas invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 and the ensuing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, she actually started making it during Israels judicial-reform protests that began in early 2023. You can see this pattern going on worldwide, this democratic backsliding, she said of the protests inciting event. Bloom has examined these themes before with her 2018 Roger Ailes film Divide and Conquer and Gibneys Wikileaks film We Steal Secrets, which she produced. The festivals chief documentary programmer, Thom Powers, scheduled the Netanyahu movie just last week, believing it had something important to say about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. As the credits rolled and the audience stood to applaud, about a dozen people held up signs calling for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Outside on the citys King Street before the screening, protesters led chants in Hebrew calling for new parliamentary elections, a ceasefire and a hostage deal. The film does not yet have any distribution deals, which Gibney said he hoped the fest screenings would yield. Bibi Files arose after a source had approached Gibney with the secret interrogation tapes last year. The recordings had never been seen in Israel (though some of their contents had been leaked to text-based journalists) and likely never will, at least officially, given a privacy law that would put the source in legal jeopardy. While the privacy law ostensibly only applies to Israel, Netanyahus lawyers requested the judge in his corruption trial block the Toronto screening, arguing that the movie was still bound by the statute internationally. The judge, Oded Shaham, rejected the motion to immediately block the film, allowing Mondays screening and a second one Tuesday to move forward, though did seek a response from principals by Wednesday. The Bibi Files uses a mix of talking-head history and in-the-room verite to paint its picture of a leader who has arrogated power for corrupt and self-interested reasons the allegations are of some $250,000 in gifts received in exchange for political favors to his countrys detriment. While delving some into Netanyahus policies on the war in Gaza, it focuses most heavily on his corruption trial, whose indictments on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust were handed down nearly five years ago as the trial continues. The contours of Netanyahus corruption charges, the influence of his wife Sara and his coalition with far-right politicians will be well-known to those who follow Israeli politics. But the sight of the most powerful man in the countrys modern history on the back foot with police investigators in his office where he is occasionally playful, sometimes indignant and often defiant could etch an especially negative portrait. The movie also features candid looks at a whos-who of modern Israeli figures, as everyone from Hollywood producer and longtime Netanyahu ally Arnon Milchan to current Israeli-government opposition leader Yair Lapid (once Finance Minister under Netanyahu) can be seen talking about what they knew of alleged corruption in unusually candid interrogation-room settings. Unwitting co-starring roles by Sara Netanyahu (angrier and more outspoken than her husband) and son Yair (a right-wing influencer who calls the police investigators the Stasi) round out the picture. Israeli investigative journalist and well-known Netanyahu antagonist Raviv Drucker is the main talking head and de facto narrator of the film (and a producer). The movie also benefits from a 19-year-old Israeli woman from Kibbutz Beeri who gives a pungently anti-Netanyahu view from the ground. One audience member Monday did call out that Netanyahu has not been found guilty and cautioned against rushing to judgment without a conviction. While The Bibi Files in its current form doesnt get to the protests of the last week it stops with Netanyahus address to Congress this summer its distribution could nonetheless feed into the growing call from a large majority of Israelis who want a ceasefire and hostage deal from Netanyahu as well as a change in government. A poll from Israels Channel 12 last week found that more than two-thirds of Israelis believed Netanyahu should not run when the next election is held. As with all documentaries, though, the question is whether the film will build on that momentum or simply reinforce previously held views. Gibney, at least, believes it could bring new clarity for international audiences. For a lot of Americans, the war goes on and on and on. And a lot of people are wondering why does it continue?' he told the TIFF audience. And I think one of the reasons for taking this film on is to explain a lot of the events that we now see through the corruption, the moral corruption, of this one individual. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The tiger had my husband by his throat I fought to save him with a stick An aggressive Bengal tiger jumps at the side of its enclosure, held at Chitwan National Park - Mailee Osten-Tan Most people would have run for their lives. But as the tiger was sinking its claws into her husbands neck, Mangal grabbed a stick and started fighting. Moments earlier, the apex predator had leapt from the jungle undergrowth to pin 61-year-old Lilarag to the ground. Yet Mangal had no intention of her husband becoming the big cats next meal. When he fell down, I couldnt [run] because I wanted to save Lilarag and the tiger wanted to bite his throat, the 56-year-old says, nonchalantly recounting her remarkable response to the attack last year. So I took dry sticks from the forest and hit the tiger again and again. I just kept shouting and kept hitting the tiger until it ran away, she adds, mimicking the motion as she sits on her front porch, watching the sunset. We saw a very nasty tiger that day. Lilarags brush with death unfolded in the forest just outside the village where the couple grew up, married, and raised their three children. But venturing into the jungle, where locals have been foraging for decades, is an increasingly dangerous business. Lilarag Kumal, 61, shows the facial scar sustained from a tiger attack last year - Mailee Osten-Tan The community backs onto Chitwan National Park, a picturesque reserve of flat grasslands, rich marshes and dense forest in Nepals lush Terai lowlands. Roughly 120 miles from Kathmandu, this area is known as the countrys tiger capital and its been a linchpin of an impressive conservation programme. Tiger numbers across Nepal have almost tripled since 2010, when 13 countries home to the big cats marked the Chinese Year of the Tiger with a pledge to double their populations before the zodiac calendar cycled round again. By 2022, Nepal was the only place to hit that target: numbers jumped from 121 to 355 as the government intensified efforts to prevent poaching and protect habitats. But the Bengal tigers comeback has come at a price. According to government data, at least 32 people have been killed and 15 injured in confrontations with the animals since 2018. And the villages close to Chitwan the countrys oldest national park, home to a third of Nepals tigers are a hotspot for simmering tensions, as the big cats venture out of the reserve and clash with locals. The [Bengal] tiger is a magnificent animal. Its one of natures marvels and we have to protect it, or it could go to extinction, says Abinash Thapa Magar, a ranger in the national park. But there are incidents [we have] to manage rising human-tiger conflict and control the man-eaters. Mangal Kumal, 56, saved her husband Lilarag from a tiger attack by beating the animal with a stick - Mailee Osten-Tan Pacing a shabby cage in a jungle clearing is one of these man eaters. As the rangers approach, it hurls itself at the rusting mesh with a deep roar. Its an unnerving moment. We think hes around two years old, hes been here for two or three months, says Amrita Pudasaini, a Chitwan park ranger, watching the frustrated, aggressive creature lap its cage. We have seven in captivity [around Chitwan] at the moment. We have to take man-eating tigers out of the wild, because they can get a taste for humans. Once a tiger attacks a human, the likelihood is theyll strike again. But caging the big cats is a last resort, a measure no one takes lightly. Not only is it expensive it costs roughly 7,000 rupees (40) a day to feed one tiger 10kg of meat, stretching already tight budgets but none of the rangers want to take the very animal theyre trying to protect out of the wild. Yet they see few alternatives. With the increase in tiger population, there has been a surge in the instances of human-tiger conflicts leading to human casualties, livestock losses and retaliations, says Shashank Poudel, a wildlife biologist at the World Wildlife Fund in Nepal. While prevention is key, holding and managing problem tigers is also important for the safety of the people. This is an expensive affair that requires lots of resources. While the government and conservation partners are trying their best additional resources are imperative to construct improved and better enclosures. It has been estimated that five per cent of Nepals tigers have behavioural problems - Mailee Osten-Tan Abinash Thapa Magar, a park ranger at Chitwan National Park - Mailee Osten-Tan Chitwans Mr Thapa Magar, who estimates five per cent of Nepals tigers have behavioural problems, agrees. We have to capture them, and we have a compensation scheme for the victims [bereaved families receive 1 million rupees, just under 6,000]. The only way to protect the tigers is to also protect the local people and their livestock. Relations have to be harmonious, because we need community support to be successful in conservation. He adds that working with locals has been especially critical to tackle poaching and hunting which, alongside habitat loss, first pushed Bengal tigers to an endangered status. A century ago more than 100,000 roamed Asia, a figure that had nosedived by 95 per cent by the early 2000s. In Nepal the low point came in the early 1970s; government estimates suggest the country was then home to fewer than 50 Bengal tigers. It was around this time that Chitwan National Park became the countrys first protected reserve. But alongside local people, the rangers have also enlisted another, less obvious ally in their conservation efforts: elephants. A park ranger and a mahoot ride an elephant as they patrol through dense foliage in Chitwan National Park The majestic giants become an essential part of conservation and tracking efforts during Nepals relentless rainy season, when Chitwans marshlands become saturated, dense grasses reach nine feet high, and the dirt tracks become impassable even for a 4x4. And so, on a gloomy Friday morning in late August, The Telegraph joins a group of mahouts, rangers and soldiers as they set off on patrol atop four enormous Asian elephants. Were perched on hessian mats and huddling under brightly coloured umbrellas as a heavy drizzle sets in. Sometimes we come across poachers, but that has become less common, says Ms Pusadaini. Today, the team is on the lookout for injured animals, and taking stock of the landscape for habitat management planning. And so, for five miles, we precariously sway from side to side as the plodding elephants navigate across deep streams, muddy forests and meadows so tall wed lose sight of one another, if not for the umbrellas bobbing above the foliage. The mahouts guide the route, jabbing their bare feet into the elephants ears and nudging their heads with a blunt machete. From the elephants point of view, its not the best situation, so we dont use them every day and we make sure to take good care of them, says Ms Pusadaini. But we cant do our jobs without these elephants. Members of the Nepali army brief each other before going on patrol - Mailee Osten-Tan A mahoot points out a tiger enclosure in Chitwan National Park where problem tigers are held indefinitely - Mailee Osten-Tan A moment later, we get a sense of this dynamic. Less than three metres in front of us, a rhino and its calf dash through the grasslands, seemingly from nowhere. Imagine if that had been a tiger and we had been on foot, Ms Pusadaini notes. Today, though, we dont spot any big cats and having heard about the various rangers encounters, thats almost a relief. In 2013, when Mr Thapa Magar was on elephant patrol, his team tracked a troublesome tiger into a sugarcane field. Suddenly it roared and it jumped towards us. I was so afraid, my internal voice was like woaaaah. It was a frightening moment, Mr Thapa Magar recalls later, back at the parks headquarters. This is why [elephants] are the backbone of our operations. We raise them and train them to help the patrolling and overall management of the park. It is not acceptable to ride them for recreational purposes, but it is essential for the safety of rangers and for operational purposes, he says. If we dont have elephants, we cannot enter much of the national park at this time. Elephants have been important for our success. A park ranger and a mahoot ride an elephant in the rain through the tall grass fields in Chitwan National Park - Mailee Osten-Tan But in the buffer zone outside the park, many villagers have mixed feelings about the tiger boom. Dil Bahadur Purja Pun, chief of the Chitwan park rangers, understands their concerns. We have no new target [for the tiger population], as we have already tripled their numbers. Now, we have to focus on balancing this, to maintain the population while mitigating conflicts, he says. It is quite difficult, but not impossible. Lilarag, however, seems unconvinced. I dont know if its possible to control the tigers, he says, gesturing at the idyllic landscape in front of his house. Distant mountains tower above rice paddy fields, but he can also see the forest where his wife risked her life to save his own. Ive not been back into the forest since it happened. Im very scared, I cannot go inside, says Lilarag, recoiling at the idea. He doesnt remember much of the attack; he blacked out as the tiger clawed his face and neck, and woke up disoriented in a hospital ward a week later. He remained there for 15 days as doctors reconstructed his face his left jaw is now held together with a metal bolt. Most people when they encounter a tiger, theyre going to die. But I got another life from my wife, Lilarag says. If she had also run, I would have died. So I feel like I have a new life. Mangal smiles. They know how different the outcome could have been, several families in their village have lost relatives to the apex predators. The tigers come from here, but so do we our communities have lived here for a very long time, says Mangal, glancing at the long, jagged scar the tiger claw left on Lilarags face. Sometimes it feels to me too hard to live with tigers beside us. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. Dr Kifayat Ullah as been struck off and ordered to repay the money he stole - CAVENDISH PRESS A doctor has been struck off after he stole almost 52,000 from the NHS because he wanted to keep his daughters in private school. Dr Kifayat Ullah, 41, who calls himself the Ear Doctor on TikTok, forged work time sheets claiming he was working 45 hours a week during the pandemic when in fact he was doing just 22.5 hours. The married father-of-two, who drove an Aston Martin with a personalised plate and was pictured on social media taking exotic holidays, said he needed cash to pay future school fees but refused to take out a loan because of cultural issues. Ullah, of Hampstead, north London, who was working as a locum specialising in ear nose and throat problems at Kingston Hospital, was reported to police after NHS fraud investigators discovered he had submitted 27 fraudulent time sheets recording an additional 658 hours that he never worked. He initially tried to cover up his wrongdoing and even tried to deflect the blame on colleagues but eventually admitted it and expressed his profound remorse. At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, Ullahs name was ordered to be erased from the doctors register after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct. Last January, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for two years, and told to complete 250 hours unpaid work and pay compensation of 51,902.50 after he admitted using a false instrument. He has since repaid all the stolen money. Dr Kifayat Ullah was pictured on social media on exotic holidays - CAVENDISH PRESS Ullah regularly posts TikTok videos of his private work as The Ear Doctor, where he charges up to 170 for emergency call-outs and shows his affluent lifestyle which included a video of a stay in a 1,250-a-night treehouse in Hampshire with his family. The Manchester hearing was told inquiries began after suspicions were raised about time sheets Ullah submitted between November 2020 and June 2021. It emerged he had scanned in the handwritten time sheets and then amended them using Microsoft Paint by copying and pasting signatures from colleagues. Inquiries revealed an over-payment to him of 45,402. The total loss to the Trust was 51,982 as the agency unwittingly took its cut. When confronted, he falsely claimed a manager said he could work 22.5 hours but be paid for 45. For the General Medical Council, Jade Bucklow said: Dr Ullah appears at times to be very focused on the needs of himself and his family rather than the wider public. His stressors were no different to the life stressors that many doctors face day-to-day. He did not exhaust all the other financial options available to him. When asked about why he did not take a loan, Dr Ullah said that he and his family did not like debt. It is difficult to understand why defrauding the NHS was more palatable than taking a loan. It comes across as an extraordinary sense of entitlement. This was a time when the NHS was dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and arguably was still recovering from that with waiting times at their highest and with junior doctors striking because of pay and working conditions. Family Dynamics Defence lawyer Malcolm Gledhill said: Dr Ullah has dedicated his life to medicine and sought to make a difference. That risk of repetition is negligible because of the changes that Dr Ullah had put in place which include different family dynamics, a better relationship with his family members to discuss matters. Dr Ullah believes he will deal with any new pressures in a different way to how he has in the past. He has been the key person in the family, someone who everyone went to and perhaps in hindsight, it was too much responsibility without negotiating a different approach. He was given various costings and what was potentially required over a period of time and Dr Ullahs cultural heritage discourages incurring interest by borrowing money. But there has been a sea change which had really made a difference to him managing his own life moving forward. MPTS chairman Mr Andrew Clemes said: Dr Ullahs dishonesty had been persistent, and he had tried to cover it up on a number of occasions including when he was interviewed, also seeking to deflect blame onto colleagues. 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 this photo provided by NASA, Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams pose for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station's Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 13, 2024. - Credit: NASA/AP NASA and Boeing have avoided the terms stuck and stranded, but either way, two astronauts are still in space long after they planned to be. Sunita Suni Williams, the missions pilot, and Barry Butch Wilmore, the missions commander, left for the International Space Station in Starliner on June 5. The mission, whose goal is to make sure that people can safely fly to the ISS in Starliner, was intended to last a week, but now they are expected to return home in February. Williams and Wilmore are the first two astronauts sent into space by Boeing, which has a $4.2 billion contract with NASA as part of a move to privatize space flight in the U.S. More from Rolling Stone The process leading up to the Boeing voyage met repeated technical issues, and more issues during its historic test mission have left the companys first-ever crew in space, where they are expected to be until at least February. While it does seem like the purpose of a test run is to find those issues, one would hope that they could also be resolved. Its the latest blow to the reputation of Boeing, long considered the gold standard in American manufacturing, following two deadly 737 Max 8 airplane crashes and several recent safety incidents. The crashes, which took place in 2018 and 2019, killed 346 people. Then, in January, a 737 Max 9 had to make an emergency landing when a door plug flew off. There were no fatalities, but a few minor injuries were reported. Williams and Whitmore are expected to return to earth in February on a spacecraft made by SpaceX, Elon Musks company. SpaceX is also working with NASA on travel to the ISS. The company has had its own issues. For example, in July, its Falcon 9 rocket failed to launch. The rocket is used to carry satellites. In terms of its work with NASA, their Dragon spacecraft launched from the Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday with the destination of earths radiation belts. They hope to complete the first commercial spacewalk on this trip. Sept. 16, 2014: Boeing wins a contract with NASA NASA gives Boeing a $4.2 billion contract to send astronauts to and importantly, from the International Space Station. Elon Musks SpaceX receives a $2.6 billion contract as well with the same goals. One intention of the project was to end American reliance on Russia for space travel by 2017; astronauts have flown to the ISS on Russian spacecraft since 2011. Each contractor was expected to complete two to six missions with people aboard. From day one, the Obama Administration made clear that the greatest nation on Earth should not be dependent on other nations to get into space, said Charlie Bolden, who was a NASA administrator at the time. These contracts marked a decision to privatize voyages to the ISS. Turning over low-Earth orbit transportation to private industry will also allow NASA to focus on an even more ambitious mission sending humans to Mars, Bolden said. May 2018: NASA has concerns about Starliner A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office finds that certification for Boeings spacecraft could be delayed to 2020. NASA tells the GAO that they have concerns about Starliners parachute system. June 2018: Starliner finds a problem during a launch test Boeing finds an anomaly during a test of the Starliners launch abort system, which leads to a propellant leak. The launch abort system is an important protection for emergencies during liftoff, allowing the spacecraft to pull away from the rocket quickly. We are confident we found the cause and are moving forward with corrective action. Flight safety and risk mitigation are why we conduct such rigorous testing, and anomalies are a natural part of any test program, Boeing said in a statement. Dec. 20, 2019: Starliner fails its flight test Starliner fails a flight test to reach the ISS when it does not enter the correct orbit, meaning it could not complete its intended task of docking at the ISS. No people were on board. NASA said it was likely that the spacecrafts mission elapse timing system was off. Theres probably an opportunity to practice spacecraft guidance and control, just not at the same proximity to the station that we previously thought, Boeing told reporters. August 4, 2021: Starliners mission is postponed Boeing and NASA attempt to launch Starliner, but they cancel the mission due to valve issues in the propulsion system. Starliner returns to the factory for deeper-level troubleshooting. May 25, 2022: Starliner has a nail biting flight test Starliner safely returns from its second orbital flight test. When it came time to dock at the ISS, the process was nail biting, according to Mark Nappi, then Boeings Starliner program manager. There were issues with software, sensors, and docking components. There were also issues with thrusters, which maneuver the spacecraft. Engineers found six or seven possible causes for these issues. Of course this is a test flight, and as those that probably watched throughout the day, you saw that were learning along the way, and its very exciting, said Steve Stich, NASAs commercial crew program manager. Sept. 21, 2022: Astronauts travel to the ISS American astronaut Frank Rubio travels to the ISS with two Russian cosmonauts for a six-month mission. They travel on the Russian spacecraft Soyuz MS-22. Dec. 14, 2022: The spacecraft is damaged Soyuz is damaged, possibly by space junk, and has a coolant leak, meaning Rubio cant return to earth yet. Sept. 27, 2023: Rubio sets a new record Astronaut Frank Rubio finally comes back to earth, becoming the American who has spent the most consecutive time in space at 371 days. They traveled on a different Soyuz model, a Soyuz MS-23. Rubio told NPR that once you got over the initial shock and surprise, you just kind of focused on making the best of it and making sure that the mission was accomplished. June 5, 2024: Starliners first crew takes flight Williams and Wilmore launch into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, for what they think will be a week. They are Starliners first crew and Boeings first time sending astronauts into space. Before they even left, their capsule had a helium leak in its propulsion system, which NASA and Boeing decided was isolated. The vessel had four more leaks during flight. Williams and Wilmore are both retired from the Navy, which could leave the two uniquely positioned to answer the important question: which is scarier, the ocean or outer space? June 6, 2024: NASA and Boeing discover more problems After about 26 hours, Starliner docks at the ISS. The issues with helium leaks and Starliners reaction control thrusters persist. As many as five thrusters went offline during the voyage. Surprisingly, the issues with the thrusters are similar to those in the May 2022 test flight. We dont understand quite why theyre happening, Stich said. July 10, 2024: The astronauts keep a happy appearance Williams and Wilmore give a press conference from space. We are having a great time here on ISS, Williams said. Butch and I have been up here before and it feels like coming home. So yeah, its great to be here. While at the ISS, they are helping with repairs and experiments. June 14, 2024: Williams and Wilmore to stay in space NASA and Boeing announce that they will postpone Starliners return. They needed the time to to finalize departure planning and operations, according to NASA. We have an incredible opportunity to spend more time at station and perform more tests which provides invaluable data unique to our position, said Nappi, who is now Boeing vice president and commercial crew program manager. We have plenty of margin and time on station to maximize the opportunity for all partners to learn, including our crew. June 18, 2024: Williams and Wilmore homecoming is, once again, postponed NASA postpones Starliners return to earth again, planning for June 26. This will give NASA and Boeing more time to look into the thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, they say. Were taking a little extra time to review all the data and also learn as much as we can while we have the service module in orbit, Stich said. He added that Williams and Wilmore love Starliner, and theyre so happy to be a part of the mission. July 24, 2024: Boeing reports major losses In its quarterly earnings report, Boeing says it has lost $125 million on the Starliner program. This brings the total losses on the program to $1.6 billion since 2016. Aug. 24, 2024: Boeing extends the astronauts mission again Boeing announces that Williams and Wilmore will have to stay on the ISS until February. The company plans to bring the astronauts back on a SpaceX aircraft. The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeings Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. Aug. 31, 2024: Wilmore detects a strange noise Wilmore hears a strange noise from a speaker in Starliner. I dont know whats making it, he said. Mission control describes the noise as pulsing. The feedback from the speaker was the result of an audio configuration between the space station and Starliner, NASA said later in a statement. There are several noises Id prefer not to hear inside my spaceship, including this one that Boeing Starliner is now making, former astronaut Chris Hadfield posted on X. There are several noises I'd prefer not to hear inside my spaceship, including this one that @Boeing Starliner is now making. pic.twitter.com/NMMPMo5dtt Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) September 1, 2024 Sept. 7, 2024: Starliner returns to earth unmanned The Starliner spacecraft returns to earth without its crew, landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. Williams and Wilmore stayed at the ISS reportedly out of safety concerns due to the thruster problems. Stich said that Williams and Wilmore probably could have come home. It would have been a safe, successful landing with the crew on board, he said. I think we made the right decision not to have Butch and Suni on board, Stich clarified. All of us feel happy about the successful landing. But then theres a piece of us, all of us, that we wish it would have been the way we had planned it. I dont think that could have gone better, Williams said about the landing, from space. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Families want the best for their children and the right to choose a school that works best for them. There are many options available, whether that is a public or private school, charter, or home school. But, with conversations about school choice, and school vouchers it raises opinions on how it can impact these education options. CEO and Founder of Texas Leadership Charter Academy Walt Landers said TLCA won its charter in 2008 and officially opened its doors in 2009 in San Angelo. Charter schools were created decades ago to be an option for families who opt out of traditional public schools. We were running a private Christian school, and through the years, we just kept seeing such a need, where parents were struggling to pay tuition, having to work two jobs, trying to do that, or we were having to try and raise money and do a lot of scholarships, and it was just always a fight and a burden. And then we started seeing more and more gang activity in San Angelo in the schools, bullying, and so we were having a lot of parents come to us that didnt have options. They couldnt homeschool, and they couldnt afford private school, and the only other option was the ISD, explained Landers. Landers detailed the main difference between a private and charter school: Charter schools are privately run and free to families. However, they must meet the same financial and academic standards as a public school. Another key difference is that a public school has open enrollment, whereas a charter does not have to accept a student with discipline issues. When charter schools were founded. That was one of the key components of having some, some actual competition that would be a healthy competition, because ultimately, we want parents to win, we want communities to win. And if theres healthy competition, it just works in a very positive way, added Landers. However, a charter school does not receive the same funding as a public school. Our biggest challenge there is a local ISD receiving local tax-based money and facility money. They do receive facility funding money, you know, thats a part of their part of their income from the state every year; most citizens dont understand that. Even though they received all of those extra dollars, about $2,000 more per student, they still run on 80 to 85% of their budget being payroll and benefits, where we receive 2000 less per child, which is huge, and then we have to operate on a 65% budget for all of our employees and benefits to be able to have enough for facilities and to be able to run operations for our school. We dont have all the additional specialized teachers and some of the things that an ISD can afford to do because they have the huge amount of money that we do not receive. Landers hopes no one forgets about charter schools when discussing school choice and vouchers. The governor, with his plan, said 10,500 for a voucher. Well, we want to at least be able to be taken up to that we want at least the additional facility funding, money that we feel like we should have received when charters were formed that was that was really kind of underhanded, how they cut that out and didnt allow charters to have that we knew that we wouldnt receive local tax base money, but we should have received the facility funding money our students, theyre not worth any less than they are in an ISD. So, I still believe that theres still a fight for us to be able to show up in Austin with legislators to Try and get more money for charter schools, expressed Landers. Over in Rowena, Texas, Chris Martin and his wife Melissa homeschool their six daughters. They chose to homeschool because Chriss job in the health field required frequent moving. They were also concerned about societal and cultural changes and wanted to provide their girls with a unique, individualized education. The family states they made the financial sacrifice to homeschool and live on a reduced income. Melissa, working as a dental hygienist, switched gears to be a full-time stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher. With a big lump in our throat that we had to swallow, that we were about to make a decision that was going to change the future of our children and our family forever, and that income that we were dependent upon in our budget was that also was going to change, said Martin. As a home school family, they fund all their childrens books, computers, software, ink and paper, etc. We realized that as homeschool parents, we are the doctor of their education, we are the ones that understand them the best and have the best care and concern for if they grasp it or not and so thats part of what School Choice allows. It allows us to choose who the teacher is, and it funds that, explained Martin. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Chattanooga man will be spending the next five years in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud an elderly widow who had dementia. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the United States Attorneys Office announced that 65-year-old Karl Hampton was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $1.2 million in restitution. PREVIOUS: Franklin man convicted of stealing $1.2 million from widow to buy car, lottery tickets Karl Hampton and his wife, Deborah Hampton, both formerly of Franklin, were indicted in June 2021 on multiple counts of conspiracy and money laundering. Karl was also charged with eight counts of wire fraud. Officials said he was found guilty on all counts following a week-long jury trial in April 2023. At the trial, evidence revealed that Karl had met the victim, an 86-year-old widow, while he was working as an exterminator for a pest control company based in Nashville. He spent the next two years between January 2018 and February 2020 befriending the woman and tricking her into believing that he would care for her personally and financially. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Karl would refer to himself as her son or godson, and in April 2019, he convinced her to sign over her Power of Attorney and to name him in her Revocable Living Trust and in her will. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Karl then drained the widows bank accounts, took out a $500,000 line of credit in her name, and amassed huge charges on her credit cards. Officials said some of the funds he stole came from two investment accounts that belonged to the estate of the womans deceased sister. In total, Karl stole more than $1.2 million from the woman in the form of checks, cashiers checks, bank transfers, cash withdrawals, and by using her credit card. Evidence showed he used that money to buy luxury items including a car, an SUV, and a 4.3-karat diamond ring that cost more than $21,000. He also frequently spent over $1,000 per day in cash buying lottery tickets. Deborah pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering on February 13, 2023, for her role in the scheme. She was sentenced to time served, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $21,000. 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 WKRN News 2. Music fans by the thousands are expected to descend on downtown Bristol this weekend for the 23rd annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and the host cities are again planning a series of changes to traffic and access to accommodate them. The five-block section of State Street from the Volunteer Parkway/Commonwealth Avenue intersection to Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard will again be closed off to all vehicle traffic throughout the event, beginning Friday morning at 3 a.m., the city traffic plan shows. Additionally, portions of side streets between Shelby and State streets on the Tennessee side will be closed at that same time. Portions of Virginia side streets will also be closed to vehicle traffic access. Simultaneously, a portion of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Shelby Street in Tennessee and Cumberland Street will also be closed off to vehicle traffic. The short section of State Street in from of Citizens Bank will also be sealed at that same time. Access to downtown bank buildings will be possible on Friday morning, but patrons are urged to be alert for street closures and directional signage. Motorists can also expect significant limitations to parking in the greater downtown area including around the Downtown Center which serves as the hub for festival shuttle buses. A portion of Piedmont Avenue between State and Cumberland streets in Virginia, will be blocked off Thursday afternoon to allow for stage construction. Additional outdoor stages will be installed adjacent to the country music mural at the Downtown Center, in the middle of State Street, near the intersection with Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, in the parking lot near the intersection of Shelby and Sixth streets on the Tennessee side and in the parking lot near Machiavellis off of Fifth Street. On Friday, Bristol Virginia Police will monitor the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue/Volunteer Parkway and State Street/West State Street and operate the traffic signal manually. Also, Bristol Tennessee Police will monitor the intersection of Volunteer Parkway and Broad Street/Anderson Street and operate that traffic signal manually on Friday only. Vendors will have vehicle access to the festival area via the State Street entrance at Volunteer Parkway/Commonwealth Avenue on Friday until 1 p.m., according to the plan. Festival gates are scheduled to open Friday at 3 p.m., with the first acts taking the stage around 5 p.m. Gates open Saturday at 9 a.m., with music scheduled from noon until around midnight. Gates open Sunday at 10 a.m., with music scheduled from noon until 7 p.m. Because parking is limited downtown, shuttle buses run continuously prior to, during and immediately after the festival all three days and nights. Pickup points include 11 Bristol area hotels and Stickley Farms, near Bluff City. Shuttle tickets are $20 for the weekend. For shuttle or other festival information and tickets log onto https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival-bristol-rhythm/. Todays school children practice running for their lives there are better ways to keep them safe Students wait to be picked up by their parents after a school shooting on Sept. 4, 2024 in Winder, Georgia. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) A 6-year-old girl lost one of her white Adidas lace-up sneakers as she and her 21 classmates practiced fleeing for their lives after an imaginary intruder entered their school. The girls teacher told her to keep moving without her shoe, then grabbed it herself and gave it back to the girl when the class settled into their designated safe location. The girl recently recounted the story of losing her shoe during a morning car ride to school. It was just one of several times the girl or her siblings described what they were supposed to do run over to that fence, across that field or into those woods if an intruder enters their school building. The reason I know this story is because the girl is my daughter. In the quarter-century since the Columbine High School massacre of April 20, 1999, a whole generation of children, including my own, have lived under the threat of school-related gun violence. More recent tragedies, like those occurring at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in December 2012 and Robb Elementary School in Texas in May 2022, reveal the persistent nature of this threat. Regrettably, gun violence stands at the backdrop of all contemporary American education. As such, active shooter and intruder drills have become standard fare, not only for my children but for nearly all American schoolchildren. I am concerned about the fact that preparedness exercises such as the one in which my daughter temporarily lost her shoe sometimes cause students harm. For example, a recent study showed that active intruder drills can result in distress and anxiety for students. In another case, one of these drills led to hysteria and a stampede in a school in Florida as students attempted to flee their faux intruder. Students and teachers alike experienced terror at the pronouncement of a real threat, that it was not a drill. As a researcher in developmental and educational psychology and as a faculty member who trains future teachers I understand the need for schools to ensure the safety and security of the nations 55 million school-age youth. But might there be a better way to protect children in the post-Columbine era? Im not the only one raising this question. A new initiative by the National Academies has been initiated to assess the effects of active shooter drills on student health and well-being and to determine best practices in preparing schools to respond to threats of violence. A look at the trends To gain insight on the prevalence of school-related gun violence, my colleagues and I conducted a study of school shootings and school mass shootings that took place in Americas K-12 schools from 1997 through 2022. We used two public databases to count school shootings and school mass shootings that occurred each school year. School shootings in our study were defined as each and every instance a gun is brandished, is fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims, time of day, or day of week. School mass shootings were defined as those that happened at a K-12 school site and met the federal definition of a mass shooting in place at the time of the shooting: four or more victims killed, up to December 2012, or three or more victims killed, from January 2013 onward. During the 25 school years we examined, 1997-2022, there were 1,453 school shootings. More than half of those, 794, occurred in the last five years, 2017-2022. Our analyses revealed a sharp increase in school shootings after 2017, with the number of shootings jumping from a then-record high of 89 in the 2017-2018 school year to 328 in the 2021-2022 school year. While the number of school shootings has increased dramatically in recent years, the number of school mass shootings has not increased at the same rate though they have become more deadly. In total, 11 school mass shootings occurred across the 1997-1998 to 2021-2022 school years, with 126 fatalities and 122 injuries sustained overall. Five of those school mass shootings occurred in the 1997-2012 school years, while six occurred in the 2012-2022 school years. Nevertheless, the fatality rate nearly doubled in the last decade, rising from 7.6 deaths per mass shooting event from 1997-2012 to 14 deaths per school mass shooting event from 2012-2022. Efforts to maximize student safety are paramount. To be sure, I want my childrens schools to do their utmost to protect their students. However, many current measures designed to keep students safe like the appointment of school resource officers have not been proven to prevent school shootings or lessen the severity of school shootings, in terms of injury or fatality, when they do occur. Gun injury is now the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States. While school shootings and school mass shootings represent only a portion of gun injuries sustained by school-age youth, gun violence including school-related gun violence is a public health crisis. As such, a public health approach is merited. Relying on research I see at least three ways that schools and communities can work to lessen gun violence occurring in and around schools: 1: Educate parents and families about safe gun storage. Educators and community health care providers including pediatricians, primary care physicians and mental health clinicians can engage in efforts to counsel families on safe firearm storage. Health care providers can also work to understand Extreme Risk Protection Order laws in their states; such laws allow them to coordinate with law enforcement to remove firearms from a home environment when an individual is identified who may be at risk of doing harm to self or others. 2: Utilize evidence-based, schoolwide approaches to promote school safety. School safety can be supported through evidence-based frameworks, such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, which aims to improve school-based practices affecting student outcomes. This positive approach can be used to proactively address students social, emotional and behavioral needs and promote school safety. This approach also allows school personnel to monitor and manage students mental health needs, attend to schoolwide behavior and discipline issues, and foster a safe school climate. Accordingly, it may help reduce potential threats of gun violence perpetrated by students. 3: Support legislation and regulations for gun safety and violence prevention. Community members, including parents and teachers, and policymakers can support legislation for gun safety, evidence-based violence prevention practices and regulations. For example, child access protection laws laws that impose penalties on gun owners if children access firearms decrease firearm injuries and gun carrying, and thus help promote safety in and around schools. Hope for the future The National Institute for Justice has made it a priority to support new research to study firearm violence and mass shootings, including research on the effectiveness of school campaigns to educate families on safe gun storage. These efforts will provide important new insights about how to prevent school-related gun violence. While my own children and their millions of peers attending school in the United States today continue to endure the threat of school-related gun violence, I hope future generations will experience school without having to worry about someone showing up at their school with a gun. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Toddler attacked by dogs at babysitters home in Lebanon County LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A toddler was airlifted to Hershey Medical Center after two dogs attacked him in Lebanon County. In an updated news release around 5 p.m., police said that the boy is now in critical condition at Hershey Medical Center. According to the South Lebanon Township Police Department, an officer was dispatched to a dog attack at 4:38 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Police said the officer arrived to find that two dogs had attacked a 22-month-old boy who was at a babysitters home. The toddler was then airlifted to Hershey Medical Center, police said. Police added that the dogs are not a threat to the community and that the incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The Tom Green County Hunger Coalition Angelo State University and Howard College are collaborating to host the 3rd annual Outrun Student Hunger event on Sept. 14. According to a social media post by Ram Pantry, the 2K Fun Run/Walk will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., starting between the Mayer Museum on the ASU campus. All donations will directly benefit the food pantries at Angelo State University and Howard College. Participants will also receive a free T-shirt. Participants are asked to bring one or more shelf-stable food items as their entry fee. The event will conclude at the ASU University Center, where attendees can enjoy a free lunch and various giveaways. For more information, contact rampantry@angelo.edu. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Three top Democrats are rapping the Army's response to Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery last month, saying the service needs to "admonish" the former president for using the burial ground for political gain. In a joint statement Tuesday, Reps. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the top Democrats on the House Armed Services, Oversight and Veterans' Affairs panels, said the service must answer questions submitted by their committees over a week ago on investigations and the service's plans to prevent future politicization of the cemetery. "While we are sympathetic to the challenges the Army faces in addressing and holding accountable a former president and his campaign staff, failure to properly investigate this egregious incident in a timely manner and hold violators accountable undermines the integrity and honor of Arlington National Cemetery and erodes the longstanding rules, tradition, and norms requiring nonpartisanship in the U.S. military," the lawmakers said. Trump has defended his visit, where he attended a memorial with families of U.S. troops killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. While Democrats have accused him of politicizing the cemetery, Trump and allies have pivoted to blaming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the loss of 13 service members during the withdrawal three years ago. Steven Cheung, spokesperson for Trump's campaign, said Tuesday that the former president "was invited by the Gold Star families to honor their loved ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice. As the Army has said, they consider this matter closed." But the lawmakers said Trump's release of a video of his visit that includes criticism of Biden for bungling the withdrawal showed the Republican nominee for president "clearly violated" rules that prohibit political activities at Arlington. "The actions of former President Trump and his campaign staff were in flagrant violation of regulations, tradition, norms, and decorum and dishonored the memories of those interred at Arlington and the meaning of patriotic service to our country," the trio said. "We urge the U.S. Army to immediately provide information regarding how the event was coordinated." They also argued that a confrontation between Trump campaign staff and an Arlington official who was attempting to prevent photography in an area of the cemetery where it is prohibited for political activities "requires a strong official response." "As with any alleged assault, this incident should be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement authorities and should be subject to an independent charging decision," they said. "We urge the Army to cooperate fully with the charging authority, including providing any information they have on the alleged incident to that authority." The employee involved in the incident has declined to press charges. The Army did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's team defended the visit and said the employee who objected was suffering from mental health issues. BEIJING (Reuters) -The United States and China held theatre-level commander talks for the first time on Tuesday, Chinese authorities said, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea. Washington seeks to open new channels of regular military communication with Beijing since ties sank to a historic low after the United States downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year. Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's areas of responsibility include the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, two hot spots for regional tension that are also flashpoints in U.S.-China bilateral ties. Both sides had an "in depth exchange of views on issues of common concern," the Chinese defence ministry said in a readout. Paparo urged the PLA "to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond", the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that described the exchange as "constructive and respectful". He also stressed the importance of continued talks to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation. The call followed a meeting in Beijing last month between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's leading military adviser, at which the talks were agreed. U.S. and Chinese troops were also taking part in large-scale military exercises led by the Brazilian Armed Forces this week in the Brazilian city of Formosa in the state of Goias. American and Chinese troops had not trained side by side since 2016, when Beijing participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or Rimpac, led by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Most two-way military engagements between the U.S. and China were suspended for almost two years after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in August 2022. "I certainly worry about an unintended conflict between our military forces, an accident, an accidental collision," Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told the magazine Foreign Policy in an online interview. Later this week, the United States plans to send a senior Pentagon official to a major security forum in China. (Reporting by Laurie Chen and Ryan Woo in Beijing, Farah Master in Hong Kong and the Beijing newsroom; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Clarence Fernandez and Miral Fahmy) SURF CITY, N.C. (WNCT) While tourism can bring people and business, it can also bring a lot of stress to local roads. The North Carolina Department of Transportation discussed plans on how to improve infrastructure in Surf City. Surf City is one of many tourist destinations in Eastern North Carolina. With that, and its rapid population growth, traffic can sometimes begin to become a problem, especially on older roads and intersections not built to withstand that volume of drivers. This is where the NCDOT comes into play, developing a plan for road and intersection redevelopment, which would improve traffic flow for everyone. This project aims to improve the function of the NC10-NC250 intersection from a traffic standpoint, NCDOT Highway Division 3 Project Manager Zach Howard said. The plan is to build a new road around the intersection to help some of the congestion at the intersection and to allow others to have another route to get to Topsail Island. The NCDOT has a prioritization process that works with local towns and counties to identify intersections and roads that need improvements. With that, comes the need for feedback from locals, which is what Mondays meeting was for. The project is within the states planning framework for infrastructure but we have meetings like this as we work through the design of the project so that the local input can be incorporated into any sort of final product, Surf City Town Manager Kyle Brauer said. The project wont be immediate in terms of groundbreaking but will get going within a few years. We expect the duration to take about three years for construction and because this is a new route we are building, the majority of construction will be done away from traffic, Howard said. So, we will be able to build a majority of the project without impacting traffic too much. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Valetina Petrillo has ramped up her war of words with JK Rowling by accusing the Harry Potter author of caring only about the fact that I use the female toilet. The Paralympics first openly transgender athlete also mocked opponents of her using female-only changing rooms, revealing she had told them: You do realise that I cannot even see? The participation of the visually-impaired Petrillo in the womens T12 200m and 400m at this summers Games caused a major storm, climaxing in a bitter feud with Rowling. Rowling, who has repeatedly spoken out about the participation of transgender women in female sport, used her X account last week to brand father-of-two Petrillo an out and proud cheat, prompting the latter to bite back by saying she had never read Harry Potter. Petrillo has now launched a fresh attack on the author in an interview with The Times, saying: JK Rowling is only concerned about the fact that I use the female toilet, but she doesnt know anything about me. Rowling is far from the only opponent of Petrillo participating in womens races and everything that comes with that. The athletes demand to access female changing facilities at a race in her native Italy last year prompted complaints from womens advocacy group RadFem Italia. Upon being designated a separate changing room, the 51-year-old lashed out in a subsequent Facebook post, accusing detractors of being on the same level as Hitler. Recalling the controversy in her latest interview, she said: At the end of the competition, I said to the girls: You do realise that I cannot even see? Petrillo, who competed as a man until the age of 45, failed to reach the final of either event she entered at the Paralympics. She ridiculed the idea that she and the likes of Laurel Hubbard, the New Zealand weightlifter the International Olympic Committee allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics, had transitioned just so they could win. She said: Since 2015, when the IOC opened the Olympics to transgender people, there has only been one person who competed, Laurel Hubbard. And there has only been one person that has participated at the Paralympics, me. So all of this fear that trans people will destroy the world [of womens sport] actually does not exist. People said men would go to compete as women just so they could win, but that has not happened at all. It is just transphobia. She also laid bare her lifelong struggle with her gender identity in a macho culture in which she claimed it was more acceptable to join the Mafia than to be trans. I knew something was wrong on my first day of communion when I entered the church and I saw the other girls wearing their white dresses and I wanted to be with them, she said. At the age of nine, I tried on my mums clothes for the first time. I used to put nail polish on, but I had an older cousin that was transgender and my uncle kicked her out of the house. I was afraid that would happen to me too, so I kept everything hidden inside. In those days in Naples, I always said it was better to be a Camorra than to be a woman. Recalling how she wrestled with whether to transition, Petrillo explained that she initially planned to take her secret to the grave but had found the effort required to cover it up too painful to cope with. Petrillo also revealed the effects that hormone therapy had on her. Athletes who transition from male to female must undergo at least 12 months of testosterone-suppressing treatment, and maintain levels of less than 10 nanomoles of testosterone per litre of blood throughout that time period. The result, Petrillo said, is that she gained 10kg in weight in her first month of treatment, and that she lost 10 seconds on her 400m time and 2.5 seconds in the 200m, but added its better to be a slow, happy woman than a fast, unhappy man. 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. FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will make its way to Clay County next month. The wall is a three fifth scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. It stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. Organizers say it gives people, the opportunity to experience the memorial without traveling to D.C. It will be located on the north side of North Clay Middle School. The co-chair of this event Leesa Nesty said she hopes this helps the community honor everyone who has or still is serving in the military. Community Baby Shower preview Number one, welcome the Vietnam veterans home, said Nesty. Number two, show honor to our veterans who served after Vietnam, and to involve the entire community in this and make this something special and very memorable. This wall will be there from October 17-20. This same group is also bringing the FBI Onsite Commander on 9/11 to Brazil. FBI Special Agent Wes Wong, (RET.) will speak on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Northview High School Auditorium. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRISTOL, Tenn. Art that captures the natural beauty of the citys Steele Creek Park and the greater region will be celebrated next month during the 27th annual Wildlife Weekend. Arts in the Natural World is the theme for this years two-day event that begins Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and keynote address from artist and author Suzanne Stryk, whose nature paintings have appeared in solo exhibitions throughout the U.S., according to a statement. She will kick off the weekend event with a talk about Taking the Pulse of Place: Connecting to the Natural World through the Arts, and will describe her travels through Virginia and series of mixed media works that revel in the beauty and history of the states diverse natural and culturally rich regions. Stryk will remain after her talk to sign copies of her latest book, The Middle of Somewhere: An Artist Explores the Nature of Virginia. The book documents her experiences throughout Virginia and will be available for $20. Fridays activities will culminate with the Amateur Photography Contest awards ceremony, which presents cash prizes to winners in both adult and youth categories based on how well their photos depict the natural aspects of Steele Creek Park. Prints of the prize-winning photos will be displayed at The Nature Center throughout the weekend. Fridays events will be held at the Nature Center at Steele Creek Park. There is no cost to attend, except for the $2/vehicle park entry fee. Space is limited so please reserve a seat at bristoltn.recdesk.com. Wildlife Weekend activities will continue on Oct. 12, with a long list of educational programing and presentations for nature lovers of all ages. Planned activities include: Morning Bird Walk at 9 a.m. Morning Hike led by Commander Harvey Anderson at 10 a.m. Mikes Mushroom Foray at 1 p.m. Afternoon Hike led by Commander Harvey Anderson at 1:30 p.m. Lances Critter Walk focused on reptiles and amphibians led by Naturalist Lance Jessee at 2:30 p.m. Mini-sessions led by topic experts will begin at 11 a.m. Matt Keller will present a 30-minute session on wildlife photography, then invite participants to join him in the park for a photo-taking session. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras. Vanessa Hawley of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will offer Raptor Rehab at 11:45 a.m. She will bring a red tail hawk, a great horned owl, and a screech owl to illustrate her talk on raptor preservation and injury prevention. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson play with balloons during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News The length of your life is not as important as the kind of life that you live, said President Russell M. Nelson as he delivered a message during a broadcast celebrating his century-long life. He said he did not know why God has allowed him to live this long, but he felt himself teeming with gratitude. The program was broadcast live from the Conference Center Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. It was attended by President Nelsons family members, General Authorities and general officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as government, religious and civic leaders. A global audience watched the broadcast live as well. Tributes to President Nelson told the story of a man led by God to love, build bridges and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saint leaders as well as leaders of other faiths said they see in President Nelson a leader who heals broken wounds and ministers to the one. Relief Society general president Camille Johnson, the Rev. Amos C. Brown and President Nelsons great-granddaughter Ashlyn Owens and daughter Martha N. Workman were among those who offered tributes to President Nelson. His two counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, along with President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also spoke of the faith and inspiration they observe in President Nelson. Nathan Pacheco, Jenny Oaks Baker and Jared Pierce performed musical tributes, and the congregation sang Rejoice, the Lord is King! and We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet. The audience across the world was invited to sing Happy Birthday. President Nelsons own message during the broadcast was one of gratitude. I have visited members of the church and friends in more than 130 countries, said President Nelson. You have made my life more wonderful. We have worshipped together and strengthened each other, again and again. You have inspired me with your devotion to God and your faith in Jesus Christ. Expressing gratitude for his family, President Nelson said he was thankful that God led him to his wife, Dantzel White. After Dantzel suddenly passed away, the Lord blessed me again. Later He led me to Wendy Watson to be my eternal companion. President Nelson said he was so thankful God has a plan for his children to return back to him one day. A mortal birthday is not an endpoint. It is a step in our eternal progression. Central to Heavenly Fathers plan is the atoning sacrifice of his Beloved Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. How I love him! Concluding his remarks as he has often done before, President Nelson invited the audience to let God prevail in their lives. For each of us, even for a 100-year-old man, life passes quickly, said President Nelson. My prayer is that you will let God prevail in your life. Make covenants with him. Stay on the covenant path. Prepare to return to live with him again. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints greets his family prior to a photo during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Nelsons leadership: One of higher pursuits President Holland said after President Nelson was called as president of the Church of Jesus Christ, President Nelson invited him and Sister Patricia Terry Holland to go on a trip with him and Sister Wendy Watson Nelson to Jerusalem. That trip led to circling the globe, said President Holland, and life-changing opportunities to dedicate temples, noting President Nelsons special dedication to announcing and completing temples. Above all, he has embraced and personifies the counsel Paul gave to the Corinthians: Do ye not know that they which minister holy things should live the things of the temple? said President Holland. President Nelson, in the spirit of the hundreds of temples you have announced, drafted, remodeled, completed, or dedicated, we celebrate the sweet, robust, history-making 100 years of your life. History will remember many marvelous characteristics from Nelsons time as president of the Church of Jesus, President Holland said. One quality that was almost invisible was the warm and productive unity that Russell M. Nelson maintained between the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Rev. Brown, who has developed a relationship with President Nelson as the Church of Jesus Christ has collaborated with the NAACP, said President Nelson has justified his existence in this world through what he has done. The Rev. Brown recalled introducing President Nelson at the 2019 NAACP National Convention as my brother of another mother and I meant that because I felt that kindred spirit immediately when I met him. The Rev. Brown said President Nelsons leadership makes life better for all of Gods children and leads to higher pursuits of racial reckoning. He has a world view and has led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through unparalleled accomplishments of humanitarian, spiritual, cultural and social betterment in this nation and world. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson walk backstage during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News His respect for women is innate Ashlyn Owens, President Nelsons great-granddaughter, said though the family has become very large, President Nelson has hardly missed a baby blessing, wedding, baptism or mission call opening. She said he treats everyone as an individual. Of particular note, she said, was the way President Nelson treats women. His respect for women is innate, said Owens. He has said the heavens are just as open to women as they are to men. He has taught that the kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women. President Nelsons daughter (and oldest child) Marsha Workman said when she was growing up, she remembers her father helping with homework, teaching them how to ski and showing them how much he loved their mother. On Mothers Day, Workman said President Nelson would give her mother and all her sisters a carnation to honor them. He showed us how much he loved us by setting firm and fair rules for the way we treated our siblings and the way he counseled with us when we faced challenges. The prophetic voice of President Nelson has helped the sisters of the church understand Gods love for women, said President Johnson. You have taught us that yoking ourselves to the Savior through covenants is liberating and spiritually empowering. Thank you for expressing confidence in us, as covenant women, to play a vital role in preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Savior, said President Johnson. Youve invited us to speak up and speak out, teaching the doctrine of Christ and articulating truth, to courageously defend morality and families, to shepherd Gods children along the covenant path. President Johnson said she had not met a prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ before President Nelson. She wondered if she would feel the pain of her past mistakes in his presence. No, said President Johnson. On that first occasion, and every subsequent occasion, you have looked me in the eyes, and your clear blue eyes have communicated love love and compassion and mercy and confidence in me, even when I hadnt earned it by earthly standards. Because of Jesus Christs love, which she feels through President Nelson, she said she feels claimed by the Savior Jesus Christ. Joyfully and with all the fervor of my soul, I declare to the world that President Russell M. Nelson is a holy man, the Lords mouthpiece on the earth today: a mighty prophet of God. I am sure of it. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, pose during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News His is our role model The last six and a half years, President Eyring and President Oaks have worked side-by-side with President Nelson during a time where the Church of Jesus Christ is in more countries than ever and the world underwent a global pandemic. Both President Eyring and President Oaks reflected on the warmth they feel from President Nelson, and what they have learned from him. When people enter the room, he almost always stands for them, but he always stands when there are women in the room, said President Oaks. In reply, President Eyring said, My point is I think it sends a message. He is the Saviors representative and hes acting like the Savior, giving you the feeling he cares. Both President Eyring and President Oaks said the love President Nelson has for Latter-day Saints is remarkable. President Oaks also noted that, in meetings, President Nelson does not lead off by telling people his opinion. Instead, he calls on individuals in the group and asks them what they think. To be in a room, or in a meeting, or in a conversation with President Nelson just gives you the opportunity of experiencing what it would be like to be with the Savior. He is the Saviors representative and he is our role model. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gestures during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meets with the Rev. Amos Brown during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News The Rev. Theresa Dear takes a selfie with President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Balloons are dropped for President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Nathan Pacheco and Jenny Oaks Baker perform for President Russell M. Nelsons 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News General Authorities sing during President Russell M. Nelson's 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, at his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Cake for President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints greets his daughter Rosalie Ringwood during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson pose with his children during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receives his history from Stephen McKellar during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson pose with his family during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints greets family during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints smiles during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Jared Pierce, Jenny Oaks Baker and Nathan Pacheco perform "We Ever Pray for Thee" at the 100th birthday celebration of President Russell M. Nelson on Sept. 9, 2024. | Screenshot from YouTube President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is kissed by his daughter Gloria Irion during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Responding to President Nelsons call Characteristic of President Nelson, his only desire for marking this milestone was to follow the example of Jesus Christ and look with love beyond the 99 to reach out to the one in need, said President Oaks in his opening remarks. A video montage portrayed Latter-day Saints across the world sharing how they responded to President Nelsons invitation to reach out to the one. In different languages, saints of all ages said they found one person in their lives with whom to share Gods love. I decided to visit a 14-year-old young man who hadnt been to church for over five years, one man said. A woman recalled how loving sisters surrounded her and gave her support. In a separate video, children from the Philippines and Ecuador wished President Nelson a happy birthday, as did religious leaders of different faiths. The Rev. Andrew Teal from the University of Oxford, said President Nelson was an approachable world faith leader and a true pioneer leader. Princeton University professor Robert George said the foundational principle of morality is the profound inherent and equal dignity of each and every member of the human family. And by precept and example, youve taught all of us what it means to do justice to that principle, to live up to its demands. Dedicating a historic concert at Morehouse College where the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will share the stage with Morehouse College and Spelman College glee clubs, Lawrence Edward Carter Sr. said President Nelson has helped bring unity and healing. Carter, the founding dean at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, recalled Martin Luther King Jr. saying, Like anyone, I would like to live a long life. Then, Carter said, Im convinced that the statement Dr. King made is right: that longevity has its place and its place is Temple Square. Hurricane Francine now bearing down on the northern Gulf Coast. What to know In a hurry? Here's the tropics situation in less than a minute. What was a tropical storm all day Tuesday has now become Hurricane Francine, as expected, as of the the National Hurricane Center's 7 p.m. CDT advisory. The storm now has winds of 75 mph. Hurricane warnings are in effect along the coast of Louisiana, along with various tropical storm warnings and storm surge warnings. A tropical storm warning extends along the Gulf Coast to the border between Alabama and Florida. On the forecast track, Francine is forecast to move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico tonight, and make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday. Spaghetti models for Francine Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Hurricane Center has lowered its forecast and now predicts Francine will be a Category 1 hurricane with 90-mph winds before making landfall. Impacts expected include hurricane-force winds, heavy rain and storm surge. Francine is the first Atlantic named storm in almost a month. There hasn't been a storm since Ernesto formed Aug. 12. The last time there was no named storm in the Atlantic basin between Aug. 13 and Sept. 8 was 1968. Where is Hurricane Francine? What you need to know Location : 150 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande; 350 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana Maximum sustained winds: 75 mph Movement : northeast at 10 mph Pressure: 982 mb Interactive map: Excessive rainfall forecast Spaghetti models: Latest models on where Hurricane Francine could make landfall Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Watches, warnings issued across Florida, US Hurricane warning: The Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle Storm surge warning: Sabine Pass Texas to the Mississippi/Alabama Border Vermilion Bay Lake Maurepas Lake Pontchartrain Storm surge watch: Mississippi/Alabama Border to the Alabama/Florida Border Mobile Bay Hurricane watch: Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans Tropical storm warning: Texas and Louisiana coasts east of High Island to Cameron East of Grand Isle Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans How strong is Hurricane Francine and where is it going? At 7 pm. CDT, the center of Hurricane Francine was located near latitude 25.8 North, longitude 94.8 West. Francine is moving toward the northeast near 10 mph. A faster northeastward motion is expected tonight and Wednesday. On the forecast track, Francine is anticipated to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday afternoon or evening. After landfall, the center is expected to move northward into the Mississippi Wednesday night and Thursday. Track all active storms Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected through Wednesday morning. Francine is expected to weaken quickly after it moves inland. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) east of the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. The minimum central pressure based on data from the Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunters is 982 mb (29.00 inches). Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Hurricane Francine There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge for the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines, where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. Residents in the warning area should follow advice, including evacuation orders, given by local officials. Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are expected in portions of southern Louisiana Wednesday, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Preparations to protect life and property should be complete by tonight, since tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within this area early Wednesday. Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding across eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle through Thursday. Flash and urban flooding is probable across the Lower Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley Wednesday night into Friday morning. Current forecast: How strong could Hurricane Francine get? As of 7 p.m. CDT: 75 mph 12 hours: 75 mph (Category 1 hurricane) 24 hours: 90 mph 36 hours: 65 mph (inland) 48 hours: 35 mph 60 hours: 30 mph 72 hours: 25 mph 96 hours: 25 mph 120 hours: dissipated What impact could Hurricane Francine have and what areas could be affected? WIND : Hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area Wednesday afternoon, with tropical storm conditions arriving in the warning area Wednesday morning. Hurricane conditions are possible in the Hurricane Watch area Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area along the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Wednesday and Wednesday night. RAINFALL : Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches across eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle through Friday morning. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash and urban flooding. STORM SURGE : The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, LA to Port Fourchon, LA: 5-10 ft Vermilion Bay: 5-10 ft Port Fourchon, LA to mouth of the Mississippi River, LA: 4-7 ft Cameron, LA to Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, LA: 3-5 ft Pointe a la Hache, LA to MS/AL Border: 3-5 ft Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas: 3-5 ft The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. Storm surge is not expected to pose a threat to the risk reduction system levees. However, there may be some overtopping of local levees. Excessive rainfall forecast TORNADOES : A few tornadoes are possible Wednesday into Wednesday night across parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. SURF: Swells generated by Francine are affecting much of the northwestern Gulf Coast. These swells are expected to spread across the remainder of the northern Gulf of Mexico coastline during the next day or so. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Atlantic tropics storm tracker See new 'cone of concern' used with Hurricane Francine The National Hurricane Center first launched its new "cone of concern" for Hurricane Ernesto on Aug. 14 and is using it now with Hurricane Francine. Ernesto stayed well away from Florida and the U.S., so residents didn't see many differences between the original and new cone. With Francine already affecting Texas and a day to go before an expected landfall in Louisiana, that's not the case with the new cone posted by the National Hurricane Center on its website. One of the biggest differences between the two cones is that the new cone shows wind warnings issued for interior counties, not just those on the coast. Both cones will be visible on the Hurricane Center's website. Find the new cone by going to the graphics page for the storm, then click on "New Experimental Cone," which is highlighted in red. Differences you'll see: Watches and warnings for inland counties, not just coastal areas. White transparent shading for the entire five-day forecast, instead of white stippling (dots) for the four- and five-day forecast. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage as conditions change. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Tropics update: Hurricane Francine path, radar, impacts Workers from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West close floodgates along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine, in Harvey, La., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to update its status to hurricane Tuesday as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico. | Gerald Herbert Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to reach hurricane status Tuesday as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, bringing significant impacts to the U.S Gulf Coast and southern regions, according to reports. Each May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration releases its Atlantic hurricane season outlook for the predicted number of tropical storms and hurricanes we can expect during the forecast season. For the 2024 summer and fall months, NOAA predicts a very high likelihood (85% chance) of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with 17-25 named storms (average is 14), 8-13 hurricanes (average is 7), and 4-7 major hurricanes (average is 3), per NOAA Climate. Hence, weve seen an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season with a 90% probability rate, meaning 2024 only has a 10% chance of a normal hurricane season, according to the NOAA. Intensity potential increases need for evacuations The National Hurricane Center announced a Category 2 hurricane in Louisiana on Wednesday night. As Fox Weather reported, mandatory evacuations have been ordered in multiple parishes across the state. According to the National Weather Service, a Category 2 hurricane carries surging winds of 96-110 mph. It is expected that Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding for far northeast Mexico into the far southern coast of Texas today and across much of Louisiana and Mississippi through Thursday, per NHC. While the strength of a storm is often measured by its wind speed, it is the water through storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flooding that typically causes the most damage and poses the greatest threat to life. In the case of Tropical Storm Francine, the same principle applies: despite its wind strength, the risk of severe flooding and water-related hazards is a significant concern. CNN reported that Francine will force ocean water onto land, causing a storm surge. This will affect normally dry areas along the western Gulf Coast. Watches and warnings are in effect from northeastern Texas to the Mississippi-Alabama line. The storm surge threat is the main reason behind mandatory evacuation orders in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. As Francine approaches landfall, specifically along central Louisiana, water levels could rise up to 10 feet above normal, leading to the potential dangerous threat of widespread flooding. According to The Weather Channel, Tropical Storm Francine is currently about 400 miles south-southwest of Cameron, Louisiana. At 7 a.m., it was moving slowly northwest with winds of 65 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen to a Category 2 at landfall. Preparing for Francine Louisianas governor released a statewide emergency announcement ahead of Francines arrival. Now is the time for Louisianans to prepare for impacts from Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane so get your game plan in place, monitor the news, and take advice from local officials, said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, issuing a state of emergency that allows parishes statewide to have the resources needed to help protect the lives of residents, per Fox Weather. Mandatory evacuations were issued on Monday and expand along Louisianas coast. WHDH reported that evacuations were ordered in parts of Lafourche Parish on Tuesday, while mandatory evacuations were issued for Zone 1 in Terrebonne Parish, according to the parish government. Terrebonne and St. Mary started to close off floodgates and administer sandbags on Monday. All of Cameron Parish is under mandatory evacuation orders, per an officials social post. Both mandatory and voluntary evacuations were ordered farther east in Jefferson Parishs town of Grand Isle, which was decimated by the Category 4 storm Ida in 2021, per 7 News Several schools are closed across Louisiana parishes on Wednesday and Thursday. Tropical Storm Francine forecast to grow into hurricane as it turns toward northern Gulf Coast ORLANDO, Fla. Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to grow into a hurricane Tuesday and shift toward a landfall on the north Gulf Coast in Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the NHCs 5 p.m. advisory, the center of Francine was located about 135 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande River and 360 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and moving northeast at 10 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extend out 140 miles. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle. A hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Texas and Louisiana coasts east of High Island to Cameron, east of Grand Isle, Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A storm surge warning is in effect for Sabine Pass, Texas to the Mississippi/Alabama Border, Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain. A storm surge watch is in effect for the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Alabama/Florida border and Mobile Bay. The system is forecast to continue to increase its forward pace in a northeast motion toward the northern Gulf Coast through Wednesday. On the forecast track, Francine is anticipated to move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico tonight, and then make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night. After landfall, the center is expected to move northward into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday, forecasters said. Francine is forecast to grow into a hurricane by Tuesday night but weaken quickly after landfall. The forecast predicts it to grow into a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph sustained winds and 115 mph gusts before making landfall somewhere in a cone of uncertainty that runs along the central Louisiana coast potentially south of Baton Rouge. Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area Wednesday. Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions expected by Wednesday morning within the warning areas. Francine is expected to bring total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches, into Thursday morning. This rainfall could lead to the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding. The biggest storm surge threat could bring 5- to 10-foot-higher levels than normal in Louisiana from the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge to Port Fourchon and Vermilion Bay with lower levels to the east and west. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves, the NHC stated. Storm surge is not expected to pose a threat to the risk reduction system levees. However, there may be some overtopping of local levees. Some minor coastal flooding is possible along the coast of Mexico in areas that see onshore winds while swells will continue to spread across the northwestern Gulf coastline through midweek. The NHC is also tracking two Atlantic systems with the chance to develop into tropical depressions or storms. After Francine, the next names on the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season list are Gordon and Helene. The more likely to form in a trough of low pressure in the eastern tropical Atlantic with a large but disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms running from near the Cape Verde Islands south for several hundred miles. Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system and a tropical depression will likely form during the latter part of this week while the system moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph, forecasters said. The NHC gives it a 40% chance to develop in the next two days and 80% in the next seven. A little closer in the central tropical Atlantic is an elongated area of low pressure with some disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. Environmental conditions appear only marginally conducive for some slight development during the next couple of days, but a tropical depression could still form during that time while the system moves westward at 5 to 10 mph over the central tropical Atlantic, forecasters said. The NHC gives it a 30% chance to develop in the next two to seven days. Hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30. ------- Tropical Storm Francine likely to become a hurricane. Will it make landfall in Texas? Today, Sept. 10, marks the historical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the National Hurricane Center is tracking three systems, including what's expected to become the season's next hurricane. Tropical Storm Francine is likely to strengthen into a hurricane Tuesday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Francine is expected to be just offshore the coasts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas through Tuesday and make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday as a Category 1 hurricane, with 90-mph wind speeds. Anticipated impacts include heavy rain and storm surges. Track all active storms Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Francine is the first named storm in the Atlantic in nearly a month, after Ernesto formed on Aug. 12. No named storms have formed since Aug. 12 despite predictions for a hyperactive season. The season typically peaks around Sept. 10, but that leaves 12 weeks to go until it ends Dec. 1. Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are extremely high, which helps tropical cyclones develop and strengthen. Historically, about two-thirds of all Atlantic hurricane activity occurs between Aug. 20 and Oct. 10, said Philip Klotzbach, meteorologist at Colorado State University specializing in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasts. Elsewhere in the tropics, the Hurricane Center is tracking two other systems in the Atlantic Ocean. Both could develop into tropical depressions. Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 7 a.m. EDT Sept.10: Where is Tropical Storm Francine now? Track its path Location : 120 miles southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande; 425 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana Maximum sustained winds: 65 mph Movement : north-northeast at 8 mph Pressure : 988 mb Next advisory: 1 p.m. CDT Spaghetti models: Latest models on where Tropical Storm Francine could make landfall Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Hurricane tracker: See active storms in the Atlantic Texas weather watches and warnings For an explanation of what the watches and warnings mean, scroll to the bottom of this story. Hurricane warning: The Louisiana coast from Sabine Pass eastward to Grand Isle Storm surge warning: High Island Texas to the Mouth of the Mississippi River Louisiana Vermilion Bay Lake Maurepas Lake Pontchartrain Storm surge watch: Mississippi/Alabama Border to the Alabama/Florida Border Mobile Bay Tropical storm warning: High Island to Sabine Pass Mouth of the Rio Grande to Port Mansfield La Pesca Mexico to the Mouth of the Rio Grande East of Grand Isle Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama border, including metropolitan New Orleans Lake Pontchartrain Lake Maurepas Tropical storm watch: Barra del Tordo to La Pesca Mexico Port Mansfield to High Island Texas The Alabam A watch means that conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. A warning means that conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. How strong is Tropical Storm Francine and will it impact Texas? At 10 a.m. CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Francine was located near latitude 24.9 North, longitude 95.6 West. Francine is moving toward the north-northeast near 8 mph. A turn to the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected later today or tonight. On the forecast track, Francine is anticipated to be just offshore of the coasts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas through this afternoon, and then move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday. After landfall, the center is expected to move into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph, with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected through Wednesday morning, and Francine will likely become a hurricane later today or tonight. Francine is expected to weaken quickly after landfall. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles, from the center. The minimum central pressure reported by NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 988 mb. Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Tropical Storm Francine There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge for portions of the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. Residents in the warning area should follow advice, including evacuation orders, given by local officials. Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are expected in portions of southern Louisiana Wednesday, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Preparations to protect life and property should be complete by tonight, since tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within this area early Wednesday. Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash flooding for much of Louisiana and Mississippi through Thursday. Flash and urban flooding is probable across portions of northeast Mexico and far southern Texas into early Wednesday, and the Mid-South Wednesday night into Friday morning. Current forecast: How strong could Tropical Storm Francine get? As of 10 a.m. CDT: 65 mph 12 hours: 75 mph (Category 1 hurricane) 24 hours: 90 mph 36 hours: 85 mph (inland) 48 hours: 45 mph 60 hours: 35 mph 72 hours: 30 mph 96 hours: 25 mph 120 hours: dissipated What impact could Tropical Storm Francine have and what areas could be affected? Wind : Hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area on Wednesday. Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area on Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions expected by Wednesday morning within the warning areas. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area in Mexico and south Texas through this afternoon. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area along the northeastern coast of Mexico for the next several hours. Tropical storm conditions are also possible along portions of the Texas coast in the watch area today and tonight, and are possible in the watch area in eastern Louisiana on Wednesday. Storm surge: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Cameron, LA to Port Fourchon, LA...5-10 ft Vermilion Bay...5-10 ft Port Fourchon, LA to Mouth of the Mississippi River, LA...4-7 ft High Island, TX to Cameron, LA...3-5 ft Mouth of the Mississippi River, LA to MS/AL Border...2-4 ft Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas...2-4 ft Mouth of the Rio Grande, TX to High Island, TX...1-3 ft Galveston Bay...1-3 ft MS/AL Border to AL/FL Border...1-3 ft The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. Storm surge is not expected to pose a threat to the risk reduction system levees. However, there may be some overtopping of local levees. Rainfall: Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches across much of Louisiana and Mississippi through Friday morning. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash and urban flooding. Excessive rainfall forecast Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible Wednesday morning through Wednesday night over near-coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Surf: Swells generated by Francine are affecting portions of the coast of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. These swells are expected to spread across the northwestern and northern Gulf of Mexico coastline during the next day or so. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. See new 'cone of concern' used with Tropical Storm Francine The National Hurricane Center first launched its new "cone of concern" for Hurricane Ernesto on Aug. 14 and is using it now with Tropical Storm Francine. Ernesto stayed well away from Florida and the U.S., so residents didn't see many differences between the original and new cone. With Francine already affecting Texas and a day to go before an expected landfall in Louisiana, that's not the case with the new cone posted by the National Hurricane Center on its website. One of the biggest differences between the two cones is that the new cone shows wind warnings issued for interior counties, not just those on the coast. Both cones will be visible on the Hurricane Center's website. Find the new cone by going to the graphics page for the storm, then click on "New Experimental Cone," which is highlighted in red. Differences you'll see: Watches and warnings for inland counties, not just coastal areas. White transparent shading for the entire five-day forecast, instead of white stippling (dots) for the four- and five-day forecast. How many named storms have hit in 2024? With the addition of Tropical Storm Francine, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has seen six named storms: Tropical Storm Alberto : Made landfall on the Texas coast in June 2024 with some flooding, impacting the region less than initially forecasted. Hurricane Beryl : Hit the Texas coast on July 8 as a Category 1 hurricane near Matagorda, causing at least 38 deaths and setting records for tornado spin-offs. Tropical Storm Chris : Brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Mexico in early July. Hurricane Debby : Made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, on Aug. 5, and caused severe damage along the East Coast, resulting in at least 10 fatalities. Hurricane Ernesto : Struck Puerto Rico on Aug. 24 with significant flooding, then hit Bermuda. It was a moderately strong hurricane with three indirect fatalities. Tropical Storm Francine: Developing in the western Gulf of Mexico, named Sept. 9 and expected to make landfall Sept. 10 as a Category 2 hurricane. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text USA TODAY Network reporter Cheryl McCloud contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Hurricane tracker: Will Tropical Storm Francine make landfall in Texas? The forecast track for Tropical Storm as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The forecast track for Tropical Storm as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (National Weather Service) As Tropical Storm Francine approaches Louisianas coast, most colleges and universities in south Louisiana will close. The storm is expected to reach Category 2 hurricane status before it reaches the Louisiana coast. Forecasts call for some weakening ahead of landfall, currently predicted for the Atchafalaya River delta. Most computer models have Francine heading just east of that path, then heading quickly northeast, with storm surge, flooding from heavy rains and wind damage along the way. Here is what colleges and universities are doing ahead of the storm. McNeese State University The Lake Charles campus will switch to online classes beginning at noon Tuesday, with all university offices officially closing at 1p.m. McNeese will remain closed Wednesday, but university leaders expect to reopen Thursday. That is subject to change, spokeswoman Ginny Karg said. McNeese has advised students who are able to leave campus, though residence halls and modified campus dining options will remain open. University of Louisiana at Lafayette The campus will close at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday. The university expects to reopen at noon Thursday. Nicholls State University The Thibodaux campus will be close Wednesday and Thursday. University spokesman Jerad David said Nicholls plans to conduct remote learning Friday and reopen campus offices the same day. Nicholls students have been advised to leave campus if they have somewhere safe to go, though residence halls will remain open. Southeastern Louisiana University The Hammond campus will shift to remote operations at 12:30 p.m.Tuesday. The campus will be closed and classes will be cancelled Wednesday and Thursday. Northwestern State University Northwestern will close Wednesday and reopen on Thursday, university spokeswoman Leah Jackson said. Though the Natchitoches campus is not directly in the line of the storm, President James Genovese said many of the students come from regions that might be directly impacted. Residence halls will remain open and dining options will switch to a modified schedule Wednesday. University of New Orleans UNO will switch to remote learning at 3 p.m. Tuesday and advises non-essential campus personnel to work from home starting at that time. The university will be closed and classes will be canceled Wednesday and Thursday, though residence halls and the dining hall will be open. Southern University The Baton Rouge campus will close at 1 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed until noon Thursday. Classes will be canceled during that time. Students are encouraged to either shelter in place on campus or return home if it is safe to do so. LSU Eunice LSU Eunice will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. LSU The flagship campus in Baton Rouge will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, though classes will be held remotely both days. Residence halls will remain open, and the university advises that students check LSU Dinings website and social media accounts for updated dining hours. SOWELA Technical Community College The Lake Charles-based college will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday with the goal of reopening on Thursday. South Louisiana Community College All campuses of the Acadiana-region school will close at 4 p.m Thursday and will remain closed until noon Thursday. Baton Rouge Community College BRCC will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. River Parishes Community College RPCC campuses in Gonzales, Reserve, Boutte and Plaquemine will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday. The school has not yet announced its Thursday plans. Fletcher Technical Community College Fletcher, located in Schriever, will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Delgado Community College Delgados campuses in the New Orleans metropolitan area will close at noon Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday and Thursday. Nunez Community College The Chalmette-based college will switch to virtual classes at 2 p.m. Tuesday and will be closed Wednesday. Northshore Technical Community College All of Northshore Technical Community Colleges campuses will close at noon Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday and Thursday. Southern University of New Orleans The campus will close at noon Tuesday and stay closed through Thursday. Staff will work and students will attend classes virtually. Dillard University The New Orleans campus will remain open Tuesday for regular business hours but plans to close Wednesday and Thursday. Loyola University Classes for the New Orleans campus are canceled starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will resume Thursday. Tulane University The school will move to remote operations at 5 p.m. Tuesday .In-person classes resume next Tuesday, Sept. 17. Xavier University Facilities on the New Orleans campus will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday and Thursday. Classes will be online during that time. Students living on campus are being asked to shelter in place. Campus dining will operate based on its weekend schedule. All essential personnel should report to work as normal. Non-essential staff will be expected to work remotely Wednesday and Thursday. University of Holy Cross The campus on New Orleans west bank plans to hold virtual classes Wednesday through Saturday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Though Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday as it churns in the Gulf of Mexico in anticipation of reaching hurricane strength, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned residents Tuesday that power outages, flooding and dangerous driving conditions are likely to affect the state's costal regions regardless of where the tempest strikes. "Francine is expected to bring heavy rain and a risk of flash flooding along the coast from South Texas all the way up to the Beaumont region," Abbott told reporters after being briefed by weather experts at the state's emergency operations center in North Austin. "We are prepared for Francine to turn into a hurricane later on today. Lower Texas coast power outages are expected, and difficult driving conditions may occur mainly across coastal areas today." The National Hurricane Center said around noon Tuesday that the storm was off the southern tip of the Texas Gulf Coast and moving north and east at about 8 mph. The modeling puts the estimated wind speeds as high as 100 mph as it rumbles toward landfall. Towns closest to the location of expected landfall include Morgan City and Houma, La. After landfall, the storm's center is expected to move into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday. Gov. Greg Abbott talks about the dangers to Texans from Tropical Storm Francine as Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd listens during a news conference Tuesday at the State Operations Center. "The Texas response has already been robust," Abbott said. "We have pre-staged response resources in advance all the way from Brownsville over to Beaumont. We've coordinated with local officials across the Gulf Coast. We have water rescue teams deployed as well as water and food deployed to affected areas. The National Guard is on standby with teams ready across the state." Abbott said utility poles could topple in areas that catch the fiercest winds, and he reminded Texans that even though current models suggest the state will be spared from Francine's eye, forecast models often change as storms progress. "It looks like the most likely area of landfall will be in Louisiana" Abbott said. "And when it makes landfall, it is expected to be at least a Category 1 hurricane. That said, one thing that we've learned is that the predicted pathway of a storm like this doesn't always turn out to be true. "The most important thing that we are focused on is protecting the life of every Texan. To do that again, listen to your local officials and take action to avoid high water on roads and be aware of storm surge." When Hurricane Beryl crashed onto the Texas shoreline in late June, as many as 2.6 million electricity customers in the Houston area suffered dayslong power outages, and much of the official blame was laid at the feet of the retail electric provider, CenterPoint Energy, for being caught unprepared. Emergency workers prepare Tuesday as Francine's predicted path is shown on a map at the State Operations Center. Abbott said he is confident that electricity providers have taken the steps necessary to avoid a repeat with Francine. "Storms like this occur every year on the Texas coastline," he said. "There is absolutely no reason for power providers not to be fully prepared to meet demands of this storm. We know that even with the greatest preparation, winds can sometimes cause power lines to fall to the ground. "When that happens, we fully expect power companies to be prepared in advance to restore those power lines in a matter of hours, not in a matter of days." 'Rocket fuel' in Gulf propelling Francine As Francine was forecast to sweep just offshore of Texas through Tuesday and then roar into Louisiana before moving into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday, "significant strengthening" was expected before landfall. "The storm is starting to get its act together," AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex Dasilva said, adding that the high water temperatures in the Gulf were serving as "rocket fuel" for the system. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in some coastal communities, schools were closed, and sandbags were being distributed widely. In Louisiana, a shelter for LaFourche Parish residents was opening at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Residents were urged to bring at least two days worth of food, water, medicine and bedding. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who previously had declared a state of emergency, on Tuesday urged residents to "get a game plan, listen to local officials and follow your local news" to help minimize Francine's impact. In other Francine-related news: A few tornadoes are possible Wednesday in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, the National Weather Service said. Swells generated by Francine were expected to spread across the northwestern and northern Gulf of Mexico coastline Tuesday and Wednesday. Energy companies began evacuating offshore workers at several production platforms ahead of the storm. The port of Brownsville was closed, and others from Corpus Christi to Galveston imposed restrictions. USA TODAY staff writer John Bacon contributed to this report. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd briefs Gov. Greg Abbott about Francine at the State Operations Center. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Tropical Storm Francine may bring flooding and power outages to Texas Trump accuser Jessica Leeds responds to his "bizarre" claim that she wasn't "the chosen one" Jessica Leeds, who has accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her on an airplane, said she was baffled by the former president's "bizarre" claim that he would not have "chosen" her to be his victim. At a press conference on Friday, the former president, who has already been found liable for sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll, denied ever assaulting Leeds, claiming that he wasnt attractive enough. She would not have been the chosen one, Trump told reporters. Leeds, who held her own press conference on Monday in front of Trump Tower, said she laughed out loud when she heard Trumps remarks, adding that his word choice was really bizarre. She also called the Republican nominee a "sexual predator" and warned of his danger to women. "He assaulted me 50 years ago and he continues to attack me today," Leeds said. "It's a little spooky and a little difficult to process. He does seem to be kind of obsessed. But here I am." Leeds first came forward with her accusation against Trump in 2016, one of the first women to do so during his first presidential campaign. According to Leeds, she was sitting beside Trump on a plane in 1979 when he reached over and began groping her. He was like an octopus. His hands were everywhere, she told The New York Times in 2016. The 82-year-old gave further detail when she testified in Trumps sexual abuse and defamation trial brought by Carroll last spring. "He was grabbing my breasts. It's like he had 40 zillion hands, and it was a tussling match between the two of us, Leeds testified. The jury found Trump liable for defamation. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told CNN that Leeds fable was only meant to interfere in the election, once again denying that Trump ever assaulted Leeds. Leeds is still deciding whether to pursue legal action against Trump, she told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday. She added that she wanted to remind voters of Trumps disrespect for women ahead of Novembers presidential election. I was not the first, of course I was not the last. But there have been enough so that he doesnt remember, Leeds told Cooper. Several prominent Republicans, including the partys vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, promoted false claims on Monday that Haitian migrants in Ohio are killing and eating family pets. Its the latest turn in a campaign that has increasingly embraced race-baiting messaging, questioning Vice President Kamala Harris racial identity while seeking to undermine her immigration policies. The rumors center on the Ohio city of Springfield, which has experienced a surge in recent migration from Haitians seeking to escape a Caribbean country that has been rocked from years of natural disasters, political assassinations and gang rule. A post in a Springfield Facebook group recently claimed a neighbors daughters friend found their missing cat hanging from a branch at a Haitian neighbors home, and it was being prepped to be eaten, according to the Springfield News-Sun. Those rumors were picked up by conservative media and then spread on X, where they gained widespread traction on Monday. President Trump will deport migrants who eat pets, a Trump campaign account posted to X. Kamala Harris will send them to your town next. Make your choice, America. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz posted a meme showing two kittens embracing. Text overlaid on the image reads: Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. Vance posted a video of himself discussing migration to Ohio at a recent hearing. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? Some accounts shared AI-generated pictures of Trump holding a cat in his hands while being chased by crowds of Black men. The unsubstantiated claims appear to be the result of an unwieldy game of telephone that began as a rumor in a local Facebook group before spiraling to reach the highest echelons of conservative media and the Republican Party. They spread widely on X, whose owner, Elon Musk, has embraced the false rumors and posted several memes that promoted them. Some accounts posted body-worn camera footage from an incident they said bolstered their claims. But that footage was shot in Canton, Ohio, which is more than 170 miles away from Springfield. In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for the City of Springfield said there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Haitian American who represents a district in South Florida, called both Vance and Cruz disgusting when asked about the rumors they helped spread Monday. And I say that be cause these are senators who are educated men, they have enough common sense to actually look into the issue and find out if its true, and they have a responsibility not to be spreading lies, said Cherfilus-McCormick. So I think thats a disgusting thing to do, especially when youre in such a high office, to intentionally spread these lies, she added. She said the actions of Vance and Cruz were especially disappointing because both senators have immigrants in their own lives; Cruz is the son of a Cuban immigrant, while Vance is the son-in-law of Indian immigrants. In a FAQ section on its website, the city said there are an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants in the county that includes Springfield. Haitian immigrants are in the city legally under the Immigration Parole Program as they apply for temporary protected status, the city said. Asked for comment Monday, a spokesperson for Vance said the senator had received a high volume of calls and emails over the past several weeks from concerned citizens in Springfield and added that Vances tweet is based on what he is hearing from them. Many residents have contacted Senator Vance to share their concerns over crime and traffic accidents, and to express that they no longer feel safe in their own homes, the spokesperson said. Unlike the liberal media, JD takes his constituents concerns seriously. Spokespeople for Cruz did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. The Monday rumor mill is the latest time the Trump campaign has sought to stoke racial animus. Trump himself has repeatedly questioned the racial identity of Harris, falsely claiming she has only recently begun presenting herself as Black. Harris has long claimed being Black as part of her identity, attended a historically Black college and pledged to a historically Black sorority. Harris has largely declined to engage Trumps claims about her race. Haitians are an especially crucial voting bloc in Florida a formerly politically purple state which then became staunchly red, but which the Biden and now Harris campaigns have believed could be in play. A portion of the Haitian diaspora community votes Republican, said Cherfilus-McCormick, but they along with other immigrant diaspora communities in Florida might be pushed away by the rumors some Republicans have embraced, she said. I would expect this from somebody or people who had no connection to immigrant families, someone who didnt know how hard we work and how we really push forward, she said. Thats who I would expect it from, but not from, you know, the son of an immigrant, nor someone whos married into a family where you see the hard work we do every single day. This story has been updated with comment from Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. CNNs Aaron Pellish and Kit Maher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Trump campaign has a not-so-funny plan to win Arizona with racist jokes If youre a political operative charged with winning Arizona for Donald Trump, making racist jokes over the public airwaves is something that might be frowned upon. Perhaps even considered a hindrance. But not, apparently, if you are Charlie Kirk, the MAGA guru of Arizonas cult-like Turning Point Action. The New Yorker magazine has an article out this week describing how Trumps plan to win Arizona in the upcoming presidential election has been outsourced to Turning Point Action. And why not? As longtime political consultant Chuck Coughlin told the New Yorker, There is no Republican Party in Arizona. Its been hijacked. Turning Point Action is the Republican Party for Arizona. It has been taken over from the inside out. Kirk insults Arizona's Latino population Conservative activist Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally for Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) at Generation Church Mesa Campus on Sept. 4, 2024. The article describes how the group has decided that the best way to secure Arizona for Trump is a strategy directed almost exclusively on reaching voters who are already primed to side with MAGA. Forget about everyone else. Given that, its as if Kirk and his pals see no problem having a little racist fun. As if any sane person would call it that. Like when they mocked Latino Dallas Cowboys fans during a recent podcast. Kirk and his frat boy cohosts were talking about how easy they believe it is to hate the Cowboys. (Im guessing they arent aware how many fans the Cowboys have in Arizona. People began following the team before the Cardinals relocated here.) Kirk chimed in, Why is every Cowboys fan like a 5-foot-6 Mexican with long jean shorts? Meh. He also insults African Americans Im pretty sure Kirk is aware of how many Latinos there are in Arizona. He doesnt seem to give a damn. Then again, this is a guy who once said, We made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s. As if barring racial discrimination was a bad thing. Hes also the guy who said, Im sorry. If I see a Black pilot, Im going to be like, Boy, I hope hes qualified. Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump: Have an antisemitism problem Kirk and Turning Point have hosted Trump a number of times in Arizona. They did so in August at a rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. And U.S. Sen. JD Vance, Trumps running mate, appeared recently with Kirk at a Turning Point Action event at Generation Church in Mesa. Trumps son, Donald Jr., said of Kirk, Charlie Kirk and Turning Point have been a major reason why the conservative movement is finally growing a spine. Do Republicans find this racism funny? So much so that the campaign is now boldly expanding its racist inclinations to include any ugly, unproven internet nonsense. This would include Vance spreading ridiculous anti-immigrant claims that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. A claim that had sycophants like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Don Jr. joining in on the anti-immigrant racist joke. Along with idiotio billboards going up in places like Phoenix. Racism is funny to these guys? Racism is a campaign strategy? It reminds me of what some people say about the political climate in Arizona: Its a dry hate. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com. For more opinions content, please subscribe. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump thinks Charlie Kirk can win Arizona with racist jokes Tourists continue to spend more and more money in Sullivan County and across the state of Tennessee, according to new data. In Sullivan County, tourists spent a total of $340,057,800 in 2023, an increase from $329,912 in 2022, or a 3.03% increase, information from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development states. It continues to rank 11th among 95 counties in Tennessee. Tourism is not just about the fun, its about the funds, said Alicia Phelps, executive director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. Every visitor is an economic boost to the area. In addition, the tourism industry in Sullivan County employs about 2,638 people with a labor income of $82,753,800. Tourism in Sullivan County creates about $21,213,100 in state taxes and $13,860,500, the recent data states. ACROSS TENNESSEE Statewide, the tourism industry generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023. Statewide visitor spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues, according to the NETTA. Direct visitor spending in Northeast Tennessee, which includes Sullivan County and the Tri-Cities region, generated $53,135,200 in state tax revenue and $33,522,600 in local tax revenue, the data shows. In total, direct visitor spending also supported 7,034 jobs in Northeast Tennessee. The tourism industry is the cornerstone of our states economy, and Northeast Tennessee is no exception, Phelps said. The continued growth and success of the regions tourism sector is a testament to the recognition it has received as a powerful economic driver. By investing in local tourism initiatives, we are not only supporting businesses, events, and attractions but also enhancing the quality of life for our residents and strengthening communities. Local officials, including Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable, said tourism plays a key role in the local economy. In Sullivan County, about 32% of the total spending, or $108.6 million in 2023, went to the food and beverage sector of the tourism industry. About 21%, or $70,1 million, went to lodging; 11% to amusement and recreation; 13% to retail; and 23% to transportation, according to the data. When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue, said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessees music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture and food from Mountain City to Memphis. Taxes from tourism revenue help fund schools, roads and other public services. Trumps ear looks like it couldnt have gone through less after rally shooting, reporter says Donald Trumps ear appears to have come out relatively unscathed from the July 13 attempt on his life during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to a reporter who recently sat down with the former president for an interview. New York magazine writer Olivia Nuzzi visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in August, just weeks after the assassination attempt. The journalist wrote that during their interview, Trump raised his right hand and grabbed hold of [his ear]. He bent it backward and forward. They didnt need a stitch, Trump said at the time. Usually, something like that would be considered a surreal experience, where you sort of dont realize it, and yet there was no surrealism in this case, he added. I felt immediately that I got hit by a bullet. I also knew it was my ear. But Nuzzi wrote in the lengthy piece that an ear had never appeared to have gone through less. She added: Except there, on the tiniest patch of this tiny sculpture of skin, a minor distortion that resembled not a crucifixion wound but the distant aftermath of a sunburn. US Republican candidate Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by secret service agents as he is taken off the stage at a campaign event at in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) Former Obama and Trump White House physician Ronny Jackson, now a Republican Texas congressman, told New York that the wound was shaped like a half moon. He added that there was nothing to stitch because the bullet had scooped some skin and fat from the top of the ear. Jackson also told the magazine that he designed the square bandage that Trump wore over his ear during the Republican National Convention. The ear was inflamed and irritation could lead to further bleeding, so Jackson dressed it with antibiotic ointment and some gauze, before using the square bandage to cover it all up. Im an emergency medical physician, Jackson told the magazine. Im not a nurse. I did the best I could. Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ronny Jackson, a Texas congressman and former White House physician, designed the bandage (Getty Images) Following a Pentagon report that found that he had taken inappropriate actions during his time as the White House physician, Jackson surrendered most of his medical privileges in 2022. He was also demoted from rear admiral to captain. Nuzzi wrote that as she inspected the ear, The particular spot that he identified with his tap was pristine. I scanned carefully the rest of the terrain. It looked normal and incredible and fine. When asked about the wound during a recent press conference, Trump said he has pretty much recovered and that hes a fast healer. But after the shooting, Trump was immediately taken to Butler Memorial Hospital, where he asked a doctor, Why is there so much blood? The physician told him it was because of the vascular properties of cartilage, according to New York. One person died in the rally shooting, and two others were wounded. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight bullets before he was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper. The FBI announced at a press conference last month that so far, the investigation into the shooting has not found that Crooks had any collaborators, that he had a mixture of ideologies, and that he had searched for information on events for both Trump and President Joe Biden. (The Hill) Former President Trump is escalating his rhetoric around claims of fraud in the upcoming election and vowing to go after opponents if he wins, alarming critics who fear a repeat of the chaos that followed the 2020 election. Trump over the weekend threatened to prosecute donors, lawyers and elections officials who he claimed cheated in the 2020 election or who engaged in behavior he deemed unscrupulous in November. And he elevated a dubious claim about fraud involving mail ballots in Pennsylvania, echoing rhetoric he used to cast doubt on the 2020 results. Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, June 6, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File) Republicans have long argued Trumps fixation on the 2020 election and his claims of widespread fraud are unhelpful politically, but critics viewed Trumps most recent posts as a blaring warning sign about how Trump may react to Novembers results, win or lose. As we head into the debate, an extreme and unhinged Donald Trump is further ratcheting up his dangerous threats of revenge and retribution, Harris campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement. Trump is openly laying out how he will try to rule as a dictator on day one to go after his political enemies. Another thing is clear: For Donald Trump, its all about himself, Moussa added. The former president has spent the years since his 2020 election defeat continuing to claim there was widespread fraud and that the election was improper. Numerous court challenges in 2020 were thrown out for lack of evidence or standing, and Trump was indicted in Georgia and in Washington, D.C., over his attempts to overturn the election results and remain in power. Trump warned Saturday that anyone deemed to have cheated in the 2020 election or in the 2024 election would face prosecution. 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 posted Saturday on Truth Social. He indicated that lawyers, political operatives, donors, voters and election officials could all be targeted with prosecution. Trump on Sunday promoted an April interview ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson conducted with an individual from a right-wing think tank who claimed at least 20 percent of mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania were fraudulent, a claim that would amount to major fraud by voters in both parties that went undetected by authorities. Trump has for years cast doubt on the reliability of mail-in and absentee ballots, calling for single-day voting even as his campaign and the Republican Party have tried to encourage supporters to take advantage of early voting options. Experts have repeatedly debunked his claims about fraud and mail-in ballots. Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who last week said she would vote for Vice President Harris in November, has been a target of Trumps threats. She said in an interview Sunday that she is particularly concerned when I listen to, you know, fellow Republicans in the past say things to me like, well, its fine, there are guardrails. You know, he cant do that much damage. Its just simply not true. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday called Trumps rhetoric dangerous, tying it directly to the violence that engulfed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The Harris campaign has signaled it will seek to remind voters of Trumps conduct and rhetoric in the closing weeks of a neck and neck campaign. The former president, Donald Trump, makes very, very clear, not through his own previous actions we all saw what happened on Jan. 6 but through the rhetoric he espouses and the plans that he has in place, the danger that he poses, Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler said Sunday on MSNBC. And so I think thatll be very clear for the remainder of this campaign. Trumps campaign has waved away attacks from Democrats and criticisms that the former president poses a threat to democratic foundations. Instead, they have pivoted to redirect those attacks back at Democrats. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) dodged a question about whether Trumps social media post threatening election workers and donors was appropriate, instead calling for states to clean up their voter rolls. Trump has claimed Democrats engaged in a coup to remove President Biden from atop the ticket after he won the partys primary, a characterization Biden and others have rejected. And the former president and his allies have described his numerous legal cases as a form of election interference from Democrats intent on tearing down his chances in November. President Trump believes anyone who breaks the law should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The real threats to democracy are the Democrats and Kamala Harris who support open borders, allow lawlessness in our cities, and are actively engaging in election interference with their unconstitutional attempts to remove President Trump and RFK Jr. from the ballot, she added. Democratic-aligned groups had previously challenged some of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s efforts to get on the ballot in states across the country, worrying he would pull votes from President Biden. Kennedy has since scrambled to remove his name from the ballot in numerous states after he endorsed Trump. But Trumps rhetoric about the election and threatening his opponents has been the foundation for several prominent conservatives to come out in support of Harris. The likes of former Vice President Dick Cheney have not cited policy differences with Trump, but concerns about the threat he poses to democracy in endorsing Harris. The Harris campaign plans to run an ad on Fox News during Tuesday nights debate highlighting criticism of Trump from his own former administration officials who have deemed him unfit for office. In 2016 Donald Trump said he would choose only the best people to work in his White House, a narrator says in the ad. Now those people have a warning for America: Trump is not fit to be president again. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As former President Trump and Vice President Harris prepare to square off in their first 2024 presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, critics of the local Democrat leadership are bringing crime in the city to the forefront. Harris, a former district attorney in San Francisco and attorney general of California, refers to herself as a former top cop but has been dubbed the "patron saint of leftist prosecutors" by Republican critics of policies that stop short of holding criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law. City police statistics show year-to-date homicides climbed every year from 2019 to 2022, when they reached a 16-year-high before dropping in 2023 and again in 2024. KAMALA HARRIS, DONALD TRUMP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: LIVE UPDATES Vice President Harris Harris, as vice president, plays no direct role in Philadelphia affairs, but critics say her career path in California helped blaze a trail for progressive prosecutors who have taken office in big cities around the U.S. Philadelphia's district attorney, Larry Krasner, is a controversial left-wing prosecutor himself, and although official statistics show a decline in violent crime over the last two years, both saw more homicides than when he took office in 2018. That year, there were 353. In 2021, there was a peak of 562 before the total dropped to 514 in 2022 and again to 410 in 2023. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Krasner wrote on X last week that the city "must continue to address the root cause of violence," adding that he sees "one factor" as "trauma stemming from gun violence." A spokesperson for his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. KAMALA HARRIS DONATED TO ANTI-POLICE, PRO-'SANCTUARY CITY' GROUP AS DC STRUGGLED WITH CRIME Violent crime overall is down by about 9.73% this year compared to last, but brazen criminals continue to shock the city. But the statistics may be misleading, according to David Gelman, a local defense attorney and former prosecutor. "There is no way homicides have decreased the last two years. The only reason they say that is because they have not termed it homicide," he told Fox News Digital. "Turn on the local news, and there are shootings and murders all day in the city, it's a war zone." Former President Trump PHILADELPHIA SHOOTING AT BIG BLOCK PARTY LEAVES 3 DEAD, 6 INJURED At least six city police officers have been shot so far this year, up from three in all of 2023, according to the department's website. "Philadelphia is taking a victory lap because they got their homicides down to 410 last year," said Paul Mauro, a retired NYPD inspector. "But 410 extrapolated to New York City in terms of population puts them well above the highest level of murders ever recorded in New York City when New York was known as Murder Town USA." Mauro maintains that homicides aren't the proper metric to judge a city's crime problems but rather should be robberies, which declined last year after spiking dramatically in 2022 and 2021. TIM WALZ, KAMALA HARRIS' NEW RIGHT-HAND MAN, ECHOES LEFT-WING CRIME POLICIES And for Gelman, who lives just outside the city limits, the problems are tangible. "Put it this way: I would go to the city all the time for dinner and whatnot," he told Fox News Digital. "Now, you couldnt pay me to go in unless I have to go to a doctor appointment. Even in the good areas, its dangerous." TIM WALZ EXPANDED VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS, KAMALA HARRIS ONCE FLOATED GOING EVEN FURTHER In late August, police asked for the public's help identifying a pair of young gunpoint carjackers, one of whom they believe could be just 10 years old. In July, police arrested a 28-year-old woman after she allegedly shot a 7-month-old in the leg over his parents' $100 drug debt, screaming, "F--- your baby," on video. That same week, a shooting in West Philadelphia left three men dead and six people wounded at a block party. Harris, however, continues to paint herself as a former "cop" on the campaign trail, referencing her prior positions as a prosecutor despite having publicly supported bail funds that help get criminal suspects out of jail, including at least two who went on to be accused of murder after their release. Then-Sen. Kamala Harris joins fellow Democrats from the House and Senate as they kneel in silence to honor George Floyd in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on June 8, 2020. In 2020, she solicited donations from her supporters for the Minnesota Freedom Fund, ostensibly to post bail for Black Lives Matter protesters arrested during anti-police rioting in the spring and summer of 2020 after George Floyd's death while being detained by police in Minnesota. Other suspects also received bail money. George Howard, accused of domestic violence, went free and allegedly shot and killed another man in a road rage fight. Shawn Michael Tillman made bail a year later with help from the fund. He then allegedly found a rival at a train station and shot him six times. Harris' office has not responded to multiple requests for comment on the bail fund recipients. Original article source: Trump-Harris presidential debate: Philadelphia under Biden saw cops, kids shot, alleged savage offenders freed (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump and Kamala Harris enter Tuesdays debate in search of the same goal a moment that will help them gain the edge in a race polls show is essentially tied. Most Read from Bloomberg The challenges each faces to secure that edge are starkly different as they take the stage in Philadelphia at 9 p.m. local time, potentially their only face-to-face showdown with less than two months until Election Day. Trump in his third run for the presidency is a well-defined, albeit polarizing figure, for voters. Some allies want to see him focus on policy and avoid personal attacks, holding out hope he can demonstrate presidential behavior and ease concerns among voters over returning the former president and now convicted felon to power. For Harris, the challenge is to address concerns from voters who say they dont know enough about her or her policies, and for those skeptical President Joe Bidens No. 2 can be an agent for change. Millions of Americans are expected to watch, making the debate her best chance to define her image. Voters are not just putting Kamala Harris under a microscope, theyre looking again at Donald Trump, said Democratic pollster John Anzalone, a veteran of Hillary Clinton and Bidens campaigns. While unlikely to be as immediately consequential as the June matchup between Biden and Trump that ended the presidents political career, the debate is poised to shift the trajectory of the race with just days until early voting starts in some states. Trump and Harris are both searching to gain a convincing lead in battleground polls and a strong performance, or weak one, could make the difference. Harris wants to come off as a highly competent, political moderate adept at managing someone as impulsive as Trump. Trump aims to cast Harris as too liberal and tie her to unpopular administration policies, while his aides hope he avoids attacks over her intellect and identity that have repelled some voters. Earlier: Harris, Trump Face Off in Key Presidential Debate: What to Watch Polling suggests Harris task may be more critical to her electoral viability. In a New York Times/Siena College poll released Sunday, 28% of likely voters said they needed to know more about her, while just 9% said that of Trump. More than six in 10 said the next president should represent a major change from Biden, a difficult task for his second-in-command, even as her campaign tries to portray Harris as a youthful change agent. A policy page on Harris website Monday was headlined A New Way Forward. Just a quarter of those surveyed in the poll said Harris represented that change, while 53% said Trump did. Democratic strategist Karen Finney said the juxtaposition on stage, with a 59-year-old, Black and Asian-American woman facing a 78-year-old white man, helps Harris. When you think about the future versus the past, the contrast is going to be pretty blaring, Finney said. How does Trump do against a younger person whos able to do a real debate? Finney hopes the comparison will make Trumps age and acuity a bigger hurdle for voters. Is this the moment we start talking about Trumps age and that his nonsensical statements maybe arent just because hes wacky? she said. Trump has a chance to be the one defining Harris. Hes taken to calling his opponent Comrade Kamala and describing her as a socialist, Marxist and fascist. Polls find more voters see her as too liberal than those who see him as too conservative. His advisers hope Trump sharpens that message, tying the vice president to the administrations record on the economy, immigration and certain foreign policy issues, areas where Trump holds an advantage in swing-state polls. President Trump has a unique opportunity to outline two competing records in the executive branch and two competing visions, said Hogan Gidley, a principal deputy press secretary in Trumps White House. He can tout his record that made peoples lives better and also expose Kamala Harris that made them worse. See {ELEC GO} on the Bloomberg Terminal for US election news Harris will look for opportunities to let Trump damage himself. He plays from this really old and tired playbook, Harris told radio host Rickey Smiley in an interview aired Monday. Theres no floor for him in terms of how low he will go, and we should be prepared. To knock Hillary Clinton off-balance at a 2016 debate, Trump invited women whod leveled sexual assault and harassment accusations against former President Bill Clinton to sit in the audience. I hope part of her strategy is to not correct every crazy thing he says, to get out of the way and let him be who he is, Finney said. To unnerve Trump, Harris campaign is bringing aides-turned-critics to the debate: ex-White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, and Olivia Troye, a former national security official. The campaign also unveiled an ad featuring former President Barack Obama ridiculing Trumps obsession with crowd sizes. Trump will have a host of surrogates at the debate, including running mate JD Vance, Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley and co-chair Lara Trump. Trump is notoriously impulsive and Harris past as a prosecutor suggests shell be eager to dissect any false claims he makes. We should be prepared for the fact that he is probably going to speak a lot of untruths, she told Smiley. Gidley said Harris preparation could backfire, coming off as smug and weak to some voters. I expect her to have a bunch of rehearsed stories, performance art, moments where she stares into the camera, has perfect pauses and tries to eviscerate Donald Trump, he said. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a former Trump White House press secretary, said he would be game-time ready. Thats why youre hearing so much about the preparation for Vice President Harris, because this isnt something she does very often, she said on ABCs This Week. She has a lot to get ready for. The safe prediction is to expect the unexpected. When Trumps onstage, nothing is ever normal, Anzalone said. Sign up for the Washington Edition newsletter to find out how the worlds of money and politics intersect in the US capital. (Adds timing in second paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Trump is increasingly vowing to prosecute political foes and others he says are 'corrupt' Over the past two weeks, former President Donald Trump has become increasingly explicit in describing plans to use the Department of Justice to prosecute scores of people he has declared corrupt, if he wins in November. Legal experts said Trump will face obstacles. Judges, prosecutors and juries, for example, could decline to try or convict people if there is scant evidence they committed a crime. But the experts also said the Supreme Courts recent immunity decision gives a president the power to order the attorney general to indict any individuals they wish without facing legal consequences themselves. Trump has enormous power if he really wants to do it, said Stephen Gillers, a professor at New York University Law School. There would be almost no stopping him from obtaining an indictment. Last Tuesday, Trump released a book in which he threatened to jail Mark Zuckerberg. Without citing evidence, he accused the Facebook founder of trying to sway the 2020 election and warned he would do so again in 2024. President Donald Trump and his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, in Quantico, Va., on Dec. 15, 2017. We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison, Trump said, as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election. At a Saturday rally, Trump vowed to crack down on corruption in health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, again without citing evidence. In a social media post afterward, he threatened to carry out election fraud prosecutions against election clerks, campaign donors and others. WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences, Trump wrote. Please beware that this legal exposure extends to Lawyers, Political Operatives, Donors, Illegal Voters, & Corrupt Election Officials." Last month, after the Democratic National Convention, Trump reposted artificial intelligence-generated images of his enemies including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, Anthony Fauci and Bill Gates in orange jumpsuits with the caption: HOW TO ACTUALLY FIX THE SYSTEM. Trump has also reposted a photo of special counsel Jack Smith with the statement, He should be prosecuted for election interference & prosecutorial misconduct. And over the summer, Trump posted photos of former President Barack Obama and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney with text calling for their prosecution at public military tribunals. Flouting a 50-year-old norm Since the Watergate scandal which included a criminal conviction of President Richard Nixons former attorney general the Justice Department has maintained a tradition of acting independently from the president when it comes to specific criminal investigations. To prevent even the appearance of partisan influence over the departments activities, the Justice Department makes its own decisions about individual criminal targets based on an elaborate set of rules. The attorney general takes policy direction from the White House, but for the last 50 years, any effort by the White House to direct a specific criminal prosecution would have been seen as a scandal, under both Democratic and Republican presidents. This post-Watergate tradition, however, is nowhere enshrined in law. There is no evidence Trump picked targets for criminal investigations during his first term as president, but he had to be talked out of firing Robert Mueller in an effort to thwart the special counsels investigation of his campaigns interactions with Russians. No law would prevent Trump from going much further in a second term, and some conservative lawyers associated with him have asserted that he could flex greater authority over his attorney generals decision making in individual cases. Jeffrey Clark during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md., on Feb. 23. One of those lawyers is Jeffrey Clark, a former DOJ official who Trump sought to install as his acting attorney general in the weeks after the 2020 election in an effort to use the department to overturn his defeat. Clark currently helps run the Center for Renewing America, a Trump-aligned organization helmed by Russ Vought, a potential chief of staff to Trump in 2025. Since leaving the Trump administration, Clark has argued that the attorney general should not be independent. All of the executive power of the federal government is conferred on the President including power over the Justice Department, Clark wrote last year. Officials subordinate to the President are vested with executive power only insofar as the President delegates such power to them. Another Trump legal ally, Mike Davis, a former aide to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, has promoted the concept that a second Trump administration should rely on an acting attorney general, not a Senate-confirmed attorney general, to act on Trumps wishes more efficiently. Trump, during his first term, said, As you know I like acting. It gives you great flexibility. Davis has also said he would rain hell on Washington, D.C., if he became attorney general and would bring indictments against President Joe Biden and members of his family, former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and George Soros, a billionaire and major Democratic donor. Davis told NBC News that he does not expect he would fill the role of acting attorney general but that another Trump ally could. He suggested that a second-term Trump DOJ could convene grand juries and seek indictments within weeks of taking office, noting that private citizens could be preparing possible referrals that the DOJ could use against people whom Trump supporters accused of waging "lawfare" against the former president. These lawfare Democrats should lawyer up and be prepared for accountability on Jan. 20 at 12:01 p.m., Davis said. Davis said that the department could seek an indictment of anyone for whom there is probable cause that they participated in a criminal conspiracy, making the case that the department under Attorney General Merrick Garlands tenure took a very aggressive, broad view with their lawfare against Trump, his allies and supporters, like those charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. These partisan Democrat plaintiffs, prosecutors, outside lawyers, court witnesses, judges and other lawfare activists in Albany, Atlanta, D.C., New York City, Palm Beach, and Phoenix should all lawyer up, Davis said. At a minimum, they are fact witnesses if not co-conspirators in this blatant criminal conspiracy. Davis said the indictment could be brought in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida, where Trump could potentially find a more favorable jury pool, and because that is near where the FBI executed a search of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. Stephen Richer, a Republican who oversees elections in Maricopa County, Arizona, said he worries that Justice Department officials in a second Trump administration would retaliate against local election officials who do not substantiate Trump's fraud claims. I think that we will see potentially, professionals who are more willing to bend general rules of prosecutorial ethics or legal standards who will occupy these positions, Richer told NBC News. He said that the first Trump term showed that the path to rising in a Trump administration is to fully embrace whatever the marching orders are, even if they are contrary to law, contrary to ethics. Fear and chaos Legal experts and current and former DOJ and FBI officials said that Trumps threats appear to be part of an effort to pressure officials like secretaries of state who certify election results to back his claims. A current law enforcement official who asked not to be named said the mere threat of prosecution will have a chilling effect that could cause officials to hesitate to challenge Trumps claims of widespread fraud. They called it a form of intimidation. Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, also said that Trump would likely have a mixed record in winning prosecutions. Most line prosecutors would recoil from prosecuting people with little evidence, he said. Career FBI and DOJ officials would likely refuse to carry out a criminal investigation or prosecution if there isnt probable cause, the senior law enforcement official said. The Justice Manual the DOJs guidebook of rules and procedures bars prosecutors and agents from carrying out unwarranted investigations. But they cautioned that theres a great deal of gray area and judgment involved in assessing evidence, particularly early in investigations. Partisan political officials could pressure career civil servants to carry out Trumps orders. They could potentially fire people who refuse to conduct investigations. Project 2025, a conservative group, has called for slashing the number of career DOJ and FBI officials and replacing them with political appointees who will carry out Trumps wishes. In the groups playbook for a second Trump DOJ, Gene Hamilton, a former DOJ lawyer under Trump and current executive director of America First Legal, wrote that the new administration must identify and address all individuals who were a part of the system that sought to prosecute Trump over the past eight years. Donald Trump, left, and Attorney General William Barr at the White House on May 22, 2019. Hamilton wrote that it must dismantle the department corruption as a means of restoring the trust of the American people. Gillers, the NYU professor, said that Trumps most powerful weapon is fear. While wealthy Americans like Zuckerberg could fight a wrongful prosecution for months, average citizens may just give up. What I see happening now is an attempt to control people Trump sees as in his way by scaring them, Gillers said. High-profile prosecutions can, like libel claims, terrorize those who dont obey. He doesnt have to win the prosecutions, only bring them. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com If you spend much time with people who passionately oppose abortion, youve probably heard this argument before: Legal abortion is an issue of the deepest import that concerns the death of defenseless children. Therefore, we must always vote for candidates who oppose abortion, regardless of any other factor, since nothing can outweigh the moral gravity of this issue. Many Americans believe this to be true, and have acted accordingly at the ballot box for decades. Its thus been very disorienting for these people to hear the Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump say last month that he is not on their team, with a social media post that said, My administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. To me, Trump always seemed insincere in his pronouncements on abortion, and he previously gutted the 40-year-old plank of the GOPs platform. More recently, he has weighed in on in vitro fertilization treatments, guaranteeing access despite the fact that IVF has always been divisive among abortion opponents. There is no intellectually honest way to read these events other than an abject defeat for the anti-abortion movement. As a political entity, it has been reduced to being a largely ineffective apparatus within the Republican Party. People who have made principled stances not to support pro-abortion-rights politicians are left with nowhere to go. Sure, Trump proceeded to dance around whether he, as a Florida resident, would support ending Floridas six-week abortion ban. But thats just muddying the waters. There is no pro-life party as anyone would have recognized it even four years ago. Ironically, there are two people who want to ignore this fact: Trump, who needs to placate the more moderate members of the electorate, but also needs the votes of people who oppose abortion to win, and Vice President Kamala Harris, who desperately wants to run on the issue and capture a supermajority of voters who support abortion rights. So how did we get here? And what is next? The short answer to the first question is that the anti-abortion movement walked into a cul-de-sac. Facing both political and legal obstacles due to the Supreme Court taking abortion off the table in Roe v. Wade, they focused on the legal side. There was a convergence of abortion opponents and originalist legal practitioners who believed that Roe was a constitutional abomination (even Ruth Bader Ginsburg thought that), and who favored appointing judges that would overturn it. The focus on overturning Roe gave the anti-abortion movement a hammerlock on the Republican Party, rather than making real inroads politically, since both parts of the coalition were on the right. There have been token efforts to prop up a dwindling number of anti-abortion Democrats, but never a concerted effort to create a Democratic foothold. But with the Supreme Court finally overturning Roe in the Dobbs decision, they were the dog that caught the car. Public opinion, while always mixed, now features a roughly 3-1 ratio of those who think abortion should always be legal versus those who think it should always be illegal, and repeated ballot initiatives show those in the middle lean strongly on the abortion-rights side, even in very red states. The fact that the anti-abortion community functionally partnered with a president who openly bragged about living the kind of libertine lifestyle they opposed couldnt have helped. To some people, this confirmed the worst stereotypes about pro-lifers and Christians more generally. The New Evangelicals, a left-leaning Christian group, recently said on X that Christian nationalists have spent years telling us you cant vote for a pro-choice candidate and be a Christian. Theyre about to prove they dont actually believe that. That was an uncharitable and intentionally divisive statement. Most abortion opponents arent Christian nationalists, some will blank their ballots, and while some may be suspicious of Christians who support abortion rights, questioning their faith is rarely explicit. But it reflects the challenge to the mindset that has long survived in the anti-abortion community. To make real progress, the movement has to reform and get used to making compromises they are not used to making. And, this is not an original idea, but the pro-life movement should look to the Civil Rights Movement. The Oxford Encyclopedia states that the American Civil Rights Movement was a religious movement, sustained by the religious power unlocked within southern black churches. Indeed, the Rev. Derwin Gray, a prominent Black pastor, Deseret contributor and BYU grad, and a strong advocate for multiethnic churches, has encouraged people to see the Civil Rights Movement as a religious revival. But the Civil Rights Movement was first a social movement and only later became a political movement. It was not absolutist in its thinking. Nor was it anywhere near as partisan as the anti-abortion movement has become. Indeed, as a movement, it worked hard to have a foothold in both parties. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. openly supported Democrat Lyndon Johnson, but previously had a close relationship with Republican Richard Nixon. Malcolm X, for his part, supported Republican Barry Goldwater. Johnson got the Civil Rights Act through Congress, but Republicans gave a greater percentage of their votes (80%) to the act than the Democrats (61%) did. To truly win on an issue, you need to win with many different constituencies. Making the pro-life cause a bipartisan social movement will not be easy. But the pieces are there. African American Christians, such as Justin Giboney and Chris Butler of the AND Campaign (an organization aimed at improving Christian civic engagement), are already doing some of that hard work. Giboney and Butler probably disagree with many abortion opponents on economic and foreign policy issues, but they have repeatedly and loudly made the case that Christians of all stripes should oppose abortion. Chris Butler ran for Congress as a Democrat with a pro-life platform. He lost, but the fact that he ran matters. Abortion opponents should give people like Butler support, and remember that they are predominately a social movement, not a political arm of any party. The alternative is the extinction of their cause as a major force in American public life. Cliff Smith is a lawyer and a former congressional staffer. He lives in Washington, D.C., where he works on national security-related issues. His views are his own. "Mass deportation now" was a poplar refrain at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Former Pres. Donald Trump, who has attempted to distance himself from Project 2025, an authoritarian blueprint for the next conservative U.S. presidency, would be hard pressed to find any daylight between his immigration policy and that advocated by Project 2025. The cornerstone of both policies is the militaristic removal of unauthorized immigrants, a move that would be disastrous for Nevada families and its economy. Following the Eisenhower Model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, Trump said while campaigning last year. The Eisenhower Model is Operation Wetback, an effort mounted by the U.S. in 1954, estimated to have swept up more than one million immigrants, as well as brown-skinned Americam citizens, says Prof. Michael Kagan of UNLVs Boyd School of Law. There actually were two mass deportations of Mexicans one in the early 1930s in the Hoover administration, and then Operation Wetback under Eisenhower both targeting Mexicans, both deporting more than a million people and both deporting a very large number of U.S. citizens, too. Nevada is home to some 168,000 undocumented immigrants, according to 2019 data analyzed by the Migration Policy Institute. Thats down from 210,000 in 2016, as estimated by Pew Research. Census data indicates more than a quarter of unauthorized immigrants in Nevada have been in the U.S. for more than 20 years, and a majority for more than a decade. About a third are homeowners. Trump, who alleges immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country, said in an interview with Time Magazine in April that hed rely on police and the National Guard to accomplish the task of removing 11 million undocumented immigrants. If I thought things were getting out of control, I would have no problem using the military, he said. We have to have safety in our country. We have to have law and order in our country. And whichever gets us there, but I think the National Guard will do the job. Kagan says Trump is likely aware that the Posse Comitatus Act places fewer restrictions on deploying the National Guard for domestic law enforcement than there would be to deploy the Army. The National Guard could do the most damage by executing the logistics of mass deportation, says Kagan, by rapidly constructing tent detention centers and providing planes and buses to deport to foreign countries. The plan also authorizes local law enforcement to participate in border security actions and penalizes jurisdictions that do not comply. Gov. Joe Lombardo, who endorsed Trump, does not support Project 2025, according to his spokeswoman, who declined to say whether the governor supports Trumps plans for massive deportation using the National Guard. Project 2025s immigration policy embraces the use of military force to achieve its objective. Prioritizing border security and immigration enforcement, including detention and deportation, is critical if we are to regain control of the border, repair the historic damage done by the Biden Administration, return to a lawful and orderly immigration system, and protect the homeland from terrorism and public safety threats, says the manifesto, which would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to remove, arrest, and detain violators without warrant, when possible, by removing due process rights. Thats terrifying, says Kagan of expedited removal, the process that requires immigrants to prove theyve been in the U.S. for two years or be deported. It would be done in a way that would be highly discriminatory and most likely target people who look Latino and who might not speak English perfectly or might fit someones image of what an undocumented immigrant looks like, but it might be a U.S. citizen. Project 2025 would eliminate prohibitions on enforcement action in sensitive zones, opening the door to raids on schools, hospitals, and religious institutions. I think some people roll their eyes and think, Well, Donald Trump just says stuff, or they put crazy things in Project 2025 but they wouldnt really do that. Michael Kagan, UNLVs Boyd School of Law Theres going to be a lot of self-deportation, Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts said during a television interview this summer. Simply talking about this and beginning to implement a plan and President Trump deserves a lot of credit for talking about this causes people to say, I dont want to run the risk of being arrested for doing something illegal. But secondly, there are great plans using the Department of Homeland Security to return these people back to south of the border. Project 2025 encourages the use of the military to crack down on peaceful migrants arriving at the border, instructing the Department of Defense to assist in aggressively building the border wall system on Americas southern border. Additionally, explicitly acknowledge and adjust personnel and priorities to participate actively in the defense of Americas borders, including using military personnel and hardware to prevent illegal crossings between ports of entry and channel all cross-border traffic to legal ports of entry. The proposal also considers engaging in war with drug cartels in Mexico. Ode to the nation-state Previous stabs at deportation in America have harmed the economy, depressed wages and hiring, and eliminated jobs, says Maribel Hastings of Americas Voice, a pro-immigration reform organization. She notes in a column that Trumps deportation plan, if successful, would remove 5% of the U.S. workforce. Of the approximately 11 million undocumented people, 8 million work. Moreover, these individuals work in critical industries in our economy, Hastings wrote. They constitute 22% of all farm workers, 15% of construction workers, and 8% of workers in the manufacturing industry. The economic disaster would be huge. Hastings cites an analysis from the University of New Hampshires Carsey School of Public Policy that concludes mass deportation adversely affects society because businesses do not replace the deported workers. This is because they do not find U.S. workers who want to do the jobs; they turn to machines to replace the workers, depending on the industry, or because they reduce operations, resulting in layoffs, elimination of positions, or salary reductions, she writes. Kagan of UNLVs Boyd School of Law says given a real mass deportation campaign the kind that Donald Trump is talking about, the devastation to the Nevada economy and to Nevadas families and communities is something that I dont think anyone alive has any lived experience to calculate, to understand. Progressives, Project 2025 suggests, seek to purge the very concept of the nation-state from the American ethos, no matter how much crime increases or resources drop for schools and hospitals or wages decrease for the working class. Kagan labels the assertions as hogwash. Undocumented immigrants do earn less than their documented counterparts as much as 35% less, according to scholars at Harvard University, often because they have few choices. They also work for cash and are susceptible to wage theft at the hands of employers who know their workers recourse is limited by virtue of their status. Project 2025 would be devastating for our economy, and in the emotional cost for families and the community, says Bliss Requa-Trautz, executive director of the Arriba Worker Center in Las Vegas, which assists workers victimized by wage theft. The U.S. Dept. of Labor issued protection to workers who sought help from Arriba when their employer, painting contractor Unforgettable Coatings, refused to pay workers overtime. The company eventually entered a settlement agreement with the government. Unforgettable Coatings is the first case in which the government issued Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE) to remedy wage theft, says Requa-Trautz. When workers have DALE, it increases willingness and trust in labor agencies to be able to participate in wage cases, which is essential to taking employers to court. The oft-repeated allegations that undocumented immigrants are criminals who sponge off the system at the expense of taxpayers are untrue, according to experts. Crime committed by unauthorized immigrants does not occur at a higher rate than crime committed by citizens. Peer reviewed research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) analyzed data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which records the immigration status of all arrested in the state. Contrary to public perception, we observe considerably lower felony arrest rates among undocumented immigrants compared to legal immigrants and native-born US citizens and find no evidence that undocumented criminality has increased in recent years, the PNAS authors wrote in 2020, adding the findings help us understand why the most aggressive immigrant removal programs have not delivered on their crime reduction promises and are unlikely to do so in the future. The claim that undocumented immigrants dont pay taxes is also a fallacy, says Kagan, who notes that unlike citizens, undocumented immigrants sometimes never realize the benefits of the taxes they pay. An undocumented person who is working under an assumed name or social security number, and paying payroll taxes, will never get the benefit of those tax contributions through Social Security, he notes. The undocumented worker who often is working on a fake social security number, is actually doing the American Treasury a huge favor. A study released this year from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning, nonprofit think tank, found undocumented immigrants paid nearly $100 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022. Undocumented immigrants would contribute another $40.2 billion more per year in federal, state and local taxes if the population had legal permission to work, pay taxes, and receive the benefits. In Nevada, undocumented immigrants paid a total of $507.1 million in taxes, with more than half, $271.9 million, in the form of sales tax. Project 2025 makes no mention of the tax contributions made by undocumented workers. Family values Project 2025 places great value on families, but its immigration policy would splinter millions of households that include an unauthorized immigrant, or one with temporary protective status as a result of deferred action. Nevada has the highest share of households (9%) in the nation that include an undocumented person, according to Pew Research. If you bump into a random person, the chances that that person is undocumented are basically higher in the state of Nevada than in any other state in the country, says Kagan, who adds the provisions of Project 2025 and Trumps agenda could really turn things kind of upside down here. About a quarter million Nevadans, including nearly 136,000 U.S. citizens, lived with at least one family member who is undocumented between 2010 and 2014, according to the Center for American Progress. There are great plans using the Department of Homeland Security to return these people back to south of the border. Kevin Roberts, Heritage Foundation An estimated one in seven children in Nevada are U.S. citizens who live with at least one undocumented family member, says an analysis of American Community Survey data compiled by the American Immigration Council. Kagan notes frustrated teachers who seek more family involvement with their childs education will be stymied should one in seven students lose a parent to deportation. Additionally, Project 2025 would bar U.S. citizens from receiving federal housing aid if they live with anyone who is not a citizen or permanent legal resident. I have known people whose families have had a mother or father deported, says Kagan, who compares the grief to a family whos just had someone die. Its not in the natural course of the life cycle. Its a shock, and suddenly theres an empty chair at the kitchen table. The psychological impact of that is immense. Project 2025 seeks to transfer the detention of children from the purview of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Homeland Security. It also suggests repealing the law that provides benefits to immigrant children, asserting it only encourages more parents to send their children across the border illegally and unaccompanied.,The manifesto also insists Congress must end the Flores Settlement Agreement, which details protections for children in custody. Such standards should focus on meeting human needs and should allow for large-scale use of temporary facilities (for example, tents), says Project 2025. It keeps me up at night, says Kagan, who believes Trump and Project 2025s policies are doable. I think people are not as scared as they should be, partly because we havent seen it before, says Kagan. I think some people roll their eyes and think, Well, Donald Trump just says stuff, or they put crazy things in Project 2025 but they wouldnt really do that. A review of Trumps record indicates a clear capability to do the unthinkable an attempt to ban travel to the U..S. based on religious affiliation; an attempt at insurrection; and in the immigration arena, an attempt to remove undocumented immigrants without due process via expedited removal. The Trump administration actually took steps to implement expedited removal at the end of 2019, but we didnt see it in practice because of COVID, says Kagan. This year Trump twisted arms among Republicans in Congress to kill a bipartisan border security bill that was opposed by some immigration advocates for going too far to curb immigration. During a campaign visit to Nevada, Trump told the crowd blame it on me for the bills failure. Housekeepers, landscapers, and busboys Undocumented workers make up 9% of Nevadas workforce, the highest percentage in the nation, according to a Pew Research review of data from 2021. More than two-thirds of unauthorized immigrants in Nevada, age 16 and up are employed. Of those, 30% have jobs in the hospitality industry, arts, or recreation, and 20% work in construction. Most of us here in Las Vegas are living in houses that are likely built by undocumented immigrants, says Kagan, adding Nevadas housing crisis would be exacerbated by a lack of labor in the event of mass deportations. When we renovate our kitchens, theyre likely renovated by undocumented immigrants. More than half of hospitality workers in Culinary Local 226, a politically active union that is essential to tourism, are of Hispanic descent. Trump, who owns a hotel in Las Vegas, is vowing to stop taxing hospitality and other workers tips. Its unknown how many of those workers are undocumented immigrants. His campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the potential disruption deportation could bring to Nevadas hospitality industry, including his own property. Project 2025 lays much of the blame for undocumented immigration at the door of the Dept. of Homeland Security, which it alleges has done the bidding of a feckless administration. Trump, with the assistance of immigration policy architect Stephen Miller, began to clean house at Homeland Security during his presidency. Indeed, the only direct impact of open borders on pro-open borders elites is that the constant flow of illegal immigration suppresses the wages of their housekeepers, landscapers, and busboys, says Project 2025. Despite that constant flow of immigrants, job openings in Nevada remain historically high as small business owners continue to lament the lack of qualified applicants for their open positions, Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist for the Nevada Federation of Independent Business wrote last week regarding the latest jobs report. Owners have grown understandably frustrated as attempts to fill their workforce repeatedly stall and cost pressures continue to rise. Job openings in the construction sector increased in July over June, and 60% of employers in that field have an opening they cant fill. Vacancies were highest in transportation, construction, and manufacturing. Project 2025 calls for eliminating temporary work programs for immigrants, however, it notes in an alternative viewpoint that some conservatives believe temporary worker programs help to fill jobs that Americans will not fill, prevent illegal immigration by giving farmers and others who hire low-skilled labor access to workers, and keep down the prices of food and other products and services produced by the temporary workers. Farmers forced to hire Americans may have to drastically increase wages, raising the price of food for all Americans, and that even such wage increases may not be sufficient to attract enough temporary American workers. They argue the value in phasing out temporary worker programs, including those for seasonal workers in the hospitality industry, should be weighed against the consequences of higher costs. Dreamers in jeopardy In addition to its mandate to remove undocumented immigrants, Project 2025 seeks to restrict legal immigration by eliminating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for half a million Dreamers, and doing away with family-based immigration such as the Keeping Families Together program, as well as temporary protected status, and visas for victims of crime. It also reduces asylum relief and discounts domestic and gang violence as grounds for seeking refuge in America. The program, established by Pres. Barack Obama, was dismantled by Trump but salvaged by the U.S. Supreme Court. Last year a federal judge ruled DACA is illegal. The Biden administration is urging the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the ruling. 12,100 active DACA recipients lived in Nevada as of March 2020, while DACA has been granted to 14,278 people in total since 2012, according to estimates. Its imperative that we send those people back, invite them back to come through the legal system, Heritage Foundation president Roberts said of immigrants during an interview with MSNBC. We love immigrants and heritage, but we also love the rule of law. Medical marijuana (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps early Monday statement that he would vote to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida sent a strong signal that both major parties are moving to adopt popular marijuana reform efforts, unexpectedly elevating the issue in the presidential battle. But the campaign for the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed strong skepticism about Trumps sudden embrace of reform and criticized Trumps record in office, accusing him of blatant pandering after States Newsroom inquired about Harris position on legalization. The statement from Trump, who has sought to portray himself as a law and order candidate throughout his political career, shows the growing support for marijuana legalization among voters of both parties nationwide and could be a signal that GOP elected officials will align themselves with legalization, said Josh Glasstetter, a spokesperson for the advocacy group U.S. Cannabis Council, said in an interview with States Newsroom. Trumps statement on Truth Social signals that there is a political realignment that is well underway on the issue of cannabis reform, Glasstetter said. Trump said in a post to his social media platform that he would vote yes on Floridas Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis use in the state. He also said he supported federal legislation to remove federal restrictions on banking services for state-legal marijuana businesses and moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act. States with legal recreational marijuana industries, which now number 24, have long sought tweaks to federal law to allow banks to legally provide loans and other services to marijuana businesses that are legal under state law. Bills in Congress, while largely bipartisan, have been introduced for years but not yet won the consensus needed to become law. Schedule I is the most restrictive category under federal law and indicates a drug has no medicinal value and high risk of abuse. President Joe Bidens administration has started the move to Schedule III, which includes heavily regulated legal substances including Tylenol with codeine. Harris camp blasts Trump The Harris campaign said Trump is trying to gloss over his past. Despite his blatant pandering, Donald Trump cannot paper over his extensive record of dragging marijuana reform backward, campaign spokesman Joseph Costello wrote in an email. As president, Trump cracked down on nonviolent marijuana offenses undermining state legalization laws, opposed safe banking legislation, and even tried to remove protections for medical marijuana. Donald Trump does not actually believe in marijuana reform, but the American people are smart enough to see through his campaign lies. The campaign did not respond to a follow-up message seeking clarity on Harris position on the issue. Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, took a hard line against a growing trend of states legalizing marijuana use. He rescinded a 2013 document known as the Cole memo that required federal officials to stay out of state-legal marijuana operations. But Glasstetter said Trump had clearly reassessed his position on the issue, reflecting a consensus among voters that Republican officials have been slower to adopt. For many years now, cannabis reform advocates have talked about the growing bipartisan consensus among voters in support of cannabis reform and elected officials have been a lagging indicator, particularly on the conservative side of the spectrum, he said. While Harris has not highlighted the issue besides not answering emailed questions Monday, the campaigns newly launched issues page on its website does not mention cannabis she is seen as an ally of reformers based on her record, including as U.S. senator and California attorney general, Glasstetter said. Harris convened a roundtable of marijuana reform advocates at the White House in March that included rapper Fat Joe and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat. At that event, she promoted the administrations work to relax federal marijuana restrictions and spoke in favor of broad reforms. Ive said many times: I believe I think we all at this table believe no one should have to go to jail for smoking weed, she said. Leading Republicans Trumps endorsement could be seen as an attempt to close the policy gap between the parties on a popular issue. Republicans in Congress have lagged behind their Democratic colleagues in seeking marijuana reforms, even as polls and ballot initiatives in states that favor both parties have shown legalizing marijuana use is an increasingly popular position among voters of all political persuasions, Glasstetter said. A Pew Research Center poll this year showed 88% of respondents thought marijuana should be legal for recreational or medical use. That was up from 68% in the same survey in 2022. At a May hearing of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, just days after Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the administration would seek to reschedule cannabis, Republican representatives voiced skepticism over the move to federal Drug Enforcement Administrator Anne Milgram. Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican, noted studies finding a connection between cannabis use and psychosis. The country is dealing with a mental health crisis, he said. My concern is rescheduling marijuana would make the crisis worse, he said. But an endorsement from Trump, who holds immense influence among congressional Republicans, could be crucial to getting more Republicans to change their positions, Glasstetter said. Former President Trump is a leading indicator, he said. We expect that his high-profile embrace of cannabis reform will make it much easier for other Republicans, particularly in Congress, to come out in support of cannabis reform. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps early Monday statement that he would vote to legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida sent a strong signal that both major parties are moving to adopt popular marijuana reform efforts. But the campaign for the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed strong skepticism about Trumps sudden embrace of reform and criticized Trumps record in office, accusing him of blatant pandering. The statement from Trump, who has sought to portray himself as a law and order candidate throughout his political career, shows the growing support for marijuana legalization among voters of both parties nationwide and could be a signal that GOP elected officials will align themselves with legalization, Josh Glasstetter, a spokesperson for the advocacy group U.S. Cannabis Council, said in an interview with States Newsroom. Trumps statement on Truth Social signals that there is a political realignment that is well underway on the issue of cannabis reform, Glasstetter said. Trump said in a post to his social media platform that he would vote yes on Floridas Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis use in the state. He also said he supported federal legislation to remove federal restrictions on banking services for state-legal marijuana businesses and moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act. States with legal recreational marijuana industries, which now number 24, have long sought tweaks to federal law to allow banks to legally provide loans and other services to marijuana businesses that are legal under state law. Bills in Congress, while largely bipartisan, have been introduced for years but not yet won the consensus needed to become law. Schedule I is the most restrictive category under federal law and indicates a drug has no medicinal value and high risk of abuse. President Joe Bidens administration has started the move to Schedule III, which includes heavily regulated legal substances including Tylenol with codeine. Blatant pandering The Harris campaign said Trump is trying to gloss over his past. Despite his blatant pandering, Donald Trump cannot paper over his extensive record of dragging marijuana reform backward, campaign spokesman Joseph Costello wrote in an email. As president, Trump cracked down on nonviolent marijuana offenses undermining state legalization laws, opposed safe banking legislation, and even tried to remove protections for medical marijuana. Donald Trump does not actually believe in marijuana reform, but the American people are smart enough to see through his campaign lies. Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, took a hard line against a growing trend of states legalizing marijuana use. He rescinded a 2013 document known as the Cole memo that required federal officials to stay out of state-legal marijuana operations. But Glasstetter said Trump had clearly reassessed his position on the issue, reflecting a consensus among voters that Republican officials have been slower to adopt. For many years now, cannabis reform advocates have talked about the growing bipartisan consensus among voters in support of cannabis reform and elected officials have been a lagging indicator, particularly on the conservative side of the spectrum, he said. While Harris has not highlighted the issue, she is seen as an ally of reformers based on her record, including as U.S. senator and California attorney general, Glasstetter said. Harris convened a roundtable of marijuana reform advocates at the White House in March that included rapper Fat Joe and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat. At that event, she promoted the administrations work to relax federal marijuana restrictions and spoke in favor of broad reforms. Ive said many times: I believe I think we all at this table believe no one should have to go to jail for smoking weed, she said. Popular opinion Trumps endorsement could be seen as an attempt to close the policy gap between the parties on a popular issue. Republicans in Congress have lagged behind their Democratic colleagues in seeking marijuana reforms, even as polls and ballot initiatives in states that favor both parties have shown legalizing marijuana use is an increasingly popular position among voters of all political persuasions, Glasstetter said. A Pew Research Center poll this year showed 88% of respondents thought marijuana should be legal for recreational or medical use. That was up from 68% in the same survey in 2022. At a May hearing of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, just days after Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the administration would seek to reschedule cannabis, Republican representatives voiced skepticism over the move to federal Drug Enforcement Administrator Anne Milgram. Rep. Robert Aderholt, an Alabama Republican, noted studies finding a connection between cannabis use and psychosis. The country is dealing with a mental health crisis, he said. My concern is rescheduling marijuana would make the crisis worse, he said. But an endorsement from Trump, who holds immense influence among congressional Republicans, could be crucial to getting more Republicans to change their positions, Glasstetter said. Former President Trump is a leading indicator, he said. We expect that his high-profile embrace of cannabis reform will make it much easier for other Republicans, particularly in Congress, to come out in support of cannabis reform. The August recess has ended, and Congress has less than a month to pass legislation to fund the federal government or plunge the nation into a shutdown. Its already getting ugly. On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump demanded that If Republicans in the House, and Senate, dont get absolute assurances on Election Security, THEY SHOULD, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, GO FORWARD WITH A CONTINUING RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET. For days now, the former president who falsely maintains that the 2020 election was stolen from him has been promoting unsourced claims of election fraud in 2024 early voting on his social media. Earlier this week, Trump promoted unsubstantiated claims that Arizona, a key 2024 battleground state, is allowing non-citizens to remain on the states voter rolls. He also repeated meritless claims that 20% of the Mail-In Ballots in Pennsylvania are fraudulent. Here we go again! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Where is the U.S. Attorney General and FBI to INVESTIGATE? Where is the Pennsylvania Republican Party? We will WIN Pennsylvania by a lot, unless the Dems are allowed to CHEAT. THE RNC MUST ACTIVATE, NOW!!! Amid his preemptive efforts to sow doubt about the election, Trump is demanding that Republicans secure passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), or shut down the federal government. The SAVE Act, which passed a vote in the House in July but has not been taken up by the Senate, would require Americans to provide documented proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate in order to register to vote. The law would create a massive hurdle for voters, who in many states are already required to jump through a slew of bureaucratic hoops in order to maintain their voter registrations active. The law would likely result in a decrease in voter registration and election participation, as millions of Americans do not have the required documents proving citizenship proposed by the law on hand, and attaining them typically requires time and money. There are already laws that prevent non-citizens from voting in elections, and a small number of municipalities allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. States take measures such as cross-referencing voter data with Social Security information to ensure that those who register to vote are actually eligible. The notion that non-citizens are influencing elections by illegally voting is a myth, one that even conservative think tanks like the CATO Institute have debunked through analysis of voter data. In the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is already finding himself at odds with his own party over the impending funding battle. The speaker has indicated hes willing to tie the continuing resolution to the SAVE Act, and has no fallback position. But on Tuesday morning, Johnson told Punchbowl News that he doesnt think a shutdown behooves the country. I dont think anybody desires that, and we have an obligation to try to prevent that from happening, Johnson said. So thats what Im working on. Hours later, following Trumps demand that Republicans hold the government hostage over his voting conspiracies, Johnson was on the air attacking Democrats for not supporting a plan to attach the SAVE act to the Houses funding resolution. In a touchy interview with CNNs Jake Tapper, Johnson complained that Democrats have no explanation for why they wont support the SAVE Act. Tapper countered that its its already against the law for undocumented immigrants to vote, and that noncitizens rarely even attempt to vote in elections. Johnson countered that voting should be treated the same way as underage Americans attempting to buy alcohol. https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1833603841217990708 Some Republicans in the House are livid that Johnson is even entertaining a funding extension, even with the SAVE Act attached, while others feel that the image of the GOP forcing a government shutdown weeks before the November election would be a boon to Democrats. The 6 month continuing resolution with the SAVE Act attached is an insult to Americans intelligence, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) wrote on Monday. The CR doesnt cut spending, and the shiny object attached to it will be dropped like a hot potato before passage. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) wrote on X that Speaker Johnson is setting up a fake fight for the Save Act, which we already passed in July, to vote to extend the Biden/Harris budget. The American people are tired of being lied to, she added. Shutting down the government is always a bad idea, no matter what time of year it is, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters on Tuesday. 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. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La. speaks during a news conference following a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 10, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Kent Nishimura | Getty Images WASHINGTON Congress is stumbling toward another government shutdown deadline at the end of the month with no clear plan in place to enact a bipartisan stopgap spending bill and some new meddling by the Republican presidential nominee. House Republicans have, so far, taken the go-at-it-alone approach by scheduling a vote Wednesday on a six-month continuing resolution, despite that legislation lacking the votes needed to pass both chambers. President Joe Biden has also issued a veto threat of the bill, ensuring it has no path to becoming law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sought to stir the pot Tuesday by calling on his party to force a shutdown if Democrats dont accept the GOPs inclusion of a separate bill that would require an ID to register to vote. If Republicans in the House, and Senate, dont get absolute assurances on Election Security, THEY SHOULD, IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, GO FORWARD WITH A CONTINUING RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, Trump wrote on social media. House Republican leaders have included a bill that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections in their stopgap spending bill. It is already illegal for people who are not citizens to vote in federal elections. The original voting bill, H.R.8281, was first introduced by Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. It passed 221-198 in July, with five Democrats voting with Republicans, but stalled in the Senate. The White House rejected that sidecar in a Statement of Administration Policy released earlier this week, writing that the unrelated cynical legislation would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote and increase the risk that eligible voters are purged from voter rolls. Congress must pass some sort of spending bill before the end of the month to avoid a partial government shutdown beginning just weeks before the November elections. Senators react Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pressed for congressional leaders to get in a room and negotiate a bipartisan agreement during a press conference Tuesday. The bottom line is, we want a bipartisan negotiation, Schumer said. We will sit down and do a bipartisan negotiation, and thats the only way to pass this. Schumer laid the responsibility for calling such a meeting at the feet of House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said during a separate press conference hes reserving judgment on the House stopgap spending bill until he sees whether it will actually pass that chamber. I think we first have to see what the House sends us, and then, of course, how to handle that will be up to the majority leader, the Kentucky Republican said. But the first step ought to be what comes out of the House. And I think we dont know right now. McConnell said there shouldnt be a government shutdown under any circumstances, clearly rejecting Trumps calls for one. A government shutdown is always a bad idea, he said. Thune cites predictability for military Senate Republican Whip John Thune, of South Dakota, was critical of the House GOPs six-month stopgap spending bill, which would likely push off negotiations on the dozen annual government funding bills until early next year. That could have a detrimental effect on the Senate vetting, holding hearings and voting on the next presidents Cabinet nominees during the first few months of the new year. That is a very, I think, fair observation about what could happen next year, and is something I think everybody needs to factor in when we make a determination about how long the CR ought to be for, Thune said. The negative effects on the Defense Department and military readiness were also cited by Thune in connection with a longer stopgap spending bill. When we fund the government, we ought to do it in a way that provides predictability and certainty, especially to our military planners, Thune said. So I think thats an argument for a shorter term and trying to resolve these issues before the new Congress comes in, in January. But, he said, GOP leaders in the Senate are planning to consider the stance of those who want the longer, six-month spending measure that House Republicans have put forward. There are those who believe that punting this in the next year is a good strategy, Thune said. Well hear everybody out on that in the next couple of days, and then, depending on what the House sends over, what Schumer decides to do with it, well figure out how to respond from there. Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Donald Trump has said he would be happy to "use the military" to deport millions of undocumented migrants (Jim WATSON) (Jim WATSON/AFP/AFP) Mass expulsions? Political revenge? World peace? A new golden age? As Donald Trump vies for another term in the White House, the country is abuzz with speculation over how life might look with the ex-president back at the helm. Here are Trump's plans for the United States and the world, in five emblematic measures. - Mass deportations - Vice President Kamala Harris's rival in November's election has pledged to launch the biggest deportation operation of illegal migrants in US history on his first day in office. "We're going to get them out as fast as we can," he has said, accusing undocumented migrants of "poisoning the blood of our country." The 78-year-old, known for his unfinished US-Mexico border wall project, has said he would be happy to "use the military" as part of the effort and would open detention camps to process targets for expulsion. "On day one of my new term in office, I will sign an executive order making clear to federal agencies that under the correct interpretation of the law, going forward the future children of illegal aliens will not receive automatic US citizenship," he said in a campaign video. He has confirmed he also plans to reinstate his ban on entries from several Muslim-majority countries, as a means of "keeping terrorists the hell out of our country." - 'Drill, baby, drill!' - Trump slammed the door on the 2015 Paris climate accords during his first term, and his campaign has said he intends to end US participation again if reelected. He told supporters at a rally earlier in the summer that he would "stop Biden's wasteful spending and rapidly terminate the green new scam" -- a reference to the funding committed by his successor to mitigating climate change. "I will repeal crooked Joe Biden's insane electric vehicle mandate and we will 'drill, baby, drill,'" Trump said in Wisconsin, using an old Republican slogan. "Energy costs will come down very quickly," he vowed. "In many cases we'll be cutting your energy costs in half." - Crypto-a-go-go - Trump has pledged to make the United States the "Bitcoin and cryptocurrency capital of the world," and to put tech billionaire and right-wing conspiracy theorist Elon Musk in charge of a wide-ranging audit of governmental waste. Trump also envisages tariffs of "more than 10 percent" on all imports. US companies -- and eventually their customers -- pay for import tariffs, not the companies exporting the goods. He insists that the revenue collected will finance a "middle class, upper class, lower class, business class big tax cut." Having waged a fierce trade war with China during his first term, he also plans to revoke the Asian giant's "most favored nation" status, granted to promote trade. - Abortion ambiguity - Trump never misses an opportunity to point out that it is partly thanks to him -- and his three conservative Supreme Court appointments -- that abortion rights have been considerably weakened in the United States. But he is more ambiguous about the future of access to reproductive health care. Insisting it should be an issue for the individual states, the Republican has balked at pushing a nationwide abortion ban, a commitment that would win him support from the religious right. "You must follow your heart on this issue but remember, you must also win elections," he has said. And he promised: "My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights." - Ukraine war 'plan' - Trump has been saying for months he could end the war in Ukraine within "24 hours," without explaining how. Critics suggest his plan would involve pressuring Kyiv to cede territory illegally occupied by Russia in both 2014 and 2022. "I have a very exacting plan how to stop Ukraine and Russia, And I have a certain idea -- maybe not a plan, but an idea -- for China," he said in an interview. "But I can't give you those plans, because if I give you those plans, I'm not going to be able to use them, they'll be very unsuccessful. You know, part of it's surprise, right?" Trump presented himself as an unconditional defender of Israel when the war with Hamas broke out. But he has since appeared more critical in his comments about the US ally's military offensive in Gaza, saying: "I'm not sure that I'm loving the way they're doing it." ft/bjt Trying to get into the U.S.? Soiled shoes may bring delays SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Whether you are an avid American world traveler returning home or planning to visit or immigrate into the United States, some items you bring with you, even soil on shoes, could bring issues. Certain items brought into the United States from foreign countries by air travel, border crossing or seaport are restricted, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. All travelers entering the United States are required to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the points of entry will determine if the items meet the entry requirements of the United States. Those who have been on a farm or in close proximity of livestock must also be declared and shoes or luggage examined by CBP agriculture specialists for traces of soil that could harbor foreign animal diseases such as hand, foot and mouth disease. Hand, foot and mouth disease is very contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control, with symptoms that may include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister and rashes. Prohibited items that are not declared by passengers are confiscated and disposed of by CBP agriculture specialists. Also, civil penalties may be assessed for failure to declare prohibited agricultural items and may range up to $1,000 per first-time offense for non-commercial quantities. If the items are determined to be for commercial use, violations will be assessed at a much higher rate. The same fines apply to prohibited agricultural products sent through international mail. Trains will transport most cars made at Hyundai plant, company says To declare items, travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. The forms can be completed on paper forms that can be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise. Or online at a Global Entry kiosk. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who clashed with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin earlier this year over the Pentagons health care policies, is holding up the promotion of a top Austin aide who is in line to become a four-star commander in the Pacific. Tuberville has blocked the promotion of Lt. Gen. Ronald P. Clark because of concerns about Clarks role in not announcing Austins absence due to a health emergency in January. Sen. Tuberville has concerns about Lt. Gen. Clarks actions during Secretary Austins hospitalization. Lt. Gen. Clark knew that Sec. Austin was incapacitated and did not tell the Commander in Chief, said Mallory Jaspers, a spokesperson for Tuberville. Jaspers said Clark was required to inform President Biden of Austins absence from duty when he was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and later placed in an intensive care unit due to complications from prostate surgery in December. As a senior commissioned officer, Lt. Gen. Clarks oath requires him to notify POTUS when the chain of command is compromised. Sen. Tuberville is waiting to see the forthcoming IG report, Jaspers said. Biden nominated Clark to the grade of commanding general of the U.S. Army in the Pacific. Clark was one of a handful of Austin aides who reportedly knew of Austins emergency hospital admission. The Pentagon didnt announce until Jan. 5 that Austin was in the hospital; senior White House officials were kept in the dark for at least three days. Tuberville also clashed with Austin for months over the Pentagons policy of reimbursing the travel costs of service members who travel across state lines to obtain abortions and other reproductive health procedures. The Alabama senator held up military promotions for more than 10 months, stalling more than 451 officers, until he finally relented under intense pressure from Senate colleagues, including a group of fellow GOP senators. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is making a splash again, blocking the nomination of Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark to a top Army role. Tubervilles newest military hold comes exactly nine months after he lifted his 10-month block on hundreds of nominees promotions stalled in protest of the Pentagons abortion policies. However, this time around, the military block has to do with concerns over Clarks role in the delayed disclosure of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins hospitalization last year. Congress to honor 13 troops killed during Afghanistan withdrawal Sen. Tuberville has concerns about Lt. Gen. Clarks actions during Secretary Austins hospitalization, Tubervilles spokesperson Mallory Jaspers said Monday. Lt. Gen. Clark knew that Sec. Austin was incapacitated and did not tell the Commander in Chief. As a senior commissioned officer, Lt. Gen. Clarks oath requires him to notify POTUS when the chain of command is compromised, Jaspers continued. Last December, the Pentagon failed to disclose Austins hospitalization, including to President Joe Biden, the National Security Council and top Pentagon leaders, for days, reflecting a lack of transparency about his illness, how serious it was and when he may have been released. Texas Democrats want feds to investigate voter raids The political controversy comes from the secrecy of the Pentagons decision to keep such important information disclosed, especially when the U.S. was juggling a myriad of national security issues at the time. However, the Pentagon told the Washington Post that Clark is highly qualified for the position, especially due to his expertise in leading troops overseas. We urge the Senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees. These holds undermine our military readiness, Pentagon spokesperson James Adams 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 NewsNation. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has placed a hold on the promotion of Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, a top aide to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a spokesperson for the Alabama Republican confirmed to CNN. Sen. Tuberville has concerns about Lt. Gen. Clarks actions during Secretary Austins hospitalization, Tuberville spokesperson Mallory Jaspers told CNN. Lt. Gen. Clark knew that Sec. Austin was incapacitated and did not tell the Commander in Chief. As a senior commissioned officer, Lt. Gen. Clarks oath requires him to notify POTUS when the chain of command is compromised. The move, however, is very different from when Tuberville last year issued a blanket hold on military promotions across the board unless the Pentagon changed its abortion policy. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that this nomination now on the floor could still be resolved with procedural motions and is just one instead of hundreds from last year. The release of a report from the Pentagons inspector general could also impact the future and speed of the confirmation. The review was launched earlier this year to review whether the Pentagon has the appropriate policies in place to ensure an effective transfer of power and duties following Austins hospitalizations that were not immediately disclosed to the White House or other senior national security officials. Jaspers said the senator is waiting to see the forthcoming IG report. The Washington Post first reported on the hold. James Adams, a Pentagon spokesman, told CNN that Clark is highly qualified for the job and was nominated for this critical position because of his experience and strategic expertise, including his previous roles as commander of US Army Central, the Armys 25th Infantry Division, and chief of staff for US Army Pacific. We urge the Senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees, Adams said. These holds undermine our military readiness. Austin was hospitalized on January 1 for complications from a prostate cancer procedure in December. The Pentagon did not notify the media until January 5 and despite the seriousness of his hospitalization, it was later revealed that Austin had not notified Congress or the White House about his diagnosis, initial procedure or subsequent complications and hospitalization. The failure to notify administration officials kicked off a firestorm on Capitol Hill and Austin was grilled by members of Congress during a February hearing focused on his dayslong delay notifying both lawmakers and President Joe Biden about his whereabouts with Republicans particularly eager to turn up the heat on Austin. A defense official on Tuesday cited a separate, completed Pentagon review that found no deliberate attempt to hide Austins hospitalization. The chain of command was not compromised. At no time were there any gaps in authorities and there were no risks to the Departments command and control, the official told CNN. The implication from the Senator, calling into question the oath of a soldier who has honorably served his country as a senior leader for more than three decades, is completely inappropriate, they added. Austin announced in a statement in July that Biden had nominated Clark, who is currently serving as the senior military assistant to Austin, for appointment as commanding general of US Army Pacific. Now that the nomination is on the floor, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer could hold an up-or-down vote and burn time to confirm the nominee as Tuberville cant hold it up forever on his own. Tuberville faced bipartisan pressure last year for several months to cease his blanket hold on military promotions that started last March and delayed the confirmations of more than 450 top military nominees. Top military leaders, including Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told CNN at the time that the holds were aiding US adversaries. Tuberville had maintained that he wanted the Pentagon to scrap its post-Roe v. Wade policy providing reimbursements for service personnel who travel out of state for reproductive services, including abortions. He eventually released the bulk of his holds late last year, allowing hundreds of military nominations to be confirmed. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Oren Liebermann and Haley Britzky contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tulsi Gabbard revealed on Monday how she went about calling out Vice President Kamala Harris on the debate stage during the Democratic primaries in 2019 during an appearance on "Jesse Watters Primetime." "She was treated with kid gloves by the mainstream propaganda media. She was treated with kid gloves, even by every other candidate that was on that debate stage. No one questioned her, challenged her, or called her out for the record as prosecutor that she claimed to be proud of," Gabbard said. The former congresswoman called out Harris in a 2019 primary debate where she hammered the then-Democratic senator for jailing hundreds of Californians for marijuana violations while she was attorney general, yet bragged about her own use of the drug. "She talked every day about how she'd be a prosecutor president, but no one questioned her about what that record was and how that would translate if she were president. And, I pointed out the hypocrisy. I pointed out the hypocrisy of how she would do one thing, and when the standard was held to herself, she did the exact opposite," she continued. Tulsi Gabbard joined "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Monday to discuss how she went about calling out Kamala Harris on the debate stage in 2019. KAMALA HARRIS' RECORD AS PROSECUTOR IN CALIFORNIA SPELLS TROUBLE FOR PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: LAWYER "She put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and then laughed about it when she was asked if she ever smoked marijuana," Gabbard said on the debate stage in 2019. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Gabbard told Watters that Donald Trump had a similar opportunity to call out Harris on Tuesday night. "We are seeing that opportunity again in this debate coming up tomorrow night for President Trump to do the very same thing, what Kamala Harris is saying, the lies that she is selling to the American people now is the exact opposite of the record that she has had, frankly, as the incumbent in this race. She's been in the White House for the last three and a half years, almost four years, not President Trump," Gabbard said. Gabbard was recruited by Trump's team to help prep the former president for the ABC News debate on Tuesday. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Aug. 16, 2024. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The former 2019 Democratic presidential candidate also warned that Harris should not be underestimated. Gabbard has already taken part in a practice session with former President Trump at his private club and home, Mar-a-Lago, The New York Times reported. "There are very real issues and challenges that are happening today directly because of Kamala Harris and her record, and that's the seriousness with which they are treating this debate to actually learn the truth about Kamala Harris. President Trump knows her record. He obviously has a record of success that he can stand on, and he's going to challenge Kamala Harris on exactly that and keep reminding voters who she really is, not the actor that she will present herself to be tomorrow night," Gabbard told Watters. Fox News' Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Original article source: Tulsi Gabbard reveals how she 'dissected' Kamala Harris during 2019 Dem primary debate (Bloomberg) -- Turkey has held talks with Somalia about setting up a site to test-fire missiles and space rockets from the Horn of Africa country, according to people familiar with the matter. Most Read from Bloomberg Ankaras ballistic-missile program requires long-range testing and Somalias location on the eastern tip of mainland Africa is ideal for firing toward the Indian Ocean, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive subjects. The country is close to the equator, making it a suitable site for a space port, they said. Testing near the equator can also help boost the range and efficiency of space rockets. Turkey has long aspired to join a space race traditionally dominated by global powers, and plans to launch a rocket have been underway for some years. That could potentially be fired from Somalia, the people said. Turkish officials are confident Somalia will agree to its request, the people said. Turkeys defense ministry declined to comment. Hussein Sheikh-Ali, national security adviser to Somalias President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, declined to comment when contacted by phone on Tuesday. The chairman of the parliamentary sub-committee on defense, Abdi Ahmed Koshin, said he was unaware of any such agreement with Turkey. Turkey has been working on increasing the range of its domestically-built Tayfun missiles from about 560 kilometers (350 miles), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in 2022. A Somalia launch site would remove the risk of debris falling into residential areas and other countries, the people said. Turkey is one of the few foreign powers strengthening ties with Somalia as it tries to rebuild after years of clan warfare. Over the past decade, Turkey has expanded its influence through defense cooperation and infrastructure projects, and has plans for hydrocarbon exploration. Its involved in mediation between the government in Mogadishu, the capital, and leaders in Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region. Along with the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, Turkey is among the middle-tier powers making inroads across Africa as Chinese investment slows and the US plays catch up. While Russia has become a symbol of anti-Western sentiment in some places, its Wagner Group mercenaries arent as coveted as Turkeys TB2 Baykar drones, which 11 African nations have purchased. Increasing Foothold Turkey has been increasing its foothold in the Horn of Africa nation since Erdogan visited the country in 2011. He agreed at the time to provide financial assistance to revive basic services such as education and health along with security. A defense-industry cooperation agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in 2015 allows for joint research, development and production projects in the field of military equipment in the territories of the parties. The two countries agreed in July to further boost their defense and economic cooperation over the next decade. In 2017, Turkey opened its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, and hundreds of the countrys troops are training Somalian soldiers. Thats part of Somalias plan to improve security after an insurgency by the Islamist group al-Shabaab. Turkey, which wants to replicate its relationship with Mogadishu in other African countries, is expected to dispatch an exploration ship to search for oil and gas off Somalias coast, following an offer from the countrys government. On the diplomatic front, Ankara has recently tried to mediate in a dispute between Somalia and neighboring Ethiopia over a deal Addis Ababa struck to build a port in Somaliland. Somalia considers the semi-autonomous region to be part of its territory. --With assistance from Mohamed Sheikh Nor and Mohammed Omar Ahmed. (Updates with read more section after sixth paragraph, new headline.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) Two teenagers were arrested and charged five days after an 18-year-old was shot at a Spartanburg apartment complex. The Spartanburg Police Department said two 16-year-old suspects, who will not be identified due to their age, were taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Center in Columbia. Both have been charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. On September 5, officers responded to Robert Smalls Apartments on 561 Wofford Street to find the victim lying on the ground and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. The victim remains in the hospital and is expected to survive. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Authorities are looking into whether Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks and Adams aide Tim Pearson engaged in corrupt practices while doling out city contracts. The feds are eyeing a pair of Mayor Eric Adams allies for potentially influencing city contracts and taking kickbacks, The Post has learned yet another damaging thread in their sweeping corruption and influence-peddling probe, according to law-enforcement sources. Federal authorities are looking into whether Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks a top Adams aide had a hand in steering city contracts to companies purportedly represented by his consultant brother, the sources said. Taken together, the firms said to be working with Terence Banks secured millions of dollars worth of contracts with the Big Apple, online records showed. They includes app-maker Saferwatch; IT companies such as Derive Technologies and SVAM International; and Mercato, a grocery store delivery app. Mayor Eric Adams speaking to reporters at his weekly availability in the City Hall Blue Room. William Farrington Investigators are also looking into Tim Pearson a retired NYPD inspector and fellow top Adams aide regarding city contracts he may have had a hand in, and whether any kickbacks were involved, according to the sources. Both men appear to be caught up in the feds dragnet, which last week targeted a litany of high-ranking city officials and close Adams allies, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Schools Chancellor David Banks and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Agents showed up at their doors with warrants, law enforcement sources said, and seized their electronic devices. Federal authorities also subpoenaed Pearsons and Banks phones among several others, law enforcement sources said. Just a few months ago, Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael Garner boasted during an internal meeting that Pearson who is in charge of doling out lucrative city contracts for migrant security gave out 20 such deals in one week alone. Investigators are looking into Tim Pearson a retired NYPD inspector and fellow top Adams aide regarding city contracts he may have had a hand in. Stephen Yang Federal authorities are looking into New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III for steering contracts to companies purportedly represented by his consultant brother. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office The mayor wants to make sure the money isnt going to the same old contractors, so they put Tim Pearson in charge of making sure of that for the giving out of security contracts of security guards, Garner recalled, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The comments came just days after Pearson was named in an April lawsuit that accused him of always searching for his piece of the migrant contracts and announcing it by allegedly asking, Where are my crumbs? Pearson who is involved in three other lawsuits, including a sexual harassment case allegedly tried to wield his influence in an obscure, newly-created office that oversees city agencies to make a buck, according to the lawsuit. Do you know how these contracts work? the Adams ally allegedly asked some unit employees in October 2022. People are doing very well on these contracts. I have to get mine. Where are my crumbs? Pearson, Phil Banks and Terence Banks did not respond to requests for comment. Their attorneys either declined to comment or did not return The Posts calls. A rioter who has been jailed after taking part in major public disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers will miss the birth of his third child, a court has heard. Kurt Hooley was captured on police body-worn footage trying to take an officers riot shield during the incident at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on 4 August. Hooley, 34, of no fixed abode, was also part of a group who taunted police and threw missiles at officers protecting the hotel and its occupants, Sheffield Crown Court was told. Hooleys pregnant girlfriend, who observed the hearing from the public gallery, appeared visibly upset as he was sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment on Tuesday. Hooley, who had three previous convictions, including two Section 4 public order offences, had pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing. Neil Coxon, prosecuting, said Hooley was eventually identified through the footage circulated thanks to his distinctive clothing and tattoos. When arrested and questioned by police, he claimed he was just a bystander and also denied being present at the scene at all, Mr Coxon said. The court heard that despite Hooley believing he had done nothing wrong, he was fearful of ramifications and burned the clothing he wore that day. Victim impact statements read out in court detailed how distressing the incident had been for police officers and hotel staff. One officer said it felt like we were fighting for our lives, while another stated she had witnessed indescribable acts of violence at the scene of the riot. Meanwhile, a security guard employed at the hotel said despite the passage of time, he could still hear the sound of stones being thrown at windows and the fire alarm, which rang for hours that day. Richard Harrison, 37, was jailed for two years and six months [South Yorkshire Police] Also sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday was father-of-three Richard Harrison. The 37-year-old, of Ingsfield Lane, Rotherham, was filmed being verbally abusive towards police and pushing a police officer to the ground. Mr Coxon described Harrison as "the catalyst for the violence that followed", stating that the officer had been left vulnerable to further attacks from rioters. Judge Sarah Wright was told that when Harrison's daughter was shown the footage, she saw her dad in a crowd he does not belong in and she had read "about a man she does not recognise" in the news. The court heard that at the time of the disorder, Harrison had been the subject of a community order in relation to a previous conviction. Judge Wright sentenced him to two years and six months in jail for violent disorder. She told him she had taken his mental health and addiction problems into account. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. More on this story Related Internet Links EUFAULA, Ala. (WRBL) #Not in Eufaula, is the message Eufaula Police sent early Tuesday after announcing the arrest of two juveniles in the Walmart fire. Two juveniles have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a fire in the aisle of the Eufaula Walmart. Due to their age, the juveniles are not being identified. The blaze happened on Aug. 10, shutting the store down for a week. Eufaula Police say one of the juvenile suspects was extradited from Georgia. Alabamas State Fire Marshalls Office and the Eufaula Fire Department assisted in the investigation and questioning. This incident remains under investigation, anyone with information is asked to call Eufaula Polices Criminal Investigations Division at 334-687-1200 or the Anonymous tip Line at 334-687-7100. Previous Reports Aug. 12, 2023: These are very serious charges: Eufaula mayor on Walmart fire (wrbl.com) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Two killed, another sent to hospital after weekend crash in Lebanon County LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Two people were killed and another was sent to the hospital over the weekend after a multi-vehicle crash in Lebanon County, police say. Cornwall Borough Police said Monday in a news release, that a 25-year-old man from Lititz and a 28-year-old man from Elizabethtown were killed in the crash that happened just before 6 a.m. on Saturday on State Route 322, east of Boyd Street. A third person, a woman from Lebanon, was taken to Hershey Medical Center by ambulance, police say. The extent of her injuries is unclear. Susquenita School District student in custody for school shooting threat, DA says Police did not release the identities of the victims. According to the release, a vehicle tried to pass another one while traveling east and crashed into a vehicle going the other way. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroners office. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Numerous fire departments from Cornwall, Quentin, Mount Gretna, and the county hazmat, South Lebanon Township Police and First Aid and also the Safety Patrol assisted police at the scene. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police at (717)-274-2071. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Two local companies in Lithuania have been fined for working with sanctioned Russian manufacturers of coal and rubber. Source: European Pravda with reference to LRT Details: Lithuanian customs officials drew up protocols on two companies, registered in Lithuania, for violating international sanctions. Both companies were fined 10,000 each. The customs department reports that the companies provided services of temporary storage, customs registration and representation. The companies declared goods, produced by Russian companies, which had been sanctioned by the EU. Among the goods sent from Russia were coal products and isoprene rubber. In August, Nida Grunskiene, Prosecutor General of Lithuania, stated that over 50 pre-trial investigations were being conducted on the facts of attempted violations of international sanctions against Russia and Belarus. At the beginning of August customs officials reportedly fined a Lithuanian company-exporter of cars for 13.6 million. The company appealed this decision in court. Support UP or become our patron! RAMALLAH (Reuters) - Israeli security forces killed two people in the West Bank city of Tulkarm on Tuesday, Palestinian health authorities said, as the military returned to the city only days after wrapping up one of their biggest operations in months. There was no detail on the two Palestinians, a man and a woman, and the Israeli military had no immediate comment on the incident, which added to a series of deadly clashes in the area over the past few weeks. The armed wings of the Fatah and Islamic Jihad factions issued statements saying their fighters were engaged in gunbattles with the Israeli forces. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said Israeli troops and military vehicles had surrounded the government hospital in Tulkarm as the operation began. On Friday, Israeli forces ended a nine-day operation that saw heavy fighting in both Tulkarm and Jenin, another flashpoint city in the northern West Bank. The military said the operation was aimed at thwarting Iranian-backed militant groups planning attacks on Israeli civilians. The raid, in which about 40 Palestinians, including armed fighters and uninvolved civilians, and one Israeli soldier were killed, left infrastructure in both cities badly damaged with electricity and water services cut, houses and buildings badly damaged and miles of roadway dug up by tractors. (Reporting by Ali Sawafta, James Mackenzie) Two wanted for burglarizing Keiths Superstore in Forrest County FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) Forrest County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to a commercial burglary. The burglary occurred on Thursday, September 5 at Keiths Superstore on Highway 49 in Brooklyn. Hattiesburg police need help solving fatal hit-and-run According to investigators, one suspect was dropped off at the corner of Highway 49 and Bud Myers Road by a blue passenger car. They said the suspect entered the business, left the store after an unspecified time, and was picked up by the same vehicle. Forrest County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to a commercial burglary. (Courtesy: Forrest Co. Sheriffs Office) Forrest County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to a commercial burglary. (Courtesy: Forrest Co. Sheriffs Office) Forrest County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to a commercial burglary. (Courtesy: Forrest Co. Sheriffs Office) Forrest County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to a commercial burglary. (Courtesy: Forrest Co. Sheriffs Office) Forrest County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to a commercial burglary. (Courtesy: Forrest Co. Sheriffs Office) Anyone with information about the burglary can submit a tip anonymously through Metro Crime Stoppers of Mississippi at www.P3tips.com or call the Forrest County Sheriffs Office at 601-544-7800. 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. FALLS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) Drivers on Highway 77 in Falls County may have noticed an ongoing road closure that has been in place for about three months. The closure follows significant damage to the bridges substructure caused by severe flooding in June. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been working diligently to address the situation. According to TxDOT spokesperson Jacob Smith, the flooding resulted in substantial damage when trees and debris struck the bridge. Due to the extensive and substantial damage to the bridge, work is expected to last until next spring, Smith said. In response to the damage, TxDOT has implemented a detour and has recently secured an emergency maintenance contract for the detour site. We now have a contractor on board, and the community should expect to see more work starting in the coming weeks, Smith added. Community members have expressed frustration over the prolonged road closure. Chilton resident Carol Keggins, who lives near the detour site, described the situation as highly inconvenient. The detour is really inconvenient for all the people that work here, Keggins said. Concerns have also been raised about safety. Residents have reported near-accidents on the darkened detour routes and are calling for regular safety checks of the bridge. In addition to repairs, wed like to see a process where they routinely check the safety of the bridge, Keggins added. TxDOT has placed advisory signs on State Highway 7 to inform drivers about the closure and detour. The agency is asking for continued patience from the community as work progresses to ensure the bridge is safe for future use. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tybee Island PD looking for man who may know where missing $100 bill is TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) The Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) said a customer placed a $100 bill on the counter of a local gas station on Saturday, before briefly stepping away. When the customer returned, the money was gone. According to the TIPD, based on security camera footage, they believe the man captured in the images may know what happened to it. (Tybee Island Police Department) Witnesses describe him as a frequent patron who often uses a cane and walks with a noticeable limp. He is believed to live on Tybee Island, or visits regularly. Authorities are asking those who know this person, or have pertinent information to share, to contact Detective Armando Villegas at 912-786-5600 or send an email to Armando.Villegas@cityoftybee.gov. PPD looking for 3 in Sams Club Shoplifting offense Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. There are two aspects of Donald Trumps character that are important to understand in September 2024: First, that he is a lunatic; second, that he is a coward. Trumps personal cowardice is, of course, legendary. His campaign has worked very hard to find something disqualifying in Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltzs 24-year military career, and it has been nauseating to watch Marine veteran J. D. Vance play the attack dog (think yappy little dachshund) on that front, acting on behalf of a man whose father bought him a phony diagnosis of bone spurs (which miraculously healed without treatment!) to keep him out of military service when his country came calling during the Vietnam era. Trump is manifestly afraid of all sorts of things: germs (handshakes are barbaric, he once whined), birds, women who are not on his payroll, etc. But he also is afraid to do his own lunatic dirty work. Trump has recently intensified his habit of reposting Truth Social content of a barking-mad naturecalling for military tribunals to hear cases against Liz Cheney and Barack Obama, sedition charges against members of the January 6 committee, things of that nature. He reposts QAnon content, vague (and not-so-vague) threats to use violence against his political opponents. That these are reposts on his little-used narcissistic social-media platform rather than things he says himself in public is a way of avoiding direct accountability for this lunacy. Low-bottom sycophants and cowards such as Sen. Ted Cruz and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson find it easier to blow off questions about Trumps reposts on an obscure digital outlet than questions about the lunatic things that come out of the mans own mouth or phone. But those things are bonkers, too. Trump has recently threatened to imprison political enemies, to pursue treason charges against political opponents and media critics, to hand out life sentences to Mark Zuckerberg (he will spend the rest of his life in prison) and anybody else implicated in the same imaginary election-stealing he has been lying about since 2020.* This is bananas stuff. Trump is a would-be caudillo, but his cowardice has largely spared us having to fight him, because he prefers to hide behind lawyers and then, after his lawyers get laughed out of court, to rage about the judges from the safe remove of social media. He is the Walter Mitty of Augusto Pinochets. Trump apologists such as Rep. Dan Crenshawand what the hell happened to that guy?who wave their hands and protest that January 6 and the related effort to overthrow the legitimately elected executive of the United States (which is what nullifying a presidential election is) did not amount to anything because it did not involve very much bloodshed are being spectacularly inane. Dont worrythe guy is too stupid and lazy to successfully install himself as a dictator is simultaneously true and possibly the most asinine line of exculpatory political rhetoric in the whole history of American oratory. The guy is talking about convening military tribunals and capital charges (treason is a death-penalty offense in the United States) against his political enemies. What does constitutional scholar Ted Cruz have to say about that? What says American patriot Dan Crenshaw? Nobody expects a mess of wilted polyester such as Lindsey Graham to suddenly discover his manhood, but what about Sen. Tom Cotton? Each and every one of these gentlemen is lined up behind a guy who has called for the termination of the Constitution so that he can go about setting up his military tribunals and pursuing his vendettas. The cravenness of it all is astounding. Military tribunals and trumped-up treason charges are not policy debates about which reasonable people can disagree. They are the daydreams of a would-be tyrant. Nothing about the nature or character of the Democratic candidate changes that. Kamala Harris could be Vladimir Lenin himself, and Trump would still be precisely what he is. The fact that this can be said by so few people in the conservative movementincluding the leaders of many of its most important organs and institutionsand by almost no one in the Republican Party tells us something we need to know: It isnt just Donald Trump. None of these people can responsibly be entrusted with real political power. Keep that in mind the next time someone asks you for a vote or a donation or tries to sell you a subscription. Donald Trump is loud and clear about his intentions and priorities. You cant say you didnt know. You cant say you didnt have a choice. Correction, September 10, 2024: This piece initially misspelled Mark Zuckerbergs surname. 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. Nearly a year ago, five Black former Memphis police officers were indicted in federal court after a traffic stop in January 2023 that resulted in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The FedEx worker cried out for his mother as the officers repeatedly kicked, used a baton and Tasers, and pepper sprayed him. He was hospitalized for three days before he died from his injuries. This week, jury selection began for three of those officers. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith have pleaded not guilty to charges of deprivation of rights under color of law using excessive force, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to witness tampering, and failure to intervene. If convicted for the deprivation charge, they face life in federal prison. The remaining three charges carry a maximum of 20 years each. Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and deprivation of rights under color of law using excessive force, and may testify as cooperating witnesses against their former colleagues, according to court documents. Martin faces up to 40 years, and Mills faces up to 15. The deadly beating became a stark reminder that having more Black police officers doesnt necessarily stop police brutality. All the officers involved are Black and are now ages 25 to 33. The brutal encounter, captured from multiple angles on body cameras and security footage, squashed any lingering notions that diversity is the answer to Americas age-old problem with police violence. After Michael Brown was killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2015, there was a flood of conversation about diversifying police forces in majority-Black communities. In the aftermath of George Floyds death in 2020, the conversation shifted to leadership as Black police officers were hired and promoted to chiefs. But during that time, theres been little change in the rate of police fatalities. By the end of 2023, 320 Black people were killed by police the highest number in a five-year period, according to the Mapping Police Violence database. So far this year, 224 Black people have been killed by police. Just because they are Black thats not enough, Dwonna Goldstone, a history professor and director of African American Studies at Texas State University, told Capital B last year. The system has to be changed, and until theyre willing to change how they police and especially police communities of color well have this conversation again. Read More: The Black Cop Isnt Enough Reform to End Police Brutality Decarcerate Memphis, a coalition of community leaders, released a report earlier this year that revealed something they already knew Black motorists in their city are targeted for pretextual traffic stops. The group used data provided by the Memphis Police Department. The report explored those stops nine months after Nichols was beaten to death by the former officers. It revealed, in part, that Black residents made up 91% of people accused of a crime in cases stemming from pretextual traffic stops and Black drivers are 2.5 times as likely as white drivers to receive multiple citations on one ticket. The footage thats hard to watch Weeks after Nichols death, the officers were fired and indicted on state murder charges. While Capital B last year encouraged readers not to watch, several TV news outlets promoted the release of the footage and televised it during their prime-time lineup. Nichols mother, RowVaughn Wells, told Action News 5 this week that she refuses to watch her sons last moments till this day. I dont want to see the video or anything, I just want to remember my son when he walked out that door, the way he walked out the door, Wells told the station of her last memory of her son. Nichols death sparked protests, while the public, lawmakers, and President Joe Biden reacted as they did following George Floyds murder: with renewed calls to do something about police reform. Nichols was pulled over on Jan. 7, 2023, for alleged reckless driving. A physical altercation ensued, and the 29-year-old man attempted to run away from the officers. Nichols was not far from his mothers house when he was pulled over. He ran in that direction until the officers caught up to him. Mills admitted that he repeatedly and unjustifiably used a baton to beat Nichols, did not intervene to stop the other officers from the beating, and did not provide medical aid, according to a U.S. Justice Department press release. He also admitted to making false statements in connection to Nichols arrest, and submitted a report that provided a false account of the force used on Nichols, including a claim that Mills saw Nichols aggressively resisting officers. The Justice Department launched a civil pattern or practice investigation into the Memphis Police Department. The Memphis City Council passed the Driving Equality Act in honor of Nichols in April 2023, but the citys former mayor refused to sign the ordinance during the last months of his term. The citys new mayor said that he would, and it was signed into law in March. On Monday, potential jurors in the federal trial of the three former were asked whether heavy media coverage and publicly released video of the beating could influence their ability to be fair, according to the Associated Press. U.S. District Judge Mark Norris questioned jury candidates about what they think are the most important characteristics a juror should have and whether they would be biased in reaching a verdict. Following the federal trial, all five officers will face state charges, including second-degree murder and aggravated assault, unauthorized exercise of power, and official misconduct. They have pleaded not guilty. A date for the state trial has not been set yet. The post Tyre Nichols Killing: Jury Selection Begins for 3 Ex-Officers Accused in Fatal Beating appeared first on Capital B News. Apple is reducing the prices of its latest iPhones in Australia but not in the United States, as it introduces new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. The new devices, which the company said would be available from Friday, 20 September, will see a drop in price of up to $100 compared to last years iPhone 15 lineup. The standard iPhone 16 would start at $1,399 in Australia with a base storage of 128GB, Apple said on Tuesday. That is a $100 drop from last years iPhone 15, which began at $1,499 with the same base storage. The larger Plus variant of the iPhone 16, as well as both the Pro and Pro Max variants, will see $50 price drops compared to last year. The iPhone 16 Plus will start at $1,599, down from $1,649 in 2023. The iPhone 16 Pro will start at $1,799, down from $1,849 last year. The larger iPhone 16 Pro Max will now start at $2,149 with the same 256GB base storage as last years iPhone 15 Pro Max, which started at $2,199. In the US, the standard iPhone 16 would remain at $US799 ($1,200), while iPhone 16 Pro would start at $US999 ($1,500), Apple said. Alvin Lee, a senior analyst with Australian firm Telsyte, said local price reductions for the iPhone 16 were likely influenced by exchange rates, with some consideration also given to economic conditions in Australia. Apple has maintained its position as the top smartphone seller in Australia in the last seven years, he told Information Age. Strong ecosystem integration and customer retention have contributed to iPhone's industry-leading repeat purchase rate in Australia, which has consistently reached 85 per cent or higher since 2020, according to Telsyte measurements. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 line would begin at 10pm AEST on Friday, 13 September, Apple said. Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro will feature a new dedicated Camera Control haptic button, along with improvements to their cameras and processors. The iPhone 15, 14, and SE models will remain in the company's lineup at lower prices. iPhone 16 missing Apple Intelligence at launch Apple announced its artificial intelligence platform Apple Intelligence at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, but confirmed today that the features would not be available on its new devices when they launch in late September. CEO Tim Cook said during Tuesdays announcement that Apple's new generation of iPhones had been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up, but the company confirmed beta versions of the first set of Apple Intelligence features would be released via a free software update in October. The first group of Apple Intelligence features will launch in beta in October. Image: Apple / Supplied Apple confirmed a redesigned version of its Siri personal assistant and AI writing tools would be included in the first set of features released, but it was unclear if any other systems would be included. The first batch of Apple Intelligence features will be included in iOS 18.1 for iPhone, iPadOS 18.1 for iPad, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 for Macs. Further features would be rolling out in the months to come, Apple said. The company previously announced other features for Apple Intelligence such as AI audio transcription (including on phone calls), AI photo editing, and the ability to generate personalised emoji and some stylised images. Apple Intelligence would only be available on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro devices, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPads and Macs with M1 chips or later, Apple said. While Apple Intelligence would initially only work in US English, the company confirmed additional languages and platforms are coming over the course of the next year", including support for Australian English some time in 2024. Analyst Tom Mainelli, group vice president at IDC, said Apple had placed a great deal of emphasis on the promise of future AI capabilities on its new iPhone lineup. While many of the new features will arrive later this year, the geographic scope will be limited, which could impact the companys ability to drive a worldwide buying cycle, he said. IDC forecast in August that Apple would see 4 per cent year-over-year growth in 2025 thanks to Apple Intelligence, following relatively flat 0.8 per cent growth in 2024. It said Apple was facing increasing competition in China and needed to establish local AI partnerships in that country while also demonstrating AI use cases to consumers worldwide. Apples Tuesday event also saw the announcement of new AirPods models and the Apple Watch Series 10, which the company said would come with a sleep apnea detection feature that was awaiting regulatory approval in the US. It was unclear if the feature would come to watches sold in Australia and the feature was not mentioned in the local press release announcing Apple Watch Series 10. U.S. and Chinese military commanders speak by phone for the first time in years Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden at the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in 2022. WASHINGTON The U.S. top commander in the Indo-Pacific region spoke with his Chinese counterpart Monday night, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the planning, as the two superpowers try to rebuild military ties in an effort to avoid conflict. Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, spoke with Gen. Wu Yanan, the commander of Chinas Southern Theater, which is responsible for Beijings vast claims over the South China Sea. The call was the first time in years that the two regional military commanders have engaged in a formal conversation. The Chinese Defense Ministry also confirmed the call, saying the two sides exchanged in-depth views on issues of common interest. During the video teleconference, Paparo emphasized the importance of sustained communication between the two militaries to reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation, according to a White House readout of the call. Citing multiple recent unsafe interactions between Chinas Peoples Liberation Army and U.S. allies, Paparo said the Chinese military had an obligation to comply with international laws and norms to ensure operational safety, the readout said. Paparo also urged the Chinese military to reconsider what he said was its use of dangerous, coercive and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond, it added. Both men are relatively new in their roles: Paparo assumed command in May, while Wu was appointed in July. The two commanders had a constructive and respectful discussion, the White House readout said, and Paparo noted the importance of continued communication with Wu and the leaders of Chinas four other theaters. Paparos predecessor, Adm. John Aquilino, had a standing request to meet with the commanders of Chinas Southern Theater, as well as its Eastern Theater, whose jurisdiction includes the Taiwan Strait, but China never agreed. Chinese leader Xi Jinping cut off military communications in 2022 after Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House speaker at the time, visited Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its territory. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is responsible for both the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, where tensions are rising amid clashes between China and U.S. allies with which it has territorial disputes, particularly the Philippines. The Philippine navy said Tuesday that it had logged 207 Chinese coast guard, military and maritime militia vessels in waters claimed by Manila from Sept. 3 to Monday, local media reported, the highest one-week figure this year. A series of confrontations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has raised concern that the U.S., which has a mutual defense treaty with Manila, could be drawn into conflict with Beijing. Though Philippine officials have so far downplayed the idea of U.S. ships providing escorts to Philippine vessels in the region, Paparo said last month that it was an entirely reasonable option. China accuses the Philippines of illegally entering its territorial waters and says it is acting in accordance with international law. A commentary Monday in the state-run newspaper Peoples Daily said China-Philippine relations were at a crossroads. Concerned by the lack of avenues for discussing these issues, Xi and President Joe Biden agreed to resume high-level military communications at a summit in California in November. Both countries announced plans for a call between their military theater commanders after Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser, visited Beijing late last month. A senior administration official said re-establishing this specific communication channel between the U.S. and China was a priority on Sullivans trip. The two countries also said Biden and Xi would speak by phone in the coming weeks, which would be their first interaction since April. A phone call raises the possibility of another in-person meeting between the two leaders before the end of Bidens term. The U.S. is also sending a deputy assistant secretary of defense to this weeks Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, placing unprecedented focus on the high-level security conference, Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times reported last week, citing organizers. The last time the Pentagon sent a deputy assistant secretary of defense to the forum, which was canceled for several years during the Covid-19 pandemic, was 2019. Courtney Kube and Carol E. Lee reported from Washington and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Biden administration is seeking a years extension of the current Kenya-led security mission in Haiti, while also asking the United Nations Security Council to begin planning to transition the underfunded and ill-equipped operation into an official U.N. peacekeeping force. The request is outlined in a four-sentence draft resolution currently being kept under wraps among U.N. member states, according to two people familiar with the matter and language shared with the Miami Herald. The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to debate the fate of the largely U.S.-funded, U.N.-backed security mission on Sept. 30 ahead of the expiration of its year-long mandate on Oct. 2. Last week, the Herald exclusively reported that the State Department had notified members of Congress that it would seek the change to the Kenya-led operation, which has struggled to attract funds to pay for its operations and been hobbled by a lack of manpower. Though expected to be made up of 2,500 security personnel from a half-dozen nations, the mission currently has only about 400 Kenyan police officers who began arriving in Haiti on June 25 to help the countrys national police. The Kenyan officers, many of whom are from specialized units, initially arrived to great fanfare and hope. But they have since been the target of criticism and have yet to make any significant impact on armed gangs, some of which have increased their attacks despite the missions presence. The Kenyan officers have also experienced delays in getting paid. On Saturday, the Belize Defense Force announced that it had deployed two officers to join their Jamaican counterparts as part of their assignment to the MSS mission in Haiti. The BDF will be collaborating with the Jamaica Defense Force, a press release said. Jamaica is the lead nation for Caribbean countries participating in the Haiti mission. The U.S., which built the Kenyans base of operations in Haiti and has provided dozens of armored vehicles and other equipment, remains the missions biggest backer, with more than $300 million in contributions. Canada is the second largest donor, recently contributing $54 million to a U.N.-controlled trust fund for the missions operations. There is a total of $84.7 million in the trust fund including a recent U.S. donation of $9 million, according to the U.N. Secretary of State Antony Blinken who visited Haiti and the Dominican Republic last week, said the mission is not meant to be an indefinite endeavor but its purpose is to regain control from the gangs. He noted that last year the entire U.N. Security Council got behind the mission when it approved it for a year, with permanent members China and Russia abstaining from the vote. The mission itself needs to be renewed, and thats what were working on right now, Blinken said during a press conference in Port-au-Prince at the end of his visit Thursday. 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 a peacekeeping operation would be one such option. In addition to convincing Russia and China to support the resolution, the U.S. will also need to persuade U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. A critic of peacekeeping operations, Guterres has not publicly said whether he will support the U.S. proposal or what an alternative to the current mission might be. I think what we really should all focus on now, what member states need to focus on, is why is this force still underfunded? Guterres spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters Monday in New York. Member states need to step up and fund the force that already exists. Dujarric said it is critical for any peacekeeping mission to have the full support of local authorities. We have a force already on the ground. Its currently underfunded, he said. It doesnt need that much money in terms of the money thats floating around in the world and it should be fully funded. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The University of Illinois is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its International Education program, and officials are holding a series of events during Homecoming Week. The week kicked off Tuesday afternoon with a celebration lunch at the University YMCA, and organizers planned more events for both international and domestic students to meet each other and learn more about different cultures. Theres a lot of things that are very culturally different, so it took a little bit for me to adjust, PhD student Mae Mercado said. Six years ago, Mercado came to the United States for the first time to attend the university. She said it was a bit of a culture shock at first, compared to her home country of the Philippines. Events like todays, however, have helped her feel more comfortable in her new home. Annual CU Pride Fest to return this weekend (The university) has programs that allow students to understand how the culture is in America, which really helped in reassuring that I assimilate faster and be able to adapt to all the shocking, she said. The event was hosted by the U of Is office of International Education and Student Affairs. They teamed up with the Student Alumni Association Ambassador Program to bring the event to life. Dozens of students, alumni and faculty were there to celebrate not only Homecoming week, but the many different cultures found across campus. Our offices mission is to connect international domestic students with global engagement opportunities on campus, and we really try to do that year round, Rebecca Hodson, associate director of international education and student affairs, said. Attendees got to enjoy Thai food and play trivia for prizes. The annual event was extra special this year since it celebrated 10 years of international education programming at the university. Hodson said it was all about building the bridge between international students and the campus community. Who you meet, who you interact with, the programs you participate in while youre a student here, it changes peoples lives so we want to be part of that and strengthen that community thats Illinois, Hodson said. WCIAs Jennifer Roscoe named U of I Homecoming parade grand marshal Director of International Education Yun Shi emphasized the benefits of students from different backgrounds coming together at events like this one. I truly believe that if we are able to be in the same room with each other and learn from each other, this world would be a better place, Shi said in a University news release. When we put the students in the same room, they start this conversation thats really transformative. More International Education Homecoming events are scheduled including: Homecoming Global Talent Show and Dinner Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at University YMCA IE Homecoming edition of RECHARGE on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University YMCA IE 10th Anniversary Alumni and Students Panel on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Asian American Cultural Center More information on U of Is international education program can be found on its 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 WCIA.com. DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) The Delaware County Sheriffs Office has released new details about a suspect who remains at-large and is wanted in connection to a fatal shooting in Delaware County over the weekend. According to an update from the DCSO, the suspect is Bruno Vasquez Munguia. It was originally reported that Munguia is 22-years-old, but in a recent update of suspect information, his age is listed as 34-years-old. High speed chase, drugs lead to arrest in east Columbus shooting of two-year-old This embedded content is not available in your region. The DCSO said that Munguia has two fresh cuts on the right side of his face one above the eyebrow, another at the top of his cheek. He also has a large scar on his right bicep, the release said. Updated photos were also provided by the sheriffs office. Local authorities have partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service to assist in locating Munguia, who is wanted in the murder of 31-year-old Efrain Andrande, who was found at a residence in the 9000 block of Norton-Waldo Road, in Delaware Countys Marlboro Township. Bruno Vasquez Munguia (Courtesy/Delaware County Sheriffs Office) Deputies who responded to the reports of a disturbance Sunday at around 3:15 a.m. said that the victim, found lying in the grass outside a home, was unresponsive while suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest and the left side of his head. A witness at the scene told police that there were several people inside the home, as many as eight, that they did not speak English, and that an older model Hyundai Santa Fe with Indiana plates often seen at the home was not in the driveway. He told deputies that he believed he heard yelling outside the home, followed by three or four gunshots, before he called 911 at 3:20 a.m. Several individuals came out of the home at the direction of responding deputies and at least two were taken to the Delaware County Jail for questioning. Man shot and killed by Columbus police in University District Shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday evening, the DCSO announced it issued a warrant for Munguia and believe he may be in the Columbus area, or possibly Indiana. The DCSO said Munguia is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached if seen. If anyone sees the suspect, they are asked to call 911 or DCSO at 740-833-2800 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. An estimated 13.5 percent (18 million) of homes in the United States reported experiencing food insecurity in 2023. Food insecurity occurs when you cant pinpoint where your next meal is going to come from. A recent report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) points out these concerning truths, highlighting a particular state with the highest rates of this problem. Each year, the USDAs Economic Research Service conducts a study to understand whether or not households across the country have dependable access to meals. The findings showed that Arkansas rose to the top of states experiencing food insecurity with a rate of 18.9 percent, surpassing the national average of 13.5 percent. The survey used for this report asked one adult respondent per household about their experience with food insecurity during 2023. The questions asked if people could afford balanced meals or ever had to cut down their portion of meals because of a lack of funds. The Kitchn spoke with Christie Jordan, the CEO at the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas (FBNA), to understand what factors might explain the Southern states top ranking for food insecurities. The state has a significant rural population where access to grocery stores and food resources can be limited, contributing to food deserts, Jordan says. People living in a food desert lack access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods, making it difficult to reliably put food on the table. Hendrix points out that children, low-income families, and rural residents are most likely to experience food insecurity in Arkansas. To combat this issue, the FBNA hosts several programs aimed at advocating for access to food and distributing meals to food-insecure people through a network of nonprofit agencies. However, to really tackle this issue at its root, this organization is looking to the farm bill to enact change. This comprehensive piece of legislation renewed every five years plays a critical role in shaping food and nutrition policy across the country. Jordan points out that the farm bills provisions directly impact the ability to address food insecurity in Arkansas. Specifically, the FBNA hopes for the support of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the farm bill, which can significantly reduce food insecurity by allowing more people to access the resources they need. Additionally, she points out the importance of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in helping people afford necessary food staples. TEFAP supplies emergency food and nutrition assistance to food-insecure people through a network of food banks and other community-based organizations. Jordan continues, Support for this program ensures that the food bank can continue to distribute food to those experiencing immediate hunger and crisis situations. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, the USDA National Hunger Hotline can be reached at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479). The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Further Reading Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing Le Creuset Launched a Pan Thats Perfect for Everything from Stews to Stir-Fry and Its Already on Sale Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox. The U.S., UK and EU Signed an AI Treaty. What Does That Mean for Retail? The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have banded together on a powerful new treaty set to regulate the rights of consumers and users when it comes to artificial intelligence. The treaty, called the AI Convention, has been in the works and under negotiations for several years. Last week, the three governments, as well as a few others, finally signed the agreed-upon final version, which contains fewer sticking points than previous versions. More from Sourcing Journal The AI Convention mandates that each of the signatories work to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It encompasses issues like privacy and data protection, individual autonomy and non-discrimination, which each signatory will need to put forth their own strategies and compliance mechanisms for the legally binding Convention. The Convention differs from the EU AI Act, which entered into force earlier this year. That legislation was the first comprehensive set of law around AI in the bloc, and categorizes systems by risk level to hand down specific requirements. Because the Conventions direct charter is to protect human rights, retailers could be affected by its eventual enforcement. Jesse Creange, vice president of supplier management at data intelligence company Akeneo, said forward-facing tools like virtual try-on, product recommendations, personalized shopping experiences and more will soon be subject to scrutiny. Fashion and retail companies have historically been using AI to create personalized shopping recommendations and unburden their customer support teams through tools such as AI-powered chatbots, so these companies, in particular, must ensure two key things: that the technology that theyve already employed and technology that will be incorporated in the future does not lead to discriminatory practices or privacy violations, and [secondly], that affected consumers have avenues for recourse if they experience harmful outcomes from AI-based decisions, Creange told Sourcing Journal. Consumer control over data could be one of the most important pieces of the Convention, Michael Elliott, CEO of Over-C, a data and analytics platform based in the UK. Thats of particular interest on biometric information like race and weight, which can be requested as part of hyperrealistic virtual try-on applications employed by retailers. Many people think of the dangers of AI as running away and opening up our bank accounts and doing all of that sci-fi stuff, but I think the reality is much closer to home, he said. When we talk about data privacy, at the moment, we think of it as being our name, where we live and that sort of stuff. But now were talking about giving AI information thats in medical records, and that for me is where we have to sit here and think about what were doing. Perhaps the most major piece of using that kind of consumer data is how its stored and what kind of autonomy they have over the information after theyve initially disclosed it. The problem that we have is, even depending upon what day of the week it is, sometimes were willing to give that information and other days, were very guarded. The problem, really, is not so much have we given the data, its can we recall it back? Can we say, Actually, that was a mistake, and I dont want you to have that data anymore? And what confidence am I going to have in that actually being [deleted]? Elliott said. With new regulations and consumer sentiment in mind, Creange and Ron De Jesus, field chief privacy officer at Transcend, recommend retailers and brands facing new regulations and guidelines prepare their businesses by assessing their existingand futuretechnology goals against the type of regulations they may soon be subjected to. De Jesus went on to say that, as companies audit their current systems, they may have a bit of wiggle room on timing, since each individual government has to determine how it will enforce the guidelines set forth in the Convention. Its difficult to translate these principles into concrete, enforceable AI regulation. Given the AI Convention is a regulatory guide without a centralized enforcement mechanismnot a formal piece of legislationconsistent enforcement isnt really possible, De Jesus told Sourcing Journal. Each government will need to interpret the high-level commitments of the treaty into their own specific, actionable legislation. We know this takes timea lot of time. And at the pace that AI is evolving, it will be difficult for global governments to keep up as new use cases, challenges and risks emerge. As regulations and laws have begun to emerge around AI and its impacts on society, some have criticized the strength of certain legislative provisions, whether proposed or actual. They often cite the argument that legislation could stymie or stifle innovation, causing the pace at which the technology develops to be less rapid than it has been up until this point. However, De Jesus, Elliott and Creange all said that responsible, ethical development and innovation will only continue as legislation emerges. For many companies, thats because having goalposts to follow makes it easier to align technology strategy with legislative and compliance strategies. It also means that, in some cases, companies need to adapt their plans to meet the moment. All three experts agreed that regulation is a welcome and necessary piece of the AI game for most companies, especially those not directly involved with developing it, as time goes on. This treaty focuses more on protecting the rights and data of individual people rather than trying to limit the advancement of AI technology, aiming to strike a balance between promoting AI innovation and safeguarding against bias, discrimination and privacy breaches, Creange said. In actuality, by setting clear guidelines and standards, the treaty should drive more ethical innovation, encouraging companies to develop AI solutions that are effective, compliant and responsible. And, considering there is already a palpable sense of hesitation from consumers around over-use of AI, the treaty could help promote public trust in AI technology, which should ultimately lead to wider adoption of AI worldwide. Campanile Clock Tower on the campus of UC Berkeley. The university announced that it would establish an endowed program in Palestinian and Arab Studies. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times) UC Berkeley will launch a new endowed program and chair in Palestinian and Arab studies, one of the few in the nation, as the Israel-Hamas war has fueled huge demand to better understand the history, culture and politics of the people of the region. Ussama Makdisi, a UC Berkeley history professor and leading scholar of modern Arab history for nearly three decades, was named the inaugural chair. He said the program represents a groundbreaking effort to build understanding about the Palestinian people, who are often portrayed through the lens of the conflict with Israel, yet have a long, rich ethical and ecumenical history of their own. He said the program, announced Monday, will allow students and scholars to explore the Palestinian people's complex history in the context of the wider Arab world and connect it more deeply with parallel fields of inquiry with Indigenous, Latinx and Black communities. "This is a beautiful and brilliant initiative to finally frame the Palestinians as a people with a history ... rather than reduce them to shadowy people who came out of the blue to disrupt our serenity," Makdisi said in an interview. "They should not be taught as simply a problem or conflict but as people. Once you teach their history in context, it's much more difficult to dehumanize them." A $3.25-million gift by anonymous donors led to the establishment of the program, which will fund research opportunities and cultural activities, along with the endowed chair named after May Ziadeh, a pioneering Palestinian-Lebanese feminist, poet and writer. She played a key role in the Arab cultural renaissance in the modern Middle East and personified the interconnections between Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world. She is a native of Nazareth who moved to Beirut and Cairo, the university said in a statement. The chair will be housed in the social sciences division and anchored in the discipline of history. In support of the initiative, UC Berkeley has pledged $500,000 to bolster the program. Makdisi said he and other faculty associated with the program who work on topics related to Palestinian and Arab history, culture, literature, society and politics will explore the possibility of adding a minor to this field and developing other opportunities, including lectures, conferences, scholarships and fellowships. At a time when understanding the complexities of the Middle East is more crucial than ever, this gift allows the Social Sciences to take a leading role in fostering critical scholarship and dialogue, Raka Ray, the division's dean, said in a statement. It's an opportunity for us to deepen our commitment to outstanding scholarship; to explore important but neglected fields of study; and to build inclusive education. Makdisi said interest in Palestinian studies is the highest it has ever been since he began teaching it as part of Arab studies 27 years ago. His undergraduate course, "Palestine and the Palestinians: A Modern History," was filled to capacity last spring by students of diverse backgrounds. But interest is growing not only about Palestinian history but also literature, poetry, politics, sociology and areas "across the board," he said. The scholar joined UC Berkeley in 2022 from Rice University, where he was the first holder of the Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair of Arab Studies. Makdisi, who has written numerous books and articles on Arab history, was awarded the Berlin Prize, which recognizes the highest excellence in various fields, and selected as a Carnegie Scholar, among other honors. UC Berkeley's new program is believed to be one of the few to focus on Palestinians in the nation. Columbia University's Center for Palestine Studies was established in 2010, the first such center in a U.S. academic institution, to honor the legacy of the late Palestinian scholar Edward Said Makdisi's uncle. Brown University launched a "New Directions in Palestinian Studies" research initiative housed in the Center for Middle East Studies in 2012. Every generation grapples with this challenging history on its own terms, and every generation finds new sources, new evidence and new insights, Berkeley history department Chair Cathryn Carson said in a statement. UC Berkeley is ideally situated to nurture emerging scholars in Palestinian and Arab Studies and advance fresh thinking on a broad array of topics. The program's inaugural conference is scheduled on Nov. 12 and 13 for scholars from around the world to discuss how to best teach and learn about Palestinian and Arab history, politics and society. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A relatively sleepy six-month Democratic primary season is closing out with an intensely acrimonious race pitting a local New Hampshire power broker against a D.C. attorney with close ties to the Biden White House. And an issue that has forcefully united Democrats since the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022 is now fueling internal conflict: abortion rights. The race, already contentious, turned brutally ugly over the summer when one prominent candidate, Colin Van Ostern, launched an ad claiming his opponent, Maggie Goodlander, was not committed enough to abortion rights, having donated money to pro-life Republicans. Delivering that message on Van Osterns behalf was his one-time boss, Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, a respected centrist who is retiring from Congress. The backlash was ferocious, immediate and personal: Goodlander allies denounced the attack, citing her own experience with a traumatic late miscarriage. Goodlander said her donations had nothing to do with reproductive rights; one was to a former Republican who supported impeaching then-President Donald Trump and the other to a former classmate. Kuster had initially sought to quietly hand off her blue-leaning seat to Van Ostern, her former campaign manager. But Goodlander, an attorney who has worked in the Biden administration, has surged in the final weeks and is slightly favored in Tuesdays primary. Goodlander, too, has confronted claims of foul play: Her allies were the first to go negative on TV. And some Van Ostern supporters have privately complained that Goodlander has benefited from the support of her husband, Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. Sullivan has discussed his wifes candidacy in conversations with fellow Democrats, according to two people familiar with the interactions. The result is an angry Democrat-on-Democrat battle less than two months before Election Day, at a time when the party insists it has never been more unified in the fight for 2024 and when that unity is key to its attempt to take back control of Congress. Its become so intense that Kuster resigned from a pro-womens group she co-founded after the group endorsed Goodlander. And behind the scenes, Kusters dogged promotion of Van Ostern has riled some members of the centrist New Democrat Coalition she leads, who are upset that a chunk of the groups aligned super PAC's political resources have gone toward attacking Goodlander when there are more competitive seats to defend in November. Maggie is not only an exceptionally qualified candidate, but she's also the type of leader that New Dems should be welcoming into our ranks, said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a New Democrat member who is backing Goodlander. We should be fighting Republicans and supporting candidates in frontline races, not attacking the strongest Democrats who are most aligned with our values in primaries. Kuster argued that she is trying to protect the swing seat she has held for 12 years, where only 30 percent of voters are registered Democrats. Van Ostern, she insists, is the right person to keep the seat in Democratic hands. I probably have a better sense than Seth Moulton about what its going to take to win in November, Kuster said. The ad that shook the race Tension was already mounting before Kusters ad. Van Osterns supporters say the turning point was an ad from VoteVets, a group backing Goodlander, which labeled him as a perennial candidate and highlighted fines against his venture capital firm in 2022 for misleading investors. Goodlander outspent Van Ostern on the air by nearly $600,000. And her help from VoteVets was substantial more than $1 million. Then voters in the district which in this tiny state, means plenty involved in local politics began receiving a message-testing survey from Van Osterns campaign, asking them for their opinion on a statement from the incumbent congressperson that hit Goodlander on abortion, among other issues. Goodlanders team began to brace for an abortion-centered attack from Kuster. Then, on Aug. 24, it hit the airwaves. In a direct-to-camera ad, Kuster went after Goodlander on multiple fronts. She knocked Goodlander, who has worked in D.C. for all three branches of government, for having lived outside the district for decades. (Goodlander owns a home in the states other congressional district. She rented in the district in which shes running shortly before launching her campaign.) But it was seven words that lit the firestorm: She gave thousands to pro-life Republicans. Democrats in Washington and New Hampshire were shocked and some furious because of Goodlanders personal story: She was forced to deliver her stillborn baby in a hotel bathtub because in the post-Roe era, she couldn't receive medical care in time. Kuster said in an interview she had incredible compassion for Goodlanders personal story and was surprised by the level of blowback from the single mention of abortion rights in the ad. Still, she said, Goodlanders past donations should not be a secret in the current race. Goodlander donated to one former and one current Republican in 2020, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. One was Rep. Justin Amash, a Republican-turned-independent, who supported the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The other was a former law school classmate who was running against Madison Cawthorn, who ultimately won that North Carolina primary. Kuster said the only reason she went negative is because VoteVets attacked her preferred candidate after Goodlander signaled she wanted the help. New Hampshire has never seen a negative attack ad like that in a Democratic ad. That has never happened, Kuster said. I would not have been involved without that ad. The fallout was swift In the wake of the ad, some prominent New Hampshire endorsers flipped their support to Goodlander. Former Democratic Gov. John Lynch and Stonyfield Yogurt co-founder Gary Hirshberg, Van Osterns former boss, both unendorsed him and backed Goodlander instead. Lynch even cut an ad for her. Lynch told POLITICO he called Van Ostern after receiving a mailer from his campaign that was incredibly negative against Goodlander and relayed to the candidate that he was not going to be part of a nasty campaign. After the ad hit, Lynch said he called Van Ostern again to say: I just cant be part of it. I respect him, Lynch added of Van Ostern. But I dont respect his campaign. I think hes listening to the wrong people in terms of advice and he should know better. In an interview, Goodlander said she was surprised by Kusters attack, but that her focus was on Van Ostern. He knows my personal experience and story, and I think the kind of campaign that he's decided to run is deeply dishonest and disgraceful, she said. She pointed to his career as a Hill staffer for a former Blue Dog Democrat: My opponent worked for an anti-choice congressman, but I am not questioning his commitment to reproductive freedom. Jordan Kathleen Burns, Van Osterns campaign manager, said it was Goodlander and her allies who were responsible for the dark turn the campaign had taken. Lets be clear: at the direction of Maggie Goodlander and her campaign, dark money groups and super PACs started all this with over $1 million in deceptive attack ads," she said. Ripple effects on Capitol Hill Kusters hometown race has reverberated through Washington. Elect Democratic Women a group co-founded by Kuster in 2018 to bring more pro-abortion rights women to Congress had been neutral in the race. That changed last week. The group endorsed Goodlander, a move that two people familiar with the decision said was at least partly spurred by Kusters ad. That endorsement which was conveyed to Kuster personally by phone because of her personal involvement in the race led to Kusters resignation from the groups executive board. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), a member of the board, added she "never" discussed the race with Kuster before that: "I personally felt it would be a conflict. Still, the move has baffled even Kusters close House colleagues, who point to her record of promoting female candidates. I love Annie. But Ive been kind of shocked, since she spent her whole life on women, one Democratic lawmaker said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personal relationship. Kuster remains in charge of the New Democrat Coalition, a large pro-business caucus. The groups political arm, New Dem Action Fund, endorsed Van Ostern in June, about one month after Goodlander entered the race. (Kuster recused herself from that decision.) Goodlander never applied for the groups endorsement, according to a spokesperson for the group. A super PAC aligned with the coalition has spent some $185,000 on mailers attacking Goodlander. That group is legally not allowed to communicate with House Democrats, and Kuster denied playing any role in the spending. But it is using her money: Her campaign account transferred $100,000 to that super PAC, the New Democrat Majority, on Aug. 9. Kuster said its a decision that I'm not involved with in any way, and that her strong interest in the race was about ensuring her successor knew the district well and was 100 percent committed to it. Four Democratic lawmakers told POLITICO they were surprised by the intensity of the long-time New Hampshire leaders campaign against Goodlander. And the spending has irked some of them, particularly those who support Goodlander. Theres certainly frustration within the caucus, especially because this seems driven far more by personal grievances than actual policy, said a New Democrat member who was granted anonymity to discuss the contentious race. Why are we spending all these resources in a safe seat when the House hangs in the balance? CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Madison Cawthorn's title when Goodlander donated to one of his opponents. He was first elected to Congress later that year. UK announces new sanctions on Iran over ballistic missile supply to Russia The United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions against Iran over the supply of ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation. Source: European Pravda Details: As part of a coordinated effort with other Western countries, London has chosen to cancel bilateral air transport agreements with Iran, limiting Iran Air's ability to fly to the UK. The UK, together with the US, has also sanctioned a number of key individuals and organisations for their involvement in Iran's military support for Russia, particularly those involved in ballistic missile and drone supply networks. Among them are Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Director General for International Relations of the Ministry of Defence and Logistics of the Iranian Armed Forces; Ali Jafarabadi, director of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Space Command; and Majid Mousavi, IRGC Deputy Commander. The UK has also frozen the assets of several businesses implicated in Iran's ballistic missile programme, including the Anzali industrial free trade zone. In parallel, London has imposed restrictions on five Russian ships involved in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia, as well as the Russian Federation's 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation, the Russian Aerospace Forces, and the command of military transport aviation. Finally, the UK government has unveiled a new bill tightening trade restrictions on Iran, specifically targeting items used in the production of ballistic missiles, drones and other weapons. Iran supplies Russia with attack drones but has previously refrained from offering to send more powerful weaponry, reportedly due to concerns from the US and Europe that doing so would result in a wave of severe penalties. The European Union previously stated that the allies had shared information with Brussels regarding Iran's shipment of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also confirmed that Iran has sent ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine, making fresh sanctions against Tehran inevitable. Support UP or become our patron! Inquiry into UK hospital where a nurse killed 7 babies will not review evidence against her LONDON (AP) An inquiry into an English hospital where a neonatal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven others began Tuesday as her supporters push to clear her name. But the inquirys head made it clear it would not be a review of Lucy Letby s conviction, but a deeper look into how failures led babies to repeatedly be harmed at the Countess of Chester Hospital, how staff and management responded and how parents were treated. Justice Kathryn Thirlwall said the Court of Appeal had reviewed the convictions with a very clear result," but noted that a loud chorus on the validity of selected evidence came from people not present at the trial. All of this noise has caused enormous additional distress to the parents who have already suffered far too much," said Thirlwall, who noted the inquiry was named after her so families don't have to repeatedly see the name of the person convicted of harming their babies. The Thirlwall Inquiry will also explore the culture within the National Health Service, which had a similar scandal that led to an inquiry after nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of killing four infants and attacking nine others at Grantham Hospital in 1991. Distressingly, 25 years later another nurse working in another hospital killed and harmed babies in her care, said Rachel Langdale, counsel to the inquiry. Langdale said Letby had been taught in nursing school about Allitt's crimes. Letby, 34, was convicted in 2023 of murder for seven infants and attempted murder of six others including two attempts on one child. A case in which jurors couldnt reach a decision was retried and Letby was convicted in July of another attempted murder. She was sentenced to 15 life terms with no chance of release only the fourth woman in the United Kingdom to receive such a term. Prosecutors said she harmed babies in ways that left little trace, including injecting air into their bloodstreams, administering air or milk into their stomachs via nasogastric tubes, poisoning them with insulin and interfering with breathing tubes. She was the only employee on duty in the neonatal unit when the children collapsed or died between June 2015 and June 2016. Prosecutors described her as a constant malevolent presence. The inquiry began with Langdale listing the downfall of each infant, including evidence that was overlooked and other missed opportunities by staff and management to connect the dots that would eventually lead them to believe Letby was deliberately harming babies. Letby tearfully testified that she never harmed a child and still maintains her innocence. Although her appeal was rejected, another lawyer hopes to bring new evidence before the Criminal Cases Review Commission, or CCRC, which looks into possible injustices and could trigger another court challenge. A growing number of supporters have rallied to her cause, particularly after a lengthy New Yorker article in May raised doubts about the circumstantial and statistical evidence used against her. A group of scientists, doctors and legal experts sent a confidential letter to Britains ministers of health and justice, asking to postpone the inquiry or look at a broader range of factors that led to the deaths of babies, without the presumption of criminal intent, at the hospital. The group that independently reviewed scientific evidence at Letbys trial warned legal systems were particularly vulnerable to errors when dealing with technical matters, especially in cases involving statistical anomalies in health care settings. Numerous scientists have criticized the prosecutions use of a chart showing Letby was always on shift when babies collapsed or died. In comparison, the chart showed that each of the other 38 nurses was on staff only a few times when the babies were in danger. The chart also didn't include the deaths of babies for which Letby wasn't accused of murdering. It looks like a very dramatic and suspicious coincidence that Lucy Letby was on shift every time something happened to a baby, said Peter Green, a statistician at the University of Bristol. But you could take other data and make a chart like that for any other nurse at the hospital. Green co-authored a report for the Royal Statistical Society that said improperly interpreted statistics could make it appear some health workers were serial killers. Their concerns were triggered partly by a similar case in the Netherlands, involving a pediatric nurse named Lucia de Berk, who was later exonerated after being convicted of the murders of four children and the attempted murders of three others in 2004. Sarrita Adams, a forensics biotech consultant in the United States, began following the case against Letby when some of the scientific evidence sounded really far-fetched. Adams organization, Science On Trial, reviewed available scientific data presented against Letby and produced a nearly 200-page report. The contention by the prosecutions lead medical expert witness, Dr. Dewi Evans, that Letby hurt some of the babies by injecting air into their veins or stomachs, creating an air embolism, strained credibility, Adams said. Evans contention relied on a 1989 research paper describing how high-pressure oxygen delivered to the lungs can cause an air leak and isn't comparable to someone injecting air into a vein. These are completely different things and it is bizarre that was accepted as a plausible way to kill these babies, she said. The author of the 1989 research paper later testified that his study had been misinterpreted, explaining that none of the babies Letby was accused of killing had skin discoloration associated with an air embolism. Still, the prosecution argued that since the author hadnt been privy to the babies medical records, he wasn't qualified to speculate on how they died. Adams and others were also concerned about other relevant context that appeared to be left out during the trial. For example, experts for the prosecution testified that the death rate at the chronically understaffed hospital where Letby worked rose during the two years when the seven babies she was convicted of killing died. But mortality continued to increase even after Letby was no longer working there. (Bloomberg) -- Former UK Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride was knocked out of the Conservative leadership contest, as ex Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick topped the ballot for a second week in a row. Most Read from Bloomberg Stride received just 16 votes from the opposition partys 121 Members of Parliament, unchanged from last week, when former Home Secretary Priti Patel was eliminated. Jenrick won 33 votes, followed by Former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch on 28. Former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat, who served as security minister, tied on 21 votes apiece. The result leaves four candidates to battle it out as the Conservative Party gears up for its annual conference starting Sept. 29 in Birmingham, with Jenrick now having usurped Badenoch as the bookmakers favorite. MPs will narrow the field down further to 2 politicians, who will then be put to a wider vote in the party membership. The winner will be announced Nov. 2. Whoever wins the race to succeed former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as leader of the Tories faces an uphill battle to reunite opposing factions of the party. In the UK general election on July 4, the Conservatives collapsed to their worst-ever electoral defeat, underlining the damage wreaked by a chaotic period in government under former premiers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Sunak. Its members are now torn between moving further to the right, and winning back voters who have allied with the anti-migrant Reform party, and remaining a center-right party that appeals to a broader array of Britons. A survey of 863 party members published earlier this month by the influential ConservativeHome website found Badenoch is the most popular candidate on 34%, almost double Jenrick on 18%. Tugendhat and Cleverly trailed on 13% and 11% respectively. Furthermore, in a two-person runoff, Badenoch would beat all other candidates, ConservativeHome said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Ukraine aims to involve over 150 countries in Peace Summit with Russia Ukrainian PM Ukraine wants to involve over 150 countries in the second Peace Summit with representatives from Russia. Source: Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal at a press conference on Tuesday, 10 September, as reported by European Pravda. Shmyhal said that Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that it is important to involve Russian representatives in the second Peace Summit and "bring them to the table, making manipulation and lies impossible". Quote: "This broad diplomatic table, where over 100 countries will be seated, we want it to be even more, to be 150 plus countries, which will demonstrate Russias ability or inability to negotiate peace. It will be shown at this table," said Shmyhal. He added that negotiating directly with Russians often results in them "always deceiving, manipulating, twisting facts, and spreading disinformation". Background: Earlier, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that an invitation to the second Peace Summit should not be perceived as the beginning of negotiations with Russia. He also mentioned that Ukraine wants to hold the second Peace Summit only after the preparation of a joint plan for implementing each point of the Peace Formula is complete. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the preparatory document for the second Peace Summit will be ready by November. Support UP or become our patron! (Reuters) - Ukraine on Monday expressed disappointment at allegations by Slovakia's pro-Russian prime minister that Kyiv should act to remove from its military ranks what he described as fascist elements within the Ukrainian military. Fico's appeal reflected Russian arguments in its war against Ukraine, including the Kremlin's contention that its 2022 invasion sought to "denazify" its smaller neighbour. KEY QUOTES Ukrainian Foreign Ministry: "In Kyiv, there is disappointment regarding the statement made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico towards Ukrainian soldiers, which goes against the existing level of trust and cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia." Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico: "We all talk about fascism, Nazism, and yet we tacitly tolerate the fact that there are units running around Ukraine which have a very clear designation, which are linked to movements that we now consider dangerous and forbidden." WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Russia routinely refers to Ukraine's leaders as Nazis. President Vladimir Putin cited the need to rid the country of Nazis from the very first day of the invasion in February 2022. Fico's adherence to the Kremlin line as a NATO leader complicates Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's almost daily pleas for the Alliance to provide long-range weaponry and permission to use it on Russian territory. Since the outbreak of war, Ukraine has pressed a drive to join the European Union and NATO but Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have bucked a consensus on those efforts. CONTEXT: Russia has criticised Ukraine's Azov batallion for its ultra-nationalist roots dating back to its formation to combat Russian-financed separatists in 2014. The unit has since been reformed and incorporated into the military, and is revered throughout Ukraine for its resistance, particularly in the nearly three-month siege of the port of Mariupol. (Reporting by Ron Popeski, Oleksandr Kozhukhar and Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Stephen Coates) MILAN The Ukrainian military has begun utilizing first-person-view drones with a thermite spray capability over forested areas where Russian troops and equipment are hiding, a tactic that experts say can be a legitimate weapon of war, but only under strict circumstances. On Sept. 2, footage emerged online showing what appeared to be a Ukrainian low-cost first-person-view drone, or FPV, carrying an incendiary burning mixture that it sprayed along a dense line of trees where Russian troops were suspected. It was later reported by Ukrainian media outlet Militarnyi that the Ukrainian Mountain Infantry had received thermite munitions which include a powdered mix of aluminum and iron oxide capable of burning at temperatures exceeding 2,200 degrees Celsius that were mounted on drones and dropped on Russian positions. Experts believe that the use of such weapons is two-fold, acting as both a cheap way to expose enemy locations and to cause fear among the invading troops. The primary use of these thermite FPV drones is as a defoliant to remove the tree and foliage cover that Russian troops and vehicles are using for concealment in tree lines; and secondarily likely intended as a psychological weapon due to the nature of the effects thermite would produce in contact with skin, Justin Bronk, senior research fellow at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said. In addition, the high-temperatures of the blend can damage or destroy caches of equipment and ammunition in a single sortie, Federico Borsari, resident fellow at the U.S. Center for European Policy Analysis, noted. They can be employed for specific purposes for which explosive effects are not ideal, and be useful to burn abandoned vehicles, for instance, saving explosive warheads for missions requiring kinetic effects, he said. The two experts said FPVs are suitable drone variants to deliver the burning mixture at slow speed because of their low cost and precise maneuverability. As incendiary weapons have become more common in the war, analysts have been flagging concerns over harm to civilians. For example, in 2023, Russia reportedly used thermite bombs in eastern Ukraine over residential neighborhoods, according to a video on social media that was picked up by the Youtube channel of The Telegraph newspaper. Dangers in using thermite include the possibility of causing out-of-control fires that risk burning down civilian infrastructure and non-military targets. The use of thermite munitions is not banned per say, but neither is it straightforward, experts say. It would be legitimate and legal to use them as defoliants to remove cover, and this holds unless they would a) hit civilians or b) there was a significant risk the subsequent fire would endanger civilians contrast this with Russian use of thermite last year in an indiscriminate manner, Matthew Savill, director of military science at RUSI, wrote in an email to Defense News. Under the Geneva Conventions, deliberately targeting civilian areas with incendiary weapons constitutes a war crime, yet Moscow has paid little consideration to adhering to international norms during the course of the war. Russian forces have used other fire-inducing weapons such as the 9M22S incendiary cluster rocket, used for the 122mm caliber Grad rocket artillery system, Bronk said. Savill notes that throughout the war, Ukraine has largely been able to contrast its adherence to international conflict laws against Russian behavior, an important appearance he presumes Kyiv will strive to maintain. I would expect that however they choose to use thermite, they would want to keep that distinction, he said. Ukrainian authorities on Sept. 10 announced war crime charges in absentia against Russian Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash over a deadly strike against the Ohkmadyt children's hospital in Kyiv two months ago. Russian forces hit Ukraine's largest children's medical center on July 8, killing two adults and injuring at least 34 people, including nine children. Footage showed that the building suffered a direct hit by a Russian missile rather than being damaged by fallen debris. Kobylash, who at the time served as Russia's long-range aviation commander, ordered the missile strike that hit the hospital, according to an investigation published by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office. The general already faces other charges connected to the full-scale war in Ukraine, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest for attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "The investigation established that it was him (Kobylash), who, on July 8, 2024... gave the order to a unit under his command to carry out a strike from the Tu-95MS bomber plane with a cruise missile Kh-101 against the Okhmadyt hospital's premises," Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said on Sept. 10 while speaking at the site of the attack. Kobylash gave the order at around 9:15 a.m., while the hospital was struck at 10:45 a.m., the SBU clarified. "As part of the investigation, the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office... talked to 112 victims and 50 eyewitnesses, conducted explosive, forensic, and other examinations, and analyzed video surveillance footage," SBU deputy head Serhii Naumiuk said. The missile, fired from a plane of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, kept maneuvering and changing its flight path, indicating an intention to bypass Ukrainian air defenses and hit the medical facility, the SBU said. The SBU charged Kobylash last January over "massive rocket attacks on residential buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure facilities in various regions of Ukraine." In March 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Kobylash and Russian Admiral Viktor Sokolov for ordering strikes against the Ukrainian electricity infrastructure during the winter of 2022 to 2023, which led to extensive blackouts across the country. Read also: How Russia broke through Ukraines air defense to strike Kyiv childrens hospital Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine must be ready for EU accession no later than 2025 Ukraine's PM Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, has stated that Ukraines goal is to be ready for EU accession no later than the end of 2025. Source: Shmyhal at a press conference on 10 September, as reported by European Pravda Details: Shmyhal stated that Ukraine has an "ambitious goal" in the sector of Eurointegration. "We want to be ready for EU accession not later than the end of 2025," Shmyhal said. "But in general we realise from the strategic standpoint that our EU accession must be an integral part of a just peace. This is our strategic goal," he added. Shmyhal noted that it would be preceded by "titanic work". "We must adjust our legislation, all our legal acts, which is tens of thousands of documents, to the directives and rules of the EU. This requires a lot of technical work," Shmyhal explained. He also believes that Hungary will not pose a threat for Ukraine on its way to the EU. This March Shmyhal stated that Ukraine would be able to join the EU after the end of the war, and would finish its homework for it within two years. Support UP or become our patron! Editors Note: This is issue 146 of Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises Weekly, covering events from Sept. 1-7, 2024. The Kyiv Independent is reposting it with permission. Corporate governance of SOEs Ukrenergos supervisory board dismisses CEO Kudrytskyi despite objections of international partners; two independent board members step down due to political pressure. On Sept. 2, numerous reputable media including Ekonomichna Pravda (EP), Forbes Ukraine, and Suspilne reported that Ukrenergos supervisory board had dismissed the companys CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi by a majority vote. According to Suspilne, three state members (Yuriy Boyko, Yuriy Tokarskyi, and Oleksandr Baraniuk) and one independent (Roman Pionkowski) voted for the dismissal, while two other independent members, Peder Andreasen and Daniel Dobbeni, voted against. According to EP, before the boards meeting, green energy investors and representatives of international organizations (EU, EBRD, IFC and the Business Ombudsman) called on the companys supervisory board, President Zelensky, and the Cabinet of Ministers not to rush with personnel decisions until Ukrenergos operations are analyzed and one independent board member is appointed. According to Ukrenergos charter, the supervisory board should consist of seven members: four independent members and three state representatives. As we reported in June 2023, the Cabinet still had to select and approve one independent member for Ukrenergos supervisory board. Hence, independent members did not constitute a majority of the board, which did not meet the requirements of the law or Ukrenergos charter. See our Issue 95 for more detail. Read also: Whos who in Ukraines biggest wartime government reshuffle On Sept. 3, Kudrytskyi confirmed the termination of his powers by the supervisory boards decision. He said that the board appointed executive board member Oleksii Brekht as an acting CEO and decided to hold a competitive selection for a new CEO. He added that Sept. 4 would be his last working day at Ukrenergo. I initiated the extraordinary meeting of the supervisory board because I am convinced that the dismissal and appointment of Ukrenergos CEO is the sole responsibility of the board, Kudrytskyi wrote on his Facebook page. According to EP, during the meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chiefs Staff on Aug. 30, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and then deputy dead of the Presidents Office Rostyslav Shurma sought Kudrytskyis dismissal. The ostensible reason was allegedly insufficient protection of Ukrenergos facilities and, as a result, problems with electricity that arose after Russian attacks on Aug. 26. See our Issue 145 for more detail. Kudrytskyi denied this reason for his resignation. The boards decision to dismiss me has nothing to do with the security of Ukrenergos substations. I provided the board members with a detailed report on each facility. And (they) had no questions about it. I cannot go into details, but more than 60 anti-drone shelters have been built at Ukrenergos substations, almost at every substation. Such engineering structures have only been built at Ukrenergos facilities", he wrote. On the same day, Daniel Dobbeni (independent member and supervisory board chair) and Peder Andreasen (independent member) announced that they filed their resignation notices. We strongly believe that the decision on the early dismissal of the CEO of Ukrenergo is politically motivated and, based on the results of the presented report, there are no valid grounds for it, they said in a statement. Ukrenergo successfully fulfilled its core strategic goals despite the Russian invasion. The company is a member of the power system of Continental Europe ENTSO-E. More than 60 objects of unique complex anti-drone protection have been built at high-voltage substations. The pace of restoration of the high-voltage grid after unprecedented missile and drone attacks allows the company to fully perform the function of the power system operator. Read also: Who is Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines new foreign minister? During the full-scale war, Ukrenergo attracted more than 1.5 billion euros of international support for restoring the power system, maintaining liquidity and building engineering protections. This demonstrates the transparent procurement processes in the company and its undisputed reputation among international stakeholders, Dobbeni and Andreasen added. They emphasized that starting from their first days on Ukrenergos supervisory board in December 2021, they had felt political pressure and observed constant attempts to bypass the competition to appoint people whose professional qualities were doubtful to the executive board of the company." And today, when the corporate governance of the company is called into question, we do not see the possibility of continuing (to serve) on the supervisory board of Ukrenergo. Violation of the principles of corporate governance and the decision to dismiss its CEO without proven mismanagement is unacceptable and may affect further cooperation of Ukrenergo with ENTSO-E members, Dobbeni and Andreasen added. On Sept. 6, Bridget Brink, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, said that Ukraine should complete Ukrenergos supervisory board after independent members resigned in protest against Kudrytskyis dismissal. Brink confirmed that the U.S. is raising this issue with Ukrainian officials, although she declined to elaborate on what signals were exchanged with Ukraine. However, she linked the development of this situation to the volume of investment in the Ukrainian energy sector. Our recommendation is to fill the three vacant positions on the supervisory board and elect a new CEO according to OECD guidelines, she emphasized. Energoatoms new supervisory board has not been operational for three months. According to Forbes Ukraine, Energoatoms supervisory board, appointed in June 2024, was supposed to be launched by the end of July 2024, but this has not happened yet. As we wrote in Issue 137, on June 21, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed all five board members Timothy John Stone, Michael Elliott Kirst and Jarek Neverovych as independent members, and Vitalii Petruk and Tymofiy Mylovanov, as state representatives nominated by the Energy Ministry. Forbes Ukraine asked Energoatoms press office to explain why the board has not yet started working, but the company did not respond within the five-day period established by law. Deputy Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev, who was involved in the process of forming the supervisory board, forwarded the information request to the ministry's press office, which never provided a response, the media added. Read also: 85% of Ukraines energy infrastructure protected against Russian strikes, PM says According to Forbes Ukraine, only Ukrainian members of the board have signed the contracts, while foreign independent members believe that the first meeting can only be held after the contracts are signed. In order not to violate the law, the first meeting was started within 30 days after board appointment, but the board has not made any decisions and cannot complete the meeting it still has the status of being postponed, the medias source said. During the Verkhovna Radas meeting on Sept. 6, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that Energoatoms supervisory board had met the board meeting was opened. According to Halushchenko, contracts are being finalized, and the supervisory board is competent. Foreign members of the board do not understand our contracts because Ukraine has different legislation. They are afraid, they ask questions, they ask to change something, and often it is impossible to change it, the source said. They are reluctant to start working because they do not yet have reliable insurance against the consequences of their potential poor decisions, he added. They are used to civil law, and we have criminal law. And there is no insurance against criminal law, the source explained. Foreign members would need at least another month to understand and come to terms with Ukrainian legislation and start working, he concluded. In August, Sergiy Makogon, former CEO of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU), suggested that Energoatoms acting CEO Petro Kotin and his boss Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko were not very satisfied with the selected board members, so Energoatom was sabotaging the signing of contracts with them. In particular, the remuneration proposed in their draft contracts was significantly lower than what was discussed at the selection stage. One lawmaker confirmed this version. Perhaps, the surprise with remunerations was prepared on purpose, and the process has slowed down. If the new supervisory board starts its work, a competitive selection for Energoatoms CEO would have to be announced, and current acting CEO Petro Kotin may not be selected, while Halushchenko would not benefit from replacing his loyal manager, he supposed. SPFU head Koval resigns to head the Agriculture Ministry. On Sept. 3, Vitaliy Koval, head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPFU), filed his resignation letter to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament. The next day, the Rada failed to approve it, but did so on the second attempt on Sept. 5. On the same day, the Rada appointed Koval as the new agrarian policy manager. According to Ukrainska Pravdas (UP) sources in President Zelenskys team, Koval is close to Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidents Office. According to UP, Koval also has business ties with Timur Mindich, a former partner of tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky and co-owner of Kvartal 95 LLC that was also co-owned by Volodymyr Zelensky before his presidency. Read also: Explainer: Ukraines $15 billion IMF loan program As we wrote in Issue 112, on Nov. 21, 2023, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Vitaliy Koval, then governor of Rivne Oblast, as the new head of the SPFU to replace Rustem Umerov. According to Chesno, Vitaliy Koval had been governor since 2019. He was also a candidate for mayor of Rivne from the Sluha Narodu party in 2020. In the first round of the mayoral elections, Koval received 13.52% of the vote, taking third place. In 2020, Koval was elected as a member of the Rivne City Council from Sluha Narodu. He is also a member of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the first vice president of the Greco-Roman Wrestling Federation of Ukraine. In 2006-2019, he headed and co-founded enterprises in the agricultural, transport, and construction industries: Atlant-Trans LLC, InvesttradeService LLC, RGS-Logisticgroup LLC, BBB Montazh LLC, and Sanako LLC. See Issue 112 for more detail. Smetanin leaves UDI to head up the Strategic Industries Ministry. On Sept. 4, Ukrainian Defence Industrys (UDI) supervisory board terminated the powers of the companys CEO, Herman Smetanin, and appointed Oleh Huliak as acting CEO. According to UDI, Huliak has been in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 1993. In 2021-2024, he was the Commander of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since July 1, he has been working as the CEOs advisor for military cooperation, strengthening the companys ties with the Defence Forces. The companys supervisory board also said that it would announce a competitive selection for the new CEO as soon as possible. On Sept. 5, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Smetanin as the new minister for strategic industries to replace Alexander Kamyshin, who later moved to the position of presidential advisor for strategic issues. As we wrote in June 2023, the State Concern Ukroboronprom was dissolved and replaced by a joint-stock company called Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI). We also reported that Ukroboronproms CEO Yuriy Husiev resigned, and the Cabinet of Ministers appointed Herman Smetanin as the CEO of newly established UDI. See SOE Weeklys Issue 95 for more detail. PrivatBanks CEO Gerhard Bosch to step down on Nov. 1, the banks press office told Forbes Ukraine. According to the bank, Boschs contract would be terminated on Nov. 1 on the basis of the Labor Code of Ukraine: dismissal at the initiative of the owner or his authorized body in connection with the termination of the powers. For the next two months, the CEO would continue to fully perform his duties until the smooth transfer of management of the bank, the banks press office added. As we reported in late June 2024 (Issue 138), Gerhard Bosch filed his resignation as PrivatBanks CEO. According to Ekonomichna Pravda (EP), the unofficial reason was the discrepancy between the tasks assigned to Bosch and reality: When Bosch was elected as PrivatBanks CEO in May 2021, his tasks included preparing the banks privatization. However, during the full-scale war, this process was put on hold, EP then wrote. Forbes Ukraines sources also confirmed this reason. Another possible reason is Bosch's age and the fact that his family lives in Austria, the media also wrote. I am over 67 years old, and I agree that PrivatBank needs fresh blood. By the way, replacing a CEO of my age is a completely normal corporate governance practice in Europe, Bosch told Forbes Ukraine. Read also: EU provides $44 million for energy aid ahead of winter According to Forbes Ukraine, unless the winner of the competitive selection for the new CEO is determined by Nov. 1, one of the executive board members would start managing the bank as an acting CEO. [Except Bosch, PrivatBanks executive board currently includes six members: Anton Razumnyi, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Ievgen Zaigraiev, Dmytro Musiyenko, Solvita Deglava, and Larysa Chernyshova. I think, this time, there is a request to elect a Ukrainian rather than a foreign CEO, the source supposed. Three of Forbes Ukraines sources, familiar with the competitive selection process, named Anton Tiutiun, deputy Oschadbanks CEO in charge of retail business, as one of the candidates. Tiutiun neither confirmed nor denied his participation in the competitive selection, the media outlet wrote. One of the sources also said that PrivatBanks current employees were participating in the competitive selection, but did not specify who exactly they were. Timely announcements of approaching top management changes are a standard, good corporate practice, allowing for predictability and smooth transition of leadership. The above announcement also suggests that PrivatBank may not require an interim CEO if the competitive selection of the new CEO is completed on time. Note also that disclosing the names of potential CEO candidates would be a poor practice that harms competitive selection. Firstly, the potential employer should ensure the confidentiality of candidates, as applicants would rarely want their current employer to know about their application. Secondly, this information is typically market-sensitive. Banks Ukrainian banks post cumulative profits of Hr 120 billion ($2.9 billion) in January-July 2024; state-owned banks make 63% of the total, Opendatabot reported. The data provider also said that the top 10 banks on the market accounted for 86% of the total profits Hr 80.13 billion (1.8 billion at the average exchange rate over the respective period). Five state-owned banks made 63% of Ukrainian banks total profits: As usual, PrivatBank made most of the money Hr 37.16 billion ($901 million), or 63.2% of the sum of state-owned banks profits. PrivatBank made 8% more than in the first seven months of 2023, Opendatabot added. As we wrote in Issue 119, the bank reported a net profit of Hr 37.8 billion (around $900 million) in 2023. As we reported in Issue 129, PrivatBank paid Hr 50 billion (around $1.2 million) in taxes and dividends. This was as much as 3% of total projected state budget revenues for 2024. Oschadbank is in second place with Hr 11 billion ($266 million), or 18.7% of state-owned banks profits. Read also: Ukraine may target record bank profits with further tax increase to plug budget hole As we reported in Issue 128, Oschadbank earned a record Hr 6 billion (around $140 million) profit in 2023. In Issue 121, we wrote that Oschadbank paid the state the first half of the 2023 dividends, Hr 700 million (around $16 million). Ukreximbank is third with Hr 4.74 billion, or $115 million (8.1%). Ukrgasbank earned Hr 3.73 billion, or $90 million (6.3%). The recently nationalized Sense Bank is fifth with Hr 2.21 billion, or $53 million (3.8%). As we reported earlier, Sense Bank, previously owned by sanctioned Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman, Petr Aven, and Andrey Kosogov, was nationalized in late July 2023. See more in our Issue 98. As we wrote in Issue 132, Ukrainian banks posted combined profits of Hr 40 billion (around $900 million) in Q1 2024, with state-owned banks making 60% of the total. Infrastructure Ukrzaliznytsia loses Hr 600-700 million ($13-15 million) in July-August and expects a minor loss by the end of 2024, the companys CEO Yevhen Liashchenko told Forbes Ukraine. Ukrzaliznytsia made a profit of up to Hr 3 billion ($ around 70 million) in the first half of 2024, but lost Hr 600-700 million ($13-15 million) in July 2024 due to a decline in profitable types of cargo, Liashchenko explained. According to him, increased grain exports could improve the situation, but this will not prevent losses for the year. If we start exporting grain, then the volumes of transportation would level off, and we would make a minor loss for the year. In any case, we are increasing transportation volumes, but losses on some shipments are also increasing, Ukrzaliznytsias CEO also said. As we reported in SOE Weekly (Issue 72), Ukrzaliznytsia took losses of Hr 10.8 billion in 2022 (318 million euros at that time). The loss from passenger transportation was Hr 13.3 billion (391 million euros), suggesting that the companys other segments, such as cargo transportation, made a profit of Hr 2.5 billion (73 million euros). As we wrote in Issue 80, in March 2023, after his appointment as Ukrzaliznytsias new CEO for the next two years, Liashchenko got several key tasks, one of which was for the company to break even. In September 2023, Liashchenko said that Ukrzaliznytsia was reaching break-even and would finish the first nine months of 2023 with a profit (see Issue 103). Ultimately, the company finished 2023 with a net profit of Hr 5 billion (around $120 million). See Issue 127 for more detail. On Nov. 20, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Ukrzaliznytsias financial plan for 2024, with forecast losses of Hr 12.6 billion ($305 million). See Issue 112 for more detail. Ukrainian SOE Weekly is an independent weekly digest based on a compilation of the most important news related to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state-owned banks in Ukraine. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the editorial team of the Ukrainian SOE Weekly. The SOE Weekly is produced and financed by Andriy Boytsun. Communications support is provided and financed by CFC Big Ideas. The SOE Weekly is not financed or influenced by any external party. Editorial team: Andriy Boytsun, Oleksiy Pavlysh, Dmytro Yablonovskyi, and Oleksandr Lysenko. Read also: Ukraine reduces state debt by $9 billion after restructuring effort Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russias invasion of Ukraine has long conjured images of war that Europe thought had been consigned to the history books. And now Kyiv appears to have an eye-catching new weapon that adds a medieval twist to its defensive arsenal. Ukraines forces have shared videos in the past week showing the use of drones that spew a fiery substance onto troops and terrain below, a possible boost in their bid to press forward with an assault on Russian territory while defending against Moscows relentless efforts to seize a strategic chunk of Ukraines east. The dragon drones, as they have been dubbed by some military analysts, appear to be a recent innovation in the field of drone warfare, which has played an increasingly important role in the two-and-a-half-year war. In videos that have emerged on social media from both official and unofficial sources in Ukraine since last week, the drones look like yellow balls of fire with trailing tails as they fly low over the ubiquitous strips of forest that dot large swaths of Ukrainian landscape and help provide cover for infantry and equipment. Several Ukrainian military units have shared videos of these drones in action in recent days. The 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade released a video last week calling the drones the wings of vengeance and saying that they can burn enemy positions with an accuracy that no other weapon can achieve. A spokesperson for the brigade confirmed the use of drones to NBC News. Ukraines 108th separate mountain assault battalion shared another video over the weekend, saying that its drone pilots had flown the dragon drones over Russian positions. On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, also posted a video that appears to show the drone at work at night with a caption: A real dragon. None of the videos said when or where the drones were used. Its also unclear if they are in fact showing the drones in combat or in testing. NBC News was not able to independently verify or geolocate the videos due to the lack of distinct geographical characteristics in the terrain. Ukraines defense ministry would not comment on the use of the drones. The 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade did confirm it was using them. Given the entrenched character of the conflict, the deployment of these weapons is likely an indication of just how desperate and brutal the fighting in Ukraine has become, James Patton Rogers, a drone expert and executive director of the Cornell Brooks School Tech Policy Institute in New York, told NBC News. Video purportedly showing a Ukrainian "dragon drone" shared Monday on Telegram by Zelenskyy's chief adviser, Andriy Yermak. Drone warfare has been crucial for both sides, and not only on the immediate front lines, but to strike targets deep inside each others territory and in the Black Sea. Judging from the videos appearing online, Ukraines innovation appears to work by pouring an incendiary substance, possibly thermite, on Russian positions, said Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group, which analyzes open source intelligence. Although it's uncertain exactly what the Ukrainian army is using, thermite is an incendiary mixture that burns at very high temperatures, Kastehelmi said, and can lead to severe burns and damage to equipment on the ground. It also burns the vegetation used as cover by Russian troops, exposing their positions and making drone reconnaissance and strike missions more effective for the Ukrainians, Kastehelmi said. He said his groups experts and other open source intelligence analysts have been able to geolocate the dragon drone videos to Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region, as well as Donetsk in the east and Kharkiv in the north. They also include at least one instance of the fiery drones being used in Russias border Kursk region, which Ukrainian troops invaded last month, he said. The geolocations suggest the drones are being used in combat, Kastehelmi said. They are being used over the Russian front lines, he added. So they are definitely in use. It is not just testing anymore. And one of their main advantages is likely to be psychological, Rogers said. We need only think of the German Zepplins dropping thermite bombs on British cities during World War I as a pertinent example, he added. In this case, the intention is likely similar, to drive Russian troops back through fear and fire. Experts said its difficult to assess at this point how effective these drones really are and how widespread their use is, but they are unlikely to replace more conventional drones or become a game-changing weapon for Ukraine. A lot will also depend on how the Russians will respond. It seems to only be being used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine so far, but if it is judged highly effective, the basic technology behind them would be extremely easy to copy and rapidly deploy by Russian forces too, said Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow specializing in air power and technology at the Royal United Services Institute, a British military think tank. Thermite is used to weld railway rails together and a wide range of other industrial metal-joining applications, Bronk added, so it is an easily available and well understood incendiary material. And if Moscow sees a use for these weapons, it is possible that the dragons could add a terrifying new layer of destruction to an already brutal war, Rogers said. The Russian defense ministry has not commented on Ukraines deployment of the dragon drones, but some influential Russian military bloggers noted the videos showing their use last week, calling it a dangerous and unpleasant weapon. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Ukraine Using ATACMS Missiles To Strike Inside Russia Now On The Table The head of the House Foreign Affairs Committe says he was told by Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the U.S. will give Ukraine the green light to use ATACMS in Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will tell Ukraine it can use U.S.-produced Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) short-range ballistic missiles inside Russia, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said. I talked to Blinken two days ago, and he is traveling with his counterpart from the UK [Foreign Secretary David Lammy] to Kyiv to basically tell them that they will allow them [to hit Russia with ATACMS] Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told Axios reporter Juliegrace Brufke on Friday. Brufke tweeted the comment on Tuesday. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul said I talked to Blinken two days ago, and he is traveling with his counterpart from the UK to Kyiv to basically tell them that they will allow them [to hit Russia with ATACMS] during an interview with me at #TribFest24 on Friday. https://t.co/ZBjzXOG4IE Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) September 10, 2024 The statement is accurate according to a McCaul/House Foreign Affairs Committee aide. The chairman said that at the Tribune Fest in Texas, the aide confirmed to The War Zone Tuesday morning. So far, the Biden administration has prohibited Ukraine from using ATACMS which have a range of nearly 200 miles depending on the variant -inside Russia. Likewise, the U.K. will not allow Ukraine to use donated Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles in Russia. Blinken was asked during a Tuesday media briefing about whether the Biden administration will change its ATACMS policy. So all I can tell you is well be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, he said. Well both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days. And I fully anticipate this is something theyll take up when they meet on Friday. Blinken hinted at the Biden administration leaving the door open to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS in Russia. So I think a hallmark from day one of our efforts to support Ukraine against this aggression is to work to make sure that they have what they need when they need it to be most effective in dealing with the Russian aggression, he said. And I think that youve seen again from day one that we have continuously adjusted and adapted based on the battlefield conditions, based on what Russia was doing in a given place and by given means. And thats been a through-line in everything that weve done. However, a U.S. official told The War Zone that there is no change to our policy governing the use of ATACMS. U.K. MoD officials took a similar stance. There has been no change in the U.K.s position regarding Storm Shadows, an MoD official told The War Zone Tuesday morning. We have been providing military aid to support Ukraines clear right of self-defense against Russias illegal attacks in accordance with international humanitarian law. We are clear that equipment provided by the U.K. is intended for the defense of Ukraine. So far, the U.K. has prohibited Ukraine from using its Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles inside Russia. (Twitter screencap) Twitter screencap The Biden administration has allowed Ukraine to use Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) munitions fired by the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provided to Ukraine. They have a range of up to about 50 miles. Unlike the U.S. and Ukraine, the Netherlands announced that it has no such preclusions. Ukraine can strike anywhere in Russia using weapons provided by the Netherlands, that nations defense minister said, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Ruben Brekelmans said permission to strike inside Russia includes the use of the F-16 Vipers the Netherlands is providing to Ukraine and called on other Western countries to lift restrictions on the use of weapons they supply to Ukraine. Ukraine has the right to self-defense, he said. If the country is attacked from border areas or Russian airfields, it can target [those] military objects. Brekelmans added that this also applies to enemy missiles, which can be intercepted by Dutch weapons over Russia. Ukraine can use Dutch weapons on the territory of the Russian Federation, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmanshas said He specified that the authorization to strike Russia also applies to F-16 fighter jets. "If Ukraine is attacked from border areas or from Russian pic.twitter.com/c05aRoITIa NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 10, 2024 There has been talk that Irans provision of ballistic missiles to Russia would spur the administration to change its ATACMS policy. Blinken on Tuesday became the latest U.S. official to confirm Russia has received those weapons. Weve warned Tehran publicly, weve warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation, Blinken said. Dozens of Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians. BREAKING: Blinken confirms Russia has received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran "and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine." Elizabeth Hagedorn (@ElizHagedorn) September 10, 2024 In response to Iran providing Russia with ballistic missiles, the U.S., and U.K. issued a wide range of new sanctions. The U.S. State Department sanctioned Iran Air as well as several Russian shipping companies it says are involved in brining in drone-related equipment from Iran. The U.K also issued sanctions against Iran Air as well as Iranian and Russian military leaders and units as well as businesses. In addition to three Iranian generals associated with the drone and missile forces, the sanctions hit the Command of the Military Transport Aviation (VTA), the 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation, and the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The U.K. government is today announcing new and significant measures against Iran and Russia, following the Iranian regimes transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine, London announced. This follows repeated warnings from the UK and international partners calling on Iran to cease its planned transfer of the deadly weapons to Russia, whose intent is to cause further humanitarian devastation and loss of life in Ukraine. BREAKING: The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions against the Russian Air Force The sanctions list also included the 924th State Center for Unmanned Aviation and several people from among the Russian Armed Forces aviation commanders. In addition, the UK authorities imposed pic.twitter.com/3HJmNpoD76 NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 10, 2024 Ukraines Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned the temporary charge daffaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine Shahryar Amuzeghar to express deep concern about the Iranian missiles. The relevant comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine dated September 7 was handed over to the Iranian diplomat, with a stern warning that confirmation of Irans supply of ballistic weapons to the aggressor state would have devastating and irreparable consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Telegram. Iranian officials on Monday pushed back on those claims. No missile was sent to Russia and this claim is a kind of psychological warfare, said deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, Brigadier Fazlollah Nozari, Reuters reported, citing the Iranian Labour News Agency. Meanwhile, the head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys office said the ballistic missile threat is another reason Ukraine should be allowed to use donated long-range weapons on Russian soil. In response to the supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, Ukraine should be given permission to destroy warehouses with these missiles with Western weapons in order to avoid terror, Andrii Yermak said on Telegram without specifying who supplied the missiles. Democracies must respond to the terror of autocracies. Strikes against terrorist Russia are defense. And protection is not escalation. A senior Ukrainian official said Western partner countries must allow Ukraine to use weapons they have supplied to strike military warehouses inside Russia because of strong suspicions Iran has provided ballistic missiles for the Kremlins war effort.https://t.co/fHvl5v2lDa Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) September 9, 2024 The idea that the U.S. could attempt to dissuade Russia from using Iranian ballistic missiles by playing the ATACMS card is a possibility we explored two years ago. This was before ATACMS was approved for Ukraine. Expanding this to targets in Russia could have a similar effect. Just in terms of deterrence, one theoretical option (not endorsing it) could be to tell Russia directly, if you use Iranian ballistic missiles against Ukraine, we will give Ukraine ATACMS. Even steven. If Iranian SRBMs are put to use, it will be devastating. See thread below: https://t.co/zMEB3xIggV Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) October 20, 2022 A major reason the Biden administration has yet to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS on Russia is concerns over escalating the conflict with a nuclear power. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently raised the specter of nuclear warfare, previous red lines crossed, like providing Ukraine with tanks and F-16s, have yet to result in any noticeable actions by Moscow. The coming days should show us whether another red line has been erased. The Latest As we reported earlier today, Ukraine just carried out its largest drone strike yet on Moscow, about 280 miles north of the border. Drones have been a stable of GURs long-range attacks inside Russia. The barrage killed at least one person and caused significant damage and disruption. Karma is real and its coming to you, russia pic.twitter.com/kgc3WKb24r Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) September 10, 2024 On the battlefield, Russia continues to push forward toward the key Donetsk logistics hub of Pokrovsk while Ukraines month-old invasion of Russias Kursk Oblast continues with no end in sight. Though Ukrainian forces are still more than 20 miles to the south of Kurchatov, home of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, authorities are restricting access to roads near the plant. In the context of the (anti-terrorism) CTO regime in force in the region, in order to ensure additional security measures, the operational headquarters has decided to restrict the passage of transit transport through the industrial zone of the Kursk NPP, Gov. Alexei Smirnov said Tuesday on Telegram. The detour route will pass through the village of Ivanino in the Kurchatovsky district. Special signs and indicators will be installed to inform local residents. Russian auGoogle Earth image Ukrainian forces again struck bridges over the Seim River. The video below shows a cluster munitions strike on a bridge near the town of Zvannoe that was partially destroyed in a previous strike. Despite that, Russia was still able to move light traffic by fashioning makeshift repairs. There are an estimated 3,000 Russian troops trapped south of the river. Remember that partially destroyed bridge over the #Seym River in #Zvannoe, #Kursk, Katsapia, that smaller vehicles could still cross? It just ate 4 x JDAM-ER's It is one tough bridge which definitely had to have been built by the Soviets. Note at the beginning how they had pic.twitter.com/CEhWkt58pP OSINT (Uri Kikaski) (@UKikaski) September 8, 2024 Ukraine also attacked a pontoon bridge over the Seim that was erected in the spot of a span that was destroyed in a previous attack near the town of Karyzh, about 4.5 miles west of Zvannoe. The attack was reportedly carried out by a U.S.-supplied winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bomb. The Ukrainian Air Force decided to follow up the Ukrainian Armys HIMARS strike on the Russian mobile bridging unit over the damaged Seym River Bridge at Karyzh, Kursk Oblast. Seen here, a US-supplied Ukrainian JDAM-ER glide bomb slams into the Russian bridge. pic.twitter.com/dXws4rA57o OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 9, 2024 Meanwhile, video emerged of Russian troops recording an attack on a Seim bridge. Given that it shows an attack by cluster munitions, it could be from the strike on the Zvannoe span, but we cant say for sure. Russian soldiers accidentally filmed the moment when M30 DPICM clusters from HIMARS strike hit a bridge over the Seim River in Kursk Region. pic.twitter.com/hBhuCN3v5H Clash Report (@clashreport) September 9, 2024 Beyond the environmental damage caused by munitions strikes on bridges over the river, the Seim is being polluted by Russia, according to Ukraines prime minister. Russia dumped sewage from a sugar factory in the town of Tiotkino in Kursk Oblast into the Seim River, causing organic pollution to flow downstream, Denys Shmyhal said on Sept. 10 at a Tuesday press conference, according to the Kyiv Independent. The Seim River flows in Russias Belgorod and Kursk oblasts and within several districts in Ukraines Sumy and Cherniihiv oblasts It is also a main tributary of the Desna River, which in turn flows into the Dnipro in Kyiv, the publication noted. In recent days, reports have emerged showing the pollution of the Seim and Desna rivers in Ukraine. Shmyhal confirmed that the pollution of the Seim River led to a decrease in oxygen levels and a large-scale fish die-off. Russia polluted Seim River, dumping Kursk Oblast's factory sewage, Ukraine's PM says. Russia dumped sewage into the Seim River from a sugar factory in the town of Tiotkino in Kursk Oblast, causing organic pollution, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Sept. 10 at a The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 10, 2024 During its Kursk invasion, Ukraine has recovered many of the vehicles damaged in the fight. You can see one such instance in the following video. Kursk region: evacuation of our damaged equipment! pic.twitter.com/KGtyOXiGKS MAKS 24 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) September 8, 2024 As Ukrainian forces press slowly westward toward the Kursk Oblast town of Glushkovo, it appears that Russian troops looted stores there ahead of the advance. The Ashes Kursk Telegram channel posted a video Tuesday claiming to show the results of Russian troops plundering several businesses. The footage shows a partially looted Pelican store with hunting and fishing equipment and the Green Pharmacy, as well as completely looted Tele2, Beeline and Megafon mobile phone stores, Ashes Kursk stated. The "Russian world." Ukrainian forces haven't yet reached the village of Glushkovo in Kursk region, but it has already been looted by locals after the evacuation. Even phone shops and pharmacies weren't spared. It seems they'd rather take what they can for themselves than leave pic.twitter.com/mYVdatnzPG WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 9, 2024 The Pentagons top spokesman on Monday highlighted what weve been saying for months about the key Donetsk Oblast logistic hub of Pokrovsk. any territory that Russia takes further, you know, expands their areas of occupation, which is certainly not a good thing, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters. That city in particular, you know, is at a strategic crossroads, particularly in terms of lines of communication. Clearly, its important for Ukraine to continue to hold that. theyre investing heavily in trying to do that. Russian troops are trying to fight their way to that city, said Ryder. Theyre not there yet. Theyre not necessarily close to taking that city. But, you know, that is definitely theyve said publicly, in the Donbas region, that is an objective. Those forces are now about six miles east of Pokrovsk, according to the latest DeepState map. As they get closer, theyve ramped up their artillery and aerial attacks. As a result of Russian shelling, one person was killed and another was injured in the Pokrovsk community in Donetsk region, the Ukrainian Suspline news agency said on Telegram. As a result of the Russian strike, 28,000 people were left without gas in the cities of Pokrovsk and Rodynske. Russian troops targeted a gas distribution station, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. Russia is paying a high price in personnel and equipment for its advance. The video below purports to show Ukrainian troops capturing a Russian BMP-3 and its crew near Pokrovsk. Soldiers from the "Bashkort" company in the Pokrovsk direction captured the crew of a Russian BMP-3 and destroyed an armored vehicle. Volunteers from Bashkortostan have been fighting against Russia as part of the Armed Forces since 2022. Fighters claim that by helping pic.twitter.com/WD1sMGN6Oe PS01 (@PStyle0ne1) September 10, 2024 Ukraine claims to have engineered a counterattack in the Donetsk Oblast city of New York, at least temporarily halting the momentum of Russias drive toward Tortesk. The scarce fortified defenses in the residential sector pushed Ukrainian forces to dig in at their only remaining stronghold the heavily fortified chemical plant in New York, Euromaidan Press reported. The Russians advanced effectively by leveraging their fire control and observation points from the high-rises, coupled with numerical superiority and heavy firepower, to push the Ukrainian troops back toward the chemical plant. However, their momentum was short-lived as Ukrainian forces quickly fortified their positions around the industrial zone, putting the brakes on the Russian advance just outside the plant, the publication wrote. The Ukrainians utilized the plants strong defensive structures to fend off the Russian assault, preventing further Russian advance into the industrial sector. Frontline report: Ukraines unexpected assault turns the tide in Toretsk In a bold counterattack, Ukraines elite Azov Brigade breaks the siege and shifts the momentum near Toretsk the key stronghold in the Russian push for Donetsk Oblast. https://t.co/NiREDBFU8Y Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) September 9, 2024 Meanwhile, images seem to partially back up the Russian Defense Ministrys claim that its forces have captured the town of Vodyane, about 25 miles southeast of Pokrovsk. The images below purport to show the Russians have raised their tricolor flag in the northern part of that town. There is no doubt anymore. Russia has advanced and captured the northern part of Vodyane. In the back you can see the Pivdennodonbaska 1 coal mine. https://t.co/RW6vxF7Iqc pic.twitter.com/RU8ax6Omhy NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) September 10, 2024 Russia is also continuing attempts to advance in Kharkiv Oblast, but those are often thwarted, with Russia suffering troop and equipment losses. Untrimmed full video. The russian assault failed! The enemy's attempts to assault the positions of the 92nd Brigade in Kharkiv region ended in . Early in the morning, the orcs advanced from russian territory in the direction of Ukraine and, in particular, the positions of https://t.co/F6OE6Lv3V5pic.twitter.com/c4wfvJsskE Albina Fella (@albafella1) September 10, 2024 In one Kharkiv Oblast skirmish, Ukrainian forces captured a Russian bunker and found radios they used to torment them. If you dont come out, youre screwed, they said. The following video, from the 3rd Company of the 2nd Assault Battalion of the 3rd Assault Brigade, shows the intensity of trench and dugout warfare. If you dont come outyou're screwed, clearing out bunkers and conversations over the PR radio! A heavy assault under enemy fire. The fighters fired back and advanced toward the enemy until they reached their bunkers. In one of the earth-covered bunkers, the assault pic.twitter.com/IiLLNIfOOY WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 10, 2024 Russia is also attacking the Kharkiv area by air. The video below shows the results of a strike by a unified gliding and correction module UMPK bomb on a building in Kupiansk. Russian UMPK glide bomb demolishes a building in Kupyansk. pic.twitter.com/27gTatNuv7 Clash Report (@clashreport) September 9, 2024 The Biden administration has sent Congress a classified report on its strategy for the war in Ukraine, a Senate source told The War Zone on Tuesday. It was delivered months after a June deadline mandated in a multibillion-dollar spending bill lawmakers passed in April. The source declined to talk about the details because the report is classified. The statement confirms earlier reporting by Reuters. A congressional aide told Reuters that the long-awaited report had reached lawmakers on Monday and they had not yet had a chance to review it. Two other sources, requesting anonymity to discuss a classified matter, confirmed that it had been delivered. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House has submitted a secret report to Congress outlining the strategy for the war in Ukraine. This follows a requirement set in a $61 billion aid package passed in April, with a deadline for June. The report was sent to lawmakers on September 9, but they have not yet pic.twitter.com/wD3Pbw8UiW NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) September 10, 2024 The first group of Ukrainian fighter pilots have arrived in Canada to begin training on Vipers, the nations Minister of National Defense said. The training is being funded by nearly $400 million Canada has contributed, said Bill Blair. As a lead nation in the (Ukraine Defense Contact Group) Air Force Capability Coalition, Canada has committed to conducting this training over the next five years, he told reporters. The first group of Ukrainian pilots has arrived in Canada for fighter lead-in training so that they can be prepared to fly F-16 fighters, and defend Ukrainian skies. pic.twitter.com/mOk9gFyrgJ Bill Blair (@BillBlair) September 9, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to Turkeys proposal to stop Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure and commercial and civilian ships before Ukraine invaded Kursk, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed. Turkey has said to us, they [Ukraine] have this proposal, lets have [Russia] vouch we wouldnt strike energy infrastructure, we wouldnt strike nuclear energy facilities, and we wouldnt strike commercial civilian fleets in the Black Sea,' Shoigu said, according to Ukrainian Pravda. Our president made a decision and agreed to this. Shoigu, the former defense minister, said that Ukraine rejected the proposal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov denied Shoigus assertion. There were no clear agreements, he said, according to Eurasia Daily. This is the first one. Now it is difficult to imagine the possible achievement of any agreements against the background of the situation in the Kursk region. Interesting: Before Ukraine invaded Kursk region, Putin agreed to Turkiye's proposal to refrain from striking energy facilities, as well as the merchant and civilian fleet, but Kyiv ultimately did not agree to such agreements, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu pic.twitter.com/FnRYB38J1S Clash Report (@clashreport) September 10, 2024 Peskov also assailed Ukraine for what he claimed were attacks on residential buildings in Russia. That is another reason why the invasion, which Moscow dubbed a special military operation, must continue, he said. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that attacks on residential buildings in Russia cannot be associated with military actions. He emphasized that the "Kyiv regime" continues to show its hostile nature, labeling them as enemies. According to Peskov, Russia must continue its pic.twitter.com/m1DfONNQMg NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) September 10, 2024 Last week we told you about how thermite-spewing Dragon drones were being used by Ukraine. Now an advisor to the head of Ukraines military weighed in on these fearsome weapons. The Dragon drone is a fairly effective means of smoking out or destroying enemy positions, said Alexander Dmitriiev, an advisor to Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy, Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Dragon drone is a fairly effective means of smoking out or destroying enemy positions, Advisor to the Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Fire is quite a frightening thing even for a trained soldier, when a position is burned out, the ammunition is on fire. It is https://t.co/2tES6ugQNT pic.twitter.com/RBIUrz1UpV Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 10, 2024 The U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) released new satellite images shedding new light on the damage caused by Ukraines Aug. 22 drone stroke on the Marinovka Air Base in Russias Volgograd region. The base is located some 300 miles from the front lines. The open-source images from Maxar Technologies show four aircraft sheds were destroyed and two damaged. In addition, an enclosed and an open-air storage area were also destroyed. This confirms our initial reporting about the attack that suggested several hangars were very likely damaged, possibly severely, in the attack, which was claimed by Ukraines State Security Service (SBU). Imagery taken Aug. 19 showed what appeared to have been more than a dozen Su-24M Fencer swing-wing attack jets and more than a dozen Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft at the base. It is unknown how many of those jets were there at the time of the attack. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine 09 September 2024.#StandWithUkraine Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) September 9, 2024 In the beginning of the all-out war, Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones proved so effective as a strike weapon that there was even a song written about them. Ukraine reportedly received dozens from Turkey and received small numbers from other sources. Inokentiy Razumov, a consultant with Ukraines Come Back Alive Foundation charity, recalled how a single TB-2 stopped the long Russian columns heading toward Kyiv in the early days of the war. It delayed the enemy, he said. When Russian forces advanced in large columns, it felt like something from World War II. Just like a single sniper could halt a battalion, the Bayraktar TB2 UAVs had a similar psychological effect in Ukraine. It targeted formations, causing chaos and fear among the rest. pic.twitter.com/AjbDbYKkMS Clash Report (@clashreport) September 10, 2024 However, their use has since been significantly curtailed overall due to the fortification of Russias anti-air umbrella over and beyond the front lines. They are still being used though, mainly as surveillance platforms and to correct artillery fires, according to Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, commander of the Defense Intelligence Directorate. Ukraine continues to actively use Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in the ongoing war against Russia, GUR Chief Budanov says. The Bayraktar TB2 UAVs were highly effective in the initial stages of the war, slowing down the Russian advance by attacking key targets in vehicle pic.twitter.com/GgW79dhj1K Clash Report (@clashreport) September 9, 2024 GUR recently posted a compilation video of attacks it claims it carried out in occupied Sevastopol as well as on targets in Russia including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Smolensk and other locations. The War Zone cannot independently verify those claims. 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 Confirming what was widely believed as a result of previous strikes, Budanov said his country has drones that can reach 1,800 km (about 1,100 miles), Unmanned systems currently being developed by top specialists, including representatives of the Chief Intelligence Directorate, already allow to impress military objects of the aggressor state at a distance of up to 1,800 km, Budanov said on Facebook Saturday. Military airfields, which are a source of constant threat to peaceful Ukrainian cities, are trembling from air strikes. The entire infrastructure of Russia that works for the war will suffer and will suffer losses. After all, instead of defending its own, Russia chose the wrong path of an unprovoked war and an attack on the land of a sovereign state. Ukraine has carried out a series of long-distance drone attacks on Russian airbases and fuel infrastructure facilities including a suspected attack in August near the Olenya Air Base in Murmansk. Thats the home of Russian strategic bombers in the Arctic Circle about 1,200 miles from Ukraine. While thats about 100 miles beyond Budanovs stated range, it could mean that GUR has been using longer-distance drones or used either sabotage teams or local partisan groups. Ukrainian drones also attacked an oil depot in Russias Kirov Oblast more than 700 miles from the border. Budanov said that unmanned systems already allow striking Russian military facilities at a distance of up to 1,800 km! "Military airfields shudder from air attacks. The entire infrastructure of Russia, working for the war, has suffered and will suffer losses", he added. pic.twitter.com/pAYhr9JDVP MAKS 24 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) September 7, 2024 Speaking of Murmansk, Russian troops at the Severomorsk-1 Northern Fleet base held a training exercise simulating an enemy attack there. The main episode of the exercises was the mass withdrawal from the attack of the conventional enemy aircraft, the official Russian TVZvedzda news outlet reported. More than 20 aircraft were involved in special exercises on the types of support of the Navy, including Su-30SM, Su-33, Su-24M, MiG-29K, Ka-27 helicopters of various modifications, other aircraft equipment, 58 units of military and special equipment, more than 750 personnel. The exercise included small arms fire, drones, and the movement of the aircraft. Back in Ukraine, Russian troops tried to shoot down a first-person view (FPV) drone but they were not able to prevent it from seriously striking one of them, causing serious injuries. Warning, this video contains graphic images. Russian servicemen' first-person view of getting hit by an FPV drone. pic.twitter.com/VitnDaJlhi WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 9, 2024 One Russian soldier recounted the devastating effects Ukrainian drones have had, pointing out several instances where they struck while his comrades were trying to set up or resupply positions. Interesting story from a Russian mobilised man titled "mistakes at war" about the new battalion commander's decision to relocate mortars closer to infantry which led to devastating losses from Ukrainian drones, resulting in more casualties in three weeks than in the previous 2.5 pic.twitter.com/feQtwQVyab WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 8, 2024 There is reportedly a very dark competition among Ukrainian drone operators. Taking a play from video games, they compete to steal kills from fellow operators. Kill steal: Ukrainian FPV drone pilots compete with each other to kill a Russian soldier. pic.twitter.com/RqKMfzDUbv Clash Report (@clashreport) September 9, 2024 Weve told you about Ukraine attacking Russian helicopters with drones. New video has emerged showing Ukrainian drone operators training for such attacks with a simulator. Ukrainian FPV flight sim for going after Russian helicopters pic.twitter.com/ivojZFfcKC tom (@tom_bullock_) September 8, 2024 The Bradley Fighting Vehicle continues to be a devastating weapon for Ukraine. This video shows one blasting Russian positions with its Bushmaster M242 25 mm automatic cannon. M2 Bradley is destroying russian positions. : @United24mediapic.twitter.com/jY0sSnVtRT Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 8, 2024 If you ever wanted a cockpit view of a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum downing Russian Shahed-136 drones, check out this video of one nighttime mission. It shows at least two kills, one reportedly by an R-73 short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) and the other by an unknown AAM. Incredibly rare cockpit footage from a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum engaging and downing multiple Russian Shahed-136 attack drones during a nighttime air raid. At least two air to air missile kills can be seen, one with an R-73 AAM and another with an unknown AAM. pic.twitter.com/KEj9oGoNGJ OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 7, 2024 Video emerged on social media claiming to show a HIMARS attack on a Russian S-400 air defense system. There is no date or location mentioned and it is hard to discern from the video exactly what was hit. Ukraine using HIMARS to destroy S-400 Russian air defense system. pic.twitter.com/jfoHr9rGiW Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) September 10, 2024 In October 2022, we told you that Portugal agreed to provide Ukraine with six Ka-32A11BC helicopters. The Iberian nation recently made good on that pledge. Portugals Defense Ministry stated that the last of those helicopters left for Ukraine on Sept. 6. In a rather surprising twist and out of the blue Portugal is indeed delivering its Ka-32 helicopters to Ukraine Yesterday, the last of the 6 birds started its journey towards Kiev The helicopters were pledged in October 2022 Turns out I was very very wrong on this one pic.twitter.com/OxO3XwFhcB Drecas (@Drecas_2000) September 7, 2024 A prominent Russian milblogger went off at Russias leadership over the state of the war against Ukraine. Traitors are sitting in the Kremlin, thats the point, damn it, Yegor Guzenko, known as 13th, railed. Planes are falling. Explosions are happening. They get rid of all the inconvenient people and throw them in prison, damn it. These are all fucking traitors. One of Guzenkos idols was the outspoken Yevgeny Prigozhin, who famously began, then called off a march on Moscow in a putative putsch attempt in July 2023 before dying in a plane crash a month later. In his rant, he said he was not afraid to speak out against Russian leadership. So what, are you going to arrest us all? he asked rhetorically. Kill us all, damn it? There are many of us, damn it. We are a whole country. The notorious Russian blogger Yegor Guzenko, known as "13th," appears to have completely unraveled over the ongoing "Special Military Operation". While he's never been one to mince words, yesterday his rhetoric reached a new level. In response to grim updates from the SMO front, pic.twitter.com/jxZNEDfktB WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 9, 2024 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that his country didnt invade Ukraine to seek additional territory but to seek humane treatment for people who are part of the Russkiy Mir, the so-called Russian world. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that the ongoing "issue" is not about territories and that Russia "never wanted someone else's land." He stated that Russia seeks "humane treatment" for people who are part of the so-called "Russian world." pic.twitter.com/6jm2y5Yf6x NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) September 9, 2024 Polish security services stopped a sabotage operation orchestrated by Russia and Belarus that aimed to destabilize Poland, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said on Monday. Saboteurs, operating from Belarus in cooperation with Russia, penetrated local and central government institutions, including state-owned companies implementing military contracts, he said, according to Reuters. The Belarusian and Russian foreign services had a specific goal to extort information, to blackmail individuals and institutions and to wage a de facto cyberwar, said Gawkowski, who is also minister for digital affairs. Polish security services have neutralized a sabotage operation organized by Russia and Belarus to destabilize Poland, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said He said saboteurs operating from Belarus in cooperation with Russia had infiltrated local and central government pic.twitter.com/xnPyHJHFEO NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 9, 2024 In Odessa, a sea mine that washed up on shore may be a rare PDM-3 variant that broke loose from its anchor. An anti-landing sea mine that apparently washed up on shore near Odesa may be a rare PDM-3 that broke loose from its anchor. It has three non-contact sensors for magnetic, acoustic and hydrodynamic pressure. pic.twitter.com/P3MCiiHqWf Roy (@GrandpaRoy2) September 9, 2024 While Ukraine has received millions of rounds of artillery ammunition from the U.S. and NATO allies, it is also using some from Iran, Pakistan and India as is evidenced in this photo below. You can read more about the Pakistan connection in our feature here. Iranian, Pakistani and Indian 125mm shells in the hands of Ukrainian Army. pic.twitter.com/svkGom6wOX Clash Report (@clashreport) September 9, 2024 And finally, The sinister smile is back. The toothy grin like the one once painted on a U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS was recently spotted on an M1083 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles truck (FMTV) towing an M777 howitzer. Ukrainian M1083 FMTV and its M777 howitzer, sporting a custom paintjob. pic.twitter.com/Q1idvAtT9D OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 9, 2024 Thats it for now. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Key developments on Sept. 10: Russia claims capture of Donetsk Oblast village near Vuhledar, Kyiv doesn't confirm Moscow claims Ukraine launched 'massive' 144-drone attack on Russia, casualties reported Blinken, Lammy to visit Ukraine as US confirms Iranian missile shipments to Russia Ukraine identifies Russian general suspected of ordering strike on Kyiv children's hospital China supplies Russia's war machine, receives military tech in exchange, US says Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on Sept. 10 that its forces had captured the village of Vodiane northeast of the fortified Donetsk Oblast town of Vuhledar. The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify the claim. A Ukrainian military spokesperson refused to comment. Moscow's troops have recently ramped up their offensive near Vuhledar in southern Donetsk Oblast. The loss of Vodiane, lying just some 5 kilometers from the town, would increase the risk of Vuhledar's encirclement. Russia's supposed capture of Vodiane was reported back on Sept. 9 by the Ukrainian crowd-sourced monitoring group DeepState. While there are signs of stabilization near Pokrovsk, the focal point of the Russian offensive in Donetsk Oblast, the situation grows increasingly difficult near Vuhledar. The front-line town lies around 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of occupied Donetsk and around 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the administrative border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The small mining town has lied close to the front line since 2014 and has been well-fortified in case of further Russian aggression. Vuhledar has withstood numerous attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022 and has become a key to Ukrainian defenses in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast. "The loss of Vuhledar would be not only a morale blow for Ukraine since this city has resisted plenty of assaults since 2022, but also a very serious development that can potentially threaten the security of the entire southwestern portion of Donetsk Oblast not yet occupied, along with the threat to Pokrovsk's southern flank," Federico Borsari, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Russia ramps up pressure near Kupiansk, Ukraine repels cross-border attack in Kharkiv Oblast Moscow claims Ukraine launched 'massive' 144-drone attack on Russia, casualties reported Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on several Russian regions overnight on Sept. 10, including Bryansk, Moscow, Tula, Kaluga, Belgorod, Kursk, Oryol, Voronezh, as well as the Krasnodar Krai region. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that 144 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight, potentially ranking it among the largest strikes throughout the war. The highest number of drones 72 was reportedly downed over Bryansk Oblast, followed by Moscow Oblast (20) and Kursk Oblast (14). Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov said a 46-year-old woman was killed, and three other civilians were injured in the drone attack in the town of Ramenskoye. The town is located 46 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The Kyiv Independent cannot verify the claim, and Ukraine has not yet commented on the alleged attack. Videos of purported explosions heard over Bryansk Oblast were posted on social media by local residents around 12:30 a.m. local time. Later in the night, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also claimed that over a dozen drones had been shot down over Moscow Oblast en route to the capital. Sobyanin reported that emergency services are responding to a fire on the 11th and 12th floors of a residential building in Ramenskoye. Downed debris was also found near Zhukovsky International Airport, some 36 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of central Moscow. Over 30 international and domestic flights, initially scheduled for departure between 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. local time, were delayed at Vnukovo Airport because of the attack. Moscow Oblast's Domodedovo airport was shut down in the early hours of Sept. 10. In Tula Oblast, two drones were reportedly downed, with debris falling on an energy facility. There were no injuries or supply disruptions, according to Russian state media reports. Read also: With Ukrainian troops deep inside Russia, Belarus dictator Lukashenko sees direct threat to his regime Blinken, Lammy to visit Ukraine as US confirms Iranian missile shipments to Russia U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy are to visit Ukraine on a joint visit this week, the two announced on Sept. 10. "I can confirm that Tony and I will be traveling to Kyiv this week, the first joint visit of this kind for well over a decade," Lammy said during a joint press conference with Blinken in London. The visit to Kyiv is expected to take place on Sept. 11. Blinken confirmed during his visit to London that Russia has received shipments of Iranian ballistic missiles. "We've warned Tehran publicly, we've warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation," he said. The delivery of the missiles "gives the Russians an additional capability and additional flexibility," further fuelling the war, Blinken said. The Iranian ballistic missiles have a shorter range of around 75 miles, which means "Russia will be able to dedicate its own ballistic missiles to longer-range targets." U.K., France, and Germany announced further sanctions on Iran in response to the news, describing the shipments as "a direct threat to European security." During the joint press conference, Blinken was asked about the restrictions Washington and London have given Kyiv regarding long-range strikes on military targets inside Russia with weapons supplied by the U.S. and U.K. One of the purposes of the trip to Kyiv is "to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs at this moment," Blinken replied. "We'll both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden, and I fully anticipate this is something they'll take up when they meet on Friday," Blinken said. Blinken emphasized that the U.S. and U.K. are "going to look and listen" to what Kyiv needs, and consider "what the objectives are that our Ukrainian partners have in the weeks and months ahead, and how we can best support them." "We will take that back, we will both inform our bosses, the prime minister and the president, and again, I fully expect that will be a part of their conversation on Friday." Read also: UK, France, Germany to further sanction Iran after ballistic missile deliveries to Russia confirmed Ukraine identifies Russian general suspected of ordering strike on Kyiv children's hospital Ukrainian authorities on Sept. 10 announced war crime charges in absentia against Russian Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash over a deadly strike against the Ohkmadyt children's hospital in Kyiv two months ago. Russian forces hit Ukraine's largest children's medical center on July 8, killing two adults and injuring at least 34 people, including nine children. Footage showed that the building suffered a direct hit by a Russian missile rather than being damaged by fallen debris. Kobylash, who at the time served as Russia's long-range aviation commander, ordered the missile strike that hit the hospital, according to an investigation published by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office. The general already faces other charges connected to the full-scale war in Ukraine, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest for attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "The investigation established that it was him (Kobylash), who, on July 8, 2024... gave the order to a unit under his command to carry out a strike from the Tu-95MS bomber plane with a cruise missile Kh-101 against the Okhmadyt hospital's premises," Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said on Sept. 10 while speaking at the site of the attack. Kobylash gave the order at around 9:15 a.m., while the hospital was struck at 10:45 a.m., the SBU clarified. "As part of the investigation, the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office... talked to 112 victims and 50 eyewitnesses, conducted explosive, forensic, and other examinations, and analyzed video surveillance footage," SBU Deputy Head Serhii Naumiuk said. The missile, fired from a plane of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, kept maneuvering and changing its flight path, indicating an intention to bypass Ukrainian air defenses and hit the medical facility, the SBU said. The SBU charged Kobylash last January over "massive rocket attacks on residential buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure facilities in various regions of Ukraine." In March 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Kobylash and Russian Admiral Viktor Sokolov for ordering strikes against the Ukrainian electricity infrastructure during the winter of 2022-2023, which led to extensive blackouts across the country. Read also: 85% of Ukraines energy infrastructure protected against Russian strikes, PM says China supplies Russia's war machine, receives military tech in exchange, US says China is supplying Russia with materials that directly boost Russia's war machine, and in return is receiving military technology support from Russia, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told journalists on Sept. 10. China has positioned itself as neutral in the ongoing war but has deepened economic ties with Russia and become Moscow's leading source of dual-use goods, feeding the Russian defense industry. China is making a "very substantial effort" to help "sustain, build, and diversify various elements of the Russian war machine," Campbell said, as quoted by Politico. According to the U.S., Beijing and Moscow are making significant efforts to "both hide and protect certain elements of this worrisome collaboration." The latest materials China has supplied Russia "are not dual-use capabilities," Campbell said. "These are basically being applied directly to the Russian war machine." The U.S. is also concerned by a "number of military arenas" where Russia appears to be providing China with greater support, such as submarine operations, aeronautical design, and missile capabilities, Campbell said. A growing collaboration between China and Russia in terms of strengthening military technologies could pose a danger to India, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the U.S., Campbell said. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also singled out China during a press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy on Sept. 10, following the news that Russia had received shipments of Iranian ballistic missiles. "Anyone who is providing assistance to Russia, whether it is direct assistance like Iran or North Korea, whether it is assistance to their defense industrial base, like China, is perpetuating the war," Blinken said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in July that alliance members agree that China is a "decisive enabler" of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Beijing described the statement as "provocative" and claimed to have never provided lethal weapons. Read also: Russian Navy starts Ocean-2024 exercises Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CONCORD In what the college is calling a powerful gesture of support and hope, Ronnie Long has contributed $250,000 to Barber-Scotia College to assist in the schools revitalization efforts. This commitment marks a significant step in the ongoing campaign to restore and enhance the colleges presence as a center of educational excellence and opportunity. Barber-Scotia College was a beacon of opportunity for Concords Black community in 1976 when I was wrongfully convicted, said Long. It was a place where people could improve themselves and build a future. I look forward to it again being a place that Concord residents aspire to be a part of under President Reys leadership. I am grateful to have the resources now to play even a small part in helping Barber-Scotia College rise again. Longs donation will contribute directly to the colleges ongoing efforts to rebuild its infrastructure, restore its programs, and ultimately regain its accreditation. His pledge also serves as an encouragement to others who recognize the importance of Barber-Scotia College in the community and the broader landscape of American higher education. President Chris Rey of Barber-Scotia College expressed profound gratitude for Longs generous contribution and the impact it will have on the colleges future. We are immensely proud of the continued support from individuals like Ronnie Long, who embody the spirit of resilience and determination that has always been a hallmark of this institution. Ronnies pledge is more than just financial support its a powerful statement of hope and commitment to the mission of Barber-Scotia College. Under Reys leadership, the college has built onto a comprehensive strategic plan to address financial challenges, improve academic offerings, and strengthen ties with the local community. Longs donation is expected to serve as a catalyst, inspiring others to invest in the colleges mission of providing quality education and empowerment to its students. Barber-Scotia College invites its alumni, community partners, and supporters to join this renewed effort to restore its legacy. The college remains dedicated to its core values of educational excellence, leadership, and service. It looks forward to a future where it can once again serve as a cornerstone of opportunity and advancement. For more information about Barber-Scotia College or to make a contribution, please visit the Barber-Scotia website or contact the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Christopher Hinton at chinton@b-sc.edu Mobile fire group. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Air defence systems have been responding to Russian drones near the city of Kyiv on the night of 9-10 September. Source: Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration; Ukraines Air Force Quote: "Air defence is responding on the approaches to Kyiv. Stay in shelters until the all-clear is given!" Details: According to the military, a Shahed drone was spotted on the outskirts of Bucha. Updated: Popko reported at around 06:00 that air defence is still responding to Russian attack drones on the outskirts of Kyiv, "It may be quite loud. Stay calm and remain in shelters until the all-clear is given." Background: Up to 10 groups of Shahed drones were flying over Ukraine, with most concentrated in Poltava and Cherkasy oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! Mobile fire group. Stock photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Russian forces attacked Ukraine with two missiles and 46 Shahed drones on the night of 9-10 September. Ukraines Air Force has successfully downed 38 drones. Three drones had disappeared from radar, two headed towards occupied parts of Luhansk Oblast and one headed back towards Russia. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Quote:"Russian occupiers launched an attack with an Iskander-M ballistic missile from occupied Crimea, a Kh-31P anti-radar missile from the airspace over the Black Sea and 46 Shahed drones (launched from Kursk and Yeisk in Russia). As a result of combat efforts, 38 Shahed drones were downed. In addition, three drones left Ukraine-controlled airspace: one headed towards Russia and two towards occupied Luhansk Oblast. Another three enemy drones disappeared from radar on Ukrainian territory (presumably falling due to electronic warfare systems interference)." Details: Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units of Ukraines defence forces were involved in repelling the attack. Air defence was responding in 13 oblasts, namely Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Cherkasy, Sumy, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Poltava. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's Security Service and Prosecutor General's Office found out which Russian commander ordered strike on Okhmatdyt children's hospital photos Representatives of the SSU and the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office with ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan at the site of the Russian strike. Photo: Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) jointly with the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine has uncovered one of the Russian officers involved in the organisation and carrying out of the attack on the Okhmatdyt childrens hospital on 8 July 2024. Sergei Kobylash, Lieutenant General of the Armed Forces of Russia, was served with a notice of suspicion. Source: press services of the SSU and the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine Details: The investigation reports that on 8 July 2024 at 9:15 a Russian Tu-95MS bomber-missile carrier launched a Kh-101 missile on a childrens hospital in the city of Kyiv on the order of Kobylash. The attack on Okhmatdyt was carried out by the 22nd Heavy Bombardment Aviation Guards Division of Long-Range Aviation of the Airspace Forces of Russia. It was established that the Russian aircraft took off from an airbase near the Russian city of Olenegorsk and launched the missile above Saratov Oblast in Russia at a distance of almost 600 km away from the border of Ukraine. The Kh-101 missile launched from Russian territory entered the airspace of Ukraine near Chernihiv Oblast and started manoeuvring, constantly changing the trajectory of the flight through the territory of four oblasts of Ukraine. It proves that the missile was programmed to circumvent the Ukrainian air defence and strike the medical institution, the SSU states. At about 10:45 the Russian Kh-101 struck the department of intensive care and efferent therapy of acute and chronic intoxications of the Okhmatdyt hospital. The missiles of this type are used to strike ground targets with the location known in advance, the Prosecutor Generals Office states. The Russian strike killed two civilians: a young doctor and the grandfather of a young patient. At least 34 people were hurt, including 9 children. More than 600 children were at the hospital during the attack. The hospital's premises were damaged. Valuable medical equipment needed for the treatment of children was destroyed. Law enforcement investigators discovered the wreckage of a Russian missile at the scene, which had a marking indicating that it was manufactured in the second quarter of 2024 by the Russian Raduga Design Bureau. Photo: The Security Service of Ukraine Based on the information gathered, investigators from Ukraine's Security Service served a notice of suspicion on Kobylash for breaking the laws and customs of war, as well as intentional murder carried out by a group of people. "Kobylash is currently a suspect in committing other war crimes in Ukraine. In particular, under his leadership, civilian energy infrastructure was struck in 2022-2023. In March 2024, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Kobylash precisely for these war crimes," said SSU representative Naumiuk. Photo: The Security Service of Ukraine For reference: Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, a 59-year-old native of Odesa, was the commander of long-range aviation of the Air Force of the Aerospace Forces of Russia at the time of the strike on the Ukrainian hospital. On 24 July 2024, he was promoted and appointed commander of the Air Force of the Russian Federation. Since the accused is on Russian soil, efforts are being taken to bring him to justice for crimes against Ukraine, according to the SSU. Background: The Russians launched a strike on the Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialised Hospital in Kyiv on 8 July. One of the buildings was destroyed. The Kyiv authorities reported that 2 adults had been killed and over 30 injured. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has defined Russia's attack on the Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialised Hospital in Kyiv as a war crime and initiated criminal proceedings into the matter. SSU investigators reported that an engine part of a Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile at the medical facility. Ukraine's Air Force also categorically denied that the Okhmatdyt could have been targeted by a Ukrainian air defence missile. Support UP or become our patron! Russia said it downed 144 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 20 over the Moscow region (TATYANA MAKEYEVA) (TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/AFP) A wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia overnight killed a woman near Moscow, Russian officials said on Tuesday, the first time someone has been killed in a Ukrainian attack near the capital since Russia's military offensive began in 2022. The attacks came as the Russian army claimed to have made sweeping territorial gains in Ukraine, capturing a town and three villages in three separate areas of the eastern front. Russia's defence ministry said it had downed 144 Ukrainian drones from a barrage that also disrupted air traffic at Moscow's airports. A 46-year-old woman was killed and three other people hospitalised in a drone strike on the town of Ramenskoye, about 23 kilometres (14 miles) from Moscow, local governor Andrey Vorobyov said. In Ramenskoye, AFP reporters saw extensive damage to the 10th, 11th and 12th floors of a 17-storey apartment block in which the woman was reported to have been killed. A resident who lived on the 13th floor with his family told AFP the strike sent plumes of smoke into his apartment. "It became hard to breathe. It was scary, of course. We opened the windows so we could at least breathe because the smoke was coming from somewhere," said Dmitry, a 52-year-old sales manager. Lyubov Sbrodova, a resident of a neighbouring apartment block, told AFP hostilities were getting closer to the Russian capital. Ukraine launched a cross-border attack into Russia's Kursk region last month. "It started in Kursk and has already reached us," the 33-year-old said. "Our authorities are not doing absolutely everything to keep our people safe," she added. - Moscow advances - Around a dozen residents of the building could be seen nearby, waiting to be allowed back in after firefighters put out a fire sparked by the drone strike. Russia's Investigative Committee said it had launched a criminal probe into what it called a "terrorist act". The Kremlin condemned the strike, which it said showed the need for Russia to continue its offensive in Ukraine. "We must continue the military operation in order to protect ourselves from such displays of this regime," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a daily call. The latest wave of drones came as Moscow claimed sweeping gains in eastern Ukraine, more than 30 months into its military offensive, and as Kyiv's forces pressed their incursion into the Kursk region. The Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday it had captured the town of Krasnogorivka, as well as three villages in different parts of Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk. Krasnogorivka, which had a population before the conflict of 16,000, is located in an area where the front line had remained relatively unchanged for weeks. Kyiv launched its Kursk offensive on August 6, aiming to force Russia to redeploy troops pressing forward in the east of Ukraine. But Moscow has appeared to intensify its attacks there. - 'When will it end?' - Russia has also kept up aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities further from the front line in recent weeks, including on key energy infrastructure. Three Russian drones were shot down above Ukraine's Sumy region overnight, the regional military administration said early on Tuesday. Air defences were also activated around the capital, Kyiv. Ukraine has targeted Moscow and the surrounding region several times with drones since the start of Russia's Ukraine offensive in February 2022. But Tuesday's attack was the first time someone had died. A resident of a building near the strike in Ramenskoye told AFP she was sleeping when the drone hit. "We were asleep, of course. Suddenly my husband and I heard a rumble. We ran out onto the balcony. (We saw) smoke, and people running with their children," Natalia Inshutina, 48, told AFP. "Why are we having to live in fear now? When will it end?" she asked. As a result of the attack, four airports servicing Moscow -- including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo -- cancelled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning, according to state media. Russia's defence ministry said it had downed 144 Ukrainian drones in nine regions, including 20 over the Moscow region. bur/gil In the wake of a Ukrainian incursion in Russias Kursk Oblast, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko began to move his countrys Armed Forces closer to Ukraines borders. And Ukrainian officials began to pay attention to those movements. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry warned that Belarus is "concentrating a significant number of personnel" and weapons along Ukraine's northern border, citing information gathered by the country's intelligence sources. Most experts, citing open-source intelligence, have labeled Lukashenkos recent statements as "information noise aimed at demonstrating his loyalty to Moscow. But the increasing activity near the border highlights Lukashenkos increasingly precarious position amid Russia's war against Ukraine, as he seeks to assert his relevance while avoiding deeper involvement in the conflict. Lukashenkos posture with respect to Ukraine shifted briefly in July. After a series of escalations, he ordered the withdrawal of Belarusian military reinforcements from the border, sparking outrage from pro-war Russian bloggers. However, this de-escalation was soon overshadowed by multiple incursions of Russian drones into Belarusian airspace, which went unaddressed by Belarusian authorities. 120th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces (Battalion 120) of Ukraine conducted training exercises near the Belarus border in Chornobyl, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, on March 16, 2024. (Gian Marco Benedetto/Anadolu via Getty Images) Ukraines incursion into Russian territory opens up avenues for Belarus to become more deeply involved in Russias war efforts through mechanisms of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Union State between Russia and Belarus. Belarus is expected to continue supporting Russia through its military-industrial complex, supplying essential components for the Russian war effort. Nevertheless, experts say that it is still unlikely that Belarusian troops will become involved in the conflict at any point. To maintain his grip on power in the upcoming 2025 presidential elections and restore his legitimacy, analysts say Lukashenko is balancing support for Russia with the efforts to reopen some lost diplomatic avenues with the West. Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us Lukashenkos gamble The Belarusian authorities remained silent about Ukraine's incursion into Russias Kursk Oblast for some time. However, Lukashenko made the claim that Belarus had downed over a dozen Ukrainian drones in Belarusian airspace that had been on their way to strike targets in Russia. The claim was promptly refuted as nonsense by Belarusian Hajun, an open-source intelligence project. Yet it sparked a series of actions from the Belarusian authorities. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry summoned diplomats from the European Union and Ukraine and addressed both the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe regarding the alleged incursion. On the same day, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced that Lukashenko ordered an increase in the military presence in Belarus southern Homel and Mazyr regions to respond to possible provocations. A week later, on Aug. 19, Maj. Gen. Andrey Lukyanovich, the commander of Belarus Air Forces, reported the movement of equipment and troops to the border. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhiy dismissed the allegations. Ukrainian border guards walk past concrete barrier during patrolling of the border with Belarus in Volyn Oblast, Ukraine on Feb. 13, 2024. (Yevhenii Vasyliev/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) RFE/RL Belarusian service political analyst Valer Karbalevich described Lukashenkos claims as information noise. It was an artificially created demonstration of allegiance to Moscow, as if to say, we (the Belarusian army) are holding the front here, Karbalevich explained. Still, any emergency akin to the Kursk incursion suggests increased risks for Belarus, suggests political analyst Alexander Friedman. There is always a possibility that Belarusian resources could be used by the Russians to patch up any gaps in their strategy, Friedman said. Its not necessarily about deploying the Belarusian army into Kursk; it could involve provocations against Ukraine on the Belarusian border. Given the potential for such situations, Lukashenko may feel compelled to imitate significant activity, despite the absence of any real threat. Read also: At Chornobyls edge, Ukrainian soldiers brace for a potential threat from Belarus (Photos) Playing it safe The current escalation in Lukashenkos rhetoric follows a brief thaw. On July 13, after making a series of accusations against Ukraine for deploying its forces near the shared border, Lukashenko stated he had withdrawn troops from the border with Ukraine due to the stabilization of the situation. This decision sparked outrage among Russian pro-war bloggers, who accused Lukashenko of betrayal, alleging that Ukrainian resources freed from patrolling the border had been transferred to Kursk. Coinciding with the easing of Lukashenkos stance on Ukraine, at least nine Russian Shahed drones entered Belarusian airspace between July 11 and July 31 while en route to Ukrainian targets. Battalion 120 Territorial Defence takes part in training exercises near the Belarus border as the war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for the last two years in Chornobyl, Ukraine, on March 16, 2024. (Gian Marco Benedetto/Anadolu via Getty Images) While some of the drones swiftly exited back to Ukraine, others flew over 250 kilometers into Belarus. Belarusian aviation monitored the movements of the Shaheds, but no interceptions were reported, and Lukashenko's officials have not acknowledged any of the incidents. Lukashenko has learned his place, Friedman said. He argues that the incursions were not coincidental but served as a reminder to Lukashenko that Russia could use Belarus territory, despite the risk of retaliatory strikes from Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly shown that it considers Belarusian resources to be its own and is ready to exploit them, Friedman said. But the risks of destabilizing the situation in Belarus, basically Russias only real ally, are significant. That is why they have refrained from utilizing these resources so far. Analysts believe that Julys de-escalation, which quickly developed into renewed tensions at the border to put a strain on the already overstretched Ukrainian troops. However, despite the new rounds of escalations, Lukashenko seems wary of doing more than absolutely required of him. Its important for him to emphasize that even though he aligns with Russia, hes trying not to participate in this (war), Friedman told the Kyiv Independent. At the same time, in a bid to improve relations with the West, Lukashenko pardoned several of the regimes 1,400 political prisoners and participated in a historic East-West prisoner swap, in which he released a German citizen who had been sentenced to death in Belarus. Its important for him to emphasize that even though he aligns with Russia, hes trying not to participate in this (war) The Belarusian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly called for a constructive dialogue with Belarus European neighbors. In the recent interview with Rossiya TV Channel, aired as Ukraines incursion in Kursk was well underway, Lukashenko again called for talks to end this scuffle. Lukashenkos posturing as a peacekeeper in the region previously proved effective in breaking international isolation. The regime might bank on it again. Minsk served as a neutral ground for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow between 2014 and 2020, with Western countries beginning to gradually lift the sanctions they had imposed against Lukashenko for his regular brutal crackdowns on political opposition. Following the crackdown on public upheaval since 2020, the sanctions were largely returned. As the 2025 presidential elections loom, Lukashenko is eager to bolster his image as a peacekeeper domestically while striving to restore connections with the West to balance the countrys increasing dependence on Russia. Lukashenko presents himself as a guarantor of peace, RFE/RL political analyst Karbalevich said. In all his speeches, the message boils down to the fact that the treacherous West is trying to drag Belarus into war. Read also: Morning in Sudzha: Inside Ukrainian-occupied Russia as Kursk operation continues Russias top military subsidiary The Russia-led CSTO, established as an alternative to NATO by six post-Soviet states, said on Aug. 16 that it would not send troops to Kursk Oblast, as Russia had not officially requested assistance from its members. The CSTOs members have pledged to provide military assistance to any member state that is attacked. However, the assistance depends on Russian desires. In January 2022, Russia sent a peacekeeping contingent to Kazakhstan at the request of its authorities to help suppress mass protests over a spike in gas prices. However, the organization did not come to the aid of its member Armenia in its conflict with non-member Azerbaijan. Despite continuing to characterize its war against Ukraine as a special military operation, avoiding a declaration of war and martial law, Russia had over 1,200 square kilometers of its own territory occupied by a foreign power. Experts are skeptical that Russia would seek help from the CSTO. The CSTO, as it stands today, is a defunct structure, Friedman said. Armenia does not participate in it anymore. And the other countries, apart from Belarus, remain decidedly neutral. Thats why Russia, I think, realizes that such a request will simply lead to the collapse of the CSTO and would significantly worsen relations with these other countries. However, in addition to the CSTO, Belarus has obligations under its membership of the Union State, the Russia-Belarus supra-national entity that, in its boldest iteration, envisioned a potential merger of the two states. The military doctrine of the Union States, which Lukashenko signed in 2021, suggests that the two states consider an attack on one of them as an attack on both. The so-called Union State Military Doctrine suggests that in the case of a military conflict, which formally does not exist yet, as Russia is conducting a special military operation, not a war, the entire Belarusian army becomes subordinate to the Russian General Staff, Kobets noted. In this situation, the Belarusian army effectively ceases to exist. It becomes a (military) grouping subordinate to Moscow. Pavel Latushka, a Belarusian opposition politician and a member of the shadow cabinet of exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, suggested on his YouTube Channel that Lukashenko is wary of sending Belarusian troops to Russia. To avoid that scenario, he sent Belarusian troops to the border with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) attends a meeting with Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko (L) in Saint Petersburg on Jan. 28, 2024. (Pavel Bednyakov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Im confident thats what he has told Putin, Latushka said. (Hell have said) Belarusian society is strongly against the Belarusian army joining the war. I wont be able to persuade them. Analysts emphasize that any future involvement of Belarus in the war is likely to manifest differently than troop deployments to Kursk. Instead, they foresee the potential for provocations against Ukraine from Belarusian territory. It is much more important for Moscow not to get the unprepared and unmotivated Belarusian army involved, (...) but to use Belarus military-industrial complex, which was an assembly shop of the Soviet Union, Kobets told the Kyiv Independent. Kobets noted that the Belarusian military-industrial complex is working on two to three shifts to supply Russia with components, including optics for tanks and electronics for ballistic missiles, metal parts, uniforms, and even body bags. This support is more valuable to Russia than the participation of an untrained army, he said. But should the conflict escalate to involve Russias Belgorod Oblast, or if there was a serious danger that Ukraine might gain control over the Kursk nuclear power plant, Friedman suggests, such circumstances might force Putin to set aside political calculations and request the deployment of Belarusian troops. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that such a scenario is purely hypothetical for now. Read also: Lithuanian FM: West chose to be caught off guard by Russias invasion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UK and US united over tackling Iran's influence, Lammy and Blinken say (Reuters) -British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will jointly visit Kyiv this week, said on Tuesday they are united on the need to tackle Iran's influence in the Middle East and Ukraine. "(We are) completely aligned on the need to tackle Iran's malign activity in the region and beyond," Lammy told reporters beside Blinken, who is visiting Britain. "We're seeing a disturbing pattern of greater Iranian support for the Kremlin's illegal group, and we discussed today our shared commitment to holding Tehran to account for their undermining of global stability." Blinken said Iran's decision to supply Russia with ballistic missiles threatened European security and he announced further sanctions on Tehran. Lammy said he and Blinken would travel to Kyiv this week, the first joint visit of this kind for more than a decade. (Writing by Andy Bruce, editing by Timothy Heritage and William Maclean) AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) The work continues to build the new School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) Hub on the UMass campus in Amherst. New electricity program offered in Amherst starting November The University of Massachusetts Amherst officials dug their ceremonial shovels into the dirt on Tuesday, symbolizing the start of building their new SPHHS Hub. The almost 27,000-square-foot building will be a headquarters for students and faculty in the Public Health program. The building will provide space, technology, and resources to support learning, innovation, and collaboration for students and faculty. And this building is being described as the hub for our students, faculty, and staff, I also know that it will be a hub for connection for all of our departments, for all of our colleges across the campus, and more importantly with you, our community, said Javier Reyes, the Chancellor of University of Massachusetts Amherst. The school will be the only publicly accredited School of Public Health in New England and currently, the Public Health program at UMass is ranked 29th in the latest U.S. News and World Report. The building will have an area for students to gather, but also a seminar room for outside organizations to host events, inviting the community onto campus. When students graduate from the SPHHS, 88 percent stay and work in the state of Massachusetts. The project is on track to be finished around the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. 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. UN likely to vote next week on push to end Israel presence in Palestinian territory Smoke rises from an explosion in Gaza, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, near the Israel-Gaza border as seen from Israel By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly is likely to vote next week on a Palestinian draft resolution demanding Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within six months. The key aim of the draft resolution, written by the Palestinian Authority and seen by Reuters, is to welcome a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice that said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn. But while the advisory opinion by the United Nations' highest court - known as the World Court - said this should be done "as rapidly as possible," the draft General Assembly resolution puts a six-month timeline on it. The Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement on Monday asked for the 193-member U.N. General Assembly to vote on Sept. 18. The language of the eight-page draft resolution could change before it is put to a vote. The vote would come just days before world leaders arrive in New York for their annual gathering at the United Nations. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon called on the General Assembly to "reject this disgraceful resolution outright and instead adopt a resolution condemning Hamas and calling for the immediate release of all hostages." The ICJ advisory opinion was not binding but carries weight under international law and may weaken support for Israel. A General Assembly resolution also is not binding, but carries political weight. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem - areas of historic Palestine which the Palestinians want for a state - in the 1967 Middle East war and has since built settlements in the West Bank and steadily expanded them. The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has leveled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The General Assembly on Oct. 27 called for an immediate humanitarian truce. It then overwhelmingly demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in December. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) This is unacceptable: Top Kansas election official demands answers from USPS after mail errors in Primary Election This is unacceptable: Top Kansas election official demands answers from USPS after mail errors in Primary Election TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas Secretary of State (SOS) Scott Schwab is calling for answers from the U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for alleged mishandling of Primary Election ballots in 2024. Schwab issued the letter on Monday, Sept. 9, asking DeJoy to provide answers for the U.S. Postal Services (USPS) alleged mishandling of legally cast Primary Election ballots along with assurances these issues will be resolved in time for the upcoming General Election in November. The SOS reports the ballots of 1,000 Kansans were either properly postmarked but received by county election offices after the three-day grace period or lacked a required postmark. Some ballots were not counted because they lacked the required postmark by the U.S. Postal Service, a simple and easy step, Schwab said. This is unacceptable. Kansas gov. orders flags to be lowered to half-staff Schwab included a list of requests on the part of DeJoy and the USPS. These include the following: An explanation of the USPS police for ensuring each ballot is postmarked. How the USPS will ensure each ballot is postmarked in the November General Election. How the USPS will ensure each ballot that has been placed into its custody before election day will be delivered on time to county election offices for the votes to be counted. Proper and timely handling of mail ballots is a key aspect to maintaining trust in our election system, Schwab said. Around 336,000 Kansans participated in the recent Primary Election on Aug. 6. Just over 40,000 mail-in ballots were returned out of the 58,300 issued to voters. Schwabs letter was also distributed to Kansas state senators and representatives in Congress. A copy of the full letter to DeJoy can be found below or online by clicking here. 09 09 24 Secretary Schwab Letter to Postmaster Dejoy by Matthew Self on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. 27 News reached out to the USPS for a response to Schwabs letter. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the USPS sent a response which you can read by clicking here. Iconic Topeka buildings demolished over the years For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery conducted an Unaccompanied Veteran Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday for U.S. Army Veteran Pvt. Roger Orrin Dennis. The Texas Veterans Land Board says Pvt. Dennis was born on September 11, 1943, and served from March 1961 to November 1961. Although he had no relatives in attendance, numerous veterans showed up to support their fellow soldier. Pvt. Dennis received military honors. These burials are not uncommon for the cemetery. However, the Killeen Veterans Community comes together as a family whether they know the deceased or not. Its been so nice to watch the community grow, and the people that have the patriotism to come and show up to these, says Jarrah Crotty Gaskins, of the Crotty Funeral Home. Because when we first were doing this, it was just a few of us that would come, and it was just very sad. And now the whole community comes out and supports, and its so nice. Although there is not a lot of information on Denniss family, a proper burial is the final service veterans recieve. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Undecided Pennsylvania voters call on Harris to be clear about her policies at debate: 'Not just hype us up' Undecided voters in Pennsylvania said they wanted to hear more concrete policies from Vice President Kamala Harris at Tuesday's ABC News Presidential Debate, and hear how her positions differed from President Biden's. "I'm really looking specifically what she's going to do for the Black community," Majesty Moreland, an undecided voter from the swing state, told NBC10. "Something specific, something concrete that she's going to do not [just] a blanket statement." Moreland said that there's a lot of enthusiasm for Harris because "everybody's against Donald Trump," but she wants to see what's beyond the "hype." "Not just hype us up that it's different but really give us what you're going to do, your policies," she continued. HARRIS FINALLY ADDS POLICY PAGE TO CAMPAIGN WEBSITE, DEVOTES SEVERAL SECTIONS TO TRUMP Moreland called on Harris to differentiate herself from her role in the Biden administration. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "What do you want to do?" she said. "Be the woman and the Black woman that we think you are." When asked if she felt Harris' policies were clear to voters, she immediately said, "No." The voter confessed she didn't know if she'd show up in November because she hadn't been convinced that Harris would actually help her community. She also criticized Harris' pledge to help the middle-class. "That don't make me feel good because I know in my community, the Black community, a lot of us are poor," Moreland said. "So when I hear that I just tune away." "I'm just lost at this point," she continued, about the looming election. "I feel that anybody better than Trump, but does that mean that she's really going to help out my community? Am I going to see change in my everyday life? I don't know. I feel like at this point that it's just a show." HARRIS SOLIDIFIES SUPPORT WITH BLACK VOTERS, TRUMP NUMBERS HOLD STEADY: POLL Neil Stolar, another Pennsylvania voter who is leaning toward Harris, said that he'd be disappointed if Harris performed poorly at the upcoming debate, but suggested he'd consider voting for her or a third-party candidate as a way to stop former President Trump from being re-elected. "It could turn it into a vote against Trump and not so much for Harris," he explained. Irma Fralic, a former supporter of Nikki Haley in the Republican primary, did not say who she was leaning toward but said she was looking for each candidate to "clearly spell out" their position on foreign policy at the debate. Pam Barnes, a Pennsylvania voter who is leaning toward Trump, said she's also looking for both candidates to stay focused and defend their policies. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Swing state voters told NBC10 what they wanted to hear from former President Trump and Vice President Harris at the ABC News Presidential Debate. "Let's just get the issues out there," Barnes said of the debate. "Be clear, be respectful, let it be something that some people can make a decision about." "I'm probably going to vote Republican," she said when asked who she was leaning toward, saying that concerns about federal overreach had swayed her to support the GOP. "I think it's big government, honestly," she said. "I favor a smaller government viewpoint." Pennsylvania is one of seven swing states that decided the 2020 election between Trump and Biden and could be key to Harris' or Trump's victory, political analysts say. The latest analysis by polling guru Nate Silver gives Trump a 63.8% chance of winning the electoral college after a NYT-Siena College poll found Trump leading Harris by 1 percentage point. Harris has come out ahead in several national polls and swing state polls since taking over the top of the ticket. However, the results of the new NYT/Siena College poll, according to Silver, show that the results of the poll confirmed his election model's view that there was a "shift in momentum" in the race. The NYT/Siena college poll also found more voters said Harris is "too liberal or progressive " on key policy issues than voters who said they considered Trump to be "too conservative." Harris unveiled a policy page on her campaign website on Monday for the first time since emerging as the Democratic presidential nominee. Fox News' Hanna Panreck contributed to this article. Original article source: Undecided Pennsylvania voters call on Harris to be clear about her policies at debate: 'Not just hype us up' The University of Florida tumbled 33 spots in the Wall Street Journal's latest ranking of the top public universities in the United States. UF, which the Wall Street Journal in 2024 ranked No. 1 among public universities, plummeted to No. 34 in its 2025 ranking published last week. Among all universities, UF ranked No. 83 this year, down 68 spots from No. 15. The Journal's 2025 ranking included 500 public and private universities from across the country, up from 400 institutions ranked the previous year. UF trumpeted its 2024 ranking in a September 2023 press release, with board of trustees Chair Mori Hosseini saying, "The University of Florida dared to be audacious, and weve succeeded for our students and for our state. Recent news: UF staffers working remotely under Sasse racked up more than $200K in travel costs No such release has been issued this year. UF spokesperson Cynthia Roldan in a text message on Tuesday issued this statement to The Sun: "Recently, Forbes ranked the University of Florida the No. 4 public university in the nation. The formulas for rankings change from year to year, but this is constant: The University of Florida is committed to excellence for our students, for our faculty, and for our state." Forbes also recognized UF this year as one of 10 public New Ivies schools that are shining in the higher education landscape and churning out smart, driven graduates who are highly employable. The Journal's methodology for ranking universities which it has done since 2016 changed last year to put an emphasis on student outcomes, which makes up 70% of an institution's score. The remaining 30% includes learning environment (20%) and diversity (10%). UF's 2025 graduation rate score of 100 was a 6-point increase over 2024, while its diversity score improved from 60 to 76. Its salary impact score, however, which takes into account graduates estimated salaries along with the cost of living in Florida, dropped drastically from 84 in 2024 to 55 in 2025. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Wall Street Journal ranks UF No. 34 among public universities in 2025 Former Utah Supreme Court justice Christine Durham urges Utah voters to reject a constitutional amendment on ballot initiatives during a rally at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Aug. 26, 2024. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch) The lawsuit urging a judge to throw out the ballot language of a proposed constitutional amendment to cement the Utah Legislatures authority to change or repeal any ballot initiative could cause an unprecedented wrinkle ahead of the Nov. 5 election. It could also place state and local elected officials in a tough spot as they face fast-approaching deadlines to begin submitting ballot proofs for printing as soon as this week. In a scheduling conference held Monday afternoon while trying to navigate those tight deadlines, 3rd District Court Judge Diana Gibson scheduled an expedited hearing for Wednesday at 3 p.m. to consider arguments on whether or not the court should grant a motion for a preliminary injunction to block Amendment D from appearing on the ballot. Anti-gerrymandering groups have asked a judge to toss out Amendment D, alleging its language written by Utahs top Republican legislative leaders is false and misleading. The plaintiffs also allege state officials failed to provide notice of the proposed amendment by publication as strictly required under the Utah Constitution. If, however, the judge decides to keep the question on the ballot, they have asked that she declare it as void. Unprecedented situation Attorneys defending the Utah Legislature and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson on Monday told the judge local election officials are under the wire, set to submit ballot proofs to third-party printing vendors beginning Monday, the same day as the hearing. Federal law also requires election officials to send absentee ballots to military service members and other U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S. early by Sept. 20 so they argued time is running extremely short to get ballots proofed, printed and mailed before that deadline. Utah expects to print 4,451 of those initial overseas ballots, according to the lieutenant governors office. The absolute drop dead date for getting proofs to the printer is this Thursday, attorney David Wolf with the Utah Attorney Generals Office, representing Henderson, told the judge. Mark Gaber, an attorney for the Campaign Legal Center representing the plaintiffs (the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and individual Salt Lake County residents who claim they have been disenfranchised by unlawful gerrymandering), argued that if the judge determines that Amendment Ds language is illegally placed on the ballot, it should not be printed. It seems to us that the most prudent step is to prepare two proofs, Gaber said, one that has the question and one that does not. And if necessary, print two sets of overseas absentee ballots. However, Wolf argued the idea of two proofs is costly and runs the risk of confusion for counties. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When Gibson asked for alternative solutions, state attorneys said county clerks would need a ruling by Wednesday to give them time to adjust their ballots, if need be. Otherwise, we just move forward, theyre printed, and then well figure out how to deal with that after the fact if the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs? the judge asked. State attorneys said it is possible to print the ballots with the question, and if the judge were to decide to void Amendment D, Utah election law allows a process to not count ballots for candidates that drop out after the printing deadline. That type of process exists. I think logistically that could be used for Amendment D, Wolf said. But I havent thought through other implications of doing that, whether that could create confusion for counties or confusion for voters. But logistically its possible. Its not yet clear what the judge will do regarding the preliminary injunction though on Monday she granted the motion to expedite proceedings, signaling shes open to hearing the plaintiffs case. Gibson urged state officials to file a response to the plaintiffs arguments by 10:30 a.m. Wednesday so she can consider them before the 3 p.m. hearing. Attorney Tyler Green, representing the Utah Legislature in the case, told the judge state attorneys were already racing to respond, but they could meet that deadline. All of our cylinders are firing as quickly as they can fire. Weve had people working on this around the clock since (the lawsuit) came in, Green said, pointing to the large scope of the lawsuit. Were trying to make sure we get it right to get the court the right answer to resolve this. Green added what the plaintiffs are seeking is unprecedented in this state. How did we get here? Its the latest development in a long saga after the anti-gerrymandering group Better Boundaries successfully pursued and voters approved a 2018 voter initiative to create an independent redistricting commission to draw Utahs new political boundaries in its redistricting process that occurs every 10 years. In 2020, the Utah Legislature repealed and replaced that voter initiative with a watered-down version of the law, turning the independent commission into an advisory role, but allowing the Utah Legislature to ignore the independent commission and draw their own version of the maps, which is ultimately what lawmakers did in 2021. Those 2021 maps cracked Democratic strongholds in the red state of Utah, including a congressional map that sliced Utahs most populated county, Salt Lake County, into four congressional districts. Thats when the League of Women Voters of Utah, along with the other plaintiffs, sued. They claimed the Utah Legislature overstepped when it repealed and replaced the group Better Boundaries voter-approved initiative. That case ended up before the Utah Supreme Court, which remanded the lawsuit over back to district court in a unanimous opinion issued July 11, with all five of Utahs justices ruling that the district court erred when it dismissed the League of Women Voters claim that the Utah Legislature violated the Utah Constitution in 2021 when it repealed and replaced Better Boundaries voter-approved initiative. That litigation now continues. That ruling upset the Utah Legislatures Republican supermajority with most GOP lawmakers fearing it handcuffed their constitutional authority to repeal and replace ballot initiatives as theyve done in the past, claiming it effectively allowed ballot initiatives to become super laws immune to legislative changes. That spurred the Utah Legislature to call itself into an emergency special session, in which it passed a resolution to place the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Rather than let the Utah Supreme Courts interpretation of the Constitution stand, lawmakers opted instead to refer the question to voters. If Amendment D passes, it will effectively render the Utah Supreme Courts latest interpretation moot. The language that would be added to the Utah Constitution, according to the special session resolution that placed the question on the ballot, SJR401, would: Make clear that notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the peoples exercise of their ballot initiative or referendum power does not limit or preclude the exercise of Legislative power, including through amending, enacting or repealing a law, by the Legislature, or by a lawmaking body of a county, city, or town, on behalf of the people whom they are elected to represent. Ban foreign individuals, entities or governments from directly or indirectly influencing, supporting or opposing an initiative or referendum, and allow the Legislature to enforce that ban. When drafting the language that will appear before voters, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, characterized Amendment Ds as follows: Constitutional Amendment D Should the Utah Constitution be changed to strengthen the initiative process by: Prohibiting foreign influence on ballot initiatives and referendums. Clarifying the voters and legislative bodies ability to amend laws. If approved, state law would also be changed to: Allow Utah citizens 50% more time to gather signatures for a statewide referendum. Establish requirements for the legislature to follow the intent of a ballot initiative. When that ballot language was published last week, anti-gerrymandering groups, Democrats and some Republicans who voted against placing the constitutional amendment on the ballot decried the language as deceptive. Soon after, League of Women Voters and the other plaintiffs filed the lawsuit to get the question removed altogether. Adams and Schultz in series of statements last week defended Amendment Ds language as clear and straightforward, and criticized the plaintiffs, accusing them of being hypocritical. 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, Adams and Schultz said. 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. Where will this saga go next? Well know more Wednesday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (NewsNation) More Americans are receiving delivered packages containing goods they didnt order, which may be a scam known as brushing that has become more common across the country, according to alerts sent out recently by Amazon and the Better Business Bureau. Brushing occurs when a package is delivered to a customer who didnt order the item. In many cases, Amazon and consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau say that the items are sent by a third party hoping to use the transaction as a way to bolster their business. In an alert to customers, Amazon said the deliveries are typically sent by bad actors and the items are sent to publicly available names and addresses. Labor costs remain high for small businesses, but a report shows wage growth is slowing for some In each case, companies say that the packages never contain a return address and sometimes come directly from Amazon or another retailer. Under guidelines established by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, customers are not required to return or pay for unsolicited packages that arrive at their homes. However, both Amazon and the Better Business Bureau warned that the bad actors sending the unsolicited packages could be engaging in activities that could harm customers over the long run. Why brushing benefits retailers The Better Business Bureau warns that the third-party outfits sending the packages can be foreign and detect a customers name and address online. They intend to make it appear that you wrote a glowing online review of their merchandise and that you are a verified buyer of that merchandise, the Better Business Bureaus consumer warning states. They then post a fake, positive review to improve their products ratings, which means more sales. The payoff is highly profitable from their perspective. In many cases, consumer protection advocates said the companies having goods delivered to unsuspecting customers are attempting to improve their business standing by having more positive reviews displayed online. Doing so moves them closer to verified merchant status, which allows them to write and post consumer product reviews online on someone elses behalf, CBS News reported. The Better Business Bureau warned that in addition to companies using brushing to generate product online reviews, it also allows them to generate better sales numbers. Although the company isnt receiving payment from the recipient, increased sales even those padded by bogus transactions can lead to future sales, which again improves the companys standing, the agency said. In a 2021 customer alert, the Federal Trade Commission said companies using the brushing scam may use a recipients name and mailing information to create a fake account in the persons name. Customers are also warned that they should check their debit or credit card statements for purchases, as well as their credit report to ensure their credit scores havent been affected by the scam. Heres everything Apple just announced at its fall event Where brushing is taking place Instances of brushing have been taking place across the country, including in suburban Chicago, Minnesota and California, according to the CBS News report. In Illinois, one family told a local TV news station they received one to two packages a day from Temu, which is described as an online marketplace that is operated by a Chinese e-commerce company. Most of the products offered by Temu are heavily discounted and are shipped directly from China. The family told a local CBS affiliate that at first, the constant deliveries were like experiencing Christmas every day. However, over time, the family said the daily deliveries simply became too much. Other customers like a woman in Minnesota said she received a box full of baby reveal balloons that she didnt order. The package was delivered from Amazon, she said, and also included cupcake stands that she didnt order, CBS News reported. An Amazon spokesperson did not immediately return an email to NewsNation seeking comment on how many recent cases of brushing the company has received complaints about in recent months. Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyards $135K party What to do if brushing happens An Amazon alert said that if unordered or unsolicited goods are delivered, customers should first try to determine if the package was sent as a gift and to check with family or friends ordered a package and had it sent to a different address. If thats not the case, Amazon says to report the delivered package to the company and include the number of packages that were delivered, along with the tracking number from the shipping label and any other information that could be pertinent. Amazon investigates reports of brushing and takes the appropriate action against bad actors that violate our policies, the companys alert said. Amazon may suspend or remove selling privileges, withhold payments, and work with law enforcement during investigations. Recipients of a possible brushing scam are also encouraged to call the FTC and should also change their Amazon password, especially if the password is used for other online accounts. The Better Business Bureau also warns that customers should check to make sure they are not the victim of identity theft, especially if they are frequent online shoppers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The US and Britain accuse Iran of sending Russia missiles to use against Ukraine Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, gestures as he participates with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a strategic dialogue meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool) LONDON (AP) The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on Moscow and Tehran before a joint visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to London, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict. He told reporters that dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers). Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians, Blinken said. The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line. At the Pentagon, the press secretary said these were unlikely to be the only shipments. One has to assume that if Iran is providing Russia with these types of missiles, that its very likely it would not be a one-time deal, that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future, said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The West's allegations about the missile transfers come as the Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraines surprise offensive, which has claimed hundreds of square miles of territory in Russias Kursk region. The accusations could embolden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to further ramp up pressure on the U.S. and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks. Iran's foreign ministry denies providing ballistic missiles to Russia, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported. Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the U.S. and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip," it quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. The U.S., U.K. and other Western allies are pressing for a cease-fire to end the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and avoid attacks from Iranian proxies in the region escalating into a broader war. Britain, France and Germany announced new sanctions Tuesday against Iran and Russia, calling the missile transfers a direct threat to European security. The penalties include the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Airs ability to fly to the U.K. and Europe. Britain also said it and the United States were sanctioning those involved in sending Iranian drones and missiles to Russia. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on two senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior defense ministry official, as well as several businesses and five Russian cargo ships alleged to have transported supplies from Iran to Russia. Three Russian military units involved with aviation and aerospace also were sanctioned. The U.S. Treasury and the State Department in the past few years have imposed economic sanctions on people and companies based in Iran, China, Russia, Turkey and other nations who officials allege are connected with the development of Irans drone program. The sanctions on Iranian drone production tied to Russias invasion, dating to November 2022, were issued despite Iranian leaders denials that the country had sent them. Sanctions, among other things, bar people and businesses from accessing property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them. The announcement precedes a Blinken and Lammy visit Wednesday to Kyiv, where they will meet Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss bolstering the country's defenses. The rare joint visit was unusually announced in advance a public signal of U.S-.U.K. support for Ukraine ahead of whats likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks. Asked whether the U.S. would allow weapons it supplied to be used to strike targets deeper inside Russia, Blinken said all use of weapons needed to be allied to a strategy. He said one goal of the visit this week is to hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership, including President Zelenskyy, about exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs. President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. Blinken met Tuesday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will sit down with Biden at the White House on Friday. We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days, and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday, Blinken said. In the meantime, Ukraine is using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year war to target multiple regions including Moscow. Word of the alleged transfers from Iran began to emerge over the weekend. Lammy called them part of a troubling pattern that were seeing. It is definitely a significant escalation. The U.S. and its allies have been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia. 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, which 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 also 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. ___ Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken speaks during a press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy after their meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) in Westminster. Alberto Pezzali/PA Wire/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran that could be used against Ukraine in the coming weeks. In a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy in London on Tuesday, Blinken said that the US had warned Iran that supplying such weapons to Russia would "constitute a dramatic escalation." Blinken announced new US sanctions against Iran in response, and said that he expects allies and partners to take their own measures. Kiev summoned the Iranian envoy following earlier media reports this week about the delivery of the missiles. The Iranian missiles have a maximum range of around 120 kilometres, and would enable Russia to use its own arsenal for targets further away from the front line, the US secretary of state said. "This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran's destabilizing influence reaches far beyond the Middle East," said Blinken. Russia, in return, is said to be passing on technology that Iran wants. Iran's foreign office spokesman Nasser Kanaani rejected the accusations. He said it was regrettable that "some parties who are themselves part of the war" were making accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran with political aims. It is well known that Iran has supplied so-called kamikaze drones to Russia in the past, despite denials from the government in Tehran. Blinken travelled to the British capital at the beginning of the week to discuss deepening cooperation with London. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit the Washington at the end of the week. Blinken and Lammy, representing two of Ukraine's most important backers, announced on Tuesday that they plan to visit the country later this week. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (R) and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken speak during a press conference after their meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) in Westminster. Alberto Pezzali/PA Wire/dpa US announces new sanctions against Iran over transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia On 10 September, the US Department of Treasury announced new sanctions against Iran over the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. Source: European Pravda Details: The new US sanctions list includes ten individuals and six legal entities from Iran and Russia, as well as four vessels that Tehran used to supply Russia with weapons, including drones. The United States also imposed additional restrictions on Iran's flagship airline, Iran Air, to limit its ability to operate abroad. At the same time, the State Department added three organisations to its sanctions list, including Iran Air, and ordered the confiscation of five vessels involved in the transfer of Iranian weapon systems to Russia. Iran has decided to increase its involvement in Russia's illegal war, and the United States, along with our partners, will continue to support Ukraine, commented US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemi. The US Department of Treasury noted that during the summer of 2024, Russian military personnel were trained in the use of Iranian ballistic missiles, and Russia received its first batch in early September. Iran has been supplying Russia with attack drones, but until recently refrained from offering to transfer more powerful weapons, apparently due to warnings from the US and Europe that this would cause a wave of severe sanctions. Background: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, making new sanctions against Tehran inevitable. The UK has already announced its own package of sanctions against Iran and Russia. Support UP or become our patron! The US Army is looking into artillery shells that fly farther after its new cannon projects flopped The Army is focused on acquiring new longer-range artillery shells. It previously canceled both an extended-range artillery prototype and a strategic cannon project. The service is hoping it can begin "innovating at the round" to achieve its desired range. The Army is on the lookout for new longer-range artillery shells after canceling some of its plans for new cannons. The service intends to shift its focus over to how it can begin "innovating at the round," an official said, to increase the range of the weapons it already has. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth discussed plans at the 2024 Defense News Conference last week when she spoke on some of the potential follow-ups for longer-range artillery after the cancellation of its Extended Range Cannon Artillery program. "We still believe that we have a requirement for, you know, sort of an artillery system with that kind of range," Wormuth said. She said the Army was looking at potential cannons that may be similar to prototypes it was developing, explaining "there are obviously companies that make systems that don't have quite the range that ERCA we hoped would give us but comes quite close." But the focus now is more on the round. The ERCA was a project to develop next-generation howitzers with longer ranges, but while the system, a 58-caliber gun tube on a Paladin chassis, could reach the desired 70-kilometer range, testing revealed problems with the design. In March, the Army's Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Doug Bush, revealed the service had concluded prototyping activity in fall 2023 and that the efforts weren't successful, indicating the program would be canceled. Longer-range artillery would allow the US to increase the weapon's range and keep it further away from the enemy. US Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg ERCA was part of US Army long-range precision fires efforts which included an attempt to develop a strategic long-range cannon. In 2019, Army leadership highlighted the need for this type of weapon in the context of a potential war with China, noting that the goal could be to target Chinese warships. Mark Esper, then the Army secretary, said at the time that such a weapon could be used from an island or other fixed land mass to fire on Chinese warships to clear the way for US naval forces. Such a weapon, which was a little different as a science and technology effort, would have boasted two main benefits: it extends the range at which the Army can fire at targets, and it also allows the Army to pull the cannon back to a safer distance from the enemy. But the Army confirmed it canceled the program in May 2022. ERCA likewise stemmed from concerns about China and Russia, both of which have been extending their reach in ways that could complicate things for the US Army on the modern battlefield if a fight broke out. The Ukraine war has shown the consistent need for artillery on the battlefield. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Now, the Army looks to be also focused on acquiring rounds capable of longer ranges to use on its current howitzers. "I think we may also be looking at sort of what we call, you know, 'innovating at the round,' looking at what can we do with the actual round to increase the range," Wormuth said recently. She didn't provide further details on what such efforts look like, but the Army did put a notice out in May focused on potential options for extended-range artillery rounds. The Army is also still at work on ramjet-powered artillery shells, which have estimated ranges around 93 miles. The critical need for artillery that can strike targets at greater distances has been apparent in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where increases in range with new systems has, at times, helped tip the scales. The US Army took note of it in early fighting there, and Russia's full-scale invasion has only underscored this point. At the conference last week, Wormuth also noted electronic warfare and unmanned systems as areas where the Army is paying more attention considering Russia and Ukraine's extensive use of both on the battlefield. Read the original article on Business Insider Experts say the Kremlin could include artificial intelligence (AI) in efforts to manipulate November's presidential elections through influence schemes. The U.S. Department of Justice last week revealed indictments that were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged Russian government plots to try and influence American voters through a variety of disinformation campaigns. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed a major crackdown on influence pushed through state-run media and other online platforms part of a campaign called "Doppleganger." He focused on employees of Russian state-controlled media outlet RT, but other indictments released this week showed a wider scope and complexity to Russias initiatives. The U.S. also seized more than two dozen internet domains related to the operation and the establishment of an Election Threats Task Force, which includes FBI Director Christopher Wray and top Justice Department officials, according to CBS News. AUTONOMOUS CAR BOMBS, ONLINE RECRUITMENT: EXPERTS WORRY HOW AI CAN TRANSFORM TERRORISM "This is deadly serious, and we are going to treat it accordingly," Garland said while announcing the indictment alongside Wray on Wednesday. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Those indictments included the alleged use of AI tools used to create social media profiles "posing as U.S. (or other non-Russian citizens)" and create the impression of "a legitimate news media outlets website." "Among the methods Doppelganger used to drive viewership to the cybersquatted and unique media domains was the deployment of "influencers" worldwide, paid social media advertisements (in some cases created using artificial intelligence tools), and the creation of social media profiles posing as U.S. (or other non-Russian) citizens to post comments on social media platforms with links to the cybersquatted domains," the indictment stated. MILITARY'S NEW TECH ROLLOUT INTRODUCES ROBOT THAT PROTECTS SOLDIERS FROM CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL DANGERS Russia's "Doppleganger" operation seeks to use deep fake content along with other methods to manipulate November's presidential elections through influence schemes. The U.S. Department of the Treasury expanded on these allegations in an announcement that designated 10 individuals and two entities under the Office of Foreign Assets Control, allowing the U.S. to impose visa restrictions and a Rewards for Justice reward of up to $10 million relating to such operations. The Treasury reported that Russian state-sponsored actors have used generative AI deep fakes and disinformation "to undermine confidence in the United States election process and institutions." The Treasury named Russian nonprofit Autonomous Non-Profit Organization (ANO) Dialog and ANO Dialog Regions as using "deep fake content to develop Russian disinformation campaigns," including "fake online posts on popular social media accounts . that would be composed of counterfeit documents, among other material, in order to elicit an emotional response from audiences." FOX NEWS AI NEWSLETTER: HOLY SEE CALLS FOR END TO AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS ANO Dialog in late 2023 allegedly "identified U.S., U.K. and other figures as potential targets for deepfake projects." The "War on Fakes" website served as a major outlet to disseminate this fake information, which also used bot accounts that targeted voting locations in the U.S. 2024 election. In an interview for PBS News Hour, Belgian investigative journalist Christo Grozev revealed that complaints over the "global propaganda effort by Russia" which the Kremlin was "losing to the West" in the early months of the invasion of Ukraine prompted the decision to use AI and "all kind of new methods to make it indistinguishable from the regular flow of information." "They plan to do insertion of advertising, which is in fact hidden as news, and in this way bombard the target population with things that may be misconstrued as news, but are in fact advertising content," Grozev explained. "They plan to disguise that advertising content on a person-to-person level as if it is content from their favorite news sites," he warned. "Now, we haven't seen that in action, but it's an intent, and they claim they have developed the technology to do that." "They're very explicit that they're not going to use Russia-related platforms or even separate platforms," he added. "They're going to infiltrate the platform that the target already uses. And that is what sounds scary." Original article source: US indictments reveal AI use in Russia disinformation campaign targeting 2024 election US moves forward with reactivation of decades-old nuclear power station in bid to meet surging energy demand: 'Safety standards have evolved enormously' Two years after a nuclear power plant in Michigan was decommissioned, the United States government and Great Lakes State have invested nearly $2 billion to bring it back online. The Wall Street Journal reported the news in August, detailing how the 53-year-old Palisades is being upgraded and would become the first decommissioned plant to resume operations. While some remain skeptical of the project, Paris-based independent nuclear consultant Mycle Schneider highlighted how nuclear energy has progressed. (Despite common misconceptions about deaths or danger associated with nuclear power, research from the nonprofit Our World in Data reveals it is the second-safest form of energy behind solar.) "If today somebody invented a machine that looked like a second generation nuclear reactor, it would not get a license," Schneider told the WSJ. "Safety standards have evolved enormously." A "core catcher" that keeps melted fuel from reaching the nuclear reactor's floor is among the components of upgraded plants, safeguarding against an issue like the Fukushima disaster triggered by tsunami waves after an earthquake. Other improvements include "hardening" against the effects of warming global temperatures, including more intense and frequent extreme weather events and rising sea levels. The plant is also equipped to deal with any potential drone or cyberattacks. "Every U.S. plant currently operating must satisfy the NRC that it can defend itself against a wide range of physical and cyberattacks," Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Scott Burnell told the WSJ. "Palisades met those requirements while it was operating and would have to continue to show it meets those requirements if it were authorized to resume operations." If it comes online, the Palisades plant is expected to be part of the solution to meet the country's surging energy demands. For example, as artificial intelligence develops further, Goldman Sachs projects that data center power needs will grow by 160% by the end of the decade. Drawbacks of depending on dirty fuels include the high cost and air pollution, which contributes to millions of premature deaths annually. However, as the Department of Energy notes, nuclear is a carbon-free energy source that is more reliable than other types of power. If all goes according to plan, the WSJ reports that the Palisades plant will reopen in October 2025. As of Sept. 2, the project was still waiting for the green light from the NRC, according to reporting by The Holland Sentinel. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Exhibition in China's Xi'an marks 50th anniversary of Terracotta Warriors discovery Xinhua) 08:20, September 10, 2024 Color-painted figure heads are pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) XI'AN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition opened Sunday at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors. A dancing figurine is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A kneeling archer with green-painted face is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A performer figure is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) The exhibition showcases 230 cultural relics in eight categories, many being revealed to the public for the first time, offering a glimpse into the era of Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC). In 1974, local farmers accidentally unearthed clay fragments while digging a well, leading to one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries -- the army of Terracotta Warriors -- which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Around 2,000 life-size clay warriors and numerous weapons had been unearthed from three pits surrounding Qinshihuang's tomb, covering an area of over 20,000 square meters. After 50 years of excavation and research, over 10 above-ground building sites and more than 500 underground burial pits and tombs have been discovered in the mausoleum. Over 50,000 pieces of relics have been unearthed. The museum has remained an iconic scenic spot in Xi'an. It received 11 million visitors in 2023, hitting a record-high number since its opening. A performer figure is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A figure of hands in sleeves is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) Terracotta Warriors are pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A two-imperial-edict bronze bobweight of Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC) is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A figure of hands in sleeves is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A Yuefu bell of inlaying gold and silver is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) A bronze tripod is pictured during an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) COMPANY NEWS: Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud delivered solutions globally, recognised the top partners across the Asia Pacific region during this years Check Point Asia Pacific Partner Conference 2024. Held in Phuket, Thailand from 2 nd 5 th September 2024, this annual conference saw attendance of 240 regional partners from 19 countries. This years Partner Awards recognised the top-performing cyber security providers and distributors across the Asia Pacific region. These partners have been instrumental in helping customers build more secure business environments by embracing Check Points 3Cs of securitycomprehensive, consolidated, and collaborative. By leveraging a prevention-first security architecture that covers all attack vectors, streamlining security operations, and fostering proactive collaboration, these award winners have consistently identified and nurtured new sales opportunities, enhancing revenue predictability even in a rapidly changing landscape. Pankaj Narayan, Head of Channels for Check Point Asia Pacific, emphasised the significance of these partnerships: Check Point Software is proud to recognise the outstanding contributions of our top business partners across Asia Pacific. These partners deliver unparalleled business value by adopting our 3Cs of security, which play a crucial role in consolidating a stronger security posture for our customers. Through an integrated partnership with Check Point, these award-winning partners are not only driving technology adoption but also ensuring ongoing customer engagement, particularly in areas like cloud and mobile security. Their efforts are vital in todays digital landscape, where cyber security is more critical than ever. He continued, These awards honour channel excellence in helping customers enhance their cyber security capabilities amidst the consistently rising tide of global cyberattacks, which are increasing in sophistication, leveraging new technology such as AI. With Check Points prevention-first approach and our partners' dedication, we are poised to elevate our engagements, create more opportunities, and achieve our shared mission of securing the world. Check Points honoured partner award winners are : Growth Partner of the Year Award was won by NCS Pte. Ltd in Singapore. NCS has consistently been the largest and most strategic partner for the Check Point business in Singapore, with a significant joint customer base across Government and Enterprise sectors, driving strong year-on-year growth. Partner of the Year Award was given to NEC Australia. A long-time partner, NEC continuously partners with Check Point, with a focus on State and Federal Governments, and specialising in the health sector. NEC Australia and Check Point have strategically aligned their Sales, Presales, Post-Sales, Marketing, and Executive teams through a joint Go-to-Market Plan to mutually grow the business. Harmony Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Softcell Technologies Global Pvt. Ltd in India. This partner is one of India's leading System Integrators with over 30-plus years of experience, particularly in cyber security. With a 700-plus strong team, across six offices, they serve more than 2000 customers in IT Security, Mobility, Optimised IT Infrastructure & Cloud and Engineering Services. Over the past few years, Softcell has focused on upskilling in all Check Point products, especially the Harmony suite. They have been a top contributor to Check Points demand generation initiatives for Harmony Enterprise & Collaboration offerings, achieving significant joint business development success, including key wins in H1 FY24, with continued momentum in the second half of the year. Cloud Partner of the Year Award was presented to ASF Consultancy Limited in Hong Kong. With their dedicated focus on Check Point cloud business, ASF has been the top cloud partner in Hong Kong for 2 consecutive years, as well as the trusted cloud security advisor in Hong Kong, enabling their client journey from on-premise to cloud-based security solutions. Quantum Partner of the Year Award was handed to ST Engineering Info-Security Pte Ltd in Singapore. ST Engineering Info-Security has been partnering with Check Point for many years in key Defense, Government and Commercial customers in Singapore. With a deep expertise in network security services, ST Engineering has successfully deployed Check Point Quantum and Hyperscale solutions across a broad customer base, consistently choosing Check Point as their preferred cyber security partner for delivering turnkey security projects. Infinity Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Vastcom Technology Limited in Macau. By leveraging Infinity Global Services offering and excellent collaboration with the Check Point account team, and upselling from a simple renewal project, Vastcom have won the first million-dollar Infinity deal in Macau in the first half of this year. New Customer Partner of the Year Award was given out to Hitachi Systems India Limited. This Partner has seen significant growth due to its focus on creating value through customer collaboration. With deep industry expertise and a broad range of digital ecosystem management services, from cable to cloud, they offer customised, business-aligned IT services and solutions. A Premier Tier Partner of Check Point for over a decade, their close collaboration with Check Point in FY24 has led to successful upselling and new key customer acquisitions. Distributor of the Year Award was presented to Tech Data Advanced Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. This distributor was recognised for its pivotal role in the technology partner ecosystem, leading as a solutions and ideas aggregator. Tech Data have demonstrated strong dedication to the Check Point partnership by heavily investing in joint go-to market strategies, building a robust technical team to support our presales and technology initiatives. In FY24, they achieved the highest annualised revenue for Check Point in India, and supported numerous implementations & POCs, enhancing the partner ecosystems GTM initiatives. Growth Distributor of the Year Award went to Dicker Data Australia. One of Australia's largest Distributors with over 45 years of experience, Dicker Data grew over 100 per cent Year on Year in New Business with Check Point in 1H 2024. This growth was driven by Partner enablement, including the highest growth in new MSSP Partners, successful onboarding of New Partners, stocking Quantum Spark and innovative marketing strategies targeting Enterprise, Mid-Market and SMB Partners to expand Check Points presence in Australia. GSI Partner of the Year Award was clinched by NTT Ltd, with regional offices across APAC. A long-standing global partner for their exceptional performance and remarkable return to growth in the first half of 2024, NTT ANZ and NTT Taiwan achieved impressive triple-digit growth, while NTT Singapore and NTT China demonstrated substantial high double-digit growth, nearing triple-digits. NTT has secured significant new customer bookings and played a leading role in winning ITP deals with large enterprise customers, highlighting the strong collaboration and shared commitment between our organisations to drive business success together. Authorised Training Centre Partner of the Year Award was won by Red Education, based in Sydney, Australia. With a decade-long partnership, the ATC of the Year award underscores Red Educations commitment to excellence in cyber security education to our customers and partners. This award highlights Red Educations role in addressing the cyber security skills gap and have built a foundation for a more secure digital future, addressing their dedication to quality, innovation, and shaping the next generation of cyber security professionals. APAC Technical Excellence Award was presented to Keystone Solutions, Inc., a long term and strategic Elite-tier partner of Check Point in Philippines. Keystone has strategically collaborated with Check Point and key FSI customers, particularly in advancing Infinity Total Protection contracts. Their contributions in planning technology blueprints, overseeing deployment and adoption and conducting technical reviews have been instrumental in driving business growth and ensuring customer success. A US Navy submarine packed with Tomahawk missiles is at last in the Middle East a month after it was ordered there to deter Iran The guided-missile submarine USS Georgia has finally arrived in the Middle East region. A Pentagon official confirmed the sub's presence Tuesday, a month after it was sent to the region. The Georgia was sent to the Middle East in a move of support for Israel and a show of force to Iran. A heavily armed US Navy submarine has finally entered the Middle East about a month after being ordered to the region, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. The guided-missile submarine USS Georgia has transited into the US Central Command area of responsibility, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a briefing. The Georgia is an Ohio-class vessel armed with over 150 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, bringing a significant amount of firepower to the Middle East. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the Georgia to the Centcom region last month in a signal of support for Israel and a show of force to Iran and its regional proxies. It's unusual for the US to disclose the movement of its submarines, except in cases where the intention is to send a message to adversaries. The Pentagon has flexed its sub activites to the public on several occasions over the past year. The submarine USS Georgia transits the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy courtesy photo Austin's orders came amid a broader build-up of US military forces in the Middle East after dual assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in late July. Iran and its proxies have blamed Israel for the killings and vowed revenge, sparking fears that any reprisal could plunge the region into even more violence. Hezbollah and Israel traded strikes last month, but Tehran has yet to retaliate directly. The Georgia was previously operating in the Mediterranean Sea. It now joins a massive amount of US naval firepower in the Centcom region, including two aircraft carriers, multiple destroyers, and dozens of fighter jets and helicopters. Some of these US naval assets are battling Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who continue to attack merchant shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with missiles and drones. Earlier this week, for instance, US forces destroyed two Houthi missile systems and one support vehicle in Yemen and one hostile drone over the Red Sea. Read the original article on Business Insider Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin administers oath-taking ceremony of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the countrys head of the interim government in Bangladesh at the Bangabhaban, in Dhaka (Reuters) -U.S. officials will hold talks with Bangladesh's interim government to see how the United States can support the country's economy and development, the U.S. State and Treasury departments said on Tuesday. An interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in last month with the aim of holding elections in the South Asian nation after the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina following deadly protests. A State Department statement said Donald Lu, assistant secretary for South Asia, will be part of a U.S. delegation holding meetings with the Bangladeshi interim government. Lu will also visit India during the Sept. 10-16 trip. The State Department said the delegation would include representatives from the Treasury, USAID, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. "U.S. and Bangladeshi officials will discuss how the United States can support Bangladeshs economic growth, financial stability and development needs," the statement said. A U.S. Treasury spokesperson said the delegation was expected to meet with high-level members of the interim government, including Yunus, foreign affairs adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, finance and commerce adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur. "The United States is optimistic that, by implementing needed reforms, Bangladesh can address its economic vulnerabilities and build a foundation for continued growth and increased prosperity," Brent Neiman, assistant Treasury secretary for international finance, said in a statement. Bangladesh's $450-billion economy has slowed sharply since the Russia-Ukraine war pushed up prices of fuel and food imports, forcing it to turn to the International Monetary Fund last year for a $4.7-billion bailout. In India, Lu and Jedidiah Royal, U.S. principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, will discuss defense cooperation and ways to expand U.S.-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the State Department statement said. (Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru, Ruma Paul in Dhaka, David Brunnstrom and David Lawder in Washington; Writing by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by Jamie Freed, Clarence Fernandez, Christina Fincher and Leslie Adler) US Secretary of State and UK Foreign Secretary to visit Kyiv the WP, Reuters On Wednesday 10 September, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will make a joint visit to Kyiv. Source: The Washington Post and Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: WP journalists, citing Blinken, who is currently in the UK, said the visit was scheduled for Wednesday 11 September. At the same time, Reuters noted that Lammy announced their joint trip to Kyiv this week. Officials at the conference said they were united on the need to counter Iran's influence in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to journalists from both outlets. Quote: "(We are) completely aligned on the need to tackle Iran's malign activity in the region and beyond," the UK Foreign Secretary said. He emphasised that the world is currently witnessing a "disturbing pattern of greater Iranian support for the Kremlin's illegal group" and stated that on 10 September, authorities discussed a shared desire to hold Tehran accountable for endangering global security. At the same time, Blinken revealed that Iran had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, necessitating further sanctions against Tehran. Background: On 5 and 6 September, Western media reported that Iran had delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Some sources said more than 200 missiles had been sent. The White House National Security Council said any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would be a "dramatic escalation". Support UP or become our patron! US State Secretary confirms Iran supplied ballistic missiles to Russia and says sanctions will follow the WP US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Tuesday, 10 September, that Iran will suffer new sanctions after having supplied ballistic missiles for Russia to deploy in strikes on Ukraine. Source: The Washington Post, citing Antony Blinken in a comment to journalists in London on 10 September Details: Blinken said that the new sanctions against Iran will be announced later on Tuesday and will include sanctions against the Iranian state air carrier, Iran Air. "Weve warned Tehran publicly, weve warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation," Blinken said. "Russia has now received shipments of these missiles," he added. According to Blinken, Russia will likely deploy these missiles in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Iranian officials claimed this week that Iran had not supplied weapons to Russia. Background: Though Iran supplies Russia with attack drones, it has until recently refrained from giving Russia more powerful weapons, perhaps fearing the warnings from the US and Europe that this would trigger a series of sanctions. On 9 September, the European Union said that according to information from allies, Iran has given ballistic missiles for Russia to deploy in strikes against Ukraine. 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". On 6 September, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources among American and European officials, that Iran had already supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles. Support UP or become our patron! The Scene The US Department of Justice is in court this week, making the case for the second time this year that Googles parent company Alphabet is operating an illegal monopoly. Fresh off its win against the companys search practices last month, the Justice Department is now taking aim at its dominance over online advertising. Unlike merger challenges or collusion rings, cases that paint a single company as monopolistic are tougher to win, though theyre the ones that end up on antitrusts Mount Rushmore think Standard Oil, AT&T, Microsoft and can result in seismic reorderings of entire industries. Semafor caught up with two former government antitrust cops who disagree about the strength of the governments case. Tim Wu, a former staffer at the Federal Trade Commission and a member of Joe Bidens National Economic Council, and Alden Abbott, the FTCs general counsel under Donald Trump, break down key pieces of Googles likely defense. Know More 1. Googles services are popular because theyre good. Google made a similar argument in the case it recently lost over its search practices, but the government pointed to its deal with Apple, which Google paid $20 billion per year to be the iPhones default search engine. If people like Google better, whats with these exclusionary practices? Wu said. 2. Online advertising is competitive. Google points to competition from tech rivals like Microsoft, media and retail giants like Disney and Walmart, and ad-tech startups, and says that publishers using its auction system keep a higher share of revenue than the industry average. The cost of advertising online has come down and volume has expanded, Abbott said. Thats not really the signature of a monopolist. But Google is still arguing its this fresh-faced young company and competition is just a click away, Wu said, repeating the company line that helped convince regulators in 2013 to close an antitrust investigation into its search practices. Nobody really believes that anymore. Practices locking customers into Googles ecosystem have hardened in the decade since, he said, and no one thinks its easy to just ignore Google and choose a competitor. 3. The government is stuck in the past. Google says the market its accused of illegally dominating open web display advertising is a relic of a pre-smartphone, pre-streaming video world and doesnt reflect how ad buyers spend their budgets. It does seem to be a definition created by the government to prosecute this case, Abbott said. Google tried that argument in its search case earlier this year, arguing that Amazon and TikTok were emerging destinations for users to find answers to their questions, and it didnt work. What to watch for: These arguments are technical (WTF is header bidding? asks the industrys leading trade, Digiday) and hanging over the trial are political views about corporate power and mistrust of Silicon Valley. Most Americans think the most powerful companies need oversight and attention, particularly Big Tech, Wu said. Government cases are piling up against Apple, Meta, and Amazon, too. Googles courtroom strategy appears to reflect that: It fought successfully (and creatively) to have the case heard by a judge instead of a jury, an acknowledgement of the publics mistrust of big tech companies. Verdicts handed down by judges are also easier to appeal because they lay out their legal reasoning. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Food delivery trucks stopped coming on time to the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota this summer. Towards the end of July, thats when we started running out of a supply of food, Mary Greene-Trottier said. Mary Greene-Trottier is Director of the Tribes Food Distribution Program, and National President for Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations. The USDA program serves more than 50,000 living on reservations across the country. Its a lifeline for rural areas often far from grocery stores, Greene-Trottier said. Theyre counting on us to make sure services are provided, Greene-Trottier said. We are considered what is a food desert. But participating reservations havent been getting deliveries on time or at all for months now. Delayed deliveries started after the USDA switched from two distributors to one earlier this year. Greene-Trottier says tribes expressed concerns to the agency before the change. We felt this was a situation where they didnt listen to us, Greene-Trottier said. USDA shouldve listened to them. Thats why we have stepped in now, Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said. Sen. Hoeven and other lawmakers sent letters to the Secretary of Agriculture demanding action. Since then, the USDA has increased access to food assistance programs and financial aid to tribes. The agency also signed a temporary contract with a second distributor to surge deliveries. The combination of those two things, which weve pressed USDA to do, will get on this, we hope, over the next weeks, Hoeven said. The USDA said in a statement its deeply apologetic for disruptions and working around the clock to fix the problem. The agency blamed supply chain disruptions at its contractors warehouses. The contractor says its actively addressing recent challenges. The short-term fixes seem to be working for the Spirit Lake Tribe, according to Greene-Trottier. We had a truck show up this morning, she said. But there are long-term fixes Sen. Hoeven wants to implement. Hes working on a bipartisan bill with Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith. That actually will give the tribes more control over the food distribution. I think this will prevent something like this from happening in the future, Hoeven said. Lawmakers will press agriculture officials about the issue at a hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning. Greene-Trottier will be there to testify. Its time for them to listen, Greene-Trottier said. The USDA says its meeting weekly with tribal leaders to provide 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. The University of Washington Medicine researchers have been awarded an $11.3 million contract to create training for healthcare providers and support family members in identifying and caring for individuals with Alzheimers and other dementias, particularly those who traditionally lack access to this specialized care. In 2020, an estimated 38,000 American Indian and Alaska Native people 65 or older were living with Alzheimers or other dementia. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society estimates that the number will double by 2030. The program will be led by Dr. Dedra Buchwald, professor of neurological surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The teams goal will be to create and implement instructional programs that can help train primary care providers to recognize and improve outcomes of Alzheimers and other dementia illnesses. Theyll be trained how to manage dementia locally, talk to families, and identify when certain medications are appropriate, Dr. Buchwald noted. The program will strive to increase the knowledge and competency of primary care providers and staff who work with American Indian and Alaska Native patients and communities. The program funding will come from the Indian Health Service and will be used to reach all 574 federally recognized tribes. This is an incredible investment by the Indian Health Service, and is coming at such a critical time, said one of the Alaska team members, Jordan P. Lewis. With the growing recognition of dementia in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the investment in training of primary care providers, our caregivers and communities will assist in increasing awareness and understanding of dementia. UW Medicine notes that while age continues to be the greatest risk factor for Alzheimers, these communities are disproportionately at risk for diabetes, hypertension and obesity to name a few. More information about this award can be found on the UW Medicine website. In the Spotlight is a Fresno Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@fresnobee.com. Valley Childrens Hospital wants to settle a class action lawsuit over unpaid wages that nurses launched in 2022 with a gross amount of $400,000, Madera County court records show. But the attorney representing a nurse who sued the hospital for wage theft more recently says the proposed settlement would fall short of what Valley Childrens employees are truly owed for various alleged labor code violations. If timely action isnt taken, Valley Childrens nurses and on-call employees stand to lose tens of thousands of dollars in earned wages, attorney Brian Whelan said in a Monday email to The Fresno Bee. The lawsuit filed in 2022 by nurses Briana Westfall and Gloria Garcia, on behalf of themselves and all other affected staff, claims labor code violations, including a failure to pay all wages and overtime wages, missed meal and rest breaks, and a failure to reimburse expenses, among other items. Whelan the lawyer who separately represents a nurse in a similar action says that the proposed settlement does not cover pay owed to employees for on-call shifts that resulted in real compensation of less than the minimum wage, which is the foremost alleged labor code violation in his clients recent complaint. Whelans client, registered nurse Bonnie Ferreria, filed a lawsuit against Valley Childrens in early June. Ferrerias lawsuit, filed on behalf of herself and all other employees affected between 2020-2024, accuses the nonprofit of intentionally paying nurses less than the minimum wage for their mandatory on-call shifts, and of owing $5 million in backpay. As a result of that suit, Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz announced his office will be investigating whether the Madera County hospital committed wage theft at its Fresno facilities. Valley Childrens on Monday continued to deny claims of labor code violations brought forth by the employees. Although Valley Childrens Hospital strongly denies all allegations in the Westfall lawsuit, weve agreed to a settlement so we and our employees can focus on providing high-quality healthcare to our patients and our community, rather than on litigation. The court has preliminarily approved the settlement, the hospital said in an email to The bee. A duplicate lawsuit, known as the Ferreria matter, similarly is without merit. Records show Valley Childrens attorneys first asked the court for preliminary approval of the settlement terms just 11 days after Ferreria filed her lawsuit in June. The court granted that preliminary approval in July. But Ferreria, who says her base pay at the hospital is $54 per hour, wrote in a statement to the court that she and Whelan did not become aware of the looming settlement for the 2022 case until Aug. 24, when the nurse received a notice in the mail that she was entitled to receive an estimated $54.58. I conservatively estimate that the amount that I am owed is not less than $27,832, or 500 times the preliminarily approved settlement agreement, Ferreria wrote. I have recently spoken with dozens of VCH employees about the recently mailed notice of preliminary class settlement who, like me, have worked on-call shifts and been paid less than minimum wage to work these on-call shifts. People are frustrated and upset that VCH is trying to reduce their claims to less than a single hour of their base pay when they are owed significantly more. Whelan has filed a motion to intervene in the 2022 case before the settlement is given final approval. He wrote in a statement to the court that, despite several points of contact, Valley Childrens legal counsel seemingly in order to try and avoid intervention and secure a lower settlement failed to inform him about the settlement the hospital was working on for the 2022 case. If this deal were genuinely advantageous for all VCH employees, VCH would have disclosed the details to the media in June when questions about Ms. Ferrerias case first arose, Whelan said in his email to The Bee. Furthermore, if the deal were beneficial, VCHs legal team would have been forthright with Ferrerias counsel from the beginning, rather than using legal privilege to conceal information. He also noted in court documents that the settlement document includes the words a release of all claims arising out of their employment with Defendant. In his statement to the court, he said that clause obviously sweeps in the Ferreria claims. The Westfall lawsuit does not replicate the claims made in the Ferreria lawsuit, but it poses a risk of settling all the claims collectively, Whelan wrote to The Bee. In Valley Childrens statement to The Bee, the hospital confirmed that Ferrerias potential claims will be settled under the Westfall resolution. Valley Childrens looks forward to putting these cases behind us, the hospital said. Employees covered by the proposed Westfall agreement who find it unreasonable, the settlement document states, must ensure that the settlement administrator receives their objections by Sept. 30. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance said he would have had states submit new electors instead of certifying the 2020 election results, his first time saying so since he was named to the ticket. I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors and let the country have the debate about what actually matters and what kind of an election that we had, Vance said in an interview with the All-in Podcast on Monday, when asked multiple times what he would have done if he was in former Vice President Mike Pences position on Jan. 6, 2021. When asked to clarify whether that means he would not certify the election results, he repeated that he would ask states to submit alternative slates of electors. Vance had previously stated issues with the 2020 election results and said he would not certify the 2020 results before being tapped as Trumps running mate in July. On Monday, he repeated some of his concerns with the 2020 election results specifically with Pennsylvania and said he believed that Pence should have done more. Mike Pence could have done more, whether you agree or disagree, Mike Pence could have done more to sort of surface some of the problems in the 2020 election, Vance said. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. There is also nothing in the Constitution that permits the vice president to reject some or all of the electors submitted by the states. Pence ultimately refused to decertify the results of the 2020 election result at Trumps request on Jan. 6. In response, a mob of rioters rushed to the Capitol threatening to hang Mike Pence. It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year, Pence told Fox News in March, adding that there were a range of issues he disagreed with the former president on, not just our differences on our constitutional duties that I exercised on Jan. 6. The former vice president has not said how he will vote in November, but joins a list of former Trump administration officials who are no longer supporting the former president. Vance added that he believes Pence did not support Trump because of differences over his positions on funding foreign wars. In reality, if Donald Trump wanted to start a nuclear war with Russia, Mike Pence would be at the front of the line endorsing him right now, Vance said. Fundamentally the reason the old guard of the Republican Party hates Donald Trump it's not because of January 6, 2021, whatever your views on it it's because Donald Trump doesn't think we should start stupid wars in foreign countries and thats why they all hate him. Insider threats, malicious activities perpetrated by individuals with legitimate access to an organisation's systems, pose a significant risk to information security. These threats can come from current and former employees, contractors, or third-party partners, and can be motivated by financial gain, retaliation, negligence, or compromised accounts. Understanding insider threats Insider threats can be categorised into three main types: Malicious insiders: These are individuals who knowingly seek to steal information or disrupt operations. This may be driven by financial motives, retaliation, or a desire to harm the organisation. Negligent insiders: These are employees who unintentionally cause harm due to carelessness or failure to follow proper procedures. This can include actions like leaving computers unlocked or failing to apply security patches. Compromised insiders: This group of employees are those whose accounts have been compromised by malware or other malicious attacks. These compromised accounts can be used as a foothold for further attacks. Becoming compromised Interestingly, there are a number of ways an organisations employees can become compromised insiders. One of the most common is via a phishing attack in which a targeted individual is contacted via email or text message by someone posing as a legitimate party in order to lure the individual into providing sensitive data. Some phishing schemes may also try to entice an employee to click on a link that triggers a malware download. Another method is via malware infection where a machine is infected with malicious software. The goal of the malware in the case of a compromised insider is to steal sensitive information or user credentials. An infection can be initiated by clicking on a link, downloading a file, or plugging in an infected USB key. Yet another method is credential theft which involves the capture of a username and password of a targeted individual. This can be achieved through phishing and malware infection as well as social engineering techniques. Finally, there is whats known as pass-the-hash attacks in which encrypted or digested authentication credentials are intercepted from one computer and used to gain access to other computers on the network. A pass-the-hash attack is very similar in concept to a password theft attack, but it relies on stealing and reusing password hash values rather than the actual plain text password. A growing threat Overall, insider threats are a growing problem, as evidenced by data in a recent Ponemon study. It found that 60% of organisations experienced more than 30 insider-related incidents per year. Of those reported, 62% were attributed to negligence while 23% of incidents were attributed to criminal insiders. The report also found that 14% of insider-related incidents were attributed to user credential theft. Insider threats are particularly challenging to detect because the threat actor has legitimate access to the organisation's systems and data. This makes it difficult to distinguish between normal and malicious behaviour. Mitigation strategies Thankfully, there is a wide range of proactive steps that organisations can take to mitigate the risk of insider threats. These steps include: Employee training: Conduct regular security awareness training to educate employees about the risks of insider threats and best practices for protecting sensitive information. Focus on topics such as phishing prevention, password security, and recognising suspicious activity. Co-ordination between IT security and HR: Establish strong communication and collaboration between IT security and HR departments to identify potential risks and address employee concerns proactively. Employ user behavioural analytics (UBA): Use UBA tools to monitor user behaviour and identify anomalies that may indicate insider threats. Implement access controls and review privileges: Restrict access to sensitive information and systems based on job roles and responsibilities. Also, ensure that employees have only the necessary privileges to perform their job duties. Monitor network traffic: Use network monitoring tools to detect unusual activity that may indicate insider threats. Conduct security audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by insiders. Leverage AI and machine learning: AI and machine learning can be used to analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may indicate insider threats. Stay updated on emerging threats: Keep abreast of the latest insider threat trends and techniques to ensure that your organisation's security measures are up-to-date. By implementing these strategies, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats and protect their valuable assets. Additionally, security teams should stay informed about emerging trends in the field of insider threat prevention. By taking a proactive approach to insider threat management, organisations can better mitigate risks and ensure the security of their sensitive information and systems. A baseless claim that illegal immigrants from Haiti have been eating domestic pets in a small Ohio city has been repeated by Donald Trump. During ABC's presidential debate, Trump said: "In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. Theyre eating they are eating the pets of the people that live there." But city officials have told BBC Verify there have been no credible reports" that this has actually happened. The baseless claim had spread on social media, with Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance promoting it on X. The post has had more than 11 million views. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called Vance's comments "dangerous" and a "conspiracy theory... based on an element of racism". Where did the claim come from? The claim appears to have come from a number of different sources which have been turned into a cohesive - though baseless - story by pro-Trump social media accounts. At a 27 August meeting of Springfields city commission, a local resident who describes himself as a social media influencer launched into a speech against Haitian immigrants. He gave a long list of grievances, including that they were slaughtering park ducks for food, and accused city officials of being paid to bring in immigrants, but provided no evidence for these claims. A claim about a cat being killed by Haitian immigrants was made on a Facebook post focusing on crime in Springfield, and attributed by the poster to the friend of a neighbours daughter. During the presidential debate on Tuesday, Trump also claimed to have seen people on television [saying] My dog was taken and used for food. BBC Verify has looked at archive video of every major US broadcaster, including Fox, CNN and CBS. We also used keywords to search for relevant video on social media, and have not identified any televised interview of this nature. Separately, a news report - as well as police bodycam footage - from late August about a woman arrested for killing and eating a cat has also been circulating online. Many right-wing commentators have referred to the woman as Haitian and pointed to the report as evidence for the baseless claim that Haitian immigrants have been engaged in similar activity. However, the incident took place in Canton, Ohio, about 170 miles (273km) away from Springfield. Canton Police told the BBC that the suspect was born in 1997 and that she was a US citizen. The department also told us "we have not dealt with any complaints of Haitian immigrants at all." BBC Verify spoke to the Springfield City Commission about the claims. Officials told us: There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Claims of other incidents The claims have also been reflected in a post on Reddit with a photo of a man carrying what appears to be a dead goose in Columbus, Ohio. On 10 September, the conservative news outlet, The Federalist, published a story with an audio recording allegedly from a non-emergency call to police in Springfield. The caller claimed to have seen four Haitians carrying four geese. The article also features what is meant to be a police report from the Clark County Sheriffs Office about the call which it says was made on 26 August. BBC Verify contacted the sheriffs office and asked them whether the audio recording and police report were true. It directed us to a Springfield City government spokesperson who said "these claims were not substantiated". Memes go viral Elon Musk has posted memes referring to the baseless claims which have been viewed millions of times. Charlie Kirk, the CEO of conservative activist group Turning Point, said: Residents of Springfield, OH are reporting that Haitians are eating their family pets. And official Republican party social media channels, such as the Republican House Judiciary Committee X account, have also referred to the claims. The account posted an AI-generated image of former president Trump hugging a duck and a cat with the caption Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio!. That post was seen nearly 70 million times. The BBC has contacted the Trump campaign for comment. On Tuesday, Vance appeared to row back on his previous comment and said on X: "It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false." But he added: "keep the cat memes flowing". On Sunday, when challenged about the claim on CNN, he replied: "The evidence is the first-hand account of my constituents who are telling me this happened." "If i have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what i'm going to do", he added. Haitian immigrants in Springfield Springfield, a rust belt city in south-west Ohio, is home to about 60,000 people and has seen thousands of immigrants arrive in recent years. Many are from Haiti, and city officials say up to 20,000 have made Springfield home in recent years, reversing a long decline that saw the citys population drop by more than 20,000 over the last 60 years. The new arrivals have revitalised local industrial companies but have also put a strain on public services. Vance, a senator representing Ohio who grew up about an hour away from Springfield, has repeatedly talked about the city on the campaign trail. Additional reporting by Joshua Cheetham Springfield, Ohio, is home to a large migrant population. [Getty Images] [BBC] What do you want BBC Verify to investigate? If he had been vice president on January 6, 2021, Sen. J.D. Vance (ROhio) says he would have gone along with the Trump administration's plot to block Congress' certification of the 2020 election results. "I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors and let the country have the debate about what actually matters," Vance said during an appearance on the All-In podcast. When pressed by co-host Jason Calacanis to clarify whether he would have refused to certify the election, Vance stressed that he wanted to have "a big debate, and that doesn't necessarily mean the results would have been any different." This sounds somewhat more innocuous than it is. What Vance is saying is that he would have gone along with the next steps in the procedure drawn up by some of then-President Donald Trump's lawyers (led by John Eastman), who crafted a plan to open up the certification process. Understanding the full scope of Vance's answer requires a quick recap of how Trump's lawyers wanted January 6, 2021, to play out. The so-called Eastman memo outlined the necessary steps to prevent a transfer of power. It proposed that officials in a handful of states won narrowly by Joe Biden should submit alternative slates of electors and that then-Vice President Mike Pence should invoke his unilateral authority "without asking for permissioneither from a vote of the joint session [of Congress] or from the [Supreme Court]"to count only the Trump-supporting slates from those states. If state legislators in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and other disputed states failed to take the bait, there was a backup plan in which Pence would cite "all the evidence and the letters from state legislators calling into question the executive certifications" as grounds for refusing to count the votes from seven disputed states. "At the end of the count, the tally would therefore be 232 for Trump, 222 for Biden," Eastman wrote. "Because the 12th Amendment says 'majority of electors appointed,' having determined that no electors from the 7 states were appointedTRUMP WINS." It's unknown whether this would have worked. Certainly, it would have drawn an immediate lawsuit from the Biden campaign, but it's unclear how the Supreme Court would have viewed its role in such a dispute. Crucially, Pence refused to play his part in the scheme. For doing so, he's become a pariah in Republican politicsthough he deserves to be remembered for maintaining his courage in the face of both a literal and metaphorical partisan mob. Vance indicated in the All-In interview that he would be willing to do the opposite. Asked twice whether he would refuse to certify the election, Vance fell back both times to his claim that he would have simply asked states to submit alternative slates of electors and allowed Congress to have a debate about what to do. That's a cowardly response that fails to give a clear answer, but there can be no doubt about the signal Vance is sending. He is effectively saying that he'd have followed the path outlined in the Eastman memoa path that would allow the vice president to claim he was merely letting Congress debate the outcome, and then use the chaos and uncertainty created by that same debate to throw out the results from certain states in pursuit of a different outcome. This is not the first time Vance has said he would have overseen the certification process differently than Pence did. In February, during an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, Vance said that he would have "told the states, like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and so many others, that we needed to have multiple slates of electors, and I think the U.S. Congress should have fought over it from there." That Vance was saying those things earlier in the year likely bolstered his chance of becoming Trump's running mate. The fact that he's still saying them now should be a more serious red flag about what he'd do if elevated to the position of vice president. It's also worth engaging with the underlying notion here: that the country or Congress needs to debate the results of the election. That is also nonsense. The country did debate the 2020 election. For months. Votes were cast, results were tallied, and the Electoral College determined the winner. The final certification of the results is not the time or place for that debate to take place. Indeed, the Trump campaign took advantage of many other opportunities that are built into the system to challenge results in specific places, and none of those efforts found systemic fraud or other reasons to doubt the outcome. One of the great things about America's electoral systemdespite its frustrations and faultsis how decentralized it is. It is robust exactly because there is no central office counting every vote, and there are myriad checks and double-checks that occur as results are passed upward from precinct to county to state and, finally, to Congress. What Eastman proposed (and what Vance is nodding along with) is a reversal of all that: a substitution of the vice president's and Congress' opinion for the will of the voters. That's not constitutional, democratic, or even populist. It's just authoritarian. The post Vance Says He'd Have Gone Along With Trump's Plot To Block Certification of the 2020 Election appeared first on Reason.com. Vance says false claim he spread against Haitian migrants may not be true but urges followers to keep posting cat memes Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance acknowledged Tuesday that its possible the false claim that Haitian immigrants are abducting the pets of Springfield, Ohio, residents might not be true, but he encouraged his followers to continue posting cat memes. In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false, Vance posted on X Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here, Vance continued, also pointing to the impact migration has had on health and education services. Vance appeared to be referring to an incident last year in which an 11-year-old child was killed in a bus crash in Springfield involving a Haitian immigrant driver who had a foreign license that was not valid in Ohio, as reported by The New York Times. The driver involved has been convicted of first-degree felony involuntary manslaughter and fourth-degree felony vehicular homicide, according to the Springfield News-Sun. The Times reported that city officials estimated an influx of as many as 20,000 Haitian immigrants to the town in recent years. The report said the arrivals overwhelmed community health clinics, which saw a 13-times increase from 2021-2023, and put a strain on housing and schools. If youre a reporter, or an activist, who didnt give a shit about these suffering Americans until yesterday, I have some advice: Spare your outrage for your fellow citizens suffering under Kamala Harriss policies. Be outraged at yourself for letting this happen, he continued. In a follow-up post, Vance said, In short, dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing. Vance promoted false claims on Monday that Haitian migrants in Ohio are killing and eating family pets, though his post on Tuesday made no mention of Haitians eating them. Its the latest turn in a campaign that has increasingly embraced race-baiting messaging, questioning Vice President Kamala Harris racial identity while seeking to undermine her immigration policies. The unsubstantiated claims appear to be the result of an unwieldy game of telephone that began as a rumor in a local Facebook group before spiraling to reach the highest echelons of conservative media and the Republican Party. They spread widely on X, whose owner, Elon Musk, has embraced the false rumors and posted several memes that promoted them. In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for the City of Springfield said, There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) went all in this week on Trumps effort to reverse his loss in the 2020 election. In a video appearance on the All In podcast, Vance was asked whether he would have done what Mike Pence wouldnt: refuse to certify the 2020 election. I would have asked the states to submit alternative slates of electors and let the country have the debate about what actually matters and what kind of election we had, Vance replied. This response, which sounds extremely lawyerly, is of course an allusion to a key component of Trumps bid to steal a second term. And at a certain point, this answer isnt surprising, though the fake elector plan has been the subject of criminal investigation in several states. Vance knows what happened to Pence; he effectively signed up for at least saying hed do what Pence wouldnt the moment he accepted the offer to be Trumps running mate. Whats more interesting is Vances justification that the fake electors plan would have allowed a debate to happen. In reality, by January 2021, the debate was long over: dozens of federal courts had thrown out ever-changing, chimerical claims of voter fraud, depriving the Trump campaign of a means to win. But the idea that the Vice President could have turned Congress into a venue of last resort to debate the issue is the exact argument that Ken Chesebro, the Trump attorney and architect of the fake elector scheme, laid out in dozens of private emails from the time that I obtained earlier this year. In Chesebros thinking, the Vice President refusing to certify would have indeed sparked a debate over election fraud. But blowing through January 6 would have masked what was really going on: Miring Congress in a debate about claims that everyone knew to be false would have demonstrated that Congress was unable to act unless either the Court or the state legislature addresses claims re the state, Chesebro wrote in one message. It was a brazen power play. Congress inability to function, Trumps lawyers theorized, would have pressured what Chesebro saw as the last Constitutional actor standing the Supreme Court to intervene. The conservative majority would have then, theoretically, decided the election for Trump. Thats the debate were talking about. The Best Of TPM Today More on Vance: How JD Vance Turned the Conspiracy Machine on Haitians in a Small Ohio City Follow our live coverage of the debate tonight here: Harris, Trump Head To Debate Stage For Biggest Event On Campaign Calendar NEW from Hunter Walker: How Harris Took Over The Campaign, Surged, And Still Faces A Tough Fight Against Trump Yesterdays Most Read Story Trumps Authoritarian Promise Is Distilled Into A Single Paragraph What We Are Reading Johnson forges ahead on spending plan as GOP support crumbles Why Mike Lee Folded One of the most potent greenhouse gases is rising faster than ever The skyline of Springfield, Ohio. Right-wing activists have spread lies about the town's Haitian community. (Getty Images) This commentary originally appeared on Ohio Capital Journal. Sometimes the disgusting sewer of presidential year politics hits a little too close to home, and you end up watching a national conversation play out largely divorced from reality or the actual experiences of communities intimately connected to your own life. Thats what happened to me Monday as I watched Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance lie about legal Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and displaying no sense of conscience whatsoever make an abhorrent insinuation about them. His purpose, it appears, was a trollish attempt to mislead the public and prey on peoples hatreds and fears. I suppose he thinks thats good politics. Meanwhile, after last week using Haitians in Springfield baselessly to attempt to justify his claim that migrants are terrorizing our communities, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost followed up Monday by announcing court action to try to get a federal judge to limit migrants coming to Ohio. Why is this all so disturbing to me? Three generations of my family called Springfield home, and its played a huge role in my life. My parents both grew up in Springfield and Ive been visiting my whole life. I had one grandfather who retired from International Harvester and another who was an insurance agent in Springfield for decades. I had one grandmother who was a librarian at North High School and another who worked for the local bank. Both of my parents (and two of my grandparents) graduated from Wittenberg. Mike and Rosys Deli, Cassanos Pizza, fishing at the C.J. Brown Dam, family parties at the Polo Club, trips down to Youngs Jersey Dairy or Clifton Gorge, these are all staples of my childhood. I have nothing but love for Springfield and the whole area. Meanwhile, my partners parents are Haitian immigrants who moved to America in their teens and have led such impressively successful lives it blows me away. Theyve shown me nothing but love and kindness and have also played a huge role in my life. Haitian food has become something I cant go without. I have jars of epis and pikliz in my fridge at all times. I am obsessed with diri kole ak pwa and griot and boulette. I have been working on learning both Spanish and Haitian Creole for several years now; I read every book I can find on Haitian history; and have danced the night away with the most kind and loving people I can imagine more times than I can remember. I have nothing but love for them and their whole family. Even though theyve never lived in Ohio, this is what makes this conversation about Haitians in Springfield so difficult for me to stomach. Both the Haitian community and Springfield community live in my heart, and Im disgusted by the politics being played on both of them. Using peoples lives and communities as a political cudgel to stoke fear and hatred and outrage with lies and innuendo is a low, base, nasty, reckless, destructive thing to do, and I do not understand what is in the hearts of politicians who indulge in it. So lets just clear away the muck before we can proceed to a more adult conversation: Vance keeps incorrectly claiming the Haitian community in Springfield are illegal immigrants. They are not illegal immigrants. They are legal immigrants. They are lawfully in the country. Some are newly arrived legal migrants with work permits, some are fully naturalized U.S. citizens. What Vance insinuates about pets is indefensible. Its sad that the Springfield News-Sun even had to fact-check it. Its a disgusting racist lie from the extremist right-wing internet, and Vance perpetuated it to millions of followers. Shame on him. As for Vances claim that Haitians are causing chaos all over Springfield, and Yost pointing to Haitians in Springfield as an example of migrants terrorizing our communities, I have no idea what theyre talking about. Go to Springfield and tell me where to find the chaos and terror, because every time Ive been the last four years, I havent seen it. Something extraordinary has happened in Springfield since the pandemic though, with the influx of thousands of Haitian immigrants. The actual number is hard to pin down. City officials have estimated up to 20,000, but estimates of 10,000 and 15,000 have also been made. The New York Times reported last week, By most accounts, the Haitians have helped revitalize Springfield. They are assembling car engines at Honda, running vegetable-packing machines at Dole and loading boxes at distribution centers. They are paying taxes on their wages and spending money at Walmart. On Sundays they gather at churches for boisterous, joyful services in Haitian Creole. But the speed and volume of arrivals have put pressure on housing, schools and hospitals. The community health clinic saw a 13-fold increase in Haitian patients between 2021 and 2023, from 115 to 1,500, overwhelming its staff and budget. The Times details how, after decades of shrinking and uncertainty, Springfield was able to attract new manufacturing and business with a strategic plan, and by 2020 had drawn in food-service firms, logistics companies, and a microchip maker, among others: But soon there were not enough workers. Many young, working-age people had descended into addiction. Others shunned entry-level, rote work altogether, employers said. Haitians who heard that the Springfield area boasted well-paying, blue-collar jobs and a low cost of living poured in, and employers were eager to hire and train the new work force. The Haitians had Social Security numbers and work permits, thanks to a federal program that offered them temporary protection in the United States. Some had been living for years in places like Florida, where there is a thriving Haitian community. So what, in fact, do we have going on here? We have a large population increase over a short period of time; we have a language barrier that can cause various strains; we have housing, schooling, and health services that need adequate resources to deal with a massive and rapid adjustment. We also have an eager, dutiful, law-abiding, and peaceful workforce helping revitalize a city and helping local businesses thrive; we have a citys population swelling instead of declining; we have an influx of new taxpayers and consumers filling blue-collar jobs, paying property taxes, shopping at local stores, and contributing to their community. Are there struggles? Absolutely. Is it chaos and terror? Absolutely not. Is there opportunity for both the city of Springfield and the Haitian community to thrive together? Without a doubt. Will it all be easy? No. Will it be worth it in the long-run? Yes. Serious people should discuss serious solutions to serious issues. Politicians using dangerous rhetoric to whip people up into a frenzy of misinformed anger and viciousness is not needed and not helpful. With Nazis already marching through downtown Springfield, Im sickened that statewide elected leaders would instigate and inflame the situation even further. We must be better than that, and we must demand better than that from our elected officials. To any Haitians new to Springfield, Sak pase, zanmi m. Mwen akeyi ou! And to my friends and family in Springfield, I hope you will welcome the stranger, too. In them youll find some of the kindest, warmest, most remarkable people you will ever meet. Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and X. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Venezuela's presidential opposition candidate in the recent election Edmundo Gonzalez is expected to arrive in Spain By Vivian Sequera, Mayela Armas and Matt Spetalnick CARACAS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The flight of former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has largely extinguished hope for political change, voters say, as long-time President Nicolas Maduro shrugs off international criticism about the conduct of July's disputed election. Election officials and Venezuela's top court say the July 28 vote was won by socialist Maduro, who has been in power since 2013. The opposition say tallies collected by its observers show a resounding victory for Gonzalez. After being threatened with arrest, Gonzalez over the weekend fled Venezuela - and some other Venezuelans are already opting to do the same. Those staying are largely giving up on any hope of a transition, as post-election protests have fizzled out and punitive measures from abroad have yet to materialize. "I thought there could be a change, but now I don't know, it seems like we'll follow the footsteps of Cuba," said teacher Ender Lopez, 56, in the central Venezuelan city of Valencia. His two children have already emigrated. "Some people have faith in international diplomacy, but now I don't think they'll do anything," Lopez added. More than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela in recent years and more are setting out to join its robust global diaspora. "I am looking for a better life," said migrant Alejandra Medina, who slept on the ground for two nights with her sons aged 4 and 2, in Pacaraima, a Brazilian border town. In August, 12,325 Venezuelans arrived in Pacaraima, according to Brazil's Federal Police, up from 8,050 in June. SHADOW GOVERNMENT Former lawmaker and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who said last week she wants the international community to do "much more," on Monday urged countries to recognize Gonzalez as the president-elect, saying he would continue his fight for change from Spain, where he has claimed asylum. But Venezuela has been here before. Former opposition leader Juan Guaido in 2019 created a parallel government - based on arguments that Maduro's 2018 reelection was illegitimate - an effort that was supported by many Western democracies. The effort failed. Guaido eventually fled to the United States, the opposition called time on the shadow government, and diplomatic efforts shifted to parallel negotiations between the opposition and the government and the United States and the government. Those talks led to a deal on election conditions signed in Barbados last October, the freeing of dozens of opposition-linked Venezuelans and 10 Americans, and the temporary drawdown of U.S. sanctions. The detente was short-lived, foundering even before the election. The U.S. said in April it would reimpose the oil industry restrictions in response to Maduro's failure to meet election commitments. U.S. officials have defended Washington's recent cautious response, insisting they are coordinating any future action with regional and international partners. MIGRATION MISGIVINGS But people familiar with the matter see Washington's options as limited and say Venezuela is competing for attention with foreign policy priorities like the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia's war in Ukraine, and China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The Biden administration is finalizing a list of Venezuelan officials and their families who would face individual sanctions and U.S. visa bans, sources have said, but no official announcement has yet been made. U.S. officials have privately expressed misgivings about actions that would inflict serious damage to an already struggling Venezuelan economy, fearing that could spur an increased flow of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border. Migration is a hot-button issue in the tight U.S. presidential campaign. Asked about criticism of the U.S. for acting too slowly and whether any action now might be too little, too late, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council reiterated the administration's stance on Monday, saying the U.S. was "considering a range of options". Talks with Maduro were unlikely until after the Nov. 5 U.S. election, said London investment bank BancTrust in a Monday note. "If Maduro's downfall was imminent or if negotiations on a transition were ongoing, (Gonzalez) would not have left the country, in our view," it said. For any discussions to happen there will need to be sufficient pressure from inside the Venezuelan government and the military, long a staunch backer of Maduro, said Venezuelan lawyer and international politics expert Mariano de Alba. Among the diplomatic community, "there is fear that the tools of international pressure could end up having a negative impact," he said, adding that too much external pressure could further unite the government. Brazil - whose president has traditionally had friendlier relations with Maduro - has sharpened its criticism in recent weeks. Venezuela's government revoked Brazil's authorization to represent Argentine interests in the country, including administering the diplomatic residence where six opposition figures are sheltering, on Saturday, drawing Argentina's condemnation and Brazil's surprise. A Brazilian diplomatic source said on Monday that Gonzalez leaving weakened the opposition's position. "We understand why he needed to leave," the source added. "But it makes Maduro stronger." (Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas in Caracas and Matt Spetalnick in Washington, additional reporting by Sebastian Rocandio and Amanda Perobelli in Pacaraima, Brazil, Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia, Raul Cortes in Mexico City, Tibisay Romero in Valencia, Venezuela and Julia Symmes Cobb in Bogota; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb and Anthony Boadle; Editing by Christian Plumb and Rosalba O'Brien) Venezuela's election crisis shows limits of U.S. administrations over the roots of migration Protesters clash with police during demonstrations in Caracas on July 29, a day after President Maduro was declared the winner. In the upcoming presidential debate, former President Donald Trump will likely reiterate claims that Vice President Kamala Harris is a failed border czar, to which she will most probably counterpunch by saying that Trump blocked a crucial bipartisan border security deal in Congress. But 48 hours before that showdown, the immigration landscape has been reset. The U.S.-recognized winner of Venezuelas presidential election on July 28, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, fled to Spain as President Nicolas Maduro heightened his repression campaign and issued a warrant for his arrest. These two events, nearly juxtaposed, serve as a reality check for American voters on the limitations the U.S. administration, regardless of party, face in the Latin American countries that are home to the hundreds of thousands of migrants that cross the border every year. There are limits to the U.S.'s leverage when it comes to the political dynamics of a country or region, said Francisco Rodriguez, professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies in Denver, Colorado. Cuba is one example, he said. Once authoritarian regimes get entrenched, it is difficult to change them and external pressure doesnt necessarily do the trick, Rodriguez said. As of June, more than 7.8 million Venezuelans were living outside their country, mostly in other Latin American countries, according to the Office of the Special Envoy for the Regional Response to the Venezuela Situation. Before the disputed elections in Venezuela, over 40% of Venezuelans surveyed said they would consider leaving the country if Maduro remained in power. Since the George W. Bush administration, the U.S. and other countries have imposed sanctions on individuals in power in Venezuela and their family members. As human rights abuses and the dismantling of democratic institutions intensified under Maduro, President Donald Trump followed with maximum pressure sanctions in an attempt to squeeze him out of office. But Maduro endured and the economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela worsened. As a result, the U.S. has seen an increasing number of Venezuelans show up on its borders. President Joe Biden eased some of the crippling sanctions imposed by Trump, allowing Chevron, and later other companies, to operate in Venezuela in an attempt to support talks between the opposition and Maduro. But Maduro failed to comply with an agreement to move toward fair elections, and just six months later the administration reinstated the oil ban to some of the companies. Chevron still is allowed to operate in the country. A Venezuela election body stacked with Maduro backers has declared Maduro the winner of the countrys July 28 election but refused to release vote tallies. Opposition leaders say partial tallies show Gonzalez won 70% of the vote. Other Latin American and European countries have joined the U.S. in not recognizing Maduros election victory. The U.S. has recognized Gonzalez as the winner, but not as president-elect. The questionable election results have resulted in deadly demonstrations attributed to the heavy-handed response from Maduros forces. 'Few options' and 'no fast fix' In an article for Emissary, a publication of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Oliver Stunkel, a visiting scholar at Carnegie, wrote that the limited influence of the coalition of the U.S. and European and Latin American countries refusing to recognize Maduros election results leaves it with few options. The appetite for a renewed pressure campaign involving sanctions against Venezuela is slim, he said, largely because previous sanctions worsened the countrys economy and did not remove Maduro. In addition, many in this group, particularly the United States, are concerned that broader sanctions could increase emigration, Stunkel wrote. As vice president, Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration, specifically from the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. That role did not include direct involvement in migration and enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her job was to focus on bolstering investment in business and other sectors in those countries, to improve the living conditions pushing people out. There is disagreement on how well she performed that task. Jason Marczak, an Atlantic Council Latin America expert, wrote that soon after Harris took on the border job, it became clear there would be no fast fix to the decades of insecurity, economic challenges, and weak governance, among other factors that confront the region. The number of Venezuelans encountered at the southwestern U.S. border this fiscal year looks likely to surpass the previous fiscal year total of 266,071. As of July, this fiscal years total was 230,582. The 2024 fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2023 and ends Sept. 31, 2024. Customs and Border Protection totals for August have not yet been posted. But, since March, monthly totals have been lower this fiscal year compared to the same month a year earlier. For example, the number of Venezuelans encountered in April this fiscal year was 18,371, compared to 32,733 in April of 2023. Biden resumed deportations of Venezuelans as a condition of the election negotiations with Maduro. But Maduro stopped repatriation flights from the U.S. in February when Biden reimposed sanctions. Venezuelans are now indirectly returned via Mexico. Biden also has set up a program for Venezuelans and others to apply for legal entry to the U.S. and granted temporary protected status to some. Trump also granted protection from deportation to Venezuelans during his administration. Trump had previously criticized Bidens easing of oil sanctions and is likely to have similar condemnation for Harris in the debate, Rodriguez said. But dislodging a dictatorship is difficult, Rodriguez said. Biden and Harris can claim that they have been more effective in guiding Venezuelans to oppose the Maduro regime and ease some of the pressure that is pushing people out of the country. If you want to do something about migration, what you should not do is help make things worse for Venezuelans, Rodriguez said. For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Randolph, VT. A 26-year-old Vermont woman is facing multiple charges after officers conducted a stop on her vehicle and found cocaine Monday night. Police say they stopped Melody Fairbanks of Rochester, Vermont, on Route 12 near Tatro Hill Road at 11:05 p.m. Through investigation, officers discovered that Fairbanks had been driving with a suspended license, and had cocaine in her possession. Fairbanks was taken into custody for cocaine possession and driving with a criminally suspended license. She will appear at Orange County Superior Court on October 28. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The restoration of the largest meadow in Yosemite is almost complete, and ecologists say they are already seeing vibrant signs of new life. The Yosemite Conservancys Schuyler Greenleaf says the Ackerson Meadow, which was reintroduced to the park in 2016, was sold into private ownership almost 125 years ago. During that time, gullies were cut into the land to capture the water and drain the once-fertile meadow for cattle grazing. This change diminished the once-rich biodiversity of the meadow. Why does Amazon want to conserve the Central Valleys water? In 2016, a coalition of partners purchased the land and donated it to the park. With the help of native tribal groups, studies began the following year. Now, eight years later, the project is almost complete. I was out there walking with some of the ecologists this spring, Greenleaf said. Everyone just felt giddy because as snow was melting, the meadow was holding water and they were seeing bird species that they havent seen there. Its a very gratifying experience, even at these early stages. Greenleaf says crews will work through October this year, which is the dry season when the meadow is most durable, to finish filling the 100-foot wide and 14-foot deep gully. They will also complete the process of reintroducing the hundreds of thousands of native plants, which Park Service crews hand-collected throughout the Sierra. Before restoration, when the land was used for cattle grazing. The meadow after restoration began. The meadow after restoration began. The meadow will be able to retain the green, so itll be able to support the wildflowers, itll be able to support songbirds, Greenleaf said. It already is doing a beautiful job of that. It was just, it could be stronger, it could be healthier. Thats what the project is about. The total cost of the restoration is $17.7 million and was paid for by donations from the Yosemite Conservancy, The Park Service, American Rivers, California Department of Fish and Game, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, and other state agencies. How you can help shape Yosemites future Greenleaf says after human intervention is complete, the meadow will continue to heal itself as plants regrow and animals find new homes and migratory pit stops. What makes Meadows so special is the life that they support, she said. Maybe as a visitor, youd be able to walk through the meadow in years past and not get your feet wet. But you wouldnt see the life being hosted there that is possible with a healthy, functioning meadow 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. New videos show back-to-back strikes on a Russian bridge as Ukraine knocks them out in its invasion New videos show back-to-back strikes on a Russian bridge as Ukraine knocks them out in its invasion Ukraine hit a Russian bridge in the Kursk region again, following up on a suspected HIMARS strike. Video footage appeared to show both hits, with some observers saying the latter was a JDAM-ER strike. Ukraine has targeted multiple bridges in Russia's Kursk region since its invasion began last month. Video footage appearing to show back-to-back strikes on a bridge in Russia's Kursk region has surfaced online. The first attack on the bridge was a suspected HIMARS, or High Mobility Rocket Artillery System, strike. The second, per open-source analysis and local reporting, may have involved the US-made Joint Direct Attack Munition - Extended Range (JDAM-ER). The footage of the first attack on the Seym River Bridge, near the village of Karyzh in Kursk, was published by the Khorne Group, a Ukrainian drone unit with the 116th Mechanized Brigade, on Telegram on Sunday. It was then shared by open-source intelligence accounts on social media. A trio of Ukrainian HIMARS-launched GMLRS rockets slam into a Russian mobile bridging unit over the damaged Seym River Bridge at Karyzh, Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian forces continue to destroy bridges connecting Russian forces south of the Seym. pic.twitter.com/yqyFUxjGqn OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 8, 2024 In the video, the Russian bridge takes multiple successive strikes. The munitions look to scatter across the target area, hitting both the bridge and the water. The footage then zooms in on the damaged section of the bridge, showing notable damage to the structure. The next day, footage appeared on Telegram and then later on other social media that seemed to show a follow-up attack with a different weapon. Open-source intelligence accounts identified the weapons used in this attack as US-supplied JDAM-ERs. These weapons use kits to turn unguided bombs into precision-strike options. These are air-launched weapons that have been used previously to strike bridges inside Russia. The Ukrainian Air Force decided to follow up the Ukrainian Armys HIMARS strike on the Russian mobile bridging unit over the damaged Seym River Bridge at Karyzh, Kursk Oblast. Seen here, a US-supplied Ukrainian JDAM-ER glide bomb slams into the Russian bridge. pic.twitter.com/dXws4rA57o OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 9, 2024 The video appears to show greater damage to the bridge, which seems to have a hole in it. However, it is still standing. Business Insider was unable to independently verify the details of the strike footage, which online OSINT accounts geolocated to the Karyzh area in Kursk, but this is not the first time Ukraine has struck Russian bridges in Kursk. Video footage from late last month shared by Ukraine's air force, showed a Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft dropping US-made GBU-62 JDAM-ER bombs on Kursk bridges. The bombs in some respects are similar to Russia's glide bombs, which it's previously used to devastate Ukrainian positions. These weapons were especially notable for their use in Russia's offensive of Avdiivka, where they helped Russia briefly achieve air superiority. A Ukrainian MiG-29 deploys GBU-62 JDAM-ER bombs against bridge crossings in the Kursk region. pic.twitter.com/xoESmNJ1iq Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) August 30, 2024 Ukraine appears to be targeting these bridges in an effort to disrupt Russian logistics and supply lines to the area as Moscow continues to redirect its forces to Kursk to counter Kyiv's invasion. Read the original article on Business Insider VILLA GROVE, Ill. (WCIA) Students in Villa Grove went back to school on Monday after police and school administrators spent the weekend investigating threats toward the school. In a joint statement on Facebook, Superintendent Carol Munson and Police Chief Robert Rea said they wanted to address misconceptions that were circulating on social media regarding these threats. It all started on Friday when they said an initial threat was received. Munson and Rea said the threat was investigated and was found to be not credible. Champaign high schools locked down after unfounded 911 call of armed person They added that over the weekend, rumors began spreading on social media of more threats from other various sources. All of these perceived threats were investigated, and no danger was found; the social media posts were fabricated based on nothing more than rumors, Munson and Rea said. The sources of those rumors are being addressed. In the end, the determination was made that it was safe for students to attend school on Monday. Precautionary measures will continue to be employed throughout this week and beyond. There will be an extra police presence at school this week, social work services are available in the district to all students, heightened staff monitoring of all areas, and strict adherence to backpack rules will be followed, the two said. The district continues to encourage students and families to inform district administration or the Villa Grove Police Department of any threats of violence or safety concerns at school. Student safety is the highest priority when considering any decision. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WIVT/WBGH) As part of an Upstate New York revitalization program, Governer Kathy Hochul is giving the community a first look at a reimagined Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM). On Monday, Hochul unveiled a new two-and-a-half-minute fly-through video depicting the major upgrades planned for BGM. The video portrays renovations for the lobby and lounge, parking system, redevelopment of the Airport Road Approach, installation of geothermal wells, and more. In November 2023, Hochul announced that the airport would be receiving $32 million from the $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. BGM is one of nine airports to receive the funding. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize, and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century. Our Upstate airports are essential gateways to their local communities, and we are doing all we can to ensure they provide an easy and enjoyable welcome for residents and visitors alike, Hochul said. This new video rendering shows the dramatic transformation that is taking place at the Greater Binghamton Airport. Passengers now have the ability to see the upgrades that will make this airport the ideal welcome to all those traveling to New Yorks Southern Tier for everything it has to offer. The Greater Binghamton Airport was built in 1945. It handles more than 38,000 enplanements each year and is currently serviced by commercial air carrier Delta Airlines. The airport serves as a vital travel hub for local employers however, the main terminal has not been renovated in more than two decades and its features are outdated. The revitalization of the airport will cost an estimated $53.9 million. It will also benefit from $14.8 million in federal funding that was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Airport Terminal Project. According to the Governer, this project is expected to create more than 600 jobs and will be completed by the spring of 2025. These major upgrades at the Greater Binghamton Airport are creating a modern, world-class gateway that will welcome visitors into Broome County for years to come. The new video rendering offers an eye-opening glimpse into the incredible transformation underway. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued support and commitment in making this transformation possible, ensuring Broome County remains a vital hub for economic growth, said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. To view the newly reimagined Greater Binghamton Airport, 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 WIVT - News 34. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su in Green Bay on Monday, Sept. 9 to talk with immigrant workers issues they face in the workplace. Wisconsin industries such as dairy and manufacturing rely heavily on undocumented immigrant labor, but workers rights and safety are often afterthoughts, according to labor organizations and advocates. At Voces de la Fronteras Green Bay office Monday afternoon, workers spoke with Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su and other labor organizations about abuses theyve faced and the immigration relief program that gave some the courage to come forward. Su made the trip to Green Bay shortly after an earlier stop in Milwaukee, where she spoke about mental health care and substance use disorders. Despite being the backbone of many industries, undocumented immigrant workers often find their wages withheld or are subject to unsafe working conditions, people told Su at the event. Their grievances are then sometimes used against them, they said. Far too often, unscrupulous employers have misused federal immigration law to target and intimidate immigrant workers who are organizing with their co-workers to raise wages and to create safer working conditions by threatening them with deportation, said Stephanie Bloomingdale, president of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. More: Biden's 'parole in place' program for undocumented immigrants is on pause. What to know The immigration relief program known as Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement, or DALE, provides temporary protection from deportation for undocumented immigrant workers if they assist labor agencies in investigating their employers labor violations. It was announced in October 2021 by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and expedited in 2023. The deferred action status is valid for up to four years for undocumented immigrant workers. It can also be renewed by two-year increments if the investigating labor agencies believe the workers' continued participation is beneficial to the investigation. Workers are able to apply for work permits and work legally during the period that their deferred action status is valid. Sonia Torres, mother of three, is an immigrant worker who obtained temporary protection through Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement. When she started working at a manufacturing company in Green Bay, she said safety training was provided only in English to a workforce that largely only spoke Spanish. Besides the obvious lack of personal protective equipment, there were safety issues Torres didnt realize because she did not receive formal training in Spanish on how to use the equipment, she said. For example, it wasnt until inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration came to the factory that she was informed that it was unsafe for her to clean a certain machine without first locking it. Speaking in Spanish to the Journal Sentinel, Torres said she considers it lucky that she didnt get hurt. Along with her colleague Israel Pena and others, Torres said she was able to help OSHA in its investigation of her employer, who has since instituted bilingual training and brought safer equipment to many other workers at the factory. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su in Green Bay on Monday, Sept. 9 to talk with immigrant workers issues they face in the workplace. At the event, Su recognized that there may be many undocumented immigrant workers who are eligible for Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement but are not aware of it. Community organizations such as Voces de la Frontera, Su said, are key partners for the Department of Labor in making sure that workers can exercise their rights. To Su, a Wisconsin native and the child of immigrant parents, immigrant workers rights are human rights. To workers who are toiling in the shadows, Su said. We see you, we hear you, and we are fighting for you. Eva Wen is a data reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be contacted by email at qwen@gannett.com. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photographer Jovanny Hernandez contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Labor Secretary Julie Su discusses Wisconsin immigrant workers' rights I visited a $600 women-only summer camp for adults that's skyrocketed in popularity see why it had a 60,000-person waitlist I visited a $600 women-only summer camp for adults that's skyrocketed in popularity see why it had a 60,000-person waitlist Camp Social is an annual women-only summer camp for adults near New York City. The three-day event in August saw 480 campers four times as many attendees as last year's camp. Its founder said this year's camp was sold out in 10 minutes and had a 60,000-person waitlist. During a typical summer afternoon, Camp IHC, nestled in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains, accommodates more than 600 youth campers. But in late August, there were no kids in sight. Instead, on the balmy Friday afternoon, about 500 adult women had arrived by the busload from New York City, ready to start their weekend at Camp Social. It was the annual woman-only summer camp's second year in operation. And it's already making quite a splash in the growing industry. The art of sharing bunks and meeting new friends over arts and crafts is no longer just for kids. Camp Social's three-day camp in late August received about 480 guests. Brittany Chang/Business Insider A growing number of adults have started seeking out these nostalgic experiences. A spokesperson for Connecticut-based Club Getaway, which offers both family and adult-only camp programs, told BI that bookings for its 2024 season increased 17% compared to the previous year. Similarly, Philippa Girling, the CEO and cofounder of France-based woman-only summer camp Camp Chateau, told BI that the company now has a more than 13,000-person waitlist for its 2025 dates. They had been fully booked in five days 15 months in advance. Even luxury hotel companies are getting into the business of grown-up summer camp. The Standard, Miami Beach, held its first Camp Standard in 2016 but didn't resume it as an annual consecutive event until 2023. The Standard, Miami Beach The Standard Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, and Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Los Cabos, Mexico, started operating annual adult summer camps in 2023. A spokesperson for the Standard, Miami Beach, told BI that the hotel's three-night camp saw a 50% growth in guests from 2023 to 2024. But Camp Social isn't backed by a large hotel group. Camp Social's 2024 retreat was held at Camp IHC, nestled in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains. Brittany Chang/Business Insider Rather, it's the brainchild of Liv Schreiber, a social media influencer and founder of Hot and Social, a New York City-based events company that aims to introduce its attendees to new friends. This sentiment doesn't stray far from Camp Social's ethos. At this year's Camp Social, the cell reception was shoddy, the lake was pristine, and the air felt fresh the opposite of what New York City, a 2.5-hour drive away, has to offer. Activities included bracelet-making. Brittany Chang/Business Insider The three-day, adult women-only camp, which started at $600 per person, offered a schedule similar to traditional sleepaway camps. Its attendees could try archery, rock climbing, yoga, and kayaking. In the morning, they could wake up with workout classes or a cold plunge in the lake. In the early afternoon, they could "paint and sip" by the water and participate in Camp Social's "Olympics." A few hours later, they could attend an organized pool party. 'We don't even talk about jobs,' Schreiber told me during our walk around the property. 'Our phones are in the bunks. You don't hear anything about the political climate here.' Attendees could forgo activities to relax in a hammock by the lake. Brittany Chang/Business Insider The only mention of politics I heard during my 1 hours at Camp Social was a reference to the coconut tree memes. "Unplugging is a benefit that comes with having a lot of fun," Schreiber said. According to the camp's founder, most women showed up alone. Schreiber told BI that most women went solo except for a mother-and-daughter duo, a handful of twins, and pairs of best friends. Brittany Chang/Business Insider One of the solo travelers even attended Camp Social instead of hosting a bachelorette party with personal friends. But when I arrived a day after Camp Social started, most of the women I saw were walking around in pods, chatting as if they'd been lifelong friends. "Your needs as an adult are the same as when you're a kid," Schreiber said. "You want to meet new people and relieve yourself of the stress you may have at home. You don't want to feel lonely or left out." It's a great time to sell a solution to loneliness. Most of Camp Social's guests attended alone. Brittany Chang/Business Insider More than a third of Americans between 18 and 25 said they felt lonely frequently or constantly, according to a December 2022 survey by the Harvard Graduate School of Education shared with BI in 2023. To combat this, young adults have been attending more in-person events, whether it be running clubs, art classes, or, in this case, summer camps even if that means shelling out extra cash for the potential to make new friends. "People realize that life is about more than your Instagram feed and what you own," Schreiber told BI. "We're shifting toward understanding that how we feel is the most important thing." She cited 'exhaustion and fatigue' as the drivers of this change. Activities included morning yoga. Brittany Chang/Business Insider One of Schreiber's goals was for the campers to have fun and leave as friends. She may be an influencer with about 231,700 followers across Instagram and TikTok. But at Camp Social, she's just another one of the girls. During our walk around the camp, attendees mobbed her with questions about the day's events. Camp Social hosted a pool party for its attendees. Brittany Chang/Business Insider And if they weren't approaching her, she was approaching them. "How was the pool?" she asked one of the campers. "You're such a good camp friend," she remarked to another attendee. "I'm your Jewish mother," she told me during a break from our early afternoon stroll, noting that she had memorized all the camper's names. "Your sister." Sleepaway summer camps are nostalgic for Schreiber, who thinks fondly of the one she used to attend in the nearby Poconos. Camp Social is exclusive to women over the age of 21. Brittany Chang/Business Insider But as an adult, she was no longer looking forward to her summers. She said she's done the Hamptons' Surf Lodge and the Aspen, Colorado mountain "stuff." However, "the bougie stuff doesn't fill your cup," Schreiber told BI. "You can check off that you were in the Hamptons and feel fancy, but I didn't want to have to try or put makeup on." "I literally just wanted to go back to camp as an adult, and I thought some other people may want to go back to camp as well," she said. So far, it's been more than just 'some other people.' Last year's camp was hosted about an hour away, Schreiber said. Brittany Chang/Business Insider The camp's founder said there were about 480 guests at this year's event four times as many attendees as last year's camp, which had been hosted about an hour away. The three-day weekend was sold out in less than 10 minutes and accrued a 60,000-person waitlist, Schreiber said. Campers ranged from their 20s to late 40s, she added, although most of the women I saw looked like they could've been in their 20s. Many live in New York City, so Camp Social chartered buses to and from the city (guests who opted in paid an additional $100). More than 60 of these women flew in from out of state, be it Iowa, California, or even Puerto Rico and the Netherlands. One attendee drove 19 hours from Missouri. The company's 2026 camp has started to accrue a large waitlist, although the team wants to keep the exact number private. Campers could kayak or stand-up paddleboard during their free time. Brittany Chang/Business Insider It plans to expand the program, potentially with more weekends, to meet these demands. Like any traditional summer camp, attendees slumbered in shared cabins organized by age. The property had 40 shared cabins. The SkinCeuticals team had a dedicated cabin for on-site facials. Brittany Chang/Business Insider They also received daily gift bag drops on their bed "to make the girls feel like literal influencers," Schreiber said. The goodies included a full-sized face sunscreen from SkinCeuticals, a shimmering body moisturizer from Hempz, and a bag from Eddie Bauer. Sponsorships were everywhere around the property, from the SkinCeuticals cabin, where campers could receive esthetician-performed facials, to the Saucony-sponsored five-kilometer run, in which runners received free shoes. Five of the campers even came on behalf of Amazon to stay in what Schreiber called the "Amazon influencer bunk." (Camp Social hosted a screening with the tech giant.) Schreiber said the point of camp isn't the activities or walking away with bags full of products (although it's undeniably a great perk). The company plans to expand with more weekends, Schreiber told BI in an email. Brittany Chang/Business Insider "It's about the in-between moments where they're enjoying themselves and don't feel stressed," she said. It's to "come with the intention of trying something new and realizing life doesn't have to end when you graduate." Read the original article on Business Insider SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (WTAJ) Millions of Americans remember where they were the moment the first plane hit the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Many looking to pay their respects to the lives lost that day visited the Flight 93 National Memorial ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks. I have a hair salon, I had client in the room, said Deb Styer, a visitor to the monument. And were watching the Today Show and were just staring at the TV. Dawn Alder, another visitor, said she watched on TV after coming into the room and noticing others crying. But for the youngest Americans born after that day, 9/11 is another lesson in history. Teach to Remember 9/11 virtual education opportunity available for students September 11 is one of those days that is frozen in time, said Katie Hostetler, Public Information Officer at the Flight 93 National Memorial. One of Hostetlers duties as a Park Ranger is to help educate those that visit the memorial about the events of that day to help keep the history alive. And for those of us that lived through it, it is a deeply rooted memory and we have to continue to share that memory. So what we have is a live memory. But the next generation will have a shared memory. The Flight 93 National Memorial, dedicated to the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93, the fourth of the hijacked planes in the terrorist attacks, will hold a moment of remembrance to honor those lives lost on the 23rd anniversary. That morning, through a series of phone calls, passenger and crew members figure out whats going on in New York City, at the Pentagon, and they start putting together this story and they decide by taking a vote that theyre going to do something, Hostetler said. It ends up crashing here in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The ceremony will start at 9:45 a.m. and will include the ringing of the ceremonial bells and the reading of the names of each crew member and passenger that were aboard Flight 93. But visitors to memorial hope that in remembering the tragedy, the lives saved are also remembered. I would just want them to to look online or whatever and watch everything that happened that day and really focus on how many people were lost or how many people werent lost because the towers werent full, the planes werent full. And I thank god they werent full, Styer said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Hostetler said those planning on attending the events on 9/11 should arrive at least one hour early, know what items are and are not permitted at the memorial and be prepared for the weather as the ceremony will take place rain or shine. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VP Harris has the most to lose in debate with Trump. Will prosecutor Harris show up? PHILADELPHIA Democrats wanted Vice President Kamala Harris to top their ticket partly because they thought she would eviscerate former President Donald Trump on the debate stage. The pressure is on now for her to deliver. Harris has the most to lose as she prepares to prosecute the case against Trump in their first and maybe only debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Her favorability rating has eclipsed Trumps in the seven weeks since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race after a career-ending performance in his face-off against Trump. She has pulled slightly ahead of her Republican opponent in most national polls. Harris enters the evening with the burden of high expectations because of her strong performance in previous debates and her background as a former prosecutor. When she served as a U.S. senator, Harris went after Trump administration officials with vigor, often flustering or humiliating them during congressional hearings by assailing them with one rapid-fire question after another. Democrats are hoping shell take an aggressive approach against Trump. President Biden and Vice President Harris, while sharing similar policies, have different speaking styles, and I have no doubt that Vice President Harris is going to have a very different debate with Donald Trump than Joe Biden did, said Halie Soifer, who was Harris national security adviser in the Senate. Since becoming vice president Harris has played it extremely safe. She was scrutinized for being overly scripted, giving interviews to celebrity moderators and taking pre-screened questions at her events. Her controlled approach has continued since she became the Democratic nominee. She has appeared primarily at campaign functions in which she delivered prewritten remarks. With the exception of a CNN interview on Aug. 29, in which she gave rote answers to questions about her policy flip flops, Harris has mostly avoided public interactions with the media. She has not held a press conference and has steered clear of situations in which she might face tough questions or receive the kind of pushback that can make a candidate squirm and help sharpen their message. But when she takes the stage with Trump in Philadelphia, she will be going against an opponent who has not been shy about attacking her or hurling personal insults. Trump in past debates has benefitted from low expectations. There is no bar too low for Trump, said Isaac Wright, a veteran Democratic political strategist who worked on Hillary Clintons and Al Gores presidential campaigns. Nobody has expectations of him doing more than maybe stringing a few sentences together. He has no regard for the truth, and that creates a unique dynamic in a debate when he is perfectly happy to lie and say anything on stage, Wright said. A natural successor: As President Joe Biden steps aside, is America ready for President Kamala Harris? FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump in New York City, U.S. May 30, 2024 and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, U.S., July 22, 2024 in a combination of file photos. The debate will be Harris first time meeting the former president, who did not attend her inauguration as vice president at the U.S. Capitol on his final day in office. Biden had faced Trump two times on the debate stage and still got tripped up as he tried to rebut every point that Trump made with memorized jabs and statistics, a problem that his allies chalked up to over preparation. After the presidents embarrassing debate performance, Harris campaign has changed its approach. The vice president is spending fewer days in solitude and doing her final prep in Pittsburgh, where she can take breaks with off-the-cuff campaign appearances. On Saturday, during a brief stop at a spice store in Pittsburgh, she told reporters she's ready to face Trump on Tuesday. Asked what's the one thing she hopes to get across during the debate, she replied, Its time to turn the page on the divisiveness. Its time to bring our country together. Chart a new way forward. Harris is using a strategy that the Obama campaign employed when it parked him in the battleground state of Nevada ahead of the first general election debate in 2012. One of the architects of his White House victories, David Plouffe, is among the cadre of senior Democrats who have been brought in to advise Harris now. Harris has been proclaiming herself the underdog in the race over her late entry, and in her convention acceptance speech, she emphasized that she has been underestimated at every turn in her political career. Yet, she drew accolades for the sharp-elbowed comments against Biden in a 2019 primary debate and for her performance in 2020 against former Vice President Mike Pence. Mr. Vice President, Im speaking, she said when he interrupted her. The rules now will not allow for such moments after Harris campaign unsuccessfully fought to have the microphones unmuted in between turns. Her campaign told debater organizers in a letter that she would be fundamentally disadvantaged by the format of the 90-minute debate that her advisers demanded when Biden was the Democratic candidate. Trump has also tried to lower expectations. He got ready for the debate with on-camera interviews and speeches, according to his campaign, and did not do formal preparation. He told the media during a Friday event that he was going into "very hostile" territory and lashed out against debate host ABC News in anticipation of what he claimed would be unfair treatment. Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi: How America's most powerful women look to make history again Vice President Kamala Harris Harris, the vice president Harris has focused on putting forward a positive vision for the future of the country, presenting herself as a next-generation leader who would govern as a centrist, since she became the de facto Democratic nominee. That strategy could come into conflict with her instincts as a former prosecutor when she debates Trump, who has signaled that he plans to bring up positions she took in her failed 2019 bid to become president that Harris says she no longer holds. Hes also hit her on the trail for the perceived failings of the Biden-Harris administration on the economy and foreign policy and incorrectly called her the countrys border czar. It is very easy for someone to get caught up in trying to correct, rebut or directly take on that torrent. And if you do that, then it's very easy to be taken off of any affirmative agenda or affirmative message that you have, said Nathan Barankin, her chief of staff as California attorney general and at the beginning of her Senate term. So strategically, that'll be something that she and her team will have to think through very carefully about how much time they can allocate to taking that on. Harris has leaned into both approaches at times, hitting a positive note, and then Trump, in her prepared remarks. Of course, she won't be able to call him out for each individual lie, because there will be far too many, but she will identify fact from fiction and convey her message, said Soifer, who advised Harris on national security and currently serves as the executive director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff described Harris as a joyful warrior during a volunteer event Norristown, Pa., on Sunday, citing her empathy, the caring about others, her love of her family, and translating that into working for your families too. At the debate, he warned, Donald Trump is going to see the warrior part." A wave of changes: Harris brings back Chuck Taylors as she makes 2024 campaign her own On the trail, Trump has made her record as VP and her unsuccessful run for president in 2019 an issue in the race. He has faulted her for failing to stop the flow of illegal immigration across the nations border with Mexico and has tried to tie her to the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan three years ago. His campaign also has attacked her for saying during the 2019 campaign that she would ban fracking, pass the Green New Deal to address climate change and support a mandatory gun buy-back program. In a preview of how she could approach those issues in the debate, Harris told CNN that her values have not changed, but she has learned the value of building consensus after serving in higher office. Harris' campaign declined to comment on her debate plans. Trumps team has pointed to her lack of press conferences. In a statement it mocked her campaign for finally agreeing to the debate rules it originally set and for a turn of phrase Harris has sometimes used in speeches. Americans want to hear both candidates present their competing visions to the voters, unburdened by what has been. No notes, no sitting down, Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller said. While Harris as vice president has had trouble at times communicating her message as Bidens No. 2, that Harris is not the one Trump should expect to face on the debate stage, former aides say. You have to throw out the window, basically the last three years, because that was not the Kamala Harris that we all know, Barankin said. She's using her own words and her own reasoning, because she's the one leading this campaign now, and so I anticipate seeing someone who is a lot more comfortable, persuasive and pointed than some of the versions we've seen of her in prior years, Barankin said. Her time in the Senate Judiciary Committee is more instructive, allies and former aides said, when as a junior senator, her question period was later than her longer-serving colleagues, yet she still found ways to drive the narrative. Deja vu: New Trump is a lot like old Trump. Will 2016 tactics work in 2024? Harris not only wants to win the debate, she wants to show Americans that she is ready to be president, said John Geer, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Trump is trying to paint her as an extremist, Comrade Kamala, Geer said. But, Kamala Harris is not a communist. Shes not a socialist. Her ability to show herself as mainstream is going to be a lot easier than many think. In some ways, Trumps efforts to portray Harris as an extremist are reminiscent of the 1980 presidential race between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, Geer said. Carter had tried to convince Americans that Reagan was dangerous. But in their only debate, held just one week before the election, Ronald Reagan didnt look dangerous, Geer said. He looked like he was totally presidential. He was fine. And it really crippled Carters campaign. The momentum swung to Reagan, and he won in a landslide. Former President Donald Trump Harris, the prosecutor Harris will try to turn the tables on Trump, her allies say. She has routinely used her time as a courtroom prosecutor and California attorney general as a vehicle to attack Trump on the campaign trail. In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So, hear me when I say: I know Donald Trumps type, she said in a Wilmington, Del. speech to her campaign staff in July. In the remarks, Harris said she specialized in cases involving sexual abuse when she worked at the Alameda County District Attorneys Office. Donald Trump was found liable by a jury for committing sexual abuse, she said. A jury found Trump liable in 2023 of sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll and ordered him to pay $5 million in damages. Harris also invoked Trump University, stating that Trump ran a for-profit college that was forced to pay $25 million to the students it scammed. Trump University was a for-profit seminar series that promised to teach students the secrets of real estate success. After he was elected, Trump entered settlement talks in the fraud case. A federal judge finalized the deal in 2018. In her remarks, Harris compared the case to one she was involved in as California attorney general against Corinthian Colleges. The school filed for bankruptcy in 2015. Harris and other state attorneys general were suing it at the time for false advertising. The following year, Harris announced a $1.1 billion settlement against the school, which she filed suit against in 2013. She has used other cases and settlements from her time in California to highlight Trump's conviction last spring on 34 counts of fraud for falsifying business records, charges that hes facing for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and his pledge to pardon Jan. 6 rioters. Consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office, but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost the last election, Harris said in her nomination acceptance speech. Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes. When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the U.S. Capitol, where they assaulted law enforcement officers. Prosecutor vs. convicted felon: How Democrats believe Harris background changes the election Harris courtroom experience could give her an advantage on the debate stage against Trump, Wright said. She is a former prosecutor who is used to prosecuting criminals, and that's exactly what this is, he said. She's got to be able to bring that case to the American people. She's got to put a spotlight on a criminal and ask America is that really the best we can do and offer an alternative. Barankin said such attacks could cut both ways politically if Harris brings up Trumps criminal charges in the debate because it is very animating for his base. What is likely on her teams mind, he said, is what resonates with swing voters. Democratic strategist Faiz Shakir said while the debate carries some risks for Harris, it also gives her an opportunity to make the case against Trump. Biden went after Trump in often personal terms during the debate on June 27, saying, for example, the former president has the morals of an alley cat. But Trump hasnt yet faced an opponent this election who has aggressively hammered him on policy, Shakir said. Shes got the chance to bring a different perspective to Donald Trump than you might have heard, said Shakir, who managed Bernie Sanders presidential campaign in 2020 and also worked as an adviser to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Trump doesnt adhere to the normal rules of debate, Shakir said, what he comes prepared for is psychological trolling. He wants to distract you from the things you want to talk about, he said. He wants to talk about things he'll just bring up randomly, and they have nothing to do with the question. The challenge of it is to think of it less as a debate, because you're in a mud-wrestling contest, you're in a free-for-all. Trumps unpredictability makes it hard for even the most seasoned debater to figure out how to effectively fight back. How anybody reacts to that is up in the air until it happens in real time, Wright said. How Harris responds could shape the final weeks of the election. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will prosecutor Harris or VP Harris show up to debate Trump? VSP cancels alert after missing man last seen in Culpeper in August was found UPDATE, 9/10, 1:30 p.m. Hartnett was safely located, police said. CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Virginia State Police (VSP) has issued a critically missing adult alert for a man who disappeared over a month ago in Culpeper. Troopers, along with the Culpeper Police Department, are searching for 28-year-old Kevin Joseph Hartnett, who was last seen on Aug. 7 on Oriole Court. VIDEO: DC police release body-worn camera footage of officers fatally shooting man VSP described Hartnett as around five feet ten inches tall with blue eyes and brown hair. He weighs around 160 lbs, and his clothing is unknown at this time. VSP said his disappearance posed a credible threat to his health and safety. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SEATTLE - A Shoreline man is suing the Seattle Catholic Archdiocese for protecting a priest he says groomed and sexually abused him in the early 1980s at St. John Catholic School. A "John Doe" filed a negligence lawsuit against the Archdiocese on Monday, alleging repeated sexual abuse at the hands of Father Edward C. Boyle, a priest at St. John who died in 1987 at the age of 62, only a few years after the alleged abuse. The Archdiocese has acknowledged Boyle's abuses, publishing his name on a list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse in the Seattle area in 2016. Doe alleges that Boyle used his 30-year position as priest to sexually abuse him from 1983 through 1984, which he says occurred at the school. The suit further alleges the Archdiocese "knew or should have known" of Boyle's accused sexual abuses, and failed to act on it or notify parents or protect the child. According to a Catholic Church sex abuse advocacy group, Boyle was previously accused in 2005 of abuse that reportedly occurred in 1956. In order to protect their own reputation, the lawsuit claims the Archdiocese concealed the abuses of Boyle and other priests. Doe is suing for physical and psychological damages, but has not defined a dollar amount. MORE HEADLINES FROM FOX SEATTLE Idaho judge rules on Bryan Kohberger's motion to change venue in student murder trial 50,000 WA state workers to walk off job in contract dispute with state Leaders have candid conversation about Seattles gun violence Starbucks turns to a celebrity CEO as it struggles to define itself for an era of mobile orders How to watch the 2024 Apple Cup I-5 mass shooting suspect thought people were after him before spree: docs Boeing says it has a deal to avoid a strike by more than 30,000 machinists To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle newsletter. As parts of Central Florida continued to experience flooding Monday, an Orlando neighborhood is still picking up the pieces after last weeks flooding. We told you how residents near downtown Orlando saw inches of flood water September 1st. In front of the Mayor and City Council, many residents from the Delaney Park and Wadeview Park communities voiced their frustrations about that water taking over their community. Read: Two planes collide at Atlanta airport on tarmac They say the flooding wasnt all mother nature. They claim it was caused in part by the Delaney Avenue Improvement Project. Residents say it was only since this project started that they began seeing this dramatic type of flooding. Rainwater is unable to drain properly. However, the City says the stormwater system was overwhelmed by the amount of rainfall the area received in a short time frame. You have failed. You have turned your back on your community, Steve Harrison said to council. Harrison was one of many who spoke to local leaders Monday. He and his family saw the worst of the flooding in the neighborhood. Read: Apalachee school shooting: Sheriff releases 2023 body camera footage of Colt, Colin Gray interview The family moved into their home on Kaley Street about a month ago. Now, theyre ripping out the drywall after they say over two feet of flood water engulfed their new house. The flooding caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. Its still an absolute disaster. Junk being thrown out every day. Devastating quite honestly, Steve Harrison said. Residents say the storm water system was already strained before the Delaney Avenue Project, but it was never this bad. Read: Torrential rainfall possible Tuesday in Central Florida We have neighbors that have lived there 20, 30, 65 years. They have approached me and said they have never witnessed flooding like what we saw last weekend, another resident said. Corey Knight, the Citys Public Works Director, responded Monday, saying it was not the Delaney Avenue project. Rather, he said the system was overtaxed by the amount of rainfall the area received in a short time frame. He said the area got as much as four inches in an hour. Knight said the system is designed to withstand a faction of thatabout .85 inches an hour. Read: Orange County Corrections officer recognized for stopping attempted kidnapping This event was so intense, that project or not, you would have seen some of this level of what it did, Knight said. After hearing what residents and the Public Works Department had to say, Mayor Buddy Dyer asked for the city to accelerate any action that could provide immediate temporary relief to the area. Dyer said if this same exact storm hit in two weeks from now, he wants the city to have a way to mitigate the same amount of rainfall the area received Sept. 1. Knight says his team already have staff looking at what they can do. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House, has died at age 58, the Atlanta Police Foundation announced on Sunday. The board of directors for Waffle House said in a statement that Ehmer died after battling a long illness. He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family, read the statement, per TODAY.com. We will share more details in the coming days, including highlights of Walts 30+ year career at Waffle House. For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walts family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ehmer first joined Waffle House in 1992. He became president of the company in 2002 and later added the titles CEO and chairman to his name, according to information from Georgia Tech University, his alma mater. According to Scott Stump writing for TODAY, "Ehmer also served on the boards of Aarons, the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, according to Georgia Tech." Additionally, he was a member of the board of trustees at the Atlanta Police Foundation. Walt was a dedicated leader, tireless advocate for public safety, and an unwavering supporter of our mission to build a safer, stronger Atlanta, the foundation said in a Facebook post made Sept. 8. His passion for community service and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others will leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens issued a statement mourning Ehmers passing: I am saddened to learn of the passing of Walt Ehmer, the CEO of Waffle House and a proud Georgia Tech alumnus. His leadership, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, both within the Waffle House family and beyond. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) In the State of Texas case against Walmart shooter Patrick Crusius, defense attorneys are asking the court to consider dismissing charges or bar imposing the death penalty on the grounds of outrageous conduct from prosecutors. On Monday Sept. 9, the 2019 Walmart mass shooters defense team filed a motion to Judge Sam Medrano asking the court to order the State to produce all documentation related to its charges. In addition, the defense asked Medrano to consider penalties based on its findings to include barring the death penalty or dismissing charges all together. Crusius has pleaded guilty to federal charges of killing 23 people and wounding more than 20 others on Aug. 3, 2019 at the Cielo Vista Wal-Mart store. The State is being accused of intimidating potential witnesses, violating a court-imposed gag order, violating Crusius right to attorney-client communications, viewing a confidential folder between Crusius and his attorneys, failing to disclose surveillance evidence, withholding evidence from witness interviews along with other evidence that could potentially lean in favor to the defenses argument. According to the motion, the improper contact with witnesses dates back to 2022 when former District Attorney Yvonne Rosales administration was caught in a controversy concerning impersonating the family of Walmart victim Alexander Hoffmann. The defense alleges the DAs Office summoned a private meeting with several families of victims after a gag order was already implemented. Current DA Bill Hicks is also accused of violating the gag order. Hicks repeated violations include public comments that speculate about the trials timing, discusses the States rationale for pursuing the death penalty, and provides details about the case that were not necessary for public knowledge but served only to influence the jury pool and the community, the motion states. The DAs Office is also accused of being in possession of visitors logs through deceptive practices and having more than three hours of recorded phone conversations that were made between Crusius and his defense team violating the right to attorney-client confidentiality. Crusius was sentenced to 90 consecutive life-terms in 2023 in a federal court of law, something the motion asks judge Medrano to consider. He is expected to appear in Medranos court Sept. 12 for a scheduling conference. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Click here to view this content. A French nursery school teacher could face assault charges after footage went viral of her apparently hitting an upset three-year-old girl in class on her first day of school and pouring liquid on her head. A lawyer for the parents released the disturbing film, shot on Sept 3 in the Freres Voisins nursery school in a deprived district of Pariss 15th arrondissement. In the video, the unnamed teacher can be seen apparently hitting the crying girl on the back before grabbing a bottle and pouring an unknown liquid over the distraught child. The teacher can clearly be heard asking her: There, does that make you feel better? Youll see, your daddy will come back when I tell him, she adds. Vanessa Edberg, the parents lawyer, posted the video of the scene on social networks with the message: A teacher violently assaulted a little girl and sprayed liquid on her head at a school in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. A complaint has been lodged. As a lawyer, I will fight this battle hand in hand with the family, but as a mother, my heart bleeds. It wasnt a spanking. She hit her on the back, said Ms Edberg. What happened was extremely serious. Girl had taken a blow beforehand After the incident, the girl was sent to the corner, continued to scream and cry, and called out for her mummy as the teacher looked on. According to Le Parisien, the film was shot by the mother of another pupil who was in the classroom that day while the girl was crying after the incident. The girls father told Le Parisien: My daughter had taken a blow beforehand, which is why she was having a fit, and the mother who was present decided to film discreetly. It was the girls first day at school, according to her father. The author of the video is said to have shown the victims mother, prompting her to file a complaint at the Issy-les-Moulineaux police station. According to the local educational authority, the teacher seen on the video, who has been replaced and is currently on leave, has admitted the facts and apologised to the family. The day after the complaint was made, she was spoken to by her school principal and the district inspector. The Paris public prosecutors office said that it had not yet been informed of the complaint. Shocking and unacceptable On Tuesday, Nicole Belloubet, the outgoing French education minister, called for disciplinary proceedings. These images are terribly shocking and unacceptable in our schools. I immediately requested the launch of disciplinary proceedings, with an immediate suspension of the teacher, she said. I extend my full support to the victim and her family, who are receiving support. The girls father said: Were all extremely traumatised. I havent been able to sleep since it happened. Every time I close my eyes, I hear her cries echoing in my head. My daughter doesnt dare leave the house anymore. It was her first day at school in her life. Its a huge psychological blow for her. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. What to watch for in Harris-Trump debate: Both will try this classic political move | Opinion Its one of the oldest tricks in modern presidential politics. Candidates run right or left to win their parties nominations, then tack to the middle to pick up the biggest general election support possible. Watch for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to try to pull it off Tuesday night in whats expected to be their only debate. But for these two, in a time of ideological shifts and an impossibly close contest, it will be more like theyre trying to sand down their roughest edges. Look for signs of each calculating how far they can stray from their somewhat-toxic political bases to try to bring in independents. They start in much different places. Trump is probably the most well-known presidential candidate in history, after decades as a celebrity and nearly 10 years as the dominant figure in American politics. Harris was thrust into the race just six weeks ago in place of a faltering Joe Biden and is still working on defining herself. Neither will risk losing much core support in a time of strong negative polarization, which refers to the priority that voters place on casting a ballot against the other party even if lukewarm to their own. But how they try to reach out could tell us a lot about how each sees the race playing out. DONALD TRUMP: AFTER ABORTION SHIFT, WHATS NEXT? GUNS? IMMIGRATION? Trump has worked to calibrate on abortion. His instinct is clearly to moderate, but every time he goes too far, he has to backtrack to avoid turning off too many pro-life voters who appreciate his appointment of Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade but want more. Trump has said he wants the issue to remain with the states. But he recently struggled even with that. As a Florida voter, he sent confusing signals about whether he would vote for a referendum to overturn the states six-week ban. Some pro-lifers have become exasperated, but others figure theyll get nothing better from Harris, a vigorous abortion-rights defender. Other constituencies should take note. Might Trump move off of his gun rights bona fides if asked about the recent school shooting in Georgia? Shrinking the size and cost of government was never a Trump passion. But his breathtaking statement that a new Trump administration would cover in-vitro fertilization or require insurers to do so put another way, that hed require you to pay for others fertility treatments, one way or another is the promise of a huge new entitlement that the country cant afford. Even on his signature issue, illegal immigration, Trump floats ideas that could alarm his base voters. He recently said that non-citizens who graduate from American colleges should get green cards along with their diplomas. Theres a good policy idea in there somewhere, to keep promising workers, but a blanket policy would be as big an enticement for illegal immigration as anything Harris could offer. KAMALA HARRIS: WHY HER POLICY FLIP-FLOPS MATTER Harris presents the bigger concern because so much of what she stands for is so up in the air. She has changed positions on several major issues from what she held as a senator and a presidential candidate in the 2020 cycle. Alex Thompson, a reporter for the news site Axios, has tracked at least nine so far. Normally, voters dont care all that much about flip-flops, especially if a politician flips in a direction they like. But most presidential candidates change their positions early, getting any blowback out of the way. By the time most voters tune in, they can dismiss it as old news. Harris late entry to the race, though, has required her to quickly abandon several positions and try to craft images that dont fit, such as a border-security warrior, with weeks to go. Her campaign just added a policy section to its website. All of the switching and swapping is designed to portray Harris as something other than what shes been her whole career: a California progressive. And it might work. But is it authentic? One clear sign is that other progressive politicians and issue-oriented groups arent squawking much at Harris sudden heresy on major environmental and economic issues. Its almost as if theyre confident who she really is and how shell govern. Remember, Biden won the 2020 Democratic nomination by standing apart from the loony left part of the field that Harris and others occupied. Once in power, he immediately tried to be the next FDR. Usually, candidates have to answer questions on moves such as these, and Harris simply hasnt. Weve heard almost no explanations from the candidate herself. That opens up several areas of attack in the debate, if Trump can take advantage. This debate, and this race, is much less about specific policies and more about the mood of the country. Trump base voters will enjoy his punches at Harris and his usual airing of his grievances. Harris backers will relish that the prosecutor is finally getting a shot at Trump. Neither will get too worked up at a few deviances on policy. But well all walk away wondering exactly what either would actually do as president. Kentucky State Police provided an update Tuesday afternoon. View a portion of that event in the video player above. LONDON, Ky. (AP) Jittery residents living near where a gunman opened fire on a Kentucky highway are taking precautions they never thought would be needed in their rural region, as searchers combed the woods Tuesday hoping to find the suspect. Brandi Campbell said her family has gone to bed early and kept the lights off in the evenings since five people were wounded in the attack Saturday on Interstate 75 near London, a city of about 8,000 people roughly 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Lexington. We go home and lights go off, and we go upstairs and our doors stay locked, she said. Several area school districts remained closed on Tuesday while a few others shifted to remote learning as the search for Joseph Couch, 32, stretched into a fourth day. Searchers have been combing through an expansive area of rugged and hilly terrain near where the shooting occurred north of London. Less than 30 minutes before he shot 12 vehicles and wounded five people, Couch sent a text message vowing to kill a lot of people, authorities said in an arrest warrant. Im going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least, Couch wrote in the text message, according to the warrant affidavit obtained by The Associated Press. In a separate text message, Couch wrote, Ill kill myself afterwards, the affidavit says. The affidavit prepared by the Laurel County Sheriffs Office said that before authorities received the first report of the shooting at around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, a dispatcher in Laurel County got a call from a woman who told them Couch had sent her the texts at 5:03 p.m. In response to that call, police initiated a tracker on Couchs cellphone, but the location wasnt received until 6:53 p.m., the affidavit states, almost 90 minutes after the highway shooting. On Sunday, law enforcement officers searched an area near where Couchs vehicle was found, with a view of I-75. There, they found a green Army-style duffel bag, ammunition and numerous spent shell casings, the affidavit says. A short distance away, they found a Colt AR-15 rifle with a site mounted to the weapon and several additional magazines. The duffel bag had Couch hand-written in black marker. Kentucky State Police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington said troopers had been brought in from across the state to aid in the search. He described the extensive search area as walking in a jungle, with machetes needed to cut through thickets. Authorities vowed to keep up their pursuit in the densely wooded area as locals worried about where the shooter might turn up next. Donna Hess, who lives 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the shooting scene, said she hasnt let her children go outside to play since the shooting. Im just afraid to even go to the door if somebody knocks, she said. Couch most recently lived in Woodbine, a small community about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of the shooting scene. An employee of a gun store in London, Center Target Firearms, informed authorities that Couch purchased an AR-15 and 1,000 rounds of ammunition hours before the shooting, the affidavit said. Joe Arnold, the gun stores manager, declined to comment Monday on details from the affidavit. Authorities in Kentucky said Monday that Couch was in the Army Reserve and not the National Guard, as officials initially indicated. The U.S. Army said in a statement that Couch served from 2013 to 2019 as a combat engineer. He was a private when he left and had no deployments. Couch fired 20 to 30 rounds in Saturdays attack, striking 12 vehicles on the interstate, investigators said. 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 Queen City News. ICT Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will meet on Tuesday in a debate on ABC News with less than two months before Election Day. ICT readers can participate in an interactive game. While watching the presidential candidates speak at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, viewers can track what is said during the debate by using an ICT bingo card that lists words and topics that are relevant to the Indigenous community. Words such as MMIP, Indigenous Peoples Day or sovereignty are on the card. Will we hear enough words for a classic bingo? With the free space, we only need four words. The debate is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Eastern Time for approximately 90 minutes with two commercial breaks, according to ABC. David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate. Debate rules have been set in place to ensure a smooth process. Harris and Trump have previously been in disagreement of when, where and how it should take place. There also wont be a live audience and microphones will be muted when either candidates arent speaking. Harris and Trump will stand behind lecterns, will not make opening statements and will not be allowed to bring notes. ICT has reported on Harris record on Indigenous issues. In a recent campaign rally speech, Harris mentioned Indigenous voters. Trumps pick for vice president, J.D. Vance, has received criticism for what he said about Indigenous issues. But Indigenous voters have expressed support for Trump before the 2020 election. The Associated Press contributed to this report. ICT is a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. And we have hired more Native journalists in the past year than any news organization and with your help we will continue to grow and create career paths for our people. Support ICT for as little as $10. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter While Wayne County officials tout the new Criminal Justice Center that was six years in the making as "cutting edge" and "state-of-the-art," union officials and defense attorneys describe last week's opening as riddled with problems. Among the issues include dayslong lockdowns of inmates in crowded cells because there haven't been enough deputies to cover the larger new complex, a union official and defense attorney told the Free Press. That has led to incidents of fighting and inmates breaking fire sprinklers and causing flooding in protest, said Allen Cox, President of the Wayne County Deputy Sheriff's Association. "The first day out, it's fights, flooding and everything. It's turned into a nightmare instead of a dream," Cox said last week. The exterior of the new Wayne County Criminal Justice Center in Detroit on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. As of Monday, his phone kept ringing from deputies calling to complain since the new facility, built by Dan Gilbert's Bedrock for over $670 million, opened its doors last week. The stress has been so severe that Cox said two deputies quit since the move and a handful of others are considering leaving. Lillian Diallo, president of the Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association, said inmates are protesting conditions inside the new facility by refusing to leave holding areas for their court hearings. Three days ago, Diallo said an inmate reported having to defecate and urinate in a bag because the plumbing inside cells was not working. It's like "Shawshank Redemption" or something," Diallo said, referring to the movie. Diallo and defense attorney Brian Brown said they have been forced to wait hours before meeting with clients because there's currently only five visiting rooms available in the new complex. In the old jail, there were two to three visiting rooms for detainees to meet with their attorneys on every floor, Brown and Diallo said. Diallo said she and other attorneys couldn't enter the building on Wednesday; she said deputies told her it was because of staffing shortages. And on Saturday, Diallo said jail staff never brought her client in for a visit through video call. She said she waited on the call for her client for two hours. "You got us messed up over there, that's a bad deal," Diallo said. Confidential conversations between attorneys and inmates can be heard so clearly throughout the complex, including in courtrooms, that passersby can hear nearly every detail of their client's cases, causing possible constitutional violations, according to a defense attorney who spoke to the Free Press under the condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak to the news media. The Wayne County Criminal Justice Center stands at Interstate 75 and Warren in Detroit on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. When asked about the issues, the county issued a general statement from Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, praising the move, saying it took three days to move over 1,400 inmates and almost 120 juvenile detainees and was conducted without major incident. "An undertaking such as this involves considerable planning and is no easy task," Evans said. "Getting acclimated to a new and complex facility requires time and the continued hard work of all our employees, and we will make any adjustments necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of those who work at and populate the CJC." Other jail officials defended the progress. I think things are going well its only been the first week. Officers did a really, really good job, said Robert Dunlap, Chief of the Wayne County Jail last week. Im sure things are not moving as fast as maybe some people think it should. Ed Foxworth, a spokesperson for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, said the sheriff and staff are excited about the Criminal Justice Center. He acknowledged challenges within the new facility, but said theyre up for the task to address them. We dont own the facility. We didnt build the facility. There are some things we wish were in better shape, but were making the best of it," Foxworth said. As we look six months to a year from now, we look forward to sharing the stories of how citizens are experiencing an even greater level of service than what they already are." The new complex off Interstate 75 near East Ferry Street houses the county's 2,280-bed jail, juvenile detention facility, the criminal courthouse plus staff and administrative offices for the sheriff and prosecutor. County officials and Gilbert's firm Bedrock brokered a deal in 2018 for the real estate firm to build the justice complex after the county abandoned plans to build its own jail, known as the "fail jail," along Gratiot Avenue downtown in 2013, after costs spiraled $91 million over the project's $300 million budget. The new complex ended up costing $670.7 million, with the county's share at $502.8 million and Bedrock's share at $167.9 million, according to documents obtained by the Free Press. A call to officials with Bedrock was not returned late last week. For years, Wayne Countys jail facilities were under judicial oversight because of deplorable and antiquated conditions. The facilities were reportedly unsafe and riddled with garbage and filth, apparent black mold or mildew, and unsanitary conditions. Basic medical needs for inmates were reportedly not being met. And in 2016, inmates were committing suicide at a rate described as alarming and unprecedented. Understaffing at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office has also been a persistent issue prior to the new Criminal Justice Center being built, according to Cox. The new center is meant to remedy the issues, but deputies were given false promises of a facility better than the county's old jail, Cox said. Cox, first vice president of the union Robin Hornbuckle, and second vice president Elton Oliver were at the jail nearly all day Thursday tending issues inside the building. That included deputies being denied meals they are entitled to in their contract and tensions rising between inmates and deputies, leading to several incidents of fighting and inmates breaking fire sprinklers and causing flooding in protest, the union officials said. "Our people are exhausted, overworked, Hornbuckle said. You have people walking in and putting their uniforms on the desk and leaving. Hornbuckle compared the situation for deputies inside the jail to working in a "labor plantation" and deputies are being asked to do more with less. And Cox said deputies "are tired of being an afterthought." Doors aren't working right, and neither are brand new TVs, phones, and tablets for inmates, Cox said. Some inmates weren't receiving clean linens, Cox said. Some inmates were having meals skipped, according to the defense attorney who spoke to the Free Press anonymously. Family members of detainees who haven't heard from their loved ones because they hadn't had access to phones have asked attorneys whether their loved ones are alive. Defense attorneys are frustrated, Diallo said. They think their clients are in a worse situation than they were before, because we don't have the same access to our clients. And sometimes the only thing that kept them tethered to reality, or kept them tethered to something, would be us. They do not have that anymore," Diallo said. Cox, Hornbuckle, and Oliver said many of the problems they've described could have been avoided, had management listened to their concerns prior to the move into the new criminal justice center. Mainly, the union warned them of potential challenges and stressed proper training and preparedness to management. Cox said union officials are meeting with jail management this week. "Our members are hopeful that management is going to get this right, and the union is hopeful that management will see that we can all work together," Hornbuckle said. Free Press staff writer JC Reindl contributed to this report. Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at asahouri@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Wayne County's new jail faces chaos, lawyers say: Floods, fighting FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) UPDATE: National Hurricane Center advisory at 4 PM CDT has strengthened Francine to a category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and gusts up to 120 mph. Hurricane Francine is set to make landfall the early evening of September 11th near Morgan City along the Louisiana gulf coast. The latest National Hurricane Center update at 2 PM CDT has Francine 60 miles SSW of Morgan City with maximum sustained winds at 90 mph with gusts to 115 mph moving NE at 17 mph. Here is the latest forecast track of Francine from the National Hurricane Center. The current track of the remnant low is going to be well east of the Northwest Arkansas/River Valley area eventually moving up the Arkansas/Mississippi/Tennessee state border Thursday night into Friday. This will keep the major impacts from Francine in eastern Arkansas and areas farther east. Will Francine impact our area at all? Remember on the western side of a tropical system there is subsidence or sinking air. This mechanism allows for clearer skies and much drier conditions. Check out the forecasted rainfall totals from the Weather Prediction Center for the next 7 days. Needless to say, dont put up the sprinklers and garden hoses anytime soon. You can see the best chance for rain will be in our eastern counties. Western areas might not even see a drop of rain from this system. So to sum it all up, this tropical system will not have major impacts for our area. There will likely be a noticeable increase in cloud cover and the humidity especially Thursday and Friday. Check out the latest Future Track model showing rain totals through Friday evening. Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley look to be spared from major impacts from this storm, however areas to our east will see major impacts. It does appear the remnants of Francine will stall out and remain close to Northeast Arkansas allowing for slight chances of rain Friday morning, but the weather looks to be great for Hog football game Saturday. Hurricanes pose many threats to areas hit directly or even indirectly from the center of the storm. This storm is expected to bring life threatening storm surge, life threatening hurricane force winds, and considerable flash flooding from heavy rain, but all of this will be east of our area. Make sure to download our Weather Authority app as we keep you updated with all the latest! Well continue to keep you posted on the latest details and update this Weather Blog as more information becomes available. Follow us on our social media below for up-to-date information, and stay weather-aware! Follow YOUR Weather Authority Team: On Twitter On Facebook STAY INFORMED Click Here to Download our Weather Authority app To make sure you are staying up-to-date with the forecast, download the Your Weather Authority app to get updates anywhere at any 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 KNWA FOX24. West Penn Hospital union nurses reach tentative agreement on new contract Union nurses at West Penn Hospital have reached a tentative agreement with Allegheny Health Network on a new contract. The tentative agreement was reached late Monday night, officials said. Union members will vote on the contract on Wednesday, Sept. 11. In August, union nurses voted 99.3% in favor of authorizing their negotiating committee to send a strike notice if necessary, rejecting contract proposals from Allegheny Health Network (AHN) as inadequate to address the regions nurse staffing crisis. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Leaders calling on DA to close South Side bar after officer breaks ankle trying to stop a fight Pitt director of athletics Heather Lyke relieved of duties Man stabbed during argument over parking space in Turtle Creek, police say VIDEO: Lifesaving protocol for cardiac arrest patients piloted in Pittsburgh seeing success DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Where are Denver drivers getting the most red light tickets? DENVER (KDVR) The Denver Police Department issued 57,931 red-light citations over the course of one year between August 2023 and July 2024, according to data obtained by FOX31. Four intersections in Denver have red light cameras: westbound 8th Avenue at Speer Boulevard, northbound Quebec Street at 36th Avenue, eastbound 6th Avenue at Kalamath Street and eastbound 6th Avenue at Lincoln Street. Denver catalytic converter thefts down 95% so far this year: DPD data The intersection with the most red light citations was 6th Avenue and Lincoln Street, followed by 6th Avenue and Kalamath Street less than a mile to the west. The following are the numbers of red light citations issued between August 2023 and July 2024: 8th Avenue and Speer Boulevard : 7,242 citations 36th Avenue and Quebec Street : 7,925 citations 6th Avenue and Kalamath Street : 18,924 citations 6th Avenue and Lincoln Street: 23,840 citations According to DPD, it has collected $4.4 million in photo enforcement citations this year so far. This includes both red light and speeding citations. When are red light tickets given? There are two tiers of citations that can be issued at these intersections: a $40 fine when a vehicles front wheels cross the white stop line after the light turns red and a $75 fine when a vehicles rear wheels cross the stop line. The former is referred to as a crosswalk violation and the latter is a through violation. According to the City and County of Denver, if you are caught on a red light camera, you will be sent a citation through the mail that will require payment. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather If you dont pay the fine or take other action, police could authorize what is known as a penalty assessment notice. This will be personally served to you by a process server and will result in a fee of at least $29. In that case, you will have to appear in court or pay at least five business days before the response deadline or arraignment date listed on the notice. If this is ignored, a default judgment could be entered and the citation could end up going to collections, according to the 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 FOX31 Denver. Where to Watch the First Harris-Trump Presidential Debate Online Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will meet for the first time on the debate stage Tuesday night. ABC News will moderate the first matchup between the official Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, despite criticism of the network from Trump. President Joe Biden and the former president agreed in May to participate in two debates, one hosted by CNN in June and another hosted by ABC in September. However, after a dismal debate performance from Biden that led to his departure from the race, Trump suggested he may not participate in one on the network at all. But after Harris accused the former president of backpedaling on the debate, Trump agreed to the Sept. 10 matchup. He has since proposed additional debates on Fox and NBC News, but the vice president has not yet agreed to anything further. Keep reading for all of the details on how to watch the first (and potentially last) meeting of the 2024 presidential opponents. What time does the debate start? The debate will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. What channel is the debate on? ABC News will host Tuesdays debate and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis and World News Tonight anchor David Muir will serve as the events moderators. Where is the debate streaming? The debate will be available to stream online on ABC News Live, Disney+, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV. Is it streaming for free? Yes, you can stream the debate through the PBS YouTube channel in the video below. Will other outlets be broadcasting it? CNN, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, Fox, Univision, PBS, Fox News and The CW will all simulcast the first debate between Harris and Trump. So yes, you can watch it on other channels. The debate rules: The 90-minute debate will have similar rules to Biden and Trumps debate this past June. There will be no live audience and microphones will only be turned on for the candidate directly answering a question. Each candidate will have two minutes to answer questions, two minutes for rebuttals and an additional minute for follow-ups and clarifications. The two candidates will also have up to two minutes to deliver closing statements. Harris and Trump wont be able to ask questions of each other. Only the moderators are permitted to ask questions. After the coin toss, Harris was allowed to chose podium placement. She selected the podium position to the right of the screen. When is the next debate? The Harris camp has yet to agree to another debate. Trump has proposed two presidential debates with both Fox and NBC, but the networks have also not confirmed dates. Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz will instead debate Tuesday, Oct. 1, on CBS News. The post Where to Watch the First Harris-Trump Presidential Debate Online appeared first on TheWrap. The White House on Tuesday denounced Republicans led by vice presidential nominee JD Vance for spreading dangerous conspiracy theories that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating pets in Ohio, calling the claims based on an element of racism. Local police told news outlets Monday that they have not received any reports relating to rumors that went viral on social media over the weekend that members of the Haitian population in Springfield, Ohio, have abducted and eaten cats and other animals. As those rumors spread quickly on the right, they became charged with anti-immigrant rhetoric. Vance has amplified those claims, as did a Trump campaign statement. During a press briefing Tuesday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the comments are deeply concerning to us, calling the claim yet another conspiracy theory that's just seeking to divide people based on lies and, let's be honest, based on an element of racism. Kirby also noted that the Springfield police said the rumor is untrue, calling it absolute nonsense. Vance has twice posted about the claims on social media, writing on Monday that people who shouldnt be in this country are causing chaos all over Springfield. The Ohio senator doubled down on Tuesday, writing that Springfield residents reached out to his office to say their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants, though he added it was possible that all of these rumors will turn out to be false. Despite that, Vance encouraged his supporters to keep the cat memes flowing. And the Trump campaign claimed in a statement Monday that migrants had been caught decapitating ducks and hunting geese and other livestock in public parks and even kidnapping residents pets then eating them. Its all coming to your city if Kamala Harris is elected in November, the email said. At Tuesdays press briefing, Kirby warned that the false claims are dangerous. This kind of language, this kind of disinformation, is dangerous because there will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, Kirby said. And they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt. So it needs to stop. Vances partner on the ticket, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, faced backlash in 2018 when he referred to Haiti as a shithole country. White House not taken aback by Russian drones falling in NATO countries: it happened before John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, has commented on the recent violation of the airspace of Latvia and Romania, two NATO countries, by Russian combat drones. Source: European Pravda, citing Kirby at a White House press briefing Quote from Kirby: "This is, unfortunately, not a new development, as it happened over the course of the war in Ukraine where missile fragments or drone fragments sometimes get caught up in the combat and the air combat and land in a neighbouring nation. We watch that closely, as you might imagine." Details: He added that the US is in close contact with allies and partners on this matter. "It just underscores the danger that Mr. Putins war in Ukraine has now caused to the whole European continent and the fact that the security landscape has changed not is changing, not will change, but actually has changed which is why were doing everything we can to make sure Ukraine can defend itself," Kirby noted. Background: Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the West should enhance its assistance for Ukraine following the recent occurrences of Russian drones landing on NATO territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia summoned Russias acting charge d'affaires on 9 September in connection with the Russian drone found in the east of Latvia last week. NATO commented that it had no information as to whether a Russian UAV had entered Latvian territory on purpose. Support UP or become our patron! The White House on Tuesday called claims that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets dangerous and misinformation after GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) amplified the accusations. This kind of misinformation is dangerous. Because there will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is. And they might act on that kind of misinformation and act on it in a way where somebody can get hurt so it needs to stop, national security communications adviser John Kirby said. Vance on Monday published a video of him at a July hearing, reading a letter from Springfield city manager Bryan Heck detailing the citys challenges in keeping up with housing for a growing Haitian immigrant population. He added a reference to a now-debunked claims on social media that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Those reports are largely based on social media postings that were picked up by national figures including Charlie Kirk and Elon Musk over the weekend. The Springfield Police Division has said it has received no reports about anyone stealing or eating pets. Kirby noted that the Springfield police said it is not happening and called the claims absolute nonsense Whats deeply concerning to us is youve got elected officials in the Republican Party pushing yet another conspiracy theory thats just seeking to divide people based on lies and, lets be honest, based on racism, Kirby said. I think all Americans should expect more and better from the people that theyre electing to represent them. I think what we need to have isinstead of complete BS being pushed out thereis a more meaningful discussion about how we can develop legal pathways for people who have come into this country and fair opportunities for then, if they come in legally, he added. The claims stemmed from a Springfield City Commission meeting in August when a local resident alleged, among other things, that Haitian immigrants were slaughtering park ducks for food. Vance on Tuesday said on X that his office received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants, adding that its possible all those rumors are false. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 White House pushed back on a report released Sunday by Republican lawmakers criticizing President Bidens chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, calling the report partisan and offering "little or nothing new." Texas Rep. Mike McCaul, the Republican chair of the committee, released a GOP-led report disputing Biden's claims that his hands were tied to the agreement former President Trump had made with the Taliban establishing a deadline for U.S. withdrawal for the summer of 2021. It also said State Department officials had no plan for helping Americans and allies out while there were still troops in the region to protect them. McCaul's report also noted the failure to adequately respond to terror threats ahead of the ISIS-K bombing at Abbey Gate at the Kabul airport that killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 150 Afghan civilians, and that the Taliban likely had access after the withdrawal to $7 billion in abandoned U.S. weapons, and up to $57 million in U.S. funds that were initially given to the Afghan government. On Monday, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby defended Bidens handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan during a White House briefing. HOUSE DEMS ISSUE RESPONSE TO GOP REPORT ON BIDEN'S WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN U.S. soldiers stand guard behind barbed wire as Afghans sit on a roadside near the military part of the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021. Kirby told reporters the GOP report comes two years after their first report, adding, "This one says little or nothing new." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He then provided a rundown of what he called "actual facts" that he considered important. "First, on the very day this administration took office, the Taliban was in the strongest position it had been in years. The Afghan government, the weakest," Kirby said. "The Trump administration cut a deal called the Doha Agreement that mandated a complete U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and yes, that included Bagram Air Base, by the end of May 2021." HOUSE GOP RELEASES SCATHING REPORT ON BIDEN'S WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby pushed back Monday against a report from GOP lawmakers that criticized the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. Part of the deal was that 5,000 Taliban fighters would be released from prison, and in return, the Taliban agreed not to attack U.S. troops, he explained. Kirby referred to testimony from former commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Frank McKenzie, who said the Doha deal had a really pernicious effect on the Afghan government, and it demoralized them. "They knew right then and there that America was on its way out," Kirby said. "Indeed, in October of 2020, then-President Trump ordered his military to rush the exit from Afghanistan and have everybody leave by Christmas of that year. HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBPOENAS BLINKEN OVER AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL A U.S. Marine pulls an infant over a barbed wire fence during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2021. "President Biden, for his part, faced a stark choice when he came to office: Abide by the flawed agreement and end Americas longest war, or blow up the deal, extend the war, and see a much smaller contingent of American troops back in combat with the Taliban," Kirby added. "He chose the former and was able to buy additional time to prepare for that withdrawal all the way into summer, and we, as a nation, are safer for it." Kirby then brought up what he called "falsehoods" from the report. The first issue he found was that there was in fact planning for evacuations beginning in the spring of 2021. Kirby said the Department of Defense proposed additional military units in the region so when a decision was reached to evacuate, they would be poised to respond. AFGHAN GENERAL SAYS HIS COUNTRY HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME CRUCIBLE OF TERRORISM Afghanistan evacuees board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 24, 2021. He also said there was no point in securing Bagram Air Base during the evacuation because it would have required thousands of additional U.S. troops. It would also have required a "dangerous trek by evacuees" across Taliban territory, making the evacuation even more difficult. Kirby also mentioned that there was no handover of U.S. equipment to the Taliban. "That equipment had been provided to Afghan security forces appropriately and with congressional approval over the course of two decades of war," he said. "That equipment was left by those Afghan forces when they surrendered or stopped fighting." Finally, Kirby told reporters the Biden administration did not deceive, lie or fail to be transparent during, or after the withdrawal. "We did the best we could every day to keep the American people informed of what was happening," he said. "We conducted our own after-action reports and shared those, too, with the public." Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report. Original article source: White House pushes back against scathing report on Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan The Biden administration has reportedly sent a long-awaited classified report to Congress, outlining its strategy regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war. Source: Reuters with references to three anonymous sources, as reported by European Pravda Details: This report was required as part of a broader US$60 billion aid package for Ukraine, which has faced prolonged debates since last autumn and was finally passed in April. The initial deadline for submitting the strategy was set for June. An aide to one member of Congress confirmed receiving the report on Monday, though they had not yet reviewed the document. Two other sources also confirmed receipt of the report. The delay in submitting the report has led to frustration among some Republicans, who suggested they might block further initiatives to fund support for Ukraine. Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, commented on the situation in August, stating that while he supports aiding Ukraine, it should not be "blind" support. Quote from Risch: "Since the earliest days of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war on Ukraine, we have asked the Biden-Harris Administration for a strategy on how the US and our allies can help Ukraine win the war. When they did not respond to our requests, we mandated in law that a strategy be sent to Congress, but the deadline has passed with no response. President Biden and VP (Kamala) Harris owe a strategy not just to us, but to the American people, and their dereliction suggests they dont have one or are afraid to share it." Background: Politico earlier reported that the rising popularity of US presidential candidate Kamala Harris had diminished the likelihood of a swift agreement on the terms of a US$50 billion loan to Ukraine. US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson believes that former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump can end Russia's war against Ukraine if he demonstrates strength. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo outlined what Donald Trump's "peace plan" might look like if he wins the presidential election. Support UP or become our patron! EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) You may have to pay more for things like ranger-guided hikes and night programs at White Sands National Park. The National Park Service is proposing increases in what they are calling amenity fees for enhanced services such as ranger-guided hikes and the additon of a new evening program. The proposed fee changes would be implemented in summer 2025. Here are the proposed fee changes: Courtesy of White Sands National Park The proposed amenity fee increases are based on comparable fees for similar services at nearby museums and land managing agencies, according to a news release sent out by White Sands National Park. Two programs will be offered after normal hours of operation the Moonlight Hike and the Starry Night Astronomy Program. The proposed fee increases for these programs will provide for visitor and staff safety during the evening programs and while exiting the park, White Sands said. The Lake Lucero Tour is offered in a remote location of the park. The proposed fee increases will allow the park to provide for improved visitor and staff safety and visitor services as well, White Sands said. The Starry Night Astronomy Program will be a new program that will provide access the New Mexico night sky, White Sands said. The proposed amenity fee for this new program will ensure that the park can provide appropriate staffing and supplies required to offer a safe and positive visitor experience, White Sands 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 KTSM 9 News. The White Stripes file lawsuit against Trump over use of song: This machine sues fascists The White Stripes are following through with their threat of legal action after an aide to Donald Trump posted a video featuring one of their songs, filing a copyright infringement lawsuit against the staffer and the former presidents campaign. In the suit filed Monday in the Southern district of New York, the band accused Trumps campaign of flagrant misappropriation of their 2003 hit, Seven Nation Army. Last month, Margo Martin, Trumps deputy director of communications, posted a video clip of the ex-commander-in-chief traveling to a pair of rallies with Seven Nation Army playing as he boarded a plane. Oh. Dont even think about using my music you fascists, Jack White, one half of the rock duo, wrote on Instagram at the time. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your five thousand others,) the musician said. The video appeared to be removed following the legal threat. On Monday, White posted part of the lawsuit on Instagram with a message: This machine sues fascists. In the lawsuit filed against Trumps campaign and Martin, The White Stripes denounced the ex-president, saying they vehemently oppose the policies adopted and actions taken by [Trump] when he was president and those he has proposed for the second term he seeks. The performers argued that Trump and his team knew or should have known the use of their highly-distinctive and immediately recognizable introductory riff from Seven Nation Army was unauthorized because The White Stripes had publicly denounced on various social media platforms in 2016 the unauthorized use of the [the song] in a pro-Trump campaign video for his first presidential run, stating in no uncertain terms that they were disgusted by that association.' The lawsuit claimed that Trumps campaign and Martin were unresponsive, which left the band with no choice but to seek judicial recourse to hold Defendants accountable. Martin and a Trump campaign spokesman didnt respond to ITKs request for comment about the legal action. The White Stripes are seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial. In recent weeks, several music starsincluding Foo Fighters, Celine Dion, and ABBA have sought to distance themselves from Trumps White House bid after their songs were played during rallies and campaign 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 The Hill. The post The White Stripes Reunite to Sue Donald Trump appeared first on Consequence. Jack White has made good on his threat to sue Donald Trump. Not only that, but he has reunited with his former White Stripes bandmate, Meg White, who is listed as a co-plaintiff in the suit. On Monday, Jack posted a copy of the opening page of the lawsuit on Instagram. This machine sues fascists, White captioned the screenshot. As individual plaintiffs and collectively as members of The White Stripes, Jack and Meg are seeking a jury trial in the Southern District of New York. They are suing Trump, Trump for President 2024, Inc., and Trumps Deputy Director of Communications, Margo Martin, over the flagrant misappropriation of The White Stripes song Seven Nation Army. The White Stripes specifically accuse Trump and his campaign of six counts of federal copyright infringement and are seeking damages and injunctive relief. The lawsuit stems from a social media video posted by Martin last month featuring Trump departing for Michigan and Wisconsin, soundtracked to Seven Nation Army. Upon the videos release, White immediately threatened a lawsuit, writing on Instagram: Oh.Dont even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit [sic] coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.) In the lawsuit, The White Stripes attorney, Robert A. Jacobs, writes that the video is even more offensive to the band because they vehemently oppose the policies adopted and actions taken by Defendant Trump when he was President and those he has proposed for the second term he seeks. The White Stripes broke up in 2011, with Meg choosing to leave the public eye. The White Stripes Reunite to Sue Donald Trump Scoop Harrison Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. MANOA, HI (KHON2) At just 16, Leah Dakroub, a homeschooled artist from Manoa, is making waves with her art and entrepreneurial spirit through her business, Mahea Leah. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Inspired by her creative and entrepreneurial family her father, a chef, and her mother, a grant writer and tech entrepreneur Leahs passion for art started when she was only six years old. Now 16, Leah showcases her talent by creating unique designs that embrace her Native Hawaiian heritage. Dream to reality: Hilo girl turns dreams to reality, sells lilikoi butter with HAL Her products, including pins and stickers, reflect the cultural richness shes proud to be a part of. I wanted to embrace (Hawaiian culture) through art, Leah said, explaining the motivation behind her designs. At age 10, Leahs entrepreneurial journey began when she published a book that teaches children about emotions through the metaphor of a flowers changing feelings. The book, A Feeling Flower, has inspired young readers across Hawaii and is available on Amazon. I get videos from my Aunty, who is a teacher, showing kids reading my book to each other, Leah said. It makes me feel great, like a mentor or teacher for them. While balancing schoolwork and running a business is no easy feat, Leah believes success isnt about money. Success to me is not really money. Its that if I can keep coming up with ideas and the fact it gets me to go places? Thats success to me, she said. Leahs advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs is simple. Dont let your thoughts interfere with your ideas and dreams. If you need help, there are so many people who will support youeven me! With big dreams of selling her products at the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Made in Hawaii Festival, Leah invites everyone to explore her creations on Etsy and Instagram under Mahea Leah. And if you see her at a farmers market, she hopes youll stop by to say hello. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Why the Harris-Trump presidential debate matters and 4 things to keep in mind as you watch The presidential debate Sept. 10 will have important effects, but not quite what you expect, writes Diana Carlin. (Getty Images) A common complaint about presidential debates is that they change few minds. This year, with anywhere between 3% and 6% of likely voters undecided in early September and the closeness of the race, especially in the battleground states, that is more than enough to swing an election if a sizeable portion favor one candidate over the other as a result of the debate. If anyone doubts the power of a debate, the June 27 match between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump should end the argument, even though there are other examples to support a debates impact. While the Biden-Trump debate did not affect the outcome of the 2024 election directly, it created doubts about Bidens ability to serve another term and left us without historical precedent in the last 108 days of the race after Biden dropped out July 21. The entire campaign dynamic and Democrat ticket changed. Since I was a graduate student in 1980, I have researched, observed, commented on, and written about presidential debates. I describe myself as a four-year cicada. My research consists of argument analysis, often applying statistical methods to sentence-by-sentence coding of arguments, focus groups of likely voters, surveys to gauge the impact of the debates on learning and leaning, and the ways the debate shapes future campaign arguments and strategies. A summary of those findings makes the case for why it is important to watch the Sept. 10 debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, even if your mind is made up, and how you might consider watching and analyzing it yourself. First, the question of who won or lost is the least important. There is no single way to judge a debate, and winning does not guarantee winning an election as Walter Mondale in 1984, Michael Dukakis in 1988 and John Kerry in 2004 proved. Decided voters almost always think their candidate won. Rather, the debate should answer the questions Who better represents the leadership qualities I want in a president? and Who better upholds the values I support? The debate showcases both issues and candidate image. That doesnt mean that arguments and policy positions are not important, because they are. As hundreds of focus groups revealed, policies and issues candidates choose to discuss are windows into their priorities for the American people and their leadership style. A candidates conduct in the debate is a window into character for many voters, as focus group members in 2000 told us in response to Al Gores eye rolling and sighing at George W. Bushs responses when he thought he wasnt on camera. They wondered how Gore would treat someone with whom he disagreed while in the Oval Office. Volumes were said about Trumps interruptions in 2020, when focus group members of both parties were shocked by the behavior, and friends emailed me that they sent their children out of the room lest they be influenced by the bad behavior. Second, dont expect much new information but there are always unexpected questions and answers. While this year is different because of the short time Harris has campaigned, most of her major positions have rolled out. On the other hand, we have not heard many details. Most candidates have campaigned for more than a year and participated in primary debates to lay out their agendas. Harris has not had that advantage. The debate needs to provide depth, but what history shows is that issues raised in debates are clarified and expanded on in the aftermath, even by long-term candidates. Thus, watching a debate is more a first step for undecided voters than an event that seals the deal. Trump is an anomaly as a candidate, but everyone knows what they are getting in terms of leadership style and personality. In this election, he has changed positions more than in the past, and it is likely he will be asked to comment on the shifts. Third, there are multiple agendas operating in a debate and not all are well-served. The news media represented by the moderators have an agenda, each candidate has one, and the public has issues they want to hear about. Often the agendas dont mesh, so dont be surprised if the debate ends and you learned nothing about your top issue. It is likely there will only be one presidential debate and one vice presidential debate. With two-minute responses, two-minute rebuttals and an optional one-minute clarification, that is not enough time for depth on anything and also not enough time to cover everything. As a result, candidates often will briefly answer a question and raise an issue of their own in the same response. Its frustrating for voters, but candidates want to guarantee that their agenda is presented. Without a town hall debate, the publics agenda is missing from this election cycle, and it is up to the moderators and the candidates to be aware of what the public considers the top issues and address them. Realistically, with the format, that may not happen. Without an opening statement to set the stage, the questions become a random set of arguments that may or may not lead to a coherent view of each candidates overall platform. This leaves the closing statement to address each candidates agenda and relate it to the publics. If it doesnt, those undecided voters walk away still undecided. If you are one of those undecided voters, you need to do some work on your own to fill in gaps by searching a wide variety of news sources after the debates and ignore the campaigns spin doctors. Look at candidates websites, find major speeches on YouTube or TV network websites and find the answers you need. The debate is a starting point for comparisons this year, not the end point of the race. Fourth, expect both candidates to make erroneous statements. Some of them are intentional and some are slips, which can happen given the number of topics and pressure of the debate. If the moderators dont hold the candidates accountable through follow-up questions, be your own fact checker. Go to websites such as FactCheck.org, Snopes, PolitiFact, or ProPublica. A search of top fact checking sites provides others. Check out your candidates responses to prepare yourself to defend them if you engage in post-debate discussions. Finally, watch the vice presidential debate because it may be the only other opportunity to compare the two tickets. Neither vice presidential candidate is that well known, and there is always a chance one of them will be president, as has happened nine times in our history. There may be issues covered that werent addressed in the presidential debate. Focus groups often used the metaphor of a job interview to describe a debate. No one should get a job without one. As voters, we make the hiring decision, and it is important for us to watch the interview. On debate night, I will be at the Dole Institute of Politics in Lawrence, Kansas, helping run DebateWatch groups comprised of students and community members. I expect to learn more about the power of debates to shape voters opinions of candidates and their choices. The debate gives you power. So use it. Like SC Daily Gazette, Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and X. Why Many Leaders Of Americas Black Churches Are Worried About Future Of Faith-Based Organizations Black churches across the U.S. are seeing a decline in attendance. | Photo: Jim Julien / Design Pics via Getty Images Black churches across the U.S. are seeing a decline in attendance. Bedside Baptist Church members, a term coined to name people who virtually watch church in their bedrooms, became a thing during the pandemic. Still, many are choosing to not attend in-person services, according to Black Enterprise. While 13% of Protestants who belong to historically Black churches say they attend church in person and dont regularly watch services virtually, most say they join services both in person and virtually (37%) or only watch remotely on screens (20%), research from a Pew Research Centers June 2023 report reported. In response, religious leaders nationwide are trying to find ways to adapt. Pastoring the virtual church creates an accountability and connection challenge. Its not dissimilar from the traditional congregation challenges, Rev. Jamal Brown, a pastor at Philadelphias Family Restoration Worship Center, told Amsterdam News. Despite online offerings, churches are struggling financially because virtual church attendees have an opportunity to hide from the responsibility of giving time, talent, and tenth, Brown said. Black Enterprise reports that in-person worship among adults has decreased by 12 percent. If more people stop going to Black churchhouses, preachers are unsure how they will be able to continue their programming. The future does not look good for organized religion in Black America, especially the historic traditions, Jason E. Shelton, a sociologist and professor and director of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, said. The Baptists are still the largest, but theyre losing people. The Methodists are really down small. The Pentecostals are losing, but theyre not losing nearly as many, since theyve always been small. He continued, The church has always been the vessel that we as Black people have used to have community and solidarity. Its the church that connects [Black society], so as the nones fall away from that, what does that mean for the community? What does that mean for Black music? What does that mean for Black politics? And what does that mean for the long-standing legacy of racial discrimination in this country? Wildfires around Los Angeles have wreathed the city in choking smoke (Patrick T. Fallon) (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/AFP) A wildfire in the hills near Los Angeles exploded overnight, torching dozens of homes as its footprint increased 1,000 percent by Wednesday. The Bridge Fire is one of three out-of-control blazes that have erupted around the United States' second-biggest city, fueled by a punishing heat wave and fanned by gusting winds. Authorities issued widespread evacuation orders as the fire tore through the towns of Wrightwood and Mt Baldy, destroying at least 33 homes, several cabins, and racing through a ski resort. "We live in the canyon so that fire was coming right in there, and you couldn't take anything out of there," local resident Jenny Alaniz emotionally told broadcaster KTLA. "I got the dogs out. Our house is gonna burn," she sobbed. An AFP journalist in Wrightwood witnessed the aftermath of the fire, where the charred shells of buildings and vehicles stood shrouded in smoke. The fire broke out early Sunday afternoon in Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles, and by Tuesday had grown to around 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares). But by Wednesday morning it had roared to 48,000 acres (19,400 hectares), fueled by thick brush that carried the flames into the San Bernardino County community of Wrightwood and the Mountain High ski resort. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said three people -- including one of his deputies -- were trapped by the fire in a remote area near Mt. Baldy. He said thick smoke and blocked roads were hampering the rescue effort. "Our air rescue crew is working to hoist them out once the smoke clears, and LA County Fire is also trying to get a four-by-four vehicle to get them out," he told reporters. He said all three were understood to be in good health. To the southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire was continuing to grow Wednesday, racing through vegetation and damaging a number of homes. Cal Fire, the statewide fire agency, said seven people had been hurt in the blaze, which has now charred more than 22,000 acres (8,900 hectares). The blaze erupted on Monday and began racing up canyons and hillsides, including Santiago Peak, which is home to radio and television broadcast towers, though the fire appeared to have left them undamaged. The flames were also hurtling downslope toward Lake Elsinore, with video from the area showing some structures and vehicles consumed by fire. Dramatic photographs taken by an AFP journalist show towering walls of flame. Northeast of Los Angeles, the Line Fire has now consumed nearly 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares). A number of mountain communities were ordered to evacuate, in an area popular with tourists, and several major access roads were blocked. Firefighters were battling the blaze from the air as ground crews sought to establish containment lines, trying to create breaks in the vegetation to prevent the fire from spreading further. A persistent heat wave that has gripped much of southern California for a week was easing Wednesday, and officials were hopeful that lower temperatures might make the battle against the fires easier. Wildfires are a natural part of the wilderness cycle and are not unusual in California and other parts of the US West at this time of year. But after two relatively mild fire years, 2024 is shaping up to be significant. A couple of very wet winters generated abundant growth of vegetation, which has now dried out after a long, hot summer, leaving behind lots of fuel. hg/jgc Wildfires in California spread rapidly on Tuesday as firefighters faced strong winds, dry conditions and a heat wave that sent temperatures soaring into the triple-digits in the Los Angeles area. Cooler weather in the forecast may soon offer some respite, however. Firefighters were also battling a fire in hazardous, windy conditions in western Nevada, just south of Reno. The National Weather service issued red flag warnings for most of Nevada and for parts of Southern California, indicating that large swaths of the landscape were primed to burn. In Southern California, the Bridge Fire exploded from around 4,000 acres to more than 34,000 acres, and San Bernardino County said homes have been lost. The fires are an additional strain in what's already been a busy season for firefighters across the Western U.S. A total of nearly 7 million acres have burned already, which is more than double the area last year. More than 24,000 fire personnel were at work as of Tuesday. Line Fire in California threatens 65,000 structures Containment on the the Line Fire, which is burning in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest and threatening more than 65,000 homes and other structures, grew to 14% Tuesday. But its size grew and was around 32,905 acres Tuesday night, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). Firefighters clean burned trees and branches as the Line Fire grows on Sept. 8 in San Bernardino, Calif. The blaze, which began Thursday night east of Los Angeles, had forced evacuation notices across an area with 9,200 structures, most of them homes, said Arnold Menjivar, a fire information officer. Menjivar said the fire was burning closest to homes in Running Spring, a gateway community to Big Bear Lake and the Bear Mountain ski resort. "Its very close," Menjivar said, adding that firefighters had an aggressive attack strategy but were concerned about winds gusting through the canyons. "We have very complex terrain out here." The Line Fire created its own weather system on Saturday, producing thunderstorm-like pyrocumulus clouds, or fire clouds. These develop when fires are so intense that they generate their own weather patterns. The clouds have been responsible for at least 280 lightning strikes hitting the ground, the National Weather Service said. Pyrocumulus clouds have also been seen around two other major Southern California fires: the Airport Fire in Orange County and the Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest. There have been triple-digit temperatures in a Southern California heat wave, and there had been red flag warnings around the Line Fire Tuesday, but cooler temperatures are expected Wednesday. That relief could "moderate fire activity and increase fuel moistures," CalFire said. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency due to the Line Fire on Saturday. On Monday, fire officials said the California National Guard would deploy four Blackhawk helicopters and other aircraft to aid with modular airborne fire fighting systems, as well as 80 soldiers. Nearly 2,100 fire personnel were responding to the blaze. Evacuation orders are in place for eastern portions of Highland, California, a suburb of San Bernardino, as well as for several foothills towns on roads up to Big Bear Lake. The Bear Valley Unified and Redlands Unified school districts closed schools Monday and Tuesday due to the fire. More blazes in Southern California The hot, dry weather has spurred fires in other Southern California foothill communities as well, forcing additional evacuations. The Airport Fire started Monday afternoon as a 7-acre brush fire in Orange County's Trabuco Canyon, south of Los Angeles. In a matter of hours, it had exploded to an estimated 5,400 acres, the OC Fire Authority said. As of Tuesday morning it spanned 9,000 acres, the fire authority said on X. The blaze was initially reported near an airfield that hobbyists use for remote-controlled planes. On its website, a local flying club called Trabuco Flyers said no remotely controlled aircraft were flying when the fire started. The fire prompted mandatory evacuations for the communities of Robinson Ranch and the Trabuco Highlands, as well as evacuation warnings in other nearby communities. Smoke billows from the Airport Fire in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., on Monday. Meanwhile, the Bridge Fire sparked on Saturday in the Angeles National Forest, east of Los Angeles, grew from a little under 4,000 acres at 11 a.m. Tuesday to 34,240 acres by Tuesday evening, officials said. Tragically, homes have been lost, San Bernardino Countys government said on Facebook late Tuesday. The fire is 0% contained, and its cause is under investigation. An evacuation order is in effect for residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to Mount Baldy Resort, as well as other communities. Wrightwood was also under a mandatory evacuation order Tuesday night. "There has been substantial wildfire growth throughout the day," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a Tuesday evening briefing. The fire has affected Mount Baldy and the community of Wrightwood, he said. Video shared online by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District showed firefighters rushing to provide rescues in the community of around 4,700. The three Southern California wildfires burning at the same time the Line Fire, the Bridge Fire and the Airport Fire in Orange County are stretching firefighters thin, and they are asking for help from Northern California and adjoining states, Marrone said. "We urge everyone who's under an evacuation order to leave now," Marrone said at the 7 p.m. PT briefing. Those under evacuation warnings should prepare to leave "at a moment's notice," he said. Dangerous conditions in the Sierra Nevada foothills Breezy winds and dry conditions put firefighters on high alert near Reno, Nevada, where the Davis Fire had scorched nearly 5,600 acres. It was 0% contained, according to a Tuesday status update. The fire started around Davis Creek Regional Park, just south of Reno, on Saturday, and was burning heavy timber and brush. It has impacted at least 14 structures, prompted road closures and put some 12,000 to 14,000 people under evacuation notice. Over 400 personnel are working on the fire. The El Dorado County Fire Protection District shared videos on social media of bright flames burning up wooded mountains and thick plumes of smoke filling the air. Actor Jeremy Renner was one of the many locals impacted by the Davis fire. On Sunday, he shared an Instagram story depicting a huge smoke cloud billowing from the mountains, People Magazine reported. He shared more photos Tuesday showing firefighters at work and planes dropping pink fire retardant. Tuesday marks the last day of high temperatures in the areas where the most concerning fires are burning in Nevada and Southern California. On Wednesday, a cooling flow from the Pacific Ocean is expected to drop temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit in Southern California. A cold front is expected to drop into the Reno area on Wednesday, too, but that's not necessarily good news for the fires because it could enhance winds. Gusts on mountain peaks could reach 50 mph in wind-prone areas there, according to a National Weather Service forecast. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Wildlife wardens are being recruited to help improve habitats and monitor West Devon's ecology [BBC] Volunteers are being sought for a scheme to introduce wildlife wardens in West Devon. The project is being launched by West Devon Borough Council on 28 September at the authority's office in Tavistock during an event from 10:30 to 15:00 BST in collaboration with Devon Wildlife Trust. The council said work would be carried out through the scheme to improve habitats and monitor the borough's ecology with the aim of protecting and increasing wildlife locally. Anyone interested in becoming a warden has been asked to email the council. Emma Checkley, the council's wildlife warden co-ordinator, said she hoped the project would empower people to help restore and conserve the borough's biodiversity. "Theres already a huge amount of good work thats being carried out across West Devon," she said. "This role is about bringing those people together, joining the dots, and creating networks of people who want to improve habitats for wildlife." Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links Prince William says Kate has a 'long way to go' The Prince of Wales has described the end of the Princess Catherine's chemotherapy treatment as "good news", but added his wife still has "a long way to go". He made the comment during a public appearance for the first time since his wife, shared a personal video about her cancer treatment. He travelled to Llanelli, Carmarthenshire on Tuesday, a day after Princess Catherine released a message saying she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and was now focused on staying cancer free. His solo visit - to celebrate Welsh sport and culture - began at Swiss Valley Community Primary School with pupils who took part in this year's Urdd Eisteddfod. Speaking to the media about Kate completing her chemotherapy, Prince William said: "It's good news but there is still a long way to go." Prince William was greeted by a crowd outside the school where several people offered their well wishes to the Princess of Wales following her announcement she had completed chemotherapy. He thanked everyone for their thoughts, with two people handing him cards. Among those was 10-year-old Ruby, a second-language Welsh learner whose enthusiastic celebrations after winning a recital category at the cultural event went viral earlier this year. Prince William met 10-year-old Welsh language learner Ruby Davies, who starred at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod [PA Media] "I've watched your video a few times," Prince William said as he met Ruby. "You did brilliantly, you don't seem nervous about performing on stage at all." Ruby told him she was "a little bit" but also said she was "really excited". "It was very impressive, you're going to have to teach me how to speak Welsh," he added. When asked how it felt to meet the Prince of Wales, Ruby said it was "amazing". "He's a lovely man and it's an honour to meet him, and it's an experience that is going to be treasured and kept forever. We had a little chat about everything really and I gave him a hug." "I also presented him with a book and bracelets that I made for Kate and Charlotte," she added. Ruby's mother Lynne spoke of her happiness at hearing the Princess of Wales had completed chemotherapy, saying it was something that affected so many people. Princess Catherine said in the video she was looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more official engagements in the coming months. The school's head teacher, Jo Davies, said: "The children have been so excited, and I think the staff were a bit shocked that the Prince of Wales would be coming, but everybody has really embraced the visit." Ruby did a dance for the Prince of Wales [PA Media] Ex- pupil Kate Davies, 24, and her mother Elizabeth Davies, 57, said they could not believe that their village had a royal visit. "We said 'bore da' to him and he answered us back in Welsh," said Elizabeth. Kate added: "It's been so exciting. This is my ex-school." Cameron Churchill, 24, lives close to the school and said it was an "unbelievable" experience. "To see the future king here, in my area, just incredible to see him so close up, just absolutely mindblown," he said. "I'd give him a five out of five for his Welsh. His pronunciation was very good." It was the Prince William's first visit since his wife released a video message saying she had completed chemotherapy [Reuters] He was also serenaded with a medley of Welsh songs and was greeted by laughter when a child told him he had a bug on him. He asked the young boy, who was a sea cadet, if he wanted to keep it, and handed it to him. He said: "Good spot, it must have followed me here." The prince also visited the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance in Llanelli, of which he is a patron. Mary Small is 73 years-old and a volunteer in Age Care in Dungannon, County Tyrone. [BBC] A County Tyrone pensioner has said that cuts on winter fuel payments are "bleak" and she doesn't know how people will cope this winter. On Tuesday, an attempt in the Commons to block cuts to the winter fuel allowance failed, after MPs voted down an opposition motion by 348 to 228. Earlier, the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the cut will have "serious consequences" for the wellbeing of older people across Northern Ireland. The minister had already confirmed Stormont would follow Westminster's lead, which will see payments means tested in future. 'Eking out money' It is estimated that about 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will not receive a winter fuel payment this year [PA Media] Under the plans, it is estimated about 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will not receive a winter fuel payment this year. Mary Small is 73 years-old and a volunteer in Age Care in Dungannon, County Tyrone. Commenting on winter fuel payments cuts, she said: I dont know how people are going to cope, this summer has been atrocious here in Dungannon and I know people who havent turned their heating on yet, I dont know how theyre going to manage. Everything has gone up, food has gone up, electricity has gone up, some people I know carry a little electric fire around with them from room to room. And then if they do away with free transport for pensioners, people wont be able to afford to get into town and they dont know how theyre going to pay for a fill of oil, so you just have people eking out their money from week to week, its bleak." Commenting on Stormonts role, she said: Theyve been back long enough now, what have they been doing, how do they intend to pay for all these things? Having listened to the Programme for Government this morning, they should have started it off with once up a time, because thats all it is, a fairy-tale. Gordon Lyons told the assembly that Northern Ireland could not afford to break parity [BBC] Speaking in the assembly on Tuesday, Mr Lyons said the move was "totally unexpected" from the government and urged Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider. The annual payments are worth between 100 and 300. Mr Lyons said Northern Ireland could not afford to break parity with the rest of the UK. "It was not mooted by the government before now, it was not part of their manifesto and indeed, only a few months ago when the prime minister was leader of the opposition, he said that the Winter Fuel Payment should be maintained," he said. "Therefore, it came as a surprise to us all, that the government would announce the removal of this important benefit and I can confirm that my department was given no prior notice of the planned change." He added that "anyone saying this is about taking away a benefit from the richest in our society, theyve got that wrong over 80% of those who are currently entitled to a winter fuel payment will lose it". "That inevitably means they are those on the edges and the fringes who are going to be very deeply affected by this decision," the minister continued. Mr Lyons added that the estimated additional cost of Stormont maintaining the payments, without help from Westminster, was 44.3m for 2024/25. He also said that an appropriate IT system to deliver the payments in Northern Ireland could cost between 5m and 8m and a further 20% of the development spend per staffing costs. "Therefore, for the executive to even consider breaking parity on this decision by the Labour government would require significant cuts to Northern Irelands already struggling public services. "To those who glibly say the executive could have made a different decision, I would ask them what they would cut or what services would they postpone?" Mr Lyons added it was "simply not credible" to claim the executive had been left any other choice. What will the changes mean? From this autumn, those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual payments. The Department for Work and Pensions estimates about 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will be affected. Under the changes, about 57,000 pensioners will continue to receive it, with an estimated cost of 10.5m. Section 87 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 generally means that social security benefits are paid at the same rates and with the same conditions of entitlement across the UK. Any deviation from this principle of parity that results in additional expenditure in Northern Ireland must normally be paid by central government in what is known as a block grant. The Treasury block grant accounts for more than 90% of the funding used for the day-to-day operation of services in Northern Ireland. The rest is raised locally from property taxes and other charges. HURLEY, Wis. (WFRV) Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was scheduled to visit a high school on Tuesday, but after a concerning social media post, he opted to cancel the event. According to a release, Governor Evers was expected to arrive at the Hurley School to welcome students and staff to the new school year, but as he was traveling, an administrator was made aware of a concerning social media post that was generic in general and provided no direct threat to the school or any individual. Teenager accused of killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin will stay in adult court Governor Evers security team and the Wisconsin State Patrol trooper at the school at the time reviewed the limited information available and decided to cancel the school visit out of an abundance of caution. Local law enforcement took quick action and verified with all needed individuals that there was no threat and believed there had never been any threat to the school, staff, students, or Governor Evers. Large-scale effort to find missing scuba diver on Lake Michigan underway We were never placed in a lockdown as the information didnt warrant it, and the school was filled with police officers anticipating the governors arrival as well, said the Hurley School District on social media. Most people wouldnt be aware of anything happening, but as stories tend to get fabricated, we want clear information sent to everyone who may hear something. No additional details were 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. A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper had a standoff and pursuit with a 2-foot-tall, deceptively fast suspect. It was a turkey. GRAND CHUTE A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper had an unusual encounter when a turkey apparently attacked his cruiser while on duty. On Sept. 4, a radio dispatch was released by KFIZ, where a patrol trooper called in laughing about a turkey poking at the cruiser's tires. The trooper claimed the encounter took place near the intersection of Evergreen Drive and Haymeadow Avenue in Grand Chute. "I tried to use my siren to scare him out of the road so he wouldn't get struck. I think he took it as a challenge," the trooper told dispatch. The trooper would then claim to be in foot pursuit with the turkey, where you could hear movement in the background of the call. The "suspect" was described to be 2 feet tall, male, with a short beard, while being mostly brown with red and white trim and "deceptively fast." More: Last October, Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office police dog Iro was shot on duty. Now, he's back on the streets with his partner. The audio that was posted to the YouTube page of KFIZ has received more than 8,000 views on YouTube. Neighbors of the area were advised to be on the lookout for the turkey if seen. No backup was called for the situation as the trooper "didn't know what they were gonna do." Rashad Alexander can be reached at ralexander@gannett.com and 920-431-8214. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Wisconsin State Patrol trooper has standoff with turkey in Grand Chute The seven members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court hear oral arguments. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner) The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in two election-related cases, showing the continued wrangling over access to the ballot with less than two months to go until the presidential election in November. The first case involves a right-wing election conspiracy group, Wisconsin Voter Alliance, which has spent years casting doubt on the results of the 2020 election by alleging fraud in the states election system. The group, founded by conspiracy theorist Ron Heuer, has been filing records requests with counties across the state seeking documents showing the identities of people in Wisconsin who have been declared incompetent by a judge and had their right to vote taken away. This case has been closely watched as a symbol of the increasing partisanship in Wisconsins lower courts because the District 2 Court of Appeals, which covers most of the suburban counties outside of Milwaukee and is controlled by a conservative majority, ignored a previous decision by the liberal majority on the Madison-area District 4 Court of Appeals in a similar case over the exact same records. The Wisconsin Voter Alliance has asked for the names and addresses of people who have been declared incompetent in guardianship cases so the group can compare that list with the voter rolls in the statewide voter registration database and find any people who have been voting despite having the right to do so taken away. County officials across the state have been denying these requests because state law requires that any court records in these cases pertinent to the declaration of incompetency be kept secret. In the District 4 case, Juneau County denied access to the records and the Court of Appeals agreed with that denial but in the subsequent District 2 case, Walworth County denied access to the records and the Court of Appeals reversed that decision, despite a 1997 precedent that state courts of appeal in Wisconsin cant overrule each other. Represented by Eric Kaardal, a right-wing attorney who was deeply involved in the widely derided review of the 2020 election by former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman which focused heavily on the issue of declarations of incompetency WVA argued in the oral arguments Tuesday that judges should consider the importance of the documents when weighing if a records request should be denied. Kaardal went back and forth repeatedly with justices over access to a specific form used by courts in these cases that list the names and addresses of people declared incompetent is not pertinent to the incompetency declaration. If there were a document drafted to meet the statute requirement and be publicly disclosed, this is the one, Kaardal said. This is a great document because it doesnt refer to the reasons the person was found to be incompetent. It doesnt, it just says cant vote. But Justice Jill Karofsky repeatedly asked him to explain why that document isnt pertinent to the finding of incompetency. Why is that not pertinent to the finding and competency? she asked. Kaardal responded by saying judges had to assess the interpretation of state law within the specific facts and context of the case, a response that appeared to annoy Karofsky who said shes done this for a few years and understands that I apply the law to the facts of the case. I dont need you to tell me that. The response was similar to one Kaardal had previously provided to Justice Brian Hagedorn, arguing that because the Dane County Clerk had done a review of these individuals and found a number of people who had cast ballots despite having their right to vote taken away, that review shows theres a genuine interest in obtaining the records. Hagedorn said he has a lot of experience with public records lawsuits from his work prior to joining the court and that judges in those cases arent supposed to consider the context or how well-meaning the intentions of the requester are only if the law demands the documents disclosure or prevents their release. It doesnt matter, right? Hagedorn said. I mean, you know people who make public records requests, they can have wonderful motives. They can have terrible motives. They can have everything in between, but the law doesnt really care, for the most part, what their motives are. Samuel Hall, the attorney representing Walworth County, argued the law requires that these records be kept confidential. Now the purpose behind the request and who the requesters are, as noble as they may be, are irrelevant under Wisconsin public records law, Hall said. The truth of the matter is that the District 2 Court of Appeals decision blasts open the door for the personal information of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities to be broadcast, not only to those with noble and good intentions, but to those who might do these folks harm or seek to defraud them. He added that to the extent that there is an interest in conducting oversight of this government function in which the court system is required to make local election clerks aware of decisions so the clerks can update voting records there are plenty of avenues to do so without a private citizen or organization getting access to information state law deems confidential. To the extent that theres a desire to have oversight or a watchdog, per se, it doesnt need to be done by a private individual or a private organization. Voting when ineligible to do so is a class I felony, Hall said. If there is a concern that that is going on, reporting it to law enforcement, reporting it to a local sheriff, could lead to a criminal investigation. We have a legislative process where even, you know, the Assembly or Senate could conduct inquiries, or the Wisconsin Elections Commission itself could conduct inquiries. None of that has happened here. This is a private organization seeking personal information of court documents that the Legislature has already deemed closed. Racine mobile absentee sites The second case on the docket Tuesday was a lawsuit from a private citizen over the City of Racines use of mobile voting units to conduct early in-person absentee voting. The units, about the size of an RV, allowed the city to hold early voting at sites across the city where voters could request, cast and return absentee ballots. The lawsuit, brought by Kenneth Brown, represented by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), argues that state law requires early in-person sites outside of clerks offices in city hall to be actual buildings and placed in a manner that does not provide a partisan advantage to one political party. Brown brought a challenge to the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) arguing the mobile voting units werent allowed. The commission dismissed the complaint, a decision that Brown appealed to the circuit court. The circuit court judge agreed with Brown, disallowing the use of the units and the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. Defending the use of the vans were four groups, the Department of Justice representing WEC, the City of Racine, activist group Black Leaders Organizing for Communities and the Democratic National Committee. DOJ attorney Gabe Johnson-Karp argued that Brown did not even have standing to bring the case, that the law requires an injury of fact to have the grounds to bring a lawsuit. Brown, Johnson-Karp said, who witnessed the use of the mobile voting units but was not disenfranchised by them, is not in a position to bring a suit. The election statutes, he said, require a voter to be aggrieved to appeal the WEC decision and Brown hasnt been. Justice Janet Protasiewicz pushed back on the argument asking who does have legal standing to challenge a decision such as this one by a local election clerk in court. Somebody must have standing to bring the action, she said. Hypothetically speaking, the mobile units are illegal, invalid or unconstitutional. Shouldnt somebody be able to bring the action? During WILL attorney Lucas Vebbers arguments, the justices focused heavily on the question of standing. Vebbers argument is that Brown, or anyone, is aggrieved when the WEC denies the complaint. The act of losing at the commission level gives the standing to challenge that decision. But several of the justices were confused by that argument, questioning if there would be a limit. Anyone can file a complaint with the elections commission based on their belief that the law was broken, but that belief can be completely bogus and not necessarily make for a valid legal claim. Theres no guardrails at all on what youre proposing, Justice Rebecca Dallet said. Scott Letteney, the Racine City Attorney, argued that the city had the statutory ability to use the mobile voting units. He said that the statute requiring voting to take place in physical structures only applies to polling places on Election Day and local clerks under Wisconsin law are given broad discretion to run elections as they see fit within the outlines of the law. The clerk has broad discretion, Letteney said. Shes one of I think its called a small army of local election officials that has to conduct elections in the state. Charles Curtis, an attorney for the DNC, argued that the claims that the mobile voting sites were selected to advantage one party over another are untrue. He disputed an analysis done by Brown of the voting behaviors of the election wards in which the sites were placed and added that WEC and the courts should defer to local election officials to know their communities. If the city comes forward with evidence that it has attempted using neutral criteria to serve as many people as possible then I think first of all, a reviewing court needs to give some deference to the local government priorities, he said. Local governments know their communities better than circuit judges or WEC or certainly this court, and so they deserve some deference. Justice Rebecca Bradley questioned how the Democratic Party could be defending the use of the voting units if there wasnt a partisan advantage at play. Curtis responded that the Democratic Party was interested in protecting voting rights at large. During Vebbers arguments, he said that state law requires the sites to be in wards that have the same electoral makeup as the ward in which city hall sits, or just placed in the same ward. It was the Legislatures concern that an in-person absentee ballot site located outside of the municipal clerks office would afford or would be used to play games placed in a location that made it easy for members of one political party to vote or members of other political parties more difficult to vote, Vebber said. Thats the obvious concern, and why it was added into the statute, just from the plain language of the statute itself. But the only way then to resolve that concern, or to give that concern any meaning, and that text in the statute is to look at the partisan makeup, the political makeup of the site where the in-person absentee voting site would be located and the only way to do that at the local level is to look at ward data. Protasiewicz questioned this application to the election in which Brown challenged the use of the mobile voting units because it was a partisan primary so the two major parties werent competing against each other. Karofsky questioned its effect on early voting in general. Karofsky noted that Milwaukee has 354 voting wards and if the only ward that can hold in-person early voting is the ward in which the Milwaukee Elections Commission offices are located, that defeats the point of having early voting to make it more accessible. Dallet added that voters are not tied to early voting sites the same way as they are polling places on Election Day. People can vote early in person at a site located along their commute to work, or near their kids school, or across the street from their office, so the voting behavior of the ward in which the site is located isnt even relevant. Youve made an assumption that somehow it benefits the political party of the people that make up the ward in the most numbers by putting an alternate site there, she said. But isnt it true that people work in other wards? They run errands in other wards? They pass a ward on the way to work? Democrats and Republicans. And so how can you just make this presumption that having another site in their ward is somehow going to benefit anybody? It could hurt Republicans. It could hurt Democrats. It doesnt make sense to me what youre saying that you have to all lump them into the one ward where the clerks office is. That doesnt seem to correlate in any meaningful way with giving access based on some kind analysis of whether a political party is advantaged or disadvantaged. I just dont understand that connection. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WisconsinEye calls on group backing Tammy Baldwin to stop using its footage in ads MADISON The statewide public affairs network WisconsinEye has extended its request to stop using its publicly available footage in campaign ads to a super PAC run by a group that backs Democratic women who support acccess to abortion. EMILYs Lists Women Vote announced a $2.64 million ad buy last week featuring an interview with Republican businessman Eric Hovde during his 2012 Senate campaign. Hovde was defeated by former Gov. Tommy Thompson in the primary, who went on to lose to Baldwin. He is challenging Baldwin now as she seeks a third term. The ad includes a clip of Hovde answering, "Yes," when asked if he believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned. With so much at stake, we must send Sen. Tammy Baldwin back to the Senate to defend our rights. While Eric Hovde is adamantly opposed to abortion and would work to ban reproductive health care, Sen. Tammy Baldwin will fight for our most fundamental freedoms. Lets be clear: Americans and Wisconsinites cannot trust Eric Hovde with our most personal health care decisions. The choice this November is obvious," EMILYs List president Jessica Mackler said in a statement announcing the ad. EMILYs List did not immediately respond to a request for comment on WisconsinEye's request. "After 25 years in Washington, Sen. Baldwin has done nothing but fail the people of Wisconsin. She and her allies have had to resort to lies and intentionally misrepresent Eric's position on this sensitive and personal issue in a transparent attempt to fearmonger women into voting for her. It's disappointing that she has sunk to such depths," Hovde spokesman Zach Bannon said in a statement. Speaking to reporters in April, Hovde said he supports exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, and thinks voters should decide the laws that govern the issue of abortion. Last week, WisconsinEye called on Baldwin's campaign to stop using its footage in ads, arguing such use violates the network's terms of use and the spirit of its mission. The network, which provides gavel-to-gavel coverage of the state Legislature and state Supreme Court, covers the governor, hosts interviews with candidates and other newsmakers, and streams some campaign events and news conferences, makes its archive available to use for "educational purposes." "However, that use comes with an expectation that users share their selections in the spirit of WisconsinEyes mission to inspire informed, civil dialogue. Specifically, the networks Terms of Use reads: 'Use of our content for commercial purposes or for political purposes is prohibited,'" the organization wrote in a news release. The Baldwin ad claims Hovde "says that farmers dont work hard," then shows a brief clip from the 2012 interview. In the interview, Hovde talked about advances in safety and technology in professions requiring manual labor. "Think of farming," he said. "Look at the old physical toil that it would take on your body, now youre largely driving around on a tractor." WisconsinEye said its interviews are intended to provide a "counter-balance to the barrage of TV ads and social media messaging that all too often are negative, misleading or divisive." Jon Henkes, the network's president and CEO, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the request applies to any campaigns or organizations using its footage in political advertising. In the 2023-25 state budget, lawmakers and Gov. Tony Evers agreed to provide $10 million in state tax dollars to the network, which is effectively Wisconsin's version of C-SPAN, as long as it raises private donations in the same amount. In 2021, WisconsinEye had a budget of about $1.1 million, according to Jon Henkes, the networks president. For the fiscal year that ended in September 2019, WisconsinEye spent about $1.4 million, about $87,000 more than it took in that year, according to a filing with the Internal Revenue Service. On the air since 2007, the privately funded nonprofit network is available on cable TV and at wiseye.org. Daniel Bice of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed. Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WisconsinEye calls on super PAC backing Baldwin to stop using footage MATTOON Moose International, Inc. Board of Officers Chairman Robert K. Funkey is scheduled to visit the Mattoon Moose Lodge, 1212 Broadway Ave., from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday. Funkey was nominated and elected to the chair's position this summer at the 136th International Moose Convention in New Orleans. Prior to this post, he served as vice chairman of the board as a director/chaplain. He previously served as a member of the Moosehaven senior living community board, among other roles. The new board chairman joined the fraternity as a member of St. Clair Shores, Michigan Lodge 1837 in April 1995. He also holds memberships in four other states, including Alaska. Outside of the Moose, Funkey is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He attended the University of Michigan and is retired from bank branch management after 32 years. He and his wife, Cathy, reside in Roscommon, Michigan. They have four children and 16 grandchildren, and a new great granddaughter. More information about Funkey's visit to Mattoon is available by calling the Mattoon lodge at 217-235-5941. Photos: 2024 Illinois Run for the Fallen COMMUNITY BAND MOTHER, DAUGHTER BLOOMINGTON FALLEN FIRING DETAIL MEMORIAL DISPLAY GOLD STAR FAMILY HONOR AND REMEMBER PANTHER SOCCER LINDER SPORTS COMPLEX LINDER TRAIL Several animals captured from the Copper Creek wolf pack in Colorado will be relocated following repeated attacks on livestock. An adult female and four pups were taken to a "secure location for evaluation and monitoring," Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said in a press release. The pack's adult male was captured but died in captivity due to injuries unrelated to its capture, officials said on Monday. That wolf would have been kept in captivity if it survived. "This spring, after a pair of wolves established a den in Middle Park, the male adult wolf was involved in multiple depredations," CPW Director Jeff Davis said in a statement. "Removing the male at that time, while he was the sole source of food and the female was denning, would likely have been fatal to the pups and counter to the restoration mandate." COLORADO MAN FOUND DEAD AT GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, 7TH FATALITY IN PAST MONTH State officials said the four pups were not involved in the killings of cattle and sheep in Grant County, since they are "still primarily dependent on adults for food," and cannot hunt "anything larger than a rabbit or squirrel." Owners of calves that are killed can be compensated by the state for the animals market value, up to $15,000. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Officials decided against killing the pack in part because it would have been a major setback for a restoration effort still in its infancy. CO-WORKERS LEAVE COLORADO MAN BEHIND ON MOUNTAIN SUMMIT DURING OFFICE RETREAT Cattle cross Highway 550 N of Ridgway on a cattle drive to Centennial Ranch, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The attacks and subsequent capture of the Copper Creek pack mark an early stumble in the voter-driven initiative to restore wolves to a state where they were wiped out decades ago by poison, trapping and hunting. "We are still in the early stages of the restoration plan. Our legal obligation to Colorado voters is to continue working towards a sustainable population. We also must continue our efforts to minimize losses to our producers and to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the wolves as we work towards a viable gray wolf population," Davis said. In 2020, Colorado voters passed Proposition 114, which required Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce gray wolves to designated lands on the western side of the Continental Divide no later than Dec. 31, 2023. A decision is pending on where the remainder of the pack will be released. That will occur after the pups get larger and can hunt on their own, officials said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Wolves reintroduced in Colorado blamed for repeated attacks on livestock Woman allegedly steals nearly $40K from man she met at Las Vegas casino: police LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A woman is accused of stealing nearly $40,000 from a man in Las Vegas after they drank together at a casino resort and she was invited to his apartment, police documents show. On June 12, a man met and shared drinks with a woman at a Las Vegas Strip casino and, later that evening, invited her to his apartment, according to an arrest warrant. The next day, he woke up to find that $600 in cash was missing. Additionally, his bank statement showed a negative balance of $6,500, despite his account originally having $17,000, police said. He also discovered email notifications of a $4,912 Venmo transaction and a $17,500 transfer from his cryptocurrency account, according to the warrant. The victims total loss was approximately $40,000. Police obtained video surveillance footage from the casino that showed the woman leaving the property in order to identify her. Police said although the man admitted he could not remember much of the night, he stated he would be able to identify her if he saw her again. The woman was later identified as Monica Falcon, according to the report. Monica Falcon faces charges after police said she stole nearly $40,000 from a man in Las Vegas. (LVMPD) Court records show that previously Falcon faced charges of soliciting, engaging in prostitution, and trespassing. Records revealed a phone number associated with Falcon. Investigators contacted her and asked her to come to the LVMPD Headquarters to provide a statement, but she declined, responding with no, police said. Falcon was arrested in August and faces charges of theft with a value of $25,000 or greater but less than $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 4. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Woman arrested for killing pedestrian in crash on S Congress: APD AUSTIN, Texas - A woman was arrested for hitting and killing a pedestrian in South Congress, police said. Austin police said on Sept. 5, around 10:08 p.m., officers responded to a crash between a car and a pedestrian in the 3400 block of S Congress Ave. The pedestrian, later identified as 58-year-old Tony Almanza, was pronounced dead on the scene. MORE STORIES: The driver left the scene, but was later found. Julie Kotrla, 34, was arrested for an accident involving death. Anyone with any information should contact APD's Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. Woman dies weeks after getting hit by stolen car in DC WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police said a woman died in the hospital more than two weeks after she was hit by a car while trying to cross the street in Northeast D.C. The crash happened on Aug. 20, just before 10 p.m. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), a woman was crossing the street outside the crosswalk in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue when a Hyundai Elantra struck her. Police said the Hyundai was traveling south on Minnesota Avenue when it hit the woman and fled the scene. Maryland man dies after stabbing, crash in DC D.C. police said the pedestrian, identified as 39-year-old Tiffany Amanda Pippen, of no fixed address, was taken to the hospital in critical condition. She died from her injuries on Sept. 8. As the investigation continued, police officers recovered the Hyundai and learned it was stolen. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text the MPDs tip line at 50411. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 woman was killed in a suburb of Moscow during a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on central Russia, local officials said in the first publicly acknowledged civilian death in the Russian capital. Russias defence ministry said its forces had downed 144 drones across nine regions in one of Kyivs largest long-range raids across the border in recent months. Local Telegram channels reported that the Moscow regional authorities had not issued an air raid alert for civilians to take shelter, a possible refusal to acknowledge the war in neighbouring Ukraine. One drone smashed into a residential building in the Ramensky suburb of the capital, damaging 54 of the multi-storey blocks 102 apartments, Andrei Vorobyov, the Moscow regional mayor, said. A 46-year-old woman was killed in the strike and four others were injured, he said. Footage circulated on social media appeared to show a direct hit on the building, followed by a huge explosion. Russian police at the damaged apartment building in Ramensky following the Ukrainian drone attack - Yuri Kochetkov/Shutterstock Russian state media said the damage was caused by fragments from an intercepted drone. There was wreckage of the drone left on the ground, which needs to be cleared, Mr Vorobyov wrote on his channel on the Telegram messaging app. For safety reasons, we have decided to evacuate the residents of five neighbouring houses. He also said a drone had hit an apartment on the ninth floor of another residential building in the area, injuring one person. Ramensky is about 31 miles south-east of the Kremlin, with a population of around 250,000 people. A local resident looks up at the damaged multi-storey building - Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Other footage appeared to show the burning remains of a drone on the apron of Moscows Zhukovsky airport. Mash, a popular Russian Telegram channel with ties to law enforcement, said pieces of a downed drone had fallen on the runway. The airfield, also an international airport, is home to a flight institute used to train military pilots, as well as a manufacturing hub. Dozens of international and domestic flights were delayed from the Russian capitals three major airports after they were closed. Almost 50 flights were redirected from Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports, Rosaviatsiya, the federal agency for air transport said. The Russian authorities said forces had downed at least 20 Ukrainian attack drones over the capital region. More than 70 were downed over the Bryansk region, Russias defence ministry said, reporting no damage. Ukraine claimed it had downed 38 of the 46 drones launched by Russian forces overnight. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman accused of providing a minor a firearm that led to an incident in Masury pleaded guilty Tuesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. Tara Wiland, 45, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of attempted tampering with evidence and improperly furnishing firearms to a minor. She will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation. Wiland and a 17-year-old were charged after police were called in April to an area of Lindberg Street where a person said that a suspect made a threat about a shooting and then ran down the street. Police ordered the teen and Wiland out of a home on Judson Road and learned through their investigation that there had been a physical fight between Wiland and another woman. During the fight, the teen pointed a gun at a man who was also witnessing the fight and threatened to kill him, according to a police report. Police reported finding two firearms in the house on Judson Road and took them as evidence. Chelsea Simeon 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. LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) A woman was fatally shot during an attempted robbery inside a Manhattan apartment building on Monday, according to the NYPD. It happened around 11 p.m. in the Lower East Side. The womans husband told police he was followed into his apartment building by two men, who then rode the elevator with him to the 8th floor. More Local News The two men tried to rob the husband, causing a commotion in the hallway, according to authorities. The woman, identified as 57-year-old Ying Zhu Liu, heard the commotion and stepped into the hallway, per police. Thats when Liu was shot in the face, according to authorities. She was pronounced dead minutes later. More Crime News Her son, who is in his 30s, was also in the hallway at the time of the shooting, police said. The suspects took off running, per police. One man was last seen wearing a half-red, half-black hoodie, black and white shoes, black pants with a white stripe down the leg and a black ski mask. The other man was last seen wearing all black with a ski mask and black and white sneakers. Police dont believe the suspects knew the victim, according to authorities. 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). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Employees of automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG walk to the town hall during a demonstration against the planned job cuts. Felix Kastle/dpa Thousands of employees of German automotive supplier ZF are protesting against the company's planned job cuts, with some 3,000 expected at the company's headquarters in Friedrichshafen alone on Tuesday. "We are taking this action because we have to defend ourselves against this frontal attack on the workforce in Germany," said a works council spokesman. Workers from a plant in the city of Saarbrucken in western Germany, which currently has 10,000 employees, are also taking part in the day of action, while the workforce in the south-western city of Mannheim were looking to protest with a motorcade. "We are calling on management to withdraw the redundancy plans," the IG Metall trade union said in Mannheim. ZF announced plans at the end of July to cut up to 14,000 jobs in Germany in the coming years. The company currently employs around 54,000 people in the country. To what extent reductions are planned at the 35 locations will be "specified in the coming weeks," the board of management said at the time. "We cannot decouple ourselves from the difficult conditions in the automotive industry, such as the delayed ramp-up of e-mobility and high production costs, especially in Germany," said Lea Corzilius, ZF board member for human resources. She added that ZF had to be made fit for the future and the locations in Germany developed to make them sustainably competitive. First authorized representative of IG Metall in Friedrichshafen Helene Sommer speaks to hundreds of employees of automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG during a demonstration against the planned job cuts. Felix Kastle/dpa PEMBROKE, Ga. (WSAV) Its been over a month since Tropical Storm Debby left parts of Bryan County in ruin. Several residents reached out to WSAV once the storm passed to share their concerns and questions relating to the city and county response. Meredith Gibson has chosen to run as a write-in candidate for commission chair because of the storm response. The question on many peoples minds is did the county and cities follow guidelines set by the state when it comes to disaster response? News 3 filed open records requests to get that answer. The City of Pembroke and Bryan County are the only two agencies that have so far responded. Notably, we have yet to hear back from Richmond Hill. Liberty County parents react to new phone policy, voice safety concerns First, here is how the state wants its communities to respond after a disaster is declared by the governor: A county Emergency Management Agency (EMA) office sets up an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with representatives from its cities, board of education, power company, big businesses and more. All of those representatives then communicate with the EMA director on needs through a statewide portal called Web EOC. This means everything from boats to bottled water. The documents show that Pembroke and Bryan County did just that. Timeline of communication: The storm hit on Monday, August 5. Overall communication with Pembroke and the county seemed to be consistent, over text and email Representatives from each municipality checked on one another and communicated needs and updates The city of Pembroke communicated with the county through County Administrator Ben Taylor, Bryan County Fire Division Chief Anthony Van Es, and Chairman Carter Infinger Pembroke reported it had a few roads closed due to flooding, so they issued a curfew for people who live there on that Monday On Sunday, August 4, Pembroke requested pumps from Bryan County EMA submitted that request through the Web EOC and the supplies were delivered at 3 a.m. on August 6. Chairman Infinger wrote to the City of Pembroke on August 11 that the big problems are within the city, meaning the city of Richmond Hill. Pembroke replied that they sent boats and people to help their neighbors On August 15, the City of Pembroke reported $104,215 worth of damage to the area A meeting was held on the morning of September 4th to discuss unmet needs in the county. Every municipality was asked to attend, along with area nonprofits. WSAV is still waiting for our open records request to be filed by Richmond Hill and GEMA. Bryan Countys regular commission meeting will be held Tuesday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Pembroke, where we expect the commission to share more regarding their role in the storm response. WSAV will be there. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) West Virginia University researchers are making their mark in a growing field focused on studying a phenomenon known as gravitational waves. Emmanuel Fonseca, assistant professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger) Similar to electromagnetic waveslike microwave, X-ray and radiogravity also creates waves at different frequencies. Scientists have only been able to study these waves seriously over the last several years, but they could have practical applications after the phenomenon becomes more understood. Emmanuel Fonseca, an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at WVU, is already working to broaden our understanding of gravitational waves by combining data from two separate telescopes: The CHIME telescope (Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment) and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Observation time at the GBT is always in high demand, but CHIMEs continuous observation allows Fonseca to fill in the gaps when the GBT is unavailable. Combining the data means we can achieve full coverage of each wave. We can see from one trough, over the peak, and down to the next trough, Fonseca said in a WVU press release. According to Fonseca, one way to detect gravitational waves is by using pulsars. Pulsars are extremely dense, dead stars, that rotate at high speeds, emitting flashes of radiation like cosmic lighthouses. This undated photo provided by researchers in June 2023 shows the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, W.Va. This and several other telescopes around the world were used to observe the slow gravitational waves faint ripples made by massive black holes that are constantly stretching and squeezing everything in the universe ever so slightly, described in a report released on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (Jay Young/Green Bank Observatory via AP) We use pulsars as detectors, lighthouses in the distance, Fonseca said. When we see correlated deviations affecting timing in an array of pulsars, thats a sign of gravitational waves affecting the Earth. The deviations happen because gravitational radiation has passed through us, shrinking and squeezing our observatory and instruments. 12 News spoke to Fonseca about his research, which is part of a larger scientific collaboration known as NANOGrav, or the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves. NANOGrav is dedicated to learning more about gravitational waves, a field of science that remains largely unexplored today. The only one that can: Green Bank Telescope to search for liquid oceans in our solar system NANOGrav really does represent one of the more important frontiers in modern science. Not just astronomy, but physics in general, Fonseca said in an interview. When we think about the historical aspects of what happened when people were making sense of electromagnetic waves, X-rays, radio, et cetera were kind of at that starting point in the early phase so to speak, but in gravitational wave science. It really is a new window into the universe. I mean, when you think of electromagnetic waves, you think of X-rays, radio, optical lights with our eyes. But gravitational waves, which have a similar kind of spectrum so to speak, thats uncharted territory. To learn more about Fonsecas research, you can read the full press release about 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 WBOY.com. OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)- Some planes are flying into Owensboro ahead of the weekends air show, including several World War II era aircraft. The B-25 bomber was instrumental in the Pacific Front, notably during the air raid on Tokyo which occurred about four months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Candidate Forum takes place in Union County On Friday, the Owensboro Air Show is giving people a chance to win a flight in a Huey, and a Cobra that are coming to town, as well as offering paid rides. The Owensboro Air Show will begin this Friday at the Owensboro Regional Airport, where attendees can pay $5 to check out the aircrafts. On Saturday and Sunday the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will fly over the Owensboro Riverfront from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Blue Bridge will be closed to traffic during portions of the week, including the Bridge Walk on September 14. The Bridge will be closed to traffic at the following times: Thursday, September 12: 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 13: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, September 15: 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Yes, you could see a jellyfish in Kansas WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Kansas is home to various unique and even rare species of animals, including the cave salamander and the black-footed ferret. Its also home to a creature that is definitely a fish out of water: jellyfish. Craspedacusta sowerbii to be exact. It was first recorded in the U.S. in the 1880s in Pennsylvania. In Kansas, it has been spotted several times in isolated areas. The jellyfish have been found in a pond in Tonganoxie, Melvern Lake, an outdoor minnow breeding tank in Wakarusa, and a quarry near Moundridge. The latest sighting was in 2020 in Melvern Lake, which was reported to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays, who did a Facebook Live video about it, showing off the samples. Veterans take off on 100th Kansas Honor Flight This species of jellyfish is found in bodies of water across America and on every continent except Antarctica. Its native habitat is the Yangtze River Valley in China. Unlike zebra muscles or the Asian carp, it is not considered an invasive species because it doesnt compete for resources with other animals. Although they can sting their prey just like saltwater jellyfish, they are likely too small to affect humans. The Craspedacusta sowerbii, or peach blossom jellyfish, is believed to spread by hitching a ride on waterfowl or through ornamental water plants that were imported from China. Neighboring Missouri is also home to the species. The jellyfish live mainly in still waters like lakes and ponds. They may be in more bodies of water across the state but havent been spotted 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 KSN-TV. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks to board Air Force Two en route to Philadelphia, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at the 171st Air Refueling Wing at the Pennsylvania Air National Guard base in Moon Township, Pa., following a stay in Pittsburgh. | Rebecca Droke A New York Times/Siena College poll found that support for Vice President Kamala Harris election bid may be plateauing. According to the poll, voters are leaning more towards voting for Donald Trump by a small margin. Forty-seven percent of people prefer Harris and 48% favor Trump, The New York Times reported. An almost equal amount of Republicans (31%), Democrats (29%), and independents (32%) responded to the survey. Times writer Nate Cohn suggests there may be a couple of factors at play that would explain the results, including less coverage of Harris campaign following the Democratic National Convention and a lack of other polls that could show whether this poll was an outlier. Cohn also notes that Trumps gain is evidence of his strengths in the upcoming election. For one thing, his popularity has increased from the levels he enjoyed in each of the last two elections. Voters see him as a candidate for change, and respondents to the poll think Trump will bring a major change from the Biden administration. For 56% of respondents, Harris represents more of the same, a continuation of the Biden era. For Trump, that number was 35%. Half of the polls respondents also saw Trump as being better on the issues that matter most to them, while only 43% thought the same of Harris. While August was a high for Harris campaign and the past month and a half has seen scores of Americans showing their support, a portion of voters feel like they need to get to know her better before casting their vote for her in November. The poll found that amount to be 28%, to be exact, worse than Trumps 9%. Only this week did Harris unveil a section on her website dedicated to issues, and voters arent clear on where she stands. Though these results mark the first major departure from the narrative that Harris leads Trump in polls, others have not echoed these findings. Cohn advises readers to remain cautious in their evaluations. Young swing state voters deliver advice for Kamala Harris: 'There needs to be more transparency' Ahead of the ABC News Presidential Debate, Wisconsin college students are calling on Kamala Harris to be "more honest" with the American people about her plans and policies if elected president in November. Fox News Digital spoke with voters at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, about how they feel about the vice president's 2024 campaign and how they think she would lead the country compared to President Biden. "I think there's a lot of optimism around what she can bring to the country," a student named Dylan said, but added the vice president needs to do more interviews, including about "specifically what her record is." Dylan also encouraged the vice president to do more outreach. HARRIS CAMPAIGN AGREES TO ABC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE RULES WITH SOME 'ASSURANCES': REPORT "I think being more honest to the American people, going out and doing interviews, not just speaking on script at a rally, but actually going out and talking to the American people," Dylan said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Dylan said when comparing a possible Harris presidency to Biden's, "I don't know if there will be a huge difference necessarily. But I think there needs to be more transparency with the American people." Sheridan, another student, added, "I feel like she doesn't really have a political stance on a lot of things. She's just trying to seem like a friendly candidate to everyone to try and get people." Additionally, Antonio said he has not heard enough from Harris when it comes to various issues. "I haven't really heard much on education, on housing, and a lot of other crises that are happening in America," he said. "So I guess I'm really just waiting to hear what else she has to comment on, because I haven't really heard much else." Antionio added that he felt that Harris is laser-focused on getting the female vote, but added that she needs to "broaden her fan base." "America isn't only comprised of women," he said. "What I've seen on different forms of media, all I've heard were abortion and women's rights and things like that," Antonio added. "I'm standing for that and all that stuff, like that's cool too But where do I come into play? I just want to know where I stand, honestly." However, Taylor, another student, said she can see positives when it comes to women's health care rights if Harris is elected. "I think definitely there would be a lot of changes with women's health care rights, which is kind of an important topic to me just because I am a rising adult teen girl. I think that would really help a lot of people in America," she said. Student Giacomo explained what it would take for Harris to win his vote. "Be a peace candidate, not a war candidate and then crack down on immigration," he said. "That would win my vote." According to a recent CNN poll, Harris holds a 50-44% lead over Trump in Wisconsin. Since 2008, the winner of the general election has won Wisconsin each time, making the state a recent bellwether. According to a national poll ahead of the debate, Trump garnered the support of 48% of likely voters, compared to 47% who indicated support for Harris, according to the latest results of the New York Times/Siena poll released on Sunday. The results are essentially identical to the last time the New York Times/Siena poll asked voters for their preference in the aftermath of President Biden dropping out of the race in late July, with that poll also showing Trump with a 48-47 lead. Fox News' Anders Hagstrom and Michael Lee contributed to this report. Kira Mautone reported from Wisconsin. Original article source: Young swing state voters deliver advice for Kamala Harris: 'There needs to be more transparency' YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Youngstown Rayen Early College High School is celebrating its 20th-anniversary milestone. The school offers students the chance to earn a tuition-free associates degree at Youngstown State University while also obtaining their high school diploma. YREC is one of under ten early college initiatives in the state, said Monica Jones, YREC principal. While others may be a sole program, ours is an entire school dedicated to providing college preparedness and a pathway to higher education. It has been an honor to be a part of one of the hidden gems in the Mahoning Valley, an educational institution whose mission is dedicated to student success in a supportive environment. We are thrilled to have been here for 20 years and look forward to serving future generations of learners. In the 2024 graduating class, 32 out of 54 seniors received an associates degree, according to a release from the school district. YREC will hold an anniversary celebration in conjunction with its open house from 10-11 a.m. on Friday outside the 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 WKBN.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) sent a statement Tuesday, Sept. 10 saying an alleged threat posted on social media targeting multiple schools across Texas, including El Paso, is not credible. New PSA aims to bring awareness to rising school threats in El Paso The statement read as it follows: The Ysleta Independent School District is aware of a suspicious social media post that indicated a potential threat toward multiple schools across the state of Texas, including the El Paso region. Please be assured that law enforcement authorities have determined the alleged threat is NOT credible. Safety is the No. 1 priority at Ysleta ISD; we take every possible threat seriously, and we take every precaution to protect our students and staff at all times. Students are safe at our schools, and any person found to have made a false threat to our schools will be subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. Ysleta ISD El Paso County Attorneys Office: False school threats will carry significant legal consequences As we previously reported, school threats are becoming more common in El Paso, and the El Paso County Attorneys Office said false threats against schools will carry significant legal consequences. Legal consequences can include probation, placement in a juvenile detention facility, or even removal from the home for minors, according to the County 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 KTSM 9 News. People were filmed gathering to watch an ostrich that had escaped from the zoo, but has been recaptured [Iliya Sani] Officials from a zoo in north-east Nigeria have confirmed that some wild animals had escaped from captivity after flooding hit Borno state. Videos of some of the creatures on the streets of the state capital, Maiduguri, have been widely shared on social media. Ali Donbest, who runs the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, told the BBC that he does not know exactly how many animals are free but a hunt is on to locate them. One ostrich has been found but he advised residents to be careful. Local media are reporting that Maiduguri is experiencing flooding on a scale that has not been seen for three decades with many forced to leave their homes. Mr Donbest said that there had been some success in finding some of those that had escaped. Weve been able to recapture the ostrich seen on the street and we also got a call that a crocodile had been found in another location but we cannot get there due to the floods, he said. He also said the cages where the lions and hyenas were kept had been submerged by floodwaters but cannot tell if they had escaped. The zoo boss explained that the flood had damaged some of its walls enabling the animals to roam free. However, not all the creatures spotted on the streets may be from the zoo. We got a report that a hippo was seen somewhere and we don't have hippos in the zoo, so the waters might also disperse animals from other locations too, he said. Maiduguri resident Ishaq Sani told the BBC his biggest fear at the moment is to come across a wild animal. He abandoned his home due to the floods and is now staying with a friend in another location. Up to now. there have not been any reports of animals attacking humans. This is the latest incident in a series of floods that have hit Nigeria recently. More than 170 people have died and tens of thousands have been forced from their homes across the country, Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency has said. More stories from Nigeria: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts CUPERTINOFresh color options, a new Camera Control sensor, slick silicon, and Apple Intelligence are the big updates across the Apple iPhone 16 lineup. As it has for the last several years, Apple introduced four new phones: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. I had the opportunity to spend time with the new smartphones at Apple's Glowtime event at its headquarters in Cupertino. Read on for my first impressions. Bold Colors In addition to basic black and white, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in three fun colors: pink, teal, and ultramarine. All three colors are more vibrant than the muted tones of the iPhone 15 lineup, and they look nice in person. Regardless of your color choice, the phones feature a two-tone, dual-finish design. The back has a matte finish in a slightly lighter hue that nicely contrasts the brighter, polished metal edges. Comparing the pink colors of the iPhone 16 with the iPhone 15, I actually prefer the lighter pastel tone of last year's model over the more berry-like hue Apple chose this year. That said, the pink iPhone 16 is definitely more eye-catching than the pink iPhone 15. The most interesting color in the iPhone 16 lineup is ultramarine, a bright bluish-purple that reminds me of Dyson's signature Prussian Blue. The periwinkle tone should coordinate well with the new AirPods Max in purple, and possibly blue and midnight, without being too matchy-matchy. That said, I can't understand why Apple wouldn't keep the same color scheme for both product lines. Coincidentally, the teal iPhone 16 matched the shirt I wore to the Glowtime event almost perfectly, which was a fun surprise. iPhone 16 Pro models also feature a two-tone look but more muted color options, including black titanium, desert titanium, natural titanium, and white titanium. Desert titanium is the standout for me because of its shiny golden edges, even if the tan color on the back is sort of meh. Built for Apple Intelligence Artificial Intelligence has been the biggest tech trend of the year, and Apple is taking part with its latest smartphones. In the demo room at the Glowtime event, I saw useful Apple Intelligence features integrated within the Mail, Notes, and Photos apps. Inside Mail, for example, Apple Intelligence can summarize email threads or write thoughtful email replies. In response to a party invitation, for instance, it gives you the option to accept or decline. During the demo, I opted to decline the hypothetical invite, and Apple Intelligence wrote a very polite reply thanking the party host anyway. Inside Notes, Apple Intelligence can summarize paragraphs of text within seconds. You simply highlight what you want it to summarize, and it does so with a tap. In the Photos app, you can use Apple Intelligence to erase photobombers in your pictures with a couple of taps. Finding a specific photo or video in your library should be a lot easier with Apple Intelligence. For known faces, the search field supports complex queries such as "Maya playing trumpet," for instance. Google's latest Pixel phones support similar features. Quick Camera Control If the Camera is your favorite iPhone app, you should be pleased with the iPhone 16 lineup, which features a new physical Camera Control sensor on the right edge of the case. You press it once to launch the Camera app, then press it again to snap a photo or hold it to record a video. It works in both horizontal and vertical formats and makes it quick to start snapping photos or videos. In a world where everything is documented, the iPhone Camera Control feature should help ensure you never miss a moment you want to capture. The Camera Control reacts to force. With a light press, it brings up the zoom feature, and then you can swipe on the sensor to zoom in and out. With a light double tap, it brings up other camera options like exposure and depth of field. When I briefly tested the feature at the Glowtime event, I had some trouble scrolling between camera modes using the light press gestures, but I'm sure I'd get better at it with some practice. More on the iPhone 16 Lineup In this first look, I'm just scratching the surface of what the iPhone 16 lineup entails. Other changes for this generation include the new A18 and A18 Pro chips and a promised increase in battery life. We can't wait to get our hands on all of Apple's new smartphones, so stay tuned for PCMag's full review of the iPhone 16 lineup soon. Don't forget to catch up on all of PCMag's Glowtime coverage. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Intel Intel's Arrow Lake desktop processors are rumoured to be launching in the coming months, but when it comes to an official date or official specs, we're still none the wiser. Still, listings have been spotted for the new CPUs on a UK retailer's websiteand while they're placeholders for now, they do show core counts and boost clocks that seem reasonable when compared to the current line up of Raptor Lake Refresh chips. Core Ultra 9 285K - 24 cores, 5.7GHz - 566.20 Core Ultra 7 265K - 20 cores, 5.5 GHz - 392.82 Core Ultra 7 265KF - 20 cores, 5.5 GHz - 377.52 Core Ultra 5 245K - 14 cores, 5.2 GHz - 301.03 Core Ultra 5 245KF - 14 cores, 5.2 GHz - 285.73 The processors are listed under the Ultra branding on Lambdatek, a UK electronic storewith the most expensive of the lot being the Core Ultra 9 285K at a touch over 566, which works out to around $727 at the current exchange rate (via Videocardz). It's said to be a 24-core chip running at 5.7 GHz, which would give it the same number of cores as the current Core i9 14900K, with a slightly lower boost clock. Below that are the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core Ultra 7 265KF, both 20-core chips with 5.5 GHz boost clocks, at 378 and 393. That'd be around $485 and $505 respectively, and likely the equivalent of the current Core i7 14700K and KF variant, also with 20 cores overall and an ever-so-slightly faster boost clock of 5.6 GHz. Bringing up the rear are two Core Ultra 5 chips, the 245K and 245KF, with 14 cores a la the Core i5 14600K and Core i5 14600KF, although again with a slightly slower boost clock at 5.2 GHz. These are listed at 301 and 285 respectively, or roughly $387 and $366. The prices, along with just about everything else here, are best taken with a significant dose of salt. Retailers put placeholders up all the time, and they're by no means an official confirmation of any information. Still, with the launch rumoured to be somewhat close, these listings seem like a reasonable indication of what the Arrow Lake lineup could look like when we finally get some official word. In terms of actual, verified information about Arrow Lake from Intel itself, we still have very little. We know that the new processors will be built primarily by TSMC, with packaging by Intel Foundry, in the midst of the news that Intel will be dropping its 20A process in favour of 18A. We also know that they supposedly won't have the same voltage stability issues that have been plaguing Intel's 13th and 14th-generation processors. Beyond that, we're still primarily in the land of rumour and speculation, including talk of Intel abandoning hyperthreading and significantly changing its chip layouts. Given Intel's well-publicised issues in recent months, one thing we can be sure of is that Intel will be hoping that Arrow Lake is a success. After dismal financial results, the aforementioned crashing issues, and rumours that the company may be considering chopping bits of itself off in order to turn things around, it'll likely be looking for these chips to cause a bit of a stir in the face of AMD's robustif slightly underwhelmingZen 5 CPUs. From the iPhone 16 to the Apple Watch Series 10, here's everything Apple unveiled Fans got a taste of everything that's coming in the Apple world during Monday's "Glowtime" event which unveiled products and upgrades to favorites. The Silicon Valley giant unveiled the iPhone 16 range with on-device artificial intelligence capabilities across the models. Apple CEO Tim Cook said the new line "raises the bar for what an iPhone can do." Entry-level AirPods were brought under the AirPods 4 banner with potential hearing aid and hearing test capabilities. The Apple Watch Series 10 was also announced Monday, with a potential sleep apnea detection feature. Here's a recap of Apple's "Glowtime" event: When are the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro available? The iPhone 16 range will be available for preorder Friday and hit store shelves on Sept. 20. What to know about iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple's iPhone 16 Pro devices bring high-powered photo and video features. Apple revealed the premium range of the iPhone 16 model line with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The models will have slightly larger screens, as the iPhone 16 Pros screen will measure 6.3 inches and the Pro Max model will have a 6.9-inch screen. The line also sees the addition of the "capture button" that would open and operate the phone's camera. The company said the Pro Max will have, the best iPhone battery life ever. Speaking of cameras, Apple said the Pro and Pro Max models will be able to record video at 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have a new A18 Pro chip the company said is faster and more efficient than the base model. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone Pro Max cameras The premium end of the iPhone 16 line will have a new fusion camera, interface and ultrawide camera. The Pro model will see 5x telephoto, with 120mm focal length that was only on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The camera control on the Pro line will allow the user to switch between lenses and apply photo editing in photo previews. Apple said the Pro and Pro Max models will be able to record video at 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. Professional-style audio editing will be included in the phone. How much do iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max cost? The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for the 128GB option and $1199 for iPhone 16 Pro Max for the 256GB option. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max colors The new phones will be available in black, silver, gray and rose gold. What to know iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Apple's iPhone 16 comes in new colors and features AI -- Apple Intelligence The company revealed its latest smartphone offerings, the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus. The phones have a new A18 chip with 8GB of RAM to enable support of Apple Intelligence, the company's artificial intelligence software. The company said the chip can challenge some high-end desktop computers. The new models also see the addition of an action button that was previously found on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The new line sees the addition of a "capture button" that will open and operate the phone's camera. The button will be able to open the Camera app, zoom in and out, and bring the camera into focus before taking a picture. The camera control button will enable "visual intelligence," an Apple Intelligence feature that can search from photos or send them to third party apps. The feature will be available "later this year." How much do iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus cost? The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128 GB option and the 16 Plus starts at $899 for the 128 GB option. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus camera The iPhone 16 features a 48MP camera and a 12 MP ultra wide camera as well. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have a 48-megapixel main camera with a 2x telephoto option and a 12MP autofocus ultrawide camera. The cameras on the iPhone 16 were rearranged from the diagonal orientation of the iPhone 15 to the vertical layout seen in the last generation's Pro models. The company said the cameras will balance light quality and image detail, improve macro-photography and support spatial video and photos. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 plus colors The new phones will be available in black, teal, pink, blue and white. What upgrades are Airpods Pro getting? Apple revealed the Airpods Pro will receive major updates to help wearers with hearing. The company said it has developed a hearing test that will be included in iOS 18 as a result of a hearing study it conducted. Apple said the study showed 75% of people diagnosed with hearing loss have not received the assistance they need. After taking the test the Airpods Pro will function as a hearing aid, according to the company. Both the hearing test and the hearing aid capabilities are pending FDA approval, according to the company. How much are AirPods 4? Apple gave AirPods new features. The AirPods 4 are available for preorder Monday with the non-noise-canceling model retailing for $129 and the noise-canceling model for $179. The company revealed the AirPods 4 will have two models under the name. The company said that it redesigned the shape and acoustic architecture with, richer base and crystal clear highs, with personalized Spatial Audio. The AirPods 4 will have one model with noise cancellation and an entry-level model, updated for the first time since 2019, without it. Apple Watch Ultra new color The Apple Watch Ultra saw a new black finish with matching band and a new Hermes band and watch face. The Ultra has no new hardware upgrades. Apple Watch Series 10 release date, price Apple is introducing a series of advanced features using what it calls Apple Intelligence. The Apple Watch Series 10 sees a larger case size and larger screen in Apples latest horological release. The watch will clock in at 9.7 mm thick. Apple CEO Tim Cook praised previous iteration's impact on the health of its users in the product's introduction and the watch's health feature was a major part of the sales pitch. The watch will be able to monitor for sleep apnea, though the function is pending FDA approval. The watches will be available for preorder Monday. They hit stores Sept. 20, starting at $399, with GPS + cellular for $499. Apple Watch Series 10 colors New Apple Watch Series 10 comes in three colors. The Apple Watch Series 10 will come in black, silver and rose gold. When is iOS 18 available? The company announced that iOS 18 would be available Sept. 16. This announcement was not made during Monday's event. How to watch Apple 'Glowtime' event This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Apple: Here's everything that was revealed in the 'Glowtime' event Some traditions fade, but Latino culture and family bonds remain strong in the Yakima Valley You are the owner of this article. Israel says it likely killed an American activist by mistake. The US condemns its ally The Israeli military says an American activist killed in the West Bank last week was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers, drawing a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the activists family Francine has become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico as it bears down on the Louisiana coast The ships of Lake Balaton ferry company Bahart had carried 1.23 million passengers by the end of the summer. This represents an increase of 5% compared to last year, the company said in a press release. The number of passengers traveling on Baharts boats came to approximately 791,000 by the end of August. This represents a major increase of some 20% from a year earlier. The ferry company noted that it had put new ferries and catamarans into service with HUF 6 billion in government support. Online ticket sales, which rose by 30% over the summer, and purchases at ticket machines accounted for about one-quarter of all ticket sales in the summer season, the press release said. Click here to know more about Bahart ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! More guests stayed at rural accommodation in June-July than in last year's record year, according to data from the National Tourist Information Center (NTAK). In the first two months of summer, 2.9 million foreign and domestic travelers spent 7.9 million guest nights outside the capital. In addition to Budapest and Lake Balaton, several rural destinations are considered summer hits, according to NTAK data. One of the destinations showing the most significant growth in visitor traffic among domestic guests was Szeged (170 km southeast of Budapest) and its surroundings. Debrecen (225 km east) and its surroundings were also very popular among foreign visitors. MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! New Delhi: SpiceJet on Tuesday said Carlyle Aviation will write off aircraft lease arrears worth USD 40.17 million as part of a settlement agreement that will also result in the entity hiking stake in the struggling airline. Facing multiple headwinds, the budget carrier is working on ways to raise funds to the tune of Rs 3,200 crore, including infusion of money by the promoter. On Friday, SpiceJet had mentioned about the settlement pact with Carlyle Aviation, which had earlier also restructured certain debt with the airline. In a release on Tuesday, the airline said there is a significant debt relief and Carlyle Aviation will write off USD 40.17 million in lease arrears. Besides, the entity will convert USD 30 million in lease arrears into SpiceJet equity at Rs 100 per share, following which its stake in the airline will increase significantly. Currently, Carlyle Aviation has around 6 per cent stake in the company. According to the release, Carlyle Aviation will also convert USD 20 million in lease arrears into compulsorily convertible debentures of SpiceXpress & Logistics Pvt Ltd. SpiceJet, which had a fleet of 74 planes in 2019, is operating around 20 aircraft. The outstanding liabilities include statutory dues worth Rs 650 crore. On Tuesday, shares of the airline rose 2.47 per cent to Rs 65.57 apiece. Radha Ashtami, also known as Radha Jayanti, marks the birth of Goddess Radha, the Hindu goddess of love and wealth, often seen as the divine source of power. In 2024, Radha Ashtami will begin when the Ashtami Tithi starts on September 10 at 11:11 PM and will end on September 11 at 11:46 PM, making this the auspicious time to celebrate. According to Hindu beliefs, Radha Ashtami holds great significance as it commemorates the birth of Radha Rani, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this special day, devotees perform rituals to seek her blessings and honor the pure bond between Radha and Krishna. Here are the rituals to follow for Radha Ashtami. Rituals to Follow on Radha Ashtami 1. Wake Up in Brahma Muhurta: It is considered the best time to wake up according to Hindu scriptures. After waking up, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and clean the area where Radha Rani will be worshipped. 2. Radha Abhishekam: Perform the Abhishekam (ritual bath) using Gangajal, curd, milk, honey, Tulsi leaves, and ghee. This process purifies the idol and is done with the purest substances. 3. Jewelry and Clothes: After the Abhishekam, dress the idol of Radha in beautiful clothes and jewelry, adorning her with devotion as part of the Shringar ritual. 4. Offer Bhog: Prepare food without onion and garlic and offer it to Radha Rani as Bhog. Once offered, the Bhog becomes Prasad, which should be shared and eaten by all. 5. Mantra to Chant: Recite the Radha Gayatri Mantra: Om Vrashbhanujaye Vidmahe, Krishnapriyaye Dhimahi, Tanno Radha Prachodayat, or simply chant "Radha Radha." If the full mantra is challenging, chanting Radhas name is considered powerful. 6. Fasting (Optional): Devotees may choose to fast and conclude it by consuming the Charanamrit made during the Abhishekam. You can then partake in the Prasad offered to Radha Rani. Celebrate with Joy and Devotion Celebrate Radha Ashtami with devotion by singing bhajans and visiting temples. Remember, the most important aspect is your pure intention and prayer to Radha Rani, as she blesses all who call upon her with a sincere heart. May this Radha Ashtami bring joy, love, and divine blessings to you and your family! Disclaimer: (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) New Delhi: The opposition Congress on Tuesday launched another round of attack against Sebi Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her Husband Dhaval Buch of having given consultancy to 6 companies in India while remaining in public office. Pawan Khera, Chairman, Media and Publicity Department, Congress, in a press conference said, Madhabi Puri Buchs 99% shareholding in a consultancy firm Agora Advisory Private Limited (touted to be a joint holding company by the Buches) gave consultancy to 6 companies while she became a whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and eventually becoming the chief of Sebi. (Also read: PAC Likely To Summon Madhabi) Khera said this potentially violates the market regulators conflict of interest policy. Citing public documents that the Congress has accessed, Khera alleged that Madhabi Puri earned Rs 2.95 crore between 2016-17, 2019-20 and 2023-2024 all the while she was whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and subsequently becoming the chairperson of Sebi. Agora Advisory Private Limited gave consultancies to Dr Reddy's, Pedilite ICICI, Visu Leasing And Finance, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Pidilite and Sembcorp. (Also read: 500 Sebi Officials Lodge Complaints Against Sebi Chief) "A whistleblower has given us the information and we took 3 days for research, and for collecting papers, after which we are out with this expose," said Khera who also promised to share the details of the papers during the press conference. Khera in the press conference argued that all the six companies mentioned above are listed companies and are regulated by Sebi whose chairperson is Ms Buch which has relations with the latter's husband Dhaval Buch that owns Agora Advisory Private Limited. He argued that of the Rs 2.95 crore that Agoda linked to the Sebi chief earned, the maximum share (86 percent) came from Mahindra and Mahindra. He further alleged that between 2019-2021, Dhaval Buch got Rs 4.78 crore from Mahindra and Mahindra. This too during the time when Madhabi Puri was the whole-time member of the Sebi, which is a clear conflict of interest, Khera said. Mahindra And Mahindra Claims Allegations Made By Congress Mahindra And Mahindra has refuted all the allegations made by the Congress. M&M said, the allegations suggest conflict of interest on payments made to Mr. Dhaval Buch, husband of Mrs. Madhabi Buch, SEBI Chairperson. In view of the above, the Company on its own considers it necessary to clarify to the Stock Exchanges as follows: - Mahindra Group hired Mr. Dhaval Buch in 2019 specifically for his expertise in supply chain and sourcing, soon after he retired as Unilever's Global Chief Procurement Officer. - He has spent most of his time at Bristlecone, a subsidiary which is a supply chain consulting company. Mr. Buch is currently on the Board of Bristlecone. - He joined Mahindra Group almost 3 years before Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch was appointed as SEBI Chairperson. - Compensation has been specifically and only for Mr. Buchs supply chain expertise and management acumen, based on his global experience at Unilever. - None of the 5 SEBI orders or approvals referenced in the allegations are relevant. Details are: - three out of the five approvals or orders of SEBI do not pertain to the Company or any of its subsidiaries. - one was a fast-track rights issue, which did not require any approval from SEBI. - one was an order issued in Mar 2018, well before Mr. Dhaval started working with the Mahindra Group. - We categorically state that we have not, at any point, requested SEBI for any preferential treatment. We maintain the highest standards of corporate governance. We consider these allegations false and misleading in nature. New Delhi: Physical prowess is not the source of strength, it rather originates from an unwavering will. Throughout history, several people have succeeded in realizing their dreams by overcoming all physical barriers. A person who exemplifies this is Lee Thiam Wah, who, with his indomitable courage and strong will, proved to the entire world that there is no limit to what is possible. The indomitable spirit of Lee Thiam Wah Having survived polio, Lee founded 99 Speed Mart in Malaysia. He began selling sweets from a roadside stand after getting polio. However, fate had more in store for him. Today, Lee's net worth has increased to an estimated US$3.3 billion, making him one of Malaysia's richest billionaires. Currently, Lee is at the helm of a retail empire with more than 2,600 convenience stores around the country. Lee Thiam Wah's 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd Becomes Malaysia's largest IPO With its initial public offering (IPO) on Monday, Lee's company 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd became Malaysia's largest IPO in seven years. This has elevated Lees net worth to an estimated USD 3.3 billion (Rs 2,77,11,23,85,000 approximately). Lee Thiam Wah's Net Worth According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the $531 million initial public offering is Malaysias largest in seven years. At the IPO price of 1.65 ringgit ($0.38) per share, Lees fortune is about $3.3 billion (Rs 2,77,11,23,85,000 approximately). The stock rose as much as 15% on Monday. 99 Speed Marts listing attracted 14 cornerstone investors that included abrdn Asia Ltd. and UOB Asset Management (Malaysia). About 28% of the proceeds from the IPO will go to the company, which plans to setup new outlets and distribution centers, purchase delivery trucks and repay loans, according to the prospectus. The company posted a profit after tax of 133.2 million ringgit on revenue of 2.4 billion ringgit for the first three months of 2024, reported Fortune. Early life and struggle of Lee Thiam Wah Lee was born in 1964 into a modest household of a hawker and a construction worker in Malaysia. His parents could only afford to pay for six years of his education due to financial constraints. Lee's polio made it difficult for him to get a job. But the unfazed Lee started selling snacks from a roadside stall to make a living. "I have to help myself. Nobody would hire me due to my physical limitation," Lee told Forbes in 2010. The birth of 99 Speed Mart Lee eventually made enough money to launch his own supermarket in 1987. With his keen sense of business, hard work, and dedication, Lee grew his company into the biggest mini-market chain in the nation, with almost 2,600 locations across the nation. Over the following three years, he now wants to grow the number of stores to about 3,000. The 60-year-old entrepreneur is also a significant shareholder in Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd. and has invested in the Malaysian franchise of Burger King. New Delhi: The foundation stone for IKEA's landmark mixed-use land project in Noida's Sector 51 was unveiled by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday. It's the first home furnishings retail location for the Swedish company in the state. The Swedish business plans to invest Rs 5,500 crore in the undertaking. By 2028, the complete complex is expected to be operational. The Lykli Noida The Ingka Centres are part of the Ingka Group which includes IKEA Retail and Ingka Investments. The IKEA store named Lykli in Noida will be built on 47,833 square metres of land. Lykli Noida: A meeting place in India Lykli Noida will feature a "meeting place" design that combines retail with community areas. It will be a destination where people can shop, work, socialize, and relax. Under the Lykli brand, Lykli Noida is the second meeting spot in India. With a hotel and shopping center housed under one roof as part of its mixed-use development, it will be the first gathering spot for Ingka Centres worldwide. Along with two towers of commercial space, it will have a fully integrated IKEA store and a nine-story hotel. Innovative work areas, hospitality areas, Edutainment learning spaces, and venues for social and cultural activities will all be features of Lykli Noida. Both the Aqua Line and the Blue Line Metro stations will be directly connected to the store. Parking for 4,500 cars and 70 EV charging stations will be available at the center. Lykli Noida To Create 9,000 jobs The Lykli Noida is expected to draw over 25 million visitors, according to a statement from the company. Over 9,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs will be generated by it. It is one of the biggest retail developments in Delhi NCR. IKEA stores in India Ingka Centers has launched its concept in Uttar Pradesh, after the cities of Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. IKEA store will also serve as the anchor in the company's first Lykli project, which is scheduled to open in Gurugram in 2025. New Delhi: The GST Council on Monday reached a broad consensus on reducing taxes on health and life insurance premiums, and a final decision on this would be taken in the November meeting. The Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, exempted from GST grants or funds received for R&D by central or state-affiliated universities or those institutions which have Income Tax exemptions. Briefing reporters after the 54th meeting of the GST Council, Sitharaman said the Council has decided to set up two new Groups of Ministers (GoM) -- one on medical and health insurance and the other on compensation cess. The GoM on compensation cess would suggest to the Council how to go about the GST compensation cess, which is levied on luxury, sin and demerit goods, once the loans taken to meet the shortfall in revenue of states during Covid-affected years are repaid. The government had borrowed Rs 2.69 lakh crore in fiscals 2021 and 2022 to make good states' revenue loss and the GST Council had then decided to extend the compensation cess levy till March 2026 to repay the loan and interest. Sitharaman said the loan and interest are expected to be repaid as early as December 2025, or January 2026. The GoM will decide on the future of the levy, how it would be apportioned between the Centre and states, and changes required in law as it cannot be called compensation cess any more. The GST Council has decided to reduce tax rate on cancer drugs -- Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, certain categories of namkeen to 12 per cent, from 18 per cent. However, GST rate on car seats has been increased from 18 per cent to 28 per cent. This uniform rate of 28 per cent will be applicable prospectively for car seats of motor cars in order to bring parity with seats of motorcycles which already attract a GST rate of 28 per cent. The Council also decided there will be 5 per cent GST on transport of passengers by helicopters on seat share basis and 18 per cent on the charter of a helicopter. Also, flying training courses conducted by DGCA-approved Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) have been exempted from GST. Sitharaman said the Council discussed the issue of reducing taxes on medical and health insurance and it was felt that more discussions were needed with regard to group insurance policies by resident welfare associations and companies as well as premiums paid by senior citizens and life insurance vis-a-vis term insurance. "So the insurance-related matter the Council felt because of the various dimensions that came in, it might be worth the Group of Ministers to quickly look into it and by end of October to come up with their suggestion so that the November GST Council meeting could take a call on it," Sitharaman told reporters here. The members of the GoM on GST on health insurance would include ministers from Bihar, UP, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Goa, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Gujarat. Currently, 18 per cent GST is levied on health and life insurance premiums. Referring to the issue of GST exemption on funds received by institutions for R&D, Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked her to exempt such funds from the tax. "This whole issue of research-related funds going to institutions and notice that has gone to seven such institutions was not an attempt to tax terrorism. Where there are interpretation-related issues, an officer in the field will surely want to be sure that he is doing his job, collecting the money that he should collect because some of these research funds which have gone to such institutions had a component that they could be some kind of a quid pro quo," Sitharaman said. She further said that seven such notices which were sent will be assessed by the tax officers and the rest cases of past period will be regularised. Sitharaman further said that a committee of officers, headed by Additional Secretary (Revenue), will look into the formula for sharing the Integrated GST (IGST) between Centre and states. Currently, IGST Account is shared equally between Centre and states. It will look into ways to retrieve the money from states. Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra said that currently there is a negative balance of Rs 14,000 crore in IGST Account. The GST Council also recommended rollout of a pilot for B2C e-Invoicing, following the successful implementation of e-invoicing in the B2B sector. It would also provide an opportunity to retail customers to verify the reporting of the invoice in the GST return. The pilot will be rolled out on a voluntary basis in selected sectors and states. BHU UG Counselling 2024: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has commenced the registration process for the spot round of undergraduate (UG) admissions counselling for 2024, starting from 9th September. Eligible candidates who were not allotted a seat in previous rounds can now apply online at bhu.ac.in by 11th September. The final seat allocation results will be declared on 12th September, and successful applicants must complete their admissions and document verification between 13th and 14th September. Participants in the BHU UG 2024 Spot Round counselling need to upload essential documents, including Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, a photograph, and a scanned signature. A non-refundable registration fee of Rs 500 is required. Candidates allocated seats must report to their respective institutes for final admission during the designated verification period. Those who had applied for an upgrade prior to the spot round were allowed to pay any additional fees by 7th September. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offers a four-year UG program for both Honors and Research, namely UG Honors and UG Honors with Research. Only 10% of students with a CGPA of 7.5 and above will be permitted to select UG Honors with Research based on merit, said the university. BHU UG Counselling 2024: Heres how to apply Step 1: Go to the official Banaras Hindu University website at bhu.ac.in. Step 2: Locate and click on the Spot Round Counselling link on the homepage. Step 3: Log in using your credentials and hit Submit. Step 4: Fill out the application form, upload the necessary documents, and make the required payment. Step 5: Select your preferred colleges and courses for the Spot Round Counselling. BHU UG Counselling 2024: Documents required Class 10 mark sheet and certificates Class 12 mark sheet and certificates Caste Certificate Photographs of the candidate Students aiming to participate in the BHU UG 2024 Spot Round are required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 500. Candidates who secure seats in the spot round must report to their designated institutes for final admission and document verification between September 13 and 14. Those who opted for upgrades prior to spot round registration were allowed to pay the additional fees by September 7. Delhi's Patiala House Court on Tuesday approved interim bail for Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, effective until October 2. This decision came in response to Rashid's application for bail, which he filed to enable his participation in the campaign for his Awami Itihad Party (AIP) candidates in the upcoming J&K Assembly elections. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh said, "He is granted bail until October 2 and must surrender on October 3." The court had previously directed the NIA to present objections to Rashid's bail request, which led to a reserved judgment delivered this Tuesday. Engineer Rashid, also known as Abdul Rashid Sheikh, has been in Tihar Jail since his 2019 arrest by the NIA on charges of terror funding. Despite being incarcerated, Rashid contested the Lok Sabha elections, with his son and supporters campaigning on his behalf in Baramulla, where he emerged victorious over former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over 200,000 votes. Sajad Gani Lone, President of the Peoples Conference, finished third. Prior to this, Rashid was allowed parole to take his oath as a Lok Sabha member. He has twice served as the representative for the Langate Assembly constituency in Kupwara district within the J&K Legislative Assembly. An attempt to derail a goods train was made in Rajasthan's Ajmer district by putting two cement blocks on tracks of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. Railway officials said on Tuesday that a goods train did hit the blocks, weighing around 70 kg each, but nothing untoward occurred. This is a second such attempt in two days. On Monday, a similar attempt was made in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur. "Some miscreants put two cement blocks on tracks on the dedicated freight corridor on Sunday. A goods train hit them," a North Western Railway official said, as quoted by news agency PTI. The incident occurred between Saradhna and Bangad stations of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor on the Phulera-Ahmedabad stretch. Speaking on the derailment attempt, a freight corridor official said that a case has been registered and the matter is under investigation. Speaking to news agency PTI, Ajmer Rural SP Deepak Kumar said, "The incident happened on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. We received the information on the next day. The police reached the spot. Prima facie, it appears that somebody had put cement blocks on the track, a goods train was damaged. A case has been registered, the investigation is on. Action will be taken. There might be involvement of more than one person". VIDEO | "The incident happened on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. We received the information on the next day. The police reached the spot. Prima facie, it appears that somebody had put cement blocks on the track, a goods train was damaged. A case has been registered, pic.twitter.com/kUO0QqOq7K September 10, 2024 The report of the incident comes a day after an attempt to derail the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express was made in Kanpur by placing an LPG cylinder on tracks, along with a bottle of petrol and matchboxes. In Kanpur, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad swiftly arrived at the scene to examine the site of the collision. Passengers aboard the Prayagraj-Bhiwani Kalindi Express were fortunate to escape unharmed this morning when the train struck a cylinder placed on the tracks at a crossing in Kanpur's Meduri village. Railway tracks were inspected, and all possibilities were considered. Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Inspector General Nilabja Chaudhary, accompanied by a police contingent, conducted a thorough inspection of the railway tracks. However, he declined to provide specifics regarding the suspected plot. He assured that findings from the preliminary investigation would be communicated to the media in due course. The event happened at around 8 AM, and it sparked speculation about a deliberate conspiracy and sabotage. The cylinder was strategically placed near the Munderi village crossing, situated between the Barrajpur and Bilhaur stations on the Kanpur-Kasganj route. (With PTI Inputs) The Congress is riding high on its impressive performance in the Lok Sabha elections, but the BJP is not giving up hope in Haryana. Despite facing anti-incumbency and fallout from farmer protests and wrestlers' agitation, the saffron party is banking on social engineering to turn the tide in its favor. In the recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP secured leads in 44 of 90 assembly seats while the Congress was ahead in 42, and AAP in 4. However, the BJP's challenges run deeper, with a strong anti-incumbency wave and a split in votes likely to favor the Congress. Despite this tight race, the BJP faces considerable challenges. The partys performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where it led in 79 seats but won only 40 in the assembly polls held six months later, highlights its struggles. The BJP is also contending with anti-incumbency and the fallout from ongoing farmer demonstrations and wrestlers' agitations. BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma remains optimistic, focusing on social engineering to swing the vote in their favor. Verma argued that the significant OBC and Dalit vote sharesmore than 60% of the electorateare still up for grabs. "The OBC votes in Haryana are at more than 40% and Dalit votes at more than 20%, which means 55 to 60% of the votes are still up for grabs for the BJP," Verma said. Psephologist Yashwant Deshmukh, speaking on India Today, says the BJP's non-Jat politics in Haryana could work in its favor, even if Jats vote against the party. "The BJP has won two elections primarily polarising the non-Jat voters of Haryana," he said. Deshmukh also pointed out internal issues within Congress, particularly former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's resistance to an alliance with AAP. "Hooda remains the most popular Congress leader in Haryana, complicating efforts by the central leadership to manage the situation," he said. Political analyst Amitabh Tiwari, quoted in the same report, says the BJP is confident due to natural consolidation against dominant communities in the state. "That's what BJP has been doing for the past 10 years," he said. Tiwari also highlighted the fragility of the Jat-Dalit-Muslim voter coalition, suggesting that historical tensions between Jats and Dalits could affect Congress. "The BJP believes that a multi-cornered contest, with contenders like JJP-Bhim Army and INLD-BSP, might work in their favor," he said. Rahul Gandhi US Visit: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, September 9, continued his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and claimed that something has changed after the Lok Sabha elections and fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vanished. The Congress LoP, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, addressed an Indian diaspora event in Virginia's Herndon. During the event, Gandhi criticised PM Modi, saying that he had spread so much fear and pressure of agencies on small businesses, and everything has now vanished. "Something has changed after the elections. Some people said, 'Dar nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab'... It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear, and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, everything vanished within seconds. It took years for them to spread this fear and vanish within seconds... In Parliament, I see the Prime Minister right up front, and I can tell you that the idea of Mr. Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with Godthats all gone now; its is all history now," he said. #WATCH | Herndon, Virginia, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Something has changed after the elections. Some people said 'Dar nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab'...It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear, and the pressure of pic.twitter.com/kyazBfJp2Q ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2024 Gandhi also took a swipe at the BJP and said that the saffron party does not understand that India is a union and it is of everyone. "...BJP don't understand that this country is of everyone...India is a union. In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India, that is, Bharat, is a union state, with histories, traditions, music, and dance. They (the BJP) say it is not a union; it is different," he said. During his address in Virginia, Rahul Gandhi also said, "Three months before elections, our bank accounts were all sealed... We were discussing that now what to do...I said, 'Dekhi Jayegi', let's see what we can do.. and we went into the elections." The former Congress chief is set to meet with students at Georgetown University, followed by a diaspora event in Virginia. Rahul Gandhi will be in Washington for two days before heading back to Delhi. (With ANI Inputs) Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government, saying statistics of encounters during the BJP rule are also statistics of the "injustice of illegal killings" and "injustice done against the PDA". The former chief minister also shared some data of "fake encounter killings", claiming that 60 per cent of those killed in gunfights with the police belonged to the PDA -- a combine of 'Pichde, Dalit and Alpsankhyak' communities (backwards, Dalits and minorities). However, the data had no source mentioned. Yadav coined the PDA ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "The statistics of encounters during the BJP rule are also statistics of the injustice of illegal killings and also of the injustice done against the PDA," Yadav posted on X on Tuesday evening in Hindi. While the SP chief has been critical of the state's "trigger happy" police in the past also, his latest attack stems from the recent killing of Mangesh Yadav, a suspect in the Rs 1.5 crore robbery at a jewellery store in Sultanpur, who died allegedly after a gunfight with the police. In another post Tuesday night, Yadav shared a bar chart on statistics of accused killed in "fake encounters". The data showed that 125 (60 per cent) of those killed belonged to the PDA, 40 (19 per cent) to 'others' while data was unavailable for another 42 (21 per cent). The chart, however, mentioned no source of information. The Kannauj Lok Sabha MP had previously also termed Mangesh Yadav's encounter as "fake" and alleged that it was done based on the basis of the accused's caste. However, on Monday, UP Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar denied the allegations, saying no partiality is practised by the state police. "Police do not do such things... When bullets are fired on police, those who have faced such situations, who are our former officers, all of them know about it... I deny all such things and the police take action completely impartially," he told reporters in Lucknow. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday claimed that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar apologised with folded hands when he visited his residence. Yadav alleged that all his MLAs were present at the time of incident. "Hamare ghar jab aaye to haath jodkar maafi maang rahe the (he apologised with folded hands when he came to my house). He had asked for forgiveness in front of all the MLAs, they were all witnesses. How many times in the House has he apologised with folded hands, saying that he had made a mistake and that he will not join the BJP now?" ANI quoted RJD leader as saying. He was recalling the strained history of his partys alliance with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), when he firmly ruled out any possibility of future alliance with Nitish Kumars party in the Bihar Assembly polls. Tejashwi further said that no one trusts Bihar CMs words, His oath has no value. No one trusts him, as he may change his mind anytime. Twice we took pity on him and gave him life and both times he showed his real form. This time there is no meaning. Yadav pointed out the governance and law and order situation and attacked Nitish Kumar-led state government, he said, "Murders are happening continuously. Criminals have become unbridled, and they are not afraid of the police. Nitish Kumar's reputation has completely ended, reported ANI. He added that CM is not interested in controlling crimes but rather in attacking opposition. Nitish Kumar's political career has been defined by a series of shifting alliances over the last two decades. In 2015, his party, Janata Dal (United), joined forces with Tejashwi Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), leading to a successful win in the Bihar elections. Kumar assumed the role of Chief Minister, with Yadav serving as his deputy. Rahul Gandhi US Visit: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that he does not hate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington DC, the Congress MP said that the Prime Minister has a point of view and he does not agree with it. "I don't hate Mr. Modi. He has a point of view; I don't agree with the point of view, but I don't hate him. He has a different perspective, and I have a different perspective," Gandhi said. I don't hate Mr. Modi. He has a point of view; I don't agree with the point of view, but I don't hate him. He has a different perspective, and I have a different perspective. : Shri @RahulGandhi at the Georgetown University Washington DC pic.twitter.com/y3p5OW4CTE Congress (@INCIndia) September 10, 2024 The senior Congress leader, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, asserted that during the Lok Sabha elections the entire campaign was structured in a way that PM Modi could do his thing across the country. During the interaction, he also claimed that the Election Commission was doing what the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and PM Modi wanted. Dubbing the Lok Sabha polls "controlled elections," the Congress MP said that if the elections were free and fair, the BJP would not have been near 246 seats. "Before elections, we kept stressing on the idea that institutions have been captured...We don't have a fair playing field...The education system is captured by RSS. Media and investigative agencies are captured. We kept saying it, but people were not getting it... I started holding up the Constitution, and everything that I had said suddenly just exploded... Poor India, oppressed India that India understood that if the Constitution goes, the whole game is gone... Poor people deeply understood that this was a fight between those who were protecting the Constitution and those who wanted to destroy it... The caste census issue also became big...These things suddenly started coming together," Rahul Gandhi said. "I don't think that in a fair election, the BJP were near 246. They had a huge financial advantage. They had locked our bank accounts...The Election Commission was doing what they wanted. The entire campaign was structured so Narendra Modi could do his thing across the country. States where they were weak were designed differently than states where they were strong. I don't view it as a free election. I view it as a controlled election," he further stated. #WATCH | Washington, D.C, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Before elections, we kept stressing on the idea that institutions have been captured...We don't have a fair playing field...The education system is captured by RSS. Media and investigative agencies pic.twitter.com/ffF4Bfuy10 ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024 Earlier, Gandhi addressed an Indian diaspora event in Virginia's Herndon. He will be in Washington for two days before heading back to Delhi. Uttarakhand Landslides: In the latest updates pertaining to the landslide that occurred on Monday on the Kedarnath route, four more bodies were recovered on Tuesday from the debris, according to officials. On Tuesday, Rudraprayag Police said that more pilgrims could be trapped under the debris. A group of pilgrims returning from a visit to Kedarnath were trapped in the landslide at around 7.20 pm on Monday. Following the incident, a search operation was launched. SDRF and NDRF personnel had launched a rescue operation immediately and retrieved the body of a pilgrim. The deceased was identified as Gopal (50) from Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. Amid the rescue operation, three others were rescued and were rushed to Sonprayag in an ambulance. The operation had to be suspended due to bad weather and boulders still falling from the hillside intermittently on Monday night. After the search and recuse efforts were resumed on Tuesday morning, bodies of four more pilgrims, including three women, were pulled out of the debris. The pilgrims were identified as Durgabai Khapar (50) from Ghat district in Madhya Pradesh, Titli Devi (70) from Vaidehi village of Nepal's Dhanwa district, Saman Bai (50) from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, and Bharat Bhai Niralal (52) from Surat, Gujarat. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident. The landslide occurred due to torrential rains in the area. Relief and rescue operations are underway. Rudraprayag Additional District Magistrate, Shyam Singh Rana, arrived at the spot and said that five people were killed and three people were injured due to the landslide that occurred. "A landslide occurred on the National Highway near Sonprayag, due to which five passengers travelling from the route became victims of the accident. Three other people who were injured in the landslide have been rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)," as quoted by news agency ANI. He further appealed to the people in the district to plan their commute, keeping in mind the weather conditions. "I appeal to the people in the district to plan their commute accordingly, keeping in mind the persisting weather conditions," he further stated. (With ANI, PTI Inputs) The junior doctors of Kolkata have declared their intent to persist with their protest in response to the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This decision comes despite a Supreme Court order that required them to return to work by 5 PM on Tuesday. The doctors have emphasized that their demonstration is part of a larger people's movement, urging both the government and judiciary to recognize this fact. During the hearing on Monday, the top court directed that the protesting doctors should resume work by Tuesday evening. The Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had said."In order to create a sense of confidence we state that in the event that doctors come to work by 5 PM tomorrow, no adverse actions shall be taken. If there is continuous abstention from work despite the facilities given, there will be likelihood of action in future." Supreme Court Deadline Ignored The doctors expressed their disappointment following the Supreme Court hearing, which transferred the case from the High Court to the Supreme Court and handed over the investigation from the state police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, the protesting medical professionals argue that true justice remains elusive. State Government Misinformation Allegations In addition to expressing their frustrations with the legal process, the junior doctors accused the West Bengal government of misrepresenting facts in the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court. The state's health department has claimed that 23 patients have died due to the ongoing strike. However, the doctors strongly refuted this, asserting that healthcare services have not collapsed as alleged. "No hospital is completely non-functional due to our protest," they insisted. Indian Medical Association Support In a show of solidarity, the Bengal branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared its support for the junior doctors. The IMA released a statement criticizing the portrayal of junior doctors as the cause of deaths during the strike, calling it "false and misleading." The association reiterated that the primary focus should be on securing justice for the murdered doctor, rather than condemning the protest. The mother of the trainee doctor from Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College, who was brutally raped and murdered, has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering financial compensation to the family. The accusation came after Banerjee denied any such offer in recent statements. Victims Mother Calls Out CM for 'Lying' The victims mother refuted the Chief Ministers claim, stating that Banerjee had indeed offered financial help. The Chief Minister is lying. My daughter will never return, and I would never lie in her name. Mamata Banerjee told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in my daughter's memory. I told her I would only take the money once justice was served, the grieving mother told reporters. Conflict Over Compensation Claims Earlier, Mamata Banerjee had publicly denied offering any money to the bereaved family, calling the allegations 'slander.' She maintained that she only offered support for any memorial the family wished to create in their daughters honor, but never directly proposed financial compensation. "I have not offered money to the family. This is an attempt to defame me," the Chief Minister said. She added that Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal had even offered to resign after protests at RG Kar Medical College but was asked to stay due to his expertise in handling law and order, especially with Durga Puja approaching. The victims family, however, remains firm in their stance. The trainee doctors cousin also came forward, claiming that Mamata Banerjee personally made the offer. The Chief Minister herself offered financial compensation. She denied it came from the police, but I stand by my words that she made the offer, he affirmed. Amid ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent appeal for people to "return to Pujo" has triggered widespread backlash. Addressing the media, Banerjee urged citizens to shift their focus back to Durga Puja celebrations, stating, "It has been a month since the incident. I request everyone to return to the festivities and let the CBI ensure justice as soon as possible." The victim's family, opposition parties, and social activists have sharply criticized these remarks, with many accusing the Chief Minister of being insensitive toward the ongoing grief and public outrage. 'Return to Pujo': Mamata Banerjee's Appeal Banerjees comments came in the wake of persistent protests demanding justice for the victim, which have been continuing for over a month. She acknowledged the protests but emphasized the need for normalcy to return, saying, "If you are out protesting every night, it causes disturbance. Many elderly people are affected, and there are rules against using microphones after 10 PM. We have been lenient, but now, it's time to return to Pujo." She further stated that the case is now under the purview of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the victim's family deserves justice through a fast-track court. Banerjee also expressed concern that the ongoing unrest was tarnishing Bengal's image globally. "There are WhatsApp groups where people who once lived here and have now left are defaming Bengal," she added. Victim's Family Responds: 'Insensitive Remarks' The family of the victim, however, expressed deep disappointment with Banerjee's remarks. The parents, still grappling with the loss of their daughter, questioned the appropriateness of her call for festivities." We celebrated Durga Puja with our daughter, we will not celebrate Durga Puja or any other festival for years to come. Her remarks are insensitive," the parents said, according to a PTI report. "What about our festivities when we have lost our daughter? Let her bring our daughter back. Would she have said the same if this had happened in her family?" the parents asked, PTI reported. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has been under fire from the opposition for the past month over the TMCs handling of a Kolkata doctors alleged rape and murder case. In an attempt to address the growing unrest, Mamata invited the protesting junior doctors for a meeting at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Tuesday to resolve the impasse. "Your small delegation (maximum 10 persons) may visit Nabanna now to meet government representatives," PTI cited an email sent by the states Health Secretary N S Nigam to the agitating medics. Meanwhile, West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently waiting in her office for the delegation of junior doctors to arrive for the scheduled meeting. "The chief minister has been waiting at her chamber... We are yet to get any reply from them," Bhattacharya said. Junior Doctors Response To Mamatas Meeting Call One of the agitating junior doctors expressed dissatisfaction after receiving a communication from the state health secretary, rather than from the state secretariat, regarding the RG Kar hospital issue. "Receiving the mail from Nigam is an 'insult for us,' as we have been seeking his resignation," the doctor told reporters. "We did not get any mail from the state secretariat. We got the mail from the state health secretary, whose resignation we seek. This is an insult," he stated. The medic further described the state's decision to limit the number of representatives for the meeting to 10 as humiliating. "Our protests and our cease work will continue," the demonstrating doctor said. Junior doctors across West Bengal have been on a 'cease work' protest at state-run hospitals, demanding justice for a young doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered last month at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday voiced strong objections to the bail recently granted to Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Er Rashid by a Delhi court. Abdullah argues that the decision is not in the interest of the people of North Kashmir but is instead a tactical move to secure votes in the upcoming elections. Addressing reporters in Budgam, Abdullah said, "I sympathize with the people of Baramulla. This bail is not for public service; it's for electoral advantage. Post-election, it's likely Er Rashid will return to Tihar Jail." He mentioned that the impact of this decision on the residents of North Kashmir is yet to be determined. Reacting to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti's remarks, who called Er Rashid a BJP proxy and questioned the funding of AIP candidates, Abdullah called for AIP to make its stance clear. He urged the people of North Kashmir and others to stay alert to what he calls the BJP's divisive tactics. "If people want a BJP government in J&K, they should back AIP, PC, and Apni Party," he added. Abdullah also responded to recent criticism from former Congress chief Vikar Rasool, noting that the Congress leadership is informed of Rasools comments, which he believes are enough for the National Conferences reply. He also commented on the political actions involving jailed cleric Sarjan Barkati directed against him as attempts to discredit him. New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajjad Gani Lone on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to the people of Kashmir and adopt an "Indian-ness" policy to bring them into the mainstream. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Lone stated that the BJP's current approach in Kashmir is counterproductive. "The problem is that the BJP has a BJP policy in Kashmir. Through that BJP policy, they get votes across the country but they don't have an India policy in Kashmir, for Indian-ness to get Kashmiris into the mainstream," he said. When asked what the BJP could do to address this issue, Lone emphasised the importance of an apology from the Prime Minister. "The Prime Minister should apologise to the people of Kashmir and say that inadvertently, maybe, we might have done things that might have humiliated you. We might have done things that might have hurt you. We did it unintentionally. He should assure them that they are an integral part of India, it would make a significant difference. Give us another chance. And I'm telling you, if you (PM) use these words, everything will be fine. What you need are words," he said. Regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Lone clarified that it can only be achieved through parliamentary action. "See, statehood can only be restored by the Parliament. We can't. And I think there should be a policy for all the people who are elected that beyond a certain time, if they don't give us state back, then we should stop. We should leave the assembly. There is no point in being a part of an assembly, which is humiliation. I think one year or two years or six months or three months after that, we should all en masse resign and leave," Sajjad Lone said. He further pushed his demand to restore statehood and warned that if the Centre fails to meet their demands, they will not be a part of this assembly. "This will be our political response; that's fine if you don't want to give us; we don't want to be a part of this assembly. Because this will make people think that we are not delivering. That I think we should not do. We should not betray our people beyond a certain time. If we don't get statehood, there should be a clear unanimity that we should then leave. This is what I believe," he added. The JKPC chief also highlighted the importance of statehood for economic development in Kashmir. "We can only work towards an economic Kashmir if we have statehood, because without it, there is very little you can do. You can't pass money bills; you can't pass anything," he said. In August 2019, the government of India abrogated Article 370, effectively ending J-K's special status and reorganising into two Union Territories (UTs) -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has been sent to judicial custody till September 23 by a special CBI court on Tuesday in the financial irregularities case. The court has remanded Ghosh's security officer, Afsar Ali, along with contractors Biplab Sinha and Suman Hazra, to judicial custody until September 23. The CBI informed the court it might seek their custody again if necessary. Ghosh, arrested by the CBI on September 2 for alleged financial irregularities amid protests over the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar MCH, was previously placed in CBI custody for eight days starting September 3. The Hospital came into focus after a 31-year-old trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered inside the hospital premises, last month. The CBI is still probing the incident, that further raised deeper issues with the hospital authority. The CBI took control of the investigation from Kolkata Police on August 13, following an order from the Calcutta High Court. During the probe, it was revealed that former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh had instructed the demolition of a restroom and toilet near the crime scene on August 10. The partial demolition, carried out by the PWD, is suspected to have compromised crucial evidence. Due to the deep depression over Odisha, the flood situation in the southern parts of the state, particularly in Malkangiri and Koraput districts, has worsened. Continuous heavy rainfall has led to flooding in 560 villages across these regions, leaving residents in a state of crisis. According to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), more than 1,700 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas and moved to temporary shelter centers to ensure their safety. Odisha Government Takes Charge Amid Crisis In response to the critical situation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, following consultations with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujhari, has assigned three senior officials to oversee relief and rescue operations. Director General of Police (Fire Services) Sundhansu Sarangi, Secretary of the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department Bishnupada Sethi, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Southern Division) Charan Meena have been tasked with managing the escalating crisis in Malkangiri. Heavy Rainfall Recorded in Affected Areas The SRC office reported that Malkangiri Block experienced the highest rainfall at 253 mm, while three blocksMalkangiri, Chitrakonda, and Khairputrecorded over 200 mm. Additionally, six blocks in Malkangiri and Koraput received more than 100 mm of rainfall, causing severe flooding in these areas. Water overflowed the bridges between Pangam and Motu Road in Malkangiri, disrupting transportation and leaving several areas cut off. Rescue Operations Underway in Flood-Hit Villages Six teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed in Malkangiri, with two teams actively engaged in rescue missions. More than 60 villagers, including two farmers, have already been rescued, while several others remain stranded, some seeking shelter on rooftops in the Poteru area of Malkangiri. IMD Issues Red Alert for Multiple Districts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, including Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, Bolangir, Boudh, Koraput, Nabarangapur, and Puri. The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in many parts of these districts, with the possibility of extremely heavy downpours in isolated locations, further raising concerns about flooding and damage to infrastructure. In the ever-evolving world of Indian music, few legends have managed to transcend generations like Asha Bhosle. Known for her unparalleled versatility, youthful spirit, and boundless energy, Asha Bhosle has cemented her place not just in the hearts of those who grew up listening to her, but also in the souls of younger audiences who continue to discover her magic. This eternal appeal is captured beautifully in a special tribute by the celebrated duo RachanaRhythm, comprising writer Rachana Shah and renowned author Rhythm Wagholikar. Together, Rachana and Rhythm, who are family to Asha Bhosle are known for their deep association with Indian cultural icons, recently penned a heartfelt message for Asha Bhosle, celebrating her brilliance and ongoing influence. Their message reads: Your exuberance is so contagious, that it has transcended generations and each generation says, Asha Bhosle belongs to us! Yes, you belong to all of us! Its because you remain youthful; we remain so. How do we quantify your genius? We cannot. This quote from RachanaRhythm not only reflects their admiration but also encapsulates the sentiment of millions of fans who see Asha Bhosle as a beacon of timeless charm. Her ability to remain youthful, despite decades of reigning as one of Indias most iconic voices, is precisely what makes her a global cultural treasure. Rachana Shah is Asha Bhosles niece. As part of their tribute, RachanaRhythm shared one of Asha Bhosles iconic and revolutionary songsDum Maro Dum, a cult classic that stands as a hallmark of the 1970s psychedelic era and flower power movement. The duo emphasized how this particular track shines through as a cultural touchstone, representing Bhosles ability to stay ahead of her time. Its not just a song, Rhythm adds, its a movement, a revolution that Asha Bhosle ji brought to life with her voice. Her work continues to inspire and stand as a beacon for innovation. What makes this tribute even more special is the bond that Asha Bhosle shares with the duo. Rachana Shah, being her niece, has always had a personal connection with Asha Bhosles journey. Together, Rachana and Rhythm have not only celebrated the legacy of legends like Asha Bhosle but have also curated narratives that bridge the gap between the golden era of Indian music and the present. The partnership of RachanaRhythm is known for their work on capturing the spirit of legendary artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishori Amonkar, Girija Devi, and Usha Mangeshkar, amongst others. Their ability to weave together personal stories and historical milestones has earned them acclaim in the literary and cultural spheres. In this tribute to Asha Bhosle, they showcase once again how her presence has not only transformed music but also shaped cultural movements. Their words remind us that Bhosles genius is immeasurable, continuing to inspire new generations with her unmatched versatility and ever-youthful persona. As RachanaRhythm puts it so eloquently: Asha Bhosle belongs to every generation. This statement resonates deeply because Asha Bhosles music is not confined to any era; it spans across ages, genres, and emotions. From her unforgettable contributions to Indian cinema music to her experimental works that embraced world music, Asha Bhosle remains a force to be reckoned with. This latest tribute from RachanaRhythm reinforces the idea that while trends in music may come and go, legends like Asha Bhosle are forever. Her voice is a reminder of an era gone by, yet it continues to remain fresh, relevant, and cherished by listeners young and old. In their touching tribute, RachanaRhythm exemplifies how Asha Bhosles brilliance remains an indelible part of the musical landscape. Their words echo a sentiment that rings true for all who have experienced the magic of her voiceAsha Bhosles genius is beyond measure, and her youthful spirit continues to inspire the world. In a world dominated by sleek smartphones and intuitive touchscreens, it's easy to forget the simple elegance of keypad phones. Once the epitome of mobile communication, these iconic devices have stood the test of time, proving their enduring appeal. With their tactile buttons, familiar layouts, and reliable performance, keypad phones continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many. Join us as we delve into the world of these timeless classics and rediscover the charm of keypad technology. 1. Nokia 130 Music: Your Pocket-Sized Soundstage Order Now Experience the power of music on the go with the Nokia 130 Music. This sleek, durable feature phone is designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and long-lasting performance. 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Amid the deteriorating education system in Balochistan, a recent report from the Department of Education has revealed that an additional 542 schools have been closed under the current government, with the closure process ongoing, The Balochistan Post reported. The Balochistan's Department of Education has issued a report on school closures in the province. According to the report, 16,000 teachers are required to reopen the closed schools. By May of this year, the number of closed schools had reached 3,152. As of September 2, the number of closed schools had increased to 3,694 across 35 districts, The Balochistan Post reported. Pishin has the highest number of closed schools, with 254 shut down, while Dera Bugti has the fewest, with 13 schools inactive. The Balochistan's Department of Education further said that by 2021, 1.2 million children in Balochistan were out of school, representing more than 70 per cent of school-aged children in the province, with 7,000 teaching positions vacant, The Balochistan Post reported. Since then, the situation has worsened, with ongoing school closures and a shortage of teachers further increasing the number of children not attending school. This comes as the education system in Balochistan is facing a significant decline due to chronic underfunding and resource shortages. Schools and colleges throughout the province frequently lack essential amenities such as clean drinking water, functional toilets, and electricity, which severely impact the quality of education. Many schools in Balochistan suffer from poor infrastructure, including inadequate buildings, a lack of basic facilities, and insufficient teaching materials. Rural and remote areas often face the greatest challenges. Enrolment rates, particularly for girls, are lower in Balochistan compared to other regions of Pakistan. Contributing factors include socio-cultural norms, security concerns, and economic constraints. The World Bank has noted that inadequate teacher training further exacerbates these problems, contributing to a decline in educational quality. Administrative corruption and favouritism also plague the sector. Overall literacy rates and educational attainment levels are lower in Balochistan compared to other provinces, affecting opportunities for higher education and employment. A top adviser of the interim government said Tuesday that India-funded projects are "very important" and will continue under the new administration in Bangladesh. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed also said that Dhaka looks forward to "enhanced cooperation" with New Delhi during his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma here, the state-run BSS news agency reported. "Already, the projects they (India) have with us are big projects, and we'll continue those, as those are not small projects and we'll take another big project for the benefits of ours...," the report quoted him as saying. "We'll not stop on whatever we have got, and we'll talk about those projects ...funding of the projects and also their implementation part," he added. The financial adviser's remarks come amid concerns about the timely implementation of projects funded under India's three lines of credit following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government last month after a mass uprising. Indian envoy Verma said New Delhi has not stopped any of its line of credit projects to Bangladesh as those are major projects. "Those projects are going on, and those are basically very big projects and located at different sites. So, the contractors will be coming back to start the projects," he was quoted as saying in the report. Ahmed thanked the Indian government for their continued cooperation and said, "We're looking forward to future and enhanced cooperation." Addressing the importance of the Indian-funded projects, he said they were initiated based on Bangladeshs own needs. While there have been some disbursement issues, we are in the process of resolving them. In the meeting the two sides also discussed ways to enhance the existing bilateral economic cooperation. Asserting that India is "next door and a big neighbour of Bangladesh", Ahmed said both nations have many areas of economic cooperation and trade. "We've assured him (Verma) that Bangladesh is a very good place for investment and economic cooperation. They (the Indian side) have taken note and they will continue the cooperation," he said. Talking about the bilateral trade volume, which tilts in favour of India, the financial adviser expressed optimism that it could be addressed. Ahmed said the Indian high commissioner assured they would encourage more quality export of Bangladeshi products to India, which should be a win-win situation for both countries, the report said. The Indian side also offered support in the fields of science and technology, scientific research and laboratory, he added. Replying to a question on the Indian government's engagement with Bangladesh's interim government, Verma said, "Of course, we're very closely engaging with the government, and my meeting with the adviser is proof of that". "There were some issues relating to disbursement, and we're sorting those out," he said, adding that there would be some future projects with Indian funding. Verma said he briefed the adviser about the progress made on some Indian-funded projects, emphasising the commitment to move forward. He also expressed the Indian side's optimisim to take forward its line of credit projects under its development cooperation. Bangladesh and India signed the first line of credit agreement involving USD 862 million in August 2010. The second line of credit agreement involving USD 2 billion was signed in March 2016. The third agreement involving USD 4.5 billion under the system was signed in March 2017. A Texas man has been sentenced to probation for accidentally shooting his grandson at a wedding west of Denton last fall. Michael Gardner, 63, of Odessa, Texas, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor child abuse charge in July, reduced from second-degree assault a felony for what happened Sept. 30. His attorney, Matt Kosmicki, said Gardner accepts responsibility and is beating himself up every day about what happened. He said the boy, who is 13 now and was in the courtroom, has recovered, though he has a scar. Gardner said: "Nobody will ever be harder on me than I will be irregardless of what I get here. It's something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life." He said he just got reelected as a county commissioner in Ector County in Texas. "The people that I serve and work for, they all stand behind me evidently," Gardner said. "It was just a horrible accident. I don't know what else to say about it." Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Eric Miller called it a "rather unique situation." He viewed it very seriously, though he gets that the victim and his family didn't want him to prosecute the case. "But I think as a prosecutor for the county I think you have to look at the events and how it affects the community, not just certain individuals," he said. Miller said Gardner had been officiating a wedding on Sept. 30 and tried to fire a blank from his revolver in the air to gather the attention of the guests. Gardner told deputies after he took the gun from his waistband and began pointing it into the air and pulling back the hammer, his thumb slipped, releasing the hammer, resulting in the accidental discharge of a blank .45 Colt round into his 12-yaer-old grandson's shoulder. The wound measured about 8 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide and extended deep into the boy's muscle, causing significant tissue and muscle loss. Miller said he was horrified to see that someone would bring a gun in front of a crowd like that. "I get this is not some shoot-up at the convenience store or anything like this," he said. "But what he did was reckless behavior." Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson said Gardner isn't a lawless man. He's obviously been involved in his community and his family in a positive way. "And yet then you have this very serious incident," she said. Nelson said it certainly was reckless behavior, but it clearly wasn't intended. And she sentenced Gardner to a year of probation, which will be transferred to Texas. Top Journal Star photos for September 2024 SANNA: Houthi military spokesperson Yayha Saree said on Tuesday that Yemen's air defence systems have shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper over Saada province. "The US drone was shot down when it was spying and taking hostile measures over Saada in northwest Yemen", Saree was quoted as saying by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. Saree went on to say that the US drone was the second the Yemeni forces have downed during the past 72 hours. The Yemeni spokesperson also hailed the anti-Israel operation carried out by Maher al-Jazi, the 39-year-old Jordanian citizen who had killed three Israelis at the border crossing between West Bank and Jordan on Sunday. Saree noted that Yemen will continue its military operations against Israel until the regime ceases aggression against Gaza and lifts the siege of the Strip. From the outset of the war in Gaza, the resistance groups in Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, and Yemen have been carrying out anti-Israel operations in support of the Palestinian people and in order to reduce pressure on the "resistance" in Gaza. On September 4, the US Central Command said that its naval forces had destroyed a missile system of the Houthi group in Yemen. "In the past 24 hours, US Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen," it said in a post on social media platform X. "It was determined this system presented an imminent threat to US and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region," it said without providing further details. This was the third Houthi missile system destroyed by the US military strikes over the past two days, according to the USCENTCOM. Meanwhile, residents in the Yemeni central province of Ibb reported on social media platforms that a fighter jet launched an airstrike targeting the Houthi-controlled Al-Hamzah military installation in the province on Tuesday. The Houthi group, which controls Ibb and several other northern provinces, including the capital, Sanaa, did not comment on the incident. The Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks targeting what it called "Israel-linked" ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November last year to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In response, the US-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has since January, conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group. Six weeks after a jury convicted a Lincoln man of child abuse resulting in 22-month-old Rudy Requejo-Ybarra's death, a second jury has been picked to decide if the boy's mother also played a role in his death. At the defense table, Brittany Cook, 32, quietly wiped away tears Tuesday as prosecutors showed photos of her son, known as Junior, taken March 12, 2023, the day she took him, covered in bruises and unconscious, into the ER at CHI Health St. Elizabeth, wrapped up so tightly in a blanket the check-in clerk couldn't tell right away there was a child inside. A pediatric nurse testified Tuesday that she remembered arriving at room 20 and hearing Cook saying something about her son falling down the stairs. "He was breathing, but he wasn't reacting, and his color wasn't good. He felt cold," Sarah Boone, a nurse at St. Elizabeth, said. Not long after, Rudy would be life-flighted to Children's Nebraska hospital in Omaha, but it would be too late to save him. He died there of a head injury that caused bleeding on his brain. At a trial in July, the Lancaster County Attorney's Office successfully argued that Cook's then-boyfriend, Joshua Tackett, had been responsible for the physical abuse that left the toddler bruised, burned and battered all over his small body and with the head injury that ultimately killed him. Now, prosecutors have turned their attention to Cook, who they say failed to get her son the medical attention he desperately needed sooner. In opening statements Tuesday, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Amy Goodro told jurors at the end of the trial, the hardest question they will have to answer isn't the legal one of whether she is guilty of the charges. "The evidence will show that quite clearly," Goodro said. "Perhaps (it's) more of a moral question of whose actions are more egregious. The unrelated boyfriend of two months who abused the toddler to death? Or the mother of that 22-month-old boy with special needs who consistently and intentionally allowed that boyfriend to abuse her only son?" Defense attorney Eddy Rodell said there are two sides to every story. "When all is said and done I can assure you that the state's not going to be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms. Cook personally inflicted any of the injuries on her young son," he said. "Obviously those injuries were caused by her boyfriend, Joshua Tackett." Rodell said the state would have them believe Cook was his willing accomplice to this. She was not, he said. He said it was true that Cook had given inconsistent statements and told outright lies to the police. "But what the state didn't tell you is Miss Cook's history and past dealings with Child Protective Services," he said. "As well as her prior dealings with police, which caused her to have great mistrust of the system." Rodell said she ultimately told police the truth about what happened and her son's injuries. "The key element to these offenses is that they include intent," he said. "We contend that she was negligent in her duties as a parent, which resulted in the death of her young son. Her actions were not intentional." Goodro contends they were. She said the moment Cook met Tackett in January 2023, she started spending all of her time with him. They quit their jobs and started selling marijuana full time, taking trips to Colorado to get it. "Children, especially the youngest who is deaf, are inconvenient when you're in the business of selling marijuana," she said. "This frustration turns into rage and the visible signs of Mr. Tackett's abuse begin." By mid-February, Rudy had suffered a broken leg. The boy, who had been starting to walk, was back to crawling after being dropped by Tackett, who fainted at the sight of the child's bloody nose. Goodro said Cook lied to her aunt, saying she had taken Rudy to urgent care. Instead, she did internet searches, convincing herself it was a sprain. Instead of getting Rudy away from Tackett, Cook moved with her children into Tackett's apartment despite the red flags, she said. Not long after, Rudy had a black eye. Then, Cook told police, she found Rudy with a gash on his head and a missing tooth. "But (she) still does nothing about that," Goodro said. After Cook Googled "can my toddler sleep with a concussion," she left him and his 3- and 4-year-old sisters unattended to go to the casino with Tackett. Police would find evidence of an argument. Fast food thrown around the couple's bedroom. "The state submits that it's this night or early morning ... that Junior suffers his fatal injuries. It's unsure when. Was it at 1 a.m.? Was it at 5 a.m.? Was it at 10 a.m.?" Goodro asked. She said that by 11:43 a.m. on March 12, 2023, Cook was worried and doing internet searches on her phone about symptoms of a coma and sleeping with a locked jaw. "No one calls 911," Goodro said. It was more than three hours later when Cook started to head to St. Elizabeth, passing two other hospitals on the way. In the end, jurors will be asked to decide if she's guilty of child abuse resulting in death and in serious injury involving Rudy's earlier broken leg, as well as delivery of marijuana. Top Journal Star photos for September 2024 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 (Photo courtesy of Haenam Dinosaur Museum) Why are dinosaurs such a fascinating topic for kids? Perhaps its the giant size and awe-inspiring nature of these ancient creatures that captures their imaginations. Dinosaurs evoke the time when these mysterious beings dominated the Earth, sparking curiosity and adventurous spirits in young minds. In Korea, numerous dinosaur fossils and their activities have been discovered, with significant finds in the southern coastal regions. These areas are home to natural monuments and have been tentatively listed as UNESCO sites due to their historical value. As a result, youll find a variety of fun museums and theme parks dedicated to learning about dinosaurs. While there are many dinosaur-themed attractions across the country, some museums stand out for their ability to constantly captivate childrens interest while providing rich educational content. Here are the top dinosaur museums in Korea that promise an exciting and educational experience for your kids! Haenam Dinosaur Museum () (Photo courtesy of Haenam Dinosaur Museum) (Photo courtesy of Haenam Dinosaur Museum) (Photo courtesy of Haenam Dinosaur Museum) (Photo courtesy of Haenam Dinosaur Museum) The Haenam Dinosaur Museum is the largest dinosaur museum in Korea. Haenam-gun County is one of the five sites of fossilized dinosaurs across the southern coast on the tentative list of UNESCO. Haenam is unique for being the first place in the world where dinosaur, pterosaur, and bird footprints were discovered in the same stratum. This area has revealed numerous footprints, proving that it was once a habitat where these ancient creatures coexisted. The museum boasts a large-scale exhibit with vivid displays where kids get thrilled as if theyre encountering real dinosaurs. Explore the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods through life-size models, bones, and fossils. The museum features a collection of large-scale dinosaur models, genuine Allosaurus fossils and authentic footprints found in the area. Beyond the educational values, the museum offers a lot of fun activities and events, such as fossil making and a bubble magic show. Also, the dinosaur swimming pool is accessible to all visitors at no extra charge from July to August. Visitors can capture wonderful snaps at the dinosaur-themed trick art photo zone and the beautiful outdoor park featuring large dinosaur models and flowers. Address: 234 Dinosaur Museum Road, Hwangsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Naver Map Hours: 9 a.m. 6 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Tickets: Adults 5,000 won / Teens 4,000 won / Children 3,000 won Parking: Free Website Goseong Dinosaur Museum () (Photo courtesy of Goseong-gun) (Photo courtesy of Goseong-gun) (Photo courtesy of Goseong-gun) (Photo courtesy of Goseong-gun) Goseong Dinosaur Museum is another one recognized as one of Koreas best. Goseong-gun County is also one of the five sites of fossilized dinosaurs across the southern coast where dinosaur footprints were first discovered in Korea, with over 5,000 footprints found so far. The museum boasts real oviraptor and protoceratops fossils and life-size models of monolophosaurus, tyrannosaurus and bactosaurus dinosaurs and more. Visitors can also view dinosaur footprints discovered in the Goseong area. For children, the museum provides engaging activities like bone puzzles and fossil digging, as well as a dinosaur-themed trick art photo zone. The museum is inside the Sangjokam National Park, where dinosaur footprints are preserved, and the museums outdoor area has large-scale dinosaur models and stunning coastal views of Hallyeo Maritime National Park. It is an ideal spot for a family outing. Address: 618 Jaranman-ro, Hai-myeon, Gosung-gun, Gyeongnam, Naver Map Hours: 9 a.m. 6 p.m. (Mar.-Oct.) / 9 a.m. 5 p.m. (Nov.-Feb.) / Closed on Mondays Tickets: Adults 3,000 won / Teens 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won Parking: 2,000 won 3,000 won for all day Anmyondo Jurassic Museum ( ) (Photo courtesy of Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum) (Photo courtesy of Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum) (Photo courtesy of Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum) (Photo courtesy of Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum) (Photo courtesy of Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum) (Photo courtesy of Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum) The museum sits in the Taean Peninsula, home to the Taean Coastal National Park with 27 beaches on the west coast. The museum is well-known as home to the largest collection of genuine dinosaur fossils in Korea. It also features dinosaur models and exhibits from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, offering educational displays about dinosaurs, their fossils, and prehistoric life. The outdoor area includes large dinosaur models and a fun playground. Although the museum is smaller and more expensive compared to those in Haenam and Goseong, its a beloved spot for families visiting Taean, especially those looking for a great combination of beach fun and educational experiences for kids. Taean is a famous coastal area where visitors can enjoy swimming and collecting sea creatures at the same time due to tides. From the U.S. military bases in Pyeongtaek, its about an hour and 40 minutes drive away, making it a perfect destination for a beach day trip. Address: 37-20 Gomseom-ro, Nam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Naver Map Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Tickets: Adults 12,000 won / Teen 10,000 won / Children 9,000 won (Additional fees are charged for Media Hall and Planetarium) Parking: Free Website Seodaemun Natural History Museum ( ) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) (Photo courtesy of by Seodaemun Natural History Museum) Seodaemun Natural History Museum offers rich educational exhibits on dinosaurs, Earth, ecosystems, geology and biology. The museum is conveniently located in Seoul and features numerous exhibits and interactive experiences, educational and entertaining both for children and adults. The museum widely covers natural history, including ancient creatures in Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. Exploring the museum takes you on a chronological journey through Earths history, from the formation in the cosmos to ancient life and creatures. For the best experience, start your visit on the 3rd floor and make your way down to the 1st floor, where exhibits progress from the universe to nature and humanity. The childrens favorite is the second floor, where visitors can encounter diverse dinosaurs, pterosaurs and other animals, including Tyrannosaurus and Acrocanthosaurus, Pteranodon and ancient mammals. There are also taxidermized animals and sea creatures. Visitors can learn about marine life as well with displays of all kinds of sharks that inhabit Korea. The museum has good convenient facilities, including a nursing room and cafe, and the outdoor area features a dinosaur park. Driftless Humane Society is celebrating World Rabies Day with a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats. World Rabies Day is held annually on Sept. 28 to raise awareness and advocate for global elimination of this deadly disease. Rabies has a 99.9% mortality rate once symptoms appear. In humans, 40% of the victims are children younger than 15 years old. In 99% of human cases, it is caused by bites from dogs. On a global scale, rabies kills approximately 59,000 people annually. Common carriers of rabies are skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Free-roaming dogs and cats may encounter these species and contract rabies if bitten. Rabies is preventable in dogs and cats with proper vaccinations. All pets should have their first rabies vaccination starting at 3-4 months of age and be vaccinated every one to three years as directed by their veterinarian. Wisconsin law requires owners to vaccinate their cats and dogs. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be easily prevented in our pets with a vaccine. Regular vaccinations are essential to ensure the health of our animals and public safety of Vernon County residents, said Amy Kleiber, Vernon County Health Department, director/health officer. The Driftless Humane Society, in partnership with the Vernon County Health Department, is hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. The clinic will be held at the shelter, located at 1150 Nelson Parkway in Viroqua. Preregistration and proof of Vernon County residence is required. Space is limited. Find out more information and register online at www.driftlesshumanesociety.com. Our goal with our low-cost pet care clinics and the upcoming free rabies clinic, is to ensure that family pets are protected against deadly diseases. We hope to reach a population of dogs and cats that are currently unvaccinated. These clinics support the health of our community, pets, and people, shared Emily Rozeske, executive director of Driftless Humane Society. A European climate service says summer 2024 was the hottest on record. The declaration makes it even more likely that this year will also turn out to be the warmest ever measured. The summer heat data came from the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service. Copernicus aims to provide detailed data on past, present and future climate in Europe and the rest of the world. The service said that during the months of June, July and August, temperatures worldwide averaged 16.8 degrees Celsius. That was 0.03 degrees warmer than in 2023. Copernicus records only date back to 1940. But American, British and Japanese records go back to the mid-19th century. Those records suggest the last 10 years have been the hottest since official climate data measurements started. Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo told The Associated Press the Augusts in both 2024 and 2023 tied for the hottest Augusts at 16.82 degrees Celsius. The service reported July was the first time in more than a year that the world did not set a record. But because June 2024 was so much hotter than June 2023, this summer as a whole was the hottest, it said. Buontempo noted that the high temperatures also likely pushed air humidity levels to record highs during the past summer. The Copernicus chief said all the latest data suggests 2024 will likely break the record for the warmest year ever recorded. In order for 2024 not to become the warmest on record, we need to see very significant landscape cooling for the remaining few months, Buontempo added. But he noted, that doesn't look likely. Climate scientists say the record temperatures have real consequences for many people around the planet. Jonathan Overpeck is a climate scientist at the University of Michigan. He told the AP the continued warming will lead to more misery around the world in places seeing the most extreme temperatures. Overpeck suggested Phoenix, Arizona as an example. The southwestern American city has already experienced more than 100 days of temperatures over 37.8 degrees Celsius this year. With longer and more severe heat waves come more severe droughts in some places, and more intense rains and flooding in others, he said. Climate change is becoming too obvious, and too costly, to ignore, Overpeck added. Jennifer Francis is a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She said more communities worldwide are now having to deal with violent and dangerous conditions that include extreme heat, floods, wildfires and high winds. In an email to the AP, Francis compared people living in areas with extreme climate to those living in conflict areas. She said that in both cases, people get so used to the situation they can become deaf to the severe conditions surrounding them every day. Copernicus chief Buontempo noted an El Nino weather system fueled part of last year's record heat. El Nino is a warming of surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. The event usually causes hot, dry weather in Asia and Australia. It can also drive weather changes in other parts of the world. But the El Nino effect has ended, Buontempo said. Now, human-caused climate change from fossil fuel use is again the main driver of increased temperatures, he 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. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. ___________________________________________ Words in This Story humidity n. a measurement of how much water there is in the air landscape n. the appearance of an area of land consequence n. the result of an action or situation, especially one with a bad result drought n. a long period when there is little or no rain and people do not have enough water obvious adj. easy to understand or see deaf adj. to ignore something because it is too often seen or heard bound adj. very likely A powerful ocean storm caused deadly floods and landslides in the northern part of Vietnam over the weekend. Typhoon Yagi is the strongest such storm to hit the country in years. In Phu Tho province, a bridge over the Red River collapsed Monday. Reports said 10 cars and trucks and two motorbikes fell into the river. Rescuers saved three people from the river. Thirteen others are missing. In Cao Ban province, a landslide pushed a bus carrying 20 people into a flooded stream. In the northern town of Sa Pa, a popular area for foreign visitors, a landslide killed six people on Sunday. The storm is responsible for at least 59 deaths in Vietnam, officials said. Yagi effects Vietnams industry Northern Vietnam is a center for manufacturing. Many foreign companies have operations there, and it is a base for export activity. State newspaper Lao Dong reported many businesses were closed Monday because of heavy damage. The storm destroyed several factories. Others had water leaks that damaged goods and costly equipment. Damage to electrical equipment in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces caused power outages Monday. The two provinces are industrial centers for export goods. Factories for electric vehicle maker VinFast, Pegatrong, a supplier for Apple, and electronics supplier USI were among those without power. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the port city of Haiphong on Sunday and approved aid worth $4.6 million. Korean manufacturer LG Electronics reported no injuries among its employees. But it said the storm flooded a building that stored its finished products, including refrigerators and washing machines. Hong Sun, the chair of the South Korean business association in Vietnam, said there was a lot of damage. State-operated power company EVN said more than 5.7 million customers had lost power and many power lines had been broken. Bruno Jaspaert is head of DEEP C, a Belgian industrial developer and operator. Jaspaert oversees factories in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces. He said, Everyone is scrambling to make sites safe, and stocks dry. The typhoon made landfall on Saturday in northeast Vietnam. At its strongest, the storm had winds measured at 149 kilometers an hour. By Sunday, the storm had weakened to a tropical depression, a storm below the level of a typhoon. However, Vietnams weather agency continues to warn of landslides. VN Express reported that the water levels of several rivers in northern Vietnam remain dangerously high. The deadly storm also affected other parts of Southeast Asia. Reports say 20 people in the Philippines and four in southern China also died in the storm. On Chinas Hainan Island, officials reported that more than 50,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted this story for VOA Learning English from Associated Press and Reuters reports. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story customer n. a person or group that pays for goods or services scramble v. to move quickly, often on hands and knees, usually because of something urgent or necessary stocks n. (pl.) an amount of a product that for sale and is available for shipment at any given time We want to hear from you. Our comment policy is here. Making soups is easy. Yes, it can take some time, but the principle of cooking is usually very simple. ADVERTISIMENT Cheese soup with shrimp and corn is one of them. The FoodOboz editorial team shares with you a step-by-step recipe for the dish and assures you that the combination of creamy broth with sweet corn and salted shrimp will not leave you indifferent. We advise you to serve this soup with crispy croutons: just dry the bread in a toaster or dry frying pan without oil. frozen shrimp - 450 g canned corn - 1 can potatoes - 3-4 pcs. cream - 2 cups butter - 2 tbsp onions - 1 pc. processed cheese - 150 g broth or water - 2 liters salt, pepper - to taste Put the shrimp in boiling salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for another five minutes. Then drain, cool, and peel off the shells. Peel the onion, and cut it into small cubes. Put in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and fry in butter until soft. Make sure that the onion does not start to burn. Peel the potatoes, cut them into small cubes, and add them to the onion pan. Pour in the broth or water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender. When the potatoes are soft, add the cream and bring to a boil. Add the shrimp, corn, and processed cheese to the soup, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is completely dissolved. Cook for 5 minutes over moderate heat. 09:59 During Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face-off at Philadelphia during the ABC News presidential debate, the two leaders touched on the topic of e subject of abortion. She said Trump's policies on abortion have no basis except for rape or incest and termed it "immoral." On the issue of abortion, Kamala Harris said, "Well, as I said, you're going to hear a bunch of lies, and that's not actually a surprising fact. Let's understand how we got here, Donald Trump hand selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v Wade. And they did exactly as he intended." "And now in over 20 states, there are Trump abortion bans, which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide healthcare, in one state, it provides prison for life. Trump abortion bans that make no exception even for rape and incest, which understand what that means. A survivor of a crime or violation to their body does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next. That is immoral. And one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree," she added. Kamala Harris said that the government and Donald Trump should not tell women what they should do with their bodies. She announced that she would "proudly" sign a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade if she becomes US President. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said, "The government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body. I have talked with women around our country you want to talk about, this is what people wanted. Pregnant women who want to carry a pregnancy to term, suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because their healthcare providers are afraid they might go to jail and she's bleeding out in a car in the parking lot. She didn't want that. Her husband didn't want that. A 12 or 13-year-old survivor of incest being forced to carry a pregnancy to term, they don't want that." "And I pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law. But, understand, if Donald Trump were to be re-elected, he will sign a national abortion ban. Understand, in his project 2025, there would be a national abortion monitor that would be monitoring your pregnancies, your miscarriages. I think the American people believe that certain freedoms, in particular the freedom to make decisions about one's own body, should not be made by the government," she added. Rejecting her remarks that he would sign national abortion ban, Trump termed it a "lie." He said that Democrats, Republicans and everyone wanted it to be brought back into the states, referring to the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v Wade. In response to Harris' remarks, Trump said, "Well there she goes again, it's a lie. I'm not signing a ban and there's no reason to sign a ban because we've gotten what everybody wanted, Democrats, Republicans and everybody else and every legal scholar wanted it to be brought back into the states and the states are voting. And it may take a little time but for 52 years, this issue has torn our country apart and they wanted it back in the states. And I did something that nobody thought was possible. The states are now voting, what she says is an absolute lie and as far as the abortion ban, no I am not in favour of abortion ban but it does not matter because the issues has been taken over by the states." Asked whether he would veto the national abortion ban at the ABC News debate, he said, "Well, I would have to, because again two things. number one, she said she would go back to Congress but she will never get the vote. It is impossible for her to get the vote especially now with the 50-50, essentially 50-50 in both Senate and the House. She is not going to get the vote. She can't get the vote. She is not going to get close to it." On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the US abolished abortion rights while overturning the constitutional right granted to women in a historical 1973 ruling called Roe vs Wade. Through this abortion was legalized across the states. The Supreme Court has struck down Roe vs Wade, eliminating the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion and ruled that states may regulate the practice of it, according to a media report, CNN reported. Abortion has emerged as a key issue in the 2024 election. According to CNN report, freedom advocates have been making efforts to get measures preserving reproductive rights on the elections in November to let voters weigh in. US Vice President Kamala Harris said that former US President Donald Trump will sign national abortion ban if he gets re-elected. However, Trump called Harris' statement a "lie" and said that there's no reason to sign a ban. American Express, one of the worlds largest banking houses, has opened a credit card service in Britain. Holders of the cards will be able to use them at nearly 3,000 hotels, restaurants, shops and hire-car agencies in this country and at more than 83,000 establishments abroad. The cards can also be used to obtain travel tickets. This move by American Express is bound to give a powerful boost to the idea of credit cards in Britain, which have not, so far, spread very far. Until now, American Express card holders have been able to use their cards in this country, but only if they could settle their accounts in dollars. There will be an annual fee of 3 12s, but supplementary cards can be obtained at half price for immediate family members. Companies can also apply for cards and issue them to members of staff. Customers use the card to pay for goods on credit. American Express then issues a monthly bill which covers all outstanding charges on the account. The Bank of England has given permission for the scheme to go ahead on condition users do not spend more than 75 on any one item purchased abroad. American Express Vice President Maxwell Elliot said the people most likely to take up the new card would be managers and sales executives earning 2,000 a year or more. He rejected suggestions the new scheme would be open to fraud and also said he expected little competition. Diners Club is the only other company operating a similar credit scheme. Mr Elliot said: There is only one (competitor) known to me and that covers about 2,000 hotels in this country alone. More than 83,000 establishments around the world now honour the American Express card. Credit cards have been available in Britain since 1951 when Donald McCullough launched Finders Services after a trip to the United States. It merged with another company, Credit Card Services, to become Diners Club last year. Courtesy BBC News In context Diners Club was the first universal credit card, introduced in the United States in 1950. It became the first major credit card company in Britain in 1962 formed from the merger of Finders Services and Credit Card Facilities. American Express was the next big company to launch into the credit business in 1958. A report in the Financial Times in 1965 said the average Diners Club card holder was 41, male and married with a family, earning well over 3,000 a year as a senior commercial or business executive. Switch and Visa debit cards were introduced in the 1980s. Customers use the cards for payment of goods and the money is directly debited from their account. The cards can also be used to withdraw money from cashpoint machines and they act as cheque guarantee cards. The Credit Card Research Group carried out a survey in 2001 and found there were 62 million credit cards in circulation in the UK, with many people owning more than one. A bridge collapsed and a bus was swept away by flooding yesterday as more rain fell on northern Vietnam from a former typhoon that has caused at least 64 deaths in the Southeast Asian country, state media reported. Nine people died during the typhoon, which made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday before weakening to a depression, and 50 others died during the consequent floods and landslides. The water levels of several rivers in northern Vietnam were dangerously high. A passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept into a flooded stream by a landslide in mountainous Cao Bang province Monday morning. Rescuers were deployed but landslides blocked the path to where the incident took place. In Phu Tho province, rescue operations were continuing after a steel bridge over the engorged Red River collapsed Monday morning. Reports said 10 cars and trucks along with two motorbikes fell into the river. Three people were pulled out of the river and taken to the hospital, but 13 others were missing. Pham Truong Son, 50, told VNExpress that he was driving on the bridge on his motorcycle when he heard a loud noise. Before he knew what was happening, he was falling into the river. I felt like I was drowned to the bottom of the river, Son told the newspaper, adding that he managed to swim and hold on to a drifting banana tree to stay afloat before he was rescued. Typhoon Yagi was the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in decades when it made landfall Saturday with winds up to 149 kph. It weakened to a tropical depression Sunday, but the countrys meteorological agency has still warned the continuing downpours could cause floods and landslides. On Sunday, a landslide killed six people including an infant and injured nine others in Sa Pa town, a popular trekking base known for its terraced rice fields and mountains. Overall, state media reported 21 deaths and at least 299 people injured from the weekend. Skies were overcast in the capital, Hanoi, with occasional rain Monday morning as workers cleared the uprooted trees, fallen billboards and toppled electricity poles. Heavy rain continued in northwestern Vietnam and forecasters said it could exceed 40 centimeters (15 inches) in places. Initially, at least 3 million people were left without electricity in Quang Ninh and Haiphong provinces, and its unclear how much has been restored. The two provinces are industrial hubs, housing many factories that export goods including EV maker VinFast and Apple suppliers Pegatrong and USI. Factory workers told The Associated Press on Sunday that many industrial parks were inundated and the roofs of many factories had been blown away. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Haiphong city on Sunday and approved a package of $4.62 million to help the port city recover. Yagi also damaged agricultural land, nearly 116,192 hectares where rice is mostly grown. Before hitting Vietnam, Yagi caused at least 20 deaths in the Philippines last week and four deaths in southern China. Chinese authorities said infrastructure losses across the Hainan island province amounted to $102 million with 57,000 houses collapsed or damaged, power and water outages and roads damaged or impassable due to fallen trees. Yagi made a second landfall in Guangdong, a mainland province neighboring Hainan, on Friday night. Storms like Typhoon Yagi were getting stronger due to climate change, primarily because warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel the storms, leading to increased wind speeds and heavier rainfall, said Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore. Typhoon Yagi also swept through Hong Kong and Macau before making landfall in Guangdong. ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL, HANOI, MDT/AP The Health Bureau is raising awareness of mental health issues and resources as part of World Suicide Prevention Day activities. The Macau Health Bureau has placed great importance on the mental well-being of its residents, adhering to the principle of prevention first, proper medical treatment and the people-oriented approach. Under the Healthy Macau Blueprint, the Bureau has formulated a phased mental health promotion strategy that integrates health concepts into various public policies through cross-departmental collaboration. This years World Suicide Prevention Day theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, aims to encourage open discussions about mental health, according to the Health Bureau. By 2030, the agency has set three specific goals and six evaluation indicators to maintain the mental health of Macau residents throughout their lives. This includes formulating and implementing relevant laws and regulations, building a social support network, and educating residents on mental health awareness and self-care. The government has also established an inter-departmental collaboration mechanism to better address the communitys mental health needs. Frontline services include eight mental health clinics and crisis counseling through Hospital Centre S. Januarios psychiatric department. Community outreach teams follow at-risk patients, and health centers are increasing clinicians psychiatric training. Repeated public awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of mental health. Residents are urged to pay attention to their own well-being and support loved ones. While managing stress through exercise or sharing feelings is encouraged, more serious troubles should prompt professional help-seeking behavior without hesitation. By addressing mental health proactively, Macau can work to build a society of understanding and care for all residents healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. Continued promotion of prevention and treatment should benefit community wellness. Victoria Chan A Hong Kong man was arrested in Macau for making a false report after losing money at a casino. Local media in Macau reported that a 43-year-old man from Hong Kong, surnamed Cheung, was taken into custody on suspicion of fabricating a police report. The incident unfolded on the morning of August 31, when Cheung informed the police that he had been swindled out of HK$100,000 by three men in the casino under the guise of exchanging chips. Related A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cybersecurity collaboration among officials from Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong Province was signed this week at the opening ceremony of the 2024 China Cybersecurity Week in Nansha.On the occasion, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of Hong Kong, emphasized the close relationship between cybersecurity and the public and he called for vigilance against escalating online threats. The newly inked MoU seeks to strengthen coordination in technological exchanges, information sharing and emergency response across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Tony Wong, Commissioner for Digital Policy of Hong Kong, joined counterparts from the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong and Macaus Cybersecurity Commission to formalize the collaboration. Professor Sun said this will facilitate high-quality development in the region through robust cybersecurity support. During the week-long event, various activities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau aim to deepen industry ties, cultivate talent, and boost public awareness. Professor Sun visited an exhibition highlighting achievements from Hong Kongs cybersecurity cooperation with mainland partners. He hopes this provides opportunities to strengthen joint defenses and contribute to national cyber strength. Professor Sun concluded his visit and returned to Hong Kong Sunday afternoon. VC Chief Executive candidate Sam Hou Fai met with representatives from various industrial and commercial associations on September 9, 2024, to discuss the future of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. The meeting, held at the Application Headquarters in Nam Tung Commercial Building, included key officials Lei Wun Kong and Ip Sio Kai. During the session, nine representatives from the Federation of Industry and Trade in Central and Southern Districts, along with others from the Northern Macau Zone and Macau Islands, shared insights on enhancing the business environment. They emphasized the need for transforming each zone into a unique attraction to support local SMEs and proposed establishing a specialized government entity to study economic development in community neighborhoods. In a separate meeting, Hou Fais campaign representatives, including Lei Wun Kong and Chan Ka Leong, engaged with Oxfam President Kalina Tsang to discuss support for vulnerable groups in Macau. Additionally, Hou Fai met with the Macau Youth Development Service Center to address youth development issues, where representatives shared suggestions on employment, housing, and career planning. Hou Fai expressed gratitude for the feedback, committing to explore ways to optimize Macaus business landscape and promote sustainable economic recovery as the CE election approaches. NS Sands Resorts Macao has been recognized as a top MICE destination, winning two awards at the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2024, held last week. The resort was awarded Best Integrated Resort (MICE), while The Venetian Macao won Best Meetings Hotel (Macao). These accolades highlight Sands Resorts Macaos commitment to delivering exceptional MICE experiences across Asia. The awards were voted on by readers of M&C Asia and endorsed by industry professionals. Stephanie Tanpure, Vice President of Sales, Sands China Ltd., expressed her gratitude, saying, Being acknowledged by industry peers is a gratifying recognition of the significant contribution Sands Resorts Macao has made to Asias MICE industry. Sands Resorts Macao also hosted M&C Asia Connections 2024, organized by Northstar Meetings Group. The event brought together Asias top MICE suppliers and global buyers through panel discussions, appointments, and site visits. The event aimed to foster strategic alliances among prequalified international buyers and elite suppliers, solidifying Macaos position as a premier MICE destination. Sands Resorts Macao served as both the hotel and venue sponsor for the event. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials yesterday during his second trip to China in a year and a half that comes during a spat over electric cars. The official Xinhua News Agency reported the meeting at Beijings Diaoyutai State Guest House but gave no details about what they discussed. The center-left Socialist leader also attended a business forum in Beijing for Spanish and Chinese companies before traveling to Shanghai later yesterday. Today he is attending more business events and the inauguration of a Cervantes Institute, a center that promotes Spanish language and culture. Prior to holding talks and dining with Xi, Sanchez held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and the head of the ceremonial legislature, Zhao Leji. Sanchez arrived late Sunday and departs Wednesday. Sanchez visited China in March 2023 when Spain held the rotating European Union presidency. Spain was among the EU members that expressed support earlier this year for a 36.7% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. The Chinese government responded by launching an investigation into imports of EU pork. EU exports of pork products to China hit a peak of 7.4 billion euros ($7.9 billion) in 2020 when Beijing had to turn abroad to satisfy domestic demand after its pig farms were decimated by a swine disease. EU pork exports to China have dropped since then, hitting 2.5 billion euros ($2.6 billion) last year. Almost half of that total came from Spain. The tension over pork has not stopped Spain from welcoming the plans of Chinese carmaker Chery to open a plant for electric vehicles in Barcelona. MDT/AP A South Korean commission found evidence that women were pressured into giving away their infants for foreign adoptions after giving birth at government-funded facilities where thousands of people were confined and enslaved from the 1960s to the 1980s. The report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission yesterday came years after The Associated Press revealed adoptions from the biggest facility for so-called vagrants, Brothers Home, which shipped children abroad as part of a huge, profit-seeking enterprise that exploited thousands of people trapped within the compound in the port city of Busan. Thousands of children and adults many of them grabbed off the streets were enslaved in such facilities and often raped, beaten or killed in the 1970s and 1980s. The commission was launched in December 2020 to review human rights violations linked to the countrys past military governments. It had previously found the countrys past military governments responsible for atrocities committed at Brothers. Its latest report is focused on four similar facilities in the cities of Seoul and Daegu and the provinces of South Chungcheong and Gyeonggi. Like Brothers, these facilities were operated to accommodate government roundups aimed at beautifying the streets. Ha Kum Chul, one of the commissions investigators, said inmate records show at least 20 adoptions occurred from Daegus Huimangwon and South Chungcheong provinces Cheonseongwon in 1985 and 1986. South Korea sent more than 17,500 children abroad in those two years as its foreign adoption program peaked. Ha said children taken from inmates at Huimangwon and Cheonseongwon were mostly newborns, who were transferred to two adoption agencies, Holt Childrens Services and Eastern Social Welfare Society, which placed them with families in the United States, Denmark, Norway and Australia. Most of the infants were transferred to the agencies on the day of their birth or the day after, Ha said, indicating that their adoptions were determined pre-birth. While the facilities records say some of the women submitted memos expressing their consent to give away their children, other records indicate women were being pressured to do so, Ha said. A 1985 inmate record from Huimangwon flags a 42-year-old inmate with supposed mental health issues for causing problems by refusing to relinquish her child. Officials later note that she eventually did. For Huimangwon, Ha said, the commission was only able to look through its inmate records from 1985 and 1986 and still found 14 adoptions. A further six adoptions were linked to inmates at Cheonseongwon. MDT/AP There may still be a long way to go in the application process for a new, STEM-focused charter high school in the Madison School District, but school board members are already voicing their uncertainties about the fate of the proposed school. Board members on Monday stressed their commitment to innovation in the district, but many had reservations about the proposed schools ambitious enrollment plans and the potential for competition with programs already available in Madison high schools. Under the proposal from Madison-area philanthropists and real estate developers John and Jo Ellen McKenzie, the Pathway Career and College Academy would prepare students for careers as plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, electricians and more. The school would build on the mission of the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center in Fitchburg named for John McKenzie, who sparked the idea which opened in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County in 2023. Students at the Pathway Career and College Academy would complete paid internships and work-study programs, in addition to academic classes. Organizers are aiming for the school to open in the fall of 2026 with a first cohort of 150 ninth-grade students. Enrollment would ideally grow to 600 students by 2029. It feels like we could be, in district, now competing for resources, School Board President Nichelle Nichols said Monday about the proposal. District officials and board members on Monday publicly discussed the proposal for the first time since it was submitted in late August. Later this month, the board will decide whether to invite an in-depth application outlining the full vision of the charter school. While no decisions have been made yet, many board members pointed out the overlap with existing district programs. Madison schools already offer technical education options and youth apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, the $317 million facilities referendum approved by voters paid for new trades and auto workshops in the districts high schools. It doesnt seem different than what we offer through youth apprenticeship programs or early college STEM stuff that we already have in the high schools, board member Blair Mosner Feltham said Monday. The Madison School District already operates two charter schools, Nuestro Mundo Community School and Badger Rock Middle School, but has fought against others in the past. UW option on the table Charter schools are public schools governed by a board of directors and created through a contract or charter between the governance board and the sponsoring school board. School districts may authorize charters, as can any UW system school or any technical college board. Wisconsin law gives charter schools freedom from most state rules and regulations in exchange for greater accountability for results. Documents show district officials in 2019 attempted to derail the proposed Arbor Community School, which ultimately failed to get a charter agreement with the UW system. In 2011, the Madison School Board rejected the proposal for what has now become One City Schools. The board rejected a different charter proposal in 2017 for what now is the Isthmus Montessori Academy. Both of those schools now operate through a charter with the UW Office of Educational Opportunity. McKenzie told the Wisconsin State Journal last month a charter agreement with the Universities of Wisconsin is a second option if the School District rejects the proposal. Im wondering how committed the organization really is to being an instrumentality of the district when it looks like another option is already on the table, Nichols said Monday. Thats just me speaking honestly. If the School Board decides to move the proposal to the next phase, organizers must submit a complete application in December, according to district guidelines. Next up would be a public hearing on the proposal, which would take place sometime in early 2025. The School Board would make the final decision with a vote in spring 2025. The proposal is backed by Paul Vallas, the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and the Philadelphia School District, and a longtime proponent of charter schools and work-study programs. Michael Johnson, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County, is involved too. The school would cost an estimated $1.7 million to operate in 2025-26, according to current estimates. Most of that money would be spent on staff salaries. The charter school would require 18 staff positions, some of which would be part time only, for every 150 enrolled students. A location for the school has not been identified. It wont operate out of the existing workforce center in Fitchburg, as the plan is to continue running that facility as is. A high-tech unmanned boat outfitted with sonar and cameras is trying to solve the mystery of a 1968 plane crash that killed three people who were on a scientific assignment at Michigans Lake Superior. Seat cushions and pieces of stray metal have washed ashore over decades. But the wreckage of the Beechcraft Queen Air, and the remains of the three men, have never been found in water as deep as 400 feet. An autonomous vessel known as the Armada 8 was in Lake Superior on Monday, joined by boats and crew from Michigan Tech Universitys Great Lakes Research Center in Houghton in the states Upper Peninsula. We know its in this general vicinity, Wayne Lusardi, the states maritime archaeologist, told reporters. It will be a difficult search. But we have the technology amassed right here and the experts to utilize that technology. The plane carrying pilot Robert Carew, co-pilot Gordon Jones and graduate student Velayudh Krishna was traveling to Lake Superior from Madison on Oct. 23, 1968. They were collecting data on temperature and water radiation for the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Searches of the lake that fall and in 1969 did not reveal the wreckage. It was just a mystery, Lusardi said. Travis White, a research engineer at the Great Lakes Research Center, was aboard a boat with monitors displaying real-time results from the autonomous vessel. He said bright colors would indicate something manmade, signaling a possible plane wreckage. Any wrecked aircraft is treated very much similar to a wrecked (ship) in the Great Lakes. It wont be disturbed, White said on an afternoon livestream from Lake Superior. What were trying to do is document its location and condition and try to provide as much of an answer as we can to the question of what happened. Family members of the three men who died are aware of the new search. This isnt a solo mission. The autonomous vessel will also be mapping a section of the bottom of Lake Superior, a vast body of water with a surface area of 31,700 square miles. The search is being organized by the Smart Ships Coalition, a grouping of more than 60 universities, government agencies, companies and international organizations interested in maritime autonomous technologies. We will have a successful mission at the end of this week showing a new application for technology, new things found on the lakebed in an area thats not been previously surveyed in this way, said David Naftzger, executive director of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, a group of U.S. states and Canadian provinces. TWIN FALLS Pet Wants would like to play a role in keeping your furry family members happy and healthy. We were just looking for a better healthier option for (their dog Stella) and we figured if we were looking for something then other pet parents probably were too, Owner Valerie Steinmetz said, The Times-News took a few moments with the Steinmetzes and talked about all things pets want. TIMES-NEWS: Lets get down to brass tacks, are you guys cat or dog people? Pet Wants: While we have had both dogs and cats as pets, we tend to lean towards being dog people. ... Our dog Stella, a Shiba Inu, resembles a cat in many ways. Shibas are known for their independence, aloofness, and stubbornness. Like a cat, Stella enjoys her own company, is not bothered by being left alone and only requires affection when its on her terms. Want more info on Pet Wants? Pet Wants is located at 123 Main Ave. E., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301 Website: petwantstwinfalls.com Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday TN: How did Pet Wants come to be? PW: Pet Wants was founded in 2010 by Cincinnati, Ohio-based Michele Hobbs after she felt like she was out of options when it came to her dogs health. Much like Michele, we were frustrated with the lack of healthy options available locally for Stella when she developed allergies. We decided to bring Pet Wants to the Magic Valley to give pet parents a healthy option and education to help them make the best choices for their pets health and wellbeing. TN: What made you decide to open up shop in downtown Twin Falls? PW: From day one, we knew that downtown is where we wanted to be. Growing up in Twin Falls, we watched the changes and transformation that the downtown area has gone through over the years. We felt Pet Wants would be a great addition to existing downtown businesses and we wanted to be a part of the history and events that take place there. TN: How has a brick-and-mortar storefront differed from being mobile? As popular as online shopping is, we have found that most customers still prefer to come into the store to shop. We do get out into the community by attending events, offer free home delivery and have our website available for customers who can choose a delivery or in-store pick up option. The store allows customers to come in and see the items we have first-hand. It also allows them to bring in their pets in to shop. We have several customers that bring their dogs in to pick out their treats and chews. TN: What have been some of your guiding principles in running the store? PW: Our first priority in everything we do, whether it is the services we offer or the products we sell, is the health and well-being of the pets that shop with us. Unfortunately, the pet food industry is so under regulated and over marketed that the numerous options available can be very overwhelming and confusing for customers to choose the best products for their pets. We were in the same boat as consumers before we found Pet Wants. We want to be a resource for pet parents to come in, ask questions and assist them in finding the best products for their pets based on their needs. We are proud to offer high-quality products that are reliably sourced. Many of the products we carry come from family-owned businesses in the USA and do not contain any corn, wheat, soy, or animal by-products. Our pet food contains high-quality proteins and ingredients and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or added sugars. Every product we carry is approved by our nutritionist to ensure that we are offering the highest quality products for our customers. TN: How do you decide what products to carry? PW: We want to offer products that are as healthy and natural as possible. The majority of the products we carry are because of the health benefits they provide or a solution that they offer if a pet is having digestive, skin and coat or anxiety issues. Pets are also a big part of our families so we also like to offer some fun items too like birthday cakes, peanut butters and yak cheese popcorn that are made specifically for dogs. We also listen to our customers needs and concerns so that we can offer products that they want and have them available to purchase locally. TN: What are some of the projects, educational programs and fundraising opportunities you guys have going on? PW: We attend events in the community throughout the year. We are also working on providing events and classes at the store. September is our Pack Gives Back campaign. We are taking donations all month long to provide Pet Wants pet food to PAWS Rescue Inc. Customers can donate a pound of pet food for $4. Our goal is to reach 1,000 pounds donated. We will match the amount donated by our customers pound for pound. People For Pets is having their annual Pooch Splash Fundraiser on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at Dierkes Lake. Tickets can be purchased at the Humane Society. We have donated a gift basket for their raffle at the event. We will also be a vendor at the event and will be donating a portion of our sales from the event back to People For Pets. The money for this event goes towards their medical fund. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 19, we are hosting a DIY Forage Mat Event at our store. For $25 you can make a forage mat for your pet and receive Pet Wants food and treats to go with it. We will be doing some giveaways during the event. All of the proceeds will be donated to Friends Furever Rescue. Space is limited and customers need to pre-register by coming into the store or going on our website at PetWantsTwinFalls.com. We will also have PAWS Rescue at the store for an adoption event on Sept. 28 which is also Neighborhood Pet Store Day. TN: Is there anything else youd like our readers to know? PW: Customers can follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Pet Wants Twin Falls to get information and updates on anything and everything we have going on. PHOTOS: Pet Wants delivers the goods Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You are here: Arts The China Cultural Center in Amman, Jordan hosted a poetry event on Monday to mark the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's most important traditional holidays. The event, which drew over 300 attendees including students, cultural figures and Chinese expatriates, featured Chinese poetry recitations and theatrical performances, among others. Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Chen Chuandong highlighted the festival's significance in Chinese culture, noting its themes of family reunion and nostalgia. Chen remarked that on this day, Chinese people, regardless of their location, are able to view the same moon as their loved ones back home. He noted similarities between Chinese and Arabic poetry in meter, rhyme, and the use of imagery and symbolism to express ideas, adding that poetry has become a bridge between Chinese and Arab civilizations. The Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, will be observed on Sept. 17 this year. Its a new move in Idaho, this process on the part of some local Republican county central committees to censure elected officials, who have won their partys nomination in primary elections, on grounds that they inadequately dance to the tune of party officials. The latest to try this has been the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. (Social note which may help describe the groups perspective: Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake is scheduled to be their Lincoln Day speaker next month.) The Bonneville Republicans last week voted to censure two local Republican legislators, Sen. Kevin Cook and Rep. Stephanie Mickelson. Leaders in the county organization have been critical of them for a while, though this development takes things to a new level. Two censures from a Republican committee (whether legislative district, county or state organization), under current rules, can lead to a demand that the elected official, though nominated and elected as a Republican, remove Party support and prohibit the use of Republican Party identifiers in their campaign. That has the sound of a serious threat, since so many Idaho voters apparently look for those Republican identifiers, and not much more (such as candidate background, qualifications and well-thought-out positions), when deciding how to fill elected offices. In an opinion piece, Mickelson noted that, When I ran for office, I needed to secure a majority of votes from over 52,000 people in my district. Now, 20 precinct committeemen on the District 32 Legislative Committee will vote on whether I can call myself a Republican. Of those 20, only nine were elected. The other 11 were appointed. Which, she asked, ought to have primacy? Mickelson also said that if a demand actually is made to remove any kind of party support, Some have suggested theyll pursue legal action to enforce this decision. Indeed, some have suggested as much, and it would be interesting to see how that would play out in a court of law. But theres also a larger question: Who gets to call themselves a Republican, or a Democrat, or something else, for that matter? Idaho Democrats and other groups of voters havent made much of an issue out of it (nor have the minor parties), and the Republicans whose political dominance in the state isnt in any way immediately under threat likewise seldom did, until recently. If someone was considered far enough outside the partys mainstream (however that might be defined), the usual view was that they could be defeated in a primary election. That approach began to change after 2011 when, after a court decision allowing political parties to limit their primaries to registered members, Idaho Republicans closed their primaries to allow party registrants only. (Other Idaho parties have not chosen that limitation.) Of course, anyone could register as a Republican, so that didnt completely solve the (perceived) problem of participation by non-true believers. As the Idaho Republican party structure has been taken over increasingly by more extreme groups, a conflict between the party and its voters started to become almost inevitable. Now were starting to see it arrive. Theres a key question here: Who gets to decide what a real Republican is? This isnt a one-sided question. A lot of long-time Republican former elected officials have decried the current party leadership and some of its elected officials as virtual invaders who have taken the party far away from its roots and meaning. Theres a real dispute about what a real Republican is or should be. One approach since has been growing imposition of doctrine and dogma, and ever more extreme positions in party platforms and resolutions: You must support all of this, or else youre not a real Republican. Whats worth pointing out is how different this is from the historic norm, when the decision of what was a real Republican (or Democrat) was left to the people who voted in the primaries, even if that process sometimes was a little messy. Of course, when you have a one-party state, those stakes get higher. And when that happens, the extremes become more so. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday Air France will start a thrice-weekly non-stop Manila-Paris service on Dec. 8, 2024. DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said this is the first non-stop service from Europe to the Philippines under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. - Advertisement - Bautista said documentary requirements had to be completed and slot assignment had to be secured before the flights could be announced. France Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontane thanked the Philippine government for its support to the direct flights to Manila after an absence of 20 years. An Airbus 350-900configured as a tri-classwill fly 14 hours from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to NAIA, according to Air France/KLM general manager Kemke Kroese. Capt. Stanley Ng, president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines (PAL), said the countrys flag carrier was also studying the possibility of a direct flight from Manila to Paris in France. Its still in the pipeline. However, due to the supply chain issues and pending delivery of the plane, were still figuring out when is the right time to do that, Ng said. Apple on Monday unveiled new iPhones built for generative artificial intelligence as it seeks to boost sales and show it is keeping up in the technology race. The tech giant has a lot riding on the new iPhone 16 and hopes that customers are enticed to buy the latest models, attracted by new AI powers. - Advertisement - We are thrilled to introduce the first iPhones designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence and its breakthrough capabilities, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said at an event at the iPhone-makers Silicon Valley headquarters. Apple Intelligence is a new suite of software features for all devices that was announced in June at the companys annual developers conference, where it also announced a partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The features will be available as a software download on the iPhone 16 and other premium models next month, but only as a test and in English. Other languages would follow down the road. In the short-term, the new powers would include AI-infused image editing, translation, and small, creative touches in messaging, but not more ambitious breakthroughs promised by other AI players, such as OpenAI or Google. The features are similar to tools recently released by Meta, Microsoft and Google, which can produce well-crafted content simply by querying in everyday language. I think that people are going to love what were doing with Apple Intelligence, Cook told AFP at the event. When you start using it, it just changes your life. The features are similar to tools recently released by Meta, Microsoft and Google, which can produce well-crafted content simply by querying in everyday language. The new iPhones will also feature a new Camera Control Button that can automatically search for things taken by photo or adding a calendar item based on the photo of a concert poster. The AI features today are incremental, but going forward they look to be transformative, Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart said of capabilities coming to new iPhones. Longer term, Apple could dramatically change the iPhone experience with a super-powered Siri working across all the apps, Greengart said. Launched more than 12 years ago, Siri has come to be seen as a dated feature, overtaken by a new generation of assistants such as GPT-4o, OpenAIs latest offering. New iPhone 16 models start at $799 and will be available starting September 20, according to Apple. The company also announced new models of Apple Watch and AirPods at the event, highlighting coming health benefits like hearing protection and detecting sleep apnea. Apple shares appeared unmoved by the iPhone event. Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Apple unveils new iPhone built for AI. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that Deputy Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado will act as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) following the termination of Commissioner Norman Tansingco. It is essential that we assure our people that the services of our immigration bureau will remain uninterrupted and consistent regardless of any transition in leadership. Hence, I entrust the stewardship of the bureau to Deputy Commissioner Viado, who I believe is best fit for the position, Remulla told reporters on Tuesday. - Advertisement - He noted the designation will take effect immediately, and will remain until a permanent Commissioner is appointed by President Marcos. The appointment was made in consideration of the BIs crucial role in safeguarding the nations borders and ensuring the continuity of its services, he added. Remulla pointed out that Viado, a lawyer, will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the bureau under his supervision. The justice secretary also revealed that he personally recommended to Mr. Marcos the removal of Tansingco from the BIs helm, citing his shortcomings as a leader. He expressed his disappointment for the lack of action and failure of Tansingco to oversee and manage matters under his watch leading to various immigration concerns that have compromised national security. Remulla said the replacement is crucial to uphold the trust and confidence of the Filipino people in the justice system and maintain the unwavering integrity of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance. This has been a big problem for the longest time, we have not been lacking reminders to the [former] Immigration Commissioner about these problems, the stressed. It can be recalled that soon after disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guos escape was discovered, the DOJ chief hinted that he strongly suspected that certain immigration officials were complicit in letting her leave the country. The DOJ chief said he cut communications with Tansingco after the latter failed to immediately inform him about Guos sudden disappearance. For his part, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said, Deputy Commissioner Viado, if I am not mistaken, he is the most senior [at the bureau] so, the appointment is just proper. Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Remulla names Viado as OIC at Bureau of Immigration. Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) supports the long-term vision of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), which includes terminal re-assignments. However, CEB emphasizes the need for operational support and systems before implementing any changes. - Advertisement - NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez announced that the Ninoy Aquino International Airports (NAIA) improvement program includes terminal reassignments to be implemented two years after the completion of NAIA Terminal 2. He explained that the airport currently has a design capacity of 35 million passengers but is expected to reach 51 million by the end of the year, causing significant congestion and impacting the passenger experience. But CEB management stated that for a seamless transition with minimal disruption to passengers, a thorough consultative process and sufficient preparation time are essential for every terminal transfer. They cited the example of Singapore, where it took a year of discussions and coordination before moving to Changi Airport Terminal 4 from the low-cost carrier terminal, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive planning and cooperation in such transitions. CEB also mentioned that minimal disruption for passengers is crucial, especially during peak travel periods like Christmas season. If sufficient time and consultation are given, terminal transfers can be handled smoothly. With proper planning and open communication, airlines can successfully manage these transitions, it stated. Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed confidence that NNIC would drastically improve the countrys main gateway into a globally competitive and modernized airport. The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) and Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) have expressed their support for NNIC, which is set to take over the maintenance and operations of NAIA starting Friday, September 13. ACAP, composed of Philippine carriers AirAsia Philippines, CEB, CebGo, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines, and BAR, composed of thirty-six (36) local and foreign airlines, look forward to the anticipated infrastructure improvements and their potential positive impact on passenger experience. The associations note, however, that passengers may expect adjustments in travel costs once new airport fees are implemented. We are eager to engage with NNIC and the government to address the potential adverse effects on travel demand and to ensure that the interests of both airlines and passengers are represented. We look forward to positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the course of the transition to privatized airport management and we earnestly await the holding of consultation meetings by NNIC that will clearly outline the steps to be taken for the upcoming transition, ACAP and BAR stated. ACAP and BAR remain committed to collaborating closely with NNIC and are hopeful that the adjustment in fees will result in enhanced operational efficiency at NAIA, ultimately improving the customer experience. Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday rejected the assertion of Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, that no Filipino helped her flee the country sometime in July. I am of the belief that there were other personalities, possibly officials in government other than the Bureau of Immigration (BI), who helped her, Escudero told reporters. - Advertisement - The Senate chief noted that even non-Filipino actors, who aided the Guo siblings and Cassandra Li Ongs departure from the Philippines must also be held accountable. Testifying on Monday after her arrest in Indonesia, Guowho was dismissed as mayor of Bamban, Tarlacdivulged to the Senate hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that an Asian woman and a Chinese man helped them travel to Malaysia. The Asian woman accompanied them from a port in Manila where they boarded a yacht until they reached their destination. The Chinese man whom Guo identified by writing his name on a piece of paper allegedly facilitated their escape. Indonesian authorities also disclosed that at least four persons helped Guo and her companions while abroad after they fled the Philippines: That they (complicit individuals) are allegedly not here should not stop us from trying to get them, Escudero said. Furthermore, the Senate leader said the Philippine government should also go after the financiers and bosses of the POGO in its operations. Escudero commended President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for acting decisively and with dispatch his promise to the nation that heads will roll in connection with the embarrassing escape of Guo. This resulted in the dismissal of BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that Guo and her family corporations paid billions of pesos for the electric bill of the raided POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga before and during the incumbency of Guo as mayor. Gatchalian noted that this is strong evidence of Guos participation in the POGO operation, contrary to her repeated denials. The senator said last December 2022, Guo paid P22 million to the Tarlac II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TARELCO 2). On September 11, 2023, Guo also P5.4 million in check and last January 2024, she paid P3.44 million in electric bill. A geopolitical expert is urging the government to engage in more strategic partnerships with like-minded states in the European Union. Stratbase ADR Institute President Professor Dindo Manhit made the statement following the visit of Poland Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosaw Sikorski to the Philippines, the first visit of a Polish minister to the Philippines in 20 years. - Advertisement - As part of his official visit last week, international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute organized a forum on the impacts of regional conflicts on global security, where Sikorski delivered a keynote speech and participated in a panel discussion. Facing Russia, Poland has become a key player in Europes defense, much like the Philippines role in regional security against Chinas actions in the West Philippine Sea. Through this exchange of strategies and experiences, we reinforce our shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, working together to secure a stable and prosperous future for our region, said Manhit. Since formalizing ties in 1973, both the Philippines and Poland have steadily expanded cooperation across various fields including trade, economy, and defense. Manhit said the 51 year-relationship between the Philippines and Poland highlights the commitment to deepening mutual understanding and collaboration. He then urged the Philippine government to participate in more strategic engagements with like-minded states in the European Union. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its French counterpart to improve aviation safety and efficiency. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the partnership will enhance civil aviation management in the Philippines by adopting global best practices, technological innovations, and training for technical personnel. This is to assist our agency for capacity building in improving safety and efficiency in managing the civil aviation of the country, Bautista said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday. Air France is advanced in terms of aviation policies, aviation practices. And we are happy that the Government of France extended this assistance to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for us to be ensured of safe flights and airport operations in the country, he added. - Advertisement - French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said the MOU signing highlights the long-standing cooperation between the French and Philippine civil aviation authorities. She noted the agreement, first established in 2018, is renewed every two years. The number of Chinese ships continues to rise in Philippine water features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a Philippine Navy official said on Tuesday. The latest monitoring report from the Philippine Navy reveals that 207 Chinese vessels were detected in the region from September 3 to September 9, a slight increase from the 203 vessels recorded between August 27 and September 2. - Advertisement - This is within the force projection capability of the South Sea Fleet, the Chinese Coast Guard, and the maritime militia. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said. Meanwhile, Beijings defense ministry said Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese armys Southern Theater Command had held on Tuesday an in-depth exchange of views with Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, The two officials discussed issues of common concern, in the first-ever talks of their kind. Paparo urged his Chinese counterpart to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond. The Southern Theater Command is responsible for the Beijing militarys activities in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in recent months. Trinidad said 182 vessels were identified as Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), representing a significant rise from the 165 CMMVs observed in the previous period. Additionally, there were also 18 China Coast Guard vessels (CCGVs), six Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, and one Chinese research and survey vessel (CRSV) during the September 3 to September 9 timeframe. The majority of these vessels were concentrated around Sabina Shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guards BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) is stationed. In this area, 68 Chinese vessels were counted, including 55 CMMVs, eight CCGVs, and five PLAN warships. Following Sabina Shoal, Iroquois Reef had 59 Chinese vessels, comprising 58 CMMVs and one PLAN ship. The Pag-asa Islands saw 50 Chinese vessels, including 49 CMMVs and one CCGV. Bajo de Masinloc had 13 vessels, with 12 CMMVs and one CCGV. Additionally, 10 vessels were observed at Ayungin Shoal, consisting of eight CCGVs and two CMMVs. Lawak Island had four CMMVs, while Likas Island, Panata Island, and Rizal Reef each had one CMMV or CRSV. Trinidad, however, said, the numbers do not mean that there is something suspicious. In the first place, even with only one ship, their presence is already illegal within EEZ. China claims almost all of the economically vital body of water despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Tuesdays high-level military dialogue between the geopolitical rivals comes on the heels of the first visit to China by a US national security advisor since 2016. Top White House aide Jake Sullivan visited Beijing last month, where he held talks with senior army official Zhang Youxia. Sullivans meeting with Zhang saw the officials agree to hold a call between the two sides theater commanders in the near future, the White House said. The top aide also raised the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have clashed in recent months, and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Washington said. Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan, Zhang added. A China embassy spokesperson in Manila has claimed that American military bases in the Philippines are an attempt to strategically use Taiwan to contain China. According to the spokesperson, whose name was not disclosed, the four American military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are a threat to peace development, especially in its internal affairs with Taiwan. Of the four new EDCA sites opened by the Philippines to the United States, three are located in the northern part of Luzon, just across the sea from Taiwan, and one of which is only 400 kilometers away from Taiwan, the spokesperson said. It is obvious that the US is attempting to use EDCA sites to interfere in the Taiwan question at the expense of the peaceful development of the Philippines and the region, they added. China warned the US against external interferences and secessionist activities and said it will reserve the option of taking all necessary measures but wont renounce the use of force. With AFP THAT much, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, hours after the self-proclaimed Appointed Son of God Apollo Quiboloy surrendered to police and military authorities following a tense two-week manhunt in Davao. And the President underlined the Philippines is not looking to extradite the 74-year-old Filipino pastor to the United States on criminal charges. - Advertisement - The US raised the charges against Quiboloy in 2021 with fraud and coercion, conspiracy, bulk cash smuggling and sex trafficking of girls and women aged 12-25 to work as personal assistants, who were allegedly required to have sex with him, and a scheme that brought church members to the United States using fraudulently obtained visas. They were then forced, according to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, to solicit donations for a bogus charity, raising funds used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Quiboloy has not been able to confront his accusers. Quiboloy and his co-accused four women who were with him at a bunker of the 30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound were flown Sunday to Metro Manila and locked up in a heavily guarded detention center at Camp Crame where their mugshots and fingerprints were taken. The peaceful surrender came after the Philippine National Police gave an ultimatum for them to surrender, otherwise they would raid a particular building, where police have been barred from entering. Quiboloy went into hiding earlier this year after a court ordered his arrest and several others on allegations of suspicion of child and sexual abuse and human trafficking. The Senate separately ordered Quiboloys arrest for refusing to appear in public committee hearings looking into criminal allegations against him. The President, who earlier urged Quiboloy to surrender with assurances of fair treatment by authorities, was precise when he told reporters the government is focusing on the cases filed here: child abuse, sexual,abuse and human trafficking. It is not clear at this point if the United States has formally sought the extradition of Quiboloy, whose surrender, according to the President, did not come with conditions, after earlier rejecting his demand the government guarantee he would not be turned over to the United States. Immediately after Quiboloys surrender, four days after the arrest of another high-profile fugitive Alice Guo in Tangerang City near Jakarta in Indonesia and brought back to the Philippines to face charges, Mr Marcos said the latest developments demonstrated to the world that our judicial system is active, vibrant, and is working well. The nation, which monitored developments in the Guo and Quiboloy cases, heard the President there would be no special treatment from authorities. The President stressed the rights of the accused would be respected as the wheels of justice grind. Eaten away by time, covered in dust, their yellowing pages testament to the history of Chinese civilization, the modern custodians of China's fragile ancient books have vowed to make full use of them, rather than leaving them slumbering in archives. On Friday, under an initiative led by the National Library of China in Beijing, key libraries around the country released digitized versions of 7,085 ancient books online for free public use. This was the 9th expansion of the national online network known as the Chinese Ancient Book Resources Database, since its launch in 2017. The number of digitized copies on the platform now stands at 105,000, according to Wang Honglei, director of the administration office of the National Center for Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Books. The expansion also celebrated the 115th anniversary of the founding of the national library, which fell on Monday. Wang adds that other libraries have also digitized their collections, with an additional 34,000 books held at 44 institutions also uploaded for the benefit of researchers. For the new expansion, national library contributed 1,024 books, including 274 listed as rare editions. A print edition of the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), which was published in 1171, is one such example. Compiled in the 1st century BC by Sima Qian, it is a foundation text of Chinese history, and has been republished as a reference for national governance throughout the centuries. A precious Northern Song period (960-1127) edition of the Houhanshu (Book of Later Han), which is about the history of Eastern Han Dynasty (24-220), was also included. Due to age and conflict, not too many Northern Song books were lucky enough to survive, according to Chen Hongyan, head of the ancient book department at the NLC. Only three books in the collection of the national library, including the Houhanshu, can be definitively credited to the period. Other key texts released include a Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) version of Suwen (Basic Questions), a part of the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) the earliest known book of traditional Chinese medicine, which dates back at least 2,000 years. This classic of medicine was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2011. "Our studies of classics in recent years will benefit the digitization of ancient books," Li Hongtao, a researcher at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, says. "It will help with the revitalization of traditional Chinese medicine in modern society." Nanjing library, the provincial-level public library of Jiangsu province, contributed most of the digitized books to this recent expansion, a total of 3,600 in all. Other than precious Song (960-1279) and Yuan dynasty editions, it also released collected works by Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) writers, and rarely-seen versions of local chronicles. Many ancient books written in scripts other than Chinese characters were also digitized and released to improve understanding of China's collective history. A total of 115 books in Tibetan, Manchu, and Mongolian, as well as in extinct languages like Khitan, Jurchen, and Khotan, were uploaded for the use of researchers from the national library's collection. Separately, the release of 42 books by ethnic groups in Yunnan province, which are part of the collection of the province's office for the publication of ancient books of non-Han ethnic groups, tell a remarkable saga of the southwestern region. "Academics have great need of digitized versions of ancient books," Zhang Zhiqing, deputy director of the National Library of China, says. "Referring to original copies is crucial to the study of literature if researchers are to avoid mistakes from using secondary sources." Before the archive's creation, researchers had to come to Beijing and pay to use the national library's resources. And because the new digital database is free to use, the platform has attracted wider public interest. Zhang says that in 2020, 19.7 percent of papers published on The Documentation, an academic journal of textual studies edited by the national library, were credited to the database, a figure that has climbed to 38.7 percent this year. He estimated that only 20 to 25 percent of the national library's ancient book collection has been digitized. "There's a long way to go," Zhang says. "Ancient books can be properly preserved only when they are read and used." Theres always room for change in society, significantly if it improves the communitys quality of life. Ushering change is a responsibility for public leaders like Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc, elected Congresswoman of the Fourth Congressional District of Pampanga for the 19th Congress. Rep. Bondocs influence extends beyond her medical career. She was a previous three-term Congresswoman in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Congresses of the House of Representatives from 2004 to 2013. She represents the eight municipalities of Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, Apalit, Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, and Sto. Tomas. - Advertisement - Other than her extensive influence in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bondoc is a medical doctor, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, and an internist who graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. She had her residency in Internal Medicine at the Lenox Hill Hospital and fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Clinic in New York, USA. She now holds a St. Lukes Medical Center clinic in Quezon City. She is also a Psychologist who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from UP Diliman, where she graduated Cum Laude. She authored the law for the Psychology Board Exam in Congress. Rep. Bondoc is widely known as a physician who has made a significant impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been providing Libreng Konsulta online via Facebook Live and YouTube Livestream. The TV station ABC 5 recognized her efforts and named her a COVID Hero. Her Facebook page, Dr. Anna York Bondoc, garnered 3.5 million views for the viral video #BanRapid. Despite her active career in the medical field, Rep. Bondoc is deeply involved in the grassroots concerns within her community. As the wife of six-termer incumbent San Luis, Pampanga Mayor Jayson S. Sagum, she is well-versed and deeply committed to address barangay matters, ensuring no issue is too small for her attention. As a district representative, Rep. Bondoc is responsible for developing four sectors: education, health, infrastructure, and the environment. Education also plays a central role in Rep. Bondocs administration. She went above and beyond to ensure that students in her district receive quality education and are well-equipped to face future endeavors as professionals. Her notable contributions in the education sector include establishing 26 high schools in her jurisdiction and supporting over 15,000 college scholars. Rep. Bondoc also established the Board Exam Assistance Fund, the first in Pampanga. The district representatives other educational initiatives include opening the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Macabebe and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the said university. Many benefited from her educational contributions, as Rep. Bondoc gave the first jobs to 1,000 college graduates through the KALAHI program, inspiring a new generation of scholars. As of this writing, four towns have their respective universities among the eight other locations under her jurisdiction. Moreover, her district has the most high schools in Pampanga, with 60 public high schools, further solidifying Rep. Bondocs high regard for quality education in her district. Rep. Bondoc also made relevant developments in her field of expertise: health. Her leadership led her to establish the first BUCAS (Bagong Philippines Urgent Care and Specialty) Center in the Philippines in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, and the first extension of the Jose B. Lingad Regional Hospital in the same town. She launched the Gulayan ni Nanay Vegetable Growing Program with vaccination and infant nutrition for 500 breastfeeding mothers for the first batch and another 4,000 for the next. Pampangas Fourth District representative is likewise the breastfeeding champion and national expert on breastfeeding, being the principal author of Republic Act 10028, or the Expanded Breastfeeding Act, which promotes the rights of working mothers to breastfeed. Another legislation that Rep. Bondoc principally authored is the Psychology Law, which expands the role of psychologists in providing mental health services, a testament to her dedication to improving healthcare. Another priority during Rep. Bondocs administration is fostering accessibility throughout Pampangas Fourth District. Some significant bridges were built, such as the San Miguel Bridge in San Simon and the San Luis Bridge in San Luis. The San Nicholas to San Pedro Bridge in San Simon is also worth mentioning, while the Delta Bridge Masantol is still under construction. Other bridges under construction that cross the Pampanga river are the Cambasi Bridge in Masantol, the San Juan Bridge in San Lusi, and the Apalit Bridge in Apalit. Besides bridges, other infrastructure efforts infrastructure efforts under Rep. Bondocs office include establishing two major national roads: the Pasac Culcul National Road in Minalin and the San Simon to Baliuag National Road. She likewise oversaw the concretization of hundreds of kilometers of roads and the complete asphalting of the setback levee with over 22 kilometers of dike road. Lastly, Rep. Bondoc spearheaded the most extensive coastal cleanup in the Philippines, with more than 3,000 participants picking up 9,000 sacks of garbage from Manila Bay. Rep. Bondoc has solidified her legacy as a public leader by implementing change and development in her district. She continues to empower her constituents to lead better lives while ensuring that their surroundings can keep up with their progress. Indeed, the district representative sets a high standard for leadership. In collaboration with NTT Startup Challenge, the premier platform nurturing the start-up ecosystem in Southeast Asia and NTT Docomo Ventures, a corporate venture capital of NTT Group, PLDT Enterprise and PLDT Innolab announce the Start-Up Innovation Challenge 2024, a dynamic platform, launched in 2021, designed to empower and support local start-ups in the Philippines. This initiative, now in its third year, is aligned with the PLDT Groups broad and deep commitment to fostering meaningful innovation. This year, the group invites promising start-ups once again to showcase their groundbreaking solutions and compete for significant opportunities to scale their innovations. - Advertisement - A Commitment to Supporting Start-Ups Building on the success of previous years, including various initiatives and the continued support to start-ups, PLDT Enterprise nurtures the tech ecosystem through this competition, providing start-ups the opportunity to communicate their solutions to a panel of judges, investors, potential clients, and partners. Supporting start-ups is a key part of our mission to drive innovation and digital transformation, said John Gonzales, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Consulting Services and Technology Management at PLDT Enterprise. Through initiatives like the Start-Up Innovation Challenge, we aim to identify top performers, promising innovators, and empower entrepreneurs to develop and scale their innovative solutions, contributing to the growth of the Philippine tech landscape. For the first time, this years Start-Up Innovation Challenge also offers participants a unique opportunity to network with global partners and potential clients, providing invaluable connections that can propel their innovations to new heights. Nurturing Innovators at the Start-Up Innovation Challenge The Start-Up Innovation Challenge offers a comprehensive platform for start-ups to gain visibility and access to critical resources. The challenge focuses on key areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Smart City, Sustainability, and Mixed Reality (MR)/Extended Reality (XR)/Digital Twin. We are thrilled to launch the Start-Up Innovation Challenge 2024 and continue our support for the community, said Kristine Dara Ever Juan, Head of Innovations Lab and Ecosystem Partnerships (Innolab) at PLDT Enterprise. This year, we are offering even greater opportunities for start-ups to showcase their innovations and connect with industry leaders and potential investors. The competition is open to legally registered startups with proprietary tech solution in the Philippines, be operational for more than a year, and have at least one paying client. Interested participants should email their start-up name to innolab@pldt.com.ph until October 7, 2024. This years innovation challenge presents an exciting opportunity for start-ups to accelerate their growth and achieve greater success. The winning team will receive prizes that can help them further develop their innovation. This includes an opportunity to represent the Philippines in a regional start-up competition and one year of free co-working space at Innolab, PLDTs Innovation Laboratory, providing a vibrant environment to foster innovation and collaboration. PLDT Enterprise is also proud to announce that this years Start-Up Innovation Challenge will be held in collaboration with NTT Startup Challenge and NTT Docomo Ventures, this further enhancing the support and resources available to participating start-ups. This initiative to empower start-ups and their technology aligns with the PLDT groups commitment to innovation, aiming to enhance customer experience, transform the community, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG No. 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. For more information about the Start-Up Innovation Challenge 2024 and to stay updated, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/ or follow PLDT Enterprise on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. An armed man, who had barricaded himself in a home in Ridgeway, surrendered peacefully after several hours of negotiations with Henry County deputies. Ethan St. Claire Harr, 32, of the 2700 block of Eggleston Falls Road in Ridgeway, allegedly brandished a firearm at family members at another address on Wedgewood Road on Sunday and threatened to harm himself and others in the house. The 911 Communications Center received a domestic call from the home at 9 p.m. When deputies arrived, the family members were safely outside of the house, but Harr barricaded himself inside the home and failed to respond to patrol deputies who attempted to make contact with him using a public address system on a patrol vehicle, a release stated. The Henry County Sheriffs Office SWAT Team were called to assist and crisis and hostage negotiators established contact with Harr. After several hours of negotiations, Harr exited the residence and surrendered to deputies. Harr was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, brandishing a firearm, and obstructing justice and jailed in the Henry County Adult Detention Center under no bond. The Martinsville Police and Virginia State Police assisted in the incident. Tanzania is experiencing a wave of repression that echoes the countrys darker days, with several Government critics reported missing in recent months. On September 8, Ali Mohamed Kibao, a member of the opposition Chadema partys national secretariat, was found dead after being abducted by armed men. This incident, along with the disappearance of Chadema leader Dioniz Kipanya in July 2024 and three other party leaders in Dar-es-Salaam, raises concerns of a return to the oppressive tactics seen under former President John Magufuli. Current President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered an investigation into Kibaos death, but opposition leaders remain skeptical, demanding an independent inquiry. According to the Tanganyika Law Society, at least 83 people have disappeared over the past seven months amid this crackdown. This surge in repression is occurring ahead of Tanzanias presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2025, the first since Magufulis death. Cape Verdes parliamentary opposition proposed on September 9 holding local elections on December 1, following a meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva. Rui Semedo, president of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), and Joao Santos Luis, president of the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID), suggested December 1 as the most feasible date. They considered November 24 or December 1 but preferred December 1. Both leaders emphasized that earlier hearings could be held to explore alternative dates and allow more time for organizing the electoral process. Additionally, UCIDs Joao Santos Luis raised the issue of automatic voter registration to boost voter participation, noting that the revision of the Electoral Code addressing this has been pending in parliament for two years. The Prime Minister continued discussions with other parties and will announce the election date after the Council of Ministers meets on Tuesday, September 10, according to the Minister of Justice. Earlier this year, the president of Cape Verdes National Electoral Commission proposed holding the elections in November. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Illustration of retrospective timelines of smoking/vaping initiation events across single-year age-intervals for 6 participants. a Participant 2 initiated vaping prior to age 12, but is only followed from aged 12 (as are participants who never-vaped). b Participant 6 contributes 0 person-years at risk of smoking initiation in the ever-vaped category because they initiated vaping after the outcome of smoking initiation. Credit: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100173 New research published today shows that Australian teenagers who have vaped are much more likely to then try smoking, with Australia's youngest adolescents the most at risk. Health experts say it's a sobering reminder of the need for state, territory and federal governments to work together to fully implement and enforce Australian's new vaping reforms and protect young people. The new study used Generation Vape survey data from over 5,100 teenagers in a retrospective cohort analysis that was published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. Lead Author Sam Egger from the Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, says the study is the first of its kind in Australia, using data collected in 2023, prior to recent vaping reforms coming into effect. Egger explains, "It's the first Australian study to look at the relationship between teenage vape use and smoking over time, and across different ages. "Even after accounting for other factors that could influence the likelihood that a young person would try vapes or tobacco, we found that teenagers aged 1217 who had vaped are five times more likely to start smoking in the future than those who had not. "The link was strongest for adolescents at the younger end of the 12 to 17 age range. The younger a person started using vapes, the higher their increased risk that they would subsequently try smoking. We found that 12-year-olds who had vaped were 29 times more likely to go on to try smoking than 12-year-olds who had not vaped." Associate Professor Becky Freeman, study supervisor from the University of Sydney, says that the study reinforces why the national vaping reforms introduced this year were urgently needed and now need to be strongly enforced. Freeman says, "When it comes to teenage smoking, up until recently Australia was an international success story. Our Australian teenage ever-smoking rates dropped from 58% in 1996, to 14% in 2023. But recent data has suggested a possible increase in teenage smoking over the same time period that vape use has exploded. "Public health experts have warned that teenage vaping uptake has the potential to undo the positive progress Australia has made in reducing smoking. This latest study shows how real that threat is. "Young people don't want to smoke. They've grown up seeing graphic health warnings on expensive cigarette packs and think smoking is unattractive and something from their parent's generation. They view vaping as an entirely different behavior to smoking and don't know that they are more likely to take up smoking if they vape." Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia, says that while public health experts have enthusiastically welcomed the Federal Government's vaping reforms, positive change won't happen overnight. Slevin explains, "We strongly and enthusiastically welcomed the Federal Government's vaping reforms that passed Parliament in June this year, but the job is not done yet. "We need to make sure that state and territory governments are harmonizing their local legislation and enforcement with the Federal reforms. All levels of government will need to work together to protect young people." Alecia Brooks, research co-author and Chair of Cancer Council's Tobacco Issues Committee says that support is available for teenagers who vape or smoke and have become addicted to nicotine. Brooks says, "Most concerningly, the research shows that it is our youngest teenage vapers, kids as young as 12 who have vaped are at the highest increased risk of trying smoking because of the easy access to vapes in Australia in recent years before action was taken. "We anticipate that now restrictions on vaping are coming into place, any population-level impacts that e-cigarettes are having on smoking rates will become minimal, but we aren't entirely out of the vape haze yet. "We know that communities, including teenagers, schools, teachers and parents are very concerned about vaping and will find these findings worrying. We urge anyone seeking support to speak with their doctor or call quit on 13 7848. Smoking and addiction isn't inevitable and support to quit is available." More information: Sam Egger et al, The association between vaping and subsequent initiation of cigarette smoking in young Australians from age 12 to 17 years: a retrospective cohort analysis using cross-sectional recall data from 5114 adolescents, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100173 Journal information: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health Provided by Public Health Association of Australia This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Even as federal aid poured into state budgets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health leaders warned of a boom-and-bust funding cycle on the horizon as the emergency ended and federal grants sunsetted. Now, that drought has become reality and state governments are slashing budgets that feed local health departments. Congress allotted more than $800 billion to support states' COVID responses, fueling a surge in the public health workforce nationwide. Local health department staffing grew by about 19% from 2019 to 2022, according to a report from the National Association of County and City Health Officials that studied 2,512 of the nation's roughly 3,300 local departments. That same report explained that half of their revenue in 2022 came from federal sources. But those jobs, and the safety net they provide for the people in the communities served, are vulnerable as the money dries up, worrying public health leadersparticularly in sparsely populated, rural areas, which already faced long-standing health disparities and meager resources. Officials in such states as Montana, California, Washington, and Texas now say they face budget cuts and layoffs. Public health experts warn the accompanying service cutsfunctions like contact tracing, immunizations, family planning, restaurant inspections, and morecould send communities into crisis. In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed cutting the state's public health funding by $300 million. And the Washington Department of Health slashed more than 350 positions at the end of last year and anticipated cutting 349 more this year as the state's federal COVID funding runs dry. "You cannot hire firefighters when the house is already burning," said Brian Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, an organization that advocates for public health policy. In some places, that pandemic cash did little more than keep small health departments afloat. The Central Montana Health District, the public health agency for five rural counties, did not receive the same flood of money others saw but did get enough to help the staff respond to an increased workload, including testing, contact tracing, and rolling out COVID vaccines. The department filled a vacancy with a federal grant funneled through the state when a staffer left during the pandemic. The federal funding allowed the department to break even, said Susan Woods, the district's public health director. Now, there are five full-time employees working for the health district. Woods said the team is getting by with its slim resources, but a funding dip or another public health emergency could tip the balance in the wrong direction. "Any kind of crisis, any kind of, God forbid, another pandemic, would probably send us crashing," Woods said. Adriane Casalotti, chief of government and public affairs for the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said she expects to see layoffs and health department budget cuts intensify. Those cuts will come as health officials address issues that took a back seat during the pandemic, like increases in rates of sexually transmitted diseases, suicide, and substance misuse. "There's tons of work being done right now to pick up the pieces on those types of other public health challenges," she said. But it'll be hard to catch up with whittled resources. From 2018 to 2022, reports of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and congenital syphilis increased by nearly 2% nationwide, adding up to more than 2.5 million cases. A recent KFF report found that routine vaccination rates for kindergarten-age children have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels while the number of families claiming exemptions has increased. Nearly three-quarters of states did not meet the federal target vaccination rate of 95% for the 2022-23 school year for measles, mumps, and rubella, increasing the risk of outbreaks. Amid these challenges, public health leaders are clinging to the resources they gained during the past few years. The health district in Lubbock, Texas, a city of more than 250,000 people in the state's Panhandle, hired four disease intervention specialists focused on sexually transmitted diseases during the pandemic due to a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The positions came as syphilis cases in the state skyrocket past levels seen in the past decade and the increases in congenital syphilis surpass the national average, according to the CDC. State officials recorded 922 congenital syphilis cases in 2022, with a 246.8 rate per 100,000 live births. But federal officials, facing their own shrinking budget, cut the grant short by two years, leaving the district scrambling to fill a nearly $400,000 annual budget gap while working to tamp down the outbreak. "Even with the funding, it's very hard for those staff to keep up with cases and to actually make sure that we get everybody treated," said Katherine Wells, director of public health for Lubbock. Wells said state officials may redirect other federal money from the budget to keep the program going when the grant ends in December. Wells and other health leaders in the state consistently plead with state officials for more money but, Wells said, "whether or not we'll be successful with that in a state like Texas is very much in the air." Making public health a priority in the absence of a national crisis is a challenge, Castrucci said. "The boom-and-bust funding cycle is a reflection of the attention of the American public," he said; as the emergency sunsetted, so too did enthusiasm wane for public health issues. And rural health departments, like the one in central Montana, deserve more attention, said Casalotti, the advocate for county and city health officials. That's because they serve a critical function in communities that continue to see hospital closures and lose other health services, such as maternity and women's care. Local health departments can function as a "safety net for the safety net," she said. 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Across hospital types, there is a comparably detrimental relationship between COVID-19 caseload and patient survival, according to a study published online Sept. 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Maniraj Neupane, M.D., Ph.D., from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine whether hospital type classified by capabilities and resources influenced COVID-19 volume-outcome relationships during the delta wave. The study included adult inpatients with COVID-19 admitted to 620 U.S. hospitals during July to November 2021. Of the 620 hospitals recording 223,380 inpatients with COVID-19, 208 were extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-capable, 216 had multiple intensive care units (ICUs), 36 had large (200 beds) single ICUs, and 160 had small (<200 beds) single ICUs. The researchers found that 23 percent of the patients required admission to the ICU and 15.3 percent died. Per unit increase in the log surge index, the marginally adjusted probability for mortality was 5.51 percent (strain-attributable mortality: 7,375 or one in five COVID-19 deaths). Across the four hospital types, the test for interaction showed no difference in the log surge index-mortality relationship. "We encourage future studies that examine whether the risks for high pandemic caseloads across hospital types identified in our study extend to patients with non-COVID-19 conditions during the pandemic and nonpandemic times," the authors write. More information: Maniraj Neupane et al, Association Between Hospital Type and Resilience During COVID-19 Caseload Stress, Annals of Internal Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.7326/M24-0869 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: RDNE Stock project from Pexels Many women report a decline in sexual function, including desire, when transitioning through menopause. Such problems can contribute to poor self-image and negatively affect physical and emotional well-being. A new study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for mitigating sexual concerns during this period. Results of the study are presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society held in Chicago, September 1014. Partially due to declining estrogen levels, 68% to 87% of peri- and postmenopausal women express sexual concerns. Despite such a high prevalence and negative impacts, treatment optionsparticularly nonpharmacological onesare quite limited. In response, researchers initiated a small study to evaluate the efficacy of a four-session individual cognitive behavioral therapy protocol for improving sexual functioning (eg, desire, arousal, pain, satisfaction). Secondary objectives included assessing body image, relationship satisfaction, menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes), depression, and anxiety during peri- and postmenopause. The researchers found that participants in this study experienced a significant improvement in multiple areas of sexual functioning, body image and couple satisfaction, as well as a significant decrease in menopause symptoms, depression, and anxiety, and self-reported overall health. In addition, 100% of participants indicated they were very satisfied with the treatment and that it helped them cope with their symptoms more effectively. "To our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy protocol specifically aimed to improve sexual concerns experienced during peri- and postmenopause," says Dr. Sheryl Green, lead study author from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. "Results suggest that this type of therapy leads to significant improvements across several important sexual concern domains, and we hope this study will provide the basis for larger randomized clinical trials in the future." "This study is important to women experiencing sexual health related issues and provides their health care professionals with another nonpharmacologic treatment option to discuss with their patients," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. More information: Presentation: "Cognitive behavioral therapy for sexual concerns during peri- and postmenopause, a clinical trial." China on Monday initiated an anti-dumping probe into imported rapeseed from Canada, China's Ministry of Commerce has said. The move was made in accordance with Chinese law and in compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ministry said. It said that there is evidence showing Canada has engaged in the dumping of its rapeseed exports to China, causing substantial damage to China's domestic industry. The anti-dumping probe is a legitimate trade measure that complies with WTO rules to protect domestic industries, and there is a fundamental difference between the probe and Canada's discriminatory measures that violate WTO rules, the ministry said. It noted that according to Chinese law and WTO rules, there are two launch scenarios for such anti-dumping probes: when an application is made from within the industry, and when a relevant authority initiates a probe independently. Due to the low centralization level of China's rapeseed industry and the involvement of numerous growers, it is difficult for the industry to file applications. For this reason, Chinese authorities often initiate investigations independently, in accordance with the law and based on the evidence required to file a case, it said. Following legal procedures and WTO rules, this investigation has begun in an open, transparent manner, the ministry said, noting that it will fully protect the rights of all stakeholders and ensure fair, impartial rulings. Citing reports from China's domestic rapeseed industry, the ministry said that Canada exported 3.47 billion U.S. dollars worth of rapeseed to China in 2023, which also saw a year-on-year volume surge of 170 percent and a continuous decline in prices. On Sept. 6, China submitted a consultation request to Canada at the WTO over Canada's plan to impose surtaxes on electric vehicles, steel products and aluminum products imported from China, according to the ministry. It noted that Canada's plan to impose a 100 percent surtax on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a 25 percent surtax on Chinese steel and aluminum products is in violation of Canada's WTO commitments, and is a typical example of unilateralism and trade protectionism. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain In a study from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) and NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, researchers found that a specialized chatbot can effectively assist patients in deciding whether to pursue genetic testing, offering an alternative to traditional genetic counseling. Kimberly Kaphingst, ScD, research director of the Genetic Counseling Shared Resource and co-leader of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and professor of communication at the U, says the results of the BRIDGE (Broadening the Reach, Impact, and Delivery of Genetic Services) trial could help expand patient access to genetic care. The findings are published in the journal JAMA Network Open. According to the American Cancer Society, up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes. "There's a substantial number of people who have an inherited cancer syndrome. The vast majority don't know it," says Kaphingst. "As we are getting better at recognizing people who are in need of genetic testing, we were very interested as a team in coming up with sustainable and scalable ways to actually provide those types of genetic services." The current standard of care model for genetic testing involves a two-appointment process. Patients first meet with a genetic counselor for a pre-test appointment, during which they discuss their family history, as well as the risks, benefits, and limitations of testing. If patients choose to proceed with testing, they schedule a second appointment to analyze the results with the counselor. The BRIDGE trial used an algorithm to find patients at higher risk for inherited cancer syndromes based on their self-reported family health histories. Researchers then divided more than 3,000 Utah and New York participants into two groupsone pursuing the standard two-appointment model, and the other engaging with a chatbot designed and scripted to provide genetics education instead of having a pre-test appointment with a genetic counselor. Participants in the chatbot group were sent a message through MyChart, an online patient health portal, recommending genetic services and providing a link to launch a chatbot. They then received information about genetic testing and were able to ask questions to help them decide if they should proceed with testing. Researchers found outcomes between the two groups were equally likely to complete genetic testing, demonstrating that a chatbot is a viable alternative to the traditional model. "Our goal wasn't to see if the chatbot was better or for worse. The question was, is this another model that we can use to offer genetic services to patients and have similar outcomes? For a lot of people, the chatbot model provided enough information," says Kaphingst. "The chatbot can take some of the burden off genetic counselors and help provide genetic testing to more patients who are eligible." Researcher and genetic counselor Rachelle Chambers, MS, CGC, manager of the High-Risk Cancer Genetics Program at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, says the promising results of this equivalency trial are crucial as knowledge of and demand for genetic testing is on the rise. "Twenty years ago, we were testing for a handful of cancer-related genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which can lead to an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Now, we might analyze 100 different genes linked to cancers," says Chambers. "From my perspective as a genetic counselor, there are not enough genetic specialists to meet the increased demand of patients that could benefit from this type of testing." Patients who know they are genetically more likely to develop cancer can be proactive in prevention, through increased screenings, taking medications, pursuing surgery to reduce risk, and changing personal behaviors. More information: Kimberly A. Kaphingst et al, Uptake of Cancer Genetic Services for Chatbot vs Standard-of-Care Delivery Models, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32143 Journal information: JAMA Network Open 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: Rationale and combined experimental/analysis pipeline for deep brain tumor imaging. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-51432-4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51432-4 Imagine building a traffic surveillance camera that could detect trouble-making cells speeding around in your brain before their cellular gang could commit "crimes." Most importantly, this camera could catch some of the biggest interlopers of allcancer cells. This "surveillance camera" is no longer a figment of the imagination. Along the brain's biggest superhighway of nerve fibers that connects the brain's right and left hemispheresthe corpus callosumtravel cells that comprise one of the deadliest brain cancers, glioblastomas. Now, scientists have made this cellular detector a reality, introducing artificial intelligence to a state-of-the-art microscope. They can now visualize and track specific cells with unprecedented clarity in deep brain tissue, including along this superhighway. In a recent collaborative endeavor between EMBL and Heidelberg University, scientists are using this new technology to track glioblastoma tumor cells to better understand this deadly cancer and possibly detect it earlier, which could potentially lead to better diagnostic tools in the future. A deep tissue microscope is born In 2021, EMBL researcherswith collaborators from Germany, Austria, Argentina, China, France, the United States, India, and Jordandeveloped a new microscopy technique. EMBL Group Leader Robert Prevedel and his research group worked with these diverse collaborators to address some of the challenges neuroscientists face in studying deep brain regions. Previously, diffuse brain tissue posed a problem for scientists when they tried to observe neurons and glial cells known as astrocytes and study how they communicate deep within the cortex. It also made it difficult to visualize neural cells in the hippocampus, another deep brain region responsible for spatial memory and navigation. The scientists based their new approach on state-of-the-art microscopy methods that could provide a wider and clearer aperture for viewing while also adjusting for the distortion that arises when light waves scatter in deep brain tissue. They envisioned many possible future applications in brain research. Now, in a study published in the journal Nature Communications, Prevedel has teamed up with neuroscientists, neurooncologists, and AI experts to take this microscope to the next level. The result is a microscope that can observe living neuronsand other kinds of brain cellsdeep within the brain over a prolonged period of time. "We have now gone from taking a snapshot of cells in a mouse brain to zooming in on specific cells and being able to follow them for many hours or even days," Prevedel said. "Also, incorporating custom AI approaches has allowed us to distinguish different parts of the microenvironment of the cells, which is also very important to understand their behavior in context." Putting it to the test In 2021, Varun Venkataramani at the Neurology Clinic of the University Hospital Heidelberg read about this new approach to deep-tissue microscopy with great interest. His research focuses on human brain tumorsnotably glioblastomas, which are prevalent, fast-growing, and intractable tumors. Venkataramani was learning more and more about neural mechanisms that determine how tumors originate, progress, and ultimately respond to or resist treatment. However, his microscopy approach at the time restricted imaging depth, limiting them mainly to the brain's gray matter. "The 2021 paper by Robert's group introduced a deep-tissue microscopy technique that I believed could extend our imaging capabilities to the white matter of the corpus callosum," Venkataramani said. White matter plays a role in communication between different gray matter areas of the brain and the rest of the body. "This could potentially reveal novel biological processes and offer insights into the behavior of these tumors in a critical, yet understudied niche," he added. Glioblastomas are primarily a white-matter disease. The new advanced imaging technique enabled Venkataramani's team to observe these tumor cells within their microenvironment in the white matter. This capability was crucial to understanding how tumor cells invade the densely myelinated (insulated) fiber "lanes" of the corpus callosum superhighway and then adapt and spread throughout the brain. This process is also associated with glioblastomas' lethally invading critical brain structures. "It has been fascinating to observe tumor cell invasion in the corpus callosum in real-time," said Marc Schubert, one of the study's lead authors and medical student at Heidelberg University. "At this point, I think the most important aspect of this fundamental research is that it allows us to investigate these tumors in their most relevant microenvironmental niche for the first time," Venkataramani said. "These findings also help explain the current challenges in detecting glioblastoma cells at the tumor's infiltrative edges using conventional MRI techniques, which are the standard in clinical imaging. "As a neuroscientist, neurologist, and neurooncologist, I see potential for this technology to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, improving how we could diagnose and potentially treat brain tumors." Artificial intelligence takes microscopy to the next level An important feature of this latest collaboration was that the researchers incorporated an element of artificial intelligence. "From a technical development point of view, the AI-based methods helped to 'denoise' our images, so the contrast now is much clearer," Prevedel said. "The AI can distinguish different structures inside the white matter, like myelinated fibers and blood vessels, which is important for a variety of reasons. AI was really instrumental in advancing the level of this microscope, so it can address these pressing medical questions." Anna Kreshuk's research group at EMBL Heidelberg provided this AI expertise. Kreshuk's group contributed to a customized workflow that helped distinguish blood vessel signals from the myelinated neural fiber ones, clarifying the tumor cells' microenvironment. Consequently, the researchers could identify a potential microscopic imaging biomarker linked to the structural properties of the white matter microenvironment. This innovative workflow sets the stage for potentially identifying imaging patterns for glioblastomas, so tumors could be detected earlier than they are currently. "We are looking forward to further customizing this new approach towards more clinically practical needs in the future to maximize its potential," said Stella Soyka, one of the paper's lead authors and a medical resident in the Department of Neurology at Heidelberg University Clinic. "It's promising, but it's much too soon to apply it clinically without further development," Venkataramani said, explaining that the next steps will integrate further advanced imaging modalities, which can help build practical tools for standard clinical settings. "We are optimistic, particularly because of the robust interdisciplinary support from the Heidelberg-Mannheim Life Science Alliance network, which fosters collaboration across preclinical and clinical disciplines," he said. "This synergy is crucial for bringing these laboratory insights into clinical practice in the foreseeable future." More information: Marc Cicero Schubert et al, Deep intravital brain tumor imaging enabled by tailored three-photon microscopy and analysis, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51432-4. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51432-4 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: Graphical abstract. Credit: iScience (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110670 Metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, could help deplete the viral reservoir and eliminate it entirely in people living with HIV who receive antiretroviral therapy, Canadian researchers say in a new study. In 2021, a team led by immunologist Petronela Ancuta of Universite de Montreal's affiliated hospital research center, the CRCHUM, showed that metformin, when taken for three months, improved patients' immunity and reduced the chronic inflammation usually associated with complications such as cardiovascular disease. One reason these benefits are so effective is that metformin inhibits the activity of the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) molecule, which in turn slows down HIV replication in the cells of patients infected with the virus. In the journal iScience, Ancuta and her student Augustine Fert, the study's first author and a recent Ph.D. holder, go further. They studied the molecular mechanisms of action of metformin on HIV replication in CD4 T lymphocytes, which are immune system cells that provide shelter for the virus. In these reservoirs, HIV keeps on replicating, which contributes to the chronic inflammation by constantly activating the immune system. "The results of our in vitro tests on cells from people living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy caught us off guard at first," said Ancuta. "They were a bit surprising. We discovered that metformin had both a proviral and an antiviral effect. The drug helped boost the number of HIV-infected cells, while also stopping the virus from escaping the cell." Antibodies to the rescue Another benefit of metformin is that it overexpresses the BST2 protein, which acts as a kind of glue to keep virions clinging to the surface of HIV-infected cells. The immune system then spots them and can target them with antibodies. "Together with my colleague Andres Finzi, we tested the ability of several broad-spectrum neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies to recognize viral reservoir cells after metformin exposure in vitro," said Ancuta. "Some of them recognized the virus very well, suggesting their ability to attract and trigger the destruction of infected cells by NK cells through a process of cellular cytotoxicity." These recent scientific advances mean that the "shock-and-kill" eradication strategy, often used in the fight against HIV, can be foreseen in a different way, she added. "In people living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy, we could use metformin to reactivate the reservoir cells responsible for viral replication upon treatment interruption, in combination with antibodies that are already used clinically and well tolerated. These antibodies can then detect the rare infected cells and eliminate them." In the next phase of her research, Ancuta plans to launch a clinical trial to validate her in vitro research results, in collaboration with Finzi and their CRCHUM colleague Nicolas Chomont, and Jean-Pierre Routy of the McGill University Health Center Research Institute. Before she can move forward with this strategy, she will test it in preclinical models. More information: Augustine Fert et al, Metformin facilitates viral reservoir reactivation and their recognition by anti-HIV-1 envelope antibodies, iScience (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110670 Journal information: iScience Provided by University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre 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 Democratic Republic of Congo received on Tuesday 50,000 more vaccine doses from the United States to fight the country's mpox epidemic, adding to some 200,000 donated by the European Union. The DRC is at the epicenter of the latest outbreak and has recorded more than 21,500 cases and over 700 deaths, according to the public health institute in charge of managing the epidemic in the country. "The donation of 50,000 vaccines against mpox coming from the United States arrived today in the Democratic Republic of Congo," US ambassador to DRC Lucy Tamlyn said on X on Tuesday. An additional 15,000 doses were delivered on the same plane from the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, the public health institute said. On Sunday some 100,000 EU-donated vaccines arrived in DRC capital Kinshasa, the public health institute and Africa CDC confirmed. DRC received its first EU-donated vaccine deliveries on Thursday. This brings the total number of vaccines given to the DRC to 265,000. The vaccines are manufactured by Danish laboratory Bavarian Nordic. It is the only vaccine approved in Europe and the United States and is only intended for adults. Bavarian Nordic recently filed an application with the European Medicines Agency to extend the approval to children aged 12 to 17, the company said in a statement. Another mpox vaccine, used on adults and children, is authorized in Japan. DRC is currently in discussion with the country for a possible supply of these vaccines. Some 62 percent of mpox cases in the DRC are in children, as are four out of five deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The WHO declared an international emergency over mpox on August 14, concerned by the surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the DRC that spread to nearby countries. Both the Clade 1b and Clade 1a strains are present in the DRC. Formerly called monkeypox, the virus was discovered in 1958 in Denmark, in monkeys kept for research. It was first discovered in humans in 1970 in what is now the DRC. Mpox is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact. The disease causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions. In Africa, mpox is now present in at least 14 countries, including Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville and the Central African Republic, according to Africa CDC figures. 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: Credit: Puwadon Sang-ngern from Pexels A new study from King's College London shows that off-label prescriptions of a common antidepressant doesn't help breathlessness in patients with respiratory diseaseand may cause side effects. Researchers warn prescribing medicines for a use which it has not been licensed could make things worse, even though the prescriber was trying to help. The findings, presented at the ERS Congress in Vienna and published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, show the desperate need for options to treat the symptoms of severe breathlessness, as there are no drugs licensed for this in the UK or most countries. The severe breathlessness caused by chronic respiratory diseases greatly impacts a patient's quality of life. As well as creating substantial clinical challenges and health care costs. Most patients with diseases like this have few options to help with their symptoms. Ahead of the trial, researchers surveyed doctors in respiratory and palliative medicine and found doctors were often using off-label prescribingwhere a clinician prescribes a medicine for use in a different way than that stated in its license. Various off-label prescriptions were being used, including common anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Mirtazapine, a common antidepressant, was one of the types of drugs being prescribed. Case series and early studies showed it had potential. However, in this international trial, the first large-scale study to be done, researchers found that mirtazapine does not improve breathlessness in patients with respiratory disease compared with placebo. They also found that patients receiving mirtazapine had slightly more side effects and needed more care from hospitals and family members. Chronic respiratory diseases affect 454.6 million people worldwide, with numbers predicted to increase with an aging population. Over 217 million people globally have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease (ILD), both of which can cause severe breathlessness as they progress. Off-label use can be as safe as on-label use if based on good evidence. It is often used when symptoms can't be controlled with licensed medicines, particularly in serious illnesses. This is common in severe breathlessness care, making proper evaluation of medicines vital. Off-label prescribing doesn't mean a doctor is making a mistake; it often happens when there are no other options to manage symptoms like breathlessness. First author Professor Irene Higginson, King's College London said, "Breathlessness is a widespread issue in palliative care as a symptom of respiratory diseases, heart disease and some cancers. When severe, it's distressing for patients, as well as their caregivers, family and friends. It diminishes people's quality of life and often leads to considerable health and social care use, including driving emergency hospital admissions. "Despite being a widespread issue, we still don't have effective treatments available. As such, many doctors turn to off-label prescribing, trying to help their patients. "Our earlier survey found that 19% of respiratory and 11% of palliative physicians frequently recommend antidepressants for severe breathlessness in COPD, so these medicines are already being used off-label. "This new trial concludes that mirtazapine is not recommended for the treatment of breathlessness, that the use of unlicensed medicines should be approached with caution and that it's crucial to subject medicines in palliative care to rigorous trials. "We need further research into potential therapies for severe breathlessness. In the meantime, we recommend clinicians use early identification and non-pharmacological approaches, such as those offered from breathlessness support services, to treat the symptom." More information: Irene J Higginson et al, Mirtazapine to alleviate severe breathlessness in patients with COPD or interstitial lung diseases (BETTER-B): an international, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 mixed-method trial, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00187-5 , www.thelancet.com/journals/lan (24)00187-5/fulltext Journal information: Lancet Respiratory Medicine 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: UBCO researchers examine the difficulty patients might have discussing the use of psychedelics for therapeutic use with their care provider. Credit: University of British Columbia Feeling safe and comfortable are key when discussing your health and well-being with your primary care provider. However, that feeling of comfort and safety can't be taken for granted among many people who have turned to psychedelic substancesincluding psilocybinto help control their symptoms of depression, anxiety or PTSD. Now, a team of UBC Okanagan researchers in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has published a study looking into patient perspectives and potential issues when it comes to discussing psychedelics for therapeutic use with their physicians. Dr. Michelle St. Pierre conducts research with Dr. Zach Walsh in UBC's Therapeutic, Recreational, and Problematic Substance Use Lab. Their latest paper, published in Psychedelic Medicine, determined that concern about having an open discussion regarding psychedelic substances with a physician can create a roadblock to that conversation. "A core component in the provision and receipt of appropriate medical care is trust and communication between patients and physicians," she explains. "However, the stigmatization of psychedelic use for therapeutic purposes may complicate this process." In Canada, to legally obtain psychedelic substances for therapeutic use, a doctor must determine there is a genuine need for these psychedelics and then apply to Health Canada's Special Access Program for their patient. "The threshold for legal access to psychedelics for therapeutic purposes is high. Our team is aware that some patients with serious illnesses have been discouraged from pursuing legal avenues and have instead turned to unregulated providers, often due to difficulties in finding a physician willing to approve this emerging therapy," says Dr. St. Pierre. Fear of stigmatization, perceived lack of knowledge by their care provider and concern of damaging a long-term relationship with their physician can also stop the conversation. The study analyzed data from approximately 800 adults who use psychedelics, with about 80% endorsing their use for therapeutic purposes. Some 78% of respondents reported facing barriers to access, while one-third said they had discussed using psychedelics with their doctor. For those who managed to have the conversation, 13% said their doctor recommended psychedelics. Despite this, nearly 60% of respondents felt less satisfied with the communication about psychedelics they'd had with their physician compared to previous conversations, and more than half felt discriminated against by their physician for raising the topic in the first place. As policies evolve to improve access to psychedelic medicines, it's crucial to also focus on fostering open and transparent communication between patients and physicians," says Dr. St. Pierre. "In particular, there is a need for educational resources and guidelines to support health-care practitioners in understanding the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, especially for patients seeking new treatments for conditions like PTSD and depression." More information: Michelle St. Pierre et al, Patients' Experiences Discussing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes with Physicians and Other Health Care Providers, Psychedelic Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2023.0060 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 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause an array of adverse mental health effects, but physical side effects are also common. A new study conducted with Persian Gulf War female military personnel demonstrates that women with probable PTSD are twice as likely to experience early menopause and related health consequences. Results of the study are presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society, held in Chicago from September 1014. Commonly reported symptoms of PTSD include anger outbursts, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Physically, PTSD can also be responsible for serious headaches and body aches. The unique psychological and environmental stressors from serving in the Gulf War have been shown to create a type of PTSD experience. Most notably are military sexual trauma, sexual assault, and/or sexual harassment during military service. Gulf War deployment has been singled out because of its link to health difficulties not found in non-deployed veterans of the same era. These include Gulf War Illness which is characterized by joint pain, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, rashes, and mood symptoms speculated to be the result of environmental exposures to burn pits and oil fires. In the new study involving more than 2,000 Gulf War deployed and Gulf War-era women veterans, researchers sought to address gaps in understanding the relationship between military exposures and early menopause and evaluate the type of impact these stressors could have on a woman's menopause symptom burden and, more specifically, confirm if they could underlie premature ovarian aging. Early menopause, which is described as menopause prior to age 45, is of concern because of its link with a number of negative health consequences, such as fertility loss, premature mortality, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, and depression. After adjusted analyses, probable PTSD was shown to be associated with early menopause. In fact, women veterans with probable PTSD at baseline had almost two-fold odds of early menopause. There were no significant associations between Gulf War deployment, Gulf War exposures, Gulf War illness, or military sexual trauma and early menopause. "This work adds to the growing body of literature implicating PTSD in adverse menopause and reproductive health outcomes across the lifespan," says Caitlin Elizabeth Haas, lead researcher from the San Francisco VA Health Care System. "One possible explanation is that PTSD is indicative not just of trauma but of symptom burden, possibly prolonging the biological sequelae associated with the stressful event." "This study, among other things, highlights the need for health care professionals to thoroughly review their patients' histories and be aware of any external stressors that could impact their menopause experience and related symptoms," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. More information: Presentation: "Military Exposures and Early Menopause: Findings from the Gulf War Cohort Study." 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: PhotoMIX Company from Pexels When my kids were young, I kept a stack of parenting books to consult on teething, toddler tantrums and bedtime routines. More often, however, I took my child-rearing questions to parents I met on the playground or in the neighborhood. My own mother was no help. She had four children in proximity and always told me our early childhood years were a blur of wiping noses, changing diapers and applying bandages. Her usual response to one of my questions was, "Hell if I can remember." Now, parents can consult Google. A new analysis tallied up the questions asked on Google related to parenting by state. In Georgia, the top question was" "Why do kids wet the bed?" My challenge was not kids wetting the bed but refusing to go to bed or stay in bed, putting me in alliance with parents in Arkansas, where the top question on Google was: "How to get toddler to stay in bed?" I am not sure what to make of the bedtime-related question most frequently asked of Google in Montana: "How to put a kid to sleep in 40 seconds." It's interesting to see the variety of perplexing questions that drive people to search the internet. In the state of Washington, the top question is, "Why do kids eat boogers?" Parents in neighboring California want to know, "Why are kids so loud?" Florida poses a tough question, one that engenders a lot of debate in the parenting forums: "How to help a child lose weight without making them feel bad?" Michigan also has a question that carries a heavy emotional weight: "Why is my kid so mean?" Here are some of the other most popular parenting questions that each state searches that emerged in the Google search data analysis by VocoVision, a virtual learning and teletherapy platform. Colorado: How to talk so little kids will listen Hawaii: When do boys stop growing? Illinois: How to teach a kid to ride a bike Indiana: How many teeth do kids have? Iowa: How to get toddler to stop hitting Louisiana: Why won't my kid be quiet? Maine: Why do toddlers bite? Mississippi: Am I a good parent? Missouri: Does my kid have ADHD? New Mexico: Why do kids have so much energy? Ohio: When to worry about rash on a child South Carolina: What age should a kid get a phone? West Virginia: Why is my kid cursing? 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.091 A new study from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience shows how flickering light can cause hallucinations in our brain: it produces "standing waves" of brain activity. The work is published in the journal Current Biology. You're sitting on the bus or train and close your eyes. Sunlight flickering through the trees suddenly fills your mind with kaleidoscopic hallucinatory patterns. This is what Brion Gysin experienced during his trip to Marseille in the late 1960s. The fact that flashing lights can cause hallucinations was not surprising to scientists. Stroboscopic light, familiar to many from dance floors, has been used in neuroscience research for 200 years. In 1819, neuroscientist Jan Purkinje discovered that bright full-field light flashes can make our brain spontaneously perceive geometric patterns and images. Flickering-light stimulation in the scientific community was picked up by members of the 1960s undergroundthe Beat Generationwho sought mind-altering experiences and manufactured their own stroboscopes that could induce vivid hallucinations without drugs. Both scientists and artists were fascinated by how stroboscopic light creates vivid images that are not there. What is the mechanism behind flicker-induced hallucinations? Traveling wave versus standing wave Mathematicians hypothesized that these hallucinatory patterns could be standing waves, or striped patterns, of neural activity in the visual cortex. Due to specific wiring of our visual system, the direction of these striped patterns would determine what is perceived: a pinwheel, bullseye or rotating spiral. There are different types of waves: traveling and standing waves. Traveling waves appear as ripples spreading from a raindrop in a still pond, while standing waves occur when two people shake a skipping rope at both ends synchronously. This creates a pattern of waves moving up and down. But is there evidence that standing waves can form in our brain? Waves in the mouse brain To investigate this, Rasa Gulbinaite and her colleagues looked at the formation of standing wave patterns in the mouse brain. Gulbinaite explains, "I study brain waves and the effect rhythmic lights, sounds, and touch have on our brain rhythms. In humans, this is difficult to measure because our brain has folds and what happens on the bottom of the lake is not necessarily what we can measure on the surface. "But mice have a flat brain, making it easier to map the activity on the surface. In our experiments, we exposed mice to flickering lights. These mice were genetically modified and had a fluorescent label attached to specific neurons. When these neurons were active, they fluoresced, allowing us to track brain activity. We used a high-speed camera to take pictures of the brain while the animals looked at the flickering light." "When we stimulate a specific location in the visual field, we expect to see activity in the corresponding area of the visual cortex that represents this location. This is precisely what we observed. However, we also noticed waves of neural activity propagated through the visual cortex, originating from the stimulated spot," Gulbinaite continues. "These waves resembled the ripples created by a raindrop falling into a pond. When raindrops fall at regular intervals, their ripples spread out, bounce off the banks, interfere with each other, and can create patterns similar to standing waves. Some parts of the pond's surface appear still, while others oscillate with maximum amplitude. This is exactly what occurred at higher strobe light frequencies in our experiment. The traveling waves transformed into standing waves, with some regions of the visual cortex becoming more active and others less so. "Our findings prove the earlier hypothesis that flickering light can cause standing waves in the visual cortex. Whether mice also hallucinated geometric patterns, we cannot tell because we cannot ask: this is the most challenging part of our research. "However, there is good reason to believe that the standing waves we observed could be the mechanism behind flicker-induced hallucinations. People report that when the flickering light frequency is higher, they perceive finer hallucinatory patterns. And that is exactly what we also saw in the brains of mice. As the frequency increased, the patterns in the visual cortex became finer. We don't have a definitive answer yet, but we are now showing convincing evidence for the first time." More information: Rasa Gulbinaite et al, Spatiotemporal resonance in mouse primary visual cortex, Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.091 Provided by Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW 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 Nocturnal hot flashes are disruptive regardless of when they occur during the night. A new study suggests that more hot flashes occur during the second half of the night when more REM sleep typically occurs and when such disruption has a greater chance of increasing the risk of heart disease. Results of the study are presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society, held in Chicago from September 1014. Nocturnal hot flashes are one of the more common symptoms for women around the transition to menopause. Perimenopause is the time in a woman's life before her final menstrual period and when hormone levels decline, causing the start of irregular periods and hot flashes, as well as other menopause symptoms. Perimenopause is also a time when the risk for cardiovascular disease increases significantly, perhaps due to fluctuating hormone levels. Estrogen, for example, which declines during this time of life, helps to keep blood vessels open and relaxed. It also controls cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of plaque buildup in arteries. Declining estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can make the inside of the blood vessels vulnerable to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and coronary heart disease. Disruptions to REM sleep (which is known as the deepest sleep when dreams typically occur) can also lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease. It is well-documented that the majority of REM sleep occurs in the second half of the night and that thermoregulation is reduced during REM sleep. To date, however, more evidence is needed to determine whether most hot flashes occur during the first or second half of the night. Understanding when hot flashes occur during sleep may shed light on the consequences for the risk of cardiovascular disease. That's why researchers in this new study involving nearly 60 participants wanted to identify if there were differences in objectively measured hot flashes in the first vs. second half of the night in perimenopausal women. Participants were healthy, perimenopausal women aged 4354 who were free of heart disease and who were not taking hormone therapy or other medications that influence hot flashes. What they found was that 41% of total hot flashes occurred during the first half of the night while 59% occurred in the second half. Hot flashes were objectively measured via sternal skin conductance. These results support the researchers' hypothesis that more hot flashes would occur in the second half of the night with greater ties to cardiovascular disease. "This is preliminary data and on a small sample," says Dr. Sarah Witkowski, whose lab at Smith College in Massachusetts led the study. "More research is needed to evaluate the association of hot flashes with sleep disruptions and how they may impact subclinical cardiovascular risk around the transition to menopause." "The results of this small study are interesting as hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. "Further research into the potential association between sleep disruption and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease will be important to women and their health care professionals." More information: Presentation: "Potential Implications for Cardiovascular Disease in Perimenopausal People: Investigating Differences in Nocturnal Hot Flashes in the First vs. Second Half of the Night." Chinese oil companies seek opportunities at Iraq's oil expo Xinhua) 08:24, September 10, 2024 People are seen at a booth of a Chinese company during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. Deputy Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair, speaking at the opening ceremony, outlined that the four-day event aims to facilitate discussions between international and Iraqi firms on implementing projects proposed by the Iraqi Oil Ministry. These projects cover the extraction, gas, refining, and distribution sectors. Chen Xinrong, president and chief representative of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Middle East, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the event that CNPC, which holds a majority stake in PetroChina, has been engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation with Iraq for over a decade. He emphasized the company's commitment to "harmonizing energy and environmental development, building a sustainable energy enterprise, and advancing green energy cooperation between China and Iraq." EBS Petroleum Company, established by China's Zhenhua Oil to operate the EBS oil field in central Iraq, is also participating in the event. Ma Cheng, managing director of EBS Petroleum Company, told Xinhua that Zhenhua Oil was among the first international firms to engage in Iraq's upstream oil and gas exploration and development. Ma highlighted that the company's operations in Iraq have showcased "the technical prowess of Chinese enterprises and generated numerous job opportunities for the local population." For his part, Ren Yonglin, general manager of China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) Middle East (FZE) Iraq Branch, noted that COSL has been introducing new technologies and solutions to bolster Iraq's energy sector and contribute to China-Iraq collaboration within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Iraq's economy is overwhelmingly dominated by the oil sector. According to an overview report of Iraqi development by the World Bank in 2022, oil revenues accounted for more than 99 percent of Iraq's exports, 85 percent of the government's budget, and 42 percent of its gross domestic product over the past decade. People visit a booth of a Chinese company during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) People are seen at a booth of China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) People visit a booth of a Chinese company during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) People are seen in front of a booth of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) A visitor is seen at a booth of a Chinese company during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) People are seen at a booth of a Chinese company during an oil expo in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 9, 2024. Chinese energy firms are making a notable appearance at Iraq's second International Exhibition and Conference for Oil Projects and Licensing Tours, which commenced in Baghdad on Monday, aiming to leverage opportunities in the country's expanding energy sector. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) You are here: Business A vehicle passes through Youyiguan Port in Pingxiang City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Aug. 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China's total goods imports and exports expanded 6 percent year on year in yuan terms in the first eight months of this year, official data showed Tuesday. The country's exports rose 6.9 percent year on year in the January-August period, while imports climbed 4.7 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs. In U.S. dollar terms, the country's foreign trade in goods stood at 4.02 trillion dollars from January to August, up 3.7 percent year on year. Exports rose 4.6 percent from a year ago, while imports increased 2.5 percent year on year. Trade surplus expanded by 11.2 percent year on year to 608.49 billion dollars during the eight-month period. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr. Chen Cao (center), assistant professor of bioengineering, is shown with some members of her lab, from left, biomedical engineering junior Namyuktha Prakash, bioengineering research associate Dr. Fangzhou Zhao, biomedical engineering doctoral student Wanzhi Yang and molecular biology junior Kirthika Mutthoju. Credit: The University of Texas at Dallas To study how cancer develops, Dr. Chen Cao is building tumors in the lab. Cao (pronounced "Ts'ao") uses a 3D bioprinter in her new lab at The University of Texas at Dallas to print masses made of living cells and then places them in conditions that replicate the "ecosystems" that surround tumors in the body. By monitoring these model tumor microenvironments, the bioengineer aims to discover why some cancer cells metastasize, or move to other areas of the body, while others do not. "Why is it that cancerous cells one day gain the ability to invade other tissue and organs? I'm interested in how cells change their fate," Cao said. "That's why we are building the tumor microenvironment from the bottom up." Cao, an assistant professor of bioengineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, joined UT Dallas in January with support from the First-Time, Tenure-Track Faculty Member program of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The program is designed to attract top talent in cancer research to the state. Known as CPRIT Scholars, these independent investigators are expected to make outstanding contributions to cancer research. Cao is one of three CPRIT Scholars currently at UTD and the first in the Jonsson School. Cao said she was drawn to UT Dallas by the CPRIT support and the opportunity to collaborate with medical researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She was previously a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University in the lab of Dr. Michael Levine, who is known for his contributions to the field of developmental biology. The 3D bioprinter in Cao's lab can print masses of both cancerous and noncancerous cells. She places the printed cells on microfluidic chips, which are platforms with tiny channels that can supply oxygen or nutrients to keep the cells alive. Cao's doctoral work at Peking University in China centered on microfluidics. "We print different cells and let them form tumor environments," Cao said. "Then we can wait and see which tumor we printed is the most aggressive." As a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, Cao worked with a type of sea squirt called Ciona intestinalis, a small marine animal closely related to vertebrates that is used to study embryo development and gene regulation. Cao and her colleagues reconstructed the creature's cell lineages to create a blueprint of how the animal's heart, neurons, muscles and other tissues develop. During this time, she was first author of a study published in the journal Nature. At UTD, Cao continues to study Ciona in her Lab of Developmental Systems Biology, which includes an aquarium for the soft, semitranslucent, tube-shaped animal that she hopes can help her translate findings about cell development in animals to that in humans. "Dr. Cao is helping provide the tools and know-how to look at cell-to-cell interactions. That's really cutting edge," said Dr. Rolf Brekken, the Effie Marie Cain Research Scholar in Angiogenesis Research at UT Southwestern, who studies the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. "If you can model the tumor microenvironment from the ground up as Dr. Cao is proposing, potentially you could begin to identify novel vulnerabilities that could be targeted or novel biology that could be exploited." Dr. Shalini Prasad, professor and department head of bioengineering at UT Dallas, describes Cao's research as "novel and innovative." "Dr. Chen Cao's multidisciplinary approach toward personalized cancer medicine by taking a deep dive into the fundamental mechanisms and coupling them with precision instrumentation is exciting," said Prasad, Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science. "We look forward to the evolution of her research and the potential breakthroughs that it may deliver." 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: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels As adolescents continue to spend more time on screens and social media, a new study finds that among 914-year-olds, excessive time online is associated with a higher risk of having eating disorder symptoms. These symptoms include worrying about gaining weight, tying one's self-worth to weight, compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, binge eating, and experiencing distress over binge eating. The study is published in the journal Eating and Weight DisordersStudies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity. "Social media promotes constant comparisons to peers and exposure to unattainable body ideals," says senior author Jason M. Nagata, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. "This can contribute to dissatisfaction with one's own body, reduced self-esteem, and unhealthy attempts to control weight, all of which increase the risk of developing eating disorders and other mental health issues." Problematic social media and mobile phone use, characterized by dependence that impairs daily life, are also associated with eating disorder symptoms. Social media overconsumption may not only increase exposure to body ideals and comparisons, but may also intensify impulsive behaviors, reinforce binge eating, and contribute to addictive tendencies. "Adolescents should limit social media that encourages eating disorders and appearance comparisons. Parents can play an important role by developing Family Media Use Plans and holding open conversations about problematic screen use and disordered eating concerns," says Nagata. The study builds on existing knowledge surrounding eating disorders in adolescents, which have among the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. The study uses data from the nationwide Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States. The study collected data for 11,875 children aged 914 years old. Study participants provided information about their typical screen habits, as well as whether they had experienced eating disorder symptoms. "This study underscores the need for more research on the relationship between social media, problematic screen use, and mental well-being in early adolescence," says co-author Kyle T. Ganson, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. "Future research should focus on identifying specific types of content that pose the greatest risk for young people developing eating disorder symptoms." More information: Jonathan Chu et al, Screen time, problematic screen use, and eating disorder symptoms among early adolescents: findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01685-1 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Women who are being treated for asthma are more likely to miscarry and need fertility treatment to get pregnant, according to a large study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. However, the study also suggests that most women with asthma are able to have babies. The study was presented by Dr. Anne Vejen Hansen from the department of respiratory medicine at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. She said, "Asthma is common in women of reproductive age. Previous studies have shown that it takes women with asthma longer to get pregnant than those without asthma when undergoing fertility treatment, and that asthmatic women who succeed in getting pregnant have more often had fertility treatment than non-asthmatic women. "But most existing studies are on women who have actually got pregnant, so we wanted to examine fertility outcomes on a national scale, to also include those that might not become pregnant at all." The team analyzed reproductive outcomes for all Danish women born from 1976 to 1999, following them from 1994 to 2017. In total, 769,880 women were included and followed; anyone who took anti-asthma medication on a regular basis was classified as asthmatic. They found that women with asthma experienced a higher degree of fetal loss compared to women without asthma (17.0% vs. 15.7%) and more use of fertility treatment (5.6% vs. 5.0%). However, the proportion who subsequently gave birth was 77% in women with and without asthma, suggesting that asthma does not seem to affect the number of live births. Dr. Vejen Hansen said, "We found that women fulfilling the definition of asthma had a higher rate of fetal loss and an increased use of fertility treatment. The more severe the asthma and the more flare-ups the women experienced, the more likely they were to need fertility treatment. Why this is, is not clear. It might be related to systemic inflammation throughout the body, including women's reproductive organs. "But the numbers also show that these same women who redeem asthma medication still have as many live births in the end as women who don't. This suggests that most women with asthma probably do manage to become pregnant and have babies in the end. "We also plan to investigate the possible effect of male asthma on fertility, and, therefore, have another similar registry-based study in the pipeline." Professor Lena Uller is Chair of the ERS group on Airway Pharmacology and Treatment and Head of the Respiratory Immunopharmacology research group at Lund University, Sweden, and was not involved in the research. She said, "It's reassuring that women seem to have the same live birth rate regardless of their asthma. However, the results also indicate that women with asthma should take into consideration potential reproductive challenges in their family planning. If women with asthma are worried about their fertility, they should speak to their doctor. "The results of this study also underscore the importance of managing asthma in reproductive-aged women. The fact that the more severe the asthma, the more the problems with fertility, suggests that uncontrolled asthma is the problem and we should be helping women to get their asthma under control." More information: Abstract no: OA5579 "Asthma and reproductive outcomes: A Danish nationwide cohort study", by Dr Anne Vejen Hansen et al; Presented in session, "Determinants, diagnosis, incidence and management of respiratory health in populations" at 15.4517.00 CEST on Tuesday 10 September 2024. [k4.ersnet.org/prod/v2/Front/Pr ?e=549&session=17783] Provided by European Respiratory Society Opening arguments got underway Tuesday in a trial to determine whether a former University of Montana law school student attempted to rape a woman in downtown Missoula in 2022. Cole Larson Levine, 25, has pleaded not guilty in Missoula County District Court to three felony charges related to a report of a downtown sexual assault in August 2022. The county attorney's office is asking a jury to find Levine guilty of attempted sexual intercourse without consent, attempted kidnapping and aggravated assault. Levine also pleaded not guilty to one felony count of bail jumping that prosecutors added last week, after he left the country without permission and was arrested in Canada. Colin Stephens, with the Missoula law firm Stephens Brooke PC, mapped out the defense's case to jurors during opening arguments Tuesday, following jury selection on Monday. "What the evidence is going to show you is that the 'why' and the motive is not what the state says," Stephens told the jury. "It's going to be what Cole tells you from the witness stand and it's going to be in the inconsistencies that you hear in the evidence from the state's witness." Stephens noted there is much agreement between the two sides in the facts of the case. Both Levine and his accuser were at the Golden Rose bar the night of the attack. Around closing time, both of them ended up nearby, at the entrance to an alley due east of the courthouse. But according to Stephens, it was an intoxicated woman who first approached Levine at the Golden Rose, where he was sitting at the bar by himself. After a brief conversation, she grabbed Levine's phone and left, Stephens said, prompting him to follow the woman out into the street and confront her. A struggle for the phone ensued, and one of the woman's friends saw what was happening and chased him away. Stephens also suggested the defense will in part hinge on the conflicting statements given by Levine's accuser and other witnesses, including the accuser's difficulty identifying Levine after the fact. He also said that while Levine drank very little that night, his accuser and her friends had been drinking heavily. "The evidence is going to show that alcohol played a really large role in everyone's perceptions that night," Stephens said. Deputy County Attorney Bill Haney, however, argued it was Levine who first approached the alleged victim as she was walking, alone, up Ryman Street to another bar to meet her boyfriend. A man abruptly began talking to her, he said, and began attempting to force himself on her. Pulling her into the alley, prosecutors alleged Levine held the woman down, groped her, exposed himself and choked her until she saw spots. "She thought she was going to lose consciousness," Haney said. "The implications of her losing consciousness, with this man crouched over her in a lonely alley, was terrifying." It wasn't until she finally spotted a pair of friends walking by and screamed for help that the assault ended with one of her friends chasing Levine away, Haney contended. In the process, Levine dropped his phone, which brought him to the attention of investigators. "We are going to ask you to find the defendant guilty of lurking near an unlit alley at 2 a.m., hoping to isolate and capture this unsuspecting female in the dark," he said, "guilty of attempting to rape and kidnap that female when she didn't cooperate, and he strangled her into submission." The trial is scheduled to wrap up on Thursday. A new subdivision will bring hundreds of additional homes to the South Hills over the next two decades after the city council approved annexing and platting the development Monday night. The Wildroot subdivision is expected to include 203 apartments, 21 townhomes, and 226 homes built in seven phases on the southeast side of Hillview Way. The council approved the project with a 9-2 vote. Residents of the area might already notice apartment complexes under construction, which were allowed under the current zoning and did not need a public meeting. Kiely Wilson, the developer for the project, said his goal was to create a neighborhood that channels Missoula's character while also adding homes to the tight housing market. "Our goal with this project is not just to develop real estate, but to create a neighborhood that will be an asset to the area and that aligns with the goals and objectives of the city," Wilson said. Wilson and his engineering team said that more than 20 acres of the 105-acre subdivision will become open space, with a 7.7-acre park managed by the city. Moose Can Gully cuts through part of the park and will be preserved. While little opposition was presented at the meeting, some councilors questioned the affordability of the housing, while one commenter said Hillview Way will need major upgrades to support more cars going to and from the neighborhood. Councilors Eric Melson and Kristen Jordan both asked why no permanent affordable housing will be a part of the project. Wilson said at the meeting that he would be open to creating some affordable options in partnership with the city. Other councilors said they wished there were more commercial spaces near the development, like a daycare or coffee shop. City Council Vice President Mirtha Becerra said generally new subdivisions are lacking in a mix of building uses. "When we think about creating a neighborhood, I think it's really important to try to provide some diversity of uses so that we can then have a lesser impact on the transportation networks," Becerra said. "That always seems to be lacking in the subdivisions." Other concerns involved the back-end entrance to the subdivision from Rimel Road, a dirt stretch that crosses the top of the South Hills from Mansion Heights. The Rimel family, who operate a small cow-calf operation above the new subdivision, said they currently maintain part of the road, and a plan eventually needs to be developed to make the road usable. "It is not up to the standards of a county road, unless you consider me running a rock rake over it a couple times a year as road improvement," John Rimel said at the meeting. The Rimel Ranch is under a conservation easement that prevents new development. The developers said they worked with the ranch to establish some mitigations, including a one-foot "no access strip" on all lots bordering the ranch. Ed Brown, a resident near the subdivision, questioned whether the city needs to expand Hillview Way to make room for the added traffic. The city is requiring a new roundabout and some left turn lanes at the entrance of the subdivision. The council generally approved of the project because it fits within the city's growth policy. Wilson, the developer, said he hopes the new housing will ease costs for other homes across the valley. "Throughout Montana, housing affordability has become a significant issue facing state and local leadership. As you are well aware Missoula is not exempt from this reality," Wilson said, although he was not citing data. "Building more housing is crucial to making homes more attainable across the board." 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 MSHA officials, arguing that the jump had educational value since there is historic significance. That logic worked as the MSHA 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. The music director of the Helena Symphony Orchestra told Lewis and Clark County officials his group will likely seek more financial support from them for the annual Symphony Under the Stars as costs have escalated to put on the yearly free summer concert that draws thousands to Carroll College. Allan R. Scott told the commissioners Tuesday the most recent concert had a $14,000 shortfall due to skyrocketing costs. We can absorb it, Scott said Wednesday in a telephone interview. He said Tuesday the concert comes with a $150,000 price tag and that the "stage alone is $48,000," with the fireworks costing $6,000 per minute. Scott said Intrepid Credit Union gives as much as $35,000 a year to help produce the concert at the base of Guadalupe Hill at Carroll College. The concerts typically bring in 16,000-18,000 people and the college and the symphony do not make money from the event. Scott noted the first concert 20 years ago cost $38,000. He said more regulations, staffing, crowd control and other expenses are some reasons for the increases. He expected the 2025 show to cost nearly $160,000. He said the concert puts Helena on the map in a way that very few small events do and has been rated by some news organizations as one of the top five summer events in Montana. Helena has a unique identity that many Helenans do not really know, Scott said, later adding, We really believe we have been here for Helena. And he noted that for every $1 spent into the arts it returns $10 to the community, noting the event fills hotels and keeps restaurants busy. Scott said a study done 12 years ago by the Montana Arts Council noted the concert brought $1.2 million into the county. It is the largest annual event in Montana, not just Helena, he said. He said the symphony has for 20 years received $5,000 each from the city and county and will likely be asked to double that stipend. He said he didn't want to spring the news on them all at once and wanted to get ahead of the budget cycle. County Commissioner Tom Rolfe, who a colleague said has served as a volunteer with the symphony, noted the orchestra has shown a favorable light on Helena. He said it was exciting to see what Scott and the symphony have done over the past several years. You and the wonderfully creative people that work under your direction have created a community treasure and really its becoming a national treasure, he said. Commissioner Andy Hunthausen also praised the symphony, noting it was on his annual summer must-do list. He said county staff had noted a request would likely be coming from the symphony. A city spokesman said Wednesday they had not been approached by Scott and noted the city budget was approved in July. The event also benefits the community in other ways as people who attend the concerts are encouraged to bring canned goods for Helena Food Share. Scott said Food Share officials have told him the concert is essential for their work. At the July 20 concert, a salute to Tina Turner, people donated nearly 17,000 pounds of canned goods, which were given to Helena Food Share. The Helena Symphony, now celebrating its 70th year, is having an after-party fundraiser Sept. 14 at the Helena Civic Center Ballroom. The celebration will follow a performance of Masterworks I: Gershwin & 100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue. Tickets are on sale now on the Helena Symphony website at https://www.helenasymphony.org/ or by calling the symphony office at 406-442-1860. A framework concerning the security governance of artificial intelligence (AI) was released on Monday at the main forum of this year's China Cybersecurity Week held in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province. Issued by China's National Technical Committee 260 on Cybersecurity, which was formed by the Standardization Administration, the framework features principles in managing the security of AI, such as staying accommodative and prudent to ensure safety, managing risks for swift governance, and opening up to cooperation for joint governance. In light of the technical properties of AI, the framework analyzes the sources and forms of risks concerning AI, and lays out measures of technical response and comprehensive prevention and control targeting security risks in the application of AI, along with guidelines on the safe development and application of AI. The framework will facilitate social participation and progress in the security governance of AI, and will help create a safe, reliable, fair and transparent environment for the development and application of AI, said an official with the technical committee. The lead photo. New legislation in New Jersey is designed to ensure that appraisers do not undervalue homes owned by people of color. (Google) Acting Gov. Tahesha Way on Monday signed legislation requiring New Jersey real estate appraisers to complete anti-bias training, a measure intended to combat the undervaluing of homes owned by people of color. When buying or owning a home in New Jersey, we must strive to provide our residents with fair and equal treatment, Way said in an announcement of the bills signing. For far too long, systems were in place that would perpetuate racial bias. With this bill, we will ensure that personal biases dont influence appraisers. Way, New Jerseys lieutenant governor and secretary of state, signed the bill updating the state Real Estate Appraisal Act in the absence of her fellow Democrat, Gov. Phil Murphy, who was at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada this week to promote movies made in New Jersey. The law mandates that appraisers complete a fair housing and appraisal anti-bias course offered by the Appraisal Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation, an organization empowered by Congress to establish appraisal standards and qualifications. In addition to requiring the training, the legislation reaffirms that it is illegal for real estate appraisers to consider a current or potential property owners race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital, family, or disability status to determine a propertys value. Homes are Americans principal asset, and their value is the cornerstone of family and inter-generational wealth, credit, and related benefits. Discrimination in the housing appraisal industry has prevented far too many particularly people of color from acquiring the benefits of community stability and wealth creation through homeownership, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. Neither the American Society of Appraisers national office nor its Northern New Jersey chapter responded to requests for comment Monday. The primary sponsors of the Democratic legislation were Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex), Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer), and Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (D-Mercer). Housing and civil rights advocates applauded Mondays signing in Trenton. Adam Gordon, director of the Fair Share Housing Center in Mt. Laurel, said research has shown how racial bias can skew appraisals, with Black homeowners often deprived of equity due to an under-appraisal. Gordon cited data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating that 97% of home appraisers are white. Appraisal bias has been robbing Black and Latino families of hard-won equity for decades, Gordon said. Holding appraisers accountable for discrimination is one of the ways we must address New Jerseys racial wealth gap. Ryan Haygood, president and CEO of the Newark-based Institute for Social Justice, called Mondays bill signing a big win. Weve heard the stories before, said Haygood. A Black homeowner gets a home appraised and, suspecting its been undervalued, has a white person stand in for another appraisal only to get a higher valuation. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom The Kenya Prison Service (KPS) is undergoing a significant transformation with the revival of prison industries, social protection programs, and agricultural initiatives. These ongoing reforms aim to benefit inmates while also enabling the government to generate revenue. By equipping inmates with skills, the government hopes to facilitate their reintegration as productive members of society. Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco announced that the government has already identified eight priority areas for reform. These focus on strengthening administrative, legal, and policy support, enhancing education and training programs, improving institutional infrastructure and operational capacity, addressing housing needs, and promoting environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. A Rights-Based Approach to Rehabilitation Programs According to PS Beacco, the reforms will provide inmates with both vocational and agricultural training. We aim to demonstrate that our correctional facilities are not merely places of confinement but also hubs for rehabilitation and personal development, she stated. KPS has since initiated several agricultural and industrial programs, including potato production in Nyandarua, maize milling at Naivasha Prison, and rice milling in Mwea. Orchards have also been established in Kamiti, Ngeria, Nakuru Main Prison, Makueni, and Maranjau prisons as part of these reforms. The revitalization of prison farms focuses on boosting productivity by increasing the area dedicated to crop and livestock production, utilizing inmate labor to achieve these goals. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural output within correctional facilities, which will contribute to both inmate rehabilitation and the overall self-sufficiency of the prison system. In addition to agricultural initiatives, the government is constructing bakeries in prisons located in Kisumu, Mombasa, Meru, Nyeri, and Eldoret. The government also plans to increase the production of manufactured goods, particularly by revamping the leather industry at Kitengela and Kamiti prisons. Inmate Participation in Government Initiatives The KPS is well-regarded for producing high-quality furniture and has played a crucial role in several notable projects. Among these is the renovation of the National Assembly and Senate debating chambers, which involved the manufacture and installation of members seats. Currently, KPS is renovating the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). KPS will also produce tree seedlings, including indigenous and fruit trees, and expand orchards while enhancing the landscaping of correctional facilities nationwide. In line with reducing reliance on wood fuel, the government plans to upgrade prison kitchens with LPG gas and biogas systems. Furthermore, inmates will actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts by planting 100 million trees annually in correctional facilities throughout the country. This initiative aligns with the governments objective to increase Kenyas forest cover, which currently stands at less than 10 percent, to a minimum of 12 percent, as mandated by the United Nations (UN). As part of the governments affordable housing program, prisoners will also participate in the construction of 28,000 housing units, according to PS Beacco. Modernizing Prison Operations through Digital Innovations To streamline operations with the governments digital payment platform, Beacco announced that the Prisons Enterprise has consolidated all 210 paybills into a single government paybill (222222) for revenue collection. All payments will now be processed cashless through eCitizen, EFT, and company cheques. A team of experts has been formed and gazetted to address the stipend issues for prisoners, and they will advise my State Department accordingly via a report, added the PS, who also serves as an advocate of the High Court. Moreover, the government is developing an integrated offender records and case management system. This includes procuring ICT equipment and infrastructure to establish e-courts across all correctional facilities in Kenya. Currently, Kenya operates 135 prisons, which include six womens prisons and three juvenile facilities, housing over 63,000 inmates. This substantial population places a significant financial strain on the government, which must provide for their needs despite limited resources. The country also has 142 probation units to manage offenders within the community. As part of the ongoing reforms, the government aims to decongest prisons by adopting community corrections and alternative dispute resolution methods. These reforms seek to improve the welfare of offenders while emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration. The PS noted that the rehabilitation programs and vocational training offered to inmates will be automated to enhance efficiency, ensuring that the reforms yield tangible benefits for both the inmates and society as a whole. India has renewed its interest in importing a new batch of cheetahs from Kenya. The country plans to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya to bring in between 8 to 10 cheetahs as part of its wildlife conservation initiative. The legal and treaties division of the Ministry of External Affairs in India is currently reviewing the draft of the MoU, according to reports from the New Indian Express. Plans to source these cheetahs were paused when Kenya changed its stance in February of this year. A senior official who visited Kenya in August stated, We were ready to sign an MoU, but a last-minute change of mind on the Kenyan side caused us to put the process on hold. During earlier discussions, Kenyan delegates visited Kuno National Park and expressed satisfaction with the veterinary and conservation arrangements in place. The Indian government is expected to offer long-term conservation support to Kenya through the Wildlife Institute of India. They(Kenyan delegates) seek provisions in the MoU for long-term support from our premier institutes, which would include regular training for forest staff and the establishment of institutions to enhance conservation efforts in Kenya, the officer noted. We are hopeful that this time both nations will work to establish a viable agreement, and new cheetahs will arrive by the end of the year or early next year at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, the Indian official added. Death of Cheetahs From South Africa In December 2023, the Indian government officially proposed importing cheetahs from Kenya while hosting 15 surviving cheetahs that had been brought from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park. Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav emphasized the projects success despite initial setbacks, including the deaths of a dozen cheetahs at Kuno-Palpur National Park. Unfortunate weather and climatic conditions led to the deaths of cheetahs and cubs, but overall, the cheetah project is a success, Yadav stated. He reported that the current cheetah population in India stands at 25, including 12 surviving cubs. However, the project experienced significant losses between March 2023 and January 2024, with seven adult cheetahs and five cubs dying during this period. Officials from the Ministry of Environment in India noted that they had considered importing animals from a northern hemisphere country due to a unique challenge known as the winter coat. Cheetahs from the southern hemisphere develop a winter coat on their shoulders and necks. In Kuno, the winter season coincides with heat, humidity, and rainfall, complicating the situation. This ordeal caused the cheetahs to develop thick fur to stay warm during winter. However, when released into the wild, the heavy fur trapped moisture around their collars, leading to skin infections and even deaths. This situation ultimately undermined the success of the rehabilitation program. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, ADGF (Project Tiger) and Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), stated, This time, we are focused on bringing felines from the northern hemisphere. Kenya shares seasonal patterns similar to those of India, which officials believe will help mitigate the winter coat challenge when importing the new wild cats. Cheetah Declared Extinct in India The cheetah was officially declared extinct in India in 1952. According to the Bombay Natural History Society, a wildlife research organization, the last three cheetahs were killed in 1947 by the king of Koriya, a princely state in Central India. Several factors contributed to the decline of grassland species, including large-scale capture of animals for coursing, bounty, and sport hunting, along with extensive habitat conversion, which significantly reduced the prey base. India reintroduced cheetahs on September 17, 2022, bringing eight of the big catsfive females and three males. In February 2023, the country imported another batch of 12 cheetahs from Southern Africa. Now, India plans to bring cheetahs from Kenya on an experimental basis to further support its conservation efforts. China will take concrete actions to contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to global public security governance, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said Monday. Wang made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening of the 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province. The forum was themed "Win-Win Cooperation Under Significant Changes: Building a Global Community of Common Public Security." Wang said China has actively implemented global security initiatives over the past year, and is committed to building a global community with a shared future for public security, facilitating the convergence of security concepts and interests, and advancing global security cooperation. Wang added that China is willing to work with countries around the world to practice common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concepts, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in the field of public security. The country will work with other countries to promote the development of the global public security governance system in a fairer, more rational and more efficient direction. On Monday, Wang met with officials from Malaysia, Myanmar, Zambia, Nicaragua and Russia. Crest whitening strips, pregnancy tests, underwear and Slim Jims. All of those were locked away behind plastic at Walgreens in Land Park. Target in Rancho Cordova encased Olay skin-care lotions and several brands of razors Gillette, Philips, Braun in plastic boxes. And Walmart in West Sacramento barricaded nearly every brand of makeup behind clear doors. This is an exercise in patience today, said shopper Paul Reed, after he sought to buy razors at Target in Land Park. The coveted Philips razors, enclosed behind a plastic barrier, forced Reed to push a button to have an employee eventually help retrieve the item. The changes across the retail landscape have contributed to fierce debates in the California Legislature over how to combat retail theft. Lawmakers introduced bills cracking down on so-called smash-and-grabs in past legislative sessions, but this year has drawn intense attention in a Legislature seeking to increase penalties for shoplifters. Its an unusual twist just last year, Democrats staved off efforts to stiffen punishments for child sex traffickers before Gov. Gavin Newsom personally intervened and an uproar ensued. Rachel Michelin, the president of the California Retailers Association, encountered roadblock after roadblock as she attempted to persuade lawmakers to enact solutions for retail theft over legislative sessions in years past. Her efforts grew futile, and she turned to Newsom to devote resources to combating what she saw as an increasing problem. But this year proved different. We went from Couldnt get anything done to now, Everything is a retail theft bill, Michelin said, noting her trade group nearly couldnt keep up as lawmakers requested the groups endorsement of bills. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, cemented retail thefts prominence by creating a select committee focused on studying the cause behind it. The urgency grows as an initiative to repeal portions of Proposition 47 is headed to voters ballots and Democrats are in talks to add amendments to bills hoping to repeal the referendum. Lawmakers last month sent 10 bills, addressing various components of retail theft, to Newsoms desk. But how did the California Legislature arrive at this junction? Criminal justice experts pointed to a number of factors. Pandemic changed rules, habits The perfect storm for shoplifting unfolded just as public health safety rules loosened due to the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Christopher Hermann, an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Thieves can cover their faces with masks, and police didnt interact with suspects as much due to fears of the illness, he said. And, as homicides soared, police pivoted their attention to serious crimes over responding to shoplifting incidents. Offenders, if caught, could be released from jail and face lenient penalties and the ability to be released from jail, Hermann said. Videos go viral: Basically clickbait The last part of the perfect storm, Hermann added, was social media. Viral videos filmed by patrons often depict alarms blaring as several individuals grab merchandise and run. One video filmed at Nordstrom in Southern California referenced by Herrmann had been seen more than 245,000 times on social media and was covered by national media. Its very sensationalized, said Matthew Sotorsen, the president of the California Public Defenders Association, who also noted the influence of social media on perceptions about retail theft, and its basically clickbait. Indeed, half of lawmakers who authored the bills that passed last month said they believed retail theft grew as a dominant theme in part after videos of so-called smash-and-grabs accumulated widespread attention. Constituents concerns, from city councils to local chambers of commerce, began to also be more vocal, Michelin said. But not every video depicting robberies or burglaries on social media is the same. There are legitimate concerns about organized retail theft in which thieves coordinate multiple people to descend on multiple different stores, said Charis Kubrin, a professor of criminology, law and society at UC Irvine. But the debate has become riddled with false narratives that crime is responsible for problems plaguing retailers, she said. Kubrin also said elected officials could have sought to capitalize on retail theft by politicizing it for their own purposes due the upcoming November election. The media coverage has an outsized impact on the topic of retail theft. Michelin noted lawmakers thought their legislation would get media coverage if pitched as retail theft bills. Shes called Senate Bill 1446, by state Sen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, not a retail theft bill, instead a labor staffing bill by creating standards for retailers. The text of SB 1446 calling itself a Retail Theft Prevention and Safety Act prohibits grocers and retailers from having self-checkout options unless two machines are monitored by one employee relieved of all other duties. Customers may not use the self-checkout machines if they are buying more than 15 items, alcohol, tobacco and other items locked up, according to the bill. Smallwood-Cuevas, in an interview, noted the California Retailers Association doesnt understand the true problems behind retail theft. She said workers are facing violence while at self-checkout machines, which also are the location of frequent theft. Retailers are proposing bills that stiffen penalties, having taxpayers foot the bill, but then dont want to acknowledge where the problem is happening, she said. Its baffling to me, Smallwood-Cuevas said. Tinisch Hollins, the executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice, said retail theft has gotten attention because of the media coverage and the political debate around how to address it. Social media portrays the singular incident to a wide variety of people, even in places where theres not an uptick in crime, she said. What do Californias crime numbers show? The data showing if retail theft spiked already an underreported theft is less clear. Commercial burglaries dropped by 9% in 2023 from the previous year but remain 6% above pre-pandemic levels, according to an analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California. Shoplifting rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, but spiked 28% from 2019 to 2023. Trends varied widely statewide. Commercial burglaries rose in the Bay Area and Southern California saw increases, but smaller counties saw declines, according to the PPIC. Robberies at commercial establishments in Sacramento rose 29% from 2019 to 2022, according to the PPIC. Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, D-Los Angeles, recalled running for his seat in 2022 when retail theft didnt dominate his conversations. Instead, many people pleaded for help to address climate change and Californias homelessness and affordable housing crises. But towards the end of his campaign, he witnessed more voters becoming alarmed about retail theft. It was driven in part by a singular high-profile armed robbery of a West Hollywood restaurant, and more people started coming to his meetings voicing their concern, Chavez Zbur said. And he said retailers wouldnt lock up products at a higher cost to their bottom line if there wasnt a true problem. Reed, the recent shopper at Target in Land Park, said his previous city, Sunnyvale, didnt have many issues with locking up products. In Sacramento, standing and waiting for an employee had him contemplating just ordering razors online and receiving it without delays. His willingness to throw his support behind retailers only goes so far. There are limits, Reed said with a laugh. 5 emerging trends that will change how you use your phone in 2024 What to watch for Augmented reality integration AI technology Expanded biometric security technology 5G network integration Foldable phones Guwahati: Two youths were detained by the police in Golaghat, Assam on Tuesday in connection with the online trade scam and sheltering choreographer Sumi Borah and her husband Tarkik Bora. Sumi Borah and her husband are accused of being involved in a multi-crore online trade scam with Vishal Phukan. "Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!" Both of them are now on the run from the police. Also Read: Assam: Baksa woman accused of Rs 100 Cr trading scam, goes missing A source said that the police, based on inputs, detained Chandan Nath and Subhamjyoti Kurmi for questioning. The duo was taken to Dibrugarh earlier on Tuesday but were detained on Monday night. The source said that Kurmi had helped Sumi Borah and Tarkik Bora hide at his house while a vehicle belonging to Chandan was used to help them escape. Also Read: Assam investment scam: Choreographer Sumi Borah declared Most Wanted The source said that police are investigating the matter and are trying to get leads on where Sumi and Tarkik might be headed. A report also claimed that the couple may be in Nepal and were planning to head to Dubai via Pokhara. However, the police have made no official statement in connection to the claim. China will strengthen the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in advancing its Healthy China Initiative, said a senior official at the National Health Commission. In an interview with Xinhua, Yu Yanhong, also head of the National Administration of TCM, said the administration has pledged to protect people's health in all aspects and throughout their lives by leveraging the TCM's capabilities and supporting the combination of TCM and Western medicine. China now boasts 41,700 TCM clinics and over 99 percent of community- and township-level medical institutions are capable of providing TCM services. In 2023, China's 93,000 TCM specialized medical institutions recorded 1.54 billion medical visits, according to Yu. Foreign exchange of TCM has been promoted as it has been introduced to 196 countries and regions worldwide, said Yu, adding that China has signed TCM cooperation agreements with more than 40 foreign governments, regional authorities and international organizations. A key Communist Party of China document adopted in July stressed the importance of improving the mechanism for promoting the preservation and innovative development of TCM. Yu said China will support reforms in various aspects of TCM, including service models, talent development mechanisms, and research evaluation mechanisms. Efforts will also be made to fully explore the cultural value of TCM, as well as strengthen the protection, utilization and inheritance of relevant cultural relics and heritage in this field, she said. Flash Editor's note: Tuesday marks China's 40th Teachers' Day. Over the years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has, on many occasions, expressed expectations for educators in the country and underscored the importance of education in China's long-term development. In this poster series, China.org.cn highlights President Xi's key insights on education and his vision for the country's long-term development. By LI Li In July, I set foot on the African continent for the first time in my life. Before leaving, my mind was filled with memories of African overseas students experiencing power outages and Internet disconnections during my online or hybrid lectures. Therefore, I purchased a batch of portable solar charging devices before departure, just to be ready for potential emergencies. This precaution was not without reason. Out of 7.95 billion people in the world, 9 percent (around 685 million) of them lack access to electricity. Among them 570 million live in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, 2.1 billion people still rely on polluting fuels for cooking, leading to 3.2 million premature deaths annually. During my visit to Tanzanian cities Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Dodoma, I found Dar es Salaam's power supply generally reliable but capital Dodoma occasionally experienced power shortages. Though rapidly improving, basic rural electricity needs had not been fully met yet. Challenges to Africa's power transition Tanzania's power system faces two main challenges. Reducing electric wire loss remains a tough mission. From 2008 to 2019, the government allocated about 8.8 billion RMB for rural electrification projects. A large proportion of the money was used to reduce power losses in the distribution and transmission system by replacing traditional meters with smart meters, and constructing 400 kV high-voltage transmission lines. Consequently, the line loss decreased from 17.47 percent in 2015 to 16.19 percent in 2019, and will be below 12 percent after 2026. The other challenge is insufficient financing and a lack of green values. About 70 percent of Tanzania's power funding comes from debt financing. The main power provider, Tanzania Electric Supply Company, has been in operational difficulties and significant debt. Tanzania is exploring renewable energy options and includes wind and solar energies in national planning, but seldom takes carbon trading into consideration. By fuel substitution (like from diesel or firewood into biogas, or from single crop into intercropping), the lowered emission could be valued through carbon trading system, which is still rarely explored. China-Africa power cooperation: pathways to green transition China has been Africa's rafiki meaning friend in Swahili not only in enabling energy coverage, but also in renewable energy transition. Since the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in 2000, one-third of the new grid-connected renewable energy capacity in sub-Saharan Africa has been built by China. In 2021, the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Climate Change adopted at the eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC supported 10 green energy projects in solar, hydropower, wind, and biogas, and training for 10,000 African professionals. China has implemented hundreds of clean energy projects in Africa, many of which have become landmark projects for local development. In South Africa, the De Aar Wind Power Station provides 760 million kWh of stable clean electricity, meeting the power needs of 300,000 households, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 619,900 tons annually. In Tanzania, China has been deeply engaged in the Central Standard Gauge Railway and the Nyerere Hydropower Station. In Kenya, the Garissa Solar Power Plant constructed by a Chinese company helped locals switch from diesel to electric vehicles. Similar stories are heard in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Cte d'Ivoire, Morocco, Egypt, Uganda, and elsewhere in Africa. Currently, people in Kitete Kitete village in Tanzania's Morogoro Region are purchasing solar charging equipment, waiting for the new round of power line installation. They are very optimistic about both electrification and soybean processing for both are now connected with Wachina (meaning China in Swahili) through FOCAC's nine major projects. LI Li is an associate professor from China Agricultural University. This article is supported by National Social Science Fund of China (No. 23GJB00438): China's Rural Development Experience and Scaling-up Mechanisms under the Perspective of the Global South. Science and Technology Daily Sep 7 2024 HK will continue to nurture young entrepreneurs: CE Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said the SAR will continue its role as a pioneer and will unite patriotic young people to contribute to national development. Speaking at a forum on young entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macau and Taiwan, Lee said Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. "Hong Kong is an international financial, shipping, and trade centre. It's the only city in Asia with five universities ranked in the world's top 100," he said. "With its strong scientific research capabilities and advanced technological foundation, Hong Kong attracts talent from both home and abroad to develop their careers, and strives to establish itself as a hub for high-end international talent." The CE also highlighted the government's efforts in promoting youth innovation in the Greater Bay Area, including a funding scheme which helped over 200 young entrepreneurs in the region set up businesses. Meanwhile, a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, CY Leung, told the same event that the nation has provided "bigger stages" for young people on both sides of the strait and in the two SARs. Leung added that he hopes political, business, academic and media figures from Taiwan can visit these stages more often to see for themselves the opportunities. SIUs Paul Simon Institute to host political scientist, author Norm Ornstein CARBONDALE, Ill. Political scientist Norm Ornstein, an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, will assess the 2024 presidential campaign during a virtual discussion hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Monday, Sept. 16. Ornstein will join John Shaw, institute director, at 10 a.m. to discuss the presidential and congressional campaigns, along with his background as a political analyst. Part of the institutes Understanding Our New World series of virtual conversations, the event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to gain access to the Zoom webinar. Visit paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/events to register. Ornstein, a senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute, has been studying politics, elections and the U.S. Congress for more than four decades. He has been involved in political, campaign finance and election reform, along with reforms in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Norm Ornstein is a deeply respected analyst of American politics. He has written important books about Congress, the presidency, elections and the major political parties. He is frequently called upon to explain the complexities of American politics, Shaw said. We are eager to learn his views on the campaign between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as well as his assessment of the battle to control of Congress. No one has a more nuanced grasp of American politics than Norm Ornstein. Shaw noted that Ornstein is a prolific author about American politics, writing major articles, op-eds and books. He is the co-author with Thomas Mann of two highly influential books about American politics: The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track and Its Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism. Ornstein has also appeared on C-SPAN, CBS, CNN, the Fox News Channel, MSNBC, NPR and the PBS NewsHour, along with other outlets, and served as an election analyst for CBS News for 30 years. A native of Minnesota, Ornstein earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and doctorate from the University of Michigan. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu. More information, a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events are available. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SJVN, GMR Energy, and their associated companies to facilitate the development of a 900 MW hydroelectric project in Nepal. The Upper Karnali Hydro-electric Project, situated in Nepal, will be the focal point of this collaboration, aimed at enhancing regional energy security by expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the region. According to a company statement released on Monday, IREDA's role in the MoU includes providing assistance in both the development and implementation phases of the project. The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the renewable energy landscape, contributing to the growth of hydropower in Nepal and fostering energy cooperation between India and its neighbour. The signing of the MoU was marked by the presence of several key figures from the involved organizations. These included Sushil Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of SJVN; B.K. Mohanty, Director of Finance at IREDA; Akhileshwar Singh, Director of Finance at SJVN; and other senior officials. On behalf of the companies, S.K. Sharma, general manager (finance & accounts) at IREDA; Jitendra Yadav, general manager (finance & accounts) at SJVN; and S.N. Barde, chief executive officer of GMR Energy Ltd., formalised the agreement during a ceremony in New Delhi. IREDA's Chairman and Managing Director, Pradip Kumar Das, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "Our investment in this important hydropower project underscores IREDA's ongoing commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives. This collaboration not only accelerates the development of Nepal's hydropower sector but also strengthens regional energy cooperation, supporting our shared goal of sustainable growth." The company stated that strategically, the project is crucial for IREDA as it allows the organisation to tap into Nepal's abundant hydropower resources. The initiative also aligns with IREDA's broader mission of expanding renewable energy projects. "The project holds strategic importance for IREDA, as it will help harness Nepal's vast hydropower potential while reinforcing IREDA's dedication to renewable energy development" said the company. In fact, IREDA's Board of Directors had already given in-principle approval for the Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project during their meeting on July 16, 2024. (ANI) Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the 11th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China's top legislature on Tuesday started a regular session to review a raft of bills including a draft revision to the National Defense Education Law and a draft amendment to the Statistics Law. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 11th session. Lawmakers reviewed the draft revision to the National Defense Education Law. The draft highlights better incorporating military service education into national defense education on campus, among other stipulations. Lawmakers deliberated on a draft amendment to the Statistics Law. It makes stipulations on promoting the integration of modern information technologies with statistics work. The meeting reviewed a draft revision to the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases. It improves stipulations on the monitoring, reporting and early warning of infectious diseases, among others. The meeting deliberated on a draft energy law, which further stresses promoting a green and low-carbon energy transition. Lawmakers reviewed a draft revision to the Anti-Money Laundering Law. The draft steps up the monitoring of the new risks of money laundering. Lawmakers deliberated on a draft public health emergency response law, a draft national park law, and a draft amendment to the Supervision Law. The meeting also reviewed a draft decision on conferring national medals and honorary titles on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a draft decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age, and several international treaties. The meeting deliberated on a report on the implementation of the plan for national economic and social development since the beginning of this year. The overall implementation of the plan has been going well over the period, with new positive progress made in high-quality development. The economy and overall national strength have continued to grow, according to the report. Lawmakers reviewed a report on budget execution since the beginning of this year. Fiscal operations have remained generally stable, and budget execution has been largely balanced over the period, says the report. Lawmakers deliberated on a 2023 report on the management of government debts. This is the first time the NPC Standing Committee has heard and reviewed the State Council's report on government debt management since the establishment and improvement of a reporting system. The meeting reviewed a report on promoting childcare services, a report on advancing elderly care services and improving the care for the incapacitated elderly, and a report on the enforcement of the Agriculture Law. The meeting also reviewed personnel-related bills, among others. The industry leaders welcomed the GST council's decision on rate cuts and policy adjustments in various sectors. In a significant move to provide relief across various sectors, the GST Council, during its 54th meeting held on Monday, announced several key decisions that received a positive response from industry leaders. One of the most notable decisions was the exemption of GST on the import of services by foreign airlines operating in India through branch offices. This relief comes as a major win for the airline industry, especially after the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) had raised demands amounting to nearly Rs 39,000 crore in taxes from these airlines. "In a major relief to the airline industry, GST has been exempted on import of services by foreign airline companies operating in India through branch offices, from their head offices or other establishments outside the country. Further, it appears that past period issues will be regularised as well. This will put to rest the recent show cause notices where a GST demand of approx. Rs 39,000 crores was raised by the DGGI on foreign airlines operating through branch offices in India" said Rajat Bose, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. The food industry also saw a significant reduction in the GST rate on namkeen products, with the rate being slashed from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. As per the industry leaders, the amendment clarifies the tax treatment prospectively, ensuring no further ambiguity on applicable rates. "Extrusion is a technique used to create ready to eat puff snacks. As this process is mentioned in the HSN entry 1905 liable to tax @ 18 per cent, the authorities were alleging that products are liable at the higher rate. However, the industry was classifying the said products under entry 2016 which covers Namkeen, etc. liable to tax @ 12%. With this amendment, the issue of classification on these products has been put to rest prospectively," said Harpreet Singh, Partner, Deloitte India. The Council also introduced reductions on critical cancer drugs, lowering the GST from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, and introduced GST exemptions on services linked to helicopter-sharing for religious pilgrimages. "The council has taken various rate rationalisation measures like reduction of GST on cancer drugs from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, namkeens, sharing helicopters for pilgrimage which will lessen the burden on consumers. " said Shivashish Karnani, Head of GST at DPNC Global. He also pointed out the Council's decision to explore lower GST rates for life and health insurance services through a newly formed Group of Ministers (GoM), with a report expected by October 2024. With a growing emphasis on research and development, the Council also granted GST exemptions to government universities and research centres on grants received for research activities, a move seen as critical to boosting India's position as a research hub. Meanwhile, discussions around online gaming taxation remain ongoing, with no decisions made in the latest meeting. (ANI) India PR Distribution Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 10: Pichunt is a groundbreaking new platform that combines over 600 million creative assets from top global media providers. It is designed to empower creators by providing the most expansive collection of stock images, videos, mockups, graphic templates, and more. In an industry where speed and efficiency define success, Pichunt is setting a new standard for how creative professionals find, browse, and utilize digital media for their day-to-day project needs. With Pichunt, creators can find exactly what they need in seconds, allowing them to focus on what matters most: creating. Key Features: World's Largest Collection of Creative Assets With over 600 million assets meticulously curated from the world's top media providers, Pichunt is unmatched in its scale and comprehensiveness. Whether you're a graphic designer, video editor, marketer, or content creator, Pichunt delivers the exact asset you need instantly. This expansive library not only makes Pichunt the go-to platform for creators but also redefines what is possible in terms of creative efficiency and output. Pool Chat - A Collaboration Revolution Pichunt introduces Pool Chat, a unique feature that promotes seamless collaboration. Users can browse, organize, and share creative assets within chat conversations, eliminating the traditional barriers of time and location. Pool Chat enhances team collaboration by providing real-time access to assets, making global teamwork smoother and more efficient than ever. Personalized Search Experience Users can tailor their searches to their exact needs, ensuring they always find the most relevant assets, no matter how specific or complex their project requirements are. This hyper-focused search capability is designed to save time and enhance the overall creative process. Breaking Global Barriers with Multi-Language Search Pichunt's multi-language search engine breaks through geographic and linguistic boundaries, making it accessible to creators in every corner of the globe. This inclusive feature ensures that no matter where a creator is based, Pichunt delivers an intuitive and seamless search experience in their preferred language. Whether you're working on a large-scale marketing campaign or editing a video, Pichunt ensures that everything you need is available at the click of a button, giving you more time to focus on your creative vision. By consolidating creative resources from the biggest global providers into a single, user-friendly interface, Pichunt gives creators the freedom to focus on their vision without being bogged down by search inefficiencies. Whether you're a content creator in India, an advertiser in the U.S., or a YouTuber in Europe, Pichunt is the ultimate tool for anyone looking to elevate their creative process. Our intuitive interface ensures that you can navigate Pichunt with ease, allowing you to concentrate on your creative work. About Pichunt Pichunt is the world's first platform to unite the most extensive collection of creative assets in one place, serving millions of creators globally. With over 600 million assets at your fingertips, Pichunt provides unparalleled access to the digital resources you need to transform your projects. Designed with creators in mind, Pichunt offers advanced search functionalities, collaboration tools, and a world-class user experience that promises to revolutionize the creative industry. Visit www.pichunt.tech or download the Pichunt Android App to explore the future of creative asset management. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 10: PayGlocal, a leading cross-border payment solutions provider, is thrilled to announce that it has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator. This significant milestone allows PayGlocal to officially commence the onboarding of merchants, further cementing its position as one of the emergent leaders in the payments landscape. With this authorization, PayGlocal is set to offer a comprehensive suite of payment solutions that cater to a diverse range of businesses, ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient transaction processing along with ensuring a hassle-free paymen t experience for the end customers. This milestone comes as a result of RBI's comprehensive evaluation process, highlighting PayGlocal's commitment to the highest standards of compliance and security. Prachi Dharani, CEO and Co-founder of PayGlocal, said "Receiving the final authorisation from the RBI is a testament to our commitment to excellence in the payments industry. We are now ready to serve a wider range of merchants, offering them robust, compliant and secure payment solutions that will help them grow and thrive in today's digital economy. This authorization marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for PayGlocal. We're deeply grateful to the Reserve Bank of India for their guidance and support throughout this process." Ashish Agrawal, Managing Director, Peak XV, said, "We have been pre-launch partners with the PayGlocal team and are impressed by their commitment to solve for the varied needs of cross border payments. We are thankful to the regulator for the authorization and confident that the company will help the nation build stronger rails for cross border payments." Notably, PayGlocal has been awarded with multiple accolades including "Startup of the Year 2024", at recently concluded Global FinTech Fest 2024, LexisNexis Award for "Pioneering Innovation", "Emerging Star- Special Jury" award by FinCrime Expert for its advanced financial crime screening capabilities, and won the "IFSCA Hackathon Sprint13" for Zeroin, PayGlocal's innovative cybersecurity solution aimed at enhancing digital inclusivity for senior citizens. As PayGlocal continues to scale new heights in the fintech industry, the company remains committed to driving innovation, security, and inclusivity in the digital payment ecosystem. In furtherance of RBI's authorization, PayGlocal is poised to set new standards in offering secure, efficient, and globally accessible payment processing. As the company forges ahead, it will continue to partner with businesses, banks and other key players in the payment ecosystem to redefine the future of digital commerce. About PayGlocal: PayGlocal was founded in 2021 by former Visa senior directors Prachi Dharani, Rohit Sukhija, and Yogesh Lokhande. The company has been a pioneering force in cross-border payments and operates a comprehensive suite of payment services and cutting-edge technology platform for payment processing and transaction risk management, specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of merchants, partners, and banks. Driven by cutting-edge and user-centric technology, PayGlocal leads the charge in global commerce with unparalleled innovations in cross-border payment solutions. The startup has successfully raised $17 million in equity funding from marquee investors. (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) The Ministry of Defence in an official statement on Tuesday stated that Indian Navy has launched the Malpe and Mulki, fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, being built by M/s Cochin Shipyard. As per the ministry, keeping with the maritime traditions, both the ships were launched on Monday in Kochi by Vijaya Srinivas in the presence of Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command. "Malpe and Mulki, fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, being built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, for the Indian Navy, were launched on 09 Sep 24 at CSL, Kochi" said the ministry. The Indian Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft project took a major leap forward with the launch of the fourth and fifth ships, Malpe and Mulki at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). The vessels, part of the Mahe class, are being constructed as part of the eight ASW SWC ships contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and CSL on 30 April 2019. As per the ministry statement, named after strategically important ports along India's coastline, the Mahe class vessels aim to uphold the legacy of their namesake minesweepers. These ASW ships are equipped with state-of-the-art, indigenously developed underwater sensors, designed to perform anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, as well as Low Intensity Maritime and mine-laying operations. They are capable of achieving a top speed of 25 knots, with an endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles. The simultaneous launch of Malpe and Mulki highlights India's progress in indigenous shipbuilding, contributing to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The ministry added that with over 80 per cent indigenous content, the project is expected to boost domestic defence production, create employment, and enhance national manufacturing capabilities. (ANI) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 10: Infra.Market, one of India's leading construction materials companies, has reached a significant milestone, becoming India's largest manufacturer of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks. With nine plants across the country, the company now boasts an annual production capacity of 3 million cubic metres, marking a significant step forward for sustainable construction in India, serving diverse regional markets effectively and reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. AAC blocks, with their growing appeal as a greener alternative, currently represent 7-8% of the conventional brick market. Their increasing adoption reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues in construction and as a member of the Indian Green Building Council, Infra.Market is actively involved in promoting sustainable construction practices. "Our growth in AAC block production is a response to the changing needs of India's construction industry," says Pankaj Phadnis, COO - Walling Solutions, Infra.Market. "We're proud to offer a product that performs well and helps reduce the environmental impact of building projects. This expansion is backed by significant investments in technology and automation and will help meet the growing demand for sustainable building materials across India." He further added, "At the heart of what we do is a deep commitment to producing only Grade 1 AAC blocks that are both strong and reliable. Our tagline, 'Majboot Blocks, Majboot Deewarein,' reflects our promise to deliver products that stand the test of time, offering strength and trust you can depend on." The company aims to significantly enhance its annual production capacity in the coming years. AAC blocks are lightweight yet strong, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly - a combination that is becoming increasingly vital in modern construction. The green building certifications incorporate recycled materials and offer superior insulation properties. Tech advancements ensure consistent quality and efficient production across all nine manufacturing facilities. The company's R&D lab further enhances product performance, focusing on innovation and rigorous quality control. This aligns well with government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which aims to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing solutions. Infra.Market's emergence as the top AAC block manufacturer represents a positive shift in India's construction industry. It indicates a growing preference for materials that balance performance with environmental responsibility. With manufacturing facilities in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Hubli, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Panipat, and Pune, the company is well-positioned to play a vital role in driving sustainable building practices and supporting the construction revolution across the country. About Infra.Market: Founded in 2016 and valued at $2.5 billion, Infra.Market is India's leading construction materials company. Bolstered by strategic investments in companies including RDC Concrete and Shalimar Paints, and equipped with 10,000+ retail touchpoints, 30+ flagship stores, 50+ warehouses, 200+ concrete plants, and 30+ manufacturing units, Infra.Market is integrating technology throughout the construction industry's value chain to enhance operational efficiency. It is the only company to seamlessly supply over 15 different product categories, including Concrete, AAC Blocks, Steel, Pipes & Fittings, MDF, Plywood, Laminates, Tiles, Bath Fittings & Sanitaryware, Fans, Lights, Appliances, Modular Kitchens, Designer Hardware, and Paints. Its distinctive fusion of conventional solutions with an unconventional, disruptive approach provides a comprehensive range of construction material products consolidated under one roof. This integrated approach efficiently caters to the diverse needs of both B2B and B2C in the construction material industry. Website: www.infra.market LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inframarket/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infra.market/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infra.market/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/InfraMarket (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 10: Hettich, a legacy brand celebrated for its pioneering German technology and innovations, has long been the undisputed market leader in luxury furniture fitting solutions in India. Their avant-garde fittings & built-in appliances seamlessly blend exceptional functionality with elegant design, enhancing the aesthetics and utility of modern living spaces. https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500063/Hettich_YoungestMagician.mp4 The brand has recently launched its latest campaign, called 'The Youngest Magician' with the objective to shift both industry and brand perceptions from purely functional considerations to creating an emotional connection that resonates deeply with consumers' love for their homes and decor. Embracing Hettich's global positioning of 'Magical Interior Experiences', the campaign infuses a sense of wonder and enchantment into the brand narrative. The campaign showcases a young boy--a character whose fascination with the home interiors lead him to believe that with Hettich, he can truly be a magician. In a home where every corner holds a touch of wonder, Magic Boy demonstrates how Hettich's innovative furniture fittings and built-in appliances can transform ordinary spaces into places of magic. Jiteen Aggarwal, CMO of Hettich India & SAARC, commented on the campaign, stating, "This campaign brings to life the transformative power of Hettich's innovative fitting solutions and appliances, turning ordinary moments into magical experiences within living spaces. With its stylish imagery and dynamic execution, the campaign aims to elevate the brand's aspirational appeal and showcase its commitment to enhancing lifestyles." This campaign is being amplified through a robust 360 media plan, inviting audiences to see their homes through the eyes of the Magic Boy--a place where every fitting and appliance adds a touch of magic to daily life. To know more, visit - www.hettichmagicalinteriors.com About Hettich Hettich is a 136-year-old family-owned German lifestyle brand, being one of the world's largest manufacturers of Furniture Fittings with a global turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros. In India, Hettich started operations at the dawn of the new millennium and within a short span of time gained an undisputed leadership position in the Indian furniture fittings and hardware industry. Hettich's product portfolio comprises a repertoire of Furniture Fittings & Door Hardware made with cutting-edge German quality complemented by Wire Products, Aluminum Profiles, Shelving Systems, Built-in Appliances and Furniture Lights, thereby providing holistic fitting solutions for all residential and commercial spaces. It is also the recipient of 'Best Brands 2022 & 2023' by the Economic Times and the 'Most Trusted Brands of India 2023 & 2024' by Marksmen Daily recognitions for its unwavering customer trust and strong brand equity. Visit: https://web.hettich.com/en-in/home Media Contact:Samina ZaidiMob: +91-8655706940Email: samina.zaidi@hettich.com Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500063/Hettich_YoungestMagician.mp4Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2499992/Hettich_Magical_Interiors_Solution.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437651/Hettich_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Singapore/ Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 10: InCorp Global, Asia Pacific's leading provider of corporate solutions, proudly announces its recognition as the Winner of 'Sustainability Champion for Asia Pacific' at the prestigious PrimeGlobal Golden Globes Awards held in Hong Kong on 9th September 2024. PrimeGlobal's Golden Globes Awards celebrate excellence in the professional services industry, recognising companies that lead by example in fostering sustainable growth and responsible business practices. InCorp Global emerged as a winner after thorough evaluation of various ESG practice parameters. This accolade is a result of InCorp Global's commitment to sustainable business practices and its approach to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across client engagements and business operations. InCorp Global stood out for its comprehensive sustainability initiatives and the tangible impact they have had across the Asia Pacific region. Wendy Wang, Group CEO of InCorp Global, upon receiving the award, stated, "This award highlights InCorp's leadership as a premier provider of corporate solutions and reinforces our commitment to continuously enhancing our services. We are proud to support more businesses across the region and are excited to lead the way in this transformative journey." Prakhar Gupta, ESG & Sustainability Practice Leader for InCorp, expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, "This recognition reflects our dedication to embedding sustainability into the core of our business strategy. We believe that the future of business lies in sustainable growth, and this award motivates us to continue driving impactful change within our organisation, for our clients and the wider communities we serve." In tandem with this award, InCorp Global's ESG services are designed to assist businesses in navigating the complex landscape of sustainability and achieving their ESG goals. Available across nine markets--Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam--these services encompass ESG strategy development, reporting, compliance, sustainable finance, product lifecycle assessment, and more. "InCorp Global is committed to being a trusted partner for businesses striving to create a sustainable future. Our ESG services provide the necessary tools and expertise for companies across the Asia Pacific region to align their operations with global sustainability standards," added Prakhar. Steve Heathcote, CEO, PrimeGlobal commented, "InCorp Global truly showcased the full breadth of ESG, not only by supporting clients in embedding sustainability into their business models, but also by highlighting the powerful role accountants can play as a force for public good. Judges were particularly impressed with how ESG principles are being advanced, both through InCorp's comprehensive consulting services and strong internal practices - congratulations InCorp, on achieving this prestigious recognition." This achievement and the launch of the ESG services underscore InCorp Global's position as a leader in corporate sustainability, furthering its mission to support businesses in building a more sustainable and resilient future. InCorp is trusted by 150+ corporations across 10+ countries for their Sustainability and ESG Reporting. Its ESG practice covers diverse reporting and rating frameworks such as GRI, TCFD, IFRS, EcoVadis, MSCI, S&P, EU CSRD, and GRESB, among others. From a pre-IPO company to a public listed company, InCorp customises the sustainability report for varying entities, ensuring alignment with global and local reporting and rating standards. About InCorp Global InCorp Global is a leading provider of comprehensive corporate solutions and professional services in the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore, our strong regional presence spans 9 markets, including Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, mainland China, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam. With over 1,500 dedicated professionals, InCorp Global specialises in delivering a wide range of services, including corporate secretarial, accounting and tax, payroll and HR, and compliance solutions. Our client base spans diverse industries and global origins, ranging from startups and SMEs to large multinational corporations. Currently serving over 15,000 companies, we are committed to turning their Vision into Reality through our unwavering dedication to excellence and client success. About PrimeGlobal PrimeGlobal is an award-winning association of independent accounting and business advisory firms comprising over 300 highly successful independent member firms with a combined annual revenue of USD 5.4B. PrimeGlobal's independent member firms house a combined total of more than 3,800 partners and 45,000 employees. With over 1,200 locations in 113 countries, PrimeGlobal is firmly established as the top association worldwide in terms of diverse reach and geographically widespread coverage. Media InquiriesDolly UdeshiInCorp Globaldolly.udeshi@incorpadvisory.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500227/InCorp_Global_Awards.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], September 10: Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. ("Max Life" / "Company") announces a strategic bancassurance partnership with CSB Bank ("CSB"), a premier private sector bank in India. Through this partnership, Max Life and CSB Bank are offering a range of savings, protection, retirement, and group life insurance plans to more than 2.5 million CSB customers. The association enables a smooth integration of Max Life's insurance offerings into CSB Bank's service channels, allowing customers to easily access insurance products alongside their banking services. With a rich heritage spanning over 103 years, CSB Bank stands as one of Kerala's oldest private sector banks. The bank has an extensive network of 801 branches across India, with a strong distribution footprint across southern India. This tactical alliance is designed to harness the combined strengths of Max Life and CSB Bank and aligns with the strategic goals and growth plans of both partners, supporting increased insurance penetration and market expansion. Sumit Madan, Chief Distribution Officer, Max Life, said, "Max Life is deeply committed to expanding its distribution channels, with a focus on addressing the financial protection needs of diverse demographics across India. Our partnership with CSB Bank is a significant step in our mission to bring life insurance to the underserved, ensuring that every Indian has access to the security they deserve. This partnership will allow us to provide our diverse insurance solutions to the bank's customers, empowering them to achieve their aspirations and protect their loved ones at every life stage." Narendra Dixit, Head - Retail Banking, CSB Bank, said, "We are elated to partner with Max Life as we take a step towards providing a diverse range of financial solutions for our customers. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to offer a broader spectrum of insurance products and services, further enriching our customer experience and financial well-being." www.maxlifeinsurance.com Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2023-24, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 29,529 Cr. www.csb.co.in CSB Bank Limited is one of India's oldest private sector banks, established in 1920. The bank's headquarters are in Thrissur, Kerala, and it has over 801 branches and 768 ATMs across India. CSB Bank's offers Retail Banking, NRI Banking, Corporate Banking, Loans, SME Banking and Trade Finance. The Bank is expanding its network, particularly in north and west India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Union Minister of Road Transport Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that India will soon be in a position to export lithium-ion batteries.Speaking at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM's) 64th convention in New Delhi, the Union Minister said," I'm confident that we'll be in a position to export lithium-ion batteries to the different parts of the world. At the same time, the research is going on. The aluminium, ironic oil, and different types of chemistry. I feel that it is also a good thing and there is a huge market for that."Gadkari said with government initiatives and incentives many Indian companies are venturing into lithium-ion battery manufacturing."The good thing is that lithium-ion manufacturing is now Adani, Tata, Maruti, LG, and Samsung. They are all coming in this business. Because...Take the example of semiconductors the government adopted is such a good policy because of that after 2 three years we will be the number one in the manufacturing of the semiconductors in the world," he said.Going further, Gadkari stated that India's EV market is expected to grow to one crore units of annual sales by 2030 and will create five crore jobs. Indian EV market has the potential to become Rs 20 lack crore by 2030.Gadkari asked the industry to focus on quality, better designs, and use the latest technology if they want to compete in the segment and boost exports. Consumers are now conscious of quality.The government is working on establishing a testing agency for better research and testing of vehicle manufacturing. CIIT Training Institute will be established in Pune with a sanctioned cost of Rs 450 crore."Regarding the Testing Agency for Better Research and Development and Development world-class Testing Agency in CIIT Pune we have decided to start a new venture there with international standards and having all types of the facility which are available in the world and my department has sanctioned 450 Cor or that already DPR is in process and next three months we will try to start this project and that is to be very important for the industry where we will get maximum service and maximum to all the industry," he said.The Union Minister requested the automobile industry to support and cooperate with the government for India's scrappage policy.Gadkari asked the industry to promote and come up with better incentives for the scrappage of old vehicles. The vehicle manufacturers of the USA and Europe have increased their sales by 9 to 12 per cent by promoting scrappage policy. He also thanked the industry for the decision to provide a 3 percent discount for vehicle owners for scrapping their vehicles, adding that the cost of components can be reduced by 20-40 per cent due to the move. Gadkari urged the industry to establish their own scrappage centres.In his remarks, Gadkari said, "The automobile industry plays a pivotal role in realizing the Prime Minister's vision of transforming India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy and elevating it to the third largest economy globally. Our ambition is to extend it as the number one auto manufacturing industry worldwide. As we target a carbon-neutral status by 2070, innovation and sustainable practices in the auto sector are crucial." (ANI) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will release the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) on India on September 19, Govt sources tol ANI. Mutual evaluation is done at every 10 year. India become the member of FATF in 2010. FATF is the global watchdog formed in 1989 on money laundering and terrorist financing.India's MER was adopted in June 2024 plenary of FATF which was concluded in June in Singapore. The plenary concluded that India has reached a high level of technical complaince with FATF requirements. In June India joined the UK, France, Italy and other G20 group of countries which have been accorded 'regular follow-up' category by FATF. Performance in mutual evaluation will benefit India in many ways. According to Govt sources It improves the credibility and reputation of India as a financially stable and secure nation, making it more attractive for investment. It increases access to international markets and lowers borrowing costs. It improves cooperation with other countries in areas like countering terrorist financing, assets recovery and law enforcement. A good rating can lead to increased access to international trade by increasing the trust of India's trade finance Instruments.There are 40 recommendations and 11 immediate outcomes. One needs to get higher rating in at least 33 recommendations and 5 immediate outcomes to be placed in regular follow-up. The evaluation and rating are very stringent and hence getting placed in regular follow up is a tall order ask.Currently FATF have total 39 member's. Russia's membership was suspended in February 2023. As of June 2024, the FATF has reviewed 133 countries and jurisdictions and publicly identified 108 of them. Of these, 84 have since made the necessary reforms to address their AML/CFT weaknesses and have been removed from the process. Currently North Korea, Iran and Myanmar are in blacklist of FATF.Countries including Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Mali, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen are in grey list of FATF. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a written address to the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) emphasized the need for the Automobile sector to set an example for others to follow. Modi said the automotive industry will drive even higher economic growth and in turn, thrive on demand growth. At the 64th Annual Convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today, the industry focused on "Sustainable Mobility Journey towards Viksit Bharat" wherein prominent leaders and policymakers discussed the pivotal role of sustainable mobility in achieving Viksit Bharat goals by 2047. In his special message, Prime Minister Modi said, "The road ahead demands that our progress is rapid while also being sustainable. Working on greener and cleaner mobility is a vital step in this direction". Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari who was chief guest at the event highlighted the Government's initiatives and vision for sustainable transportation, stating, "The automobile industry plays a pivotal role in realizing the Prime Minister's vision of transforming India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy and elevating it to the third largest economy globally. Our ambition is to extend it as the number one auto manufacturing industry worldwide. As we target a carbon-neutral status by 2070, innovation and sustainable practices in the auto sector are crucial." H D Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, spoke on the critical importance of industrial growth aligned with sustainability goals. He said, "Enhanced by our Prime Minister's sustainability pledges in Glasgow and robust Make in India initiatives, we are aggressively promoting electric mobility. Government policies are geared to fuel this transition, fostering a conducive environment for industry growth and sustainable development." Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM and Managing Director and CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., highlighted the automobile industry's role in driving sustainable mobility. "The automobile industry is keeping pace and setting the standards for sustainable growth. Contributing 6.8 per cent to the GDP and witnessing an impressive 12.5 per cent growth last year alone, the industry's turnover has soared to Rs 20 lakh crore. As we look towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047', SIAM's commitment to decarbonisation and safety is steadfast. With initiatives like the FAME program fuelling a 90 per cent growth in EVs Passenger Vehicles, along with Ethanol and Gaseous fuels we are steering towards cleaner, greener mobility." Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., emphasized the need for a collective effort to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility. He said, "The government's strong commitment to sustainable mobility and the constant support from the ministries have facilitated the industry's transitioning to sustainable mobility. We are fully aligned with the government's vision of ensuring sustainable, safe, and affordable transport solutions, and achieving net carbon-zero in future." Rajesh Menon, Director General, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was also present during the session. He highlighted SIAM's various initiatives and commitment towards sustainable mobility. (ANI) Reuven Azar, the newly appointed Ambassador of Israel to India, revealed that there is "big news" from Israel is expected soon. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Israeli envoy said, "We expect big news when it comes to semiconductors in the coming days, we have something in the pipeline". Israel has hinted at an impending major announcement in the semiconductor sector, likely from a private Israeli company. While he refused to give specific details, reports suggest that Tower Semiconductor, an Israeli company specialising in manufacturing integrated circuits, is expected to invest billions of dollars in India. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the investment till now. When pressed for more information, Ambassador Azar remarked, "I don't want to put the carriage in front of horses; there are some private sector people that are initiating this, they will be going to announce it, the trend is very clear, we are going to see a lot of movement there and another field we want to promote." India has been working to create a favourable environment for investments in semiconductor manufacturing as part of its broader ambition to become a global leader in the sector. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that India is on the path to becoming a semiconductor hub. In pursuit of this goal, India is actively seeking partnerships with several countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, in various aspects of semiconductor production. Several Indian states--Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha--are vying to attract global semiconductor companies by offering substantial incentives. Some semiconductor facilities are already taking shape in states like Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra. To further bolster these efforts, Uttar Pradesh is set to host the Semicon India event this month, aimed at attracting manufacturers and investors to the state. In addition to potential semiconductor investments, Israel is also seeking to strengthen cooperation with India in the infrastructure sector. Ambassador Azar shared that Israel is planning to invest USD 35 billion in infrastructure projects, including a new metro system in the Tel Aviv area and a new airport. Israel is looking to Indian infrastructure companies to help build these projects. "We have incredible defence cooperation, a new sector we want to introduce is we want to attract Indian infrastructure companies, we are going to invest USD 35 billion in infrastructure projects. We need to build new metro in Tel Aviv area, new airport. India has already built 1000 kilometres of metro, India is third largest country when it comes to metro build up, we need Indian companies and Indian workforce in Israel. What we have agreed with Indian government. We will bring here the relevant decision makers form Israel," said Ambassador Azar. When asked whether Israel would prefer India over China as an investment destination, Ambassador Azar diplomatically responded, "I am a diplomat but it goes without saying that bonds that unite, bring together India and Israel are unique, first we have in common principles of freedom, motivation of accepting the others, many things bond together and we have excellent relationship". He also highlighted the strong personal relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting how this bond has helped strengthen ties between the two nations. "Symbol of excellent relationship between two countries is bond between PM Modi and Netanyahu and partnership it has created years ago when they exchanged visits We are following that lead, we have been benefitting from this relationship a lot and we have natural friendship," he added. (ANI) BusinessWire India Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], September 10: Eternal Hospital Jaipur has reached a milestone with these advanced procedures, demonstrating its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and experienced specialists for high-risk and complex cardiac treatments. Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in Ring: In 2023, a 77-year-old physician from Karnataka, underwent open-heart surgery, including CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) and surgical mitral valve repair with ring placement. However, three months post-surgery, he began experiencing severe breathlessness, even at rest, severely affecting his daily life and sleep. Concerned about the ongoing mitral valve leakage, the patient consulted multiple cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Due to his recent open-heart surgery and additional health conditions such as lung and kidney issues, another open-heart procedure was deemed too risky. Seeking a less invasive solution, he consulted Dr Prashant Dwivedi, Director & Incharge of the TAVR & Structural Heart Disease Program at Eternal Hospital, Jaipur. Dr Dwivedi, a renowned specialist in Structural Heart Disease who has performed three of the seven TMVR in Ring procedures done in India, took on this challenging case. After conducting a Transesophageal Echocardiogram and a CT scan of the heart, Dr Dwivedi determined that the patient was a suitable candidate for TMVR in Ring. Under the leadership of Dr Samin K Sharma (Director - Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Clinical Institute & President, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital NY, USA), Dr Dwivedi successfully performed the Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement without any incisions. The procedure took only one hour, and the patient was shifted to the ICU in an awake condition. Post-Procedure Result The patient's recovery was remarkably quick. He was able to stand and walk within 24 hours of the procedure and was discharged after two days of observation. This case highlights the potential benefits of TMVR in Ring for patients with mitral valve leakage, even in complex cases involving previous open-heart surgery and other health issues. Dr Prashant Dwivedi's expertise and the successful outcome of the procedure offers hope for patients seeking effective and less invasive treatment options, providing the patient with a new lease on life and significantly improving his quality of life. Mitra Clip Procedure for High-Risk 82-Year-Old and 74-Year-Old Female Patients: Sunita (name changed), an 82-year-old patient from Punjab, struggled with debilitating symptoms that made everyday activities challenging. She experienced discomfort even while sleeping and had to rely on 3-4 pillows to manage her symptoms. In another case, Rajni (name changed), a 74-year-old patient from Uttar Pradesh with multiple co-morbidities, including polycystic kidney disease, also faced severe breathlessness that affected her daily routine. Despite consulting multiple cardiologists and CTVS surgeons, both patients were denied valve surgery due to their advanced age and high-risk factors, including repeated hospital admissions for heart failure over the past six months. Determined to find a solution, the families of Sunita and Rajni discovered Eternal Hospital's innovative, non-surgical Mitra Clip procedure. Both patients underwent: - Medical stabilization through IV medication- A Transesophageal Echocardiogram to assess their suitability for the Mitra Clip The evaluation revealed torrential (severe) mitral regurgitation with an enlarged heart chamber, making them ideal candidates for the Mitra Clip treatment. Under the leadership of Dr Samin K Sharma (Chairman - Eternal Hospital), the procedures were performed by expert structural heart team members, Dr Prashant Dwivedi (Director & Incharge Structural Heart Program) and Dr Prem Ratan Degawat (Director - Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Program). Benefits of the Procedure - No surgical incisions or sutures- Immediate recovery- Significant improvement in symptoms post-procedure Post-treatment, both patients experienced significant enhancements in their quality of life: - Ability to sleep comfortably without the need for multiple pillows- Improved mobility, allowing them to walk and perform daily tasks with ease Both patients experienced relief from symptoms, the day after the procedure and were discharged on the third day. The Mitra Clip therapy offers hope for high-risk patients who are turned down for surgery, providing a minimally invasive solution for treating mitral regurgitation. Milestone Achievement Co-Chairperson Manju Sharma and CEO Dr Pracheesh Prakash stated that Eternal Hospital Jaipur has reached a milestone with these advanced procedures, demonstrating its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and experienced specialists for high-risk and complex cardiac treatments. To know more about Structural Heart Disease: https://eternalhospital.in/tavi-campaign/Know more about TAVI at Eternal Hospital: https://drsamincardiology.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The delegation was led by Sakari Puisto, MP, and Chairman of Commerce Committee. The Finance Ministry said in a post on X that both sides appreciated the significance of meeting on the 75th anniversary of India-Finland Diplomatic Relations. "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman interacted with members of the Finnish Parliamentary delegation from the Commerce Committee led by Mr. @SakariPuisto, at New Delhi, today. Both sides appreciated the significance of meeting on the 75th anniversary of India-Finland Diplomatic Relations and deliberated on further strengthening India Finland bilateral partnership through enhanced #trade, #investments and collaboration on climate action," Finance Ministry said. The two sides also discussed the economic policies and initiatives, Digital Public Infrastructure, fiscal policy and tax reforms. India has been actively partnering with the countries in the Nordic region and India's exports to the region have increased significantly in recent years, the official data shows. India and Finland have traditionally enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship. (ANI) BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting held under the Russian Presidency on 9-10 Sept adopted BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Declaration.The Declaration recognised the need for developing: comprehensive strategies for life-long learning, vocational guidance, continuous professional education; modernisation of employment services; ensuring safe working conditions; welfare of the platform workers; and bolstering robust social support mechanisms, as per a press release from the Ministry of Labour & Employment.Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, attended the meeting, the Ministry of Labour & Employment said in a statement. The Ministers/Heads of Delegation of the member countries, viz., Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, participated in the meeting. Ministers/Heads of Delegation of the new members of the BRICS Partnership: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates also attended the meeting. Discussions were held on four priority issues namely, development of a system of vocational guidance, skills training and lifelong professional education for the entire population, platform employment and the challenges of its regulation, ensuring safety and a healthy working environment and social protection for workers, development of social support for the BRICS countries. Secretary elucidated the progressive steps taken by Government of India, highlighting the comprehensive scheme for internship opportunities for India youth, integration of National Career Service (NCS) portal with Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for integration of skilling and employment, role of Sector Skill Councils in training and education of youth and adults in enhancing employability, and e-Shram for access to skills portal by informal sector workers. Indian delegation informed that the Code on Social Security is a significant step forward by the Government of India as it defines 'gig' and 'platform' workers for the first time, and envisages providing social security benefits to them, thereby formalizing these workers by providing them with the much-needed social protection. The Government of India's strategies to mitigate risks associated with occupational hazards and promote a healthier workforce were highlighted. Accidental insurance under ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) was showcased as a pivotal safeguard for the workforce in India, ensuring financial security in the face of unforeseen accidents or injuries on the job, encompassing crucial coverage of medical expenses, disability benefits and compensation in case of fatalities due to workplace accidents, to ensure a secure and dignified livelihood for India's labour force, added the release. On the matter of social security for citizens of BRICS countries, the strengths brought to formal labour force on account of schemes of Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) was highlighted. ESIC provides medical, sickness and other benefits, to its members; while EPFO is one of the world's largest social security funds providing pensionary and provident fund related benefits to labour. EShram with a strong membership of 300 million unorganised sector workers, and India's vision to develop it as a 'one-stop-shop' for access to social security benefits by the informal sector and self employed workers was explained. Besides several important schemes promoting labour welfare, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana to enhance employability through skill development, etc., were highlighted. India's impressive coverage of 347 million under Ayushman Bharat healthcare cards was also showcased as the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme. India's remarkable transformation in its approach to financial inclusion and social welfare, by prioritising access to financial services and providing safety nets for vulnerable populations, whereby Government of India has empowered millions of individuals, thereby fostering an inclusive society, was emphasised. Member states were also urged by India to work together to ensure that universal social protection becomes a reality for the citizens in BRICS countries. One of the significant outcomes of the aforesaid meeting was the adoption of the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers' Declaration. The Declaration recognized the need for developing: comprehensive strategies for life-long learning, vocational guidance, continuous professional education; modernization of employment services; ensuring safe working conditions; welfare of the platform workers and bolstering robust social support mechanisms. (ANI) Actor Ishaan Khatter made his U.S. debut in The Perfect Couple, starring alongside a talented cast, including Nicole Kidman. Speaking with PEOPLE, Khatter shared his excitement about working with such accomplished actors. "One of the things that I thoroughly enjoyed about this show is working with some wonderful people. They're all professionals and they're very generous and kind," Khatter said. Speaking about his first interaction with Kidman, who plays Greer Garrison Winbury in the Netflix murder mystery, Khatter shared, "She was as normal as any other actor on set. We had some very interesting things that we could connect on and chat about outside of the narrative of the show." "She's a wonderful person. She certainly has hypnotizing eyes, which I enjoyed playing off of. It was definitely a very exciting foray into the world of Hollywood, so I feel very grateful. It's going to be one of the pleasures of my young career," he added. Khatter and the rest of the cast filmed the series over four months in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they enjoyed activities like whale watching, wine tasting, and visiting local spots. In The Perfect Couple, Khatter plays Shooter Dival, the best man and childhood friend of the groom, despite the character being originally white in the book by Elin Hilderbrand. Director Susanne Bier made the decision to cast him based on his talent, not ethnicity. "Susanne's vision was very distinct, and I wanted her to be my guiding force," Khatter said. The show, which premiered on September 5, shot to No. 1 on Netflix, and Khatter already has another project lined up with the platform: The Royals, where he will play Prince Charming, as per People. (ANI) Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba in 'The Lion King' opened up on his close bond with James Earl Jones following Jones' death on Monday. He was 93. Jones had voiced Mufasa, Simba's father, in the beloved 1994 animated film and its 1998 sequel, 'The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.' "I'm so lucky to have had a chance to work with James Earl Jones. To have had him play my father, my king! And to get to know him a little bit," Broderick, 62, told PEOPLE. "I'd cross paths with him from time to time over the years and I was always so thrilled to see him." Remembering Jones for his warm and open personality, Broderick said Jones was a open person and happened to be a great listener. "He was so open, with a broad grin, lots of laughter, and genuine curiosity about others," Broderick said. "He was a great listener. Far different from what you might imagine from that austere, kingly, beautiful voice." The actor also praised Jones' incredible career, as he spoke about his role in Fences. "His brilliant, frightening, heartbreaking performance in Fences might be my favorite, but there really are so many great performances in that long, magnificent career it's impossible to choose a favorite. One of the very best of his or any generation. A great American actor," he said. Jim Cummings, who voiced Ed the hyena in The Lion King, also honored Jones by sharing a photo and a clip from their recording sessions on Instagram. Apart from Mufasa, James Earl Jones is also remembered for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars, with Disney CEO Bob Iger calling his roles "some of the greatest characters in cinema history." James Earl Jones passed away this morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93. Jones was known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars Taking to his Instagram account, Mark Hamill shared the news of Jones's death with a caption that read, "One of the world's finest actors whose contributions to Star Wars were immeasurable. He'll be greatly missed. #RIP dad " with a broken heart emoji. James Earl Jones was one of the greatest actors on stage and screen. Jones was among the few to win an EGOT, which means he earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. (ANI) Shilpa was seen walking barefoot to the pandal, dressed in a traditional saree. Raj also joined her barefoot, wearing traditional attire. Shilpa and Raj were also seen carrying a large modak, a sweet offering, to present to Lord Ganesha. The trio looked happy and full of devotion as they made their offering at the pandal. The 'Dhadkan' actor bid adieu to Lord Ganesha during the Ganpati visarjan ceremony on Sunday. She was seen performing aarti along with her husband, Raj Kundra, and their daughter, Samisha. Shilpa was also seen playing the drums and enjoying the festivity. Shilpa and Raj danced joyfully to the beats of the dhol, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Shilpa, her husband and daughter participated in the celebration in traditional twinning outfits. Shamita Shetty also joined them in the celebration. She was seen wearing green-coloured attire. While talking to the media, she said, "We celebrate the festival with a lot of enthusiasm. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all, may Bappa remove all obstacles and give us all prosperity and success." Shilpa Shetty on Saturday welcomed Lord Ganesha into her home to mark the special occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant ten-day festival, started 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. (ANI) The Kering Foundation's Caring for Women dinner returned to New York Fashion Week for its third consecutive year on Monday night, drawing a remarkable assembly of celebrities united in support of organizations combating gender-based violence. Among the distinguished guests was Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra, who made a striking appearance in a sophisticated black gown adorned with lace detailing. PeeCee shared a carousel of pictures on her Instagram handle in which she could be seen posing with Salma Hayek Pinault, Kerry Washington, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore and others. In the caption, she wrote, "A whirlwind trip to spend a very meaningful evening with old friends and new. The #CaringForWomenDinner, on its third year was as incredible as its hosts. Thank you to the most wonderful human, Salma Hayek Pinault and the very charismatic Francois-Henri Pinault for including me." https://www.instagram.com/p/C_vKeI7I2Ho/?img_index=1 "This dinner was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when like-minded people come together for a shared purpose. It was about more than just raising awareness, it was about taking decisive action to end violence against women and create a world where women can live without fear. Congratulations to the beneficiaries. Thank you for the wonderful work you do every day. All proceeds from the dinner will be directed towards deserving organisations. PS: @gayleking I could hear you all day! @violadavis the most moving orator. Thank you for the inspiration queen," she added in the caption. Co-hosted by a constellation of notable figures including Salma Hayek, Francois-Henri Pinault, Camila Alves McConaughey, Matthew McConaughey, Carmelo Anthony, Urs Fischer, Kim Kardashian, Donatella Versace, Naomi Watts, and Billy Crudup, the event was a resounding success, according to People magazine. Priyanka Chopra's ensemble for the evening featured voluminous waves in her hair and a dramatic makeup look with glossy coral lips, complemented by a chunky bracelet and matching chandelier earrings. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to address and combat gender-based violence, with all attendees rallying around this crucial cause, as per People magazine. Recently, Priyanka returned to Los Angeles following a brief trip to India to celebrate her brother's wedding. The actress, who has been busy with her Hollywood endeavors, recently wrapped up filming for her upcoming project, 'The Bluff.' Set in the 19th-century Caribbean, the film, directed by Frank E Flowers, stars Priyanka as a former female pirate fighting to protect her family. Priyanka shared glimpses of her time on set, including moments with her husband, Nick Jonas, and their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. In addition to 'The Bluff,' Priyanka is also slated to appear in 'Heads of State,' where she will star alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday met Central Board of Film Certification Chairman Prasoon Joshi and veteran actor Anupam Kher at his residence. He discussed various topics related to film production and filming in the state and the various facilities being provided by the state government for film production in the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that after the approval of the 2024 Film Policy in the state, the tourist places of the state will get a new identity in the country and the world. Under the new film policy, a grant of two crore rupees is being given for local films. A single window system has been created for filming so that the filmmakers are facilitated. The subsidy is also being given for the shooting of films and OTT. Many other schemes are being worked on by the government to encourage the film industry. He said that efforts are also being made so that our artists can make a national identity in the film world based on their talent. The Chief Minister shared that "from January 2024 till now, more than 150 shooting permissions have been granted in just 8 months through the online permission single window system of Uttarakhand Film Vikas Parishad". He said that a provision has been made in the film policy that the departments under the Uttarakhand government will not charge any fee for film shooting except in the protected forest area of the state. There is also a provision in the film policy to promote the untouched shooting destinations of Uttarakhand. He also noted that "Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024 provides for a subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the expenditure incurred in the state on film production for regional language films or a maximum of Rs 2 crore, and a grant of 30 per cent of the expenditure incurred in the state on film production for Hindi and languages coming in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution or a maximum of Rs 3 crore." Actor Anupam Kher, while appreciating the simple shooting permission process under the single window system by the Uttarakhand Film Vikas Parishad, described the state as a completely film-friendly destination for filmmakers for shooting. He also appreciated the help provided by the local people. He described the new film policy as filmmaker-friendly. He shared that the "film and web series shooting has gained momentum in Uttarakhand for some time now." The actor also took to his Instagram handle to share the picture with the CM Pushkar Singh Dhami. Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote, "Famous actor Mr. @anupampkher visited government residence. On this occasion, discussed detailed about various facilities provided by the state government for filmmaking in the state." Kher added, "The convenience received from the state during the shooting of our film #TanviTheGreat was very important. Thank you very much!" https://www.instagram.com/p/C_u4etOtpuw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== On this occasion, Uttarakhand Film Development Council's CEO and Director General of Information, Banshidhar Tiwari was also present. (ANI) The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) opens in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] During his recent talks with Comorian President Azali Assoumani in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up a Chinese TV series that has resonated deeply in both China and Africa. Known internationally as Minning Town, the series carries the more poetic Chinese title, Shan Hai Qing, which means "Friendship Across the Mountains and the Sea." This title reflects the spirit of cooperation between China's coastal and mountainous regions in their shared battle against poverty. Set in the 1990s, the TV series is based on real-life events in Xihaigu, a remote and impoverished area in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The series depicts the relocation of villagers from the barren mountains to a more hospitable area called Minning, located near the Yellow River, with assistance from east China's Fujian, a wealthier coastal province in eastern China. It is an epic example of China's arduous journey against extreme poverty, and such experiences have significantly shaped its development model and worldview. Having successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty, China has acquired firsthand knowledge of the transformative impact of poverty alleviation on a country's development and long-term stability. This experience has also strengthened China's belief that eradicating poverty is not only a domestic priority but also a global imperative. The show's popularity in Africa highlights the growing cultural exchange and deepening development ties between China and African nations. It is also emblematic of China's experience in poverty alleviation. China's victory in poverty reduction resonates particularly in Africa, where many nations view China's efforts as a source of inspiration in their own quests to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. One example of China's commitment to helping African countries tackle poverty is the transfer of Juncao technology, often referred to as the Chinese hybrid grass technology. Originally developed in China, this innovative technology uses a type of hybrid grass to cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms, while also serving as animal feed and a natural method for controlling soil erosion. In the TV series based on true stories, Juncao technology helps the resettled farmers of Minning Town develop the mushroom industry and get rid of poverty. Juncao technology has been introduced to various African countries, where arable land is limited and food insecurity is prevalent. China's commitment to helping African countries address the thorny issue of poverty extends beyond technology sharing. Through targeted investments, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, China is helping African nations develop the infrastructure, industries, and human resources needed to break the cycle of poverty. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is one of the key channels through which this support flows. By building critical infrastructure such as railways, highways, and energy projects, China is not only improving connectivity across Africa but also creating opportunities for economic growth and employment, helping African countries integrate into global supply chains. China's anti-poverty efforts in Africa are also manifested in education and healthcare initiatives. By investing in schools, vocational training centers, and healthcare facilities, China is working with African nations to build the foundation for long-term human capital development. This focus on education and health not only improves the well-being of the locals but also equips individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to escape poverty. In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Thursday, Xi said that China stands ready to work with Africa to implement 10 partnership action plans in the next three years to jointly advance modernization. These measures are specifically designed to help Africa combat poverty and foster development by focusing on areas such as trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, and agricultural advancement. The plans will also emphasize improving livelihoods, enhancing connectivity, promoting green development, and strengthening health systems, all aimed at lifting communities out of poverty and driving modernization across the continent. As China and Africa move forward together, this enduring friendship stands as a testament to their shared vision: a future where the mountains of poverty are leveled, and the seas of opportunity are navigated hand in hand, leading to a horizon of shared growth and development. Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is in critical condition following emergency heart surgery performed earlier on September 9, Monday. The 72-year-old Weinstein was rushed from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital late last night after experiencing severe chest pain, prompting urgent medical intervention, according to Deadline. Weinstein, who has been incarcerated while awaiting a second trial on sexual assault and other sex crimes, underwent surgery to address his heart condition. However, despite the operation, sources close to the situation revealed to Deadline that Weinstein remains in "very rough shape" and is described as being in "critical condition." This latest health crisis for Weinstein comes as he was scheduled to return to a Manhattan courtroom this week. The troubled producer, whose legal battles have been well-documented since his arrest in May 2018, was slated to appear in court on September 12 before Justice Curtis Faber. The possibility of this hearing proceeding is now in question, depending on Weinstein's recovery, as per Deadline. Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed the surgery but offered no further details on his current status. "According to Craig Rothfeld and Juda Engelmayer, Mr Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital last night due to several medical conditions," Engelmayer stated, adding, "We can confirm that Mr Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today, however, we cannot comment any further than that," as per Deadline. Engelmayer also expressed gratitude to the New York City Department of Correction and Rikers Island for their swift response. The former mogul's health issues have been a recurring theme since his incarceration. Weinstein has faced multiple medical challenges over the past six years, including bouts with COVID-19 and other serious conditions. His health has often deteriorated at pivotal moments in his legal proceedings, raising questions about the timing and impact of his ailments on his court appearances. Weinstein's legal troubles began in late 2017, following a series of exposes by the New York Times that detailed decades of alleged abuse. As per Deadline, convicted in February 2020 on charges of first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison. He is also serving a 16-year sentence in Los Angeles following a separate conviction. In April 2024, a New York appellate court overturned his 2020 verdict, leading to a formal appeal of his Los Angeles conviction in June. With Weinstein's health in such a precarious state, the planned retrial for his East Coast rape case, tentatively scheduled to begin on November 12, remains uncertain, as per Deadline. (ANI) In a sharp critique aimed at both the Congress party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused the Congress of being the "Gangotri" of corruption, while labelling AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal as the current "mastermind" of the corrupt practices. Commenting on the failure of the Congress-AAP alliance, Union Minister Giriraj Singh remarked, "What has to be seen in this. He (Arvind Kejriwal) used to say that he would send Sheila Dikshit to jail but today he is in jail. Congress has become the Gangotri of corruption and Arvind Kejriwal has become the mastermind today". The seat-sharing talks between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for Haryana assembly polls broke down on Monday with the ruling party in Delhi coming out with its first list of 20 candidates. The Congress has already declared 41 candidates in the 90-member assembly.Sushil Gupta, who is Haryana chief of Aam Aadmi Party, said that they waited patiently before releasing their first list.AAP and Congress had fought the Lok Sabha election together in Haryana and Delhi and talks were being held for a seat-sharing for assembly polls in Haryana. While the Congress is learnt to be willing to give 4-5 seats, AAP is learnt to be insisting on at least 10 seats.With three days left for filing nominations, leaders of both Congress and BJP expressed confidence of their victory in the polls. AAP leaders expressed confidence that BJP will be defeated in the polls.Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed confidence of the party's victory. "Congress aa rahi hain, BJP jaa rahi hain Haryana mein (Congress is coming, BJP is going)," he said.Congress, which has come out with three lists so far, has fielded wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana.Congress leader and party's candidate from Uchana Kalan Assembly constituency, Brijendra Singh said the party is in good shape to form government."When it comes to the state politics, Congress is well capable and today we are in a good condition to form a government with a huge majority but if you see it on a national political perspective, if there needs to be any seat sharing or compromise that has to be done as part of INDIA alliance, central leadership will take a call on that," Singh said earlier in the day. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy ordered the officials to hasten the process for the development of greenfield 'pharma city' in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The Chief Minister held a lengthy meeting with state IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and the top officials on the development of Pharma City at the Secretary on Monday, stated an official release by the Chief Minister's office. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Special Chief Secretary to Industries Department Jayesh Ranjan, TGIIC MD Vishnuvardhan Reddy, Adviser to CM Vem Narender Reddy, Adviser to Government (Infrastructure) Srinivasaraju, Principal Secretary to CM Seshadri, Special Secretary to CM Ajith Reddy, Ranga Reddy District Collector Shashank participated in the meeting. CM Revanth Reddy instructed the officials to develop the pharma city in the already selected Mucharla area in the limits of Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar districts. The CM emphasized the use of the available advanced technology in the world in the development of the pharma city, the release said. The authorities have been asked to take all necessary measures for the development of a pollution-free pharma city and ensure the people living in the surrounding habitations will not face any inconvenience. The CM instructed the officials to develop infrastructure facilities, mainly the construction of roads, supply of a safe drinking water network, electricity, drainage and other required basic facilities in the proposed pharma city at the earliest. The CM asked the officials to conduct an assessment on the requirement of development infrastructure to meet the future needs and suggested them to envisage plans for taking up the works at the brisk pace. CM Revanth Reddy said that well-known pharma companies have already come forward to invest in the pharma city and the government will hold a meeting with the prospective companies soon. The Chief Minister directed the officials to promote the pharma city as a single stop for the establishment of drug manufacturing companies, biotech and life sciences companies. The pharma city will also be a hub of antibiotics, fermentation products, synthetic drugs, chemicals, vitamins, vaccines, drug formulations, nutraceuticals, herbal medicinal products, specialty chemicals, cosmetics and other related product manufacturing companies. The pharma city will also give priority to Research and Development ( R and D) and a special University will be established for research, training and skills. The CM also suggested that special courses should be introduced in the healthcare and pharma sectors to provide more employment opportunities. The Chief also instructed the officials to encourage the people and farmers , who lost their lands in the land acquisition, as stakeholders in the pharma city and required plans should be prepared in this direction. (ANI) This gang was involved in defrauding Bajaj Electronics, of approximately Rs 4.00 crores. The police seized Rs 1.72 lakhs in cash and electronic goods worth Rs 50 lakhs, police said in a press release. Several fraud and cheating cases were reported in various police stations under the Cyberabad, Hyderabad, and Rachakonda Commissionerate's, as well as in other metropolitan cities across Telangana State, and totalling losses exceeding Rs 4.00 crores. Upon receiving information from Bajaj Electronics, the Shamshabad CCS Police and KPHB Police, Madhapur and Narsingi police started an investigation. They discovered that individuals from Rajasthan had visited showrooms and purchased expensive electronics. According to the police, the gang's method involved sharing the showroom's UPI scanner with an accomplice in Rajasthan, who would transfer the money to the showroom. After taking delivery of the goods, the accomplice would file a chargeback complaint with the bank, causing the transaction to reverse and the money to return to the gang's account. The gang, comprising more than 13 members aged 20-25 years from Rajasthan, operated in groups. Some members stayed in Hyderabad, while their associates remained in Rajasthan. Members in Hyderabad would visit Bajaj Electronics showrooms to purchase high-value electronic items and send the showroom's QR code to their associates in Rajasthan, who would transfer the money through UPI. After receiving the items, they would sell them and split the profits. (ANI) AIIMS New Delhi is set to open a new Collaborative Team-Based "Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC)" at the New RAK OPD as part of the comprehensive "TOBACCO FREE AIIMS", according to a press release. The dedicated Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) will be opened on September 10, 2024. According to the press release, this initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) and the Department of Pulmonary, Critical, and Sleep Medicine, aimed at addressing the significant public health challenge posed by tobacco use in India. Prof. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi, highlighted that the TCC is a crucial step in creating a healthier environment as part of the "Tobacco-Free AIIMS" initiative. The clinic will support individuals struggling with tobacco addiction. According to an official notification by Dr. Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS, Delhi, the 'Tobacco Cessation Clinic' will be made operational in Rooms 519 and 526 in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine in the A-Wing of the 5th floor of the New RAK OPD from September 10 and on every Tuesday morning thereafter. Registration for the same shall begin at 08:30 AM in the ground floor of A-Wing of New RAK OPD Building AIIMS Delhi. Both walk-in and referred patients shall be able to enroll in the clinic through registration. Dr. Anju Dhawan, Prof.& Chief, NDDTCAIIMS, Delhi, stated that the establishment of tobacco cessation services is a key objective of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) and is in line with Article 14 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The new Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) at AIIMS New Delhi is designed to meet this need, offering comprehensive services that include pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and relapse prevention strategies. Additionally, the new TCC will provide an ideal platform to educate, orient, and sensitize medical and nursing students at AIIMS, New Delhi. Dr. Anant Mohan, Professor &Head , Department of Pulmonary, Critical, and Sleep Medicine, AIIMS Delhi stated that tobacco use remains a leading cause of respiratory diseases such as COPD and lung cancer, with many patients struggling to quit despite serious diagnoses. The clinic will raise public awareness and provide essential medical and psychological support. Dr. Prabhoo Dayal, Professor & Additional Medical Superintendent, NDDTC, AIIMS Delhi, added that Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death globally, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, with more than 1.3 million lives lost in India each year. As the third-largest producer and second-largest consumer of tobacco, India faces a major public health crisis. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (GATS-2), 28.6% of Indian adults aged 15 and above currently use tobacco in some form. Notably, 55.4% of smokers and 49.7% of smokeless tobacco users are interested in quitting, and 92.4% of all adults recognize the severe health risks associated with smoking. While more than half of adult tobacco users express a desire to quit, many find it difficult to do so without professional support. Healthcare providers, as the first point of contact for many tobacco users, are uniquely positioned to offer the necessary motivation and assistance to help patients overcome their dependence. This multidisciplinary clinic will bring together specialists in addiction psychiatry, pulmonary medicine, alongside trained counsellors, nurses, and support staff to provide a holistic approach to tobacco cessation. In addition to individual consultations, the clinic will offer group sessions and distribute educational materials such as booklets, brochures, and handouts. Digital tools, including text messaging, will further support patients in their journey to quit tobacco. (ANI) In a significant development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who is currently on his official visit to the United States, said that the State government has secured another major investment that will accelerate Tamil Nadu's industrial progress. Stalin said that the state government has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Autodesk to skill youth and boost MSMEs and startups in the State. The Tamil Nadu government has also secured a significant investment of Rs 2000 crore at the Tiruchirapalli which will create around 5000 jobs in the district. This investment by Jabil will create a new cluster for electronics manufacturing in the district. Rockwell Automation, a company in the industrial automation sector will expand its manufacturing with a Rs 666 crore investment in Kanchipuram which will bring around 365 jobs. This meeting of CM Stalin will overall bring an investment of around Rs 2666 crore and flourish employment with the creation of around 5365 jobs in the state. Taking it to a social media post on X, CM Stalin wrote, "Key investments secured for Tamil Nadu's industrial progress! A significant investment of Rs2000 crores at Tiruchirapalli by Jabil, a global leader in EMS. This will create 5000 jobs and create a new cluster for electronics manufacturing. Rockwell Automation expanding its manufacturing with a Rs666 crore investment in Kanchipuram, adding 365 jobs. MoU with Autodesk to skill youth and boost MSMEs and startups, strengthening our overall industrial ecosystem." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1833317787030458492 Stalin is currently on an official visit to the United States to secure support and investments aimed at boosting the prosperity of Tamil Nadu. On September 7, Stalin held a fruitful discussion with the officials of 'BNY Mellon' regarding the potential investment opportunities in AI (Artificial Intelligence). BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that provides investment management and services to help individuals and institutions invest, conduct business, and transact in markets. Earlier on September 6, Stalin said that the state has secured MOUs (memorandum of understanding), worth Rs 850 crores with US-based companies Lincoln Electric, Vishay Precision, and Visteon. Tamil Nadu also secured a Rs 2000 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trilliant to establish a manufacturing unit as well as create their Development and Global Support Centre in the state. Stalin signed MOUs with Eaton, a multinational power management company, for Rs 200 crore R&D and engineering centre expansion in Chennai. On August 31, 2024, an agreement was signed with Ohmium for the establishment of a new factory in the Chengalpattu district for producing electrolysers and green hydrogen, with an investment of Rs 400 crores and creating 500 job opportunities. Stalin said that the deal marked an important step in nurturing the ecosystem for green energy production and fuelling a sustainable future. On August 30, 2024, meetings were held with senior officials from Apple, Google, and Microsoft to invite them to invest in Tamil Nadu, and an MoU was signed with Google to set up artificial intelligence (AI) labs in Tamil Nadu. During the Tamil Nadu CM's US visit, on August 29, 2024, at an investors' conference held in San Francisco, MoUs were signed with six leading global companies--Nokia, PayPal, Yield Engineering Services, Microchip, Infinx Healthcare, and Applied Materials--for an investment of Rs 900 crores to create 4,100 job opportunities. (ANI) Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shatrughan Sinha on Tuesday condemned the Kolkata rape and murder as a heinous and unforgivable crime, calling it a matter of shame for the entire society. He also hoped that no family should ever has to endure such a tragedy. "The incident that occurred is a heinous crime, a matter of shame for the entire society. Such an incident is unforgivable... Our prayers are with the victim's family, and we hope that no family ever has to go through such a tragedy. Now that the matter is in the Supreme Court and the CBI is investigating, is there anything more we should say about this incident? I don't think so," Sinha told ANI. The brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked widespread protests in West Bengal and across the country. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. On September 9, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a fresh status report by next week in connection with the murder and rape case. The incident has also sparked a war of words between the BJP and the state government, with the BJP demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. On September 9, the mother of the deceased trainee doctor accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering financial compensation. "The Chief Minister is lying. My daughter will not return. Would I lie in her name? The Chief Minister told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in our daughter's memory. I responded that I would come to her office to collect the money once my daughter gets justice," the victim's mother told ANI. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the G Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been arrested in connection with the incident. On September 2, the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, along with three others, over alleged corruption and financial misconduct at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been remanded to 8-day police custody. The next hearing of the case will be on September 10. On September 3, amid protests over the Kolkata rape and murder case, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024'. The Bill introduces the death penalty or life-long imprisonment for rape by amending the relevant sections in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the new penal code. On September 6, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose referred the Aparajita Bill to President Droupadi Murmu for consideration. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered case No. RC36/2020/NIA/DLI dated September 22, 2020 related to seizure of smuggled gold bars at Jaipur International Airport, Rajasthan, India, on July 3, 2020. During the investigation, it was found that subject Muniyad Ali Khan had allegedly conspired in the illegal smuggling of gold bars from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, into India along with co-accused persons. He, along with co-accused had provided gold bars to be smuggled from Riyadh to Jaipur, India, and has been involved in international Gold smuggling from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Jaipur, India. The subject was charge-sheeted by NIA on March 22, 2021. before NIA Special Court, Jaipur. He is wanted for criminal conspiracy for offences under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. CBI on request of NIA had got Red Notice issued against the subject from INTERPOL on 13-09-2021 and which was circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking of the wanted criminal. The subject was geolocated in the UAE. He was returned to India on September 10, 2024 and from Jaipur Airport, a team from NIA has taken over the subject. CBI as National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India coordinates closely with all law enforcement agencies in India for cooperation over INTERPOL channels. (ANI) Reacting to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's remarks on "Sikhs," the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday challenged the Congress leader to repeat in India what he said about the Sikhs in Virginia and said that then they will file a case against the LoP and drag him to the court. BJP leader RP Singh on Tuesday slammed Rahul Gandhi and said that 3000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi and this happened when Congress was in power. "3000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi; their turbans were taken off, their hair was chopped off and beard was shaved...He (Rahul Gandhi) doesn't say that this happened when they (Congress) were in power...I challenge Rahul Gandhi to repeat in India what he is saying about Sikhs, and then I will file a case against him and will drag him to court," RP Singh said. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reminded Rahul Gandhi of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Leader of Opposition, he never tried to malign the image of the country. "Rahul Gandhi is the LoP and the position of LoP is a responsible position. I want to remind Rahul Gandhi that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the LoP, in a foreign land, he never tried to malign the image of the country...Due to being defeated consecutively for the third time, anti-BJP, anti-RSS and anti-Modi sentiments have taken root in his mind...He is constantly trying to malign the image of the country. Maligning the image of the country is equivalent to treason...Who attacked the Constitution? Who imposed the emergency? He goes on a Bharat Jodo Yatra but he is unable to unite neither with India nor with the people of India," Chouhan said. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal reacted to Rahul Gandhi's statement and said that the people who are involved in corruption, scams and misusing the resources of the country get scared. "Who gets scared? Only those who are involved in corruption, scams and misusing the resources of the country get scared; they should get scared. But there is not even one person in the country who can say that he is scared of PM Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi is saying this because PM Modi's popularity is rising among the people. Rahul Gandhi can't stand this. That is why, he is building the narrative of an atmosphere of fear. This is wrong and misleading. A LoP should not make such irresponsible statements on a foreign land," Khandelwal said. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, the Congress party, is scared that their propaganda of lies stands exposed. "Today, if there is fear anywhere, it is within the Congress party. When a woman in Congress talks about casting a couch, she is suspended by the party. All Congress workers are fearful today because its high command is only protecting rapists or standing with a rape-accused alliance. Today, the Congress party is scared that their propaganda of lies stands exposed. People elected PM Modi-led BJP in 2014, 2019 and Modi-led NDA in 2024," Bhandari said. "Rahul Gandhi is a double-digit party, they only pit people against each other. He enjoys it when India is harmed, therefore, he goes out and bats for China and lies about India. Today, the opposition is not constructive, it can even harm India for its political benefit. People are fearful of such an opposition. They are alert that they (the opposition) can float any conspiracy against the country," he added. Meanwhile, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha supported Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on "unemployment" made during his visit to the US and said that the people of the BJP always have problems with him. "I can present my general opinion and want to say that whether Rahul Gandhi says anything or does Bharat Jodo Yatra, the people of the BJP always have problems with that. I am not the spokesperson of Rahul Gandhi but as a general observer, I can say that whatever Rahul Gandhi has said is right," Sinha said. Earlier on Monday in Virginia, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said that fight is about whether a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and would be able to visit a Gurdwara. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. Fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether...he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," he said. Further, he continued his tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the "fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" among people had vanished after Lok Sabha elections 2024 results were declared. "Something has changed after the elections. PM Modi tried to create an environment of fear. Various agencies, media, income tax department tried to spread fear, even among small and medium-sized businesses. But, nothing worked. The fear vanished in one second. The spread of fear took years and consumed a lot of money, but it vanished. You can see it in parliament right upfront... And I can tell you that the idea of PM Modi, 56 inch chest, direct connection with God. That's all gone. It's history now. He, his partners in government and India, the three or four senior ministers in his government realise it." he said. Rahul Gandhi who is on a visit to the US, arrived in Dallas on Sunday. He interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas and Virginia. (ANI) Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday said that proper action should be taken against the culprits after a speeding luxury car owned by the Maharashtra BJP chief's son allegedly hit several vehicles in Nagpur's Ramdaspeth area. On Monday, a speeding luxury car owned by Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party chief's son Sanket Bawankule allegedly hit several vehicles in Nagpur's Ramdaspeth area. "By God's grace, no one was injured and no casualties were reported in the accident. But several vehicles was damaged. I have said this yesterday also: whether the car is in the name of my son or a criminal, proper action should be taken against them. The police have given me the primary information. Justice should be equal to all," Bawankule told ANI. The Sitabuldi police have registered a case of rash driving against Arjun Haware, the driver of the car, and Ronit Chintanwar, who was sitting next to him. "The car that caused the accident is registered in the name of Sanket Bawankule, son of BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule," the police said. Earlier, speaking to reporters about the incident, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule admitted the Audi was registered in the name of his son. "That car is in the name of my son. The police should conduct a fair and complete investigation of this accident; no one should be judged differently. Those who are guilty should be charged and action should be taken against them. Justice should be equal to all, whether one is related to politics or anyone else. The law must be equal for all," the BJP leader said. The Sitabuldi police station is investigating the matter. In a post on X, the Maharashtra Congress posted the purported video of the incident and alleged that after the incident, the entire home department went to work to save and hide the boy. "In Nagpur, the son of a senior BJP leader hit four to five cars in the middle of the night in a drunken state, after which the entire home department went to work to save and hide the boy. So is law and order only to torture the common people?," the Maharashtra Congress posted on X with a purported video of the incident. (ANI) Flash The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Association of Thai Travel Agents led 60 local tourism enterprises to promote what the country has to offer at a road show in Beijing on Tuesday. The event showcased new products and services from Thai travel agencies, scenic spots and transport providers to boost bilateral tourism. More than 500 people, including Chinese travel players, joined the event. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has rolled out special travel experiences, especially those in less beaten tracks to stimulate Chinese travelers' interest. The Association of Thai Travel Agents has helped industrial players find business cooperation opportunities in China and promote premium tour products and services during the road show. From Jan 1 to Aug 17, more than 4.53 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, solidifying China's position as Thailand's largest tourist market. This trend is supported by multiple factors such as the bilateral visa-free policy and stable demand for travel, according to the Thai authorities. In 2025, China and Thailand will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing a series of events to mark this important occasion, such as the China-Thailand friendship Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept 17 and the Nihao Month (China-Thailand friendship month), which will run throughout October this year. Thai authorities believe those efforts will help materialize the goal of receiving 7.3 million Chinese travelers in 2024. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Praveen Khandelwal on Tuesday criticised the INDIA alliance parties for their silence on the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital incident. "In this matter, not only Mamata Banerjee but also the INDI Alliance is entirely responsible, as no party has yet spoken a single word in support of the victim," he said. Khandelwal also accused Chief Minister Banerjee of being unconcerned about the people and only wanting to further her political interests. "There was vandalism in the hospital. Why werent those responsible for the vandalism arrested? Were there no CCTV cameras in the hospital? Couldn't the culprits be identified through these cameras? It seems that Mamata Banerjee is not concerned about the people; she only wants to further her political interests," he told ANI. He further targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying that doctors in Kolkata are protesting as CM Banerjee has proved to be a failure in the Kolkata rape and murder incident. "Doctors are on strike because Mamata Banerjee has proven to be a failure in this entire matter and has not been able to take any effective steps," he said. Khandelwal also accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing in handling the Kolkata rape murder case and accused her of lying to conceal her failure. "In the RG Kar case, the whole country knows that Mamata Banerjee has completely failed and, in order to cover her failure, she keeps on lying... victim's mother, statement will be considered true because she is the mother of the victim...Compensation may be necessary for livelihood... However, in India, a mother cannot compromise on her daughter's demand for justice," he told ANI. His remarks follow allegations from the victim's mother, who on Monday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering financial compensation. "The Chief Minister is lying. My daughter will not return. Would I lie in her name? The Chief Minister told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in our daughter's memory. I responded that I would come to her office to collect the money once my daughter gets justice," the victim's mother told ANI. CM Mamata Banerjee has denied offering any money to the family of the deceased trainee doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata. "I have never offered money to the deceased doctor's family. This is nothing but slander. I only told the deceased doctor's parents that if they wished to do something in their daughter's memory, our government would support them," she said. The brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked widespread protests in West Bengal and across the country. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. On September 9, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a fresh status report by next week in connection with the murder and rape case. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the G Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been arrested in connection with the incident. (ANI) The Trinamool Congress Party on Tuesday renewed its call for doctors to return to work and pointed out that the human cost of doctors abstaining from their duty is mounting. The party also questioned how many more lives must be lost before the medical fraternity fulfils its duty. In a post on X, TMC said, "One tragedy after another - the human cost of doctors abstaining from their duty is mounting. This time, a man from Haripal, Hooghly, lost his life after being denied the treatment he desperately needed. We have always acknowledged the concerns behind the protests, but how many more lives must be lost before the medical fraternity rises to the occasion and fulfills its duty?" https://x.com/AITCofficial/status/1833372330791206919 People and doctors have been protesting the brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9th. On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged doctors to return to work. During an administrative review meeting at Nabanna Sabhaghar on Monday, Banerjee stated, "The Supreme Court has requested doctors to resume work immediately. I also request that they return to duty, and if they wish to meet me, they are always welcome." On Monday, the Supreme Court reminded that no action should be taken against doctors once they return to work by September 10, 5 pm, while hearing the case related to the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. However, the court noted that if they fail to do so, the court will not be able to restrain the state government, and further absence from work might lead to disciplinary action against them. On September 9, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a fresh status report by next week in connection with the murder and rape case. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the G Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been arrested in connection with the incident. (ANI) Punjab Police with the help of Mumbai Police arrested six shooters from Aurangabad in Maharashtra and solved the sensational Ferozepur triple murder case. The accused have been identified as Daljeet Singh, Ravinder Singh alias Ravi (having eight pending criminal cases), Ravjeer Singh, Sukhchain Singh, Akshay (having one pending criminal case), Prince and Gurpreet Singh (both having five pending criminal cases), Ferozepur Senior Superintendant of Police (SSP) said. Speaking to ANI, Somya Mishra, SSP, Ferozepur said, "On September 3 in the Kamboj Nagar area of Ferozepur, six unknown assailants opened fire targeting a man Dildeep while he was travelling in a car. In that car, four more people were present- his sister, cousin brother and two friends. Three people- Dildeep, his sister and one of his friends died in the firing while the remaining two got seriously injured and are still undergoing treatment." "After that, on the orders of the DGP Punjab Police, our different teams of counter-intelligence, AGTF and Ferozepur police came in action with human resources, technical input and CCTV footage. After that, all the teams with different sources and coordinated efforts identified the assailants," SSP Ferozepur said. The Punjab Police, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and counter-intelligence team with the help of Mumbai Police arrested seven accused involved from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Aurangabad said the senior police official. According to the police, both the parties involved in the Ferozepur triple murder case had rivalry for some time. Providing details, SSP Ferozepur said, "Initially, we arrested one person who used to do recce for other accused, was arrested on September 6. He has been identified as Daljeet Singh, a resident of Ferozepur. Our AGTF with the help of Mumbai Police and central agencies, detained them at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) and later arrested all the assailants from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. A total of seven arrests have been made in this case." "We are thankful to the Mumbai Police for taking prompt action on the inputs of Punjab Police and the AGTF team and supporting us. There was a rivalry going on between them for some time. The victim in the case has also earlier records of crime in murder cases of 2013 and 2019. There was enmity between them for some time and in fact, there was a fight between them in May whose case is registered, so, they (arrested accused) committed this murder crime on that enmity," the senior police official said. The Ferozepur triple murder case involved a violent attack that occurred on the afternoon of September 3. According to the police, the accused fired around 36 bullets at their targets as the victims'' car approached Gurdwara Sri Akalgarh Sahib in the city. 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 get married soon. 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) As RJD is all set to start their 'Yatra' from today, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday took a jibe at it and said that the Lalu Yadav family should first tell the public about the sins they have committed. Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary says, "Whatever yatra the family of Lalu Yadav takes out, first they should tell the public about the sins they have committed." Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav earlier said that his state tour starting on September 10 is focused on dialogue with party workers. "The current yatra will focus on dialogue with party workers," the former Bihar deputy Chief Minister said. He further stated that he will meet the public of Bihar in November-December this year, but reflected scepticism about whether that will be through a public meeting or a Padyatra. "We will go to every district of Bihar, first there will be dialogue with the workers; after that, in November-December, we will go on a yatra with the public of Bihar, whether it is a public meeting or a padayatra, but it will happen in November-December," the RJD leader said. Earlier, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor criticised Yadav's state tour starting on September 10, challenging him to connect with constituents on foot rather than relying on a convoy of vehicles and staged photo opportunities. He dismissed Yadav's promises of government jobs as deceptive, citing the existing 23 lakh government employees in Bihar, which only account for 1.97 per cent of the population. He argued that even if Yadav delivered on his promises, 98 per cent of people would still be unaffected. Earlier on Tuesday, after BJP leader Munna Sharma was shot dead by unidentified criminals in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav took a jibe at the state government and said that crime is flourishing in Bihar under their protection. Yadav further alleged that criminals are shooting anyone, whenever and wherever they want and NDA leaders are unaware of the increasing crime in the state.Former deputy CM Yadav further slammed the state's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by calling him "busy" and "exhausted" and accused him of being unable to manage the state. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee terming her as the most dangerous politician who wants to stay in power even by selling out the country. He also criticised Mamata Banerjee over the murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, stating that she has no emotions and no sensitivity towards women. "Mamata Banerjee is the most dangerous politician today who wants to stay in power even by selling out the country... She has no emotions, she has no sensitivity towards women," the Union Minister said. The brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked widespread protests in West Bengal and across the country. The doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The incident has also sparked a war of words between the BJP and the state government, with the BJP demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a fresh status report by next week in connection with the murder and rape case. On the same day, the mother of the deceased trainee doctor accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering financial compensation. "The Chief Minister is lying. My daughter will not return. Would I lie in her name? The Chief Minister told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in our daughter's memory. I responded that I would come to her office to collect the money once my daughter gets justice," the victim's mother told ANI. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the G Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been arrested in connection with the incident. On September 2, the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, along with three others, over alleged corruption and financial misconduct at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been remanded to 8-day police custody. The next hearing of the case will be on September 10. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Forest Minister Arun Kumar Saxena on Tuesday said that the Forest Department has captured 5 out of 6 wolves in Bahraich and is working hard to capture the remaining one. He also said that the Forest Department is educating and telling people about safety in the face of a wild animal attack. "I would consider this a good success for the Forest Department. Photos of 6 wolves were being seen, 4 of them were caught earlier and we are happy that 1 more was caught today. We are also educating and telling people about safety in the face of a wild animal attack...We are making all efforts to capture the wolf that remains," Saxena told ANI. On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Forest Department captured the fifth 'killer' wolf, while one remains elusive. The wolves had been behind several attacks on villagers in Bahraich. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department took the Wolf to a rescue shelter after capturing it. "We have caught the fifth wolf...One is left; we will catch that wolf also soon...We are trying our best every day to catch the left wolf," Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ajeet Pratap Singh told ANI. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ajeet Pratap Singh told ANI that the captured wolf is a female and added that the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department operation has not concluded yet and a search operation is underway to capture the remaining 'killer' wolf. "The entire operation had been ongoing since yesterday, but the operation to capture (the wolf) started around 5:30-6 am and completed around 6:15-6:30 am...This was the first operation in which drone was not used to capture the wolf, but it was being operated to find out the next location (of the wolf) in case it escaped. It used to run away upon spotting the drone, so we did not use it...One more wolf remains (to be caught), we even spotted it...We are alert. We will heighten vigilance in the village...Our operation has not concluded, we will get to work now and perhaps we will have the second success today itself. This one is a female, the one that escaped is a male," Singh told ANI. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department had initiated "Operation Bhediya" to apprehend a pack of wolves responsible for recent attacks in 25-30 villages under Mahsi tehsil in the Bahraich range of Bahraich Forest Division. Earlier, the Forest Department in Bahraich had installed snap cameras at most of the probable habitats of wolves in the area to monitor any movement by them, which would also help the forest department to learn about the movement of the wolves to catch them. The forest department has installed these snap cameras to capture the images of the wolves. three-snap cameras have also been installed in Sikandarpur village around six caves, which local villagers claim to be the habitat of the wolves. Nine people have been killed and more than 40 people have been injured until now due to the attacks by the man-eater wolves in various villages of Bahraich. (ANI) Hyderabad police nabbed a Nigerian who was overstaying in India and indulging in alleged illegal activities. According to police, the foreigner namely Ikeji Innocent Nduka is a native of Nigeria. In the year 2009 he came to Mumbai, India on Tourist Visa. Initially he used to do scarf business, where he used to purchase the same from Surat, Gujarat State for a period of one year. He then moved to Tiruppur, Tamilnadu State and sold T shirts for a period of 4 years. In the year 2014 he left Tamilnadu and moved to Bangalore. In the month of May 2024 he came to Hyderabad to start the illegal activities but he was apprehended in the limits of Panjagutta. On enquiry, it is revealed that, the said foreigner is staying in India even after the expiry of his valid Passport & Visa and involving in illegal activities. Further it is also revealed that, he is hiding his actual identity by creating fake and fabricated identity to survive in India on the fake name to avoid any legal issues and to fly back to his country as and when required without any hurdles. A Movement Restriction Order was obtained from the FRRO Hyderabad to deport him to his country and he was kept in the Detention Centre, Hyderabad. Further, the Emergency Travel document was also obtained from the Nigerian High Commission, New Delhi to facilitate and allow him to travel back to his country. Then the police obtained exit permit from the FRRO Hyderabad to deport the foreigner to Nigeria. He was deported to Nigeria on September 7. Meanwhile, Hyderabad police said that in recent times, some foreigner's coming to India from various countries on Medical Visa, Student Visa and Business Visa etc were staying on in the country even after the expiry of the passport and visa. Some of them were also indulging in illegal activities like the transporting, supplying and selling the various types of drugs. Hyderabad Police further advised parents to keep a watch on the activities of their children to ensure they do not fall prey to drugs. (ANI) In a significant development, National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) which is overseeing the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, on Tuesday said that the installation of noise barriers work along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor is underway. These noise barriers are installed to mitigate the noise that will be generated by the train and civil structure during operations. As of September 10, the noise barriers have been installed over a stretch of 87.5 km with more than 1,75,000 noise barriers have been installed in Gujarat, said a press release from NHSRCL. According to the NHRSCL, for a stretch of 1 km, around 2000 noise barriers are installed on either side of the viaduct while three precast factories for manufacturing of noise barriers have been established in Surat, Anand and Ahmedabad. The press release said, "For a stretch of 1 km, 2000 number of noise barriers are installed on either side of the viaduct. Three precast factories for this modular element have been established in Surat, Anand and Ahmedabad for the manufacturing of noise barriers." The noise barriers are concrete panels of 2 metre height from the rail level and 1 metre wide. Each noise barrier weighs around 830-840 kg. They will reflect and distribute the aerodynamic sound generated by the train and the sound which will be generated by the lower part of the train, primarily by the wheels running on the tracks, said NHRSCL. The release added, "These are designed in such a way that they will not obstruct the view for the passengers enjoying the train ride. The viaduct passing through the residential and urban areas will have higher/taller noise barriers of 3 metre. In addition to the 2 metre concrete panel, the additional 1 metre noise barrier will be of 'Polycarbonate' and translucent in nature." Earlier on July 31, Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronic and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question that the entire land -- 1389.5 hectare has been acquired for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The reply reads, "Till now, 350 km of Pier Foundation, 316 km of Pier Construction, 221 km of Girder Casting and 190 km of Girder Launching have been completed. The work of the undersea tunnel approximately 21 Km has also started." (ANI) Recalling his experiences of visiting Jammu and Kashmir while he was the Home Minister of India, Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde said that he used to feel scared but wasn't able to tell anyone about it. During the launch of his memoir "Five Decades of Politics" on Monday at the India International Centre in Delhi, Shinde said that when he used to visit Kashmir's Lal Chowk and Dal Lake in Srinagar as the Home Minister, he used to get scared and was unable to share all this with anyone despite getting good publicity for his visits. Shinde stated that he used to visit those places on the advice of educationalist Vijay Dhar, who was also his advisor. Shinde stated that this advice had sent a good message and used to get him good publicity and people thought that there was a Home Minister who visited the place without any fear but in reality, he used to get scared. "Before I became the Home Minister, I visited him (educationist Vijay Dhar). I used to ask him for advice. He advised me to not roam around but to visit Lal Chowk (in Srinagar), meet people and go around Dal Lake. That advice gave me publicity and people thought that here is a Home Minister who goes there without any fear, lekin meri fat'ti thi wo kisko bataoon? (But who do I tell that I was scared?) I told you this just to make you laugh, but an ex-policeman can't speak like this," he said. Shinde's remarks come in the middle of the election season in JK. The BJP has been reiterating that the withdrawal of Article 370 has resulted in the return of peace to the region. Earlier on September 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched an attack on the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, Shah said that there were 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 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," he said. (ANI) The Kerala High Court on Tuesday strongly criticised the state government over its inaction over the Hema Committee report. The Court sought to know why the State did not take any action after the disclosures made in the Hema Committee report. The court has directed the State to handover the sealed report to Special Investigative Team (SIT). "You have done nothing in four years except sit on the Hema Committee report," stated the Court. The High Court also asked the government what is being done to address the problems faced by women in society and not just the film industry. The court said that legislation should be explored to end sexual exploitation in the unorganized sector. The High Court said that many people came forward after the Hema Committee report. The Court raised this query when Attorney General informed the Court that action has been taken based on complaints given after the publication of the report. The investigation team should submit a report on the action taken on the report. The court directed that there should be no haste in the proceedings and said that whether an FIR is required can be decided only after examining the report. The High Court also questioned the bare minimum steps state government failed to take after the report was released. The government argued that the committee was set up to study the problems in the film industry and the report did not mention the complainants or what the complaint was. Apart from the sexual allegations, the court has also asked the SIT to look into other issues like pay parity, lack of basic amenities in the work space etc that has been revealed in the Hema committee report. The SIT should file a detailed affidavit in a sealed cover, the High Court adding that the Hema Committee report should be examined by the SIT first. The SIT has to decide on action and it should keep everyone''s privacy in mind, the court said. The Court directed SIT to not hold any press conference. If the deponent does not wish to proceed with the complaint, the proceedings may be terminated, it said. The Government said that there should be no media trial and to this the High Court said that the media should not be controlled and that the media knows how to control itself "Kerala has more women than men. This is a problem faced by majority in the State. It''s not just a problem faced by women in cinema. The administration must respond urgently. The report details serious crimes" the court said. The report has the scope of registering rape and POCSO cases. The court asked why the government argued that there was no situation to file a case. The State Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists), the State Human Rights Commission have been made parties to the case. The Court has posted the matter to October 3. The new special bench, formed by the Kerala High Court, led by acting Chief Justice A. Muhamad Mustaque, with Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and CS Sudha were hearing the cases related to Hema Committee report today. (ANI) Flash People transfer a victim from a residential house attacked in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,988, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 16 people and wounded 64 others, bringing the total number of deaths to 40,988 and injuries to 94,825 since the conflict began in early October 2023, according to the statement. Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that its teams in northern Gaza have faced a severe shortage of fuel supplies for nearly three weeks. The rescue organization indicated that it is now operating at minimum capacity, exacerbating the humanitarian and health crisis in the area. The Indonesian and Kamal Adwan hospitals in northern Gaza also warned of a potential suspension of services due to fuel shortages, amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on fuel supplies. Both hospitals said that an imminent suspension of medical services would pose a major threat to the lives of the sick and injured within their facilities. Israel has been conducting large-scale military operations and imposing a severe blockade on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli towns adjacent to the strip. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Tuesday refuted reports of a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss a seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Vidhan Sabha election. Pawar clarified that their discussion in Mumbai was limited to farming-related issues, including concerns about cotton and soybean crops. He also mentioned his request to not ban onion imports to ensure fair prices for onion farmers. Ajit Pawar said, "There was no such discussion...I did meet Amit Shah yesterday as he was in Mumbai for Ganpati Darshan...I did discuss about some issues related to farming realated to cotton, soyabean..inhave also requested not to ban import of onion .. we need to see how onion farmers gets good price of their produce ...i discussed all this issues .. But as some news paper reported about meeting is false and baseless no facts in it." However, Ajit Pawar added that "We all will be sitting together to discuss all 288 seats ...which seat to be given to whom will be discussed... maximum discussion has been done ...few seats are remaining and those seats will be discussed soon..exact number will come once our final discussion." When asked about reports of his party contesting alone in the elections, Pawar dismissed the claims, stating that he never made such statements and is focused on ensuring their schemes benefit the people. Ajit Pawar said, " I have never said that I will contest alone ...those who are making such statements, you must ask them ..I have no reason to respond to others's statment...we are focused on making sure our schemes reach people for their benefits." Regarding the governor-appointed MLC seats, Pawar clarified that no names have been finalised, contradicting reports of certain leaders being selected. He emphasised that further discussion is needed before making any decisions. "We have not decided on any specific name yet to nominate for MLC from NCP.. I have heard through news reports that some names have surfaced..but that is not true, there is no point for further discussion when we have not decided on any name yet." (ANI) Mithun is another name for the gayal (Bos frontalis), a large, ox found in Northeast India. "In another beautiful addition to our animal kingdom diversity, we have recorded presence of Mithun (Bos Frontalis) in the Hilly areas of Dima Hasao. This bovid species, native to Bharat's Himalayan foothills in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, etc. and which finds mention in the Mahabharata, has now a new home in Assam. Kudos to our @assamforest Dept for its excellent work in protection, preservation and management of our treasured forests," CM Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1833381206513356835 As per Assam forest department, the State of Assam; criss-crossed by mountains, valleys and an intricate river system; is located in the eastern most part of India, constituting 2.39 per cent of the country's total area. The recorded forest area of Assam is 26,832 sq km accounting for 34.21% of its geographical area. According to their legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 66.58% and Unclassed Forests 33.42 per cent of the total forest area, as per the Assam forest department The state has 18 forest types belonging to five forest type groups viz Tropical Wet Evergreen, Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous and Sub Tropical Pine Forests, Assam Forest department states. As per Assam forest department, the protected area network of Assam includes 7 National Parks and 18 wildlife sanctuaries covering an area of 4938.53 km. (ANI) In view of fresh violence in Manipur, the state government has imposed a ban on internet services in the state starting on Tuesday. In a notice issued by the Manipur government on Tuesday, it was noted that the ban on the internet is to prevent the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. According to the orders by the Manipur government, the internet ban will continue till September 15. "In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services, including lease lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services, in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for 5 (five) days with effect from 3:00 P.M. of 10-09-2024 till 3:00 P.M. of 15-09-2024," the notice stated. "Whereas, there Is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, that might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services" the notice read. Earlier today, Manipur Inspector General of Police for Operations, IK Muviah, said that they would most likely hand over all the pieces of evidence that they have collected during their investigation of the drone bombing case to the central investigating agencies and that it will be investigated at a higher level. "We are collecting various pieces of evidence...Most likely, we will be handing over these kinds of important cases to the national investigative agencies so that they can be investigated at the highest level...We have recovered all the bomb fragments; they have been sent to the forensic lab so that chemicals that have been used can be detected," Inspector General of Police for Operations, IK Muviah, said. "We have clarified the incident on our official media handles very clearly and we stand by it," he added. (ANI) Launching a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the USA, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said on Tuesday that the Britishers have gone but left their mindset to the Congress people and it is their strategy to go abroad and malign the country's image. He also emphasized that the remarks of the LoP would do nothing as the people of the country have rejected the Congress. Thakur said, "Britishers have gone but left their mindset to the Congress people. They want to divide the nation based on caste, religion, or region. It's their strategy to go abroad and malign the country's image. Whenever Rahul Gandhi has gone abroad, he has always maligned the image of the country. Rahul Gandhi ji, this would do nothing. Taking funds from China and opinions from Pakistan would do nothing. The people of this nation will cast their vote and they have rejected Congress." This comes amid a row created by Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the United States, where he said that today the fight in India is whether a Sikh person will be able to wear his turban, kada, and visit Gurdwara. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," Rahul gandhi had said. Further, he continued his tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the "fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" among people had vanished after Lok Sabha elections 2024 results were declared. Rahul Gandhi, who is on a visit to the US, arrived in Dallas on Sunday. He interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas and Virginia. (ANI) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday reiterated that the Uttarakhand government will be introducing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before November 9, the state's foundation day. The Chief Minister said, "Apart from the anti-copying law, the state government has implemented laws like anti-conversion law, anti-riot, etc. With their implementation, today Uttarakhand has been identified across the country as a disciplined state with zero tolerance towards crime. The Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the state before November 9, 2024." Notably, the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on November 9 in the year 2000 during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led central government. It was initially named Uttaranchal, which was changed to Uttarakhand on January 1, 2007. The BJP government introduced the UCC Bill during a special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 6 this year and it was passed with a comfortable majority a day later on February 7. The passage of the UCC Bill marked a "historic day" in the history of Uttarakhand, Dhami said. The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a set of uniform personal laws that apply to all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, or caste. This would cover aspects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too, while delivering his Independence Day address to the nation on August 15, batted for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) stating that India will now have to move towards a secular civil code to free the country from religion-based discrimination. PM Modi also called for a discussion over the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code across the country and asked people to give their suggestions. (ANI) A medical college in Uttarakhand was directed by the Supreme Court to release the documents of students, which the institute has withheld because of the fee arrears non-payment by the students. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra on Monday issued this direction when it was dealing with a petition filed by 91 students. In the plea, 91 students challenged the August 6, 2024, order by the High Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital. The petitioner said, "High Court in sheer disregard to the principles of natural justice and earlier orders of this Court directed the matter to be listed in March 2025, when this Court (Supreme Court) vide order dated April 28, 2023, directed the High Court to decide the matter within three months which was supposed to be done by July 28, 2023." The petitioners were represented by senior advocate Gaurav Agarwal and advocate Tanvi Dubey. The lawyers have submitted that students will need original documents for higher studies and medical practice. The top court directed the Dehradun's Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences College to release the documents to students who have completed their MBBS course and the requisite internship on condition that they will make payment of some amount and on an undertaking that they will pay the remaining fee arrears later. The matter relates to a fee hike by the college. The petitioner said that the High Court's decision to adjourn the matter to March 2025, will make their petition infructuous if the students are made to deposit the payment of exorbitant fees of Rs. 28,77,000 for the All India Quota and Rs. 20,23,000 for State Quota for the release of their original documents. "The HC direction is totally unfounded and severely affects the students," the petition said. It further added that payment of exorbitant amounts will be totally impossible for the students as they will be heavily burdened with huge education loans since they already paid around Rs. 44,04,867 as academic fees and Rs. 8,22,000 as installments. "Further an amount of Rs. 3,00,000 which was the security deposit amount is still with the college," the students said. "The Petitioners have a strong case on merits and the very basis of challenge in the writ petition will be infructuous if they are made to pay an exorbitant amount in order to receive their original document," the court said. "The High Court while passing the impugned order completely overlooked the hardship that will be faced by the students since the conduct of the college in claiming the fee with retrospective effect is highly arbitrary for the students since when the exorbitant arrears were claimed i.e., in the year 2023, the students were already done with 4.5 years of their medical course and only their internships were remaining and the petitioners in no extreme condition had foreseen the fact that there will be a hike of 175 per cent in the tuition fees which they will have to pay," the plea said. The petition further highlighted that many students will appear for various competitive examinations including the NEET-PG 2024 examination and the stipulation for admission is submission of original documents. "The results of NEET-PG will be out any time soon and therefore will be totally impossible for the students to arrange the entire amount at such short notice," the petitioner said. "If the students are forced to pay the exorbitant amount for the release of documents the entire dispute on merits will be infructuous and the merits of the dispute and very basis of challenge for the payment of this exorbitant sum will get diluted," the petition said. (ANI) Noting that the development of any country is impossible without cyber security, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday appealed to all stakeholders to come on the same platform and move forward on the same method and path to keep cyberspace secured. Shah appealed while addressing the first Foundation Day program of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) as the Chief Guest here in the national capital. In his address, Shah underlined that I4C was established in 2015 under the 'Safe Cyber Space' campaign on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, since then it is continuously moving towards becoming a strong pillar of a cyber-secured India. He added that in the nine-year journey from 2015 to 2024, this idea turned into an initiative and then into an institution and now it is moving towards becoming a huge pillar of a cyber-secured India. Union Home Minister said that the development of any country is impossible without cyber security. He said that technology proves to be a blessing for human life and today technology is being used extensively in all new initiatives. He said that the increasing use of technology is also creating many threats and that is why cyber security is no longer limited to the digital world but has also become an important aspect of national security. Shah said that platforms like I4C could make a huge contribution in dealing with such threats and called upon I4C to continue awareness, coordination, and joint efforts with the concerned stakeholders. The Home Minister later mentioned that no single institution can keep cyberspace secured single-handedly. "This is possible only when many stakeholders come on the same platform and move forward on the same method and path." At the event, the Home Minister also launched several key initiatives for the prevention of cybercrime. The Home Minister dedicated the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) to the nation and launched the Samanvay platform (Joint Cyber Crime Investigation Facility System). Shah also inaugurated the 'Cyber Commandos' program and Suspect Registry. The Union Home Minister also unveiled the new logo, vision, and mission of I4C. Shah said that four major cyber platforms of I4C have also been launched here today. He said that the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) was a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has been launched today. He said that along with this, Cyber Commando, Samanvay platform and Suspect Registry have also been inaugurated today. The minister said that in a vast country like India, having a separate Cyber Suspect Registry for each state would not serve any purpose because states have their own boundaries but cybercriminals have no boundaries. He said that it was the need of the hour to create a Suspect Registry at the national level and connect states with it to create a common platform to fight cybercrime. Shah added that this initiative will help us a lot in preventing cybercrimes in the coming days. The Home Minister further said that from today onwards, I4C is also starting a public awareness campaign. He said that efforts will be made to speed up this campaign through more than 72 TV channels, 190 Radio FM channels, cinema halls and many other platforms in the country. He said that this campaign cannot be successful unless the victim knows how to avoid cybercrime. Shah said that creating awareness about the cybercrime helpline 1930 and other platforms of I4C will increase its utility and help us prevent cybercrimes. The Home Minister requested all the state governments to join this campaign and spread awareness in villages and cities. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday participated in the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new building of the Bar Association Dehradun. CM Dhami also performed Bhoomi Pujan of the new building in the judicial complex Dehradun. CM Dhami congratulated all the advocates on the foundation stone laying of the new chamber building and said that today is a very historic day. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the work of strengthening the judicial infrastructure is being done continuously in the entire country, including Uttarakhand. In the last ten years, the Modi government has spent more than Rs 8,000 crore for judicial infrastructure, CM said. The Chief Minister said that the Central Government has implemented new laws according to today's new requirement by removing all the laws of the British era. After the implementation of these laws, the concept of justice will get even more strengthened. He said that under the new laws, electronic and digital records have also been recognized as strong evidence, which is important in today's time of digital revolution. This will help all the advocates to easily present their side in the court. The Chief Minister said that similarly, the state government is committed to strengthen all the justice related infrastructure in the state. The Chief Minister said that the demand for the chamber building of Dehradun Bar Association was also going on for a long time, in this regard, the officials of All India Advocates Council met with the Bar Association and demanded land for the new building. CM Dhami said that a total of more than five and a half thousand people are working here. Therefore, understanding the problems of all, it was decided to give five bighas of land to the Bar Association Dehradun. He said that I am happy that a nine-story building with 1500 chambers, an auditorium, library, canteen, and parking will be constructed on this land. He said that every possible support will be given for the construction of this building. The Chief Minister said that apart from the anti-copying law, the state government has implemented laws like conversion law, anti-riot, etc. With their implementation, today Uttarakhand has been identified across the country as a disciplined state with zero tolerance towards crime. He said that Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the state before November 9, 2024. (ANI) A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday regarding the need for a regulatory board to monitor and manage over-the-top (OTT) and streaming platforms in India. The plea said that these platforms operate without the same checks and balances that traditional media--like films and TV--are subject to. "Unlike films shown in theatres, OTT content doesn't go through a certification process before release, which has led to a rise in explicit scenes, violence, substance abuse, and other harmful content, often without proper warnings," said advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha, who filed the plea. The Union of India and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced IT Rules 2021 to self-regulate OTT platforms; however, the same has been inefficient, the petition stated. "These platforms continue to exploit loopholes, putting out controversial content unchecked, which has national security implications and promotes things like gambling and drugs," he said. The petition is about preventing harm before it happens, not after, by ensuring there's a body to regulate this content before it reaches the public, just like we have for movies and TV, Jha added. The OTT medium has become a tool to promote substances prohibited for advertisements, viz., gambling, liquor, drugs, smoking, etc., while using the loopholes, the petition alleged. The plea raised the issue of the absence of any law or autonomous body governing the digital content, saying it has made these digital contents available to the public at large without any filter or screening. The petition sought directions for the establishment of a proper board, institution/association for the monitoring and management of content on different OTT/streaming and digital media platforms. "OTT/streaming and different digital media platforms have surely given a way out for filmmakers and artists to release content without being worried about getting clearance certificates for films and series from the censor board," it added. He further sought direction from the central government to constitute an autonomous body/board to monitor and filter the contents and regulate the videos on various platforms for viewers in India. The board must be headed by an IAS officer of secretary level and shall further have members from varied fields, including movie, cinematographic, media, defence forces, legal field, and field of education, he asked. "The lack of a certification board for OTT platforms creates an unlevel playing field between traditional media (cinemas and television) and digital streaming services. While traditional media is subjected to stringent regulations, OTT platforms, on the other hand, operate in a largely unregulated environment, allowing them to bypass content restrictions that are otherwise mandatory for other media. That this lack of regulatory parity is arbitrary and unjustifiable," added the petition. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday held a meeting of a Cabinet Committee constituted for the organisation of 'Simhastha 2028' at Mantralaya on Tuesday and discussed in detail about the preparations. Simhastha is a Hindu religious mela that is held every 12 years in the Ujjain city . During the meeting, CM Yadav said, "Simhastha is not just related to Ujjain division but Indore division too. A large number of devotees also visit Omkareshwar and Maheshwar. The pilgrims coming here visit this entire region and necessary facilities should be developed accordingly." "For the convenience of elderly pilgrims, the parking spaces closer to the ghat will be more convenient for them. The campus grounds of various educational institutions and other institutions should also be used for parking. For this, a survey should be done and action should be taken from now on," he added. CM Yadav also directed the Public Works Department to complete the construction of a four-lane road from KD Gate to Veer Durgadas Chhatri to Gonsa Marg in Ujjain as soon as possible. With the construction of this proposed road, citizens will get the facility to go directly to Gopal Mandir and the main urban area towards Jaora, Badnagar and Kaal Bhairav. "To promote spiritual tourism, a helipad is also being constructed at Sadaval in Ujjain at present. Passengers coming under the Tirtha Darshan Yojana will be able to reach here easily and get the facility after the construction of this route. It will help in connecting the urban area directly to the helipad," the CM said. He further directed the PWD that action should be taken in view of the facility to be made available to the general public in future. Necessary efforts should be made for the development of other rail facilities along with Ujjain Indore Metro, the CM added. Besides, CM Yadav directed to complete the previously approved departmental works within the time limit. He also gave necessary instructions regarding the renovation of the ghats and beautification of other ghats. Chief Minister Yadav also directed the departments to work in coordination with the Simhastha 2028 and complete the works within the time limit for the development of necessary facilities. (ANI) Chinese premier holds talks with Spanish prime minister Xinhua) 08:27, September 10, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, in Beijing on Monday. Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Li said China is ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, build political mutual trust, and jointly build bilateral relations with strategic focus. The two countries will focus on high-level alignment of development strategies and in-depth integration of growth drivers, and push for more tangible results of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, Li added. Li said China is willing to expand two-way opening up with Spain, encourage the development of cross-border e-commerce and convenient logistics, and promote the optimization and development of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. China will provide more facilitation and support for Spanish and other foreign enterprises to invest in China, and hopes that Spain will provide a fair, safe, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises keen to invest in Spain, Li said. He added that China is ready to work with Spain to focus on green development and innovation, and strengthen cooperation in new energy, energy conservation, environmental protection, the digital economy and space. Li said China stands ready to work with Spain to uphold openness and cooperation, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, maintain stability and unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and jointly build an open world economy. It is hoped that Spain will play a constructive role in promoting China-EU cooperation, he said. Sanchez said that Spain attaches great importance to developing relations with China and looks forward to further enhancing bilateral exchanges at all levels, enriching bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and strengthening exchanges in culture, education, science and technology to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The EU and China have broad space for cooperation, and Spain supports the EU and China in conducting balanced and mutually beneficial dialogue and cooperation, safeguarding the multilateral trading system and jointly addressing challenges, Sanchez stated. After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in fields such as economy, culture, education, science and technology. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Flash Cai Qi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met with a delegation led by Vivian Balakrishnan, chairman of the External Relations Committee of the People's Action Party and minister for foreign affairs of Singapore, in Beijing on Monday. Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Singapore to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and deepen comprehensive, high-quality and future-oriented cooperation. Cai expressed the hope that the two parties will maintain close strategic communication, deepen mutual learning and exchanges, serve the modernization of both countries, and promote the formation of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. Balakrishnan said that the two parties share a common philosophy of serving the people while facing similar challenges. It is hoped that through institutionalized inter-party exchanges, the two sides will deepen mutual learning on governance experience and promote the comprehensive deepening of bilateral ties. Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, also met with the delegation on the same day. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here on Tuesday remanded Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, and three others to judicial custody till September 23 in a financial irregularities case. The Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sandip Ghosh on September 2. Ghosh was under investigation for alleged corruption and financial irregularities at the college and hospital, following a directive from a single bench of the Calcutta High Court, which ordered the CBI to probe the matter. On August 24, following the orders of the Calcutta High Court, an official FIR was registered by the CBI against Ghosh in the alleged corruption case. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) of Kolkata also suspended the membership of former Sandip Ghosh amid a CBI probe into the corruption case. Earlier on August 26, the CBI also concluded a second round of polygraph tests on Ghosh as part of their investigation into the rape-murder of a woman doctor at the institution. The Calcutta High Court has granted the CBI three weeks to submit a progress report on the investigation, which is to be presented on September 17. The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. On Friday, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Sandip Ghosh's plea against the Calcutta High Court decision ordering a CBI probe into the graft case, whereby he raised objections to the adverse remarks made against him. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra rejected Sandip Ghosh's plea. The top court said that Sandip Ghosh doesn't have locus to intervene in public interest litigation alleging financial irregularities. Meanwhile, Ghosh counsel told the court that he is not against investigation by the CBI but raised an objection to the observation made against him by the Calcutta High Court. Ghosh lawyer said that connecting him with the RG Kar rape incident is an injustice. But the top court said that Ghosh was a principal of the RG Kar college when the incidents took place. The court also said that it is a matter of the investigation, and for this it has already sought a status report from the CBI on the suo motu petition initiated by it on the incident. (ANI) Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chief, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Tuesday welcomed the interim bail granted to Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid. The bail was granted by Delhi's special NIA court earlier in the day to allow Rashid to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He has to surrender on October 3. https://x.com/ghulamnazad/status/1833482419569115215 In a post on X, Azad, said, "I welcome the interim bail order granted to Eng. Rashid Sahib by the Delhi Patiala House Court. As a democratically elected MP with a strong mandate, this is a step towards justice and his right to campaign in the assembly elections." Rashid, contested the election as an Independent candidate, and underscored his growing political influence in the region by defeating National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah from the Baramulla seat in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. Earlier today, Delhi's special NIA court granted interim bail to parliamentarian Rashid Engineer in connection with a terror funding case. The interim bail has been granted till October 2, 2024, by the court, which directed him to surrender on October 3 before the concerned jail. By the order, the court allowed him to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Rashid Engineer had filed a bail application requesting interim bail for three months, while his regular bail application remains pending before the same court, with an order expected on September 11. Engineer Rashid, who was arrested in connection with a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, has submitted a second regular bail application in Delhi's Patiala House court. Earlier, the same court had granted Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, a two-hour custody parole on July 5 to allow him to take the oath as a Member of Parliament. In 2005, Engineer Rashid was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for allegedly supporting militants and was held for three months and 17 days. He faced charges of anti-national activities and was incarcerated in Cargo, Humhama, and Raj Bagh prisons. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar later dropped all charges against him on humanitarian grounds. In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During his incarceration, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections from jail and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI) Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday highlighted the significant role played by the Indian automobile industry in driving the nation's economic growth. Addressing the 64th SIAM Annual Convention titled Sustainable Mobility Journey towards Viksit Bharat here today, Kumaraswamy said, "With a turnover of Rs 20 lakh crore, the sector contributes approximately 6.8 percent to the GDP and accounts for around 40 percent of India's manufacturing sector. Additionally, the automobile industry employs over 30 million people, reflecting its critical position in India's industrial landscape." "Despite global supply chain disruptions and the challenges posed by the pandemic over the past 2-3 years, the automobile industry has shown remarkable resilience. All segments of the sector--including commercial and passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and auto components--have made a strong recovery in the last two years, establishing India as an emerging hub for automobile production," Kumaraswamy highlighted. The Union Minister further reiterated India's commitment to sustainable growth, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Panchamrit' roadmap unveiled at the COP26 in Glasgow. "The roadmap reaffirms India's determination to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, along with cutting carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. The Government of India, through various initiatives, has been actively promoting sustainable mobility in the country. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has played a central role in supporting this transition with schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for Automobile and Auto Components, and the PLI for Advanced Cell Chemistry (ACC)," he said. He also pointed out that to further support the Make in India initiative and strengthen the EV ecosystem, the Government has introduced a scheme to promote the manufacturing of electric passenger cars. "Under this scheme, investing companies can avail of a concessional import duty of 15 percent, significantly lower than the existing rates of 70 percent or 100 percent, thereby fostering innovation and competition in the EV market," Kumaraswamy said. The Minister also noted the remarkable growth in electric vehicle penetration in India, with a 90 percent increase in electric passenger vehicles and a 30 percent rise in electric two-wheelers in 2023-24. (ANI) Manipur Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday expressed deep concerns over fresh incidents of violence in the state and appealed to all the stakeholders to establish peace. In an official statement from the Raj Bhavan, the governor said, "Peace and people's cooperation are the only means that bring societal development. Manipur, the 'land of jewels' is not an exception. This state, for a long time, has been an important entity for taking the round development of India to a greater height. However, it has been seen that the state for the last few months has been in turmoil. Some unpleasant incidents gave a severe jolt to the dedicated efforts of the central and state governments towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state." He further mentioned that he is constantly speaking to public leaders and students in efforts to establish peace in the state. "In the wake of the sudden spurt of violent incidents, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya expressed deep concern. The governor has said that violence is not the solution to any problem. Everyone will have to contribute and find ways to overcome this problem. ln his bid to solve the problem with the help of the public, the governor is constantly speaking to public leaders, students, and the people in general. Moreover, dedicated efforts are being made in this regard," the official statement said. The Manipur Governor further appealed to all sections of society, student organisations, and public leaders to work together to establish peace and help Manipur scale a new height of growth and development. Meanwhile, the state government has imposed a ban on internet services in the state starting on Tuesday. In a notice issued by the Manipur government on Tuesday, it was noted that the ban on the internet is to prevent the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. According to the orders by the Manipur government, the internet ban will continue till September 15. Earlier today, Manipur Inspector General of Police for Operations, IK Muviah, said that they would most likely hand over all the pieces of evidence that they have collected during their investigation of the drone bombing case to the central investigating agencies and that it will be investigated at a higher level. (ANI) Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, inaugurated three-day National Workshop on theme of "Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats" on Tuesday at Gyan Bhawan, Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in Bihar's Patna. The National Workshop is organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Bihar from 10th September to 12th September, 2024. Addressing the workshop, Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized that the Central and State Governments are empowering Panchayats by providing resources, implementing capacity building and training initiatives, and introducing various digital interventions. He urged Panchayats to use these resources efficiently, converging Government Schemes with a spirit of service to realize the vision of Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayats.he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Panchayats play a crucial role in achieving this goal. The Panchayati Raj system is the foundation of democracy, and if the foundation is strong, the entire structure of democracy will stand tall. Rajiv Ranjan Singh called upon elected Panchayat representatives to work towards the inclusive and holistic development of their villages, ensuring that no one is left behind. He added that this would not only contribute to rural development but also enhance their leadership capabilities. He further appealed to all Panchayat representatives to take the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign forward as a mass movement, highlighting the vision of the Prime Minister to connect environmental conservation with an emotional appeal. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure the success of this important initiative at the Panchayat level," he added. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh extended his appreciation, praising the advancements, achievements, and progress Bihar has made under the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He remarked that outstanding work has been done in the fields of rural development, Panchayati Raj, environmental conservation, and women's empowerment. Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh also called upon elected women representatives in Panchayati Raj to ensure their active participation and responsibility in the Panchayati Raj system and to assert their leadership for bringing an end to the practice of 'Sarpanch Pati' or 'Mukhiya Pati' (husbands acting on behalf of their elected wives) wherever in existence. Prof. SP Singh Baghel, in his address, emphasized that India can achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 only through collective and coordinated efforts at the grassroots level in rural areas. "We must work with the spirit of 'Leave No One Behind' to achieve these goals," he added. He also stressed the need for a National Conference of Panchayati Raj Ministers of States to deliberate on all issues concerning Panchayati Raj. Prof. Baghel urged Panchayat representatives to regularly inspect schools in their villages and work towards improving the quality of education. Expressing concern over the declining groundwater levels and climate change, he encouraged Gram Panchayats to take proactive steps in these areas. Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha remarked that Bihar's Panchayati Raj Act is one of the most logical and practical, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for Panchayati Raj Institutions at every level. In his address, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Vivek Bharadwaj stated that Bihar, the land where the republican system began during Lord Buddha's time and where the call for Sampoorna Kranti was made, was the ideal place for deliberations on social justice and socially secured Panchayat theme under Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that the Gram Kachahari system in Bihar's Panchayati Raj is exemplary for all States. Shri Bharadwaj expressed hope that the participants would take inspiration from the innovative practices of other panchayats and implement them in their own regions. Union Secretary urged all participants to engage fully in the workshop, absorb the learnings and ideas, and implement them. Chief Secretary of Bihar Amrit Lal Meena briefed the participants on the unique features of the State's Panchayati Raj system. The second session of the workshop focused on the demonstration of strategies and innovative models by special invitees, chaired by Kuntal Sen Sharma, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Rural Development. In the third session, short films on the best practices of National Award-winning and Beacon Panchayats were screened, chaired by Vikas Anand. The participants also engaged in Group Discussions during the National Workshop, and in the evening, cultural presentations showcasing Bihar's rich heritage were organized. Over 900 participants from across the country attended the National Workshop, including elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions, senior officials from Central Ministries, Departments, State Governments, NIRD&PR, SIRD&PRs, Panchayati Raj Training Institutions, NGOs, and UN agencies. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) praised situation in the Jammu and Kashmir region on Tuesday amid the ongoing row over the remarks of former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. "Once upon a time it was impossible to hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk, but now the national flag is waiving proudly," he said. Former Home Minister Sushil Shine launched his book "Five Decades of Politics" on Monday at the India International Centre in Delhi. During the launch of his book, Shinde said that when he used to visit Kashmir's Lal Chowk and Dal Lake as Home Minister, he used to get scared and was unable to share this with anyone despite getting good publicity for his visits. Earlier today, the Maharashtra Deputy CM offered his prayers at the Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune. Speaking to journalists after offering his prayers he said that India had offered a befitting reply to the Pulwama attack. "Many VIPs used to go to Kashmir, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Defence Minister, to meet people there, but some incidents happened, like Pulwama. So instead of just being the mere spectator, India had given a befitting reply through a counterattack, which was even praised by the people," he said. He also added that the situation in the region is quite different now, as people have started celebrating Ganeshotsav, Navaratri, Eid and other festivals there. "Many have started celebrating Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Eid, and all other festivals without fear," he added. Earlier, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, also criticised the previous Congress government over the remarks of former Home Minister Shinde, saying that the security of the nation is strong enough that 'opposition leaders' play in the snow in Kashmir without any fear. "During the Congress rule, even the Home Minister of the country was afraid of going to Kashmir. But now, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the security of the nation is so strong that even the 'opposition leaders' play with snow in Kashmir, without any fear." said the union minister in a post on X. (ANI) The doctors in Kolkata continued their protest on Tuesday against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest was held near Swasthya Bhavan as doctors chanted slogans demanding justice for the victim. On Monday, the Supreme Court said that no action would be taken against doctors once they return to work by September 10. However, if they fail to follow, the court noted it will not be able to restrain the state government, and further absence from work might lead to disciplinary action against them. Doctor Aniket Mandal, President RDA, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, said that doctors will not resume work until their demands are accepted. "We also want normalcy, but our demand is legitimate, so the state should accept this demand, and if it is accepted, then only we will resume work. Our demand is the arrest of all culprits, a disciplinary action committee formed by the health ministry, and suspension of Sandip Ghosh," Mandal told ANI. The protesting doctors are seeking feedback from the CBI regarding the motive behind the RG Kar rape and murder incident, disciplinary action against Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal, and assurance about the safety and security of doctors and health staff in West Bengal and across India, among other things. Dr Soumyadip Roy, a protesting junior doctor, also reiterated the demands, "If our demands are fulfilled within 5 pm then we will get to work... we want positive feedback from the CBI regarding the motive of the RG Kar rape and murder incident, involvement of people in the incident, disciplinary action against Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal, safety security of doctors and health staff in West Bengal and Pan India," told ANI. Common citizens and doctors have been protesting the brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9th. Earlier on Tuesday, the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) reiterated its call for doctors to return to work, emphasising that the human cost of doctors abstaining from their duty is increasing. The party also questioned how many more lives must be lost before the medical fraternity fulfils its duty. In a post on X, TMC said, "One tragedy after another - the human cost of doctors abstaining from their duty is mounting. This time, a man from Haripal, Hooghly, lost his life after being denied the treatment he desperately needed. We have always acknowledged the concerns behind the protests, but how many more lives must be lost before the medical fraternity rises to the occasion and fulfills its duty?" On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged doctors to return to work.During an administrative review meeting at Nabanna Sabhaghar on Monday, Banerjee stated, "The Supreme Court has requested doctors to resume work immediately. I also request that they return to duty, and if they wish to meet me, they are always welcome."On September 9, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a fresh status report by next week in connection with the murder and rape case. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister and Jharkhand co-election in-charge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday alleged Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's purpose of going to the United States is to defame India. CM Biswa was reacting to Rahul Gandhi's remarks made during his visit to the United States. "Rahul Gandhi's purpose of going to America is to defame India. There is no point in commenting about a person who speaks against India abroad," CM Biswa told reporters briefly here in response to Rahul Gandhi's statements. This comes amid a row created by Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the United States, where he said that today the fight in India is whether a Sikh person will be able to wear his turban, kada, and visit Gurdwara. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," Rahul Gandhi had said. Further, he continued his tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the "fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" among people had vanished after Lok Sabha elections 2024 results were declared. Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Dallas, US, on Sunday. He interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas and Virginia. (ANI) Amaravati, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, resilience in the face of heavy rainfall is a testament to the effectiveness of its flood management plan, solidifying its reputation as a robust and well-prepared capital city. Officials attribute this success to the comprehensive flood management plan implemented during the previous regime of Chandrababu Naidu (2014-19). The plan, designed by Tata Consulting Engineers and approved by the then-government, focused on addressing flooding in the Kondaveedu Stream and its drainage systems. With an estimated cost of Rs 2,163 crores, the project included several canals and drainage mechanisms, with the Kondaveeti Vagu pump house being a crucial component. Completed in September 2018, the pump house has a capacity to discharge 5,000 cusecs of floodwater into the river. Additional pump houses are planned, including one at Vaikundapuram (5,600 cusecs), Gunadavalli (12,000 cusecs), and another discharging 4,000 cusecs into the Bangya canal. In the first phase, Rs 225 crores was spent and a pump house was developed (called the Kondaveeti Vagu Pump House). The Kondaveeti Vagu was commissioned in September 2018, before the previous TDP government demitted office. Chief Engineer Dhanunjay of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority explained that the design is based on rainfall data from the past 100 years, ensuring the pump houses can handle future flood situations. "We have constructed one pump house that has the capacity of discharging 5,000 cusecs of flood water into the river. The three pump houses will come soon; one is at Vaikundapuram that will have a capacity of discharging 5600 cusecs of water into the river; the pump houses that are going to be constructed in Gunadavalli have a capacity of discharging 12,000 cues, and the remaining 4,000 cusecs of water will be discharged into the Bangya canal. The study is based on the last 100 years of rainfall data around Amaravati that is sufficient for the designing of all the pump houses," Dhanunjay, chief engineer, Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority, told ANI. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Kutumb Behet' campaign in Thane on Tuesday. As part of Shiv Sena's outreach initiative, the Chief Minister visited the homes of beneficiary families in Kisan Nagar, Jai Bhavani Nagar. He interacted with the women to assess how effectively they were benefiting from the government's welfare schemes. This public relations drive, aimed at reaching two crore households across Maharashtra, is being spearheaded by Yuva Sena. During his visit, the Maharashtra Chief Minister met 15 families in the Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency. He expressed confidence that through the concerted efforts of Shiv Sena's ministers, MLAs, MPs, representatives, and Yuva Sena activists, the party will achieve its goal of reaching one crore homes within the week. Speaking about the campaign, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde emphasised its ground-level approach. "This is not just another announcement from the government; it's an initiative where we are personally going to the streets and into homes, ensuring that people understand and benefit from the government schemes," said the Maharashtra Chief Minister. He highlighted that similar outreach efforts, like the 'Shasan Aplya Dari', have already benefitted more than 5 crore citizens, and the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Kutumb Behet' campaign will similarly benefit a large number of people, bringing direct benefits to the people. The campaign will see nearly one lakh Shiv Sena leaders, activists, and volunteers going door-to-door over the next two weeks, ensuring widespread communication. An app has been developed to keep track of the outreach activities. Yuva Sena working president Purvesh Sarnaik assured that the party will leave no beneficiaries behind, ensuring help reaches every doorstep. As part of the campaign, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde visited the homes of Reshma Bhaskar Pandav, Archana Patil, and Radha Rawat in Kisan Nagar 2. He explained the various government welfare schemes to the families, ensuring they were aware of how to benefit from them. In Jai Bhavani Nagar, the Chief Minister also visited the homes of Sheetal Kalekar, Sunanda Kalgude, Seema Latnekar, and Swati Ghadge. Sheetal Kalekar expressed her gratitude, mentioning how the Ladki Bahin Yojana provided much-needed financial support despite a delayed application. Swati Ghadge expressed her joy and surprise at having the Maharashtra Chief Minister himself visit her home and enquire about their concerns. (ANI) Flash China is willing to strengthen mine clearance cooperation with African countries and help Africa eliminate the threat of mines as soon as possible, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday. During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China announced an "action for a mine-free Africa," which is among a number of practical measures the country has made to implement the Global Security Initiative in Africa, Mao said. She noted that peace and security cooperation is an important area in the formation of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. She said China is committed to humanitarian mine clearance assistance and cooperation, and has taken concrete actions to support Ethiopia, Angola, Eritrea, Chad and other countries in improving their capacity for mine clearance, contributing to the safety of local civilians and promoting local economic and social development. China stands ready to work with African countries to strengthen humanitarian mine clearance cooperation through material assistance, personnel training, on-site guidance and other means, Mao added. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Tuesday termed the BJP's attack on Rahul Gandhi a 'malicious campaign', adding that BJP's only agenda is to target Rahul Gandhi. Notably, this comes after Rahul Gandhi's 'Sikh' remark and his statement against BJP in US. "They have only one agenda--that is to target Rahul Gandhi. Let them do whatever they want. But the people of Bharat are with Rahul Gandhi. People of the country know about him and also the BJP. This type of malicious campaign against Rahul Gandhi... BJP will understand that the people of India are not buying this argument," he told reporters. KC Venugopal was responding to queries about the BJP's reaction to the remarks Rahul Gandhi made during his visit to the United States. Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the United States evoked a sharp reaction from the BJP leaders, where he said that today the fight in India is whether a Sikh person will be able to wear his turban, kada, and visit Gurdwara. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," Rahul Gandhi had said. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, "Britishers have gone but left their mindset to the Congress people. They want to divide the nation based on caste, religion, or region. It's their strategy to go abroad and malign the country's image. Whenever Rahul Gandhi has gone abroad, he has always maligned the image of the country. Rahul Gandhi ji, this would do nothing. Taking funds from China and opinions from Pakistan would do nothing. The people of this nation will cast their vote, and they have rejected Congress." Joining his party leader, Assam Chief Minister and Jharkhand co-election in-charge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday alleged Rahul Gandhi's purpose of going to the United States is to 'defame' India. Further, Congress MP continued his tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the "fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" among people had vanished after Lok Sabha elections 2024 results were declared. Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Dallas, US, on Sunday. He interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas and Virginia. (ANI) Son of Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer, Abrar expressed happiness after Delhi's special NIA court granted interim bail to Rashid Engineer in connection with a terror funding case, adding that this is a proud and emotional moment for him. "This is both an emotional and proud moment," Abrar said on Tuesday. He further stated, "More than us, people who came out in his support and people who voted for him will be happy today." "By tomorrow the release order copy should come and then he will be released. We are hopeful that he will get permanent bail. We thank the judiciary," he added. Chief Spokesperson of Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), Jammu and Kashmir, Inam Un Nabi said "We had applied for regular bail first. Later, we applied for interim bail on 5th September with reference to the judgement of Supreme Court on Arvind Kejriwal. The court has given relief today." Earlier today, Delhi's special NIA court granted interim bail to parliamentarian Rashid Engineer in connection with a terror funding case. The interim bail has been granted till October 2, 2024, by the court, which directed him to surrender on October 3 before the concerned jail. By the order, the court allow him to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Rashid Engineer had filed a bail application requesting interim bail for three months, while his regular bail application remains pending before the same court, with an order expected on September 11. Engineer Rashid, who was arrested in connection with a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, has submitted a second regular bail application in Delhi's Patiala House court. Earlier, the same court had granted Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, a two-hour custody parole on July 5 to allow him to take the oath as a Member of Parliament. In 2005, Engineer Rashid was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for allegedly supporting militants and was held for three months and 17 days. He faced charges of anti-national activities and was incarcerated in Cargo, Humhama, and Raj Bagh prisons. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar later dropped all charges against him on humanitarian grounds. In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During his incarceration, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections from jail and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI) The Minister for Large and Medium Industries of Karnataka and Infrastructure Development, MB Patil, on Tuesday held pivotal meetings with three central ministers to discuss Karnataka's growth and the support needed from the Central Government. The discussions took place with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Each meeting addressed critical areas where Karnataka seeks enhanced support and collaboration to drive its industrial and infrastructural development, as per an official statement. During his meeting with Union Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh, Minister MB Patil emphasised several key issues affecting Karnataka's aerospace and defence sectors. The discussions highlighted the need to address the restrictions on simultaneous domestic production and exports for defence companies. Minister Patil also proposed the establishment of defence corridors within Karnataka to capitalise on the state's existing aerospace and defence ecosystem. Additionally, he sought to promote and encourage investment from Central Public Sector Units (CPSUs) in Karnataka and requested support for the development of Karwar Naval Air Station, specifically for extending the runway from 2000 meters to 2700 meters. In his discussion with HD Kumaraswamy, Patil focused on several pressing issues impacting Karnataka's industrial sector. The conversation covered the challenges faced by startups in the EV sector in meeting the Rs 10,000 crore revenue threshold under the PLI Auto Scheme and the delay in implementing the FAME 3 scheme, which is affecting EV adoption momentum. Minister Patil also advocated for the expansion of CPSUs like BHEL, BEML, and SIL in Karnataka and addressed the need for Defence Technology Hubs. Other topics included the pending approval for the EMC cluster in Bengaluru Rural, environmental clearances for projects in Harohalli, Kuduthini, and Devakathikoppa, and delays in the Multi-Modal Logistics Park development. Support was also sought for establishing a semiconductor company in Karnataka and addressing the exclusion of Karnataka from the list of new smart city projects under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). In his meeting with Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Karnataka minister discussed the critical need for financial support to advance Karnataka's industrial and infrastructural development. The discussions focused on the need to revoke GST on airfreight to alleviate the burden on small exporters, particularly those dealing with perishable goods, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness. Additionally, Minister Patil called for the rationalisation of high import tariffs and customs duties on electronic products to reduce the cost disadvantage for Indian exporters and bolster the electronics manufacturing sector's global competitiveness. These high-level discussions reflect Karnataka's proactive approach in seeking Centre's support to address key issues and drive its economic growth and development. (ANI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a pregnant woman in labour pain was not attended for about 27 hours at MGM hospital in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur after she was referred by a Community Health Centre for better medical care, the NHRC said in a release on Tuesday. Reportedly, she had to lie on the floor as there was no bed available in the hospital. However, having received no treatment, her child died in the womb the next day. It was also reported that another woman who had given birth to a child was being treated on the floor. The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks, the NGRC said. The report is also expected to include the status of health of the victim woman and the availability of beds as well as other facilities in the government hospitals in the state, it said. The report should also mention if any compensation has been paid to the aggrieved family by the authorities, it added. (ANI) On the second day of the visit of a high-level delegation of the Government of Rajasthan led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, many South Korean firms expressed their interest in exploring opportunities in Rajasthan and expanding their business in the state. This includes several leading South Korean firms, including Samsung Healthcare, LX International, Orion Corporation, and Hyosung Corporation, as well as Korean Stone Association. Samsung Healthcare expressed its interest in collaborating with Rajasthan's Medical and Health Department to provide AI-based new healthcare devices, while Orion Corporation, which has an existing manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, discussed its growth plans for the state, said an official statement. LX International, another South Korean firm, showed interest in mining opportunities in the state for limestone (steel grade), silica, gypsum, lignite, rare earth minerals and renewable energy etc. Another leading South Korean firm Hyosung Corporation was keen on exploring ways to localize carbon fiber production in India. The delegation also partook in a roundtable interaction with the representatives of the Korean Stone Association, in which technological cooperation, purchasing/distribution, and export of the stones produced in Rajasthan were discussed. Further cooperation between the Korean Stone Association and the Centre for Development of Stones, a Rajasthan government entity, was also explored. A delegation from the Korean Stone Association is set to visit Rajasthan in October, and they were also invited to India Stone Mart 2026, which will be held in Jaipur in February 2026. The Chief Minister-led delegation also toured the Seoul Technical High School to explore the collaboration between South Korea and Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation on imparting skill training to the youth of Rajasthan. During the visit to the school, Chief Minister Sharma witnessed the remarkable initiatives fostering student innovation and creativity, the advanced technical centre at the school, interacted with students and experienced the highly advanced AI tech being taught in the classrooms. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said, "The focus on imparting skill development is key to provide employment to the youth. The knowledge gained by practical implementation of the skills and vocational training makes the youth more dynamic and hands-on in addition to the theoretical understanding. I welcome this esteemed institution to visit Rajasthan and set up an institution in the state." A day before, addressing the investors at Seoul Investors' Meet, Sharma had noted that his government has a huge emphasis on qualitative improvement in education and skill training in the state. With these meetings, the delegation has concluded its South Korea visit and will now proceed to Japan as part of the preparations for the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024, which is scheduled to take place from December 9th to 11th, 2024, in Jaipur. The high-level delegation that is on South Korea visit along with the Chief Minister consists of Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Rajasthan, Shikhar Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Government of Rajasthan, Ajitabh Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, and other top officials of Government of Rajasthan. The Government of Rajasthan, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, will be hosting the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 on 9th, 10th, and 11th December 2024 in the capital, Jaipur. The 3-day mega summit, which aims to attract and facilitate global investment, innovation, and partnerships in the state, is organized with the support of the Industry and Commerce Department, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), and RIICO, with BIP serving as the nodal department for this summit. During the summit, special plenary sessions will be organised on different focus sectors, including Agriculture, Renewable, Education and Skilling, Auto and EV, Infrastructure, Chemical and Petro-chemical, Tourism, Startups, Mining and ESDM/IT and ITeS and others. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajjad Gani Lone has said that his late father Abdul Ghani Lone, who was a senior leader of separatist Hurriyat Conference, never asked anyone to pick up gun. Sajjad Lone told ANI in an interview that he firmly believes in secularism and that statehood should be restored to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. "He (Abdul Ghani Lone) never asked anybody to pick up the gun. My father never supported stone-pelting," Sajjad Lone said. Abdul Ghani Lone, who was founder of People's Conference, was assassinated at a gathering in Srinagar in May, 2002. Sajjad Lone later joined mainstream politics. Sajjad Lone, who is contesting the Jammu and Kashmir polls from two seats, said that the "gun came in" the valley after the alleged rigging of the 1987 election and also led to separatist politics. He said that his father was "a moderate" voice in the Hurriyat Conference. "The gun came in. It swept everything. There was a romantic version of the gun. The backdrop was always 1987 (election). The backdrop was always rigging. Then my father was a part of the Hurriyat Conference. He was the founder. And he was supposed to be a moderate voice within the Hurriyat Conference," Sajjad Lone said. "Nobody can ever say that I had any relationship with them (Pakistan) or anything. I like that country; they are nice people, but given the chance I am with India, I am not with them. I have never liked them, in the sense politically. My wife is from that place. I have a lot of friends there," he added. Answering a query, Sajjad Lone said he is "secular to the core". The People's Conference leader is contesting the assembly polls from Handwara and Kupwara seats. Regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Lone said it can only be achieved through parliamentary action. "See, statehood can only be restored by the Parliament. We can't. And I think there should be a policy for all the people who are elected that beyond a certain time, if they don't give us state back, then we should stop. We should leave the assembly. There is no point in being a part of an assembly, which is humiliation. I think one year or two years or six months or three months after that, we should all en masse resign and leave," Sajjad Lone said. Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on September 18, 25 and October 1 and votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired Semiconductor Executives' Roundtable at his residence on Tuesday and discussed a wide range of subjects related to the semiconductor sector. He also highlighted the reforms taking place in the country, making India a great investment destination.The CEOs appreciated India's commitment to the growth of the semiconductor sector and said that what has transpired today is unprecedented, wherein leaders of the entire semiconductor sector have been brought under one roof. Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, said that PM Modi's vision of developing semiconductors in India and increasing self-reliance is very exciting, and the policy set up by Prime Minister Modi to incentivise semiconductor manufacturing in India is also very exciting."This is the perfect timing for India's semiconductor mission, to develop semiconductor opportunities, because AI will grow, opportunities will increase, and I really believe that the best is yet to come," he added. Ajit Manocha, CEO, SEMI said that there's no parallel to the Prime Minister's leadership and that it is exceptional. He said that it has not just inspired India but the entire world. "Modi's leadership thinks it's so nice that the whole world is coming with me to this summit," he added. Kurt Sievers, CEO, NXP said that he is extremely excited and delighted by Prime Minister Modi's vision, consistency and foresight into what is needed from a semiconductor industry ecosystem development perspective for India. He said that he has not met a single world leader with such deep expertise in the Semiconductor industry as the Prime Minister. Randhir Thakur, CEO, TEPL said that the Semiconductor industry is really excited about the vision of the Prime Minister and how he's looking at the digital infrastructure for the future of our country. He said that semiconductors will play an important role in Viksit Bharat. Bob Pragada, CEO, Jacobs said that the work being done by the Prime Minister to elevate India on a global scale is something that not only India but what the world needs. "India to be at the forefront of the manufacturing renaissance. That's about to happen. I think within the next decade, India can be a leader on the world scale", he added. Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO, Renesas said that the Prime Minister's message is always simple and clear, so we know what he wants. "Absolute clarity always helps, makes very agile and fast progress," he added. Luc Van Den Hove, CEO of IMEC said that he is extremely impressed with the leadership shown by the Prime Minister. He lauded the Prime Minister's commitment and dedication to making India a powerhouse in the area of semiconductor technology. He also expressed satisfaction with the Prime Minister's long-term R&D vision beyond manufacturing. He reached out to form a very strategic partnership to enable India to become strong in R&D. Russell C Ellwanger, CEO, Tower said he thought the Prime Minister's vision and the execution thereof is one of a kind and truly commendable. Anirudh Devgan, CEO, Cadence, said it's really good to see Prime Minister Modi's leadership over the last few years. He said semiconductors are essential technology for all digital industries. And with Modi Ji's leadership, there is a big momentum compared to three years ago. He said he has been fortunate to be involved in it from the beginning, and it's really positive to see every year there is big improvement. Sassine Ghazi, President & CEO, Synopsys, said in the last two, three years, the enthusiasm and the focus around the sector with a clear strategy of how to and where to invest from design all the way to manufacturing. He said right now what he is seeing, the interest, is to go from an engineering center to create products for both local and global consumption. Prof Arogyaswami Paulraj, Emeritus Stanford University said he must say that India has taken a huge step forward in the semiconductor industry. "A lot of energy, a lot of progress, and it's really the Prime Minister's vision and drive that has made it happen", he added. Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman, CG Power said that it is a really exciting time for the semiconductor industry and that this is just the beginning. He also predicted India getting to an unprecedented level and lauded the never-before-seen level of industry-government collaboration. Prof Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, UCSD said the Prime Minister has shown an amazing vision in the Semiconductor Mission. He said no administration in the history of this country had the courage to create a right policy when it came to semiconductors and he was so glad that the Prime Minister has his vision and he has a commitment and I'm confident he's gonna make us succeed. (ANI) Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) inquiry into the party's intra-party elections in the Lahore High Court (LHC), ARY News reported. PTI Chairman Barrister Ghar Ali Khan filed a petition on Monday in the LHC against the ECP for conducting an inquiry into the party's elections, as per ARY News report. The petition, filed through lawyer Azhar Bhandari, also challenged the non-return of seized goods during a raid on the PTI office. In the petition, the party argued that the ECP's behavior towards it is 'biased', requesting the court to declare its acts as null and void, as per ARY News report. Earlier on September 6, the ECP dismissed all four miscellaneous applications submitted by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the intra-party election case. A 10-page decision was issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan, penned by Sindh's member, Nisar Durrani. PTI's objection against ECP's jurisdiction in the intra-party elections and its request to postpone the case proceedings were struck down. The ECP in its verdict advised PTI to approach the court for the return of documents taken from the party office. The decision emphasized that under Section 208 of the Election Act 2017, it is the Commission's responsibility to review legal requirements. The Election Commission of Pakistan also highlighted its duty to examine the facts before issuing certificates under Section 209(3), ARY News reported. Earlier on June 30, the Pakistan Supreme Court asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) why it excluded Imran Khan-founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from the general elections, thereby forfeiting its claim to reserved seats, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. As a member of the full-court bench of the Supreme Court heard the Sunni Ittehad Council's (SIC) appeal against the denial of reserved seats for women and minorities, Justice Athar Minallah directed the ECP to satisfy the court that it provided a 'level playing field' to all political parties, "including PTI, before, during, and after the February 8 general elections." (ANI) Chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda said that Rahul Gandhi and he would be meeting a "fair amount of people" from Capitol Hill. Talking about Rahul Gandhi's visit to US, he said, "Rahul Gandhi is visiting the US for three days. We had a full day in Dallas yesterday, where we had three main events, Rahul Gandhi had a fire side chat with the students in Texas, then we had a large community event with almost 4,000 people and then we had a community dinner in the evening. Then we came here today, and had a couple of meetings with the administration, friendly meetings with the people we know personally, and then we interacted with the students at the Georgetown University. Now we are here to interact with about 600 Indians. From here, we will go have dinner. Tomorrow, we have meetings on Capitol Hill. We have National Press Club meeting, we will have a conversation with think tank, and several other meetings." Rahul Gandhi will leave tomorrow night, Pitroda said. He added that he will spend the evening in Washington and then go back to Chicago on Wednesday. Regarding the agenda for meetings tomorrow, Pitroda said, "Well I don't know the shape of the conversation but we are meeting a fair amount of people from Capitol Hill. We are meeting with some of the congressmen. And we'll have interactions. And we'll see how it goes. We did meet with some people but we are not into politics of it. That's not our goal. Our goal is to have a fair conversation." Pitroda said that he believed that the general elections in 2024 in India were not fair. However, Pitroda said that he believed that the people voted for democracy. "I am one of those who firmly believe that elections were not really fair. I know unfortunately little too much about electronic voting machine process, and what could go wrong and how it can be manipulated. It's not foolproof, no matter what anybody says. And in an environment where Congress parties' bank accounts were frozen, institutions were captured, media was completely biased, it is hard to get fair elections. But again, this is my view," he said. Talking about what has really changed for the Congress party and for Rahul Gandhi after the elections and the impression of the people who are here to support him in the US, Pitroda said, "I think the basic change has been that people of India voted for democracy. People of India made sure that BJP does not get 400 seats. People of India were concerned for Constitution. So I think the overall message was that ordinary Indian living even in rural areas understands the value of constitution. So it was heartwarming to see how people voted." (ANI) According to Taiwan's MND, 12 of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese incursions, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity. Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "17 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1833309416659292657 This latest Chinese military activity adds to a series of similar provocations by Beijing in recent months. China has intensified its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island. On Monday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that 21 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship were detected operating near Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Sunday to 6 am (local time) on Monday. According to Taiwan's MND, 16 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. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1832947028051288243 Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "21 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation." (ANI) With more Indians opting to travel to the Central Asian countries for tourism, newer flights are being introduced between India and Uzbekistan and India and Kazakhstan. Similarly, several tourists from the Central Asian countries are coming to India to explore. IndiGo, India's largest airline, has doubled its flights from Delhi to Almaty and Tbilisi starting August 16, 2024, and to Tashkent starting August 17, 2024. The airline will shift to daily flights on these routes, an increase from the previous schedule of four weekly flights to Tashkent and three weekly flights to Almaty. There is also a plan to increase flights to Kyrgyzstan. This capacity expansion in Central Asia aligns with the region's growing popularity among Indian travellers. IndiGo had initially launched flights to Tashkent, Almaty, and Tbilisi in 2023 as part of its global growth strategy. Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo's Head of Global Sales, stated, "These additional flights are in response to rising demand for outbound leisure travel. With this expansion, IndiGo now offers daily flights to all four of our Central Asian destinations: Tashkent, Almaty, Tbilisi, and Baku." Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are flooded with posts from Indians exploring Silk Road countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Prior to the pandemic, these destinations mainly appealed to more selective Indian travelers. However, thanks to improved direct flight options, easy and quick visa processes, and more budget-friendly prices compared to traditional tourist hotspots, these countries are now attracting a large number of cost-conscious Indian tourists. In a significant move to boost tourism and strengthen cultural connections, Uzbekistan Airways will begin direct flights between Tashkent and Goa starting October 27, 2024. The route will operate twice a week, using the modern Airbus A320 Neo to connect Tashkent with Goa's Manohar International Airport (Mopa). This new air link is expected to create fresh opportunities for tourism and foster cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and India, especially with the scenic state of Goa. The launch of this route follows the concerted efforts of key players, including the Indian and Uzbek embassies, as well as tour operators. The Goa Department of Tourism played a pivotal role in these discussions, reflecting its dedication to expanding the state's global outreach. Goa's participation in the upcoming Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF) will further showcase the state's potential as a leading tourist destination. Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte celebrated the launch, calling it a "milestone" for Goa. He noted, "This new connection will not only enhance tourism but also deepen our cultural ties with Uzbekistan. We are dedicated to making Goa a more accessible destination for global travellers." Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), highlighted the broader significance of this development. "Uzbekistan Airways' decision to start flights to Goa signals growing international interest in our state as a premier tourist spot," he said. The improved connectivity is expected to enhance the experience for visitors from Uzbekistan and help position Goa as a year-round destination. Uzbekistan Airways has launched direct flights between Mumbai and Tashkent, operating twice a week, enhancing air connectivity between India and Uzbekistan. As the national airline of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Airways JSC now provides Mumbai travelers with the convenience of bi-weekly direct flights to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The airline has maintained a strong presence in India, offering regular services to New Delhi for over 20 years. Currently, it operates daily flights from New Delhi to Tashkent, with connections to destinations in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Central Asia. IndiGo, a private low-cost airline based in Gurgaon, India, increased the frequency of its passenger flights on the Delhi-Tashkent-Delhi route from August 17, 2024. The airline will expand from four weekly flights to daily service, using Airbus 320 aircraft. IndiGo began operating regular flights to Uzbekistan on September 22, 2023, initially offering four flights per week on this route. The shift to daily flights will enhance connectivity between Delhi and Tashkent, offering more options for passengers. This change is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers by providing greater flexibility in their travel plans. Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as a popular destination for Indian tourists, due to its shared cultural heritage, stunning art and architecture, and strong bilateral relations. The nation's modern tourism initiatives and relaxed visa regulations have made it a top travel spot for 2024. With its deep historical roots, ancient civilization, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Uzbekistan offers an ideal experience for history buffs and curious explorers alike. (Dr Chandan Kumar, PhD in Buddhist History, is a young scholar. He is working as Assistant Professor, Department of History, Satyawati College, University of Delhi. He has extensively researched and presented papers on Silk Routes, Ancient history, Shared Buddhist Heritage at international conferences around the world.) (ANI) Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addressing an event in Washington DC metro area said that just months ahead of the general elections in India the bank accounts of his party were sealed leaving it without funds for advertising or campaigning. "Three months before elections our bank accounts were all sealed... We were discussing that now what to do...I said 'Dekhi Jayegi', let's see what we can do .. and we went into the elections..." Gandhi said. "We had no money for advertising or campaigning we had no money to transport our leaders. I remember discussing with Mallikarjun Kharge and the treasurer "unki toh, hawa likal gayi thi (lost his confidence) about what to do next. The Congress leader recounted that he had fought multiple elections-2004, 2009, assembly elections."This is the first time in my life all the bank accounts were sealed. I said, 'dekhi jayegi, dekhte hain kya hota hai' (We'll see, let's see what happens) and that was the spirit with which we fought the election," said Rahul Gandhi said while addressing an Indian diaspora event in Virginia's Herndon in US on Monday (local time). "You have to understand what this fight is about. It's not just about politics, that's superficial," Gandhi said adding that the the real issue is whether a person will still be allowed to wear his turban as a Sikh. "The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India...whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada in India or will be able to go to the Gurudwara...that's what the fight is about, and it is not just for Sikh, it is for all the religion..." the Congress leader said. Further he continued his tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party claiming that the "fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" among people had vanished after Lok Sabha elections 2024 results were declared. "Something has changed after the elections. PM Modi tried to create an environment of fear. Various agencies, media, income tax department tried to spread fear, even among small and medium-sized businesses. But, nothing worked. The fear vanished in one second. The spread of fear took years and consumed a lot of money, but it vanished. You can see it in parliament right upfront... And I can tell you that the idea of PM Modi, 56 inch chest, direct connection with God. That's all gone. It's history now. He, his partners in government and India, the three or four senior ministers in his government realise it." he said.Earlier on February 16, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge came down heavily on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government after the alleged freezing of the grand old party's bank accounts by the Income Tax department. "Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country's largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections," Kharge said in a post on X. "This is a deep assault on India's Democracy! The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them for elections, but the money collected by us through CROWDFUNDING shall be sealed!" he added. (ANI) Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party with a veiled reference to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stating that the ruling party doesn't understand that the country is for everyone, whereas for them whose headquarters are in Nagpur, only one ideology is important. Interacting with the Indian diaspora at an event in Herndon, Virginia, the Congress leader made a reference to the different dishes on a food plate to highlight India's diversity. The LoP reiterated that India is a "union of states," adding that it means a union of different traditions and histories. "In India, everything works together...if someone sits in front of Thali and says chawal (rice) is more important than Dal (pulses) and sabji (vegetable) is the least important, then what will happen? That's what BJP does," Rahul Gandhi said. "BJP doesn't understand that this country is of everyone...India is a union. In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union state. It means it is a union of languages, it's a union of traditions, a union of histories, music and dance...they (BJP) say it is not a union, it is different Only one ideology is important and its headquarters are in Nagpur. That is what the fight is about," he added. Rahul Gandhi further alleged that the RSS believes that certain states and communities are inferior to others. "The RSS is saying that certain states, languages, religions and communities are inferior to others. This is what the fight is about. We are of the opinion that... all of you have your history, tradition and language. Every single one of them is as important as any other one. What would you do if somebody told you that you cannot speak Tamil? How would you feel? How would you react? That is the ideology of the RSS -- That Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Manipuri- are all inferior languages," he said. The Congress leader said, "It ends up in the polling booth, Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. But the fight is about what type of India we are going to have. Are we going to have an India where people are allowed to believe what they want to believe?... Or we are going to have an India where only few people can decide what is going to happen." Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the US. In his speech at Dallas, he termed the Indian diaspora in the US a "vital bridge" between two nations and stated that Dallas has provided a "fantastic start" to his US visit. Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas on Sunday, interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas. He also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas. He also visited Washington DC. (ANI) Terming the Lok Sabha polls as a "controlled election", Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not have been near 240 seats in "fair election." While interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University, Rahul Gandhi said that caste system had become a "big and fundamental question" in India. He said that the entire campaign was structured in a way that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could do his thing across the country. He stated that the Election Commission was doing as the BJP wanted. He said, "There was also the caste census issue that became big and that's a fundamental question in India you know. Share what you say in Hindi (Bhagidari) of the institutions, the structure, the power of the Indian state. So, these things suddenly started to come together and at some level I was frankly blown away by the wisdom of India." "I would sometimes sit there and say, this is is quite amazing, right? There was like a wall that suddenly arrived and said, okay, we are not backing down now. And really, I don't think the BJP, in a fair election, they were nowhere near 240 seats, no way, I mean, I'd be surprised if they had a financial, you know, huge financial advantage. They had locked our bank accounts for one but huge war chest. The Election Commission was doing what they wanted. I mean, the entire campaign was structured so Mr Modi could do his thing across the country. States where they were weak were designed differently than states where they were strong.So I don't view it as a free election at all.I view it as a rather controlled election," he added. The Congress MP said that the Congress party, prior to the elections, was stressing that institutions have been captured and they were not given a fair playing field. However, he noted that people could not understand it. He stated that people understood the situation when they started holding up constitution. Rahul Gandhi said that people understood that there is a fight between those who are protecting the constitution and those who want to destroy it and called it a "very strong element." Taking a jibe at the BJP-led government over taking control of institutions, Gandhi said, "Multiple things came together. So for example, prior to the election, we kept stressing on the idea that the institutions have been captured. And whenever we'd go, India alliance would go, we'd go, we stress on this idea that, look, the institutions are captured and we don't have a fair playing field. The education system is captured by the RSS, the media system is captured, the investigative agencies are captured. And we keep saying this and people were not quite getting it ad we would keep saying it, keep saying it again and again and again and somehow they were just not getting it. And we couldn't understand why because we were like, it's obvious to us, it's obvious to them and something wasn't working." "And then in one meeting one of the people who works with us said, listen, try holding up the constitution. And so I started holding up the constitution and everything we had said suddenly just exploded. So, India realized in this election, and really, I mean, not to divide it so crudely, but poor India, disenfranchised India, oppressed India, that India, it understood that if the Constitution goes, the whole game is gone. And so that just that was the first sort of, I saw it, there was a shockwave that when I would hold up the constitution, it would go like.I could see the shockwave going that people like, and then people started coming to me, you know, when you're in these meetings, you'll start hearing from the sides that, you know, they'll bring a constitution or they'll start saying it. So what was very interesting to me was poor people deeply understood that now this was a fight between those who are protecting the Constitution and those who want to destroy it. So that was one very strong element," he added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi addressed the Indian diaspora at an event in Virginia. He arrived in Dallas on Sunday for a three-day visit to the US. During his visit to Dallas, he interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas. He also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas. (ANI) Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said the moment the Prime Minister claimed that he can "speak directly to God," the Congress party knew that he has been "blown apart." He further said that Prime Minister Modi didn't face any political adversity for years while being the Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister of India, but suddenly the 'idea' collapsed. The Congress leader was interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, on Monday (local time). "Halfway through the campaign, Modi didn't think that he was near 300-400 seats...We were getting information from regular sources, some of the intelligence agencies...it was very clear. There was this internal thing going on in the Prime Minister that I could see...he (PM Modi) was in Gujarat for many years, never faced adversity, and became Prime Minister of India. And suddenly, this idea started to crack," Rahul Gandhi said, "We knew when he said that I speak directly to God. We knew that there we had blown him apart...We saw it as a psychological collapse," he added. The LoP Lok Sabha further said that the 'coalition' that brought PM Modi to power has "collapsed." "The coalition that brought Narendra Modi to power has collapsed...The idea that Narendra Modi is running the government for the people of India, is gone, now the idea has been replaced...that there is a huge nexus between the government and two or three large businesses, and the OBCs and Dalits are being taken for a ride," he said. Referring to the freezing of the Congress party's bank accounts by the Income Tax Department, Rahul Gandhi said the party didn't have an answer to how will they fight the elections, but ended up "destroying" the idea of Modi. He further claimed that today Prime Minister Modi is "psychologically trapped" and can't come to terms of the election results. "I was watching the elections, and there was a point when we sat down with the treasurer, who said, 'Look, your bank accounts are frozen. How are you supposed to fight an election if your bank accounts are frozen?' We really didn't have an answer then," Rahul Gandhi said. "Yet the Congress Party fought the election and essentially destroyed the idea of Modi. You can see this because, when you watch the Prime Minister in Parliament now, he's psychologically trapped. He cannot come to terms with it; he cannot understand how this has happened," he added. Rahul Gandhi who is on a visit to the US, will be in Washington for two days. Earlier in the day, he addressed the Indian diaspora in Virginia. Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas on Sunday, also interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas. He also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas. The Congress leader called the Indian diaspora in the US a 'vital bridge' between two nations. (ANI) After launching a tirade of attacks at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, opened up on his thoughts on his rivals and said he doesn't hate the Prime Minister but only disagrees with his point of view. The Congress leader was interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, on Monday (local time). He also said that India essentially, is an idea of mixing and merging, while alleging that BJP and RSS have the "misunderstanding" of seeing India as a bunch of separate things. "India at heart, is a union of languages, traditions, histories, religion, everything...When you have lunch here, you get first course, second course...we don't get that, we get a thali, and everything placed in it...it's a jumble and every food has the same value...so this idea of mixing and merging is in India," Rahul Gandhi said. "When Indian people go to their religious places, they merge with their deity. This is the nature of India. The misunderstanding that BJP and RSS have is they think that India is a whole bunch of separate things. So we don't need to redefine anything, it's already there," he added. Being asked about the idea of 'love' in reference to his 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' slogan, the Congress leader said he disagrees with Prime Minister Modi's point of view but doesn't hate him or consider him as his enemy. "That's more fun, you go in politics, you shout at that guy and that guy shouts back at you, then you abuse him, then he abuses you back. It's boring stuff," Rahul Gandhi said. "You will be surprised, but I don't actually hate Mr Modi...he has got a point of view, fine, I don't agree with his point of view but I don't hate him. In many moments, I empathise with him. I don't think like he is my enemy. He has a different point of view, I have a different point of view. I have empathy and compassion for what he is doing," he further added. He further remarked that the Congress party and the Opposition faces two major challenges; first to contest elections and second of "undoing the damage" done by BJP-RSS. "First, contesting the election, we are confident that we will fight and win the elections against BJP. In the next two or three months we will win these elections. Then, undoing the damage that BJP and RSS have done to our institutions is a much deeper problem and that is not going to get solved so easily and so simply. I still have 20+ cases against me...There is a huge set of structures that are being used to attack the opposition - investigative agencies, the legal system that continues, that has to stop. The real challenge is to make institutions neutral again," Rahul Gandhi further stated. Rahul Gandhi who is on a visit to the US, will be in Washington for two days. Earlier in the day, he addressed the Indian diaspora in Virginia. Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas on Sunday, also interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas. He also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas. The Congress leader called the Indian diaspora in the US a 'vital bridge' between two nations. (ANI) Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane will visit Manila to co-chair the fifth meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) on September 11. Senior Under Secretary from the Philippines Ministry of National Defence, Irineo Cruz Espino, will co-chair the meeting. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence noted that the visit assumes significance as the two nations mark 75 years of diplomatic ties. During the visit, Aramane will discuss ways to further consolidate defence cooperation between the two countries. He will also meet with other dignitaries of the government of the Philippines. In a press release, Ministry of Defence stated, "This visit assumes significance as India and Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of India's Act East Policy." "Both the countries have a vigorous and multifaceted relationship which have expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security. They are committed to support each other towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in defence production," he added. According to the press release, the India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee construct was established under the ambit of the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation signed between the two countries in 2006. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated, "The fourth edition of JDCC meeting was held in March 2023 in New Delhi at the Joint Secretary-level. The fifth edition marks the elevation of the co-chair to Secretary-level." Earlier in July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and discussed strengthening the collaboration between the two nations and partnership in the Indo-Pacific. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane. Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality." Notably, India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on 26 November1949, shortly after both nations gained independence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Relations between two nations have been friendly with shared values and commonalities, like vibrant democratic polity, pluralistic society, rule of law, an independent judiciary and free press, and the widespread use of the English language. (ANI) The United States will monitor joint military drills by China and Russia in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, but there is "no dramatic, imminent concern," a senior White House official said. The White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing on Monday local time that the United States will watch the naval and air exercises like any other drills. He noted that China and Russia do not have a long history of working closely together militarily. "We've been watching this defence relationship grow and deepen over the last couple of years to include the - the exercise of their militaries in both the air, at sea, and even on the ground," Kirby said "We'll watch it like we watch all exercises, but look, these are two nations that don't have a long history of working well together, certainly not militarily. These are two nations that don't necessarily fully trust one another in the region or around the world," Kirby added in a press briefing. "I see no reason for us to change our own military posture or deterrent posture as a result of this exercise. This is a long-planned exercise. It's a part of their -- their regimen. So, we'll watch it and -- and monitor, but - but there's no - you know, there's no dramatic, imminent concern about it, the US National Security Communications Advisor said. China's Ministry of National Defence had on Monday announced that drills, codenamed Northern/Interaction-2024, aim to "deepen strategic cooperation between the two sides and strengthen their ability to respond to security threats," state media Xinhua news agency reported. The ministry added that Chinese and Russian naval fleets will conduct their fifth joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the Chinese navy will participate in Russia's "Ocean-2024" strategic exerciseChina and Russia conducted a joint military exercise in the waters and airspace adjacent to Zhanjiang, located in south China's Guangdong Province in July this year. It included anti-missile exercises, sea strikes and air defence. Xinhua had reported in July that the Chinese and Russian naval forces carried out on-map military simulation and tactical coordination exercises after the opening ceremony in Zhanjiang. (ANI) The Yerevan Dialogue is being hosted by the Armenian Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). "This event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including heads of state, academics, and students, to address pressing global issues ranging from climate change and conflict to technology and health," the press release stated. The Dialogue will be inaugurated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on September 10. Armenian Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, will also participate in the inaugural session. This gathering will feature representatives from over 60 countries, including ministers, former heads of state and government, journalists, and experts. Notable attendees include Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Luxembourg; Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary. Davit Karapetyan, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Armenia; Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour, Qatar; Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, India; and Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Republic of Armenia, the release further stated. The conversations at the Yerevan Dialogue will be centered around five key themes namely; the emerging international order, connectivity, green transitions and the future of energy, digital societies as stable and safe economic engines, and the Future of Work "With more than 170 participants from across the globe, the Yerevan Dialogue will bring the world's debates to Armenia, fostering fresh ideas, solutions, and perspectives," the release added. (ANI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited Seoul Technical High School in South Korea on Tuesday. During his visit to the school, Rajasthan CM was seen interacting with the officials. It is the second day of his visit to South Korea. "Today, on the second day of my stay in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, I visited Seoul Technical High School and observed the excellent educational system there. This school focuses especially on skill development, which is an important part of the modern education system. On this occasion, he had a cordial meeting with the school management and the students studying there and invited everyone to visit the brave land of Rajasthan with a lovely feeling of "Padhaaro Mhare Desh". Along with this, he discussed with the officials present about setting up similar advanced educational institutions in Rajasthan as well, taking inspiration from this school model," the CM posted on X. "For the bright future of every student of Rajasthan, our government is also fully committed to providing quality, innovative, practical, employment-oriented, skill development-focused and inclusive education in the field of education. Giving special importance to skill development, our government is also organizing training programs in various fields, so that the youth can get better employment opportunities and they can contribute to nation building, " he further said. During the day, he is scheduled to hold various meetings in South Korea. Rajasthan CM is on a visit to South Korea to invite investors for the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 to be held in Jaipur from December 9-11. On Monday, a high-level delegation led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma participated in an investors' meet in Seoul and invited the business community and investors from the East Asian country to explore investment opportunities in Rajasthan. This was the first international investors' meet of the state's upcoming 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024, which will be organised in December this year, according to Rajasthan Chief Minister's Office press release. The Chief Minister, addressing the gathering, delineated his government's agenda of doubling the state's economy from the current US 180 billion dollars to US 350 billion dollars in the next 5 years and assured the investors that "the state is continually improving processes and policies to provide 'ease of doing business' in the state." Exhorting the startups, innovators and members from South Korea's top business groups, to do business in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Sharma said, "The Government of Rajasthan is not looking at South Korea as a source of investment only, but also aspires to build a strong and long-term partnership across sectors with the business leaders of South Korea. As part of our investor-friendly initiatives, my government will soon launch a slew of new policies that will enhance the business-friendly climate in the state, including the new Industrial Policy, Export Promotion Policy, MSME Policy and One District, One Product (ODOP) Policy." Besides the investors' meet, Rajasthan CM Sharma also held one-on-one meetings with senior officials of several big South Korean companies and associations from key sectors such as infrastructure, chemicals, startups and tourism, among others, accprding to press release. This includes meeting the senior officials of POSCO International, SG Corporation (a South Korean asphalt concrete manufacturer), GS E&C (a South Korean firm working in renewable energy and battery storage space), Hanwha Solution (chemicals), and Jeonbuk Creative Economy Innovation Centre (JCCEI), which works as the incubator for startups.Besides that, several investors who were present during the investors meet also expressed interests in making investments in the state. The Rajasthan government will host the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur on December 9-11. The three-day mega summit, which aims to attract and facilitate global investment, innovation, and partnerships in the state, is organised with the support of the Industry and Commerce Department, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), and RIICO, with BIP serving as the nodal department for this summit. During the summit, special plenary sessions will be organised on different focus sectors, including Agriculture, Renewable, Education and Skilling, Auto and EV, Infrastructure, Chemical and Petro-chemical, Tourism, Startups, Mining and ESDM/IT and ITeS and others. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], September 10 (ANI/TPS): One of the most extensive undercover investigations in Israel's history culminated in the arrest of dozens of individuals involved in a wide-ranging smuggling, bribery, and money laundering network at the Port of Ashdod, the Israeli Police announced on Tuesday. The agent, who had been working undercover for four and a half years, infiltrated a highly organized group of customs officials, importers, and criminals accused of systematically smuggling illicit goods, tax evasion and money laundering. Among the dozens of suspects arrested in the Tuesday morning raids was an employee of the Ministry of Transportation. The investigation began in 2020 when the Tax Authority and the police recruited an undercover agent code named "Jack Sparrow." Posing as a customs inspector, the agent was strategically placed at Ashdod Port, where he began building relationships with importers and customs officials. His primary mission was to gain the trust of individuals suspected of being involved in smuggling operations. Over time, "Jack Sparrow" was asked to help facilitate the smuggling of goods by manipulating container inspections. In return for bribes ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of shekels, the agent would falsely approve shipping manifests, allowing smugglers to avoid paying taxes on valuable goods. Some of the items smuggled included counterfeit luxury goods, high-end vehicle parts, and tobacco products. In addition to these, the network is believed to have smuggled weapons, ammunition, dangerous drugs, and unauthorized pharmaceuticals, all concealed in everyday items. The arrest raids targeted the homes and offices of dozens of suspects. Authorities seized over a million shekels in cash, as well as luxury vehicles, documents, and electronic equipment, all suspected to be linked to the criminal operation. Confiscation procedures have already begun for the seized assets, with investigators suspecting that much of the wealth was accumulated through illegal economic activities. According to police, the operation uncovered a network that reached deep into Israel's business community. The suspects are expected to face charges of money laundering, bribing public officials, smuggling, and other related offenses. Authorities believe that the network had ties to organized crime groups and that their activities resulted in the loss of hundreds of millions -- if not billions -- of shekels in evaded taxes. The Ashdod Port plays a key role in Israeli commerce, handling about 60 per cent of the country's cargo. Additionally, the port facilitates the export of Israeli goods, including agricultural products, chemicals, electronics, and industrial equipment, connecting Israel to global markets. Due to its proximity to Gaza, the port also receives a significant amount of international humanitarian aid for the Strip. (ANI/TPS) Lauding ties between India and Norway, Norwegian leader Ine Eriksen Soreide has pointed out that the potential for further collaboration between the two countries, especially in the areas of climate change, green transition, and ocean management, is huge. Soreide, who is the Leader of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Parliament of Norway, also praised the trade deal between India and EFTA nations, which he said will deepen collaboration between New Delhi and Oslo. Speaking to ANI, Soreide said, "We are here as the members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence committee and we have been having meetings both in ministries and in Parliament...We have been discussing everything from geopolitics to regional issues and the growing collaboration between India and Norway." Being asked about the India-Norway ties during her tenure as the foreign and defence minister of Norway, Soreide said the relations have "huge potential." She further hailed the recent Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association and said many Norwegian companies are keen to invest in India. "It (India-Norway ties) has huge potential. When I was the foreign minister, we issued an India strategy, which was the first ever from Norway's side and this has been followed by an agreement on FTA between EFTA and India, which offers huge potential for doing more trade and collaboration," the Norwegian leader said. "Many Norwegian companies are interested in investing in India...There is huge potential between the two countries...We have been talking about research collaboration on climate change, which is very important globally...We have joint interests in areas such as climate change, technology, green transition and ocean management," she added. Earlier in March, India signed a USD 100 billion Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc The European Free Trade Association is a trade organisation and free trade area consisting of four European states- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. As part of the agreement, EFTA has committed to promote investments to increase the stock of foreign direct investments by USD 100 billion in India in the next 15 years, and to facilitate the generation of 1 million direct employment in India, through such investments. Speaking further, the Norwegian leader said that Norway is excited about the upcoming India-Nordic summit in Oslo, adding that it will give a huge boost to the collaboration between two nations. "We are very excited about it and we hope that it can take place soon. It will give a huge boost to our collaboration. We are hoping and expecting high-level visits both ways, and we have also been advocating the necessity and the interest on our side to host Indian delegations in Norway," Soreide said. (ANI) Nepal's ruling alliance is preparing a no-confidence motion against Deputy House Speaker, Indira Rana Magar, from office, citing her 'incompetence' as one of the reasons. Citing Article 91 of the Constitution, the ruling coalition has planned to present an impeachment resolution in the House of Representatives to remove Deputy Speaker Rana, alleging that she has not fulfilled the duties expected of her role. "Meeting of the ruling coalition that was held on Monday discussed and made the decision to file a no-confidence motion against the Deputy House Speaker over her functioning," a senior leader from the ruling coalition confirmed ANI. Article 91, sub-section (6)(c) of the Constitution stipulates that if a resolution to remove the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is passed by a two-thirds majority of the total members of the House, the individual in question shall be removed from office. The move to remove Rana, who was appointed Deputy Speaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) quota, has stirred the political landscape. One-fourth of the members of the House of Representatives can file an impeachment motion. The CPN-UML, led by Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has issued a directive to its MPs instructing them not to leave Kathmandu until September 19. This internal circular is part of the party's preparations for the potential removal of the Deputy Speaker. A party leader confirmed that the circular is intended to keep MPs in the city as the party moves forward with this plan. Recently, there was a controversy over Indira Rana Magar's letter to the United States Embassy in Kathmandu to schedule visa interviews for six people, including herself. On February 26, 2023, Magar had written a letter to the embassy to arrange dates for visa interviews, saying she and five others were going to the US to participate in the NGO CSW67 event held in New York. In the letter, she had mentioned that the event was important for everyone, including herself and she had given top priority to the invitation from the United Nations. (ANI) Pakistan's Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training informed Pakistan's National Assembly that more than 26 million children are still out of school across the country, Dawn reported. It said that number continues to remain above 26 million despite measures taken by the government in recent years as well as commitments to bring these children back to schools. In response to a question by Pakistan's Member of National Assembly Shahida Rehmani, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui gave a written reply on Monday, which was not debated in the lower house, Dawn reported. It said 26.20 million out-of-school children include about 10 million children (10,774,890) in the age group of 5-9 years, about five million (4,935,484) in the age group of 10-12 years and 4.5 million in the age group of 13-14 years. Additionally, six million students, from 13-16 years of age, are out of school and deprived of higher secondary education. Shahida Rehmani also asked the government to explain the steps being taken to enhance girls' enrolment in schools, according to Dawn report. The minister informed the house that the Federal Directorate of Education, which is responsible for educational institutes in Islamabad, established 200 computer labs in educational institutions for teaching coding skills. The move has been made to help girls acquire IT and entrepreneurial skills. Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan is facing an unprecedented education crisis. As many as 25.3 million children in the age bracket of 5 to 16 years were found out of school, which comprised 36 per cent of the total school-age population of the country, Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported. The highest deficiency in enrollment is in rural areas. The report further mentioned that children are vulnerable between the age group of 5-9 years, with 51 per cent never being enrolled. As per the report, 50 per cent of children have either dropped out or no longer attend school. It added that 53 per cent of the children who are out of school are girls, and "the problem is more severe in rural areas where female literacy is already quite low." (ANI) Efforts to maintain exchanges between Taiwanese and Chinese citizens are facing severe challenges following China's harsh sentencing of a Taiwanese activist. Analysts warn that Beijing's decision to jail Yang Chih-yuan, a political activist, to nine years in prison under secession charges will have an effect on Taiwan's civil society, Voice of America reported. According to the report, on September 6, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) confirmed that a court in Wenzhou had sentenced Yang under accusations of secession, stating that he was involved in organizations advocating for Taiwan's independence. "His acts are egregious and the court reached the decision according to law," the office said in a statement. Yang, who was arrested in 2022 while teaching and participating in competitions for the board game Go, was accused of long-standing involvement in secessionist activities. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), overseeing cross-strait exchanges, condemned the ruling, urging Beijing to reveal the verdict and evidence. "Beijing is trying to use Yang's case to intimidate Taiwanese people under the pretext of penalizing Taiwan's independence," the MAC said in a statement last week. VOA further states that this is the first time China has used secession charges against a Taiwanese individual. It follows China's introduction of 22 new guidelines in June aimed at punishing so-called "die-hard Taiwan independence activists," with potential sentences reaching the death penalty. Observers believe Yang's case is a troubling signal that Beijing is adopting a more hardline stance against Taiwan. "This shows that Beijing means business when it comes to using legal instruments to crack down on what it regards as 'separatism,'" said J Michael Cole, a senior fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute. He noted that the case will inevitably dampen civil society exchanges between the two sides. In response to China's growing hostility, Taipei has postponed the scheduled visits of two academic delegations from Xiamen University. While some Taiwanese media claim the delay is due to "obstacles" imposed by local authorities, the MAC maintains that it is part of routine procedures. China, however, wasted no time twisting the narrative, with the state-run Global Times accusing Taiwan of deliberately blocking the delegations. This deliberate mischaracterization is yet another example of Beijing's aggressive tactics to shift blame onto Taiwan while it continues its campaign of intimidation. The tension has also affected other platforms of communication, such as the annual Shanghai-Taipei City Forum. The event, one of the few remaining opportunities for Taiwanese and Chinese officials to meet, has yet to schedule a 2024 gathering. The absence of such exchanges only highlights Beijing's refusal to engage with Taiwan diplomatically, focusing instead on divide-and-conquer strategies within Taiwanese society. China's increasing military pressure against Taiwan under President Lai Ching-te's leadership reflects Beijing's desire to suppress any notion of Taiwanese sovereignty. "Such delays serve as a clear reminder that even lower-level engagement is difficult to sustain when one side rejects core aspects of the other's existence," said Timothy Rich, a political scientist at Western Kentucky University. Beijing's relentless pressure is not just military. The sentencing of Yang Chih-yuan is part of a broader effort to suppress pro-independence sentiment within Taiwan. By criminalizing legitimate advocacy, China is attempting to stifle dissent and sow fear among Taiwanese activists and citizens alike. However, this strategy risks further alienating Taiwan. As Cole pointed out, Beijing's refusal to engage in formal dialogue with Taipei while keeping doors open to interactions with other elements of Taiwanese society is a calculated effort to divide and weaken Taiwan's unity. Yet, this heavy-handed approach may ultimately backfire, as it deepens mistrust and fuels resentment toward Beijing's authoritarian grip. (ANI) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, met with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani Al Zeyoudi to discuss ways to enhance trade relations between the two nations through collaborative efforts. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1833444333766197296 Piyush Goyal shared some pictures of the meeting on X and stated, "Delighted to meet my good friend H.E. Dr. @ThaniAlZeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, UAE. Discussions focused on exploring opportunities under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and advancing bilateral trade relations through collaborative efforts." Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is on his first official visit to India, he arrived in New Delhi on September 8 and was received by Piyush Goyal. He was also accorded a ceremonial welcome after he landed here in the national capital. https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1832763306664202550 Further, the Commerce Minister also shared the post of the Abu Dhabi crown prince's arrival and stated, "Marking a new chapter in our strategic partnership Honoured to welcome Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India on behalf of PM @NarendraModi ji." On September 9, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a meeting at Hyderabad House in the national capital. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other officials were present in the meeting. Following this, he also met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital. On the same day, he planted an amaltas (Cassia fistula) sapling at Rajghat, becoming the third-generation leader from the UAE's ruling family to do so. This marks the first time in the history of Rajghat that three generations of leaders from a single nation have planted trees honouring the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, signifying the deep-rooted and growing relationship between India and the UAE. (ANI) The Balochistan government has listed a large number of individuals on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, Dawn reported. According to the report, although the Home Department did not issue an official notification, several individuals have confirmed to Dawn that their names have been added to the Fourth Schedule. They have been instructed to report to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police. Sources indicate that this action was taken based on recommendations from district intelligence committees. Being placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act means the concerned individuals have been designated as proscribed persons. Restrictions imposed on them include a ban on passport issuance, freezing of bank accounts, prohibition on financial support and credit, revocation of arms licenses, and restrictions on employment clearances. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist, condemned this action and said that the Balochistan government, at the behest of the military establishment, is carrying out massive and systematic abuses by placing thousands of names on the Fourth Schedule, a draconian anti-terror watch list. In Quetta alone, 137 people were added to the Fourth Schedule in July, including students, activists, writers, lecturers, and professors. She posted on X, "The list also includes my brother, Nasir Baloch, who has previously been a victim of enforced disappearance and has no connection to any form of political activism. Adding the names of peaceful individuals or family members of activists to an anti-terror watch list is part of a larger campaign of subjugation and oppression against the Baloch people in Balochistan." https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1833381256513655184 She further said, "The government is turning Balochistan into a mass internment camp, similar to those in the Xinjiang autonomous region, to control, dictate, oppress, and change the thoughts of the people. However, the Baloch will resist any such attempts. I urge civil society, the media, international human rights organisations, and political stakeholders to speak out against this blatant misuse of the law." The report also stated that Baloch Qadir, chief of the Baloch Student Organisation, and Secretary General Samand Baloch and Shakoor Baloch are among those who have been included on the list. NP President Dr Malik Baloch stated that 3,000 people are set to be added to the Fourth Schedule. (ANI) Amid escalating reports of enforced disappearances and abuse in Balochistan by Pakistani armed forces, a young Baloch man has reportedly gone missing in Pakistan after being forcibly deported from Bahrain, according to a report by The Balochistan Post. A disturbing report has emerged regarding the detention and deportation of Asad Baloch, a resident of Mand Kanik, by Bahraini authorities on August 28. Baloch was taken into custody without any clear explanation or charges, sparking concerns about the legality of his detention. Following his deportation, Baloch was flown from Bahrain to Karachi via the United Arab Emirates, arriving at Karachi airport on August 29. However, in a shocking turn of events, he was allegedly abducted by Pakistani authorities upon arrival, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. The report adds that Asad's family is calling for his immediate release, emphasising that if he is suspected of any crime, he should be legally presented before a court. It also draws parallels to a 2018 incident when Rashid Hussain was detained in the UAE and later deported to Pakistan, where he similarly disappeared. The deportation of Baloch individuals at risk in Pakistan from Gulf nations has become a growing concern, The Balochistan Post reported. In a similar case in 2022, businessman Hafeez Baloch was detained by UAE security forces and deported to Pakistan, where he too went missing. After over five months of the enforced disappearance, Hafeez resurfaced in a Karachi jail and was later acquitted of all charges, as the allegations against him could not be proven in court. An earlier report by The Balochistan Post, published in August, highlighted ongoing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region. It noted that nine individuals were released, while six bodies were discovered. The issue remains persistent, particularly in districts like Kech, Quetta, and Panjgur, where such incidents continue unabated. Kech reports the highest number of cases with 14 incidents, followed by Quetta with seven, and other districts experiencing fewer occurrences. This crisis has been a persistent issue for over twenty years, impacting students, activists, journalists, and politicians. The ongoing turmoil is exacerbated by severe distress among families, especially women and the elderly, who endure great suffering over the fate of their missing relatives. (ANI) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin's ability to carry out his aggressive actions against Ukraine is bolstered by the support he receives from China. The remarks by Blinken came as he was addressing a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Addressing the joint conference, Blinken said that one of the most important priorities includes providing support to Ukraine. He said, "...The priorities include our resolute support to Ukraine faced with the ongoing Russian aggression. The US, UK, and our leaders are providing security assistance to Ukraine, and together from day one, we continue to say that we stand strongly with our Ukrainian partners. Criticising Russia for escalating its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians, Blinken said, "We will be travelling to Kyiv this week and I think it is a critical moment for Ukraine. In the midst of worries... with Russia continuing to escalate its aggression against civilians, critical infrastructure, and of course against Ukrainian forces, we see ramping up of attacks on cities and people, in particular targeting the energy infrastructure, electricity, all these in the coldest months. Targeting China for supporting Russia during the war against Ukraine, Blinken said, "One of the reasons that Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is able to continue this aggression is because of the provision of support from the People's Republic of China. China is the biggest supplier of machine tools, the biggest supplier of micro-electronics, all of which are helping Russia sustain its defence industrial base." Notably, on September 11, Blinken will travel to Ukraine with Lammy, where they will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian government officials to discuss continued support for Ukraine's defence against Russia's aggression and ways to ensure Ukraine can thrive militarily, economically, and democratically in the long term, a press release by the US Department of State said. Blinken further said, "This joint trip reflects strong transatlantic support, ... with our Indo-pacific partners, with more than 50 nations that continue to support Ukraine. Together, we are making sure that Ukraine can defend its territory..., that it would be able to stand strongly on its feet, economically, democratically..." Meanwhile, David Lammy in a post on X said, "It's a pleasure to welcome US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to London. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth." https://x.com/DavidLammy/status/1833469773218230486 On September 12, Secretary Blinken will travel to Poland, where he will meet with senior Polish government officials to discuss a range of important bilateral issues, including deepening our defence and energy cooperation, and our work as NATO Allies to support Ukraine's defence. (ANI) Roth stated that Germany's right to navigate the strait is both legal and essential for keeping freedom of navigation and ensuring regional stability, as per Taiwan's Central News Agency. According to the report, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed dissatisfaction with the planned transit of the German frigate "Baden-Wurttemberg" and supply ship "Frankfurt am Main," scheduled to pass through the Taiwan Strait in mid-September. Although China agrees to respect the right of other nations to navigate under international law, it has accused Germany of using "freedom of navigation" as a pretext to provoke China and jeopardise its sovereignty. Roth dismissed Beijing's claims, asserting that China often characterises legitimate international actions as provocations when they conflict with its strategic interests. "A transit is not a provocation," Roth stated on X (formerly Twitter). "We oppose any unilateral and violent changes to the status quo by China in the Taiwan Strait." He emphasized that the international community must not remain passive in the face of China's expanding influence and territorial ambitions, notably Chinese President Xi Jinping's declared goal of unifying Taiwan by any means necessary, as reported by CNA. Roth warned that any military escalation in the Taiwan Strait could have catastrophic effects on the global economy, potentially surpassing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling for a united front, Roth urged Germany to follow the lead of other nations, such as the Netherlands and Canada, which have already sent naval ships through the Taiwan Strait this year. He expressed regret that Taiwan is frequently depicted only in terms of potential conflict, emphasising that it remains one of the most democratic and free societies in East Asia. (ANI) In Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, the Awami Action Committee took to the streets of PoGB city today to protest against the ongoing flour crisis and subsidy cuts, Pamir Times reported. Several protesters marched through the city, vocally opposing the administration's plan to cut and eventually eliminate subsidised wheat flour (atta). They chanted slogans and expressed their frustration and anger, denouncing the government's actions. One protester expressed his frustration and stated, "We will continue our protest until our February demands are approved and until an official notification is released stating that 12 kg of wheat will be provided to us. We also want an apology from the authorities and removal of the new chief secretary. Despite protesting in his area, he is not taking us seriously. We will continue our protest until our demands are met." Another protester mentioned, "Earlier, I used to receive 64 bags of flour, then 56 bags, and now only 25 bags. Yesterday, I informed the committee about the issue, and they decided to return only about 6 kg of wheat left It will be difficult for us to provide for the public in PoGB. We urge the authorities to give us more time to complete the necessary paperwork, as it is not feasible to do this work in one week." Further, another protester highlighted the ongoing POGB crisis, citing issues with electricity and necessities as a result of government policies. Another protester highlighted, "Currently, PoGB is facing a series of crises, whether related to electricity, necessities, or other issues, all due to the administration's policies. It is the government's responsibility to address these concerns. We are not asking for top-quality goods, just something adequate for our needs. Additionally, the electricity situation is also inadequate." He further emphasised that the local administration should not take this protest lightly. The protesters plan to meet again tomorrow, and the Action Committee will demand that the authorities restore subsidies on 32 essential items. For many families, the subsidised flour was a crucial element in keeping food affordable, and its reduction threatens to strain their already tight budgets further. The Chief Secretary and regional officials have yet to make a public statement addressing the concerns raised by the protesters. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in Germany on the second leg of a three-nation tour, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Tuesday and exchanged views on Ukraine, Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833509119682097643 Jaishankar shared some pictures on X of his meeting with Baerbock and stated that he looks forward to welcoming her in India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations. "Held wide-ranging discussions with FM @ABaerbock in Berlin today. Took stock of India - Germany Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade and investment, green & sustainable development, skilled workers' mobility, technology and defence & security. Exchanged views on Ukraine, Gaza and the Indo - Pacific region. Look forward to welcoming her in India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations," EAM said on X. During his press address alongside the meeting on Tuesday, Jaishankar stated, "We discussed PM Modi's recent visit to Ukraine. We talked about the situation in West Asia/Middle East, especially the Gaza conflict and its ramifications." "I touched briefly on our cooperation with the European Union. With the incoming Commission, we hope to move faster on the Free Trade Agreement, and other agreements and we count on Germany's support for that. Also, we would like to hold an early meeting of the Trade and Technology Council," he added. Further, Jaishankar highlighted India-Germany's increased interactions and joint exercises, citing both nations' first-ever air exercises this year. "Our interactions in defence and security have also increased. We held the first-ever air exercises this year. And we hope to welcome your naval ships in Goa next month. Our policy and other exchanges have been mutually beneficial. And we would like to explore how our defence industries can cooperate more closely," said Jaishankar. Highlighting PM Modi's 100-day agenda, Jaishankar stated that India has included creating 12 new industrial zones across the country as part of its 100-day agenda. "Now, about our bilateral relationship, again let me revert to the 100-day agenda. At home, that has included a decision to create 12 new industrial zones across the country, initiate a much bigger skilling programme, and expand our logistics infrastructure. There is a strong focus on new and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, electric mobility, renewables, etc. We believe that this can constitute new opportunities for India-Germany cooperation." Jaishankar said during his address in Berlin. "Trade between us is probably in the range of about USD 30 billion annually. And I think investments from Germany are about 25 million USD; it's somewhat less from our side. But what is clear is that there is still a vast potential to be realised. Germany is a crucial partner in accelerating our growth and development. In turn, India can contribute to building reliable and resilient supply chains, diversified production and trusted digital partnerships. We welcome the forthcoming Asia Pacific Conference of German businesses in New Delhi in October 2024," he added. EAM also mentioned the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, which was signed during the German Foreign Minister's visit to India. Additionally, Jaishankar also noted a significant increase in the number of Indian students in Germany, with approximately 50,000 students currently studying in the country and expressed gratitude to Baerbock for her efforts in improving the speed and efficiency of visa issuance in India "When FM Baerbock came to India in December 2022, we signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. This has facilitated a smooth movement of skills and talent and I was pleased to learn that today there are 125,000 Indian nationals who are working in their professional capacity in Germany. Creating a legal global workplace is in our mutual interest. The number of Indian students in Germany has also grown, again, I was very happy to get that numbers, is 50000, I believe. And I thank you FM personally for your efforts in improving the speed and efficiency of visa issuance in India," said Jaishankar. Jaishankar, who is on 6-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Switzerland from September 8. He first travelled to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from September 8 to 9, 2024, to attend the First India - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. On the second leg of the visit, Jaishankar is currently in Berlin, Germany for a two - day visit from September 10 to 11 and thereafter will travel to Geneva, Switzerland for an official visit from September 12 to 13. (ANI) Dr Geeta Rao Gupta, US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, is set to embark on a visit to India, aimed at strengthening US-India bilateral ties. During her trip, she will focus on advancing the US-India Alliance for Women's Economic Empowerment and will address gender-based violence prevention and response. She will visit India from September 11 to 16, the US Department of State said in a press release. On September 11, Ambassador Geeta Gupta will co-host a meeting of the US-India Alliance on Women's Economic Empowerment, a public-private partnership between the Department of State, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University, and the American India Foundation, with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, Deputy Assistant Secretary for India and Bhutan Nancy Jackson, and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Anjali Kaur. At this first in-person gathering of the alliance, alliance members will discuss joint efforts to expand women's corporate workforce participation, participation in STEM research and education, and entrepreneurship in India, the release said. On September 12, she will speak on a USIBC Ideas Summit Panel on "Leading the Charge: Women Pioneers Shaping the US-India Corridor." On September 13, the Ambassador will hold meetings in Chennai, where she will engage with regional government officials and others on the importance of women's safety from gender-based violence (GBV) in public spaces. She will also meet with private sector, labour, and civil society organisations to discuss the Dindigul Agreement as a model for preventing GBV and harassment in the workplace. On September 16, Ambassador Rao Gupta will return to New Delhi, where she will continue to elevate the issue of GBV in public spaces, with a focus on public transit. The Ambassador will deliver keynote remarks at a POWER Seminar on "Empowering Women: Unveiling the Importance of Public Transport Facilities," the release added. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday asserted that India's stand on the war between Russia and Ukraine "rests on some postulates" and emphasised that differences can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, not war, and that negotiations are the only way forward. The remarks by EAM came while he was addressing a joint press conference with German Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock. Addressing the press conference, Jaishankar said, "Minister Baerbock and I regularly talk about Ukraine. We are talking about this time in person. But from time to time, we speak on the phone or otherwise." He added, "In the last two-and-a-half years, in different ways, India has had some involvement with various specific initiatives, the green corridor, matters relating to the security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear station and some other discussions." Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Jaishankar added, "This year, PM Modi went to Russia in July. He met President ZelenskyY in Italy in June and then he went to Kyiv in August. And in both, Moscow and Kyiv, he had fairly detailed long discussions with the two Presidents." Jaishankar, during the joint press conference, further said that a lot of things were said during the discussions and asserted that "India's position on the ongoing war rests on some postulates." Elaborating on the postulates, he said, "We don't believe that differences and disputes can be settled through war. This is not the era of war; We don't believe in this conflict and a solution will come from the battlefield. So we do think that negotiations are the only way forward. At some point, there has to be negotiations. When there is a discussion, we also think that it is essential to have Russia in it unless the discussions don't gain further moment." Notably, PM Modi concluded his visit to Ukraine on August 23, the first by an Indian PM to the European nation since India established diplomatic ties with Ukraine in 1992. During their bilateral meeting, PM Modi had told Zelenskyy that dialogue is the only solution to the conflict in Ukraine. "India was never neutral, we have always been on the side of peace," PM Modi had told Zelenskyy in their bilateral meeting. He further said that India was ready to play an active role in the path to peace and progress. (ANI) Lu will travel to India and Bangladesh from September 10 to 16, the US Department of State said in a press release. Assistant Secretary Lu will travel to New Delhi, where he will highlight US-India cooperation to promote development, security, and women's economic security at the India Ideas Summit, hosted by the US-India Business Council. He will also co-chair the eighth US-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, alongside US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P Royal and counterparts from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Ministry of Defence, the release added. Notably, the dialogue will identify opportunities to enhance the US-India bilateral partnership, including defence cooperation, and expand US-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Assistant Secretary Lu will join an interagency delegation for meetings with the Bangladeshi interim government. The delegation will include representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and Office of the US Trade Representative, the release said. The US and Bangladeshi officials will also discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh's economic growth, financial stability and development needs. (ANI) Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is on an official visit to India, attended a business event held in Mumbai on Tuesday. During the meeting, both nations signed two significant agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two nations. The first agreement launches the India-UAE Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) and MAITRI interface, which will facilitate trade and reduce administrative processes, logistics, and transport costs. The second agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between International Resources Holding RSC LTD and a consortium of Indian companies for global collaboration in critical mineral supply chain exploration in third countries. "Launch of work on the India-UAE virtual trade corridor (VTC) and MAITRI interface to facilitate VTC under the framework agreement between India and the UAE on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)," according to the official statement. The Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) will be an integral part of IMEEC. Benefits of VTC include reduction of administrative processes and time, reduction of logistics and transport costs, and enhancing ease of doing business . MAITRI is a Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface that integrates multiple Indian operational portals to facilitate interfacing with UAE portals. It optimises efficiencies, leverages technologies, eases regulatory compliance, streamlines operations and enhances transparency. MAITRI is also scalable, secure, unified and credible. IMEEC is an ambitious infrastructure project which will define global connectivity in the decades to come. Following the announcement of the project at the G20 summit in Delhi last September, India and the UAE took the lead in February this year when an Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement to implement IMEEC was signed during the PM's visit to Abu Dhabi. "MoU between International Resources Holding RSC LTD and a consortium of Oil India Ltd, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd and ONGC India Ltd towards global collaboration in Critical Mineral Supply Chain," as per the official statement. "The MoU provides for cooperation in critical mineral exploration in third countries. It will help boost the supply chain resilience of critical minerals. Critical minerals are key to powering 21st century digital economy," the statment added. According to the official statment, India-UAE trade, reached USD 84 billion in 2023-24, making the UAE India's third largest trading partner after China and the US. Moreover, UAE is the second largest export destination of India (after the US) with an amount of nearly USD 36 billion for the year 2023-24. The UAE's investment in India between 2000-2023 is estimated to be around USD 20-21 billion, of which USD 18.5 billion is in the form of FDI while the remaining is portfolio investment. In 2023-2024, UAE is the 6th biggest FDI, investor into India. The UAE has also committed to invest USD 75 billion in India's infrastructure sector over a period of time. (ANI) https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1833500164604235885 The visit comes as part of a broader agenda to deepen maritime collaboration between the two nations. Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, is on an official visit to India from August 19 to 24, 2024. His visit aims to reinforce maritime cooperation and demonstrate the commitment of both navies to address shared maritime security challenges. During his visit, Olsen met with Adm Tripathi on August 21, 2024. The meeting covered a range of topics, including operational engagements, technical cooperation, and training. The Brazilian Admiral was honoured with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns. This visit is a testament to the strong operational interactions and training cooperation between the Indian and Brazilian navies, which are also active participants in multilateral forums such as MILAN and India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR). In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Adm Tripathi recently presided over operational-level discussions in Kochi from August 27 to 30. This four-day event brought together senior leaders from the Indian Navy, sister services, HQIDS, and the Coast Guard. The deliberations focused on operational concepts, tri-service synergy, and responses to emerging maritime challenges. Key topics included advancements in warfare, technological support needs, operational logistics, and manpower optimisation. These discussions underscore Adm Tripathi's commitment to enhancing joint efforts and improving coordination among various maritime agencies to address evolving security challenges. The meeting between Lt Damasceno and Adm Tripathi underscores a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations. Their discussions pave the way for enhanced defence cooperation and mutual strategic interests. This collaboration highlights the growing partnership between Brazil and India, aiming for greater synergy in addressing regional and global security challenges. (ANI) The Finland Embassy in New Delhi hosted a grand reception Tuesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and India. The event highlighted the deep and multifaceted partnership that has developed over the past seven and a half decades. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal was the guest of honour at the event. "The evening brought together diplomats, business leaders, cultural figures, and friends of both nations. The festivities commenced with the national anthems of both countries, followed by an address from the Ambassador of Finland to India, Kimmo Lahdevirta," the Finland embassy in New Delhi said on Tuesday. While addressing the event, Ambassador Lahdevirta emphasised the historical ties between Finland and India, noting that these strong foundations have enabled the two countries to build a dynamic and evolving partnership over the years. "Today, our partnership is more robust than ever. We have ventured into strategic dialogues encompassing crucial areas like digitalisation, education, sustainability, and innovation--or DESI, as we fondly call our approach. This framework, based on the Joint Declaration made by our Prime Ministers during their 2021 meeting, has set the stage for deepened cooperation in ICT, education, and environmental sustainability. These pillars not only reflect our shared vision for the future but also symbolise our commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking partnership. We look forward to taking this relationship to new heights in the years ahead," said Ambassador Lahdevirta. The reception also featured an address by Sakari Puisto, Chairperson of the Commerce Committee of the Parliament of Finland. Puisto underscored the importance of economic ties between the two nations, highlighting that over 100 Finnish companies are now operating in India with foreign direct investments amounting to over 4 billion euros. He also spoke about the commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and educational exchange that continues to drive the partnership forward. Puisto further remarked, "We are keen to expand our cooperation in talent attraction, offering excellent opportunities for both students and experts. Our cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including tourism, are flourishing. Direct flights between Helsinki and New Delhi by our national carrier, Finnair, have greatly facilitated travel between our countries." A special video message from Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, was played in front of the audience during the reception, further emphasising Finland's commitment to strengthening ties with India. The evening featured a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the anniversary, followed by a vibrant cultural performance by students from the World University of Design (WUD). The embassy has a notable past association with WUD. Earlier this year, the embassy organised a logo-design challenge at WUD to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties between Finland and India. Aman Narayan, a student from WUD, created the winning logo by drawing inspiration from India's cultural ethos as well as the aurora borealis--the natural phenomenon for which Finland is famous. The competition highlighted the creative collaboration between the two nations, and both countries adopted the logo for use in their bilateral communications throughout the year. The event concluded with a raffle draw offering one lucky guest a round-trip flight between Delhi and Helsinki, courtesy of Finnair. Guests enjoyed live jazz music performed by the ASG.TPM Band and a curated buffet featuring Indian and Finnish delicacies. In a delightful touch, guests left the reception with a Moomin mug, celebrating Finland's beloved cultural icons. Created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, the Moomins have made a significant impact on Finnish culture and have captured the hearts of people around the world. The reception celebrated both the longstanding Finland-India partnership and the promising future that lies ahead. Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on September 10, 1949, Finland and India have built a robust and multifaceted partnership across diverse sectors. Today, this partnership flourishes through collaboration in digitalisation, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges. Looking ahead, both nations are set to build on these successes, exploring new opportunities and advancing shared goals for a prosperous, interconnected future. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has interacted with Indian diaspora besides students and faculty at universities during his visit to the United States, also met US lawmakers. The meeting, which took place at Rayburn House Office Building, here, was hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman and those present included US Congress members Jonathan Jackson, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Shri Thanedar, Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia, Ilhan Omar, Hank Johnson and Jan Schakowsky. Sources familiar with the meetings told ANI that Rahul Gandhi also met US diplomat Donald Lu and lawmaker Pramila Jayapal. They said that Rahul Gandhi met Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asia, US Department of State, in Washington DC on September 9. He met Pramila Jayaram, an Indian-American Congress woman, as part of his engagements and later interacted with officials of US House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Donald Lu came ahead of the American diplomat's visit to India and Bangladesh. Rahul Gandhi arrived in the US on Sunday on a three-day visit. The Congress leader said he looks forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will further strengthen the bond between India and the US during this visit. This is Rahul Gandhi first visit to the US after he became Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In a Facebook post earlier, he said Dallas has provided a fantastic start to his USA tour. "My interaction with students and faculty at the University of Texas was dynamic and engaging, with thoughtful discussions on politics, production, skill-respect in India, and the vital role of youth and women in shaping the future of our nations," he said. The Congress leader said the Indian Diaspora serves as a vital bridge between our countries, and their commitment to these values strengthens the bond between our two great unions."I am passionate about unleashing India's potential and look forward to more meaningful exchanges in the coming days," he said. Chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda had said on Monday that Rahul Gandhi and he would be meeting a "fair amount of people" from Capitol Hill. "Rahul Gandhi is visiting the US for three days. We had a full day in Dallas yesterday, where we had three main events, Rahul Gandhi had a fire side chat with the students in Texas, then we had a large community event with almost 4,000 people and then we had a community dinner in the evening. Then we came here today, and had a couple of meetings with the administration, friendly meetings with the people we know personally, and then we interacted with the students at the Georgetown University. Tomorrow, we have meetings on Capitol Hill. We have National Press Club meeting, we will have a conversation with think tank, and several other meetings," he had said. (ANI) The UK government announced new measures against Iran and Russia, following the Iranian regime's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine. Sharing a post on X, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, "Iran's export and Russia's procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles is a further escalation in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. With our international partners, we have taken significant steps to respond to this direct threat to European security." https://x.com/DavidLammy/status/1833521812199661651?s=08 "In coordination with our international partners, the UK will cancel its bilateral air services arrangements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air's ability to fly in to the UK," a press release by the UK government said. Notably, the measures follow repeated warnings from the UK and international partners calling on Iran to cease its planned transfer of the deadly weapons to Russia. Criticising Iran for providing ballistic missiles to Russia in their war against Ukraine, Lammy said, "Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles to fuel its illegal invasion of Ukraine is a significant and dangerous escalation. We have been clear in that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response. Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security." Expressing the UK's stand for Ukraine, Lammy added, "Iran must stop supporting Putin's (Russian President Vladimir Putin) unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes." Alongside the US, the UK is sanctioning a number of key individuals and organisations for their role in facilitating Iran's military support to Russia, including those involved in ballistic missile and drone supply chains, the release added. Brigadier General Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Director General for International Relations of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL): linked to Iran's exports of defence products to its partners; Second Brigadier General Ali Jafarabadi, head of the Space Command of the IRGC Aerospace Force (IRGC-ASF): oversees Iran's testing of space launch vehicles which has supported the development of Iran's long-range ballistic missile arsenal; Majid Mousavi, Deputy Commander of the IRGC-ASF and Deputy to the IRGC-ASF Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh: oversees the development and operation of Iran's inventory of ballistic missiles have been subjected to travel ban. Those subject to an asset freeze include Anzali Free Trade Industrial Zone Organisation (Anzali FTZ); Baharestan Kish Company; Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif (SSFS); and Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia (CSFA). The press release further said that several Russian organisations are also sanctioned for their intent to use the weapons systems to bring destruction to Ukraine. These include -- The 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation, The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) and Command of the Military Transport Aviation (VTA). Notably, to date, the UK has more than 400 sanctions designations in place on Iranian individuals and entities, including those that seek to use malign influence regionally and internationally. The UK has also sanctioned 2,000 individuals and entities under the Russia sanctions regime, with over 1,700 of which sanctioned since Putin's full-scale invasion. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], September 10 (ANI/TPS): Israeli President Isaac Herzog is departing for state visits to Albania and Serbia on Tuesday night, the president's office announced. The two-day visit to the two Balkan countries marks the first time an Israeli leader will set foot in Albania, a predominantly Muslim country. The President of Israel will depart on Wednesday for a political visit to Serbia and Albania. His office said the trip is intended to "strengthen security, strategic and political partnerships during the war." He will be joined by Idit Ohel, the mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, whose family is from Serbia. "The countries, close friends of Israel, support it without reservation in many international forums and maintain extensive security and strategic cooperation with Israel," said Herzog's office. At the start of his visit, President Herzog will be received by Serbia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Duric, a relative of Alon Ohel, who is being held hostage by Hamas. The President will then be welcomed at an official ceremony by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, followed by a diplomatic meeting between the two presidents. On Thursday, Herzog will land in the Albanian capital of Tirana, where he will be received by President Bajram Begaj. Upon his arrival, the two presidents will hold a diplomatic meeting. Later, President Herzog will meet with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Speaker of the Parliament, Elisa Spiropali. Later, President Herzog will hold diplomatic meetings with Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and Speaker of the Parliament Ana Brnabic. He will also participate in a ceremony at the Holocaust memorial in the city and meet with members of the Jewish community. In addition, the President will meet with descendants of Albanian citizens remembered as Righteous Among the Nations for having worked to save Jews during the Holocaust. The President will conclude his visit with a ceremony at the Holocaust memorial, commemorating the rescue of Jews in Albania, at the invitation of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, with the participation of the Jewish community. An economic delegation from the Israel Export Institute, the Manufacturers Association, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will accompany the President's visit, holding local business meetings to promote industrial and economic cooperation. (ANI/TPS) Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 10 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended this evening here the reception hosted by Yoo Jehseung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE, on his country's National Day. The event was attended by heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic corps accredited to the UAE, a number of businessmen and Korean community members in the UAE. In his speech, the Korean Ambassador highlighted the strong relations between the two friendly countries, which have been established since the era of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan following in his footsteps, praising the rapid progress and a steady growth in the strength of political, economic and cultural relations with the support of the leadership in the two friendly countries. He said the UAE-Korea strategic partnership exemplifies a unique model of constructive cooperation, evidenced by the numerous development achievements of the two friendly nations. (ANI/WAM) Jaishankar shared views on current global challenges and possibilities of new collaborations between India and Germany. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet Mr Michael Roth, MP and Chairman of the Deutscher Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs. Shared views on current global challenges, and possibilities of new collaborations between India and Germany." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833568181052441075 Earlier, Jaishankar, who is in Germany on the second leg of a three-nation tour, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin and exchanged views on Ukraine, Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833509119682097643 Jaishankar shared some pictures on X of his meeting with Baerbock and stated that he looks forward to welcoming her in India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations. "Held wide-ranging discussions with FM @ABaerbock in Berlin today. Took stock of India - Germany Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade and investment, green & sustainable development, skilled workers' mobility, technology and defence & security. Exchanged views on Ukraine, Gaza and the Indo - Pacific region. Look forward to welcoming her in India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations," EAM said on X. During his press address alongside the meeting, Jaishankar stated, "We discussed PM Modi's recent visit to Ukraine. We talked about the situation in West Asia/Middle East, especially the Gaza conflict and its ramifications." "I touched briefly on our cooperation with the European Union. With the incoming Commission, we hope to move faster on the Free Trade Agreement, and other agreements and we count on Germany's support for that. Also, we would like to hold an early meeting of the Trade and Technology Council," he added. Further, Jaishankar highlighted India-Germany's increased interactions and joint exercises, citing both nations' first-ever air exercises this year. (ANI) Brownsville students fundraise for trip to Ghana to connect with their heritage Brownsville students fundraise for trip to Ghana to connect with their heritage BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn (PIX11) Fifteen students from Frederick Douglas Academy VII in Brownsville got the experience of a lifetime. They fundraised to travel to Ghana and learn more about their origins and ancestors. If I could relive this entire experience, I would, said Jhalil McKenzie. More Brooklyn News He and Shani Weekes returned from a 10-day trip to Ghana organized by the schools Brownsville Abroad program. Out of the country, I wouldve never thought that, said Weekes. Once in Ghana, students participated in a variety of activities including an arts festival, and a canopy walk in a rainforest. They also attended a local school for a day. But perhaps the most eye-opening experience was their visit to the dungeons where thousands of slaves were held captive. We had to put our hand on the wall to have a connection with our ancestors, added Shani. We did candle lighting, and it was mostly spiritual to some of us because some of us felt something from that connection. Bijoun Jordan has been teaching English for 20 years and is also the travel coordinator for the Brownsville Abroad program, an initiative that started in 2016. Theres something about travel that is like what you can get from a book, but we are taking you straight there, and we are giving you direct access to an experience, he said. After visiting Africa, Asia, and Europe, the scholars will visit either Central America or South America next. More Local News But traveling abroad comes with a hefty price tag. Thats why families are only required to pay for 15% of the trip. The rest is provided by fundraisers like art auctions, 5K runs, and collaborations with local business owners, but thats not all. The vast majority of our funding comes from our donors, staff, fundraisers, and the scholars who participated in crowdfunding and organizations, said Bijoun. Shani and Jhalil will remember their trip to Ghana for the rest of their lives. The students officially started fundraising for their next education trip. If youd like to contribute to their learning experience, you can visit the fundraiser by Eric Jordan: Brownsville Abroad Future 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 PIX11. Delaware primary day: General election ballot emerges with some races too close to call The primary election may be over, but the results and their effects are just beginning. Tuesday marked an important day full of contested races including seeing who will be the major parties' respective candidates for governor come the November general election. In some places where registered Democrats far outnumber Republicans, primary day is often decisive for who will be the next mayor of Wilmington, for example. We were here all day and night bringing you news from the polls, along with results from the count. Several races remain too close to call Several races, including the District 21 House Democratic primary and the District 36 House Republican primary, remain too close to call. As of 10:45 p.m., Democrat Frank Burns was barely ahead of his opponent, Michael Alexander Smith. In the District 36 race, Republican incumbent Rep. Bryan Shupe had a minuscule advantage over contender Patrick Smith. Wilmington's District 1 race was also too close to call, with Coby Owens and Thea Lopez going neck and neck. Del. House Speaker Valerie Longhurst upset by first-time candidate Kamela Smith is projected to beat longtime incumbent Delaware House Speaker Valerie Longhurst in Tuesday's primary. Smith won by 180 votes, or about 6.74 percentage points over Longhurst. She said there was excitement and happiness where she was. "I'm trying to feel what I'm feeling," Smith said. She has no opponent in the general election in November. READ: New Castle County state representative primary results: Speaker of the House upset "Today proves that something new is possible," she said. Longhurst has served as a state representative for nearly two decades. This is Smith's first political campaign. - Shane Brennan Gov. John Carney celebrates projected win in Wilmington mayoral race With 99.6% of precincts reporting as of about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night, Gov. John Carney is projected to win the Wilmington mayoral race, receiving 53.8% of the vote. Gov. John Carney hugs first lady Tracey Quillen Carney as he claimed victory in the Wilmington mayoral race at Catherine Rooney's in Wilmington on Sept. 10. He and former city treasurer Velda Jones-Potter, both Democrats, were the only two contestants in the primary. He celebrated at Catherine Rooney's in the city, where he was joined by U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, current Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and numerous others. His opponent, Velda Jones-Potter, received 46.2% of the vote. - Isabel Hughes and Anitra Johnson Trinidad Navarro wins state insurance commissioner race, AP predicts Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has won his primary race, the Associated Press said. Navarro was first elected in 2016, then re-elected in 2020. He will face Republican Ralph Taylor in November. Kyle Evans Gay projected to win Lt. Gov. primary, Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association says Delaware Sen. Kyle Evans Gay is projected to win the primary for lieutenant governor, the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association said shortly after 9:45 p.m. At the time of the announcement, she had received 47.9% of the vote. Her opponents Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker and Debbie Harrington had received 37.2% and 14.9%, respectively. Marcus Henry projected to win New Castle County Executive race With more than 90% of the 100,000-plus ballots cast, Marcus Henry is projected to win the New Castle County Executive seat. He garnered nearly 61% of the votes, according to the Delaware Department of Elections. Henry will replace former County Executive Matt Meyer, who secured the Democratic win for Delawares gubernatorial race, as called by the Associated Press. - Molly McVety John Whalen to face Sarah McBride in U.S. House race, AP says John Whalen will face Delaware Sen. Sarah McBride in the race for U.S. House of Representatives, the Associated Press said about 9:15 p.m. AP had called the Democratic primary for McBride at about 8:40 p.m. Sarah McBride, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, meets with supporters before going in to vote at Immanuel Church Highlands in Wilmington on Tuesday September 10, 2024. As of 9:30 p.m., Whalen had received 54.97% of the vote compared to 45.03% for his contender, Donyale Hall. Matt Meyer wins Democratic primary for governor: AP Just after 9 p.m., the Associated Press called the Democratic gubernatorial primary for New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. As of 9:05 p.m., he had received 48.4% of the vote, compared to Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long's 36.6% and Collin O'Mara's 15.4%. Meyer's campaign said he will address constituents at The Chancery Market at 9:30 p.m. READ: Matt Meyer clinches Democratic primary for governor, will face Mike Ramone in November Mike Ramone wins Republican gubernatorial primary, AP predicts Delaware House Minority Leader Mike Ramone, the Republican vying for governor, has won the primary, the Associated Press said shortly before 9 p.m. Delawareans sent a message to Dover, said Ramone said in a news release. Stale leadership and inaction in Dover has created an environment where failing schools, crumbling infrastructure and a declining GDP are normal. Delawareans recognize the need for a fresh perspective and bold ideas to turn Delaware around. Rep. Danny Short, right, talks with Rep. Mike Ramone as Tony Allen speaks as members of the House discuss the WEIC redistricting bills during the final session of the legislative season in 2016. Ramone had received 71.79% of the vote at the time of AP's prediction. He was facing Jerrold Price and Bobby Williamson. Delaware elections 2024: Check live for the latest primary election results Sarah McBride wins Democratic primary for U.S. House seat, AP says The Associated Press has called the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic primary race for Delaware Sen. Sarah McBride. As of 8:45 p.m., as in-person voting had just begun being reported but early and absentee voting had already been inputted to the state election website, she had received 81% of the vote. She faced Earl Cooper and Elias Weir. The Republican primary has not yet been called. STORY: Delaware Sen. Sarah McBride wins Democratic nomination for congressional seat Elections site temporarily down as early voting, absentee numbers inputted The Delaware Department of Elections' results page was down in the 8-o'clock hour Tuesday evening as absentee and early voting numbers were inputted. It began working again about 15 minutes later. Atmosphere at P.S. DuPont jovial as polls close Shortly before the polls closed, the atmosphere at P.S. DuPont Middle School was like a party. In the dim of early evening, music played and food trucks provided refreshments to voters on their way to cast their votes and candidates supporters. There were many primary candidates present including Wilmington City Council candidates Maria Cabrera, Alexander Hackett, Shane Darby, Coby Owens and Danielle Covington. One candidate for mayor, Velda Jones Potter, was also there. Gov. John Carney had been there earlier in the day. New Castle County council candidate Monique Johns and candidate for Lt. Governor Sherry Dorsey Walker were there as well. One Wilmington resident, who asked to be identified as Tasha G., ran into P.S. DuPont to cast her vote right before the polls closed. She was the last voter out. While she wouldnt say who she voted for, she said she was looking for a change. She said she hopes elected leaders institute programs focused on young teens offering alternatives to activities that lead to gun violence. As her mothers only daughter and her caretaker, she also wanted leaders to offer resources to help her assist her elderly mother. - Anitra Johnson New Castle County Executive candidates traveled county Tuesday Candidates for New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry and Karen Hartley-Nagle traveled around the county on Tuesday speaking with voters during the last few hours that polling locations were open. Henry, joined by supporters and members of his campaign team, made the rounds at different spots, including Pleasantville Elementary near New Castle. Hartley-Nagle, after making similar stops county-wide, ended up at P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington. Voter turnout around the county was slow but steady" Tuesday, but both Henry and Hartley-Nagle reported seeing enthusiastic community members showing up to cast their vote. Marcus Henry (middle), candidate for New Castle County Executive, campaigns at Pleasantville Elementary School in New Castle. Pictured from left are Art Lee, Patti Flynn, Henry, Sen. Marie Pinkney and Alex Wolfe. Henry, who previously worked for the county as general manager of community services and economic development and policy director, said that this experience makes him stand out. Ive worked under three county executives in their administrations, running departments, Henry said. I think Im imminently qualified for this office, and Im excited for the opportunity. Similarly, Hartley-Nagle, who has served as New Castle County President since 2016, also thinks her experience will distinguish her from her opponent during Tuesday's primary. My experience over the last eight years as a council president, Ive been doing that job, still representing the whole county and integrating myself into every issue, Hartley-Nagle said. - Reporter Molly McVety Polls close, results not yet published on state elections website Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday. While the state election result website was live as of 8:07 p.m., no results had yet been recorded. About 590,000 of Delaware's 782,000 registered voters were eligible to vote Tuesday. Only Democrats and Republicans and those whose registration was listed as "no party AVR" could vote in the primary, per Delaware election law. (Though those listed as "no party AVR" had to declare what party they were voting for if they headed to the polls.) Follow along with live results here. Sign announces candidate's withdrawal from race A sign in Woodlawn Library in Wilmington advised voters in State House District 3 that Branden Fletcher-Dominguez withdrew from the race. His withdrawal came on Sep. 5, too late to remove his name from the ballot. His opponent, Josue O. Ortega automatically advanced to the November general election, and any votes cast for either Dominguez or Ortega will not be tallied or reported. BACKGROUND: State representative candidate drops campaign amid documentation issues, DOJ investigation Ortega has no listed opponent in November. - Reporter Shane Brennan Enthusiasm in Wilmington as voters, candidates pass through Turnout was high at Wilmingtons P.S. Dupont Middle School on Tuesday afternoon. Dozens of people representing and supporting candidates for both state and county-wide races showed out in big numbers, welcoming cars into the crowded parking lot and directing people to voting booths. The two candidates vying for the position of Wilmington mayor were also present at the middle school, which is historically one of the most centrally-located and highly-visited polling places in both the city and county. Turnout was high and enthusiastic at Wilmingtons P.S. Dupont Middle School on the afternoon of Delawares primary election, Sept. 10, 2024. Outgoing Gov. John Carney spoke about the need to campaign on a smaller scale than his team is typically used to though he visited at least six different polling locations Tuesday afternoon. Its much more intense, much more personal and individual-focused, Carney said of running for mayor versus governor. Its not clear if theyre going to vote for me." He added that regardless of Tuesday's result, he's "just going to be happy that I did my best." "One way or the other, it will be positive, Carney said. Velda Jones-Potter, Wilmington's former treasurer, said she'd also been to a number of polling places throughout the day. Velda Jones-Potter, a candidate for Wilmington Mayor, poses outside of P.S. DuPont Middle School on Delaware's primary election day, Sept. 10, 2024 I heard them say theyre excited for some change, Jones-Potter said. I think the main thing is for us to really focus on people in this city: Communities, neighborhoods, people and meeting some of the fundamental needs that people have." The environment at P.S. Dupont, while chaotic, was largely joyous. A large bus decked out in Vote Meyer signs was selling Philadelphia Eagles merchandise, food and playing music loud enough for the crowd to sing along to. - Reporter Molly McVety A slow day for voting at Lewes sites A volunteer at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes said they had seen about 300 voters by 5 p.m., and a handful of electioneers waited outside while people arrived for a volleyball game. For about 10 minutes, there were no voters at all. When one finally appeared, an electioneer told her Bethany Hall-Long would appreciate her vote. Voters trickled in at Lewes Public Library around 5:30 p.m. There were only two electioneers at the nearby Lewes Public Library, though voters were showing up more regularly there than at Cape Henlopen High. Still, there were no lines at the library. Jean and Richard Woolley of Lewes, 80 and 89, respectively, said the economy is the issue that most affects their vote. Richard Woolley added immigration and drilling are key issues for him, as well. Voter Beth Polakoff, 62, said "choice, rights and democracy" are what she's concerned with. - Reporter Shannon Marvel McNaught Voters trickle in to cast their ballots at Townsend Fire Company Several residents of the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend (MOT) area arrived to cast their ballots at the Townsend Fire Company in Townsend for the primary election many out of responsibility, others out of desire for change. Bill Ferguson, of Townsend, said he voted because its what youre supposed to do. Campaign signs posted outside the Townsend Fire Company in Townsend. Middletown resident Jason Hunt, who owns the small business Elite Feet, said he came to vote because it is a civic duty. His focus was on supporting candidates that talk to the people this election, including those who support local businesses and want to allocate resources for small businesses. Im all about small business and economic thriving from a small business standpoint, Hunt said. Another Middletown resident, Maria Malone, said she voted Tuesday because its a very important election. Her key issues included womens rights, climate change and the current state of democracy. It's "very important stuff, Malone said, adding that were not going to be able resolve any of the other issues if our democracy is no longer intact, so I believe it's important for people to come out and do something about it. - Reporter Olivia Montes A steady trickle at Hodgson Vo-Tech: Supporters for various candidates in Tuesday's primary election camp outside of Hodgson Vo-Tech High School in Glasgow as a steady trickle of afternoon voters come to fill out their ballots. Wearing campaign shirts, hats and other candidate swag, most campaign crew members came prepared with foldable chairs, water bottles and a few snacks as they wait out the sunny day at the polls. A "thank you for voting" is the popular greeting of the day as people enter and exit the high school, where three voting booths sit in the corner of the main lobby area. Along the school's main entrance, and in the grassy areas surrounding the front parking lot, dozens of campaign signs supporting some candidates and denouncing others are rooted in the ground. The parking lot sees a healthy stream of cars as voters come and go. -Reporter Krys'tal Griffin Governor candidate drops by kid's school to vote Gubernatorial candidate Collin O'Mara stopped by his daughter Alana's elementary school in Bear on Tuesday afternoon -- this time, to place a ballot. Some volunteers for county and state legislative candidates stopped their own campaigning briefly to pay their respects and take photos of O'Mara, his wife Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, and two young daughters Alana and Leya. The youngest, Leya, turned out to be a surprisingly fast runner. Set loose briefly on the parking lot until her parents caught up to her, the toddler unleashed perhaps the most unbridled enthusiasm that the somewhat sleepy polling location had seen all day. The family then went inside to vote, presumably for O'Mara. "I guess he's my neighbor," said one campaign volunteer for New Castle County Executive candidate Marcus Henry, after O'Mara disappeared inside the elementary school. "He is unless he wins," said the woman next to him. The man took a short moment to register this. Delaware gubernatorial candidate Collin O'Mara, and two young daughters Alana (front) and Leya, exit O'Mara's polling place in Bear, Delaware on Sept. 10. Great weather to vote: Stefano and Barbara Medio wished State Representative Candidate Margie Lopez Waite good luck as they left Hodgson Vo-Tech High School Tuesday morning. We vote every time, Stefano Medio said, adding todays weather just made the day better to vote. I voted, his wife added. Its my duty. Im a U.S. citizen. -Reporter Esteban Parra State Representative Candidate Margie Lopez Waite (right) and Lou Cornier outside Hodgson Vo-Tech High School Tuesday morning welcoming and speaking to primary voters. Newark senior citizen: the Democratic primary for governor has been spicy A Newark senior citizen contacted Delaware Online/The News Journal on Tuesday trying to get in touch with New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer about the negative ads he's seen about Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. He typically "doesn't bother" with primary elections, but concern over an elected official paying their spouse in campaign donations didn't sit well with him. He expressed frustration with this year's election that has inundated Delawareans with negative ads and bombarded them with text messages. Here's some links to catch up on that controversy: Audit finds Hall-Long's campaign finances 'incomplete, inaccurate, misleading' Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long refutes biased campaign finance report -Reporter Amanda Fries Thou shalt not electioneer within 50 feet of the polling place: Reporter Shannon Marvel took this photo outside the polls at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Lewes. The line marks the distance campaigners must stand from the polling place while they try to woo voters heading in to cast their ballot. Delaware law dictates that line at 50 feet from the door, a law that carries up to a $200 fine if violated. A line marks the line behind which campaigners may greet voters outside the polls at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Lewes. Teacher shortage among voter concerns in Kent County W.B. Simpson Elementary School in Wyoming saw a small but steady group of voters before early lunch time on Tuesday. One of the voters at the polling station was Carrie Goodman who said she's "concerned about family issues, border issues, and the overstepping of gun control." Nancy Quinn of Wyoming is a retired art teacher who said she's "voting for people who support new ways of finding energy for us." Kaitlyn Heverin of Camden said her biggest issue is affordable housing, and she's also concerned about how the teacher shortage can be filled. The 20-year-old said it's important for more young people to show up at polling stations. "Everyone focuses on the general election/presidential election, but it's just as important at the local level as it is at the federal level." -Reporter Andre Lamar A sign that reads 'Polling Place' points directs voters toward W.B. Simpson Elementary School in Wyoming during primary elections on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Short lines at Thomas McKean: If you were looking to avoid a line at the polls on Tuesday morning, Thomas McKean High School off McKennans Church Road in Mill Creek was the place to be. A smattering of middle-aged voters drove past a line of campaign signs, parked in the lot, and then walked to the polling place in the lobby of the schools pool and gym. One woman, who didnt give her name, said she had no excuse not to vote. She lived within walking distance of the school. Shortly after 11 a.m., poll workers and a couple of people holding up signs for Marcus Henry for County Executive were the only people at the site. -Reporter Patricia Talorico Around 11 a.m., there were more campaign workers than voters on Tuesday morning at the polling place at McKean High School in Mill Creek. Governor candidate shakes hands at local diner Matt Meyer, a Democrat vying to be Delaware's next governor, made an appearance at the Long Neck Diner this morning. Here's a rundown of Meyer's campaign, as well as those of his two opponents in today's primary. Gubernatorial candidate Matt Meyer arrives at the Long Neck Diner Tuesday morning. Throwback: Gordon v. Meyer (and Grimaldi) plus internet sock puppets in 2016 The controversy around the current Democratic primary for governor contains a parallel to the great sock puppet battle of the 2016 race for New Castle County Executive. Leading up to that race, then-incumbent Tom Gordon had just gone through an epic breakup with his second-in-charge and once protege David Grimaldi. During the fallout, Grimaldi began leaking phone calls he recorded with Gordon, creating some wild sound clips and subsequent newspaper articles. Then, dueling sock puppet accounts posting on Twitter drove the county political scene bonkers and spawned at least one lawsuit as election season built toward the primary. One anonymous account was Ncco_Politics, which leaked Grimald's phone recordings and trashed Gordon with posts like one that featured Gordon as a windup doll that can only answer questions with subjects, verbs and the word "police." Then there was the Victoria Hobson account, who did double duty trashing Grimaldi and Gordon's opponent. Matt Meyer, then a political newcomer and Gordon's opponent in the primary, sought to distance himself from the fray, loaning his campaign a raft of cash and purchasing dramatic television ads that tied Gordon's past corruption allegations to the troubles of his then-current administration. Meyer eventually won that primary and, after eight years as county executive, is now vying to be Delaware's next governor. Some of the controversy around Bethany Hall-Long, one of his current opponents, contains a common character from Grimaldi's clandestine recordings. In one, Grimaldi asks Gordon why he didn't fire Dana Hall-Long, Bethany Hall-Long's husband, for reportedly leveraging his position as a government housing contractor to pressure voters living in subsidized housing to support his wife, then a rising state legislator in 2014. In the recording, Gordon told Grimaldi that when he learned who Dana Hall-Long was married to, he thought: "woah, in that case, everyone deserves a second chance." A link to that recording is below. The Ncco_Politics account which Grimaldi, despite obvious connections, never publicly admitted to operating no longer exists. However, the Victoria Hobson account, which Gordon's daughter later copped to, is still around. Here's a link to the current controversy around Hall-Long's campaign and husband. And here's a link to information about the Democratic candidates vying for governor. And, in case you're interested, here is that phone call: Embedded content: https://www.delawareonline.com/videos/news/politics/2016/04/06/82730214/ -Reporter Xerxes Wilson Democracy underway below the canal At the Sunnyside Elementary polling site in Smyrna, Darrell Birl said he was most interested in the 29th District representative race. Birl said he wanted to vote to ensure that our representation is what we want it to be on the issues we find important. For Manuel Green, the race for Delawares next chief executive topped his priorities. I want to help decide our new governor. Thats what Im focusing on, Green said. Voting is important to him because I recently talked with an older person who told me how they struggled to vote. It wasnt easy back in their day. Because of their struggle, I have a voice and Im going to use it by pushing that button. Turnout was light. There wasnt a line. From 7 to 7:30 a.m., 11 people entered the school. In Clayton, at the Clayton Firehouse polling site from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m., 10 people entered. -Reporter Ben Mace People walk to and from the primary polling site at Sunnyside Elementary in Smyrna at about 7:15 a.m. Sept. 10, 2024. Shout out to Delaware's registered Mandalorian voters Delaware has 351,000 registered Democrat voters, 205,000 registered Republicans and 99 people that have registered to vote as Mandalorians, according to Delaware Department of Elections statistics. Unfortunately, it will be an uneventful day for those 99 folks as Delaware operates closed primaries. This means you can only vote for candidates in your own party on primary day. Some people think this is lame. And, also unfortunately, the Mandalorian contingent in Delaware has yet to run a candidate, which I think we would all love to see come the next round of elections. This is the way. You can have a look at how many people are registered to various political parties and funnies here. -Reporter Xerxes Wilson Speaking of closed primaries: Primary day always reminds me of the time then-Wilmington mayoral candidate Mike Purzycki, a Democrat in registration, rallied a bunch of city Republicans to change their registration to Democrat ahead of the 2016 primary. Purzycki ended up winning that primary by a slim margin in an overloaded field of eight candidates. Today, sitting Gov. John Carney is vying to replace Purzycki in the Democratic primary against Velda Jones-Potter. If you want to take a spin down memory lane, here was some coverage of the great Wilmington Republican swap from back in the day. -Reporter Xerxes Wilson Why can I not register to vote on election day? In Delaware, you can't register to vote and actually vote on the same day. The deadline to register to vote for today's primary was Aug. 17. You might ask: why? Delaware is among about half the states in the U.S. that don't allow same-day voter registration. They have tried, however. The General Assembly in 2022 passed legislation that would allow for such as part of numerous efforts in recent years to make voting easier. Conservative interests have attacked those efforts in court and successfully saw the Delaware Supreme Court strike down the state's same-day voter registration law in 2022. So if you see your buddies' cool "I voted" stickers today and are feeling left out, your next shot at a cool sticker is the general election in November. Granted, the general election is in many ways (and for some people) is less fun than the state primaries, but it is still part of the process. The deadline to register for that in Delaware is Oct. 12. Read more: Delaware's early voting, mail-in ballot rules reinstated with latest Supreme Court ruling -Reporter Xerxes Wilson Who is on the ballot? Get acquainted with your ballot before heading to the polls this morning with our guide to the 2024 primary here. Six candidates are running for Delaware governor in 2024: top row from left, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, former state environmental secretary Collin O'Mara and state Rep. Mike Ramone, and bottom row from left, Jerrold Price, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and Bobby Williamson. You'll find roundups of both the statewide and local races, as well as some deeper profiles on the gubernatorial candidates. VOTING: Your guide to the 2024 primary election Additionally, you can find the League of Women Voters guide here input your address and it will help you find the races you'll get to vote on. What you need to know before heading to the polls this morning We rounded up some important details about voting in Delaware's primary. You can find those here. An important one to remember? You can vote on races only in the party you're registered for. A voter casts a ballot in a voting booth at the Middletown Town Council Chambers in 2012. Only registered Democrats and Republicans can participate in the primary election. You cannot change your party or declare one at the polling place. When you enter the polling booth, you will be able to vote in races for your party only. For example, a registered Republican can vote in primary races between Republican candidates only. STAY INFORMED: Primary election polls open Tuesday morning. Here's what to know before you vote This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware primary election 2024: Here's who voters chose in local races With government assistance, Maine continues to have lowest share of people living in poverty Free food is distributed to residents in need at a weekly food bank at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Brooklyn on February 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Maine continues to have the lowest share of people living in poverty when taking into account expenses and benefit programs, according to federal data averaged across 2021 to 2023. Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau Tuesday showed 82,000 Mainers or just about 6% of the population were still considered poor after accounting for government assistance programs. Experts from the Maine Center for Economic Policy see this as an indication that federal and state programs to boost income, including one-time efforts during the pandemic, are effective at reducing poverty for Maine people. Families are seeing the benefits of a strong economy and rising wages, especially in rural areas, said MECEP economic policy analyst Arthur Phillips. The new data provides a national snapshot of household poverty, health insurance and income. Poverty Census data uses two poverty measures: the official and the supplemental. The official measure is based on cash resources whereas the supplemental takes into account noncash benefits and subtracts necessary expenses like taxes and healthcare. The second measure is meant to provide a more holistic look at a familys economic situation. In the newly released data, Maine continued to have the lowest supplemental poverty rate of any state between 2021 and 2023 at 5.9%, though this is slightly higher than the states rate between 2020 and 2022, which was 4.6%. In 2023, 82,000 Mainers were living in poverty based on the supplemental measure, in comparison to 63,000 in 2022 and 73,000 in 2021. Though the 2023 rate was higher than other recent years, it is still lower than before the pandemic. For example in 2018, there were 134,000 Mainers living in poverty according to the supplemental measure. Using the official measure, there were 120,000 Mainers living in poverty last year, which is 8.7%. Nationally, there were 36.8 million people (11.1%) living in poverty based on the official measurement, which was not statistically different from 2022. Nationally, the supplemental poverty rate was 12.9% last year, an increase of half a percentage point from 2022. The combined effects of state and federal assistance helped move tens of thousands of Mainers out of poverty, Phillips said. A MECEP analysis of the Census Bureau data noted that the rate will likely increase again if there isnt more legislative action to continue some of these assistance programs. Given that some of this was due to the one-time relief payments sent out in 2021 and 2022, lawmakers still have work to maintain this progress, Phillips said. Health insurance Nationally, the rate of people without health insurance held at 8%, but in states that expanded the number of people eligible for Medicaid, like Maine, the uninsured rate for Americans with lower incomes increased by half a percentage point. The MECEP analysis said this could be partially due to the end of pandemic-era protections.. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government offered states extra benefits to keep people enrolled in Medicaid. So even if an individuals income increased and they no longer qualified, they still retained free dental, mental and health care benefits. During the unwinding process, Maine has managed to keep almost 70% of people formerly relying on state healthcare on Medicaid. Income Between 2022 and 2023, median household income increased nationally by 4% to $80,610, though the Northeast region, which includes Maine, the rest of New England, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, was above this average. The Northeast had the second highest median household income at $86,250 and a 3.2% increase between 2022 and 2023. Income increases across the country were mainly found in white households. Black, Asian and Hispanic households did not see a statistically significant change in median income between 2022 and 2023. Moreover, people living in rural areas across the country have a lower median income, but saw greater income growth between 2022 and 2023. Rural households in 2023 reported a median income of $62,520, which was a 7.5% increase from the previous year, compared to $83,590 and 3.7% increase seen in metropolitan areas. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PANAMA CITY -- There's an increased law enforcement presence at Bay County schools today. The Bay County Sheriff, Tommy Ford, joined the Bay District Schools superintendent Mark McQueen for a press conference this afternoon to discuss why. From left, Mark McQueen, Bay District Schools superintendent, and Tommy Ford, Bay County sheriff, discuss the heightened security presence at district schools on Sept. 9, 2024, in Panama City, Florida. "The number one priority for us is the safety of our kids in schools," said Ford. "We want parents to realize that, we want kids to realize that, we want everyone in our community to realize that." The Bay County Sheriff's Office says there was a state-level alert on the threat of swatting across multiple school districts. This is following a false school shooting threat that took place this weekend on social media targeting North Bay Haven Charter Academy. The false threat led to the arrest of a student. They said there was also a threat from someone outside of the state targeting A. Crawford Mosley High School today. The duo said there is usually an increase in false threats after a high-profile shooting. The wave of threats is occurring in the aftermath of the fatal shooting at a Georgia high school. Conway Reeder, center, a Bay County sheriff's deputy, is seen with Rebecca Christopher, assistant principal to testing and dual enrollment, at Arnold High School in Panama City Beach on Monday. The Bay County Sheriff's Office says there was a state-level alert on the threat of swatting across multiple school districts; as a result, it will have extra deputies at district schools as long as leadership deems necessary. BCSO will have extra officers at district schools as long as they deem necessary, said Ford. Ford and McQueen both emphasized that students, parents and staff should report any suspected threat. The district utilizes FortifyFL as well as the Safe App, which is available on their website, to allow users to report tips. The community can also use Crime Stoppers to report any suspected threat. They asked that parents monitor and advise their students on appropriate social media use. If there is a threat online, they are going to treat it as if a shooting is going to happen, said Ford. David Cobb, a Bay County Sheriff's deputy, patrols Arnold High School in Panama City Beach on Monday. In a press conference this past week, Vern Barth, BDS director of school safety, went in depth on new security measures local schools are using and recent improvements to their overall security infrastructure. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County, Florida schools see heightened law enforcement presence after threats Iran's top diplomat in London summoned to Foreign Office for dressing down over supply of missiles to Russia Iran's top diplomat in London summoned to Foreign Office for dressing down over supply of missiles to Russia Irans most senior diplomat in London was summoned to the Foreign Office for a dressing down over Tehran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. Ali Matinfar was called to Whitehall for a top Foreign Office mandarin to make clear Britains condemnation of the move. A Foreign Office spokesman said: Today, in coordination with European partners and upon instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the Charge dAffaires of the Iranian Embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Mr. Ali Matinfar was summoned over Irans transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. The UK Government was clear in that any transfer of Ballistic Missiles to Russia would be seen as a dangerous escalation and would face a significant response. Iran Air is being banned from flying to London after Tehran was accused of supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for Putins war in Ukraine. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the move on Tuesday after meeting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for talks in London. The ban will take 12 months to come into effect. France and Germany are also cancelling bilateral air services with Iran. Mr Lammy said: Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles to fuel its illegal invasion of Ukraine is a significant and dangerous escalation. We have been clear in that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response. Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security. Iran must stop supporting (Vladimir) Putins unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The UK and Washington announced coordinated sanctions against Iranian and Russian individuals and organisations. The UK has also sanctioned five Russian cargo ships. At a press conference at the Foreign Office, Mr Blinken publicly confirmed earlier reports that the West has intelligence that Iran has been supplying short range ballistic missiles to Putins regime. Americas top diplomat said: Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians. The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line. Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy are also to take part in a joint visit to Ukraine this week, in a show of solidarity for Kyiv. They will meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky who has been urging the West to allow his armed forces to use long range weapons supplied by it to attack targets deep inside Russia. Putins military are launching glide bombs from planes far from the frontline to launch attacks with devastating impacts. Joe Biden has so far stopped short of giving the go-ahead for Ukraine to use weapons from the West to strike deep into Russia. But Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy will report back on Ukraines plans and strategies for the war ahead of a meeting in Washington on Friday between the president and Sir Keir Starmer. In what may be a sign of movement on this issue, the Secretary of State said: We will be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, we will both be reporting back to the Prime Minister, to President Biden in the coming days and I fully anticipate this is something they will take up when they meet on Friday. Mr Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire US-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defence but largely limited the distance over concerns about further escalating the conflict. That has not stopped Ukraine from using its own weapons to hit targets deeper in Russia, launching on Tuesday one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the war that targeted multiple regions including Moscow. The rare joint visit to Kyiv was, unusually, announced in advance, in a public signal of US-UK support for Ukraine ahead of whats likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks in the war started by Putin in February 2022. The Kremlin is trying to repel Ukraines surprise offensive that has claimed hundreds of miles of territory in Russias Kursk region. For the second time, a judge has ruled that a Fort Lauderdale man accused of kidnapping his estranged wife in Spain amid a divorce battle over millions must remain in jail because he views him as a serious flight risk before his federal trial in Miami. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres concluded Monday there is ample evidence to support the kidnapping case against David Knezevich, 36, a native of Serbia, whose lawyers had asked the judge to reconsider his initial detention order after the defendants arrest in May at Miami International Airport. Indeed, the evidence produced at the second hearing supports the Courts original finding that [Knezevich] presents a serious risk of flight given the cunning level of deception that he has demonstrated as part of the crime he is alleged to have engaged in, Torres ruled in a 17-page order. READ NEXT: Husband of missing woman in Spain accused in Miami federal indictment of kidnapping her Torres also rejected the defenses attack that prosecutors have no jurisdiction to bring the kidnapping charge in Miami because the crime allegedly happened in Spain, saying their initial evidence supported the case. His ruling seemed to focus more on the viability of the prosecutions case than on whether the defendant would appear for trial if he were granted bail with strict conditions. Knezevichs defense team expressed disappointment in Torres order, which was issued a month after the defendants second detention hearing, in August. We appreciate the time in preparing this order, his defense team, Jayne Weintraub, Bruce Zimet and Christopher Cavallo, said in a statement. We disagree with the conclusion and will be filing our appeal. David Knezevich While Knezevichs defense team plans to appeal to U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who is presiding over the high-profile case, it remains unlikely that Knezevich would be released from a federal lock-up before trial. After his arrest in May, Knezevich faced intense scrutiny during two detention hearings where an FBI agent dug into a trove of circumstantial evidence suggesting he had the means, opportunity and motive to kidnap his estranged wife, Ana Knezevich Henao, in early February from her Madrid apartment. Ana Maria Knezevich Henao Knezevich, who operated a tech business, owned millions of dollars in Broward County residential real estate with his wife, a native of Colombia. They were fighting over these and other assets when the 40-year-old left for Spain in late December. She was reported missing by authorities on Feb. 2. The FBI believes the husband carried her body in a suitcase out of her Madrid apartment building that evening, citing security-camera footage of him exiting the elevator. Last month, the FBI joined Spanish and Italian authorities in a search for her corpse in the woods north of the city of Vicenza in Italy, where a GPS alert on the husbands rented Peugeot 308 suggested he took a detour there on his return trip from Spain to Serbia. READ MORE: Investigators comb Italy to find body of Fort Lauderdale woman who vanished in Spain Italian firefighters combed the heavily wooded area in the province of Vicenza in northern Italy on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 21-22, 2024. They, along with investigators from Spain, Italy and the FBI, were searching for the body of Ana Knezevich Henao, the Fort Lauderdale woman who was reported missing in early February in Spain. Her body has not been found. At the second detention hearing in August, Knezevichs lawyer, Weintraub, zeroed in on a Spanish police forensic report that found no traces of blood in the wifes Madrid apartment, contrary to what they initially claimed. Citing no signs of struggle, Knezevichs defense team sought his release based on this new piece of evidence. I agree with you that some of their evidence is challengeable, Torres said at the end of the hearing, pointing out the absence of blood evidence in the wifes Madrid apartment. The judge also said he could not detect a suitcase, as described by an FBI agent during her testimony, in the security camera video of Knezevich at the wifes apartment building. The FBI suspects Knezevich carried out Ana, a petite woman, in something that looks like a suitcase, according to the agents testimony. However, the judge cited the strength of another video showing Knezevich purchasing materials such as duct tape and spray paint at a Madrid hardware store that may have been used to keep the front door of the wifes apartment building open during the alleged kidnapping and to coat over the security camera in the lobby. David Knezevich was spotted purchasing spray paint and duct tape in a hardware store in Madrid, according to the FBI. Doesnt that make their case stronger? Torres said, referring to the key piece of evidence presented by prosecutors. In his latest ruling, Judge Torres pointed out that Knezevich allegedly wrote a series of text messages between him and a Colombian woman who prosecutors claim is his girlfriend. During one exchange, he asked the woman to translate a message into perfect Colombian for a friend in Serbia writing a script. Knezevich told the woman he wanted the writing to sound authentic, according to the FBI. The day after Ana Knezevich disappeared, three friends told investigators they received the same strange message from her, which suggested she was still alive. I met someone wonderful. He has a summer house about 2h from Madrid. We are going there now and I will spend a few days there. There is barely any signal though. Ill call you when I come back. Kisses, was the message on her cellphone. In his ruling, Judge Torres seemed to be putting two and two together. He was buying those supplies in that hardware store, including the can of spray paint, to make sure the video cameras did not catch him moving her out of the building, Torres said. He was engaging in a scheme to make it look like the wife was alive and well, communicating with her friends about a man she just met, when in fact she was never to be seen again. Torres further noted that David Knevevich flew in January from Miami to Turkey then to Serbia, where he has family, and then rented the Peugeot to drive to Spain. The judge noted he drove the rental car for thousands of miles from Belgrade to Madrid and back to Belgrade, keeping the car for 47 days. When he returned it to the rental agency, the windows had been tinted, stickers removed and license plates swapped out. All these facts in combination reflect highly unusual behavior for someone with the means to fly from Serbia to Spain if he wanted to visit a hardware store in Madrid, Torres wrote. At a time he was supposed to be visiting his family in Serbia, he was blocks away from the apartment where his wife was last seen. Almost one year after the United Nations approved the deployment of a multinational security mission to Haiti, the future of the Kenya-led operation in the Caribbean country is in doubt. Having met with limited success in combatting gang violence, it's not certain the UN mandate will be renewed next month. Following multiple delays over the past year, the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission finally landed on Haitian soil in June to reclaim the streets from gangs and set the stage for elections the first since 2016. The missions mandate outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2699 is to provide operational support to the Haitian National Police to counter gangs, secure infrastructure, and ensure safe access to humanitarian aid. 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. Kenya, which has sent police officers experienced in operations against al-Shabaab at the Kenya-Somalia border is confident in its contribution. Godfrey Otunge, head of the Multinational Security Support mission, expressed gratitude for the warm reception the Kenyan officers have received since their arrival on 25 June. "There is no room for failure on our part". Funding shortfall (with newswires) Read more on RFI English Read also: A history of violence: Haiti's revolution, collapse and descent into anarchy Kenyan court blocks police mission to Haiti despite parliament's approval UN approves Kenya-led mission to combat gangs in Haiti Lee cabinet to get ethics training; governor has no plans to repay travel expenses Gov. Bill Lee said Tuesday his team is working to expand the ethics training required for all members of his cabinet after the Tennessee Ethics Commission recommended doing so following a complaint filed against the state education commissioner. Last week, the Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds that alleged she had illegally accepted travel payments from a group that lobbies the legislature, finding that because she repaid the funds, there was no reason to take the case further. In dismissing the case, the panel recommended all members of the governors cabinet undergo ethics training to avoid a similar situation in the future. Lee also accepted paid travel from an outside group that lobbies the legislature, but said the payment was legal and has no plans to repay the expenses. Gov. Bill Lee answers reporters' questions at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Reynolds last year traveled to two out-of-state conferences hosted by ExcelinEd her former employer and a national school choice advocacy group with expenses paid by the organization. ExcelinEd, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its partner 501(c)4 organization, ExcelinEd Action, both employ Miranda Williams, who is registered as a lobbyist in Tennessee. State ethics laws prohibit members of the executive branch from accepting gifts, including travel reimbursements, from lobbyists and their employers. After The Tennessean first reported the travel, Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, filed an ethics complaint against Reynolds, alleging that in accepting the payments, she skirted ethics rules. Reynolds then paid back about $2,000 in travel expenses and was reimbursed by the state. Ethics commissioners considered the complaint behind closed doors and ultimately voted to dismiss it, citing Reynolds repayment of the money. Lee said Tuesday that he wants to see the ethics training happen. I think its a great idea, Lee said. I think the more people understand exactly what the rules are and how to follow them, the more transparency there is to that, the better it is. While their situations are similar, Lee said he has no plans to repay travel expenses paid for by the outside group, as Reynolds did. In July, Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to speak at a conference of Alliance Defending Freedom, a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws. ADF and its partner 501(c)4 organization both employ Matthew Lorimer, a registered lobbyist in Tennessee. The trip was not announced publicly, nor was it documented on any of the governor's social media accounts. The only mention of Lee's travel to the ADF conference outside his internal office schedules is an expense noted on campaign finance disclosures, which his office said was for a staffers travel expenses. More: TN Gov. Bill Lee spoke at Florida retreat paid by Christian law firm behind new state laws Lee said Tuesday that he does not plan to repay travel expenses reimbursed by Alliance Defending Freedom. The two cases are different, Lee said Tuesday. That 501(c)3 organization offered to reimburse hotel and travel expenses, which is customary and allowable under the law, and so its an acceptable expense. I dont have a plan to repay because its a legal expense. Both Lee and Reynolds had travel expenses paid by 501(c)3 organizations that employ lobbyists registered in Tennessee. Each also has an affiliated 501(c)4, organizations that can employ lobbyists but are allowed to engage in more overt political activity. Lee said group paying for his travel wasn't trying to skirt the spirit of the ethics rules. I think the law is pretty clear, 501(c)3s customarily provide for travel expenses for speakers, Lee said Tuesday. Members of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus say Lee should pay the money back as Reynolds did because failing to do so gives an appearance of favoritism and impropriety that the law is designed to avoid. "Rules for thee, but not for Gov. Bill Lee!" Hemmer wrote on social media Tuesday. "While I am glad the Cabinet will have to take required ethics training based on my complaint, I am befuddled on why the Governor thinks taking a lobbyist-funded junket to Florida isnt illegal or at least against the spirit of the law." If Lee doesn't pay back the money, House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, said Democrats will file an ethics complaint against the governor. If Bill fails to reimburse the money like his unqualified Education Commissioner recently did, then we will necessarily file yet another ethics complaint against this administration, Clemmons said. Clemmons called the governors acceptance of the travel reimbursement a a prima facie violation of state ethics policy intended to prevent or create the appearance of one using public office for private gain. Though his personal opinion and actions have always indicated otherwise, Gov. Bill Lee is not above the law, Clemmons said. He knowingly accepted gifts in the form of travel and lodging from an organization that openly and consistently advocates for the enactment of policies in Tennessee." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gov. Bill Lee cabinet to get ethics training following ed chief travel Opinion - US help isnt enough: South Korea wants its own nuclear weapons On Sept. 2, South Koreas Kim Yong-hyun, at his confirmation hearing for defense minister, said he would be open to his country developing nuclear weapons. That is included among all possible options, Kim announced. Kims comment is nothing less than a public vote of no confidence in the U.S., the Souths protector for over seven decades. The South Korean public certainly agrees with Kim. A Gallup Korea poll released in February shows that 72.8 percent of the population favored the possession of nukes. Such a position is understandable. North Korea, separated from the South by the narrow strip of the Demilitarized Zone, today has, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, up to 50 nuclear weapons. Some believe the North has enough fissile material for 60 more. The South, in contrast, is still a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which prohibits it from developing and possessing nuclear weapons. North Korea, with its arsenal, threatens South Korea. On Aug. 4, Kim Jong Un, the Norths bellicose leader, announced the deployment of 250 new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers to positions near the DMZ. The launchers can carry four tactical nuclear weapons each, so Kim was not exaggerating when he boasted they have great military significance. The U.S. led a United Nations coalition that defended South Korea in the Korean War. Washington and Seoul inked a mutual defense treaty in 1953, the year the armistice was signed. Today, about 24,200 active-duty American military personnel remain in the South to enforce the U.S.-South Korean mutual defense treaty. The alliance forged in blood has kept the peace. The pact is still needed because no peace treaty formally ended the Korean War, and in any event, the South did not sign the armistice. To keep the peace, the U.S. has pledged to use nuclear weapons to defend its South Korean ally. On July 11, President Joe Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a joint statement, the U.S.-Republic of Korea Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders emphasized that any nuclear attack by [North Korea] against [South Korea] will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response. To drive home the point, Biden added that the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence to [South Korea] is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear. The explicit guarantee apparently is not good enough for a majority of South Koreans. It is not entirely clear, however, that they understand the implications of their nuclear ambitions. Some even think that nuclear weapons would make South Korea less safe. How so? The South, by either withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty or openly violating its obligations, might effectively end its alliance with the U.S. Kim Yong-hyun is not worried about what he calls activating a Plan B and developing the bomb. He thinks the U.S. would remain an ally. Is Kim right? The U.S. remains allies with Britain and France, nuclear weapon states. More to the point, Washington fully supports Israel, widely believed to have first built nukes in the late 1960s. David Maxwell, who served five tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Korea, raises a problem for Seoul. Those who advocate for the development of indigenous nuclear weapons by South Korea are providing direct support to Kim Jong Uns political warfare strategy to subvert the [South Korean] government and society and drive a wedge in the alliance, he told me. Kim welcomes the call for South Korean nuclear weapons because he likely does not fear them and will not be deterred by them. More importantly, South Koreas possession of nuclear weapons demonstrates a lack of trust in the U.S. nuclear umbrella and extended deterrence. So what should Seoul do? A better alliance course of action is to continue to develop the Nuclear Consultative Group, says Maxwell, who is also vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Asia Pacific Strategy. The Nuclear Consultative Group was established by the U.S. and South Korea to implement the April 2023 Washington Declaration, a joint statement between Biden and Yoon affirming the alliance between the two countries. In the Declaration, issued to mark the 70th anniversary of the mutual defense treaty, Yoon reaffirmed the Souths commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons. Maxwell suggests that the U.S., to enhance trust, could examine the redeployment of U.S. theater nuclear weapons to Korea and the region. President George H. W. Bush removed them from the Korean peninsula and elsewhere in 1991 in the hope that such a move would, among other things, entice North Korea to stop building its own arsenal. The enticement did not work. Kim Il Sung, the founder of the North Korean state and its leader at the time, was interested in possessing his own deterrent, even though he was then protected by the largest arsenal of the time, the store of Soviet nukes. Now, the other Korean state is also thinking of going its own way. South Korea, under pressure from Washington, abandoned its nuclear weapons program in the 1970s. Now, the U.S. will have to work hard to stop its Korean ally from resuming that effort. If South Korea loses confidence in America and builds its own deterrent, Japan, Taiwan and others could decide to build nuclear weapons too. South Korea, thanks to Kim Yong-hyun, is now a test for Washington and the worlds nonproliferation regime. Gordon G. Chang is the author of The Coming Collapse of China and the upcoming Plan Red: Chinas Project to Destroy America. Follow him on X @GordonGChang . Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Former Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez arrived in Spain on Sunday after fleeing into exile in as part of a negotiated deal with Nicolas Maduros government that dealt a major blow to millions who placed their hopes in his opposition campaign. The surprise departure of the man considered by Venezuelas opposition and several foreign governments to be the legitimate winner of July 28 presidential election was announced late Saturday by Venezuelan officials who just a few days ago ordered his arrest. Gonzalez landed Sunday at a military airport near Madrid, accompanied by his wife and Spanish officials. Hours later, he sent a short voice message to supporters thanking them for their support. My departure from Caracas was surrounded by acts of pressure, coercion and threats, he said. I trust that we will soon continue our fight to achieve our freedom and the restoration of Venezuelas democracy. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado tried to put a positive spin on his departure, assuring Venezuelans the 75-year-old retired diplomat would be back on Jan. 10 for a swearing-in ceremony marking the start of the next presidential term. His life was in danger, and the increasing threats, summons, arrest warrants and even attempts at blackmail and coercion to which he has been subjected, demonstrate that the regime has no scruples, Machado said on X. Let this be very clear to everyone: Edmundo will fight from outside alongside our diaspora. Despair in Caracas But on the streets of Caracas on Sunday the mood was one of despair at the loss of someone who, against the odds, reignited a movement to end more than two decades of single party rule. What little hope we had left, it went with him, said Laura Vargas, as she scrolled through the news on her cellphone while sitting on a park bench. Gonzalez joins the swelling ranks of opposition stalwarts who once fought Maduro only to throw in the towel and seek asylum abroad in the face of a brutal crackdown. In Spain, he joins at least four former presidential hopefuls who were imprisoned or faced arrest for defying Maduros rule. Ever since the vote, he and Machado have been in hiding as security forces rounded up more than 2,000 people, many of them young Venezuelans who spontaneously took to the streets to protest Maduros alleged theft of the election. Venezuelan officials have yet to comment. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in a statement late Saturday that the government decided to grant Gonzalez safe passage out of the country to help restore the countrys political peace and tranquility. Spains center-left government said the decision to leave Venezuela was Gonzalezs alone, and he departed on a plane sent by the countrys air force. Gonzalez had sought refuge in the Dutch ambassadors residence in Caracas after the election, the Netherlands government said Sunday, as he secretly negotiated his exit. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish broadcaster RTVE that his government will grant Gonzalez political asylum as he requested. Of course, I told him we were pleased that he is well and on his way to Spain, and I reiterated the commitment of our government to the political rights of all Venezuelans, Albares said while en route to China for a state visit with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The European Unions foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, a former Spanish foreign minister, described Gonzalezs departure as a sad day for democracy in Venezuela. Referring to Gonzalez as the apparent winner of the presidential elections, Borrell in a statement said the EU will maintain its support of the Venezuelan people in their democratic aspirations. Last-minute stand-in offered hope to millions Gonzalez was a last-minute stand-in after Machado was banned from running. Previously unknown to most Venezuelans, he nonetheless rapidly galvanized the hopes of millions of Venezuelans desperate for change after a decade-long economic free fall. While Maduro was declared the winner of the July vote, most Western governments, including Spain, have yet to recognize his victory and are instead demanding that authorities publish a breakdown of votes. Meanwhile, tally sheets collected by opposition volunteers from over two-thirds of the electronic voting machines indicate that Gonzalez won by a more than 2-to-1 margin. The tally sheets have long been considered the ultimate proof of election results in Venezuela. In previous presidential elections, the National Electoral Council published online the results of each of the more than 30,000 voting machines, but the Maduro-controlled panel did not release any data this time, blaming an alleged cyberattack mounted by opponents from North Macedonia. Attorney General Tarek William Saab, a staunch Maduro ally, sought Gonzalezs arrest after he failed to appear three times in connection with a criminal investigation into what it considers an act of electoral sabotage. Saab told reporters that the voting records the opposition shared online were forged and an attempt to undermine the National Electoral Council. On Wednesday, Gonzalezs attorney delivered a letter to Saab in which he seemed to distance himself from the oppositions publication of the voting records, saying it wasnt his responsibility. Experts from the United Nations and the Carter Center, which observed the election at the invitation of Maduros government, determined the results announced by electoral authorities lacked credibility. In a statement critical of the election, the U.N. experts stopped short of validating the oppositions claim to victory, but they said the voting records it published online appear to exhibit all of the original security features. Spain offers refuge for fleeing Venezuelans Spain has been a major point of exodus for Venezuelans, particularly those leading opposition to Maduros regime. They include Leopoldo Lopez, who fled to Spain to reunite with his family in 2020, and Antonio Ledezma, who left in 2017. Some 44,000 Venezuelans immigrated to Spain in the first six months of this year. The last government statistics from 2022 said that some 212,000 Venezuelans lived in Spain. The truth is hes more useful fighting abroad than in hiding or imprisoned, said Gustavo Tovar-Arroyo, a human rights activist who was himself forced to flee into exile in 2012. Goodman reported from Miami and Wilson from Barcelona, Spain. Associated Press Writer Mike Corder contributed from The Hague, Netherlands. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. From left to right, Democratic candidate Rep. Brian King, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, and Libertarian Robert Latham will face off in a debate hosted by the Utah Debate Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Courtesy of the King, Cox and Latham campaigns) The lineup for the gubernatorial debate ahead of the Nov. 5 election is set. Three candidates Republican incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox, Democrat Rep. Brian King, and Libertarian Robert Latham have qualified to participate in a debate hosted by the Utah Debate Commission on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City. The Utah Debate Commission announced the qualifying candidates in a news release issued Saturday, which included the results of a poll conducted by the Salt Lake City polling firm Lighthouse Research to determine which candidates would qualify for the debate. The poll which the Utah Debate Commission emphasized shouldnt be misinterpreted as predictions of the outcomes of any race asked voters which candidate they would vote for if the election were to be held today. Cox was a clear front-runner, with 48.1% of the vote, or 249 votes. King received 27% or 140 votes, and Latham received 6.8% or 35 votes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Its the first time a third-party candidate has qualified for a gubernatorial debate hosted by the Utah Debate Commission since it formed in 2014, according to Becky Edwards, the commissions co-chair. Latham qualified for the debate by just over a percentage point. The Utah Debate Commission set the qualification threshold at 10%, minus the polls margin of error, which was plus or minus 4.31 percentage points. So candidates who received at least a 5.69% support qualified for an invitation to participate, according to the commission. The poll, conducted Aug. 29 through Sept. 4, surveyed 518 voters randomly drawn from Utahs voter registration list obtained from the Utah Lieutenant Governors Office in August. Since its inception, the Utah Debate Commission has always had a goal and a mission to really elevate discussion of the important issues and policies that are confronting Utahns, Edwards said. The Utah gubernatorial debate will come just one day after the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris set for Tuesday in Philadelphia. Given how presidential debates have gone recently, Edwards said Utah has an opportunity to showcase a stark contrast in civility. We have candidates who really are hungry to take their messages to the people, Edwards said. Weve had almost uniformly very civil, productive debates. And thats the model we expect and I think the participants have really leaned into that. Latham issued a prepared statement Monday expressing gratitude for his inclusion in the debate, adding that liberty-minded Utahns are excited for this opportunity. Making the debate stage is not something a person does on their own. It is not lost on me that Im carrying the messages of fellow Utahns who are not satisfied with what the Uniparty candidates have to offer and want different voices to be heard, Latham said. My sense is that the organizers are also excited that more Utahns will be able to hear from an alternative on the ballot to the regime candidates, rather than just another boring conversation between representatives of the Unipartys Blue and Red Teams. King also issued a statement saying he looked forward to taking the debate stage to share my vision for our states future with Utahns. Were building a coalition of pragmatists, and were inviting those who are tired of the divisiveness in politics, who feel like their party no longer represents them, and who are looking for something different to join us for the better, King said. Coxs campaign didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. Two other candidates whose names will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot did not qualify for the debate: Independent American candidate Tommy Williams (who received 4.2% in the poll), and unaffiliated candidate Tom Tomeny (who received 2.3%). Three other candidates have also thrown their name into the governors race with write-in candidacies (meaning they qualified as candidates, but their names will not appear on the ballot): Rep. Phil Lyman, Charlie Tautuaa, and Richard Kennedy Lyman. Why didnt Phil Lyman qualify? Rep. Phil Lyman, who lost to incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox in the June 25 Republican primary by nearly 9 percentage points, is now continuing his bid for governor by running as an unaffiliated candidate with a long shot write-in campaign. In a Sunday post on X, Phil Lymans campaign criticized his ineligibility for the debate, incorrectly claiming that he would have qualified for the debate had all write-in responses that were intended for me been allotted to him. According to the poll results, of those respondents who chose other, 22 specified Phil Lyman, while seven specified just Lyman. That matters because of a strange, last-minute twist in the Utah governors race. Richard Kennedy Lyman filed to be a write-in candidate just before the deadline last week. Because he has the same last name as Phil Lyman, it complicates Lymans write-in campaign; now his supporters must specify which Lyman they intend to vote for Phil Lyman or Richard Kennedy Lyman. Richard Kennedy Lymans running mate for lieutenant governor also shares the same last name, Carol Lyman. With 22 votes or 4.2%, plus 4.31 percentage points for the margin of error, Lyman received about 8.5%, under the 10% qualification threshold for the debate. But even if the additional seven non-specified Lyman votes were allotted to Phil Lyman, he would not qualify for the debate. Hypothetically, if all 29 votes were counted toward Phil Lyman, totaling 5.59%, plus 4.31% for the margin of error, he would have received 9.9%. Thats still below the 10% threshold to qualify for the debate. For candidates to qualify for the debate, they would need at least 30 poll respondents to give their support, Jay DeSart, chair of the Utah Debate Commission polling committee and a political science professor at Utah Valley University, told Utah News Dispatch in an email. This is not the first time weve had a candidate miss the threshold by just one or two responses, but strictly applying the rule as we have always done in the past is what is most important, DeSart said. Edwards told Utah News Dispatch in an interview Monday that the final-hour Richard Kennedy Lyman and Carol Lyman filings certainly complicated the commissions efforts to decide which candidates did or didnt qualify for the ballot. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US The reality, though, she said, is some of the unspecified Lyman votes were polled before Richard Kennedy Lymans candidacy was declared, and some came after, so we cannot accurately assume whether those votes truly were intended for Phil Lyman or not. But even if all of those Lyman and Phil Lyman votes were lumped together, which we cannot do, Edwards said, Phil Lyman would not have reached the 10% qualification threshold. Its awfully close, she said, but its not 10. Edwards acknowledged certainly things are complicated, and it poses a unique situation for the Utah Debate Commission to have probably the most high-profile write-in candidate that weve maybe ever seen in the state before. Add in the last-minute Richard Kennedy Lyman and Carol Lyman filings, and the commission faced an unprecedented situation. Ultimately, however, the commission has to draw the qualification line, and Phil Lyman did not make the cut. We have a commitment to be exceptionally careful and have an overabundance of thoughtfulness and precedence here, she said. Every election matters. But this has a lot of unique circumstances surrounding this particular year and the political milieu were in right now. So weve had an abundance of thought go into this. We have precedent, we have bylaws, we have a pattern of how weve conducted these debates and have simply followed what that is. Edwards said the Utah Debate Commission is following those rules because were really not wanting to put our thumb on the scale for any candidate. Phil Lymans campaign and his supporters have cried foul play on social media claiming Coxs campaign paid Richard Kennedy Lyman $1,000 and offered him a steak dinner to jump into the race to hurt Phil Lymans chances at the ballot box. Richard Kennedy Lyman has not responded to requests for comment, but Carol Lyman in a text to Deseret News denied the claims, saying she paid the fees for both herself and Richard Kennedy Lyman. Were running to make a statement, Carol Lyman told the outlet. People keep asking if were related to Phil Lyman and last Sunday someone asked and it was the straw that broke the camels back. Ive always been proud of my name and the negativity of his campaign is causing me real embarrassment. Richard and I talked about it and decided to run so that we had a candidate we could feel good about voting for because we dont feel good about voting for Cox or Phil Lyman. Matt Lusty, Coxs campaign manager, dismissed Phil Lymans claims as untrue. Phil Lyman has a habit of making accusations that are blatantly false, Lusty said in a prepared statement to Utah News Dispatch on Monday. This is no exception. Phil should go back to filming ads to help his cousin and liberal Democrat Brian King. King is a distantly related third cousin to Phil Lyman, according to his campaign. Lusty was referring to Lymans appearance in a campaign ad with King that mimicked Coxs Disagree Better campaign. Though Kings campaign paid for the ad and Lymans appearance could have been interpreted as Lyman supporting King, Lyman has said it was intended to promote his write-in campaign. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Iranian-made Shahed-136 'Kamikaze' drone flies over the sky of Kermanshah, Iran on March 7, 2024. Iran fired over 100 drones and ballistic missiles on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in retaliation to an attack on a building attached to the country's consular annex in Damascus that killed the guards, and two generals of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on April 01, 2024. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack on April 5, 2024 in Tehran. A Russian long-range attack drone breached Latvian airspace before crashing on the territory of the NATO country, officials confirmed, in what is a new development on the fringes of the war in Ukraine. Romania, another NATO member, also reported that a Russian drone came down on its territory. While all indications are that these drones were taking part in the war in Ukraine, the latest incidents come as the alliance is increasingly concerned about possible drone attacks on its territory, as part of Moscow-inspired efforts within Europe. This morning, Stockholms international airport was back online after reports of drones in its vicinity led to a temporary suspension of operations. Citing the Latvian Ministry of Defense, the local LETA news agency reported that an initial investigation indicated that the drone had entered Latvian airspace from Belarus on September 7 before crashing near the city of Rezekne, in the east of the country, around 50 miles from the Belarusian border. Belarus hosts various Russian military units involved in the war in Ukraine and provides launch sites for drones as well as missiles and aircraft. The approximate location of the city of Rezekne, in the east of Latvia, around 50 miles from the Belarusian border. Google Earth While the type was initially undisclosed, the Latvian Ministry of Defense today stated it was an Iranian-designed Shahed-type one-way attack drone, a type used extensively by Russia to strike targets across Ukraine. The drone was fitted with an explosive warhead and appears likely to have been flying in entirely the opposite direction compared to the likely location of its intended target. ZAPORIZHZHIA, UKRAINE AUGUST 27, 2024 Workers of the Kobra emergency and rescue service remove rubble at a house destroyed after a Russian Shahed drone fell onto a residential area in Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine. (Photo credit should read Dmytro Smolienko / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Future Publishing Local officials presume that the drone was not intended to enter Latvian airspace, Leonids Kalnins, the commander of Latvias Joint Headquarters, saying that the drone did not have a specific purpose to fly into Latvia. The Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds said the incident was confirmation that we need to continue the work we have started to strengthen Latvias eastern border, including the development of air defense capabilities and electronic warfare capabilities. It should be noted that there have also been recent reports of Belarus shooting down or attempting to shoot down stray Russian drones within its airspace. Reports in the Ukrainian press last week claimed that Belarus, for the first time, successfully shot down a pair of Russian drones that entered its airspace on September 5. Belarusian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters apparently downed the drones near the Belarusian city of Homel. 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 The results of a previous Belarusian attempt to use MiG-29s to intercept wayward Russian drones, on August 29, remain unconfirmed. With borders to Belarus and Russia, Latvia is very much on the front line of tensions between NATO and Moscow. Latvia has been a staunch backer of Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, and it has taken an increasingly hard line on Russia, especially as fears grow that the Baltic States could be at risk of Russian invasion should they have success in defeating Ukraine. Latvias President Edgars Rinkevics (C) inspects the construction of a border wall in Karsava, Latvia, close to the Baltic countrys border with Russia, on June 18, 2024. (Photo by Gints Ivuskans / AFP) GINTS IVUSKANS National air defense of Latvia is primarily entrusted to other members of the NATO alliance, which send rotational fighter detachments to the country under the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) initiative. Currently, four Italian Air Force Eurofighters are based at Siauliai in Lithuania under BAP. Its unclear whether these aircraft responded to the drone incursion, but TWZ has approached the Italian Ministry of Defense for comment. Italian Air Force Eurofighters in Lithuania during an earlier rotation as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. Photo by Gianluca Vannicelli via NATO The incident also prompted Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics to call for a more concerted and coordinated NATO response to drone incursions as well as airspace violations by crewed aircraft. On the social media platform X, Rinkevics wrote: The number of such incidents is increasing along the eastern flank of NATO, and we must address them collectively. Russian military drone has crashed in the Eastern part of Latvia yesterday. There is an ongoing investigation. We are in close contact with our allies. The number of such incidents is increasing along the Eastern flank of NATO and we must address them collectively. Edgars Rinkevics (@edgarsrinkevics) September 8, 2024 Another drone incursion occurred on the southern portion of NATOs eastern flank. The Romanian Ministry of Defense said the countrys radar supervision system identified and tracked the path of a drone which entered national airspace and then exited toward Ukraine. The incident occurred early on Sunday while Russian night-time attacks were taking place in neighboring Ukraine, with targets including civilian targets and port infrastructure on the other side of the Danube, according to the Romanian Ministry of Defense. In response to the incursion, two Romanian Air Force F-16 fighters were scrambled. Meanwhile, residents of the Tulcea and Constanta counties in south-eastern Romania were warned to take cover, with alerts being provided by text message. A Romanian Air Force F-16 lands at Borcea Air Base, Romania. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Andrew Layton A Romanian Air Force F-16AM lands at the 86th Air Base in Borcea, Romania, in October 2021. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Andrew Layton From existing data, the possibility of an impact zone on national territory was identified, in an uninhabited area near the village of Periprava, the Romanian Ministry of Defense added. As of today, military personnel were searching for wreckage in the presumed area of impact. There werent serious issues on the ground, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu told reporters. However, he warned that incidents of this kind will continue, since we have a war on the border. Unlike Latvia, Romania has faced previous Russian drone and missile incursions since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Not only does Romania share an extensive border with Ukraine, but some of its territory is very close to the Ukrainian Danube River, and its ports, which have been a frequent target of Russian drone and missile strikes. A concrete bunker covered with camouflage netting near the Romanian village of Plauru, in September 2023. The Romanian Armed Forces built it after the first fragment of a Russian drone crashed there in the summer of 2023. Photo by Kathrin Lauer/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance On a domestic level, Romanian lawmakers are poised to discuss legislation that would make it easier for the Romanian Armed Forces to shoot down drones that enter the countrys airspace in peacetime. The air defense of Romania has been bolstered in recent months by a detachment of French SAMP/T Mamba surface-to-air missiles and an air defense command post as part of NATOs Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) initiative. Roumanie | #ShieldingTheSkies Le detachement MAMBA deploye en Roumanie contribue a la protection du territoire de l#OTAN. Proteger et defendre ensemble le ciel de lAlliance est notre priorite. #StrongerTogetherpic.twitter.com/iNpoZlEanj Armee francaise Operations militaires (@EtatMajorFR) September 7, 2024 Romania also hosts rotational detachments of NATO fighters, the Air Shielding mission, which serves to bolster alliance air defenses in the Black Sea region. This summer, the Finnish Air Force took part in NATO Air Shielding in Romania for the first time, with its F/A-18C Hornet fighters being scrambled to monitor a previous drone incursion in late July. From the North to the South 7 Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Their first deployment under #NATOs Air Shielding mission will see them conducting training & QRA duties in the Black Sea region Read more: https://t.co/HmYrwUv0VIpic.twitter.com/bVKlorO0ob NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) June 4, 2024 The two incidents also led to further calls from NATO officials to better respond to Russian air incursions. Not for the first time now, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana described the drone incursions as irresponsible and potentially dangerous, although she noted that there was no evidence that they were deliberate. Ukraine also called out Russia for the drone incursions, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha writing on X that the incidents in Latvia and Romania were a stark reminder that Russias aggressive actions extend beyond Ukraine. Today, Russian drones violated Romanian and Latvian airspace. A stark reminder that Russia's aggressive actions extend beyond Ukraine. Allies collective response must be maximum support for Ukraine now to put an end to Russian aggression, protect lives, and keep Europe at peace. Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) September 8, 2024 One alliance member that has raised the issue of shooting down rogue Russian drones even before they enter its airspace is Poland, despite NATO opposition to the idea. Im personally of the view that, when hostile missiles are on a course of entering our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defense [to shoot them down] because once they do cross into our airspace, the risk of debris injuring someone is significant, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the Financial Times earlier this month. As well as the risk of rogue flights by Russian drones involved in the war in Ukraine, NATO is also increasingly alert to the possibility of deliberate Russian-inspired actions involving drones over its territories, up to and including potential kinetic attacks, as well as surveillance. In the most recent drone alarm, four drones were reported to have approached Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm, Sweden, last night, leading to multiple flights having to divert to alternative airports. In a week in which Russian drones hit, Romania, Latvia and Poland, last night Sweden's largest airport was forced to stop traffic for several hours due to unidentified drones in the surrounding airspace. pic.twitter.com/9hYG8zSfxF KyivPost (@KyivPost) September 9, 2024 Local reports confirmed that operations at Arlanda International were suspended for a little over two hours last night. Staff in the air traffic control tower sighted four drones of different sizes, according to Cecilia Bengtstrom, of the Swedish Civil Aviation Authoritys press service. At least one media report suggests that the drones were directly above the airport and that attempts were made to intercept them using helicopters and other means. Its unclear what the results of these efforts were, but the airport was reopened to flight traffic at around 3.30 a.m. Mysterious drone activity had been an issue in Sweden before now. In January 2022, just weeks before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there were reports of incursions in which unidentified drones were seen above multiple Swedish nuclear facilities, government buildings, and airports, some of which prompted the Swedish Security Service to declare a national special event investigation. A screen capture of a video posted by Swedish TV broadcaster SVT alleging to show a drone above the Ringhals nuclear facility in January 2022. SVT screencap The Swedish police are now investigating the incident at Arlanda, which has echoes of similar reports of drone activity around an industrial park in Brunsbuttel, near Hamburg, Germany, which is home to a major floating liquid natural gas (LNG) terminal. Prosecutors in Germany have said they consider it likely the drone flights are related to espionage activity for sabotage purposes and also cite repeated drone flights over critical infrastructure. Concerns about drones being used for potentially nefarious activities specifically, attacks reportedly also led to a major security alert at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany last month, which you can read more about here. According to reports in the German media, the security scare at Geilenkirchen was caused by signs of preparatory actions for a likely Russian act of sabotage using a drone. NATO E-3A AWACS airborne early warning and control aircraft at their home base of Geilenkirchen in February 2022. Photo by Marius Becker/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance While stray Russian drones like those that apparently came down over Latvia and Romania at the weekend are a serious hazard, the potential disruption that could be caused by a deliberate drone attack is much more worrying. In the past, TWZ has been prominent in its reporting on mysterious intrusions over critical infrastructure and very high-security military bases in the United States, but incidents of this kind are now being reported more regularly in Europe, too. While tangible evidence of planned drone attacks or intelligence-gathering in Europe is not currently in the public domain, officials appear to be concerned that this is at least a realistic possibility and it would fit well with other hybrid warfare tactics that Russia is pursuing, also including other types of sabotage and cyberattacks. Speaking in June, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg outlined what he said was evidence of a surge of sabotage, cyberattacks, instrumentalized migration, and other hostile actions by Russia in Europe. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addresses a press conference in Oslo on September 6, 2024. Photo by Thomas Fure / NTB / AFP / Norway OUT THOMAS FURE TWZ has previously looked at the factors that made a hybrid warfare campaign especially attractive for Russia. As Moscow seeks to undermine support for Ukraine within Europe, as well as destabilize its NATO adversary, employing drones would be a relatively low-cost and low-risk means of creating disruption and sowing fear. Equally importantly, by using proxies to launch drones, it could be challenging to directly trace such activities back to the Kremlin. Europe, with its crowded airspace, is by now well familiar with the disruption that civilian-operated drones can cause, whether deliberately or not. But there is no easy way to tell whether a drone or drones in the vicinity of an airport or other critical infrastructure is the result of a hobbyists mistake or a deliberate attempt to cause disruption. In the latter category, the drone operator could simply want to achieve a disturbance, but they may also be intent on flying an explosives-laden drone into a nuclear power station, for example. It is these challenges that are fueling calls within NATO for a more integrated and robust drone defense policy. In the meantime, it seems that both accidental incursions by Russian drones, and reports of unexplained drone activities of other kinds will continue to be a headache for the alliance in Europe. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com U.S. Senate Dems will prioritize Montana and Ohio seats, campaign chief says Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, right, talks with committee member Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, during a hearing about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Dec. 15, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, right, talks with committee member Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., during a hearing about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Dec. 15, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Tester and Brown are considered the Senates two most vulnerable incumbents in 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said Tuesday his top priority this November is defending incumbents in tough races placing Montanas Jon Tester and Ohios Sherrod Brown at the top of the list for resources. Gary Peters, who is also the U.S. senator from Michigan, said he sees several opportunities for Democrats to pick up seats as well, though he stressed that those campaigns are too close to predict just yet. To be candid, my number one priority is to bring back all of the incumbents, Peters said. But we also want to go on the offense, and offense is going to be very important. And right now our focus is Texas and Florida. Peters said that during the last few weeks Democrats have seen positive trends in polling in those two states that could increase the odds they flip from red to blue. Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is facing a challenge from Democratic Rep. Colin Allred and Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott is running against former Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Democratic support continuing to rise in those two states could have an impact on how much money Democrats dedicate to those campaigns, Peters said. As we make our decisions on resources, we play to win, he said. And when we see opportunities like we see in Texas, were going to invest accordingly. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rates the Senate campaigns in Michigan, Montana and Ohio as toss up races, while it places Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the lean Democrat category. All seven of those seats are currently held by Democrats, making the map especially challenging for Peters. Florida and Texas fall into the likely Republican category, signaling the odds are somewhat long for Democrats, though not completely out of reach. Peters said during the panel interview with the Regional Reporters Association at the DSCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., that he believes GOP Senate candidates rank on a spectrum from flawed to very flawed, potentially boosting Democrats chances. Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, departs the Capitol on July 8, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) In Montana, defending Tester Peters argued that in Montana, Republican candidate Tim Sheehys character is one of the reasons Tester remains within the margin of error in the vast majority of polls, despite the fact that voters favor Republican presidential candidates by double-digit margins. The list of flaws of Sheehy are long, Peters said. And thats why folks in Montana are rejecting him, even in a state thats going to be voting heavily for Donald Trump. Peters said some of Sheehys problems stem from calling himself a rancher despite living on a dude ranch and owning a company that is hemorrhaging money. Montanas relatively small population, Peters said, means that face-to-face conversations with voters and a candidates reputation can have a significant impact on a campaigns outcome. Retail politics can make a huge difference, Peter said. Just think of Maine with Susan Collins when she won. Its because its a small state. Retail politics matter. People knew Susan Collins. Collins, a Republican, in 2020 defeated her Democratic challenger, despite being considered one of the years most vulnerable senators. Tester has a similar connection with voters in Montana, potentially edging him out over Sheehy, who is a more recent transplant to the state, he said. People know Jon Tester in Montana, Peters said. He is a long time Montana person, third generation dirt farmer. His roots are there. Hes had opportunities to get to know a lot of folks in Montana in a personal way. He can do that in a lot more effective way than I can in Michigan with 10 million people. Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said this summer during a panel interview with journalists in the RRA that his home state represented the best pickup opportunity for the GOP. And just last week, Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, moved Montana from the toss up category to Leans Republican. The upshot of this rating change is that there are now 51 Senate seats rated as Safe, Likely, or Leaning Republican, so this move solidifies the Republicans as clear favorites to flip control of the Senate this November, wrote Kyle Kondik, the publications managing editor. Kondik later stressed that Montana is a challenging state to poll, and both sides remain very heavily invested there. NRSC Spokeswoman Maggie Abboud released a written statement shortly after that ratings change, criticizing Tester as the wrong person to represent Montana in the Senate. Jon Tester is a diehard liberal who hates Donald Trump and votes for the Harris-Biden agenda 95% of the time, Abboud wrote. Thats why poll after poll shows him losing ground rapidly against Tim Sheehy. Montanans arent buying Testers moderate shtick anymore. Jason Jelly Roll DeFord, a country musician, speaks to reporters alongside U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying in front of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee about the fentanyl crisis on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) Candidate quality in Ohio In Ohio, where Brown is hoping to secure reelection against GOP candidate Bernie Moreno, the DSCC hopes to outrun a shift toward Republicans based on candidate quality. Sherrod has been able to win statewide because of who he is as a person, and thats a big deal, Peters said, noting that Senate races are often viewed differently by voters than the presidential race. Moreno is a flawed candidate and a fraud, Peters said. The stories that he has, stories of coming to Ohio and starting a business as an immigrant with no resources, have been shown not to be true. That he actually comes from a family, one of the wealthiest families in Columbia, Peters said, referring to a New York Times article that Moreno has refuted. Moreno was also sued by employees at his car dealership for not paying overtime, setting up a pretty clear contrast with Brown, who has supported labor unions throughout his career, Peters said. The DSCC is putting substantial resources into Ohio to help Brown win, he said. Around the battlegrounds Other battleground states have Senate races that will run down to the wire, with many of the Democrats expected to remain neck-and-neck with the GOP challengers until the polls close. Peters said that should come as no surprise to anyone who has paid attention to the last few election cycles. Just because you have a really good candidate doesnt mean that you win, he said. You also have to run a really good campaign in order to win, and particularly on the ground. That is one of the reasons why the DSCC is putting considerable resources into ensuring that voters can actually get to the polls this fall. Last cycle, for the first time in history, we spent more money on the ground than we did on the air, turning out voters, Peters said. It was something that I thought was incredibly important. The DSCC is planning to follow that same strategy again this year, ensuring that Democratic supporters in swing states are able to cast their ballots. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Liz Cheney is hitting the campaign trail with millions of dollars at her disposal to defeat Donald Trump and down-ballot Republicans, aggressively taking on the MAGA movement that dominates a party where she, and her father, are no longer welcome. Cheney has pledged to do anything she can to help Kamala Harris, and has resources to back that up including a PAC that raised more than $3 million in the first six months of the year, according to FEC records. Its part of an unprecedented effort by one of the partys former highest-ranking leaders to not only take down Trump but purge any trace of him from the Republican Party. GOP strategists and elected officials who share her opposition to the former president say Cheneys campaign including her and her fathers endorsement of Harris could pave the way for members of their party to join their cause. A critical mass could be enough to move the needle in a tight election. Its a true reflection of how bad Donald Trump is to think about a Dick Cheney, who is as time-tested of a conservative Republican as anybody in the roster, to come out and take a stance to support, like myself, Kamala Harris, said former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Republican Harris supporter. Look, the Republican Party loses no matter what. If Donald Trump gets beat by Kamala Harris like I think is going to happen the Republican Party loses. But if Donald Trump wins, the Republican Party loses even more: Well lose any and all credibility that weve got. Broadly, there doesnt appear to be a deluge of Republicans flocking to Harris. An ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 93 percent of likely Republican voters still prefer Trump over Harris similar margins to where Trump stood in 2020. Yet the campaigns are chasing any movement at the margins in what promises to be among the closest elections in modern political history. I think Dick Cheneys voice is incredibly important, because I think it will draw some more traditional conservatives to pause for a second and kind of take that in, said former Trump national security official Olivia Troye, a Republican surrogate for Harris who spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. She will also be near Mesa, Arizona, Thursday, leading a phone banking operation with Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles. Cheney, who emerged as a prominent Trump critic in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and served as the vice chair of the House select committee that probed the riot, has in recent days renewed her war against Trump, saying that he represents unrecoverable catastrophe and promising in a series of high-profile interviews to do whatever it takes to defeat the former president in order to stamp out the fires of Trumpism. Its also a bit of payback after Trump and his political operation helped orchestrate the primary that led to Cheneys ouster from Congress. In an interview at the Texas Tribune Festival last week, Cheney endorsed Democratic Texas Rep. Colin Allred, and said she would be in many key battleground states very much focused on how important it is that we defeat him in this cycle, though she said she wouldnt be an official Harris campaign surrogate. I will continue to be doing everything I can over the course of the next two months here to make sure that people realize, understand, recognize who Donald Trump is and what he did and why hes so dangerous, Cheney said. Her PAC in 2022 spent hundreds of thousands of dollars opposing Arizona GOP gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake and Republican secretary of state nominee Mark Finchem. Charlie Sykes, a former conservative radio talk show host in Wisconsin who is now anti-Trump, said the one-two punch of Cheney and former Vice President Dick Cheneys endorsement gives conservatives wavering on Trump consent to back Harris. And while others in Trumps administration who have broken with the former president have been reluctant to endorse a liberal Democrat, including former Vice President Mike Pence, the endorsement of someone like Dick Cheney carries significant weight. Both living Republican ex-vice presidents are now saying theyre not going to vote for Donald Trump. And one of them, a two-term Republican vice president, is saying hes going to vote for Kamala Harris, Sykes added. That clearly creates this permission dynamic. Trumps campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Other Republicans are more skeptical of the impact someone like Cheney could have on the election. The Cheneys support is, for instance, unlikely to move the needle with social conservatives for whom abortion remains one of the top issues if not the top issue in the election. While Trump has wavered on his views on abortion rights, anti-abortion advocates and their voters still see the former president as better on the issue than Harris, who they fear would uphold the status quo or possibly do more to expand abortion access in the U.S. Pence, for instance, has said he wont endorse Trump but hasnt ruled out voting for him. But even if he does, Republicans who oppose Trump think its unlikely that he would make the leap to voting for Harris. (Pence previously said he would never vote for President Joe Biden.) She certainly appeals to the Never Trumpers, said Barrett Marson, an Arizona-based GOP strategist. But they are already in the column. The Cheneys support for Harris comes as Trump continues to rebuff the support of those who have previously rejected him. Earlier this year, Trump threatened to blacklist donors to Nikki Haleys campaign, and he said he didnt want the support of voters who came back to him during a Fox News town hall with Sean Hannity last week. They say you should take everybody, but thats not the way Im built, he said during the town hall. The Harris campaign isnt claiming that the Cheneys endorsements or the support of any one Republican will make a significant difference in the election. But the campaign has been making a concerted appeal to Republicans. The campaign in August launched a Republicans for Harris organizing program, hired a former GOP congressional staffer as its national Republican engagement director and has been targeting anti-Trump Republicans, as well as other conservatives and independents, through paid media and a grassroots digital campaign. The Democratic National Convention also prominently featured several GOP officials, including former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham and Duncan. And a group of 10 retired top military officials endorsed Harris on Monday, calling Trump a danger to our national security and democracy, criticizing his previous comments on the military and deriding his chaotic approach in Afghanistan before the U.S. withdrawal. Her campaign has used that support or at least, opposition to Trump to get under the former presidents skin. A new ad released in the run-up to Tuesdays debate features clips of former Trump administration officials including Pence, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, National Security Adviser John Bolton and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Mark Milley talking about their concerns about a second Trump term or their decisions not to endorse him. The ad specifically aired in Palm Beach, the home of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. There have long been signs throughout the cycle that Trumps GOP support could be softer than advertised. Nikki Haley consistently attracted upwards of a third of Republicans in various primaries weeks and months after she dropped out. In Maryland, Republican Senate candidate Larry Hogan even ran an ad hitting Trump on his involvement in Jan. 6. Cheney is giving these kinds of Republicans a permission structure to back Harris, said pollster Sarah Longwell, the publisher of the anti-Trump outlet The Bulwark and CEO of Longwell Partners. They are people who want to vote for a different Republican, and so theyre always frustrated they dont have a different Republican to vote for. And so they know they dont want to vote for Trump, but the question is, can they affirmatively get there on Kamala Harris? Longwell said. And thats where Liz Cheney and Dick Cheney are helpful, because they set the stakes. Still, Republicans working to oppose Trump acknowledge that Harris who tacked to the left on several issues during her 2020 presidential bid is a harder sell for many Republicans than Joe Biden was. But they say the positions she is taking on a number of economic issues and her backtracking from progressive policies is giving many on the right the comfort they need to consider voting for her. Positive messaging on Kamala, not just negative messaging on Trump, showing people how neoconservative she sounded in her acceptance speech, sharing her talking points about small business tax breaks and getting rid of red tape you cant argue with that, said Emily Matthews, co-chair of the Haley Voters Working Group, which has met multiple times with the Harris campaign to talk about how to get Republicans support. Its on paper. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Angus King of Maine was named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Wounded Warrior Project. The annual award recognizes outstanding legislative efforts and achievements by a member of Congress in improving the lives of post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans. King was selected for the award due to his advocacy for bills to promote smoother military transitions, enhance career training opportunities, and strengthen practices and standards concerning blast injury prevention and care. U.S. Sen. Angus King Our veterans have made countless sacrifices to defend and serve our nation, said King. We have a solemn duty to return that service to them long after they hang up their uniform. From helping our veterans navigate the transition to civilian life to ensuring they have accessible, affordable care, we have made tremendous strides together. But there is still much work to be done to step up for those who wore the uniform. I want to thank the Wounded Warrior Project for this award and will work with anyone in Congress on behalf of our veterans in Maine and across the nation. Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walter Piatt said King has been a dedicated advocate for wounded warriors and the entire veteran community." His work supports the Armed Forces and veterans every single day, and Wounded Warrior Project is honored to be able to work with him in Congress and recognize his outstanding efforts on behalf of everyone who is wearing or has worn the uniform, he said. We have a solemn duty to deliver on the promise our government made to the brave men and women who serve. Thank you to the Wounded Warrior Project (@wwp) for the deeply humbling recognition. I look forward to continuing our work together to do right by our veterans. pic.twitter.com/Bj9l1eiLXW Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) September 10, 2024 King is a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee. He has been among the Senates most prominent voices on the need to address veteran suicide and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, he recently led a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans. King also contributes to the Veterans History Project, a Library of Congress initiative to collect and preserve the stories of American veterans. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wounded Warrior Project names Angus King 2024 Legislator of the Year Candidates running for U.S. Senate are making the Lynchburg area a regular stop on the campaign trail, with Republican candidate Hung Cao visiting the city on Monday where local GOP officials showed up to support his run against incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. With early voting starting in less than two weeks, Cao, a retired Navy captain, compared Kaine, who served as Virginia governor prior to his election to the Senate in 2012, to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is Vice President Kamala Harris running mate for president. Im running against the other terrible Tim, Cao said in comments at the Lynchburg Republican headquarters on Fort Avenue. Both guys were horrible governors and in November both guys will be failed vice presidential candidates. In 2016, Kaine was former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons running mate in a presidential election she lost to Donald Trump. Several local Republican officials welcomed Cao to Lynchburg, including Del. Wendell Walker, R-52nd District; At-large Lynchburg Councilman Martin Misjuns; Ward III Republican candidate Curt Diemer; and Lynchburg Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrison. Among his previous visits to Lynchburg, Cao attended the burial service for Army Sgt. Mayburn Hudson, who was killed in action in France during World War II, at Fort Hill Memorial Park in July. Later Monday afternoon, Cao was scheduled to appear with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and state Sen. John McGuire, the Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District, at the grand opening of the Republican headquarters in Bedford. Last week, Kaine made a campaign stop in downtown Lynchburg where he emphasized the importance to his campaign of visiting parts of Virginia that have been traditional Republican strongholds. In August, Kaine also was on the campaign trail in neighboring Amherst, Bedford and Appomattox counties. In her introductory comments, Lynchburg Republican City Committee Chairwoman Veronica Bratton told the crowd she cannot fathom another six years of Tim Kaine. Bratton said Kaine and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the senior senator from Virginia, like to travel around the state during election years, saying theyre going to protect Second Amendment rights and free speech. She said Kaine and Warner will tell Virginians that theyre going to go to Washington and vote differently what Bratton described as kind of maybe conservative. Contrary to their campaign rhetoric, though, Bratton argued the two Democratic senators are always going to vote party line and that is sending our country right into communism at this point, which is what brings Hung Cao. He is the perfect candidate to defeat that in November, she said. Cao, who originally came to the U.S. with his family as a refugee from Vietnam in 1975, said he was asked to run for Senate because of his relatively strong performance in 2022, when he ran for Congress in Virginias 10th Congressional District against Democratic incumbent Jennifer Wexton. Cao lost to Wexton by a smaller margin than Trump lost to President Joe Biden in 2020 in the district. Wexton defeated Cao 53% to 47% in 2022. We didnt win, but, by golly, we moved that needle 13% from when Joe Biden won by 19%, we took it down 6%, he said. Because of that, they asked me to run for U.S. Senate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In June, Cao easily won the five-person Republican primary for Senate, with nearly 62% of the votes. In his comments about education, Cao recalled the part of his childhood that he spent in Niger in West Africa, where he attended French schools and learned about meritocracy. In these schools, report cards were handed out based on order of merit and seating in classrooms was also based on grades, he said. I noticed at an early age that these pretty French girls were all at the front and the smelly French boys were in the back. So, it behooved me to work my butt off to sit up there with the French girls, he said. After his family moved back to the U.S., Cao was in the first class to graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, which opened in 1985. The school had been the top-ranked high school in the U.S. for several years in a row. But the school has fallen in the rankings, Cao noted. For decades, that was the No. 1 high school in the country, he said. But the Left has changed the entrance requirement, and now it dropped to No. 14 in the nation. It keeps going down because thats what they do they destroy meritocracy. On national defense, Cao said the U.S. is in dangerous times, and that Tim Kaine is a weak man. We dont have time or room for weak men in this country. We need the alpha males and alpha females who are going to fight for us, he said. When asked by Walker, who wrote a check for $250 on the spot for Caos campaign, about how fellow Republicans can help his campaign, the Senate candidate said it costs $1.93 million to run advertisements for one week across Virginia and that Kaine has $15 million in his campaign fund. The good thing is that its going to be the last few weeks thats going to make the biggest difference, Cao said. If comrade Bernie [Sanders] can get $200 million out of $20 donations, we can do the same thing, too. Cao urged the crowd to consider voting during the 45-day early voting period, which starts on Sept. 20, and to volunteer at the polls on Election Day. Its everybodys civic duty to get out there and vote, he said. Every year as I grew up in Virginia, Ive heard, This is the most important election ever. Im telling you right now, if we dont win this, were never going to have our country again. KYOTO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - The traditional 'Crow Sumo' ritual, which involves imitating crow calls to pray for good health, was held on September 9 at Kyoto's Kamigamo Shrine. This ritual, which takes place on the Day of Chrysanthemums, has been performed since the Heian Period During the event, shrine servants known as Tone mimicked crows by leaping sideways and imitating their calls, while carrying bows and swords. The ritual is linked to the legend of Yatagarasu, a sacred crow that guided Emperor Jimmu, as well as an ancient sumo event aimed at warding off evil spirits that could damage crops. On the shrine grounds, children also performed sumo wrestling, and this year's Saio-dai of the Aoi Festival, Akiko Matsuura, was among the spectators, who cheered enthusiastically. TOKYO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - The announcement of the iPhone 16 has sent sellers flocking to the second-hand iPhone market in Japan, with iPhones 12 and 13 going for less than half the price of a new model. Masatoshi Ono, from the second-hand retailer Nikosuma, explained that many customers are now considering buying older models like the iPhone 12 and 13, which are available for less than half the price of a new one. Prices for older models, such as the iPhone 14 and 15, are expected to drop in line with Apple's price reductions for these models. Apple unveiled its latest smartphone, the iPhone 16, on September 10, introducing several new features, including a dedicated camera button for quick photo and zoom adjustments. The device also incorporates Apple's new generative AI, "Apple Intelligence," which enables advanced functions like removing objects from images, summarizing long emails, and creating custom emojis. Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted how the powerful AI would make the iPhone more convenient and enjoyable for users. IT journalist Yoh Mikami noted further improvements, such as a smarter Siri, enhanced by generative AI, which can now provide detailed responses and act as a personal assistant by referencing users' schedules and past emails. Public reactions were generally positive, with some expressing excitement about the iPhone 16's new features, particularly its improved camera and AI capabilities. However, some users mentioned concerns over the high cost, suggesting they may consider purchasing older models at a discount. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 will begin on September 13, with the official release on September 20. Source: FNN Motor vehicle accidents are unfortunate events that occur all too frequently on roads across Australia. Whether its a collision in bustling city traffic or a smash on a secluded country road, the aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly traumatic and confusing for those involved. Navigating the process of a motor vehicle accident claim can be daunting, but with the right information and the support of experienced car accident lawyers in Perth, you can make the journey toward compensation and recovery much smoother. The Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents The impact of a motor vehicle accident extends far beyond the immediate physical injuries. Victims can suffer emotionally and financially as they grapple with medical bills, loss of income, and the potential for long-term disabilities. Understanding your rights and the pathways to securing adequate compensation is crucial in the face of such challenges. The Claims Process Explained The process of filing an accident claim begins with reporting the incident to the police and your insurance provider. Importantly, there are specific timeframes within which you must act to be eligible for compensation. Each Australian state and territory has its own set of laws governing motor vehicle accident claims. If the accident occurred in Western Australia, for instance, seeking the help of skilled Foyle Legal & car accident lawyers would be an astute move. Typically, a compensation claim encompasses medical expenses, lost earnings, damages for pain and suffering, and sometimes, punitive damages. The first step in the claim process involves establishing liability, which requires a comprehensive understanding of the road rules and evidence law. This may include gathering witness statements, CCTV footage, and other relevant documents that support your claim. Choosing the Right Legal Representation Opting for the right legal representation is vital. Experienced car accident lawyers can provide guidance throughout the intricate claims process, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and ensuring that all deadlines are met. They stand as your advocate, fighting to ensure that you receive the full compensation youre entitled to. Benefits of Working with Specialists Working with specialist car accident lawyers is important because they understand the intricacies of accident claims, including often overlooked factors that can significantly impact the final settlement. Their expertise enables them to accurately quantify the compensation required for current and future needs. Firms like Foyle Legal take pride in their meticulous approach to each case. They are well-versed in the tactics used by insurers to minimize payouts and have the competence required to counter these strategies effectively. Legal specialists often work on a no-win, no-fee basis, providing added peace of mind for clients. Personalized Legal Support Every motor vehicle accident is unique, and so too should be the legal support you receive. Top-quality lawyers provide personalized services, tailoring their strategies to the individual nuances of each case. Ensuring youre in the loop at each stage of the process, they demystify the legal jargon and provide clarity. To find out more about Foyle Legal, and how they approach personal injury law and vehicular accident claims, you can visit their website to uncover the full suite of services they provide. What to Do After an Accident If youre involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are several important steps to follow. After ensuring everyones safety and contacting emergency services if necessary, you should: Record details of the other vehicles involved. Exchange information with witnesses. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries sustained. Seek medical attention even if youre not sure about the severity of your injuries. Finally, contact a reputable law firm specializing in motor vehicle accident claims. Navigating the Road to Recovery Navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident involves physical, emotional, and legal recovery. While doctors can tend to your injuries, and support networks can provide emotional solace, only a dedicated legal team can guide you through the quagmire of legal proceedings. Conclusion In the unfortunate event of a motor vehicle accident, understanding your rights and the claims process is essential. Engaging with seasoned car accident lawyers in Perth can offer the support and expertise needed to secure the compensation you are entitled to, allowing you to focus on whats most important your recovery. Final Note Its worth remembering that motor vehicle accident claims can be complex and time-sensitive. Proactive steps, combined with legal expertise from firms like Foyle Legal, maximize your potential to navigate these trying times with confidence and peace. With the right team by your side, you can turn the focus onto your recovery while they manage the legal challenges ahead. Joe Ajaero, NLC President By Dickson Omobola Following reports that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, was arrested due to failure to honour police invitation over a petition by Air Peace Airlines, the airline has said the information is not true. Air Peace clarified that although it petitioned the NLC in 2023 following a dispute that ensued between both parties, the petition had been withdrawn. A spokesperson for Air Peace, Omotade Makinwa, in a statement made available to Vanguard, said having resolved their differences, the airline and NLC shared a cordial relationship and anything that could break the bond should be jettisoned. The statement reads: Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the NLC in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC. It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On May 3, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states. In response to this disruption, Air Peaces legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action. However, over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president. Before this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations. By Joe Chukindi At least three indigenes of Enugwu-Ukwu community were on Monday killed by persons suspected to be members of Nawfia community, over what was suspected to be a land dispute. Both Enugwu-Ukwu and Nawfia communities are neighbours in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. A source told DAILY POST that both communities have been having dispute over land, but on Monday, some unidentified indigenes of Nawfia lured some members of Enugwu-Ukwu community through phone call to the disputed land and attacked them, leading to the death of three persons, while many others were wounded and already hospitalized. Already, leaders and indigenes of Enugwu-Ukwu community have called on the state government to urgently investigate the killing. Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigerias immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a cabinet member in the community, said that the whole town was in shock and mourning over the brutal violence meted out to some of their kinsmen. It was in the afternoon of Monday, 9th September, 2024, that news went round the community of the killing of some of our brothers. It was reported that the men were lured via phone calls to Agu Isionye land belonging to Enugwu-Ukwu and were executed. Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President-General has already informed the state government. The police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia local government have also been informed. Urgent action is required to avert escalation of the crises, he said. Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the killings, saying it would go after those responsible for the attack. A press statement by State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered investigation into the murder. He said the incident happened at about 2pm on Monday at the boundary between the two communities. He said: Preliminary information reveals the victims were lured by some individuals through a phone call to the land in the guise of a land transaction and attacked with guns and matchet. CP has sued for calm as police operatives have recovered the abandoned Sienna vehicle used by the murders. Also, the testimonies of the injured victims who are currently receiving treatment in the hospital are aiding the investigation while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue. DSS operatives By Nwafor Sunday The Department of the State Service, DSS, has reacted to the allegation leveled against it by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP. SERAP yesterday alerted Nigerians that the secret service invaded its Abuja office, demanding to see the rights groups directors. The rights group in a statement to Vanguard urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct DSS to end the intimidation, harassment and attack against their organization and the threat of arrest against its directors. It noted that some officers from DSS invaded their Abuja office. Describing the looks of the officers, the group opined that A tall, large, dark-skinned woman entered our office, accompanied by a slim, dark-skinned man. Other officers were sighted in two unmarked vehicles stationed outside our office. The officers who interrogated our office requested to see our directors. In view of this, Nigerians took to various communication channels to condemn DSS action, noting that its unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society. But reacting in a statement on Tuesday via its official website, the secret service justified its action, saying that their routine investigation was misinterpreted. Read the full statement bellow: The Department of State Services (DSS) has been inundated with multiple enquiries on its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos. This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two (2) unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials. The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and does not in any way amount to illegality or raid. While it assures of indept investigation of these malicious contents, it sues for citizens participation in national security management. The DSS, therefore, urges the public to disregard these false narratives as it restates its commitment to utmost professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate. Rome will host the second Libya Energy and Economy Summit on September 23, featuring representatives from the National Oil Corporation and leading private sector firms from both Libya and Italy. The summit will focus on exploration and development opportunities, Libyas role in the global energy market, and potential partnerships in energy generation, transmission, and distribution. Special emphasis will be placed on boosting renewable energy production and enhancing cooperation with Europe, reported the Italian Nova Agency. The summit, whose third edition will be held in Tripoli in 2025, aims to attract international investments in oil, gas, and renewable energy projects, including a 500-megawatt solar initiative with Malta. Discussions will also cover the Fezzan refinery project to address local fuel shortages and stabilize oil production. Despite Libyas substantial oil, gas, and renewable energy potential, the country continues to face significant challenges. The summit is expected to provide a key platform for fostering economic growth and strengthening Libyas energy infrastructure. Italy remains Libyas largest oil importer, having bought about 14.5 million tons of Libyan oil in the first quarter of 2024, according to Nova. Algerian presidential elections candidates contested the results and irregularities marring September 7 vote, citing inaccurate turnout and full results. Incumbent president Abdelmadjid Tebboune was declared winner on Sunday, 24 hours after elections, with over 94% of the votes. Abdelali Hassani Cherif and socialist Youcef Aouchiche received 3% and 2.1% of votes respectively. However, the total of votes did not equal 100%, casting a shadow over the credibility of the electoral committee. Tebboune is thus the first president in the world to contest his own election. While turnout was near zero in regions such as the breakaway Kabylia region, political opponents and journalists say that the vote was far lower than the announced 48%. Registered voters stand at 24.3 million people, but only some 5.4 million people voted for Tebboune. That is a real turnout of 23%. The figures announced by the electoral committee are unclear and contradictory, the three candidates said in a joint statement, citing turnout figures and final results. A day earlier, Islamist presidency hopeful Abdelali Hassani Cherif denounced dysfunctions and inflated results. We regretfully note the return of old practices that could have been avoided, including: pressure on some polling station supervisors to inflate results, failure to deliver counting records to candidates representatives, and collective voting by proxy, he said in a statement. The elections took place amid an erosion of human rights and a crackdown on dissent, Amnesty International said. Eleven major opposition figures wrote in an open letter in July that Algeria is in a more critical situation than before and that the president had fostered an authoritarian climate. Credible candidates like Karim Tabbou endured house arrest and were banned from any political activity. In August, 60 political activists were arrested, mostly from the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) party. Last week, Fethi Ghares, a stalwart of the 2019 uprising and leader of the Democratic Social Movement party, banned last year, was detained along with his wife for insulting the president. A crackdown of civil liberties led the regime to suspend summer festivals and ban pro-Palestinian marches fearing the protests would derail to denounce the regime. The Algerian regime is still thumbling at any call that would re-ignite calls for democracy following the example of the 2019 Hirak that prevented Bouteflika from a fifth term. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings . On September 9, the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) issued urgent alerts to both the Attorney General and the Chairman of the National Oil Corporation regarding a severe fuel shortage impacting power generation stations nationwide. In its letter to the Attorney General, GECOL outlined how the lack of natural gas and diesel is causing critical problems for the national electricity grid. This shortage poses a risk of substantial energy losses, destabilizes the network, and impedes the companys ability to meet consumer demands. GECOL warned that ongoing fuel deficiencies could lead to partial or total blackouts, adversely affecting daily life and various economic activities. GECOL also noted its previous attempts to address the issue with the National Oil Corporation and Brega Oil Marketing Company, including a recent request on September 1 for necessary fuel supplies. In a separate letter to the Chairman of the National Oil Corporation, GECOL urgently requested diesel for several major power plants, including those in West Tripoli, Zawiya, South Tripoli, Zahra, and the University District. These plants depend on fuel from the Al-Zawiya refinery, which has recently halted operations. GECOL stressed the need to resume production at the Sharara oilfield and secure fuel deliveries by marine carriers to meet rising electricity demands, especially during the peak summer season. The brutal murder of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of Tanzanias main opposition party Chadema, has sent shockwaves through the nation and drawn international condemnation. Kibao, 69, was kidnapped, severely beaten, and doused with acid in a horrific attack that has raised serious concerns about political violence in the country. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly condemned the brutal acts and ordered a thorough investigation into the murder. She emphasized that Tanzania is a democracy where every citizen has the right to live, calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, opposition leaders remain skeptical, demanding an independent inquiry. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with hundreds attending Kibaos funeral and demanding the resignation of the Home Affairs Minister. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has voiced support for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing. This tragedy occurs against a backdrop of growing concern over political repression in Tanzania. Opposition leaders and human rights groups have reported an increase in abductions, detentions, and efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of upcoming elections. The killing of Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008, the disappearance of Chadema leader Dioniz Kipanya in July 2024 and three other party leaders in Dar-es-Salaam, have reignited fears that Tanzania may be regressing toward the repressive rule seen under the previous administration. As the country grapples with this crisis, many are calling for concrete actions to protect political freedoms and ensure the safety of opposition figures. According to the Tanganyika Law Society, at least 83 people have disappeared over the past seven months. This surge in repression is occurring ahead of Tanzanias presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2025, the first since Magufulis death. The Arab Ministerial Committee for International Action against Illegal Israeli Policies & Measures in Occupied Al-Quds, has commended the projects carried out by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency, executive arm of Al Quds Committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI, in support of Maqdessis and their resistance. In a resolution adopted Tuesday in Cairo, the Arab Ministerial Committee hailed the continued efforts made by the Monarch for the defense of the Al Quds inhabitants, paying tribute to the important role played by Al Quds Committee and Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency. For his part, the Arab League Secretary General has, praised in his report submitted to the ongoing 162nd session of the Arab League ministerial council, the royal initiatives launched to support the resistance of the City of Al-Qods, the Maqdessis and the Palestinian cause. He cited in this regard the 40 tons of foodstuffs, emergency medicines and blankets sent last June by Morocco upon the Sovereigns instructions. A large part of the humanitarian aid sent to Palestinian babies and young children was paid by the Kings own money. Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita is taking part in the 162nd session of the Arab League ministerial council convening in Cairo to review the decisions and commitments made by the Arab ministerial committee tasked with engaging international action to counter the illegal Israeli policies and measures in occupied Al-Quds. Six months into his presidency, Senegals Bassirou Diomaye Faye is finding it challenging to implement the radical reforms he promised during his campaign. Faye, who swept to power with a leftist, anti-establishment agenda, is facing resistance from a parliament still dominated by supporters of the previous administration. The new government, led by Faye and his political mentor Ousmane Sonko as prime minister, has struggled to present its policy agenda to parliament. Sonko has refused to deliver the general policy declaration, citing parliamentary technicalities and questioning the legitimacy of the current legislative body. Critics argue that the focus on international diplomacy, including mediating regional disputes, is distracting from pressing domestic issues. Senegal continues to grapple with high youth unemployment and a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 72%. The administration has also faced accusations of cronyism, with nearly half of Fayes cabinet appointments linked to his party. Additionally, hopes for greater gender equality in government have been disappointed, with women underrepresented in recent appointments. Despite these challenges, many young Senegalese remain optimistic about the potential for change. They hope the new leadership can harness the countrys natural resources to benefit its youth and stem the tide of dangerous migration. As Fayes government navigates these early hurdles, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome political obstacles and deliver on their promises of transformation and economic revival for Senegal. Moroccos Parliament is hosting this September 10-11 the proceedings of the 52nd Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC). In an opening address, Secretary General of the OIC Parliamentary Union, Muhammad Qureshi Nias, hailed Moroccos interest in strengthening Islamic cooperation under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, and highlighted the Sovereigns high solicitude for the Palestinian cause and the Holy City. Qureshi Nias welcomed the Kingdoms sustained action to achieve the Unions objectives and recalled that, in 2001, Rabat had hosted the second session of the Union Conference of Councils of OIC Member States and three ordinary meetings of the Executive Committee, the most recent of which being the third extraordinary meeting of the Committee, held in 2019. Taking the floor, Speaker of the House of Councillors, Enaam Mayara, underlined that the Palestinian question and the fate of Al-Quds Asharif were and will remain the cause of all Moroccans, King, government and people, as well as a central focus of the political, diplomatic, and humanitarian action undertaken by Morocco, under the Leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. Mayara recalled the Kings repeated calls, in his capacity as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, for collective action for an immediate, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid, smoothly and in sufficient quantities, to the population of Gaza, and a total rejection of all forms of forced displacement, collective punishment, and retaliatory actions against the Palestinians. Mayara noted that the PUIC meeting provides an opportunity to discuss mechanisms for strengthening joint Islamic action to put an immediate end to all Israeli abuses and support the creation of a secure and stable Palestinian state in accordance with the relevant international laws. He underlined the need for Islamic MPs to redouble efforts and take urgent and active action in support of this cause, insisting on the imperative of protecting civilians and condemning all aggressions and violations suffered by the Palestinian people. The Upper House speaker underlined that the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are facing new-generation economic, political, security, environmental and health crises, which require, more than ever, the spirit of fraternity, solidarity, and synergy, and the federation of efforts to design programs and projects to meet common challenges and achieve the development of these countries. In this regard, he surveyed Moroccos African strategy and its commitment to promote sustainable development and strengthen joint Islamic cooperation for the benefit of the Organizations African member states, and to support their economies through regional development initiatives and concrete measures aimed at ensuring the well-being and economic prosperity of African peoples, recalling in this respect the Atlantic Initiative aimed at facilitating access to the Atlantic seaboard for the countries of the Sahel and Sahara. The Executive Committee of the Union of Councils of OIC Member States convenes at least twice a year, in the presence of at least ten of its fifteen members, to examine membership applications, issue an opinion on the draft agenda of the General Committee and the Conference, monitor the work and activities of the General Secretariat and fulfill other missions entrusted to it by the General Committee or the Conference. The agenda for the two-day meeting, which will culminate in the adoption of the Rabat Declaration, includes the election of the Bureau, the adoption of the agenda and work program, the reading and adoption of the report of the Unions Secretary General, the establishment of the draft agenda of Permanent Specialized Committees and Sub-Committees, in addition to the adoption of the draft agenda of the 26 session of the General Committee of the Union and the 19 session of the PUIC Conference. The Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States gathers 54 member Parliaments. Created in 1999, the Union aims to introduce and promote Islams teachings, provide a framework to achieve cooperation and coordination between the assemblies of the OIC member States, reinforce gatherings and dialogue between its members, exchange parliamentary expertise, and debate the economic, cultural, social, and cultural questions concerning the OIC member States and make the adequate recommendations and decisions required. The debate in Philly almost certainly wont be like the Biden-Trump encounter in Atlanta. Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP photo Its a well-established maxim of political science that presidential debates are rarely game changers, despite the hype that precedes them and the spin they generate. But the ABC-sponsored debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday could prove to be an exception. First, we saw on June 27 how very consequential a presidential debate can be under certain circumstances. While its unlikely that either candidate will have the sort of debilitating meltdown Joe Biden suffered in Atlanta, no one will be able to forget that these are not the same two candidates who originally agreed to a debate on September 10. Second, the Harris-Trump competition is not the same as the Biden-Trump rematch. The Democratic nominee is not that well known, and both candidates will be eager to define her. In Harriss case she must combine this with some shots at Trumps record and extremist agenda (just as Biden did, not that much of anyone noticed). Third, this is a very close presidential race, which means both base enthusiasm and swing-voter persuasion will be at a premium for each campaign. Its the sort of contest in which small things could have very large consequences, and the Philadelphia debate may provide a rare opportunity to change minds and inflame hearts. So other than not melting down, what will each candidate try to accomplish? Heres a look at what Harris and Trump need to do. . Without question, the Democratic candidate has the more complicated task: defining herself to viewers as an agent of change from the Biden-Trump era of politics, and a much safer option than an extremist second Trump administration. This means anticipating and rebutting Trump claims that she is responsible for Bidens alleged policy failures and is more radical than Biden himself. And it also means casting some light through the fog of endless commentary about Trump to convincingly express concerns about what he will do if restored to power. With Biden as the Democratic candidate, the contest was a straight choice between the 45th and 46th presidents. Sour public assessments of the status quo meant the Democrat needed to frighten his partys base into voting against Trumps return and persuadable voters into ignoring their own desire for change. Harris has a narrow but very real window of opportunity to convince all kinds of voters that she offers a better option than the status quo or a second chance for the felonious Trump to wreak vengeance on the middle class and on American liberties. Her DNC acceptance speech was a good start, but she needs to sustain its inspiring and reassuring message while under fire from Trump for 90 minutes. According to my colleague Gabriel Debenedettis reporting, Team Harris is resisting the temptation of undertaking a rock-em-sock-em back-and-forth with Trump in favor of defining herself more clearly, keeping her cool, and landing blows on the former president that will last longer than snap polls or debate scoring. That likely means sticking to the broad themes and limited policy agenda she has laid out since the DNC. She has focused on abortion rights, living costs and housing availability, and a tough border policy, along with an intelligent, measured foreign policy and an openness to bipartisanship. Harris has also presented a limited critique of Trump, highlighting his responsibility for abortion bans, his recklessness on January 6, and the sinister plans reflected in Project 2025. She can draw on her relatively positive personal image to achieve a credibility advantage over Trump if she doesnt allow him to drag her too far into the mud. One question is how far she is willing to go in separating herself from the man who is currently her boss and the unpopular president of the United States. That could be tricky, but its very likely Biden has given her plenty of slack to signal a significant departure. Hes actually old enough to remember when LBJs vice-president Hubert Humphrey came within a whisker of saving American from a Nixon administration by significantly but not decisively breaking with Johnson on Vietnam. Harris needs that same opportunity. . There is a very good reason that Donald Trump remains angry about the so-called coup whereby Biden gave way to Harris as the Democratic nominee: He appeared to be winning the election with the simple argument that life was better for Americans when he was president. It was fortunate for him that a border crisis allowed him to look reasonable and even statesmanlike on his signature extremist issue of immigration, and that the exceptional complexity of economic trends coming out of the pandemic allowed him to pin total responsibility for the economic dislocations of the COVID era itself and the subsequent spike in food and gasoline costs on Biden. He also benefited (and continues to benefit) from his supporters acceptance of his argument that the massive legal peril his own conduct invited was in fact no more than partisan weaponization of law enforcement. And as his relatively positive favorability ratings (favorable for this famously unpopular politician, that is) show, surviving an assassination attempt has given him an opportunity to rebrand himself a bit, though he hasnt shown much of an inclination to do so. When it comes to this debate, Trumps biggest advantage is the extremely low standard he has set throughout his career for either coherence or civility. Almost anyone else would be afflicted with a dilemma as to whether to accuse Harris of being Biden 2.0 or a communist, since Biden is nobodys idea of a dedicated Marxist-Leninist revolutionary. Trump can blithely pursue both angles of attack simultaneously, because thats just who he is. Calling Harris a radical or a Marxist or a communist is what passes for a substantive comment from the former president, and he would be wise to stick with ideologically freighted criticism rather than slandering her personally (i.e., he should leave the blatantly racist and sexist patter to MAGA social media). Above all, the 45th president needs to do everything he can to fan doubts about Harris, making her out to be the risky change candidate and returning the election to a competition between highly motivated party bases with swing voters ultimately focused on their unhappiness with life as it is. Knowing Trump and his operatives, theres a chance he will try to pull off some sort of distracting trick before, during, or immediately after this debate, just as he did in 2016 when he paraded a row of women who had accused Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct into front-row seats during a debate with Bills wife. Perhaps hell pull some stunt with his new admirers, the ex-Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard (who famously had a viral moment attacking Harris from the left during a 2020 debate). Its common to refer to Trump as a master of chaos, but another way to look at it is that he is the horse who can create the muddy track on which he runs best. Keeping Harris off-stride and flustered and defensive would suit him as well as any score on a point of policy. . Barring some meltdown or unmistakable rout, the debate is less likely to become a decisive moment. You can safely ignore the spin from both sides that will claim total victory over an opponent who is grievously wounded and weeping in frustration and pain. Debate professors who try to judge the event on some sort of point system are suspect, as are snap polls (again, unless its a rout). But we should know pretty soon, from more extensive polling and the conduct of the candidates, whether a debate has altered the course of this election once again. Photo: Nathan Morris/NurPhoto/Getty Images Theres a polling question the New York TimesSiena folks asked in their latest survey that illustrates the perception problem Kamala Harris faces going into her debate with Donald Trump, and the brief but intense campaign that remains before November: Do you think Kamala Harris is too liberal or progressive, not liberal or progressive enough, or not too far either way? Among likely voters in this large-sample, gold-standard national poll, 47 percent said too liberal or progressive, 9 percent said not liberal or progressive enough, and 41 percent said not too far either way. The too liberal or progressive characterization is shared by 56 percent of men, 52 percent of seniors, 59 percent of non-college-educated white voters, and perhaps most significantly, 47 percent of self-identified independents. Why is the too liberal reading so high? Its probably a combination of (a) perceptions that were developed and reflected in media coverage of Harriss 2020 presidential campaign, (b) four years of conservative treatment of the entire Biden administration as too liberal, (c) the manifest joy of progressive activists and their social-media amplifiers over Harriss elevation to the Democratic presidential nomination, and (d) stereotypes about Harris as a Black woman from California. Since the Trump campaign is deploying massive resources on convincing voters that she is a radical leftist or even a Marxist or a communist, the Harris campaign is working overtime (as most strikingly reflected in her relentlessly centrist DNC acceptance speech) to develop crowd-pleasing and swing-voter-reassuring messages and policy priorities. But they have another problem that will complicate their task, as reflected in another Times-Siena question: Do you think Donald Trump is too conservative, not conservative enough, or not too far either way? Only 32 percent of likely voters say Trump is too conservative, while 49 percent say he is not too far either way. 48 percent of self-identified independents are in that not too far either way category, as are 25 percent of Democrats. So believe it or not, at this moment, and even before Team Trump spends a half-billion dollars or so smearing Harris as dangerously leftist, its the 45th president who is the perceived centrist in the race. Thats exactly what public-opinion researchers discerned in 2016, mostly because Trump jettisoned unpopular conservative positions favoring Social Security and Medicare privatization, free trade, and forever wars while Hillary Clinton suffered from decades of conservative attacks on her. Trump is in a position to replay that comparison if Harris lets him get away with it. To anyone paying attention to the issues, the idea that there is anything centrist about Donald Trump is beyond preposterous. Even his popular positions on issues like trade and national security are throwbacks to paleoconservative nationalists like the preWorld War II isolationists and later imitators like Pat Buchanan. Beyond that, as president he empowered old-school knuckle-draggers eager to destroy the New DealGreat Society heritage and willing to go along with Trumps insistence that they leave Social Security and Medicare alone. They didnt just go after Obamacare; the failed TrumpCare legislation would have also gutted Medicaid, and Trumps budget mavens and regulators were endlessly undermining ancient bipartisan policies in virtually every area of domestic governance, from education and the environment to food stamps and public health even before you get to the public-health disaster of his administrations response to COVID-19. And Trump 2.0 could well be far worse, particularly if Republicans win a trifecta by gaining control of Congress. For all the attention appropriately paid to Project 2025s Christian-nationalist rhetoric and its plans for finishing off reproductive rights, its more than anything else a blueprint for disabling the federal government almost entirely as a vehicle for egalitarian social and economic policy, up to and including the first attack on civil-service protections in a century and a half. Add in Trumps patently insincere professions of moderation on abortion policy and his reckless talk of sending U.S. troops to shoot protesters in U.S. cities, and you have a target-rich environment for Harris to exploit in exposing her opponents extremism. But that can be a problem, too, as Nate Silver observed in assessing Trumps bizarre reputation for moderation: Democratic messaging often suffers from the sheer abundance of potential attack lines on Trump, causing voters to tune out If I were the Harris campaign, Id mention: January 6, Roe, Obamacare, Project 2025, JD Vance and the words convicted felon and not much else. Thats a lot to work with, and its a reasonably coherent cluster of topics that bolsters perceptions of Trump being too conservative. I dont know if this is the right mix, but it dramatizes the complexity of Harriss task in the debate and beyond: She must buttress her own record for pragmatic problem-solving and freedom from ideological shackles while demolishing Trumps effort to depict himself as this decent if irascible old man who just wants to bring back the peace and prosperity Americans allegedly enjoyed just four years ago. From 40,000 feet, its the same struggle that has characterized most of the national elections in this polarized century: Who can seize the center and push the other candidate into the wilderness where fanatics and losers live? So very much rides on the answer to this question. This Things Incredible A series where we share products that are so good we would do an entire infomercial about it. (But instead, we published this review.) Read more here. Photo: Margaret Eby I bought my first Cotopaxi Allpa two years ago, and I wrote about how much I loved it for the Strategist. (It also happens to be this sites pick for the best overall carry-on backpack.) Since then, Ive used it on trips all over the world to Italy, Thailand, Iceland, and Mexico. For all its many charms, however, I have found a few things about my first 35-liter Allpa that are frustrating. For one, the original design doesnt have a water-bottle pocket. Second, though theres a smaller pocket on the front of the backpack, its a little bit large for tucking in, say, your phone, your passport, and a pair of headphones. I usually solved that problem by having an additional little fanny pack that I wore while traveling, which worked well enough, but I still longed for just one extra smaller compartment. So I was thrilled when I learned that last month, Cotopaxi released a redesigned version of the Allpa that addressed many of the small annoyances I had with an otherwise perfect bag, and the brand sent me one to try out. The new Allpa design includes a small pocket at the front of the bag, just the right size for a phone or a set of keys, and, blessedly, also has a stretchy water-bottle pocket that easily fits my go-to Owala bottle. Cotopaxi also added an unobtrusive pass-through strap on the back of the pack, which allows you to easily secure the backpack to the handle of a rolling bag, another useful feature when using it as part of your carry-on set. And, crucially, it redesigned the pack to improve the weight distribution, something I immediately noticed when I tested out the new design by lugging a bunch of books back to the library. The straps sat more comfortably against my shoulders and didnt pull on my lower back, even when loaded down with a laptop, a toiletry bag, a spare pair of sneakers, and four days worth of outfits. To make room for the redesign, Cotopaxi did eliminate one of my previous favorite features a back zipper that allowed you to access the biggest interior compartment without opening up the entire clamshell. (It kept the padded back laptop pocket, so theres still a compartment thats close to your back, for better security.) But I found as I was wearing the new Allpa around I didnt miss that back zipper that much. I had been mostly using it to access my water bottle, it turns out. The new Allpa is, like the original, available in several sizes, including a very roomy 42L and a just-right-for-a-weekend-trip 28L. Its available in a range of colors, like green, gray, and turquoise, though the bag is now made entirely out of recycled fabrics. It also comes in the Del Dia option, an eye-catching mismatched-patchwork colorway made out of leftover dead-stock fabric. No two Del Dias are alike, which makes it handy for immediately identifying your backpack in a sea of black and gray luggage in an overhead compartment, baggage claim, or luggage rack. If you prefer a dark backpack but youd like a little bit of that patchwork, Cotopaxi recently released a series of Del Dia Dark Allpas, using the same mix-and-match colors for the zippers and accents on the backpacks. Like the first version, the new and improved Allpas tuckaway straps make it easy to fit it into the overhead cabin or under the seat in front of me, and I usually pair it with a roller bag for a carry-on-only trip. But Ive found it just as useful for casual weekend trips, thanks to the zipped mesh compartments that function as built-in packing cubes and the roomy design. Ive lugged it everywhere, and it remains my favorite go-to carry-on bag. get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. A man has been arrested in a shooting that broke out early Sunday at Opelika Mobile Home Park on Walnut Street, leaving 31-year-old Victor Lewis Morgan of Birmingham dead, authorities said. Randall Eugene Pearson, 32, of Opelika was charged with murder. He remains in the Lee County Jail without bond as of Tuesday morning. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said a woman called authorities around 12:30 a.m. Sunday and reported that she was driving a gunshot wound victim to Opelika. After further investigation, authorities learned that an altercation between Morgan and Pearson led to a deadly shooting at Opelika Mobile Home at 4100 Walnut St. Jones said the victim and suspect were acquaintances before the incident. The caller drove to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, where she met deputies in the parking lot. Deputies performed immediate first aid on the victim, authorities said. An ambulance arrived shortly after and transported Morgan to East Alabama Medical Center for treatment. Morgan was pronounced dead at the hospital at 2:17 a.m. and his body was transported to the Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a post-mortem examination. Jones said the sheriff's office is in the process of locating witnesses to get more details on the motive behind the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. No further details were immediately released. If you have any information about this case, you can call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 334-749-5651. news Ouachitas nursing program expands, earns full state board approval Ouachita Baptist Universitys on-campus nursing program is expanding to serve more students as its first graduates celebrate a 92% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination. The university recently received grants to increase its capacity for students and faculty for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This summer also included the announcement of full Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval in May. Dr. Amy Morris joined Ouachitas faculty this summer as director of nursing, following the retirement of founding director Dr. Brenda Trigg. Having a first cohort with a 92% pass rate indicates our program is successfully producing graduates who are equipped as safe, entry-level practitioners, said Morris. This program was established to help meet the critical nursing shortage in the state, and the expansion provided through the grants will enable us to produce more nurses. Ouachita received grants to expand the state-of-the-art Whisenhunt Nursing Education Center for more classroom space, a 6-bed skills laboratory and a telehealth simulation space. Funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act will support growing enrollment and ultimately produce more nursing graduates for Arkansas. The fully on-campus nursing program began after a dual-enrollment partnership with Baptist Health College Little Rock in 2020. Initial approval for the on-campus BSN came in January 2022 with students arriving the following fall. The process for full ASBN approval included a campus visit in March and was confirmed during the state board meeting on May 16, 2024. There are 110 students enrolled for Fall 2024; the program graduated 25 in May. Brooklyn Laney, a 2024 BSN graduate from Rogers, Ark., works as a high-risk perinatal nurse at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. I chose Ouachita for nursing because they view it as a calling, not just a profession, said Laney. My professors taught me how to integrate my faith into my career and how to care for patients wholistically to be the hands and feet of Jesus as I serve them. Ouachitas liberal arts foundation and Christ-centered approach allow students to experience a nursing education that is robust academically and spiritually, said Morris. With a significant number of students coming to us from rural areas and performing hands-on clinicals for rural residents, were also meeting a significant need for Arkansas and surrounding states. Morris leads Ouachitas nursing program after working at BHCLR as coordinator of nursing and interim dean of nursing. She previously worked in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Little Rock. Morris earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Henderson State University and completed Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from UAMS. She maintains credentials as an Advanced Practice Nurse, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Educator. She is an active member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock, and she and her husband have three children. Dr. Morris brings a wealth of experience and a love of Ouachita to the table. I could not be more excited about the future of our nursing program, said Dr. Tim Knight, dean of Ouachitas Patterson School of Natural Sciences. Ouachita has received more than $2.5 million in the past year through Arkansas allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act and the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses program. For more information about Ouachitas nursing program, contact Dr. Amy Morris at [email protected] or at (870) 245-5384. Learn more about Ouachitas more than 70 majors at obu.edu/academics.